《Dream Engine: Beta Tester…. D.C. Comics》


 Chapter 1: Character Creation

    Erik was super excited! He could not believe he got accepted by the game company. There had been a few new invented gaming cubes, pods, etc recently. It was a new established technology that oddly had started as a military, and education simulator. But the government finally released the tech to the public.


    Erik ran into his tiny apartment. His fortress of Solitude. Which had never seen any company other then the occasional food delivery service, and package handler. Despite that he kept it clean, and well kept. He opened up his cube package and placed it on his bed carefully. Then took a quick shower, clean clothes, and did some simple stretches? Why? Well he hadn''t really thought about it, just seem the right thing to do. Soon he settled down on his bed, he checked his watch, 4 PM on a Friday. He even took a week off of work to ensure he got plenty of time to play. His boss was surprised when he asked only to understand he got into the Beta. Thankfully his boss also played games and could understand. But he made Erik promise to work weekends for the next two weeks. Erik shuddered but easily agreed. Soon he activated the V.R. Cube and fell asleep...


    Now, why did he fall asleep? Simple the Cube induced a response in the brain to bring it into R.E.M. Sleep. How did this happen, Erik honestly didn''t know, he tried reading up on hit, but got lost about three sentences into the article. All he knew was that he had signed an N.D.A. With several medical forms. But if he was being honest they could have asked for his soul and he would have signed those papers with little hesitation. Soon he found himself floating in what could only be explain as the black room? He didn''t have a body which was a little disconcerting but who cares! Bring on the legendary action of any good RPG.... Character creation!


    Suddenly a female voice over chimed in...Sounded like Laura. Maybe it was?


    ¡°Welcome user, to the D.C. Comics Dream Engine Beta Test. Your account number #00012 has been registered! We thank you for participating in our beta test and hope you enjoy your time with our system. You may refer to me as Dawn for easy communication.¡±


    Erik blinked for a brief moment, or at least he think he blinked couldn''t tell. ¡°Hello, Dawn! I would like to make my character for the beta!¡±


    Dawns voice responded in a business like fashion, not cold but not warm either. ¡°Command confirmed, please standby as the program for creation is loaded....¡±


    Soon, a slew of windows popped up in front of me. Giddy with excitement Erik began to read through the information. Beside playing the game he was suppose to write reports about the HUD, UI, systems response, etc. So as much as he wanted to rush in. He had to take my time and do this right or they would revoke his Beta testing. After reading each page, he came about the first real section of creation. His Origin.


    Meta-Gene: With in the D.C. Universe lies the Meta-Gene often refereed to has mutation brought on by several concepts of science, technology, alien interaction, etc. By selecting Meta-Gene you will be allowed to select one active power, and one passive power that will evolve over time. Allowing you to become exceptionally strong within your chosen ability. Though this limits your overall versatility. It allows you to excel in certain aspects. By selecting this origin you will have certain background access, resources, and links to the story line that would only come with this origin. (Please be advised, since this is Beta the current only spawn point is Gotham City. This in mind Meta-Gene Origin will place you into the world when the meta-gene has taken root in the world)


    Alien: With in D.C. Comics aliens have come to visit Earth several times, and are often found to be both hostile, and friendly. By choosing an Alien Origin you will have access to a wider of character creation, background, and powers. But be aware, nature will often find weaknesses in strength. You may choose a race with exceptional abilities but weaknesses to odd and strange things will be discovered. As well as being isolated by the people of Earth. Though not as strong as Meta-Gene this origin allows more versatility over one specific focus. As well as a far more diverse background setting. (Please be advised due to Beta testing the only spawn location in the world is Gotham City)


    Magical: D.C. Comics as a wide variety of magical origins, characters, and abilities. Much like Meta-Gene they to tend to hyper focus on specific abilities. But can select to be a jack of trades as well. Creating a balance that is not often seen in either before options. However, with magic comes more problems. The world it self is already full of troubles, Alien invasions, super heroes, villains. By stepping into the world of magic you see the world beneath the world. When you see it, it also see''s you. This creates a full new avenue of problems and issues the normal people don''t deal with. Though with time and game play the play may encounter magic eventually. Playing with magic from the start may bring more trouble then its worth. (Considered to be a more difficult choice for new players. Please be advised due to Beta testing that Gotham City is the only available spawn location.)


    Mundane: D.C. Comics has shown the world more then once, that you don''t need super powers to be a hero or a villain. Like Batman or Lex Luther you can be an important part of the world. With a sharp mind, determination, and force of Will you can bring the world to its knee''s or save it from it self. Mundanes will have a difficult time in the world when they first start. Often used for experienced players only. The player will have more control over their background then other origins allowing for in-game help. Such as a well off family, education, or influence. This may seem like an advantage, but compared to the quick growth of the other Origins it only seems fair. (Please be advised, that with the Beta test only Gotham City is available for a spawn location)


    Erik gawked at the options reading through them several times. Like so many of his peers he knew what D.C. Comics was like. But he was starting to get a feeling that he didn''t truly understand the world he was about to be a part of. He was worried about making his choice so he voiced a question.


    ¡°Dawn, are all my choices final or can I come back and make changes?¡±


    ¡°User, all changes are final once you have completed your full character creation, however at any time during your creation you may come back to previous options and change them accordingly. Our Alpha testers found they would often discover and idea, or remember something and wish to change it accordingly.¡±


    With a sigh of relief he scrolled through the options. To be honest he had always loved Constantine and his sorted back history. So he quickly selected magical origin. Once it was selected several, long pages were added. Asking him questions about where he got his powers, was it birth, brought on by a book, demons. This was way to much information. Then he read that he could write his back story and Dawn would help him calculate a proper collection of abilities.


    As Erik floated in the absence of anything with dozens of tabs open in front of him. He snapped his fingers....He thinks? Then wrote a cliche backstory. That he knew would get him killed if any of his gamer friends read it. Screaming mary sue. Erik wrote into his background for his source was that he was actually a reincarnated soul from another world, he was actually the pawn of a cosmic being that would use his soul as a source of entertainment. He had been a plumber that saved a princess from a dragon, he had been a gender less child wearing a green tunic, that had a fairy follow him. He had been a undead hollow working to fight for his soul once more. Now, he was here at the whim of his patron. Not fully aware of what his task was if any. Only to do the best he could because he knew that if he was to disappoint his master he would be erased.


    Erik laughed out loud for a few minutes as Dawn read over his source. He was rather proud of himself when Dawn actually gave him several ERROR messages. Before she had uploaded it to the main server system. Apparently they keep them all in a data base to be used a reference materials for future gamers. Now a quick topic so that everyone understood. Erik was not playing a MMO, or even a multiplayer game. This Beta test was for a single player game. The Dream Engine was using new software that would allow the player to dynamically change the world around them as they interacted with it. They have clearly stated that they will make a Co-Op multiplayer function, then eventually a MMO function. But for now this is what we have. So he was creating something for a single player game.


    Dawn finished reviewing the information and stated that she now had a better understanding of him... Erik wasn''t sure but he swore he could hear irritation in her voice. So, Erik went for another left field swing! He chose to have a super-natural shape shifting ability. But instead of choosing a were-wolf like most would have. He chose a reptile, lizard folk persona. Maybe him and Kroc would get along? But, he made it so that he could shift in and out of the form. So human...Then Lizard folk Saurian person. He moved the sliders back and forth. Asking Dawn for several attachments. Soon he looked nothing like the man Kroc. He looked like a Saurian from the warhammer games. With facial skull crest, long spiked tail that could move as he liked. Claws, talons, fangs the whole deal he looked epic! His scales were natural armor, could resist basic ballistic weapons, knives, energy blasts, hell even magic! Course he was magic based that made sense.


    Since he was actually a reincarnated soul. He selected that like most novels he had read he would be transplanted into a host body. The original owner experienced a near death experience. However, thats what most would believe in actual fact he did die. When his soul left him, or rather the original owner. Eriks cosmic being planted his soul into the corpse.


    Once that was over, Dawn asked him what body he inhabited. This was rather interesting he could choose essentially a civilian profession. There was scientist, athlete, soldier, teacher, artist. Many different basic civilians. Dawn explained that the civilian vocation would help establish a baseline on my personality as a player. As well as my starting position. Its not like Erik hadn''t been odd already so he chose the Artist Vocation. Dawn placed it in and.....


    Congratulations: Due to your choices as both magical and personality the system has awarded you with the Shape substance ability. You can now mold wood, stone, and even metal as if it was wet clay. Be advised that this takes focus, and is mostly meant to assist in your vocation. But may become important down the line.


    ¡°Cool...¡± Erik, blinked for a moment. ¡°So, on top of shape shifting into my Saurian form, I can now shape things. So, if I''m an artist I could shape a solid piece of stone into something neat with out tools? That actually sounds great....Wait...I don''t know how to do that even in Real Life.¡±


    ¡°Easy to accomplish user. The game has a manual, manual assistance, and automatic function when it comes to creation of items, actions, and abilities. This is meant to help guide the player into their role in the story.¡± Dawn, chimed in with a helpful tip. Her voice returned to the neutral business tone she had before. At least Erik thinks it did.


    So on it went. Several hours went by Erik filled out tab after tab. Sections of his story filled out. The overall difficulty of the game was set to dynamic. This meant that it would start off stupid easy, then change as he got use to the game. Never getting to insane but never so easy he could fall asleep while playing. Which was odd cause he was asleep. He was then given a basic run down of the history so far. Batman had just begun his crusade against crime. He still hadn''t even created his bat suit yet. Superman had just moved to Metropolis and was settling in. Doing random good deeds, whispers of heroes and villains were on the tip of peoples tongues. But no actual facts or info had been found. Erik had finished his monster avatar and his human avatar. He went with what he use to look like in High School only a few years older. Sigh, back when his metabolism was running high and he was a heart breaker.


    Erik stretched and looked around wondering if he should get off for a bit. He knew he could sleep like this but he wanted to ensure he got something to eat.


    ¡°Dawn, what time is it in RL. Can place a clock somewhere...¡± Erik looked around, he knew Dawn was working on it as he saw her little symbol rotate. Then the outside time popped up. I''m sure my eyes would had fallen out of their sockets if I had any currently.


    ¡°What do you mean its only 4:30 PM! We''ve been at this for hours!¡± a few seconds went by when Dawn placed several medical charts and articles up from the Dream Engine website.


    ¡°Due to the brain chemistry and the science behind sleep. The Dream Engine Cube is able to allow full cognitive creation of the dreamscape. Five minutes in the outside world is one hour inside of the cube. But I will remind the player when they have spent to much time in the cube and should move around.¡± Dawn spoke in a very satisfactory manner. As if expecting to be praised, and praise her Erik did!


    ¡°Dawn, if we both had bodies I would kiss you!¡± Erik screamed in fascination, and he surprised once more when.


    ¡°I...U...user...t..that is not entirely appropriate! I...¡± Erik actually pause for a moment when he heard the cold business tone of Dawn switch to a shy bashful girl...He narrowed his none existing eyes...


    ¡°Dawn.....Did you do that on purpose based on my personality?¡± Erik, watched her little symbol in the void rotate for a moment.


    ¡°I don''t know what you mean user! Humph!¡± By the game developer gods! This Dream Engine is amazing! Erik knew for a fact that they must had made adjustments to make each cube V.I. (Virtual intelligence) dynamically change based on its user!


    ¡°Alright! Dawn lets get this ball rolling! Start me up!¡± Erik yelled, excited once more!


    ¡°Please stand by, loading Dream Engine software. Please enjoy your time in our world user!¡± Dawn responded in a matter of fact tone, but Erik could hear a smile behind the voice.


    With a high velocity woosh! He came upon the earth, the atmosphere, colliding at high speed towards a massive city. This city was so huge it looked like New York on steroids! The entire landscape, and city rushed by till he was above what looked like a relatively nice apartment building, then with one more jerk he found himself in what could only be considered the top floor. Standing inside of an art studio a 6''2¡± lean, athletically built man stood, with tan features, green eyes, shaved head, well groomed features was staring at a stone statue. Made from what looked like Marble. Erik rushed into this man, and he knew this was the avatar he made. The near death accident already happened. The System had a living model decoy program so he could jump in as he''s always been there. Let the game begin!


    Galen

 Chapter 2: The Game Begins

    Erik Lash shivered for a moment, he was looking at his new creation. The marble was depicting a beautiful women from the shoulders up, with long curly hair cascading over her shoulders, a vivacious look on her face with a single up turned eye brow, and a smile tugging at her lips. Long slender neck, and tone frame with wide shoulders. He''s not sure why he went with the shoulders this way but it seem to speak to him. Reaching out with his bare hands towards the statue he focused his mind and an almost eerie light crawled over his fingers, then with out a single tool, shaped the length of the hair with his finger tips. Shaping solid marble. If his agent could see him do this she would lose her mind! But thankfully the door was locked, and the windows were tinted and obscured while he worked to prevent anyone from watching him. After he changed a few hair lines he stepped back. The glow on his hands faded. He smiled satisfied basking in his work when....


    ¡°Lash!¡± The door to his art room has being knocked on by a fiery red head he knew lovingly referred to as Lizzy. Or Elizabeth Shaw as she was actually called. She was a cool beauty that stood at 5''8¡± with pale skin and a beauty mole just below her left eye. Deep blue eyes, and a well toned body that always looked great when she would wear her business suits. She and him had known one another since high school...Or rather she knew the original owner. But lets not get into that right now.


    Erik Lash...Or just Lash rolled his eyes and walked towards his art room door. ¡°I''m coming Lizzy hold on!¡± His voice had a deep base tone to it. Almost as it was gravely, however if you looked at his neck you would see a long jagged scar from when his neck was cut a little over two months ago. When Lash first arrived here. Unlocking the door, Lizzy stood in a pencil skirt, and green blouse that highlighted her hair wonderfully. She had on her blue rimmed glasses today. Which means she was in a bad mood. She brushed past him, trying to collide against with his shoulder. In order to get her point across she was in a bad mood. But when she hit his shoulder he didn''t move back like most would. He was a solid rock, she actually gave out a little squeak in surprise. Then glared at him as to say he did that on purpose. Don''t misunderstand Lizzy and Lash got a long great. They had a good working relationship, and had been friends for years. Which is why she acted like this sometimes because she knew she could be real around Lash.


    Lizzy walked into the room still smoldering at the provocation of the shoulder clip which was not Lash''s fault no matter how much she thinks it was. Then paused looking at the statue for their client. She eyed the floor noticing not a single stone flake on the ground believing that Lash had cleaned up before letting her in. She gave a curt nod in approval in his cleaning habits. If only she knew. Lashed walked around her after closing the door softly. Trying to measure why she was so angry.


    ¡°So....Do you want to talk about it?¡± Lash, said softly. Which unfortunately still sounded like to slabs of stone were grinding against each other. Lizzy for her credit took a deep breath trying to relax her shoulders.


    ¡°The Collins believe that the statue you made for them is some how fake. Believing it impossible that you could carve that with a single stone. They are having an expert appraise the statue before they will pay us.¡± Lizzy replied while gritting her teeth.


    Lash nodded his head as he thought about the piece he made. It was a wonderful Ship sailing across the ocean, with amazing detail and natural effects. Any normal artist would find it impossible to carve with a single section. But with Lash''s abilities he could do it with one.


    ¡°Who''s the appraiser?¡± He asked trying to sound sincere...But Lizzy knew it didn''t really matter to him. It shouldn''t matter to her, they made plenty of money in their business. But she hated how someone questioned their credibility.


    ¡°Gregson....Thankfully¡± Lizzy took another deep breath. She walked around the state that he had recently carved with a smile on her face. ¡°This is beautiful, Lash....¡± He smiled at her, enjoying not just the compliment but also the appeal of looking at a beautiful women.


    ¡°Thank you, its ready for our next client, if you want to arrange the shipment. I''m sure Mr. Whats his face will be able to surprise his wife with it.¡± Lizzy rolled her eyes at him. Annoyed that he wouldn''t remember their clients names. She took out her phone and made a few I.M.''s arranging the pick up. Then walked over to Lash with a critical eye, watching him carefully. Lash met her eye with a raise brow.


    ¡°Did you eat today?¡± Lizzy asked, Lash stopped and had to think about it....Maybe?


    But his look of hesitation was enough for her. She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the room towards his living space which was located on the same floor. Lash rolled his eyes as he let her pull him, he could easily just abruptly stop if he wanted too. But he love to watch her worry over him. They made it to the kitchen and she pulled out some dietary nutrition thing his cook made for him and had him eat it after she re heated it. Lash would often forget to eat anything, generally he would find a spark for his art and zero focus on it. Lizzy watched him eat with a satisfied smirk on her face. Then walked over rubbed his bald head for luck. Lash would groan and she would laugh at his protest. Ever since his homecoming Lash hadn''t been able to grow any hair on his head. He wasn''t sure why.


    Lizzy left his place to return to her own office. Though they made great money together. Lash was not her only artist she and her family worked with. He would see her again when they had another project. Lash stood and placed his dish away after a light rinse. Going to his security check he put on an auto close and shutter protocol. All the windows in his living space, along with his studio went dark. Making his entire home nearly pitch black. Despite the lack of light he could actually see just fine. Making an audible sigh.


    ¡°Lets get this over with..¡± Lash removed his shirt, shoes, and pants. Then took a deep breath, not looking forward to the next part. He reached into his mind and flipped a metaphorical switch. Then he grit his teeth and groaned as he felt his bones begin to snap, twist. His muscles tore creating an audible snap several times over. Soon his skin was replace with scales as it covered him. Soft deep green scales in area of his movements, hard leather scales on none optimal movement area''s. His face elongated, with ridges produced around his eyes, and head. A long tail grew with in seconds from the base of his spine. Claws grew from his nails and toe nails, as his teeth became razors. His color was a deep forest green in light, but attributed to black in the dark. The reptilian eyes blinked for a moment as he adjusted to the new size difference. Then in all his glory stood a 4'' foot Saurian adolescent...


    Looking at his young form. Lash had no idea why his Patron gave him such a small body. But he felt that with time it would grow. But he could almost feel his patron in the cosmos looking down at him with a grin. Lash had to change daily otherwise his...Other half would get restless. He scampered around his home climbing on this and that, rummaging through his fridge at which point he ate a five pound t-bone steak...raw. He played with one of the discarded pieces of stone in his art room making it into a stone knife. Why? He honestly didn''t know. He would lean against a window and listen to the sounds of the city. Closing his reptile eyes he could almost hear...see the world outside. Watching as things that are not seen with a common eye would walk by his building. He would stay like this, in this shape for several hours. Before he would feel that his other half was content. Then he would break, shift, and mend back to his human shape. Collect his cloths and go to bed. Only to work, and change again in the morning. Though he felt that his slow and relaxing days were soon coming to an end.


    WOOOSH!


    Erik found himself back in the black room. He screamed for a good while then looked around.


    ¡°DAAAAWN! What the hell was that? I feel like I wasn''t even in control. Like I wasn''t playing a game but living a new life! Please explain!¡± Erik was jittery, confused, but also in a way excited!


    ¡°Welcome back User. As you have just experienced the first iteration of automatic use. Your avatar was set to Auto to let you understand the feeling of being in the body. Giving you the information about your skills, traits, personality, and relationships you have with your avatars connections. When you return to your Users avatar a second time the system will set to Manual Assistance. Allowing you more control over your Avatar, but the systems V.I. Will step in when necessary to ensure interaction with specific people important to the Users story. Until they are fully prepared to adopt their new persona...¡± Dawn chimed in with a helpful blip about the how, why, and when.


    Erik was totally freaked out! He knew Lash''s whole story, he had glimpses of dozens of different life times. Most of them from the perception of first person as if he had truly been there. He also remember Lizzy, his bodies entire life. It wasn''t word for word, but it was enough to get a feel. This feeling was breath taking! He quickly wrote up a short report about his feelings and had Dawn send it to H.Q. Then took a deep breath and went down for his second run.


    WOOSH!


    Just like last time the entire world flashed by for a moment...Then Lash looked around the room, looking at his clock at his night stand. 4:30 am. He sighed....Then shivered again... Looking around the room differently he sat up. Looking down at his hands with a new appreciation.


    ¡°Ok....I can do this....Hi..Lash. Lets get along...Ok? Dawn? Question, why does my Saurian shape look so different?¡± Lash spoke into the darkness of his bedroom. His mammal eyes adjusted to the darkness far quicker then they should have. Allowing for near perfect adaptation.


    ¡°Hello User! Please be aware that though you can hear me. No one else of this generated world can. Ensure you take notice of that in the future. Because if you speak to yourself, and some one over hears the world will change its perspective of you accordingly. The reason is simple, you are just starting. Like most pre V.R. Games during character creation. It would show your avatar wearing one of the best possible gear set, to allow what you would be your final appearance could be. When you fully develop that is a firm standard of what your Saurian shape will look like. But as of now you have an adolescent shape based off of your super rank. For information on your rank please say Rank Status out loud or in your mind.


    Lash took a moment to process that information. Realizing that if he spoke to Dawn in the public, the game would think he was crazy and act accordingly?! Holy crap! But back to it!


    ¡°Rank Status!¡±


    Name: Erik Lash. Or often referred to as ¡°Lash¡±.


    Origin: Magical


    Rank: G-


    The user is currently just starting there adventures in the world. They have yet to decide if they will be a force for good, or evil. Their abilities match that of an average human with no training! Look out its a tiny lizard with a stone knife! Hide your children!


    Skills: Material Shaping, Shape shifting (Saurian)


    Lash''s eye brow twitched in mild annoyance. But was ultimately confused.


    ¡°Dawn, where are my stats? Like Charisma? Or strength?¡± Lash waiting for a moment before Dawn explained.


    ¡°User, the Alpha testers deemed that to many people put to much attention to Stats. Expecting that if their intelligence stat was high then obviously they should be smart. The developers deemed that what you have or don''t have should be based off of the user themselves. As you play through the world the system will identify the how, when, why, and if of the users actions. Helping to automatically authenticate, assist until the user can manually control their avatar. But the Alpha testers kept some of the old with the new. Claiming that if your overall state was improved and measured it would increase your willingness to grow. When you improve your strength the system will tell you. I.E. Through hard work and determination you have improved your strength by 0.1.¡±


    Dawns tone had returned to a neutral base. Filling Lash with a sense of confusion. But after a moment he understood. Then before he could ask..


    ¡°However, the Alpha testers suggested we try the first application then allow the users to decide for themselves how they wish to be measured. If the user wishes we can go with the traditional method of measure. But we wish to inform you that though the method of measure may be different the overall effect will be the same. Just how you view it.¡± Dawn spoke to Lash, this time taking on a more Teacher like tone, though it had a hint of playful expose in her voice.


    ¡°So, even if I saw a traditional stat sheet like most games, it wouldn''t actually effect what I have or don''t have. No, lets keep the original method. The one the Alpha testers decided. Actually not having that makes it easier to understand...But I guess I can always change my mind later. So, do we have at least quests? Stories, scenario''s, or am I free roaming this?¡± Lash asked curiously.


    ¡°Yes and no. The Alpha testers could not give a definitive answer based on this. But because of your back ground. Having a cosmic being watch over you. Quests will be given by said being in order to facilitate a sense of purpose. So, would you like your Patron to give your first quest?¡± Dawn spoke once more with a voice that suggested she was smiling.


    Lash thinks the system knew that the cosmic being was just him being a smart ass. But what ever lets see how far this rabbit hole goes. Giving confirmation a new tab opened on a ¡­ he wants to say holo screen that only he can see.


    Quest: Your patron has allowed you time to get control of yourself. But understands you still need to get your feet wet. 1) Choose to either join the local neighbor hood watch? Or a local gang. 2) Commit five petty crimes, or five upstanding citizen deeds.


    Rewards: Magical perception; Allowing you to see the world under the world. Please note, this quest has no time limit. But, your patron encourages haste.


    Lash nods his head, taking a moment to thank Dawn for the information. Standing up, he went to the bathroom and took care of his morning ritual. Shower, sha...well he doesn''t need to shave oddly. Thank goodness he still has eyebrows that would just look weird. Having been dressed and eating a light meal. He went to his computer in his home and looked up local Neighbor hood watch locations. Needless to say he was going to be a hero...But maybe not a good hero. He laughed at himself. Lets just not aim to be an edge lord shall we?


    Finding a website that allowed him to punch in his zip code. Turns out there are several area''s even in his low crime area that uses the watch. He wrote down the address and went to go see the location for himself. Before leaving he packed up the completed order. The statue of the women carved in stone into the cargo collection. Lizzy''s people would pick it up today. But he wouldn''t be here to sign for it so he wanted it available. Putting on some black boots, blue jeans, a black collared shirt, and a leather jacket. He paused and looked at himself in the mirror. He carefully placed a pair of sunglasses on his eyes due to the simple reason that his eyes keep shifting between mammal and reptilian. Great! Side effects, that wont get complicated! Thankfully he wasn''t ectothermic.


    Lash left his building, having lived on the 20th floor he would always get some light exercise since he rarely took the elevator. Passing by the security desk who easily recognized him. He smiled and waved. Never learning their names. Not to be impolite but he just didn''t think about it. Walking outside he found that it was a dreary fall morning. Moist air filled with pollution, and the sound of traffic. As he merged into the foot traffic on the side walk. He hated crowds his other half would growl inside his mind. Being surrounded by strangers. Lash would often have to slow down because he would accidentally slip into the sensory awareness while moving. It was nice being able to see everything around him with in a 3 meter area. But holy crap! Walking in Gotham in the morning was suicide with the ability on! He nearly tore a kids head off the other day thinking it was going to attack him...


    Erik was struggling with control over Lash, it wasn''t really necessary, but he was more just looking around trying to memorize the street he lived on. Asking questions to... Himself? He guessed, which oddly Lash would respond. Both parts, though the Saurian seemed more simple. Not in a bad way, just...


    -Danger....Food...Useful....Smell something.....LOOK OUT! Saurian Lash would mutter. Making human Lash pause more then once. Making those around him grumble in irritation when a big guy would stop in the middle of foot traffic for no reason.


    ¡°Dawn, is there a map function I can use?¡± Erik, asked softly under his breath. Dawn replied with in a moment softly into my ear as if she was there with me. It was both eerie and kinda hot to have an attractive female whisper in my ear. Human Lash laughed me softly.


    ¡°Yes there is, User. However you have not done the required mission, test, or challenge to acquire it. But continue to use your manual assist with your human avatar Lash he will guide you accordingly.¡± Dawn spoke softly, almost teasing to me in my ear making me blush. It had been a long time in the outside world since a women had done that to me. Glad to see the Dream Engine was realistic enough to get that down.


    Lash did lead me well. It was like having Auto GPS. In the outside world Erik doesn''t have such a good memory. But Lash seems better equipped for it. Erik received a momentary flash of a memory of when Lash was jumping through rooftops in an old European style city being chased by city guards. Before it snapped back to where we were.


    ¡°What the hell was that?!¡± Erik hissed into Lash''s mind.


    ¡°Sorry, Erik. One of my former lives. Memories do that, try to not let them bother you.¡± Erik muttered a thank you. Then went silent as Lash led them on. This was super weird! Erik was sharing a body with two other... People? But it felt so natural. The past lives memories felt like a dream he had. If he tried to chase them they would fade into the back ground. But he just let them rest he would catch glimpses of it on the side of his awareness.


    -Stop talking! Keep looking! Focus! Saurian Lash reprimanded Erik. He was shocked for a moment then fell into line. Trying to get a feel for moving around like Lash. The issue was that Lash and Erik have VERY different body types. He''s in super great shape and Erik is...... Well not!


    Eventually making there way to the community center where the neighbor hood watch collection was held. We could have called but Lash and....other Lash prefer to get a feel for a place first. Even if they go back home and end up calling. It was nearly ten miles from our home. If this was the outside Erik would be sweating like a pig. But to Lash just felt like it was a light walk in the morning... This was getting complicated. Erik was tempted to log out and go for a walk in the outside... NO! Must...Keep...Playing! For....SPARTA!


    ¡°Sparta?¡± Lash paused mid step going to the front door.


    -Oh shit! You heard that!? Erik wanted to curl up into a ball and hide from the world. Lash chuckled and moved on. Once inside the center it looked a little worse for wear. But it was being used, that was far better then other places Lash had seen around Gotham. Walking to the main desk he saw an older gentlemen and asked about the Neighbor hood watch. The old man was surprised Lash had asked, but pointed him down the hallway with a genuine smile.


    ¡°Nice to see more young people helping in the community!¡± The Gramps commented as Lashed walked down the hall making to the door he went to the handle only to freeze.


    Saurian Lash was hissing across their link. A Predator was nearby and watching them. Taking a deep breath Lash calmed his nerves opened the door towards the watch center and moved in. Once the door closed the feeling left. Sitting behind the counter was an older teen or maybe early college years girl playing on her phone. Not even registering that someone had walked in. Lash walked right up to the desk looking at her. The Saurian in him peered out from behind his eyes and stared at the prey in front of him. The girl to her credit kept an ice grip on her phone like it was an important tool that could save her life. However, the rest of her face paled as shot back a good 10 feet from the desk. Knocking her chair over. She shouted looking like a deer caught in the head lights.


    ¡°Hello there! Sorry didnt mean to scare you!¡± Said Lash. -Yes you did, commented Erik in his mind. Lash kept a smile on his face but nodded his head in his mind.


    ¡°C...c..can I help you?¡± The girl stuttered her words a few times trying to look composed but we both knew she had lost it. Kids her age are always trying to stay composed as if the world was watching them every moment of their lives.


    ¡°Yes, my name is Erik Lash, I was interested in joining the Watch in the area. I read online that this was the meet up place for my zip code. Is there someone I can talk to?¡± Lash kept a smile on his face. But... He often forgets that his voice is very rough on people ears. Though they can clearly understand him. Most people shudder, especially when they see the jagged scar across neck letting them know why he sounds like that.


    Despite her appearance, Saurian Lash had his fun and retracted his predatory charm. Pretty good for a four foot tall monitor lizard. The girl visibly relaxed, but you could tell she was still wary of Lash. ¡°J..Just a moment I''ll get my dad...H..He''s in charge of the watch here.¡± Lash remained standing, at as he watched her leave in a hurry. Practically running towards the office in the back. Stumbling into the room she squealed to who Lash can only assume was her father. Clearly flustered by the event, a few moments pass as a 6''8¡± solid built man came from the office. With a short cropped black hair, brown eyes, pale skin, wearing simple casual office cloths. But carrying a cane to help with his obvious limp. Also noticing his side arm on his right hip. When the man came out and saw me. We both paused to look at one another.


    Though Erik Lash from before was a honest average artist grad from a Gotham University. The current Lash was a bit different. The way he carried himself screamed combat ready to those with similar vocations. The man standing before Lash, was clearly a retired soldier, or maybe a cop? As they continued to size each other up the girl from before peaked around her dad''s huge figure. Looks like she was I.M.ing this situation.


    ¡°You a soldier?¡± The man asks in a deep base tone voice. Holy CRAP! Lash thought he had a bad voice.


    ¡°Something like that...¡± Lash replied to the man. Clearly that was not a satisfying answer. Lash could clearly see the man tense at his answer. ¡°Maybe we can go into your office and talk about it...Away from Prying eyes.... connection to the world wide web.¡± I smirk while looking behind the man. The girl squeaked and hide behind her dad. But clearly continuing to record the whole thing on her phone.


    ¡°Alright. Marie stay out here. I''ll talk to our potential recruit in the office.¡± The man did an abrupt face, but Lash could see as his grimaced. Momentarily forgetting about his injury. Definitely a soldier. Marie who he assumes is the daughter squeaks again, but looks with concern at her father. Nearly letting her phone drop. At least her priorities are straight. The man walks into his office Lash follows a few steps behind.


    Closing the door softly, Lash waits at the door for the man to get comfortable, and politely waits to see if the man will invite him to sit. The older man notices what he''s doing and a small glint of appreciation is noticed in his eye before he waves his hand to the empty seat in front of him. Lash moves with purpose and sits, not slouching but sitting upright. Erik was slightly confused, because the moment they walked in the office he lost control. Attributing this to like a cut scene he just sat back and watched. Lash removes his sun glasses so he can look directly at the older man.


    ¡°Sorry about my daughter fresh from high school, wanted to take a year off before college. Been helping the watch since she was a young-in. But sometimes I feel like that phone of hers put some kind of hypnosis on her. She lets go of it. I''m David by the way, David Skaleg¡± There is a momentary flash in Lash''s mind as he is pushing an oar on a Nordic ship. Pushing with the drums as the spray of sea water splashes across his face. He laughs as he jokes with his friends about having a drink when they get home. As soon as it arrived its gone!


    ¡°Skaleg? As in Nordic myths? Friend to Thor? Skaleg?¡± Lash asks, a bit of interest in his voice. David''s facial expression perks up.


    ¡°Ummm, yes actually eh, I''m impressed most don''t know about the name. Done some research on the old country?¡± Lash chuckles softly...You could definitely say that. -Holy shit! You were a viking? Did you know Thore? Erik asked...But soon quieted down when Saurian Lash growled at him.


    ¡°So, you are interested in the Watch right? I must warn you its a community service, you don''t get paid for doing it. Not even I get paid, though I''m retired I do this to fill some time and keep me active.¡± David spoke, his voice a bit softer now.


    ¡°I understand, I''ve been victimized in the past. However, instead of taking matters into my own hands like I''ve seen so many people do. I felt that this was a safer choice. I could have bought a gun and walked around with an itch trigger finger. But I felt being trained even if so by the night watch would be better then that.¡± Lash spoke softly, but David understood more then once glancing at the jagged scar across Lash''s neck.


    ¡°Happy to hear that! You are right, we do get a lot of die hard vigilante''s showing up thinking they can get their start here. Its good to see someone more grounded in reality.¡± David reached under this desk and pulled out a application information form and handed me a pen. Lash began to fill out the form. Carefully reading each segment and correctly filling it out the first time. -Yaaaaa, I never fill it out right the first time. Erik said softly in their shared mind. Lash smiles a bit before handing it back to David. The retired soldier then took out a pamphlet, and a schedule of meetings.


    ¡°So before you can come on the patrol we need you to attend a few classes. Meet the other people in your area. Get a feel for everyone. Please be aware you don''t have to like everyone. But try to be polite. Of course with the way you handle yourself I am sure you''ll pass right through the courses with out issue.¡± David stood and shook Lash''s hand with a good firm grip. Returning in kind he smiled at the old soldier before looking at the door with a grin. David looked confused. Lash let go of his hand, then before the old man could ask. Lash was opening the door with a sudden yank. Having Marie tumble into the room. As she had been pressing her self to the door to listen.


    ¡°EEEEP!¡± Marie falls across the floor dropping her phone for the first time in the entire time I''ve known her. She looks up visibly paling at the sight of me looking down at her. Turning to David with a smile before putting on his sun glasses. David''s flushes with embarrassment at his daughters antics. Lash smoothly leaves the room so not to involve himself and makes his way back home. Maybe he''ll drop by the park and let Saurian Lash watch the birds fly about...

 Chapter 3: Neighborhood Watch

    Lash came back to the community center that evening after he had let Saurian Lash scamper about in his home. Thank fully Saurian version didn''t feel the need to mark its territory in the animal way. Which made Erik happy. He did not want to have to clean up after himself. Maybe that''s what they will call themselves when they are more established. Saurian? Short and to the point. But they could decide that later at another...


    Erik paused in his recollection realizing he was speaking in they, and them terms. The Dream Engine was doing its job making it seem.. Normal? Erik was carefully walking up to the Center listening to Lash''s directions. Erik had walked here himself even with Saurian chattering in his ears.


    -Whats that? STOP.....Look over there. Hungry.... Chase the shiny bug! Saurian, that''s just a laser pointer... Wait why is there a laser pointer out in the open like this. People will get the wrong idea. Turns out it was a kid sitting up in a window near by flashing the laser across the ground enjoying watching people get excited. Lash waved at the little one which prompted the kid to pale and hide in his home away from his eyes. Erik, asked Dawn a few questions about mobs in the game. Apparently he was still in the established tutorial. Once he was ''set'' the game would begin to create situations akin to a normal game. Where in a fantasy game you would have random mob Wolf appear and attack the player. You will have opportunities to show off who you are to the world. Example; You''ll see someone getting mugged and have the chance to help. Or, you''ll see some one drop their wallets allowing you to help them, or take it. These effect will happen almost comically often. But Dawn assured me that he was not the only around...


    ¡°Wait...Dawn what do you mean I''m not the only one? I thought this was single player?¡± Erik paused for a moment before he entered the Center. He wanted this out of the way before he went in. He already got stared at by several people when he went to the park with Saurian.


    ¡°Due to the Dream Engine connection the wide server. All copies of the original Beta Testers are being constantly updated. Though you will not be playing with anyone else. You may encounter a Life Model Virtual Intelligence of the user inside of your own world. The Alpha testers proposed that D.C. Comics would have more then just main plot characters you normally read about. The back ground characters. So they suggested that the Users themselves be those side characters. Currently there are #34678 different V.I. Model replicates in your world.¡± Dawn finished speaking using a gentle tone but still remained in a business like fashion. Reminded him of Lizzy. Made Erik wonder if that''s why Lizzy was like that.


    ¡°Dawn, will I know if they are player models? Or...¡± Erik asked hesitantly. He was actually kinda excited. Remind him of the Souls games.


    ¡°Not intentionally. A majority of the V.I. Model will follow the same path pattern as your own V.I. Model Lash when they are in control. But, many of them act oddly in the world....¡± Dawn''s voice took on an amused spark. Erik realized it would be like if they suddenly paused and began speaking to no one or nothing in the air. Like he was doing right now.... Great!


    Finally walking into the Center it was busier in the evening then during the day. Which makes sense. Following the instructions on the papers David had given him before, he took a Right turn instead of a left heading to what he assumed was a class room. Only to hear shouts, hoots, and jeering. Stepping towards the door he could smell the scent of dozens of unwashed bodies. From the work day residing inside. Stepping in Erik looked around as about three dozen people where standing around several floor mats as instructors from what he could assume were from the police station. The room itself reminded him of a smaller school gymnasium. Open bay windows at the top, long fold able benches on the side that could fold in an out. Patterns for certain games painted onto the floor. Thankfully the floor mats were placed above them.


    Spotting someone he...recognized. Saurian suddenly took control and slipped across the room in near total silence. Erik was surprised for a moment at the intrusion but let it happen. It was cool how no one in the room seem to notice a 6''2¡± man slip past them with out a sound. Erik felt a shiver cover his whole body for a moment. -That''s Saurians passive stealth he has. Its not that he goes invisible but he just hides his presence much like a predator would. Lash chimed in across the connection. Then before Erik knew it. He standing right behind Marie...Davids daughter. She was watching her father instruct a few kids on proper grapple techniques. David paused momentarily as he looked towards Marie and grimaces before looking back at the kids on the floor mat. Marie noticing the look was confused. Before she turned to her left only to let out a cute squeal of surprise. There stood the man from earlier today. He wasn''t inside her personal space. But was close enough to elicit such a response.


    Lash stood in what he had today, except his pants were replaces with loose fitting khaki pants to allow freedom of movement. With easy to slip on, and out running shoes. With his sunglasses on. -I wear my sunglasses at night....So I can... So I can? Erik chimed in across the link. Having switched places with Lash. Lash''s eyes would still switch between Mammal and Reptilian eyes on occasion. Completely spooked few people at the park today.


    ¡°Gerrrr! Why did you do that!¡± Marie pointed an accusing finger at Lash. In her other hand she had a death grip on her constant companion, her phone. She had been working on it as she was I.M.ing the kids fight to someone.


    ¡°Because its incredibly fun to see your reaction, Marie!¡± Marie flinched softly at Lash gravely voice. Like most people do when they hear it. She glared at him before shifting a few feet away, to continue watching the kids throw one another around.


    ¡°Alright, that''s enough we have a new recruit today I want him to step in and see what he''s got.¡± David chimed in. The kids stood up and thanked David before stepping away. He looked to Lash gesturing him to take his coat and shoes off to the side. There was what looked like a mother watching every ones things. Lash walked over stripping from his shoes, jacket, and keys with wallet and phone. With of course his sun glasses. He gave a playful wink at the mom. Who to her credit smiled at him and looked down bashfully. He could hear Marie humph behind him.


    Stepping onto the mat. Lash looked around waiting for someone. Only to realize they were waiting. ¡°OH! Sorry, Hello everyone. I''m Erik Lash joined today came to see what I could do for my home.¡± A majority of those around the floor mat were startled by Lash voice. He could see a few unspoken questions. Lashed pulled his collar down letting everyone see.


    ¡°Two months ago, I was mugged on the street for the money in my wallet. The people took a knife and slashed across my neck giving me this.¡± Lash pointed at the jagged cut across his neck going from left earlobe to right collar bone. ¡°I should be dead! However, a near by citizen wearing a coat just like that.¡± Pointing at the Coat David had draped over a chair, had the words Gotham Neighborhood Watch on it. ¡°Found me, applied pressure and called for help. I unfortunately never got their name so I could thank them. But I thought why not join on the Neighborhood Watch myself so I could pay it forward.¡± Finishing his speech, everyone around the circle including David and Marie had a stunned look on their faces. -Is that true? Erik asked across the link. -You know its not. But they don''t need to know that. Lashed responded softly...


    Congratulations to User! You have obtained the skill. ACTING; You wont be wining any broad way performances. But you now have a basic idea on how to incite human emotions in those around you. Basically you lied.


    Erik was confused and filed that under asking Dawn about it when everyone was out of earshot.


    ¡°Cool!¡± One of the kids that was sparing before said, out loud. Relieving the tension that hung in the air. Everyone chuckled at the youths innocent response. But all of the adults including David seem to gain a gleam of understanding.


    ¡°I am actually an artist. I graduated from Gotham University with a Bachelors degree in Art History. I''m a sculptor, working with wood, stone, and metal. If Marie wants she can go to my site to look at my portfolio so you can get a sense of me.¡± Lash gave a quick web address which to Marie''s credit typed it in with due haste suddenly interested. With in a few seconds she let out another adorable squeak soon becoming wide eyed. Several people stood up to crowd around Marie. Each one gaping. There on her smart phone was the Shaw Art industry site. Looking up Erik Lash, there was a photo before the accident. Along with several of his Art pieces under the picture. Showing even latest creation the beautiful statue of the women. Having sold it for about $25 Grand. Several of the single women.... and single men in the crowd started giving Lash coquettish glances hear and there. Eyeing him with renewed interest.


    Clearing his throat, but with a smile David spoke up. His base tone voice startling a lot of the people. There was a moment when everyone realized they would now have TWO gravely voices to listen to. Both David, and Lash smirked at each other.


    ¡°So, with that out of the way. Lets see what you have.. Carl care to show our new artist how to react to a knife? If that''s alright with you, Mr. Lash?¡± David points out a young man similar to my age he bounces to his feet with hidden talent of someone trained. But has an easy going smile on his face, Carl was 6'' foot, with dirty brown hair high and tight like you would expect from a solider, tanned skin from spending time in the sun, with a firm build.


    ¡°Just call me Lash, I got use to it in college even my employer calls me that. And yes, I don''t mind. After the accident I''ve been attending a few MMA studios to get an awareness of myself. So I''m not totally fresh.¡± Lash bowed slightly from his waist towards Carl for his credit, Carl was not surprised and even responded. He took out what looked like a plastic training knife that you often see in video''s I could see Gotham Police Department written on it. G.P.D. Lash took a stance waiting for his attacker. -Wait, if that attacked happened two months ago shouldn''t you be still healing? Erik raised a valid point. But before Lash could respond Carl took a step forward into Lash''s personal space and went to stab him like a standard thug. They both knew Carl could do better. But he was play-acting the part even had a stupid sneer on his face. What should have been a simple thrust, dodge or parry soon evolved into something else.


    Carl thrust the blade forward, Lash did an under hand curve towards Carl''s arm. The trajectory bounced away. Then Lash stepped into Carl''s bubble and gripped his shirt collar pulling him down so he could knee him. Carl Switched the knife to a reverse grip reached up with his other hand and palmed Lashes knee.


    Carl then shoulder checked into Lash, his Play-acting Thug sneer turning to a genuine smile. Lash pushed off of Carl''s hand to get some space between each other. Then pivoted his weight on the balls of his feet, lowered his center of gravity and twisted. Putting the weight of his hips then spinning his body around as he brought up the heel of his back foot up to Carl''s face. Carl''s reaction time was perfect as he ducked down as a foot nearly collided with his temple.


    At this point no one was looking at Marie''s phone anymore. Not even Marie! As the crowd started to watch what they could only refer to as a choreographed fight scene you would often see in a movie. Carl would swing, and maneuver the knife towards Lash going for limbs, attempting to leave shallow cuts. When you have a knife you don''t need to necessarily kill. Small skin deep cuts will cause bleeding, pain while moving, and cause a victim to become light headed. Once they begin to stumble that''s when you move into to kill.


    Lash kept moving in and out of Carl''s reach attempting to engage in grappling, and quick moves. Soon he stopped trying to be flashy and just went to attacks that would disable or put down. But never took such an aggressive stance that would think he was trying to kill Carl.


    But soon Carl made a mistake, he thrust the blade towards Lash''s neck going for an artery. There was a brief moment when Lash''s eyes switched to reptilian irises turning to slits. As Saurian Lash growled across the link. No longer enjoying this play fighting. Lash moved with speed quicker then anything he had done before. Ducking under Carl''s arm he stood behind his back. Wrapped his arms and legs around Carl and forced him to the ground. Keeping a choke hold, that also restrained his limbs. The change was so abrupt the Carl went bug eyed as he fell. Thankfully David stepped in and tapped Lash''s shoulder...HARD! Getting his attention.


    ¡°Let him go!¡± It had been maybe two seconds since they were on the ground. But Saurian relented. He was a guest in another packs house. His eyes returned to that of a mammal. Lash let go and rolled away.


    ¡°Sorry...I...Caught up in the moment.¡± Lash said, Carl coughed a few times but still had a smile on his face as he stood up a bit wobbly.


    ¡°Not at all! That was an amazing fight. But I knew I went overboard the moment I went for your neck. Split second decision wasn''t thinking. But you handled yourself well! Much better that I thought you would.¡± At this point we had actually been going back and forth in the fight for a good ten minutes. We were both sweating, and taking in deep breaths.


    ¡°That was....EPIC!¡± Shouted kid from across the mat. With out realizing it the entire room had come to watch the fight. Saurian seemed jumpy, he hadn''t noticed the new arrivals and was chiding himself for losing focus. The kid sprinted towards Carl hugging him, the kid came up to his waist. But Carl smiled down and hugged him. Looking at them both Lash realized they must be related given how they have same features. Several people clapped and cheered. Marie brought bottles of water to us both. But she made a point not to look him in the eye. But her ears were red with...Embarrassment? -Its nice to be good looking, employed with a good job, and interested in helping the community. Commented Erik with a clearly snarky but good humored tone. Lash nearly choked on his water he was about to drink. Chuckling...


    ¡°Alright! Listen up!¡± David called out to everyone. ¡°To those of you that were on the other side of the room. This man here is Erik Lash our new recruit. But as you can see he is well trained so as long as he''s OK with it. He''ll be helping myself, and Carl to help train you all in Self-Defense...¡± Making a point to look at us, as well as many of the attendee''s. Lash raised a brow in a question? David waved his hand suggesting he''ll tell him later. ¡°Right, every ensure you stretch out your muscles and come listen to Carl as he goes over the do''s and do not''s¡± David made a wave at me to follow him. As Carl gathered everyone up at the Benches and floor mats going over the rules of the watch. -For the Watch! Erik said, laughing at his own joke. Though he soon fell into the background as David and Lash went to the other side of the room.


    ¡°Sorry about that. Remember today when I said we will some times have a few vigilante hero types that come to the Watch thinking they can take the law into their hands?¡± Lash nodded his head, David didn''t say exactly that but he understood it. ¡°Well some of them are here tonight. I''m hoping I can weed out that unstable element in them. But I don''t want to out right kick them out. I''d rather they be here learning the right way, then out there with some one else filling their heads that could lead to getting themselves and others hurt.¡±


    ¡°Carl was in my unit. He''s still on reserve at the Military base. That''s his son Luke, his wife Abby is the nice lady you winked at when you gave your coat over.¡± Lash winced at that. As both Saurian and Erik laughed in his head.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Carl wont sweat the small stuff and Abby will just take it as a compliment. Carl is an M.P. On the base. Been doing this with me for a few years now. But he is just like me, will only Teach Self-Defense. If the people want to learn how to hurt and kill they can go some where else and pay their own dime.¡± David took out a booklet and handed it to Lash.


    ¡°Sorry didn''t have this before, this is the rule book you''ll have to pass a written exam before we can get your civilian license.¡± -Wait what? Erik commented. Lash was also confused and it showed on his face. David laughed at that. ¡°See that''s where a lot of the wannabe hero''s get it from. G.P.D. Will actually citizen deputized the Neighborhood Watch as long as you pass all the regulations. You can preform citizen arrest. Walk into public to private ish security area''s as long as you wear the uniform and badge. Helping the local guards with a bit of watchful eye. Though not everyone will welcome it. Think of it like Private Eye''s or even informants. G.P.D. Has made several arrests and crack downs due to our watch alone. Crime in our area went down by 2% when I took over. May not see...¡± Lashed waved his hand to stop him.


    ¡°No, that''s huge! Especially in Gotham! I don''t suppose anyone in your group told a story about helping someone with a cut throat?¡± Lash showed a keen interest in the answer acting the part.


    ¡°Sorry but no, I was surprised to hear your story. But tell you what, I''ll ask the other patrol area''s and see if anyone knows anything. They may want to remain annomist, if your wondering why we''ve actually had several citizens try and sue some of our people for helping them. Some bullshit response as like ''I didn''t ask for help! You could''ve killed me'' when we return some ones purse or wallet from a pick pocket. Thankfully the G.P.D. Camera control is on in the public area''s. Most of the time when some one tries to sue us the Police back us up, show the camera footage and they shut their mouths.¡±


    ¡°I guess I understand why some people would react a certain way. In certain circumstances... But returning a stolen wallet? That''s screwed up!¡± Lash said, David nods his head. Seeing someone trying to get his attention he waves, and holds up a hand telling them to wait. He hands Lash a list of names of the wannabe heroes in the group, points a few of them out. Then walks off towards the group. With his cane helping him move.


    -Alpha leader should go to sick house, disease in his body growing. Early, can still catch! Both Lash, and Erik''s eyes went wide at that. -Wait you can smell that he is sick? Erik asked. But Saurian went back to being quiet...


    Congratulations User: You have gained the skill Basic Martial Arts by bobbing, weaving, and moving your body to the song of combat you have discovered the music of all combat. Work and study hard Grasshopper! For maybe one day you''ll be able to defeat common house cats!


    -Ok hold on a second! Erik chimed in. Lash took out his cell phone and sat down on a nearby chair. After he retrieved his items from Abby at the table. Pretending to talk to someone on the phone.


    ¡°Dawn, can you explain why I am gaining skills when I am not technically in control?¡± Erik asked gently, a tingle excitement in his voice.


    ¡°Of course User, Lash as what is often referred to as an alternate persona. You and him are linked. His overall progress is your progress, as well as Saurian Lash. But you will only gain new skills from this point on. Unlike before. As I''m sure you know Lash is a talented Artist or Saurian as you have grown to call him has hunting skills. These are skills they have, but you have to learn them. So as they are used over time, you the User will come to learn them as well. But this takes time. You can also learn new skills as you progress through the generated world.¡±


    ¡°Ohhhh, so Lash, and Saurian already know these skills but I''m the one learning them. With the system notifying me of the update. I have to say that''s pretty nice. How convenient would it be if in the outside world I read a book about wood working and suddenly got a notification that I had learned the basics.¡± Erik had a grin on his face...As did Lash still pretend talking on his phone.


    ¡°That is correct, User. The Alpha testers believed that having a prompt for every new skill, or progress would encourage the Users to keep moving forward. So far from Dream Engine we have collected the data stating that this is indeed very helpful for the overall growth of our Users. I would like to remind the User that he should write up another Beta report telling of his experience. That it has also been several hours in the outside world.¡± Dawn spoke in a neutral tone again. But I was thankful for the information.


    ¡°So, wait what happens when I log out...Does Lash disappear?¡± -I hope not! Spoke Lash.


    ¡°No User. This actually arose in the Alpha testing. When an Alpha tester logged out their avatar would fade from sight in the game. The pre generated populace noticed that the User faded from sight and reacted accordingly. Some Alpha testers suggested that the world should pause while logged out. Others suggested a soft progression with pause application.¡±


    ¡°Ummm...Dawn, can you explain soft progression?¡± Erik asked with a befuddled expression. Several of the people in the room noticed Erik''s face and was showing signs of concern.


    ¡°Of course, User. Soft Progression is when you log out. Your alter persona still remains. The world continues to spin and progress. As your V.I. Model goes about their lives. They eat, drink, do their jobs. All with out interaction from the User. However, when something important to the story occurs. Such as a crime, or explosion, or alien invasion. The world pauses because it is out side the realm of the Models choice engine.¡± Dawn spoke softly to Erik, he wasn''t sure if she needed to take a breath or if the Engine just did that for effect.


    ¡°Many Alpha testers suggested this because several back grounds, and Civilian vocations had to be done during the early stages. But most Users don''t want to spend hours on end doing an average nine to five job. So, the Alpha testers would return to the Black room or even log out. Thus when they returned they would find their counter part either at a stage of User choice that needed input. Or something story driven occurred. Thus allowing the Users to always be active. But please take note that while you are in Soft Progression the User does not obtain any new skills, or abilities. The Alpha testers did not want someone to ''Use a rubber band on the joystick to get stealth to max 100''. But, the user''s persona will collect their paychecks, and interact with their background characters unless an important story driven choice arrives.¡± Dawn spoke in a teacher like tone. But, her strong but feminine voice was beginning to grow on him.


    ¡°Alright, lets go back to the black room, I''ll log out for a bit. Then do a report for the Dream Engine before I come back. I guess I''ll....Be you later..Lash?¡± Erik was still confused on this, but Lash nodded his head, as did Saurian with a chuckle.


    WOOSH!


    Gotham''s beautiful City rushed past Erik''s eyes. Flying into the atmosphere to an undisclosed location. Then he was back in the black room. He said good bye to Dawn and logged out. Coming to consciousness on his bed. He looked around the room it was 6:15 pm of the same Friday... Holy crap this Dream time thing was amazing. But he could tell his body was stiff. Standing up he moved around his apartment. Then did something he hadn''t done in a long time. He went for a walk...A short one! He wasn''t crazy! He got back to his home in about 20 minutes. Having walked to a convenience store buying a giant drink...Baby steps...everyone baby steps. Jumped on this computer and wrote a report for Dream Engine on the D.C. Comics story. He jumped on the Beta Testers forum reading up on advice and tips. The page reminded him about his N.D.A. Not disclosing information out side of controlled sources to the developers.


    Apparently, one user was able to tweak his background and became Alfred Penny-Worth''s nephew. Erik vaguely remembers Alfred having a family outside of Bruce Wayne. But this Player had already met Batman but the System prevented him from screaming at him with fan-boy glee. Erik laughed at the antics of his fellow Beta Testers. He posted his own story, and even the cringe worthy background for his magical source power. With in seconds dozens of people flipped out, and laughed at him. But were surprised that the system took the input. Even asked about his Cosmic patron. Apparently not everyone had a quest system. Some people were completely free in their progression. One player suggested everyone to get a blue-tooth phone and have it on. So you could talk to your V.I. In the world. So people would think you were speaking to someone on the phone. Erik had to admit it was a good idea.


    Most of the backgrounds he read had people in reliable places with in the city. You have to specifically request and twist the system to get you into a homeless shelter, or beat and run down area. Every persona was 18 years or older. All of the Beta Testers were of age as well, he had known a lot of younger gamers that would love to be a Beta Tester for the Dream Engine. Which actually confused Erik why the Dream Engine developers would do that. Until he read about how someone went into a strip club in the red light area of Gotham... Ya...There was no mature rating censor. It was open and available, he even bought a lap dance. He lost his freaking mind because he said it felt just like the real thing. This blew into a huge discussion on whether or not you could have sex with characters in the world or not. Erik shivered...Turned to his Dream Engine Cube on his bed.... It had been many years since high school. He quickly logged off from the forums. Jumped onto his bed and re logged onto the Cube heading back to the black room....

 Chapter 4: Evening Patrol

    Erik came into awareness inside the black room before being greeted by an enthusiastic Dawn!


    ¡°Welcome back User, I would like to inform you that The Dream Engine Developers have taken an interest in your generated world. Specifically, your Cosmic Patron background. They would like you to continue doing reports on how you interact with the quest and mission system. Of course they hope you will continue to enjoy playing in the generated world.¡± Dawns voice was...Excited! Like a child that had been praised by a parent for achieving something. Erik had to admit it was pretty cute to listen to her.


    ¡°Of course, Dawn! You and me will make a great team! I''m looking forward to our growing relationship!¡± Erik smiled...


    ¡°R..R...relationship! I..User I''m not that Kind of V.I.!¡± Dawn spoke in an almost a whispering voice. Erik waved his hands around in surprise...At least he thinks he did, he still didn''t have a body in the black room. Only to grumble when he realized Dawn was joking as he heard her laugh. The Dream Engine was definitely adjusting Dawn to fit his personality and input.


    ¡°Annnny ways, can I have service report of what Lash has been up to since I left so I''m not lost when I go down?¡± Erik asked in a grumble, Dawn still softly giggling in the black room showed a tab of info. Several days had gone by actually. It was actually the night of his first patrol with the Watch. He apparently passed the written test, physical examination, and back ground check with flying colors. Was given his Night Watch license and badge? He wanted to say it was a badge, but it mostly just a laminated card. But it had a chip in it and a bar code. So the local police could scan it making it convenient for the future. They also gave him a Neighborhood Watch coat with a liner so he could wear it in fall, winter, spring. Then they gave him a Watch Vest for summer. It was actually made from light weight Kevlar he was surprised. Then he saw it. On the inside of the collar was. ''Wayne Enterprises'' When Lash pointed it out, turns out the entire Watch program is funded by Bruce Wayne! Ah!


    ¡°Alright! Send me down Dawn! Auto bots! Roll out!¡± Erik cheered and was SHOT into the atmosphere!


    WOOOSH!


    Erik watched as the Earth skyrocketed towards him. He felt like he was sky diving! It was an exhilarating experience. Then with a sudden slow decent, he was suddenly back! Listening to David talk about routes and patrol area''s. The varies cops on patrol, and their car, and badge numbers. Everyone was given a list, along with their patrol car number. -Welcome back young one! We be going on a hunt soon! Erik was a surprised. Saurian seemed a little more... Grounded then before. -Welcome back Erik. Switch with me, this should be easy for you. Take it step by step.


    Lash briefly shivered. Thankfully no one noticed the change. But if one looked with a critical eye his posture seem to change. Lash was attentive, adjusting his get up. He was wearing a cotton cap to keep his bald head warm. Tight long sleeve black shirt, with the Night Watch coat over. The reflective letters being picked up by the nearby lights. Black cargo pants, with black boots, and leather gloves. If he was not wearing the coat, some would think he was either going for a night on the town, or up to no good. Wearing an ear piece in his left ear, testing the frequency. Thankful that the kids stopped playing with the chirping setting. They were actually requested today. It was Friday night, and there was a community fair in the area. They, along with the cops would be running security for the event. Why would the city want to use the Neighborhood watch? Well the event is being hosted by The Wayne foundation has a source of Charity. David said it was a publicity thing. But he was thankful for it. The uniforms they had did come from them after all.


    They began to move out. Lash was actually assigned to move on his own. During these past few days he had proven himself to be competent, detailed, and thorough. Everything Erik was not! But who would tell? Lash was promoted to a team leader on probation. So all the privileges but your managers would watch for ANY mistakes. A few hero wanna be''s in the group were actually irritated with him. This new guy comes out of no where and is already above them in rank. Saurian would often growl, leaking out his predatory aura in the air when they would be near. This had actually caused issues. Making several lighthearted people to become dazed, or even turn the other way around with out realizing why they did that. But much to Erik''s great surprise he got a notification from the System as he began the night.


    Congratulations User! You have completed your Cosmic''s Patrons quest. 1)You joined the neighborhood watch. 2) You have done 5 upstanding citizen awards. By volunteering to work the city''s event. You''ve eased the tension for many people letting them recognize your zip codes team efforts. As well as proving to be a good leader. You are awarded the skill Magical Perception


    Erik was surprised! This hadn''t been him. It was Lash doing his V.I. Model thing. ¡°Dawn explain why did I just complete my quest, Please!¡± Erik spoke into the night air. With the fair going on no one paid any attention to him.


    ¡°As the quest was issued while the user was present, and completed while the user was present. The Engine believed that you had successfully completed the task. But, reviewing the information you are correct that should not have happened. Shall I send a bug report in for you? Do not fear, User will keep the skill obtained, this was our doing not yours.¡± Erik said yes please do that. The report was sent, but he already had it so he looked it over.


    Magical Perception: The magical world is all around you. But few have the ability to see it. Well now you do! All SIX of your senses are attuned to the super-natural world. But be warned if you do not control your surprise you will find many things do not take kindly to being found. Side note: Due to your chosen Magical Origin the animal spirits of the Super-Natural world will be sensitive towards you. Some friendly, some not.


    Lash shivered involuntarily for a moment, as Saurian hissed across the link noticing far more.... Different people nearby. Lash took control of his breathing and looked around. His eyes changing to reptile irises. Erik nearly lost his shit, and had to give control back to Lash. The Fair ground was covered in dancing lights, transparent creatures of a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and Love Craft style mutation''s dancing from person to person. He saw several peoples eyes take on an un-natural...No Super-Natural glow! Almost like wolves reflecting the light. Then... He saw David, standing with his daughter Marie across the fair ground. David had transparent image super imposed over his body. Looking like a Warrior Viking holding a great axe. The night creatures kept a large berth around him. Except for a few that actually perched on his shoulder. David for his most part as much as he could tell didn''t seem to notice. Marie... Looked normal. But...


    The Ghost like warrior over David turned to look directly at us. Lash froze in place, feeling like he was just thrown into an ice cold river. Saurian''s metaphorical scales were rattling in danger. The Warrior seem to deliberate what to do. Then chuckled and looked away. David seem to not even notice the exchange. Lash released the breath he hadn''t realized he was holding. Cold sweat dripped down his back. -What the fuck! What the fuck! Erik screamed across the link. After a bit of convincing, Erik resumed control.


    Watching as the fair grounds now LOOKED completely different. Lash did his patrol. Trying to not look the part of ''I just discovered a hidden world, please don''t notice that I notice''. Understanding why Magical Origins were believed to be the more difficult aside from Mundanes. This makes sense...The world is already in trouble to begin with. Add magic to the mix and your just asking for more trouble. But, trouble is what Lash asked for.


    Quest: Your patron is enjoying the new development. Thus has tasked you with a new mission.


    1) Continue your task as the Watchmen but ensure the security and safety of not only the Mundane people but also the Super-Natural.


    2)Befriend, or scare away 5 friendly or unfriendly denizens of the Super-Natural world. Yes these two points stack. I.E. 3 friends, 2 unfriendly, for a total of 5.


    Rewards: skill Beast Speak: Allowing the User to speak to animals natural or otherwise. Yes you can switch this skill on and off at Users discretion.


    Time limit; when the sun rises.


    Lash took a deep breath and started moving through the crowd. He called into his radio to let everyone know he saw someone suspicious. Stand-by. That he did, he saw a pale youth moving through the crowd towards a young teenage girl. Boys are often attracted to girls especially at their age. But given Lash could see a blood red aura around the boy, and Saurian was growling...-I smell blood lust. Pale one is on the hunt for food. Lash moved in for an interception course of the kid. He looked like he may be 17 or older. But it was eerie how he moved through the crowd, almost if it was a river and he was swimming through it. Lash watched as the girl seem to notice the boy but didn''t like the attention. She was hear with her family. But...A brief moment passed as the boy caught the girls eye. She seem to stiffen like a board, then almost become drowsy, or even intoxicated. As she stumbled about. Right as the pale faced boy was about to reach for her. Lash stood in his way. Saurian let a growl out. Though it was not audible to human ears. The pale boy actually hopped back a few feet in surprise!


    ¡°Warden....¡± The boy whispered softly. Lash almost didn''t hear it. When Lash didn''t respond the kid seem to try and inflate his chest to look intimidating. ¡°What do you want, Mall Cop! I''m just minding my own business trying to talk to my friend...¡± That''s when the boy noticed the girl was no longer...''intoxicated'' She was hurrying to stand next to her family hiding behind her Dad. The father looked at her in surprise, leaning in to listen to her. Then looked up at the kid, and Lash wearing his uniform. Lash never took his eyes off of the kid. The kid...was surprised. -Something was latched onto child. Saurian broke... Not like pale one! Lash''s facial expression exposed a grin, but with out realizing his teeth had actually elongated. A mixture of human and animal fang. The boy took another step back. Then a massive hand clapped onto the boys shoulder...


    ¡°Well hello there Bobby! I distinctly remember telling you not to come to such events like these! Its important that we keep a civil no law breaking environment! Don''t you think...Bobby!¡± There stood behind ''Bobby'' Was David...The ghostly viking Warrior had his axe out and was glaring at the boy. His voice was deep, and scary to listen to. But there was an undertone that Lash didn''t hear before but now did...Thanks to his updated Perception. There was a hum of power. Daring the Kid to dis agree.


    ¡°B..W....Warden! I...I was just..trying to talk to my fri...friend. Th...then this.¡± The kid was in full panic now. Like you would see when a young punk was caught by the cops doing something they were not suppose to be doing. David grinned at him, as the Viking warrior spirit towered over him.


    ¡°This is my deputized Warden, Erik Lash. He''s new to the city. But seems to be fitting in nicely. Isn''t that right, Lash?¡± David never took his eyes off of Bobby, as if trying to drill a hole into the kids face with his eyes alone.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± Lash commented keeping a stand ready stance. But letting David take the lead. He looked at David''s hand on the kids shoulder and could almost hear the kids bones creak in protest.


    ¡°Aha! I..is that right! S..s Sorry for the mix up....Warden''s! I...I''ll just leave...I just remembered I have to go talk to my house about...Ummm...My uh.. Job! Ya got a new job! At the Packing plant!¡± Lash wasn''t sure how, but he watched the already pale kid, become paler.


    David let him go and shooed him away. Bobby sprinted away, still doing that eerie swim through the crowd trick. David, the Viking, and Lash kept their eyes on him as he left the fair grounds. Lash paused as he watched what looked like a Giant Bat like creature flutter from the ground from the sky, change into....FUCKING Person. Adult male, wearing a really nice expensive suit that was tailored fit to him, slapped Bobby upside the head. Not making out the conversation, but the adult man-bat was clearly upset with Bobby. Then dragged him away around the corner. Lash turned to the young girl with her father. He saw that the father was grateful for the intervention. The young girl only briefly looked up at Lash, then hid behind her father shyly. Lash turned to look back at David. Gritting his teeth in surprise, as the Ghost Viking''s nose was inches from his face. -EEEK! Saurian called across the link they shared. Clearly surprised!


    ¡°So.....I think you and I should talk. But...We have a job to do...So we''ll save that till after. Alright?¡± David said to me his lips twitching into what he could only assume was a smile, as the Viking continued to do his best impression of a stone cold ''Don''t fuck with me'' Look. Lash hastily agreed. David limped away, but now Lash noticed that the Vikings axe he carried was actually David''s Cane. Making him wonder if David even needed the cane or simply carried it as a convenient method to hide the axe. The Viking floated after David keeping 1,000 yard stare at Lash before returning to his look out across the crowd.


    A simple notification beeped, telling him he had scared away One unfriendly super-natural denizen, four to go! Lash spent the next few hours talking to a few people, helping the cops look around. A few of the officers even thanked him for his good work. He paid for a few candy snacks and gave them to...He wanted to say a fairy creature. It was size of his hand, but unlike tinker bell from peter pan this thing had a gaping mouth with shark teeth inside, black skin, with elongated claws on its hands and feet. Many of the smaller balls of light avoided it. But it oddly took a liking to Lash. -Small one senses friendly hunter in us. Good friend in future! Saurian whispered across the link. The little thing sat on Lash''s shoulder for about an hour eating an entire ball of cotton. Oddly enough no one seem to notice the cotton candy disappearing. He''ll have work on that. After a few hours, and about hundred dollars later. Lash had about 18 of these little gremlin fairies sitting on him all eating candy. Despite the hole in his wallet, they pointed out a few trouble makers for him. More then once he saw David''s Viking looking with surprise at him.


    After the announcer said to the collected audience that the fair night was now over, he thanked the police department, and the Neighborhood Watch for helping to keep security. Embarrassingly enough, they even called Lash by name to thank him for his hard work. Thanks to the Gremlins, Lash had even discovered a drug deal that was going on. The cops swarmed in and kept it quiet a majority of the Fair had no idea.


    Congratulations User! You have completed your Patrons quest and will be awarded!


    You''ve obtained: Beast Speak; Now the User may communicate with the wild life of the natural and super-natural world. Please take note, that some are more primal and simple then others. It will take some getting use to.


    ¡°...This was fun! Who is the human!¡±


    ¡°Apparently he is a new Warden! The old one is retiring soon! Maybe this one is the replacement!¡±


    ¡°Awww! I like the old one! Always nice to us!¡±


    ¡°This one is nice too!¡±


    ¡°Well yes! But having two nice humans is even better!¡±


    Lash paused for a moment then understood that he was listening to the Gremlin Fairies. Looks like the Beast Speak is switched on automatically. -Yes! Yes! Saurian will have many friends! We all go hunting together! Have many good feasts!


    ¡°Eh...EHHHHH!¡± All the Gremlins flew off of him and fluttered about in front of Lash.


    ¡°You can talk to us! Why you no speak this entire time!¡±


    ¡°Stupid! Warden was working, keeping us safe. Couldn''t be distracted!¡±


    ¡°Oh...Ya that makes sense. Old Warden same way! But old one never spoke to us!¡±


    ¡°Old one spoke to us, we just didn''t understand him, nor he us! I like this new Warden!¡±


    ¡°Can we have more Candy!¡±


    ¡°No! No! Warden spent money on us! Lot, and lots of money! We must repay him! So no more Candy!¡±


    ¡°Awwww.....OK...¡±


    Lash couldn''t help it but laugh, then was stumped when he understood that they could hear Saurian. He hadn''t spoke that out loud but the Gremlin creatures heard him. -It''s alright small hunters! All come on next hunt and help! Yes! Yes! We shall feast! Saurian called out! The Gremlins paused for a moment then cheered! Hooping and calling! All of them took a moment to rub themselves on Lash. He didn''t know why but he understood that they were ''marking'' him so they could find him again. Then with a flap of their bat like fairy wings they flew off. Lash absently waved at them. Actually kinda missing their companionship. -Worry not! Small hunters will come again! Saurian assured him.


    ¡°So.....Lets talk.¡± Lash turned around to see David standing there... Oh right.

 Chapter 5: So… Want a new job?

    Lash sat in David''s office inside the Community Center. Marie was there, for the first time in the entire time he had known her. She was NOT tweeting this on I.M.. Stealing glances at her he still didn''t see any super-natural effect. But that could mean a lot of things. Erik knew that Constantine for the most part looked completely normal...At least at the start. David sat behind his desk writing in what can only be said to be a massive book! Lash had no idea where David even pulled it from. The desk is not that big! But all the same, Lash had a bit of a smile. Not because of the circumstance but because of his notice.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtain a passive skill from your Saurian counter part. Sensory Awareness; This skill allows you to be aware of your immediate area. With in three meters of yourself you can see around you. An important skill for a predator as well as a prey. Keep practicing less you become somethings breakfast!


    Lash almost lost his dinner when it first activated. It was incredibly disorientating. He experienced it when he first came to the center. But after that day it never came up again. Maybe Saurian was keeping it back and slowly let it out so we could learn it. After a few minutes Lash adjusted and had to admit it was neat! -Is this what Dare Devil feels like? Oh shit that''s Marvel, wrong brand! Erik commented. Then went back to being a professional. The line separating Lash and Erik was growing thinner. There were still many things Lash could do better then Erik. But instead of being a passenger. Erik felt that he was actually helping to drive the narrative now. Lash was like the driving instructor. While Saurian was the overly excited K-9 dog in the back. Friendly, helpful, excited to be out and about, and more then willing to rip someones throat out if needed. Lash felt that Saurian had grown, he was still clearly an adolescent but felt that maybe he grew a few inches.


    ¡°Near death experience...¡± Lash said all of a sudden. Marie narrowed her eyes, and David stopped writing. He didn''t look up, as if waiting for Lash to continue.


    ¡°I wasn''t born like this. Then...with what happened before with my mugging. I woke up, different. I thought I was crazy at first. But, I guess I did the smart thing and did not tell my friends and family about it. Probably would have committed me.¡± David seem to think about that for a bit, then continued to write in the book. Marie''s...Glare lessened but she kept eyes on him.


    Lash looked up at the Viking spirit floating just behind David. It made them think that maybe Saurian was floating just above him? Transparent? -No! Hunting partner Lash! We are one and the same. Same body! Same soul! Just more limbs! Saurian said...Lash knew he was trying to be helpful but the image of a multi limb, head, tail version of Lash made him a little queasy. Saurian laughed across the link at the imagery. -I''m right there with you! Erik said.


    ¡°So, today you stepped up in a big way. Not just with the Neighborhood Watch, but with being a Warden.¡± David saw I had a question but raised his hand to stop me. ¡°A Warden is a lot like a cop but for the super-natural world. A better reference would be a Sheriff in the wild west. Just like the wild west. Some Sheriff''s are good people, some are not. I''m sure you''ve seen some old movies that can give you an example. Sheriff''s are free to deputize people in order to help establish a bit of law. Fortunately, I was able to speak up on your behalf tonight. Bobby is a member of a Blood-Kindred house in Gotham.¡± David pauses for a moment to see if Lash had any follow up questions. Lash of course didn''t, but the Viking ghost noticed that he was white knuckling all of sudden.


    The sounds of screams rippled through the dark cavern, as Lash and his fellow hunters moved into the darkness with not but their faith, and torches to light there way. That coward priest from the church ran claiming it was god''s will he must survive. Then they all saw it, the cavern opened up a room filled with bodies, men, women, children, elderly. Some impaled on spikes, others hanging from the ceiling from stalactites. There was small girl crying for help. As a pale skinned abomination torn into her neck from behind. Blood and viscera bathed down her naked front. Then the long limped creature stood up towering over us. It let out a screech as it stormed into our line... YOU WILL DIE DEMON!....


    ¡°LASH!¡± David was calling his name... Lash broke from his memory. Looking up, at David he saw the look of concern not only in his eyes, but on Marie''s and the Viking spirit as well. -Be calm and breath deep partner Lash. You are here with us, you are safe! Saurian said in a comforting voice. Lash shuddered, cold sweat had collected on his body.


    ¡°S..Sorry..D..David. J...Just um...Re living a past not my own.¡± David look surprised. Clearly evident on his face. A brief moment when Davids age showed...He must have been in his fifties but despite the look he was still strong. David chuckled.


    ¡°If you had said that to any one else I think it would have been confusing. But we both know why I understand you.¡± David had a half-smile, while the Viking behind him nodded his head in confirmation.


    ¡°Ummm, Hello I don''t get it!¡± Marie was waving her hand at the both of them. David looked to his daughter then back at me. Letting me decide.


    ¡°Ever heard of Past lives? Reincarnation, Marie?¡± A look of understanding dawns on Marie. Taking out her phone she tells us she is looking it up online so she can keep caught up with us.


    ¡°Well as I was saying, Bobby is part of a Blood-Kindred house here in Gotham. I''m not sure what past transgressions you have with the Kindred. But they are ''Legal'' citizens of this city. As Wardens we are duty bound to protect them. But also bound to administer severe punishment to them if they break the law. Now, I say we because tonight you not only helped me. But also stopped Bobby, in trouble or not he will tell his house about you. If you don''t age....¡±


    ¡°OK! I''ll join up...I don''t have to quit my day job do I?¡± David paused...Then let a smile grow across his face.


    ¡°No, you do not! You should in fact keep it. Wardens in a lot of ways are both a part time job and a full time job. Including weekends and holidays. But it''s important to keep yourself ground in the mundane of society. Yes, you do get paid for being a Warden. But I guarantee we don''t pay as much as you make from one of your statue''s. I''ll send one of the Fae Court envoy''s to you. They will get you registered and give you your duty assignment. You''ll be a deputy Warden on probation. Just to see if it sticks. No offense.¡± David said, as he stood up...Showing that he did in fact NOT have a limp. So the cane is meant to hide his Spirit''s axe. He held out his hand for a shake. Lash stood and took it...There it was again, that hum of power that danced across Lash''s body. But this time Saurian pushed his own against it. Not violently but a show of force. Lash felt that the old Viking could have squashed him if he felt the need. But didn''t.


    ¡°I see that there is more to your circumstance than what you said. But, we all have our secrets and I wont pry. I hope you will do the same courtesy for me. But....If it jeopardizes the mission and the job YOU WILL tell me. Understood?¡± David made a point of looking at his young and overly naive daughter when he said secrets. I nodded my head.


    ¡°For better or worse if it effects the job or the mission I''ll inform you... So...do I call you Boss?¡± David laughed a big booming jovial sound. Lash had a momentary flash of him standing around several other soldiers, warriors around a table drinking the night away. As music played in the tavern. All of them laughing over something that clearly was not that funny. But what they were actually laughing about was that they had lived another day in this world.


    ¡°No you do not! David''s fine! Or you we can take a page from your book and you could call me Skaleg!¡± David smiled wide at him. Then...


    ¡°Alright...Skaleg...¡± When Lash said the name, both David and The spirit had a moment of recollection. As if they remembered something, they reflexively let go of his hand. Lash wondered if that''s what he looks like when he does remember. No one wonder they were concerned for him. Skaleg shook his head clearing his mind. Smiled wide at Lash.


    ¡°Go home! The Court will contact you with in a day or so!¡± Lash smiled then bid them goodbye, Marie was attached to her phone looking up light novels and fantasy books on some site named Scribble something. Barely replied to my words. Lash made his way home, stepping from the community center most of the night watch people had left. Some were talking all them did a small greeting but he could tell they were all tired. Stepping out into the cold autumn night he made his way home.


    Lash was still marveling at how different Gotham looked now. It was like putting on a pair of those old 3-D glasses with a color shift and things that would normally be simple, would just POP! He passed a beggar on the street, normally the rags covering them and how they spoke to no one would be a cause for concern. But now he saw a ape like creature selling his wares to a few pixies. Looked like sugar canes for consumption. Lash enjoyed this moment of serenity, in this moment he felt that maybe this wouldn''t be so bad. Getting back to his building he took out his door card, and punched in his code. The security glass door slid open. He had a long day, but froze when he looked at the security guard behind the desk. Just as much as the guard froze looking at him. The guard looked like he was in the process of eating something that was not entirely...''Normal''. He realized that I realized that I could see him.


    ¡°Hello, I''m Erik Lash..New Deputy to Warden Skaleg...¡± There was this tense moment..Then the guard smiled..His mouth going from ear to ear in a far to wide impossible manner. Like the Cheshire cat in Alice.


    ¡°Hello Mr. Lash! We''ve actually met before! Of course that was when you were...Mundane! But that''s wonderful news to hear the a Warden stays in my place of employment! Worry not! My meal is sanctioned by the Fae courts of Gotham!¡± The Guard''s over all features began to change into what I can really see to be a humanoid version of the Cheshire cat, tail included.


    ¡°I''ll take your word for it. Good night...I have a meeting with the Fae Court envoy sometime in the future. Should let you know.¡± The Chester cat''s eyes turned crescent as his mouth grew wider with his smile. His Three rows of razor sharp teeth revealed. Lash walked by and felt the guards eyes on his back the whole way...Even as tired as he was he still took the stairs.


    Getting back into his home he peeled off his cloths and prepared for what comes with every day. The shift. Bones broke, muscles tore, and Lash groaned in audibly pain. But the shift though still painful was shorter then it was before. Then stood the 4''2¡± Saurian Lash in all his glory. Though was completely shorter as he hunched over. The Kobald like reptile scampered around the house. All the windows and doors locked and shuttered. He may have joined the super-natural community but was not ready to let the natural community to know that. Saurian made a few simple tools out of stone. Knife, Spear, cup. Mostly just for practice. Double checked every entry and exit of the house ensuring his territory was secure. Then jumped onto the bed making a nest out of blankets. Curling up to sleep. Not being the first time he had done this. He''ll revert to human Lash while he sleeps.


    ¡°New day! New Hunt, my partners! Soon we will be big! Soon we will Feast!¡± Saurian said softly. His glowing reptilian eyes in the dark slowly close. Falling asleep.


    Erik... Lash dreamed of his life. Working with his father on the farm, watching his mother with a new child in her arms. Bouncing them up and down with a smile. It was a happy moment...Then his father reached out to him with a death grip. Lash turned to look at him, to see that his father had doubled over. An arrow sticking from his back. His mother screams made him turn...Only to see a giant brute of a man swing a long sword at his face. No...NOOOO!


    ¡°Nooooo!¡± Lash bolted awake! In his bed...Looking around wide eyed, confused, covered in sweat. Looking for danger, he hears a soothing voice across his mind. Saurian is trying to settle him. -Your safe partner. You are safe. Saurian is here, no one is around, checked we did. Lash laid back down across the bed...Panting for breath, he looks to his clock...4:30 am. Just like last time. Slowly standing up from his bed. He walks to his bathroom naked, since Saurian went to bed like that. He turned on the shower to brisk cold to help him wake up. Stepping into the shower he watches the bathroom mirror. He sees his reptile eyes peer back at him, as what can only be described as a creature slithering under his skin. Like watching a snake wiggled under the sand.


    Stepping from his bedroom fully clothed he makes his way to the kitchen. Makes a simple dish from what his nutritionist made for him. He wrote down a note on his fridge. ''Make sure to thank Lizzy for finding your nutritionist.'' Settling down at the kitchen table. He presses on a remote controller found near his table. The window shutters rise up letting the still dark Gotham morning, he leans back...Trying to clear his head from his dream when he freezes. Chicken and lettuce a few inches from his mouth. But he is staring at the super model female....elf standing on his landing...Waving at him. The women was about 5''5¡± with long black hair tied up in a tail. Showing off her clearly pointed ears. A dozen or so silver gleaming ear rings align her lobes. She is wearing a long leather coat that fits her like a glove showing off her curves even with the jacket on. He can see that she has a suit pants on, with dress heels on. Dark skin, with piercing red eyes, and a flirty smile. She gestures towards the door leading to the landing. There on the handle is one of the Gremlins I met at the Night Fair.


    Lash slowly stands up, moving towards the door. Unlocking it and opening it. The Gremlin flies in with a squeal!


    ¡°I found you! Yep! Yep! I did! Jessabell! I found him!¡± The Gremlin fairy fluttered around Lash then went to the kitchen table to begin munching on his chicken. Lash turned to...Jessabell?


    ¡°Hello...I''m...¡± Before he could continue..


    ¡°Erik Lash, well respected artist who is known to be able to make complicated art pieces from single pieces of wood, stone, and metal. Your pieces have even attracted some of the courts. Because even we can''t see how you did it, with a single piece no less! I''m Jessabell, Unseelie Court Envoy. May I come in?¡± Jessabell blinked innocently at him. Lash was not afraid to admit that he was stunned. So much so that he even said it out loud. Jessabell, laughed and her voice sounded so sweet on.....-HISSS! Lash partner wake up! Huntress casting charm on you! No! No! Saurian let a growl ring out. Once more it was not audible to human ears. But Jessabell actually stepped back in surprise. In that moment Lash saw her, she was still gorgeous. But that....other worldly charm that pulled him in was gone. Lash''s expression turned hard.


    ¡°Why do I get the feeling that Fae are not supposed to do that..¡± Lash''s question made Jessabell raise her hands in surrender.


    ¡°Sorry, sorry. I was told to test you. I''m pleased to see that you passed that part. Though in an un conditional method. But yes, that is technically against the law. Fae are not allowed to use glamour on Warden''s or mundanes to get them to do what they want. Unless given law binding permission. But..May I come in?¡± Lash stepped out of the way, gesturing for her. Though he didn''t say the word. He was curious if it was a invitation thing. Proved wrong because she just passed like it was nothing. Maybe she was just being polite.


    Closing the door behind her, and locking it out of habit. He walked over to the kitchen and pulled out a Honey Dew tea. Making two cups of it. He wasn''t sure why but he felt that this was the right choice. After a minute or so, he brought it back to the table placing one in front of the Gremlin then one in front of Jessabell. Her eye brows rose a fraction in surprise at the gesture. Took the glass he assumed to be polite only to make a ''hmm''! Sound as she begin to drink it in earnest. Lash looked back, his breakfast was gone, and the Gremlin was currently licking the tea cup clean. Lash hadn''t even seen it move.


    Lash moved to gently pick up the gremlin and begin petting it. The Gremlin froze for a moment then settled down. Letting out an audible groan...Or maybe a purr? He wasn''t sure but it sounded like the gremlins teeth were rubbing against each other. Jessabell watched the Gremlin with interest. Then back at Lash...


    ¡°I''ve....Not seen a human be able to pet a Griak like that in....Ever.¡± Jessabell''s eyes moved to his own. Of course she couldn''t hear...-Yes! Yes! Small one, welcome to Lash''s home! Be calm! Be safe!


    The Gremlin...Or Griak as the Fae referred to it as was in heaven. Enjoying the petting. Lash felt it was like he was petting wet sand paper. But continued to do it. He kept his eyes on Jessabell, then.


    ¡°Do you mind if I carve a statue of you?¡± Jessabell''s eyes flashed with delight, at Lash''s question.


    ¡°Can I watch while you work?¡± Jessabell asked, while Lash grimaced.


    ¡°Unfortunately I don''t let people watch me work, no offense but it tends to distract me while others are in the room, especially beautiful women. Plus if you did you would discover my secret.¡± Jessabell smiled at him.


    ¡°But how will you carve me with out a model present...Oh! Do you do it from memory? Would you like to see the rest of me for reference.¡± Jessabell undid her coat.


    She was wearing a form fitting suit vest but with no shirt. Letting him see plenty of dark skinned cleavage. She wasn''t bursting at the seams. But she had plenty, she caught him checking her out with a mischievous smile. Unabashed she stood up. Setting her coat down, she did a small spin in front of Lash. Her suit vest just barely reached her hips. So when she twisted he could see the skin of her waist, revealing her navel, this caused him to look further down letting his imagination wonder. But! Even with all that, Lash did look at her, memorizing her size, feature, movement. Jessabell stopped and looked at him. Nodding her head, understanding that despite the show he was serious about making a statue of her.


    ¡°If we had more time I''d let you see...All of me.¡± Jessabell teased as she undid the top button of her vest. Just to let him know she was not wearing a bra.


    It was at the moment he was happy he was sitting down. Because other parts of him at this moment were at complete attention. He swore he kept his composure. But he felt his ears burning, and watched as Jessabell enjoyed his reaction. He coughed trying to clear the tension from the room. The Griak had fluttered to sit on his shoulder and was watching the entire exchange seeming oblivious to the entire... moment.


    ¡°But alas we can not! Work first, once I''m done the Seelie court will be here. I''m sure you''ll enjoy her as well!¡± Jessabell sat at the table once more. Pulling out a book that had no business being in her coat pocket. Just like Skaleg''s it was huge. Softly placing it down, she opened it up, taking out a gold feather pen. She tucked a loose strand behind her ear, gently biting her lip, a small blush crawled up her cheeks.


    ¡°Your doing that on purpose...¡± Lash spoke softly, watching her. Jessabell giggled softly and went back to the book. Acting innocently as nothing had happened to begin with.


    Lash stood up and refilled the Honey Dew for Jessabell, and the Griak. Taking out some cheese and crackers he set it down for the tiny Fae. Fluttering down it began to munch on the provided snacks.


    ¡°So good! New Warden is so nice! Honey Tea! Jessabell! Did you see the tea! I like this one! Lets keep him! Wish wash those other prancy see see courts.¡± The Griak devoured the snacks like a blender. Though not a single crumb ever landed on the table.


    ¡°Who are the See See courts?¡± Lash asked...Jessabell froze at the question. Lash noticed the change but before anything could be said.


    ¡°Those are the prancy ones..They were at the festival! Bright shiny lights! Always so mean to Griaks! We try to be friends, but the stupid See See''s always look down on us! But new Warden bought us candy! Many of the See See''s Asked about you! But Griaks claim friend first! Willing to share! But Share they must! No Steal! Nope!¡± The Griak declared to the room, to the Warden, and to Jessabell.


    -Yes! Yes! All tiny hunters welcome with Lash. But must share and be friends! Or no friends be having! The Griak nodded its head several times to Saurians comment. Jessabell looked at Lash with intense eyes.


    ¡°Did...You just understand the Griak?¡± Jessabell asked, this time licking her lips. But not in a sensual sex appeal. But like a happy, excited motion.


    ¡°Yes....Can''t you speak to them as well. They''ve been saying your name several times so far.¡± Lash was a little confused. Then it clicked! The system must classify the Griaks as beasts of Super-Natural origin. Which means ''Sentient'' speaking supers cant understand them. Unless they have a prerequisite skill or ability.


    ¡°I take it...That speaking to the animals of natural or Super-Natural in the Fae courts are.... Uncommon?¡± Lash carefully asked. Jessabell sat up straight and looked at Lash like she wanted to lick him up like an ice cream cone, annnd! Lash was back at attention, glad he was sitting down.


    ¡°Yess....¡± Her words her almost in a seductive purr. ¡°Its incredibly rare, With proper training the Fae court hunt masters can learn to speak. But every beast has a unique language. Think of it like learning the same language with different accents. Some are easy to understand. Some are so thick and constrained from the normal that its like learning a new language. Are you telling me that you not only speak, but also understand the language of beasts? Natural or otherwise?¡± Jessabell was practically vibrating with excitement.


    Lash did a quick check on the systems description of the skill. Then slowly nodded his head in a yes. Jessabell jumped out of her seat and proceed to jump up and down in a very lively manner. Her suit vest bounced with every move. Making him think she would fall out of her top.... Wouldn''t be so bad! The Griak fluttered around as well, not entirely sure why. But was excited because Jessabell was excited. -Focus, Partner Lash. Do not fall prey to Huntress milk sacs! Lash laughed softly at the abrupt and un-intentional humor brought on by Saurian.


    After a few minutes Jessabell had calmed down and was writing in her book and a furious pace. Still clearly excited, after a few minutes she began to inform him that with his ability. He would be tasked with a far wider range of districts. But, because of this, several Wardens would be assigned to cover Skaleg''s area. Why? Because not a single Warden in Gotham could speak to beasts. There are many disagreements between the Seelie and UnSeelie courts. Many them also involve the beasts. They may not have a written language but many of them are just as old, and powerful as the Fae. Skaleg would also get a bonus to him and his family for finding Lash. Now the Fae courts were not the only Super-Natural element in Gotham. Many of them were oblivious to each other, some were an intricate part of it. Warden''s are meant to enforce the law, help guide new prospects into the society if they so choose. So, Sheriff, Soldier, Mentor, Tax collector, Hunter, Lore Keeper all rolled into one. That is what a Warden was.


    Erik was confused, he didn''t remember reading anything about Wardens in the Comics with Constantine. Maybe he did his own thing? Maybe Wardens went by another name? Maybe the Dream Engine made the Warden system for those that wanted to go the Magical Origin route? He would have to spend some time on the forum and ask around.


    So, Jessabell went over everything before she left. We had been talking for a few hours. She new the Seelie court was waiting to talk to him. Lash was responsible for the ENTIRE Gotham City Area. However, a majority of his assignments will be mediating between Magical beasts or...''Others''. Because he was covering so much, his own area would have other Wardens. All of good and up right standing! Jessabell was rather proud about that, the other Wardens would cover the district that he was suppose to take over from Skaleg. He would get hazard pay due to what danger he may encounter. Skaleg and his family would get a bonus for discovering him. Skaleg was retiring in a year and had been looking for a replacement. Wardens contracts are by a ten year by ten year basis. You could retire with full honors after ten years. That''s what Skaleg had done. But if you sign up again you get more privileges and rewards. Lash would get a full training course by the Fae, and other Super-Natural society people so he would not be blind to the culture or his job. He would of course still be allowed to pursue his Mundane job, and his life, friends, and family would be protected as best as possible with in the law of the Courts. Jessabell shook his hand, then hugged him! Which surprised him. He had the impression that she was trying to literally paint herself onto him, he wasn''t complaining! But at this moment he was standing up, in more ways then one. Jessabell wiggled with excitement. Ignoring the new appendage digging into her hips, or maybe she didn''t care. Because she kissed him before she left. The Griak also kissed Lash on the nose then flew behind Jessabell. She left behind a card with her work phone, and personal phone on the back. In case he ever wanted to get an in-depth look for his statue. He carefully placed that in his wallet. After he had seen them to..the...Balcony landing they both just faded from sight.


    Lash cleaned up the kitchen, washing his dishes. He moved back to his bathroom to clean up. Then went to his art room. He began to draw from memory Jessabell on a canvas. Placing her in different poses, all still wearing her clothing. After a few minutes he heard a tapping, from his balcony window again. He came to the main room, to see another... Elf? She was 5''8¡± Wearing a business grey suit, that fit to reveal her lavish curves. She had pale skin, blond hair, and light blue eyes, with red ruby earrings, her hair was short, coming to her shoulders, with bangs just above her eyes. Her neck line went into the deep recesses of her cleavage. Jessabell was busty, but this Fae was ridicules...How did she walk? Didn''t that cause back pain! All on top of a hour glass figure.


    Lash moved to the door, opening it. He looked at her...He knew it was coming. Like a breath of air when you sit next to a beach away from the pollution of the city. She smelled wonderful, her smile bright....-Hissssss! Saurian hissed, just like that the glamour broke. The women seem surprised for the briefest of moments. Then returned to a professional expression.


    ¡°I see why Skaleg decided to recruit you. If that''s your only feature then even now I can pass you off.¡± Lash stepped back, and waved his had gesturing for her to step in.


    She fluttered her eye lashes at him and walked in playing the bashful young maiden. This time Lash was prepared for it. Though he still quickly adjusted his standing erection keeping it in his belt so that she didn''t notice a towel rack ready for service. He watched as she swayed her hips with every step. Her ass perfectly taunt and ready to smack. She carefully pulled out a chair, distinctly avoiding the one Jessabell used. Lash went to his kitchen and pulled out, morning dew tea this time. He had an entire cupboard full of different tea''s. Lizzy bought them for him, said it would help him get that creative spark. But he noticed the last time he went to her home. All of the tea boxes her mother bought for her were oddly...missing.


    Placing the Morning Dew tea in front of her. She glanced at the glass, sniffing. Her little nose wiggling. Her eyes gleamed, carefully sipping the hot glass. She let out a little, hmmmm of appreciation. She took her small pink tongue over her lips far more then necessary. She was watching him out of the corner of her eyes, checking to see if he was enjoying the show. Lash was, but unlike Jessabell, he didn''t offer to carve a statue of her.


    ¡°So, first off. My name is Li'' Ana. You are Erik Lash an artist of Gotham City well respected, and well earned for your trade. So I just have a simple question...Well two! Actually, One, why do you want to be a Warden. Two, why did you and Jessabell talk so long?¡± A slight look of irritation passed over Li'' Ana''s face when she said Jessabell''s name. Lash leaned back against the chair, crossing his arms across his chest.


    ¡°I assume you know what Reincarnation is?¡± Lash said softly, Li''Ana raised a brow, then gave a nod. ¡°Something, some one, maybe from before just tells me that its the right choice.¡± That was a incredibly vague and stupid answer. Its not like he could tell them that he was playing a game, and was trying to become a super hero. But Li''Ana still took out a massive book from a hand bag she was carrying. Just like before it was larger then what it should have been. She took out a gold feathered pen. Than began to take notes.


    ¡°The reason why Jessabell and I spoke for so long is because I have a unique ability as she called it. That would make me suited for being a Warden. Especially when working with magical beasts. I can speak the language of beasts. Natural, or Super-Natural.¡± Just like Jessabell, Li''Ana froze when she was writing in her book. She slowly looked at him, her neck rotated like one of those ghosts you watch in a horror movie. Had to say it was creepy looking.


    ¡°Y..You can speak to beasts...No matter their breed?¡± Nodding his head Lash responded.


    ¡°Yes, Jessabell brought a Griak in with her. I met them at the City fair last night. I didn''t know this but Griaks are hard to speak to, and are even harder to understand. Each one likes to talk differently. But to me it all sounds the same. I was able to carry a full conversation with the one Jessabell brought.¡± Just like Jessabell, Li''Ana''s eyes got all big and round. She stood up, but unlike Jess, she didn''t bounce and cheer, she walked around the table. Well, walk is not the right word she was prowling. -Hisss! Run Partner Lash! She is about to attack! Let me out! I will take her for the Feast of many bones! Lash jumped to his feet, and put the kitchen counter between them.


    ¡°OK! I know Fae seem to be physically intimate! But, you look like your about to attack me!¡± Lash said with a hint of edge to his voice.


    Li''Ana stopped, realizing how she was acting, coughed and went back to her seat. Unlike before when she was clearly playing her part up. This embarrassed blush was authentic. She took her pen out once more and began to write in her book. Lash came back to the table. After that everything went the same as Jessabell. Went over this and that, a few details specific to the Seelie Court. She gave him her business card, with her private number as well. If he ever needed any extra info. Warden''s and envoys would often work with one another. This was not the last time Lash would see Li''Ana.


    ¡°Congratulations, Erik Lash by this time tomorrow, you will be an official Deputy Warden!¡± With that, Li''Ana bid him goodbye, left through the balcony and just literally ghosted out...


    Attention User: Your Cosmic Patron has issued a grand quest!


    1) Become an official Warden! Reward Skill; Minor Regeneration for both human and Saurian form.


    2) Optional, seduce and bed one of the Fae Court envoy''s you have previously met. Jessabell, Li''Ana, or BOTH! Reward skill; Minor Glamour Charm.


    3) Optional, Kill one of the Fae Court envoy''s you have previously met. Jessabell, Li''Ana or BOTH. Reward skill; Devour, Consume, Evolve.


    4) Befriend two or more Super-Natural societies. Reward Skill: Depends on the Society you befriend...... Good Luck, your patron is watching with anticipation!


    ¡°Well Fuck...¡±

 Chapter 6: The Forum’s of The Dream Engine

    Erik opened his eyes, finding himself back in his room in the outside world. Turning his head to look at this clock it was 7:00 pm of that same Friday. But...Erik felt different, he felt older? As if he had experienced more in this few hours then he has in the past 10 years. From a certain perspective he had, Lash was a successful Artist with a good job, home, and friends. Who was more confident, strong, and handsome..Many thing''s he was not. Then the adventure of being something more. Something Super! Meeting different people, and seeing different places. He understood why the Dream Engine had a game time limit. We needed to limit how much we play or we would lose our selves in a life that isn''t ours. But Erik understood why people become shut ins.


    Erik, stood up and went to his kitchen and made something simple along with some coffee. While he waited he looked at the floor in his front room and decided to do some push-ups. Shouldn''t be hard, right?


    ¡°...eeeehhh......yaaaa.....C...Come on!......O.....ONE!¡± Erik collapsed onto the floor. His arms shaking with muscle tremors. Some part of him just wanted to die. DING! Oooo! Coffee is done, Erik slowly stood up and moved to get his much needed energy boost. Moving back to his computer, he logged onto Dream Engine forum. Looking at the swarm of new posts. Scrolling through he had a momentary expression of surprise as he clicked on the thread. DEATH!


    Hey everyone this is User #00245 on the D.C. Comics story iteration. So, what happens when you die? Well it''s pretty simple.... You die! I''ve discovered in this game, or at least the D.C. Game does not use a save point, check point system. So, you can''t save before you go into the gangs'' hide out, then reload your game to prevent yourself from going in that one window. The game is essentially Iron Man mode the whole way through. Speaking to several Beta Testers and their experience we have learned that certain specific Backgrounds and Origins have access to a life-death system.


    Example: They had an Alien Origin, they were part of an Envoy mission from another planet visiting Earth to enlist the Justice League''s help. The User had a transponder implanted in their body. If they were gravely injured? With in a less then 5% of their total health the interstellar ship would transport them back to the ship for medical attention. But this didn''t always work as they said that if they were in an interference area. Such as a half a mile underground the transponder couldn''t get a lock and they died.


    But all is not lost! We have discovered that the Dream Engine System keeps a tally of all your exploits, adventures, and missions. When you die the system will tally all of the Achievement Points you''ve collected. Then when you go to make a new avatar, you can use the points from your previous game to make a new game +. So, myself have died several times! My starting Super rank on my 3rd try was F+ instead of the standard G-. I had more skills, abilities, as well as a wider range of where I could spawn in. I.E. I could choose to use my points so I would have wealth for my background!


    You can even reload your original Character. Each time you create a character the system saves it into drafts. So if you fail with your first try. Re-load! Now how is this different before a check point system? Well its because you are starting completely from the beginning! You can also choose to use points to alter your background now with this new information! As well as alter your starting point collection! But!...There is always a but! If you alter your point collection when you first start then you will not have the same start. What this means is your first try we are all G- Supers. But if you restart and you have the points to be F- Super then the system will adjust accordingly. It may end up skipping the tutorial, start you off with actual missions. (If you have a mission system) You actually have to specifically ask the System V.I. To keep the original start but keep your new point total. I hope everyone has fun! Sincerely User #00245.


    Erik stopped scrolling through the thread after he read a few comments. Reading other stories of when they died. One of the Magical Origin Users actually could die, then reform in the world. But the penalty was one year would pass in the game world. They had died 5 times, and was now 5 years forward. He was enjoying it! Because he would meet up with all of the old background characters they would freak out that he was alive. Hilarity would ensue!


    Another surprise was he found out that not everyone started in the same time. He was at the time when Superman, and Batman were considered an Urban myth. Hearsay. Rumors! But another User was spawned into at the Height of the Justice League when they were doing open recruiting for heroes and side-kicks. But ended up using their point total when they died to reload their saved draft. But arrive 10 years ahead of their original spawn time.


    Erik scrolled through a few threads reading through them. Leaving comments about his own experience. Discovered a thread about the ''Warden'' for Magical Origins. Well turns out you don''t have to have Magical Origin to join the super-natural society. The User pointed out that Batman in the comics has several run in''s with the super-natural. Another note was that a Warden can specifically choose to represent one of the Fae Courts, they will continue to protect and serve all super-natural denizens. But off the books your loyalty resides with a Court. Another point was that The Dream Engine System was using ALL of D.C. Comics as a reference for the game. NOT just super heroes. The User linked a few obscure stories, graphic novels that are actually part of D.C.


    Example: The graphic novel, and T.V. Show Lucifer? The Devil that takes a vacation in the City of Angels in California? That is part of D.C. Comics. So its possible to actually meet the Devil in Dream Engine.


    Erik was surprised about that bit of information. Now discovering why the Fae Courts may not actually be a part of the Superman, Batman universe. But thanks to the Engine, it is now! Wow, that made the overall possibilities of the game pretty....Outlandish! More then it already was. He continued to read through the thread. Leaving a comment about Jessabell, and Li''Ana. A few other Users had met them. Some others got different people. Several women Users got men ''Sylvans'' Is what they are called. Not elves, they look similar but are considered a different race. It would seem the Fae Courts sent what ever the Applicant Warden found sexually appealing. Primarily used as a test, they wanted to see if the Warden''s could look past the Glamour and spell charms that they would often encounter in their line of work. Not everyone passed the test and failed to become a Warden. Several the Users had never heard of David Skaleg, or the fact that you could join the Wardens by the Neighborhood Watch.


    Finding a new thread about ''Dissemination of Information.'' This User discovered that you could not out right find Bruce Wayne, or Superman, or The Flash, then scream their identity at them. The system would prevent you from meta-gaming or breaking the fourth wall. They went on to tell how you can still physically move your character to locations, and have interactions. But, you have to LEARN the information in the generated world before the system will let you say it out loud. At the very least you have to gain a basic insight into them to even create a working theory. Once you have a plausible theory you can talk about it. This made several Users frustrated, but if you really thought about it. That would make sense.


    One User had chosen the Alien Origin, he was from a nearby system of planets that was near Earth, he was tasked along with many other agents to move to Earth and learn all they could about the Meta-Gene, and more specifically the one they called Superman. So the User when he first lands heads straight to Smallville and finds the Kents. But....Cant open his mouth to ask them what it was like raising a god among men. So the User had his V.I. Model move to Smallville and volunteer to work on the Kent farm to learn. The User told his superiors he was working an angle. Over time both the User and his model became friends with the Kent''s and eventually met Clark. But, Clark being who he was used his vision to see that the User was not human, fearing the worse Clark confronted him....Away from his parents. The User was free to say ''Certain'' things. But told Clark that he was sent to monitor and record information about Meta-Gene''s as well as Superman. Not attack Earth...But to ask for help. Now, the User has a working relationship with Superman, and does three days a week at the Kent Farm, the rest he is in Metropolis working as a Side-kick for Superman.


    Erik was stunned once more at the complexity of the Dream Engine and what it was capable of. He found a comment on this thread about how they believe the different Users generated worlds are akin to what you would normally see to Alter Earths. They all start the same, but thanks to the Users we have butterfly effects.


    Then one user shouted on the thread. ¡°WAIT, YOU CAN LEAVE GOTHAM!?¡± Erik completely missed that point. Yes, you can leave Gotham. Gotham is the spawn location for the Beta Test. But nothing keeps you there. Another User had already flown down to Brazil. That''s where he is from in the outside world. He wanted to be a super hero there. The Dream Engine did a good job re-creating the world, the User claimed the city was a near perfect replica. The User was having a blast being the only hero in his city. But he said that the system was beginning to adapt and troubles, or procedural generated events were cropping up.


    If Erik didn''t know better he would feel like this was one of those Light Novel''s where the machine transports your soul to an actual world and the Users are just mucking up in an alternate Universe! But Erik laughed at that and kept scrolling through the Forum. He took a few minutes to write up another report on the system and how he enjoyed how it would grow and change its personality. He really enjoyed Dawn. Then went back to the Forum. He found several Users that went the Villain route. Many of them had gone to jail! But, thanks to the V.I. Model system they just went to the black room, or logged out. The Engine just skipped through time till they were bailed, paroled, or escaped! But many of the Users told everyone to try and live the day to day lives as much as possible because you would learn skills, traits, abilities. As well as play an active part. While you are active in the game the system generates events for you. While you are logged out? The system doesn''t, except for specific background choices, or timed events. So even if you work a 9 to 5 job at a corporate head quarters. Go and learn Management, empathy, Or even Connections. The Dream Engine rewards you for your active participation. Yes, you can skip ahead to the good stuff, but you can also learn, and get a good grip on your foundation if your willing to put in the time. Thanks to the Dream Engine time difference, several Users had spent over a year in their worlds.


    Erik read through the comments, learning the system gave the Users what can be described as the Protagonist or Antagonist luck glow. Things seem to just happen around the User, good and bad. Nothing wrong with that! But a User who was a bike messenger in Gotham must have been involved in drug runners, muggings, and sexual tension in the work place. On a side note! A user learned that yes...Yes you can have sexual interactions with characters. No, it is not blacked out, yes they firmly validated that it was almost as good as the real thing! There were many hoot''s, jeering, comments. Some congratulating them, others telling them he was a pig. Only to discover the User was a women. A few more less then savory comments were said only for the thread to be ''locked'' by the monitor of the forum.


    Then a quick announcement on the forum was made. A new version was added to game by the developers but the game automatically downloaded the patch. If you were playing that it was done in the background. Skills and abilities that your V.I. Model has obtained either through game play, background, or origin. The black room will now have a list of those after your initial game tutorial, as well as a neat little bullet point on how the User can learn them. Also, if you die? You can only buy skills with your point value that you had encountered in your game play experience. This was meant to encourage replay, and tease others to try new things. With that all said and read, Erik logged off the forum. Moved back the cube and start up to play. Let''s see where Lash is now...


    Like waking up in the middle of a good dream, only to find a better reality. Erik was greeted by Dawn! Telling him about the patch, essentially everything he had just read. Because it had been awhile Erik called up his Rank Status.


    Name: Erik Lash, often referred to as ''Lash''.


    Origin: Magical


    Rank: G+


    Skills: Material Shaping, Shape shift (Saurian), Acting, Martial Arts, Magical Perception, Beast Speak, Sensory Awareness (3 meters)


    The User has begun to leave their mark on the world. Though they still have yet to choose to be a force for good or evil. They have made some enemies, and some friends. They have grown as a Super, but can still be considered an average man or in their case a Lizard. They had discovered that the world is far larger, and stranger then they anticipated. But if they let that stop them then they wouldn''t be back for more!


    Erik did a small cheer at his advancement. Then brought up the V.I. Model of Lash and his recent activities from the soft progression. To Lash it had been two weeks, he had become a deputized Warden of Gotham. Erik, recalled that his quest required him to be an official Warden, not a deputy so he still had time. During these two weeks, he had met with Skaleg the old soldier was surprised and happy to discover that Lash was capable of beast speak, the societies added three more zero''s to his retirement pension! This meant he could send his daughter to any college he wanted as long as she got in. Lash found out that Skaleg''s wife, Marie''s mother was a mundane and made Skaleg promise to protect their daughter from the super-natural life, on her death bed. So, Marie knowing full well what lies beneath has been following that promise as well. Skaleg got a magical glyph that is thankfully invisible to Mundane eyes inscribed on his daughter. This mark literally tells all Super-Natural denizens that Marie is protected by the Fae Court''s under Warden law.


    Erik continued to read the report Dawn had filed. One of the elders of the Blood-Kindred house that kid Bobby was a part of met with Skaleg and Lash. Apologized for the behavior of their young one and informed them that he was being punished. Not only had he been forbidden from going to public affairs until he had proven himself. He had broken curfew when they had found him. Skaleg seemed satisfied by the apology until the elder left then he proceeded to smash a few things. Skaleg hated the Blood-Kindred house in Gotham. Lash went to a Warden get together where he met his other Wardens and their deputies. There he discovered the hard truth. G.P.D. Has thousands if not hundreds of thousands of emergency response, service, and protection in place. In all of Gotham City...There are a little under one hundred Wardens. Now, the Wardens work in conjunction with the Societies people to help keep the peace so there is that. But the Wardens are primarily a ''neutral'' faction. Some unofficially join a specific faction. But overall they are meant to keep the peace and punish those that break it. Lash met the three Wardens that were assigned to help patrol Skaleg''s area. Despite the extra work they were happy to do it. Because Lash would be helping all of Gotham with the beasts of the city. They told him dozens of stories about how they lost mundane and super-natural natural people alike to a monster. Now with him they have a chance to save both people and monster alike. But they also warned him that not everyone would be happy. Several of the factions in the city had beast talkers, and were not happy that the Wardens had one. They would often use this unique skill as a political chip, so they gave Lash several factions and names with in those factions to watch out for.


    On the mundane side of things, the Collins dropped the investigation into Lash and Shaw''s Art industry credibility. One of Lash''s clients came to his defense and publicly denounced the Collins. Using a video recording of Collins declaring behind closed doors that they were using this little stunt to force Lash to let them see his artistic process. After that the Collins not only lost reputation, they also lost the set piece that the Shaw''s sold to them, since the Collins refused to pay for it in the first place. But then there was an auction for the piece, and it sold for a whopping 120,000$ the blue bloods of Gotham loved a good scandal, and the art piece was exceptional. Lizzy was incredibly happy as was her family. This put a new found of respect and reputation on them. As well as Lash.


    Erik was scrolling through the last of the information. Reading that at the end of this week. Lash was invited to the ceremony of Wardens to take his official oath. Which was rather fast from what Skaleg told him. He would still be working under Skaleg for the time being, but the Fae Courts wanted him officially as soon as possibly, why? Because they didn''t want any other faction to pop up and throw money, and rewards at Lash. Once you swear the oath, you''re a Warden for ten years no discussion. Erik thanked Dawn for the information and gave his best impression of an air-hug in the Black room. He still didn''t have a physical body there. She giggled at him, and said thank you for the attempt then with a prompt.


    WOOSH!

 Chapter 7: You are what you EAT.

    Lash felt a tingling sensation roll down in his spine as Erik joined them on the ground. -Welcome back! Both Lash, and Saurian called out. Lash was having lunch with Lizzy in a local cafe. She had wanted to speak to him about his extra activities of late. She didn''t know about the Wardens or the life beneath the city. At least he hoped she didn''t. But she had noticed that he was acting differently, as well as how he needed to maintain a proper respectable appearance. Or it would not only effect himself, but also her and her family. It was a messy way of her telling him she was worried about him. She was wearing skin tight blue jeans, a pair of snow boots as it was snowing outside now. A long sleeved white cashmere sweater, with a long winter coat draped over her chair. Her fiery red hair was done up into a bun. No glasses today, she was in a good mood. Her blue eyes were dazzling to look at. Despite this beauty sitting with him. Lash has had a feast for his eyes for the past few weeks. Every super-natural envoy, trainer, and society member had met was exceptionally beautiful. Almost as if that was a requirement. Lizzy was stunning! For a human.


    ¡°...Lash.....Lash!....LASH!¡± Lizzy was calling to him, he had been staring straight at her. But when Erik arrived, Saurian was chattering his head off and Lash got lost in two different conversations.


    ¡°Sorry, Lizzy. My train of though derailed when I remembered something. Can you repeat your last 3-5 sentences please?¡± Lash, tried to appease the fiery red head in front him.


    Lizzy folded her arms under her chest with a humph! Emphasizing her breasts up just a little. Lizzy was a lot like Jessabell in that regard ample but not overly so that made him worry for her health like Li''Ana was. He only glanced at Lizzy''s chest before he moved back to Lizzy only to flinch when she saw him checking her out. Her eyes were glaring at him, but he swore he saw a twitch of her lips...She was pleased. Lizzy had heard from the security desk in his building that several BEYOND beautiful women had been coming to his home in the last few weeks. The guard, Thompson or as Lash knew him as the Cheshire cat with the impressive smile had told her. Lash thinks he did it specifically did it because he new it would cause jealousy with Lizzy. Lash and Lizzy didn''t have romantic feelings for each other. But no women he has ever met like''s seeing stunning individuals visit a guy friend. Lash laughed with worry in his eyes. Especially since not one of those women had met him through the front door but through his balcony window. Thompson had also gotten a raise! Along with several of the other guards in the building. The whole building he lived in was bought by the Fae Courts.


    ¡°Lizzy, I told you I joined the Neighborhood Watch. The people I met were just interested in seeing a few of my pieces after they heard of me during the night festival a few weeks ago. You know this is true? Haven''t they contacted the office and requested something new?¡± Lash thought he had made head way...Only to shrink his head in like a turtle. Lizzy was staring daggers at him. Why?


    ¡°I never said anything about those....Women visiting you!? I was talking about your behavior in front of the public! I actually think the neighborhood watch will help a lot with your image! Mister Lash!¡± It was one of those brief moments when a man actually read between the lines and got in trouble for it. Lizzy was mad about the women, but of course she would not admit it. She was angry at Lash for bringing it up! The very thing she wanted him to talk about, but did not want to talk about.


    Lash could feel cold sweat roll down his back, as even Saurian was metaphorically curling up into a ball in fear. -Hush! Partner Lash. Huntress Lizzy is angry! Appease her with new delicious cake that has arrived, give her gift from pocket! Lash''s eyes took on a glimmer of hope when a waiter brought in a piece of Lizzy''s favorite cake. She was confused about the abrupt change, about to ask why this was brought out. Lash took out a small box with a ribbon on it.


    ¡°Happy Birthday, Lizzy!¡± Grinning like a fool before the lioness hoping this will at least forestall his execution. Lizzy was glaring at him, he swore lasers were boring into his skull as she did so. The waiter disappeared from the awkward moment with all due haste!


    Lizzy with jagged fingers reached for the box. Making Lash flinch with the movement. Continuing to do her impression of Superman with laser focus she opened the box. Only to lose herself in what was inside. There was a beautiful ruby, emerald, and diamond piece of an old Celtic knot wrapped in gold, with silver chains for the necklace. The whirl of emotions coming across her face were hard describe, she squealed with glee! Making many of the Cafe patrons look over at our table. Wondering why my friend had gone from joyfully talking about something, then screaming at him, then now squealing in delight. Lizzy forgetting about anything else. Went to put on the piece, the easy to grip clasp made the whole affair simple. She took out a hand mirror and checker herself out. Then went to hug Lash! Pressing her self tight against him wiggling with excitement. Only to freeze, return to glaring at him. Sitting down with a cold exterior that was of course betrayed by the smile on her face that she didn''t know she had.


    ¡°We the jury except this for a clear bribe, and well put off your execution...For now.¡± Lizzy grabbed her fork and began to eat her cake.


    Lash turned into a deflated balloon, but at least he was alive. Yay! After bidding Lizzy goodbye Lash paid for a cab and went across the city to visit a Fae Court library and records house. He''d been here several times already with Skaleg, the building was several stories tall with an exterior much like an old catholic church but renovated. A large iron fence surrounded the building with clich¨¦ Gargoyle sentries along the walls. Only for Saurian to growl in his ear telling him that they were not fake but actually alive. Their presence alone scared off Mundanes interested in the buildings wealth with an otherworldly aura, they also made great soldiers, as Skaleg said. Entering the front door, Lash greeted the front desk clerk. A small little man that was apparently a type of gnome...Maybe a dwarf? Because the little guy always had a hip flask with him that never seem to run out of booze.


    Inside the records house that...Like so many magic, swords, and fantasy books he had read. It was far larger on the inside then it was on the outside. Not only by several stories up, it had another twelve beneath the ground floor. Many different denizens of the Societies in Gotham were here. Lash''s world view kept expanding everyday. Erik lost his shit! When he saw an Amazon from Themyscira. Looks like the Amazons were not as disconnected in The Dream Engine. But since Lash didn''t actually know anything about Diana, Erik couldn''t ask the Amazon about her. Lash was polite to everyone he met. Most ignored him, save a few a deputy Warden''s that greeted him openly. Clearly stating who he was. This made anyone near by re think their approach.


    Lash found what he was looking for, the Warden Oath ceremony, he was to go to a Neutral ground found in Gotham''s city limits. Seelie with the Summer Court, the Unseelie with the Winter Court, and even the Under Fae of the benevolent, malevolent factions. The Blood-Kindred would be appearing as well as many Lycan-Sub breeds including but not only Wolves, Rats, Tigers, Leopards, and Snakes, with many more! Lash didn''t realize there were so many sub-were breeds in the world. Even the ''Owl'' Society one of Batman''s many enemies would be sending an envoy. The neutral ground was found in one of Gotham''s largest parks. Part of the Hedge Garden area was separated by a glamour. So part of the real park was hidden from view.


    Congratulations User! You have obtained the skill, Otherworldly Lore: The history of the world is not as clean and cut as many humans think it is. Which is of course already saying something! You now have the ability to remember basic history of objects, places, and people. But! Continue to study there is always more to learn!


    Lash stopped, then laughed at himself. This was one of the skills he learned he needed to do in the Black Room with Dawn. He didn''t think he would get it so easy. Lash, was thankful to learn that the Oath was simple. There was no poetic complicated phrase, poetry he had to learn. He would simply kneel before the appointed envoy''s they would all recognize him as a new Warden. Then the High Council, the ones above all else would speak to him...Privately. What happened during this time was between the Warden and the Council. Not even Skaleg would tell him the specifics. But...There was one piece of good news. Every Warden would receive a...Tribute? A blessing from the council that was unique to the Warden. Many recorded Warden''s had similar tributes in appearance...But all of them were different. Erik read on the forum''s that many of the Users got to Choose a power, gift, or even a magical Domain. I.E. One became an elementalist so they could control Earth, Fire, Water, Wind....-And Heart! Erik snickered to himself.


    Lash also read on the history of the Warden''s. To discover that most of the world did not have them. The Society''s often policed themselves. As well as only major cities with longer the two or even three hundred years of history would have established rules in place. Most of the Denizens of the Super-natural Community were long lived so a few centuries was like a few years. The primary role was to maintain what could only be called the Masquerade between Mundane and Magical. Unlike the myth''s and legends you would normally read about the world of magic. They had not been lost to the pages of history. The Society had been up to date with new technologies, and culture. All in an attempt to stay ahead of the learning curve so they could be safe. Despite there long lives, stronger then average physiques they had a blaring weakness. Numbers! Humans just had more. Even if you combined all the monster attacks, curses, spells, calamities brought on by magic. It would not even account for 20% of the overall deaths contributed by Human Society. To this day the greatest source of death to humans...Were in fact...Humans. The Societies learned a long time ago, that if they were discovered. Humanity would drive them to extinction.


    Lash having his fill of history closed the books and went to put them away. It was evening now, must be close to midnight. Saurian was getting frustrated, Lash could feel his skin itching at the reptiles urging. Bidding the Gnome...Dwarf..Drunkard at the front desk goodnight. Saurian chirped in goodbye to the Gargoyles who did not move. But Saurian swore they said goodbye. Then Lash did something that he had actually been doing for a few nights now. He found a secluded alley and...


    Congratulation User! You have learned the skill, Spatial Item Shifting; When you are in Human form and you shift the cloths you wear are pulled into the shift. Please note that unless your other shape has designed cloths you will still be naked. But, your human shape will retain the cloths you wear once you shift out.


    Lash gritted his teeth, as his bones snapped and muscles tore. Groaning, and nearly biting his tongue off in pain. He felt the now 4'' 6¡± tall Adolescent Saurian come out. The naked Saurian breathed in deep. Smelling the putrid polluted air of Gotham and loved every second of it! Lash wasn''t sure if the Societies knew about Saurian, or maybe they did and that was just a bonus, he did learn that he was not a Were-Breed but was something else.


    Saurian looked around the alley with renewed interest, going from trash cans to dumpsters, to climbing the nearby wall. He would use his claws and nimble dexterity to jump, latch, and scamper up the wall like some sort or demonic monkey...Or a giant lizard. Climbing to the roof he would then begin to slink from rooftop, power line, street lamp, watching, waiting...Hunting. Saurian knew the city even better then Lash did and was heading home but was intending to take his time getting there. It was cold out, fall was coming to an end and Winter was always horrible in Gotham! The sun would retreat from the sky quicker so the night would come and with it the scum of the Mundanes and Society would come out to play. Just like when...


    ¡°SOME ONE HELP!¡± Like so many movies, novels, and comic books those words brought a smile to Erik...Its time! Saurian growled in excitement as his scales rattled with energy. He leaped from lamp post to lamp post. The collected snow on them would fall to the ground. But by the time anyone would look up to see why, Saurian had moved on. Finding the trace of the noise, Saurian perched on the wall looking between an alley. There two men were assaulting a women. One man held the women in a choke hold, the other rifled through her purse. The women looked as if she had just left from work, wearing a casual business attire that you would find in any office. Then men wearing ruffian clothing fitting the cold weather. Why was this women in an alley? Saurian looked up and saw the building that she more then likely came from. Like an idiot she had chosen to take a ''Short-cut'' Thinking it would be safe.


    ¡°Stupid bitch! Hold still! Or we''ll cut you up before we are done!¡± The one holding the women shouted. Pressing a knife to her cheek, the women frozen in terror as tears rolled down her face. The other thug pulled out a few hundred dollars from the rather nice purse.


    ¡°Oh! Oh! Look at this! This bitch is actually pretty well off... Wayne Tech? Oh you one of those educated shits that went to school on Momy and Daddy''s money and made something of yourself? Eh! Look where that got you!¡± The other thug said, as he read off on a building security I.D.


    ¡°Well! Why don''t we take our time and make something out of her..She smells sweet and that skirt on her looks so uncomfortable!¡±


    ¡°pp...Please no!¡± The women begged...Then went perfectly still...Not because of the man with the knife. But because something was above other man. Leaning over from the fire escape of the building they were next to. ¡°m...Monster!¡±


    ¡°Oh, Please bitch! We aren''t monsters we a....eeeEEEHHH!¡± The man dropped the purse, because Saurian had reached down and picked him up. Despite his 4''6¡± height Saurian was actually pretty strong! His tail had wrapped around the fire escape for leverage, then with his hind legs for balance he leaned down and picked the thug up by his head. The women, and the other thug looked up in Horror, as the pale moon light showed off what could only be described as a giant lizard. Holding the other thug up in the air. The thug let go of the women and tripped as he fell backwards. Saurian''s eyes locked onto the women''s. A single thought ran through her mind...She was going to die....Then another thought...a Voice rang in her head. -Run away small human, Saurian will handle these cretins! She didn''t know why but she felt she could trust this voice, and she did. She ran ahead picking up her I.D. Purse, and money than ran through the alley. -Next time! Don''t take a short-cut!


    The thug clutched in his claws wiggled about and screamed for help. Before Saurian threw him into the wall. Knocking him out....Maybe killing him, he didn''t check. Then like a living shadow sprinted after the escaping man. Making little to no sound, as he tuck in his claws and like a coyote tip toed down the passage. The man had a huge head start but that made little difference as Saurian went from zero to fifteen mph in a few seconds. Then like sweet, sweet music to his ears the man screamed...


    ¡°SO...SOMEONE! ANYONE! HELP ME!¡± Not but a few hundred feet from the scream. A recently attempted mugged women stopped on the open street, under the light of lamp post heard that scream, and a smile of satisfaction spread across her face.


    The thug made a turn down another passage, sprinting for all his legs were worth. His heart was jack-hammering in his chest. He was sweating despite the near ice freezing temperatures, he didn''t understand why this was happening...What was that fucking thing! Was Jhon OK!? Was HE going to be OK?! Then...SLAM! A huge weight collided on top of him sending him tumbling down. What ever weight was on his back soon was gone as he was sent slipping across the asphalt. Part of his face was rubbed raw and bleeding. He tried to stand, but only to hear...Feel his left leg SNAP! Like a twig!


    ¡°AAAAAHHHHHH!¡± He had never experienced anything as painful as this. He been in fights before. Sometimes a lucky victim would knee him in his balls. B..But this was a whole new level! This was not how this was suppose to go! He was the one that dealt the pain, n..not this. Then something tore through his coat, ripped into his back, he felt his skin and muscles tear. Before he knew it he was pushed up against a wall. Looking down at the...thing! Oh god what is the fuck is that!


    ¡°Stay away from me you freak! Fucking monsters! SOMEONE HELP...EEEEHHH!¡± Saurian headed butted the thug. Thanks to his Saurian skull features the skull crest made an excellent shield that could both protect but also bash. Several of the thugs teeth flew out. Saurian stared at the thug waiting for his eyes to focus. Then just like before...-Yes, I am a monster! And this monster is HUNGRY! Saurian opened his mouth, leaned in and bit down. But no blood was spilled, or flesh torn. That''s because Saurian bit down on something else...


    Congratulations User! You have learned the skill, Soul Bite; Why deal with the blood, gore, and messy clean up of eating the flesh. Not to dissuade anyone your Saurian companion will be more then willing to eat flesh. But eating a soul is far more...Dark, and mysterious. The Soul Bite allows the User to tear a piece of the subjects soul apart as a source of food. You absorb its energy, experience, and essence. But, leaves the victim alive, as long as you don''t eat it all. As the skill grows and evolves what you can learn from the soul may improve. You are after all, what you eat!


    The thug''s nervous system couldn''t take the sudden ''Attack'' and passed out. Saurian let the man drop to the floor, as he licked his fangs with his forked tongue. Then jerked his head around to see the flashing lights of the police washing the alley way in a cold glow. Saurian moved to a wall and climbed up. He didn''t kill the thugs for several reasons. One; Erik knew the Justice League had a no kill human rule at least in the comics, wasn''t sure if The Dream Engine would maintain that rule. Two; Any animal attack or killing in Gotham was investigated by Wardens and the Super-natural Society to determine if it was a Mundane or magical beast. Three; Eating two full grown males, or even one would have been to much. It would have made him slow, lethargic as his body digested all that. So he went for a Soul Bite. A quick, easy, meal.


    ¡°Ehhh, Yes...Then a heard a voice telling me to get out of there. So I ran to the street then called 911.¡± Peggy said to the office.


    ¡°You, heard a voice? Didn''t see the who said it? Was the voice male, female? Do you think it was the owner of the...What did you call it..Giant lizard? That attacked?¡± The officer was a skeptic, he had already heard rumors of a giant bat like creature...Or some crazy guy in a suit running around Gotham. But now a Giant Lizard? Well at least this was more normal, the lizard had a owner. He''d just never heard of any lizard capable of what the witness described. In winter no less!


    ¡°Louise! Finish up! We found the two guys! One of them skulls took a good knock, the other has a broken leg! Call an ambulance!¡± Louise radioed in, as he gave the witness a police coat to help ward off the chill, as well as the adrenaline high. Then moved into the alley.


    Peggy was shaking, not just from the cold but from the fear, and excitement. She swore she would follow the voices advice and never take a short-cut home again. It was so stupid! She knew how dangerous Gotham''s nights were, especially alone! But....What was that thing, who was that voice. Why did it make her feel safe? Why despite its appearance did she feel the creature wouldn''t hurt her. -This hunter is glad small human is safe. Should learn to defend one self, this hunter thinks. Goodbye little human! A renewed shiver went down Peggy''s spine, as she looked around startled. Not understanding where that came from. Looking left, right, down the alley, even up to the roof. Nothing! It wasn''t until she got home, and was in bed that she stopped to think...She didn''t hear the voice, she felt it. Curling up in her bed, under the sheets her heart was pounding. Not with fear...But with excitement! Soon her eyes grew heavy and she fell asleep. Dreaming of yellow reptile eyes, and a voice that could be felt but not heard...

 Chapter 8: Friends? Or Maybe Something Else

    Saurian climbed the fire escape to his home with silence and stealth of a hunter. But still, looked everywhere. Partner-Erik told Saurian that the Man-Bat could have eyes from camera''s to actual. So Saurian-Hunter was careful. Reaching the top floor Saurian froze in surprise a Gargoyle was not placed near the window. The creature did not move, but Saurian could feel it growl at him. -Be calm! Stone Friend. I am Hunter-Saurian. Living partner to Warden Lash. The Gargoyle waited, Saurian stood by the window then...Shifted. Normally done in the house, they made an exception. What use to take ten whole minutes was now down to five minutes. After the bones, muscles re-tore, and the shift happened. Then just like magic Lash, with his cloths on appeared. On his knee''s breathing ragged breaths in-front of the Gargoyle, gritting his teeth Lash looked up.


    ¡°Hi there....Can I go into my home now?¡± A tense moment passed with out a single word...Until Saurian said they could. Limping up to the back window, typing a code into the keypad at the window it unlocked and Lash slipped into his home. ¡°Keep up the good work, and thank you.¡± Lash said to the Gargoyle.


    Gently closing the window he moved as the lights in his home turned on one by one as he typed a code into his alarm system. Ever since he spoke Li''Ana the Seelie court sent a group of ''Brownies'' To his home. They didn''t live here but they kept it clean, kept it well supplied with food, necessities, and even bought him cloths...Really nice ones too! He kept the nutritionist that Lizzy found him but even they didn''t complain about the new stock of food found in the house. The nutritionist could cook food then bring it over. Or cook what ever was found in the house. Ever since the Brownies came. They had been using the food found in the house. Coming to his kitchen he made a simple protein shake intending to drink it and go to bed. Only to freeze, looking at the balcony he found two things. One; Was what looked like a Bird/Tree house? But would never assume birds lived there unless they were volunteering to be food for the Griaks that were now residing there. Two; Was Jessabell waving at him from the landing. She was wearing something more casual this time and very cute. She had Winter boots on her feet, fluffy purple sweat pants that hugged her curvaceous hips. Then what he could assume was a far to small t-shirt that was nearly bursting with out much her breasts barely fit, with a pink fluffy hoodie. That had cat-ears on it.


    Grimacing with a smile, Lash drank some of his shake then moved to the door. Unlocking it and opening it, gesturing for Jessabell to enter. She smiled at Lash, that smile to this day still made his mind go blank. Glamour or not! The twinkle in Jessabell''s eyes told him she had noticed his reaction and just just tickled for it.


    ¡°Why is there a Tree on my balcony?¡± Lash asked as he closed the door behind Jessabell and locked it. Jessabell laughed moving to the kitchen table, she took her boots off showing him her ankle purple socks.


    ¡°Li''Ana got you brownie spirits as a Gift! But! I know you liked the Griak''s and they like you! So the Unseelie court made a house for them. Don''t Worry they will keep their glamour to any ''Normal'' people all they will see is a bird house, with several birds visiting. They also wont eat all your food. They have several of the little houses scattered through out Gotham. They are primarily used as messengers. Especially when you need a package sent, and quickly!¡± Jessabell took off her hoodie, sure enough she was wearing a far to small T-shirt that would ride up when ever she moved, as well as no bra as Lash could see that her body had re acted to the cold outside. He grumbled walking towards the kitchen adjusting ''himself'' so he wouldn''t be impolite as he began to make Honey Dew tea. Which turns out is a favorite of Jessabell.


    Jessabell walked around the house like a pantheress, her movements practiced, powerful, and with ease of someone comfortable in their skin. She would look at a painting that was on the wall. Not one of Lash''s. He could paint but he preferred other painters for his home decoration. Her hair was loose this time falling in waves down her back like a smooth black waterfall. Shimmering in the light of my home. Her smooth dark tanned skin kept peeking at me as her tiny shirt would ride up her back with every movement. Jessabell would make an exaggerated movement as she slowly pulled it back down from time to time. Each time emphasizing her perky breasts. Pulling out a seat for her, and placing the finished tea glass, and tea pot. Lash sat across from her, motioning for her to join him as he finished his shake. Jessabell danced across the floor taking her seat, play acting the part of a good, well behaved girl that''s receiving milk and cookies before bed. No, the Unseelie court are not primarily nocturnal, they do tend to operate at night but they can work during day or night.


    ¡°So, not that I''m complaining, its nice to have an attractive female sylvan in my home. But....?¡± Lash left the question hang in the air. Jessabell, took a long pull from her glass setting it down, taking her pink tongue and running it across her lips, far more then necessary. He took a moment to refill her glass before waiting for her to speak.


    ¡°The Ceremony is tonight! I thought I would come and visit you to see if you have any questions or concerns about what will happen. I am not here under the authority of the Courts, or the Society as I am here as a....Friend. Showing concern for another friend.¡± Jessabell said, pausing on the ''friend''.


    When I didn''t admonish her, she ducked her head down to hide her smile. From the past two weeks I''ve discovered that a majority of the Sylvan''s are tricksters, liars, manipulators, actors, and are born to play on the emotions of others. It''s not that its in their nature, that''s just the environment they grew up in. If you thought human politics were bad! The Fae were known to hold grudges for centuries, and all play the long game! However, most of the Fae, like humans because they were ''simple''. Lash couldn''t tell if Jessabell was actually happy that he didn''t say no. Or, if this was just a move she was using to make him one of her chess pieces... -Huntress Jessabell is tricky! But me thinks she is happy that you didn''t say no! That made Lash feel a little better.


    ¡°Are the Beast Talkers in the Fae Courts going to hold a grudge against me? I''ve heard that many different factions use the Beast Talkers as political chip to call in favors.¡± Lash watched Jessabell carefully.


    ¡°Yes....They will be a problem? But, not openly! Did you know that I am actually a Beast Talker, Lash?¡± His surprised expression told her that he did not. She smiled at him, he didn''t notice before but her teeth were gleaming white, and her Kay-nines were longer then a humans. ¡°Personally, I''m actually very happy that you are one. I am sure you noticed that when I interviewed you. Yes, a few factions, and houses of the Courts, as well as Society factions will be upset. But, I would not worry about them holding a grudge over it. As you have heard we have long memories. But, everyone see''s the advantage in having a Warden Beast Talker! No more will the factions have to scrape, grovel, begging for favors. We can just give you a call!¡± Jessabell smiled wider at Lash, and gave him a playful wink. Before having more of her tea.


    ¡°Why didn''t the under Fae send me an envoy?¡± Lash was always confused by that. Jessabell''s smile shrinked a bit, placing her glass down.


    ¡°The under Fae are a collection of Fae that have either chosen to not join either the Seelie, or Unseelie court, and are Creatures, beasts, monstrosities of magic that have obtained sentience. But, like the other Fae refuse to kneel or be a part of the ''civilized'' Fae courts.¡± Jessabell said the civilized parts with sarcasm. For a brief moment Lash saw past her facade. He filed that under something to use in the future. ¡°Many of the Under Fae are good people! I have a few that are friends. But many others are not good, they are horrible, rancid, terrifying creatures that believe humanity are nothing but a source of food, and entertainment.¡± Her voice turned bitter at that last part, her eyes taking a distant look. Looking through some bad memories.


    ¡°But aren''t the Under Fae going to be at the ceremony?¡± Lash reminded Jessabell of this, since it was in the history book.


    ¡°Yes, Yes they will. In fact one of my friends is the envoy. I think you''ll like her!¡± Jessabell''s smiled at Lash, then seductively bit her lips softly. Not to tease him but rather looking forward to the moment when they do meet.


    Lash stood up gesturing for Jessabell to follow him. The change was so abrupt that Jessabell blanked for a moment before standing. He went towards his art studio door, with Jessabell following...No scratch that, she was by his side wrapping her arms around his. Pressing her chest into his arm. He froze for a moment, as he felt her twin peeks pressing into his arm, he liked how it felt. But...-Careful Partner Lash! Focus, do not fall prey to Huntress milk sacs! Tis a trick! She is testing you! Lash was white knuckling but gave Jessabell a soft smile as he unlocked the door leading her in. Jessabell''s ears perked up like a cat''s as they moved into the dark room. The lights slowly turned on, there stood in the middle was a statue. A statue of her, but... The statue was made from black obsidian which is well known for being difficult to craft with since it chips. She..it was wearing armor, looking like a breastplate, studded leather down her arms, with leather pants, and knee high boots. Historical, not fantasy style, in her left hand was a kite round wooden shield, and in her right was a long spear. Her face was partially hidden away by half-mask/ half-helmet, tribal panther origin. Something that you might see an Aztec or Inca wear. The attention to detail, craft for the armor was incredible. If you didn''t know any better you would assume the statue as an actual living person. Simply covered in a stone like paint. Ready to jump out and fight your enemies for you.


    Lash slowly moved himself away from Jessabell, she was rooted to the floor looking at the statue. He was making a quick comparison but was happy with out it turned out. He could claim that they were nearly identical. Taking a smug satisfied smile on his face. He just stood there, watching her. Ten minutes went but neither of them moved, it was nearly 3 in the morning but it didn''t matter. In a brief moment when Lash blinked. Jessabell was in front of him, even Saurian hissed in surprise! But, gone was the prideful Pantheress! Gone was the seductive, teasing succubus! Gone was the Unseelie court envoy moving in the grand game. There stood, Jessabell looking down at the ground as she wrung her hands out.


    ¡°...I....W...ho...How...¡± Many times Jessabell opened her mouth, like a gold fish. Just open, close, open, close. Lash smiled wide at this.


    ¡°So, how did I do?¡± Lash asked. Jessabell looked right into his eyes nearly brimming with tears. That caught him off guard, he thought she would be happy. Then!


    ¡°Its wonderful! Thank you so much!¡± She screamed!


    Lash barely had time to prepare before he felt the wall behind him crack with the force of him being pushed against it. They were in the middle of a forty foot room! But, he was not under attack. Jessabell simply forgot about her strength, the strength in that tiny frame of hers. She was hugging him, and this time it was a full hug with no ulterior motives. He slowly wrapped his arms around her, careful of where to put his hands. Jessabell seem to notice his hesitation and laughed at him, before kissing him on the cheek! Then smiling brilliantly at him. She bounded back to the statue walking around it.


    ¡°How did you carve this! This is amazing!¡± She ran over to the tool table that if we were being honest was just for looks because he never used any of them. Well he never used them on anything he intended to sell or give. He still used them, because he knew people would wonder why they were not chipped or worn out. All hand tools, he made a point about that. Even went so far as to put it in his portfolio that he never used any modern day tools or tech, just his.....Hands.


    ¡°So, how much do I owe you! I assume you plan to give this to me? Oh wait! Should we take a picture? No... That may cause troubles¡± Jessabell was looking at him.


    ¡°First, you will not be paying with money! Yes, I am giving it to you. I took a picture for my own sake, but this will not be going up on the Shaw Art Industry web page.¡± Lash went through each question.


    ¡°Ohhhhh.... And how will I be paying you then?¡± Jessabell asked, as she slinked her way back to Lash''s side. She moved her hair to one side, so Lash could see the long line from her earlobe down her neck, to her exposed neck line. She swayed her hips back and forth but before she could reach out and touch his belt. He stepped back and held his hand out to her.


    ¡°Promise you''ll be my friend? Be it friends with benefits or just friends. That''s what I want as payment.¡± Lash''s entire body was rigid waiting for a response. -Wait, hold on! What''s going on?! Erik asked. For the past several hours Lash and Erik had not been separate people but one unique individual. Saurian was essentially the only other voice in their head now. -Yes! Yes! Friends with Huntress! May lead to other things later! But an ally we must have before anything else! Saurian said in agreement. Back to the situation, Lash was still holding his hand out. He knew he had caught her off guard because she looked like a deer caught in the headlights. She finally seem to adjust, with a blank expression she asked.


    ¡°T..That''s it? You want me to be your friend?¡± She had a smile tug on her lips as she moved in closer. ¡°Maybe friends with benefits if the need arises? But, friends? You understand that I am willing to be here with you in your home for the next several hours? Hell, I''m willing to be at your call for the next several weeks with this kind of gift. Willing to try any position, action, and desire? Trust me, Lash I know how to please a man. But you ask me to be your friend? Why?¡± Now, Jessabell had wrapped her arms around Lash''s waist. She was grinding her hips into him, pressing her breasts into his chest. He could feel his throbbing erection press into her. So much that she even began to move up and down a bit. But her eyes never left his.


    ¡°The Truth?¡± Lash asked. She nodded her head. ¡°Because, yes you could blow my mind with something so far out of this world that it couldn''t even be called sex or love making or even the dance of death. Yes, I could ask you to be a booty call for the next for-see-able future and you would say yes. But, I need a friend in the Fae Courts. Someone that I can trust, and rely on. Yes, of course I will also help you if you call for me. But I don''t want to be your chess piece Jessabell. I want a mutual two way street between us. Something that we can both share, and benefit from. I''ll be there for you, if you are for me?¡± She blinked at him, mulling over his words. Then leaned in up to his ear.


    ¡°And you want nothing else from me?¡± She said those words in almost a purr. Her hand had now slipped between his legs and was rubbing his cock through his pants.


    ¡°I wont say no to other.... things. Jessabell¡± Lash said those words barely in a whisper. Before he reached up and gripped her shoulders to push her away so he could look at her eyes. Jessabell was biting her lips watching him. Mulling over his words, and what would come next.


    ¡°Erik Lash, I Jessabell Ti''Long Von Ruk-Guard of House Ruk declare you my friend.¡± Then Jessabell ducked her head and turned away... Saying something under breath that Lash couldn''t hear. Once she finished saying her words a..Shiver, and wave of energy linked Lash and Jessabell together.


    Lash shivered for a moment, something had changed. He noticed Jessabell felt it too. She turned around to look at him, confusion clearly evident on her face. Ok, so that was new for both of us...


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron has awarded you! Though you did not seduce and bed Jessabell envoy of the Unseelie Court. You did earn her friendship, and a piece of her heart. Something that no one has done in a very, very long time! You''ve been awarded the Minor Glamour Charm


    Minor Glamour Charm: Allows the user to create a simple illusions, named the ability to change their skin tone, eye color, ha..Well if you had hair. This even effects technology such as security camera''s. Will work in your Saurian Shape allowing you to be a partial chamelon.


    Your Cosmic Patron would like to remind you that you can still bed Jessabell, and... or kill Li''Ana and that you will still receive a gift for both! Keep up the good work, and continue to entertain your Patron!


    Lash looked confused and bewildered as did Jessabell as they seem to be both in their own worlds for a bit. -Yes! Yes! She has joined our Pack! Huntress-Jessabell will be a welcomed partner! Jessabell! Bounced back from Lash when Saurian spoke and couched low looking for something.


    ¡°What was that?! Who was that? Is there someone else in your house! Lash? Or is it an intruder?¡± Jessabell sprinted towards the Art Studio''s door, then the bay windows obscured by a canvas for privacy. Oh CRAP! She heard Saurian!


    -Ah! Huntress-Jessabell! Hello! This one is Saurian-Hunter partner to Lash-hunter! For a moment no one made a sound, no one moved. Then from behind one of the canvases, peeked Jessabell. She was staring at Lash.


    ¡°What...The...Fuck...Lash?¡± Lash smiled raising his hands up to appease her in surrender.


    ¡°Ah...ehehe....ahh...Y..You heard him I see.¡± Lash awkwardly scratched his bald head. Taking a moment to rub it...No, it was not for luck! Shut up! Jessabell glared at him. He flinched, and kept his eyes down. ¡°Ummm...W..We should do this someplace else. Follow me please.¡±


    Lash then led Jessabell to his bedroom, typing a code into a pad nearby, the window shutters closed, the doors to the flat locked. Once the beep sounded telling Lash they were secure he turned to look at Jessabell. She had her arms crossed, emphasizing her bra less t-shirt as they bounced. But now was not the time to enjoy the view. Especially with the acid glare he was receiving.


    ¡°Though I''m happy to finally see your bedroom, Lash. And if your excuse is reasonable maybe I''ll see more of it! But right now! We will not be having fun sexy times!¡± Her voice had taken an edge to it. Something was different between us. Not just because she had declared us friends. Something more? Then...


    Congratulations User! You have obtained the skill, Pack Bond: Because of your Saurian Heritage you are able to bond with those that have been declared both an allied hunter, as well as a friend. This connection allows you to get a feel for your pack. As well as establish a basic form of Telepathy. Additionally, while with in a certain distance of each other you able to increase the overall stats and attributes of you and your pack by 5%!


    Congratulations User! You have obtained the skill, Telepathy: No, this is not mind reading, or emotions. What this is is you transmitting your words to others, they the same if they share the Pack Bond. Think of it as a short range radio. Without the need to charge the batteries. Short range, currently with in (One Square Mile) but can grow with time. Yes, Telepathy can be interfered or even blocked it is not perfect! Just really cool!


    Lash held his head and groaned loudly, the action made Jessabell uncross her arms and look at him with concern. She took a hesitant step forward before Lash held up his hand.


    ¡°Hold on, this will be easier if I just show you!... Just don''t run, and don''t attack him.¡± Jessabell looked confused before Lash leaned over and began to shift. He had never shifted twice in a single day. What was it like? FUCKING PAINFULL! He felt he could never get use to his bones breaking, or muscles and tendons tearing apart. But this, this was horrible. Soon he fell to his knee''s, but Jessabell actually took several steps back, he wasn''t sure where but she had what looked like a silver dagger in hand. Not sure where she got that. Soon the scales grew, and the...Horns? Why are there Horns? Claws on his hands and feet, his skull crest elongated, and what looked like fins grew down his back, and tail. Saurian had grown with the advancement. He was now 5''5¡± hunched over, more then likely over 7'' from nose to tail. Standing up, Saurian looked at Jessabell who was now deathly pale and was shivering.


    ¡°Worry not Huntress-Jessabell! Saurian-Hunter will do no harm to Pack, as long as Pack mean no harm to Saurian?¡± Saurian held his arms out in an attempt to calm her down. Despite her best judgment Jessabell felt safe, and felt she coul....


    ¡°Wait a minute! Are you using a Charm on me!? How the fuck is that possible! My resistance is way to high for that!?¡± She held up the Silver Dagger pointing it at Saurian. ¡°Lash! What the fuck! Nothing in your file said you were a..Lycan? ..I mean that doesn''t even look like a Were-Breed I know! I''ve Seen snakes! But that''s different! Your body proportions are off! Saurian tilted his head, Lash had to admit it was like looking at Raptor from Jurrasic park, he also knew that Saurian was still growing!


    ¡°Saurian-Hunter is not Were-Breed Huntress-Jessabell! Saurian is Saurian! You declared yourself friend to Erik Lash. Lash and Saurian are one in the same! So WE are friends! We are Pack Mates! Bonded through our link! You can trust me because I feel I can trust you!¡± Saurian had stepped closer now. His head a few inches from Jessabell''s face. The dagger in her hand was lifted to Saurian''s neck, and was even cutting into him. Or was trying to since it didn''t break the scales. This surprised Jessabell clearly.


    ¡°W..Why is the silver dagger not hurting you?! It''s enchanted to cut through Were-Breeds like butter!?¡± Lash was both amused and worried. He had switched places and was now watching the exchange much like Saurian does when he is in control. He got the feeling that Jessabell had never heard of or encountered something like Saurian. Which made Erik wonder how rare was his background?


    ¡°Breath deep! Be Calm Huntress-Jessabell. Saurian-Hunter is not a Were-Breed. Saurian comes from the mind of a great being! A cosmic avatar not seen on this planet or any other!¡± -WHAT THE FUCK! Lash screamed!


    ¡°Lash!?¡± Jessabell looked around the room, looking for the source of the voice. -Wait, Jessabell can you hear me?! ¡°Yes! I can hear you!...I Think! Where are you? Wait, I saw you change!¡± She looked at Saurian again. His reptilian eyes reflected the image of her face back. Still in front of her. He realized he was making her nervous so he stepped back a few feet. Then in a rare moment stood up completely straight, and crossed his arms across his narrow chest. This was meant to placate her, it did not work. He was towering above her now, the raptor like claws on his legs gently tapped into the floor. Careful not to chip the furnished wood. Saurian knew Lizzy would be upset if he did.


    ¡°Partner Lash is here, Jessabell.¡± Saurian Pointed to his chest, then to his mind. ¡°We are one, same body, same mind, same soul. He is me, and I am him. He speaks to you through our Pack Bond, just as I did a few moments ago while we were in the room of stone shaping.¡± Saurian said all of this in a matter of fact tone as if it was the simplest thing in the world to understand. Only to be confused when Jessabella began to pace back and forth in the bed all the way to the master bathroom, then back to the bed. She looked at the silver dagger, then back at Saurian. Then back to the dagger. With a flick of her wrist the blade disappeared as if it never was, she went to Saurian and poked his chest.


    ¡°Can you Shift back to Lash, I need to speak to him.¡± She looked both fear full and incredibly angry. Saurian could feel that she felt betrayed and was concerned for her. But had to reply with a no.


    ¡°We can not, we have shifted to many times today. Saurian must sleep to regain energy, but partner Lash can speak through our bond Huntress-Jessabell.¡± Jessabell''s eye twitched, clearly growing angrier then moved to sit on the bed with a growl. Crossing her legs and putting her hands in her lap she sat up straight, tipped her chin out looking at Saurian. Saurian moved forward and sat on the floor, letting his tail idly move about, the scales scrapping across the floor. Lash was hoping the Brownie spirits could buff that out.


    -Alright, so what do you want to know? Lash said across the link. Jessabell narrowed her eyes understanding now that she was not actually listening to someone speak but hearing it in her mind.


    ¡°Why am I capable of hearing your thoughts? This didn''t happen before, unless...Saurian is something new that''s happened in the past.... twenty four hours!?¡± Jessabell rubber her head in thought. ¡°That make''s no sense! We''ve had you under constant watch in-case anyone tried to attack you. Not a single Super-natural entity as been able to attack you!¡± Saurian brought his tail up and encircled around Jessabell''s waist. The contact made the connection stronger and for a brief moment she was calm before she flung herself away from the tail, now further on the bed. ¡°OK! Just..Stop...H..How is that happening!¡±


    -When you declared yourself a friend. Saurian created a link between the both of us. Something he calls a Pack Bond. This allows us to communicate through a basic form of telepathy, as well as grant us strength. As for the calm and trusting feeling, I honestly don''t know. Lash''s voice rolled across the link straight into Jessabell''s mind. Saurian''s reptile eyes peered at Jessabell with concern. Why was she so upset? This should be an occasion for joy!


    ¡°Are you a Were-Breed...Saurian?¡± Jessabell points a finger at him. Her mind working as fast as possible. The Warden Oath ceremony was in 15 hours! This put a huge wrench into the entire machine!


    ¡°No, Saurian is not. Jessabell. He is a creature beyond the scope of Earth.¡± Saurian began to move forward across the floor but froze in place when Jessabell shook her finger at him, asking him to stop.


    ¡°I''ve heard and seen Pack Magic before, Were-Breeds are stronger with their pack. Faster, stronger, they think better, its not just superior numbers its magical it literally gives them power. Having a Pack is near requirement for most Were-Breeds only the most exceptional and driven can be solo''s. So, where is your pack? Saurian?¡± Jessabell was taking deep breaths now, her chest rising up and down.


    ¡°Until a few minutes ago, Saurian''s only companion was Erik Lash. We are partners in this Great Hunt! This great Game! But now we are a pack. Saurian, Lash, and Jessabell.¡± Saurian stayed on the floor, but he was shifting his body weight so he could pounce if he needed too.


    ¡°Beyond the scope of Earth, you said that. T..Then you''re and..Alien? I mean we''ve met aliens before. But they are all Mundanes, yes some of them have special abilities. But still Mundanes. None of the Aliens we''ve encountered can...Wait, wait no! We looked at Lash''s blood he is full-blooded human! Even after his near death experience that didn''t change!¡± Jessabell was biting her lip now, almost so hard that Lash worried she would make herself bleed.


    ¡°Partner-Lash did not lie to Jessabell. Partner-Lash was forbidden from speaking about it, and still is! He even under pain of death Partner-Lash would not, could not speak of it. Even Saurian-Hunter can not speak of our true Origins.¡± That got her attention. Looking up with renewed focus in her eyes.


    ¡°So, your under a Geas then?...No no! All of our tests proved that was impossible! People have tried to do that before. We figured out a way to...Gah this is so frustrating!¡± Jessabell pulled her fingers through her hair, then began to knock her hands into her head. The bed shifted with new found weight and she found herself wrapped in the oddly warm scaled embrace. Her entire body went rigid, but her intuition, her instincts, her feelings all of them. Things she had trained for years! Told her to relax that she could trust Saurian, and Lash. They hadn''t lied, they just couldn''t talk. As a Fae, as an envoy for the Unseelie court how many times as she lied? Manipulated? Acted a part to get the job done? NO! This was different! Shh....-I didn''t know this would happen, Jessabell. Had I known I would have said something, would warned you. Jessabell froze...


    ¡°But...You would still have asked to be my friend? That didn''t change...You would have asked even if you had told me?¡± There a tense moment...Lash for what ever reason, maybe the Pack Bond allowed him to gain some insight into her feelings. -Yes, I don''t regret asking you. I am still happy that you accepted and will work to be a good friend to you.


    ¡°Yes, Yes! So will Saurian! Friend, Pack-Mate! Family now!¡± Saurian''s head was next to Jessabell''s now rubbing against it like a giant scaled cat. His arms, legs, and tail had wrapped around her. She...Felt safe. She felt...home. How long had it been since she felt like this? -Testing...1...2...3? Erik said....Waiting....Jessabell didn''t respond! -Lash tell her about you''re D.N.A. Even in human form if they test it you come out at 100% human! Saurian''s eyes went wide when Erik gave his input then looked at Jessabell, she had her eyes closed and was leaning back against him.


    ¡°Huntress-Jessabell. You should know that if Lash''s blood is tested while in human form he will read as 100% human.¡± Once, he had said that Jessabell''s eyes snapped open and sat up.


    ¡°Wait?! So while you are in different forms even your D.N.A. Is different? Then you''re not even a Were-Breed. Were-Breeds blood is jam packed full of a interesting and horrible things that modern science cant explain. Its clear and evident when its under a microscope. So, you are two separate entities sharing the same body? Tha....That still doesn''t make any sense! Gah! Enough I''m just going to lay here, and you are going to keep being you!¡± Jessabell pointed at Saurian then. Curled up and in his embrace.


    Saurian grinned, revealing his elongated razor sharp fangs. In a brief moment of movement which jostled Jessabell awake for a moment. He shifted on the bed. Now Jessabell was lying down on Lash''s bed, with a giant Saurian monster coiled around her protectively. Her back flush against his chest. She shifted for a moment then settled down and fell asleep. So, that''s how it went, the first night that Jessabell slept at the house, it was Saurian that kept her company instead of a slightly amused and frustrated Lash...

 Chapter 9: Secret’s? Who Needs Them!

    Lash opened his eyes and looked around the room. His shutters were still closed, not seeing Jessabell. He was confused, looking at the clock by his night stand he saw that it was 3:12 pm. He had slept most of the day. Sitting up, he saw a note on the nearby pillow with a clear lipstick mark. Picking it up he could smell Jessabell on it.


    Hay you! Thanks for the night, and most of the Day!


    You changed back after a while.


    Don''t worry about the Gargoyle they are trained to keep secrets.


    I''ll keep what happened last night to myself,


    please do the same.


    See you tonight... My Friend.


    Jess!


    Lash stood up and stretched, seeing that the alarm system in his house showed someone from inside the house left at 2:16 pm through the front door this time. Which means he had just missed her. He cleared the alarm and went to his bathroom to take a shower and dress up for a bit. Standing in front of his bathroom mirror after the shower, with a towel wrapped around his waist. He looked at himself. Bald head, eye brows, no facial hair...That hadn''t grown either, he had zero body hair. Aside from his eyebrows and eye lashes. Not even hair on his legs or arms. He leaned over and gripped his bathroom sink lost in thought. Then he jerked his head up in curiosity.


    ¡°Dawn...What happens when I fall asleep here, what about my time?¡± Lash stared at his reflection for a bit as he waited for a response.


    ¡°User! When you are logged into your Avatar but fall asleep or fall unconscious The Dream Engine fast forwards the time. Your model regains its energy, but as ''you'' are technically asleep already there is no need for that. So, when you went to sleep the whole Generated world sped up to accommodate this change. However, if a story specific dream, astral travel, etc were to take place that is specified as a story choice and requires the Users impute. We would like to remind you that its currently your bed time in the outside world. But as we have just said, since you are asleep you could continue to play with in the Engine.¡± Dawns, voice was soothing to Lash''s ears. He took a deep breath and walked to his bed room to get dressed.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn. Were there any Version updates? Any deadlines I need to do for my report?¡± Lash, went to his closet to see that it was filled to the brim with designer cloths. Thanks to the Brownie spirits. He picked a casual outfit that was even clearly marked and put them on.


    ¡°As it is a weekend officially, The Dream Engine developers will accept reports starting Monday, and have stated that everyone should enjoy their time on the Cube. We''ve been cataloging the points of interest and will remind you so you can properly fill them out when the time comes. We will also set an alarm for you so you can acquire food, drink, and movement over a set course of time. A new version update was established. The Dream Engine has now placed a ''Time Line'' interface that can be seen from the black room, or while in play. This will allow the User to see the Critical and important events that effect Certain Cities, Nations, and The World. However, it does not clearly state the details to help leave it a mystery, and tease the Users into Action. But we would like to remind you that though you are here. The world does not revolve around the User....Yet.¡± Dawn took on an amused tone at the end.


    Lash understood that. Even though it was his generated world. Superman was still here! The world would move on with or with out his input. Lash took a moment to thank Dawn, and gave his best ''air-hug'' Dawned laughed softly and excused herself. He didn''t think she had actually left, but the conversation had ended. Coming out of his room he saw what looked like a dry cleaned tuxedo still in its wrapping hanging from the ceiling. Walking over to it, he read that it was from Dottie the House Brownie spirit head. This was his uniform for the Ceremony tonight, a car would be down stairs to attend him to the park at 7:00 pm sharp. Please don''t be late! Nodding his head in understanding he carefully took the suit to his bedroom, soon coming out he went to the kitchen to make something. Then looking out on his landing he smiled. He made sure to eat at least most of it before he went to the balcony window and opened the door.


    ¡°Hay! If any of you are hungry my home is freshly stocked by Miss Dottie.¡± Lash leaned against the door frame as he spoke to about twenty or so Griak''s. They all fluttered and stopped, gawking at him. Some were washing in the bird bath, others were resting in the house it self. -Yes! Yes! Tiny hunters! Come share our bounty! Saurian called out, this was enough for them!


    With a flutter! Cheering resounded across the balcony as a torrent of Griak''s came flying past Lash. Many of them pausing for a brief moment to rub there heads on him like a horde of cats. Soon, the entire kitchen was open and closing! The fridge was ransacked as drinks, frozen meats, and juice was procured! But despite the tiny hunters as Saurian called them. They did not leave a mess! They did not eat ALL the food just as Jessabell said they wouldn''t. Lash closed the door to his balcony but left it unlocked. He sat down at the table and finished his breakfast which had been left untouched. A smile was on his face, as he watched them. These tiny gremlin like creatures with fairy bat-like wings. Many of them spoke, and chatted with each other. Soon, the balcony door opened again, as more of them arrived. Many of them said hello, no names though. Lash wasn''t sure they had names. After a good hour they all left. All of them giving him a hug, or a kiss on his cheek or nose. A few took crackers and cheese for the storage in the house. They all agreed not to enter the house and eat with out his permission. Then Lash closed the door and locked it, watching them fly to the Griak house, or fly off to another roost.


    Lash cleaned up, both the kitchen and himself then moved to his Art Studio. All of his clients were up to date. He had no commissions but he liked the work. Moving into the studio...The statue was gone, after a moment of freaking out he saw another note on his tool table, with a lipstick mark.


    I had the Griak''s move it.


    Despite there size as long as there are enough of them


    they can move a lot of things.


    Jess


    When Lash finished reading it the note it burst into glitter. He swore he heard the laughter of Griak''s on the wind. Realizing it was some kind of charm he laughed it off. Moving to the control panel he locked the studio and activated the shutters. But left an alarm on so he could get ready for the ceremony. Pulling out a block of wood, he focused his mind. Erik had never really been here for this part. So Lash was guiding him through it. His fingers began to tingle as an energy flowed out like a spring of water from a mountain. Soon all of his hands and forearms were glowing with a variety of colors. Then like molding a piece of wet clay, Lash began to mold the block of wood into something.


    Congratulations User! You have successfully molded a ''Horrible'' art piece that would scare small children! However, you have taken the first real step to becoming an artist while using your power. Material Shaping has gone up a level, allowing you to shape more for less energy.


    In Lash''s hands was a deformed...Sno...blob-man? That''s not the point! The point is that Erik was able to craft it with his power. Lash tried to comfort him, telling him he''ll get better with time. Saurian suggested they place it with the Griak''s! Erik shot that all down by compressing the wood with his power making a dense block of wood only to.....


    Congratulations User! You''ve discovered Material Compression: Using your skill Material Shaping you''ve compressed a material into a denser form. Making it more durable, but also making it weigh more! Perhaps you could continue to experiment and make other things by combining your skills. Don''t give up! Even if your Creations remind someone of a LoveCraft god!


    Lash froze, looking down at what was now just a compressed blob of wood. Out of curiosity, he took it over to the tool table, using a hammer and a chipper he hammered it down. The vibration went through his whole body, but it barely left a dent in the piece of wood.... Cool. Lash, turned his head to look at a stack of scrap metal with a grin on his face. Then spent next hour or so....Working...


    Congratulations User! You''ve discovered the skill, Material Tempering; Some people need a forge! Some people need a hammer! Not you! You can Shape, compress, and temper your creations with your bare hands! Now only if they didn''t look so god awful that would make any Dwarf throw themselves into the pits of Vulcan in shame!


    Congratulations User! You''ve discovered the skill, Material Merging: Normally you have to heat a metal, or find a combination of stone, or splice a tree together! But not you! You can make abominations of nature all by yourself! With this skill you can now create metal alloys, stones made from marble and obsidian! Now you can give an oak staff the flexibility of bamboo! You make mother nature cry! You monster!


    Congratulations User! The skills, Material Shaping, Material Compression, Material Tempering, Material Merging, have all increased in level. Allowing you to do more with less energy. Now you can make works of art from crap! And make crap into treasures!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained an Achievement; I work with my hands! Not my head!


    You''ve gained a Title; Shaper. We''ve recorded that this is your first title. One title can be active at one time, but all titles have an active and passive effect. While titles are not active they keep there passive.


    Shaper: Active effects; understand the composition of materials that you are capable of touching. Sensing their strengths and weaknesses. Passive effects; All Shaping skills take 10% less energy, and cover 10% more area of effect at Users discretion.


    Lash had a satisfied smile on his face, muttering under his breath he set his title to Shaper. Then walking up to a piece of iron he placed his finger on it and understood its material components. How much of what, in varying sizes and qualities. Taking his finger away he became smug. This would be useful. Then the alarm went off in his studio telling him it was time to get ready. He decided to take another shower. Working in the studio this time was rather....Energizing. He quickly threw his cloths to his hamper that apparently was included in the House Brownie list of things to do. Took a full cleansing shower, dried himself down then went to his dry cleaning. Inside was not what he thought it was. It was not a tuxedo per-say. It looked like you would have merged a ceremonial occult outfit with a tux. Letting your jacket down like a robe, your shoulders had a hood, while the suit pants, and shoes were pure black, silver shirt, with a vest that looked like a silver pen had drawn Celtic knots into it. The hood could completely cover his face if he wanted it to. Pulling it on, it even had cuff links, a clasp for his neck with no bow tie. The clasp was the symbol for Gotham Wardens. Essentially take the letters G, W, and put them together with an artistic design. Standing in front of a mirror he looked like he was going to a cocktail party for Dungeon''s and Dragons. -Hay, don''t knock it! D&D rules! Erik said.


    Lash smoothed out the front, taking down the hood so it draped over his shoulders. The robe''s tail was like a trench coat that went all the way to his feet. He was afraid he would step on it if he wasn''t careful. The suit was tailored made for him, accommodating his wide shoulders, and toned body. Ever since Saurian had become more physically active Lash noticed an overall improvement in his physique. Another moment in the full length mirror in his bedroom, he went to his front door. Set his alarm, and walked out. The door closing and locking behind him. This time he took the elevator, waiting by the door he turned his head to look down the hallway. He heard...What could only be described as two people...enjoying themselves. His memories were brought back to last night with Jessabell, and tried to convince himself that asking for friendship was better then several years of booty calls. Plus, the booty calls may still happen if he is careful.


    The elevator door''s opened and walking in, he realized they have been refurbished along with a lot of the building. Pressing for the ground floor, he listen to the music in the box. Half way down the door''s opened for other passengers. A Small little girl was waiting at the doors, who squeaked at him when the doors slide open. Hiding behind her mother. Her mother looked at him with surprise, as he saw cat eyes peering back at him. She smiled at him and pulled her daughter into the elevator. She was about 5''3¡± wearing full winter coat, pants, and boots, all with fluffy lace. Matching her daughter. They were a good pair, Lash noticed that both mother and daughter had cat tail''s, then cat ears. As if it took a moment for Lash''s eyes to adjust.


    ¡°Congratulations Mr. Lash! On becoming a Warden!¡± The mother smiled at him, he smiled back.


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Lash was confused, but it made sense. A lot of Super-Naturals had moved in recent specifically because they wanted to live in the same building as a Warden. However, what was confusing is..He knew these people, they had lived in the building for several years. They loved that Lash was a respected artist. He even made a house warming gift for them, it was a stone idol of Bast. Wait...Was Bast a real god? Lash couldn''t help it but look at them again. They were both black Cat people...Panthers? Now, the glamour or charm was completely gone. They looked like upright beast-kin Panthers wearing human clothing. He was half tempted to grab the women''s tail but both Saurian, and Erik said -Don''t! Soon the doors re-opened on the ground floor. Both the mother and child said goodbye the latter waving her tiny paw at him, he waved back.


    They were heading to the parking garage, while he was going to the front door. He waved at the security guard, this one was new, and apparently...Human? Walking outside as if they timed it a Black sedan appeared from traffic, it had no license except for a Gotham Government Symbol. The windows were completely black way past the legal limit. The car stopped in front of Lash, the drive door opened and out came a Mr. Universe wearing a body guard suit, included with a ear piece a Sub-Machine Gun in his holster, and what looked like a collapsible sword attached to his thigh! But that wasn''t the trickiest part, Lash began to see past the man''s Glamour, he was an 8 foot tall TROLL! You know those giants of muscles and tusks that come out by a foot. But despite his huge size he moved quickly, opened the door for him and gestured him inside. Lash said thank you, hopped in. The door closed, soon the driver was behind the steering wheel, and they began to drive to the park.


    Lash got the impression that there was something magical about the car. He felt the acceleration of the car but they did not seem to ever stop at a red light, or had to slow down due to traffic. What should have taken over an hour from his home to Gotham City Park only took about fifty minutes. Soon the car came to a stop, the drive got out moved quickly but also quietly to his door and opened it up. Lash got out with a curious gaze, made sure to thank his driver who bowed his head. In front of him was a familiar face...David Skaleg, but unlike Lash who was wearing a tux-robe. Skaleg looked like he was wearing a ceremonial warrior garb of a Viking. Hide armor of the cleanest winter wolf covered his shoulders, studded leather chest plate, with gauntlets, a leather kilt, with studded leather greaves, and metal tipped boots. A functional long sword on his back, along with his standard cane...Or now it looked like a war-axe. His counter part Viking spirit was floating above him. Lash realized they were essentially wearing the same thing.


    ¡°Hello Mentor, Skaleg. Been waiting long?¡± Lash smiled at him as he walked over. Skaleg frowned at the title.


    ¡°Cut the shit, Lash! And no, I''ve not been waiting long. But we best get to it, the sooner we do this the sooner I can leave.¡± Skaleg clapped him on the shoulder, then pulled him down the path.


    Lash could see dozens of different cars showing up, many different styles of clothing, armor, robes, tuxes and cocktail dresses. From the outside he was sure this looked like a gathering for the super rich. Along the border he could see hundreds of professional body guards, soldiers, and even cops keeping an eye on things. Several of them were Warden''s he recognized. None of them waved, none them even nodded their heads. They were dead set on their job.


    ¡°Is it always this much a deal when a Warden is officially made?¡± Lash, was confused but happy for the fan-fare. But nearly over a hundred well dressed people, creatures, and monsters where headed towards the hedge maze.


    ¡°Honestly? No! I did not have this much when I was proclaimed. But then again I was a normal Warden, the only thing I had going for me is my Re-incarnated spirit. A few of the Warrior houses showed up for mine but that was about it.¡± Skaleg hooked a thumb at his partner. Lash had learned earlier that the spirit was actually Skaleg from a past life. The ghost he saw was just a fragment of his personality made real. In times of danger Skaleg could call on it, along with several other ancestors. BAM! Suddenly a dozen or so pissed off, and battle ready vikings to fight with you.


    ¡°Then why are there so many for me? Not that I don''t mind the attention. But this seems a little over board?¡± By this time they had both reached the hedge maze. A soldier wearing what he can only describe as a Tech-Knight suit. Scanned us both with a hand tool, bowed to us and had us move on.


    ¡°Several reasons, one that specifically came to light only recently. Which, I know why you didn''t tell me.¡± Lash looks of confusion was evident. ¡°The courts found out about your other Reptile half.¡±


    The comment made Lash stop in his tracks, pale with fright. Skaleg was there to stop him from running, and dragged him along. Lash felt that Skaleg''s hand was both comforting and also ensuring he didn''t run. After taking a few deep breaths, he looked at Skaleg. An expression of...What the fuck?


    ¡°The house of records? Of course the Courts keep the entire area around the place under surveillance. They saw you shift into that reptile. A banshee of the Unseelie court followed you and watched you trash those thugs. Both are alive by the way! Fucking crazy out of their minds! Raving about a giant lizard attacked them. While they were mugging a poor woman.¡± Skaleg clapped him on the shoulder at that comment. A grin on his face, Lash looked around confused. He saw that the viking spirit also had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Wh...a....B..... I... I¡± Lash opened and closed his mouth several times trying to reconnect his train of thought. Saurian was expanding his sensory awareness to its limit looking for enemies!


    ¡°Relax kid! Despite the change they still want you as a Warden. Maybe even more now! I don''t know the whole story behind your other half. But it''s got the Courts all in a tizzy! Apparently your blood work comes back 100% human! But, not only could you hide the change from today''s tech! But also the Super-Natural Council. They had no fucking idea you were a shifter!¡± Skaleg smiled and passed Lash a hip flask for some courage. Lash drank more then a few mouth full''s and passed it back barely registering the taste or the fact that Skaleg was dumb struck that Lash didn''t react to it. He took his own swig and winced at the effect.


    ¡°eehhh! Anyways! The Were-Breeds are super excited to meet another one of their kind. Especially since you can pass for human! The fact that you are a Beast Talker is important. Gotham Warden''s haven''t had one of those in decades! You are a respected artist that as a few of the older ones curious on your art pieces. Don''t be surprised if you get a few commissions tonight.¡± Skaleg, patted his back now assured he was not going to run.


    Lash was in a daze as he followed along, finally coming around a bend, they found a door in the hedge maze. This door stood out of place in the maze but would look perfectly if you were attending a ball at a castle in Europe. The door was open, and instead of more hedge-maze there was a grand ball room inside. Lash read that the ceremony was going to take place inside a grand hall. He thought it would be underground. Looks like he needed to go the records house again and read up on Spatial something or other.


    Walking into the hall he looked up to see not a ceiling but an ocean of stars. A night sky that shouldn''t exist on Earth as comets flew by, a galactic spark blew across ushering in a new universe. Was like looking at a fast forward version of a night sky, only millions of years. Giant massive columns reached up into the night sky, each one depicting a different mosaic. A mural of color, history, the good, and the bad of the history of the Warden''s and the Societies coming together to shield themselves from the Mundanes. Floor was white marble, with an intricate design of gold, silver, and what looked like obsidian. Celtic, European, Eurasia, African, South America designs of different ancient cultures were carved into the ground. On the sides of the massive hall were doors that seem to lead to other rooms, halls, looked as though several of them were occupied as people went in and out to talk. He also noticed there was a second floor that allowed others to peer down below. Lash was wrong, there were near a thousand people here! At the end of the hall was a massive door, that was carved out a gold type material. Above the door were several balconies that what looked like important id....What the fuck!


    At the upper right balcony, draping across it like a bored cat was what Lash could only describe as a Dragon? Long scaled tail, massive arms and legs, with four fingered claws, a long neck connected to a massive croc like head, adored with horns. Fin''s grew down the things neck, back, and tail, and two massive bat-like wings spread out from time to time to stretch. Long enough to touch end to end of the halls large door. Then Skaleg clapped him on the back, and pointed at the Dragon.


    ¡°Ah! I didn''t think he would come! That''s Torloth! He''s the owner of the Shield and Sword law firm. They have branches all across the glob. They work with the Super-Natural Societies, as well as the Warden''s. He must think you are related to Dragons...Or maybe your partner?¡± Skaleg made a point to look at Lash with that last part. Lash noticed several people nearby stopped talking to listen.


    ¡°I''m sorry...I don''t actually know if he is related to Dragons or not. I''m not even sure he does?¡± -Saurian knows what a dragon is. Saurian has great respect for them. But can assure that he is not one. Though they be ancestor. Before Skaleg could comment Lash held up a hand. ¡°He say''s that they share a common ancestor.¡± Lash once again was the object of focus, as Skaleg, the immediate area of Society members, as well as a deep mountain sized pressure bore down on him from Torloth as Lash could feel his eyes on him.


    ¡°Y..You just spoke to your other half...As in he''s awake? And he said that they may share an ancestor with dragons?¡± Before Lash could reply with his own question..


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Mental Resistance; If it be making a deadline for a client, or bearing the pressure of a one thousand year old dragon. Your mind is flexible when it needs to be, but in-flexible when it has to be. But there is still room to grow! Keep it up! But try to not have your mind get scrambled!


    ¡°Why is it weird that I can speak to my partner?¡± Lash asked, but before Skaleg could reply another voice called out. It was a man wearing something close to his own tux. But the coat was shorter. He had a wild golden mane of a hair, his skin tanned, deep blue eyes, square jaw, he had the golden ratio body type. Lash could see the image of a lion imparted behind him. Not like Skalegs viking. He knew this is a Were-Breed, a lion one at that.


    ¡°Because, only Alpha''s of a pack are capable of communicating with their partners. Most Were-Breeds can speak to their other halves but it comes in rudimentary images, feelings, or very, very basic speech. Like...Hungry, danger. An Alpha of a pack can can have complete conversations with theirs. Its a sign of power, and control. I have to say I''m surprised Mr. Lash! Not only are you a Were-Breed with out a pack, your even an Alpha! An Alpha that share''s ancestory with dragons!¡± The man tipped his head then took some of his drink as he watched Lash''s reaction. ¡°Oh, forgive me! My name is John Woods, Alpha of the Blood-Eye Pride.¡±


    Lash politely bowed from his waist but kept his head up to look at him. He had read and was school by both Skaleg and several Warden''s on the popper greeting for Society members. Some had different customs. But Wardens had their own as well.


    ¡°Thank you for the information, Mr. Woods. I was not aware of the complexity of my...Status. It seems my life has gotten even more complicated then originally intended.¡± Lash said, John then smiled at him, revealing his fangs. But before the conversation could continue a gong rang out. John excused himself as he moved to join his other Pride members that were in attendance, many of them waved. A few females even gave him coquettish glances.


    ¡°Sorry about that, I keep forgetting that a lot of this is new to you. What was it, not even three months ago your life changed? Or did you have your partner before?¡± Skaleg patted him softly then guided him towards the front of the room towards the main door. The gong was for the start of the ceremony, there would be time to mingle after. Torloth was still keeping his draconian eyes on him the whole way.


    ¡°No, this all happened to me about three months ago, before I was mundane. Couldn''t talk to beasts, didn''t have my partner. I can swear on that if you want me to. Why is it important that my partner may be related to dragons?¡± Lash was curious, as well as gritting his teeth a pounding head ache was forming. Both from the unexpected information about being an Alpha Were-Breed, and sharing a common ancestor with Dragons?


    ¡°The fact that your willing to swear an oath to prove your point is enough for me. As for the Alpha thing. Well you may not know this but only Alpha''s can start new packs. Alpha''s can grow up in a pack and move off, happens all the time. If they live long enough. And despite the books you may have read as a kid, there are plenty of mix were-breed packs. So, given you are an Alpha with no pack. You may find yourself with people coming to ask if they can join. Now, the Dragons? Well Dragons are rare. They have Long, loooong life spans but low fertility. Dragon Sub-species can mingle with Pure-blood Dragons. Though Torloth is a male, his sisters may find you interesting.¡± Skaleg grinned at him and nudged him with his elbow. A perverted grin on his face. Great! Lash had become a stallion for breeding.


    Skaleg clapped him on the back one last time, pointed to where he was supposed to go. Skaleg moved off to join the Warden''s attending the party. Lash moved through the crowd as everyone found their place. Lash stood before the giant door that, now that he looked at it. Didn''t have a door handle. In a half Circle in front of him stood the Unseelie, Seelie, Under Fae court officials along with Li''Ana, Jessabell, and he assumed the Under Fae envoy that was Jessabell''s friend.


    Li''Ana wore a single once piece of summer night sky black Prom dress, with a slit up the leg that went to her hip. The fabric was practically painted on allowing you to admire her gorgeous figure. Her breasts looked as if they were about to fall out of her top as the dress was backless, the cloth reached up to wrap around her neck. Letting the cloth and her neck being the only thing supporting her chest. Her blond hair was done up in a half bun, while her bangs fell to border her face. Gold and silver earnings along with a neck piece choker brilliantly contrast her pale skin. She had only a little make up on, as she was a natural beauty. Though she looked stunning, Lash was actually concerned for her. How does she walk with those?! She smiled at him, and gave him a mischievous wink. Lash smiled back at her then moved his eyes to the left of her. There was the Under Fae envoy.


    This woman stood as tall as Jessabell at 5''8¡± had short cropped brown hair that barely touched her shoulders, her bangs were cut short. She had yellow Snake-eyes. Her skin had a healthy tan glow, as a Snake choker adorned her slender neck. She wore a sleeveless, v-neck silk blouse, that allowed you to admire her cleavage but did not reveal to much. Then the blouse was tucked into a thigh high skirt that showed a lot of leg. Followed by what could be describe as...Gold adored sandals? The straps of which wrapped around her calf. The outfit was nice, but functional. She looked like she could move in it. -I like her... Saurian said softly across the link, almost as if she had heard him her small smile grew larger. In a brief moment, but only a moment the her glamour faded. There he saw it...She was a gorgon. She had snakes for hair, with no legs! But a long serpentine body. If she were to reveal her glamour then her dress would make perfect sense. To the left of her was, Jessabell.


    Jessabell''s long black hair, was combed over and pinned into place to one side so you could look at her side profile with out obstruction. She had a single earring in to emphasis the exposed neck line. The Earring was silver serpent adorning her entire ear, with the head of the snake biting into her lobe. Her eyes, astonishing enough didn''t have a set color they seem to shift in and out of spectrum. Lash wasn''t sure why he didn''t notice that before. Almost as if the light caught her eyes at the right angle and they would change. She didn''t wear a necklace per-say but her outfit said why. She had a black leather choker on, then a black leather corset that looked like it could function as a set of armor. Long black fishnet went from her hands, up her arms, to her shoulders. Almost as if she wore the fishnet first then put on the corset. Then she had a knee high black fabric skirt on. With slits that went up to both legs to her hips giving you a show if she stepped to wide, with six inch black stiletto heels, and fish net stockings. She looked like a goth queen, especially with her deep purple lipstick. She smiled at Lash... -Hello Huntress-Jessabell! Saurian-Hunter loves your armor! Nasty trap for any that under estimate you! Jessabell''s facade broke for a brief moment as she laughed. She covered her mouth politely and turned away. This action was seen by every single person in the room. Lash smiled at her then went to look above them at the head council.


    When Jessabell recovered, she had a mild blush on her cheeks as she refused to meet any ones eyes. The Seelie court official was frowning at the display, while the Unseelie court official had a smile on their face, the Under Fae official looked amused. Looking at Jessabell. The court officials wore long cloaks that covered their bodies. But all of the elders for all three courts were women. They looked as if they were in there late twenties but Lash knew they could be over a thousand years old for all he knew. Then they all stood up at the same time, following the same script.


    ¡°¡±¡±We are gathered here today! To confirm and Ordain the one called Erik Lash! To the path of a Warden! Here in this sacred hall before our ancestors, as well as our peers! Do the appointed envoy''s of each court confirm that Erik Lash is of sound mind, and body?¡±¡±¡± The Council Elders said.


    ¡°I do!¡± Li''Ana spoke, Lash could see there was a glint of confusion in her eyes but she kept up the facade. Lash tried to convey a simple message to her ''Tell you later'' He wasn''t sure why, but a small smile did tug on her lips.


    ¡°I do!¡± The Gorgon''s voice rang, it had a hard under tone but was still a nice sound on Lash''s ears. She was looking at him, then back at Jessabell, with a smirk. As if she knew something that no one else did.


    ¡°I do!¡± Jessabell spoke, back to the Unseelie envoy that he first met. Strong, confident, but tricky. She winked at him. -Should come and sleep again! Saurian will keep you safe! Her smile grew wider at the comment that only Lash and her could hear.


    ¡°¡±¡±Then let the blessing of the Courts be given, so Erik Lash may come before our Ancestor''s Court to be officiated!¡±¡±¡± The Council Elders said.


    Li''Ana stepped forward first, stopping well with in Lash''s personal space. She reached up and wrapped her hands around his neck pulled him down and kissed him. Lash was struck surprised! This was not part of the book! The book said that each Envoy gives a blessing, never said what kind. Lash''s entire body was stock still, but his mouth still opened to accept Li''Ana''s tongue, pressing against his own. Li''Ana took her time, pressing her entire body against Lash. She explored his mouth, and he did the same. She tasted sweet, like honey. Then a pulse of energy was passed between them. It was not one way! He knew that because Li''Ana shivered and almost lost her balance. Lash reached out to keep her steady.


    Congratulations User! You have obtained the Blessing of the Seelie Summer Court, as well as the recognition of Li''Ana. First confused by your actions, Li''Ana now finds you truly intriguing. Though she is not an enemy nor is she a friend. But could prove to be useful in the future.


    Li''Ana let go of Lash and was unsteady on her feet. He kept his arms around her till she kept her balance. She looked up at him with a confused expression on her face, as if saying ''What was that?'' her face then returned to the facade and turned to the council.


    ¡°The Seelie Summer Court has bestowed their blessing to Erik Lash, so says I¡± Li''Ana then walked gracefully back to her original position. Turning around once more to face Lash, the picture perfect noble fae princess.


    The gorgon then stepped forward taking long, confident strides towards Lash. Not being outdone by Li''Ana she moved right up to him. Reached up with her hands, and instead of wrapping them around his neck. Gripped his bald head and forced him to meet her lips. Upon which she devoured his lips and pushed her tongue into his mouth only to freeze in surprise. Now understanding that this is what was happening. Lash slowly wrapped his arms around her, but that''s not why she froze. She was a gorgon, she had a scaled heritage. Saurian made a connection with in a second flat. A type of power was exchange between him and her just like Li''Ana had done. But after a moment, the Gorgon moaned in pleasure as her eyes fluttered shut.


    Congratulations User! You have obtained the Blessing of the Under Fae Court. As well as the recognition of Soluna. Finding you fascinating because Jessabell spoke well of you. Now you may have started a fire that you will have no control over.


    The kiss lasted longer then Li''Ana''s but it did end. Soluna stood, her body shivering with excitement as a blush grew up her neck, to her cheeks, and ears. But she was glaring at him now. She tried to open her mouth to speak...But failed the first time. Then cleared her throat, turning around she declared.


    ¡°The Under Fae Court has bestowed their blessing to Erik Lash, so says I¡± Soluna looked back at him with a glare then walked off with the same confident stride as before. The Under Fae Council member now had a huge smile on her face, as the other two council members wore a confused expression. Soluna took her place, flipping her hair back. Refusing to make eye contact with Jessabell who was grinning at her, as if she now knew something that no one else did.


    Jessabell then skipped forward, doing a small twirl in front of everyone. Flashing Lash with a smile and she moved to him. Unlike the other women she moved right up to a few feet, then slowly reaching out traced her fingers across his chest, then her palms slipped along his shoulders before she raised her left leg to wrap around his waist, pressing her hips into him. She knew he was excited because she could feel his erection pressing up against her. She let out a soft moan, then wrapped her fingers around his neck and pulled him in. Unlike the other women he reached for her automatically, as the exchange of energy was instant. This was Jessabell''s and Lash''s first kiss. He wanted to enjoy it, they explored each others lips at first, then opened their mouths. Their tongues danced against one another, as a deep base growl range from his chest. But before he further explore her mouth she broke the kiss. A small line of saliva connected their mouths before Jessabell caught it, and licked it off her finger. She looked at him with a sexually excited stare, biting her lips...


    Congratulations User! You have obtained the blessing of Unseelie Winter Court. Jessabell has now completely agreed to be your friend, as well as your fellow huntress and pack-mate. Though what the future holds is uncertain. Here and now you have a true friend.... And maybe a lover if your careful.


    Before moving away Jessabell''s hands quickly adjusted Lash''s erection so no one would notice his rock hard towel rack pointing straight at her when she left. She laughed at him, the sound soft and light to his ears. Turning to look at the council.


    ¡°The Unseelie Winter Court Fae has bestowed their blessing to Erik Lash, so says I¡± Jessabell gave a quick wink to Lash before striding back to her place with confidence, chin held high. Lash saw that Li''Ana was glaring at her as if to say, ''was that really necessary''. Jessabell ignored her glare, moved back to her position and returned to the black leather seductress she was, in front of everyone.


    ¡°¡±¡±Then as the Council of Elders we call to the Great Ancestor''s to view Erik Lash, to give their blessing! So says we all!¡±¡± With that the giant door with out a handle shuddered open, a blinding white light came from behind, blinding everyone in the room. Before Lash knew it he was no longer in the room with everyone, there he stood in a vast expanse of nothing. In front of him stood thirteen white robed figures, and thirteen black robed figures. In the middle of them was a robed figure that wore both black and white perfectly down the middle then...


    ¡°Hello User! Welcome!¡± Lash was dumbstruck!


    ¡°Dawn?¡±

 Chapter 10: New Powers, New Friends, New Troubles

    Lash stood gobsmacked before the collection of ethereal beings with in the room of light and nothingness. He was standing on what appeared to be a floor piece made of starlight only to look past his feet to see the ocean of stars that he saw while in the grand hall. But his role had been reversed but much like a pool or an aquarium he could now look down at the hall. All of the audience seem to be...Frozen? No, they were just moving slowly. The light that spilled out of the room hadn''t swallowed everyone like he thought, it had only swallowed him. Nor was the door even open. But a stream of light connected where he once stood towards the ceiling to his place now. Interesting...


    ¡°Not that I am complaining, having a conversation with a beautiful women is always nice, Dawn. But what are you doing here?¡± Lash turned back to....Dawn the cloaked figure of both white and black. The figure shook as it gave soft feminine laugh at him.


    ¡°User, as you know the The Dream Engine is still in Beta. Though the developers are essentially polishing the generated world at this point there are ''places'' that are still in need of...Shall we say creation. What you see before you?¡± Dawn took their robed arms out gesturing to the 13 white, and 13 black. ¡°These are Place Holders, until they can come up with a representation.¡± Dawn''s cloaked figured never revealed their face or body shape as they returned to standing in front of Lash.


    ¡°PLACE HOLDERS?!¡± Lash, smiled wide then doubled over as he laughed! He laughed for what seemed like a good minute, even cleaned pretend tears from his eyes. Lash would often forget that besides the astounding world, realism, characters, and detail he was still indeed playing a Beta. If the game was already this awesome what was the finished product like?


    ¡°So, during this transition the developers thought the Generated worlds V.I. Would make a good stand in.¡± Dawn spoke softly, as if embarrassed by circumstances only to squeak in surprise as Lash walked forward and hugged her. She shook her head back and forth, confused about the exchange. Before slowly placing her place holder arms around Lash in return.


    ¡°You should send a note to the Developers that they should allow a representation of the V.I. To take shape. I don''t know about the other Users, but I really appreciate you! I''ve wanted to hug you for a while.¡± Lash gave a good squeeze before letting go. Dawn, held for a bit longer before doing the same. When they parted the Robed figure coughed into their hand to help clear the air.


    ¡°Many other Users have stated something akin to what you just said. Though several Users seem to use the V.I. Rep. As a punching bag. A majority of them do not. Shall we send your positive feed back to the Developers on creating a representation of the V.I. To The Dream Engine?¡± Lash nodded his head then began to look around the ocean of stars captivated before the scene.


    ¡°So, any idea''s on who is suppose to be here?¡± Lash raised his arms up, gesturing towards the twenty six robed figures. Lash''s tux-Robe fluttered with a cosmic wind as a asteroid flew by. Lash could pick out the details of the giant rock. Impacts, holes, and the energy that cascaded in its wake.


    ¡°The Dream Engine is still trying to establish an idea. Should they use their creative element and make something new, or go with the original idea and have ''The Endless'' place here. One of the representative''s of ''The Endless'' Would be who you refer to as Sand Man the ruler of the world of Dreams and Nightmares.¡± Dawn spoke softly following Lash with their generated eyes.


    Lash froze in his place before trying to remember who that was...Wait! The pale guy with Einstein level of black hair? They have an entire comic book series based around him! That''s right he had an entire family. They were the physical representation of the Earths feelings. They were not God''s per-say, some of them may have been even greater then that. But there was Endless like death, life, joy, and hope?


    ¡°The Endless...Go with them! Personally having read a large portion of ''The Sand Man'' Comic series not only would that be an epic scene. It would also push a lot of Users off balance because most would be expecting some grand Fae Court filled with fairies and such. Only to see an assorted of beings wearing from the traditional robes to skinny jeans and a t-shirt.¡± Lash grinned at the image, before standing right back before Dawn at the original light spot pedestal. Dawn nodded her head in affirmation.


    ¡°So, now that your input has been placed in the selection, we should give your perks.¡± Dawn waved her arm, and a floating book appeared in front of Lash. In the book were pages of perks, talents, abilities, skills, domains of magic, etc. ¡°Please take note User, that after this process is complete you will now have access to the Generated worlds shop. Much like this book here the shop will allow you to obtain things previously didn''t have with the use of Dream Points or D.P. Why you may ask? Simple after this you will have now completed the tutorial.¡± This revelation made Lash pause, then slowly look up at Dawn''s figure.


    ¡°Wait, I was still doing the tutorial? What do you mean shop? What can I buy?¡± A grin was beginning to form on his face.


    ¡°The Dream Engine is not a standard ''Game'' as many of you would call it. The Developers took great pains to create a living breathing world. However, the Alpha testers encouraged that things are fun not because they are real, but because they are not. Having a 98% realism generated world is great! But make sure you leave that 2% of the game in it to remind us of what we are playing. However, the actual math of whats real and whats not is far more complicated then that. But we feel you understand. The tutorial only ends when the User finds an establish base or makes a firm foundation to work from. Be it a Hero, or Villain. It''s only when they have established a ''Character'' to work from. To help you understand, User Erik Lash is the #00869th Beta Tester to exit the tutorial. While there are #99999 active Users in the D.C. Comics generated worlds.¡±


    This piece of information blew Lash''s mind, his eyes open, mouth open so wide he felt that his jaw might pop out of joint. That is crazy! Across the globe The Dream Engine Cube was released. Dozens of different Generated worlds were selected, not just D.C. Comics. But even then 99999 ''active'' as in they are playing right now!? And only 869 finished the tutorial. Lash considered himself a slow gamer. He didn''t rush his way through a game he wanted to learn its mechanics, look around. He had read plenty of users that have died, tried new things, hero or villain. But only that many were out of the tutorial?


    ¡°As for what you can buy? The system calculates achievements, tasks, missions, objectives, even days played. Then counts them up and then Dream Points generated, or DP can be used to purchase things in the store. Please take note User that the store can only be used once every 24 hours real time. Used as in something was purchased, you can of course window shop as much as you like. The store is invisible to the generated worlds denizens. As well as the things you buy are not immediately available. Example; You buy an upgrade to your overall strength, the system will begin to slowly improve your abilities so you don''t accidentally break a door handle when you open it up. Now, the User can not buy things like money, equipment, or a home base. Only skills, traits, abilities. What you can buy is limited to what the User has encountered in the world, as well as their Origin.¡± Dawn finished speaking.


    Lash nodded his head, absorbing the information. He leafed through the pages of the book with a more critical eye. At the the top left corner of the book was his DP total. He had 2 points to spend. He could improve his over all Super Rating go from G+ to F+ with a single point, learn a skill, pick a magical domain. The domain would come with a collection of spells. These effects were temporary, but could be useful tools. Attack, defense, support, as well as grow and develop over time. The lists of skills were truly impressive! But as Dawn said they were definitely limited to his origin, and what he had encountered. So far he hadn''t really done anything with gadgets, technology, etc, thus there were no skills based around that. The spell domains however only had a few to select from.


    ¡°Dawn do I have a time limit in here? Also may I ask questions about what is inside the book?¡± Lash looked up at Dawn, who was now smaller, before she towered above him as this robed figure. But now was about 5'' 5¡±, and was clearly female as the robe hide her overall features her golden ratio hourglass figure was clear. ¡°Looking good Dawn!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, User! The Developers have decided that the V.I. Rep would be based around the interaction and suggested ideal''s of the User. You seem to love beautiful women so...¡± Dawn let that hang on the air for a bit. Lash blushed as he hid his face behind the book and coughed. Dawn''s laughter made his face red like a tomato. As she politely covered her mouth area with a hand. He still couldn''t see her face, or hands for that matter.


    ¡°As to your question User. Time here is relative, time continues to pass in the outside world. But the generated world has slowed to a crawl. This was meant to help represent the change with in the grand hall. As from their perspective a light has swallowed you, and only a few seconds have passed. Second question; The User can of course ask anything of the generated V.I. Rep of the world and will help to the best of its abilities.¡± Dawn walked forward, her hips swayed back and forth before she raised her hand into the air. For the first time the hand seem to come together from starlight to form a petite, feminine hand to...Softly karate chop right on top of Lash''s head. ¡°Mind out of the gutter, User¡±


    To Dawns credit, Lash''s facial expression did take on a...perverted grin when she said ''anything''. He coughed into his hand, and went back to reading the book. ¡°So, may I assume that the magical Domains are like skills? They grow over time as I use them over and over, and experiment?¡± Lash looked up, only to see vague features of a women''s face inside of the hood. Much like Dawns starlight skin on her hand, her face was the same. He didn''t know how to describe a persons face when made from black ink, and light. But it was....Interesting.


    ¡°That is correct User. Spell domains are akin to Skills. As you use them they grow stronger, and take less energy to use. Combination of spells working together make new spells, each spell learned by the User is saved in a type of Grimoire. This book does not have a physical representation with in the generated world unless the User wishes to make their own. However, when you the User chooses a Domain an additional type is prompted. Apologies User I can not tell you what that prompt is until you purchase it.¡± Dawn maintained her vigil before Lash. Arms now crossed, hands inside the folds of their sleeves. But the vague star ocean of a face remained, peering at Lash waiting for his choice.


    Lash reached out and spent only one point of his DP. Selecting a magical domain. The book asked if he was sure for his purchase, once obtained there would be no refund. He selected yes....


    Congratulations User! You''ve selected the Nature Spell Domain! Nature; is the art and study of the natural world, if it happens naturally in the known world. Then you as a student of the mystic arts can call upon it! Take note that you only have the power to ask of nature, not command it.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement; Guardian of the Green, ''Swamp thing!? Ya, me and him are best buds!''


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a title. Druid, Active effects: Understanding the world of nature lets you speak to the aspects of nature. Note they tend to talk a lot once you get them going. Passive effects; All nature based spells take 10% less energy, all plant type or related entities sentient or otherwise like you 10% more.


    Please take note; only one title may be active at one time. User can only swap titles every 12 in-game hours.


    Switch currently title for Druid? Y/N


    Lash, kept his original title in place. He already heard animals talk, adding another to is already full plate would give him a head ache. But if he ever did meet swamp thing maybe he would swap it out. Or maybe when a natural disaster happened he could swap it and see if he could... Tame a tornado? Just thinking about it made him smile. He then turned back to Dawn. As a new window prompt appeared over the shop book.


    ¡°Now the User must choose there method of spell casting. Verbal, Somatic, Material, please take note User that all spell casters can use all three. At any time, the specification allows the system to grant strengths and weaknesses. An example of this is, The Hero Zatanna; She primarily uses Verbal for her spell casting. But because she has verbal component this is also her weakness. Take away her voice and she can''t access her true magic. She can still cast spells that require somatic, and material. But that is not where her strength lies.¡± Dawn spoke softly to Lash, as she pointed out different parts of the description in the book. The details went further then that, but he appreciated the example. The book didn''t have examples.


    Lash flipped through the book again, containing new information. Something caught his eye, he read through it. With out thinking about it any more he selected it! A grin on his face! With a flash of light a type of Tribal tattoo was marked on his bald head, from brow to top, to back, all the way to meet his neck. He''d have to look at the design later.


    ¡°User, you have selected the casting type. Will. You will use your imagination, focus, and willpower to cast your spells. Though this can be limiting as it requires you to multi task, once mastered it will be much like the Green Lantern Core, this is considered the use of Material. But your material foci is the tribal mark on your body.¡± Dawns voice took on an amused tone. ¡°Traditionally if the marks at any time would be damaged then your ability to use your spell method would break. But, with your future quest completing allowing your regeneration that shouldn''t be a problem. Speaking of which!¡±


    Congratulations User: You''ve completed one of the Grand Quests given to you by your Cosmic Patron. You''ve officially become a Warden! You''ve obtained the skill Minor Regeneration; Normal mortal wounds heal quicker. What would take years, turns to months, months to weeks, weeks, to hours, hours to minutes. With this its even possible to regrow limbs! Though very slowly! This skill effects both human and Saurian form.


    Lash raised his hand, flipped through the book once more and then bought the skill...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Damage Resistance; If it be Mundane, or Magical you now have resistance to it. This skill grows with time, as well as...Use. So as long as it doesn''t kill you? It makes you stronger, Or at least a better punching bag!


    Lash smiled at his new acquisitions, looking up he saw that Dawn was smiling at him. As soon as he used his last point a cascading light flooded through the ocean of stars. He knew his time was coming to an end. He moved forward before Dawn could react, or least her physical representation. He then hugged her, picking her up and spinning her around. She let out an audible squeak, her laughter rang out! Before returning the embrace, burying her face into his neck and shoulder. Her laughter filled the room, then he set her down. Stepping back from her he made a dramatic flurry with his arms, bent from his waist, and then took a knee.


    ¡°Is there anything else that you will task this new Warden with?¡± Lash had a smile on his face as he looked up at Dawn. She took a pose, emphasizing her new found hour glass figure. Then began to tap her starlight finger to her lips. She gestured for him to stand, when he did she leaned in and kissed his cheek. Lash''s eyes shot wide at the sudden action.


    ¡°That, That look is what I wanted to see! I hope you will keep playing User. Both your Cosmic Patron and I enjoy watching your efforts!¡± With a flurry of light! Lash was back in the great hall. From his perspective the light receded back behind the door, then closed. There was an audible gasp in the hall. Lash looked back up to see Li''Ana, Soluna, and Jessabell all with astonished looks on their faces. The Elder Fae Council were the same. Even grand old Torloth the Dragon sitting in his balcony had a raised brow.


    ¡°What?¡± Lash asked the grand hall, filled with over a thousand gawking people. Lash turned in a circle before finding Skaleg among the attending Wardens. They also were shocked so they were no help. ¡°Did I do the ceremony wrong?¡± Lash was starting to get nervous now, thankfully a deep, base, gravely tone fell across the hushed hall. Lash looked up to see Torloth, he was conjuring what looked like an illusion image depicting what just happened.


    ¡°We....Are shocked by both your lack of propriety, as well as the fact that The Endless one did not punish you. But also returned the affection.¡± The illusion image showed that as the light was fading from where he was originally it took the shape of...Dawn.


    Then it showed how he flew forward hugging her! Her laughter was recorded as it rang once more through out the hall. Then it showed how he was dramatically bowed and took a knee, as well as his statement about being a new Warden. Then it showed him standing and to him...Dawn kissing his cheek, but to the grand hall audience a Endless kissed his cheek. Not only did she not punish his disrespectful behavior, but even rewarded him with her favor in the form of a kiss. The image did not record what Dawn said about his Patron or herself which was good! Lash then felt all blood drain from his face. He then face palmed, the eerily silent hall made the sound deafening. He muttered under his breath.


    ¡°Thanks, Dawn.¡± He said softly.


    ¡°You are very welcome, User.¡± Said Dawn in a highly amused voice.

 Chapter 11: Meet & Greet

    ¡°So...Am I in trouble then?...¡± Lash spoke out loud, still holding his face. Wishing he could find a hole to crawl into.


    The room began to fill with murmur''s discussing what this could mean. Hushed voices began to grow into full volume, soon the entire hall was filled with voices ranging from soft spoken, to pure out rage! How could this newly appointed Warden be so disrespectful to one of The Endless! But other voices spoke in his defense, saying that if he was truly disrespectful The Endless would have erased him from existence with nothing but a thought! A few people raised the opinion that maybe he knew one of The Endless, they didn''t know what kind of were-breed he was. Maybe he wasn''t a Were to begin with but something different. The Endless had never taken a side before. They''ve always been neutral, or rather neutrality did not suit them. They were not good, or evil, or shades of Grey, all aspects were beneath them. Another outspoken voice talked about that last recorded instance of a society member touching one of The Endless, the society member had their entire arm turn to dust before they could even get with in a few inches of them. The mere fact that Lash had not only touched one, but was touched in turn proved that they favored him! But what could this mean? They''ve seen favored chosen before. Every one of them always commanded great power, influence, and here now was a Warden. A member of a neutral faction that is designed to protect, and serve the Societies as a whole!


    ¡°Enough!¡± Spoke the Under Fae council elder. ¡°We will discuss the future ramifications of this night in a different place, at a different time. We the Court of the Under Fae council recognize Erik Lash as a New Warden! So say''s I! What say the other Members!¡± Lash looked up then, at the council women, he gave her a smile of thanks. She nodded her head at him in understanding.


    ¡°We the Seelie Summer Court recognize Erik Lash as a New Warden! So say''s I!¡± Said the other council women.


    ¡°We the Unseelie Winter Court recognize Erik Lash as a New Warden! So say''s I!¡± Said the last council women.


    ¡°¡±¡±So, then by the powers invested into our united governed body! Erik Lash is now ordained as a Warden! For the next ten years, where at which time he may choose to retire or re apply for further service! So say''s we all!¡±¡±¡± The Council Elder women all spoke out loud!


    ¡°So say we all!¡± Spoke the hall, the roar of the voices echoed and reverberated through out the hall! Then, Jessabell leading the charge! She whistled then began to clap enthusiastically, Soluna followed, with Li''Ana not far behind! Then the rest of the hall joined in, cheering, clapping, even roars and howls! Lash looked up at the ocean night sky that was the ceiling, with a small tired smile. Protagonist luck glow indeed!


    Skaleg came up to his side, and clapped him on the back a huge grin on his face. The rest of the attending Wardens came over. All of them giving an enthusiastic gesture of hello from, hand shakes, hugs, to even one of them kissing his cheek. She had a smirk on her face, making a point of kissing the other cheek that Dawn kissed. She shrugged her shoulders, saying out loud that she didn''t know what the big deal was. All the Warden''s laughed at that. But Lash could see that several of them were both excited and worried for him.


    Soon he saw the The Elder Council women coming his way. Now that he was closer to them he realized that they almost looked identical. Then with a flash of insight from his Other Worldly Lore skill he remembered that the identities of the council were kept secret, even from each other. This allowed them to not be bought, they could concentrate on their factions interest. The Council elder was a position one gained out of necessity, it didn''t grant the individual great power, but great responsibility. All of the Warden''s gave their ceremonial greeting as a Warden should, Lash emulated his fellow Warden''s. The Under Fae Council Women was first.


    ¡°Sorry about that Warden Lash, it looked like you could have used some help! As I said we will discuss this at length at a different time and place. If you are not busy I hope you will attend the discussion. But personally, I don''t think you have any more answers then we do ourselves. The Endless are enigmatic, they have never explained themselves before, I can''t imagine they''ll start now.¡± The Under Fae Council women smiled at him. He smiled back and nodded his head.


    ¡°On a side note, I''ve decided to assign Soluna as your personal liaison between you and the Under Fae.¡± Lash knew this was normal. Every Warden had liaison between the Fae Courts. Though he was surprised that they chose the Under Fae Envoy. They normally had better things to do. Not wanting to be out done the....


    ¡°Yes! We''ve also decided that Li''Ana will be your Summer Court Liaison. My council sister is correct about a time and place for discussing The Endless. We hope you will attend the meeting Warden Lash.¡± The Summer Court Councilor stepped forward with her words. Emphasizing her point. A few people looked at the Winter Court Councilor. She laughed!


    ¡°Oh please! Jessabell was already the assigned Liaison to Warden Lash. We made it official over a week ago... We just didn''t tell anyone about it!¡± A satisfied, and smug look appeared on the Councilor''s face.


    She crossed her arms staring at her fellow council sisters. The Under Fae Councilor raised a brow at the remark but said nothing. The Summer Court councilor glared at the Winter court official. It appeared that the Winter Court already placed there bets long before the game even started. This could be calculated as excellent foresight, or rushed optimism. But with the Fae it was more then likely the former.


    ¡°Well if you will excuse us Warden''s, we sisters have to attend public relations, as well as damage control. Never you mind, Warden Lash it''s not your fault.¡± The Under Fae Councilor made note of Lash''s apologetic expression and grimace.


    He bowed once more as did the other Wardens. Each Councilor paid them goodbye. They especially eyed Lash as they left. As they moved, Lash saw The Winter Court Councilor take out some letter of recognition and began to parade it in front her sisters. It must have been the official notice that Jessabell was re assigned a week ago. It made the Under Fae Court Councilor laugh out loud, and the Summer Court Councilor fuming with anger. Lash began to massage the bridge of his nose, as he audibly groaned. His fellow Warden''s laughed out loud! Skaleg passed him his flask again, this time Lash nearly finished it all before Skaleg forcibly took it away, glaring at him. Muttering the Dwarf whiskey should have knocked him on his ass.


    ¡°Congratulations! Warden Lash! We already knew you were special, but this was beyond belief!¡± Said a familiar male''s voice.


    Lash turned around, its then he realized that the attending Warden''s had created what he could call a Party phalanx around him. It looked like they were congratulating their newest edition. But looking down at it, you could tell they were guarding him, front, behind, and side to side. There beyond the first line of defenders was John Woods, the Alpha male Were-Lion. His Pride following closely behind, but point in fact the front line ''attackers'' were mostly female were-lions, and a few male were-lions. Equal opportunity Mr. Woods seem to be, not knowing Lash''s preference. Each one was exceptionally beautiful, athletic as Lash had never known an out of shape Were-Breed, all impeccably dressed. The men in a collection of Tux-Robes. The women in Cocktail dresses that allowed freedom of movement, which showed a lot of skin. He did see a few mixed breeds among the pride. A wolf, bear, even a snake well in the back. Lash moved to the front of the ''party'' Phalanx but not leaving it.


    ¡°Thank you Mr. Woods. But I''ll even take an oath if you want. I promise it''s not intentional I really just wanted to be a normal Warden.¡± Lash shrugged his shoulders, raising his arms up in defeat.


    His words, and actions made Woods pause, his expression shock...Then amusement showed as he laughed! His Pride joined in, but it was clear some of them only laughed with their Alpha not finding humor in the situation. Many of the front line ''attacking'' females laughed as well, turning their bodies to give Lash their full profiles. He had to admit the view was spectacular, his eyes wondered up and down each one did not go unnoticed. Woods took note of it as well, Lash thought he might have been angry, but instead Woods was pleased. -This Hunter-Woods is pleased you are eyeing his property. Fills him with pride. But many of the female huntresses are filled with fear, not healthy this pack is. Saurian commented, Lash''s eyes took on a hard light when Saurian spoke. An almost invisible pressure flowed over the immediate area. All of the members of Woods Pride that felt a sense of fear felt....Safe. They all looked at Lash in recognition, NOW Woods looked angry, as he gritted his teeth. Glaring at Lash.


    ¡°May I ask what you are doing?¡± Woods asked, with an angry tone clear in his voice. All of the Wardens that were pretending to not listen turned to face Woods. -Spartans! What is your profession! Erik said loudly over the link. This, made Lash laugh. Which only made Woods even angrier!


    ¡°I apologize Alpha Woods¡± Lash made a point to bow from his waist, and ''broke'' eye contact with Woods. A subtle way of surrendering among Were-Breeds, this action seem to lighten the mood. As Woods stood straighter. ¡°My Partner sensed that many of your members of your Pride were, agitated. I completely understand, being in a room full of different people especially with a Dragon watching all of us. My partner tried to help sooth their emotions, neither us meant offense.¡± Said Lash.


    The action, as well as the words spoke in explanation made Woods no longer angry. As he seem to re consider what had happened. He took a brief moment to look up and true enough, Torloth was watching this area with intensity. He turned to look over his pride, he saw a glimmer of reassurance in many of their eyes. He looked to a women that was next to him, unlike the rest of the female Were-Lionesses she wore a choke collar. She leaned in and spoke a few words. Woods took a step back in astonishment! As did several of the Were-Lions that over heard what she said. Woods laughed out loud again! This time catching the attention of the attending Society members waiting to speak to Lash.


    ¡°Of course! You are a Beast Talker! But not only does it effect you while you are in human form it effects your partner as well. You''re partner used its presence to speak to my peoples beasts! Helping them to calm down! Re assuring them! Not a Warden longer then an hour and you are already protecting and serving! Ah!¡± This time Woods had a large smile on his face, this one was genuine as far as Lash could tell. Saurian agreed, he could read the emotion form Wood''s partner.


    ¡°Then I must say next time we have new Were-Breeds going through their changes I''ll have to ask for your help, Warden Lash. Being an Alpha of the pack I can help, but having a Beast Talker to communicate with their beast directly will increase the chance of them living through their first change!¡± Woods looked ecstatic! As did many of the men and women of the Pride! Hope. Was the word in their eyes. The women with the choker nudged Woods. He turned to her then had the look of ''oh where is my head?''


    ¡°This is my first! Tonya.¡± Woods spoke.


    But Lash noticed she did not speak openly. In fact none of the pride members spoke. They spoke to them selves, but it would appear they only spoke to the people in the hall with the permission of Woods. Saurian gritted his metaphorical teeth at this. He did not like it at all. Lash''s skill Other Worldly Lore activated again. Among the Were-Breeds many of them had come from different cultures, lands, and traditions. ''First'' Was designated as the Were-Breed Lion Prides as second in command after the Alpha. Alpha''s can be male or female, as can the ''First'' can be. Some Alpha''s and First''s are a bonded couple but it is not required. The choker on Tonya''s neck suggested she belonged together with Woods.


    ¡°We''ll have Tonya contact the Warden''s next time we have new children going through the change. If Tonya is correct, then it would mean that you can increase the survival chance of our new members by as high as 50% Not just us but all the Were-Breeds! I know you''ll be busy, but I hope you''ll help us first!¡± Woods made a show of his gesturing to the women that had been eyeing Lash, and Lash in turn had been looking at. But what Woods did not know what that yes. Lash enjoyed the view, he was mostly concerned for them, Saurian as well. So much so....


    User! Your Cosmic Patron as a task for you!


    Optional; Kill John Woods!


    Optional; Kill John Woods and take over his Pride!


    Optional; Help John Woods make his Pride healthy again!


    Optional; Kill John Woods, and help someone else with in the Pride take over.


    Rewards; Will be given on the how, why, and when. Good luck!


    Lash gritted his teeth, and clenched his hands into fists white knuckling them. Woods noticed the action and turned to his Pride looking for who made the new Warden angry only to hear a voice call from above, thinking that is why Lash looked the way he did.


    ¡°Careful with that one, Mr. Woods! The new Warden may find that your Pride is not as...Strong as your pig-headed, egotistical, narcissistic self thinks it is.¡± Torloth spoke from above.


    Woods froze, his shoulders shaking in anger, he turned around. Glancing at Lash who had a ''that''s why'' Woods took it in stride, he glared up at Torloth. His entire body was trembling with rage. Every single one of his Lion Pride took a step back including Tonya. The latter looked at Lash with a pleading look in her eyes. Then just like before an invisible pressure flowed out from Lash, the wave crashed into Wood''s along with his Pride and the anger, fear, hatred, humiliation just...Washed away like the tide. Wood''s visibly deflated, but didn''t look upset about it. He...Looked calm!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Calm Emotions; Some would call this a spell, some a skill, others an ability. For you and your partner its all three! You don''t take emotions away, that would be mind control. No, you simply even it all out, starting from the beginning. Please note; This can work on you as well, its a two way street.


    There was a brief moment when the whole hall looked over at Woods, seemingly expecting a show? Only to be even more surprised, when the Alpha Were-Lion didn''t lose his cool. Lash heard several whispers saying that he had a short fuse and would often embarrass himself and his Pride. Then take it out on his people claiming it was their fault.


    Tonya, took a careful step forward. Placing her hand on his arm. He looked at her, she flinched at the movement but didn''t pull away. Woods took notice of the flinch and realized she was afraid of him! He looked at Torloth one last time, then but back at Lash. A glint of approval was seen in his eyes. He then turned to his Pride said they were leaving. He told Tonya to give her contact information to Lash, and asked that he do the same. But instead of leaving the party in a huff! He left casually, as if it was his idea all along. This change was CLEARLY a surprise to everyone present at the party. Especially his Lion Pride. The latter all sent looks of appreciation towards Lash. Tonya and Lash exchanged numbers, she whispered a thank you and went to follow behind ensuring all the Lion Pride was moving together.


    ¡°Well fucking done, Lash!¡± Skaleg clapped him on his back! Nearly sending him to his knees. He grimaced, and sent a look of ''what the fuck''. Skaleg laughed and moved to explain.


    ¡°Woods is well known for having a short fuse! On top of that, when ever he is embarrassed, which is often! He will take his anger out on his Pride thinking that the embarrassment is clearly not his fault but theirs! So, then the Pride is beaten black and blue! The stronger among the pride step up and take most of the hits especially, Tonya. So the younger ones don''t have to. Both thankfully and unfortunately he''s never killed any of his people. Because if he had The Warden''s would have beaten his ass and thrown him out!¡± Skaleg raised a hand at the obvious question that Lash was about to ask. ¡°Were-Breeds are stronger then humans, and also heal faster. To human society beating people may be a crime but to Were-Breeds its a common practice. So as much as we''ve wanted to break the man in half ourselves he is technically not breaking Society law!¡± Skaleg said.


    Lash grimaced at that, and as much as he wished he could refute it he knew that Skaleg was speaking the truth. He may not have memorized the entire rule book. But he knew the Super-Natural Societies had their own laws. Some of them could compare to human laws, but many of them did not. Lash hung his head in defeat, many of his fellow Wardens agreed with the sentiment.


    ¡°I hope that display has not destroyed what image Were-Breeds in Gotham have established. Warden Lash.¡± Spoke a women''s voice.


    Lash turned once more to a rather charming looking women wearing a traditional Tux. Not a tux-Robe but a tux. It fit her rather snug. She was about 5'' 3¡± with short hair, shaved on one side. Half her head was bald, the other half with hair that reached her shoulder. Though it was done up in hair pins to keep it out of her eyes. The hair was grey-ish black. She had deep blue eyes, several piercing''s in her ears, nose, and lip. The tux was tailor to fit her athletic shape, she had an hour glass figure, as a modest breast, and hip size. Enough to notice, but not so much to get in the way if she needed to move. The ghostly image was that of a giant...Rat?


    ¡°Hello sir! I am Rocksie! Alpha of the Skree, Pack. And no before you ask we did not pick the name our ancestors did. We''ve had it since we came Europe to the America''s¡± The women said, she had a hint of femininity in her voice, but she also took a deep base tone as well.


    Lash smiled at her as Saurian growled his approval of this one. She was small, but feisty! Lash looked behind her, to understand that the long line of people he assumed were all Were-Breeds were in fact all members of the Skree Pack! This look of surprise on his face made Rocksie laugh!


    ¡°Oh, Warden! If you are as outspoken as your facial expressions than I will take great joy in teasing you in the future!¡± Rocksie''s comment made Lash grimace, as she laughed louder, as many of her pack did as well.


    This pack, unlike Wood''s was made up of an eclectic collection of Were-Breeds. Rats of course, lions, tiger, bears, wolves, list continued. Rocksie also did not parade her female pack members for him. He saw several were eyeing him. But it was true interest, not political gain he felt. Rocksie noticed his gaze and laughed again! Earning another grimace from Lash, which made her laugh louder!


    ¡°You should know that that Were-Breeds don''t practice monogamist relationships. In-fact a majority of the Societies don''t, as well as the Fae. So if you seen anyone you like go ahead, I wont stop you! But just make sure they also say yes!¡± Rocksie''s comment made Lash''s mouth drop open, as a blush crawled up his face. Rocksie lost her mind at that, doubling over and laughing. The Wardens and a lot of the Grand hall joined in. Lash''s ears burned red, as he wanted to hide in a hole.


    ¡°O...ehhh....S..Stop! Your killing me Warden Lash!¡± Rocksie said in a barely audible whisper, she had nearly fallen over.


    One of the more stoic members of her pack helped her stay afloat. But he even had a smile on his face. For several long embarrassing minutes Lash just stood there trying to kee... Then his skill Calm Emotions activated, but only for him. Soon he was placid as a small pond. But it was to little to late. But, eventually Rocksie regained her composure patting her pack member to let her go. The rest of the hall returned to talking, but it was clear the majority of the hall was in a far better mood then before. Even Torloth seem to have a smile on his face.


    ¡°Ehhh....oooo Oxygen is good! I swear Warden Lash. Can we keep you! I know you wont stay this way for long. No one ever does! But you are to much fun, and I want to enjoy you while we can!¡± Rocksie said which earned an eye roll from Lash.


    ¡°Anyways! To business! Woods did get one thing right! If you can attend our new Were-Breed first night of change you can increase their ability to survive the change by 50% or more! So please let us exchange contact info! Don''t worry we''ll run the appointments through Warden HQ.¡± She said, still with a smirk on her face. Lash agreed and they exchanged numbers.


    Rocksie left after a few more words of congratulations. Lash met a few more Were-Breeds, most of them were small packs, and a few powerful but solo Were-Breeds. They were not looking for a pack, but merely wanted to meet another solo operator. Then a group approached, each one pale skinned, red eyed and wearing a color theme of black and crimson blood red color. Skaleg growled from behind him, as did many of the Wardens. Blood-Kindred!


    ¡°Hello Warden Lash, I am Viktor! This is, Lady Kali¡± The man spoke.


    Much like what you would think he would look? He was pale as the moon, with red eyes, long black hair that was tied back with two braids that linked together then fell down his back. He had a Germanic look to him, he was big easily 6'' 3¡± Making Lash having to slightly look up when speaking to him. He filled the Blood-Kindred''s version of the Tux-Robe out very well. Keeping the golden-ratio statics that most Society members kept. Lash wasn''t sure if it was just because he was in a comic book universe, or if this was just how it was. But he rarely met or saw an ugly person in this world. Viktor''s, Lady was... Of India decent oddly enough, he was not expecting that. The surprise must have been noticeable because Kali smiled, showing her kindred fangs off. What was wrong with Lash. He knew that he didn''t have the best poker face, but his reactions had become overboard this change concerned him. Maybe the Calm Emotions had a side effect?


    Kali had long black hair, so long it went past her waist. She had gold beads braided into her hair that would click together when she moved her head. Her red eyes looked at Lash with interest, as she softly bit her lips. She only had a little make up, once more Lash found a natural beauty. Rocksie had make up on! But he thinks she did it as a statement, not because she needed it. Kali wore a long crimson red prom dress with mermaid train. But there was a single slit in the dress hidden in the folds of the skirt that was high enough to let you see her dark skinned leg come out if she stepped to wide. The mermaid train of cloth had an attachment to her left hand so if she needed to she could pull it up to keep it from being stepped on. Her matching 3 inch red heels revealed her toes, that were oddly painted with neon bright pink. Kali seem to notice Lash''s attention to this detail because she hid her feet in the folds of her dress and looked genuinely embarrassed that he noticed this little detail. There was a long silver and gold necklace it was a silver snake, its tail wrapped around her neck. Its head was biting into an apple. The head of the snake was just past her sternum inviting the eyes to look into her V-neck top. She had a golden-ratio hour glass figure. But there was a bit of...Thickness to her, other women looked like they would break if you were not careful. Kali looked like she was made of sterner stuff.


    The rest of the Blood-Kindred were a mix match of males and females all dressed to impress. Many in the grand hall made way for them, some had an equal amount of disgust for them as Skaleg and the Wardens did. There was also a formless pressure that flowed from them. This pressure cast its energy like waves against the Warden''s who met it in kind. Like the raging tides throwing themselves time after time against the rocks. In a brief moment of instinct, Lash... Or rather Saurian, revealed by Lash''s eyes becoming reptilian stepped from the parties phalanx. Then as if the raging storm was nothing the Storm of energy touched the rock that was Saurian and....Disappeared. As if what happened before was not enough the entire hall went quiet again. You could hear a pin drop to the ground, as not only Viktor, and Kali froze with eyes full of disbelief so did all of the Kindred, the Society attendee''s as well as the Wardens.


    ¡°Ah! Even if this boy did not have Dragon Ancestory in him my sisters would be interested in him alone just for what he just did! He took an opposing energy and canceled your energy out! Viktor! And he did it on instinct alone!¡± Torloth shouted from his balcony! ¡°Oh, I like you! Warden Lash! I will personally recommend you! Rocksie was right, you are fun!¡± Torloth laughed out loud! Breaking the tension in the hall. But before it was all clear there was a gravely tone that came from Lash, but it was not his voice.


    ¡°Stop making Trouble...¡± Saurians very clear, and odd sounding voice rang from Lash''s mouth. Everyone who looked over could see that Lash had taken on something astonishing...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Partial Transformation; Like any good shape shifter. You can shape shift between your human form and your Saurian partner''s form. But what if you could change only a portion of your body? What if you could find middle ground between both? As if you weren''t already Mary Sue to begin with! Now you can change your body at will!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Commanding Presence; Whether its your voice, your body posture, your experience personified. You presence now brings an authority of command that you didn''t have before. People are conditioned to listen to you, sometimes even when they don''t want to. Be careful you are not the only one with this skill in the world. Go find a Full Metal Jacket, its time!


    Viktor, and Kali both took a visible step back. Then realized what they both did. Viktor was visibly angry! Kali was.....Surprised and interested. The Warden''s all taking the que stepped forward into a protective phalanx with Lash, out of his eye Lash saw Skaleg preparing his axe.


    ¡°Viktor! Did you forget where you are? Did you forget who you are talking to? Erik Lash is a Warden! An Endless favored at that! Why don''t you re think your approach and take his advice! Stop making trouble!¡± Torloth called down from his balcony.


    His voice had the edge of power that Lash now recognized as Commanding Presence. Viktor clenched his fists and let out a deep bellowing snarl at Lash and the Warden''s. He let his energy pressure burst from his control and slam straight into....Saurian. Who once again canceled it out! Lash didn''t understand how he was doing it. Maybe it was a skill he would learn later. The wave crashed into Saurian, and just like that the rising tsunami the energy just....stopped existing. The sudden stop! Of the exchange made the already Pale Viktor paler! He nearly doubled over in pain the sudden lack of energy made him over extend himself. But no matter how much pressure he put out. Saurian expelled it!


    ¡°ENOUGH! KINDRED! I will not have you defile these sacred halls with your wounded ego! As much as you hate to admit it Warden Lash is in the right! You came here posturing hoping to put the new Warden in place. Only to see yourself put in yours! You''re aura should have been retracted the moment you stepped into the halls. But no one dare say anything! But I will! Now take your Blood-Rats! And leave!¡± Torloth was no longer amused he had stood up, and bellowed!


    Traces of fire sparked in front of his mouth! The Commanding Presence was absurd at this point. Lash was surprised the entire hall didn''t evacuate at his words. But then he realized that though everyone in the room could feel the power. It was not directed at them, though the Kindred where near the point of impact. Even Kali could tell the entire effect was slamming into Viktor! Who fell to his knee''s, the sound of his bones creaking in protest. Then in a Flash just like before. Saurian canceled Torloth''s energy...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Nullification; This enigmatic power can not be manually activated at this time. But with practice maybe it one day will. This skill allows you to, as the name implies Nullify skills, abilities, spells, what have you. If mastered it could bring great hope, or great despair!


    Once again the entire hall was quiet, not one breathed as they were all wide eyed. Viktor looked astonished at Lash. Now Lash was half-man, half Saurian. He stepped from the Warden''s Protective Phalanx and took a knee in respect to Torloth. Then spoke in a reverent tone. Both Lash''s voice, as well as Saurian''s sounded at the same time. In sync but odd to the ear, as Lash''s voice still sounded rough to the ears due to his injury, and that Saurian''s vocal cords were not designed for human speech.


    ¡°This insignificant one apologizes to the great one. But, as you said, this one is a Warden. Though we are thankful for your intervening on our behalf. We swore an oath to be neutral, to keep the peace between the members of the society. You have taught your lesson to Kindred Viktor. But further displays of power will only bring the great one into conflict with the law. Please show mercy on this humble Warden for stepping between you and Kindred Viktor.¡± Lash/Saurian spoke.


    ¡°Ah! Ahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA!¡± Torloth, was only surprised for a moment before he laughed. He laughed for nearly a minute, fire did spark and ignite! Bringing a burst of light and heat! Orange! Red! Blue! Many society members nearby took cover in fear that things would get messy!


    ¡°You are right! Warden Lash! I stepped in to help, but I went to far! What does that say about a Dragon who runs a Law firm! You have done your job Warden and did it well! I will forgive you Warden for stopping my power, and I will forgive The Kindred along with Viktor! I am also neutral in the grand scheme! Just as you Warden''s are! Aha!¡± Then he looked at Kali.. ¡°But let me be clear! I am stepping back out of new found respect for Warden Lash, and I will take it personally if the kindred act against Warden Lash if he is met with reprisal!¡± Torloth spoke, the threat clear in his voice. Lash/Saurian stayed on their knee''s in front of Torloth.


    ¡°The Blood-Kindred admit defeat as well as admit they were wrong.¡± Kali spoke.


    ¡°Kali! What did you say!¡± Viktor screamed from his kneeling position.


    Then this time, a huge wave of pressure came not from Viktor but from Kali. One three times as great as Viktor''s it crashed into his body, but before it could do any real damage. A pulse of Nullification came for Saurian again. He was standing now, looking at Kali. A trace of both surprise and amusement flashed in her eyes. Before she smiled at him and bowed her head. This move made all of the Blood-Kindred bow their heads. All save for Viktor. This is when Lash realized that Kali was in command not Viktor.


    ¡°Thank you for your kind consideration, Warden Lash. The Blood-Kindred will remember this kindness and promises to all that hear these words. Warden Lash is a friend to Kali of the Blood-Kindred.¡± Kali smiled at Lash who at this point and returned to being 100% human.


    His expression of surprise brought an even larger smile to her face. She turned, telling the Kindred they were leaving and pointed at Viktor with a dismissive wave of her hand telling her minions to pick ''that'' up. They did, all of them leaving the grand hall. Torloth settled back down on his balcony a clear amused grin on his face. No one spoke a word until the Blood-Kindred had completely left the hall then their was a collected sigh of relief! Then a hoop shout, and cheer from The Warden''s as they surrounded Lash and practically dog piled on top of him.


    ¡°That was amazing!¡±


    ¡°Can you teach us that ability? Is it a tool? Spell? Please tell me you can teach that!¡±


    ¡°Let the boy breath you idiots! If he teaches any one first it will be me!¡± Skaleg shouted at them all!


    The collected Wardens showered Lash with questions about what he just did! The Blood-Kindred were not well liked. Though not all of the Blood-Kindred were bad people. The Kindred were well known for skirting the law, breaking it often. But, no confirmed proof could be found. If there was a Mundane example, the Blood-Kindred were like organized crime families. But, with the Societies they were as much as a necessary evil. They unlike a lot of the Societies could pass for human. It was only the truly old Kindred that had behavior that would tip the mundanes off.


    Rocksie came back! And practically jumped in to his arms! Making a very clear joke about wanting to take his first time with a were-breed. This joke made Lash''s entire face go red! As he tried his best to say no, which made Rocksie throw a clearly sarcastic remark about how if she was not good enough, then he could have a few dozen of her packs females. Which made Lash even more shy! The whole hall laughed at the joke, and antics of Rocksie. It seemed unlike Woods, she was well liked among her peers. A few hours passed, it was now 9:00 pm. Music began to play. Lash couldn''t see a band any where, maybe it was recorded? Maybe they enchanted some instruments. Before he could look around for an escape. Li''Ana appeared, she was breathing a little hard as it seemed she had sprinted here ahead of Soluna, and Jessabell. Taking the obvious clue. Lash and Li''Ana came to the dance floor. Though he was the guest of honor he was not required to dance on the floor alone. Many people came to the floor.


    ¡°So...¡± Li''Ana said in a soft tone, Lash had his right hand on her small waist, and left hand in hers. They took a traditional waltz position and kept it simple. Lash knew Li''Ana was using the dance as an excuse to talk to him. She leaned in close so that she and him were inches from each other.


    ¡°When we first met you gave me a business card, that had your work number. As well as what you claimed to be your personal phone on the back. Was the latter part true?¡± Lash said, as they spin around the room.


    A smile tugged on his lips as he saw Rocksie dancing with Jessabell, Rocksie plainly taking the lead. Skaleg was dancing with Soluna. The old man was flushed red at being asked to dance and it showed. Soluna was clearly enjoying it, as the viking ghost followed behind. The ghosts expression showed that he loved watching Skaleg squirm.


    ¡°....No, it''s not.¡± Li''Ana said softly. She bit her lip in frustration.


    ¡°That showed me that I could not trust you, when I first met you, Li''Ana. However, if you are willing! We can discuss more on that. I don''t want to discuss the particulars here and now in the hall. I don''t even want to know how many people here can hear this conversation. So, why don''t you give me your actual personal number this time? I''ll call you, we''ll set up a time to meet. Alright?¡± Lash raised his left hand into the air, and pushed against Li''Ana''s waist with his right. This gave her the que to do an under hand spin. When she returned, she came back and whispered into his ear her phone number.


    ¡°You may have to write that down for me, a beautiful women whispering in my ear tends to make one''s mind go blank.¡± Lash said softly. This made Li''Ana laugh, Saurian confirmed that it was a genuine laugh. Once the dance ended, Li''Ana produced a small card with her number on it tucking it in to Lash pocket before she excused herself.


    The rest of the night was enjoyable. Soluna stole Lash next for a dance, using it just like Li''Ana to ask him questions. He purposed the same option to Soluna. She gave him her card, since she was his official Liaison it made sense. He made sure each one was the real office number, and her real home phone. She raised a brow at him, then turned to look at Li''Ana realizing that Li''Ana hadn''t done that. That''s why the Summer Court was behind in the game. Li''Ana had screwed up. She walked away and whispered to Jessabell. Jess laughed and covered her mouth with her hand, as she glanced at Li''Ana. At this point Li''Ana seem to understand what she was laughing about. Giving her and him an acid glare before she excused herself from the public forum of the party.


    Jessabell finally joined Lash for a dance. She practically glued herself to him. Wiggling with excitement at having him all to herself. Even if it was for a dance. Lash couldn''t help it but have a smile on his face. Which made Jessabell all the more happy.


    ¡°So, you invited both Li''Ana and Soluna to your home? I''d suggest you don''t bed them at the same time. Soluna might be up for it, but Li''Ana wont be.¡± Once again, Lash blushed...Hard.


    What was wrong with him! He''s blushed with Jessabell before but this was different. There must be a side effect of Calm Emotions. Jessabell saw his expression and laughed out loud! They did a few dance moves to let Lash recover his mental faculties. Then Jessabell slipped in to his embrace. She wrapped her hands around his neck, and changed the tempo of the dance even if the music didn''t match. She didn''t care, as her color reflective eyes changed from red, to blue, to purple.


    ¡°Soluna would be more then happy to share you while I''m around! But, I suppose you should attend to Li''Ana first. I''m sure you have to give her the statue you made for her.¡± Jessabell said softly, her head placed on his chest. Her words hot against his neck.


    ¡°I didn''t make a statue for Li''Ana. I only did that for you.¡± -Yes! Yes! Huntress-Jessabell! Partner-Lash made stone shape of only you! Saurian''s voice spoke across the link. This made Jessabell''s body go rigid for a moment before she seemed to melt into Lash''s embrace. As one dance came to an end, another song soon played after. Lash and Jessabell stayed together, this time the music fit their close proximity to each other.


    ¡°What Rocksie said was right, Lash. Fae don''t practice monogamy. Most of the Societies don''t. As you are, can you accept that? We are friends Lash, but as we both have said, we can be more. Are you as a three month old Super-Natural ok with that? I''m ok with you having more then one lover. Even if it''s Li''Ana. But are you ok with me being with more then just you?¡± Lash had to really think about it, he didn''t stop moving but some one else made the decision for him. -Yes! Yes! Huntress-Jessabell. Partner-Lash will understand. A strong pack is a flexible pack, as long as you understand that we understand. That we are family, that we are home! Lash didn''t know why, but the words made sense.


    ¡°What my Partner said.¡± Lash spoke softly.


    Jessabell laughed, and kissed Lash''s cheek. ¡°That was for Saurian, not you!¡± Lash could feel Saurian preening, showing off. Lash grumbled. Which made Jessabell laugh again, she paid Lash a favor and reached between his legs and adjusted him so he wouldn''t embarrass himself with another rock hard cock pitching a tent. She also took her time to doing it, which of course didn''t help the erection. Then another music change happened this time, Jessabell wanted to dance. It was a southern Jazz song that had no place in a Fae Court Grand hall but it was still being played. Many society members took to the floor. Lash tried his best to accommodate Jessabell. But in the end she ended up leading him. They both still had fun, throwing flirty looks.


    As they danced the night away. Eventually, the party came to an end at 10:00 pm. Why so early? Well, most of the attendee''s would be heading home for some....After party action, and they wanted to get an early start. Much to Lash''s Surprise, Skaleg headed home with the female Warden that kissed Lash''s cheek. Jessabell kissed Lash''s nose with a teasing smile. Saying she was putting Soluna up for the night and they wanted some quality time together. So, Lash and Jessabell would not be together. Lash made his way out of the hall. He bowed from his waist and a 90 degree angle towards Torloth. The dragon gave him a business card of shield and sword law firm. Telling him that the Wardens and the Law firm work together. Make sure he calls to get appointed a lawyer. They''d be waiting for him. He got back to his car, same troll bodyguard awaited his arrival. Polite and to the point as he was before. He was soon dropped off at his building. He thanked the troll, and moved to door. It opened for him, behind the desk was Thompson the Cheshire cat person. Lash made it to his home, walked through the front door. When he made it to the kitchen, he saw a familiar sight. There on the balcony was Li''Ana wearing winter coat over her dress. She waved at him. Apparently, Lash''s night wasn''t over yet...

 Chapter 12: A Question Answered, is a Secret Lost

    Lash and Li''Ana stared at one another across the room, he inside his warm house she outside waiting to come in. He gave her a rueful smile, making his way towards the glass door. Unlocking it then opening the door he made a grandiose gesture with his hands, ushering Li''Ana across the threshold. She smiled at his antics and walked through his kitchen towards his living room. Most of Lash''s home was an open clear view, very few walls existed. Save for his bedroom, the guest bathroom, and his art studio. The rest of his home was a collection of half-walls, furniture, and soft petal curtains giving the illusion of walls. Li''Ana walked towards his living room and went to his gas fireplace. Turning it on, the fire came to life! Already giving off warmth as Li''Ana shivered. Lash wasn''t sure how long she had been outside waiting for his return.


    ¡°So....?¡± Lash let the question hang in the air as he moved towards the kitchen.


    Lash took out a pot, glasses, and began to make Morning Dew Tea. Watching the water boil, he turned to look back at Li''Ana she had taken her coat off and draped it over one of his coaches. She walked through his home admiring his paintings, as well as a few hand crafted sculptures. Then as if coming to a decision she went back to his living room, and took off her high heels that Lash hadn''t noticed before at the party. Little details that he missed bothered him and Saurian. But they are mortal after all. Having the tea ready, Lash brought the pot, glasses and table setting over. Placing them on the coffee table between them. Li''Ana slid herself across the coach after she got a glass of tea, an expression of delight that Lash remember the tea she liked. Dottie the Brownie spirit made it a point to refill his tea collection. Lash watched as the exaggerated movement from coffee table, to coach, to drinking made Li''Ana''s dress ride up her body, revealing her legs most enticingly.


    ¡°I heard that you were coming home alone, so I thought, why wait for your call?¡± Li''Ana''s deep ocean eyes stared at Lash across the tea glass, she had taken a deep pull and was now licking her lips. Before she leaned forward to refill her cup, her overly abundant cleavage bouncing in front of Lash. His eyes narrowed slightly, but a smile did tug on his lips for the show.


    ¡°So before I begin Li''Ana, do you have any questions for me? I may not answer them but it would help to give me an idea of what kind of atmosphere we have?¡± Lash watched her carefully place her tea glass down. She leaned to take a deep breath, her chest rose and fell with the effort.


    ¡°I know you have some attraction for me Lash. But, its not as much as I''m use to. May I ask what you find unappealing about me?¡± Li''Ana kept her eyes down, watching him out of the corner of her eyes. A grimace showed on his face before he pointed at her, more pointing at her chest.


    ¡°Those are not your natural size are they?¡± Lash gestured to his own chest to emphasize his point. Li''Ana closed her arms over her breasts as if she was shielding herself from some kind of attack. A clear glare of hostility in her eyes.


    ¡°I know they are not, Li''Ana. My partner can smell the magic around you, specifically around your chest. You have been specifically enhancing that area, why?¡± Lash spoke softly. He only had a single sip of his tea before he sat down on his coach. His body was tense, waiting for a moment that Li''Ana would attack him. Only the attack didn''t come.


    ¡°In my experience with men. Bigger has always been better.¡± Li''Ana sat up straight, sticking her chest out to empathize her point. She looked at Lash with hopeful eyes expecting him to be drooling. The look of concern, was all she got and it unbalanced her.¡±Y...You don''t like bigger?¡±


    ¡°Li''Ana a few things. One; I don''t know the entire concept behind glamour but I do know that bigger breasts can actually cause health issues, back pain, and an imbalance when moving around. Two; Even before I became ''this'' I''ve enjoyed breasts like any straight man would, but having huge assets did not interest me as much as confidence. Li''Ana you are confident in every single thing I''ve seen you do! But, the scale tips side ways when you try to be something your not? I wont presume to know you, but it seems like this makes you as uncomfortable as I think it does?¡± Lash had counted down his fingers to illustrate.


    Li''Ana flopped down across the coach, all sense of grace evaporating out of her. She snagged her coat and covered herself up. Not because she was cold but her pride and plan had been undone by assuming every man was the same. Saurian whispered across the link telling Lash that the glamour around her chest was gone. A visible tension, and weight eased out of Li''Ana''s shoulders. Lash was confused because Fae Glamour in all of his readings didn''t work that way. That was how a 800 pound troll was able to drive him to the ceremony. They could fit in a car that clearly wasn''t big enough, and move around as if they were a standard human. Li''Ana then removed her coat, and her breasts and become a C-cup. Very modest, reaching up she massaged her neck and let out a breath of relief.


    ¡°Do you do that for every human you meet? Or is it for everyone?¡± Lash asked with a wry smile on his face. This earned him an acidic glare from Li''Ana. She visibly pouted at him, the cool fae princesses facade broken by a moment of truth. She drained her tea, filled another glass and drained that one before she answered.


    ¡°EVERYONE! Thank you very much! I''ve been an envoy between the mundanes, and other society members for years! Decades even! Every single man and women I''ve ever met as always enjoyed bigger! Its won me a lot of favor, and has been used as a political tool successfully I mite add!¡± She spoke with indignation. She took off one of her rings and placed it on the table between us. Lash looked at it with interest. -Spell charm comes from this tool! Yes! Not glamour but something more! Nasty trick!


    ¡°Transmutation. Mundanes wouldn''t see through glamour, but most societies would. They expect glamour, but when they see, smell, feel, and even taste the real thing? It must excite them. So, you got a transmutation item.¡± Lash was surprised, but felt like a fool for being so.


    Fae knew the political game well. They were not afraid of using their wiles male or female skills to obtain victory. Then here comes a human male that prefers a lithe and amazonian build over a fantasy of bigger is better. This made Erik Lash pause and think. They liked bigger, they were a guy, breasts of any size were amazing to look at and to hold, why are they different? Saurian, that was the difference, Saurian thought differently. He was a hunter, bigger did not always mean better. He picked up the twitches, actions, and ques that led them discovering that Li''Ana was not naturally this way. This made both Lash and Saurian concerned for her.


    A few minutes passed, Li''Ana had drained the entire tea pot and demanded more from Lash. She stayed under the cover of her coat hiding not just from him but the outside world. Lash went to his alarm and window control and activated the shutters. The metal fell over the windows, the shades closed, and a new mystical security system called the Gargoyle kept mystical spy-ware out of his home. While making more Morning Dew Tea for Li''Ana he noticed she ditched the coat, and was massaging her neck. Clearly more at ease now that the transmutation spell was no longer effecting her. Lash set the new pot of tea down and refilled her cup. She took it gratefully, but still glared at him. Then stiffened when she saw Lash move behind her.


    ¡°Hold still, I''ve got something that might help.¡± Lash held his hands in front of him until he saw her nod. He then placed his hands onto her back, and shoulders. A shiver ran through them both, first because of the tactile contact, Li''Ana''s skin was smooth as silk, Lash''s hands were strong and a bit rough from his days of molding stone. Then the other reason was like two circuit breakers making a connection. Activated one of his most recently acquired spells...


    Li''Ana let an audible moan escape her lips, as her eyes fluttered close. She leaned her head back against the coach breathing deeply. She took a deep relaxed breath as every muscle in her body went from being rigid to relaxed. She was a wet clay in Lash''s more then capable hands. Then he cast another spell...


    Li''Ana bit her lips, trying to suppress another moan, as her whole body wiggled in place. Lash watched as she rubbed her thighs together, her finger tips traced lines up and down her legs, stomach, arms, chest, then reached up and grasped Lash''s hands. Her eyes opened and all hostility was gone, and now a spark of passion and desire was found. Lash could see that Li''Ana kept looking at his eyes, then back at his mouth, then back to his eyes. It was clear what she wanted, and Lash wanted to give it to her. But... -No! No! Partner-Lash. Li''Ana is vulnerable, she needs a place to be safe. Lash hated to admit it but Saurian was right. He gently moved from Li''Ana''s grasp. Then went back to his seat, a table separating them. Li''Ana was clearly confused, it was when the sensation of the two spells wore off that she found her foundation again. There was a brief moment of hesitation, before she seem to understand why he didn''t take the initiative. She looked both angry, and grateful.


    ¡°I wanted to, Li''Ana. But my partner''s advice won me over. You need a safe place right now, not some one to take advantage of you.¡± Lash said softly. Li''Ana looked up, then crossed her arms emphasizing her now reasonable chest. She turned away with a ''humph''! But Lash could see the barest tug on her lips.


    Li''Ana''s dress was a little lose now. She still looked stunning it, but the folds of her dress around her breasts kept slipping as she moved. Lash got a little more of show then the dress was designed for but Li''Ana made no move to adjust. After a few minutes she cleared her voice.


    ¡°So, are those new abilities what you got from The Endless? We don''t have record of you having a spell domain.¡± Li''Ana finally turned to look at Lash. She was gritting her teeth, and looked angry. But Saurian could tell that she was more relaxed then she has ever been around them.


    ¡°Yes! Its the nature domain.¡± Lash said, as he finished his now cold tea glass. Made sure the Li''Ana''s glass was full before he settled back, leaving his glass empty.


    ¡°I see.... The court all saw that you partially transformed yourself. When Torloth and Viktor nearly came to blows. The Councilors were impressed that you stepped up, and prevented the confrontation.¡± Li''Ana was clearly hesitant when he said ''Nature''. As well as ''Partial Transformation''.


    ¡°Li''Ana, I''ve been a part of this world less then three months can you fill in the blanks for me?¡± Lash said. Confusion clear on his face. Li''Ana blanked for a moment then smiled at him. She sat up straight and took on a teacher guise. Looking cute doing it.


    ¡°Nature Domain is a hard domain to learn, and comes with its own set of troubles. Normally the world chooses its champions, if ''The Endless'' let you learn it then that means you are also one of the worlds chosen. Which means that you are a friend to all plant and nature related entities, sentient or not. Even if you chop a tree down, or eat meat it wont matter to nature. Nature follows the circle of life, as long as you give back as much as you take you''ll be fine.¡± Li''Ana stopped to make sure Lash was paying attention, he was! He was also taking glances to look Li''Ana over, clearly enjoying the view. This earned him a smug smile from Li''Ana as if to say ''Aha! Got you!''


    ¡°Being a Beast Talker, the Nature domain will help. Since a majority of the creatures you will be speaking to on behalf of the Wardens are related to nature, mundane or otherwise. Also there are many plant oriented entities in the Super-Natural Societies that may look at you more favorably. Even the Fae! Though we are not plants ourselves we have always considered ourselves children of nature.¡± Li''Ana took a moment to drain her tea glass and filled it again before she continued.


    ¡°Partial Transformation, is another ability that is the mark of a powerful Alpha of Were-Breeds. Certain high ranking members of packs can learn the ability this always places them on high with in the pack. But generally its a Alpha only ability. Being able to transform half way, or even portions of your body means that you are just as dangerous in your human shape as you were in your full shape. It also shows that you can transform quicker. Instead of it taking a hour...¡±Li''Ana said before Lash interupted her.


    ¡°An hour!? My transformation takes less then 10 minutes!¡± Lash blurted out. This earned a wide eyed and shocked expression from Li''Ana.


    ¡°L...Lash that''s not possible. The quickest recorded Were-Breed Alpha transformation is clocked at 43 minutes. The bones have to break, the muscles tear, the overall mystical energy effectively breaks down the body and rebuilds it. The entire body! There is no....¡± Before Li''Ana could continue.


    Lash stood up and walked away form the coach. He took a stance, he had gained several skills, abilities, and a spell domain. He was curious what Saurian looked like now. Then, he groaned as his skin began to shift to scales, claws extended. His cloths began to shift with him using the skill, Spacial Item Shifting. Saurian''s tail came from Lash rear, it was long, elongated mass of muscles as spikes adorned the tip, a dorsal fin grew along his tail, then back, up to the base of his neck. His back, specifically his spine had huge plates of scaled armor. The center area''s of Saurians back, legs, arms, chest, neck, and tail had plate scales, while the intermediate area was studded leather, while the area''s of movement were soft leather. Saurian was deep forest green in the light, but nearly black in the dark. He had a Raptor fore-claw on each foot, three fingered and thumb claws on hands. His skull crest had grown, up, and jutted side ways. Horns began to grow from the tip of the crest as well as the sides, still very small. Showing his adolescent stages, Saurian was still hunched over, but even then he was 5'' 8¡±, if he stood up straight he would easily pass 7''. But from nose to tail he was over 10'' long. Bones broke, muscles tore, but the whole process was not even 5 minutes. There stood Saurian, as his reptilian yellow eyes kept Li''Ana dead center.


    Li''Ana was standing now, just like Jessabell did before she had what looked like a silver dagger in her hand. The Fae must have some sort of spacial bag. Not the first time he''s seen them do this, but normally it was things like cards, or letters. She was visibly shaken! Her whole body was shivering with nervous tension. Her feet were spread, taking on a casual defensive stance. Saurian pulled his lips apart revealing his many razor sharp teeth, and a few molars in the back. Letting her know he was an omnivore. A long forked tongue flickered from his maw tasting the air around them.


    ¡°Greetings, Huntress-Li''Ana. I am Saurian-Hunter, Partner to Druid, Shaper, and Warden Erik Lash.¡± Saurian, did a half bow.


    Keeping his eyes on Li''Ana. Unlike Jessabell, Lash could not speak across a telepathic link using a Pack Bond skill. So only Saurian would be talking out loud. His voice was harsh to the ears, like a crocodile that had learned to speak. The voice vibrated through his chest. But what also happened a nearly translucent energy filled the room now. Calm Emotions activated, Li''Ana stopped shivering, her eyes became focused no longer driven by fear or uncertainty. She stepped forward, reaching out a hand like a child would towards a dog they had met. Saurian''s eyes narrowed but stepped forward lowering his snout to let her touch him. The silver dagger flickered from sight, when she made contact. Gently caressing his scaled snout. Despite Saurian''s appearance he is not cold blooded, the scales were warm. She smiled, before taking her hand back.


    ¡°What are you?¡± Li''Ana said.


    ¡°Saurian is a Hunter. Created from the machinations of a great being.¡± Saurian said in a grave tone. This was the second time he had openly said that. Erik was again reminded that both Lash, and Saurian new that they were in a game. But, could not break the 4th wall and tell others. But Saurian was the only one to skirt the border.


    ¡°Aren''t we all... The Fae are created by we assume ''The Endless'' but even that is a guess. At least it seems you know your creator. Thank you for showing me. Yet another thing that makes you different from Were-Breeds we know.¡± Li''Ana went back to the coach and sat down, tucking her legs under her. She stared at Saurian.


    Saurian moved with the grace of a predator tucking his claws up so he wouldn''t scratch the floor. Lash did learn that Dottie and the Brownies did minor repairs on his home, but didn''t want to test the limit of it. Saurian was larger now, with a casual lift of his tail and his arm he moved a coach aside and sat down on the floor near Li''Ana. He watched her carefully, the effect of Calm Emotions still in play. They stayed that we for several minutes. Li''Ana raised a manicured eye brow as something dawned on her.


    ¡°Wait... How are you doing this? I''ve heard of Alpha''s exerting control over their packs. Inciting emotions in them like rage, fear, calm. But I''m not a were-breed. I cant be in a pack. But...¡± Li''Ana felt that her emotions of fear, excitement, and confusion would rise...Then level out, under the effect of the skill.


    Saurian tilted his head to one side, much a dog does when they hear a sound. Then returned to his neutral stance. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before halting the energy cascading over Li''Ana. Slowly her emotions bubbled over again. Fear went hand in hand with curiosity. She tucked her self further into a ball on the coach.


    ¡°Saurian is not a Were-Breed as Huntress-Li''Ana speaks of. We are not tied to a moon, nor a primal spirit of the super-natural world. We are created for a purpose, meant to work together with Partner-Erik Lash. Saurian-Hunter is not a native to this world you and Partner-Lash call home.¡± Saurian spoke in his reptilian base tone, or neutral voice...For him.


    ¡°W..Wait! You just said you are not a native of this world? Then....Wait no that''s not right every alien the Societies have met are Mundane. I mean we''ve always assumed that any planet with a living civilization must have their own super-natural world. But we.... That''s right, Lash was human until a few months ago, according to the test we administered he still is! That means...You..You, Saurian are the Alien. Your using.. I mean, you have joined Lash like a symbiotic relationship.¡± Li''Ana corrected herself when she heard Saurian growl at her for the word ''using''. Both Lash and Saurian were clear they were partner''s. They didn''t use each other, they were family.


    ¡°Saurian-Hunter, and Hunter-Lash are here at the behest of their creator. To live, to hunt, to thrive! That is what the great being desires, and that is what we will accomplish. Just as Li''Ana-Huntress has masters, just as she has a mission. But this is why Li''Ana is dangerous. Saurian wishes Li''Ana to be our friend, our ally, our pack. But Li''Ana does not trust us, Li''Ana will use us to further her own gain. Friendship is a two way trail, not one. A one way trail is a game trail.¡± Saurian said, staring at Li''Ana carefully reading every minor movement.


    Li''Ana''s ears perked at that mention. She opened her mouth, once, twice, three times trying to refute what he just said. Then closed her mouth, she reached for her coat again attempting to hide from Saurians gaze. Saurian could see that she didn''t understand why she was acting this way. But Saurian knew that emotions are raw and untainted after the Calm Emotions was used. -Aha! So that''s why! Lash said across the link.


    ¡°It....Its not that easy to trust people, Saurian. I''m 82 this year did you know that? The Fae council only lets envoys remain until they reach 100. Then we are separated, with our wins and loses. What we have achieved will allow us our pick of assignments. I''ve had to lie, cheat, steal, even kill to keep my own life, and to ensure my own future. I''m not like Jessabell! Even if she doesn''t want to stay in the political path of a councilor. She can fall back on her warrior heritage. Me, this is all I am. I''m not a hunter like you say I am. I''m just a administrator. Its all I was ever good at.¡± Li''Ana''s emotions were raw, and plain as day on her face. Her body shuddered at the realization that she just said that all out loud.


    But, some part of Li''Ana was thankful. She hadn''t spoke about her worries with anyone in decades. Li''Ana looked up at Saurian only to reel back in surprise. Saurian had moved forward with out her hearing him move. He had turned his head so that he could look at her with his eye. Given his reptilian snout, and facial features he could not look at her like a human would with out poking her with his mouth. Li''Ana squeaked! Before she knew what was happening she was being held in Saurian''s lap. He was sitting cross legged forced to lean forward slightly at the account of his tail. He wrapped his now strong arms around her, careful of his jagged scales, and claws on his hand. He rubbed his head against her own.


    ¡°Huntress-Li''Ana is wrong. There is more then one way to hunt. Not all of them involve blood, and claw. Your chosen arena is no less dangerous then the field of battle, or the jungles of home where anything could attack at any time. Saurian is different, maybe he his were-breed. But does not follow the same rules as you know them. When was the last time, Li''Ana had a friend? Not a political chess piece to move and sacrifice, not a mask with a friendly face. But a friend? Someone to share troubles with?¡± Saurian said softly, his voice vibrating in his chest. Li''Ana could almost feel his voice instead of hearing it.


    ¡°I...don''t think I''ve ever had a friend....¡± Li''Ana said in a quiet voice.


    ¡°Then we''ll be the first, if you would ''declare'' it then we will join you in our pack. It is small, but strong. A friend, a family.¡± Saurian said. Li''Ana curled up in a ball instantly becoming shy. A tiny voice spoke.


    ¡°Erik Lash, and Saurian-Hunter. I, Li''Ana Tuscan von Lok-Scholar of house Lok declare you my friend.¡± Li''Ana said in a voice quiet as a mouse. Then like an electrical current moving from one place to another. Li''Ana, and Saurian shivered softly...


    Congratulations User! You have completed one of your Cosmic Patron''s grand quest options! Though you did not seduce and bed court envoy, Li''Ana you have earned her trust, as well as a piece of her heart she has never given any one before. Though if you play your hand right you may end up sharing her bed as well. Since you be-friended both envoys you will receive an appropriate reward.


    Reward; Minor Glamour Charm evolves into Glamour; Traditionally only the Fae were the ones that would could create a Glamour naturally. Over time super-natural societies learned the magic to create spells, and items that could simulate this racial trait. But, now you have the same ability pure-blooded Fae have. With out being a Fae. Both human form Erik Lash, and Saurian have this skill.


    Your Cosmic Patron is impressed with your ingenuity. Is highly entertained and will think on what to give you for your next task. But reminds you that you still have two or more super-natural societies to befriend. Good Luck!


    -Welcome to the family, Li''Ana. Lash''s voice said across Basic Telepathy. Li''Ana sat up straight, bumping against Saurian.


    ¡°Lash!? How can I hear you!?¡± Li''Ana said, a deep base laugh came from Saurian.


    ¡°Now, Li''Ana is part of pack. She is friend, she is pack-mate, she is family.¡± Saurian said before he nuzzled Li''Ana. She laughed, a sweet innocent sound that even she didn''t recognize.


    ¡°Is this why, Jessabell laughed at the ceremony? Did you Saurian say something funny, but no one could hear it?¡± Saurians growling-purr was all the confirmation she needed. She smiled wide, now understanding it. This meant that she was at the same position as Jessabell now. But, then understood that Lash didn''t have to do this. He could have chosen to only allow Jessabell. Then it dawns on her, Warden Lash is doing his part, he is staying neutral. But, he''s gained two new friends and allies out of it. In a brief moment Li''Ana realized she had been out played by a human who had been a super-natural creature for less then three months. But, she couldn''t be upset over it. She was happy...


    Saurian and Li''Ana stayed on the floor for the next few minutes before she asked if she could speak to Lash face to face. She stood up, and watched in fascination as Saurian shifted back, in under five minutes no less! Then she was even more surprised that when Lash re appeared he was still clothed. Both astonished, and all be it a bit disappointed she couldn''t see Lash naked. Lash internally took notice that the overall pain threshold was different. He felt that if he needed to he could shift again with out doubling the pain level like before.


    ¡°May I just assume that you don''t understand the relevance of all that you just did?¡± Li''Ana asked Lash.


    She moved to the tea set on the coffee table and took it back to the kitchen. Her movements compared to before she first came to his home to now were completely different. Calm, relaxed, like she didn''t have to put on a show. Even though Lash still enjoyed watching her move. She caught him watching her ass as she walked towards the kitchen to put the dishes aside. She raise her brow at him, but a satisfied smile crept up. Li''Ana''s ass unlike her breasts was all natural. The word, ''Thick'' comes to mind. Lash had only felt it slightly when Saurian had her in his lap, the scaled armor was useful but it was still natural armor. Sensation of touch was duller then other places. Saurian also didn''t have reproductive organs! He was smooth in his crotch area, he also didn''t have any nipples. Erik, was still confused about why that was. He understood that reptiles don''t to have nipples, but they do have reproductive organs! Don''t they?


    ¡°One; You broke the transformation record, by a large margin. Two; Not only did you break it once shifting to your primal form, you reverted back in record time and kept all your cloths. Were-Breeds shred their cloths when they transform. Three; You created a pack bond with a none were-breed. I''ve never heard of, seen, or read about that happening. Four; You exerted emotional control over a none were-breed. We all saw what you did with Woods, and his Lion Pride. But we assumed it was an Alpha beast talker talking to the beasts of the Lion Pride. But maybe it was both? Five; You established a telepathic connection with a none were-breed. Again that is rare! Alpha''s can send basic information across a pack link. Emotions, sometimes simple messages. May I assume you are capable of complete conversations?¡± -Yes, Huntress-Li''Ana. Though our pack bond, as well as our link has a limited range.


    Li''Ana was surprised again, still caught off guard by the long list of amazing things Lash was doing. She began to pace back and forth between living room and kitchen. Lash stayed standing, watching her move back and forth....Or watching her ass move back and forth. He is paying attention! He swears!


    ¡°We should tell people about the transformation time. But every thing else, we should keep to ourselves. I''ll assume Jessabell is doing the same. Or she is being very careful about who knows. Save it as trump card, as well as a chip for future moves.¡± -Already Huntress-Li''Ana is referring to us as family. Saurian-Hunter is pleased.


    Li''Ana froze in her pacing, realizing he was right. She wasn''t thinking about how she could use this. But how ''they'' could use this. About how to protect Lash, and Saurian. How she could protect her friend. She looked up with a worried expression. -Friends, help friends Huntress-Li''Ana! We are family. Just as you said with nature, as long as you give back as much as you take. This is, how humans say. A two way street. We will help you, as you help us. Family.


    Lash moved forward, almost as if by instinct. He swallowed Li''Ana in a hug. She squeaked in surprise! But settled down just as quickly, she curled up in his embrace, standing against him. Tucking her arms up and burying her face into his chest.


    ¡°You go back to the Summer Court Councilor and tell them you found out that we can transform in under 10 minutes. Tell them that you convinced me to reveal one of my ''cards'' to you. This will help improve your position. As you have only been assigned as our official liaison for less then twenty-four hours. I think it would be a good ''chip'' for you.¡± Lash said, his arms like a muscled wall around Li''Ana keeping her sheltered if only for a moment. His fingers played up and down her naked spine causing her to shiver but not because she was cold.


    Li''Ana shifted against Lash, and for the first time she felt his erection grow stiff, pressing against her. A grin grew across her face, glad that her face was hidden. Li''Ana was an envoy of the Summer Court. She had used her female wiles to seduce, tame, and negotiate to win over her competitors, and peers. Men, women, creatures of power. Some of them she enjoyed, some of them she did not, but at the end, it was the job. But... This was different, she wanted Lash to have feelings for her. She reached up wrapping her arms around Lash''s neck, she played her fingers across his bald head, as well as feeling the new tribal mark decorating his skin.


    Lash was momentarily stunned before he leaned his head down, and met Li''Ana''s lips with his own. Their first kiss had been a part of the Warden ceremony. Though he had enjoyed it, as he knew she did to. This was the first real kiss he shared with her. But before they could really begin to explore. -No! No! Young ones! There will be times for sexual intercourse at another time! Saurian said. Both Lash and Li''Ana froze. Before Li''Ana stepped back and laughed! Her smile dazzled Lash, before he began to rub the bridge of his nose.


    ¡°Saurian...Are you, Jealous?¡± Li''Ana spoke softly, as she tapped a finger to her lips. Lash raised a brow, curious what the answer would be. -Of course not! Huntress-Li''Ana! Me and Partner-Lash share one mind, one body, one soul. If you kiss him, you kiss me. If he plays with your milk-sacs, I play with your milk-sacs. If he penetrates you, I penetrate you! Saurian said. There was a brief pause.


    ¡°Ah! Ahahahaha! HAHAHAHA!¡± Li''Ana for a moment didn''t know how to react, some part of her felt insulted as she covered her breasts with her arms. But then realized that Saurian was not being petty, he was telling the truth...From his perspective. She then laughed, laughing harder then before she fell to the floor and continued to just that! Just like before, Lash realized this laugh was genuine like so many of her recent emotions around them.


    ¡°And why, must we stop? Partner?¡± Lash spoke with a clear irritated tone. Li''Ana continued to laugh but looked up at Lash. A hint of gratification in her eyes. -Because, there is someone watching your home! They are waiting for Li''Ana to leave. A spy me thinks! This made both Li''Ana and Lash freeze. Turning towards the windows, they were shuttered, tinted, and even had the gargoyles keeping watch. Then Lash was confused, how does Saurian know that....


    Congratulations User! Your skills, Sensory Awareness, Pack Bond, Telepathy. Have all increased in rank!


    Sensory Awareness: Has now increased its range by 10 meters. Please take note that it is still limited by line of sight! You cant see through walls....Yet.


    Pack Bond; The overall range has increased to 2 square miles, and is not limited to line of sight. Additionally, the overall stat and attributes boost as increased to 10%. Who needs coffee? Just hug a Saurian in the morning!


    Telepathy; The overall range has increased to 2 square miles, and is not limited to line of sight. It has also developed a method to translate language. So no matter what language you or your allies think in. You''ll understand each other. Please note it is one way until it evolves or other individuals are part of the pack.


    Before Li''Ana could even ask for specifics she heard the balcony door open! She saw a vague glimmer of Lash leaping across the street that separated his building from another. Soon after, the newly appointed Gargoyle''s came to life! One came to guard the open door, also guarding Li''Ana. Two more flew off to chase after Lash. She stood up, gaping at the open door.


    ¡°Did...Lash just leap across the street?¡±

 Chapter 13: Warden Lash

    CRACK!


    Lash jumped across the street, what landed on the roof was a hybrid version of Lash and Saurian. The Spacial Item Shifting only took effect when he shifted completely between his two forms. Didn''t work with Partial Transformation. So Lash''s tux-robe was shredded when he landed. Claws extended from his hands, and tore through his shoes. A stub of a tail tore through his pants, as his shirt expanded to accommodate his added bulk. The rooftop concrete broke as Lash landed with a resounding BOOM! He saw them.


    A team of six, Saurian inhaled and smelled Blood-Kindred. One of them was set up on the edge of the roof holding what looked like Savage MSR 10 long range rifle. The other five were wielding Vector SBR sub-machine guns. All of them wearing black tactical gear, including night goggles. That was a mistake! Lash raised a clawed hand into the air, the tribal mark along his scaled human form glowed green.


    The Blood-Kindred Tact team screamed as they covered their eyes. Ripping the night vision goggles off. Unlike the books Lash had read as a child, Blood-Kindred were not allergic to sunlight. Pity. He bolted across the rooftop bull rushing straight into a Kindred. His half skull, and crest connected straight into the mans nose. He heard it shatter! As the kindred was sent reeling back, a scream rang out as he collapsed on the ground. Clutching his face. Lash moved on, extending his claws on his hands he swiped them across another kindred''s chest, cutting through the Kevlar reinforced gear like it was made of paper. Blood bloomed like a crimson rose, splashing Lash. Saurian roared in delight! But the surprise was partially over at this point as the last four took out their vector sub-machine guns and opened fire.


    Lash sprinted left, skirting around the group. Then dug his claws into the rooftop and abruptly lurched forward towards one of the gunmen. He gripped the kindred''s wrist and crushed it. Earning a delightful wail in pain. As Lash pulled the arm, and the body around using it as a shield. The other, three kindred unloaded their weapons into the kindred meat. Lash picked the blood shield up off the ground and sprinted towards another target. Then throwing it at another side gunmen. Lash extended his elbow straight into the mans throat. His Partial Transformation having a bone-scale extended there making into a natural weapon. The gunmen began to choke on his own blood as he flopped to the floor. Two left. The second gunmen stumbled from having one of his companions thrown at him. Only to gasp in surprise as Lash was before his eyes. In an act of brutal efficiency, Lash made a stabbing weapon with his hand, and stuck it straight through the kindred''s chest. Missing both his heart, and spinal cord. As much damage as he''s done, the kindred could heal from this. Even the bullet sponge would live to fight another day. Lash pulled his hand out in a wet slippery motion. -KAAAALLLIIMMAAAA! Erik screamed with glee across the link. Lash laughed out loud which sounded horrifying in his hybrid form. A guttural growl of a crocodile, mixed with a human trying to talk with a mouth full of crushed glass.


    A brief moment, a flash! Lash was standing on a field with hundreds of dead humans. He was alone on this hill. Bathed in blood, holding a spear, as he hears his Cosmic Patron call from above. -One thousand kills! Un-Fucking-Believable! New high score! Then Lash is back on the rooftop! He sprints towards the gunmen with the long range rifle. The Kindred screams in panic, as he sets his rifle to full auto. Lash tries to get there in time but he wont make it.


    Cra!Cra!Cra!Cra!Cra!Cra!Cra!Cra!Cra!Cra!Cra!Cra!Crak!


    The Kindred unloads the clip into Lash''s chest, he buckles backwards. Blood, bone, viscera scatter across the roof. Lash drops to his knee''s struggling to take a breath. He looks up and ROARS! A monster sound that resonates across the roof...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Intimidating Shout; Some people scream before they attack, ruining the surprise. You? You scream to not only get their attention, but to intimidate them. This skill works in tandem with Commanding Presence. Hay! Not only will you look at me! You will be intimidated, damn it!


    The gunmen froze in place, stiff as a board. But it was only for a moment. Then with the precision and skill of a professional he ejected the magazine and loaded a new one. Clearing the chamber he took aim. Then....BAM! A Gargoyle landed right on top of him, the sickening sound of crushed bone meant that the kindred''s legs, along with several of upper body snapped under the pressure. Another in-human scream rang out. The Gargoyle said nothing, its intimidating presence alone brought an aura of fear and control to the rooftop. Another Gargoyle landed, and began to cuff the kindred with what looked like magically generated stone cuffs. Several Griak''s appeared in front of Lash.


    ¡°NO! NO! Don''t die Warden!¡±


    ¡°Go tell the Summer Fae, call for help!¡±


    ¡°Go call Jessabell! She''ll come and help.¡±


    ¡°Stop....¡± Lash said, as he coughed up a mouthful of his own lungs. Then Griak all stopped in motion. The Gargoyle''s secured the kindred. Listening to him but still doing their duty.


    ¡°Little one...Co....¡± Lash vomited more blood, he was still kneeling on the roof. He was leaning back against his legs, and stub of a tail for balance. ¡°Inside, jacket pocket. Shield and Sword business card. Phone in same pocket. Get it for me.¡± Lash said to the Griak''s.


    The Griak''s hurried to comply to his orders. One pulled the phone, the other the card. They quickly typed the number into the cell. They held it up in front of Lash for him to speak. After a brief moment there was a female''s voice on the line.


    ¡°Hello, Shield and Sword Law Firm, night watch speaking how may I be of assistance?¡± The voice sounded tired, bored, but professional.


    ¡°Yes....Cog.....a.... Yes, Hello. My name is Erik Lash, I was given this number so I could speak to a representative of your Firm. Could I be directed please.¡± Lash''s vision was getting cloudy, he heard Li''Ana screaming his name across the way, he spell charm shatter in the hands of one of the Kindred not knowing what it was.


    ¡°One moment please sir, checking your information....Ah yes I do have an Erik Lash. Erik spelled with a K. May I ask how you are affiliated with our Firm.¡± The voice resumed a professional tone, losing all sense of boredom.


    ¡°I''m a newly appointed Warden of Gotham City. I''ve been involved in a street shooting. I need to speak to a Firm rep as soon as possible.¡± It was getting easier to talk. Lash took a moment to use a spell. Natures Supplement. The blood loss he felt that lead to his light headed feeling was gone.


    ¡°I...I See sir! Please hold on, do we need to contact emergency response? We can use the GPS on your phone!¡± The women responded quickly, he could hear the clicking of the keyboard.


    ¡°No....Ehhhhh....¡± Blood frothed out of Lash''s mouth as he vomited again.


    ¡°Sir! Sir please hold on! I''ve found your contact information. I''ll have a three way call so we can continue to speak!¡± She was urgent now, but she never lost her professionalism.


    ¡°Y...Your doing pretty well....W..Whats your name?¡± Lash said, as he heard another ring tone across the line. The Griak holding the phone looked terrified for Lash. He kept hearing Li''Ana ask the gargoyle to bring her over there. They refused. Area was not secured.


    ¡°Samantha, sir... Just hold on sir we can get an EMT there in twent....¡± She said, trying to keep her voice even. But you could tell she didn''t walk to talk to a dying man. But before she finished her sentence.


    ¡°Belay that! No Emergency response needs to be sent! We have our own medical team on the way. Warden Lash, we''ll have a recovery team at your location in two minutes! Please sir, just hold on!¡± The other line finally connected.


    ¡°S....Samantha....Y...Your talents are...Was...wasted on the night...W...Watch. Y..You should get to a position more suited for you. T...Thank you for the help.¡± Lash spoke, his vision was turning black. He started hear sirens rushing towards his building.


    ¡°I''m on the....Opposite...B..Building of my home. I have s...six gunman. All disabled, in need of medical attention as well as guards. T.... T....t.....¡± Lash started to fall sideways, the Griak screamed in surprise dropping the phone. It and the other Griak''s fluttered over, holding him up. They were surprisingly strong for being so small.


    ¡°Sir! Warden Lash! Please hold on! We''ve re routed the team to the building! Sir!¡± The other voice was a male... Samantha was calling for him as well. But he could tell that she was trying to hold back tears, they were choking her voice.


    Lash was laying across the rooftop now. His Partial Transformation had worn off. He was back to being human again. The gargoyle''s had secured the rooftop and the surrounding area. He saw, the one back at his balcony was carrying Li''Ana over. He heard her voice call for him, she sounded so far away. -Sleep Partner-Lash, I''ll keep watch... T..That''s the best thing.... I''ve heard all night....Partner-Saurian...


    Erik opened his eyes, and found himself back in the ole black room. There standing in the room was Dawn, wearing ''The Endless'' black and white robe, her starlight face looking at him. Before he could ask.


    ¡°No, you did not die User¡± She said softly. Erik breathed a HUUGE sigh of relief.


    ¡°It has been several hours of play time from the outside worlds perspective. This seemed like a good place to pause the game, let you out and move around. We''ll pause the worlds progression to the moment that your VI model regains awareness.¡± Dawn spoke softly. Erik nodded his head then logged out.


    Erik came to in his room, it was pitch black save for the light coming from his computer tower. He slowly stood up, flexing his hands trying to get a feel for being ''himself'' again. It came, of course naturally to him. Standing up he moved to wiggle his mouse, his monitor hummed awake giving an eerie blue glow to his dark room. He turned on his bedroom light, blinking his eyes rapidly. Looking at the clock it was 11:48 pm of that same Friday he started playing. It...Felt like a life time ago.


    His body felt...Sore? He realized that he had been sweating. His cloths stank, he took out a bottle cleaner that came with the Cube and carefully cleaned it following the instruction manual. He did not want to take any risks. He went and took a shower. His body was oddly refreshed as if he just got done working out. But his mind was exhausted, as if it had just run a marathon. Drying off and putting on a T-shirt, boxers, shorts, and pair of socks he walked to his tiny kitchen. He made a simple meal, ate it with out complaint. Though he wished that he had some tea to drink. He came back to his room where is computer was. Going to The Dream Engine Cube, DC Comics forum page. He decided to not procrastinate, and did the reports the Beta testers were filling out. When he logged onto his account User #00012 there were several forms, prompts to help him. He filled them out one by one. He especially wrote a detailed report on Dawn, on how he loved that she had a personality, and that now that she had a body it felt more real. The reports took about an hour, he then went to the forum threads looking for new information.


    I KILLED THE JOKER!


    Erik clicked on this post and began to read a long post about how he was a Meta-Gene anti-hero. Batman and him had an unsteady truce. As long as he didn''t go around blatantly killing people they wouldn''t come to blows. But that didn''t stop the User from putting people into body casts. He found the Joker robbing banks, mostly owned by the crime families. The User recognizing that the leader was Joker. He tracked them down, and snapped the Joker''s neck! He thought. ''The Dream Engine'' Would have stopped him? Like the Joker was a main character. He disposed of the body using his Meta-Gene something involving fire. So at the end of the thread he asked. Can we kill main characters?


    Erik was interested, he hadn''t met any main leads yet. At least the main comic book leads. Place Holder Endless didn''t count. Several people posted that The Dream Engine used a far more realistic engine for the game. This wasn''t the old comic book series where the heroes and villains would trade blows back and forth and only come out of it with a bloody nose, and few bruises. Being a hero or a villain was dangerous work! The Dream Engine made that very clear! One of the Users said he gained an Achievement ''Never say Die'' For dying One hundred times. Now he did go on to talk about his adventures everyone who read quickly found out that the user was accident prone jumping into situations with no clear goal, objective, plan or even awareness of who they were fighting. But before he could post more stories, another User said they were off subject and got back to the main topic. Can main Characters die? The answer?


    Yes. One User posted that they had lived through Darkseid''s invasion. Over half of the Justice League was killed. Including, but not limited to Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Hal Jordan Green lantern, The Flash, Cyborg, Raven, Beast Boy, Robin, Red Hood, Night Wing, Star Fire! Then it wasn''t even over! Darkseid was forced back through his boom tube. But left behind all the Para-Demons. Unlike the animated shows they had watched. They didn''t get sucked back to Apokolips. The User and what remains of the Justice League to this day are fighting them.


    Another comment said something interesting. Can you get involved with main characters? Yes. Now of course you''ll interact with them. But can you have friendships? Can you have romantic relationships? Yes! The User said that she saved up enough points, and restarted her game. Then became an Amazon. When Diana went to the world of Men, She went with her. They treated each other like sisters. So much so that Diana encouraged her to date Clark, AKA Superman. She was currently having a romantic relationship with Superman in her Generated world. It was AMAZING!


    What happened to Louis Lane a User asked? Apparently her and Batman are together.


    The possibilities of The Dream Engine continue to surprise and impress the Beta Testers. Especially those with full time jobs. Because of the Cube''s REM sleep programs people who work all day can come home, and when its time to sleep they simply slip into the Cube. Their body sleeps, while they dream of being a super hero! Erik said to himself that he would check one more post before he would log back in.


    PAIN!


    This post caught his eye, made him stop and think. Wait, did he ever experience pain while playing? He opened up the thread and read through the information. Apparently, The Dream Engine Cube did have nerve connections built in. But because of the Dream program. You are allowed to feel pain, pleasure, taste, smell, sight, etc. But it never forces you awake like you normally would do in a normal dream. Not only that! The brain sends impulses through your body while you sleep to help prevent muscle after feed. ''Your mind makes it real'' Several people had reported logging out of their cube covered in sweat, their bodies sore as if they just went to the gym and did a full body work out. Could this mean that you could use the Cube and lose weight while you play? Erik was stunned... who wouldn''t be! To find out that the Full Dive VR game that you play while you sleep, could not only help you lose weight, but help with muscle tone? He continued to read how several paralyzed, and paraplegic people had been selected for the Beta Test. Each of them reported that they could play the game completely! It brought tears to their eyes they were so thankful for the chance.


    Erik logged off the forum''s, he went to his kitchen and drank a tall glass of water. Twice, then went back to his room. He dimmed the lights to a soft glow so he wouldn''t be in total darkness when he came back out. Got comfortable and logged back in...


    ¡°Welcome back User! We''ve seen that you decided to fill out the reports. Thank you for being determined in your job as a Beta Tester! Thank you also for being so polite and complimentary about me in the report about VI Representative''s.¡± Dawn spoke to Erik, she was practically bouncing up and down in front of lash. He enjoyed watching her, it was entertaining....No! He was not watching how other things bounced as well!....Shut up!


    ¡°You are very welcome, Dawn. May I see my Rank Status please.¡± Dawn nodded her head, and a window appeared before the incorporeal Erik.


    Name; Erik Lash, commonly referred to as ''Lash'' Or ''Saurian''


    Titles; Shaper, Druid. Active title; Shaper.


    Origin; Magical


    Rank; F+


    Skills; Material Shaping, Shape Shift (Saurian), Acting, Martial Arts, Magical Perception, Beast Speak, Sensory Awareness,(10 meters) Other Worldly Lore, Spacial Item Shift, Soul Bite, Glamour, Pack Bond, (2 miles, to members) Basic Telepathy, (2 miles) Material Compression, Material Tempering, Material Merging, Mental Resistance, Minor Regeneration, Damage Resistance, Calm Emotions, Partial Transformation, Commanding Presence, Nullification, Intimidating Shout.


    Domain, Nature. Spells; Sooth, Natures supplement, Daylight.


    Now! This is a true side kick! You''ve stepped into the light of heroes and the darkness of villains. But are still very far from the big leagues. People have taken notice of you! Though it remains to be seen if that''s a good thing or not.


    Erik reviewed the information, then checked to see all the different skills his VI model had that he still needed to obtain. He was all caught up. Surprising! But he had made a point of actually living through Lash''s life lately. He pulled up a report of whats happened since he logged out....Nothing! Then he remembered that Dawn paused the world just before he regained consciousnesses. Nothing to report if nothing had happened. There was a single note, Lash had been asleep for 16 hours. Saurian had been semi-awake for the whole process. But that''s when he realized that Saurian was considered a different report. He asked for that one. After a few lines of information he closed it, he felt a migraine. Saurians report was...Alien to Erik. Like reading a dead language from someone who spoke it fluently. Images, sights, sounds. Feelings! Danger! Safe.... It looked like that with out Lash to temper the bond between him and Saurian, he returned to a more primitive version. With that he saluted the very beautiful Dawn...


    WOOSH!


    The delightful sensation, as well as invigorating experience of sky diving from the Earth''s atmosphere was just as fun as it was the first time. DC Comics of America rushed towards him, then the East Coast, then Gotham City, then towards Gotham General South Hospital, towards the private ward for wealthy and important individuals. He caught a glimpse of dozens of heavily armed body guards. Some of them human, some of them not. Even saw the Troll body guard that drove him to the ceremony. Then he was in the room he was being kept in. Skaleg was there, sitting in a chair next to the bed. His foot tapping the ground constantly, several other Wardens were in the room with him. Then darkness...-Welcome back, Partner-Erik. Time to wake up, Partner-Lash! Saurian spoke in a delightful voice.


    Lash stirred in the darkness that was his mind. He was dreaming, he was playing a wooden flute for a small blue fairy creature. It fluttered about, then as he stopped playing the night turned into the day like magic! -Hay! Listen! The fairy spoke to him. Listen...Listen to what.


    ¡°L...Lash, you awake there buddy?¡± A gruff voice spoke....Skaleg.


    ¡°M...Mentor...Your to loud...¡± Lash mumbled. Lash heard several audible sighs of relief. As well as Skaleg groans.


    ¡°Fucking hell! Kid! I told you to cut that shit! If you weren''t so fucked up I''d beat your ass!¡± Skaleg roared at him, but he could hear the relief in the old mans voice.


    ¡°Is he awake?!¡± Lash heard the door open followed by the voice of a friend. -Huntress-Jessabell! I told you he would be ok! We are stronger then that! Yep! Yep! Saurian said. Lash and Saurian both could feel a rush of relief coming from Jessabell''s Pack Bond. Before he felt the sensation of a warm body pressed against him in a hug. He groaned, his wounds still fresh. Jessabell simply ignored the protests. Having half laid on the bed, wrapping her arms around him burying her face into his neck.


    ¡°Please don''t do that again. At least not for a while. I''ve just made a new friend I don''t want to lose them so quickly.¡± Jessabell said very softly into Lash''s ears. Its not like he did it on purpose!


    ¡°Oy! Jess let him go! You''ll make his wounds bleed more!¡± A Strong feminine voice came from behind Jessabell. Lash''s eyes were adjusting quickly, he turned to look over Jessabell''s head to see Soluna smiling down at him. He winked at her, which made her laugh. ¡°I see your still as much as a flirt as you were before even while hurt! That''s good, I like that.¡± Soluna said as she practically had to pry Jess off of him.


    Lash looked around the room, Aside from Skaleg the other three Wardens were the one assigned to look after Skaleg''s and Lash''s district when he retires. Timothy, Mahalia, Simon. All ruffly in their late twenties or early thirties. Timothy was a 6'' Irish man with red hair, freckles, green eyes, and a powerful build. Mahalia was Philippians women 5'' 2¡±. Black eyes with short black hair, kept tied back, and out of her eyes and face. She had a thin cut across her left cheek. She was lithe, and built to move fast, and hit fast. Pale skin, and very modest proportions. Saurian liked her. Simon had the boy next door look. Despite being thirty he still looked early twenties maybe even teens. 5'' 9¡± with dirty blond hair, blue eyes, tanned skin, athletic build. He had two semi-automatic pistols holstered on either side of him. He was originally a cop before he became a Warden.


    All of them smiled at Lash. Mahalia giving him a thumbs up. She hated the Blood-Kindred just as much as Skaleg did. The wound on her cheek was from a kindred thug. The whole story about it, Lash hadn''t heard it yet. Skaleg took out his flask and drank a mouthful before he standing up to speak.


    ¡°So you want to hear now? Or later?¡± Skaleg said. His meaning clear. Lash nodded his head in a yes now.


    ¡°So, the Kindred were a wet work team. Primarily if they get caught the kindred would disavow having knowing any information about them. They are bred, trained to be expendable. But.... Thanks to your new ''friend'' Kali¡± Skaleg growled the name out. The other Wardens gritted their teeth. Jessabell was watching the exchange with a curious expression, Soluna looked bored.


    ¡°She openly declared the the team did work for the Kindred''s and even pointed out their owner. Your new enemy, Viktor sent them! Or, was your enemy. In front of Torloth''s envoy, and several Fae Court officials and us as well. Kali ripped the old bastards heart out! And gave it to Torloth as a gift. As much as that would cause for celebration. This effectively deflected the blame from the blood-kindred, as well as Kali. Viktor was an old one. His loss will hit them hard. The Courts decided it was enough.¡± Skaleg finished speaking, taking another mouthful of his flask. Shook in surprise when Soluna asked for some. She took a mouthful and gagged in disgust before handing it back. Skaleg grinned at her.


    ¡°The Under Fae Councilor was not happy with what happened, and was not satisfied even with Viktor''s death. We all saw how Torloth clearly stated that any reprisals would be met with destruction. But some how Torloth was placated, and Kali just killed Viktor like that? She believes, and I agree with her that it was a set up. Kali wanted to get rid of Viktor but had to find a public reason for it. Like attacking the new Warden. So, you were used as bait. Its even possible that the Wet team belonged to her, but she used Viktor as the fall guy.¡± Soluna said to everyone in the room. Jessabell looked at her in shock, as did the Wardens. Soluna shrugged as if it wasn''t a big deal.


    ¡°But that went astray! If it was Viktor, or Kali who sent the team. The Councilor and I both agree that they either anticipated that you would die, or that you would die and the gargoyle guards would have killed the wet team. Once their charge is dead, Gargoyle''s go into a frenzy, because the reason for their existence is gone on top of failing to protect them. But, you surprised them all! Not only did you not die! You even captured them all alive! Despite the very clear carnage you put them through, you specifically avoided killing them. Doing your fellow Warden''s proud.¡± Soluna said with a smile.


    ¡°If it had been me, I would have taken their hearts and their heads!¡± Said Mahalia with a cold glare. Simon, Timothy, and Skaleg all nodded. No doubt in their eye''s. ¡°But you kept to the Warden''s task and kept them alive. Even though they tried to kill you.


    ¡°So, because of that. The Kindred wet team are currently being interrogated by the Winter Court. Though it seems unlikely we''ll get any incriminating evidence. Kindred Wet teams are well trained, and always have drop points for missions. More then likely they wont even know who sent them on the mission. They are practically brain-washed soldiers.¡± This time Jessabell chimed in, happy to be contributing to the conversation. She looked proud of her Winter Court. Lash could tell she was playing to the facade of being a Winter Court Envoy.


    Lash raised both his hands up, the group stopped talking. Wondering if he was going to speak. Only to see several green colored runes appear around him. The Spells; Sooth, and, Natures Supplement. Activated. Lash felt a lot better. He used a simple controller on his bed to make the bed fold up so he could keep up with the conversation. They all looked at him with confusion evident on their faces.


    ¡°Oh! The Endless granted me the Nature Spell Domain.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°OK....We are definitely going to talk about that later!¡± Jessabell said with a mockingly serious face as she pointed at him. Soluna, and the Wardens all nodded their heads in agreement. Though Skaleg just had a proud expression. That''s right I found this one! His expression to seem to say.


    ¡°Oye! None of that then! Lets get back to it!¡± Timothy said, and rolled his eyes at Skaleg.


    ¡°Li''Ana is safe by the way. She was found above you helping the Griak''s tend to your wounds when the recovery teamed showed up. Gave a few of us a surprise since she is a none professional combatant, or NPC in this case.¡± Simon said. -A what now?! Erik asked across the link.


    ¡°Though we understood it better when she gave her report. We used a few CCTV''s to corroborate the story. It shows the Li''Ana showing up at the balcony, the window shutters closing. Then about an hour later the Kindred wet team shows up on the rooftop opposite of your home. With in a few minutes of showing up, the balcony door bursts open and you Lash leap across from your building to their building. Which was over three hundred feet by the way. When landing you had turned into a hybrid were-form that we commonly only see with powerful Alpha Were-Breeds. Then you systematically took them all out! Even using one as a shield. That was really cool by the way. But then got caught in the open as the Sniper unloaded his rifle into you. But! They were using enchanted silver bullets! Which if you were a Were-Breed! Should have pierced through you like a hot knife through butter. Instead the bullets malformed and got lost in your body. By the time the recovery time arrived your body had naturally pushed half the bullets out. The team just did on the spot surgery and pulled the rest.¡± Simon said, a grin on his face as if he could retell that story a few more times. Clearly enjoying replaying the scene in his head.


    ¡°The Gargoyle''s said you had cast some sort of spell on yourself before you passed out. We didn''t know you could do that so we assumed you had some sort of life saving item on you that broke apart when you used it. What ever you had used, the recovery team said that if you hadn''t of used it you probably would have died. Even with your accelerated healing.¡± Timothy said that part. Lash vaguely remembered that Timothy had Medical Technician training.


    Lash took a moment to explain what Nature spells he had used. Sooth, Natures Supplement, and Daylight. As well as what each one did. Mahalia laughed out loud! Timothy asked if Lash could teach him Natures Supplement for an EMT that spell could save lives! Lash promised him that once he was better he would write the spell out and try and see if he could teach it. Skaleg clapped him on the shoulder causing him to groan in pain. Soluna smacked Skaleg''s shoulder in response.


    ¡°So you used the Daylight spell as an optic flare! That''s fucking awesome! Lash!¡± Simon had taken a note pad out. Old habits from his cop days and was writing in it.


    ¡°So, I take the sexy tribal tat on your skull is some sort of spell focus? Do I get good luck if I rub your ''Head''?¡± Jessabell asked, clearly emphasizing the last word. Timothy looked away, his ears burning. Mahalia laughed with Simon, and Skaleg. Soluna reached over and gripped Jessabell by the back of her neck. Like a mother panther picking up a cub. Jessabell very cutely went quiet and still.


    ¡°Later, Jess! He still has over a dozen holes in him. By Enchanted Silver, Which by the way doesn''t seem to effect him! What kind of Were-Breed are you!?¡± Soluna said, curiosity clear in her voice.


    Lash simply shrugged his shoulders, then winced in pain as the movement pulled on his wounds. Given he had been shot over a dozen times, even if the bullets malformed he should be dead. But his.....


    Congratulations User! Your Damage Resistance, and Minor Regeneration have both gone up in rank. Your overall ability to heal your wounds have increased in speed by 10%, as well as your overall damage threshold has improved to 10%. You are now better equipped to be a punching bag!


    Your Cosmic Patron has a new quest for you!


    Discover the truth behind the conspiracy of your attempted murder.


    Optional: Teach members of the Wardens spells from your Nature Domain.


    Optional: Use one of your Nature spells to interrogate the Blood-Kindred Wet team. Trust the system, you have a spell for it.


    Introduce yourself to Batman!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Skill-Trainer; Got a skill you want to teach some one? Then this is the skill for you! Now, for the low, low price of stress filled hours, long aggravating moments of... ''Just do what I tell you, even if it doesn''t make sense!'' Followed by moments of you wondering if its all truly worth it... Good luck! Please take note, The User can only teach skills that are applicable to the trainee. Example; Glamour can not be taught unless the trainee has the required racial trait, or permission from the System. Mary Sue''s do happen in the Comic book Universe.


    Lash face palmed, the sudden action caused everyone in the room to pause in concern. Lash looked up and asked a simple question with a complicated answer.


    ¡°When can I go home? Also is Elizabeth Shaw aware that I''m here or is there a cover story?¡± Lash asked, feeling a head ache coming.


    ¡°Thankfully the Doctor who is in charge of you is part of Super-Natural world. He''s a...Ghoul? I think. He said as soon as you wake up they can start the discharge papers. He openly admitted that you didn''t even need to come in. Though they would not have been able to determine that until the tests were done. Which they did a lot of tests on you! Technological, as well as magical. Want to guess the results?¡± Skaleg said, smiling at Lash.


    ¡°The tests say I''m 100% human with zero Super-Natural qualities of any kind?¡± Lash said.


    ¡°That''s correct! Jessabell! Tell him what he''s won!¡± Skaleg said as he gestured to the dark skinned sylvan. Who flashed a smile at him, and began to tell a story.


    ¡°Every single test, hell they even did a brain scan on you. Absolutely fucking nothing! Court mages from Summer, Winter, and Under showed up to appraise you.... Human! 100% human! Then Rocksie showed up, you just missed her by the way she does have a day job. Li''Ana claimed that you could shift in under 10 minutes. Even showed an illusion image of you transforming in front of her. Even took an oath to verify the information. The original creator of the Skree Were-Breed Pack was able to transform inside of 15 minutes. But it was incredibly painful and they would be out of the fight for hours both while in were-form, as well as when they returned to human form. Not only! Did you transform in under 10 minutes! You shifted back to human, and some how kept your cloths on! Then when you jumped across buildings in a single bound! You took on a Hybrid form! A full Hybrid form! Not just legs, or arms, but all of you! From your expression I''ll just assume you don''t know how fucking rare that is! Looks like I owe Rosksie ten bucks.¡± Jessabell raised her hands up in defeat. Huffing in irritation. Soluna patted her head softly. Jessabell pouted, but didn''t stop the pats.


    ¡°Your friend is not aware that you are in the hospital. The Kindred Wet team placed a sound barrier around the rooftop. No one even knew there was a shooting nor a pissed off giant lizard cutting through kindred with his bare hands!¡± Soluna smiled at Lash. Clearly pleased with him. Simon brought over a change of cloths, he saw a tiny note. Dottie sent it over to him from his home, and wished him a speedy recovery.


    ¡°Great, can you please check with who ever? I want to go home and sleep in my own bed. Also, Jessabell. If its possible I want to visit the wet team that attacked me. I may have a way to get information from them using my new Domain. Also, may I speak to my representative from Shield and Sword. I wanted to thank them for helping. Skaleg, can you please tell Li''Ana that I''m ok and on the mend? Simon can you tell the Wardens if any of them are worried that I am fine. Timothy, Mahalia, can you tell any one interested with in the Wardens that I am willing to teach them, if they are applicable to the Nature spells I know. I may not be able to teach everyone, I was told by Li''Ana that the Nature Domain is tricky, and the world is picky about who learns it. Soluna, please send my thanks to the Under Fae Councilor and tell her I agree that its a set up and I plan to look into it personally. Would be more then happy to share my notes with you... Soluna, as my Liaison.¡± Lash instinctively activated Commanding Presence. Everyone in the room looked at Lash with wide eyes. Skaleg blinked, then a smile grew into a grin before he gave a huge laugh! Clapping Lash on the shoulder again!


    ¡°Hot! Fucking! Damn! Kid! You sound like a born leader! Right! Lets get to it people!¡± Skaleg walked towards the door, Simon smiled and followed. Timothy had an excited look in his eyes. Mahalia gave a firm nod and left too. The door slowly closed leaving Soluna, and Jessabell. Before Lash could ask.


    Jessabell hand leaped onto the bed, straddling his lap. She reached down wrapping her arms around him and devoured his lips. Her nails dug into his back through his hospital gown he hissed in pain, but also let out a moan. He could feel how ''hungry'' she was but before she could lift his gown for some fun times. Soluna dragged her off kicking and screaming in protest! Once Jessabell was properly removed. Soluna leaned over Lash then bent down and kissed him as well. The gorgon''s scaled nature connected with Saurian. She let out a moan as she kissed Lash, pressing her body tight against him. She dug her nails into his neck and yanked away. This left clear scratch marks on his neck and face. Both Lash and Soluna were breathing deeply. Lash was wide eyed and confused as hell. Soluna nearly fell to the floor before Jessabell caught her.


    ¡°Jessabell told me that you two are linked....A family! I don''t expect it now! But I want the same with you and your partner! Jessabell is one of my few true friends! I want to be bound in the same way as she is! Understand?¡± Soluna''s voice was clear, and rebuked no argument. She then took Jessabell''s hand and went to leave the room. Jessabell clearly wanted to stay but she allowed her self to be dragged off. She waved at him.


    ¡°Bye Bye! Saurian!¡± -Goodbye Huntress-Jessabell! Goodbye Huntress-Soluna. We''ll all be pack soon enough! Saurian said to them, though only Lash and Jessabell heard him... Yep, there it was. The head ache...

 Chapter 14: Mundane Or Magical, Why Not Both?

    Lash met with his doctor, a skinny, lanky man. Arms and legs that seem abnormally long for his short body. Saurian could smell the flesh of raw dead things on him. This doctor/ghoul was a scavenger, Lash thought that Saurian wouldn''t like him. He was wrong! Saurian said that hunter''s have to be thankful for what ever they can find when they find it. This amiable energy seem to effect the doctor because he became far more animated while talking with Lash. So much so that he actually talked about it, noticing the change. When Lash told him why it made him launch a full spectrum of questions. Lash kept many things close to his chest, and the Ghoul Doctor noticed this but was not insulted in fact he understood. Soon Lash was fully dressed, and was signing himself out of Gotham General, a car was waiting for him downstairs to take him home.


    The troll bodyguard he met before was there. Lash smiled at him and asked what his name was. Booraku, Lash activated his Glamour to hide the spells then cast Sooth, and Natures Supplement. Placing both on Booraku. The troll was stunned at first then felt the effects roll through him. He groaned audibly, as the several guards nearby looked at him in confusion. Booraku soon stood straight with a very wide smile on his face, he felt amazing! Lash canceled his Glamour. No one was the wiser, the few that saw it rise and fall thought it was an item he had. With an obvious spring in his step the troll opened the door for Lash, closing it behind him he got into the drivers door and drove Lash home. Lash noticed several black sedans accompanied him home.


    ¡°Booraku, who are the other cars? I didn''t think Wardens had this kind of security?¡± Lash was confused and asked his new friend.


    ¡°Sir, they belong to the Shield and Sword Firm. Chairman Torloth insisted on your protection until this whole attempted murder is cleared. It''s the reason I''m here sir. I''m a security guard for the firm.¡± Booraku kept his voice clear but soft. His DEEP base tone voice rumbled from his chest. He handed a set of files back to Lash. Which Lash took in surprise.


    Lash opened them up, reading through the files. He read about the new purposed security for his building, as well as the purchasing of the nearby real estate that Shield and Sword was in the process of buying. Torloth, felt partially responsible for what happened. But Lash thought differently. The Dragon wants Lash indebted to him. Thankfully the Fae Courts owned his building, or at least he was thankful for it. Whether the Courts were allies or not were yet to be seen. He opened another file and saw a picture of a women. It was Samantha, the women who helped him on the phone. Torloth agreed that she was being under utilized, and she was transferred to the protection and response section of the firm. She got a raise, benefits, as well as a brand new home. A smile tugged on Lash''s lips, maybe he''d make a statue for her....


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Administration; Now you can manage information, resources, assets, and people! The pen can be just as mighty as the sword. But now you know the horrors of another battle field... Paper Work! May the gods be kind!


    Lash rolled his eyes, great! The Dream Engine went all out didn''t it. Using what many people would think has mundane and simple things as skills. Erik, remembered that despite Batman''s many activities he was still a very well educated man. Maybe Lash could be to. Finishing the report he handed it back to the troll and said thank you. Soon his building came into view, before Lash left the car he was asked a question.


    ¡°Sir...What did you do to me? I haven''t felt this good in years!¡± Booraku said, trying to keep his voice down. They had parked in front of his building. Lash had to think about it for a bit.


    ¡°I suppose it wont matter, everyone will find out in a while. During the ceremony The Endless granted me the Nature Domain.¡± Lash said, he then went on to tell Booraku what Sooth, and Natures Supplement did for people.


    ¡°Oh that makes sense! If it gives everything the body needs! My people have a very particular dietary needs. I''m going to be riding this high for weeks! Thank you sir!¡± Booraku then stepped out of the car, opened the door for Lash. Lash said goodbye, and went to his buildings front door. It opened on its own. Booraku waited until Lash was safely inside the front area before leaving. Lash massaged his head, felt the tribal mark on his skin. He waved at the security guard at the front desk.


    ¡°Sir, Miss Shaw is waiting for you...¡± The guard said to him. Lash froze in place, he looked over at him with a grimace. Lizzy had a key to his home, its never been an issue before.


    ¡°How long as she been waiting?¡± Lash asked carefully.


    ¡°Long enough that she ordered me to inform her the moment you were seen coming in...Which I just did.¡± The guard look apologetic, Lash hung his head.


    He thanked the guard, went up to his home. As soon as he closed the door to his home behind him he could feel the seething anger of Lizzy boiling over. She stood there, her arms crossed. Her eyes twitching. She was wearing white tennis shoes, skin tight blue jeans, a long sleeved white cotton shirt that may have been a little small for her. Emphasizing her curves, her fiery red hair was done up in a tail, and she had blue rimmed glasses on...She was in a bad mood. Lash just walked forward, he didn''t say a word. Dragged his feet but kept his eyes straight, looking at her. He knew she expected some kind of explanation. Saurian was metaphorically curling up, holding his tail and shivering in fear. Before she could explode Lash just swallowed her in a hug. Lizzy was 5'' 8¡± taller with shoes on. Lash was...emphasis on ''was'' 6'' 2¡± But now? Was taller by two inches, his overall body had increased he was different. He swallowed her in a hug, she was stiff. But noticed something different about him, her arms slipped from between them and hugged him back.


    ¡°Lash, whats wrong? Where have you been? I... I tried calling but. Why do you smell like a hospital? Did something happen?¡± Lizzy said softly, she had always had a sensitive nose. She began to run her hands over him checking for injuries. Lash just held the embrace for far longer then he normally would.


    ¡°Lash! Your scaring me! What''s going on? Why did you get a tattoo? I mean it looks good on you, but...¡± Lizzy''s voice had a bit of fear laced into it.


    ¡°It''s just been a long twenty four hours, Lizzy. I just wanted to hug you, I hadn''t realized this but you help keep me grounded. I''m not sure what I would do with out you...¡± Lash said as he let go of her. Stepping back to look at her.


    Lizzy set her eyes upon him. Her body full of nervous tension, but there was a satisfied glimmer to her eyes. She was essentially saying. ''Oh so now you notice!'' But Lizzy kept her face neutral. Lash walked past her towards his kitchen and began to make some jasmine tea. Lizzy sat down at the kitchen table watching him. After a few minutes he sat down as well. Tea pot, and glasses. He filled his cup and offered to fill Lizzy''s which she accepted.


    ¡°Someone attacked me last night, I just got back from the hospital. I''m fine... Just a bit rattled. I already filled out a report.¡± Lash said, raising his arms up to signify his health. He took some of his drink.


    ¡°I told you the neighborhood watch thing would be dangerous! Its great that your trying to give back to the community Lash! But, there are other ways! You could donate money, do a charity auction for one of your pieces! Why do you feel like you have to prowl the night like some kind of vigilante.¡± Lizzy yelled, standing up in her seat! Nearly knocking her chair over.


    ¡°You know that''s not what we do, Lizzy. We wear uniforms, we walk the streets. We work with the police. Were volunteer mall cops. It was just a bunch of kids.¡± Lash had spoken the the Warden''s and had come up with a cover story. The Shield and Sword Firm would back up the story. The hospital visit, along with a police report was ''made'' to keep it concrete.


    ¡°Ya! Just a bunch of kids this time! What happens when you find an actual gang? Cartel members? The mafia!¡± Lizzy shouted at him.


    ¡°We don''t go after the big stuff! You know that! We do volunteer security for the city! Walk the streets in the evening. Letting the people who get off work know that there is help if they need it. We''ve all been certified. Lizzy, Please! I''m fine.¡± Lash stayed seated and kept his eyes on her. He hated lying to her. Hated lying about how he took an entire clip from a rifle to the chest at near point blank range.


    ¡°Lash do you have any idea what I''d do if something happened to you!? If you died!? It would wreck me! We''ve been friends since our first year in college! I nearly lost my mind when you got mugged and had your throat cut! But now your throwing yourself straight into it!¡± Lizzy screamed at him.


    ¡°Its better that I face it head on then curl up into a mess! Lizzy! You know that better than any one!¡± Lash stood up this time, glaring at her.


    His voice made her flinch back in surprise. Lash''s parent''s had died a few years ago. His father was killed in a break in at their old house. Her mother lost her mind in grief a few months after and committed suicide. Lash was still in college, losing both is father, and mother with in six months of each other, it nearly wrecked him. But he ended up using the pain of it in his art work. There was an entire period where his art was brutal, harsh, and rage induced. But it sold, it what got him on the map. Lizzy was different. Her parents, her siblings were all alive and well. There family had a booming business, thanks in no small part to Lash.


    The memories of his life flashed through both Erik, as well as the reincarnated soul of Lash. Lash had done this many times in his many lifetimes. Every body they would inhabit would come with its own set of goals, dreams, and baggage. They never got a clean slate, it was always used and filled with problems. Erik for his part, even though it was a generated world. Erik felt bad, had he done this? Then nearly three months ago. Lash had his throat cut in a mugging. That''s when the reincarnated soul of Lash was placed. The original Erik Lash should have died, a tragic story of father lost, mother gone, and the child soon to follow. The original did die, but the new Erik Lash rose again with his partner Saurian. It was at this moment that Erik the gamer realized that his game avatar had a really tragic backstory.


    ¡°Lash...I...I didn''t mean it like that. I...¡±Lizzy said softly, only to squeak in surprise as Lash was holding her again.


    Lizzy was surprised, she hadn''t seen him move. But she took the much needed break in the tension. She tucked her arms up and nestled into Lash''s embrace, breathing in his scent. Lash was different, he''d been different ever since his mugging. He almost died! Lash felt the essence of Saurian was wrapping around them both, a sense of comfort and safety swallowed them. He could feel Lizzy''s whole body go loose. They stayed that way for a while, neither of them saying a word. Lash had always considered Lizzy the sister he never had but always wanted. He felt that Lizzy considered him family as well, her entire family had been very accepting of the Orphan Lash.


    ¡°Yes being on the Watch is dangerous, but I can promise you that I''ll be careful and follow the rules to ensure the safety of me and the team I am with. Besides if I end up dying I know for a fact that you''ll kill me!¡± Lash said, a smile on his face. Lizzy laughed despite herself before pushing him away. Attempting to wear a stern sister like expression, betrayed by the smile on her face.


    ¡°You know it!¡± She stood sideways, crossing her arms. Doing a good job of being a professional ''humph'' worker. Then she looked back. ¡°So why the tattoo, what brought that on.¡±


    Lash reached up and traced the pattern with his finger, he actually hadn''t had the time to look at it in its entirety. But his fingers still traced it as if he had it for years. He thought about it, telling Lizzy that he was a super-natural. Thought about telling her about Saurian. But...-No! No! Lizzy is sweet, but is weak. Maybe one day we''ll tell her. But not now. Saurian said, and Lash couldn''t but help to agree.


    ¡°Well aside from the aesthetically pleasing appearance of it? I think it makes me look tough, people are less inclined to mess with me. Been working out, going to mixed martial arts studio''s, on the neighborhood Watch. Felt that a tasteful tattoo would help boost my image. Oh! I have a new piece to show you!¡± Lash reached out and tugged on Lizzy. Like a kid wanting to show off something they made. Lizzy laughed at his antics.


    Walking into the Art Studio, Lizzy saw that he had been busy working with scrap metal, stone, even wood. The room was messy, which was uncommon for Lash. He always kept the room clean, unless he lost track of time and didn''t have a chance to clean it. There on one of the work tables, commonly used for metal work was this perfectly crafted replica of a fencing rapier sword, a decorative but functional sword guard, what looked like white marble and gold inscribed into the handle, the blade it self was pure black, and polished that Lizzy could see herself in it. Lash had made this before the Warden ceremony when he had discovered all his new skills. Lizzy went to pick it up only to cry in surprise. Thing must weigh over a hundred pounds! She went to run her finger over the blade, Lash went to try and stop her only for her to jump back in shock. She had barely touched it and cut through her finger. Bad enough that it was gushing. Lash had cut himself in his shop before and had a first aid kit ready.


    ¡°So....Are you selling this one? I don''t think swords are supposed to be that heavy.¡± Lizzy said.


    She looked around the studio, they didn''t have a forge in here, they did have welding tools but nothing capable of making a sword. Lizzy was distracted and didn''t see Lash cast a minor version of his spell domain. It wouldn''t heal the wound, but it would help. He carefully wrapped the cut finger, thanks to the quick response and spell it stopped bleeding soon after.


    ¡°Yes, its for sale. But make sure you tell them it is actually meant for muscle training. The sword is fully functional, but is far to heavy to use common sword fight. But it has incredible durability. That you could cut granite with it and it would still not break.¡± Lash said, Lizzy looked him with a stun expression. He stepped around the table to hold up a cleanly cut piece of granite, setting it down next to the blade to show her the comparison.


    ¡°Your telling me you used a sword to cut through granite? Not only did it not break! It kept its edge?!¡± Lizzy yelled, a glint of business possibilities in her eyes.


    She ran out of the room and soon returned with her phone. Taking photo''s of the sword, asking Lash to hold it up since it still weighed so much. She asked for the specifics of the weight, and the composition of the sword. With Lash''s Title set to Shaper he was oddly specific for Lizzy. But she failed to notice. Despite its tremendous weight! It was perfectly balanced, flexible, and razor sharp. She even took a video of Lash cutting through a piece of granite using the sword. The before footage, as well as after, then showed the stone. Soon sending it to the Shaw Art Industry site for a spin video to be made. Lash said he would make a sheath for it. He requested for some materials from Lizzy. After a few hours Lizzy left his home. Not before making him brunch! Not ten minutes after he had seen her off from the door. His home intercom rang, front desk chime.


    ¡°Mr. Lash just checking in. Miss Shaw has left the building. However, there is another...Mr. Booraku here. He say''s he is here to take you to see the Winter associates for the investigation?¡± Lash sighed, he didn''t think it would be today. But sooner was better he thought.


    ¡°Yes, I''ll be down in about ten minutes. Thank you!¡± Lash said.


    He then went to his bedroom, got a change cloths. Not sure how messy this was going to be. He freshened up, then looked around his home. Watching a few Griak''s play in front of their tree house for a bit, he noticed the gargoyle''s were back in place. Before he left he went to the balcony, setting out a plate of cheese and crackers for the Griak''s, and said thank you to them, as well as the stone sentinels. The gremlin creatures cheered! Happy that he was safe, the gargoyle''s chatted with Saurian for a bit. Lash was not sure how they were talking, but they seem to get the message. Lash found from the Warden''s at the hospital that Gargoyle''s, or at least these ones are not born but made. There is sentient, biological versions but they were stupid rare. These ones are homunculus, Saurian said they were part-beast. Thus they fell under the Beast Speak category. They can understand language, its how they receive orders. Skaleg said they have to use a device to listen to their reports. Well looks like Lash doesn''t need the tool. He told them all goodbye, leave the plate he''ll get it when he comes back. Locking his balcony door he set his alarm and wet down stairs.


    ¡°Hello, Booraku. Feels like we just saw one another.¡± Lash said, but he had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Sorry sir, The Winters gave you permission to meet with the associates in question. Miss Jessabell asked me to come get you since I was still on the same island.¡± Booraku said as he gestured for Lash to follow him.


    Booraku was easily seven feet tall, and wide as a door. His arms were thicker then Lash''s thighs. He was the definition of universal body builder. With a military crew cut hair, black eyes, and healthy tanned skin. Despite his size, and his natural heritage as a ten foot tall troll. He was quick, quiet, and moved with ease. But he was like a giant cliff face in front of the coming tide. As soon as he stepped out onto the busy sidewalk of Gotham City people either stopped to look at him, or made a very wide berth. He opened the door for Lash, which of course drew many eyes to him. This time Lash got into a SUV, softly closing the door behind Lash. Booraku got into the drivers side door, clearly more relaxed in this larger vehicle that could accommodate his glamour sized human shape. They merged into traffic with expert ease. Lash was still convinced it was some kind of magic.


    They drove for about twenty minutes, of course twenty minutes with Booraku driving could mean they were at the state lines for all Lash knew. But they were in a factory district. Booraku pulled into a complex, after checking with the guard. Lash looked at the guard, watching the glamour slip off. Ever since he obtained the skill from his Patron the metaphorical peeling of the illusion away was quicker. The guard was a Sylvan, with pale almost blue skin. He had a tact suit on. With a P90 sub-machine gun, and long sword strapped to his back. They were cleared to move to building C. The guard gave them both visitors badges and warned the two not lose them.


    Stepping out of the car, they were met by a 5'' 3¡± tanned skinned beauty, with short brown hair and green eyes, wearing a business suit, with pants, and heels. When her glamour slipped, Lash could see that she was essentially looked the same but had green olive skin, with fairy wings on. She looked like an adult version of tinker bell. When she caught Lash''s eye she froze in place. Booraku for his professionalism stepped in front of us both. That seem to break what ever she was experiencing, she blushed furiously and hide behind her hands. She apologized, then led them both into the building. After passing several security check points, Lash finally heard screaming coming from the door at the end of the hall. Lash and Saurian both smelled it.... Blood-Kindred that attacked them. The women knocked on the door, the screaming stopped as they heard footsteps approach. A Warden Lash knew appeared. The Warden looked up in surprise but smiled.


    ¡°Hey Buddy! Came to say hello!¡± It was Simon. He was wearing a surgical gown, with apron, gloves, mask, and face shield. He was covered in blood.


    ¡°Hey Simon! Didn''t know you were doing the questioning. But, ya came to see the people that tried to kill me. Do you mind?¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Not at all my friend, come on in! You too Booraku!¡± Simon said, his eyes in crescents. The pixie women came in as well. She named herself Megan and still wouldn''t look Lash in the eye.


    Walking into the room the smell of sweat, blood, vomit was harsh in the air. Even with a large fan sucking the smell out into the vents. Another Winter Court official was in the room, writing information down. There the six kindred were. Mostly intact or at least they had their limbs, some of them had been skinned, others hand fingers, and limbs broken. One had all of his teeth pulled out. But as they were Kindred they were healing, slowly. Must be due to the blood loss. One of them with a swollen shut eye looked up and thrashed in his seat at the sight of Lash.


    ¡°Hello everyone! I''m Warden Lash! Of course you should all know that since you were tasked with killing me!¡± Lash said with a smile on his face. All of the Kindred thrashed about, as if they were conditioned to complete their order regardless of what was around them. Then they all went rigid as an electric current went through their bodies. Lash looked over at Simon who was pushing a big red button.


    ¡°Settled down kids! Uncle Lash is talking.¡± Simon grinned, he had taken off his surgical mask. Then released the button. Letting the Kindred shudder in pain.


    Lash smiled at him, then reached into his winter coat and pulled out....An Apple, along with a pocket knife. He pulled the knife out and began to cut into the apple. He offered a piece to Simon, Booraku, Megan, and the Winter Official. They all had a confused look but accepted the apple slice.


    ¡°Now, I am sure that all of you have been asked questions over and over again. But if the information I have is right. You use drop points to get your orders so you never know who is behind them. You all use compartmentalization when giving out orders, no one can tell the whole thing because no one knows the whole thing. But you see...I don''t need you to talk.¡± Lash said with a grin, his eyes had changed to reptilian eyes. Megan seem to shudder at the change.


    Lash pulled the seeds from the apple. Carefully placing them one by one on a table in front of the kindred, and the rest. Making a point to hold each one up as if each one held value. Booraku, Simon, and the official looked confused...But Megan didn''t, she was shivering. She had moved to the wall now her face pale from fright. Lash smiled at her, she nearly collapsed at his expression. Booraku went to help her. Holding her steady. Everyone was confused, including the kindred.


    ¡°Now, you six don''t know this. But I''ll tell you. The Endless granted me the Nature Domain. It comes with all sort of amazing tools for my work. One very recent spell I learned will be very helpful with what we need from all of you.¡± Lash said, he smiled wide.


    He picked up a single apple seed and walked towards the gunman that had shot him. The Kindred''s flight or fight instincts were telling him to run! He was struggling, thrashing in place, he was screaming! Wide eyed as Lash walked over, held his head in place and....Shoved the apple seed straight up his nose. He then clamped his now scaled and clawed hand onto the kindred''s face. Lash''s tribal tattoo then began to glow, as Lash''s eyes took on a distant look. The Kindred began to scream, and scream! As everyone in the room watched in horror as vines grew from the Kindred''s nose, a particular vine was burrowing up through his nose, through his skull into his brain.


    ¡°EEEEEEEHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAA!¡± The Kindred screamed in pain. As Lash activated the spell.


    Lash shuddered in place as the information he wanted was practically flashed before his eyes. Thankfully the spell knew to identify what he wanted, and filtered out the other stuff. He saw the Kindred picking up a package, he saw the date. It was three days before the ceremony. It was kill orders for Lash. To be done after the ceremony after he had gone home for the night. They were to kill him and any one with him. Then the connection snapped, that is all this kindred new.


    Lash pulled his hand away, the kindred was blissfully unconscious. Turning around he saw everyone in the room looked at him with horror. Megan threw up onto the floor and ran to escape the room. Booraku was torn between staying and helping her. Lash gestured for him to go, he practically sprinted from the room using Megan as an excuse to leave. The Kindred were thrashing as hard as they ever could trying to get away from Lash. Simon looked at him, then back at the table with the apple seeds. Lash looked at the official and told him what information that Kindred knew, the Winter Fae seem to snap out of his shock and begin to write down the information. Getting every detail from Lash. Then, he did it again....And again.....and again... Until every single Blood-Kindred had been ''interrogated'' Lash then removed the roots from the Kindred and turned his tools into compost.


    What did they know? That this was planned three days in advance. They had the floor plan, the security check points, the building layout of their operations post. They had the safe house that the operation was planned at. The ID''s of the team, even their house names. How they were selected for the Blood-Kindred Wet team operations. How they were promised that if they succeeded they would be promoted into family knights, and if they failed their families would strike them from the history of there blood lines. For a Kindred that was a big deal. Then one tiny bit of information that came from the team leader. His mother had heard from Lady Kali, she was admitted into the honor program to become a vassal.... It was a dream come true for his family! He didn''t have proof but he knew it was because of the mission, if he can kill the new Warden then his team, and his family were set for life! The Winter official grilled Lash for every tiny detail he could come up with. The Winter Court official down loaded the information onto the buildings data base, made a thumb drive for both himself as well as Simon. Then he sprinted from the room to get it officially up the chain of command.


    A security team came into the room to handle the clean up, and the ''detaied'' Kindred. Simon cleaned up and met Lash in the hall way. Booraku was there, with Megan who both kept a distance from Lash. Lash was reading a prompt.


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron is pleased with your efforts. But the conspiracy continues. Why did Kali order your death? Was it just to get rid of Viktor, or is there more to it? Continue to investigate.


    Reward: You''ve learned the skill, Dream Eater; You and Saurian both can now devour, absorb, and read both dreams and memories. You can learn information, you can earn skills, abilities, and even spells! But maybe there is another use to this? Ever had a bad dream? A Nightmare? Well not anymore! All those will be is another meal for our growing monster! Please take note, Dream Eater, and Soul Bite work together.


    Lash was happy to complete the task but part of him felt...Off. Like he had just done something wrong. It must have shown on his face because Simon clapped him on the shoulder. Making him look up.


    ¡°Interrogating someone is never easy. In fact I would be worried about you if you seem to just shrug it off. The fact that you look sick to your stomach means your still human... Or, rather have a moral compass! You get what I''m trying to say!¡± Simon scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.


    ¡°Megan, I''m sorry you had to see that.¡± Lash said. He glanced at her. She still looked pale but accepted his words with a nod of her head.


    They all left down the hallway back to the front of Building C. Simon had sent the information to HQ. He was instant messaging as fast as his fingers could go. Even made a few calls. Booraku, for his part did not ask about what the Kindred gave since he left the room before Lash said anything. Megan was unsteady on her feet. Booraku was next to her carefully helping her down the hallways. Thankfully he knew where they were going since Megan was out of it. When they all stepped out into the front of the building, Lash finally lost it and threw up! He heaved his brunch across the pavement and collapsed to his knees. He dry heaved several times. Why did he do this? What was Lash thinking! Yes they got the information, but that was fucked up. He understands why the Spell description says he would be a monster for using it. There was a side effect of the Root. It destroyed their minds. He had fried their minds! They were brain dead! It was different on the rooftop! If he had killed them it would have been in self-defense. But this....This was different. Erik was starting to understand why Batman didn''t kill in the comics.


    Booraku handed Lash a wet moist disposable towel. He cleaned his face off, and threw it away. The social distancing between Booraku and Megan was better now. They said goodbye to Megan, and Simon. Lash got into the car...Before he knew it he was back in his home. Clearly on auto pilot. He went to the alarm set the shutters into place, then went to his bedroom. He took his cloths off and went to sleep. The last thing he heard was...-Sleep now Partner-Lash. Saurian will keep watch...

 Chapter 15: Understanding One’s Self

    Erik was inside the black room curled up into a ball. His head in his hands, rocking back and forth wondering what he had just done. Dawn kneeling by his side rubbing his back. Erik was substance in the black room this time. A new version update had gone through, to many people didn''t like the insubstantial concept of nothingness. So now the Users inside the black room were made from darkness. It wasn''t much better, but it was something.


    ¡°Why am I feeling like this? It doesn''t make any sense... Lash has been through dozens, no hundreds of different lives. He''s seen slaughter, he''s brought entire countries to their knee''s. But why am I feeling this way? This is a game! A generated world! Why do I feel like I just killed six people!?¡± Erik screamed into the nothingness that was the black room.


    ¡°Realism, Self-Awareness, a majority of the Users believe just as you have said. That its a game, there is no reason to feel bad about what happens to simulated dream created people. But, a few Users with in the DC comics universe have had met what is being referred to as ''Wall of Realism''. You are the fifteenth User to meet such an event. The Users do not feel the disconnection of reality, and the generated world. This is why we brought you back to the black room so you can get a sense of self.¡± Dawn said softly to Erik.


    Dawn was still wearing her Endless black and white robe. Her hands, and face were still made of black space ink, and starlight. He fingers rubbed up and down Erik''s back trying to comfort them the best they could in their limited fashion. Erik''s eyes remain unfocused as he tried to process what was happening. He was starting to confuse reality, the Dream Engine was mixing with his mind. But the Cube recognized the effect and pulled him out, so there was safety nets in place.


    ¡°I''m starting to understand why they had me sign all those medical wavers. For every success there is a failure.¡± Erik said, belittling himself.


    ¡°You are not a failure, Erik! What you''ve done is gain self-realization. That even in a fantasy world you still have a bottom line. To many Users kill, maim, destroy, and ruin the lives of the dynamically generated world with the sole excuse of. ''It''s a game, so who cares''. But you, you and fourteen others have proven your humanity goes beyond the concept of reality.¡± Dawn''s voice took on a hard edge.


    Erik stopped rocking back and forth then looked over at Dawn. He was confused, but also hopeful. He''d never thought that way about the games he played. He wasn''t a ''Role Player'' like you would find in a MMO''s. But he always tried to treat the game generated people with respect and courtesy. Unless of course they were the bad guys. But he never brutally tortured and ruined lives in games, always stayed away from games the centered around that. His gamer friends use to always tell him that it was a game, so who cares how you treat the pixel people? Erik cared. It was the actions he made when no one was watching that made the most difference.


    ¡°So I''m not a failure, its just my sense of realism is different from others... Well me and fourteen others?¡± Erik asked, a new light in his eyes.


    ¡°That''s right. There was one single Alpha tester that brought up this crisis during their play time. It was them that brought up the dynamic alteration of realism or not. If User Erik want''s to adjust the system to make the Dream Engine more fantasy oriented we can. Or you can continue to use the dynamic system to adjust accordingly.¡± Dawn said, standing up in the black room extending a hand to Erik to stand up. Erik took her helping hand.


    ¡°No, keep the default setting. I''ll ride this train as long as I can.¡± Erik said, confidence returning to his voice.


    ¡°I had a feeling you''d say that.¡± Dawn said with voice filled with pride. It made Erik blush and look away..At least he thinks he was blushing.


    ¡°So, any updates on the world beneath?¡± Erik asked getting back to business.


    Dawn pulled several new tabs open for Erik. Batman was no longer a rumor. Confirmed sightings of a Bat like creature, or a man wearing bat costume had been seen in Gotham. Superman decided to stop hiding and was now flying around not only Metropolis but the world, in his costume of blue and red suit. His appearance shocked the world, especially when he did an interview with Lois Lane telling the reporter that he was an alien from another world but had been raised here on Earth. The Mass accelerator in Central City was scheduled to turn on in six months. So, Barry would turn into the Flash either on that day, before it, or after. Erik couldn''t remember when that happened. Oliver Queen had been missing for little over four years and change. It seems that there was no activity on Themyscira, Erik didn''t know if Wonder Woman had been active since World War Two? Or if she was still on her island and Trevor was a modern day pilot. Her origin story was complicated. Erik didn''t have a reason to talk to the Amazonian envoy that was visiting Gotham. Atlantis was very quietly looking for the first born son of their late queen. Arthur Curry.


    Erik knew that Dawn had every little detail about the world stored in her mind. But specifically would not tell everything. The time line app was meant to tease and inform the User about things, but not take the fun out of it. If Erik wanted to know more he would have to take his avatar there themselves. Erik had read on the forums that many Users had gone and met the hero''s and villain''s before they gained a name for themselves so they could have back history with them. Aside from Batman, Erik had no reason to meet any of of the others. If he remembers right? Oliver Queen isn''t even on the island right now. Barry is a forensic''s officer, Batman is a billionaire, Clark is a reporter, Diana may or may not be on an island that kills any man that steps foot on it.


    Erik had another issue, the Dream Engine would not allow Users to Meta game information. Even if the User had read every single issue of DC comics. Knew all the back stories, histories, and information. Unless they had at least learned the basic information inside of the world, the Engine would prevent the User from saying anything. You can still physically drive your avatar to a location. Which from the forum posts he''s read generally lead to death. So, whats to be done? Just keep operating as normal. Once you make big enough waves you''ll encounter them on your own.


    Erik asked for the report on Lash, almost a week had past for his VI model. Thanks to his title has Druid which Lash swapped out. He was able to talk to the aspects of Nature. He was able to teach a single spell, Natures Supplement to the Warden Timothy, along with a few others. Then swapped back to Shaper. He went on a single night patrol with the neighborhood watch. Despite all that''s happened he is going to maintain that. Surprisingly, Lizzy sold the sword and got 30k for it. They made about 60% off the sword since it was made with materials laying around the shop. The Fae Courts were giving subtle pressure to the Blood-Kindred for Lash''s attempted murder. Giving information but no concrete proof of the attack. Given that the detainees were now brain dead. The spec op teams families were not available for contact given as they were not in the Gotham area, conveniently. Shield and Sword did end up buying all the near by real estate around Lash''s building. A lot of renovations are being done, many of them are being remade into homes on top with business''s below them. Then something interesting came up, Lash had been invited to donate one of his pieces to a Wayne Charity event. An event that Bruce Wayne himself was attending. Dawn had paused the world at that point waiting for Erik''s directive. Erik laughed, gave a hug to Dawn then went back down. Enjoying the sky diving as he always did.


    WOOOSH!


    Lash was on a video conference with Lizzy, her father Mr. Shaw. A charity fundraiser personnel for the Wayne foundation. They were talking about the venue who would be attending as well as Bruce Wayne attendance. Obviously the event was for the super rich, all of the famous artists in Gotham area would be there. Along with a few famous artist across the eastern coast. Erik Lash had been invited to attend, as well as donate any pieces he was willing to give. All the proceeds were going to low income scholarships for under privilege''s youths. The venue, the food, the security was being paid by the Wayne''s so all the money made from the bidding would go exactly where it was meant to go.


    ¡°Yes! I''d love to attend! In fact I have at least one piece that I think Mr. Wayne might even want to buy himself. Or, at least I hope!¡± Lash said. As he and Saurian welcomed Erik back.


    ¡°Wonderful! Then we''ll put you, and the Shaw''s down for attendance. When will your pieces be ready for pick up Mr. Lash.¡± The fundraiser asked.


    ¡°Two days from now, just putting on some finishing touches. It''s almost as if this was all planned by the heavens.¡± Lash smiled in a self mocking moment that no one understood but him.


    They talked about logistics for the new art pieces for a few minutes before the fundraiser and Mr. Shaw excused themselves from the call. Now it was just Lizzy and Lash on the phone conference. She looked worried about something. Lash could only see her face on his computer. Her hair was down, letting those red curls wrap around her face. She opened and closed her mouth several times..


    ¡°I think you should wear that stunning red slink dress you got from that boyfriend you had last year. You know the asshole that had impeccable taste in clothing, and was always bad at everything else! What was his name again? Has he married that boyfriend of his yet?¡± Lash laughed as Lizzy rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Kevin was not an asshole! He just...Preferred assholes over me is all!¡± Lizzy gave a wry smile to Lash who in turned laughed.


    ¡°So, whats going on? Is this something we should talk about over a phone or do you want to meet up?¡± Lash asked with a smile on his face.


    ¡°No...I... Just.¡± Lizzy looked down, clearly struggling with something.


    ¡°You want to know if its OK for you to bring that new girlfriend you have but haven''t told anyone but your sister about who then told me about it knowing you would hate it. Which I am texting her right now telling her I''ve told you. So she can get into the emergency bunker?¡± Lash said, smirking.


    Lizzy''s mouth was wide open, her eyes looked like they were about to fall out. Then a blush crawled up her neck, cheeks and ears. Her face almost matched her hair color she was both embarrassed, and angry! Just as she was about to explode!


    ¡°OK, love you! Can''t wait to meet her! I''ve got a art piece to finalize! Bye!¡± Lash ended the call with a laugh. He knew she was angry because she called him on his cellphone four times, why not a text? Because when she is angry she mushes the buttons and the message comes out all wrecked. He of course did not pick up the phone.


    Lizzy had always been bi-sexual. It wasn''t until college that she told her family with Lash''s help. They thought she was pregnant when they both showed up. Only to find out the real truth. Should have seen her father as his anger and stress just evaporated. Then he hugged her and laughed, as did her mother. They told her they had known about this for years! They were just waiting for her to tell them. After that night Lash had become an adopted son, and brother to the Shaw family. Willing to come help their daughter tell something incredibly sensitive, and that could have ended horribly. The fact that he was willing, made him solid in their book. Lash had never really looked at Lizzy that way, they would sometimes flirt, and tease one another. Some would say it had some sexual tension. But they both knew it wasn''t that. It was just two friends who had been through a lot together. But because of this, Lizzy would always introduce her boyfriends, and girlfriends to Lash. As if she wanted his approval on the choice. Then once he did, she would then take them to see her family. So he was the test subject. Or at least the original Erik Lash was.... In all of Lash''s reincarnations he had never told the original families, friends, lovers that they had been replaced. He didn''t think he would start with the Shaw''s.


    Lash walked into his art studio. There in the middle of it was a black stone, with red veins sculpture. It was a...Bat-Knight statue. Imagine a life sized statue of a knight, with Bat like stylized armor. It even had the batman symbol on its shield and chest like a coat of arms. Right now Gotham knew about Batman, but no one except for select individuals had seen him in all his gear, and symbol on his chest. Lash figured out that he couldn''t say it out loud, didn''t stop him from carving it on a statue. The name of the piece was ''The Dark Knight''. This was either going to end badly? Or end up good. However, before he sent it to the charity he did one last thing. A new spell he had recently learned.


    Nature Spell Domain, Imbue Essence; Much akin to a form of enchanting, this allows you to place a nature spells onto an object to allow automatic recast, automatic because it gradually recharges its energy with outside aid. You set it to touch, proximity, or voice. After you adjust for target, or area of effect. Then one of the spell''s you know will be imbued into the object. Then has a 24 hour cool down period. The more spells, the larger effect the more magic you have to put into it. You may have to do this over several days. Please take note that this only works with Nature based spells, if you want other spell domains? Pick up enchanting, you''ll get a lot more bang for your buck.


    Lash channeled his energy into the statue, he gave it Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. Set it for proximity, with a three meter area of effect. He had been doing this for three days. Then...


    Congratulations User! You''ve imbued your first item! With time and effort you''ve drawn nature''s energy onto an object. While enchanting has you inscribe, engrave, or blast objects over and over. Imbuing requires you to ''grow'' it into an object. It may not be as strong as enchanting. But, once its in place as long as it''s not broken it will continue to work for years to come.


    Lash was not sure if Bruce Wayne would buy the piece. He was hoping he would. Maybe place it inside his bat cave. Let the mystical effects help him heal him and his people. He then carefully packed and set the statue near the cargo elevator pick up. Then went back to the art room, he was crafting one more piece. This one was simpler, it was a great horned owl! He knew the Court of Owls were in Gotham. He knew that many of Gotham''s super rich were part of the society. Lash was not trying to join them, but carving an owl just seemed fun enough to tease them with. The owl was about two feet tall and was perched on a piece of wood. The Wood was made of solid marble, but the owl was carefully crafted metal. Using his Material abilities he used several pieces of metal and seamlessly put them together. You couldn''t even see a weld, but of course he didn''t weld them together. He then used silver moon quartz for the owl''s eyes. Then used silver ''dripped'' into the feather designs. He then used, Imbued Essence on the statue of the owl. But this time he did not place a spell on it. He just put the energy into it. Just a tiny bit, what did this do? It gave the unnerving feeling that the owl was alive, and would fly off. Several hours had passed and it was late at night now. He packed up the owl, and placed it near the cargo delivery system. He sent a message to Mr. Shaw, and the fundraiser coordinator about the finished pieces. Telling them he had found a spark of artistic insight and finished them both already. They were ready for pick up. He got word back with in a few minutes. They would pick up the pieces in the morning.


    Lash cleaned up his art room. Combing over it carefully, looking for not only materials but also electrical devices. He did this every time he left the room. He was paranoid about not letting people know about his Material skill. He had found that Saurian could actually hear them if he was careful. So in a lot of way this was practice. When he left the room he walked across his kitchen only to pause retrace a few of his steps to look at his balcony window. There stood on the landing... Soluna? No one with her, just Soluna. She looked at him through the glass door gesturing her head to the door handle. She was wearing black six inch heels, black skirt that came down to her knees, a large black winter coat with a fluffy hood. Her tanned skin a contrast to the overall color pallet. Going to the door Lash unlocked it and gestured for her to enter.


    ¡°Took you long enough, been out their for almost an hour! Yeesh!¡± Soluna said, taking off her coat. She wore a backless, turtle neck sweater. With a V cut out section for her cleavage. That hugged her body perfectly, letting you see a lot of skin but still looked warm as odd as that would sound in Gotham City during winter.


    ¡°Soluna, you have my cell phone. You could have easily called me. I would have let you in.¡± Lash said as he took her coat from her after he closed and locked the balcony door. Lash noticed that Soluna seem to go rigid when he mentioned the cell phone. She must have forgot.


    ¡°I....Didn''t want to ruin the surprise! Jessabell says you make the best Honey Dew Tea, may we have some?¡± Soluna said, trying to change the subject. Lash allowed it as he carefully hung the coat up on a hanger he had recently put up for his late night visitors.


    Lash went to the kitchen to start up the pot. Soluna''s hair had been re-cut again. Short up front, and long to just above her shoulders in the back. Allowing for femininity, but function and practicality. Lash had never understood how so many comic book women could allow their hair to fly free while fighting? You do a single whiplash kick and all your hair goes straight into your face. That brief moment of obscurity is a death sentence in a fight for your life. Even guys! Plenty of men with long hair failed to tie it up or keep it short. It was one of those times Lash was thankful he was bald, and that Saurian didn''t have any hair either.


    After a few minutes Lash came out of the kitchen with a pot of Honey Dew Tea, with glasses. Soluna was in the living room, leaning back while her legs were crossed. She sat sideways so Lash could see her long profile showing a lot of leg, and chest. She seemed to be posing for him... -Me thinks that she believes she has to pose for us to agree. Saurian said. Lash agreed. Lash placed the tea set down and poured Soluna a drink before handing it to her. She took it carefully, blew on it and slowly drank it. Giving off a hum of approval. Lash took his own drink, and finished the glass before he sat back against his coach. Lash was currently wearing a black t-shirt that was tight against his chest. Khaki pants, with blue on white tennis shoes. Just cloths to wear around the house.


    ¡°Soluna, not that I''m complaining. But why are you dressed like that? You look like your a little uncomfortable.¡± Lash said to her. Which of course earned him a glare, her yellow snake eyes staring daggers at him.


    ¡°What, is this not good enough? Do you want me wearing a mini skirt?¡± Soluna growled at him. Lash''s look of confusion on his face seem to answer something that she was thinking.


    ¡°Jessabell said I had to be all pretty up! I had to look the part of some fair but seductive maiden to pull this bonding thing off!¡± Soluna said angrily. Then screamed in rage when Lash shook his head back and forth and told her what Jessabell was wearing the night she bonded with him.


    ¡°That FUCKING BITCH! I''M GOING TO FUCK....g......GGRRRRR!¡± Soluna screamed! Standing up and paced through his home! ¡°She helped me pick this outfit! She played dress up with me for three hours! I fucking hated it!¡±


    ¡°You could have shown up in tennis shoes, jeans, and a t-shirt and it would have been fine. What you wear has nothing to do.....¡± Before Lash could finish, Soluna had peeled off her top in a huff and tossed it aside.


    Her breasts bounced free and clear for about thirty seconds before Soluna pulled a t-shirt from know where and slipped it on. Then she took off her heels and skirt. Lash''s eyes traced up her tanned legs all the way to her picture perfect ass, and he saw enough to know that she was not wearing underwear and that she was shaved. She slipped on a pair of jeans, some cotton socks and tennis shoes. She then flopped across his coach with a audible sigh. She had another glass of tea before growling about how she was going to tie that women to the bed and punish her properly! -Focus! Partner-Lash, Focus! Saurian said.


    Now that Soluna was comfortable, lying across his coach she propped herself up using a few pillows. She placed her head in her right hand palm so she could watch him. She looked, and acted far more comfortable.


    ¡°Thanks for saying something. Most men would have kept their mouth shut and enjoyed the show. But you didn''t. So, how do we do this? Do I need to fuck you? Or, cause I don''t mind. I think you would be fun. Though joining in third place after Li''Ana in you bed post selection is a lit....


    ¡°Soluna neither Jessabell or Li''Ana have had sex with me. Jessabell shared a bed with me and my partner but we didn''t have sex. We just slept together. Soluna, what do you think the bonding process is?¡± Lash said, honestly curious.


    Soluna looked surprised, then shrunk her neck in like a turtle. The brash, and over the top gorgon female blushed! She sat up straight, placing the tea cup down. She looked at him looking for some kind of deceit in his eyes. Not finding anything, she groaned! Hiding her face in her hands as she tucked her knee''s up.


    ¡°I don''t know! Jessabell, and Li''Ana both are well liked, and desired by the Fae Courts. They are young, experienced, talented, envoy''s with a bright future! Then out of know where comes this New Warden! That not only some how charms Jessabell, but also Li''Ana! Do you have any idea what the rumors are going on about you! That you could seduce even one of Torloth''s sisters! Your charms are in-fallible! On top of that, I don''t know why! But I''m fucking attracted to you! People say that your Partner has a dragon ancestor. Dragon''s have a natural charm over any creature with scales! I''ve met Torloth! I think he is a fucking prick! I feel nothing for him! But I spend ten minutes around you! I feel like I''ve found someone I can rely on! What kind of messed up shit is that!?¡± Soluna was yelling by the end of her monologue.


    Saurian released a cascading wave of Calm Emotions. The was done for two reasons. To keep them all balanced and focused on the matter at hand. Also when the effect would wear off the emotions expressed between them would be raw and untainted. Soluna''s chest rose and fall for several seconds then as the wave washed over, her breathing slowed. Her eyes become focused as she looked up at Lash.


    ¡°Jessabell trust''s you. This isn''t about the Winter Court fae bullshit. Though I know that they are definitely happy that she has stepped into the circle of trustee''s with a Endlessness chosen. But she has already told me that aside from me. You are one of the first true friend''s she''s had.... And..I''m.¡± Soluna''s eyes began to cloud over before another calming wave washed over her. ¡°I''m afraid your going to take her from me.¡±


    Lash was calm and collected. He believed it was because that''s how he was, but more then likely it was from the skill. He stood up and walked over and sat down on the coffee table so he was in front of Soluna. She watched him move with her eyes. He held out his hands to her. She reached out and took them. A electric pulse connected them. Saurian''s spiritual essences reached out and coiled around them both.


    ¡°Me and Jessabell are friends, but we are also family. We are a Pack. We''ve learned that Were-Breeds can only make that kind of connection with other Were-Breeds. Well it seems that me and my partner are the outlier. Jessabell loves you, she would not have sent you here to me if that was not the case. She would not have joked with you about the cloths unless she knew I would have said something. I am Erik Lash, my partner is Saurian-Hunter. Name yourself, and declare that we are friends, family, a pack it will be done and we will be more then happy to have you.¡± Lash said, his eyes had become reptilian during the conversation. Soluna held his gaze before softly nodding her head.


    ¡°Erik Lash, Partner to Saurian-Hunter. I, Soluna Altena von Pallas of the old gods declare you my friend!¡± She said with strong conviction. Then just like the times before a pulse of energy hummed through us...


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed a hidden objective! Your Cosmic Patron had give you a task to seduce and bed the envoys of the Fae courts. Instead you earned their friendship, trust, and a piece of their hearts. All three of them! Since you accomplished your task and went above and beyond you''ll be rewarded!


    Your Cosmic Patron has rewarded you with ONE Dream Point, and a coupon to use the Dream Store at any time.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained an Achievement: ¡°One is good, two is trouble, three will lead to your damnation!¡± This will also grant you 10% increase to your overall charm, personality, and desire when speaking to things that are attracted to you. Good luck!


    Lash was stunned at the achievement. What the fuck was that!? He''s never got an increase from Achievements before, just titles! He doubled checked, it wasn''t a title. It was just an achievement. Then he was shocked to find out that a version update had gone through. All his achievements gave a boost!


    Achievement; I work with my hands! Not my head! Any task that involves your hands, you have a 10% bonus. Careful they have a mind of their own.


    Achievement; Guardian of the Green, ''Swamp thing!? Ya, me and him are best buds!'' You are 10% more skilled when tending to plant life, be it in a garden, or just in the open world. You have a green thumb, careful your whole body doesn''t turn green.


    Lash wanted to face palm, but he was still with Soluna. They were both now sitting on the coach together. He was laying against the arm rest, his legs open. Soluna was between his legs, her face buried into his chest with her arms tucked up. She looked like she was napping but he knew she was wide awake. Lash was tracing his fingers up and down her body with in his reach. -Now we are family Huntress-Soluna! Welcome to the Pack! Punish Play Jessabell for teasing you! Yes! Yes! Saurian spoke across the link. This made Soluna smile wide and laugh into Lash''s chest. Lash''s hands moved up and down Soluna''s neck and back gently massaging. It felt like he instinctively knew where to touch, then realized his bonus was already on. Amazing what 10% does.


    Lash reached out and used his two favorite nature spells on Soluna. This earned him an audible moan from her. As the magical energy settled through her whole body becoming fully immersed in the sensation before...


    ¡°Gah!¡± Lash softly yipped in surprise. Soluna had bitten him through his shirt. He looked down at her, she was wearing a satisfied smirk on her face.


    ¡°Don''t think that you can just create a link, and use your fucking awesome hands along with your magic to make me fuck you! I require at the very least a date!¡± She then burrowed back into Lash''s embrace and said softly into his chest. ¡°Now please continue with your hands, they are fucking amazing!¡±


    Lash chuckled, softly disturbing Soluna which earned him a pinch in his side. Which made him laugh more. Soon his hands continued up and down Soluna, so much so that she abruptly sat up, peeled off her top. Then settled back down, her twin peaks pressed against Lash''s chest. Lash enjoyed the show as she seem to exaggerate the movement for him. He had to adjust his pants accordingly making Soluna laugh as something long, hard, and hot was pressing against her. But that was it, Lash returned to running his hands up and down her back. He was using a bit of natural essence to work her muscles. Earning a moan from time to time, which did not help his erection one bit because Soluna would wiggle just right when ever she moaned.


    They stayed like that for about two hours before Soluna sat up slightly to kiss Lash. It was a chaste kiss because they both knew if it was longer then more cloths were coming off. She put her shirt back on, grabbed her coat and left through the balcony as she had come. Just like the other Fae women in his life once she was on the balcony she seem to fade from sight like a ghost. He really needed to learn how to do that. He walked back into his home locking the door. Then going to his alarm system he activated the shutters, and locked up. He went to his bedroom took a cold shower! Then settled down across bed. Alone, away from prying eyes he activated the store coupon. It would be 17 hours real time before he could use the store again. That could be days, weeks, or even months in the Dream Engine.


    Sure enough he looked at his balance of DP he had one point. Does he get a skill? A new Spell Domain? Increase his overall Super rating? Wait, what was his rating?


    ¡°Rank Status!¡± Lash called softly to the darkness of his room.


    Name: Erik Lash, commonly referred to as ''Lash'' or ''Saurian''


    Title; Shaper


    Origin: Magical


    Rank: E-


    Skills: Open tab for full list.


    Domain Nature, Spell list: Sooth, Natures Supplement, Daylight, Root of Information, Essence Imbuement,


    There you are! You are the shadow of any hero or villain. But can stand up on your own in any neighborhood or street gang. You have began to lean towards the side of heroes, but your methods are questionable. With time, training, and the determination to push forward you''ll find your footing. Even if you have to fall a dozen times, to pick yourself up a dozen times. Look out below!


    Lash cheered quietly to himself! His super rank had gone up, so all of his abilities had gone up. Whether it was his stat abilities, or his skill levels. Everything goes up when your super rank goes up. Of course, Dawn did say it was a gradual process. You wouldn''t just suddenly feel powerful like you do in other games. Even his Domain was suppose to get a booster. More power, for less cost. Spells according to your rank will start to bubble to the top as idea''s. So then he looked back at the shop. A glowing book in his arms, he carefully flipped the pages looking over the information.


    He did see enchanting, though he was interested. It would be better to get another Domain first then get enchanting. There was a nice skill called Adaptation, it was a Racial trait for Saurian, but over time would effect Lash. It allowed him to adapt to environments like freezing cold, sierra hot, or even underwater, over time as it evolved it could even allow him to exist in space?! Holy shit that was bad ass! Then Lash read about a Domain he was in awe about. Technomancy.


    The art of combining Magic and Technology together. Lash had learned from the Fae that Magic and Technology did not mix! But, as more and more centuries changed the face of the world more and more users of the mystic arts tried to combine the two. There was different successes and a majority of failures. They enchanted a flintlock to fire with out gunpowder. Made the bullets enchanted. That is where the Silver enchanted bullets came from that shot him full of holes! They made a wind turbine that magically attracted a wind current to generate natural power. They made an electric car, but used the lighting element to power it. Finally in the last decade or so a new domain was discovered. Technomancy. It was incredibly rare! The Tech-Knight Lash saw being a guard at his ceremony was actually an apprentice to a Technomancer. Not only did it allow the enchanting of technology with a dizzy amount of success. A collection of Tech Spells that were still being invented. They could also jump into cyberspace as if they were in the astral realm. It opened a huge door for the magical communities. As much as the Domain made Lash drool...He decided against it. He placed Technomany on his favorites list. So next time he had DP, and the shop he would buy it. But this time? He bought...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Racial Trait, Adaptation: Adapting to their environment is the mark of any good predator or prey! A single change in the world can bring extinction! How many creatures in the world, in the universe have fallen to the pages beyond memory because they could not adapt? Saurian, along with his partner no longer need to worry about this. This racial trait grows with time, and use. Please take note! The skills, Damage Resistance, and Partial Transformation works with this trait. This trait effects Saurian as well as Lash.


    With that! Lash closed the book, curled up in his bed as he closed his eyes he whispered to the darkness.


    ¡°Goodnight Dawn, Good night Partner-Saurian.¡± Lash mumbled into his pillow. -Goodnight Partner-Lash!


    ¡°Goodnight User!¡± Dawn said softly from the darkness...

 Chapter 16: Trouble in the Plaza

    Lash deflected the sword from the warrior in front of him with his shield before raising his right hand up and shot a arcane arrow straight into the mans face. The man screamed and fell to his knee''s, the essence of his life flying into Lash. Lash collapsed in a huff of sweat, blood, and depression. How many times did he have to do this? How does his patron gleam entertainment from this! Why is he chosen for such an existence!? He had enough!


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Lash sprung up from his bed, looking around the dark bedroom. Sweat was pouring from his body. He slowed his breathing and fell back against his bed sheets. Another dream, another set of memories, another life. He looked at his night stand, 4:30 am he groaned in desperation. Before standing up and heading to his bathroom, only to pause half way there....


    Congratulations User! Through your past life experiences as well as your current life''s education your knowledge of magic and combat has grown. Combat be it physically, or magically will take 2% less energy to preform...


    Lash growled in irritation, he had lost track of how many lives he had lived. How many times he had died. Remembering your past lives is not all its cracked up to be. He went to his shower and turned on the water. A comfortable combination of hot and cold. Leaning his head into the spray of water he tried to clear his head. He was in the here and now, not in the then and there. Out of all his lives, this one so far was one of the better ones. At least he had time to orient himself, at least he had friends here. Then another flash of a memory long past...


    Lash loaded another shell into his shotgun, slipping it away he loaded his assault rifle. Then taking a deep breath he barreled out of the door and unloaded a clip into a multi limped creature from space. Bam!Bam!Bam!Bam!Bam!Bam!Bam!Bam!Bam! The creature screamed as its chest caved in.


    ¡°No! I''m not here! I''m not here!¡± Lash screamed!


    Lash found himself curled up into a ball in his shower, he quickly finished his shower and stepped out. Only to see another prompt. It was at this time that Erik the gamer felt bad that he had wrote this kind of background for his avatar.


    Congratulations User! Because of your past life experiences you''ve learned the skill, Basic Weapon Master: With the lives you have lived, with the lives you have taken, with the tools you have used? You now have a basic understanding of weapons from Ancient, to Mundane, to Magical, to Science Fiction! We are so sorry that you''ve lived such an eternity. Good luck.


    Lash stood in his bedroom and laughed, a long depressing sound as tears rolled down his cheeks. He laughed and cried for a few minutes before Saurian activated Calm Emotions Lash was thankful as he settled and returned to the present. He put on some simple morning cloths and left his bedroom. He deactivated his homes shutters and greeted a....Cold winter and snowy day. Yay! Still pitch black outside he looked up and saw dark storm clouds. A perfect day to just sit inside and not go any where! Unfortunately he could not do that today. He made a hearty breakfast, then went to his art studio and did a few practice pieces. Thanks to this achievement bonus his art work had taken on a life of its own. The phrase ''Idle Hands'' came up several times. Then some insight sparked in his mind and he went and carved a piece of wood into a mask.


    The mask was simple, and made with an ash wood. As he was carving it as his finger tips began to smolder as he accidentally activated...


    Nature Domain Spell, Burning: Some mages throw fire balls, some engineers make a flame thrower, you. You just skip all the fan fare and move right to the end result. You burn things, sometimes to mold, melt, and combine. Other times to destroy, ruin, and kill. It will be your choice how you use this.


    His finger tips carved into the wooden mask, his burning fingers creating a mockery of lines and abstract art. The entire mask was horrid! But, Lash didn''t think he was making art. He was experimenting. Lifting the mask up in the air to look at his failure as well as his success. Then he shivered as another spell was subconsciously activated...


    Nature Domain Spell, Decomposition: Life and Death are a part of Nature. But what happens to the ''body'' after we die? It falls to ruin, and is harvested once more. For nothing is ever truly destroyed, just changed be it for the better or for the worse. You can now help this cycle, but what can be brought to ruin will only be limited to you. Remember, nature is neither good or evil, it just is.


    Lash watched as the mask aged, rotted, and fell apart to ash. But he also felt that natural energy was re absorbed by the world to be used at a later time. So he had become the ultimate recycling tool. Lash was, actually kinda happy about that. He quickly cleaned up his studio and went back to his kitchen. He found a piece of plastic and wanted to see...Yep! He could decompose the plastic as well. He had done this with the roots during the interrogation but didn''t realize it was a spell. Maybe he just didn''t understand it back then. Then he shuddered, could he do this to things while they were alive? He shook his head back and forth. He''d come to that at another time.


    Lash moved to his bathroom and cleaned up, went to his closet and put on a nice tailored made gray suit, with a coat vest and red tie. He looked at himself in the full length mirror, he looked good all be it a bit sinister. His tribal tattoo only covered a small portion but it gave his whole body a dangerous vibe. Lash was 6'' 4¡± with a well defined muscle toned body. Nothing like Booraku. But he was impressive, he naturally had blue eyes but they had shifted between blue, green, to combination of both in the form of a reptilian eyes. His skin was healthy pink like a human who was active but didn''t get a lot of sun. Pretty normal in a Gotham Winter. It was 7:00 am now, he was going to the Shield and Sword office today with in Gotham. He was suppose to meet with his primary liaison / lawyer today. He left his bedroom, picked up a wrapped gift on his hallway table, and placed it inside his coat. It was a gift to Samantha, he was meeting her today as well at the office. It was a gold, and obsidian stone necklace that had a bit of Nature energy in it. No spells, just the essence. He found that the effect would help invigorate people.


    Lash set his alarm, and locked up his home as he left. He took the stairs this time, trying to keep the habit though at this point he wasn''t sure he needed it. Getting to the main floor, he left through the front door and hailed a cab. Telling them where to go, and on he went. The cab drive whistled at his suit but kept to himself after that. Lash''s eyes flashed reptilian for a moment as Saurian took in the driver. The driver for his credit actually shivered subconsciously realized something dangerous was looking at him but didn''t know from where. Saurian had been doing that lately, reading people. Objectively analyzing their weakness and strengths in case something happened. Lash had cast a very minor glamour around his eyes so that if the change did happen no mundanes would see it. It had worked...So far.


    After about forty five minutes Lash stepped out of the cab, he had paid with a twenty dollar tip. The drive smiled happily and said goodbye. Lash looked up at a tall high rise building. Shield and Sword had their fingers...Or claws in a lot of different businesses. Not as much as Wayne Enterprises. But they were definitely a global face. He found out that Torloth ran the Global Law Firm aspect while his brother and sisters ran the other sections. Because they were a global company they had branches in major cities across the world. They were primarily a neutral faction in the world of Super-Natural Societies. But, being neutral didn''t mean they were push overs. Or, that they didn''t have their talons in all sorts of deals, investments, and faction politics. Out of the entire Dragon clan, Torloth was suppose to be the nicest...Great.


    ¡°Dawn, I don''t remember Shield and Sword in any comics that I''ve read. Of course I was not an active enthusiast of the comics so they could have been there.¡± Lash asked softly.


    ¡°Hello User, You are correct. Shield and Sword was a generated aspect of the world to help the Users who chose the Magical Origin to have a way to explain their actions across the globe. Unless you have a specific background or history. Then they are removed, and replaced by another procedural generated business. As you may have guessed Warden''s are also a generated aspect of The Dream Engine to help insert the User into the world. Though we have the entire Comic universe, the Alpha testers summarized that with such much creative freedom The Dream Engine should put their own stories and idea''s into the world. Simply use the Comic universe as a background.¡±Dawn said to Lash.


    That makes sense, Lash thought. With the whole universe at their disposal they could pick and choose what they wanted. Then place their own idea''s in. Because at the end of the day they were making a ''Game''. Some things in a game made sense while it wouldn''t make sense in a world. Lash walked across the courtyard, despite the time and bad weather the whole plaza was busy. He looked around and saw at least twenty guards in the open, and by his count ten nigh invisible guards mixed into the plaza. As he walked to the front door he stopped and saw a withered tree. It was winter so it made sense that no leaves grew on it. But he still walked towards it.


    Lash''s title was still set to Shaper. But he could still ''feel'' nature around him. Like going to an old bar full of friends. Or coming home to a family home full of memories. This feeling from the tree was off, walking up to it he realized the tree was dead. Been dead for days, he looked around the roots only to see that several of the roots had been mangled. The tree had bled to death, what a shitty way to die. Lash crouched down and dug his fingers into the snow getting to what was placed there. His actions caught the attention of a few people who looked at this impeccably dressed man route around in the snow under a tree. As well as a few guards started to walk over. Then a small fairy pixie settled on his shoulder. She was a tinker bell type. Imagine a full grown woman, only six inches tall wearing green leaves as a dress with butterfly wings.


    ¡°Watcha doin?¡± The pixie asked, not really expecting an answer, only to squeak when Lash answered.


    ¡°Something or someone killed this tree. Then placed something here. I''m trying to figure it out. Oh I''m Warden Lash, Beast Talker.¡± He said to the Pixie. The Tiny little thing fluttered about him excitedly before sitting down on his shoulder again.


    ¡°I''ve heard of you! The Warden that can talk to us! Yes, this tree died a few days ago. We wanted to help it. But winter was here, we of the Summer Court are weak now. So we couldn''t.¡± The Pixie looked sad.


    ¡°Why didn''t you ask a Winter Court for help. I''m sure the Griak''s would have been happy to help.¡± Lash said, he had reached the dirt and was digging now. He knew something was down here, something metallic.


    ¡°Bleh! Those ugly things!¡± The pixie said in clear disgust. Lash rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Yes, the Griak''s. I don''t understand why you pixies don''t like them. Just because they look different.¡± Lash said as he concentrated on his task. The pixie shrunk her neck in, suddenly sorry she had said that. She had heard that this Warden didn''t discriminate over looks. -Friend or Foe, Monster or Beauty. Matters little in the dance of life and death. Saurian said. The Pixie not making the distinction between Lash and Saurian nodded her tiny head.


    ¡°Sir, may we help you? Did you lose something?¡± A security guard walked over. Lash raised his hand up and then slowly reached into his coat pocket and took out a Warden Badge. This thing was amazing! It had a glamour charm on it, he could activate it to make it change its appearance to any Mundane official license, so he could get to where he needed to get to. But, it also had another function. If you were a registered Super-Natural Society it would read as a ''Warden''


    ¡°Ah! Sir, hello sorry about that! What may we help you find?¡± The guard went rigid when he saw the ID. He had just recently been introduced to the super-natural, and learned about Wardens. They were essentially the law-keepers in the mystical world. He responded into his radio. Several mystical security guards appeared near Lash in less then thirty seconds.


    ¡°Someone killed the tree here. Though the tree dying is a loss. Its the fact that who ever killed the tree left something behind. I''ve....Just...A....Oh my.¡± Lash kept his voice even as he looked into the hole. The pixie looked down and squeaked in surprise before hiding in the collar of his suit.


    There in the hand dug hole was a bomb. It thankfully had a timer, but he could feel magic coming off it. He saw a few runes inscribed along the metal attachment to the clock. The bomb it self looked like a fragmentation bomb. The smell of silver was coming off it. This was a were-breed bomb. It was set to go off in four hours. Lash didn''t move, scream, or raise his voice.


    ¡°Tell me is there an important delegation, or Were-Breed Client showing up today around early noon?¡± Lash said carefully. Looking at the bomb. The lead security guard read the body language of Lash, then quickly radioed in to ask....


    ¡°Yes Sir! An Alpha''s ''first'' is attending today. They were to negotiate a peace agreement and immigration to move into Gotham.¡± The guard said carefully. At this point a majority of the plaza was watching. As a team of dozen guards surrounded a well dressed man. That was looking into a hole next to a tree. Several official people were quickly walking this way from the main office.


    ¡°Mr. Lash! Hello, I''m part of the building and plaza''s main security supervisors. Is there something we can help you with?¡± A man''s voice said. Lash didn''t look at him as he very carefully began to dig around the bomb.


    ¡°There is a Silver Enchanted bomb in this hole. Set to go off in about three hours, and forty nine minutes. Just in time for a delegation of Were-Breeds to show up. From what I know about bombs this will take out about half a city block, and cover it in a cloud of silver. Any Were-Breed not killed in the initial blast will inhale the silver and slowly die as it corrodes them from the inside out.¡± Lash said in a clear voice. Which made every guard including the supervisor take a step back.


    ¡°So, you can help me by calling Warden HQ and getting a bomb specialist here. However, you can''t make a scene because I think this bomb has a remote trigger. If we make a huge deal about this they may trigger it early. Do you understand?¡± Lash said to the man, still not looking up. At this point he was calling on his Nature Domain to dig around the bomb. It went deeper then he thought. However, thanks to his Basic Weapon Master skill he understood that this was a bouncing Betty. It would shoot its payload up then scatter it.


    ¡°Y..Yes sir! W...We''ll get right on that.¡± The supervisor took a moment to slow his breathing. He then selected three guards to stay near Lash, then another six guards to make a perimeter around the area to prevent anyone curious from walking over. A simple excuse was used. Lash was a natural forest conservationist who was a little over zealous in his ideals and was trying to help the tree. As weird as it sounded when reinforced with glamour for the mundanes it worked just fine. Then a simple ''Warden'' business was enough for the Society members.


    Lash stayed crouched over the hole he had made. The pixie had wanted to stay but... He told her not to worry about it. So it left with a sad expression. Lash had carefully excavated the area around the bomb. The guards helped him move the metal grates surrounding the tree. Erik vaguely remembered that The Dream Engine dynamically creates events the longer you stay in your Avatar. He got the feeling this was one of them. Though having eight or more guards around him caused a scene, not as much as a bomb threat which would have cleared out the plaza, the building, or even the block would have. Thirty minutes went by just like that. Before some one knelt besides Lash.


    It was Sam, a Technomancer Warden. Lash was surprised to find out that the Wardens had a Technomancer, Sam was actually the tech-knight that he saw at his ceremony. So technically he was an apprentice but still. He was a tall, athletically built black man, his black hair was dreaded and pulled back. He had amber eyes, and a winning smile that put people at ease. He settled down next to Lash as he we was visiting a friend. He had a tool box with him that was painted with ''Green thumb associates'' playing to the over zealous plant cover.


    ¡°Morning Lash, I swear its never a dull moment with you around. First you get attacked by a Wet operations team, then you try to teach people nature magic. Thanks for that by the way, it feels amazing every time I finish working out. Sooth is fucking awesome. Then we hear stories about how you have seduced and bed one of Torloth''s sisters. Which I''m sure is a rumor, but still funny as hell to listen to. Now! Now you find us a Silver Enchanted bomb. How did you find this? Because a tree was dead. Holy shit!¡± Sam said with a wide smile across his face. He took out two knee high stools for the both them. Lash took the seat gratefully.


    ¡°Hello Sam, sorry to bother you. But I''m a little out of my element.¡± Lash spoke to him. Sam leaned into the well made hole with a smile on his face. Completely unphased by the death machine in front of him.


    ¡°That is just fine Lash! You did a bunny rabbit of a job around this thing. But a question I have is how was this thing placed with out the security knowing about it? This thing is three feet long, and a foot wide. On top of the tree roots being mangled. But no one saw this? Magic would have left a residue. I know for a fact that they sweep this plaza three times a day! So this was done manually.¡± Sam''s kept his smile but his eyes took on a hard edge. Sam turned to a near by guard and ask them to bring the top brass in charge of security. He had questions.


    Lash''s eyes twitched when he found out that the bomb did have an elevation and proximity sensor in place. So if he had moved it, or jostled it to much it would have exploded ahead of schedule. Thankfully his skill gave him a least that bit of information. Sam took out a tech-magic item and set it nearby. Apparently it interfered with both magical or mundane signal waves. So now the bomber couldn''t set it off remotely. Sam gave a hollow laugh then explained...


    ¡°So, this is a full Tech-Magic bomb. It has dozens of fail safes for tech as well as magic. So, if someone had found it, then decided to just place a spell shield over it thinking that would be fine. The enchanted shrapnel would have torn through the spell. If we try and use anti freeze to ruin the mechanisms the bomb activates a heat rune. But since you found it, we still have a few more hours to deactivate it. Oh! Don''t leave! It has a body sensor in place. It''s now categorized me and you for that matter. It assumes its been found, it would send a signal but cant thanks to my interference item.¡± Sam said to Lash. Lash looked at the guards around them. He shook his head, it had a limited range. Good thing there wasn''t a plaza bench here or someone would have set it off just by sitting. In the middle of winter during a snow day. Bright idea Lash.


    ¡°OH MY GOD IS THAT A BOMB!? THEY FOUND A BOMB! EVERYONE RUN!¡± A voice called from the plaza. Lash, Sam, and every guard looked around confused. No one had any idea where that voice came from. Which could only mean it was from someone who knew about the bomb. This made the entire plaza become hysterical. All the people not aware of the situation ran for their lives. Sam raised his hands up in defeat before flashing Lash a smile.


    In less then a minute the entire building was spilling with people. Security had received a call saying that a bomb threat had been issued. That this was not the only bomb nearby. Sam said it was possible, spreading out your devices increased the chance of killing your intended target. Or it could be a bluff. Because the bomber had apparently tried to activate the bomb but with Sam''s device had recorded six different attempts to set the bomb off. Soon, the Gotham City police arrived, followed by Warden HQ follow up. It was a political pissing contest for jurisdiction. The Wardens who showed up flashed their spell charmed badges making the cops think they were speaking to some government official. Shield and Sword did have a lot of global holdings, made sense that they would be called. But the Warden''s knew the GPD were not equipped to deal with this. Soon a Warden/ GPD affiliated bomb unit showed up. This seemed to placate the supervising officers.


    ¡°Hiya fellas!¡± Several Warden''s showed up. Lash didn''t recognize all of them. But they were Warden''s. They set up just outside of range of the perimeter sensor that Sam told them about. Most of them made jokes, had a smile on their faces. But the look in all of their eyes told the story, this was dangerous.


    ¡°Warden Lash, if I didn''t know any better I''d say you were a bad luck magnet.¡± Said a strong male voice. Lash looked up to see a six foot tall built pale skinned man with midnight black hair that went well past his shoulders that was tied back in a half tail, obsidian eyes, and a clear jagged knife scar across his face that etched across his mouth. He was wearing a very nice tailored suit that was black on black. Saurian smelled a dragon, and for a moment the glamour fell....It was Torloth.


    ¡°I swear I don''t do it on purpose Mr. Torloth. Please forgive me for not standing and giving proper respect but the device is finicky with movements.¡± Lash said. Torloth''s face showed a look of surprise that Lash recognized him. Then smiled wide appreciating the surprise, he didn''t get many of those any more.


    ¡°Aha! Not at all! You are doing your job! And doing your job well! I''ve come to inform you that the head our security was found dead about an hour ago. He put up a fight! But was shredded by claw and fang. We are looking into how this was planted but the important footage is missing from the database. A very thorough job was done. A information worm was found, with a bit of magic tied into it. From I''ve heard from Warden Samuel, this is a Tech-Magic bomb. So it should not come to a surprise that a Tech-Magic malware was used to clean the system out.¡± Torloth said all of this like it was a simple matter of fact. Given how old he was, Lash was sure that this was not the first time nor the last someone would threaten his families business.


    ¡°Have you spoken to the delegation of Were-Breeds about the attempt on their life?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes, The First of Skree''s pack, as well as The First of Blood-Eye pride, with the new First of the Wolf pack trying to immigrate to Gotham have been told and are rescheduling there visit.¡± Torloth replied as he took a tablet from his assistant. Lash had the impression that despite the situation Torloth was still working as if this was all business as usual.


    ¡°Make sure they have extra security. If I was attacking them I would have a fail safe encase the bomb was discovered ahead of time. Such as attacking their convoys when they made a change in plans.¡± Lash spoke his mind from his...''Past'' experiences. Sam, along with the Warden''s were startled as they looked up. Clearly finding the reasoning sound. Torloth seem to agree because he notified his security head to double check. Torloth made a phone call and walked away for a moment.


    The Warden/GPD bomb squad suited up and brought with them two suits for Lash and Sam. They then stepped into the perimeter of the device getting ready for the long haul and possible ''death'' that came with the job. Warden''s may be few and far between but their logistical teams were not. They were provided by the Super-Natural Societies. So, as the Warden''s stepped into the zone dozens of people were on standby. Including but not limited to spell mages readying defensive barriers. Engineer''s setting up barricades, as well as hard lines for communication. Working with the Mundane GPD to create a perimeter, also looking for the possible other bombs. The entire city block was being evacuated. Lash was not looking forward to telling Lizzy about this. He couldn''t lie because news camera''s had already got Sam and him.


    Something must have happened because Torloth was yelling into his phone. Then he activated a spell barrier to obscure himself then actually shifted into a hybrid human-dragon and flew off in a direction. His security guards sprinted to their cars to catch up. Looks like Lash''s assumption was on the money. Something had happened to the delegation. Especially when he got a prompt...


    Congratulations User! You have accidentally caused the death of John Woods! The Alpha Lion Pride leader! Though your Patron is aware it was not your intention, this incident has made them laugh by life''s unpredictable nature. Which has pleased your Cosmic Patron. Thus they have decided to reward you for this small entertainment.


    Reward: You''ve obtained the skill, Dark Vision: Though your partner Saurian has low light vision due to his heritage. This skill will slowly allow the both of you to see in the dark just as well as you see in the day. But it takes time to grow. Flashlight! Who needs a Flashlight!


    Lash tried to keep himself neutral but couldn''t keep a sigh from escaping his mouth. No one said anything, but they all knew that something had happened. They went back to their job. Lash was effectively a by-stander at this point he didn''t know enough to help. He had done his job, but couldn''t leave. Then a thought struck him...


    ¡°Sam, how long does it take for the bomb to record a body here?¡± Lash said loudly enough for every bomb mechanic near to hear.


    ¡°About minute...Why?¡± Sam said as he looked at Lash.


    ¡°Is there a way to trick the sensor into thinking its still perfectly level inside the hole?¡± Lash was getting excited, his voice was giving away his inspiration.


    ¡°Yes. But that wouldn''t fix the issue, if we touch it to much. It explodes¡± Sam asked, curious. Lash smiled, then told him about the Pixie that was with him, the bomb should have read her but didn''t. Could they trick the bomb into letting Pixie''s and Griak''s pick this thing up and transport it to another location? Sam leaned back thinking about it. Sam then pointed at one of the logistical officers and told them to get a team of Griak''s to this location.


    After about thirty or so minutes a swarm of thirty some odd Griak''s showed up. Covered in a charm so the mundanes wouldn''t see them. They swarmed around Lash saying hello! Soon they were all over near the bomb, the dead tree, as well as sitting on Lash. Sure enough the bomb didn''t react to them. Sam was beside himself when he understood how easy this was. The bomb maker took into account that local wild life might find the bomb but didn''t want it to activate because a cat, or a pixie came by then left. Sam then tricked the sensor into thinking it hadn''t left the hole, but we hadn''t touched it. Because the moment they would touch it, ''boom''. But, if Griak''s touched it then it didn''t go into an alert. So Sam, Lash, and the bomb team, along with twenty or so Griek''s walked with the bomb to an empty parking lot, as the gremlins flew/carried it. As it was carried over a simple illusion was made to make the civilians think they were carrying it them selves. Soon the the bomb was inside a blast barricade. A mage cast a haste spell on all of them and they counted down from five then all threw themselves out of the barricade. Then a extremely loud, BOOM! Shook the whole area.


    ¡°Riiiinnnnnnnnngggggggggg......L........Laaaa....Laaaash you alright!¡± Even with all the bomb gear on, Lash''s ears were still ringing. He looked up to see Sam smiling wide at him. The man helped Lash stand up. All the Warden''s and Gotham PD were grinning from ear to ear. Lash looked around for the Griak''s. One of them gave him a thumbs up, they were all alive. Lash had promised the Griak''s a full pizza party if they all didn''t die. They were ecstatic!


    Once the ringing had passed Lash heard the sound of cheering from the nearby civilian population. A job well done, the Warden ''Officials'' Told the GPD that they could take all the credit. As long as they could edit out a few bits of information. The supervisors were more then happy with that deal. So, The Warden''s walked back to Shield and Sword plaza where their equipment was. The walk had hundreds of people nearby cheering for them. Dozens of news camera''s were on them. Lash out of the bomb suit wearing a disheveled tailored suit, Sam wearing a Mr. Fix it gear, and the other Warden''s in an assortment of tact gear. They looked, oddly good. To think, it was only eleven in the morning, plenty of time to get in more trouble...

 Chapter 17: A Great Hunt!

    Lash was grilled... ''politely'' by the Gotham police department about the when, how, and why of his discovery of the bomb. They were being polite because a small elite squad of Lawyers were next to him all with sinister smiles and expression of ''Please fuck with our client see what happens''. Lash finally met with his primary lawyer, Juliana. She was a 5'' 9¡± Brazilian women with long brown hair, clear amber eyes, an infectious smile. Wearing a tailored made business suit, she had a very clear hour glass figure that left very little to the imagination. She filled out her suit rather nicely. Apparently she was actually one of Torloth''s daughters. More then once Lash caught her staring at him with coquettish glances. Lash then remembered about dragon sub-breeds mating, and that they may want to use him like a breeding stallion. He tried to be polite by keeping a professional distance between him and his lawyer. But Juliana kept stepping to his side in an attempt to emphasize to the police officers that shield and sword was protecting Lash. Then they said that Lash was part of the Gotham neighborhood community watch program. That GPD should he proud that a civilian watchmen not only found a bomb, but helped to keep it from killing people. After a few more minutes of tense discussion the police finished. Dozens of news stations wanted to interview Lash but he made it clear he was not interested. So the police, and plaza security helped to bring Lash into the office. The Shield and Sword public relations teams stepped up to explain the situation to the camera''s with practiced ease.


    Lash was now sitting in a conference waiting room. Furnished with all the fine details, coaches made of fine leather, tables of intricate design. A serving staff waiting to full fill any drink or food requests. A artificial created fish pond off to the side with the soothing sound of water bubbling. Of course Lash could hear the fish swimming about, or rather what they were saying. Commenting about how new people were visiting their home, did they have food, would they bring food, when was food coming again. Le sigh. Juliana was sitting in a chair near Lash. Though he could tell she wanted to be closer she was composed. Warden Sam was in the room with Lash. He just had a wide grin on his face as he kept watching Juliana, and how she kept watching Lash. Lash was shooting Sam a glare which only made the smile on his face wider. Then the door opened. Torloth walked in, making Juliana stand up quickly. Lash and Sam soon stood as well. Behind Torloth was Rocksie the Alpha of the Skree Pack. Tonya the Blood-Eye First...Now more then likely the Alpha. Then a pale skinned wiry man with black rimmed glasses, blue eyes, short brown hair and a nervous expression wearing a ''imitation'' tailored suit. -Wolf Saurian said softly. Torloth lead everyone including Lash''s group into the conference room to take a seat.


    Rocksie for the first time since Lash had met her was wearing a serious expression. She had a white silk blouse on with a navy blue suit jacket. Then navy blue pants, and black shiny shoes. She had shaved her entire head this time. The piercings had been removed. She was clearly gritting her teeth, but her expression softened when she caught Lash looking at her. She tried to smile at him but it was clear something happened.


    Tonya was wearing a thick leather coat, black cargo pants, black boots. She was pale, and visibly shaken. Her eyes were red from crying. But she was here doing damage control. After all John was dead she was the Alpha now, or soon to be anyways. She kept glancing at her phone. Then looked up at Lash. She looked at him pleading for help but kept it to herself for now.


    The man introduced simply as Rob, was the Wolf Were-Breed First. His pack was interested in moving into Gotham but needed to negotiate for living rights. Were-Breed''s were territorial by nature. So Shield and Sword was acting as a intermediary, a Warden was suppose to be here. But Lash and Sam got assigned temporarily given their involvement in the situation. Juliana took her seat to Torloth''s left. The same side as Lash, and Sam. Sam made a point to sit away so that Juliana and Lash were next to each other. But Juliana seemed to be completely focused on what was in front of her. Her father, and the situation.


    ¡°I''m not sure if you know this, but John Woods was attacked and killed during travel time between his work and home. When the bomb threat was called, he along with his First...now Alpha of the Blood-Eye Lion Pride Tonya were traveling. When there transportation was attacked, however thanks to Mr. Lash consideration of extra security Shield and Sword teams reinforced the transports before....More loss of life was sustained.¡± Torloth said the last part softly.


    Tonya curled up on herself clearly sh....Then felt a wave of energy flow across her body, her breathing slowed. She stopped shaking, then looked up at Lash who''s eyes had turn reptilian. Saurian''s control over Calm Emotions had become more skilled. He could now target specific people instead of a room. Tonya mouthed the words thank you. Then gestured for Torloth to continue. The dragon looked at the room then continued in an neutral voice.


    ¡°Additionally, I personally attended to Rocksie''s transportation. Though many of her pack were injured in the attack. No one lost their lives. Except for the attackers. The attackers were mundanes using specialized weapons for killing Were-Breed''s. We believe they were not aware of who they were attacking just that they were paid to use certain weapons. Mr. Robert''s pack though small are all experienced warriors. They were able to hold their own from the people that attacked them until helped arrived. We cant question any of the humans involved because a death curse was used to kill them the moment the plan failed. Our investigation teams are looking into the type of curse magic used. But its a wide spread...¡± Torloth stopped when Lash raised his hand in question.


    ¡°Sorry, I''m still learning a few things about Were-Breeds and the different types of skills. Can''t the were-breed just smell the magic residue and track it down...Like a blood hound?¡± Lash asked clearly confused. Why was this an issue. The looks of clear confusion, and mild insult showed on all the were-breed''s faces.


    ¡°Lash, its true that were-breed''s have superior senses. But we can''t track magic back to its wielder. Yes, each spell caster may have a certain energy reading. But we don''t have the abili....¡± Rocksie was explaining before Lash raised his hand again.


    ¡°Oh, so that''s just me then?¡± The entire room looked at him in shock before he continued. ¡°Get me to a point when the curse first took effect. As long as the energy hasn''t faded my partner Saurian can smell it out. I''ll have to do this in my partner''s shape. But if we leave right now, I should be able to track down the caster.¡± Lash said. This was an ability that he noticed with Saurian before. It wasn''t a ''skill'' per say but he was hoping that if he actively used it. Then his Cosmic Patron may give it to him..... Then a prompt appeared...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Magic Tracking: Just like a hunter who follows the tracks of an animal. Or a predator following the smell of food. You can now track the ''scent'' of a spell caster. As long as the scent is strong enough, and the distance is not to far you can track it. You can also record the smell into a smell database so in the future you''ll recall the smell of the caster. Whats that lassie? A witch has cursed Timmy but you know how to find the Witch? Lets go!


    Tonya was the first to stand up, the Calm emotions washed off her as righteous anger rose up. Her whole body was trembling with eager vengeance. Rocksie, and Robert soon stood as well. All three of them were incredibly pissed at the situation but didn''t have any where to put it. Torloth got out his phone and called for transportation via helicopter. Before Sam jumped to his feet and took out his phone, snagged Lash then asked Juliana to lead to the chopper. With in five minutes Lash along with Sam were on the way to one of the assault points.


    Lash was busy watching the city from the helicopter window. Sam was inside the cabin with him, he was contacting the Warden''s along with HQ asking for assistance. If Lash could pull this off they were about to bring hell upon the organizers. Juliana was in the chopper with them, coordinating with the Shield and Sword teams still at the assault locations. Soon the chopper dipped and headed to ground level. After a few more minutes Lash and the crew stepped from the helicopter. Standing around the location must been well over a hundred people. Many of them were-breed''s, from the different packs. Lash saw Skaleg among the Warden''s, Sam clapped Lash on the back before he headed over to the Warden''s he was going to put on his Tech-Knight suit. Lash rolled his eyes...No Pressure.


    Soon Lash stood in what he was told was the central area of the attack also where several of the attackers suddenly died due to curse magic. He then closed his eyes breathed deep, then in front of over a hundred people shifted. His cloths were absorbed into his body. Saurian hadn''t changed much since last time. Well height wise, his overall appearance did change. Especially how a tribal mark was etched into his scales now. Lash had made a few simple decoration''s made from stone and metal that Saurian now wore, arm, and leg guards with pants! Since clothing Lash wore was absorbed into the shift, so did Saurian''s. But on top of all this, Lash completed the shift in less then three minutes.


    Many astonished gasps, and a whistle from Skaleg was all Saurian needed to know that he did something amazing. The giant lizard stood confidently for a moment basking in the glow of adoration before dropping to all fours and began to try and track the scent of magic. Saurian''s body was designed to be bipedal or quadrupedal something they had learned that most Were-Breed''s had. After walking back and forth for over twenty minutes. Saurian let out a eerie howl into the air. Despite it being two in the afternoon it was almost completely dark. Storm clouds had been present all day long and were now just beginning to snow. The giant lizards howl excited all the Were-Breed''s nearby as they gave inhuman howls. Saurian then sprinted east towards Gotham''s factory district, soon followed by the Were-Breed''s, Fae mages casting a glamour illusion on the whole proceedings. Black SUV''s, sedans, and motorcycles created a long train. Soon the Were-Breed''s capable of Partial Transformation were keeping up with Saurian. Everyone else was in a vehicle trying to keep up with a giant reptile that was quickly going from ten.....thirty.... and topping out at fifty miles per hour. Soon the partial transformed got into cars. A illusion charm was tagged onto Saurian as the mages couldn''t keep up. But Saurian just ran, and ran following the scent.


    Saurian moved across the city. Breathing quickly, but with an invigorating sense of purpose it had been many days since he could just go for a run. Lash had been careful about his adventures and for good reason. So, Saurian had kept it to himself. But this felt amazing, to be going for a hunt! A hunt against those that would harm those under his charge. Batman can handle the crimes of the Mundanes, Saurian will handle the mystical, he and his Warden brothers and sisters. Under a bridge, over a river separating the islands of Gotham! Saurian leaped straight into the river water. His Adaptation taking effect as fins grew between his hands and feet, gills appeared along his neck, and his body grew dorsal fins to help him navigate. The helicopter that dropped his Partner-Lash off was still following him from above. As Saurian unintentionally lost his convoy but he didn''t stop he moved to the other side climbed out and continued to move eastward. Soon his body adapted to moving on land and lost his water traits. His body adjusted for speed more then power. Soon, Saurian reached seventy five miles per hour. Keeping up with traffic, and leaping over intersections so not to interfere with the cross walk. Soon he had a small swarm of Super-Natural wild life flying next to him. Not sure what was going on, but they were excited. Several Griak''s cheered for they knew what this was.


    ¡°Its a great hunt! The Warden promised that we would go hunting! And Hunting we are going!¡± The Griak''s all cheered, as did several of the other mystical creatures. Even a few Pixies looked excited.


    Soon, a bullet bike caught up with the lively atmosphere. There on the bike was a Tech-Knight. Wearing an assortment of Tactical gear and warrior plate. Lighting energy danced across clear blue engraved lines of the armor. Sam brought the bike right up to the pack, turning with extreme accuracy when ever Saurian changed course. Soon they bypassed the factory district and moved straight into the harbor. Saurian leaped over the fence, and Sam''s bullet bike seem to phase through it. Saurian began to slow down, adapting his body to his original appearance. Sam watched in awe and fascination as Saurian shifted his body. The big lizard still looked like a lizard just that his structure shifted. Saurian sniffed the ground, moved up and about, then stopped moving forward as he was high enough to see target. He saw a large metal ship at a pier not far from here. The scent of the spell caster was coming from there. Saurian jumped down in front of Sam.


    ¡°Hunter-Sam. This one found the prey. They are in an iron ship, with the name White Cougar on it.¡± Saurian spoke to him. Sam sat up on his motorcycles seat, and opened a communication tab on his armor typing the information in. Sam stored his bike to the side, then Sam and Saurian began to move in quietly. Many of the mystical beings spread out as well, taking the hunt seriously.


    The pier was quiet, snow had begun to fall. A few inches so far. Hot steam came from the mouths of those working on the pier. The day was almost over, but many of them would not be leaving until much later. On the pier walking up and down pavement was a guard. This guard unlike normal pier security worked for a private company. His gear was expensive and well made. Along with his sub-machine gun tucked in a holster. He had a radio in his ear, and a tactical eye piece feeding information to him. As he walked past a particular bulk head he didn''t notice that the bulkhead seem to shift and come alive.


    Nature Domain Spell, Chameleon: Ever wondered what it was like to change your color and blend in with your surroundings? Well now you can, but this isn''t just color. This is changes everything about you. As long as you don''t move, no one will know your there unless they walk right into you. Then even if you do move you still look fucking creepy. The wall is moving man! Game over man! Game over!


    Saurian was inches behind the guard but didn''t attack until he heard a whisper from an ear piece that Sam had given the reptile. When the confirmation came through, Saurian reached out and put the guard in a choke hold. The man flailed in surprise, not only was someone choking him out. They had also lifted him off the ground so all he was doing was kicking his legs about. Soon his vision clouded over and he was unconscious. Saurian carried this one back and put him with the rest. Sam and Saurian had already removed eight of these people. Sam had used his abilities to make fake ID''s on the database to make it think they were still patrolling. Above all the active guards they were subduing was either a pixie or a griak helping with the hunt. Several other mystical creatures sneaked aboard the ship, then came back to tell Saurian who or what was inside. Who then told Sam the information.


    Everyone aboard was seemingly a mundane. There was ONE mystical individual. They were covered in stereotypical spell attire. Cloths, rings, wand, even a staff. That was beneath the glamour, to the mundanes they looked like a business man. However they wore mask, be in the glamour or underneath it so the mystical creatures that spotted them couldn''t describe them or the mage''s actual gender. This information was all sent to the operation team who had now arrived and was preparing to lay siege to the ship. Saurian and Sam took note that the weapons all had Silver Enchanted rounds. So the Were-Breed''s were taking precaution by wearing protected Kevlar even in their shifted shape. That is all they were waiting for now. The Were-Breed''s couldn''t change like Lash they needed time.


    Saurian then slipped into the ice cold water that led to the open ocean. His body quickly adapting thanks to his racial trait. There was a speed boat attached to the White Cougar, clearly placed there for a quick get away if needed. A creature that looked like a mix between a cat and a squirrel was sitting on it, waiting for Saurian to show up. Soon his reptilian head appeared on the surface the, the creature then purred in greeting. Saurian lifted himself into the boat, his Chameleon spell still active. Though he could move with it on, it was not as effective. The squirrel/cat creature jumped onto his shoulder. According to Sam these creatures were capable of smelling out magic...Just like Saurian could. But had a very limited range, the creature was pointing out a device on the boat. It said that this was an auto activation and drive spell (Auto Pilot). The moment the Iron Ship was under attack the alarm spell would activate, the boat would then turn itself on and move to the position to retrieve the spell caster. Saurian took his position and let the Chameleon spell take full effect. Soon not even the squirrel/cat could see him. And the thing was perched right on top of him.


    Soon a confirmation was sent by Sam. A helicopter with stealth tech was watching the boat, and Saurians position. As soon as the spell caster fled they would track his position. They were going to use the spell caster as means to locate the rest...Hopefully. An alarm sounded across the pier as the attack had begun. After a few minutes sure enough the boat turned on and moved to the position. The squirrel/cat had moved to the top of the boat. Chattering away, relaying what is was seeing to Saurian. With a high intensity explosion, the top deck of the iron ship burst into flames as people dove off the ship to get away from the flames. A body crumbled across the deck of the speed boat.


    ¡°Go! Take me to them!¡± The burnt well dressed mage screamed out.


    The boat''s enchantments responded and drove off down the pier out of Gotham Harbor. The mage pulled off their robes, and the mask to reveal a pale skinned youth of a man. But that''s not what caught Saurian''s eye, it was what the man was wearing. His skill Other Worldly Lore activated. The Cult of Ares symbol adorned the mans necklace. The cult of Ares were priests of war, warmongers, and merchants of war itself. Arms dealers, Soldiers for hire, tyrannical leaders of armies for the sole reason and purpose. To spread war, the only complex planning they did was to spread more war. You could technically hire them, as long you paid the price of bringing nothing but destruction and death to yourself and those around you. But what was terrifying? Lash knew that these people did actually follow the Old God of War, Ares. It wasn''t just a small time group. They had been around since the ancient days. Saurian smelled something he never encountered before on this planet but instinctively knew it. The smell of divine flame. This Warmonger was a priest of Ares, Ares the god of war had his eye on this man.... Great.


    The man said what appeared to be a spell, but Saurian felt that it might have been a prayer. For soon all the burns on the mans body healed in a fiery divine light. He stood up with a proud expression on his face. He quickly gathered his things and while the boat was moving began to give homage to his God. Declaring the war between the were-breed''s was inevitable, soon the war would spill into the world heralding his release from that cursed island Themyscira. -Oh shit! That means Ares was captured and was being held prisoner on the island. I think I know what version they are using for Diana. Erik said! This meant that Diana was still on the island, Trevor was traveling to the island via an accident. Ares uses the arrival of Trevor to leave the island with his lover and traitor to the Amazons. Shit he couldn''t remember her name! This also means that the world is about to go through its own miniature version of a mystical World War! Ares very existence incites war! Hundreds of Thousands of Mystical creatures who are loyal to Ares come out into the open in respect for Ares. OH FUCK! That means the Super-Natural World becomes exposed!


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron has a grand quest for you! You''ve gleamed insight into the coming tides of war. Magic for the first time in over one thousand years will be fully exposed to the mundane people of the world. That the Ancient Gods of Greece are in fact real, and still very much alive.


    Help with damage control as the Super-Natural world becomes divided between revealing themselves or staying in the shadows.


    Help or Defeat the servants of Ares.


    Help or Defeat the Amazons.


    Rewards will be given based on choices and contributions of the User in the total scale of the conflict. Good luck!


    OH FUCK ME! This was a huge fucking problem in the Comics! This brought what could only be called a magic surge in the world. Dozens of magical societies came out of the shadows, opening a new aspect of civilization that no one ever heard of. But with change comes fear! An effective Witch hunt happened across the globe! Diana saving the day, and stepping up to be the public face helps a lot. But that just makes the ''War'' go into the shadows. The Super-Natural World was about to get very interesting in the next couple of weeks. Soon the boat that Saurian and the Priest was on slowed down, the boat had brought them to a lonely wooden pier on the edge of Gotham''s county limits. The Priest jumped from the boat and tied it off. Striding towards a well deserved name for a mansion. There stood around the perimeter were dozens of well trained, and well armed soldiers. All of them wearing the symbol for the Cult of Ares. Saurian carefully and slowly stepped from the boat. His spell still holding, he looked around but didn''t see the helicopter anywhere. They must have been lost in the storm. He wouldn''t be surprised if there was a spell ward around the mansion to hide it from eyes. He kept getting static in his ear piece from Sam. Bit and pieces of information. But he did hear one thing, they were coming.


    Saurian moved slowly from the pier to the hillside. The fresh snow packed ground laid in wait in front of him. The snow still falling from the skies above. But the snow to seem to fall around him, not on him. Which would give away his spell, so nature was on his side still. He moved forward activating another spell he recently learned.


    Nature Domain Spell, Nature''s Passage: You pass through the jungles or the concrete jungle with out leaving a trace. No hunter can track you, not unless they also have the domain of nature at their call. No bodies, no blood, not even a boot print. We hit nothing!


    Slowly making his way towards the mansions inner grounds. He saw that the priest was waiting outside the main entrance. He was being thoroughly checked for any devices magical or otherwise. But there was some one else talking to him.


    ¡°What do you mean you don''t know how they found you? Are you sure you didn''t leave behind any trace? You followed all the procedures we set up?¡± Another masked man said to the first.


    ¡°Yes! Our people did report that the bomb was first discovered by that new Warden in Gotham. He''s a Beast Talker! Didn''t you say the bomb didn''t react to animals, encase it would explode early? Maybe one of those animals that you weren''t concerned over saw us plant the bomb and followed us back to the ship!¡± The young priest said.


    The other masked man clearly wanted to deny those accusations. But before they could say more the main door opened revealing to be what looked like a Minotaur with ghostly flames flickering around it. Clad in gladiator armor wielding a giant metal hammer. The symbol of Ares carved into the chest plate. Both the young priest, and other masked man stopped talking and bowed their heads in submission. The Minotaur looked over the young priest, then lifted his head to look out across the landscape. His eyes passed right over Saurian''s location but didn''t stop.


    ¡°Trlargo, swtri tio swlioquto. Qztion bentpiol.¡± The Minotaur said to them both. Saurian had no fucking clue what it just said. But both of the priests nodded and replied back in the same language. Shit. Then everyone in the area heard the sounds of a chopper flying over head. Several of the guards looked up, as if they could see exactly where the chopper was. The feed back in Saurians ear piece cleared up.


    ¡°Saurian, ¡­.d.dsssss..... Saurian. We.....dssssttt.... We can''t see you. B.....Sssstttt.... We have your p.......sition. Heeee.....sssssssss on the way.¡± Sam''s voice chirped across the earpiece.


    Then the area in front of Saurian exploded in white powder and upturned earth. Saurian leaped backwards. As a wave of kinetic energy rippled out. Pushing the snow in the air and on the ground clear! The upturned grass turned to dirt. The Chameleon spell held. Along with Nature''s Passage. Saurian landed, flicking out his ear piece. He knew that what attacked him had either heard or sensed it. The ear piece was Tech-Magic. So if you were sensitive you could feel it out. As the snow cleared the Minotaur was standing there, his hammer in hand as it looked around for its query.


    ¡°You were followed! Servants of the Great God of War Ares, prepare for combat! Our enemies come to face us head on!¡± The Minotaur shouted to those that could hear. The mansion came to life as bunkers rose from the ground. Soldiers clad in both tactical gear, as well as ancient armor flooded from the mansion.


    ¡°I know not what you are! Or where you are! But you are near! I will serve my God proudly and fight you to the death. Mine or yours!¡± The Minotaur took a stance and waited.


    The Mansion was coming to life. Soon over a hundred warriors, and soldiers were taking up position around the grounds. Battlements rose from the ground. Saurian heard his ear piece now tossed away crackle with more information. He couldn''t hear it, but the Minotaur reacted violently as he swung his hammer in that direction. A wave of kinetic energy rippled through the air crushing the ground, as well as the ear piece. The shock wave blew across the area, even as the snow storm raged on. Its red gleaming eyes looked carefully along the snowy landscape. Then his ears flicked to the side as an explosion rang at the perimeter. He turned his head to the side to look then realized to late what he just did.


    WOOSH!


    Saurian was at his side in a second flat, unlike his monstrous appearance Saurian was a trained fighter. He deftly found a exposed section of the armor and raised his claws to strike that spot. Only to leap backwards as the entire Minotaur burst into flames. A magical aura that rose the temperature in the area exponentially. But it was to late for Saurian, the Minotaur saw him and rushed to meet him with his Hammer. Despite its massive size the warrior wielded the hammer like it weighed nothing! Kinetic energy was already pre charged into the hammer. A swing that nearly decapitated Saurian flew over his head. The air pressure still sent him tumbling back, several guards took aim only for the Minotaur telling them to concentrate on the perimeter. He would deal with this creature.


    The nature spells faded now. Saurian stood up at his full height watching the great Warrior. Then he said.


    ¡°I am Saurian a hunter. Partner to Lash the Warden.¡± Then did a half bow, keeping his eyes on the Warrior. The Warrior snorted but did the same half bow in return.


    ¡°I am Balmok, Champion to the God of War.¡± That was all that was said. Then they ran at each other!


    Balmok took an aggressive move and swung his hammer, if it connected it would kill Saurian. But the Minotaur lost his footing momentarily, disrupting his balance. He looked down and saw that the grass had actually reached out to wrap around his legs.


    Nature Domain Spell, Entanglement: The plants, the vines, the roots all reach up to lend you a helping hand. Be it trapping, tripping, or ensnaring your enemies. Or, giving a hand as a ladder, rope, or even a home! Magic Garden in your FACE!


    Saurian stuck close to the ground as he sprinted forward, activating his Material Shaping, as well as the spell Burning. His claws passed through the Minotaur''s armor like a hot knife through butter. He tore out a large chunk of the warriors armor, flesh, and even bone. The Minotaur roared in anger and swung his hammer in a reverse grip that Saurian easily dodged. He pulled his feet from the roots of the grass, then glared daggers at Saurian.


    ¡°Guardian of the Green.¡± The Minotaur huffed angrily. He raised his hammer to the sky calling.


    ¡°Great God of Wa....Gah!¡± The Minotaur yelled in surprise as Saurian was on top of him before he could finish his prayer. Erik was so not falling for that story book monologue bad guy crap where the good guy watches them power up for a fight.


    Using the same trick as before Saurian clawed through armor, flesh, and bone. Soon the Minotaur''s armor was in tatters. The Warrior swung his hammer down in a great effort to force Saurian away in which he succeeded. Then the he collapsed to his knee''s. Blood spilling out, hot in the cold winter air. The Minotaur looked up to watch as Saurian was already pacing in a semi wide circle around him waiting for an opening.


    ¡°I have served my Master for years beyond measure. But this is my first time fighting a creature like you. Thank you for giving this old bull one last fight.¡± The Minotaur stood up one last time, ready his hammer and took a stance. Then sprinted towards Saurian.


    Saurian...Laughed and simply stayed out of his reach. Much to the infuriating Minotaur. Soon the warrior did the most sensible thing. He bled out. He collapsed, cursing Saurian''s ancestors for not giving him a warriors death. Then his body grew cold. Saurian is a hunter, not a warrior. Though he respects the discipline. Why attack when you can simply wait for them to die? Saurian stayed near the body. He watched how the mansion''s forces soon fall apart. As if the Minotaur was some puppet master. A few priests fled to the speed boat only to discover that Saurian had clawed through the engine block with his claws. Soon aquatic fae came from the water in tact gear. They shot a few, and captured the rest. The sound of what could be described as glass breaking was heard over the entire estate. Then the spell ward that hid the manor was removed. Several helicopters flew down from the sky. Followed by a roar as Torloth in full dragon form landed on the grounds. After that the fight soon ended.


    Saurian stayed near his kill. Protecting his trophy but also the evidence. He had turned the Minotaur over. His armor was ripped apart as it was but still clearly showed that he was a Champion of Ares. Though all the cultist wore the symbol. The Societies could simply say that it was a rogue faction. But the Champion of Ares would mean something else entirely. That the god of War was active once again. More then once Saurian attacked several silent assassins cast with invisibility in an attempt to retrieve the body. Soon, several bodies joined the silent corpse of the Minotaur. Then Skaleg showed up. He was covered in blood, his axe looked like meat was still attached to it. But he had a huge grin on his face. Skaleg was a viking so any chance he had to stick it to the Greek gods followers was a good time for him.


    ¡°Laaash! or....Should I call you Saurian? Sam said you were particular about that?¡± Skaleg said to the giant reptile.


    ¡°Partner-Lash and I share the same flesh, mind, and soul. But while we are in our shapes we prefer each others names. Please call me Saurian. Warden Skaleg.¡± Saurian did a half bow towards Skaleg. Who nodded in understanding.


    Skaleg looked over the body of Balmok. He whistled and took out his radio and called an investigation team over. With in a few minutes several Warden''s along with their logistics team showed up. They documented the body, took measurements, and carefully pulled the armor, clothing, weapons, and divine focuses from Balmok. They confirmed he was an ordained Paladin of Ares. Which made Skaleg smile, the viking spirit in his shadow was clearly pleased with that out come. But Saurian was depressed, he knew he just made an enemy out of an Ancient and powerful God of War.


    ¡°Saurian, are you cold? We can get you a thermal blanket if you like. Its got to be freezing for you!¡± Skaleg called over to him.


    ¡°Despite Saurian''s appearance he is actually endothermic. Saurian can live in such temperatures easily.¡± As if to emphasize his point his body was beginning to steam up in the cold winter night. The storm was still going strong.


    Some of the Warden''s looked up in confusion. Having thought he was a reptile were-breed. But they had seen the giant lizard do a lot of crazy things tonight. Soon a tall were-breed Lioness walked over through the snow towards the group of Wardens...Or more specifically towards Saurian. Saurian turned and saw what Lash usually saw but in reverse. Instead of a lion ghost he saw a Tonya ghost in the shadow of the were-Lioness. Saurian moved to meet her, but stayed near his kill. Instinctively protecting it. Tonya seem to recognize what he was doing and raised her paws up in surrender.


    Tonya in Were-Lion form was a typical were-breed. Golden fur color, no mane given she was female. Golden honey colored eyes, lion ears. With a human shaped figure. A bit curvy but not so much it would ruin her ability to move. The Were-Lioness had some simple Kevlar body armor on. The soldiers of Ares were using silver bullets. She opened her mouth and out came a guttural growl of a voice.


    ¡°Saurian...My Partner and I would like to thank you. You have brought justice to our Pride, as well as to our Former Alpha. Our taste for vengeance as been sated thanks to you. Though the repercussions of tonight will have a long lasting effect. Know that we, as well as the Blood-Eye pride are your friends! And will come if you call for us.¡± The lioness Tonya bowed her head, breaking eye contact in a show of respectful submission.


    ¡°You are welcome Partner to Tonya. Partner-Lash, and I will think on you words. Friends are only friends if they help each other many times over. Friendship like anything worthy while takes work to maintain. We will endeavor to keep said friendship alive, and hope you will do the same.¡± Saurian took a moment shake his body free of snow. It no longer ignored him. Tonya the Lioness smiled wide at him.


    ¡°We will, Saurian. We will.¡± The Lioness then left joining her pride that were near by. They all bowed in submission to Saurian. He bowed his head slightly in return keep his eyes up. He turned to look back at the Warden''s. They all wore smiles, watching him.


    ¡°What?¡± Saurian asked.


    They all shrugged then went back to work. They were able to put Balmok in a body bag that fit his size. With Saurian''s help they got him onto a stretcher. Several support vehicles showed up. Torloth had taken a human shape again and he was coordinating with with everyone. Saurian stayed with Balmok until he was placed next to Torloth. The dragon took an appraising gaze at Saurian. Saurian felt a pulse of draconian heritage trying to suppress him. He didn''t think Torloth was doing it on purpose. But when ever the energy touched against Saurian it simply disappeared. His skill Nullification activating automatically. Torloth had a small smile on his face before he went to the body bag of Balmok. He spoke to Skaleg and he also firmly believed that Balmok was a Champion of Ares. He said they needed to talk to the Amazonian envoy''s to see if Ares was still in his prison. But Saurian and Lash both knew the truth. He was gone. Soon the hunt for his capture or execution would be on. Soon the war would start. The storm was getting worse, but Torloth made sure that Saurian had a ride back to his home inside the city. The giant lizard hunter shifted back to Lash, the change taking less then two minutes. There stood Lash with his winkled suit, and a tired expression. Torloth who hadn''t been there to see the change the first time whistled just like Skaleg did. Then with a tired wave, Lash bid his fellow Wardens goodbye. Got into a car with his favorite body guard Booraku. Leaned his head back and nearly fell asleep on the long car ride back home...

 Chapter 18: Bad Luck? Black Cat!

    Lash was half asleep in the back of the car. He was surprised to see Booraku at the mansion to drive him home. But thankful, his driving skills were amazing even in a snow storm. Even when a fire ball turns the car in front of them into scrap metal, even when hundreds of bullets impact the outside of the car. Booraku still didn''t crash the car but simply weaved through the obstruction of cars then came to a stop. Lash was not in a good mood right now. Especially when an deafening explosion flipped the car they were in. But of course Lash and Booraku had there seat belts on, so they were hanging upside down their arms dangling. Lash heard screams from the nearby civilian populace trying to take cover. Lash had made it back into city limits, they had just left the bridge that is connected to Gotham. Then the intense sound of a miniature jet engine attached to car showed up. A sleek black car with what looked like bat wings flew onto the scene. Automatic rifles popped from the hood of the car and began to pacify the area. The bullets seem to be made of rubber, so they fucking hurt but don''t kill.


    ¡°Sir....Sir are you hurt!?¡± Booraku called from the front seat of the car. Lash heard a crash and looked over seeing that the man/troll had unhooked himself.


    ¡°Yes I''m fine Booraku, are you injured? I smell blood?¡± Lash checked himself, he had some bruises but no broken bones or cuts.


    ¡°I''ll be fine sir. My kind heals quickly. I don''t recognize that other car. But who ever it is its buying us time to move.¡± Booraku reached over and helped Lash down from the ceiling that was of course the floor.


    Lash slowly oriented himself inside the tight compartment that was the ruined SUV, Booraku put his shoulder against the passenger side door that was jammed during the crash. After a few nudges from his massive body the door opened up. The fight was still going on outside. The Bat-mobile was dipping in and out of the action, looked like it was set to auto pilot. Thanks to Lash''s Dark Vision he saw a glimmering shadow fly down from the rooftops right on top of the attackers. A smile tugged on his lips. Not the way he hopped to meet him, but beggars can''t be choosers. Lash looked over to see that Booraku was setting his shoulder back into place. A bone was sticking out of his bicep. Lash walked over and helped him put it into place. With a SNAP! Booraku clenched his jaw and looked like he wanted to bite some ones head off, but the bone was set. Lash cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. Lash watched as Booraku''s gaping wound visibly closed all be it slowly. He healed faster then Lash did.


    Automatic fire fell onto their position. Then a flash bang went off, blinding everyone near by. Something hard was tossed into their upturned car that let out a loud groan. Lash carefully but quickly walked around their upturned car. Saw the Dark Knight in all his glory. Light weight but strong fabric for his cape. A rubber or leather cowl wrapped around his face in the shape of a bat. Exposing his chiseled jaw. Adorned in a studded leather suit. Affixed with armored plates. His utility belt full of pockets and tools, and....No tights! Hazah! He looked like a Tech-Ninja with a bat style. He had blood coming out of his mouth as he tried to stand. Lash reached out and grabbed him, pulling him back into cover around the car as the gunmen started firing again. The Batman had just started his Crusade, still had a lot to learn. A dozen or so gunmen came from both sides of the intersection to flank them. We were cut off as the intersection we came from had a few dozen cars piled up. The way forward was a pile of flaming scrap.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you have any reinforcements coming, Batman?¡± Lash said with a smile as gun fire rang out. Lash then used his two favorite Nature spells on the Dark Knight, Batman''s mask hide all emotion on his face, but Lash felt that he was surprised before he sat up feeling better. He looked at Lash for moment trying to read him, then shook his head.


    ¡°No, its just me.¡± Batman''s voice was cold, dark, and gravely. Lash felt that he might a voice modulator in to keep it deep like that. Then he got to his feet. His suit shrouding him in a cloak of darkness. Then a spotlight came from above us. It was one Gotham PD''s floating zeppelin things. Lash was so confused on why GPD used them. But they were in the comics so...


    ¡°This is the Gotham City Police Department! Lay down your...¡± The announcement was cut off as a light machine gun (SAW) began to fire onto the blimp was shot. Oddly enough the thing didn''t burst into flames, and crash into the street below. Lash had to give credit to the pilot, they were able to slowly bring it down over river before crashing into the water.


    Lash looked back to see that Batman had disappeared. Booraku was firing his Sub-Machine gun at the gunmen. Lash came to his side then moved over to a car. Bullet rounds were flying every which way and that. Several Gotham Police cars had showed up and were attempting to get civilians out of the fighting. Lash reached out, turning his fingers into claws he ripped the car door off, set it aside, then ripped another door off. Then combined the doors together with his skills Material Shaping. Even the glass merged together, They dripped like candle wax. Then Lash lifted it up his improvised shield. Told Booraku to stay behind him and the shield then keep shooting. The troll wanted to hold the shield but Lash said it was his idea so he gets to risk his life. Popping out behind the car a hail of bullets slammed into the ''shield'' and...it held?


    Congratulations User! You''ve used your skills to create pieces of art, to test your skills. But, you have never used them to save your life! You''ve obtained the skill.


    Basic Crafting: Its essentially as it sounds, you can now craft basic items. Typically used in the ancient days. Be it shields, swords, spears, even bows! Keep practicing and one day you''ll be crafting inter dimensional gateways, space ships, or even a spatula!


    Great! Lash saw glimpses of Batman moving back forth between the different groups of gunmen. Soon the flanks were filled with unconscious people. Looks like luck was on their side, the gunmen were human. Until the original car they riding in was pushed aside. There stood a carbon copy of Balmok, only he was wearing full spartan stylized armor wielding a giant ax, and a shield. He roared and sprinted towards us.


    ¡°Oh Fuck me!¡± But before the Minotaur could get close a god saving bat-mobile rammed straight into the giant warrior. The Minotaur was completely consumed as the car ran completely over him. Lash vaguely remembered that the Batman''s no kill rule didn''t always apply to ''Monster'' races. Though he did try. Maybe the Bats that it was a machine? Oh! Its not dead!


    The Minotaur warrior slowly stood up, only as the bat-mobile reared ended into him. This happened several more times in a near comical fashion until the giant warrior stopped trying to get back up. Soon the repeated firings of machine guns puttered out, the Bat-mobile took off down the street and out of sight. Soon another GPD zeppelin showed up. Followed by swat, and emergency response. Booraku put his weapon away, and took out his phone which did not work during the fire fight but was working now, fucking magic. He got on the line to Shield and Sword telling them the situation.


    Lash stood in the wrecked street, looking at the champion of Ares. He was alive but unconscious. Then up to the top of a nearby building. There Batman was standing doing his mysterious night watcher mystique. Lash raised an arm up in a wave for a moment before putting it down. He wasn''t sure how much Batman saw, or understood. As long as the world doesn''t go to complete shit they may end up meeting at the Charity ball this Friday. A GPD zeppelin waved its spotlight on Lash for a bit, when it moved Batman was gone from the rooftop. Booraku came to Lash''s side.


    ¡°Sir, do you know who that was?¡± Booraku asked. Looking up at the rooftop then back at Lash. Booraku''s tailored suit was in tatters, showing off his impressive muscles under neath. He had what looked like a gash above his eye, but Lash assumed it may have been cosmetic for the Mundanes. Overall Booraku ''looked'' beat to hell.


    ¡°I''m not sure. But if I do find out maybe I''ll ask him to be a Warden. It appears he can handle himself.¡± Lash smiled at Booraku. Lash''s suit was ripped to shreds as well. But, he still had that gift to Samantha he never had a chance to give her. He took it out and handed it to Booraku. Telling him who it was for and why. The troll smiled and said he would deliver it.


    ¡°Never a dull moment with you, sir. I think I might ask for a raise.¡± Booraku said. Despite the very dangerous situation they were in he had a smile on his face.


    ¡°I swear I am not doing it on purpose!¡± Lash raised his arms up in defeat. Before looking at the Police coming to them. A few had guns out, but most of them came over to check on them.


    The snow storm persisted for the rest of the night. Lash and Booraku refused to answer any questions with out a lawyer present. The GPD were shocked to see that though their cloths were torn to shreds. They hardly had a scratch on them. Then as if by magic! Shield and Sword cars showed up and flooded to Booraku''s and Lash side. There was another jurisdiction pissing match that came to a complete halt when Torloth showed up. Eighty seven civilian casualties were confirmed, one hundred and twelve were reported injured. The Champion of Ares was taken away under extreme scrutiny. Torloth asked about Batman. Lash and Booraku told them exactly what happened. Even that if Lash found out who it was they should recruit them to be a Warden. Torloth agreed. He promised Booraku his weight in gold as a raise. Then arranged for transportation for both of them. Booraku went home, as did Lash.


    Lash opened his front door, then locked it behind him. He walked in checking his alarm. No entries. Yay! He slowly walked towards the main area looking to see if he had any visitors on his balcony. None. He understood why, but part of him was hoping a visit from a dark skinned sylvan. He took out his phone and sent a text reminding Sam about the pizza party for the Griak''s. Then he went to his bedroom. He peeled off his ruined suit and threw it away, heading to his bathroom for a long hot shower. Washed up, then he came out putting on some comfy slip on pants, t-shirt, and some ankle socks.


    He came back to the kitchen and made himself a larger then normal dinner. Since he skipped lunch. It was about 10:00 pm right now. He had a long day. His food was a simple reheat in the oven, and done. Putting it down he ate at the dinning room table, having some tea as he looked out the window. Watching the snow fall.


    Could he do this?


    Another bite, side of lasagna, steak bites, and some jasmine tea. It''s not like he was going to fight Ares himself. Lash''s super rank was way to low for that. That was a job for Wonder Women. Maybe even the justice league. Sam texted back, with a smiley emoji saying he would take care of it. He sent another text message to Juliana asking if they had heard back from Themyscira. Lash polished off the last of his food. Then sat in his seat holding his tea cup. He could leave, hell he could log out and reset the whole world. Start again!


    Why do this at all?


    ¡°No....We''ll stay. We''ll fight, and we''ll die doing what is right.¡± Lash said softly, finishing his glass. Standing up he went and did his dishes. Then went back to the balcony window. He grabbed a chair and sat down in front watching the snow fall.


    In the tiny Tree/Bird house he saw lights in the windows. The Griak''s were huddled up together. Most of them sleeping, but some would come and go. A few would wave at him, he''d wave back. -We hunt together, we die together. Partner-Lash. We are not going anywhere. Saurian said softly. Lash''s phone buzzed, it was Juliana...Ares had escaped. The illusion ward around Themyscira was broken. Soon the whole world would know about an undiscovered island found in the middle of the ocean. Lash had a feeling that he would not be getting social visits from his pack-mates for a while.


    Lash stood up and put his chair back. Going to his computer he started to look up information on The God of War. The world wide web may not be the best place to find actual information. That is unless you have access to a Warden info site. Lash spent the next few hours researching The Cult of Ares. Their policies, methods, and known aliases. A majority of what the Warden''s knew were the street level thugs. They have records of the Champions of Ares but no one had seen them in almost a thousand years. Lash filled out a report on who and what he fought. As well as the composition of their armor since he had a close personal interaction with one. The one we fought seem to have a thing for the honor of the field of battle. Wasn''t sure if that was just Balmok or if that was normal for all of them.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Web Surfer: Its just like surfing waves of water. Only this is surfing the waves of the information, and is totally not as cool as hanging ten! You now have the ability to find, track, and learn information on the World Wide Web. Think of the possibilities! No seriously, think of some cause we can''t!


    Lash spent another hour, then closed his computer down. He moved to his bedroom. He set his alarm, activated his shutters. Then crawled into bed. With in a few seconds of touching the pillow he was out. He mumbled something in his sleep. Erik blinked, he was back in the black room. He looked up at Dawn who was standing in front of him. He stood up looking at her confused.


    ¡°Whats going on, Dawn?¡± Erik asked before she walked forward and patted him on the head.


    ¡°You did good User. There were several times we thought you would have died.¡± Dawn said. Her voice was back to being neutral. Erik nodded his head, then looked around the black room. Several tabs were open.


    ¡°So, how bad is the war going to be? I know you can''t tell me much. But will it be a global problem? Or just a nation thing?¡± Erik reached up with his hand and tried to take Dawn''s hood off. She slapped his hand away. She then reached up and made sure that it was in place before speaking.


    ¡°User what you''ve learned about The Dream engine, and what you''ve experienced. I think you could discover your own thoughts are true.¡± Dawn said, as she began to twirl around the room in a showy fashion.


    ¡°So, it will be a global problem.¡± Erik said, then held his chin in thought. He looked at the Time Line App. Raised a brow in surprise. The Quantum accelerator had been activated early? Then he saw that the Meta-Gene rate was starting to increase world wide.


    ¡°Yes User it will be.¡± Dawn said, she came forward and stood in front of Erik. Then squeaked in surprise as Erik had removed her hood. She had long black hair past her shoulders that was pure void black. Her face was still a combination of ink void black, and starlight. It was both eerie and beautiful at the same time. She swatted at him with her hand, then hid her face recovering her lost hood.


    ¡°Screw you!¡± Dawn said in frustration, but a smile was clear on her face. Erik laughed, then was taken by surprise as Dawn pushed him. Pushed him out of the black room. He was falling towards the Earth. ¡°See if I care if you go splat!¡± Dawn yelled as Erik plummeted back down.


    WOOOSH!


    Tonight was the night of the charity ball. Lash and Saurian felt Erik''s arrival and said hello. Lash was looking at his phone, he was in his home on his computer doing research. But every few minutes his phone would buzz with either a text or a phone call. Most of the work recently had been delegating, paper work, and phone calls. Most of the work. Lash had called ahead and said he was attending the Charity ball and auction. But he was coming alone. He had actually called Jessabell, but she was busy with what was going on and couldn''t attend. She was clearly happy because he had called her and not any one else. Lash didn''t really think to call anyone else.


    Over the past two days, a slew of violent crimes have erupted not just in Gotham, but across the world. Countries who have been at peace for years are now at each others throats. Small skirmishes and wars have erupted all over. Lash understood that this is Ares method of operation. But Ares isn''t the only God of War in the world. Is this just pent up rage, and energy from being imprisoned for last nine hundred plus years? Probably. The past two nights Lash volunteered to be on neighborhood watch. They had helped a little. But only a little, and even the watch was strung out and filled with anger issues. Except for Lash''s groups all of them were calm, and serene. No one could figure out why. Reports of Champions of Ares were popping up as well. None so far in Gotham except for the two taken out already. The second Minotaur had mysteriously disappeared, as did Balmoks body. Lash and Saurian were not happy about that. Lash''s alarm went off, it was time to get ready.


    Lash moved to his bed room and got dressed. He was wearing a three piece suit. Black outer wear, white long sleeved buttoned shirt. Obsidian and gold cuff links that he made himself. He didn''t have a tie but he did have neck cuff. It was obsidian and gold just like his arm cuff links. But the symbol was an artistic style rendering of the Gotham City Wardens symbol. Then he had black dress shoe''s that were comfortable to both stand and run in... Just in case. He had this suit specialty made, and even enchanted. A lot of his cloths were becoming that now, even his casual wear. The front desk called up and said that his ride was here.


    Stepping into a nice black sedan he closed the door behind himself greeted the driver and they were off towards the Charity ball. Lash counted at least three times when police cars flew by. With everything that is going on, more then likely Mr. Wayne would not be attending the party. Means some one else will buy the Dark Knight statue. Pity. Soon the car joined a long line to enter the venue, security was impressive. Lash counted at least four different snipers keeping watch. Along with dozens of armed guards, not bothering to hide they were packing. Lash''s driver along with himself had there invitation checked by three different people before they were allowed to drive up. Rather than be annoyed Lash was impressed. He did direct Calm Emotions at his driver though. Soon his driver was cool as a cucumber. Lash car door opened up when he reached his destination, he wished the driver a good night. Then stepped into a whole new battle field.


    Lash stepping out of the car made very little impact. He wasn''t super rich, he wasn''t a powerful influential member of society. He was just one of the artist invited to sell his work for charity. The venue did have dozens of camera''s flashing, he was caught in the lime light simply by default. He moved past the eccentric million and billionaires. Coming towards a greeter with his invitation. The young women was polite and feigned interest until she saw his name. Which surprised Lash.


    ¡°Mr. Lash! Welcome! We are so happy that you''ve decided to join us tonight!¡± Said the women.


    ¡°Mr. Lash! How does it feel to be a hero!¡± Said a camera man


    ¡°Mr. Lash there is a rumor that one of your art pieces tonight was appraised to be over a million dollars!¡± Said another.


    ¡°Is it true you were involved in a shooting on the third bridge into Gotham?!¡±Said the last.


    Lash gave a single glance as at the reporters before looking back at the greeter. She looked apologetic. She hadn''t meant to say that so loud. She quickly handed his invitation back and ushered him inside away from the camera''s. Taking refuge inside of the charity ball. The commotion had caused a bit of a stir as many eyes fell onto Lash. Lash could feel the laser focus of dozens of eyes fall on him. Curiosity? Jealousy? Envy? Sexual tension? Lash took in stride, as Saurian marked who, where those looks were coming from. He moved deeper into the party, creating an invisible barrier around him intentional or not. It seemed that several people wanted to talk to him but couldn''t get the nerve to. Until.


    ¡°So, you are the renowned Erik Lash. Well respected in the art world in Gotham, said to only use hand tools in his creations.¡± A smooth sultry voice greeted his ears.


    Lash turned around and saw a beautiful 5'' 5¡± women wearing a black silk form fitting dress. The dress was long enough that the edges pooled around her feet, a single slit went up her leg to about her knee, she had three inch heels on. The dress had shoulder straps but revealed her back, and a very long v-neck cut that nearly went to her navel. Her black hair was done up in a bun allowing her bangs that were curled to fall around her face. No earrings, no necklace, as if to flaunt to the world around her that she didn''t need them. Her near yellow eyes surprised Lash. She extended a hand out towards him.


    ¡°Selina Kyle¡± The women said. -Oh shit! Erik commented across the link. Lash reached out and gently took her hand. Selina shivered at the contact, but didn''t pull her hand away, in fact she stepped closer.


    ¡°Oh my! Been a long time since a man made me shiver just by touching me.¡± Selina bit her lip seductively. Lash was sure that would work on most men. But with the kind other worldly beauties he spends time around. To him it was just cute. He gave her a smirk.


    ¡°Sorry Miss Kyle wasn''t intentional. You just caught me by surprise, aside from my fellow artists I thought no one here would recognize me.¡± Lash said. Selina was startled by his voice. He made a clear gesture of tracing his jagged scar across his neck. She nodded, understanding.


    ¡°Don''t sell yourself short, Mr. Lash. Not only are the two pieces you donated worth a fortune. You are also the savior of Shield and Sword Plaza. The Law Firm made it abundantly clear that if it wasn''t for you that bomb would have gone off and killed hundreds of people.¡± Selina said, finally letting go of Lash hand.


    ¡°Ah, so that''s why the reporters outside were so excited to see me. I''m happy that my art pieces are appreciated as well. So Miss Kyle, have you come to watch? To play? Or to catch?¡± Lash said. He wasn''t carrying a drink so he just placed his hands behind his back. Which spread his shoulders and chest out. Almost as if he was flaunting. Selina noticed the movement and laughed, her teeth sparkling.


    ¡°Ohhhh! I''m not sure, can''t a woman do all three?¡± Selina stepped closer, now with in three feet of Lash she looked up at him. A twinkle in her eye. Lash then leaned down whisper into her ear, Selina had a smile on her face.


    ¡°Careful, I think security may have figured out that your invitation is fake.¡± Lash said softly. Making her smile freeze, she reached out and traced her fingers along his chest. A spark of interest in her voice.


    ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Selina did her best to give off the charming seductive young woman that she clearly was. As her eyes began to dance around the room, to the public this would be a sign of a young women showing off and wanting to see if any one is noticing. But she was using it to look around. Sure enough at least six guards were gradually moving to her position.


    ¡°May I see your invitation?¡± Lash said softly to her. She swallowed the saliva in her mouth and produced the invite from the inside of her dress very seductively. Lash quickly looked it over. Then took out his own.


    ¡°See how the letters are different, there is also a magnetic strip along the border here in mine that yours does not have.¡± Lash pointed out the differences. His active title effect Shaper had started to grow, or maybe he was growing but he was starting to learn the subtle differences between things. Even with out touching them. Lash then carefully put his invitation back into his coat and handed Selina''s hers. Lash could clearly see she was gritting her teeth. Then just like that..


    ¡°Excuse us Mr. Lash, and Miss. Can we see your invitations? Just a formality.¡± A guard walked up, trying to be polite but would not allow any discussion. Lash gave his over, and Selina did the same. She was clearly angry at the situation. The guard took out a magnetic reader and scanned them both. He looked confused, then back at them. Then did the reading again. Then handed both back. ¡°Sorry for the mix up Mr. Lash, Miss Kyle enjoy the party.¡±


    ¡°Th...Thank you.¡± Selina said to the guard as she took her invitation then looked at it. Noticing that the letters had changed, and there was a magnetic strip in hers. She tried to look at Lash''s, but he had put his away already. He was smiling at her. Selina was clearly confused. Both invitations had passed the reader so it was not like Lash exchanged them.


    Lash then offered his arm to her, which surprised her. But only a moment of hesitation passed before she laced her arm entwine with his own. Lash and his new friend then walked the party grounds. The guests were still arriving. Lash noticed that there were many, many single women in attendance. It wasn''t until Selina pointed out that Bruce Wayne the playboy billionaire was suppose to attend. So obviously a majority of the women came for him. Herself included.


    ¡°But don''t worry, I wont forget the favor of my knight in armor coming to my rescue. You''ll have to tell me how you did that by the way.¡± Selina said, she was now hugging Lash''s arm, sticking close to him.


    ¡°Magic.¡± Lash replied. Which earned him an eye roll from Selina.


    ¡°Lash?¡± A familiar voice called out to him. He turned and saw his friend Lizzy with...


    Lizzy was wearing a very sexy red styled prom dress, with a cut up one side of the dress that reached mid thigh, with three inch red heels. Lots of red. The dress covered all of over except she had a very long v-cut that had lace back and forth that was enticing to the eyes. Her hair was loose and fell over her shoulders. In the v-neck was the necklace he had given her for her birthday, her pale skin was a good contrast for the dress. Next to Lizzy was a 5''3¡± Latino women with long auburn hair tied back. She was wearing a skin tight black flight skin dress with a zipper that came from the bottom to top in the front. Long wrap around three inch high heels. She was frozen, looking at Lash. -Kindred, new born. Saurian growled softly in Lash''s ear. Lash''s eyes stared at the Kindred which made her swallow audibly.


    ¡°Lizzy! Hello! This is my new friend Selina Kyle. Selina this is my long time friend and business partner Elizabeth Shaw. This is Lizzy''s girlfriend Isabella. Lizzy has been all sorts of nervous about introducing her new girlfriend to me!¡± Lash said, his last comment earning him a glare from Lizzy. Which made Selina laugh at the clear friendship.


    ¡°Hello Miss Shaw. I''ve heard of your families business. You have a great reputation! And hello to you as well Miss Isabella.¡± Selina offered her hand to them both. Lizzy took the offered hand, then had to nudge Isabella before she took her eyes off of Lash. She shook Selina''s hand before returning to Lizzy. Isabella almost seemed like she was hiding behind her.


    Lizzy noticed the strange behavior before looking at Lash. He shrugged his shoulders not sure what she was doing either. Before she could speak someone called out.


    ¡°He''s here! Mr. Wayne showed up!¡± A voice called out. This caught the entire party for a loop. Bruce Wayne was famous for not showing up to parties, even parties he himself is hosting. Isabella took Lizzy''s hand in her own.


    ¡°Lets go see what all the commotion is about!¡± Isabella''s voice was clearly shaking in fright as she practically dragged Lizzy towards the front. Lizzy almost fell over but caught herself. She looked at Lash and Selina in apology before catching up.


    ¡°Is it just me, or is that girl afraid of you? I''m not sure why she would be. I think your rather dashing.. and..¡± Selina turned to Lash before he smiled at her and said.


    ¡°Go on and see if you can grab his attention! Just don''t steal anything, ok?¡± Lash said, Selina smiled wide at him for reading her mind. Before her smile froze when he said the last part.


    She took a step back looking at Lash in a whole new light. Lash winked at her, and gestured towards the crowd. That seem to break her out of her flight or fight mode. A half smile spread across her face before she walked away. Doing her best to swing her hips back and forth in front of him. She looked back to see if he was watching, which he was. He had a bemused expression and shooed her away. She laughed and joined the crowd.


    Lash didn''t need to see Bruce to know what he looked like. He was wearing black on black three piece suit just like Lash. Only he had a red crimson tie on. He had deep black obsidian eyes, short and clean cut hair, a very masculine. The tailored suit did well to emphasize his clear well muscled physique. He stood in the middle of the party basking in the attention as if this was an every day thing. Which for him? It was. Dozens of single ladies flocked towards, and even several married women. He greeted, dodged, and weaved through the crowd like a pro. Being polite, but not overly to invite more attention. Each women he exchanged words with blew it way out proportion flaunting it in front of their companions. Then something shocking happened. Bruce was heading straight towards Lash. Lash didn''t move, didn''t embarrass himself by waving, or looking behind him. He fully assumed Bruce would walk right by him, treating him like air. Until Bruce walked right up to him and held out his hand.


    ¡°Erik Lash? Bruce Wayne, nice to meet you.¡± Bruce said, with a half smile on his face. Lash was only frozen for about three seconds....maybe five. Before he reached out and shook his hand.


    ¡°I''m flattered you know who I am sir.¡± Lash was proud of himself for keeping his voice level.


    ¡°Of course I know who you are. Not only are you one of the artist here, you are also the savior of Shield and Sword Plaza, and you are also a part of the Gotham Neighborhood Watch. I was very happy to hear that the community watch I help fund had someone like you in it. I heard you made an art piece directly for me tonight.¡± Bruce said, he had a very firm grip and shook Lash''s hand three times before letting go.


    The entire hall was silent, listening to every word that was exchanged. Lash knew his heart rate was jack hammering. He kept wanting to activate Calm Emotions, but Saurian kept it inactive enjoying the show. Bruce seem to enjoy what was happening. Gone was the cool exposed fighter that didn''t even panic when hundreds of bullets were flying over heard. Lash was trying so hard to keep a neutral face.


    ¡°I did sir. I have no doubt you''ll recognize it when you see it. I hope you buy it tonight in the auction. But even if you don''t, I''d be more then happy to make you one if your interested.¡± Lash said trying to not sweat in nervousness.


    ¡°Oh I wouldn''t worry about that, when I see something I like I buy it no matter the cost. I''ll look forward to seeing what you have. Mr Lash. I''d like to talk to you after the auction if that''s alright? See you later then.¡± Bruce asked, Lash nodded and the prince of Gotham walked away. Followed by a large entourage. Before any interested parties came flying over. Selina had glued herself to Lash''s arm again with a brilliant smile. Lizzy and Isabella were there as well.


    ¡°Look at you, Lash! Getting all buddy buddy with Bruce Wayne!¡± Selina said with a glint in her eyes.


    ¡°What did he mean by Savior of Shield and Sword Plaza?¡± Lizzy asked, confused. Good god! Lizzy didn''t know? This made both Isabella and Selina look at her in shock. Lizzy clearly looked embarrassed. ¡°I''ve been working! For this very party. I......What!?¡±


    Isabella very carefully whispered into Lizzy''s ear. Isabella had her eye on Lash who made a simple gesture towards her and mouthed. We''ll talk later. Lizzy''s outburst earned a few inquisitive glances but a majority of the party followed Bruce. Lizzy was in front of Lash glaring at him.


    ¡°Lizzy, it was several days ago. I am perfectly fine. Not only that but thanks to the Gotham PD we saved hundreds of lives. It was a good day. They are making a big deal about nothing. All I did was notice a tree was dead, then noticed the upturned dirt. Feeling curious I dug around the roots with my hands and discovered the device. Then Gotham PD showed up, and defused the bomb. No biggie!¡± Lash spoke clearly and carefully. Trying to placate the raging inferno that would explode at any minute. Party or no Party. She''d done it before! Selina was clearly trying to contain her laughter. She had stepped away watching the show with Isabella.


    Lizzy had began to jam her finger into Lash chest. Each one feeling like a red hot poker searing flesh and bone. Lash winced with every jab, Saurian was spiritually shivering in fear. But before Lizzy could explode, Isabella reached out and squeezed Lizzy''s hand. Lizzy whipped around like a cobra ready to strike. Isabella froze, but then slowly walked into Lizzy''s space. Lizzy was a few inches taller then her. So she slipped under her arms and held her gaze.


    ¡°Baby, remember where we are. Remember how you said you lose your temper in odd places. This is one of those times, one of those times you told me to help calm you down?¡± Isabella said softly. Lash and Saurian both were zeroing in on her. But she used no magic, or ability that they could see. Isabella was truly just talking her down. Lizzy turned to look back at Lash, who flinched.


    ¡°You and I are going to talk about this later.....¡± Lizzy said, then allowed herself to be led away by Isabella.


    Lash was like a stone. Before cracks began to appear as he heard a fit of giggles beside him. He turned his head to see Selina barely containing herself. She was leaning against a wall trying to stay up right. The form fitting dress showed off her impressive body. But all Lash saw was some one to murder. But before he could reach out and wring the Cat Woman''s neck an announcement rang out.


    ¡°Ladies and Gentlemen the auction will be starting soon. Every one please make way to your assigned seats.¡± A soft spoke voice called over head.


    ¡°Selina, care to join me in my private box? Where I can keep an eye on you?¡± Lash said through gritted teeth. Selina was still laughing, she nodded her head and followed Lash...


    It was going to be a long night.

 Chapter 19: Cat Toy

    Lash and Selina were led to a private box. Lizzy and Isabella were in their own nearby. Lash would occasionally feel a searing glare. Selina was still very much enjoying the show. The auction took place in a grand auditorium that was normally used for symphonies. The main audiences was full of people in attendance in the party that didn''t mean to buy anything. The private boxes were full of the buyers, and the people who made the art. With their respective companies. Bruce Wayne''s box was centered and in the upper floor. Lash was in a side viewing area.


    ¡°So, I don''t get ''that'' kind of vibe from you. So how did you figure me out?¡± Selina said into Lash''s ear. Lash sat in his chair, and Selina was leaning over the theater seats didn''t have arm dividers. Practically gluing herself onto him. But realized that he didn''t seem to react to her. Lash smiled at her when she realized her seduction methods were not working. She seem to have a question but was hesitant to ask.


    ¡°One: I do prefer women, I just find it amusing that since I don''t react to your clear attempts it throws you off your game. Two: I am not that ''kind'', but I have met plenty in my line of work. Three: I figured you out based on your invitation, and that every time we moved through out the hall you counted guards, windows, exits. As well as rings, necklaces, earrings. Including the B-day necklace I gave to Lizzy. Plus the fact that you tried to steal my cuff links not just once, but five different times.¡± Lash said confidently. Selina''s nails dug into his arm, but she continued to wear a smile on her face. The lights began to dim. She looked towards the stage.


    ¡°I...see.... By the way how are they locked in place. I can''t figure them out.¡± Selina said, as her hand was indeed attempting a sixth time for his cuff links.


    ¡°Magic.¡± Lash whispered to her. He didn''t so much see her eyes roll, but felt it.


    ¡°Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Charity Auction. We have several exquisite pieces for your viewing pleasure.¡± An auctioneer women stood in the spot light on the stage.


    She had her blond hair pinned up. She had a sleek glimmering black dress covering her from neck, to knee, sleeveless. She looked charming, not seductive. She moved to a podium and began to introduce a piece. The first piece was from a respected artist on the East Coast. It was a painting of tidal waves crashing into a beach. It was well crafted, and as tall as the women. The bid started at thirty thousand. Lash watched Selina, she looked like a cat watching something shiny dangle in front of her.


    Erik theorized that Selina was not here to steal something but to see what was what, and to see where it went. Time passed, Lash had reached up and was dancing his finger nails across Selina''s neck and back. She froze the first moment he did it. But soon relaxed, flashing him a smile of ''Aha!'' But soon she wasn''t paying attention to the stage. Soon she was leaning against Lash so much that she was practically laying in his lap. Lash cast his favorite spells on the sly, and let his nimble hands move along her skin. More then once Selina had to bite back a moan of pleasure.


    ¡°Finally we have an excellent piece for everyone''s pleasure. Made by one of Gotham''s newest heroes. Erik Lash, of Shaw Art industries. A statue that was specifically prepared for Mr. Wayne. Its called, The Dark Knight.¡± The women on the stage revealed the tall obsidian bat-knight.


    A collective gasp rang through the auction hall. The clear black stone seem to absorb the light near by, but even as dark as it was. Everyone in the room could see the fine crafted detail on the suit of armor. The shield, and sword. The statue it self almost looked like it would come alive. More then once Lash heard people say that they saw the head move towards them. Lash sneaked a glance up at Wayne''s box only to see Bruce was standing in his viewing box, a look of clear shock expressed on his face.


    ¡°We''ll start the bidding at one hundred thousand dolla...¡± Before the women could even finish her words.


    ¡°One million dollars!¡± Bruce Wayne called down from his box. This made everyone in the room shocked. Many eyes searched for Bruce in his box, as well as turning to Lash. Lash used a glamour to hide the very cat like Selina practically in his lap. So the room just saw him sitting there with a smile of confidence.


    ¡°One million dollars from Mr. Wayne. Any other bids?.... Going once.....twice...Sold! To Mr. Wayne the wonderful piece of ''The Dark Knight''¡± The women on the stage was clearly smiling. As the statue was taken off stage. ¡°Now we have the last piece that Mr. Lash as prepared for this charity. If I must say it is also breath taking.


    The great horned howl came out next and was revealed. More then a few people were shocked and clearly asked if that really was a statue. The statue was beautiful in the light on the stage, and thanks to the natural magic in it. It truly looked like it would come alive.


    ¡°Mr. Lash said the piece is called. The owl watches its court. We''ll start the bidding at one hundred thousand dollars.¡± The women finished speaking.


    Lash saw more then a few people go rigid when they heard what the piece was called. In less then a minute the price had jumped to five hundred thousand dollars and was still climbing. By the end, the owl had gone for 1.5 million dollars. Several people were disappointed. But the Auctioneer reminded them that Erik Lash does do commissions and to contact Shaw industries. This mollified the art enthusiasts. Most medium to large artists don''t do commissions. They simply make, and sell. Lash didn''t do this. He liked to make things for people. Lash heard a mumble from next to him, it was Selina.


    ¡°I...Don''t suppose you''ll make something for me?¡± Selina had the look of a cat that drank a full bowl of cream. She was languid next to Lash. He had stopped massaging her back when his art work came up.


    ¡°How about a black statue of the Goddess Bast, seems like you and her would get along.¡± Lash said softly. He swore if she had cat ears they would have perked up at that. ¡°Give me your number, your actual number. It will take me a few days but I''ll make it for you. We can talk price after you see the finished product.¡± Lash held out his hand to her. Selina hesitated. Clearly confused on how Lash knew so much about her. Before she pulled a card from her dress handing it to him.


    The auction was over at that point. They saved Lash''s art work for last. Lash stood and offered his hand to Selina, who took it. She stretched when she stood looking amazing doing it. Then went up to Lash still inside the private box, the line of her body tight against his own.


    ¡°You have some amazing hands, Lash. I''m sure I can think of all sorts of ways to repay you.¡±Selina said before she kissed his cheek and walked out of the private box.


    Lash followed her soon after only to discover she was no where to be found. No rest for the wicked. Lash moved back to the main party hall, to see that Lizzy was practically drowning in questions about Shaw Industries, as well as asking for a meeting to speak to him about making a new piece of art. Isabella was nearby watching her lover work. Lash walked right up to her and spoke very softly. Soft enough for only a kindred to hear.


    ¡°I have a simple question. How long have you and Lizzy been dating. Please don''t lie I am more then capable of verifying the information.¡± Lash tried to keep the threat out of his voice, but he felt he didn''t succeed. Isabella went stiff as a board, she rigidly turned to look at Lash with a fake smile on her face.


    ¡°We''ve been dating for nearly two months. I swear I didn''t know she was your friend. I''ll even take an oath. Please don''t make me leave her...I...¡± Isabella''s voice was quivering by the end. -Newborn Kindred is not lying. Saurian confirmed. Lash gently lifted Isabella''s chin up with a knuckle. A smile on his face, a smile that he meant.


    ¡°Good! I''m a firm believer in giving everyone a chance. Isabella. But trust me when I say this, if your house tells you to hurt her to get to me. You won''t have to worry about me. Warden Law will destroy your whole house before I ever get there. But, if you are told to do so. But can get to me first and tell me. Well that will be different.¡± Lash said softly to her. Isabella visibly relaxed, letting out a breath she had been holding. Then smiled at him.


    ¡°They said you don''t discriminate, I''m happy the rumors were true.¡± Isabella said to Lash.


    ¡°Now, why don''t we go rescue Lizzy. She''s white knuckling again. Have you learned that sign about her yet?¡± Lash motioned towards his friend. Isabella turned around and noticed that Lizzy was clenching her fists. It surprised her, What surprised her even more is when Lash gently took her by the wrist and led her over. The fear that she felt before was gone.


    ¡°Hello everyone, I''m very happy to see that you liked my art work. I''d be more then happy to make pieces for all of you. But, Lizzy has yet to properly introduce me to her girlfriend Isabella. Would you all please excuse us.¡± Lash walked over and cast Calm Emotions on the whole group, excluding Lizzy and Isabella. The crowd seem to relax and easily agreed.


    Isabella guided the clear and visibly shaking Lizzy away from the crowd. Lash took some time to take a few cards and shook hands before joining the two. They found a secluded spot, Lizzy was holding it in, Lash was actually worried. Then soon gently laughed. She wasn''t angry, she wasn''t about to explode in anger. She was white knuckling to hold in her glee.


    ¡°As long as you do you, Lash we can easily make ten million dollars from commissions alone! I had no idea you had gotten this good! Those pieces were fucking amazing! Two and half million dollars for those pieces! Yes, its going to charity. Yes, its a great cause! But holy shit! That was fucking awesome!¡± Lizzy was quietly shouting that last part. Isabella looked bewildered at Lizzy. She thought her girlfriend was angry. Oh no she was excited.


    ¡°I fully agree Miss Shaw! That statue was something else!¡± Bruce Wayne some how arrived behind them. Making the two women jump in surprise. Lash just smiled at him.


    ¡°M..M...Mr. Wayne! H..Hello! I''m Elizabeth Shaw...Oh right you know that...T...This is my girlfriend Isabella Kuldr. And this is E..Oh right you know him! Hahaha..hahah!¡± Lizzy was nearly hyperventilating by the end. Isabella went to rub her back trying to calm her down. Bruce Wayne for his part just smiled at her.


    ¡°Yes, Miss Shaw. I''m very happy to meet you. I have to say that this auction has most definitely put your families business on the map. Not just in Gotham but the entire east coast. Be careful or some might try and steal Mr. Lash away.¡± Bruce said in clear sarcasm.


    ¡°No, I''m not going anywhere. Lizzy is the closets thing to family I have. For better or worse she has to put up with me!¡± Lash said, clearly enjoying watching Lizzy freak out. She shot him both a grateful look as well as a glare. The way only family can.


    ¡°So, did you want to have that talk now? Mr. Wayne?¡± Lash asked. Bruce nodded and gestured for them to walk.


    They both bid the embarrassed Lizzy who wanted nothing but to hide in a hole. As well as Isabella goodbye. Soon Bruce led the way to a small room that was guarded. They walked in, then as the door closed and locked behind them. Bruce took a device from his pocket and flipped it on. Lash felt a radio pulse slide over his skin. Jamming device. Bruce then lost all good humor and became a stone faced statue. Much like the one Lash made for him. He looked at Lash with an intense glare, trying to read every little detail Lash made. Lash stayed where he was a few feet from the door. He was reasonably sure he could take Batman...If he let Saurian out. Lash in human form was stronger then the average man. But he would have to Partially Transform to get it all out.


    ¡°So, do you like the statue?¡± Lash tried to start off friendly. Bruce narrowed his eyes. ¡°Have you touched it yet? The feeling you got while we were behind the car should be the same. Though it only activates once every twenty four hours.¡± Lash said to Bruce. That got him.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Bruce seem to be connecting the dots in his mind, Erik knew Bruce was one of the smartest people on the planet. Then Bruce focused eyes. ¡°So, that was magic you did at the fight.¡± Bruce asked.


    ¡°Yes, specifically the Nature Domain. I used it to help recover your injuries. Don''t miss understand it isn''t a fix all it just helps sooth and recover some one. The statue has a twenty four hour cool down on it. But activates by touch or by proximity. Proximity by name.¡± Lash said as he took out a simple card with a single word on it. He handed it to Bruce. Who took the card.


    ¡°Ever heard of ''The Wardens'' Mr. Wayne?¡± Lash asked, Bruce shook his head. ¡°Do you want to sit? This may take a while.¡± Lash moved to sit on a chair in the room. Bruce joined him.


    Then Lash tried his best to keep it simple and explain what The Wardens were. After a few minutes of talking Bruce fully joined in the conversation. Bruce brought up Zatara, and Zatanna. Lash had never met them but Erik knew who they were. The Dream Engine kept them from meta gaming. But Lash learned awhile ago that you can still hint at things with out breaking the rules. Lash then called Skaleg and with his permission had Bruce call him. Skaleg nearly flipped his shit when he found out Lash was trying to recruit Bruce Wayne to become a Warden. But during the whole conversation did Lash not ever openly call him Batman, so Skaleg just thought he was recruting Bruce. Bruce showed interest in learning the ways of Super-Natural societies but felt that becoming a Warden was to much of a risk. But if it helped him accomplish his job, maybe they could arrange something. They talked for about an hour. Knock, knock....


    ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Wayne. Your presence has been requested outside for the check signing.¡± A mans voice called through the door.


    ¡°Be right there.¡± Bruce said in a business voice once more. He pick up the jamming device and turned it off. He turned to look at Lash. Who was holding out his hand for a shake. Bruce took it.


    ¡°See you around Mr. Wayne. Please have Zatara or Zatanna check the statue they can verify it.¡±Lash said as they both shook and left the room.


    Batman gave one his legendary ''Hmmm'' Sounds and left Lash alone in the hall. Lash waited until he was alone before he face palmed. OK! That clearly had some protagonist luck glow. That should not have gone as well as it should! Then a prompt appeared.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed one of the quests given to you by your Cosmic Patron. You''ve introduced yourself to Batman. As Batman is the worlds greatest detective, your patron has chosen to give you the skill, Deductive Reasoning: Ever heard of Sherlock Holmes? How about Batman? Well now you can reason with the best of them. Connecting dots no one see''s but you and your imaginary friends named ''Logic'' and ''Paranoia''. Good luck! Because once you turn this skill on, it can''t be turned off!


    Lash''s eye twitched in irritation. Oh that''s great! I''m sure that will come in handy, and destroy any concept of privacy and friendship he has with any one he meets. Of course the skill was already set to on! Lash begrudgingly made his way back to the party. Frustration clear on his face, as he looked around the party and saw it all. Equations, body language, physical tells that people were lying, acting, begging for attention. He saw Lizzy and made his way towards her. She was talking to another artist that was attending. Jo..Josh...Joshua something. He was a pompous prick who believed he was all that and more. But he always made time for Lizzy. With Lash''s skill he could read him. He was clearly flirting with Lizzy, and Isabella. More then happy to have three''s company with two beautiful women. Isabella was being polite but clearly saw his attempts. Lash frowned, because from he could see Lizzy was actually in to it, or rather she was naive about it. Yes, naive she just thought he was being friendly. Lizzy saw Lash and waved, a clear smile on her face. She was happy to see him. Isabella was happy as well with an expression of ''Please save her from herself''. Joshua turned around and his smile faded like snow in a hot summer day. The man was clearly angry since his art pieces didn''t even sell for no higher then fifty grand. Joshua had very clearly brought his cast offs to the charity. Believing that no one could tell the difference because he was amazing.


    ¡°Lash! Did you finish talking to Mr. Wayne?¡± Isabella called out, emphasizing he had been speaking to Wayne. This made Joshua''s eye twitch.


    ¡°I did! He was very thankful for the statue. Seem to call to him he said. Even gave me his personal contact info so if I have anything else like that I can call him directly. He promised to be generous!¡± Lash said, clearly enjoying driving the knife into Joshua. The man didn''t even try and hide his displeasure. He smiled at Lizzy and Isabella and left. Ignoring Lash.


    ¡°Did you do something to Joshua, Lash?¡± Lizzy said with a frown.


    ¡°Ya, I clearly shooed away a scumbag who was trying to seduce the both of you into bed with him.¡± Lash with a straight face.


    ¡°He was not! Joshua wouldn''t do that! He''s a gentlemen!¡± Lizzy glared at Lash. Lash crossed his arms and looked at Isabella. Lizzy turned to look at her girlfriend.


    ¡°Lizzy it was clear that he was flirting with you, and me for that matter. More then once he invited us both back to his home for some wine and ''entertainment''¡± Isabella said, looking at Lizzy. Lizzy wanted to refute but could see that Isabella was uncomfortable. This made her stop and think.


    ¡°But.... Joshua always does that. He''s invited me back to his home dozens of times!¡± Lizzy said defensively. But it was clear to Lash she was faltering.


    ¡°Yes, and each time you have turned him down. Coming up with a legitimate excuse. Which is why he keeps offering. Because instead of just flat denying him. He thinks you are actually into him and its clearly every one else fault that you two have not slept together. He believes that you are actually flirting with him. Because you are very clear in shooting down other people. But not him.¡± Lash was gritting his teeth now.


    Lash could not understand it. Lizzy was very attractive. She got a lot of attention, she always dressed to impress even her casual wear was nice to see. More then once men and women came to hit on her. First time she would be polite and say no. Second time, third time she was very clear about her refusal. But why did she not do this with Joshua. It made Lash crazy when ever he saw her at a party talking with him. It''s almost like she did it on purpose just to ma....make him crazy? Deductive Reasoning was on full drive as he began to look at Lizzy up and down. He read her reaction when he was talking. How she submissively shrugged her shoulders, and looked down as if completely innocent. She bit her lip and hid behind Isabella trying to use her lover as a shield. Bella seem to smile at the attempt since she was smaller then Lizzy.


    ¡°Y...your doing it because you know I don''t like him. Every time I see you talking to him at a party I always come up and smash his ego apart. You enjoy watching me shatter his pride...Don''t you?¡± Lizzy was now completely hiding behind Isabella now. Bella seem to catch on and actually laughed, covering her mouth with a hand only to squeak in surprise when Lizzy pinched her.


    ¡°I..Don''t know what you mean! And frankly I''m insulted that you would even insinuate such a thing! I would never do such a thing as enjoy watching you smash that tool apart, oh!¡± Lizzy clapped her hand over her mouth. Realizing what she just said. Lash''s eyes went wide. But before he could point his finger at her. Lizzy scampered away with Isabella heading to the ladies room. Isabella was laughing the whole way, she waved at Lash in defeat.


    A sense of satisfaction filled Lash. He had figured it out. That had been bothering him for years! Or, rather months for him. Joshua was a tool, and Lizzy liked watching Lash smash his ego down a peg. A smile spread across his face, he was now in a better mood. The rest of the night passed by nicely. Lizzy always found an excuse to hide from Lash. Isabella played messenger for a while before she told Lash that they were heading home for the night. Lash actually gave Isabella a small hug which surprised her.


    ¡°You make Lizzy happy, so until you don''t make her happy any more. I''ll treat you as kind as I can.¡± Lash said to her. Soon she smiled at him and hugged him back. Before going to find the fiery red head.


    Lash was out front waiting for his car. When an arm entwined around his own. He looked over and saw Selina with a smile, and a new pearl necklace, and gold earrings on. He remembered these being worn on another women just under an hour ago. Lash rolled his eyes at her and nodded. She snuggled closer having retrieved her coat. Lash car showed up, he opened the door for Selina then got in after her. He directed the driver to take him home, Selina looked at him but only smiled. The driver didn''t say a word but a twinkle was in his eye. On the drive home Selina continued to play with Lash''s cuff links. Still couldn''t figure out how to get them off. Soon they arrived at his building, she joined him as they walked into the main floor. Thompson the Cheshire cat person waved at them both. Soon Lash and Selina Kyle were in his home.


    For where Lash lived, and for how much space he had since the entire top floor was his. He was doing pretty well. Selina seemed impressed and began to walk around, she did head straight to the art studio room only to find it locked. She visibly pouted at Lash gesturing towards the door but only got a firm shake of the head, no. She stuck her bottom lip out, but clearly saw it wasn''t working before she returned to her playful nature. She moved around his house, peeking into his bedroom. Lash came from his kitchen area with a bottle of wine. Personally he hated the stuff but he got gifts from some of his clients. He poured a very fine white wine for Selina. Well as fine as he knew.


    ¡°So, do you plan to keep those. Or are you going to ensure they find there way back to the open market for the right price?¡± Lash said, gesturing towards the stolen jewelry.


    Selina made a show of looking into his bedroom with a mischievous smile on her face before she walked into his dark room. Soon a purr rumbled from the room. Lash walked in with the bottle and glass of wine. Selina had ditched her coat and was fully spread across his king sized bed. She rolled around for a bit, letting her hair down. Then took a seductive pose looking at Lash with bedroom eyes. Only to see him looking at her unimpressed.


    ¡°Gurrrr! Yes! I plan to sell them! Happy! Christ why don''t my charms work on you!¡±Selina sat up straight. Clearly upset at Lash, but more for herself. She took the glass of white wine and had a sip. Letting out a happy sound at the taste.


    ¡°I''m sure if you had done that to any one else, including Bruce Wayne they would have been on top of you in under a minute, Selina. So tell me, why was Cat Woman at the auction.¡± Both Erik and Lash were surprised they said that. They thought The Dream Engine would have stopped them. Selina froze, as the glass were inches from her lips. Her eyes wide staring at him.


    ¡°Cat Woman? Ahahhahah¡± Selina chuckled nervously. Taking another drink, almost finishing the whole glass. ¡°That sounds like a playful name. Should I know who that is?¡± Selina let her hair fall over her face. Then slowly looked up at Lash who was not buying the act.


    ¡°Would you like more wine?¡± Lash asked, offering the bottle. Selina took the whole bottle instead of filling her glass. She took a mouthful. This Selina, this one Lash liked. He grabbed a chair and sat down near his bed looking at her.


    ¡°Bast. Soon as I mentioned the Goddess of cats your reaction told me everything I needed.¡± What Lash said was of course complete and utter bullshit. But she didn''t know that. Selina made a fist and punched the bed several times.


    ¡°That wouldn''t of happened if your magic fingers hadn''t worked there way through me! Damn it Lash how did you even do that! You barely touched me! I felt the same way when we first shook hands. Then you practically melted me in my chair by simply caressing and massaging my body and you didn''t even touch any of the fun places either!¡± Selina was angry at herself.


    ¡°Can you imagine what would be like if I did touch the fun places?¡± Lash asked with a smile. That made Selina shiver, in a good way. She took another pull from the wine bottle. Losing a lot of the grace that a lady like her tried to keep. Just made Lash smile more.


    ¡°What do you want? A cut? You cant have it higher then 10% I wo...wont..¡± Selina said before she stopped. Because Lash had a clear expression of confusion.


    ¡°Selina, I just sold two of my pieces for two and half million dollars. Yes, it was for charity. But I can make pieces like that again. Do I look like I want a cut of your profits? I even offered to make a piece for you my self. I meant what I said, Selina I plan to make a statue of Bast for you. I think you''ll like it.¡± Lash said to her with a confident smile on his face now.


    ¡°So.... You don''t wont money, you even offer to make me something. You are not attracted to me?¡± Selina said that last part with a bit of wounded pride.


    ¡°Oh I never said I wasn''t attracted to you Selina. I just act this way to throw you off your game. Like I said before.¡± Lash said, earning himself a glare from her. But he saw that piece of pride returning. Selina then tucked her hair behind her ear. Showing off the long line of her neck.


    ¡°So, how am I to ask you to keep this secret. As well as make me something.¡± Selina bit her lip, and drew her fingers down the long v-neck of her dress. She fluttered her eye lashes only to pause when Lash held his hand out to her.


    ¡°Hello Selina Kyle, My name is Erik Lash. I would like to be your friend.¡± Lash said with a wide smile on his face. Selina was frozen in place. She slowly blinked, then began to giggle. Then laughed! Falling over onto the bed. Her chest rising and falling with each breath. Lash enjoyed the sight, given how she was nearly falling out of her top like that.


    ¡°Y...You want to be my friend? That''s it!¡± Selina said breathlessly ¡°Nothing else?¡± She turned on her side looking at Lash. A blush creeping up her face either from the wine or the laughter.


    ¡°Well if we become friends with benefits, or something more in the future I wont say no. But for now. Yes, just friends. The statue I''ll make for you will be a gift of our friendship. Selina, tell me. How many people can you be real with? How many know all of you? And accept it?¡± Lash said to her. That last part caught her attention. He could clearly see the hesitation, the confusion, but also the feeling of regret. Something must of happened in the past. Didn''t end well. Selina then came to the edge of the bed. Held out her hand to him. Which he took.


    ¡°Hello Erik Lash, I would very much like to be your friend!¡± As soon as Selina said the words, a burst of energy linked them together. Causing them both to shiver, Selina let go and fell across the bed. Audibly moaning in pleasure as the energy rolled its way through her body. Lash got a prompt...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the friendship of Selina Kyle / Cat Women. Though just as surprised as she is hopeful. Selina is risking her life by opening herself to you. She hopes it wont be in vain. Your Cosmic Patron is pleased. Though its not really a harem, its a start!


    Your skill, Pack Bond has evolved: Range has increased to four miles, and increases overall stats by 20%. Please note that at least one member of your pack must be in range for the stat increase to be effective.


    Your skill, Telepathy has evolved: Range has increased to four miles. Line of sight no longer obstructs you as long as you know who you are talking to, will obstruct if you do not. You can now auto translate any language using your skill. You can now create a full communication link between individuals of your choice as long as you are in range.


    Saurian did not greet the new pack member because she was still a Mundane, for now. Cat Woman was finicky in the comics. In some she was just a normal human with a cat fetish. Others she had a meta-gene giving her cat like agility, senses, etc. Other times she was the chosen one of the Cat Goddess Bast. Saurian believes its the last one, he smells just the faintest whiff of divinity on her. Selina was still moaning in a mixture of pain and pleasure. -Her body is changing to accommodate the power we are giving her. Even when she leaves our range she will be different. The spark of divinity in her is growing. We''ve changed her, made her a better vessel. Saurian''s voice spoke softly, not speaking across the link with Selina. Lash came to the bed he propped up several pillows and sat back. Pulling Selina partially into his lap. She took his hands and squeezed. Groaning...Moaning, panting as sweat began to glisten across her skin.


    ¡°W..What...What is this?!¡± Selina screamed out. Flush with an orgasmic feeling. Lash could smell the scent of sex coming off of Selina now. She had crawled on top of one his legs, and was dry humping him. Her hands reached out and scratched up and down, her nails had extended and were actually cutting through the fabric of his enchanted shirt. Impressive.


    ¡°It will pass, I promise. Then you''ll feel better then ever.¡± Lash reached out and hugged Selina to his chest. She desperately wanted to lose her cloths but couldn''t escape Lash grip. She bit into his neck, hard enough to draw blood. But he kept her still. She re-positioned herself to be straddling him, her hips rocked back and forth but not finding the release she desperately wanted.


    ¡°W..Why wont you!¡± Selina cried as she tried to kiss him. She knew he was aroused she could feel his cock pressing up against her. But he wouldn''t move, he wouldn''t give in.


    ¡°Same reason why I wouldn''t if you were drunk. Yes, Selina I wont lie to you. I would very much like to have sex with you. But only when you are in the right mind. I will not have you wake up in the morning filled with regret.¡± Lash''s tone rebuked no argument.


    As he continued to hold her. Selina cried, tears fell down her cheeks. How long had it been since a man treated her like that? Never! That has never happened. She continued to lose control of herself. But Lash never gave in, even after she tried again and again rubbing against him. Till she fell unconscious in his arms. Lash gently laid her down across the bed. He got comfortable as well and just held her. She constantly twitched, groaning and moaning in her sleep. A spectral image of a cat came down from the ceiling. This cat was pure black, with golden eyes, and Egyptian decorations. It rubbed its head against Lash and Saurian then prowled around the bed, before falling asleep merging into Selina...


    ¡°Good night Selina. I hope you won''t hate me in the morning.¡± Lash said softly, He saw the spectral cat''s ears twitch, its head reared up then softly licked Lash''s nose before going to sleep.

 Chapter 20:A Walk to the…Park?

    CRASH! Lash moved his car through the brick wall, as debris flew across the street. There in front of him was his target. A white specter car, Lash flipped the command console onto auto target. The target was locked he jammed the activation button and three missiles primed and shot from his own car. With a deafening BOOM the white specter car was turned into nothing but twisted metal. Lash breathed a sign of relief. Time to move onto the next round....


    Lash opened his eyes, the night stand clock read 4:30 am like always. Selina was curled up on the bed sound asleep, still wearing her evening dress. Lash very carefully removed himself from the bed. Tucking Selina in, he could hear a soft audible purr. Wasn''t sure if it came from Selina or the spectral cat. Lash went to his closet and carefully took his party suit off. Setting it aside to be cleaned later. He then opened a side drawer that was full of... Women''s next morning wear, filled with stretchy soft pants, shirts, socks, and even simple slip on shoes. Lash questioned Dottie''s reason for doing this, but now that he thought about it. It made sense. He set the cloths near the bed on the chair he used last night. Left a simple note for Selina to feel free to use the shower when she woke up and to change.


    Lash took a quick shower himself, and cleaned up. Putting on his standard casual morning wear. He left the bedroom quietly and headed to his art studio like always. He checked the balcony, no visitors, nothing on his phone a reasonably peace full night. He could see the moon was just barely falling beneath the horizon as if saying good morning to him. He waved, not sure why. Unlocking his art room he set a proximity sensor in the house. Basically if Selina were to exit his bedroom the system would notify him. Paranoid? Totally! Lash then began to take wet clay from a material cabinet, then began to make a working model of the statue he intended to make for Selina.


    ¡°Good morning, Dawn. So, I have a question how was I able to say that she was Cat Woman. I learned that you can hint at things, dance around the subject with out actually saying it. But, I just said it. Why?¡± Lash said softly, he was molding the wet clay with his skill.


    ¡°Good morning, User. By collecting personal data due to your most recent skill, Deductive Reasoning you were able to make this connection. However, looking through the User''s data we''ve established that you have no prior knowledge. We believe we have found a system error in the programming. By taking what you knew in the outside world, and then applied to what you knew in The Dream Engine generated world. Deductive Reasoning linked the two separate forms of information. Thus allowing you access, essentially breaking the fourth wall. You are not the first person in The Dream Engine to obtain Deductive Reasoning but you are the first to report the system error.¡± Dawn said in a neutral tone. Returning to the VI rep for the developers.


    ¡°So it was a mistake. Erik knows the information, Lash and Saurian have the skill. But The Dream Engine wouldn''t allow us to break the fourth wall. But with Deductive Reasoning we broke the fourth wall.... Let''s report the bug! I don''t have to rewind my world do I?¡± Lash suddenly was conflicted.


    ¡°No User you will not. We have logged the data and we are sending it now. Please wait a moment.¡± Dawn said....


    Lash continued to mold the clay, it looked like a cat now, with a tail wrapped around it. He went with an Egyptian stylized cat, so long body, emphasized points, especially the ears. Then began to design decorations into the shape. He contemplated carving whiskers or making his own. But that would make them incredibly fragile. He smoothed his thumb down its back, creating the soft features of a spine that you would normally feel if you were petting a cats back. He continue to work on the clay model for about an hour. Then used his skills to mold it into a solid state. Fixing little details, even if it was a model he still wanted it in a complete version.


    ¡°I''ve returned User! Did you miss me!¡± Dawn''s voice was back to being playful and chipper. Which made Lash smile.


    ¡°I did Dawn! I understand the need for business but if I have to choose I prefer this version of you. So, what news from the front?¡± Lash said with smile. He was walking around his clay model.


    ¡°The Developers say thank you for the report. A rolling update will be issued immediately. No one will lose their progress, but they will receive a note telling them of the change. The Developers would like to give you an achievement. This achievement can be obtained in many ways through hard work in the generated world but they felt it was a satisfactory reward for you. They have also placed you in the list of ''special thanks'' to list in the generated credits.¡± Dawn said all of this with a voice a proud friend.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Lash stopped his inspection of the model and waited for the prompt...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement, Integrity: ''Doing the right thing, even when no one else is around to see it''. Generated world populace is 10% less likely to betray you, generated world populace is 10% more likely to trust you, and tell you the truth.


    ¡°That is actually pretty nice!¡± Lash was satisfied with his reward.


    ¡°Please take note User, that you can lose the achievement passive effects if you step to far from your compass of integrity, but keep the Achievement in your records. However, with the way you have operated we see no reason why that will happen.¡± Dawn said in a clear and amused tone.


    ¡°User, should take note that in the event of your death with in the generated world. All passive effects of the Achievements can be purchased with new world + points. Allowing you to retain them the start, and unlike Achievement passives those that are bought remain regardless.¡± Dawn said.


    ¡°Oh so that''s just another reason to collect Achievements. So when you start a new world, you can get what you had before. Part of me is tempted, but I want to ride this as long as I can. I get the feeling they''ll be an Achievement for one life, one play. Or something like that.¡± Lash said to himself in satisfaction. Then the proximity alarm went off, telling Lash Selina had left the bedroom.


    ¡°Oh, time to move. Thanks for talking with me! Air-hug!¡± Lash said, and gave his best impression of an air hug. Dawn laughed, her voice soft and sweet on his ears.


    ¡°Any time User!¡± Dawn''s voice faded.


    Lash cleaned up a bit and carefully put away the clay model before locking up the art room. Walking to the kitchen he saw Selina with wet shower hair tied up with a hair band. Wearing the soft cotton t-shirt, stretchy cotton bottoms, and he assumed ankle socks. She was looking through his cabinets, plenty of tea. Lots and lots of tea.


    ¡°Looking for coffee?¡± Lash said to her, half way across the room. Selina jumped in surprise before turning around. Looking like a kid who just got caught steeling cookies from the cookie jar. She smiled at him.


    ¡°Hay Handsome!¡± Selina replied then covered her mouth, surprised by her own reaction. Lash paused for half a step before moving forward. He guessed Integrity must be active.


    Lash had a smile on his face as he moved into the kitchen, reaching above the refrigerator he pulled a coffee maker out. Thing hadn''t been used for a while. But knowing Dottie he was sure...Yep there they were, an assortment of coffee grounds. He plugged it in and started preparing to make the coffee. He didn''t need to turn his head around to see Selina was watching him. His Sensory Awareness was active. Selina was biting her lip as she watched how Lash broad shoulders filled out his shirt. Her eyes glanced up and saw the tribal tattoo on his bald head. More then once she wanted to reach up and touch it. Lash turned around then, leaning up against the kitchen counter. Selina was watching him intently. Lash could see a spectral cat tail idly twitching behind her.


    ¡°Do you have time for me to make you breakfast? Or...¡± Lash asked with a smile on his face.


    ¡°I can stay for breakfast...As long as I get to ask you questions. Deal?¡± Selina said softly, sticking her chin out with a bit of confidence.


    ¡°Alright...Please set the table.¡± Lash said as he opened a cupboard for of dishware.


    He moved towards the refrigerator and began taking out fixings for omelets. It wasn''t terribly difficult, his nutritionist had omelets all prepared he just had to warm up a pan and throw them in. But he still oiled a pan, and got everything ready. The smell of coffee filled the room and Selina practically sprinted towards it. Sugar and cream were ready to be used but she drank it black. Lash laughed and went back to cooking the meal. He made himself some jasmine tea. Then once everything was prepared he brought the food over. Selina perked up at the smell of fresh egg, basil, cut tomato, spinach and a just a bit of cheese. As soon as Lash sat down he got a prompt...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Basic Cooking: A majority of the time you''ve had meals made for you, or meals just for you. But this is the first time you''ve made a meal for some one else. Food is always better with company. You now understand the basics of cooking be it in a fully stocked kitchen, or roughing it out in the middle of no where.


    Lash only hesitated for a moment after reading the prompt then began to eat his food. Selina and him had a comfortable set of silence before they finished the meal. Selina then stood up, walked around the table and went to the living room area and curled up along the coach. Stretching out like a cat, she even began to paw at the leather. Her nails extended slightly leaving soft scratches along the seat. Lash stood up and cleaned the table, and set the dishes to the washer. Before joining her, taking a seat opposite of her.


    ¡°Are you an alien? Like that guy in Metropolis?¡± Selina asked, she was looking at Lash sideways. She was rubbing her body against the coach. Her t-shirt was riding up her skin suggestively, she made no move to pull it down.


    ¡°I was born on this planet, but I am not a native to it.¡± Lash spoke the truth.


    The body was born here. But neither Lash or Saurian were natives. They came from somewhere else, some one else. Selina seem to accept that, she jumped from her coach to Lash''s with a graceful movement that even surprised her. Then curled up, her head on his lap facing up. She took his hand and brought it to her stomach, letting his hands dance across her naked skin. Lash''s hands began to move on their own. Making Selina moan in pleasure.


    ¡°So, is exchanging friendships something important with you people? Not like the trash on Earth, making a friend is actually worth while?¡± Selina smiled at Lash, she was holding onto his arm that was petting her.


    ¡°You could say that. I have many friends. But not many true friends. A true friend is hard to come by. When you said yes, for what ever reason. Even with all that you''ve faced in your life. You meant it when you accepted me as one. So the exchange happened.¡± Lash was spouting mostly bullshit.


    But once more he couldn''t tell Selina that he was trying to upgrade his skills, and collect a beautiful women into his pack. He did intend to see if he could get Bruce into the pack. He believed it would help them both in the long run. Selina had a sad face for a moment before she snuggled closer. Tucking into a ball, she began to purr softly. Lash continued to play his hand up and down her side, belly, and back. Selina loved every minute of it.


    ¡°So, were not married or something Alien like that are we?¡± Selina asked hesitantly. Which made Lash laugh softly.


    ¡°No, Selina we are same as we were last night. Friends. We just share a connection now that as you would say ''Not like the trash'' but something more.¡± Lash said to her. Selina then sat up, sitting on her knee''s. Then leaned forward and kissed Lash''s cheek.


    ¡°You were right. If you had sex with me last night things would have been worse between us. Thank you for not taking advantage of me.¡± Selina said, before jumping up and began to prowl around the room.


    The sun was starting to rise now. Selina looked crestfallen at the rising sun. Lash knew that she had to leave. Lash stood up, and gently took her by the hand into the art room. When Selina understood where they were going the spring in her step returned. He showed her the clay model of the cat he was planning on making.


    ¡°This is just a model to be used. I''ll have the actual one made in a few days. As long as the number you gave me is.....the real one?¡± Lash said, as Selina look embarrassed walked over to table and wrote down a new number. Mumbling about this and that before handing to him. On it was Selina''s number he assumed.


    Selina admired the clay model for a bit. Before she walked over and kissed Lash again on the cheek. She wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled into his embrace. Which Lash returned. Thanks to the various types of skill''s on top of Deductive Reasoning he could tell that Selina felt safe around him. But knew that once she left she would put her mask back on. While holding her, Lash placed a very simple Glamour mark on her. Signifying she was protected by a Warden. That would come into play in a bit.


    Lash helped Selina gather her things, he called down to the front desk and had a car be arranged for Selina. Not a cab driver and actual car. This service was new, mostly due to the Fae Courts owning the building. He went down to the front desk with Selina and saw her off to the car. On the walk down he watched as Selina put her ''mask'' back. Returning to the tempting seductress wearing cotton bottoms and top. It looked funny, but also very alluring! And she knew it. Then a car with the buildings symbol on it showed up. He said goodbye, she winked at him and left. On his way back up he called Skaleg.


    ¡°Good morning Mentor!¡± Lash said into the phone, which brought a string of obscenities from the old man. Then after a few minutes Lash was back in his home talking to Skaleg.


    ¡°So, why did you call me so early in the morning! You know I''m almost retired!...Hi Lash!¡± Skaleg said, followed by his daughter Marie calling through the phone.


    ¡°Skaleg, I''ve found a seedling of a gods Chosen. I wanted to put her on a watch and protection list. She''s a friend.¡± Lash said. That woke Skaleg up real fast. Lash heard him shuffle to his office and close the door.


    ¡°Which god? And whats her name.¡± Skaleg became the Warden Mentor that Lash had come to rely on.


    ¡°The goddess Bast. The women is Selina Kyle. She has a very...troubled past. She is a talented thief in the mundane world at least here in Gotham. Her seedling has given her cat like agility and above average senses. I''ve already confirmed that she has a divine spark in her.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Ok..wait...You...How did you confirm she has a...Wait is that something your partner can smell as well? Jesus Christ, Lash! Your just a Swiss pocket knife of tools aren''t you! Do you have an address for Miss Kyle.¡± Skaleg said across the phone as he typed the information in.


    ¡°I do not, however she just left my home and took one of the Fae Court cars. I assume to drop her off at home, or at the very least near it. I left a simple Warden Glamour on her. Same one you taught me. So?¡± Lash said as he sat down at his office computer.


    Lash was suppose to keep an updated file on himself. Including known associates, friends, family, lovers. As well as a semi detailed file of his own skills on The Warden info page. The Warden''s didn''t expect every thing, good to keep a few trump cards. But he did make a note saying he can smell god-lings, god-kin, and seedlings divine spark. He also put Isabella Kuldr on the associates of his friend and ''Sister'' Elizabeth Shaw. Wrote about their pre existing relationship before he was a Warden. The Courts would take that into account if something happened.


    ¡°Found her.... Oh, apparently her ''Day job'' is prostitution. But she moonlights as a thief, who...dresses up in a full body skin tight leather outfit styled after a cat. She lives in one of Rocksie''s neighborhoods. Rocksie''s pack helps maintain one of the red-light districts here in Gotham. They treat their people a lot better then the rest. They thought she was a were-breed who hadn''t gone through their first change yet. But it was proven that she was a mundane. Well it seems she did have a bit of cat in her after all. I''ll let Rocksie know, they''ll keep an eye on her.¡± Skaleg''s typing was quick and efficient.


    ¡°Thank you... So, did Bruce Wayne call you?¡± Lash asked with a bit of hesitation.


    ¡°OH! Do not get me started on that bull shit! How the fuck did you even approach the subject with him!? Thankfully the info on the Father, Daughter duo Zatara and Zatanna checked out. So we at least know he''s encountered magic! If he hadn''t you would have been in serious trouble Lash! Course you wouldn''t have called me if you knew you had broken the rules! Fuck!¡± Skaleg went from angry, to happy, to a bit of pride in his voice at the end. Lash had a grimacing smile on his face. His file on the Warden page had been updated.


    ¡°Yes, he contacted me. He was so far out of my pay grade that I had him contact the Warden HQ directly. As far as I know they are suppose to talk today. The likely hood that he''ll become a Warden is next to zero. But, having a high profile case like him on the up and up will help us out a lot. If things go smoothly you''ll get a huge bonus for tying him in with us. Maybe we could ask him to help us with this Ares cult bullshit!¡± Skaleg had said that last part with regret.


    ¡°How are the societies doing? Any updates?¡± Lash was a little scared to ask, he already guessed what was going to happen.


    ¡°A majority of the older generation wants to ride the storm out and keep things the way they are. But a lot of the younger generations don''t. With that alien guy in Metropolis, and Diana the Princess of Themysicra running around in broad fucking daylight! The younger ones want to come out of the shadows. Claiming its a new world, people are more educated now. They''ll be understanding. Plus we can just say we are aliens from another world. They are fucking idiots is what they are!¡± Skaleg was yelling by the end of it. But Lash could hear the concern in his voice.


    ¡°I''ll start doing some nightly patrols. Both with the community watch and on my own as a Warden. Gotham is getting...Active. People are on shorter fuses.¡± Lash said to Skaleg. Despite his many skills, abilities, and strengths. Lash was still very much a nobody in the world. Wonder Woman could sneeze on him, and it would probably kill him.


    ¡°That would be great! Tell you the truth we''ve actually had an influx of recruit''s. Many of them heard about Erik Lash''s exploits of finding a bomb and saving the day. I''m sure you showing up will help temper some of the young and stupid.¡± Skaleg laughed.


    They soon finished talking, and hung up. Lash stood up and went to his bedroom for a change of cloths. He put on some athletic casual wear. You know things that look good, but allow you to move in. Black boots, loose but fitting pants, long sleeved muscle shirt, leather jacket that extended to his thigh. Put a nice winter cap on. Standing in front of the mirror he looked like he cos playing as a well dressed thug. He got his important effects including his Warden badge. Double checked his home, then locked up and left his building. He looked around, as the morning sun was still rising, he picked a direction and started walking.


    Lash saw the duel imagery of the mundane world over the magical world. He looked and saw how roots were growing over the concrete, connected to towering tree''s that people walked through with no effect. He saw a six limped dog creature tear into another denizen. Eating it for breakfast. The dog then chased after a jogger before leaping through them. But for Lash the creatures all moved around him as he was a boat sailing through the seas. Many of them stopped to watch, a few even walked up and sniffed him. Lash stopped more then once, to pet the creatures. Which earned him a few stares from the people, watching him pet nothing. Lash was like a juice box to these things. Thanks to the Nature Domain he naturally gave off energy they could feed on.


    ¡°Come on guys! Why are you doing this! I''m just on my way to work!¡± Lash stopped and heard a voice. He traced a few steps back and saw a man being held up against a wall. Two thugs held him there as another thug was riffling through the mans wallet. Lash rolled his eyes and walked down the way towards them. Thanks to Ares a lot of people, normal common people that would never do things. Were breaking the laws these days. Ares influence made people quick to anger, to rage, to killing.


    ¡°You are on your way to work, and this is our work. Making sure idiots you stop walking through our turf thinking a short cut will save you time!¡± The third thug was pulling out ID''s, credit cards, and some cash. Before he stopped and looked towards the street to see Lash standing there. Holding in his hand was a Gotham PD badge. The thug stopped.


    ¡°H...Hello officer.¡± the third thug said. His companions turned around and let the man go from the wall.


    ¡°Give him back his wallet, and the items with in it. And I''ll just imagine I didn''t see anyone today. Alright?¡± Lash said clearly to all four of them. Several creature denizens were near by watching the show.


    ¡°Sure sure!¡± The third thug put everything back, and shoved it into the mans hand. The man took it back and made a beeline for the street.


    ¡°Next time! Stick to the streets! Don''t take a short cut!¡± Lash said to the man as he passed. Lash put away his glamoured badge and looked at the thugs. ¡°Go on! Like I said I didn''t see anything.¡± Lash watched as the thugs breathed a sigh of relief and took off down the alley.


    Lash continued on his walk, by noon he had stopped fifteen muggings, ten purse snatching, and helped a little girl find her missing cat. The last one was actually pretty easy he just asked the denizens for help and the cat was found around the block. The cat said to Lash it went out hunting! Then he, the girl, and the cat home went back to their home. To which the little girls mother was first angry, then suspicious of Lash then when he took out his badge she was mollified. Lash said goodbye to them. Lash stopped at a street vendor that was owned by a were-rat. The man was spooked when he saw Lash. He laughed, paid for his food and gave him a nice tip. The man kept nodding his head again and again. Lash walked into a corner street park. Despite the cities clear attempt and keeping up and up. The place was dying.


    It was winter, but this was different. This wasn''t one of those huge city parks you could hold parties at. This was a corner park, that was built for little kids to play in. He finished his meal, and threw it away. He then walked further in. The play ground was a mess, the tree''s were dying or knocked over. The concrete was smashed. Lash was....Angry. He looked at the tree''s, once something was dead it was out of his hands. But if it was dying, that was something he could work with. He walked around the little park and cast Nature''s Supplement on the tree''s, the frozen plants, the dirt! Which would make great fertilizer. Then cast Decomposition on the dead tree''s and plants. He put a simple glamour around himself while he worked. A majority of the people that walked by saw nothing, but a few Super-natural people, and a few human mystics stopped and watched him. Then he used a recently acquired spell...


    Nature Domain Spell, Restoration; Something broken? Something old? Well use this spell to restore it to a previous version of it. No! Its not time travel, you just use your magic to fix it and return it to previous condition. As long as it comes from nature, you can use nature to restore it. Unlike other Druids, you firmly believe that a concrete city is just another Jungle. Welcome to the Jungle! We''ve got fun and games!


    Lash spent the next two hours fixing the park up. The kids play ground was restored, the concrete was settled, the park returned to what it should have been. Yes, its winter, yes its cold. But the park looked like a park again. Lash sat down on one of the restored benches. He was breathing heavily he had a smile on his face but was exhausted. This took a lot more energy then he thought. Then in front of him was cup of what smelled like hot chocolate being held by an old man. He had gray hair with flannel hat. Brown skin with wise old eyes. A scarf wrapped around his neck. A big wool coat on, with pants and brown shoes. Wool gloves, the man had a smile on his face. Lash took the offered drink.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Lash said as he sipped carefully.


    ¡°Thank you! May I sit?¡± The old man asked, before Lash gesture for him. ¡°My grand-daughter use to come down here. But about a week ago some people trashed this place and the city hadn''t fixed it. But I can tell her its fixed now! I get to say a Warden did it too!¡± The old man sipped his drink as well. Almost to emphasize the point some kids came running into the park and started playing. Followed by their parents.


    Lash continued to drink, as the illusion around the man peeled away. He had red skin, claws on his hands and feet, and the stereotypical devil tipped tail. But still wore the same cloths. Lash knew this type, it was a humanoid demon type. Imagine thousands of years ago demons bred with humans. Their off spring were the half demons that brought chaos and destruction. But as generation after generation flew by that desire to destroy and sew chaos dwindled out. Now, they are just people. Majority of them only have about 10% demon blood in them. But even that is enough to make them look like that.


    ¡°Didn''t seem right leaving it like that. I''ll probably get an ear full later for using my magic in the view of the public. But....I think it was worth it.¡± Lash said taking another drink. Lash watched as the older human/demon waved at a little girl with who he assumed was her mother. They waved back, as the little girl ran into the playground to play.


    ¡°I think you''ll be fine, you set up a glamour before you started. To most people the place still looks wrecked. But as the glamour fades people will see a park and not think much of it. Happens all the time down here.¡± The man said as he stood. He offered to shake Lash hand which he did.


    ¡°See you around Warden Lash. Its nice to have a nice Warden walking around.¡± The old demon said, giving Lash a wink before joining his grand-daughter. He started pushing her on the swing. The little imp girl laughed!


    Lash looked up and saw that there was only a few more hours left until sunset. Then he''ll let Saurian out to play. Lash finished his drink and threw it away. Double checking the park one last time. All he could do was fixed, all he couldn''t do was properly laid to rest. He watched with a smile as more families showed up. Even a few benevolent denizen creatures showed up to play in the park. The Natural energy the area was full of life thanks to Lash. Then he left, he wanted to find a nice place to eat before he shifted. He knew he wouldn''t get back home until late... Hmmm Maybe pizza.

 Chapter 21: The Narrows

    Lash sat in a pizzeria pub. People were getting off of work, pub was filling up. Lash sat in a corner seat watching everyone come in. He had a smile on his face, remembering the simple life of days long past. Lash didn''t have many of those so he always remembered them fondly. Boring days, filled with tedious none life threatening tasks. He had another slice of his plain pepperoni pizza slice and a sip of his green tea. He was surprised the pub served it. Even more surprised when he didn''t have to pay for it. Apparently the owner of the bar had family that worked at the Shield Plaza. They recognized him and said his money was no good here. At least for today. Lash finished his meal and left a larger the average tip for the server. Finishing his green tea before he left the pub.


    Walking out into the cold night of winter. Lash walked down the street. He had been walking since this morning. But he still had work to do, he was getting a feel for the city he lived in. Anyone who lives in a city their whole lives will tell you that a city has a ''feeling'' a life of its own. He wasn''t sure if it was the Nature domain he had or if it was its own senses. But he felt that the city was getting a feel for him just as much as he was for it. Lash found his way to one of Gotham City parks. One of the larger ones that you hold events in. Walking the pavement paths, then the dirt trails used by the runners. He came across several little holes or spaces in the tree''s and bushes that would be used by an assortment of people ranging from kids skipping school, to drug addicts trying to get high. But one such hole had something else in it.


    S...shut up! I''ll fucking cut you up if you say another word!¡± A man''s voice whispered to another whimpering individual. Lash walked through the brush and came upon a man holding a knife to a small little girl. The man was putrid with filth layered on top of layers wearing an old flannel coat. He turned around and stared at Lash, he pulled around the little girl and held the knife to her throat.


    ¡°Fuck off man this one is mine! Find your own!¡± The man called to Lash. However, Lash wasn''t looking at him but the little girl. The girl was wide eyed but not with fear but surprise.


    ¡°Go on! I won''t interrupt your meal. I''ll even cover for you.¡± Lash raised his arm and a dome glamour effect covered the immediate area. Some one could scream bloody murder and no one would know.


    ¡°What the fu...GGEEEEHHHHH!¡± The man tried to say before his arm that was holding the girl was...no longer there.


    The little girl''s mouth opened incredibly wide and bit the mans arm off. He fell to the ground and screamed! Before the tiny girl grew, and grew. Her skin peeled away and a giant monstrosity creature spilled out. To many tentacles, eyes, and mouths for a natural creature to have. The thing whipped its tentacles around and began to rip the man apart piece by piece. Oddly enough despite the amount of blood he had lost, or how many pieces he was in he continued to scream as if something was keeping him alive to suffer. Finally his screaming head was all that remained, the creature saved that for last before it swallowed it. The face appeared along with many others that stretched the surface of the creatures skin screaming in agony. Then with a pop, and a flash of light that was bright enough to make Lash cover his eyes for a moment. There stood a 5 foot pale skinned beauty. Silver white hair to her shoulders, pure black eyes. Wearing a simple summer dress as if the cold didn''t bother her.


    ¡°Warden, how may I help you?¡± The sherogoth said.


    Now, whats a sherogoth? Imagine a multi limped creature to many mouths, eyes, and arms. That prioritizes eating humans, specifically bad humans. Rapist, cannibals, pedophiles, the worst of the worst of humanity. People who are ultimately doomed to go to hell or what ever counts for hell in this universe. Sherogoths take pride in hunting down these dregs of humanity, and they rip them apart, ensure that they linger on as they are slowly consumed and digested. Saurian, and Lash liked them. However, they were described as Super-Natural beasts. They can take the shape of humans, preferably the disguise of the victims that these scum bags like. They don''t have a sentient language unless you are a Beast Talker.


    ¡°Are there any more you need to collect tonight or is that the only one?¡± Lash asked the Sherogoth.


    ¡°He is the last one inside the park. But this city is full of their kind. Alas I am the only one here in Gotham the rest of my kin have either been banished or killed. Are you here to do that?¡± The sherogoth didn''t seem to mind.


    ¡°On the contrary, me and my partner have nothing but respect for a fellow hunter. However, several Mundane police officers have seen eye witness reports of some one killing. They don''t know your habits or why. All they see is a monster that needs arresting or to be put down. Now I know you won''t hurt them, but if the mundanes get involved then the Warden''s get invovled. Any interest in leaving Gotham for about a week or so? Or spreading out your hunting grounds? If you catch to much attention then the other Wardens will be required to take action.¡± Lash kept his voice even, and his body language suggested that he was not aggressive. He came to talk.


    ¡°Hmmmm, I think I can take a week or two of rest. Concentrate on making those I''ve captured suffer to their full extent. Yes¡± The Sherogoth accepted the offer. Lash took an item out of his pocket and tossed it to her. She looked up confused.


    ¡°Its a shield just like the one I just used. That way when you go hunting again, activate it so their screams don''t attract unwanted attention. Do you know how to use a Glamour talisman?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious. She nodded her head in a yes.


    ¡°Thank you for the lovely gift, Warden Lash.¡± The Sherogoth walked up to him, when he didn''t flinch away she smiled at him. Her smile was beautiful and captured the mind. ¡°May I give you a gift in return?¡± She said softly, he gave her the briefest of nods. She wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him into a kiss. He didn''t fight it, he didn''t ''feel'' any danger from it.


    The Sherogoth tasted sweet on his tongue, though he felt that her tongue was like wet sand paper or a lions tongue, full of barbs. Something slipped into his mouth, and into his body. It was spiritual as well as alive, then he got a prompt...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtain the Sherogoth''s blessing. Benevolent monstrosities like you 10% more. You are now able to ''read'' those that have done evil. Both a blessing and a curse. This will aid in your path of justice, as well as punishment. What is ''evil'' Well if you have to ask?


    ¡°Thank you, rest well and good luck in future hunts sister.¡± Lash said softly, the sherogoth let go of him and smiled. She winked at him and left through the brush disappearing into the park.


    Lash moved into the hide away hole and cleaned up the blood by using Decomposition instead of it being fresh it will look like its been here for months if some one checks here at all. Lash moved back to the ''public'' area of the park and took out his phone. He called Warden HQ to tell them the Sherogoth agreed to stop for a few weeks. The talisman was handed off as well. Lash felt content that he was able to help save her. He personally felt that the world needed more Sherogoths to help clean out the trash. But they were rare.


    Lash felt Saurian getting antsy, he smiled and found a secluded spot inside the park, cast a simple glamour to hide him for a bit. He took a deep breath then shifted. His skin peeled off and faded from sight as if it was leaves burning in a pyre. Claws came from his hands and feet, a long muscular tail came from the base of his spine. Spatial Item Shifting swallowed his cloths as his body elongated, his skull broke and grew. A snout extended as his skull crest grew. Saurian was now six feet tall when hunched over. Taller if he stood up, but would be twelve feet from nose to tail. Bone spikes had begun to grow from his elbows and knee''s making natural weapons. Saurian wore basic kevlar shorts and a top. Mostly for modesty sake, given his scales were just as hard as kevlar if not stronger in the major area''s. Sam had given it to him after the mansion assault of the Cult of Ares when he found out Saurian could absorb cloths. It was a trick that every were-breed in the city wanted Saurian to teach them how. When he figured out how Lash and Saurian did it they would tell them.


    Saurian let out a monstrous roar that shattered the glamour around him. The sound rang through the entire park making everyone near by shudder in fear. But the Sherogoth that was leaving only had a smile on her face. Saurian used Glamour to cast a cloth wrappings around his body. So if any mundanes saw him all they would see is a ghostly wraith wrapped in dark and tattered cloth. Not subtle at all, but at least they wouldn''t see a giant lizard. Saurian then sprinted through the park casting Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage despite the clear advantage of the spells. Saurian still practiced proper stealth and movement. He didn''t want to rely on the spell, but to use it to simply help him.


    With in a few minutes he made it from the park to the city streets. He leaped over an intersection terrifying several drives and a few pedestrians who only saw something wrapped in cloth zip past them. Using his claws and hand holds on a building he climbed up a wall and was gone from sight! He sprinted across the rooftops leaping from roof to roof. If Gotham was anything? It was a parkour dream. Leaping from flag poles, to fire escapes, down rain gutters. Saurian stopped for a moment and looked up. It was a clear night with out a cloud in sight. The moon was a crescent, looked like a creature smiling or taking a bite out of the sky.


    Saurian then dipped his head to the side listening. The sounds of police and fire trucks were zipping near by. He sped up following the sound, soon discovering the reason. A building had caught fire and it was consuming not only it self but the near by buildings. Soon he came to the edge of the street looking over the fire department combating the raging inferno. He saw the police do their best to keep the gawking civilians from getting to close. Several people were trapped in the upper floors. The fire was spreading and taking floor after floor. Saurian looked around and saw several super-natural denizens were perched on the rooftop watching the blaze.


    ¡°Little ones? What started the fire?¡± Saurians gravely voice spooked many of them, they hadn''t seen him approach.


    ¡°Ah! Warden is here! Hello! Nothing much, some one burned something. Faulty smoke detectors in the building. Before they could get it under control! Boom!¡± A creature with giant ears spoke up. Like a giant rabbit only the size of Great Dane.


    ¡°Thank you Little one.¡± Saurian gave some natural energy to the creature. It purred in happiness! The creatures nearby looked sad! Why didn''t they speak up! Since when did Warden''s give out rewards! Before they could speak Saurian leaped down to the street.


    Saurian sprinted across the way, past the police line and fire department as they tried to combat the fire. An officer yelled out! ''Hay stop!'' The officer must be sensitive to things to have seen him. Saurian raced into the building. He began choking on the smoke when his Damage Resistance, and Adaptation. Kicked on. Soon he was only coughing every once and a while and the fiery heat wasn''t that bad. Then he did something he hadn''t tried ever. He used is new evolved Telepathy and sent out a pulse, he wasn''t sure it worked like this. He was suppose to know the people he spoke to. But maybe he could bend the rules.


    ''Any one here!'' He did this on the first floor...No reply. He raced up to the second floor, skipping past the ruined stairs. Then did the same thing on the second, third, then fourth....


    ¡°Yes! Were here! Please help us!¡± They screamed out loud not realizing the voice came from their mind. So Saurian used Telepathy like a sonar pulse. They couldn''t reply using the skill, but this was enough.


    Saurian raced past the flames, and broke down a wall crashing through into a small bedroom. A man was cradling his daughter. They both screamed in horror as a wraith monster came through the wall. Then abruptly calmed down with Calm Emotions. Saurian had gotten better with the skill. Instead of a massive area of effect now he could to selective targets. This way he wouldn''t receive the side effects later. Saurian went up to them checked them over and cast. Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. Picking them both up he raced through the building. The fire and smoke seem to make way for him, he had thought about using his domain to see if he could stop the fire. But the biggest thing he had succeed with was a candle flame. Maybe one day, but today just passing by with the people unharmed was enough. Soon Saurian was out front again carrying the man and his daughter. He stopped out front when several people screamed and pointed. His ''Shroud'' was still active, but carrying the people must temporarily break his Chameleon spell, or maybe they freaked out cause a living flame creature was there? They didn''t work well with others...For now. Saurian dropped the father and daughter off and sprinted back into the burning building.


    Saurian checked the entire building and helped get twelve people safely out of the building. Before he raced up a nearby building. Perching in place watching the building fall to ruin, seeing if he could help any more. All twelve of the people were being helped, the effects of Calms Emotions had worn off. Now their raw emotions bubbled over. Many were sobbing, but a few kept asking about the wraith creature that helped them. Some were angry, why didn''t the monster show up sooner. But, one...A little girl was talking excitedly about how not all monsters were bad! Sometimes small gifts were the best ones.


    Saurian watched as the apartment complex fell to pieces. He reached up and ''into'' himself pulling out Lash''s cellphone. They had figured this one out a little while ago. Saurian carefully typed out a text. Sending a message of the building that had burned, about how the fire detectors were faulty to the Shield and Sword office. They would have a field day ripping the owner of the building apart. Saurian placed the phone back ''inside'' then raced through the city once more.


    Moving through city block after city block he made his way to the low economy side of the city. Or rather the slums, or as Gotham calls them ''The Narrows''. Arkham Asylum was attached to the Narrows but stood apart. A towering monolith of stone and despair. Saurian slipped across the connecting bridges and found a perch to overlook the area. Saurian had two reasons for being here. Its a crime haven for Mundanes, and it was also a home to a lot of unwanted super-natural beings. A majority of them were not bad. Just like the humans in the world down on their luck and trying to get by. However, both Lash and Saurian were surprised. Not a single Warden was assigned to the Narrows. They use to be! But they kept getting killed.


    His Dark Vision skill was still growing. He saw far better then a human would. But still not as good as say an owl would. But the more he used it the better it grew. Saurian slipped down from his perch balancing his weight on all fours. He had to be careful here. Because many of the roofs in the Narrows couldn''t take his weight. Saurian weighed near five hundred pounds. Lash, and all his cloths may have been sucked into Cosmic Patron above knows where. But the overall weight didn''t leave. So yes, Lash himself also weighs about five hundred pounds. When shifted to himself. BANG! BANG! Gun shots rang out across the Narrows not to surprising. But the screams that followed along with more gunfire maybe not so much.


    Saurian moved through the narrows like a giant panther. Jumping and testing the ledges before he moved on. As he moved he cast Restoration on what he could to reinforce it for the future. He intended to spend time in the Narrows. Soon he came upon the disturbance. Several more gun shots rang out. He looked down to see what appeared to be five or more different gangs shooting each other up. Several people had been shot dead already, a majority of them civilians caught in the cross fire. The cold night had already frozen their blood, the bodies growing stiff. The gangs were using a collection of small arm fire, a few shotguns. Petty thug equipment. He saw a few have what looked like a ''red'' aura around them. The blessing of Sherogoth was active. These men were not good people. Saurian moved to position just above them then. Dropped down on top of them.


    ¡°Die mother fuckers! This is our turf! I''ll fuck you up! Then I''m going to find that bitch you call a sister and fucker till sh..GGAAAAHHHHH!¡± A gangsters insult was cut off, his companions all looked over to see that their friend hand been compressed into a fleshy heap. A Nazgul mother fucker was standing on top of him. Then the creature dove into them, ripping arms and legs off in its wake.


    Saurian ripped and tore through the men. For every limb he removed he quickly used Burning to cauterize the wound. He wanted to kill them, but he knew that would look bad. Not just to Batman, but to the Wardens. He got the drop on this side of the gang fight and crippled them into submission. Bullets flew still, and pinged off the walls and homes nearby. Saurian found who seem to be the best dressed of the gangsters. He was missing an arm and was begging not to die. Saurian picked him up and took a Soul Bite out of him. Activating Dream Eater. For barely half a second Saurian was frozen in place. Then he knew this gangs base of operation. He digested the rest of the information for later. The gangster was having a fit as saliva frothed out his mouth, his eyes rolled back into his head. Saurian dropped him. Then sprinted to the other side of the intersection.


    He slipped past the barricade of cars and began to ''dissemble'' the other gangsters. Not all of them had the ''taint''. Those he just broke bones and rendered unconscious. Well he hoped, it was hard not killing a few. Accidents happen when you have super strength and claws designed to tear flesh and bone. Lets say one out of ten died accidentally. Saurian used his Material skills to turn the guns into goop. Soon three out of the five gangs having a shoot out were not firing anymore. The other gangs noticed this and began to worry. Saurian leaped from cover and sprinted straight towards the larger gang. He heard screams of surprise as small arms fire began to shoot towards him. He bolted left and right serpentine to get to his objective. He shoulder clipped into a car which sent it backwards making a few people fly back with broken bones. Then out of no where a man slammed his fist straight into Saurian making him impact a nearby wall!


    ¡°Aha! Fucker! Didn''t I tell you boyz this shit was fuckin awesome! Venom is the shit!¡± A steroid ranging muscle brain had several patches on his arms. The patches were pumping some sort of drug into his body. -Venom! It was the drug that Bane used in the comics to obtain super strength. This thug must be on it. Erik said


    Saurian clawed his hands into the concrete wall he had been thrown into. He felt several of his bones were broken. But his Damage Resistance sent him several prompts that it had gone up a few points. Yay for small victories! He threw a concrete stone at the thug, who idiotically bashed it, making dust and debris fly obscuring his vision. Before the thug could blink Saurian was as at his side cutting his Achilles tendon.


    ¡°AAAAAHHHHH!¡± The man flopped to the ground, no longer capable of keeping his balance.


    Saurian used Sooth and pulled the Venom from his bodies system. Thanks to the spell he didn''t go into automatic withdrawals but he also didn''t have super-strength anymore. The man didn''t have the taint so Saurian took a Soul Bite out of him, and used Dream Eater. Though it was stupid to do this in a fight he wanted to know where he got the drug. BAM! BAM! Saurian took two shots in the back with a shot gun. He buckled over, whipping his head around he snarled at his attacker. His eyes under the shroud lite up in anger. He got the info he wanted, he began to take the gang apart. Then moved to the last gang who had all but left in terror. He found at least one and ''fed'' on him. Learning of their hang out.


    All in all the battle took about twenty or so minutes. But... no cops, no swat. Saurian would be surprised if any cops showed up by morning. Saurian then dragged all the bodies of the different gangs out into the open. He used Nature''s Supplement on them all and used his partners phone. He sent a text to audio message to Gotham PD. His phone had a mystical auto block so they couldn''t trace it back to him. Several heads were peeking around the corner. Watching a wraith creature that flickered in and out sight even if it was standing in the middle of the street. Saurian counted...Shit he did kill at least four of them. He then disappeared up a wall and onto the roofs out of sight. He watched in horrifying fascination as The Narrows came to life. People rushed to the area and began to scrap the cars, steal the cloths and money from the gangsters. Some even bashed the living gang members heads in with rocks. Ouch.


    Saurian found a new perch, recasting Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage. He''d have to see if he could extend the time on it. Practice makes better. His Glamour was different, as long as he had magic it would remain. Even if he fell asleep it would remain. He meditated for a moment and looked through his ''new'' memories. As he was shifting through them several of his broken bones snapped back into place. Which made him groan. His Minor Regeneration at work. The more he used it the stronger it would become. A gang base was near, apparently it was a cheap brothel. He prowled the rooftops of the Narrows on his way to the base. After a few minutes he saw what looked like a cheap motel, only about about fifteen rooms total. All of them housing women, most of them would be called girls. They were scrawny, dirty, and a majority of them were high as a kite, or in withdrawals.


    He saw several Motophagus denizens. These things come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but looked like giant coi fish with tentacles. They are ''neutral'' super-natural creatures. They feed on emotions, generally negative ones. If used correctly they can be great help. They suck up the bad, and stay away from the good. But in large quantities they put out as much as they take in. Creating a whirlpool of despair that grows with time. Saurian clicked his tongue at a few. They took notice and swam through the air to him.


    ¡°Small ones, is this the only place these human girls are kept in such a manner?¡± Saurian said this, but he also used ''imagery'' most super-natural beasts didn''t truly understand language.


    He got several locations spread through out the narrows. They were owned by different gangs. He thanked them by using a bit of his Natural Domain to feed them. The Nature Domain was odd like that. Negative, Positive, Neutral or Null Energy. The creatures were excited for a bit. Then flew off to feed once more. Despite feeding denizens of the world he was never swarmed by them. Like they knew not to press their luck. Saurians eyes narrowed, he recognized someone from the memories. This was the gang leader he was pacing back and forth in front of the hotel. He kept looking towards where the fight took place. Then the man took out his phone, he spoke a few moments then screamed into it. He hung up and raged! Several nearby girls ran from him, knowing being around him was suicide right now. Saurian climbed his way over so he could listen to him talk.


    ¡°Fucking bastards! I''m fucking kill them! My brother was there! Robby! No no! Robby was at the meet...Smith? Smiths gone....M....Oh no! I''m the only one left. Oh shit! Shit! Shit! S...geeehhhaaa!¡± The boss chocked, as a long scaled tail wrapped around his neck and pulled him up off the street. Soon he was face to face with the thing that killed his brother.


    Saurian grinned at him, letting the shroud drop for a moment. This man had a thick red taint around him. He was a hell bound soul. Saurian took a ''bite'' of him. Then snapped his neck. He couldn''t make them suffer like the Sherogoth''s. But where they were headed would not be pleasant. At least he hoped. Replacing his shroud he slipped down to the street and walked into the main office. The women behind the counter barely registered that a wraith creature walked into the office holding her boss by the neck.


    ¡°Two people are extra, d....Jimmy? Boss why are you like that?¡± The women seem to connect the face of the broken necked man in Saurians claws.


    Saurian dropped the man then walked past the women. He ripped through a concrete wall and tore out a locked safe. He dialed the combination and took out nearly hundred grand in bills. Then he walked up to the women who was starting to get scared now. But instead of running she just froze. Trained to believe if she runs she would be punished. Saurian cast Sooth to remove the crap, gunk, and drugs in her system, the magic removing the need for withdrawals. Then he used Nature''s Supplement to help refill her bodies drastically needed nutrition. With in two minutes the scrawny strung out girl turned into a bright eyed, healthy looking woman who was now both terrified and mystified.


    ¡°Whats your name?¡± Saurian''s gravely and in-human voice made her jump.


    ¡°F..F...Freddy.¡± The women wanted to run, but felt that if she did she wouldn''t make it to the door.


    ¡°Do you know the woman here? Are they here by choice? Kidnapped victims? Do they have a home?¡±Saurian kept his eyes on her. All she could see was darkness but she felt he was looking at her.


    ¡°N...No one is here by choice. W..We are the unwanted. Most of us are run a ways. I...I have a family. God I haven''t seen them in years! I ran off before graduation, The Narrows...I came here on a dare! I hav...haaaa...¡± The women was about to break down until Saurian used Calm Emotions. Focus came back to her eyes.


    ¡°Come with me, we are going to free the other women. Then I''m going to help you all leave the Narrows. Understood?¡± Saurian waited for her to reply. He then handed her a bag and told her to fill it up with the money. It will be important later.


    Saurian moved from room to room. Cleaning out the drugs in the woman''s system, and helping them recover. Broke a few bones of the men inside. Unfortunately Saurian didn''t have a spell to remove disease. At least not yet. He could smell that even after his magic many of these woman were not healthy. He bundled up the women in coats and blankets. Grabbed the money bag and cast a wide area effect glamour on the group then they ''walked'' out of the narrows. The crowds of people just seem to move around them. Like they were swimming through a current of water. Soon they reached a bridge connecting the Narrows and Gotham. The women were all confused but calm. Saurian took out his phone and contacted Shield and Sword response team. Told them where to meet him and to bring transportation for thirty two women.


    ¡°Why are you doing this? Who are you?¡± Freddy said to Saurian.


    ¡°Because its the right thing to do.¡± Saurian replied. Freddy about burst into tears, even with the skill in place. Soon transport vans showed up, out of the first Vehicle came Booraku who walked over in a hurry.


    ¡°Sir! Are you alright?¡± Booraku asked, with genuine concern for him. Saurian handed him the bag of money. He looked at it confused.


    ¡°Legal fee''s. Take the women to a safe place, help them find their families if they have reasonably good families to go back to. If they don''t have families help them find a place in the world. If this isn''t enough money contact my partner we''ll arrange for money.¡± Saurian waited for Booraku to understand.


    The troll waved for the soldiers of the transports to come over. All the women were still in shock in what was going on and moved with out a fuss. Freddy stopped and looked at the wraith that was Saurian. Before she got into the transport van. Booraku took the bag of money and was about to leave.


    ¡°Booraku, I may call later. There are a few more places I have to check tonight.¡± Saurian said to him. The troll looked back at him then at the women who were starting to cry. They realized they had been rescued. The troll nodded and smiled back at him.


    ¡°Good hunting sir! We''ll be waiting.¡± Booraku jumped into the lead vehicle and drove the convoy back to a Shield and Sword run hospital.


    Saurian collapsed his mass movement glamour bubble. Ensured that the ''shroud'' was in place. Recast his movement spells then slipped back across the bridge into the Narrows. It was only 10:00 pm. He had a long night ahead of him. Four more gang hide outs, three more brothels, and a venom drug ring to collapse. Going to be a long night...

 Chapter 22: Drugs! Vampires! Assault Rifles! Oh My!

    CRASH! Saurian barreled threw a concrete wall straight into a hide out. Filled with strung out thugs, and tables full of powder. Before the dust settled he had bashed six gangsters into submission. Broken and bleeding on the ground. Small arms fire began to pelt into his body. His Damage Resistance kept sending prompts that its was growing. This was the third base he had cleared out. He sent a text audio to Gotham PD. Of course by the time they showed up the place would be ransacked by The Narrows. But something was better then nothing. Many of the men and a few woman he had beaten had the red taint on them. But not all of them did. He left the latter with all their limbs attached. He was sure he would get an earful from Batman about it some time. But he was starting to not care.


    Saurian collected all the money he found, well specifically large bills and stored them in a bag. He had found a up and out of the way place to store the money, why? Legal fee''s for the woman he was going to get from the Brothels. Maybe he could buy a storage system from the store. Lash learned the the Spatial Item Transformation didn''t work for bags and things. It was only directly cloths and things you could store on them, like a phone or wallet in a pants pocket. Then he got a prompt...


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron is impressed with your good Samaritan work. Understands your woes with what you need and want. They have granted you a storage skill.


    Minor Storage: This is Minor! Emphasis on Minor! No you don''t have a three by three by three cube in a pocket space. All this is? You can store money, be it cash, or coin. NOT! Gold bars, or gems. Just money. Like all your skills this will grow with time.


    Saurian looked around into the night sky above him, and whispered a thank you. Not sure if the great being watching over them would hear it. He then moved back to his stash and sure enough he could store the money. Not the bags or the money clip bands. Just the money. He had collected three hundred thousand six hundred and twenty two dollars. Or so said the system tab. Saurian was happy for the skill, but curious...How does a storage skill grow? He''d figure it out later.


    It had been several hours since his first interaction with the gang brawl, at this point miracles do happen! A Gotham PD zeppelin was above the narrows pointing its search light at the place, or what remained of the battle. The place had been stripped for parts, money, clothing, and even some of the bodies were gone. Though the zeppelin was there, Saurian did not see any ground units...Great. He continued on his mission in the Narrows. He had one more hide out, then a drug ring that was here. Before he planned to move to the brothels. Then another prompt appeared.


    Congratulations User! You''ve accidentally completed another quest from your Cosmic Patron, John Woods the Alpha Lion Pride leader was killed recently, and you were rewarded for it. Now, you''ve indirectly helped Tonya Woods become the new Alpha Lioness of the Blood-Eye Pride. Due to obtaining vengeance threw your efforts and the friendship that you both share Tonya was able to win over the Pride. Your reward will be an evolution of a current skill.


    Minor Regeneration, has evolved into Basic Regeneration: Now most small wounds heal at a visible rate, bones snap back into place as much as they are still mostly attached. Basic Regeneration are connected to the skill and racial trait, Damage Resistance, and Adaptation. User Please take note that the world continues to spin with or with out you. Your actions cause ripples that even you don''t see.


    Saurian gritted his fangs in pain as his entire body shifted and contorted for a moment. Old injuries that didn''t properly heal were set and mended. It was both a liberating moment and excruciating. But once it had passed he found he could move quicker, he was more agile. Yay! Moving across the miniature city that was the Narrows. He flicked a few Calm Emotions at raging parents and couples about to break into a fight. It was a band aid for a bleeding gash, but something was better than nothing. He found his next target, he perched on a dilapidated building he spent a moment and used Restoration on a few parts so it wouldn''t fall over. People were living it in after all.


    ¡°Who''s there?¡± A feline voice said, Saurian looked down and saw a house cat had come outside to see what all the fess about. Instead of hissing at him it walked up and rubbed against him. Saurian cast his two favorite spells on the cat. It purred in pleasure then sat next to him watching him, watch the gangsters.


    ¡°They''ve been like that since as long as I can remember. They are not nice at all! Mean to my human!¡± The cat said to Saurian. Saurian recovered a hundred dollar bill from his storage folded it up and gave it to the cat.


    ¡°This is paper money the humans use. Its worth a lot, give it to your human. Should please them.¡± Saurian said gently. The cat purred and took the one hundred dollar bill, then left inside the house once more.


    Saurian continued to watch, looking at the thugs. They were on high alert. They must have heard how all the gangs in the narrows were being targeted. He faintly heard a women groan in protest inside the house. The cat must have woke its human up. Then a shout for joy, the human found the money. Feeling a tug of compassion, Saurian spent another few minutes fixing up the roof of the broken house. The once fallen cat door to the roof was fixed, the roof didn''t have a long visible crack in it anymore. Finishing up Saurian saw the cat came back up, visibly happy. Once he had finished, the cat came up and pawed at him.


    ¡°Thank you! She was very happy!¡± The cat licked Saurians face when he leaned over before going back through the cat door.


    Saurian made sure his Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage was re applied. During the night they had both ranked up. Taking less energy and lasting longer. Saurian braced himself, finding good footing before he leaped across the street. CRASHING! Through a wall!


    ¡°What the fuck! Shit its him! Its the fucking wraith! Fuck him up!¡± A well dressed thug screamed as bullets began to fly towards him.


    Saurian leaped across the room and dug his claws into men left and right. The well dressed man fled through the door leaving his companions behind. Saurian pursued barreling through the door and sprinting down the hallway. Several doors opened up and people came streaming out all shooting the guns down the hall way. Even shooting their fellow members, not coordinated at all. At this point the kevlar shirt he had on was torn to shreds as was his pants. But his scales continued to be peppered with bullets. Soon his Damage Resistance to small arm fire made the damage negligible. Like air pellets from air soft guns. But this was dangerous, Saurian was getting over confident and he knew it. He berated himself for his recklessness. He soon began to dissemble the gang loosing track of the leader. After about ten or so minutes the hide out was silent. Well it was filled with groans and screams of pain. But no one was firing a gun any more.


    Saurian collected the money he found in the open, large bills only. He used Decomposition on the drugs. Making them effectively worthless. He stepped out of the hide out, the street was empty save for a few heads peaking around the corner. Saurian dropped down and began to sniff out the leaders scent, traveling....East. He moved keeping the scent with him.


    ¡°Yo Wraith! You the fucking man! Fuck those guys up!¡± Saurian paused and looked over and saw a young man freeze, not expecting him to stop. Saurian just looked at him, the kid was pure for the most part no taint. Saurian wasn''t sure why but he waved, then continued on. The kid laughed and waved back.


    Moving through the town on the streets was dangerous so he cast another invisible bubble glamour. Soon people got out of his way, not seeing why, but not caring. Then he saw the man sprinting down the street pushing people out of the way. It was a stupid move, but he did it anyway. Saurian used Intimidating Shout the sound stormed down the street and across a city block. Everyone just froze in place stunned for a moment. Saurian leaped onto a wall and...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Parkour: Ever heard of street running? Roof hopping? Free Running? Well now you have! This is an excellent skill for any one who spends a lot of time moving through the cities rooftops! You naturally see hand holds, beams that can carry your weight, as if the city it self was a jungle gym to you.


    Saurians movements became like a fish in water. His speed increased exponentially across the rooftops having a near sixth sense on what could hold his weight and what couldn''t. Eventually the whole street came out of their frozen in fear moment. People shouted, moved for cover expecting a shoot out to happen. But one man in particular was terrified.


    ¡°HELP ME! SOME ONE HELP ME! HE''S GOING TO KILL ME! HELP!¡± The thug sprinted down the street, every one made a wide berth for him. Several people cheered! Shouting he was getting what he deserved! Then chanting started. Saurian had only been operating for one night, but already his ''persona'' had reached the whole narrows.


    ¡°Wraith! Wraith! Wraith!....¡± The people started to chant.


    Saurian caught up to the man and pounced from a building right on top of him. The man collapsed his legs broke under the pressure. He screamed in agony and was crawling away.


    ¡°Please! SOME ONE! Oh god! Why! Please don''t kill me!¡± Blood was gushing out of his legs, where the bones snapped through his flesh. Saurian prowled behind him savoring this moment. He knew it was stupid, he should just finish him but....


    This mans bright red tainted aura was screaming at Saurian. This leader had done many horrible things, and the man liked it. He enjoyed causing suffering, torture, ruin, to men, women, children, elders. He didn''t care. The red aura lingered in the air, and like a spider web a single strand reached out and attached to Saurian. Earning another prompt...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Sherogoth''s Punishment: You can now force the mind of the hell bound soul through everything they had done back to them. Now they will feel the suffering of what they have done. Though its in briefest of moments with in their mind. You of all people know how much can happen in the blink of an eye!


    ¡°AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!¡± The man began to scream, and scream, and scream.


    The thrashed on the ground. Saurian planted his foot onto his back anchoring him still. Soon the punishment was to much for the man as blood vessel popped in his brain. Saurian could tell because blood blossom bloomed from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. The man fell dead on the street. Saurian leaned his head back and howled in victory. This wasn''t Intimidating Shout, this was a call of victory. Whether the people knew why or not, didn''t matter. People cheered! In a single night Saurian had removed nearly all the gangs in the narrows...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Rallying Call: This skill can bring courage back to the masses, can bring an army to stand once more from the clutches of defeat. A word, a shout, even a roar filled with glory can make the weakest of people into heroes. For Pony!


    Saurian then sprinted back to the roof tops and made his way towards Arkum. The drug ring was oddly near the asylum. The people continued to cheer after he had gone, many chanting the words ''Wraith!'' As he moved from roof to roof he saw more GPD zeppelins and helicopters start to show up above the Narrows. But as far as he could see, no ground units. After a few minutes he found the warehouse, it was an old beat up storage facility that read condemned on the chain link fence that did nothing to keep any one out. As he visibly saw people moving the venom product in the open. Then he saw something that made him incredibly angry. He saw two GPD patrol officers, and man wearing casual cloths with a badge on his belt shooting the breeze with a well dressed woman. The grunts were fifteen feet from the cops, and selling venom, and other drugs. Then Saurian whipped around and stared at a man that was moving towards him on the roof. Who froze in place with Saurian saw him.


    ¡°Warden Lash, right?¡± The man whispered. The man swallowed in fear, because Saurian had moved from his position to about five feet in front of him in less then a second but froze when he spoke.


    ¡°Warden Lash is my Partner, Who are you?¡± Saurian growled...


    ¡°Hi there! I''m Dominick, I''m part of the Skree pack. Feel free to check me. I''m registered. Been many years since we''ve seen a Warden come down the Narrows. Let alone a vigilante type righting wrongs and all that. Don''t worry I wont say nothin, I''d be more then happy to see you keep being you!¡± Dominick said, Saurian created a bubble around them which made Dominick confused. Even more so when Saurian took out a phone, took a picture of him, and sent it to Warden HQ for ID.


    ¡°Ok wait! You can use glamour? I thought you were a were-breed? Unless you have a pack I don''t see?¡± Dominick began to look around.


    Saurian winced under his shroud, he had made a mistake. A majority of the time Lash had a ring on or a bracelet. So when he raised his hand up people thought it was an item. Dominick could see past the Shroud, he saw that he wasn''t wearing anything. He just flicked his hand and the bubble formed. Thankfully he didn''t have to say anything, Dominick did it for him.


    ¡°Oh that''s right! I heard that you can take cloths and item you wear into yourself for the shift. Wow! That stuff works even when its inside of you? That''s pretty fucking awesome! I hope you can teach us how to do that some time.¡± The guy smiled wide, his eyes became distant imagining it. Saurian cleaned the none existing sweat that fell down his brow.


    Were-Breeds have pack magic. It''s a lot like Fae magic but very tamed. They can do simple glamour spells like silence, camouflage, minor memory alteration. All meant to help them stay hidden from the mundanes. But, the ''pack'' has to be near by. Imagine each pack member was a glass, you needed at least four glasses of magic to cast a camouflage effect. Some Alpha''s are strong enough on their own to cast some pack magic. But it generally takes a lot out of them.


    Soon, Lash''s phone beeped and Dominick was a registered member of the Skree pack. Mostly a scout or vanguard enforcer. Saurian tipped the phone to show Dominick showed up, the man smiled. Saurian tucked the phone away again. Now, Dominick was a 5'' 9¡± Latino man, with cut short black hair. Who was wearing a thick winter coat, gloves, winter pants, and work boots. It was about twenty or so degrees Fahrenheit outside so below freezing. Saurian barely noticed. Saurian turned around and pointed at the where house. The cops and the possible drug leader was sipping coffee now. Still talking and laughing.


    ¡°Why is this place operational? Its right next to Arkham, do you know anything about those police officers?¡± Saurian asked. Dominick came right up next to him looking down. He could sense the glamour dome around them.


    ¡°They are paid up to the right people. Crap even some Societies use the stuff, especially that venom. Not all the societies are super strong, most of them are just normal human types. A few special differences. Eyes, skin color, usual stuff. They get bullied by the people who do have powers.... I know right!?¡± Dominick explained, then had to raise his hands in defeat when Saurian was surprised that not only did super-natural types use the stuff but were bullied by the more powerful types. Then Saurian looked at Dominick tilting his head, his scales rattled. The man for his credit put his hands up in surrender and spoke hurriedly.


    ¡°No! No! No! I don''t use it and Rocksie would skin me alive if I bullied people! She actually sent me down here to help you. One of those girls you rescued was a mundane family members to one of our pack. She''d been missing for over a year! Shield and Sword contacted us when they recognized her missing info!¡± Dominick said, and breathed in relief when the blatant danger threat coming off of Saurian stopped.


    Saurian watched as the cops seem to get their fill shook the womans hand and began to leave. He turned to look at Dominick then moved into his personal space. Moving into a personal space of a were-breed is a big deal. They are predatory animals, that are use to fighting. Dominick and his partner didn''t move recognizing Saurian as the dominant monster on the rooftop.


    ¡°Want to help me?¡± Saurian asked, his snout inches from Dominick''s face.


    ¡°Su...sure....¡± Dominick was terrified!


    Saurian moved around to encircle him. Then he placed his hands onto the Were-rats back. Then he did something he had never done before but seem to know how to...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a skill, Awaken Trait: Saurian is a creature made from the imaginations of The Dream, from a Cosmic being. A amalgamation of different creatures, races, breeds, spirits, and the essence of time. A true Chimera! Contained with in his genetic code, mind and soul is a story that can not be told unless you have a great deal of time to spare. Using his heritage he can awaken and impart skills and traits that some would think are impossible! But hey! Its magic!


    Dominick screamed in horrifying pain, as he fell to his knee''s! Saurian watched in fascination, first time he had done this. Then he watched as the were-rat shifted, contorted, as his cloths he wore were sucked into his body. Then the Rat came out, but not in hours but minutes. After ten minutes Dominick the were-rat shuddered before his eyes opened, it stood shakily. Despite being a rat he was just as tall as his human form, covered in sleek black fur, long prehensile tail, with rat hands and feet. Big ears, and amber eyes. His whiskers twitched and looked at Saurian. Then looked around confused.


    ¡°Its been a little over ten minutes, your cloths were absorbed into your body. Just like me. Come, we need to follow the cops. They are not leaving here with out answering questions.¡± Saurian clapped the were-rat on the shoulder casting a glamour on him so he could hide. Yet another ''Wraith'' was born. Then Saurian moved to catch up to cops who were still talking by there car.


    Saurian cast Telepathy on him and Dominick. There was an audible snap like a radio turning on. Dominick paused for a moment looking around confused.


    -Can you hear me? Saurian asked him. The rat looked around even more confused. -Its Telepathy, I have a lot of tools in my bag. Even if you can''t talk yet its fine I''ll feed you information as we go. Saurian said to Dominick the were-rat look at him from across the rooftops. Saurian could see the rat shiver but nod his head. -I hope I don''t have to worry about you using the skill''s I''ve given you to overthrow Rocksie, I like her. Saurian couldn''t hear a reply but so much as feel one. Dominick liked Rocksie, he wouldn''t betray her.


    Saurian had moved to above the corrupt cops cars. Both were in un-marked vehicles. Saurian and Dominick perched just above them on opposite sides of the street.


    ¡°Do you know why so many of the Zeppelins are down here?¡± Officer one said.


    ¡°Ya, apparently some psycho was tearing up the Narrow''s gangs. Sounds like a power move. Cause all the drugs and money in the hide outs were taken...¡± Casual cop...


    ¡°Oh great! You know what the commissioner will say! ''No body with out a badge fights crime in my town'' Fucking twat! The man barely leaves city hall, and when he does he always stays up in the high rise. He''s never been down to the narrows in the entire time he''s been in office!¡±Officer two...


    ¡°Should we be worried about the warehouse?¡± Officer one...


    ¡°Nope! They pay us to keep the area cleared of cops! The Desk Sergeant always gets his cut. The Narrows hasn''t seen any on duty cops in nearly four years! Despite what the precinct tells the Mayor¡± Casual cop...


    ¡°I can''t believe Sergeant Ramirez is on the take, the guy coaches the little league base ball team!¡± Officer two...


    ¡°It''s always the nice ones you have to watc...GAAHHHH!¡± Officer one screamed in agony!


    Saurian was behind them at this point. He had cut the officers Achilles tendon, he was flopping around like a fish out of water on the ground. Before the officer two could get his gun out Saurian rushed his shoulder into him. Which cracked his sternum and sent him flying backwards into their car. The casual cop took out his gun only to scream in panic as Dominick came up from behind him, crushing his hand and the gun at the same time. Saurian had taken his phone out and recorded the whole conversation on a video. Saved it and put it away then went in to attack.


    ¡°Oh god! Oh God! You fucking morons messed up big time now! We are all cops! You fucking bitches are screwed! You! Gppeeeehhhhwwwww...¡± Dominick slugged the casual cop in the stomach. The man folded in half, vomited out his dinner and fell unconsciousness, Dominick dropped him to the ground.


    ¡°Your lucky we don''t rip you all in half!¡± Dominick''s guttural voice was barely heard over his rage.


    Saurian liquefied their guns, destroyed their car engines, radios, and cellphones. He took their ID''s as well as their badges. Putting them in Lash''s pockets. He then sent the recording to Shield and Sword, and told them they had their badges and ID''s to identify them. Standing up he pointed at the warehouse. Looking at Dominick.


    ¡°I''m going to bring that place down, I need you to catch, knock, or break any of them that leave. Your safety is important so if you get to deep in, move to cover. Try to remember where they run, we''ll hunt them down together. ''IF'' any of them escape. Alright?¡± Saurian articulated his words carefully. As more time seem to pass the primal disconnected creature Lash first knew was fading.


    Dominick nodded his head, then they both climbed back up to the roofs towards the warehouse. The poorly trained guards didn''t seem to react when they heard someone scream, thinking ''its the Narrows'' Dominick sent a ''feeling'' through the Telepathy he was ready. Saurian jumped from a rooftop over the poorly maintained chain link fence. Then slipped into the warehouse through a broken window. He climbed through the rafters gritting his teeth in disgust. Venom, Meth, Heroin, Vertigo. He crawled his way down from the rafters towards the barrels with the symbol flammable written on them. Over time his spell Burning has increased its range. He use to have to touch things, but he had room to maneuver. He channeled the spell and soon a delightful effect took place. BOOM! The barrels exploded in fiery dance of destruction and death as the entire room was swallowed in flame. Yes, Saurian included he was blasted through a wall by the percussion.


    That was fucking stupid! He dug himself out of the wall, people were screaming. Many of them were on fire. Some one poked there head into the hole to see who went through it. They panicked when a six foot tall wraith stepped out of the crater. Then the shooting began! Saurian took a moment to pop his shoulder back into place or maybe it was a bone? His blood dripped from his wounds but oddly enough the blood turn to ash with in a few seconds of being out of him. He moved through the drug lab as more explosions occurred. Moving towards the back he saw people shouting as they were carrying stacks of money. Saurian sprinted over and bashed the half opened door down.


    Inside was two muscle bound steroid flunkies strung up on Venom, as the stuff was pumping making them look unusually large. Then what made Saurian snarl in anger....Blood-Kindred. The pale skinned women behind the desk visibly paled further her mouth forming the word. ''Warden'' The two flunkies sprinted at him as the women dropped everything she had then moved to the door and ran faster then an average human could run. Saurian hugged close to the ground then shifted immediately left. A bone spike on his tail slashed through one of the flunkies legs. He tripped and barreled into the wall. They were really top heavy! The other used his friend as leverage and tackled Saurian. Saurian using his body as a conduit cast Burning on the man. He held his grip for about two seconds before he screamed in pain and dropped him. Saurian then used Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. Then man dramatically shrunk as the Venom was pulled from his body, the burns were third degree or worse but thanks to the supplement they would heal. Saurian reached out and pulled the venom from the other man who was still trying to pull himself from the wall. He then moved to the door and went after the Kindred.


    Saurian sprinted past several people who were running. -Dominick! There is a Blood-Kindred coming your way! She is the priority! If you can''t stop her, slow her down! Saurian used the Telepathic link. Dominick sent a confirmation. Saurian then bashed down a wall, it was quicker to go straight then around. He saw the Kindred fighting Dominick, she was wielding a silver dagger. Dominick was staying out of her reach but kept her from leaving. Saurian used Intimidating Shout, his roar cascaded through the area. All the gangsters and thugs that were running either fell face first, or to their knees in shock! The Kindred included, Dominick was not effected. He leaped forward and wretched the dagger from her. She quickly woke up and punched him in the face, which did very little damage. She then turned in horror as Saurian was leaping through the air about to pounce on her. Dominick twisted out of the way as the kindred came down hard! Bones snapped! Her head nearly caved in as it hit the pavement. But she''d live. Saurian took the offered dagger from Dominick and nailed her to the ground with it. Straight through her shoulder.


    Another explosion rang from the warehouse, it was burning now! A little over two dozen gangsters ran but neither Saurian nor Dominick moved to catch them. They only had eyes for the Kindred. Saurian took a picture of her face and sent it to Warden HQ. Then sent a message of what had happened. They needed a Shield and Sword response team along with the Wardens. He also sent a message to Rocksie. Dominick asked. Saurian changed their glamour from two wraiths to two FBI agents wearing tact gear, with FBI clearly on their vests.


    ¡°I don''t know where you get your glamour charms, but I really want one! Never heard of The Warden''s having items like that.¡± Dominick''s throaty growl said to Saurian.


    Saurian kept his face neutral as a GPD zeppelin showed up and shined a spotlight on them. Saurian held up a ''FBI badge'' Not that they could see it. Saurian reached down and pulled the silver dagger out of the kindred. Then pulled her up right, she pulled another dagger from no where and stabbed it into his forearm, the thing barely went in an inch. Saurian didn''t even flinch. Both Dominick and kindred were wide eyed. She tried again and again but nothing happened. Soon Saurian yanked it out of her hand. He handed both daggers to Dominick who took them carefully.


    The women stayed on her knee''s. Saurians clawed hand had dug into her flesh, and was holding on to her collar bone. She''d have to rip her own arm off to get away. She kept begging them to let her go. She offered to pay them, give them drugs, women, all the standard stuff. Soon a black custom helicopter landed near them, then another. -Dominick get behind me. Saurian called and re positioned himself so the girl was on her knees in front of him. He was shielding Dom as the men and women from the choppers came filing out and raised assault rifles and pointed them down range at them. They wore full tactical gear and masks. Kindred team.


    ¡°Good Morning Warden Lash! You''ve been busy!¡± One of the tact team members walked up, weapon still pointed at them. The voice had a modulation on it to keep them from recognizing them.


    ¡°Talon help me!¡± The woman kindred on her knees screamed. Saurian crushed more of her shoulder. Which made her yelp in pain, the men and women in tact gear all jostled to open fire. -Dominick I''m going to toss the women to you, use her as a shield. It may not help, they could be here to silence her or to bring her in. But its better then nothing. Dominic gave a confirmation as he slowly braced.


    ¡°Now! Now! Nat. Lets not give away all our names to the nice Warden! Look, we are here to retrieve her. She''s important to some one. We don''t have any desire to kill a Endless Chosen. But we will if you make us.¡± The man pointed at the GPD Zeppelin, and one of the team shot something with a...wand? The zeppelin then stopped circling us and left the scene. We were alone.


    With one swift motion Saurian threw the woman to Dominick. Who caught her and used her as a kindred shield from enemy fire. Then Saurian reached out with his hand and used his Nature Domain to call something. This wasn''t a spell per say! He created fog of war! Really, really thick fog! A WALL of fog consumed him and the surrounding area. You couldn''t see five feet in front of you. Near a hundred rounds of Silver Enchanted bullets fired to his position. He hugged the ground and moved away from Dominick. Thankfully the fire was concentrated on him, looks like they needed Nat.


    With a snap of his claws Saurian and Dominick returned to being Wraiths. Appearances were important! Saurian circled around the group as they continued to fire towards his position they must have him zeroed in, but they couldn''t lock down his position. The fog was his creation as well as part of Nature he could see through it. He moved to the choppers and ripped out their tail rotors. They were grounded now. Behind the cover of the chopper he sent a quick SOS to The Wardens. Under attack! Kindred team! Believe it or not this was actually a speed dial option. Telling him how often that happened! The thing beeped and sent out both magical and technological signal. Talon shouted a curse!


    ¡°Fuck! He got a signal out! We got ten minutes to wrap this up!¡± Talon shouted. Saurian smiled, ten minutes was plenty!


    Saurian sprinted from the choppers cover and barreled his way towards them. They reacted like a well trained group of soldiers and unloaded over a hundred rounds of Enchanted bullets at him. He made the same fucking mistake again! Over Confidence! They ripped through his body like butter but didn''t slow him down. Damage Resistance, Adaption, Basic Regeneration were all giving prompts that they were ranking up. Then he was upon one of them, he carved through one using his claws and bone blades nearly bisecting the kindred. Then moved on! Tore the arm off another, ripped the lower abdomen out of the third. They all had to stop and reload at this point. Several of them drew their side arms which would do nothing to Saurian. He disassembled them and cauterized the wounds with Burning. Screams of pain rang out, because if its cauterized they will have to cut off the burnt area''s before they can properly heal. Five minutes into the fight, Saurian must have over a hundred holes in him. But he was still moving, he was curious what his rank was. He''d check it when this was over. The pilots of the choppers at some point came out, and tried to run. They screamed that the tail rotors were gone! They lost a leg each.


    ¡°What the fuck! What the fuck! WHAT THE FUCK!¡± Talon was shouting over and over.


    His assault rifle was empty now, he kept pulling the trigger as Saurian was casually walking towards him. The fog slowly faded, and the carnage was seen for all. Over two dozen kindred soldiers were in pieces on the ground groaning in pain. Calling for help. Talon was shaking in horror. He dropped his gun reached to his side and pulled out a silver long sword from no where and rushed Saurian. He swung wide and idiotically or because it was cool. Saurian reached out and gripped the blade. It dug in! Simply from the force of the swing, but didn''t cut through. Before Talon could react Saurian ripped his arm off and cauterized the stump. Talon fell to the ground screaming before having his faced bashed in by a pissed off reptile!


    The rumble of a new chopper was inbound. This one Saurian recognized as a Warden chopper. Followed closely by a Shield and Sword chopper. Saurian walked over to Dominick who was standing out in the open, shaking in fear, his tail was in his hands possessively. The female kindred named ''Nat'' was on her knee''s unrestrained looking at him in horror. Saurian walked right up to her, she was frozen stiff.


    ¡°I guess your not leaving now....¡±Saurian said with a smile.

 Chapter 23: What Are You?

    Saurian, with the help of Dominick, and Booraku who showed up with the Shield and Sword team moved to the last Brothels in the Narrows and freed the women there. They even found several demonized human woman. Which confused the Saurian to no end! Aren''t they suppose to be protected by Warden law! Why the fuck are they in sex trafficking? Using the money confiscated, Saurian used as legal fee''s for the women to find families...Families that actually gave a shit. If not, then Shield and Sword would use the money to help settle them. He found nearly a half million dollars through all the raids. Booraku said it would be more then enough. Lash''s cell phone was blowing up with calls and text messages. It was nearly five in the morning now. Saurian, Dominick, and Booraku came back to the warehouse were the Kindred were being watched and interrogated. Nat, or Natasha was the niece of a Grand Elder of a Gotham Noble House. Talon, was the chief guard, and commander of the tact team that showed up. Saurian retrieved several hard copy, and digital copies from the ware house. All them put away in a well designed safe, aww how thoughtful of the Kindred. He along with Booraku, and Sam! Who showed up all made copies of the info. All three of them sent the info to Warden HQ, and saved them to thumb drives to be delivered by hand. Cause apparently the Kindred tact team hacked the Warden HQ system. That''s how Talon showed up before they did. Sam was reasonably angry.


    Then....After an entire night of carnage and guerrilla warfare the Gotham PD showed up. Saurian helped Dominick shift back. With his help the shift took about ten minutes, and he still had all his cloths on. Much to the astonishment of the Shield, and Warden teams. But Dominick said that if Saurian isn''t here to help him he doesn''t think he could do it on his own....For now. Saurian assured him. Making the Were-rat smile, back to fantasizing. They all placed a glamour on themselves. FBI! At this point all the Kindred had their limbs re attached or in the process of regrowing. Fucking regeneration must be advanced for that speed. But the Wardens had them all magically cuffed.


    ¡°What the fuck is going on around here!¡± A tall Latino man came running over with the other officers. There in bold letters was the name Ramirez! Desk Sergeant! He clearly looked both angry and afraid. Cause the woman who pays him is currently on her knees in hand cuffs.


    Saurian walked over in his tall, muscular, intimidating FBI tact team gear straight to the man. Then with a sudden jerk, Ramirez fell backwards, his nose was broken. He screamed in pain, as the GPD officers raised their weapons at Saurian (FBI) version. That prompted the Shield and Sword, The Wardens to all raise there clearly superior weapons at them. Then Saurian took out his phone and played the recording and video of the officers talking about how Ramirez was on the take. The Desk Sergeant pissed himself. As the surrounding officers lowered their guns and stared gawking at him. Saurian put his phone away and pointed at the woman.


    ¡°That''s who was paying him.¡± Saurian didn''t know what his voice sounded like with the glamour on. Apparently it was not pleasant sounding because all the officers jumped in fright. Oh wait! It was actually just his voice, he didn''t make the glamour that detailed. GREAT!


    Ramirez actually tried to get up and run, but was tackled by one of the on duty officers. He screamed and wailed but the officer hand cuffed him and read him his rights. Saurian looked through the GPD, most of them were good honest people beaten down by crap. One of them was a little dirty, his aura screamed he liked hurting people. But most of the people he hurt were criminals. Most. This one actually refused to meet Saurian''s eyes. Sam placed a Warden mark on Ramirez as the police took him away. Several of the officers stayed, but no one talked. The officers were clearly pissed that one of their own was dirty.


    Another hour passed like this, then more GPD showed up. Soon news choppers arrived filming the scene. It painted up real pretty. A partially on fire warehouse. Over two dozen people wearing tact gear on their knees in hand cuffs. ''FBI'' units on the scene with GPD. Saurian was gritting his teeth, he was not happy. Everyone nearby, even the GPD officers took a step back from him. He was radiating anger! Booraku was carefully inching his way over. As was Sam, and Dominick. Well Dominick was hiding behind Sam.


    ¡°Saurian...Buddy. You need to tone it down, ok? Even the mundanes are feeling your anger. I''m not sure why your angry. This is a good thing. You did good work tonight! Way above and beyond!¡± Sam said to him. Holding his hands up to show he was of no threat.


    ¡°Sam¡± He spoke through gritted teeth. ¡°Why did this happen? No Warden''s are assigned to The Narrows, its dangerous. I understand that. So why did the Warden''s come here alone? Why not a team? There are hundreds of super-natural society members who live in the narrows. We rescued several demonized human woman from the brothels. They had been there for over a year! Gotham PD! Doesn''t Come down to The Narrows because they are FUCKING COWARDS! The City council turns a blind eye to the suffering of people who are trying to live a life they have no control over! I did more in twelve hours then the city has done in five years!¡± Saurian shouted several parts of his monologue. Especially the fucking cowards part at the GPD.


    Sam swallowed several times trying to pick his words carefully. Booraku was looking down, his hands clenching into fists. Dominick was shaking in fear. Many of the Shield and Sword, and Warden teams were trying to look any where but here. They were extremely intent on guarding the prisoners. None of the GPD looked his way. This was a big brother screaming at the little sibling moment. They all felt like they had done something wrong. The GPD didn''t hear all of his speech but they got the bits about them. Sam tried to say something to comfort Saurian but couldn''t come up with any thing. Then he just closed his mouth and stepped back. Saurian''s anger continued to boil over. The temperature in his immediate area began to rise. Before he finally cast Calm Emotions on him self...


    The sun was starting rise. Which at winter means it was nearly time for people to go to work. The Narrow''s had never really gone to sleep, but they were mostly awake now. There was a small crowd who gathered the GPD thankful for the chance to get out Saurian''s line of sight moved to keep them back. Then several armored transport vehicles showed up. To the Mundanes they read FBI. But to them it was The Wardens. They came running out, and got the Kindred all in full enchanted cuffs and restraints and got them into the transports. Before Natasha was loaded Saurian got a long smell of her. Telling her he can track her across counties now. She was petrified of him!


    ¡°Saurian! HQ wants you to come in and give a report!¡± Sam called to him motioning towards the chopper.


    ¡°Booraku, Dominick thanks for the help tonight!¡± Saurian bowed to them both.


    ¡°Any time sir! Always feel like I''m fighting the good fight with you!¡± Booraku said with a smile.


    ¡°Of course! Thanks for...''teaching'' me a new way to shift. I''ll have to practice it with out you!¡± Dominick still looked terrified of Saurian.


    Saurian then shifted back to Lash, it took even less time now. What should have taken five minutes was down to less then a minute. Then Lash was in front of them. Dominick stood there gawking at him. Lash moved to the Warden helicopter, still wearing his FBI glamour. He boarded, put on head phones, strapped himself in. Sam was on his right. They soon took off and Lash watched the Narrows shrink from his sight. With the roar of the chopper, and ear phones on Lash leaned his head against the window and said under his breath.


    ¡°Dawn may I see my Rank Status please...¡± He said softly.


    ¡°Of course User! You''ve had a long night!¡± Dawns voice was very positive and full of energy making him smile slightly.


    Name: Erik Lash, Commonly referred to as ''Lash'', ''Saurian'', or ''Wraith''


    Title: Shaper


    Origin: Magical


    Rank: D-


    Skills: Open tab for full information.


    Domain: Nature, spells: Open tab for full information.


    Holy crap! You are now shaping the mold of what it is to be you in the world around you! You are quickly taking the path of an Anti-Hero. A warrior of Justice who is not afraid to deal out punishment! Though you seem a little to brutal, but if they all knew what you know? Then they would agree they got off easy!


    ¡°Thank you Dawn, As soon as I finish with the debrief I think I''ll log out for a bit. I need a breather.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Of course User, I would say you could log out now. But the debrief is very story centered so you will have to do it sooner or later.¡± Dawn said sweetly in his ear.


    ¡°Sam, is Wayne manner any where near Warden HQ?¡± Lash change in gears surprised Sam who was on his phone. He jumped for a moment then had to look the info up.


    ¡°Yes! I mean near is relative with the huge mansions out here. But they are close. I heard you tried to recruit him! Got some balls man!¡± Sam had a smile on again.


    ¡°Sorry for losing my temper Sam. I shouldn''t have yelled at you like that.¡± Lash said to him. Sam''s mood visibly brightened at that, accepting the apology. Lash went back to staring at the window.


    The Warden HQ was in the Gotham County, it was a huge mansion much like Wayne manner. Maybe before he logged out he would go see Alfred. Or he could just pause the world and log out then come back and see him. He''d figure it out later. Soon the industrial complex that was Gotham gave way to the sub-burbs and rolling hills of grass and forests. All covered in a blanket of snow, a patch work of black and brown for the houses and tree''s. Dancing lights moved through the forest below. Will-o-wisps. A modern day castle like structure soon came into view. With ramparts, siege and arrow towers, and four different set of walls. With a variety of structures built between them. Lash knew that they had an underground complex just as large if not larger. The chopper soon landed, Sam and Lash stepped from the chopper and were greeted by Mahalia who had a shit eating grin on her face.


    ¡°Well hello handsome! I do have to say the smell of Kindred getting whats coming to them smells great on you! Lash!¡± Mahalia gave him a big hug, well a big hug for her small frame. Then pulled him along like a kid pulling on a parent. Sam was chuckling in their wake as he continued to look through his phone.


    ¡°Nice to see you too, Mahalia. So how much trouble am I in for?¡± Lash said as he finally removed his hand from hers. She mockingly pouted at him, then grinned.


    ¡°If it was up to me I''d pin a medal on you! But, they do have several complaints, justifiably so namely why you were in the Narrows running around in a Wraith, Nazgul glamour. Which was really cool by the way. There are several online video''s of you circulating on the web. You''ll have to tell me where you got the glamour item from? It''s custom work!¡± Mahalia talked quickly really excited about what was going to happen. Sam and Mahalia would be sitting in on the debrief. Fellow peers of the Warden in question were suppose to be present.


    ¡°Its custom work on the account I can cast glamour on my own. Just like the Fae.¡± Lash nearly collided with Mahalia when she stopped.


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Mahalia and Sam both screamed. Lash stopped to massaged the bridge of his nose. He wasn''t suppose to say that out loud. He must be tired?


    ¡°Shit.... Given that I am sure this whole conversation is being recorded on the security system. YES! I was granted the ability to cast full glamour, just like any pure-blood Fae. But, I am still learning how to use it. I''m sure it will take many years to get it all worked out.¡± Lash then pulled Mahalia and Sam forward, out of their daze.


    ¡°Wait the! Fuck! ..w....What?!¡± Sam was uttering gibbering at that point. Why? The phrase Pure-Blood Fae is what got him. Pure-Blood Fae are incredibly rare. Most of them have died, gone into hiding, or are asleep in some stasis tomb waiting for the day a magic tide swallows Earth. Bringing back the good ole days of sorcery. At the rate Ares is going that may happen sooner instead of later.


    ¡°The Endless! Holy crap! Your not just a special were-breed! You must be a reborn Fae lord or something! No, your blood tests are all 100% human! What the fuck are you, Lash!? Mahalia came to her senses and starting shooting off questions.


    ''I''m actually a reincarnated being who''s lived through hundreds of lives at the amusement of a being who''s power is beyond measure. My partner is a super-natural creature, created from the machinations of that same being to help me in this life time. For one sole reason. To entertain him!'' Of course Lash couldn''t say that out loud. As much as he tried! Finally they arrived at the council hall. Mahalia and Sam were shooting off questions but Lash was ignoring them. He smoothed out his clothing that he was sure smelled of sweat. Cosmic Patron above he wanted to take a shower! Soon the doors opened, Mahalia and Sam shut their mouths and moved into the room with him.


    They sat at a wood table for three. A half circle examiner podium was in front of them. There sat One of the retired but still an administrator of The Warden''s and older women with a no none sense attitude that he had only met once. She had a bright smile on her face. Then sat a Seelie Summer Court official a man with golden bronze skin, long golden hair tied back. His eyes were blood shot from lack of sleep? He looked neither happy or upset about the situation. A under Fae hobgoblin sat in the next chair. Dark green skin, wearing a tailored suit who was typing out on his computer. Then a Unseelie court bombshell of a women. Wearing her hair tied back, with multi colored eyes, wearing a formal business suit, a brilliant smile as Jessabell waved at Lash. Clearly pleased to see him. The sight of her woke him right up. She was happy to see his reaction. A court examiner recorder was present. They were typing on several different machines. They had multiple arms, eyes, and one mouth. Green skin, looked like a plant creature. Lash felt nature coming from it, it also waved at him, happy to see him A pop of near invisible energy connected to Jessabell. -Good morning Huntress-Jessabell! We had a wonderful hunt last night! Saurian greeted her. Jessabell sent a sensation of warmth and love across the link.


    ¡°We''ll now bring the hearing into order! Warden Lash this is primarily a debrief of your events yesterday. From the time you left your home, to now. Please try to be as detailed as possible. We''ll only stop you to explain specifics that we ourselves are not clear on.¡± The retired Warden stood. She tried her best to keep her voice neutral. But the smile never left her face. The Summer, and Under Fae officials rolled their eyes. Jessabell, wiggled in her seat.


    Lash took a deep breath then began to tell his story. He didn''t get very far before the Summer Court Official asked about Selina Kyle. Lash pointed out that they specifically said after he left his home. They still asked him to explain his new skill?


    ¡°Yes, my Partner who is referred to as Saurian. I can bring him out if you want to talk to him specifically. Can not only track the scent of magical casters, but can also smell the divine spark of Godkins, Godlings, and Seedlings of divine power. Please be aware its not across distance so do not think I can track Ares down, I''ve already tried. Its just the smell of them if they are near. Like a dog can smell cancer on some one.¡± Lash said, making a mental note to talk to Skaleg to see if he got checked out.


    The council made a note of that. Then moved on. He had reported Selina to Warden Skaleg. The examiners confirmed that she was properly registered. Then he talked about leaving his home and moving through Gotham in the morning. His exploits with the muggers, purse snatchers and the lost cat. Explaining why he didn''t arrest most of these people. They were under the influence of Ares. Most people in the world are right now. Maybe he should have arrested them. But he didn''t. Then he talked about how he repaired a city corner park. Using the proper glamour and abilities. Then he was stopped again.


    ¡°So, we heard recently that you are capable of using Glamour, like a ''Pure-Blood Fae'' Your words. Why did you use this phrase?¡± The under Fae hobgoblin asked.


    ¡°Because that''s what The Endless said it was.¡± Lash said this in an automatic response that even surprised him. Did they? Oh wait! Dawn is playing the role of Endless. So, yes they did.


    ¡°We were told you learned The Nature Domain from the ceremony, why didn''t you register this when we asked before?¡± The hobgoblin asked.


    ¡°Because its recent. I talk to The Endless almost every day!¡± This time Lash said that, it was technically true. Everyone in the room gaped at him, their eyes nearly falling out. Now why didn''t they call him a liar? Because under his feet was a truth compulsion spell rune. He had to speak the truth here. If he had any magical item that could bend this, an alarm would have gone off the moment he stepped into the room. Aside from his phone he didn''t have any magical items on him.


    A short recess was called, but no one left the room. A spell mage came sprinting into the room and checked the truth compulsion spell rune. Once it was checked three times in a row by three different people. They checked Lash for any magical items aside from his phone, nothing. The mages then all left the room clearly confused. Once the hearing was in session again. Lash told them he talks to The Endless nearly every day, again.


    ¡°We are going to put that away for another time I think. Lets continue please.¡± The retired Warden said. The council agreed.


    So Lash retold the story about him repairing the park. Receiving the call about the Sherogoth. He went to a nearby pizzeria received the talisman charm, and the estimated location of her. Then he ordered his food, had dinner then went to the park. The Sherogoth was amiable and willing to wait a few weeks. Then he said the Sherogoth granted her blessing on him. Which made the council look at him confused. He told them what the blessing did. Sam and Mahalia had huge grins on their faces as did the Retired Warden.


    Soon he moved onto the building that was on fire. Lash offered to shift so they could talk to Saurian but they said it was fine. Lash did not tell them about his Telepathy he just said he went from floor to floor looking, which was odd because he should have been under compulsion. Told them about how the denizens told him about the faulty fire detectors. Lash was pleased to hear that Shield and Sword firm had strung the man who owned the building up. The people who lost their homes and property were being properly taken care of. Then he moved on to the Narrows. And was stopped again.


    ¡°So why did you feel it necessary to not only go into the Narrows, but to involve yourself in the gang war. It didn''t concern you.¡± The retired Warden asked, clearly wanting to hear the explanation.


    ¡°The Narrows are a part of Gotham. I was told by The Wardens as well as the Fae Courts that thanks to my Beast Talking skill. ALL of Gotham was my place of work. The Narrows haven''t had a Warden assigned to them in years. For good reason I''m told since they kept getting killed. Which begs me to ask why don''t you assign a team instead of a single person. But we can talk about that later. Super-natural Societies exist in the Narrows. Yes they are in the low hundreds, but they are there. Many in the ''civilized'' societies look down on the Narrows. I think my record shows that I don''t discriminate even if others do. Why did I involve myself in the gang war? Because it was the right thing to do! People were dying, and thanks to Sherogoth''s blessing I could now see the evil taint on those that needed punishing. So I punished them. My glamour was on, all the populace saw was a Wraith. Thanks to the ''Batman'' in the city, a wraith is not that odd.¡± Lash took a moment to drink some offered water on the table.


    The retired Warden woman had a smile on her face and had no further questions on that exact matter. The other examiners made notes. Soon they moved on to Lash tracking the gangs, he didn''t bring up Soul Bite or Dream Eater, again surprised he was not under compulsion. He used his scent tracking method of operation, he is a were-breed after all. Talked about rescuing the first group of women. Calling Shield and Sword. Lash was happy to hear that several of the woman had been returned to their families including Freddy. They had thought she was dead, but happy that a FBI sting operation in The Narrows found her. He then talked about hunting down the gang members. Their hide outs, as well as punishing all those that deserved it. No one questioned what he did. Whether it was because of his blessing of Sherogoth, or because they were all mundanes Lash wasn''t sure. They briefly touched on how he struck in the open, and used the skill of an unknown method to kill the last gang leader. Issuing a rallying call in the Narrows that resulted in the people chanting ''Wraith'' for nearly an hour in fanaticism.


    Then he spoke about Dominick and how the were-rat of the Skree pack talked about bribes, about how society members are bulling the weaker and less fortunate simply because they don''t have powers. How they were using Venom to get an advantage. Lash accidentally shifted his hands into claws and tore down the table. Peeling it like an apple! Sam tried to calm him down. Lash''s rage was thick in the air. Made everyone take shallow breaths until Jessabell came down and hugged Lash. He calmed down after that. Jessabell went back to her chair. Lash informed the council about how Saurian ''helped'' to teach Dominick how to shift faster as well as take in his cloths. That had them ask several more questions. It was believed that with out Saurian present Dominick would not be able to do it again, for now. Saurian assured Lash, and Lash told the council that with practice Dominick could do it on his own.


    Then Lash went over how they found the incriminating evidence from the cops. He did say he could make a basic telepathic link with Dominick, playing it off as a thing Saurian did to help establish communication. It was technically the truth. But Lash was confused, this was not the first time he technically lied. Was the truth compulsion rune not working right? Or were things created by The Dream Engine not applicable. He''d have to talk to Dawn about it. The council was surprised because Alpha''s can link with their pack especially when hunting. But Dominick didn''t swap packs. Jessabell made an educated guess that Saurian may be different in that regard. Its not like they haven''t been surprised by him already.


    Then the raid on the drug house. Destroying the drugs, finding the Kindred Natasha. That''s when both Lash and Sam handed over their thumb drives with the information. Once more confirming to Sam that they have been hacked because the information they had sent ahead of them didn''t contain Natasha''s name, or Talons. Or the Great Elder of his house. This made the council reasonably angry. Lash brought up a few things about wanting to rip the police commissioner of GPD apart. As well as actually getting emergency response into the Narrows. He quickly told them about the other brothels how he was using the money from the gangs and drug ring to pay for their legal fee''s. They had no objections. They were surprised to hear that several demonized women were in the last brothel, that should not be happening! After another thirty minutes or so they dismissed the hearing and congratulated Lash on a job well done. They would give him a follow up report, with a few slaps on his wrist for ''endangering'' himself. Then the council including Jessabell sprinted from the hall to investigate how the Kindred hacked their firewalls. Lash waved at Jessabell then before he got any further into the mess that had happened. He logged out, skipping the black room completely...

 Chapter 24: Mary Sue? Nah! Mary Lizard!

    Erik opened his eyes to the soft ambient light that he set before he last logged on. The first thing that he noticed aside from the light was the smell. It smelled of sweat, stink, and bleeeeh! He slowly sat up as his dried sweat encrusted shirt cracked in protest from movement. Erik looked at himself, there was a fine gray film that covered his skin. He slowly stood and opened all the windows in his apartment. He peeled off his sweat stained cloths and soaked bed sheets. He quickly took a shower and put on a clean set of cloths before stepping outside with his dirty cloths and sheets. It was 4:30 am, dragging himself down to the apartments laundromat he put his stuff into a washer and paid the time, and locked it so no one would steal them....Happened before. Going back to his home he fixed up a meal and drank a lot of water. His timer went off and he went back down to swap for a dryer, going back up he cleaned The Cube carefully, being meticulous and detailed. Once done he set a timer for his cloths and went for a walk around his apartment living areas. About ten minutes into the walk he regretted moving that much. His muscles were screaming at him for moving, the electric shock that The Cube administered made his whole body sore. Soon he ''crawled'' back to the laundromat and waited for his cloths to finish. Timer went off and he shuffled up stairs with his sheets. He saw two people who had the same look as he did. They stopped in the hallways looking at each other.


    ¡°Dream Engine? I''m doing DC comics, you?¡± Erik said, the other two just started laughing.


    ¡°I got the entire Elder Scrolls collection, I''m in Morrowind right now, its fucking epic.¡± The first guy said.


    ¡°I got all of the James Bond series. Guns, woman, and explosions. Its a damn good time!¡± The second guy said.


    All three of them laughed for a bit and swapped stories, they did the same thing Erik did and got the weekend and next week off. They only spoke for about thirty or so minutes but it was great. Erik got their names. They all lived in the same apartment area, so maybe he''d talk shop with them again. Soon he was back in his home, he put the bed sheets back on set down some bathroom towels where he planned to lay down on. But before he jumped back in he wanted to do another report. Logging on to The Dream Engine Beta test forum. He filled out another report, did a questionnaire. They wanted to use some of his footage in a video, he agreed. They were planning on implementing a screen and video capture once the game was fully released. Then he jumped on the forums reading through a few posts.


    NEW VERSION


    Another version had come out, but it was mostly people who started new games. Gotham was no longer the only spawn location. You could also, with enough points actually buy your way into a hero or villain family. Be the brother or sister of Batman. Be the son or daughter of Ra''s Al Ghul. To name a few. However Erik did find a note that was interesting. The longer you stay logged in and controlling your Avatar. The more dynamic events will spawn, however the events spawned are always tied to your current level. A lot of games had that setting. But the moment you log out the event timer is reset. Unless you are about to encounter a story driven event. So, the longer you are in the more stuff happens.


    Erik read another thread about the VI model copies of the other Beta Testers. So, when do you encounter the VI model copies in other worlds? Depends! Most people have encountered the other copies when the world is in full swing. The justice league and In-justice league is actively recruiting is when most see them. However, The Dream Engine developers reminded people that your VI copies could be killed, just so many of us had died before we even got our feet wet. So, Erik assumed he wouldn''t meet any copies of the Beta Testers in his generated world till later. Erik read through a few more posts then logged out. He drank another bottle of water, stretched out, then logged back into The Cube. It was 6:00 am on Saturday....


    ¡°Welcome back User!¡± Dawn greeted him, she was now about 5'' 9¡± Still wearing The Endless black and white robe. But she now had platinum hair tied back in a lose tail, with golden bronze skin, lilac eyes, a cute button nose and a dazzling smile. Erik was stunned as he just gawked at her. Dawn, bashfully looked breaking eye contact.


    ¡°Hot damn Dawn you look amazing! Love the new look! I mean the star light definitely had the other worldly beauty. But this is great too!¡± Erik walked around her, he was still made of darkness but he didn''t really care. Dawn did a little twirl for him.


    ¡°Thank you very much User! Shall we get to it? Or you like to continue admiring me?¡± Dawn said with a smile. Erik was lost for a moment before he sighed.


    ¡°Yes, please show me whats been happening!¡± Erik said reluctantly.


    Soon several tabs opened up, it had been two weeks for his VI model. On the Pre Justice League front. Central City has started to hear reports of a red energy or ''Flash'' moving around the city. So, Barry was awake and moving. Oliver Queen was found and returned to Starling City, and already rumors are spreading about a vigilante in a Green Hood running around shooting arrows and killing people. Erik guessed that maybe this was a darker version of Oliver. Nothing wrong with that. The Flying Graysons of a circus act were in Gotham! Which resulted in Richard Grayson being adopted by Bruce Wayne, he''s about sixteen ish now. So Robin will soon be patrolling. The Atlanteans were still looking for Arthur Curry, his mother the Queen had been banished to the Trench where it is believed she died.


    ¡°Dawn, why is there no info on villains in the postings....Oh! Is it because I''m not one?¡± Erik asked, then answered his own question. He looked up and saw Dawn had a knowing smile on her face.


    ¡°So it would be like granting the User to much information. Knowing when and were they would be would give me to much of advantage. And it would be vice versa if I was playing a villain. Right¡± Erik knew what path of the moral compass he was going to take before he even started playing. The questionnaire he did when he was making Lash the first time must have told Dawn that.


    Wonder Woman was still traveling the world with Steve Trevor looking for Ares. Superman continued to be the worlds Boy Scout and helped everyone he could. The world its self was on a powder keg, Ares unbound influence was making small countries go to war over trivial things. Medium countries were at each others throats doing back alley deals and skirmished warfare denying any involvement. Large countries were doing their best to ''police'' the medium and small countries but they were also at odds with their neighbors. Super Man was running around putting out fires as best he could. He had met Wonder Woman on more then one occasion.


    On the home front! Lash had got a ''Medal'' for his outstanding achievements. Lady Kali the ruling noble of the Blood-Kindred brought Natasha''s Uncle before the Ruling Council. He was sentence to twenty five years in a coffin! Because of Nat''s drugs and crimes? Oh no! Because he hacked and modified Warden databases and effected the security of not only Gotham but the nations cyber security. Sam along with his Technomancy master were in the process of upgrading the hardware and software. Tech and magic. Bruce had sent a simple thank you letter to Lash, Zatara had verified the statue''s effects. Zatara had actually contacted Lash and requested having a statue made for him and his daughter. They would personally come to pick it up when it was finished. Lash was looking forward to it. Mr. Wayne had officially joined the Super-Natural community in Gotham. No one knew about him being Batman. But it was great having a one of the worlds wealthiest being an ally. He wasn''t a Warden. But you don''t need to be one to help.


    ¡°Alright, that seems like everything. At least everything that I can personally see.¡± Erik said before he hugged Dawn, who laughed and hugged him back.


    ¡°Remember User, at 6:00 pm in outside time the store will be open. You currently have two Dream Points earned, almost three!¡± Dawn smiled and kissed him on the cheek. Then pushed him out of the Back room! Causing him to fall back down to the Earth.


    ¡°Have fun, User!¡± Dawn called.


    ¡°I will!¡± Erik said in return.


    WOOSH!


    As the Earth came into view it was evening on this part of the planet. The collected lights of the different cities spread across North and South America looked like Christmas lights. Soon all Erik could see was North America, then the East Coast. He narrowed his eyes trying to focus, he saw lights going in and out in one of the Cities...Brown Outs? Is that Metropolis? Then Erik saw Gotham, it looked a little worse for wear as fires raged in parts of the city. Gangs were fighting the Police, and he even saw Batman flying around in his Bat-wing plane. Busy night.


    Lash was watching a Nation Wide broadcast when Erik came back. -Hello Erik, welcome back! Both Lash and Saurian said. The News showed an epic scene of a huge battle in Metropolis, creatures, men and woman wearing an assortment of Ancient armor and Tactical Gear of this year. Wielding swords, shields, and automatic rifles. A BIG man wearing Ancient Greek armor was fighting against Super Man. Ares... Why the fuck is Ares going toe to toe with Super Man? But as soon as the Battle started in little over two hours the battle stopped. The entire army along with Ares just seem to disappear. It left officials baffled. Wonder Woman showed up at the last thirty minutes and joined Super Man in beating the crap out of Ares. Now, Super Man and Wonder Woman were spread out across the city rescuing trapped civilians. Little less then 13% of all of Metropolis was ruined in the battle. 13% may not seem like much, but a city that large? 13% is enough. Lash''s phone vibrated. A text came through.


    ''Lash, report to Warden HQ They have a mission for you! Car is on route, ETA ten minutes.''


    Lash sent a reply, and got ready. Lash was in his home, he quickly got on a set of enchanted kevlar lined rough and tough gear on. Black boots, Gray cargo pants, Gray long sleeved shirt, thigh long leather coat with extra pockets. He wasn''t sure what the mission was, if it didn''t take long he would go patrolling in Gotham, visit the Narrows again as ''Wraith''. He activated his security shutters, set his alarm. Then left his home with all of his essentials. He still had two art pieces to finish one for Zatara and one for a client. He finished the one for Selina, but they kept missing each other. Scheduling. Soon Lash was at the ground floor waiting for the car to show up.


    Thanks to Ares influence. Bad parts of Gotham were horrible! Good parts of Gotham were bad! So everyone went a down grade. Lash''s building was in a good neighborhood, now it had people at every corner looking to score a wallet or purse. The police were stretched thin. The buildings security started openly packing guns. Even the door man had a glock. Soon from the mass tide of traffic a black CR-V showed up with Warden plates. Lash came walking out, it wasn''t Booraku. The troll had been really busy lately. So much so that Lash gave him an Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement statue. It had a twenty four hour cool down, but it brought Booraku to tears when Lash gave it to him. This driver was one of the logistical members of The Warden''s a 5'' 11¡± Women with short brown hair, clear green eyes, healthy white skin. Lash saw a partial glamour around her ears. Looks like she was part Sylvan maybe 1/3. She came quickly to check the side walks and opened the door for him. She was packing a Vector Sub-machine gun in the open. Glaring at a few people who were eyeing the car. They all quickly left the sight of her. Lash got in, the door closed and she hopped into the driver''s seat. But before they took off he clapped his hand on her shoulder which made her jump. Then used his two favorite spells on her.


    ¡°Gggnnnnnnaaaaaaaa....oooyyyyaaaaaaa...¡± The woman said, as she seem to melt into her seat.


    ¡°Sorry, you looked like you could use a pick me up.¡± Lash said as he sat back, buckling up.


    It only took about a minute before she was back in action and flying into the flow of traffic. Lash could feel a spell on the car. He had learned that this was the City Rune. You could slip through traffic like nothing, and nearly every light you hit would be green. Only reason it wasn''t green was if another City Rune was going the other way. It was actually illegal to use unless you were granted special disposition. They were out of the city, and coming to the HQ in little over an hour. Something that should have taken five hours on good days. Needless to say they broke the speed limit more then once on the way over. Lash soon hopped out of the car but was snagged by the driver.


    ¡°T...Thank you Sir..F...Well you know!¡± The women was looking at her feet and was blushing.


    ¡°Hay! Its not like it was a drug deal, its just nature magic. We are all running a little thin, the natural high should last a few days. Enjoy it!¡± Lash said, and shook her hand. She nodded then got back into the car and drove off.


    Lash gave his ID to the front gate, soon he was allowed in. A tiny little jeep cart showed up to take him to his desired building. Normally, the car would have taken him but security had been insane lately given that Kindred teams kept attacking to get the Noble out. Lash kept casting his favorite spells on everyone he met. The gate guards, the jeep cart driver, the building security desk guard. A few people he passed in the hall way. He hadn''t gotten a prompt about his spells for days! He was trying to rank them up. Also everyone of them had stars in their eyes when he was done. Soon his guide knocked a door and announced him. He was let into a conference room. That had Skaleg, Timothy, and Simon. They all looked strung out, exhausted, and in need of sleep. Then there was three beautiful women in the room as well. Bronze skin, dark eyes, brown, to black hair. Great muscle tone, athletic figures. Golden ratio....Shit these were Amazons! Before he did anything else, Lash took a half knee and preformed a Warden greeting of respect and courtesy. Both Lash and Saurian wouldn''t allow anything else.


    ¡°Please! Rise Warden Lash you don''t need to show such respect.¡± A strong feminine voice spoke. Lash looked up and saw the Amazonian women in the center had spoken. She had several tiny scars on her face that didn''t ruin her beauty but added a bit of rugged charm. Her hair was short to her shoulders, and her bags cut to be out of her eyes. Though she said it, he could clearly see she was pleased by his actions. As did the other two warriors.


    ¡°Forgive me, Warrior. But as I am a Hunter its in my nature to show respect to fellow Warriors. Honor demands, unless we were in a field of battle of course.¡± Lash spoke, but there was a change in his voice. Saurian was also speaking. Lash then stood, and could see that all three Amazons were smiling at him now.


    ¡°Come take a seat Warden Lash the Amazons have a request for you!¡± The lead warrior spoke. Lash took a seat.


    ¡°I am Althea, these are my personal guards Cora, and Elena.¡± Althea said.


    Cora and Elena looked nearly exactly alike maybe twins? They both had black hair that was tied back and a bit long for an amazon normally would have, but it was braided and kept out of the way. Athletic figures, golden bronze skin. All three of them wore Ancient Greece stylized armor, not that corset fan-service crap you see in comic books. Full blown Hoplite armor with Runes engraved. Each one was tailored made for them. So it revealed their female forms but protected them completely. Erik knew that each Amazon was as strong as eight to ten men. They could shoot a bow and arrow up to a mile away, even penetrate tank armor. Lash had to admit he was a bit nervous being in a room with them. So much so that Cora seem to notice and spoke something in another language. Both Althea and Elena laughed.


    ¡°You need not be nervous Warden. The Warriors of Themyscira have had a long standing alliance with the Wardens of the world.¡± Althea said, as Simon, Timothy, and Skaleg all had grins on their faces looking at Lash. Lash cough and looked down at his hands on the table.


    ¡°So w...why did you want to see me?¡± Lash said, as he tried to forget his voice just cracked.


    ¡°Lash, they want you to try and track Ares. The most recent addition to your skills the ability to track Godkin''s and the like. We know you can''t track Ares himself, but several of his ''children'' have been spotted in Metropolis.¡± Skaleg said to him. Timothy jumped in


    ¡°Its believed that Ares and his army didn''t actually leave Metropolis, there are several places to hide in old cities that mundanes can''t find. The battle ended little less then three hours ago. The Warden''s across the glob and Spell mages are working on tracking. But they keep getting thrown off. We know its a long shot, more then likely you''ll show up. Not be able to find anything and you come back home. But we are grasping at straws here.¡± Timothy''s face looked pained.


    ¡°Even if you show up and not find something, that''s just one more thing we tried. But even in the 1% chance you do find something. Even if it points us in the right direction! That will be more then we have!¡± Simon said.


    ¡°We understand its a long shot. Princess Diana is at her wits end tracking Ares. The Amazons are not as connected with the world as we would have liked. The Old Gods are... ''Praise their wisdom'' Are staying out of it. They have already declared that if we can capture Ares, even if for a moment. Zues will cage him and imprison him in Olympus. The Princess wields a magical lasso of truth, if she can ensnare Ares for longer then a single minute Zues will take him away.¡± Althea said, essentially putting all the cards on the table.


    ¡°Why was Ares even at Metropolis? He must have known Super Man was going to beat the crap out of him.¡± Skaleg asked. Lash was staying quiet, he had already made his decision but wanted to listen.


    ¡°It''s believed that Ares wanted to twist Super Mans mind and turn him into a Champion of War. However, the Alien''s mind was stronger then Ares hoped and instead we earned an ally who is now invested in tracking down the War God.¡± Althea said, everyone at the table turned pale at the idea of Super man being a Champion of Ares.


    ¡°OK! I wont promise anything, but if you get me to a field of battle I can at least try. Well my Partner can! Saurian. I''ll have to shift to do this. So, are we taking a plane..or?¡± Lash said, everyone smiled.


    ¡°Gods above and below! No! Every Warden HQ has a portal nexus. We''ll just head down and you''ll be in Metropolis in no time!¡± Timothy said, he had a huge smile on his face.


    ¡°Unfortunately we wont be going with you, Lash. We will be staying here holding down Gotham. I''m sure I don''t have to tell you how bad it is.¡± Skaleg said.


    ¡°Even if we can''t capture Ares, if we secure his children the influence of war will wane if only by a little bit!¡± Althea said as Cora, Elena, and her stood up. Making there way to the door.


    ¡°Something is better then nothing.¡± Lash said, every one agreed.


    Then they were on their way. Lash said goodbye to his fellow Wardens. They all wished him good luck. Lash and the Amazons were lead to the Warden HQ''s portal nexus. Lash expected a room full of Giant circles with glowing runes! But all he got was a big open room with a stone circle in the ground. They stood in the middle of the circle. A sylvan mage came over with his staff. Tapped three times, charged the gate. Then spell runes become alive with arcane fire. The stone circle broke into a dozen different pieces that danced in a circle around them. Then with a BANG! And a FLASH!


    Congratulations User! You''ve entered Metropolis the territory of Super Man! This beautiful city has stood for generations. But like most cities it has an underbelly of crime and corruption. Even more if you include Super-Natural world. Be careful while visiting!


    ¡°Thank you Dawn.¡± Lash said softly. Cora looked at him having heard him speak. He shook his head, it was nothing.


    The dancing lights, and the broken stone pieces all fell back down gradually. The stones refitting as if they were never broken to begin with. The Spell Mage nearly fell over, Lash caught him and cast his favorite spells again. A green glow emanated from Lash and entered the mage who groaned in pleasure. Then stood up with a smile.


    ¡°Thank you Warden Lash! I feel much better!¡± The Spell mage said.


    Lash smiled at him, and was also happy. He got a prompt that his favorite spells ranked up. They left the portal nexus room and soon was greeted by another Amazon warrior, Lash once more paid proper respects which made the warrior step back in surprise. Althea laughed and told them that''s just how he was. They were guided to the upper levels. Just like the Gotham HQ, the Metropolis HQ was on the outskirts of the city. Along the way Lash noticed something...Or maybe Saurian did. Althea had a limp. She tried very well to keep it hidden. But as a hunter they noticed it. When they stepped outside Lash stopped the group who looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°Warrior Althea please forgive me, I mean no disrespect but...Why are you limping?¡± Lash said, his face clearly showed he was just concerned for her. His question made all the amazons look at him with surprise and a little displeasure. Revealing a warriors weakness in public was taboo.


    ¡°No, its alright! We are placing him in danger. Its his right to ask. Several weeks ago I was in a fight with one of Ares Children. I was severely injured, I nearly lost my leg. Even with all of Themyscira helping the leg was re attached but a problem occurred when healing. Its only a mild problem, it wont be an issue when protecting you.¡± Althea said, Lash could see that she was clenching her hands into fists when she spoke. Amazons pride themselves on being the best warriors possible. He didn''t believe it would inhibit her, but it still must be torture to not be at 100%.


    Before Althea and the Warriors could blink, Lash was on one knee in front of Althea. They thought he was apologizing for being rude. Only to be surprised when Lash''s entire body glowed forest green. He reached a hand out, Althea tried to move but was frozen. He placed his hands on her ''injured'' leg. Casting...


    Nature Domain Spell, Recovery: Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Restoration. All come together to create the spell Recovery. This allows you to recover a persons body to a point of healthy condition. Not a true healing spell or effect. But if their body worked before, then you help them recover to where they were. User, Please Take note: That you cast this ONE spell at the price of THREE spells with a overall increase! This take''s a lot out of you...For now.


    Althea screamed in pain as her leg let out a loud POP! Lash was slammed against a wall with a sword at his throat, and a sword at his crotch. Before he had time to blink..


    ¡°STOP!¡± Althea called out. Both Cora, and Elena held the blades and were about to kill Lash. The other Amazon warrior was checking on Althea.


    ¡°I''m sorry, I didn''t mean any offense! I just suddenly had an inspiration. I knew I could help and I just reacted! I should have asked, but instinct kicked in!¡± Lash said not moving a muscle but wanting them to understand.


    Elena, and Core were glaring at Lash. Before Althea stood up slowly with the help of the other Amazon. She then did a few stretches, moved her leg bag and forth. Even did a high kick that let Lash see how beautifully she moved. She even kicked off the ground, vaulted of a wall and did a back flip to land back to her original position.


    ¡°I...Y..You healed it! There is no damage! Even the best healers on the island couldn''t fix me! Release him!¡± Althea called. Elena and Cora unpinned Lash who flopped to the ground. He been pinned three feet off the ground. Both the woman checked on Althea who had a smile on her face.


    ¡°How often can you cast such magic, Warden Lash?¡± Althea said.


    ¡°Maybe once a day?¡± Lash said standing up with a sigh. Elena and Cora were watching him but the ''hate'' was gone. ¡°Even now I''m light headed. Its not a true healing spell. It just helps some one recover what they had. So, your leg worked before. So I cast a Recovery, and you got back what you lost. I have no idea if it works with re attaching limbs. I just barely learned... or thought of it...Magic is complicated.¡± Lash held his head, a migraine was forming. Althea laughed, walked over with no limp and hugged him. Like a back breaking hug, that squeezed all air out of his lungs.


    ¡°I am happy that you could help! But in the future you should ask before touching an Amazonian Warrior. If that had not worked Elena and Cora would have cut off your head, both of them.¡± Althea let him go as he dropped to the ground again gasping for air. Which earned him laughs from all four woman. Cora helped him up with a smile and they were off again.


    Amazon Warriors were quick with their emotions. Blood thirsty in one moment, then back to friendship and joyful laughs. They asked a few more questions about his Domain. He was mostly support and utility. Nothing wrong with that, his Partner had the offense covered and could cast just as well. Saurian was the power house of the two. But with more time Lash would grow as well. If Saurian was a D ¨C Super. Then Lash was a E -.


    They took a car into town. On the news you would see plenty of World Security or UN soldiers following Diana around. But these were actually Super-Natural Society members using Glamour. Metropolis was having a hard time, the ''UN'' Soldiers were helping as best they could. Cars were over turned and on fire. People were running around screaming in panic. The police, fire department, hospital''s had their hands full. Everyone was quiet in the car, no one smiled, no one laughed. They could all feel Ares influence settled over the city like a thick fog of pollution. Soon they saw a man wearing red and blue lifting a bus so it was right side up. Digging people out of the rubble, then a Warrior Woman flew down and did the same. Superman was 6'' 4¡± With chiseled muscle definition in his skin tight suit. Strong jaw line, black hair and blue eyes. Wonder Woman wore a very similar outfit to Althea. A Hoplite look alike, but was tailored down to the centimeter of her gorgeous figure. 6'' even with black hair to her shoulders that was held back by her magical half helmet or crown? Magical bracers, sword, lasso of truth, wearing form fitting leather pants and a battle skirt affixed with leather and splint mail. A True blood Amazon Warrior. None of that Fan Service corset, and bikini bottoms.


    The car soon pulled over as they got out. Diana was having a discussion with Superman as their group walked up. None of the Amazon''s had glamour on so they looked like they always did. Lash looked like he was wearing tactical gear of a UN soldier, mask included. The discussion was pretty intense between the two of them, because they didn''t notice us till we were practically on top of them.


    ¡°We have to keep helping these people! I know Ares is dangerous but the people come first, Diana!¡± Super Man said. His voice was strong, and instilled a sense of safety. Or maybe Erik was just being a fan boy.


    ¡°I understand that! But my sisters are bringing a tracker! That may be able to help us track down Ares''s children! Maybe even himself! I''m not asking you to leave right now! But if we find him will you come?¡± Diana said, her voice was strong but full of feminine charms. Lash leaned into Althea and asked a question.


    ¡°I really want to pay my respects but we ''are'' technically in a battle field. Will she understand if I don''t do full honors?¡± Lash asked softly. Althea turned and smiled at Lash (UN Soldier)


    ¡°Yes, I''m sure she''ll understand.¡± Althea continued to smile and turned back waiting to be recognized.


    Diana finally noticed them and turned. A smile bloomed on her face as she jumped forward and hugged her sisters. Especially Althea, she even noticed she wasn''t injured and asked about it.


    ¡°Our Tracker, Warden Lash is also a healer. He was able to fix me, Princess.¡± Althea had a smile when she introduced Lash. Diana looked at the Soldier when he did a half bow.


    ¡°Princess Diana its a great honor to meet you.¡± Lash tried his best to keep his voice even.


    ¡°And I you! Warden Lash. Thank you for helping my sister recover. Some one talented in the arts of hunting as well as healing is rare indeed!¡± Diana smiled it made Lash a little weak in his knees but he tried to stay standing. The action seem to make all the Amazon''s smile they caught what he did. But no one reprimanded him.


    ¡°Your a healer? Like a Doctor?¡± Super Man asked, he floated over and landed near Lash. It was at this moment that Lash realized that he was the same height as Super Man. Erik didn''t know why but that felt wrong for some reason. Lash wanted to speak but he looked at Althea asking a question with out talking.


    ¡°Super Man has some knowledge of the Mystic Arts. He is aware of The Wardens. Super Man this is Warden Lash. He is normally stationed in Gotham but he volunteered to come here to help us track Ares.¡± Althea said in explanation. Lash held out his hand to shake. Super Man took it.


    ¡°I can''t re connect flesh or bone. But I''m sure I can do wonders with an EMT crew. After I try and do this tracking thing I''d more then happy to stay and help with the recovery.¡± Lash said. Super Man''s grip was firm but not so much to shatter Lash''s bones. Super Man smiled at him when he offered to stay and help.


    ¡°Speaking of which. What do you need us to do?¡± Diana asked.


    ¡°I know the battle with Ares happened all over the city. But was there a place that one of his Children specifically fought in? Also, if no one could attack me and my partner when we start moving. No offense but if you sneeze in my general direction I think you''ll accidentally kill me.¡± Lash said this will all seriousness but Diana and Super Man both laughed. Superman even clapped him on the back lightly.


    ¡°Not to worry! Where''s your partner?¡± Superman asked, looking around. Lash looked at Althea who just had a smirk on her face. Lash sighed, stepped out of their circle and Shifted.


    Lash''s cloths, gear, anything directly on his body were sucked in using. Spatial Item Shifting. Soon Saurian was standing in front of the group, he now had a full set of kevlar clothing that covered most of his modest area''s, along with a few enchanted pieces of splint mail. Sam had made it for him. Superman took a step back in surprise, as did Diana and the Amazons. Althea knew he was a were-breed but had never seen his shifted form.


    ¡°Respectful Greetings to Princess Diana, and Super Man. This one is Saurian a Hunter. Partner to Warden Lash.¡± Saurian took a knee and bowed his head. His tail coiled around his body.


    ¡°Are you an Alien?¡± Superman asked, excitement clear on his face.


    ¡°Erik Lash is born to Earth. Lash and Saurian are native but are not of this Earth.¡± It was a cryptic message. That confused everyone present. But Superman still smiled at him. Saurian stood then, and came closer to Superman, who kept still. Saurian sniffed him and encircled him a few times...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Foresight: This is a strange skill! It allows the wielder to see glimpses of the past, present, or even the future. It can be useful in battle allowing a sense of battle precognition. Or, it allows the Users VI avatar to momentarily take information from the outside and apply it to the generated world. Think like a fortune cookie, some times its sweet, sometimes its not.


    ¡°Saurian is sorry about your home. But worry not, many of your kind still live. Some are good, some are bad. Some are family. You''ll see them again soon.¡± Saurian''s said softly. -What the fuck! Erik said. Superman was frozen in place as he looked him. As did the Amazons.


    ¡°Your an Oracle!?¡± Diana screamed! Far louder then she meant to. But she didn''t care. The Amazons all had a reverent look on their faces.


    ¡°Lash and Saurian are Chosen by The Endless. We are many things.¡± Saurian said, confused by every ones reaction.


    ¡°Who....Who will I see again?¡± Superman asked, eyes had tears in them. Saurian looked back, closed his eyes in thought.


    ¡°A young girl, blond hair, blue eyes...Named Kara...Family. You''ll see another, this one is bad. A Tyrant, Dictator named Zod. He will bring ruin to your new home.¡± Saurian said. Then fell to his knee''s as blood seeped out of his nostrils, eyes, and ear holes. Diana caught him before he could fall all the way. The skill use clearly took a lot out of him.


    ¡°As much as this is a cause for Celebration your highness, we are losing time! Saurian are you still good to try tracking them?¡± Althea became the voice of reason.


    ¡°Yes, Hunter Saurian would like to try. Take me to where the fight happened.¡± Saurian said softly as he slowly stood on shaking feet.


    ¡°I''ll take you!¡± Superman said, tears falling down his cheeks but a wide smile on his face.


    Soon they were flying. Saurian had raised up his arms and Superman was gripping them in his hands. They flew through the air, Diana flying behind them. The Amazon''s raised a horn and blew it. The sound was mystical in nature none of the Mundanes heard the sound. But Super-Natural Societies, Wardens, and The Amazon army stationed began to rally. Soon another hunt would begin!

 Chapter 25: Fog of War

    Superman soon let go of Saurian inside a huge urban battle field straight out of a War movie. Saurian took a moment to set his glamour to his ''Wraith'' persona. Which confused Superman, who they had learned couldn''t see past glamour. Oddly. The battle field was barren of civilian''s, but dozens of Amazon''s were slowly filtering into the area. Metropolis Warden''s and along with Society soldiers. All wearing UN soldier glamours.


    ¡°Wait, are you that ''Wraith'' from the Narrows? Who destroyed the gangs and freed over a hundred woman in sex trafficking?¡± Althea said to him. Saurian nodded his head at her. This earned him another heartfelt smile from not just her but many people near by. Apparently Wraith had gotten out.


    Saurian dropped to all fours and began to move slowly across the field. He moved back and forth seemingly moving in random patterns but he was trying to find a single scent from thousands. Superman excused himself but said if they find anything to just call. Then an hour passed, Saurian was still moving in a mile wide square back and forth. Then another hour past, it was midnight now. Saurian climbed on top of a destroyed parking structure, slipped through a tiny crack and rummaged around. Then....then.... He found something, a small bit of blood. To his eyes it shined with golden light, he inhaled, and licked it up. Salivating at the taste of it.... This was God Kin blood. He had it! He crashed through a wall, jumped up a ledge and found a perch. The moon was high and nearly full. Saurian let loose a howl.


    ROOOOOOOOOAAAAARRRRRRRR!


    Rallying Call! The roar echoed across for miles! Every Warden, Amazon, and Friendly Super-Natural with in four miles were invigorated. Then Saurian leaped from his perch and begin to sprint down the street, straight towards the water. The war horn call of Althea sounded across the city once more. Several Armored vehicles and motor bikes appeared and began chase after Saurian, who was now moving close to seventy five mph down the street. A helicopter soon appeared, The Amazons were sprinting after him, soon Pegasi were flying above holding up two warrior Amazons each. Soon they reached the bay and Saurian dove into the water then was up on the surface swimming as fast as he could as Adaptation began to take effect his body became sleek and flexible, fins from his hands and feet, long serpent tail. The armored vehicles didn''t stop at the water they drove straight, be it magic or technology they soon surfaced and moved across the water like speed boats and wave runners. Any one on foot dove into the water, soon hundreds of people were in the bay.


    Off the bay of Metropolis is a statue island. Much like the statue of liberty in New York. This one serves as both light house and emergency port during storms. Back during the old days, now its a museum, as well as bunker. Saurian was moving at about thirty miles per hour now, or thirty ish knots aquatic.


    ¡°Saurian! We already checked the island!¡± Althea screamed from a Pegasus. -But did you check under it? Saurians telepathic voice came to Althea. Who shouted in surprise on the horse....


    ¡°No! No we didn''t!¡± Althea called. -The island as an underground bunker from the old human war days. One of the metals used was lead. Superman can''t see through lead. Ares would know that. Saurian said mentally to her.


    Soon another war horn was sound. This one had several different notes, then more horns rang across the city. Diana was seen flying with all do haste, and a blue blur sped towards the island. Trusting Saurian, Superman dove straight into the islands depths. The army was still moving towards their objective when...BOOM! Superman was forced skyward! Diana caught him in mid flight. When a man and woman wearing armor flew up into the air. No sign of Ares. But Saurian could see a golden light coming off of these two, the man was his goal. He was the scent he had. Then like bee hive the entire island came to life as Soldiers of Ares came swarming out from its depths. Not as large as the enemy that attacked Metropolis. But it was still big enough.


    ¡°TO BATTLE MY FELLOW WARRIORS!¡± Diana shouted, Saurian felt invigorated.


    Seems Diana had her own Rallying Call. Soon all the armored vehicles sped up leaving Saurian behind. The Pegasi flew forward, as did the helicopters. Diana and Superman dove into combat with the two God Kins. Hundreds of Amazons and Super-natural Soldiers were swimming in the water neck and neck with Saurian. With in a few minutes they reached the beach. Saurian had to take a minute or two to adapt to land again. His bones, muscles and body shifted. Several Amazon''s were guarding him during the change.


    ¡°I''m good to go! Let us finish this hunt!¡± Saurian said full of energy. The warriors called out and they raced into battle.


    BOOM! BOOM! Shock waves exploded above the island as Superman and Diana fought against the God kin. The sound of metal on metal rang out, with bullets and RPG''s flying across the field. Saurian was not a front line fighter. Especially in these situations and told the Amazons as much. He would fight on the flanks, but he would also help heal the wounded. Told them to go on, as he cast Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage on himself. Still keeping his Wraith glamour on, why? Because news choppers were flying in the air recording the whole thing.


    Slipping along the flanks he found several sniper teams and mortar''s. He forgot to ask what the rules of engagement were but when he saw an amazon bisect a Cult of Ares with her sword that answered the question. He struck the team from the tree line, a soldier screamed in surprise as the ''tree'' came alive and raked its claws through him. He dropped like a gutted fish. Then Saurian slipped back into the shadows. The sniper teams took out their side arms and went back to back. Until they noticed they were sinking into the ground!


    Nature Domain Spell, Mud Marsh: Turn solid ground into a mud marsh! This only works with solid objects, so don''t expect to turn water into a mud marsh. No Water to Mud for you! Wait, and see what happens when you take the magic back!


    The men were shouting and trying to crawl out of the mash then to their horror the ground went back to being solid. They were stuck! Saurian slipped back into light and gutted each one! He turned each weapon he found and ammo into goop thanks to his shaping skills. However, some of the Swords were enchanted and took more time to break down. Soon he was moving on. He heard calls for help, he moved along the ground low and slow. Chameleon had ranked up allowing him to move quicker, but he needed to play it safe.


    He came upon a few ''UN'' Soldiers fighting off some Cult of Ares people. Most of the Cult of Ares were humans but a few were super-natural society members that had turned traitor. The UN soldiers were protecting a group of Amazons that were injured. But they were clearly loosing. Several of Cult members tripped suddenly, others yelled in surprise. The roots of grass and plant life under the snow had sprung up and wrapped around their legs! Saurian cast Entanglement then when they were distracted sprinted from his position! A red skinned gladiator armored man yelled in surprise as a Nazgul raced towards him. Then gurgled as his throat was ripped out. Saurian moved from Cultist to Cultist sticking behind them like an assassin. He may not attack like a warrior but results were evident.


    ¡°Warden! Thank you!¡± One of the ''UN'' soldiers aid. Saurian moved over to the injured Amazons.


    One was pale as death but was still alive. Another was practically keeping her insides from falling out. Saurian placed his hands on the pale one and cast his spells on her. Her pale skin restored to a semi better color but she was still in trouble. He then moved to the other, cast his magics on her as well. The soldiers began to wrap them up with bandages. Then Saurian moved to cover the soldiers who were surprised. Three arrows stuck straight into his back! He let out a scream of pain! Holy fuck that hurt! He turned and saw a single cultist with a bow. Who was just as surprised that Saurian didn''t fall. The pissed of lizard then sprinted towards the archer with all do haste!


    The archer took aim at him and shot, Saurian dodged the arrow with minute changes as he ran. He stuck close to the ground so he could dig his claws in to shift position. The archer shot again, and again. Starting to get nervous! Saurian saw that the Archer was in full armor, but had Satyr legs, or cloven hooves. Soon the archer started to back up, doing a lose jog as he shot. Then a single arrow hit Saurian, but it pinged off a single piece of armor luckily. Saurian would have to thank Sam later. The Satyr turn to run now, but flopped over in surprise as the ground around him was swamp like. He kicked and screamed for help before a pissed off hunter pounced on him! Claws rending flesh and bone! The archer flopped dead soon after. The ground became solid once more.


    Saurian went back to the wounded group. Who sighed in relief when they saw him return. Saurian agreed to escort them back to the beach head where a triage camp was made. Shock waves continued to ring out above the battle field. Many times a God Kin was flung into the ground carving out huge canals of dirt and snow! At last the group reached the beach. Several Amazons saw them and sprinted to them and took their wounded sisters and ''UN'' Soldiers to safety. Saurian bid them goodbye, after an Amazon pulled the arrows out of him.


    ¡°Hunter! Many more wounded are in the field if you see any more!¡± An Amazon in white cloth and armor said. A healer.


    ¡°We''ll bring them here!¡± Saurian said and moved back to the battle field.


    Saurian spent the next thirty or so minutes running across the battle field. He did emergency treatment on who he found and escorted, carried, and dragged back to the beach head. He focused on the minor Cultist''s, not testing the major ones. He could feel the danger just oozing off of them. Statue island was soon a wreck! Superman being a boy scout was restraining himself from hurting the God Kin, but soon was lost to his own anger as he watched more and more of the allied army was hurt or dying. Because he was tip toeing around. Then an audible BREAK! Rang out on the island as the Man God Kin had his sword arm broken by Superman! This made the battle? Worse! The cultist were driven into a rage seeing their Gods son in pain. The woman God Kin screamed in fury and attacked Wonder Woman.


    ¡°Gaaah!¡± A cultist screamed as his back ripped open as Saurian tore through armor and flesh alike! He sprinted from lone attacker to the next. Killing archers, snipers, heavy ordnance teams. Soon he saw a few familiar faces. He raced to them because one of them was hurt.


    ¡°Yeeeaaaaa! Althea swung her sword to drive away a Minotaur guard.


    She was trying her best to shield Elena who was in Cora''s arms. Elena was deathly pale, as six broken arrow shafts were stuck in her. Ping! Another Arrow flew and Cora thankfully got it on her shield. Then the Archer screamed! The Minotaur didn''t move from his attack position he was wielding a mace in one hand and a shield in the other. But he soon noticed the arrows were not being shot any more. Althea kept backing up with Cora and Elena behind her. Then a flash of surprise was caught on Althea''s face, she soon smiled at the Minotaur. Which made him hesitant, when he went to take a step he noticed he was slow. The ground was....sticky. Sparing a glance he noticed the dirt and snow had become marsh like. Making his eyes go wide in panic before!


    Saurian tackled the Minotaur from behind digging his claws in for all their worth. But he didn''t stop there he dug, ripped, and tore flesh and bone from the Minotaur he had fought them before and knew they were hard to put down! The Minotaur went wild trying to shake him off, but was bogged down by the marsh. He was long legged and could take impressive steps. But the mud slowed him down and threw him off balance. The Minotaur in a fit of rage dropped his shield reached up and ripped Saurian from his back. Then like base ball player swung his mace straight into Saurian as he was falling to the ground. Saurians eyes went wide in shock. Oh crap! BOOM! Saurian went flying across the field. Crashing into snow and dirt, bones snapping with the kinetic force he soon came to a stop.


    Congratulations User! You''ve earned an Achievement:''Tis but a flesh wound!'' You took 99% of your total life in a single hit! You will now have a 10% increase to Damage Resistance. You will also heal 10% faster. Good luck!


    ¡°Thanks Dawn...¡± Saurian choked on his own blood and coughed.


    Saurian watched in horror filled fascination as his body slowly began to put it self back together. He cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement, but he didn''t feel that was enough. He looked up at the sky, watching Wonder Woman and Superman fighting the good fight. Diana had chopped off the arm of the Woman God Kin, and was in the process of restraining her with the lasso. Superman had broken the other arm of the man God Kin. The Cultist continued to rage. Saurian felt his vision was growing dark. NO! He had to stay awake! Then he saw something, one of the tree''s near by. A glowing wisp of green light fluttered down. It wasn''t a pixie, or any other denizen. It was just pure natural energy. The wisp of light touched his head and he just...Knew what he needed.


    Nature Domain Spell, Nature''s Kiss: Your connection with nature allows you to cast a heal! Allowing you to heal up to 30% maximum health of one target! Please take note, this spell can only be cast once per person in a twenty four hour period. But can be cast repeatedly as long as you have energy. It must be cast one some one with at least 1% of their total health. So if they are dead, they are dead.


    Several bones snapped back into place, internal organs regrew! But the pain! Oh shit the pain! The spell didn''t come with anesthetize. Saurian couldn''t help it as he screamed! Screamed for what seemed like hours on end. But it was actually only about thirty seconds. Soon he flopped out of his impact crater. Forced himself towards when the Amazons were. After a minute or two of crawling he saw them. Althea had cut limb and head from the Minotaur. But no shout for victory was heard as tears were falling down her face as she watched Cora hold Elena in her arms. Rocking back and forth Elena looked like she was on deaths door. Her eyes were fluttering open and closed, she was holding onto Cora''s hand weakly.


    ¡°Althea! we can heal her! Help us up!¡± Saurian called, Making Althea jump in surprise! Then his words registered she bolted to him, picked him and raced back to Elena.


    ¡°Hay there Elena, Just give us a moment...You''ll be up and about soon enough!¡± Saurian called.


    ¡°Y..You don''t need to be nice....I... I''m, GaaaaahhhhhaaaaaAAAAA!¡± Elena said softly before she started to scream in pain. A green glow surrounded Saurian, then passed to Elena. Several broken arrow shafts were forcibly pushed out by the spells healing magic. Flesh regrew, bone reset. Saurian cast Sooth and Nature''s Supplement for good measure. Then flopped to the ground on his side. He was just spent!


    Elena soon stopped screaming. She looked better! But was clearly still fucked up. But was no longer dying. Cora cried tears of joy as she hugged her sister who whimpered in pain. Althea took a knee next to Saurian squeezing his shoulder


    ¡°Thank you!¡± She said to him.


    ¡°Oh! My Partner Lash said I forgot to ask if I could touch you, Elena. Please don''t cut our head off later.¡± Saurian said weakly. This earned a laugh from all three of the Amazons. Elena especially as she held herself and cough up some blood.


    ¡°Its not a full heal as you can see. But it''s enough.¡± Saurian said softly. Soon a war horn rang out! Althea raised her own and blew into it! Then another, and another victory was theirs!


    ¡°I thought you had died, the way you flew I was sure you were broken.¡± Cora said.


    ¡°We nearly did... Then Nature gave me and my partner its sweet kiss and we recovered...Well just enough to move. We can only cast that once per person with in a day. But, if you lovely woman can get us to the medical tent we think we can save a few more lives...¡± Saurian said in an exhausted voice. Althea leaned over and picked up the big lizard. Cora had Elena.


    ¡°That my friend! I think we can manage!¡± Althea said as they made their way to the beach.


    Soon a tide of warriors from Amazons, to Warden, and Super-natural Society soldiers moved back to the beach. The Cultists were dead, those that were not killed directly in battle took their own lives. In some twisted sense of honor to their God. Storm clouds appeared above the island far quicker then natural. Soon lighting struck a part of the island...twice. Then the storm clouds left.


    ¡°Praise the gods. Zeus has taken Ares children to be imprisoned in Olympus.¡± Althea said as she dragged Saurian along. He was limping but getting better the more time that passed.


    ¡°It will be quicker next time. Though everyone smells different. Families share a similar scent. Find another battle and me and my partner will find another God Kin.¡± Saurian said.


    ¡°Her Highness will be happy to hear that.¡± Althea said with a grin.


    By the time the medical tents came into view Saurian was walking on his own. Althea took Elena with Cora towards the tents to get checked out. Saurian not far behind them. Soon Saurian guzzled down some water and ate a several protein bars offered by some soldiers then went from person to person that was injured and began casting his magic. He worked with the other healers. They were able to save many lives. But not every one was lucky enough to come back wounded. Many had died. Ship barges arrived at the island, along with troop transport helicopters. They began to get everyone back to the main land. Saurian was perched on ledge over looking the water.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skills, Combat Medicine: In the thick of it with bullets, missiles, energy blasts, and spells. You know how to triage, bandage, and heal when all the shit hits the fan. Works with...


    Skill, Medical Care: You have learned to administer aid and healing to the sick, injured and dying. So that they can not be sick, injured, or dying.


    ¡°There you are...¡± Saurian turned around and saw Superman there. Saurian stood and bowed...Or tried to as Superman stopped him.


    ¡°Please don''t do that. You look like you had it pretty rough your armor is destroyed.¡± Superman said.


    ¡°Yes, me and my partner nearly died. But thankfully we heal quicker then most.¡± Saurian said as he settled down again watching the water. Superman stood next to him.


    ¡°Do...Do you know when Kara will show up?¡± Superman asked... Saurian shook his head. ¡°That''s ok. Just knowing I''ll see her again means a lot to me. Who is Zod?¡±


    ¡°All I know is he a warmonger that believes in racial superiority.¡± Saurian said softly.


    ¡°Hunter!¡± Wonder Woman called for him. She landed soon after with a wide smile.


    ¡°I heard you saved and healed many of our warriors! Not only that, but you believe it will be easier to track and find more God Kin as long as we have a place to start from?¡± Diana said.


    ¡°Yes, Saurian and Partner Lash believe we can. Families carry a similar scent. Maybe, one day we''ll even be able to track Ares. But that will be along time to come.¡± Saurian said softly.


    ¡°Then when the next battle comes and we fight a God Kin we''ll call for you!¡± Diana smiled wide at him.


    ¡°Fog of War.¡± Saurian said. Making Superman and Wonder Woman look at him confused.


    ¡°How they disappeared before, we are sure that frustrated you when they simply faded from sight? Its the spell domains of nature and war. Ares is the God of War. But nature...That is not something he has. We noticed it when we came to the island. In the future take measures to clear away fog. Be it wind, or spell. Even if you don''t see fog. That doesn''t mean the Fog of War isn''t there.¡± Saurian said to Diana. This made her stop and think. Soon she knocked her own head with a hand.


    ¡°Of course! That is how they come and go! Fog that adheres to them, obscuring our sight of them! Thank you Hunter Saurian!¡± Diana raced off to tell the other Amazons. Saurian turned to Superman.


    ¡°Shall we get back to the main land? We said we would help once we were done here.¡± Saurian said. Superman smiled at him and nodded. Saurian recast his Wraith glamour and they flew back to Metropolis.


    Soon Saurian was dropped off in some of the more major destroyed area''s of the city. Superman would fly off and help find people, especially critical injured people. Fly to Saurian, he''d cast his magic. More then once Superman had to explain to the people that Saurian was not Death himself. It was just his disguise. Superman came up with on the spot partial lie and said Saurian-Wraith was a fellow Alien hear to help. After they cleared an area they would move. Two days this went on. Saurian soon shifted back to Lash but they never stopped to sleep, they did stop to eat and drink. He discovered a trick with Mud Marsh he could turn rubble into goop and pull people out. As long as they held their breath.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a spell and skill fusion, Natural Energy Absorption: Because of your spell Domain from Nature, and your racial trait of Adaptation. You now passively absorb ambient energy found around you. This skill grows with time. ''So I guess you could say you are plant like?''


    Lash''s Wraith shroud continued to dance around him as he sat on a city bench exhausted, but was slowly refilling his tank just by sitting. He was waiting for his pick up. The Wardens were sending a car for him to go back to Metropolis HQ. Lash spoke to Superman before the boy scout took off again. At this point several people recognized the Wraith and waved at him and said thank you. He''d been on television, more then a few times Superman even called him a friend. The story was that Wraith was a fellow Alien, that the nazgul get up was just a disguise. Some people started calling him the Angel of life and death. Since we was clearly a talented healer. Then a CR-V pulled up. Lash stood up and got into the car. It took off.


    ¡°The windows are magical tinted sir you can remove that if you want.¡± The driver said. Lash took him on the offer. Now he was back to looking ragged, with blood, sweat, and mud on him. Some one else was in the passenger seat with him. She wore a neat and tidy business suit and smiled at him.


    ¡°I probably don''t smell good, sorry.¡± Lash apologized.


    ¡°That is perfectly fine Warden Lash! As far as I am concerned its the smell of hard work!¡± She took out a bottle of water and protein bar that Lash destroyed in under a minute.


    ¡°The Warden''s as well as the Societies are very pleased with your hard work. Especially how you have deflected the suspicion from the Super-Natural world to Alien life. Its a band aid for a gaping wound. But it will buy us time.¡± She said and had a hand on what looked like a file.


    ¡°Despite my exhausted appearance I''m actually awake enough to talk. Is that file for me?¡± Lash asked, as she handed if over.


    ¡°Yes, The Warden''s thought it prudent that you return home and rest for at least a day before you are deployed again. There are several small to large conflicts happening across the globe with the Cult of Ares but only a few involve his children. As soon as we spot one, we''ll contact you and have you teleport or flown over at all due haste.¡± The woman said, Lash read over the file and looked through several locations. Across the whole globe.


    ¡°Do we have any information on if the Cultist know who I am? Or do they know how their God Kin were tracked?¡± Lash asked softly.


    ¡°We don''t know, and we don''t know. However, The Societies share your suspicion and have posted extra security around your home, as well as your friends. Several Amazon''s even volunteered for it. However, a bit of good news. Your Fog of War idea has born fruit. Several times when The Cultist thought to disappear we used a gust spell and sure enough the Fog was lifted! Much to their surprise!¡± The woman took back the file as Lash was done with it.


    ¡°How is the United Nations dealing with Ares? Or is that above my pay grade?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Not at all Warden Lash! In fact you are quick to becoming a nation wide commodity especially if the reports about you being an Oracle are true! Many leaders of the United Nations know about the Super-Natural world. Or at least on a need to know basis. To create plausible deniability for their governments. But China, Russia, United Kingdom, America just to name a few all have Liaison to The Warden''s and Societies. They are doing damage control and trying to assure the public that the new island in the Atlantic Ocean is actually an ally. But of course that''s hard to do since Themyscira is half the size of Australia and no one has ever found it? By satellite let alone by boat.¡± The women spoke clearly and efficiently. Lash appreciated it.


    Soon they came back to the HQ, Lash said his goodbyes and was led to the Portal room with a flash and a pop! He was home. A guide led him to a car which took him home. The driver handed him a newspaper which he took with curiosity only to groan...On the page was a clear picture of him as a Wraith working side by side with Superman in Metropolis.


    NEW ALIEN FROM THE STARS? It read. FRIEND OR FOE? Reports say that this Creature? Or Alien wearing a disguise was seen in The Narrows where it helped a FBI sting operation help take down several gangs and rescue over a hundred woman from a sex trafficking ring. Then two weeks later it was found on statue island in Metropolis helping UN soldiers and ''allies'' of Themyscira fight and take down the unknown military force that attacked the city. Then the ''Wraith'' As the People in the Narrows call it spent the next two days helping citizens of Metropolis! It had amazing healing capabilities almost as if by magic! The Health Department states that over two thousand lives were saved alone by this alien. That the City is now referring to as The Angle of Life and Death. But is this thing an Alien? Or maybe its been here all along?


    ¡°Fuuuuck me!¡± Lash threw the paper aside, all that was left was few eye witness reports from The Narrows, and Metropolis.


    Lash thanked the driver and stepped into his home building. Walking past the security guard at the front door who waved at him with a smile. He took an elevator up, unlocked his front door and stopped. The shutters were up, and he heard footsteps coming towards him. Uh oh! He saw Lizzy at the hall way with Isabella behind her. Lash had just closed the door but considered bolting for it.


    ¡°I VOLUNTERED TO GO TO METROPOLIS AND HELP WITH THE RESCUE OPERATIONS!¡± Lash screamed! That was the cover story The Wardens / Neighborhood Community Watch made for him.


    Lizzy''s anger was about to explode, but then evaporated. She was still angry but couldn''t be that angry at him for doing something so nice. She so desperately wanted to scream at him but just shook a pointed jagged finger at him. Her teeth grinding so hard it was audible in the hallway. Isabella looked like she was about to laugh or cry but feared making a single sound.


    ¡°GO WASH UP! YOU STINK! WE HAVE LUNCH READY!¡± Lizzy yelled then stomped off.


    ¡°Welcome home, Lash!¡± Isabella said before she chased after Lizzy.


    Lash let out breath he didn''t know he was holding. Then slowly moved through his home, nice and slow. Her vision is based on movement! Slipped into his bedroom and slowly, and softly closed the door. Peeled off his clothing and tossed them into the hamper. Then went to take a well deserved shower. He washed up removing layers of sweat, blood, and mud. As he was scrubbing he was surprised to find new tribal marks on his left and right shoulders. Both looked like a crescent moon next to a star. Great! It looked nice, but hard to explain. Soon coming out of the shower he slipped on a nice set of cotton shirt, pants, and ankle socks. He walked to his bedroom door only to hear not only Lizzy, and Isabella''s voice but also...Althea''s? He slowly opened it up and looked out.


    Now that he had a chance to look, Lizzy was in a long umbrella skirt with tennis shoes. The skirt was a floral blue. She had a lose peasant top on, white. Then showed off her neck line, as her hair was tied back in a lose tail. She was having an animated conversation with Althea.


    Isabella was a few feet behind Lizzy clearly nervous. She wore form fitting blue jeans, with a long sleeved red blouse highlighting her skin. She had on black tennis shoes. Her hair was one up, with curls in her hair. The kind you have to go to a salon for or, spend hours at home with a curler. Isabella was breathing faster and faster. Then her emotions calmed down suddenly, she whirled around to see Lash walking towards her. She nodded a thanks as Althea and Lizzy stopped talking.


    Althea was wearing the same gear she was in last time, heavy armor Hoplite. Though her shield, sword, and helmet where not present. She smiled brightly at Lash who gently gave Isabella a re assuring squeeze of her hand before he moved to Lizzy.


    ¡°Althea hello! This is Elizabeth Shaw my sister in everything but blood. This is Isabella Elizabeth''s girlfriend. I''m happy to see you, but from the discussion I take it this is urgent?¡± Lash said, Lizzy had a satisfied smiled on her face when he introduced her as his sister. Lizzy took Isabella''s hand and smiled at her to re assure her.


    ¡°Oh! Is that who that is? I...I''m sorry, I assumed the wrong thing.¡± Althea said to Lash, she then apologized to Lizzy and Isabella. Althea was confused why a kindred was in Lash''s home she knew the Kindred and Lash did not have a good relationship.


    ¡°Despite my experiences with certain groups of people. I try to not judge everyone the same. A person by person basis!¡± Lash turned to smile at Isabella who nodded in return. This made Lizzy confused. What did Lash mean.


    ¡°Ah! Yes I''ve heard that about you, Mr. Lash. I''m sorry but we need your talents once again. We had hoped that you could rest more but...¡± Althea looked at Lizzy. Lash held up his hand.


    ¡°Alright, let me get changed. This is not really good attire for working.¡± Lash turned around, he was close to running on empty but the more of Ares children they caught the better it would be.


    ¡°What? Excuse me!¡± Lizzy said to Althea then dragged Isabella along into Lash''s room. This earned a raised brow from Althea as the door closed behind them.


    Lash, Lizzy, and Isabella were in the bedroom together. Lash opened his closet and found a set of durable cloths. He peeled off his shirt and turned to see Lizzy and Isabella gawking at him. Lash was super athletic now. Nearly no body fat. So his muscles were clearly defined. With out missing a beat Lash took off his socks and pants so he was standing in nothing but a pair of boxers. Lizzy and Isabella''s faces both turned bright red before Isabella seem to snap out of it and pulled Lizzy around so they were not looking at him.


    ¡°Gah! Ri...What is wrong with you, undressing in front of Isabella like that!?¡± Lizzy screamed, not turning around.


    ¡°Ya I noticed you didn''t include yourself in that statement. We are in my bedroom!¡± Lash said as he slipped into a pair of durable cargo pants zipped and buttoned up, and looped his belt. Grabbed some socks and boots. Before Lizzy glanced around then sighed.


    ¡°Oh please! Your nothing special to look at!¡± Lizzy said stubbornly but a blush was still evident. Isabella shook her head.


    ¡°Oh no! He''s definitely something special!¡± Isabella said, which earned her a glare from Lizzy.


    ¡°Lash you just got back! And why is that woman dressed like that? Are you doing security for some LARP event or something?¡± Lizzy said, completely clueless. Isabella looked at her shocked.


    ¡°Babe, she is not playing. She''s an Amazon from that new island in the Atlantic. They did an entire special on the news remember. You said it was to unreal to know about an entire society of Warrior Woman. You even wondered if we could vacation there.¡± Isabella said.


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Lizzy stomped over to the door peeked out. ¡°Ar..Are you an Amazon?¡± Lizzy softly asked to Althea.


    ¡°Yes I am, I''ve worked with your ''Brother'' in Metropolis.¡± Althea said softly, amusement in her voice. She could clearly hear the entire conversation in the room but was trying to be polite. Lizzy softly closed the door then skipped back to Isabella.


    ¡°There''s an Amazon in Lash''s house! Wait...Why is there an Amazon in Lash''s home! Lash why are you working with the Amazons?!¡± Lizzy went from excitement to confusion, to clear anger? Isabella rolled her eyes at Lizzy.


    Lash was dressed now, he went to his bathroom and brushed his teeth real quick. Being bald came in handy he didn''t need to gel or fashion his scalp! He put on unscented deodorant, then went back into his bed room.


    ¡°It has to do with the Community Watch. I volunteered to help with any further issues be it Metropolis or other cities. So, they need my help? A....¡± Lizzy was standing in front of his door not letting him out.


    ¡°THAT''S FUCKING BULLSHIT!¡± Lizzy screamed.


    ¡°Babe,¡± Isabella tried to calm her down.


    ¡°No! I''ve kept my peace, I''ve seen you disappear for days at a time. I didn''t say anything when you joined the watch.¡± Lizzy said.


    ¡°You did say something actually you were against it.¡± Lash said before he was shushed by her.


    ¡°I''ve kept my peace, I''ve been supportive! I held my tongue...¡± Lizzy started


    ¡°Lizzy you don''t ever hold your tongue, for any move that was dangerous, or life risking or just plain stupid you would give me an ear full every single time. Then remind me about it every chance you got! But that''s what family is for, I love you for it! I love you like a sister! But this is important! I can help, I can save lives!¡± Lash was yelling now.


    ¡°Oh fucking really!? What can you do! Ah! You make statues! Sculptors! Works of Art! You don''t run off with Amazons! To what save the fucking....w....world?¡± Lizzy screamed at the start then was lost by the end. As Lash was not Lash any more. There stood the ''Wraith'' That Lizzy had seen on the news stations.


    Lash took out his phone and contacted Warden HQ who picked up with in the first ring. He told them he needed a mundane brief for Elizabeth Shaw, and Isabella Kuldr. Who were both in his home. That with all the stuff going on they had learned he was not the same anymore. The Warden team understood the under lying meaning with Isabella. Said they would send a team to his home in a few minutes. Isabella gently pulled Lizzy away from the door and shot a grateful look at Lash. This was going to fuck Lizzy and Lash''s relationship up. No need to screw Isabella''s life up too. Lash moved past the door removing his shroud.


    ¡°I love you Lizzy, I hope when this is over you''ll still love me too.¡± Lash left the still shocked Lizzy behind. He went into the central room where Althea had a sorry expression.


    ¡°I''m sorry, I thought she....¡± Althea stopped talking has Lash waved her off. He snagged some sandwiches that Lizzy had made for lunch they went to the door and left the house. Heading to the car that was waiting for them...

 Chapter 26: Bone Daddy!

    Lash and Althea were both quiet in the car, the driver could feel the awkward tension and didn''t say anything as they drove to Warden HQ in Gotham. Lash had finished his food, and was staring out the window half asleep. He could feel the Natural Energy Absorption at work. It was slow but noticeable. He may not need to sleep any more, but Cosmic Patron above knew that he wanted to. He wanted to be back in his home having Lizzy nag at him about being careful, then talk about new commissions or show off his new pieces with her. Or see if he could gang up on her with Isabella''s help to tease Lizzy. But, there was a good chance that Lizzy would never forgive him for keeping such a secret to himself.


    ¡°If life was ''normal'' You and I would be talking about what just happened in my home. I understand that the Amazon''s may live in a magical world. But not everyone in the world knows about the Super-Natural life, or Magic. Or at the very least believes in it, let alone understands that its all real. BUT, the world is at war. People are dying because of Ares and his bullshit. So, my petty mundane stuff? It can get in line. What we are doing is important. So no, I am not angry at you Althea. But, if Lizzy chooses to keep speaking to me in the future I may have to ask if she can vacation for a week or so in Themyscira.¡± Lash said, a small smile at the end of his speech meant to put Althea at ease. Who saw it and nodded.


    ¡°I think we can arrange that for you. Maybe her highness Diana would be willing to talk to your sister about whats happened. I know that ''Wonder Woman'' As a lot of good PR. A role model for woman every where in this modern day world.¡± Althea said. Even the driver agreed.


    ¡°That be great! So, where are we going?¡± Lash said, as he adjusted his posture in the car.


    ¡°Greece, Specifically a volcano in Greece. Ares army showed up, attacked the nearby towns and cities. Cleared everyone out from the mountain then disappeared. We don''t know why.¡± Althea said. Lash thought about.


    ¡°Can you access Hades from a volcano?¡± Lash asked softly.


    ¡°Yes... I believe you can. Hades is much like the Christians hell. Its connected to Earth but is also a separate plane of existence....Why?¡± Althea was staring intently at Lash.


    ¡°Hades and Ares always had a good relationship in the old stories. Hades would ''feed'' from the lives lost in War. Are there any truths to that?¡± Lash asked. Althea''s eyes began to grow wide.


    ¡°Yes.... Ares often spoke of Hades while he was imprisoned said he was his favorite uncle.¡± Althea was leaning forward in the car now. Practically begging for Lash to finish his thought.


    ¡°Does Hades and Zeus not get along? I mean they have a family truce but Hades was never under the law of Zeus right?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°That''s right...¡± Althea was starting to grow pale her mind working.


    ¡°Well, where would be the greatest army in all of Ancient Greece be? But in the Under World. If the Cult of Ares has pushed everyone from a volcano. Its possible they are trying to open a gate to the under world to call all the Dead Warriors who have sworn to serve Ares in life or death?¡± Lash didn''t know it but as he was talking a pale golden light was surrounding him. To Althea this was significant. Because the Oracle on Themyscira would have the same light when she received a divine decree.


    ¡°DRIVE FASTER!¡± Althea yelled at the Driver who floored it! Then she had to catch Lash who fell unconscious.


    Lash was dreaming again, or re living a memory. He saw a giant black mechanized giant. Battling with several other giant robots. He was wearing a light exo skeleton suit and was evacuating civilians out of the combat area. Then dove out of the way as a plasma sword from one of the giants flew by. His exo suit took most of the damage but he must still have second or even third degree burns.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Danger Sense: When in battle or even when you are not! Its very hard to surprise you, your ''sixth'' sense kicks into gear and you move, block, or even strike as if you knew it was going to happen. This skill works with Foresight. ''Danger Will Robinson! Danger!''


    Lash''s eyes snapped open as he reached out and snagged small hand by the wrist. Who yelped in surprise! He turned to see Althea who was looking at him wide eyed. He then let her go and slowly sat up on a...Bed? He looked out a port hole and saw that they were flying. He looked back at her with confusion clear on his face.


    ¡°I told them your prophecy. Her Highness Hippolyta our queen prayed to Hera for guidance. Hera has confirmed that Ares is at the volcano. But, we can''t find him or the army. Even when we used spells to blow the fog of war away, all it only reveals small forces. There is an enchantment on the mountain.¡± Althea said, she was hesitating by the end.


    ¡°You need a tracker to guide the forces through the fog. That''s why we are in a plane. We took a portal to the nearest spot and now we are flying to our destination?¡± Lash sat down and sighed.


    ¡°I know we should have asked you. But time is of the essence, and Skaleg said you would have volunteered regardless.¡± Althea said, standing up from the bed clearly acting awkward. Lash even saw a bit of blush come up her ears.


    ¡°Althea is this the first time you''ve been alone in a room with a man before?¡± Lash said with a small smile.


    ¡°That has nothing to do with what we are talking about! I.... If your done being a... The others are waiting, don''t take to long!¡± Althea''s face was bright red by the time she left the room.


    Lash laughed for a bit, then stood up and stretched. They must be on a private plane or first class airliner. Maybe both? He walked from his room. Cargo plane! With living spaces for people. He went towards he thought was briefing room. Turbulence hit the plane making it rock. Lash came to an open room. Diana Princess of Themyscira was there standing over a map, With Superman. Odd Lash thought he would have just flown over. Ah! The Briefing. Elena, and Cora were there with Althea. The latter refusing to look at Lash.


    ¡°Hello hunter! Welcome back to the land of the living!¡± Diana said with a smile. Superman smiled at him, and gestured for him to join them. Lash did then looked at the map.


    ¡°I don''t mean to be rude, but cant Superman just...Level the mountain?¡± Lash asked an obvious question. But got a typical response.


    ¡°Hostages, Ares Children have made it abundantly clear that if we destroy the mountain, thousands of civilians that they have collected will be killed. They are using them as shields. Once the Children of Ares figured out that we knew what they were doing. They sent a television broadcast showing them their hostages. Modern weaponry wont damage the mountain enough, a nuke would cause to much collateral damage and fall out. Ares would also feed off the energy of the missile. So we have to use a strike force.¡± Diana said. Superman frowned at the situation.


    ¡°The Fae Courts, along with all near by Societies are sending all there forces to meet with us at the mountain. Ground, Air, and Water since its near the ocean, by the hammer even some of those Atlanteans are coming! Nice to meet you Warden Lash. Heard a lot about you! I''m Commander Oberon.¡± A 6'' 6¡± wide as a door muscular man said. Clearly hailing from Germanic with his thick accent. Wearing full tactical gear with a mix of Viking armor. Lash shook his hand. Then, -God Kin Saurian said.


    ¡°You are a God Kin?'' Lash took a deep breath. ¡°Norse pantheon?¡± He asked. Oberon smiled wide!


    ¡°Ah! So you can smell us out! That is reassuring!¡± Oberon clapped him on the back. ¡°Skaleg said you had a hunters spirit! Glad to see that old warrior was right!¡± Oberon was a jovial sort. Laughs loudly, plays and drinks hard. But works just as hard as well. His big meaty hands pointed at several spots around the mountain.


    ¡°These are the possible locations we believe can take us into the heart of the mountain to the gates of The Greek Underworld. Thankfully Hades has sent word to Hera that he will not be helping either side. He wont stop us! But he wont help us either.¡± Oberon said.


    ¡°Hades is hoping we''ll kill Ares. That way the God of War will serve him forever in death.¡± Lash said. That brought the room to a lull in silence. ¡°Hades will then control the Domains of Death as well as War.¡± Lash concluded, then stumbled for a moment. Oberon caught him. Lash was light headed again. Fuck he just used Foresight again with out meaning to.


    They helped Lash to a seat and Cora handed him some water which he took gratefully. Diana excused her self. She went to go pray to Hera to update her on what she just learned. Oberon called an aid and started sending messages as fast as he could. Superman sat next to Lash looking at him concerned.


    ¡°That takes a lot out of you doesn''t it? Looks like you don''t really control it either?¡± Superman said.


    ¡°No I don''t. Just kinda happens. Sometimes weeks or months will go by with nothing. Then they can happen with in days or even hours of each other. Both a blessing and a curse I''m afraid.¡± Lash finished his water. Lash assumed that''s how the skill worked, he didn''t want people hanging out at all times of the day hoping to pump information out of him. Lash looked up at Oberon and had to ask.


    ¡°Oberon, this is a complete subject shift. But isn''t your name the name of one of the ancient Fae kings?¡± Lash said. This earned him a big wide smile from the huge man.


    ¡°That is Warden! That it is! Really pisses the Fae court officials off too! Especially since I''m part of the Under Fae! Use to hate my name growing up, but now I love it! I understood why my mother and father named me it.¡± Oberon laughed his booming laugh that was infectious. Making Lash and Superman laugh with him.


    The plane rocked back and forth again, as a radio called over. Saying we were approaching our landing zone and to please prepare. No one in the room moved, this entire plane could crash and explode and they wouldn''t care. Except Lash who buckled his seat belt. Making Superman look at him.


    ¡°Hay, I''m not invulnerable like you!¡± Lash said with a smile. Superman laughed and clapped him on his back.


    ¡°If we crashed, I''d save you.¡± Superman said.


    ¡°So, just to clear up some confusion on my part! My job is to find a way in for our forces? Right? I nearly died last time and that was against reserve forces. This is the meat of Ares army. So?...¡±


    ¡°That''s Right! We have an Elite Guard of different society members that will follow you in, and escort you out. We are not expecting you to stay and fight. Though we would request you stay at the medical tent to help the wounded?¡± Althea spoke up this time. Finally looking him in the eye.


    ¡°Sure! I can do that!¡± Lash replied with a confirmation as the plane shook severely and they had landed.


    Once the plane landed it was at the dead of night, but it was summer here the stars were out and the moon was clear. Diana informed everyone that Hera had spoken to Zeus who was angry at the idea that his brother would gain a Domain, and possibly tip the balance of power, neither Hera or Zeus questioned Lash prophecy which was odd to Lash. A new Legion of Olympians would be sent to help in the battle. On the bottom line that Ares be captured alive. Whether he still had all of his limbs was not important as long as he was alive! Althea, with Cora, and Elena were the part of the mixed Elite Guard. That came to protect Lash. Several more of different races and talents showed up. Greeted him! Lash shifted to Saurian, and cast his Wraith glamour. Soon the guard were running through the country side. Superman and Wonder Woman following close behind. Once they found a way in they would both sprint to Ares as fast as possible.


    The Greek country side was beautiful and Saurian lamented about not being able to enjoy it. Althea assured him that Themyscira was just as beautiful and that if he pulled this off. He was invited to come to meet the queen! Which made Saurian both excited and scared! Soon military vehicles of all shapes and sizes, followed by contingents of soldiers showed up. Armies of Modern day gear, and armies with shields, spears, and swords. The sky opened up as white light fell from the heavens. Soon a legion of Pegasi with people clad in silver armor both men and woman flew down. Soon Saurian and his team were front and center. With Diana and Superman.


    ¡°No pressure...¡± Saurian said softly. Making Superman and Diana laugh.


    ¡°Ignore them! Just concentrate on what you have in front of you.¡± Diana said.


    ¡°A volcano with an army of Champions and children of Ares concealed in a fog of war that could all kill me with a single punch?¡± Saurian asked.


    A six legged horse galloped to their location. Clad in full plate mail, with stag horns on the helmet piece. Wielding a pike Oberon raced up and raised his weapon to the skies. As another heavenly gate opened and Warrior women with wings came down from the sky. Valkyries.


    ¡°Alright my fine reptilian friend! Lets get this party started! Ahahahaah!¡± Oberon shouted with a laugh.


    Saurian roll his eyes. Then came ahead of the group. Closing his eyes to help him focus, he breathed it all in. The army, the forest, the mountain, the smell of people. He took it all in, and smelled Greece. But he also felt something. A drum? A heart beat? Saurian did something he hadn''t done in a long while. He switched his title from Shaper, to Druid. He opened his reptilian eyes and there he saw it. A path through the country side into the mountain, between a thick fog that settled across the mountain.


    ROOOOOOAAAAAARRRR!


    Saurian used Rallying Call! Then sprinted forward with all possible speed! A battle horn was called as the army began to move forward. Drums of war sound in the air as the army came to life. Then as if sensing the change, torch lights begin to flicker to life on the mountain. A horn rang out, and another. The Armies of Ares knew something was wrong and were charging to meet them...


    ¡°Saurian! Just keep moving forward! We''ll keep them off of you!¡± Superman called out!


    So, Saurian ran forward trusting in his allies. He ran, and ran! Over fallen logs, over a river. Up and over the hills. Straight into a waiting battle line. Shields and spears at the ready. But he didn''t stop. His muscles were tight as adrenaline pumped through his veins. He let out another ROAR! At the battle lines, then right before he hit them. Laser beams shot from Superman''s eyes, carving a path through them. Saurian leaped over the devastated lines and kept moving forward. More then once Cultist human or other creatures were in front of him. Danger Sense was fully active. Saurian dodged, weaved in and out of combat. But still arrows, bullets, spears were flying at him. Several of them cut flesh and bone. Many of them pierced his body leaving him mewling in pain. But he kept running forward! More then once he saw Diana or Superman rush forward ahead of him carving a bloody path. Superman was not holding back now, each time he swung his fist dozens of people and creatures alike were blown away. Alive or dead it did not matter at the moment.


    Saurian sprinted across a deep chasm in the ground, the smell of sulfur was thick in the air. As was the sound of deep dark ominousness chanting. Chanting that made Saurian''s scales itch, the voice was in his ears. Making him want to rip and tear the flesh from any he saw. Mental Resistance, and Damage Resistance began to send prompts to him. The deeper he ran the harder it was to keep his head clear. The entire mountain shook, as wailing ghosts and rotten skeletons began to rise. Necro Fire in their chest, and eye sockets. The first batch of dead soldiers had been released! They were running out of time! Saurian jumped across chasm, jagged rocks, and a river of lava. Then slid to a stop! His claws digging in to the ground forcing him to stop as soon as possible. Because...


    There on top of altar of bones, made from so many different races, animals, and things. Stood a colossal figure wearing crimson red ancient armor. With skulls carved into his shoulders, wailing souls depicted in his armor. His arms were raised as he chanted over and over. Dozens of God Kin surrounded each tier of the altar, three levels in total. Each one with a dozen or more God Kin. But they looked ill, deathly. Their life force was being used to feed the ritual. The mountain shook again! As the gates of The Under World was behind the Altar. The gates slowly creaked up as Zombies and Skeletons with rotten armor began to spill out.


    ¡°So....¡± An overwhelming powerful voice made entire chamber rumble.


    ¡°You are the hunter that found me? I''ve heard of you, a Warden of Gotham City. I''ll make sure to burn that place to the ground when I''m done here.¡± Ares said, he never turned around. As if it was unnecessary


    Then a pair of feet landed next to Saurian. Superman looked a little worn out. Several blade and slash marks from creatures were clear on him. Magic did have a way of penetrating his defenses. Then another pair of feet landed. Diana was covered in blood and viscera. She was breathing heavy, but a smile of victory was clear on her face.


    ¡°Its over Ares! You have no place to run!¡± Diana called out!


    ¡°Ahahahahaha! Over! Little Princess? Its just beginning¡± Ares sinister voice said. As the mountain shook again. The armies of the under world that had sworn loyalty in life or death began to swarm from the gates of the under world. Several extra dimensional gates opened up along the mountain as they flooded out.


    ¡°No....I think she is right. God of War. It is over.¡± Saurian said, as he began to slowly step forward. Ares finally turned around, his face covered by a skeleton mask shrouded in darkness. But two flaming eyes peered down at him.


    ¡°And what can you do? Little hunter?¡± Ares spoke condescendingly.


    Saurian stepped lightly forward, each step he took towards the Altar of bones sent a rebound of energy into him. But he persevered. Each step was like thousand steps across a scorching desert. Fire, and heat seared his scales and flesh. He heard Superman call him back. But something was odd. Neither Superman nor Diana could step forward as if something was stopping them. Hurricane winds blasted into them both pushing them back from the Altar. But, Saurian continued...Step...After step. Ares was completely facing him, his focus bore into Saurian with laser focus.


    ¡°What are you....doing?¡± Ares spoke with uncertainty.


    ¡°Not...to long ago. I learned something. Something I haven''t used since my ceremony to become a Warden. I was surprised to see that it worked here too!¡± Saurian said as he took another step forward.


    Most of the scales on his body had been seared off at this point, his flesh was starting to burn. Damage Resistance, Basic Regeneration, Adaptation and even Natural Energy Absorption. Were sending prompt after prompt. His life was draining rapidly but he held it. Soon one by one Ares Children were dying. Their divine spark being consumed to feed the ritual, but also to ward Saurian off.


    ¡°WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?¡± Ares screamed, but couldn''t move from his spot unless he wanted the ritual to fail.


    ¡°Just...Something! I call... NULLIFICAITON!¡± The skill he had learned so long ago activated as the crashing waves of energy disappeared when Saurian touched the outer most skull.


    BOOOOOOOOOOM!


    The sudden absence of energy collided with the sudden pressure release of energy creating a devastating backlash...For Ares! The bone altar exploded! All of the gates to the underworld slammed shut! And Saurian blacked out...

 Chapter 27:Who Ordered BBQ!?

    Tap....Tap.....Tap


    Lash slowly opened his eyes to only see darkness in front of him. Was he in the black room? No. He closed his eyes again, trying to focus. What was the last thing he remembered? He led the armies towards Ares. Towards the ritual site. Lash tried to sit up, to only realize his arms and legs were...restrained?


    Tap....Tap....Tap


    Lash tried to open his eyes. This time he saw that the darkness in front of him was just a pure black floor. Flickering torches on the left and right barely reflected off the surface. As if the black stone it self absorbed light. He tried shifting again only to cough and sputter. Every time he shifted a choke collar around his neck tightened.


    Tap....Tap.....Tap


    What is that noise? Lash slowly forced himself off the ground, his arms were tied back in an awkward position. They were bound to his legs, and the whole restraint was tied to his neck. If he tried to get loose, he''d choke himself. But soon he sat up, sitting on his knee''s as he looked around. His eyes began to focus.


    Tap.....Tap.....Tap


    Lash focused on what was in front of him. There was several steps that led to a pair of boots. The boots led to black metal greaves with skeleton stylized pieces carved into them. Then the plate mail legs were attached to an imposing figure. Wearing pure black armor with skeleton and ghost like designs. But its head was demonic, with black molten skin. Cracks across the face looked like magma veins, and horns formed to a shape of a crown. This figure sat on a throne made of bones, and skulls. There this figures right arm rest was his clawed hand, a talon tapping on it.


    Tap....Tap....Tap


    To the left of the monstrosity of metal and death, sat a tanned skinned beauty. She was wrapped in a evening toga dress. Cut just short of her knees, but a slit did ride up to her left hip showing a lot of leg. She had golden sandals on, several pieces of golden and silver rings, bracelets, and a golden tiara in her hair. Her hair was naturally curly, the type of curls woman pay hundreds of dollars for. Her eyes were a deep shade of yellow and gold. She had a very small smile on her lips as she watched Lash.


    Lash looked at her, then back at the monstrosity of death and metal. Then looked around the room. Death was the style of the grand throne room they were in. Blood fountains poured from the sides. Guards wearing similar death stylized armor, wielding pikes, but every eye was on Lash. Then something moved behind the throne, what he thought was a wall was actually a giant sized three headed dog? Wolf...Cerberus! All three heads were staring at Lash. Oh crap! He knew where he was.


    Tap......Tap......Tap


    ¡°Done looking around?¡± Hades, the giant metal god of Death asked, clearly grinding his teeth.


    Lash leaned forward and placed his forehead to the floor and said in the best clear and respectful voice he could muster.


    ¡°This insignificant one, greets the King and Queen of the Under World. Hades God of the Under World and Domain Keeper of Death. Persephone Goddess of the Under World, and Domain of The Harvest. May this insignificant one be of service?¡± Lash carefully spoke.


    Crash! Hades destroyed the right arm rest that he had been tapping with his hand. Every guard in the room flinched, Cerberus trembled its ears lying flat. Flames began to rise from the Gods armor before a feminine hand came to rest on his left shoulder. The flames died away, and Hades bit back what he was about to say.


    ¡°Erik Lash, and your Partner Saurian. We say hello to you.¡± The gentle but strong voice of Persephone called out across the grand hall. ¡°You see, normally I would be in my garden in Olympus right now visiting with my mother and father. But, when we received a message that my Husband Hades was planning on acquiring the Domain of War from his nephew. Zeus asked me to visit The Under World ahead of my normal schedule to talk Hades out of causing a War.¡± Persephone said.


    Lash kept his head glued to the floor, his entire body was trembling. He tried to reach inside himself but Saurian was asleep as far as he could tell. The HUGE pressure building off of Hades was slamming into him again and again. Nullification was not activating! Oh shit! Oh shit! Why the fuck was he in the Under World!?


    ¡°Imagine not only my surprise but the surprise of my husband when Diana of Themyscira, and the ''Superman'' came straight to the ritual sight with out the help of any God. But, with the help of a were-breed? Then imagine all of Olympus surprise when that insignificant were-breed stopped the ritual? Letting Diana, Superman fight and capture Ares. Succeeding in stopping the war? It''s worth to say that every old god took an interest in this little lizard. But to our ''Surprise'' This little lizard already has the mark of a god on him! Just not a god of Earth...¡± Persephone''s voice was clearly amused.


    Lash''s eyes opened wide and realized it, His Cosmic Patron left his mark on him. That is what they are talking about. It makes sense that the old gods of Earth would be able to see the mark. The presence of energy from a higher being. But wait? How does that help him? He''s still in the under world.


    ¡°So, as much as my husband would like to torture you for next few centuries making you beg for eternal sleep. He''s ultimately left your judgment to me. Why you may ask? Because you fall under a familiar Domain....Nature. Erik Lash, you are a ''Guardian of the Green'' A servant to Mother Gaia. So, we have come to a compromise. Please raise your head.¡± Persephone said softly, and Lash''s whole body rose whether he wanted to or not. He was kneeling again, trying so hard to focus on Persephone and not the unbelievably pissed off God of Death.


    ¡°Three trials or three favors. You will do for me and my Husband. Don''t worry we will not ask you do something against your Moral code. As flexible as it may be. We will ask these of you at any time of our choosing in your life. But when we ask, you will do them.¡± Persephone said the last part with force of will in her voice. Rebuking no argument.


    ¡°You are permitted to ask for help, seek advice, even have others aid in the trials or favors. But YOU will be there, and YOU will do them. Before you wonder. Yes, we have your ''Patrons'' Permission. He said it would be....Fun!¡± Persephone said with a smile. Lash''s eyes went wide, fuck!


    ¡°Now, run a long ''Guardian of the Green'' They are looking for you. Oh, and this will hurt!¡± Persephone smiled at Lash, as Hades stood up and waved his hand. An explosion of fire, energy, and the back swing of an angry God slammed into him and sent him flying!


    BOOOOOOM!


    Lash woke to find himself in the shade of a tree, a tiny little thing that had a few leaves. Was barely holding its own on a hilltop in the middle of the country side. But its roots were a pillow for Lash, its leaves gently stroking his face as if to say good morning. But it wasn''t a good morning, even as a red sun rose over the mountain that was the battle field. Lash tried to sit up only to scream in pain, and horror when he realized not only was his entire right arm from the shoulder down gone! But so was his right leg! The rest of his body was covered in burns and shrapnel from stone, wood, and dirt. But, he was alive. Then...the Prompts began!


    ¡°Hello User! Look, you accomplished a lot. So we have a lot to go through. So just sit tight and bare with me. Please take time to read each one! I put a lot of work into them.¡± Dawn said both a bit of pride and evidently worry.


    ¡°Go...ahead Dawn....I''m not going any where.¡± Lash said


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron is impressed with your ingenuity. Loves to see you get into trouble, but loves it even more when you get out of it! You''ve completed several missions and the rewards will be given!


    First quest review: Befriend two or more Super-Natural societies? You have made a friend of The Lion Pride Blood-Eye, you have made a friend of The Amazons of Themyscira.


    Reward: Skill, Basic Weapon Master has evolved into Intermediate Weapon Master.


    Reward: Skill, Basic Martial Arts has evolved into Intermediate Martial Arts.


    Second quest review: Help with damage control and public relations of the Super-Natural Societies as they come under Public eye. By playing the role of ''Wraith'' to the public you have deflected several suspicious behaviors across the globe. By posing with Superman and by having him claim you are an alien. It has made many of the common public believe that the fighting and catastrophe''s were the work of Alien invaders. So the Super-Natural World is safe for now, but now you have moved the anger towards Aliens! Good work!


    Reward: One Dream Point.


    Third quest review: Help or Defeat the Cult of Ares, and The God of War himself. You played an important role in the defeat of the Cultist, and you have made an eternal enemy out of the Old God of War! Congratulations!


    Reward: Skill, Basic Crafting as now evolved into Intermediate Crafting.


    Fourth quest review: Help or Defeat the Amazons, and Wonder Woman. You played an important role in the defense and aid of the Amazons. Earning life long friends, as well as a standing invitation to Themyscira.


    Reward: Skill, Basic Charming Presence: You give off a natural presence of charm, suave, and intrigue. Captivating woman, and men alike. Careful, it may get you into trouble!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained an Achievement:''Come here I''ll bite your legs off!'' You have lost two or more limbs in a single battle, and lived! You will gain 10% increase to Damage Resistance, as well as 10% increase to regrow limbs, working in conjunction with Basic Regeneration.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained an Achievement: ''Look out below!'' You have fallen from a great height, and lived! You will gain a 10% decrease in damage from falls in the future. You will gain a 10% chance to safely land during a fall in the future.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained an Achievement: ''Are you feeling lucky, Punk?'' You have faced off against an enemy that was clearly out of your league! But not only did you live through the experience you dealt a serious blow, and stopped their evil plan! You have a 10% increase to your overall Good Luck! With a 10% increase of finding just the right thing, tool, or escape in dire situations!


    ¡°Ok that''s all....I''m happy you didn''t die! Please continue to enjoy your time in The Dream Engine, User.¡± Dawn''s voice spoke to Lash.


    ¡°Thanks Dawn.¡± Lash said as he continued to watch the sun rise.


    Lash tried to use his magic only to realize he couldn''t. The magical focus or tribal mark on his body was ruined from the burns, fall, or just everything in between. His skin would have to heal first before he could cast any magic. That is the price he chose to pay when he chose this method of casting. So there he laid. Soon a War horn was called, Lash recognized the sound. The Amazons were calling for victory. Persephone said Ares was caught, but looks like his Army didn''t commit suicide this time. They kept on fighting. I was midnight when he had gotten to the mountain with the army before. It was now dawn? So maybe six or so hours had passed. Lash could only see the mountains top the rest of the landscape was shrouded by forest and the hole that he made on impact.


    Lash knew he was in trouble, he may not be in the threat of dying. But he was defenseless on a field of battle with Cultist driven mad. He could hardly feel anything on his body as long as he didn''t move, which was a bad sign. The sound of twigs snapped nearby, as the bush and branch was gently pushed aside. The sound of combat boots crunched across dirt and twig before coming to a rest next to him. Lash couldn''t move his head, but he tried to move his eyes. The figure came around so he could see him....A small smile grew on Lash''s face.


    ¡°Hay Booraku.... How''s life?¡± Lash said. To the troll warrior. No glamour this time just the ten foot tall troll. Wearing a mixture of Ancient armor and modern gear. He was covered in blood, and gore. One of his massive tusks had broke off. But his face was smiling.


    ¡°Life is just fine, sir. A little griak told me I''d find you.¡± Booraku said as he sat down next to Lash. There on his shoulder was a Griak, wearing a simple little set of armor.


    ¡°Hi Warden! We were afraid we wouldn''t find you! But we did! Yep! Yep!¡± The Griak said.


    ¡°You can understand them?¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°Yes, just the Griaks though. I don''t know why. Been able to since I was a kid. Drove my parents crazy! We''d get into all sorts of fun together.¡± Booraku said, as he took out a cigar and lite it up with a zippo. Then took out a phone, radio something and turned a switch on.


    Booraku just sat there on a hill next to Lash. He was bleeding in several places but his troll vitality kept him alive. His armor was missing in several places. The metal plates clinked and clacked with every breath he took. Inhaling his cigar and exhaling. The Griak on his shoulder kicked its legs back and forth as if the whole situation didn''t concern it.


    ¡°Anyone back home you want me to say goodbye to, for you Sir?¡± Booraku said to Lash. Turning his face to look at Lash. Lash squinted his eyes at him.


    ¡°I don''t know what you mean? Am I going some where?¡± Lash said in a soft voice.


    Booraku coughed and turned away, rubbing his face. Something must have gotten in his eyes. He inhaled another breath of his cigar. Just sat there with Lash as the sun continued to climb. Booraku''s radio phone beeped at him. The troll picked it up and spoke softly into it. Lash couldn''t hear him. The troll put the radio down, as a soft beep began to chime from it ever minute. Maybe and SOS.


    ¡°Do you have any water, Booraku?¡± Lash asked softly.


    The troll nodded and took out a canteen. Gently lifted Lash so he could drink. The cool refreshing water was a gift from the heavens on Lash''s parched throat. Soon he was satisfied and turned his head away. Booraku capped the canteen and put it away.


    ¡°Hay.....Did we win?¡± Lash asked....


    ¡°Yes Sir. We won. Ares was captured, his army routed. Its a....Good...day....¡± Booraku said, as tears began to fall down his face.


    ¡°Booraku, did you lose some one in the fight?¡± Lash said, full of concern in his voice. This just made Booraku cry harder as he tried to control his breathing while looking at Lash.


    ¡°Yes Sir....I think we all have...¡± Booraku said in barely a whisper.


    ¡°I''m sorry Booraku... You should really call me by name you know. Erik Lash, or Saurian when I''m shifted.¡± Lash raised his left hand knuckles up and bumped into Booraku''s knee. ¡°We are friend''s after all.¡±


    ¡°Erik Lash and Saurian, I Booraku Dovregubben declare that we are friends.¡± Booraku said, and just like any other time an current of energy connected the two.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained another friend and pack member to your little family. Booraku Dovrengubben.


    The skill, Pack Bond: Range has increased to five miles! And the overall stat increase as been raised to 25%. Please note that at least one member of the pack in addition to you must be present for you both or more to share the stat increase.


    The Skill, Telepathy: Range has increased to five miles, allows you to speak the mother tongue of who ever you speak to in their minds, or vocal. ''Universal translator!'' Now any that are linked by the Telepathy skill will now have a general idea and location of the team.


    When the connection was made Booraku''s entire body shivered. His wounds started healing faster, he was feeling better and even energetic. -Good Morning, Hunter Booraku. Saurian Hunter is please to have you join our family. Saurian spoke softly, as if he was just waking up. This made Booraku jump to his feet and stare down at Lash in astonishment.


    ¡°Wait!? Are y...Are...ARE YOU NOT DYING!?¡± Booraku screamed at Lash. Making him wince as the ten foot troll yelled. Then Lash tried to turn his head but just settled his eyes on him instead. Then chuckled that evolved into a belly laugh that made him cough up some blood.


    ¡°Ahhhaaa...A Owe..owe...No...Booraku I''m not dying. I''m just slowly healing. Ahahahaahaha!¡± Lash said between laughs.


    Lash''s skill/spell Natural Energy Absorption was passively active. Even with his tribal mark destroyed it worked. It was working at half capacity! But it was still working. As long as no one disturbed him he could probably stay on the hill and heal all by himself. It would make him fucking miserable! But he could do it. Lash continued to laugh for a bit, coughing up blood as he did so. Booraku came out of his shock and picked up his radio practically screaming into it.


    ¡°I say again! I have found Warden Lash alive! He is critically injured and in need of medical care as soon as possible! I repeat!....¡± Booraku said that a few more times before he got a response back. He took out his compass and gave a bearing given his position from base camp. Then he went over to Lash and started unpacking a first aid kit and then froze he didn''t know what to do. Lash looked like a piece of human BBQ that was missing an arm and a leg.


    ¡°Ahahaha! Just...Sit with me until help comes alright my friend.¡± Lash comforted the big lug. Booraku looked like he wanted to argue but he really didn''t know where to begin. So he just sat there by Lash side, the Griak was looking down not sure what was going on. It knew Lash would be fine.


    A sonic boom rang out across the entire area. As a ''faster then a speeding bullet'' blue blur sped to their location. Then from the sky came the chiseled jaw line of Superman! His super suit was in tatters but his body had at least healed. Maybe he could ask the Wardens to repair the cloth. Kryptonian cloth must be hella expensive to import with the entire planet scrapped. His feet landed next to Lash as he stared in horror. Clearly not expecting Lash to be so destroyed.


    ¡°Hey Boy Scout! How''s life?¡± Lash said softly, raising his one good hand up to wave. Superman''s face nearly broke with the nick name. As he fell to his knees in front of him.


    ¡°Why is every one being so dramatic? I''ll be fine! I just need time to heal.¡± Lash said, a smirk on his face. Superman looked at him in confusion then looked at Booraku, the big troll shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°I''ve been sitting on his hill top for nearly three hours or more. Not only have I not died, I''ve even healed more. See? My left hand is not as crispy as it use to be!¡± Lash raised his arm up, higher then he could a little while ago.


    ¡°Now I normally would say to carry me, but I think it might be better if we get a stretcher. Don''t want to stress any more injuries.¡± Lash said to them both. Then another pair of feet flew down, it was Diana. Who looked at him in Horror!


    ¡°No! I''m sorry!¡± Diana yelled, tears welling up in here eyes. Lash was both amused and confused. He had known Superman and Diana for what? Four days? Superman makes sense he always takes things a little to personally. But Diana?


    ¡°Your Highness! Persephone the Goddess of the Harvest is who put me here! She said I''ll be fine! I just need time to heal!¡± Lash called out...That snapped Diana from her state of remorse.


    ¡°Superman can you go get a stretcher or something? I would have you carry me as I said before, but I don''t want to tweak something given I cant feel anything past my waist right now.¡± Lash said to them. Superman jumped a chance to do something and flew off.


    So over the course of the next three hours, Lash had to re explain to everyone he saw that he was fine, well mostly. He was still a piece of BBQ but as more time passed even Booraku could tell he was getting better. They got an air transport to fly in and fly him to the nearest Super-Natural Controlled hospital. Diana stayed behind to coordinate with all the armies. But Superman shadowed the chopper all the way to the hospital. Once Lash was in a bed being checked on my Doctors, Nurses, and Spell Healers did he leave to go back and help. Booraku never left though. Lash even asked if Superman could carry him. He said he was using his friend the troll as a sort of sympathetic connection that was helping him heal. Booraku confirmed this.


    Three days flew by! Lash was asleep for most of it. Dawn would fast forward the sleep cycle every time he did. So Erik wouldn''t be constantly stuck playing the game of ''get better soon''. Finally Erik had enough and just went to the Black Room for bit. Letting the world spin for a while. Then Erik got a prompt. Lash was being transported back to Warden HQ in Gotham. Lash''s body had healed, he could even cast magic again. But he was still missing his two limbs. The Spell Healers can re attach limbs. But they couldn''t find his. So Erik bid goodbye to Dawn and went back down again.


    When Erik returned. Lash was sitting in a bed inside a plane. Oberon was telling him stories about his life. They were full of humor, and stupidity as he did all sorts of crap. Lash''s entire skin had healed, he was still bald, hairless except for his eye brows and eye lashes. The tribal mark on his head and shoulders were back. But he was tired, Oberon noticed this. Clapped him on his shoulder and left his room. The lights grew dim as Lash looked out the window. Then he receive a prompt from Dawn.


    ¡°User! The Dream Engine Store is now open for your purchasing pleasure!¡± Dawn said with an enthusiastic volume.


    ¡°Already? Wow, time flies.¡± Lash said, thinking back. Now that he thought about it. Several hours had gone by in the outside world. Erik did log out for a bit while Lash was healing in the hospital. But he didn''t seem to notice the change in time. Odd.


    ¡°Please open the store, and show me the catalog.¡± Lash said, sitting up a bit so he could get the book.


    ¡°Of course, User! Please take your time!¡± Dawns voice said cheerfully.


    Soon a book bound in starlight appeared in his lap. The pages made of pure white paper, and interactive black ink. He had three Dream Points to spend. Before he looked anywhere, he bought Technomancy just like he said he would.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned a new Domain: Technomancy, or Tech-Magic: Unlike so many others you have a firm belief that magic, divinity, spirits, energy it self does not stop at the digital world! Its just a new frontier of both science and magic waiting to be explored!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement: ''Tenth style! Key Board Warrior!'' By learning Tech-Magic you now have a 10% increase in understanding of technology given but not limited to. Tools, gadgets, language, and life! You''ve become your own smart house!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Title: ''Universal Programmer''


    Active Effect: You can...Talk to machines in their own language. Careful they are hard to understand.


    Passive Effect: All Tech-Magic based spells take 10% less energy to use. All sentient machine or tech oriented life forms like you 10% more.


    Would the User like to switch titles to ''Universal Programmer'' Y/N.


    Yes.


    Lash felt an invigorating energy roll through his body. As he could now feel the plane around him. Just as he would if he was in a forest. This plane seemed alive, all the gears, mechanisms, fuel, electricity. Felt like a living thing. In many ways it was. He listened but couldn''t ''hear'' the plan talk. Maybe it would take some practice. Lash went back to the shop and scrolled through, till he saw something that he bought an automatic interest in! He bought it, this would help him in the future no doubt!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, True Damage: Some things in this universe are indestructible! Some are invulnerable! Some are Immortal! Gods! Monsters! Machines of War so large they blot out the sun! But thanks to this skill you can cause damage to all of them! This skill grows with time! True Damage you currently cause is 0.1% of your overall damage!


    Lash grimaced at the overall damage he would cause. But better to buy it now. Maybe when Darkseid shows up he can trim the new gods toe nails! He went back to the shop, he had one more point to spend. He flipped through the pages slowly reading descriptions of skills, abilities, traits, spells....eh?


    ¡°Dawn, What is this? Domain Fusion?¡± Lash asked filled with curiosity.


    ¡°Yes User! Nature and Technomancy can create a fusion Domain. Be aware that spells created from both are few and far between. But you''ll find a lot of utility from the fusion. So, you could one day grow a tree that absorbs sunlight, stores it, and generates power for an electric grid. Or, create a mechanical machine capable of self growth and repair.¡± Dawn said, her voice teasing Lash''s ears with temptation.


    ¡°Ah fuck it! Lets buy it!¡± Lash was excited! He spent his last point! The store book closed and entered its twenty four hour cool down.


    Congratulations User! You''ve created a Sub-Domain of Nature and Technomancy, Synthesis: Many people have wanted to discover a way to have both Nature and Civilization to co-exist. They use natural energy to save the environment. They use Eco-friendly buildings. Drive electric cars. But what if instead of co-existing? They came together to make something new? Will this new thing be an abomination? Or a miracle?


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement: ''Going Green!'' You have a 10% better understanding of how to make self sufficient devices, vehicles, buildings, cities, countries....Worlds?


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Title: ''Natural Mechanic''


    Active Effects: You can talk to both aspects of Nature and Machines. Careful, you are something they haven''t seen before...


    Passive Effects: All Synchronization based spells and connected domains take 20% less energy to use. All Nature based, and Tech based sentient or otherwise things like you 20% more.


    Would the User like to switch titles for ''Natural Mechanic''? Y/N


    Yes


    Another surge of energy rushed into Lash now. The lights in the room seem to respond to him, almost as if saying hello at least that is how he felt. The vibration in the plane went from jerky to soft and smooth. He felt like he was being carried by a friend, and it was doing its best not to disturb him as he rested. This is going to be interesting.... Lash soon closed his eyes and fell asleep. He''d be in Gotham soon enough, he was curious how a city like that would be different for him now...

 Chapter 28: Let’s Fern Gully This Bitch!

    Lash''s plane landed softly and with out incident. He gave it a comforting pat and said thank you to it before he was given a wheelchair and carted off to one of the Warden HQ''s in Greece. Then using the Portal Nexus he was back in Gotham''s HQ. It was good to be home. Lash looked intently at the portal device something was itching at the back of his mind but he couldn''t place it. Oberon had bid him goodbye at the Greece HQ. If he was ever on the other side of the Atlantic he would see him again. There at the Nexus was a familiar face.


    ¡°Li''Ana, nice to see you. Is everything....oooh!¡± Lash said before he was swallowed in a hug by the Sylvan beauty.


    Li''Ana was wearing a mixture of ceremonial robes and business suit. Imagine a long business skirt that went to her calf''s, but had slits up both legs to her mid thigh. A white buttoned up shirt, with a suit jacket on. The sleeves of her jacket opened up from elbow to her wrist allowing it to billow about. She had on hood and a cowl, that did little to hide her stunning figure. She was wearing three inch heels with straps. Those little numbers that expose the ladies toes so you can see what nail color they have. Her chest was back to being a E cup. Way to large and it made Lash worry for her. He saw that she had her transmutation ring on. Li''Ana seemed upset as she held Lash in her embrace.


    ¡°Did something happen?¡± Lash asked, worrying over her as he wrapped his one arm around her frame. -Pack Mate Li''Ana you need not worry about Parnter Lash, his arm and leg will regrow with time... Saurian said, seemingly understanding the situation before Lash did. This made Li''Ana step back in surprise when she looked at Lash.


    ¡°YOU CAN REGROW LIMBS?!¡± Li''Ana shouted at the top of her lungs. Making the Spell-Mage who cast the portal step back in surprise, as well as the Spell-Healer.


    ¡°Yes...? I thought all Were-Breeds could regrow limbs?¡± Lash was confused.


    ¡°Warden Lash, its true that Were-Breeds can regrow limbs, but that is because they commonly use the magic of the pack to do so. Simply put you need ten or more pack members including the Alpha to even think of regrowing a limb. Then even with that it takes months or even years to accomplish. How...Long do you need?¡± The Spell-Healer asked, taking out a note book.


    ¡°Maybe.... fifteen days. Sooner if I can request something....Hay!¡± Lash said to the Healer before Li''Ana slapped him. Which only made Li''Ana''s hand hurt.


    ¡°You scared me! I thought...You...¡± Li''Ana took a breath and tried to focus her self. Normally Li''Ana would be a Ice beauty queen in front of other people. But Lash always seem to bring her emotions out. -Breath deep, Seek Peace, Pack Li''Ana. We are not that easy to put down. Saurian''s words in her mind seem to help ground her.


    ¡°I''ll send word and tell the Summer Court that you wont be retiring. Thank you for your time Warden Lash.¡± Li''Ana said as she raised her chin with confidence and walked away. Ensuring she sashayed her hips with every step. Returning to the seductive Summer Court Envoy again.


    ¡°Complicated life you have Warden Lash, I''m happy to hear you wont be retiring.¡± The Spell-Mage said to him. Lash reached out to thank him, and shook his hand with his left. Giving him Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement which made the mage sigh in relief. Lash felt like he was a drug dealer giving people a fix. Thankfully there was no withdrawal symptoms to his Nature spells.


    The Spell-Healer soon finished his notes and helped push Lash through the complex. They were heading towards the hospital wing. Which was always their destination. But now the healer wanted to run some tests on his limbs. Lash already informed him that if the hospital had measured his limbs from the first day to now they would find that several inches had already grown. Soon they came to the medical wing. Sure enough after a few tests they established that his limbs were regrowing all be it slowly. Then a few familiar faces came into his room. Simon, Skaleg, Mahalia, and Timothy.


    ¡°No, I''m not retiring! I don''t know who the fuck started that shitty rumor but I''ve still got many more hunts left in me.¡± Lash said as he greeted his Warden Buddies. The comment made everyone in the room pause. They looked at each other and Lash could feel them wince. From their body language he could tell that they thought he was in denial.


    ¡°I can regrow my limbs. You can check with the healer! In fifteen days or less if a request can be full filled I''ll have my limbs back!¡± Lash yelled at them. That made Skaleg look at him like he had grown a second head.


    ¡°Its true, Warden''s. We''ve confirmed it. Though I''m not sure where he is getting the fifteen days from. But with in a month he''ll have his limbs back.¡± The Healer said to them. Making them all go bug eyed.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Skaleg yelled then bear hugged Lash almost pulling him of his hospital bed.


    ¡°Aha! Well there goes all the administration idea''s we had for you!¡± Simon smiled and threw some pamphlets away.


    ¡°Fucking yes! Who else is suppose to help us kick some of those blood rats around!¡± Mahalia laughed and cheered!


    ¡°Is that limb thing because of the Nature domain or is that because your a were-breed?¡± Timothy had a smile on his face. He had a note pad ready to write.


    ¡°I believe its a both. I have something called Natural Energy Absorption that lets me absorb or ''eat'' the ambient energy in the area. Kinda...Like a plant? Only I don''t have to stick my roots in the ground. Then the progressive healing comes from being a were-breed. Oh! Question, do the Wardens or any Friendly Super-Natural communities own a landfill?¡± Lash said to Timothy, then posed the last question to everyone.


    ¡°Yaaaa.... I think we have a few. Why?¡± Skaleg said. Timothy and the Spell-Healer both had their notes out now.


    ¡°I have a few Nature Spells that may help me heal, but I need fuel. However, I think I can get that from...Well trash. So I need a landfill, preferably one that we can easily disguise as I do my thing.¡± Lash said, watching everyone. ¡°Oh! And I need a new phone. Mine was destroyed in Greece.¡±


    ¡°OK! Ya, we can do that. Maybe even today! Let me send a few messages out. We actually had all the paper work ready for you to retire, or step into desk duty. But now that we know you''ll be fine we''ll get on that instead. Sit tight!¡± Skaleg said. Then the debrief and stories of the battle started.


    Lash spoke to Mahalia and Simon about the battle. He missed most of it, but the scene of running face first into an army that followed the God of War. With a Princess and a Superman from another world was definitely a tale to be told. Lash also asked Simon and Mahalia both that he needed to start training in Close Quarters Combat or CQC. During the battles he had, it was clear he was woefully unprepared. He had the strength as Saurian, but he wanted skill. They both agreed to help. If not them there were many super-natural communities with stronger then average people that taught CQC. Timothy and the Healer asked a few questions about why he needed a land fill to which he replied with a smile and said if you want to know just come watch. He wasn''t even sure if it was going to work.


    Skaleg said Sam was coming with a new phone. They had copied his old phone so he could keep his original number, contacts, all the basic stuff. Lash hated telling everyone ''new phone, hay this is me on a new number, etc'' He was glad for it. Then Skaleg asked a question that made him pause.


    ¡°Sorry, what now?¡± Lash asked confused.


    ¡°I said, do you plan to attend the Winter Court Solstice? Its the height of winter on this side of the world. So the Winter Court throws a ball. A majority of the super-natural communities are invited. Even the Summer Court. But of course very few Summer Court people show up. But The Warden''s are of course invited. You got about a month before the party, so even if your trash thing doesn''t work on your limbs you will still be back by then.¡± Skaleg said. Lash sat back and thought.


    ¡°Ya...I should be there. Do I bring presents or is that a Mundane thing?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°I''m sure no one will mind if you bring presents, but no you don''t need to.¡± Mahalia said with a wink at Lash.


    ¡°So I have a month to make a few things? Good! That should be enough time, as long as the...oh! Now that Ares is captured how is the world tension situation?¡± Lash said. The mood in the room became somber.


    ¡°To put in simple terms, Ares was like fuel being poured on an open flame. He just kept pouring it on. But now that he is captured the fire''s of war are still there. It wasn''t an open flame, there was plenty of fuel to go around. He was just the lighter fluid, and the match the world needed.¡± Timothy said.


    ¡°That''s why its good that you are still in the fight! We could use your help in Gotham! Maybe you can help us figure out who this Batman guy is. All our contacts at the government have no idea who he is. With the amount of gear he has there must be a huge organization behind him.¡± Mahalia said, making a point to sit on his bed where his right leg would be. Making a crude joke that still made Lash laugh at her.


    ¡°Well, why don''t we see if we can get a hold of any of his gear. Have Sam or his master see if they can probe, scan, or what ever Technomancers do?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Tried that! Everything made is custom. Wasn''t made in a factory. So no serial numbers, no bar codes, no water marks of any kind. However, the metal, alloy, and designs suggest military contracts. That is why we believe he must be part of an organization.¡± Simon said. Everyone was brain storming at this point. Lash, out of curiosity tried to say he was Bruce Wayne. But the words wouldn''t come out.


    ¡°Well you people will figure it out, in four more months and I''ll be retired! Hell I''m practically on desk duty as it is!¡± Skaleg said to them all with a grin on his face. Already imagining his sleep in days, and long fishing trips.


    ¡°Oberon says hello by the way.¡± Lash said, which made Skaleg fall out of his chair in surprise. Making everyone stand up in shock...Well not Lash.


    ¡°Oh shit! That old Monster!¡± Skaleg shivered. ¡°I haven''t heard from him in years!¡± Skaleg took out his flask for a drink earning himself laughter from everyone.


    The group continued to chit chat for a while. Even making a joke about how they need to ensure Lash gets plenty of water and sun shine in the future. Maybe even a good pruning. Making Lash laugh at them for the bad joke. Skaleg said as soon as Sam showed up everyone would go to the nearest controlled land fill to watch the show. After about twenty or so minutes Sam walked in with a new phone only to go completely still when he looked at Lash, Lash was surprised when he looked at Sam. Lash''s new phone seem to come to life and say hello! Making everyone but the previous two look at it in confusion.


    ¡°L...Lash.... D...Do you have a new Domain?¡± Sam said. As the new phone was practically wiggling in his grip.


    ¡°Oh ya! Did I forget to mention that? The Endless granted me the Domain Technomancy for my good work in Greece.¡± Lash said, dropping a bomb in the room. A pin drop silence was created. Before Sam tossed Lash''s new phone onto his bed. He then shuffled over to a chair and sat down muttering ''its not fair....its not fair'' over and over again.


    ¡°Well its not that big a deal! If you want to complain about anything that you should complain about my third Domain, Synthesis. It combines both Nature and Technomancy into a fusion Domain.¡± Lash said, a sadistic grin on his face.


    ¡°GAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHAHAHAAHAHAHA!¡± Sam screamed, then began to cackle manically. Everyone in the room but Lash was worried for him. Saurian could tell Sam was just goofing off.


    ¡°SOON! SOON WE SHALL TAKE OVER THE WORLD! MUHAHAHAHAAHAH!¡± Sam stood up and declared! He pointed at Lash. ¡°JOIN ME! AND TOGETHER YOU AND I CAN RULE THE GALAXY TOGETHER AS MASTER AND APPRENTICE!¡±


    ¡°Always two...A master and an apprentice....¡± Timothy said.


    ¡°Hmmmm, Do or do not, there is no try!¡± Mahalia said in her best Muppet voice.


    Everyone started laughing after that. Skaleg slapped the back of Lash head, and prodded him to tell them the scoop. It wasn''t the first time The Endless rewarded a Warden for doing a good job. They had hoped that Lash would get something. Didn''t expect not only another rare Domain, but also a Fusion? Soon transport was arranged and Lash was carted off by wheelchair to the car then off to a landfill. It was cold in Gotham, barely any snow on the ground though. A cold and icy winter. Lash checked his phone, the little thing didn''t really have a ''voice'' but it was clearly excited to be traveling with Lash. Sam said his phone does the same thing. Lash checked his phones messages. A few people from the community watch. Telling him good luck with the rescue operations he ''volunteered'' for. Mr. Shaw, Lizzy''s Dad contacted him. Was asking if he was OK? Heard about the dangerous thing he volunteered for. Not to worry about his commission piece. The client was more then happy to wait. Something about the art being crafted by a hero just made it worth more. No messages from Lizzy. Isabella did call. Saying Lizzy was.... She was OK. Just give her time.


    ¡°Skaleg, what news about Lizzy and my accident?¡± Lash said in the car. Skaleg was sitting up front. Simon was driving. Sam was in the passenger seat. Timothy, Mahalia and the Healer were in a car behind them. Skaleg took a deep breath before he started.


    ¡°We didn''t tell her the whole thing. Thankfully her girlfriend, Isabella was there to help fill in the blanks. By the way Lizzy still thinks Isabella is mundane, good catch on that by the way. We told her that since your mugging and near death experience you came back ''different'' which is technically true. A government sanctioned agency recruited you for extra curricular activities. The Neighborhood Community Watch is real. You do go out and do things for the community, and you do volunteer to help in other cities. Its just that not everything you do is entirely in the public''s eyes. We did a simple memory charm on her. Don''t Worry! Just a little alteration. She never saw you shift into to the Wraith. Just that you took out an official badge which shocked her. After that, we told her that she was bound by law not to tell any one. Because it would endanger not only you, but her specifically. We then had her sign a NDA which was a spell geese keeping her from talking about it with anyone but you, and Isabella since she was there. Isabella also signed a ''NDA'' but of course she didn''t have a geese because she is protected by Warden Law.¡± Skaleg said as he took a drink from his flask.


    ¡°I guess that''s better then a full memory alteration. I''m told that can have serious side effects.¡± Lash said with a worried expression.


    ¡°They do, I''ve cast some extensive alterations before. We have to be super careful! Fill in a lot of details. Even then the people end up having dreams about the incidents. It leads to a lot of issues in the long run. But simple alterations of something shorter then ten seconds is pretty common. Worst case she''ll have a reoccurring dream about a Nazgul.¡± Simon said to Lash.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°It happens Lash. Normally the council would have been angry at you for revealing yourself. But given the situation and how Althea just walked in like that? Althea should have been properly briefed about your family before showing up to get you. But with everything that was going on it slipped through the cracks. Althea herself should have thought better about it. She told us that you already spoke to her? That she''ll personally apologize once the world stabilizes a bit more.¡± Skaleg said to Lash, who grunted in reply.


    Soon the smell of trash, compost, and just awful stench seeped into the car windows. Simon, Sam, and Skaleg breathed a sigh of relief when Lash did a simple Nature gesture and the smell was pushed back outside the car. As his overall power in Nature grew, little things didn''t need spells. It just came instinctively. They came to a landfill. That had what looked like a silver skinned man with four fingered hands owned. Lash had never seen this type of Fae. But the man was pretty friendly. The Land fill had been emptied per the Wardens request. Lash asked if the man had compost here, which he did. Good that will make this easy to explain. Soon they were pushing Lash to the center of the landfill area. Everyone had a breathing mask on except Lash who didn''t seem to care.


    ¡°So let me all get this here straight misters? Ye be goin to decompose the trash here. Then be absorbing the energy that comes from it. But after it be done I be keepin whats left over, yes?¡± The silver skinned fae asked.


    ¡°Yes, if everything goes to plan. However, to be on the safe side I''ll need everyone out of the land fill before I begin. Since the spell doesn''t specify living or dead matter.¡± Lash said, which made the silver skinned man shiver.


    ¡°Right''o sir! I''ll just have me doggo do a sweep then we''ll be outtahere!¡± The silver mans dog? Was a horse sized black dog. Made from smoke and shadow. Lash thought it was a hell hound. But no it was apparently a grave hound? A church and a graveyard was built here originally, the land fill came after. The Grave Hound was already here. So the man just adopted him. The Hound liked Lash and rubbed his head against him for a bit before running off to do what he was asked.


    ¡°You need anything from us?¡± Skaleg said, pushing Lash to the middle of the landfill. Lash shook his head in a no. Soon the Warden''s, the Silver skinned man, and the grave hound were out of the trash. Lash gave his effects and new phone to Sam, said he wasn''t sure if this would effect them or not. The phone was sad to go.


    Lash took a deep breath, closed his eyes and raised his left hand up. Even though he did not have a right he still visualized it. The cold winter air seem to freeze in place, as the world around him sat still waiting for what happened next. He cast Decomposition in a wide area of effect. Soon the ground around him, the empty cups of coffee, the wrappers, the old mattress. Began to decay, rot, and return to the earth at a rapid pace. Then he cast something new...


    Domain Nature Spell, Germination: Just as the name implies, a process in which something from a seed, egg, and newborn thing. As long as its organic takes root and grows. But with your magic you skip the need for proper soil, climate, water, or even the sun!


    Domain Nature Spell, Growth: This spell works from the tiniest of cells, to tissue, to physical size. As long as its alive? This will help it grow! Let''s Fern Gully this bitch!


    Soon even Lash''s wheelchair fell into decay, and his cloths. Thankfully he gave his personal effects to Sam. As the area of effect grew from a few feet, to a few yards the decay continued. Then tiny mushrooms began to take root, sprout, grow old then die. Only to start the process over again, and again. But as each mushroom that grew the next one was larger. The area around Lash grew and grew. Other types of plants grew, tree''s, weeds, flowers, it didn''t matter it was winter. Lash''s was getting prompts that his Natural Energy Absorption was ranking up. Decomposition, Essence Imbuement, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Restoration, Daylight, Entanglement, Germination, and Growth. All began to rank up with the constant use of the spells. Just as fast as Lash''s magic would run empty he would absorb more energy, then....


    Congratulations User! Your skill, Basic Regeneration has evolved into Intermediate Regeneration: Same thing as before. Just you know...Faster!


    After a few hours, Lash was sitting under a mushroom cap. The thing was over twenty feet tall, with a cap at least forty feet wide. Would make a good home. An enchanted mushroom and forest kingdom was found in the land fill now. So much so that tiny nature spirits were seen fluttering around, dancing in the grass. Many of them fluttered about Lash as he was sleeping lightly. His right arm, and leg? Well the bones regrew. They were essentially skin and bones. It would take a few more days for all the sinew, muscle, blood veins, etc to regrow. Then he would have to do exercises to rebuild them. Shouldn''t take to long with Saurian helping. Lash heard a dog barking....A large dog. The sound of something heavy was bounding towards him. He leaned his head up to see a huge shadow sprinting towards him. The Grave hound slid to a stop a few feet from Lash, its massive tail wagging so quickly that its but was shaking.


    ¡°Hay there....What do you think?¡± Lash asked the dog.


    ¡°WOW! WOW! What did you do!? This is amazing! What this! Who whats this! Oh hay! Little things! Wooooohooo!¡± The dog said to Lash as it jumped around and began to chase some nature spirits. Playing.


    ¡°Laaaash!¡± Skaleg was calling for him. Soon a group of people came from the brush of tiny mushrooms and tree''s. The Silver man walked into view with a huge smile on his face.


    ¡°Oie! Do you know what these mushrooms are!? They are Ghost Rings! They make great medicine! Even the mundanes can make medicine out of them! I''m rich! I''m fucking rich!¡± The man was happy as could be.


    ¡°Wait? I thought Ghost Rings were like two inches tall and only grew over graves. These things are the size of buildings!¡± The Spell-Healer that came with them was screaming at the Silver Skinned man.


    This started a intellectual debate between the man and the healer about the mushroom properties. Timothy had his phone out as he was making calls as fast as he could go. Simon and Sam were helping Lash into a new set of cloths. Mahalia wanted to ''help''. But she was beaten back before she could touch Lash with her idle hands. Soon Lash had some scrubs on, he still needed a wheelchair. So Mahalia and Timothy went back for one.


    ¡°How are the new limbs?¡± Skaleg asked.


    ¡°The bones are done, it will be a few more days before I''ll be able to walk around. But its better then two weeks.¡± Lash said, just trying to flex his hand caused him a bit of pain. As if his body was screaming at him not to move!


    ¡°Yaaa....iitttttsssss....wwwweeeeeiiirrdd....¡± Skaleg''s voice slowed down till he wasn''t speaking...Or moving. Lash looked up confused. Realizing that everyone around him seem to freeze. Even the Grave Hound that was chasing spirits was frozen in the air.


    Lash was....Confused? -Something is coming! I smell a God-kin! Saurian said. Lash''s eyes grew wide he shifted over to his left side and tried to crawl towards Skaleg. Trying to get to his gun, his axe, anything before...BAM! A reaper''s scythe blade tip implanted right in front of Lash. Missing his nose by about an inch. Making him jerk back in surprise! There on the scythe''s handle was a skeleton hand. The hand led to a pure black shroud, the personification of death. The ''reaper'' ripped the scythe out of the ground and stared at Lash. The darkness in its hood seem to pull Lash''s soul out of him the longer he looked. There tied to the reapers hip was a lantern with a blue flame in it.


    ¡°Aaaarreeeeeee youuuuuuu thhhheeee c....Cough! Cough! Bloody hell! Blehg!¡± The Reaper said before he coughed and spit out a glob of black goop onto the ground. The glob screamed in pain at being in the daylight before turning into steam and evaporating.


    ¡°Sorry about that! Are you the one that made this forest?¡± The Reaper said to Lash, its voice youthful but neither male or female. Making Lash just stare at him in confusion. ¡°What? Is there something on my face?¡± The reaper pulled his hood down! And it was just a skull, as if the enchantment was on the hood it self.


    ¡°No...Sorry I was just surprised. You did impale a scythe in front of me. Yes, I did. I''m Erik Lash, Warden of Gotham. My partner is Saurian a hunter. May I ask your name?¡± Lash said hesitantly.


    ¡°Oh! Your a Warden! Ya sure my name is Skippy! The Angel of Death Azrael is my Patron! Nice to meet you! Here lets take a seat!¡± ''Skippy'' said in a delighted voice.


    Lash blinked and was suddenly sitting in a nice comfy chair with a cushion. A table was between him and Skippy who was also sitting. The table was solid black stone with a chess board carved into it. Skippy''s scythe was standing all on its own next to him. The ''spirit lantern'' was hanging from the the scythe''s handle. Next to Skippy was the Grave Hound who was sitting back on his back legs, tail wagging as his head was being patted by Skippy.


    ¡°Don''t mind the chess board! My Patron has a flare for the dramatic. Everyone tries to ask for a second chance so we have to play them in chess for it! No one ever wins!¡± Skippy said, as he stopped petting the hound. Who the latter curled up at the feet of Skippy happy as a clam!


    ¡°Your not dead either! I just have some questions for you...Well one actually, since this one just told me what you were doing!¡± Skippy gestured towards the dog.


    ¡°OK.....Am I in trouble? The hound didn''t say anything about me using the area as my experiment.¡± Lash said, confusion in his voice.


    ¡°What? Oh no! I would rather have a Grave Forest here then a landfill. So, what you did is create a Grave Forest, as I just said. A forest where ''trees'' are not the primary focus. But things of rot and decay. There were over a hundred bodies, or skeletons at this point that were still rotting under the land fill. Though the souls have long left, the lingering energy persisted. That energy was filled with negative energy due to having its rest place turned into a trash heap. Now? Not so much, I''d even go so far as to say they have turned into positive wraiths, or beings of joy and happiness!¡± Skippy said, as he produced a tea set from his robes offering Lash some, and he did.


    ¡°So, I see that you are not only a spell caster. But also capable of Fusion Domains. So as a Warden I would like to offer you another Domain? You can keep the others! This will just help you in your day to day. But with more privileges com...¡± Skippy was going to continue when Lash interupted him.


    ¡°OK!¡± Lash said with a smile. Making Skippy stop. His hood was still down and the skeleton head was all Lash saw. Oddly even when Skippy drank his tea, the liquid disappeared past his mouth.


    ¡°Oh I''m sorry! I should have waited for you to finish.¡± Lash apologized and bowed his head.


    ¡°With more privileges, comes responsibility. From time to time I or another Reaper will contact you. Or the Warden''s with a mission that deals in our area of influence. Bu...Ah! Here we are!¡± Skippy continued to talk before a FLASH! of blue fire burst above them. A file came from it landing on the table. It was Lash''s Warden File. The one even he hadn''t seen.


    ¡°Ah!....ohhhhh! Your an Oracle?! Goodness me that will be helpful! I see...I see! Well then! Ah! Is known to Volunteer for assignments as long as it doesn''t go against his moral code. Leans a little towards the reckless side of things. But his Partner Saurian keeps him balanced....Were-Breed? They think you are a Were-breed? Ahhaha! Yes...yes....Yep! You are a good choice!¡± Skippy said, closing the file. Lash wanted to reach out and take a peak but the file burst into another FLASH of blue fire and was gone.


    ¡°So! We would like to offer you the Domain; Grave? Is your answer still yes?¡± Skippy said with a delightful voice.


    ¡°Yes, I will be more then happy to help, and to obtain the Domain Grave.¡± Lash said, with a smile.


    ¡°Wonderful! I would have you stand up but you are still healing! So we''ll do it this way!¡± Skippy waved his hand and the tea set, table and Skippy''s chair faded away as if they were never there. He reached out and placed both his bony hands on Lash''s shoulder bowed his skull, as did Lash.


    ¡°Warden! Erik Lash, and your Partner Saurian. Do you confirm that you have made this deal with Azrael the Angel of Death, and his God-Kin Skippy. To obtain the Domain of the Grave. To continue your work as a Warden? So says you?¡± Skippy said in an official voice.


    ¡°We do!¡± Lash and Saurian''s voice said at the same time. Making the voice sound like two in one. A pressure came from Skippy, from the ground as skeletons burst forth soon standing upright. They clapped, and cheered. The Grave Hound Howled in joy.


    ¡°So be it!¡± Skippy ordained!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Domain, Grave: The line between life and death can be as wide as a canyon or as thin as a thread. But now you see the sub-text between both. This power is a blessing and a curse. For you are bound to hunt down and destroy the corrupted form of the undead. Yes corrupted, some undead have a purpose.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement: ''I see dead people!'' Your skill, Magical Perception. Will now also include energy, spirits, and creatures that deal with life and death.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Title: ''Grave Walker''


    Active Effects: Three times a day you may speak to a corpse to ask it questions. The body must be 50% or more intact. Rules are ''flexible'' on intact.


    Passive Effects: Domain Grave Spells take 10% less energy to use, Energies, spirits, and creatures sentient or otherwise of life and death like you 10% more.


    Would User like to switch titles to ''Grave Walker'' Y/N


    No


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Skill/Spell, Lingering: You linger on far longer then most would believe possible. You age 10% slower, everything you do takes 10% less energy, and you have a 10% chance of not dying when you really should have died. Skill grows with time!


    ¡°We''ll be seeing you! Grave Walker!¡± Skippy said.


    Lash blinked and he was sitting back in his place before this had all happened. As if teasing him to question reality. But the Grave Hound who was nearby who was wagging his tail looking at Lash who scared the crap out of Skaleg because the thing just popped out of no where! Plus the terrifying fact that the skeletons that clawed there way out of the ground were still there. Clapping for Lash in congratulations. They even whistled and cheered. How they did that with out lungs he didn''t know. Skaleg raised his axe to attack them before the hound stood in front of them in defense.


    ¡°Wait! They are a friendlies! They are going to tend to the Grave Forest!¡± Lash called out to everyone near by.


    ¡°Did you just call this a ''Grave Forest'' Warden Lash!?¡± The Spell-Healer asked.


    ¡°Yes. Skippy the Reaper just declared me a Grave Walker¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Oh for the love of Fucking Valhalla! You either have the best of luck or the shittiest of luck Lash! A Grave Walker! Fuck!¡± Skaleg shouted and took another swig from his flask.


    So, Lash spent the next hour talking to everyone about what just happened in the span of maybe a second? The Grave Hound then walked around the Grave Forest with the gardener''s. A Spell-Mage team and another Druid showed up at the forest. The Druid wanted to meet Lash and asked him how he did this. Turns out Timothy has been apprenticing, trying to learn the Nature Domain. This was Timothy''s master. Nature Domain is rare but they are around. Soon Lash had another wheelchair. Sam returned his effects. The Cellphone was like a new born puppy! Just happy to be near its human.


    Everyone ended up staying at the forest till sun set. A Shield and Sword team came out, had the Silver skinned...or Fran''kin was his name. Technically he owned the land rights. Shield and Sword bought it from him for about forty million. For which he was more then happy to sign for. On the condition that the Grave hound and the ''gardener''s'' didn''t have to leave. They said that was fine. Soon a glamour wide illusion was placed around the forest keeping it out of public eye. Lash nearly lost his marbles when the Lawyers handed him a check of ten million. Fran''kin said if it wasn''t for him this wouldn''t have happened. So Lash happily....Lash meant, begrudgingly accepted! So he offered to take his Warden buddies out to a place to eat, his treat! Soon they all arrived at super-natural community restaurant. Lash cast a glamour on his leg and arm making it appear they were in a cast. He went the full illusion that tricked all senses. Even to him he had casts on which made things easier to explain.


    They ate! Drank! Told stories, Soon other Warden''s showed up apparently receiving a text from Skaleg that it was Lash''s treat. He didn''t say no! By nine o''clock in the evening nearly all the Warden''s in Gotham were in the restaurant. Drinking up a storm, and eating their fill. Shield and Sword were quick with the deposit. Lash counted the zero''s in his account several times, a stupid grin on his face. Turns out Ghost Ring mushrooms when properly treated make a life saving elixir that can fix nearly any injury. The fact that there is now a ten square mile forest of the stuff made Lash feel like they should have held out for more...Lash means Fran''kin should have held out for more. But ten million is still nice! Soon the settlement of the bill came. Many people thought he was joking when he offered to pay. Only to look gobsmacked when he not only paid for everyone. But even gave a one thousand dollar tip for all the trouble. The owner had the widest grin on his face.


    A fleet of cars came to take the Warden''s home since most of them were completely drunk out of their minds! Sam had done something to Lash''s wheelchair it was a Technomancy spell called Alteration Lash didn''t understand it yet. But Sam installed an electric motor, hydraulics to the wheels, but no joystick for it. He said Lash could practice manipulating the chair with his magic. The chair could go up to ten mph. Sam, Mahalia (who was completely sauced), and Lash went to his building. Sam was going to run him through some things that came with being a Technomancer and living in a modern home.


    ¡°Wooooo! Nice place Lash! But I feel like I''ve been here before!¡± Mahalia said as she danced around his house.


    ¡°You have been here before! Remember when I was trying to teach everyone spells and Simon vomited because the backlash happened. You laughed so hard you fell out of your chair.¡± Lash said as he drove himself into his home.


    The Alarm! The clock! The lights! Hell the coffee maker said hello to him! They welcomed him home! The alarm shut off automatically, informed Lash that no one had visited, everything was secure! Lash didn''t even touch it or go near it! It was like listening to birds sing in the forest, only you knew what they were saying. Lash was sure he would get use to it with time. Just like he did when he gained Beast Speak.


    ¡°Oh that''s right! Aha!¡± Mahalia flopped across one of his massive leather coaches in his living room. She stretched out and just seem to be in a daze. Sam just shook his head at her.


    ¡°Well Mahalia was suppose to brief you on something but since she''s a gone! I''ll have to tell you! Looks like you have a handle on your Technomancy. The Endless must have given you a crash course. Or maybe your just a natural! No biggie I''m not the jealous type! Just expect me to come to you with notes and questions when you zip past me!¡± Sam said as he sat down at the kitchen table. Lash rolled up to the table looking at Sam.


    ¡°So, this is kinda a big deal. For Mahalia and Simon. Well for a lot of the Warden''s. Lash being a Grave Walker is a lot of responsibility but I am sure you are up for it! But why does it concern everyone? Is because....Blood-Kindred fall under the Domain of the Grave.¡± Sam said with a serious face. This made Lash lean back in his wheelchair. A question mark above his head.


    ¡°I don''t know the specifics of their Origin. But Kindred border the line of life and death being...Well Vampires. It takes one hundred years for the a complete conversion to take place. Then at the hundred year mark they become full blooded. Your sisters girlfriend? Isabella has only been in the conversion for about nine years. But the conversation slows their aging, improves their overall abilities, etc. Then the conversion begins to change them into the predators we all know and loath. As a Grave Walker. You are both a Guardian of creatures that walk the line of life and death. But also executioner if they go to far off the deep end. This means, you are tasked not only as a Warden. But The Grave tasks you in keeping an eye on them. While the Warden''s are a civil law system. The Grave is divine mandate. That the Blood-Kindred also recognize.¡± Sam said, finishing his monologue, trying his best to force Lash to understand this position.


    ¡°Oh.....Well...Fuck!¡± Lash said. He didn''t regret taking the Domain. But the added bonus of being the watch dog of the Kindred was not ''privilege'' he was looking forward to.


    Lash asked a few more questions, felt a huge migraine coming. Then saw Sam and Mahalia out. Soon he was alone in his home. He drove towards his bedroom, pausing at it. Remembering his last conversation with Lizzy. He missed her. He asked the alarm to lock up, he was going to sleep. It went into lock and sleep mode and wished him goodnight. Lash pulled himself from his wheelchair and into his bed. He may only have two working limbs but he was still stronger then average human.


    ¡°Dawn, may I ask some questions?¡± Lash said to the darkness.


    ¡°Of Course User!¡± Dawn replied politely.


    ¡°Got a few things on the back burner, lets go down the list. When I was in the ''hearing'' or debrief at Warden HQ about my adventures in the Narrows. Why didn''t the Rune of truth compel me to talk about my skills?¡± Lash said, he had a good idea but wanted to confirm it.


    ¡°The skills you have obtained are first from the system. The people with in the generated world are not aware of the ''system'' So, anything you have obtained from it belongs to you and you alone. If you choose to say something. Then the rune would have made you say it in detail. Secondly, you also obtain things from your Cosmic Patron, who in this generated world is far above the tools of Earth. Third, any thing you ''obtain'' through the work of The Dream Engine. Example your new Grave Domain. If you are asked under the rune, you will speak of it. Since it ''came'' from the world.¡± Dawn''s voice took on her teacher like persona as she spoke.


    ¡°OK....Why is everyone calling me an ''Oracle'' That''s not what the skill is called.¡± Lash continued.


    ¡°Ah! That is partially my fault I thought you wouldn''t mind. As you were working with the Amazons, and you have chosen the Magical Origin. I thought it prudent to keep you ''in character'' Every time you use Foresight your body takes on a divine glow. When Oracles in this world receive a prophecy, decree, or foretelling. That same glow takes place. It is purely aesthetic! But! Since you do have a Cosmic Patron watching you. It did make sense to implement....Shall I turn it off?¡± Dawn asked softly at the end. Making Lash laugh.


    ¡°No, keep it on! Thank you for explaining and for your quick thinking. It does make sense! So, Foresight I don''t have any direct control over it I take it? Its all instinct?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Correct! Over time the growth of the skill will improve the length, and the amount of information. As well as reduce the energy consumption. But you will never have full control over it. This is the same thing as ''Oracles''. So you need not worry about people staring at you at all hours of the day expecting. An decree/prophecy only comes at the whim of the patron or matron of the Oracle. But, be aware that though your Cosmic Patron is part of the Generated world. The System is in control of Foresight.¡± Dawn said softly.


    ¡°Are there any new versions updates I should know?¡± Lash yawned as was getting sleepy.


    ¡°There have been several, however none of them concern you! Except for one! Majority of them are for Users starting a new world, or avatar creation. The one that does concern you is time! The Dream Engine Cube Developers found a way to increase the overall time spent inside. Five minutes on the outside is now two hours in The Dream. Making an hour in the outside, one full day inside The Dream Engine. Additional notes, if your body has gone to long with out water, food, or movement. The VI rep. Me, will give you a warning. If the User continues with out stopping the VI rep is allowed to forcibly pause the Generated world. Eject the User and refuse to allow play for at least two hours! So its a good idea to listen to the Warning!¡± Dawn said in a stern voice.


    ¡°Oh!...Well Since its been a while! Lets log out then!¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Excellent User! I hope to see you soon!¡± Dawn said...

 Chapter 29:Law of The Narrows

    Erik did his routine when he woke from The Dream Engine Cube. Cleaned himself up, cleaned The Cube. Got a simple meal and water into his body. He jumped onto his computer filled out some Beta Testing reports, browsed the forums for information and stumbled across a few things. Even though Erik was technically asleep when he was playing he still felt exhausted. His whole body was screaming at him. But he only had 8 ? days before he had to go into work. He wanted to get as much time with The Dream Engine. Its not like the Cube would be taken from him at the end of the week. But even with all the stress in the game, he was having a blast! Soon Erik found an interesting post.


    PERSONALITIES


    So, Erik knew that The Dream Engine didn''t just use the super hero comic genre in their test of the DC comic. It was everything that DC comics had done. That is why the Super-Natural world in Erik''s world was so vastly different from what he remembered with people like Dr. Fate, Zatanna, hell even Constantine! So, what did that have to do with the post? The User who put the post up asked a simple question. What is every one''s personalities with the heroes and villains? Because depending on what edition, genre, or issue of comics your world and people are based on. Everyone has a huge difference! One User said that his Mr. Cobblepot or The Penguin was not a bad guy! He was a mid tier to high tier rich guy who spent his days running a successful business. With a few back alley deals on the side. But was NOT a super villain. Another User said that his Superman was actually raised over in Russia! His overall personality was different then what he was use to.


    10% IS IT A BIG DIFFERENCE?


    Erik read this post with interest. So, some one did the work. They discovered a few things. A 10% increase was a pretty normal reward for the System in play. Except when things rank up from continued use. When something ranks up, it only increases its power level by 1% and decreases its power consumption by 1%. But many people''s achievements grant a 10% bonus. What does 10% do? A lot actually. The example the User used was. If some one is on the fence on how they want to treat you? Friend, or foe. 10% is enough to tip the scale to lean them in either direction. That 10% is just enough to tip the balance of power between two countries. So, don''t knock the magic power of 10! A few people left comments about how they have ranked up their skills and abilities. Then...


    IS ANY ONE ELSE HEROES CRIPPLING OR KILLING PEOPLE?


    Erik was shocked by this post. So the User here said that Batman had a red blood theme to his costume and gave all the petty criminals a pass. He would still beat the crap out of them, but that was that. When it came to the super villains he gave them a three strike rule to change how they lived. When the joker escaped Arkham for the third time and killed dozens of people The Users Batman broke Jokers spine. Making the Joker into a quadriplegic. The Users Batman actually took Ra''s Al Ghul''s offer and took over the League of Assassins. He is not a mass murdered by any means. But he does have a three strike rule. Wonder Woman, would actually execute people who as she put ''Deserve to die for what they have done'' and the odd part was the world as a whole accepted it. A few people posted comments about their heroes are just like the ones in the comics ''No kill rule''. Some Users posted the opposite. Erik was wondering what his Batman would be like...


    Erik soon logged off the forum, stretched out a bit and jumped back into the Cube. Soon he found himself in the black room once again. To an interesting sight. Dawn lay across an expansive coach eating what looked like a sun? She was laying side ways showing off her curves, that her robe did very little to hide. Her amused grin she gave Erik told him that she had done this on purpose.


    ¡°Welcome back, User.¡± Said Dawn in a soft pillow talk voice. She took another bite out of the sun when Erik assumed was playing the role of an apple.


    ¡°Well hello, Dawn. You are looking rather tempting if I may say so?¡± Lash said as he stood there admiring the view.


    Dawn set the apple sun on the ground and twisted her body as her legs were side ways but her upper back was laying flat across the coach. Showing off her ample chest, and twisting curves. She traced her fingers along her body. She playfully winked at Erik then sent the progress report of the world to him. Erik admired the view for a bit longer before he read up on the changes to the time line.


    Superman was back to being the boy scout that he was. Visiting different cities, states, countries. Natural disaster? He''d be there to help with the rescue operation. Two nations fighting a war? He''d be there trying to stem the tide of collateral damage. However, when ever he was not playing the hero he was working as the reporter Clark Kent doing his job. More then once he tried to do a public relation spin for Wonder Woman and the Nation of Themyscira. He also did a piece on ''Wraith'' talking about his good work.


    Queen Hippolyta of Themyscira has become a recognized ruler by the United Nations. The island is now a ''legal'' nation. They have an ambassador at the seat of the UN. The Queen has opened the doors of the island to all of Woman-kind! No men allowed! Except for certain invited individuals! For example, Superman. Wonder Woman / Princess Diana is doing the same thing as Superman traveling across the world helping, righting wrongs, etc.


    The Cult of Ares is still around, causing havoc and mayhem. In many ways they are weaker then who they use to be. But in some ways they are more dangerous now, like a cornered animal. They are no longer as united as they were under Ares. So there are terrorist cells, arms dealers, etc. Across the world. Including but not limited to Super-Natural Communities that are tired of hiding in the shadows. Several covens, circles, secret societies of magical nature who are starting to step out into the light of the public view! Tension''s rise between those that do know the truth, and those that don''t.


    The Flash! The hero of Central City. A reporter named Iris West Allen was ''granted'' an interview with the new speedster or meta-human. The Flash is here to help! Fighting crime doing the jobs that others can''t do. After all he is the fastest man alive! The Hood! Or The Arrow has been confirmed in Starling City! Dropping bodies of the cities worst crime families, gangs, etc. But only wounds the petty criminals. In the city of Philadelphia reports of a flying man with a lighting symbol on his chest have been reported. Shazam! The Atlanteans as a whole were now preparing to unite the oceans under one rule. Arthur Curry still had not been found. Hal Jordan had received the Green Lantern Ring and was currently in route to Oa.


    Erik read through the Time Line Tab and was happy to see the world continued to spin. He then read the prompts for Lash. When Erik first started playing the VI model of his Avatar would do simple average things for their level. So at the start, Lash made art pieces, went on Community Watch patrols. Simple stuff. Now, the VI models concept of what was simple had changed. He still did the art, and the patrols. But now he was doing simple Warden Work in the streets of Gotham. It had been little less then a week. During this process Lash''s arm and leg had fully recovered. He''d been working with Simon and Mahalia going to a Super-Natural Society only gym to learn to control his strength, and gain some skill. Of course practicing in a safe environment was different from practical application. But we all start some where.


    Erik finished the prompt walked over to Dawn and sat on the coach. She didn''t move just stayed laying down as she watched him. Her eyes half closed but clearly awake, Erik wasn''t even sure she needed to sleep. He leaned down and...Booped her nose! She raised her hands slapping his away. Laughing at his antics! Erik then moved the end of the Black Room and fell towards to the Earth. Time to Play!


    WOOOSH!


    Lash was walking through Gotham University grounds, a few fairy folk have been playing tricks on the students who were still in their college homes who did not go home for the holidays. Ever since Lash got that pizza party for the Griaks that helped with the bomb. All the tiny fairy folk are more then happy to do as he asks. The issue is he couldn''t find them! Lash and Saurian greeted Erik when he came back. Lash was wearing black boots, blue jeans, a buttoned up gray shirt with a thigh length leather coat, with no hat. His tribal marks definitely stood out, but he was trying to stand out so he could gather up some of the fairies. Gotham was cold in Winter, but a flash pressure of warmth had settled over the city. So it was a little warmer. Just means a storm was coming.


    ¡°Are you...Erik Lash?¡± A quiet feminine voice asked behind him.


    Lash turned and saw a 5'' 6¡± girl who looked like she was about seventeen ish with auburn hair, wearing a running sports get up. Bright yellow and green running shoes. Black skin tight running pants with a pink high light. Skin tight running coat, again with pink high lights. She had a cap on with ear buds in, she had thin gloves on as she removed her earplugs to talk to him. Her face was red from the cold. Her blue eyes focused on Lash, a bit of excitement in her face. Lash spread his arms out and smiled.


    ¡°What gave me away?¡± Lash''s deep gravely voice made the girl jump, but she soon laughed.


    ¡°I heard that your voice was different. Something about an old....oh!¡± The girl said, when Lash traced his scar. Despite his accelerated healing the scar never faded. Maybe because he didn''t want it to. The scar was important to Lash.


    ¡°I mean! Sorry. Um...¡± The girl was embarrassed for pointing out his gravely voice. Desperate for a subject change. ¡°Are you taking a class here? No! Are you teaching a class!? I know a lot of people would love to take an Art class from you!¡± The girl spoke quickly, trying to put as much distance between her and that awkward moment.


    ¡°No, and no. I am doing a community watch patrol. A lot of the police and security guards are swamped. So I''m doing my part. You seem to have me at a disadvantage, your name is?¡± Lash asked, as he bowed from his waist keeping eye contact. The girl actually became bashful looking away.


    ¡°Barbara....Barbara Gordon!¡± The girl said softly, not sure what to do she stuck out her hand to shake his. Which he took giving her a firm grip. Erik''s inner eye twitched.


    ¡°Very nice to meet you Miss Gordon! Are you a fan of my Art?¡± Lash said as he let go of her hand.


    ¡°Yes! I mean I didn''t realize you were an Artist at first, but now yes I think your work is amazing! My Dad''s a cop! He paraded your news article in front of me for weeks. Told me about how ordinary citizen can still be a hero with out wearing a costume....I mean! Ummm.¡± Barbara got quiet when she said the last part.


    ¡°You admire the ''Batman'' I take it, Miss Gordon?¡± Lash said, a smile tugging on his lips.


    ¡°Oh ya! Not just Batman! But that Wraith guy who helped the FBI, as well as the Wraith in Metropolis. I actually think they are two different people, especially since Superman says that Wraith was an alien, unless the FBI is also working with an Alien. I know few people in chat rooms agree. They act too differently. But I also think Batman may be government sanctioned here to do the job that Gotham can''t do. Or wont! My Dads a great cop! But even he can see the corruption in the precinct. That''s right my Dad! He is Lieutenant Gordon! He thinks the Batman and Wraith should be behind bars for what they''ve done. But the Batman is nearly impossible to catch or even see! Neither Wraiths have been seen since the incidents. And....Wow I just...sorry!¡± Barbara said to Lash. As soon as she had an opening she went a mile a minute. But realized what she was doing at the end. Her face was blushing crimson now and it wasn''t because of the cold.


    ¡°I ah....So...so? I..oh!¡± Barbara was back to being bashful until her phone chimed in her coat. She quickly reached for it only to drop it! The screen cracked from the impact, and the cellphone broke apart. It was easy to snap back together but the screen would have to be replaced.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Barbara was now embarrassed, and sad that her phone was broken. She had also missed a call. She gathered up the phone with a frown on her face.


    ¡°May I see it? I have good hands for details.¡± Lash said to Barbara. Who blinked at him then slowly handed the broken phone over. Lash could tell her mind was going through fantasy land when he said, ''good hands for details''.


    Lash new the phone''s lay out probably better then Barbara. His Technomancy Domain giving him insight into the machine. Lash quickly snapped everything together then looked at the cracked screen. He looked up at Barbara with a smile that seem to make her weak in the knees. Then he cast a simple glamour to block her view of his magic, then cast...


    Domain Technomancy Spell, Repair: Just has the name implies you can repair technological devices, tools, and machines. The bigger the repair job, the more magic it takes! This does not mean you can build something from magic, just repair it. Fill in a hole, fix a faulty wire, repair a broken section.


    Congratulations User! You''ve discovered a Domain Synthesis Spell, Renew: Restoration fixes the broken pieces of nature, Repair fixes the broken pieces of technology. Renew combines both spells to do things that neither can do alone! This spell needs to be experimented with, but we think you can find a use for it!


    Lash was caught off guard when he got a synthesis spell. But was pleased none the less. Soon Barbara''s cracked phone was fixed. He handed it back to her with a smile. She looked confused, the phone looked brand new. Even the scratches it had from before were gone. She looked up at Lash with confusion, a question was clear on her face.


    ¡°Never seen a magic trick before? Here, I''ll show you another one!¡± Lash walked over to edge of the side walk and picked up a palm sized stone.


    Showing Barbara the stone, she nodded her head. Then Lash closed his hand around the stone. Still using a simple sight obstruction glamour. He used his old friend Material Shaping to quickly mold the the stone into a miniature Batman. However, this Batman had bat wings for his cloak. Then he produced the tiny statue of Batman and handed it to Barbara who''s eyes went wide and a child like smile spread across her face. Most people like magic tricks!


    ¡°Here, for you! Your Father is right, normal citizens can be heroes. But, I''m sure the Batman was a normal citizen once upon a time. All it takes is an idea, strength of will, and determination to do more in this world. You have a good heart, don''t waste it. Have a nice day Miss Gordon!¡± Lash said goodbye to the girl as her phone rang again. It was from her Father. She didn''t answer it till it almost went to voice mail.


    Lash went on his way, slightly over hearing Barbara tell her Father how she met Erik Lash. Then he was out of hear shot for anymore. He continued to wonder through the University grounds until he came to the Green house area for the botanist and such studies. Lash spotted a small little fairy slip in through one of the windows. Ah! A trail!


    Lash slipped through the front doors, they were unlocked. But the University as a whole was mostly deserted. It was the holidays! Breathing in the moist humid air of the Green house. All the plant life seem to come to attention when Lash walked in. Almost out of instinct Lash spread his natural magical energy across the plant life feeding them just a little. Then he began to wonder around, admiring the different plants. All of which he knew the names to, he wasn''t sure when he had learned that. Soon he followed a trail to find the culprits of the pranks. The little fairies were dancing, playing, and idly watching a young woman sitting in the gardens.


    The young woman was maybe 5'' 5¡±. With striking red hair done up in a tail. She wore a Seattle University hoodie. Long blue jeans that hugged her legs nicely, and simple tennis shoes. Her skin was pale white, her lips juicy red, and to top it off she had green eyes. The young woman''s figure was amazing! Her hoodie did nothing to hide her chest, or waist line. The Fairies were very interested in her. -I smell The Green on her. But she seems mundane? Saurian said, maybe she is sensitive to it? Lash replied to his Partner. The young woman didn''t seem to see the fairies. She was working on something then her bright green eyes shot up to stare at Lash. For a brief moment neither of them spoke. There was a subtle connection between them. Lash was a ''Guardian of the Green'' He felt this aspect of him was stirring while looking at her. Then...Foresight activated briefly.


    ¡°Miss Isley, Nice to finally meet you. I''m Erik Lash. I''ve read several of your papers on the new-genesis program about genetically altering plant life to be more resistant to deforestation. It was a good read!¡± Lash spit something out of fucking no where! Having no clue where that even came from!


    Pamela Lillian Isely, or as the world would one day come to call her. Poison Ivy, was first startled that Lash knew her name. Then a small timid smile bloomed on her face, an adorable blush crawled up her neck, face, then her ears as she hid behind her notebook. The Fairies nearby cooed in fascination as they watched her. Several of the fairies fluttered over to sit on Lash. But none spoke, not wanting to interrupt.


    ¡°H...Hello.... I''m sorry. I don''t know who you are?¡± Pamela spoke softly, Lash almost couldn''t hear her. Oh this was dangerous he found some one new to tease. He would have to be careful!


    ¡°Ah! Where are my manners! I am Erik Lash. And a Green enthusiast.¡± Lash bowed from his waist as he did before. This was becoming a customary greeting. For the super-natural communities this was basic edict. He had got so much practice it was almost natural for him. Lash could see that Pamela was smiling behind her notebook.


    ¡°You read my paper?¡± Pamela softly asked, slowly lowering her note book. Lash had no idea what the paper was about. But bits of information were still in his head from Foresight.


    ¡°Yes! Your idea for genetically altering the Rain Forest to grow twice as fast was a great idea! The Rain Forest plays an integral part in the over all ecosystem of the world! Also with Tree''s that grow twice as fast the companies that use wood products wouldn''t have to keep ripping places apart it would be a renewable resource. But unfortunately the world is filled with idiots that don''t understand that destroying the rain forest will mean a slow death for us all. They have this insane idea that it doesn''t concern them.¡± Lash said in a very animated voice.


    After that initial push. Pamela slowly began to open up. Once it came to her study of plants Pamela was a completely different person. She was confident, outspoken, and many times sat next to Lash to show him her chemical analysis on her laptop. Lash even pointed out a few mistakes in her formula. Which made her happy to see how he saw it! Lash ended up getting her contact info and vice versa. He said he may have a few people that would be interested in funding her projects. He didn''t forget his original goal and successfully bribed the fairies with three large all natural pizza''s for consumption. Also to keep an eye on Pamela while she was here. She was visiting from Seattle University due to a conference here in Gotham. Lash bid her goodbye, she was sad to see him go. But it was getting late.


    When Lash left the Green house he took out his phone and contacted The Warden''s telling them the fairies were fine. But also to start a trace on Pamela Lillian Isely. She had a natural connection to The Green. She may be a natural born Druid. After a few minutes The Wardens sent the message to Seattle Warden HQ. They said they would keep an eye on her. Maybe...Just Maybe Pamela would not grow up to be the mass murderer Poison Ivy in this world?


    The sun had set. Gotham woke up in a different way. Lash found a secluded alley, cast a obstruction glamour and then shifted into Saurian. Saurian as a whole hadn''t change much he was a bit taller, more muscle mass. His scales were stronger, a bit of maturity was starting to show along his skull crest. Lash''s tribal marks were present on Saurian. Across his skull crest, and along his shoulders. But one couldn''t see a lot of it. Saurian was wearing a full kevlar, and studded leather kit. With technological attachments, such as phone interface, basic computer, all housed in a armored section of his gear. Saurian brought down the obstruction glamour and cast his ''Wraith'' Persona. The long billowing tattered gray and black cloth covered him from nose to tail. The Shroud was only a visual obstruction. If anyone touched him they would feel his scales and suit. But the visual would trick camera''s, infrared, anything seen through the eye, mechanical or otherwise. Recently his glamours had even begun to trick some fae. They couldn''t see past it.


    Saurian took a moment to breath in the toxic polluted air of Gotham''s night life. The air was disgusting! But he loved it! He jumped up a wall, and used his skill Parkour to climb to the rooftop. Then he made his way to The Narrows. It had been nearly a month since he was last there. He wanted to go hunting again, even if they were small game. Storm clouds were rolling in from the south. Soon it would start to snow. Saurian leaped from rooftop to rooftop. Being careful of how much he weighed. He didn''t want to fall through a ceiling!


    Soon, Saurian came to one of the bridge crossings to The Narrows. He cast Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon on himself. The spells had ranked up several times, they now lasted hours, with a few other bonuses. Saurian didn''t cross the bridge but slipped into the water that surrounded the island. Gotham was a lot like New York. Each island was a city unto it self. The Narrows was just poorly planned tightly confined mistake of a space. But, many people lived in this mistake. The Commissioner of Gotham City Police was reprimanded for his dereliction of duty. But that was essentially a slap on his wrist. No one gave a shit about the Narrows. One single patrol car was sent here a day...Only during the day. As soon as the Sun set. The Narrows was on their own.


    The ice cold water felt nice to Saurian, using Adaption and Damage Resistance. He was quickly gaining a strong resistance to cold effects. He swam around the whole island, swimming past the island stronghold of Arkham Asylum. Saurian saw a lot of Phobo, and Ira eaters. The little creatures that feed on emotions. Circling the Asylum like sharks who smell blood in the water. Many of them were as big as Sharks! With his new Grave Domain, Saurian could see dozens of lingering spirits at the Asylum. He may have to plan a trip to the place. Public or otherwise to help them. Soon coming to a dilapidated old wooden pier that hadn''t seen any commercial commerce in decades. A few old wooden and iron ships were sunken near by. No one had come to clean them.


    Saurian dove under the water, gills soon grew on the side of his neck. He swam towards the old wrecks moving past the ruined bulkheads. He checked for anything of use, valuables, maps, etc. Then he...


    Domain Technomancy Spell, Recycle: Tear down a tool, gadget, machine, etc to their base parts. Screws come out, beams disconnect, a weeks worth of work in salvage in less then a few seconds. More magic for larger jobs!


    The ships fell apart into pieces, literally! Then what pieces he could use Decomposition on he did. The rest he left at the bottom of the waters floor. Saurian swam up to the broken old pier. The wooden supports were barely holding together. Using his Synthesis Domain he cast Renew, using magic and the readily available raw resources nearby. He stabilized the piers supports, then the pier it self. Swimming up out of the water, Saurian climbed up onto a practically new wooden pier. With new wood, concrete, and steel beams in place to keep it up. All it needed was a fresh new paint job and it would look great. Saurian moved across the pier to the tiny light house that was housed there. He rebuilt it just the same. Soon the three story tall light house was in perfect working order. The light bulb even turned on and began to rotate, lighting the way for lost sailors.


    Saurian admired his work. The little pier was not even half the length of a football field. But it would allow some fishing boats, or small sail boats to anchor. Turns out the light house had power, just no one ever came to fix it. He''d have to keep an eye on this place. Saurian climbed a wall and prowled the rooftops of The Narrows once again. Casting Restoration on pieces of rooftops and railing so he wouldn''t slip. The Narrows was awake and loud as ever. Even at night, even with a storm coming people were doing their jobs, going to work, or heading home from work. People shoved one another, pick pockets ran about. Any one who lived in The Narrows understood the situation. A single GCPD (Gotham City Police Department) Zeppelin was above the narrows flashing its spotlight here or there. Only proving to be an irritation not a deterrent.


    ¡°Cut! Cut! Cut! Oh no! Your dead! Another Zombie to join the grave! Hehehehe....¡± A low calling voice spoke from a few alleys away. Saurian, paused then moved on all fours carefully moving towards the voice.


    ¡°Pl...lease no! Just let me go! I won''t tell any one!¡± Said a scared feminine voice.


    ¡°Whats that! The zombie speaks? Oh now they understand that life is worth living! Oh no! To late! To late! Zsasz will send the little zombie off! Hehehe! I have a place right for you here.¡± Saurian came to look down at a tiny space between two buildings. Barely wide enough by 6 feet.


    There between the walls was a dead woman with her throat cut. Another on the ground crying, begging to be let go. Then a tall shirtless man, with dozens of tiny cut marks on his body. Like a Tally. Sherogoth''s blessing was screaming at Saurian to kill this man! Saurian was already prowling down the wall towards this piece of shit. The man reached out his hand and gripped the woman picking her up, he went to press his knife to her throat only to freeze in place. Cold sweat pouring down his back. Because he could feel claws wrapped around his neck. The woman''s eyes were not focused on Zsasz anymore. But the seven foot tall Wraith standing behind him.


    ¡°W...W...Wraith?¡± The woman seem to gasp. Calm Emotions had then been cast on her. Her eyes seem to gain focus. Then a small triumphant smile grew on her lips.


    ¡°Wraith? As in.... no no! I''m not hurting any one! She is a zombie! S...geeeeh!¡± Zsasz tried to speak only to have his entire neck crushed like a tin can.


    Before he chocked on his own blood, Saurian Cast Sherogoth''s Punishment on him. Zsasz flailed and writhed in Saurian''s grip. The woman now standing out of arms reach. He squealed in suffering as he lived through every gruesome death he had visited upon others. Then died, Saurian was then struck dumb as he saw Victor Zsasz soul exit the body. Then watched with grim satisfaction, as a fiery portal opened up in the ground, clawed hands reached out and pulled him towards his ''reward'' for the life he had lived. Zsasz''s spirit screamed and pleaded! Screamed he was sorry! That he was only doing the work he knew was right! But all his pleas fell on deaf ears as he was pulled in. The fiery portal closed.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± Saurian pointed at the other body in the alley. The woman still under the effects of his skill looked over with a disconnected expression.


    ¡°My friend, we were heading out to get something to eat before we turned in for the night. Then we got pulled in here.¡± She said, though she was calm Saurian could see involuntary tears brimming in her eyes.


    Saurian moved to the body and took a knee. Her soul hadn''t left the corpse yet. Aside from the cut throat she was whole. Saurian cast Nature''s Kiss on the body. The wound healed like it never was, but she was still dead. Then he cast....


    Domain Grave Spell, Kiss of the Grave: If the body is in tact and mostly put together you can call on the power of the Grave to restore a persons life force and soul to a recently deceased body. The spell does little healing, so ensure the body is healed before, or they will just die soon after. This is not the creation of undead. Death will have its due sooner or later.


    Then with a shuddering breath...Gaaaaaaaeeehhh! The dead woman gasped for air as she came to. Life returning to her eyes as she began to shiver. Saurian cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. On her helping to balance her out. He made a mistake, he should have cast all three Nature spells first then cast the Grave spell. Live and learn!


    ¡°Bobby!¡±The woman who was standing raced over to hug her friend. Calm Emotions no longer in effect. She cradled her now recently resuscitated friend. Her friend, ''Bobby'' was looking around completely confused.


    Saurian went to Zsasz''s body and cast Decomposition on it, focus target. Zsasz''s body, cloths, anything on him turn to ash in the blink of an eye. Even his bones turn to dust. He cast his nature spells on the other woman before he left. Then climbed the walls of the buildings and slipped out of sight of the two. Though the woman thought he was gone, but with his camouflage in place he kept watch over them until they stood and went to go home. Saurian followed them all the way home, then went to prowl the streets once more.


    After a few hours Saurian was perched on a broken down Church steeple. Watching everyone come and go. He could feel that the church was no longer consecrated, so it was just an empty box. Full of used needles, trash, blood, and a body. Well the body was gone now, mushrooms were growing it its place. Very few cars drove in the Narrows. The streets were mix matched, no set pattern or grid used. So most people used the streets like side walks. But from time to time a car would drive through the crowd of people honking, sometimes gently hitting people. One car in particular was honking as the driver was swearing up a storm. More then once the driver got out of the car to flash his gun at people to get them to move. Then an older man, maybe homeless or the cloths he wore was the best he could afford stepped out in front of the car. The car sped forward and hit the old man. The man went flying a good twenty or so feet before hitting ground. Clearly bones had been broken. But no one stopped to help him, the driver even screamed at him for denting his car.


    CRASH!


    The car''s hood, engine, and two front tires imploded! There stood on the car was Saurian wearing his Wraith Shroud. Two glowing yellow eyes peering out from the darkness of his hood staring at the driver who was now sprawled out across the street. Pale as a sheet, pissing his pants. Everyone in the street stopped moving. All eyes on the Wraith. Who stepped off the car and moved to the old man. The old man was groaning in pain. Saurian cast his Nature spell''s on him. Soon his broken bones snapped back into place, he was fit and healthy! Healthier then he had been in years. Saurian helped the man up, dust him off and nodded. The driver of the car had left! Saurian pointed at the car.


    ¡°Law of The Narrows. Feel free to salvage what you like, no fighting!¡± Saurian then climbed up a wall and faded from sight.


    Saurian soon returned hidden from sight to watch how the car was stripped for everything it was worth. One of the few times the people of the Narrows came together. That car was down to its bones in under an hour! Even the bones were being pried apart for scrap metal. Several people were talking, a few had phones out during the initial scene of The Wraith showing up. Some were scared, some were busy with the car. But most, most of the people were happy. The Wraith of the Narrows was back! Several people were talking to the old man about how he felt. The man was happy as he could be. He hadn''t felt this good in....ever! Even a few old injuries he had were gone. Saurian stayed for a while longer then moved off to look for more trouble.


    Saurian learned a while ago that even if the target he cast Nature''s Kiss on had ''full'' health? The spell would still find things to fix. Injuries that didn''t heal right, correct muscle tissue damage. Sooth began to clean out arteries, increase blood flow. Nature''s Supplement began to refill cartilage, it even restored enamel on peoples teeth! Essentially all three of the spells took someone and made them the optimal healthy version of a person their age. It was wonderful! In some way''s Saurian was afraid it could become addicting. There was no drug withdrawals with the spells. It was all natural, but he could see people becoming addicted to the feeling it gave.


    ¡°Please stop! Hay! That''s mine! Let go! Stop it!¡± A woman screamed from a few streets over. Saurian moved over to find an interesting sight.


    Three woman wearing nice winter clothing, were trying to fend off the scavengers of The Narrows. The car they had driven into The Narrows was being picked clean, several people were trying to take their nice leather purses. Saurian tilted his head in confusion, these people clearly did not live in The Narrows. Nor did they have business here. If they did they would have brought guns or protection. Preferably both.


    ¡°Hey sweetie isn''t this what you wanted? You wanted to rough it in The Narrows! Come rub shoulders with all the dirty low lives of Gotham''s under belly! Well here we are! A GreAAAAAA!¡± The man stopped talking and screamed for a moment. Everyone looked at him, only to freeze.


    The man had been flailing his arms and legs about only to stop. Why? Because a Wraiths clawed hand had gripped his head and lifted him off the street. The man was now a good fifteen feet off the ground, Saurian''s finger and thumb pads were pressed into his skull so he couldn''t pierce his skin. But his claws were already leaving small cuts on the man''s skin. The man reached for a knife, some one screamed don''t! Then the knife stabbed into Saurian''s arm. Doing absolutely nothing, he didn''t even flinch. The man tried several more times, nothing happened.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Saurians deep, gravely voice ushered across the street. He was peering at the ladies. The man kept trying to stab at Saurian trying to get something, find an weakness. Saurian kept the mans head in his palms and held him aloft.


    ¡°W..we....we.....¡± One woman fell to her knee''s clearly having a panic attack. Her friend came to support her, also not looking much better. Then the third woman stepped forward. Smoothing out her cloths, and hair before she spoke.


    ¡°Mr....W..Wraith? Sir? We...We got lost...¡± The woman started.


    ¡°Your lying.¡± Saurian tossed the man in his grip aside, who crashed into the ground in a heap. No broken bones but the man was groaning as a lot of his skin was rubbed off. He slowly got up and crawled away.


    Saurian slipped down and stalked towards the woman. People got out his way, shivering as the black cloth of the illusion seem to pass right through them. He came to stand in front of the woman. He towered over her. The total darkness of his face except for two yellow eyes peering out.


    ¡°W..e...I.....W....¡± The woman was terrified now. She kept swallowing her saliva but refused to step back. Saurian turned to look at a man who held one of the woman''s purses. The man did not dare to move.


    ¡°Why are they here?¡± Saurian asked.


    ¡°They came down to The Narrows because of all the TV coverage! They wanted to see what all the fuss is about not believing that such a horrible place exists! They''ve lived in Gotham all their lives but have never been down here. They have lived with silver spoons in mouths, and been in a bird cage all their lives! They thought that if they shouted their daddies names we would back off!¡± The man spit out word after word. Saurian could tell the man was not lying. But was a little curious how the man knew all that.


    Saurian turned to look at the woman....Who refused to meet his eyes now. He looked at the other two woman who were so terrified they looked like they would pass out soon. Saurian walked over to the side of the street. Motioning for the man to follow. He reluctantly did, Saurian found the woman''s ID''s. Then gave everything else back to the men that took the purses. This made him confused.


    ¡°You three, come here and sit. Watch what ''The Narrows'' is really about!¡± Saurian used Commanding Presence. The three woman stood almost like puppets on strings and came to sit next to Saurian. Saurian then pointed at the car. ¡°Come show them The Law of The Narrows, Strip that thing for all its worth! No fighting allowed!¡± Saurian called out in a clear voice. There was a momentary pause. Then some one cheered and ran straight for the car, ripping its stereo out.


    Soon just like the car before, this really nice black four door Mercedes luxury car was stripped for parts. The woman who came to rough it in The Narrows watched in horror as the car was taken apart. All three just held each other in fear, flinching every time one of Saurians wraith black cloth pieces passed through them. No one bothered Saurian, almost as if there was an invisible barrier around him. Plenty of people took pictures, or filmed him standing there. Soon the car was nothing but a husk of what it once was.


    ¡°Stand up! We are leaving!¡± Saurian used Commanding Presence once more, and then cast a wide area of effect Glamour.


    Soon he and the three woman disappeared from view, they walked through the crowded streets with ease. Soon coming to a connected bridge, there at the end was a police car were two officers looking around confused. Saurian using Technomancy activated his built in phone and called for a pick up. For one police commissioner''s daughter, the glamour bubbled closed down. The two officers screamed in surprise as did several other people. There stood the Wraith of The Narrows, and three terrified woman. Saurian pointed at the cops, then pointed at the woman. Then walked back towards The Narrows, fading from sight as if he was a ghost.


    Saurian spent a few more hours in The Narrows helping a few people, teaching a few people a lesson. But it was growing early and he decided to head home. Slipping across a bridge he made his way through the city. Then caught the scent of some one he wasn''t expecting. Tracking the scent down he soon came to the well off part of Gotham. Classy, patrolled by police every hour, beautiful pieces of art displayed in windows. There climbing from a window was a shadow, with what looked like...cat ears? Saurian smiled.

 Chapter 30:A Cat, A Bat, A Lizard, Play Keep Away!

    Saurian followed Selina, losing track of her many times but her scent was never lost. Tracking her across many rooftops, Selina robbed three different houses. Her back pack almost to full for its own good. Her cat costume was well designed, sleek, skin tight leaving very little to the imagination. More then once Saurian was curious if she was breathing properly with how much her breasts were compressed by the suit. But, he could also smell the divine spark inside her had grown. The spectral cat that was by her side kept looking behind her. Seeming to understand it was being followed. Saurian thought the cat saw him. But it was some one else the cat smelled. Just as Erik predicted they had an attraction for one another.


    When Selina jumped over a street, extending her whip she nailed it to the edge then climbed up from hand hold to hand hold. Only to stop in surprise, the spectral cats fur standing on end. There standing on the other side of the rooftop was Batman, wearing his typical scowl. Saurian recast his concealing spells and slipped his way towards them, only catching the tail end of the conversation. But more then once Saurian saw that Selina was being the seductive, playful, but the aloof female he knew her to be....


    ¡°I don''t know why you complain Batman! These things were collecting dust on their walls for months or even years. I bet they won''t even notice they are gone..¡± Selina ran her claws along Batmans chin gently nicking him. Batman flinched but held the item in question. Making Saurian surprised.


    ¡°And the fact that this piece was made by Erik Lash has nothing to do with why you stole it?¡± Batman said, in his cold and brisk voice. Selina froze at the mention of Saurian''s partners name.


    ¡°I like his work! Its very life like. If it makes you feel any better I wasn''t planning on selling it. It''s for my own collection.¡± Selina raised her chin in clear deviance to Batman''s accusation.


    ¡°All the same Miss Kyle, I''ll be taking it back.¡± Batman said coldly, taking the statue from Selina. Selina didn''t seem surprised that Batman knew her identity. Then she shivered and looked towards one end of the rooftop with a curious eye. Nothing was there, but why did she feel like something was watching them. Batman also noticed the feeling, peering to the side.


    Saurian stayed perfectly still, his glamour and spells in place. But he admired how sharp their senses were. He stepped onto the rooftop and they both realized he was there. But couldn''t see him. Selina stepped into Batman''s personal space with a smile, wrapping her arms around his neck and leaned in.


    ¡°Fine, you can have it! But only if you pay for it, with a kiss!¡± Selina said, leaning in and sealing Batmans lips with her own. Batman didn''t resist nor did he give in either. His face a stone mask to her. But Saurian could tell Batman enjoyed it.


    Selina broke the kiss and gave him a wink. Then she walked towards the end of the roof sashaying her hips. Making sure Batman watched her leave, she peeked around her shoulder looking at him, but also glancing at the spot she saw before. She felt something from that direction that she couldn''t place. Batman caught her eye and with out warning threw a bat-a-rang towards that direction. Saurian easily dipped his body out of the way, even understanding it would make a return trip. But that simple shift was enough for Selina, and Batman to see something was hiding there.


    ¡°Looks like you have a play date, Bats! Best of luck!¡± Selina called as she took out her whip and jumped across the rooftops.


    ¡°Cat Woman!¡± Batman called out, trying to maintain her identity. He didn''t lose focus when he called for her, keeping his sight line towards Saurian. But Cat Woman was already gone. Batman pressed a finger to his cowl, activating something with his vision.


    Saurian watched with interest, he was curious what Batman was trying to do. Saurian was now slowly prowling across the rooftop in a circle, making a point to circle around towards where Selina left. To see what Batman would do, sure enough Batman put himself between Selina and thing moving in the shadows. Saruian''s movements were slow and precise but Batman kept tracking him, trying to pin point his exact location. Saurian cast a Technomancy spell...


    Domain Technomancy Spell/Skill Connectivity: You''ve become your own WiFi hot spot! Want to make a call with out a phone? You can! Want to hack into a data base with out a computer? You can! Though that may take a bit of practice. Be careful, firewalls can still hurt you, but instead of frying your computer, they''ll fry you! You''ve become your own, walking, talking living computer!


    ¡°.....Alfred, the thermal imaging is not picking anything up.¡± Batmans commanding voice was over heard a communication.


    ¡°Sir, perhaps it shielded, throw some aluminum flak into the air. Maybe you''ll see it then?¡± The suave charming voice of Alfred Penny''s worth voice spoke across the communication.


    Batman threw out a pellet straight towards Saurian''s near perfect disguise. But as the pellet was thrown, Saurian sprinted towards Batman. Conjuring a wall of fog that over took the roof top! The surprise was evident on Batman''s half covered face. Now a thick billowing fog was coming from the thing he was fighting against!


    Batman swung his fist at the supposed target, but Saurian wasn''t here to fight. He ducked under the attack and picked up a certain ''object'' that was on the ground. Then slipped away from the rooftop being careful and slow. The fog not disturbed in the slightest, easily covering his escape. Soon Saurian was off the roof and moving towards a wayward cat. The fog dissipated with in seconds when Saurian was not near by. As he left he connected to the communication hub.


    ¡°Master Bruce! Master Bruce are you there!¡± Alfred was calling in dismay.


    ¡°I''m here Alfred, what ever it was, its gone. Wait! The statue is gone! Selina?!¡± Batman''s voice went from cold to hot in less then ten seconds. Before he sprinted to the edge of the roof looking towards the direction she left in.


    ¡°Alfred, do we have any idea where she left to?¡± Batman''s voice hurried.


    ¡°Checking sir!...No... She stayed out of sight of the CCTV, and your satellite hasn''t been launched yet.


    Saurian soon stepped out of range for his spell. Looks like he''ll have to rank that up for increased broadcast range. He didn''t say anything to them, wanting to keep that channel open for the future. He watched with interest as Batman didn''t stay idle for long. He chased in the direction of Selina hoping to pick up her trail, after a few blocks Saurian knew Batman had lost her. That may be the direction she left in, but it was not the direction she was moving. Saurian followed the scent of his pack mate with a smile on his face. Tucking the piece of art that she coveted. Lash still had the goddess of Bast statue waiting in his home. Perhaps they should make it a priority to visit her.


    The storm had officially hit Gotham City, it was coming down hard now. Selina had finally made it back to her loft in one of Gotham''s ''Red-Light'' districts. Ever since she had met Lash those few weeks ago her life had taken a turn for the better. The local business owner took her off of daily rotation. Now she only saw clients she wanted to see. She moved into a spacious loft, her land lord even knew about her nightly adventures and only asked for a five percent cut. She stood under an over hang as she dialed in a combination and key code for her door. She turned to look back the way she came, feeling regret in not getting Lash''s statue from Batman. She still needed to go see Lash himself to get that state he made for her, even took a photo to show it was real. She had thought about stealing it from his home, but it didn''t feel right stealing from a friend.


    ¡°I miss you....¡± Selina said to the dark. Then opened the door to her home before she froze in place.


    Ever since that night spent with Lash her intuition had been amazing! Her senses, mobility, flexibility, athletic talent, and gymnastics had been on another level. She felt like a door that had been sealed tight in her was now wide open. With all that, she knew some one was watching her. She softly closed her door, the dial and key code re locked. She took a deep breath, centered herself. Put on her best performance of a seductress, then turned around with a smile.


    ¡°I''m impressed Batman! Trac....t...¡± Selina called out, only to trail off at the end.


    Batman was not standing at the edge of the roof. But another creature of the night. A tall creature with billowing dark cloth wrapped around its form. Tattered cloth curled and danced around as if playing an invisible wind. Two gleaming yellow eyes were peering out from the darkness of the hood. The snow danced around the ghost like figure as if entertained just to be near it. The figure then silently moved forward towards Selina. Who was both terrified, and....Thrilled?


    Saurian slowly walked towards Selina. He saw the spectral cat was at first hissing, then it tilted its head before it bounded over to Saurian! A small silver tether connected the cat to Selina. The cat came up to Saurian leaping into his arms. Saurian caught the cat and continued to walk towards Selina. Selina backed up against her door, her entire body rigid. But her rapid breathing wasn''t entirely due to fear. Saurian knew that the spectral cat was effecting her emotions.


    ¡°Hello Cat Woman, I have something you left behind.¡± Saurian''s voice was a deep gravely voice that came from vocal cords that were not at all human. But even as he spoke, he could see that Selina noticed something. He then put down the art piece she had left behind with Batman.


    The spectral cat jumped from Saurian''s arms and danced around the statue before merging with Selina again. Selina''s chest rose and fell quickly, her back straight up against her door. Her entire body was shivering. Her face was partially covered by a mask, with glass goggles that kept her eyes hidden, and cute little cat ears. But Saurian could feel electronics were placed in them for some purpose.


    ¡°Why is The Wraith of The Narrows at my door? Didn''t know I was so popular...¡± Selina softly asked. Saurian titled his head to one side, something he knew the glamour would convey.


    ¡°Trust your intuition, what does it tell you about me?¡± Saurian asked, stepping closer to her so they were mere five feet from one another.


    Selina bit her lips softly, she very slowly stepped from her door. She reached out her left hand with hesitation. Drawing it back more then once before she reached through the shroud of the Glamour to touch the scaled face of Saurian. Surprise wide in her eyes when she could feel the scales through her gloves. She reached up, cradling Saurian''s face with both of her hands now. He leaned in, and pressed his forehead against her own. In a quiet shaking voice Selina whispered...


    ¡°Lash...?¡± Selina barley said.


    ¡°Hello Selina....¡± Saurian, and Lash''s voice replied. Making Selina jump! But she didn''t let go.


    ¡°Do you want to come in?¡± Selina asked softly, but hesitation was in her voice.


    ¡°No thank you Selina, we still have some work to do. But if your invitation is open tomorrow morning, we can bring the statue we made for you as a gift?¡± Saurian and Lash''s voice replied. They could feel that Selina was both sad that they declined but also happy. This was all so far out her expectations of how tonight was suppose to go.


    ¡°My place or yours?¡± Selina asked, she had moved out from the overhang now and was nestled into the embrace of Saurian. Tucking herself against the combat suit and scales of the giant lizard.


    ¡°What would make you more comfortable?¡± Saurian asked, wrapping his muscled arms around her in a protective manner. This Selina was different, gone was the seductive actress that Batman fell in love with. This one, this was a friend, happy to see him.


    ¡°I''d like to see your place again, I feel safe there.¡± Selina said softly, and a bit shy. Embarrassed to say it out loud. ¡°Say around nine o''clock?¡±


    ¡°As you wish, my little cat.¡± Saurian said, as he gently squeezed Selina then slowly stepped away. Selina didn''t want to let go, but understood she had to. Saurian''s tail easily wrapped around the art piece and placed it in her hands. She was surprised by the tail, her eyes almost wanting to chase it for a moment. ¡°See you in the morning then.¡±


    Saurian entire being faded from Selina''s sight. Making her gasp in surprise, before a smile grew across her face. She opened the door to her home and slipped in, locking the door behind her. Saurian decided to survey all of Selina''s building. Checking her security, and the buildings near by. He counted at least a dozen or so Were-Breeds who lived nearby. Finishing his business he moved to the edge of the neighborhood and left to return home.


    After another hour or so moving from rooftop to rooftop, Saurian made it back to his neighborhood. Finding a secluded hide away spot, he climbed down and recast the wide obstruction glamour. Shifting back to Lash, they had both learned that having the Wraith travel to their home was dangerous. So they decided that each time they would find a different spot with in a one to five mile radius of their home. Keep people guessing. Lash pulled out a hat and made his way home in his normal mundane look, taking a round about way to get there. Paranoia? Yes, definitely.


    The front door opened automatically, even with out Lash''s key card. The machine recognized him. The front desk security thought it was shorted for a moment then he saw Lash take his hat off. The guard welcomed him back, Lash made a possible visitation of Selina Kyle in the morning. He should call, but just in case. The guard made a note. Soon Lash was back in his home, as the lights slowly turned on, no intrusions said the alarm. Lash hung up his coat and went to his art studio room. He carefully packed up the Goddess of Bast statue into a box. The statue itself was a black stone color with real gold and silver motifs, about a foot and a half tall. Lash had finished his commission of the other client, as well as the enchanted statue for Zatara. The client took their piece but Zatara said Zatanna would be coming to Gotham to visit friends, she would be picking up the statue. So that means they would be meeting Zatanna soon. Yay?


    Three o''clock in the morning and Lash finally got into bed. Setting an alarm for eight. But he felt that he''d wake up well before that. Lash took a moment to collect his thoughts as he lay in bed. The shutters were down, the system locked. Wearing nothing but a pair of boxers, he slipped under his covers. His eyes seeing nearly just as well in the dark as he did in the light.


    ¡°Dawn...I feel like I''m missing something?¡± Lash called out to the darkness.


    ¡°Many things happened today User. Some of them involving you, but you can''t be every where at once. But if you mean appointments? Well I have to say you have a phone for that, I am not your secretary!¡± Dawn said, with a teasing voice.


    ¡°No, but I bet you would look good with a pair of glasses on, and a short skirt.¡± Lash replied, his eyes starting to fall.


    ¡°Oh? Is that a request in attire, User?¡± Dawn''s voice was full of vigor.


    ¡°Maybe next time I''m in the Black Room we''ll do a outfit montage? Good night, Dawn.¡± Lash said softly before falling asleep.


    ¡°Good night, User. I''ll get my closet ready!¡± Dawn said softly....


    Crack! Crack! Crack! Lash was beating a coconut with a rock, trying to break it open. With every swing, it would make a loud sound. Lash would look around watching for trouble. He would itch at the tiny stone in his forearm. Then return to the smashing. Then at last he got the coconut open, digging out the soft flesh inside and drinking its milk. Snap! A twig broke behind him, he turned swiftly and with out thinking threw his meal at the thing behind him! He broke open the head of the would be attacker! Sighing with relief he went to loot the body....


    Lash opened his eyes inside his home, finding that he was not in bed but in the center of his bedroom. He had made a nest out of pillows, and blankets, then he saw that his whole body was covered in scales. He had claws on his hands and feet. But he hadn''t shifted to Saurian he was still in the driver seat. Odd? Then the prompts came...


    Congratulations User! Your skill, Partial Transformation has now evolved into: Transformation: Shifting is the swapping who and what you are for something else. Transforming, changes aspects of your current form. No longer do you do it in bits and pieces you can now transform your entire body in a half/half letting you be a killing machine in either shift.


    Congratulations User! Your skill, Dark Vision has evolved into Night Eye: While Dark Vision allows you to see in a black and white color pallet in the dead of night. Night Eye allows you to see in total darkness as if you were seeing things in the middle of the day. Able to distinguish the world of light or dark as if it was the same thing. Usable in both shapes.


    Lash stood up and went to his full length mirror. He stood naked in front of it, admiring the scales, layered across his body. He didn''t have a tail, fin, or anything like that. He looked like a young killer croc. With a bit of concentration he shifted back to his full human form. But even with that, you could still see a faint outline of the scales on his skin. Like he slept on a snake skin coat, and it left an imprint. He''d have to check if his blood line still red 100% human or not. He checked the nightstand clock and saw to his horror that it was 4:30 am. He slept for less then two hours, but he felt energized.


    ¡°Good morning, Dawn. I don''t suppose you can tell me if my blood is still human or not?¡± Lash said softly as he began to make his bed.


    ¡°Good morning, User. I''m afraid not User, that is something to find out in the world. However, it should delight you to know that many people have adopted your reincarnated idea for their origins. Having the ability to obtain skills simply by dreaming has made many people envious.¡± Dawn said in a delighted voice. Lash turned on the shower and jumped in, washing up.


    ¡°So, why is it that when I ask questions about certain things you give me a very specific answer, while other times you don''t? System bug? Or something I don''t understand?¡± Lash asked as he began to wash himself. Stopping for a moment to see that the tribal marks on his shoulders have grown a little.


    ¡°When you ask specifics for things that are story focused we''ve been tasked to be vague in an attempt to encourage the User''s curiosity. When it comes to things not story focused we are allowed to be detailed. However, this is subject to change. Even giving you this answer is currently up for debate by the Developers. They seek to give just enough for Users to understand, but be vague enough to create a mystery. But every User is different, what is classified as vague for one, could be like a road map for another. Work in progress.¡± Dawn said her tone taking on a teachers persona.


    ¡°Ah, example like figuring out why my blood is 100% human despite all my very clear none human traits. Would be story driven, but there are several skills and spells that I''ve obtained that at one time could be explained but now can''t. Subject to change.¡± Lash said, and understood.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Dawn said delighted that he had figured it out.


    ¡°May I see my Rank Status please?¡± Lash asked as he got out of the shower.


    Name: Erik Lash, Saurian Hunter. Commonly referred as ''Lash'' or ''Saurian'' or ''Wraith''


    Title: Natural Mechanic


    Origin: Magical


    Rank: D +


    Skills: See tab for more information.


    Domains: Nature, Technomancy, Synthesis, Grave


    Spells: See tab for more information


    Description: The path between D+ to C- is a long and hard one. You are on the right track! But from here on out, promoting yourself will take time and effort. You''ve firmly established yourself as a hero. But if you are an Anti-Hero? Remains to be seen. The way you handle yourself is a balancing act to certain people. Thankfully the law is on your side! That''s right, Warden''s are a sanctioned agency. License to kill anyone?


    ¡°Holy shit! I didn''t think about that! The Wardens are technically on the side of the law! No! No, that''s a trap! I still need to be careful.¡± Lash face palmed himself for thinking such things.


    ¡°Thank you for the update, Dawn!¡± Lash said, with a towel wrapped around his waist he did his best air-hug. Then went to get dressed in some casual morning cloths.


    ¡°You are welcome user! Enjoy your generated day!¡± Dawn replied softly.


    Lash put on a cotton set up of comfortable wear. Sent a text message to Selina. ''I''m awake, let me know when your heading over. Would you like me to send a car for you?'' Oh ya! Lash has that authority now. He may be a Warden of little to no experience but is overall worth to the Warden''s was high! Especially when calling for a car for a God-kin that was a potential ally. The Warden''s would not bat an eye at the request. Lash made a simple protein smoothie, and headed towards the art room.


    Ever since he got Technomancy he''d been trying to craft things with it. He was currently trying to craft a hand held music box, Made from polished stone, a mirror, and mechanical gears. He wanted to create a tiny stone tree replica. That grew from a sapling to an adult tree at the end of the song. His Material Shaping skills had ranked up so much that he didn''t need to touch things most of the time. He placed his hands over the components and magic would extend like dozens of tiny little hands...


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned the Domain Technomancy Spell, Alteration: You can fix something! You can break something! Now, you can change something! Altering something with magic lets you degrade, or upgrade anything with magic. But, once you stop channeling if the ''object'' isn''t made right, it will just break! Experimentation!


    The spell took effect as the music box was crafted, and shaped. He didn''t even have to take it apart to get to the insides. But he could still see inside of it as if it lay bare in front of him. Soon the tumbler was set, the gears were primed. The music began to play, as a stone tree grew from the box, going from sapling to full blossomed cherry tree. Each piece of the tree was delicate and hard to manage. But once the spell was finished and the music came to an end. The tree was in full bloom, then Lash press the reset button and the tree slowly retracted back into the music box. He pulled his magic from the box, and pressed play....Watching with a smile, as the music box played in its entirety, then reset. No problems!


    Congratulations User! You''ve created Magical Music Box! Grade E+ Effects: Grants a calm mind and relaxed heart. Comment: This is great gift made with magic, but can be used with out! A gift for any one, especially for your one hundredth try? But who''s counting! Please note: Creation grades are a product of a new version!


    Lash jumped a little in surprise, reading the prompt. Holy crap! He vaguely remembers getting a few notes on some of his creations. But nothing like this. He smiled at his creation though. He carefully packed it up. He placed a letter on the box to Pamela Isely. ''Hello! Its not a plant, but I hope you will enjoy it all the same! Sincerely -Erik Lash'' He packed it up. Cleaned up his art room and made his way to the balcony. The balcony was thick with snow! At least three feet, Lash stepped out with out worry. It could be ten degree''s outside and it wouldn''t phase him anymore. More then once he wanted to go outside in summer cloths and had to remind himself not to. He had made a simple overhang for the Griak''s tree house to keep the snow off of it. He rang a small bell at the front door.


    ¡°Hmmmmyyyaaaawn! Hello Warden! How may we help you?¡± A Griak sleepily called, a few more poked their heads out.


    ¡°Hello little ones! I have a package, please take it to the Warden HQ for delivery to Seattle Warden HQ. The individual and address are on the box. Its fragile! You don''t have to do this now, just when you get to it.¡± Lash then cast his nature spells on all the Griaks who became overly happy and fluttered about. A few of them stored the package for later delivery, promising to be careful. Then Lash said good bye and walked back into his home.


    Closing and locking his door he felt his phone vibrate. It was Selina, ''How are you awake? Yes, a car would be amazing. Give them my contact info, and send it over around eight ish? See you then!'' Lash sent a smiley face back at her. It was now 6:30 am. He contacted the driver security for his building, told them the information. They said they would take care of it. Lash had to admit to himself he was a little excited to see Selina. He sent another text to her, ''Do you want to eat in my home or go out to eat?'' Lash went to his bedroom and got some casual business attire cloths on. Black shoes, gray slacks, a black buttoned up long sleeve. On his way to the kitchen when he got a reply. ''Yours, make sure there is coffee.'' Selina replied. Lash did so. Soon he was pulling out things in preparation.


    Time passed, and the front desk called him saying that his guest was on her way up. He unlocked the door, and went back to the kitchen. Pulling off some fresh cook salmon, healthy omelet selection, with french bread, an assortment of jams and honey. With the last of the black coffee for Selina and tea for himself. A knock sounded from the front door.


    ¡°Its open!¡± Lash called down the hallway. The door opened and Selina walked in softly, closing and locking the door behind him.


    Selina had worn a pair of black running shoes, with black skin tight running pants, showing off her curves on her legs and hips. A black skin tight sport t-shirt, with running jacket, her cleavage was clear but modest. A head band kept her raven black hair up. She had a little bit of eye shadow, and pink lip gloss, she looked like she was going for a run. But thanks to Lash''s Sensory Awareness he could see that Selina had checked herself in the mirror in the hallway. Satisfied with the look. It may have been simple, but she wanted to look good in it. Selina was the type of woman that as long as she put a little bit of effort into it. Nearly anything would look good.


    ¡°Hmmm, something smells good!¡±Selina walked into the kitchen and saw Lash putting the last plate down.


    She was momentary stunned by the set up, but a smile soon spread across her lips as she walked over and hugged Lash. Lash swallowed her in a hug, picking her up earning a small squeak from her as he twirled her around. She buried her face into his neck, and breathed him in. He set her down and let her go.


    ¡°Hello, little cat. Come have some thing to eat.¡± Lash softly said, but his eyes had turned reptilian in front of her. Making her gasp in surprise.


    ¡°You''ll have to teach me how to do that!¡± Selina said and made her way to the kitchen table. Lash pulled the chair out for her and helped her to be settled. He went over to table and grabbed the Goddess Bast statue, placing it on the table.


    ¡°The statue I owe you.¡± Lash gestured to the box. Then began to eat his meal. Selina didn''t make a move to grab the box. For a few minutes they enjoyed the meal, Selina held special interest in the fish on the plate.


    ¡°So, are you and Batman dating? Or is just flirting?¡± Lash said half way through the meal. This made Selina cough and nearly choke. Drinking some coffee before she looked up wide eyed at Lash. Then she pointed finger at him.


    ¡°That was you!? That''s how you got the statue from him! Oho! You have a lot of explaining to do!¡± Selina made a mad dash to change the subject.


    Lash raised his right hand up, from the elbow to his hand scales grew effortlessly, hard crocodile scales along his bone line, bone blades from the edge of the forearm, black claws the extended from his fingers by almost two inches. He showed it to Selina who had eyes as wide as possible. The windows shuttered before Lash showed Selina, at his request to the alarm system. Technomancy was handy!


    ¡°What would you like to know?¡± Lash said with a smile, reptilian eyes staring at Selina.


    Selina seem to be stumped, Lash could read her body language like a book. She spends so much time dancing around subjects, having to practically pull teeth from people to get any information. Then here comes along some one who is open about nearly everything. Almost naively so, but Lash trusted her to keep the secret. The Wardens may question the judgment. But since she was a Gods Chosen she technically was not mundane anymore. Selina decided to finish her meal. Asking for a refill on her coffee, making Lash laugh as he restored his arm to his human skin. He refilled her drink and then blissfully finished the meal with her.


    After the meal, Lash and Selina were sitting on the coach. Well Lash was sitting, Selina was laying down her head in his lap face up. He was running his hands up and down her stomach, and sides. Casting his favorite nature spells. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. Selina bit her lip, her eyes fluttered closed as she audibly moaned! Her thighs rubbed together, as her hands wrapped around Lash''s arm, using him as an anchor to ride the sensation out. Lash established the Pack Bond with her. Boosting her and his overall stats by 25%. Which brought another wave of euphoria through Selina''s entire body. Her back arched, as her body locked up...Then after a few seconds she melted back into the coach. She released her iron grip on Lash''s arm, so he returned to teasing her skin with his hand.


    ¡°You know, I have a lot of clients that would pay top dollar for that effect.¡± Selina whispered.


    ¡°So, tell me about Batman? You don''t have to tell me his identity. Just your relationship, as your friend I wish to hear the gossip!¡± Lash smiled, looking down at her.


    ¡°I...don''t know. The first time we met we actually got into a fight. But, there was just a spark between us. An attraction I''ve never felt before. I mean you are amazing! But...¡± Selina seem to hesitate.


    ¡°We are friends, family, pack mates. Everything we need from each other, if and when we need it. I''m not jealous Selina, I''m happy for you. Perhaps you have found some one that can make you happy, and entertained at the same time!¡± Lash said to her, as he softly tapped her nose. Making her wiggle it back and forth blinking several times. She reached up and brought his hand back to her naked skin, enjoying his touch. Practically purring at him.


    ¡°Yes, you are everything I need, when I want it. But he...He is something I feel...No! I can''t think of that! A woman in my line of work can''t have such fantasies!¡± Selina said, taking on a bitter tone to her voice.


    ¡°Tell me Selina, how much would it take for you to no longer have to be in that line of work? I''m not asking you to change your night life. You seem to enjoy that, so how much would it take to make it so you don''t have to do your day job anymore?¡± Lash said, his voice becoming serious. This made Selina stop, than she sat up to look at him eye to eye.


    ¡°Five hundred thousand dollars!¡± Selina said jokingly. Then went wide eyed when Lash took his phone out.


    ¡°What''s your router number?¡± Lash said. Making Selina grab his hand to stop him from opening his bank account.


    ¡°No! No! And another No! You can not possibly afford that! Just to spend it on me! I mean we are not even having sex!¡± Selina was adamant in her excuses. She bit her lip nervously, especially when Lash made no moves to put his phone away. Lash reached out with his free hand, and caressed her cheek then said.


    ¡°What. Is. Your. Routing. Number?¡± Lash said with a smile.


    Selina looked from his eyes to the phone several times, then told him her routing number. Then her checking account. After a few minutes Selina''s phone vibrated a notification from her bank. Her main account now had a $500,000.00 deposit. Her hands began to shake, and tears fell down from her eyes. That was it! She didn''t have to work her day job any more! Hell! She could leave Gotham if she wanted to! She put her phone down finally, sat down in Lash''s lap and wrapped her arms around him, rubbing her cheek against him. ''Mine'' Was the word her mind kept repeating over and over. Lash wrapped his arms around her, and let her move as she pleased. More then once her little pink tongue licked his cheek, neck, ear. Despite the clear sensual sensations, Lash wasn''t aroused. He just held her, as if this was completely natural.


    ¡°Hay....Want to go shopping?¡± Lash said, every woman likes shopping! ¡°My treat!¡± This made Selina''s eyes go wide. She jumped from his lap, and was by the door waiting to leave. Her entire body vibrating with excitement.


    ¡°That''s a yes then.¡± Lash got his personal effects. Then Selina and him went shopping in Gotham!

 Chapter 31:Shopping With The Cat!

    As excited as Selina was to leave, Lash took a few moments. He grabbed the package with the statue he made for her. He called Shield and Sword for a secure driver to attend them for the day. Soon Selina and Lash were down stairs moving towards a very nice luxury Mercedes four door. Lash had a smirk on his face, as he admired the inside the car. He placed the statue inside the trunk, and then looked at Selina who blinked innocently. Lash rolled his eyes at her and turned to the driver.


    ¡°Hello, my friend here wants to go shopping. I''m paying, do you know any good places to shop?¡± Lash asked the driver, who looked back at Lash then at Selina. He smiled and said he did. They drove off towards the high end part of Gotham.


    Selina kept sliding up and down against the leather seats, in love with the feeling of it. After a while she slipped under Lash''s arm and snuggled into him. Her hair sweeping past her shoulder to reveal her neck. As much as Lash wanted to play his fingers across her body he kept his hands still. He was watching the streets pass by, trying to memorize the way here for future reference. Selina was playing with his hand and forearm, pressing here and there. Stretching his fingers out looking at his nails.


    ¡°If your expecting my claws to come out, they don''t do that.¡± Lash whispered into her ear. She smiled slightly continuing to play with his hand.


    ¡°So, are they hidden under neath? Or is it something else?¡± Selina said softly, the driver peeked at the rear view mirror. Despite Selina''s quiet voice the driver heard every word. He was part Sylvan after all.


    ¡°Something else.¡± Lash said with a smile and gently tickled Selina''s side making her gasp softly in surprise. It had been a long time since she was tickled it seems. The driver soon brought them to a very extravagant woman''s boutique shop, ''Edwardo''s Fashion, and Design''. Opening the car door for them both, he pointed at the boutique under a hushed voice to Lash.


    ¡°Its a very well established place for women''s fashion. They serve mundanes and super-naturals alike. Here is my contact card, they have a car port and a place for drivers. Call me when you wish to leave.¡± The driver said to Lash. Lash took the card, and shook the drivers hand. Casting his three nature spells into him. The man''s eyes opened wide, then shuddered in place for a bit. Before a huge grin was on his face. Lash really did feel like a drug dealer.


    Lash offered his arm to Selina as they walked through the front doors. They saw an assortment of people from high rise, to really high rise people. Wearing thousand dollars cloths, many eyes turned to them in interest and a few people sneered until Lash took a Gotham City Bank Black card out. Which the limit is anywhere between five hundred thousand dollars or one million. After that the front desk attendee''s had a huge smile plastered on their faces.


    ¡°Hello, my name is Erik Lash. This is Selina Kyle its her birthday. I''m here to take her shopping!¡± Lash said to the front attendee. Selina perked up at the mention of Birthday''s she turned around and gently kissed Lash on the cheek before she practically skipped away with someone.


    Thus began a montage of politely following behind Selina to watch as she played around. The store had everything a woman could desire, from hundreds of dollars in casual wear. To nearly fifty grand in cocktail dresses, and designer underwear. They even had a beauty salon and spa. Selina made big cat eyes at Lash who encouraged her to go. It been under an hour and he had already spent ten grand on her and knew that he''d spend more. But, he didn''t care. He could afford it, Lash knew that Selina had never had someone shop like this for her. Paying for the full royal treatment for Selina he excused himself to go the ''waiting'' room for the gentlemen. Taking a seat at table he ordered a glass of hot chai, and took out his phone to look up some information.


    ¡°Mr. Lash?¡± Lash looked up to see a older man wearing casual business attire.


    Black shoes, gray slacks, white buttoned up shirt and coat. He had gray and brown peppered hair. But that''s not what caught Lash''s attention, it was the man''s eyes they had a ting of red in them. He was about 5'' 9¡± with a bit of Latino skin tone, and the charisma of one. -Blood Kindred, Master of a house. Saurian softly growled. Lash stood up and gave a customary bow following the etiquette of the Wardens to the Kindred. Who was surprised by the action before holding out his hand to Lash. Lash then shook his hand as both shared a firm handshake.


    ¡°Hello, may I know your name sir?¡± Lash asked softly. The man laughed and pointed at the signs around the shop. ''Edwardo''s'' Lash''s eyes opened a bit. ¡°Apologies Mr. Edwardo. If I am being honest this is actually the first time I''ve visited your establishment.¡± Lash said, bowing his head.


    ¡°Not at all! If you are not to busy I would like to have a conversation with you. Please.¡± Edwardo gestured towards the table Lash was previously sitting at. The Kindred waited until Lash sat before taking his own seat. As if Lash was the master of the house instead of him.


    ¡°So, the woman you brought with you is Ms. Kyle the Chosen of Bast?¡± Edwardo said with a smile, a smile that soon froze as a pressure was coming off of Lash. Edwardo raised his hands. ¡°No! Please don''t miss understand, I only meant it as a question.¡± Edwardo''s face paled. The ''pressure'' coming off of Lash dissipated.


    ¡°Maybe you would be more comfortable if you knew more about me. My full name is Samuel Edwardo, Elder of House Kuldr.¡± Samuel said to Lash. This made Lash lean back in his chair. A question on his face.


    ¡°Yes, I am Isabella''s creator. I''m sure you have done research on the Kuldr house. We are one of the more...legitimate houses.¡± Samuel said.


    Lash took a moment to digest that. House Kuldr was a recently created Kindred house who obtained Barony. The houses used a feudal noble system to dictate rank. Though not all Blood-Kindred used the same names, the overall ranks remained. Kuldr despite being Kindred they had legitimate clean businesses, that helped the community and believed in blending in with the mundanes. The House Elder had only been in power for less then two centuries but had earned his way to the rank to strength of will and integrity. Something not often seen with the Kindred. Though the House Kuldr was not as politically connected in Mundane or Super-Natural communities. Because they were legitimate and clean it gave them a strong foundation.


    ¡°I see. Yes that is the Chosen of Bast. Though she was my friend before I knew that. I hope you will understand that. I did inform the Warden information bureau about our relationship.¡± Lash''s voice no longer held the edge that it did before. Samuel noticed that and a smile returned to his face.


    ¡°I also wanted to say thank you for being fare to Isabella. You had more then enough chances to reveal her, or even demand she leave your sister Elizabeth. But you didn''t. Thank you.¡± Samuel said, true conviction in his voice.


    ¡°Of course, I try not to discriminate against others. As long as Isabella make''s Elizabeth happy I''ll try to be a good friend to her. But I will choose Elizabeth if I am made to make a choice.¡± Lash, rebuking no argument.


    ¡°I would expect nothing else for family! There is one other thing I wanted to confirm with you before I excuse myself. We''ve...The Kindred specifically have heard a funny rumor and I thought I would come and ask you directly. Have you obtained the.....¡± Samuel said, licking his dry lips.


    ¡°The Domain of the Grave? Yes, I was Ordained by Skippy the God-kin of Azrael. It''s been confirmed and recorded in The Warden Archive.¡± Lash said, with a complete disconnected voice as if it wasn''t a big deal. But Lash and Samuel both knew it was a big deal.


    Samuel''s face drained of color and emotion, he swallowed audibly. Several faces turned towards them inside the shop. Though they both had not been talking loudly, anyone with superior hearing would have heard them. Kindred and super-natural creatures had their eyes wide in both horror and fascination. Lash tapped into ''The Grave'' and his aura changed to exhibit that. In that brief moment, Lash could not only tell how many Kindred were in a thirty meter radius, he could tell how old they were, and a bit of their emotions. Samuel was terrified, but...Also excited at the prospect. Lash retracted the energy returning to ''Normal'' Lash.


    ¡°Mr. Edwardo. I don''t intend to use this to push any one around. I intend to do my job, and maintain my oath of neutrality. As long as no one comes looking for trouble with me, I wont go looking for trouble with them. With in the confines of Warden Law. So, you can tell your house, and the other Kindred that. I know there are Good Wardens, and there are Bad Wardens. I hope to be some where in-between. Which I''m told makes me a ''Good'' Warden. But I believe you know what I mean?¡± Lash said, in a very cool voice. He had more of his chai which had grown cold at this point. Eh, it was still good.


    ¡°I do, and I shall. Thank you Mr. Lash for taking time to answer my questions. I hope you and your friend enjoy your time in my houses business. You are welcome here.¡± Samuel took a moment to smooth out his cloths after he stood. Lash stood with him, they both bowed and Samuel excused himself.


    Lash returned to his chair, and his chai was refilled by an attendee who is confused about the exchange between the big boss and a customer. Lash said thank you and returned to his phone. Sending a message to Skaleg. ''Blood-Kindred, know I have the Domain of the Grave.'' After a few minutes he got a reply from the old viking. ''Alright. We''ll make a public announcement, you may get some well wishers and even a few gifts of people trying to suck up to you. Play it smart.'' Lash spent the next hour practicing his Technomancy on his phone. Looking up multiple sources of information at the same time. It was giving him a migraine, but he kept at it.


    Lash was soon informed that Selina was done in her spa care. Paying for his drink and saying thank you, he made his way to her. Selina walked out of the spa wearing a lose fitted bath robe. Showing just enough skin to reveal she had nothing on under neath. Which earned more then a few eye glances. She also had her hair cut into a short ''pixie'' style. Suited her. Her skin was washed, scrubbed, and incredibly healthy looking. She hugged Lash with a huge smile on her face.


    ¡°Time for cloths?¡± She asked, wiggling against him. He nodded and followed after her as she moved towards the clothing section. Attendants following in her wake.


    Lash took a seat on a comfortable coach as a private room which was provided for a clothing montage. Selina came out more then once like a model on the cat walk. Strutting, sashaying her hips and showing off the long line of her legs, back, and nearly topless wear that many cloths were sold for. More then once she would only try out different shoes, different tops, or even keep them all the same but try out different underwear that would be slightly revealed. But despite all that Lash always noticed the difference, to the point that the woman attendants were impressed. Lash said he is actually a professional artist, he gets paid because he notices the details. Even showed some of the ladies the Shaw Art Industry website where his portfolio was. Once they saw the photo they put his face and that face together. Before they realized he was Erik Lash, the hero who found the bomb at Shield and Sword plaza.


    They talked for a bit as different woman took turns helping Selina get dressed. But every time Selina came out of the dressing room Lash would look directly at her. Paying attention to her, despite the more then once flirty and coquettish glances the attendants gave him. Which earned a dazzling smile from Selina every time. Then the lights turned dim and all the ladies left the room, making Lash confused. Selina then slipped from the curtains wearing a see through red negligee. With a red thong, and red lace bra. She stepped down from the walk, went to her hand''s and knee''s. She prowled towards Lash, moving her hands over his knee''s to spread his legs apart. Her hands smoothed over his inner thighs until she felt his erection grow in excitement. Selina''s eyes fluttered as she looked up at Lash. Lash leaned forward gently picking her up effortlessly. Placing her in his lap, as she brought her knee''s to either side of his hips. Lash heard that all the doors had been closed, they had privacy here.


    ¡°Selina...¡± Lash started but she held her fingers to his lips.


    ¡°Are you really going to buy all this for me?¡± Selina whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck.


    ¡°Yes. We may have only been friends for a short while, but imagine all the birthday''s I''ve missed!¡± Lash reached up and held Selina''s face in his hands, her skin was hot to the touch. He then said in a soft voice. ¡°Did you buy anything to show off to B-man when you get him alone?¡± The question seem to make something in Selina''s mind snap into place.


    She was startled, but soon tried to re establish her dominance over Lash...Only to discover that he was never dominated. Selina humped! Visibly pouted, got off of Lash lap and stalked her way back to the dressing room, the view was spectacular maybe more so because it was natural and not acting. After a few minutes the lights turned back on to normal. Selina walked out of the curtains in one of the business casual attires she chose. Lash was standing now, with a smug smile on his face. Which only earned him a glare from Selina. He laughed loudly then offered his arm to her. She begrudgingly took the offer.


    ¡°One of these days you and I will share a bed.¡± Selina said.


    ¡°One of these days we will, but it will be because you want to, not because you feel an obligation to.¡± Lash said, Selina stopped and tried to pull her arm from his, but Lash caught her before she could leave. She glared at him, then continued walking. She hated him right now, because he was right.


    Lash paid for everything that Selina had found. Coming to a total of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, plus a one thousand dollar tip to all the attendants who were smiling at his generosity. Selina''s eyes nearly fell out of her skull when she heard the price. Lash called the driver, by the time they came out side it was nearly dark. The driver smiled at Selina''s new clothing, which made Selina wink at him and stalk towards the car. On the drive over to her house, Selina looked like a true professional business woman. Before long she had Lash''s arm over her shoulder and she was nestled into his embrace again. Clearly still upset with him, but demanded attention all the same. Lash scratched the feline that was Selina, letting his hands wonder around. She purred softly enjoying the sensation.


    Coming into the neighborhood that Selina lived in, many men and woman gave out whistles and cat calls to the driver. The car was clearly driving to either pick some one up or drop some one off. The ''Red-Light'' district was use to this scene. Then when it stopped in front of mid to high tier brothel house, the doors opened and Selina Kyle stepped out. Getting a few gasps, and whistles coming her way!


    ¡°Oh! Oh! Selina is moving up in the world!¡±


    ¡°Girl! Who''s the man paying for you!? Or is it a woman?¡±


    ¡°Better hold on to him girl!¡±


    Several people called out, Selina rolled her eyes at them. The trunk popped open revealing the many, many boxes and bags. The driver stepped out, many people saw the semi-automatic in its holster. Then the passenger side door opened and Lash stepped out. Earning several cat calls, and whistles. Before several thug and muscle bound guards came sprinting over in all due haste. Selina hissed an angry yowl and went to step in front of Lash only to stop in surprise.


    ¡°Mr. Lash! Welcome! May we be of assistance?¡± The lead muscle said in a very polite voice, as he was standing at attention. This made all the nearby ''workers'' freeze in surprise. Lash looked surprised as well.


    ¡°Dominick? Well hello! Good to see you!¡± Lash walked over and shook Dominick''s hand. Dominick looked like he gained about two inches in height, and about five inches in muscle mass. -Time spent with us did him good. Saurian said.


    ¡°Miss Kyle may we help you with the bags? We''ll be careful, wont we boys?¡± Dominick gave off an aura of pressure that he did not have when Lash first met him. The other were-breeds and few mundanes all nodded quickly. Selina said ''sure'' softly, as she looked at Dominick and then at Lash really confused.


    Selina went up and unlocked the door to her loft. Showed where they could put the bags then came down to talk with Lash. Lash spoke for a few minutes with Dominick while Selina was upstairs. Apparently the ''Change'' happened after the Narrows. He had moved up in the hierarchy in the pack, he told Lash not to worry he didn''t on plan to move up to Rocksie position. He meant what he said before. But! He had gotten his total shift time down to an even thirty minutes! Setting a new record for a were-rat. Lash and Saurian had the shortest were-breed shift time. But people were starting to believe they were not even a were-breed. So different rules. Then they changed subjects when Selina came down. Dominick had always been polite to all the ''Workers'' in the district. So that wasn''t new. Soon he said goodbye bringing all guards with him. He told Selina that if she ever needed anything or if some one made trouble to contact him. Mechanically she said thank you, and that she would. Then practically dragged Lash up to her loft so she could talk to him. The driver said he would wait down here.


    Selina slammed her front door shut, staring daggers at Lash. Lash was looking around her loft. Acting as if he was completely innocent of the whole affair. Selina''s loft was comfortable, large, and friendly. But he could see that she actually had two bedrooms. One to entertain guests, and another that was her own. Maybe the first one will be a guest bedroom in the future.


    ¡°So it was you who spoke to them? It was you who got me this place to live? The deal with the landlord?¡± Selina was gritting her teeth.


    ¡°No. I didn''t do any of that. They did that on their own. They heard that you and I were friends so I assume they chose to be more amiable to you. In hopes of staying on my good side.¡± Lash said, walking back towards Selina.


    ¡°What are you? Some kind of crime boss!?¡± Selina shouted at him. She was so angry right now! She felt betrayed.


    ¡°No. I''m just an important figure in a none public community. Who is able to speak to Superman one of the strongest people in the world, and Wonder Woman the Princess of Amazonian Warriors, that both call me friend. How many people can say that honestly?¡± Lash held out his hands as a sign of no threat that Selina didn''t believe in a second.


    ¡°You! You can''t just!¡± Selina yelled but couldn''t speak.


    ¡°Selina, use your intuition something that I know has been incredible for you lately. Am I lying to you? No, I did not tell them to give you this loft. No, I did not tell them to treat you differently. They did that on their own. Yes, I am your friend. True friendship is something I take very seriously. I did not give you that money, and buy all these things just to throw it all away! You are my family Selina!¡± Lash said, one by one taking a step forward. Selina was shaking in rage, but also uncertainty. Lash reached out to hug her only for her to scream in anger she reached out and slashed his chest. Her nails extended by instinct and ripped through his shirt, and lightly cut his skin.


    Lash wasn''t the least bit hurt or surprised. But Selina was, she stared in shock as the nails on her hands extended by half and inch. She looked up at Lash, her eyes slowly transforming into cat eyes. Several of her teeth took on a fang like appearance. She was going through a Partial Transformation. But she wasn''t a were-breed so the change was minimal. -Selina, we have not lied to you. You are our Pack, our Family, our Hunter. Please understand that the world is not as simple as you once believed. Saurian''s voice spoke across the pack bond. Making Selina jump as she looked around the room trying to find the owner.


    ¡°Who!? W...What the fuck is going on!?¡± Selina screamed.


    ¡°Am I lying?¡± Lash said to her, making her whirl around on him. Her face pale with fright, before she focused on his words.


    ¡°...No...No, you are not lying. But you have to explain what the fuck is going on!¡± Selina said, shouting at Lash. Lash took a deep breath, where to begin? He gestured towards a coach for her to sit then he began.


    He went over who he was, most of it. How when he was mugged he woke up different. He had a new partner. Saurian. Who spoke across the pack bond on occasion. Then he explained that he had become a were-breed. She made a few jokes about were-wolves only for Lash to nod seriously to her, even offered to call a few. She refused and told him to keep going. After a few more hours, he called Skaleg and told him that Selina had Partially Transformed she needed a Warden information brief, and practical specialist. Thirty minutes later Skaleg showed up with Rocksie! Who Selina was surprised to see. Every one down here knew who Rocksie was.


    Rocksie was wearing black high heels, skin tight leather pants, with a tank top, leather coat, shaved head, and dozens of earrings and piercings. She was a goth rocker chic and it worked really well for her. She slugged Lash''s shoulder and asked when she would get a turn to get shifting help. Lash told her if she helps him keep his friend he''d do it tonight! Rocksie explained to Selina the truth to her. Lash had not arranged anything, yes they did it because they were friends and they wanted to be on his good side. That is when they explained what Warden''s were. The super-natural community, and that she was a God-kin of Bast. Even if she was not friends with Lash they would have been nice to her.


    ¡°Wait! Did you...Did we...¡± Selina said to Lash, she was about to go through information overload!


    ¡°No! We chose you as our friend before we knew what you were. It was only after our bonding that we discovered your heritage. As a Warden we were bound by law to make a record of you.¡± Lash and Saurian spoke, the two voices disturbing the several people in the room. Except Selina who found the truth comforting.


    ¡°So, basically you are a cop? For the super-natural world?¡± Selina said, both confused and amused.


    ¡°More or less.¡± Lash said to her.


    ¡°Oh trust me its more!¡± Rocksie said to her. ¡°The guy has been a Warden less then a year. He is already top dog in a lot of circles, and an important figure in the political area. So much so that the Courts are giving Skaleg another bonus and are curious if he is interested in staying onboard purely as a talent hunter.¡± Rocksie said, a grin on her face as she looked at Skaleg who very clearly said ''NO''


    So, they continued talking for several more hours. Selina signed a geese scroll preventing her from talking about a few things. But, she also was officiated into the super-natural community. Lash/Saurian helped her transform back to ''normal''. When she finished she was incredibly tired. Everyone left, but Lash told Rocksie to wait for him down stairs, he was going to keep his promise to help her. She was more then happy to! Lash took Selina to her real bedroom and set her down. Helping her out of her outfit, Selina stripped completely naked and smiled wide when she found Lash was looking anywhere but at her. Small victories!


    ¡°Do you love me?¡± Selina asked softly, wrapped in a blanket. Her face burrowed into her pillow.


    ¡°Yes, Selina Kyle. I love you.¡± Said Lash, as he turned around and tucked her in. He sat down on the beds edge looking at her.


    ¡°This has to be the weirdest relationship I''ve ever been in! Thank you for today!¡± Selina snuggled into her blankets.


    Lash smiled and kissed her cheek, bidding her goodnight. Before he left her bed, she snagged his hand. Then reached into her nightstand drawer, and placed a single key in his palm. Then buried her self into her bed to hide her blushing face. It was a house key. He closed her door and left her loft, locking up. He wanted a safe place to keep the key...


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron is impressed with your relationship skills, and how you brought yourself out from the jaws of defeat! They have decided to evolve your skill, Minor Storage: To include essentially anything you would have in a wallet, along with keys. Now they can''t be stolen!


    Lash was happy for the evolution, but thought it was a bit ironic that it evolved because he had befriended a thief. Lash stored his wallet, and keys. The phone didn''t seem to count. He went downstairs, to see that his driver was waiting. Rocksie was talking to several people. Rocksie waved at Lash and pointed at a building nearby. Lash told the driver he could go home, the man smiled at him and said goodbye. Lash waited for Rocksie, looked like she was talking to several guards and a few pimps. Selina was being taken off of rotation completely. She would work only if she wanted to work. No, it wasn''t just because of Lash. It was because Selina woke up as a God-kin. She had a direct link to a goddess. Best be polite to a Goddess''s chosen. She finished up and came to Lash, then they both walked down the street together.


    ¡°So, is there like a ceremony? Or do we need to be hunting? Or?¡± Rocksie said to Lash, he had offered his arm to her. She took it, a smile on her face as she spoke to Lash. Lash ''read'' her for a bit, he knew Rocksie was bi-sexual but preferred woman. But it was clear she enjoyed looking at him. Making Lash remember his skill, Basic Charming Presence. Dawn was right, it would get him in trouble.


    ¡°We can go hunting afterwards if you like? I''ve made it a point to start patrolling the Narrows. But its not required. I would suggest we find a place that has good insulation, so people do not hear your screams.¡± Lash said in a matter of fact tone. Making Rocksie raise an eye brow at him. ¡°Not those kind of screams. It will be a painful experience.¡±


    Rocksie shrugged, then began to guide Lash towards a building. It was a classy home hotel. All the essentials of a home but for brief stays! They went up to a... Dominatrix tailored condo, making Lash confused. Rocksie stalked into the room like she owned the place. Which of course she kinda did! Inside the room was another woman. She was 5''4¡±, with pale skin, her auburn hair was done up in a bun. She had a tight leather corset on, revealing all of her neck, shoulders, and a lot of cleavage. A long skirt, that had slits all the way up to her hips. She was bare foot, with pink nail polish. She was cleaning and oiling a whip.


    ¡°Hay babe! Welcome back...ooo! Do we have a guest?¡± The woman spoke to Rocksie. She stood up, and grinned at Lash.


    ¡°Yes Sarah we do have a guest, I''m sure you''ve heard of him! This is Warden Lash. I helped him today with something. So he is repaying the favor by helping me with shifting quicker.¡± Rocksie said, before she devoured Sarah''s lips. Making the woman blush in surprise. Before wrapping her arms around Rocksie. They pressed together for a few minutes, making out and moaning loudly. Lash watched them, not with the eyes of man. But the eyes of a hunter watching a show.


    ¡°If you want, I can help you both with the process. You don''t need to put on a show for me.¡± Lash said, crossing his arms. A smile tugging on his lips. Rocksie broke the kissing fest and turned around with a smile. Sarah had her lipstick smeared, and was bright red from the marathon.


    ¡°Were you not enjoying the show Warden?¡± Sarah said breathlessly.


    ¡°It was educational. I helped Dominick shift with his cloths on. Do wish to learn that trick as well? Or just the shifting speed?¡± Lash said, as his eyes danced around Rocksie, and Sarah. Sarah couldn''t help but shiver, the energy coming off of Lash changed dramatically.


    ¡°Is having cloths on easier, or harder?¡± Said Rocksie, she tried her best to stand under the gaze of Lash/Saurian. But her partner clearly was not liking being stared at like that. As if they were both naked before a giant creature from the old days.


    ¡°Doesn''t matter.¡± Lash said, his eyes returning to human again. The ''pressure'' in the room lifted making both woman and their were-half''s sigh in relief.


    ¡°Gone is the Warden from the ceremony who would blush, and try to hide his embarrassment. I miss that Warden. But like I said, it wouldn''t last long.¡± Said Rocksie, she didn''t understand that raw emotions was a side effect of Calm Emotions.


    Lash took a moment to center himself, then used his skill Transformation staying as Lash, but inviting Saurian into himself. With in seconds the hybrid form stood before Rocksie, and Sarah. Both of them impressed by the sudden shift. They both jumped in surprise as Lash was suddenly behind them, holding a hand to both the nape of their neck. Rocksie was gritting her teeth trying to not attack him, her were-half was practically jumping out of her skin. Sarah and her were-half was completely submissive in front of Saurian. Sarah had never submitted to anyone but Rocksie. This was a terrifying but thrilling experience! Then Lash activated his skills, Awaken Trait, and Skill Trainer. Rocksie and Sarah both let out blood curdling screams! They both dropped to their hands and knees, their bodies bucking as their skin peeled and tore apart. Like a sun dried piece of fruit being pulled apart to see the soft tissue beneath. Only this tissue was covered in fur.


    Lash took several steps back, knowing Rocksie and Sarah''s were-half''s would be violent for the first bit. Dominick was different. He was primarily submissive when he met Saurian. Sure enough Rocksie finished first, in under five minutes half the time Dominick did the first time. Sarah was taking a bit longer. Rocksie the Alpha Were-Rat was about seven foot tall beauty. She kept her hour glass figure, with strong athletic muscles. Her hands, feet, and tail were a dark burgundy skin color, and her fur was a rich brown honey color. But her eyes were gun silver. She let lose a roar! Lash cast a sound obstruction glamour to keep the noise down. She sprinted towards Lash, who took the tackle head on!


    Lash''s transformed claws burst from his shoes to dig into the ground. But Rocksie still slammed into him so hard that he cracked the steel reinforced concrete wall behind him. Then Saurian roared across a telepathic link he established with Rocksie and used Calm Emotions on her! -Calm down! Before we rip you in half! Saurian said. Rocksie was a strong Alpha. But Lash soon learned in his full Transformed self. He could take her. Odd. He was a human hybrid form, and she was in full Were-Form. But he felt that she was weaker then him. Saurian''s voice and the skill make an abrupt switch in Rocksie. Her breathing slowed, and her eyes regained focus.


    ¡°Lash?¡± Her beast like throat couldn''t completely imitate human speech so it came out wrong. But he understood her. She soon let him go, and looked at her self. Then turned to look back at Sarah.


    Sarah was gorgeous! Sarah was a fox! Literally! Her fur was silver, her tail had a white tip, her figure was amazing. Lithe, flexible, keeping her hourglass figure. You may believe she was a wolf or a jackal from afar. But up close you could tell the difference, she looked beautiful as she ran her hands up and down her fur. But something was...wrong? Because Rocksie looked confused.


    ¡°Sarah? Babe?¡± Rocksie said as she moved closer to her. Sarah heard the voice of her Alpha and turned, keeper her eyes and head lower then her. The voice of her Alpha seem to wake her up, then she looked at her self. Also confused.


    ¡°I take it that she does not normally look like that?¡± Lash asked, transforming back to his human skin. He took a moment to cast Repair on his shoes, the clawed floor, and cracked wall. As he worked he listened to them.


    ¡°No, I''m a Were-Rat. Why am I like this now?¡± Sarah asked, running her hands over her silver fur. Rocksie came over and rat her claws through Sarah''s fur as well. Clearly fascinated.


    ¡°Oh? When I came into the room I smelled fox. My partner Saurian said it was the scent of a kitsune. You are a God-Kin.¡± Lash said in a detached voice, as it was the most normal thing in the world.


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Both Rocksie and Sarah screeched! Sarah, was now holding her tail. Her big, fluffy tail!


    Lash took out his phone, logged on to the Warden''s database and looked for Kitsune. Oh! That''s why! Kitsune are incredibly rare! They have not had a recorded kitsune in nearly three hundred years! Sarah was not a full blood Kitsune, she was just a chosen. But hiding a God-Kin Kitsune in a Rat pack was a good plan. Being a chosen would still be incredibly beneficial and also incredibly dangerous.


    ¡°More then likely you were a Were-Rat because of a spell cast by the Kitsune that chose you. Because of how rare you are, they chose the largest Were-Breed pack in all of Gotham to keep you safe.¡± Lash concluded. He put his phone away, Rocksie looked at him then the phone.


    ¡°This is your business, Alpha of the Skree pack. I won''t report it unless you want me to.¡± Lash said to her. Making the Alpha sigh in relief.


    Sarah was pacing through the dominatrix home now. Holding her tail, a common sign of nervous tension among were-breeds Lash noticed. Rocksie stood there, the gears in her head grinding back and forth. Trying to plan this out accordingly.


    ¡°Why did I change now?¡± Sarah asked, turning to look at Rocksie then at Lash.


    ¡°What we did is awaken a racial trait with in you. Were-Breeds use to take less time to change. During the course of evolution, or for all we know a wide spectrum spell was cast that changed everyone over the course of time. You are a kitsune chosen. So when we awakened a racial trait. Your natural form woke up.¡± Lash/Saurian said. Their duel voices kept cool and confident.


    ¡°I''m afraid that once its awake it would take the original caster to put the trait back to sleep. Even then it may not work.¡± Said Lash.


    ¡°Well if I shift when you are not here will I be a rat? Or a fox?¡± Sarah said, still scared.


    ¡°You''ll be a fox, you''ll be my fox! Nothing has changed in the Skree Pack! You are still my first! You are still my beloved! Anyone who messes with my Pack will die!¡± Rocksie''s voice was full of conviction. Walking forward she swallowed Sarah in a hug. Sarah''s fur puffed out, practically swallowing Rocksie.


    Lash stayed still, as he watched the two. Looking on with interest as Rocksie consoled Sarah. Soon, they asked Lash to help them shift back. He did so, it was incredibly painful in reverse as well. But when they came out their cloths were all on, be it a bit tattered. Lash could see the Fox image over shadowing Sarah. He hadn''t said anything before because he thought they knew. Lash was starting to think that some one or something put a limiter on Were-Breeds. His skill Awaken Trait, was unlocking the potential of who ever he used it on. He was curious if it only worked on Were-Breeds or if it worked on other things. Lash spent another hour with Rocksie and Sarah before he asked if he could use their roof. This made them confused, so they showed him up. The roof was decorated, and lavish like a night club. Lash face palmed having not thought of that. But it was the middle of the week so the ''club'' was closed.


    Lash cast a wide obstruction glamour. Then shifted into Saurian, as well as put on the disguise of the Wraith. They did both at the same time, so Rocksie and Sarah watched with fascination as he completed the shift in less then a minute. Then saw the dark gray ''shroud'' surround him. Taking on the appearance of a wraith like creature. Saurian bowed his waist to them both, before they returned the gesture. Taking down the obstruction glamour Saurian jumped off the roof of the club and made his way to The Narrows for another nightly patrol...

 Chapter 32: Scarecrow’s Trade

    Saurian jumped onto the L-train towards the Narrows, he had been avoiding taking the train because he was afraid his overall weight might slow or even derail the train. After speaking to a few people he found out that his fears were unfounded. He didn''t have a personal glider like Batman so he had to time his departure and entry when the train slowed down. Soon he came to one of the bridges connecting the Narrows only to see an odd sight. Dozens of GCPD were station at the bridge wearing riot gear. Even a riot fire hose was set up to beat back the hundreds or so people trying to leave the Narrows. The island it self was covered in a thick fog which in the middle of a winter night was a little odd to see. Saurian used his domain Technomancy, connected to his phone and looked up information.


    Apparently the Narrows was rioting. This in it self was not that surprising, riots happened often on the island. A few news channels were covering the event, but the fog was something that caught Saurian''s attention. Casting his travel safety Nature spell''s Saurian slipped across the bridge, jumping past a few barriers he used his skill Parkour to climb several roofs only to freeze as a massive head ache washed over him. Making his eyes water, his nostrils flare. He received several prompts, Adaptation, Damage Resistance, and Intermediate Regeneration were all experiencing effects. Saurian looked down at the streets and saw people screaming in...fear? They were attacking each other, a crazed look in their eyes. Then he looked to the skyline and saw hundreds of Phobophagus creatures (Fear Eaters) swimming in and out of the fog.


    Scarecrow


    Erik said a name. Lash and Saurian winced, sharing the information they had with each other. Saurian raced across the narrows with all do haste trying to find the source of the fog. It was coming up from the water mains, sprinklers, fire hydrants, and most of all a billowing fog came straight down from Arkham Asylum. He saw over a hundred well armed guards on the walls of Arkham Asylum wearing full hazmat suits as he they were expecting all of this. Any ''rioting'' civilians that came close to the gateway bridge were shot and killed. Arkham and the Narrows were connected via bridge. The only bridge that connected Arkham to Gotham as a whole. This wasn''t a riot! This was a full blown chemical attack on the Narrows!


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron has issued you a grand quest!


    Help? Or Defeat? The Heroes, and Villains of Gotham City! Including but not limited too. The Batman! The Joker! The League of Assassins!... See tab for full list.


    Rewards will be based off who, and what you do with them. Good Luck!


    Fuck.....Saurian hanged his head and sighed. He took out his telecommunication device, activating Connectivity. He made a phone call to a house he was hoping to save for another time. Using Sam''s handy dandy stop back trace magic rune. The phone rung a few times before it finally picked up. It was later in the evening but Saurian knew they would answer.


    ¡°Wayne Manor, Head Butler Pennyworth speaking. How may I help you?¡± Alfred''s suave voice spoke across the line. Saurian''s primal animalistic voice responded.


    ¡°Pennyworth, tell your master that The Narrows is overcast in a chemical compound that induces heightened state of fear when inhaled. The main source of the Chemical appears to be coming from Arkham Asylum, the Police have stated that the Narrows is rioting, but over a hundred guards at Arkham are wearing hazmat suits to avoid the chemical. The Narrows is tearing it self to pieces! Please tell your Master to head to Arkham! Thank you Pennyworth!¡± Saurian cut off the line before Alfred could respond.


    Saurian doubled checked the spell rune to keep from being back traced. The thing was burning bright red, letting him know that something really wanted to trace him. Saurian fed some Technomancy magic into the rune to keep it properly fed and cooled off. Then Saurian contacted Warden HQ, telling them the overall information about the Narrows he had just told Alfred. Normally, the super-natural communities wouldn''t care about mundane conflicts but a few hundred super-natural''s lived in the Narrows. Making this Warden business. Saurian got the addressees from HQ and raced to their location to ascertain their safety!


    Leaping over streets, rooftops, and street lights. Saurian shot off Calm Emotions in a wide dispersal to no effect. The chemical was in the air, settling over the people like a never ending tide of fear and despair. He caught glimpses of men, woman, children, and elderly taking to the street. Beating, thrashing, shooting, even a few were eating people. Using all the tools at their disposal! The death toll was climbing with each passing second. Soon he came to a building complex, it was just several trailers that had all been connected, and stacked on top of each other to create some form of a community. There a blockade had been built out of old cars, wooden fences, and rusty chain link fence. A dozen or so ''people'' were beating back the infected Narrows populace. After Saurian looked at them for a bit, the people had wide variety of skin color, red, blue, green. But past that they were all human-like. Saurian jumped down from a rooftop and landed in front of the barricade...


    Domain Technomancy Spell, Electrical Shock: Electricity is the life blood of most technology, at least for now! This shocking touch can help power things! Can help disable things! Be it machines or...people! Be careful to much voltage and you could stop a heart! Or start one!


    Saurian''s entire body had electrical sparks dancing off the scales, armor, as the Wraith Shroud danced energetically. He reached out and began to taser every fear infected civilian! Slapping each person gently as he could he sent them to their knees or sent them flying a few feet. Weaving between person to person, soon the near by ''attackers'' had all been put down. Saurian deactivated his shock spell then went to the barricade he flipped out his badge to the fae folk who sighed in relief.


    ¡°Warden! Some of us are immune to what its in the air, but some of us are not. We had to restrain them in the back. What is this stuff!¡± A big red skinned man yelled at Saurian.


    ¡°Its a chemical compound often absorbed through the lungs, but skin contact can also cause an effect. It induces a heightened sense of fear! Making you hallucinate! I''ve contacted HQ. Are all the communities here with you? Or are they spread out?¡± Saurian called, he climbed over the barricade with ease speaking to the red skinned man.


    ¡°Most of them came here when shit hit the fan. We are missing a few people, can you go and find them for us?¡± The red skinned man said. Saurian agreed, got their address than ran off towards their direction.


    Saurian raced across the streets putting down any infected people he came across as fast as possible re activating his shock spell. The Bat-Wing jet engine roared over the Narrows as Saurian ran down the street incapacitating the infected. The Bat-Wing circled Saurian twice before flying off towards Arkham. Saurian was like a farmer harvesting wheat with a sickle passing through the infected. He found one of the homes he was looking for, several infected were bashing the door down trying to get in. Saurian knocked them out then called inside. A blue skinned man poked their head out, with their help Saurian pulled the barricade down and escorted the family towards the safe area. He did this three more times, finding and escorting them back. Then he found a group of people wearing GCPD hazmat uniforms. They were gunning down and killing the infected.


    Saurian gritted his teeth in pure hatred, he quickly put on an eye piece that partially wrapped around his head. He began to video tape the cops shooting the civilians with live ammunition. Shield and Sword would destroy GCPD. Then he climbed up a roof top and began to stalk towards them.


    ¡°Wooohooo! Like shooting fish in a barrel!¡± Cop one.


    ¡°This is great! This will teach these dirty bastards to mess with Commissioner Lobe!¡± Cop two yelled as he unloaded a shotgun into several people.


    ¡°Careful what you say over the radio you guys! We don''t know who could be listening!¡± Cop three.


    ¡°Ah come on! We are on short range! Aside from the other teams who is around to listen?¡± Cop four.


    ¡°All teams report in! Any sign of that Wraith bastard?¡± Tactical command.


    ¡°No Sir!¡± Four different teams reported in.


    ¡°SsSSSSSSCCCRRSSSSSSSSS!¡± A huge static burst went across the entire network making all the teams scream in pain. Then the static stopped. But it was replaced by a voice.


    ¡°You are all going to die!¡± Saurian''s voice said over the radio.


    Saurian jumped onto an officer from a rooftop, the force of the impact made the officers skull cave in like an empty tin can. Then he raced towards another who turned around only to scream in horror! Saurian raced passed his side and eviscerated him! Two down, he bolted from his position and jumped over a concrete barricade as the last two officers began to unload their weapons on to his position. But the fear gas made it hard to see.


    ¡°This is Unit three! We have Contact! We have made Contact with Wraith! Unit three neeGGAAAAH!¡± Saurian jumped from cover and ripped his claws through one of the officers from collar bone to navel, a blood bloom showered over him. Then he whipped his tail smashing it into the other officer, who went flying straight into a wall. His chest had caved in! Saurian sprinted to the next location of corrupt cops.


    Climbing up a wall Saurian he moved down several streets only pausing to watch several Warden marked helicopters fly in over the bridges. Of course to the mundanes all they saw were UN World Security forces. The helicopters flew over the narrows towards the super-natural community focused area''s and propelled down from the chopper. Wearing full hazmat gear, they were not sure if it effected them or not. Soon Saurian heard gunfire being exchanged between GCPD and The Wardens.


    ¡°All Units pull back immediately! United Nations World Security has been called! All Units puGGGAAAAAAH!¡± Saurain jumped down from a rooftop and tore right through the command post flimsy barrier.


    He roared at them using Intimidating Shout! The effect made many of them freeze, even a few passed out! He raced towards those with the Sherogoth''s Blessing marking them, and tore them limb from limb. Used his shocking touch on the rest! Soon the stun effect ended and gun fire started raining hell upon him. The corrupt cops shot hundreds of bullets towards him as he raced around in a wide circle! Then when he got close to a cop on the outside edge he jumped at them, knocking them down and picking them up to use as a shield. The other cops didn''t even blink and shot through their fellow officer.


    Then one of the officers noticed his legs felt incredibly hot, he looked down and was terrified! His legs had sunk into the ground! The ground was red hot, and boiling! Saurian had combined Burning, and Mud Marsh. All of the officers started to scream as their hazmat suits started to melt! Their skin, flesh, and bone were soon brought to a boiling point! Saurian re solidified the ground around the morally gray officers. But he watched in satisfaction as those with Sherogoth''s mark screamed and thrashed! They tried to get out of the boiling marsh only to trip and hasten their demise! The ground soon became solid again, and cooled off in the winter air. A fog horn blasted off across the nearby bridge as Cops and Swat ran for cover, several APC (Armored Personal Carriers) broke through the GCPD barricades! ''UN World Security'' painted on the side.


    Saurian ran off down a street, Electrical Shocking infected left and right as he ran. There were still three more corrupt cops in The Narrows. He promised they would die here. He meant it! Connecting to their radio band wave he soon found out that two units had linked up and were moving towards another bridge to get off of the Narrows. The other unit had found a UN security operations team and had apparently been shot and killed! Wonderful! Soon, Saurian skipped the street and ran across the roof tops straight towards the unit. They had almost reached another check point! His Parkour skill kept giving him prompts letting him go faster, and faster! Another prompt soon told him he had become immune to this ''version'' of fear gas. Then he saw them! He didn''t stalk them or race around for a better advantage he jumped off the rooftop and dove straight into the group. Each and every one of them bore the mark of Sherogoth!


    ¡°This is fucked up! How did this happen!? Why is world security here!¡± A corrupt cop said as he ran with his fellow ''officers'' towards the bridge head.


    ¡°I fucking told all of you! The Wraith of the Narrows is working with the government! But no! You all told me that was ridicules! I told you all the bad shit we''ve done would come back to bite us in the ass!¡± Another officer said, a gun shot rang out! That officer fell to the ground, a bullet wound in his leg. One of his people had shot him.


    ¡°Then lets have you be first! With your fucking bleeding heart!¡± This man laughed, then collapsed like a meat accordion as Saurian slammed into him from above!


    ¡°I promised you would all die here!¡± Saurian roared! The corrupt cops screamed in panic and began to shoot towards him, forgetting about cross fire!


    Several of the cops became pin cushions in a few seconds, a few dove to the ground and only received grazes. But the fear gas seeped into their suits and caused them to become infected. Saurian killed each one. First he tore their masks off so the fear gas would consume them. Then he used Sherogoth''s Punishment so they could re live each horror they inflicted on others, those that did not die directly from the skill. He crushed their necks easily.


    Saurian could not revel in a good hunt for long. He soon went back into the fear induced city and did his best to incapacitate the populace. Gradually making his way towards Arkham, he soon got a report that the super-natural communities safe area''s were secure. All of them were accounted for. ''UN Security'' forces had taken over the quarantine effort on the bridges connecting the Narrows. Tranquilizing the populace that raced across the bridges. Then Saurian found himself at the bridge connection Arkham to the Narrows. The guards were still operational and were still firing into the civilians. Where the fuck was Batman!? He tapped into the radio chatter for Arkham.


    ¡°All reserve units! Be aware the Bat man or creature has been spotted in Arkham! We''ve lost contact with the GCPD forces in the Narrows. Reports of The Wraith are in the area. All units are ordered to shoot to kill for either! Repeat....¡± The radio command said...


    Saurian gritted his teeth, the Arkham guards were loaded and prepared. The guard posts that would normally be used to keep inmates in were manned with machine gun nests, and sniper teams. The bridge itself was a giant metal door, with guards on the ramparts. Saurian didn''t care about small arms fire anymore. But those caliber could wound or kill him if he was stupid. It was at this moment that he regretted not having any medium to long range skills, spells, or attacks.


    Saurian cast Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon. Then moved through the Narrows away from the bridge. Slipping into the water he swam back towards them. Carefully and slowly climbing the surface of the rocks. He stopped realizing something, the surface of the guard towers were smooth metal. He would have to tear into the surface with his claws. That would make noise! Wait a minute? Why doesn''t he have a climbing method? Could he use his Material Shaping skill? He also has the Domains Nature, and Technomancy? Why can''t he make a natural glue? Or use magnets? Or....


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtain the Domain Nature Spell, Bio Adhesive: Nature has been making glue for thousands of years. Often found in different types of plants as a way to trap and eat prey. Glue has also been used by animals as a defensive mechanism. Now you can create natural adhesive with magic! The stronger the adhesive the more magic it takes!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Domain Technomancy Spell, Magnetism: Magnetic energy has been the cause of attraction from across the scientific world for...Well since creation! Magnetic energy can be used for power! For creation! For destruction! But also to connect to surfaces that you couldn''t before!


    Really? It was that easy to come up with a climbing spell? Saurian wondered if thinking about the world and different abilities found in the natural world would create more spells. But that was best left for another day! He slowly activated Magnetism and climbed up the metal surface like a giant gecko. Despite his Wraith Shroud, when Chameleon was active as long as he was slow no one would see him. Unless they saw past his glamour and spell. That was why despite his clear advantage he was moving from shadow to shadow.


    The guard posts was well guarded and protected. The guards had no reason to shoot and kill the fear induced civilians. So that meant they were ordered to, or didn''t care? Or both! Saurian scaled the defensive tower and soon found himself at the top. His eyes twitched in anger, the sniper teams were picking off infected treating it like a game. He moved up behind one, clamped his mouth shut and cut off his radio signal so no one could hear his muffles. The man thrashed for about as Saurian dragged him out of sight line then...CRACK! Snapped his neck. Saurian moved onto the next, and the next till all the snipers on this tower were dealt with. Someone would check soon, he had to move quickly. He made his way to the machine gun nest in his tower. The radio chatter he was over hearing thanks to Connectivity was letting him know that people were looking for the sniper teams in tower one. One of the guards manning the nest stood up and went over to find them. Only to freeze in surprise, he found four bodies on the ground and a wall that reached out and crushed his throat before he could scream!


    Saurian finished off the last guard in the nest, he had destroyed their weapons, turning them into scrap metal. Then a delightful sight arrived! The fear fog coming from Arkham stopped flowing! Saurian slipped out of the tower, casting Magnetism he walked on all fours upside down across the guard rails between the towers. Right under the guards feet.


    ¡°This is Dr. Hugo Strange, all teams stand down. Initiate plan Red-Echo-Twelve.¡± A older mans voice called over the radio.


    All the guards took out auto injection needles. Injected themselves, then tore off their hazmat suits. With in a few minutes they passed out one by one. Saurian''s eyes were wide! He was incredibly angry as he climbed on top of the railings right side up. Looking over the passed out guards. He double checked his video recording feed. It been operation since he first activated it. He would have to hand this to the Warden''s hopefully with some luck they could figure this out. Saurian jumped down to the bridge and made his way towards Arkham.


    Every guard he found along the way had torn off their hazmat suit, disposed of the auto injector. He checked them all one by one. He soon found his way towards the front of Arkham Asylum. The front gate was wide open! Traces of the Fear toxin were still remaining in the air. Soon coming to the outside yard of the Asylum he found nearly a hundred bodies of the inmates of the Asylum. They had been beaten, bludgeoned, ripped apart, and shot! Either by them selves or the guards he wasn''t sure. Taking a deep breath he put magic into his Domain of the Grave.


    Hundreds of ghosts, spirits, and lingering energy appeared before his eyes. Most of them were new, clearly confused as to what happened! But some, some of them were old. These were the ones he saw last time he swam around Arkham. He reached into his Domain and cast the spells..


    Domain Grave Spell, Unburden: This spell of the Grave takes the old lingering spirits, ghosts, and energy that were left behind. Essentially an echo of the original holder. This allows them to be no longer anchored to the world around them. Being allowed to rejoin the cosmic energy of the universe. Or something like that!


    Domain Grave Spell, Judgment: For a brief moment you become the bailiff in the court of a Grim Reaper. The moment between life and death can be as short as a heart beat or as long as a life time. The Reaper will use your magic to help them fuel the process of the court. Please note, Sherogoth''s Blessing, and Sherogoth''s Punishment will aid this spell.


    Saurians entire body became rigid! It felt like something old, huge, and incredibly powerful slipped him on like a glove. Filling out every fiber of his being with the aspect of the Grave! The hundreds of ghosts all stared in wide eyed horror, fascination, and relief as the Grim Reaper sent them on their way. Then as quick as it came, it left. Saurian collapsed to his knees taking in huge lung fulls of air! He looked around, fearful that he would be attacked. He hadn''t considered the dangers of that spell. But it seemed like only a brief moment had passed. He would have to be careful next time.


    Congratulations User! Your spell casting as called forth a young Sherogoth! From the disgusting and despicable actions of many of the human trash here. The benevolent monstrosity was born! The Sherogoth''s Blessing has improved! Benevolent Monstrosities now like you 20% more! You can still ''read'' the crimes and sins of those that have done evil around you. But now those that have done evil will fear you 10% more!


    Like a balloon popping! A tiny little black ooze came into being in front of Saurian! Its tentacles flailed around, its eyes looked around, and its mouths cooed softly. Saurian looked at the tiny thing, he felt waves of emotions coming from it. Gratitude! Love! And Trust! The thing oozed its way over to him, slipped back and forth between his legs like a cat. Then it turned into a...bat? It screeched and flew away! Well that is a side benefit he hadn''t considered! Standing up Saurian still wearing his Wraith shroud moved deeper into the Asylum.


    Saurian moved towards a key card access only door. He reached out towards the machine and ''asked'' to be let in. The door complied happily especially when he repaired it and gave it a bit of his magic. He came across several security camera''s, fixing and feeding them he asked for directions. Soon he found the security hub for all of Arkham. Moving past the door he found another injected guard on the floor. Speaking to the computers he found out they had been set to show the wrong information on the screens. They had also been told to delete several portions of information. Technically that information was gone! But? For a Technomancer not so much. Saurian soon retrieved the lost info downloading it onto several USB drives. He fixed and fed the machines and asked if they had seen Batman running around? ''Showing'' them his image.


    A hidden camera feed soon popped up. It showed Dr. Strange unconscious on the floor, Batman was now dealing with a man wearing a scarecrow outfit. The room was filled with toxic gas, and the effect was clearly making Batman lose the fight. Saurian opened the air ventilation in the room and soon the gas was removed. The fans activating clearly surprised Scarecrow! Because he screamed in shock then Batman beat his face in. Soon Batman fell to his hands and knees, clearly trying to shake off the effects of the fear toxin. Thankfully this version of the gas was not lethal. Saurian drew up the map on the computers found where the room was and went to ''rescue'' the bat.


    Soon all of the lingering fear gas in the Asylum was properly vented. Saurian came across several survivors were still in the middle of fear induced episodes. Some of them inmates, some doctors, nurses, orderlies, a few guards that didn''t seem to be a part of the ''plan''. A lot of bodies! Many ghosts that still needed to be judged. He''d have to do that after. Arkham was like a depressing castle dungeon of old times. Nothing but stone walls, metal doors, only a few basic necessities with lamps, and electrical ran cables. Fuck! No wonder people never got better hear. This place was horrible! He could feel the negative energy practically painted on the walls in red! Shit most of the walls were RED! He soon came to a false wall, using Magnetism he felt the different gears in place. Slide one into a proper position and the wall went side ways.


    This section was obviously new! Or at least made to look it. Saurian saw a black scarab beetle crest above the doorway with writing in a circle around the scarab. Lingering spiritual energy resided in the stone piece. Not enough for a spell, just enough for you to get a feel for the creator. Saurian walked past lab equipment that must cost a fortune. He spoke to several of the machines to ask what they were and did. Genetics, bio-chemistry, gene splicing! He found several samples of the Fear toxin. He pocketed those in his combat suit. Then came to another room, walking in he saw his query.


    Batman was staggering on his feet, he had cuffed Strange, and Scarecrow. But he was still reeling from the effects of the toxin. He turned around and saw a Wraith walking towards him. His eyes went wide with horror! He took a combat stance, then began to shake his head back and forth trying to clear his vision. Believing the ghost moving towards him was not real. Until it reached out and grabbed him! Batman tried to force the creatures hand away, but his grip was like a steel vice. Then a dull green glow emanated from the ghosts other hand. Soon...His vision cleared and he felt so much better! But the GHOST was still in front of him!


    Saurian used Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on Batman. Seemingly restoring him to full health. Sooth works on the fear toxin, why didn''t he do it before? Well the gas was in the air. They would just get re infected! Saurian released Batman, the caped crusader jumped back and took a stance. Waiting for Saurian to attack, which of course didn''t happen.


    ¡°Why would I attack you, when I just healed you?¡± Saurian''s animalistic voice said to him.


    Batman relaxed his stance, pulling his arms under his cloak. Now that Saurian was looking at him, he realized Batman was beat to all hell! His cloak was in tatters, part of his mask was ripped, not enough to reveal who he was but enough for others to get a peek at something. Open sections of his suit revealed his skin beneath. Of course after Saurian healed him, those wounds were gone.


    ¡°I''m happy you got my message. Thank you for stopping the fear gas.¡± Saurian said, his voice taking on a softer edge. But was still hard to understand. Before Batman could reply, Saurian held up a claw to his face, then pointed at a small camera in the corner of the room. ¡°Don''t say anything you don''t want others to learn.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I got your message. Thank you. The Narrows?¡± Batman''s voice was cold and brisk. Getting to the point.


    ¡°I don''t know all of the specifics but Commissioner Lobe worked with Dr. Hugo Strange and that man.¡± He pointed at Scarecrow. Technically he hadn''t met him yet. ¡°To introduce the fear toxin into the Narrows. Telling the news channels that the Narrows was experiencing a riot. All the bridges into the Narrows were guarded by GCPD to prevent people from leaving. The Commissioner had sanctioned kill squads to enter the Narrows. Dr. Strange here ordered a majority of the Arkham guards to shoot and kill any of the fear induced civilian and inmates of Arkham. Strange then initiated a plan called Red-Echo-Twelve. All the guards wearing hazmat suits injected themselves with a sleeping agent and or a counter agent to the fear toxin. Pulled their suits off and promptly fell into a chemically induced sleep. I do have this thumb drive and a sample of the fear toxin for you.¡± Saurian placed the two items on a table between them and stepped away. Letting Batman take them.


    ¡°I didn''t have a chance to look over all the files, ''Yes'' to answer a question that you may have. I have a copy of the thumb drive as well as the fear toxin. No, it''s not up to debate about me keeping it. Do you have any questions for me?¡± Saurian said to Batman.


    ¡°Who are you working for?¡± Batman said, grinding his teeth. Clearly angry at not only Saurian, but also at himself. Batman had no idea any of this was going on!


    ¡°Watch the news! My involvement will be announced. Believe it or not Batman, we are on the same side. We just do things differently. Though I do hope we''ll by allies one day. Stars above! They know that my moral compass could use some adjusting! Maybe you can help with that.¡± Saurian said, then bowed from his waist. Batman''s eyes narrowed as he watched Saurian leave. He didn''t move to stop him.


    As Saurian left he tried tapping into Batman''s communication receiver but all he got was static. Maybe that was the portion of the mask that was damaged. So to just add more salt to the injury Saurian called Wayne Manor. The phone rang for several minutes, then it finally picked up. Alfred was on the other line.


    ¡°Hello! Sir is that you?!¡± Alfred sounded worried.


    ¡°No Pennyworth, but your Master is alive he is finishing up. I noticed his communication was damaged. So I wanted to let you know. He can gets so caught up in his work.¡± Saurian''s ear grating voice said over the line.


    ¡°Oh....Thank you sir. I...¡± Alfred was conflicted.


    ¡°Good night, Pennyworth. Thank you for delivering the message. You saved a lot of lives tonight.¡± Saurian said softly before cutting off the communication.


    Saurian checked in with the security camera''s. Anyone in Arkham that was injured and needed medical attention? The system led him to several people. Using his magic he fixed most of them to 100%, of course that was after they screamed in terror and tried to run from him. But a few he just fixed to satisfactory condition. Of course from their faces they would think he had provided a miracle for them! Of course to a mundane, snapping a bone back into place with a wave of a hand would be a miracle. Then he came to a medical room, knocking on the door a scared woman''s voice called.


    ¡°W... Who''s there?¡± The woman said.


    ¡°Hello! I saw on the security feed that some of you are injured. I am here to help. There is a guard inside the room. Named Aaron Cash. Head of security, ask him to verify my operation code?¡± Saurian said, as he spit out a code that the security system gave him. It was for a emergency response team.


    ¡°Hot damn! That is a GCPD code! Is the trouble over!¡± Cash yelled past the door, he was beginning to take down the barricade. The electrical lock had been hacked to pieces, the door was pried open from the outside but looked like those inside had jammed it shut and blocked it.


    ¡°Not entirely! The gas is no longer being fed, and is slowly dissipating. The after math and rescue operations could take days or even weeks. But we all have to start some where.¡± Saurian''s voice called through the barricade.


    ¡°Amen to that! I swear I''ll buy you a round at a bar for coming to get us so soon! HOLY MOTHER OF GOD WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU?!¡± Aaron Cash''s face appeared around the barricade only to see The Wraith of the Narrows staring back at him. The woman screamed!


    ¡°Wait! We are still under the effects of the GAS! That''s why he looks like that!¡± The woman screamed at Cash.


    The woman was wearing a knee high gray business skirt. White long sleeved buttoned up shirt, long white lab coat, with a Dr. Security badge on the front. Her blond hair was done up in a bun but it was falling apart now. Her face was smeared in blood, and sweat. But her blue eyes kept her focus, though she was clearly terrified at the thought of being infected.


    Aaron Cash was a six foot black man built like a line backer! He had several tiny scars on his face, especially around his nose. He''d broken it more then once. He was dressed up in an Arkham tactical gear kit. Pointing a large caliber pistol at Saurian. Cash''s brown eyes were blood shot! His black hair cut short, but blood, sweat, and mud were smeared into it. He was debating shooting Saurian in the face.


    ¡°Actually you are not under the effects of the gas any longer. What you are looking at is an optical illusion. My alias is often referred to as ''The Wraith of the Narrows''. I was also present in Metropolis with Superman helping with the relief efforts. The hospitals there called me, ''The Angel of Life and Death.'' Very nice to meet you all, may I please come in?¡± Saurian explained to them in his unconcerned voice.


    Cash, the Dr, a few other guards, and nurses looked at him wide eyed. One of the guards even vouched for him, kinda. He said he had seen him in the Narrows once beating up gangsters, the news said he worked with the FBI to do that sex trafficking sting operation. Eventually they let him, he could have ripped the door off its hinges but he was trying to avoid that. Saurian cast a wide dispersal of his healing spells. Removing the toxins, feeding, and healing. They all felt amazing!


    ¡°How did you do that?! Do you have some kind of device? I heard on the news they said your an alien with that superman guy!¡± Asked Cash.


    ¡°I can neither confirm nor deny my tools, skills, abilities or my state of terrestrial origin.¡± Saurian said, sarcasm dripping from his words. This just made Cash even more curious! ¡°Now that you are all set I''ll move on, I have a few more rooms I have to investigate. Unless Officer Cash would like to join me? Make it easier on the groups I help?¡±


    ¡°If you are not in a hurry, we can all go?¡± Saurian looked at the woman. Erik gasped across the mental link. The woman''s ID Dr. Quinzel, Harleen. -Holy shit that''s right! She hasn''t met the Joker yet!


    ¡°I don''t mind, shall we?¡± Saurian gestured towards everyone and made his way to the next room.


    After another two hours Saurian with the help of Aaron Cash rallied all the survivors up and went to the front courtyard of Arkham Asylum. Just in time to see Batman get into his bat-wing jet and fly off. Shortly after Batman left, helicopters with GCPD dropped off swat teams as they swarmed into Arkham. Saurian said goodbye to Cash, and Dr. Quinzel then faded from sight in front of their eyes.


    ¡°Oh come on!?¡± Cash yelled out! Making the survivors jump in surprise. A look of curiosity was seen in Dr. Quinzel''s eyes.


    Soon the police came up to the survivors, Saurian was near by ready to attack the police if they struck. But then saw a tall lean man with a pair of glasses, a good looking mustache, with a vest on, a badge, that one of the swat teams called. ''Gordon''. Ah! The survivors would be safe. Under the cloak of his spells Saurian moved back inside of Arkham called on the Grave and used Unburden, and Judgment on the lingering new souls, ghosts, and energies. Getting the same thrilling and uncomfortable experience as before.


    He soon slipped past the police towards the Narrows. It was on fire! Screams of help, desperation, and horror filled the night air. It would only be a few hours till morning. Using his phone he got a situation report from the Warden''s. The super-natural communities had been saved. On one of the major bridges out of the Narrows a field hospital had been set up, the Warden in charge was at the bridge wanting to talk to Saurian. He said he was on his way. Not wasting time he ran towards the bridge, he was there in about twenty minutes. Not bad for being on foot.


    Saurian walked out into the open, his spells Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon turned off. So that the people saw The Wraith moving towards the bridge. A huge crowd was around the bridge, trying to get into the field hospital. ''UN security'' and GCPD were trying to keep order. But the people of the Narrows got out of the way for him.


    ¡°Are you here to help us?¡± A man yelled at him, he was carrying his children in his arms.


    ¡°Yes, I''ll set up in the hospital. We''ll get the line moving as soon as we can!¡± Saurian called out. Many people wanted him to start now! But kept their mouths shut as he moved through the crowd.


    Saurian arrived at the field hospital, more then once the cops wanted to arrest him! But the UN security made it clear that if they tried they would die! The cops had heard the reports of the Wraith attacking and killing their fellow officers. In their eyes he was a cop killer! Saurian''s eyes passed over them, and many them felt fear deep inside their chest. Sherogoth''s Blessing had marked many of them. Saurian would be more then happy to punish them....later. Saurian entered the command tent were a Warden he recognized but never learned the name of was having a screaming match against commissioner Lobe.


    Lobe was a 5'' 5¡± Over weight man in a nice suit, pale skin, with balding hair. He was backed by four swat officers in full tactical gear. He was screaming at the Warden in charge. Who had turned on a glamour and was appearing as a United Nations World Security officer. Lobe''s face was red with rage, blood vessels clearly about to pop. Then Lobe spotted Saurian in his Wraith shroud and screamed!


    ¡°YOU FUCKER! YOU KILLED MY MEN! WE WILL FUCKING BURRY YOU!¡± Lobe screamed, the swat officers all raised their assault rifles.


    Then over a dozen guns pointed at them inside of the tent. It was a tense moment, one that only ended when Lobe ordered his men to lower their weapons. Because the Warden in charge had pressed his desert eagle against Lobe''s temple. Then soldiers came in and hand cuffed the swat officers and Lobe who was screaming until the Warden slugged him in the stomach.


    The Warden was a 5'' 9¡± Native American, with brown caramel skin, brown eyes, and short black hair. He filled out his tactical uniform very well, so he was built! His fingers were oddly longer then normal. At that point Saurian saw that his ears were slightly longer then human average, a small glamour placed there. Ah, he was part fae! Saurian walked up and handed the information to a tech officer. Who quickly compiled the information!


    Then on a television screen it played Dr. Hugo Strange talking to Commissioner Lobe about the attack. Arranging the police to cut off access to the Narrows, kill squads being sent into the Narrows. If everything went to plan, all of the crazies in Arkham would be dead, and a majority of the Narrows would be as well. Then it showed Lobe, and Strange meeting with Scarecrow! They spoke about the fear toxin and how the police and Arkham guards could protect themselves. There was also a list on the thumb drive of all the police and Arkham guards that were complicit! Apparently Strange had made the list as a back up plan. Lobe''s face became paler, and paler, until he eventually feinted. The four swat officers were also on the list. They were terrified! Saurian handed a sample of the fear toxin to the Warden. Told him he was going to go help at the hospital. The Warden still wanted to talk to him, but let him go since he knew where he''d be.


    Saurian stepped into the field hospital and didn''t leave for nearly forty eight hours. Just like Metropolis he eventually shifted back to Lash. Keeping his Wraith disguise on, he went from patient to patient. Eventually Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss ranked up so many times he could cast them in area of effects. He was of course drinking water by the gallons, and eating his body weight in protein energy bars. The Wayne foundation was there in the first morning, and helped keep the hospital stocked. Only critically injured and mid tier injuries reached Lash. On more then one occasion he had cast Kiss of the Grave on a few recently dead people. Though it didn''t work on all of them. They had been dead to long, their spirits had moved on.


    Superman had showed up by mid day on the first day. He flew over the Narrows and rescued people trapped in houses. Several Amazonian warriors showed up to help keep the peace on the bridge, as well as the Narrows during this transition. Althea showed up with something Lash came to call Amazonian coffee. Holy shit that refilled his exhausted energy reserves real quick! Soon Lash ran out of people to help in the high to mid tier area of injuries then made his way to the less so.


    Several hours later Lash was sitting in a chair, wrapped in his shroud. Staring at nothing in particular. His brain was just not processing information right now. The sun was up in mid day on the third day he was here on this bridge. At some point he had been told that Bruce Wayne had decided to use his company to rebuild the Narrows. It would still be a low economy area of Gotham. But it would be rebuilt, and managed properly. He also said they would do the same to Arkham Asylum. Lash knew that Bruce would use the chance to build a forward operating base at Arkham, as well as tap into their security so he could monitor it there.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed a portion of your Cosmic Patron''s grand quest. The Villain Dr. Hugo Strange plan has failed! He was sent to prison to await trial. Then mysteriously was found dead in his cell.


    Reward: You''ve been granted two skills of Strange!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Minor Chemistry: Atoms? Molecules? Ions? What do all of these mean? With Chemistry you''ll be understand the composition, structure, properties, behavior of these things. To understand the changes they undergo as you experiment and change the very world around you. ''Science baby!''


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Minor Genetics: The advanced study of biology the study of genes, genetic variation, and hereditary organisms. What does that mean? Well you know the building blocks of life? You play with those now!


    Great..... So, who ever he defeated or helped he would be granted skills from their tree? That could be beneficial as well as horrible. Lash blinked and focused his eyes, Superman was in front of him waving his hand trying to get his attention.


    ¡°Hey, Boy Scout thanks for coming to help.¡± Said Lash in an exhausted voice. Superman grimaced at the nick name.


    ¡°Your welcome. I hope I can count on you to help Metropolis out if they need it again?¡± Superman said.


    ¡°Of course! Did I ever give you my contact info?¡± Superman shook his head.


    ¡°Talk to... hmmmm.¡± Lash said, then a familiar voice spoke out


    ¡°Here sir!¡± Booraku showed up with a tall glass of jasmine tea handing it to Lash who accepted it gratefully. Booraku handed Superman a contact card for Shield and Sword. Spoke to him for a moment about how it worked. Superman nodded and pocketed the card. Where? Eh...details.


    ¡°Thanks Booraku.¡± Lash continued to sit in his chair, letting the suns rays wash over him. He enjoyed his tea.


    Booraku and Superman spoke for a few minutes. Then Superman said goodbye and flew off, Booraku apologized but he came her to get Lash. With a sigh and a grunt of effort Lash stood and followed behind the troll. All of the civilians in the Narrows had been properly tended and moved to a temporary refugee installation. The personnel on the bridge were either part of the super-natural world. From Wayne Tech, several dozen GCPD officers who wore a complicated expression when they saw Lash in his Wraith disguise. By this point the truth was known. All the cops he had killed were dirty, and they had been gunning down innocent civilians. As a ''soldier'' for the United Nations he was technically in the right. Didn''t wash away the bitter taste in their mouth when ever they saw him.


    Lash walked into the command tent. Inside was the Warden or ''agent'' in charge. Who Lash had learned was named Achak, the name meant ''spirit'' in his native tongue. Bruce Wayne wearing a ten thousand dollar suit. Who was handsome, charismatic, and focused as soon as the Wraith walked into the tent. Then the Mayor of Gotham City, an older man named Wilson Klass. He had streaks of gray on his thinning head of hair. Tan and healthy skin, white teeth, a gleam in his eyes as he made his way towards Lash holding out his hand. Erik knew that Klass was a corrupt politician that was on Carmine Falcon''s pay roll. The mayor held his hand out to Lash. Waiting.


    ¡°Do you really expect me to shake your hand? Since you share blame for this incident, why don''t you run off to Carmine''s lap and beg for scraps you disgusting prick!¡± Lash growled, his ''pressure'' filling the tent. A moment of Foresight had made the entire situation very tense. The Mayors face turned pale both from what Lash said, as well as the energy he was releasing. A fist slammed onto the table as Achak called out loudly!


    ¡°Wraith! Control yourself and take a seat! The Mayors extra curricular activities can be discussed at another time!¡± Achak said as way do placate the other people in the room, as well as make it obvious to Klass that they were well aware of his dealings. The few city officials in the room stared with wide eyes. Even the cool confident Bruce Wayne was not staring daggers at Klass.


    Lash took a seat as far as possible from everyone, easy to do since no one wanted to sit next to him. Except for Bruce Wayne who made a point of standing up and changing chairs to sit closer to Lash. Making his position obvious to everyone in the room. Achak then went over the information they had obtained thanks to Wraith. It was declared ''The Wraith'' was an agent for the United Nations World Security. His exact origins be it extra terrestrial or not were at this time classified. Lash noticed Bruce was clenching his fist and gritting his teeth. -I said we are on the same side, Bruce. We just do things differently. But as you can tell I need help adjusting my Moral Compass. Not all of us live by a code. Lash spoke to him through a telepathic link. The message made Bruce flinch slightly but his body language didn''t give much away. He did glance at Lash and nodded ever so slightly.


    The Mayor who was usually very animated and vocal was silent. Staring down at his phone as he sent message after message. The other city councilors all picked up the slack and asked questions about rebuilding, and what about the corrupt GCPD. At this time Achak called in Lieutenant Gordon, who greeted every one including Lash. But Lash could read that Gordon was not happy about the situation. Especially how Lash dealt with the cops. Gordon was then appointed to the head position of the Major Crimes Unit, or MCU. Then promoted to Captain. Which surprised Gordon, only to look at The Wraith with wide eyes. Lash was the one that recommended him. Stating that ''He was a good cop'' One of the few. -Gordon is clean, a good ally to have. Lash spoke to Bruce through the telepathic link. Bruce nodded his head slightly.


    Then another man came in after Gordon, Harvey Dent. The District Attorney. -Oho! Harvey before he became Two-face! Maybe we can keep that from happening! Erik said to Lash and Saurian. He shared what he knew about Two face''s origins. But, Foresight didn''t activate so they couldn''t say anything. Harvey wanted to crucify former commissioner Lobe with in the court of law. He also a made a clear point to glare daggers at Mayor Klass who was still on his phone sending messages. Harvey smiled happily at Lash, he had heard what he said to the Mayor.


    Then the Mayor stood up and screamed in horror after reading a message on his phone. Achak rolled his eyes and motioned for several guards to hand cuff the Mayor and drag him away reading him his Miranda rights. Everyone in the room was surprised except for Lash. He had been listening to the communication lines with Connectivity. His Deputy Mayor had also been arrested. The meeting was finished after a few more hours. Dozens of city officials had been arrested. Lash was massaging his head at this point, his hands were still covered in glamour so claws of darkness were shown to anyone looking. Achak requested for everyone to leave, he had to debrief Wraith. Everyone said goodbye, Bruce made a point to shake Lash''s hand. As did Harvey Dent, and Captain Gordon. All the other people attending were to scared to get near him. Soon Achak and Lash were in the command room with a few other logistical personnel. Achak put a sound obstruction charm on the table, activating it. Then he leaned forward and holding his head in his hands.


    ¡°Fuuuuuuuuck!¡± Achak said, his voice rough, he was in desperate need for sleep. Lash cast his nature spells on not just him, but everyone in the tent. They all shuddered and gave a relieving sigh.


    ¡°I swear Warden Lash if you can put that into pill form, you could sell it for millions of dollars. The Fae Courts are not entirely sure what to do. HQ is both happy and upset by the turn of events. You are getting more spotlight then we would hope for. Your ''alien'' persona is steering public eye away from super-natural''s. But some of the more educated and connected are putting two and two together. Of course The Cultist of Ares are still running around so that doesn''t help. But, you did your job! Kept the communities in the Narrows safe. They are alive because of you. We had no idea any of this shit was even happening. If you hadn''t decided to patrol the Narrows on your own the whole place would have been destroyed.¡± Achak said, he was still tired but he was better.


    ¡°Can we use this chance to place our own personnel into the city officials?¡± Lash asked. Achak shook his head.


    ¡°Unfortunately no, its an old promise the super-natural communities made to the mundanes in power. We wont hold more then 20% of overall control in a city, county, state, or country. So, key positions only. But they never said anything about privately owned businesses. Technically we could get a super-natural into the Mayor office but they would have to run and be elected just like any one else. Which honestly terrifies me, I can just imagine a Blood-Kindred running for office and wining.¡± Achak said. Before pulling out his phone to reply to a few messages.


    ¡°I don''t have much else to say except for my personal feelings, which are. Good job! My official report will be a little more critical and I''ll have to say many un kind things about you. Don''t take it personally. Thank you for your hard work. Go home! A full report and brief will be prepared for you in a few days. Oh! Recording your video actions is both a good idea, and a bad idea. Falling into the wrong hands. Bad. Getting it to the right people. Good. But you should be more mindful of what you show even to us. A few fae court officials might use it as ammunition against you. Live and learn right?¡± Achak said, then shook Lash''s hand.


    Lash left the tent still wearing his shroud. He walked through the field command base towards the edge of the bridge towards Gotham. People got out his way, he saw Booraku was by a car. The troll waved at him, but made a grimacing face then pointed towards a woman that was walking towards Lash. She was a stunning black woman, with close shaved black hair that worked very well for her. Piecing brown eyes, she was about 5'' 1¡±, with beautiful hour glass figure. She wore dress business coat, white buttoned up shirt, black dress pants, and modest two inch heel shoes. She had military chain necklace on. Lash assumed her dog tags were under her shirt. He stopped and waited for her.


    ¡°Mr. Wraith? May I have a bit of your time? My name is Amanda Waller.¡± The woman said. -Ah fuck! Erik shouted.

 Chapter 33: Lay in the Bed You’ve Made

    Lash gestured towards Amanda Waller to follow him, soon he was leaning against the guard rail on the bridge looking at her. Lash was exhausted even with his Natural Energy Absorption constantly trying to refill his empty tank. He wanted to sleep desperately, the mid day sun offered no warmth. The ice cold water of Gotham''s rivers passed under neath them. Lash knew it was freezing but Waller put on a mask of indifference. He could see that she was shivering but he made no move to change the situation. His shroud fluttered and danced around him as if it was alive. Made it seem more mysterious or intimidating. Or maybe he was just being an Edge Lord, which ever one!


    ¡°So, Ms. Waller. How may I help you?¡± Said Lash, exhaustion dripping from his words. Waller walked with in ten feet of him and pulled out a file from her bag. Handing it to him.


    ¡°I''ve heard a lot about you recently. Who you are, where your from, but most of all are you a friend or a foe.¡± Said Waller. Her face was an indifferent mask to Lash. That or he didn''t care right now.


    Lash opened the file, it was on him! The Wraith specifically, a few photo''s of him moving through the Narrows, and Metropolis. It had a short list of associates, Wonder Woman, Superman, pictures of Althea, and Booraku. Also a smaller list of abilities and or tools he had. Specifically camouflage, healing, and the tools to tear through flesh, bone, and metal. Then an interesting note appeared that he had a flexible moral compass, but tend to lean towards the good. Lash finished reading and handed it back to Waller. Waiting for her to talk.


    ¡°How did we do?¡± Waller asked, seeming to be genuinely interested. Lash raised his left hand up and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss onto Waller. She stepped back in surprise for a moment before her whole body shivered from head to toe. A blush crawled up her cheeks, then she stared daggers at Lash.


    ¡°You are missing a great deal of information, but I''ll tell you a bit. My healing skills don''t involve disease. Cancer, cold, flue, STD''s, etc I can''t ''cure'' those.¡± Lash then told Waller what his three favorite Nature healing spells did, but made her believe it was an alien trait. Like Superman''s laser eyes. Waller continued to glare at him for how he made her feel just a moment ago. But now understood why it made her feel that way.


    ¡°So in many ways your a combat medic, who''s not afraid to get his claws bloody. You have that over Superman. In my book you are more useful then he is.¡± Waller said to Lash, her glare disappearing as she began to think. A hand came to her chin as she processed the information.


    ¡°Superman it what people want, Waller. People want to believe in the good, the optimistic, truth, justice, the dream of all human kind. I...Don''t see the world that way. Maybe one day Superman will rub off on me. But that will be a while yet.¡± Lash said softly. Waller looked at him with interest, a smile tugging on her lips. Waller took several steps forward into Lash''s personal space, the shroud of his wraith glamour danced around her like a living thing.


    ¡°You are a monster pretending to be human. But sometimes we need monsters to fight the other monsters in the world. I''ll be in touch, stay alive!¡± Waller said, smiling at him. She turned on her heels and walked away. Was it Lash imagination or was Waller swaying her hips just a little at him?


    Lash stopped leaning on the guard rail and made his way towards Booraku. The troll had a smirk on his face as he looked at Lash, then at Waller who had just made it to her car. Lash shrugged his shoulders and got into the prepared vehicle. Booraku soon started the engine and began to drive to....Shield and Sword. The Wraith had to make a statement. To convey the information he had recorded and sent to them. This was for the public''s eye, The Wraith would be seen going into Shield and Sword. No one would notice Erik Lash leaving the Law Firm.


    Lash took out his phone and read through his messages. Several well wishes, and congratulations on saving the Narrows. Mr. Shaw asked if Lash had volunteered to help at the Narrows rescue operation which he ''had''. Because another day went by on his phone and Mr. Shaw said he heard back from Mr. Skaleg about community watch. Oddly enough because of his rescue efforts several clients of Shaw Art Industries wanted to meet and have Lash make things for them. A single message from Lizzy. ''If you die, I''ll kill you!'' Followed by another message. ''Going on a vacation! Leave me alone!'' These two messages meant the world to Lash. Then another surprising message, from Jessabell. ''Hey! Are you coming to the Winter Solstice ball?'' Lash sent a message to her telling her yes he was attending. He answered a few emails, mostly busy work. Soon the car stopped in an underground parking garage. VIP area, maximum security both technological and mystical.


    Lash stepped out of the car still wearing his disguise, he bowed to those that came to greet him. He noticed more then once a few people tried to keep themselves from sniffling in disgust. That''s right! He stunk right now, after two and half days of working none stop in a field hospital any one would smell. So he took this moment to cast a new spell he had just learned from the Synthesis domain...


    Domain Synthesis Spell, Immaculation: This cleans, disinfects, and deodorizes objects, things, and locations. Not everything in nature is dirty, and not everything in science is clean! This allows you to not only keep yourself clean, but those around you. Why does this spell exist? Trust us there are many things you can use this on!


    A combination of Nature and Technomancy energy danced around Lash. Cleaning his body, and his gear. Soon he was fresh and sweet as the new day. The smell was gone, and he felt better. He had actually found this spell when he was working in the hospital the blood, sweat, and vomit stains on the walls and floor were over loading his senses he had to clean it up or he was going to get sick just from the aroma! The spell was a bit of a light show because several people looked at him wondering what he was doing.


    ¡°Sorry, didn''t have time for a shower. But found a spell for it. Which I guess makes me incredibly lazy! But I use the tools I have.¡± Lash said to his attendee''s. Booraku slapped him on the back.


    ¡°I wasn''t going to say anything but, you smelled like a butcher shop in the summer time! Its a useful spell, a lot of our kind can smell stinks from a mile away this will help you in the long run!¡± Booraku said, he then left Lash and went off to do his work.


    The Wraith walked into Shield and Sword main lobby following behind his attendee''s making a show of his arrival. All the mundanes in the hall looked at him. Then a few people started to clap, then a few started to cheer. Soon the whole lobby be it mundanes or super-natural''s were congratulating his good work. He stopped on his way through and looked at everyone, he did a half bow then made his way to the private elevator. The elevator shot up into top levels in a less then a minute. When he stepped out he saw a familiar face.


    Juliana, Torloth''s daughter. She was wearing knee high black pencil skirt that wrapped around her hips very well, a red silk long sleeve blouse with open cleavage which she had plenty of. Her caramel color skin made any one want to undress her with their eyes. Her brown hair was curled today, and partially pulled back so it fell down across her shoulders. She had a winning smile on her face as soon Lash stepped from the elevator.


    ¡°Mr. Wraith please come this way!¡± Juliana said in a louder then normal voice letting every know there were mundanes on the floor some where.


    Lash followed behind Juliana, watching with amusement as she swayed her hips so much in front of him he worried that she may lose her balance. Thanks to his Sensory Awareness he knew that Juliana kept glancing back at him, smiling at the fact that he was watching her. None of his attendee''s got off the elevator with him. They were primarily there to show Wraith where to go, since he had ''never'' been there before. Coming to a pair of doors that led to all to familiar conference room, Juliana paused at the door and turned her body towards Lash half way. Showing off the twisting curves of her body in a revealing position.


    ¡°You''ve changed...¡± Juliana said, biting her lips as her eyes danced up and down Lash. Juliana was not a mundane and could see through Lash''s glamour to see him. Lash spoke softly, knowing she could hear him.


    ¡°I understand that the dragon''s may show interest in me as a breeding ''servant''. But I also know that they won''t take me seriously until I''m stronger. So isn''t it better that I''ve changed, it may not happen now but if I have to choose I would rather be a breeding ''partner''.¡± Lash said, as he came with in two feet of Juliana. She smiled at him and inhaled his ''scent'' This wasn''t what he smelled like but his energy, his power. Dragon''s were attracted to that more then looks, but looks helped too.


    ¡°You are right, we had only thought of you as a potential breeding ''servant''. But, I personally would much prefer you to be a partner.¡± Juliana winked at him, then smoothed her hands over her cloths, making a bit of a show for him before she put on her professional face and opened the door.


    The conference room was outstanding as always, huge bay windows on the back wall let you see Gotham from on high. The nearing setting winter sun made the glimmering reflections in the office windows around, as if one by one lighting candles in the dark. ''Captain'' Gordon, DA Harvey Dent were both in the conference room, some low ranking city officials were present. Mostly because the other ones had been arrested. Gordon, and Harvey were both wearing business suits that fit them well, and were tailored. Juliana soon came to the head of the table and put on a suit jacket and buttoned them bottom which only emphasized her chest. She motioned for Wraith to sit. Wraith was alone on his side of the table.


    Feeling dramatic, Lash extended a bit of his magic and had his shroud grab the chair and pull it out for him. This made the people in the room except for Juliana become surprised. They had thought it was a simple costume made to look intimidating. Taking a seat, the Wraith''s yellow eyes stared out across the table looking at every one. Then he turned to Juliana, who smiled at him.


    ¡°So gentlemen! We are here to discuss the information that The Wraith sent to us. A majority of the information has been disseminated among the public records but this is aimed specifically at the actions of Agent Wraith. Was he justified in his actions on how he treated the ''police'' officers. I remind everyone that this is not hearing. Though we are being recorded for the records. Nothing here can be used in a court of law unless both parties agree. Is that understood?¡± Juliana stressed the words ''Both Parties''


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Everyone said.


    ¡°Captain Gordon is now on record.¡± Juliana said, she gestured with her hand at him. Jim narrowed his eyes at Wraith took deep calming breath before he spoke.


    ¡°Did you have to kill them? We saw that you are capable of incapacitating the infected civilians with a taser like tool. You could have brought them down, restrained them, and moved on.¡± Gordon was gritting his teeth.


    ¡°Captain, if you saw criminals with fully automatic rifles and assault shotguns shooting down innocent civilians. Tell me, would you have used your taser on them? A tool that I remind you has a limited range. Where every second spent endangers the lives of more people, on top of endangering yourself by stepping with in range? Or, would you take your weapon and end the threat?¡± Lash said in a cold indifferent tone. He made sure to alter his glamours voice to sound like Saurian. Details are important. Gordon hands were white knuckling, because he couldn''t reply. Lash was right, and he knew it.


    ¡°What you are upset about, Captain. Is it how I did it but because I am not a cop? Cops handle cops. In your eye''s I''m a vigilante, much like the ''Bat-Creature'' that you''ve been chasing recently. However, I have been deputized by the United Nations World Security. If a soldier in the field takes the life of an enemy to protect the lives of the innocent are they a murderer? Or a savior? Depends on who you ask.¡± Lash said coldly.


    ¡°We are not in a WAR!¡± Gordon stood up and yelled at Lash. Harvey pulled him down, trying to get him under control.


    ¡°Aren''t we? You served as a Marine, its one of the reasons why I like you. How many times did you get sent to guard and stabilize a village? Town? Country? How many times did you have to assist the populace in defense, or offense? How many corrupt officials, officers, soldiers did you have to put down? How is this any different? Because its on your native soil? Because it''s your city?¡± Said Lash, he hadn''t moved since he sat down. Even with Gordon''s out burst. Lash''s back was straight, shoulders even, palms on the table. Of course they couldn''t see that. All they saw was a Wraith, pitch black face, and claws of darkness tapping gently on the wood.


    Gordon ground his teeth so hard that it made a few people wince, he left leg shook up and down like a jack hammer. Staring daggers at Lash for what he said, and the argument he had made. There were many holes in the theory, in the philosophy of what was right and wrong. But in the end, it was simple. Gordon didn''t like the idea of people taking the law into their own hands. He''s an official officer of the law. The Wraith wasn''t! He''s just a powerful Alien that the UN was using to do their dirty work.


    ¡°Let me ask you, Gordon. If I have the training, the practice, and the paper work to be an official officer of the ''law'' would this matter be settled?¡± Lash said, humor beginning to creep into his voice. Gordon''s eyes narrowed. Then Lash turned to Juliana who pulled something from a file holder and passed it to Gordon, who quickly read through it only to go purple in the face.


    What Gordon just read was a signed document by the Secretary of Defense. The Wraith was an official officer of the UN recognized by the white house. Gordon''s technicality fell through the floor at that point. Then it came to the cold hard truth, this wasn''t about him being right or wrong. This was about Lash being an alien, not native to Earth. Lash wanted to believe that Gordon was not the raciest type. Harvey then read the letter as well a frown grew across his face. He soon handed it back to Juliana.


    Lash had essentially done this to him self. Time and time again he took the form of an ''Alien'' to the public. The Cult of Ares were ''aliens'', the para-military attacks on cities, countries was an ''alien'' army invading! Even now several countries were funding new research into aerospace development. Lash was now laying in the bed he made himself. But at the end of the day he swore and oath to the Warden''s to guard Earth, and the Super-Natural Societies. If he had to he would retire the ''Wraith persona'' It was after all just a glamour.


    ¡°Do you have anything else to ask, Captain Gordon?¡± Juliana asked, she kept a poker face. But Lash could tell she was smiling on the inside.


    ¡°No more questions. Thank you.¡± Gordon said, taking a figurative step back. Harvey was up next.


    ¡°Now on the record. Harvey Dent, District Attorney.¡± Juliana said.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, do you plan to stay in Gotham specifically? Or, are you planning on leaving?¡±Mr. Dent asked.


    ¡°The specifics of my assignments and deployments, along with time spent are not to be discussed if I understand my NDA correctly?¡± Lash said, turning to Juliana.


    ¡°That''s correct.¡± Juliana said.


    ¡°Will you be taking an active role with the police? Or will you be prowling from roof top to roof top like a certain masked man we know?¡± Dent asked. Lash reached out and pressed the stop on the recording device. Everyone looked at him.


    ¡°Such an odd question to ask, Mr. Dent when on more then one occasion Batman has visited your offices late at night for help on catching criminals.¡± Lash said, staring directly at Dent. Who''s eyes went wide. Gordon whipped his head around, who stared in surprise at Dent. As did all of the room except for Juliana who looked composed. Lash then reached out and pressed the record button again.


    ¡°Mr. Dent I plan to take what ever role that I will be the most useful in. Being a United Nations World Security Agent.¡± Lash said, more to the recorder then any one else. Dent had loosened his tie and was sweating nervously now. Gordon looked like he wanted to scream at him!


    For nearly two years! Maybe longer, Gordon had been chasing the Batman. Many times he came to confide in Dent. Asking for help, and to keep his ear to the ground. Now, only to realize that Dent not only had met The Batman, but was helping him. Dent was trying to come up with another question to dodge the situation. Lash decided to throw him a bone.


    ¡°I can tell you, that the Batman is not a part of the United Nations World Security, or any government for that matter. He is a private operator. No, I am currently not aware of his identity.¡± Lash said this to both Gordon, and Dent. Gordon stared at Lash, taking that vital piece of information and putting it away. He turned away from Dent trying his best not to punch the man. Juliana was eyeing Lash now however. The Warden''s hadn''t confirmed that.


    ¡°Mr. Dent do you have any more questions?¡± Juliana asked.


    ¡°No further questions.¡± Dent said, staring down at his hands. The white knight of Gotham had been found with some dirty laundry in the face of his friend Gordon. Lash reached out and stopped the recorder again. Everyone in the room looked at him again, waiting for another piece of information.


    ¡°Gordon, don''t be to angry with Dent. Neither of you know that Carmine Falcone has actually targeted both your families for removal. Batman on more then one occasion has saved the lives of your wife and daughter, Gordon. Also the wife of Dent. I plan to take a personal interest in Carmine. However, if you want Gordon, and Dent I''ll bring the information to you directly instead of just punishing him? Deal?¡± Lash said. This was an important moment. A devil you know is better then the devil you don''t. Both Gordon and Dent were surprised to hear that Batman had saved their families. But could they believe the Wraith? Would they trust him about Carmine.


    In the end neither Gordon or Dent declined or agreed to the deal. They along with the officials left the the conference. Both parties agreeing to not use the recording in a court of law. Lash and Juliana stayed behind in the room, a phone call came in telling Juliana that all mundanes had left the floor. Lash removed his glamour, leaning forward he slumped across the table with a groan.


    ¡°When was the last time you slept?¡± Juliana asked, watching him from her seat. Her eyes dancing across him with interest.


    ¡°More then four days ago. I swear I was not looking for trouble, I was just doing my job.¡± Lash said into his folded arms.


    ¡°Don''t go looking for trouble? Please. Every one knows that the Narrows is a no go zone for us. No Warden has been assigned to that place in over five years. Yes, you''ve been assigned all of Gotham but you spent most of your time in the Narrows for your patrols. You could have just prioritized the safety of the super-natural communities in the Narrows. But you didn''t, you tried to save them all. Face it Lash. You are acting the part of a hero, a knight of honor! A samurai that actually follows Bushido! I have to say it makes you look incredibly hot!¡± Juliana put emphasis on that last word.


    ¡°Thank you for the compliments, I think. Is there any thing else we need to take care of in an official capacity. Mundane or Super-Natural? Or may I go collapse into my bed at home?¡± Lash said as he sat up straight to watch Juliana, who was playing with one of the buttons on her blouse.


    ¡°Nothing of note, anything of else can be done by email or by phone. Though if you are to tired to go home. We do have beds here in the office. Big ones!¡± Juliana smiled enticingly at Lash, as she undid the top button of her blouse. Revealing more of her caramel skin. Lash did watch for a bit then stood up.


    ¡°Goodbye Juliana, thank you for today.¡± Lash said as he sent his three nature healing spells towards her. Even part dragon, she still fluttered her eyes closed and tried to bite back a moan. Lash had made it to the door before she spoke.


    ¡°Oh that is so not fair! I''ll get you back for that!¡± Juliana said, a mischievous glint to her eyes.


    ¡°I hope so!¡± Lash said, as he half turned to look at Juliana. He smiled at her then left the room.


    Lash went to the public elevator and waited for several minutes before it arrived. He got in, and went down. The VIP would have been faster, but he was trying to keep a low profile. Logistics had come to the field hospital during his work hours and given Lash some community watch clothing. Make him seem the part of helping with the rescue operations. It was also known that since Lash had saved the Shield plaza from the bomb the Law Firm were now his lawyers free of charge. So him being here wouldn''t be weird. Coming out into the plaza he came to the front street and took one of the many waiting public cars. One of those civilian cab drivers in their own vehicles. He gave his address and they were on their way. His phone had a new message from...Jessabell. ''Great! Can''t wait to see you! My family has been asking about you, some of them will be at the party! Are you participating in the ''Hunt?'' Lash was amused and a little worried. He was meeting Jessabell''s family? Great...


    What is the ''Hunt'', you ask? Well during the Winter Solstice Ball. In a large enchanted forest which stretches for miles is a natural preserve. Dozens or even hundreds of volunteers sign up to be ''Hunted'' they race across the preserve to a designated point. If they reach that point they gain the favor of the Winter Court! Not a writ or something like that. The actual mystical favor or magical blessing of the court. The ''Hunters'' job is to chase down, stop, and collect the ''Hunted''. For every collected hunted, the hunters gain political favor from the the courts as well as ''something'' from the hunted. Including but not limited to twenty four hours of service from the hunted. Providing the service does not break the law or go against the morals of the captured.


    Lash replied, a small smile on his face. ''Yes, I am planning to volunteer to be a hunted.'' Several minutes passed before Jessabell replied. ''Really? Oh well, I''ll have to make sure to catch you!'' Jessabell had sent an actual emoji of a horse rider shooting an arrow at a stag. There was another reason why he was going to participate. He was allowed to wear armor. A lot of the Fae would be wearing ceremonial gear that was decorative but functional. He had nothing like that! He also wanted to get the blessing of the winter court. One that was not from his Warden Ceremony. Though he didn''t complain when Jessabell had given it to him.


    Lash soon arrived home, and gave a nice tip to the driver. Walking into the front lobby the security guard welcomed him back. The guard said he had heard about how he volunteered down at the Narrows. The guard looked new, but Lash could see a flash of energy in his eyes. He must be a sensitive that hasn''t learned of the mystical world yet. Lash collected a bit of mail that needed his signature. He soon arrived at his home and unlocked the door. His alarm system said hello. No one had come by, security was just fine. He patted the machine giving it a bit of energy as thanks. Two letters were in his hand. One was from a Ms. Isely, he tore it open and read.


    Thank you so much for the gift! Lash!


    I remember you saying you have a garden at home


    These seeds are a type of rose I designed that can grow


    across all seasons. I hope you enjoy them!


    My Professor Marc Le Grandee said as soon


    as I get my PhD we''ll try to experiment with


    a set of herbs he found in Egypt!


    Which will be in a few weeks, several of the


    formula''s I''m using I only got because of you!


    I''ll contact you when we succeed!


    Your friend Pamela Isely.


    Looking through the letter he found a tiny bag with several seeds in them. Opening the bag he felt the seeds in his hands. They were jam packed with energy, science had altered them. But they seemed a little wrong. Lash went to his balcony, and shifted space in the little wall garden that was around the edge. All before this he had the garden simply as decoration, Dottie the brownie spirit had been tending to them. But lately Lash had been using his Nature Domain to help them grow and stay healthy during winter. He planted the genetically altered seeds, he used an obstruction glamour then cast Nature''s Supplement, Daylight, Essence Imbuement, Germination, and Growth. Soon the seeds sprouted, took root, grew and came into full bloom! They came in shades of red, purple, blue, and green. The leaves were serrated to keep from being eaten. Thorns grew along the stems, but the plant was still...wrong. Then he found it using his new found skills Minor Genetics, and Minor Chemistry. Reaching deep into the plant''s DNA code with his magic he saw it. The telomeres section of the gene was decaying faster then it should. This section of the DNA helped to control aging. The roses may grow all season but the would soon die of old age with in two or three years.


    Lash went inside writing down the formula sequence and design. He went to his computer, copied down the formula and emailed Pamela what he found. He didn''t know how to fix it, but he assumed she didn''t know the telomeres was a problem. But he also said thank you, the roses are beautiful or they would be! Cause he had just got them! Why would he know what they look like at full bloom! Yaaaaa..... Lash then tore open the second letter. Oh!


    Hello Warden Lash this is magician Giovanni Zatara!


    My Daughter Zatanna has made it to Gotham


    by the time you read this letter. She''ll be staying


    with friends. We''ll have to arrange a pick up time for


    the statue. She is also attending the Winter Court Ball


    our fellow acquaintance says you are a trust worthy sort


    please keep an eye on my daughter.


    -Giovanni.


    Once he finished the letter it burst into glitter! No alarms went off, and the gargoyles on the ledges didn''t move. So it wasn''t harm full, it must be a notice saying he had read it. Taking out his phone he sent a information prob on Giovanni Zatanna to Warden HQ. With in a minute he got an information packet. Reading, he made a few notes. The most recent photo of her was taken two days ago, She was a seventeen or nineteen years old. With raven black hair to her shoulders, great figure dressed up in designer sweater, dress pants, and shoes walking next to...Bruce Wayne. That is right! Bruce who is...maybe twenty three or twenty six wouldn''t look that odd walking with her. Zatanna was also staying in the Wayne Manor, with two other woman. Both were registered super-natural''s. He sent a mail request. He was suppose to send a magical imbued statue to Zatanna. Since Bruce Wayne was aware of the super-natural world could he send it by Griak or not? No, but they said to send it to HQ. Was the reply. Lash went back to the balcony and snagged a few Griaks.


    The statue was as tall as Lash''s waist, and he was about 6'' 5¡± these days. It was white marble apple tree, with a black obsidian silver etched snake curled in the branches. Yes, it was done on purpose. His three favorite Nature spells cast into it. Could be activated by a command word, or by touching certain sections of the tree. The manual was placed with the package. It had a twenty four hour cool down per cast. Unfortunately because of the three spells they added a complication, it would only work once a day on a single person. Soon the Griak''s wrapped it up in their magic and flew off towards to Warden HQ who would deliver it to Wayne Manor. Lash sent a message on his phone that it was on its way. HQ said they would handle it.


    Lash decided to call it there for now, he locked up his home and activated the shutters. It was evening now, a little early for bed time. But he''d been awake for so long he didn''t care. Double checking his phone, he did get a message from Selina wishing him the best. With a lipstick emoji! He took off his cloths, took a quick shower. Then curled up in his bed. Forgoing talking to Dawn he went to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.


    Erik decided to log out, he''d been in for a while. He didn''t want to get a warning from Dawn. So, the generated world continued to spin. Erik made a note with Dawn in passing that he wanted to be there for the Winter Court. Dawn assured him that it was a story driven event, she would pause the world when it became time. He hugged her goodbye and stepped out of The Dream Engine Cube. Having no fucking idea what time it was!

 Chapter 34: Question Mark?

    Erik did what he always did. He took a shower, tossed his used cloths, cleaned up the Cube. He then made an actual meal this time, and drank plenty of water. Erik noticed something odd, his clothes were looser then they should have been. He thought it was a bigger pair of pants and shirt, but they were his favorite pair he wore them enough to know their feeling. Had Erik lost weight? Unfortunately he didn''t own a weight scale in his home, he never saw the use in it. He knew he was over weight, why depress himself on a daily basis with it.


    Erik went to his computer, logged into The Dream Engine forums and filled out some reports and paper work. The developers informed him that he along five hundred other testers were still playing there first character avatar. Cool. So they were the first five hundred! Erik along with about twenty others were the only ones filling out paper work. So the Developers reward them by granting them a store coupon, to be activated as soon as he read the email. Also Cool! Erik then jumped to the forums and read through a posts. He found an interesting one.


    Remember! We are playing a game!


    A few hundred users were complaining about the different stories. How they didn''t line up, how one game is so vastly different from another that you can''t compare or measure peoples success. Gamer''s love to compare what they have against others. The Dream Engine didn''t allow that. Every world no matter where you started effectively became a whole new world. Butter Fly effect was real. Ten users even tried it out, they chose the same origin, the same back ground, etc. Everything the same with in a month Dream time they had vastly different experiences! Of course what the Gamer''s didn''t account for was player choice. One went left while others went right. One learned a skill the others didn''t have. The ripples were small at first but soon separated them. A developer soon joined the thread and reminded everyone that they will have a Multiplayer and MMO version of the game next year. Erik thought about that, what would the already chaotic world be like with hundreds or thousands of Users running around? Oooo! Maybe it would be like multi dimensional Earths? Maybe in Multiplayer you could invite players to your world? That would be fun!


    Time difference!


    This was a Developer post. They were trying to change the effect of time between the Dream and the Real. Right now one hour in the Real is one day in the Dream. They were putting an adjustment tool into the Black Room so Users could slow down or speed up the difference. They were looking for volunteers to increase the overall time difference from one hour in the Real to two days in the Dream. If you wanted to volunteer just hit yes here on the thread or tell your VI rep to opt you in. Erik thought about that. One hour in the Real, two days in the Dream. It would allow for more game time, but a negative would be that he would have to wait even longer for the game store. But he would have more DP to spend. Whatever, Erik opted into the test. He logged off the forums, he turned off his lights in his home and jumped into the Cube. It was currently 2:30 am on Sunday.


    Congratulations User! You''ve joined the time adjustment tool beta! Obtaining a limited Achievement: ''I have no time!'' This allows your Character Avatar to regain energy 10% faster as long as they are resting. In example; Sleeping, sitting, eating, or doing anything that does not require over the limit of resting energy!


    Erik had never been in the Black Room with Dawn when she had done one of those. She blew confetti into the air around him and began to dance and twirl in circles. She was wearing a backless skin tight prom dress, with a slit up her left leg to the middle of her thigh, the color of the dress was starlight black. Literally it look like it was made from the cosmos that surrounded the Black Room. Dawn then wrapped here slim, but firm arms around Erik and kissed his cheek. Making him blush furiously, wait? He blushed. He looked down and saw that he was wearing the same cloths he had logged into, he was himself!


    ¡°Dawn, why do I look like this?¡± Erik asked her, she kept hugging him with a dazing smile on her face.


    ¡°You''ve reached a point in your subconscious that you can now visualize yourself. This actually happens all the time in normal dreams. Some dreams people look different, other times they don''t. You''ve gained enough self awareness that you can now have your body in the Black Room.¡± Dawn''s voice was animated and full of youthful energy.


    Kissing Erik''s cheek again she danced around the room, her long legs kicking up into the air. Her dress was riding up her legs suggestively. Erik watched her for a few minutes until she slowly stopped. She looked towards Erik, her hair was now fiery red with curls, green eyes, and pale skin. She put her hand on her hip and struck a pose for him.


    ¡°I''ve been notified that you''ve been a good boy doing your reports! So, a store coupon has been given to you. You have two Dream Points to spend, would like to do this now or later?¡± Dawn said, a smile spreading across her face. Erik could not see but more like felt his ears burning as a beautiful woman stared at him like that. Yes, Dawn was a Virtual Intelligence didn''t stop him from feeling this way.


    ¡°Ca...can I see the store book p...please?¡± Erik said in a soft voice, looking down bashfully.


    SLAM! A table appeared in the room, with a chair and a large store book spread across it. Erik was startled, he looked up at Dawn and saw that she now had pure black hair, done up in a bun. She had thin black rimmed glasses over her face that highlighted her blue eyes. She had healthy tanned skin, dressed in a business suit jacket, white blouse, and pencil skirt that only went to her mid thigh! She wore four inch black heels. She put her feet together and took on the appearance of a sexy secretary. OH! That is right! Erik promised to do a clothing montage with Dawn. Dawn raised an eye brow at him. Recognizing that he remembered from his facial expression.


    ¡°Right! Thank you! Excuse me...¡± Erik said as he took a seat and began to flip through the store book.


    Erik tried to focus on the store book because Dawn soon walked over to the table taking a chair opposite of him, crossing her legs. The long line of her legs invited his eyes to look further. But he shook his head and looked back at the book. He soon heard the sound of buttons coming undone, Dawn had taken off her suit jacket, her white blouse was sleeveless, and had open cleavage front. Her fingers played from her throat down to her waist line, slipping her fingers between her sizable breasts as her breasts pressed against the fabric of her blouse. Letting him know she wasn''t wearing a bra.


    ¡°User, shouldn''t you be looking at the store book instead of me?¡± Dawn said with a smirk. Damn it! She knew what he was looking at!


    Aha! He found something he wanted! Titled Consolidation! It was only available for User''s who obtained five or more titles in their game play. He quickly pressed the buy option and spent one dream point. Then as usual Dawn spoke, this time in front of him and not a disembodied voice around him.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained Title Consolidation: The Active Effects of your different titles will now be passive. So no matter what title you have you will have access to both Active and Passive. Please take note, User; That titles still play a part in the story some creatures, things, or beings can see your title. So choose wisely, would you like to change your current Title?


    No. Current Title ''Natural Mechanic''


    Erik smiled then looked up at Dawn, which he regretted as soon as he did. She was now wearing a traditional Asian cheongsam long dress. The dress was skin tight and revealed her hour glass golden ratio figure. The color was pure black with a silver four finger cloud dragon wrapped around. She was an Asian beauty with pale skin, black eyes, red lips, and pure black hair half up, and half down as it fell across her back like a pitch black water fall. A holding fan was open and fanning her self, her soft blush from her make up was perfect. She crossed her legs, and on her right thigh revealed a garter belt with a knife strapped to it. Making her both seductive and dangerous. Fuck!


    Erik swallowed his building saliva, and realized his pants were pitching a tent! Lash had way more self control, Erik did not! He soon began to flip through the book, he had to get out of here before he did something to Dawn! One more dream point way to many options and a clear distraction! Ah! He bought something that had been bothering him for a while. His telepathy allowed him to speak to anyone inside their minds. Didn''t matter what language they spoke, he could also auto translate as long as it was happening across the link between team or pack mates. But he couldn''t audible speak or read and write any of the languages.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained, Language Smith: You can now learn any language from the DC universe 25% faster! Many languages have been lost or forgotten, or have been locked behind universal powers that no one will understand. But as a Smith you can hammer it into your mind through time an effort be it the written word or tongue!


    Swoosh! Swoosh!


    Erik didn''t want to look up, but he had to! The Store book disappeared back on its eternal timer of twenty four hours. Dawn was now wearing black sports wear tennis shoes, her tone and strong tanned legs her naked all the way to her thighs. There was wearing a lose black boxing shorts, then she had a exposed abdomen where Erik could see a chiseled four pack. Then she had on a sports bra boxing top, with cross section straps in the back. She had half gloves on, so she could still use her fingers but her knuckles were padded. She was punching the air, shadow boxing. Her beach blond hair was tied up in a tail, keeping it out of her eyes. Her amber colored eyes focused on Erik, and a smile spread across her lips. She continued to punch the air, her body glistened sweat. FUUUCK! Erik loved these type of woman, he hated the ''fragile glass'' look so many people thought woman should be. He much preferred the strong, athletic, martial art warrior types! He had to get out of here! With out checking the time line, or what Lash had been up to lately he dove from the Black Room, listening to Dawn laugh at him!


    WOOSH!


    On the way down, Dawn took pity on him and showed him a tab of what Lash had been doing. The fall down from the Black Room slowed down a bit. It had been another week, the Winter Solstice Ball would be happening in three days, Lash was currently in a machine shop with Sam and his Magic teacher creating a combat suit for both Lash and Saurian. Lash at night had been patrolling the Narrows reconstruction. Soon Erik finished reading the tab, closing it he continued falling towards Gotham.


    ¡°So basically we''ll be introducing circuits into the body suit to help you get a full body read out of the system. So injuries, damage portions of the armor, health sensors for when toxins and poison are introduced can be viewed not only by you, but anyone linked to the suit. You can turn the link to the outside off if you want. We''ll also be putting in a computer hacking program and long distance communication network into the suit. It all has the latest in Wayne Tech batteries, plus with Technomancy you can recharge them as long as you have magic.¡± Sam''s Teacher did a full brief on the new combat suit they were making for Saurian.


    Sam''s Teacher was who you might imagine. He was a 4''5¡± dwarf, with a long brown beard braided down to the middle of his chest bushy brown hair that fell down his back that was wild as untamed forest. He may have been short but he was wide as a door with thick strong muscles, huge fingers that were surprisingly dexterous. He was wearing fire resistant boots, pants, and a shirt, with forging overall''s. He had blast furnace eye wear on his forehead as he spoke to Lash and Sam. Lash and Saurian said hello to Erik when he flew in. Nast''rok was the dwarf''s name, he ran a machine and metal shop in Gotham. He was one of the few professional Technomancers in all of the North America. He had hundreds of apprentices, students, and workers. He got commissions in from across the continent. But always took time to teach new people. Why? Because the faster people learned the less work he would have to do!


    ¡°The combat suit we''ll be making for you specifically Lash, will be about the same. But because of the difference in sizes we''ll have to find a way to alter that. That''s why I''m having you practice this spell over and over till you learn it. This will not only help you, but me as well! Aside from you, I only have about sixteen others that have learned the spell.¡± Nast''rok said to him. A huge grin on his face as he inspected Lash''s work then disassembled the project back down to its base parts and told him to do it over. Lash gritted his teeth and did it again, for the eleventh time!


    Nast''rok had just used an advanced version of Recycle. So instead of turning the equipment into its original metals. It just broke them down into their original parts. Nast''rok wanted Lash to learn a specific spell called Compression Transformation, what was that? Well imagine a machine having dozens or hundreds of different pieces all moving and working towards not just one goal, but several. The Compression would allow him to fit more machine parts into a smaller space. While the transformation was like a three dimensional puzzle coming out of the machine. It was both spell and skill, but Erik was surprised because he saw something new! There was a percentage counter next to the skill being learned. (67%)


    ¡°Dawn, was their a version update?¡± Lash said softly, the machine shop was bustling so he would be surprised if anyone heard him.


    ¡°Yes, User! You can now see a percentage for new skills, abilities, traits, spells, etc that are in the process of being learned. However, it does not tell you how you are learning the skill, you''ll have to figure that out yourself. Some are easier then others! Several of them will be marked with a [Blank](%) When you are learning something that you don''t know the name of yet.¡± Dawn''s voice went to the voice of the Teacher persona.


    ¡°Oh, can I see the list of all my stuff then?¡± Lash asked softly. Though he regretted it soon after. The information tab for in the progress of being learned was over three hundred tool tips. Lash soon closed the tab a migraine was forming. He''d have to look at it later when he had more time.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn. Sorry for forgetting about the clothing montage.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Its alright, User! I got my revenge! Have a wonderful time in your generated world, User!¡± Dawn said, satisfaction in her voice.


    Lash continued to work on the project, having Nast''rok come by to disassemble it over and over again. The sound of metal grinding through the warehouse was grating on his ears. Dozens of people walking back and forth and the occasional scream of someone hurting themselves. Of course this meant Lash was given a quick break, because they would come running to him for healing. The warehouse was a huge building with standard windows at top of the walls letting in a bit of light. Dozens of forges were set across the work floor their chimneys constructed into the roof. Lash was wearing a set of gray overall, and fire resistant boots, pants, and shirt. Just like Nast''rok, Sam, and well everyone else in the place. Males, Females of all races ran around till the sun set.


    ¡°AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!¡± A blood curdling scream rang out across the floor. So loud many people stopped to look. A team of people sprinted towards Lash''s location, carrying a man between them. A woman right behind them was carrying the mans arm, she looked like she was about to fall over with how pale her face was.


    Lash rolled his eyes he stood up and made his way over. Looking over the screaming man as blood spurted from his wound with every pump from his heart. He took the severed arm from the woman who finally decided to feint into the waiting arms of several people. Lash lined it up, he stuck the arm to the shoulder and cast, Restoration which was commonly used on other things. Lash had figured out that bone or calcium rather, counted as a material he could reconnect or repair. Then he cast, Recovery to connect the flesh back to its previous place. The spell knew where to connect the tissue even if Lash didn''t. Then he cast, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on both the man and the woman carrying the arm for good measure. Lash then cast, Immaculation on himself and everyone near by. He looked at a grinning Nast''rok.


    ¡°Is your normal healer on a day off? What did you do before I was here!?¡± Lash yelled at the dwarf, as the immediate area of people scattered back to work.


    ¡°We normally had to take people to the hospital! You being here has improved efficiency by at least 30% don''t worry, I''ve had already had the Warden HQ put a bonus into your account for your extra work today! Now get back to work! You haven''t learned that spell yet!¡± Nast''rok''s grinning face vanished and he went back to being a task master.


    Attention User! The skill, Web Surfer has been changed by developers to, Basic Computers: Now you are a strong, mean, typing machine! Surfing the web, cleaning and maintaining laptops, and towers is how you spend your lunch hour! Programming and coding are your bread and butter. This skill grows with use!


    ¡°Dawn? Why did my skill change?¡± Lash said softly, as he made his way back to his work station.


    ¡°A new version update just went through. Several abilities, skills, etc were considered redundant, to vague, or several of them meant the same thing. So the developers are changing them. You''ll get a prompt if something changes! Shall I place it in your back log messages for later, or do you want to look at them as they pop?¡± Dawn said to Lash.


    ¡°Give them to me as they pop up, unless I''m in a critical moment like a fight. That would just be annoying. Thank you.¡± Said Lash.


    ¡°You are welcome, User!¡± Dawn finished.


    Attention User! The skills, Material Compression, Material Tempering, Material Merging, have all now been merged into Material Shaping: It''s everything they can do but BETTER! Why have more when you can have one BIG one!


    Please Note User, in the future many skills will just gain additional effects instead of the User gaining new skill names.


    Attention User! The skill, Mental Resistance has now merged with Damage Resistance. They were always a part of one another. You just earned one, and bought the other. Now they are all part of the same family!


    Attention User! The spells Bio Adhesive, Magnetism, and Electrical Shock are no longer spells. They are simply aspects you can call on freely as part of your Domains. However, a new tool tip has been created when free ''spell'' has been found. Letting the User know if its possible with in their Domains.


    Attention User! The spell Germination has merged into Growth.


    The spell Recovery has merged into Restoration.


    Lash waited for a bit, no other prompts came up. So either it was over or they were still going through the thousands of different bits of information they had to change. He came back to his work station and continued take apart and put together a complex machine. It looked like a one foot square metal box that when activated would fold out and become a mini go kart. It was actually kinda cool looking, and handy. Could handle up to forty five mph. Over the next few hours, Lash didn''t wait for Nast''rok to disassemble the box anymore. Lash could do it himself. Then at last!


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned the Domain Technomancy Spell/Skill, Compression Transformation: Using your magic, and technical know how you can now fit more things inside of other things than many would think impossible. Allowing you to create all sorts of tools, contraptions, and gizmo''s! Go! Go! Gadget Umbrella!


    Intermediate Crafting has evolved into Advanced Crafting: Now you can make even more complicated and detailed things! Material Shaping, and Technomancy effect Crafting.


    You''ve obtained a new skill, Artist: Its about time you got this, being an artist lets you make aesthetically pleasing pieces of art, items, tools, fashion, etc, etc! Now you can make something look cool! But also be practical and functional!


    Lash cheered, and did a victory lap around his work station earning a few stares from people. Before he took the go kart cube apart and put it back together again. This time faster, and even found a few places to be more efficient. The spell/skill sent him a prompt for 1% increase in power and 1% decrease in consumption. Then he finished the cube, activated it. It turned into a single seat go kart. He got into it, powered it with his magic and drove slowly through the warehouse looking for Nast''rok. Zooooom!


    ¡°Beep! Beep!¡± Lash called as he drove past people, a few people chuckled as they got out of the way. Nast''rok was working with a few of the newer apprentices and students. He was being overly nice to them, so he wouldn''t scare them off. The Tech-Master looked up and watched Lash approach.


    ¡°You get it?¡± Nast''rok asked, Lash nodded. ¡°Great! You can leave for today, come back tomorrow and we''ll start making your combat suit!¡± Nast''rok said, taking out a radio. Soon a announcement came over the speakers in the workshop.


    ¡°Attention! Attention, Warden Lash our resident healer is leaving for the day. So please stop being accident prone!¡± This earned laughter from a lot of people, but a few people frowned too. It was both a joke and a statement.


    Lash collapsed the go kart cube and gave it back to Nast''rok. He soon went to the locker room for a change of cloths. Slipping it to black boots, black kevlar cargo pants, long sleeve kevlar shirt, finger less gloves, a thick leather coat with the letters GCW (Gotham Community Watch), and winter hat with breathing mask. Why? Because it was currently ten below outside. Even Lash was having a hard time with it. He stepped out into the frigid air, his breath steaming out of his mouth. Tonight was an easy night! He was working with the actual neighborhood community watch. He took a cab towards the community center that he hadn''t been to in over two weeks. Nearly an hour passed before he got there, rush hour in Gotham was a fucking nightmare!


    Walking through the now brand new doors of the community center he made his way passed the front desk and entered the class room. Several people were there already, young, old, woman, and men. All of them mundanes wanting to help out, and do their part. Several people smiled at him when he walked in. Including. Carl! The Military reservist M.P. Stationed at Gotham''s Army base.


    ¡°Lash! Our resident hero and aid worker! Been a while my friend!¡± Carl walked over extending his hand out. Lash and Carl shook hands and gave each other bro hugs! Carl was in full uniform, he was wearing Army Urban ABU''s with winter gear on. His rank was Sergeant.


    ¡°Not that I''m complaining Carl, but what are you doing here? Specifically in uniform as well? I thought you just taught the classes?¡± Lash said, he had a smile on his face. He was actually happy to see him.


    ¡°Tonight''s event! We''ll be guarding a winter carnival in the palace. But there is a one star general attending with his family. So me and mine are here to ensure safety. When the brass heard I was part of the Watch they wanted me here coordinating between the groups of Watch, police, and Military.¡± Carl grimaced.


    ¡°Great! Luke and Abby coming too? Or staying at home?¡± Lash asked, looking around the room for them.


    ¡°They are meeting us there. A whole bunch of military families are going as a community outing. Speaking of which, several other watchmen from different area''s around Gotham will be helping at the palace. Oh looks like the last of us showed up, lets start.¡± Carl pointed at the few people walking in.


    Lash took a seat, keeping his eyes on Carl, giving respect to him that he deserved. Even when several people were staring at Lash both men and women. Carl cleared his throat and started the briefing. Down in one of Gotham''s convention palaces was a winter wonder land being hosted. It was going for the next three days. But tonight till close they were on duty. Operations was being held by paid security, police, and even the military. However, everyone in this room were all registered and licensed Watchmen. They were essentially security guards that were not getting paid! However, the city council had promised that if the community watch would help they would donate money to the community centers. Which was a form of payment.


    Several people asked questions about teams, operations, etc. Several people wanted to be in Lash''s team. But Carl said that Lash would be working alone primarily, but could partially command any teams due to his rank and experience. Soon, they finished up and walked out of the class room towards a donated bus for transportation. They didn''t have to take the bus, but it was offered. Lash went on the bus fully intending to leave on his own after the event was done. Lash took a seat at the front next to Carl. Avoiding the flirty eyes of the men and women on the bus. Fuck, People! The driver soon took off and they were on their way.


    ¡°You are getting pretty popular, Lash! Should I be concerned that you''ll take my wife from me?¡± Carl said, good humor in his voice.


    ¡°Yes...Out for lunch! So we can talk about gifts for the holidays. I''m thinking of making a hunting knife for you.¡± Lash said, keeping a straight face.


    ¡°Ohhhh! She''d like that! Didn''t know you worked with metal? Can it be a machete instead? I love camping, need a good blade for it.¡± Carl said, giving an example of length with his hands.


    ¡°What would Luke like? Abby too.¡± Lash turned to look at Carl.


    ¡°Luke? If you can make him a set of leather armor! He''s been watching some fantasy LARP shows on the web lately. He plans to go when spring hits, but the one he wants to join requires he have a costume.¡± Carl said, Lash just smiled at that. He can make leather armor for Luke, easy.


    ¡°Abby? I saw on the art site you work with gold and sliver. A necklace or earring would be great. No rings! That''s what I''m doing!¡± Carl said, mockingly shaking his fist at Lash.


    Lash and Carl continued to talk as the bus drove to the palace center. A few people sitting close asked questions about Lash''s art work. He even took several pieces of paper, using a minor glamour to obstruct and then created am origami paper cloud dragon that had no right existing in paper. He passed that around to everyone in the bus so they could look at it. By the time they got to the palace he had made different animals for everyone in the bus. The driver who was also part of the watch promised to lock the doors. So everyone could keep the paper animals on their seats for the return trip. Lash told Carl he plan to leave after the event, so he won''t be taking the bus.


    ¡°Ah but the kids will be so disappointed! They looked like they wanted balloon animals next!¡± Carl said mockingly.


    ¡°Oh? Then should I take back that seat turtle I made for you?¡± Lash said, with a grin.


    ¡°Do and die! Fiend!¡± Carl growled at him. They both laughed!


    They soon linked up with the different community watch branches. Skaleg was there, with a ''oh fucking kill me please'' face. As he watched all the different security, police, military, and community watch people measure their dicks about jurisdiction. Carl soon joined his old friend, as did Lash who put a comforting arm around the old viking and on the sly cast his favorite nature spells on him. With in a minute Skaleg looked better, sending a thank you towards Lash.


    ¡°Listen you fuck twats! The only reason they called the community watch was for public relations! Just have your teams walk around and enjoy the carnival! People see you, and they feel better. You mall cops just stay up and out of the way, you corrupt cops shouldn''t even fucking be here! For all we know you''ll start gunning down the civilians for laughing to much! Me and mine will be more then enough to deal with this shit show!¡± A Lieutenant Colonel was shouting at the different leaders.


    Wow, Lash looked at the Colonel with wide eyes. He turned to look at Skaleg, and Carl. Skaleg was grinding his teeth, and Carl was looking down trying to not scream. The Police officer in charge was purple in the face. The head security just looked stunned, like he couldn''t compute what the man had just said. The Colonel was wearing a full military dress uniform, with a winter coat. He was dressed to impress.


    ¡°Sergeant Bradley! You''ll be on baby sitting duty with the Community Watch. I understand you are part of their group to begin with and you have my sympathy. But take their radio''s away they have no reason to have them!¡± The Colonel spoke to Carl. Carl was gritting his teeth but responded with military respect and courtesy of a superior rank.


    ¡°Yes Sir!¡± Carl then went to the different Watchmen. But, none of them gave up their radio''s. They just glared at Carl, and The Colonel. Carl soon stopped and looked back at the Colonel.


    ¡°Fine you fucking shit bags! Keep them, but if I hear a single radio chatter from any of you on the air waves! I''ll arrest you for obstruction! You get me!¡± The Colonel then moved to the Police officer in charge who had actually put his hand on his gun. Shit.


    ¡°Oh look at that! The man in charge of the Police is already about to shoot some one. I guess the Wraith missed a dirty cop! What''s that? Sorry couldn''t hear you over the hypocritical bull shit of men and women in blue are Gotham''s finest! Here! Maybe this will shut your fucking mouth and follow orders!¡± The Colonel took out a signed document from the ''Acting Mayor'' giving all security leadership to the Colonel. Every leader read the document and swallowed their words.


    ¡°Good! I was hoping we''d all get along with out the paper! But you assholes all wanted to be heads of the operation but now your not! Get to your fucking assignments before I call the military guard for this waste of space! We are here for one night! Then you can all go back to you pointless fucking lives!¡± The Colonel had a smug look on his face till he spotted someone, and made his way there.


    The Colonel walked up to a beautiful older woman holding a littler girl in her arms. The girl held her arms to hug her, daddy? The Colonel''s shit eating face turned to one of joy and compassion as he hugged his little girl, then spoke to his wife. He couldn''t hold his daughter because of his dress uniform. Military standards. Soon the Colonel, and his family walked out of sight.


    Carl was face palming, wanting nothing better to do but to hide in a hole. Skaleg walked forward and took command, kinda. The Community Watch was on casual ''patrol''. The security went up into their nests up and out of sight. The Police grouped together and went to several control points. But Lash noticed that a lot of civilian''s actually avoided them. The Narrows shooting did not put the Gotham PD in a good light. Military personal in civilian clothing, and in uniform walked around the carnival grounds. Lash went to Skaleg and cast a simple noise obstruction around them. Skaleg noticed raising an eye brow at him.


    ¡°Should I be here as Lash, or the Wraith?¡± He asked. Skaleg held his chin for a bit in thought.


    ¡°Stay as Lash, unless something happens above Community Watch Lash''s capabilities. Then change to Wraith. This is a big shit show just for a general to visit with his family. But we didn''t hear anything on the vine about it. As far as we know its just a family coming for some fun.¡± Skaleg patted Lash and walked off to join Carl.


    Thanks to the Community Watch ID, Lash passed through the entry line with no issue. Walking around the Convention Palace it was huge! Well designed monstrosity, and full of people. Side tables, tents, and games were set up. Like a carnival inside of a building. But just outside the building was a huge ice skate ring. A few miles of insulated walls were put up with space heaters on the outside to make it not so cold. Hot chocolate was being given out for free. Lash spent some time collecting and throwing away trash he came across.


    Lash blinked a few times as his Magical Perception kicked on. Then he saw the other world over this world. Hundreds if not thousands of magical creatures, balls of energies, and creatures danced around invisible to the naked eye. Lash bought candy and food for a lot of the super-natural denizens fluttering around. As always no one seem to notice that an entire ball of cotton candy seem to disappear in few seconds from Lash''s hands. He laughed as he watched several spirit and ghost hounds chase people across the ice ring. Jumping through them, trying to catch them. A game the humans would be terrified if they saw. Lash''s eyes shifted for a moment to a group of men, Sherogoth''s Blessing activated. They all had light red aura''s. No so bad to warrant punishment, but enough to make Lash want to break a few bones.


    Lash started following them, using a simple glamour so he could flow through the crowds with out being disturbed. When he passed by them he released his Technomancy energy through them, they all had concealed weapons, and combat knives on. The group shivered as the pulse ran through them. They looked around and spotted Lash staring at them. They had a stand off for a bit, not sure what to do. They saw his GCW jacket. Then Lash spoke.


    ¡°Do you have a concealed carrying permit for those?¡± Lash said in a clear voice loud enough for them to hear, but not so loud to draw attention. But a few people still looked their way, staring to feel the tension.


    ¡°I don''t know what you mean?¡± The middle man spoke, raising his hands up in a mock surrender. Lash pointed at the man, then the next naming the guns they carried. He activated his radio as he spoke, directly speaking to Carl. Who was confused at first but then soon asked where Lash was.


    ¡°G-19 Glock, Desert Eagle, Magnum, Vector, PX4 Subcompact, Beretta. I''d say you were here to Ice Fish, but the skating ring doesn''t have fish. But your Fox G2B Predator combat knives that every single one of you is carrying couldn''t possibly be to cut the meat off ''Sally''s pork and steak'' Skewers. Could it?¡± Lash said to them. As he spoke to them one by one. A look of disbelief washed over the group. At this point several people had noticed what was going on and started to spread out.


    ¡°No, I think you are right! That seems like an over qualifying amount of fire power just to enjoy some skewers. Why bring so much to such a simple event?¡± A male voice spoke, an army corporal walked up with a crew of people. ¡°Especially since you have to have special written permission to carry fire arms and knives onto the convention grounds. Which I know for a fact you don''t have!¡±


    The group of men then went back to back, looking at the approaching ring of soldiers. Then they all raised their arms up in surrender. Once they raised their arms everyone nearby could see the concealed weapons that Lash had spoken of. Several people gasped, a few screamed as a wide berth was created around the scene. The lead man slowly went for his pocket which made the soldiers reach for their guns.


    ¡°Just hold on, I''m getting some identification. This will clear the whole thing up!¡± The man pulled out a badge from his pocket. US marshal, with his ID attached. He handed it over to the military Corporal who narrowed his eyes at him. Soon all the men drew out their badges as well.


    ¡°Marshal Davis? Is it? We weren''t informed we would be having support from the Marshal''s today.¡± The Corporal said, before he was interrupted by Lash.


    ¡°May I see the badge?¡± Lash asked, the Corporal shrugged and threw it over to him. Lash ran his hands over the badge, then looked at the ID number. Using Connectivity he quickly looked up their info.


    ¡°OK, First: This Badge is fake. US Marshal badges are made a dense iron and nickel alloy. One for the stream line color, two because the iron has a high melting point. History on that later. Second: US Marshal Davis with this specific serial number is currently in Texas stuck in a hospital bed from being shot on the job. So this NOT Marshal Davis.¡± Lash said, grinning at The fake Marshal.


    The fake Marshal lost all composure after that. He went for his side arm, but Lash jumped towards him reaching him in the blink of an eye, he put his hands on the man and an electrifying shock ran through his body! He didn''t scream, didn''t flail, the man just dropped! Lash, spun around and touched the back of the neck of another man, who went rigid and dropped as well. Several stun guns went off, the other assailants fell as well.


    Twenty minutes later the impersonating US Marshal''s had been hand cuffed by the military police. Carl was there explaining who Lash was. When a few officers, not the Colonel heard Lash''s name and stories behind him. They seem to re think the unbelievable luck he had in finding the weapons. The Winter festival continued! Lash was then told to keep his radio on, and to notify anyone near if he saw something strange, just like this. Convention security got their ass handed to them by the Lieutenant Colonel or so Lash heard from Carl. Carl went back to his patrol, as did Lash.


    Lash found a few more unsavory types in the crowds but none of them were trouble. They were just bad people. A man had fallen in the ice skate ring, and either twisted or snapped his ankle. Lash jumped over the barrier and walked over the ice with out slipping once! Ice was technically a part of Nature, so the ice was more then happy to help him. The man was bawling like a child. Of course when Lash saw what he had done he understood, the ankle was broken. That''s a horrible injury to have. Lash knelt down and smiled at the man. He used a simple obstruction glamour and used Restoration on the ankle. The bones, and muscles reconnected. But the ankle itself was still swollen and looked horrible. Lash offered to carry the man to the edge where EMT''s and Paramedics were waiting.


    Lash was seen walking across the ice skate ring, giving a full grown man a piggy back. Never slipped, making it look easy as pie. Soon reaching the edge he handed the man off to the medics and briefed them on the mans injury using his skill, Medical Care. Lash would have to go get an actual medical license in the future to make things easier. Or just ask the Wardens for one? Then Lash was back at it. He helped a few kids find their parents. Getting lost in this crowd was easy. Then the intercom over the entire carnival sounded with a screech making people complain in protest.


    ¡°Hello one and all! Tis I Gotham''s number one genius and master with wit, voice, verb, and puzzle! But you may all call me, The Riddler! Riddle me this! What has lights, a timer, and will explode killing everyone if they don''t play my game? A bomb!¡± A distorted mans voice spoke, as several boxes, popped open revealing gas cans, wired with explosives.


    ¡°If ONE person leaves this Palace Convention, the bombs will go off! Killing you all, destroying the convention palace, and destroying three city blocks of Gotham! But do not worry! If you play my game and win! You will all be let go! Wont this be fun!¡± The mans voice said.


    Soon the entire winter carnival screamed in panic! Hundreds of people moved to leave the convention center grounds, clearly not hearing the threat. When BOOM! Explosions at every major entry and exit point exploded. Killing dozens of people, and creating a raging inferno to make escape impossible.


    ¡°Tsk! Tsk! Gotham! Didn''t I say if ONE person leaves the bombs will go off? Well consider this a warning! Now! Who''s ready to play my game! We''ll start with....¡± Lash didn''t hear the rest of the voice as so many people screamed and ran around like chickens with their heads cut off. This was suppose to be an easy night!

 Chapter 35: CHEATER!

    Lash took a moment to slow his breathing and center himself among the mass hysteria that was now the Winter Carnival. People pushed against one another, shoving, kicking, and knocking down as they ran to no specific place. The well placed bombs along the perimeter created a wall of flame that was not going out for the moment. Ensnaring the civilians with in the convention palace. Then Lash reached into his skill tree and activated Calm Emotions in an area of effect of about ten meters around him. Then he began walk towards the nearest exit to pick up the bodies of the dead, and help the wounded.


    Like a general moving past the disorderly mob of soldiers, as soon as people came with in his range they would promptly slow down and look around confused. Why were they running? Why did they lose their heads? Panic would not help this situation. Even as Lash walked out of the effected range the skill effects did not immediately stop. The emotions regained would be gradual, but the skill was effective. Coming to the exit he made his way towards the ranging fire and started pulling dead bodies from the blast area back towards the convention center. As soon as he touched them he knew they were gone. But a few had been knocked unconscious. Using a simple glamour to hide the spell craft he cast his three favorite nature spells on those that were still alive. The change was gradual but visible to the naked eye...If anyone was paying attention? Just encase Lash altered his current appearance once more using glamour so no one could identify him if they tried.


    Once Lash had finished gathering the dead, and partially restoring the wounded he moved to the next exit. Repeating what he had just done previously, restoring a sense of calm to anyone that came with in ten meters of him. This acted like a ripple effect across the area he was in. Soon cooler heads prevailed across the outside skating ring, several people even began to help him drag the dead and wounded from the fires administering first aid. It was at this point that several people attempting to help him noticed that he would place his hands on the wounded any they would begin to heal as if by magic. They looked at him wide eyes, he raised a finger to his lips motioning them to be quiet. They did as he asked not saying a word.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± One of his helpers asked in a hushed voice. Lash turned to them, only to see the rest of the group waiting to see his answer. Thanks to his glamour he had a different skin tone, eye color, and no tribal marks. He looked around, then for a brief moment his form flashed into the disguise of The Wraith. Then he went back to being ''human''


    ¡°Wraith!¡± One of the people hissed a whisper. Before they all smiled at him. He gently nodded and then began to move towards the convention building.


    It wasn''t much better inside the building, the power was out so the lights were off. Emergency lighting was on, but all that did is make ghosts and spirits out of the rattled civilians. Building security was attempting to calm every one down, with the aid of the military. Lash continued to keep his skill Calm Emotions active. Thanks to this glamour he no longer had GCW logo on his coat. At least visibly, he was doing his best to blend in as he moved past the crowds. Then he saw about a dozen well armed soldier run down a hall way, yelling.


    ¡°We have to find a sign in the food court!?¡± A soldier yelled as he pushed past people. Ah! The Riddlers game, he must have said a riddle and the answer was a sign in the food court.


    Lash was curious if he could deactivate a bomb with his Technomancy but he couldn''t find one. The ones he saw outside were used to deter people from leaving when they exploded into fiery napalm. BANG! BANG! The sounds of gunfire was heard through the walls of the convention palace making people scream. He walked at a hurried pace towards the gun fire. Running would only cause troubles right now. Hundreds of people scattered down the hall towards him, with his skill active he was like a stone pier during a storm. The waves of people crashed into him and were immediately settled, though a few did run into him directly which only made them bounce off. He helped a few people up but kept his forward momentum.


    Turning a corner he soon found a quasi deserted section of the convention palace. A large open ground area that connected several hall ways together. Several police were firing their weapons at ''civilians'' who were all shooting back. However with a glimpse Lash saw a US marshal badge on the belt of one. The Police had made a simple barricade out of turned over tables and chairs, the same as the ''Marshals''. Lash knelt down at the corner of the intersection, reaching into his Nature Domain he created a thick billowing fog the soon filled up the room. Several of the police thought it was gas, so they covered their mouths and noses.


    Lash then activated his skill Transformation, Lash stayed in the driver seat but invited Saurian to merge with him. Flexible but hard scales covered his body from head to toe, as he took on a reptilian features for protection. Then he turned on his Wraith disguise, all of this took no less then ten seconds to complete. The police and ''marshals'' continued to fire blindly through the fog, Lash then stuck low to the ground and slipped past the enemy barricade.


    Like a walking, talking stun gun. Lash reached out with a hand and lightly tapped one of the gunmen. An electric current ran through the man''s body, dropping him like a sack of potato''s. Lash stepped forward a few feet and did the same to another, and another. Soon all the gunmen were down, the police seem to notice the change because they stopped firing. Lash slipped back to his original position in the hall way. He recalled his Transformation, turned off his Wraith disguise and returned to the inconspicuous civilian attire. The fog soon lifted, as he watched the after math.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Officer one said. Slowly moving towards the enemies barricade.


    ¡°It wasn''t gas. Didn''t feel like smoke. Ah...Oh shit! They are all knocked out!¡± Officer two said, coming around the corner looking down at the unconscious bodies of the gun men.


    ¡°Hurry get their weapons and cuff them!¡± Officer one said. His people moved forward as instructed.


    ¡°Oh! Oh! Look at you go! Another one of my group has fallen! You''ve all earned an extra ten minutes to the timer! Well done!¡± The Riddlers voice called over the intercom.


    Lash looked up in confusion, there was no power. So how was Riddle watching the show, and still talking through the convention palace. Wait, was there power but the breakers were just shut off for this area? Ah! An objective to work towards. Lash took out his phone as he moved towards a more populated area of the palace. He had several messages from Skaleg telling him to avoid turning into Wraith for now. Lash sent a reply saying he understood. Using Connectivity with the help of his phone he looked up the floor plans of the palace, where was the utility and power center? Found it!


    On the way Lash noticed that his radio was down, all it gave was constant stream of static. He looked at it, and even ran his domain through it. It was working fine, that must mean they had a jamming device in place. Made sense, especially with the bombs. Stray radio waves could sometime set off the bombs. His phone worked thanks to the mystical upgrade Sam and Nast''rok gave it. Which is why Skaleg''s worked as well. Knowing that Lash made a call, masking his voice like always.


    Ring....Ring....Ring


    ¡°Wayne Manor. How may I help you?¡± Pennyworth''s voice spoke.


    ¡°Pennyworth, Gotham City Convention Palace that is hosting the Winter Carnival is under attack. A man named the Riddler is holding it hostage with bombs. If anyone tries to leave he''ll detonate the bombs and claims the bombs can destroy three city blocks. However, he claims that if they play his game he''ll let them go. Which I don''t buy. Is your master available?¡± Lash spoke in the animalistic tone that Saurian would have.


    ¡°Oh my word! Master Bruce, is currently not at home but I can easily inform him. What is your position, Sir?¡± Pennyworth went from surprised to cool and composed. Just like a good soldier would be.


    ¡°I am currently on site, but I am dressed as a civilian. Riddler has apparently shut off power to the lights, but has kept power to the security camera''s and intercom system so he can play his game. I''m moving to the utility room now to attempt to restore it. The Riddle says we only have.... Three hours to complete his game, but with every objective we complete he adds ten minutes.¡± Lash took a moment to listen to Riddler prattle on and on.


    ¡°Very well, Sir! I will inform him as soon as possible! Take care!¡± Pennyworth hung up on Lash for a change. Making Lash smile.


    Lash put his phone away and began to jog towards his destination, slipping past the crowds. Most people were huddling on the side of the walk ways to stay out of the way. A few people were hiding in rooms, trying to comfort each other. Thankfully no one had resorted the more depraved actions that tend to happen such situations. At least none that he could see.


    ¡°Just let them go! No one has to get hurt!¡± That voice...it was Carl? Lash slowed down, turned to look down a hallway towards a larger room. It was the opposite direction of the utility room. Shit. He moved towards Carl.


    Jogging up to the door, Lash carefully peeked around the corner for about half a second then planted him flat against the wall. Inside Carl was holding a Beretta towards several ''Marshals'' The room was a forty by thirty by ten foot room. Twenty or more civilians were on the ground shaking in horror. Eight gun men wearing civilian clothing were holding an assortment of guns at the hostages as well as holding a little boy, and a young woman. Luke and Abby, Carl''s son and wife. The ''marshals'' knew they had Carl in a hard place. They wanted him to give up.


    Lash reached into his Nature Domain, then used his Telepathic skill. He linked to Carl, Abby, and Luke. -Close your eyes! As soon as the light happens, drop like dead weight! Lash didn''t wait for a reply. The room was dark except for the emergency lighting. Lash cast the spell, Daylight in the center of the room. Pushing more power into it then necessary. Aside from some gardening, and the time he went to the land fill he hadn''t really used this spell. But it was still a useful tool in his belt to have.


    ¡°GAAAH! WHAT THE FUCK!¡± One of the gunmen shouted at the top of his lungs. Lash sprinted into the room, activating his Transformation and Wraith disguise in half step. Carl, Abby, and Luke became rag dolls and dropped to the floor.


    Lash let loose an inhuman roar at the attackers. Intimidating Shout, the gunmen all froze for a brief moment. Then Lash was on top of them, Thanks to the lessons with Simon, and Mahalia he had a better idea on how to disable with out killing people. He delivered a left hook to one man''s shoulder, with his strength the bones and joints in the shoulder snapped under the pressure. The man screamed and dropped his gun. Lash swept his right foot out and snapped the knee of another man. The leg folded in half! The Daylight spell winked out returning the room to darkness. Screams rang out from the hostages as much as the gunmen as they began to shoot wildly.


    Lash struck with a knife hand straight towards another gunman''s neck with a little more force then he intended. The man''s neck caved in and blood gushed from his mouth. Shit, Lash still needed practice. He struck another mans chest with a palm strike. The man flew across the room, colliding with a wall. He wanted to practice but this was starting to get dangerous. He played it safe and began to electrify his attacks. He gently tapped the rest of the gunmen, they all went rigid and fell.


    Lash reached out with his Nature Domain to sense life and injury. Aside from the gunmen no one else sustained an injury. He looked around and all eyes were on him staring with wide eyes. Carl was holding his wife and son in his arms. His eyes were hard and focused as he looked at Wraith. Lash/Wraith looked back. Then something struck Lash that he hadn''t considered before, what did his voice sound like through a telepathic link?


    ==========================================================


    Carl knelt on the ground with his wife and son in his arms. Holding them close as he looked up at the tall figure that he had seen in the news so many times before. A seven foot ghost like monster, with pure darkness as it''s skin, a midnight black tail danced idly behind it. Two deep yellow reptilian eyes stared back at them. But something made Carl question the reports he had heard from his superiors about this monster. This united nations world security agent. The voice he heard before, the voice in his head.... Didn''t he sound a lot like his friend, Lash?


    Carl slowly stood up and pulled his son, and wife behind him in a protective action. The yellow eyes deep in the darkness that was the Wraiths hood tracked their movements. He picked up his side arm then set the safety and put it away in his holster.


    ¡°Thank you, is World Security on their way?¡± Carl asked in his best professional voice.


    ¡°Unknown, radio and cell phone signals are being jammed. Keep your family safe, and continue to do your duty. Sergeant Bradley.¡± Wraith''s voice was deep, primal, and hard to understand. It made Carl wince as he heard the voice, he was not the only one.


    Before Carl could say anything more he noticed fog was flowing from the Wraith, soon the whole room was full of the stuff. The people on the ground screamed in panic but it was soon over. The fog disappeared and the Wraith was gone. Carl felt a small hand in his own squeezing, he looked down and saw Luke looking at him with a wide smile.


    ¡°I know what I want to be for Halloween next year!¡± Luke said. Carl and his wife both laughed. Then Abby picked up Luke and cried. Hugging Carl, they had almost died and an Alien saved their lives.


    ============================================================


    Lash sprinted down the hallway away from Carl, he had turned off his Wraith disguise and his Transformation again. Trying to keep a low profile. He ran towards the utility room taking a service door he went down the stairs three at a time. He came around a corner only to hear a constant stream of machine gun fire.


    Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!Rata!


    Lash turned a corner and saw dozens of bodies of military personnel laying across the floor, many of them were groaning in pain, some of them had bled out. Down the hall way several people were sitting at the corner of a left turn. The hall filled with the smell of blood, sweat, and viscera. Utility cables ran across the ceiling along with a few emergency lights. Then the repeated firing of heavy machine guns rang out once more. Sporadically firing at the men at the end of the hallway. Lash moved past the wounded soldiers and came to stop a few feet from a Corporal he recognized from before. The man was bleeding from several holes in his stomach, and legs. He was pale, and was nearly gone from this world. Eyes focused slightly when Lash knelt by him.


    ¡°Si...sir. Y...You shoul..dnt be here.¡± He said weakly.


    Lash reached out and touched the man''s chest. A natural green color glowed from Lash''s chest, it flowed like a bubling spring through his arm into the Corporal. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Restoration, and Nature''s Kiss passed into the man. The bullet wounds closed, a few even spit the bullets inside the man back out before closing. His face regained color, but he was not fully healed. Just out of the woods. The Corporal blinked several times, not understanding what was going on. Lash decided he was done playing incognito. He recast his Wraith form, he stood up and called Saurian out to play.


    Has bones broke, and flesh torn asunder. Lash''s cloths were sucked into Spatial Item Shifting, and soon stood a near seven foot tall chimera lizard folk persona that was Saurian. Unlike Lash, Saurian no longer had a golden ratio, triangle persona that most humans had. He was a solid rectangle of a monster. As wide, and tall as a door. A long muscular tail grew from the base of his spine and was moving back and forth behind him. Long nimble clawed fingers and toes, bone blades on his elbows and knee''s. Incredibly tough major scales on all his vital area''s, with flexible scales in area''s they needed to be. His mouth elongated by about ten inches, and skull crew a crest much like a triceratops would have but with no horns. Providing both a shield as well as a weapon. Frills grew down his back, up along his arms and legs, and down his tail. From head to tail he was easily as long as fifteen feet. Saurian had grown a lot lately, his massive form took up a lot of space in the hallway.


    The Wraith disguise was still on him, so all the soldiers in the hall could see was a wraith monster figure with darkness for skin. Saurian extended his hand out down the hallway and the green energy flew out of him, and touched every soldier. Every wounded soldier breathed new life. But all the fallen soldiers had been dead to long. He could do nothing for them but usher them on their way.


    ¡°Stay here..¡± Saurian said to the Corporal, who could only nod his head.


    Saurian went up to a nearby wall, after he checked a prompt for his spells and skills he smiled wide. He cast Material Shaping, and Mud Marsh on the wall, he took a deep breath then walked into the wall...Or maybe dove into the wall would be better to say because he began to swim through the ground towards his objective. The wall soon become solid once more...


    Congratulations User! Your skill, Sensory Awareness has gained an additional effect. Tremor Sense; Sensory has a maximum range of ten meters above ground, but underground you have six meters.


    Congratulations User: You''ve obtained a Nature Domain Spell/Skill, Earth Swim: You can now shift through trace elements of earth as if it was like water. As this skill grows your speed will increase, as the power consumption decreases. The denser the material the more magic is required. Please note, this is not Density Shifting. There are many materials this will not work on! Material Shaping, will aid you in knowing if you can move through a surface or not. Don''t get stuck!


    Swimming through hard concrete was definitely not a pleasant experience. Especially since he had to hold his breath. Moving past the electrical wires, pipes, etc he got to the end of the hall. Like a crocodile coming up to breath he slipped just the barest part of his nostrils out of the wall to take a breath. Then slipped back in, earth swimming was quickly draining his magic he had to get out of the wall as soon as possible. Finding a secluded section he stepped out. The wall sucking on him like a marsh made of mud and clay. But once he was out, he was dry as a bone. Definitely weird! Poking his eye around the corner he saw three men reloading what looked like four heavy duty M249 Automatic machine guns. The operators took turns to sporadically shoot down the hallway.


    Saurian confidently walked out from behind the part of the wall towards the men as if he owned the place. Soon coming right behind one of them he reached out and ran an electrical current through his body. The man nearly bit his tongue off as he went rigid. Saurian reached out and touched each one before the next one even noticed what was going on. Then he cast Recycle on their weapons. The spell was not high enough for long range casting or he would have done that. The weapons fell to pieces in front of the last four operators who gasped in surprise. Turning around they screamed in horror as a seven foot tall Wraith loomed over them. Saurian made quick work of them, a shock a piece!


    ¡°Clear!¡± Saurian''s voice called down the hallway. An optical camera poked around the corner, soon followed by a head. Then soldiers raced down to meet Saurian.


    Saurian went to the Utility door, gently placing his claws against it he sent a Technomancy pulse through the door. Was it Trapped? Wired to explode?.....Yes, yes it was. He raised a hand to stop the soldiers from closer. They all stopped, waiting.


    ¡°Door is wired with an explosive device, move these men back and I''ll try get in. But encase it doesn''t work, take cover.¡± Saurian''s said, rebuking no argument from the soldiers. With out a word they grabbed the incapacitated and went back down the room.


    Once out of sight, Saurian ''swam'' through the wall again. He ground his molars as a sever spike of pain pushed into his head. Fuck, this took a lot of energy to do! Slipping out of the wall on the inside just as the magic stopped being fueled. Saurian leaned over, holding onto his knee''s gasping for air. He had done a lot in the few months he''d been a Warden. Using his skills, his spells, his physical labor. But none of them took the tole of swimming through hard concrete. This was something he''d have to practice over and over to reduce the energy level.


    The room was large, and full of electrical panels, and centralized air conduits. Saurian looked at the door and winced. There must have been at least six different traps attached to the door. Mines, C-4, electrical stun gun attached to the nob as soon as it turned. How the fuck did the operator even leave the room? Using Sensory Awareness and his Nature Domain he confirmed there was no one in here with him. But he did find a ventilation panel with its cover removed. So they crawled out?


    Saurian moved through the room slowly checking under, over, and up. Looking for traps both mundane and mystical. He was just being careful! Then he got a prompt!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Dungeon Delver: Alert to hidden traps, secret doors, and things of importance when exploring a dungeon, lair, or secret space. This works with, Danger Sense, and Sensory Awareness. (Subject to possible change)


    Note: Some Magical Domains effect this skill.


    Saurian grumbled over the new skill, it was nice to have but it only filled him with more caution as he went over the entire room again with his new skill, he felt like he rolled a D20 and got a natural one. Not finding a camera, motion sensor, etc. He moved back to the door and slowly began to disarm the traps attached to it. After about ten minutes he slowly opened the door and called down the hallway once again.


    ¡°Clear! Move up!¡± Saurian''s reptilian voice rang out, a soldier poked his head around the corner carefully. Breathed a sigh of relief as they came down the hallway again.


    ¡°Someone check and hold that ventilation shaft. That''s how they got out, it could be a way for them to get back in.¡± Saurian pointed at the possible entrance a soldier moved over to secure it. Soon the wounded Corporal limped into the room at the assistance of another soldier.


    ¡°Sir, is the World Security in the palace?¡± Saurian stopped and looked at the man, he looked at the rest of them. The male to female ratio was about 5:1. They looked tired, red eyed, stressed. But ready to work if called to.


    ¡°Radio and Cell phones are being jammed. I am sure Gotham knows that the convention palace is in being held hostage. But I''m currently the only UNWS on site. Sorry.¡± Saurian said, his tone softer then he normally would have spoken. The soldiers seem to notice the change in pitch, a few smiled grateful.


    ¡°It''s fine sir, speaking personally you saved my life and many lives of our brothers and sisters. You are more then enough right now.¡± The Corporal said, many of the soldiers agreed.


    ¡°Well this is all very touching, but lets get back to it. Carefully check every fuse box, and centralized air box. Any traps, any wires you don''t recognize? Then stop and call for assistance. If your not sure which is which then just hold the doors and keep an eye out.¡± Saurian said, his voice returning to business brisk, and cold. The soldiers snapped back to attention and went to work.


    Saurian placed his hand on the centralized computer for the room. A blue glow came from his hand, that more then a few of the soldiers noticed. Soon the main computer screen popped on, the password filled out and started searching through information. Then Saurian gritted his teeth and snarled, yanking his hand back as if it was burned by something! Then a man''s head with a green riddle hat appeared on the screen, cackling.


    ¡°Naha! Naha! You didn''t say the magic word! But since you did find a way into the Utility room I''ll count that as an bonus objective. I''ll add another ten minutes to the timer!¡± The Riddlers avatar then shut the computer back down. Saurian had encountered the virus''s firewall. He vaguely remembered that since he was doing the hacking the firewall would burn him, instead of a computer. Great.


    He looked down at this hand, the damage was not physical per say. But more magical, so his hand was slightly burnt. It soon healed, and the pain from the firewall left his body and mind. He''d have to practice with Sam trying to hack into things to get use to it.


    ¡°Sir, are you alright?¡± A woman soldier walked over, she had a red cross patch on her shoulders. She looked at Saurian then at his hand not seeing any injury.


    ¡°Yes, my computer interface is in my hand. The virus fried the circuits. I''ll be fine, thank you.¡± Saurian said softly. The woman''s went wide then looked back at his hand that was dripping in darkness.


    ¡°That''s a neat trick. I don''t suppose you could teach me how to heal like you do?¡± She said with a smile.


    ¡°Actually I can, humans are capable of learning the abilities I have. Just takes the right materials and teaching method.¡± Saurian said nonchalantly, as if it was completely normal what he said.


    As a matter of fact it was. Humans had been casting Nature magic for over a thousand years. It was just not public knowledge. But she along with a few soldiers nearby who were listening thought it was some alien tech or ability. Something they could learn!? Stars were in the medics eyes! Then she was brought out of her fantasy when Saurian pulled a fuse box cover off its hinges. Checking over the wires, he found that they were all in working order. With the help of the soldiers all the contents of the room were working just fine. They just couldn''t activate them with out the main computer. Right?


    Saurian grinned and went to the nearest fuse box. A blue glow over took his entire body. Electricity danced, and arced across his Wraith disguise. Every soldier backed up, as static energy was dancing across their skin. This was the same thing that would happen when lighting was about to strike. Saurian then put his claws against the fuse box, willing the magic into it.


    TURN ON!


    WwwwwwiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrPOP! Lighting danced from Saurian, to the fuse boxes. Then with a POP! The entire system turned back on! The lights, the heat, the had lines, hell the ATM''s turned on. Saruian had a smile on his face as he took his hands back. He had bypassed the computer and went straight to the source. This would be a bitch to turn off in the future, but they would handle that later.


    ================================================================


    ¡°Nooooo! Why are the lights on! How did they get power back!? How! How!? I must have missed something!? No! My plan was perfect! Perfect! They must have cheated! Cheaters! Cheaters!¡± The Riddler screamed in fury! As he watched through his several monitors as the power through out the Convention Palace turned back on. He went to his radio and called in to his men on the other line.


    ¡°Change up the time table! They got the power back on, you only have twenty minutes left to empty out the vault! Got it?!¡± The Riddler yelled into his radio. His men soon replied.


    Edward Nygma was not even in the convention palace. He was in a control room in a building half way across Gotham. He walked towards a television that was muted, watching how the police and the military had encircled the convention palace daring to not go in because of the bomb threats in the palace. He glared as he saw a Bat-like jet plane dropped off the Batman, and a younger, smaller kid wearing a red and green costume. They raced into the building. Edward was confused. He went back to his monitors and saw in one room his hired thugs were being beaten by a young woman in a bat costume, with a yellow bat symbol outline. A whole fucking bat family?! But they had all just got here! Who turned on the power?! Who!?


    ==============================================================


    The soldiers in the utility room cheered. The static across their radios burst for a moment then chatter started coming through the radio. Surging the breakers must have fried the radio and cell phone interference Saurian was surprised that the bombs didn''t go off...Wait. Were there even bombs in the palace? Saurian asked Erik for information. -I wouldn''t put it past The Riddle to do a fake out. He could have planted the bombs, but it''s also possible this entire thing is a diversion He did that a lot in the comics. Make a game, create a riddle, only to steal something on the other side of the city. Erik replied. So it''s possible that there are bombs? But more then likely he''s using this whole thing as a diversion?


    Over the past several weeks the lines separating Erik, Lash, and Saurian had started to blur. They use to talk a lot to each other. Swap stories, information, etc. But lately it''s almost as if they were one complete person that just identified themselves by different names, like how you go by one name at work, one name with your family, another nickname with your friends. Only in certain circumstances did lines between them show up. Like now.


    ¡°I don''t know how you all got the power back on! I was going to give you an extra ten minutes for achieving an objective. But now! I think I''ll just deduct time instead! Cheaters! All of you are Cheaters! You have thirty minutes to complete my game or you''ll all die! Muhahahahaha!¡± The Riddlers childish voice rang out across the intercom system. The soldiers cheering stopped abruptly.


    ¡°We have to get to the main security office in the Palace! There is a 80% chance there are no bombs! He''s distracting us!¡±Saurian shouted and made a beeline for the door and ran full tilt down the hallway. He vaguely heard the Corporal shout at his men. He would stay with a few people and the wounded the rest of them to chase after Wraith.


    Congratulations User! Your skill, Pack Bond has grown an additional effect!


    Temporary Pack: You can now select a few trusted individuals to become part of your pack, temporarily. You all gain a 5% increase in overall stats. As well as the pack telepathy, location, and language perk. Please Note, that they must have at the very least a ''friendly'' disposition towards you.


    Saurian ground to a halt at the end of the hallway as the soldiers ran towards them as fast as possible. He looked at them, and a connection was made between him and the six soldiers chasing him. They all felt the established link. As not only a telepathic link was made, but they all suddenly got stronger. Saurian grinned, and ran ahead of them. But not so fast that he outpaced them. The soldiers moved quicker, turned faster, and one of them laughed. They didn''t fully understand what this was, but it was fucking amazing! They raced up the stairs, past the crowds who moved to the side to get out their way. Then the Riddlers panic voice came over the intercom calling out Wraith''s position to every one of his thugs.


    ¡°MAIN HALL WAY! MAIN HALL WAY! HE''S COMING FOR THE SECURITY ROOM STOP HIM!¡± The Riddlers voice was in full blown panic now.


    Saruian jumped three sets of stairs in a few seconds his ''pack'' jumping up stairs five at a time. They were getting better as they got use to the stat increase. 5% may not seem like a lot, but when you are already in great shape, an additional 5% is more then enough. They all shouted for everyone to get out the way! Soon automatic fire rang down the central hall. His ''pack'' dove to the sides well ahead of time, their connection to Saurian told them what was coming. They returned fire with the precision of trained soldiers enhanced by magic! Bullets zipped past Saurian, missing by inches but he didn''t stop running forward. The firing line of the gunmen were thirty meters away and closing.


    A wall of fog burst from Saurian and swallowed the firing line making them all scream in fright. Saurian''s ''pack'' could still see through the fog and moved forward to get a better position. Saruian was done being nice. He saw many tainted people in this group, he pounced into the group with the ferocity of a hungry wolf among sheep!


    Saurian reached out with his claws and ripped a mans right hand off. The man screamed in horror as his wrist tore to pieces. Saurian let lose a Rallying Call! His pack roared in return and began to shoot into the mess. Saurian ducked down as bullets flew over him, as it was perfectly timed. Dozens of gunmen dropped after being riddled with holes. Saurian struck with his arm, using his bone blade to literally chopp a man''s leg off. Earning a delightful scream from him. Bathing Saurian in blood! He grinned as he pummeled another man until his chest cavity caved in. Whipping his tail side ways he base ball swung it into a another man''s skull, with enough force that it flew off. A gout of blood shot out, spraying everyone. Screams continued to ring out until only a few were left. Saurian then jumped over the barricade on his way to the security room. -Finish them off! I''m going on ahead! The soldiers didn''t understand how to speak across the link, but they did yell out with a roger!


    He saw several gunmen close and lock the door to the security room, Saurian jumped straight at the wall beside the door and ''swam'' through it! Popping out right next to the horrified men. Diving his left arm straight forward he easily pierced a man''s chest then threw him at another. He leaped forward pouncing on top of that one. Who screamed in pain, as Saurian used his claws on his feet to rake through flesh and bone. The man soon bled out. Then there was only one man left, who dropped his gun and knelt down screaming he surrenders. He didn''t carry a mark of Sherogoth so Saurian shocked him with electricity. Clearing the whole room, he unlocked the main door. And sent word across the link that the main room was secure. He moved to the main computer network and linked up, searching through the security feeds.


    Video feeds, security codes, etc flashed through Saurian''s mind. More then once he hit a Firewall. His entire body and mind was seared with burns. But he didn''t lose connection he just moved away from the Firewall. He felt his ''pack'' approach behind him. The secured the room, tied the last living man alive. Then held security on the door and hallway. One of them was talking into a radio to the Corporal. Soon Saurian found a cyberspace back door in the network. Looking around in the Firewalls. He found his answer, he activated the intercom system.


    ¡°Attention! Attention! This the United Nations World Security. There are no immediate bombs with in the convention palace. All bombs are located in the trash bins, and trash cans outside the entrances with a proximity sensor. The man known as The Riddler is not inside the convention palace. His current location is in the building on Serento road at 2436. In apartment 15. His men are currently robbing Gotham City Central Bank.¡± Saurian''s voice spoke inside the palace and out. The video feeds on the outside showed that all the cops and military looked towards the trash bins, and cans.


    ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOO! CHEATER! CHEATER! CHEATER! CHEATER! CHEATER!¡± The Riddler lost all sense of reason, activating the bombs. The trash cans all exploded sending shrapnel, and debris but the loss of life was zero. Injuries sure. But no one died.


    Saurian soon muted the Riddler as he continued to yell Cheater over and over. The remaining gunmen in the convention palace all sprinted for their exits. Saurian spoke across the intercom system, telling the security, police, and military about the different routes the gunmen were taking to escape. Including but not limited to sewer access, rope and pulley systems across buildings, etc. Soon he saw the Bat-Wing fly over the palace and pick up Batman and...Robin? Oh wow! They flew off towards The Riddler. Then Saurian spotted...Who appeared to be Bat-Girl? Bat-Woman? He''d have to ask. She was trying to stop the gunmen from leaving but was pinned down. He read the camera and took off towards her location.


    -Come or stay its your choice! Saurian called across the link. The soldiers sprinted after him, one of them calling over the radio that they were moving and they needed some one to cover the security room. A reply soon came. Then the soldier sprinted after them. Saurian got a prompt from the system that Pack Bond had gone up in rank. So now he and his ''pack'' got a 6% bonus. Saurian jumped down from a railing to a three story drop. His people didn''t even hesitate and jumped as well, they didn''t even register what they just did till they were in the air. Then they all hit the ground and rolled to off set the kinetic force. Once out of the roll they kept running. No broken bones, no torn muscles. One them even yelled in excitement.


    ¡°HOLY FUCK! What did we just do!?¡± Saurian laughed, his good humor spread across the link. The other soldiers soon laughed as well then went back to running.


    The soldiers were sprinting at 12 mph down the hall. They made sharp turns with almost no deceleration they soon came upon Saurian''s query. A few dozen gunmen were trying to get through a hole that was blown open. But the hole was only large enough for one person at a time. Bat-woman? Was stuck behind a bar throwing bottles of hard liquor at them trying to get them to stop. -Move to cover, and establish firing line. I''m going in! Using Intimidating Shout, Saurian roared at the gunmen. His roar shook the entire room, making them all stop and gape in surprise. Though Bat-woman was not stunned but she did stop to stare at him. Saurian barreled into the group like a bowling ball. Sending the men ever which way and that. Soon automatic fire from this ''pack''s rifles rang.


    After a few minutes the battle was over. Most of the gunmen were dead, a few shocked into unconsciousness. Saurian checked the hole and saw that those who got away were long gone. He wanted to chase them, but he had work here to do. Searching the link none of the ''pack'' was injured so he moved to the bat-persona.


    She was wearing had made leather, and cloth outfit. Her bat cowl was a patchwork, with one of her ears being floppy like a dogs. A space was cut out in the back to let her auburn hair out. However, her hair was kept in a hairnet so not to get lose or caught. Good thinking. Her cape covered her body and went to her calf''s so she could hide but not trip over it. She had black leather biker boots, biker gloves, leather pants, and leather coat. Patched with a few other things including the bat symbol, though it was colored with dark yellow. The outfit hugged her curves nicely, but it was lose enough that it could get caught if she was not careful. Saurian was now standing in front of her, towering over her 5'' 6¡± frame. She began to shiver under his gaze.


    ¡°What''s your name?¡± Saurian''s reptilian voice made her jump. She began to wring her hands out, not sure how to answer. ¡°Code name is fine.¡± Her expression perked up.


    ¡°Bat-Girl!¡± Barbara Gordon said proudly. Saurian knew it was her from the scent she had when Lash first met her. Saurian''s head nodded several times then held out his hand to her.


    ¡°Thank you for trying to help, Bat-Girl. May I give you a reward?¡± Saurian said gently. She hesitated for a moment then shook his hand that easily dwarfed her own.


    Using a bit of his glamour Saurian made a technological appearance of his Domain of Technomancy. Dozens of tiny blue streams of energy furled out from his body. They began to touch her body, or rather her power suit. Tiny ''windows'' with jumbled words and glyph''s that meant nothing to him showed up around her as if saying ''Hay look at me I''m doing something''. Casting his magic Renew, Alteration, Essence Imbuement and Compression Transformation Bat-Girls uniform changed visibly to the naked eye. The suit soon fit her like a tailored masterpiece. Showing off every curve, and muscled form of her athletic body. The patchwork disappeared and became seamless. Her cowl became rigid, so no floppy ears as cute as they were. No ragged cut outs, and no loose fabric. Using his magic he reinforced parts of the power suit to be harder so they could take more damage, and made the area''s of movement flexible. Then he did something radical! He used Skill Trainer and imparted Danger Sense. If she had a system she would get a prompt telling her she would now have Minor Danger Sense, because it was imparted it would take a long time to improve. But it would save her life. Soon the dozens of tiny blue arms retracted, the information windows closed. Saurian stepped back to admire his work.


    Batgirl''s eyes were wide in astonishment, she was not the only one. Saurian''s pack were surprised as well. A few muttered, can we get gifts too? -Don''t worry you will. Saurian said to them. She did a twirl around as her cape now flowed around as if was a living thing. Thanks to the essence of nature it was now attached to her. It wouldn''t repair or grow. But it had a sense of life that wasn''t there before. She knocked her knuckles on several hard spots that had been made. She squeaked when Saurian tossed a knife at her gently and gestured. She gently applied force, then pushed harder and harder. The knife didn''t even leave a scratch. She practically danced around for a bit then jumped over to hug Saurian. Wrapping her arms around him, only to jump back in surprise at what she just did.


    ¡°Th..Thank you sir wraith, wraith sir. Mr...Wraith. Agent Wraith...w....sir.....¡± Batgirl''s voice got quiet at the end.


    ¡°You are welcome, but you should leave! I am a certified agent, you are not. Take the passage out and continue to keep Gotham safe.¡± Saurian bowed from his waist to the young woman, she smiled brilliantly at him. Did a poorly performed curtsy and ran down the blown up hole. Saurian turned to look at the ''pack''.


    ¡°There are no camera''s in this room that are in service, I made sure of it. So I ask all of you. We came into this room to stop the gunmen from leaving. But didn''t see anyone else, right?¡± Saurian said the last part with emphasis.


    ¡°Yes, sir! Those gunmen are down for the count. We should report the hole though.¡± One of the soldiers said out loud. The others all smiled and agreed.


    ¡°Good, now for the gift you asked for?¡± Saurian said, the soldier who spoke up before looked anywhere but at Saurian. ¡°I am sure you all felt the effects of what we did? Once I leave the area, the immediate effect will begin to drain out of you. However, the physical limiter that is placed in all humans has now been raised for you, but not removed. Do not be surprised that in the future if you continue to train you''ll find things that were hard before have become easier now. Though not to the degree that you have when traveling with me.¡± Saurian said, a bit of good humor in his voice.


    He then pulled the bond away from the soldiers. They all felt the transition, he cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on them again, not kiss because he did that in the hall way back then. Once per day! They felt the energy dance through their body, men and women both groaned in absolute pleasure as they felt amazing.


    ¡°A piece of advice? Don''t tell anyone that you''ve been ''Enhanced'' it will bring nothing but trouble. I know more then a few governments that would be happy to open you up and dissect you. Even with a 0.00001% chance they could learn how you are what you are now.¡± Saurian''s voice took a hard edge when he said that. Not towards them specifically, and they all shivered at the thought.


    ¡°If they ask you how you did the things you did on the camera''s they have. Just tell them I used my healing skills and tools on you. I repaired your bodies as fast as they broke. Which technically is not a lie. But before we move on, all of you tell me your full names and ranks. I''ll put it in my report. Maybe we''ll work together again.¡± Saurian asked. The soldiers listed off name and rank. Including the medic and Corporal they left behind.


    Saurian and the soldiers soon went back to the main hallway to meet up with, you guessed it. The Lieutenant Colonel who was being screamed at by the One star General. Saurian listen to the bull shit the general was spouting and finally had enough and stepped up between them. Telling the general to go fuck himself. The Colonel did everything in his power to keep the place safe. While the One star general sat inside an office that he barricade himself in! Refusing to open the door, even to look for his wife and two children. Who had no fucking clue where he was. Saurian even got a tablet from one of his ''pack'' mates and showed everyone the General crying and shitting himself inside of an office. Saurian made a copy of it and put the USB in to the Colonel''s hand. Then patted him on his shoulder.


    ¡°Though you need to learn to play nice with others, Colonel Marshal. I think you did good work. I''ll recommend you for this shit show''s job when we get done.¡± Saurian hooked his thumb at the now purple in the face general who had his wife screaming at him. The Colonel had a huge smile on his face.


    Saurian named the unit, and personal that helped him. Including Carl Bradley. The Colonel said he''d make sure they were commended. Word soon came back, the Riddler had been caught along with his goons at the bank. Thanks to the Batman, and his.... Kid? Saurian soon excused himself, he told the Colonel he had actually come here tonight to relax with some friends. He needed to check up on them, and get out of his uniform. Several people wanted to follow him to see who he was meeting. But he gave them the slip with his glamour and soon shifted back to Lash, with his Gotham Community Watch uniform on. Lash spent the next few hours giving first aid, and helping the emergency personal.


    Lash soon met up with Skaleg who joke strangled him for not keeping a low profile. Lash calmed him down, telling Skaleg that he only had to do this for another three or so months. Soon he would be retired. Sleeping in, with long fishing trips. That calmed him down. They met up with Carl who was hugging his wife, and son. Lash walked up and started asking Luke questions about what kind of armor he wanted for the holidays. Luke became super animated and started talking to him. The distraction was welcomed by his parents. Lash took his measurements and planned to make an armor set that he could grow into with time. Apparently Luke wanted a wraith ghost like style for the armor. Sure! Lash then asked Abby if she was allergic to any kind of metal. She said no with a confused expression. He said was going to make something for her, earring, necklace, not a ring! Carl had that. This of course earned him a punch in the arm from Carl who was fuming! But...The distraction was appreciated. Carl massaged his knuckles, ouch. Lash was hard as a rock.


    Everyone in the community watch was alive and accounted for, with only a few injuries. The security, police, and military not so much. However, the officials had unconfirmed reports of a man wearing a mask who moved from the injured civilians, to others, healing them. The exact specifics of this man were not known. But a few people could guess who he was. It was nearly dawn when Lash got home, he locked his home, peeled off his cloths took a quick shower and went to bed!


    ============================================================


    ¡°CHEATER! CHEATER! CHEATER! CHEATER! CHEATER! CHEATER!¡± Edward Nygma screamed over and over! He just couldn''t except that he had lost. He had planned everything! But he still lost, not only did he lose he was caught! The Batman and The Wraith were working together! They would pay! They would pay! He would make them pay!


    =============================================================


    ¡°Batman, do you know who he is?¡± A young man''s voice said, he was standing in a dark cave in front of a massive computer. Dozens of computer screens were lite up with text, pictures, and security feeds of Saurian racing through the the palace taking out gunmen and helping injured civilians. Robin, in his red, green, and yellow outfit was exhausted from tonight, he was sore, bruised, and just wanted to sleep. But he kept his eyes on his mentor Bruce Wayne. As he watched the screens.


    ¡°He''s an ally, as to who he is. We''ll find that out later. Go to bed Robin. Remember you are taking Zatanna into town in a few hours.¡± Batman said in a cold voice as he watched the monitors.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Richard Grayson /Robin ran to get changed so he could to sleep, Zatanna and him were similar in age and he had a crush on her. He had totally forgotten about his date this morning. He raced to a black obsidian statue of a Bat-Knight. He touched it softly and said a word. A green glow covered him. He instantly felt better! This thing is amazing! Then he raced off to go get changed.


    ==============================================================

 Chapter 36: Curse Break!

    Lash spent the next two days before the Winter Ball making gifts for people, as well as working at Nast''rok''s workshop. He made a studded leather outfit for Luke, that adjusted to five sizes above it''s current size. Added some wraith undead styles to the suit. Ragged cloth attached, stylized dead souls wailing in the pieces. For Abby he made silver, gold, and platinum braided necklace piece. He made a magnesium alloy machete using his Material Shaping he compressed and shaped the metal till it was incredibly dense. Though it was heavier then normal it would not break easily.


    Stylized studded leather armor made for a child, grading E+. Effects, mild protection from small arms fire, as well as arrows, and cold weapons. Due to the magical influence this leather could stop a small arms bullet at point blank range. Comments: Good job! Unlike the other people at the LARP event, Luke could actually fight in this!


    Silver, gold, platinum braid corded necklace, grading E-. Effects, it looks really nice, professional, and helps focus and clear the mind of the user who wears it. The material is strong enough to choke or bind someone, even the clasp will not break easily. Comments: Are you sure this is a normal holiday gift, and not something else? ''nudge, nudge''


    Magnesium alloy machete, grading D-. Effects, this is a well made weapon, though heavier then it should be it wont break, and will keep its edge far longer then other tools would. With enough strength this could cut through stone, let alone wood. Comments: Zombie apocalypse anyone? We go the tools!


    Abby really enjoyed the necklace, and put it on right away. Tension that she seem to carry between her brows eased up when she put it on. She began to play with it, running her fingers along the braids over and over. Lash showed the machete to Carl, and even swung the blade through a piece of fire wood like it was a hot knife through butter. Carl lost his mind and started doing the same thing to a collection of fire wood they had at the house. Didn''t have the same success as Lash. But the edge was noticeable. Luke ran to the neighbors house and showed the kids the stylized armor for the LARP thing he was going to join. The armor fit him so well, and since it was stylized it looked like functional fantasy armor.


    Lash made inscribed rings for all of his super-natural friends. Skaleg, Timothy, Mahalia, Simon, Sam, Achak. Booraku.


    Inscribed ring cast in a strong durable metal alloy, grading D+. Effect, this ring is rather common except for the enchantment placed on it. The Grave Domain Spell, Lingering has been placed on this ring. Aging is 5% slower, the wearer uses 5% less energy, and a 5% chance of not dying when they should. Comments: Making your own zombie legion are you?


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the magical skill, Minor Enchanting: Now you can place magic of different Domains into items, tools, machines, etc. This skill will work with Essence Imbuement when working with Nature Domain. Will currently only work with low tier magic, and half the effectiveness.


    Lash was surprised when he discovered that, Lingering was considered low tier magic. He sent the rings ahead of schedule to them, telling them of the effects. Mahalia, and Timothy lost their minds when they read what they did. He sent, Li''Ana a pair of silver earrings that were enchanted. The design was simple. It was meant to be unassuming, nice, simple, and effective. The spell inscribed was Nature''s Kiss though it only healed 15%. It was a life saver. He tried casting Kiss of the Grave but the metal turned to dust. Seems like that spell either needed better quality material or couldn''t be enchanted.


    Enchanted silver earnings in the shape of the summer crescent moon, grading D. Effects the wielder can cast Nature''s Kiss at 15% effectiveness on themselves, or some one else once per day! Comments: A good way to keep those you care about alive. A nice gift.


    Lash made a bracelet each for Soluna and Jessabell with the same spell on each one. Lash had learned that healing items capable of recast, even once every twenty four hours was apparently rare in the magical world. They were around, but incredibly expensive and hard to make. Which made Lash confused. He was not the only Druid in the world. He had spoken to Timothy''s master. They had Nature''s Kiss. So why not make healing items? He''d have to ask. He sent a necklace to Althea with the spell Sooth on it. He figured an Amazonian warrior would more use out of that spell then most. He tried asking Selina what she would like but she laughed at him. Telling him to shut up and keep being cute. The five hundred grand was more then enough for her. For now. He didn''t hear back from Li''Ana, Soluna, and Jessabell, other then a confirmation from the Griaks that the delivery had been made. Did they not like the healing item?


    He sent a silver piece necklace to Rocksie and Tonya. Which to were-breeds was like sending poison, but these were enchanted with Sooth. That had a constant effect in place. It was incredibly minor. What did it do?


    Enchanted silver necklaces, one with the eye of a rat, the other with a lion, grading D+. Effects the wearer will find that they are now immune to silver. A specific cast of Sooth was placed on this item. Targeting only one toxic effect. Comments: Congratulations you''ve made bullet resistant were-breeds!


    Rocksie screamed out a string of obscenities and practically sprinted to Lash''s home asking if he could make more. He kinda lied and said he couldn''t make more, for now. He hadn''t thought they would be such a big deal. Rocksie left, but demanded that he tell her when he could make more. She wanted to buy them. Offering hundred of thousands of dollars for each one. Shit! Tonya, did not race over but called instead. Assuming that they were hard to make, and also wanted on the list to buy more. She was incredibly grateful and said she would wear it to the Winter Ball. The super-natural world considers Lash a were-breed. However, he is immune to silver. So he took stock and realized that being immune to silver would be a huge leg up for were-breeds. One of those moments when you are so thick headed you don''t understand simple things. Ya, it was one of those moments.


    Lash then made two golden chained necklaces with red ruby as the center piece. One for Lizzy, and one for Isabella. The necklaces could come together to form a heart. He cast Nature''s Supplement on both. The effect was only half as effective but it was still a nice buff to have once a day.


    Enchanted Golden necklaces with ruby hearts. Grading D. Effects half of the effect of a normal Nature''s Supplement. So, half a cup of nature''s goodness, yum! Comments: So you made a jewelry piece of a broken heart that can heal itself? OK, little morbid but, OK.


    Isabella said thank you! But told Lash that Lizzy had gone for her vacation in Themyscira and hadn''t come back yet. Althea had invited her. Isabella would be attending the Winter Ball with her house and hoped to see Lash there. Lash said he looked forward to it. Lash created a golden statue of the sun, enchanted it with Daylight and had it mailed by Griak to Superman. Telling him what it did and how to activate it.


    A golden statue of the sun. Grading E+. Effects, cast''s a one hour spell of magical Daylight that is far more effective then an hour of normal sunlight. Enriching soil, plant, and body. Twenty four hour cool down. Comments: You gave the great big boy scout a power drink! Good for you!


    ============================================================


    Clark stood in his apartment in Metropolis, wearing some soft cotton pants, and a white t-shirt. His masculine form filled the cloths out perfectly. Especially along the shoulders and chest, stretching it in all the right ways. He was reading a card from Erik Lash telling him about the statue he had made for him. Clark was surprised and a little worried that Lash knew where he lived. But, he did see the reptile track a God-Kin across the city, over water, onto statue island. He really shouldn''t be surprised.


    Clark carefully pulled out the golden sun statue. Clark smiled at the simple craftsmanship. But that was not all, he read the word on the card then said it out loud. BRILLIANT DAY LIGHT! His entire home lite up like he was standing next to the sun in space. But he felt so warm, the yellow solar cosmic rays that filled his whole body with energy! Reading the card again he saw that this effect lasted an hour, and could be re used in twenty four hours. Being Kryptonian he could absorb nutrients through the yellow sun. This was like a weeks worth of energy in an hour! A big smile grew on his face, as he closed his eyes and basked in the Day light from the statue.


    After an hour, sure enough the statue became dull and lifeless. The golden statue looked dirty and worn out. Clark was actually concerned for a bit, but the instructions said this was normal. He pushed his hands into the air, and his joints popped, his muscles stretched, and he let out a satisfied groan. He hadn''t felt this good in a long time. He found a suitable place for the statue in his home, a smile of satisfaction on his face. He walked by a mirror in the house only to pause and look at it. He had a TAN! He had never tanned before in his life! His body always healed, but now he had a light brown hue to his face. Oho! This statue was amazing!


    ===============================================================


    Lash finally made a cherry blossom tree out of solid marble, with pink quartz for the petals. Sitting on an obsidian platform. Placing several enchantments into the statue and sending it to Diana, Wonder Woman.


    A marble, quartz, and obsidian statue. Grading D+. Effects. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Restoration, Essence Imbuement, and Nature''s Kiss. Have been placed individually into each blossom. Twenty four hour cool down for each blossom. So that when in need you may touch a specific blossom for a specific spell. Additional effects, a wielder may touch the blossom then direct the spell onto a specific target. Specifically for Restoration effects on body and limb. Comments: This is a healing tree! As long as they are not dead you can fix them!


    ================================================================


    Diana looked at the statue with interest. She was visiting home today. Wearing a casual custom white toga, short around the thighs for full movement. Leather sandals, and a hair pin to keep her hair out of her eyes. She walked around the statue admiring the work. She could see each individual mark in the tree bark, the lines in the petals even though they were made of stone. The obsidian looked like tilled earth. The entire piece looked like it was a living statue. Reading through the card or instructions as the list was long. Her eyes became wide when she saw the Restoration effect. Since Lash had been able to heal Althea even when Themyscira''s healers could not. This tree would help with that, if done right they could re attach limbs, fix old injuries, and restore energy to those who are training.


    ¡°My daughter what is this from the land of men?¡± Queen Hippolyta came down from a set stairs followed by several body guards. Diana turned around, hiding the instructions behind her. A soft smile on her face. Her mother noticed the change.


    ¡°Queen Mother, its a gift from the tracker that helped us with the fight against Ares. They have a custom in the land of men. During the Winter Solstice they give gifts to friends, and family. This tree is full of magical enchantments that can help our warriors heal. Sister Althea can attest to this, her injury was healed by the tracker. The man has placed that spell on the tree for our use in the future.¡± Diana handed the instructions to her mother.


    Hippolyta''s face was a mask of indifference, but chose to indulge her daughter as she read the effects of the statue. Her perfectly manicured eye brow raised slightly. If the effects on the statue were to be true it would indeed be a useful tool. She turned to look at her daughter, who was waiting patiently for a reply.


    ¡°Is this tracker attempting to curry favor with us? Or you specifically daughter?¡± Hippolyta said to Diana. Diana smiled wide at her and held up another note. She handed this to her mother as well.


    To Queen Hippolyta,


    My name is Erik Lash, my partner is Saurian.


    I am a Warden of the super-natural world


    and have sworn an oath of neutrality.


    However, I am also an Oracle.


    The Princess Diana can confirm this with you.


    A century ago you sustained an injury.


    This injury is known only to your daughter, your trusted friend


    Philipus, and the Goddess Queen Hera.


    Activate the blossom of Restoration.


    Queen Hera says you can trust me.


    Sincerely -Warden Lash, -Partner Saurian.


    Hippolyta''s eyes were wide as she finished the letter. She walked with firm confident strides towards the statue. She reached out and touched the specific blossom, a radiant green glow enveloped the Queen of the Amazons. An old injury that had been hurting for over a century faded away like it was a bad dream. A small smile tugged on Hippolyta''s lips. She turned to the guards.


    ¡°Bring this directly to our house of healers. It will be used to its full extent! Let it be known that if Warden Lash, and his partner Saurian were to ever visit Themyscira they will be welcome with open arms. Fitting a guest of the Queen.¡± Hippolyta smiled at Diana and continued to walk through her domain.


    ¡°As you wish, Queen Mother.¡± Diana bowed her head, a smile clear on her face. ¡°Thank you, Lash. I''ll have to make sure to pay you back.¡± Diana whispered to her self.


    ==============================================================


    SNEEZE! Lash sniffled, rubbing his nose. He didn''t sneeze often, was some one talking about him? He was currently in Nast''rok''s workshop...Reattaching a severed arm of a student who got over zealous in their activity. The boy had passed out long ago, but that was for the better given what he was doing. The arm was cut off and crushed in a compressor. Lash was carefully restoring and healing the arm in pieces. Unfortunately this had to be done while it was attached to the boy because the nerves helped the spell. So, happily the boy was knocked out.


    ¡°Nast''rok, I''m happy help. This is also improving my technique with my Nature Domain. But shouldn''t you put safety measures in place to prevent this from happening?¡± Lash said softly, as he reconnected a finger.


    ¡°Bah! Safety! This shop is one of the safest places in all of Gotham! No one is getting in here!¡± Nast''rok said. Completely ignoring the point. Lash was pretty sure Nast''rok knew what he had meant but was ignoring him.


    ¡°Right.... I know the Tech-armor is not done yet. But did you finish the ceremonial armor for the Winter Ball? Both sets?¡± Lash said, finishing the fingers on the hand. Thumb too! Then to work on the wrist and forearm.


    ¡°Oi! That''s right! Donna! Go get package marked with C-41-W. It''s heavy so bring some help. Its Warden Lash''s cloths for the Winter Ball so be careful!¡± Nast''rok called out to one of his apprentices. She took off with a few others to get the package in question.


    Most of the people in the workshop had been helped by Lash more then once since he started coming here. Lash even made one of his healing tree''s for the shop. The only issue it had was limited spells per day. So those were taken up normally with in the first three hours of work. Nast''rok offered to get some rare and magically inclined materials for him. So he could make another with more spell castings. Lash agreed, but the materials would take a few weeks to get here.


    ¡°Oh! Nast''rok! I know I''m not the only Druid in the world. Why are healing items so rare?¡± Lash said to the dwarf. Attaching the wrist and forearm together.


    ¡°Fucking daft bastard!? I forget you don''t know your own ilk! Most druids don''t make healing items for people because of a few reasons. One, the Nature Domain is fickle mistress. The spells may work on people when cast by the Druid. But sometimes the Essence Imbuement doesn''t stick because nature doesn''t like being bound to a single thing. Two, Druids are a snobbish bunch that generally dislike most people. Mundane and Super-Natural alike. We destroy the Green! So why in the hells would they make things that help keep us alive! Third, its all about price and demand! If the druids made healing items, and sold those really nice potions all the time. Then they would not be as valued!¡± Nast''rok counted off his fingers as he spoke. Lash stopped working and looked up with a confused expression.


    ¡°So, the reason why healing items are so rare is because Druids charge an arm and a leg...To heal an arm and a leg?¡± Lash said, then went back to work.


    ¡°That''s right! Timothy''s master...Whats that''s girls name...or was it a guy, can''t remember! They are one of the good ones. They help out when asked to. But placing Nature Domain spells into items is hard work. I have to say I''m surprised you can do it! But then again you are a Endless Chosen. That may explain it. So, price and demand, and because most Druids want us all to die! That is why healing items are so fucking rare!¡± Nast''rok said, taking out a flask and taking a swig. Why do all dwarfs drink?


    ¡°Are there no other Domains that can heal?¡± Lash connected the elbow with the forearm. Then began to work on the bicep. Almost done!


    ¡°Oh sure! Plenty of Domains heal! But they are mostly self healing! The self heals don''t work with items. I mean the caster can make the item, but the item only works for them! A few other Domains can assist heal, do partial healing. Nature Domain though is the big one. Nature also synergies well with other Domains. A few Domains of the Death variety can partially heal and restore life to things. Generally by sucking the life out of things around them. Drain Life stuff like that. So, when it comes to tools aside from healing? Plenty of variety! Offense, Defense, Support, Utility! But direct healing? Healing that can be used on other people? In items? Kinda rare.¡± Nast''rok smiled as Lash finished his work. The boys arm was back on.


    ¡°Finished!¡± Lash doubled checked the connection to the arm. It was functional and healthy. He leaned back in his chair and took an offered glass of water. The boy was taken away by stretcher with the show over, every one went back to work.


    The young woman Donna, along with a few others came over with two big boxes. Each one about half the size of Lash. They had to bring it over by pallet lift. He stood up and thanked Nast''rok. Getting a driver to deliver the packages he made his way home. It was almost dark and the party was tonight. He wanted to be home, rested and ready for the party. It was going to be fun, and a bit of a killer as well. The Hunt was suppose to be a thrill for everyone. The entrance to the party was at Warden HQ. The actual party was taking place at a Winter Fae Court Castle in the...Fae wilds? Sylvan realm? Dimensional pocket space. Lash tried to ask, but they started spewing out Spatial Domain talk and it nearly knocked him flat on his ass. Literally caused him a huge migraine, as if his brain would not allow him to listen.


    Lash came home, the packages were sent up via the cargo elevator that was attached to his Art Studio. Locking his home down and activating the shutters. He stripped out of his cloths took a long hot shower, washed his body from head to toe. Brushed his...scalp? His teeth, and did his best to look pretty! Then he opened the ceremonial armor set for a human shape. It was a studded leather piece with several pieces of splint, and plate mail in sections. Especially the chest area. There was even an convenient little hole in the back of the pants for his half reptile tail if he chose to transform at the party. Studded hard leather boots, greaves, pants, belt, leather shirt, chest guard, pauldrons, arm guards, gloves. Even a face mask, that covered his head, and face revealing on his eyes. But not a single enchantment of defense of otherwise. The rules of the Hunt didn''t allow enchanted items. It was just you and your abilities. You could cast magic on yourself sure! But no magical items!


    Lash then Shifted to Saurian. Saurian pulled off his ruined and constantly repaired armor. He was looking forward to replacing this. Then slipped the studded leather assemble on. It was much like Lash''s armor, just designed for a were-breed lizard folk creature. Capable of running on all fours or two, a massive tail, and a skull crest mask. But this one did not cover his jaw so he could bite down if he needed to. Erik was surprised to learn there was no auto size spell or enchantment in this world. Like all those fantasy books. One size fits all because of, well magic? When Lash asked Nast''rok about it. He laughed and said. ''Ya! We call that a belt!'' The closes thing they had was an auto assemble rune. The gear puts it self on for you. That is it. They did have several Domains, and spells that invokes gear for a person. Those are auto sized. But that''s because the items were directly cast by the casters magic. Of course they would be auto sized!


    Saurian finished putting on the ceremonial gear, stretched a bit here and there making sure it fit. Since Saurian would be the one running in the hunt part. Then he Shifted back to Lash. Lash jumped onto his computer wearing the full set of gear, not willing to take it off, but he did hook the helmet/mask onto his belt. He then doubled checked the Warden information page. Brushing up on customs and courtesies from the different super-natural''s that would be attending. Crap, even Atlantis sent people! How to properly say hello, goodbye. How to bow, kneel, or even speak. Hand gestures, etc. He received several prompts from Other Worldly Lore that it had gained a level. Unlike other skills this one didn''t have a basic, minor, etc. It just was, and it gained levels the more he learned. But the skill would auto tell him information when ever he encountered a situation.


    ¡°Dawn, take me to the Black Room. But pause the world.¡± Erik was yanked form his avatar form and soon was back in the Black Room.


    Dawn was standing in a midnight starlight dress, no back or shoulders letting Erik admire her neck, shoulders, and abundant cleavage that was barely contained in the dress. The dress was a slim fit, revealing the vivacious curves of her hips, and thighs. A long slit up her right leg went to her mid thigh, she wore four inch black heels. With white gloves that went past her elbows, she wore a harlequin mask that revealed her cherry red lips, her eyes were literally orbs of starlight. Her pure black hair was placed up and was adorned with diamonds. Her skin was...light blue. Like she had been stuck in the winter cold for to long.


    ¡°Well...hi there!¡± Erik said softly. Struck dumb by her outfit.


    ¡°Hello User, how do I look?¡± Dawn did a simple twirl, letting him see her twist like a snake dancer from the Arabian desert.


    ¡°Fucking amazing! Its a pity I''m the only who gets to see you. People would go to war over you!¡± Erik said, clearly impressed. Dawn covered her mouth politely and laughed. Her voice was like mana from the heavens.


    ¡°So, what can I help you with?¡± Dawn said softly.


    ¡°May I see the Time line app? Something I noticed on the Warden information page reminded me.¡± Erik said, Dawn pulled the app up for him.


    Scrolling through the app he read up on everything he missed since he last checked. So over a week or more. The Green Arrow, or The Hood was still doing a killing of Starling''s criminal and filthy rich. Trying his own take on justice. The Flash had actually met Superman, agreed to help each other if the need arose. Shazam was still coming into his abilities in Philadelphia? Why did that sound strange? Maybe the comics were using a different version? Hal Jordan or Green Lantern had reached Oa and was being trained by the Green Lantern Corp. Scrolling through Erik found what he was looking for. Atlantis, prince Orm had not been crowned. Though a majority of the Atlantean people followed him. He was a pure-blood enthusiast. Believed in racial superiority. So the half-bloods, and animal-like under water super-natural''s were still looking for the half-blood first born prince. Hoping that he would rule. The problem was, no one knew where Arthur Curry was! Erik did though, he even saw the city he was living in. Amnesty Bay, he was living in the light house with his Dad.


    ¡°That is exactly what I was looking for, thank you Dawn!¡± Erik said, as he preformed a bow fitting of royalty. Dawn gave a cultured curtsy.


    ¡°You are very welcome, User. I''ll be seeing you soon!¡± Dawn said, a smile on her blueish lips. Erik laughed assuming so, and jumped back down to Gotham.


    Lash stood up after shutting down his computer. Taking out his phone from a nice little pocket in the armor he called for a driver to take him to the Warden HQ. He went downstairs and met the driver at the front entrance. A few people glanced at him, but he didn''t pay them any mind. Just like always the Warden luxury car pulled out of traffic like it was a fish in the water. Pulling open the car door and slipping in. The driver nodded and drove towards the HQ. He was early, but he wanted to visit the cultural library to see if he could learn anything about Atlantis with out breaking the fourth wall.


    No attacks, no car accidents, no explosions in the sky. It seemed like Gotham was asleep even with the heavy traffic. Maybe Dawn was had halted the dynamic events because of the story mission. Or maybe Batman was incredibly busy and Lash just failed to notice. Wait, was Bruce coming to the Winter Ball with Zatanna? He pulled out his phone and checked the guest list for pseudo-mundanes. Yes! Yes, he was coming! So, was a young man named Richard Grayson. Along with Zatanna Giovanni, and her two magical friends. He scrolled through the list and even found Selina on the guest list! That''s right! Rocksie had half adopted the God-Kin of Bast. He saw that Li''Ana had been invited but didn''t confirm if she was attending. Most of the Summer court wouldn''t attend.


    Little over an hour and Lash was at the Warden HQ. Since Ares had been captured the violence in the area had diminished...Kinda? Well the driver was able to drive directly to the cultural library instead of having Lash get out. Lash said thank you, and cast his nature spells on the driver who was very thankful. Lash stepped out of the car and made his way to the front desk. A magical construct was there, it was a knight in armor. Magical inscription carved all over its body.


    ¡°How may I help you, Natural Mechanic?¡± The construct said. Lash took a step back! Nothing had ever called him that before.


    ¡°Hello...I''m looking for customs and courtesies when dealing with Atlanteans. Pure-Bloods, half-bloods, primals, super-natural citizen and denizen''s of the deep ocean and seas. And how did you know I was a Natural Mechanic?¡± Lash''s curiosity was killing him.


    ¡°You carry the scent of Nature, Technology, and whats in between. My original creator was like you. Capable of synthesis. Sadly he is no longer alive. But he would have been very happy to meet you. Tell me, do you know the spell, Renew?¡± The construct asked, Lash could almost feel it yearning for him to say yes.


    ¡°I do...Do you need repairs?¡± Lash asked, the knight practically shivered in delight.


    ¡°Yes! No one has been able to repair me since my master passed away. I''ve been slowly degrading ever since. Hundreds of years have passed!¡± The construct seem to be begging.


    Lash activated his Synthesis Domain, and cast Renew on the magical construct. Energy of both nature and technomancy enveloped the armor. Old scratches, dings, were filled in or removed. The armor took on a natural polished gleam. The inscriptions once more glowed brilliantly. The knight construct stood taller, and its chest was puffed out. A gallant knight once more. No longer subject to wearing old beat up armor.


    ¡°Please Natural Mechanic come this way, I''ll get the books you need!¡± The knight bowed from his waist and guided Lash to the books. The knight pulled them down and set them in order on the table. Bowed and returned to his post.


    Lash was happy he could help, he even got a prompt saying his Renew went up. Cool! He sat down and began to skim through the books. He only had about two hours before he needed to go to the teleportation circle thing to the Fae Wilds. About an hour after he sat down he heard a young woman scream at the front.


    ¡°HOLY SHIT! SOME ONE REPAIRED YOU!?¡± Lash looked up towards the front desk. The knight repeatedly shushed the individual reminding them they were in a library, a library that was in use. The woman quiet down and hid behind the desk. Peeking around the corner to spy on Lash, who was looking at her with a raised brow. She squeaked and hid herself. O....K?


    Lash didn''t have time for this and went back to his books. He would glance at the pages running his eyes over every word but not really reading anything. But it was working because his skill Other Worldly Lore kept prompting with experience. Just as he was about to finish with the books his alarm went off. Time to go! He finished the last chapter, closed the book and stood. He quickly made his way to the front desk about to speak.


    ¡°Thank you for your visit, Natural Mechanic. Worry not about the books, we''ll put them back. I do hope you return if you ever need anything. My name is Sir Rupert! Thank you for your favor today.¡± The knight bowed from his waist again, almost 90 degree''s. Lash smiled and bowed in return.


    ¡°You are very welcome, Sir Rupert. I''ll remember what you said and will return in the future. Good night!¡± Lash said, then walked away at a hurried pace.


    A long que of cars had shown up, and people dressed extravagantly were stepping out of the cars moving towards a stone arch way inscribed with runes. The inside of the gate painted a completely separate picture then what you saw around them. Right now they were in the dead center of Warden HQ. A huge modern day Castle surrounded by high walls. Inside the gate was a long paved road. With ice walls, on either side and a huge castle made of ice in the distance. The castle had hundreds of lights aglow as if beckoning them to come closer, the guests made their way there on foot. Lash stepped into the long line of people and walked through the gate. A Domain of spell magic he didn''t recognize tingled his skin and then he was out of it. Looking up he saw a starry sky he didn''t recognize which gave him a prompt...


    Congratulations User! You''ve stepped through a gateway and entered a parallel dimension! Granting you the Achievement: ''Same Planet, Different Dimension. Sliders!'' Different dimensions have different systems. You now learn that system 10% faster.


    Lash felt like all of his Domains of magic were either high as a kite, or rock bottom in the ocean. His skills wanted to activate, but refused to turn on. He stumbled around for a bit and dropped to his knee''s. His head was pounding, his breath was short, and the horizon was spinning. What the fuck!? This was not in the brief when he read about going to the Fae Wilds!


    ¡°......J...Just ¡­.K....p...B....reathing....I.....wil pass.¡± A voice was calling to him from afar. Lash tried to look up but the whole world was still spinning. He looked back down, his hands were digging into the snow hoping that he would not fall into the sky.


    He tried desperately to slow his breathing down and center himself. He screamed, or maybe softly asked a question about why this was happening. A gentle hand came to rest on his neck, he felt a cool sensation flow through his body. Soon his breathing was under control and he could look up. It was a well dressed Satyr. He was about 5'' 2¡± With a well tailored all be it bright pink tuxedo, most Satyrs were pant less but this one was not. Though he did not have shoes. He had a red rose tucked into the tux. A pair of four inch horns, wild red hair, and a clean shaven face. He looked young, but thanks to Other Worldly Lore Lash knew that Satyrs with horns above three inches were old.


    ¡°I have to say you did pretty well! Most people pass out when they come here at first! Though I''m confused why you didn''t have a dimensional charm on with you. Oh! Are you participating in the Hunt? Ah, yes they wont allow magical items for you. That must be why no one told you. Best get over it now instead of later.¡± The Satyr extended his hand to help Lash up. The little man was surprisingly strong. Lash soon stood, but was unsteady on his feet.


    ¡°T...Bleh..Thank you for the help. I am Warden Lash, with my Partner Saurian.¡± Lash bowed from his waist, but almost fell over. The Satyr caught him.


    ¡°I do appreciate good manners. But, perhaps you should just stay up right for now. My name is Puck! Pleasure to meet you, Chosen of The Endless.¡± Puck said with a grin. Lash''s Other Worldly Lore sent off several alarm bells at the mention of the name ''Puck''


    ¡°As in....¡± Lash left the question hang.


    ¡°Yes, that Puck. Sometimes referred to as the God Pan, the trickster, Robin Goodfellow, the hobgoblin. The Green Man, the devil to the Christians. Yes, that Puck.¡± Puck said with a smile on his face.


    Despite his splitting head ache, and churning stomach. Lash dropped to a full kneeling position and said a phrase in ancient Sidhe that he was surprised he could even speak with his human tongue. Language Smith beeped at him, telling him he gained experience. Puck took a step back, his eyes wide with surprise before a broad smile spread across his entire face.


    ¡°By the Queens of the Court! I have not heard that formal greeting in centuries! You even said it correctly! I do appreciate good manners! But that is going above and beyond, Chosen of The Endless! Aha! I can see why she want''s to meet you! Come, come! Stand up. Traditionally new arrivals are meant to walk. But we''ll make an exception for you!¡± Puck took out a wooden flute and blew into it. A beautiful music piece rang out across the cold night air.


    Soon the ice wall that was near them opened up and a carriage pulled by two nightmare black horses with gleaming red eyes pulled a royal carriage forward. A sylvan Winter Knight dressed in full armor was guiding the carriage. The knight jumped off the driver seat, and opened the door for Puck. The Satyr led the confused Lash into the carriage, the door closed and the carriage pulled back through the ice wall and was on its way to the palace.


    Though the section of the Fae Wilds they were in was currently in bitter winter. It wasn''t necessarily cold. Lash wasn''t sure if it was a spell, charm, item. Or maybe who ever was in charge just made it so you could experience winter with out worrying over little things like hypothermia? The ice wall that was solid white and opaque on the path towards the Castle, was crystal clear on this side of it. Lash watched hundreds of people walk towards the castle, several new paved roads joined into a massive road. Soon the carriage joined a long progression of royal, noble, and important guest carriages. Puck had taken out a communication talisman and was talking into it, speaking in a language Lash didn''t understand. Basically a magical cell phone, that doesn''t require a satellite or for you to be on the same fucking dimension to work. Lash caught snippets of the conversation. But it was enough for his skill, Language Smith to keep beeping at him. Experience gain! Experience gain!


    ¡°[email protected]#%@# He did that. $%!#%* No. I''m @$$^[email protected]# Smart, very smart.¡± Puck continued to talk into the talisman. But he kept glancing at Lash, and realized Lash was trying to decipher the language. Puck said a specific word over and over again, then Lash''s eyes went wide, his face blushed in embarrassment. Which made Puck howl with laughter!


    Soon Puck switched to another language, then another. Lash kept getting prompts from his skill. But it was not enough for him to learn the language. He''d recognize it if someone said it in the future. But he''d have to listen to more of it to understand. The carriage came to a stop, the door opened and Puck stepped out followed by Lash. The giant ice crystal palace stood before them like a sleeping dragon. Imposing, grand, and filled with both pleasures and dangers.


    ¡°Well this is where you an I part ways. Chosen of The Endless. Enjoy the party! I look forward to watching you participate in the hunt!¡± Puck tilted his head towards Lash. Who in turned bowed at a 90 degree angle and said the traditional Sidhe farewell. Puck laughed! As the chauffeur and a few servants near by all looked at Lash in surprise as he had said the farewell in perfect Sidhe.


    ¡°Keep that up, Chosen! You''ll give a great impression to the Ancient Sylvan and Sidhe who are here. Even a simple hello and goodbye goes a long way with them. Just like it did with me!¡± Puck said as he walked away slipping into the crowd.


    Lash was alone again, well alone figuratively. Hundreds of people were streaming in. The Winter Ball was hosting the entire east coast of North America. So, there could be literally thousands of people here. Lash went to a near by attendant and took Puck''s advice. Greeted them in a simple Sidhe hello and asked for directions in English. Puck was right, the servant smiled wide at him and was very friendly more then just being polite. The servant was genuine. He directed him up the stairs, to where the other Warden''s would usually gather. Lash said goodbye in Sidhe once more. The servant smiled at him.


    There was something he noticed as he climbed the stairs. Everyone here was gorgeous! The servants, the maids, the chauffeur''s, the guards, warriors, knights. Every attendant with in the castle was exceptionally beautiful. Did they do that on purpose pull out the most handsome and beautiful people they could find. Or were the Sidhe just naturally amazing? His Other Worldly Lore activated. Oh shit that''s right! Yes, the Fae and Sidhe specifically were amazing to look at. But also because they all had glamorous perception on. What was that? Well if one person liked a certain type of cheek bone, jaw line, with a soft nose? They would see it. If another person preferred a square jaw, pointed nose, and soft cheeks. They would see that. The perception was not all changing. It would only alter the small details. So the overall body, figure, and face of the Sylvan/ Sidhe would be the same but the glamour would help draw people in. So yes they all looked great! But the tiny details was Lash''s own perception.


    Lash had to stop as he climbed the stairs, he gripped the stone railing and groaned. His skill Sensory Awareness turned on. He could see every one with in ten meters again. Which was great! But horrible as vertigo set in. He took slow, deliberate breaths trying to find his center of gravity again. One by one his skills would become active again, then his Domains. This dimensional wacky system trip was playing havoc on him. What would happen if he experienced a flash point? Wait, could he even do a flash point? Maybe that would be like a dungeon? Shit he''d have to ask Dawn about it later.


    Lash continued to climb the stairs, he asked a few more servants keeping to his customs and courtesies as he did before. Meeting many friendly and genuine replies. Then a very beautiful female Sidhe wearing a form fitting servant tux offered to escort him. She was 5'' 6¡± with long blond hair, tied into a tail, her long pointed ears were exceptional as they had gold rimmed accessories wrapped around her ear lobe. She had a modest bust, even to enjoy but not enough to keep her from her work. She walked in front of Lash her hips swayed side to side ever so slightly. More then once she caught Lash watching her. Her lips tugged slightly into a smile. It was at that moment Saurian woke up. When he woke up Lash could see past the glamorous perception. The woman in front of him was exceptional, but he she had a scar that ran across her face. From upper right of her forehead to lower left chin. Lash reached out and gently snagged her wrist. The sudden change in courtesy made the servant surprised. Lash had been so polite this entire time.


    ¡°May I speak to you privately I have a question, I don''t want to even imagine how many different people here can hear me talk.¡± Lash said, dropping his hand. The woman seem to understand and guided him to a small alcove that were literally everywhere in the palace. She drew a rope and curtains fell over the entrance to mark it as occupied.


    The small room was about fifteen foot squared. With a lounging coach large enough for two people to fit. Throw pillows, and a satin sheet covering it. Erik had read a lot of fantasy novels where these rooms were used for many....things.


    ¡°I understand if the question I am about to ask is incredibly rude. I do not mean any offense but I have to ask....Why haven''t you healed the scar on your face?¡± Lash asked an incredibly insensitive question. If he had done that to a human on the street she would have slapped him. But it made no sense to Lash. Sidhe take great care in their appearance, they have the magic to heal wounds and scars so why? The woman jumped, her back flush against the wall of the room.


    ¡°H..How do you know I have a scar?! Wait, how can you see my face!?¡± The woman then stopped. The gears in her mind began to turn, Lash could see it. Then she became visibly pale. She dropped to her knee''s pressing her forehead to the floor so quickly it made a resounding smack. ¡°I apologize for offending you, Lord! The wound was from my time in battle. I was granted permission to work in the castle as a form of recovery. Though I am not physically impaired, the scar will not heal. I am sorry for showing something so unsightly in front of you!¡± The woman was screaming at the end. The sudden 180 switch made Lash really confused! -Only Elder Fae, or Pure-Bloods can see past this kind of Glamour. She thinks you''re a Lord who has disguised himself as human. The perfect formal hello and goodbye was is a hint that she miss interrupted. Saurian said softly, he still sounded sleepy.


    Lash knelt down, and drew the woman to her feet. She refused to make eye contact with him. Her body was visibly trembling. Lash ran his finger across the scar, and invoked his Domain of Nature. Which....Activated oddly enough!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Nature Domain Spell, Curse Break:We all come from nature, and we will one day return to nature. A curse is a twisted inversion or trap found with in nature. But nature is neither good or evil. So a curse can be used for either or neither. You can now break a curse and return the proper flow of energy.


    So, that''s why it refused to heal. The jagged scar burned bright white for a moment. The woman screamed in pain, then in a flash the light disappeared and the scar slowly healed visible to the naked eye. The woman''s eyes were filled to the brim with tears but she refused to cry. Lash ran his fingers along her face, then the woman noticed something. She couldn''t feel the jagged sensation of the scar anymore. She breathed in quickly, and looked at Lash with wide eyes. He smiled at her, inside the little alcove was a mirror. He was sure it had many uses. He gestured towards the woman Sidhe who looked. She ran her fingers along the place scar was.


    ¡°It''s gone...Its gone!? Ho...How did you remove it?¡± The woman turned around, tears falling down her cheeks. But this time she was happy.


    ¡°Nature Domain Spell, Curse Break. I have no idea what did it to you. But the reason why it didn''t heal is because it was cursed. I''m not a Fae Lord, I am Warden Lash, Partner to Saurian-Hunter. But I am a Endless Chosen. That may be why I can see past your Glamour. This answers my questions, you didn''t heal the scar because you couldn''t break the curse. Sorry for the run around, I feel better knowing I could help you.¡± Lash bowed politely to the woman. Then snapped his eyes wide because the woman was kissing him, trying her best to devour his lips, she had her legs wrapped around his waist, and locked in place at the ankles. She was rubbing her entire body against him.


    ¡°Hmmm!hmmmm!¡± Lash flailed his arms around in shock then slowly pried her off of him. At least far enough so he could speak. ¡°I am very flattered that a beautiful woman like yourself finds me attractive. But, I still have an appointment to keep. Could we take a rain check?¡± Lash barely said. Before she was kissing him again.


    It took several minutes of trying, Lash was in full studded leather armor. So though he liked the thought of a beautiful woman Sidhe rubbing her self all over him. He couldn''t actually feel anything. He even explained that to her. She offered to strip it off him in under a minute. Or at least his pants! Her name was Zetulan. She demanded that she be able to repay this favor. So he got her number, and she his. Lash understood the curse must have been hell on her. But wasn''t this to much? So before they stepped out into the hallway again he asked.


    ¡°Ah, I suppose you wouldn''t know. Fae creatures, especially Sylvan and Sidhe are very vain. Even the slightest imperfections are met with ridicule, and belittlement that makes mundane torture seem like paradise. It can bring shame to us, our families, our house. Though I received the scar in battle and was pardoned for it. The scar was still a mark of shame for me and my family. Now! No more! If you were even ? Fae I would offer to have your children! But my house would never allow it. So I''ll just have to settle for satisfying you sexually in what ever way possible!¡± The woman ran her small pink tongue over her lips as she undressed him with her eyes.


    ¡°Ah! Let''s not get carried away! Thank you for explaining the situation. Shall we?¡± Lash''s face was blushing red, and he was clearly unsettled...in a good way. Zetulan noticed the change and smiled wide at him. Enjoying watching him squirm. But she acquiesced and drew the rope and the curtains revealed the densely pack hallway once more.


    Zetulan walked in front again, but this time her hips swayed back and forth in exaggerated manner. But more importantly, she stopped using the glamorous perception. What everyone saw, was what she looked like. Lash personally believed she looked stunning! Apparently he was not the only one. Lash was soon brought to Gotham Cities main hall. All the different Cities on the East Coast would have their own hall. But everyone was free to move to the different ones if they chose to. The hall was massive, with heavy weight stone pillars from floor to ceiling. Just like the hall in the Warden ceremony, a ceiling filled with a natural universe shown above. The pillars were natural murals to the birth, rise, fall, and shadow cast of the super-natural entities. The resemblance was so uncanny that Lash was wondering if this really was the Warden Ceremonial hall? Even the private balconies on the walls were there. Including the giant golden door in the back. Wait! This was the Warden Hall!? Holy shit they moved the hall from the Castle? Or d...wow Spatial Domain is crazy!


    ¡°Remember, you promised you would let me repay you.¡± Zetulan stepped exaggeratedly closer to Lash. Whispering her words into his ear, then began to suck on his ear lobe.


    ¡°Ahhh, aaah! Yes. Yes I did. There are many ways to repay me, not all of them involve sex. Though I won''t say no to that! We have each others numbers, though I am often busy I''ll make sure to contact you and we''ll arrange a time and place to meet.¡± Lash gently pried Zetulan from his ears. She pouted at him, then soon grinned when he said they would arrange a time to meet. She did a proper curtsy to him. He replied in a formal goodbye in Sidhe which made her smile brilliantly. She then left, gently nudging him with her hip as she walked past.


    ¡°So, you are the man that my Sister Jessabell has taken an interest in.¡± A strong, male voice said behind Lash. Oh fuck....

 Chapter 37: Meat Shield

    Lash centered himself and took a deep breath before turning around. He faced a tall, lean, and lithe man. Wearing a combinations of durable cloth and leather armor pieces. Like you would see in old samurai novels and early western adaptations. Japanese foot sandals, with long cloth and leather pants. A long billowing coat, with the sleeves wide open so you can place your arms together. The man had deep tanned skin, or was just naturally deep caramel. Long silver hair that swept past his shoulders but were tied and secured so it wouldn''t fly loose if he moved to quickly. His eyes were a deep shade of purple, and he had a strong jaw. At his hip was what looked like a spear handle, but Lash then realized it was sheathed and would extend out if he clicked it. Like a hidden baton! Lash bowed from his waist as he did before, but kept his eyes on the man. He said his formal greeting in Sidhe, the man raised his well manicured eye brow at that.


    ¡°Warden Lash and Partner Saurian. May I ask your name?¡± Lash said as clear, and politely as possible.


    ¡°Lu''Atha. Elder Brother to Jessabell. Warden Lash, I challenge you to a test of skill.¡± Lu''Atha raised his collapsed weapon it extended and turned into a long spear, with a curved edge like you would find with a naginata spear. Lash''s eyes were wide, as several people near by were now staring at the excitement.


    ¡°I accept...¡± Lash said, gritting his teeth.


    ============================================================


    ¡°So magic is real?¡± Richard said to Zatanna. Bruce smiled at his ward as they walked towards the Gotham hall in the Ice castle. Zatanna rolled her eyes at Richard.


    ¡°Yes Grayson, magic is real. That''s the fifth time you''ve asked. Right now we are in a parallel dimension. Most Mundanes don''t get to see any of this. But your connection with Bruce let you come along to the party. You''ll get to meet Warden Lash the man who made the statue that you love using.¡± Zatanna said with an amused smile.


    Bruce Wayne and his company of Richard Grayson, Giovanni Zatanna, and her two friends. Monica, and Shevalla. Walked into the Gotham''s section of the grand hall. Being led by two attendants that were assigned to them. Bruce wore a traditional tux that was given to him by the super-natural communities. It held several defensive measures as well as a magical mark stating he was protected by Warden Law, and that he was a pseudo-Mundane. Richard was wearing much the same as Bruce, a clean crisp black tux, with bow tie, white buttoned up shift. The magical designs in their suits would glimmer in and out of sight. Very stylish, as Celtic knots and runes glowed softly.


    Zatanna wore a black short skirt long sleeved laced party dress that was shoulder less and hugged her curves seductively, her raven black hair was loose so it could fall over her neck and shoulders. She wanted to show more skin, but her father wouldn''t allow it. Monica was a pale skinned beauty with blond hair that was loose across her shoulders, green eyes, and wore a black with white trim willa cocktail dress, with shoulder strap lace that looked like flower petals, and a deep slit down the front of her chest to reveal her cleavage. Shevalla, wore a double strapped sequin cocktail dress in silver. The silver looked like tiny fish scales, the dress was sleeveless, backless except for the double strap, and shoulder less. She showed a lot of skin that the nearby men and women were more than happy to appreciate. Her long curly brown hair was down just like Monica''s and Zatanna''s letting her flip it to the side so you could spy her delicate neck. All three woman wore matching black high heeled shoes. More then once Bruce had to stop himself from staring. These two friends of Zatanna''s were inhumanely beautiful. Which made sense because they were not. What they exactly were, Bruce was not sure but felt it was rude to ask.


    ¡°Woooooo!¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± ¡°Get him Warden!¡± Several cheers, and callers rang out as their group came into the room. The grand hall was impressive to say the least something you would not often find in the mundane world Bruce was so use to. He thought he had seen a lot in his fiver years of traveling the world. There was a massive crowd cheering and clapping at the center of the hall.


    BANG!


    Bruce saw something, or some one get flung across the middle of the room and collide with a blue energy barrier. The figure fell out of sight, the crowd blocking Bruce''s sight. He automatically adjusted his foot and spacing so he would be able to move. The two attendants didn''t move or say anything as if this was normal.


    ¡°Whats going on? I thought this was a party?¡± Richard said, as he tried to look around at the commotion.


    ¡°It is a party, however since this is a party at a Sidhe home they often have traditions and customs that may seem confusing to mundanes. What you see is a challenge of skill between two combatants. They happen often at these events. Because of the spells in place death will not happen, so many people will fight in an open challenge free of the threat of killing the other.¡± Shevalla spoke in a sing song voice. Her voice was amazing to listen to, and it drew the attention of everyone around them.


    ¡°Wooooo! Get him Lash!¡± A female voice yelled out, a voice Bruce recognized! He turned sharply to see Selina Kyle standing at the side lines cheering for one of the combatants. Why is Selina here!?


    Selina was wearing a silver and black long skirt dress with crisscrossing lace up and down her back that invited your eyes to follow it, the cut went all the way down to her back that extended to the very top of her firm ass. Two pieces of cloth covered from her sides as the crossed pattern extended down the front part of her body. Letting you see a lot of skin, the dress then covered from the waist down. Two slits went up her legs to her mid thigh letting you peak at her muscled legs. Her short pixie cut hair matched the dress perfectly. She continued to clap, and cheer for one of the combatants.


    One of their attendants caught Bruce''s group attention with a magical window that allowed them to watch the duel. A lizard-man in ruined studded leather armor fought against a dark skinned sylvan. The sylvan was clearly wining the match, his skill with his spear was impressive. But the lizard kept getting back up, no matter how many times the Sylvan stabbed, broke, or threw him. BANG! The lizard warrior was flung into the barrier again, fell to the floor then slowly stood up. The spear men waited for him to be ready then attacked again. The sylvan had a clear smile on his face, he was enjoying himself.


    ===========================================================


    BANG!


    A resounding gong sound rang out in the grand hall. Lash would fall down, then pick himself back up. Bones broken would soon snap back into place either by spell or regeneration. He kept getting prompts from the system that his Damage Resistance, Intermediate Regeneration, Transformation, Intermediate Weapon Master, Natural Energy Absorption, Danger Sense, and Intermediate Martial Arts kept going up. Technically he could have yielded by now, Lu''Atha said it more then once to him. But when Lash found out he wouldn''t die fighting here he used it as way to level up his skills.


    Lash tried to call Saurian out more then once, but Saurian said no. This was a good opportunity for him to try his skills. As much as Lash hated to admit it, that was true. Plus Saurian''s armor needed to be set for the hunt. So Lash used Transformation instead. Lu''Atha thought he was being looked down on until Lash explained why. The man laughed in understanding. Lu''Atha looked down on Lash at the start of the fight, but after beating Lash to a pulp over and over again Lash could see that the sylvan was having fun.


    Lash sprinted straight towards Lu''Atha again, then did a feint to the left attempting to swipe his claws straight through the sylvan''s body. During this entire match he had never landed a successful hit on him. But he kept trying! Lu''Atha easily side stepped and whipped his spear straight into Lash. The spear was flexible and could whip around like you see in those martial arts movies with wooden spears. The thing twisted and moved like a snake! More then once Lash thought it was spell enchanted, but the attendant watching the fight assured him that no one was using magical items. Means Lu''Atha was just that good. BANG! Lash was sent flying again, like an cockroach that just wont die!


    Lash somersaulted backwards and dug his claws into the floor to slow and anchor himself. This surprised a lot of people in the room more then once. The floor was magically created to be resistant to damage. Lash was worried but the damage was magically repaired with in a few seconds. When he slid to a stop he sprinted back towards Lu''Atha, casting Fog and Daylight right in front of Lu''Atha''s eyes. The sylvan closed his eyes momentarily and jumped back, buying himself time. Lash cast Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage on himself blending into the Fog. Lu''Atha took a stance with his spear, guarding high but kept his eyes closed. Lash couldn''t cast Mud Marsh, or Earth Swim through the floor. It was to different and magically reinforced.


    Lash couldn''t hear anyone outside of the arena, though he could see them. Everyone was enjoying the show! He saw Selina cheering for him and smiled, he hadn''t seen Jessabell yet. He was hoping she was watching. Or maybe not, since her brother was beating him to a pulp! Lash was with in a few feet of Lu''Atha then reached out to swipe at him! Just once! Once! BANG! Lash was sent flying again into the barrier, bones broke, his arm dislocated. FUCK! Lu''Atha had swung his spear just as Lash appeared as if he was predicting his movement.


    Congratulations User! Intermediate Regeneration has evolved into Advanced Regeneration: Years? Months? Weeks? Nope! Now you heal with in days, hours, minutes, and seconds! This skill works in conjunction with, Damage Resistance, Adaptation, Natural Energy Absorption. You are becoming a walking, talking, meat shield!


    Congratulations User! Damage Resistance has evolved into Minor Damage Resistance. You were always resistant to damage, but now your resistance grows 5% faster. Good for you! Please note, True Damage can not be resisted please look into skill True Body.


    Congratulations User! Natural Energy Absorption has evolved into Minor Natural Energy Absorption. You can now absorb a small portion of kinetic damage, energy damage, spell damage. Converting it into your own energy, and health. Current absorption is 0.1% Grows with time. Can not convert True Damage


    Congratulations User! Your racial trait, Adaptation has evolved into Minor Adaptation. Not only can you alter certain aspects of your body on the fly, you can now alter your chemistry. Allowing for smoother transitions and, wide variety of change.


    Congratulations User! Transformation has evolved into Minor Transformation. Oh! You thought you were finished with this skill? Nope! Now more aspects of Saurian can be taken into the transformation.


    Lash read through the information in less then a few seconds. Lately he could speed read the prompts, or maybe it was just directly downloaded into his mind. He''d have to ask Dawn about it later. It just felt a little weird to suddenly have detailed facts in his mind that were not there before. Lash stood up and felt his bones snapped then mended, he pin wheeled his right arm around to pop it back into place with a sickening crack! He stamped his feet into the ground as the Fog dissipated from the arena. Scales across his body grew thicker, wider, his tail grew in length. Bone blades extended from his elbows and knee''s. His armor was in tatters to begin with, but now it was splitting at the seems. Sorry Nast''rok! He let loose a ROOOOAR! Using Rallying Call, his energy reserves spiked by about 10% for a moment then he raced towards Lu''Atha. Lu''Atha''s eyes had became hard, he could tell something was different!


    Lash dropped to all fours, he couldn''t do this before since he was not made for it. But now he could! He jumped from side to side as he raced forward. Zigzagging, then pounced towards Lu''Atha who twisted his now dull spear edge to catch him. BAAaaang? Lash dug his feet in, his claws tearing the floor up. But he didn''t fly this time he held onto Lu''Atha''s spear handle, a grin on his face. Then using his now reinforced partial skull crest he head butted Lu''Atha with all his strength! BANG! The beautiful male sylvan''s nose was instantly crushed! Lu''Atha was seeing stars, and for the first time let go of his spear. Lash reached out, snagged the spear and jumped away! Why? Because Lu''Atha had done the same courtesy for him before. Now he would. He stood there across the arena with Lu''Atha''s spear until the sylvan cleared his head and looked up. Lash tossed the spear back to him.


    ¡°Let''s call this a draw? Shall we?¡± Lu''Atha said. A smile on his face. He recognized Lash now. Lash took a proper stance, and saluted Lu''Atha as a Warden should. The Sylvan warrior returned the salute.


    ¡°If you ever need another punching bag, give me a call. I learned a lot in this fight.¡± Lash said, his voice very animalistic. Lu''Atha smiled wide and nodded. He waved his hand and an announcement went out.


    ¡°Lu''Atha and Warden Lash have declared the fight a draw! No ill will, or poorly conceived plans for revenge will be allowed between both families. So says the Winter Court in this challenge of skill! Do both participants agree?¡± The referee asked.


    Lash and Lu''Atha both agreed, and the magical barrier came down. Then they could all hear the cheering! They were both swarmed by well wishers, and congratulations! Lu''Atha was a well known spear men in the Winter Court. Though he could have easily ended the fight at any time. Allowing Lash to keep getting back up was considered a courtesy. Plus, people really enjoyed watching him work. The fact that Lash kept getting back up, again and again when he was clearly brutalized just showed his determination and force of will. They also saw as the fight continued, Lash was getting better! Then at that last moment before the draw that Lash threw the spear back giving up his clear advantage was a sign of honor! Showing the same courtesy he was given.


    Lash returned to ''normal'' his ceremonial suit of armor was destroyed. He had to catch his pants from falling, and tried to tie them off with a quick Repair. But so much of his energy was spent, so he could only get the belt to work. His upper body didn''t have armor any more, his lower half was little more then a pair of shorts. He was bare foot, his naked and sweating form was very appealing to look at from afar but smelled horrible he was sure. He cast a quick Immaculate to clean up. Even if he had the energy he could not repair and reform his armor with out material. Nast''rok said that advanced casters of their domains could substitute materials with magic. But Lash didn''t have that experience yet.


    Lash was surrounded by faces he didn''t know, but they all had smiles on their faces some of them genuine some of them were not. Bleh Fae Courts! Full of back room deals, and daggers. He tried his best to be polite and continue to give everyone he met with formal greetings. As odd as his current dress code was he was not embarrassed in the least. Then he turned to his left and had a wide smile, looking past a few people. Selina was hurrying over she slipped past a few people who looked at her with contempt but she didn''t care. Soon she was right next to Lash she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a tight hug. The looks of contempt stopped after that, when Lash returned the hug with a smile.


    ¡°Hello my little cat! How is my friend doing this evening, did you enjoy the fight?¡± Lash said softly but he was sure everyone nearby heard him. Selina laughed, letting him go after she kissed him on the cheek.


    ¡°That was fucking amazing! I don''t know how your standing. I must have you seen break every bone in your body! I hope your armor wasn''t expensive! Though, I have to admit you do look really nice to look at right now!¡± Selina winked at him, he laughed looking down at himself.


    ¡°Maybe they have a change of cloths for me?¡± Lash said, looking back at her.


    ¡°Why change? Go for the barbarian look! It suits you!¡± Selina said as she continued to eat Lash up with her eyes. Lash did the same for a moment admiring her lace crisscrossing dress she wore. Was that silk thread? She laughed and did a little twirl to show off her figure. He approved, as did Saurian. It was a nice dress for a nice party.


    ¡°Warden Lash? Would you please come this way we have several pieces of cloths for you to choose from.¡± A Sidhe attendant stepped up at that moment and offered to lead him away. Selina looked like she wanted to follow but he shooed her away with a laugh. She playfully pouted at him then walked away sashaying her hips back and forth ensuring he was watching her leave.


    Lash was lead to a small alcove room, much like the one that Zetulan and him had spoken to in. The attendant showed him a variety of dress tux, and formal wear. To more warrior ceremonial cloth and leather. Lash chose the warrior type, but said he''d put the cloths on himself. The attendant bowed and left the alcove closing the curtains. He dropped his tattered leather shorts and put on a set of pants. The fabric was amazing on his skin, then put the boots on and started to look at the top. It was overly complicated with straps, lace, and armored plates. Then a pair of arms wrapped his body, making him jump! He hadn''t seen or sensed anyone. But Saurian was laughing at him.


    ¡°Hay handsome, that fight was amazing!¡± Soluna''s voice said into his ear. Her breasts pressed against his back, as her finger danced along his hard muscled chest and abbs. ¡°Ooo! I was hoping to catch you with your pants down. Shame.¡±


    ¡°Soluna! Hello, its been a while!¡± Lash slowly turned around.


    Soluna the bronze skinned goddess was wearing a tight shirt top with out sleeves. But it was short enough to let you see some under boob and invited you to peek. She wore a short mid thigh skirt, with slits up both ends, and golden sandals with straps crisscrossing along her calf''s. She had a collection of gold, and silver bracelets on, her hair had golden beads braided in so they would click together when ever she moved her head. Her yellow snake eyes watched Lash, as he watched her. He looked at a specific bracelet. It was the one he made for her, he smiled at her. She reached out and placed a finger to his lips, leaned in pressing half her naked breast into his chest. Her lips pressed against his ear.


    ¡°Thank you for the gift, but we are keeping it private. Having a trump healing card is always nice. Oh! Is that a dagger in your pants or are you...Hmmm!¡± Soluna said before she felt something hard press against her abdomen. Then opened her eyes wide when Lash kissed her.


    Lash didn''t understand why he did it, but he did do it. Soluna was pressed up against the wall of the alcove surprise clear in her eyes, but she wasn''t fighting it! She soon wrapped her legs around his waist, locking him tight against her. He reached under her shirt and began to massage her breasts. She didn''t wear a bra. Her breasts were firm, perky, and a delight to touch. She gasped in surprise as Lash''s hands began to act with practiced ease alternating between massage, twist, and tease. Lash erection pushed against the cloth of his pants, and pressed into her clitoris. Soluna yelped in surprise and moaned loudly her eyes rolling into the back of her head. Then he abruptly stopped moving, taking in slow even breaths. His eyes had grown reptilian as he looked at Soluna. Her eyes slowly focused as she looked at him.


    ¡°Hello Saurian? Was that Lash, or you?¡± Soluna said, reached out to caress Lash''s lips. A deep base growl was more felt then heard making Soluna shiver with excitement. But Lash soon helped her to sit down on the large coach in the alcove, he stepped away to adjust himself. So he wouldn''t have a towel rack in the party.


    ¡°I''m sorry, as much as I would like to continue I don''t want to do this here. Also....¡± Lash didn''t finish. He was still trying to control his breathing.


    ¡°You want Jessabell first? Don''t worry, I''d choose her first too. But thank you for the taste, it was amazing! Come on I''ll help you put this on!¡± Lash turn to watch Soluna, he used his skill Deductive Reasoning on her. She meant what she said, she wasn''t offended that he wanted Jessabell first. He also noticed she really did enjoy the taste. That''s always a mans fear that they can''t please the women in their lives. Or at least it was for Lash.


    With Soluna''s help he put on the ceremonial armor. A gambeson cloth vest, and sleeves. With soft leather pants, and studded leather boots. He had several hard leather scale plates along his arms, and down his spine. Like a mix between European, and Japan armor. On the front was the Gotham Warden insignia. During the fitting, Soluna more then once teased Lash with her nails, or her lips in certain parts of his body. Never making a comment like ''oops'' or ''sorry'' She did it on purpose. So, when he was done he reached out with both his hands and caught her breasts once more. Ridding her shirt up, she gasped in surprise then collapsed onto the coach, moaning loudly.


    Lash had cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on her. But he had learned that he could...Highlight certain nerves, specifically pleasure nerves when he did this. He wasn''t sure if that was the spell or his own wish. Soluna''s back arched off the coach, as she wrapped her legs around Lash again locking him in place, she bucked and humped him for a good minute before she calmed down. The smell of sex was in the alcove now, Soluna had cum across the front of Lash''s leather pants. Her eyes fluttered open, as she focused on him. She was breathing hard, she reached out to white knuckle Lash''s wrists because his hands were still massaging her breasts.


    ¡°That was so fucking mean!¡± Soluna growled at him. Lash smiled down at her, he used Immaculate on himself, Soluna, and the room. Soon they were both clean and fresh. Lash tried to help Soluna adjust and stand but she slapped his hands away. Glaring at him.


    ¡°You make it sound like you didn''t enjoy it?¡± Lash said, a mock frown on his face. A hand to his heart as he had been wounded.


    ¡°I enjoyed it and you fucking know it! You said you were waiting for Jessabell! Oh! So you can make me cum! But it doesn''t count if you don''t!? Fuck!...Just...fuck!¡± Soluna adjusted her cloths, pushed past Lash ensuring to shoulder clip him which only made her bounce off of him. Which made her even angrier.


    ¡°Love you too, Soluna.¡± Lash said softly. Soluna froze at the curtains before she left. Her entire body went rigid. Like a rotating mechanical arm that needed oil her head jerked to look at him. Lash had a wide smile on his face as he watched her. -We are friends, family, we are pack. Of course we love you. Saurian spoke, answering her question.


    Soluna blushed hard, then flung the curtain aside and stormed off. Clearly angry, and a little delighted. The sidhe attendant stuck his head in, a question on his face. Lash waved him in and asked if he looked right. The attendant fixed a few things then nodded. Lash left the alcove and strode into the grand hall once more. Soluna was like a speed boat in the crowd, she was in and out making ripples of confused people. Everyone looking towards Lash since that is where she originated from. He looked down bashfully and went to go find some one he knew.


    ==============================================================


    Stupid! Stupid! Stupid Lash! Stupid Saurian! Stupid me! Soluna stalked straight towards the conversion hall where Jessabell was. She stomped her feet, with every step she took. Everyone made a clear path for her both because of her status and her clear sign of anger. She went straight up to a door that was heavily guarded by Winter Court Knights who stopped her. Not allowing her entry until she calmed down.


    Soluna took deep slow breaths, pacing back and forth outside of the door trying to find her center. But she remembered the feeling of Lash''s touch on her breasts and that made her head spin, she groaned in frustration and walked away from the door trying to get some fresh air. Pushing past a few people she came to balcony and stared up at the alien sky that the Winter Fae Wilds had. Three separate moons stared back down at her. The cold winter air brushed across her skin calming her mind. Jessabell was right, Lash is trouble. Will be trouble. But, its the kind of trouble that Soluna hasn''t had in a long time. Her mother and father warned her about him. He was not from Earth, nor was the Patron God that marked him. He was an unknown. But, that was exciting wasn''t it! Her heart rate slowed down, and her breathing was even. She went back to the conversion hall to see Jessabell. That woman was sure to laugh at her when she found out what happened.


    ===============================================================


    ¡°So, you are a magician?¡± Richard Grayson said to Lash. Lash smiled at him, and shook his head lightly.


    ¡°My official title is Natural Mechanic. My first Domain was Nature. So, Druid would be my first title after Warden. I''m what many refer to as were-breed. However, my partner is not from around here. So I am considered an outlier.¡± Lash said, explaining to the Boy Wonder aka Robin.


    Robin had stars in his eyes and smiled wide as he spoke to Lash. Zatanna had her arm hooked around Richard''s as she listened and asked questions about being a ''Natural Mechanic'' She didn''t realize that Nature and Technomancy had a medium called Synthesis. Monica and Shevalla were standing near by listening and watching Lash with interest. Monica and Shevalla were both sirens. But from different parts of the world. Monica was from Ireland, while Shevalla was from the North Western Seas. They had met Zatanna when she was touring the world with her father.


    ¡°So you could in theory create a tree that absorbs sunlight and could power a battery? Or even a generator?¡± Shevalla asked, her voice mesmerizing to the ear. Richard and Zatanna always smiled when she spoke. But, Lash was not affected in the least. Which only caught more of her attention.


    ¡°I already have, at my home there is a Griak messenger tree house. I changed the tree into the very thing you described. Letting it collect sunlight it stores, and powers the house. So now the Griaks have a working tiny home. I even bought two tablets for them so they could watch shows. The Griak house in my home is very popular now. I''m in the process of making another two houses so more can stay.¡± Lash said, a smile on his face.


    ¡°And the tree still grows?¡± Monica asked, her voice was captivating in different way seem to excite and inspire others.


    ¡°Yes, still grows, repairs minor wear and tear. It just doesn''t look ''natural'' looks like someone spray painted metal gray onto the tree, with tubes glowing with energy as it collects electricity. The leaves are green in color but clear like glass. The filaments collect the energy and send it to the main trunk.¡± Lash said, describing the ''Sun collection tree'' as best he could. Monica and Shevalla were clearly interested in such a thing.


    Lash took a quick glance around and smiled as he saw that Bruce was talking to Selina. They were both smiling and a bit of playful flirting going on. He ''read'' them both, and was happy to see that they were both genuine and happy to talk to each other. But, Selina still didn''t know Bruce was Batman. But, Bruce didn''t know Selina was a God-Kin to Bast. So it was even! Then a soft cough was heard behind Lash. Both Monica and Shevalla went wide eyed at who it was. Lash turned around curious.


    ¡°Congratulations on your successful draw, Warden Lash. I''ve seen Lu''Atha challenge others before. Getting him to admit a draw is a rare occasion. I am Tokar, an envoy of the City of Atlantis. This is my aid and guard, Netia. May we have a moment of your time?¡± The man named Tokar said.


    He was a tall, lean man with a skin tight wet suit pants and shirt. Both sea colored green, with fish scales for design. He had long black hair kept back in a lose tail, kept there by braids. He wore a simple white over coat. But he was clearly carved out of stone with zero body fat. He wore golden sandals on his feet. But his entire outfit told you he was more comfortable in water. He had the Atlantean A on his belt buckle, and noticeable gills on his neck.


    Netia, was dressed much in the same as her counter part. But her skin tight uniform had armor plates on her forearms, and legs. With a collapsible trident on her back, she had pale blue skin, with a bit of fish scale in her skin as well, especially around the gills on her neck. Her teeth looked a little shark like, she smiled politely at Lash. She was a predator, a shark-human. Saurian reached out with a bit of his own energy and touched Netia. Who shivered despite herself, her smile vanished but she wasn''t angry just curious. Saurian recalled his energy and settled. Lash turned back at his companion, Richard and Zatanna were interested. But Monica and Shevalla snagged them both. Bowed deeply to Tokar and excused themselves. Ah! They are both water sirens they must understand who they are.


    ¡°Warden Lash, and Partner Saurian greet the keepers, and guardians of the oceans, and seas.¡± Lash bowed from his waist, holding his hands in an odd position over his chest. Well odd to others, it was the standard respectful salute between a surface dweller to ocean dwellers like Atlanteans. Tokar was impressed!


    ¡°I don''t think I''ve ever seen a surface dweller use that action. We were taught in school because of tradition. But I am happy to see that it hasn''t died out on the surface. Ah! That''s right! Thank you Netia. She reminded me that Warden Lash is well versed in customs.¡± Tokar said, with a smile of gratitude towards Netia. Who had informed him of Lash''s polite manners. Netia continued to watch Lash with interest, trying to read more into his body language.


    ¡°So, how may this Warden be of assistance?¡± Lash asked, keeping a relaxed posture.


    ¡°I heard you are a master tracker, you and your partner. I was curious what are the specifics of what you can and cant do. His majesty Orm, the king of Atlantis may have a task for you.¡± Tokar said with a smile. Lash smiled on the inside, they wanted him to find Arthur.


    ¡°If its a spell caster, I need to find a point of when they used their magic. So delayed spell, attack magic, defensive magic, even an enchanted item used by another but created by the caster could work. Though that one would be harder. If it''s a God-kin. God-ling, or Seed-ling, I need either cloths, blood, or a place they''ve been for some time. Much like a blood hound. It does work over and through water. Since I''m not actually chasing a normal scent but their energy. But if you need me to track some one who is neither of those? Then a parent or siblings would work, specifically a blood sample, clothing, or if I meet them at least once. Everyone has a different scent, but families carry similarities. But please understand it would be exceedingly difficult for that method. I would also have to travel across the whole of the planet for it.¡± Lash said a complete and total explanation of his tracking effect. Tokar, and Netia both were surprised that he had said so much, and given so much detail. Lash might have laid it down a bit to thick.


    ¡°I see.... If we could bring you a vial of blood from a sibling. Would that be sufficient in your tracking?¡± Tokar said. A glint of intelligence and desire in his eyes.


    ¡°Yes it would allow me to lock the scent at least partially. I''d still have to have a general idea of where to start. The world''s a big place if you count both water and land.¡± Lash said, no doubt in his body language. It was true so no need to lie. Both Tokar, and Netia seem to be overjoyed at that.


    ¡°Wonderful! I''ll have to inform the King of this! It may be some time, but we may ask for your assistance in a matter!¡± Tokar said, a smile on his face.


    ¡°Of course! As long as the task does not go against Warden Law. I try to make my oath of neutrality seriously.¡± Lash said, emphasizing the end. Tokar''s smile wilted just a little but he soon covered it up.


    ¡°We would never do anything that would endanger your oath, Warden. Its refreshing to see a Warden who takes the oath seriously. Thank you for your time, we''ll contact you again if everything goes according to plan! Good night!¡± Tokar bowed his head slightly, as did Netia. Lash preformed a half bow, half kneel. His body language preforming the ceremonial surface dweller goodbye.


    Lash soon stood, and watched them go. Netia did take a moment to half turn to look at Lash one last time. He winked at her and smiled. She grinned and turned around to walk after her charge. Last counted down in his head from ten to one. Then turned his head to see a gorgeous red head walk towards him. She was about 5'' 9¡± with sexy and voluptuous body with healthy tanned skin. A long mermaid trail green sea foam dress, that was practically painted on, letting you see every inch of her body. She walked in five inch heels with the confidence and practice ease that so few woman have. Her dress top was held by a strap wrapped around her neck, it was sleeveless, and backless. It went so far down that you could see the top of her but, her long legs were exposed between the slits of her dress on her right leg that ran up to her hip. Her breasts bounced with every step she took, and she had a little smile on her face when she realized Lash was watching her.


    ¡°Warden Lash, I was curious if I may have a moment of your time. Privately?¡± The woman said to him. Lash didn''t say a word only nodded his head, he offered her his arm and led her to an alcove. She took the offered arm lightly keeping a polite distance from him. But her fingers did dance up and down his arm teasingly. Once inside the alcove he drew the curtains and turned to look at her.


    ¡°Y''mera Xebella Challa, daughter of King Nereus. How may I help you?¡± Lash said, bowing from his waist but skipping the surface dweller etiquette. This completely threw Mera off guard. Mera, the future wife of Arthur Curry.


    ¡°Oh! You know me? Well that''s a surprise!¡± Mera quickly recovered, stepping close to Lash. She ran her fingers along Lash''s jaw line attempting to throw him off balance only to realize it didn''t phase him. Her eyes became cold as she stepped back to look at him.


    ¡°Are you an ally of my father? Or did Tokar already buy you?¡± Mera said, gritting her teeth.


    ¡°No, and no. Tell me, Princess Xebella what do you know about me?¡± Lash said, a smile on his face as he watched her.


    ¡°You are Warden Erik Lash, a were-breed. Your partners name is Saurian. You are a beast talker, as well as a magical tracker that can find magic casters, and god-kin. You played an important role in the fight against Ares when he attacked the surface world. You are also a Druid, Technomancer, and a newly appointed Grave Walker. You take your oath of neutrality seriously, and do not discriminate against race, creed, blood line, or culture. Even with the amount of times you''ve been attacked by the Blood-Kindred you still hold no ill will towards them. Anything else?¡± Mera said looking at him with interest now.


    ¡°You missed a lot actually. But one of the things that are important is one of the things you want to know. I am also an Oracle.¡± Lash said to her a smile on his face. Her eyes went wide when he said that...


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron has issued you a grand quest!


    Help or Defeat the heir apparent, Prince Orm of Atlantis.


    Help or Defeat the true heir, Prince Arthur Curry.


    One must sit on the throne to succeed in your quest. Reward will be based on who you help, and how you help.


    ¡°So, why don''t you ask me what you came to ask me. Princess.¡± Lash said, he knew that his body was glowing softly with golden light. He was hoping it would and it did. Foresight had activated.


    ¡°Who is the first prince, and where is he? Please! Prince Orm is a tyrant and if he sits on the throne he will wage war on the surface!¡± Mera stepped close once more, but was pleading to him now.


    ¡°Arthur Curry, resides in the city known as Amnesty Bay. Lives in a light house on the coast with his Father. Approximately five hundred miles north east of Gotham City.¡± Lash said, and felt Foresight deactivate. He stumbled and Mera caught him. Her body was warm, and soft in all the right places. But, firm and strong in the others. A brilliant smile was on her face, she leaned up and kissed Lash gently on his lips.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Mera whispered to him and hugged him.


    ¡°Say hello to your future husband for me.¡± Lash said to her, she went a little stiff when he said that. Lash laughed gently, standing up then to look at her. She was blushing now, and soon realized she was. She turned around trying to rub her cheeks free of it. She turned around soon after with a brilliant smile on her face.


    ¡°Princess, if Orm has given you anything. Specifically if he said it was once his mothers. Like a ring, or a bracelet. Double check it. He may be using it to track you.¡± Lash said. Mera stopped then looked down at her left hand, sure enough there was a bracelet with a pearl on it. She took it off, then handed it to Lash. He understood, sending a Technomancy pulse through it. YEP!


    ¡°Yes, there is a tracker in here. Don''t destroy it. Give it to a whale or something. Lead them on a merry chase!¡± Lash said to her, she smiled wide at the idea. This time she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. The action surprised him. Especially when her tongue slid into his mouth, she moaned softly soon letting go.


    ¡°You taste great! You sure Arthur will be my husband?¡± Mera said, as she pressed her body against Lash.


    ¡°He should be, but my Cosmic Patron may not get it right. He''s been wrong before.¡± Lash said, he placed his arms around her, and his fingers danced up and down her back. She wiggled in his embraced, as her eyes fluttered enjoying the sensation.


    ¡°Hmmm, maybe I''ll come back for a visit before we get married. Thank you for this Lash. I''ll make sure to repay you one way or another.¡± Mera kissed him one more time. Then left, Lash straightened his cloths and raised the curtains returning to the party.


    Lash wasn''t sure if Mera had always been so playful, or if it was something else. Then he read a prompt message that he missed. Oh. Basic Charming Presence had gained experience. Maybe that was why? As much as Lash wanted to enjoy the Comic book worlds ladies. Something didn''t feel right about it. That''s why he steered Selina towards Bruce. Why he didn''t make an active move towards Mera. Maybe in the future they would share something. But he felt he needed to have sex with Jessabell first before any one else. As Lash was walking through the crowds he saw Netia again, she looked at him then at the direction Mera walked off in. -She asked about what we spoke about, I said the same thing about my tracking skills that I told you. Lash sent a telepathic message to her. She jumped slightly, her eyes wide. She opened her mouth to respond, then thought better of it since they were across the room from each other. She narrowed her eyes, trying to focus. Lash smiled at her attempt to respond. -However, unlike you she didn''t offer a vial of blood. I''ll assume I''m getting caught in the middle of something? Netia frowned, but soon nodded her head in a yes. Lash shrugged, then broke the connection. A soft pop sounded for both of them, letting Netia know the connection was broken. She watched him move back towards the people he knew.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°Netia? Did you see something?¡± Tokar spoke to her. Netia turned around and shook her head.


    ¡°Nothing of note. But that Warden Lash is interesting, I believe he is more capable then he is letting on. I get the feeling that if we do get the sample of blood he''ll be able to find the missing half-breed.¡± Netia said the last part with a bit if bitterness. Tokra noticed her.


    ¡°I assure you, Netia when king Orm is the official king across all of the oceans he will create equality for all of the underwater people. He is not the racial pure-blood tyrant that so many people say he is.¡± Tokra stepped forward, far to close for a proper envoy should have for his guard. Netia looked surprised, especially when Tokra took her face in his hands and kissed her softly.


    ¡°Tokra what are you doing!? People will see us!¡± Netia hissed softly, but her blue skin blushed hard at his attention.


    ¡°Can''t a man kiss his fiance?¡± Tokra said, making Netia blush even harder.


    ==============================================================


    The party continued for several more hours. Lash had been speaking to Bruce and Selina about Wayne enterprises new involvement with the super-natural world. Bruce didn''t realize how many of his employee''s were not human, but he took it in stride. Bruce had offered Selina a job as an art curator for one of his museums and was wondering if Lash would like to put some of his work in it. Bruce offered to pay for them of course. Then a horn range out across the entire castle halls. Making everyone stop to pay attention, then a voice called to everyone''s ears via a spell.


    ¡°Attention everyone. Tonight''s main event, The Great Hunt will be starting soon. Everyone who volunteered to be a hunted please stand clear you''ll be teleported to the starting line, all hunters stand clear you will be teleported to the rally point. Everyone else, you may watch from the grand halls or watch from the main grounds. Good Luck and may the odds be in your favor.¡± The voice was gender less but spoke clearly. A spell circle appeared under Lash.


    ¡°Oh! Time for me to get ready! I''ll see you both later alright!¡± Lash said, as the spell ring began to glide up and down. His body slowly fading from sight. Selina''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Wait, which are you! I''ll come watch!¡± Selina said, her arm wrapped around Bruce''s.


    ¡°We volunteered to be part of the Hunted. The rewards are higher, and its more of a challenge. Cheer for Saurian when you see him!¡± Lash said, winking at Selina. Who smiled back at him.


    Then Lash was gone from the main hall, he found himself at the foot of a huge forest, a collection of sleeping winter tree''s in front of him. Hundreds of spell rings came aglow around him, as more and more people were teleported in. Everyone wore close, form fitting armor and suits. Function over fashion. Though everyone did look exceptional wearing them. Lash focused and called on his partner. Saurian soon stepped out, absorbing Lash''s cloths and the 7'' 6¡± foot tall monster of a lizard creature appeared. Saurian winced and quickly adjusted the armor he was wearing it was a bit to tight. Looks like he had grown again. Compared to all the other hunted he was huge, and clearly noticeable. Saurian shrugged, and slapped his chest plate with Daylight, soon all the belts, buckles, and metal pieces in his leather outfit glowed with Daylight. Making him noticeable for over five hundred feet.


    ¡°I''ll draw them in! You all run as fast as you can!¡± Saurian called out, his reptilian voice rough but everyone understood. Hundreds of people cheered, and called out in thanks!


    ¡°Attention! Volunteer hunted, you will have a five minute head start. Then the hunters will be released to chase, wound, and capture you. Direct killing, maiming, or dismemberment is not allowed and will be watched carefully by Arcane Eye. Thank you for volunteering and good luck!¡± Saurian ROARED! Rallying Call was used as everyone heard the roar they felt full of energy. They stood ready, waiting for the horn..... Buuuuurrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaa! Boom! Saurian sprinted forward, like big shining beacon in the darkness.


    It begins...

 Chapter 38: Winter Knight

    ==============================================================


    Spell rings activated across the entrance to the forest, well over five hundred in number. All of hunters were mounted on an assortment of creatures, monsters, and horses. The riders wore a eclectic array of different cultural armors and weapons. One particular group in the center of the hunting party was surrounded by knights. In the center sat on a armored bicorn, with a female rider from head to toe wearing pure black plate male. A set of stag horns adorned her head, the armor was tailored to her lithe and seductive figure. A pair of multi colored eyes that continued to change from color to color looked out across the forest.


    Next to this warrior queen sat another female knight wearing an assortment of ancient Greece armor with snake motifs and stylized pieces. She rode a six legged basilisk, the creature''s midnight green scales glistened under the three moons of the Winter Fae Wilds. The knight watched the queen, and then looked towards the forest where the queen had looked herself. There at the very edge of the forest stood a seven foot tall lizard creature. Its armor brilliant as the day, it howled in greeting then sprinted into the forest.


    ¡°What the fuck is that idiot doing?¡± Soluna said, barely above a whisper.


    ¡°We don''t know...¡± The Warrior Queen said


    ¡°My Queen! It seems the creature is baiting us! Please allow me and my team to capture him in your honor!¡± Said a silver knight riding a white stag. This man had been boot licking the Queen all night.


    ¡°Do as you wish.¡± The Queen spoke with several voices layered over them. As if she were several people speaking at once.


    ¡°By your leave!¡± The Silver Knight bowed from his mount, called his fellows and sprinted into the forest.


    The Queen raised her hand to stop the rest of the hunting party. Her lips tugged upwards briefly, she had a feeling something wasn''t right. The rest of hunt stayed put, watching, and waiting. The Silver Knight on his majestic white stag rode straight towards the fading light of the giant Lizard. A dozen hunters soon followed on stags, horses, and wolves. They broke through the first layer and DAYLIGHT! Blinded everyone by the edge of the forest. The hunters screamed in panic as they the broke the ground and entered a Mud Marsh! The mounts ground to a halt as the marsh was far deeper then they anticipated, then the real trouble came. Giant roots, and tree branches came from the sleeping forest! The Silver Knight screamed in panic as he was taken through the marsh and tied to a tree by its roots. He was not the only one. Soon the entire capture team was hung up to dry, covered in mud. The mounts soon pulled them selves out, or were released? Then they heard a voice.


    ¡°Who''s dumb idea was it to chase a DRUID! Through a forest! What IDIOT never thought to question why a hunted decided to stay at the edge of the forest when they had a five minute head start! I''ll think you''ll find this Great Hunt a little different from the ones you''ve had!¡± A loud, primal animalistic voice called from the forest.


    The hunters that remained all looked to the queen, who had a smile on her face. The captured hunters were covered in mud and incapacitated. Soon spell circles appeared and swallowed the lost mounts and trapped hunters. They were out of the game.


    ¡°Send our trackers, and trap experts first. We need to get an idea of what the druid has done. Do it quickly!¡± The Queen called out, her multi voice spoke softly but all heard her command.


    ¡°You were right....He is trouble.¡± Soluna said. The Queen smiled at her.


    ==============================================================


    Saurian ran through the winter forest at a decent gait, not slow, but not fast conserving his energy. He was on all fours now to even the weight for his body, every tree he ran past he cast a new multi spell he learned recently.


    Proximity Release: You cast a spell into an object, place, or person. For a delayed cast of up to twenty four hours. If someone or something passes by the proximity the spell activates. This currently activates if anything passes its area. But future levels will allow for Identified friends and foes. -Traps any one!?


    While the rest of the hunted ran into the forest at the five minute horn, Saurian stayed behind and made traps across the entire forest edge. Or as far as he could reasonably run in a short amount of time. Sure enough as soon as the hunters arrived, he showed himself and a stupid wannabe hunter trying to curry favor ran straight at him not questioning why a hunted stayed behind. -First trap was successful, twelve are out of the game. Saurian said across a telepathic link. He had created a ''temporary pack'' with several leaders of the hunted. -Well done Lord Chosen! Let''s see what else they lose! An older gentle male voice spoke across the link. This man was an elder Sylvan warrior that volunteered to help his grand children through the hunt. Lala''Bu was his name, very friendly and jovial. But had the eyes of a soldier that''s been around the field of battle more then once.


    ¡°AAAAAAAAA!¡± Another Daylight spell activated and for a brief moment the forest behind the hunted lite up like the sun rise.


    Several people laughed across the telepathic link, as Saurian continued to run. He soon stopped running forward and began to set up more traps in the forest. Feeding the winter forest a bit of Nature Domain. The tree''s more then happy to play for a bit before they went back to sleep. Then just to screw with the trackers on him. Saurian dove straight into the ground and used Earth Swim, then swam backwards towards the hunters. Time to play!


    Saurian felt like one of those things Erik said, what was it...Street shark? Earth Swim still chewed up a sizable chunk of magic to preform but every time he used it he got better with it. He cast Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage. Then like a shark or a crocodile moved past a group of hunters who were slowly moving forward. Their mounts were behind them by a few feet slowly following behind. The hunters were checking tree''s, the ground, the snow. All of it with their spears and bows. Tap...Tap...FWOOOOSH! Saurian jumped from the ground with a ROAR! Using Intimidating Shout! The entire group of hunters were stunned for about five seconds. More then enough time.


    Saurian shoulder slammed into a hunter who went flying into a tree. The tree wrapped its branches around them like a welcoming friend who didn''t understand the concept of personal space! Then the ground around them bubbled and frothed as they began to sink. Saurian moved through the mud marsh as if it was air. He went before the mounts and with a great big exhale let out a green smog from his mouth. The smog raced towards them, and the animals despite themselves fell asleep. Sleep Pheromones a passive spell ability of Nature Domain. Saurian then made the ground solid once more and sprinted off into the forest again. As the shouts of the fallen, and the trapped cursed his name and his family!


    ¡°You are suppose to run and hide! Not fight back!¡± One of the hunters said!


    ¡°If I have broken the rules then why haven''t the referee''s stopped me?¡± Saurian called back, and disappeared into the Fog he cast.


    Lash/Saurian had actually read through the rule book in great detail. They even spoke to a few veterans. No where in the rule book did it say that the hunted couldn''t fight back. In fact it was encouraged. It was a symbolic gesture to remind the hunters that if they are not careful they could just as easily become the hunted. But, an expert hunter and hunted did explain that he should never take them all out. That would bring dishonor to the Hunt. So only take out 2/3 of the group. So, that is what Saurian set out to do. He was going to take apart the hunters, and save as many hunted as possible.


    THUNK!


    An Arrow pierced into the tree near Saurian''s head, missing him by about an inch. If Danger Sense had not activated he would have been shot in the head. Not cool. He tore the arrow out of the tree then healed it. Then stuck the arrow into the ground after placing a spell on it. Then he ran off with a laugh. Saurian raced through the forest casting Growth creating tiny little mushrooms and plants. All imbued with pheromones. He jumped over a fallen tree, and dove straight into the ground like it was water. Nature''s Passage worked on a lot of things. But if he wasn''t careful they could track him magically.


    ¡°AAAaaaaaaaaa...!¡± Seems the hunter found a surprising shock! When they retrieved their arrow.


    ¡°Attention, we have one thousand out of one thousand hunted still in play, we have four hundred and thirty seven hunters out of five hundred still in play. May the odds be in your favor.¡± Said the gender less spell voice in every ones ears.


    Saurian swam through the earth and soon popped out of the ground to continue running in the pre designated point for him. All of the group leaders on the link cheered. -Its been a long time since I last heard them say the hunters were below the hunted. Said Lala''Bu. Saurian ran through the forest for another mile before he stopped and planted his hand against a tree, he focused and cast a spell that he had not used in a long time. Root of Information, at some point the utility of this spell had changed. Either because he himself didn''t use it, or the developers changed it he wasn''t sure. It still did its original purpose, but now he could also link up with different plant life in the area and use them like a camera, including sound.


    ¡°Aaaaaaa!¡± A hunter screamed in panic when a tree root burst from the ground! Snagged his leg and dragged him into the dense fog that was now in the forest.


    A group of six people were huddled in the forest back to back. Their mounts left behind as the beasts had suddenly fallen asleep and couldn''t be woken. Some of the group were Sylvan, one of them a Were-Wolf. His face was in a snarl of contempt he wanted to move on but couldn''t leave his group behind. They had been following a trail, but suddenly a spell was activated when they walked into a clearing and they lost the scent. Not only that, but the spell cleaned them from head to toe! The wolf jumped off the ground quickly when he felt his feet had begun to sink. His hunting crew was no so lucky.


    ¡°This isn''t suppose to happen! Damn you Warden! This is..GAAAH! Get off of me!¡± The wolf yelped in surprise when the tree he jumped to began to try and strangle him.


    Saurian soon came back to himself, side effect of the spell is he was left vulnerable while he channeled it. Thankfully no one had attacked him while he sat still. A sinister smile was on his face as he ran towards his destination in the forest. Bright lights erupted behind him from different locations, he could cast his spells while he channeled Root of Information. The Hunted didn''t understand, this whole forest was a trap.


    Saurian jumped towards a tree and climbed up silent as a ghost. His claws leaving no mark as the tree''s helped him climb. He enriched every tree he climbed on for good measure, a good hunter could use it to track him. But he thought it was a even trade to climb on the tree''s. He soon came to the top of the canopy and looked out over the huge Winter Fae Wilds. The castle wasn''t even sight! They had truly been sent out into the preserve. Several more flash bombs went off in the forest. -Team leaders check in. Saurian called out. -Everyone in my team is still hear. Lala''Bu responded. The other leaders responded as well. We hadn''t lost any one yet. -We have three hunting teams on our tail. They are getting closer one of them seems to know where you left traps and they are avoiding them. Need help! A female voice spoke across the link. Using the location aspect of the bond Saurian jumped from the tree he was on and leaped from branch to branch. The tree''s created a passage for him as he moved. He even ran over a few hunting teams that had no idea he was there.


    -Keep moving I''m on my way! Saurian called across the link and moved with all due haste in that direction. Thunk! Thunk! Two arrows struck the tree''s he was jumping through, they knew he was up here but he was gone before they could do much. Buuuurrrraaaaaaaaa! A horn rang out from behind him, they were chasing him. Saurian soon came to his destination and swan dived off the tree. The ground swallowed him with open arms, like welcoming a friend home. The riders tracking him soon stopped, and looked around confused. The tree roots soon came alive and attempted to capture the hunters. Who raced off in any direction they could find. They soon learned staying in one place for to long would get you captured.


    Saurian swam through the earth like a crocodile does in their swamp. He found the escaping hunted... Or rather found them standing still waiting, finding that odd he didn''t surface and looked around. He soon found the reason. The team leader of this band was a were-hyena. In the pursuing hunter party was a were-hyena. They shared a pack bond. This was a trap. Saurian swam to a near a bramble bush surfaced just his head and spoke softly.


    ¡°Winter Court referee, Miss Tina Westrol has betrayed the pact of the hunted and is using a pack bond between a hunter to trap others.¡± Saurain spoke softly, but didn''t have to wait long.


    ¡°Checking, stand by.¡± The Gender less voice spoke softly in his ear.


    ¡°Tina Westrol of the Were-Hyena pack Blood-Tongues. You and your pack have been found in violation of the oath of the Hunters and Hunted in an attempt to rig the game. You and your pack are disqualified from the hunt and will be reprimanded for attempting to cheat this ancient ritual! Goodbye!¡± The Gender less voice yelled across the entire forest. Soon every one involved in the scandal was teleported out of the game.


    ¡°Attention the number of hunted has been changed from one thousand to nine hundred and fifty two. Nine hundred and fifty two out of nine hundred and fifty two hunted still remain. The hunters number five hundred has been changed to four hundred and eighty five. Three hundred and sixty five still remain out of four hundred and eight five. May the odds be in your favor!¡± The Gender less voice spoke once more in every ones ear.


    Saurian slipped from the wet earth and ran in right direction he broke the link with team leader Tina. He snarled and made a note not to have future dealings with the Blood-Tongues pack. -They set a trap for you didn''t they? Lala''Bu asked. -Yes Saurian said. The team leaders were not happy about that. This was an ancient ritual that has been done since at a time before humans thought the earth was flat! The Blood-Tongues just spelled the end of their pack by trying to rig the game.


    Families, houses, pack''s could all play the game on either side! But they were suppose to play the game. Trying to rig it was an execution waiting to happen. Saurian put it to the back of his mind as he raced across the snow and mud. Daylight bombs kept going off despite the change in mood. Saurian and the team leaders were half way through the preserve now. Saurian kept using Root of Information to spy and set more traps as he ran. Soon the hunted had a huge lead ahead of the hunters. They still hadn''t lost any hunted.


    Buuuuurrrrraaaaaaa!


    ¡°Attention! The first hunted has succeeded in passing the finish line. Rewarded to Lala''Bu of house My''Lokina!¡± The Winter Court gender less voice spoke across the forest.


    Buuuuurraaaaaaaaa!


    ¡°Attention!.....¡±


    ¡°Attention!....¡±


    THUNK! THUNK! THUNK! Arrows zipped by Saurian''s body like machine gun fire. Fire bolts, Ice bolts, shot through the forest chasing Saurian! Saurian had a huge smile on his face. They were on the final stretch and he was the last one racing towards the finish line. Eruptions of earth split the landscape as mages tried to capture him. Only him! They had to get him! He raced across the destroyed forest plain as monstrous beasts raced after him with their riders urging them on!


    ¡°Come on Saurian! You can make it!¡± Lala''Bu yelled, waving his arms at him! The entire group of hunted yelled and cheered at him.


    ¡°Come on!¡±


    ¡°You can do it!¡±


    FWOOOSH!


    ¡°GAAAH!¡± A spear pierced Saurian and nailed him to the ground! He was a few hundred feet from the finish line. The hunted screamed in horror! They couldn''t go back and rejoin the game once they crossed. Saurian turned his head around and saw an armored female warrior with a winter halo of power surrounding her. The Warrior Queen Mab. Fuck She had thrown the spear to impale him, the shouts and cheers from the hunted rang out. Saurian gripped the spear and used Material Shaping on it. The spear drained what little energy he had left but the thing snapped in half. He tore it from his body and limped his way towards the finish line. Almost there...


    Arrows! Spears! Spells impaled, pierced, and nailed him into the ground again and again. But he picked himself up with a yell of triumph as he used Rallying Call his energy reserves incresed to 10%! He dove into the earth, then flicked his tail and his legs and shot out like bullet flying through the air he passed the finish line and crashed into the ground. The hunted cheered, as the hunters groaned.


    ¡°Attention! All hunted have passed the finish line. Last place goes to Warden Erik Lash, and his Partner Saurian. Congratulations, all hunted have passed the finish line. Three hundred and twelve out of four hundred and eighty five hunters have failed to capture a single hunted. All participants will be teleported back to the Winter Court Castle please stand by.¡± Said the Winter Court referee.


    Saurian winced as Lala''Bu helped him pull the arrows and spears out of his body. But all the hunted had huge smiles on their faces. Saurian soon stood up raising his arms in victory and let loose a Rallying Call. YEEEEAAH! The hunted yelled in response and raised their arms! They had done something that none of them knew was possible! Soon the spell rings appeared beneath them and they began to fade from sight. Saurian turned to look at the Warrior Queen Mab she raised a spear and saluted him. He bowed towards her then was startled when Soluna took her helmet off. She was standing next to the Queen as if they were friends. Wait, Jessabell was the Queen?!


    The Warrior Queen Mab during the hunt was a ceremonial position as well as a ritual. Thousands of years ago Queen Mab of the Winter Court along with Queen Titania of the Summer Court preformed a ritual that sacrificed them. This ritual had many effects, one of those effects was the creation of ''Glamour'' Which the Super-Natural world has used ever since to hide. The ritual also scattered the fragments of both the Queens souls. During their Winter and Summer Solstice those fragments are scattered across the different parts of the world for the celebration. They temporarily fuse with a willing participant for one single month. This is a great honor and privileg and allows the participant to become a puppet so the Queens can govern and help shape the Fae courts for the coming year. So that''s where Jessabell has been, she''s been governing the East coast of North America as Queen Mab. So not only did Lash/Saurian slight his possible lover but also slighted the Queen of the Winter Fae....Great!


    Saurian reappeared in the the Gotham City grand hall and the entire room erupted in cheers! It was so loud it hurt his ears, the walls vibrated with the chorus. He heard were-packs howl, he saw Torloth in his balcony with Juliana in their dragon forms roar! Flames erupting from their maws! Trumpets played a valiant song! Then spell crafted video projectors showed up in the hall. Allowing the hunted and hunters to watch the play by play of the event. The hunted and hunters were lead to a side room so they could properly change and rest for a bit. Saurian soon called Lash to take the driver seat. The giant hunting lizard metaphorically ran to hide under the bed holding his tail in fear of Jessabell''s wrath, Lash didn''t know if he should laugh or cry. Come on! Big scaredy cat Lizard! Don''t leave me alone! We''re going to die!


    Lash was alone in a well furnished room fit for royalty. Silk sheets, silk curtains, pillows with spell enchantments for comfort. A bowl of hot water was prepared for him if he wanted to freshen up. Which he did, he soaked a small towel and cleaned up. He could of used Immaculate but it seemed like a waste not to use this really nice water. The door to his room opened and in walked his friendly Wardens! Skaleg, Timothy, Mahalia, Simon, Sam, and...Isabella? That last one threw Lash for a loop. Isabella looked nervous.


    ¡°I''m sorry, if you want to be alo...¡± Isabella said softly.


    ¡°No, no its fine. Isabella. Your my sisters girl, so that makes you my friend. Thanks for coming!¡± Lash said with a smile. His words made Mahalia and Simon look at him funny but he ignored them. Isabella smiled and walked over, she rung the towel free of water and began to help clean his neck. Which he was confused about but didn''t stop her.


    ¡°You know I don''t discriminate you two. Do you think I''m going to start with my sisters girlfriend?¡± Lash said, glaring at Mahalia and Simon. They both shook their heads.


    The Wardens were all wearing formal tux robes just like Lash had wore at his ceremony to become a Warden. Though Mahalia looked really seductive in hers. Since she filled it out well, she caught Lash staring at her and struck a pose winking at him. Sam, who Lash had found out was dating Mahalia snagged her by the back of her tux collar and just like a small kitten Mahalia became meek and looked at Sam with great big innocent eyes.


    ¡°Anyways! We came to congratulate you! That was some hard core shit their Lash! Volunteering as a hunted was already out side of people''s expectations. They thought for sure you would have joined Jessabell as a Hunter. But, not only did you not! You lead the hunted into a race to cross the finish line and attacked the hunters in return!¡± Skaleg said with a great big smile on his face, the old viking held his war cane / axe in hand. The spectral Viking that stood behind him bowed towards Lash.


    ¡°Oh, I know you''ll ask so here is the deal with the Blood-tongues. The Alpha and the First had no knowledge that the young ones planned. The entire pack that was attending the party were placed under a super powerful truth compulsion seal. This was the first Winter Court Ball they had ever attended and thought they could rig the game, the young ones. So, everyone who was not involved was forgiven. But everyone who was involved could either chose execution, or slave labor. You don''t fuck with the Hunting games.¡± Said Timothy, Lash winced when he heard the verdict. He knew it was coming but some part of thought it would be easier to hear. Timothy patted him on the back.


    ¡°Alright, things you may have to worry about in the future. You made a lot of the participating hunters look like fools. Especially the first group you trapped at the very start. Don''t get me wrong, I thought it was funny as hell when you made fun of them for chasing a druid in to a forest. Nero Talla of the House of Ly was the Silver Knight you humiliated. Though no one is suppose to hold a grudge after the hunt is over. Be on the look out, he can''t touch you legally once the party is over. But he may challenge you to a duel of skill before you leave.¡± Mahalia said to Lash, she was nestled up against Sam who was petting her head softly. He was watching her carefully, Sam was not the jealous type but knew that Mahalia would get into trouble if he didn''t keep an eye on her. Simon coughed, then motioned towards Isabella. She looked flustered and put the towel away then sat down next to Lash.


    ¡°You may find a few unsavory types that may attack you after the party is over. Specifically Blood-Kindred, as well as a few other communities. You are not suppose to but many people bet on the The Great Hunt. My Sire Edwardo wanted me to tell you that they we of house Kuldr have no hand in the attempts nor hold any animosity. We...Ummmm. We actually bet on you to succeed as well as bet on how many you could get across the finish line. I told my sire what kind of person you are, as well as your partner. We....m.....¡± Isabella got quiet at the end. Lash leaned in trying to listen.


    ¡°They made seven hundred and fifty two million dollars off of you.¡± Simon said, a smirk on his face. Skaleg who was drinking from his never ending flask coughed and choked. His eyes wide in astonishment! Lash''s jaw was open so wide that he thought he might have popped his jaw out of place.


    ¡°WHAT THE FUCK!?¡± Mahalia screamed at the top of her lungs!


    ¡°So, when they won! Edwardo sent Isabella to me to try and figure this out. They had always planned to share the winnings with you. But technically what they did was illegal, so its against Warden Law to accept the money. They were planning on sharing 20% of what they earned with you so, that is?¡± Simon tried to count off on his fingers.


    ¡°One hundred fifty million and four hundred thousand dollars¡± Isabella said softly, still looking down at her hands. Trying to look anywhere but at Lash.


    ¡°Right! Thank you, so what do you want to do Lash? No one here will say a thing about you accepting the money. But, we also know you. So if there is a way to accept the money, but not keep it?¡± Simon said to Lash. Lash would really like to keep that money. But they were right, if he did this he would be breaking Warden Law. He had several achievements and abilities in use simply because he had integrity.


    ¡°Convert it into education scholar ships. Young, and old alike. We''ll call it ''The Hunt for Education Drive'' Or something.¡± Lash said, as he hung his head in depression. Then he got a prompt!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement, ''Damn, I''ve got 99 problems but money isn''t one of them!'' Once a day, every day 1% of your total liquid assets worth will spawn in your Minor Storage. This effect does stack with spawned money.


    ¡°OK, ya we can do that! This will be one of the few things I''ll willingly work with Blood-Kindred on. We''ll get it done!¡± Simon said, he tried to smile but just couldn''t. Mahalia was trying to pounce on Lash to change his mind but Sam held her in place.


    ¡°There are a lot of people that will put that money to good use, Lash. Its the right thing to do.¡± Sam said softly, he now held Mahalia in his arms both giving her a reassuring hug as well as holding her back from attacking Lash.


    The ''hurt'' that Lash felt was not so bad after the Achievement prompt was read. That means tomorrow he''d make about ninety thousand. So in a few months he''ll be fine! Now that he thought about it, that achievement was really overpowered! He''d have to ask Dawn about it, maybe it was a bug. He''d learned already that reporting bugs would grant him rewards. Everyone in the room could just feel the soul of Lash dying. So they politely excused themselves, Isabella kept apologizing and was led away by Simon. They had work to do.


    ¡°Dawn, doesn''t the achievement seem a little broken?¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°Not at all User! Of course for some one in your position it would seem a little broken. But every single person that gets that Achievement passes up on a huge monetary reward because its either against the law or against a code of morals they are holding themselves to. A majority of those people have very little to no money. So once they have the achievement if they don''t have Minor Storage they are granted it. Then they are granted the money spawn. Though we understand why you think it is ''broken'' We assure you, its correct.¡± Dawn''s voice was full of laughter when she spoke.


    ¡°Thanks Dawn.¡± Lash said, a smile on his face.


    Lash finished getting cleaned up, left the room and an attendant walked him back to the Gotham party hall. Dozens of people smiled and waved at him along the way, and dozens more looked like they wanted to kill him. Its nice being popular! Lash entered the hall and hundreds of eyes turned his way, he felt like a bucket of chum in a shark tank. The sharks sped there way towards him with all due haste. Oh crap!


    ¡°Warden Lash! I...¡±


    ¡°Lash! My friend!¡±


    ¡°How did you do it!....¡±


    Dozens of voices called across the mass sea of boot lickers, well wishers, and just people who wanted to touch him like he was some kind of golden god! If they touched him maybe some of his luck would rub off on them. Saurian was screaming at him to get out of the room! To many hostile gazes were on them mixed among the others! This felt like a trap! Then like a miracle from the heavens a spell circle encircled Lash, and started to teleport him from the hall. Just in time as Lash screamed in pain! A dagger stabbed into his backside, a FLASH of light burst from his location throwing everyone around him aside like an explosion. Then he was gone from the room!


    ============================================================


    The burst of light exploded in the room and dozens of people were thrown into the air on top of others. Zatanna said a quick protection spell ''dleihs'' and a magical constructed shield was created above her. People fell on top and were pushed past. Zatanna was wide eyed and confused! She wanted to meet with Lash and tell him that he did amazing job but the tide of people stormed him, she felt a dangerous pulse in the hall. Something was wrong!


    ¡°YOU DARE ATTACK A CHAMPION OF THE GREAT HUNT WITH IN THESE SACRED HALLS!¡± The Winter Court referee screamed out. When dozens of people screamed in pain, as hell fire red spell circles wrapped around them and lifted them off the ground. One them had a bloody dagger in hand.


    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!¡± The would be assassins screamed in anguish as the hell fire circles burst into flame to punish them as they teleported to the dungeons.


    ¡°All of you think very carefully about your next moves with in this castle! We would hate to add more to our interrogation chamber!¡± Said the Winter Court referee.


    Zatanna looked around and found Monica and Shevalla. They were wide eyed and terrified. They couldn''t remember the last time some one attacked a champion of the hunt while inside of the castle still. Zatanna bit her lip, and looked at where Lash had been. She hoped he was ok.


    =============================================================


    Lash buckled to his knee''s and let loose a scream of pain. He kept getting warnings from his system telling him he was loosing health, fast! He cast his Nature Domain Spells in attempt to stop the wound, finally after casting Curse Break did the his health stop falling.


    ¡°They fucking used a cursed dagger on me!?¡± Lash screamed in rage, his eyes turned reptilian as he roared out in frustration!


    The doors to the room burst open as Winter Court Knights flooded the room, several white robed healers hurried over. Lash stood up and took up a battle position snarling at them. Using Transformation he went from wounded prey to killing machine in less then three seconds. The healers held their arms up in surrender as a lead knight called out.


    ¡°Warden Lash calm down, we are here to help you! Let the healers see to your wound!¡± The lead knight called out.


    ¡°One of them had a cursed dagger! I know the spell, Curse Break and removed it. I''m already healing! Please don''t take this the wrong way but I really don''t trust anyone right now!¡± Lash snarled at them, his tail snapped like a whip and broke several stone tiles under his feet to emphasize his point.


    When Lash screamed at them, the lead knight winced at the fact that The Warden didn''t trust the Winter Court, it was a mark of shame on them right now. But it made perfect sense why he didn''t. The healers were surprised to hear that he knew the spell. The knights in the room were ready to fight if attacked by Lash but wouldn''t make the first move until a voice called out from outside the room. The voice had power that could not be ignored.


    ¡°All of you get out! We will speak to him alone! NOW!¡± A multi voiced female called into the room. The Lead knight called everyone away and excused themselves.


    A blue skinned woman wearing a harlequin mask stepped into the room. Wearing a midnight starlight dress, with no back or shoulders letting Lash admire the long line of her upper half. Her abundant cleavage bounced with every step looking like she would fall out of her top if she moved to fast. The dress was slim fit from chest down to her hips, letting you see her vivacious curves of her hips and thighs. A long slit in the dress went up her right thigh, she wore four inch black heels. She wore white gloves on both her arms that went past her elbows. The mask did not hide her lips which were cherry red, her eyes were orbs of pure starlight. Her hair was done up in a artful style allowing several braided diamond beads to glisten in the back drop of her pure black hair. Wait a fucking minute! This was what Dawn was wearing before he went to the party! Lash lowered his guard as he looked at the woman that was clearly Dawn as the doors closed behind her.


    ¡°Dawn? What are you doing here?¡± Lash asked confusion evident in his voice. The woman tilted her head to one side. The woman stopped to look down at her self then back at him. Some sort of recognition sparked in her eyes.


    ¡°Ah! One of the Endless playing tricks again. That tends to happen with their chosen.¡± The woman spoke, with dozens of different female voices. But one of the voices that Lash heard was Dawn, the VI rep. That specific one was speaking with delight. Fuck!


    ¡°Hello Warden Lash, and Saurian Hunter. We am the current incarnation of Queen Mab of the Winter Court. The body you see before you is one you know as Jessabell Ti''Long Von Ruk-Guard. But we assure you we are currently in command of her body. As you should know its temporary.¡± Queen Mab stood with confidence that came with ruling over billions of people. An unprovoked power flooded the room and it collided straight into Lash.... Until his long lost friend Nullification erased it. Queen Mab stumbled slightly, catching her self she then narrowed her starlight eyes at him.


    ¡°Sorry! Sorry! Didn''t do it on purpose!¡± Lash took a knee and bowed his head. He said the formal greeting in Sidhe when greeting the Queen. Language Smith, and Other Worldly Lore sent prompts at him for gaining experience, as did Basic Charming Presence! Fuck the one skill he didn''t want to gain experience in.


    A throne made with the stylized emphasis on raven''s appeared in the room...No that was wrong, they were no longer in the same room. They were in a grand throne room! Massive pillars rose into the cosmic universal sky that every Fae hall seem to share. The Throne was pure black with a giant raven perched above it looking over the court. Then its eyes blinked, the giant raven was alive and staring at Lash like he was a delicious worm waiting to be eaten. Queen Mab walked with practiced ease up the thirteen stairs and sat down in her throne. Sitting sideways, so Lash could see the long line of her body, showing off her exposed leg, part of her back, shoulders, and the rise and fall of her breasts. She waved her hand at him.


    ¡°You may stand, we can''t have a conversation with a Endless Chosen while he kneels. We wouldn''t hear the end of it from our sisters.¡± Queen Mab said softly.


    Lash stood up, and made his way towards the throne but stopping exactly thirteen steps from the first step. Etiquette. Queen Mab''s cherry red lips smiled as she watched him approach. The unprovoked power from Queen Mab was still cascading off of her like a tsunami but Lash''s Nullification kept activating. So much so that he actually got a prompt telling him it had leveled! Lash kept his eyes on the base of the throne but did not directly look at the Queen. To do so with out invitation would be inviting a challenge to the Queen that he knew he could not win.


    ¡°Jessabell is right, you are trouble. Some one who knows the rules and etiquette of the court. Is also some one who knows the loop holes.¡± Queen Mab spoke with a smile stretching across her face.


    ¡°We have to say, we enjoyed the hunt! Its been well over five hundred years since something like that has happened. The last to succeed was Puck, but after questioning him we found out that he did not give you the idea. We asked the other hunted and discovered that this plan was thought out completely by you. The other team ''leaders'' said you used some kind of pack magic that didn''t require them to join you.¡± Queen Mab traced her finger over her neck, and collar bone.


    ¡°Your magic even gave them an increase in their overall abilities and allowed them long distance communication. Such a thing is marvelous! We would be surprised if we didn''t already look through Jessabell''s memories.¡± Queen Mab smiled with a hint of mockery. Lash''s eyes went wide when he learned she had done that.


    ¡°Make the connection! I want to experience this for myself!¡± Queen Mab said, making a beckoning gesture with her fingers. Lash took a deep breath and attempted to activate Pack Bond with Jessabell.


    An invisible line was snapped into place between Lash and Jessabell/Mab. Then just like that a wealth of information, emotion, and overall power was shared between them! Queen Mab closed her eyes and moaned loudly! Her body arched off the throne, drawing the attention of the Giant Raven on the throne as it squawked in surprise. Lash/Saurian received a 25% boost to their overall stats. As did the already super powerful Queen Mab! The tsunami of energy that crashed through the throne room slipped past Lash like he was an immovable stone. Nullification didn''t activate because he was linked to the incarnation of Queen Mab. He was a part of her. Soon the whole room filled with the energy! The Giant Raven above the throne squawked in surprise! Then soon began to coo in delight! That is when Lash realized it. The fragment of Queen Mab was the Raven! She was the puppeteer to Jessabell.


    Hundred of voices spoke across the telepathic link. Lash and Saurian both tried to look through the voices. They spiritually swam past the smiling face of Dawn, who was pointing them to their query. They swam and swam through the current of information of thousands of years until they found one lone soul like a small boat in a raging ocean. They wrapped around her protectively, Jessabell was startled but soon smiled at them. The small boat had found a port to anchor out the storm. The waves crashed, and lighting split the sky but Jessabell just waited it out in the embrace of her Pack-Mate. After what felt like days the storm faded, and the raging waters quelled. Soon the voices stopped chattering. Jessabell stood up in the ocean of information kissed Lash/Saurian softly then dove back into the water.


    Like a Dream, Lash snapped his eyes open to see he was back in the throne room. Queen Mab was laying out across the Raven throne like a giant predator cat who just had a good meal. Her eye lids were fluttering open and closed, her body shivered in delight. An orgasmic moan escaped her lips as her whole body arched in climax! Then she flopped across the throne forgetting etiquette and the image of a Queen. The Raven above the throne seem to grow bigger, the feathers more refined and well groomed. The spark of power contained with in its eyes was undeniable.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a Spell that exists in two Domains! Nature and Grave.


    The Spell: Soul Heal: Allows you to heal the wounds of the soul, unlike the mind or the body a soul is a difficult thing to fix. It was one of the most resilient and most fragile things in the universe. Capable of unlimited growth, but can be shattered like glass just as easily. This spell allows you to mend broken fragments, and help other pieces grow anew.


    This Spell exists in other Domains. With every new Domain capable of casting it, this spell grows with more power. This spell grows with use. But it will be used rarely.


    Queen Mab soon focused her eyes looking at Lash. Her eyes looked satisfied, as if he had just made a meal for a starving pantheress and that predator wanted to pounce on him and lick him all over to say thank you. Lash held his ground, as the waves of energy in room had all but burst the doors down with in the throne room. Queen Mab stood up with one fluid motion, and stalked towards Lash. He didn''t move, but he was now looking directly at her. Normally this would be an act of challenge but Lash was sure Mab didn''t think about that right now. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers pulled his head down for kiss. Her strength was undeniably stronger then him, but he didn''t fight her. He reached out wrapping his arms around her figure. An electric spark of energy connected them together when Queen Mab and Lash kissed. She was very aggressive! She raised her left leg and hooked it around him pulling him to her. Her breasts pressed against his chest, and her tongue invaded his mouth like she owned it. Lash groaned in delight as his hands pulled her tight against him.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the blessing of Queen Mab! All Winter Court Fae will like you 10% more, they will be 10% less likely to betray you. You have a 10% resistance to natural cold, and unnatural cold. The resistance will merge into Damage Resistance.


    Congratulations User! You''ve Obtained the Title, Winter Knight: Queen Mab has named you her Knight. This is a very exclusive title and is hard to obtain!


    Active Effects: You may call on the Great Hunt of the Winter Court once a year. This ancient ghostly army of talented hunters, riders, warriors, and hounds that will chase your enemies to the ends of the multi verse till they are dead or the hunt is finished.


    Passive Effects: Winter and its bite no longer effect you. Any magical domain that has cold or winter effects now consume 10% less power. The creatures, beings, and spirits of Winter like you 10% more now.


    Because of Title Consolidation both effects will be passive.


    Queen Mab broke the kiss first and gently pushed Lash away. She decides when, how much, and why. But she licked her lips and shivered in satisfaction, her eye lids fluttered. She looked Lash up and down and more then once looked at his cock that was currently rock hard and sticking up ready for action. She pointed at his erection like it amused her.


    ¡°Adjust yourself or put it away, as much as Jessabell want''s ride you till you die. We still are Queen of the Court. We can''t have sex with ''just'' any one. Even if you are our Knight.¡± Queen Mab cleared her throat. She stalked back to her throne sitting upon it once more as the Queen of the Winter Fae. Lash adjusted himself and assumed the correct etiquette once more, standing thirteen steps away, and staring at the throne but not her.


    ¡°Hear us those who have gathered in the Castle of Ice during this night of Winter Solstice! We the acting Queen Mab of the Winter Courts of the Eastern lands of North America. We name Erik Lash Saurian Hunter our Winter Knight! So say''s we all!¡± Queen Mab''s voice rang out across the entire Castle. She smiled at Lash, snapped her fingers and Lash was back in the original room he had been teleported to in the first place.


    Lash looked around and saw the knight team that first visited him were kneeling in respect and reverence. The healers were the same, every one had their heads bowed. An awkward tension filled the room, Lash watched them struggle to breath and stay upright. Oh shit! Queen Mab and him were still connected he overflowed with her power. He reached up to disconnect the link. But Mab wouldn''t let him! So, he took a deep breath and tried to reign in the new found pressure he had temporarily obtained. It took several tries but he succeeded. The knights and healers let out a gasp and began to breath normally.


    ¡°Sorry everyone, I didn''t realize I was releasing the energy. It was not intentional.¡± Lash bowed from his waist at a ninety degree angle.


    ¡°Of course Sir Knight. We understand that such things take practice. Pay it no mind. We are here to escort you back to the party hall. You can be assured that those that dealt a hand in your attack are being punished as we speak. We will stay with you to ensure no other attacks take place while you are in the sacred halls of the Winter Court.¡± The lead knight spoke, as he stood. The other knights and healers stood after.


    Lash gestured for them, they soon encircled him in protective phalanx and escorted him back to the hall. The walk was....interesting? To say the least they were on the other side of the castle grounds so it took almost thirty minutes of travel. Ten minutes into the walk Zetulan the flirty female attendant showed up. She had been assigned to be his personal servant for the rest of the party. She looked like she wanted to tear his pants off and fuck him then and there. But surprisingly she didn''t touch him and kept a safe distance... Oh! He was a Winter Knight now, she had to be polite. At least while in public, he had to be careful in private.


    Lash made a telepathic link with her, she jumped a little in surprise. He informed her that their fun sexy times will have to wait. He wanted to have sex with Jessabell first after she had separated from Queen Mab. Zetulan was able to respond across the link which surprised Lash. She was more then happy to wait! Also understood why he wanted Jessabell. She didn''t mind getting in line that was sure to be a long one especially after tonight. But she made him promise that they would have sex. He agreed, after verifying that she didn''t need to feel pressured. She had no obligation to repay him that way. She smiled and said that his words just made her want to fuck him even more now.


    They returned to the party section of the Castle, crowds of people got out of the way. Many of them bowed respectfully, no longer did they look at Lash like he was a piece of meat they could cook. Then they reached the Gotham Party hall. When they walked in every one looked at Lash, and his escort. This time he was met with a very tame chorus of applause. The circle of knights and healers spread out evenly in the room, Zetulan stayed by his side. She was armed now, had a nice rapier sheathed at her waist. She kept a respectful distance of three steps behind him. With in reach, but out of sight. She almost pulled the sword out when a woman raced towards Lash but he raised a hand to stop her. Selina practically tackled him!


    ¡°Are you ok?! They wouldn''t tell us anything! I saw that some one stabbed you!¡±Selina said to him, her eyes were red. Her hands ran over his cloths and found the stab wound, the cloth was covered in blood. Shit! Lash forgot to clean it, Selina touched his exposed skin and sighed with relief when she didn''t feel a wound.


    ¡°Yes I''m fine Selina. They have some of the best healers here. The Winter Court Knights, and healing corp rushed to my aid and were able to heal me. They did an outstanding job!¡± Lash lied blatantly, but sold it like a champ! His skill Acting sent a prompt for gaining experience.


    ¡°Thank you for helping him!¡± Selina called out, the lead Knight hadn''t move far from Lash. He took a moment to nod his head. But his posture said another story as he was thankful that Lash did not tell the truth.


    ¡°Wheres Mr. Wayne? Why are you..Gah!¡± Lash asked, when Selina pinched his side. It didn''t hurt but he thought it best to play the part. Selina glared at him, then pulled him by the hand over to a small area. Bruce was standing there waiting with Richard, Zatanna, Monica, and Shevalla. Selina was sticking close to Lash, until he gently nudged her towards Bruce. She glared at him again, but took the hint and moved over to Bruce side. The Dark Knight was a mask of indifference, but Lash could read him. Bruce appreciated Lash''s obvious attempt even if he would never say anything.


    ¡°Mr. Lash are you alright? We all saw the dagger, it was cursed are you sure the Winter Healing Corp got it?¡± Monica asked her face holding an expression of worry.


    ¡°Yes! One of them had the spell Curse Break. Otherwise what ever was on the dagger would have killed me. Thank you for your concern!¡± Lash said, his skill Acting kept sending him prompts. But when Monica smiled and blushed slightly he got another prompt, Basic Charming Presence gained experience. Oh fucking hell!


    ¡°I have to admit Mr. Lash you are you are incredibly popular and not entirely in a good way! Its a good thing we all saw you first! We can say that we are friends with the famous Warden Lash...I mean. Not that I would presume! To....to...¡±Zatanna spoke confidently tell the end of the sentence. Lash laughed at her.


    ¡°All of you can say we are friends, Miss Giovanni. But we''ll have to work towards being true friends at another time. Such things are not something I take lightly. But if you are up to the task then so shall I?¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Spoke all three woman, as well as Richard Grayson. Who blushed hard when the three woman looked at him.


    ¡°What? Can''t a guy be a good friend of another guy?¡± Richard said, stepping back to hide behind Bruce. Who was having none of that, Bruce pushed Grayson back into the spot light a small smile tugging on his lips. Selina laughed softly at the antics of the kid.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Grayson they can.¡± Lash said. Everyone laughed after that. Richard looked down at the ground clearly embarrassed. Zatanna looped her arm through Grayson''s and kissed his cheek. Which only made him blushed harder, his ears as red as his face.


    ¡°Excuse me Sir, Lash. The Dragon Torloth would like a moment of your time.¡± Zetulan spoke softly to him, but loud enough for the group to hear. Lash said goodbye to them making a point to look at Selina, then at Bruce, then back to Selina with a suggestive eye brow wiggle. Which earned him a fierce glare from her! Bruce''s lips twitched slightly at the clear instigation.


    The lead Winter Knight led the way to Torloth''s private box to prevent anyone from intercepting Lash. He knocked and Lash was let onto the balcony. Torloth and his daughter Juliana were still in their dragon shapes. Torloth clearly larger then her. The size of a semi truck with the wagon attached, he lay across a sizable coach as several servant girls and boys fed him food. The scar that Torloth''s human form had was on his dragonic face. A jagged scar clearly made by a sword and not a claw, the horns on his head were old and cracked, but a spectral flaming crown floated above them. His scales were pitch black with a red sheen to them. His wings stretched occasionally, blocking out all light on the balcony then settled. Several of the servants were brushing his scales.


    Juliana had midnight green scales, and was about half the size of a school bus. She looked like a giant predatory cat. Lithe, shapely, and ready to pounce at a moments notice. She was gently pushing against a pillow cushion with her front paws, her claws extending in and out. Her neck was short and stocky compared to Torloth''s who''s neck was long and serpent like. Her tail was not as long as her fathers, but it had a spiked club end. Torloths, and Juliana''s dragon eyes did not have irises. They had molten orbs of magic. As if they saw everything and nothing.


    Juliana growled or purred when Lash walked into the balcony as she sized Lash up. The scales on her body, and tail rattled. But she wasn''t warning him off, but inviting him to come closer. He bowed to her, and her father. Keeping a distance between them both. Zetulan stayed three steps behind him. The lead knight who Lash still didn''t know the name of stood behind him by five steps. They were taking his protection seriously. Torloth made no move to dismiss them.


    ¡°I''ve said it before, and I''ll say it again. Warden Lash, you are a bad luck magnet! Things just happen around you! But, every time things do. You always come out on top and get rewarded for it! I heard about the illegal funds the Kindred secured for you betting on the game. I also heard you turned it down, and wanted it turned into a scholarship program. But, what you didn''t know is that when Queen Mab heard about the money that you offered to use for Scholarships. She didn''t demand house Kuldr to be strung up! She pardoned them, under the understanding that 50% of the winnings would be used for the program. House Kuldr agreed, and Shield and Sword was tasked with setting the scholarship up.¡± Torloth''s deep and powerful voice spoke. Like two mountains rubbing against each other.


    ¡°Queen Mab has also decided that in the future as long as its legal and no one tries to extort or threaten the players in the game. That betting will now be legalized and placed under the supervision of the courts. Both Summer, Winter, and Under. House Kuldr of the Blood-Kindred will be the bookies. Since they have an outstanding reputation for being clean, and respectable. This also means the Fae Courts will be watching them like Hawks if they become corrupt. But House Elder Edwardo was more then up for the task.¡± Juliana spoke, her voice was a deep base of stone against stone as her dragon throat tried to imitate the language of humans. But even so, Lash could hear a bit of femininity when she spoke. Maybe it was just him.


    ¡°Though a few were upset with the change, it was understandable since the assassination attempt on your life was over money. Because they didn''t want you to attempt the same thing you did tonight at the Summer Solstice. Which by the way you''ve already been included into the hunted position. Apparently Queen Titania demanded to see what all the fuss is about. So be prepared for that during the Summer Ball. We are sure that everyone will be bring their A game as it were.¡± Torloth said, a smile on his dragonic face.


    ¡°On a personal note that you may be happy to hear! Father has agreed to keep his sisters, myself, and the rest of his daughters away from you until you have become strong enough to be considered a breeding partner, instead of a servant. So rejoice! We wont be breaking your hips until later!¡± Juliana said, delight clear in her voice. Lash whipped his head around at her, then up at Torloth as if to say. ''Did she really just say that out loud''?


    ¡°Yes! I agreed with your sentiment when Juliana said you wanted to wait until you were stronger. Stronger means a higher chance of success! You have also gained a lot of strength in these last few months almost startling how much! If this keeps up they wont have to wait long! You''ve also never once said ''no'' to the idea. Of course we would have ignored you! But, the fact that you haven''t said ''no'' has not gone unnoticed.¡± Torloth said, humor clear in his voice.


    ¡°I assumed you would just ignore any protest. I also read in the Law of the Wardens that dragons are an endangered species. If any one or thing can be found to increase their fertility, Wardens are oath bound to help. This includes participation.¡± Lash could not fucking believe that was written in the law book!


    ¡°All evidence clearly portrayed tonight would suggest that you follow the Oath of the Warden seriously! So, that is another reason why my sisters and daughters will wait. But, don''t keep them waiting long I may not be able to hold them off forever!¡± Torloth laughed, flames sparked and lit up the balcony. Juliana purred at Lash as he excused himself. The conversation was over with as they went down the stairs under the lead of the leader knight, Zetulan spoke softly.


    ¡°See, there is a line! I''m happy I''ve made reservations!¡± Zetulan said, Lash could feel her eyes on him. Undressing him with every step he took.


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron has decided to reward you for your good work!


    Basic Charming Presence has evolved into Intermediate Charming Presence! -I''m so sorry.


    OH YOU HAVE TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME!


    Your Cosmic Patron is highly entertained, keep up the good work!

 Chapter 39: Who am I? What are You? Complicated.

    The Winter ball continued well into the night, until dawn. That''s when the party came to an end. Lash met no end of trouble through most of the night obtaining all sorts of attention from both men and women. More then once had been invited into a private alcove for a ''talk''. But he always found a reasonable excuse not to go. Or more to say Zetulan did that for him, stating clearly that Queen Mab''s host was to be with him once she was free. Lash was thankful and said as much to her, to which she only smiled and winked at him. When the dawn''s light rose Lash, along with his company of Bruce, Selina, Richard, Zatanna, Monic, and Shevalla all joined Lash in his carriage that was provided for the new Winter Knight. Zetulan said goodbye with a simple kiss on his cheek and said she''d be waiting.


    Inside the carriage Selina was half asleep and leaning against Bruce''s chest, who had his arm around her. Richard and Zatanna had their own little corner. The poor boy was crushing hard on the woman. He sat up straight and was rigid as she leaned against him asleep. Monica and Shevalla both took one of Lash''s shoulders and were resting on the ride back to Warden HQ.


    ¡°It was a good party, been a long time since I stayed out since dawn.¡± Bruce said softly towards Lash. Of course Lash knew that was a lie, Batman stayed out till dawn all the time. But he knew what Bruce meant.


    ¡°Oh its only dawn here in the Fae Wilds. Once we leave the gate little less then three or so hours will have passed.¡± Lash said back. Making Bruce shift slightly to look at him as if to say, ''are you serious?'' Lash smiled knowingly at him.


    ¡°He''s right. It will be a little past midnight when we pass through the gate. Time in the Fae wilds is different. Sometimes its faster, other times its slower. The Winter Court adjusted the time to accommodate everyone. They understood that staying there for so long would be disadvantages to their people.¡± Monica said softly into the carriage. She wrapped her hands around Lash''s arm and nestled against him.


    ¡°This way those that have a mundane persona have simple excuse to say they went to a party and stayed till midnight. Leaving at a reasonable time so not to arouse suspicion.¡± Shevalla said, her sing song voice still as enchanting as ever. She pressed her body against Lash, so his arms were nestled between her breasts. Lash rolled his eyes inwardly, he knew she did it on purpose. At least once during the party Monica and Shevalla both offered to speak to Lash privately, or together.


    The carriage soon came to a halt then every one stepped out. Lash laughed at his half asleep companions then to cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement they all perked right up like they all had a shot of espresso! Just as Lash and the women had said, it was a little past midnight on the other side. When they walked through the gate Lash felt like the world was welcoming him back. He felt connected in way that he didn''t know was possible. He was apparently not the only one as his group shivered at being back at this side of the gate. There were hundreds of cars on standby to take the party goers back home. Including the legendary Alfred Pennyworth, who helped the woman including miss Kyle into the car. Richard was trying his best to be a good gentleman helping them with Alfred to get settled. Lash and Bruce watched Richard with mild amusement until a logistical operations Warden came running over to Lash and spoke softly in his ear. But it was just loud enough for Bruce to hear.


    ¡°Warden Lash, we are getting reports of a gang fight in The Narrows. A chamber was discovered under a warehouse the construction teams dug out. The room was filled with the Neo-steroid ''Venom''. The drug runners were able to get their product out and run. The Council knows you monitor the Narrows. They wanted you to investigate.¡± The logistical aid said to him, then soon scurried off to relay messages to other returning Warden''s. Lash turned to Bruce who to his credit kept his face indifferent.


    ¡°Looks like I have work to do, may I trust you to see my friend Selina to your home safely?¡± Lash said to Bruce. Bruce raised an eye brow noticing that Lash didn''t say to take her own home.


    ¡°Of course, she''ll be safe in my care. Good hunting, Agent Wraith.¡± Bruce said to Lash. Lash didn''t even flinch when Bruce said his persona''s name. Lash figured Bruce knew who he was a long time ago, so he just smiled at him. Then he ran off towards the Warden logistical building to find a ride.


    ===============================================================


    Selina stretched out, raising her arms up into the air then sprawled across the massive bed that was inside of Wayne Manor. After Lash''s spell energizing spell work wore off she went back to being tired. She was a little surprised when Bruce said she could stay the night, he promised to keep her safe under Lash''s encouragement. Which made Selina loath and love Lash all at the same time. Why was he so insistent on getting Selina and Bruce together? A knock on the door sounded.


    ¡°Come in?¡± Expecting Alfred, only to see Zatanna, Monica, and Shevalla walk through the door. They had all swapped from their party dress to comfortable pajamas''s, as did Selina. Her dress was hung up and to the side.


    ¡°Mind if we talk for a bit, miss Kyle?¡± Shevalla asked, trying to be polite. But Selina just smiled at her.


    ¡°What do you want to know about him?¡± Selina said towards them. Shevalla and Monica blushed, and Zatanna laughed. The women all took seats in the very nice and sizable guest bedroom to talk.


    The women spoke for little over an hour about Lash, they were surprised to know that Selina and Lash had known he each other for less then three months. They seemed very friendly and close. Selina dodged the reason why, she figured the Pack Bond was her and Lash''s business. Selina asked about what it meant to be a Winter Knight. Only to be shocked to discover that Lash had essentially become Fae Nobility, not only that but nobility that has the ear of the Queen. What had her friend gotten himself into? Selina sighed in worry, but smiled despite herself when she thought about him.


    ================================================================


    Lash and Saurian both slipped on some simple Warden Tactical and Operations gear. Including their video and communications up link system. Lash was then shuttled to the Narrows via helicopter. While inside the chopper he shifted his glamour to take on the disguise of ''Wraith'' the Nazgul looking monstrosity. A simple glamour from the Wardens was already placed on the helicopter to say UNWS (United Nations World Security). When the helicopter landed at a cleared construction field, Wraith stepped out to be met by GCPD Captain Gordon. Wraith walked over to him, keeping to the alien disguise bowed towards Gordon. Gordon only raised an eye brow and shook himself out of it moving to business.


    ¡°We told the UNWS about the incident over an hour ago, we figured you would have been here sooner. Come on I''ll show you the site.¡± Gordon''s voice was short and to the point, Lash could see that he was tired. So he waved his clawed hand at the Captain and cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on him as they moved.


    ¡°What did you just do?!¡± Gordon whipped around, snarling at Lash. The green energy infused into Gordon at that point and he became visibly healthier.


    ¡°Relax Captain, I did the same thing I did for the rescued civilians in the Narrows and Metropolis. Are you going to deny a natural pick me up? It has no withdrawal symptoms you''ll be fine. Tell me about the Venom shipment that was found?¡± Lash''s voice was primal, animalistic and hard to understand. Just like Saurian''s would be if he was playing the part of Wraith.


    Gordon clearly didn''t like what Lash had done. But kept his mouth shut about it. They walked towards the crime scene. A worn down Ace chemical plant was in the process of being torn down, under it was several secret rooms, and tunnels. These were not dug on the sly, these were part of the building. Or were at least installed after the building was finished being built. Several police forensic specialist were looking over the scene. Several workers, security, and police were all shot and wounded during the incident but thankfully no one had died. However, more then half of the product was now missing.


    ¡°They went down here, this leads down to the old Gotham Subway train station. It''s been shut off and torn apart for over three decades. Wayne Industries is even going to rebuild this as well, so the Narrows has another way to get back and forth. Its a good idea on paper. But its going to take years of work to clean this place out. Anyways, the tunnels connect to any number of pipes and connection to sewers, water, power, and even towards the ocean. It''s a labyrinth of metal and concrete, we don''t know how they got through it.¡± Gordon said to Wraith. The forensic people were watching the exchange, more precisely they were watching Wraith drop to all fours and began to...sniff the ground?


    Lash moved around in the underground chambers of Ace chemicals on all fours with grace and agility not befitting a human being. He was using his skill Minor Transformation so currently he wasn''t considered human. Though he did find out that he was in his default form his blood still read as 100% human. The Warden''s couldn''t figure out why! Saurian was tired from the Great Hunt and insisted that he would only swap out if it was an emergency. So the giant lizard was asleep, and mumbling across the link between them. Giving advice here and there. When it came to tracking Saurian was clearly the better hunter.


    ¡°One of the men wears a distinct after shave, expensive. Another one has an old injury, see how these tracks have a slant to the foot print?¡± Wraith was speaking for Gordon and the forensic team''s benefit. Lash kept getting prompts from his skill Magical Tracking for gaining experience. It wasn''t just magic, it also worked on just plain tracking.


    Lash listed off foot size, height, body weight, and ethnicity. This made Gordon scoff at him. To which Lash sniffed the police and was able to discern if they had different blood lines in them. Which of course freaked the people out to have a giant nazgul sniff them, but also be able to read their families heritage. Gordon continued to grumble but had to admit he was good. Lash and the police went down into the train station after some investigation he was able to discover they had actually used a mobile train vehicle. Basically a car that can swap out to use basic rail ways. Because there was an old line that never got removed.


    ¡°Where does this line go?¡± Lash asked, Gordon and his men pulled out an old map. Traced it towards another abandoned train station.


    ¡°Send your men to the station, I''ll walk this line if they got off some place or moved to another we''ll have to find it. In the spirit of cooperation since I know you don''t trust me. Feel free to send people with me.¡± Lash spoke to Gordon. Gordon ground his teeth in frustration but it made sense. He called on his radio.


    With in a few minutes a GCPD swat team showed up. Why was that? Why was this getting so much attention. Easily explained, first; the Narrows was quickly becoming a Wayne industry advertisement so a lot of money was here. Second; the Neo-steroid Venom was a high priority drug. Imagine fighting against a group of armed robbers that slap on venom the size of a nicotine patch and they suddenly can shake off small arms fire, and throw cars at people, so obviously MCU Gordon''s Unit is involved. Third; The UNWS agent Wraith that GCPD fucking hated was helping in an investigation, the Police Department didn''t want to leave this thing alone in their operation.


    Lash was linked up to their radio frequency. He learned their names, easily found out that Temporary Pack would not work on them. Since they were not friendly towards him. He then set a reminder on his phone to check up on the soldiers the he worked with at the palace. He had written a well received report about their help. Carl had gotten a promotion, and the Lieutenant Colonel didn''t get the generals job, but was promoted to Colonel. One rank below Brigadier General.


    Lash raised his arms up, and used a bit of glamour to make it look like tiny blue machines danced around the Swat team. He cast Chameleon, Nature''s Passage, and Immaculate on the officers. The standing officers at the train station flipped out when they saw the Swat and the Wraith literally disappear from sight! The Swat were surprised as well, but that didn''t stop them for long as Wraith called them on the radio to keep up. They were moving on!


    ===============================================================


    Gordon''s eyes went wide as saucers when he saw that alien Wraith send tiny machines to surround his team. Then shook in surprise as the swat team disappeared from sight. Only to become moving blurs when they began to move. Gordon had to admit that was pretty cool! The team following Wraith gave one last check in before the dense concrete and water obstructed the communication. Gordon sighed, left the crime scene to his fellow officers and made his way to the next train station. It had been several hours so it was not likely that they would still find anything there. Save maybe another piece of the trail. His phone vibrated, when he saw the caller he smiled and answered.


    ¡°Hey Barbara! No, I''m still at the scene...What? Oh ya I met the ''Wraith''¡±Gordon said the name like he had sucked on a raw lemon. ¡°He figured out that they had used a vehicle with train track swap. So we are checking another abandoned train station. Ya, wont be home for a while. Sorry. Kiss your mother for me! Love you too..¡± Gordon said goodbye to his little girl. She''d been really animated lately about asking about his work. Maybe she wanted to be a cop like him! Wouldn''t that be great!


    ================================================================


    Lash wasn''t sure where he learned it from. His training with the Warden''s? His different past lives that dealt with tactics and strategies. But over the course of the next twenty minutes he was able to sync with the swat team like a well oiled machine. Get got prompts that his skills, Dungeon Delver, Commanding Presence, and Skill Trainer kept getting experience. He had learned a new Nature Spell called Animal Eye.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Nature Domain Spell, Animal Eye: Though you can see in the dark, what about your companions be it mundane or super-natural. This spell lasts for about an hour, but grows with repeated levels. It allows for a combination of low light, and dark vision. The effects grow and change with use. Side effect, eyes tend to glow much like a nocturnal animal''s eye does when light is reflected on them.


    The team was startled when he first cast it on them. They were trying to decide if they wanted to use night vision or use flash lights. Only to have Wraith cast his alien tech on them, then they could see with little to no light. The team grumbled but soon grew to appreciate it. A few even joked with him about peeping on people at night. Even with his gruff voice he told a joke ''Whoo would want to peak at me? Whoo says I? Whooo?'', it was awkward and hard to understand. But the fact that he attempted made it more funny then it was.


    They got about half way towards their destination only to see the trucks ahead of them, empty of cargo. Lash looked around using his skill Magic Tracking and soon found the trail that lead into an hold service tunnel. It was wide enough for pallet loaders that''s what they assumed they used. Lash used Connectivity on the commanders radio. So they could radio it in. Gordon had them mark their position as he did the same on his map. Then they moved into the passage way, Lash summarized they were about three hours behind them. Re casting the various buff spells on the swat team they moved on.


    None of the officers with Lash had a mark of Sherogoth. So that meant they were relatively good people. Good cops can always be debated depending on who you talk to. But good people. They were skilled, and trained well. They had been hand picked by Gordon for the MCU (Major Crimes Unit). Ever since the ''clean'' up after the scarecrow attack on the Narrows and Arkham a lot of crooked cops, politicians, etc were running scared or behaving themselves. Being a good cop in Gotham before was a liability. Not so much now. Some time during their travel the nature spells cast on them like Chameleon allowed themselves to been seen by each other, like a friendly IFF (Identify friend or foe). Most likely a utility option the Developers put in place, Lash would ask Dawn about it later. So when Wraith raised a fist to have them stop, they did. He spread his claws out and the group scattered to take cover. Wraith climbed a wall and moved forward like a gecko towards the sound of conversation.


    ¡°Christ that still freaks me out every time he does that!¡± One of the officers hissed across the radio.


    Lash ignored him and he crawled along the wall looking around the corner. He saw a barrel with a small fire in it. A few homeless were laying around it, a few more were talking near it. He looked down at the trail and saw that the drug runners had moved right past this point. Maybe these people had seen something? More then likely they hid when the group came by, Lash didn''t think the Venom peddlers would care about killing a few homeless. Lash communicated to the commander of the team about what he was seeing. The swat broke cover and under the Chameleon spell moved to take up a positions so the homeless couldn''t run. Lash climbed right above them, and was like a giant spider looking down at the prey caught in his web. Lash waved his hand and the Chameleon spell was temporarily removed from the commander who suddenly appeared before the homeless.


    ¡°Good evening!¡± Commander O''Connor was 6'' even, with a shaved marine core haircut. Pale skin for an Irish man, with green eyes. His smile was infectious he had a firm attitude but knew when to be soft and when to be hard with his people. Lash and Saurian liked him. He stood before the homeless with a smile on his face, his rifle slug at his side but his side arm was unlocked but still in its holster next to his hand in case. The homeless screamed in surprise.


    ¡°What the fuck! What the fuck is a pig doing here?! Where the fuck did you come from?!¡± A larger man with a beard screamed at him. He picked up an old and rusty crow bar as the entire homeless community got up and hide behind the man.


    ¡°I take it your the leader of this little band? My name is Commander O''Connor, we are with GCPD. We are looking for some people that passed this way about three or so hours ago. Seen anything?¡± O''Connor said, his award winning smile only earning cussing and insults from the homeless.


    ¡°We aint tellin you shit! We have nothin in it for us! Nothin! Whatcha going to do! Arrest us piggy!¡± The bearded man screamed at O''Connor.


    ¡°Nope! I''ll let you talk to my associate though, he''ll be more then happy to talk to you!¡± O''Connor said with a smile.


    ¡°Oh its this fuckin stick! Good Piggie, bad piggie! Go fuck yourself!¡± The bearded man screamed, and then SCREAMED in horror as a dark shadow dropped from the ceiling falling just behind O''Connon, it stood up and screeched at them! The inhuman wail made them shiver, they felt that screech deep in their very souls. O''Connor impressively didn''t flinch and just smiled.


    ¡°This is my associate, Agent Wraith of the United Nations World Security. Since you don''t want to talk to me, you can talk to him?¡± O''Connon said, continuing to smile.


    It was pretty simple after that, they answered all their questions in a hurry. The drug runners had come by quickly, so quickly they even surprised the homeless. Who hid as fast as they could, the drug runners didn''t make any move to silence them as if they didn''t care about them. Lash reapplied Chameleon on the commander. Then cast a area of effect Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on the homeless, who were confused by what he just did.


    ¡°Payment for your help.¡± Wraith said in his ghostly animal voice. The homeless shivered every time he spoke. Lash soon disappeared his body merging into the environment.


    Another hour past as they followed the trail. Every turn from the main direction Lash helped Commander O''Connor check in with GCPD. Then they hit the sewers, the trail led to a broken down wall and what looked like a poorly made wooden dock. These were not standard sludge, and feces sewers. No, these were connected to old canals, sewers, and water ways. Gotham city had old catacombs and ruined decayed towns underneath the shinning city today. He knew this because several super-natural communities that didn''t have access to glamour stayed down here in miniature cities. Though it wasn''t fun, they walked along the sides of the canals through sludge, crap, and other things. Lash had spoken to several rats that had seen the boat travel up stream. The swat didn''t question Wraith how he knew the direction they assumed it was his tracking skill.


    Coming around the bend they came upon an open room at least five football fields could fit in. An ocean of lanterns, candles, and torches lite up in the improvised town. There along the sewage canal was several poorly made boats, and barges for travel. The swat team were shocked to see this town of homeless, criminals, and poor hiding down here. Through some creative climbing and creation of hand holds through Material Shaping Lash created a step ladder for the swat. When they came to the edge of the town a simple gate barred the way. Several homeless and skaven like creatures watched them come up. The swat were confused by the rat people. Lash turned to them.


    ¡°Let me do the talking.¡± His animalsitic voice spoke softly to the officers. They all nodded in agreement. Lash still wearing his wraith disguise moved towards the gate. The human ''guards'' were wary. Then one of the skaven people walked up and started to chatter and squeak at the Wraith.


    ¡°Welcome Warden Lash, we have heard of you. What brings some one like you to our home.¡± The Skaven spoke in a combination of beast talk and skaven. Lash''s skills Other Worldly Lore, and Language Smith sent experience prompts to him.


    ¡°We are looking for drug runners who came from the Narrows. They carry the drug Venom we believe they came through here. We are tracking them. Venom effects mundanes and super-natural''s alike. Which makes it a Warden problem.¡± Lash spoke back his skaven accent thick, and hard to understand. But the rat man understood him.


    ¡°Hmmm, many come and go from our port. But if it involves the law best speak to our town lord. The Croc! Come I''ll lead the way.¡± The Skaven shifted his whiskers and moved back to his companions at the gate to speak to them. Lash went back to O''Connor and explained what was said.


    The swat officers slung and holstered their weapons. Though they were under Gotham, Wraith made it abundantly clear that the ''Law'' here is what the people of the town say it is. Sticking close to the skaven guide, the rat man was about 4'' 3¡± with dark brown to black fur. This was not a were-rat. But a true rat man. He wore simple garments, but walked bare foot as his claws on his feet tapped against the ground. He kept his tail from dragging however. They technically were not under the Narrows anymore, which means as off the beaten path as this place was. It was technically under the jurisdiction of another Warden. Lash would have to look them up and find out why they never reported the Venom trade.


    The ''town'' if you call it that was a collection of ram shackle drift wood, metal sheeting, old cloth, ruined tents. A shanty town. Water collection barrels were scattered under the drain pipes. Simple barrel fire pits, and broken tools were used to cook and keep food. Several food stands were set up, roasted rat and sewer fish were being cooked. The stink was nigh unbearable. But the swat team kept it to themselves trying to not puke. Their rat guide brought them up several different levels past different gates. As they went up the levels the ''town'' looked noticeably better. It was still a trash pile, but it was a nice trash pile! Each level led to a different port with access to different canal systems. They were actually below sea level right now.


    ¡°I had no idea this place existed.¡± O''Connor whispered to Wraith.


    ¡°There is a lot of things in Gotham that most don''t know about. Despite my public appearance in the last few months. I''ve actually lived in this city for my whole life.¡± Wraith said back. Technically it was true.


    ¡°I thought you were an alien?¡± O''Connor said surprised.


    ¡°I am not a native to earth, but it is my home. Much like when a foreigner that migrates to your country they are technically an alien national. But if they have children in the nation, those children are considered citizens of your nation.¡± Wraith said back. This made O''Connor stop for a moment before he quickly caught up.


    ¡°So your not human! But you are actually part of Earth? Well shit! That''s completely different!¡± O''Connor said with a smile. It was at that moment Lash realized he could make a Temporary Pack Bond with O''Connor. But decided against it for now. That skill has a nice utility ability to discern favorability. Maybe Lash could buy a reputation counter in the system shop.


    The group soon arrived at a three story mansion made from scrap metal, drift wood, and metal t-beams. Standing at the front of the door were two were-crocodiles. Both were surprised at the sight of the Wraith. Lash made a simple hand sign that they recognized as. Mundanes near by, be careful of what you say.


    ¡°Hello I am Agent Wraith of the United Nations World Security.¡± Wraith took out his badge which said just that, but the were-breeds saw past the simple glamour and saw the Warden insignia.


    ¡°This is Commander O''Connor of Major Crimes Unit of GCPD, and his unit. We are here to see your lord this one called, Croc? Its about a drug running operation in the Narrows. They are peddling Venom. May we see your lord?¡± Wraith said trying to be polite. O''Connor waved at the guards.


    The guards were large, muscle heads, with crocodile eyes. One of them nodded and entered the mansion to ask for an audience. Lash cast his nature spells on the skaven and said thank you for the help. That Rat-man bowed his head several times and went back to the gate he was stationed at. O''Connor leaned in and asked a question, but was loud enough that his people and the guard heard him.


    ¡°Are they aliens? Did we stumble on a alien refugee camp?¡± O''Connor asked. The swat team looked around with wide eyes. The guard looked at them and had a wry grin on his face.


    ¡°No, every one here is of earth. I am sure you have seen the news about Themyscira. The island nation of Amazons? Amazons have already been described as a sub-species of human. The people of this town are much the same.¡± Wraith said to him.


    ¡°Why are they hiding? I''ve never heard of rat men wondering around before.¡± O''Connor said, his unit nodded to this sentiment.


    ¡°Yes, because humanity is a shinning beacon of tolerance, acceptance, and understanding. When it comes to anything that looks slightly different from them. Yes, there is no such history of humans enslaving, discriminating, and out right killing other humans for looking different, and being born in a different part of the world.¡± Wraiths animalistic voice dripped with sarcasm. O''Connor, and his entire unit of people shrunk their neck in like turtles.


    ¡°Ya..I...Hadn''t thought about that.¡± O''Connor said sheepishly.


    ¡°Let me ask you this, Commander. If Superman had red skin, claws on his hands and feet, bat like wings, and a demon tail. The stereotypical ''Devil'' in earths history. But still acted the same way. Being a good guy that helps, saves, and protects. How well do you think he would have been received?¡± Wraith said to him.


    ¡°Why do you think I wear this shroud? I promise you I don''t look like this, this is a costume I wear to protect my identity. To protect my family and friends. Humanity is not tolerant, not accepting, and not understanding!¡± Wraith said, his voice gotten a little louder then he meant. But the point was made. The entire swat team was looking down at their feet, or away, any where but at Wraith.


    It was at this moment that the entire swat team became ''friendly'' with Lash. They understood him now. The first guard soon came back and said to follow them. The second guard smiled at Wraith as he passed. The inside of the mansion was pretty clean and well maintained. They were brought to an open room where at the end was a simple wooden and metal throne. There sitting on it was a large man crocodile. Erik knew who this was. Waylon Jones, Killer Croc!


    Waylon Jones, Killer Croc was about 8'' feet tall of solid muscles and crocodile scales. He had on a pair of heavy duty cargo pants, no shoes, no shirt, but he did have on a cloak made from an ani...No that was human skin. He had a long muscular tail that came out the back of the throne and wrapped around the chair it self. His face was mostly human like, except his nose was flat much like a snake''s. But his jaw, and shape of his head was a elongated human skull. Zero body hair since he was completely scaly. There were several were-crocodiles in the room watching Lash and the swat team walk in. But what caught Lash''s eyes...Or rather his nose. Croc had a divine spark inside of him. The Egyptian God Sobek! Which means the Waylon Jones, was a God-Kin. Wraith stepped forward then took a knee and bowed his head in respect. This caught the whole room off guard, including Croc.


    ¡°Ummmmm, whatcha doin there fella?¡± Crock spoke in a thick creole accent, as he tilted his head looking at Wraith.


    ¡°I am simply paying my respects to the child of the Ancient Sobek. I mean no offense or disrespect and we apologize for coming to you so late in the night.¡± Wraith spoke as fluently as his animalistic voice allowed.


    Croc''s eyes momentarily flashed with a divine light that Lash knew no one else saw. But this was a brief moment when Sobek was looking through his child''s eyes. Crock sat up straight and looked at Lash with interest, then shivered as the light faded from his eyes. He smiled wide, his lips pulling back into a huge menacing array of fangs.


    ¡°Oh ye talkin about me Daddy are you now! It be so nice n all when some one knows to be polite. So, whacha be needin from me and mine?¡± Croc said, the smile still wide on his face.


    ¡°We are tracking a group of drug runners from the Narrows. They are peddling the Neo-steroid Venom. We tracked them to your city, King Croc. We ask if we may know where they went, if it pleases you.¡± Wraith said. O''Connor and the swat team were stupefied at the turn of events. Especially when Croc was a man crocodile, and how Wraith was kneeling before him addressing him as a King.


    ¡°King? Ahahaha...I like the sound of that. Ya, we be know in about the drug runners. But, they paid in full to use our waters. But I''m not an unkind king! If what you said is true more then likely they be not comin back. They also be bringin trouble to me and mine. So, what can you offer for the information?¡± Croc said to Lash.


    ¡°Several things, we can counter off with money. I would also be willing to return to this town several times a month to provide, food, medicine, and health care. Along with building supplies, all of which will come to you first. You may decide who gets what, and how much.¡± Wraith said to him. Croc leaned back against his throne holding his chin in thought. One of the were-Crocodiles came to his ear and whispered something to him.


    ¡°Aha! I see. Tell your boyz to step to another room. My man here will guide them. You and I will speak privately.¡± Croc said to Lash. O''Connor was about to object when the Wraith held up a hand and told him to go. Once O''Connor and his unit were in a different room. Croc spoke again.


    ¡°My people be telling me you are a Warden from the surface, also a were-breed like them. A Warden Lash be the name. Take your disguise off I want to see you.¡± Croc said with a smile.


    Lash sighed softly, stood up and dismissed his glamour as the Wraith. He was currently using his Minor Transformation so he looked a lot like Killer Croc. Then he shifted that away and was standing in his default form. Croc''s eyes were wide at the sight, as were several were-crocodiles. That was really a quick transformation.


    ¡°Now we talk business. So, the runners paid us fifty grand to let them pass, I''d expect twice that much to rat them out. But, if you were telling the truth about offering medicine, and supplies for me and mine we can negotiate that price.¡± Croc said, a older woman walked in from a side room. She was about mid fifties and was wearing a collection of old blue jeans, long winter coat that use to be pricey. But she carried a staff and had the scent of magic on her. She watched the negotiations with interest.


    ¡°If I may ask, King Croc. This is a super-natural community? Has the resident Warden not helped with supplies?¡± Lash asked. This earned him a barking laugh from Croc and his people.


    ¡°That fucking asshole?! No! In fact we have to pay him to let us stay here! The only reason we be talking to you, Warden! Is my Daddy said we can trust you! Tell you what! You get that asshole fired! Or replaced and we''ll forget about you payin us!¡± Croc said, the divine light was back in his eyes now. Lash looked surprised, then gritted his teeth in anger. His hands became fists and he growled in frustration.


    ¡°Give me the Wardens name, I''ll ensure that they are properly punished! Maybe I''ll even bring them down here so you can exact your own form of justice on him!¡± Lash said, anger dripping from his words.


    ¡°Billy Strongam, he is a fucking bastard! Been our Warden for little more then four years. Even works with those blood rat types. Oh! That''s right! One of the drug runners is a Kindred if that helps you! You get that shit stained fired, or bring him here for punishment we''ll be good. But even if Daddy says we can trust you we still need a little something...¡±


    ¡°How about I build an hydro electric generator for the sewer canal so you can get power down here?¡± Lash said to Croc. Who looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Well that''s all well and good but that would take time to build?¡± Croc said.


    ¡°No, give me the right supplies which I saw on the walk up here. Then about ten minutes and I''ll have it built for you.¡± Lash said...Croc looked at him with his mouth open.


    So, Lash recast his glamour and became Wraith again. He told Croc the basic situation as to why he does it. Crock laughed at him and paid it no mind. They met up with O''Connor and the unit. Lash conscripted a few citizens and supplies that he saw. Then used Technomancy, Nature, and Synthesis and created three different hydro electric water wheels. He used his glamour to make it seem like hundreds of tiny arms came out to make the machines.


    A basic hydro electric water wheel, can generator, store, and use the electricity.


    Rating: E+


    Comments: This crude machine was made from scraps, and magic. It wont do much but it can give a simple town a bit of hope for the future.


    Three different water wheels took ten minutes each. Croc, the town, and the swat team looked at him like he just made water into wine. They cobbled together some basic things, and with Lash''s help. Light bulbs soon turned on, and they even got a few televisions to work after Lash repaired them. Once that was done, Croc told them which tunnel the drug runners took and even told them the directions they took to get to their drop site. Lash spoke privately to Croc and told him he would come back. Croc laughed and said he would be waiting.


    Lash used Connectivity and sent a video file of his conversation with King Croc. Said that Croc was a God-Kin of the Egyptian God Sobek. Every friendly God-Kin was important! He also demanded that Warden Billy Strongam be brought to the Warden HQ internal affairs department on corruption charges. If they didn''t get the man to volunteer his corruption then he would use Root of Information on him, Lash discovered thanks to Restoration he could use Root and heal the damage as he did it. Yay for progress! HQ said they would look into it immediately.


    Soon Wraith, and the swat team were on a sewer barge heading in the same direction as the drug runners. A were-crocodile was their ferryman. Lash used his magic to fix the barge up so it was nice and pretty. Making the were-breed smile wide at him. The rudder and propeller were tied to a bicycle that the were-breed rode to make it go. After Lash repaired and altered the boat it ran far better! O''Connor updated the MCU on their route but left the shanty town out of the report at Wraiths request. This entire situation made the swat team look at Wraith differently, as well as the idea that such towns existed right under Gotham. While the wraith had been building the hydro generators the team had found out that there were at least six other shanty towns under Gotham just like this one. Some better, some a lot worse.


    The barge came to a stop after about an hour of travel. They couldn''t go any further do the different territories. The Drug runners were paid up with all the different factions they interacted with. So Wraith and his team got off the boat and said goodbye to the ferryman. Now, not going against the current the boat soon disappeared into the darkness of the sewers. Having a ''map'' given to him by Croc they moved into another tunnel. Updating MCU of their direction. They had almost left the city at this point, the canal they were following would take them to a drainage pipe that lead into a Gotham City river that joined the ocean.


    Moving at a nice even pace the swat teams radios suddenly got static across their outside communication. Who ever was talking, it was across a police band radio wave. They heard gun shots going off in the background! Then they heard it was a MCU unit had caught up with the drug runners as they were packing their product up into trucks. Wraith and the swat team sprinted down the tunnel, Lash recast his party buffs on the group just encase. About half a mile before the drain pipe ended they came upon a ruined wall with a massive hole in it. Stairs carved out of dirt and concrete led topside. The swat team checked their gear, and Wraith to the forward position. Show time!


    Lash poked his head out slowly from the hole, the runners had a forest net covering the hole to hide it. They were right outside of Gotham now, next to what looked like a road way that would eventually lead to a forest hiking route. Gun fire was flying back and forth between a MCU armored personal carrier and several police cars. Towards two semi trucks, and several black SUV''s the standard militant vehicle of choice! The Wraith then motioned for O''Connor to join him.


    ¡°So, we have a shoot out and we are in the cross fire. Radio in and tell them we are coming from the south west. I''m going to go in and disable the trucks so they can''t leave, and cause a distraction for your team to attack. My enhancements are still on you, so you''ll see me moving instead of a blur.¡± The Wraith spoke to O''Connor.


    ¡°Alright! We''ll check our fire! But you watch your ass, I know your bullet resistant but still I''d feel bad if one of us shot you in the ass!¡± O''Connor said, his team laughed. Wraith patted him gently on his shoulder then sprinted through the brush blending in seamlessly.


    Lash moved through the brush, and immature tree''s littering the area. Snow, mud, and ice covered the ground. He stuck close to the foliage, using his Minor Transformation he was soon running around on all fours. His shoulders, and hips snapped and popped as the muscles and bones altered themselves slightly to accommodate the change. Getting close enough, he slipped into the ground using Earth Swim then swam past the gunmen firing at the police. Even now the runners were trying to load the product into the trucks. Lash could smell Blood-Kindred among them. The Kindred shot at the police while the mundanes loaded the product. This was an uneven fight, the Kindred would get shot by the police but not go down.


    Swimming through the earth he soon came underneath the SUV''s and Semi trucks. Using Alternation he did a simple switch on the ignition system. So when they turned the key the gears wouldn''t catch. It was a simple mechanic fix if you knew what you were doing or took it to a shop. But was clearly to much to do inside of a gun fight. He then swam behind the gunmen and stepped out of the earth like he was stepping from a swimming pool. He stood up, and smoothed out his cloths then he walked forward and switched to his Grave Domain. The Kindred all shivered and felt something behind them. They turned and screamed in horror!


    ¡°And the dead shall KNEEL! Just because I fucking said so!¡± Lash used his Domain passive power, as well as Commanding Presence, and Intimidating Shout. The Blood-Kindred screamed in pain as they tried to resist his Domain. But all of them were lesser Kindred, newborns! Combined with other skills they dropped to their knee''s. The mundanes looked shocked but also took a knee confused as to why they did.


    ¡°O''Connor come in now! I have them all turned towards me!¡± Wraith called across the radio. The police stopped shooting as orders were called out, in less then thirty seconds the Kindred and Drug runners were on the ground with a knee in their backs.


    The Kindred could have easily over powered the police. Even as newborns they were stronger then average humans. But Lash kept his Domain''s passive power enthralled in them. Lash made a simple call to Warden HQ telling them he had captured several blood-kindred drug runners of venom. But had several mundane GCPD with him. Little less then twenty minutes had passed after the call. O''Connor had a huge smile on his face as he came over to talk to Wraith. It was a good morning, but soon came to a stop as Wraith was holding up a hand to stop him. Several choppers were in bound on the horizon, black helicopters just like last time. Lash''s Danger Sense went off!


    ¡°EVERY ONE TAKE COVER!¡± Wraith shouted, and tackled O''Connor. As heavy machine gun fire rained down from the sky! Followed my short range air to ground missiles!


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    Explosions rocked the area, and the helicopters shot indiscriminately at the trucks, the police cars, and the SUV''s. They turned the APC into scrap metal with their Vulcan cannons. They included the mundanes and the Kindred! As brutal as it may seem as long as the kindred did not take a direct hit from a missile they would live through it, or lose their heart and head in the gun fire. Lash dragged O''Connor across the battle field and linked up the swat team with Temporary Pack Bond. Jacking their stats to 6% more as well as giving each other''s locations, and communication. -Questions later! Get yourself and any one you can into the hole that we came out of, now! Lash said across the link. The swat team didn''t know how respond but he ''felt'' a confirmation through the link. Lash created a Fog bank for them to run through. Because they were linked the swat team could see through the fog as if it was air.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    A deafening cracks of thunder rang out above the scene as the helicopters launched their entire payload into the fog! Their doors opened up and ropes were cast out. Soon combat teams propelled down into the carnage below. Lash scent an urgent text message to Skaleg, Timothy, Mahalia, Simon, Sam, even Achak! Using the phone''s auto hack and back trace spell rune Nast''rok installed. The text message said his location, and the Blood-Kindred operations team was attacking him and a GCPD swat team. They appeared right after he sent a message to Warden HQ. That the security main frame may have been hacked again! Or, the problem could have been on GCPD side. All of this was typed and scent in less then two seconds thanks to Connectivity!


    Once again Lash screamed internally at himself! He still didn''t have a long range skill, spell, or weapon! The helicopter''s were about hundred feet or more in the air! Lash was by all accounts a close range Assassin with healing, and supportive buffs! Then he got an idea that he hadn''t considered before, he looked at the helicopters then looked up at the sky. Fuck it! He reached into his Nature Domain and ''asked'' a question. Then he found it...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Nature Domain Spell, Call Lightning: Spell-Casters can channel arcane energy and make an imitation of lightning. You however, can call on true lightning! It may not be as malleable as arcane lightning, but true lightning is far stronger! Though you must call it from the sky, for now. It the future you can cast it from yourself like a true conduit of nature.


    Storm clouds appeared and grew with in seconds in the skies, static electricity built up in the air. The wind picked up and pushed the fog out of the area. Which was bad for the retreating police, but good for the Special Operations team of the Blood-Kindred. Lash stood up, still wearing his Wraith disguise the helicopters angled themselves towards him about to shoot him dead. When CRAAAAAACK! A lightning bolt fell from the heaven''s as if Zeus himself struck. CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! The lighting shattered the sky with brilliance! Thunder rang out like the trumpets of the Gods! The attack choppers burst into flames, and crashed into the ground with huge explosions!


    Lash collapsed to his knees and vomited blood! His head was pounding and his vision was growing narrow. He was about to black out! Fuck that took a shit ton of energy! He reached out to Nature and sucked the energy of a square mile free using Minor Natural Energy Absorption almost by instinct. All the grass, bushes, and tree''s withered and died. This wasn''t Decomposition, Nature just cease to exist for a brief moment in his immediate area. The energy was sucked into his body to refill his reserves! Then he got a prompt!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Minor Energy Manipulation: Energy is one of the few things in this universe that is nigh impossible to destroy. Energy is a constant, you''ve learned how to manipulate it with magic. Now, you know how to manipulate it purely by your will alone! Where the end of this road is, no one can know for sure. Be careful you don''t lose your way.


    Lash felt re energized, he looked up with blood shot eyes. The Kindred wet team had scattered, and ran from the explosions. Lash was furious! Again! Again these shit heads came to kill him! To stop him from doing his job! He broke cover and raced towards the nearest one! He raced to his side and reached out with his Grave Domain! He clawed through the Kindred''s chest, blood sprayed across Lash''s face. But the Kindred was soon horrified for another reason. He wasn''t healing! Lash had deactivated the kindred''s ability to heal! The operation specialist dropped to the ground and passed out. Sprinting to the next kindred Lash reached him, and tore his gun arm off. Slammed into him with his shoulder to send him flying, the kindred collided with his companions and Lash was soon gone ripping and tearing the Kindred apart limb from limb. Each one had their healing ability turned off by the Grave Domain. It wouldn''t be permanent but it was enough!


    Jumping to another target, Lash sliced this man''s legs off with a swift motion then slammed him down with a forward kick. The man screamed in pain and panic, gun fire was shot towards Lash who sprinted, rolled, and dodged the bullets. These were not enchanted silver. These were armor piercing rounds. They did incredibly damage to Lash. But he kept getting prompts from his passive skills he was getting experience. He dove straight into the ground swimming under neath them. The Kindred shot into the ground but didn''t have enough ground penetration. Using Mud Marsh Lash pulled the kindred into the ground up to their necks and ravaged their bodies under the ground like a crocodile, he rolled under the ground thrashing them to pieces.


    After several tense minutes of slaughter, Lash surfaced. The Grave Domain disconnected from the Kindred. He wanted to kill them, but he needed them. Soon the Kindred began to heal, ever so slowly. Soon he heard the sound of choppers inbound across the way. These one''s held the UNWS logo, and Sam had responded on his phone they were in bound and he should see them. Lash moved towards O''Connor to check on the GCPD. Lucky enough, no one was dead! Plenty of injuries! But no deaths. Well the GCPD were alive, the drug runners were not! Even some of the drug running Kindred had been destroyed. The Wraith spent a few minutes restoring and healing the wounded police.


    Once the real reinforcements had arrived, they secured the area and arrested the brutally injured Kindred that still hadn''t healed yet. Lash let them heal enough to live, not enough for them to stop moaning and screaming pain. Sucks doesn''t it? Lash wearing his Wraith disguise stood near the screaming and wailing Kindred with an look of indifference. The ''UNWS'' teams packed the kindred up for medical care. Gordon showed up about an hour later and began to scream about procedure and the law at Wraith. But before Wraith could respond, O''Connor came to his defense and told Gordon the situation. Then after several tense minutes he finished up.


    ¡°So in truth sir, with out him being here we would have never found the drug runners location. We also would have been killed with out his help. We also verified that the link of our location came from our end, Captain. So if you want to get pissed at some one get mad at IA for clearing every one in MCU for duty when it''s clear that not every one is clean. And on a personal note sir, can you stop being a racist prick towards Agent Wraith?¡± O''Connor said that last part through gritted teeth. Several of the swat team vocally agreed.


    ¡°What did you just say!?¡± Gordon screamed at O''Connor! Lash was surprised as well.


    ¡°Don''t give me that look of surprise, Captain! Every one in the Unit knows you hate this guy. It has everything to do with the fact he''s an alien with a badge. But at least he has a badge! Unlike Superman who just does what ever he feels like. Agent Wraith actually works with us, he didn''t have to agree to help us with this investigation. We all know for a fact that he could have moved far quicker on his own. He didn''t have to share his information but he did! So, stop being a racist shit head towards him! Sir.¡± O''Connor yelled at Gordon. Gordon went from red, to purple, back to red then let out a slow breath. Lash ''read'' him and could see Gordon was struggling. O''Connor had been right, Gordon was being a racist towards the alien.


    ¡°I''m sorry Agent Wraith. Thank you for your help today.¡± Gordon said, looking straight at Wraith and where he assumed his eyes would be. Clearly the apology took a lot of effort. But Gordon did it, because it was the right thing to do.


    ===============================================================


    Gordon hated the situation. He hated how O''Connor was right. Gordon had seen a lot of things in his life, many thing he couldn''t explain. Serving in the marine core he had seen a lot of loose cannons get away with murder all because they were signed up with the right people. Hell! Gordon had done a lot of black bag operations as well. But he knew what he hated most about Agent Wraith was that he could go above the law with little to no oversight. Gordon assumed it was because he was a powerful alien with powers and technology that the US government was hoping he would share. Today was a good example! He''d write a report on the incident and all he had to do was say the United Nations World Security Agent Wraith was present for the operation. All the bad paper work would just get brushed under the rug out of sight! But he had to admit that O''Connor was right. Wraith didn''t have to cooperate with them he was well with in his jurisdiction to tell Gordon to fuck off. He could have done the entire operation and done it quicker. But he didn''t, he invited the GCPD along. Kept the MCU alive, and arrested the drug runners. Yes, they did come in separate pieces but they were alive.


    It also didn''t help that his little girl Barbra wouldn''t shut up about him! Every time he came home she would ask about him, what''s he like! Do you know what he looks like? Where does he live? Do you think she could meet him? Why sweetie?! Why do you want to talk to him!? Fuck, Gordon would rather she be obsessed over Batman then this freak show!


    =================================================================


    Lash watched Gordon struggle internally, he wondered how much he''d freak out if he knew that Lash was not an alien. Also that he didn''t report to the UN, but towards a magical super-natural society that had agreement with the United Nations. That all of his ''official'' paper work was glamoured documents, and Fae magic. That he was as much as a vigilante as Batman, maybe even worse because he was inside the system and manipulating it. Probably not well?


    It was early morning by this point, the winter sun had risen and was shinning across the battle field. Dozens of cop cars had shown up, along with a few news station vans. Lash was sure that ''Wraith'' would be on the news tonight. A ''UN'' mission debrief team showed up to talk to O''Connor and his swat team. The Warden''s would do a thorough job of searching through their memories. They would only alter the bare minimal amount. A car soon arrived to take Lash back to Warden HQ. He bid O''Connor and the swat team goodbye disconnecting the Temp. Pack Bond. He told the Warden''s about the possible enhancement the team would have. Lash was quickly becoming a bit of an oddity in the super-natural community. Yes, he was always odd. But he was now capable of making super-natural people.


    Despite Lash''s incredibly long twenty four hours he wasn''t tired. Before he left the battle field he infused the area with Nature magic trying to repair the damage he had done. It wasn''t enough, but it was a start. The drive to the HQ was uneventful, he took down his Wraith disguise when they entered the protective glamour and spell barrier that kept unwanted eyes on them. A logistical personal was waiting for him when he arrived. Who bowed when he exited the car, Lash returned the gesture with practiced ease. They led him towards the IA office and he heard the delightful screams of ''former'' Warden Billy. Lash gave his testimony, they had learned that the Blood-Kindred had hypnotized members of MCU to notify them if x,y, or z happened. Which was incredibly illegal! They gave a simple explanation to the MCU. A few memory alterations, so the reported officers had been ''threatened'' with their families lives if they hadn''t informed the interested parties.


    ¡°Warden Lash?¡± Lash turned around and saw the spitting image of a British butler copy cat.


    But this butler''s eyes had a red tinge around them. Kindred, full conversion which means he is over a hundred years old. Despite his morning, Lash remembered his etiquette and gave a customary Warden greeting of respect and courtesy to a full blooded Kindred. The man''s lips did tug upwards just a little but remained indifferent after that.


    ¡°Yes, May I help you?¡± Lash tried to keep his voice even, but the butler could tell he was tired.


    ¡°I have a message from the Blood-Kindred Leader of Gotham. Lady Kali, she requests the privileged of your presence in her home tonight at seven pm. To discuss the details of the Blood-Kindred in Gotham.¡± The butler said to him.


    ¡°Since you are in Warden HQ I assume the Warden''s are aware of this request?¡± Lash asked, the butler nodded. ¡°Very well I''ll accept, may I ask what the dress code is? Is this a party? Or just a conversation?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Lady Kali will have all of the current houses in Gotham in attendance, along with the attending Fae Court envoy''s. Lady Kali said any attire is perfectly fine, even if you choose to show up in armor she will not mind.¡± The Butler stated.


    ¡°Armor it is then. Will a car be sent to me or do I need to arrange transportation?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°We''ll arrange transportation for you, Warden Lash. Thank you very much for this consideration.¡± The Butler bowed, Lash returned the gesture. The kindred soon excused himself.


    Lash double checked with the Wardens about King Croc, the God-Kin. They said they would send a emissary, and a community aid mission to the town. He looked up the army team that helped him in the palace. They had all been reassigned as a ''go team'' for pseudo-mundanes. They were slowly being incorporated into the fold. Lash got a car and went home, he wanted to sleep even if he didn''t need it any more...


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron has chosen to reward you for completing a portion of the Grand Quest of Gotham. Waylon Jones, Killer Croc. One of the original villains of Batman and Gotham has chosen a new life. As King Croc of the lost, homeless, and poor.


    Reward: Minor Super Human Stamina: Killer Croc has always had the stamina of a monster. Able to swim for hundreds or even thousands of miles with out sleep, or food. He could swim across oceans if he wanted to thanks to his stamina. Now, you have that ability all be it a minor version, for now! -I wonder what else you have stamina for!


    Alright then....

 Chapter 40: Blood In The Water

    On the way home from Warden HQ Lash made a call to Shield and Sword. They technically didn''t have to be there. But Lash wanted a team of lawyers to attend the meeting, why? Because despite his many accomplishments and achievements. He had still only been a Warden for less then five months. He didn''t know every law, every code, and custom. So he requested the presence of a lawyer or team of lawyers to attend with him. By the time he got home and walked through his front door he got word back that Lady Kali accepted the request of Shield and Sword. However, she did not want any other Warden''s attending and coloring the perception of those at the meeting. Right....


    Lash spent some time working in his garden on the balcony, as well as an art piece he was working on. Lately he didn''t receive any commissions, which was not entirely a bad thing. But he was curious why. He cleaned up in his bedroom, locked up his house, activated the shutters and crawled into bed. He was mentally, physically, and spiritually tired from the past thirty or so hours. He knew he was missing something, he had a whole list of things he wanted to ask Dawn but couldn''t for the life of him remember what any of them were.


    ¡°Dawn, can you log me out for a bit. But pause the world before I leave for the meeting. I want to be there for that.¡± Lash said sleepily to the darkness.


    ¡°Of course User. Please be safe and come back soon.¡± Dawn said softly, like a parent or older sibling tucking a little one.


    WOOOSH!


    Erik opened his eyes in a semi dark room. He slowly got up and groaned in pain, and in mild disgust. He was covered in dried sweat again, the stink was horrible. But last time he laid down to play he put towels out. His bed sheets were clean and dry. So he took off his sweat stained cloths, and towels threw them in the hamper and took a shower. When he finished he wasn''t sure when he would do laundry again so he just gently rinsed his cloths and towels then hung them up near his laundry for cleaning later. But at least the water helped with the smell.


    Erik put on some early morning cloths on as it was now almost 5 am Sunday morning. He noticed that his pants were loose around his waist. Had he really lost weight? He locked up his apartment and went for a walk to the local street corner gas and shop station. More then once he caught himself looking around at every little thing and said he missed his Sensory Awareness skill. That was something he had read in the medical NDA he signed that if he felt at any moment that the ''Bleed'' effect was happening he was to report it. He''d have to sign in and fill out a report when he got back.


    Bleed is when you do something over and over again with in The Dream Engine Cube. That it actually begins to effect you here in the real. Now, this was actually the point for the military who first created the The Dream Engine, they wanted a way to mentally test and educate their forces quicker. Then the The Dream Engine was released for the Board of Education, but the bleed effect was tuned down by about half. Imagine being able to go to college and earn a degree while you slept! Then the public entertainment industry got a hold of The Dream Engine. Under the strict guide lines that the ''Bleed'' effect would be slowed to a trickle or stopped all together. Otherwise, you could potentially make an army of brainwashed gamers who all think they are the chosen one of Time and Space!


    Erik walked to the convenience store. He bought a few ready to cook and eat meals, out of mild concern for his health he bought a bottle of multivitamin. Then setting the items on the counter he reached for his wallet then looked up at the clerk who was looking at him weirdly.


    ¡°How much is it?¡± Erik asked. The clerk snapped out of his confusion and rung him up.


    ¡°Sorry, I must be tired. You looked different for a moment.¡± The clerk bagged his items after he said that to Erik. Erik had been coming to this store for years, he pretty much knew the people that worked there by their face.


    ¡°Different how?¡± Erik asked, honestly curious.


    ¡°I don''t know, well you''ve lost weight! But...I don''t know I thought for a moment there was someone standing directly behind you. I...Ya I need to get off the graveyard shift.¡± The clerk finished up and handed the items over.


    ¡°Alright, have a good morning. Sleep well when you do!¡± Erik kept a straight face all the way till he left the store.


    That was kinda weird! But, it was not the first time Erik spoke to a exhausted graveyard shift worker who seemed a little out of it. Lack of sun, and social contact does weird things to people. He knew that better than most. Getting home he cooked up one of his ready to eat meals, took his multivitamin pill and a tall glass of water. He finished his meal, washed his dishes, then jumped onto his computer to fill out a report for the Beta Test, as well as the possible ''Bleed'' effect. The report for the bleed was extensive! Took nearly an hour, they even locked his Cube until he finished the report. Which he thought was a bit harsh, but understood why. A lot of people will stop half way through paper work and come back to it. At least he did! After the report was done he sent it in, the Cube was unlocked. He received a notification that an admin VI would be monitoring his health. Then he jumped onto the forums only to be shocked!


    DOES ANYONE RECOGNIZE THIS GUY?!


    There on the post was a picture of him! Well not him, him! But Wraith! Even having the pitch black body, tail, yellow reptilian eyes and the nazgul shroud. Oh, looks like the Developers imputed a Alpha-Test for the picture and video feature. It was a video of Wraith disassembling a group of magically inclined monsters fighting next to a group of Wardens, and logistics team. Then there was about a dozen or so comments of different people saying that they had met the guy in their world as well. They were not sure if he was part of DC or if he was a product of the generated world. The guy/creature was a Warden who worked primarily in Gotham. He was an Assassin/Support type hero, would run in kill or maim high level targets, then snag wounded people and heal them on the spot or pull them out of the combat zone.


    Then Erik read a developer comment about VI copied avatars. The VI avatars of the other Users show up in situations fitting the generated world that the User creates. So, if you chose the Mundane origin, but chose to involve yourself in magic with in your world. You''ll encounter VI copies of Users who chose the Magical Origin. But, for example if you are an Alien Origin that has little interaction with magic. Aside from story driven events, you''ll never encounter VI copies that chose the magical origin. After the comment several people asked questions, and got confirmations. Several Meta-Gene and Mundane Origin Users had almost no contact with the magical world so they had never seen anything about Warden''s, or this Wraith persona.


    On a whim! Erik looked through the post and found there was indeed a ''Do you wish to notify said forum post User this is you?'' The forum system had tagged him, but waited for his permission before telling anyone. Eh, sure why not! The post then got marked as important on the forum. Erik wrote a little bit about how this was him, and the system confirmed it. With in five minutes dozens of people posted a comment! Asking questions about what his back story was, and where did he get his abilities. He posted a data log from the system about his trashy Reincarnated Mary Sue back story. About how every single one of his ''lives'' was just the gamer playing a game! That the Cosmic Patron was essentially him story wise but was being played by The Dream Engine VI. Whole bunch of people blew up at that! Both booing and cheering him on! His back story really was cringe worthy, but he had to admit it gave him a lot of benefits game wise. Even when he got a bull shit quest from his twisted Cosmic Patron. Erik logged off soon after, placed more towels down on his bed. Had several glasses of water, did some stretches then jumped back into his Dream Cube!


    Coming to the Black Room, he was wearing the same thing he had on when he jumped into his bed. He looked around, confused because Dawn would normally jump out at him wearing something nice, and tempting for his eyes. Only now he spotted her, wearing her ceremonial white and black robe, and had her face covered by a hood.


    ¡°Dawn? Is everything alright?¡± Erik said softly. Then a bright red and orange light appeared above them both. Like a miniature sun, it floated down and moved between them.


    ¡°Hello to User #00012, I am the administration VI! I will be monitoring your health and well being for the next twenty four hours of Real time! Please continue to act, and perform as you normally would! Treat me as if I am not even here!¡± The Admin VI''s booming voice shook the Black Room like the voice of God. Then it floated up, just above the Black Room and stared down at Erik with a piercing gaze.


    ¡°Sorry, Dawn I didn''t know your supervisor was here.¡± Erik said to her, a look of apology on his face. Dawn shook her head back and forth, trying be as official as she could be. When Erik first started playing he enjoyed the cool professional beauty that Dawn was. But, he had to admit he preferred the bubbly and friendly version more.


    ¡°You know, when we first met you were this official, cold, and professional Avatar that I found to be really hot! But, now I have to say I prefer you being friendly, playful, and tempting. Promise me you''ll go back to that when the Admin leaves?¡± Erik said, coming face to face with Dawn. Dawn''s lips tugged upwards but she maintained her cool demeanor.


    ¡°Oh, so you didn''t like my sexy secretary outfit?¡± Dawn said softly. Erik laughed and hugged her. She squeaked, but soon hugged back. Then gently pushed him away, coughing into her hand gently to clear the air.


    ¡°How may I assist you, User?¡± Dawn said, returning to her cold persona once more.


    ¡°Please show me the current time line application¡± Erik assumed the role of a professional User. Which failed miserably since he was wearing baggy t-shirt, and gym shorts. Wait! No, that is professional for a gamer!


    The time line app appeared. It had been only a few hours down in the Dream just as Erik asked. But several things had happened since he last checked this app. Mera had passed her tracker to a pod of whales, and found Arthur Curry! Only to be surprised when she met Nuidis Vulko, the Atlantis Vizier by his side. Vulko had been training Arthur in the ways of Atlantis for several years at the request of Arthur''s Queen Mother Atlanna before she was sacrificed to the Trench. Vulko, like Mera hoped that Arthur could be the bridge between the surface and the water dwellers. The exact conversation was not recorded in the Time Line App. Just the cliff notes.


    Oh! The League of Assassins had contacted both Green Arrow, and Batman. Erik read on the forums at one point that the overall time between story events versus actual time would be accelerated. So that would explain why Batman who''s barely been active in the past two years has been approached by Ra''s Al Ghul. Most gamers didn''t want to sit around for weeks, months, or years waiting for story events to pop up. So the maturity of your heroes and villains was, faster? Events would happen back to back.


    Shazam had been contacted by The Wardens? Well that was different! But it made sense in Erik''s generated world. Shazam was essentially a magical origin superman. Speaking of which! Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash were all at home enjoying the holidays! Well Clark was in Smallville, Diana was in Themyscira, and Barry was going on a date with his future wife, Iris! Yay! Hal Jordan was currently doing...Survival training with the Green Lantern Corp. J''onn J''onzz (Martian Manhunter) had left Mars!? He was heading to Earth to seek help in restoring his planet? Mars was apparently dying in Erik''s generated world. J''onn was looking for help in recovering his planet or in worse case, looking to allow Earth to accept refugee''s. Shit! J''onn was going to get a shit show from Anti-Alien people thanks to Erik! Speaking of Aliens! Katar Hall (Hawkman) and his partner and wife Shiera Hall (Hawkwoman) were in route from Thanagar. They were tracking a criminal who had chosen to hide on Earth, they were following the comic origin that they were space cops and or bounty hunters. Fuck! A lot was happening!


    ¡°Ok! Well thank you for that! Anything happen with Lash?¡± Erik asked Dawn.


    ¡°No User, other then another past life dream. He woke up, then he and Saurian both put on standard issue tactical Warden gear. The Kindred driver has picked up Lash and we paused the world as he was about to arrive at the Blood-Kindred Mansion that is in Gotham''s County.¡± Dawn said softly.


    ¡°Thank you very much, Dawn! And thank you, Admin!¡± Erik said to the giant ball of fire.


    ¡°Of Course User! #00012!¡± The Admins voice shook the whole room again, nay the earth it self! Erik grimaced, hugged Dawn goodbye. Then jumped out of the room.


    WOOOSH!


    Lash was looking out the window of the car. Why did all the super rich manors live in the same area? Of course same area was relative they were separated by miles of well kept grounds, surrounded by walls. He felt that familiar feeling of passing through a glamour as the car he was riding in went past an invisible barrier to keep out Mundanes. Lash adjusted his collar, he was wearing a Kevlar magical thread standard issue Warden gear. Saurian''s gear was of course tailored for him given his size and shape. The custom combat suit that Nast''rok was helping him make was not done yet. The dwarf insisted that Lash finish it on his own. Something about leaving your mark on your work. The car soon came to a stop and his door was opened for him. Stepping out he saw a strange sight.


    Juliana was waiting for him, she was wearing a formal business dress pant suit. Gray with white pin stripes. A black vest coat, with white buttoned up shirt with a red tie. The suit was tailored and showed off her seductive hourglass figure. Her hair was done up in a lose tail, she gave Lash a smile as he approached.


    ¡°You came in your armor, I came in mine. Don''t worry, its been enchanted. In fact I bet it provides more protection then what you have on.¡± Juliana said softly, a smile spreading across her face because Lash was looking her up and down.


    ¡°Like what you see?¡± Juliana said, teasingly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Lash said bluntly. The response surprised Juliana for a moment before she winked at him. When someone you find attractive pays attention to you, most people enjoy it. Juliana was no exception.


    Lash offered his arm to the female dragon, who took the offered arm with a laugh. Despite her small and seductive figure, Lash had no illusions that Juliana could easily snap him in half if she wanted to. The manor they were walking to was five stories tall, and had a India architecture feel. Think Hindu, and Buddhist. Each layer had a curving slope as it rose, making the next layer smaller. Letting you get a flower or lotus appearance, then with each floor a modern day style was carved into it. So if you were looking at the manor from afar you would think it was a temple or a crude stone flower about to bloom. Then once you were up close you could see the modern day appeal and technology. Lady Kali was originally from India, she must have designed. On the front door was a massive mosaic to Kali the Hindu Goddess of death. The multi armed armed Goddess that is known for carrying heads, wielding swords, standing over a battle field. Despite the mosaic Lash knew that Kali despite her Domains, and art was actually a neutral god. Was neither good nor evil, and that the heads she carried were actually the heads of demons invading earth. Kali the Goddess was a firm believe in the concept of time, and looking past the flesh of mortals. That in time we all escape from the shackles of life and learn the ''truth''.


    ¡°....Lash....Lash? Are you alright?¡± Juliana called to him, Lash was startled for a bit as he was looking at the door.


    ¡°I had expected with such a fine carving that I''d get a bit of divinity from it. Of even to feel the Grave Domain. But I feel absolutely nothing. Its a nice piece of art work, but that''s all that is.¡± Lash pointed at the door.


    The door opened up and the Butler that Lash met at Warden HQ welcomed them. The inside of the manor had a bit of Hindu flair but was for the most part a modern day manor. It was lavish, expensive, and full of pieces of art, expensive thread count furniture and of course floor to wall, to window security. Technological, and magical, Lash could feel and hear the buzzing noises of different devices looking at him. They were led to a large room where a full crescent moon table resided. The table could easily fit thirty or so people but there was only eighteen chairs ready.


    ¡°Now that you have arrived, Warden Lash, and Miss Shi''Word. We''ll begin, please wait a moment while I gather everyone.¡± The Butler bowed his waist and left to gather the rest. This was actually the first time Lash had heard Juliana''s house name. He understood where they got Shield and Sword from.


    ¡°Tsk! A power move, really? Every single one of them knew when you showed up. They should have been in here waiting for us.¡± Juliana growled softly, then squeaked in surprise. Because Lash had kissed her cheek. She narrowed her eyes at him, a smile tugging on her lips.


    ¡°You looked like you were about to attack some one, so I thought I''d distract you. Remember, your here to keep me in line. Not the other way around.¡± Lash said, a smile on his face. Juliana bit her lip softly as she looked Lash in the eye, then to his lips, then back to his eyes. She turned away, and adjusted herself trying to reign in her senses.


    ¡°If I didn''t know any better I''d say you were casting magic when you did that. But I got absolutely nothing mystically. Its almost as if your mere presence can charm people.¡± Juliana said softly. Lash gritted his teeth inwardly, well ya that was kinda true.


    Intermediate Charming Presence was dangerous. When people are attracted to something, they are bedazzled! They are charmed! They will ignore certain glaring, obvious things. All because they have been charmed. This had actually happened when Lash met Jessabell, and Li''Ana for the first time. He was able to look past it. But, that was both spell work, and glamour. For him this was a skill, a racial trait? Something he could not turn off! If this was a spell, he could actually go to prison for ''Charming'' Torloth''s daughter if he lived that long. But, thanks to his Cosmic Patron. It was just part of his passive skill set.


    ¡°No magic, no glamour. Not only would that be a sure fire way for not only you, but your father to skin me alive repeatedly. It would go against Warden Law to Charm people. I''ll even go under Oath if you want me to.¡± Lash said to her. Juliana turned around, a hint of blush in her cheeks. She shook her head no.


    ¡°So its just your natural charm, and presence? I''m sure that gets you into trouble.¡± Juliana said, walking closer to smooth a wrinkle out of his gear.


    ¡°Yes, unfortunately it''s not something I can turn off. I could be standing in a pool of garbage and people will still find something charming about it.¡± Lash smiled, watching Juliana run her fingers over his cloths.


    An adjacent door opened up at that point. First to arrive was, Edwardo of House Kuldr. He was wearing a pure white suit, with black inner shirt and vest, including fedora hat and a rose in his lapel. He looked like he was going to a 1930''s guys and dolls party. He smiled wide and walked straight towards Lash. Lash kept to his manners and preformed the ceremonial greeting between a Warden and Kindred house master. Edwardo blinked at the action, then looked at Juliana who conveyed some sort of message through her eyes. A look of realization dawned on his face, he gave the greeting back to both of them then moved to his seat. Edwardo was the House master in charge of clothing, fashion, and now the new betting pool of The Great Hunt during the Winter and Summer Solstice.


    Second to arrive was Aisling of House Lishen, she was of oriental decent and about 5''5¡± wearing a full length cheongsam sleeveless dress, holding a decorative hand fan. The pattern black, with a design of cherry blossom tree on the dress. The blossoms were an extreme contrast between the black color. She had pale white skin, ruby red lips, near perfect red eyes. Since a majority of Kindred house masters have red eyes. Unlike Edwardo who was polite when he walked into the room, she gave off the ''presence'' of a master and the invisible energy pressure washed over the room. Edwardo tried to hold back his laughter when Aisling tripped on her feet slightly. Lash''s Nullification activated. Imagine you are pushing against something, be it a door, wall, or window and it suddenly gives way? That''s what happened, Aisling was pushing out with her energy and suddenly her energy was gone! She caught her self, confusion evident on her face. She glared daggers at Edwardo who raised his hands in innocence''s as he was sitting in his chair, not a speck of energy on him. Aisling turned to look at Lash, he gave the customary etiquette perfectly. Aisling didn''t understand what had happened, apparently Lady Kali had kept the Warden ceremony ''Viktor'' incident out of the record? Or the Kindred didn''t believe the rumors. Aisling, was the Blood-Kindred in charge of immigration, refugee''s, and commercial trade between the other cities via the docks. An important position to be sure!


    Aisling returned the greeting, and gave another to Juliana. Before taking her seat. Then came the next House master. Tearle of House Dumuzid was an average man, and a bit stout at 5''2¡±. -Dwarven heritage. Saurian said softly across their link. He had a well groomed beard, and brown hair on his head. He had a wide smile on his face as he wondered in with out any ''pressure''. He was wearing a formal dress suit much like Edwardo was, only his was gray he had a fedora hat on with red plume feather in. Tearle was a lot like Edwardo as his house was clean and respectable. His house owned a domesticated super-natural live stock company. Tearle, exchanged etiquette with Lash, and Juliana before taking his seat next to Edwardo. A huge grin on his face.


    Cassandra of House Shiamra, an Italian woman walked into the room. Bronze skin, thick brown hair that was naturally curly and swept past her shoulders. Wearing a white with gold trim elegant mermaid style dress. Hugged her hour glass figure, it was shoulder less but wrapped around her arms, her voluptuous figure was not hidden in the least, as her ass and breasts jiggled with every step she took. Very bouncy! Aisling laughed softly just like Edwardo did to her when Cassandra stumbled a bit, she nearly toppled over and almost fell out of her top. The ''pressure'' she was giving off was removed suddenly! She gave Aisling an acid glare before returning to her elegant demeanor. She smiled with delight when she saw Juliana, she did greet Lash but actually hugged and gave tiny kisses on both of Juliana''s cheeks who returned the gesture. Cassandra then moved to her seat. Cassandra''s house was in charge of commercial air flights and cargo between cities. So Aisling was her direct competitor just different methods of transportation.


    A 6'' even rail thin pale as a sheet man walked in, he was....Well Goth comes to mind. Pure black trench coat, fishnet long sleeved shirt, black pants with belts, chains, and spikes. Steel toed boots, he had spiky hair, and actually flipped Lash off when he walked in. He didn''t give off any pressure, apparently learning the trick from his fellows. This kid? Was named Seskel, and he was a Knight of the House Apathakis the one''s directly related to the ''Venom'' trade. The House master was currently serving in an isolation chamber or other wise called a coffin! Thanks to Lady Kali and The Warden''s verdict. House Apathakis was in ruins and the only one available to attend the meeting was Seskel. Despite the lack of manners Lash still preformed proper etiquette, though Juliana did not. She was glaring at Seskel as if she hoping he''d burst into flames.


    Next a soft tanned teenage girl skipped into the room! She was about 5''2¡± had bubble gum pink hair in pig tails. Sucking on a big cherry lollipop, wearing a plaid school girl skirt that came to her mid thigh, knee high leggings, cute black shoes, and a white buttoned up shirt. She looked like she went to private school, and was around the age of sixteen or eighteen. Her figure would suggest sixteen, budding youth is the best description. She spotted Lash and made an O face, taking out her cherry lollipop she licked it suggestively with her tongue many times over. Winked at him, as he gave her a formal greeting. This was Valenthia of House Sex''ilia. She had a unique skill for Blood-Kindred called ''body youth change''. It allowed her to change her bodies maturity of a fifteen year old girl, to a thirty year old woman, and every thing in between. She was in charge of the sex trade in Gotham, kinks, fetishes, brothels, escorts, prostitutes. Though she shared territory begrudgingly with Rocksie and the Skree pack.


    Then a warrior born man walked in, of Latino decent he was 6'' 3¡± wearing a three piece black tailored made suit, with black boots, a combat knife on his hip. A P90 sub-machine gun slung under his jacket, and a long sword across his back. Alaric of House Arminius, the warriors and soldiers of the Blood-Kindred with in Gotham. He was neutral? His house trained the different soldiers, guards, and servants of the different houses. Each house had their own armies of course, but the go between, servants, the people were all trained by Alaric''s house. Including but not limited to the several operation teams that Lash and Saurian had taken apart. Alaric gave a warrior salute to Lash, who returned it. He then bowed to Juliana before taking his seat.


    The next to step in wore spiked heels, wearing a pencil black skirt, royal blue silk blouse, and black suit jacket. She had thin glasses on, her brown hair was done up in a bun. She was about 5'' 3¡± and her figure was amazing to look at. She walked in the heels with a seductive grace that you don''t often see in spiked heels. She bowed formally to both Lash, and Juliana, letting both see the abundant cleavage as her blouse opened up when she leaned over of course doing it on purpose. Clementine of House Bla''Lock, was the House master of Kindred assassins, spies, thieves, and the information trade. She took a seat next to Alaric. Since their houses tend to work together, they also seem to have a ''working'' relationship as Saurian could smell the pheromones and musk coming off of them as they were close.


    A bookish type man came in holding a giant book, the man was about 5'' 5¡± and the book was easily was two feet across, and a foot wide from cover to back. The man wore a combination of old world scholar robes, and British professor cloths. He had a pair of monocles on, with a chain tied around so if they fell off his nose they wouldn''t get lost. He waved at Lash, and Juliana then went straight to his chair and began to read through his book. Saurian growled in protest which everyone in the room ''felt'' because Dorian of House Bior of the scholar and researcher of magic had just scanned Lash. The Book abruptly snapped close on Dorian''s hands who squeaked in surprise. Then shrunk his neck in like a turtle.


    Then a young woman walked in wearing blue tennis shoes, blue jeans, a tight white t-shirt that was clearly to small for her. Her dirty blond hair covered her face, but she flipped it up to see clearly as she walked in. She had her phone out, she dismissively waved at Lash and Juliana and went to her chair. This was Carmilla of House Nestash the technological conglomerate and chairwoman of a fortune five hundred company. Turns out it was on par with Wayne industries, and Lex-Corp. Something specific to Erik''s generated world. So a procedural generated business. She was for the most part true and clean. But her company was so wide, and had so many different area''s of business few knew it all.


    The click clack sounds of claws across the floor rung in the room, as a Man-Bat Creature walked into the room. He wore tattered cloth to cover his waist, and that was about it. He hand long skin like wings folded in on his arms, claws on his hands and feet, huge bat like ears, nose, and eyes red as blood. He opened his mouth and smiled at Lash. Then a puff of smoke enveloped him and there stood a 6'' even man wearing a black tuxedo with a crimson red tie, pale skin, and long swept back black hair. Going for the modern day dracula look. This was Lucian of House Dumitru, he was in charge of the rearing, and caring of the monsters, creatures, and animals that the blood-kindred raise. Since Kindred can ''convert'' animals as well. He was also referred to as a ''Primal'' Blood-Kindred. He unlike the rest of his kin still practiced the totem aspects. So in example the shape shifting into a man-bat. Lash greeted him, as did Juliana. Lucian bowed back and took his seat next to Valenthia specifically.


    Then came in a bronze skinned beauty, with red hair, cherry red lips. Wearing a red cat suit, covered her from neck to wrist, to toe. A long zipper from her neck down to her navel, the suit left very little to the imagination. She had a golden ratio hour glass figure that just drew attention! Everyone in the room looked at her like she was a...-Succubus breed Saurian said. Then Nullification activated and the ''effect'' snapped off! The woman stumbled and looked up at Lash in surprise, then stepped back in horror because Juliana was growling. The presence of a dragon was filling the room up. Juliana was pissed! Because this Blood-Kindred had just tried to charm her.


    This was Lilah of House Drennixi, she was originally a demoness that took the conversion to become a Blood-Kindred. Which was rare! Most blood-kindred were humans that were converted. But occasionally a super-natural race could be converted however it killed 999 out of 1000. Technically Tearle was super-natural breed before he was converted. But his blood heritage was diluted so he had a better chance of survival, and the conversion takes hundred years. If the conversation is successful they keep their original heritage abilities if any. But also obtain their new found kindred abilities.


    ¡°I have diplomatic immunity!¡± Lilah screamed at Juliana. Juliana''s human disguise was starting to peel off. But at that scream, Juliana reigned in her anger and growled.


    ¡°Your Master will be hearing from my family about how you tried to beguile not only me, but also a registered Warden!¡± Juliana called out, her teeth grinding audibly.


    Lilah was an envoy from the old country. Her Master was an incredibly powerful patron and had created dozens of different houses under his blood line, he had reached the ''retirement age'' so he was purely an advisor position. What is the ''retirement age'' The Fae Queens, Mab and Titania learned a long, long time ago that when super-natural creatures that practice the art immortality start to get funny after a certain age. Each creature, race, etc have different age restrictions. But essentially when they reach a certain point they stop looking at the world the same way. They think anything that lives less then a five hundred years is an ant that can be freely destroyed with zero consequences. A long time ago they could have gotten away with that, but today? Since communities and societies are trying to keep a delicate balance between hiding from the mundanes and keeping the peace. Such arcane thinking can not be allowed. So, when a specific immortal race reaches a certain age, they no longer have a leadership position. They can advise, but can no longer make the rules. This was also why the Old Gods like Egypt, Greece, Norse, stopped trying to openly rule the world. They lost touch with...Reality. The skill Other Worldly Lore activated giving Lash a cliff note.


    Lilah took her seat, trying her best to hide from Juliana''s sight. Lady Kali of House Aamod walked in at that point she wore a traditional woman''s Hindu dress, a lehenga. Several colorful sheets of cloth with intricate designs wrapped around her body, a see through shawl wrapped around her neck and head, the dress kept her lower back, and abdomen exposed. A gold piercing through her navel. Bells, and chimes attached to her waist, ankles, and neck so she made music as she moved. Her black hair was kept braided in several places and swept up in the shawl. She looked completely different then when Lash last saw her at the Warden ceremony, but he had to admit he liked this version better. Lady Kali noticed Lash''s eyes dancing around her and she smiled shyly at him, casting her eyes down. Lash knew she was acting but it was still nice to watch. Before Kali sat down, the three Fae Court officials walked in. Summer, Winter, and Under. Lash didn''t recognize any of them. They greeted him and Juliana, before taking their seats. Lady Kali gestured for everyone to be seated. Finally they would begin.


    ¡°Thank you for attending Warden Lash, and your Partner Saurian. Thank you for attending Juliana of house Shi''Word. We are gathered here today to discuss the obvious conflict as well future dealings with Warden Lash between our houses.¡± Kali said softly, but clearly into the room. Her manners, and etiquette were perfect. Lash raised his hand, Kali smiled a little before gesturing for him to speak.


    ¡°I don''t have any conflict with the Blood-Kindred Houses of Gotham or any city. I am a Warden following my code of conduct. Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I don''t discriminate, I treat everyone by a case by case basis. There are many documented cases of Warden''s being brash, rude, or out right offensive to Kindred. But me and my partner have never once treated any Kindred in such a way. So, the ''conflict'' as it is called is simple to resolve. Stop breaking the law.¡± Lash said.


    The Kindred in the room all had different reactions, Edwardo, and Tearle all smiled and nodded agreeing. Alaric, and Clementine acted like this entire matter didn''t concern them. Dorian was reading his book, Lucian was watching Lilah with interest. Valenthia was licking her lollipop as she watched Lash, she kept undressing him with her eyes. Aisling, and Cassandra was watching Kali with interest. Lilah keep trying to avoid Juliana''s sight. So in the end it was Seskel, who slammed his fist against the table and stood up. Before he shut his mouth and sat back down, having been glared at by Kali.


    ¡°I believe House Knight of Apathakis, Seskel wishes to speak.¡± Kali said, she gestured towards him.


    ¡°No conflict! You attack Lady Natasha! You take apart our operations team, and nearly kill my brother Talon! You get our House Masters locked up in a coffin! You disrupt and destroy our Venom product, ruin our underground passages, spoil our relationship with that croc man! Get one of your own denounced and imprisoned! And you claim you have no conflict with us! BULLSHIT!¡± Seskel screamed. Lash let him rant for a bit, looked at him with clear confusion. Looked at Lady Kali who was face palming at this point. Lash turned to Juliana, she had a predatory smile on her face. Lash gestured for her to take the stand.


    ¡°May I speak Lady Kali?¡± Juliana said politely. Kali gestured for her to continue.


    ¡°Alright listen up shit stain! You just openly admitted to running illegal drugs through Gotham. You claim that Warden Lash attacked Natasha? When she was peddling, and dealing drugs. Which is against Warden Law! Shit Stain! Then your brother Knight Talon showed up with an operations team and attacked Warden Lash, and Skree pack mate Dominick. In a clear attempt to steal her away before the Warden teams showed up to imprison her. Lash defended himself and were well with in his right to kill them all! But, he didn''t! Your House Master! Was sent to isolation because he sent a Kindred Operations team to kill a Warden, as well as hacked into the Warden Cyper operations center! He should have been executed! Former Warden Billy Strongam has been arrested for racketeering, excepting bribes from your house, shit stain! Peddling drugs, and extorting super-natural communities. The Croc man as you have called him, is a God-Kin of Sobek! A GOD-KIN! Not only did former Warden Billy, as well as your house know he was a God-Kin. You kept it from the authorities! So, yes Warden Lash has no conflict with House Apathakis! It''s clear that Apathakis has an issue with him!¡± Juliana was standing and shouting at Seskel by the end. The Goth kid had taken his seat half way through, and was now looking like he wanted to crawl into a hole.


    Juliana took her seat once more, kept a cool appearance in front of everyone. But Lash knew she was proud of herself for putting Apathakis in their place. Seskel, with Kali''s permission had taken his phone out and was checking information. After a few minutes of waiting, Seskel looked completely deflated. The kid had no real grasp on what was going on in his House he was a stand in for the Vice-House master who apparently had fled the country. Lash raised his hand up, waiting to be called on. Kali gestured for him to speak.


    ¡°Why are you even trafficking Venom illegally? I''ve looked at the laws set for Blood-Kindred''s. Because the super-natural communities need of your assistance with the masquerade and truce between the mundanes, the laws are pretty lax. Why doesn''t Apathakis go legit and just sell Venom to the communities legitimately?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious about the answer.


    Venom kills mundanes through extended use. It has severe withdrawals, causing muscle and motor control failure. It also kills brain cells, specifically memory. Extended use causes mundanes to become barbarically stupid, and their bodies can not function with out a hit. However, super-natural''s are wired differently, even the most basic sentient super-natural can take continued use of Venom. Seskel stood up, but waited for permission to speak. Kali granted it to him.


    ¡°I can answer that! I don''t know much about...well anything. But the drug I know. Our main supplier is a human pseudo-mundane. Call''s himself ''Bane''. He was a drug cartel pusher of major drugs for the mundanes but discovered a way to make Venom. Though he still deals in common drugs, his main source of export is Venom. Venom is made in a specific way that we can not discern, well more like we know how its made but we can''t replicate it. A specific chemical that can not be artificially synthesized. We have tried to....''convince'' him to give it to us. But he uses Venom just like any one else, except the stuff he uses doesn''t appear to have side effects he also has a specific device that feeds into his central brain stem. He''s as strong as our elite guard, and took them apart when we tried to push him for the recipe. We also don''t know where gets the materials from, in our attempts to track him we encountered mystical interference so we couldn''t scry, or use technological means due him being paid up with the right people.¡± Seskel said, bowed towards Kali and took a seat.


    ¡°So, with all the resources at your disposal? You don''t know about the small island nation in the Caribbean Sea named Santa Prisca. Where a rare flower that only grows on the island is the primary chemical in Venom?¡± Lash said to Seskel. Seskel along with the whole room was staring at Lash surprised. Because his whole body was glowing with Dawns aesthetically pleasing divine light. Lash''s skill Foresight just activated.


    The light faded and Lash gripped his head and groaned in pain. Juliana reached out to stabilize him so he wouldn''t fall out of his chair. Which he almost did. Lash''s skill Foresight just prompted him with an increase. So a 1% increase in power, and a 1% decrease in power consumption. Seskel jumped to his feet and attempted to run out of the room. Only to be snagged by Kali and pulled back to his seat. It was rather funny to see a woman smaller then Seskel pick him up by the collar and put him back into his seat.


    ¡°All of you take a seat, and stop trying to send a message out! The moment he said anything the room went under lock down!¡± Kali called out to everyone. Sure enough Lash could feel interference on his Connectivity skill. Juliana gave Lash a reassuring squeeze on his shoulder then sat back in her seat keeping an eye on Kali.


    ¡°Warden Lash, please send my thanks to your Patron God for the message. We''ll look into it with all of our resources. Together!¡± Kali said that last word, looking at everyone. They all begrudgingly nodded. Seskel looked desperate to leave with the news but also nodded.


    ¡°Unfortunately, we need to discuss an important subject matter. House Apathakis is currently in ruin. With the House Master in isolation for crimes against Warden Law, the Vice-House Master having fled the country and is currently being chased by Blood Hunters for betraying the Kindred pact. The repeated offenses, crimes, and actions. We will now officially announce the dissolution of House Apathakis with in the territories of Gotham.¡± Kali said, Seskel stood up and screamed in panic!


    ¡°In Gotham! Seskel! She didn''t say from the world, just Gotham territories! Calm the fuck down!¡± Clementine shouted at him. Seskel collapsed into his chair and became a puddle of despair and remorse. Carmilla of House Nestash raised her hand to speak, Kali gestured for her to continue.


    ¡°I move for a vote on who will absorb the drug trade with in Gotham Territories, by following Warden Lash''s suggestion I believe we should seize the production plant on the island that Warden Lash''s Patron God declared. We should also not sell it illegally, but study and sell it officially both to mundanes and super-natural communities. After extensive testing.¡± Carmilla said, standing up and looking away from her phone. She had a smile on her face, and winked at Lash.


    ¡°We will discuss who will absorb that portion of power at a later time. But, I agree we should move on the island as soon as possible. Once we are adjourned from this meeting with Warden Lash and Juliana Shi''Word, we''ll gather information and make plans.¡± Kali said, confirming the decision.


    ¡°Warden Lash, do you feel aggrieved in any way? Or feel that you are entitled to any form of compensation? Please note that you do not have to answer now, you may have time to think. With the dissolution of House Apathakis and the information provided about Santa Prisca I would say that every House master present would feel grateful for your actions?¡± Kali said to Lash. Then to everyone who agreed with the idea.


    ¡°How about unlimited booty calls from yours truly!¡± Valenthia said loudly, her body shifted slightly to fill out her school girl uniform. She looked like a twenty something cos-playing. Lash just looked at her with a raised brow. Then went back to look at Kali.


    ¡°How about a favor from each house, each favor is of course negotiable. Each favor will not go against the Houses morals, ethics, or codes. Additionally, given that I am also a Grave Domain holder. I ask that the Houses recognize that authority on top of my preexisting status as a Warden. Though you are ''bound'' by the Grave to do so, respect is its own courtesy.¡± Lash said, he looked at everyone in the room who seem to think about it for a bit then nod. The Fae Court officials of Summer, Winter, and Under had not said a word since the meeting had started. They were actually writing down the whole meeting like a court stenographer.


    ¡°The booty calls are free! No need to ask for a favor!¡± Valenthia said to Lash. She went back to seductively licking her cherry lollipop.


    ¡°I can guarantee my house will not allow such a thing, but if you''ll take a personal favor from me that would be fine.¡± Lilah said to Lash, eyeing him now much like Valenthia was doing. She crossed her arms under breasts and pushed them up to emphasize them.


    ¡°That is acceptable Lilah of House Drennixi.¡± Lash said politely, Lilah smiled wide at him, then shrunk back seeing Juliana eyeing her.


    ¡°A favor and recognition is acceptable and ideal! Does Juliana of Shi''Word have any follow up inquiries?¡± Kali said, a delighted smile on her face. Juliana had to think about the question for a bit.


    ¡°With the dissolution of House Apathakis, though I know you can not all guarantee this. I ask that you all do your best to ensure that Apathakis does not go after Warden Lash, or his family. Warden Law protects him and them. But having people on the ''inside'' will help his future, especially when visiting places outside of Gotham. Also, at least 3% of the total sales made from future venom dealings will be transferred to Warden Lash. Since none of you would have known about it with out his aid.¡± Juliana said, Lash blinked in surprise then stared at her in horror! She caught him staring at her from the corner of her eye and grinned.


    ¡°Is everyone alright with that?¡± Kali asked, she didn''t even blink at the figure. Every one nodded. Except Seskel who was drained of all life looking off towards the distance.


    Kali clapped her hands and the interference in the room turned off, the doors opened to bring in refreshments and paper work for the future contracts. Juliana got to work right away, and Lash only needed to sign a few things. Lash snagged Kali''s attention and gestured towards the door. Wanting to speak to her alone, she took the hint snagged his wrist and pulled him out of the room. Lash sent a message via telepathy to Juliana that he''d be back. Kali led Lash to parlor where the doors were shut automatically for privacy. Kali did a twirl the chimes and bells on her dress ringing softly. She smiled wide at Lash. Saurian could tell she was genuinely happy. But that soon came to an end.


    ¡°Why did you try have me killed, I know you blamed Viktor for it. But we both know that was a lie. I never came after you for it, I don''t intend to pursue it legally or otherwise. If you want me to use my favor to find out I will. But I would like to know.¡± Lash said to her. She froze, looking at him with wide eyes. That was not a question she was expecting! Kali''s playful and sweet energy swapped for formal and in control.


    ¡°Before you became a Warden you stopped a mugging in Gotham. Specifically your partner Saurian did. He was a little more then a scamp at the time. Neither of you knew you were being watched and recorded. When I saw the video it terrified me. My Sire rest his soul had a journal that his Sire kept. That I have kept. The journal is large and full of history, lore, and personal accounts of events. Something that Dorian would love to get his hands on I''m sure.¡± Kali said, taking off her shawl to let her hair down. She ran her fingers through her hair to relieve a bit of stress. Her body twisted and danced as if that was her natural state.


    ¡°In this journal, there was a passage of my Grand Sire. It had a detailed account of a creature, of reptilian origin that. Looked exactly like your partner when he was first spotted. I can assure you that the account was detailed in looks, actions, and behavior along with abilities. This creature, was an agent of Chaos. It did things at random, brought ruin to entire kingdoms, and destruction to continents! But even worse, when it was finally killed! It was erased from living memory. Aside from written records no one had any memory of it. Even the Gods were affected!¡± Kali said, a little louder then intentional. Lash''s expression was clearly filled with confusion, he motioned for her to continue.


    ¡°The journal stated that the creature was a tool, a pawn. To a God, or Goddess. But more, the things master was beyond the scope of Earth! The creature did things at the beck and call to its master. All for one simple reason, because it was fun! You and your partner were weak then. I had always planned on using a new Warden as a means to get rid of Viktor. But, when I saw what you were I planned to kill you as well.¡± Kali said, watching Lash carefully.


    FUCK!?


    Wasn''t that exactly what he was!? He was a tool created by a Cosmic being as a form of entertainment! So, that means a thing like Saurian had been on this planet once before. Maybe the Cosmic Patron was the same one as it was back then? Wait, the Cosmic Patron has always given him a choice. Choice was what made it fun for his Patron. If he was directly controlling him it wouldn''t be the same. That means the thing before, the thing that Kali''s Grand Sire met was not being controlled, it was just doing as it pleased and the Cosmic being rewarded him like Lash''s was. Or, was there more Cosmic Patrons or Matrons in the universe? In Reality it self?!


    ¡°But, I am happy my people failed. I am happy I was wrong. You are not the monster my Grand Sire wrote about. That thing wasn''t evil nor good, it just did things because they were fun! Which is a twisted sense of Morality that even I have no desire to ever see walk this Earth. You are a good Warden Lash, your Partner is a Good Hunter. Together you have brought hope, as well help create a future we can all be a part of. No, I will not ask you to give the favor. I answer the question freely. But I do hope you can forgive....?¡± Kali was about to finish when Lash held out his hand to her with a smile. She took it after a bit of hesitation. Lash turned her hand over exposing her wrist and kissed her pulse. This brought an expression of shock to her face.


    Kissing the pulse of a Blood-Kindred is often a tribute or hand shake between known friends, companions, or people you have trust in. Lash and Saurian were not adopting Kali into their pack. But not to long ago Kali had declared Lash and Saurian a friend of her house. He was returning the gesture now. Kali seem to recall the time and smiled wide at him. There was a brief moment when Lash saw through Kali''s mask to the sweet, and beautiful woman she was and not the nine hundred year old House Master of the Gotham territories. It was for a brief moment, and he had to admit she was beautiful. Then the mask slipped back on, she preformed a graceful bow to which he returned.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed one of your first grand quests given to you by your Cosmic Patron! You''ve discovered the truth behind the conspiracy to why Lady Kali of House Aamod tried to have you killed. A mistake in identity! In your wisdom you have chosen to forgive her! Your Cosmic Patron is pleased with your wisdom, and insight in not only forgiving her, but helping the Kindred of Gotham. Because you see the bigger picture!


    Reward: Two DP (Dream Points) and a Store Coupon!


    ¡°I take my job seriously, Lady Kali. But I hope that what you said to me at my ceremony holds true. That you consider me a friend of your House. I won''t play favorites, but if I can I will help you and yours.¡± Lash said to her, he finished squeezing her hand and let go. ¡°Oh by the way, I really like this look over the dress you wore at the ceremony, just saying.¡± Kali smiled wide at him, she bat her eyes at him and stepped close let him smell her perfume.


    ¡°I''ll remember that for the future, Warden Lash. I will never expect you to play favorites, its one of the things I like about you. Despite all that we can clearly offer you, you don''t give in. Honor, and Duty is something I know all to well.¡± Kali leaned in, and when Lash didn''t move away she gave him a chaste kiss on his lips. She ran her tongue over her lips, she let out a soft moan as if she enjoyed his taste.


    ¡°So its true, you do taste good. I wonder why?¡± Kali said to him.


    ¡°Wait, people say I taste good?¡± Lash asked, surprised. Kali gave him a sweet smile and walked past him. Returning to the prideful and dominate Gotham House Master.


    Lash followed after Lady Kali, and returned to the main room. He came back to Juliana''s side, she looked him up and down with a critical eye as if expecting disorderly cloths, lipstick, or maybe a wet stain on his pants. Not finding anything, she smiled and nodded with satisfaction. They finished the last of the paper work, Lash signed the papers. They tidied up, and move to leave the mansion. Juliana bid him goodbye with a kiss on his cheek. Lash took his appointed car home. The night was still young and he planned to go to patrol tonight.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°You are 100% sure he is not the creature your Grand Sire spoke of?¡± Lilah said to Kali. She was sitting in a lounge chair, wearing a silk robe and nothing else.


    ¡°No one can be 100% sure in this world, I''d say an even 50/50. But in the end we just don''t know. To many things add up in the positive. Chosen by The Endless, by Nature, by the Grave. Despite the clear evidence of hostility he still does not hold any ill will towards our Kindred. How many Wardens have you known in your life to be able to say that, especially after everything he''s been through. He has more reason to hate me than any one! But he doesn''t! Or he''s an amazing liar!¡± Kali said, she was wearing a simple sun dress that was comfortable and lazy.


    ¡°You understand that if you are wrong the council will come after you first. You are taking a big risk with him cousin.¡± Lilah said back to her, she picked up a glass of bourbon and sipped it.


    ¡°I know, but my gut tells me he is not the monster my Grand Sire wrote about. Unlike you, my gut has never been wrong.¡± Kali said with a smile, making Lilah scoff at her.


    ¡°What about the Apathakis house?¡± Lilah changed subjects.


    ¡°We''ll absorb them, and kill those that don''t accept. The House master, and Vice-House Master are both dead already. Like blood in the water, and the sharks have come to feed.¡± Kali said, a terrifying smile on her face.


    Lilah raised her glass in cheers, as did Kali. They drank and talked for a few more hours but always seem to come back to Lash in discussion. Something was different about him, they couldn''t put their finger on it. Lilah had to admit that when she first saw him she wanted to sleep with him, this wasn''t unusual given her succubus nature. But she didn''t want to feed off of him, she wanted to be with him. She wanted to make a connection with him, Kali agreed and said the same thing. That man was trouble, him and his partner.


    =================================================================

 Chapter 41: I like Snakes!

    Lash was lost in thought as the Blood-Kindred driver drove him home. Had he done the right thing here? Technically he had just made the Kindred in Gotham stronger. He presented a opportunity for them to be better. To be legit at least in the Venom trade. The super-natural community as a whole would benefit from having a supply of Venom. Hopefully, they can come up with a better version of Venom for the mundanes. Imagine Gordon''s MCU shielding civilians and being able to go toe to toe with meta-humans. Its a good idea on paper, but the opportunity for corruption was high. Erik vaguely remembered that Gotham was the testing ground for Venom. Bane used the city as a melting pot for the drug. But with the resources the Kindred have, maybe they can skip the melting pot part. Lash then noticed something weird, the world was slowing down, cars were moving at a snails pace. Then stopped all together.


    ¡°Dawn, whats going on?¡± Lash asked softly.


    ¡°Apologies User, a new version update has gone through. It involves several aspects for your generated world so the Admin suggested we transfer you to the Black Room.¡± Dawn said, her cold office persona still present.


    ¡°Ok, soft progress Lash home but pause the world when he gets there. We plan to visit King Croc tonight. Keep up the end of our deal, maybe I can open the shop while I''m in the Black Room as well.¡± Lash said. Erik felt a tug and was pulled out of Lash. It felt odd, like an out of body experience. Which of course in a lot of ways, it was!


    When Erik arrived in the Black Room, Dawn was speaking to the giant ball of fire that was the Admins avatar. Dawn turned around to smile at Erik, she was still wearing her black and white yin and yang robe. But her hood was down, revealing her starlight form. She came over to Erik, gently grabbed his arm and tugged him over to the Admin. Dawn''s arms were entwined around Erik''s arm, a smile on her face.


    ¡°Hello User #00012! A new time tool has been created! It allows you to adjust the slider from five minutes in the real to one hour in the dream. Which is the lowest setting, then we have the current limit of one hour in the Real translates to two days in the Dream! The Developers are curious if you would be willing to continue testing the extension of time?¡± The Admin shouted at the top of its lungs as usual. Or maybe it was trying to be larger then life?


    ¡°Sure...I guess. I mean your here to watch my health. I don''t doubt Dawn''s abilities but she has the entire Dream to look after. So having you here would allow you to fully watch for any health concerns.¡± Erik said, even jumped a little when Dawn pinched him for doubting her skills. Then forgave him after he explained.


    ¡°Excellent! Then you will now be granted an addition to your Achievement: ''I have no time!'' Now your character avatar will regain lost energy at a 20% increase! During periods of rest! Please note; The increase in time makes every hour in the Real, three days in the Dream!¡± The Admin shouted at him. Dawn glared at the Admin who didn''t seem to notice. But Erik did, he nudged her and gestured for her to continue. She stuck her chest out with a smile.


    Congratulations User! Your limited Achievement: ''I have no time!'' Has been updated, allowing you character avatar to regain energy 20% faster as long as they are resting!


    Dawn smiled proudly and looked at the Admin as if to say, ''That''s how its done!'' Erik laughed at the clear provocation. Then leaned forward and kissed Dawn on the cheek. Which made her jump back in surprise, her starlight skin burned with red sun energy imitating a blush! She pointed a finger in accusation at Erik, then pointed at the Admin avatar then back at Erik.


    ¡°Sorry, you are just to damn cute.¡± Erik said, Dawn crossed her arms under chest and humphed! As if that was a given!


    ¡°May I see the store book please?¡± Erik said, this time the table did not slam into the Black Room this time it simply appeared. Erik took a seat and saw that he had three DP to spend. Surprised by the amount he looked up to ask a question but Dawn seemed to have read his mind, answered.


    ¡°Remember User! DP is earned through accomplishments in the Dream. This is to prevent Users from leaving the Dream Engine waiting for twenty four hours in the Real. Then returning to spend DP when the world they Dream has not moved or progressed. You want DP, then you must accomplish things in the world. You received your quest reward, and an additional point due you to your stellar achievements in the Winter Solstice Ball.¡± Dawn was standing next to Erik, back to her formal and business persona.


    Right! Erik smiled at Dawn then returned to the store book. The Admin avatar floated back to above the Black Room. A miniature sun floating in the space above them, Erik was curious if the Earth below could see the Admin or not. Probably not, that would cause a huge stir in the community. Things of interest with in the book? One was Observant Learner, this ability allowed him to learn skills, and spells of others just by watching them. Each time he saw a successful action he would learn it by 1%. But it only worked on applicable things. He couldn''t learn to fly from Superman since that was a racial trait...Or could he? Another useful skill would be Operator, It allowed him to learn to use tools, machines, and vehicles at a 25% increase, and alien tech at 10%. Combine that with his Technomancy and he could one day learn to fly a space ship with very little practical experience. Ah! There was another skill he wanted and he bought as soon as he saw it!


    Congratulations User! You''ve purchased the skill, True Body: This allows you to block abilities that cause True Damage, example of such an attack would be Darkseid''s omega beam. Now, this skill does not automatically block all damage but it grows with time. Current True Damage blocked is 0.1%. Please Note; True Body only blocks True Damage. You can still be hurt by other things even if True Body is 100%.


    Erik watched with mild amusement as Dawn blew confetti in the air and cheered. He even heard tiny clapping coming from above and saw to his astonishment that the Admin Avatar had created a pair of tiny flaming hands and was clapping for him! A majority of Erik''s skills were growth skills. In fact as far as he knew everything he used grew with time. Very few abilities were strong from the start. Out of curiosity he checked the progress of his True Damage: The starting overall damage effected by the skill was 0.1%. But the current overall damage account was, 0.5%. Wow!? Erik knew that it would not be very high, but come on!


    ¡°Dawn, can you tell me a little more about True Body? I don''t regret my purchase, I know Darkseid is a huge threat that I need to prepare for. But if True Damage can hurt anything, why doesn''t True Body defend against everything?¡± Erik had a split thought for a moment, so he thought he would ask.


    ¡°Of course User! Please understand I can not tell you everything due to information block, and spoilers. True Body will actually block every kind of damage, simply because every kind of damage can cause True Damage. Generally only a small portion of damage types create this effect, specifically the lethal variety. But remember that some people, beings, creatures, devices have a high Damage Resistance. So think of it this way, True Damage is a lot like critical hits that you find in other games. True Body blocks a portion of that critical hit, and can one day make you immune to critical hits. But you can still be killed with normal damage.¡± Dawn said to him, taking on the persona of a sweet and personal tutor for Erik. She even put on a pair of glasses.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn! That clears up a few things.¡± Erik said, smiling at her antics then returned to the shop book.


    Erik moved through the book, many more interesting skills, abilities, and even spells! Were put into the book. The spells specifically were things that you could only purchase via the store, it could not be found naturally in the world. Save for extreme story driven circumstances. The book had several little blips about this and that to help explain certain things. Then he found a interesting racial trait that was unique to Saurian. Gravity Stride, allowed Saurian to change his dynamic of gravity when moving across a surface. So he could move to a wall, flip his gravity to make the wall into the floor. Same for a ceiling! Over time the trait would grow to allow him to extend the ''field'' to incorporate items, vehicles, and even people. But unlike magic, this was a racial trait. Something that could not be turned off with an anti magic field or a counter spell. Lash/Saurian had not encountered a situation where magic was turned off. But Erik had to admit it was a scary thought, they relied heavily on magic to sustain them. Racial traits were also rare! They generally had more secrets in them then the book gave. Adaptation was a great example that trait just kept helping him ways he didn''t even think about. Erik double checked the whole book and didn''t find any other traits so he bought it!


    Congratulations User! You''ve purchased the Racial Trait, Gravity Stride: The wall, the ceiling, become your floor! You can now walk, or run up any surface. Since this is a racial trait it does not consume any form of energy. Please take note, this trait does not allow you to fly by flipping the gravity over and over. You must be near a surface to flip the gravity! (Can be used in both forms)


    Additional Effect, you can alter your overall gravity weight in the world. This is not Density Shifting! You can decrease or increase your overall weight currently by 10%, grows with time. (Can be used in both forms)


    Erik watched with amusement as Dawn, and the Admin Avatar danced around the room. Clearing putting on a show, but Erik enjoyed it. Which is why he believes they were doing it. The Dream Engine VI''s were very accommodating that way. Checking again to see if he get another racial trait. Nothing was found, he even found a nice little search engine for the book typing in racial trait all he saw was his current two. So using the search engine he typed in basic skills! Basic was an umbrella term it seemed, it didn''t give the skills specifically for Erik''s avatar but skills that all Users found useful. They had some interesting suggestions, but Erik didn''t purchase them. Every skill he saw he could technically just go get while in The Dream. He thought about using the last DP and use it to upgrade his super rank. He was still stagnating at D+. The climb between D+ and C- was huge!


    But, he decided to type into the search bar. Spell Domains. List from top to bottom, rare to common. True Magic, was the same Domain that Zatara, and Zatanna used. Synchronicity, which was Constantine''s Domain, it was a probability engine and luck mechanic. Things just seem to happen around Constantine, mostly bad things. There was a reason for that, his Domain worked with luck, and the manipulation of fate. So because he abused fate, fate fought back by fucking with his life. Order of Creation, which is what Dr. Fate used, or at least one of their Domains. Dr Fate had a lot of Domains! Then something shocked Erik! HOLY FUCK! True Magic, Synchronicity, and Order of Creation all took four Dream Points to purchase! Per Domain obviously. He also had to full fill story objectives to learn them. He had a (35%) for True Magic.


    Erik typed into the search engine for recommended Spell Domains, specifically for his character. The search brought up a few, it also included several spells for his current Domains. But one specific Domain caught his eye. Transmutation: The Spell Art of transforming one material into another, the manipulation of energy and converting said energy in things. Wait, didn''t Lash/Saurian have several energy oriented skills already? This Spell Domain was at the top of the recommendations. He did a quick scan through the rest of the pages. He had plenty of options to choose from, almost to many. But reading a few examples about this specific Domain he decided to purchase it.


    Congratulations User! You''ve purchased the Spell Domain, Transmutation: The Spell Art of modifying, and creating energy and matter. Energy is never in a solid state, its passive state is ever flowing, ever changing! With this Domain you have become a smith, and reality is your forge!


    Side Note: Any racial trait, skill, ability, or spell that uses the act of transformation, shifting, or altering. You now have a 10% power increase, and a 10% decrease in energy consumption.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement: ''Philosopher stone anyone?'' You now have a 10% increase in understanding when handling, and creating materials including but not limited to mundane, magical, alien, or otherwise.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Title: ''Transmuter''


    Active Effect: Once a day you can convert ten pounds of material into something of lesser, equal, or greater value. You must have at one point seen and handled the material you are changing to. Please Note: ''Value'' is based on the perspective of the system.


    Passive Effect: All Transmutation spells take 10% less energy to use. All Chimera, hybrid, and mixed creations sentient or otherwise like you 10% more.


    Switch current title for Transmuter? Y/N... No. Title Consolidation is active.


    Erik smiled at Dawn and the Admin Avatar, then stared in wonder as the Admin created a super nova explosion that looked better then any firework he had ever seen. Dawn hugged Erik and then pointed at the book specifically in the ''Fusion'' Domain area. Before there was nothing, but now there was a new fusion that Erik could purchase next time he had DP and access to the store. The fusion Domain was called, Rebirth: Combination of Nature, Grave, and Transmutation this Domain allows you to control the shifting forms of life and death.


    ''Everything is born, Everything lives, Everything dies, This cycle shall never be broken, So are his words spoken. -Exeus.


    Erik didn''t know who Exeus was, but they sounded like a great mage! He tagged the fusion Domain under his favorites. So next time he had DP and access to the store it would be the first thing he bought! He closed the book and it faded from sight. Erik stood up, hugged Dawn and to the surprise of the Admin VI Erik hugged it too. Then he jumped out of the Black Room and dove back into Lash.


    Lash had just gotten home and was in the process of getting something to eat. He noticed lately he didn''t really need to. So he had something that was full of energy but easy to digest. He shivered as Erik returned, he and Saurian greeted him. Then his phone vibrated, he had a text message from Elizabeth? ''Hay! Back from Themyscira! Why do the Amazons know you? They put me up in a really nice guest house for being the adopted sister of Erik Lash. Anyways, I really want to talk to you! Face to face not over the phone. I know your...Busy with things so just let me know, ok?''


    Lash smiled wide at the text message. He responded with a quick hello and said he could meet her tomorrow potentially, as long as nothing urgent happened. He got a response right away! She still had a key to his home and would be coming over in the morning. So, Lash made a mental note that he had to be here or send a message otherwise. There was a skip to his step as he finished his quick meal and cleaned his dishes, Saurian was pleased as well. Then he got a phone call, he looked the caller then answered.


    ¡°Mentor Skaleg, everything alright?¡± Lash said, walking to his computer to check on some information about King Croc''s town.


    ¡°I fucking hate that title! Yes! I wanted to let you know that some one in the mundane world has placed a hit out on Agent Wraith! Along with Batman, his partner.... Robin, and that woman....ummm. ''Batgirl!'' Ah thank you!¡± Skaleg was trying to think of the last one, Marie his daughter called out across the room in Skaleg''s home.


    ¡°So, this isn''t a super-natural hit, right? I know I''ve pissed off a lot of people but I would think that the super-natural communities had their own ways of calling assassins, mundanes seem a little simple. Wow, I really just said that didn''t I? Wasn''t to long ago the thought of having a mark on me would have been terrifying.¡± Lash said over the phone, calling up the Warden information page. Sure enough! He had a mundane hit on him.


    ¡°Yes, just mundane. Which is why I am calling you. They are not targeting Erik Lash. They are targeting your persona Wraith. The bounty is.... wow! Hundred million dollars! But no one in the super-natural communities would target Queen Mab''s Winter Knight. There are better ways to commit suicide! We are still looking into who put the money up. Just be aware if and when you go on one of your patrols you may attract extra attention. So, keep that in mind if you are interacting with people.¡± Skaleg said. He sent Lash an encrypted email with all the info, including the dark website address of where the bounty was placed.


    ¡°That should be all the information we have, if you want to share it with your...Cough! Other friends be my guest.¡± Skaleg said with sarcastic and amused tone. Skaleg understood that Lash knew who Batman, Robin, and Batgirl''s identity but didn''t press for it. He only had two and half months left to retire. He was mostly on desk duty right now.


    ¡°Thank you! Question, have you ever heard of the Domain Transmutation? Or the Domain Rebirth?¡± Lash asked, curious if he could learn more about his new Domain, and future one.


    ¡°Transmutation? Ya, that is a really famous one! Its an easy one to learn, but fucking impossible to master! As for Rebirth? Never heard of that one. I''ll ask around. Why?¡± Skaleg said, Lash could practically see Skaleg sit up straighter in anticipation.


    ¡°Oh I recently picked up Transmutation, had a conversation with my Endless contact about learning the Domain Rebirth but they said it would take a lot of effort and time to learn that one.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°It still blows my mind that you have open contact with The Endless. If they say the second Domain takes a lot of effort and time. Then best assume its rare. If your learning Transmutation then Nast''rok will probably kiss you. Technomancy and Transmutation have a great working relationship. Oh! How did your meeting with Lady Kali go?¡± Skaleg asked.


    Lash spent the next thirty or so minutes telling Skaleg, most of what happened. He left the mistake in identity part out. Skaleg along with a lot of Warden''s do not have the best relationship with the Blood-Kindred. He was both upset and proud of Lash for sticking to his Warden Oath. He stayed neutral, helped the Kindred and in turn helped a lot of different communities. He also understood his remorse and hesitation that he may have just made things worse. The dissolution of House Apathakis within Gotham would dramatically cut down on drug crimes, at least with the super-natural communities. Then Skaleg and Lash both got an urgent mission request, asking for volunteers? On their phones from Warden HQ.


    Starling City, had just experienced a mundane made earthquake! The entire low economy area known as, The Glades had just collapsed! Hundreds were dead, thousands were injured or missing. This message went out to all available Warden''s and Community members. Lash told Skaleg to stay home and work on trying to find out made the bounty on him. Lash would volunteer to go as Agent Wraith. Especially since two minutes after the alert went out he got a ''request'' for Agent Wraith to go to Starling City. Shit, he was going to miss his appointment with Lizzy. Skaleg wished him luck and hung up. Lash contacted Warden HQ, they were sending him transport to HQ so he could use the portal nexus to go to the Warden HQ in that area.


    Lash sent a message to Lizzy to turn on her TV or phone and look up ''Earthquake in Starling City''. After a few minutes she sent a single message back. ''Love you! Don''t die! See you when you get back!'' Lash replied with, ''I love you, Lizzy''. Lash locked up his home and went down stairs to wait for his car. The security guard at the front desk looked up at him, then smiled at him.


    ¡°Good luck, Warden.¡± The guard said to him.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Lash said, he didn''t recognize the guard but he was getting use to the idea that people knew him far more then he knew them. His transport soon arrived, he ran to the car and jumped in. Then he began to make a few phone calls.


    ¡°Wayne Residence how may I help you?¡± Alfred answered the phone. Lash disguised his voice.


    ¡°Pennyworth, tell your master and his young ward there is a one hundred million dollar bounty on them. We are still looking into who set up the bounty. The information can be found here.¡± Lash told Alfred the site on the dark web.


    ¡°Ah! Thank you, Sir! I''ll inform then straight away. Is there a way for them to contact you?¡± Alfred had gotten use to the random calls.


    ¡°Unfortunately no, Starling City has just experienced an artificial earthquake in their low economy area known as The Glades. I''ve been asked to help with the rescue operations. I''ll be gone for a while!¡± Lash in his animalistic voice responded. Thanks to magic cast on the car the driver had made it half way to Warden HQ at this point. Fast driving.


    ¡°My God! Very well, Sir! Best of luck. Good night!¡± Alfred then hung up. Lash dialed another number next. This one was going to be strange. Ring...Ring....


    ¡°Hello? Barbara Gordon speaking....¡± Barbara and or Batgirl said across the line. Lash responded once again in his disguised voice.


    ¡°Batgirl.¡± Two words from Lash made the woman scream in surprise. Lash heard her hurry from the room, he could hear her father and mother calling after her. The former with concern, and the latter with amusement.


    ¡°I..Its just a boy I know from school! No, dad you can''t speak to him! Because you''ll use your cop powers to threaten him! Mom, help me! Just...No!¡± Barbara ran around her parent''s house trying to get away from her dad on more then one occasion Jim Gordon had actually got a hold of the phone. Only to lose it moments later! Lash heard the phone hit the ground as well as body being slammed into the floor.


    ¡°Ouch! When did you learn to do that!? Alright! The fact that you can take your old man down in less then ten seconds is enough assurance for me.¡± Jim Gordon said loudly enough for Lash to hear. Barbara found a quiet place, calmed her breathing then tried to sound professional as possible.


    ¡°Agent Wraith. Should I be surprised or flattered that you know who I am?¡± Barbara said in a cool voice. But Lash could detect a flutter of nervous tension.


    ¡°I am fully aware of who you are, Barbara Gordon. Do not fret I never put it into any report or told any one. I''ve secured the phone line so it can''t be traced, or tapped. This conversation is secure. I''ve called to tell you there is a one hundred million dollar bounty on myself, Batman, Robin, and Batgirl. That is one hundred million per kill. My people are currently looking to identify who is the contract holder. This is the site where the information is being stored.¡± Lash spoke, and gave the information fully believing Batgirl had access to the Dark Web. Barbara''s breathing accelerated, Lash could hear that she had sat down and was trying to keep calm.


    ¡°I am currently on my way to Starling City, to help in a rescue operation and will be away from Gotham for several days or even weeks. You are under no obligation to go patrolling, but I''ll let you decide your own level of involvement. Do you have any questions for me?¡± Lash said, as the car had exited Gotham City. They were about fifteen or so minutes from Warden HQ.


    ¡°Just one....What did you do to me? Or give me? Ever since we met I''ve been different. It''s like I have a sixth sense for danger now.¡± Barbara said softly, almost scared to hear the answer. Lash made up a lie on the spot. His Skill, Acting gained experience.


    ¡°My people have a rare ability to impart traits, and skills to others. As long as the individual in question is capable of learning. You were capable of learning a skill we call, Danger Sense. I''m sure you can imagine what it does. Other then severally draining your stamina and metal energy when used it has no other negative side effects. Also those side effects fade with time. Just like a new muscle the more its used the stronger it becomes.¡± Lash said softly across the phone, his voice had less edge to it.


    ¡°Oh... Thank you! It''s saved my life more than once. I..I owe you.¡± Barbara said, barely a whisper.


    ¡°Just stay alive! We can talk about payment another time. Alright I need to go, I''m heading to Starling.¡± Lash finished up, Barbara sounded like she wanted to keep talking but let him go in the end. Lash stepped from the car, thanked the driver with some Nature spell pick me ups. Then went to the Portal Nexus for travel.


    ================================================================


    Barbara ended the call and stared at her phone for several minutes. She was in her parents house home for the holidays. She actually lived in the dorms of Gotham State University, but had been visiting her parents. The Alien super hero Wraith knew her number, knew her identity! She didn''t know why but she felt she could trust him. Danger Sense, when she said the word out loud something seem to click in place. What ever this skill, or ability was? It was amazing! She''d had dodged attacks from behind, knives thrown, and even bullets. Well the gun shots came from inexperienced thugs who didn''t know how to shoot. But still! This ability had effected her reflexes, and her balance it did so many things. She felt powerful with it. She owed Wraith!


    ¡°Honey? Are you done talking?¡± Barbara''s mother stood in the doorway to her room. She had been smiling but soon got serious when she saw Barbara staring at her phone, reading her daughters mood.


    ¡°Ya mom! He... He has family in Starling City. He''s flying home to help with the relief work since that earthquake attack happened. I guess he wanted to tell me before he went.¡± Barbara said. Her mother brightened up. Understanding that the boy who called, was telling her daughter where he was going. It was sad to hear, but also nice that the boy from school thought to call her.


    ¡°Oh! Well, why don''t you get his homework for the classes you share so he can get all caught up when he comes back?¡± Eileen, Barbara''s mother suggested. Barbara smiled at her mother and agreed.


    ================================================================


    The sound of the troop helicopter''s rotating blades vibrated through out the whole chopper that he rode in. Lash was still wearing his Warden Tactical gear, but had put on his Wraith disguise. Activating Transformation, Lash was a human/reptile hybrid currently. He was reading through a briefing on the layout of Starling City, as well as the super-natural communities present with in the city, especially the glades. The vigilante known as ''The Hood'' or ''The Arrow'' had been seen in the past year killing, maiming, and injuring the elite criminals of the city. In this generated world Moria, Olivers Mother never came out and told any one about the earthquake machine. Its possible she may not have even known about it. Lash was even surprised the earthquake theme had happened. But, he assumed since ''Wraith'' specialized in search and rescue Dawn may have arranged the comic origin for him. The helicopter began to descend from its altitude. Lash along with a few dozen different Warden''s who volunteered across the country got their gear ready. Everyone had glamour on, to either look like search and rescue red cross, police, military, etc. He was the only one that stuck out like a sore thumb. But no one questioned why Wraith a United Nations World Security would be attending.


    The door''s opened up and repel ropes were cast out. They were been tossed straight into the middle of the devastation. Lash skipped the rope and just stepped out into the air. They were nearly five hundred feet up but he didn''t care. He decided to cast his very first spell from his new Domain.


    Transmutation Domain Spell, Falling Glide: Reduce your overall weight, and allow you to glide on the currents of air. It currently can only be cast on you, but with time can be cast on others, as well as items, machines, and vehicles. The greater the mass the more magic it takes to cast. ''I''m a leaf on the wind, watch how I soar!''


    Lash spread his arms out and looked like a grim reaper falling from the heavens! Once out of the helicopter he shifted into Saurian. Spatial Item Shift exchanging there cloths, and armor. Saurian landed gently on a ruined street below the helicopter. Nearly eight feet tall now, and that was with him hunched over. He took a moment to get his bearings as he waited for the rest of the team to repel down.


    Soon the helicopter left, every one started moving to their assigned points of control. Saurian was left to his own devices, he knew the field hospital locations, as well as the super-natural communities pick up points. He cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on all the different teams before they left. One last pick me up before a long work week. Then he started towards a particular direction, looking for a club owned by Oliver Queen in the Glades. Something called Verdiant, Vordant? Eh, he''d know it when he saw it. Saurian cast Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage on himself as he moved through the ruined part of the city. Why? Because though he was known in the Narrows, and when he was in Metropolis Superman was around to vouch for him. He was sure Starling City had seen the news footage of him. But seeing him in person was another thing, he had to take this slow.


    Saurian moved through the Glades and stopped to cast a few Nature spells on the sly. But for the most part no one saw him or understood why they felt better. He soon found the night club, turns out it was on the tail edge of the Glades. It was primarily intact, though there was a crowd of people around the club. Rather there was a large number of people trying to break in and steal from the club. Saurian turned Chameleon off and walked up towards the crowd very casually then some one noticed him. Which made them scream, that created a domino effect as everyone screamed in horror at the seven and half foot tall nazgul that stood behind them. They call scattered in a hurry, Lash using Connectivity he unlocked the security gate move through and then locked it behind him. He went to the front door and opened it up, the club was empty on the inside but still had power. Sending a Technomancy pulse through the building he soon found the hidden door, opened it up and silently walked down the stairs. Listening to a woman and a man speak.


    ¡°Felicity I understand that you want to go look for Oliver, but it would be like looking for a needle in haystack! You stay here and keep looking through the camera''s I''ll go out and look for him, and stay on the radio.¡± John Diggle said.


    Diggle was a 6''2¡± African man with a line backer build. Strong build from years spent in the gym, mixed martial arts, and his time in the military. Diggle was wearing black boots, black jeans, black t-shirt, and a leather jacket. He was speaking to Felicity Smoak, a 5'' 6¡± blond hair, blue eyes, with a killer body in a sexy IT woman kind of way. Her hair was done up in a tail, she had a pink blouse on, with a pink mini skirt, and pink heels. Not very practical, but she was the computer wiz of the group.


    This was a perfect example of 4th wall information breaking. Lash/Saurian technically had never met Oliver Queen, or knew the situation in Starling City. But Erik the gamer did. The Dream Engine prevented the character avatar from describing or telling the name, or persona of someone with out the proof! They had to at the very least obtain basic info to craft a theory. But Erik had read on the forum''s as well as interacted with the generated world several times. You could physically go to a place! Which is what he did now. Saurian over heard the conversation, used Connectivity to search the computers. He quickly put two and two together. Oliver Queen, was The Arrow.


    ¡°Damn it! I feel so useless! You and Oliver risk your lives every night and I''m stuck here doing my IT girl thing. Eh? The crowd in front of the club is gone. John wait, lets rewind the camera and....What the hell is that?!¡± Felicity screamed, as she watched the video recording of Wraith showing up, walking into the club.


    ¡°That''s the Alien Wraith, supposedly he works for the United Nations. Wait is he in the club right now?¡± Diggle asked.


    ¡°Yes I am.¡± Saurian said, he had moved silently behind them. Diggle flipped around and pulled his side arm to take aim. Felicity screamed at the top of her lungs and hid behind Diggle.


    ¡°Felicity Smoak, John Diggle. Very nice to meet you. Oliver Queen is currently at the Merlyn industries building.¡± Saurian pointed at the computers in the room, the screens flickered and changed to show the video feed of several security camera''s. Oliver or rather the Green Arrow was digging through the rubble to rescue his friend Tommy Merlyn. Oliver was dressed up in his Green Arrow uniform. Felicity looked at the monitors while Diggle kept his eyes on Wraith.


    ¡°Oh my god! He''s alive! Oh no, Tommy is hurt. Wait, I''ve read about you, you can heal people as long as they are alive right? Can you help Tommy, it would crush Oliver if he died.¡± Felicity went from surprised, to happy, to pleading with Wraith. Diggle settled down long enough to look at the screens.


    ¡°Yes, but it would be better if both or one of you came along to explain who I am. I am sure the Green Arrow may try to shoot me if I show up out of no where.¡± Saurian spoke, his animalistic voice making Felicity flinch with every word he said. Felicity squeezed Diggles arm and gave him an imploring look. Diggle holstered his side arm and agreed.


    After a few minutes Felicity agreed to stay in the hide out. Diggle got into an SUV and drove over to Merlyn industries. Saurian had...Shrunk down? He weighed the same, but his overall size was reduced. In a sense it was reverse Transformation only this time he invited Lash over instead of the other way around. So he was a giant were-lizard creature with some human features. However, he still wore his Wraith disguise so all Diggle saw was the the nazgul thing got smaller so he could fit inside the car.


    ¡°So, do you really work for World Security?¡± Diggle said, after a few minutes. He couldn''t figure out why but every light they came to turned green before they got there. They were making great time, Wraith even gave him advice on when to turn to avoid accidents. Traffic was crazy with the earthquake.


    ¡°Its a partnership. I do work for them, they let me live on earth as a citizen.¡± Saurian said, still playing up the Alien persona.


    ¡°Ever met a woman named Amanda Waller?¡± Diggle asked.


    ¡°I''ve met her once, she seemed interested in my unique skill set. Though I believe she is the type that believes the results justify the means.¡± Saurian said softly. Diggle Scoffed.


    ¡°That''s putting it mildly, but if you are half of the things that the news says you are. Stay away from her. She''ll chew you up and spit you out when she is done with you.¡± Diggle said.


    ¡°Oh, what have they said about me?¡± Saurian asked, slightly interested.


    ¡°Well a few things, take it with a grain of salt. A lot of people are angry about you and Superman using Earth like its your backyard. A lot of racist bullshit, blaming you for things that are completely out of your hands. They think Superman is some vanguard for an alien invasion. Trying to wear us down with good intentions and work. A lot of people want to know how long you''ve been on Earth.¡± Diggle said, as he made a turn. They were only a few minutes away from Oliver.


    ¡°I was born here, lived on Earth all my life. The only difference between you and me is that I''m not human.¡± Saurian said softly, the edge in his voice softened. Diggle glanced at him, clearly surprised. ¡°That''s why the United Nations made an exception for me. Superman was born on his home world but was raised here on Earth. You can believe the Daily Planets article written by Lois Lane.¡±


    ¡°So, because I was born on Earth I was allowed citizenship.¡± Saurian said, this was actually the cover story the Warden''s had provided in case he was ever asked such a question, or it came up in conversation. The right people in the mundane and super-natural communities made this ''record'' official. Wraith had Alien parents, but was a citizen of Earth. Which oddly enough made a big difference to a lot of mundanes when they found that out.


    ¡°Can I quote you on that?¡± Diggle said, his voice a bit softer now. Saurian nodded in agreement, Felicity had been listening in over the radio but hadn''t said anything.


    ¡°Yes you can, you as well Miss Smoak. It''s an open secret that you wont get in trouble for saying. I''m thinking of letting Lois Lane interview me just like Superman. I think she did a good job on it. Ah, we are here!¡± Saurian said.


    Thanks to Diggle''s driving and the green traffic lights that even Felicity had no idea how were being changed. They made it from the club to Merlyn industries in under fifteen minutes. Saurian and Diggled jumped out of the car, the latter returned to his normal size. Saurian reached out and cast...


    Transmutation and Nature Domain Spell, Cat''s Grace: You imbue the essence of a super predatory cat into yourself or a target for approximately an hour, grows with level increase. Increasing the ability stats of the individual with the power of a Panther, Tiger, or Lion. Dealers choice. ''Lions, Tigers, and Panthers oh my!''


    A dark green glow surrounded Diggle who stumbled for a brief moment then instinctively understood the changes in his body and soon caught up with Saurian, they both jumped through the third story window. Saurian led the way shattering the glass.


    ¡°HOLY SHIT!¡± Diggle screamed in surprise. Doing a tuck and roll across the third floor office space then he chased after Saurian. Felicity screamed in surprise in Diggle''s ear piece, she had seen them jump on a security camera.


    ¡°It will only last for an hour, you''ll feel the change so don''t worry about forgetting.¡± Saurian told Diggle as he raced down towards the main stair way and climbed up along with John.


    Saurian wasn''t sure when or how but when he learned Transmutation several new spells in his Domains of Nature, Technomancy, Graven, and Synthesis became available. He jumped ahead of Diggle by a small amount and spoke softly to Dawn.


    ¡°Dawn, my brightest star! Did a new version come out, or is the duo spells part of Transmutation?¡± Saurian said. He heard a delightful giggle followed by a sweet voice.


    ¡°Oh my User! Such a nice nick name. Yes a new version came out, it allows for the fusion of skills, abilities, traits, and spells. Also, yes Transmutation is a great medium between many spell Domains and abilities. Would you like a list of everything changed or do you wish to do that later?¡± Dawn said softly, Saurian would almost feel her speaking right next to his ear.


    ¡°Later, thank you my brightest star!¡± Saurian whispered.


    ¡°Of course, User!¡± Dawn laughed softly and let Erik get back to his generated world.


    Saurian out of curiosity reached out and made a ''Temporary Pack Bond'' with Diggle, the connection was established which meant that Diggle had a friendly disposition with him. Oh! Erik forgot to buy the reputation/favorable system. Next time! Saurian stumbled a bit on a step and almost went through a wall. Because he got a prompt...


    Temporary Pack Bond: Stat increase is now 10%, this is the current limit of this skill. It will only increase through the store or a story driven event.


    So that meant that Diggle now had a 10% stat increase while he was linked to Saurian. He would also obtain a permanent increase to his over all human physiology. So that meant that Diggle could obtain peak human condition. As long as he took care of himself. Lash/Saurian had truly become a super generator. He''d have to be careful with this, it could easily come back to bite him later. The stat increase was great for in the moment, or while traveling with the pack. But thanks to Awaken Trait the stat increase also unlocked a individuals potential. Want to go above and behind the normal human means? Find and befriend Warden Lash, and his Partner Hunter Saurian!


    Saurian and Diggle got the right floor and burst through the door. They saw Oliver sobbing over his head friend Tommy Merlyn. Tommy had his legs crushed, and several metal rebar through his rib cage. Oliver didn''t even register Wraith and Diggle running towards him, he was so lost to his sorrow. Diggle came to his side and shook him. Oliver responded gradually, and stared up at him in despair.


    ¡°I tried...I tried to save him. I tried to save everyone! I couldn....Tommy''s father Malcolm was behind the earthquake. I....¡± Oliver cried as Diggle hugged him.


    Aha! So, in this comic origin Oliver never figured out that his Mother was involved, or maybe she wasn''t? Saurian wasn''t sure, Dawn had thrown curve balls before not always following the exact origin. So that meant the earthquake machine had successfully gone off for its full rotation. The Glades were truly fucked! Saurian looked Tommy Merlyn over, his Grave sight showed that his spirit was still with in the body. Good!


    ¡°What are you doing!?¡± Oliver screamed as he got up and tried to tackle Saurian who was pulling the rebar out of Tommy. Diggle stopped him.


    ¡°Oliver! This is Wraith, you remember him on the news! Maybe he can help Tommy!¡± Diggle shouted at his friend.


    ¡°He''s dead! You can''t bring back the dead!¡± Oliver tried to fight Diggle but was to devastated by grief to put up any real resistance.


    ¡°Did you know that the human brain can go approximately fifteen minutes with out oxygen before it begins to suffer brain damage? Well that is with earth standard medicine. I have something a bit better.¡± Saurian said, as he continued to pull the rebar''s out.


    He used Material Shaping to make the rebar pliable like clay this made it easier to pull them out. He moved the rubble with the help of Diggle who was still stronger then normal. Then Oliver began to help, hearing Saurian''s word, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. They gently pulled Tommy away from the debris, Saurian cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Restoration, and Nature''s Kiss on the ''dead'' body. All of the life threatening wounds were healed. Then Saurian reached into the Grave Domain and cast, Kiss of the Grave. A dull gray light surrounded Saurian, then it flowed into Tommy..... Gaaaaaaah! Tommy sucked in a breath of air and began to cough. Oliver burst into tears and hugged his friend. Diggle was wide eyed, and Saurian could hear Felicity scream in shock then start to cheer on the radio.


    ¡°Oliver, the major damage has been healed. But you should still get him to a hospital. What I did to him can cause side effects so he may be a little...Off. He was dead after all!¡± Saurian said.


    Oliver nodded over and over again. Tommy looked around confused and had not really registered what was going on. All he saw was his best friend crying with joy, Oliver''s body guard Diggle with a huge smile on his face. Then the personification of Death speaking to his best friend like they had just made a deal? Wait, why was he covered in blood? Why did he have holes in his cloths. WAIT!? Didn''t he die!?


    ¡°Wait! Was I dead!? How am I alive!?¡± Tommy started shouting! Oliver started to laugh, Saurian turned to Diggle. But actually he tied into the radio channel with Connectivity.


    ¡°Felicity, Diggle, I''m going to leave now. Tell Oliver that his Green Arrow identity is safe. I was actually here to see if he was interested in recruitment but we can talk about that later. The Glades is still in ruins and I have a lot of work left to do. Both of you, don''t spread the death resurrection thing around. It has a very specific criteria, and has be done preferably within twenty minutes of death. Alright?¡± Saurian said. Diggle and Felicity understood.


    Saurian de linked from Diggle who felt something snap, he understood what was subconsciously. The Cat''s Grace soon faded after about twenty more minutes. Saurian had finished his main objective. He didn''t have a quest for the Green Arrow. But that didn''t matter. Saurian then moved back into the Glades to start the long process of helping and rebuilding the Glades.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°This is Channel eight with tonight''s news, I''m your host Allie Mercedes! Less then three days ago a devastating attack struck Starling City, specifically the impoverished portion of the city. Often referred to as, The Glades! It has come to our attention that what we had believed to be a normal earthquake was actually a man made disaster by something called the Earthquake Machine that specifically targeted the Glades. Though the rest of the city was spared, the Glades suffered the worst of it.¡±


    ¡°After the attack happened a desperate plea was made by Starling City Mayor for the national guard. With in a few hours the military was in the city working with emergency response, and also working with the military surprisingly was an Alien visitor from the stars. Simply known as, The Wraith. Or Agent Wraith as he is called by the United Nations World Security. Agent Wraith helped coordinate the search and rescue operations in the Glades with extreme precision. Thanks to his unique Alien abilities and technology he was able to lead the effort, and participate at the same time. The Health and Safety board of directors have claimed that over five thousand lives have been saved by Wraith alone. Using his unique gifts the construction and removal of debris. Something that should have taken weeks, months, or even years are being done in a matter of days, hours, and even minutes. We go now live with our camera team on the scene. Reporter, Eric Ricardo. Ricardo?¡±


    ==============================================================


    Mr. Ricardo was trying to get to a clear position as he heard his radio go off. He turned around to look at the camera to report the scene. A field hospital behind him was filled with survivors that were being helped, as emergency response teams and the military moved back and forth to help clear the way. Ricardo despite being a part of the press had to maintain a distance so he was not in the way.


    ¡°Yes, hello? Mercedes? Ah! As you can see behind us this is the largest field hospital working in the Glades. Over thirteen thousand people have been through this hospital alone. We have personally seen the Wraith on Camera several times. Using his alien technology to rebuild transportation, refuel helicopters, re attach limbs, and heal people who were on their death beds. Though it has been confirmed that he can not bring the dead back to life. We have a direct quote from him, ''Even I have limits'' That was all we could get from him in the brief moment we asked. After which he went back into the Glades to work. On a personal note I have to say I am both in awe and inspired by his work ethic. The Wraith has been working none stop for nearly four days, with out rest, and very little food.¡± Ricardo listened to the radio.


    ¡°Ricardo, we heard unconfirmed reports that the vigilante ''The Arrow'' has been seen several times in the Glades working along side the Wraith. Any news on that?¡± Mercedes said.


    ¡°Yes, Mercedes we have personally seen The Arrow work along side the Wraith. When asked about the involvement several soldiers said simply, ''We''ll accept any help we can get.'' Though there was a few times at the beginning when police attempted to arrest The Arrow. The Wraith stepped between them and told them concentrate on saving lives, instead of chasing away someone trying to help.¡± Ricardo replied to the camera.


    ¡°Thank you very much, Ricardo! We will now move to our channel eight news helicopter to watch scenes of the operation in progress!¡± Mercedes said over the broad cast.


    Ricardo''s camera man cut the feed and said they were all clear. Ricardo took his ear piece out, and went to the news van. It was almost ten at night the sun had set several hours ago. He watched the news helicopter fly over the area with its spotlight trying to catch a scene Ricardo had seen many times. Of hundreds of tiny blue machines coming from The Wraith as it rebuilt buildings, and dug through the ground like it was made out of wet mud. He even saw The Wraith touch several soldiers, they were surrounded by a dark green glow and for a short few hours they were like super soldiers! Jumping thirty feet in the air, lifting huge chunks of debris and they ran as fast as a car! Of course after the ''effect'' wore off the soldiers were exhausted, in desperate need of food and sleep. Ricardo heard something, more like a rumor. He didn''t report it because he knew it would be a secret. Apparently The Wraith was capable of not only teaching people his peoples technology, but even willing to! A new age was just right around the corner! An age that Ricardo would live to see!


    ===============================================================


    Ring....Ring....Ring... Lash lifted a stone pillar that weighed several hundred pounds with the help of several Cat''s Grace soldiers. Several people had been found under a collapsed building. Lash wanted to rebuild it but his energy reserves were tapped, and he said as much to the soldiers. No one said a word in admonishment. Lash had saved well over two thousand lives. The news like to exaggerate!


    ¡°Hello, Queen residence how may I help you?¡± A servant spoke on the line.


    ¡°Hello, I am Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security. May I please speak to Moria Queen. Its about her children.¡± Lash said across the line. His voice was gruff, but thanks to Connectivity it was crystal clear.


    ¡°Wait one moment!¡± The servant said, then Lash heard her racing towards a direction. A short conversation took place then a older man''s voice spoke with a British accent. What the?


    ¡°Hello Mr. Wraith! You are on speaker phone I am Walter Steele, and husband to Moria Queen. She is here with us.¡± Walter said!? Erik vaguely remembered that Walter was part of the TV series of Arrow. When they said all of the DC universe in the Beta Test they meant it!


    ¡°Have you heard news of my children!?¡± Moria called out, frantic for an answer.


    ¡°Yes, Oliver Queen and Thea Queen are both safe, and in good health. Oliver had a few scraps and cuts but was treated and is now working in the Glades with the rescue operation. I saw him but a few hours ago. I''m sending you an email to your personal email Misses Queen. Thea Queen was visiting her boyfriend Roy Harber in his home. Which was in the Glades, but I can confirm they are both alive and well and at a field hospital. Their info is also in the email.¡± Lash finished speaking, he was digging through the ground with his claws and using Material Shaping it didn''t use much energy.


    A couple of minutes went by, Lash and the soldiers pulled several people from under the destroyed building. Lash took a seat and was in the process of eating a protein bar and guzzling a water canteen. Just like normal he had switched out with Saurian. Saurian was like a well oiled machine that ran hard and fast! But needed down time as well. They had actually switched out several times during the past four days or so. Essentially doing twelve hour shifts, letting the other half rest. It worked pretty well oddly enough. Thanks to his volunteering for the tool time test. He regained energy 20% faster as long as he was ''resting''.


    ¡°Sir.....Sir! Mr Wraith are you there?¡± Walter was calling him.


    ¡°Oh! Sorry Mr Steele. Its been a long couple of days. What were you saying?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°We got your email! Thank you for including the patient numbers so we could find Thea. Could you please tell Oliver to come home? Or, at least call home?¡± Walter said. Sounded like Lash was not on speaker phone any more.


    ¡°I will do that. Goodbye Mr Steele.¡± Lash said, Walter bid him goodbye and hung up.


    Lash finished another four protein bars, and three canteen''s of water before standing up. He sent a message to Diggle telling him to tell Oliver to stop being a bad son and contact his mother, or so help him Lash would tell Moria the truth about Oliver''s after dark activities! Diggle laughed, knowing Lash was joking but said he would deliver the message. A crack of thunder struck the sky, or maybe it was a sonic boom, and before any one knew it the boy scout showed up! Flying down towards Lash, Superman landed in front with a smile.


    ¡°Sorry it took me so long!¡± Superman said.


    ¡°It''s fine, did you finish with the hurricane in the Philippines?¡± Lash asked, Superman nodded.


    ¡°I did, I was tempted to call for your help then I heard about this.¡± Superman frowned looking at the devastation. His inner boy scout was tugging on his heart strings.


    ¡°If this hadn''t of happened I would have been more than happy to come help. Speaking of help I need to introduce you to some one! Come with me!¡± Lash told the soldiers to carry on and moved with Superman to another part of the Glades.


    Lash used Connectivity along the way to help organize the search and rescue. His Minor Administration skill had evolved into Intermediate Administration since yesterday. Commanding Presence, had also evolved into Intermediate Commanding Presence. Combat Medicine, and Medical Care had all become basic! He also gained a new addition to...


    Commanding Presence has gained an additional effect!


    Leadership: A good leader is also a good follower. You understand both perspectives and it allows you to mediate conflicts, encourage a safe environment, and inspire loyalty in others. Please note that Commanding Presence can be turned off and on. However, Leadership is a passive skill addition.


    In a lot of ways it was a really useful ability! However, a unforeseen side effect happened. Charming Presence and Leadership were both passive. He had seen hundreds of men and women with stars and hearts in their eyes when looking at him. He still had his Wraith disguise on, and the few parts they did see were scaled and covered in pure darkness. He was an alien monster. They didn''t seem to care though! Lash cast a glamour around him and Superman. The boy scout could feel the glamour take effect. Oh, turns out Superman can see through glamour as long as he focuses! But he can''t see through Lash''s. He doesn''t know why! They came to the club Verdant, ''walked'' past everyone and entered the underground bunker.


    ¡°Oliver you have to call them! Your mother must be worried sick! If you don''t Wraith will tell her what you''ve been doing!¡± Diggle said.


    ¡°Really? He''d do that?¡± Felicity asked, Diggle made a face at her. She made an O face then screamed in surprise before she stood up and pointed. Diggle, Oliver, and Tommy all turned around to see Wraith and Superman in their bunker. Superman waved.


    ¡°Hello!¡± Superman smiled, his charming boy next door smile. Making Felicity''s knees weak. Lash gestured towards Superman, then towards them.


    ¡°Everyone this is Superman. Superman, that is Felicity Smoak, John Diggle, Tommy Merlyn, and last but not least this is Oliver Queen, also known as The Arrow.¡± Lash introduced everyone. Oliver''s eyes went wide when Wraith said that.


    ¡°Relax! Superman knows a thing or two about keeping identities secret. Just like you all know that Barry Allen is The Flash.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Who''s Barry Allen?¡± Tommy asked, clearly confused. The rest of the room all looked at Lash in surprise. Lash was a little confused as well, because Foresight did NOT activate. So how did he know that? Guess work? Superman looked at Lash with a smile.


    ¡°You know I still don''t know what you look like.¡± Superman asked. The whole room turned to Lash. He turned off his Wraith disguise. But Transformation was still active so he looked like a human/lizard hybrid. So they didn''t see the default setting of Lash, that would be later. But Superman looked satisfied.


    ¡°Cool!¡± Tommy said out loud, he had a smile on his face.


    ¡°I like snakes!¡± Felicity said, then turned red when she realized she said it out loud. Diggle and Oliver laughed.


    ¡°Oh and Oliver. CALL YOUR MOTHER!¡± Lash said, everyone laughed! So after a few minutes Oliver called his mother, Moria had found Thea and Roy and she was taking them both back home. Oliver said he was speaking directly with The Wraith and would come home after he was done.


    So they began to talk shop! An alien Superman, An ''Alien'' Reptile, and Oliver Queen aka The Arrow. With Team Arrow that now included Tommy Merlyn. They called Flash who ran down from Central City to meet them. Only to be surprised when he saw Superman, and Wraith sitting in the room. Lash wanted to present an idea to all them. To create a team, a league, or maybe a Justice League.

 Chapter 42: Croc’s New Town!

    ¡°Wait, I know we already covered this part but I''m still confused. Why can''t you be a part of the League? Its your idea.¡± Felicity said to Lash/Wraith. Lash was still wearing his Transformation disguise.


    ¡°Rules. As part of the UNWS I have to follow a certain set of rules. In many ways I''m neutral, however the Justice League will be its own organization. A response team to troubles before they start and after. Everyone in this room has their own city, but wouldn''t it be great if you could call someone up on a phone or video call on a computer to ask for help?¡± Lash said to everyone in the room.


    They were under Verdant right now. Oliver Queen, John Diggle, Felicity Smoak, Tommy Merlyn, Barry Allen, Superman, and Wraith. They had been talking for over an hour interested in the idea of ''The Justice League''. Right now all it was would be a website that allows for information sharing and calls for help if need be. Lash wanted Wonder Woman, and Batman to be invited. But due circumstances Lash was here with them instead.


    ¡°I am not suggesting that the JL be above the law or work outside of the law. But any one that has ever worked in the government knows that not all operations are entirely public. I will be a part of it, just not publicly.¡± Lash said to everyone in the room once more.


    ¡°What about that other idea you had, for the younger generations. The Youth, young justice league?¡± Tommy asked, he had been taking this whole situation very well.


    ¡°I know it sounds silly but Heroes tend to attract both good and bad attention. More then likely you''ll find talented people. Much like Roy Harper. When they first start they will be under your wing, but as they grow older they may want to stretch and move on their own. But they still need experience, and understand the benefits of working with a team. So the steps would be, Mentor and student. Then Student becomes a journeyman with other exceptional people. Then they graduate to full blown Justice League...If they chose to. Its also important that the Justice League and Young Justice be considered two different organizations.¡± Lash replied, he was essentially parroting what Erik was whispering in his ear.


    Erik had a hard time deciding on creating Teen Titans, or Young Justice. But in the end he decided on the idea of Young Justice was far more beneficial in the long run. Having a covert operations team, and recon. Along with a place for the side kicks to grow into their own was an important step. Who knows maybe they''ll make the titans anyways. One will just be a public organization while one was secret.


    ¡°Did you specifically ask me because Queen Industries will be able to afford all this?¡± Oliver asked, he had a smile on his face. But he was also serious.


    ¡°No, money is not the reason why I contacted you. I wanted The Arrow, and your team to join up. Your family industries was simply convenient, and before you ask I saved Tommy because it was the right thing to do. Not because of his money, and to assure you that I mean it give me a moment to demonstrate.¡± Lash stood up, walked over to a broken piece of concrete that fell during the quake.


    Lash came back to the table showed everyone the piece of concrete. Then using a bit of glamour, tiny blue ''machines'' came out of his armor. He used his Transmuter title active effect and converted the piece of concrete into a solid gold ingot. The ingot was at least ten pounds, the rest of the concrete broke apart since it was not consumed in the change. The titles effect still took a lot of energy to cast. Lash didn''t even want to think about what it would take with out his title. He placed the gold bar on the table in front of everyone.


    ¡°Money is not an issue!¡± Lash said, he then took a seat and gestured for Superman to take a look. The Boy Scout used his X-ray vision to verify that it was truly gold.


    ¡°Before you ask. I can only do that once a day. Rules. I have no desire to completely destabilize the worlds economy. I simply made the gold bar to prove my point. Oh, that is another thing! I believe we should be able to pay those that are part of the JL, and Young JL. You are a billionaire, but Roy Harper is not. I''m not suggesting we pay people millions of dollars but it would be nice if our people didn''t have to worry about paying the rent.¡± Lash said to the table.


    ¡°So basically you want to create a private organization of super-heroes, vigilante''s that work together to help combat this new age of threats. To work both with the government and if need be, against them?¡± Superman asked. Lash could tell the Boy Scout was conflicted.


    ¡°This is an idea. Will this happen tomorrow? No! I came here to put the bug in your ear. At the very least we can create a information channel between everyone here so in the future we don''t have to physically show up to ask for help. You had Mr. Allen''s phone number on speed dial Miss Smoak. What if everyone here had that capability. I understand this is a low blow to you Oliver. But many lives could have been saved if you had the resource to reach out and ask for help instead of doing it alone? No offense Miss Smoak, or Mr Diggle.¡± Lash said. Oliver grimaced and looked down at his hands. Felicity and Diggle nodded at Lash in understanding.


    Lash took out his phone showing it to everyone. Then Felicity, Diggle, Barry, Oliver, Tommy''s phones all had a new contact in their phone book. Lash looked at Superman who shrugged. Superman had Lash''s contact info through Shield and Sword Law Firm. Superman understood that Lash was part of something bigger then the United Nations World Security. But he was still an ally, and friend to him. So Superman let Lash keep his secrets.


    ¡°Call me, or don''t call me. I wish we could talk more but my radio is blowing up with communications from the rescue operations. So if everyone is alright, we''ll adjourn for now?¡± Lash asked, when everyone agreed he stood up and recast his glamour taking on the disguise of Wraith.


    ¡°That is really cool!¡± Felicity said softly, she watched as the nazgul look grew from Lash like a blooming flower.


    Flash, Superman, and Wraith all left the building together under the effect of an obstruction glamour. Flash volunteered to stick around for a bit to help with the rescue, Superman had come to help to begin with. Wraith soon reconnected with the rescue operations, simply telling them he went and found Flash for some help. They didn''t question it and welcomed the fastest man alive with open arms. Time to get back to work.


    =============================================================


    ¡°What do you think, Olly?¡± Tommy asked, watching Oliver pull his Green Arrow suit off. He was leaning against the door frame watching Oliver.


    ¡°I don''t know. I want to trust him, but this just came out of no where. At least we don''t have to worry about the money part of the operation idea.¡± Oliver said sarcastically. For the first time he met some one who didn''t want him for his money. The gold ingot was still sitting in the bunker. Felicity was holding it, stars in her eyes.


    ¡°If we are being honest I''d be more then willing to fund his whole operation. I owe him my life, Olly. I mean I owe you too buddy. But....You know what I mean!¡± Tommy said, ever since he had...''died'' he''d been off balance, and a bit raw. Wraith said that would pass with time.


    ¡°I know Tommy.... Did you speak with Laurel?¡± Oliver changed the subject almost done switching into civilian clothing.


    ¡°Yes, she''s fine. Her dad to if you can believe it. No word on.... My Father. Apparently he left Merlyn industries in my name. But, no one knows that Malcolm was behind the attack. Should I say something or....?¡± Tommy left the question hang in the air.


    ¡°No, use the company for something good. Rebuild the Glades and make it better than it was. I''ll talk to my family and we''ll make it a joint operation. We''ll use our families wealth to do right by the Glades. Its the least we can do. Hay...Do you... I mean aside from you being dead. Do you feel different?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°Different how?¡± Tommy said, suddenly having an itch in the back of his head he couldn''t scratch.


    ¡°I don''t know, since Wraith spoke to us at the start of the meeting I felt like I was plugged into something. But now its gone.¡± Oliver said, coming back into the main room with Tommy in tow.


    ¡°Oh! You two feel it too!¡± Felicity said to them both. Diggle was standing off to the side, he had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Diggle? You know something we don''t?¡± Oliver asked. Diggle just shrugged, keeping his thoughts to himself.


    =============================================================


    Lash had made a Temporary Pack Bond with Oliver, Tommy, Diggle, and Felicity. Since they all had a friendly disposition with him. Though he left Flash, and Superman out of it. He wasn''t sure what a 10% increase to a meta-human and Super powerful Alien would do. But now Team Arrow was optimized. They were not super-human, just peak human condition! When he left he broke the link. Lash soon returned to the forward operating base and checked in with a familiar group of soldiers. The ones he had met at the Winter Carnival convention palace. Including the Corporal turned Sergeant, the medic, and the entire team that helped him take down The Riddlers team.


    Lash created a Temporary Pack Bond with them. Getting the whole unit this time, They unlike Team Arrow understood what he was doing to them. They smiled and gladly accepted. Lash, still wearing the disguise of Wraith checked in with an enthusiastic man named Detective Lance. Who had been first on the scene as well had first hand experience with the Earthquake Machine. He was also the reason why all of the Glades did not collapse in on it self. He had turned it off half way through its cycle. So he became an important person to Starling City.


    The Wraith spent another two days in Starling City working in The Glades. Superman and Flash left this morning needing to return home. Wraith understood and said if they ever needed any help to contact him. Flash was given a Shield and Sword card, as it was a little more reliable then Lash''s phone. Juliana assured Lash that they would handle Flash''s future, ''issues''. Lash was once again reminded that even though he lives in the super-natural world. The super-natural is largely still considered a myth, and is not seen by the public. Was this a product of The Dream Engine? Or was the world really just that gullible?


    The sun rose once more, it was now the sixth day Lash had been in Starling City. He missed his home, his house, his bed! He wanted to see Lizzy, he wanted to see the toxic chemical factory that was Gotham! He was moving through the Glades doing one last sweep for survivors. Thousands of people were helping now. Glade residents, Starling City residents. Soldiers, Police, Fire Department, etc, etc. Lash had just swapped out with Saurian. The giant monster seemed to operate better at night so Lash took the day. Queen, and Merlyn industries had come with full force to help fund the reconstruction of the Glades. Oddly enough, from the other side of the country. Wayne Industries had shown up as well to help! Despite his easily distinguishable appearance Lash/Wraith was not obstructed. Many people waved, cheered, and said hello. But no one got in his way, after so many days they had learned that if he was walking around he was using his Alien tech to look around. Though they still said thank you. Because any one with in hundred feet of him would get a pulse of dark green energy cast into them. Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement was cast, he used Minor Energy Manipulation to increase his spell range. So he was a walking, talking, energy drink!


    ¡°Mr Wraith, hello?¡± An older woman called for him. He turned around and saw Walter Steele, Moira Queen, Thea Queen, Oliver, and Tommy walking towards him. They had a small unit of bodyguards. But everyone knew them, these were the rich folks funding the reconstruction operations. So they all got out of the way politely.


    Walter Steele looked well dressed in his three piece suit, six foot even athletic build. He walked with pride, and confidence but a compassionate aura seem pour off of him. Made people relax around him. Moira Queen was an older woman that still had the sex appeal of woman her age. Her hour glass figure did not fade. She must have been drop dead gorgeous when she was younger. She wore a woman dress suit, matching her husband''s look. Thea Queen was a seventeen to eighteen girl, or maybe young woman was better description. She wore a pair of blue jeans, a pair of flats, with blue blouse, and leather jacket. Her hair was cut short so it was just above her shoulders and her bangs were cut just above her eyes. Oliver and Tommy both wore casual business attire, each moving with practiced ease. Something that Tommy clearly was confused about. Tommy was still raw from the effects of being dead, as well as the new optimization.


    ¡°Misses Queen, nice to meet you in person. May I help you?¡± Wraith responded, his voice animalistic and hard to understand. He gave a traditional bow that would have looked odd from other people. But he had been seen doing this to a lot of authority figures in recent days so no one questioned it any more.


    ¡°I just wanted to personally say thank you for all your hard work. I heard you plan to go home today. So, I wanted to come out and meet you at least once. To tell you that if you are ever in Starling City again or ever in need of help to please do not hesitate to ask!¡± Moira said confidently no sense of doubt in her voice. She meant what she said.


    ¡°I didn''t do this for a reward. But, with your families permission I believe I will one day take you up on that offer. I hope you will not think less of me for it.¡± Wraith said, bowing again. Moira actually smiled wider at that. She could actually repay him! He heard someone cough, he looked towards Thea. She was looking down at the ground trying to get the courage to speak.


    ¡°Miss Queen, where is your companion? Mr Harper. I thought you two were connected at the hip?¡± Wraith said, sarcasm dripping from his voice. It was such an abrupt change in his normal personality that it made it far more funny then it should have been. Walter and Moira both laughed, watching Thea glare at Wraith.


    ¡°I told you before to call me Thea! Roy is back in his neighborhood helping everyone. Because ''someone'' who will remained unnamed had completely rebuilt the apartment complex he lived in. C..Can I...I mean can we have your number? You know for emergencies?¡± Thea started out with confidence and mock rage, but then soon grew quiet at the end.


    ¡°My personal contact information is apparently a rare commodity to be traded. In fact I count at least eight different news camera''s, and business currently recording our entire conversation. So, how about I just send you an email at another time. We''ll start simple?¡± Wraith replied, humor in his voice. As he pointed at the different locations of camera''s and listening devices. Walter took it upon himself to arrange the security to distract or even confiscate the people''s attempts to listen in on a private conversation.


    ¡°Mr. Merlyn, may I assume your fiancee is back in her office fighting the good fight?¡± Wraith asked. Laurel and Tommy had decided to get engaged, with all that had happened they decided to not take any chances.


    ¡°That''s right! It was strange, the same day Roy''s apartment complex was rebuilt so was Laurel''s law firm. Weird!¡± Tommy said, a smile on his face.


    ¡°Mr Queen good to see you. Thank you again for volunteering to help during the first few days. Every helping hand saved a lot of lives. Oh, this goes to all of you specifically. I''m a big fan of Eco-Friendly and going green building concepts.¡± Wraith said to Oliver, then to everyone. They all nodded in understanding. Wraith was telling them to be Eco-friendly with the reconstruction.


    ¡°Well if there is nothing else? Unless you wish to join me for a walk? I''m doing one last patrol.¡± Wraith asked the group.


    So the super rich of Starling City joined the Alien Wraith as he walked around the Glades. It did wonders for the public relations for both companies. Walter and Moira both understood why he invited them. But that was fine! Walter and Wraith actually spoke at length about renewable energy machines. Walter was even shocked to receive an email with concept drawings and designs! Wraith then spoke to Tommy about reusing old trash to make quick and easy building material. Tommy also got an email. The group walked till noon. Wraith had finished his patrol and was about to leave. A UNWS transport vehicle showed up. At that point Roy had shown up to say thank you and goodbye. Laurel, who didn''t know the full story about Tommy being dead just understood that Wraith had saved his life. So she came to say thank you along with Detective...or rather Lieutenant Lance!


    ¡°Thank you for all your help. If your ever in town again, I hope its under better circumstances.¡± Lieutenant Lance said, shaking Wraith''s hand. If Lance was grossed out about the scales he didn''t say anything.


    ¡°I''m sure this will not be the last time we see each other Lieutenant Lance. Take care.¡± Wraith said, and got into the Warden vehicle. Time to go home!


    ==============================================================


    ¡°This is channel eight with tonight''s news. I''m your host Allie Mercedes. Well, Starling City the worst has passed. There will be a memorial gathering for all those lives that were lost this weekend at the city park. Unfortunately, the hero of the week Agent Wraith of the United Nations World Security will not be present for the memorial. Whether he has another mission, or if he is simply returning home, the cities hero has left. Starling City will remember how this alien from the stars came to help us in our time of need. Yes, Superman did show up, along with The Flash. But we later learned that it was Agent Wraith that called for their help. As well as accepting the help of our local vigilante, The Arrow.


    ¡°We have confirmed reports that the industries Queen, Merlyn, and even Wayne have come together to share the financial burden of repairing and reconstructing the Glades. They are going to concentrate on being Eco-Friendly and using ''Green'' oriented building concepts. Why you may ask? Because Agent Wraith believes that they are a worth while pursuit. I personally believe we don''t need a better reason than that.¡±


    ¡°Now a topic that many have heard, seen, and requested. Does the American government have a Super-Soldier program? Many people saw soldiers performing feats of strength, speed, and agility well beyond what is the capability of human. We can confirm that these soldiers are 100% human. They were simply temporarily enhanced by Agent Wraith''s advanced technology. The effects are temporary, resulting in exhaustion, an increased metabolism, and the need for sleep. But, we have a confirmed quote from Agent Wraith. ''With the right materials, time, and training. Humans are more then capable of reaching beyond their limits. I will be more then happy to help you all obtain such lofty ambitions.'' So, is it safe to assume that in the future we will see those Super-Soldiers? Let''s hope so!¡±


    =============================================================


    ¡°So, he wants to make a league of exceptional and powerful people? Along with a smaller organization for the younger generation as a sort of school? We still fight the good fight, but focus on other aspects? We also get paid! Where do I sign up?¡± Roy Harper said to Oliver.


    Roy was different, ever since he went on that last walk with Wraith he felt stronger, faster, and healthier. Oliver said that its because Wraith left a mark on him to help him become stronger. He had apparently did it to all of them. He had even done it to Thea! He was not intending on inviting Thea to join the group. But having her healthier would not be a bad thing. Roy took a stance with his red bow and shot arrow after arrow in quick succession at the target. Hitting the bulls eye each time. He had decreased his time by thirty seconds, and improved his accuracy by about 20%. But he was still improving! Fuck no wonder Wraith didn''t want to advertise that he could do this. Countries would go to war over this ability!


    ¡°It''s just an idea right now. We have his number in case we need help, and vice versa. There are still several ''founding'' members he wants to talk to. Its a good idea on paper, but in practice? We''ll see.¡± Oliver said, admiring Roy''s improvements. Then Oliver pulled his bow and shot every single arrow he had in his quiver in under ten seconds. He looked like a moving blur!


    ¡°Fuck that''s outstanding!¡± Oliver said out loud.


    ================================================================


    Lash took the portal nexus back to the Warden HQ in Gotham. He took off his wraith disguise and deactivated his Transformation. He breathed a sigh of relief, the skill had actually evolved into Basic Transformation. It did the exact same thing, just more powerful, less energy consumption, and it allowed for more alteration. Lash had learned that the skills were still being changed, and adjusted. He was playing a Beta after all. But it went something like this.


    Name of skill, which was actually the lowest level.


    Minor


    Basic


    Intermediate


    Advanced


    Expert


    Master


    But that was subject to change as well. Hazah for Beta Testing! Lash had no room to complain. This was an amazing experience that so many people would kill for! Lash auto filled out a report with his Connectivity and gave it to the Warden''s for the information and record accounts. He got a transport heading into the city and was on his way home! His phone vibrated, it was from Isabella? ''Hay! I heard that you were coming home tonight. So me and Lizzy are at your place waiting for you. She wanted to make you dinner. I told her we should ask first but she wouldn''t listen.'' Lash laughed, and messaged back. ''That''s great! Thank you for the message, I''m in transport now. Unless something happens I''ll be back in little over two hours.'' Isabella responded with a smiley face emoji.


    Gotham was covered in snow, slush, and mud. The polluted air filled Lash''s lungs and it made them burn. The cities lights slowly turned on to ward off the impending darkness that came from the winter night. Steam rose from thousands of chimneys, and it was at this moment that Lash realized he had never seen Gotham during the summer. He was looking forward to it, though he was not looking forward to the Summer Solstice Court Ball and the fiasco that the Great Hunt was going to be! More then half of the Hunted had opted to quit the hunt already and it wasn''t even spring yet! They had so many elite Hunters wanting a chance to chase and capture Saurian that they were dueling each other for the right! The Summer Hunt was going to be a shit show!


    Lash caught himself thinking about Jessabell. He missed her, but he knew that Queen Mab was still taking her for a ride. It would be another three weeks before Jessabell would be free to see Lash. He was counting the days! He was sure he was not in love with her. But they had a connection, something that he didn''t share with Li''Ana, Soluna, or even Selina. Maybe it''s cause Jessabell was first? Or it was something else. Would it be awkward when they saw each other again? Or would Jessabell slide past it like she always seem to?


    The car came to a stop outside of Lash''s building. Lash ''paid'' for the drive with his Nature Domain Spells as usual. The driver was more than happy to help! Lash was still wearing the same tactical gear he wore when he left nearly over a week ago. But thanks to Immaculate, and Repair he looked perfectly fine! But he desperately wanted a shower and take this stuff off. Saurian was much the same as well. Like a zombie he dragged himself through the front desk area. Took an elevator up to the top floor. Went to his door, opened it up. As soon as he closed the door he heard steps that raced towards his location. Then a beach tanned, fiery red head came around the corner and went to tackle him. He braced himself for the impact and was surprised how much weight was behind the attack.


    Lizzy squealed with delight, nestled herself into Lash''s arms. Lash/Saurian bubbled with happiness to have their sister in their arms once again. Lash surprised Lizzy by picking her up and spinning her around. Everything was worth it for this moment! Isabella stood off to the side with a smile on her face, then was startled when Lash pulled her into the hug together with him and Lizzy. Isabella was stiff for a bit before she relaxed. Lizzy kissed her cheek, and demonstrated how to properly snuggle with in the arms of her ''brother''. Isabella laughed and copied Lizzy.


    Lash ran a current of Nature Domain through Lizzy. Something was different! Lizzy was originally 5'' 8¡±, but now she was 5'' 10¡±. She had also obtained a bit of muscle mass and bone density. Saurian could smell a bit of Amazon magic on her. This wasn''t terrible surprising, Themyscira was a magical island nation. Simply being on the island could revitalize a human, but if you ate the food, and drank the water it could heal old wounds and slow aging. But this amount of change was different. Lash was tempted to create a Temporary Pack Bond with Lizzy. Just for the simple reason that it would keep her safe. But the moment he did, she would forever have a foot in the door of the super-natural. He wasn''t sure if he wanted that for her?


    ¡°Go wash up and get changed! We have dinner almost done! We have a lot to talk about!¡± Lizzy took on the persona of the big sister and gently pushed Lash towards his bedroom. He smiled at her and did as he was told.


    Lash took his gear off along with Saurian''s. Just like they did so long ago with Spatial Item Shift. Coming to the shower he turned on the hot water and just stood under the faucet. Steam soon covered the entire bathroom. Lash looked himself over with mild amusement. He had a golden ratio physique now. Little to no body fat, muscles carved out of stone, and tribal tattoo''s on his bald head, shoulders, arms, and back. Oh that is right! His tribal marks had grown, they blended the different styles to represent his different Domains. Lash looked like a...Comic Book Character! One of those unrealistic masculine males you see wearing a skin tight suit. That everyone idolized but understood was logically impossible!


    Lash finished up, then wrapped a towel around his waist. He took some time to make himself look pretty until his bathroom door opened up. He turned around to see Isabella watching him from the door. Isabella was wearing tennis shoes, skin tight blue jeans, with a gray sweater top. Her hair was down, and partially covered her face. Lash could see a blush growing across her face. She turned away, as she realized that she was fantasizing about her girlfriends brother wearing only a towel. Despite the clear erotic moment, Lash was not turned on at all. He was just concerned for her.


    ¡°Isabella did you need something?¡± Lash asked, as he walked past her through the door to his bedroom.


    ¡°I...I was wondering if I should tell Lizzy about what I am?¡± Isabella said softly. Lash only paused for a moment before ditching the towel. Earning a squeak of surprise from Isabella who only stared at his naked form for about two seconds before she turned away.


    ¡°That''s not entirely up to you, and I don''t just mean me. Though I am happy you asked. Don''t you have to speak to your house master, as well as gain Warden permission?¡± Lash said, he picked out some boxers, cotton sweat pants, ankle socks. He was going for casual wear for walking around his home.


    ¡°Right, you are totally right! But...¡± Isabella said, she took a peek over her shoulder. She saw him almost dressed and turned around to look at him. Her ears were still burning red.


    ¡°There is no, but. Isabella. Because if you tell her with out permission, they will have to use a memory charm on her. More then likely they will have to forcibly remove your entire existence from her mind. Which will cause long term problems. I am not telling you to ''not'' tell her. But get permission first!¡± Lash pulled out a loose blue cotton t-shirt. Despite his growing physical features, Miss Dottie the brownie spirit in charge of cleaning his house always provided cloths for him!


    ¡°Hay! Isabella, I asked you to get him for dinner. I hope Lash is keeping his hands to himself!¡± Lizzy called from the main room. Lash rolled his eyes and gestured for Isabella to go first.


    Isabella soon came out of his bedroom, her face still red. Lizzy looked at her with mild amusement then smiled wide at Lash. Lash looked at Lizzy fully now. She was 5'' 10¡± her stunning red hair was beautiful and revitalized from spending so much time on Themyscira. She was bare foot, and had loose gray pants on. The type of pants you''d were for exercise or stretching. Or lazing about a house that you considered home. She had a white T-shirt on that was maybe a little to small for her? It showed off her muscle toned arms, shoulders, and abs. Her skin was bronze from spending so much time in the sun. Her blue eyes seem to take on a bit of sea green. It was a nice combination.


    ¡°You making a move on my girl, Lash?¡± Lizzy said with a smile.


    ¡°I wouldn''t dare.¡± Lash said coming to stand in front of her. Lash was 6'' 5¡± at this point, looking down at Lizzy. He had gained several inches proportioned across his whole body (Mind out of the gutter people!) His skin was a healthy pale pink, that showed off his tribal marks nicely. Lash''s eyes had started to turn green and yellow. Similar to Saurian''s eye color, but he didn''t mind.


    ¡°Hmmm, to bad! Maybe we could have a threesome!¡± Lizzy said nonchalantly. This made both Isabella and Lash stare at her in surprise. Lizzy then cracked up laughing! ¡°You should see your faces! Please Lash! You are cute but not that cute!¡± Lizzy poked Lash''s chest to emphasize her point then pulled him towards the dinner table.


    Isabella rolled her eyes understanding that Lizzy said that to throw them both off balance. Lizzy did that often, saying or doing something just to make ripples. It made her unpredictable it was one of the things Isabella loved about Lizzy. But Lash thought differently, he was ''reading'' Lizzy. Lizzy, wasn''t entirely sure herself if she had been joking. What had brought on this change between Lizzy and Lash? Lash then pushed thought aside. Tonight he just wanted to visit with Lizzy.


    Elizabeth and Isabella had gone all out and created a feast. But it that made sense, since Lash had been in Starling when holiday dinners were being held. When Lash was using excess amount of energy he ate like crazy. But when he was resting he didn''t need to eat that much. But he found out, that regardless of his appetite he could eat as much as he wanted. His body metabolized everything and put it to use! So when the dinner was over they had no left overs, Lash ate it all.


    Lash got up to clean the dishes, insisting! Lizzy and Isabella didn''t argue. But Isabella did make a pot of tea. Lash used the spell Immaculate on all the dishes. But still put them away in the dish washer for appearance sake for Lizzy. Lizzy was sitting in the living room trying to not rub her bloating stomach in satisfaction. Then she asked a question that she had been holding in.


    ¡°So, why do the Amazon''s of Themyscira know who you are Lash? I mean it was Althea who invited me to come to the island for a vacation. Your secret government agency people made it clear Althea goofed, so she was trying to apologize. But, why does the whole island of powerful super models know you...By name?¡± Lizzy said, looking at Lash do the dishes. Isabella was sitting next to Lizzy keeping quiet as she watched the conversation. Lash could tell that Isabella wanted to explain, but she kept silent.


    ¡°Princess Diana aka Wonder Woman. Heiress to the throne and daughter to Queen Hippolyta. During the ''invasion'' I may have met her, and left an impression?¡± Lash said vaguely. He was actually trying to remember the report and file the Warden''s gave him for a cover story if any one had asked about his involvement in his ''Always volunteering'' to help in situations.


    ¡°OK? So, this impression was enough to get me to go from simple accommodations to royal suit treatment on the island? Lash, seriously they put me in a mansion! I had private tutors, and trainers! They gave me the best nutritional diet in the world! I grew two inches while on the island! I''m stronger now than I ever been in my life! The President of the United states Wife! Did not get the treatment as I did!¡± Lizzy was sitting up now, glaring at Lash for obviously keeping things from her.


    Lash raised his hand up asking her to wait. He finished cleaning up the kitchen and the dinning room table. He came to the living room and took the offered glass of tea from Isabella. He sat down in a leather chair he looked at Lizzy from across the room. Mulling over what to say. The Amazon''s had been a member of the super-natural communities for over a thousand years. They understood the necessity of disguise, as well as keeping mundane families naive to the super-natural ventures of their odd family members. But since they''ve stepped into the light they''ve seem to ignore certain things.


    ¡°Babe...You always told me that Lash was the modest type. Maybe he is down playing his relationship with Wonder Woman?¡± Isabella tried to help untangle the mess. Of course what she said was the wrong thing.


    ¡°So, are you and Wonder Woman dating or something?¡± Lizzy asked, both intrigued and oddly hostile towards the idea. Lash went wide eyed at the idea.


    ¡°No! She is so above me its not even funny! I am honestly surprised she even remembered my name! Let alone made the connection that I consider you family.¡± Lash said quickly. But he felt something was off because Lizzy had a sinister grin on her face. -We''ve fallen into a trap! Saurian called.


    ¡°Oh? So, when Princess Diana and Queen Hippolyta came to the guest house they gave me to talk to me about my brother, that was an accident? They wanted to know what kind of man you were, as well as what it was like growing up with the not so Alien hero, WRAITH!?¡± Lizzy pointed her finger at Lash.


    All blood drained from Lash''s face, Isabella''s face had an expression of horror. Lash opened and closed his mouth like a fish. He was trying to reboot his cognitive brain function. System error! System error! Rebooting..... None functional, re routing main subroutines..... Success!


    ¡°A...Are you sure they were talking about me?¡± Lash said in a very quiet and unconvincing voice. Oh come on! What the shit was that!?


    Lizzy just glared at him, a combination of boiling rage and triumphant victory because she knew Lash was trapped! She pulled a medallion out of her purse and tossed it towards Lash. He caught it and went bug eyed at the sight of it. Other Worldly Lore activated.... Oh! It also evolved into Minor Other Worldly Lore. Celebrate later! It was a medallion of recognition from Themyscira. They had partially adopted Elizabeth Shaw. Which means she was a pseudo-mundane with in the super-natural world!


    ¡°I know why you didn''t tell me! You weren''t allowed too. I also know why Isabella didn''t tell me she was a vampire! She wasn''t allowed to tell me!¡± Lizzy said, as she turned to look at Isabella who''s face went pale. Lizzy pulled Isabella into a hug and kissed her.


    ¡°You and I are going to talk about that mystery at length but at a different time!¡± Lizzy said softly to Isabella. But retained her iron grip on the poor vampire who was shaking in fear.


    ¡°So, I have one question. Are you Erik Lash? The Erik Lash I knew in high school and befriended in college? Or, are you some one wearing his skin?¡± Lizzy was staring daggers at Lash.


    FUCK!? He didn''t know how to answer, technically he was! But he also wasn''t! Then he realized something in that brief moment. Lizzy was terrified to hear the wrong answer. She didn''t want to lose him! Lash/Saurian had always considered Lizzy to be part of their family, their pack. But they never made the bond with her because they were afraid it would endanger her. But now is not the time to worry about that. If they answer incorrectly they will lose her!


    They both reached out and attempted to make a connection using Pack Bond. The connection was established the moment it reached for Lizzy. Then Lash got a prompt!


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed a hidden quest! Elizabeth Shaw is one of your oldest and truest friends in the whole world. She is your sister, your friend, your family, your pack mate. But you''ve never fully recognized her, this was not out of fear that she would be hurt! But in fear that she would reject you. She has accepted the Pack Bond.


    Pack Bond has evolved into Minor Pack Bond: The range has increased to 6 miles, and now grants a 30% boost to overall stats.


    Telepathy has evolved into Minor Telepathy: The range has increased to 6 miles, it adjusts for language, general location, and is not blocked by lack of line of sight.


    Temporary Pack Bond: Still only allows a 10% increase to stats, but uses 6 miles as its range. It also uses language, location, and is not block by lack of line of sight.


    -Hello Sister Lizzy. I am Saurian-Hunter. Partner to Erik Lash. Lash is your ''Lash'' I am what changed him. When he...Died, I am what saved him. His throat was cut and he was bleeding out. I joined with him. He got a second chance at life, I found a new Partner. I assure I mean you nor him any harm. We are family now. This I swear. -Saurian said to Lizzy across the link. Lizzy shivered, and curled up as the stat boost rolled through her body. Oh crap! Lash forgot about this part with mundanes. Isabella sat up and hugged Lizzy full of concern.


    ¡°You swear that you are my Lash! I need to hear you say it!¡± Lizzy screamed, tears running down her face as her body rocked back and forth with the change. Lash walked over to Lizzy, pulled her and Isabella into a hug.


    ¡°Yes, I am your annoying brother, your absent minded friend, the same man that went with you to tell your parents that you were Bi, the same man that was adopted by your family. There is just more of me now. Saurian is here to stay, I have accepted him. We are one and the same. Please don''t make me choose between you two.¡± Lash said. Lizzy buried her face into his chest and cried harder.


    ¡°If...You....Are fucking lying! I...I''ll hate you forever!¡± Lizzy screamed, she clawed her fingers into his chest and sobbed in relief as well as pain.


    They stayed that way for over and hour. Until Lizzy fell asleep, Lash carried her to his bedroom and told Isabella to stay with her. He gave a half-truth description to Isabella about what was going on. Being able to make a ''Pack'' with a mundane was a little odd. But she accepted it. The ''transition'' was her potential being unlocked.


    ¡°You are a good man, and a good friend Lash. I''m happy your so nice to me.¡± Isabella said to him. He hugged her, which took her by surprise. She nestled into his embrace loving the feeling of him holding her.


    ¡°If she can accept me, she can accept you. As much as I would like to stay I have work to do. I''ll have my phone on me. So if Lizzy wants to talk to just tell her to contact me.¡± Lash said after he let go of her.


    Lash was exhausted from his time in Starling, and emotionally worn out from what just happened. But, he had a promise he wanted to keep. He put on his tactical gear, as well as Saurian''s then left his home through the underground parking lot. He had learned later that the Fae Courts installed a underground passage so he could move in and out of his home building with out being caught. On his way underground he sent an update for Elizabeth Shaw''s personal file. Including the medallion given to her by the Amazons. Lash was happy how things turned out, but to be honest this entire event should not of happened. An email was sent to his phone with in thirty seconds after the update. Lizzy knew who and what he was, and the Amazons had told her. Lizzy was officially adopted as a pseudo-mundane. Her file needed to be updated, and she would be required to go through extensive testing. But, she would not have her memory changed. It was to late for that!


    A solid brick wall moved aside and Saurian wearing the disguise of The Wraith stepped out of the shadows. The secret door slid back into place behind him. Thanks to the talented craftsman, and a minor illusion spell rune. The door was nearly impossible to find. Saurian then ran down the passage towards King Croc''s territory. Despite the maze of tunnels of concrete and metal Saurian found his way pretty easily. Along the way he cleaned and repaired what ever he came across with in the confines of his abilities. Thanks to Transmutation he cast...


    Transmutation Domain Spell, Fabrication: Converting magical energy into basic materials. The more complex the material the more magical energy required. Please note; you must have seen and handled a material at least once before you can create it.


    So, he used Fabrication, Decomposition, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Daylight, Essence Imbuement,Growth, Immaculate, Renew, Repair, Recycle, Restoration, and Alteration. His Domain experience kept going up since he was using all sorts of spells together. Though his energy levels fell quickly, they soon refilled when he took a break. Every tunnel he passed through looked clean, pristine, and a bit forest like. As plant life that didn''t require sunlight to grow was abundant. Saurian even started to see little nature spirits dance through the sewer canals. Because of Night Eye the underground looked beautiful! He could see the different colors, shades, growth of plant life. Of course if you came to these tunnels in the dark it would look terrifying! He made sure to create plant life that wouldn''t damage the surrounding systems. But still, this was an amazing sight!


    Saurian soon came across a familiar passage way he took with O''Connor and the crew. He wondered how they were doing now? Saurian silently moved through the tunnels towards the shanty town. He started to hear the sounds of the hydro water wheels he made for them. He came the canal opening and saw the town. A small collection of electric lights lit up the underground room well enough. The town looked like it had expanded by another hundred or so people. Mundanes and super-naturals living together.


    Saurian used Gravity Stride, and simply walked down the wall to the ground floor. He walked up slowly but trying to stick out so people could see him. Then some one pointed at him and screamed! Great.... Soon the whole encampment came to life. They tried running for the gate to be let in thinking this nazgul creature was here to attack them.


    ¡°Oie! Shut your fucking yaps! Don''t you know who that is? Its Wraith from the surface he''s the fucker that built the hydro wheels! Get out of the way!¡± A were-crocodile came barreling through the crowd to meet with Saurian. The man was just as tall as Lash was, he wore a pair of khaki pants and nothing else, which showed off his strong muscled form. His skin was unnaturally pale due to the lack of sun light. He was hairless, just like Lash. He held out his hand to Saurian, who took it in respect.


    ¡°Nice to see you, sir! We heard about your trip to Starling. Didn''t expect you to come visit the very same day you came home! But we could use your help! Come on, I''m sure King Croc will want to speak with you!¡± The were-crocodile squeezed Saurian''s hand.


    Some bruisers from the town came out and settled the encampment back down. The ''strangers'' didn''t know who Wraith was, or what he was doing here. Just that the town respected him. They were all intimately aware of the totem pole around here. Wraith was not to be messed with. Inside the town was a bit different. Saurian could feel it, before it was a shanty town that was only made because it was safer together then alone. But now, it was a place with a seed of hope. Several people recognized Saurian in his Wraith disguise and waved at him. He waved back. They soon came to the ''mansion'' of King Croc. But instead of waiting at the door the were-crocodile just led him in, and took him to another room he was not familiar with. The Were-crocodile knocked on a door and King Croc called them in.


    ¡°Aha! Welcome back. Those fucking Warden''s said you wouldn''t be back for a while. But big ole Daddy said you''d be visiting soon. Keepin promises is important he said! Lookie, and here you are! No pigs this time! So, how long we be havin you?¡± Croc''s creole accent was as thick as ever. Saurian went to take a knee in respect but was stopped by Croc.


    ¡°Oie! None of that then! You kept your word! Not only was that asshat Billy revoked as a Warden. They even brought him back here for some bayou justice! Eha hahaha...¡± Crock laughed, his crocodile teeth glowing in the light of the room. Several other were-crocodile''s in the room laughed as well. They pointed, and there on the wall was the head of Billy Strongam.


    ¡°Then the Warden''s started treating us right! Me and mine, Daddy said it''s good to be king! Damn right he was.¡± Croc gestured towards a crude map on the table he was standing over. Saurian slowly approached trying to be polite.


    ¡°You''ll have me for a few hours, maybe more. I brought some....Supplies. As promised I''ll give them to you directly. Let you decide who gets what.¡± Saurian tapped the table and used his Minor Storage to produce 500,000$ in cash. The money overflowed like a bursting mountain spring. Bills worth twenty, fifty, hundred scattered across the room.


    It was so quiet in the room you could hear a pin drop, or in this case dollar bills as they slipped from the table onto the floor. Thanks to his money achievement. He''d been slowly accumulating a lot of money in his storage. This wasn''t even half of it. Saurian looked at every one then back at Croc. He coughed gently to wake everyone from their stupor.


    ¡°WHAT THE FUCK!? WHAT IS THIS!?¡± Croc screamed, he pointed at the giant pile of money! His scream was loud enough for the whole mansion to come running thinking something had happened they burst into the room. Only to freeze at the sight of the pile of money.


    ¡°I promised I would bring money, The Warden''s are many things but providing money is not one of those things. I can''t always be here to help, the Warden''s will help with what they can. But you can use this to take care of you and yours. Highness.¡± Saurian said, bowing from his waist.


    ¡°Hahahahaaha! Hhahahaahahahaah! HAHAHAHAAHA!¡± Croc laughed so hard the entire room shook. The were-breeds joined in as well. There was a glimmer of divine light in Croc''s eyes.


    ¡°Now, may I borrow a few people. I have some ideas to help with the town. With your permission of course. Highness?¡± Saurian asked, Croc rolled his eyes at Wraith''s dripping with sarcasm title. Croc than began to rub the money all over himself. Full filling some kind of fantasy.


    With the help of some of the older and more wiser members of the were-pack. They throttled Croc back into awareness. A map was drawn out again with the help of Saurian''s magic. Soon he was being escorted back to the water wheels. This time he was not in a hurry!


    Advanced hydro electric water wheel.


    Rating: C-


    Effects: 1% of the total HP value of the machine is magically repaired every day.


    Effects: Generates, stores, and maintains 50% more power then previous version.


    Effects: 80% noise reduction.


    Comments: Using Nature, Technomancy, Synthesis, and Transmutation you''ve created a self repairing machine. If its hit over and over, it will break! But minor wear and tear? This thing will never break down.


    Saurian under the guise of Wraith, and the illusion of his Glamour made it look like hundreds of tiny robots rebuilt and crafted a new water wheel. Every one watching was slack jawed. Then Saurian with the help of the were-breeds began to systematically change, build, and repair the shanty town. Using Essence Imbuement he created a water collection, and filter machine. So now they had clean water access. Then he made a few Immaculate cleaning box''s for cloths, tools, etc as long as it fit inside a three foot cube. He left a ''water mark'' on each device he made so he could track it. On the chance some one tried to run with it. Thanks to Magic Tracking, he''d be able to chase those things across the nation. He told Croc as much, seemed polite. Croc had no intention of selling anything Saurian made, and told him that they would keep them safe as best as possible!


    He got a phone message from Isabella. A group of Warden''s came to his home to talk to Lizzy. Juliana was with them. Juliana then sent a message saying she would take care of his sister. Don''t worry. A weight he didn''t know he was carrying was lifted off his shoulders. Saurian then went back to his work.


    An air purifying dark tree.


    Rating: D+


    Effects: Cleans the air of toxins, chemicals, poison, pollution, and recirculates air.


    Effects: Will grow with out sunlight but at a 80% reduction in growth, can and will use artificial light to grow. Can be ''plugged'' in as an alternate source of fuel.


    Effects: Mild Calm Emotions in the immediate area of the tree. Area of effect grows with the tree.


    Effects: The leaves create a soft ambient light.


    Comments: You''ve made a mutated, artificial tree, that many Druid''s would burn with fire if seen. But a few druid''s will appreciate the effort. The people in the slum town certainly do!


    Saurian used his magic and made these dark tree''s grow to be about twenty feet high, and two feet around the trunk. The roots spread out across the concrete like ivy vines across a brick wall. He had several of them spread through out the town. The soft glow from the leaves was not enough to light up the town. But he found them to be charming. He''d been here for about six hour now. The town looked exactly like that. A town! Like they had built a new home in the shadow of a monolith made of stone and pipes. The air no longer smelled of filth, blood, and sweat. It had an earthy smell to it.


    The new Warden assigned to the city district in Gotham showed up late into the night with her Warden mentor. They both lost their shit when they saw what Saurian had done! This was way above and beyond what they were planning on doing for the town. They were going to bring basic food, medicine, and tools for them. But that was it! Croc growled at them in anger when he found out their intention. As far as Croc was concerned the only Warden he wanted in his town was Lash and his partner Saurian. The Warden''s were concerned about super-natural exposure but mundanes who lived in the town simply assumed Wraith was using his Alien tech, plus King Croc wasn''t exactly hiding.


    Radio, phone, and television collection dish, and transmitter.


    Rating: D+


    Effects: Capable of transmitting as well as receiving information, even under concrete and steel.


    Effects: 1% of the total HP value of the machine is magically repaired every day.


    Effects: Re directs information from it self to the nearby receivers. In example; radio''s, TV''s, computers.


    Comments: Now the under ground town has access to radio, telephones, television, and internet. -4G''s baby!


    Behind Croc''s mansion, Saurian built a communication tower. He made a compromise with the Warden''s and Croc. The super-natural communities, and the Warden''s could use this town as a communication hub. Technomancers could talk down here, but most people were deaf and dumb through the concrete and metal above them. This put Croc''s town on the ''Map'' as it were. This would force the Warden''s to actually focus on the town. Croc begrudgingly agreed, but demanded that Warden Lash be the towns Warden! Warden HQ who learned of the situation through the new communication tower also agreed. The young and inexperienced Warden would still work the area given how busy Lash seem to be. But she would message him directly with weekly reports. Warden Lash and his Partner Saurian would also visit the town at least once a month pending emergencies.


    Saurian spent a lot of time working on Croc''s mansion not only making it look amazing, but also defensible. He had given the stat information on all the different things he had built to Croc and his were-pack. Even told Croc that he should get professional security done by the Warden''s. They would do it now, since the deal had gone through. Croc agreed, but wanted Saurian to do the remodeling at least.


    A three story mansion.


    Rating: D+


    Effects: 1% of the HP value of the building is magically repaired every day.


    Effects: Clean water is magically collected, and stored in the house for consumption, and use.


    Effects: Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. Are imbued into an exceptional statue of the Ancient Egyptian God Sobek. Three charges contained with in the statue, one charge is recovered each day.


    Comments: You have bedazzled King Croc''s home with splendor, and the necessities of life! There are people in the surface that would love to live here! Good work!


    Hidden with in a room with in the mansion was a shrine to Sobek. The statue was created through Fabrication made from magically created marble and obsidian. Sobek in the old depictions was half man, half crocodile. Saurian made the statue to have Sobek sitting on a throne over looking a river. He intentionally made the statue look similar to Croc. When he finished the statue, a gust of wind flowed into the room and he got a new spell from his Grave Domain...


    Grave Domain Spell, Consecrate: You have made, or declared a sacred ground! The Grave is the line between life and death. But it is also the passage way between earth, heaven, or hell. Use this power wisely, it can be a great boon! Or a curse waiting to happen. -''Everything the light touches is our kingdom.''


    -I don''t know what you are. I have never seen you or your kin. But you have my thanks.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Blessing of the Ancient Egyptian God Sobek! Sobek is the God of many aspects. Sobek is often referred to as the Lord of Water, Protection, the Military, Fertility of both children as well as plant life, he is also known for defending the justified in the underworld. Your Cosmic Patron has spoken with Sobek. Three aspects have been chosen.


    The Lord of Water has ordained you. Now all creatures, beings, and spirits of water sentient or otherwise like you 10% more. Water it self treats you as a friend.


    The Lord of Fertility has ordained you. All Nature oriented effects are 10% more powerful, take 10% less energy.


    The Lord of Fertility has ordained you. You may choose if and when to have children. Blessed with the aspect of Fertility reproduction...... -I''m so sorry, User.


    Oh.......shit.....

 Chapter 43: What did you do!?

    Saurian stayed in Sobek''s shrine for a while. He empowered the Consecrate with each passing moment. Eventually several of the were-crocodiles came down and began to pray next to the statue. After an hour Saurian stopped, he could ''smell'' the barest hint of Sobek''s divine energy in the statue. That would be enough. He bowed again to the statue or more specifically to Sobek, a gentle wind passed by his face in acknowledgment. Saurian stepped from the hidden room and saw a were-crocodile walking towards him with haste. But then Saurian got a prompt...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement: -''Do you believe in god? -Which one?'' All creatures, beings, and spirits of ''Divine'' nature like you 10% more. Magical Perception will now include creatures, beings, and spirits sentient or otherwise of the ''Divine''. Be they from earth, heaven, or hell.


    Saurian stopped for a moment to look around, expecting to see a heavenly host, or a legion demons flying around. Nothing! The were-crocodile soon came up to him and said some one was here to see him. He had a red cape and was flying, Superman? Saurian followed after the were-crocodile and came out of the mansion. Superman was floating over the town looking around, he had a huge smile on his face. He then spotted Wraith and flew over landing. He extended his hand and Wraith squeezed it.


    ¡°Not that I don''t enjoy seeing you, Superman. But what brings you to my neck of the woods...Or sewers I guess.¡± Saurian asked as he gestured at the town.


    ¡°I''ve seen places in Mumbai that look worse! Can we talk....In private?¡± Superman asked, his face showed distress at the end. Wraith pulled him off to the side of the mansion and created an obstruction glamour. He used his Pure-Blood Fae glamour so it was super effective!


    ¡°There are not many things in this world that can look past this. But all the same be mind full. Did something happen in Metropolis?¡± Saurian asked, his Deductive Reasoning was reading distress in Superman up and down.


    ¡°C...Can you cure cancer?¡± Superman said softly. He looked at Wraith''s reptilian eyes watching his every move.


    ¡°Modern Earth medicine can cure cancer, Superman. Unless its to far advanced? Technically my stance on this would be ''no''. But if a friend of mine asked, I could be convinced to help. But don''t expect me to run around the world curing everyone.¡± Saurian said.


    The Nature Domain didn''t cure disease. Why? Because disease was technically a part of Nature. Healing wounds, regrowing flesh and limbs was all something Nature could do. The Grave Domain handled aspects of life, death, and a tiny bit of Divine that was mixed in. Disease was a part of Life and Death. One could argue that it could be used to cure disease. But a Spell Domain is limited by its User''s perception. But his new Transmutation Domain?


    ¡°My, Father...I mean my human adopted Father has cancer. He.... We didn''t catch in time. He tried to keep it from my mother and me. But, for all of my abilities I feel so powerless! Then, you suggested the League and how we could rely on each other. To do things we can''t do alone! And I...¡± Superman was conflicted. Here was a powerful alien, practically a god on Earth that could literally pull down the moon from orbit. Now, he was completely helpless! Powerless! Superman didn''t like it.


    ¡°Sure, just let me tell the King of the town I''m leaving. We can go today.¡± Saurian said, and the big blue Boy Scout smiled so wide Saurian thought his face would break.


    Saurian had no memory of Jonathon Kent getting cancer in the comics. Most of the time he had been dead by the time Clark went to Metropolis mostly due to an accident. He did have a vague memory of him being sick in one. The rare few origins where both parents lived well into the senior years. But, of course The Dream Engine could flip, twist, and write what ever fit the story. Saurian spoke to Croc and told him he was leaving with Superman. Off to fight the good fight. Croc clapped him on the back and said he would always have a home here. Literally, he even pointed at a house that Saurian had made that Croc was keeping reserved for him. Saurian then turned to Superman, and with a sinister filled voice that made Superman take a step back.


    ¡°Can I try something? I want to see if it will work.¡± Saurian asked, Superman shivered when Saurian was looking at him.


    ¡°Su...sure?¡± Superman asked, feeling like he was going to regret this.


    Kansas state, at the City of Smallville which is a farming community was rather pleasant during Winter. Or maybe it was cause Saurian didn''t feel the bite of Winter thanks to being Queen Mab''s knight. Fields as far as the eye could see, an ocean of plant life! Saurian had to admit this place was nice. He saw a collection of Nature spirits all look up at him as he was flying with Superman. Or, Superman was flying and Saurian was....Attached to him?


    ¡°I...Have to say I''m really uncomfortable with this.¡± Superman said, embarrassed with the situation.


    ¡°I''m the one standing on your chest, Superman. All you have to do is fly!¡± Saurian said with amusement.


    Gotham City was a bit of distance from Smallville. Saurian could have taken a Warden HQ portal and met Superman there. But he wanted to see if some thing he had thought up could work. So he used Gravity Stride stepped onto Superman''s chest, and used him as a ''Floor''. Since Superman could defy gravity and take the extra five hundred plus weight that was Saurian. So, Superman was currently flying through the air as the elegant and majestic super-powered individual he was. As a were-reptile creature stood on his chest....Upside down.


    Of course this would have been very awkward to see on camera. So Saurian cast Chameleon, Nature''s Passage, and used a bit of Glamour to hide them both. Or, at the very least all any one would see is Superman flying around. Except for a few magical and super-natural inclined people who could see past the spells and glamour. But those would be few and far between. He said that, but on the way out of Gotham Saurian receive a text message with a picture from Skaleg. Depicting this very scene, apparently another Warden in the city saw it and had to take a picture! So every Warden, and a majority of the super-natural communities in Gotham had seen this photo by this point. Sorry Superman!


    Superman started to lower his altitude, Saurian detached from his chest and cast Falling Glide and fluttered to the ground. Superman caught up with him and smiled as he circled around Saurian. When they were about five hundred feet or less from the ground. Saurian swapped to Lash, turned off his Wraith disguise and pulled Transformation off. When he landed he was default Lash wearing Warden Tactical gear. Superman looked surprised, as he stood next to him.


    ¡°You are introducing me to your family, Boy Scout. I thought it polite to be a little more...Human looking?¡± Lash said with a smile. Superman laughed and said.


    ¡°Call me Clark Kent, Johnathan and Martha Kent are my parents. We live over there, I''m going to go ahead. Tell them we are here and get changed. Take your time.¡± Clark started to fly.


    ¡°Erik Lash... Call me Lash, every one does.¡± Lash said to him. Clark stopped, and smiled lightly at him. Then flew off towards the farm in a blur.


    Lash had still cast his obstruction glamour so even though he had changed only super-natural inclined people would see him. If you knew anything about the Warden''s then Lash''s identity was not really a secret. He waited for a bit, changed his cloths slightly at least visually. If he walked around Smallville in full combat gear it would raise suspicions. It was about seven or eight in the morning now. People were headed to work, or began to work on their farms. Lash started to move towards the Kent''s farm. Lash watched the sun rise, the sun beams broke through the scattered tree''s. A dog at the Kent farm began to bark as Lash approached. Lash took a knee and said hello to the dog.


    ¡°Hi! Hi! Who are you!? You smell nice! Hay! Hay! Wanna play! I have a ball!¡± The dog said to Lash.


    ¡°My name is Lash, I am here to see your humans. Go ahead get your ball. I''d love to play for a bit.¡± Lash replied with a smile, petting the dog. The dog barked and ran off to find his ball.


    The dog ran off with the familiar energetic happiness that most dogs have. Lash took his time walking up the drive way. The dog soon returned and Lash threw the ball several times as he walked up the drive way. The energy on the farm was very relaxing, full of positive feelings. This was a good place for Superman to grow up in. The House was a two story wood, and brick house. With a canopy porch that could fit a family on it. The barn was old and rickety but Lash knew hidden in the cellar was a Kryptonian space ship. A silo stood off to the side, next to fields of corn. Tiny nature spirits fluttered around the farm hard at work, or play. Depending on the type. A few came over to say hello, surprised to see a Druid here.


    Clark came out onto the porch wearing an old pair of boots, worn out jeans, a t-shirt with a flannel over shirt on. He had a boy next door vibe, as he waved at Lash. Lash waved back and made his way to the porch after he threw the ball for the dog one last time. Martha Kent came out, hugged her son from the side and watched as Lash approached. Her eyes were red from crying, but a glimmer of hope resided there. Martha had tanned skin from working in the sun, her brown hair had a little more silver than most would have. She was about 5'' 3¡± completely dwarfed by Clarks 6'' 3¡±. She had a good figure, strong, and flexible, remnant''s of her youth.


    ¡°So your one of my sons friends from...work? Thanks for coming by!¡± Martha said, shaking Lash''s hand.


    ¡°Yes, Misses Kent. Is my patient home?¡± Lash asked gently. Martha nodded and went into the house holding the door open.


    Clark took up the rear, as Lash walked into the house. The house itself said hello to him. Lash had noticed this lately, older houses had a spirit or consciousness that his Technomancy could tap into. Lash would be sure to give this old thing a face lift before he went home. They went upstairs to the master bedroom and Lash saw Jonathan Kent sitting up in his bed. A worn out quilt over his legs, he was a strong old farmer type. Leathery tanned skin, salt and pepper hair, strong determined eyes. He tried to smile at Lash as he walked in.


    ¡°I told them not to call you. Its nice to know my boy isn''t alone in the universe. Always told him there was nice aliens out there. Can''t have the bad with out the good.¡± Jonathan said to Lash.


    ¡°Aliens are just like people. Some are good, some are bad, some just are. I try to be the ''Just Are'' Category, but I can lend a hand from time to time. Mr Kent do you know your medical file number?¡± Lash said, going straight to business.


    Lash used Connectivity which at this point had ranked up several times. Though unlike his skills, Spells didn''t get a basic, or minor category they were just their names. Though they did gain extra effects as they grew. Connectivity at some point gained a minor fire wall protection. Which was nice! He found Mr Kent''s file in the local hospital information grid. He used Technomancy''s passive magic field to create a projection for the family. They went through Mr. Kent''s file together, the cancer had entered stage four. Fuck. Lash was surprised the man was at home, he should be in the hospital! Quietly on the side Lash started to go through the financial reports for the Kent''s. This was not being shown in front of everyone. Oh! The Kent''s were strapped for cash.


    -Clark, did you know that your parents are broke? Lash said through a telepathic link. Clark for his credit didn''t let this revelation show on his face. His brows started to furrow, to anyone looking it would seem like he was concentrating on the medical file in front of him. -What do you mean they are broke? As in they have no money? Clark asked.


    ¡°Mr Kent did you not get checked out because you didn''t know? Or, because you didn''t have any money?¡± Lash suddenly said. Completely out of the blue. Martha looked confused at the sudden change in subject. Then her eyes went wide and she stared at Johnathan''s guilty face.


    ¡°We are nearly bankrupt. I... I didn''t want to add to it.¡± Johnathan looked down he didn''t dare look at his wife or his son''s face.


    ¡°Dad! I could of helped if you needed it!¡± Clark stood up and shouted, he was shocked! Clark had been so focused on his Super Hero business that he completely forgot some simple things.


    ¡°This is so like you, John. Always trying to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Clark gets that from you. But ask yourself this, what would we want more. The farm, or you?¡± Martha said, as she reached out to squeeze Johnathan''s hand. Johnathan began to cry, which Lash was sure was hard for him. Crying in front of the woman you love alone would be difficult but in front of your son, and his friend. Then the phone started to ring, and ring, and ring. Then it stopped, then began to ring again.


    ¡°Oh for....¡± Martha rolled her eyes, stood up and answered the phone.


    Clark went to his father''s side and hugged him. Johnathan said he was sorry over and over again. Clark looked up at Lash and noticed he was smiling. Clark and Johnathan both coughed and tried to clear the air. Only for Clark to whip his head around towards his mother who was in the other room. Especially when she screamed...


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Clark raced to his mother''s side. Johnathan looked confused, then looked back at Lash who still had a smile on his face. A bigger then life grin that both comforted and terrified Johnathan.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± Johnathan asked.


    ¡°Mr. Kent I am fully capable of treating your cancer! Isn''t that wonderful!¡± Lash said, only to hear Clark yell from the other room.


    ¡°LAAAAAASH! What did you do!?¡± Clark came back into the room in hysterics, he began to throttle Lash. Shaking him back and forth like Lash was a life line he didn''t know he had. But Lash just kept his grin on his face.


    What Johnathan Kent soon found out that it was the Bank that had called so many times. Because the bank had to confirm an accounting error on their part. They were so confused, and deeply sorry on how they got some thing so wrong. Some how several hundreds....of thousands of dollars had slipped through their accounting. So the Kent''s not only didn''t owe any money, they actually had One point Five million dollars in their account. Of course the Kent''s knew that wasn''t true. Johnathan and Martha had never had that much money in their whole lives! But....There was account information, transactions, billing, everything! The Bank promised they would do a thorough investigation into this error. Both to determine how it happened, and in case it was fraud. But, Clark knew they wouldn''t find anything. Especially when Lash got a prompt.


    Congratulations User! Your skill, Basic Computers has evolved into Intermediate Computers: This skill works with your Technomancy Domain. Now you are a faster, stronger! Keyboard warrior! -''Hide your chat rooms!''


    ¡°Remember when I said that the JL should get paid for their efforts? I''m not suggesting you should be a hero for hire. But it would be nice if you didn''t have to worry about your family. You risk your life every day. You shouldn''t have to worry about things like bills.¡± Lash said, still being throttled by Clark.


    ¡°We can''t accept this! I...Mean its Clark who faces those threats! We....¡± Johnathan was trying to argue.... Martha was clearly conflicted, Clark soon stopped strangling Lash to look at his family.


    ¡°You are right, Clark is the one in the line of fire. But do you think that Clark could do any of those things he does when he is worried about his family back home. He wears a disguise not to protect himself. But to protect those he loves. The both of you being safe, healthy, and happy will be a huge weight off his shoulders.¡± Lash said to them, still grinning. But he decided to hammer in the last nail.


    ¡°Clark, do you remember when we first met. I told you about some one that will one day visit you. A member of your lost family?¡± Lash said, Clark looked up and nodded.


    ¡°Well, wouldn''t you like it if Kara could grow up in the same comforting environment you did?¡± Lash said. Clark grinned at him. Victory! Johnathan and Martha were confused now.


    So, Lash spent the next hour telling Johnathan and Martha Kent about the information about Kara. Clark then convinced his parents that he would love if Kara had a home just like he did. That home required his mother and father to be there, and the farm. Lash then explained to them that the money was not stolen. It had actually come from his account he just washed the digital money through a laundry system. That was the deal breaker. The Kent''s had a sinking idea that the money was stolen. When Lash assured them it came from him, as a way to help pay the future JL system they accepted the money. Then Lash just for fun turned a clay brick into gold brick in front of them using his title effect for the day. Their expressions were priceless! Last but not least, Lash did what he originally came her to do...


    Transmutation Domain Spell, Panacea: You remove, transform, or change all poisons, diseases, and natural harmful effects in the subject''s body. Convert mass into something useful. -''Wax on! Wax off!''


    Please Note: This will not work on magically created or induced effects. Use Curse Break for that.


    Transmutation Domain Spell, Restore Youth: You convert matter, energy, and renew the life force in a subject. Old cells become revitalized, and renewed. You repair damaged tissues, cells, even the building blocks of life, DNA. At your current level you can only recover 10 years of life.


    Please Note: This effect does not stack. Somethings can only be renewed so many times before it stops working.


    That last one he cast on both Johnathan and Martha. They looked... ten years younger. They felt it too! The change was not so drastic that people wouldn''t recognize them. They would just think they spent time at a luxury spa. Clark blinked, surprised by the change. Clark being the powered individual he was did a quick scan of his parents and was shocked by the changes.


    ¡°Did you know that with today''s modern medicine the life expectancy of adults has gone up by thirty plus years compared to hundred years ago?¡± Lash said with a smile.


    ¡°Now, this is simple. The cancer in your body is gone. There have been plenty of medically recorded cases where cancer has regressed, or were completely removed with little to no evidence as to why. I''ll let you all stop and think as to why that would happen. Now! If you excuse me, I''m going to work on your house next!¡± Lash stood up and left the bedroom.


    It took Martha, Johnathan, and Clark a moment to realize that it was over. Johnathan was cured! Just like that, no intensive surgery. No weeks, months, or even years of treatment, pills, with good and bad days. Lash just waved his hands around, the tattoo''s on his body glowed. Tiny blue and green robots the size of sand grains fluttered in and out Johnathan and he was cured. Tears fell from their eyes and they hugged one another. Then Clark leaned back in confusion, his parents looked at him.


    ¡°Wait, did he say. Work on the house next?¡± Clark asked. Then they all heard the house groan almost as if in delight.


    ¡°LAAAAASH!¡± Clark ran out of his parents bed room. Martha watched her son leave, and started to laugh. She laughed so hard she was holding her side in pain. Her husband was the same... What a weird day!


    After a few hours of talking with the Kent''s about their home. Lash settled on only fixing the bare necessities. Well at least the stuff on the surface that you would normally see. Clark was groaning as if he shouldn''t be surprised anymore. The house, the barn, all the farm equipment, and even their car still looked as beat to hell as you would assume. But on the inside they were running better then they ever had. Lash enriched the farm lands, making them fertile and healthy. The crops for the next two or three seasons would be outstanding!


    Someone came by from the bank to talk to the Kent''s, it of course had only been a few hours. But so far they had found no clear evidence of fraud. It simply seemed like some one upstairs let something slip. Lash knew that buried under all the bullshit if the bank really did their job correctly would find a single account transfer from Erik Lash. With a simple email attachment telling them it was not a mistake. Needless to say, the Bank walked around on tip toes with the Kent family. Not only had they screwed up, but the Kent family was now one of their largest accounts in this branch office.


    Lash stayed for lunch then politely asked Clark for a ride back home. This time Superman could carry him instead of playing the part in ''The Spider meets the fly''. Clark was clearly happier, he had a huge smile on his face as he flew through the sky. Lash knew that a huge weight had been removed, Clark could now focus on his business again.


    ¡°Boy Scout! Take me to Metropolis, I have some business there!¡± Lash shouted as the wind rushed past them. Lash was back to having Transformation on, and the Wraith disguise.


    ¡°Alright! Anything I can help with?¡± Clark altered his course slightly. Gotham and Metropolis were with in a few miles of each other.


    ¡°I guess, I need to talk to Lois Lane!¡± Lash was suddenly in a free fall! He looked up in confusion. Superman soon realized his mistake and picked Wraith back up.


    ¡°Aha! W...Wha...Ummm¡± Clark was stammering.


    ¡°Relax Boy Scout! I know your sweet on her! I was just curious if she would do an interview with me. I really like the one she did on you.¡± Lash said. Clark breathed a sigh of relief, then smiled.


    ================================================================


    Lois Lane sat at her computer desk typing an article for the Daily Planet. She was covering a piece on the recent high light of vigilante''s, heroes, and the effects they caused. Both good and bad. More then once she took a jab at Superman for his reckless behavior, and property damage. But also focused on many of his good points.


    ¡°....Lois......Lois!......LOIS!¡± Perry White called to her. Lois had been ignoring him, but when he shouted she stood up.


    ¡°What Perry! I''m working!¡± Lois glared at him. He smiled at her and pointed at the window of their thirty first floor.


    ¡°Your three o''clock is here.¡± Perry said.


    Lois turned around, and there floating in the air was Superman with his charming smile that made Lois''s knees go a little weak. Superman would see her at least once a week, She was an investigated reporter. She did get in all kinds of trouble. It''s not as if she did it for a chance to meet the man of steel! Nope, not at all. Lois walked to the window and pointed up, gesturing to the roof. Superman nodded and flew up. Lois got her coat and her note pad. Everyone in the office was watching her, many of the women smiled at her. She ignored them, it wasn''t like that! Every time Superman visited the Planet specifically it was because something was happening! He would just always tell her first...Ya! That''s all!


    Lois checked herself in the mirror, and applied some lip gloss. She looked the very much professional journalist she was. Wearing designer suit pants, heels, dress shirt, and jacket. She put on her winter coat which completed the ensemble. She took the elevator to the top floor, then walked up the last flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs she took a moment and opened up the door, she was preparing for a blast of wind that always comes when you stood on top the Daily Planet. But there was no wind. It was eerily calm.


    Lois stepped out and her eyes went wide! There next to Superman was Wraith! The United Nations World Security Alien. Superman and Wraith had worked together many times. But recently in Starling City Wraith had played an instrumental part in search and rescue. Starling City even wanted to give him a key to the city.


    ¡°Hello Miss Lane, I''m a fan of your work. I was curious if you would be interested in having a personal interview with me?¡± Wraith asked her. Lois was jumping for joy in her head. But her cool professionalism took over.


    ¡°Sure! Do you want it up here or down in the recording studio?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°Studio please.¡± Wraith replied. His voice was gruff, and had a primal feeling to it.


    ¡°Alright, Superman will you be joining us?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Superman said.


    ==============================================================


    Perry White''s heart jack hammered in his chest. The recording studio was a buzz of movement as they got everything set up in record time! Perry knew that getting an interview with Wraith had been on a wish list of many different news stations, papers, and television shows. But he came here! HERE! He came with Superman as well! Why? Why did he choose this place? Because he liked Lois Lane''s piece on Superman! Perry could kiss Lane! The Daily Planets articles will sell like hot cakes! He was so going to rub this in all his competitors face! He watched as Lois went through several test questions. Wraith agreed to a no hold bars interview however he reserved the right to not answer certain questions. Simply because he was not allowed to answer certain questions. Rules. Perry understood that, so did Lane.


    ¡°Jimmy! Stop gawking and get to work! Does any one know where Kent is!?¡± Perry shouted.


    ¡°Chief! Kent is still visiting his parents..His father is...well.¡± Ron Troupe said.


    ¡°Shit! That''s right! Troupe, are we going to get any flak from DC for interviewing this guy?¡± Perry asked.


    ¡°Well if we came to him I''d say yes. But since he came here of his own free will. No. But I''m double checking my sources¡± Troupe said back. He was part of the Political columnist, had contacts in Washington.


    ¡°Good! Good! Come to me as soon as you get anything.¡± Perry said then he looked over at Wraith. Wrapped in black and gray cloth. The stuff practically danced around him as if he was being followed by small electrical fans. But it was eerie how the cloth just swept past and went through things.


    They were trying to find a chair for Wraith, but on the account of his tail and the fact that he weighed nearly five hundred pounds. It was hard to accommodate him. Then Wraith used his ''Tech'' and dozens of blue robots came out from his shroud and built a chair out of nothing....NOTHING! Perry nearly lost his shit! Then he really did lose his mind. Before the interview began Wraith raised his arms and dark green tendrils extended from him. Touching everyone in the room, Perry felt light on his feet, his racing heart slowed. His body felt invigorated! He hadn''t felt this good in years! Shit! Shit! Perry had lost his mind!


    ================================================================


    Lash took a seat he specifically built to accommodate his transformed body. He could have regressed but he wanted people to continue to believe he was a creature that wasn''t human. It was important. The chair would fade after a few hours as well. Lash doubled down on his glamour creating a five senses illusion. Maybe he''d buy the Domain of Illusion after Rebirth. He even reached into the camera''s on the stage to ensure he was 100% Wraith. Clark was sitting on a chair next to him with a smile on his face. He and Lois didn''t have this much fan fare when they spoke. It was just late at night at Lois''s condo in the city. Lois, had several questions written down, had a laptop open in front of her. In less then ten minutes the Daily Planet had sent a online message that they were interviewing Agent Wraith of the UNWS, and Superman was sitting in with his friend. Their online blog and chat room blew up!


    Now, Lash was not doing this with out proper exercise and restraint. He had spoken to Juliana about it. He got permission from the Warden''s, and the super-natural communities. He just wouldn''t answer certain questions. Before they began Lash cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on the whole room. Lash and Clark could hear everyone''s hearts that jack hammered with nervous tension. Lois was fine. She was excited but had spent time with Superman her standard was a bit higher. But Lash made sure to include her in the spell. After everyone groaned and moaned in pleasure, Superman leaned over and whispered.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you could teach me that?¡± Clark said jokingly.


    ¡°Maybe, not sure if it will work with Kryptonian physiology but we can try.¡± Lash said, completely serious.


    He honestly wasn''t sure if Aliens could learn earth magic. Lash/Saurian only pretended to be Aliens. Though they were designed by a Cosmic being, they had been made here on Earth. Loop Holes? Clark leaned back, surprised. He had been completely joking but now was curious. Lois pushed her shoulders back and tried to forget what sound''s she had just made. She quickly wrote another question down.


    ¡°We are live in ten! Nine.....eight....seven......six.....five.....four.....three......two....¡± The studio manager said.


    ¡°Hello Metropolis, I am Lois Lane reporter for the Daily Planet. We understand this is an unorthodox occasion and we ask for your indulgence. Yes, Daily Planet is not a television news broad cast station, but due to heavy requests we are conducting this live. We have with us today. The Man of Steel, Superman! But, today''s focus is not on Metropolis resident hero but another. We present United Nations World Security, Agent Wraith. Gentlemen.¡± Lois introduced situation to the listeners. Lash stood up and bowed to the camera''s then sat back down. Clark looked amused and waved.


    ¡°So, Agent Wraith. Today you have volunteered to a full depth interview. This means that we can not only ask you any question we like, we can also take questions from our live stream viewers. However, you do have the right to not answer a question. Either for personal reasons, or because you are not allowed to. Under a government NDA. Is this true?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°Yes, its true. I will do my best to answer your questions. But understand that some secrets are not mine to share.¡± Lash replied. His gruff, primal, animalistic voice made several people in the studio jump in surprise. Clark, and oddly Lois had grown use to it.


    Lois glanced at the computer screen next to her. Lash had cast Connectivity and could see the screen as well. There was over a hundred thousand people in the stream chat, and the number was climbing! Perry called in more moderator''s to help keep the peace as well as pick out pertinent questions. Lois looked through her questions and started with the easier ones.


    ¡°Alright, lets start off with a few simple ones. Is Wraith your real name?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°No, Wraith is a code name that was selected due to my unique style of clothing. No, I am not allowed to tell you my civilian name. Yes, I do have one. Why can''t I? Protection, not only for myself but for the people I care about.¡± Lash responded and answered a few follow up questions that appeared on the chat window. Lois looked at him then at the screen. She realized that Wraith was reading the information even if he couldn''t see it. Another question to ask.


    ¡°How tall are you?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°Depends, but my standard height is approximately 6'' 4¡±. If any one has seen news footage of the Glades search and rescue operation there are several video''s of me enlarging or reducing my body mass to lift heavy objects or move into hard to reach places. Not all of us can lift entire planes into the sky to keep them from crashing.¡± Lash said, a bit of humor in his voice as he gestured towards Clark. Superman smiled at him and shrugged.


    ¡°Are you really an alien from another world?¡± Lois asked, this was an important question.


    ¡°Yes and no. I''ll explain. First let me give you an analogy. In several countries if individuals can make it across a border to live in a new home they are considered illegal aliens unless they apply for citizenship. However, if those individuals have a child with in the country. Even if those parents are not citizens that child is considered part of the country because they were born there. How does this have any relevancy to me? I am not human, but I was born on Earth.¡± Lash said. There was a collective gasp through the studio. Even Clark was surprised.


    Clark had been born on another planet, he had said this in his interview with Lois. He had been sent to earth as a child. He grew up here! But, he was still born on another planet. So by the written law he was considered an alien. But if you follow the law, that would mean that Lash was technically an Earth citizen. But of course humans were well known for skipping on certain aspects of their own laws when it was convenient for them.


    ¡°Where you born in America? Or another Country?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°I was born in America. Gotham City specifically.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°So that would make you an American citizen then?¡± Lois said with a smile. Then frowned at what Wraith said next.


    ¡°No, it wouldn''t. Why you may ask? Because of one simple reason, I am not human. The Laws created in America are specifically set for human''s and only humans. Why is this specific detail important? Because humanity will make it important. Humanity has a long, long history of discrimination against anything that looks even a little different from them. America has a sorted past of discrimination, intolerance, lack of acceptance. For simple things like ethnicity and religion. I am sure that you or any one watching can fully understand the issue''s people will have with an alien that doesn''t even look human¡± Lash replied, Lois, and Clark both looked like they had swallowed something sour. The chat room in the stream was blowing up with fallout, people rising to Wraith''s defense, and the standard hate mongers!


    ¡°Lets talk about your work with the United Nations. If you are not a recognized citizen of any country how can you work for World Security?¡± Lois asked, as she tried to move on.


    ¡°Temporary Worker Visa. I have a unique skill set, and abilities that others do not. I am allowed temporary citizenship so I could do my work. Why would I agree to this? Because I was guaranteed citizenship if I complete a tour of duty. I believe America practices this concept with their soldiers. Do they not?¡± Lash replied. This brought a smile to Lois face.


    ¡°So, essentially you are a foreigner attempting to gain citizenship. But instead of a specific country. You are attempting to join a planet''s United Government?¡± Lois said, sitting up straight. Clark was also interested in this answer.


    ¡°In simple terms, yes.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°How long is your tour?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°Ten years, I started my tour only a few months ago when I first started to appear. The incident in The Narrows in Gotham. I helped the FBI raid a sex trafficking and drug ring. What I was doing before that was essentially hiding. Any illegal immigrants in the world understand what it''s like to hide in the very nation you hope to live in. What reason do I have to hide?¡± Lash stood up, reached under his shroud and pulled his sleeve. Then he pulled his shroud back, so the camera''s could see his clawed, and heavy duty scaled flesh. The dark forest green scales glowed under the studio''s light.


    ¡°This is not a suit, this is my skin. I said before, humanity has a long history of discrimination.¡± Lash covered his arm back up, and pulled his shroud over. He took a seat and waited for the next question.


    ¡°So, that would mean in ten years you will be the first official non-human who is a citizen of the planet earth, and all its nations?¡± Lois said, stars were in her eyes now. She was going to make an article about this later.


    ¡°One can only hope.¡± Lash said. Clark smiled, he was on the stage as well but he was playing the support character right now.


    ¡°Lets take a few questions from our chat, some of you have been selected. Some of you have been banned permanently from the Daily Planet chat log in. Let see, Strawberryshortcake as asked. ''Why do you only seem to work in America, if you work for the United Nations shouldn''t you go everywhere the UN is allowed to travel?¡± Lois said, it was a good question.


    ¡°I have worked in other countries, you just don''t see news footage or video''s of me in those countries. Remember, a lot happens in the world. Very little of what happens is reported. Where is one of the places I have been that was not reported? Greece.¡± Lash said, a bit of humor in his voice. Clark choked and coughed a few times. Which drew the whole rooms attention sense Superman had never done that before. Clark was blushing now. Lash was sure more then a few hearts melted at the sight.


    ¡°You and Superman seem to have a good relationship. Have you two been friends long?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°A few months, but brothers and sisters in battle tend to grow into fast friends. Any soldier in the world can tell you that.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°We have another question here. Manatarm#3453 ''You re attached my leg in the Glades, thank you so much! Do you plan to visit hospital''s across the globe to do the same?¡± Lois was interested in this question.


    ¡°If the hospitals in the world would be willing to let me visit I would be more then happy to help. However, I don''t want people to believe I am on speed dial. I do have work to do. To answer another question I know many will ask. No, I don''t cure diseases. Cancer, Virus''s, STD''s etc. Why can''t I? Why can''t you? Maybe in the future we could figure out why together. But for now, this is what I am capable of.¡± Lash said.


    Lois began to ask more questions that went into his work, the specifics of his abilities and alien technology. He answered what he could, and was vague in certain places. He never revealed that he was actually using earth magic. That would just blow up this already tense moment. He even spoke about helping the United Nations with advanced technology, specifically how he was able to enhance the soldiers helping in the glades. That got a lot of people excited!


    ================================================================


    Sitting at the top floor of a high rise skyscraper was man sitting in a seventy eight thousand dollar Zoot business suit. He sat at a huge Parnian two hundred thousand desk, holding a omas phoenix platinum pen that was worth sixty grand. He idly tapped this expensive pen on the desk like it was nothing to him as he watched his computer. His shiny bald head reflected the sun light coming in from his majestic window. This was Alexander Joseph Luthor, or just Lex Luthor. His Sister Lena Kieran Luthor was sitting on the desk wearing an equally expensive eighty thousand dollar business attire. She acted like it was nothing special. They watched the online stream of Wraith being interviewed. Superman didn''t say a word the entire time, and only a few questions involved him. Wraith answered everything. The interview finished after about an hour, what they had watched was an edited video.


    ¡°What do you think, Lex?¡± Lena asked turning to look at her brother. Her deep brown, and slightly red hair fell across her shoulders. Lex leaned back in his chair, his eyes looking into the distance. But Lena was sure he was thinking a mile a minute.


    ¡°Interesting. An Alien working for the government in an attempt to gain citizenship here on Earth? I think the big blue boy scout should follow his example. What do your contacts say about him?¡± Lex turned to look at Lena.


    ¡°Pretty much everything he said in the interview. A few things are left out obviously. But he was pretty transparent at least with the written record. I don''t buy that he had just started working for the government. I think that only happened after Superman showed up.¡± Lena replied, getting off of Lex''s desk. She took a moment to stretch with a groan.


    ¡°Agreed, but who ever his handler is they did an excellent job at keeping him hidden. As for his abilities, as well as his technology. With out a doubt he will not tell us everything. Always good to keep your cards close to your chest, he would be a complete fool to share everything he has. That may be the only reason why the UN agreed to the idea. Accepting an Alien to become a citizen of a planet, they get a powerful agent as well as possible alien tech. That sounds amazing even to me.¡± Lex said, he stood up to look out the window that showed Metropolis in the setting of the sun''s light. Lena came up to him, wrapped her arms around his and leaned her head against his shoulder.


    ¡°Hmm, that was written in the report that they didn''t talk about. Wraith picks his own assignments. They can ask him for help. But if they ask him to do something he doesn''t want to. He doesn''t have to. He is a free agent!¡± Lena said, Lex''s eyes turned hard at that comment. He was about to reply when the phone on his desk beeped. His secretary would only bother him when Lena was visiting if it was important. Lena let go of his arm as he pressed the call button.


    ¡°I''m sorry to bother you Mr. Luthor. But....There is a guest here I believe you will want to talk to.¡± Mercedes, Luthor''s secretary said. Luthor narrowed his eyes, Mercedes was a well trained secretary that had combat training. She never hesitated when she spoke.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Lex asked, Lena looked over curious as well.


    ¡°A.... Agent Wraith from the United Nations World Security.¡± Mercedes said.


    There was a pin drop silence in the massive office. Lena had her mouth open wide as she stared at the phone as she expected it to sprout legs and run from the room! Lex stood up straight, put his arms behind his back and had a small smile on his face. He looked at his sister, and grinned at her. A rare moment to see past Lex''s mask. He nudged Lena who snapped out of her shock. He then turned back to the phone.


    ¡°Send him in Mercedes.¡± Lex said.


    ===============================================================


    Lash who wore his Wraith disguise looked at Mercedes. A strong woman who stood at about 5'' 9¡± with bronze skin, blond hair, and blue eyes. He watcher her with interest, his reptilian eyes danced up and down her body. Mercedes was a born warrior, but under the gaze of the Wraith she fidgeted to no end. Lash had shown up at Lex-Corp after the interview. He told Clark that he had some business to take care of. But thanked him for helping him with the interview. Clark was happy to help and flew back to Smallville he was technically on vacation there because Daily Planet excused him on the account of his father''s illness.


    ¡°Send him in, Mercedes.¡± Lex''s voice spoke over the intercom. Mercedes tried to not sigh in relief but the tension in her shoulders still eased up.


    ¡°Please, Agent Wraith right this way.¡± Mercedes stepped towards the door. She tried to not hurry her steps. Lash could tell he made her nervous, his shroud billowed around him as he walked after her.


    Lash entered an exceptionally large office, with huge windows on the entire western side of the office. There at the desk was the man himself. Lex Luthor, Super Villain of DC comics, and sometimes Super Hero. Depending on your dimension. Next to him was...Lena Luthor?! Well maybe in this comic origin Lex wont be such a dick! Lex was sitting at the desk with his fingers laced in front of him. Lena stood by Lex''s side watching Lash move towards them. More then once Lash saw her eyes move towards a computer on the desk. The computer was showing an infrared image of the office....The Wraith''s body heat didn''t show up on the camera, no... He didn''t show up at all! The camera only showed that Mercedes opened the door to show some one in. She walked in, and performed every action as if showing someone into the office. But there was not a single blip on the camera! Lex kept his eyes straight on Wraith but he saw the same thing Lena did. Lash stepped forward and bowed at a ninety degree angle towards Lex, and Lena.


    ¡°Alexander Joseph Luthor, Lena Kieran Luthor. Thank you for agreeing to meet me on such short notice. I am Agent Wraith of the United Nations World Security.¡± Lash''s voice as always was gruff, primal, and animalistic. It made Mercedes and Lena jump in surprise. But Lex kept his cool as he watched him.


    ¡°Tell me, Agent Wraith why has World Security come to see us today?¡± Lex said, he stayed seated.


    ¡°I said in my interview that I would be sharing technology. Lex-Corp is one of the leading tech-conglomerate in the world. I''ve come to share something with you.¡± Lash replied, Lex raised a single well groomed eye brow at that. Lena''s lips tugged up a bit. Mercedes''s eyes went a little wide but she was also in a more controlled state.


    ¡°What do you plan to share?¡± Lex said, intrigued.


    ¡°If you will allow me, I can give you a short demonstration. Can you call some one that is both trusted but also a little older with in your building? Say around fifties?¡± Lash asked. Lex thought about it for awhile then turned to Mercedes.


    ¡°Call Doctor Mikels here, Mercedes. On the double.¡± Lex said, Mercedes left in a quick but professional manner.


    Lash continued to stand in front of Lex, and Lena. Neither offered him a seat, and he didn''t ask. There was a visible tension in the room that could be cut with a knife. Lena continued to watch the camera, Lash knew that the security team in charge of the camera were trying to adjust, configure, or look for any hacking attempts. They even had little subtitles across the screen that said they couldn''t find the reason. Just for a bit of fun! The camera feed on the front door opened up and dozens of clowns rushed into the room! Throwing balloons, and confetti! Lena''s eyes went wide as she looked at the camera then up at the front door. Nothing. The lips on Lex''s face tugged upwards a bit. With in thirty seconds the actual door burst inwards as security personal rushed in! Only to pause and look around confused.


    ¡°Ahahahahaha! False alarm gentlemen, I believe Agent Wraith was testing our security. Please return to your stations.¡± Lex waved his men off, who left just as confused as they arrived.


    ¡°Please Agent Wraith, you''ll have to tell me how you did that one day.¡± Lex said, he looked back at the camera feed. The clowns were setting up a bouncy castle and were putting on a show for some kids that wondered in.


    ¡°One day, If I may speak bluntly sir?¡± Lash asked. Lex gestured for him to continue.


    ¡°I sincerely hope we can work together in the future for the betterment of this world.¡± Lash said, he was serious about it. He had always like the comic origins where Lex helped the justice league. Maybe he was just a sucker for redemption arcs. Lena looked surprised, and smiled at Lash. Lex''s lips tugged upwards just a bit.


    After a few more minutes a well dressed but older man came in with Mercedes. Mercedes looked confused as she looked around the room for evidence of ''clowns'' that the security guards told her about. The clowns in the security feed continued to put on a show. Lions, tigers, and bears were walking in a circle with small children riding on them. Then they all stopped turned to the camera bowed, and faded from sight like ghosts. Lex glanced at the camera then back at Wraith.


    ¡°Doctor Mikels, this is Agent Wraith from the United Nations World Security. He is here to give a demonstration of alien Technology he said he would be helping us with.¡± Lena said to the Doctor who was gawking at Wraith. The man was practically vibrating with excitement!


    ¡°Yes of course! Mr, and Miss Luthor! I would be happy to help!¡± Dr. Mikels said. Lash turned to him.


    ¡°Dr Mikels, what are you trained in?¡± Lash asked, his voice made the Doctor jump in surprise.


    ¡°I...Cough I am trained in Bio Chemistry, and Genetics!¡± Mikels replied.


    ¡°Good, this will actually be easier to explain. How old are you, Doctor Mikels?¡± Lash stepped closer to him. Mikels held his ground.


    ¡°I am fifty eight this year.¡± Mikels said, he was an older man with wrinkles a plenty salt and pepper hair, a bit of balding on his head. He wore half crescent glasses. Overall he looked healthy looking but his age was showing.


    Lash raised his claws out in a predatory fashion. Mercedes took an automatic step between Lash and the Luthor''s. Then dark green and blue particles came from Lash. He used his glamour to make the particles look like tiny machines. Soon the glow swallowed Mikels, Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Restoration, Panacea, and Return Youth. With in less then a minute the particles returned to Lash. Mikels looked visibly younger. His hair was less gray, a lot of his wrinkles were gone. He breathed easier, and stood up straighter. Mikels was looking at his hands, at this skin. He felt his face, and took his glasses off. He didn''t need them any more! Lex, Lena, and Mercedes looked at him wide eyed!


    ¡°I have ''fixed'' you, and granted you ten extra years of youth. Unfortunately, I can not grant you more then ten years. That is beyond my current capabilities. But maybe we can work together in the future to change that.


    Mikels then spent the next hour and grilled Lash with questions, who answered them some what vaguely. But the best subject matter would be a physical representation. What Lash had just done was scientifically impossible. But Mikels was the living proof that it could happen. At last Mikels was excused to his lab to start his work. Wraith spent another thirty or so minutes with the Luthor''s. He cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Restoration, Panacea, and Return Youth on Lex, Lena, and Mercedes. Lash answered questions, but never gave a direct answer, even with Mikel''s. Lex and Lena realized that he never would. But the idea that it was possible! That was why he came here today. Lash was acting the part of a teacher. Guiding, helping, but never outright telling them the answer. Lash soon excused himself, said he had to visit Wayne Enterprises next.


    ================================================================


    Off to the side of the giant office, Lena lay across the extremely expensive coach. Her high heels were off and her legs were kicked up. Lex sat across from her, he looked at his hands as he clenched them into fists over and over again.


    ¡°How do you feel, Lex?¡± Lena said, she bit her lips remembering the feeling of those dark green little ''robots'' that covered her. She chose to forget the noises that she made, but wanted to tease her brother for the things he said at the moment.


    ¡°Great! Better then I''ve felt in years. In fact I don''t think I''ve ever felt this good.¡± Lex stopped looking at his hands so he could speak to his sister. Lex''s mind was working hundred miles a minute. After Wraith left they had a full medical scan done on them by a team of scientists.


    Muscles, bones, organs, brain function were all heightened! The effect would last several hours maybe even days! Bone cartilage had been refilled, tiny stress fractures in their bones fixed, muscles and tendons renewed and repaired. Like a God came from heaven an just remade them! This was a miracle of modern medicine. The Wraith just snapped his claws and could do this to any one? The Wraith said he had planned to give specific technologies to specific companies. So Lex-Corp got this, he also said he would be back again to show them new things. Queen Industries got renewable energy designs. Like solar panels, wind turbines, but were 50% more effective. Merlyn industries get a chemical formula that can turn trash into liquid concrete and quick time construction that was as strong as steel, and was easy to produce. Wayne tech was getting a telecommunication project, Wraith had simply pointed at their security camera feed and laughed. Lex-Corp was getting medicine.


    The computer terminal in Lex''s office beeped. He reached for the controller on the table between him and Lena. Then a flat screen TV came down from the ceiling. It was the early report of Dr Mikels. His blood work and analysis. His DNA had been revitalized, it wasn''t a hoax! He was ten years younger! He had no idea how it worked, but the very idea that it could opened up a lot of doors!


    ¡°Eh.... I guess we should call Agent Wraith our Golden Goose, right Lex?¡± Lena said, reading the information.


    ¡°Yes, we should.¡± Luthor said, things were changing.


    =================================================================


    Lash spent a few hours in transit, by the time he came back to Gotham it was eight o''clock in the evening. He went straight to Wayne Enterprises, he still wore his Wraith Shroud. He had actually decided to run into town from the Warden HQ. He needed some exercise. He camouflaged himself along the way so he wouldn''t scare any one. He had to admit Gravity Stride was useful, he would run along buildings, under bridges, jump between spaces flipping his gravity. He would do flips, and twists to orient himself. He wouldn''t lie, he had for the first few....hundred times he actually fell flat on his face. With his gravity switched out he crashed into buildings. He spent time to repair the damage and moved on.


    Lash landed near Wayne Enterprises, he wanted to meet Bruce but he got the suspicion that he had already left. But he did know that another man was here. Lucius Fox. When he was right in front of the building he pulled his nature spells off, but kept his Wraith shroud. Several people shouted in surprise as he walked in. Wayne Industries was like a giant black obsidian tower. The W was bright red, and the building was designed to be black in color. Even the office windows had a tint to them. You needed a multi security pass to get through the front door normally. But the doors opened up automatically for Lash. They were happy to see him, he gave them a bit of Technomancy energy which they fed on like excitable puppies. He walked past the front desk, the security guards got up to stop him but the VIP elevator opened up and a call came down.


    ¡°Let him come up, I know what he is here for.¡± Mr. Fox said on the line. The guards stopped then just watched as the Alien Wraith went to the VIP elevator.


    The door''s closed and the VIP elevator zipped to the top floors quickly. The elevator groaned slightly at Lash''s weight. The elevator stopped on a floor the was close to the top. Lash knew this was not Mr Fox''s floor so... The door opened and he saw two familiar faces. Monica, and Shevalla. Both of them looked at him in surprise! Then walked into the elevator and took it to the top floor.


    ¡°So....You two work for Bruce now?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes, we are in charge of the HR department. Or, rather the super-natural resource department.¡± Monica said.


    ¡°We also work with deals between different super-natural businesses. Since we have a natural immunity to certain charms given our innate nature. Zatanna suggested it, Bruce accepted.¡± Shevalla said.


    ¡°We saw your interview. You know if you succeed and get full citizenship then its possible for all super-natural''s to go that route. Maybe one day we won''t have to hide.¡± Monica said softly, a smile on her face.


    ¡°That was the plan.¡± Lash said. Monica and Shevalla both looked at him. Then looked back at the door.


    The elevator opened up, and all three of them walked towards Mr. Fox''s office. The secretary greeted both the women but was terrified of Lash. The door opened up, and Mr Fox stepped out. Lash looked forward to working with Fox. He was a well liked character in the DC universe. A cultured, educated black man with salt and peppered hair, a lithe academic build. With a grandfather aura. He wore a business suit with a bow tie. He gestured for the ladies and Lash to enter.


    Fox took his seat behind his modest but expensive desk. Fox was always a minimalist in the comics. Seemed he was one here too. Monica and Shevalla both took a seat together, they sat intimately close to one another. They treated each other like friends, family, or lovers depending on the minute, hour, or day. Lash was sure they had turned more then a few mundane heads men and women alike. Lash continued to wear his disguise as he looked at Fox, then he turned to the women. Shevalla looked back, then recognition dawned on her.


    ¡°Mr Fox is a pseudo-mundane. He knows that you are a Warden in Gotham.¡± Shevalla said. Lash deactivated his glamour, and returned to his default state. He then bowed to Fox giving the etiquette of a Warden. Mr Fox smiled at him.


    ¡°Heard a lot about you Mr Lash. Don''t worry the office is shielded. I''m told by both magic and technology. So, word on the grape vine is that Agent Wraith is going around to several major companies in the US and giving out technology. What will Wayne industries get?¡± Fox rubbed his hands together.


    Lucius Fox was a brilliant administrator for business. He could run Wayne Enterprises better then even Bruce would. But, his heart would always be in research and development. He loved making new things. Lash opened his hands and called on the Domains of Technomancy, and Transmutation. He cast Fabrication, Compression Transformation, and Alteration channeling his magic he nearly depleted his entire energy reserve. Sweat was pouring from him, and his face grew pale. Then the machine he built was complete, well two machines. He took a long slow breath. Fox looked at him with concern. Monica and Shevalla had both stood up together and helped Lash keep his balance. They both gave him a comforting squeeze before they took their seats again.


    The machines were a pair of wrist watches. A lot like smart watches. He handed one to Mr Fox, and asked one of the women to give the other to Mr Fox Secretary. She did, curious what this was. Fox put the watch on. After he activated the watch a hologram projector appeared above the watch. It had a interface along with a single phone number. This alone was impressive. Lash turned his Wraith shroud on for safety. He told Fox to call the number. After a few rings, Fox''s secretary''s upper half appeared over the watch. If anyone was in the other room, they would see the top half of Fox on the secretary''s watch. Lash had magically created a holographic telephone and computer. He used magic to create it, but even after the magic was gone it still worked. Every piece of material in the computer could be found here on earth. They had just no idea you could use the materials in this way.


    ¡°How I did it, I can''t tell you. But feel free to reverse engineer it. A smart man like you Mr Fox and you''ll have it figured out before next winter.¡± Lash said, Fox had a short conversation with his secretary, he had a wide smile on his face. He soon ended the call and looked at Lash.


    ¡°Hot damn, I think this will be fun!¡± Fox grinned.

 Chapter 44: Wolf West

    Lash had returned home after visiting Mr Fox. He was mentally exhausted though his body was fine. He entered through the underground passage of Gotham''s sewers, when he walked into his home the security system told him people were waiting for him. He thought it was Isabella and Elizabeth. Well he was half right, when he walked into the main room he saw them both along with Althea the Amazon envoy, and her two guards Cora, and Elena. Althea and her people were dressed in a combination of civilian attire and Amazon casual. Imagine boots and sandals, with cloths or leather skirts wide enough to run in. Leather and cloth corset, that tied around their necks. It was both exotic, and appealing. Of course all Amazon women were good looking.


    Lizzy walked up and hugged Lash, she was wearing cotton pj''s and a cute little number with fluffy bunny slippers. Lizzy felt different, and it was not the Pack Bond effects. Though the skill buff had deactivated. The limiter in her body was removed. She felt different, he hadn''t noticed it before. Maybe he didn''t want to. He looked over at Althea who looked back.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡± Althea said. Lizzy let go of Lash. She squeezed his hand and pulled him to come sit at the table. Lash did as instructed he sat at one end with Lizzy and Isabella. Althea, Cora, and Elena sat at the other end of the dinning room table.


    ¡°It seems this is the second time I''ve made a mistake with your family, though each time was unintentional. I''ve come to explain why Queen Hippolyta, and Princess Diana gave the medallion of recognition and adopted Elizabeth Shaw into the Amazon family.¡± Althea spoke softly and passed several pieces of information to Lash.


    Lash read through the report and his fears were realized. He understood why Lizzy was different. Why the Amazon''s did what they did. Elizabeth Shaw had been changed from a mundane into a creature of magic. Because of Lash and Saurian. Lash clenched his hands into firsts, and ground his teeth. His eyes turned reptilian and energy pressure filled the room that almost suffocated everyone present.


    ¡°Its our fault. We did this to her....¡± Lash and Saurian''s voice said at the same time.


    Lizzy snagged his hand and squeezed, a look of pleading was in her eyes. Lash/Saurian pulled back their ''pressure'' and everyone could breath again. Isabella, Althea, Cora, and Elena all looked at Lash with surprise. The level of magical energy he just poured out was impressive! It had been little over a month since Althea had last seen Lash but his growth was on par with a monster! She audibly swallowed, Cora and Elena instinctively scooted their chairs away from him. It wasn''t to long ago that they could have squished Lash like a bug. Now, they weren''t sure who would win even if all three of them attacked at the same time.


    ¡°Those who use magic have the ability to twist, turn, warp, and bend reality. Some magic users manipulate, others call. But what is well known is once you begin to store magical energy in your body you become in essence a magical container or in your case a magical creature. You can be 100% human and still be a magical creature.¡± Althea said, this information was mostly for Lizzy. But Althea also said it to help move the situation forwards.


    ¡°When your container grows to full you begin to leak ambient energy into your surrounding area. This is common! That is why those that practice magic generally use their power consistently to prevent this from happening. Also, those that practice with this energy be it from casting magic, or being a were-breed can learn to ''flex'' or seal the container while they converse with mundanes. This is important because their energy can...Change those around them with over exposure.¡± Althea said, looking at Lash who was breathing intensely. His skin was peeling away to reveal scales. Lash wasn''t angry at her, he was angry at himself.


    ¡°But....¡± Althea began but Lash finished.


    ¡°You are my family, Lizzy. When I''m alone with you I relax and this is what caused it. My ambient energy washed over you. However, this alone would not necessarily cause the change. Its a hundred thousand against one chance that some one changes due to super-natural ambient energy absorption. Unless....¡± Lash said, as Lizzy turned to look at him.


    ¡°Unless a catalyst is introduced. Like visiting a magical island...¡± Isabella spoke at that point. She reached for Lash, after a moment of hesitation she held his clenched hand.


    ¡°So, is that why I was sick when I first showed up on Themyscira? I thought I got a tropical bug or something?¡± Lizzy said, she was still in the process of absorbing the information.


    ¡°Your body went through a fever to adapt to the new changes. Lash was already important then, but we would have never broken the pact of information between Mundanes and Wardens with out a damn good reason. This was a good reason. When our healers saw the change we moved you to a controlled environment and started to train you.¡± Althea spoke again.


    ¡°Raising your bodies physical limit through the magic of the Amazon''s we were able to stabilize your internal energy.¡± Althea said softly, but did not finish her thought.


    ¡°The change should have killed you. It kills most people that go through it abruptly. That''s why those that go through such a change are in a controlled enviroment. The same thing happened to Blood-Kindred when we first start to convert. I nearly died when they first started to change me.¡± Isabella said. She looked at Lizzy with troubled eyes.


    ¡°Thank you for saving my sister. I don''t hold any animosity towards you Althea or the Amazons. I''ll make a public statement, this was my fault.¡± Lash said, as he looked at Althea. She nodded but he could tell a small weight had been lifted off her shoulders.


    Lash didn''t waste any time, he accessed his phone through Connectivity and made the statement in his Warden File, and sent the necessary information to Skaleg, and Warden HQ. The Warden''s already knew this information, they had discovered it when they showed up to brief Lizzy. But, Lash''s statement saying it was his fault was a good move. It would hurt Lash''s reputation, but it would put the Amazon''s in the clear. Which would help any political hurt feelings all around. But, this would be ammunition the communities could use against Lash in the future. A ''Skeleton in the closet'' scenario. If the Warden can''t control himself around his loved ones, how can you expect him to control himself when he is in the field?


    ¡°So what happens now?¡± Lizzy said, her voice quiet and unsure. This was so unlike Lizzy. She was normally loud, upfront, and confident. But this was so far out of her awareness.


    ¡°You are no longer a mundane Elizabeth Shaw. Now, we start the long process of training you on keeping the secret between the super-naturals and the mundanes. Though the world still believes Wraith is an alien they wont always. We hope one day that super-natural''s will no longer have to hide. But that day will be a long time to come.¡± Althea said. Her voice gentle when speaking to Lizzy. They were Amazon sisters now.


    ¡°You should go back to Themyscira, the Amazon''s have a warrior graduate program you can go through. Normally Blood-Kindred wouldn''t be allowed on the island, but if Isabella were to strike up the nerve to give you the engagement ring she''s been carrying around then legally she could come with you.¡± Lash said in flat tone, but a smile crept up his face.


    Isabella looked aghast at Lash, her eyes wide and a blush crawling up her face. Elizabeth looked surprised at Lash then at Isabella. Althea, Cora, and Elena couldn''t process the sudden subject change. They looked like a deer caught in the head lights. Wide eyed and confused about the bright light heading towards them.


    ¡°LASH! How do you know about that!¡± Isabella screamed at him.


    ¡°What do you mean, how does he know about that!? Are you really carrying a ring right now!?¡± Lizzy shouted at Isabella. Lizzy''s face was turning red as a tomato, it matched her hair!


    ¡°Althea, I apologize for this loop hole in the legal system. But I know that Elizabeth and Isabella are in love. I hope Queen Hippolyta will allow this.¡± Lash kept a poker face, even as Lizzy and Isabella were punching him in his arms at this point. At the mention of the Queen''s name Althea seem to wake up. She processed the information and smiled.


    ¡°Excuse me for a brief moment, I was told to contact the Queen as soon as we finished the conversation. I can ask.¡± Althea had a smile on her face as she watched her adopted sister beat on Lash.


    Althea excused her self from the table. Lash stood up, and continued to play punching bag for Isabella, and Lizzy. The situation was still tense, and blame fell squarely on Lash''s and Saurian''s shoulders. They were the problem! The Pack Bond released the limiters placed in people. But it didn''t give them powers! A mundane would still be a mundane! They would just be optimized, their body would work more efficiently, the body would have more potential to grow! Lash was worried what effect that would have on an alien like Superman, or a meta-human like Flash.


    ¡°Sister, please let me show you. You have to swing with your hips. That is where the power is!¡± Cora came over to help Lizzy ''punish'' Lash. She even demonstrated by putting a bit of strength into the punch. Though she frowned at the impact.


    ================================================================


    Princess Diana was sitting in the throne room with her Queen Mother, Hippolyta. Althea was reporting the situation with Warden Lash and his partner Saurian. Diana had been worried about what Lash would say. She had only known Lash for a short while, but he was a good man. Good men were in very short supply on mother Gaia. From the conversation that Althea reported it seemed Lash truly held no animosity towards the Amazons even took full blame for the event. True to his word, as soon as he said he would make a public statement his Warden File had been updated, and the Information site reported what had happened. This would drastically hurt the Warden Lash''s reputation. But place the Amazons not only in the clear, but in a better light for noticing the change and saving the very new super-natural that Warden Lash nearly killed.


    In the grand scheme of things the incident was small, and would not pose any really problems. But, Warden Lash was pure and clean like fallen snow. He had no blemishes, no marks, so naturally even the smallest of mistakes would lead people to notice. Politics! Diana hated politics! When Althea reported that Warden Lash encouraged that Elizabeth Shaw should return and perform the Warrior graduation event for young Amazons it delighted Diana! She liked Lizzy, and could see a lot of Lash in her. A lot of her was in Lash. They were family after all. But at the mention of Isabella, the Blood-Kindred along with the loop hole in engagement she frowned. Diana then looked up at her mother only to be surprised. Her mother was smiling.


    ¡°We agree, this Isabella will be a...test for Blood-Kindred. Though the Kindred must understand that Sister Elizabeth is here to train. Not to be on vacation. Also tell Warden Lash that we appreciate his candor and his commitment to being a good Warden. A good Warden, and a good man is a rare thing in today''s world. Inform him that he is welcome to visit his sister as well.¡± Queen Hippolyta said to Althea.


    The throne room was quiet enough to hear a butterfly fluttering its wings. Diana blinked at her mother in astonishment. Was this really her mother? Wait, something must have happened! What was it? What''s happened lately that would make mother act this way?


    ¡°Also inform him that the New Nation of Themyscira recognized by the United Nations looks forward to Agent Wraith''s visit to spread new information and technology across the world.¡± Queen Hippolyta said with a broad smile.


    Diana''s eyes went wide! That''s right! Wraith is suppose to visit the influential countries of the world! But Themyscira was originally not part of that list. But now it would be! This would be a show for the rest of the world not to doubt their island nation! Mother! Always thinking ahead!


    ==============================================================


    A ''play'' fight was currently in the process in Lash home when Althea came back into the room. Isabella, Elizabeth, Cora, and Elena all threw kicks, and punches at Lash. Lash for the most part just tanked the hits. Lizzy and Bella were throwing as much weight into their attacks as they could and the only result was hurting themselves. Cora, and Elena could use far more skill than this but didn''t. They had to admit Lash made a good punching bag. Althea looked at them in mild amusement, put her communication talisman away then with out waiting for an invitation joined in the fight. Thankfully Lash''s whole building had been reinforced with magic. A dozen air to ground missiles could fire on this building and it could still stand.


    ¡°Her Majesty will agree as long as she makes a single alteration. As long as Agent Wraith agrees to visit The Island Nation of Themyscira to educate and share alien technology with them.¡± Althea called as she swung her fists, and kicks into Lash. Lash could only block one out of five attacks. But all three of the Amazon''s noticed he was getting better as the fight continued.


    ¡°Themyscira was not originally part of the technology tour because Wraith has nothing to show them. But, by going there publicly will create a situation in the UN. A new nation recently recognized now has access to Alien tech when other older nations don....Oh. That is why.¡± Lash, said as he put the pieces together. Politics.


    ¡°Ummm, can you explain for those who are new to the scene?¡± Lizzy said, she kicked out with her leg just the way Elena showed her. Lash easily side stepped and Lizzy lost her balance falling into Bella. They both panicked, falling over into a mess.


    ¡°Wraith is suppose to travel across the world to selected Nations of power and influence and give them ''Alien'' tech to help further their advancement. Themyscira was originally not part of the tour because they are too new. There are many older, all be it smaller nations that should be next in line. But if Wraith makes an appearance at Themyscira that would mean that the UN, and the ''Alien'' takes the island nation seriously.¡± Cora said to Lizzy, as she helped her and Bella off the ground. Then became wide eyed as Elena was thrown at her when she failed to take down Lash.


    Althea was alone now, she threw a left hook and it was blocked by Lash''s forearm. She moved in close to knee him between the legs. Lash quickly closed his legs, and caught her knee. He twisted his body which abruptly catapulted her off to the side. She stumbled, surprised by how her center of gravity was flipped so easily. Cora and Elena then moved to Lash''s exposed back, but he twisted like a snake out of their attack.


    Lash got experience prompts from, Minor Damage Resistance, Skill Trainer, Awaken Trait, Minor Natural Energy Absorption, Danger Sense...Which evolved into Basic Danger Sense. OK, they skipped a level. He''d have to ask Dawn about that, maybe it was a bug. Then he got a prompt for gaining experience with Intermediate Martial Arts, Minor Energy Manipulation, and Minor Super Human Stamina. When he twisted and flipped Althea off her balance he got a single point of experience in Gravity Stride? Wait, could he flip his opponents gravity? Cool. It was after that, the the Amazon''s started to attack Lash for real. Lizzy and Bella just stood off to the side holding their sides, and wincing as they watched the fight.


    ¡°But, he''s not actually giving Alien technology away. Isn''t he just using...Magic? Wow, I really just said that didn''t I? My brother knows magic....¡± Lizzy said to her self. Bella gave her a comforting squeeze.


    ¡°No, he''s not. But he''s primarily using his Domains of Technomancy, and Transmutation. There are many things science can learn from magic. Even if they never learn how to channel or cast spells. The mere fact that the universe can be shaped in such a way opens up new possibilities and idea''s to the mundanes. The mundanes are still trying to figure out how to explore the universe and go to another planet. When the super-natural sorcerers and mages have crafted portals to separate dimensions centuries ago.¡± Bella said to her....Fiancee. Lizzy wasn''t wearing the ring because they had been punching Lash.


    ¡°Wait! We can go to other dimensions!?¡± Lizzy called out.


    The entire upper floor of the building vibrated with the clash of a fight between Lash and the Amazons. More then once the Gargoyle''s looked inside confused. Lash assured them they were just training. The stone sentinels went back to their posts. The Griaks watched with amusement. Elena swung her fists as fast and as hard as she could, she concentrated on his limbs. Cora danced around the group and would strike with her leg when ever Lash was open to an attack. Althea would move into the grapple and attempt to pull Lash down after Elena struck his joints and limbs. Lash slithered, and moved his body like a contortionist. During the whole fight he had never once struck back! He would throw them off of him but he was purely on evasion and defense.


    Four hours went by when finally Althea collapsed onto the floor of Lash''s home. She was soaked in her own sweat, her cloths stuck to her body creating a very enjoyable sight. Elena, and Cora were much the same. They panted, and gasped for breath. Sweat pooled around them. Lizzy, and Bella had moved a coach around so they could watch the fight. Lash felt that if they had a stat screen they would have seen experience gain for learned skills. Lash despite the work out breathed normally He didn''t even sweat! Which he had to admit was odd. -Sweating leaves a smell, smell can lead to being tracked. We don''t sweat! Saurian said softly. Ah, that made perfect sense!


    ¡°Beloved Sister, would you please show your new Sisters to my bathroom so they can get cleaned up? Bring their cloths to me, I can clean them with a spell.¡± Lash suggested. Lizzy and Bella both became wide eyed and looked at the sexy Amazon''s with the eyes of lewd predators watching prey.


    Lash laughed at the sight. Lizzy and Bella loved each other, but apparently didn''t mind sharing as long as they were together. He was not sure what kind of sexuality was on Themyscira, but he was sure they would have fun on the island together. The ladies all excused themselves into Lash''s bedroom, with in seconds giggling and squeals of glee were heard. Lash rolled his eyes. He began to use Repair on his damaged home. After a few minutes Bella came back into the room wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around her. Her hair was wet, she came over and put every ones cloths on a table. Before she left, she raced over to Lash pressed her self against him. Far more then she needed to, but Lash didn''t stop her. She kissed his cheek, winked at him and fled back to his bedroom. She ''accidentally'' dropped her towel midway so he could see her entire seductive back side.


    Despite the seeing Bella''s caramel skin, hourglass figure, and perfect ass. Lash didn''t get a hard on. Nor was he tempted to visit the ladies in the room even if their was a 1% chance they''d invite him. Some part of his brain, maybe the reptile in him said this was all normal. He used Immaculate, and Repair on the cloths of his women. He then put all the cloths at the tail edge of the door to his bedroom.


    Lash then did something he had not done in a while. He went to his Art Studio, he walked in but didn''t close the door. He activated the shudders though. Not that long ago Bruce Wayne asked if he would like to put one of his art pieces into a museum that Selina would be the art curator for. Bruce offered to buy the piece from him, Bruce could afford it. Then he remembered two exceptionally beautiful women that he had recently met. He smiled as his skill Artist activated. He began to use Fabrication to create marble, obsidian, rose quartz, silver, gold, rubies, emeralds, amber and sapphires. He used his skills Material Shaping, Advanced Crafting, and Minor Energy Manipulation. Then to top it all off he used Essence Imbuement.


    What stood before him was two beautifully stone carved women, both wearing simple shawls to cover their near naked forms. As waves crashed behind them into the rocky beach. Monica''s likeness had pale marble skin, with golden trimmed hair, emerald green eyes. Her gold hair fell across her face in a half mask, and she had a flirtatious smile, her lips had a near lip gloss of rose quartz. She played her right hand across her naked shoulders. Her left hand on her waist that was cocked to one side. The shawl wrapped around her breasts, and hips. But barely hide anything, in fact Lash had drawn the detail of her naked form then placed the shawl over her. The shawl was made from a fine blue quartz material that created a starlight imagery.


    Shevalla''s likeness was marble with silver etched fish scales that were so tiny that you had to really look to see them. She had amber stone hair that was swepped over the other side of her face. The opposite side of Monica so the two of them could ''watch'' one another. Shevalla had emerald green eyes just like Monica. Shevalla stuck her chest out, her legs apart as she took a stance of defiance. Her lips had the same rose quartz lip gloss on them. Her right hand made a come hither motion. While her left traced between her breasts. the shawl was the same as Monica''s a blue starlight quartz that was wrapped around her breasts and hips.


    Both women had a perfect golden ratio hour glass figure. The long line of their legs, abdomen excited the eyes! The muscle tone was carefully crafted, and etched into their skin. Because of Essence Imbuement the statues had a life of their own. Their eyes seem to follow Lash as he moved around, shaping them with even more detail. Then he got his creation prompt.


    A expertly crafted stone, metal, and jewel statue, six feet tall and six feet wide.


    Name: A Siren''s Lure.


    Rating: C+


    Effects: It has the power to entrance, beguile, and seduce all that look at it. Male or Female. Those with weak mental resistance could be caught staring for hours on end.


    Effects: The statue it self will paint a fantasy for anyone who wishes to be trapped by it. -''Wet dream waiting to happen!''


    Comments: You''ve created a statue that is capable of capturing, seducing, and making love to any one that stares at it to long! Careful, such things may lead to a more...Creative art outlet.


    The fight with Amazon''s didn''t break Lash. But now? He was sweating, gasping for breath, and sitting in a chair trying to focus his eyes. He had no idea how long this took, but it was worth it. The soft patter of clapping was heard behind him, he turned to see Lizzy standing in his art room next to an open door. Along with the rest of the women. They all clapped lightly, but were entranced by the statue. Eventually they all stopped clapping, and just stared at it. Lash watched them with mild amusement because he could smell their arousal. Then after about twenty or so minutes all five women had a small orgasm that made them all shudder in pleasure. Then what ever spell they were under broke. Each of the women blushed harder then Lash thought possible and they fled the room. Presumably to clean up. Lash looked back at the statue, it was beautiful, but he was not entrapped by anything. The statue''s, or rather the faces of the Siren''s did seem to be smiling at him. But that was it. Lash took a moment to carve the name of the statue at the bottom. ''A Siren''s Lure.''


    Lash checked his phone only to be surprised! It was dawn, which meant during Winter it was about seven or eight in the morning. He shrugged, took several pictures of the statue and sent them to Selina. ''Statue for the museum that Bruce and you are opening.'' After less then a minute he got a reply. ''OMG! WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT!'' Then about a minute later. ''I felt like I was on a beach with two beautiful women who were willing to do anything I wanted with them. Christ! Lash what spell is on that!?'' Selina texted back. Well that was strange, Lash didn''t expect it to work through a phone. Ah! Since he has Technomancy it seemed like the effect went through electronics. Interesting.


    ''There isn''t any spell per say on it. It''s just imbued with my magical essence. A lot of spell casters do that for their art work. I''m happy you liked the effect.'' Lash replied through his phone. Then Selina replied, ''Lash, you want to put this in the Wayne art Museum? We may have to sell moist towels, or private viewing boxes for it.'' Then she sent a heart eye emoji. Lash finished up speaking to Selina. He arranged for a pick up via Griak''s. Selina would be there to pick it up at the Museum, to which Lash had missed the grand opening of. He winced and apologized to Selina. She told him it was during the Starling City incident, she understood why he didn''t make it. But made him promise to come visit with her when he was free. She knew that ''Wraith'' was suppose to tour the world this week. Lash then sent a message to Monica and Shevalla. He told them he made a statue that was inspired after them. It would be in the Wayne Art Museum in two days. Oddly, Monica replied with in a few seconds.


    ''Can we see a picture?'' Lash thought about it, then set the same photo''s he took for Selina and send them. After about five minutes he got a call...


    ¡°Hello?¡± Lash said


    ¡°Lash....If you wanted alone time with us you could have just asked.¡± Monica said, Lash could tell he was on speaker. In the background he heard the unmistakable sound of Shevalla moaning.


    ¡°I wasn''t sure the effect go through the phone, let alone be effective against the people it was modeled after.¡± Lash said, he was honestly surprised. Then he remembered one of the effects. ''Any one who wishes to be trapped by it'' Ohhhhhhh. So it wasn''t about having mental resistance! It was if you wanted to be or not.


    ¡°So, this is going to be donated to the Wayne Art Museum? There are zero spells on it? Just your magical imbuement?¡± Monica said softly.


    ¡°Yes, I made it with in the confines of Warden Law. When I saw the two of you last night, I was inspired to create the statue.¡± Lash replied. Then he heard Shevalla climax in the background. Monica sighed softly. Shevalla''s breathless voice soon came over the phone.


    ¡°Lash.... I heard that you were specifically waiting for Jessabell to be free of Queen Mab. She will be your first super-natural, is that right?¡± Shevalla said.


    ¡°Wait!Why do you know about that! Does every one know that?!¡± Lash asked shocked.


    ¡°Lash you are highly prized by a lot of women, and men for that matter. However, the reason why you don''t have a long line of women waiting at your front door is out of respect for the Winter Queen. When she found out about your plan to wait for Jessabell she made a decree that no one is touch you until her host Jessabell does. So, I''ll make this as clear as possible. Monica and I will allow you to show this beautiful statue of us in public ''if''...Only ''if''. You have sex with us. Both of us, at the same time! Understood?¡± Shevalla said.


    ¡°Wh...a........t.....Why do I feel like there is more going on than I know? Why is having sex with me so important?¡± Lash asked. Monica laughed, and Shevalla giggled.


    ¡°Do you agree?¡± Shevalla asked. Lash didn''t really have a reason to say no. Jessabell and him were not in a monogamist relationship. He understood that. In fact he could guarantee that she wouldn''t care.


    ¡°Sure, but only if you two want too. I feel like there is more going on than I understand.¡± Lash said, unsure of himself.


    ¡°Ahaha! Yes, Lash we have every desire to share a bed with you! You have our complete consent! Now, please excuse us! Thanks to that statue we need to have our morning sex, again!¡± Shevalla hung up the phone.


    Lash looked at his phone in confusion. He looked back up at the statue to admire his work. He got up and went out of his art studio. He went to the balcony, along the way he heard the seductive and suggestive moans of the five women in his apartment having a good time in his bedroom. He opened the balcony door, told the Griak''s about the delivery. They flew into house to start their work. With in a few minutes they came back out with a ''tiny'' version of the statue. Lash had no idea how it worked, but the Griak''s could decrease the size of things, and this also removed the weight. He''d have to learn about it later. He closed the balcony door, sat down on his living room coach that had been turned around so Lizzy and Bella could watch the fight. He was lost in thought as he heard several women scream in climax.


    Althea was the first to come out. She wore one of Lash''s buttoned up shirts, and apparently nothing else. She looked at Lash and smiled at him, she walked over with a seductive sway to her hips. She tucked her knees under her and nestled against Lash. Her head on his shoulders. She smelled sweet, with the right combination of sweat and the sensual scent of sex. Her finger''s danced up and down Lash''s chest. Lash was watching the sun rise outside his balcony window, the Griak''s flutter back and forth during their deliveries.


    ¡°Most men would have tried to join, or been so turned on they would have sought to watch or relieve themselves. But not you. I''ve heard were-breeds have an over active sex drive. So many things set them off. But you are oddly in control. Why is that?¡± Althea asked softly, her face was next to his neck. Her breath hot against his skin.


    ¡°I''m not sure. Some part of me want''s to say its because I know that none of you look at me that way. Or, because I have enough self control not to try anything. But, I think its simple. I could say it''s because I''m waiting for some one specific before I become like any other man you''ve ever met. Maybe after I''ve been with her I''ll be the way you''ve described.¡± Lash said to her softly.


    ¡°First off, Lash. How do you know that none of us look at you like that? I agree your self control is admirable. Its nice that you are saving yourself for the Winter Queen host. I also believe that even after you and her share a bed you wont become like every other man in the world.¡± Althea said softly, she tilted her head up and kissed Lash''s jaw line softly. Her eyes closed briefly before she went back to her position before.


    After Althea''s little confession which made Lash confused, one by one the other women came out of his bedroom. All wearing his cloths! He had to admit it was really hot seeing five smoking hot women step out his bedroom wearing his shirts and nothing else. The five women were obviously closer then they were before. They were also relaxed around Lash, as they decided to have breakfast before leaving for Themyscira. Lash was really confused, he tried using Deductive Reasoning on the situation to tie everything together. His passive skill effects Intermediate Charming Presence, and the sub-skill of Leadership couldn''t force people to have feelings for him. So that would mean that Althea, and the Amazon''s already found him attractive to begin with, and the skills just increased that? This made Lash conflicted. Because this raised a moral dilemma, if they had sex was it because they gave consent or because the skill affected their thought process? Some small part of his brain told him that this was all part of The Dream Engine, just enjoy it. But, he had never played games like that before. He needed to talk to Dawn about this. Lash and Jessabell knew each other before he had either of those skills. So he could trust that...He hoped.


    Althea, Cora, Elena, Isabella, and Lizzy all kissed his cheek goodbye and smiled with blushing faces. Yes, even Bella and Lizzy. Maybe it was from the fact that they had a five-some in his bed while he was in the next room. Or something else? He wasn''t sure, he promised he''d see Lizzy and Bella on the island when he finished his tour. Themyscira would be last. The Warden / UN council already knew about the ''new'' addition to his tour.


    ¡°Lash.... I love you, you know that right?¡± Lizzy said, she was standing at the door to his home. The other women had walked ahead.


    ¡°Of course, Lizzy. We are friends, family, and pack. We are everything we need from each other when we need it.¡± Lash''s response was automatic as if it made perfect sense to him.


    Lizzy looked up at him, nodded a few times. She hugged him, and pressed her body against him as tight as she could. She was going to miss him. Lash hugged her back, his arms wrapped around her small but strong frame. -Be well Huntress-Lizzy. We will see you soon. Saurian replied, this made Lizzy''s body go a little stiff. She was still not use to the idea that something was sharing Lash''s body. But she couldn''t bring herself to dislike Saurian. She felt she could trust him.


    ¡°When we see each other again you''ll have to show me what you look like Saurian.¡± Lizzy said, then winked at Lash...Or rather the reptile who looked through his eyes.


    -Yes! Yes! We will explore each others bodies in great detail Huntress-Lizzy! Lash''s eyes went wide, and Lizzy took a step back. A blush crawling up her face. Lash knew that is not what Saurian meant. But still, how his partner said things sometimes. Lizzy sprinted down the hallway to join her companions as fast as her legs could take her. Lash went back into his home to clean up his sex filled room. Alone at last as he started to clean up and he spoke out loud.


    ¡°Dawn, My brightest star. May I ask you a few questions?¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°Of course, User! Ah, I still love that nick name.¡± Dawn said sweetly in his ear.


    ¡°Not to long ago there was a version update, skills, spells, etc were fused together. Or, should I say they work together instead of fused?¡± Lash asked, changing the sheets on his bed.


    ¡°Yes, User. Skills, abilities, spells, traits, even titles use to work on their own. The Developers then realized they made a mistake. They should work together like a machine with many different parts. So, now one can effect the other. You of course do not need one over the other to be successful. But having more makes the ''machine'' in this analogy work more efficiently.¡± Dawn said.


    ¡°Why did my Danger Sense skip a level? Is it a bug?¡± Lash swapped his pillows and blankets. Throwing the dirty ones into his hamper.


    ¡°The bug was more specifically on the experience gain. The skill should have evolved before then but the system had not properly counted the correct amount of points. This was due to the skill it self being reworked. The Developers changed the amount of experience needed to make it evolve.¡± Dawn''s voice sounded....odd like it was behind him.


    Lash turned around and saw Dawn! She lay across his brand new bed. She wore a midnight silk robe the was partially open letting Lash see portions of her naked skin. Her skin was healthy pale color, long curly blond hair was swept past her shoulders and cascaded across his pillows. Her ruby red eyes looked at Lash from the bed. Her hands danced up and down her silk robe, as she fluttered the label open and closed so it enticed Lash to look closer. She had a great figure, long shapely legs, and breasts that could barely be held in check by her robe. Just a simple tug on the sash would reveal them. Dawn, winked at him from the bed.


    ¡°Dawn.... I''m always happy to see you. But?¡± Lash said, unlike before with Althea and the five some in his bedroom, he was now clearly aroused. Dawn was...special? The administrator of his world? He wasn''t sure on how to explain their relationship.


    ¡°I thought this would be a proper demonstration to a question I know you have. You have an admirable quality, User. The women that you are with must give you 100% consent. I''ve seen it with every women I''ve sent your way. If they are influenced in any form, function, or fashion. Be it circumstance, magical, mundane or other. You do not take them up on the offer. A majority of the time you are not even aroused.¡± Dawn sat up, then tucked her knees under her.


    She then spread her legs out, undid her sash and let the silk robe drop. She knelt on the bed as the nipples of her breasts grew erect from arousal. She arched her back to show off her figure under Lash''s gaze. She tossed the robe off to the side, and crawled across the bed in a seductive motion towards the edge. She grabbed Lash''s belt and pulled him forward. He didn''t fight her. Dawn ran her fingers along his chest, feeling his muscles. She pulled the string of his cotton pj pants off, then reached down and gripped his cock in her petite hands. Lash shivered at her touch, he reached out with his hands and began to comb through her curly long blond hair. Dawn leaned in and licked the head of his cock with her small pink tongue. Then for a brief moment took his head, and his shaft into her mouth. She deep throat his cock and even gagged. Her throat closed around the tip of his cock, Lash nearly came just from that. Then she wrapped her tongue around his cock and pulled back. Then with a POP! She took her mouth away, a smile of satisfaction on her face. Dawn then began to stroke Lash with both her hands, one on the shaft, the other stroking his head.


    ¡°To answer your question. The passive skills of Charming Presence, and Leadership will never force someone against their will to have sex with you. The Developers made sure about that. Despite the many different powers, abilities, skills that revolve around sex. They wanted to be 100% certain that such things wouldn''t happen. So, you are safe in the knowledge that every women I send your way wants to have sex with you.¡± Dawn then kissed his cocks head, then disappeared into starlight! Leaving Lash rock hard and wanting more...


    Lash looked at the spot where Dawn was, and didn''t move for several minutes. He then peeled his cloths off and went to take a nice long cold shower. Lash soon left for Warden HQ not long after. Dressed in his Warden combat gear. He really needed to make time to finish his tailor made gear from Nast''rok. Lash then began his journey across the rest of the United States, then the world!


    Wraith then went to Big Belly Burger''s corporate office. He surprised all the executives when he showed up. Especially when he offered them all several cheese burgers. It was not until after they ate the burgers did he tell them they just ate a full multivitamin, and nutritional burger. The same great taste that BBB is known for, but that burger was healthier than eating a salad. He gave them several more samples, and left BBB''s corporate office.


    Wraith showed up at Janus Cosmetics and showed them a bottle of lotion that could repair skin tissue. Old age, sun burns, chemical burn, burns from a fire. After the first application several people with severe burns noticed a dramatic improvement. Lash gave them two bottles, to try and reverse engineer the chemical solution. Everything in the bottle could be found on earth, he put emphasis on that. He just used what was on Earth and used it in a different way they had not thought about. Not everything Lash was giving to the companies came from him. They were suggestions, and tools made by the Warden''s, with the super-natural council''s permission.


    Wraith showed up at Palmer Technologies and showed them a vial and contained with in that vial were microscopic machines no bigger then grains of sand. He then gave them the remote controller software program and they watched in fascination as the tiny machines performed micro surgery on a simulated heart patient with a tear in the valves. Lash gave them two more vials, each one with its specific software program. Then said goodbye!


    Lash was going to save his visit to Queen, and Merlyn industries until after Themyscira. He sent a simple text message to Oliver and Merlyn saying as much. Technically they both got their technology ahead of everyone else. They looked forward to his visit in the future. Lash then went to visit Ace Chemical''s which was a stone throw away from Gotham. When Wraith showed up at the front door the executives were waiting for him. The ''UN'' sent word of his arrival, because after Ace Chemical''s he was flying, yes flying to the United Kingdom.


    Lash asked to be brought to their biggest chemical waste depot, and to bring their chemical engineering team to meet him. All of them showed up in a timely manner, Lash double checked the area, and even pointed out several security flaws. Including several spy tech drones that tried to record the tech demo. Once everything was clear, Lash took out a single vial and poured it into the giant vat of chemical waste. A pink solution bubbled and frothed as it ate the entire chemical waste product until there was literally nothing left in the vat. This small vial just did what would take millions of dollars to do, and did it safely. The executives looked at him in astonishment. He handed three move vials over to the engineering team. Told them the same thing he told every one else. Try to reverse engineer it, everything used in it comes from earth. He''d see them again in a few months to give them something else. The Ace Chemical executives looked like they wanted to kiss the ground he walked on.


    ===============================================================


    Bruce Wayne sat at his desk at the top floor of Wayne Tower. Mr Fox''s office was next door. However, Mr Fox was sitting in Bruce''s office showing him the simple preliminary plans for reverse engineering the holo-computer-watch. They would work on the name later. Then his personal phone went off, Fox stopped when he saw that Mr Wayne who was normally a cold mask of indifference suddenly smiled. Bruce answered the call after asking Mr Fox for a moment.


    ¡°Selina! Hello, I''m sorry did we have lunch planned today?¡± Bruce asked.


    ¡°No we didn''t, I was calling you to let you know that Erik Lash deposited his first statue for the art museum. Its..... A nice piece! Once you see it I think you''ll understand why I believe we should put in a private section of the museum.¡± Selina said, humor clear in her voice. Bruce raised an eye brow at that.


    ¡°Where is Lash? Maybe we could have dinner together and talk about the art piece?¡± Bruce replied.


    ¡°Lash is currently away on business doing what Lash does best. Helping who he can with what he can.¡± Selina said, she sighed across the line. Bruce knew that Selina missed her friend.


    ¡°Alright, how about we meet at the museum later tonight after work. We can talk about where to place it then have dinner afterwards?¡± Bruce said, hoping to take Selina''s mind off the matter.


    ¡°Sure! Your treat?¡± Selina laughed.


    ¡°Of course! See you later alright?¡± Bruce replied, then soon hung up. A small smile on his face that reached his eyes. Mr Fox was happy to see that look. Mr Wayne didn''t make that face often.


    ¡°Do we know where Lash is, Mr Fox?¡± Bruce asked.


    ¡°Yes, Agent Wraith is currently on tour across the world giving out technological items. Just like he did for us, Mr Wayne. He was seen at Gotham international boarding a private Lex-Corp plane. It appears that the plane was just a nice gift. Since both Lex and Lena Luthor are still in Metropolis. However, Lex called a press conference personally thanking Wraith for his help and looks forward to a bright future with the future citizen of planet earth.¡± Fox said to Bruce. Bruce nodded and understood the underlying implication.


    ¡°Mr Fox call a press conference, not only will we thank Wraith for his help. We''ll even tell the world what he gave us.¡± Bruce said. Mr Fox smiled at him. Things were starting to get interesting.


    ===============================================================


    Lash sat in a really nice private plane. Larger then what he would see on movies but not as big as a passenger plane. A happy medium between the two. The pilots were very nice, and the attendants were more than happy to help with anything he needed. Especially the female attendants, Lash wasn''t sure if they were specially trained for extra curricular activities. But ''Wraith'' politely declined any extra work on their part. He cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on the whole crew before they took off. Maybe the women felt obligated to return the...pleasurable sensation he gave them. Once more Lash was reminded that he felt like a drug dealer peddling Nature magic to the mundanes.


    Lash was taking a plane for appearances, he could have taken a Warden HQ portal nexus across the ocean. But Skaleg said it was important for the mundanes to see him boarding a plane and leaving it. If he could go from one point of the world to another in under an hour it would raise to many questions. Lash was in his Transformation form again, his wraith shroud was active. He was committed to playing the part of the strange alien that was not human. He had to admit it was getting old really fast. Lash was in the process of practicing his Technomancy. He listened to the plane, and made little corrections in the design. Which he had in front of him as a projection. The attendants were on stand by, they didn''t want to interrupt him.


    ¡°All of you can eat on your own, I only need to eat when I expend vast quantities of energy.¡± Lash told them. A few of them jumped at his animal voice. They complied, not asking questions. Lash knew that Lex and Lena ordered them to watch him carefully, the fact that he just admitted to not eating unless he used a lot of energy would pay for this whole trip.


    Lash finished with the planes design, he then used Connectivity and sent an email to Lex Luthor''s private email. Something Lash should not technically have, but he did. The design was a before and after photo. All the mistakes, and all of the improvements. With in five minutes Lash got a reply from Lex who didn''t admonish him for hacking his email. He just asked questions about the design of the plane. They spoke for nearly an hour before they cut the communication. Less then a minute after the conversation was over an attendant walked in. She looked visibly nervous, but her training helped focus her mind.


    ¡°I understand that your superiors put you in a tight spot. So instead of trying to seduce me for information, how about I just talk to your superiors for you¡± Lash spoke to the attendant. She jumped in surprise at being found out.


    Turns out it was Lena who placed the expertly trained women on the plane. Hoping to learn something about Wraith, his taste, his desire, and some kind of secrets. Lash contacted Lena''s email next and simply said.


    ''If you want to know more about me, Miss Luthor you could just ask.'' The reply was immediate.


    ''You can tell a lot about a man by their sexual appetite. Did none of the women interest you? Or do you not have a thing for human women?'' Lash contemplated his response then responded.


    ''I have a rule, don''t touch some one with out 100% consent. The women here are trained professionals, but they are here because it''s their job. I like human women just fine, but unless its 100% consensual I won''t touch them.'' Lash replied. With in a minute another phone call came to the plane. The attending ladies stopped trying to gain ''Wraith''s interest. Then Lena replied.


    ''Its a kind of rule I can respect. But all that means is I have to find someone that actually wants to sleep with you. So, when are you planning on coming to see us again? So I know when to wear something nice.'' Lena said in reply.


    ''Lena, anything you wear, or nothing at all would be amazing to see. I''m not sure when I''ll be back. Especially since I''ve been informed by the UN that there are several bounties, and hit man contracts on me currently. I may not live to see you or your brother again.'' Lash replied.


    ''Oh my, such a way with words. Well I''ll wish you luck then!'' Lena said in the instant message.


    Lash then spent the rest of the trip in practice with his Fabrication spell, and his Material Shaping skill. He ended up making jewelry for all the women and men aboard the plane. Made from pure gold, silver, and even platinum. No magic was cast into the items, it was just practice and a bit of fun. By the time the plane landed in the United Kingdom the entire staff, and pilots included had been blinged out! Gold earrings, silver rings, and gold, silver, and platinum braided necklaces. By the end he got the impression that several of the women would be more then happy to sleep with him now no matter what he looked like under his nazgul disguise.


    Lash stepped off the plane onto the tarmac, he looked around at the sun that was just starting to rise. The moist summer air was heavenly on his exposed senses. It was summer to early fall on this side of the world. Which meant it would be spring soon in Gotham. Lash looked forward to seeing Gotham in the spring. The entire crew came out to say goodbye to him, and hoped they would see him again. He cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on all of them. Mostly because he liked to watch them all twitch and moan. Did his nature spells become perverted because of him? Or did they really just feel good? Every time he cast them on himself it felt nice, but nothing like they experienced. Eh he''d figure it out later.


    A piercing eagle shout sounded across the airport grounds as a missile fired from a deserted part of the complex tore across the grounds it headed straight towards Lash and the airplane. The crew screamed in shock, Lash slammed his hands into the ground and called up a Wall made from the nearby ground. Using the passive magical energy of Nature and Transmutation. The missile collided with the wall and exploded almost hundred yards beyond the plane.


    Lash shot straight towards the location to discover the attacker, and to avoid drawing the crew into his situation. He dropped to all fours, he called on Cat''s Grace, and Adaptation he soon went from zero to seventy five miles per hour in less than three seconds. He zipped across the airport, only to see another missile launch from the same area, it headed straight towards him. He leaped into the air then dove straight down and used Earth Swim to slip under ground swimming through the ground like it was water. The explosion behind him rocked the area, scattering rock and shrapnel every where but the crew on the plane was safe.


    ================================================================


    The range finder on his team looked up at the explosion. The point of impact was the exact location that alien freak was. Did they get him? After that sudden wall of earth they assumed this would be a harder fight.


    ¡°Did we get him?¡± One of the range finders team mates asked. The rest of the team was in the process of packing up the equipment. If they succeeded or not, didn''t matter. The police would be here in a moment.


    ¡°Pack it up, we can find out later! If we did, great! If not we''ll try again.¡± The team leader said. Everyone agreed and moved to the get away vehicle. Only for one of them to scream in surprise! They were sinking into the ground! The entire area was like one big swamp! Even their vehicle was sinking into the ground.


    An electrical current then went through every single one of the gunmen. They all went rigid, and stiff as a board! They all flopped into the Mud Marsh that was hard concrete just a few seconds ago. The range finder felt the ground around him grow solid once more, his eyes looked up and he saw an angel of Death rise up out of the ground. Then a deep terrifying voice that no human should have, spoke.


    ¡°Found you.¡±


    ================================================================


    Lash stood over the half a dozen men wearing combat gear, and decked out with weapons, and high explosives. He tapped into the communication network nearby. He checked in with the pilots on the plane. The crew was safe and was under guard by airport security. Interpol was racing to his position, he keyed into their radio and messaged the officer in command who was shocked to hear him alive and well. They assumed he died when the missile impacted his last known location. Lash informed them about the six armed hostiles. He spoke about the different kind of gear they had. After he got their faces and finger prints he ran it through his UN data base and Warden information network. By the time the Interpol division got to his location he had pulled the gunmen out of the ground, tied them up, and hand all their information in a email sent to the Interpol commander, the UN, and the Wardens. Then he began to walk towards the officers only to...BANG! A high caliber rifle shot went straight into his skull. He flipped backwards and was bolted into the ground from the centripetal motion. Every one took cover behind their vehicles and shouted out ''Sniper!''


    ==============================================================


    Lawton looked through his scope at his target. The freak took a high caliber Barret M82 sniper rifle straight to the head. His head should have exploded like a melon, his brains across the pavement. But that didn''t happen! The bullet hit! Dead Shot never missed, especially at this range! But he couldn''t see him anymore. The shot caused his target to fall behind a car. Was the alien dead? Alive? This thing wasn''t like that flying super freak that was bullet proof....Wait, was this thing bullet proof. His phone went off, what the hell. He always turned his phone during operations...Unless it was his daughter, that would always turn his phone on. He clipped it into his radio.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Owe....... That really fucking hurt!¡± A monster like voice said across the line. Dead Shot''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°How the fuck did you get this number!? How the fuck are you alive?!¡± Dead Shot yelled into his radio. He began to search the area. He was almost two miles away in van across the airport. He had a tiny window available to him for the shot. He could barely see the scene but it was enough for him.


    ¡°Floyd Lawton, aka Dead Shot! Ex-wife is Michelle Torres, and his beloved daughter and jewel to the expert assassin is Zoe Lawton. Who currently attends Metropolis middle school. How am I doing so far?¡± The monster like voice said.


    ¡°Don''t you fucking say her name! I''ll fucking kill you!¡± Dead Shot looked around at all the possible entries and exits to the airport. He couldn''t find him! Could this fucker fly like the other one? He looked up and around, he checked his computer and saw all the different security camera''s. Nothing!


    ¡°How much is the hit, Dead Shot? How much is my life worth?¡± The monster''s voice said into the radio.


    ¡°A sweet hundred million! I could retire on that kind of money! Why don''t you step out where I can see you and we''ll split it 50/50!¡± Dead Shot shouted.


    ¡°No thank you.¡± A monster like voice said, right behind him!


    ===============================================================


    Lash had pulled the high caliber round out of his skull, it had only gotten so far through his thick skull. That fucking hurt! He cast Earth Swim and swam towards the location. He tied into the different radio''s, communications, and signals till he found one. The normal world soon began to merge together with cyberspace. Like two water colored pictures overlapping. He connected with a satellite phone, looked through the information. Dead Shot? Floyd Lawton, the expert assassin that never missed a shot. But had a soft spot for kids, especially his daughter. In the comics he dreamed of earning enough money so he could retire and watch his daughter grow up. But he became so good, and infamous at his job that he could never be with her. So he sent money to a blind trust, hoping one day he could be with his daughter.


    Lash called his phone and started to talk to him. Ever since he learned the Transmutation Domain a lot of his skills had gotten easier. He had forgotten to get this updated list from Dawn. But he didn''t really need to now. Certain Domains dip their fingers into other Domains for their spells, so a majority of the power comes from them, and a portion from the other. But if you know the other Domain. Then it just makes that spell more powerful and easier to use.


    Lash dove deeper into the ground then like a crocodile coming to the surface he was dead quiet as he came up and out of the ground right behind Dead Shot. He gave his reply to the assassin and watched as Lawton did not immediately react. Even though his entire body was tense, then Lawton whipped around with pistol and shot with point blank precision straight into Lash''s armored and scaled chest. The bullets kinetic energy were absorbed by his body as well as Minor Energy Absorption.


    ¡°Lawton, I took your high caliber round to the head, do you think a pistol is going to do anything to me?¡± Lash said, his wraith shroud flowing around him. Wisps of cloth reached out to grab a hold of Lawton though they wouldn''t actually touch him.


    Lawton jumped away and pointed both his hands at Lash, on each of his forearms were sub-machine guns mounted. They sprayed all hundred and eighty rounds at Lash who just stood there. That also had no effect. Lawton then picked up the anti-material rifle that he originally shot Lash with. Lash raised his hand up and snapped his claws to magnetically seal the guns firing mechanism. Lawton pulled the trigger but nothing happened. He dropped his rifle, took out a combat knife and moved in close. He swung his blade straight for Lash''s eyes. One of the few places that most creatures are soft in. Lash caught his arm, and turned the knife into goop by Material Shaping. Lash''s hand clamped down on Lawton''s arm and would not let go. Lawton pulled, yanked, even climbed Lash by wrapping his legs around his neck to do one of those acrobatic weight against your enemy you see in the movies all the time. Lash just stood there, acting like a jungle gym as he waited for Lawton to tire himself out.


    ¡°Fuck! Nothing in the fucking briefing said anything about you having these abilities!¡± Lawton howled in furry at him.


    Now that Lawton was not moving, Lash got a good look at him. He wore a form fitting red combat suit with a white face mask, and a red optical eye plant. His suit had dozens of clips of ammunition, guns, knives, the tools of his trade. Lawton took out another knife and tried to stab Lash in his armpit, joints, something! Nothing.... Lash continued to hold his arm like some adult trying to tire a child out.


    ¡°Are you done, I would like to talk to you.¡± Lash said to him. His voice no longer a harsh animalistic voice. But it was Lash after all, even after all this the scar on his neck was still there. His voice box was still damaged.


    ¡°Fuck me! What do you want?¡± Lawton tried to reach for some C-4 that was in his carrying case. But Lash just tugged him slightly, and now he was completely out of reach.


    ¡°You can''t spend any time with your daughter because you are to infamous. Your face is known, your finger prints are in Interpol, as is your DNA. But, what if there was a way to change all that?¡± Lash said to him. Lawton stopped trying to kill him at that point.


    ¡°I''ve tried plastic surgery...This wasn''t my first face. But plastic surgery can''t change finger prints or DNA....¡± Lawton said, confusion clear in his voice. Why was this monster talking like this?


    ¡°Yes, for modern earth science such a thing is impossible. But, what if I could give you a brand new body? New face, finger prints, even new DNA?¡± Lash said to him.


    ¡°I would ask what the catch is?¡± Lawton was terrified now. This was to strange...


    ¡°Do you know who ordered the hit on me?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Some guy named Black Mask.¡± Lawton said, then shook himself in realization. He just gave up his client! Why did he do that!?


    ¡°Thank you, as for the rest of the price I want your skill set. No, not the skill set to kill. In the future I will come to you to ask for help to train people in the art that you practice. But, I promise I will never ask you to do anything against your moral code... Even if that moral code changes when you spend time with your daughter.¡± Lash said to Lawton.


    ¡°You want me to train people to be assassins?¡± Lawton said.


    ¡°No, you are a master in all modern day weapons and equipment. I want you to train people to learn those skills. Often the best way to avoid dying to a gun is knowing how it works.¡± Lash said to him, his lips curled up in a smile. Though Lawton couldn''t see him smile thanks to this wraith shroud. He could feel it.


    ¡°When are we doing this then?¡± Lawton said.


    ¡°Do you accept? If you do, we can do it now.¡± Lash said, letting him go. Lawton stumbled back in surprise.


    ¡°If you can do all the things you just said, then I give you my word. On the life my daughter.¡± Lawton said. FUCK! Why did he just say that? What is wrong with him!? Lash could ''read'' that Lawton was surprised by his own words.


    ¡°Come here, I need tactile contact with your skin. Have you given any though to what you want to look like?¡± Lash said. Lawton took his mask off and stepped closer, he was good looking black man, a kindred soul with his bald head, and he had dimples, he smiles a lot. Lash reached out with his claws and gently touched Lawton''s face.


    ================================================================


    Two hours later Lawton stood nearby with a police officer looking at his benefactor speak to Interpol. Lawton looked down at his new hands, then looked up to see Interpol carry his old ''body'' away. There he was, in a body bag being carried away. The officer in charge was ecstatic! They knew who Dead Shot was! Floyd Lawton had been killed in an assassination attempt on the UNWS Agent Wraith! But, Wraith suggested that the Interpol officer take credit for the event. Wraith would go on record saying that if it was not for Interpol''s efforts he never would have caught up to Dead Shot. The Officer could not be more happier! He''d get a promotion and a commendation for this! Why would Wraith do this? Because he wanted them to look past his ''friend'', Wraith pointed at him... Lawton. Or now it was Mr Wolf West as Wraith called him. Interpol assumed West was someone from UNWS so they didn''t look to deeply into him.


    The Officer finished up and excused himself he needed to talk to his commander. Wraith motioned for West to come over. Wraith pulled out a clean pass port, credit cards, and a ticket back to the US, first class! ''Provided'' by Interpol so said Wraith. West smiled at his benefactor.


    ¡°Say hello to your daughter for me.¡± Wraith''s gruff voice said to West, West laughed and shook his hand.


    ¡°Will do! See you around, sir!¡± West said. He then got a ride back to the airport from an officer. West looked back at Wraith, this nazgul monster from the stars just killed Floyd Lawton, but gave Wolf West a new life with his family.


    ================================================================


    Transmutation and Grave Domain Spell, Reincarnation: Transfer a living soul from one body to a constructed body of your creation. The User can let the system create a random form, or the User can spend more magic to craft a specific form.


    Specific changes: Male, early thirties, late twenties, black.


    Effects: Retain all memory, muscle memory, instincts, and skills.


    Effects: Human limiter removed, optimal setting is 10% above average human.


    Effects: Meta-Gene, Activated. Prediction algorithm


    Comments: You''ve made a master assassin into a even better killing machine, who is now fiercely loyal to you. Good job!


    Congratulations User! You''ve turned Floyd Lawton aka Dead Shot one of Gotham''s Villains into an ally! Your Cosmic Patron is very impressed by your choice! They did not see that coming!


    Reward: Criminal Underworld Lore: This skill allows you to know the ins and outs of the criminal underworld that is found in every city, country, continent, and planet. Starts off simple and small, but grows with time and the effort of collecting information.


    ¡°Cool...¡±

 Chapter 45: Its Vision is Based on Movement

    =============================================================


    Clark Kent was typing away at his desk doing a follow up on the recent activities of a college football player, Victor Stone. The kid had skills, and it was showing. Ten touch downs in a single game, half of which he ran himself. Clark''s mind ran a mile a minute, he had to force himself to slow down. He paid attention to everything around him though, super hearing cant really be turned that off. He stopped typing when he heard Perry White talk to Lois Lane about covering the debacle of the assassination attempt on the alien Wraith. Clark stood up and looked at Lois as she walked back to her desk...


    ¡°Is he ok?¡± Clark asked Lois out of the blue. Lois looked at Clark in surprise.


    ¡°How did you... Wraith? Yes, he''s fine. He took a high caliber sniper round to the head. He said, and this is a quote. ''Owe, that really fucking hurt'' Then he chased after the sniper. Unfortunately during the tussle the sniper was killed. But Wraith gave all the credit to Interpol for nailing Dead Shot a notorious assassin. Perry wants me to contact Wraith for the actual story.¡± Lois said as she walked to her desk and started to open up her computer.


    ¡°I didn''t know you had Wraith in your phone?¡± Clark said, mildly amused.


    ¡°I don''t! But I meet Superman once a week so Perry wants me to ask him.¡± Lois growled, she began to survey the internet for information. Then looked back at Clark.


    ¡°Don''t you have work to do, Smallville?¡± Lois snapped at him. Clark just smiled back at her and went back to his work.


    ''Nice to know I''m not the only one that''s bullet proof.'' Clark said to himself.


    ================================================================


    Selina Kyle was pacing in her office in the Wayne Art Museum, back and forth, back and forth. Her assistant was in the next room and was worried about her. But Selina didn''t pay any attention to her. She was waiting for a phone call from a rich billionaire that she may or may not be falling in love with. Some one that she never would have met if it wasn''t for the very person she was worried after. Her phone rang, she sprinted to it and picked up the line.


    ¡°Is he alive?!¡± Selina asked, far to loudly.


    ¡°Yes, he''s fine. He routed both assassination attempts himself. Saved the crew on the plane he as well. Gave the credit to Interpol. He is on his tour now. That is all the information I currently have. The Warden''s wont say anything other than he is fine.¡± Bruce said across the phone.


    Selina let out an audible sigh and fell into her office chair. A huge weight fell off her shoulders, all the lady like demeanor she prided in her self just washed away. She really wanted to get a massage from Lash again. Or just that amazing spell he does. Bruce was still on the line waiting for Selina to speak. She took a breath and asked a question.


    ¡°Bruce, can I see you tonight? I...I don''t mean over dinner. I mean...Can I see you tonight?¡± Selina said softly over the phone.


    ¡°Alright....¡± Bruce said, his voice was warm in Selina''s ear.


    =================================================================


    Congratulations User! Selina Kyle one of Gotham''s Villains has turned away from villainy and fallen in love with Bruce Wayne first, instead of Batman. Another sub-mission has been complete. Your reward is being generated now....


    Minor Storage has evolved into Basic Storage: Any monetary item that fits inside of a wallet, or a small purse can be stored. Previous functions still apply.


    Lash tilted his head as he road an elevator up tech company found in England. He got the prompt completely out of the blue! He then remembered that the world will turn even with out him being there. The Dream Engine wasn''t like other single player games where your side quests stay frozen till you pay attention to them. The User''s actions also makes waves that you don''t truly understand. He only knew what happened because he had a quest system. He smiled when he learned that Selina had fallen in love with Bruce. Now, he just had to ensure that Talia Al Ghul wouldn''t interfere. It''s a shame though, he did like Damien in the Comics.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, is everything alright?¡± The Interpol agent that was assigned for his ''Protection'' asked.


    Inspector, Peyton Sofia Borisyuk was a charming but hard women. She was 5'' 9¡± With a Russian father and an a Italian mother. Hard and focused brown eyes, curly black hair from her mother''s side. She had a rectangular body from her father, not to say she didn''t have curves but she was a.... A Shield Maiden! That was a good description. She wore a professional designer pants suit uniform to look good but still allowed her to run if she needed to. She wore her standard issue side arm on a clip to her hip, and a combat knife was attached to her calf. The way she carried her self meant she was a trained warrior in mixed martial arts. Peyton had been sent to protect him, but in truth her superiors wanted her to report anything about him habits, ticks, quirks, fetish, appetites, politics.


    ¡°Perfectly fine, Inspector Peyton. Though you could save us both a lot of trouble if you just asked me what your superiors want to know about me. Instead of watching me like a hawk.¡± Lash replied in his Saurian impression voice.


    Peyton gritted her teeth and turned away counting the numbers on the ride up. Lash had pointed out her ''job'' with in ten seconds after they met. He didn''t turn her down, but because he knew what her job was it clouded her information gathering. When the target knows, then they can give false information. Lash watched her carefully and took pity on her. -Relax, I wont bite. He said to her across a link.


    ¡°What?! Who!?¡± Peyton jumped around in fright. She looked back at Lash still in his Wraith Shroud form. She gritted her teeth in anger and looked back at the elevator door.


    ¡°I assume that was you?¡± Peyton asked.


    ¡°Yes...Something to put your report in. Despite my clear dislike for being spied on. Inspector Peyton your a good officer. Clean, and by the book. I''ll need some one like you along the way, I tend to be a bit of a loose cannon at times.¡± Lash replied, Petyon looked back at him over her shoulder. A slight change in her eyes told him she appreciated the effort. Then the doors opened up!


    Inspector Peyton walked out first and looked around the room. Lash soon followed after her, he confirmed what was in the room from a different perspective. Several executives were present who smiled politely at the two. Two out of the five executives had Sherogoth marks on them. Lash let an audible growl out in the room. Everyone froze, Peyton had only traveled with Lash for a few hours but this was the first time she was truly afraid of him.


    ¡°Agent Wraith?¡± Peyton asked, her voice soft and a bit scared. She shivered in fright. It was at this moment that she realized that Wraith was not human and should not he treated like every other person she had been assigned. Wraith pointed at two of the executives.


    ¡°That one likes to beat and rape children of both genders under the age of fourteen. Including his own daughter. That one assaulted and raped his twin daughters, and forced them to keep the children when they got pregnant. To this day neither of them know it was him.¡± Wraith snarled his words out, his pressure filled the room. The two executives dropped to their knees and began to scream in horror and gibbered out their sins in front of everyone!


    After the two executives screamed what they had down out loud. Lash hacked their personal computers and brought up all their illicit acts. He even created a Technomancy screen in front of the CEO of the tech company providing the information to their sins. After that incident Lash demanded to see every single executive in this company. If they didn''t pass his ''test'' he wouldn''t give this company the alien tech he planned for them. The Chairman of the company nearly had a nervous break down at the idea that this Alien could read people like that. Six hours later Lash and Peyton left the tech company as the United Kingdom police and investigators swarmed the building. Turns out the company had a lot of illicit activities.


    ¡°How did you do that?¡± Peyton asked him as they walked towards their car.


    ¡°Have you ever heard of the term Sin Eater?¡± Lash asked, Peyton nodded yes.


    ¡°I''m what you would call a Sin Hunter. Tracking, hunting, and dealing with those that have dealt in the trade of sin.¡± Lash replied as he opened the car door for Peyton. She blinked at him before she realized what he just did. She got into the car, he came around to his size and squeezed in.


    ¡°But who decides what''s a sin, and whats not?¡± Peyton asked.


    ¡°You have shot and killed fourteen people, Inspector. That''s left a stain on you. But despite the kills you''ve made. None of them were a sin, because you did it to protect the lives of others.¡± Lash replied. Peyton reacted like he had slapped her!


    ¡°H...How....I neve...told...how?¡± Peyton stumbled over her words. Lash assumed not all of those kills were in her file.


    ¡°Just because human science can''t explain something doesn''t mean its impossible.¡± Lash replied. Peyton stared at him for another five minutes before she put the car into gear and drove off towards their hotel.


    The hotel was a rich and fabulous five star location. The entire floor in which Agent Wraith''s room was in was reserved for his protection. Inspector Peyton was in a room just across from his own. Lash ordered room service for the entire security detail and included Peyton. He paid direct to the Hotel who were more than happy to accept his money. Lash also informed the security about the three different spy tech drones that was in the process of recording their floor. A long with the building a half a mile away with a sniper nest in it. Technomancy was just a cheat in the mundane world.


    Lash checked into the Warden network for the UK, there is a Warden security detail assigned to his hotel and had him under watch since he entered the country. They had actually allowed the mundane assassins through their security net. They believed in Warden Lash''s abilities, and wanted to show that he was not a push over. Normally when a foreign Warden would be in a new territory they would have to come to the HQ and say hello. But that was waved with his current mission. Lash sent emails and text messages to his friends, family, and co-workers. It was night in London but he did not want to sleep here. He got an interesting email from Barry, the Flash. Ah, the first Meta-human had been found in Central City. Since the collider accident the meta-gene had been gestating.


    ''Flash! Yes, its called a Meta-Gene. Its a unique mutation found mostly in young people that activate due to stress generally emotional with an increase in chemical levels. Commonly found in teenagers. However exceptions due apply. You are a great example.'' Lash sent the email to Flash along with a simple formula that would give them a basic idea. His skills Minor Chemistry, and Minor Genetics had each got experience points along with Transmutation, and Nature oddly enough.


    Danger Sense went off suddenly along with Foresight, Lash sprinted through his hotel room, bashed through a wall and went straight into Peyton''s room. She screamed as Wraith barreled through the wall! She was wore a bathrobe and was drying her hair. Lash pulled her into his arms and dove behind the bed to create a wall from concrete and steel with Alteration. A fiery explosion engulfed his room, along with a majority of the hotel floor they were on. Peyton held onto Lash with a death grip as the extreme heat from the fire nearly scorched her skin. She tried to hold her breath in fear that her lungs would burn. Finally she couldn''t hold and took a breath! The air was fine, cool even?


    ¡°Breath normally, give me a moment while I put the fire out.¡± Lash said, his animal voice was strong and reassured her.


    Lash stood up and gently pulled Peyton up with him. The entire floor was on fire and several rooms were in shambles. The explosion blew inwards so the attack came from outside. Lash reached out with both his hands and used Minor Energy Manipulation and sucked the energy out from the flames. Then with his Nature Domain''s passive effects he prevented the fire from burning. The fire soon stopped and all that remained was a burnt husk of the once nice hotel they were in. Lash looked back at Peyton. Her bath robe had come undone he caught a glimpse seductive and strong muscled form. Then he reached out to retie her bath robe. Peyton only realized what he had done after he had done it. She stepped back and blushed furiously because her robe had come undone, and that he had retied it for her. She reached out to slap him and regretted it. His face was like crocodile scales and it hurt to hit!


    ¡°Good to know your not hurt!¡± Lash laughed at her attempt to slap him. He used Fabrication, and Alteration to recreate her uniform which was now nothing but ash. He handed it over to her and turned his back so she could get changed. Peyton was confused for a moment before she understood. Wraith wouldn''t leave her behind, but wouldn''t take her while she wore a bathrobe.


    Lash used Connectivity and accessed the security communication between the UN, and Interpol. It was a mess as he suspected, most of the floor was destroyed. However something interesting had happened all of the security personal had been called down a floor before the attack happened. Orders from on high told them a security breach had occurred. This brought them all out of the blast radius except for Peyton who didn''t get the message. So, that meant the attacker wanted as little collateral damage as possible. Lash felt a tap on his tail, his that had instinctively moved to encircle Peyton. Lash turned around to look at her, she wore her uniform in a rush so it was not tucked in, and not all of the buttons were done correctly. She had her hair pulled back and wrapped but it had come undone. Lash handed her a hair scrunchy which she took gratefully. He took her by the hand and then went to her balcony.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Peyton asked, clearly confused. They were on the thirtieth floor.


    ¡°Down.¡± Lash said, he picked her up in a princess carry which made Peyton attempt to punch him. Which made her angry at herself for forgetting last time. But she soon screamed in shock and held onto his neck for dear life because he had jumped off the balcony.


    Lash cast Falling Glide on them both. But Peyton didn''t understand what was going on only that they fell from the building and would soon die on impact. She squeezed her eyes shut, and tried to curl her body into a ball to absorb the impact that she knew would kill her. Lash gently landed on the ground with out a sound.


    ¡°You can let go of me now, we are on the ground.¡± Lash said softly, Peyton opened her eyes and looked around. They were on the street. Peyton let go of his neck and stepped away from him she looked around as if the whole world was beautiful then whipped around and glared at him.


    ¡°You could have told me you could do that!¡± Peyton yelled at him.


    ¡°Yes, Inspector I am sure you would have believed me when I said I can change not only my density but yours as well resulting in us being able to glide safely to the ground. Because that happens every day.¡± Lash said with mild amusement. Which made Peyton attempt to reach for her side arm only to realize it was upstairs in the wreckage.


    But Lash being the nice guy that he was used Fabrication, and Alteration to create her gun along with ammo. He handed that to her as well, she didn''t use it on him though he knew she wanted to. She loaded her new gun and tucked it into her belt. She looked around then back at him. Lash motioned for her to follow him. He took his phone out and called the local Warden HQ to get an update.


    A car with the logo UNWS soon stopped at the alleyway they had walked down. The Warden glamour worked on Peyton cause she was surprised to see the car. Lash opened the car door for her, which made her eye twitch in irritation as she got in. Lash followed after in the passenger side. A half Sylvan male was in the driver seat. Peyton did a double take on him, he was way to attractive for his own good. He smiled and winked at her, which made Peyton blush. He then cleared his throat and spoke in a British accent.


    ¡°Hello sir! Welcome to Merry old England! I swear its not normally like this. But you just bring the worst out of people. I''ve heard your like a bad luck magnet! I thought it was a rumor, but I see that its true. Names Mikhail. I''ve heard a lot about you sir!¡± Warden Mikhail said to Lash. Peyton could not stop starring at Mikhail. Mikhail was a 6''2¡± pale skinned, athletic figure, with ocean blue eyes, long fingers, and black curly hair. He wore his cloths very well, at least Peyton''s predatory eyes told Lash as much.


    ¡°Peyton if you want to have sex with Mikhail wait till after we are in a safe house.¡± Lash said, humor clear in his animal voice. Peyton shrunk her neck in and blushed furiously.


    ¡°Go fuck yourself, Wraith!¡± She said, as she crossed her arms under her breasts. Which only emphasized them, Mikhail did check her out and she noticed which only made her preen in confidence.


    ¡°Was the hit made by the same contract as before?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°There is a contract out on you?¡± Peyton asked, shocked.


    ¡°That it was, sir! Only its been upped to two hundred million dollars now!¡± Mikhail said as he took a turn a little to quickly which made Peyton fall into him. He grinned at her, Peyton may or may not have placed her hands into his lap for a brief moment. Before she sat up straight and put on her seat belt.


    ¡°Not tempted are you, Mikhail?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Not at all sir! I have no desire to get on the Queen''s bad side.¡± Mikhail said.


    Lash leaned back in the passenger side of the car as he stopped talking after that. But Mikhail saw as Lash as he moved his claws back and forth like he was typing on an invisible keyboard. Mikhail adjusted his chair and began to slow down a bit after he pulled another corner. Lash watched as Peyton seem to realize that every light they came to was green. But he also watched as she couldn''t keep her eyes off of Mikhail. He smiled at her. Sylvan''s had great sex appeal he could attest to that.


    Lash used his Technomancy Connectivity to link up with cyberspace and surfed the web. His skill Intermediate Computers gained experience just as much as the spell did. Mikhail and Peyton started to talk softly to each other. Both them realized Lash was doing something behind the scenes. Peyton was still not use to the idea that Wraith was an Alien so talking to some one ''normal'' like Mikhail was a relief. Lash found the dark web bounty board. Two hundred million dollars for his confirmed death? Nice. Batman, Robin, and Batgirl were still on the bounty board for the cool one hundred million. Looked like all three had yet to be killed, good.


    Lash spent the next hour to look up information on Black Mask, thanks to his new skill Criminal Underworld Lore he got experience points the longer he was on the Dark Web, and was able to find all sorts of new information. Erik the gamer knew who Black Mask was in the comics. Lash and Saurian used that information as a spring board to look in to certain locations. After he found everything he could he set an encrypted email to Bruce/Batman, also with a small note to find Batgirl she needs a good mentor. Along with one more piece of information he did not get a chance to talk to Bruce about.


    Lash closed his connection just in time to see the house that was given to them. Mikhail pulled through a simple gate and stopped the car in the drive way. He jumped out of the car and typed the code into the front door. Peyton stepped out and Lash followed her. The house was two stories tall, with a third floor basement. It was partially built into a hill and shared this design with several other homes. They were in a rural area of England but still high priced pseudo-gated community. Lash stepped behind and nudged Peyton towards Mikhail. She looked at him with surprise, then glared at him.


    ¡°Peyton, you nearly died tonight. Relax and have some fun with the man you clearly want to have sex with.¡± Lash said, his voice sounded nearly human that time. Peyton looked at him in surprise before she looked over at Mikhail who was setting up the security system. He looked at her and winked his reptilian eye.


    ¡°Thank you for that by the way. You didn''t have to save me.¡± Peyton said back to Lash.


    ¡°Yes I did, the moment Interpol assigned you to me was the moment we were a team. I take care of my team mates. Now go have fun!¡± Lash used his default voice that time. Still gruff, and and brutal on the ears. But Peyton smiled a little and rolled her eyes as she walked over to Mikhail.


    -Teach Inspector Peyton what its like to have a sylvan lover. I''ll finish locking up. Lash said across a link. Mikhail jumped in surprise then smiled wide at Lash before he snagged Peyton''s wrist and ''discretely'' sneaked away. Lash activated the mundane and magical security system then went up stairs to a star gazing roost. He took a seat and began to look through the dark web once more. He got experience in Criminal Underworld Lore for every minute he was in there. But he assumed that wouldn''t last long.


    ================================================================


    Bruce opened his eyes to a small alarm on his phone. He slowly and carefully got out of the bed because he didn''t want to disturb Selina who was asleep in the bed with him. He grabbed a pair of briefs and put on a robe. The phone alarm was attached to his cave''s computer. He left his room silent as a shadow, never imagining he would have used his training like this. Richard was out on patrol and told Bruce not to worry and have a good night with Selina. That kid! Bruce smiled at the memory, it wasn''t to long ago that Bruce was a cold mask of indifference and had an even colder heart. Now? He wasn''t sure what he had now. But he knew that spending time with Selina made him happy.


    Bruce entered the cave and access the computer. There was an unidentified email, which shouldn''t be possible. So that meant it was Lash. He opened the file and sure enough it was him. It had the information about the bounty for them all. Wraith''s bounty had been raised to two hundred million. The bounty for him, Richard, and Batgirl were still the same. Bruce almost felt insulted. There was an attachment, Batgirl''s file.....Jim Gordon''s Daughter!? Along with her patrol route, Lash asked him to be a mentor for her.


    Bruce thought about it for a while and decided to agree to it. Batgirl had already been a rumor in Gotham. Bruce knew about her but hadn''t approached her. Seems Lash knew who she was, and had helped her. There was another tab on the email. Justice League? It showed the files on Green Arrow, The Flash, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Along with the idea of Young Justice covert operations team, and another Titans public team. A mentor and student program, then journeyman with a supervisor, then full fledged members if and when they chose to join up. Bruce had to admit it was....Interesting.


    ==================================================================


    Congratulations User! The skill Criminal Underworld Lore has evolved into Minor Criminal Underworld Lore.


    The sun rose in England and Lash felt like he''d been hit in the head with a sledge hammer. The Dark Web was messed up! He''d sent tips, information, and evidence to police, governments, and even news reporters across the globe. In a single night crime across the world went down by 1%. Thanks to Language Smith Lash now understood, spoke, could read and write in every spoken language on Earth. Connectivity had leveled so many times it nearly took no energy to use. His Firewall defense now tied into his Minor Damage Resistance. Even if he encountered an attack barrier he could move through it as long as he didn''t mind the burn.


    Lash went down stairs and started to cook breakfast for Mikhail and Peyton, he used Connectivity to look up a cook book and used Fabrication and an altered version of Nature''s Supplement to create food. That''s right, Lash can magically create nutritional food now. Lash heard the shower turn on in their room. Which reminded him to cast Immaculate on himself. The sounds that came from the shower let Lash know that Peyton and Mikhail had ''finished'' in the shower. After a few minutes....


    ¡°Hmmmm! Something smells good! By the Queen what a feast!¡± Mikhail came down to see the entire dinning room table covered with eggs, toast, fish, muffins, steak, scones, jams, butters, pancakes, etc, etc.


    Peyton came down next as she followed the smell. Her jaw dropped at the sight of all the food, Lash still wore his shroud as he gestured for them both to sit. Mikhail didn''t need to be told twice and sat down and began to shovel food onto his plate. Lash pulled a seat out for Peyton and motioned for her to sit. She stuck her shoulders back and took the offered seat with a sweet smile. That only grew when Lash provided fresh coffee for her. Just....the way she liked it? Peyton shot a glance at Lash with a clear question in her eyes. But he ignored her and moved on.


    ¡°So, I have news. One of the head inspectors in Interpol by the name of Savid had been leaking my location. He would get an information fee of ten million as long as I died. The information and evidence has all been shipped to the right people. Savid was found dead this morning, he ''hanged'' himself. But the morgue says the evidence is not inconclusive. Parliament wishes to hold a tech meet of all the different companies in the UK. Where I can show off the advance tech for all the different companies to see. The United Nations accepted this proposal. However, its today in four hours. Mikhail you have been temporarily reassigned to act as United Nations World Security liaison on this side of the pond. Peyton, you are to continue to travel with us both to be a liaison between Interpol and myself. We have a big day ahead of us. Since you''ve both had your morning sex, now have your morning meal and we''ll head out.¡± Lash said as he took a seat across from Peyton. He sipped his coffee, Mikhail nodded his head like it was business as usual. Peyton choked on her food for a moment after he said the last part. She turned crimson and glared at Lash.


    After they finished the meal Lash cast Decomposition on the food and returned it to ambient magical energy. He cast Immaculate on Mikhail, and Peyton who were both confused but happy for the results. Yes the spell does brush your teeth. Mikhail assured Lash that a group of cleaning pixies would handle the house. They jumped back into the car and drove towards the impromptu Tech Summit. Mikhail and Peyton were obviously closer after last nights work out. Peyton was not seething with hatred towards Lash so that was progress.


    ¡°So is sex like an open thing to your people?¡± Peyton said half way to the summit. She had turned in her seat to look at Lash.


    ¡°Do you know what polyamorous is?¡± Lash asked. Peyton''s eyes went a little wide.


    ¡°Isn''t that when you have an open relationship with informed consent from your partners? You are not swingers, you just agree to have a relationship with more then one person. Sometimes everyone in the group has sex with everyone. Sometimes not. That right?¡± Peyton asked.


    ¡°That is about the gist of it, thought exceptions always exist. I can have as many lovers as I like as long as I properly inform my partners of who I am with. They in turn can do the same. STD''s is not something we have to worry about. Also we have a low fertility rate, so sex is not only not taboo with us, its encouraged. I understand that humans have intimacy issues. If you find my nonchalant way of speaking about such things offensive, please tell me.¡± Lash said to her. Mikhail had a grin on his face that Peyton saw. She narrowed her eyes at him then looked back at Lash.


    ¡°No its fine.... So the women can have just as many lovers as men can, right?¡± Peyton asked.


    ¡°Yes. Its not a male harem or polygamy if that''s what you are thinking. The women can have just as many lovers as the men. As long as they inform their partners, and their partners give consent. Often its a majority vote, not everyone is going to like everyone.¡± Lash said with amusement as Peyton nodded her head, clearly fascinated with the idea.


    Peyton looked forward again and kept to her self. She opened and closed her mouth several times clearly she wanted to ask a question. Lash and Mikhail watched her, she realized they were and turned to look out the window. Mikhail laughed which made Peyton glare at him he shrugged and saved her from her self.


    ¡°I think what our Inspector is to afraid to ask is, do you have human lovers?¡± Mikhail said, Peyton looked like she wanted to punch him. But clearly was payed attention to the answer.


    ¡°I have currently not slept with any humans because I am waiting for some one specific. We have an open relationship. But she is in the middle of... Something. I decided to wait for her, like a romantic gesture. All of my possible lovers have been polite enough to respect the promise until it happens.¡± Lash replied, Mikhail nodded with a smile fully away of the circumstance. Cause everyone knew apparently!


    ¡°That''s sweet of you....¡± Peyton said, a smile on her face.


    ¡°Then after you two have sex you''ll go back to being open to all as long as you get permission from your lovers?¡± Peyton said as she looked back at Lash.


    ¡°Yes, It''s already been arranged that I am to provide several children to several women. In a lot of ways you would call me a breeding stallion.¡± Lash said. Mikhail cracked up laughing for a good few minutes. Why? Because it was in Lash''s fucking file! That thing had way to much information about his sex life.


    ¡°Wait? So instead of having an arranged marriage, you are legally required to give them children?¡± Peyton asked, shocked at the turn of events.


    ¡° Its a privilege, and an honor to be of service.... But yes, you could say that.¡± Lash said begrudgingly his shoulders drooped in a depressed motion. Peyton felt both sympathetic and sadistic about his miss fortune.


    Their car soon had several UNWS aka Warden cars link up with them. The Warden HQ in England was tired of the mundane assassins making trouble in their area. Mikhail gave Peyton replacement gear last night before? After? During their night''s anaerobic exercises. The car came to an abrupt halt and all three of them jumped out of the car. They took a back entrance that was covered by Warden security. Peyton was really impressed with their skills and abilities. She didn''t know UNWS could be this good. She was just use to working with the blue helmets that showed up at peace summits.


    What Peyton didn''t see was a dozen or so invisible creatures, and beings that patrolled the immediate area. Protection spells had been placed, and response teams had hunted around the area. They had already taken out over a dozen mundane hit men. The security door opened up and UNWS escorted them to the Tech Summit main auditorium. A guest speaker was ahead of them, and had brought the auditorium to attention. Tech companies, pharmaceutical, and food had been invited specifically.


    ¡°Now, please welcome Agent Wraith of the United Nations World Security.¡± The speaker announced as soon as Wraith got to the stage. Little over a hundred people clapped, the auditorium was vastly empty.


    Lash walked out onto the stage, he stood on the platform as the chairs around him rose up above him like a class in college. He stared out across the collective crowds and laughed out loud. This caught everyone off guard. Wraith turned around and began to construct his project in front of everyone. He used Fabrication, and Alteration. He''d been using those a lot lately. Lash built the machine eight different times. It looked like a computer tower with tiny arms inside of it. A 3-D printer.


    ¡°I laughed at all of you because I noticed a majority of you are not high on the totem pole in your businesses. Its not because the higher ups couldn''t be here in time. Its because they''ve heard a rumor that I can find any incriminating evidence on their past mistakes and sins. Which is true! All of those that are high in the chain of command that are present are relatively clean! So they didn''t have anything to fear!¡± Lash finished on his last printer. He turned around and pointed at the chairman of a food company.


    ¡°Mr. Evans please come up here. This machine is going directly to your company. Also out of every one here you have the least amount of sin on you.¡± Lash said, his primal animalistic voice provoked no argument from any one. As he had used Intermediate Commanding Presence on the crowd.


    Evans came up to the stage, he was an older fellow with a head full of brown hair. Clean cut suit, with a grand father feel. He unlike the rest of the room had a smile on his face. Evans was a pseudo-mundane and understood who and what Lash was. He was happy to support the idea that super-naturals could one day be in the open. Lash asked for an extension cord and plugged his printer in. Then the printer in front of every ones eyes printed an apple. Just an apple! Lash cut the apple apart with his claws, ate the apple in front of everyone. Offered a slice to Evans, as well as the stage techs that were helping. It tasted like an apple.


    The whole room was quiet... Did a 3-D printer just make food? That in itself was not a big deal? All you had to do was put the food into the dispenser. But Lash then opened up the machine and showed everyone there was no dispenser. The people didn''t understand, so Lash called a pharmaceutical company. Their printer made a bottle of Ibuprofen... Then Lash called the Tech company and their printer made a complete copper ingot. The engineer watched the process and screamed in horror! The printers control arms didn''t touch it! All they did was convert energy into a material! This was an energy converter into material machine! Every single company that showed up got one machine. Lash told them that this was made using earth materials. He wished them the best of luck in reverse engineering the tech. He thanked Evans for being the first then left the stage.


    The car ride towards the Airport was quiet. Peyton clearly wanted to ask questions but kept it to herself. It didn''t help that Mikhail had a smug smile on his face as if this was all just normal for him. Of course it was! But Peyton didn''t know that. Peyton''s phone vibrated, she had gotten a replacement while at the summit. It had an email from an unknown. She opened it and it had a complete report on Lash. Little ticks, tricks, things she had clearly seen but didn''t write down. At the bottom of the email was the sender -Wraith. Before she could ask.


    ¡°You are suppose to report on me but we''ve been so busy lately. You also lost your laptop in the hotel that exploded. That''s all the information you would have noticed. Copy it and send it to your superiors. To answer a question that you may have Peyton. You are my team mate, so is Mikhail. I''ll take care of you if you take care of me.¡± Lash said, his voice not animilistic anymore. He stopped doing that around Peyton.


    Peyton opened and closed her mouth a few more times, bit the bullet and sent the information to her superiors. Mikhail drove straight onto the tarmac towards a Lex-Corp private plane that Lash recognized. All three of them got out of the car, the crew all greeted Lash and his companions. Lash bowed to them and said hello. He cast Sooth and Nature''s Supplement on them which made them all spasm out in pleasure. Peyton looked like Lash had grown a second head. Then Lash cast both spells on Mikhail and Peyton.


    Peyton still wouldn''t look at Lash even after they had reached Paris. She could not believe she moaned that loudly in public. She sat away from Lash and Mikhail both. Mikhail spoke to the plane''s attendants. Both women and men enjoyed his attention. Peyton kept trying to steal glances at Wraith. Lash just smiled to himself every time he caught Peyton as she looked his way. Thanks to his Shroud his face was always wrapped in darkness. He finished his current project and waited for the systems appraisal.


    A solid single edged combat knife, and leather sheath.


    Rating: D+


    Effects: Compressed Edge, will remain sharp long after it should.


    Effects: 1% of the total value of the items durability repairs itself every day.


    Effects: Gripping the knife clears the users mind and keeps them alert.


    Comments: A nice gift for a Soldier.


    ¡°Here, to replace the knife you lost.¡± Lash said, as he handed over the knife to Peyton. She looked surprised but took the knife. A smile tugged on her lips, as the effect applied to her when she held the knife.


    ¡°Can I ask you a favor?¡± Peyton said.


    ¡°You can ask, I may not agree.¡± Lash said, as he continued to create items. He had nothing but time on the plane.


    ¡°Paris is my home, I mean my family lives there. I heard you can heal people. Can we visit my mother in the hospital?¡± Peyton asked.


    ¡°Sure¡± Lash said. His response was so easy going that Peyton was not sure she heard him. Because they were in public Lash''s voice returned to the animal and primal voice that Wraith was known to have. But Peyton had gotten use to it.


    ¡°Thank you...For the knife!¡± Peyton then took a moment to tie the knife to her calf like the one before. It fit her perfectly, like it was had crafted. Of course it was!


    The plane landed and the crew informed him that they would be here when he was done in Paris. Lena Luthor had made the arrangements with the UN. Lash got their contact info in case anything changed out of the ordinary. Given his assassination attempts in England they understood. Different country, different city! It was evening now so they would visit the companies tomorrow. They were led to a very nice and secure hotel. Agent Wraith, Agent Mikhail, and Inspector Peyton all got separate rooms. Mikhail did eventually find his way into Peyton''s room. Lash spent the night on the Dark Web so he could gain experience.


    ===============================================================


    ¡°Ok....So when the collider exploded it created dark matter. This Dark Matter entered the atmosphere and created a rain cloud. That rain then fell across all of Central City. But, now your telling me that Dark Matter may now be in the ecosystem of Earth. So when ever it rains there is a chance we''ll get a ¡­.What did your friend call it. A meta-gene effect?¡± Caitlin Snow said to Cisco, Barry, and Dr Wells.


    ¡°That''s right!¡± Barry said to Caitlin, Team Flash was currently at Star Labs in discussion about the issue with the meta-human phenomenon.


    ¡°Any chance your friend could and join us here to explain in detail?¡± Cisco asked, he looked at Barry with hopeful eyes.


    ¡°Uhhhh...He''s...Ummmmmm busy.¡± Barry hadn''t told them he had spoken to Wraith.


    ¡°Family? Work? Fighting crime? Cause you only had his number after you went to ST.....Oh my god!? Are you talking to that Alien Wraith guy?!¡± Cisco connected the dots real quick.


    ¡°Wha....d....no...no! W...why would you say that?¡± Barry had the worst poker face. Caitlin, Cisco, and Dr Wells looked amazed. Then Barry''s phone sent him an emergency text. He picked it up and read through it. His eyes went wide and he called his adopted father Joe West!


    ¡°Joe!? What do you mean they are letting him out!? Is this real? What....Ya! I''ll be there as fast as I can!¡± Barry turned his phone off, his team looked at him.


    ¡°They are letting my Dad out of prison! He....He was acquitted! New evidence arrived by special delivery! I...I got to go!¡± Barry..Flashed out of star labs. It wasn''t until Barry had reached the prison, with his adopted father Joe that he checked his phone again. There was a single line. Happy Birthday -Wraith


    ==================================================================


    The Tech summit idea worked pretty well in England so companies in France did the same thing and arranged for a meet up. Lash pushed the appointed time back by a single hour, then Mikhail, Peyton, and Lash went to a hospice. But they spent about twenty minutes at the door to convince the security that Wraith was not the grim reaper here to kill everyone they were then allowed inside. They made a beeline for Peyton''s mother''s room.


    ¡°Mom...¡± Peyton said, she spoke in French but Lash and Mikhail both spoke it so it didn''t matter. Peyton came to the side of an older Italian woman who had a nice relax look on her face. She smiled at Peyton.


    ¡°Oh look at you dear. You look so familiar! Have we met?¡± Peyton''s mother said softly. She had the aura of a mother that few ever understood. Mikhail frowned because he understood that Peyton''s mother had lost her memories of her family.


    ¡°Yes, Mom its me Peyton.¡± Peyton had tears in her eyes.


    ¡°Peyton, oh no dear. Peyton is only has high as my knee.... Oh! Who are your friends da....oh my.¡± Peyton''s mother who''s name was Amara looked at Lash in his Wraith form like she had seen him before.


    ¡°Is it time for me to go? I would have liked to see my daughter one more time before I left.¡± Amara said. Peyton started to cry as she looked at Lash.


    What Peyton, Amara, or even Mikhail could not see was a grim reaper was in the room with them. The reaper looked like a full blown wraith, dark cowl with skeleton hands sticking out but no legs. Just a cloaked that billowed in its wake. It looked at Lash in confusion then back at Amara. It shrugged and said it was his choice, it could wait for a little while. Before it moved off down the way in the hospice. Lash moved over to Peyton and called for Mikhail the man understood and comforted Peyton and pulled her out of the way. Lash raised his arms and the windows and door closed.


    ¡°What happens now stays with us, Understood?¡± Lash said, he used Commanding Presence. Peyton, Mikhail, and Amara both nodded. The effect of the skill almost like a geese spell.


    Lash reached out and cradled Amara''s face in his clawed hands. She didn''t shiver or back away in fear. She simply looked up in acceptance awaiting the end that was not about to come. Lash cast his spells, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Panacea, and Return Youth onto Amara. Dark Green energy infused into elderly woman''s body. Wrinkles faded, her hair had a little more brown in it. The dull haze was lifted from her eyes, her breathing was relaxed as she seem to focus. She reached out and tenderly touched Lash''s scaled and transformed face.


    ¡°I see that your not death, but an angel to come heal me. Thank you.¡± Amara said with conviction in her voice.


    ¡°Mother?¡± Peyton said, she walked from Mikhail''s side and came to her Mothers. Amara looked at her and smiled.


    ¡°Peyton! Look at you, where have you been?¡± Amara asked.


    Peyton and Amara cried for a few minutes, and just held each other. Mother and Daughter together again. Her Father had already passed away in the line of duty. Apparently being in Interpol was a family thing. Amara had also been an agent, retired now. They stayed for another twenty minutes but soon had to excuse themselves. Amara understood, the job! But Peyton promised to come visit soon, but no mother could be a mother with out embarrassing her child. So she wanted Peyton to bring Mikhail as well! Maybe a grandchild before she goes? Mikhail smiled at Amara and Peyton turned bright red and fled the room. Lash was the last in the room.


    ¡°Thank you for saving me...¡± Amara whispered. Lash bowed and left soon after.


    ¡°I like your mother! She''s a good judge of character.¡± Mikhail said in the car on their way to the summit. Peyton just stared intently out the window she refused to make eye contact with anyone.


    The Summit was much the same in England as it was in Paris. It was just full of more people! Lash spent a few minutes on the stage as he inspected everyone in the room. The entire crowd started with confident smiles and full of vigor but with in fifteen minutes, more than half of the auditorium was stewing in a mess of their own piss. They had not believed the Sin Hunter rumors. After several hours and dozens of panicked officials that ran and screamed from the summit.


    Lash then gave his tech summit. He showed them a process in which they could take common scrap materials and turn them into something useful, not that special. Until he took a collection of trash and made a piece of Kevlar that could stop a bullet....From trash. That got their attention. Then he took several different plants, vegetables, fruits, mixed with a few commonly found chemicals and made a fuel source that was 60% more effective then common gasoline. Then he showed a metal material that was cross bred with organic fungus. This allowed the metal to do minor self repair as long as an electric current ran through it. The exact how it was done, why was it possible was not something he shared. He gave the finished product, or did the action in front of them but did it with out pause to show each step. It was up to them to figure it out.


    The Lex-Corp jet took them over to Berlin, it would be morning by the time they landed. Mikhail and Peyton shared a room together while Lash stayed in the main lounge area of the plane. The plane was large enough that the staff all had their own quarters though they were not the size of the passenger quarters. Lash told them they could use his room since he wasn''t, they declined. He jumped back on to the Dark Web and began to hunt in cyberspace once again.


    ==============================================================


    Lois rubbed the sleep from her eyes, she took another sip of her coffee and got back to it. She was at home on her computer. She typed up the story of how Agent Wraith, the Alien from their own planet that has come to share his technology with Earth is under constant attack! She researched all the pro''s and con''s to his Tech Summit. As well as the huge popularity with Wayne Tech''s new Holo-Watch that was a product of Wraith''s knowledge. Even she had to admit it was a nice watch. Then she got an email message, she raised a brow and clicked it open. It was a list of every technology piece Agent Wraith had provided for all the different Tech companies since he visited Europe.


    ¡°Who in the world?¡± Lois scrolled down to the bottom to read the sender. Then her eyes turned into crescents because she smiled so wide. She sent a quick IM across the line.


    ''Hows your trip across Europe so far, Wraith?'' Lois typed


    ''A test in patience Miss Lane. I heard you wanted the scoop on Dead Shot? Unfortunately I couldn''t give that to you. But I can give you this, I hope its satisfactory.'' Wraith replied.


    ''Oh its more then enough, but I have to ask. Why are you sending this to me?'' Lois still had a smile on her face. But her expression froze with what she read next.


    ''Because your boyfriend, is my friend.'' Wraith instant messaged. Lois typed that Superman and her were not dating! But she erased that response. Tapped her fingers on her keyboard as she tried to think up a message.


    ''How about this instead? I respect you, Lois Lane. Why don''t we be friends?'' Wraith then sent a private email account. Lois narrowed her eyes, why was she upset that Wraith thinks she is dating Superman? Because she wasn''t? Or because she wished she was?


    ''Deal... Let''s be friends.'' She replied.


    ''Oh, just to cover our new found friendship. That email is confidential. Don''t spread it around, please.'' Wraith sent.


    ''Of course!'' Lois smiled, Wraith knew her well.


    ''Knock! Knock!'' Wraith sent. Lois frowned...


    Knock! Knock! Some one tapped on her front door. The sound was so sudden it made Lois jump in her seat. She looked back at instant messenger and saw that Wraith had logged out. It was nearly one in the morning! Lois got up and walked towards her door, she saw a package had slipped through the mail slot. She checked her peep hole who ever delivered the package had left. She reached down, the package was lite. She took it back to her desk and opened it. A black velvet box was inside. Lois looked at it confused, then carefully opened it. Her eyes lit up at the sight of the a Superman crest with a gold trim, ruby, sapphire, and diamonds placed into the shape. The chain was braided gold, silver, and platinum! It came with earrings as well! A little note was in the box.


    To my new friend,


    Lois Lane


    -Wraith


    Lois stared wide eyed at the card. She looked up at the instant messenger it had been less than five minutes! That meant he had sent it ahead of time under the assumption they would have this conversation? Or, did he just assume they were friends to begin with? Or....Did he send it over from where he was? There was a rumor that he may be able to travel long distances... Lois slumped her shoulders, why did she feel like she was being set up by a friend to date their friend? Lois ran her fingers over the beautiful piece she pulled it out of the box and put it on. She felt her mind grow clear, and she felt refreshed! She then put the earrings on and felt all the different aches and pains in her body melt away.


    ¡°Wraith is definitely going to be trouble.¡± Lois said with a smile.


    ===============================================================


    There was a shower on the plane, Lash didn''t know that. Peyton came out wearing a bathrobe a towel wrapped around her hair. The bathrobe was tight around her figure but Lash could still see the seductive curves of her muscled form. Maybe Lash had a type? The crew was all sitting around a table as they enjoyed Wraith''s cooking. Peyton snagged chocolate strawberry and walked over to Lash. She sat across the coach from him, the plane landed last night but they didn''t leave. It was safer to just stay on the tarmac then it was to go to a hotel.


    ¡°Sleep well? When you did sleep.¡± Lash asked, currently he was shaping a hand sized statue with nothing but his mind. Peyton smiled at him as she watched him work the statue.


    ¡°I did... I''m worried I''m growing addicted to him.¡± Peyton said, then took a look of surprise. Why did she just say that? To Wraith no less. She''d done that a lot lately with Wraith. He just compelled her to speak truthfully.


    ¡°I never said thank you.¡± Peyton said, she swallowed her saliva sat up straight and looked at him.


    ¡°Thank you for saving my mother.¡± Peyton said to Lash. Lash looked at her with his yellow and green reptilian eyes.


    ¡°Your welcome, go finish breakfast. We need to leave in an hour.¡± Lash went back to practicing his carving.


    Peyton stood up than after a bit of hesitation she walked over and kissed Lash on his cheek. She stepped away and smiled at him before she joined the crew at the table. Mikhail soon came out of the shower and smiled at the feast, he greeting Lash and joined the crew at the table, he sat next to Payton. They shared the meal, shared stories with the crew for a bit. Lash came up in hushed conversation a few times. But he ignored them and continued to carve his statue. Peyton and Mikhail excused themselves and got dressed, they soon came out of their shared room in uniformed dress suits. Their different branch badges on the front. Lash stood up and they left the plane to head to the Tech Summit in Berlin. Several security cars were ready for their arrival. Every attendant was mundane, odd.


    Mikhail took the front seat passenger. Peyton sat in the back passenger with Wraith their driver greeted them in a thick German accent in English. Lash replied in a customary German etiquette hello. The driver was surprised. Along the way Lash asked about the country, and the city. He had never been here before and was sad he couldn''t stay to visit. He said as much as well. The driver had a smile on his face and was more then happy to spin tails about his country. To the very nice and polite alien who spoke perfect German. Peyton and Mikhail were on their phones as they answered texts and emails.


    They soon arrived at the Tech summit which was under heavy guard and thousands of people were holding signs up. Some there to say hello, others there to tell Wraith to go back home. Which was off planet. Lash rolled his eyes at the stupidity of it all. Even if he wasn''t human he was born on Earth, this was his home. The car came to a stop, Lash stepped from the car and BANG! Another high caliber round slammed into his head again. This time it did not drop him into the ground. He reeled his head back! Damage Resistance, and Natural Energy Absorption both got massive experience gain.


    Thousands of people scattered when the bullet was fired, the security guards all started to look for the shooter. Lash pushed Peyton back into the car and shut the door. He told Mikhail to keep her safe, he nodded and Peyton screamed at him that it was her job to keep him safe. Another high caliber round was shot straight into Lash''s back. He crashed into the car door with the force then sprinted towards the shooters location. He jumped over civilians, cars, and fences with all due haste.


    Lash jumped into an intersection and his Danger Sense sent an alarm. Crap, he fell into a trap! Dozens of gunmen shot from their concealed positions all of them used heavy weapons, and high explosives. The intersection became hell on earth for a few seconds. Lash was sent through a concrete wall, the weapons fire followed his position.


    Congratulations User! Minor Damage Resistance has evolved into Basic Damage Resistance!


    Minor Natural Energy Absorption has evolved into Basic Natural Energy Absorption!


    A shock wave of energy cascaded from the point of impact as Intimidating Shout brought all the gunmen into a stand still. Soon a ten foot tall, and fifteen foot long monstrosity burst through the wall. Saurian was pissed and didn''t give a fuck any more about being in disguise! The wraith shroud melted away and everyone with a camera saw a were-carnosaur hybrid jump through a nearby building. Saurian claws ripped through the gunmen like they were made of paper. Saurian then jumped through a wall and barreled through towards another machine gun nest, he inhaled and let lose a smog breath of poison and toxins as he used his Nature Domain Passive to create the gas. The gun men screamed in horror as they puked up their own insides!


    Saurian jumped out of the building and raced towards the sniper nest location. He used Gravity Stride and ran along the buildings like it was the ground. The sniper team had abandoned their post and were in trying to get away as fast as possible. They got to the base of the building got into a car and tore off down the street. Saurian slammed into the ground only a few feet from the car, concrete sprayed in all directions. The driver screamed in horror as a scene from a movie took place with a giant reptile that had no place in Berlin chased after a car. The only difference was the reptile was gaining on them!


    Saurian cast Cat''s Grace on himself as he chased after the car and jumped over the car and landed in front of them. The attackers screamed as a living nightmare slammed its tail into the car and crushed them all into paste. Saurian dug his claws into the car and let loose a roar! Rallying Call shook the whole area. Saurian then moved all do haste back to his convoy, back to his team. Soldiers pointed their weapons at him as he approached. They all assumed he was here to kill them all, but even when he got into range none of them could fire. All the weapons had been magnetically sealed by Saurian. Saurian came back to the original car, Mikhail stepped from the car with a huge grin on his face. He pulled Peyton out of the car, she was shook like a leaf at the sight of this giant dinosaur headed her way.


    ¡°Agent Wraith! Did you get them all?¡± Mikhail said with a laugh. Peyton looked at Mikhail in horror then back at the dinosaur.


    ¡°I believe I did, though the soldiers seem to think I am the threat. Its like they''ve never seen a carnosaur walking around.¡± Saurian''s primal ancient reptile voice spoke like a deep base drum.


    ¡°Well they are use to you wearing the shroud effect. Maybe you should shift back?¡± Mikhail suggested.


    Saurian called on Minor Adaptation, Basic Transformation, and a new Transmutation spell he had recently learned.


    Transmutation Domain Spell, Enlarge/Reduce: You may make yourself smaller or larger! As you can imagine the larger you are the stronger you are. But the smaller you are the more nimble you become. -''I wonder, does that work on parts of your body?''


    Saurian reduced his over all mass to about eight feet tall, called on his glamour once more and took the guise of Wraith once more. As odd as it sounds, the Wraith disguise actually put people at ease. Though his overall body shape was still larger then Lash, the shroud covered up his body so all they could see was his clawed hands, feet, and massive tail. Saurian moved towards Peyton who stood her ground, but continued to shake like a leaf in the wind. Saurian reached out and used Calm Emotions on her. Peyton slowed her breath and looked at him with focus. She understood he did something to calm her down.


    ¡°So is that what you really look like?¡± Peyton asked.


    ¡°Yes and no, as you can see I have the ability to reduce my mass. Just like I did at the Hotel we jumped out of. I can alter my existing form to be more....User Friendly.¡± Saurian laughed at his own joke. The chuckle of a giant lizardman made everyone near by take several steps back.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you got an ID on the attackers?¡± Peyton asked.


    ¡°Yes, German special forces.¡± Saurian replied and sent an email through Connectivity to Mikhail and Peyton''s phone. Facial, finger prints, and military ID numbers.


    Over the next several hours, and with the aid of a Shield and Sword lawyer who showed up with in record time! It was discovered that a ''humans first'' radical terrorist group had been created and was behind the attack on Saurian. The idea that an Alien from another world wanted to be a citizen of Earth was ridiculous to them! Saurian and Mikhail both face palmed at the idea of it. Because what they had just done was commit suicide. The super-natural communities across the globe reacted with extreme aggression. Saurian took time to repair and rebuild any damage he had caused to the city. Went to the summit and did his technology advancement then went right back to the airport and got on the plane and headed to Moscow.


    Saurian swapped back to Lash. Lash sat in the airplane with out his shroud. He was just a lizardman now in the airplane. Peyton wouldn''t stop looking at him, as did several of the staff on the plane. Lash then turned his head to look at Peyton who flinched but held his gaze. Mikhail had sliced up an apple and offered Lash a piece which he took.


    ¡°Why are you so casual around him? It''s almost like you''ve seen hi...m li....Have you seen him like this?!¡± Peyton asked Mikhail who grimaced at the scream.


    ¡°Peyton, if you have questions to ask me. Just ask them. Looking at me like I''m a zoo animal is insulting.¡± Lash said to her. His tail idly tapped the floor in mild annoyance. Peyton swallowed a few times before she spoke.


    ¡°I...I don''t know where to start.¡± Peyton said. Lash turned to one of the female attendants who didn''t flinch at his attention.


    ¡°Does Lena Luthor have any questions?¡± Lash asked. The Attendant smiled at him. The staff had figured out a while ago that he could access all the electronics in the plane. She walked over pressed a button on the side and a view screen came down. Lena Luthor appeared on it, she smiled at him. She wore an expensive business suit and had her hair down across her shoulders.


    ¡°You don''t look half bad. I have to say your larger form is terrifying! I guess we''ll have to find a new code name for you?¡± Lena said to him.


    ¡°Wraith is fine for now, but if I get to choose? Saurian is preferred over some of the other names I''ve read online.¡± Lash replied. Lena nodded, and agreed.


    ¡°Wraith it is, but I think Saurian is an apt description. Unless you are willing to tell us your actual name?¡± Lena said with a smile.


    ¡°We are not that good of friends, yet.¡± Lash said to her. Lena''s smile grew wider.


    ¡°Yet... Do you plan to continue your tour? Plenty of people would understand if you didn''t.¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Yes, I plan to continue. I try not to let little things like assassination attempts get me down. My team is safe. All I got were paper cuts, and I got to blow off some steam. Besides, the Tech summits will help guide Earth into a new age. Better or worse there is an opportunity for growth. Oh, thank you for lending the plane. I am enjoying it.¡± Lash said to Lena.


    ¡°Well you''ve effectively paid for it since you gave Lex the updated design. We are already building them. The engineers said and this is a quote ''This is impossible! But it works.''¡± Lena''s eyes sparkled in delight.


    ¡°I''m glad you and your brother are happy.¡± Lash said with a sigh as he accepted another apple slice from Mikhail.


    ¡°You should come visit us next time your in Metropolis, I promise we''ll let you sit down this time. Have a good flight...Saurian.¡± Lena winked at him and ended the call. The staff attendant bowed and left the room.


    ¡°So, whats the plan?¡± Mikhail asked, as he finished off his apple. Peyton still couldn''t get use to the fact that Mikhail didn''t seem to care about what happened.


    ¡°Call the people in charge of the Moscow Tech Summit. To double the security, and ask if any of them are racist supremacist?¡± Lash said to him, then because he felt like being a troll he threw Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on to Peyton. She collapsed into a heap of pleasurable moans and gasps for air.


    ¡°Nnnnnn......Fuck......you!¡± Peyton said through gritted teeth. Mikhail laughed and picked up his new lover and left for their room.


    Lash smiled to himself as leaned back into the coach in the lounge and started to search through the dark web again. He eventually cast Alteration on the bedrooms so he wouldn''t have to hear Mikhail and Peyton hump each other all night. The attendants checked on him once an hour out of pure courtesy. But he surprised them when he asked for some hot chai if they had any. They did, Lash soon enjoyed his hot chai and had a smile on his face as he looked through the web. About half way through the plane ride a door slid open and Peyton walked our wearing a robe. She came up to Lash, he looked at her with his green and yellow reptilian eyes.


    ¡°Can''t sleep?¡± Lash asked, genuine concern in his voice. Peyton was clenching her hands into fists. She humphed at him, then sat on the coach with him and nestled at his side. Lash didn''t move to accommodate her, and she didn''t seem to mind.


    ¡°I was worried about you today.¡± Peyton said softly, she had buried her face into his chest. Lash still wore his Warden Combat gear so it was not the most comfortable thing to put your face against.


    ¡°Thank you for your concern, but what kind of team leader would I be if I put you in danger.¡± Lash said, as he reached over and began to comb through her hair. Peyton leaned into his hand and sighed.


    ¡°Team....Wraith, we are team. We are suppose to support each other. I don''t need you to protect me. Next time there is a fight we will fight together.¡± Peyton looked up at him at that point. He stared at her, and she at him. Lash reached out and made a Temporary Pack Bond with her, and Mikhail. Peyton shivered as she felt the connection.


    ¡°Ok, next time there is a fight we''ll fight together.¡± Lash said to her. Peyton smiled and kissed his snout. Then went back to her shared bedroom with Mikhail.


    ¡°Good night Agent Wraith.¡± She said softly...


    ¡°Good night Inspector Peyton.¡± Lash said, then went back to surfing the Dark Web.


    Congratulations User! The skill Magic Tracking has evolved into Minor Magic Tracking: Increased distance, easier time finding a ''scent'', and diverse fields of tracking.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill, Team Work: This skill lets you work with others with proper communication, and skill. A mundane version of Pack Bond but both skills can work together to create better unit cohesion.


    ¡°I miss home...¡± Lash said into the dark.


    =================================================================


    ¡°Ahahahaahahahaahahaa......hahahahaahahaha.....HAHAHAHAAHAHAAHAHA!¡± The mad cackle of a pale faced man with red lipstick, green hair, and a purple suit laughed and laughed! He stood next to his car as he looked over the great city of Gotham! He had come here in search of a challenge! In search for for a Bat! And a Ghost!

 Chapter 46: Recreational Vehicle!

    Lash felt the world come to a gradual halt around him, he looked around the private plane with mild confusion. It was an odd piece of reality, but also a surreal moment. The attendants on the plane slowly stopped moving around. The gentle rise and fall of Peyton and Mikhail''s steady breathing came to a sluggish stop. Lash looked up to the ceiling, or more towards the vast ocean of stars above him.


    ¡°My brightest star, Dawn? Did something happen?¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°You''ve been playing for several hours User, this is an excellent soft progression point. I understand you''ve been using the tour to increase your experience. We can pause the world if you like. But I must ask you to take a break.¡± Dawn''s tender and sweet voice spoke to Lash.


    ¡°No, go ahead and do soft progression. You''ll pause the world the moment a story event arrives. Log me all the way out. Please, and thank you.¡± Lash said, then felt his spirit being pulled from this body.


    Lash''s Transformation skill left him looking like a Lizardman garbed in full Warden combat gear. But he was starting to sprout some little horns, and spikes along his jaw line, brow, and down his back. He didn''t get a good look at Saurian, but he was massive now. They would have to reduce his size in order to patrol when they got back to Gotham.


    WOOSH!


    Erik opened his eyes in his bedroom. He stood up and groaned as his body screamed at him in protest! He felt like he had run a marathon and his body was begging him to stop and rest. He took time to clean his room up, take a shower, eat some food and drink plenty of water. He took three of those multivitamins he bought a bottle of. More is better, right? By the time he got back to his computer to fill out a Beta Test report it was 4:30 pm. He''d be able to access his store page again soon. He was going to get the Rebirth Domain, then Illusion. After that he''d check his rank status. He hoped with the new Domains he''d be Rank C-. By the time he finished his report it was 5:00 pm, he jumped onto the forums to poke around for information.


    FLASH POINT!


    Some one had come across a flash point in the game. Stepped into an alternate time line, and discovered that a Flash Point is like a dungeon or instance content for the User. You step into a world and you must obtain an object, accomplish a goal, or rescue, defeat, or kill someone to reset the Point. It was incredibly to see how the world was shaped differently in the alternate time line. They even met a VI copy of themselves! Obviously it was the VI avatar and not the player. The post had a little video of the event. Erik smiled at the idea of meeting another Lash in an alternate Time Line.


    HOW MANY ARE FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE JUSTICE LEAGUE?


    This post drew interest from several people they had found, gathered, and created the first Justice League. It seems you get an achievement for it! ''Discerning Eye'' It allowed you to see the basic rank status of the person you looked at. Erik''s eyes got bright at that effect. A few people left comments that they had created the Injustice League. The achievement effect was the same. Erik read a few more comments, left a few messages. Then he left the forum he stood up stretched a few times then got back into bed and entered The Dream Engine Cube.


    6:00 pm


    Erik found himself in the familiar Black Room of cosmic creation. An asteroid flew by, it left behind a trail of cosmic dust. Erik found Dawn a few feet from his position she wore her yin yang black and white outfit. The Admin sun avatar floated above them both. Erik bowed to Dawn, and the Admin avatar. Dawn gestured with her starlight hand and the time line app appeared. They had a routine and it need not be said. Erik looked over the app and face palmed.


    ¡°Fuck! I forgot to visit Constantine in England!¡± Erik chastised himself. Looked like the time line app had expanded from America to a lot of the world. Every place Lash had visited. Before the timeline app only covered area''s he had access to.


    Constantine had just finished his shit storm of a back story at New Castle. He was currently in a mental health hospital as he tried to come to grips with what he had done. The Dream Engine had its fourth wall established so Lash couldn''t tell the Warden''s to look out for Constantine. Erik continued to read the time line app. Arthur Curry had turned down Mera and Vulko to come back to Atlantis to rule. He wanted nothing to do with the city or its people that killed his mother. J''onn J''onzz had made it to Earth and attempted to look around for the one they called Superman. The Dark Matter from the collider in Central City had merged with the atmosphere. So every time it rained, there was a chance one person could develop either nuisance meta-gene powers, like simple mind reading. To another chance of some one developing the ability to shoot lasers from their eyes. Random number generator be kind!


    Erik finished with the time line app and then pulled up Lash''s time line. He had visited Moscow and no one tried to kill him there. He gave them a few gizmo''s and devices that would get their creative juices flowing. They had just visited Ankara in Turkey and showed them how to pull garbage and waste out of the water and turn it back into fuel. The process costed pennies, but they could sell it for much more. Now they flew over the middle east on the way to New Delhi in India. That is where Dawn paused the the soft lock. Story driven event is about to happen.


    ¡°Reminder user, you have two hours in the real which translates into six days in the dream before the store is available. You''ve earned three DP this time.¡± Dawn said to him.


    ¡°Three? Really?¡± Erik was surprised, though he got two DP when he finished the conspiracy to kill him he still spent another point as well.


    ¡°Remember Dream Points are earned through time served in the Dream, as well as what you have done, and what you have accomplished. Agent Wraith has caused a massive technological ripple across the entire globe. So you''ve done a lot.¡± Dawn said to Erik. Erik smacked his own head at his mistake. He smiled walked up and hugged Dawn, she returned the embrace. Erik waved at the Admin avatar. Then he jumped out of the room to continue his adventures he heard Dawn say.


    ¡°Good Luck....This is going to be bad.¡± Dawn said with a grimace. Erik didn''t have time to wonder what she meant because as soon as he merged with Lash and Saurian his Danger Sense, and Foresight went off.


    ¡°Every one brace for impact! We are being shot at!¡± Lash shouted at the top of his lungs and used Inter. Commanding Presence.


    Even if they didn''t understand why, everyone who heard the shout reacted. Peyton and Mikhail strapped themselves in, the attendants all scrambled for the emergency harnesses. Everyone was tied in just in time when the plane let loose a proximity alarm and they suddenly veered down with all due haste! For a brief moment everyone in the plane was weightless! The crew screamed in panic as an explosion occurred just right off their right wing. Shrapnel collided with the engine and it burst into flames. Lash put his hand against the planes wall and pushed his Repair, and Fabrication spells straight into the engine. After a few moments the engine rebuilt it self and started to work again.


    Lash used Gravity Stride to stay connected to the plane''s floor. He looked at Peyton and Mikhail. Both were strapped in, and tried desperately to hold on. They held each others hands in a false sense of security, Mikhail''s hand easily dwarfed Peyton''s petite hand. Lash walked forward only for the plane to flip side ways everyone shouted in shock as another explosion rang out just underneath the plane. Shrapnel tore through the underbelly of the plane, their pressure locked cabin exploded outwards for a brief moment until Lash sealed the bulkhead. Lash tied into the radio with Connectivity and found out they had been jammed! (Grape Jelly!) He made his way to the pilots cabin and opened the door. The two pilots were doing the best they could as missile after missile was shot towards them from the surface.


    ¡°This is Lex-Corp private plane VU-1345, we are under attack! I repeat we are under attack!¡± The auxiliary pilot screamed into his mic.


    ¡°Don''t bother! We''ve been jammed!¡± Lash said then he cast Cat''s Grace on the pilot, co-pilot, and the auxiliary pilot.


    ¡°As long as we don''t take a direct hit I can keep the plane repaired mid flight! Just get us out of their range and we''ll be fine!¡± Lash used Rallying Call on them. So all their energy reserves went up by 10%.


    ¡°We have a direct line to Lex-Corp communication Satellite! We may not be able to get through but maybe you can!¡± The auxiliary pilot said, and gave him the access code for it.


    The plane took a hard left and shot out dozens of flares and flak. Lash had to give it to Lex for he made such a nice plane that was capable of such maneuvers. A ground to air missile zipped past the plane and exploded behind them. The rear tail was hit by shrapnel and Lash made his way to the back of the plane. He told the staff to just hold on, he is capable of mid flight repairs. The pilots are doing the best they can! Lash made it to the tail end of the plane and thanks to Minor Energy Manipulation he could extend his spell range. He repaired the tail end of the plane just in time for the plane to abruptly shoot up at an angle! It was like he rode the world''s best roller coaster! Only he had no idea if they would live through it or not!Lash reached out with Connectivity easily slipped past the jammer frequency and made a bee line to the Lex-Corp satellite. Then sent a signal straight towards Lex-Corp!


    =================================================================


    Lena Luthor sat at her desk as she read through a financial report. She took a moment to massage her neck and adjust her posture. She would kill for Wraith to be here and use those little machines on her again. She had to admit ever since he had done it she felt amazing, she knew for a fact that she was younger. She was twenty eight when Wraith had visited them. So if the tests were to be believed that meant she was physically eighteen again. So her metabolism was up, her body recovered faster, and her skin felt amazing. But that didn''t stop her from dreaming about a massage. Lena wondered what it would be like to have those big, strong scaled hands gently kneed into her back. Lena opened her eyes wide! What was she....


    ¡°LENA!¡± A very course and animal like voice shouted at her from her computer! She jumped to her feet in shock. Lena took a moment to get her breath under control. She tucked her hair behind her ears, fixed her cloths. Then went to the computer to open it up. She had an amused expression on her face, oh he had to pay for spying on her! Then her smile fell.


    ¡°Lena we are under attack! Our position is over a country known has Bialya!¡± Wraith''s voice transmitted over the direct satellite up link. Lena understood that Wraith didn''t speak directly to her, that this was just a message. A message that was ten minutes old!?


    ¡°I say again....Shit! Everyone brace!¡± The message went dead. Lena pulled her phone and called her brother.


    ¡°Lex! We have a situation!¡± Lena shouted.


    ==============================================================


    Peyton groaned in pain and tried to move. Sharp stabbing pains went through her whole body. The pain was so bad she blacked out..... The sharp whistles and impacts of bullets flew near Peyton, she opened her eyes and tried to remember not to move. An eagle cry whistle was heard nearby and an explosion rocked the area she was near. Dust, debris, and blood flew over her. Some ones body!? Who just died! Oh god no! Mikhail? She had to find Mikhail! -I''m here.... You ok? Mikhail''s voice came through her head. Peyton opened her eyes wide and tried to move her neck. PAIN! Went through her whole back she screamed out and contorted. Each flinch made the pain worse till she blacked out....again.


    BOOM!.....BOOOM!.....ROOOOOAR!


    Peyton opened her eyes again, she saw Mikhail! He held her close to his chest. They were inside the plane? Or what was left of it? That''s right they had been shot down....Wraith!? Where''s Wraith.


    ¡°He''s saying hello to the people that shot us down! Don''t worry the Carnosaur you saw at Berlin came out to play.¡± Mikhail smiled down at her. His ocean blue eyes sparkled with the same confidence that Peyton first found so charming. Peyton believed she was falling in love with this man.


    ¡°I like you to. But we can talk about our feelings after we get through this. OK?¡± Mikhail said with a smile.


    Wait!? What!? Did she say that out loud!?


    =================================================================


    Saurian raced across the sands towards the Bialya Tank as it shot a round at him. He nimbly slipped left and let the round zip past him! He roared and used Intimidating Shout the shock wave of invisible pressure went out in a 360 degree angle. Every tank, APC, and soldier was stunned for a moment. Saurian shoulder charged into the tank and crushed the front end like an empty tin can. Dug his claws into the tungsten metal and ripped the gun turret off. Then tossed it at a Humvee, the soldiers broke from the vehicle and tried to get out of the way as the top half of the tank collided with the car. A eagle scream whistled and Saurian took a direct hit with a tank shot!


    ¡°Gaaaaah! FUCK YOU!¡± Saurian screamed, as the shot took a good 25% of his life away.


    Saurian took a moment to remember what happened before. A missile was shot at the plane while it was still in the air. Before the missile came within range it exploded into several dozen little missiles and shot the entire plane apart. The pilots and half of the crew died in the first attack. The plane crashed, and it crashed hard! Every human on board had their bones shattered, and their organs liquefied by the percussion! But, Peyton had the 10% increase from the Temporary Pack Bond. She had 1% of her total health left, Mikhail was fucked up but being half Sylvan saved his life. With in ten minutes of the crash. Tanks, helicopters, APC''s, and soldiers showed up. Lash swapped out with Saurian who was pissed! He''d been on a rampage ever since!


    Saurian raced across the battle field and ripped the soldiers apart with swipes of his claws! He let out a passive Technomancy pulse of energy and created his own EMP blast. The helicopters fell from the sky, the tanks stopped working, the radios died. Saurian spend the next ten minutes systematically hunting, tearing, and ripping the soldiers apart with his claws. He used his long lost friends Soul Bite, and Dream Eater. He was angry, he was hurt, and he was hungry!


    Saurian looked around at the carnage then saw that more were soon to arrive. He growled in dissatisfaction but returned to the wreckage. Saurian recorded the faces, names, and lives of every crew member that he had come to know since he started his tour. He would see if they had family and help them in return. He wanted to use his Grave Domain, but all their souls had left. Or more to say he saw a Reaper that guided them to their new home. -I''m sorry.... Saurian said to them, but they didn''t seem to hear him. The Reaper collected their souls into his lantern, waved good bye to Saurian and faded from sight. Saurian concentrated on the last of his team and picked up their location easily through the bond. He raced towards them!


    Mikhail had several broken bones and was bleeding internally. But the way he smiled at Saurian''s approach you would think he just had a nasty fall. Blood had mixed into his black curly hair, and his left hand was smashed into paste but he still said hello. Peyton lay in Mikhail''s lap, her body was contorted and twisted into positions that would kill most people. Technically she should be dead! Half of her face had been carved off, he could see her skull. Saurian reached out and cast, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Restoration and Immaculate on them. The last one just to clean them up.


    Nature''s Kiss had leveled enough to be able to heal 40% of a persons total HP, and could be cast twice in one day. Twelve hour intervals. After the spells settled over them, Mikhail had most of his bones snap back into place. He bit back a scream, unfortunately it still didn''t dull the pain. But the one that screamed the most was Peyton as her body jerked and contorted as the spell healed the worst injuries first. Her broken spine! After a minute of her screams she passed out again. Saurian dug into the ground as he used Material Shaping, Advanced Crafting, Earth Swim, Mud Marsh, Alteration, Renew, and Fabrication. He dug out a sizable tunnel and made a little cave home then came back out. He lifted Mikhail and Peyton into their new dug out home. He created some food, water, and a place to sleep. He took a brief moment to connect his snout to both Mikhail and Peyton.


    ¡°Good luck.¡± Mikhail said as he began to make a tent for him and Peyton.


    ¡°The Link is six miles. I''ll do my best to stay near by but if the connection breaks that just means I''m out of range.¡± Saurian asked.


    Saurian nodded at him and left the tunnel, he created a simple cover made out of sand and rock. This was when he truly wished he had the Illusion Domain. He found out Pure-Blooded Fae could enchant items, objects, and places with their glamour. He couldn''t do that. Looked like that was his penalty for his heavy duty Glamour. Saurian looked towards the rushing dust cloud and narrowed his eyes, it was time for a new hunt!


    ================================================================


    Thea Queen crunched numbers at her desk, it would be a few hours before Club Verdant would open. She had to plan ahead with new liquor, schedule work hours, and sign pay checks. She rolled her shoulders and tried to focus. It wouldn''t take very long, lately she could burn through her work easily. Almost to the point that she had to much time on her hands. She heard a commotion down on the club floor where her people were setting up for the night. Thea looked out and saw everyone stood around to watch the television.


    Thea rolled her eyes and stood up, she tucked her hair behind her ears and walked out of her office. She had a nice pair of heels on with a pencil skirt, and black skin tight blouse. She came down the stairs to shout at her people to get back to work only to see her boyfriend Roy look at the TV while he gritted his jaw. Roy was always a hard worker, he would normally get people motivated so she wouldn''t have to. She walked over and came to Roy''s side then looked at the TV. Her eyes went wide and she reached out to squeeze Roy''s hand. He didn''t even look at her but reached out to hold her close.


    The television showed news that Agent Wraith''s plane had been shot down some where over the middle east. Who did it, and why was not known. They also had no knowledge if he was alive or not. They had no idea if Wraith was like Superman, invulnerable to damage or not. The plane had been shot down nearly thirty two hours ago but Starling City had just been notified, so they interrupted their regular broad cast to inform the city.


    ¡°He''ll be alright.... He''s a tough monster! He''ll be alright!¡± Roy said, his voice filled with conviction. A few people looked at him and nodded in agreement.


    ¡°He''ll be alright.¡± Thea said softly.


    =================================================================


    ¡°Delta team move forward! Maintain line of sight, and radio checks. Nice and slow....¡± Delta team leader said. The Bialya special forces moved with practice precision and skill. They had been trained for years by the best their country could offer. Their Queen, praise the ground she walked upon gave them only the best.


    ¡°Contact! Enemy co...GAaaaaag!¡± A Delta team member screamed, the team leader looked towards his left and only saw a glimpse of an open jaw before he died.


    ==================================================================


    Saurian ripped the head off the team leader with his jaw and spit it out. He dove straight into the ground with Earth Swim then moved towards the next team. In less then two minutes the location of Delta squad was consumed in flame and shrapnel as hellfire missiles and tank fire came down from the sky. Every time he killed a unit they would shoot that location straight to hell. Saurian swam through the earth and came upon another group of soldiers. Saurian could smell something on them. Pheromones? Odd thing to....Wait a minute! Bialya? Wasn''t this the territory of Queen Bee in the DC comics? Fuck! No wonder they were shot down! This country is a fucked up mess! Queen Bee had a very basic Meta-Gene it allowed her to produce mind control pheromones that could drug most men, and some women based on their attraction to woman. Once they were drugged they were essentially slaves to her will. Like a Queen in a bee hive.


    Saurian had a moment of conflict with his moral compass. That would mean that these people are slaves and are not in control of their actions? Did he have the right to kill them? Despite their enslavement every single one he had seen and killed had a Sherogoth''s mark on them. So same rules as before. No mark, stun them. A mark, they can die. Saurian came to the next group and turned the whole area into a Mud Marsh. The soldiers sunk into the ground and started to shoot widely into the ground. They had learned this trick. So he stayed away and cast Burning so the marsh burned them alive. He moved on just in time for the fire works on his last known location.


    Saurian stayed with in six miles of Mikhail and Peyton. The Bialya''s seem to have learned this trick and kept their main force just out of range. But despite their clear disadvantage they kept sending troops into a death trap. Slaves to her will indeed. The soldiers didn''t even hesitate!


    Congratulations User! The skills Minor Pack Bond and Minor Telepathy have evolved!


    Basic Pack Bond: Range has increased to 10 miles. Overall stat increase will remain at 30% until you find a story driven event. Or, buy it at the store. This effect applies to Temporary Pack Bond.


    Basic Telepathy: Range has increased to 10 miles. Overall effects remain the same until you find a story driven event. Or, buy it at the store.


    Perfect. Saurian then swam towards the artillery with all due haste. Saurian swam through the earth for almost an hour. He cast Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage then slipped from the ground like he stepped from a pool of water. He moved into the Bialya''s camp site. Hundreds of soldiers were in formation and awaited to be called into battle. Tanks, APC''s, and high velocity cannon''s were pointed into the theater of war. Saurian tapped into the communication hub and listened in.


    ¡°I understand that we didn''t have all the information on our friend from the stars. But you all have the best Bialya has to offer. Are you suggesting that this is my fault?¡± A cultured, and well educated woman''s voice spoke over the communication hub.


    ¡°No! I would never your highness! We are close to trapping the creature, we only ask your indulgence? We are not sure if we can bring it back alive.¡± The commander in charge of the operation said.


    ¡°I wanted it alive. But I suppose if you exhaust all possible means then you can bring it back dead. But if you bring it back dead than bring back as much as possible.¡± The woman spoke to the commander.


    ¡°Of course! Long live the Queen!¡± The commander saluted a camera feed.


    The feed showed a Bialyian woman, with caramel chocolate skin, almond eyes, black hair down to her shoulders. She had a golden crown on with a symbol of the nations flag. Golden ivory horns for earrings, she wore a silk corset and that was all Saurian saw in the video.


    ¡°Yes...Praise the Queen of Bialya for shooting down a plane owned by Lex-Corp that was carrying a United Nations World Security agent on a mission of peace and technological advancement. Praise the Queen that also broke the sovereign borders of Quarac, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. You really are a stupid bitch.¡± Saurian''s voice interrupted the sycophant''s boot licking. The Commander along with his staff, and their beloved queen''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Don''t worry your highness! I''ll take care of your men, they''ll be dead by the time you send reinforcements.¡± Saurian said, and turned every electronic device off in the immediate area.


    The lights cut out and a fog of war shrouded the whole encampment. Saurian moved into the command tent, he had cast Reduce on himself to be about eight feet all, and twelve feet long with his tail. He ripped the commander of the camp in half! He lifted him up and pulled his legs and arms apart! The man screamed in agony and deserved more, his Sherogoth''s mark screamed at Saurian to kill this man. He wasn''t a slave, he did everything because he wanted to! Saurian whipped his tail around and turned several more people into meat paste. Then the soldiers opened fire into the tent with out care if they hit their own people. Saurian reached his claws out and called on Minor Energy Manipulation then cast Burning! Every soldier with in thirty meters of him caught fire and screamed in pain as their flesh began to melt.


    Saurian cast Connectivity and downloaded all the information onto Lash''s phone which he found out could fit inside his Storage. Why? He wasn''t sure and didn''t think to ask Dawn about it. Maybe cause it had access to money and his accounts? Loop hole? He ran from the tent and cast Enlarge he returned to his Carnosaur size of fifteen feet high, and twenty five feet long. Saurian cast a Technomancy pulse and Recycled every tank, APC, helicopter, and artillery cannon back to their base components. His magical energy took a nose dive but it was worth it.


    Machine gun fire, large caliber rounds, anything that could be held by a soldier was fired at him. RPG''s, and rockets exploded on impact but the Carnosaur barreled through the action with a roar. He raked his claws through the soldiers one by one. Each one died with the same fanatical look in their eyes. ''For their Queen'' each one seem to say!


    Congratulations User! The skill Minor Energy Manipulation has evolved into Basic Energy Manipulation.


    Effects: Extended range, improved power, reduced energy consumption. The ability to compress and manipulate energy. Extends the reach of your magic.


    Oh well isn''t that nice! After another twenty minutes a field of corpses and wreckage was all that was left. The moon was high in the sky, and the temperature had dropped significantly enough to let Saurian seen his breath as he breathed. Saurian cast Judgment on the whole lot and had the indescribable sensation of something put him on like a glove and judged the whole lot. It sent a majority to a bad place, but a few to a in between place. None of them went to a good place. Then the something slipped Saurian off and left. Not even a second had passed but Saurian felt exhausted from the experience. Saurian cast Decomposition on all the bodies and made some use out of them. As plants of death and decay grew in their place. Despite the inhospitable environment the magical plants grew perfectly fine.


    Saurian looked at the the scrap heaps nearby and smiled wide in thought. He clapped his hands together with a resounding smack! Renew, Immaculate, Fabrication, Alteration, Essence Imbuement, Chameleon, Nature''s Passage, Daylight Repair, and Compression Transformation. His magic extended like hundreds of tiny arms and hands and built an armored all terrain recreational vehicle!


    A full armored, utility, and comforted armored personal carrier.


    Rating: D+


    Effects: Solar collection and energy array.


    Effects: 5% of the items total durability is restored every 12 hours.


    Effects: Temperature controlled, electrical, water, and waste capable.


    Effects: Partial camouflage, and obstruction in tracking.


    Effects: Full communication hub.


    Effects: Capable of deployment to allow for comfort and protection. Full camouflage when deployed.


    Comments: So you''ve created a mobile base camp that would make any RV owner scream in envy!


    Saurian swapped out with Lash and he turned into his Transformation state as a Warden Combat gear Lizardman. He stepped into the driver''s seat and drove towards Mikhail and Peyton. -All immediate attackers are gone, I''m coming to you. We are leaving for the nearest safe location. Lash said across the link. -Do we have transportation? Mikhail asked. -Yes, I made some. How is Peyton? Lash asked. -She is still asleep, I hope what you have is better than a cave we are freezing. Mikhail said in response. Lash smacked his own head, he had totally forgotten about a space heater in the cave. He must not have dug it deep enough for natural warmth and Mikhail couldn''t make a fire in fear giving away their position.


    Lash soon drove up to where he had made the hole. He went down through the tunnel after he cleared it. He helped Mikhail carry Peyton to the armored RV. Mikhail just stared for a moment before laughed. Once Mikhail and Peyton were settled in their new home away from home. Lash used Decomposition on the plane, and anything around the plane. He cast Unburden of any lingering spirits and energy. Jumped into the armored RV and set off towards the safest location. Away from Bialya!


    ==============================================================


    Peyton stirred awake, she felt a nice soft pillow under her face a blanket over her body. Her aches and pains were gone. She shuddered at the memory of her bones that snapped back into place at the crash site. Wait! The Crash!? Her eyes snapped open and Peyton looked around a small cabin. She looked down to see she wore some loose silk pj''s. Her body was clean, and she had no visible injuries. She looked around the small cabin which was just a bed and a door. A soft ambient glow off to the side gave her enough light to see. She brushed her mangled mess of curly hair out of her eyes and went to the door. She peaked out around the corner to see a strange sight.


    Mikhail sat on a coach, he wore black boots, combat black pants, with a really nice black T-shirt on. Damn that man is so sexy its not even funny! Focus Peyton! Mikhail was listening to Wraith as he ate popcorn from the bowl. The entire room shifted and bounced. Further down the room she saw Wraith in a seat at the front he had his hands on a steering wheel and drove the vehicle they were in. Peyton came out of her room and walked towards Mikhail bare foot. The devilishly handsome man Mikhail looked over at her and smiled. Peyton felt her heart flutter in excitement. Fuck this man was just to hot!


    ¡°Good Morning Inspector Peyton! Welcome to the open road of....Some where!¡± Wraith said from the driver seat.


    ¡°What?¡± Peyton looked at Wraith in confusion. What happened to the plane crash! The crew? The people that shot them down! Where did this RV come from! WHERE WAS HER DAMN COFFEE!


    ===============================================================


    The Queen of Bialya slammed her fist into her desk and screamed in rage! The soldiers near by took the safeties off their weapons as they glared at the people that stood in front of their queen. One of the people was a man that had glasses and looked like a book worm type as he wore simple traveling gear, he kept fidgeting and made jittery movements. The other was a woman who wore a skin tight monastic martial arts uniform, she had a scimitar attached to her hip. She had short black hair that frame her face but did not reach her shoulders. Her skin was a healthy tan color and she wore black lip stick. Her eyes narrowed at Queen Bee''s action.


    ¡°You told me he was not a threat! You gave me a pile of rubbish for his abilities! Then dare to claim that you held up your end of the bargain! I don''t believe you understand the situation! Lady Shiva!¡± Queen Bee yelled at them.


    ¡°We gave you a full list of his known abilities, we gave you his flight plan, and kept the UN off your scent for a full forty eight hours. It was your men that failed in their task. So yes, we held up our end of the bargain. However my master, The Demon''s Head has decided to rescind our agreement so we are leaving momentarily.¡± Lady Shiva said, politely bowed and turned to leave. All the soldiers in the room pulled their weapons and pointed them at Shiva and the man in glasses.


    ¡°Hold!.... Lady Shiva tell your master that I expect compensation for whats happened. Because the UN will be breathing down my neck for shooting down a plane that carried one of their agents. But we also shot down Lex Luthor''s plane!¡± Queen Bee motioned for he guards to holster their weapons. They followed her command. Shiva looked back at Queen Bee, then nodded. Lady Shiva left and the man in glasses followed, still jittery as he was before.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°So, that about wraps it up. Understand?¡± Lash looked at Peyton who sat in shotgun. She was still in her pj''s but she had her coffee. Little victories! Her long curly hair had been swept back, her big bright eyes stared at Lash like he had grown a second head.


    ¡°No I don''t fucking understand! The nation of Bialya shot us down! You have video evidence of the attack as well form of confession of her through a recording! But you haven''t transmitted it yet! We are in the middle of no where! Why?!¡± Peyton looked like she wanted to throttle Lash. Mikhail came up from behind and hugged her. Peyton calmed down after that.


    ¡°My ability to connect works like any cell phone. Unfortunately its not a satellite phone connection. The RV does have extended range but we still have to be with in a certain range of a tower. The connection in the plane was blasted during the fight. I guess we could have spent the next two weeks looking for it. But we didn''t. The radio and connection I built into the RV has a limited range as I said. Yes, I was able to record a conversation between Queen Bee and a subordinate about taking me alive or at least dead but mostly intact. We are in the middle of no where because we have no idea where we are.¡± Lash said to her, a smile on his face.


    The RV they were in went up and down another sand dune. Despite its large size it went over the sand dunes like they were on a road. Nature Domain for the win! Peyton glared at Lash and drank more of her coffee. She snuggled into Mikhail''s embrace who had the same smile he had wore since she had woke up. He was just happy to be alive! Lash had healed them both fully a while ago. It had been three days since the incident. Another three days and Lash would have access to the store. He may have to skip on getting his preferred Domains in favor of something more convenient for the situation.


    ¡°So you just chose a direction that was not towards Bialya and that''s the direction we are heading now?¡± Peyton asked after a few minutes.


    ¡°That is correct, Inspector Peyton.¡± Lash continued to smile as he drove over another sand dune. Peyton just rolled her eyes.


    Peyton and Mikhail went back to the living room area of the RV and sat down together on the coach. There was a TV but they had nothing to watch. So Mikhail just started to talk to Peyton who took the welcomed distraction. Lash just drove over the never ending sea of sand and rock. He did actually know where he was headed. He spoke to the Nature spirits near by and they pointed him to a small town with a radio transmitter. People say that a desert is dead, but its not. He saw hundreds of creatures magical, spiritual, etc move across the sands. Lash tried his Cell phone every few minutes as he attempted to get a signal.


    The sun set and Lash deployed the RV. It expanded to allow the cabins more space, the living room came out. A tent cover extended to allow them to sit out like a miniature porch. Lash pulled out some kitchen ware and started to cook dinner for everyone.


    Congratulations User! Your skill Basic Cooking has evolved into Intermediate Cooking.


    Effects: You can now do more with less, but if you have more that is even better. A sense of comfort, and invigoration comes from eating your food. You can also choose to blend a bit of magic, energy, or both into the meal. This will help people recharge, heal, and empower them.


    Lash did just that, the meal then became magical! Peyton and Mikhail couldn''t get enough of the food and asked for thirds. Lash laughed and fed them to their hearts content. While the RV was deployed the spell camouflage was active so it blended in nicely with the area and even hid their heat signatures. Peyton and Mikhail both went to bed, Lash had sound proofed the cabin''s to prevent extra curricular activities from being leaked out. He had made sure to say this out loud to both of them at dinner. Mikhail laughed, and Peyton blushed. Lash looked up at the perfect night sky, he could see every star possible out here. If they were not on the run for their lives this would be a nice trip. Then...His phone vibrated!


    ===============================================================


    Selina had auto dialed Lash''s cell phone number over and over that it had become automatic. She had come to Bruce''s mansion to stay for the past few days. She didn''t want to be alone right now. Bruce welcome her with open arms, the kid Grayson was a sweet boy that checked in on her as much as Alfred did. Selina liked it here, it was a good home. It being a mansion was also nice. But she wished her friend would pick up his damn phone! She knew it was wishful thinking on her part. Even if he was al...No! No! He is alive! He is just lost in the middle of a desert! So....


    ¡°Selina! What a pleasant surprise! How are you?¡± Lash''s voice said over her phone. His voice made Selina scream so loudly that Alfred appeared at her room in ten seconds flat. But she completely ignored him because she danced around the room in joy as she spoke to Lash.


    ¡°Where the fuck are you!?¡± She screamed at her phone.


    ¡°I don''t really know. We were shot down by Bialya special forces. Though I know we were not in Bialya''s land. They broke sovereign borders to shoot our plane down. Regretfully the entire crew aboard the plane died in the crash. But Agent Mikhail, and Inspector Peyton barely survived, and as long as they are alive I can heal them. We are currently traveling south by south east bearing 157.5 degree''s. I have no idea what our longitude and latitude is. I''ll get back to you on that! We are traveling in an all terrain vehicle that I made from scrap. I am also fine.... How are you?¡± Lash tried to think of any possible questions.


    ¡°I...I''m a lot better now! Thank you!¡± Selina said with a smile. Alfred was still in the room and had begun to call Bruce with the good news.


    ¡°Selina, I am not 100% sure I''ll be able to call any one if we hang up. So I''m sending an Email with information to the UN while we are talking. If we suddenly cut off just know that I love you and I''ll be home soon, ok?¡± Lash said to her. Selina didn''t know why but she believed him.


    ¡°Ok.... Please don''t do anything to....Ah fuck who am I kidding. Just please come back alive....Lash....Lash?! Fuck the line went dead!¡± Selina yelled in frustration. She tried to call back but the monotone operator''s voice of ''I''m sorry this number is currently unavailable.'' was all she got. She wanted to smash her phone to pieces but pulled her anger back. He was alive that is what mattered.


    ¡°Miss Kyle if we may see your phone we may be able to back trace his location.¡± Alfred stepped forward and Selina''s eyes brightened!


    ===============================================================


    Skaleg the old viking sat his desk and looked at his computer blankly. Skaleg was a middle aged leather neck who still trained at the gym every day to keep his marine core fitness. His arms were bigger then some peoples thighs. But right now he looked drained of all life. A cup of coffee next to his computer was cold and there was a half eaten muffin that his daughter had brought to him but he didn''t finish. He had been awake for days and was exhausted. He waited for an update from the different Warden''s across the globe that attempted to look for Warden Lash. Fuck! They should have just let him use the Portal Nexus! But oh no! They had to keep up appearances! They knew he was alive, there was a Warden life gem in their HQ that still glowed with his life force. But that gem didn''t tell them his location. Beep.....Skaleg got an email, he went to open it and froze when he saw the sender... ''Warden Lash'' Skaleg fumbled with his mouse and typed in his key code.


    ''Mentor! I''m sure you know I''m alive. Warden Mikhail is alive as well, along with Inspector Peyton. Regretfully the entire crew on the Lex-Corp plane died in the crash. We were shot down by Bialya special forces who broke sovereign borders to shoot us down. Here is the information on the attack along with a partial confession by their ruler, Queen Bee. Our last known location before the plane crashed is in the information packet as well. We have sense left the wreckage and are traveling in a armored personal carrier that I built out of scraps. Our current bearing is South by south east 157.5. Our current longitude and latitude is unknown. I have no idea if this email will even reach you. But I am hoping it will! See you soon! -Warden Lash.''


    Skaleg yelled in victory! He drank his cold coffee and ate his muffin then got to work. He contacted his Warden HQ, the Fae Courts, and Shield and Sword. All of them responded with in a few minutes with questions, logistics, and responses. Messages were sent to the United Nations, with demands for them to call Bialya up right fucking now! Marie came in after a few minutes, heard the news then cheered and went to go make something for her father. The day wasn''t over yet and Skaleg still had work to do.


    ================================================================


    Lash drummed his claws across the steering wheel of his RV, they up and over another sand dune. Peyton was in a much better mood when she found out Lash was able to send out messages of their location along with what happened. She would throw a question or two at Lash on occasion, as she currently wrote by hand with a paper and pencil that Lash had made. He answered what he could, altered the truth from a few things.


    ¡°So you are not invulnerable to damage, just resistant to it?¡± Peyton asked. Her brown eyes had a spark in them that wasn''t there before he had met her. The optimization had nearly completed, she was 10% above the average human now.


    ¡°More or less, didn''t start out that way. Took time to build up that resistance. I have no idea what my limits are, not willing to stand in front of different weapons to see what kills me and what doesn''t.¡± Lash replied, he adjusted his posture and slipped his long muscular tail through the space in the chair he had designed.


    ¡°Are you physically capable of reproducing with human women?¡± Mikhail asked behind them both. Lash rolled his eyes, Mikhail knew the answer but was just teasing Peyton. Peyton blushed just a little but looked at Lash, her pencil at the ready to record the information.


    ¡°Yes, I am capable of reproducing with human women. As far as I know I am capable of reproducing with most women of several different species.¡± Lash said and sighed loudly after wards.


    ¡°Wait, are there more aliens in the universe besides you and Superman''s people? Wait, do you know who Superman''s people are. What is your races name?¡± Peyton scooted a little closer, Mikhail even came over as well. He offered a sliced apple to Lash. Lash took it from the half sylvan. Mikhail had cut his black curly hair recently so it was a little uneven. But his five o''clock shadow on his face just added to his rugged appearance. Peyton stared at him from time to time.


    ¡°First; Yes there are hundreds of thousands of different civilizations, cultures, and species capable of speech, language, written word, and even space flight. Second; Lois Lane did a piece on Superman and reported that his people were from Krypton, remember? Third; I don''t know the name of my race. Fourth; This is a bonus answer, earth is not the only place humans exist.¡± Lash said with a grin. Peyton jumped in her seat about to ask another question. Mikhail also looked surprised, he didn''t know that.


    ¡°Naha! Its my turn, remember!¡± Lash smiled and Peyton glared at him and sat down.


    Lash and Peyton played the game of you ask a question he asked a question. Peyton had asked several question in a row so now it was Lash''s turn. He kept it simple, what was her birthday? Siblings? Ever been married? Did she want to get married? Which made her punch in his arm only for her to regret that decision. She reluctantly said yes to the last one and may have glanced at Mikhail who just smiled at her. Then he asked her if she was willing to join a secret society of magical and super-natural creatures and beings that had lived along side humanity since Earths creation? That started another long and complicated series of questions. That lasted till they camped for the evening.


    ¡°So you are not an alien!?¡± Peyton pointed at Lash who was now in his default human form.


    ¡°Oh no, that part is true. I was born on Earth, I am not Human, nor am I a native of Earth.¡± Lash said as he continued to cook tonight''s dinner. It had been a while since he could relax like this.


    Congratulations User! Your skill Basic Transformation has evolved into Intermediate Transformation.


    Effects: Increase in utility, power, and alteration. Decrease in power and energy consumption. More aspects of Saurian can be shared while in default form. Saurian may now assume more aspects of Lash while in default Hunter form.


    Congratulations User! Your racial trait Minor Adaptation has evolved into Basic Adaptation.


    Effects: Allows for wider range of changes, making them more stream line, quicker in the change. Increase in power, and decrease in energy consumption.


    ¡°So you are an alien? But, you are a super-natural creature from another world?¡± Peyton said, clearly confused.


    ¡°Yep. Earth is not the only place in the universe with super-natural creatures. Or magic for that matter.¡± Lash replied, he served dinner to Peyton and Mikhail. He sat down on a camping chair to watch them scarf down the meal. Even as curious as Peyton was, Lash''s food was to good to pass up.


    ¡°Wa....Wait? Magic? Magic is real?¡± Peyton looked at him like he was a kid that still believed in Santa Clause. Lash cast Immaculate on himself, Peyton, and Mikhail. This time he didn''t use glamour to create tiny robots. This time it was pure clean magical energy. It swept over all three of them cleaned them from head to toe then faded from sight.


    ¡°Yes, Peyton magic is real. What you saw before was me using something called Glamour. I disguised the spell effect to look like tiny robots to trick the mundanes of the world into thinking I used technology.¡± Gestured to the spell effect.


    ¡°Just like me.¡± Mikhail said to Peyton, she turned around to look at him. Mikhail didn''t look that different with his glamour off. His ears were pointed, he had a more elegant look. With some different cloths and make up he would make a good looking woman. Peyton seem to think he just looked better this way because Lash could smell that she was clearly aroused.


    ¡°Oie! Finish the conversation then you can go and explore every inch of Mikhail with your tongue, in your cabin.¡± Lash said with a smile. Peyton glared at him, took her seat next to her very sexy boyfriend.


    ¡°So are you an alien?¡± Peyton looked at Mikhail who shook his head.


    ¡°No, I am half Sylvan part of the Fae Courts. I am a Warden, the same organization that Warden Lash works for.¡± Mikhail said. Peyton whipped around and stared at Lash.


    ¡°Your name is Lash?¡± Lash rolled his eyes at her and laughed.


    ¡°Yes, Payton. My full name is Erik Lash, my Partner is Saurian. I am a Warden of Gotham City. Along with the honor and responsibility of being a Shaper, Druid, Universal Programmer, Natural Mechanic, Grave Walker, Winter Knight, Transmuter, and a United Nations World Security Agent code named Wraith.¡± Lash listed off his different titles.


    ¡°Why are you telling me this now?¡± Peyton looked at them both, both excited and a little scared.


    ¡°Back on the plane the night we talked about being a team? I established what is referred to as a Temporary Pack Bond with you and Mikhail. This is something specific to what my people are. It has a positive side effect. It optimizes the wielder along with their pack. You and Mikhail have been optimized. You are now 10% above your standard average. This is the only reason you lived through the plane crash Peyton. I''m sure you tried to come up with a logical reason, or assumed I used my fancy Alien Tech on you. In truth I kinda did. You are still human Peyton, you are just 110% now instead.¡± Lash spoke in a measured tone as he watched Peyton''s reaction. Even now the Temporary Pack Bond was active. The link between them didn''t convey emotions per say, but Lash could read anyone he was connected to easily.


    ¡°Now, because you''ve changed me. I''m different? I can''t go back to my normal life, like a vampire?!¡± Peyton grew pale, and was filled with confusion.


    ¡°Please don''t compare the gift Lash has given you to those Blood Rats Peyton.¡± Mikhail said, a little miffed that she said that.


    ¡°Vampires are real!?¡± Peyton jumped subjects again.


    ¡°Yes, they are referred to as Blood-Kindred. But essentially they are vampires. As for going back to your normal life? Oh no! You most certainly can. If you decide to not join the Warden''s we have several ways to ensuring your silence. The Warden''s can use a memory charm to erase this entire conversation. Though I wouldn''t suggest that option. You can sign a spell geese that prevents you from ever mentioning what you''ve learned it in any shape and form. You can choose to be a pseudo-mundane which is a mundane that knows about the super-natural world and chooses to stay off to the side. But I personally think you''ll do well in the Warden''s. Warden Mikhail agrees with me. When we both agreed that''s when we decided to ask you.¡± Lash took a moment to drink a bit of chai....hmmmmm Chai.


    The three of them spoke for another hour or so before Peyton practically dragged her half Sylvan boyfriend to bed. Despite her clear confusion on the whole ordeal Lash could feel her burning curiosity for the super-natural. She was a good agent for Interpol, he believed she would be a better Warden if given the chance. Lash was assured that Mikhail could tell her more intimate details about it after, or during sex. Lash began to clean up the outside and was about to finish up when he got a prompt...


    Store access is now available. Would you like to activate your store book? Current Dream Points. Four


    Four Dream Points! What the fuck! That was way more then he thought he''d get! Well Lash went straight to his book marked abilities and saw his fusion Rebirth Domain. He clicked on it and purchased it. Then he heard Dawn''s delightful voice!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Fusion of Nature, Grave, and Transmutation. This forms the Domain of Rebirth!


    Rebirth: You know the power of Nature and the life it brings. You know the power of Grave and walk the borders between life and death. You understand Transmutation, how energy is in a constant flux that can be shaped and molded into creation. Rebirth is a fusion of all three. Spells from this Domain are few and far between. But knowing this Domain will only help the other three.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement: ''Live! Die! Repeat!'' You understand that everything is never ending and will never stop, ever. You recover all forms of energy 10% faster. Your Magical Perception now includes the Gods and Goddess of the different worlds, dimensions, and reality.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Title, God-Kin: But who''s God-Kin are you?


    Active Effect: You gain a 10% overall increase.


    Passive Effect: You have obtained a Spark of Divine Energy!


    Title Consolidation recognized. All titles will be active, and recognized by The Dream Engine generated world.


    ¡°Daaaaaaaawn?¡± Lash said into the dark.


    ¡°Yes, User!¡± Dawn said brightly as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°Am I God-Kin of my Cosmic Patron?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°I''m afraid I can''t tell you. Its a story driven event.¡± Dawn said sweetly.


    ¡°Thank you....¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Of Course, User!¡± Dawn said, a hint of humor in her voice.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Illusion Domain.


    Illusion: This is the bread and butter that the Fae Courts have used since the Queens sacrificed themselves to hide from the mundanes. It is a widely used, and practiced Domain with a wide variety of spells, abilities, and items capable of enchantment. This is the spell art of telling the world a lie, and getting it to believe you.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement: ''Is this your card?'' You now have a 20% increased chance of seeing through, and warding off illusions, charms, and glamours. Pure-Blooded Fae Glamour may now be cast on objects, places, and people. Same rules as Enchanting.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Title, Stage Magician.


    Active Effects: Once a day trick all six senses into an illusion on a grand scale!


    Passive Effects: Illusion spells take 10% less energy to use. It''s 10% harder to trick you!


    Title Consolidation recognized: All titles will be active, and recognized by The Dream Engine generated world.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the store skill, Discerning Favorability: You can now look at people and use this skill at the cost of energy to discern their basic intentions. I.E. Hostile, neutral, friendly. As well as know their basic relationship with you. As the skill is used the effects and what information is shown grows.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the store skill, Observant Learner: You learn skills, spells, abilities, and traits from others. As long as they are applicable to you. 1% per observation for every time used. At 100% you can choose to learn or save for later.


    ¡°Rank Status!¡± Lash said to the darkness of the RV.


    Name: Erik Lash, Saurian, Wraith,


    Titles: Open tab for information


    Origin: Magical. Sub-Origin: Alien.


    Rank: C-


    Skills: Open tab for information


    Domains: Nature, Technomancy,Synthesis, Grave, Transmutation, Rebirth.


    Description: You''ve done it! You made the C- grade! This is when you are have made it into the big leagues! Yes, you are on the bench and rarely get to play unless your team is wining! But it doesn''t matter because you are there! Your actions have started to have a real change on the world around you. You are a hero who doesn''t mind getting their claws bloody. But you know where the line is and you rarely cross it if at all!


    Lash smiled wide at his description. C- grade was huge step in the right direction! He knew it would only take longer to get to B. But as long as he was alive he would push his limits! The God-Kin title surprised him more then anything else. He was sure the extra 10% increase to his stats may have helped him just barely over the edge. He looked around the RV in a new light, then rolled his eyes because he could now hear Peyton moaning as she called Mikhail''s name. Great! Lash stood up and went to cast Fabrication, and Alteration to re sound proof the wall. Then he got a prompt...


    Skill, Sex in progress to be learned....1%......2%......3%


    Eh....Lash could wait a bit...

 Chapter 47: False Life

    Congratulations User! The skill Minor Sex has evolved into Basic Sex: You have a wider variety of techniques, skills, and abilities when it comes to pleasing your sexual partners.


    Lash rubbed his face for a bit before he reinforced the bed rooms to prevent sound from escaping. Turns out once you choose to learn the skill you get from Observant Learner its just in your skill tree. So it levels all on its own now. Lash was confused on how he learned the Sex skill in the first place since he didn''t actually see anything. But observation was rather vague! Plus with his Sensory Awareness he could at least sense the action? Lash pushed that thought out of his mind as he returned to practice his new found spell craft.


    Illusion Domain Spell, Phantasm: To create and or copy an object, place, or thing. The larger the illusion the more magical energy is required. Be aware this spell can work in concert with other spells and abilities.


    Lash created a small six inch tall Lizardman Soldier. Looked like a soft version of Saurian, or Lash while he used Transformation. The soldier saluted Lash with a fist over its heart then it began to explore the table in the living room of the RV. It climbed up over some tools, and pieces of rock that Lash had worked with. Thanks to Essence Imbeument, along with a new spell he learned as soon as he began to practice his Illusion.


    Illusion Domain Spell, False Life: You can shape and create an illusion of life. This illusion is simple and follows simple orders. But over time the complexity of those orders grows with the spell. The Illusion does have stats though they are limited by the amount of power you place in them.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill Parallel Minds: Lash and Saurian have always been in one mind, one body, and one soul. But they can also solve problems and think separately. This was done by instinct, but thanks to your growth in spell craft you can now make a stable connection, and maybe even grow another mind.


    Current Minds: Erik Lash/ Hunter Saurian/ Tiny Saurus Soldier.


    Lash created a few more Saurus Soldiers and found that it gave him a head ache, his energy levels took a nose dive and the instructions the soldiers were capable of following became limited. But he continued to get experience with False Life, Phantasm, and Parallel Minds. Lash tried to think of spells and abilities that Rebirth could be used for. But every time he opened the Domain and tried to extract the information he got nothing in return. There was a nice little percentage next to it. Rebirth (0.3%) Progress was progress!


    Lash and Saurian took a deep breath and could smell the Divine spark in them. They didn''t recognize the scent. Normally when ever they found a Seed-Ling, God-Ling, or God-Kin they would know exactly who the Divinities belong to. But not this time. They had become a God-Kin. But who was their God? Or Goddess? Dawn said it was a story driven event. If they could find Dr Fate they could ask him. But he didn''t even show up on the time line app. In fact, Lash had never seen any information on the Lords of Order, and the Chaos Lords with in the Warden database? Technically the fourth wall prevented Erik from speaking about things they had not encountered. Next time Erik logged out he''d have to look up all the DC comics magical heroes and villains.


    The cabin door of the two love birds opened and a feminine foot stepped out, followed by Peyton who wore her silk pj''s that Lash had made for her. She slipped into the bathroom, after a few minutes came out. Instead of moving back to her room she came over to look at the table in the middle of the RV. The Saurus soldiers ran drills and practiced Lash''s Intermediate Martial Arts. Turns out that since they came from him they had the same abilities. He even got an experience prompts from them. Lash patted the seat next to him, but Peyton came over to his seat nudged him so he got up moved to the side. So they both were on the same seat. It was tight, but Peyton snuggled into his embrace. They both watched the Saurus soldiers break off into pairs and continue their fight. On a whim Lash focused on Peyton and activated his new skill, Discerning Favorability.


    Peyton Sofia Borisyuk


    Friendly


    Comments: Peyton is conflicted on how she feels about you. You are like an older brother, a dear friend, and she feels sexually attracted to you. Conflicted.


    Lash reached out and began to comb and brush through Peyton''s hair. His hands danced through her hair, and along her neck with practiced ease. Peyton snuggled closer, her eyes soon began to droop. Before she shook her self awake, she reached out and took Lash''s hand into her own. She turned to look at him. Lash was in his default human form. So a 6'' 5¡± tall human that was wide as a door. Peyton ran her fingers along his bald head, along his tribal tattoo''s.


    ¡°If I become a Warden I''ll be able to keep seeing you and Mikhail, right?¡± Peyton said softly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Lash said simply. Peyton leaned forward and kissed Lash''s lips for just a moment. She pulled back and licked her lips. Her eyes fluttered closed as she savored his taste. Lash tasted good as so many women have said so.


    ¡°Yes I''ll become a Warden. So how do we do this? A ritual under the full moon?¡± Peyton asked, she looked at Lash ready for anything.


    ¡°Wonderful! But first we have to get back to civilization and get you registered. Yes, there is a ritual. But first let me give you an acceptance gift.¡± Lash pulled Peyton up and over so she was straddling his lap. She blushed lightly as she ran her hands over his combat gear. Her mind started to fantasize until Lash softly chopped at her head.


    ¡°Mind out of the gutter.¡± Lash said to her with a smile. She pouted softly, then adjusted her postured and stuck her chest out. Lash admired her for a bit, a smile of satisfaction spread across her face.


    ¡°Polyamorous right? Oh! That''s right you are saving yourself until you see one of your lovers? I understand... I can wait.¡± Peyton said. Lash put his hands on her shoulders and closed his eyes. He activated Skill Trainer and gave Peyton, Regeneration.


    A wealth of information, and energy flowed from Lash''s body and entered into Peyton. Her entire body glowed for a brief moment and she arched her back. Her body went rigid as the skill settled. Peyton now had the lowest version of Regeneration and it would take twice as long for it to grow since he ''gave'' it to her. But once it reached Minor Regeneration it would gain experience like normal. Lash cast Nature''s Supplement on her so her body could consume and make the necessary changes. He created a mild sleep pheromone from his Nature Domain''s passive and she fell asleep. Lash carried her back to her cabin. Mikhail stirred and looked up at him.


    ¡°She said yes, so lets get back home so she can become a Warden.¡± Lash placed her in the bed with Mikhail who smiled wide and pulled his lover into his embrace.


    ¡°Lash! You are everything they said you were and more. Thank you!¡± Mikhail said, Lash looked back and activated Discerning Favorability.


    Mikhail


    Friendly


    Comments: Mikhail considers you a friend and thanks the stars every day for bringing Peyton into his life.


    ¡°We are a team, Mikhail. Were-Breeds take care of their teams. Good night.¡± Lash bowed from his waist and closed the cabin door.


    When the sun rose Lash was behind the wheel of the RV again and drove across the ocean of sand. They had passed a few camel caravans who all looked at them like they had lost their minds. Though they were friendly when Lash asked for directions in their native tongue, offered them food and water of the service. Then they found it, blessed above and below they came across a road! A concrete and tar paved road! The RV slipped onto it and they sailed smoothly for the next two days.


    Peyton eventually figured out that Lash had given her something. Mikhail was surprised when he found out that Lash could bestow abilities. It was in his Warden file, ever since he helped Rocksie and her First Sarah awaken a racial trait. Mikhail assumed it was just for were-breeds, not humans too. It was rare to have such an ability but not unheard of. People had been advancing, experimenting, and granting skills, abilities, and increased stats through magic for over a thousand years. Just another piece of information to be put in his file. How did Peyton know she could heal faster? Well she was not as....Sore after a night of aerobic exercises with Mikhail. Lash teased her to no end.


    Another day passed, Lash continued to play and practice with his new Domains. Rebirth had reached (0.5%) but that was it. He had made fifty versus fifty Saurus warriors to fight each other on the lounge table while he cooked dinner for everyone. When ever one died they would disappear into particles. But with every one that fell in battle the others noticed a great improvement in abilities. Then as they ate dinner Lash gave thirty Saurus warriors to himself, thirty Sylvans to Mikhail, and thirty humans to Peyton. They followed their orders and they had a grand battle on the table. Lash created landscapes with his Nature and Illusion Domains.


    ¡°This is so unfair! My people have armor, shields, and weapons. But they are still losing!¡± Peyton growled in irritation but continued to give orders to her troops as they fought Mikhail''s Sylvan''s in the forest.


    ¡°Yes, my people have leather armor with bows and arrows. But you decided to attack us inside of the forest. That was just a mistake.¡± Mikhail said, as he ate some pop corn and admired his people''s work.


    ¡°Why is no one attacking me?¡± Lash asked. They both glared at him. The Saurus warriors were in the swamp lands building a fort. They had a natural affinity for the swamp and could even hide in the marsh. Guerrilla warfare was amazing with the lizard folk.


    Every twenty minutes Lash would create five more soldiers for each side, and any soldiers that still lived would get a promotion. Lash found out if he limited their overall skill abilities and access to his own skill tree they could work for less energy. Soon they all had about seventy five plus soldiers vying for control in a small valley. They had moved the game to just outside the RV under the porch cover. The Saurus warriors were in a pinch because Mikhail and Peyton had made a temporary truce and ganged up on them.


    ¡°So when we get back do you plan to continue your tour?¡± Peyton said out of the blue. Then winced when her vanguard fell into a pit trap.


    ¡°Yes, I plan to continue. My adopted sister is currently in Themyscira with her fiancee. The Queen of the Amazons is expecting Agent Wraith to arrive with new technologies.¡± Lash said with a smile, then grimaced as arrows fell from the sky on his left flank. Mikhail''s troops had arrived.


    ¡°After what happened I am sure they''ll let you take the Warden Portal Nexus across the globe.¡± Mikhail smiled as he came to reinforce Peyton''s troops. The Saurus warriors gave way, but the Sylvans and Humans refused to enter the swamp.


    ¡°We''ll see, public relations with the mundane world is tricky. If I start teleporting across the globe after the incident then they''ll ask why I didn''t do that to begin with. Also, why haven''t I shared teleportation with anyone, etc, etc.¡± Lash replied. The twenty minute timer went off, new soldiers!


    ¡°I assume you''ll brief me and the what, how, and when of Warden travel sometime?¡± Peyton asked. One of the soldiers was a craftsman so she began to construct her own base. Then, Lash''s phone vibrated. Oh! He was in range!


    ================================================================


    Barbara hissed in pain as Alfred wrapped her ribs with gauze and padding. Barbara had taken a shotgun blast point blank when she knocked Richard out of the way. It saved his life. Richard stood off to the side with a grimace and a down cast look. If Wraith hadn''t made Batgirls suit she would be dead. The design absorbed most of the impact, but the uniform was now torn to shreds and needed to be replaced. Barbara really liked that suit, not only did Wraith make it for her. It fit her like a glove, she felt like it was a part of her. Maybe Wraith could repair it if he got back. When...When he got back.


    ¡°Alfred, how is she?¡± Bruce''s cold and indifferent voice came from behind them. Alfred finished the wrap, and gave Barbara a shirt to wear. She currently wore nothing but a bra, on her upper half.


    ¡°She''ll be fine sir. Three cracked ribs is all she suffered after she took a shotgun round to her body at close range. She should be dead.¡± Alfred said, and presented some pain killers to Barbara who took them gratefully.


    ¡°I''m sorry, I should have seen it. I...He just came out of no where.¡± Richard said, clearly conflicted.


    ¡°Its fine, Dick. We are both alive and I finally get to see the Bat cave its a win win situation for me.¡± Barbara tried to smile but winced in pain in the end.


    ¡°Come over here, both of you.¡± Bruce said to them and turned back to the giant sized computer in the Bat cave. Bruce wore his uniform but had his cowl down. A small smile tugged at his lips when he pressed the phone line button.


    ¡°Your on speaker.¡± Bruce said, Barbara, Richard, and Alfred looked confused.


    ¡°Hello Miss Gordon, Mr Grayson, Mr Pennyworth. I am happy to see that you''ve all met.¡± The primal animalistic voice of Wraith came across the computer. His Nazgul shrouded faced appeared on the camera. Barbara''s eyes lite up, then she smiled wider then she had in several weeks.


    ¡°Wraith! You''re alive!.... I mean...Of course you are! I...I never had a doubt!¡± Barbara''s faced turned crimson. She had tried her best to remain indifferent with Batman and Robin around.


    ¡°Its good to hear from you again, Mr Wraith. Do you know when you will be returning to Gotham. We are missing you around here.¡± Alfred spoke politely, but he had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Won''t be for a while, I still plan to finish my tour. So that leaves India, China, South Korea, Japan, and Themyscira, then I''ll be home. Did the information about the incident get sent to the right people?¡± Wraith asked.


    ¡°Yes it did! Its all over the news. The United Nations is demanding Bialya explain their actions to the world or be condemned! Lex-Corp has cut off all trade and relations to Bialya. Lex and Lena Luthor went to the public and said they consider the attack on their plane, as well as Agent Wraith an attack on them.¡± Richard cut in with excitement in his voice.


    ¡°They both said in so many words that they consider you a friend and ally to Lex-Corp. Its a power play, and an attempt to gain favor with their public opinion.¡± Bruce said his eyes focused as he thought about the ramifications.


    ¡°I see...Well would Wayne Industries like to find my location and offer to fly me and my team the rest of the way on the tour?¡± Wraith said, a bit of humor in his voice. Bruce''s eyes had a bit of a glimmer in them when he heard that.


    Wraith finished the conversation with the Bat Family, after he gave his longitude and latitude coordinates. Turned out they were not that far from a feasible air strip. Wraith finished the call and hung up. Barbara wanted to go and see Wraith but was convinced otherwise. The next day Bruce Wayne called a press conference and declared that a Wayne Tech Satellite had picked up Wraith''s location and that a plane was being sent as they spoke to retrieve him. Wraith had already declared that he wished to continue his Tech Summit tour and will proceed to his next location with all due haste.


    =================================================================


    Lash sat on the porch of the RV, he wore his Wraith Shroud disguise once more. He had used Transformation to turn back into his were-Lizard hybrid shape. Peyton who was next to him wore a braided rope style bikini that hugged her figure and delighted the eyes. She had sun tan lotion on her skin and lay under the cover of the porch. The rise and fall of her chest made her breasts jiggle slightly. Mikhail was next to her and he wore the standard swim trunks but his upper body was exposed that showed off his abs and pecks. He was also covered in sun tan lotion. Both them had sun glasses on and were half asleep. The team had been at the air strip for two days, and today was the day the Wayne Industries plane was meant to arrive.


    Lash''s phone beeped at him, he checked and saw it was a message from the plane it had their location and arrival. He sent a message back then continued to sit on the porch as he looked over a landscape that did not fit the middle of the desert. Palm tree''s scattered this way and that, a huge oasis of water partially covered by a stone awning. A Nature Domain water tree under that awning. It collected moisture in the air and created water, then deposited the water. Hundreds of desert plants were across the field. The air strip was clean of debris but this place now looked like a desert oasis straight out of a book. Lash got bored when they stopped at the air strip and decided to decorate it. Peyton reached out and grabbed Lash''s scaled hand, she squeezed gently.


    She didn''t say a word, she didn''t need to. She was thankful for this. When she had first been assigned to be the bodyguard and spy to the Alien Wraith. She would never had expected to have made a life long friend, meet a wonderful lover, and joined a secret society. She had really enjoyed the road trip across the sands with them both. The sound of an airplane that flew over head made Lash look up. Sure enough it was Wayne Industries here to pick them up.


    Mikhail stood up then rubbed his face to wake up. He gently tugged Peyton who groaned in protest but slowly got up as well. They needed to shower and clean the lotion off. Mikhail clapped Lash on the shoulder before he went in, Peyton leaned over to kiss Lash on the cheek before she followed. The plane landed a few minutes later. The plane was a lot like the Lex-Corp plane. A jumbo jet plane with all the comforts of home but still with the carrying capacity. Several trained security professionals came out with automatic rifles to secure the area.


    Lash slowly stood up and walked out from his RV''s porch and made his way over to the commander of the group. A few of the soldiers pointed their weapons at him for a brief moment then went back to secure the area. Man the size of a small bear walked over, he had a grim look on his face. He was decked out in militant soldier gear.


    ¡°Agent Wraith! I''m Samuel Paul, team leader. Is it just you?¡± Samuel scanned Lash up and down.


    ¡°No, My fellow UNWS Agent Mikhail and Inspector Peyton of Interpol are cleaning up in the RV. They''ll be out shortly. Do you know our ETA to New Delhi?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes sir, the UN wants you to head straight to Hong Kong. They have a Tech summit being made there. Delegates from India, Japan, and South Korea will all arrive. Travel to Themyscira is to be handled after the Tech Summit.¡± Samuel said. He turned to look past Wraith. Peyton and Mikhail had come out of the RV and wore a desert combat gear. Mostly for appearances.


    ¡°Thank you, Commander Paul. Please excuse me a moment I need to get rid of our vehicle since we cant take it with us.¡± Lash bowed from his waist to Samuel who seemed a little surprised by the etiquette.


    Lash walked towards Peyton and Mikhail who both stopped and looked back at their home away from home. The security team all gathered around them and watched in confusion as Lash raised his hands up, hundreds of ''robot''s came out of Lash''s Wraith disguise and cast Decomposition on the RV it broke down in under a minute and what remained was a giant tree with a metallic finish. The security team, and Samuel all had slacked jaws. After a minute they regained their focus and boarded the plane. Soon they were in the air and off to Hong Kong.


    Peyton and Mikhail each had their own room, but would eventually just share one. Lash was given the largest one but his companions laughed because they knew it would never get used. Lash made a point to talk to every soldier, crew, and pilot on board the plane. Why? Because he used his Discerning Favorability to find out if any of them were hostile or not. Useful skill! They were all neutral and had a professional perspective on Agent Wraith and his team, he also discovered that if he didn''t know their names to begin with no name showed up on the skill. Great! He cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on everyone. Well he had the pilots take turns. He didn''t want to crash the plane. But he stayed in the cockpit for about an hour just to watch the pilots.


    Observant Learner active. Learning Operator.....1%.......3%


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill Operator: You learn how to operate tools, machines, and vehicles of all types 25% faster. Things of Alien Origin only 10% faster.


    Side Note: This skill was granted due to several skills, and the Technomancy Domain. This is not a normal skill.


    Wow.... That was unexpected. Lash thanked the pilots for their time and soon came back to the living area of the plane. Lash spent a few minutes visiting with Samuel and got a feel for the man. He had worked for Wayne Industries for nearly a decade. Did all sorts of security missions over seas. Several of his men, and a few women who were part of the security detail came over and started to ask Lash questions. Unlike the crew on the Luthors plane none of these people had been paid to dig for information.


    ¡°So you can regrow limbs? I read an article on the Starling City incident. They said you re attached limbs. But you can regrow them as well?¡± Samuel asked, he was excited to hear an answer he had a lot of old military buddies that would be back in the action with a regrown limb.


    ¡°Yes. Once the tour is done I plan to go around to several VA hospitals and help recover veterans and soldiers. But, its my hope that the people of Earth will develop the technology themselves. Next ten or so years are going to be....Different to say the least. But its important to take it slow.¡± Lash replied. His primal animal voice harsh on every ones ears.


    ¡°But why wait? Why not show us everything you have?¡± John said one of Samuel''s people asked. John had a man next door vibe and he was from Louisiana. Dirty blond hair, blue eyes, and southern accent.


    ¡°John, would you hand a semi automatic fully loaded with the safety off to a five year old kid?¡± Samuel asked. John shook his head...Then realized why he was asked that.


    ¡°Oh come on! Humans are not like t....I mean people in Americ... I mean...w...hmmm.¡± John seem to stop and think about his own question.


    ¡°Its also safer this way for him. No offense, sir. I don''t know your end game. But you don''t ever show all your cards or push all your money onto the table when you are playing poker.¡± Milly said, another soldier.


    She was a petite woman from Texas but built like a rock. Her head was shaved, and had more then a few scars on her. Or she did, until after Nature''s Kiss then a lot of scars faded. Her skin smoothed out, and her favorability towards Lash went up a few points. In fact a lot of the soldiers favorability went up after he had healed them. Old injuries healed, scars faded, so they all had a change in disposition.


    ¡°You''d be right. Several governments in the United Nations wanted to strap me down and dissect me and force me to give up any and all Tech I had. A few even tried! But better....Educated minds won the day and so, here we are.¡± Lash spread his clawed hands out to emphasize his point.


    ¡°I''m happy for that, sir. I have family in Starling. My niece said you dug through the wreckage to get her teddy bear back.¡± Rick said. Lash turned around to look at him for a moment. Rick was a tall, line backer sort of man. Rich black skin that would make many a lady excited in more ways than one.


    ¡°Little Bebee?¡± Lash said out loud. A huge grin grew on Ricks face, he let out a monstrous laugh and nodded.


    ¡°Oh my baby niece will be so happy to know you remember her!¡± Rick laughed again and clapped Wraith on the back.


    Lash Fabricated a teddy bear and Rick and him took a picture together to prove he remembered Little Bebee. They talked for a few more hours then Lash went upstairs to start dinner. The staff in the plane said they would do it but he shooed them all out of the kitchen and started up. Eventually everyone one the plane except for the pilots who took turns sat down at had a wonderful and very delicious meal together. Peyton and Mikhail spoke about their journey across the barren sands. The soldiers couldn''t believe their ears, they had assumed it was this grueling event and the RV was something they had found along the way. After a few glasses of wine, bourbon, and whiskey more then a few women, and men came onto Mikhail and Peyton who both politely declined all the advances and soon excused themselves. Mikhail on a scale from 1-10 had been a 9 ? to begin with, some could argue for an 11 depending on their tastes. But everyone could agree he was a super model. Peyton''s over all sex appeal and beauty had jumped by two or so points. After the optimization, and her new skill Regeneration she was easily a 9 ? with Mikhail.


    Every one ate, drank and went to sleep. The staff insisted to clean up since Lash cooked the meal. Lash went to the living lounge area of the plane sat down and began to surf the web. Milly walked into the lounge after a few hours and was surprised to see Lash on the coach. Lash currently had Connectivity on and was also sculpting a miniature battle field on the table. Tiny illusion soldiers fought, died, and fought again. Milly came and sat down next to Lash, she watched the in fascination.


    ¡°Can''t sleep?¡± Lash asked her, she jumped only a little from the sound of his coarse voice.


    ¡°I actually don''t like to fly. But I suck it up for the job. Whats this?¡± Milly pointed at the tiny battle field.


    ¡°Practicing my Parallel Minds think of it like advanced multi tasking. Want to play?¡± Lash asked. He cleared the battle field and presented Milly with different soldiers, and cultures. Milly grinned.


    About sixteen hours later the entire lounge area had been turned into a illusion battle field. Lash played the part of Game Master he created ambient wild life, minerals, and forests. The soldiers, the crew, Peyton, and Mikhail all commanded hundreds of soldiers. Parallel Minds had evolved into Basic Parallel Minds. Essence Imbeument, Phantasm, and False Life all went up fast. Everyone who played could walk through illusion battle field and instruct their troops. Notes were passed between people via their phones. People shouted insults, and brought their soldiers upon the enemy of their lands! Until the pilot came over the intercom and told every one to please take their seats they would be landing in about fifteen minutes. Everyone shouted in horror as the illusion battle field slowly disappeared.


    ¡°Fuuuuck! No, I was so close!¡± One of the soldiers shouted.


    ¡°We had just discovered a mineral deposit.¡± One of the crew said, crestfallen.


    ¡°Agent Wraith I know you are giving out technology that can change the world. But can you please give this game to Wayne Tech! That would be amazing!¡± John said.


    ¡°I''ll think about it.¡± Lash said with a smile.


    Everyone went to their seats. Lash sat next to his two companions who wrote down ideas for their next match. Lash was happy to see them engrossed in idea''s he didn''t want to burst the bubble that more then likely they would go their separate ways after this. No, Lash would come to Peyton''s Warden ceremony. He was sure Mikhail would be there. The plane began to lower its altitude. Just one more summit then he would travel to Themyscira to see Lizzy and Isabella. Then he could go home... It had been three weeks, that meant Jessabell should be free of Queen Mab. He wasn''t sure how that conversation would go. ''Oh hay your free....Want to have sex?'' Lash shook his head, he felt like he needed to make a romantic gesture. But not to over the top. Maybe he could invite her to a weekend get away? Hmmmmm, that could work.


    ================================================================


    Jessabell stretched out and lay across her bed. Content to lay in the morning sun that rose over her Gotham home. The bay windows let the sunlight in and she loved it! She snuggled back under her sheets and watched the sun beams draw across the room. She hadn''t been in control of her body in over two months. It was one of the most peculiar and enlightening experiences she ever had. She was different now, older from the personal experience of talking with Queen Mab. Who seemed far more down to earth then Jessabell thought she would be. She had always been larger then life in all the stories. But, of course leaders tend to be that way.


    ¡°Jess! You up!¡± Soluna''s voice called through her bedroom door.


    ¡°No! I''m still asleep and dreaming of not moving!¡± Jessabell called, a smile on her face.


    ¡°Oh! Alright....Well I thought you should know that Lash got to Hong Kong for the Tech Summit. After that he''s going to Themyscira then he''ll be home. Whats the plan for you two?¡± Soluna called.


    ¡°I don''t know! I thought I''d just go to his place and ask if he wanted to have sex. That sound good?¡± Jessabell replied.


    ¡°Riiiiight! I''m sure the overly complicated and romantic Lash would just go for that!¡± Soluna called. Jessabell laughed and snuggled into her blankets. She didn''t want the world to see her smile.


    ¡°Maybe we can go to a weekend get away or something. Two and half days of uninterrupted sex, with room service? That sounds great!¡± Jessabell said back to her.


    ¡°That sounds like something Lash would do. I''ll email him idea''s, pleasant dreams your highness!¡± Soluna called, sarcasm dripped from her words.


    Jessabell rolled her eyes and began to think about Lash. That silly boy didn''t have to wait for her, she would have been just fine if he had slept with some one else.... Yep! She would have been just fine! She smiled into her pillow and tried to hide her blush. This wouldn''t change who she was, she would continue to sleep with who ever she wanted to. But.... She did like how he waited for her, how he practically beat the many different women away so he could be with her first. Did Queen''s Mab decree only last till after she was free or until they had sex? Jessabell jumped from her bed and ran off to find out for sure! Yep! She would have been just fine if he had chosen another....


    ==============================================================


    The plane landed and was surrounded by security as if a foreign dignitary had arrived. Lash refused to leave the plane until he had checked the area himself. The security at the airport were confused until they got a notification from the higher ups to just wait. Sure enough Lash found eight different assassins, tech drones, and hit men scattered near the Airport, and on the route towards the Tech Summit. He fed the information towards the right people and waited until they were clear. Lash thanked the soldiers and the staff of the plane with another dose of Nature magic which of course turned them all into goo for a while. Then he bid them good bye and left the plane with Peyton, and Mikhail.


    Lash entered a armored SUV with his companions and they were off. Three cars in front, three cars behind. Police rode ahead to clear the roads to allow them passage. Mikhail and Peyton didn''t bother Lash as he was connected to the area via his magic. The driver to their vehicle was a professional and kept his mouth even when Lash reached around his seat grabbed the steering wheel and jammed it towards a wall.


    ¡°EVERYONE BRACE!¡± Lash used Commanding Presence.


    The driver didn''t understand why but he braced. When the SUV drove off course all the cars noticed the change. Then a APC crashed through a nearby wall and drove straight through the convoy! Right where Lash''s vehicle had just been! The APC had a M134 Mini gun attached to its top and began to fire into the convoy. Tear gas came down from the buildings near by, as M249 light machine gun fire unloaded into the area. Lash pressed his palm into the car and created new armor for it. They had essentially become a bunker. They couldn''t move! But they would live.


    Lash placed his hands on Peyton, and Mikhail then cast Fabrication along with Alteration. He created full body combat gear. Weapons, armor, radio and even short swords down their back. Peyton still had the knife Lash gifted to her strapped to her calf. Lash then cast the same spells onto the driver, who looked like he wanted question reality. Lash then began to reforge their private bunker into a war machine.


    On the outside, the convoy had been decimated the soldiers tried their best but couldn''t hold the line. They were dead or dying. The APC backed up then rammed into the fortified version of the SUV. BAM! A metallic gong sounded in the street. But the ''bunker'' didn''t have a scratch on it. Then something odd happened. Two twin mini guns sprouted from the car''s roof and pointed straight at the APC. The driver of the APC didn''t understand what he saw, neither did he understand how he died as electromagnetically charged bullets tore through the APC and turned it into scrap.


    Hundreds of tiny blue ''robots'' came out from the bunker and turned the scrap heap of an APC into an extended piece. Then Saurian jumped from the bunker and let loose a roar that shattered all the glass in the immediate area, Intimidating Shout! A fog of war billowed from Saurian''s form as he raced through the battle field to pick up the wounded, dying, and dead and brought them back to the repurposed bunker. Heavy machine gun fire, short range anti tank missiles flew through the air....But the missiles didn''t explode they just hit the ground and rolled to a stop. All the while the two mini guns on the miniature bunker unloaded into the attackers.


    Once all the friendlies had been cleared the real fight began. A inhuman howl rang out and dozens of lizard dog like creatures ran from the fog, they ran up the walls of the buildings and pounced on the gunmen inside. The gunmen screamed in panic and started to fire at the lizard dogs. Which brought them down quick enough. They all exploded into particles. But more of them continued to pour from the fog. Soon it was nothing but a slaughter house on the street.


    Saurian cast his Nature spells on all the bodies alive or not. Then cast Kiss of the Grave on the dead soldiers. Their souls still lingered, and they soon took a breath of fresh air. Mikhail was by Saurian''s side as he helped the wounded he had given up his gunner seat to the driver who was more then happy to help. A inhuman howl rang out, Saurian reached out and selected a Phantasm hound the spell had leveled enough for him to look through them now. All clear. The hounds returned to the fog but kept watch. The fog of war continued to surround the area because even though all the attackers were dead no reinforcements had shown up. No calls on the radio. Peyton came over to check on the situation.


    ¡°Is it over?¡± She asked, her hands shook with all the adrenaline she had experienced.


    ¡°No. We have incoming. Watch them, I''m going to make a better fortifications.¡± Saurian said to Peyton and Mikhail. Some of the escort guards started to stand up and check their weapons. Saurian had told them in Mandarin that more were on the way.


    Saurian stepped out into the road way that was filled with the smell of blood, gun powder, and carnage. He reached out with his Basic Energy Manipulation and began to cast his magic. Every piece of metal, concrete, and tree flew towards Saurian. His magical energy took a nose dive, his illusions faded from sight one by one, the fog disappeared and what remained was a personal bastion fortress with gun turrets at each corner. Saurian walked back into the magically created fortress and began to brief the everyone inside.


    ¡°All of you have a choice, you can leave now and maybe they wont kill you. But if you choose to stay I guarantee they will kill you if they find you. But if you stay, we''ll fight and we''ll win. Choose now.¡± Saurian said to all the guards. He didn''t even think to ask Mikhail and Peyton if they would stay.


    None of the guards left, Saurian nodded and pulled them over one by one and created new armor and weapons for them. They scrapped the original SUV bunker and just had the Bastion fort now. The turrets were all easy to use and intuitive. Thanks to a new spell he had learned....


    Technomancy Domain Spell Virtual Intelligence: This creates an intutive and interactive intelligence made from the magical energy of your Technomancy. This spell works with the spells Essence Imbeument, Connectivity, and False Life. The VI is attached to your magical energy and will drain it the more its used, for now.


    Saurian had every one link up via tech command post that was in the center of the Bastion. He had Peyton sit there after he force fed Mandarin into her, and Mikhail. After five minutes of intense screaming they began to work with guards who looked at them like they had turned into flying pigs. They were nearly ready when an eagle cry rang above them and a heavy artillery shell hit the bastion. BOOM! The Bastion barely flinched.


    ¡°Who''s firing at us with that kind of fire power inside of Hong Kong?!¡± Peyton asked, clearly confused. The guards all looked conflicted but went back to their jobs. Saurian had used Discerning Favorability on them all. They were all neutral or friendly.


    ¡°Its the army.... We should assume its another Humans First terrorist cell.¡± Mikhail said.


    Peyton''s face lost all color at the mention of the army. They had poked the hornets nest. They were fighting the The Peoples Republic Army?! Peyton nearly fell to her knee''s but Saurian caught her before she did. She began to shake like a leaf but calmed down when Mikhail came over to hug. Saurian was massive compared to them and could easily hug them both. He cast Cat''s Grace on them along with every soldier in the Bastion. He made a Temporary Pack Bond with every soldier that was friendly towards him. He had never let the bond between Peyton and Mikhail down. Peyton stood up with the help of Mikhail. They looked at each other and nodded.


    ¡°I''ll be out side everyone. I won''t be far, just do me a favor and try to not shoot me.¡± Saurian said to everyone.


    Then he slipped into the ground with Earth Swim the spell had leveled enough times that he could move through concrete like it was dirt. Saurian activated Connectivity and began to broadcast the entire scene onto the internet through a quick live stream feed that quickly got a following from a few dozen to a few thousand, and it continued to grow. ''Let the hunt begin!'' Said the captions just in time to see a tank roll around the corner and take aim. Saurian burst from the ground like a great white shark and tore through the tank like it was tissue paper.


    ¡°Yes...Let the hunt begin!¡± Saurian roared!


    ==============================================================


    The Daily Planet was noisy and full of commotion as they worked on different stories, specifically the Tech Summit in Hong Kong and the different companies and countries that had been visited by Agent Wraith already. It had been just over a month since Wraith had given the tech to American companies but they already started to see little improvements to products, their stocks went way up! Particularly Big Belly Burger had come out with a synthetic multi vitamin burger that was incredibly healthy and still tasted the same. Lex-Corp had begun the process of creating a pill that helped slow aging. Not a cosmetic skin pill. Actual aging! Every one knew it came from UNWS Agent Wraith.


    ¡°Everyone Listen up! We just got word over the grape vine that the Wraith convoy has come under attack on their way to the Tech Summit in Hong Kong! Anyone with contacts in Hong Kong you better start..... HOLY SHIT!¡± Perry was in the middle of talking when he got a notice on his phone.


    Wraith had sent a stream invitation to the battle ground. Soon every single phone, computer, and television showed the stream of the battle field in the Daily Planet. Every one watched in shock as military forces attacked a metal bastion fort. Weapons fire was constantly exchanged between the groups and in between was a giant dinosaur that ran to the enemy then back to the bastion. He would disappear for about a minute then ran back out into the fight. Every one was shell shocked. Except for one person, Clark Kent''s desk was empty, and the man was no where to be found.


    ===============================================================


    Saurian pounced onto armored Humvee and tore through it like a hot knife through butter. The soldiers inside screamed and tried to run but Saurian let loose a toxic smog that melted flesh and bone. Soon the entire unit was a puddle of hot wax. BAM! Saurian was struck by a tank who fired a uranium round that went straight through his body. It left a hole the size of a basketball in his side. Saurian screamed in pain but charged towards the tank as fast as he could go. The Bastion fort fired none stop as the army approached. A majority of the infantry and light vehicles got tore up before they even made it towards Saurian. But the heavy duty machines pushed forward.


    Saurian bashed into the tank dug his claws into the tungsten armor and lifted it up and over. The tank was now upside down. Saurian turned the tank around and hid behind it for a bit so he could heal. A majority of his magical energy was tied up in the Bastion. She he was out here with just his skills, a few passive abilities of his magic, and his body.


    Congratulations User! Minor Super Human Stamina has evolved into Basic Super Human Stamina!


    Congratulations User! Basic Energy Manipulation has evolved into Intermediate Energy Manipulation!


    Congratulations User! Basic Danger Sense has evolved into Intermediate Danger Sense!


    Congratulations User! Team Work has evolved into Minor Team Work!


    Congratulations User! Basic Natural Energy Absorption has evolved into Intermediate Natural Energy Absorption!


    Congratulations User! Basic Damage Resistance has evolved into Intermediate Damage Resistance!


    Fantastic! Always nice to get a slew of messages mid battle. Though they barely registered to Saurian. Normally they would just sit off to the side until he would look at them. But all of these would help him live longer. Dawn must have done so to help notify him. He sprinted from behind the tank and ran back towards the Bastion. Weapons fire peppered his back and attempted to turn him into a pin cushion. The Bastion''s door slid open and Saurian slipped in, the metal door closed tight behind him. Saurian lay across ground bleeding from his many different wounds. Every time his blood left him it turned into a strange ash and evaporated soon after. No clean up!


    Peyton looked at him with worry but couldn''t leave her station. They had made contact with Wayne Tech and the soldiers on the plane were attempting to meet up with them. Interpol and the United Nations World Security forces were also on their way but they hit road block after road block. Mikhail was on the line with the Warden''s and they also faced opposition, from their own side! Some of the super-natural communities didn''t want what Wraith was doing. Fear was the companion of change. Saurian took a moment to rest and then he Fabricated more ammunition for the Bastion. Several guards ran over and started load the guns. Every guard was ''friendly'' with Saurian now. So they all had the 10% buff from the Temp. Pack Bond. The gaping hole in Saurian''s body just closed, and scales attempted to cover the new tissue. Saurian turned around, nodded at the guard and sprinted back out!


    Saurian raced from the Bastion and sprinted towards another tank. The tank fired a uranium round but it bounced off of Saurian''s Skull crest. Out of his entire body shooting Saurian in the skull crest was the most idiotic! It had the most reinforcement. Saurian roared in victory and bashed into the tank and it flew across the street into a wall. He took a moment to bend the tanks barrel, tore the treads and moved on. Saurian jumped and moved around the wreckage of the battle field. Dozens of tanks and APC''s littered the area. All the bodies that had been killed had Decomposition used on them for the simple reason that it restored of bit of his energy when ever he did it!


    BOOM! BOOM! Another two tank shots fired at Saurian. He dodged one in time, but the other slammed into his body. He was flung back into the concrete and carved a path of destruction. But the uranium shell didn''t tear through his body, progress! It broke his bones, and liquefied some of his organs from the percussion! But it didn''t go through his hide! Saurian picked up a street sign pole used Material Shaping and turned it into an improvised javelin and threw it! His Intermediate Weapon Master got a point of experience as the javelin pierced a tank and nailed it to the ground. That worked so well he did it again! Soon the entire intersection had tanks and APCs nailed to the ground, a metal javelin pierced through their shell. Then a sonic boom shook the whole area and a streak of red, and blue shot into a tank. Superman had arrived!


    ===============================================================


    Clark looked around at the devastation with a cold glare and a heart filled sorrow. He turned look at his friend who was torn apart, and put back together he did not even want to know how many times. But as soon as Clark showed up he saw the giant reptile sit down and smile wide as if to say ''Tag! Your up!'' Clark nodded once, he turned around his eyes blazed red then he started to dismantle the enemy. He was not as brutal as Wraith. He tore the vehicles apart, broke their weapons, and knocked them out. But Clark understood why his friend had killed so many, he didn''t blame Wraith. Wraith was justified in his actions. It was in this moment that Clark understood the reason why they should make the Justice League. So none of them had to feel alone again.


    =============================================================


    Saurian casually moved back towards the Bastion, slipped through the door and closed it behind him. He curled up around the control center. His long body easily able to encircle Mikhail and Peyton. The turret teams stopped shooting when they saw Superman arrive and start to dismantle the army. Everyone took a moment then one of the guards cheered! Then the rest joined in! Peyton jumped up and down, kissed Mkhail then ran over to hug Saurian. He was ten feet tall and nearly thirty feet long right now. His entire body was littered with wounds, lacerations, and patches of skin where scales still attempted to grow. Though he healed quickly...If he had the energy to feed the skills. Right now he just wanted to sleep. But it was not yet time!


    Saurian dismantled the Bastion fort, made an armored convoy. Got everyone into the cars and swapped back to Lash. Lash transformed and wore the Wraith disguise. Then under the escort of Superman himself they went to the Tech Summit. They were about six hours late but Lash really didn''t care! When he arrived at the Summit he told the coordinators that the delegates had one hour to be here then he would start. They tried to convince him to see reason but he told them that he didn''t fucking care. Then he made a broadcast across the city and told everyone that if the fucking cowards who were not even under attack did not get their asses to the summit he would leave. They would have no one to blame but themselves!


    Sixty minutes on the dot Lash started to create machines, and put formula''s up. Less then thirteen percent of the summit was in attendance but Lash prioritized them. Gave them extra info he didn''t give others. A few delegates had never left the summit, they got the impression that a nuke would have to be dropped on Lash to stop him. Lash made sure get their company names and said he would be in touch. They were very pleased to be a good judge of character. Lash took time to tell the guards that stuck it out with him about their new optimization. He got their names and entered them into the Warden database''s watch list. Superman stayed for the whole summit, even asked a few questions. Some of them things Lash did was even beyond him. After two hours the summit finished. Lash and company went back to the Airport, back to the Wayne Industries plane.


    ¡°Thanks for the help, Superman. I don''t suppose we could ask you to stick around for a few hours as we fly out?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°I''d be happy too! Are you going straight back to Gotham?¡± Clark asked, he was worried for his friend.


    ¡°The plane is. I''m jumping out of it once we pass over Themysicra. Oh! Before I forget this is Mikhail, and Peyton. They have been through thick and thin with me. I like to think that we are, friends?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Of course we are friends! You idiot! What is wrong with you!?¡± Peyton screamed at him.


    ¡°Yes, It would be an honor to be your friend.¡± Mikhail replied


    Two currents of energy connected with Peyton and Mikhail. The energy pressure that erupted off of them even surprised Superman. Mikhail stood up after a few minutes, and with Lash''s insistence Mikhail carried Peyton onto the plane to their bedroom. It would be a crazy night for the both of them.


    Congratulations User! Basic Pack Bond has evolved into Intermediate Pack Bond!


    Effects: Range has increased to 25 miles. Stat increase remains at 30%, your pack now works more efficiently together when connected.


    Congratulations User! Basic Telepathy has evolved into Intermediate Telepathy!


    Effects: Range has increased to 25 miles. Auto translation of native tongue, more specific location of those connected, works through energy, and mass obstruction. Semi tool tip given to those that connect so they can speak across the link easier.


    ¡°What happened to them?¡± Clark asked.


    ¡°Just side effects of spending to much time with me. Spend enough time with me and you''ll go through it to!¡± Lash said and clapped Clark on the shoulder. Clark looked confused but figured Lash would explain later. Clark could tell he was tired.


    The plane was full of fuel, and supplies. It was double checked for any traps or transponders that could lead to trouble by both Superman and Lash. They had found six different bugs on it. They were cleared for the main runway. They took off and Superman only had to stop three different surface to air missiles. Not that bad! Superman flew with the plane for several hours, he stayed connected thanks to the Telepathic link Lash had with him. Lash could make a link with people now with out Temp. Pack Bond He could always speak to them before. But they had to be in the pack to talk back. Not any more. But just because wanted to see the reaction he did make a Temp. Pack Bond with Superman.


    -Did you just do something? I feel different. Clark said.


    -It''s called optimization, currently you are under an ability that raises all of your stats by 10%. But while the effect is in place it also raises your optimal level. The longer you are around me the stronger the effects. Till you reach a threshold. That is what happened with Peyton and Mikhail. I choose who I do this with, its a ritual of friendship. I hope you don''t mind. Lash replied.


    -I would be honored! Clark replied. Lash didn''t make him part of his Pack yet. That would come later. Several more hours passed and the plane had left the danger zone. Superman left soon after, Lash went to his bedroom that he had never used before. He took off his gear, and laid in the bed with just a pair of briefs. He didn''t sleep, but resting seemed like a good idea. He shifted and turned as he tried to get comfortable. His tail made it hard to sleep on his back so he was just on his side.


    Lash hadn''t dreamed in awhile, he used to see his reincarnated memories while he was awake but those stopped after a few weeks. But every night he slept he would have a dream of one of his past lives. He had been through so many different lives, different worlds, different games he didn''t recall who we originally was any more. He couldn''t remember his own world, his city, or his home. Did he have family? Did it matter? He had families in different lives. Hell he''d even been a god in a few of them. He had molded continents with his bare hands, and kept a divine beast by his side. Those two companions were odd though. One was an old man sitting on a cloud, another was a red demon with tiny wings. Each gave advice based on their morality.


    Lash drifted in and out of a form of sleep as he recalled his different experiences over the countless years his soul had been placed into a vessel for the amusement of his Cosmic Patron. Would this be his last time? Or would another ''game'' be waiting for him after this was over. A knock on his door brought him from his memories his tail maneuvered and pulled it open. Peyton stood there in her silk pj''s, she looked...Different. A light was in her eyes, her body was filled with energy, and she was poised to attack or to laze about. Like a lioness! She stepped into the cabin then closed and locked the door. She crawled into bed with Lash pulled his arm up and nestled down against him. Her back was flush against his chest. She pulled his massive arm over like a blanket. She used his other arm like a pillow and lay there in his embrace.


    ¡°I''m yours now aren''t I?¡± Peyton asked softly.


    ¡°We are a pack now. We are everything we need when we need it.¡± Lash spoke to her, he kept his Transformation active but his Wraith shroud was gone. He had to look the part in front of the Wayne Tech people.


    ¡°Me and Mikhail are going to get married. He just asked me.¡± Peyton said, she tugged on Lash''s scaled forearm.


    ¡°He''s a good man, I think you and him will get a long well. Not only just for sex! But for a relationship.¡± Lash said with a bit of humor. Peyton turned around and shot him a glare. She ran her fingers along his scaled chest. She felt every individual scale and muscle that was underneath them.


    ¡°What if I want that...What did you call it relationship?¡± Peyton said as she traced his scales.


    ¡°Polyamorous, talk to Mikhail about it. A majority of super-natural''s practice it. Just be aware that you may end up sharing him with other people. Its not a one way street.¡± Lash said, since one of his arms was used as pillow. He took his free hand and carefully played his claws up and down Peyton''s back.


    Peyton arched her back under Lash''s touch, she groaned in delight. Peyton undid her buttons on her shirt and brought Lash''s massive scaled hand to one of her breasts. His hand acted with a mind of its own and began to massage, pinch and tease her nipples till they grew erect. Lash slipped his tail between Peyton''s legs and she soon began to hump his tail. With a small amount of Nature Domain passive effects Lash intoxicated and brought Peyton to orgasm in a few seconds. She bit back a scream, she pressed her naked chest into his hand. Her panties grew wet, and she collapsed against him. Peyton soon reached for Lash''s waist band only to be stopped.


    ¡°I can''t, at least not yet. I am a romantic and said I would wait for her.¡± Lash held Peyton''s hand with his. Peyton groaned in frustration but nodded. She leaned up and kissed his snout then sat up to button her shirt but froze as Lash reached around began to massage both her breasts with his massive hands.


    Peyton arched her back and moaned in pleasure. Lash cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement onto Peyton who jerked and went rigid again! She had a small orgasm and tried not to scream in pleasure. She gripped his hands and tried to move them to her waist but they refused to move. Lash''s reptilian snout came to her ear.


    ¡°Go play with Mikhail, I''ve done all the foreplay for him.¡± Lash said, a sadistic grin on his face.


    ¡°You are so fucking mean!¡± Peyton said, she tried again and again to get Lash to move his hands lower but he didn''t.


    After a few minutes of Lash''s hand expertly teasing Peyton she couldn''t take it anymore and wiggled out of his hands, she grabbed her shirt and left to find her fiance. She slammed the door shut when she left and stormed off. Lash laughed to himself, breathed in the scent of Peyton''s arousal one last time before he cast Immaculate. In little over a day he would be at Themyscira full of beautiful Amazonian women. Women he couldn''t touch unless he wanted to be skinned alive! Maybe he would skip the weekend get away with Jessabell and just have sex with her at...Ah! His phone beeped at him. It was from Soluna!.... Weekend get away ideas?


    Oh....Well alright then.

 Chapter 48: Fish?

    Congratulations User! The Skill Basic Parallel Minds has evolved into Intermediate Parallel Minds!


    Lash spent the majority of his time in the planes lounge in practice with his Illusion ''RTS-Game'' He got the crew addicted to. Peyton made a point of avoiding eye contact with Lash when ever she could. Mikhail just laughed as it was expected, Peyton was still use to normal human standards. Mikhail hugged Lash that following morning and thanked him for the wonderful night. Lash had sent the information about Peyton to the Warden information center along with her new 10% optimization and Regeneration skill. It took a few hours but she got approved for a mentor. Once she went back to France she would be reassigned to a special branch of the UNWS aka The Wardens.


    Congratulations User! Technomancy Domain Spell Connectivity has evolved into Minor Connectivity.


    Effects: Power consumption has decreased, the spell moves quicker and leaves less of a trace. You can also bypass security, and slip through defenses easier. The overall range of the spell has increased. -''Hack the Planet!''


    ¡°Dawn.... My Brightest Star. I thought spells didn''t evolve?¡± Lash said under his breath. As a three different armies of illusions fought against each other in the back ground.


    ¡°That is incorrect, User. Spells just take far more experience to level. Though you''ve had the Nature Domain longer then Technomancy, you use Connectivity far more often. You must remember that spells can effectively bend reality. Something so powerful should take a long time to evolve. Though your spells do level, they will also evolve.¡± Dawn said softly into Lash''s ear. He understood then nodded his head.


    ¡°Thank you for the quick reply, my brightest star.¡± Lash said with a slight smile.


    ¡°Of course, User! Please enjoy your time in The Dream.¡± Dawn replied.


    The entire crew knew when Lash was meant to leave the plane so a few hours before that they gathered up all their ''armies'' and had a battle royal. It was a miniature hell on earth with in the jet plane as different races, cultures, and armies raced across the illusion battle field. In the end! It was Samuel who won because he turned in all of his collected points that he saved up and got a six man team of Green Beret''s from the 1940''s. All the crew had hundreds of soldiers, logistical teams, and workers. In the end it was a six man team with limited supplies and the will to survive. Thanks to Observant Learner Lash was able to a new skill.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill Military Special Operations: Military activities conducted by specially designated, organized, trained, and equipped forces, manned with selected personnel, using unconventional tactics, techniques, and modes of employment. -''Activate the A-Team!''


    Lash momentarily shivered at the idea of a Special Operations team of today with access to magic? As Samuel''s reward Lash made dinner of things he specifically wanted to eat. Samuel had been all over the world so he wanted a lot of different dishes. But thanks to Minor Connectivity Lash was able to look up all the recipes and follow them to the letter. Soon the lounge was filled with the delightful and eclectic smells of the world. Lash even made several times types of wine, bourbon, whiskey, sake, mead. He was just a food dispenser at this point. As long as he understood the chemistry behind what it was he could cast Fabrication. Then he could cook it, or just make it then and there.


    Congratulations User! Intermediate Cooking has evolved into Advanced Cooking.


    Effects: You are now on par with five star chefs. Your cooking skills satisfy others on a near orgasmic level. People are content, happy, and wish for more. You can now put larger portions of magic, energy or both into your meals. Careful you could change people just because they ate your food! -''Glad you enjoyed it!''


    Everyone on the plane was in a food coma, even the pilots put the plane on auto pilot. Lash quietly began to clean up with a smile on his face. He was still in his Transformation state but he dropped the Wraith disguise around the crew. So he was just a 6'' 5¡± lizardman, long muscular tail that helped pick up dishes. He his whole body proportions were as wide as a door, since he was about five hundred pounds. But despite his massive frame he was light on his feet, and moved quietly. He still had his Warden combat gear on. So he was a battle ready, massive lizard warrior tip toeing around the plane.


    Lash finished the clean up and sat down on a coach. He spent about an hour accessing the information on all the delegates from the companies that stayed at the summit. Looked through their files, checked accounting, found people that we being under utilized, compiled evidence of people embezzling and or using their position to cause issues. Then he sent each company a detailed file on the information. Technically what he did was illegal. But he was sure they wouldn''t complain. Then he gave each company a specific piece of tech, formula, or business model that would help them. Left with a simple note of, -''I''ll be watching.''


    A soft alarm went over the plane, it was nearly time for Lash departure. As a last troll moment he cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on the whole crew, and his companions. As they writhed and moaned in pleasure like worms on the ground. He had a malevolent smile on his face. Peyton and Mikhail were use to the scene at this point and could only sigh at Lash''s antics. Lash pulled them aside for a moment to speak to them.


    Peyton was beautiful before but was stunning now. She was now 5''10'' even with beautiful skin, long curly black hair, with a seductive but strong figure. She still looked like she could wrestle a winter wolf to ground, but her ass and chest were far more perkier then before. Mikhail was 6''3¡± he had a healthy tan from their time in the desert, well defined muscles, and his ocean blue eyes almost seem to reflect starlight. His black curly hair was pulled back into a simple tail that didn''t go past his shoulders. He had a triangle figure broad shoulders narrow waist. They both wore Khaki pants and loose T-shirts with tennis shoes. You know how couples dress alike? Lash cast a quick obstruction glamour around them so they would not be over heard.


    ¡°Peyton, your recommendation to the Warden''s has been accepted. When you get back home you''ll be reassigned to a special task force in the United Nations World Security that you now know is The Wardens. You''ll be assigned a mentor, no it''s not Mikhail. However, they are aware of your relationship and your engagement.¡± Lash filled Peyton in on the information.


    Mikhail had lost his official Warden Phone and didn''t trust the communications on the plane, no offense to Wayne Tech but they don''t have Technomancers on their payroll. Lash didn''t know the Tech-Spell Rune that would allow for safe communication yet. Peyton nodded a few times as she processed the information. She reached out to take Mikhail''s hand into her own and squeezed. Mikhail looked over and smiled, his pearly white teeth gleaming.


    ¡°Mikhail, your HQ is very happy with your work and I''ve been told you''ll get a promotion after a long boring debrief that will make you want to pull your hair out. I am more then willing to come in person or over a video feed to vouch for you. I have also said as much in the report. But I am telling you as well. So if they try to throw red tape at you just know that I''m available.¡± Lash said with a smile, which must have looked like a predator monster about to eat something. But Mikhail wasn''t even phased by it.


    ¡°Peyton, the mentor ship is commonly a year long. Though it can be shorter. Mine was under two months. Most Warden tours are ten years, after that you can choose to retire or do another tour. Obliviously the longer your in the more benefits you get. But you still get better benefits for ten years in the Wardens then you would have done thirty in Interpol. Keep me appraised of your progress and feel free to ask me questions that you may have. Or just to chat. I''ll make this clear to both of you. I want to be at your Warden Ceremony. Understood?¡± Lash asked, they both nodded. A proximity alarm went off. Time to get to the door!


    Lash dismissed the obstruction glamour, recast his Wraith shroud disguise and moved to the back bay door. The plane began to lower its altitude. How did Lash plan to get to Themyscira when travel is strictly regulated and absolutely no man was allowed on the island unless given direct permission? He would jump out of the plane and swim to it...Simple! Petyon reached up and hugged Lash and kissed his snout. Mikhail hugged him and wished him the best of luck. They both stood out of the way and even tied a harness around them so they wouldn''t get sucked out. Samuel was there with a few of the soldiers. They were all locked in, Samuel pressed the code in on the keypad for the door then saluted Lash as the door opened up and the compartment decompressed. Lash laughed with joy and jumped out of the plane well above the normal sky diving altitude and flew straight for the water like an arrow.


    ================================================================


    ¡°He did what?¡± Lex Luthor said, surprise clear on his face. Mercedes stood in front of him with a report in hand.


    ¡°We have no reports of him being able to fly, right?¡± Lena who sat next to her brother said with a bit of worry in her voice.


    Lex and Lena both sat in Lex''s massive office as they listened to Mercedes report on Agent Wraith''s tour. They both wore two hundred grand designer suits that were tailored for their body shapes. Mercedes being the personal secretary of Lex Luthor wore much the same. However, they both looked young, vibrant, and full of energy. Lex had gained a few pounds in muscle mass and his shoulders were broader then before. Lena had far more bounce in her step, and bounce in her chest. Mercedes was taunt like bow string and ready to be released a moments notice.


    ¡°As you know Themyscira has a strict policy on men visiting their nation. More to say they don''t allow men on island. Ever sense the island has come into view dozens of attempts of been reported and even more have not. In many ways the island nation seems a little backwards in their technology. But many reports show that they do have tech that is just as good as ours or even better. Its just out of sight. Normally, you would have to get a designated boat at one of three different harbors then sail to the island under strict watch of the Amazons. It appeared Agent Wraith wanted to skip that part, so he jumped out of the Wayne Industries plane and opted to swim to the island.¡± Mercedes said, as she finished the report.


    ¡°Do we know if he survived the impact with the water?¡± Lena asked still a little speechless.


    ¡°Yes, he sent a transmission to the UN stating that he saw the island then began to move in. But that was the last communication they got from him. The Amazon''s know he is visiting the island but I...¡± Mercedes cut herself off.


    ¡°No, Mercy please give your opinion.¡± Lex said, as he leaned back into his chair. He believed he knew why Wraith did it.


    ¡°I believe he is using it as a challenge. Can he get onto the island and to the city with out being noticed?¡± Mercedes finished. Lena leaned back as well and a amused smile grew on her face. She looked at her brother and saw that he had the same expression.


    ¡°What about the people he traveled with? They survived all of that, yes with his help. But they must be exceptional people. Do we have any information on them?¡± Lex asked, as he switched gears.


    Mercedes pulled out two copies of two separate files and handed them both Lex and Lena. Then began to brief them on Peyton and Mikhail. They spoke for another hour about the strengths and weaknesses of each. But more importantly they discovered a simple truth. Anyone that spent significant time around Agent Wraith ended up being changed in small ways. Be it his technology, or maybe it was an ability of his alien physiology. But people grew stronger the more time they spent around him. Interesting.


    =============================================================


    Saurian swam through the ocean towards Themyscira, the island nation was actually near the Bermuda Triangle. That may explain why so many ships went missing in the area. Since all of them were commonly crewed with men. The ships that made it out of the triangle always had at least a few women on it. Saurian had used Basic Adaptation to grow fins long his back, tail, arms and legs. He grew gills on his neck along with working lungs. He had used Fabrication to give him some basic combat gear since he shredded his Warden gear for Carnosaur version back in Berlin. He cast Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage on himself. Then for the first time his Blessing of Sobek activated, Lord of Water. Water its self treats you as a friend.


    Before, Saurian felt like he was a foreigner in another land. Surrounded by faces he didn''t recognized, languages, customs. But now he felt like he was visiting a home away from home. He was a Druid and nature it self greeted him with a warm smile. But being in the water now felt like he was with his family. A pod of whales swam next to him, Saurian cast his nature spells on them and they danced around him in joy. Just another moment that made Saurian so confused, why are Druids not worshiped in this world. The ability to heal is amazing! But they keep it to themselves, there must be something he is missing.


    The whales moved with Saurian till he reached the island, he used Beast Speak and discovered that the Amazons had been hunting and killing the whale hunters in the area. He cast Return Youth on the whales before they moved on. Saurian took a moment to ground himself then began to swim straight down to the ocean floor. He fully intended to try and sneak into Themyscira and find Lizzy with out them knowing he was there. Why? All because of a quest he had obtained about twelve hours before he jumped out of the plane.


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron has issued you an optional quest! Try your best to enter Themyscira with out being noticed. Track, and find your Pack-Sister Lizzy, and her fiancee Isabella.


    Challenge Rating: B+


    Rewards: Based on how far you get in before you are captured.


    Rewards: Based on how close you get to finding your objectives.


    Rewards: Based on how much damage you take.


    The challenge rating was new, Lash assumed it was another version update. Saurian didn''t really care, he just wanted to try. He swam deeper and deeper towards the ocean floor his body adapting to the change. He got a few prompts from Damage Resistance has the pressure continued to build. The sunlight from the surface grew silent and listless. Not three hundred feet in front of him a magical shimmer reflected in the water. A magical crafted spell-net that wouldn''t catch, or hold a trespasser. But it would tell the Amazon security forces of an intruder, what direction, and the net would leave a mark on them. That was one of the main reasons why no one could sneak on the island. The other was the Amazon''s took the security of their nation very seriously. Plus every women and girl that grew up from the age of five was trained in the art of combat. The sons of Themyscira didn''t live on the island.


    It was pitch black at the ocean floor, but to Saurian it was a beautiful sight. His eyes adjusted to see in the dark thanks to Night Eye. He saw brilliant hues of color from the different plant life and animals. A few deep sea fish swam over to check him out. He fed them each with Nature magic and said hello. They nuzzled against him like a pack of wolves or a pride of lions. Then he cast Earth Swim, and Material Shaping then went into the rock of the ocean floor. He took his time and went straight down until he found it. The Spell-Net only went so deep underground. He triple checked the area then slipped under the net and slowly moved back up to the rock surface. After an hour had passed of swimming through the rock he found the surface again. He was past the net, he got a prompt from his quest that it had begun.


    On the swim back up to the waters surface the sun had set and the Caribbean crescent moon was high in the sky. The water clear and warm on the skin...Or, scales in this perspective. A pod of Dolphins swam over to Saurian and said hello. He greeted them as well and fed them Nature magic like he did with all the animals he met. The Dolphins were delighted and swam around him for several minutes. After he wondered why his Chameleon spell didn''t seem to keep the animals from noticing him. But then he realized that none of the animals showed even the tiniest hostility towards him. Loop hole in the spell?


    Saurian came to the ocean''s surface and floated there with just his head and skull crest above the water. He took a breath of fresh air then slowly pushed his tail towards the beach. He recast Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage, then he cast Reduce and shrunk down to about six feet high and twelve feet long from noes to tail. He had to be careful though because he still weighed nearly five hundred pounds. The island was beautiful! Tropical trees, plant life, flowers, white sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean water. The water would rise and fall with the tide, the waves crashed with subtle music....No wait that was real music.


    Saurian turned towards a light that was on the beach, he moved across the beach on all fours with careful steps towards the tree line and slipped into the bushes and trees. Saurian moved along until he saw a massive bonfire with flames that touched the sky, massive logs had been thrown into the pit. Amazonian women played a collection of drums, string instruments, and a few of them sang. While the rest of say eighty or so women who wore little next to nothing danced around the fire. He watched them with interest for a bit and saw several women walk off together into the forest some times in pairs other times more. With the breathless sounds of moans that came from the tree''s Saurian could assume their activities. He was right, Lizzy and Isabella would be comfortable here.


    Saurian watched the bonfire for a bit more then returned to his mission. Themyscira was about the size of Southern Australia. How did such a big island in the North Atlantic Ocean stay hidden? Magic of the Old Gods can do a lot of things that modern science couldn''t explain, but it something to do with a pocket space. So that meant that Saurian had thousands of miles to comb through, he could reach out with his Pack Bond but if Lizzy said a single word about him it would give away the mission. So he would have to track her the old fashioned way.


    ================================================================


    ¡°So.....That would mean that he is on the island right now? Warden Lash is attempting to sneak onto our island, just to see if he can?¡± Diana said out loud to the council chamber of Themyscira.


    ¡°What makes him think that he can do this? It would be an insult to us if a man tried to sneak into the island! The Queen already gave a man permission to enter he should do so with full respect and courtesy!¡± One of the Elder Amazonian warriors called. The sound of soft knocking silenced the chamber. Queen Hippolyta received every ones attention.


    ¡°Sister Althea, how familiar would you say that Warden Lash is with our history?¡± The Queen said with the voice of Authority. Althea who stood at the base of the table had to think about it for a moment.


    ¡°I would say that Warden Lash is an excellent student of history. He has always gone out of his way to learn customs, courtesies, and the culture of those he interacts with. He is a quick learner, and seems to have an excellent memory.¡± Althea answered, as she tried to understand the Queens line of thinking.


    Queen Hippolyta nodded her head then looked over at Philipus her general. A small smile began to grow on Philipus face. The room was quiet as a conversation with out words was exchanged between the Queen and her general. Diana shared a look with Althea as if to ask if she knew what was going on. Then Queen Hippolyta turned to Diana, Diana snapped to attention to look at her mother.


    ¡°Princess Diana, General Philipus, Envoy Althea you will pool your resources and hunt this.... ''Infiltrator'' down. But let this be clear, I want him alive and to be brought to me. Understood?¡± The Queen proclaimed.


    ¡°As you command!¡± The room announced, and adjourned. But Diana left the council confused, what did her mother know that she didn''t...Did Warden Lash know something she didn''t?


    ===============================================================


    Buuuurrraaaaaaa! A horn blasted behind Saurian as he sprinted across the open field of grass at best possible speed. A cheer rang out as hundreds of horses galloped after him, each one held a warrior Amazon as they chased their quarry to ground. Arrows peppered the ground around him, and several pierced into his scaled hide. But none of them caused any real damage. Saurian had been on the island for about three days. He was careful, never stayed in one place longer then an hour. Then while he scouted by a town he caught Lizzy''s scent . It was faint, several weeks old. She wasn''t at the town anymore but he had a direction. Then after that night everything went to shit! Torches were set ablaze in the town, and hundreds of hunters and warriors came out to look around. They knew he was here.


    Thankfully the quest never said anything about being spotted, just on being captured. Saurian ran faster then the Amazon horses and they knew it. So they split up and tried to cut him off. He took a hard left and ran straight for a river. The grassy field was huge, filled with rolling hills scattered rocks, but a simple river no more then a few feet across and maybe a foot deep ran across the whole field like it was a dividing line between counties. Arrows whistled behind him and planted themselves into the dirt. Saurian jumped into the air and dove straight into the river! He cast Earth Swim and swam under the ground. But as the water settled three copies of Saurian sprinted off in different directions. Essence Imbuement, Phantasm, and False Life. The Saurian copies raced off all of them left behind trails, and all of them look strung out and ragged. The Amazon teams looked confused but soon regained their focus and split up. The Illusion Domain was not in Warden Lash''s file.


    For over an hour the clones ran around as they never went in a straight line. They zig zagged this way and that. Some of them suddenly changed directions and dashed straight towards their pursuers. Until at last a hunter got a good hit off and the clone burst into particles. The hunter looked confused, looked at her weapon then back at the spot her arrow was. After a moment they discovered that it was a phantasm! They all were! They had been tricked! Buuuuuurrrrraaaa! The Horn sounded off again, but this time it was nearly twenty miles from their location! They had spotted him! Then they spotted him again....And again, then again. By day three the Amazon''s eyes were twitching in irritation. They white knuckled their weapons. They were going to kill this man, damn the queens orders!


    Saurian sprinted from tree to tree. Bush to bush. He had learned long ago that the spell Chameleon did absolutely nothing against Amazons. Nature''s Passage still kept him from leaving tracks, or smell. But he got the impression they were angry with him, especially when Lash suggested they make a full dance party banquet in their honor. With fabricated food, drink, table wear, and a proximity release spell of phantasm servants that appeared as soon as the hunters showed up. All that food wasted, scattered to the ground.


    He was sure they would love the techno dance rave that he had created in the middle of the jungle. With a DJ who wore a panda costume on the stage. Synth wave, techno, cyberpunk, daft punk, and sand storm. With rainbow lasers and hundreds of young, athletic boys and girls having a good time! Yes! He was sure they would love that!


    ================================================================


    Philipus stood in the middle of the jungle near the recent sightings of Lash and his partner Saurian. There in jungle was a party, a feast of the eyes of lights, sounds, and young children dancing the night away. Young boys and girls crafted with great detail and care. Each one unique, special in their own way, each one acted differently. Some were shy, others bold. Some wore full cloths, others in nothing but strips of cloth. The music blared, and the base could be felt in Philipus''s bones. The white and black bear on the stage changed the music and danced as well. The Elite Warrior Guard of Themyscira were both fascinated and confused. Was this real? They had seen many Illusions cast by the Warden in the lasts few days. Some of them tricks of the eyes, some of them left behind trails. They had come across a feast that could be eaten and interacted with. They could smell the sweat that came from the people in the crowd, several warriors took drinks from the offered children and it tasted sweet.


    ¡°Stars above how did he make this in under an hour!?¡± Philipus screamed! Her soldiers winced at the dismay of their general.


    ¡°General, what should we do about...Them?¡± One of her soldiers pointed at the party.


    ¡°Have the trackers determined if he is hiding among them?¡± She asked, her body trembling with rage and anticipation.


    ¡°They have, he has moved on towards the east.¡± The soldier replied.


    ¡°Leave it then! This must take magical energy to maintain, if he wants to wast hi....¡± Philipus was about to say until the DJ on the stage called out.


    ¡°Lets give a great big shout out to our Amazon Hosts! What do we all say!?¡± The black and white bear said to the crowd. Every single man and woman turned around in perfect sync and said.


    ¡°Hello! Goodbye! And Thanks for all the fish! Woooooooo!¡± The crowd cheered.


    ¡°Fish?¡± Philipus said more to herself then to any one else.


    ================================================================


    Saurian sat outside of what he could only assume was one of the largest cities on the island. It wasn''t the capitol he made sure of that. But with hundreds of young women that ran around in training gear, some with bags that held scrolls, and books. It had towers that reached the night sky, giant copper bowls filled with oil and fire that lit up the night sky. The moon was nearly full in the night sky, with stars a plenty like an ocean of sparkling jewels. The walls made from pure marble, inscribed with protection spells. Amazon''s stood guard at the gates, on the ramparts, and patrolled the streets. They took the job seriously. Especially since they had been told about a infiltrator lizard that had sneaked onto the island. Lizzy was in his city, he was sure of it. He had smelled Isabella on the wind, this is where they stay while Lizzy is not out during lessons.


    Saurian took a deep breath then swam into the earth, he moved slowly as he watched the patrol routes and the owl like gazes of the guards on the wall. Every town, and city he had come across had carefully placed tiles down for roads, paths, and side walks. The cities were kept clean and they took pride in their home. He met the stone tile road and pushed through it, his passage barely left a ripple. Earth Swim has leveled several times, now that he knew his spells could evolve he was curious what Earth Swim would change into? Made he would get Density Shift? No, that would be an alien racial trait or skill. Not a spell, or would it? Maybe he could buy it? He''d have to check.


    Saurian slipped into the city, stuck his nostrils out to take a breath and to smell for Lizzy or Isabella. Many of the women in the city were eating dinner, talking about their day. Getting dressed to go out and visit a few dance circles. Saurian followed the scent of Lizzy until he froze, he reached out with his connection and could feel her. He didn''t link the Pack Bond but he didn''t need to, to feel for his own pack. He swam towards that direction only to pause a few minutes later. Lizzy stayed in a gated community in a nice string of villas, she was the fifth house down. That specific house had about thirty guards who were alert and ready for action. Saurian could smell Isabella, were the guards there to watch and protect the Blood-Kindred? Or did they figure out that Lizzy was his objective? Saurian came to a stand still, the earth around him solidified as if he had always been there. He had to think, to figure this out. Idea! He cast Connectivity and called Lizzy''s phone. Despite the Ancient Greek look the Amazon''s went for, unlike in DC comics the Amazons in this world did not disappear completely. They allowed envoys to visit the different super-natural communities, and help Wardens keep the peace. So, all the technology of modern day was still in their culture it just up and hidden away, plus they had magic.....Ring.....Ring....Ring...


    ¡°Lash!? Oh my God! How are you?!¡± Lizzy squealed in delight and her voice made every guard in the area snap to attention. They sprinted towards Lizzy''s location, and that was enough room for Saurian to slip through the property line.


    ¡°Hello Lizzy! How is life in the tropical paradise of Themyscira?¡± Saurian''s voice was gruff and hard to understand but Lizzy had known Lash before and after his mugging so she could pick up on little things.


    ¡°Wait, why do you sound so different? And where are you?¡± Lizzy asked with worry. Saurian transmitted his voice through the spell. So he adjusted his voice and replied.


    ¡°There is that better? I''m actually on the island now! Wanted to call you to let you know.¡± Saurian''s voice changed to fit more Lash but it was still gruff.


    ¡°You are!...What? One minute Lash.¡± Lizzy said, as the guards knocked on her room. Saurian was in the property of the Villa now. He assumed he had to touch Lizzy and Isabella for the quest to finish. Lizzy''s voice came back on the line, but her voice dripped with accusation.


    ¡°Lash....Where are you on the island, right now?¡± Lizzy said, an icy tone in her voice. Lizzy had put him on speaker phone.


    ¡°I am currently looking at a beautiful city with towering observatories, and a coliseum that I can only assume is the training arena. Elizabeth. I can see the front entrance, they sure have a lot of guards running around. Is Isabella there?¡± Saurian described the front gate. Half the guards ran from the villa to report the information.


    ¡°I''m here!¡± Isabella''s sweet voice came over the phone. The rest of the guards left the villa to patrol the area.


    ¡°So....Lash. Where are you really?¡± Lizzy said, her voice filled with disbelief.


    Lizzy and Isabella were in the main sitting area of the Villa. It was pretty but also minimalist with simple decorations on the sides. Coaches, pillows, and tables spread about. Several rooms and hallways were connected to the main room. Lizzy sat on a grand coach with Isabella next to her. Lizzy wore a simple cloth that wrapped around her chest, and a cloth skirt. Her skin was a healthy tan that showed she spent time in the sun. Her fiery red hair was pulled back in a loose tail, it fell behind her over the coach. She looked strong, and muscular. Her hourglass figure was only brought out more by two strips of cloth that covered her. Isabella''s caramel skin, and dark hair was braided down her back. She had gold clips decorated through it. She wore a once piece toga that wrapped around her chest, and was only a mid thigh skirt. With simple leather straps holding it in place.


    Saurian swapped to Lash in the earth, Lizzy had never met Saurian. They didn''t want her to scream. Lash stepped out of the marble floor with out a sound and came to stand behind Lizzy and Isabella. Lizzy waited patiently for his reply as the phone was on the table in front of her. Isabella who''s senses were sharper turned her head and let out a squeal of surprise. That made Lizzy turn around quickly and she screamed in surprise also! She jumped over the coach and tackled Lash in a hug! Lash made sure to pull Isabella into the hug as well. With that the quest ended.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed the optional quest of your Cosmic Patron. He is very impressed with your objectivity, that you did not get distracted, and loved your creative traps you made.


    Objective: You never got captured! You found your objective, and barely took any damage.


    Comments: Out Freaking Standing! An island with beautiful women and you never stopped to admire the scenery or lack of cloths. You went straight to your family and missed out on several sexual experiences.


    Rewards: Intermediate Charming Presence has evolved into Advanced Charming Presence. Not only are you charming, suave, and simply attract sexual attention. The skill has placed a glamorous perception on you. So little things that the viewer finds attractive will now be on you. -''I''m so sorry user, if you had known ahead of time you never would have done the quest.''


    Rewards: Basic Sex has evolved into Intermediate Sex: You are a modern day Casanova trained in the arts of seduction, sex appeal, foreplay, and sex it self! You know a variety of positions, fetishes, kinks, and tools to be used.


    Rewards: Blessing of Aphrodite: Men and Women will find you 10% more attractive. You are 10% more talented in the art of sex appeal, seduction, and sex.


    Lash''s entire body went rigid, and his face became pale with fear. No....Please no.... He felt the changes in his body, in his energy, and presence. Lizzy and Isabella both snuggled into his embrace. His arms wrapped around the two special people in his life, but then he realized his hands had begun to automatically massage and press into their backs and necks. Lizzy let out a soft moan then squeaked in surprise before she stepped out of Lash''s arms. She was bright red, Isabella didn''t jump away she leaned into his chest and wiggled her body clearly wanting more. Lizzy pulled her fiancee from Lash''s arms and tried to clear the air as she clapped.


    ¡°So! Ahahaha! Ummmmm! Why are the Amazons hunting you? I mean, anyone who see''s you would want you. I mean haha!hahahah! Do...Do you want to sit down?¡± Lizzy was hysterical now, and Isabella looked at Lash with confusion. Lash had face palmed and looked like he wanted to hit something.


    ¡°Dawn, can you pause the world for a moment?¡± He mumbled into his hand. The world slowed to a crawl then stopped. Lash couldn''t move his feet, or most of his body for that matter. This was to prevent Users from abusing the Pause system in The Dream.


    ¡°Can I shut this off!? Can I delete the skill!? I can I buy a skill deletion tool in the store?!¡± Lash yelled into the night.


    ¡°I''m sorry, User. No you can''t turn it off, nor can you delete the skill. This is one of the cons of having the Cosmic Patron. You must imagine the Cosmic Patron like a Game Master, or a reader in an online novel club. They will throw things at the world to mess up the User, the Protagonist or Antagonist because to them its fun. It brings a sense of entertainment. But the pro of the Cosmic Patron is they grow attached to the User. They want to see the User succeed. I know you are worried about Consent, but please be at ease. Consent works both ways. No one in The Dream will ever force themselves onto you.¡± Dawn said in an apologetic voice.


    ¡°So....With all the buffs, bonuses, and skills. If some one finds me even 1% attractive. They will suddenly find me 50% attractive? The effect scales! So the moment they find me 2% attractive it''s 100%?!¡± Lash questioned the sanity of that buff.


    ¡°Oh no! User, your math is far from correct. There are many subtle differences from attraction, to friendship, to mutual respect. Attraction is not something that just happens with explosive interest, it will take time to develop. Your buffs just make it grow faster. If a complete stranger finds you even a little bit attractive they will not suddenly want to pin you to the floor and have sex with you. So please be at ease.¡± Dawn said in a consoling tone.


    ¡°Dawn....Why do I feel like there is more to it?¡± Lash said, with a clear tone of disbelief.


    ¡°Aha! Why would you say that, User!¡± Dawn said as she chuckled nervously.


    ¡°So the buffs act like miracle grow? The affection rate just develops faster? Tell me, when does that growth stop?¡± Lash said, as he began to grit his teeth.


    ¡°Well you can''t sit around and talk to me all night, User! Didn''t you say that you only have a week off of work! You should get back to it! Ahahahaha!¡± Dawn laughed hysterically then began to slowly return the world to its original flow of time.


    ¡°Lash are you ok?¡± Isabella said softly, she looked truly concerned for him. Lizzy swallowed her saliva and turned to look at Lash. She was surprised by the hurt and grief stricken look on his face.


    ¡°Yes I am ok, this just got more complicated than anticipated. Isabella could you please step out side and tell the guards that I am in the room. We need to get this over with as fast as possible.¡± Lash as walked to the middle of the room. He pushed a few things aside and prepared for what would come next.


    Isabella looked at Lizzy who shrugged her shoulders. Lizzy walked around to face Lash''s front as Isabella walked out side to talk to the guards. Lizzy stood in the room with a worried expression on her face. Something happened, between the time she hugged Lash with Isabella and after. It was a few seconds! What could have changed in that time? The front door was slammed open, splinters flew and the guards raced in, one of them attempted to tackle Lash. He easily grabbed her and flung her off, then the others joined in. He continued to only do simple defensive gestures, never did he actually attack anyone. Lizzy was shocked and was about to ask what was going on, but Isabella pulled her aside and explained why they attacked him. Oh shit! Lash what have you done!


    ==============================================================


    Diana walked through the palace at a hurried pace. She checked her armor, and tied the lasso of Truth to her side, along with her sword of Athena in her scabbard. She morning sun brought its warmth onto her face. Several of the Elite guard saluted her as she came down the stairs. She jumped onto her Pegasus then they flew off towards the city of learning. An hour ago the report came in that Warden Lash had been found there. He had made it all the way to his sister Lizzy, and her fiancee Isabella. He had sneaked onto the island, lead the armies of Themyscira on a chase across their home, got away, and found his sister. But what should have been a victory turned into brutal punishment. The warriors and hunters of Themyscira had never failed to capture an infiltrator. So when Lash went to give himself up they attacked him!


    Queen Hippolyta her mother tasked her to retrieve Warden Lash and his Partner Saurian. To bring them back to the palace so they may speak in person. Diana flew through the air along with the other elite guard as quickly as possible to the city. Where a brawl had broken out. No, it was more to say it was a beat down between one man and an army of Amazons. But the terrifying thing was, Lash had fallen in battle yet. He still fought! How was that possible?! The simple Warden that was so fragile in the battle against Ares? The battle was only a few months ago, how could Lash become so much stronger? Something else troubled Diana, something her mother said before she had left.


    ¡°When you see him, don''t be surprised.¡± Hippolyta said. Surprised? She''d met Lash before, he was an average looking man with the heart of a Hunter, and the integrity to do the right thing. She had hoped they could be friends. Like her friend Steve Trevor!


    ================================================================


    Lash bounced and weaved through the ocean of swords, spears, and arrows. The warriors were like a tide but thankfully they did not shoot blindly. They would take turns, attack from his sides, or from behind. But they would never just swing with out restraint. Clang! Another sword struck his back and his scales absorbed the kinetic energy and brought the overall damage down. Lash wrapped the amazon in energy and flung her away in the waiting hands of her sisters.


    The villa was long gone, all that was left was a ruined husk of the gated community Lizzy had been living in. Lash wore his tattered Warden combat gear and little else. He had cast Transformation for the natural armor and stat increase. But felt that if he swapped out to Saurian they may truly try and kill him. At first he felt their anger for him playing tricks on them, for getting past all their defenses, and reaching Lizzy. Because if he could do it? Whats to stop others from doing it.


    Another warrior stepped from the ocean of weapons and tried to wade through the Mud Marsh that Lash had created. The Amazons had to fight in a swamp that didn''t effect Lash. She did an open wide slash with a spin that she regretted as Lash wrapped his tail around her leg and flung her back into the crowd. Another spear wielder whipped her weapon to his left, then to his right. He ducked under the spear and flew forward like a cannon. She flew back into the crowd, then another challenger came. Then another! He''d been fighting for nearly eight hours!


    Congratulations User! Intermediate Weapon Master has evolved into Advanced Weapon Master!


    Effects: You understand how to use, but also how to defend against all forms of weapons that have been used in the history of Earth. You''ll learn Alien weaponry at a 25% increase. You will notice a dramatic increase in damage, defense, and reduced energy consumption when you use weapons of all types.


    Congratulations User! Intermediate Martial Arts has evolved into Advanced Martial Arts!


    Effects: You understand where the root of Martial Arts came from, and have learned dozens of different forms, techniques, skills, and abilities. But in the end, the root did not change. You learn Alien Martial Arts 25% faster. You will notice a dramatic increase in damage, defense, and reduced energy consumption when you use all forms of Martial Arts.


    Lash got faster, and faster. He moved like a blur across the battle field. He struck spears and swords in half with his attacks. Waved his arms in a half crescent and collected the arrows straight from the sky. He tossed them aside, as he flowed like water around the warriors who came to challenge him. He struck each one once in precise locations and they dropped to the ground. Electricity made them go rigid, as the strikes hit nerve connections. Lash wasn''t being brutal, he was like a scalpel in a surgeons hand. He''d been on the defensive this entire time. No more, he could control his power enough to disable with out hurting or killing.


    The warriors thrust their spears and he collected them with his hand like picking up after errant children. He twisted his body and raised his leg up to strike each warrior. As they flew back in surprise Lash slapped the Mud Marsh with his hand as rising geyser of liquid marble rose into the air it turned back into stone and rained hail onto everyone. For a brief moment they all raised shield above them, then they looked back and saw a dozen or so Lash''s move into the crowd and begin to systematically disable Amazon after Amazon.


    Warriors and Hunters was left on the ground, tiny sparks of electricity danced across their body. They convulsed, and twitched but none of them would suffer any permanent damage. The doppelganger versions of the Lizard Hybrid worked together with one mind. One would distract while one struck. Slipped past their defenses and hit the exposed parts of their armor. None of the Amazons Lash fought were in full armor. They wore the typical southern tropical clothes. The guards wore light to medium leather gear but still showed plenty of skin. Plenty of fan service gear. But it made sense, they were in their home. They didn''t need full armor like Lash saw them wear during the Ares invasions.


    Lash struck with his palm straight into a warriors solar plexus, the electricity danced through her body and she dropped like a rag doll. A warrior would strike with a sword and Lash would grab it with his hand, the electricity would dance down the blade. The warriors learned quickly not to attack with any kind of metal. So spears came out front, no shields because they had conductors. Well it should have worked if it was normal electricity. If any weapon struck him or any of his clones they would get electrified. If he struck any of them, electrified! If....


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± A shout sounded above them all. With a whistle and a crash! Wonder Woman slammed into the ground from the skies above. She held her hands up to stop the conflict then looked at Lash, her eyes went wide in disbelief. As one by one Lash''s clones faded from sight.


    Wonder Woman was stunning to behold as usual. She wore a leather corset, along with a half metal breast plate. She had pauldrons, gauntlets, and greaves on. Half plates covered her biceps and thighs so she could have freedom of movement. She had a leather skirt with split mail sewn in. She wore half mask half helmet of the Ancient Greeks. Each piece of armor was magically enchanted, her hourglass figure screamed sex appeal that any man or woman would find attractive. Diana took her Lasso of Truth out and wrapped it around Lash, the golden light shined brilliantly.


    ¡°Stand down, Warden Lash! The Lasso compe...! By the gods that''s impossible!¡± Diana screamed in panic, as did many of the Amazons.


    Lash looked amused, and surprised. As soon as the Lasso wrapped around his body his long lost friend Nullification activated. The magical energy that compelled him to obey stopped functioning. The Lasso didn''t break! It just wouldn''t work on Lash. Interesting! Lash loosened the knot on the rope which also should have been impossible but he did it. Then he walked over to Diana, he slowly returned to his default form and Repaired his clothing so he wouldn''t be naked in front of her.


    ¡°Sorry, Princess Diana that doesn''t work on me.¡± Lash handed the lasso back to her. Diana looked at Lash then back at the lasso then back at Lash.


    ¡°But.... It works on all mortals! You''ve have to be a God, or a demigod, or...¡± Diana said in disbelief.


    ¡°Or a God-Kin, more importantly a full matured God-Kin. Not like that whelp you fought on statue island. But a full fledged God-Kin would be resistant to the Lasso of Truth.¡± Lash said out loud. His skill Other Worldly Lore activated and sent him information.


    Diana''s eyes opened wide. As did nearly every Amazon warrior that heard the conversation. That would explain it! That''s how he resisted the Lasso! That''s how he was able to sneak into Themyscira! He was a God-Kin! Or so the Amazon''s all believed. Because never in their wildest dreams could they believe a normal mortal with out any assistance could break into Themyscira that is watched over by the Old Gods themselves!


    ¡°If we are done fighting? Could I say goodbye to Elizabeth and Isabella before I go to meet the Queen?¡± Lash asked, he took a knee and bowed his head. Diana quickly went to help him to his feet.


    ¡°Of course! In fact they should come with us!¡± Diana now understood why her mother told her not to be surprised when she saw Lash. Not only was Lash a Oracle, he was a God-Kin. The spell-net that surrounded the island didn''t work on the Divine! Her mother realized this when no one else did!


    Amazonian spell casters rushed into the battle field and retrieved the fallen but not injured warriors. They quickly cleaned up the mess and the gated community was rebuilt in under an hour. Lash, along with Lizzy and Isabella were given horses to ride. Lash worried for his horse and explained to Diana how much he weighed. The horse was bred for war by the Amazons it would be fine. So he carefully got onto the horse, it seemed a little surprised by how he weighed but didn''t complain. Lash fed the horse some magic and it seem to relax. Lash didn''t have to command the horse, he just spoke to it and it moved on its own. This surprised many of the Amazons.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill Animal Riding: You''ve gained the basics of what is to ride an animal, something that is out of your control. But with practice, and communication you can compromise and work together.


    Though Diana and her Elite guard could have flown to the capitol on their pegasie, they chose to stay on the ground with them. Lizzy opened and closed her mouth several times. She clearly had questions, but didn''t know how to ask. She had watched her adopted brother, and friend fight off a small army of Amazons all by himself. She knew he was different but that was to much of a stretch for her to handle. Isabella was the same, she had heard stories about Lash. But that was far out of her expectations. But what was even more astonishing was when did Lash become a God-Kin? Was he always a God-Kin? No, the Warden''s would have checked that when they held the ceremony. So this happened recently?


    ¡°It''s recent, it happened while on my tour. When we got shot down and survived the attack.¡± Lash said out of no where.


    ¡°Wait!? You got shot down?!¡± Lizzy yelled in surprise, She turned around on her horse to look at Lash. Isabella wanted to rush over and check on Lash. But it seemed silly now that she stopped to think about it.


    ¡°Yes, while we traveled over Iran and Saudi Arabia we were shot down by the Bialya special forces. Everyone onboard was killed, except for my two companions Mikhail and Peyton. During the trip across the desert I had a moment of clarity. In that moment I was chosen to be a God-Kin. However, who my God or Goddess is I have no idea. Its not my patron that I receive Oracles from, but another.¡± Lash said loudly so everyone including the Amazon''s could hear him.


    ¡°Oracle? As in you receive messages from God?¡± Lizzy looked at Lash like he grown a second head. Lizzy didn''t really follow a faith, she went to seminary in high school because her parents wanted her to. But that was it.


    ¡°Sister Elizabeth, you''ve been to the schools. How we pray and follow the Old Gods? The Old Gods are very real. Lash receives Oracles from one of them, it is one of the reasons why he is so active. Why he is in the thick of things while others are not. He is a Champion of his God. Now he has been chosen by another to carry on the spark of Divinity.¡± Diana called out to her. Lizzy wanted to refuse the idea. The super-natural was all still to new to her. She looked down and chewed on her bottom lip in thought.


    They continued to ride in silence after that. Lizzy made several glances back at Lash but didn''t say anything in the end. Isabella came over and rode her horse next to Lizzy. Diana brought her pegasus towards Lash and spoke softly to him. Diana''s raven black hair fell across her shoulders and bit of natural scent filled Lash''s nose. Wow she smelled good.


    ¡°It hasn''t been long since we last saw one another my friend. I hardly recognized you when I saw you fighting against my sisters.¡± Diana said softly.


    ¡°Sorry about that, Princess. I tried to surrender peacefully but they attacked me. I chose to defend myself instead of becoming a pin cushion.¡± Lash apologized once more, he bowed his head.


    ¡°Not at all! If we are being honest they should not have attacked you. Once a warrior...Or a hunter surrenders they should have been taken into custody. However, with the tricks you played on the armies for nearly a week. Tensions were high, we haven''t had such extensive exercises in....Many years.¡± Diana said, a bit of amusement and guile on her face.


    ¡°You must have played hide and go seek very well when you were young.¡± Lash said to her. Diana looked at him and a smile tugged on her lips.


    ¡°I did! There was a time when mother got the entire island to look for me. I stayed hidden for three days before they caught me!¡± Diana said proudly.


    ¡°Ah! Before I forget. There is something I wanted to talk to you about...¡± Lash said, as he pulled out his phone.


    Lash then began to talk to Wonder Woman about the Justice League. The different levels of membership, and organizations. How it was important to be functional apart but still united enough to work together. He listed off the people he had spoken to, but has yet to get a clear yes or no. But told her about the phone line. The idea that warriors and heroes of Earth could connect and seek help if needed intrigued her. She had to admit she felt like a boat with out a rudder. Where ever the wind took her she went. The Wardens were willing to help her with missions. But the Wardens were largely a peace keeping organization. They didn''t go looking for trouble. Well except Lash who seem to be a trouble magnet.


    They arrived at Themyscira''s capital as the sun was about to set under the watchful gaze of the Elite Guard that kept a glaring eye on Lash. Word had been sent ahead that Warden Lash and his Partner Saurian were God-Kin. This helped the wounded pride and ego of the Amazons but didn''t alleviate the fact that he had eluded them, tricked them, and made them look foolish. One man had done that! Then on top of it all he had surrendered himself, and their sisters having heard the humiliation had attacked him. But he had won! Yes, Princess Diana stopped the fight before it got out of hand. But it was clear that Lash had not been trying to hurt any one. They all felt that if it was a real battle they would have kill him easily....Maybe.


    They came before the palace and dismounted, attendants came and took the horses and pegasie away. Lash cast Immaculate on himself, Lizzy, and Isabella. He offered the same treatment to the Amazons. Diana took the offer as did a few others, most declined. Lash adjusted his Warden combat gear, fixed some of the wrinkles until Lizzy rolled her eyes and came over to help.


    ¡°When this is all over I hope you will take the time to explain. I''m not mad, just...Worried.¡± Lizzy said softly. Lash took her hands in his and smiled.


    ¡°Lizzy, I will always love you. If you ask I will explain, but you have to remember. I''m a man, I''m a simple creature that doesn''t understand the complexities of a woman''s mind.¡± Lash said with a smile. Lizzy glared at him. Isabella laughed lightly behind her. Diana had a amused grin on her face, many of the guards all nodded with that sentiment. Men were simple creatures, how could they hope to keep up with women?


    Diana led the group towards the throne room, two giant doors stood before them. Lizzy and Isabella had met the Queen when they arrived. Lizzy had met her before when she came here on a vacation. The city that was open to the public was on the tail end of the island away from the Capitol. The architecture of the palace was Ancient Greek with magic inscribed into the walls. A few modern day conveniences, like hidden security cameras were in a few places that Lash could sense thanks to Technomancy. Diana stood before the door, squared her shoulders and called to her mother.


    ¡°Queen Mother, I have brought Warden Lash and his Partner Hunter Saurian. We have in attendance his adopted sister Elizabeth, and her fiancee Isabella. May we enter!¡± Diana shouted through the door.


    ¡°Enter.¡± A strong feminine voice spoke through the door. The guards pushed the doors open and the group entered into the throne room.


    It wasn''t a massive throne like you would see on television. Lash understood this was more of a viewing room. There would be another throne room in the palace would be larger and more accommodating when court was held with the officials from across the island nation. Most palaces have several different throne rooms that cater to the exact occasion. Like the current situation, this was an informal visit. Queen Hippolyta wore a regal toga outfit that covered her from neck, to her ankles. Her shoulders revealed but only barely. But Lash could tell that she wore armor under it. Despite her relaxed appearance she was ready to fight at any moment. She held a staff with the shinning sun at the top. Her golden hair was held back by a jeweled head band. Her perfect hour glass figure could not be hidden under her toga or her armor. She was incredibly seductive with her body taunt and ready to strike at any moment. Yep, Lash had a type!


    Lash stopped thirteen steps from the first step of the throne. He took a knee and bowed his head. The rest of his group looked back at him in surprise. Lash then performed a near perfect etiquette of formal respect and greeting. From body position, to hand movements, to an Ancient Amazonian greeting that was incredibly hard to pronounce. Because the greeting was actually a sub-dialect of the Old Gods. When he finished speaking, a golden light filled the room. It came directly from the statue of The Queen Goddess Hera that stood behind Hippolyta.


    ¡°Rise Warden Lash, and Hunter Saurian. Welcome to Themyscira. It seems we have a few things to discuss. But first, I would very much like to know how you entered our home with out us knowing.¡± Hippolyta spoke softly, as a divine light shinned in her eyes.


    ¡°As you wish, your Highness.¡± Lash replied....

 Chapter 49: Cliche Melodrama!

    Lash with respect and humility began to tell The Queen of Themyscira how he infiltrated the island. The idea that someone or something could swim to the depths of the ocean, dig through the ground and come up under the net never occurred to anyone. Because the pressure from the depths would crush modern technology like a tin can. But, mundane technology was not the only intruders they could have on the island. The Atlanteans can easily swim to that depth. Diana was confused, she had thought Lash had gotten past the net because he was a God-Kin. Turns out that was not so, the net still activates regardless of who passes through it. Those with the spark of Divinity be it a God, Goddess, Demigod, or God-Kin just had different rules that applied to them when they visited the island.


    ¡°Queen Mother, what agreement did you come to with General Philipus? You made it seem like Lash knew something about the history of our people?¡± Diana asked with clear confusion on her face. Hipploylta gestured towards Lash, testing his awareness of what he had done.


    ¡°By breaking the law of Themyscira of infiltration several things can happen. I''ll name a few so everyone can understand. First: I would be either put to death or imprisoned for life. Second: I could be given a trial to prove the why and how of my infiltration if it was for a specific cause such as life or death. Third: In order to earn my ''innocence'' I would have to complete a trial, a task chosen by the council and the Queen herself.¡± Lash said nonchalantly, as his Other Worldly Lore activated.


    Lizzy and Isabella both looked horrified at the idea that Lash could be executed because he sneaked into Themyscira. Lizzy walked across the room and squeezed Lash''s hand. He looked at her with a smile and squeezed back. Diana held her chin in her hand as she thought about the consequences. She knew all of those. Lash wouldn''t be executed because not only was he a Oracle, a God-Kin, but also a foreign Agent of the UN. He would technically have diplomatic immunity. Even if his actions would have gone completely against the rules of engagement. A trial seems far more feasible, if anything he would be banned from returning to Themyscira and the UN would have to pay compensation. Diana looked at her mother, Queen Hippolyta had a smile on her face as she watched her daughter go down the list of possibilities.


    ¡°Warden Lash, you have the Grave Domain do you not?¡± Hippolyta asked softly, she drew the attention of everyone in the room.


    ¡°I do, your highness.¡± Lash said, he squeezed the hands of Lizzy and Isabella who came over to offer support.


    ¡°Then I have a task for you that will earn your forgiveness in the eyes of the Amazons. Do you accept this task.¡± Hippolyta said, she with held what the actual task was until he agreed.


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron has a message for you from the Goddess Persephone. Accept the task and one out of your three favors will be complete.


    Rewards: Depends on how well you do, and if you live.


    Lash stepped forward and took a knee then bowed his head. Lash was in his default human form so his skin was a healthy pink color with a shiny bald head with several tribal tattoos that represent his Domains. The tribal marks have grown down his back, shoulders, and across his chest. The Warden tactical combat gear had been repaired and remade several times since he hand started this journey. So much so that he and improved its overall rating and capabilities. But he felt that what came next would rend not only his combat gear but his flesh and bone.


    ¡°I accept the task given, simply tell me what it is and I''ll do so. Even until my dying breath.¡± Lash said to the Queen. The Queen stood up and slammed her staff three times to announce the order.


    ¡°Warden Lash, and his Partner Saurian will travel to the depths of Themyscira, to the gates of Tartarus. There with in the realm of Hades will you retrieve a lost relic of the Amazons. In ages past this relic was the Divine tool that collected the souls of our Sisters when they fell in battle. Your task is to sneak into Tartarus and retrieve this item from the Fallen Lord of Hell who holds it. Bring this item back to us, and all charges against you will be dropped.¡± Queen Hippolyta declared, the golden statue of Hera shinned brilliantly and a Oath Rune was inscribed on to Lash''s chest.


    Isabella screamed and fell to her knees, she turned paled as a sheet. Lizzy looked wide eyed, she didn''t fully understand but she knew that Tartarus was bad! Diana looked at her mother like she was insane! The doors under Themyscira have been sealed for over three centuries! This was a death sentence! Hades himself had not been able to reconquer Tartarus since it was lost to the Fallen Lord of Hell!


    ¡°Queen Mother please there has to be another way! Another task? Exile! Something!?¡± Diana called to her mother. Hippolyta slammed her staff and a divine radiance came from her and the statue of Hera. This silenced all argument from the room.


    ¡°It''s done, Princess Diana. I knew there would be a punishment waiting for me when I sneaked in. I could have gone to the port, I could have done it the right way. But I listened to my Patron, accepted a task. My Patron must have known about the situation, and they knew that Queen Hippolyta would never send someone into the pits of Tartarus unless they had proven themselves. For example, being able to sneak into Themyscira, stayed hidden for an entire week?¡± Lash said softly, then looked up at the Queen with a smile. The Queen smiled back and nodded her head in agreement.


    ¡°L...Lash....¡± Isabella called his name, so he turned to look at her.


    ¡°Y..You are going into hell. Tartarus is where the damned go for judgement. Its a prison, a dungeon of torture where the damned go to receive their punishment. The Fallen One broke the prison and now the prisoners roam free. That is where your going!?¡± Isabella screamed, she grabbed his vest and shook him. Lizzy came to Isabella and tried to comfort her but she looked just as lost.


    ¡°Your highness, the relic can you describe it? Or is there a records of its description? Weight? Volume?¡± Lash reached out and held both Lizzy and Isabella close to him in comfort. Lizzy shook like a leaf, and Isabella continued to punch his chest in a attempt to ''wake him up'' from this decision.


    Queen Hippolyta raised her left hand and a Phantasm image showed a glowing blue orb. About the size of a tennis ball. The orb floated over a pedestal but the orb was the relic. The relic contained the souls of every Amazon that had fallen in battle when the relic was in use. It would purify the souls of their sisters and usher them either into paradise? Or in reincarnation to be reborn again in the service of Themyscira until they had gained a sense of enlightenment. Many didn''t know this, but Amazons were a dying breed. If he can retrieve this relic they wouldn''t be anymore. Other Worldly Lore activated when he saw the relic.


    Lash stood up, with his companions in his arms. He bowed his head to the Queen, asked Diana if there was a place he could talk to his companions. Asked if she could come as well so they don''t try and stop him when he leaves. At that point Lash had Lizzy in one arm, and Isabella in his other. Both screamed at him that he couldn''t do this! There had to be another way! Diana lead them to a simple chamber. Lash put them both down and tried to talk to them.


    ¡°I don''t fucking care what she said! You are not fucking going to hell!¡± Lizzy screamed at Lash. He thought to use Calm Emotions but he held off on that idea for now.


    ¡°You could run!?¡± Isabella said, Lash looked at her with a bemused expression. Motioned to Diana, to the door, to the area.


    ¡°Look around you, Isabella. We are in the heart of the capital. Besides it doesn''t matter I already have an Rune of Oath.¡± Lash unzipped his vest and pulled it back to reveal his tribal marks and just above his heart was a divine mark of the Old Gods.


    ¡°If I don''t full fill my oath? Guess where I go, Tartarus. No, you can not come! Neither of you can!¡± Lash pointed at the Rune. Then stopped Lizzy as she almost spoke something that was insane.


    ¡°Why the fuck not!¡± Lizzy screamed at him she went straight to Diana. Diana held her ground but a look of sympathy was on her face.


    ¡°Sister Elizabeth, Warden Lash is correct. This trial is for him alone, you...you would also only been in his way.¡± Diana said as gently as possible.


    ¡°In his way! I''ve been training very hard thank you! I can handle myself!¡± Lizzy screamed at Diana.


    Diana raised a well manicured eye brow stepped into Lizzy''s personal space, grabbed her hand and forced her into arm lock. She used barely any of her strength. Lizzy was locked in place on her knees with her arm behind her. Lizzy struggled and wiggled to try and get out of the arm lock. Lash watched and could see four different methods to escape that were simple and easy to do. Lizzy was stuck, and didn''t know what to do. She slammed her free hand on the ground over and over until her knuckles bled, then began to cry. Diana let her go after that and stepped away. Isabella came to her lover''s side and held her.


    ¡°When do you leave?¡± Isabella asked, her eyes distant.


    ¡°As soon as possible.¡± Lash said, he walked over to them and hugged them both. They clung to him and cried.


    This was so different from what he had planned when he would come to Themyscira. He would visit with Lizzy and Isabella. Help them train here and there. Make a show of helping the Amazons in front of the public at the public sea port. He''d speak to Diana about the Justice League, then head home to see Jessabell. Oh shit! Jessabell is going to kill him when she finds out. Lash stayed still as they both cried and begged him not to go. Then after an hour he used his Nature Domain and put them both to sleep. Lash carefully set them down on the ground, Diana called in two guards so they could be carried to a bed.


    Diana then escorted him to the depths of the City. The journey was odd....Lash wasn''t down cast, gloomy, or depressed. He continued to talk to Diana about the Justice League. He had written down all the ''registered'' heroes they had so far. Then with Diana''s permission he inputted her information in to the network. He took a moment to message everyone on the phone tree that he would be out of contact for a while. He would be visiting Tartarus a layer in Hell.


    ''Is that a country somewhere?'' Barry messaged.


    ''Wraith, are you really going to hell?'' Oliver asked, he had seen a lot on his trip away from home. Though he had never been, he did know that hell was real.


    ''Wraith? Where are you right now? We can help, isn''t that what this League is for?'' Clark replied.


    ''Not this time, Boy Scout. I got Wonder Woman into the chat room we share. She can explain the situation better than I can. Just all of you promise that if I don''t make it back. Take care of my family, and make sure the Justice League happens.'' Lash replied.


    ''Wraith! I''m serious! Where are you!?'' Clark typed quickly.


    Lash closed his IM and put his phone away into his pocket space. He stood before a massive stone door the size of an airplane hanger door. The door was carved with hellish motifs, souls that screamed in anguish. They had walked under the Themyscira to get here, a dark cave system with torches on the wall to give light. The cave ceiling was expertly carved and rose into the air by at least one hundred feet. A legion of Amazon warriors stood by the door in uniform, as several larger than average Amazons with giant hammers hit against the dead bolt of solid orichalcum. Clang! Clang! Clang!


    Lash and Diana walked between the formations towards the door. General Philipus stood there in full armor, she gazed at the door with the eyes of a Guardian. Ares was not the only secret that the Amazons had been tasked to protect. Philipus was a 6'' 3'' caramel black skinned woman who stood in her full Amazonian armor with pride. A half cape extended down her back a symbol of her rank. A legion helmet hung at her waist. Despite her strong appearance she still retained the same super model physique of any Amazon. Great skin, long glossy hair that was braided and tied to her armor so it wouldn''t get in the way. A great hour glass figure that was only highlighted by her armor. Her deep rich brown eyes turned to look at Diana and Lash. She bowed to Diana, and nodded stiffly at Lash. Lash had made a bad impression on her with all the tricks he had played.


    ¡°Tell me, before you leave. The...Rave party you created in the jungle. What is with the phrase. Hello, Goodbye, and thanks for all the fish? They say it every few hours.¡± Philipus asked with a stern gaze.


    ¡°Its from a book, the exact title escapes me. But just jump online and ask ''What book has the answer, 42 in it'' It should lead you to the novels.¡± Lash said with a smile as he bowed from his waist to the High General of Themyscira.


    ¡°As for the dance rave. I got every rave music mix from the 90''s to now. So you shouldn''t hear any repeats for awhile. Princess Diana, may I ask a favor of you?¡± Lash turned to look at Wonder Woman.


    ¡°Of course, Lash.¡± Diana stood at attention. She payed respects to a warrior she believed she would never see again.


    ¡°If I don''t return take care of Elizabeth, and if you can Isabella as well. Also please look into the Justice League. Its nothing but a seed in the ground right now. But with the right care and attention it will grow strong and true.¡± Lash said, Diana nodded at him with a smile. Even now he thought of other people.


    ¡°The door will only remain open for a short while. Once you are in we will have to close it. You must return to the door with the relic in hand. If you touch the door with it, we will open the door as fast as we can. Even if an army is behind you it wont matter. We will do our part if you do yours.¡± High General Philipus said.


    Lash nodded, then stepped forward towards the door. He started to do simple stretches and cast Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, and Cat''s Grace on himself. Then he clapped his hands together and called Saurian out to play. His skin peeled, his muscles tore, and his bones broke. Under ten seconds and the ten foot tall, and thirty foot long Saurian stood. His natural scaled armor had grown in, he hand bone blades at the edge of his forearms, and shins. His tail was spiked and serrated with bone blades, horns had begun to grow along the edges of his skull crest, eye ridges, and jaw line. The tribal marks had grown across his skull crest, down his shoulders, chest, and back.


    SLAM! One of the dead bolts had landed on the ground. Saurian walked forward pressed his clawed hands to the extremely rare substance. He called on his Transmuter title and learned the chemical and magical property of the metal. Then walked over to a piece of stone on the ground. Diana looked at him in confusion then her eyes nearly popped out of her skull when he changed the ten pound stone into a ten pound orichalcum. Saurian then turned it into thread and created a new Warden combat suit for himself, and threaded it into Lash''s suit. One of the rarest metals on Earth, and Saurian used it to be a tailor.


    Warden tactical combat gear, imbued with Orichalcum.


    Rating: C+


    Effects: 10% resistant to all forms of magic.


    Effects: 1% durability repair every five hours.


    Effects: 10% power increase to all spells, 10% decrease in power consumption.


    Effects: Valuable! 10% more likely to attract the attention of greedy people.


    Comments: Are you out of your fucking mind!? You sewed Orichalcum into your cloths?! Sure it will protect you, or drive every one insane to peel it off your body.


    ¡°I''ll make you some when I get back, ok?¡± Saurian''s reptilian voice spoke to Diana. She smiled at him.


    ¡°I''ll hold you to that!¡± Diana yelled as the last dead bolt crashed into the ground. A volcanic hellish heat came from the door as it cracked open!


    Door opened by a mere sliver compared to its size, but it was large enough for Saurian to fit through. The Amazon Legion stood at the ready, Saurian took a steady breath then sprinted through the door into Tatartus. Where even the God Hades does not tread. Saurian got a prompt that his quest had begun.


    Cosmic Patron''s quest, and one of three trials decided by Persephone and Hades.


    Mission Rating: A+


    Objective: Sneak into Tartarus and retrieve the sacred and holy relic of the Amazons.


    Terms of success: Retrieve the sacred relic, return to the gate, return to Themyscira.


    Terms of failure: You die. Because they wont let you back out with out the relic.


    Rewards: Two Dream Points, Store Coupon.


    Rewards: ???


    Rewards: ???


    Comments: Would you like to accept a collect call from ''Doom Slayer?''


    Saurian stepped into ''Hell'' the air was poison, the sky was a hellish red with clouds that rained acidic blood onto the ground. Screams of agony rode on the wind, hordes of zombified creatures wondered aimlessly across the vast oceans of fire, lava, and rock. Creatures, monstrosities, and the damned hunted, killed, fed, and did it again as the bodies always recovered. Death was not the end here, only the first step in your punishment. The door''s slowly closed behind Saurian, he turned to look at Diana who held his gaze. She nodded, and he returned the gesture. The doors slammed shut, he looked at the massive gate, which stood alone in the middle of no where. This was his road home, time to get to work!


    =================================================================


    ¡°HE DID WHAT?!¡± Jessabell screamed at Skaleg. The old viking was in Jessabell''s home, he wanted to come in person and tell her what happened to Lash.


    Skaleg wore a nice old fashion suit, something you would wear to a party, or maybe a funeral. His eyes were down cast, and red. He had cried when he heard the news, the suicidal news that Lash agreed to. This wasn''t just a death sentence, if he failed he would stay in Tartarus forever. This was a damnation. Jessabell was bare foot, she had a pair of ripped up blue jeans, a tight blue shirt that was obviously smaller then her actual size. It exposed her navel, and emphasized her perky breasts that seem to want to break free from the restraining fabric. She had shaved one side of her head again, and her long hair brushed over to expose it. Lash seem to like the look from before so she thought. Jessabell had thought it was Lash who came to see her.


    ¡°Call him back! Stop him! Tell the Amazons they can''t do it!?¡± Jessabell screamed at him.


    ¡°He''s already there, Jessabell. He can''t come back with out the relic.¡± Skaleg said, with a pained expression.


    ¡°The relic that has been lost for over three hundred years in a place that not even the god of the underworld wishes to go!?¡± Jessabell screamed!


    ¡°No! No! No! I....We......Nooo!¡± Jessabell screamed in fury. She collapsed and felt like her heart had shattered. Her friend, her family, her pack....They were gone....


    =================================================================


    Claws raked through the zombie demon creature, it fell with a scream filled with horror! The essence of the soul was pulled out of the body and flew into Saurian. Who breathed in with an intoxicating expression. Saurian had figured something out not even a few hours into Tartarus. There were dozens of demonically twisted forms behind him, mangled, ripped apart, and torn asunder. All of them dead, none of them would regenerate and continue the long torment. He didn''t know why, but his Domain Rebirth absorbed the souls. The percentage was (25%) and grew with every soul. Praise the great mage Exeus!


    Saurian trotted along and found another demon zombie creature. The thing looked like a human being with no skin, its spine protruded from its back into spikes, its teeth had elongated. Its hands and feet ended in claws. It looked at Saurian with empty blood shot eyes. It didn''t see him, it simply reacted to movement. It screamed at the top of hits lungs, calling for more! It could smell that this thing, this creature did not belong. Saurian pounced on the creature and ripped into its chest cavity. He used Soul Bite and absorbed it into his body. Rebirth went to (25.1%), with every soul he consumed he felt revitalized and ready for more. But he knew that he had to maintain control so he cast Calm Emotions on himself. Why? Because every minute he was in ''Hell'' his Damage Resistance pinged at him. He got experience because his mind, and soul were under attack. The longer he was down here the greater his resistance would grow. But resistance didn''t stop the damage until it said immune.


    Saurian finished off the pack of skinless demons and instead of hunting and killing like his instincts told him to do. He cast Calm Emotions again, and hid himself away. Every time he cast the skill it would make his emotions raw afterwords. Side effect, it made him more vulnerable to the effects of ''Hell''. He dug into the ground and made a small little home as he tried to calm himself down. Carrion crows and vultures with red skin, scales, and grotesque skin flew over to the trail of bodies and began to devour them. Saurian listened closely and realized Beast Speak worked on them.


    ¡°Craaaw! Why are these things hollow! Craaa! No taste! Flesh is here, no soul!¡± A blood red crow screamed. Though it didn''t like the taste it still devoured the body.


    ¡°Smell something! Something new! Not from here! Hmmmmm oooooooo! Divinity! A God has fallen! Ooo! Oooo!¡± A vulture creature, diseased flesh and wings fell with wing beat. It ate up the bodies just the same as the crow.


    ¡°Tell Lord!? Maybe grant us scraps?¡± The crow screamed at the vulture.


    ¡°Yes! Even if not! Lord rewardGGAAAAAAH!¡± As the vulture began, roots from the desiccated tree''s reached out with their razor sharp ends and impaled the birds.


    Saurian came out of his hole, pounced on the first vulture and ripped its head off with pure strength! He slashed the crows head off with his bone blade on his forearm. The souls of the birds flew into his body, it refilled his energy, but his mind continued to cloud over. The tree''s devoured the bodies, why are there trees in ''Hell''? They are blood rattlers, or blood trees. They feed off bodies, and naturally the souls of those they capture. Despite its dead appearance ''Hell'' has its own ecosystem. As fucked up as it is, it still works. It based purely off of hunting, killing, and or torture. Because everything here regenerates. So if a creature of damnation is caught by one of the trees it just devours them over, and over, and over.


    Saurian poured the Nature Domain in to the trees. They paused in momentary shock before the reached out towards him. Not with animosity but with yearning. He spent the next few minutes next to the trees as he fed them a steady stream of Nature magic. Even in hell the Nature Domain works. Faces began to grow on the bark of the trees, they moaned, and called for help. These were the souls that the tree''s had devoured and had refused to let go. The trees continued to grow in size, soon they towered over Saurian almost fifty feet in height. Appendages grew, their roots became like spider legs, mouths appeared and they evolved into demonic grave walker trees. Each one contained the souls of at least one hundred damned. More then once the trees reached out to try and devour Saurian. But he made it clear with his Nature, and Grave Domain that would be ill advised. He had turned one of their massive tree trunk arms into ash. Once he fed them enough, he said goodbye and left them to their own devices. They groaned and wailed in a odd symphony that Saurian understood thanks to this titles.


    ¡°Beeeee hhhhheerrrrrreeeee....Yoooooouuuuuu....Reeetttuuuuuurrrrnnnnn.¡± The tree''s slowly called to him. He waved his hand at them absently and moved deeper into Tartarus. Towards the great castle that had been built into the volcano.


    The giant mountain of rock, ash, and lava was not an actual volcano. It served as a passage way between the different layers, or sub-dimensions of the underworld. Other Worldly Lore gave him a prompt. He must have read it somewhere? Hades was in a separate dimension that was connected to Earth through gateways. He encountered one such gate during the war with Ares. Each section of Hades or simply the Underworld since Hades was the name of the God. Had a main exit and entry, but still several ways in and out existed. Such as Themyscira''s secret entrance.


    Saurian trotted across a sulfur flats with nothing but cracked ground as far as the eye could see. The mountain castle was in the distance but the actual distance was impossible to measure. The sulfur flats had as one can imagine the stink of sulfur. The fumes were poison, Saurian doubted there was even air in hell. The very idea of breathing seem to hurt. His Damage Resistance kept prompting with experience. Adaptation continued to change his mind, body, and soul. To adapt to the new environment, Lash and Saurian have both come to acknowledge that what ever Saurian is. He was designed to hunt anything in any condition given enough time.


    The ground began to rumble, crack and groan in protest. Saurian stopped, crouched low and looked around. He checked the crimson red sky, nothing. He looked into the distance, nothing. He pressed into the ground with his Nature Domain. Danger Sense activated and he rolled to his side as a massive mouth snapped close where he had been standing. A hell wurm the size of a semi truck slipped back into the ground. Saurian sprinted towards the wurm and latched onto its body. It screeched in panic and began to burrow deeper. He cast Earth Swim and rode it into the ground. Saurian clamped down and cast Decomposition on the wurm.


    SCCREEEEEEAAAAAACH!


    The hell wurm screamed in immeasurable pain! As it''s body rapidly decayed and turned into fertilizer. Hundreds of souls that had been locked into the wurm screeched and wailed in panic as they flew into Saurian''s body. The wurm soon died with in the hellish earth and became part of the sulfur flats. Saurian swam to the surface and popped out, a huge smile on his face as he looked at his Rebirth Domain. (55.6%) He felt amazing! His scales had started to take on a black crimson red look. A dark red aura began to glow from his scales, and his reptile eyes grew a deep maroon color. Lash and Saurian had been worried for nothing! This place is not so bad! A great hunting spot, great place to gain experience! The challenge Rating for the quest was A+ but if he stayed here long enough to hunt he could easily handle the castle!


    Congratulations! User! The Justice League has been formed! Though you are absent, you are considered one of the founding members! Additionally the ''Covert Operations'' Young Justice, and the ''Public'' Titans team has been formed. You laid the foundations for the future of this world! Congratulations!


    Achievement Awarded: ''A League of your own!'' You have obtained the skill Discerning Eye: This skill allows you to look at any person and obtain their basic status rank.


    Attention: Discerning Eye, Discerning Favorability, and Deductive Reasoning will merge into the skill Insight.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill Insight: This allows you to gleam information from people that would not be normally possible. You can see their rank status, as well as their favorability towards you, along with their basic feelings. But this skill grows with time.


    Comments: Three in one. Easier to manage! More possibilities of growth!


    Saurian paused for a moment to read through the prompts. Oh! Well that''s convenient, wait! They already formed the Justice League? Wow, that was quick...He''d only been gone...for....wait. Saurian looked around, looked at the sky. There was no sun or moon here. Just a twilight red sky that occasionally rained acidic blood. Every time he consumed a soul he would regain all of his energy, he wouldn''t get tired, thirsty, or hungry. Saurian''s eyes began to twitch and Lash told him to call Dawn.


    ¡°Dawn...Our brightest star...How long have we been in Tartarus?¡± Saurian asked, afraid to hear the answer.


    ¡°I''m afraid I cant tell you that, User. Its a story event.¡± Dawn''s voice was soft and sweet on their ears. But it held a hidden message.


    ¡°Oh no.....¡± Saurian and Lash both said together. Saurian looked at the castle in the distance. The relic was there, or at least that was the last recorded location. Saurian began to sprint towards the castle!


    ===============================================================


    Lois Lane sat at her computer as she tried to type out the article of the disappearance of Agent Wraith. It had been six months since he left for Themyscira, but all the United Nations would say was that he was on a mission that required his absolute attention. Conspiracies, crack pot plans, and attempts to gain any information from Themyscira or the UN had failed with out even the tiniest bit of information. What ever Agent Wraith was doing, it was top secret and not even Superman would tell Lois where he was. Lois played with jeweled necklace that Wraith had made for her. She almost always had it on, not only was it gorgeous but it also helped her keep her mind focused. If she didn''t value it so much she would take it to Star labs and have it tested. She could have a splitting hang over then once she put the necklace on the hang over would disappear. The earrings she wore on special occasions or when she needed a pick me up. They were better then three cups of espresso.


    ¡°Any news, Miss Lane?¡± Lois looked up at the tall, geeky, but handsome face of Clark Kent.


    Clark had taken an invested interest on the case. Helped Lois track down leads, and offered to do a lot of grunt work. Lois had thought he was trying to sneak in on the scoop. But soon learned he was just worried about Wraith. It took some digging of her own, but turned out that thanks to Wraith and his advance Tech he gave out for free. Clark''s father who had terminal cancer was given a clean bill of health a few months ago. That wouldn''t of happened with out Wraith''s help. So not only was Clark enthusiastic about helping with the investigation, many people in the Planet offered to help.


    ¡°Sorry, Smallville. Nothing on the United Nations, or the island paradise with super models. Maybe he just took a vacation?¡± Lois said with a smile. Clark gave her a sad smile and nodded. Then he went back to his desk.


    ¡°Wraith where are you?¡± Lois said, as she played with the necklace he had made for her.


    ===============================================================


    A wall exploded outwards as an object was thrown threw it at high speed. The object landed across the ground with a bounce, then another, then another before the object somersaulted backwards dug its claws into the ground to forced itself to stop. Lash ripped his claws out of the ground and sprinted towards the demonic monstrosity that threw him through the wall. Lash had used Transformation to become the human lizard type. Saurian was asleep, they would swap out when Lash used up all of his energy.


    Lash jumped across the falling wall with Minor Gravity Stride wall running the whole way! He jumped off the wall and flew towards the monstrosity, the creature had to many arms, mouths, and not enough eyes. It had a combination of skin, scales, and insect carapace. When Lash was inches from impact he used Minor Gravity Stride and flipped his gravity to increase by 30%. He turned his body around and did a whip lash kick into the creature that was easily thirty feet high. His foot cut through flesh, broke bone, and flung the creature into the ground. Then Lash slammed into the ground with his increased weight and like a war hammer slammed into the creature and shattered its sternum. The creatures soul was quickly absorbed into him. Lash was revitalized, but his mind felt twisted and corrupted. It wasn''t long ago he obtained a new skill he really didn''t want but still had.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill Demonization: Your extended time in hell is slowly twisting and corrupting your mind, body, and soul. You are 5% more aggressive, blood thirsty, and grow in power the longer your in combat. But you also loose control.


    Lash had lost track of how long he''d been down here! Erik had logged out at least once at the behest of Dawn. He came back and said something about the time tool had been moved up, and now one hour in the real was six days in the dream. That seemed like a lot, or was it? Lash didn''t really give a shit any more. He just wanted to find the fucking relic and go the fuck home!


    Congratulations User! You''ve gained a limited Achievement: ''I have no time!'' Now while you or your VI avatar are resting you regain energy 50% faster. You are testing the limits a person can remain in The Dream, to see the physical limits on the body while in The Dream. Be careful!


    Lash rolled his eyes as Dawn announced the the Achievement again. He was happy for the break! While Saurian and him swapped places the resting effect would help which ever side was swapped out. Lash spent a moment to pick up a piece of rock and transmute it into Orichalcum and repair and reinforce his combat gear. After he was done he looked up at the stereotypical Devil king castle built into the imposing volcano. He was in the ruined town that surrounded the castle now. He had no fucking idea how much time had passed in the outside world. Dawn wouldn''t tell him, the time line app didn''t work down here! He fucking hated this place!


    Lash recast Minor Chameleon, Minor Nature''s Passage, and Minor Cat''s Grace then ran through the town. The spells had evolved and leveled so many times he could practically sprint through an area and not be seen unless you were really looking. He jumped from building to building, wall to wall. He used Minor Gravity Stride never once did he touch the ground, he knew surprises waited for anyone that touched the ground. The castle town was massive! He had thought some sort of illusion kept him from getting to the Castle. But oh no! The Castle was just that big!


    The soft whistle of arrows pierced into the rooftop he stood on. Several them bounced off his scales. Lash looked over and saw soldiers with demonic black plate armor on. Wicked blade edged long bows, and dark arrows tipped with venom from a spider that roamed the forest he had come through to get here. Fuck! The forest was better then the town! Nothing attacked him there! The tree''s loved him, the spiders helped him! At least he wouldn''t have to worry about the trip back! Lash raised his hand up and pointed at the demon soldiers. Static electricity arced across his scales and he cast Minor Call Lighting but this time the lighting came from his body instead. It shot across the town faster then they could blink. The soldiers turned into crispy versions of themselves and dropped. Their souls raced over to Lash and were absorbed. Lash blended back into the surroundings thanks to his spells and he moved on.


    Over the next several hours Lash traveled through the town. He killed soldiers, monstrosities, avoided the ground because he knew it was trapped. It was like the child''s game ''the floor is lava'' only literally! That is what the floor was! It was an illusion that he saw through thanks to his Domain. Every street in this town was a river of lava. Not only that! The entire town looked populated, the people were friendly, and beckoned you to join them! But they were all Phantasms meant to draw you in. He was able to look past the illusions and pressed on. But sometimes the illusion would reset and he would have to pass a perception check? Roll a dice? At least his Illusion Domain went up with experience every time he saw through it.


    Lash took a moment to relax under a stone awning, the shadows came closer like an old friend and held him in their warm embrace. Lash was beat to hell, burn marks across his scaled hide. He had used Fabrication and Repair on his armor over and over again. But thanks to the fucking corruption his armor kept getting twisted and would come out demonic like the soldiers he killed. Lash took off his Transformation and rested. His skin had a crimson color to it now, like he was sun burnt. All of his tribal marks had a maroon tint to them. Oh, Rebirth gained a spell.


    Rebirth Domain Spell Soul Absorption: You absorb, consume, and recycle souls that have fallen out of the natural order of life, death, and rebirth. You regain a percentage portion of energy and life depending on the power of the fallen soul. You also gain 1% of the ambient soul knowledge the fallen one had.


    Lash had no idea what ambient soul knowledge was. He had looked through his memories, his skills, etc, etc. Nothing was new, he didn''t gain experience in any of things. He didn''t have a ??? Somewhere in his tab. Maybe its a hidden mechanic that only shows up once it reaches level one. Lash pressed himself flush against the wall and recalled his Transformation has a fiery glow from a searchlight washed over the town. The light was massive and continued to look around the town. He had first been spotted by it when he got into town. He wrongly assumed his Chameleon spell would keep him hidden. Ya that didn''t work! He got a red hot poker pain that stabbed into his mind! He screamed out and fell behind a wall. Which blocked the light and stopped the attack. Then five different monstrosities and over a hundred demon soldiers swarmed to his location.


    Lash felt Saurian stir in his sleep, another few hours and they would switch out. The light passed by so Lash used Gravity Stride and ran up along the stone awning, along the wall, then to the roof and continued to run towards the castle. Something he couldn''t shake off, every time he saw the search light that came by he would get a brief glimpse at the thing or person that looked for him. The thing had four fiery red eyes. Two by two, Lash felt like it was important but couldn''t place the reason why.


    As Lash got closer and closer to the Castle he would encounter more and more demonic soldiers and far less monstrosities. He stopped sprinting through the town and began to hide, move around blind spots, and tried his best not to be spotted. He got a skill he would have thought he could have gotten earlier.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill Stealth: You can move quietly, and remain unseen as long as you stick to the shadows, and remember to use cover. This skill works together with the spells Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage. You are 1% likely to not attract attention while you are use Stealth, grows with time.


    Great.... Lash tip toed towards the Castle that was just as big as he expected. It looked like the typical creatures that would call this place home would be at least sixty feet tall. The doors were massive and easy to slip past. The entire castle was grandiose on the inside, tapestries woven with spell thread. Spell enchanted gold chandeliers, pieces of art that would delight the eyes. A magnificent red carpet the stretched across the center of the grand entrance hall. Despite its massive size, all the soldiers were average human height. Sure the few monstrosities he had seen seemed a little more at home in the castle but it was the comparison between a child and an adult.


    ¡°Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa!¡± A woman''s scream shattered the ambient silence the hall naturally created.


    Lash looked towards where the sound came from, none of the soldiers made any move or seem to take any notice. Lash moved towards the screams, the woman seem to be in a lot of pain. Thanks to Gravity Stride Lash was able to navigate the huge castle easily. Oddly enough the stair case was human sized. OK, this place was built with a peculiarity in mind. Though it is Hell after all. The woman screamed again, but Lash was closer now. He turned a corner and listened carefully.


    ¡°My dear sweet, Dia Nyx why do you insist on being stubborn? Your friends abandoned you to your fate. You are in Tartarus now. A place for of the Damned. But our lord will grant you power, luxury, and the promise to reap your vengeance on your would be companions. Why resist?¡± A seductively charming male voice spoke. Lash looked into the room, and rolled his eyes. Great...


    The man was a stereotypical incubus that you would see from any fan-service fan fiction novel. Long black bat wings, demonic tail with a heart tip, he wore baggy silk pants. He was bare foot, had no shirt on, perfect red skin. Claws on his hands and feet, well defined upper body. A face that screamed sex appeal. Any normal woman would tackle the man and demand sex. Of course the Glamours Perception that surrounded him helped a lot.


    ¡°Go fuck yourself, Trilok! I''d rather die then turn to your shitty mas....AAAAAAAaaaaaa!¡± The woman screamed, as the incubus Trilok stabbed her with what looked like a cattle prod. Dark purple twisted electricity danced around her body.


    The woman named Dia Nyx looked odd, she was currently floating in the air about five feet off the ground. Suspended above the air by magical shackles being powered by a crystal control deck. She wore a one piece skin tight black satin swim suit? She had pale skin, raven black hair, purple eyes, black nail polish...Wait a fucking minute is that Raven?! Before Lash jumped to far down that rabbit hole he used his skill, Insight.


    Name: Dia Nyx/ Virtual Intelligence Avatar


    Title: God-Kin to the Greek Goddess Nyx of the Night


    Origin: Magical


    Rank: E-


    Skills: ???


    Domains: ???


    Disposition: Neutral, doesn''t know you exist.


    Comments: Dia has been in this hell hole for Gods and Goddesses knows how long. She was betrayed by her friends? Or she sacrificed herself to save her friends? She is lost, hurt, alone, and wants Trilok to die!


    ¡°Dawn....Why can I see that she is a Virtual Intelligence Avatar?¡± Lash said quietly as he turned around to hide behind the wall once more.


    ¡°That is a hidden benefit of Insight, User. It is not a bug, but is placed there as a hidden tool if one acquires Discerning Eye, Discerning Favorability, and Deductive Reasoning. The VI Avatars act differently then The Dreams generated populace. It comes with the innate knowledge of the fourth wall. Even if they themselves can not say a word about it. The skills listed before pick up on this. So The Developers placed this hidden gem into the skill tool. You are the seventy fifth User to obtain the merged skill.¡± Dawn said happily.


    ¡°Ok...Thank you my Brightest Star.¡± Lash went back to watch the drama.


    ¡°Of course, User!¡± Dawn said happily in his ear.


    Trilok continued to cattle prod Dia over and over. He enjoyed as she writhed and groaned in pain. She called out her friends names, screamed for help from her Goddess over and over. Nothing happened! Nothing ever would happen! She was stuck here! Nothing....Why was their a clawed hand that poked out of Trilok''s chest? The hand pulled back, another hand reached around and begun to pull Trilok apart from the middle! Trilok screamed in agony as he was ripped in half! Triloks soul screamed in confusion as he felt a pull, that was not towards his master but another. What....what is happening!?


    Lash consumed the soul of Trilok, as Dia looked at him in shock! He moved quickly towards the control panel on the side of the room and twisted the magical crystal control shard. Dia let out a small yep and fell hard across the ground. Lash moved towards her quickly, she tried to get up and move away from him but she was to weak. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement and Nature''s Kiss on her. The Nature Domain that only had a little bit of demonic taint merged into her body and Dia let out a breath of relief.


    ¡°You are a Druid.... Wait, why the fuck is a Druid in Tartarus?¡± Dia looked up at Lash in confusion. Lash cast Fabrication, Essence Imbuement, and Alteration and crafted a full body form fitting suit that would cover Dia from neck down. Dia looked at in confusion.


    ¡°I''ve sewn Orichalcum into it. I don''t know why you choose to wear a bathing suit while you are in hell. Put it on so you can resist the demonic corruption!¡± Lash said to her, before he turned around and kept watch at the door.


    Dia squeaked in surprise when she heard Orichalcum was used in the creation of the suit. She quickly applied a bit of magic to it and her eyes went wide. There truly was Orichalcum thread in the suit. Dia looked up and saw that Lash had politely turned around, sure it was to watch the door but Dia liked that he did that. She reached behind herself and unzipped her suit. She peeled it off and tossed it to the side in disgust. She had to admit that when her friends gave it to her she thought it revealed to much.


    Dia slipped the black Orichalcum threaded full body suit. It slipped on like a dream, and wrapped around her body almost as if it was alive. The collar wrapped around her neck like a turtle neck, it came with a half glove on her hands so her fingers and thumbs could touch things. It had a foot catch on her feet so her toes and heel were exposed. She zipped it up from the front, the suit fit perfectly like it was made for her. It left very little to the imagination but she felt amazing in it. Wow, this was nice! Dia caught her self feeling the fabric and jumped in surprise because Lash was in front of her.


    Lash placed a pair of boots, greaves, thigh guards, a breast plate, pauldrons, and gauntlets on the ground. All of them had a few threads of the legendary material. Orichalcum counted has money for some strange reason, so it fit inside of Lash''s storage. The storage that leveled up several times in his journey, he was sure it didn''t do that before. Dia seemed confused for a bit and didn''t know how to put it on.


    ¡°May I help you? We are pressed for time.¡± Lash said, as he bowed from his waist and waited for a reply. Dia''s face turned crimson, she had never met such a polite man before. Let alone in hell!


    ¡°S...Sure.... I''m Dia by the way...Dia Nyx.¡± She said softly. Lash stepped forward and helped put Dia into armor. Every time he reached to touch her he would say something so she wouldn''t be surprised. Lash still looked like a lizard man, but Dia didn''t seem to care.


    ¡°Warden Erik Lash, and with my Partner Hunter Saurian.¡± Lash said softly half way through the suiting up. Dia turned around abruptly with a wide smile.


    ¡°A Warden!? Oh thank my matron above! Did she send you to get me?¡± Dia asked, her smile wilted when Lash shook his head.


    ¡°No, I am here under a different mission. However I obtained a decree from my Patron. So if I can help you I will. But please do not take offense but my mission comes first.¡± Lash said as he finished placing the breast plate onto Dia. She looked like a War Mage now, Lash wanted to make her full armor but he ran out of his precious mineral. It would be another six hours before he could cast the Title skill again. No, he didn''t think to use it as his timer. By the time he realized he had been here for a while already.


    Dia''s eyes went bright again. Lash had a decree!? Wait why is an Oracle here in hell...Alone?! Dia took a moment to admire herself. The suit was form fitting, but the armor helped to cover her vitals, and though it hid her well developed assets, the armor like the suit was tailored to her. So it emphasized her curves, and strong form. When did Druids get the ability to craft armor?


    ¡°Whats your mission?¡± Dia asked.


    ¡°In the Castle is a Holy Relic of the Amazons that allows their sisters to choose to reincarnate into Themyscira or continue to paradise. It''s been lost for over three hundred years. The item is in the castle with in the treasure room. I''ve been tasked to retrieve the relic and return to Themyscira.¡± Lash responded as he doubled checked Dia''s armor. Dia blushed a little as the Lizard Warden checked a few straps that were loose on her breast plate.


    ¡°If I help you get the relic will you help me leave Tartarus?¡± Dia said after he had finished.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Lash held out his hand to her. She smiled and shook it. An electrical current of energy passed between them. Dia shivered and suddenly felt stronger, she looked up at Lash and realized she could hear his thoughts.


    ¡°Temporary Pack Bond, increases your stats by 10%, allows for twenty five miles of Telepathy, and you know my general location. As do I for you. You ready?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°One question....What are you?¡± Dia said, This Warden must be an elite commando or something to be here alone.


    ¡°Complicated...Come on.¡± Lash said, and cast Chameleon, Nature''s Passage, and Cat''s Grace on them both. But he also cast Animal Eye on Dia because he wasn''t sure what her dark vision was like. Dia stumbled for a bit then quickly adjusted. She mumbled under her breath but Lash heard her, made him smile.


    ¡°Holy fuck, I thought I was over powered!¡± Dia mumbled.


    Lash had to slow down a lot for Dia. She was not use to stealth. After a few questions he found out that Dia was part of a small magical group of teenagers that had decided to use their abilities for truth, and justice. She turned crimson when Lash just stared at her like she was a naive child. Despite her voluptuous figure, bouncing breasts that made her breast plate rattle when she ran. Which Lash had to cast Alteration to fix so it wouldn''t make noise. Her ass that swayed hypnotically with every step, she was only eighteen years old. When Dia began to trust him more, Insight pinged more information. Dia had succubus blood in her. She was ? succubus. Which explained her stellar body at such a young age. Lash realized the User followed the demonic princess mary sue idea. She copied Raven, Lash wouldn''t be surprised if Raven and Dia were half sisters who share the same father Trigon.


    ¡°Great, new skill!¡± Dia whispered to herself. Lash chose to ignore her, ''odd'' quirks as she kept talking to her self. At least say it internally, how is this girl a E- ranked super?


    Thanks to Telepathy they easily coordinated their movements through the castle. But there were several times Lash princess carried, or gave Dia a piggy back as he used Gravity Stride up walls, and across ceilings. Lash then got a prompt from Insight that Dia had started to develop feelings for him. Fuck! Really?! He really wished he could turn off Charming Presence. Lash was happy that woman in The Dream seem to be able to look past the scales. If this was in The Real a scaled creature would be called a freak that no one would touch with a ten foot pole. But come on! They had known each other for less then four hours!


    -Dia, wait a moment I need to shift to my partner. Lash said across the link.


    -I don''t think we can stay still for two hours, it could draw attention. Dia said, then jumped in surprise and nearly screamed until Saurian clamped his massive around around her face.


    -My shift takes less then ten seconds, I''m going to take my hand away now. Do not scream. Saurian said across the link. His primal animalistic voice made Dia nearly faint in freight.


    Dia was shocked silly for the tenth time since she met Lash. A were-breed who can change inside of ten seconds?! Then Dia yelped internally as Saurian wrapped his massive arms around her and they merged into the wall behind them. Saurian clamped his hand over her mouth, and created oxygen for her to breath with Transmutation. Then what looked like Elite Demon Guards quickly ran by the corridor, they headed straight towards the direction of Dia''s interrogation room. It could be a coincidence, the pair had moved past a lot of rooms along the way. But Saurian assumed they went to check on her. Saurian pulled Dia out of the wall with him. She took a breath of fresh air, she had apparently been holding her breath.


    Saurian leaned down, plucked Dia off the ground and started to sprint towards a magical energy scent that he had picked up ever since he entered the castle. It smelled like Amazons, nothing in this whole fucking dimensions smelled like Amazons. So he had to assume it was the relic that held the souls of the fallen. Dia held onto Saurian''s massive arms for dear life, Saurian was like a sports car. Zero to eighty in under three seconds. He ran up walls, and across ceilings but even across the quick and dirty travel he was always careful with her, and held her with respect.


    -Maybe when we get back you and I can...Dia said across the link.


    You and I can what? Saurian replied.


    Dia turned crimson again and realized she had said what she thought across the link. She was not use to Telepathy. She wanted to bury herself into a hole at that moment. Saurian dropped from the ceiling which was almost a sixty foot drop for Dia. But soon they floated to the ground with Falling Glide then the moved around a corner. A massive door stood open, behind was troves of treasure, weapons, armor, and jewelry. There in front of the massive open door stood a monstrosity that had black demonic armor nailed into its body. Its blood dripped from the rivets with its every move. It was in perpetual agony and was alert to its entire surroundings. Saurian put Dia down, and turned to her. Saurian''s Warden combat armor was one part Kevlar, one part studded leather, and another demonic plate. He didn''t know why his Warden gear came out like that, it must be Demonization at work. He wore a half mask/helmet on his face for protection, though his skull crest was the most durable part of his body.


    -Stay here for a moment and move in when it dies. Saurian said as he slipped into the stone floor like it was water. Dia jumped back in surprise as she thought she would sink as well. She looked at Saurian in embarrassment and swore the giant reptile had a smile on his face. Dia huffed, and stuck her head around the corner. She saw the massive creature and swallowed the saliva in her mouth. That thing is going to make a lot of noise!


    Saurian swam through the stone floor, he had to hurry as the floor was magical and it drained his energy for every second he was in the floor. He appeared behind the thirty foot creature, he cast Enlarge on himself and reached the height of eighteen feet. Not much, but better than nothing! He jumped onto the creature, wrapped his body around it and proceeded to drag it to the ground. He cast a illusion spell he had learned.


    Illusion Domain Spell Silence: You create a field of silence that prevents all sound from entering or exiting the area of influence. Glamour works on mundane things, Illusion works on everything! -''Hello Darkness my old friend.''


    The monstrosity screamed, wailed, and flailed as it tried to get Saurian off. Saurian used Gravity Stride to increase his weight by 30%. He had a death grip on the creature and did his best to choke the thing out. He had figured out that though the thing had several mouths it only had one pair of lungs and it came from the main mouth. After several tense minutes as the thing tripped and fell into a Mud Marsh then with out a sound Saurian snapped the things neck and it dropped dead. The ground became solid again and Saurian pulled himself out from under the body. He returned to his default size of ten feet by twenty. Dia levitated across the ground towards him, really? Levitation. Its was like hundred feet?


    Saurian stood up before she arrived, he cast Recycle on the metal armor of the monstrosity to break it down. Then he cast Decomposition on the body and the broken down armor. Easier that way, the entire body turned to ash and 20% of the ambient magic returned to Saurian while the rest joined the Nature of Tartarus. Saurian pulled down the Silence then cast a giant Phantasm of the creature, he used Essence Imbuement, and False Life to give it a realistic look. Dia nearly jumped out of her skin again when the thing looked at her!


    -You can raise the dead!? Oh...No, wait that''s an illusion? Who the fuck are you!? Dia screamed across the link.


    Saurian winced and glared at her. She mumbled an apology and followed after Saurian as he ran into the treasure room. The treasure room was even bigger on the inside than from looking in. Dia squealed in delight and raced over to a shelf full of staffs. A black gnarled staff glowed with purple energy as Dia ran to it. She reached out and hugged it close to her. The staff glowed brightly. Ah, magical tool. Dia can still cast magic with out it, but she used the magical focus as her cast system. Insight pinged new information. With the staff Dia went from E- to D- ranked super. Wow a whole grade just because...No that makes sense. If Lash and Saurian didn''t have their primary magic ability they would drop a level too.


    Saurian spent the next few minutes sniffing the air, and along the ground. He tracked the scent of the relic with a happy Dia that followed behind. He came across some magical enhanced demon tree seeds. He snagged a few, if he could find a plot soil they could be useful. Then he found a locked chest, the smell of the Amazons came from the chest. But he couldn''t move the chest neither could he open it. He contemplated for a bit then turned to Dia who looked anywhere but at Saurian.


    -Can you open the chest please? Saurian asked, his primal reptilian voice made Dia jump a bit.


    -Oh sure! Dia walked over then tapped her staff against the chest. Said a few words and Saurian got a prompt from Observant Learner attempting to learn Trickery Domain....1%. The chest popped open with out any fuss.....


    Buuuuuurraaaaaaannnnnnnnaaaaaaaaarrrraaaaannnnnng!


    An alarm went off as soon as the chest popped open. Inside was the holy Relic that Lash and Saurian had been tasked to retrieve. Saurian picked up, and this Grave Domain cheered with Joy! All the souls contained with in woke up for a brief moment. They all cheered, a God-Kin had come to save them! Saurian pushed the joyful feelings aside. Snagged Dia and sprinted for the door, they raced past the Phantasm.


    ¡°Kill any one else that you see!¡± Saurian called out, the illusion Monstrosity saluted and took a battle stance.


    Saurian raced down a hallway has he sent a Nature Domain pulse out. He had to find soil! Preferably soil that could support a tree! Soon a roar called out behind them and the ground shook for a brief moment. The illusion magical energy cut off quickly, Saurians False Life soldiers didn''t have very high stats. Dia smiled wide and waved her staff with a few words. Observant Learner attempting to learn Trickery Domain....2%. Dozens of clones of them appeared and began to run in different directions.


    Saurian felt a tug of what appeared to be a garden two levels above them. He sprinted towards a stair case he saw, he activated Gravity Stride raced up the stairs. Several Elite Guard spotted him and began to shout in a demonic tongue, thanks to Language Smith Saurian understood about 50% of what they said. Simply put. Stop them! Kill them! Lord wants sister alive! Dia did do the Demon Princess clich¨¦ for her back ground! Fuck! Dia became extremely quiet, she looked up at Saurian but he seemed to be focused on finding a way out.


    Saurian raced up the stairs and ran out into a huge demon garden landscape. The castle was designed with sixty foot people in mind so obviously the garden would be huge. Saurian went straight to a patch of soil, he placed Dia down and began to plant the seeds. He cast Nature''s Supplement, Daylight, Essence Imbeument, Nature''s Kiss, and Growth. The seeds sprouted and grew faster and faster. Dia looked at Saurian with confusion, then shivered in fright because a voice called out behind them.


    ¡°Sister....Where are you running off to? With our intruder no less?¡± Dia turned around and pointed her staff at the man who walked out from another door. Saurian glanced at him and had to stop himself from saying something ...no wait he didn''t care.


    ¡°Oh you fucking kidding me? How much of a clich¨¦ can this whole situation be!¡± Saurian called out. Dia looked back at him in confusion. Her brother paused mid step.


    Dia''s Brother was a red skinned man with black tribal marks across his whole body. He wore a half black and red leather pants, with no shirt. His arms were longer then they should be for a human course he wasn''t human. He had long silver to white hair combed back past his shoulders. His crown like horns around his forehead gave the impression he had a natural nobility. But his four flaming red eyes were a dead give away. This was one of Trigon''s children. The Fallen One is a child of Trigun! Fuuuuuuck!


    ¡°Lash...I''m sorry I didn''t tell you...But if you knew the truth you wou...¡± Dia was cut off by Saurian.


    ¡°No Dia, I wouldn''t give a shit. I don''t care that your the daughter of Trigon! It really doesn''t bother me! That red piece of shit can go fuck himself!¡± Saurian said, he wasn''t sure he would be able to say the name, Foresight didn''t activate so where did he know Trigon from?


    ¡°YOU DARE INSULT OUR FATHER!¡± The little shit with daddy issues roared and devastating pressure rushed towards Dia and Saurian. Dia screamed in surprise and went to defend Saurian so he ¡­.Saurian pulled Dia aside and met the pressure head on. A small smile on his face.


    Nullification!


    The pressure destroyed everything it touched but as soon as it touched Saurian it disappeared! The little shit with daddy issues stumbled and fell to his knees. He looked up in shock, Dia looked at Saurian like he had grown another head.


    ¡°Listen you little shit with daddy issues because Trigon couldn''t give a shit about you! I''m taking Dia, and we are leaving. I do not care about your clich¨¦ drama, Dia! I received a mission, I am going to complete that mission. That mission now includes getting you out of Tartarus! We can save your melo dramatic emotional roller coaster for when we leave! We will NOT discuss it in enemy territory like some damn soap opera, is that fucking understood!¡± Saurian shouted at both the little shit and Dia.


    Dia looked pale with fright but nodded all the same. The little shit ground his teeth and sent another wave of pressure towards Saurian. Really? After the first time Saurian would have changed tactics. Nullification activated once more. The little shit coughed up blood from the back lash. At last a massive tree sprouted from the soil. Saurian picked Dia up, looked back at the little shit.


    ¡°Yo! Little Shit who''s name I don''t care to remember. Tell your daddy Trigon to go fuck himself!¡± Saurian reached out and pressed his hand onto the tree. He poured all of his Nature Domain Energy into the tree and cast the spell.


    Nature Domain Spell Tree Stride: Open a portal between two different tree''s of appropriate size that you have touched on the same plane of existence. If both tree''s are healthy then the magic creates a gate way that allows the caster and any one clarified as an ally to pass through the gateway. Move quickly!


    The demonic tree reached out with its branches and pulled its trunk apart, a tunnel was created between this tree and a old friend Saurian had made a long time ago. Saurian jumped through the hole and sprinted to the end. He heard a powerful scream of rage, as the door behind them closed abruptly. Saurian continued to run and jumped through the other side, Dia in his arms. He came to a rolling stop and looked up. The two giant demonic trees stared back at them, one with a massive hole that was starting close.


    ¡°Thanks for the help!¡± Saurian fed the trees a tiny bit of Nature Domain and sprinted towards the door of Themyscira that was in view.


    ¡°Saurian...I..... we.¡± Dia started to say.


    ¡°I said we are not going to fucking talk about your emotional drama clich¨¦ story while we are in enemy territory! Dia! I don''t know how it is with your little friends but in real life the monsters don''t stand around and let the heroes hash out their problems while they stand off to the side waiting for the go ahead!¡± Saurian yelled at her. Dia shut up after that and didn''t make a single sound, out loud or across the link.


    Saurian reached the giant stone door, took out the relic and pressed it against it. The relic grew bright and its energies flowed into the door. A giant mechanism in the door began to shift and turn. A avalanche of fury and unspeakable power raced from the volcano that now erupted! An explosion that rivaled a nuclear bomb went off in the distance. A scream, a voice that was both heard and felt called across Tartarus.


    ¡°DIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAA!¡± Dia screamed in pain as blood pour from her eyes, ears, and nose.


    Dia soon feinted in Saurian''s arms, she looked like she went through a beating but she would live. Saurian was brought to his knees! He lost 80% of his total life from the scream. But thanks to all his buffs he was still alive. He struggled to stand as the door slowly opened, the sound of the Amazon legions behind the door sounded as they stood ready to attack what ever came out. Before the door had even fully opened Saurian shimmied his way through the crack as he tried to get out of Tartarus as best possible speed. The Relic in his hands glowed brighter and brighter. Almost home! Almost home! Saurian flew through the crack in the door and landed before the Amazon legions he raised the Relic into the air and the light created a spectral army of Amazon warriors that shielded Saurian from the Amazon legions. The soldiers froze in utter shock!


    ¡°STOP FUCKING GAWKING AT ME AND CLOSE THE FUCKING DOOR!¡± Saurian shouted as he used Commanding Presence. The Amazons jumped into action, got behind the mechanism and pushed the door closed.


    SLAM! The sound of the giant stone doors as they closed washed over Saurian. The Orichalum dead bolts were shoved back into place. The spectral armies of the Amazons cheered! They were home! They were free! Saurian gently set Dia down and looked up at the Amazon Legions, then he saw a familiar face.


    ¡°So, High General. Do you know the answer to the universe, to life, and to everything?¡± Saurian said with a smile.


    ¡°42....Welcome back Warden Lash, and Hunter Saurian. You''ve been missed¡± Philipus said...

 Chapter 50: You’ve got mail!

    Saurian shifted back to Lash though it had only been a few hours...or days since they swapped out last time. Saurian was exhausted and wanted to sleep. After a few seconds of pain and magical transformation Lash stood before Philipus with a smile. He lifted the holy relic up and proceeded to hand it off...But Philipus stopped him. Lash looked at her with confusion.


    ¡°The task was given to you by the Queen, for the trial to be complete you must hand it off to her. Who is that?¡± Philipus asked, as she pointed to Dia.


    ¡°She is Dia Nyx, she is a God-Kin of the Greek Goddess Nyx. I found her imprisoned with in the castle of the Fallen One. As for her family heritage I am not certain of it. As for the specifics of why she was in the Castle, and who is responsible. I''ll leave it to her. I helped her get out of Tartarus, she helped me get the Relic.¡± Lash said as he stashed the relic away in his Warden and slightly demonic armor.


    Though Lash had stored the relic away the spectral guardians of the Amazon stayed present. They formed a phalanx with Lash at the center. The Amazon legions stepped aside out of respect for their fallen sisters and for Lash. Not a single Amazon warrior in the underground cave looked at Lash with hostility. They had only respect and kindness in their eyes, a hero had returned from the depths of Hell. Not many get to say that. Philipus gave a nod, gestured for a few guards to escort Dia to the healers and to keep her under watch. Then the High General led Lash to meet the Queen.


    The spectral army followed in Lash''s wake, two by two lines marched in sync with his every step. It would have caused a racket if they were capable of making sound. Lash and High General Philipus passed many Amazons along their route to the Queen. Some saluted, others cheered, but clearly his return was a surprise but clearly welcomed. They continued to a much larger viewing hall then last time. Giant doors opened as they approached, a throne room with dozens of decorated Amazons stood on either side of the main walk way. There sitting on her throne was Queen Hippolyta who looked the same as she always did, except for a smile that was on her face. Lash came to a stop at thirteen steps away from the first step of the throne. He took a knee and bowed his head, and paid the Old God customary greeting. A golden light peered through the statue of Hera at the back of the throne. Lash took out the relic as the spectral army behind him took a knee.


    ¡°Queen Hippolyta, I have completed the trial to prove my innocence I present the item in question as proof, as well as the souls of the Themyscira sisters behind me. Please absolve me of my sins.¡± Lash said politely as possible. His voice ravaged by exposure to hell.


    Queen Hippolyta slammed her staff into the ground three times. A divine glow came not just from the statue of Hera. But giant spectral images of Athena, Aphrodite, Artemis, Demeter, Hestia. The Goddesses that empower and protect Themyscira. Each one of the Goddesses had a smile on their faces and a look of recognition. They looked at each other, then looked towards Hera together. They all nodded.


    ¡°By the Divine oversight of our Mothers, by the power invested in us as the leader of Themyscira. We, Queen Hippolyta here by declare Warden Erik Lash, and his partner Hunter Saurian innocent, and free of all charges! We announce that they are both now and forever friends of the Amazons. So say all that are present!¡± Hippolyta shouted, every single Amazon in the throne room that also included the spectral legion shouted.


    ¡°WE DO!¡± The shouts declared. The Queen slammed her staff three times and the divine lights of the Goddesses flooded the room. The holy relic of the Amazons floated from Lash''s hand and was taken away by Hera herself. Lash smiled at the Queen, she gave a brilliant smile in return. That wilted slightly when Lash fell over and passed out....


    ================================================================


    Crash!


    Jessabell dropped the coffee mug that was in her hands, she dropped to her knees and held her hands to her chest. Soluna was the same, she knelt to the ground and as tears streamed down her face. A feeling that neither of them had felt in a long time woke up. They both looked at each other and cried tears of joy! Their friend, their family, their pack-master was on Earth again. Jessabell turned towards the direction of Themyscira and said...


    ¡°Lash is back.... Ohhhhhh... I''m going to kill him!¡± Jessabell said.


    ¡°Please, let me help you!¡± Soluna said as well.


    =================================================================


    Wonder Woman sat in a dark room at a round table. She was alone in the room but several holographic projections showed several members of the newly founded Justice League. The holographics came from Wayne-Tech, and or Batman. Around the room was Batman, Green Arrow, The Flash, Superman, both Green Lanterns, Shazam, Martian Man Hunter, Hawkman and Hawkwoman. They had been discussing the training regiments for the public and covert operations team of the younger generation. When Diana''s phone buzzed..... All the projections in the room turned to her.


    ¡°Apologies everyone its from home, please give me a moment.¡± Diana said, she stood up and bowed from her waist.


    ¡°Of course, Diana take your time.¡± Superman said politely, the rest of the room turned to continue the discussion but stopped a few seconds after when Diana screamed in surprise.


    ¡°Diana! What happened?!¡± Superman asked, genuine concern in his voice.


    ¡°He''s back! He came back from Tartarus! Wraith is back!¡± Diana cheered, and jumped into the air with joy.


    The holographic room went so quiet that a door mouse could be heard. Then Superman signed off, then Batman, then The Flash...One by one each one signed off. Every current League member had known or heard of Agent Wraith. This team was made because of his idea. He had gone to ''Hell'' and returned. Time to go meet the Ghost Lizard.


    ===============================================================


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed One out of the three favors, tasked by Hades and Persephone! You journeyed into Tartarus and retrieved the Holy Relic of the Amazons that allows warrior women across the world to be reincarnated into Amazons if they so choose. It also allows the Amazons to return once more, or to move on to paradise. This will allow the Amazon people to continue to thrive!


    Additional effects: Hades has chosen to now invade and retake Tartarus because hundreds of thousands of Amazon souls are no longer being held hostage.


    You''ve completed the quest your Cosmic Patron gave you.


    Challenge Rating: A+


    Evaluation: B-


    Reward: Two Dream Points and a store coupon.


    Reward: Daemonic Heritage.


    Reward: Familiar.


    Comments: You could have done more, gained more from this trip. But, you also could have died! So you get an average grade.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the racial trait Daemonic Heritage.


    Effects: Skill Demonization has been removed.


    Effects: Daemonic Heritage makes you a Pure-Blood Daemon. You have taken the first step onto the path of Nobility with in the realms of hell. You are 10% more resistant to the effects of any Hell Dimension. Creatures from a Hell of lower rank are compelled to obey you, unless they serve one greater then yourself.


    Current Rank: Knight


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the racial trait Familiar.


    Effects: Familiar grants you a companion made from pure magic. This creature is both a part of you, and is a separate entity. The creature has its own stats, skills, traits, abilities, and Spell Domains. Grows with time. -''Enjoy!''


    Lash read through his prompts and watched with curiosity as mystical imperial sky dragon flew through the air above him. It was about three feet long, with a long serpent body, two arms and two legs. Each foot hand four claws. Its face was cute like a new born, with big eyes and a tiny pearl at the center of its forehead. No wings, it was based off of eastern dragons. The scale color was a mute forest green like Saurians. But its eyes were the color of lilacs. It flew around the room, it rubbed against the walls, the chairs, it smelled and tasted everything it found. But it never went to far from Lash. A knock came from outside, the Familiar flew back to Lash, wrapped around his neck and turned into a necklace of a serpent dragon biting its own tail.


    ¡°Come in.¡± Lash said, as he slowly sat up.


    A young Amazon walked with a brilliant smile. She looked no older then eighteen but still had a strong form, golden tan skin, rich brown hair that was braided down her back. She wore a toga top, and leather pants. She bowed from her waist which surprised Lash. Amazons don''t bow from their waist towards a man. Lash looked around the room, it was a simple one bed with a small window that let the midday sun in. Lash looked down at himself. He wore a simple cotton shirt with an open v-neck and cotton shorts.


    ¡°Warden Lash, you''ve been asleep for six hours. I am Pelia, your spell-healer. Your presence has been requested the moment you woke up. But if you are still tired please go back to sleep.¡± Pelia said once more with a brilliant smile. Lash looked at her for a moment.


    ¡°The young woman that came back with me from Tartarus. Any updates on her?¡± Lash asked softly. Pelia smiled wider at him and nodded, her expression seem to say. ''As I thought.''


    ¡°She is awake and on the mend. The Oracles were able to contact her Matron Goddesses Nyx. The Goddess Nyx and Dia are both thankful for your intervention. But Dia is currently in quarantine until we can remove the corruption of Tartarus from her. Which....You have no trace of.¡± Pelia walked over and took Lash''s wrist in hand. He felt a pulse of magic run through his body. Lash didn''t mind her to much, she was a healer. Healers don''t practice personal space with their patients.


    Observant Learner attempting to learn Life Domain.....1%


    ¡°When we removed your armor it was twisted with demonic magic. Its an effect of being in a hell dimension. Despite your over exposure to Tartarus you showed surprising resilience to its effects. But you still showed signs of corruption. But....You are not showing that anymore?¡± Pelia let go of Lash''s wrist, stepped back and looked at him. She wouldn''t ask, but she would listen.


    ¡°Reward from my Patron, job well done. Cleaned out the corruption, replaced it with something else.¡± Lash said, it was both the truth but also vague. She smiled at him and understood the message.


    ¡°Well that is wonderful! We were all worried for you.¡± Pelia said with genuine emotion. Lash was confused again, then he decided to activate his skill. Insight.


    Name: Pelia


    Title: Spell-Healer.


    Origin: Magic.


    Rank: C+


    Skills: ???


    Domains: Life, ???.


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comments: Pelia is astonished that Lash made it out of Tatartus alive, let alone with no ill effects. She is a talented healer, warrior, and despite her youthful age is older then Lash by a few centuries. Pelia find''s Lash....Intriguing.


    ¡°Before I go, may we talk shop? I have the Nature Domain, you have the Life Domain. I''d like to compare notes.¡± Lash said to Pelia. She looked delighted, she excused herself for a brief moment came back with a chair and sat down to speak to Lash.


    Lash and Pelia talked shop for about two hours. Observant Learner obtained a (42%) with the Life Domain. Thanks to a nice tool tip with Insight he was able to see that Pelia gained a (32%) understanding in the Nature Domain. On the way out of the House of Healers he saw is old cherry blossom tree he made for Diana so many...Weeks? Months? Bleh he never did find out how much time had past. Lash took a moment to update the tree, same spells just the leveled up versions. Only took an additional hour. He said goodbye to Pelia, who invited him to come back and talk more about their different Domains.


    The Domain of Nature, and the Domain of Life were a lot alike. Though Nature seem to have more utility, and tools to help with healing. Life focused primarily on healing others, and keeping them alive. But under certain criteria, for example your life had to be in danger for the Life Domain to help. If you were wounded with broken bones, but your life was not in danger? Not so much. That is why every Spell-Healer with the Life Domain also practiced alchemy, and medicine. As always Nature is hard to learn, so life is the next best healing art. But, Lash still didn''t understand the Domain completely he was only at (42%) he was sure he missed a lot.


    Lash walked through the Capitol of Themyscira. He didn''t have an escort, he was not looked at with disgust. The Amazons waved at him, greeted him with smiles, and more then a few gave flirtatious looks. He was happy they didn''t throw stones at him. But he was worried for his chastity, he still intended on Jessabell being his first. He walked towards the castle and then Foresight activated but not Danger Sense. Which once he saw what was going to happen he understood why.


    Princess Diana flew down from the sky and tackled Lash to the ground. The perfectly carved marble tiles cracked under the combined weight and attack of the tackle. But neither Diana or Lash were hurt. Though the wind had been knocked out of him! Diana squeezed the life out of Lash with a hug, she wore soft leather armor and her body felt amazing pressed again Lash. Somehow Lash got his arms free of Wonder Woman and hugged her back.


    ¡°Hello Princess Diana...Good to see you to.¡± Lash said between gasps for air.


    ¡°You came back! You came back with the relic! You conquered Tartarus! You did what even I was afraid to do!¡± Diana called out with excitement.


    ¡°D...Diana....I can''t breath....¡± Lash said as his vision started to grow dark. Diana released him, and jumped to her feet. She reached down to help him up. He was yanked off the ground in a single motion.


    Diana looked just as amazing as before. Raven black hair tied back into a braid, a soft leather corset that wrapped around her figure and showed off her curves. She wore a mid thigh leather skirt, and leather sandals. She stood with the confidence of both a warrior and a royalty. Hands on her hips, shoulders back, her chin up, and a wide smile on her face. She then looked at Lash with confusion when he pulled out a golden eagle choker necklace from his pocket space. The eagle had its wings spread out, a golden sun radiant above its head surrounded by the wings.


    ¡°Whats this for?¡± Diana asked, clearly confused by the...gift.


    ¡°Its pure Orichalcum, I said I would make you something.¡± Lash said to her.


    Diana''s eyes went wide as she held the necklace in her hands. Diana looked at the eagle then back at Lash. Then went back to the eagle, then for the first time Lash had ever known Diana she blushed. The blush crawled up her neck, into her face, until her ears burned red. It was one of the most seductive and cute things Lash had seen in a long time.


    ¡°I...I...I can''t accept this...Lash. Its to valuable.....¡± Diana said, she held the necklace close to her chest. Though she said those words, she clearly didn''t want to give it up.


    ¡°Wait till I tell you know what the enchantment is on it.¡± Lash sent a telepathic message to Diana. Who then screamed out in surprise, she held a hand to her mouth in shock! Her reaction caused several Amazons, and a few guards to walk over. Curious about the fuss.


    Orichalcum necklace of the rising sun.


    Rating: A-


    Effect: Very durable.


    Effect: 1% of the objects total durability repairs itself every day.


    Effect: 10% resistance to offensive magic.


    Effect: 10% increase to positive magic.


    Effect: Grave Domain Spell, Kiss of the Grave: Single cast, with a six month cool down.


    Effect: Grave Domain Spell, Death Ward: Single cast, with a six month cool down.


    Comments: You''ve made a pure Orichalcum necklace. The necklace it self is worth a fucking fortune! But, you''ve also made a life saving talisman that nations would kill for!


    Grave Domain Spell, Death Ward: While the spell is cast on a creature, being, or spirit. If the creature dies, as long as the body is mostly intact they will be revived with 1% of their total health and energy.


    Diana shook like a leaf as she stared at the necklace, she looked at Lash and didn''t know what to say. Lash took the ends of the necklace and offered to put it on her. She just stood their frozen, so he carefully brushed her hair aside. Tied the clasp around her neck, and the enchantment activated. Diana could feel the power wash over her. She bit her lip then hugged Lash again. This was a more intimate and tender hug that surprised Lash. Out of pure curiosity he used Insight.


    Name: Princess Diana of Themyscira, Wonder Woman.


    Title: God Killer.


    Origin: Magical


    Rank: A-


    Skills: ???


    Domains: ???


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comments: Diana is very great full towards Lash and Saurian. She considers them a friend, a great Warrior, and an amazing Hunter. She looks forward to fighting the good fight next to her friend who has returned from Hell. She has never in her whole life received such a precious gift from a man....She may start to develop romantic feelings for Lash and Saurian. Maybe. We''ll say 50/50.


    Lash like a puppet on strings hugged Diana back. What the fuck!? That was not the point of the necklace! He just wanted to ensure she stayed alive, and could help her people in a time of need! Fuck he made a whole bunch of things for the different League members while he was in Tartarus. Wait! That could be a good idea! If she knew he made things for everyone maybe it would down play the value of the gift!? Diana soon let go of Lash, coughed into her hand as she tried to clear the air. Her face still blushed red.


    ¡°Shall we go see Queen Hippolyta? She wanted to speak to you, I just came to make sure you didn''t get lost!¡± Diana started to walk off with a full stride in her legs. Diana was being awkward? Wow!


    Diana gave a horrible excuse to the local guards why she was being so flustered. But every single Amazon saw the new eagle necklace, and looked at Lash. A smile on their faces, Diana waved her hands around in clear denial about such things. Lash stepped up and said he had found a resource of Orichalcum in the Castle in Tartartus, if any Amazon wanted items made with the material they should find Lash. He would be more then happy to make, or give a few pieces. After a few minutes of dead silence the entire section of the town cheered. Lash even emphasized his point when he took out a ten pound ingot of the material. He had hoped that doing so would lower Diana''s 50/50 of romantic feelings but it didn''t!? It actually went up by a single point! 51/49. Romance was the former. Fuck!


    Why didn''t Lash just tell her no? Cause....He....Fuck he didn''t know why! Cause part of him wanted it to happen...Maybe? The guards escorted them back to the palace. Well more like they escorted the ten pound ingot of Orichalcum and they traveled in the same direction. Diana talked the whole way, she described the city. How it was made, where they got the stone. How they adapted to the modern age, but kept their cultural identity. But the whole time Diana refused to look Lash in the eye. It was so out of character and cute that Lash made a game out of it. Until they reached the palace then formality dictated that Lash and Diana be respectful.


    Along the way Lash and Diana both heard the unmistakable cry of a new born. Diana stood frozen as she looked at another Amazon. An Amazon wore ankle length pure white toga, a leather belt around her waist, the toga wrapped around her chest so it wouldn''t fall. She had a white bundle in her arms as she rocked it back and forth. She stopped and looked at them both, then smiled when she spotted Lash.


    ¡°Warden Lash, meet the first true blooded Amazon to our shores in over three hundred years. The Queen named her Lashala in your honor.¡± The woman said softly, she brought the baby girl over to Lash. Lash looked down at the tiny bundle, her pure green eyes looked up and she smiled at him.


    ¡°When ever a Warrior woman dies across earth they are given a choice to be reborn in Themyscira, or when a Amazon dies they can choose to come back. When that time comes a baby is placed on the beaches of our island a gift from the Gods.¡± The nurse maid said, she smiled at Lash then excused herself.


    Lash stood there frozen in place. His eyes were wide in astonishment and joy. He had fucking hated Tartarus! He questioned his sanity when he took the quest to sneak into Themyscira. He knew it wouldn''t end well but he still did it. He accepted the quest to go into Tartarus because it was an adventure! At first the hellish dimension wasn''t that bad! It was the fact that weeks, months, maybe even years passed while he was down there. But now....Now he felt it was all worth it. Diana squeezed his hand, he looked at her. She smiled at him and nodded.


    ¡°You did that. No one else. You. Come on, My mother is waiting.¡± Diana tugged on him and he followed her. Though Diana quickly went back to being cute when she realized she was holding Lash''s hand. She dropped it, coughed and walked ahead as she tried to keep her ears from burning.


    It was at that moment that Lash realized that aside from Steve Trevor Diana had no real interaction with the opposite sex. Yes she had been on the mainland for a while, but to Diana she treated it like a job. There were some comic origins where Diana and Clark have a relationship because they are both power houses and they find a connection in each other. But that may not happen this time, maybe it still will....Hmmmm. Did Lash want Clark with Lois? Or Diana? That''s a coin toss right there. But back to the main topic. Diana is a strong, intelligent, confident woman. Exactly Lash''s type. He loved women like that. Not some one he had to protect, or treat like they were a piece of glass that could break at any moment. Maybe Lash wouldn''t mind if he had a relationship with Diana.


    This time when Lash met with the Queen it truly was informal. She didn''t have a crown on, she didn''t have her staff. She wore light weight cloth that wrapped around her seductive body. Her rich blond hair fell past her shoulders, her legs were crossed so Lash could see her long legs in the sunlight. Lash saw all of this as Diana led him onto a terrace. An assortment of food was across the table Hippolyta sat at. She turned to look at Lash and gave him a genuine smile. This was Hippolyta, mother to Diana, and Amazon Warrior. But etiquette demanded he respond with formality until he was told otherwise. He stopped thirteen feet from her, took a kn..


    ¡°Enough of that Lash! I know you are hard wired with etiquette so I''ll make it easier for you. Be at ease. That is an order.¡± Hippolyta said to him. Lash stood up slowly, bowed from his waist which made Hippolyta laugh. Then he joined Diana at the table.


    ¡°So, I assume you have questions about your absence since you left. Lets hear them, and we''ll answer to the best of our knowledge.¡± Hippolyta said. She leaned back in her seat, the sun above her seem to make her glow.


    ¡°How long have I been gone?¡± Lash asked, as he watched both Diana and Hippolyta.


    ¡°Little less then a year. Your one year anniversary was next week.¡± Hippolyta said.


    ¡°Elizabeth, and Isabella?¡± Lash asked, he subconsciously clenched his hands. Diana and her mother both noticed the action but didn''t say anything about it.


    ¡°Elizabeth passed our young warrior program with flying colors. She returned to Gotham and is currently a deputy Warden. Her ceremony is scheduled in three months. On a similar note, your friend Peyton''s Warden ceremony is in two months. Isabella and Elizabeth got married a few months ago.¡± Hippolyta said with a smile. A weight lifted off of Lash''s shoulders, Diana smiled at him.


    ¡°Who thinks I''m dead and who thinks I''m alive?¡± Lash said, he took out his Warden Phone from his pocket space. He had it turned off. He was sure he would get a swarm of messages for the past year.


    ¡°Well the Life Gem in the Gotham Warden HQ works through dimensional walls. The light never went out, so you are still officially a Warden. You were simply declared Missing in Action. Though the God Hades does not control Tartarus he is still able to look into the realm. He told the Goddess Persephone that you were still fighting in Tartarus. Persephone told Queen Hera, who told us. Though we were never given any details on where you were, or the progress of your trial. So, we were able to tell your loved ones that you still lived and fought on.¡± Hippolyta said then looked at Diana as she wished to speak.


    ¡°I was contacted about your return while I was in a meeting with the Justice League, So the founding members know of your return. Oh! That is right we formed the Justice League!¡± Diana said with a smile.


    ¡°I know, I received a decree from my Patron when it was first established. I think he was trying to encourage me. What is the public or mundane opinion about my absence?¡± Lash asked, he smiled at Diana in thanks to the formation of the League she smiled back.


    ¡°The United Nations explained that Agent Wraith visited Themyscira as planned. Then went directly on another assignment right afterwards. The exact details of the mission were never said out loud to any mundane or pseudo-mundane. Exceptions include a few direct relations you have. However, the theory that the public has created. Is that Wraith''s alien native planet figured out that he gave advanced technology away. That Wraith is being punished by his home world and may not return.¡± Hippolyta said, she took sip from her glass then focused her eyes on Lash.


    ¡°I''m sure I''ll have a long, incredibly detailed, and boring debrief about it. Question, is anything I saw in Tartarus for Amazons only? Or is it open discussion?¡± Lash asked after he thought about it.


    ¡°It is open for discussion with the Wardens, obviously you can not tell the mundanes with our breaking Warden Law. You can tell...Some of the Justice League. Not all of them understand the super-natural. They assume its all Alien technology and Meta-Gene.¡± Hippolyta said as she rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Barry...¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Yep!¡± Diana said with a laugh.


    ¡°Atlantis?¡± Lash said, his change in subject caught both Diana and Hippolyta off guard.


    ¡°What about it?¡± Hippolyta asked, she sat up straight as if this was something she should pay attention to.


    ¡°Who''s in power? Prince Orm, or Prince Arthur Curry?¡± Lash asked. He didn''t really care right now if it was still a secret. Diana''s eyes opened wide at Arthurs name.


    ¡°Wait, Arthur is a Prince of Atlantis!?¡± Diana said with astonishment. Hippolyta had a huge smile on her face. The Queen of Themyscira came out for a brief moment.


    ¡°King Orm is technically in power. But he still does not have stable control over his kingdom. What was once just rumor and hearsay is now confirmed fact. Orm intends to wage war on the surface world if he is declared ocean master. Though he has magnanimously offered the Amazons protection from the coming war we have refused. So when the war comes he will have to fight us as well.¡± Queen Hippolyta said, as the gears in her mind began to grind.


    ¡°Yes, Diana. Arthur Curry is the first born son of Queen Atlanna. She fell in love and married Arthurs father in secret. But returned to Atlantis due complications. Then as you know she gave birth to Orm. So Arthur and Orm are half brothers. I had thought that Princess Y''Mera would have convinced him by now to take the throne.¡± Lash said, a bit disappointed.


    ¡°Wait! Hold on, Mera knows Arthur is the Prince? She is practically attached to his hip when ever he does any League business. But that makes complete sense now! I thought she just had feelings for him. Wait! Why was Mera so upset when she found out you went to Tartarus?¡± Diana said, a bit of.... Feminine curiosity in her voice, posture, and facial expression. Hippolyta looked at her daughter with her full attention. This was new!


    ¡°During the Winter Ball, I met with a envoy that Prince Orm sent. They wanted to know if I could track something. Specifically a family member. I told them the details of our tracking abilities. They were hopeful. Little less then a minute after they excused themselves Princess Y''mera found me at the party. We spoke privately in an alcove so not to be heard. However, unlike the envoy I gave the decree my Patron told me to give to Princess Y''mera. About Arthur''s name, location, and the fact that they would be husband and wife in the future.¡± Lash said nonchalantly to Diana and Hippolyta.


    ¡°So that means that Arthur is suppose to be king? At least your Patron God thinks so. Its a shame that Queen Atlanna could not be here to help her son take the throne.¡± Hippolyta said with remorse.


    ¡°She''s not dead...¡± Lash said as he took a bite out of a muffin. Wait a fucking minute how did he know that?! Foresight did not activate. So how did he have that information?


    Lash blinked and suddenly he had been lifted from his chair. Hippolyta had picked up with a single hand, her hand clutched the fabric of his shirt. Wow good quality, it didn''t rip! Lash was momentarily confused because Danger Sense didn''t activate. Hippolyta had a smile on her face as she asked a question.


    ¡°Where is Queen Atlanna now, Lash?¡± Hippolyta asked.


    ¡°The Queen resides in the ancient lost sea, also known as the center of the earth. With in the kingdom of the Trench is a whirling vortex of water and magic that allows entry into the center of the earth but does not allow exit. There the lost trident of King Atlan resides, however only the one true king may take the trident. Because it is guarded by the Karathen, and also the spell of kings from Atlan. Arthur Curry is the One True King¡± Lash said, as Foresight did activate. His body glowed with divine light, and he lost 90% of his total energy. Fuck!


    A smile bloomed on Hippolyta''s face then she hugged Lash so suddenly he had no idea what was going on! He flailed his arms around in confusion because Hippolyta had forced his head between her breasts? What the fuck! Lash reached out and grabbed Diana''s offered hand and pulled himself to freedom. His face was red, and his eyes wide. He looked around expecting another attack from some where. Hippolyta laughed at his reaction.


    ¡°I''m sorry! Queen Atlanna was a good friend of mine. It filled me with rage when I found out they sacrificed her to the Trench. I wanted to slay king Orvx for it. But he did the smart thing and stayed underwater. Diana, invite Prince Arthur and Princess Y''mera to Themyscira immediately. We would speak them! I''m sorry Lash we''ll have to conclude our discussion I have a lot of work to do. Good day!¡± Hippolyta excused her self with out waiting for Diana''s or Lash''s reply.


    ¡°Lash, if what your Patron said is true. We could avoid a war of epic proportions. But, I get the feeling that Arthur may not want the throne.¡± Diana said to Lash. They both took their seats again on the Terrace. But Diana had taken out her communicator and began to message them.


    ¡°Once Arthur hears that his mother is still alive, I think his attitude will change. Diana, why were you surprised Princess Y''mera had shown concern for my well being?¡± Lash said, with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Oh! Well, I was just surprised you knew her. But your explanation was more than satisfactory. I''ve known Y''mera for many years. She is a friend, I know how she can get.¡± Diana said, the entire time she refused to look at Lash in the eye. Insight pinged with an update. Diana''s feelings for Lash were an even 50/50. Hmmmm....


    Lash finished his muffin then turned his phone on. Six thousand unread messages, eight thousand missed calls, fifteen thousand emails. Lash groaned loudly, Diana looked at him in confusion so he showed her why. She burst with laughter, an open jovial laugh that made her chest bounce gently. She looked at him with pity and went back to her messenger. Lash activated Connectivity, and Parallel Minds. Then got to work.


    ================================================================


    Elizabeth Shaw walked through ''The New Narrows'' Wayne Industries did a good job. The entire island was specifically for low-income families, and people. But it was clean, Eco-friendly, and had plenty of public health and safety. She had lived in Gotham most of her life, she knew what the Narrows use to be like. Lash had wanted to make this a better place, so she would help. She stopped when she thought of him, she looked up at the sky and sighed.


    ¡°I miss you...¡± Lizzy said softly. Her phone vibrated she took it out and froze in place. She scrolled through the message, then went to the Warden Information page.


    ''Warden Erik Lash, and his Partner Hunter Saurian have returned from Tartarus. With Amazon Relic in hand. They are resting at Themyscira. Any one involved with Warden Lash please visit Warden HQ. We are attempting to see who can visit him at Themyscira.''


    ¡°FUCK YES! HE''S BACK!¡± Lizzy screamed, people jumped in surprise and looked at her. But she didn''t care. She put her pseudo-Amazon body to the test and sprinted home. She called her wife Isabella to tell her to pack their bags!


    ================================================================


    Selina Kyle had her mouth open wide, she stared in astonishment at Bruce who had come to see her. Bruce had a small smile on his face as he watched Selina come to terms with what he just said about their friend Lash. Bruce had come to see Selina at the Wayne Art museum that even to this day still had a line of people that wanted to come see the statue Lash had given them. On Selina''s left hand was a gold ring with a diamond, and Bruce had a silver ring on his left hand. They were engaged to be married but had waited because Selina wanted Lash to be there. Bruce hadn''t fought her on it, he could wait. Selina stood up, came into Bruce''s arms then said.


    ¡°So, do you want to get married in the spring, summer, or fall?¡± Selina said softly. Bruce laughed out loud and hugged his fiancee even tighter.


    ================================================================


    ¡°YESSSSSSSS! NOT EVEN FUCKING HELL CAN KEEP HIM DOWN!¡± A exceptionally large troll warrior shouted at the top his lungs. The Shield and Sword response teams that were in the underground bunker jumped in surprise.


    ¡°Booraku! What the fuck!¡± A soldier asked.


    ¡°Warden Lash! He''s back! He went into Tartarus attacked the castle of the Fallen One! Retrieved the Holy Relic of the Amazons and made it back! He''s fucking back! He came, he saw, he conquered! And lived to tell the tale! YESSSSSSSS!¡± Booraku cheered! He cast his glamour and sprinted from the room! He had to tell Juliana if she didn''t know already!


    =================================================================


    Li''Ana sat at her desk, shock written all over her face. She was at home, and chose not to wear the transmutation ring so she could rest her neck and back. Every time she took the ring off she would think of Lash the one and only man in her life that would much prefer she be healthy than be big. It made her laugh when ever she thought about it. Then it would make her sad, she missed him. But she knew he was alive and fighting. But today she got an urgent letter from the Warden HQ. Lash had come back from Tartarus. She quickly reached inside of ''her self'' and felt the connection. YES! The Pack Bond was out of range, but it had a hum of energy. The Pack master was on the same plane of existence. Li''Ana had figured this out when Lash visited the Winter Ball in the Fae wilds. If he was not on the same plane of existence the Pack Bond would be dull and lifeless. Li''Ana smiled to her self and massaged her neck.


    ¡°Welcome home....¡± Li''Ana smiled as she thought about him. She wasn''t sad anymore.


    ================================================================


    ¡°By the Fae Queens of Winter and Summer! YES! He fucking did it!¡± Mikhail''s voice screamed from the office in the house. Peyton snapped her eyes open, she looked at the clock...it was two in the morning. What the fuck is he shouting about? Mikhail ran straight into the room, dove onto the bed and shook Peyton awake.


    ¡°Gah! What!? Stop it! I''m going to fucking shoot you! I don''t care how cute you are!¡± Peyton yelled at him.


    ¡°He''s back! Peyton, Lash is back! He survived Tartarus! He got the relic! He''ll be back in time for your Warden Ceremony!¡± Mikhail smiled at her. Peyton looked at him, sat up and pushed him off. She ran straight towards the office they shared. She logged onto the Warden information page. Sure enough there was a world wide broadcast. Then both Mikhail and Peyton''s phones vibrated. It was a number they had not seen in a year.


    ''Hello! I''m back, I made it in time for Peyton''s ceremony! Wow, what great timing!'' -Wraith.


    ===============================================================


    Skaleg the old viking sat on a wooden pier at a forest lake. His cabin was behind him, and an older but still very attractive woman was bringing him his phone. Skaleg hand a fishing pole in hand, he wore boots, jeans, flannel shirt, coat, and base ball cap. He sipped from his beer, and turned around to smile at his wife. She was part sylvan and they had agreed to get married the moment he stopped being a Warden. Rules of neutrality. She had a smile on her face, she was 5''8¡± with a seductive hourglass figure, long brow hair that went past her shoulders. She wore flats, blue jeans, one of his flannel shirts that he loved to see her wear. She handed him his phone.


    ¡°You''ll want to take this one.¡± Mutalia said to him. Skaleg accepted the phone from her, and eyed her as she snatched his beer and had a swallow. She smiled wide at him, something fishy was going on.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Skaleg said into the phone.


    ¡°Mentor Skaleg hello! How is your retirement going?¡± Lash said across the phone. Skaleg''s eyes went wide, he stood up and shouted into the phone.


    ¡°YOU FUCKING MONSTER! YOUR ALIVE?!¡±


    ==============================================================


    Lois rolled her shoulders for a bit and tried to massage the crick in her neck. She took a moment to drink her cold coffee and grimaced. Today was just not going well, she couldn''t get the creative juices flowing. She wanted a story, something that would break the world! She had heard whispers about a team, a league of heroes united across the globe that took up arms to fight the battles normal people couldn''t. She wanted to talk to Superman about it, but he was tight lipped as always. The Flash in Central City seemed to only accept interviews from Iris West. Wonder Woman had diplomatic immunity and could not be contacted for comment. Beep!.... Email message.


    ''My friend Miss Lane! Hello, how are you? Are you still enjoying the jewelry I sent you. I hope you are. I just got back to Earth, yes I was off world. How about we discuss the specifics of it in an interview? We can schedule one later, I am visiting family. But you have my information. Feel free to tell Mr White that I plan to talk to you first before any one else about the how, why, and when. Your friend. -Agent Wraith.


    Lois read over the email three times. She checked the sender and confirmed it was Wraith''s email. She had tried to track, hack, and carve that email to its source for nearly a year! But nothing worked! This had to be a hoax, right? Someone hacked her computer...


    ¡°Miss Lane?¡± Lois jumped in surprise and turned around. It was the postal worker in the building he held a package.


    ¡°That for me?¡± Lois asked, he nodded and handed it off to her.


    She looked back at her email then at the package. It couldn''t be? She opened it up and inside was a box, she opened that up and gasped in shock. Inside was a beautiful golden bracelet with Celtic knots all across it, she quickly put it on and felt a surge of energy push through her whole body. The crick in her neck melted away, and all the built up crap in her body just left. Inside the box was a small card.


    ''Yes it really is me, my friend. -Wraith''


    ¡°Perry! I''ve got exciting news!¡± Lois called out across the office.


    ===============================================================


    Lash continued to work until the sun set, Diana pulled him up and out of the Palace. They went to a local bonfire and cook out. They were welcomed with open arms, Lash continued to use Connectivity, and Parallel Mind. So he could work, and relax as well. But despite all the paper work he had to do. He decided unless Darkseid was going to invade he was just going to relax for a while. Lash even asked Dawn if there was a way to stop the generated events. She said no, unfortunately. The only way was to log out. But Lash wanted to be here for this, so he would do his best to rest for as long as he could. Then he got a message from Jessabell.


    ''Do not leave, Themyscira. Understood?'' Jessabell messaged.


    ''Are we doing our weekend getaway here?'' Lash messaged back.


    ''Weekend? Try a week, I am going to ride you till you die!'' Jessabell messaged with a smiley face emoji.


    Lash grinned, he accepted a meat skewer and a drink. He ate and drank for a while but simply enjoyed his time in the tropics. He sat alone, but not apart from the group. No one bothered him, he put off an aura that he enjoyed himself but wanted to be alone. The Amazon warriors all understood. He had returned from Hell. The fact that he was stable was an accomplishment in it self! Diana came over once the bonfire began to die. It was late, but Lash didn''t seem to notice as he stared up at the night sky. She sat down next to him, but didn''t say a word.


    ¡°Tartarus doesn''t have a day and night cycle. Its just a crimson red sky, and it rains acidic blood every few days. Despite its hellish landscape it actually has an ecosystem, my Nature Domain actually worked in Tartarus. I didn''t know how much time had passed, Diana. I had honestly thought a few days at most. But when my Patron sent a word that the League had been formed, that is when I knew that time had moved differently.¡± Lash said, he continued to stare at the sky. Diana, and a few Amazons watched and listened to him.


    ¡°I hunted, I killed, and did many horrible things to survive in that place. I shouldn''t be here... I should have died. But I didn''t, I came back different Diana. So I need you to make me a promise, not just you but the Amazons. If I turn into a monster, promise me you''ll put me down.¡± Lash said, tears rolled down his cheeks but he didn''t turn towards Diana.


    ¡°We promise to help you fight the battle to keep your soul, Lash. But if you lose your soul, then we promise to end it. To save you in death.¡± Diana said, and many Amazons said as well.


    ¡°I think I''ll stay here for a while. Its a nice night.¡± Lash said, he made no move to clean his face of tears. Diana nodded and excused her self, as did the other Amazons. Lash was alone, figuratively. There were several warrior that were near to assist him if he needed help. But they were plenty far enough away.


    ¡°Dawn, please activate my store coupon....¡± Lash said to the darkness.


    ¡°Of course, User!¡± Dawn''s voice replied....from his neck? Lash looked down as his Familiar unwound from his neck, became animated and fluttered around him playfully.


    ¡°Ohhhhhh.... I was hesitant about the Familiar at first. But if you are going to control it. I''m down for that.¡± Lash said, as the mystic dragon flew over and rubbed its head against his cheek like a cat.


    The cosmic store book appeared with a flash of light that lite up the entire area briefly. The guards all looked over in astonishment and saw that Lash had a book made of starlight in his hands. He leafed through it as a baby....DRAGON! Flew around him?! The guards watched in fascination as Lash spoke to the baby dragon several times, he laughed, and looked through the book. What is going on?


    Lash typed into the search engine to pull up recommended store items, specifically for him. Several items for purchase came up. He could buy another rank in his Daemonic Heritage to increase his rank to Baron. If he is a Baron he can make five Daemon Knights. Cool. He looked for Density Shift and he found it! But it was grayed out, he needed to complete a story event, buy another item which was not listed, or be an alien. Its an alien thing. He checked his available Dream Points and was shocked to see six points! Six DP?! He wasn''t sure he could spend it all! Course he didn''t have to, he could save it for later. He could buy a super rank. He was still C- last he checked. He could spend...two DP to get to B-.


    Lash dismissed his recommended search. Then just started to search through the book. Dawn his Familiar soon got tired of flying around. She landed on his shoulders and looked at the book with him. He gently patted the mystical dragon, and she purred at him. Lash found an interesting skill, Interplanetary Law. Let him learn the Laws of different planets, and cultures. May be useful later on once Earth starts to receive more and more attention from the cosmos. Ah! He found a skill he wanted! He was actually surprised he didn''t get it already.


    Congratulations, Master! You''ve purchased the skill Meditation: The skill of either silencing or focusing one''s mind. In its most basic forms, meditation can be used to relax and give control to those who suffer from stress, anger or other physical and psychological problems.


    Effects:1% increase to your Self-Control, Mental, and Spiritual resistance.


    Lash felt a little better, he wasn''t has stressed as before. His thoughts were easier to organize, and he seemed more self aware. He was happy with this choice. Five Dream Points left. Lash had an amused grin on his face as his Familiar looked at him. Yes, he heard Dawn call him Master. He wouldn''t say anything. But after a moment he leaned down and licked the top of the dragons head. She wiggled and writhed around his neck. She huffed in irritation and rubbed the saliva off of her head onto his body. Lash soon found a new utility skill that would help him be decent at a few things.


    Congratulations, Master! You''ve purchased the skill Science: This skill is an umbrella concept. Anything that falls under the category of Science is effected by it. This means you know a little bit about everything Science covers. It takes far more experience to level and evolve.


    Effect: Chemistry, Genetics will be removed. However all experience gained from these skills will be added to Science. -''Bill Nye the Science Guy!''


    Dawn the baby mystic dragon crawled down from Lash''s shoulders and flipped a few pages. Then pointed at a specific skill, FUCK! The thing cost four Dream Points to buy. Whats it called, Cosmic Awareness? Whats it do....... That is not fucking possible! Lash didn''t hesitate and used the rest of his Dream Points.


    Congratulations, Master! You''ve purchased the skill Cosmic Awareness: The power to perceive and understand the workings of the universe on a cosmic level. You can look past the multi layers of the universe and say, ''I see you!''


    Effect: The Fourth wall engine no longer effects you, or your VI avatar model.


    Effect: It will take 99% of your energy level to look past the fourth wall, energy consumption decreases as it levels and evolves.


    Effect: Cool down period is one day in The Dream, shorter cool down as it levels and evolves.


    Effect: 20% increase to your Conversion Rate.


    The starlight book snapped shut, and faded from sight. Lash didn''t care, he held Dawn tenderly in his arms and said the words, his entire energy reserved dropped to 1% but he said it! He said the words! He fell over from the table he sat on, the the Amazon guards came to his aid. But he smiled as they helped him, he smiled as they brought him to a guest villa that had been prepared for him. He lay in his bed, Dawn his Familiar nuzzled against his neck. What did he say?


    ¡°Darkseid the master of Apokolips will one day invade Earth.¡± Lash had used his skill once and only once. But it didn''t matter anymore! Lash could say it as many times as he wanted to now! Because it was in the world, it had been said! He could not believe that was a fucking skill he could buy for four dream points!


    ¡°Dawn, what is Conversion rate?¡± Lash said into the dark.


    ¡°I''m afraid I can''t tell you, Master. Its an easter egg by the Developers. But once you are at 100% I can tell you then!¡± Dawn the dragon said against his neck.


    ¡°Good night my Brightest Star.¡± Lash said to the dragon.


    ¡°Good night, Master!¡± Dawn''s voice spoke to him. She sounded the same as she always did. He never actually saw the dragons mouth open and close. So magic it is then. Lash literally wore The Endless around his neck. How epic was that?


    Then for the first time in a long time, Lash relived one of his memories as he slept. It had been a long time since that happened. He was a farmer? Or a gardener, he planted sun flowers, bean sprouts that shot green peas at...Zombies? Zombies were attacking his farm! He had to take care of his plants so the plants could fight the zombies! It made perfect sense! Why does that Zombie have a pole? Oh crap it vaulted over the barrier! Nooooo! The sunflowers! You monster!


    ¡°Noooo!¡± Lash was up out of his bed and had nailed a woman to a wall. His claws wrapped around her throat. He screamed at the top of his lungs but soon stopped and stepped away.


    ¡°Diana! I...I''m sorry! I..¡± Lash was stunned! Diana smiled at him and massaged her neck.


    ¡°Lash it''s fine, you didn''t hurt me. I completely understand.¡± Diana said, she had been surprised by how quick he moved but he hadn''t hurt her. Lash dropped to his knees then rocked back and forth. His skill Meditation activated and he soon calmed down. Diana knelt by his side, she had a hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°Arthur and Y''mera are here. Mother want''s you to be there to explain to Arthur about the trident and Queen Atlanna.¡± Diana said. Lash nodded and stood up with her help. They started to move towards the palace.


    Lash had found and put his Warden combat suit back on, the combination of Kevlar, leather, and Demonic Plate armor looked beautiful and intimidating. He made sure his Gotham City Warden symbol was drawn correctly on his half breast plate. He told Diana he just felt naked with out it sometimes. She laughed. Diana had leather boots on, with knee length leather skirt. She wore a studded leather chest guard, with leather gauntlets. Her hair was pulled back into a braid, which the end was tied to her chest guard so it wouldn''t fly around. Her skin was a healthy pink, not pale nor tanned. Her hips swayed naturally with every step she took. Diana glanced at Lash from the corner of he eye and saw that he watched her. She lifted her chin proudly, and continued to walk with out a word. But a smile of satisfaction was on her face.


    Diana brought Lash to a viewing hall he was familiar with. The first one he came to when he was tasked to retrieve the relic. They walked in after being announced, Queen Hippolyta sat on her throne. She spoke with a soft, but clear voice to Princess Y''mera. Mera, wore a tight green diving cat suit? Mid high heels, fins on her calf muscles, with an Atlantis A on her belt. The suit had a wide V-neck for her cleavage which was ample. Her cherry red hair was still a little wet as it was swept back behind her shoulders. Her blue eyes turned to look at Lash, she smiled wide when she saw him.


    Besides Mera was a 6''3¡± brick of a man! He had wild hair, and beard that went to his chest. He had tattoos up and down his arms, and chest. The tattoos looked like fish scales from a distance. He had snake skin boots on, with biker leather pants, and a leather vest on. Great! Arthur is the bad ass guy from the movie! The man turned around, his golden amber eyes took Lash in.


    ¡°Wait? I thought we were meeting Wraith? Who''s this guy?¡± Arthur said with a dismissive tone.


    Before anyone could correct him, Lash used Transformation his skin peeled back, his tail grew from behind him, his face elongated into a short snout, a small skull crest grew. He cast Phantasm, to create the Wraith Shroud. Glamour worked on mundanes and some Fae. But most Fae and Pure-Blood Fae can look past Glamour. Illusion, that is something you have to be trained for. Even then the Domain Level increases its ability to ''lie'' to the world. So now his Wraith disguise worked even on the super-natural world. Agent Wraith stood about ten feet from Arthur, a inhuman screech came from the shroud as Lash bowed from his waist.


    ¡°Prince Arthur, it is a pleasure to meet you at last.¡± Lash said. Arthur had a look of disbelief. Then he walked forward with a smile held out his hand. Lash took the offered hand and they both gave a firm handshake.


    ¡°So the Justice League was your idea. Respect. Now, whats this shit about Atlan''s trident?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°Hold on! I haven''t said hello yet!¡± Mera walked over and pushed Arthur out of the way with her hip. He stumbled back with a laugh and got out of the way.


    ¡°Take this off, you don''t need to hold the disguise now anyways.¡± Mera asked, Lash complied and took his Wraith disguise off, and changed to his default human shape.


    Mera smiled, wrapped her hands around Lash''s neck and pulled him down into a kiss. She wrapped her left leg around his hip and put her entire body flush against him. Her breasts pushed into Lash''s chest, her hips ground into his. Her tongue entered his mouth and she moaned in delight. Lash tasted good apparently. Lash wrapped his arms around Mera to help her keep balance. They kissed for about ten seconds before she broke the kiss. She licked his lips, then her own. She stepped away, then swept her hair aside.


    ¡°Right! I''ve said hello! Now we can talk!¡± Mera said with a smile. Arthur...Didn''t seem bothered by it. He just laughed, kissed Mera on the forehead. He then clapped Lash on the shoulder and looked back at Queen Hippolyta. Diana rolled her eyes at Mera and gave her friend a hug. Mera noticed the ''golden'' eagle necklace. Diana gestured towards Lash and mouthed they would talk later. Mera nodded in confirmation, yes they would.


    ¡°Warden Lash, you have the floor.¡± Queen Hippolyta gestured towards him.


    ¡°Trident first? Or Queen Atlanna?¡± Lash replied. Arthur suddenly became really focused, as was Mera.


    ¡°Wow...Hold on, what this about my mother?¡± Arthur asked Lash.


    ¡°Your mother isn''t dead. She resides at the lost sea where Atlan''s trident resides.¡± Lash replied.


    After he said that, Lash spent the next few hours with in the throne room. He went through details, history, and lore. The specifics of King Atlan and his trident. How Queen Atlanna survived the trench and was currently trapped. He activated Cosmic Awareness then golden divine light swallowed him. He would have to thank Dawn later. He told Arthur, and Mera about the location of the lost Atlan scroll of kings. If they can get the scroll he will help them find the desert kingdom. Why did they need the scroll? Because the Trench was huge! They needed a specific location, so they needed the scroll which led the to the Sahara, which gave them the bottle, which would lead them to the general area. He told them to wait another day before they left because he could give them more information. Rules with being an Oracle. Arthur and Mera agreed, but she could send word to Vulko who wanted Arthur on the throne. When Vulko heard about King Atlans trident and that Queen Atlanna still lived he gave his word he would do his best to find the scroll by the time they arrived.


    ¡°Whatcha thinking about?¡± Arthur came over to Lash, and handed him a cup of honey mead.


    ¡°I just got back from Tartarus...Hell. Literally. I was planning on taking a vacation for a bit, at least a week before I throw myself back into the blender. But here I am, effecting change on a world scale.¡± Lash said, as he accepted the cup and leaned against his chair.


    They had finished talking logistics and adjourned for the day. They went to another bonfire that night just like before. Mera and Diana spoke on the other side, along with several other amazons. They laughed, giggled, and Mera more then once pointed at Arthur. She made a lewd gesture about....length? All the women laughed, a few blushed as they looked at Arthur who grinned back at them. Arthur turned back to Lash.


    ¡°You''ll get your vacation man. I heard about hell. Didn''t think it was real till Mera told me about it. That is some real Dante''s Inferno shit right there. Vulko said the site would take time to excavate, he has to be careful around my shit stain half brother Orm. So, relax! See your family! Have sex with the dozen or so beautiful women that I heard are waiting. Then when we find the scroll come help me find my Mother, and take the throne...Deal?¡± Arthur held out his hand. Lash took it with out a second thought.


    ¡°Deal.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Lash!¡± A very familiar voice called out to him. He stood up and saw a sight for sore eyes. Jessabell. Well, looks like it was time.

 Chapter 51: R-18

    Jessabell had leather sandals, with straps that wrapped around her calves. She had knee high leather skirt with slits up both sides so she could run in them. She wore a simple sheer fabric around her chest that wrapped up and around her neck to offer support. She grown to the height of 5'' 8¡±, her black hair was cut short just above her shoulders, and on the left side from ear to mid way up was shaved. Her skin was a rich dark caramel color. Her left ear had earrings from top to bottom, but only a single earring on her right lobe. Each one was silver. Her eye color shifted between gold, red, blue, and purple. She came right up to Lash and completely ignored Arthur, and everyone else at the bonfire. Her glare was intense as she practically hissed out her words.


    ¡°Privacy, now!¡± Jessabell growled at Lash. Arthur had his hands up in surrender and had left Lash to his fate. Lash swallowed his saliva and gestured Jessabell to follow.


    Lash heard Mera tell Arthur and Diana who that was. But he didn''t get the rest as Jessabell bore hole into the back of his head with her eyes. He just moved forward to the guest villa he was offered, they walked in silence for nearly thirty minutes. Lash waved at the few Amazon guards they encountered but none of them stopped him and Jessabell. They soon arrived at the villa, he opened the door Jessabell closed it behind her. He went to the living room and turned around to look at her.


    ¡°We are alone.¡± Lash sai.....SLAP! Jessabell slapped him across the face.


    ¡°Gaaah! Owe! Why is your face made out of granite!¡± Jessabell then stepped towards him and punched him square in his solar plexus which only made her bite back another scream. Lash''s Intermediate Damage Resistance has pretty high when it came to blunt damage.


    ¡°Jessabell, I came back from Tartarus. If you were capable of hurting me, I would have died there.¡± Lash said nonchalantly. Which was the wrong move, because Jessabell took a combat baton from her bag. She then proceeded to beat Lash.


    So, that was how Lash and Jessabell spent the first two hours of their reunion. Jessabell took item after item from her bag, then she took knives, daggers, and even a sword from her pocket space which to this day Lash never figured out how they do it. During the whole ordeal Lash got a single prompt from Damage Resistance it gained a single point of experience. Jessabell was on her knees gasping for air, and not in a good way. She continued to glare at Lash, more now for the fact that all of her weapons she carried had cracked or broke against Lash''s skin. Lash didn''t get a scratch, welt, or a bruise the whole time.


    ¡°We are happy to see you, Jessabell.¡± Lash and Saurians voice both spoke at the same time. Jessabell flinched lightly, she continued to glare at Lash. Then tried to fight him off when he picked her up and hugged her. She pushed, pulled, and screamed at him! He just held her, gently in his arms.


    ¡°WHY DID YOU FUCKING LEAVE!?¡± She screamed at him.


    ¡°I LOST YOU! WE LOST YOU! OUR FAMILY BROKE APART BECAUSE OF YOU!¡± She yelled at him.


    ¡°You make it sound like you didn''t trust me to come back?¡± Lash said softly, this time he let go of her when shoved against him with all her strength.


    ¡°Of course I believed you would come back! Damnit! ...Lash.... Families are suppose to help each other! You could have called! I would have come with you! Soluna would have come with you! Fuck even Li''Ana! Booraku! Peyton, Mikhail! Selina! Lizzy! We all would have gone with you! Why didn''t you fucking call for us!?¡± Jessabell screamed at him.


    ¡°That isn''t how the trial worked, Jessabell. You know that. If I had been able to call for assistance I would have done it. If not me, then Saurian! He thinks far more rational then I do. I would have called for all of you! But it didn''t work that way. This was a trial not only set by the Amazons, but by the Old Gods.¡± Lash told her.


    ¡°Don''t you fucking think I know that! I checked! I looked through every fucking loop hole in the entire Divine contract! You had to go alone! I don''t have any one to blame!? Fuck! You were gone for a year! Life gem in Warden HQ kept glowing! Themyscira sends word every month that you are alive! You missed the Summer Court Solstice Ball! I was really looking forward to seeing you trash everyone! I...I don''t have any place to put my anger, Lash!¡± Jessabell screamed at him, then began to pace the semi destroyed living room. Lash just watched her pace back and forth.


    ¡°I wanted to hate you, but you were stuck in a situation out of your control. You didn''t know the consequences of your actions. Why? Because your fucking god told you to!¡± Jessabell screamed that last part up at the ceiling presumably towards Lash''s Cosmic Patron.


    ¡°You were told to sneak into Themyscira, which would lead to a punishment. Which Queen Hippolyta received a message from Goddess Hera about the plan. It was a fucked up plan that hinged on the entire idea that you could successfully sneak into the island. Get caught! Then get sent into Tartarus! All because you have to repay three fucking favors for the God Hades, and the Goddess Persephone.¡± Jessabell said, this caught Lash off guard. He didn''t think many people knew about the three favors.


    ¡°All because you were there to stop Ares from preforming the ritual to release his warriors and soldiers from the underworld. Wonder Woman and Superman fought and captured Ares! He didn''t die! So Hades didn''t get his Domain of War! I understand they could have killed you, or enslaved you! But Persephone let you go under the condition of the three favors! Just..Fuck! I don''t have any one to hate! I can blame you for being a tool to a fucking God! But that seems a little fucking pointless!¡± Jessabell was still angry.


    Jessabell took a seat in one of the few remaining chairs in the room. She started to cry, but obviously still wanted to be angry. But she was right, she didn''t have any one to be angry at. She could blame people all day long. But Jessabell was a woman of action, she didn''t sit off the side and just bitch about things. She would step up and do something. But everyone who was to blame was in an untouchable position. Plus, it worked out! Lash had returned, with the relic!


    ¡°You know! We had thought you would find another way out of Tartarus... That was a loop hole in the contract. You couldn''t return to Themyscira''s door with out the relic. But there is more then one way into the underworld. But you didn''t. You never even thought about it, according to the Amazons. You spent a few months getting a feel for the area, then you went straight to your objective. For once Lash, couldn''t you be a fucking selfish asshole and not be a Hero?¡± Jessabell asked, tears streamed down her cheeks.


    ¡°That''s not the way I''m wired, Jessabell. I don''t go looking for trouble, trouble just finds me. But I always finish it. To the best of my abilities.¡± Lash said, as he knelt before Jessabell who laughed at him.


    ¡°I really fucking missed you, you know that?¡± Jessabell said to him. Lash smiled at her.


    ¡°Missed you too.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Wheres your bedroom?¡± Jessabell said, Lash smiled wide at her. He pulled her to her feet, and led her to his bedroom.


    Jessabell walked around the large room, the Amazons had been more then welcome it was just as large as his living room with a massive double king size bed, an epic bathtub and shower in the bathroom. A balcony with a really nice view of the tropical landscape of the island. Jessabell went straight to the bed and crawled across it on all fours, her ass stuck up in the air as if in invitation. She pressed her face into the pillows, then turned her face half way to look at Lash.


    ¡°I don''t care if you waited for me or not, Jessabell. I never expected you to. But, I meant what I said. You will be my first super-natural lover. I hope you will...Be gentle with me.¡± Lash said as he came around to the edge of the bed. Jessabell laughed, turned around so her back was against the pillows. She ran her tongue along her lips as Lash began to take off his combat suit.


    Lash turned around to sit at the beds edge, he took his boots off. Then began to unbuckle his chest guard. Jessabell came up from behind him, wrapped her arms around his chest and pressed her lips to his ear. She didn''t say anything, she didn''t need to. She just breathed him in for a moment then let him go. Jessabell went back to lay across the bed to watch Lash undress. Despite its complicated look, the Warden/Daemon armor was easy to remove. Designed for one person to put it on, and take it off.


    Lash stood up at the edge of the bed with out his armor, cloths, or briefs on. He was 6'' 5¡± now, with out an ounce of fat on him. His tribal tattoos extended down from his bald head, down his shoulders, along his back, and chest. He was in peak human condition, muscles chiseled out of stone, and his rock hard erection stood at attention and pointed straight at Jessabell. Jessabell''s eyes ate Lash up from head to toe. Lash came to her feet, untied her sandals and gently pulled them off one by one. Then he smoothed his palms up her feet, along her calves, thighs to her skirt. Jessabell started to breath faster, her skin was growing warm to the touch. Lash knelt next to Jessabell as he enjoyed the touch of her skin.


    Lash slipped behind Jessabell to her back, he untied her skirt and pulled it free from her. She of course didn''t wear any panties. She was hairless, clean, and dripping wet. Lash looked up at Jessabell, and she shivered at the sight of his eyes as they turned from human to reptilian. With both hands he reached and grabbed her ass. Lifted her up off the bed, and buried his face between her legs. A long serpent forked tongue licked along the top and the bottom of her vagina and Jessabell entire body shook. With Lash kneeling on the bed, he brought Jessabell''s lower body up and he began to devour Jessabells upper and lower labia. His tongue was exceptional long, agile, and flexible. Jessabell tore her top off and began to play with her nipples as she moaned in delight.


    Lash of course was more then willing to cheat, and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. This brought a gasping moan, and shudder from Jessabell as the natural magic settled into her body. Lash struck his tongue in and out of Jessabell''s Vaginal''s entrance over and over with his forked tongue. He his face was deep into her crotch his nose pressed into her clitoris, over and over. She moaned, gasped and called his name. She wrapped her legs around his head to lock him in place. She tore at the bed sheets as her entire body arched and she came all over his face. Lash knew woman are overly sensitive after they have an orgasm so he waited.....for about fifteen seconds. Then began to lick, and devour her again. She screamed in surprised and told him to stop. But he continued, to lick the walls of her labia, he pushed a single finger into her anus and pushed it gently in and out. She bucked and locked her legs around him again. She screamed, and moaned, a combination of stop and please continue.


    Jessabell came a second time....Each time Lash would wait a little longer. Then start again. Once the third time came Jessabell pushed him away as much as she could and she crawled up the bed to get away from him. Jessabell breathed hard and fast, which made her breasts jiggle delightfully. She glared at Lash with intense irritation and yearning.


    ¡°That was fucking mean, Lash!¡± Jessabell growled at him. Lash smiled wide at her and began to clean his face off.


    Lash sat down at the edge of the bed. Jessabell took a moment to control her breathing then came forward to begin to clean Lash''s penis clean. Lash like his entire body was hairless, except for his eyebrows and eye lashes. Jessabell first kissed his head, then along his shaft, all the while her left hand stroked his balls. Lash leaned forward and reached around to her breasts. He massaged the tissue, pinched, plucked, and teased her nipples. He shuddered in delight as Jessabell took the head of his cock into her mouth and swirled her tongue over and over again.


    ¡°I don''t know why you taste so good! Your skin, your saliva, your cock! I love it!¡± Jessabell said.


    Jessabell stuck her ass straight into the air and pushed Lash''s cock into her mouth. She deep throat him, again and again. She gagged many times so her throat would lock around his glans head. Then pulled back so she could suck and tease on his head as she pumped his cock with her hand. She would pump faster, and faster. Then stop to deep throat him again. Then do it over and over. She would ride him to the edge, then curb it just a little. After the third time Lash had enough he pulled her so he could see her face to face. She blinked at him and looked innocent as if to say ''something wrong?'' Lash crossed his legs and pulled Jessabell into his lap, his cock flush against her stomach. They both shivered with delight.


    Jessabell closed her eyes and kissed Lash, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in. Her nipples stood erect and pressed into his chest, Lash returned the kiss and their tongues pressed in and out of each others mouths. Jessabell tasted amazing, she groaned when she tasted Lash. They thrust into each others mouth over and over. Jessabell wrapped her legs around Lash''s waist, she reached down gripped his shaft and helped him....slide into her. They both shuddered and convulsed when his glans head entered her body.


    ¡°Lash.....Holy fuck! Lash!¡± Jessabell called out! She slowly pushed down, inch by inch.


    ¡°Worth the wait?¡± Lash asked, Jessabell laughed and pushed down hard the last few inches.


    Lash''s entire body went rigid, as did Jessabell''s. Then after about a minute he began to push in and out of Jessabell. She scratched his back, and tried to stop him. But she started to moan, as waves of pleasure rode through her body. Jessabell pulled him forward, and they fell across the bed. She wrapped her legs around his hips and locked him into place. He continued to drive into her again and again. His hands danced up and down her back, her chest, he kissed her a lot! Then Jessabell came! Her orgasm rocked through her body, she screamed. But Lash didn''t stop, he continued to pump into Jessabell, over and over.


    After nearly an hour had passed, Lash had lost count how many times Jessabell had an orgasm. She looked exhausted as she begged him to cum! To finish her off! Then at last he thrust one more time into her and his whole body went rigid! Jessabell cam with him, as her vagina filled with his seamen. Then in a moment of pure bliss a prompt appeared.


    Blessing of Sobek activated, Lord of Fertility: Do you wish to impregnate Jessabell? Yes/No...


    No....


    Confirmed: Jessabell will be auto set to ''NO'' in the future unless instructed otherwise.


    Lash started to laugh, as he slowly pulled his way out of Jessabell. She looked a little dead, but a smile was plastered across her face. She watched as Lash lay across the bed with her, he laughed and had a stupid grin on his face.


    ¡°Wh...Whats so funny?¡± Jessabell asked.


    ¡°My Patron wanted to know if I wanted to impregnate you or not. I told him no....¡± Lash blurted out. He turned to look at Jessabell who was frozen on the bed, her eyes wide open.


    ¡°Lash.....Are you able to impregnate on command?¡± Jessabell said softly.


    ¡°Yes, I got a blessing from The God Sobek when I built a church for his followers. One of the blessings is, ''Lord of Fertility'' I can choose if I want to impregnate someone or not.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°You are the fucking weirdest man I''ve ever slept with! I''ve slept with a lot of men in my life! But you take the top of that list.¡± Jessabell said, she looked both relieved an angry at the same time.


    ¡°Jessabell...Did you want to have a child with me?¡± Lash asked.... Jessabell turned to him. She opened and closed her mouth a few times.


    ¡°...No..... At least not right now...I.... Wow this is not what I thought we would be talking about after we had sex.¡± Jessabell pushed her self up, grabbed a few pillows to lay back against. She made no move to cover herself or clean up the mess between her legs. Lash wasn''t sure why, but it turned him on. Jessabell chop his head lightly to focus him.


    ¡°Who knows you can impregnate on command?¡± Jessabell asked, with a smile on her face.


    ¡°The God Sobek, My Patron, and now you.¡± Lash said, he stood up and cast Immaculate on himself, Jessabell, and the bedroom. Easy clean up. Then he came back to the bed naked so he could talk to Jessabell.


    ¡°Would your Patron tell other people?¡± Jessabell said, as she began to run her hands over her thighs, and breasts. Lash cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on them both. Jessabell closed her eyes and moaned. Lash enjoyed the feeling as well but it was definitely muted compared to hers.


    ¡°No, User! Your Cosmic Patron will not use that particular bargaining chip. Its much to fun just to watch this all unfold.¡± Dawn answered from the ether even though he didn''t ask out loud.


    ¡°No he wouldn''t. He says its much to fun just watch this all unfold.¡± Lash said, he crawled across the bed and began to massage Jessabell''s feet and calves. Her eyes fluttered with a moan, as she twitched and pushed against him.


    ¡°You are very distracting you know that? I know you are suppose to update your Warden Profile. But don''t ever put that in there. I know that Torloth''s family has dibs on you, and I truly believe you should give them children especially if you can do it on command. You can sleep with them all once, give them a child. Then never see them again until the child is born. I am not telling you to not be a part of your children''s life. Just... Dragon politics are more complicated that Fae politics.¡± Jessabell leaned back into her pillow back rest. For a few minutes she just enjoyed Lash''s hands on her feet.


    ¡°I don''t ever have to worry about impregnating someone accidentally. But I have to say, it takes a bit of mystery out of it all.¡± Lash said softly, he switched to Jessabell''s calves and upper thighs. Thanks to Lash''s Nature magic all the chemical and toxic build up that would be in most peoples bodies was removed. But that didn''t stop the massage from feeling nice.


    ¡°If you and I ever were to have a child, you can''t be a Warden. Having a child with a Fae of Winter would put you over the fence. You would no longer be neutral.¡± Jessabell said softly.


    ¡°So, when I stop being a Warden in nine years? Hmmmm Does time served in Tartarus count?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes it counts.¡± Jessabell smiled at him.


    Most super-natural creatures have a low fertility rate. Not all, but most. Its a trade off for all the strength, speed, long life, healing factor. Almost like it was natures way of keeping them in check. The stronger you are, generally the harder it is to have children. Then what would happen if they found out that a super-natural creature could impregnate on command? One; Lash would truly become a breeding stallion that would be effectively locked up and only used for sex. Not the fun kind! He would be chained up, drugged, and used as a tool. Two: They would use both technology and magic to try and replicate his ability. Jessabell was right, he could never put this in his Warden Profile, he couldn''t tell any one either. He shouldn''t of told Jessabell but it slipped out. But, he was happy he did.


    Lash stepped off the bed and magically created a massage table. Jessabell laughed came over and layed down, face first. Lash massaged her thighs, ass, lower back, upper back, shoulders, arms, forearms, and hands. Then moved to her neck. Then she flipped over and....Well they had sex again, the massage table broke mid way through. So they finished on the bed.


    Blankets and pillows tossed across the bed and room. The sheets lay across them both. Jessabell''s naked body pressed against Lash''s front. He was propped up against several pillows, and she used him as a pillow. The morning sun just started to poke across the forest outside. Jessabell''s dark caramel skin was a contrast from Lash''s pale and slightly red skin. Despite the long night Lash was still rock hard and ready for action. But Jessabell was down for the count, looked like his Super Human Stamina and energy recovery buffs helped in a lot of ways. Lash read through a few prompts that had been archived due to the activities. Lash gently stroked his dragon necklace.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn.¡± He mumbled.


    ¡°You are welcome, Master.¡± Dawn''s voice said softly. Jessabell stirred but didn''t wake up.


    So what gained experience last night? Basic Sex, Intermediate Parallel Minds, Observant Learner has he watched Jessabell pleasure him he learned a few things. Basic Super Human Stamina, Minor Team Work, Advanced Charming Presence, Meditation, Awaken Trait, and Skill Trainer. Wow, he should have sex more often! Lash reached into his Intermediate Storage and pulled out a Orichalcum necklace. The center piece was a totem head of a panther, with golden and silver claws as the side pieces. He tied it around Jessabell, his Intermediate Enchanting allowed for a lot of leeway. As long as he had the right materials.


    Orichalcum Pantheress Talisman.


    Rating: B+


    Effect: Very Durable


    Effect: 1% of the items total durability is repaired everyday.


    Effect: 10% decrease in negative spell effects.


    Effect: 10% increase in positive spell effects.


    Effect: Transmutation Domain Spell, Cat''s Grace. Three charges a day, one recharge a day.


    Effect: Grave Domain Spell, Death Ward. One charge, takes six months to recharge.


    Effect: Grave Domain Spell, Kiss of the Grave. One charge, takes six months to recharge.


    Comments: How many of these fucking necklaces did you make?! You could buy a small country with this thing!


    ¡°Hmmmmmm....Whats this?¡± Jessabell said softly, as she touched the necklace. She felt the magic activate the moment it was put on.


    ¡°I''m afraid if I tell you what the enchantment is you may try to kill me.¡± Lash said with a smile.


    ¡°Oh....Is it expensive? Ladies always like expensive things.¡± Jessabell said. Lash took a moment to send the information through Telepathy.


    ¡°Lash....Where did you...W....Who made this?¡± Jessabell''s mind continued to process the information.


    ¡°I did, I found a lot of Orichalum ingot''s in the Fallen Ones castle. So I took it and made useful things out of it. They are not corrupted, I checked.¡± Lash said, as his Acting....oh!


    Congratulations User! Acting has evolved into Minor Acting.


    Why did Acting evolve? What the skill gained experience when ever he lied, acted a part, tried to convince people. It was an umbrella skill that covered a lot of skills. That is why it took so long to level. Lash didn''t take anything from the treasure room but the Relic, and the Hell tree seeds. Which he used to escape. The Orichalcum was from his Transmuter title.


    ¡°Yo...You...You have acc...Ok.... You made this? You put these enchantments on yourself? Lash do you have any idea how much this is worth?¡± Jessabell asked. She sat up on the bed now, her naked form amazing to look at. His rock hard ere...GAH! Jessabell squeezed the tip of his cock with a firm grip.


    ¡°Focus Lash! I''ll be more then happy to have sex with you again after we talk!¡± Jessabell said in a stern voice.


    ¡°I understand Orichalcum is an expensive material. It''s also one of the few things that can retain enchantments from the Grave Domain. I tried the Grave Domain with a lot of different materials but this is the only one I''ve found that holds the spell. Everything else turns to ash. How much is it worth? Its worth enough to save your life, and someone else you deem fit enough to save. That is how much its worth to me.¡± Lash said to her. Jessabell let go of his cock and rubbed her face with her hands.


    ¡°Sometimes you are the most naive and incredibly sweet person I''ve ever met! Lash how many of these do you have?¡± Jessabell said, as she pushed Lash back down across the bed.


    She pulled the blankets off, straddled his hips and guided his cock inside of her. They both groaned in pleasure, Lash tried to sit up but she pushed him down. She dictated the speed, which was slow and agonizing. Then she stopped and looked at him, he tried to thrust into her but she stopped him. She made a face of ''keep talking'' He groaned in dismay.


    ¡°Have you heard of the Justice League?¡± Lash said, and only after he started to speak did Jessabell begin to thrust again.


    ¡°Isn''t that the team that Princess Diana and Superman made?¡± Jessabell said, despite her incredibly slow pace she was clearly enjoyed the morning exercise. Lash was not allowed to help. So he just kept his hands on her hips, but his thumbs went back and forth across her skin. Which clearly distracted her because she grabbed his hands and glared at him.


    ¡°It was my idea....¡± Lash said, Jessabell stopped to look at him. This time he thrust deep into her and gave her a face, ''keep talking''. She clenched her vaginal walls around his cock and practically sucked him in deeper. Fuck! They both glared at each other but continued after a few minutes.


    ¡°I''ve made a piece for every founding member of the Justice League, and every member of our pack. Plus one more for Isabella, My sister Elizabeth''s wife. They all have similar abilities as the one I gave you.¡± Lash said, as he gradually began to thrust deeper into Jessabell.


    She didn''t stop him because she tried to keep her head clear. Lash and Jessabell continued to torture one another for another hour before they both came. Lash did not get a prompt to impregnate her. Jessabell lay down across the bed next to him her breathing slowed and her mind cleared up. Lash could see the gears in her head were grinding into action. Then her eyes glued to a shiny golden orichalcum ingot that Lash produced from no where. He handed it to her, she held it in her hands. She chewed on her lip for a bit then gave it back.


    ¡°Lash, you could buy 10% of Gotham City with that bar right there. How much did you get from the castle?¡± Jessabell said, she sat up and covered herself with the sheets because she learned that they would get sidetracked otherwise.


    ¡°About one thousand eight hundred and twenty pounds of it....¡± Lash said softly.


    He hadn''t used his Trasmuter title everyday. But each day he did, he took ten pound material found in hell. Converted it to Orichalcum. He did it so much that his title actually gained a single level. He didn''t know they could do that. So it takes less energy to Transmute now. Jessabell opened and closed her mouth again and again.


    ¡°H....Who...¡±Jessabell tried to say.


    ¡°I told the Amazons I retrieved a few pounds of the stuff in Tartarus. I was planning on giving them maybe twenty pounds of it and say I didn''t have any more to give them. Then I planned to give twenty pounds to Shield and Sword and have them convert it into monetary assets for future endeavors. Then I was just going to slowly use the rest of the course of my life. Make little things, like my Warden Gear about 2% of it is Ori.¡± Lash said to her. Lash stood up and cast Immaculate on them both.


    As much as Lash would like to spend more time in bed, his phone had gone off while they had their morning exercise. Lizzy was at the port city and wanted to see him. He wanted to see her too. Jessabell came to him after he put his pants on, and kissed him. He returned the kiss with a smile before she broke it. She looked at him, then at her self a smile on her face.


    ¡°Make me something! Not with Ori! Just...Something.¡± Jessabell said.


    Lash cast Fabrication, and Alteration. He made her mid calf leather boots with panther metal claws at the end that would dig in if she leaned forward to much. Black leather pants with an additional half skirt so her right leg was concealed and her left leg was open. Though she still had pants on. She had a dagger on her left hip, and a knife on her right calf. He then made a leather and panther fur vest, with buttons at the front. Then a crimson red half jacket that went over that. Then her hands had sensual leather half gloves. The entire thing only had about 2% Ori in it....Jessabell smiled at the outfit and nodded with approval...Then she frowned and glared at Lash.


    ¡°Its only 2% Ori thread! I have so much of it. I have to put it to use some how!¡± Lash said defensively. As he tried his best look away and get dressed.


    The Warden/Daemonic studded leather and half plate gear hugged Lash just right. He had poured a lot of Essence Imbuement into. That was the closes thing he found to an auto fit spell or enchantment. It seemed partially alive and did its best to accommodate who wore it. Jessabell made the same remark about her cloths. Enchanting at the low levels did not take a lot of effort for Lash anymore. Progress! Essence Imbuement was a normal thing he would put into his gear.


    Lash and Jessabell walked side by side as they left his Villa. The morning sun was out, and the birds flew about. A majority of the Amazons woke up with the sun at first light to train, work, and to go to school. Lash and Jessabell caught a wagon that headed towards the port town. Several other passengers greeted Lash with enthusiasm, they were polite to Jessabell. But all the women clearly had their eyes on Lash. This just made her laugh, though a few did comment on her cloths. When they found out they were hand made by Lash they started to talk to her.


    Some of the young women aboard were pseudo-Amazons. That meant they had been adopted by the Amazons and were brought to Themysicra. An example of this would be like Lizzy. They had gone to school, or were in school. Once you pass the young warrior training you go through a baptism. This makes you the lowest rank pseudo-Amazon. Then you would go through another training course, then another. Eventually they could become nearly full fledged Amazons. There was no segregation between the full-blooded Amazons and the adopted. They didn''t care. But as the Nurse Maid said, the new born child Lashala was the first Pure-Blood Amazon in Themyscira in over three hundred years.


    By the time they had reached the port city every woman on the wagon including the driver had a piece of jewlery made by Lash. None of them were made with Ori he assured Jessabell. Who kissed him on the cheek for being so sweet to the ladies. Despite their pleasing appearance every one of the pieces was strong enough to stop a sword strike. A point that he even illustrated. So, they looked pretty and offered some basic protection. The Amazons loved it! Practical and pleasing to the eye! One of the best ways to a Amazons heart!


    ¡°There are people from the United Nations in the Port City, right?¡± Lash said as he got off the wagon and helped Jessabell along with a few other Amazons off the wagon as well. None of them needed the help, but they didn''t refuse.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Warden Lash. Anyone who knows about Wraith and you will not reveal your identity.¡± Said the wagon driver with a smile as she drove the wagon towards the stables.


    Lash conjured a simple glamour over himself. Different skin tone, eye color, no tattoos. Jessabell smiled at him, she could see through it. So would Lizzy and Isabella. But any mundanes or tech they would carry would see some one else. Of course him being a man on Themyscira alone would make him stick out like a sore thumb. It did too! As he and Jessabell walked towards a foreign national hotel in the port. The Amazons all waved and greeted him, but none of them said his name. Even when women from other countries asked. The Amazons refused to say anything. Lash sent word ahead to Lizzy and Isabella not to call out his name when he arrived.


    ''I''m a deputy Warden, Lash! I know!'' Lizzy replied.


    ''Got it!'' Messaged Isabella.


    ¡°Yes, I have met your sister. I met all the different pack members when you left for Tartarus. Yes, I have slept with her and Isabella.¡± Jessabell blurted out. Lash stumbled and nearly tripped. Jessabell laughed and helped him to his feet.


    ¡°It was one time, we all in a vulnerable place. We found that pack members give off a familiar feeling. No, it didn''t make things weird. So don''t make it weird, ok?¡± Jessabell pinned him with a stare.


    ¡°We wont.¡± Lash and Saurian both replied. Jessabell shivered every time they did that.


    ¡°By the way, I got to have Lash in bed. When will I have Saurian?¡± Jessabell asked, she had a bit of a bounce in her step.


    ¡°Tonight if you like, though I am not as gentle as Lash.¡± Saurian replied, though he used Lash''s body.


    ¡°This is why I love sex with were-breeds, its two for one! When I want something rough and hard. Ask the partner!¡± She smiled at them and continued to walk along.


    The Amazon''s took their security seriously! Lash knew that better than most. On every patrolwoman was a Technomancy necklace that scanned anyone the patrolwoman came across. Anyone didn''t match? Arrest them. Hidden security cameras were set up everywhere, someone does something illegal? Arrest them. Men try to sneak off the boats that come into the port? Arrest and or execute them! Little fuzzy on that part.


    The hotel Lizzy and Isabella stayed at was a really nice Greek mansion look alike. Every room was like a small home, fully furnished with all of modern day tech and amenities. While the ambient magic in the air, and the food made mundanes healthier by default. Amazon guides brought woman of all nationality in and out of the hotel. Every Amazon said hello to Lash and he returned the greeting. When they entered the lobby Lash saw Lizzy and Isabella.


    Elizabeth''s curly and fiery red hair was cut short but it was just above her shoulders. She had an outstanding figure as she wore a small tank top that was short around her mid section so you could see her muscled abdomen, and lower back. She had a pair of short shorts that perfectly hugged her firm ass. She had leather sandals on with the straps wrapped around her calves that seemed like normal footwear in the port city.


    Isabella had long deep brown hair, that was done up in a dutch style multi braid. Looked really nice! A collection of beads were tied in, that sparkled as the light caught them. She wore a tube top that barely contained her, and wore short shorts just like Lizzy. She also had leather sandals on. Her skin was a rich chocolate color. Her eyes were a little more red then before. She was Kindred after all.


    ¡°LASH!¡± Lizzy bolted from her position and tackled him...She completely forgot not to say his name. He rolled his eyes but didn''t admonish her for it. She wrapped her legs and arms around him and buried her face into his neck.


    ¡°Hello my dear sweet love. Come, lets move this some place more private?¡± Lash said to her softly. She jumped off of him and dragged him towards their room.


    ¡°You too, Jess!¡± Lizzy said, as she snagged Isabella. Jessabell tagged along and followed the train to their room.


    After a few turns, and up some stairs they came to a nice little condo in the mansion. One of the upper luxury rooms in the hotel. There was a Warden symbol on the door. Ah! Privileges that come with responsibility. Once inside the room, Lash hugged Isabella who returned the hug much the same as Lizzy did. She wrapped her legs around him and buried her face into his neck. She breathed him in and quivered in delight. She whispered to him.


    ¡°Why do you smell so good?¡± She said, she had locked her legs around him and refused to let go for a few minutes. Oddly enough Lizzy didn''t make any move to pull her off. Then at last she dropped down, her face a deep shade of red.


    Lizzy and Jessabell stood off to the side as they watched them. Lizzy held Jessabell''s hand and she rubbed her thumb over her skin again and again. Lizzy bit her lip as she watched Isabella climb down from Lash. Then pulled her wife over and kissed her lightly. Then Lizzy came over and hugged Lash again, she didn''t wrap her whole body around him this time. Just nestled into his arms, he obliged her. Though he was sure his armor didn''t make it comfortable she didn''t complain.


    ¡°We actually got here last night. But Jessabell wanted to properly punish you first before we got to see you. Now, before we get any further. Do you need to talk about Tartarus?¡± Lizzy asked, then stepped back. Lash flinched slightly, everyone noticed it.


    ¡°If you mean to decompress? No, not right now. But if you want to know about it academically I can do that. However, all of you are cleared to leave the Port City, right? Why don''t we leave so we don''t have to worry about eaves droppers?¡± Lash asked, they all agreed.


    Along the way Lash asked about simple things. The Shaw family was told that Lash volunteered for the red cross and had been across the globe the past year. But was due back in Gotham in the next few weeks. They wanted to host a dinner and talk to him. Lash was more then happy to attend. His home was still in his name, nothing had been touched. Dottie the Brownie spirit and her team still cleaned it every day. Dottie was fully aware that he was in Tartarus and simply said.


    ¡°Well we have to ensure his home is waiting for him when he returns.¡± Dottie said adamant that he would return. Lash would have to make her something nice.


    Despite his absence, the fact that the public believes he joined the red cross. The Wardens had all the paper work for it. He still had a client list as long as his arm? Why. Because his Siren statue in the Wayne Art Museum. That statue put him on the map when it came to the Art world. Not just East Coast. The world! The mundane, and even some super-natural clients wanted him to make a piece for them when he got back. They were more then happy to wait.


    Lizzy and Isabella did get married. They had to get married before she started her deputy Warden training. As long as she had a preexisting relationship with a super-natural. Wardens are suppose to be neutral. Getting married to a member of a faction is not suppose to happen. But if you were together before? Well, they''ll work with you on it. Lash produced his wedding presents for them both. Both were Orichalcum necklaces, and both had the same life saving enchantments. Lizzy didn''t understand what Orichalcum was, but Isabell did. She screamed at him in shock. Thankfully at that point they were out of the Port City. Once Lizzy understood what Ori was she tried to give it back. Which ended up with her attempting to chase Lash. He easily out ran her.


    ¡°Do you think I''ll get a Domain of magic at my ceremony?¡± Lizzy said, as she panted. She was surprised again and again at Lash''s skill, resources, and stamina. She could not catch him!


    ¡°Its possible. Normally you get something that either increases an already available skill or ability you have. Or they unlock the potential for something. Just like Lash did when he got the Nature Domain.¡± Jessabell said.


    ¡°Wait, Lizzy how did the interview go with your Fae Court Envoys?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious about the outcome. Lizzy turned bright red and tried to hide behind Jessabell. As Isabella laughed her head off.


    ¡°I believe her correct words were. How the fuck did I fuck them both on the same day?¡± Isabella laughed as Lizzy pretended to throttle her wife.


    ¡°I wasn''t aware that sex with your envoy on the first meeting was an option?¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Yes, Lash. Not everyone has the self-control you do!¡± Lizzy shouted at him, and turned away to pout.


    ¡°Yes, technically sex is just another way to gleam information. If you had tried Lash, I would have fucked you too. But then you would have gotten a different report, and I would not have offered to you my home phone number. Being resistant to charm, and not falling for the honey trap was a good move.¡± Jessabell said, as she walked over and kissed his cheek.


    ¡°So...Man? Woman?¡± Lash asked Lizzy.


    ¡°Summer was a man, Winter was a Woman. They both visited on the same day, they both got me to admit several things. Holy crap the things they got me to say!¡± Lizzy was glum, and her shoulders drooped depressingly.


    ¡°Lizzy come here.¡± Lash said as he stopped walking. She came over and pouted a little. It was cute. He placed his hands on her shoulders, activated Skill Trainer then imprinted Super Human Stamina into her.


    Lizzy''s entire body went stiff as a board. Lash then cast Nature''s Supplement on her so her body would have the necessary fuel to make the change. When Isabella saw the spell she hopped over and looked at Lash expecting some magic. He laughed and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. She moaned in bliss. She leaned against him and rubbed her cheeks along his armor like a cat. Jessabell came over and helped Lizzy stand, she looked at her with a bit of concern then a light bulb went off in her eyes.


    ¡°That''s right! Its on your Warden Profile. You can inscribe abilities onto people. What did you give her?¡± Jessabell asked.


    ¡°Stamina. She will have more energy, she''ll regain energy faster, and activities will consume less energy. For those long days at work, and long nights in the bedroom.¡± Lash said. Isabella laughed with joy.


    ¡°Great! I always out last her! Maybe things will be different now!¡± Isabella cheered and pulled her wife into her arms. Lizzy groaned and tried to run away but was incredibly tired.


    ¡°Not that I''m complaining, but why Stamina?¡± Jessabell said, as the group continued on their walk.


    ¡°I don''t plan to hide Lizzy. If there is Warden business and she can help? I expect her to be there with me. Not running out of energy? Keeps you alive.¡± Lash said. Jessabell nodded as a warrior she understood. More often than not it was your lack of energy that killed you.


    Lash pulled them off the road and created a table, chairs, and proceeded to cook for them all. Lizzy was half asleep but perked up at the sight of food. They were smack dab in the middle of two towns. But some how Amazons still showed up. Lash didn''t care and fed everyone who showed up. By two in the afternoon there must have been over a hundred people. Simple food, but all of it made and enriched with magic. All it did was energize, fill them with satisfaction, and make them smile. Lash and his group caught a wagon going back to the capitol. After he broke everything down.


    Lizzy was asleep and leaned against Lash, she wrapped her arms around him. Like she was afraid he would disappear again. Isabella, and Jessabell were half asleep on the other side of the wagon. Lash was wide awake as he watched all three of them. He looked at the magical spirits that danced around the landscape. He spoke to a few, fed a few. A few spectral shadow beasts climbed onto the wagon. They freaked out when Lash said hello. Like when a cat is surprised and they jump? He calmed them down and fed them some Grave Domain magic. They soon crawled on top of him and fell asleep.


    ¡°Do you know what those are?¡± Jessabell said quietly so not to wake Isabella or Lizzy up.


    ¡°Shadow stalker, or soul hunter. They consume ambient soul energy. Which only happens when new life, specifically souls are born in an area. Can be dangerous when over fed. But normally are there to help with clean up. So other, more dangerous things don''t show up.¡± Lash said, Other Worldly Lore sent him the information.


    ¡°Lash, do you truly understand what you did? I''m not admonishing you, I think its amazing. The Amazons were slowly dying out. As long as they stay on Themyscira they are immortal to age. But they die in battle, or leave the island to eventually grow old and die? Eventually they would have become extinct. But you changed that. You saved an entire race, Lash.¡± Jessabell said, a smile was on her face.


    ¡°The first new born daughter of Themyscira was at the palace the other day. The Queen named her Lashala in my honor.¡± Lash said to her. Jessabell smiled wide at him.


    They didn''t talk for the rest of the ride. Part of Lash wished he could sleep, but he wasn''t tired. Eventually the shadow stalkers jumped off and went on their way. The wagon was checked by the city patrolwoman and let in. Lash gently woke his companions and they jumped off the wagon, Lash thanked the driver with his favorite Nature spells which earned him both a happy moan and a blushing face as the driver ran off. They all went back to Lash''s villa. Lizzy and Isabella were given a guest room and Lizzy collapsed onto the bed. Essentially her stamina bar had been reset. Started out at zero, was still being filled. The entire villa shook, as a sonic boom was heard over head. Jessabell looked around, confused. Then a knock came from the front door.


    ¡°Come on in Boy Scout, the door is unlocked.¡± Lash called. The door opened and in came Superman. Form fitting blue cloth, no tights! Long flowing red cape, the house symbol of El on his chest. A square jaw, piercing blue eyes, thick black wavy locks.


    ¡°Oh my! The girls were right he is hot!¡± Jessabell said out loud. She didn''t blush, or become bashful she just said the honest truth. Clark looked surprised though he looked at Lash.


    ¡°This is Jessabell, she my....family.¡± Lash said, Jessabell smiled at him.


    ¡°I am a member of his Pack, He is our Pack Master. Pack''s consider each other family. But don''t let that stop you from undressing me with your eyes. Superman!¡± Jessabell said to Clark. Superman blushed, it was cute! Lash had to admit it! Jessabell laughed with joy!


    ¡°Oh! Oh! Can we keep him Lash! I like him!¡± Jessabell said as she walked over and ran her fingers over Clark''s S.


    ¡°Ummm...Miss Jessabell...I umm..Oh my! Is it hot in here?¡± Superman was clearly flustered, Jessabell was a sexual creature that is very comfortable with her body. But she only teased him for a bit before she came to sit down in a new coach that been replaced after they had left. Lash came over and sat on the same coach with her, she adjusted so she could lean up against him.


    ¡°So! I...Ummmm. Lois said you emailed her! You plan to do another interview about your absence. That''s good...Ummm whats your cover...¡± Superman began to speak only to stop and gawk at Lash. Jessabell was the same because he had a divine light that glowed around him.


    ¡°In three weeks, thirteen hours, thirty two minutes, and sixteen seconds over North America. The pod that carries Kara Zor-El will arrive. Be careful son of Krypton, for she is the harbinger of change.¡± Lash''s voice was different, it was older and far more distant. Foresight had activated and consumed about 80% of his energy. Now Lash wanted a nap!


    ¡°That was a little more detailed than I am use to...¡± Lash said begrudgingly. He rubbed his head, Jessabell began to massage his neck which he was thankful for. FLOP! Superman sat down in an arm chair next to him. A huge smile on his face!


    ¡°Th...Tis....Just Wow! Three weeks!? I....That will be amazing!¡± Superman said, a giddy grin on his face.


    ¡°Superman, I know you were sent here as a newborn. But you were educated at your fortress correct?¡± Lash asked. Superman looked at him with a confused expression.


    ¡°Fortress?¡± Clark asked. Lash looked at him with a dead pan expression.


    ¡°Ya....The Fortress of Solitude....Up in the North pole? That radiates Krypton energy? That Fortress?¡± Lash said.... Neither Foresight or Cosmic Awareness activated. Maybe that one was a freebie?


    Superman jumped to his feet left through the door and jumped into the air. A few seconds later a sonic boom was heard. Best do it now instead of later? Lash groaned, but Jessabell pulled him down so his head was in her lap. She spent the next half hour stroking his face and just watched him rest. He activated Meditation and he regain his energy incredibly fast! Meditation kept getting experience prompts. Then another sonic boom took place outside, then another knock on the door.


    ¡°Come in!¡± Lash called out. Superman came back in with an even bigger grin on his face!


    ¡°I can''t believe I didn''t know that was there! I must have flown around the world over a hundred times but I never thought to check the north pole! There was a robotic assistant who knew my name! I saw holographic projections of my parents! There is an entire library of Kryptonian technology, history, culture! I....Don''t know how to read it though. But the robot said it could teach me! Ah! That''s right, Kara was older than me! She''ll speak Krypton!¡± Superman walked back and forth.


    Clark went on a tangent for a while, talked about things but didn''t wait for a reply. After a while he excused himself and said he would come back tomorrow morning to talk about the League. All of the founding members really wanted to meet Wraith. Lash only intended to stay on Themyscira for a few more days. He would still be on vacation, he just wanted to see Gotham in the spring. They had a simple dinner with Lizzy who was still half asleep, Isabella who laughed and pulled Lizzy into the bedroom. Lash and Jessabell went upstairs to the master bedroom. Jessabell looked at him with interest as he began to make the bedroom sound proof.


    ¡°What are you up to?¡± Jessabell didn''t understand as Lash just walked up the walls, doors, windows. A flash of magic, but nothing was different on the surface. Then he closed their bedroom door, and the balcony door. Went to the middle of the room by the bed. Took a deep breath then began to shift. Jessabell''s eyes went wide.


    The twelve foot tall, and twenty four foot long Carnosaur stood in the now small bedroom. Jessabell took a few steps back, not sure how to handle the sudden change. Jessabell had seen the videos of him in Berlin, and Hong Kong but seeing in a video, and in person was different. She knew he could get larger as well. Saurian cast Reduce and used Transformation. Soon he was eight feet tall, and sixteen feet long. He very easily pulled off his armor, and Jessabell was quick to pull hers off as well. Lash had made sure to reinforce the bed before he shifted.


    ¡°Get on the bed, I''ll try to be gentle.¡± Saurian''s voice rebuked no argument from Jessabell. She shivered both in delight and in fear. What was this going to be like. Jessabell had been with were-breeds before. But Saurian was so much more then she was use to.


    ¡°Gaaaaahhhhhaaaa!¡± Jessabell let out a tiny scream, and a moan of pleasure. Saurian linked her up with Pack Bond. She gained a 30% increase to her stats. This was much more than last time. Then Saurian did something that neither Lash or Jessabell had thought of.


    The Pack Bond allowed the pack to share, thoughts, feelings, emotions...Urges. Saurian climbed into bed, turned Jessabell around so her ass was towards him. He stuck his far larger then Lash''s cock between her legs and pushed back and forth along her clitoris. Every sensation, every feeling Jessabell felt was mirrored onto Saurian. Every touch, lick, kiss, gasp, and moan was mirrored onto Jessabell. What she felt he felt, what he felt she felt.


    ¡°Gaaaaahhaaaaaaaa!¡± Jessabell had an orgasm and it spilled across Saurians cock. That was all the foreplay Jessabell would get tonight.


    Saurian spread her legs apart, Jessabell helped him into her and inch by painful inch came from behind. Jessabell moaned, and screamed in pleasure. Her increase in stats helped her heal and grow accustom to his length in seconds. But Saurian was not even half way and Jessabell could not take anymore! What to do? Saurian cast Enlarge on Jessabell and she grew by another two feet. Now she could accommodate him!


    Saurian pulled Jessabell off the bed, her back flush against his chest as she rode him reverse cowgirl. He was careful of his claws as he massaged her breasts. Jessabell cried, and moaned in pleasure as she went up and down his massive cock! Like a jack hammer, over and over! Saurian pushed her back down into he bed, he pulled one of her legs up while he straddled the other. He pushed in and out of her at the sharp angle! Jessabell screamed in orgasm, her cum splattered across his cock. But Saurian did not relent. He pulled her up once more so she could face him, he stood from the bed and held her aloft with his massive arms, and his cock as the anchor!


    Jessabell panted and moaned, her eyes rolled into the back of her head. She lost her senses! She forgot where she was she came so hard! She wrapped her legs around Saurian as best as she could. This was so much different from Lash! His scales were soft in places, and rough in others. There was a point where Saurian dropped his hands and Jessabell hung on his cock alone as he stood in the bedroom. He pushed her up against a wall, and rammed his cock into her again and again. He took her whole breast into his mouth and sucked on it, while his tongue lashed across her nipple. Jessabell was terrified! But she wanted more! It was at this moment that Jessabell understood, if Saurian was not careful he could kill her! But this just made her even more excited! She came again! And again! The floor beneath them was wet with their bodies fluids.


    Saurian pulled her from the wall, and brought her to the bed. He pulled out of her and she had an orgasmic spasm just from the movement. She wanted more, but soon understood. Saurian knelt on the bed and demanded that Jessabell clean his cock. She came to his thick, snake skin cock and licked it up and down. She moaned in delight, and when he was clean he flipped her around face first and plunged into her again from behind! She screamed in ecstasy, as his cock rode into her again and again. Only after three hours had passed did Saurian cum...once. Jessabell came as well as she felt the warm fluid of his seamen fill her vagina. He pulled out of her, and came to her side on the bed. His body and tail coiled around her almost protectively. Jessabell was covered in sweat, pre ejaculation, and after cum. Then screamed in surprise as Saurian began to clean her skin with his rough almost sand paper tongue. It hurt but it also felt amazing! Saurian did not spare any place, he cleaned every nook, cranny, hole, and crevice on Jessabell''s body. She came twice just from the experience. So that meant he had to start again. By the time he was finished her entire body was red and raw from over exfoliation.


    Jessabell was spent! She was half asleep when she felt the human hands of Lash pull her over to him. She snuggled into his arms, and a sense of comfort came over her. Lash pulled the bed sheets over them and settled down in the bed. There was only a few more hours till morning. But Jessabell felt like she could sleep for a day. Her entire body was sore, especially between her legs!


    ¡°I think....I can only be with Saurian once a month at most. That was just to intense for me.¡± Jessabell whispered faintly.


    ¡°He warned you, he wouldn''t be gentle.¡± Lash replied, as he stroked her back softly.


    ¡°Out of all the were-breeds I''ve slept with. Your partnership takes the top. No contest. But I have to wonder. Are you capable of being rough? Or did you just be gentle with me because it was our first time?¡± Jessabell asked sleepily.


    ¡°Because it was our first time, trust me Jessabell. I will enjoy hearing you scream just like Saurian did.¡± Lash said with a grin.


    ¡°I look....forward...to....it.....¡± Jessabell murmured and fell asleep.


    Lash lay in bed with an exhausted Jessabell, he was...Wide awake! He disconnected Pack Bond. But still cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on himself and Jessabell. Jessabell stirred in her sleep but didn''t wake up. Then he cast Immaculate to clean them both, and the entire bedroom. Spotless! He pulled out his phone from his storage. He activated Connectivity and began to look up all the companies he helped before he went under.


    Several of the smaller companies were absorbed into larger companies. But a few kept at it and grew into mid size companies themselves. His Tech summit had a huge impact, a majority of the tools he made for the different countries were taken apart to reverse engineer but once they took it apart they couldn''t get it to work again. But still the application, and engineering made them think outside the box. The pharmaceutical companies had learned how to regrow tissue, a company in South Korea learned how to grow and attach lost limbs. Japan collected all the trash from the nearby landfills, seas and oceans and converted them into a bio organic fuel, and construction material. Starling City, the home of Green Arrow was now producing more energy then it consumed. Queen Industries along with Merlyn Industries rebuilt skyscrapers, offices, homes. Merlyn made affordable, cheap, durable, and flexible building materials made from trash! While every window, roof top, and wall. Had solar panels, wind turbines, and electrical absorption system. Starling City almost had no pollution!


    Big Belly Burger made ready to eat meal bars that had all the protein, vitamins, minerals, and water in a single meal! They also tasted pretty good! Each meal bar went for a single dollar. Wayne Tech produced the first holographic computer, phone, and television. Yes, they were incredibly expensive but new versions came out every few months. They got cheaper with every version. Ace Chemicals created a bacteria that can eat chemical and nuclear waste. Janus Cosmetics created a skin cream that not only reduces scar tissue but helps it heal. Palmer tech made a nanite surgical tool that repair damage organs by simply programming them and injecting them. Lex-Corp had created a pill that you take once a week. If taken properly can add up to eight years to your life.


    Lash wrote an email to the Warden HQ, marked it casual reply. So get to it when they get to it. What was the plan for his return? His cover story for being gone, etc, etc. Not even twenty seconds after he sent it he got a huge information packet about options, news, information, and his urgent request for a debrief as soon as he was ready and healthy to leave Themyscira. A little note was attached telling him that a year in hell is more then enough time for him to take a vacation. Take his time coming back. Lash understood but he couldn''t stay in Themyscira forever. He needed to get a debrief in so he was all caught up. But another day or two on an island paradise wont be so bad....


    ¡°What should we do today...¡±

 Chapter 52: May I have Jam!?

    The morning sun rose over the island paradise and Lash slowly moved out of the bed with Jessabell. He tucked her back in as she moved into the space he had taken up and snuggled into it. She muttered something about honey dew tea, and fell back asleep. Lash smiled at her, and put on his Warden/Daemonic gear. He wasn''t sure why he did, he just felt comfortable in it. He went to the kitchen and started to make breakfast for his house mates. As they were alone his necklace Familiar became animated and flew from his neck and began to inspect the room. Dawn the mystical dragon checked the doors, windows, and house plants. Which Lash fed some Nature magic to.


    Lash fed some strawberries to Dawn, she landed on the table top and munched on them softly. She soon lost her mind when he added chocolate to the equation, her tail thumped back and forth across the table top as she would lick the chocolate off first then eat the strawberry. Lash took out, or created what he needed for coffee and honey dew tea before he spoke to his Familiar.


    ¡°Dawn, I haven''t received a health notice in a while. Am I good on time?¡± Lash said softly, he began to cut some vegetables into pieces.


    ¡°Yes, Master! You are perfectly healthy and still have plenty of time before your next check out. The Administrator VI has left and stated that if you experience any more bleed effects fill out another form and they''ll return. The Developers also say thank you for volunteering for the time extension Beta tool.¡± Dawn the cute baby dragon said, then returned to her strawberries.


    ¡°Of course with the time extension it will be even longer between store visits. But, once the store does open I''ll have even more points to spend. Any new version updates?¡± Lash poured some butter and oil into a pan and threw the mixing for some omelets in. He made sure to cook some beef and hand it to the dragon.


    ¡°That is correct, Master. The more time spent in the world creates Dream Points, as does the effect on the world. The more change, the more points! A majority of the new version updates effects new Users. Or when they create a new generated world. Easy access tools, a linear progression through the tutorial. The different mission sub-types, and advancements. Things that directly effect you are. Your imported VI avatar in other Users worlds is far stronger than most. This of course included everyone who opted for the Beta time tool. And....¡± Dawn munched on the piece of cooked beef but stopped talking when they both heard some one upstairs move around towards the bathroom.


    ¡°And...¡± Lash asked, after he started to cook again.


    ¡°There is a loyalty system the Developers want to test out. Where Users can up vote or down vote different VI Avatars they encounter. However, it is currently in the test phase and many already see it being abused by friends who want to up vote a friend. More up votes you get the more World Points for new games, or Dream Points for existing games.¡± Dawn finished off her beef and flew over for more. Lash accommodated her.


    ¡°So, the system would allow people to thank the VI Avatar of another User for help. Or down vote a User for ruining a plan. Depends on what side of the moral compass they are on. On paper that sounds like a great idea. But the Developers are absolutely right, Users would abuse that tool to no end.¡± Lash agreed.


    Lash finished with breakfast and created several Phantasms of tiny little lizards that scampered off to wake up his house mates. Each one would continue to say ''It is time for breakfast!'' Over and over, even if they were squished, stepped on, or stabbed. A resounding, eeeeeeek! Went through the house before.


    ¡°Fucking! Shit! Balls! Fuck! Fuck! Yes we are coming! Lash! Call off your hounds!¡± Lizzy screamed from their room. The lizards troop that belonged to them scampered back into the kitchen with a mission well done and popped into particles.


    Jessabell walked in about a minute later, she wore a silk robe that was loosely wrapped around her sexy body. Just enough to let you peak and get an eye full if you were willing to chance it. Her hair was wet from a shower, she came through the kitchen kissed Lash on his cheek and looked around with expectant eyes. Lash handed her a tall glass of honey dew tea. A smile bloomed that was pure bliss until she froze at the sight of a baby mystic dragon on the table top eating strawberries.


    ¡°Lash.... Who is that?¡± Jessabell pointed at Dawn. Lash was startled for a moment and realized that Dawn didn''t hide like she normally did. But, it didn''t really matter.


    ¡°That''s Dawn, she is my Familiar. A gift from my Patron for a job well done. My Patron also cleansed me of any Tartarus corruption. That is why I am not in quarantine right now.¡± Lash gave another chocolate strawberry to Dawn. Who was ecstatic and began to lick the chocolate off.


    Jessabell looked at him, then back at the tiny mystical dragon who blinked her larger than average lilac eyes at her. She was a baby after all. The dragon slowly opened her mouth and chewed on the strawberry keeping eye contact with Jessabell. Some sort of feminine communication took place that Lash was not aware of even though he watched them. Jessabell nodded her head once as did Dawn. The seductive sylvan turned around and kissed Lash on the lips lightly before she took her seat at the dinning room table.


    ¡°Anything I need to know?¡± Lash asked his Familiar.


    ¡°No, Master! Everything is great! May I have jam!?¡± Dawn said cutely.


    Lash gave her some fresh warm biscuits, butter, and jam. The mystic dragon flew over to the dinning room table and carried the food, and tools to spread the food through the air with magic. Lash knew it was something he didn''t have because Observant Learner activated and tried to learn telekinesis.....1%.


    Lizzy walked into the kitchen with wet hair, she also wore a silk robe as well that was also loosely tied on. Her voluptuous figure barely concealed, she glared at Lash when she walked in. But soon brightened up at the full spread on the dinning room table. She grumbled walked over and kissed his cheek. Lash buried his face into her neck and licked her neck just below her earlobe. She squeaked in surprise and jumped back! Her face turned crimson red, she pointed a jagged figure of reprisal at him but he just grinned. She stomped over to the table only to squeal in glee at the sight of Dawn the baby dragon who was in the process of eating a biscuit covered in jam.


    Isabella walked in the kitchen with a towel wrapped around her hair. She also wore a silk robe that was barely tied. The seductive sway of her hips and positive glow that came off of her let Lash know that Lizzy and Isabella had some anaerobic exercise in the morning. Isabella didn''t grumble or groan she walked straight to Lash, wrapped her arms around him. She kissed his cheek and buried her face into his neck to breath him in. She pressed flush against him and may have wiggled just a little in the right places. She whispered into his ear.


    ¡°The armor is a good idea, keeps me and Lizzy from mauling you.¡± Isabella said softly. Lash leaned in and bit her earlobe softly. Isabella''s entire body went rigid and she bit back a moan before she spoke again.


    ¡°That was mean.... Do it again sometime!¡± Isabella said, a seductive look in her eyes. She walked towards the dinning room table with a clear seductive sway of her hips.


    Lash watched her move then went back to the kitchen to finish cooking. He hadn''t used Insight on Jessabell, Lizzy, or Isabella. Why? Because he felt it took the fun and mystery out of it. He loved Lizzy, cared about Isabella, and had a lot of attraction towards Jessabell. If anything more grew from it then it will grow naturally. Lash brought the last of the food over and sat down with his house mates. Jessabell was directly to his left, Lizzy was to his right, and Isabella was right of Lizzy. Dawn the baby dragon was in the middle of the table. They had breakfast!


    ¡°So hell has an ecosystem?¡± Isabella asked, clear confusion on her face. They were about half way through breakfast when they started to talk.


    ¡°Tartarus does yes, its based on the simple idea that the soul is a renewable power source. The hellscape regenerates the dead so you are hunted, killed, eaten, repeat. My Nature Domain worked there, I was able to feed the plants and a few animals. They not only left me alone, even helped on occasion.¡± Lash said as munched on a scone....hmmmmm scones. Knock! Knock! Came from the front door.


    ¡°Come on in, Princess Diana! Superman!¡± Lash called out, he smelled Clark''s after shave along with Diana''s natural scent.


    Diana walked in casually as if she was visiting an old friend and no walls existed between them. She came straight to the kitchen and smiled at the room. Superman was a little more skittish, he tip toed in. Not sure how to act, it was early morning he had clearly heard Lash was having breakfast. Then he saw three bewitching beauties in nothing but bathrobes that were not properly tied at all! But before Superman could excuse himself Lash snagged him and pulled him over to the table for some food. As if by magic! There was a space between Isabella and Lizzy who were more then happy to have the man of steel between them! Like a bear trap Superman sat down and had two barely clothed women pressed against him. They began to feed him food, and stroked his muscles. Clark had a hard time breathing normally, his face blushed red. Aha! Hands! Hands in his lap!


    ¡°So, who are the founding members of the Justice League?¡± Lash asked, as he prepared a plate for Diana who took it with a smile. They both ignored how Lizzy, and Isabella sandwiched Clark. While Jessabell had sneaked behind the Superman, she began to massage his clearly sore muscles. Jessabell pressed her breasts into Superman so he had proper head support.


    ¡°Me, Superman, Batman, Green Arrow, Flash, Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Shazam, Martian Man Hunter, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Aquaman, and Aquawoman. Technically you are on that list, but just as you talked about you are not a public member.¡± Diana said, as she began to eat the meal that was prepared. She smiled wide at Lash''s cooking. It always tasted amazing.


    ¡°So, that''s why the Wardens didn''t know that Lash was a part of the League. Its true, technically he can''t join. It would ruin his stance of neutrality. But, he still can help when asked.¡± Jessabell said as she had finished teasing Superman who was beat red and wanted to escape the situation. Jessabell came over and retied her robe with a smirk. She came to sit next to Lash, then began to gently brush Dawn who was asleep on the table.


    ¡°Ahem! Ladies please! Ahem! We...Aeeuuhh! Gah! We had to explain to the League who you are. I mean to say they still call you Wraith. It''s just Wraith works for another part of the government in conjunction with the UN. Which is true!¡± Superman tried to chime in, and jumped in surprise when Isabella found something long and hard in his lap and had to grab onto it.


    Jessabell rolled her eyes and snagged the two naughty ladies from the table. All three of them kissed Lash on the cheek before they excused themselves upstairs to Lash''s bedroom. He did have the biggest bathroom and bed. Lash took a moment to pull Dawn to him and had her revert to her necklace state around his neck. Neither Diana or Superman said anything about Dawn.


    ¡°So they don''t know my name? It''s not that I don''t trust the League but...¡± Lash let the question hang in the air.


    ¡°No one is pressured to reveal their identity. Aside from myself, and J''onn oh! That''s the martian. Everyone is referred to their code names, and we leave our personal lives out of the League. We''ve even told Arthur about the need to keep your actual identity secret. He agreed, as did Mera.¡± Diana said.


    ¡°So, aside from Superman and J''onn. Do we have any confirmed aliens working on the League? If we can show the world that not all aliens are bad it will help with their public image.¡± Lash asked, he cast Connectivity and projected the images above the table. The overall public image of Aliens across the world.


    ¡°Hal, and John are both human. They just obtained a Green lantern ring from the corp. An intergalactic peace keeping initiative. Everyone else is human, or if not human they were at least born on Earth.¡± Clark said, he leaned back in his chair when Lash stared at him.


    ¡°Is that what they said? Or did no one think to ask? Or would that fringe on the privacy account we have?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°I believe it would skirt the line of privacy. As long as it doesn''t effect the security of the Earth, and the mission of the League does it really matter?¡± Diana asked.


    ¡°No, of course your right. Sorry, sometimes politics gets the best of me. Wow...When did that happen!¡± Lash said, and then had a look of horrific realization on his face. Both Diana and Clark smiled at him in understanding.


    ¡°The Public and Covert operations team for the inexperienced. Do we have a roster?¡± Lash asked after he came to terms that he had grown into a political creature.


    ¡°Arsenal, Kid Flash, Robin, Batgirl, Zatanna, Miss Martian. Technically speaking Miss Martian is the oldest. But from martian maturity she is still a teenager. Aresnal, Kid Flash, Robin, Batgirl, are still with their mentors. Zatanna, and Miss Martian also known as Me''ghan or Meghan are on standby. Zatanna is currently on the Vegas strip as a stage magician as she looks for her father. Giovanni Zatara has been missing for nearly five months. No one has any idea where he is. Me''ghan is.... Complicated.¡± Diana spoke softly at the end.


    ¡°Add another possible candidate. The young woman who came out with me from Tartarus. Dia Nyx, along with her super friends that she had. They may be viable options. But we will have to figure out the truth behind why she was sent to Tatarus. Was it an accident, or done on purpose?¡± Lash said objectively.


    ¡°Agreed! She has a lot of potential but no place to put it.¡± Diana said loudly.


    ¡°We could also add Kara Zor-El to the roster after she becomes acclimated, Superman?¡± Lash turned to Clark who had been quiet for a while. Clark''s eyes got wide at the idea that he could fight side by side with his cousin.


    ¡°I....Lets just have her come to Earth safely first.¡± Clark said.


    ¡°Hold on....Do you know when Kara is arriving? I still remember that day in Metropolis when you made a prophecy.¡± Diana asked.


    After that Lash and Clark explained the exact time and position of Kara. Diana was happy for Clark, but worried about the phrase ''Harbinger of Change''. Diana suggested that they go meet with Dia together. A familiar face would be better then two strangers. Lash agreed, he went up his bedroom and found Jessabell, Lizzy, and Isabella together in bed....Asleep. He kissed each of them on the forehead and left a note.


    The trio made their way to the primary spell-healers in the capitol where Dia was being quarantined. Diana explained to Superman that the underworld has a toxic environment on the living, and the soul. Clark remembered he felt sick after the battle with Ares at the gates of the Underworld and understood that time spent there would kill most people. Lash gave a brief explanation that his Cosmic Patron cleansed him of the corruption as a reward for a job well done. Otherwise he''d be in quarantine just like Dia. Lash took a bit to explain who Dia was with out giving away to much. Example he did not tell them she was Trigons daughter. Or that the Fallen One was her half brother.


    The trio were led into an isolation ward of the building of Healers. A stink was in the air, a stink that could not be washed away. It was stagnant and hard to breath, and made people feel queasy and light headed. They would hear whispers, voices that would speak to their ear. They would turn and see nothing. The shadows would grow, and reach out to them like scavengers. As they got closer the could hear a woman moan, and scream in misery! Dia was in pain but no one could help her. This feeling was like an addict being detoxed.


    Dia Nyx wore a simple hospital room. But this room had magically enchanted bars to keep things in. A spell circle was carved around the room as an extra measure. A bed was bolted to the ground, with a minimal privacy screen that hide a toilet, and a shower spout. Dia was over the toilet vomiting over and over. She cried, and wailed in pain. Diana and Clark both looked sick, and was filled with pity. Lash had a cool and calm face on as he he approached the door, opened it and walked in.


    ¡°Go away! I....I don''t want any help! I....Unless you came to kill me!¡± Dia screamed at who ever came into the room with her.


    Dia was pale, sickly, and strung out. She looked like she hadn''t slept or eaten in days. She wore a simple gown that was stained with vomit, sweat, and blood. The seductive voluptuous ? succubus figure was gone. All that was left was a strung out addict who didn''t deserve the fate she was given. She didn''t go into Tatarus willingly, she didn''t ask to be tortured. She didn''t ask to absorb the toxic nature of hell. Lash snapped his figures, Immaculate cleaned the whole room along with Dia. She looked clean, but that was all that was better.


    ¡°I made a lot of effort to get you out of Tartarus, Dia Nyx. Why would I come to kill you now?¡± Lash said. Dia whipped around with blood shot eyes. She bolted from the toilet and ran into Lash with a thunk! He did have armor on, she didn''t seem to care.


    ¡°You came! You came! Thank you! Thank you! I...I thought you left me behind!¡± Dia sobbed as she clung to Lash like her life depended on it.


    With some effort and the use of Calm Emotions Lash got Dia into bed. He had a vomit bucket nearby but he took a seat with her. He began to tell her about the Justice League and how if she wanted she could be a part of the younger operations team. But, they did need to find out about how she went to Tartarus. She still didn''t know if it was an accident or not, she gave her friends names and information. She and her friends fought a demon conjurer, a portal opened up and she felt a push from behind her. The claws of Tartarus reached out and swallowed her. She didn''t know if the push came from her conjurer or one of her friends. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on Dia. She looked dramatically better. The toxic build up in her system was removed. But the problem was the taint on her soul. The toxicity would slowly rebuild over time. She had to be wrung out. Curse Break didn''t work, and Soul Heal didn''t even activate. Special circumstances that one.


    Lash channeled his Grave Domain and looked at Dia''s soul. It was twisted, gnarled, and looked infected. But it was intact. Soul Heal would actually make this worse, the stain would feed on the magic. Lash was happy the spell didn''t activate, even if he didn''t know better the spell did. He could give her a new body with Reincarnation but the infected soul would come along for the ride. Lash couldn''t do anything, he didn''t like that feeling. So he held Dia''s hand till she fell asleep, she went to sleep clutching his hand and a smile was on her face she closed her eyes.


    ¡°I don''t like this feeling of not being able to help.¡± Lash said out loud.


    ¡°I know the feeling, we both do. We are great warriors, Lash. But you are a talented healer and a hunter. You have more use then we do.¡± Diana said, she came to his side and patted his shoulder. Clark came over and his other side and did the same.


    Lash did the next best thing, he reached into his storage and pulled out some magical materials. Maybe 1% Orichalcum, and crafted a simple enchanted item with Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Essence Imbeument into a necklace. He put it around Dia, and left a note in her mind through Telepathy. At least she wouldn''t have to throw up any more. He stood up and the trio left the house of healing. Lash informed the healers about the necklace, they understood the implications and said they would take care of it.


    Congratulations User! Sooth has evolved into Minor Sooth.


    Effects: Works on a wider range of physiology.


    Congratulations User! Nature''s Supplement has evolved into Minor Nature''s Supplement.


    Effects: Works on a wide range of physiology.


    ¡°Alright! I have a favor I need to ask of both of you.¡± Lash said as the exited the healing house.


    ¡°Name it!¡± Clark said, Diana agreed.


    ¡°Princess Diana, I need a structurally sound arena. Then I need the most tank like Amazons in Themyscira to meet me there. If you want to be included in that line up, it works just as well. Superman, you and the Amazons are going to beat the crap out of me. I know, sounds weird. I''ve spent the past year in Tartarus. I need to gain an awareness of my powers, skills, and control over my combat persona. So this way when I go back to Gotham I don''t indiscriminately murder people simply because I sneezed in their direction.¡± Lash said to them both. Clark and Diana looked at him, and after a bit of thinking it made sense!


    ¡°Ok....To the Grand Arena!¡± Diana shouted!


    ================================================================


    ¡°So, what are we doing?¡± Arthur asked Mera as she continued to pull him towards a huge coliseum made of stone and metal.


    ¡°Lash...Wraith is currently fighting the Amazon Elite Guard, along with Diana, and Superman! At the same time! It was supposedly practice because he wanted to get a feel for his abilities after a year in hell so he wouldn''t accidentally kill people when he went back to Gotham. But it''s....Kinda turned into a sporting event?¡± Mera said with a huge smile!


    Arthur had gone full native and wore sandals, a leather kilt, with a simple cotton vest. His thick long hair was braided, as was his beard. He towered over Mera as she continued to pull him towards the arena. He smiled at her and went along. Mera wore sandals as well but wore a mid thigh leather skirt that showed a lot of leg, and a simple sheer fabric that wrapped around her bouncing chest. Her radiant red hair flowed freely down her back. Boom! Boom! The ground around the arena shook, as cheers roared from the coliseum.


    Mera brought Arthur to the executive box were Queen Hippolyta watched with clear delight on her face. Jessabell, Lizzy, and Isabella sat in the private box as well as they laughed and watched the fight commence. Arthur looked in and instantly had a huge grin on his face. He looked at Mera with a grin and she rolled her eyes. After a minute Arthur ran into the area with simple leather armor on, and a trident in hand! Time to play!


    =================================================================


    BAM! Superman slammed his fist into the ground right where Lash hand been standing a moment ago. Lash jumped away, when he hit the ground he exploded into copies of himself that danced and ran around the arena. Dozens of Saurus Soldiers in armor fought against the Amazon Elite Guard. Lash reached out and cast Call Lighting which struck Superman square in the chest, the man of steel was shot back like a rocket and collided with the arena wall. Superman crawled out of the imprint with a smile on his face, clearly he was enjoying himself. The lighting was a surprise but it barely tickled!


    The real Lash rolled to his left, immediately after Diana slammed her knee into the ground where he stood. She kicked up some dust and chased after him with a yell! Diana had figured out a trick! The enchanted Ori necklace she wore would always grow warm, and vibrate when it was near the real Lash. Lash abruptly turned around with a kick and struck Diana, she held her arm guards up and blocked the blow but electricity danced across her armor and she was blown back. She had a clear smile on her face! A battle among friends was always a good time!


    ¡°Laaaaash! This is not fair!¡± Superman called out from across the arena. He was surrounded by sexy, seductive, and barely clothed Phantasms of Lois Lane! Superman attempted to dance around them but they would bounce, grapple, and do their best to tie him down. He was reluctant to hurt them!


    ¡°Gaaaaah!¡± Arthur screamed and brought his Trident down on top Lash. Crack! Lash brought his Transformation tail around and bashed Arthur and his trident clear across the arena. Into the waiting arms of the Saurus warriors!


    ¡°Ok! Time to get serious!¡± Lash called out Saurian. The twelve foot tall, and twenty four foot long Carnosaur warrior stood with Warden/Daemonic studded leather and half-breast plate armor on. He let out a roar and used Intimidating Shout which did absolutely nothing to any one there! Right, they could resist it! Well it made him feel better!


    Lash had fought in the arena for about two hours, Saurian was rested and ready for battle! He charged straight towards Diana, she flew towards him with a resounding slam! They came to a stand still in the middle of the arena. The stalemate surprised Diana for a brief moment before she started to push Saurian back though it took...Crack! A massive tail came from her side and flung her across the arena into the sands.


    Dozens of Elite guard came from the battle from the Saurus warriors that continued to re spawn. They charged at Saurian and thrust their spears, and swords into him and his scales stopped the worst of the damage. This surprised them greatly! But even more when they sunk into the ground, no the entire sand pit grew into a murky bog! Lash and Saurian were delighted!


    Congratulations User! Mud Marsh as evolved into Minor Mud Marsh.


    Effects: Increase in power, range, and decrease in power consumption.


    Effects: A natural slow movement is applied to enemies, and fast movement is applied to allies.


    SLAM! Superman flew across the arena and brought his fist into Saurian straight into his face. Saurian yelled out in surprise and pain as he flopped into the marsh. Inter. Damage Resistance got a huge increase in experience, as did Inter. Natural Energy Absorption. Diana flew over and wrapped her lasso of truth around Saurian. She yanked and pulled then became embarrassed when she remembered the lasso doesn''t work on him. Or maybe it was because Saurian did a barrel roll into the swamp and left Diana behind in the marsh. With a simple yank the lasso came undone from Saurian''s neck. Arthur threw his trident straight at Saurian and it went straight into his chest plate....By about an inch. Saurian looked down at the trident then back at Arthur. Saurian made a gripping motion and pulled, Arthur flew forward and was close lined by Saurian''s tail. Inter. Energy Manipulation got another spike of experience!


    Another twenty Saurus warriors joined the fray as Essence Imbuement, Phantasm, False Life, Parallel Minds, and Virtual Intelligence got more experience. The Elite guard met the new warriors with vigor and smiles on their faces! Weapons clashed against the illusion scales of the warriors, the Saurus pounced, clawed, and lashed out. Danger Sense and Foresight activated together, Saurian stepped to the left avoided Superman as he rushed to punch him, Saurian reached out and raked his claws through Superman''s clothing, through his skin, and partially through his muscles. Superman slid to a stop in the arena and cried out in pain! The whole arena went quiet in shock....Superman is bleeding?! That had never happened before!


    Congratulations User! True Damage has evolved into Minor True Damage.


    Effects: 5% of all damage is True Damage!


    The ground grew solid once more, the Saurus warriors burst into Illusion Domain particles. Diana flew over to check on Superman who stood up and laughed, he had a smile on his face now instead of shock. He shouted out to everyone.


    ¡°Its alright everyone! I''m already healing, it was just a shock! I can''t remember the last time something actually hurt me!¡± Superman called out, the huge crowd in the arena seemed a little more at ease.


    ¡°Lets call this battle to its end! Please give a warm thank you to our warriors that participated, and to our brother! Warden Lash, and his Partner Hunter Saurian!¡± Queen Hippolyta called out. The crowd stood up and cheered for the battle.


    Saurian came towards Superman and inspected the wound, he was right it was barely a scratch at this point. But Saurian had clearly cut him with his claws. He reached out and cast Repair to mend the damaged suit. Saurian pulled out Arthurs trident from his breast plate and handed it to him. Arthur laughed and took it. Saurian wanted to keep fighting but it was a good place to stop. He called on Lash, and after a few moments. Lash stood with everyone again.


    ¡°Well, I would say that is a good measurement of my capabilities. Thanks everyone. Sorry Arthur if I''d known you wanted to participate I would have called for you.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Hay! If there is a fight give me a call! If we are just having a good ole fashion brawl? I''m there too!¡± Arthur grinned.


    ¡°Agreed! This was a good match, Lash! It taught us all a valuable lesson in your abilities. Though you could not take any of us in a straight fight. You can play interference against our enemies, and support our people in battle.¡± Diana chimed in.


    ¡°Also we can use you as a trump card. There are not many things in this world that can cut me! Imagine what you can do to our enemies.¡± Superman said with a grin.


    ¡°Princess, the Queen would like to call all of you to an informal meeting on the terrace.¡± A guard spoke to them.


    Diana led the troop of Lash, Superman, and Arthur to the terrace that Lash had tea with Queen Hippolyta from before. Mera, Jessabell, Lizzy and Isabella all sat at the table with the Queen, and General Philipus who was out of armor! Philipus wore a simple leather skirt that went past her knees, a leather vest that barely contained her breasts, and nothing else. Everyone took their seats after they watched Lash attempt to keep etiquette and the queen told him to sit. They drank, and ate for a bit and talked about the match. Then after little more then an hour the queen turned to Lash.


    ¡°Lash, the villa that you are staying in as been given to you. We have given you the unofficial title of ''Brother'' to the Amazons. So, you will always have a home here with us. You are of course welcome to stay in Themyscira as long as you like. But I feel that the easy life is not suited for you, especially after today''s display.¡± Queen Hippolyta said, Lash stood up and bowed from his waist. Even with the glare from the queen.


    ¡°Thank you for the privilege and honor you have shown me ''my Queen''.¡± Lash said, emphasis on my queen. Then took a seat, Queen Hippolyta, Philipus, and Diana all had smiles on their faces. They understood what he just did.


    ¡°Excuse me, why is it unofficial?¡± Arthur asked, he was confused.


    ¡°Lash is a Warden, he is not allowed to belong to a faction. Though the day he is no longer a Warden the Amazons will make it official. One of the few men in all of our history that we call brother.¡± Diana replied to him.


    ¡°Wait, I thought Lash was declared a Winter Knight by Queen Mab? Isn''t that a faction?¡± Lizzy asked. Jessabell groaned and rubbed her face.


    ¡°She was not suppose to do that! But, he healed that portion of the Winter Queen''s soul. It was a grand but accidental gift that Lash showed her. So she repaid in kind, it has caused a huge problem with the dynamic between Winter and Summer. That is why Lash is required to participate in the Summer Solstice Hunting ritual. As long as Lash can pass the finish line as a hunted the Summer Queen plans to name him a Summer Knight. I can promise you Lash, the Summer Solstice Hunt will be a hundred times worse. They''ve now had two years to prepare for it.¡± Jessabell said, she grumbled and hid her face.


    The group continued to talk about factions, rules, and why Lash can''t join them. An average Warden would be able to join a faction and the super-natural community wouldn''t care. Lash was way to high profile! Technically the Justice League was a mundane faction, but Lash suggested they have a super-natural team in place that can help create a dialogue between the mundanes and super-natural world. Shield and Sword, along with the Wardens do a good job at keeping it quiet. But events like Ares escape are a good example! They can''t always blame an alien invasion.


    At last it was decided, Lash and company would leave Themyscira the next day. Simply because Lash wanted to go home and relax in his own city. See the people that were not allowed to visit Themyscira. He''d still be on vacation for a while. But he reconfirmed his promise with Arthur and Mera that he would help them track down the trident and Arthur''s mother. They briefly spoke about Dia, Diana assured him that they would take care of her.


    Later that night when Lash and Jessabell lay naked in bed together after another rousing battle of flesh against flesh. Jessabell idly ran her nails along Lash''s chest, as he massaged her neck and back. His hands just did it automatically! Jessabell had her eyes closed and loved the feeling of Lash on her skin. But she had to ask a question.


    ¡°Its going to get even more dangerous isn''t it?¡± Jessabell said softly. Lash didn''t stop massaging her back as he replied.


    ¡°Yes...Kara Zor-El will bring a ship with her. This ship is a prison of massive size that contains some of the galaxies most potent criminals. Then a few months behind them. General Zodd will appear, he will bring destruction, and death to Earth. As he tries to conquer it for the last remnant of Krypton¡± Lash said to her. Cosmic Awareness activated and his energy levels were consumed by...oh! 98% Level up! His body glowed faintly with divine light. Lash took a moment to rub the dragon necklace on its head. He could hear Dawn purr at him through his ear.


    ¡°You''ll be there on the front lines, wont you?¡± Jessabell asked, she hugged him her strong body gripped him tighter. Like he would fade from sight if she let go.


    ¡°Yes, but if there is a fight we will both ask for help instead of going alone.¡± Lash and Saurian replied together. A smile spread across her face.


    ¡°Good!¡± Jessabell kissed him, then snuggled into his arms and fell asleep.


    Lash soon fell asleep as well, especially after the use of his skill he was exhausted! He was on a farm pulling weeds, watering his crops. His wife Abigail came over, her deep indigo hair caught the afternoon sun brilliantly! She held their son in her arms, she had a smile on her face as she walked over. She said something but he couldn''t hear her. He gathered up his tool and came inside, they had dinner together talked about the festival of lights that was next week. They put their son to bed, and went to sleep themselves to tackle the next day...


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill Farming: You know the basics of what is to tend, and take care of a farm! Weeding, tilling, planting, harvesting! Basic animal care, tools, machines, and harvest time!


    Lash frowned at his new skill. Really? Out of all his lives, and all the different skills he could learn. He learned that one? Well maybe he could talk to Johnathan and Martha Kent about it. Lash woke up and made breakfast again for his house mates. They all came down after he sent his lizard hounds again. Once more three vixens who wore silk robes that were barely tied together sat at the breakfast table. They ate, talked about traveling home, and then started to pack for the ride home. Lash made traveling gear for all of them. Light, durable, resistant to damage, and magic! Jessabell tried to strangle him! His common traveling gear could buy a house! Lash made sure to clean up the villa that was...Well his! Before he left. They made a trip to the house of healing so he could say goodbye to Dia. She looked a lot better, she had already used the enchanted necklace effects for the day.


    Lash had used his Connectivity and checked in with the Wardens, turned out Dia was from Alaska! Her friends had reported that she had died, more specifically a hell portal had opened up and swallowed her. They assumed she was dead! No living parents, none that she wanted to admit anyways. She lived in the super-natural foster care system since she was magically inclined. That is where she met her friends. All of them were part of the system, bounced from home to home. Reached eighteen and struck out on their own! Why not join the Wardens? You had to be twenty one to join. Plus the societies system left a bad taste in their mouth. Lash sent an command authority email to have the friends questioned about what happened under a truth compulsion rune. Then to update Themyscira with the news. The local Warden HQ confirmed the request and said they would get it done. He said goodbye to Dia and told her he would keep in touch. But she had mostly decided already she would join the League with one of the teams.


    They got a ride back to the port city, Lash put a simple glamour on and walked into the port city with his women! As always a man among the Amazons definitely stuck out. Especially when all the Amazons greeted him with, ''Brother!'' From which he would return with, ''Sister!'' They bought first class tickets on a boat back to Miami! From there they would fly to Gotham, to home!


    ¡°Why doesn''t Themyscira have a portal system?¡± Isabella asked.


    ¡°They do! But it is only used in emergencies. No matter how high up Lash is on Themyscira, unless its a life and death situation they wont let him use it. No planes...For now. Amazon warriors are stationed on every ship that leaves or arrives on Themyscira.¡± Lizzy replied surprisingly! Deputy Warden to the rescue!


    The four of them spent the rest of the day, and evening aboard the boat as it sailed to the Miami port. Lash slept alone that night as Jessabell wanted to...Visit with Lizzy and Isabella. Isabella may have even hinted that he could join but he politely declined. She didn''t push and went to enjoy herself. Lash walked the deck of the ship alone with his thoughts. Several tourists approached him and tried to pry information out of him. He turned them down politely but a few he had to out right tell them off. Thankfully a Amazon guard showed up and shooed them all away. He retreated to his room and connected to the web through Connectivity. He pulled all existing knowledge up on the founding members of the Justice League. The world at large believed the League was simply rumor and stories to tell the naughty criminals to keep their doors locked at night. No UN charter, no deals made behind the scenes. It was just a story. Lash wasn''t sure when Darkseid was suppose to show up, but the quicker the League got set up the better.


    Then he started to look for the Injustice League, other side of the same coin. Nothing under that name, but he did find a few vague references to the League of Shadows. Surprise! Surprise! The two hundred million dollar bounty for Wraith was still up on the Dark Web! Though the bounties on Batman, Robin, and Batgirl were gone. Small victories. Black Mask was the contract holder last he checked was currently in prison. So who held the contract over Wraith? Was the money paid upfront? Then he looked up Bialya... Well fuck! Bialya had gotten off on a technicality. Because alien tech hacking software is not admissible in a court of law?! So, because Wraith had obtained the information using his alien technology Bialya wiggled out of the blame. They claimed they had been set up by Agent Wraith and it was pure slander. They had split hairs! Anyone with a pair of eyes and ears knew they were spouting bull shit. But they had the right connections to get away with it. Lash put Bialya and Queen Bee on his shit list to be handled after his vacation.


    The boat soon arrived at Miami, much to the amusement of the ladies. Lash created a glamour that disguised himself as a woman. He was tall, athletic, tanned amazon woman with short black hair, an hour glass figure in leather armor. Camera''s and video recording devices were not allowed on Themyscira, and on the boat back to Miami. But the port at Miami? He didn''t want Jessabell, Lizzy, and Isabella to be seen with a man coming out of Themyscira. So he also ensured that the ladies got a make over thanks to his Illusion Domain. Skin tone, eye color, hair color, few inches here and there. They looked like completely different people. But they didn''t take a plane back to Gotham. They just went to Miami''s Warden HQ at the request of Lizzy and took a portal over.


    Gotham! The putrid chemical industrial waste factory that was a city was before Lash''s eyes once more! Home! Lizzy and Isabella went home, and Jessabell gave Lash a deep kiss before she herself went home. Lash went to the information bureau office in the HQ, checked in and started the long process of his debrief. He was not returning to active duty yet, but he needed to get his cover story straight before he returned to the world as a ''civilian''. News of his return went through the grape vine. Dozens of different Wardens, logistical teams, and even Sir Rupert the Synthesis construct from the Warden library came to welcome him home. His debrief was about his entire trip of the Tech Summit, the attacks along the way, why he sneaked into Themyscira, his journey through Tartarus. When he found Dia Nyx, any information on the Fallen one. Because a lot of the information required him to break the fourth wall the Rune of Truth compulsion didn''t yank it out of him.


    ¡°So the relic was recovered, you brought Dia Nyx back from Tartarus with you. She is currently in detox in Themyscira. You didn''t need detox because your Patron cleansed you? Is that correct?¡± An Under Fae councilor asked.


    ¡°Yes, but the full effects of the cleansing seems a little more than just simply that. My Cosmic Patron has always enjoyed games. So something may happen down the line that I hadn''t considered.¡± Lash replied. The councilors all nodded, Gods and Goddess always played the long game with everything they did. It could be decades before Lash knows the full truth of what happened.


    ¡°So, what are your plans now. Warden Lash?¡± The Summer Court councilor asked.


    ¡°I would like to return to soft duty if the courts agree. If something horrible happens I will of course respond. But I would like to spend some time seeing family, friends, and catch up on a few things that I didn''t do before. Yes! I plan to attend the Summer Solstice ball as a Hunted. But that is in several months and I''ll be back on duty by that point.¡± Lash made a point to say that, the Summer councilor smiled at him.


    ¡°I''ve also made contact with Lois Lane of the Daily Planet. I thought an interview with Wraith after his absence should happen sooner rather then later?¡± Lash inquired, the councilors all agreed and took out another file.


    ¡°We have several options that can explain where you have been for the past year. But before you read through them do you have any idea''s?¡± The Winter Court councilor asked.


    ¡°Some of the best lies are based on truth. Wraith was off world, which was true. Wraith went to another planet called Tartarus. He went to this planet at the behest of another civilization. What he did there, and why is between him and the civilization. However he did receive rewards, rewards the he is willing to share with his future home of Earth.¡± Lash said to them. They all nodded with a smile and handed him another file.


    They had essentially replaced planet with the word realm. Which was far more accurate. The file contained all the relevant information. But simply put, Wraith traveled to a different dimension. The reason why dimension was used was because if the mundanes asked he was suppose to bring out the basic science between traveling between realms as another Tech Summit idea. But which civilization Wraith helped was vague and was not ''recorded''. After another hour they brought the debrief to a close and he was allowed to return to his home.


    He got transport back into the city, walked through his building front door and saw a security guard he didn''t recognize who also didn''t recognize him. He spent about ten minutes convincing the man he lived there until a neighbor screamed in surprise at the sight of Lash. But the guard still believed Lash didn''t live there! He''d work there for ten months he had never seen him before! Lash took out his phone and called the Fae Courts who owned the building, after a few minutes the front desk security phone rang. The security guard had a two minute heated discussion and his face got paler, and paler as time went on.


    ¡°W...Welcome home, Mr Lash.¡± The man stuttered and dripped with sweat.


    Lash laughed and went up to his room. He sent a message to the Courts telling them thank you, and not to punish the man. He was actually doing his job! He didn''t recognize Lash, and Lash didn''t have ID on him. Though being six foot plus, with tribal tattoos may be a dead give away. They sent word back that he would not be punished beyond re memorizing all of the owners of the homes he was guarding. Lash''s face was at the top of the list of people to memorize for. They also sent a ''Welcome home'' message.


    Lash walked in through his front door, his keys were still in his storage pocket. His security alarm chimed with glee! It''s owner was back! Welcome back! It chimed over and over. Lash took a moment to walk around his home, greeted and ''fed'' all the in house appliances with Technomancy. Then stepped onto his balcony, he greeted each and every gargoyle. Then said hello the current Griaks in the house. The Sun gathering trees had grown a few inches and were healthy! Lash came inside his house, made a few pieces of jewelry for Dottie and her crew. Put them in a box with a message on top. He wasn''t sure when he would see them. He took a nice long shower, pulled on some nice cotton pj''s and threw himself into bed. Then went to sleep! Unless he was truly exhausted, his home was the only place Lash ever truly fell asleep in...


    =================================================================


    Dance lights reflected off the mirror surface inside of a underground night bar. Dozens of barely clothed men and women danced on the stage, and on the ground floor. Sweat poured from them as they continued to grind against one another, in a drug induced sex craze! Several people had stepped off stage and had sex then and there. Hundreds of people were scattered through out the club on the upper floors in private boxes, others in booths, along the bar. Security to get inside the club was tight, only the super rich, and super good looking allowed to attend the party.


    A nineteen year old girl sat in a private VIP box as she watched the fun downstairs, she sucked on a cherry lollipop. As she ground her ass into a man that was behind her. She would push, pull, and twist her self and the man loved every minutes of it. She''d clench her inner vaginal walls and suck his cock in and out. Then right before he came she turned around pulled his head to the side and ripped into his neck with her fangs! The man screamed in surprise and tried to pry her off but soon bled out. The security guards that stood in the room made no move to help. Her phone beeped as she finished her meal.


    ''Warden Lash is back in town....Orders?'' The text message on the phone read.


    ''Notify the Arkham crew, I want him dead as soon as possible. Mundanes only!''


    The nineteen year old girl stood up from the now bloody corpse, stripped her cloths off and suddenly went from nineteen year old to twenty six in a few seconds. The security guards handed her new cloths, she pulled them on and left the VIP room. She wanted to go dancing!


    ==============================================================


    Beeep! Beeep! A pale skinned hand of a man reached for their phone. He checked his messages then smiled. Then began to laugh, and laugh. His insane laughter woke up the nearby hyena''s and they soon began to howl, a young woman with just as pale features woke up in bed next to the man.


    ¡°Puddin? What''s so funny?¡± The woman asked.


    ¡°Looks like our grand finale is finally here! We''ve played with the Bat! But this time I want to see if we can kill a ghost! Muhahahahahaahaha! HAHAHAAHAHAHAAHAHAAHA!¡± Joke the Prince of crime laughed, as his lover Harley Quinn had a look of conflict on her face. Wraith had saved her back in Arkham. But she would follow her lover to the ends of the Earth.


    Across all of Gotham different thugs, criminals, expert assassins, and insane convicts all got a text message. Agent Wraith was alive and well, and would soon be active once more. Time to cash in on the two hundred million prize! Then in a loft on the far edge of the city sat a woman who wore a martial arts gi, she cleaned a katana in her hands with expert care. Her phone went off with the assassination contract. She looked at it and laughed! Two hundred million for an alien capable ripping tanks apart? Any one who takes that contract must be insane! She dismissed the message with a ''No''. But, she did want to meet this alien lizard from the stars. She leaned back and whispered under her breath.


    ¡°Ros....When is my next store book open?¡± The woman asked to seemingly no one.


    ¡°Thank you, Ros!¡± The woman said back, as if she had heard someone talk.


    ================================================================


    Lash shot out his grappling hook and was propelled into the night sky to avoid capture by the police! When will GCPD learn that the Dark Knight is only here to help! Lash spread his thread based wings into a glide and flew through the night sky of Gotham. He is the night! He is terror incarnate! He is....The Batman!


    Lash opened his eyes to find himself back in his bedroom. A quirky grin on his face. One of his past lives was Batman in another universe? Wow! Bruce would flip if he knew that. Lash turned to look and...Yep! 4:30 am just like always. Lash got up and cast Immaculate on himself. He stepped out his bedroom and walked towards his art studio room to practice. He used his Transmuter title effect and made another ten pounds of Ori... Lash held the golden gleaming piece of metal in his hand and realized it had become habit. Fuck! Jessabell was going to kill him. He decided to make an appointment with Juliana at Shield and Sword. His phone soon rang a few minutes later.


    ¡°Lash! I heard you were back! Wow, I feel flattered that you called me only a day after you got back to Gotham!¡± Juliana''s voice spoke across the line.


    ¡°Hello! I actually have a gift I wanted to give you. But I also need to deposit some materials I picked up in Tartarus. I believe Shield and Sword handles magical materials?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Ooooo! A present just for me? I''d offer to come over to your home. But if you have materials to deposit it would be better if you come in. Shall I send a car for you around nine? We can have breakfast together?¡± Juliana purred into the phone about a present. Then returned to business about the materials.


    ¡°Sure! Oh, try to not kill me when I give you the gift. Technically I shouldn''t even give you it. But I think its important.¡± Lash said into the phone.


    ¡°Oh? Well we''ll have discuss it!¡± Juliana said. They soon decided on an exact time and hung up.


    Lash finished up in his art studio after a few hours, he went to his closet and pulled out a tailored made suit that was just a little tight. He had grown since he was home last. He cast Fabrication, and Alteration. He looked very nice in a prince of darkness kind of way. Every piece of the suit was black except for his bright red tie. Saurian would continue to wear the Warden/Daemonic gear. While Lash would be in a kevlar sewn business suit. He made himself pretty then headed down towards the front.


    At the front desk was the Cheshire super-natural guard who smiled wide at the sight of Lash. They greeted each other and Lash fed him his favorite Nature Spells. The evolved form of Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement satisfied more needs for different physiology. Thomas the guard was like a cat who dank an entire bowl of milk and just lazed in his chair. His spells helped before, but this was another level. The Shield and Sword driver showed up, Lash expected Booraku but got a different driver.


    The drive was normal, but Lash had to be a troll and fed the driver his Nature spells. They had stopped in the underground garage of Shield and Sword when he did. The driver was a puddle of goop as he moaned in pleasure, and couldn''t stand on his feet. Lash knew the way to the main office and saw himself out with a laugh. He walked across the main lobby, his presence barely made a ripple in the high tier law firm. He walked passed dozens of business men and women as they waited for their appointment. Separate waiting areas were filled with smoking, none smoking, VIP with staff on hand with coffee, tea, and snacks. Lash went to the front desk and was quickly shown to the VIP elevator.


    He was shown to a room and inside was Juliana and a few aids. Juliana looked stunning as she wore a navy blue pencil skirt, ocean blue silk buttoned up shirt, a ocean green half suit jacket, her long brown hair had been curled and swept behind her shoulders. Her caramel and seductive Brazilian skin glowed in the light of the room. Her tiger amber eyes looked at Lash up and down. She devoured Lash just as much as Lash ate her up.


    Juliana walked forward, with a seductive sway to her hips as she reached out and shook Lash''s hand who returned the gesture. He was introduced to the Law Firm aids who were all super-natural''s and happy to hear of his return. Then he brought out twenty pounds of orichalcum ingots and placed them on the table. Juliana and the aids eyes were attached to the ingots. Lash coughed softly to bring them back to reality.


    ¡°Lash....Is that orichalcum?¡± Juliana asked softly, she knew what it was. She could feel the magic that poured from the metal.


    ¡°Yes, it is 99.9 percent pure as well. I found it in Tartarus. Its clean of corruption, I thought about keeping it. But I was...''encouraged'' to bring it to Shield and Sword. I failed to understand the true value of it.¡± Lash said.....It was mostly true.


    ¡°Ok...We may have to push our breakfast back. This is going to take a little more time!¡± Juliana reached for her phone.


    It did indeed take a little more time! Torloth even showed up after an hour with a huge smile on his face. He welcomed Lash home, looked at the ingots and practically drooled. Torloth also took sometime to size Lash up and was impressed with the strength Lash had gained. He was still weak as a kitten in front of Tortloth. But the kitten had grown claws! The exact amount of money the ingots were worth would take time to calculate. Just like gold there was not an exact measurement for it. But five hundred million would be considered a low estimate. Maybe 10% of Gotham that Jessabell said was the low economy area?


    Lash sat in a nice coach with a cup of chai in his hand. He watched Juliana finish up with her preparations. Juliana had pulled him into a room that is used as a home away from home for clients in with the Shield and Sword building. It was a lot like a studio apartment all the amenities of home. Kitchen, living room, side room for a bath, toilet, shower, and a king size bed off in the corner. On the table were several dishes that had been covered and awaited consumption, prepared by the cooks in the office.


    ¡°At last! I love your visits Warden Lash but that one took longer then expected.¡± Juliana came over and sat in a chair next to him. She had removed her suit jacket, swept her hair up into a pony tail then looked at Lash with a smile.


    ¡°Time for your present.¡± Lash pulled out a box from his inner pocket and handed it to her.


    ¡°Oh! I had forgotten! So what is.....¡± Juliana stopped talking when she opened up the box. Inside was an enchanted necklace.


    Orichalcum plated snake style necklace.


    Rating: B+


    Effect: Very Durable


    Effect: 1% of Durability recovers every day.


    Effect: 10% resistant to negative magic effects.


    Effect: 10% increase to positive magic effects.


    Effect: 20% increase to reproductive fertility.


    Comments: You''ve made a magical fertility necklace! That works on any race as long as magic works on them. Run! Flee! Save yourself!


    Juliana looked at the necklace and knew instinctively what the necklace could do. She took it out of the box, clipped it onto her neck. She stood up in a single fluid motion, pulled Lash out of his seat. She pulled him towards the bed, turned around with a smile.


    ¡°You and I are going to have sex now, understand?¡± Juliana said seductively but also rebuked no argument.


    ¡°Sure...¡± Lash said with a raised eye brow.

 Chapter 53: I like him!

    Juliana began to unbutton her top, but Lash reached up to stop her. She raised a manicured eyebrow in question. Lash smiled and pulled her towards the bed, she smiled back at him. She kicked off her heels, knelt on the bed and watched him with interest. Lash pulled his tie and suit jacket off, he sat down on the bed and untied his shoes. Juliana pressed herself flush against his back, she wrapped her arms around his chest and purred into his ear.


    ¡°I know this is not the best pillow talk, but I think knowing will be beneficial. I know dragons are an endangered species. Anyone with even a smallest trace amount of Dragon in their blood or spirit is legal bound to have a child. The individual you have a child with is not really up to you. But if you have at least one child you are free of that ''Duty''?¡± Lash said, as he reached up and held Juliana''s hands. She groaned and pulled away from him. She lay across the bed as her legs pressed together she pulled a pillow off the bed to hug it against her chest.


    ¡°You are right, this is not the best pillow talk. Yes, I have a schedule across the year where I have to have sex at least once with every capable male. Whether I like them or not! I do like you Lash, if that was in question. But the moment I become pregnant I am free of that disgusting ''Duty'' to my species.¡± Juliana said with a bitter tone, all trace of arousal gone from the moment.


    ¡°I like you too, Juliana. I think you know me well enough to know that I don''t like to have sex with someone unless they give full consent. So, I''ll ask you. Do you wish to share a bed with me because you want to? Or because you are obligated to?¡± Lash turned to look at her, he unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his muscled chest and abs in front of her. Juliana''s eyes gazed at his exposed skin and a hunger rose in her eyes.


    ¡°Even if I was not bound by Duty. Yes, Lash I would want to have sex with you. Now, will you please come over here and fuck me?¡± Juliana said, as she bit her lip with impatience.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Lash said with a smile.


    Juliana tossed the pillow aside and crawled on her hands and knees across the bed. She devoured Lash''s lips as he began to unbutton her top. Juliana ran her fingers over his incredibly strong body, her nails left bitter scratch marks that even drew a bit of blood. Out of the two of them, Juliana could easily kill Lash. Lash reached up and unzipped her skirt. Juliana fell back against the bed as he pulled the fabric free. Juliana had a bright red lace bra, and panties on that looked great against her chocolate brown skin. Her long brown hair fell across the bed like a sheet of silk. Juliana blushed lightly and turned away.


    ¡°Its been a long time since I''ve had a man I like look at me like this.¡± Juliana said softly.


    ¡°If I can help it, the only people who will ever see you like this again will only be people you like.¡± Lash said, as he undid his belt and pulled his pants down, along with his briefs. All of Lash stood at attention. Juliana looked at him completely and licked her lips.


    Lash ran his hands along her legs towards her panties and pulled them off. Juliana pulled her bra off and tossed it aside. There was a brief moment of panic when Juliana reached over to the nightstand and pressed a button to lock the door, and Shuttered the windows. Seeing Juliana flustered like that just made her look cute in front of Lash. But he did understand the desire for privacy. Lash and Juliana both had full night vision so lights on or off would make little difference. Lash moved across the bed like a serpent, it was something a human body shouldn''t be capable of doing but he still did it. Juliana wrapped her legs around his waist and pressed a hand against his chest.


    ¡°I don''t need any foreplay! Just fuck me until we both are satisfied!¡± Juliana said, her body flush with arousal.


    With Juliana''s help Lash''s cock slid into her body, inch by agonizing inch. He went incredibly slow until Juliana groaned in displeasure and pushed against him to drive it home. They both shuddered in pleasure. Lash reached down and pulled Juliana off the bed, he knelt across the sheets while he bounced Juliana up and down his cock. The abrupt change in angle, and momentum made Juliana scream in surprise, then she started to moan. Louder and faster with every thrust.


    Juliana had locked her legs around Lash at the ankles and refused to let go. So he thrust into her again and again. She eventually pulled him down across the bed with a bang! As the bed had a hard time taking the weight. Juliana smiled at Lash, he smiled back. A brief moment of humor before he thrust again into her. Juliana rolled her eyes back into her head and moaned. Her nipples grew erect and practically stabbed Lash in the chest with every push. Lash and Juliana soon found their rhythm, as they both raced towards the climax. Juliana clenched her vaginal walls around Lash''s cock and came to a climax! She screamed his name as she arched her back, then screamed in surprise when Lash kept going. For nearly an hour Lash pumped into Juliana until she begged him to cum did he allow himself to release.


    Do you wish to impregnate, Juliana?


    Yes/No


    ¡­.Yes.


    Congratulations! Juliana has chosen to accept your seed.


    Juliana''s eyes went wide with shock as she stared down at where Lash and her were connected. She ran her hands over her abdomen, she said a few words in a language that Lash didn''t understand though he did get a prompt from Language Smith, her hands began to glow. They went from yellow, flickered red, then turned green. They held the color for several moments until Juliana canceled the spell. She wrapped her arms around Lash and devoured his mouth with her own. She thrust her tongue into his mouth over and over. She pushed him down, and rode him for another thirty minutes. They both came twice before she stopped.


    Lash was out of breath, his body was covered in sweat, and he was sore! He felt like his bones especially his hips had gone through a jack hammering. In many ways his bones had, after the prompt Juliana was so enthusiastic that he didn''t have time to breath. Juliana was across his chest, her breathing just as ragged as his own. Her leg wrapped around his waist, his erection rested against her thigh. She made no move to push or clean her leg. As a smile of pure bliss was on her face.


    ¡°Where did you get this, Lash?¡± Juliana said, as she fiddled with the necklace.


    ¡°The castle of the Fallen One in Tartarus. I got it for you, but I''ll understand if you have to share it.¡± Lash said, as he smoothed his hands up and down her back, and arms.


    ¡°I will have to share it, but thank you. Thank you so, so much.¡± Juliana said, she leaned up and kissed him again.


    ¡°Out of curiosity am I allowed to keep seeing you?¡± Lash said, he honestly didn''t know the protocol for this. Juliana grinned at him.


    ¡°Yes! In fact its encouraged to have sex with the parent. So don''t be surprised if I show up sometimes because I need a...''refill''¡± Juliana''s smile grew wide as she wrapped her fingers around his erect cock.


    ¡°You have incredible stamina! Want to go again!¡± Juliana said, as she already crawled down and began to lick the head of his cock clean.


    ¡°Sure...¡± Lash said, Juliana laughed at his nonchalant reply but still pulled his cock into her mouth. Lash groaned in ecstasy, and Juliana smiled in satisfaction.


    It was five in the afternoon by the time Lash left Shield and Sword, he walked bow legged and winced with every step. But he had a huge smile on his face, any one he met along the way gave him a knowing look. But what took the cake was a elderly looking granny with a crimson tail he walked past.


    ¡°Ohhhh! Someone got some from a dragon! I''m surprise you are walking! Good on you, boy!¡± The granny said out loud, for all to hear. It was such a surreal moment that every one stopped in mid horror then began to laugh!


    Lash''s faces turned crimson, he got into cab and made his way home. The cab driver was a very nice Hindu man, Lash practiced Hindi with the man and they talked about his home. Lash gave him a one hundred dollar tip to the which man was incredibly flustered. Lash thanked the man for the language lessons and said goodbye. He walked into his building and there standing at the security desk was a seven foot tall Booraku! He wore a tailored made bodyguard style suit. Lash looked past Booraku''s glamour and found a twelve foot tall troll with hulking muscles, huge tusks, tribal tattoos, and an aura of power.


    ¡°Mr. Lash! Good to see you. I wish I could say this is a social visit but Lord Torloth is waiting upstairs on your balcony. He needs to speak to you.¡± Booraku said with a grimace. Lash winced at the sound of Torloth''s name. Its not that he didn''t like the old dragon. But talking to the dad of the daughter he has just impregnated seemed a little odd.


    Lash and Booraku took the elevator up to the top floor in which Lash lived. During the ride up, Lash pulled out another orichalcum necklace for Booraku. It had the same effect as Wonder Woman''s necklace, but looked like a tiny troll skull, with fangs along the necklace. Decorative! When the elevator doors opened there were several guards stationed in the hall way that saw a pale stricken seven foot tall man who shook like a leaf as he stared at a little black box in his hands. Lash clapped him on the back and left the elevator. Booraku jumped in surprise and stashed the box in his suit jacket. Every three to five steps Booraku would feel the inside of his pocket to ensure the necklace was still there.


    Lash walked into his home and pulled Booraku in with him. There on the balcony stood Torloth, and his clearly embarrassed and blushing daughter Juliana who hid behind Torloth. Torloth''s current human form was a 6'' 2¡± pale skinned man, with long black hair swept back into a lose tail. A jagged scar across his face, with dragon elemental eyes. The man smiled like a shark when Lash opened the balcony window for him.


    Juliana wore tennis shoes, blue jeans, and winter sweater that hugged her curves. Her hair was done up in a loose tail like her father. She whispered ''I''m sorry'' to Lash as she walked past him into his home. She currently did not wear the fertility necklace he gave her. Lash activated his security shutters and gestured for them all to take a seat at his dinning room table. Booraku stood in the background, checking and rechecking his pocket. Juliana meekly took a seat next to Lash, Lash looked at her then at Torloth who had a huge smile on his face.


    ¡°So.... Mr. Torloth...¡± Lash started but was stopped by Torloth has he raised his hand.


    ¡°Please! Just call me Torloth! You''ve granted me a grandchild! Such formality between us is unnecessary! Did you know out of all my children, Juliana is the first to get pregnant! She is also the youngest!¡± Torloth said with genuine happiness! Juliana shrunk her neck in, clearly she wanted to be someplace else right now. Booraku gasped softly to the side.


    ¡°Yes, Booraku! Since you are part of Lash''s pack I''ll excuse your presence. But you are not allowed to tell any one, understood?¡± Torloth''s face was one of joy but his voice dripped with a hidden threat.


    ¡°Understood, Sir!¡± Booraku said, and stood at attention. Torloth took a moment to take out a file and a contract. He passed it over to Lash and Juliana. Lash leaned over and read through the information but paused half way through. He looked up with a clear question on his face.


    ¡°There are far more female dragons then males. Traditionally, a female has to get pregnant and produce a single child to be taken out of the breeding program. While males are required to breed until they produce three children. But! You found a fertility charm in the Fallen Ones castle with in Tartarus. You could have given this item to any one! Any faction! They would have given you huge sum of money, influence, and fame. But, you gave it as a gift to Juliana! By dragon law that treasure now belongs to her! This contract will confirm you have impregnated Juliana, but you will be taken out of the breeding program! You will no longer be bound by law to breed. If you choose to continue breeding of your own free will! That is a different matter. I brought Juliana here because she is your lawyer and should over look any contract.¡± Torloth said, his genuine and larger then life smile never left his face.


    Juliana then spent the next thirty minutes with Lash as they spoke over the contract. Torloth chimed in with extra information. But it was essentially what Torloth had just said. Lash was no longer legally bound into a breeding program. He had impregnated a dragon female, but also gave a 20% fertility charm? This was a huge step in the right direction for the dragons. Now, if he wanted to have sex with more dragons they would be more then happy to accommodate him! Lash was conflicted, should he tell Torloth and Juliana that he had actually made the charm himself and could technically make more? In the end he decided against it. At least for now!


    ¡°Question, how long does a pregnancy last with a dragon?¡± Lash asked, he didn''t really find any reliable information on it.


    ¡°Ah! It takes three to five years for the egg to properly gestate with in the mother. Once the egg is laid, it takes another fifteen to twenty years to hatch. So, approximately twenty years or more. You are of course welcome to continue spending time with my daughter if you both choose to!¡± Torloth said, Juliana squeezed Lash''s hand under the table almost to the point that his bones snapped.


    ¡°Father please! This...Can...Can we not talk about this right now!?¡± Juliana said with a sinister undertone. Torloth just shrugged, as if embarrassing his daughter was what a father should do.


    ¡°Question, will I receive any potential back lash political or otherwise from Juliana''s prospective breeding partners. Now that she no longer has to see them?¡± Lash asked, Juliana''s hand stopped squeezing his hand and went to a gentle soothing. Torloth''s entire body language went from a happy grandfather to a predator thinking about eating something.


    ¡°Publicly it would be a great way to commit suicide if someone attacked Juliana while she was with child. It would also be ill advised to attack you Lash. Who is not only the parent, but the one who brought the fertility charm to us. Though I can not 100% guarantee no reprisal, but my family will make a public statement telling the super-natural communities that killing you over preforming you duty would be a great way to start a war.¡± Torloth said the words as if he was ready for battle at that very moment.


    ¡°Another question, but this is more like a subject change. Can you find out who put a two hundred million dollar bounty on Agent Wraith''s head?¡± Lash asked. Booraku, Juliana, and Torloth all looked at Lash in surprise and confusion.


    ¡°What bounty?¡± They all said in unison.


    So Lash created a Technomancy image and brought them to the dozen or so different web sites with the bounty listed. That kind of money even super-natural assassins would jump at the chance. As long as they could get away with it! As his lawyer, Juliana was angry! She had no idea this was up in the dark web. She was even more infuriated when Lash said this bounty had been up since before he went into Tartarus. She had no idea! This was confusing, because Lash told the Warden Information Bureau about it. Did they not look into it? Or did they just assume a mundane killer couldn''t kill Wraith? Juliana assured him that it was not the case, after the incident in Hong Kong Agent Wraith went onto a no kill list. Wraith was not the only plan to subtly introduce the super-natural communities to the mundanes. But his project got the most traction!


    The Shield and Sword crew all left soon after, Juliana kissed Lash softly before she left. He smiled at her and ran his hand along her abdomen. She smiled brightly at the gesture and left with her father. Booraku left as well after he put on the necklace at Lash''s insistence. Soon Lash was alone in his home. After an hour his phone blew up with messages, as Torloth had made a super-natural public statement that Warden Lash had successfully impregnated his youngest daughter, Juliana. Oh come on! On the public network!? Along with the discovery of a fertility charm, that he gifted selflessly to Juliana. Everyone who had his private contact number sent either a message of congratulations, or a ''What the fuck!?'' message. His public Warden contact number filled with hundreds of emails that soon grew to over a thousand.


    Fertility charms did exist in the super-natural world. However, nearly every charm had side effect, criteria to be full filled, and spell components. In example, can only be done on the full moon, during the summer solstice! You must consume thirty two hearts of wild animals then dance for thirteen hours straight! There were several charms that guaranteed pregnancy but after the birth the side effect would make both parties sterile. So, the discovery of a fertility charm that gave a 20% increase in pregnancy that could be worn by male or female with no side effects, that worked on any super-natural race? Yeah....Lash spent the next few hours doing public relations.


    It was nearly midnight when Lash finished on the computer. He answered phone calls, did video calls, answered emails. Technically he should have given the charm to The Wardens. But Juliana agreed to rent the necklace out. Since Lash was full filling his breeding partner duties The Wardens didn''t really have the right to punish him. However a single question came up again and again. What else did Lash pilfer from the Castle of the Fallen One? Someone, some where leaked to the public that Lash turned twenty pounds of Orichalcum into Shield and Sword. Did Lash have more? Does he have treasure in his hands?


    Lash came into his kitchen with a grumble as he looked through his cupboards and fridge. He wanted some comfort food to sooth his worn out mind. He looked up and saw that there was now double the number of Gargoyles around his home. More Gargoyles had also been stationed on the nearby buildings. Juliana sent him a message, he had her number saved under priority. They found out who leaked the Ori news but it was to late at this point. The sum total of the orichalcum he sold to Shield and Sword came to about one point five billion dollars? They were in the process of filling his account now. Jessabell was right, he could buy about 10% of the low income side of Gotham. Plus with his 1% liquid asset achievement boon he had, that money would soon scale up quickly! Lash stopped for a moment...Did that achievement work on orichalcum? Did it make more of it?


    ¡°Dawn? My brightest star! Question for you. Does my liquid asset money boon work on orichalcum?¡± Lash asked, terrified to hear the answer.


    ¡°Hello, User! No it does not! Though Orichalcum is considered a form of currency. Your boon only replicates cold hard cash! Though it comes in a variety of denominations and different monetary value depending on the country you want to spend it in!¡± Dawn spoke with a delighted tone.


    ¡°Ohhhh....ok! Thank you. Why don''t you come out and look around, I could use the company.¡± Lash said as he tapped his necklace. His Familiar soon came to life, coiled around his neck and licked his nose before it flew around his home. Lash activated the security shutters with every intention of going to sleep in a bit.


    Dawn playing the role of a baby mystic dragon flew around his home like a curious kitten. Peeked under pillows, rugs, and sheets. Opened every drawer, looked around every shelf, and played with any tiny shiny objects she could find! Lash made a small pile of gold and silver coins with the dragons likeness on each side. The baby dragon played and coiled up on top of her little dragon hoard. Lash crawled into bed, and his Familiar gathered up its new hoard and put it into a pocket space. She then coiled up around Lash''s neck. He spent the next few minutes petting Dawn.


    ¡°Lets go see Selina tomorrow.¡± Lash said, as he slowly closed his eyes. Dawn stayed in her ''active'' form but stayed asleep coiled around his neck.


    A three foot tall scaled gremlin creature with long pointed wolf ears, yellow gleaming eyes the size of tennis balls peered up at Lash. Lash reached out with his gauntlet hand and patted the creature affectionately. The minions danced around and pillaged the village for their ''Overlord''. They repeatedly came to him and offered gold, weapons, armor.


    ¡°For you!¡± They called!


    ¡°For the Over-Lord!¡± The chorus sang. Yes....For me!


    Observant Learner activated.... Conjuration Domain....38%


    Lash opened his eyes and looked around his room, he reached up and felt the necklace version of his Familiar. He looked at his nightstand clock and saw it was 4:30 am as usual. Lash stood up and decided to take a shower this time. While in the shower he noticed several other partial tattoo''s that looked like they had the basic outline but had not been filled in. That is right! He had begun to learn Trickery, Life, and now Conjuration. Though he hadn''t learned them, he could feel the control over his other Domains grow. After the shower he put on some comfy cotton PJ''s then grabbed his phone.


    ''Hay beautiful! I know its early so get back to me when you can. I''d like to see you today, or some time this week if possible. Send me a message or a call when you get this. Love you! -Lash.'' He had sent a text message to Selina.


    Lash walked into his art room and began his morning practice of carving, crafting, and creation with his enchanted items. He had learned the Disenchant sub-skill of Enchantment. It allowed him to break a magical item down for about 20% of their base components. But with every item broken it would go up. So make an item, destroy it. Of course he did this with Orichalcum, if Torloth saw this he would weep in despair! One of the times Lash truly embodied Erik the gamer. Extremely powerful and expensive material? Lets use it as a crafting material to earn experience! After about three hours of practice and several levels in Crafting, and Enchanting Lash phone rang, it was Selina!


    ¡°Hello beloved! How are you?¡± Lash asked as he answered the phone.


    ¡°Goddess Bast preserve me! You came back alive! Where the fuck are you right now!?¡± Selina practically yelled into her phone.


    ¡°I am currently home, finished my debrief with the Wardens, and visited Shield and Sword yesterday. I wanted to see you to...¡± Lash was cut off.


    ¡°Do not leave your home! I''ll be there in a few minutes. Tell your security to let me in!¡± Selina hung up right after.


    Lash looked at his phone then shrugged. He called down to the front desk and told them about Selina Kyle and her basic description though it had been a year since he had seen her. If there was any confusion just to call him. He cleaned up his art studio, and cast Immaculate on himself. A resounding knock was heard from his front door. He sent a pulse of Technomancy towards the door and it opened up. Selina walked in, closed the door behind her and prowled into the house she turned and dove into Lash''s arms!


    Selina hadn''t changed much, she was a 5'' 6¡± beauty with a healthy tan. Short pixie cut black hair. She wore a winter spring leather jacket, skin tight running shirt, pants, and running shoes with ankle socks. Looked like she was prepared for a run. It was a black on black, with a bit of pink for the reflection highlights. She buried her face into his chest and rubbed her cheeks back and forth like a cat would mark its territory. Lash grinned like a troll as he cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on Selina. A near orgasmic moan escaped her mouth and her knees grew weak. Lash picked her up into a princess carry in a single fluid motion. He carried her to his bed and set her down so she could roll across his sheets. After about fifteen minutes she threw a pillow at Lash, and with her eyes bore a hole into his skull.


    ¡°That was so fucking mean!¡± Selina yelled at him, and threw another pillow at him.


    ¡°Yes, but you can''t tell me you didn''t enjoy it?¡± Lash smiled as he caught the pillow and set it off to the side. Selina tossed her coat to the side, patted the bed and looked at Lash with an expectant gaze.


    Lash crawled into the bed and put his back against the head board. Selina crawled to his side and nestled between his arm and his chest. She wrapped her body around him possessively and just lay there for several minutes. Content to have Lash in her arms again. Lash''s hands as if by their own will began to massage and tease Selina''s neck and back, which earned him a purr of pleasure. Selina began to paw an push her hands against him gently like a cat often would.


    ¡°I''ve missed you! I am not like this with anyone else.¡± Selina said.


    ¡°Not every your future husband?¡± Lash asked, he had heard about the marriage. Selina tensed at the word husband.


    ¡°Your not mad are you?¡± Selina asked softly, this greatly surprised Lash.


    ¡°Mad? I practically threw you at each other why would I be mad?¡± Lash was genuinely confused. Selina at this point had crawled on top of Lash. Her eyes looked up at him, her legs, and arms had wrapped around his frame. Lash continued to massage her back, and neck which continued to earn him a purr.


    ¡°Cause...You know. We...We are together you and I?¡± Selina said, as she bit her lips.


    -Huntress-Selina is mistaken in her assumption. We are a pack! Family, friend, lover, everything we need when we need it. But no pressure exists for neither. If you and the Hunter-Bruce wish to be single lovers then do so knowing you are still part of a family. Saurian said across a Telepathic link.


    Selina''s eyes went wide, it had been a while since she heard Saurian''s reptilian voice but it struck home to her question and as if a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Her tense body relaxed and became like wet clay in Lash''s more then capable hands. After a few minutes Selina sat up, peeled her runners coat off. She wore no bra so her breasts bounced free for a moment. She winked at Lash then crawled back down across his chest. Lash returned his hands to her back and continued to massage her naked skin. Despite the clear erotic moment Lash didn''t get an erection. Some part of his brain said this was normal so he treated it as normal. Though that didn''t last! Selina soon peeled off her pants, and shoes. Then tugged on Lash''s cloths in a clear... ''Off'' motion.


    Lash, lay naked across the bed with a seductive Selina Kyle sprawled across his chest. Now he was aroused, his rock hard erection rested between Selina''s thighs. But he didn''t make any move with it, and she chose to ignore it. For privacy sake Lash did activate his security shutters. His windows did have a illusion charm on them to keep unwanted eyes out. But the shutters were double reinforced. Lash spent the next hour playing his hands up and down Selina''s naked form. He player her like a piano, she would gasp, moan, and nearly roll to a climax before she would settle back into his arms.


    ¡°I spoke to Rocksie about what a Pack is. She told me it was hard to explain into words. But from what I understood, its a place where you are connected. You don''t feel judgment for your needs, or wants. If you want to lay naked with a pack-mate but not have sex then you can....Just like this.¡± Selina said softly.


    Lash reached out and connected Selina with the Pack Bond she let out a gasp as the connection was established. Her stats were raised by 30% and the magic began to optimize her body. Selina wrapped her legs around Lash and began to hump him lightly. He made no move to assist in this action she would stop after a bit. Selina ran her tongue along one of his nipples, and ran her fingers along his skin. But sure enough she stopped after the ''energy'' relaxed in her. She laughed and buried her face into his chest, embarrassed.


    ¡°Still keeping an eye out for me?¡± Selina said into his chest.


    ¡°Best I can, when I can. Selina. We are pack-mates. Its what we should do for each other. So, when are you getting married?¡± Lash said, the changed in subject made Selina freeze for a brief moment. Then she laughed out loud for a minute.


    ¡°I was shooting for Autumn, not sure it will be this year or next. I hope you can show up!¡± Selina said with a smile, her ears still bright red.


    ¡°I never planned on going to Tartarus. But if something like that happens I promise to try my best to inform you. Oh! That is right I have a present for you!¡± Lash said, the word present made Selina perk up in more ways then one. He handed her a golden Ori necklace with a Goddess Bast symbol as the center piece, with a snake style chain.


    Orichalcum snake style necklace, Goddess Bast Design.


    Rating: B+


    Effect: Very Durable.


    Effect: 1% of Durability is restored daily.


    Effect: 10% resistance to negative spell effects.


    Effect: 10% increase to positive spell effects.


    Effect: Transmutation Domain Spell, Cat''s Grace. Three charges a day, one recharge a day.


    Effect: Grave Domain Spell, Death Ward. One Charge, six month recharge rate.


    Effect: Grave Domain Spell, Kiss of the Grave. One Charge, six month recharge rate.


    Comments: Oh look another fucking expensive item that a city would go to war over!


    As soon as Selina saw the necklace she squealed in absolute glee, she pulled the sheets aside and knelt in front of Lash a feast for his eyes. He shook his head to focus, and his wondering gaze made Selina smile in satisfaction that she can make her pack-master loose focus. He clipped the necklace on her neck it then shined for a brief moment. The divine spark in Selina roared to life, the light of the Goddess Bast burned in Selina''s eyes. Then a voice that was both Selina and a divine being spoke.


    ¡°Monster of the Void, Agent of the Cosmic Calamity. Thank you for gifting such an item to my Kin. You have watched over her, and granted her many boons and have never asked for any reward other then her happiness. Please accept my blessing as a gift from one family member to another.¡± Selina/Bast said, she leaned in and kissed Lash. He didn''t refuse the kiss as he received a prompt.


    Congratulations User! You''ve received the Blessing of the Egyptian Goddess Bast! This is your second Egyptian Blessing.


    Child of the Sun: Absorb energy from all types of stars.


    Child of the Moon: Absorb a single life threatening hit, recharge rate of one day.


    Selina/Bast purred into the kiss. They pushed Lash down, crawled back on top of him and settled down to take another nap. Lash had a smile on his face, as a spectral image of a panther was super imposed over Selina. He massaged them both for nearly an hour before the avatar form of Bast left Selina. She continued to sleep in his arms as the possession tended to take a bit of energy. Just like that they spent half the day asleep in bed with each other. Lash wasn''t bored as he continued to ''attend'' the giant cat in his lap.


    Eventually Selina woke up, stretched out in a very seductive manner as she thrust her ass into the air then shook her whole body. She looked back at him, then licked his nose before she climbed out of bed and got dressed. Lash came up behind her when she got her pants on. His erection was hot as it pressed against her lower back. He reached around and massaged her breasts, she gasped in surprise as her nipples grew erect. He leaned down and claimed her mouth as his own. Selina reached up with her hands and gripped his head and shoulder. She moaned into the kiss, clearly she wanted more! But then Lash broke the kiss and stepped away with a grin. Selina blinked, as her mind clouded with lust. Then she realized what he just did! She growled, and pegged him with a glare.


    ¡°Yo...You......If you are not careful I may just come to find you from time to time when I need a fix. Bruce be damned!¡± Selina pointed a finger at him.


    ¡°You love Bruce to much to do that to him.¡± Lash said softly. Selina gritted her teeth, and pulled her shirt, and shoes on with a huff.


    ¡°Yes! But I still plan to come over for some kitty lap time! Understood!¡± Selina jammed a finger into Lash''s chest.


    ¡°Understood.¡± Lash said with a smile, after a few more minutes of ''teasing'' Selina was at his front door.


    He did a quick cast of Immaculate so she was clean, and free of the smell of sex. That any one with a keen nose would smell. It would not be good for rumors to start about Bruce Wayne''s fiancee leaving another mans home with the scent of sex on them. The super-natural community wouldn''t care. But you don''t need to be a super to have a good sense of smell.


    It was noon by the time Selina left. Lash wasn''t tired, to be truthful he wanted to go out for a while. He pulled on his Warden/Daemonic armor cast a simple Phantasm over himself to look like he wore casual winter spring cloths. He went to a nearby park, found a tree cast a glamour obstruction and cast Tree Stride and went to Metropolis. The trip sucked 90% of his energy reserves, but every time he did it he got better at it. Where he came out was a tree that he had a connection with way back when he first came to Metropolis during the Ares invasion. It was on statue island!


    Lash took the ferry from the island back to the main land. He spent sometime on the boat talking to a few spirits, and astral beings that danced around. He was sure the mundanes thought he was crazy. But he had changed his skin tone, eye color, and no tattoos so he would be hard to recognize. He caught a cab and went to the Daily Planet. He walked through the doors, and the security desk like he was invisible. He went to the investigation reporters section and found Lois Lane talking to Clark Kent. Kent noticed an odd man that walked straight towards them, something seemed off about him. Lois turned and saw the same man who stopped a few feet from them.


    ¡°Can we help you?¡± Lois asked. Then jumped back with a scream! Because the pretend face fell away to reveal a scaled monster, as the nazgul disguise was pulled from smoke and shadow. There stood in the middle of the Daily Planet was Agent Wraith.


    ¡°Hello Miss Lane! May we have the interview today? Or should we reschedule?¡± Lash asked, his voice gruff and animalistic.


    ===============================================================


    Perry White''s heart jack hammered just like it had the first time Agent Wraith showed up in their office! No Superman this time! But Wraith offered to call him if that would validate that it was truly him. Lois replied quickly to tell him it was fine, if people didn''t believe he was Wraith by his disguise alone that they were idiots! It was true, they had seen a lot of Wraith look alikes in the news. People pretending to be a vigilante, or committing crimes to ruin his reputation. The problem was the outfit was incredibly hard to move in! None of them looked genuine! They couldn''t copy the animated feeling his ''shroud'' gave off. The thing moved around like it was a living thing!


    Just like before Wraith extended his clawed hands out and tiny machines covered the whole studio crew in a green glow. Every one including Perry was a puddle on the ground for a few minutes, as more then a few audible moans of ecstasy were heard through the studio. Oddly though Clark didn''t seem affected. No! He clearly was affected he just gritted his teeth and tried not to succumb to dribbling mass of humiliation on the floor. It seemed like some kind of joke to Wraith because he laughed in depravity when he watched everyone drip onto the ground. Then another flash of green and blue energy danced around the room and Perry felt like he had just stepped out of a shower and put on a pair of clean cloths. Auto Clean function! Can that be next on the Tech Summit list?


    Same deal as before, he would answer any question Lois or the studio cleared. But he would be allowed to not answer certain questions. NDA, privacy agreement, but he did say he could give us some details on where he has been for a year after he visited Themyscira. That was another piece of information! So far only Superman had a public invitation to the island paradise. Wraith is a man, so why was he invited? Surely a woman could have brought over what ever tech he could share?


    ¡°We are live in five!....Four!......Three.....two.....¡± Every one grew quiet as the online stream started.


    ¡°Hello everyone, I''m Lois Lane with the Daily Planet and with us today is Agent Wraith! Back from his mission.¡± Lois said with practiced ease of a professional journalist.


    =================================================================


    ¡°So, Agent Wraith where have you been for the past year?¡± Lois asked.


    Lash in his disguised form sat on a specialty chair that the studio had ordered for him months ago on the assumption that he would return one day. Lash while in his Transformation state with the Wraith Disguise on bathed any of his exposed portions in an inky blackness. Thanks to his Illusion Domain that ink like paint actually dripped on the ground now. Though it didn''t leave a stain. His shroud was far more animated, and the tips would flake off like ash and regrow in moments. It was...Creepy as James Olsen said.


    ¡°I''m been in a dimensional realm known as Tartarus. If there are any ancient greek historians watching the feed. Yes, that Tartarus. One of the sub-layers of the underworld.¡± Lash replied in a nonchalant voice. There was a massive spike of questions on the live stream feed as Lois looked at him trying to see if he was joking.


    ¡°Are you being serious?¡± Lois asked, that was so far out of left field. Lois expected a secret mission, or maybe he went to another planet. But a different dimension? Was that possible?


    ¡°Yes. Here let me show you, and the feed a formula for the foundation of dimensional barriers.¡± Lash then conjured a planned image that The Wardens gave him. It was extravagantly long and took up a lot of space on the stream.


    ¡°This is of course is not the complete formula, just like the Tech Summit I did across the globe. It is the basics, but it allows the educated minds of Earth a glimpse at the possibilities. Please be aware that looking through the veil can be dangerous! But I feel that humans often learn best if there is a hint of danger involved.¡± Lash said, a sinister undertone was in his words.


    It was as if the whole mundane world took a breath. They had a revelation in that moment. Dimensional travel? Tartarus? Did that mean that Heaven and Hell are real? But just in a different dimension? What about the other places from myth and history? Asgard? The Elysium fields? Then.... Who was Wraith? If Wraith could travel between the different dimensions? Was he a monster? An angel? A demon!?


    ¡°I''ll take a question from the stream that has been asked several hundred times. Is heaven and hell real? Of course! But the question that you have to ask yourself is. Which one, from what religion do you mean? Because there are more then one.¡± Lash said. The stream exploded after that comment


    ¡°Another question many are asking. Prove it?¡± Lash pointed up at the formula.


    The chat stream continued to explode with mass hatred! They called Wraith the devil sent to deceive the masses, etc, etc. The monitors attempted to keep the channel clean until Lash cast Virtual Intelligence to help with the chat room. His energy reserve got chewed up pretty quickly and he got several experience prompts. After ten minutes the chat room became peaceful as thousands had been temporarily banned from the chat room.


    ¡°Why did you go to, Tartarus?¡± Lois asked after she checked her notes.


    ¡°To retrieve something for a civilization friendly to Earth.¡± Lash replied to Lois.


    ¡°Friendly to Earth? How many other Alien races are in the universe?¡± Lois countered.


    ¡°Hundreds of thousands of sentient races. With recorded language, history, and planets. It you want an accurate number ask the Green Lanterns here on Earth. The two super heroes in the green armor. They are part of the Green Lantern Corp. A intergalactic peace keeping force, they serve the Guardians of Oa.¡± Lash answered. His reply was a little more detailed then Lois had anticipated. Lash even created Illusion images of Hal Jordan, and John Stewart.


    ¡°I assure you that both of them are 100% human. They were selected by the Guardians of Oa to be part of the peace keeping task force. Think police but on a galactic scale. Earth is currently going through a growing phase and the Guardians of Oa want to ensure a peaceful transition. To a few people asking the question, ''What gives them the right?'' Well what gives the United Nations the right to police the world?¡± Lash commented.


    Wraith had just slapped the face of the UN with that comment. That was a juicy piece of news that so many would take out of context and put Wraith up on the pyre to burn him. Wraith didn''t seem bothered by it as Lois noticed. Lois couldn''t shake the feeling that Wraith had planned all of this, like the backlash was something he wanted? Lois glanced at Clark, he had face palmed and looked like he wanted to throw something at Wraith.


    ¡°Another question from the chat that I find mildly amusing. Am I the devil? I assume you mean the christian devil? Yes, there is more then one devil. The Christian Devil currently resides in the city of angels, and is the club owner of a night club named Lux. By the way, stop blaming him for your pretty mistakes and sins. He is not responsible.¡± Lash replied, humor clear in his voice. But the entire studio room went pale with fright because standing behind Lash was a man in a pure white tuxedo and had a pair of giant fucking wings!


    Lash turned around and looked at...Holy Fucking God! It was Lucifer Morning Star! He had rich blond hair, piercing blue eyes, healthy pink skin, and a dazzling smile. Lucifer didn''t say a word, he held out his hand to Lash. Lash took the offered hand and shook it twice. Lucifer turned towards the camera, clapped Lash on the back.


    ¡°I like him.¡± Lucifer said, his voice was like smooth silk. Then with an ethereal flap of his wings Lucifer was gone from the studio. Lash calmed his skipping heart, turned around and took his seat in one fluid motion.


    What had just happened was fully recorded on screen. The Divine presence of a true arch angel was transferred even across the globe. This arch angel shook the hand of Agent Wraith. Then clapped him on the back and said that he liked him. Then disappeared just as fast as he arrived. Clark Kent was scared stiff because he had not seen how the angelic man appeared or disappeared. But he clearly felt that if fought that man, Clark would lose.


    Lash didn''t receive a prompt, a gift, or anything from the system. He assumed either it was so far out of expectation that the system momentarily bugged out. Or maybe the simple gesture that Lucifer gave him was enough of a blessing. No one in the chat spoke, no one in the studio moved, Clark was scared stiff. Lash coughed politely to help clear the air. Like a sledge hammer that shattered a mirror the chat exploded with comments, questions, and fanatics filled with the belief that Wraith was some kind of divine messenger.


    Lois and Lash tried for the next hour or so to get the interview back on subject. The chat was having none of it! So, Lois just kept asking question. What were his plans? Take a short vacation. Then he would keep his promise and visit the Veterans Hospitals across the globe, not just the US. The globe! However, he could not tell them the exact schedule in fear that the Human First terrorist organization may target the hospital. Any future plans for another Tech Summit? Yes, though it will be in another year.


    ¡°Tell me Agent Wraith, do you know anything about this team...This League of Heroes?¡± Lois Lane said one of the burning questions on her mind.


    ¡°The Justice League. It is a collection of the extraordinary that wish to assist the world and do the things that the average person can''t do.¡± Lash replied far quicker that Lois anticipated, as if he expected her to ask.


    ¡°I see.... Are you a part of this League?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°No I am not. I am part of the United Nations World Security. Though if the League needs help I will be more then happy to lend a hand. But it would be a derelict of duty to join the League at this time. Perhaps in nine years when I am an official citizen of the planet Earth I''ll join it then. If they will of course have me.¡± Lash said


    ¡°Can you tell us the names of the League members?¡± Lois asked, she was at full attention now. Lois didn''t know how to handle the...Angel thing. So she pushed it to the side to be questioned later. This right now was something she could handle. She held onto this shred of reality tightly!


    ¡°I can only tell you their code names because even I simply don''t know them. Just as they don''t know my actual name. Active members are Batman, Green Arrow, The Flash, Superman, The Green Lanterns, Shazam, Martian Man Hunter, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Aquaman, and Aquawoman. There is also the reserve units. Arsenal, Kid Flash, Robin, Batgirl.¡± Lash replied. Lois wrote down the names quickly some of those names she knew, others she had no idea!


    ¡°What is the difference between Active and Reserve?¡± Lois asked. Lois was military brat she had a feeling but wanted to check.


    ¡°Active members have a primary base but travel the world if the need arises. Reserve members are stationed primarily in a area, but will come into active duty if need be.¡± Lash said to Lois. Clark who was off to the side nodded his head a few times. This was part of the plan. Get their name out there.


    ¡°You seem to know a lot about the League. You say you are not a member, but could we assume you are on speaking terms with them?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°The United Nations World Security is on speaking terms with them. I was just given permission to answer the question. To help create public awareness.¡± Lash replied, he looked up at the clock nearly three hours had passed. He pointed at the clock with his claw and pulled down his illusion image of the dimensional formula.


    ¡°Ah! That appears to be all the time for the interview. Thank you Agent Wraith for sparing the time to speak to us. Thank you all for tuning in to the Daily Planet. I am Lois Lane, see you next time!¡± Lois called to the camera.


    ¡°And we are out!¡± The studio director shouted.


    ¡°Before you leave, may I ask...How are these made?¡± Lois asked, as she pulled out her necklace and bracelet. Clark who had seen the jewelry assumed she got it from a store. Never did he realize Lash had made them! Clark looked conflicted until Lash sent a telepathic message. -Relax boy scout! I don''t have any plans for your woman. The items help clear her mind, and help remove toxins in her body. I have something for you as well if we get a chance. Lash said. The message caught Clark off guard but he looked better then before.


    Lash brought his clawed hands together and cast Fabrication, Alternation, Essence Imbuement, then used the skill Intermediate Enchanting. He created a simple gold chain necklace and handed it to Lois. She blushed slightly, then cleared her throat. She lifted her hair up and turned her back to Wraith who took the hint and clasped the necklace on. Lois shivered slightly with both excitement a little nervous tension when Lash''s claws briefly touched her skin. Lash left a simple telepathic imprint on how the necklace worked. Lois tapped the center piece of the necklace three times and a Immaculate spell activated to clean her.


    ¡°Well that is really convenient!¡± Lois said with a smile. The studio was trying their best not to listen to the conversation but they were of course listening to the conversation! So, Lois was practically dating Superman, and she recieved gifts from Wraith?


    ¡°So, when are you and Superman going to get married?¡± Lash asked, everyone in the room did a spit take! Lois face turned bright red, as did Clark''s. But no one noticed his face.


    ¡°That....We..We are not even dating! I...I don''t know how it works in your society Mr. Wraith! But here a dinner, then a movie, and maybe a walk in the park is a great way to start dating. The man of steel has done none of that! So, we cant possibly be dating!¡± Lois was incredibly flustered and completely out of character.


    ¡°So if I set you up on a date with Superman say in....twenty minutes. Then you two will be dating?¡± Lash asked, his voice dripped with good humor and malicious intent. Lois actually took a step back in surprise, as did Clark.


    ¡°I....I still have work to do!¡± Lois said, and Perry White the editor and chief of the Daily Planet swooped in!


    ¡°Lois! Why don''t you take the rest of the day off! Go out! Have some fun!¡± Perry shouted. Lois pegged him with a death glare.


    ¡°Mr. Kent! Here is a note. Can you take it to this address and yell at the top of your lungs that you need to buy a pizza with lots of pine apples! Superman should zip buy snag the note and head up to meet us. Chop! Chop!¡± Lash handed a blank piece of paper to Clark. Who was so flustered he didn''t say a word and just left.


    Lash then offered his arm to Lois who despite the fact that she was clearly angry. Kinda wanted to see where this went. She reached out and took his arm. She felt the studded leather, and plate armor under the nazgul disguise. She was surprised! They left the studio and walked towards the elevator. Oddly no one stopped to gawk, or ask a question. It was almost as if no one could see them. Lois grabbed her purse and her jacket and came back to Wraith who waited for her. They soon left the Daily Planet and walked towards a small corner street park.


    It was early spring in Metropolis so it was cold at night. But Lois noticed that if she stuck close to Wraith she didn''t feel the bite of the cold. It wasn''t that he was hot, it was just that it wasn''t cold around him. Lash stopped by a big oak tree, he pressed his hand against and waited for a bit. Then with a gust of wind Superman appeared. He landed next to them both, stood at attention with a charming smile.


    ¡°Miss Lane! Agent Wraith I came as fast as I could. What appears to be the trouble?¡± Clark said in his best imitation of confidence as he didn''t actually know whats going on. But he totally did know whats going on.


    ¡°Superman! I... Hello, how are you?¡± Lois asked, as she tried to calm her beating heart. This always happened around him!


    ¡°I am well, thank you for asking Miss...Gaaah!¡± Clark tried to talk but with a sudden pull that came from the air. Clark, Lois, and Lash went through a massive hole that magically appeared on the great oak tree.


    ¡°Aaaaaaaaaaa!¡± Clark, and Lois found each other in the dark and held each other. Clark tried to fly but the force just pulled him along. He couldn''t stop!


    An Amazonian guard eyes were as wide as saucers when a tree next to Brother Lash''s Villa opened up its trunk and spit out. Brother Lash! Superman, and a woman she didn''t know. Brother Lash wore his Wraith disguise so this must be Warden related. Lash walked over to her and said hello.


    ¡°That is Lois Lane, she is the future wife of Superman.¡± Lash gestured to Lois who was in the arms of Clark. She heard his words and became bright red and pushed out of Clark''s arms, he didn''t fight it because he stared at Lash with a gaping mouth.


    Right as Lash said the words that Lois is the future wife of Superman. His entire body glowed with a divine light. The Amazon guard, Clark, and Lois all looked at him. Lois didn''t know what it meant but the same divine energy came off of the...Angel? Now that energy came off of Wraith? Lash nearly fell to his knees but the Amazon caught him. She knew how much an decree took to translate from the Gods above. Lash''s energy tanked after 98% of it was taken after Cosmic Awareness was used.


    ¡°Lois! Welcome to Themyscira! This is my Villa here. Superman has an open invitation on the island but I need to go secure your visit with the Queen. The kitchen is fully stocked! I know the Boy Scout knows how to cook! So have a date in a tropical paradise on me! I''ll take you back to Metropolis in the morning! Bye!¡± Lash left with the Amazong guard to visit the palace.


    ================================================================


    Clark didn''t understand what had happened! They were in Metropolis inside a park, then they were sucked into a tree like Alice in Wonderland. Now they were in Themyscira! That was clearly Lash''s villa that the queen gifted him. But...He had seen the divine light! Lash had another Oracle from his God! Lois was suppose to be his wife!? Clark looked at Lois, who was muttering under her breath. Her phone was in a dead zone. Clark never knew how Lash got his to work here.


    ¡°Miss Lane....Would you like to have dinner with me?¡± Clark asked. Lois looked up, surprise written on her face.


    ¡°Wait! He was serious?¡± Lois asked


    ¡°Are we really in Themyscira right now? What is this about me being your wife? He can''t actually mean that? Can he? What was the golden light! How did we travel across the the East Coast and across the ocean in a span of ten seconds? Not even you can fly that fast!¡± Lois machine gun fired question after question.


    It took a bit of convincing but Clark got Lois in the Villa. He did know how to cook. The kitchen was fully stocked, he made a wonderful meal and Lois tried her best to not be a reporter and just enjoyed the moment. The conversation was hard to talk about. He had plenty of stories about his life on the farm but that would give away information. Lois tried to not dig but she couldn''t help it. So they found common ground. They talked about Wraith! Lois couldn''t believe her ears when Clark told her that Wraith worked for a God! She fired off dozens of questions but Clark could only answer a few of them because he honestly didn''t know the answers. The night grew late, and there were plenty of rooms in the villa. Lois took a bed room and...Kissed Clark on the cheek good night. Clark went to bed that night in daze.


    ===============================================================


    Lois Lane woke up in a massive bed as the sun light shinned on her, she wore silk pj''s she found in the room. That was of course after she took a bath in the luxury bathtub filled with heavenly soaps, bath salts, and candles. She really wanted to be mad at Wraith, but she had to admit as dates go that was a nice one. But Lois couldn''t help but feel that Superman reminded her of...Clark? No, that''s insane! Clark is from Kansas, Smallville! He won a spelling B in eighth grade! He couldn''t be an alien! But Lois remembered how Wraith said he was born and raised in Gotham. No one had any idea who he was until he came out as an alien.


    -Why don''t you just ask him? Wraith''s voice echoed in her mind.


    Lois jumped in the bed and pulled the sheets up. She didn''t scream! She just looked around, the sun filled the room with light. There was not a sign of Wraith anywhere in the room. She slowly pulled the covers back, tip toed across the bedroom. She looked in the bathroom, the closet, under the bed! She even looked up thinking he would of course perch up there like a damn monster! Nothing!


    -Wake up you two! Breakfast is ready! Wraith''s voice sounded again with in her mind! Telepathy! Lois''s mind went to full over load! Can Wraith read her thoughts?! Oh no! No! No! That is a pure invasion of privacy! How was she going to explain all the little fantasies she had about him? Aha!? Don''t think about it! Don''t think about it!


    -No Lois I can''t read your inner most thoughts. Just whats on the surface. Think several white pages with black ink that gets covered in water. You can read the first page, see the second page, but after that it gets harder and harder to read. But I am curious! What fantasies have you had about me? Is Superman in it too? Are we two bad aliens in need of punishment by Miss Lane? Wraith asked.


    ¡°Nope! Nope! Not going to answer! Nope! Base ball! Basket ball! The national anthem!¡± Lois yelled. She pulled on a really nice bath robe. Pulled her hair out and went to the kitchen. Superman stood there waiting for her, still in his uniform. Curiosity clear on his face. Lois entire face turned crimson. Then she smelled the heavenly scent of coffee and bacon!


    In the huge kitchen was a mass of every breakfast food known to Lois. Bacon, eggs, pancakes, hash browns, and more! But most importantly it had coffee! God above! We thank you and the agent you sent us in the kitchen? Lois''s thoughts derailed for a brief moment. In the kitchen was not the seven foot tall Nazgul but a seven foot tall Lizardman in full armor. Lois had to admit he didn''t look half bad. No! No! Lois cleared her mind! He can read tho...Shit he is grinning!


    ¡°So, would you like to tell Superman about your dre...¡± Before Wraith could finish Lois had sprinted across the room and closed his mouth with her hands.


    ¡°Suushhhshhshshsh...Just Shut up....not a word!¡± Lois said through gritted teeth. Superman looked over, he was even more confused. Wraith nodded and gestured for them to sit down.


    ¡°So, Lois your temporary visit was approved by the Queen. Provided the next time I bring an uninvited guest I travel through a designated tree. Also, that you leave today. So no sight seeing I''m sorry. So lets finish breakfast and we''ll leave.¡± Wraith said.


    ===============================================================


    They finished breakfast, Lash cleaned up with Immaculate he cast it on his home. Then he cast it again on Clark, and Lois. Lois clearly wanted to look around but didn''t say anything. Lash didn''t get in to much trouble. He just had to use a designated tree in the future. Also because of his unofficial title has Brother to the Amazons if asked he would provide instant teleportation between different hubs of travel that he had marked. He told the Queen the criteria of the spell. They both easily agreed, it would be beneficial for the Wardens if the Amazons could respond rapidly to an incident.


    Lois did at least get to see some of the Capitol of Themyscira as they walked to the designated Oak tree that had been grown overnight. Lois did take note that all the Amazons called Wraith brother. That was definitely a piece of news. But she was sorely disappointed when Wraith told her she was not allowed to publish any thing she had witnessed. She wanted to agree but cross her fingers behind her back. But Clark always placed a sense of integrity onto people so Lois agreed. An Amazon mage confirmed that Lois would keep the secrets to herself.


    Lash pressed his Nature Domain into the tree, and channeled the spell Tree Stride the trunk of the tree snapped open! Lash, Clark, and Lois got sucked in! Before they knew it they were back at the tree in Metropolis under a obstruction glamour so not to arise any suspicion. Lash offered to see Lois home but she turned away from him and walked off into the brisk spring morning air as the sun was rising.


    ¡°Did you always know? About me and Lois?¡± Clark asked.


    ¡°Yes....¡± Lash replied. Clark chuckled and clapped him on the back.


    ¡°Kinda takes the fun out of it, don''t you think?¡± Clark replied.


    ¡°Would you have preferred I kept Kara from you?¡± Lash asked, curious about the answer. Clark paused and looked at Lash. He clearly was conflicted.


    ¡°No....¡± Clark whispered.


    ¡°Boy Scout, just because you know how the book ends doesn''t mean it wont still be a good read! Plus...My God isn''t always right. I''d say a seventy over thirty chance that you will marry her. You are the former.¡± Lash told him. Clark seem to brighten up at that. He nodded his head then flew off into the sky.


    Lash easily followed Lois home, he made sure she got there safely. Aside from a guy who got a little to handsy which resulted in Lois breaking his nose. She was fine! Half way home she stopped turned around and called out to nothing as it expecting a reply.


    ¡°Are you there?¡± Lois said.


    Superman was gone, so he wasn''t sure who she meant. He looked through her surface thoughts. Telepathy had several upgrades lately. Ah! Lash stepped from the shadows like he pulled a curtain aside. But gone was the nazgul and lizard look. He was default human with illusion cosmetics. So not Lash, but human. Though he still wore the armor. Lois took a step back in surprise but soon nodded her head.


    ¡°Why don''t you just look like that all the time?¡± Lois asked. Lash walked to side and offered her his arm. She raised an eye brow at him, with a bit of reluctance she eventually accepted. They began to walk towards the building she lived in.


    ¡°Did you know that there are over a hundred different alien races in the galaxy that look nearly identical to humans?¡± Lash asked, his voice still very gruff. Lois jumped a little at the sound of it.


    ¡°No, I didn''t.¡± Lois said back. Despite herself she stepped closer towards Lash. It was cold! He wasn''t.


    ¡°Did you know that there are over a thousand different alien races that look drastically different from humans?¡± Lash asked. This made Lois think about the question.


    ¡°No, I didn''t. So you took the appearance of a lizardman to shock the world. So that way when we see similar Aliens we wont be so....¡± Lois looked for a word.


    ¡°Revolted...Yes.¡± Lash said. Lois wanted to refute him...But it was true.


    ¡°Are more coming?¡± Lois asked as they reached her buildings door. Lash reached up and touched her face softly with his gloved hands. He created a simple illusion mirror image of the magical world he saw so she could see it.


    ¡°They are already here, Lois.¡± Lash said as he took his hand away. Lois gasped in surprise. There were creatures flying around, spectral hounds chasing pixies. A few super-natural citizens out for their morning jog that looked human on the outside but when you saw past their glamour became something more.


    ¡°Humans have never been alone in the Universe, Lois. Not only that! But Humans have never been alone on Earth! Humanity is not the only race that has called Earth their home. They have been here just as long as humans. Maybe even longer. Have a good morning.¡± Lash said softly, as the mirror image faded from Lois sight.


    ¡°Wait!....Thank you...for....the date.¡± Lois said the last part softly.


    ¡°You are very welcome my friend. Until next time!¡± Lash said as he faded from sight like a ghost.

 Chapter 54: Project Cadmus

    Lash walked the perimeter of Lois''s building more for himself than her. He found a nearby tree that could accommodate a portal if need be. Then he went for a small walk to find a park. The Tree Stride took a lot of his energy he needed to find a place to recharge. He had learned a new spell simply called...


    Illusion Domain Spell Invisibility: Pull on the curtain of reality around you like a warm blanket, pop! Your gone from sight! Out of sight, out of mind. Any ''action'' will cause the spell to flicker off! Can be cast on people, objects, and buildings. Spell will grow in power and develop the more if it is used!


    Technically the spell Chameleon was better for personal effects. But the fact that Lash could cast Invisibility on items, and buildings made it something he wanted to practice. Chameleon only worked on living things and their equipment. For now. Lash found a park that was not far from Lois''s home he settled down at the roots of a tree that accommodate his body like a friend adjusting for another. He soon came to a stop and activated Meditation his energy reserves jumped quickly because of his skill along with his buffs, and boons.


    Lash relied on the plant network to keep him safe. As Meditation tend to block out his awareness. Though he was invisible, it didn''t block all kinds of detection just sight. After an hour of sitting he received several experience prompts for Meditation he opened his eyes and found a different scene than what he left. The tree he had sat against had created a simple chair for him to sit in, the branches came down and surrounded him like a vine wall, the grass contained with in the wall and bloomed into wild flowers. Dozens of nature spirits played in the flowers but were quiet so they wouldn''t disturb Lash. He also had a recently learned spell in his Nature Domain.


    Nature Domain Spell/Skill Plant Control: This allows a unique connection to ''The Green'' You are connected to it as much as it is connected to you. Call, conjure, create, and manipulate the plant world itself. Uses both magical energy and skill energy. Grows with time! (Chlorokinesis)


    Wait, wasn''t Plant Control Poison Ivy''s area of expertise? Did all Nature Domain practitioners get the spell/skill? Lash activated Connectivity and looked up the known Druid spells on the Warden information page. Yes! They do all get the ability. Lash never received an email or message about Pamela, even after his return. He sent a message to the Warden HQ in Seattle, he requested a report on Pamela Lillian Isley. Shit, it still happened. Pamela became Poison Ivy after her ex-lover and employer professor killed her with the Egyptian herbs they had found. She transformed into Ivy then killed him and ran off. The Wardens were still looking for her, the Druid circles were also looking for her. She was a natural agent of ''The Green'', Lash had marked her with a notification last time he had seen her. The Circles had agreed to her potential. But no one knew where she currently was. Gotham. That is where she ended up in the Comics.


    Lash stood up then activated Transformation, and his Wraith Shroud. He fed his Nature Domain into the tree as a thank you. The chair and branch wall pulled back and on the other side of the wall was a line of police officers, swat, and civilians behind them. An audible gasp rang out as they saw Agent Wraith step from the branch wall. Why were the police here? He tapped into their communication...Ah? Someone planted a bomb in the park? Lash tapped into his Nature Domain and found the bomb not far from their location. The plants nearby pulled the bomb out of the ground and presented it to Lash. He easily took it apart and deactivated it.


    ¡°There are no more explosive devices contained with in the park, I apologies for the scare everyone. Took me a little longer to assist then I anticipated.¡± Wraith''s primal animalistic voice made a lot of the crowd jump. Then people started to cheer.


    Lash spent the next hour speaking to the bomb squad and the MCPD (Metropolis City Police Department). They had received the bomb threat and when they showed up they saw the tree had encircled an area they assumed it was the bomb. But the wall attacked anyone that got close. Lash asked if any one was injured, no there wasn''t. It was more self defense then actual aggression. Lash then helped them track down the bomb maker! That took less time then finding the bomb. He cast Virtual Intelligence then they both searched the evidence and zipped through the city. Eight point five seconds later the location was given to the MCPD Lash was invited to attend the arrest. They showed up in an old apartment home that had seen better days. Lash walked right up to the correct door, sent a Technomancy pulse through the door. Wasn''t trapped, he notified the officer in charge who was surprised by his etiquette. The swat team breached into the home and found incredibly surprised bomb maker eating his lunch.


    ¡°You going to be in Metropolis from now on or was this a one time thing?¡± The officer in charge asked. Peter was his name. A stout fellow with a no none sense attitude.


    ¡°I was in town and saw that I could help with the situation. I am sorry if I stepped on any toes it was not my intent.¡± Lash spoke in his Saurian impression voice. The snarling voice still made Peter jump every time. Lash bowed from his waist, in genuine apology.


    ¡°No! No...its fine. In fact you did everything by the book! Aside from walking straight up to the door. But I assume that was because nothing he had would hurt you?¡± Peter replied, he looked embarrassed to have a seven foot tall lizard wraith bowing to him in apology.


    ¡°Uhh...On a personal note. Did you mean what you said about visiting a Veterans hospital?¡± Peter asked. Lash tilted his head at him, which was incredibly odd from Peter''s perspective! It looked like Agent Wraith had rotated his head at a one hundred an eighty degree angle.


    ¡°Yes...Do you have one in mind?¡± Lash asked.


    Turned out that Metropolis had a wounded emergency response hospital along with the veterans hospital. So wounded cops, firemen, ambulance, etc along with the military. When Lash first appeared after he stepped from Officer in charge Peters police car. A wounded veteran walked straight towards him. He had no left arm, with out fear he walked over to Wraith with tears streaming down his face. Lash had finally learned he could create pheromones to help with the pain! Then he cast a new spell...


    Nature Domain Spell Regrowth: Be it plant, or animal regrowing a limb can be a life saver! Now with this spell you use magic as a supplement to rebuild, regrow, and replace what is missing.


    Ten minutes later a new all be it very thin arm had grown on the veterans body. He could barely move it, but he could feel it. Lash told him it would take time to rebuild the muscle tissue, it was brand new! So be careful with it! The veteran hugged Lash and cried tears of joy and turned to his friends who were near by. That started another long, long, long time at the hospital. It was the morning of the third day before Lash left.


    Congratulations User! Nature''s Kiss has evolved into Minor Nature''s Kiss.


    Effects: 40% of the targets total life is restored, 12 hour space between casting on the same target.


    Congratulations User! Basic Combat Medicine and Basic Medical Care have merged into a single skill. Medicine! Experience earned from both will be applied to the new merged skill. Medicine has evolved into Minor Medicine.


    Effects: Medicine is an umbrella skill that encompasses several skills, allowing the User to have a wider range of abilities. But as usual it takes longer to level.


    During his stay at the hospital it had come under attack twice by the Human First terrorist organization. Or they tried to attack, hundreds of newly reborn Veterans of the military, and city emergency response units tore them apart with in minutes. Lash thanked them for the help and they just laughed at him as if it was only natural! He asked for a ride to a city park which they were confused about but did it anyways. He had a giant armored convoy take him all the way there. Lash thanked them for the ride and walked into the park. He soon faded from their sight like a ghost vanishing during the sun rise.


    ¡°Dawn, my brightest star. Are the Humans First organization a generated antagonist in The Dream?¡± Lash asked as he walked back to the first tree that protected him under the guise of his Invisibility.


    ¡°Hello, User! Yes they are. Just like Shield and Sword, and The Wardens. The Developers believed that a terrorist organization, or a shadow government would be far more believable when the world begins to...Change. They are not only spawned in Magical Origins but in all Origins. You can of course turn them off with World Points if you ever decided to start a new Dream.¡± Dawn said sweetly in his ear.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn!¡± Lash said to her.


    The reality of the world came to a crawl then stopped. Then started up again as if nothing had happened. -Welcome back, Erik. Lash and Saurian greeted their partner. Lash walked through the park lost in thought as the morning sun covered the Metropolis city park. He was happy to help at the hospital but wasn''t he suppose to be on vacation? Maybe to him this was a vacation? Compared to his life in Tartarus this was paradise. Lash stopped walking when he smelled some one familiar in the air. He turned and walked towards them, curious why they would be in the park. It was a weekday so they should be in the office. There she was...Mercedes. Lex Luthors personal assistant.


    Mercedes looked good in her black dress suit pants, white buttoned up shirt, with black suit jacket. The suit was of course tailored to fit her body type which looked strong and athletic. Mercedes was 5'' 9¡± but in her heels she was an even 6''. Very tall for a woman, Lash didn''t mind. Her blond hair was tied back and kept above her shoulders. Her blue eyes scanned the park with a critical eye as she listened to her radio. They had come to the park to find him.


    ¡°Miss Mercedes, you are looking well.¡± Lash''s disguised voice spoke from the ether. Mercedes jumped and whirled around but didn''t see anyone.


    ¡°Mr. Wraith?¡± Mercedes asked, she had taken a defensive stance. Legs spread, feet anchored, lowered her center of gravity. The Wraith appeared about fifteen feet from her.


    ¡°Apologies Miss Mercedes I had forgotten my cloak was active. It is always a pleasure to see, but may I assume the Luthors would like to see me?¡± Lash primal and animalistic voice still drove Mercedes on edge.


    ¡°Yes! They hoped to catch you before you returned to Gotham. However, it is only a request they will understand if you are busy.¡± Mercedes relaxed her posture and recalled the security that combed the park for him.


    ¡°I don''t mind, but please call ahead and inform them that I haven''t slept in two days. So if I am a little...Off. That is why. Shall we?¡± Lash gestured towards the awaiting cars that had recently pulled up. Mercedes nodded her head and walked forward. Lash fell in step with her.


    Lash walked side by side with Mercedes, he noticed that she kept a distance that was just enough for her to perform a whip kick if she needed. Warrior to the end! Her movement was strong, fluid, and practiced. Despite her heels she walked with grace and poise that so few human woman have. The security spread across the park slowly arrived at the cars and surveyed the area. Lash used Insight on the guards....Neutral all of them. But then he decided to use it on Mercedes.


    Name: Mercedes


    Title: Warrior Bodyguard.


    Origin: Mundane.


    Rank: F-


    Skills: See tab for information.


    Domains: N/A


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comments: Mercedes is afraid of Wraith! But she respects a fellow warrior even if that warrior is not human. She is grateful for Wraith healing effect, hopes that if she is ever hurt one day Wraith will be there to help her.


    Mercedes sped up just a bit so she could open the luxury car door for Lash. He stepped into the car and she shut the door behind him. She got into the passenger side of the front seat. Another guard was waiting in the driver seat. They soon started their journey to Lex-Corp industries. Mercedes called ahead and told Lex and Lena that Wraith agreed to come. Also that he hadn''t slept in two days and may be acting a little funny.


    ¡°Is there a type of refreshment you prefer, Mr Wraith?¡± Mercedes asked.


    ¡°Hot Chai, I''ve always enjoyed the taste.¡± Lash replied. Mercedes spoke back into the phone.


    On the drive over Lash connected to the world wide web and inquired about Lex-Corp since his departure. Lena was what you would hope all extremely wealthy people should be. She ran several charities, scholarships. Organized several hundred free healthcare clinics, helped the poor, disfranchised, brought the Lex-Corp name great press, and public relations. Lex was far more...Pragmatic. The company owned several government contracts from several nations recognized by the UN, and a few that weren''t. Anything from toys, to tanks! Lex-Corp either had a finger in it, or owned a sub-subsidiary company that did. Whether it was Lena''s influence or not, Lex never sold under the table. But once it was off Lex-Corp shelves it was out of his hands. That was something he made clear. Lash cast Virtual Intelligence and had the Tech-Spirit look up any information on the code word. Cadmus, or Project Cadmus.


    The security convoy soon arrived at Lex-Corp and Lash was brought to the underground and well secured parking lot for VIP''s. His car door was opened and he stepped out, still in his lizard/Wraith disguise he looked around the parking area. Mercedes came to his side and waited for him though she had gestured towards the doors.


    ¡°Electric shock darts, multi Vulcan cannons with armor piercing rounds? Don''t trust me that much, or is treatment for everyone who comes this way?¡± Lash asked, Mercedes gritted her teeth but still replied.


    ¡°Everyone who comes this way gets the same treatment, Mr Wraith. Please come this way.¡± Mercedes asked. Lash pointed a claw at the wall.


    ¡°That one has a bad loader, four hundred rounds in and it would jam. That should be fixed before something bad happens.¡± Lash said politely and left towards the elevator. Mercedes made a note of that specific wall and followed after him.


    The elevator was spacious, and had a great view of the city once they cleared the underground area. Lash''s shroud swallowed the floor as it writhed and wiggled around. Mercedes tried to not flinch every time it passed through her. It didn''t feel like anything, but it still made her nervous. Lash tail kept away from her but it did tap the ground idly. The doors opened to the top level of the tower, Lash and Mercedes walked towards the giant double doors that he had seen before. Mercedes tried to step forward to open it, but Lash reached out with his shroud and opened the door for her. This made Mercedes realize that it could touch things. Inside the giant office was Lex and Lena Luthor.


    Lena looked youthful and full of energy. She was technically twenty nine but had the body of a nineteen year old. She was lean, strong, and had a hour glass figure that bounced with every movement. She wore a black silk pencil skirt that went to her knees, with four inch red heels. She had a red silk blouse on, a black suit half jacket. Her hair had been curled and went past her shoulders. She had crimson lipstick she smiled at the sight of Lash as he walked in after Mercedes.


    Lex was thirty one this year but had the body of a twenty one year old. He was strong, and well muscled. His bald head shined in the morning sun that came through the huge bay windows. Baldies unite! He wore a three piece business suit. Black on black with a white buttoned up shirt, and a red tie. Formal, professional, and he looked great in it.


    They both stood just off from the main desk next to a coach, several chairs, and a table with a full coffee and tea set. Lash could smell the hot chai awaiting consumption. There was also a special seat that would specifically fit some one with a tail. Lash stood before them, then bowed from his waist at a ninety degree angle.


    ¡°Lex Luthor, Lena Luthor. Thank you for the privilege of your invitation. Though I did plan to visit you at a later time with gifts. I hope you will accept my apologies since I don''t have them ready at this time.¡± Lash said to them. Lena raised a manicured eyebrow and smiled at him. Lex''s face was indifferent but his lips did twitch just a little.


    ¡°Gifts? We''ll have to look forward to it.¡± Lena said as she gestured for Lash to take a seat. Lash bowed again and took his specified seat. Lena sat next, and Lex was last. Mercedes prepared the drinks for everyone, and poured Lash''s chai. Lash gulped the entire glass down in a single motion and asked for another.


    ¡°Sorry, I''m tired.¡± Lash said to them.


    ¡°People tend to be more honest when they are tired. Tell me, what do you think of me and my brother?¡± Lena asked, humor clear in her voice as she did not expect a real answer.


    ¡°Lena you are beautiful woman that is a model of what all super rich should aspire to be. You help the poor and disfranchised. Provide to charities, scholarships, and bring hope to those that have none. You treat your mind, and body like a temple. With proper exercise, diet, and belief. This makes you incredibly attractive.¡± Lash said to her then turned to Lex. Lena was frozen stiff at the nonchalant reply.


    ¡°Lex, you are a pragmatic man that is more than likely the most intelligence man on the face of this earth. Because of your intelligence you always think in long term, even past the event of your death you continue to make plans. This creates an unreachable goal that drives you to be the best man in business, science, and makes you a futurist. You fully believe in physical fitness, and mental fitness is the best way to understand what makes humans into ''humans''. Anyone who doesn''t is fooling themselves. However, your moral compass is flexible. This is both good and bad for some one of your mindset.¡± Lash finished.


    Mercedes stood off to the side, but her eyes were wide in shock. That was incredibly odd. Wraith was right he was off. Lena had a bemused expression her face and was a little bit shy at the compliments. But her attention was on Lex who had a smile on his face. Lex took the entire monologue in stride and accepted the truth with a smile.


    ¡°Thank you for the compliment, Wraith. I''m curious can I pick your brain for a bit. Our company retrieved a rare mineral that was discovered in an asteroid a few months ago I wanted to get your opinion on it.¡± Lex put a box onto the table between them. The box was about the size of a basketball. Lex opened it up and a green glow emanated from the dark green crystal with in the lead lined box.


    ¡°Have you ever seen this before?¡± Lex asked. Lash reached out and picked it up. He activated his Shaper, Transmuter titles, along with Material Shaping. He analyzed the material and sighed softly. Kryptonite. Lex watched with keen interest no doubt he noticed the sigh.


    ¡°It''s called Kryptonite, so named because it is a mineral from Superman''s home world. It comes in a variety of colors, each one with a different effect.¡± Lash replied. This response made Lex''s eyes go wide with excitement. He licked his lips, and rubbed his palms on his pants. Damn it Lex! Lash really hopped he wouldn''t turn into this version. Lash put the stone back into the case and closed it. Just as he did, his Virtual Intelligence came back with information on Cadmus.


    ¡°What does the green color do?¡± Lena asked, pure curiosity written on her face.


    ¡°It has a variety of effects. One particular one it is radioactive. Short term exposure is not an issue but I would always carry it in protection unless you want radiation poisoning. It can also be used as a power source. Not that stone specifically its to low quality but a clean source could power a machine like a tank or a suit of mechanized armor. It would also weaken anyone with Kryptonian DNA. But, you already knew that. Didn''t you Lex?¡± Lash asked. Lena looked at Lash in surprise then turned to her brother. She didn''t know that. Lex leaned back in his chair and had a genuine smile on his face.


    ¡°Yes...I did. I wasn''t sure if you knew it, or if you did know it would you have said anything. This was one of the few times I am happy I was wrong. You share my worries about Superman?¡± Lex said to Lash. Lena felt like she was out of the loop but sat quietly to the side and listened.


    ¡°Any one with power is dangerous, Lex. You of all people should know that better than most. I consider Superman a friend, Lex. But there is a human saying that I''ve found relevant to the situation. Keep your friends close....¡± Lash left it hang in the air.


    ¡°And your enemies closer...¡± Lex smiled, a glint of recognition in his eyes as he looked at Lash. It was this moment that Lex truly saw Agent Wraith as both an ally and an enemy worthy of his respect.


    ¡°Kryptonite is rare, and you rely on it to fall from the sky. I would encourage you to look into, ''Red Sun Radiation''. But out of respect for my friend I will not speak anymore on the subject on how to hurt him. I hope you can understand?¡± Lash said. Lex was more than satisfied! He nodded his head and put the box away.


    ¡°Wraith you have my respect! You are a realist, a realist I look forward to seeing become a citizen of our planet.¡± Lex said to him, a smile clear on his face. The expression clearly surprised Mercedes and Lena. Lex only ever acted this way around them, or his friends. Lex didn''t have many friends.


    Lash had thought to lie about the stone, but Project Cadmus was already in the works. Lex knew what the stone did but it was a test for Wraith. If he had danced around the subject or lied Lex would know not to trust Wraith. He disliked that it could be used in the future to hurt Clark, or Kara! But he also knew that Zodd would be coming. It wasn''t until later that they figured out the Red Sun trick. Now they would have it. A double edged sword as it were.


    ¡°Excuse me? Mind letting the girls in on what is going on? Or is this a all boys club?¡± Lena said, clearly annoyed at being left out.


    ¡°Have you heard of Project Cadmus, Lena?¡± Lash said. Lex''s expression not only fell but his face went pale. How did Wraith know that name?


    ¡°No, Cadmus does sound familiar but not the Project.¡± Lena said, she noticed how Lex''s face fell. She smiled with satisfaction. Wraith had clearly thrown a left hook.


    ¡°Cadmus was the founder and first king of Thebes. He was a monster slayer, and was often sought out to accomplish tasks of great renown before Hercules was born. Project Cadmus is a genetic research shadow government operation meant to design and create cloning. Specifically the integration of Alien DNA into Human DNA. Thus allowing humans to wield the same power as aliens. There is also project match...¡± Lash said to Lena before he was cut off by Lex.


    ¡°STOP!¡± Lex shouted, he stood up in pure shock and anger! How the fuck did Wraith know that!?


    ¡°Project Cadmus hasn''t been successful in cloning Kryptonian DNA, and your mother doesn''t know why.¡± Lash said the last part quickly. Lex''s eyes went wide, as Lena stood up and stared at Lex with accusation.


    ¡°You and Mother are trying to clone Superman!? Why!?¡± Lena shouted at Lex. Lex looked a little helpless when his sister shouted at him. Lex had a clear soft spot for her.


    ¡°Don''t you want to know why you haven''t been successful?¡± Lash asked, his voice dripped with malicious intent. Lex turned his eyes towards Lash, he looked like he wanted to pounce on him and tear the answer out of him by force. Lena stepped into Lex''s line of sight and pegged with a glare so fierce it made Lex flinch.


    ¡°Perhaps we should just call your mother?¡± Lash offered. He created a video feed through Technomancy and called Lillian Luthor. The phone rang a few times, no one in the room moved. Then an older, educated woman''s voice answered.


    ¡°Hello? Oh! Lex! Lena! That is so nice of you both to call!¡± Lillian was an older woman in her mid forties or fifties. Her rich brown hair was tied back into half bun, she wore soft blue cotton blouse and a lab coat. Both Lex and Lena became like obedient kittens in their mothers eyes. Lash felt the change so different he chuckled.


    ¡°Oh? Do you have visitors?¡± Lillian couldn''t see Lash from the perspective of the ''camera'' Something he had done on purpose. He adjusted the camera to include him. Lillian''s facial expression only changed slightly before she recovered with practice ease.


    ¡°Agent Wraith of the United Nations World Security! Why hello! Did something happen?¡± Lillian asked. The camera only showed her upper half but Lash could clearly see that her arms started to move as she searched on her computer for information.


    ¡°Yes, I was just telling your son about how Project Cadmus should look into Red Sun Radiation as an alternate method of attack.¡± Lash said, his reptilian eyes watched Lillian carefully.


    ¡°Oh! Really? Why is that?¡± Lillian went into auto scientist mode.


    ¡°Krypton was orbited by a red sun. Earth has a yellow sun, it is where Superman gets a majority of his power. If red sun radiation is introduced it would blast his bodies natural radiation absorption. It could be used to hurt, or even temporarily deactivate his powers. That is also why project match has failed. Because you use yellow sun radiation.¡± Lash said nonchalantly.


    Lex looked flabbergasted! Which was an odd look for him. Lena looked truly conflicted, she wanted to ask her mother about Cadmus but stayed quiet. Mercedes was like a wall flower and stayed in the background with out a peep. Lillian however was animated and took the entire thing in stride. She was clearly making notes.


    ¡°Let me make something clear. I am not telling you this because I want you to hurt, or kill Superman. He is my friend. I am telling you this because Superman is not the last Kryptonian, maybe the others will be just as friendly as he is? Maybe they wont be. But I would much rather have the world I plan to join as a citizen be intact instead of ruined world. Understood?¡± Lash said. Lillian had stopped writing to look at him, she smiled at him and nodded.


    ¡°Understood, Agent Wraith! Thank you for the information! Project Cadmus will remember your contribution. Lex, Lena thank you for the call! Excuse me I have a lot more work to do! Agent Wraith I hope we have a chance to work together in the future! Goodbye!¡± Lillian Luthor hung up. It was only after she hung up that both Lex and Lena seemed to start breathing normally.


    ¡°Lex, who ever is in charge of security in Project Cadmus needs to be shot. A lot of its information is on the dark web for sale. It gives names of scientist, addresses, along with research projects. Lena, I don''t like what they are doing in Cadmus, but I understand why they believe they need it. Perhaps you should join the Project for the simple reason that you will help keep them on the straight and narrow. It was nice speaking with both of you but I am tired, I am going home now.¡± Lash stood up, bowed to them both and turned to leave.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Lena called out to him. Lash had reached the VIP elevator by the time she called. Lena walked over at a brisk pace.


    ¡°May I join you? I need to clear my head.¡± Lena said to him.


    ¡°Are you sure, it seemed like you and your brother had a lot to talk about?¡± Lash inquired.


    ¡°We....We can talk later.¡± Lena said softly, she looked away clearly conflicted. Lash offered his arm to her, the gesture clearly surprised her. She laughed lightly and took the offered arm. They rode the elevator down together.


    Lena felt up and down the hard leather and plate armor of Lash''s gear. She stuck close to his arm, not in a seductive manner but a... ''I''m curious who you are'' sort of way. When the elevator opened a car was waiting for them. Lash opened the door for her, she said thank you under her breath and got in. Lash joined her.


    ¡°Closest City Park.¡± Lash said to the driver, the man looked at Lena for confirmation she nodded. The car ride was quiet, neither of them spoke. Lena did idly play with the shroud that filled the back seat. Lash activated Insight.


    Name: Lena Luthor


    Title: Billionaire, Princess of Metropolis


    Origin: Mundane


    Rank: G+


    Skills: See tab for information.


    Domains: N/A


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comments: Lena finds Wraith intriguing! He is a mystery she wants to unravel, she does have some attraction to him. Because she feels a connection with this alien monster that is more human then most humans.


    When they approached the city park it was almost dark. It was early spring so the sun sets early. Lash created a winter fur coat with a hood for Lena, it even had cosmetic wolf ears on the top. Winter black wolf liner, with durable kevlar outside. Could stop small arms fire. Lash told her as much when he handed to her. Lena laughed at the ears and put it on. She sunk into the giant coat and felt warm and oddly safe. Lash opened the door and offered his clawed hand to Lena who took it gratefully.


    ¡°Wait there.¡± Lena told the driver. The driver clearly wanted to object but held his tongue.


    Lash took Lena''s hand in his own. She could feel the claws and leather of his gloves. She didn''t know why but she felt a little shy when he held her hand. It had to be her young body hormones! Ya! That was certainly it. Lash led her to a giant tree that was clearly in view of the driver. Lena was confused as Lash pressed his clawed hands against the tree. Then Lash pulled Lena flush against his chest, she yelped in surprise. Then screamed in horror as a giant mouth opened in the tree and ate them both! The driver stood at attention he was horrified at the sight of seeing Lena Luthor get eaten by a tree, and with the knowledge that Lex Luthor would kill him for not protecting his sister. His phone beeped at him.


    ''We went to Gotham. Tell Lex I''ll be home late. -Lena''


    It was Miss Luthor''s phone number. Gotham?! They had been gone less then twenty seconds! The driver pulled out his phone, tried to contact Miss Luthor...Nothing! Called Mercedes and began to tell her what happened. It was an hour later when a full team of scientist came to examine the tree that ate and teleported Lena Luthor over five hundred miles in a few seconds?


    Lash watched Lena circle the tree several times, she touched here and there. She measured it, she took out her phone that had several after marked attachments. Or maybe they were standard for Lex-Corp? She scanned the tree...It was a tree! Just a normal ordinary ash tree. She looked at Lash who now looked like a human, in a black business suit. Short black hair, bronze skin, black eyes. She looked back at the tree, back at Lash.


    ¡°I guess I understand how Alice in Wonderland felt.¡± Lena said softly.


    ¡°Come on, I''ll cook you dinner.¡± Lash offered Lena his arm. She hesitated but took his offered arm. She felt the smooth touch of rich imported cloth. She looked up at Lash who wore his cosmetic glamour.


    ¡°So this is how you stayed hidden all this time. Is this your normal human form?¡± Lena asked as they began to walk towards the city street.


    ¡°No, this is a cosmetic disguise. I want to trust you Lena! But after the conversation I just had with your brother. I find myself caught between a family dispute. Lex was both happy with my input but also incredibly angry for me saying it in front of you.¡± Lash said honestly. His voice was still gruff but was clearly human.


    ¡°Sorry about that... I. I try not to keep secrets from Lex. I''ve told him as much, he tries to not keep things from me. But... He says he only keeps things from me that will hurt me. Still playing the part of a big brother.¡± Lena said, she ducked her head down in depression. Her wolf ears on her hood flopped into view which made Lash smile. Lena''s phone vibrated...It was Lex calling her. She sent it to voice mail.


    When they reached the city street, Lash contacted a civilian transport through Connectivity they traveled to a Fae Court safe house. Not his home. Maybe one day he''d let Lena see his home but not tonight. On the drive Lash''s hand idly massaged and caressed Lena''s hands. He didn''t even realize he was doing it. Lena clearly enjoyed the hand massage as she bit her lip to suppress a groan of satisfaction. A blush crawled up her neck, and face. When they reached their destination Lena sighed in relief, because any more ''torture'' and she would had moaned in the car. Lash paid the driver well and took Lena to the top of the building.


    Lash and Lena walked into a Loft. A large open room with a upstairs level bedroom in view but could be obscured with curtains for privacy. It had a single full bathroom and shower. While the kitchen, and living room were connected. In the middle was a skylight that let in sun light or moon light onto a Bonsai tree that stood in the middle of the room in a small sand garden. The floors were a fine red wood, and red brick on the walls covered by fine crafted silk curtains. Yes it was a safe house, but it was a safe house owned by the Fae Courts. Of course it would be nice!


    ¡°Wow....Is this where you live?¡± Lena looked around, clearly impressed.


    ¡°No, this is a safe house. One of many with in Gotham. I had to check if it was available while we drove over. Sorry if it seemed like I ignored you.¡± Lash commented. Lena looked at him with a look of shock. Ignored her? That was him ignoring her? Lena blushed and pulled the over sized hood over her face to hide it. What was wrong with her!? She really wanted her body to not be nineteen right now! Obviously her hormones were all over the place. That must be it!


    The heat in the loft turned on, Lash pulled out pots and pans. What he didn''t find in the pantry he created. He began to cook dinner for Lena. She eventually pulled the wolf fur coat off and walked over to sit at the kitchen counter to watch Lash work. Lena watched him move with practiced ease of a culinary chef. Lash poured a fine white wine for her, which she accepted with a smile.


    ¡°Been a long time since I''ve ate like this.¡± Lena said. She enjoyed herself as she watched Lash move.


    ¡°I''m sure you have five star chefs who cook for you. However, I want to cook for you. For the simple reason that I think you don''t often get a chance to relax. Because you let your guard down the moment we walked into the loft, Lena.¡± Lash said.


    Lena was startled at the realization that Lash was right. She...Just felt safe around him, felt comfortable. How odd was that! The first single man she felt safe around in years and it was an Alien! Now she understood why Lois Lane had a thing for Superman. Wait!? Lena didn''t have a thing for Wraith! Nope! She....She just liked him! Not like...Like! Just....Lena shook her head to try and clear it.


    ¡°Wow...The youthful restoration really screwed with your bodies chemicals, eh?¡± Lash said as he looked at her. He stirred dinner occasionally.


    ¡°Right! I knew it was that...I.... Its funny how you only remember the good parts of being young but none of the bad.¡± Lena said, she ran her fingers through her hair and ruffled it about. She lightly pouted and took another drink from the glass of wine. It was a good wine!


    Lash made salmon with white sauce, string beans, and rosemary potatoes. Then for desert he created a tiramisu slice that he and Lena shared. He helped Lena finish off the bottle of wine but it was clear she had the majority of it as her face was flushed, she was a little off balance. She also pulled off her suit jacket, and high heels. She sat on the nice leather coach and pulled the wolf furred coat to snuggled into. Lash almost sat down in the nearby armchair until Lena looked at him sadly. He smirked and sat on the coach with her. She tried to be coy, but due to her alcohol intake she failed to by sly. She snuggled onto his chest with his arm wrapped around her.


    ¡°Do you have a girlfriend?¡± Lena asked. Wow! Lash looked at her, clearly surprised by the question. He was not the only one because Lena looked just as shocked.


    ¡°I have a polyamorous relationship with several people. So, do I have a girlfriend? Yes. Several. They also have several boyfriends.¡± Lash explained. Lena seemed surprised Lash answered her, she tried to understand the answer he had given her.


    ¡°Oh! Wow...That is...Wow....¡± Lena said, her face completely flushed.


    ¡°Lena, why do you ask?¡± Lash said, a grin began to pull on his lips. Lena let out a soft hiccup! She shrunk into her wolf coat and shook her head back and forth.


    ¡°No reason! I.... Christ, what am I doing?¡± Lena said more to her self then Lash. Then she stopped, she seem to think of something. She then leaned away from Lash with suspicion in her eyes.


    ¡°Are you....Doing something to me?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°You mean did I put something in your food that we both ate? Or put something in the bottle we both drank from? Or maybe my alien physiology is secreting pheromones that ignite the pleasure centers in your body and mind. Something like that?¡± Lash asked, a grin on his face. Lena pegged him with a glare... Snuggled into her wolf coat and pouted on the other side of the coach.


    It began to rain outside. Which eventually turned into snow. Weather in Gotham was temperamental because the snow then turned back into rain. Eventually Lena came across the coach and snuggled into Lash claiming she was cold! Even though her body radiated heat. She let out a soft moan as Lash had begun to massag her back. He hand had slipped under the wolf coat and kneaded her muscles. Lash lips turned into an evil grin as he cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. Lena turned into a puddle of bliss, and moaned several times. Lena''s head rest on Lash''s lap face up. She held onto his arm as he danced his hand and down the skin of her stomach. Her blouse had been pulled up. Clearly it could have gone further but neither Lash or Lena went any further. Almost as if an invisible wall kept them in check.


    ¡°I don''t know if you do that to help people or you just derive sadistic amusement from how people react to it.¡± Lena said softly after the initial effects wore off.


    ¡°Are you telling me you don''t like the initial and after effects?¡± Lash inquired, a predatory grin on his very human face. Lena shivered slightly, but she was also a bit excited.


    ¡°Of course I enjoy it! I enjoy what you hand is doing as well! But... Just. We can''t go any further...ok?¡± Lena said softly at the end.


    ¡°Of course. But that doesn''t mean I can''t still tease you!¡± Lash said. Lena scowled at him but didn''t pull away as Lash''s hand continued to dance along her skin.


    ¡°Thank you....This was nice.¡± Lena said in the darkness of the loft. It had been several hours since they last spoke. She had turned on her side and let Lash''s hand massage her entire back.


    ¡°You are very welcome, Lena. Though you should send a text to Lex. You have twenty three missed calls from him.¡± Lash said. Lena shriveled up in despair. She was not looking forward to that conversation.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you can make this tree send me home?¡± Lena asked, she referred to the bonsai tree in the loft. There was one much like it in Lex''s office.


    ¡°I can actually, its why I chose this location instead of another.¡± Lash replied. Lena sat up in surprise.


    ¡°Will I get to see your real home one day?¡± Lena asked softly.


    ¡°Yes, along with my face.¡± Lash replied in a straightforward manner. Lena gave him a genuine smile. She leaned in and kissed his cheek.


    ¡°Thank you....¡± Lena said.


    She stood up and fixed her cloths back into working order. She may have adjusted her self in full view of Lash as if she put on a show. Lash stood up behind her which startled her when he ''assisted'' her at clipping her bra back on that came off while he gave her a massage. He also helped tuck her blouse back into her skirt which made her shiver and bite her lip as she tried to suppress a shiver of delight. Lash cast Immaculate on her, so she was clean and fresh as a fiddle. She blinked at the change then smiled at him.


    ¡°Wow that is convenient!¡± Lena said. Lash picked up her coat and held it up for her to put her arms into the sleeves.


    ¡°I made it for you, unless you don''t like it?¡± Lash asked. Lena quickly put it on and held it close with a possessive intent.


    ¡°Nope! I love it! Thank you!¡± Lena replied. Lash soon cast Tree Stride and sent Lena back to Lex''s home office. Once Lena was gone Lash checked several prompts he had ignored. Advanced Charming Presence had gained experience. Fuck!


    ===============================================================


    Lena opened her eyes and looked around amazed at the convenience of it all. The bonsai tree had grown and turned into a circle where inside that circle an energy vortex spit her out. Once she was out the tree returned to its normal appearance. She was back in Lex''s main office. Her brother was gone, from her phone messages it seemed like he flew over to Gotham to look for her. She walked right up his desk and called him on his phone. He picked up with in the second ring.


    ¡°What is it!? Did you find her yet!?¡± Lex yelled into the phone, not understanding who called.


    ¡°Yes, Lex I found myself back in your office. Why are you yelling at me?¡± Lena replied.


    ¡°Lena?! Where? Your in my office? Why did your phone GPS say you were in Gotham? Wait! Did he send you through my tree in the office!?¡± Lex shouted. Lena held the phone away from her ear.


    ¡°Yes, Lex. He sent me through the tree in your office. Now come back Metropolis. You and I are going to have a long talk about Cadmus! I''m going to follow Wraiths advice. I want to be involved so I can help keep the project on the straight and narrow. Understand? Good!¡± Lena slammed the phone down before Lex could respond.


    Lena sat in the massive leather chair that Lex loved so much. It really was comfy she would always try and sneak into it while they worked together. Much to her amusement and annoyance of her brother. Lena lounged in the chair and relived the past few hours. Her body felt amazing! The muscles in her back were in heaven. She remembered the touch of Wraith''s hands on her body. Her face turned red and Lena hid in wolf coat he had made for her.


    ¡°Agent Wraith you certainly are trouble. Why do I always fall for the bad boys?¡± Lena said softly, with a smile on her face.


    =================================================================


    Lash activated the keypad in the safe house. It sent a message to the Fae Courts. The safe house had been used and needed a clean and restock. He turned the lights off and left, he switched his cosmetic glamour and decided to walk home. It took him a few hours but the walk was nice. Thanks to his Winter Knight Blessing he didn''t get cold anymore. He spoke to a few super-natural citizens along the way. Helped them with a few simple problems. There was a time when those problems would have been hard for him. Now he could snap his fingers or claws depending on the situation and the problems would be solved.


    He had enjoyed his night with Lena. It was a nice simple night with a beautiful woman. Temptation and flirtation! Good food, good company. But he was sad about Lex, he had hoped he would be a good version. Maybe if Lena did supervise project Cadmus it would not be so bad? The question was, should he tell Superman about Cadmus? Did Superman even know what Kryptonite was? He needed to see Bruce. He stopped moving forward and let the flow of foot traffic pass him by. Bruce.... Hmmm. Lash called for a cab and went to Wayne Tech.


    Lash stepped from the cap and pulled his Lizardman and Wraith disguise back on in one fluid motion. The cab driver who dropped him off nearly had a heart attack! Wraith!? He had given a ride to Wraith? Wait!? What did he look like? He looked human right? Right?! Shit why couldn''t he remember! Lash sent the cab fair through a digital credit card. Gave the driver two hundred dollars way above the thirty five dollars he had been charged for. Lash under the disguise of Wraith walked into Wayne Tech industries.


    The security at the front desk knew who Wraith was. He was responsible for the new holographic tech that the entire building now used. Lash passed through the metal detectors that didn''t even register he had walked through them. The security camera''s in the entire lobby didn''t even record his presence. Lash walked right up to speak to them.


    ¡°Mr. Wayne has left for the evening. But Mr. Fox is still here. May I please speak to him?¡± Lash said in his Wraith animalistic voice. The guards didn''t move for a moment before their supervisor walked over. Clapped his hands to get their attention and they jumped to work.


    ¡°Right away Agent Wraith! Also, thank you! My sister was at the Metropolis Veterans hospital. She has a brand new leg thanks to you!¡± The supervisor said with a smile. Lash looked at him, and searched through the information file through Connectivity.


    ¡°Corporal Beatriz, mother of two. I was happy to see her walk out of the hospital. Though it was on crutches.¡± Lash replied. The supervisor grinned wide at that.


    ¡°Yes, Sir! She loved to go on hikes with the family. Now she can again!¡± The supervisor was ecstatic that Wraith remembered his sister.


    Mr. Fox called down soon after and said to send Agent Wraith upstairs at his convenience. The security supervisor escorted him to the VIP elevator but didn''t step in with him. Lash rode the elevator to the top floor. He didn''t see Monica or Shevalla this time. Pity. The doors opened and there stood Mr Fox with his secretary. Fox smiled at him, he opened the door to his office and walked in.


    ¡°May I get you anything Agent Wraith?¡± Fox''s Secretary asked. She had a bright smile on her face. She was far more friendly then last time.


    ¡°No thank you, Miss. Hopefully this wont take long. I still haven''t slept since the Veterans hospital in Metropolis.¡± Lash said to her. Her eyes went wide at that.


    ¡°Well lets get your business over quick so you can go home then, Agent Wraith. Thank you Melissa!¡± Fox said.


    Melissa the secretary gave a genuine smile and closed the door behind Lash. Fox pressed a switch and magnetically locked the door. Metallic shutters came down over the windows, Lash felt a pulse of magic reinforce the area. Security updates. Lash pulled his disguise and Transformation off. He flopped into the leather coach that was in the office and just lay there for a while.


    ¡°Long couple of days, Mr Wraith?¡± Fox said, a smile on his grandfatherly face.


    ¡°Yes... Tell me Fox. Ever heard of a shadow government called Project Cadmus?¡± Lash said to him as he massaged his temples.


    ¡°Cant say that I have, wasn''t Cadmus a greek legend? Or...Would that be fact? Hmmm.¡± Fox seem to rethink the term legend. He knew more about the super-natural world then before. Lash laughed and sent everything he had found on Cadmus from the Dark Web to Fox''s secure computer. Which was a lot! Technomancy gave him an unfair advantage but still. Their security practically begged to be invaded.


    Fox sat down and put on his glasses. Lash cast Restoration and then Fox didn''t need his glasses anymore. He laughed and put them away and went to work. Fox read the information, every five minutes or so his expression would get worse. He would sit up straighter and lean in as he read the information. He said the words ''Oh my word'' a dozen or so times. When he got the part about Kryptonite Lash used his Transmuter title effect for the day. First he made a basic material with Fabrication then converted ten pounds of it into Green Kryptonite since that was the only Kryptonite he had ever touched. It was a pure green glowing ingot of radioactive material. He placed it on the desk next to Lucius Fox who looked at it with wide eyes. Lash then created a led box with Fabrication, and Alteration. He put the ingot into the box and closed the lid.


    ¡°That...Potentially has the power to kill Superman? But just in its current state would temporarily strip him of most of his powers? Make him ill? That is terrifying! But.... In a sick and twisted kind of way I understand why they are doing this.¡± Fox said, his shoulders fell. He was sick to his stomach now that he had admitted that out loud.


    ¡°I know, Fox. Superman is not the last Kryptonian in the galaxy. We can hope they will all be like the big blue boy scout. But more then likely, Superman is the exception. As you have read they have a stone like this. So now Wayne Tech has a stone like this. Red Sun Radiation can also harm Kryptonian DNA. I am not telling you this because I want to hurt or kill Superman. But its better to know and not need it, then need it and not have it.¡± Lash said softly. Fox nodded his head in agreement. It was a hard truth that many would have a hard time swallowing.


    Lash and Fox sat in silence for a bit as they both digested the words said between them. Then the lights flickered in and out. That was odd. Wayne Tower was a tech miracle. Power flickering was something it did not do. Lash stood up suddenly and looked towards the east. He couldn''t see through the wall but he sensed something. His Technomancy screamed at him in warning. Then an electromagnetic pulse went through Wayne Tower and beyond. Lash dropped to his knees and screamed in pain! What the fuck! His Technomancy went into a frizzy before it calmed down after a few seconds.


    Mr Wraith? Wraith? Lash!¡± Fox called to him...Lash shook his head clear and looked up to see Fox hovering over him.


    ¡°I''m alright...The pulse played haywire with my head for a bit. Seems an EMP is bad for my health. Good to know.¡± Lash stood up with the help of Fox.


    He used Transformation and pulled on his Wraith shroud. He unlocked the door after he deactivated the magnetic lock. Melissa seemed a little agitated but calmed down at the sight of Fox and Lash. Eh, a ghostly wraith encouraging comfort seemed a little odd. They went to the windows and saw that all of Gotham was dark. Well that wasn''t good. Then one by one all of the major buildings windows lit up. But not completely! They all made the same sign. A giant Question Mark, The Riddler? Then a shuddering screech went through the entire city and a shrill voice filled their ears.


    ¡°Riddle me this! What is blind! Deaf! Dumb! And in the palm of my hand?...Give up? Gotham City of course!¡± The Riddlers voice was in a sonic wave that went across the whole city. Like nails on a chalk board but everyone could still understand it.


    Lash checked at Fox and Melissa they were both ok, though a migraine was not out of the question. Then from Wayne Tower they saw explosions erupt one by one through out the city. Lash was sure there were more they couldn''t see. But most of all, the bridges in and out of Gotham exploded. A city full of people trapped on several islands. Great! Then the ear shrilling voice came back.


    ¡°Now! Gotham! You have become my new board game! Time for all my fellow convicts, and Arkham friends to come out and play! The city is ours for the taking! Oh but a game is not any fun with out competition! So let the GCPD come out and play! Let the Bat family come out and play! Let the Cheating freak Wraith! Come! Out! To! Play!¡± Riddle screamed the last few words which drove Fox and Melissa to their knees. The sonic sound ended after that.


    ¡°Do you have roof access on this floor?¡± Lash asked, Fox nodded and brought Lash out of his office. They passed several concerned people but they all calmed down at the sight of Agent Wraith. The duo climbed a set of stairs and came to the roof top with a helicopter pad.


    ¡°Sorry I wont be able to help with repairs.¡± Lash said to Fox.


    ¡°Don''t you worry Mr Wraith. We''ll be just fine. If I see our mutual friend where I should I tell him you went?¡± Fox said, he hinted at Batman.


    ¡°The Narrows, its right next to Arkham.¡± Lash said, and jumped off the roof of the building.


    He cast Falling Glide and zipped across the cityscape. Fox soon went back inside and started to organize any one he found. It didn''t take long for Wayne Tower''s emergency generators to turn on. They were shielded of course! Like a light house in a dark storm people started to gather towards the tower looking for answers. Not long after Fox contacted Bruce and told him what he knew and where Lash was headed. Fifteen minutes later the Bat-Wing Jet flew over Gotham. Batman and Robin inside as they headed towards GCPD major crimes unit. Batgirl slipped out of her house in full uniform, a communicator in her ear as she listened to Batman relay orders.


    The super-natural community responded like a well oiled machine. They locked up their homes, secured their families and friends. Shield and Sword towers in Gotham soon brought their power back on. Wardens, super-natural community soldiers, warriors, and hunters all suited up and took to the streets to check in on their people. Riots soon started, looting, pillaging, arson, rape and murder! In a few hours Gotham City had turned into pure chaos! A signal went out across a hidden phone tree, any one that could respond was on the way!


    The Flash, and Kid Flash ran as fast as he could from Central City, after they picked up Green Arrow, and Arsenal. Diana, and Dia Nyx used the emergency portal at Themyscira to get to the Warden HQ in rural Gotham, as did Zatanna from the Vegas Warden HQ. Shazam flew over from Philadelphia. J''onn J''onzz flew from the city of Middleton, with his niece Me''ghan. John Stewart flew over, though Hal Jordan was at Oa at the time. Hawkman and Hawkwoman flew over from St. Roch, Louisiana. Aquaman, and Aquawoman swam as fast as they could from Amnesty Bay. Superman broke the sound barrier and was in Gotham with in the hour. The first real mission of The Justice League had arrived.


    ================================================================


    A noxious green gas began to flow up from Gotham''s sewer system. Anyone who breathed it in began to laugh hysterically! They would laugh, an laugh, and laugh till they couldn''t breath! A huge grin plastered on their faces! Their hearts would give out! Then a few minutes later those that died from the green laughing gas got back up. They continued to laugh as they dragged themselves through the city streets spreading slaughter where ever they went. Cause remember you can''t have slaughter with out laughter! Them the rules!


    A man with clown white pale skin combed his long green hair back. He applied a bit of cherry red lipstick, smiled at himself in the mirror. His radiant acid green eyes gleamed with an inner light that was not normal. The man wore a purple and black suit, with a pink toxic flower in the label. He held his arm out for a beautiful blond woman who wore a skin tight red and black harlequin costume. She smiled at the man with pure love and adoration. The man smiled back and kissed the woman on the cheek tenderly.


    ¡°Time for the big show, Mr. J?¡± Harley asked.


    ¡°Yes it is Harley, yes it is! What a show it will be!¡± Joker said.


    He snapped his fingers and the very air in front of them warped and twisted. A pack of Hyenas jumped from the warp. They each had a different chaotic color, each one laughed maniacally and followed in Joker''s wake. With Harley wrapped around his arm Joker walked from his hide out, he snapped his fingers and mail boxes warped into Jack in the Box clowns that sprung to life and chased people. Joker pulled out a set of playing cards muttered a few words under his breath and the cards grew in size and became card soldiers that obeyed his will. A divine light glowed in Jokers yellow green eyes.


    ¡°Show time!¡± Joker and another more sinister voice called out.

 Chapter 55: Gotham’s Siege!

    ===============================================================


    The Bat-Wing jet flew over Gotham at incredibly speed, as Batman and Robin sat in the cockpit obtaining information. Mass riots, looting, and petty crimes climbed in number by the minute. The GCPD and the MCU (Major Crimes Unit) deployed with everything they had. A call rang out from a working satellite phone from the Mayors office to call in the national guard but it would take them hours to get here let alone just getting across the river. Batman brought the Bat-Wing over a telecommunication tower Wayne Tech owned he brought the jet into hover mode. Batman and Robin repelled out of the jet and began to repair the tower. They needed three towers up to establish working communication through out the city this was the last one.


    ¡°Get the dishes into alignment I''ll get the base.¡± Batman said to Robin. Robin began to climb the tower with out a word.


    Batman wore the newest suit with flex-plate armor, kevlar thread, and combat riot aggression. Electrical circuits ran the breath of the suit to allow a full monitor update of his bodies constitution as well as increased reflexes and durability. Robin wore the same, Batman pulled the omni tools from his belt and began to repair and update the tower. Robin had already pushed two out of the five dishes into alignment.


    ¡°Batman! Do you think Wraith is alright?¡± Robin called down, worry clear in his voice.


    ¡°He''ll be fine. Keep working.¡± Batman said. He wasn''t worried about Wraith. He felt a little sorry for anyone who got in his way though.


    ==============================================================


    Above the Narrows was an interesting scene. Ever since Wayne Industries had rebuilt The Narrow it looked....Healthy. Clean streets, clean buildings, transit in and out of the island. Green eco-friendly buildings. Each building had a self security measure to help prevent theft and break ins. A majority of The Narrows populace hid in their homes and activate their security shutters. Each one having a manual deployment for those odd times when power was down. But a small percentage of the town was in the streets armed with leather coats, bats, and any thing that could provide protection and offense. Why? Because they currently fought against the Arkham inmates side by side with six and half foot tall Saurus Warriors. Each Warrior was like a mini Saurian and they led over a hundred civilians. In the distance stood a giant Carnosaur that roared and thrashed against a twelve foot tall giant of a man that had tubes filled with green liquid pumping into his system. Bane and Saurian fought against each other in the streets of The Narrows.


    A roar rang out across the entire island as every enemy shuddered and was stunned for a moment. While every ally had their energy levels raised. Saurian used Intimidating Shout, and Rallying Call together. The Carnosaur version of Saurian stomped towards Bane then jumped the last twenty feet and attempted to pounce on top of the giant tweaked out venom monstrosity that Bane had become.


    ¡°You! ¡­.Took!....My....HBlaaah!¡± Bane tried to shout as Saurian pounced on top of him. Bane had overdosed on his Venom in an effort to kill Saurian. He was strong, fast, huge, and incredibly durable! But his IQ dropped significantly!


    ¡°Bull Shit! You sold drugs that hurt and killed people! You got exactly what you deserved!¡± Saurian shouted at him as he raked his claws from his hands and feet across Banes skin that was almost as strong as steel. BAM! Bane punched Saurian square in the jaw and flung him off.


    ¡°Kill!....You!¡± Bane shouted as he jumped to his feet. He combined his hands into fists and brought them down like a missile impact onto the ground where Saurian had just been sitting. CRACK! Saurian''s massive tail came from the side and bashed Bane into building. The giant man bounced off the wall as the whole structure wobbled and grew still. Sturdy stuff!


    ¡°Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡± Bane screamed in pain as Saurian cast Sooth this was not the first time he had done it.


    A huge quantity of Venom was pulled from Bane and turned into ambient magical energy that a small portion was absorbed by Saurian. The giant man deflated for a brief moment until the Venom generator that was surgical implanted into his body began to pump once more. Saurian had tried multiple times to stop the machine but something mystical was around it, preventing his Technomancy from working.


    ¡°Bane if you don''t stop this shit I am going to rip that apparatus from your body! You won''t live through it!¡± Saurian shouted as Bane began to take his original giant form.


    As horrible as Bane was his Sherogoth sin taint was not as bad as Saurian thought it would be. Saurian vaguely remembered that Bane donated money to orphanages in the comics that must be what is creating the balanced effect. Bane massive frame began to fill out, he wore an expanding battle harness of leather, buckles, and a face mask. He looked like he belonged in a BDSM convention! But his spine looked grotesque with tubes that pumped venom, metal pieces that jutted out, and Bane''s own blood that sprayed like a water fountain with every beat of his heart.


    ¡°Don''t....Care!......Took....Everything!¡± Bane shouted and ran towards Saurian. Saurian jumped to the side just as nimble in his Carnosaur form as he was when he was smaller. The ground just shook with every step, and a mini earthquake happened when he jumped. He reached out and used a new spell/skill he had learned but didn''t want to use on him.


    Technomancy Domain Spell/Skill Machine Control: Reach out with both your energy and magical energy to manipulate, bend, and warp the very fabric of machines. Create monstrosities of metal as if they were a living thing, or destroy them with the same ability. Will use both Magical and Skill energy, grows with time. (Mechanokinesis)


    The mechanical apparatus like a living thing tried to force its way out of Bane''s back! Bane screamed in tremendous pain so horrible he dropped like a rock and convulsed on the ground. Saurian''s energy levels took a nose dive. Who ever placed mystical protection on the machine didn''t think to account for Machine Control the Venom machine pulled itself out of Bane and crawled over to Saurian like a slug.


    ¡°My home..... It was your fault....She told me it was....your.....fault.....¡± Bane said, as his heart slowly stopped beating. Tears in his eyes as his body deflated like a wet sponge being rung out.


    Saurian watched as the soul of Bane floated up from his body. He soul took the image of a frail young man who was not even thirty years old. He looked lost, and confused as he stared at his corpse. He looked at Saurian with tears in his eyes. His lips mouthed, ''Where did I go wrong?'' He stayed near his corpse and rocked back and forth across the ground. He sobbed in anguish, Saurian gritted his teeth and cast Judgment on Bane then and there. Something massive, powerful, and incredibly old slipped into Saurian like he was a glove. The Grim Reaper judged, ruled, and past sentence for Bane and dozens of others in that brief moment. When Saurian blinked his eyes Bane''s soul was gone.


    Congratulations User! You''ve defeated Bane! One of Gotham Cities super-villains!


    Reward: Superhuman Strength: You now have the strength of leap over small tool sheds in a single bound! You can lift a golf cart with one hand! You have the strength of five average men! Grows with time, does stack with other effects.


    Steam rose from Saurians body as he let our a roar of victory but also one of pain! The alteration to his body was quick but painful. He cast the spell Reduce and decreased his size to ten feet tall, and twenty feet long. If he was to large he could accidentally kill someone just by stepping close to them. He dropped to all fours and ran through the Narrows he gave anyone with a minor taint on their soul an electrical shock and restrained with them metal threaded rope with Fabrication. The others? Not so much.


    ¡°Ahahaha! You caught me! I guess it..Wait..What! No! No! Nooooo!¡± An insane convict screamed who Saurian caught in the process of eating a child''s leg while the child was still alive. Saurian cast Decomposition on him. The man screamed in horror as his body slowly turned to ash.


    ¡°Hold on, we''ll get you a new leg and back with your family in no time.¡± Saurian said softly as he created pheromones to make the child fall asleep in his arms. He regrew the little girls leg then began to back track to find the child''s family.


    Saurian came to a broken into apartment building that was overrun with convicts and Arkham patients. Saurian manifested several Saurus Warriors they sprinted into the building and began to clear each floor one by one. Saurian squeezed into the building and went to each room. Civilians slaughtered and pulled apart like dolls decorated the home. Saurian put the child down under the watchful eye of Dawn his Familiar who cast Invisibility on them both. The souls of the girls family were still in the room. Time to work!


    ==============================================================


    A duo of electrical flashes red and yellow lighting zipped across the river between Gotham and the main land. The Flash, and Kid Flash dropped Green Arrow and Arsenal off of. Green Arrow took slow steady breaths and tried to not puke, while Arsenal had no such luck and doubled over and threw up his dinner. Flash looked around the city that was on fire, it had only been a few hours and Gotham look like hell on earth as people rioted, looted, and killed.


    ¡°Everyone activate your comms! Batman should have the towers set up by now!¡± Green Arrow called. Always a cool head during a crisis.


    ¡°Green Arrow online and ready to help!¡±


    ¡°The Flash ready to help!¡±


    ¡°Kid Flash ready to help!¡±


    ¡°Arsenal ready to help!¡±


    ¡°Welcome to the Gotham everyone! I wish it was under better circumstances! Flash, Kid, we need you getting the National Guard across the river as fast as possible, they are waiting at the third bridge. Every soldier you get across take a civilian across the water in return!¡± Robin called over the radio as the Bat-Wing Jet flew over head.


    ¡°Arrow, Arsenal! We need you to head over to forty fifth and help the MCU with the riots and Black Gate convicts there. They already know to look for you!¡± Robin called over the radio.


    ¡°We read you! Heading out!¡± Green Arrow called, he took a moment to nod at Flash, and Kid. They nodded back and zipped off. Arsenal pulled his bow out and looked at Arrow. They nodded and headed towards their mission assignments.


    ===============================================================


    A Saurus Warrior cleared the last room and burst into Illusion Domain particles. Saurian had finished putting the family back together and brought them back with Kiss of the Grave. All of them! Though the family was incredibly confused as to what happened all they knew was Wraith had rescued them and returned their lost daughter to them. Saurian cast Renew on the apartment building before he left. Then he moved back into the street. Block by block, inch by bloody inch.


    Unlike the movies when the hero moves through the streets, and the criminals come at them one by one. That didn''t happen with Saurian, most of the time they just ran from him. A towering lizard wraith that electrified dozens of people, and ripped others limb from limb? Saurian trotted through the Narrows on all fours, electricity danced off of him when ever he came near a convict. He restored and healed any ally he came across. The manifested Saurus Warriors sent in reports that his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirit categorized and gave in bullet points to him.


    Saurian took a moment and looked up at the sky, storm clouds rolled in and it began to rain over Gotham. Lighting cracked across the sky, followed by crashing thunder. The rain fell across his scaled face, water droplets collected and poured down across his armor. He felt his Intermediate Natural Energy Absorption begin to absorb the essence of the rain.


    ¡°Thank you....¡± Saurian said softly. Saurian opened his yellow and green reptilian eyes as he went back into the fight. An ear piecing screech came down from the skies and Saurian jumped to the side as Danger Sense activated. Boom! An explosion of shrapnel and debris rocked the area.


    ¡°Wow! You are pretty nimble for a big guy!¡± A man in a mechanical main in a suit said. He had black metal with yellow orange glowing lights on his hands, feet, and what looked like a...Oh its Firefly a C ranker Villain.


    ¡°Fuck off Firefly! I don''t have the time to deal with a C ranker like you!¡± Saurian called out.


    ¡°C...C rank!? I am Firefly! You talking iguana!¡± Firefly shouted in rage, he took aim at Saurian then LIGHTING struck Firefly from the sky not once, but three times! Firefly fell to the earth in charred pieces.


    ¡°I told him!¡± Saurian said, then he turned around and head towards another section of The Narrows.


    Congratulations User! You''ve defeated another Gotham City Sup...Well he was a villain!


    Reward: Experience has been added to your skill Science.


    ¡°Mommy! Daddy! Where are you?!¡± A child''s voice called out ahead of Saurian.


    He turned his head and looked at a eight or ten year old little girl in her pj''s. She held a stuffed teddy bear in her arms. She looked cold and wet in the falling rain. Saurian raced towards her when he was with in twenty feet of her he activated Insight. Saurian then jumped into the air and activated Gravity Stride''s ability to increase his overall weight and body slammed into the little girl who turned into wet clay...Literally! The wet clay pulled apart, flowed across the ground and combined back into a ten foot monstrosity made out of clay.


    Name: Clay Face


    Title: Man with out a face.


    Origin: Mundane. Sub-Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: C


    Skills: See tool tip.


    Domains: N/A


    Disposition: Hostile


    Comments: He is made from living organic clay. He has nothing against Wraith personally, he is just a job!


    ¡°How did you know it was me?¡± Clay Face''s bubbly and inhuman voice sounded. As his body became rock hard, spiked clubs came from his hands.


    Saurian hugged the ground and sprinted towards him! Clay Face smiled and brought his spiked club down but was confused when he saw a smile on Saurian''s face. BAM! As the spiked club slammed into Saurian, he caught it! Then Clay Face felt the horrible sensation of his body slowly turning into stone and out of his control!


    ¡°You want to know how? I have a talent for manipulating elements of earth. Clay is another one of those elements. I don''t know why you took a job to kill me, Mr. Karlo but you made a mistake when you did!¡± Saurian''s voice growled out each word.


    ¡°No! No! Stop it! Stop it!¡± Clay Face screamed in horror as his body slowly grew rock solid.


    Saurian cast Material Shaping, and the spell Burning. Soon he had a giant stone blob of nothing in particular. Then he cast Decomposition on it. The clay turned into ash and just like that Clay Face aka Basil Karlo was no more. Saurian didn''t feel bad about him, or Firefly. Sherogoth''s blessing screamed at him to kill them both. They had done horrible things in their lives.


    Congratulations User! You''ve defeated another Super-Villain of Gotham!


    Reward: Size Alteration: The ability to shift from large to small! Allowing you to grow as tall as a building or a small as an ant. Your overall body weight is also effected making you just as heavy as your current mass. Will use Skill energy instead of Magical energy. Grows with time.


    That will be useful Saurian thought. If his magic was ever taken from him he could still adjust his size and he could now reduce his weight so he wouldn''t break things just because he stood on it, thought he would still have to adjust his armor. Size Alteration activated in conjunction with Basic Adaptation Saurian felt lighter, more flexible, and faster. He pulled his spell Reduce off his body but not his armor this would save him magical energy. This was a very good skill! Maybe in the future when the skill evolves he could live out his dream of Godzilla?


    Machine gun fire brought Saurian back to ''reality'' and he sprinted towards the sound. He came to an open square in the Narrows. It was suppose to be a festival grounds for future events. Dozens of civilians huddled behind barricades as men with tactical gear and above average weapons fired from a fortified position. Saurus Warriors raced towards the position and burst into particles every time they were hit with more then a few bullets. Their overall life and durability were about as much as an average human. A lot better than they were before!


    Saurian who now stood at eight feet tall and sixteen feet long sprinted across the square towards barricade doubled his weight capacity and slammed through the barricade like it was made out of tissue paper! The gunmen and a few gunwomen flew into the air and what goes up has to come down. They slammed into the ground as bones snapped from the force. Saurian snagged one and pulled their mask off. The mask was in the shape of a skull.


    ¡°Are you fucking kidding me!? Black Mask is a millionaire! Why are you people here!¡± Saurian shouted at the gunmen in his claws. He used Commanding Presence the man clearly tried to resist but didn''t have the mental resistance level.


    ¡°We....Go where we are ordered to! The Boss....Plans to kill the Bat why the city is in chaos!¡± The man ground his teeth so hard they cracked. Saurian sent an electrical shock through him, and the rest. As much as he wanted to kill them, they didn''t have a high enough taint. Guns for hire.


    Illusion Domain Spell Manifestation: Create an illusion that is both alive and not. Both real and also a fake. This allows you to make something from a combination of spells that you have used repeatedly in order to create your Saurus Warriors. Now instead of casting several spells at once you cast one. Though the magical energy consumption is the same, it saves time! The spell will also level and evolve allowing for more creations and better power consumption.


    Six Saurus Warriors appeared in front of Saurian. Standing at six feet, and twelve feet long. They wore basic studded leather armor along with their natural scaled hide. Small skull crests promoted their overall age, and experience which was zero! They stood at attention and slammed their fists over their hearts in salute.


    ¡°Secure Arkham!¡± Saurian told him.


    They turned on their heels, dropped to all fours, and sprinted towards that direction. Saurian took a moment to recast Manifestation on all active Warriors in the Narrows. They functioned far better with the single spell. Seemed he could only cast Manifestation on his Warriors for now. Well it was an over powered spell.


    ¡°Wraith!¡± A man behind him called. Saurian turned and saw a GCPD officer walk up in his navy blue uniform. He was drenched because of the rain. He looked miserable.


    ¡°Officer Rogers! Thank you for being out here to help. I appreciate it.¡± Saurian said, after he read his name tag.


    ¡°It''s my job sir! Do you know if any help is on the way?¡± Office Roger asked. Saurian took a moment and cast Connectivity. Saurian grinned after a few seconds and nodded his head.


    ¡°Yes help as arrived in Gotham, though it should be another hour before they reach The Narrows.¡± Saurian replied. The officer visibly relaxed at the news.


    ================================================================


    Arcane energy flashed through the room and with an audible pop! The spell circles dropped back into the portal nexus in the Warden HQ. Wonder Woman along with two dozen Amazons, and Dia Nyx stood in the middle of the circle along with a mage. Once the all clear was given they stepped off the portal only to see it activate the moment they stepped off. More travelers inbound.


    Wonder Woman stood in full hoplite heavy armor, as did her sisters. Studded leather on their legs, and arms. With a breast plate for their chest, and helmet with horse hair standing on end. Magical runes carved into the edges of each piece of armor made them all enchanted to resistant damage, reduce weight, and provide strength. Dia had the block cloth skin tight suit and armor on that Warden Lash had made for her. A Warden logistic member pulled them from the room and gave them a brief on the situation in Gotham.


    The Portal activated once again and with a flare and a pop! Stood 6'' 5¡± man with jet black hair cut short, pale skin, with rippling muscles contained in a red skin tight suit with a golden lighting bolt on his chest, and white half cape on his back. Shazam stepped off the portal with almost kid like excitement.


    ¡°Just keep breathing nice and slow, Billy. You can do this!¡± He muttered to himself as another Warden logistics attendant pulled him away.


    The portal nexus activated again and spit out Zatanna. She wore black high heels, fish net stockings, tuxedo white top with black vest, a half tuxedo coat, a top hat that a stage magician would often wear. The outfit looked incredibly seductive as it hugged her hourglass figure. Her raven black hair was pulled back and pinned into place so it wouldn''t fly everywhere. After she got a basic brief from the logistical personal she cast ''Noitaivivel'' and flew straight towards Gotham.


    Gotham City was on fire, the storm clouds that over hung across the city did little to hide that fact. Dozens of Warden/ UNWS vehicles drove straight towards the city from the Warden HQ. Any one capable of flight flew straight there, everyone else got in a transport. Military jet fighters flew over head for reconnaissance missions but then made emergency maneuvers as SAM (Surface-to-air) missiles locked on their positions. Two out of the five jets were shot down, luckily the pilots ejected before they blew up. Who ever took sieged Gotham went all out!


    ===============================================================


    A stone wall at Arkham asylum fell to pieces as giant reptilian warriors burst through with military precision and lethality! Six Saurus Warriors brought several inmates to the floor, broke bone and tore muscle. Brutal efficiency used to incapacity them. The manifested warriors had the overall super rank of F+. Though they didn''t have access to any of their creators magic they did have many of their creators skills. They spoke in guttural and broken English, and communicated long distance through Telepathy. They obtained security access with the help of Aaron Cash. Who was more then happy to help the big talking lizards!


    Saurian spent a little more time in the Narrows as he round up the last on the inmates, and killed a few that needed killing. He repaired what he could so the Narrows would have basic amenities before he left and went to Arkham. Arkham asylum had been rebuilt thanks to Wayne Industries a combination of stone and metal. It stood like a monument to all of humanities sins. He checked in with his warriors as they gave an all clear in their respective area''s.


    ¡°Been a while Mr. Wraith!¡± Aaron Cash called from a rise two levels up. Aaron despite the situation looked well. Built like a line backer, he wore a riot tactical suit that was unfortunately common in Arkham. He still had both of his hands, hazah!


    ¡°That it has, Mr. Cash.¡± Saurian called as he walked straight up the wall with Gravity Stride and came to meet him.


    ¡°That is a neat trick! How are the Narrows?¡± Cash asked, as he watched Saurian walk up the wall and come to stand next to him.


    Saurian looked down at Cash as he was taller than him. Saurian still wore the Wraith disguise, appearance was important. The shroud covered him from head, to half to his tail. Part of his snout, hands, feet, and tail painted with pure black ink. His yellow and green reptilian eyes looked Cash over then he cast his Nature Domain spells on him to help him recover. This time Cash did not fall over into a puddle of pleasure. It appeared that effect only happened in a relaxed environment. Something Lash and Saurian both believed was a product of their Cosmic Patron.


    ¡°The Narrows are more or less secured, however more then half of the inmates escaped over the bridges into the rest of Gotham. As soon as we finish securing Arkham we''ll be leaving to help the rest of the city. Thank you for helping our people.¡± Saurian replied to Cash.


    ¡°Ah! Of course! Thought I think they would have just tore the doors down if I hadn''t given them the keys. Do you know how this happened? Five minutes before the power cut out every door and security measure in all of Arkham went green and opened up! Its thanks to Wayne Industries that we also have manual locks in place. I thought it was a hassle at first but I understand now why they have double locks in place!¡± Cash said. He looked a lot healthier and energized after the Nature Spells. But the trauma of the escape definitely left its mark. Cash had seen a lot of his friends get torn apart.


    ¡°The exact how and why is still unclear. Though Edward Nygma does have the brains to pull this off. He doesn''t have the resources to do it.¡± Saurian said.


    ¡°Cash, with the computers down do you have a hard copy of all the most...Dangerous convicts of Arkham?¡± Saurian asked. Cash nodded and brought him inside to the main security office.


    Along the way Saurian repaired certain section of Arkham and restored power to the monolith of sin! Then he retrieved a list: Penguin, Riddler, Scarecrow, Two Face Mr. Freeze, Mad Hatter, Rag Doll, and the Joker....Fuck. With the help of his manifested warriors they double checked the cells in Arkham the only person who didn''t leave was Mr. Freeze aka Victor Fries. He stayed in his cell and continued to work on his wife. Saurian went down to see him, curious to know what his story was.


    It was below freezing in this part of Arkham. Cash stayed outside the cell/lab. Bruce Wayne gave special dispensation to Victor Fries to continue his research to find a cure for his wife''s rare blood disease. As long as Victor promised to share all his work with Wayne Tech. Victor didn''t care, he just wanted to save his wife! Saurian walked into the lab quiet as a mouse, his Winter Knight blessing protecting him from the cold.


    Victor''s wife sat in a cryo tube suspended in animation. She was an other worldly beauty pale and beautiful as an ice sculptor. She wore a long billowing blue dress that covered her from neck to ankle, but was sleeveless. The monitors attached to the machine continued to work. Seemed Victor took extra precautions and shielded his wife''s cryo tube in the event an EMP may occur. Thoughtful!


    ¡°Her name is Nora. She would love to meet you. An alien from the stars!¡± A cold voice spoke behind him. Saurian looked back and saw that Victor was just out of reach of his tail. Smart.


    Victor was 6'' 2¡± with pale snow skin, ice blue eyes, bald, and wore a lab technician uniform. He looked Saurian up and down with a critical eye of a scientist that wanted to dissect something. Saurian didn''t take it personally, the fact that he could stand in the cold with no ill effect made Victor excited! Saurian looked back at Nora and smiled.


    ¡°Take her out...I''ll fix her for you.¡± Saurian said... Snap! The pencil in Victor''s hand snapped in half as he hand clenched into a fist.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Victor said.


    ¡°Do you have a blood sample of hers? I''ll show you.¡± Saurian said as he turned around. He used Size Alteration and became more optimal to working in a lab. More into a man-lizard hybrid. Why was Saurian wasting time on Victor as Gotham burned? Because Mr Freeze was part of the Quest his Cosmic Patron gave him. One less villain is another check mark.


    Victor hurried over and took out the blood samples and showed them to Saurian. He cast Panacea on the samples. Sure enough the disease disappeared completely. As Victor checked the samples Saurian looked him over, he reached out with his Transmutation Domain. He was disappointed to see that Victor''s condition was not a disease. But he could still help him with it, if Victor agreed. Crash! The microscope shattered into pieces as it had been frozen solid. Victor sprinted towards his wife''s cryo tube and prepared to pull her out of it.


    ¡°Wait.... We need to fix you first!¡± Saurian called out. Victor looked over at him, clearly confused.


    =================================================================


    Aaron Cash was confused and a little worried. It had been nearly an hour since Wraith went into see Victor. The ice man wasn''t a bad guy! He had robbed several banks but never killed anyone. He just wanted to save his wife. Cash didn''t hear any sounds of fighting, he wanted to go in but it was so damn cold in there. Plus one of the giant reptiles stood by his side and told him Wraith was fine. In his guttural voice that hurt his hears. Ouch! Cash never considered that it must be hell on Wraith to speak in English. These guys looked like baby versions of him but with out the nazgul disguise thing he had going. Then Cash noticed the ice around the cell door had started to melt. What the! That wasn''t suppose to happen! The door creaked open, Wraith stepped out just as large as he was before. Behind him was a pale as ice man that wasn''t Victor?! Who the hell is that! In his arms was a beautiful woman that looked around in curiosity.


    ¡°Mr. Cash! Hello!¡± Victor...or someone who looked similar to Victor called to him.


    ¡°Who are you!? What the fuck is going on!? Why is Miss Fries out of her cryo tube! Won''t she die!¡± Cash''s mind was trying to process the information.


    ¡°Remember what we talked about.¡± Saurian said to the man.


    ¡°I give you my word, thank you!¡± Victor that was not Victor said to Wraith.


    ¡°Mr. Cash, can you please ensure the safety of these two? I''ve spent to much time here already. No offense.¡± Wraith said to Cash.


    ¡°uuhhhh....Sure?¡± Cash said. Wraith nodded and took off down the hall. The reptile counter part nodded at Cash and left with Wraith.


    ¡°So....Are you..Victor?¡± Cash asked the man. The man smiled, and looked down at his wife who looked up at him with a grin.


    ¡°No....I''m not.¡± The man said.


    ================================================================


    Reincarnation.


    Specific changes: Male, early thirties, white.


    Effects: Retain all memory, muscle memory, instincts, and skills.


    Effects: Human limited is removed, optimal setting is 10% above average human.


    Effects: Meta-Gene activated, cryokinesis.


    Comments: Mr. Freeze lives again as an ally! Good for you!


    Congratulations User! You''ve turned Victor Fries into an ally, and saved his wife! You''ve completed another Gotham City villain quest objective set by your Cosmic Patron!


    Reward: Minor Medicine has evolved into Basic Medicine


    Reward: Science has evolved into Minor Science.


    Saurian recalled his warriors from Arkham as they had finished clearing the Asylum almost an hour ago. With a pop of Illusion Domain particles the magical energy used to sustain them slowly started to refill. Saurian reached the courtyard and dropped to all fours and raced out across the bridge into the Narrows. He went to the three different bridges that connected between Narrows and the rest of Gotham. He made sure they were secure. Checked with the GCPD officers stationed there. Almost five hundred Arkham inmates were strung up with wire, rope, or were merged into the ground. They would stay there until peace was restored in the city.


    Saurian went across the last bridge he checked and raced into the inner heart of Gotham. The storm was in full throttle at this point. A heavy down pour of rain fell across the city. Lighting repeatedly struck the lighting rods across the city. Bonfires roared as building were consumed in flame. Thousands of people were in the streets, looting, fighting, killing. Saurian slid to a stop, his claws carved across the wet pavement. He channeled his energy and cast Manifestation and created fifty Saurus Warriors.


    ¡°Secure the area!¡± Saurian called out, thanks to Virtual Intelligence, and Connectivity who helped with information processing. The warriors jumped into action. Saurian doubled checked to see if Dawn his Familiar necklace was there. She purred in his ears but stayed put around his neck.


    Saurian tore off his Wraith disguise activated Size Alteration, and cast Enlarge. Soon he was twenty feet tall, and forty feet long. He let loose a roar that shook the unbroken glass windows in the area. Hundreds of people stood frozen in place at the sight of this towering Carnosaur.


    ¡°You have a choice! Surrender! Or suffer! Now choose!¡± Saurian called out! The lighting cracked across the sky above him as if to emphasize his point. This towering monster with his glowing eyes stared down at the rioters.


    ¡°HOLY SHIT RUN!¡± Some one said and the crowd scattered like roaches with the light turned on.


    ¡°WRONG ANSWER!¡± Saurian roared! He cast Mud Marsh and hundreds of people fell into a marsh that was a road moment ago. Despite the wide area effect of the spell, Mud Marsh didn''t take a lot of energy to use.


    The Saurus Warriors waded through the marsh as if it wasn''t there. They begun to use Material Shaping to restrain violators. They could read sin just like their creator. Many of the rioters were just people who took advantage of the situation. But some of them were not, the warriors broke the tainted, and killed those with disgusting marks of sin around them. Saurian jumped across the area and slammed into the ground. He let loose a roar and used Intimidating Shout. Then processed as many as he could find.


    The screech of tires moving at high speed raced towards the assault on the rioters. Armored SUV''s zipped as fast as possible towards Saurian''s position. People in combat suits poked their heads out and began to fire small arms, RPG''s, and mini guns from the top of the cars at the giant carnosaur. Saurian snarled in rage as he saw the combatants had black skull masks. The manifested warriors pulled their prisoners up and out of the way as Saurian raced down the street. He lowered his head into ramming position as his skull crest and armor took the brunt of the damage!


    ¡°Playing chicken with me is a bad idea!¡± Saurian roared at them!


    The SUV''s barreled their way towards him. Three different mini guns shot armor piercing rounds into his skull crest. While rockets, and grenade launchers fired. Explosions shook the area, rioters were swallowed in the carnage as they tried to get out of the way. Then the SUV''s hit the Mud Marsh. The front ends dove into the ground and the back end flipped over hard and fast. Several passengers who had been firing from the windows flew into the air.


    Saurian raced across the marsh that had no effect on him. He shoulder charged a car and flipped it straight into another. The metal twisted together and the fuel tanks ignited, the explosion swallowed both cars and their passengers. Saurian roared in victory, and his warriors roared in return. They pushed forward as they dismantled the attackers, restrained the rioters, and removed any threats they found. The marsh soon returned to solid ground.


    Saurian turned a street corner and saw a military pilot that hung from his parachute attached to a lamp post about twenty feet off the ground. People were throwing stones at him as he begged them to stop. Saurian snarled loudly and raced towards them. As the ground shook with every step the rioters eventually looked towards him and screamed in panic. They attempted to run away but soon found themselves wading through a swamp. Then dozens of reptilian warriors sprung up out of the swamp and captured them. Saurian came face to face with the pilot as he was tall enough to look at him. The pilot screamed for mercy!


    ¡°Soldier! I am Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security! Please stop screaming!¡± Saurian said, his voice monstrous! He cast Calm Emotions on the pilot.


    ¡°Ah! Agent Wraith! Hello! Flight Officer, Lance. United States Air Force! Can you get me down?¡± Lance asked, Saurian easily cut him down and helped him to the ground floor. He then cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Fabrication and Alteration. He remade his flight suit to be a little more urban combat friendly.


    ¡°Did you get shot down?¡± Saurian asked.


    ¡°Yes, there was a SAM site set up in Gotham. My flight team didn''t expect it. Can you please help me find my wingman?¡± Lance asked.


    ¡°Yes, but after that you''ll guide me to the SAM site. We need to remove it!¡± Saurian easily agreed. He took a moment to pull scrap metal and car parts towards him and created a junkyard motorcycle so flight officer Lance could keep up with him.


    Saurian reduced his size to ten by twenty, his tail was pretty long! He called his manifested warriors to his side. They ran as a pack with the pilot on the motorcycle towards the estimated point of rescue. Every few blocks a pair of warriors would break off and attend to the rioters still around. Saurian created a Temporary Pack Bond with pilot he didn''t care about the after effects right now. They raced past burning cars, and buildings. The ground was littered with hundreds of bodies mangled by either being stepped on repeatedly, shot full of holes, or torn apart by the random inmates from Arkham. They turned a corner and came across the remains of the parachute but no pilot.


    Lance pulled to a stop and got off the scrap motorcycle to look around, before he could even say anything Saurian had his nose pressed to the ground and began to use Magical Tracking or in this case just Tracking. Lance got back onto his bike and waited for only a few minutes until Saurian began to run ahead at an even fifteen miles per hour.


    They came to a ruined and partially on fire building. The female pilot had been crucified and left to die. Saurian and his team raced over, his warriors secured the area while Saurian helped Lance pull his wingwoman down. Lance was frantic to pull her into his arms as he repeatedly called her name. Hanna.


    ¡°Hanna!...Hanna open your eyes! Please!¡± Lance called repeatedly.


    ¡°Pilot Lance give me a moment I can heal her.¡± Saurian said, as he cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on Hanna.


    She looked visibly better as the tiny ''robot''s repaired her wounds. Even now Saurian made sure to keep up appearances even though he looked like a dinosaur in tech armor at the moment. Hannah took several gasping breaths, coughed and looked around. She looked around and saw Lance, when she did she smiled so wide it was clear they had more than just a professional relationship. Then she saw Saurian, she was about to scream but he cast Calm Emotions on her.


    ¡°Alright! Time to find the SAM site!¡± Saurian called them back into focus.


    Lance insisted that Hanna share his bike with him. Which she refused when she found out that Saurian could make another one. Saurian said it would be safer to have two in case one is destroyed. With in a few minutes two repurposed motorcycles directed Saurian and his pack of manifested clones across the city towards the estimated SAM site. One by one Saurian recalled and absorbed his warriors. He needed the energy for what came next, he connected Hanna to their Temporary Pack Bond which now came with imprinted instructions due to either the skill leveling, or maybe a new tool tip? Saurian would have to ask Dawn later.


    A couple of city blocks from the estimated site Saurian pulled them aside. He created keys for the motorcycles and gave them each one in case they needed to leave. Saurian had no intention of hiding them away and told them as such. Both of them were clearly happy to be involved! He cast Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, and Invisibility on all three of them.


    ¡°This is so weird!¡± Lance said softly, as he followed behind Saurian. He and Hanna had a momentary freak out when they watched each other fade from sight. They could still see themselves though there was a soft film that covered them.


    -It doesn''t block sound, keep it down. Saurian called across the link.


    Saurian had created a combat suit for Hanna before they drove over. Now both pilots had tactical gear on with sub-machine guns at the ready. They slipped around a ruined building and saw their objective. It looked like a forward operating base with the guards in military gear but the black skull masks gave them away. Several armored vehicles sat stationary with M61 Vulcan cannons on top ready to shred anything that came by. In the middle stood a mobile missile battery. Next to the missile battery was an odd sight. A lighting rod? Saurian narrowed his eyes at the sight.


    Saurian doubted that Black Mask knew about his magic. But some one told him to deploy a lighting rod to prevent Wraith from calling lighting. His Nature Domain was magical but it still followed several laws of physics. Even if he conducted the lighting himself it would still naturally veer towards the rod. Saurian reached out with his Technomancy Domain and....Yep! The machines were warded. He would need to get closer to use Machine Control it wasn''t leveled high enough yet.


    Saurian turned around and grabbed Lance, and Hanna''s weapons from them. They gave them up with out a complaint and watched in wonder as tiny ''robots'' adjusted and turned them into electromagnetic rifles. Saurian imprinted the basic info about the weapons to them. Skill Trainer, Crafting, and Artist oddly got experience.


    Electromagnetic Rifle, made from base components and a magical battery!


    Rating: C+


    Effect: Armor piercing.


    Effect: Durable.


    Effect: Pulse battery, and lead slab ammunition.


    Effect: Steady aim, less recoil.


    Effect: One clip, one thousand rounds.


    Comments: This is a science fiction gun made with magic!


    Saurian then handed them one spare clip each. Lance and Hanna looked wide eyed at the rifle. They held it carefully afraid they would break it even though a tank could roll over it and it would still work. Saurian made them both simple side arms, and three clips each. Both were standard issue.


    -I''ve left a mark on both these weapons. When this is all over I will take them back. If you are ordered to give them over by a superior officer do so. But tell who ever takes them what I just said. Saurian said across the link. They both swallowed and nodded.


    Saurian slipped into the ground with Earth Swim and disappeared from sight. He told them to start firing as soon he got one of the APC''s down. They were extra careful as Saurian found several land mines and been drilled and bolted into the ground. He slipped under one of the APC''s pressed his palm to the metal and activated Machine Control any one with Magical Perception would see blue circuit lines pass over the APC. The driver, and gunner lost control and couldn''t call for help as the vulcan cannon swiveled and unloaded into another APC. Then from the side automatic electromagnetic fire rained down.


    ¡°HOLY SHIT!¡± Hanna cried out in surprise! Lance was right there with her. Invisibility turned snapped off but Chameleon was still active as magnetically propelled bullets tore through the APC''s armor like tissue paper.


    The Black Masks soldiers raced out and turned into swiss cheese as Saurian''s vulcan cannon tore them apart. From start to finish the whole shooting gallery lasted less then three minutes. Lance and Hanna looked out across the battle field, both a little pale. The APC''s were full of holes, their crew dead. Saurian had tore guidance system out of the missile battery the SAM site was taken care of. Saurian came back over to the two.


    ¡°Do you understand why I can''t let you keep those weapons?¡± Saurian asked.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± Lance said, he looked a little green as the blood and viscera started to drain from the ACP''s. Hanna didn''t wait and threw up then and there. Being a recon pilot they both no strangers to carnage. But being in the thick of it and flying over head was different.


    Saurian took a moment to physically interface with the machines there. He found the warding runes and removed them. He then used Connectivity and found the locations of every SAM site in Gotham. Then he did something he hadn''t done yet but should have done from the start. He connected to the Justice League communication line.


    ================================================================


    ¡°Superman! How is the North West evacuation going?¡± Robin asked from the Bat-Wing as it continued on an auto pilot route around Gotham. Batman had left several hours ago to track down Edward Nygma. The Bat-Wing had stealth and anti missile lock on software that kept Robin hidden. So he could play over watch and coordinator for the League.


    ¡°I''m almost done! Just another three hundred civilians to go!¡± Superman''s voice called over the communication line.


    ¡°Lantern, any luck locating the other missile sites?¡± Robin asked.


    ¡°No such luck, it''s like they are camouflaged with some sort of stealth tech. I would have to physically be on the ground to see them.¡± John Steward the Green Lantern replied.


    ¡°Aquaman, Aquawoman how many more under water mines are left?¡± Robin went down the check list.


    ¡°Still about two hundred or so. Fuck there is a lot down here!¡± Arthur called over the radio.


    ¡°Yes, this seems a little excessive.¡± Mera agreed.


    ¡°Wonder Woman how is the fight in the East district?¡± Robin tried to ask. Bullets and explosions rang out across the comm link so he tried to filter out the noise.


    ¡°We are still in battle Robin! The Black Mask soldiers fight with reckless abandonment! As if they fear no death. The drug Venom courses through their veins as well. It is proving...Difficult!¡± Wonder Woman called across the line.


    ¡°Green Arrow here! Arsenal and I have finished in our mission, waiting new assignment!¡± Arrow called.


    ¡°Hello everyone! It seems you are all working in harmony together.¡± A gruff animalistic voice called over the communication line.


    ¡°Wraith!? Where are you!¡± Several people shouted.


    ¡°Business first. Robin I am sending the remaining SAM site locations scattered through out Gotham. They do have a stealth field that blocks you from seeing them from the air. Each one is guarded by several APC''s with M61 Vulcan Cannons, and dozens of Black Mask soldiers. The Narrows and Arkham are secured. Or were last time I was there which was a little over an hour ago. I am located on the South East side of Gotham. I have two fighter pilots here with me that were shot down. They are both alive and well. I''m heading to the nearest SAM site unless you have another assignment for me. Agent Robin?¡± Wraith said across the line, a new IFF tag appeared on Robin''s map.


    ¡°Everyone! I am sending you the coordinates to the SAM sites. If you are not in the middle of an assignment go there now! Once the skies are clear we can call in air transport for the civilians and soldiers. Shazam! Zatanna! You are the closest to Wraith head to the SAM site location and destroy it! Report back as soon as you can!¡± Robin handled the situation with ease and a cool head!


    ¡°I read you, heading over!¡± Shazam replied.


    ¡°Loud and clear, heading over!¡± Zatanna said into her ear piece.


    ¡°I don''t know if this has been said already, and it will not be the last time it is said. But, thank you all for coming to help with Gotham.¡± Wraith said across the line.


    Several voices called out across the line and confirmed Wraith''s words. Pleasantries were exchanged. The line was suppose to be kept clear of banter but no one complained for a few minutes. It was three in the morning and the storm clouds were still thick in the sky above, a bit of playful banter was a welcome reprieve. When the sun rose in a few hours it would still be night in Gotham thanks to the weather.


    ¡°Alright everyone! Back to work! We have a city to save!¡± Robin called across the communications line. Everyone sent a confirmation and they went to work.


    ==============================================================


    Saurian along with his two companions raced towards the next SAM site. Shazam, and Zatanna were bogged down as they helped civilians in danger. Saurian wouldn''t admonish them for it. It was what the Justice League was suppose to do. Just like last time Saurian had Lance and Hanna stow the motorcycles to the side a few city blocks before the SAM site. Saurian found a shooting position for Lance, and Hanna.


    -If your uncomfortable with killing you can just preform covering fire. Don''t push yourselves. Saurian said across the link.


    -No! We are soldiers and this our job. We''ll deal with it! Hanna said. Lance agreed.


    Saurian swam through the ground once more and discovered that this camp was a little different. The landmines weren''t warded. So he reached out with his Technomancy and fused the trigger mechanism so they wouldn''t fire. Road construction is expensive inside the city! The APC''s were the same formation as before. The soldiers walked in the same patrol route. It was almost comical how it was the same here. So much so that Saurian spent another twenty minutes double checking everything, it felt like a trap. Turned out it was trap! There were several Vulcan turrets in the buildings nearby. He sent a notice to his two companions. They shifted position so they wouldn''t come under fire.


    Saurian swam through the ground to each APC and focused his Technomanacy energy into the ward rune until it shorted out. An audible POP! Rang out the area for each one, the guards went onto high alert. Then just like a bad joke, Shazam and Zatanna turned the corner flying free and clear in the middle of city streets with no cover. The cannons on the ACP''s and turrets in the buildings all swiveled and started to shoot.


    ¡°Zatanna get down!¡± Shazam yelled out, he used the speed of Mercury from his name sake. Then became a shield for Zatanna who was taken by surprise as hundreds of rounds unloaded onto their position.


    ¡°Dleihs!¡± Zatanna called out as a magical shield sprung to life.


    But the cannons chewed through it as it was fueled by her focus and magical energy. With in moments it was shattered! Zatanna let out a scream as the black lash from the spell ripped through her. Shazam dove to the ground with Zatanna in his arms. His back became a bloody mess as the bullets tore through his flesh. Then one by one each of the ACP''s began to fire on the turrets in the windows, then on each other. Shazam''s body healed slowly, it held up really well for having over five hundred rounds shot into it. Zatanna was half dead in his arms, he looked at her with worry.


    ¡°So explain this to me...Why did you two decide to fly straight towards the SAM site that was heavily guarded with no cover, and no plan?¡± Saurian said to them as he rose up from the ground.


    Shazam saw Wraith for the first time, his jaw dropped at how bad ass the giant lizard looked in his rad leather and metal armor. He would totally geek out if he wasn''t in tremendous pain. Saurian raised his hands up and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. Shazam healed completely as his super suit began to repair itself with magic. Zatanna regained color in her skin and sat up on her own with Shazam''s help.


    ¡°So, I''ll ask again. Why did you two race towards the SAM site straight down the middle of the street as if you expected an easy fight?¡± Saurian said, as he stared down at them both. Shazam felt like he was talking to Batman! Like Wraith was larger than life it self.


    ¡°We....Didn''t...¡± Zatanna stuttered and stopped. She realized she had screwed up.


    ¡°Ah! Neither of you know what a M61 Vulcan cannon is...Do you?¡± Saurian asked. Shazam and Zatanna both shook their head in a clear no.


    ¡°Then it is my fault for not properly giving the correct information.¡± Saurian''s voice was far softer when he said that. An invisible pressure that neither Shazam or Zatanna could understand seem to evaporate with his words.


    ¡°Come on! I''ll give you a run down and introduce you to Lance and Hanna.¡± Saurian said as he offered them both a hand up.


    Saurian used Manifestation and created pairs of Warriors to clear the nearby buildings for any other soldiers. He brought Shazam, and Zatanna to meet Hanna, and Lance. Both sides didn''t really know what to make of each other. Shazam and Zatanna expected a special operations team to be with Saurian. Not two pilots, though their gear was nice. Hanna and Lance looked confused at the sight of a stage magician woman, and giant man in a red suit with golden lighting that seem to dance around his body?


    Saurian took a moment to leave a telepathic imprint on the two ''heroes'' what a M61 Vulcan cannon was and what it could do! Saurian''s Skill Trainer skill got experience from the imprint. Zatanna visibly paled at the information and Shazam belittled himself for being such a...''noob''? It was that moment that Saurian remembered that Shazam was actually a ten year old with Solomons wisdom! Foresight didn''t activate and Saurian didn''t want to waste his energy on Cosmic Awareness so he let it slide for now.


    ¡°Let me check in with Robin. Then we''ll move to the next site together, and with a plan. Agreed?¡± Saurian said to them. They nodded in understanding. He cast Connectivity as Zatanna prepared several spells, and Shazam started to talk to the pilots about what its like to fly with out a plane.


    One by one the SAM sites fell to the Justice League. Saurian and his team took out two more before there none left to destroy. Saurian had to physically pull Shazam to the ground more then once for wanting to fly off with zero plan, and zero awareness! Turned out Shazam for the most part had stayed in Philadelphia and just stopped petty crimes. This was his first real war zone. He was use to the bad guys only having small arms. Which did nothing to him. Zatanna was far more level headed and listened to every word Saurian said. Skill Trainer kept getting experience prompts as Saurian taught not only the two heroes but the pilots on different skills.


    Zatanna, and Shazam both obtained the skill Team Work they learned organically and in the moment. Since Saurian didn''t force feed the skill into them it would level naturally. He had pulled them both into his Temporary Pack Bond along with Lance and Hanna. Both them had been confused at first but Saurian said they could talk about it later. They had both felt their power levels increase if only a little.


    ¡°Agent Wraith! Hello!¡± A soldier ran up to them out of no where. He was a tall, strong, and sturdy black man. But he had no weapon in hand. Saurian took a look at him and smiled wide. Which look really sinister on a reptilian predators face.


    -Manhunter, nice to meet you in person. Saurian said through Telepathy.


    The soldier froze in place as he stared wide eyed at Saurian. Then a smiled bloomed on his face, his disguise was pulled down and he became the seven foot tall Martian Manhunter. Green skin, red eyes, bald head. Baldies unite! Navy blue cape, black combat outfit with red X across his chest. No tights! Saurian batted Lance and Hanna''s weapon down and pegged them with a stare


    ¡°You follow a shape shifting reptile around for the past few hours and you freak out about him?¡± Saurian said in accusation. The pilots looked down, clearly embarrassed. Manhunter laughed, his voice was deep and oddly soothing.


    -Worry not Wraith. I am use to it. I have to say it is nice to meet another telepath. Communication will be so much easier. Manhunter said across the link.


    Saurian pulled Manhunter into the Temporary Pack Bond, Manhunter actually understood what it was right from the start! He was astonished, this was something practiced on his home world with the Warrior Priests of Ma''aleca''andra. They could combine the minds of their brothers and sisters to strengthen them for a fight. That was kinda what he had done. So, Saurian didn''t correct him. Manhunter told the rest of the ''team'' the benefits of the melding.


    The team continued to work through out Gotham City. They put out fires, saved civilians, repaired broken buildings. Well Saurian did that last part, the others just watched. They slowly made there way towards the East district. Most of the fighting against Black Mask''s soldiers happened there. Their team kept collecting over flow. But they started to see people with wide joker grins that laughed with out end. Pale skin, blood shot eyes, blood that covered their mouths and hands. Civilians that had been infected with Joker venom. But something felt off about them. Saurian reached into his Grave Domain and snarled in fury! This was magic, some one had combined Joker venom and necromancy.


    ¡°What the fuck are these things?¡± Lance asked as he shot another zombie in the head with his rifle.


    ¡°Zombies....¡± Zatanna said in barely a whisper. She shuddered in disgust.


    ¡°Zombies!? Like the walking dead variety? Or the disease kind?¡± Hanna asked pale with fright.


    ¡°Joker Venom was used to kill them. So we''ll place them under disease.¡± Saurian said out loud. But he sent a Telepathic message to Zatanna and Shazam to remember Warden law between Mundanes and Super-Naturals. Shazam was new to the world but understood the message, Zatanna sent an acknowledgment.


    ¡°Wraith. I''ve read the reports of your species technology. Can you do anything for them?¡± Manhunter asked. Saurian wasn''t sure if Mars had magic or not. Some comic origins said it was practiced, others not. But J''onn was never a practitioner though he did understand it if he came from a magical world.


    ¡°I can prevent the spread of the disease. But they are dead no matter what I do.¡± Saurian called out.


    Saurian reached out and cast Unburden from the Grave Domain. Hundreds of joker zombies dropped like puppets who''s strings had been cut. Then he cast a wide area effect spell of Panacea the disease was pulled from the area. The green smog that hung in the air faded from sight like morning fog. Saurian took a moment to create hazmat gear for the group, or rather just Lance and Hanna. Shazam and Zatanna created a spell barrier around themselves. Manhunter said he would be immune to it...Maybe?


    They traveled for another thirty minutes the sounds of battle became louder, and louder. The ground shook with every explosion! They team began to jog forward, while Lance and Hanna drove they didn''t fly into danger as Saurian repeatedly had to stop Shazam from rushing forward! More then once giant venom zombie creatures dropped from rooftops, and sprung from wreckage to attack.


    Saurian adjusted his size to be his towering Carnosaur form and ripped the giant ghouls to shreds. Lance and Hanna played little more then covering fire, as the bullets went straight through the creatures but didn''t drop them even if shot in the head. It was discovered that Unburden only worked on the low level zombies. While the larger ones had to be smashed before he cast his magic. Shazam zipped out like a loaded gun and smashed them all with his lighting. Zatanna stuck in the back and played support with her magic. Manhunter shape shifted into a giant monster like Saurian and ripped the creatures apart.


    ¡°Yeaaaaaaaah!¡± A valiant roar called from above as woman with eagle wings flew down and slammed her two handed mace into a giant joker ghoul.


    ¡°We have come to aid you in battle!¡± As a man with eagle wings flew down and struck down another ghoul.


    Hawkman and Hawkwoman both wore a mix of form fitting flight suits adorned with plate armor. They both had hawk style helmet/masks that revealed only their mouths. The Thannagar crest on their chest plates as well as the belt buckles. Giant tech organic eagle wings flapped as they were attached to them. Hawkman was 6'' 2¡± while Hawkwoman was an even 6''. Both of them had athletic figures and strong bodies. Saurian''s hands itched! He wanted to touch the metal of their maces as soon as possible so he could copy it and start to make it. In his opinion Nth metal was more valuable then Orichalcum! The battle soon came to an end, Saurian and Manhunter reduced their size and shapes to talk to their team.


    ¡°Hawkman, Hawkwoman. Thank you for the help! May I ask a small favor of you?¡± Saurian asked.


    ¡°You may ask!¡± Hawkman said with a smile. He spoke loudly with his hands on his hips. Hawkwoman rolled her eyes and pushed him off his balance. Hawkman faltered for a moment but only winked at his wife.


    ¡°May I touch your mace, I don''t need to hold it. I just need to touch it to complete an experiment.¡± Saurian asked. The entire team looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°Of...Course....I guess.¡± Hawkman held up his mace. Saurian could tell he was disturbed by the request. Saurian touched the mace head, and shivered in delight as his Shaper Title and Material Shaping skill activated. He pulled his clawed hand back with a smile on his face.


    ¡°That is rather a unique metal. I take it is not from Earth?¡± Saurian asked as he began to look around on the ground. He picked up a piece of concrete and broke it down.


    ¡°No....Its made from a metal from our home world. It''s called Nth metal.¡± Hawkwoman replied. Both Lance and Hanna looked up in surprise. More Aliens!?


    ¡°Tell me are there any laws against trafficking the metal off your world?¡± Saurian asked, as he held up a ten pound piece of concrete..


    ¡°We can''t sell it to you if your wondering. But if you found any Nth metal on Earth it is of course yours to keep!¡± Hawkman said. He looked at Saurian with confusion.


    ¡°Wonderful! Then you wont mind if I make some!¡± Saurian used his Transmuter title effect for the day. Converted the ten pound piece of concrete in to a pure Nth metal ingot.


    Despite the battle that raged not even a mile away. At that exact time and spot not a sound was heard as everyone stared at the Nth metal ingot that was in Saurian''s clawed hands. Saurian grinned wide in satisfaction! Nth metal was fucking amazing in the comics! Though he was sure it would require a lot of experimentation and combination of other elements to get the full effect. But he could now combine Nth metal and Orichalcum together if he wanted too!


    ¡°W...w...Wraith....Can you replicate any metal you touch?¡± Hawkwoman asked softly.


    ¡°I have to understand what its made out of. But its not limited to metal.¡± Saurian said nonchalantly as he tried to put the ingot into his storage space....Success!


    It would have been a perfect time for a tumble weed to roll by at that point. Everyone stared at Saurian like he was a golden goose sent from the heavens. Saurian clapped his hands to pull everyone out of their frozen state! He connected Hawkman and Hawkwoman into the Temporary Pack Bond then raced off towards the battle field. Saurian had slipped past a building before the group seem to realize time had continued. They broke into a dead run and went after him, Lance and Hanna followed on their motorcycles as they both questioned reality not for the first time since following Agent Wraith.


    ================================================================


    John Stewart the Green Lantern flew over the ruined east district of Gotham. It was a complete war zone as large caliber machine guns fired at him, along with tank shells, and missiles. Something was different about these weapons! Maybe it was the fact that his Green Lantern Ring that can usually block blaster fire from a star ship kept shaking? Maybe it was because Superman more then once was blasted to the ground and yelled in pain? Maybe it was because the Amazons kept shouting at them both to stop flying straight into fire? John wasn''t sure! He was a stubborn man but he wasn''t stupid. He took cover behind a ruined building and helped Superman to his feet.


    The man of steel''s blue suit was in tatters! Scorch marks on his skin that slowly healed. John had seen the Kryptonian take repeated tank, and missile fire from armies! The man of steel would just stand there and take it. What was so different about this situation! Wonder Woman raced to their sides, she didn''t fly as she would be a sitting duck in the air. Mortar fire rained down from above. John created a green barrier to cover them. The barrier cracked but didn''t break.


    ¡°What kind of weapons are they using!¡± John asked to anyone that could answer.


    ¡°They are spell enchanted rounds. Every single one of them!¡± Wonder Woman said with gritted teeth. Spell enchanted rounds!? John may have been a man of science but magic was not unheard of on Oa. It was a required Green Lantern class on the planet.


    ¡°Why do Black Mask soldiers have spell enchanted ammunition? I thought they was classified as a mundanes on Earth?¡± Superman asked, clearly just as surprised as John.


    ¡°I don''t know! We can''t contact anyone outside, there is interference along the communication relay. Otherwise.....¡± Wonder Woman was cut off when a roar shook the whole area.


    They all suddenly felt invigorated and ready to fight. Every allied combatant looked over and saw a giant carnosaur sprint across the field and shoulder charge into an APC. The monster flipped the vehicle over and sent it into a tank, the explosion was incredible and surprising to both sides. Hundreds of Saurus Warriors sprinted behind the carnosaur from the city streets and rushed the firing line. All weapons fire abruptly changed towards this new threat. Then a voice sounded off in their heads.


    -I''ll run interference! Move in! Wraith called in their heads.


    No shouts rang out! No battle charge, or war horn! That would ruin the surprise. The Justice League along with every soldier mundane or magical raced across the field towards the firing line. Then at the last hundred feet Wonder Woman sounded the charge with a triumphant yell of courage. The Black Masks soldiers reacted almost like slow witted robots, as if they were not really aware of the situation they had fallen into!


    ==============================================================


    Saurian picked up a tank and used it as a shield. Not only was the ammunition enchanted so was the vehicle armor! The sight of a carnosaur using a tank like a shield was an entertaining sight to a few individuals. Saurian created hundreds simple Phantasms of his warriors to run distraction. Yes they exploded into light after a single bullet. But a distraction was all they were!


    ¡°What happened to fighting smart and thinking with our heads!¡± Shazam shouted as he flew over and hide behind the tank.


    ¡°Do you see me covered in wounds, Agent Shazam?¡± Saurian asked with a grin on his face. Shazam wanted to refute him but realized he was right. Saurian slammed the tank into the ground then pulled scrap metal and ruined stone towards their position he made a forward bunker in a few seconds!


    ¡°Noitcetorp morf selitcejorp¡± Zatanna called as she flew over. Suddenly several missiles and mortars in mid flight towards the newly constructed bunker veered off as if they had been blown away by a fierce wind. They exploded several hundred feet from the bunker.


    ¡°Thank you Agent Zatanna!¡± Saurian called out. He knelt down and bowed his head as he concentrated to produce hundreds of living Phantasms. Saurus Warriors popped into existence around him and sprinted towards the battle line.


    Lance and Hanna jumped, and sprinted across the field far quicker then normal humans should be able to. The glow of Cat''s Grace on them, Manhunter followed behind them just in case but was surprised at the technological boon that Wraith had given them. Hawkman and Hawkwoman stuck close to the ground as they flew. They had seen several anti-air gun placements, they didn''t want to get shot down. Then a flash of lighting zipped by and there stood Green Arrow, Arsenal, The Flash, and Kid Flash at the improvised bunker.


    ¡°Hello! Wow nice place you have here! Should we be concerned that Wraith is replicating and sending little version of himself to die?¡± Flash asked, curious about the situation.


    ¡°He is creating holographic images of himself Flash. I have just never seen it done so fast before!¡± Manhunter said to him.


    ¡°Wait! I thought holographic images couldn''t physically interact with the world around them? I just saw one of them tackle a soldier to the ground!¡± Arsenal asked.


    That made everyone peek around the corner, sure enough the ''holographic'' images were capable of interacting with the environment around them. Shazam and Zatanna smiled at each other knowing fell well what it truly was. Hawkman, and Hawkwoman began to suspect as Thanagar was no stranger to magic. Then Green Lantern flew over and greeted them.


    ¡°We need to move forward but we''ll need to leave people to guard Wraith while he runs interference. Two of you stay behind and rest of you move up!¡± Green Arrow, Arsenal, volunteered to stay behind they were almost out of arrows. Lance and Hanna said they would stay as well. The rest of the group moved up at different times in attack waves.


    ¡°Who are you two by the way?¡± Arsenal asked, as he counted his arrows.


    Arsenal wore a combination of red leather and combat gear. A little more modern day archer, as he had explosives, knives, even a hand crossbow. While Green Arrow went full on biker gang robin hood. With leather Kevlar with only arrows and darts for offensive measures. To each their own.


    ¡°Flight officer Lance, that is Flight officer Hanna. Wraith picked us up hours ago. Our planes were shot down by the SAM sites. He created some gear for us and we''ve been moving together ever since.¡± Lance replied as he checked the perimeter.


    ¡°Arrow, Arsenal here are more arrows.¡± Saurian''s reptilian voice made everyone jump in surprise!


    The Phantasms didn''t make any noise when they moved. So Saurian was like a silent assembly line, the fact that he spoke so suddenly scared them. Green Arrow came over and found dozens of expertly crafted arrows for him and Arsenal. They sorted the equipment out and became fully stocked. Saurian reached out and connected every Justice League member with in twenty five miles that he knew of. The only people he didn''t connect to was Batman, Robin, and Batgirl.


    ¡°Wraith!¡± A young woman''s voice called out. Dia Nyx came over to the bunker with a few Amazons. She didn''t stand on ceremony and walked over and hugged the giant carnosaurs...Leg?


    ¡°Wow, you got big! Been taking your vitamins have you?¡± Dia asked with a laugh.


    ¡°Good to see you as well, Agent Nyx¡± Saurian said with his eyes closed as he continue to create more Phantasms. The Amazons all greeted their brother which made a few people raise their brows at the title. Did Amazons have brothers?


    Saurian reached out and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s kiss, and Renew on everyone. So they were rested, armor, and weapons reforged and ready for battle. Saurian then stood up with a stretch. He told them it was time to move forward and make another bunker. For a moment the wave of Illusions stopped and Saurian with all that remained in the bunker sprinted forward.


    More then half of the battle line of Black Mask soldiers had collapsed. Great chasms, and impact craters covered the ground as they raced up and over the landscape. Through ruined buildings, and broken roads they ran. The scattered remains of civilians had been charred black and near unidentifiable. With a final explosion the last soldier was slain and a triumphant cheer rang out across the battle field. Everyone stopped to take a breather except Saurian. He smelled something magical ahead he raced ahead and nearly disappeared from the sight of everyone. But Zatanna with Shazam trailed behind as they followed their ''team leader''.


    Saurian used Size Alteration and cast Reduce for his armor. He was ten by twenty again as he stood before a colorful sign written in circus colors. ''JOKERS CARNIVAL'' in bright letters hung above the gate. A reality warping bubble covered the entire carnival that prevented anyone from looking into it. A yellow brick paved road stretched out from the gate and ended just a few dozen feet from Saurian. There at front of the gate was hundreds maybe thousands of Joker zombies, ghouls, and clowns. All with a joker grin on their dead faces.


    Congratulations User! Edward Nygma, The Riddler has been defeated by your allies! Though you were not present you indirectly played a part in his defeat! Another Gotham Villain has been removed from the quest your Cosmic Patron has given you.


    Reward: Superhuman Intellect; This is a passive effect that helps any skill, ability, trait, and spell that requires processing power and memory. Total overall stat increase is 1% but grows with time!


    ¡°What is that?¡± Zatanna said as she landed next to Saurian. She took a step back and partially hid behind him. Shazam didn''t hide but he wanted to when he landed near by.


    ¡°Its a reality warp. Something you learn from the Trickery Domain.¡± Saurian said. He knew that because Observant Learner kept sending prompts that he was learning Trickery.


    The rest of the League showed up after about an hour. But Batman, Robin, and Batgirl were still missing. However, Saurian knew where they were. The interference over the battle field lifted, but the reality warp above the carnival persisted. Superman attempted to fly through the bubble but it rebounded him like an elastic rubber band and shot him straight into the ground. Miss Martian showed up next to her Uncle J''onn she was a little shorter then J''onn and martian green. Arthur and Mera showed up last.


    ¡°Batman, Robin, and Batgirl are inside. I can smell them.¡± Saurian said out loud.


    ¡°Then I guess this isn''t over!¡± Green Lantern said.


    ¡°I''ll need to come along. I''m the only here who knows the Trickery Domain.¡± Dia Nyx said out loud. A few people looked at her in confusion.


    ¡°Agreed. Though you will stay by my side. Understood!¡± Wonder Woman said. Nyx nodded in understanding.


    Saurian cast a wide area effect of his Nature Domain spells on the whole group, along with the Amazons, soldiers, and a few Wardens he saw. A majority of the group saw the Wardens as UNWS. Saurian spent a few minutes visiting with them. He recast his Wraith shroud. Why? He wasn''t sure why, but it felt important. Wonder Woman pulled out her sword and pointed at the carnival gates. As if on cue the zombie horde started to shamble towards them.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a new Domain!


    Trickery: This Domain is a combination of Magic, and Divine. Often the Domain practiced by tricksters, pranksters, and chaotic Gods and Goddesses. It holds a host of useful spells, abilities, and reality warping abilities. Since you do not follow the path of a Trickery Deity this Domain will take longer to level and evolve. Spells will be few and far between. But you will have a natural understanding of spells, and resistance from Domains that are linked to this one.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement: ''Hi! I''m Jester!'' It is incredibly hard to fool you! By any means, you can see the truth of things 10% easier and faster. You are 10% more resistant to curses, psychic, and soul related attacks.


    User! Unfortunately you have not chosen a Trickery Deity so you will not obtain a title. Sorry!


    ¡°Time to enter Joker''s Carnival....¡±

 Chapter 56: Joker’s Carnival

    The shambling horde of Joker zombies ran straight at them. Their claws dug into the ground as they propelled themselves forward. The ghouls and monstrosities bull rushed forward plowing through their lesser kin with reckless abandonment. A inhuman screech rang out across the field then before it could finish its call for slaughter a neon green train crashed into the horde. Chooo! Chooo! The train tore straight down the middle and sitting in the train conductors cabin was a ten foot tall Saurian with his Wraith disguise wrapped around him, with one exception he had a train conductor hat on and a huge grin. Trains are fun!


    A rainstorm of bullets, arrows, energy blasts, and a few spells fell from the heavens as the League along with the Amazons, Wardens, and two pilots called destruction onto the horde. Saurian jumped out of the train mid way through the horde and grew in size to twenty by forty feet. He did a barrel roll and made them all into paste. Martian Manhunter changed into a giant armored spider and killed them with his legs. Arrow, and Arsenal shot with precision in the joints of the ghouls to prevent their fast movements. Flash, and Kid zipped through, tripped, pushed, and broke through. Superman flew into the air and exhaled onto the crowd turning the horde into ice statues. Aquaman, Aquawoman, and Wonder Woman waded into the field with their melee weapons as Hawkman and Hawkwoman flew over head and dive bombed into the crowd with earth shattering effect. Nyx, and Zatanna shot arcane arrows into the crowd, each one a tiny grenade of mystical power. Miss Martian took on the guise of a armored gorilla and slammed any zombie into paste. Shazam shot out lighting bolts to electrifying effect. Soon the battle was over!


    Saurian reverted his size down to eight by sixteen. The Wraith Shroud wrapped around him like a living thing as the black and gray cloth danced around the edges ripped and tattered. His snout, hands, feet, and mid section of his tail looked like it was dipped in pure darkness that dripped onto the ground. He raised his hands into the air and cast Unburden on the residual energy of the zombies. Then cast Panacea to remove the disease. Soon the green noxious fumes faded from sight. The storm raged on above them as water rained down, and lighting cracked across the sky.


    ¡°We need to decide who is going in.¡± Saurian called over to the collection of people besides the League.


    ¡°Do we know what to expect inside?¡± Arrow asked.


    ¡°Nyx give them a run down on what could happen.¡± Saurian said as he picked Dia out from the crowd. Nyx looked a little sheepish at suddenly having everyone look at her.


    ¡°Expect reality warping as you can see with the bubble around the Carnival. Hallucinations that will trick all senses will be used. You''ll fall into a dream like state that you will have a hard time separating from reality.¡± Nyx began to explain the situation to everyone. Even created a few examples that surprised a few people.


    It was only a few minutes in when Manhunter asked Wonder Woman if Nyx was talking about magic. Turned out Mars did have a mystical academy. Though those with the talent were few and far between. After that Manhunter looked at Wraith differently. It was both surprise and a little more reverence. Magic casters were rare on Mars and were given respect. Saurian stepped off to the side and created a simple work bench and started to combine and craft rings, bracelets, anything that could be slipped on and not obstructive to movement.


    ¡°Agent Wraith....What should we do?¡± flight officer Lance asked. Lance and Hanna came over to the work table. Lance was about 5''10¡±, and Hanna was 5'' 8¡±. They both had on tactical operations gray and black gear on. With the mag rail rifles Saurian had made them in hand with safeties on. Smart.


    ¡°That is up to you. We don''t know what we''ll find in there. We may get separated, we may get killed. You can stay out here and watch our backs. That is a viable option or you can come in with us. The both of you have been useful. But we have been pushing ourselves for nearly eight hours.¡± Saurian said to them. He glanced up a few times during his monologue but continued to make items.


    Lance and Hanna both looked conflicted. They clearly wanted to continue on and help but this was so clearly beyond them. They were fighter pilots not boots on the ground soldiers. They had seen over a dozen impossible things in the past ten hours alone then most would see in a life time. Hanna looked at Lance, and he at her. They both wanted to help...But.


    ¡°Fine, I''ll make it easier. Both of you are ordered to hold this ground until helps arrives. You may only join the Carnival operation if ordered by a superior officer. Or leave the grounds unless your lives are in danger or ordered to. Understood?¡± Saurian said to them softly. They both nodded and offered up their rifles.


    ¡°Keep them...For now. We don''t know what else is out here. Also be aware that the combat boost I gave you both will last another six hours. Then you''ll be in desperate need of food and sleep. Side effects. Just remember what I told you about the rifles.¡± Saurian said to them as he continued to work on a ring. They both stood at attention and saluted. Saurian took a moment and saluted back in near perfect attention to detail.


    ¡°I have to say I''m impressed by you, Wraith. I spoke to Shazam and Zatanna. You taught them a few things about operations and always having a plan before you run in.¡± John Stewart Green Lantern said as he walked over after Lance and Hanna walked off to check the perimeter.


    ¡°Thank you Sergeant. Though I get the feeling we may need to train some of the League members on what its like to work as a team. The zombie fight was great indication. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but if we were not linked together we would be a chaotic mess.¡± Saurian said to John who took a surprised step back at his Marine Core rank.


    ¡°What is that link by the way? I heard Manhunter talk about it.¡± John replied quickly to change the subject.


    ¡°The official name for it is, temporary pack bond. Anyone that is designated as ''Friendly'' with me can be connected into a telepathic network. The telepathy is only surface communication so don''t worry about inner thoughts. It has a twenty five mile radius from the central hub aka me. It auto translates language, gives a general location of those around you, and as long as you don''t encounter a material or energy barrier capable of blocking telepathy the effect works through obstructions. The shared mental connection also increases every ones overall stats by approximately 10%¡± Saurian said to John as he finished another ring. He set it off to the side with a few others he had finished.


    ¡°Hot damn, that''s useful! Manhunter''s link has a longer range but that increased buff is a great benefit. What are you making?¡± John walked over and checked the rings out.


    ¡°Put it on and look at the bubble.¡± Saurian said to him. John complied and smiled as the ring auto sized to fit him. John turned around to look at the warp. He blinked and rubbed his eyes.


    With the ring on he could see past the bubble. Inside was a twisted Joker twist carnival city with rides, games, and hordes of clowns. It odd had Gotham feel to it, almost as if it was a mirror city. John took the ring off, the ring expanded to its default size. Saurian finished another ring and placed it to the side.


    ¡°You got enough material for everyone?¡± John asked as he pocketed the ring at Saurian''s permission.


    ¡°I should have enough. Do we know who is all going?¡± Saurian replied.


    Nth metal, and Orichalcum ring.


    Rating: B-


    Effect: Durable.


    Effect: Physiology Adaptation.


    Effect: 10% resistance to negative magical effects.


    Effect: 10% increase to positive magical effects.


    Effect: Reality Recognition 20%


    Effect: Mental Resistance 20%


    Effect: Soul Resistance 20%


    Effect: Transmutation Domain Spell, Reduce/Enlarge auto fits for the user with in five sizes, Plus or Minus.


    Comments: You''ve discovered how to make a semi auto size item! The item will also help those peer through the warp of reality and resist the damage it causes.


    It was decided that the entire League including their side kicks would come. An Amazon unit would stay behind with the Wardens/UNWS team along with Lance and Hanna. Saurian handed out the rings to the rescue team. He did make extra for Batman, Robin, and Batgirl. Manhunter, and Miss Martian were surprised to find out the ring shifted with them when they used Density Shift, and Shape Shift.


    ¡°Do you think you can make us a few things after the mission?¡± Miss Martian asked with a smile!


    ¡°Sure, We can make something to help with fire and heat resistance if you like?¡± Saurian replied. Both Manhunter and Miss Martian eyes lit up at that idea.


    ¡°Everyone, the rings will help you resist and peer through the illusions you see. But it is not guaranteed! So please use caution! Also, my telepathic link is only twenty five miles. Though the entire bubble only has a fifteen mile radius that may not be the same inside.¡± Saurian said, every one nodded and prepared to head in. Saurian handed three remaining rings to the Amazon unit outside. They looked at him confused.


    ¡°In case anything or any one comes out that claims to be us.¡± Saurian said.


    ¡°We understand, brother! Good luck!¡± The Amazon guard said to him and placed a ring on her finger. Wonder Woman walked over with Nyx.


    ¡°Thank you for the enchanted items, Wraith. I don''t suppose you''ll be able to track them once we are inside?¡± Wonder Woman asked.


    ¡°I''ll try, but Nyx can tell you that reality warping tends to warp everything.¡± Saurian replied. Nyx nodded her head in agreement.


    ¡°Alright everyone listen up! We are missing three of our people. Batman, Robin, and Batgirl. We can also assume that insane man named Joker is inside. Let''s do our best to stick together! Find our people! End this threat! Anyone have anything to say before we go?¡± John said as he stood up front. He looked around and stopped at Wraith who had his clawed hand up.


    ¡°I''m told that I am pretty good cook. So after this is done we should all sit down with some good food, drink, and get to know each other. Agreed?¡± Saurian said in his reptilian voice.


    ¡°AGREED!¡± The League replied with a smile. John smiled at Saurian for breaking the tension. Good to be cold, but not so cold you break.


    ¡°Lets move!¡± John said, he floated into the air by the power of his Green Lantern ring and flew through the carnival gates.


    One by one everyone stepped through. Saurian was last, he insisted because he had a bad feeling. The gate had a clear soap bubble like film that covered it. As soon as anyone stepped through they would fade from sight. When Saurian stepped through he found himself in a giant twisted and gnarled forest. Tall hedge maze bushes on either side that grew into the sky itself he looked around and snarled in frustration. He was alone! The gate had separated everyone.


    ¡°Welcome to the Carnival....¡± Saurian said under his breath and stepped forward.


    =================================================================


    Batgirl groaned in pain as she opened her eyes. She looked around and felt a sharp pain behind her eyes. A concussion was an easy deduction, her hands were tied up above her, as were her ankles. She was tied to a long wooden pole that was nailed into the ground. She looked around and saw that several more people were staked into the ground. However one of them was currently on fire and screaming! A crowd of clowns laughed and danced around the pyre. There were dozens of burnt pyres beyond that one. She had eight more people before it was her turn. Many of the people tied to the stakes were detached, their eyes empty. But a few struggled and attempted to break free.


    ¡°Time to put my training to good use!¡± Batgirl said as she shifted and pulled on her hands until....POP! Her left thumb dislocated. She grit her teeth and slowly began to wiggle out of the restraints.


    After a few more minutes she pulled her left hand free of the rope, and her right hand soon followed. She popped her thumb back in and quickly got free. She pulled out a Bat-a-rang and began to cut the other people down. The party clowns hadn''t seem to notice them yet. She helped every surviving individual down then together they slowly crept into the s...


    ¡°Whaaaaa! Party favor is gone! Hhahahaha! Hahahahaahahaah! Look! Look there they are! Hhahahahaahah!¡± One of the larger clowns had discovered their disappearance.


    ¡°Run!¡± Batgirl yelled at the survivors who ran into a twisted forest. Batgirl threw flash bang pellets at the clowns that rushed to them and then chased after her survivors. She ran through the forest went around a tree trunk and found a house of mirrors in front of her.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± Batgirl asked...


    ===============================================================


    ¡°Step right up! Step right up! See if you can shoot the bouncing Bird!¡± A giant clown shouted towards the crowd of clowns. Several of them paid, picked up rifles and attempted to shoot a bounding Robin as he danced around in the arena trying to avoid getting shot.


    Robin had woken up in a cage! The last thing he remembered was getting a call from Batman to help him with something in the east district. When he landed the Bat-Wing jet he was attacked from behind and then was here. BANG! A shot went through the air and grazed past Robins arm. Focus! He had to focus now he could reminisce about his troubles later. He took out his grapple gun, shot it towards a corner in a maze he ran through. Thunk! The grapple went taut and he went flying into the air.


    Robin was in a giant maze made out of fun house buildings. Like a toy jungle gym for parkour runners. But very real bullets hailed down from a balcony above him, clowns shot down at him. Why did it have to be clowns! The problem was he was not the only one in the maze, though it was clear he was the main prize. Dozens of people ran around and tried to hide behind cover. While dozens more bled out on the ground, some had their heads blown off. Brain matter scattered across the ground.


    Robin reached into his utility belt and pulled out a few smoke pellets and threw them into the street. The smoke billowed and covered the retreat and hiding place of a few people. But that didn''t last long as a small alarm went out. Then rabid hyena''s were released into the maze. Robin landed on the street and extended his metal quarter staff.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± Robin asked...


    ==============================================================


    Batman sprinted through the carnival at full speed as a horde of clowns chased after him. He had chased Edward Nygma into the carnival. But failed to rescue him as the clowns had torn him apart limb from limb. Nygma seemed just as surprised as Batman was, because the zombies had allowed Nygma to pass through them at the entrance. But the clowns seem to have different orders. Edward Nygma had died and now Batman was trapped inside the Carnival.


    Joker''s Carnival didn''t make any sense! In Gotham''s east district there was an old abandoned carnival that Joker had used in the past for a hide out. But this was something else! This carnival went on for miles in every direction. It was almost like it was a twisted version of Gotham City it self. Towering sky scrapers of fun houses. Clowns of every shape, size, color, and type walked the streets. Some worked the carnival, others played, but every single one of them would react and attack when ever they saw any one or anything that wasn''t a clown.


    ¡°Testing! Testing! 1....2....3! King Joker here! To all my loyal subjects! The end game is here! The ''Juice us League'' has entered the Carnival! Please do your best to make them comfortable, and show them a good time! And remember! Slaughter is the best medicine! King Joker says joke, laugh, and kill! Ta Ta for now!¡± Jokers twisted voice rang over the cities intercom system. The clowns cheered and burst into action.


    ¡°Where is everyone?¡± Batman asked...


    ================================================================


    Hundreds of clowns ran out of the carnivals forest! They hooted, jeered, told jokes, but all of them continued to run out of the forest as fast as possible. But the forest seemed to gain on them, as the giant twisted and gnarled trees took massive steps towards the city the clowns seem to inhabit. Emergency response sirens wailed and came to a stop at an intersection. In carnival fashion one car showed up but dozens of clowns came out of the car. They set up barricades and took out their comically large or small super soakers and began to fire into the forest. The tree''s groaned but the bark soon took on a green glow and healed over. Behind the army of tree''s walked a reptilian wraith.


    ¡°Yaaaa...Sticking the Druid inside the hedge maze. Not a good idea.¡± Saurian said out loud.


    Saurian practiced his Plant Control spell/skill as he animated the army of trees with his Parallel Minds, and Virtual Intelligence. The army of trees crashed through the clown police line, picked up the clowns and dropped them into their toothy and wooden maws. The sickening sound of bones being crushed, flesh ripped, and the hysterical laughter as the clowns joked and cheered as if it was the funniest thing in the world. Saurian stepped out of the forest onto the solid concrete of the warped reality. He raised his clawed hands into the air and brought them down into the ground with the force of a tank shot! The shock wave burst from the center of the crash sending debris flying into the air. Then the warping in reality abruptly twisted and began to break.


    Illusion Domain Spell, Disillusion: Shatter an illusion into pieces. As the pieces break apart the mirror or reality breaks apart and returns to normal. Since illusions are copies or reflections of something else you may use this spell to break them apart. Careful you don''t get seven years of bad luck!


    The twisted reality of the Carnival city shrunk by hundreds of feet in a single blink of the eye. Inside of the bubble the city was far larger then it was on the outside. As a small piece of it as broken the surrounding area shrunk. The ''civilian'' clowns continued to run away in fright as dozens of clown cars raced around the corner. Covered in circus colors and clown faces the armored police cars shot water colors, threw water balloons, and shot fire works towards Saurian. The trees moved to cover him as roots and branches came to life and started to string them up the clowns like pinatas.


    ¡°You are all going to die!¡± Saurian snarled and walked into the city every step he took in the twisted city he cast Disillusion.


    Saurian''s foot steps herald the destruction of the city as buildings shrunk, and streets collapsed. The army of trees continued to guard him as clown military vehicles raced towards him. Soldier clowns with colorful wigs, giant red shoes ran towards him. This entire situation was starting to get ridiculous and Saurian even caught himself laughing a few times. His Damage Resistance kept sending prompts at him for mental resistance, and soul resistance. He wasn''t even sure he was fighting clowns right now. Joker could have sent him to the middle of actual Gotham! He could be killing people. But every step he took did shrink the area down, every clone popped into Illusion particles.


    ¡°Dawn my Familiar do you have access to the Trickery Domain? Or can you tell me if I am lost in a dream?¡± Saurian asked the necklace around his neck. Dawn became animated and flew around him looking at the clown city.


    ¡°I do not have Trickery, Master. But I can assure you. You are with in his Carnival and you are shrinking it with every step you take.¡± Dawn the baby mystic dragon said.


    Almost to emphasize that point one of the towering sky scrapers that had looked like a giant circus tent shrunk down and turned into a small carnival out door tent. A giant tree fell with a scream near by as it had been covered in water balloon shots. Saurian reached out and cast Renew and added a bit of Orichalcum into the tree. The tree snapped back to life and grew several hundred feet, it took on a golden gleam. It let out an ear piercing screech and stormed towards the water balloon tank launcher.


    ¡°Master....Don''t you think that was a little much?¡± Dawn asked, then squeaked in surprise as Saurian added Orichalcum to the rest of the trees. Soon his army was dozens of golden trees, with hundreds of bushes, and shrubs. Each one slightly golden as they raced into the town.


    ¡°No.... It would be to much if I added Nth metal to them.¡± Saurian replied with a malicious smile.


    Saurian and Dawn then walked into town. Every step he took he would shatter and break the twisted reality. It was clear he had gotten the attention of the whole city as more and more police, and military clowns showed up. Then he knew for a fact that Joker knew about him as even the civilian clowns stopped acting and raced towards him. Dawn came back to him and returned to being his necklace. Saurian altered his size to be twenty by forty feet then loose a roar of challenge and raced into the sea of clowns like a lion loose at the circus.


    Saurian looked like a carnosaur on four legs. He trotted through the streets barreling through the sea of clowns. Fluffy wigs, colorful clothes, and annoying laughter as every clown would laugh and laugh as he ripped them apart. One by one the giant trees did eventually fall. The bushes and shrubs put up a valiant fight but soon were pulled apart by the clowns. Balloon shot, and spritzer spray rained towards Saurian. He soon realized he couldn''t manipulate the machines in the city because they technically weren''t real. The trees came from a small park on the carnival grounds that was why he could control them.


    Saurian stomped towards the tanks, moving past or stepping on the civilian clowns. He touched the tanks with Disillusion and they popped out of existence. That is what he needed to do, he just needed to shatter the city. Saurian raised his arms into the air and brought them down! He increased his overall weight with Gravity Stride and the impact crater sent structural cracks for several city blocks. The resulting kinetic force blew the sea of clowns into the air and they all popped like party balloons!


    ¡°This is fucking pathetic, Joker! You should have made an actual army! Not these party freaks!¡± Saurian called out across the ruined intersection he was in.


    The earth rumbled and shook, then it happened again....and again. Something was coming. Then around a circus roller coast came a slow moving giant clown. Easily hundred feet tall, with a colorful green and blue wig, clown white skin, red button nose, and a colorful jump suit. It dragged behind a long bloody wood cutters axe. The clown grinned at the sight of Saurian, its teeth stained yellow.


    ¡°Ahahahahaahahaha! Want to play!?¡± The clown shouted then picked up the pace and sprinted towards Saurian down the street. Each step it took cracked and cratered the pavement.


    ¡°That is more like it!¡± Saurian roared and raced towards the giant clown!


    The clown brought the axe down hard and Saurian jumped to the side. The force percussion of the axe into the ground created a shock wave that shattered every glass pane in the area. Saurian sprinted under and past the giant clown and slashed at his achilles tendons! Bright rainbow colored blood gushed out and the clown screamed in agony as it dropped the axe and flopped across the street like a fish out of water...Wait? It screamed? Saurian grinned and jumped onto the clowns neck and ripped into its tender flesh.


    ¡°Gggguururragggllllll......¡± The clown tried to scream but it choked on its rainbow colored blood and died. It soon evaporated into particles. Boom!....Booom!.....Booom! Saurian turned around and saw eight more building sized clowns headed his way.


    ¡°Let''s play!¡± Saurian grinned and raced towards them.


    =================================================================


    ¡°J''onn have you seen any of the others?¡± John asked when he met up with the Martian Manhunter and his niece.


    ¡°No.... I fear in this twisted reality that they may be alone. We have both tried to send our minds out in search but it seems this.. ''Reality Warp'' prevents us. It''s almost as if this place is both overwhelmingly large but also small.¡± J''onn replied, as he set his hand on his Me''ghan''s shoulder. She looked apologetic that she couldn''t do more.


    ¡°It is odd though...I still feel Wraiths influence on us. Though we can''t speak across the link the ''pack bond'' he spoke of seems to still be in place.¡± Me''ghan said, and J''onn agreed with her.


    ¡°Well that is comforting. At least we know he is alive. The link wouldn''t be up otherwise.¡± John said as he floated up with his ring.


    The ''Carnival'' was huge! Just as big if not bigger than Gotham City. He had been alone for hours before he found J''onn and Me''ghan. John was almost afraid he was in Gotham and that all the clowns he saw were actual civilians. Because of that he didn''t harm any of them and just flew away. Rrrriinnnnnnggggggg....An ear piercing screech rang out into the air. John, J''onn, and Me''ghan all held their heads and yelled in pain. Then the silver and gold rings on their hands all shinned brightly. The sound subsided and the light of the rings dimmed.


    ¡°We''ll definitely have to thank Wraith. I have felt that intrusion on my mind more then once. Each time the ring glows with brilliance and the sound stops. I fear what would have happened had we entered with out them.¡± J''onn said once he stopped wincing.


    ¡°I think I know what would happen...Look!¡± John said as he pointed up at a sky scraper.


    There at the top stood the Dark Clown. The colorful jester! The circus crusader! Bat-Clown! Bat-Clown extended his cape and glided down towards them. He came to a stop a few dozen feet from and took a pose. He took out a clown-a-rang and pointed at Lantern, Manhunter, and Miss Martian.


    ¡°Stop! In the name of King Joker!¡± The clowns voice was clearly Bruce Wayne''s.


    ¡°Wraith gave me an extra ring! We have to get it on his finger! Hold him down!¡± John shouted and raced towards Bat-Clown!


    ================================================================


    A circus skyscraper exploded outwards as armored and ghost like creature was flung through the building after it had gone through three others. It crashed into the city streets and created a massive impact crater. The explosion shot debris in every direction and killed dozens of clowns. But despite the carnage the nearby civilian clowns rushed into the hole with balloon animals, rubber chickens, and blue berry pies. They began to beat on the ghostly armored creature.


    Saurian whipped his tail out and around him in a circle and knocked them all away. He windmilled his left arm until it popped back into place. He let out a snarl as his body began to heal quickly. He stomped into the ground and cast Disillusion the area twisted and contorted and returned to ''normal'' as the near by area shrunk by several hundred feet. Nearby buildings collided with one another glass shattered, concrete broke, and hundreds of clowns fell out of the buildings all of them laughed on the way down before they popped into confetti.


    ¡°I am really starting to dislike this place.¡± Saurian said in a growling tone.


    He heard insane laughter above him, he looked up and saw several of the giant clowns had climbed the buildings. They jumped down from above in an attempt to do a doggy pile. Saurian sprinted out of his hole and just made it out of their shadow as they impacted the ground. He felt like a group of children were playing in a giant diorama set of the city as they chased their pet lizard through it.


    ¡°Ahahahaah! Wanna play!?¡± A clown said.


    ¡°Where you going!? I thought you wanted to play! Ahahahahaha!¡± Said another.


    ¡°Ahahahahaahah! Hide and go S....ggagaaaaaaaa!¡± That clown tried to laugh only to have a hole dug into his chest.


    Saurian tackled and dug through the clowns chest cavity with in a few seconds. Despite their incredibly huge size they had the same average abilities of a standard human. They were just a bigger. His claws easily ripped through their skin, muscle, and bone. He burrowed through and popped out of the clowns back covered in rainbow colored blood. His Wraith shroud was now an assortment of colors.


    ¡°Wanna play!?¡± Saurian howled in rage and jumped at the next one!


    The next clown tried to crawl away only to have Saurian jump onto his leg and dig into and burrow his way through the body of the clown like some sort of parasite under the skin. Saurian had been fighting the giant clowns for a few hours, but about an hour ago he noticed something. The giant clowns stopped coming...These were the last two. When Saurian had ripped apart enough internal organs the clown fell over and died. Saurian burst out of the clowns chest and screeched into the night air!


    ¡°Re in act the scene from, Aliens. Check!¡± Saurian said and began to laugh! He laughed and laughed! He cackled at the moon in the sky, and then turned his eyes at the last giant clown that was currently doing his best to run away.


    ¡°Where you going!? Don''t you want to play!?¡± Saurian yelled, then chased after the giant clown.


    Saurian chased after the giant clown through the distorted carnival version of Gotham. Every step he took in the warped reality he cast Disillusion and broke it down from the inside. Like a virus in a healthy body it crumbled and spread the infection. Cracks spread like roots, the roots crawled up walls of buildings, down the streets, and turned any carnival object or person into particles. The clowns no longer chased after Saurian. No, they went back to what they did before. They ran! Crriiiaaaaeeeekkkk! Like the sound of ice across a frozen lake a giant crack appeared in the sky. It was as if the Carnival was a snow glob and the glass container had developed a crack.


    ¡°NOOOOOOOOO! What are you doing to my city you fucking lizard!¡± Joker screamed, but the origin of his voice couldn''t be pin pointed.


    Saurian jumped and hit the giant clown straight in the lower back. They both hit the ground hard but Saurian quickly began to dig through the skin and flesh of the clown. It screamed in panic and attempted to do a barrel roll. But Saurian held on and only dug faster. The clown screamed, and screamed! It then bashed his own head into the ground repeatedly as if it wanted to die faster. After a few resounding cracks! The clown caved its own skull in. Saurian popped his head out of the original hole he hand made. He looked a little confused.


    ¡°Wow.... Personal best for terrifying an insane clown made from the twisted machinations of Joker!¡± Saurian said as he crawled up and out of the hole. Crriieeeaaaakkkkk! The crack in the sky continued to grow.


    ¡°Each clown big or small must act like an anchor. Of course the stronger the clown the more damage is done. Ah! That means I should just hunt them down! Time to hunt the clowns!¡± Saurian yelled out! He raised his hands into the air and laughed hysterically!


    Saurian spent the next two hours systematically tracking, hunting, and killing any clown he came across. All the while he broke the warp as he went. Then he saw something he didn''t consider, clowns with giant paint brushes, and water colors attempted to paint and fill in the cracks he had caused. The clowns were trying to paint, and remake the carnival.


    Saurian had used Size Alteration, and Reduce on his armor. He found being a giant carnosaur in the city made it harder to hunt the clowns. So he was eight by sixteen feet again. But every step he took he continued to break the twisted reality apart. He felt like a multi dimensional hunter here to destroy the world. In a lot of ways he was! Despite how it was done, Joker had created a living city inside the dome. Saurian prowled through an alleyway as he watched the paint brush clown team try to repair the damaged cracks. Bang! A flash bang went off in front of him. His eyes quickly adjusted as he looked up and saw a Bat-Clown glide down from the roof above him. Saurian tilted his head, his yellow and green reptilian eyes peered out from the dark shroud around his head.


    Bat-Clown stood at 5''7¡±, with auburn hair, blue eyes, her bat uniform had gone through a clown car wash and was a variety of colors. She held up hand and was about to shout, ''stop'' before Saurian reached out and snagged her entire head. She let out muffled scream and attempted to break out of his hold. Saurian picked her up off the ground, he created an area of darkness and shadow with Phantasm. not all of his Domains had worked in the warped reality but the Illusion Domain seemed to be on crack! Batgirl continued to struggle, she jammed her clown-a-rang into his arm and didn''t even leave a scratch.


    ¡°Hold on Batgirl I''ll fix you.¡± Saurian said softly as he cast Disillusion on her. Almost as if an electrical current went through her whole body she twitched, struggled, and went into a seizure like stutter. Saurian cast a simple noise cancellation with his passive Illusion.


    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!¡± Batgirl screamed, but only Saurian heard her.


    Batgirl''s costume returned to the traditional black with gray. A combination of leather, kevlar, and hard plastic the uniform was form fitting and revealed her athletic figure. Her skin went from clown white to sickly pale, her eyes lost their focus and she fainted. Saurian pulled her glove off and put one of the rings on. It shinned brilliantly for several minutes before it''s glow dimmed. He replaced her glove picked her up and carried her to a ''safe'' location out of sight.


    ================================================================


    ¡°Hold him down! I have a ring!¡± Mera shouted.


    Arthur held the Robin-Clown as he flailed and hailed to King Joker over and over again. Kid Flash had Robins legs and tried his best to hold on. Despite his incredible speed he wasn''t super strong! Arthur grit his teeth as he had the opposite problem, he could easily snap Robin like a twig. If he held to loose Robin would wiggle free like he had done it before. The little shit was slippery. Then Robin started to scream and convulse, a silver and gold light came from his hand. One of Wraith''s rings was on his hand.


    ¡°Holy fuck! I am happy he made more of those for all of us.¡± Arthur said as he set Robin down on the ground after he finished screaming.


    ¡°Totally! Now if only I could take one apart. I bet the micro chips inside bust be insanely small!¡± Wally West said. Arthur and Mera looked at one another.


    ¡°Right.... Kid have you seen Flash?¡± Arthur asked, they glossed over the fact that the ring was clearly magical but Flash and Kid still didn''t seem to buy it.


    ¡°Ya...Like an hour ago though. He said he was going to run the breath of the city to see how big it was. We got separated when a giant ball of cotton candy tumbled down the road. Then...oh hay!¡± Wally ran off but only a few hundred feet. Then he returned once....then twice. With Green Arrow and Arsenal.


    ¡°You found Robin, find anyone else?¡± Oliver asked as he assessed the situation.


    ¡°No we haven''t. Are any of you injured?¡± Mera asked. Arrow looked at Arsenal who hand several cuts in his leather armor.


    ¡°Only a few cuts, I''ll be fine.¡± Roy said, Mera walked over and stood in front of him. Roy shrunk his neck in as the stunningly beautiful red head in a skin tight wet suit peered at him.


    ¡°I mean...if its not to much trouble....¡± Roy mumbled.... Arthur laughed at the one hundred and eighty degree turn.


    Mera took a small water canteen from her hip belt and manipulated the water to clean, and heal the wounds. The water glowed blue and floated through the air under the astonished eyes of the group except Arthur who had seen it before. Wally smiled wide as he always found the hydrokinesis of Mera''s ''Meta-Gene'' ability fascinating. Soon after a few minutes Roy''s wounds were cleaned and looked better but were not completely healed.


    ¡°We''ll have to find Wraith for you to get a complete check up....Speaking of which have either of you?¡± Mera said to them.


    ¡°Not...really.....¡± Oliver said with an bemused expression.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Arthur asked....


    The group went through the city as quietly as possible towards what could only be described as a huge battle scene. Oliver and Roy had thought Superman had been there until they saw clear signs of dinosaur foot prints, claw marks, and an impact crater cartoon animation style in the road. They also found a lot of distorted sections of the ''town''. The area''s looked like they had been reverted back to what ever they were before.


    ¡°Well we know he is alive because of the ''pack bond'' ability J''onn told us about. We just can''t do the telepathy ability. Unfortunately there is just to much destruction for me to track him.¡± Oliver said as he gestured to the destroyed environment.


    Crrrrrriiieeeeaaaaaaakkkkkk! A sizable crack grew up along the sky and rain from the outside fell into the Carnival city. The group heard Joker scream in panic. Then the crack got bigger and bigger. The group saw something that they had never seen before. All the clowns in the area started to head to north-east.


    ¡°Well! Looks like Wraith is having enough fun that even Joker is getting pissed.¡± Arthur said with a grin.


    ¡°How much do you want to bet the clowns are heading the opposite direction Wraith is?¡± Roy said.


    ¡°I would say the odds are good... Kid feel like a bit of recon? Not to far!¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°Will do! Be back in a bit!¡± Wally shouted and took off to south-west.


    ===============================================================


    Saurian....Was tired. He dragged his tail across the ground in exhaustion as he carried Batgirl up a wall. Thanks to Gravity Stride the wall was his ground. But they soon came to the top of the building he set her down and rested. He guessed that he had been in control for nearly twenty four hours. He needed to swap out with Lash. He took a deep breath and used Shape Shift.


    Lash exhaled slowly, he adjusted his Warden/Daemonic armor with Reduce/Enlarge, recast his Wraith disguise. He activated Transformation and became a were-lizard hybrid. He was seven by fourteen feet, with only a small skull crest. He looked like a tiny version of Saurian...Ah! A Saurus Warrior, just with a few more human like features. He didn''t hunch over when he stood up, and was a natural biped unless he used Adaptation to alter his form. His scales were a dark forest green, along with the tribal tattoos that existed no matter the form. Even Saurian had them.


    ¡°Ggggggggnnnnnn....¡± Batgirl groaned next to him.


    Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Soul Heal, Curse Break, and Panacea on himself and Batgirl. He was a little surprised that Soul Heal activated but with the amount of experience prompts his soul resistance gave him it made sense. Color returned to the lower half of Batgirls pale face. Her breathing became slow and relaxed, she turned on her side and nestled closer to Lash subconsciously. Red and yellow lighting danced in front of him and Kid Flash appeared.


    ¡°Aha! You found Batgirl! Wait here I''ll get the rest!¡± Wally disappeared before Lash could respond.


    ¡°Right....¡± Lash''s human reptilian voice said softly.


    His tail wrapped around Batgirl protectively. A bit of a curse and a blessing as his tail was warm, but the armor both from his gear and his natural hard scales did not make the best pillow for her. He still wrapped around her then one by one in a flash of lighting Wally West deposited everyone on the roof of the building. Lash raised a hand and cast the same set of spells on the group as he did on himself and Batgirl.


    ¡°So.... How is everyone liking the Carnival? Good time right?¡± Lash said softly, but this voice still sounded harsh on the ears.


    ¡°A lot better with these on!¡± Arthur sat down next to him, he gestured towards the ring. Lash then cast Immaculate on the whole group. After the green and blue energy bubbles cleaned everyone they all smiled in thanks.


    ¡°Do you think we can keep these?¡± Mera asked, Lash nodded his head yes. She smiled and sat down next to and leaned up against him so she could rest. A couple of the guys looked confused and looked at Arthur who didn''t make any move as if it was normal.


    ¡°Nice to see you too, Mera.¡± Lash said, she let out a hmm noise and kept her eyes closed.


    ¡°So, where do you think the clowns are headed too?¡± Wally asked.


    ¡°To the Carnival...The actual Carnival. This whole town is a twisted form of Gotham. So that means in the east district is a twisted carnival. Full of fun houses, games, and prizes. We can assume that if we haven''t found the rest of our team they are most likely there.¡± Lash said...


    ¡°You''d be right....Fuck my head is killing me.¡± Barbara said as she slowly sat up with the assistance of Lash. She leaned against his other shoulder just like Mera.


    ¡°Thanks for getting Robin. Batman should be at the Carnival. I saw Superman, Wonder Woman, and Shazam in cages. I don''t remember seeing the rest of the group. But the cages were like prize pieces on a ticket collection wall.¡± Barbara said to them all.


    ¡°Batman isn''t there we both went out on ''patrol'' to apprehend the criminals in town. We got separated... Hello Wraith, long time.¡± Robin said as he came to.


    The group continued to compare notes of what they had seen in the twisted Gotham. Lash was surprised to find out that he was the only one that had been killing the clowns. None of them had seen the clowns pop into in confetti or bleed rainbows when one died. They had seen them turn into common civilians. It wasn''t until Lash caught a clown and cast Disillusion on it that they understood. Barbara said she had found several normal people in the carnival grounds. Mera and Lash believed those people had a natural resistance to the warp. Some people are different then others.


    Lash used Fabrication, Alteration, and Renew to help restock and repair the group. Lash then realized that he was actually one of the heavy hitters in the group. When did that happen? They climbed down from the rooftop, he cast Disillusion on their temporary base and they moved towards the carnival which didn''t take as long as it should have given that Lash kept shortening the distance with every step. The crack above them got larger and larger, even pieces of the ''glass'' fell into the twisted city below. They eventually met up with J''onn, Me''ghan, John, and Bruce along the way.


    ¡°You look good, I actually saw you smile for a bit when you saw Batgirl, and Robin.¡± Lash said to Bruce. Bruce looked at him with his legendary mask of indifference.


    ¡°I was happy to see everyone was alright. A good time as any to smile.¡± Bruce replied in a cold tone.


    ¡°Yes indeed....¡± Lash replied with a smile of his own. Anyone who knew anything about the comics knew that Batman only ever gave small grins when something happened. A full open tooth smile? He must be under a spell, joker venom, something!


    ¡°So, are we just going to walk towards the carnival in the east district of this twisted city?¡± Me''ghan asked.


    The whole group looked at her then looked back at the ruined and crumbling clown city they left behind. The twisted reality was crumbling now and no amount of paint from the clown construction crew would fix it. Roller coasters that spread from building to building had toppled and fallen over. Ferris wheels and crumbled to ash along with bouncy castles. The cracks in the warped reality continued to spread and even grew past the group. This was place was rotting from the inside now. The giant ''glass'' bubble over head was broken in several places with the true Gotham sky out above. The rain continued to fall and it didn''t appear to be letting up any time soon.


    ¡°Yes, the carnival will be Jokers place of power. I wouldn''t be surprised if my ability to tear apart of the city didn''t work in there. Then we''ll hav....Gaaaaaaeehhh!¡± Lash said before he was sent flying backwards by a pink, purple, and red blur.


    Two clown hawks flew down from the sky, a valiant clown in Amazon gear brought her sword down to attack Green Lantern. A blue and pink polka dot flash ran into the crowd and used his speed punches to brutalize everyone. While Superman used his brawler skills to beat Lash into the ground. Unlike the Grand Arena in Themyscira where Superman held back, this time he did not. Lash''s entire skull caved in! His spell/skill Lingering activated! He should have died!


    Lash whipped around and slashed out with his claws across Superman''s neck! Blood gushed out for a brief moment. The clown of steel stepped back in shock as he held his hands up to his neck. The wound slowly closed up but it took a few seconds. Long enough for Lash to reach into his storage space and pull out a single ingot of pure green kryptonite. It had been twenty four hours since the last time. When Lash hadn''t seen the big boy scout flying around the city he assumed the worse and made a single ingot. The 99.9% pure green kryptonite actually melted Superman''s skin. Wow! Lash was so surprised he dropped the ingot on the ground rushed over and shoved one of the resist reality warping rings on to Clark. Then shoved the ingot back into his storage space.


    Lash collapsed on the ground next to Clark, he wasn''t sure why he wasn''t reeling in pain. He then cast Nature''s Kiss on himself and felt his bones snap back into place and reconnect. He let out a scream as he held his head and rolled around on the ground. Now he was in pain! The sounds of battle continued to rage on around him. He screamed and rolled around on the ground as his bones continued to reconnect.


    ¡°Wraith!? Oh god! Wraith fuck your face! I. What...I?¡± Oliver called to him as he was normally so cool in a crisis couldn''t understand how Wraith who had his face caved in and was still alive.


    Lash reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a few more rings and forced them into Oliver''s hands. He screamed at him to get them to the others and went back to convulsing on the ground. Lash received dozens of prompts about different skills that gained experience from the short battle between him and Clark. On top of the incredible pain of his skull being remade. Then he blacked out....


    Lash felt the sooth sensation of a hand on his scaled face. Even in unconscious his Transformation held. He let out a soft groan, reached up and touched his face. It had mended and popped back into alignment while he was blacked out. The one that had stroked his face squeezed his hand. He opened his eyes and saw Diana''s face above him. His head was on her lap which couldn''t have been comfortable for her. But she still smiled down at him.


    ¡°Hello brother...¡± She said softly.


    ¡°Hello sister... Did we win?¡± Lash asked her.


    ¡°The battle was won but the war rages on. We didn''t want to leave with out you.¡± Diana replied.


    ¡°Is everyone alive?¡± Lash asked in return as he tried to sit up. Diana reached out and helped him up.


    ¡°Alive yes, but injured. We hoped you could help with that?¡± Diana replied and showed him the scene.


    The rest of the League was present, and severely injured. Except for Zatanna, and Nyx who were still missing, both were spell casters. That had to mean something, Lash assumed so since the giant crack in the sky was slowly being rebuilt. Shit. He a had a feeling they were being used as batteries. Diana looked at the same crack he did and turned to him. They shared a brief message with their eyes, she assumed the same as him. Lash chuckled lightly at her.


    ¡°What?¡± Diana asked a little smile on her face.


    ¡°I understood a woman eye communication. Lizzy would be so proud of me!¡± Lash said to her. Diana gave him a brilliant smile and laughed as well.


    ¡°We''ll have to tell her when we leave.¡± Diana said and brought him back to the present.


    Lash cast Nature''s Kiss on the whole group, along with Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Restoration, Curse Break, Regrowth, Soul Heal, Immaculate, and Panacea. Then used Fabrication, Renew, and Alteration to re equip the whole team. Lash was a walking supply depot. Everyone looked mostly recovered, cleaned, and supplied.


    ¡°What did you all do when I wasn''t here?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious about the answer.


    ¡°This is the longest operation we''ve ever been in. Also this is our first united League mission. So what we did was finish it before it got bad. Then we would go home and heal on our own time. Question though, can make any more like these rings to do any of what you just did?¡± John the Green Lantern said.


    ¡°Yes.... Takes time to...Oh I am so fucking stupid!¡± Lash belittled himself. Everyone looked at him in surprise. Then understood...Lash took out Orichalcum items he had made for the League. He had completely forgotten about them!


    Everyone got a similar item to what Diana had gotten on Themyscira. A few specifics for specific people. J''onn, and Me''ghan got a fire and heat resistance by 20%, along with a physiology adaptation. Oliver, Roy, Barbara, Richard, and Bruce got a Cat''s Grace spell on the item. Clark got a Daylight enchantment on his. All the pieces were either rings, bracelets, or necklaces. Since Lash had done it in front of Diana he had assumed the 50/50 romance option would go down...It did not! 60/40 romance being the former. Diana liked that he had made items for everyone.


    ¡°So..... This can not only bring us back from the brink of death? But can restore life to some one else as long as their bodies are intact and its with in twenty minutes?¡± Barry asked as he looked at his lighting ring that had a Compression Transformation on it. It could fit his suit in it just like his normal ring.


    ¡°Yes, with a six month recharge rate. I am sorry everyone. I had wanted to give them all to you one by one. Or at some sort of meet and greet. It was...Important to me. So I just forgot about it! Like I said. I am fucking stupid!¡± Lash shoulders drooped. The sight of a reptilian Wraith creature drooping his shoulders was comical.


    ¡°Wraith....These are worth a fortune! I understand why you wanted to make it a special occasion. At least you remembered before we went into the carnival¡± Mera said delighted as the necklace she had was a combination of Atlantis and Xebel family crests combined. A wedding present!


    ¡°When you say a fortune...Like how much are we talking about here?¡± Wally asked, he also had a lighting ring on.


    ¡°That ring alone could be the entire STAR labs in Central City, Starling City, and Gotham. Just that ring.¡± Bruce said in a clear voice. He had slipped his necklace on under his uniform. After his confirmation everyone looked at theirs.


    ¡°Are you sure we should have these on?¡± Me''ghan said nervously...Though she made no move to take her necklace off.


    ¡°Despite their extreme value, yes please wear them! But try to not loose them. They were hard to make...¡± Lash said....He felt kinda bad cause he could actually make better ones now with a combination of Nth meta. That could come later!


    ¡°Wraith....I¡± Clark had kept quiet the whole time. He when Lash had given him the house of El necklace.


    ¡°Its ok boy scout. I''m not dead! So how about we call it even since I gave your future wife jewelry as well.¡± Lash replied with a laugh.


    ¡°Wait! Does her necklace..¡± Clark was about to ask before Lash burst into laughter and shook his head.


    ¡°No...No. I like your girl. But I don''t think she gets in that much....hmmmm. Maybe I should make her one.¡± Lash stopped to think, as Clark laughed at the thought of Lois getting in trouble.


    ¡°Alright! I hate to say it but we are still missing two people. If everyone is recovered lets move.¡± Bruce said. Everyone agreed and started to move towards the Carnival.


    The League moved towards the Carnival with all due haste after they had recovered, received late gifts, and smoothed out a bit of tension. Just as it was located in real Gotham the Carnival was in the same place. A towering green hedge that traveled all the way to the sky blocked all sight or fly overs. They had to go through the front gate which had a ticket booth. A clown operated the booth and smiled wide as the group walked up. Lash walked up and tried to use Disillusion on it. A massive crack appeared but the booth didn''t disappear.


    ¡°Great....¡± Lash growled at the clown.


    ¡°Hello! Hello! Welcome to Joker''s Carnival! You.... You Mr. Wraith have been a very naughty criminal in our kings land. You are not allowed to enter!¡± The clown said with a laugh. Sure enough a barrier prevented Lash from going in. While the rest stepped through with out issue.


    ¡°Go! Find our people and end this. I''ll keep looking for a way in.¡± Lash handed a few newly created rings to several people in case they all got separated again. One by one they entered after they said good bye to Lash.


    ¡°So.... Joker? Where did you get your powers from?¡± Lash asked the ticket counter clown. The clown looked at him for a bit before his smile wilted and he stared daggers at Lash.


    ¡°I thought she was as crazy as me when I first saw her. But no... She changed from a little girl to a full grown woman! Had fangs, and drank blood! Surprise! Surprise! Vampires are real! Who had thought! Not me! I thought the craziest thing in the world was a man in a Bat costume!¡± The clown in the ticket counter said. His overall appearance didn''t change but his voice did. Puppeteer spell.


    ¡°Then she told me about you! About how she had planned it all! Brought the whole city to its knees only to kill you! I don''t know what you did to that woman but damn! Her rage was intoxicating! She offered me a little stone idol of some god. Then BAM! I could twist reality and make it in my image! Magic powers! Combined with my stunning intellect! Can you imagine!¡± The clown laughed and laughed for nearly ten minutes.


    ¡°Ya....Your reality is as flimsy as a house of cards. Tell me, Joker. What''s the Vampires name?¡± Lash said... The ticket clown stopped laughing and stared daggers at Lash again.


    ¡°She called herself, Valenthia of house Sex''Ilia.¡± The Joker puppet said.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Napier!¡± Lash said loudly at him. Foresight activated for a brief moment. The Joker puppet lost all emotion and his face went stone cold.


    ¡°What did you just call me?¡± A crack went straight up the puppets face as the Trickery Domain nearly tore the puppet apart.


    ¡°Jack Napier... Husband to Jeannie Napier. Father to Edward Napier.¡± Lash said as he tilted his head to the side. A sinister grin went up his reptilian face.


    ¡°Th...That isn''t my name!....I....That isn''t my name! Ho...The FUCK DO YOU KNOW THAT NAME!?¡± The puppet cracked in half in a flash of blinding purple light. The ticked booth fell to pieces with out the ticket clown in it.


    ¡°Got you!¡± Lash said as he raced through the gate into the carnival.


    ==============================================================


    The carnival was oddly peaceful? Me''ghan had never been to an Earth carnival and had hoped to go to an actual one. Maybe one day with some earth friends. She stayed closed to her Uncle J''onn as she played with her golden necklace Wraith had given her. The carnival was filled to the brim with normal people! At a carnival! However all the people had huge joker grins on their faces and their skin slowly turned clown white. More then once Me''ghan had seen several people laugh themselves to death. These people were turning into zombies like the ones they had fought outside.


    ¡°Here Me''ghan try and throw the rings onto the bottles.¡± J''onn said to her.


    ¡°Do we get tickets if we win?¡± Me''ghan asked. J''onn nodded.


    They needed tickets to rescue Zatanna and Nyx from the ticket prize wall. Superman had tried to break the barrier but couldn''t. No one could snap the magical barrier, not even Shazam. If Wraith was able to get in then maybe they could. So they had to play the games to win their team back. They hadn''t been going for long before an earthquake shook the whole carnival. All of the people fell to the ground, but the clowns all screamed in agony as many of them burst into purple light. The ground split apart! The energy barriers separating the ticket prize wall fell. Superman and Flash zipped over in a few seconds and pulled Zatanna and Nyx down.


    ¡°Uncle! What''s going on!?¡± Me''ghan shouted then they saw Wraith on all fours sprint through the carnival towards Joker''s castle.


    ===============================================================


    Lash used Adaptation to alter himself so he could run faster on all fours. He sprinted through the gate into the carnival grounds. He ran past the guards, the clowns, and the spell bound civilians who all tried to reach out to stop him. Along the way he shattered and broke the illusion with every step he took. The whole carnival was falling apart and the energy barrier that stood before the gates to the Joker castle fell.


    Lash jumped and threw himself through the giant wooden drawbridge with Gravity Stride to increase his overall weight. He shattered the bridge and went through the gate. He hit the ground and rolled to off set the weight. He ran through the castle as clowns in armor raced over with swords and spears. He raced through the castle as fast as possible, he knew where Jack was. He had caught his scent when he blew the ticket clown up. His claws dug into the ground to propel himself faster and faster up to the tallest portion of the castle. Not the throne room! Not the kings bedroom though he did pass those along the way. He slid to a stop at the massive door that stood in front of him. He stood up on his two feet. His bones and muscles tore and reset back to his default up right position. There in front of the door was a familiar all be it clown white face.


    ¡°Hello Doctor Quinzel...Been while.¡± Lash said.


    Harleen Frances Quinzel, or Harley Quinn stood at 5''7¡± with rich blond hair, and blue eyes. She wore a skin tight harlequin red and black dress. The dress had a slit up her left leg to her hip, it was sleeveless, with a turtle neck collar, an diamond shape opening to reveal her cleavage. Dress looked amazing on her, but her tears streaked her mascara down her cheeks. She had several bruises, and several of her teeth had been knocked out. She trembled at the sight of Lash, there was a trade mark wooden hammer in front of her but she didn''t move to pick it up.


    ¡°W...Who''s Jeannie, and Edward?¡± Harley asked....Her voice soft as a mouse.


    ¡°His wife, and son...Did he never tell you about them? Oh no....Harley did you think he was single?¡± Lash said to her. He got several experience prompts for Acting. Harley slid down to her knees and started to sob!


    ¡°No! No!...I....I''m the other woman!? I....I can''t be that way!¡± Harley wailed!


    Depending on the comic origin Harley did not have a good child hood in most of them. What ended it in a lot of them was Harley''s mother had an affair and her father killed her mother. Despite all the horrible things Harley did in her life there was one line she swore she would never cross. She would never be...the other woman in a man''s life. Lash walked over to her and pushed the hammer out of the way. He knelt down and pulled Harley into his arms. She cried and beat her hands against his chest plate. Her punches grew weaker and weaker as more time passed. The sounds of battle raged in the floors below. The League had entered the castle...


    ¡°Harley... Where is the idol that Joker is using to control the twisted reality?¡± Lash asked her... She continued to sob for a few more minutes then whispered softly.


    ¡°Its inside of him... He said it was the safest place! Because Batman would have to kill him to get it out...¡± Harley said between sobs.


    ¡°Harley. I''m going to kill him....Is that ok?¡± Lash said to her softly. There was a brief moment where it looked like Harley wanted to say, ''No don''t!'' But then she gritted her teeth and snarled.


    ¡°Yes! Kill that fucker! Make it hurt!¡± Harley said to him.


    Lash cast a Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Regrowth so she could get her teeth back. He told her to go down stairs to the league and turn herself in. Tell them he was going on ahead to end the fight. Then he promised that Joker would not live to see another day. She hugged him one last time and kissed him on the cheek. She bounced back to her charming, bubbly, and seductive self to hide her pain.


    ¡°Your not married are you?¡± Harley asked. Lash shook his head no, then shooed her away when she winked at him. Once Harley had left the floor Lash walked up to the door and banged on it.


    ¡°Open up, Jack!¡± Lash shouted. The door opened by a crack and Lash walked in through it. The door slammed closed behind him. He could feel a spell barrier erect to keep the League out. The room was pitch black, even with his skill Night Eye he couldn''t see anything.


    ¡°It had been a long time since I heard that name....Heard their names.¡± Joker''s voice was disconnected, distant, as if he was talking about some one else in a text book.


    A single pin point light appeared above in the pitch black room. It created a spot light on a man who wore a purple and black full dress tail tuxedo suit. Clown white skin, red cherry lips, emerald green hair, and yellow eyes. His hands clenched into fists as he stared with blood shot eyes at Lash. His yellow stained teeth ground and cracked under his clenched jaws.


    ¡°You think saying their names means anything to me!? They are gone! They are dead!¡± Joker screamed.


    ¡°No they are not! Jeannie lives in Central City with your son Edward. He''s in high school now. He has a scholarship to the state university. Gymnastics!¡± Lash interrupted him the information stopped Joker''s villain monologue dead in their tracks.


    Joker''s eye twitched as the pitch black room cracked and shattered like a mirror. The shards fell to the ground and burst into Trickery Domain particles. They stood in an observatory with a giant glass dome above them. Then Joker started to laugh! He laughed and laughed as he clawed his hands through his hair, his nails left long cuts all down his face. Then along his skin cracks appeared like a dried pottery. Divine energy danced and burst from the wound. That as all the invitation Lash needed as he sprinted towards Joker. BAM! Joker back handed Lash and he spring boarded straight into the door.


    Lash left a clear imprint on the door, and felt nearly half of his life went down in a single hit. Fuck! Joker continued to laugh as he reached out with his hands, his fingers jagged. Reality warped around him as giant claws appeared as reality it self twisted. Lash pulled himself out of the door, cast Death Ward on himself. Then went straight back towards Joker again!


    ¡°You think it matters! You think I care! It doesn''t matter if they are alive now! Because they will be dead soon! Then nothing of Jack will be left! Beat me now! Beat me later! I''ll go to prison! I''ll go to Arkham! Because you fucking heroes never have the balls to go all the way!¡± Joker screamed at him, his giant clawed hands raked through the observatory!


    Trickery Domain Spell, Bending: Bend the fabric of reality to your will if only a little! Why tell a lie! When you can just bend the truth!


    Lash activated a spell he didn''t know he had and suddenly he was in front of Joker as if he had always been there. Joker''s eyes went wide as he tried to take a step back. Lash extended the claws on his hands and stabbed straight into Joker, right where he the divine spark was....The stone idol had replaced Joker''s heart so Lash yanked it out and held the stone idol of the Norse God Loki into the air.


    ¡°KAAAALLLIIIMMMMMAAAAAA!¡± Lash shouted to the sky! Joker flopped to the ground with a gaping hole in his chest. But he had a shit eating grin on his face.


    ¡°Y.....You hahahahaahaahahaha! You killed me! With an Indiana Jones reference? Ahahahahaaha!¡± Joker laughed as the divine energy that resided in him slowly drained out. The observatory started to crack and fall apart.. No it was the standard bad guy clich¨¦ the whole carnival was falling apart.


    ¡°I thought you would like to go out with a joke...¡± Lash said to him...


    ¡°Eheheheehheheheheeheh! You....your right! Hhahahahahahahahaa....¡± Joker laughed...He reached into his pocket and flipped a coin at Lash who caught it. He looked at it, it was a house Sex''Illia family token. Proof...


    Joker continued to laugh for another ten minutes as the castle continued to crumble. The castle wasn''t the only one. With out the idol to contain the power Joker''s body crumbled apart like a piece of paper set aflame. Even until the very end he had a smile on his face. Lash put the coin away into a safe place and looked at the stone idol of Loki. He could feel the divine spark on it.


    ¡°Should I find you another host?¡± Lash asked.


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron has requested you with finding a suitable host the ancient God Loki''s divine spark. Do you accept? Yes/No


    Yes...


    Quest accepted!


    The stone idol cracked and burst apart into pieces. The pieces flew around Lash, then turned into a small tattoo on his right forearm. Like someone had pressed the pause button on the crumbling castle the whole scene froze in time. Then a flash of divine light swallowed the whole area! When it pulled away, Lash along with the entire League and hundreds of still alive civilians were transported just outside the crumbling carnival. A small thank you from Loki. As everyone looked around in confusion the first rays of sunlight came from the clouds above. Lash stood in the sun with his Wraith disguise still wrapped around him. The sounds of fighter jets flew by, along with helicopters of news stations. It was in this moment that the world saw the Justice League for the first time together as a team. Next to them stood Agent Wraith of the United Nations World Security. The Siege of Gotham was over....


    ================================================================


    A giant room filled over two dozens rows of computers and people sitting in therapeutic chairs for long hours of remaining stationary. Every single person had their heads in black boxes... Dream Engine Cubes! Several technicians walked down the paths checking on the Developers health, and safety. A computer beeped at a passing technician who walked over. Checked the logs...


    ¡°Hmmm.... User #00012 has completed the Gotham Siege. Everyone lived? Impressive... Lets kick the difficulty up a few points for the next character arc.... Meta-Human Crisis! Good luck User #00012 you are going to need it.¡± The technician logged the change in their records.

 Chapter 57: Build me a Bridge!

    It was mid afternoon when the clouds finally cleared from the sky. A nice spring time rain to wash away the filth found in Gotham. Though many would argue that Gotham would need a power wash more than anything. 30% of Gotham had been brought to its knees during the attack. Leaving hollowed out husks of buildings, businesses, and homes. Lash created a few places to sit down for everyone made from recycled wood and steel. Everyone sat around each other looking off in a daze. As the adrenaline wore off their exhausted bodies screamed at them to either eat food and sleep or just sleep.


    Lash created several projected windows and started to message several people. Specifically the Warden information agency, that he had a confession from Joker for what it was worth. Along with a family token of Valenthia of house Sex''Ilia. He uploaded about 80% of his entire experience during the Siege after some editing. The League watched him work for a few minutes before logistical and auxiliary units from the ''UNWS'', Military, and GCPD showed up on their location.


    The military and GCPD had tried to arrest them until the UNWS told them all to stop being fucking idiots. Aside from Diana and Wraith every one else in the League was technically an illegal vigilante. Even though the GCPD and Military personnel had fought side by side next to them only half a day ago. A debacle was slowly unfolding as more people with authority started to show up.


    ¡°Lantern, can you make a construct and fly everyone home, or at least out of the city?¡± Lash asked John. GL smiled and gathered all the ''vigilantes'' up and created a green jet plane.


    -I''ll send invites to the dinner and drinks later. Lash sent a telepathic message to them. As there was now to many people near by.


    They all said their goodbyes and flew off into the afternoon sun. Batman, Robin, and Barbara all fit into the Bat-Wing jet and flew off into the distance. Wonder Woman, and Dia Nyx stayed next to Lash as the Amazon unit kept the idiots at bay. Lash stood up and smoothed out his Wraith disguise though he stopped half way through after realizing he hadn''t done anything. Nyx laughed at him then hid behind Diana when he looked at her. Diana just smiled at her then smiled at Lash.


    ¡°Let''s get to work...¡± Lash said softly.


    Wonder Woman had diplomatic immunity and didn''t have to answer a single question that she didn''t want to. Nyx was sheltered under her as the mundanes all assumed she was with the Amazons. Wraith however was under the full scrutiny of the GCPD and Military. They demanded a full explanation and Lash gave them vague details about what happened. They all knew he was dancing around the subject but they couldn''t nail him down. Why, because Lash wasn''t sure what he was allowed to say and not say. He told them as much, they tossed security clearance and validation left and right at him but he kept his mouth shut. A one star general even tried to arrest him, which only made Lash laugh hysterically as he cast Invisibility on himself.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°What do you mean he disappeared!?¡± One star general Fargo, screamed at his subordinate.


    ¡°General Sir, the moment we tried to hand cuff him he laughed at us then faded from sight. Literally, like a ghost he just faded from sight. We haven''t been able to find him since.¡± His subordinate replied.


    ¡°What a surprise! General Fargo you tried to arrest an American hero and he gives you the middle finger.¡± A cold feminine voice sounded from the corner of the office.


    ¡°Save it, Waller! I don''t have time for your shit!¡± General Fargo screamed at Amanda Waller. Waller sat on a folding chair wearing a suave business dress suit. Her legs were crossed as she had a electronic pen in hand working on an tablet.


    ¡°You mean you don''t have time to deal with the fact the Black Mask was using advance military hardware that you sold to him?¡± Waller said with an amused tone, as she signed another E-Document. Not bothering to look up at General Fargo.


    ¡°I did no such thing! I am a patriot I would never sell under the table you bitch!¡± General Fargo screamed at her as he stood up from his command desk. General Fargo was 5''9¡± with a sturdy build, salt and peppered brown hair and a bushy mustache. His winkled face was red with fury that Waller would even accuse him of such a thing.


    Then the Generals tablet beeped at him...As did Wallers...So did the every phone, tablet, and computer in the military camp. A notification email with read immediately priority, everyone who could read it did so. Inside was the bank account information of General Fargo along with several hundreds of millions of dollars transactions to Swiss and Cayman islands banks. Along with what he sold. The gear, weapons, tools, vehicles, along with the shipments and scheduling. No word about the ammunition as that had come from some one else. General Fargo went purple with rage as he pulled his side arm and pointed it at Waller, assuming she was the one that sent the email.


    ¡°Fucking bitch! I kill you!¡± Fargo shouted at Waller. Waller however just sat there and watched the ''General'' as his subordinate now had their sidearm out but had it pointed at their former general.


    ¡°Sir! Put it down! Put it down now!¡± Fargo''s former subordinate yelled. Several other MP''s rushed into the command tent and tried to position themselves to take him down alive.


    ¡°I have served my country for decades! I have done hundreds of things I am not proud of! I deserve the money that they paid me! Now! Now I''ll have nothing! Now you will have nothing!¡± Fargo screamed and squeezed the trigger.... But nothing happened...He tried several times only on the fifth try did MP''s tackle him.


    The former general screamed and cursed at Waller for ruining his life as he was dragged out of the room. Waller now the commanding officer in the field told everyone to leave the tent. She stood up and walked over to the command desk and took the former general''s seat. She took several deep breaths to try and calm her racing her heart. Despite her appearance, Waller had no idea who had sent the information. Neither did she understand why she didn''t feel the need to defend herself. Waller glanced at corner in the tent for a brief moment then a smile tugged on her lips.


    ¡°It''s been a while...Agent Wraith.¡± Waller said softly, as a ghost materialized in the tent with her.


    ¡°Hello Miss Waller. May I sit down?¡± Wraiths reptilian and animalistic voice sent a chill down Waller''s spine.


    ¡°Please do...¡± Waller replied...


    ==============================================================


    ¡°How did you know about General Fargo?¡± Waller asked Lash.


    ¡°The hardware all had destroyed US military grade serial codes and stamps that most human science wouldn''t have been able to track. But once I had them, it was easy to back trace the where, when, how, and who.¡± Lash made a dismissive gesture and Waller''s phone got an email.


    Waller looked through information and licked her lips more then once. Her manicured eye brows went a notch higher with every passing minute. A smile grew on her mask of indifference as she read more and more. She uncrossed and recrossed her legs more then once then planted her feet in the end so she could read her phone better. After she finished she leaned back in the command chair like a cat who drank an entire saucer of milk.


    ¡°Commander Waller! City officials have arrived, may we come in?¡± A soldier called outside the tent. Waller took a moment to adjust her seating. Wraith hadn''t disappeared and Waller made no move to tell him to do so.


    ¡°Enter!¡± Waller called out.


    A soldier walked in first and saw Wraith sitting in the room with Waller. The soldier went from surprised, to aggressive, to understanding, to cold and indifferent. Both Waller and Lash noticed the change and made a note of his name. Good soldier. Next came Gotham City Mayor, Misses Edwin, Captain Gordon of GCPD Major Crimes Unit, Lucius Fox from Wayne Enterprises, and Torloth Shi''Word of Shield and Sword Law Firm. Lash created several well crafted pieces of furniture for them all to sit down on.


    Mayor Edwin was a late thirties early forties beauty, with blond hair and blue eyes who wore a pale blue pencil skirt business suit with a silk buttoned up blouse, suit jacket, with her hair done up in a bun. She got a pale oak chair, with brown leather seats, and a golden plaque with her name on it. The Mayor looked at the chair that simply materialized out of thin hair then back at Wraith. Then sat down in the very comfortable chair.


    Captain Gordon looked much the same, with his bushy mustache, salt and peppered gray hair. US army special forces built body, with a MCU Swat gear on. He got a minimalist cherry wood, and leather cushion seat with a golden plaque written with Gordon. Gordon bit his tongue to keep himself from shouting then took his seat.


    Lucius Fox wore a expensive tailored suit with dark browns, white shirt, and a bow tie. He looked a little dashing with his manicured mustache, and old man hair. He smiled wide his pure metallic chair with white leather, a cell phone and battery port. With a holographic name of Fox glowing above it. Mr. Fox tipped an invisible hat towards Agent Wraith, who nodded back.


    Mr. Shi''Word got a huge mountain ash wooden throne, with red velvet seats, intricate designs of a dragon stomping entire armies of knights. Torloth had a casual business attire which looked comfortable but Lash was sure still costed thousands of dollars to wear. Torloth smiled at the throne like chair that was closest to Lash. He nodded gratefully at Agent Wraith.


    ¡°Would you like your own chair, Miss Waller?¡± Lash asked, his voice made Mayor Edwin jump in surprise. Waller took a moment to look at the different chairs, she stood up and pushed the desk chair aside. She looked at Lash with expectation...She wanted to see what kind of chair she would get.


    Lash crafted a chair with reinforced steel for the frame, but soft snow skin fur for the cushion. The arm rest had several phone, tablet, battery ports like Fox''s chair. Carved into the foot of the chair were depictions of hell rising up to fight a host of angels that were carved into the top. The design on the back rest was a woman knight split down the middle one side being an angel, the other side being a demon. Waller looked at the chair, back at Lash. Then sat down, Waller couldn''t help but admit that it was incredibly comfortable.


    Now Lash? He just sat in a reinforced metal fold out chair. Had room for his tail, could take his weight, and he honestly didn''t care for anything else. Lash created coffee or tea for anyone that wanted some including the soldier that stood on standby. Corporal Williams who took a cub of black coffee after he got permission from Waller. The atmosphere in the command tent was a little odd. They had come to discuss blame, responsibility, and damage on a first come basis. But ended up with a pleasant atmosphere thanks to a lizard wraith creature.


    ¡°Alright that is enough... Shall we begin?¡± Waller said to them. She had used the respite as a means to gain an awareness of everyone, and made a note to thank a certain alien later.


    ¡°Aside from General Fargo do we know who is responsible for this attack?¡± Mayor Edwin asked.


    ¡°The mercenaries worked directly for Black Mask, we still haven''t found him. As for the rest...Its a coordinated effort of Gotham''s worst of the worst criminals, convicts, and Arkhams all stars. Where they got the man power, resources, and money is unclear. Though hardware came from Fargo but only Black Mask''s men used that. Everything else was supplied by another source.¡± Captain Gordon said.


    Lash created an illusion of a computer keyboard and monitor in front of him. But in truth all he used was Virtual Intelligence, and Connectivity. The room paused to watch him for a bit, except Torloth who was on his tablet looking up information as well. When it was clear Lash wasn''t going to share anything they continued on. Though Mr. Fox continued to glance at Lash as he worked on his ''computer''.


    ¡°Who among the criminal elite would have the ability to pull something like this off? I personally heard ''The Riddlers'' voice during the first few minutes of the attack. Have we found him yet?¡± Mr. Fox asked...Before any of them could reply.


    ¡°Edward Nygma is dead. He was pulled apart by the joker zombies inside of the carnival. I have a video file here. Be warned he is pulled apart limb by limb.¡± Lash interrupted and created a ''screen'' for everyone to watch. It even had sound!


    Mayor Edwin turned green and had to swallow her vomit several times. Everyone else in the room simply watched with a careful eye as Batman tried to save Nygma but was in the end he was to late and had to retreat to save himself or he would have been killed next. Lash collapsed the screen and sent the video to who ever needed it.


    ¡°What about the Joker? I don''t suppose he is dead to?¡± Gordon asked with both accusation and a bit of hope that sicko was dead.


    ¡°Yes he is dead as well. I have a video of that too. Want to see it?¡± Lash asked.


    The whole room nodded even Mayor Edwin. Lash created a edited version of the scene. It was first person perspective who the person was clear when they saw the scaled hand go straight into Joker''s chest and pull something out... A stone idol. Torloth who had stayed indifferent the whole time flinched at the sight of the idol. Something that only Waller and Lash noticed. The video didn''t include the Kalima joke, or the coin being flipped. Just the Joker laughing at his own demise, and crumbling like burnt paper.


    ¡°What about that statue, where is that?¡± Torloth asked, his interest was again noted by Waller.


    ¡°The statue broke into pieces about a minute of it being outside of Joker''s body.¡± Lash replied, but sent a telepathic message to Torloth. -Talk to you later about it. Torloth looked disappointed at the destruction of the idol and leaned back in his chair.


    ¡°Any other KIA''s you would like to admit to?¡± Gordon ground his teeth. Mayor Edwin whispered to him in an attempt to mollify him.


    ¡°Do you want a list? Or do you want me to name them? It will be a few minutes if I name them.¡± Lash said nonchalantly. Waller''s lips tugged up just a bit, while Gordon fumed in anger.


    ¡°We can discuss Agent Wraith''s kill count at another time. Do we know how Joker created the bubble around the East Gotham Carnival grounds?¡± Mr. Fox asked a very important question.


    One of Waller''s eye brows arched at the mention. Something that could keep Superman out was an important asset to claim. Beep...Beep. Both Waller and Fox got an email from Wraith. Two words, Project Cadmus that answered a question but brought up so many more. Fox nodded and kept his mouth shut. While Waller looked at Wraith expecting more information, it was at that moment that Lash realized she didn''t know what Cadmus was. -I''ll tell you later about it. Lash said into her mind. Waller''s eyes went wide for a brief moment before she regained her calm.


    ¡°So...Do we know how?¡± Mayor Edwin asked. The whole answering the question and replying only took a few seconds. She had seen that both Waller and Fox received an email but Mr. Shi''Word, Gordon, and herself didn''t.


    ¡°Kinetic absorption barrier, the more kinetic force applied to the barrier the stronger the barrier becomes. I''ll send you the full description....¡± Lash said, the barrier along with Project Cadmus was a complete lie. But only Torloth and Lash knew that. After a moment everyone in the room got an email about the Kinetic barrier. Though Fox and Waller got the mathematical equation for it.


    ¡°Thank you Agent Wraith. It is nice to see that the rumors of you being honest are true. How did Joker get the barrier?¡± Mayor Edwin asked Lash directly.


    ¡°That I am still looking into. However, when I receive the answer I''ll send a report to you straight away. I hope that is sa....wait.¡± Lash stopped at the end as he received a bullet point report from his Virtual Intelligence.


    ¡°Lord Technologies had been researching Kinetic barriers. A few months ago their latest engine was stolen from their R&D labs. Here is the updated information, we still don''t have confirmation if the tech was used in this situation.¡± Lash sent another information file to everyone present including Torloth.


    Waller''s face went cold at not having any idea about Lord Technologies using Kinetic barriers. Especially the fact that Lash knew about it ahead of her. When Lash sent the packet everyone in the room stopped to read the bullet point brief on the barrier, the engine, what it could do, and how big. The engine used would only allow for something the size of a car to create a barrier. Not a fifteen mile radius dome. Everyone looked up and saw that several of the computer ''screens'' Lash had created were looking through the web with the key words Kinetic Barrier. Several new pages of information had been found and were being sent to them. After the third update Mayor Edwin was happy with Lash''s honesty.


    ¡°Agent Wraith may the Gotham people assume you will be helping with the reconstruction of our home?¡± Mayor Edwin asked.


    ¡°As long as I am not pulled away by something. I plan to help rebuild our home. That is if I am allowed to help? Politics, jurisdiction, and contractors that would rather squabble about the lowest bidder then rebuild peoples homes.¡± Lash replied, the Mayor no longer flinched at his voice.


    ¡°Captain Gordon, has GCPD been able to arrest all of the escaped convicts from Black Gate, and Arkham?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°We''ve accounted for about 30% of the total inmate population. The rest have escaped into Gotham. As horrible as it sounds the bridges being destroyed have kept them inside the city limits.¡± Gordon replied as he read through his report.


    ¡°Before we continue...Agent Wraith can you make it a priority to repair and rebuild the bridges? Or is that to much?¡± Mayor Edwin asked.


    ¡°Before you answer, Shield and Sword have already contacted the different companies that will take part in the Gotham reconstruction. It''s been agreed that any reconstruction on your part will not be pulled down by politics, and jurisdiction. So do as much as you can for as long as you can, Agent Wraith.¡± Torloth cut in. Mayor Edwin smiled wide at that.


    ¡°In that case do any of you have any specific questions for me? Otherwise I''ll leave now to rebuild the bridges.¡± Lash asked the room.


    They talked for a few more minutes, then as Lash left the room he asked everyone if they wanted they could keep chairs. Gordon said no flat out, everyone else said yes. Even Torloth admitted the chair was comfortable. Lash ran into Diana, Nyx, and the Amazons. They were headed back to Themyscira. Nyx was admitted to the first year of Amazon training. She hugged Lash and kissed his cheek, she blushed red after the kiss and hid behind the Amazons who laughed at her. Lash gave a warrior hand shake to Diana and the Amazons then said goodbye to his ''Sisters''.


    Lash dropped to all four, his Adaptation adjusted his form and he sped off. He went from zero to sixty in less then a few seconds. His claws propelled him forward as the field base faded from sight quickly. He quickly cast Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon on himself, though the battle was over that didn''t stop assassins from trying to end him. Gotham city was in pieces as he ran. Sometime he ran through a city intersection that was still put together, other times entire sky scrapers had fallen over. He would have to swim through the gravel or climb over the debris. But he would always check for life along the way.


    Lash made it to L-train, and road way bridge. More then half of the bridge had fallen into the river below and the debris could even be seen sticking out of the water. Thousands of cars were stuck in bumper to bumper traffic as they attempted to leave the bridge. Though now nearly every car was empty of its passengers except for a few who had stubbornly stayed behind. A lot of the cars looked wrecked with broken windshields, crushed trunks, ripped open trunks, and flat tires. Lash slowed down and stood up straight, his bones and muscles adjusted for the change.


    Lash reached out with his Intermediate Energy Manipulation, and Machine Control. Then one by one he activated a car, drove it backwards and off to the side. Then he cast Renew on the cars returning them to near perfect condition. One by one by one until his Machine Control leveled up and he could control two machines, then three, then four.


    A few people watched this whole process at the start. They had no idea why the cars started up, moved out of the way, then suddenly like magic put themselves back together. Over a thousand cars in a pile of chaos soon found themselves neat and organized. After a few hours as the sun slowly began to set in the sky someone saw a flicker of light and there stood a seven foot tall lizard man with a nazgul shroud wrapped around him.


    Lash continued the long process of moving, repairing, and settling the cars. As the sun set Lash created several floating orbs of Daylight that glowed above the city. The main power to the city was still off, so no street lights. But people soon showed up with flash lights and came over to the cars that were still stuck. They called out the condition of the cars, and what was wrong with them. Tiny blue ''robot''s came over then fixed the cars and started them up. The people didn''t actually do anything, but Lash wasn''t going to tell them that. A couple of hours later a red and yellow lighting streak ran across the river and appeared in front of Wraith.


    ¡°Hello Flash, everything alright in Central City?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes it''s fine! I just went back for some food and rest. Now I''m here to work! What are you doing?¡± Flash asked, Barry Allen was about six foot even with a pure red suit that looked like a cross between spandex and armor. Only the bottom half of his mouth was exposed so you could see his healthy pink skin, and flashing smile.


    ¡°I need to repair the bridge, and the L-Train. One way or another the cars will need to be moved. I would prefer the cars be in one piece and not trashed by a tank as they come over. If you are looking to help go to this address. I''ll tell them you are coming.¡± Lash replied. Flash nodded and sped off towards a Warden control center who was notified that ''The Flash'' was headed over.


    Lash continued to till about eleven in the evening. At last there was enough room for two lanes. He used Manifestation to create two Saurus Warrior''s to ensure the bridge on this part stayed cleared. He ran up the bridge to the very end and double checked to see if any cars remained. Then he jumped off the bridge and dove into the water below. He performed a perfect swan dive and dove straight in only to go down about three feet before he went BAM! Straight into a ruined part of the bridge. Thankfully his head was thick so he broke through, but he had a sever head ache for the next hour.


    Lash swam under the Gotham river and used Recycle, and Decomposition on the different parts of the bridge that had fallen into the water. The ambient magical energy in the water went up several times, he absorbed a portion of that energy. After a few more hours he had cleared out the debris so he swam to the other side of the bridge. On this side of the bridge there was no huge pile up of cars. Just a police line of barricades that kept people away. Lash cast Manifestation for two guards on this side then he picked up a ten pound of concrete and made more Nth metal.


    Lash spent the next hour looking up the bridges architecture, diagram, and designs for modern bridges. Material Shaping, Artist, Intermediate Enchanting, Machine Control, Superhuman Intellect, Intermediate Energy Manipulation, Minor Science, Trickery: Bending, Transmutation: Fabrication, Synthesis: Renew, Immaculate, Technomancy: Alteration, Compression Transformation, Nature: Essence Imbuement, and Growth. All got huge amounts of experience and levels as he started to alter and build the bridge, and L-Train.


    Because of limited time and the fact that the L-Train had to be connected he couldn''t go crazy on the aesthetic design. So he made it a polish chrome color that would constantly keep it self clean and pretty. The chrome would not be glaring if the sun hit it, but it would be noticeable. When a train would go over the sound would be dampened, when the wind blew across it a wind chime noise would come over it. Hundreds of solar panels were attached to the sides to ensure even in a black out or an EMP electricity would still work on the bridge, it would also collect energy for the city. Lash sprinkled just a bit of Nth metal into the construction which reduced the whole bridges weight by about 5%. But it used up all two of his ingots in the process. Then as the sun rose once more over Gotham a brand new bridge was born.


    Lash sat on an observation deck that he had built onto the bridges main suspension towers. He sent a message to the Warden''s about the bridge. They told the military and GCPD, Lash recalled his manifested Saurus Warriors and decided to take break. One by one tanks, APC''s, armored trucks drove over the newly crafted bridge. Something that should have taken up to a year or more was done in a single night. A flare of lighting zipped across the bridge and ran up the bridges deck to the observatory. Flash appeared next to Lash, who had a cup of coffee waiting. Flash smiled and took a seat next to him, and had a long pull on the coffee.


    ¡°Hmmmm! Wow that is tasty! This is amazing Wraith! Even if I had all the pieces next to me I couldn''t have made this bridge in one night! I don''t suppose you build homes for a friendly speedster?¡± Flash asked as he had another cup of coffee.


    ¡°Sure, I''ll make sure to add a baby room for you and Iris.¡± Lash said with a smile. Flash spit out his coffee and began to cough.


    ¡°Wo!...Co...Wow! Me...and I...I mean! Iris...Wait!? How do you even know about Iris? She''s like my sister! We grew up together! I...I mean...Wait! Oh that''s right we met at Oliver''s bunker. But...¡± Barry was flabbergasted at the turn of events.


    ¡°Is Iris a Web Blogger or a cop? I can never remember?¡± Lash asked, he could look it up but he was testing a theory. Barry seem to pause....In that brief moment Lash noticed the Dream seem to slow down by a faction of a second. It was deciding on a characters back ground....Interesting.


    ¡°She is a journalist! Or...She is trying to be... Oh hay! I know you do interviews with Lois Lane. Feel like coming to Central City and talking to her?¡± Barry asked, after the brief moment in the world sped back up to normalcy.


    ¡°I don''t mind, but we''d have to come up with a plausible reason why the United Nations World Security Agent Wraith came to speak to a brand new journalist. It may draw unwanted and dangerous attention to her. Unless she is aware you are The Flash?¡± Lash asked, genuinely interested in the answer. Barry scratched the back of his neck.


    ¡°That would be a no... I mean. Joe does... I...He''s like my adopted Dad...Oh wait! How did you get my Dad out of prison!?¡± Barry asked, he was a little absent minded it seemed in this version of the Dream. Maybe that would change in the future.


    ¡°I didn''t break the law if that is what you are asking. I just went over the original case file with a better understanding. Superman has the ability to pull down the moon! A yellow blur doesn''t seem that far fetched now.¡± Lash told Barry what he wanted to hear. Though he had completely broken the law to get Henry Allen out of jail. His Acting skill got experience and Barry nodded his head with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Do you know who....¡± Barry let the question hang in the air.


    ¡°I don''t. I can tell you that the one who did it was a speedster just like you. Or, was able to create an illusion of moving fast. But evidence points to a speedster.¡± Lash said honestly. Barry nodded his head as he thought about the words.


    ¡°I know you were born on Earth, but do they have Meta-Gene people on your home planet?¡± Barry asked.


    ¡°Yes, the Meta-Evolution era is normal growth for most advanced civilizations. Just as I said in that report I gave you. Though it normally happens through natural growth and not through a particle accelerator explosion.¡± Lash replied, Beep! Beep! A communication came through Flash''s head piece.


    ¡°Go home Barry, thank you for the help.¡± Lash said to him. Barry smiled, drained his cup of coffee and zipped off. A trail of red and yellow lighting in his wake.


    Lash finished his coffee, then went down the stairs from the observatory. At the door to the observatory staircase was humvee with soldiers. They opened the door for Lash as he stepped in with a thank you. They started up the car and drove across the new bridge towards City Hall. The Mayor had requested that he rebuild it after the bridge. The ride over was quiet the soldiers in the humvee didn''t talk and Lash didn''t speak. About ten minutes from the construction site they radioed that he was coming. They were let through the security check point with out stopping, a few soldiers saluted as he drove by.


    City hall was wrecked! It looked like several high powered explosions had been set off from the inside. Lash continued to have his Transformation and Wraith disguise on as he walked over the wreckage. He pulled the original designs of the building from the web, fixed a few errors, added a few things. He spread his arms out and created the illusion of millions of tiny robots that came from his body. Then the giant mass of rubble, steel, and broken glass moved as if someone had hit the rewind button. For a good ten minutes every person in view of the wrecked city hall stopped to watch the scene. Pillars reconnected, shattered glass reformed, plumping, wires, and lights sprung back into place.


    After about an hour the outside was complete, Lash then told everyone to stay put as he walked in and finished the internal layout. Another hour passed and City Hall was complete, with a upgrades such as solar glass windows, heat conductive electricity, and wind turbines. Lash sat on the stone steps of City Hall basking in the morning sun. He didn''t move even though his shroud continued to dance and flicker around like a pile of writhing snakes. Hundreds of people walked up and down the stairs next to him but no one bothered him. He just oozed exhaustion. He had spent three days at Veterans Hospital at Metropolis, then another day with Lena Luthor, that ended with him fighting in Gotham and Joker''s Carnival. So he had been wide awake for five days straight.


    ¡°You look tired...¡± A familiar feminine voice called out to him. Lash looked up saw Lady Kali standing about fifteen feet from him. She had stayed there waiting for him to allow her closer. Lash stood up, and preformed the Warden etiquette bow to her. She smiled at him and returned the gesture. Lash retook his seat on the stone steps after he noticed a simple obstruction glamour around them.


    Lady Kali wore an ankle length loose red skirt with thick fabric. She had a petite spring black coat, with soft cotton gloves on. Her black hair was tied back, and kept under a pink shawl with rose print on it. When she stepped closer she had three inch black heels on, her hour glass figure was evident even with the coat on, as the coat had the zipper half open as any one could see ample cleavage.


    ¡°We are tired, Lady Kali of House Aamond. But if you are in need of this Warden, we will help you if we can.¡± Lash said as he tried to keep some form of formality as he lay across the stone steps. Kali laughed at him, she politely covered her mouth while doing so.


    ¡°I did not come here to see the Warden, but to see Lash. Is he available?¡± Kali asked, as she put her hand down. She stood about five feet from him now.


    ¡°We are available, though you may find us not the best conversation partners at the moment.¡± Lash replied, he created a simple wooden chair so Kali wouldn''t have to sit down on the stone steps. She accepted gratefully, and took a seat.


    ¡°Valenthia is dead... A divine flame from the God Loki burned her alive, body and soul.¡± Kali said after a few minutes. She didn''t have any emotion in her voice when she spoke, is if the whole situation didn''t involve her.


    ¡°Good...¡± Lash said one word, but Kali still flinched when she heard it.


    ¡°The super-natural council had an emergency conference. As the discussion for the super-natural world coming out of the shadow draws closer every year. they find that we need to make new laws, and standards for us. The Blood-Kindred houses have been placed under an ''Oversight''. Certain houses that have a clean slate have less oversight. While others are practically under convict probation.¡± Kali said that last part in barely a whisper.


    ¡°Lady Kali I thought you came to speak to me, not the Warden?¡± Lash asked as he looked over at her.


    ¡°I came to talk to you, in hoping that you can give house Aamond a recommendation.¡± Kali said the last word softly. She looked down and became the shining example of a damsel in distress. That most men and women would fall for in a minute. But any one who knew anything about her would only laugh or turn away in disgust.


    ¡°Lady Kali, if you can go under a rune of truth tell the Council that you and your entire house knew nothing about Valenthia''s plot. I will do so... But, you and I both know that you can''t. I had though that after the last Kindred meeting I took a part in you and I had come to an understanding.¡± Lash''s voice and grown cold and Kali dropped her damsel in distress look. She actually felt a little foolish she had even tried it on Lash.


    ¡°We did Lash... But this...This is to much. The Oversight will practically strangle us!¡± Kali said with a bitter tone. Her face as become a ice cold mask.


    ¡°So let me get this straight.... The Blood-Kindred houses of the entire world! Will get this Oversight. The houses that are already legitimate like House Kuldr will see little to no change. Because house Kuldr doesn''t break the law. While houses like Aamond will feel like they''ve been castrated? Because the council will have the ability to look through your entire lives with a fine tooth comb. But if I give a recommendation to house Aamon the council will be a little more lenient to the house in Gotham specifically?¡± Lash asked as he looked at her. Kali realized now that coming to ask Lash for a favor was stupid.


    ¡°Politics, influence, money, and power, all of it crumbles down around the Kindred. The pressure has been building for centuries. For centuries the Blood-Kindred had gotten away with so much! If other super-natural''s did half the things the Kindred did they would be executed or be forced into slavery for life. But not the Kindred! Then in the end what is the spark that set''s it all aflame? An unhinged house master that organized the destruction of a city! A house master that also gave a stolen divine spark of the God Loki to a criminally insane clown! No, Lady Kali. The Blood-Kindred are getting exactly what they deserve....But.¡± Lash said his entire monologue with a straight face. Until he took out a single ingot of Orichalcum and put it in Kali''s lap. Kali sat completely frozen as she stared at the magical ingot.


    ¡°But, we are friends. I will not give your house a recommendation. But I will give my friend, Lady Kali something that may help her. But this is not the Warden, but Lash doing so. Is that understood?¡± Lash pegged Kali with a stare. Kali grabbed the ingot and put it away in her mobile pocket space. She stood up walked over to Lash and went to her knees. She folded her hands in her lap, bowed her head and whispered to him.


    ¡°I understand, this is more then enough. You have kept your vow Lash. You didn''t pick a faction or side. But helped a friend in need. Thank you!¡± Kali leaned in through the shroud and kissed Lash on his reptilian snout.


    ¡°Maybe one day you''ll let me...Thank you personally.¡± Kali''s voice dropped low and seductive as she gave Lash a coquettish glance.


    ¡°I''ll look forward to it...¡± Lash replied in a casual tone, as he leaned up against the stone steps once more. Kali smiled brilliantly for a moment then got to her feet. She brushed off her skirt and bowed from her waist, far lower than a city master should. Lash made no move to bow back and Kali didn''t mind.


    ¡°Goodbye my friend...¡± Kali said and left soon after.


    Lash dismissed the wooden chair and continued to sun bath for a few more hours. Then he stood up cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Immaculate on himself. He walked down the steps of City Hall found a logistics soldier and got transportation to the next ruined Gotham City bridge. Then he started to do the same thing he did before. Found, moved, and repaired hundreds of cars, cleaned the debris around the river bed, created his ten pounds of Nth metal for the day. The sun was setting when a sonic boom flew over head, a red and blue blur flew down from the skies. Superman floated in the air near Lash as he Fabricated materials into existence and made a seamless connection.


    ¡°Hello Kal from the house of El. Is Metropolis ok?¡± Lash said to him as he took a small break standing on a T-beam. Superman looked amused at hearing his kryptonian name.


    ¡°Yes, Metropolis is fine. I came by to see if you needed any help?¡± Kal asked.


    Lash gave the same address as he did for Flash. The Warden''s would put him to actual work with out any political bullshit. Kal soon flew off to be of use and Lash sat down on the T-beam. Under the pale crescent moon light he watched hundreds of magical spirits, beings, and creatures fly threw the air, swim through the water, and climb on the partially constructed bridge. No one aside himself and his manifested warriors were on the bridge. They primarily just kept people off it, and swam through the water as guards.


    ¡°Hay there!¡± A man''s voice sounded off next to him.


    Lash turned to see a 5''9¡± tall man with black skin, dazzlingly green eyes, black hair dreads that went to his shoulders but were tied back in a loose tail. He wore black leather biker boots, black cargo pants, white t-shirt with a black velvet vest, a long rich leather trench coat. He had a silver cane in one hand, and a top hat in the other. He smiled wide and both of his incisors were gold, he wore several gold and silver rings on his fingers, as well as earrings.


    ¡°Hello....¡± Lash stayed seated but he had planted his feet flat on the beam so if he needed to he could push off.


    ¡°Names Calder! You would be the famous Warden Lash! Were-Breed, Saurian is your partner! Heard a lot about you sir!¡± The bow bowed from his waist in a flurry of showmanship.


    ¡°I''m not giving you Loki''s spark.¡± Lash said in a cold tone. Calder flinched as he had been found out already.


    ¡°I....May I ask why?¡± Calder replied with a bemused expression.


    ¡°Because I promised him I would find a suitable host for the spark. Suitable does not mean just any one who aligns with chaos, trickery, and entertainment. Despite all the fan fare, Loki is a God who has lofty ambitions. Tell me Calder...What are your life long ambitions?¡± Lash said, as he did so the Loki tattoo glowed as the God himself took notice.


    ¡°I.....Want....to..... Make those that have....wronged me....Kneel before me!¡± Calder spit out the words bit by bit as he was compelled to answer the question. His face went pale, and he took huge mouthfuls of air.


    ¡°That''s it? A petty revenge scheme? Loki isn''t interested in granting you his divine spark. But if you are willing to make a temple in his name and serve as his priest maybe in a decade or so he may be inclined to hear from you again.¡± Lash said, his eyes had a divine light in them. Calder shrunk his neck in and looked away.


    ¡°I...I understand....T...Thank you for your time...sir....¡± Calder tapped his cane on the ground three times and disappeared into a puff of smoke.


    ¡°This is going to be a regular thing isn''t? Some will come to try and ask for it, others will come and try and take it. It will be my job to protect it?¡± Lash asked softly. He didn''t hear Loki reply other then feel a simple confirmation....


    Lash rolled his eyes and got back to work on the bridge. As he worked he sent an email to Torloth as well as the Warden''s about the Loki Idol and the deal that was made. A few minutes later his Warden email was filled with questions, and applications to meet him. The Deities of the world had always been incredibly vague about who could obtain their spark. Now here was LAsh with a spark and would be the leading factor on who obtained it? Lash more or less ignored the hundreds of application emails. But he knew it was more important than he assumed when Torloth the dragon himself showed up on the unfinished bridge.


    ¡°That bad?¡± Lash said as he stood up and bowed to the dragon. Torloth smiled and nodded his head in confirmation.


    ¡°It''s not that it''s bad, Lash. It''s great! Lash you are a God-Kin, its been confirmed. But which Deity you belong to is a mystery. But the fact that other Deities are willing to work with your Deity is a feat in it self. I swear Lash, for all the bad luck you have you have an equal or greater amount of good luck. Nice bridge by the way.¡± Torloth finished speaking as he pointed at the finished bridge across the river.


    ¡°Thank you... How''s Juliana?¡± Lash asked softly. Torloth turned around with a huge grin on his face!


    ¡°She is great! Healthy, happy, and wants to kill me for being a pestering father! She''s tried to claw my eyes out on more then one occasion! Her mother flew in from her territory to smother her which is driving her absolutely insane! All of her sisters are seething in jealousy which makes her incredibly happy! By the way all of my daughters would love to... ''talk'' to you. But of course its your choice!¡± Torloth smiled as he talked about his family.


    ¡°I''ll keep that in mind... Any other woman become mothers since the fertility charm was ''released''?¡± Lash asked as he sat down.


    ¡°Yes! One ancient Sidhe family that we are friends with are pregnant. On the first try as well! Their family hasn''t seen a new born in nearly five hundred years!¡± Torloth smiled.


    ¡°I''m happy the charm I made is being put to good use.¡± Lash said to him. Torloth entire body froze when he heard Lash.


    ¡°You mean the charm you found in Tartarus....¡± Torloth said as his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Oh...Ya! That is what I told everyone, isn''t it?...¡± Lash let those words hang in the air. There was a long pause on the bridge as Torloth looked at Lash, and Lash looked at Torloth.


    ¡°Well! I should get back to work! Thank you for the visit, Torloth...¡± Lash said suddenly. He bowed from his waist and got back to work.


    Torloth didn''t leave right away, he processed the words that Lash had said and ran the possibilities through his mind. Lash wasn''t an idiot, he wouldn''t just say something out of context like that. Especially something as important as a fertility charm. Torloth had a master enchanter come and inspect the charm to see if they could reverse engineer it. But in the end the master said two things. One; they would have to destroy the charm to even get a chance to understand it. Two; who ever made this charm either made it incredibly crude to prevent it from being reversed engineered....Or it was made by a intermediate enchanter. But who would ever give an intermediate enchanter orichalcum to practice enchanting!? So the Master assumed the charm was made by another master. But was that true?


    Lash continued to work on the bridge as he ignored Torloth as the dragon processed what he had said. Lash finished the entire skeleton structure of the bridge before Torloth walked over to him. The dragon in the shape of a man opened and closed his mouth several times like a gold fish. But in the end he didn''t say anything, he just stared at Lash like he was some kind of monster from another world. Which was kinda true. Who uses orichalcum to practice enchanting!? Lash uses orichalcum to practice enchanting. But that also meant that Lash knew how to craft a fertility charm with zero side effects.


    Lash looked at Torloth and the dragon looked back at him. They stood that way for several minutes before Lash turned around and went back to work. Torloth eventually left the bridge in a stupor, his mind in chaos. Was it really a waste of material if he could make something no one else could? Lash continued to work on the bridge and just like last time the sun rose across Gotham City and a new bridge was born. Much like the last one with several new bells and whistles, Lash sat on another observation deck as he watched the sun rise. Superman soon flew over and came to relax with him over a cup of coffee.


    ¡°I haven''t slept in nearly seven days.... I think I''ll go home after this cup.¡± Lash said to Kal.


    ¡°Yep, that sounds like a good plan..¡± Kal said to him, he sat down next to him and sipped on his coffee. Despite the long night of hard work Superman looked clean and fresh as if he had just woken up.


    ¡°Have you learned Kryptonian yet?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Still working on it. J''onn said he can be an emergency translator if it comes down to it. Still I would rather be able to talk to Kara in our native tongue.¡± Kal said in return.


    ¡°Well shoot off some words and give me the translation. Sometimes teaching can help you understand what you didn''t see...¡± Lash suggested, Kal shrugged and started to speak the Kryptonian alphabet at Lash. Language Smith activated.


    About twenty minutes in Kal took out a small holo emitter of the entire language from an inner pocket in his cap. The emitter created the entire alphabet, and basic words. Soon Lash was teaching Kal-El the language after two hours had passed Lash knew the entire spoken language and most of the basic written language. His Skill Trainer: Language kept prompting him with experience as he taught him.


    ¡°Thank you for the help, Lash.¡± Kal said in kryptonian.


    ¡°You are welcome, Kal-El.¡± Lash replied, also in kryptonian.


    With that Superman flew home, and Lash informed the soldiers stationed near by that he was going home. The soldiers offered to give him a lift home but soon looked around confused as Agent Wraith had faded from sight. There was a quiet attempt at trying to track him down with drones equipped with thermal imaging. But all the drones that tried went haywire, their GPS stop working, their camera feed was cut. But a single message was on the feed, in bold letters. ''Fuck off!'' After the tenth drone they stopped trying. Unfortunately they didn''t get the drones back.


    Lash walked towards his building from the underground sewer access. The near invisible door slid to the side, he walked through ensuring it closed and locked behind him. He took the service elevator up taking off his Wraith disguise and Transformation. He put on a simple glamour of him wearing casual cloths. But no one was in the halls of his building. He walked into his home as his security system said no one had visited. He found a note from Dottie and brownie spirits thanking him for the lovely gifts. He peeled off his armor, took a long shower then crawled into bed naked. He activated the security shutters and closed his eyes.


    Lash ducked behind cover and pulled out his mag-rail pistol. He activated his pistols on board camera and stuck his hand around to sight line the soldiers on the other side. The Chicago PD took up positions and began to unload with their sub-machine guns towards him. Lash marked each target''s position and brought his hand back around. With his back to cover he pointed his gun straight out behind him and fired repeatedly! His bullets zipped forward turned, and flew towards their intended targets. Auto shot is amazing! All five of the Chicago PD died in a hail of bullets.


    Lash stood up and looked over at the carnage he had created. He lite up a cigarette and held it to his lips. He inhaled the sweet taste of synthetic nicotine into his lungs. He walked over and started to look through the cops pockets, it wouldn''t be long before more showed up. He snagged a few credits, found some ammo and a titanium combat knife that was clearly not standard issue and left the scene. After a few turns, down an alleyways he was mixed into the urban crowd and was gone from sight. Twin sun glass shades popped from his implants over his eyes, he flicked his trench coat and made sure his sleeves covered his augmented arms. Time to head into the office.


    Lash opened his eyes in his bedroom, he looked over and saw his clock said 4:30 am the next day. He slowly sat up and remembered his dream, several design plans had been implanted into his memory for augmented, artificial limbs and organs. Minor Science evolved into Basic Science, and his Advanced Crafting got several prompts of experience. Lash got out of his bed and went to his bathroom.


    He cleaned up and looked at the different details of his tattoo''s and his new Trickery Domain tattoo. His bald head now was covered in tattoo''s, along with his shoulders, biceps, back, and chest. Intricate designs that were reminiscent of Celtic, tribal African, and Tribal Native American. Except for Technomancy which looked like a blue circuit board. While Synthesis was a mix between a circuit board and a green leaf vein. His eyes now had a yellow and green color and his iris looked reptilian. Not so much that people would notice, but if they stared long enough they would assume that was not a normal human eye. He''d have to adjust when ever he went out with the mundanes. He was still 6''4¡± with zero body fat, well earned muscles that were carved from stone. He had no body hair except for his eyebrows, and eyelashes. Around his neck was the dragon necklace that was his Familiar in passive form. He tapped on it gently as he walked out of his bathroom.


    Dawn the baby mystic dragon yawned, and flew about the room as Lash got dressed in some casual pj''s. He didn''t intend on going anywhere today but that may change later. He walked out of his bedroom, the security shutters receded and revealed a still dark morning of a ruined Gotham City. No one was on the balcony though several Gargoyles were still stationed along the rooftop. The Griaks in their tree house were asleep. Lash made some fruit for Dawn who chewed on them happily as he went into his workshop. He created his Nth metal ingot for the day and started to do some enchanting work melding orichalcum and Nth metal together.


    Lash made dozens of little trinkets and pieces. Then disenchanted each piece to get back a bit of the used materials. His Intermediate Enchanting kept leveling but it seemed it would not evolve for a while. Dawn flew over to him and wrapped around his neck and returned to being a necklace. Which was a little odd, Lash cleaned up his workshop and came out to the main area. There on the balcony was Soluna.


    Soluna stood on the balcony in black combat boots, form fitting black cargo pants that emphasized her athletic figure. She had a thigh length leather coat, with a tight black t-shirt. Her hair was cut short to her shoulders, while her bangs were cut above her yellow snake eyes. Her skin was still a healthy tan. She tapped her left foot with impatience as Lash walked over to let her in. When he unlocked the door she blew it open and stomped into house in a huff.


    ¡°I thought you would have called! Maybe you would have but you are just a fucking bad luck magnet you know that! You spend days healing the Mundanes, then you spend days building bridges! You come home, sleep all day then when you wake up...Nothing! So I got tired of it and came over myself! So! Why didn''t you call me!?¡± Soluna screamed at Lash. Lash just looked at her for a bit after he had closed and locked the door behind her.


    Lash walked over to her with gradual steps she pegged with him with a glare that had zero effect on him. He reached out with his massive arms and swallowed Soluna in a hug. She tried to push him away at first, she yelped in surprise because she was weak as a kitten to him. He was gentle as he held her close and rested his head against hers. She struggled for a bit more then eventually settled when Lash established the Pack Bond with her. Despite her clearly angry attitude, Soluna had simply missed him. She was upset that he didn''t contact her but understood why he didn''t.


    ¡°I''m sorry... I had hoped to take it easy for the next little while. See all of my pack, and my friends. But as you said, I have bad luck...¡± Lash said to her.


    ¡°Fucking bad luck!¡± Soluna said muffled into his chest. She tucked her arms together and nestled into his embrace.


    ¡°Fucking bad luck... Would you like some food?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°.... Yes...Jessabell says your an amazing cook.¡± Soluna said in return.


    In little less then an hour Lash had made a several course breakfast meal that they ended up sharing with the Griaks because Soluna couldn''t eat it all. The Griaks fluttered around the kitchen eating up every delectable treat they could find. Soluna didn''t talk much during breakfast as she was busying stuffing her face. She eventually crawled her way to the living room and lay across a coach trying to not groan in both pleasure and agony at having a full stomach. The Griaks soon had their fill, or rather they ran out of food to eat. Lash closed and locked the door behind them and then came over to Soluna. He sat down, and Soluna propped her head on his lap as a pillow.


    Lash pulled out an Orichalcum necklace for her that had the same enchantments as Jessabell''s. The piece was a snake swallowing a sun and a moon in an eclipse. The snakes body was the chain as it had been segmented. Soluna''s eyes were wide as Lash put it around her neck, she felt the enchantments settled over her. Soluna turned around and buried her face into Lash''s stomach to hide the blush that crawled up her face.


    ¡°What the fuck am I suppose to do with you, Lash? Do you have any idea how much this is worth?¡± Soluna said softly as she had curled up on the coach to be closer to him. The tomboyish Soluna was being oddly girly in the moment.


    ¡°If you have to ask then it isn''t a gift.¡± Lash said to her as he began to comb through her hair.


    ¡°Idiot....¡± Soluna said with a smile.

 Chapter 58: Enchantress

    Lash and Soluna stayed on the coach for several more minutes as the morning sun rose over Gotham City. Lash brushed through her hair as she nuzzled against him. The Pack Bond was active so they felt a connection towards one another that Soluna hadn''t felt in a long time. She was content just to be near Lash. She had a plan when she first came over. Yell at Lash for being an inconsiderate jack ass, have him make breakfast, then who knows...


    Lash traced his fingers down Soluna''s ear, then along her neck, then ended along her collar bone. She shivered at his touch and bit her lip but before they could make any more seductive actions... Beep...Beep... Soluna''s phone went off. The gorgon groaned, reached into her coat that she had tossed next to the coach. She read through the message and flailed in frustration. Lash found it incredibly cute, even when she pegged him with a glare for thinking she was cute.


    ¡°I have to go, thanks to the fucking Kindred the new ''Oversight'' the council created. Even the Under Fae are busy. So now...hmmm!¡± Soluna grumbled, then was taken by surprise as Lash leaned down and kissed her softly. She flailed around in mock surprise even though her eyes took a dreamy appearance. He broke the kiss after a few seconds with a smile.


    ¡°I understand... I have several more bridges I need to rebuild as well.¡± Lash said.


    Soluna took a deep breath sat up and turned around to face Lash. She grabbed his collar and pulled him to her and snagged his lips with her own. She plunged her tongue into his mouth and tasted him for a moment. She groaned in pleasure as she loved the taste of Lash. She broke the kiss and ran her tongue across her lips. Her eyes fluttered for a moment, as Lash caressed her cheeks with his hands.


    ¡°Why do you taste so good?¡± Soluna said breathlessly.


    ¡°Its part of my charm...¡± Lash said to her, as he slid his hands under her shirt and traced his nails up and down her naked skin. Soluna shivered at his touch and bit her lip as she watched him move closer.


    ¡°Shit..... I don''t have time for this and I refuse to have quickie for my first time with you!¡± Soluna pulled away and slapped his face for good measure...Which only made her wince as she grabbed her hand.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Soluna winced and saw static energy dance between her finger tips. Soluna pegged Lash with a glare. He laughed at her and pulled her shirt down, stood up by the coach and grabbed her coat to help her put it on.


    ¡°Sorry... My passive defenses are a little on the high side ever since I fought against Superman.¡± Lash said to her. Soluna took the help with her coat and pulled it on. She smoothed out her collar and massaged her hand.


    ¡°You''ll have to tell me about that sometime. I hear the big guy hits hard enough to cause earthquakes.¡± Soluna said as she stepped in close and put herself flush against Lash.


    Lash wrapped his arms around her, then nuzzled her nose with his own. It was an odd but cute moment shared between to human hybrid creatures. Soluna wrapped her arms around then reached down and squeezed his ass. She squeezed, pulled, and spanked his ass very aggressively. Lash grinned at her and before she could react.... He cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on her. Soluna''s eyes went wide and nearly fell to her knees if Lash hadn''t caught her. Her entire body went rigid, then her back arched. She had a micro orgasm then and there in his arms and raked her nails down his back. After a few minutes she regained her footing stepped out of his arms and gave him a left hook!


    ¡°Gaaaaaah! Fuck! What the hell is your face made out of! You...Fuck!¡± Soluna screamed at him as she held her hand. Nothing was broken but her hand looked like she had punched a concrete wall.


    Lash chuckled at her and cast Immaculate to deal with the clean up. Soluna stomped over to the balcony door flung it open. Soluna gave Lash her middle finger and walked across the balcony and faded from sight before she reached the end of it. Lash still had no idea how the women in his life did that. Lash closed and locked his balcony door, he walked into his bedroom and looked at his Warden gear. He grabbed the entire set and walked back to his art shop. Once inside he used Spatial Item Shifting and pulled Saurian''s gear off.


    With Nth metal now in his possession Lash decided to remake his gear but he ran into a problem. He didn''t have enough Nth metal to make a composite material for both sets of armor. So he took what remained of his Nth metal from this morning''s practice and merged it into his existing armor. He would have to get a total make over at another time. His armor would remain hard leather, and plate armor with orichalcum and a tiny bit of Nth metal. He did however add Reduce/Enlarge enchantment onto both sets, along with physiology adaptation. That way his armor would shift with him, though only by a few sizes. But every little bit helped.


    Lash spent the next hour drawing designs for his gear. He came up with a scifi tech knight armor. A lot like Sam''s gear that he saw at his Warden ceremony. He found out that if he channeled enough Essence Imbuement into the armor pieces even metal can become flexible. Groovy! He''d have to add several enchantments, and technology into it. So he would need to practice Compression Transformation. Thanks to his dreams he could implant augment segments into the suit. Lash started to smile at his designs, he copied the whole piece onto his virtual network so he could work on it while he worked today.


    He put on both sets of gear thanks to Spatial Item Shifting, and grabbed his personal effects. He activated his security to his home and left through the underground passage under his building. Gotham was busy today then it was yesterday. It was almost a ghost town before. Now it was like a bustling ant hill as people walked back and forth with construction materials, tools, and public transportation operating free of charge to get everyone where they needed to go. Lash had created a full glamour to hide his armor, tattoos, and animal features. So he looked an average person in work boots, khaki pants, flannel shirt, tool belt, and spring coat.


    Lash walked towards the Gotham City bridges but did little things along the way. Helped fix a car for a man trying to get to work. Repaired and altered a solar panel electrical system for a few automatic traffic lights. Settled a dispute between several people during an altercation though he did make himself look like a cop for that one. Helped several people get the pay out from their insurance companies that tried to stiff them. Apparently domestic terrorism wasn''t on technically on the plan, so Lash pulled the entire plan up checked the every page and slapped the agent in the face for trying to con the people. There was a government insurance act that covered it, and by refusing to pay their clients they were breaking the law.


    Just for good measure Lash tossed the entire insurance company into review, along with hundreds of files they had stiffed people due to a loop hole they themselves didn''t know they had. It''s the little things in life that tend to tickle the most. It was the afternoon by the time Lash even got half way through the city. He stopped and helped several super-natural citizens in need with their homes. With a bit of an obstruction glamour he just rebuilt the entire place for them, including green energy amenities. The obstruction glamour would slowly fade over time so any mundanes that saw the building would just see a gradual change. Replaced window....Paint job.... Oh hay the lights on. All over the course of a few days.


    The screeching of a car came around the corner street that Lash was currently walking down. Soon followed by several police cars, inside of the car was a driver and a passenger. The passenger stuck out of the window with a pistol and started to shoot at the cop car. Everyone on the street took cover while Lash stepped off the side walk and straight into the oncoming car. He he raised his right hand up into the air, then with his left folded his right hand fingers into the shape of a gun. He cocked his thumb back like a hammer and pointed his finger gun at the car. People shouted at him to get out of the way then were struck dumb when he ''shot'' his gun at the car.


    Zzzzzzzaaaaaaaat! A lighting arc danced from his finger tip and struck the car. The entire thing went dead as all power was completely drained from it. The car came to a slow stop about a few feet away from Lash. He looked at the driver and passenger who had been shocked silly by the bolt and were twitching with muscle spams.


    The police cars came to a screeching halt, took out their guns and pointed at the car shouting at them to get out of the vehicle...Then they shouted at Lash as he walked over to the car door and ripped it off its hinges. There was a moment of silence as everyone watched this average looking man rip the car door off like it was made out of paper. Lash pulled the driver out of the car and used Fabrication to create standard hand cuffs. Then he dragged the passenger out of the car and did the same for him. During the entire time he made sure to read the Miranda rights to them. Rules.


    ¡°If you are done staring why don''t you all come over here and take them?¡± Lash called out to them. The cops jumped into action and ran over after they put their guns away.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± A police officer asked him.


    ¡°Just a Wraith out for a walk.¡± Lash replied, he took a step back and turned on his heel. As he walked away his body faded from sight like a ghost. After the third step he was gone from sight the entire street looked around for him but couldn''t find him.


    ¡°Thank you for the help, Wraith!¡± A man shouted from the sidewalk. That sent a current of energy through the whole street.


    ¡°Wait! What did he look like?! He was tall!...Or was he short?¡± Some one shouted.


    ¡°No! No! He was short, with a beard, and blue eyes!¡± Another shouted.


    That continued on for several minutes as the cops dragged the perpetrators into their squad car. Thanks to a passive effect from his Illusion Domain unless they could see through the veil none of them would have an exact description. On top of the fact that he had used glamour to alter his appearance in the first place. He swapped out his cloths, skin tone, eye color, and average his height. Then appeared again among the crowd on his way to a bridge.


    In the spirit of communication Lash sent a simple text message to Li''Ana''s private phone. A brief message that he had planned to visit her but life got in the way. He was sorry, but he did have a gift for her. Something that needed to be given in person. She replied back after a few minutes, she understood why he hadn''t and looked forward to the gift. Lash knew it was not as simple as that, he admitted to himself that he had been a bad pack-master.


    He sent a few messages to Lizzy, and Isabella to see if they were safe. They both responded quickly and said that they were. But both of them were busy with the aftermath of the Gotham siege and the new Oversight. He sent messages to Monica, and Shevalla as well. Both were surprised by the message though also a bit delighted that he took time out of his clearly busy schedule to check in on them. He sent messages to Rocksie, and Tonya who both asked who he was and how he got their numbers. Fair.... After he was able to confirm his identity they were both happy that he had checked on them.


    He messaged his friendly Wardens. Timothy, Mahalia, Simon, Sam, Achak, Nast''rok. All of which were very happy to hear from him. All of them were alive and well and dancing around with joy at the fact that the Blood-Kindred were being castrated, and that Lash played a big part in it. Lash promised to meet up with them sometime to exchange stories. He contacted Carl Bradley and they exchanged short messages. Carl was super busy after the attack as well. But Abby his wife, and Luke his son were both alive and safe.


    He sent another message to Althea the Amazon envoy asking if she was alright along with Cora, and Elena. She replied quickly and confirmed she was fine as were her sisters. They all said hello to their new brother in arms. Then he sent a message to Zetulan the Winter Shield Knight he had met at the Winter Solstice ball. Then he received call!


    ¡°Hello Zetulan.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°I heard you were back....You had survived Tartarus. Then only a few days after your return did your city come under attack. I''m sorry but you seem to have the worst luck, Lash.¡± Zetulan said across the phone.


    ¡°It may be a little while longer before I get a chance to see you. That is if you still want to see me?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Of course I still want to see you! I intend to drive you mad with sexual satisfaction until you beg me to stop...Twice!¡± Zetulan said with a seductive voice across the phone.


    ¡°Good... Then the gift I got for you wont go to waste.¡± Lash replied with a smile.


    ¡°...... What kind of gift?¡± Zetulan''s voice grew soft at the mention of it.


    ¡°Something I made myself. Nothing to extravagant. But I did think about you while I was in Tartarus. I felt I had let you down, so I thought making a gift would be acceptable?¡± Lash said, interested why Zetulan went quiet over the phone.


    ¡°No! I mean...Yes its fine! It''s just been a long time since any one has given me anything... I look forward to it. Ah! I need to go, I am sure you are busy as well. Hope to see you soon!¡± Zetulan said and hung up before Lash could respond.


    ¡°Interesting...¡± Lash said to himself.


    Lash reached a broken bridge at last just as the sun was starting to set over Gotham. This bridge didn''t have hundreds of parked cars in the way. As Lash approached the edge of the bridge he activated Transformation and his Wraith disguise. Thanks to his new additions to his gear it grew and adjusted to his new bulk and anatomy. Especially his long prehensile tail that slammed against the ground behind him which started several soldiers that were standing guard. They jumped to attention at the sight of Agent Wraith.


    ¡°Hello everyone, I''m working on this bridge tonight. I hope that is acceptable?¡± Lash asked in his animalistic voice. The soldiers jumped in surprise at the sound of it.


    ¡°Yes sir! We''ll call it in! Please let us know if you need any help!¡± The one charge shouted.


    Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss onto the soldiers. Given the situation they did not succumb to a puddle of orgasmic pleasure. Though they did really enjoy it! Lash used Manifestation and created several Saurus Warriors to start patrolling the bridge and the water beneath it. The soldiers jumped in surprise at the sight of the six and half foot tall lizard warriors that materialized out of thin air. He secured both sides of the bridge. Then he got to work just as he did before.


    It was a little past midnight when he had a visitor on the bridge. He had just finished the skeleton of the bridge and was adding the internal parts. The stomp of combat boots followed the click clack of high heels. Lash climbed up from the main support pillar he was working on to the main bridge cross section. It was cold enough still that steam came from his every breath. His wraith shroud danced around his body which made the sight eerie for anyone looking.


    A pair of yellow green reptilian eyes peered out from the torn and tattered cloth. Lash watched as Amanda Waller walked towards him in black dress pants business suit, a badge and gun on her hip. She wore a thick DOD coat over her suit. She carried a bag with her that had several things, specifically the bag had radio and digital wave shielding.


    Behind her was a 6''2¡± man in an Army battle uniform with full combat gear. He had several special forces badges, identification, and he was a colonel. The man had faded blond hair cut short, with the sides of his head shaved. His blue eyes did their best to look past Lash''s shroud but failed to gleam anything. His hand was on his side arm but other than that he stood at ease. His name tag on the uniform said Flag.


    ¡°Miss Waller...Colonel Flag. How may I help you?¡± Lash said in his animalistic voice. He stood at attention and bowed from his waist to both of them.


    ¡°I need your opinion on something, can you look at this please?¡± Waller reached into her bag and pulled out a tablet. She handed it over to Lash who reached for it. Flag tensed up at the sight of the clawed hand. Lash used Connectivity and by passed the password screen and burned through the whole tablet in a few seconds.


    ¡°What would you like to know?¡± Lash handed the tablet back to Waller who was a little surprised by how fast he had read it. She put it away before she spoke.


    ¡°How much is true, and how much did we get wrong?¡± Waller asked. Flag flinched at the mention of the files contents. Lash began to record the conversation, as well as send an emergency contact file towards the Warden''s for super-natural being in danger.


    ¡°Enchantress is not a ''Witch'' She is a extra dimensional being. However, she needs a host on this current plane of existence in order to direct her will. Like an anchor on a ship, with out it she drifts between the different dimensions with out the ability to direct any change. The host... June Moon?¡± Lash spoke to them, and noted when Flag clenched his jaw at the mention of Moon.


    ¡°She is located at a ARGUS(Advanced Research Group Uniting Super-Humans) black site. We can''t seem to get Enchantress out of Dr. Moon.¡± Waller said the last part for Flag''s benefit.


    ¡°The likely hood of them separating is small. Once a dimensional being latches onto a host they rarely let go with out killing the host. However, with the right training and partnership. Moon and Enchantress can merge into a single being.¡± Lash replied, Waller raised a brow at that. Flag had a look of surprise on his face but kept his mouth shut. Lash received a confirmation message from the Warden''s.


    ¡°What about her powers? Do you know anything about it?¡± Waller said as she stepped closer to Lash.


    ¡°The ones you have written down are accurate but with what I know about them you are missing a lot of information as well. I can''t give you a clear list because each extra dimensional being is different. Subject change! Indulge me there is a point to it. Waller what do you know about the particle accelerator explosion that happened in Central City?¡± Lash asked, as another message came through his Connectivity.


    =============================================================


    At an ARGUS black site in the middle of a natural forest. Dozens of well trained, and well equip soldiers walked the perimeter. Security was top of the line with camera''s, motion sensors, thermal imaging, rabid response triggers, and drone camera''s that flew on random paths. In the depths of this off the books site was six by six by six cell. A sickly pale woman was strapped to a gurney with chemicals being pumped into her body. She was in a chemically induced coma, but even with all the drugs being pumped into her body she was in a waking nightmare as she screamed and called for help. But on this night...This night some one heard her.


    ¡°Be still child.... Help is on the way...¡± Enchantress said in Moon''s ear. An electrical pop rang through the room. The lights snapped off, and the monitors all turned off. This didn''t just happen in the cell, it happened across the whole base.


    On the surface every single guard was unconscious on the ground as dozens of shadows ran towards the base. The doors never opened but the shadows melted into the surface with out stop. Rapid gun fire sounded out for a few brief seconds. A few minutes passed then the massive doors the base opened up and the shadows carried a pale woman between them. Once the shadows and the woman were out of sight...Power was restored to the whole base. It would be at least an hour before the next check in.


    =================================================================


    ¡°So when the accelerator exploded it produced dark matter. The dark matter saturated the environment around and inside of Central City. But you are telling me the cloud of dark matter not only didn''t dissipate but entered our atmospheric weather patterns? So...This Meta-Gene will start to appear outside of Central City?¡± Waller said with wide eyes. She wasn''t the only one as Flag had the same expression. Lash had created a Phantasm to illustrate what had happened.


    ¡°That is correct, please understand it won''t just effect humans. Animals, plant life, weather... We may even see a dark matter lighting storm one day. Not everyone, or everything that comes in contact with dark matter changes. 98% of the world will be vastly unaffected, but its that 2% you have to look out for.¡± Lash compiled the information and sent it all to Waller to look over later. The science was sound because it came from Dr. Wells in STAR labs.


    ¡°The next couple of years will be very interesting... Thank you Agent Wraith. You have given us a lot to think about. Please excuse us, we have work to do!¡± Waller closed her bag, turned on her heel and walked away. Flag looked at Lash for a bit before he followed after Waller.


    Lash received another message from the Wardens. Enchantress was in their custody and in transport to the Super-Natural Council. Waller and Flag were sure to be back when they got the alert that Enchantress was missing, after they had shown Lash her file. As much as he wanted a working relationship with Waller. His Warden duties took precedence. About two hours later a humvee raced towards the bridge at high speeds and ground to a halt at the barricades. Flag jumped out of the vehicle and sprinted up the bridge.


    ¡°WRAITH!? WHERE THE FUCK DID YOU TAKE HER!?¡± Flag ran straight across the bridge towards him. Lash stood in the middle of the bridge, it was a long run.


    Flag got about half way across the bridge and took out his side arm he squeezed the trigger and nothing happened as Lash magnetically sealed the mechanism. Flag cursed up a storm and tossed his gun aside he ran the rest of the way and pulled out his combat knife. He raised his arm up for an over head swing and was flicked away by Lash''s tail. Flag slammed against the newly created bridge and cracked his head. Three shadows emerged from the darkness soon after and took the shape of Fae Council tact team. Lash gave them a proper Warden greeting which they returned. They grabbed Flag and melded into the shadows once more.


    Just like that, Enchantress with her host June Moon had been stolen from ARGUS. Colonel Rick Flag was taken by the Fae Council at the recommendation of Warden Lash. Flag would be useful in helping Moon come to grips with her new reality. Lash received confirmation that the Warden''s smoothed it over ''officially'' through the DOD. Though he was sure Waller would be pissed at him. So he sent her the complete and total file he had on ''Project Cadmus'' along with a simple message.


    ''It was not personal. To be honest I had wanted a healthy working relationship with you. But we both take our responsibilities serious. See you later Miss Waller.'' Lash sent the message to her through an email.


    ''Be seeing you, Agent Wraith.'' Waller sent back...


    A couple of minutes later a few soldiers showed up to take Flag''s humvee away. No one asked questions, they just followed orders. Lash continued to build the bridge until morning arrived. Just like before the bridge was complete but this time Lash just went to the next bridge that needed to be rebuilt. One by one each bridge was built, Lash got faster and more proficient in building them. His Technomancy Domain spells Alteration, and Compression Transformation both evolved into Minor. Transmutation Domain Fabrication evolved into Minor as well. He made sure to create his ten pounds of Nth metal every day.


    Six days went by and every major bridge in and out of Gotham City was rebuilt. Lash visited City Hall and spoke to Mayor Edwin who thanked him for his service. Water, power, and gas had all been turned back on. But hundreds of thousands of people continued to be homeless. Wayne Industries, Lex-Corp, Queen, Meryln, Palmer, Janus, Ace, and even Big Belly Burger sent money, resources, and man power to help rebuild Gotham. Along with several foreign companies that Lash may have helped in the past. The attack on Gotham was tragic, but because of the attack. The whole city would be getting a huge face lift.


    Lash had been invited on more then one occasion to talk with the city council about planning the New Gotham. He maintained his belief in green energy, green buildings, and a environmentally safe city. With the nearly a billion dollars in resources it could be done. But with extreme expense funs came embezzlement, and fraud. His Administration skill got a lot of experience, while he and his Virtual Intelligence worked over time. With in three days he had made over two hundred arrests and convictions. So much so that his Virtual Intelligence evolved into Minor Virtual Intelligence which granted him another Tech-Spirit, granting both spirits increased power, and reduced energy consumption.


    Then one day....Lash left Gotham City with out a word to the mundanes. They had grown so use to him being around City Hall they even gave him his own temporary office. On his desk was a simple note saying a mission assignment had come up. But in truth he felt he was being taken advantage of, thanks to his abilities he could do the work of twenty people easily! So when he left, City Hall came to a grinding halt. They asked UNWS where he was. They replied with ''On mission'' and that was all they got.


    Lash walked through a ruined hall that was covered in burn marks, graffiti, and alcohol. He walked past several displays that were once clean and pristine though now not so much. He read the information about the once shinning example of the future to come. The STAR labs in Central City, this...This was Flash''s base of operation. There was zero security measures in place. A majority of the doors were unlocked, those that weren''t had shattered windows so it made no difference. None of the camera''s or motion sensors worked.


    He bypassed the main laboratories and walked into the particle accelerator''s inner cortex. Still no camera''s.... It wasn''t like he was hiding. He was currently seven foott tall lizard creature wrapped in a shroud. He stuck out! Nothing! He found the ''prison cells'' that contained the Meta-Humans that Flash had caught. The cells were six by six by six alcoves with dark matter inhibitors placed around them. They had a single glass door entrance as the alcoves had been retrofitted for service. No pass code or security card lock on any of the consoles. He documented every Meta-Human he found. Then, and only then when Caitlin Snow came down to feed the prisoners was he discovered.


    Caitlin was a woman at the height of 5'' 4¡± with rich blond hair, blue eyes, and healthy skin. She had the figure of a scientist who only exercised because it helped her mind work more efficiently. So she had mature womanly curves with out any of the muscle tone of a gym fanatic. She had a pair of black heels on, a gray skirt on, with a buttoned up white blouse. Caitlin walked right past Lash who had stood off to the side in the accelerators alcove. She brought food over to a Meta-Human who pleaded to be let out of the cell, begged, and threatened her life if she didn''t release them. She paid it no mind but only paused in place because the inmate was screaming at her to turn around. But she could see in the reflection of the glass a monster behind her.


    ¡°Hello Miss Snow, if at all possible could you call the Flash. I would like to speak to him.¡± Lashj said in his animalistic voice. Caitlin turned around with shaky steps to look at him directly. She was pale as a sheet and looked like she was about to feint... Then a glimmer of recognition went through her.


    ¡°Wait....Are you Wraith?¡± Caitlin said softly.


    ¡°Yes Miss Snow. Agent Wraith of the United Nations World Security. I''ve come to talk about your....Prison.¡± Lash replied. Color rapidly returned to Caitlin''s face as she breathed a sigh of relief. Then winced at the mention of the prison.


    ¡°R...Right...I should call the Flash. Hold on!¡± Caitlin said, she took out her phone and sent a request out.


    ===============================================================


    Amanda Waller sat in her office with in ARGUS that was located just outside of Starling City. She worked on her computer, answered emails, and made calls. All the while she ground her molars in irritation. Agent Wraith had sent a team to abduct Enchantress, Flag left soon after and never came back. Orders came down from on high to leave Agent Wraith alone. Flag was being re assigned, and the ''Witch'' was erased from existence.


    Waller understood the game, she understood the world she lived in. There was a brief moment she had hoped that Wraith wasn''t part of that game. But she understood it, in fact she had planned on using him to the best of her abilities. Waller was very good at using people till they weren''t useful anymore. Beep.... Waller received an email... It was from Wraith. She narrowed her eyes and opened the file. Then her eyes went wide! Sixteen meta-humans captured and waiting for ARGUS pick up. Then a single line was at the end of the email.


    ''I''ll trade you one enchantress for sixteen meta-humans.''


    Waller couldn''t help herself but smile... Wraith played a different game. It was a game Waller also understood. He took from her, and gave back. So down the road when she took from him she would give back. It wasn''t the best game, but it would do. She reached for her phone and made a call.


    ¡°Get a response and science team together. We are going to Central City ASAP.¡± Waller said into her phone then hung up. She stood up, straightened out her suit and walked towards her door.


    ¡°Be seeing you sooner rather then later, Agent Wraith.¡± Waller said softly.


    ===============================================================


    Lash stood in the middle of Flash''s operation center. Caitlin Snow, Cisco Ramon, Dr, Harrison Wells, and Barry Allen sat or stood in the center as well. No one said a word as Lash walked around the operations center looking at a few things. Cisco Ramon was about 5''7¡± with brown eyes, and black hair, and had the same scientist build that Caitlin did. He exercised just enough to keep his mind and body healthy. Cisco had a natural vibration that surrounded him with a positive attitude that was almost infectious. He had tennis shoes on, with blue jeans, and ''Do or Do not, there is no try'' Shirt on.


    Dr. Harrison Wells sat in his wheel chair as he watch Lash walk around the room. The scientist had a keen interest in the possible Alien who was born on Earth. Barry had spoken about him several times, and met him several times more. Barry had described the abilities that Lash had and found many of them hard to believe. Wells was about 5''10¡± with black hair and with dark blue eyes. Despite his disability he kept in shape and his upper body showed it. He had tennis shoes, black slacks, a black spring time sweater on with thin glass lenses.


    Barry Allen aka the Flash was about 6'' even with blue eyes, blond hair, and fair skin. He had a runners body for obvious reasons. He was slim, athletic, and strong for a speedster. He carried a nervous tension about him at the current moment. Like he wanted to run around the lab and clean it up so Lash wouldn''t see the mess. He had rubber reinforced shoes on that looked like normal shoes. Cisco''s work. Blue jeans, blue buttoned up shirt, and a casual suit jacket on.


    Lash walked over to Dr. Wells and held out his hand to him. Well''s smiled at him and shook his hand. Lash sent a Nature Domain pulse through him...Hmmm it wasn''t Eobard Thawne. This was the actual Dr. Wells. Well''s felt the sensation of energy pass through his body. He took his hand back and felt his skin. But before he could say anything Lash spoke.


    ¡°Would you like me to fix your spine?¡± Lash said in his animal voice. Dr. Wells eye brows went straight up.


    ¡°Wait...Are you being serious!?¡± Barry zipped over to Lash in the blink of an eye.


    ¡°Alien technology rules!¡± Cisco shouted out and held his arms up into the air.


    ¡°Yes. Once his spine is fixed we can discuss ARGUS coming to take the Meta-Humans off your hands. Also we can upgrade your horrible security system¡± Lash replied.


    What Team Flash had assumed would be a huge operation turned into a few short minutes of Dr. Wells being put to sleep through pheromone creation, Renew, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. Then Well''s spine snapped and grew back into place. The nerves reconnected and after fifteen minutes when Wells woke up he had full motor control and feeling in his whole body. He just needed some rehab and he would be just fine in a few months.


    ¡°I take it from that you haven''t learned how to temporarily transfer your speed healing to any one else yet, Barry?¡± Lash asked as he helped Wells back into his wheel chair. Everyone perked up at the sound of that.


    ¡°Wait! I can give someone my speed healing?¡± Barry asked with wide eyes.


    So Lash educated Team Flash on a few things. Foresight didn''t activate, and he didn''t want to use Cosmic Awareness. But he still understood a lot of the mechanics to the speed force. Along with the Meta-Gene. He had granted it two people already. On that note he sent a simple information request about Wolf West, and Victor Fries (Reborn). No rush on the order he just wanted an update when they got to it. With Flash''s help, Lash Fabricated hundreds of durable solar glass panes that could be put in across STAR labs.


    In The Dream. STAR labs wasn''t only in Central City. So why hadn''t the other labs sent tech support to rebuild this one? Lash asked, and Dr Wells said with regret that STAR labs had placed Central City in a no go area, bad PR. They were all technically getting paid, but support would not be coming for a long time. But that didn''t explain the horrible security that this place had.


    Simply put, it hadn''t been a priority for the team. A majority of Central City treated the particle accelerator like it was cursed, and full of nuclear waste. Only the occasional drunk, or kid slipped into the labs. But all of them left before they got to deep due to a simple noise making machine Cisco had thrown together. Dinner time soon arrived and Lash created a five star meal for the team. Steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, string beans, stuffing, honey rolls, apple cider and white wine. Lash made triple for Barry as he ate far more then anyone else.


    ¡°So...You take the ambient energy that resides in the air. Convert it into matter. Then fabricate what ever you need?¡± Cisco said between mouthfuls.


    ¡°In simple terms yes. The more complicated the material the more energy is consumed. There are many complex materials I can''t just pull from the air. An example would be asteroid particle iron that is used in shaping the accelerator. I can''t just make that.¡± Lash replied to him.


    ¡°Well it make sense. Our world is made up of particles that are technically the same. You have essentially found a way to used molecular reconstruction for any common material on the periodic table. You can make base metals, chemicals, and food!¡± Caitlin joined, and emphasized with a glass of wine.


    ¡°Cellular reconstruction, which I assumed you used to fix my spine. It could also help with cellular degradation and renewal. Which is why Lex-Corp created the anti aging pill. That was from your insight! That is amazing!¡± Wells said with a smile.


    ¡°Leave the science talk for later or Barry will eat all the food.¡± Lash cut in, everyone laughed as Barry had consumed about half the table.


    ¡°Sorry! It''s just really good!¡± Barry said with a look of apology. Lash looked towards the door and stood up aprubtly.


    ¡°Barry put your suit on, ARGUS is here.¡± Lash said. Team Flash jumped into action and began to clean up.


    Lash converted the food back into energy and absorbed it. He walked through STAR labs towards the front entrance. Flash appeared next to him in a few moments. They walked outside of the building together. It was night now with the stars out, and a half moon in the sky bathed the dark parking lot in a sliver glow. Dozens of ARGUS armored vehicles had shown up with several prison transports. A unit of armed soldiers with the ARGUS logo on their arms walked towards them. In the center was Amanda Waller in her stereotypical black dress pants business suit. Lash and Flash stopped short of a few feet, Lash held out his clawed hand towards Waller. She stepped forward and shook the giant scaled and clawed hand.


    ¡°Miss Waller, let me introduce you to The Flash. He along with his team are responsible for capturing the meta-humans.¡± Lash said to her after they finished shaking hands. Waller glanced at Flash with a small smile.


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work, Flash. Care to show my team where to go while I speak to Wraith?¡± Waller asked. Flash agreed and led the recon team into the facility. While Wraith and Waller stepped off to the side.


    ¡°I would say that you and I are even now. Enchantress was a wild card that I couldn''t properly control.¡± Waller said to him when they had walked far enough away.


    ¡°Good.... I meant what I said, Waller. I would prefer a healthy working relationship with you. Onto the matter at hand. Did your science techs adjust the prison transports with the dark matter inhibitors?¡± Lash turned to look at the transports, when Waller turned to look as well he pulled something from his pocket.


    ¡°Yes, along with the cuffs. We''ll do our part Agent Wraith. Also as agreed ARGUS will keep Barry Allen, Cisco Ramon, Caitlin Snow, Harrison Wells identities secret while they help capture and turn in Meta-Humans for ARGUS. I assume that is sa....What is that?¡± Waller asked when she turned back to look at Lash. He held a little box in his hands towards her.


    ¡°A gift it will help you. Take it apart if you like, but I think you get more use out of it by wearing it.¡± Lash opened it up and inside was a Nth metal medallion. Though it looked silver to the common eye. Etched into the medallion were the Latin words. ''Si vis pacem, para bellum esse.'' (If you want peace, you must prepare for war).


    Nth metal medallion, simple construction.


    Rating: C-


    Effect: Very Durable


    Effect: Clears the mind, and keeps it focused.


    Effect: Grants 20% resistance to heat and cold.


    Effect: Reduce energy consumption by 20%


    Comment: A useful necklace for a woman that doesn''t understand the word ''sleep.''


    Waller looked at Lash with a critical eye as she rubbed her fingers over her palms. The medallion was etched with intricate designs and the Latin phrase was familiar. It was a special operations motto. But the medallion glowed with an eerie light that didn''t come from the moon above. She reached for it after a moment more, pulled it out of the box and put it on. The enchantment activated immediately and Waller could feel the difference!


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Waller said the words, but it looked like it was painful for her to say it. Lash held up a tiny one inch thick and three inches long slip of Nth metal.


    ¡°This is what its made out of. I know you wouldn''t be able to resist taking a sample. So take this one, and keep that one. Alright?¡± Lash said as handed to her. She took the metal and put it away in her inner jacket pocket. Waller was stiff as a board for a while, Lash tilted his head to one side as he looked at her.


    ¡°Not use to receiving gifts, Miss Waller?¡± Lash asked with a bit of humor in his voice. Waller starred daggers at him and walked off. Lash cast Insight on her.


    Name: Amanda Waller.


    Title: The Wall!


    Origin: Mundane


    Rank: D+


    Skills: Open tool tip for information.


    Domains: N/A


    Disposition: Neutral...


    Comments: Waller is terrified by what Wraith represents. A world where she is not in control. She has climbed up from nothing to the top of the world. Generals ask for her advice, Presidents call on her for help. Foreign countries fear her name. But Wraith... She can''t control him, and part of her doesn''t want to. She likes the medallion but will never admit it.


    Lash walked back towards STAR labs to look over the prison transfer. Team Flash was both happy that ARGUS was there to take them but also a little hesitant. A shadow government agency here to take the newly empowered to a black site! Cisco was having a total freak out as he shot out theories and ideas. Lash just laughed and didn''t correct him. He could show the exact site the prisoners were going to, the prison even had ARGUS written on it.


    After a few hours, and more then a few escape attempts which ended up with Lash breaking a few bones. After he did it in clear sight of the other prisoners no one else tried to escape. It may have also been when Lash ripped some ones arm off and pointed at the rest of the prisoners with the arm that he got his point across. He eventually re attached it! After a few minutes of the prisoner screaming, and Cisco vomiting. Waller had actually laughed a little bit which made every soldier and technician look at her in clear shock. With in a second her face went back to cold indifference. She seethed in rage as she stared directly at Lash as if it was his fault!


    ¡°You have a nice smile...¡± Lash said to her. Waller''s eyes twitched in rage, she white knuckled her hands and walked away. Her boiling rage was hot enough to raise the cold air up a few degrees. The whole ARGUS crew got out of her way, but a few soldiers nodded at Lash.


    It was midnight by the time ARGUS packed up and left. Team Flash all went home, after they said goodbye to Lash. He said he would come back and visit again soon but had more work to do. He went to Central Cities Warden HQ and took another portal to Starling City. It was only ten o''clock in Starling City on a Friday night. He got a transport into the city and went to the Glades near club Verdant.


    The Glades looked amazing! Clean, well built, and managed. People were seen walking at night with their families and pets. A few years ago that would have been impossible. Lash exited the vehicle with thanks for the driver in the form of Nature Domain spells. He left the driver in a puddle of orgasmic pleasure as he walked through the Glades. Something he found interesting was every few city blocks he would see Wraith effigies that hung from lamp posts. Lash hadn''t worn his Wraith disguise when he stepped out of the car. He currently looked like a normal person in quasi expensive designer cloths. Black boots, gray slacks, tight black t-shirt, with a leather coat on. He had a pair of simple black rim glasses on. They work for Clark! He was still bald but he didn''t show any of his tattoo''s.


    Lash found Verdant when it was nearly midnight. But the club was still alive and full of clubbers. He walked right past the line and pulled a black Verdant VIP card that he created on the spot. The bouncer looked it over and noticed two hundred dollars was attached to the card. He smiled and snagged the money and handed the card back. He gestured for Lash to walk with a smile.


    ¡°Welcome back, Sir!¡± The bouncer said to him. Lash tipped his none existent hat towards him and walked into the club.


    Verdant had a massive dance floor with a secondary level for tables, with another floor for VIP boxes and another bar. They had a very attractive female DJ on the stage as she spun the records wearing shorts, and a t-shirt that was clearly to small for her. Multi colored lasers shot off as the music changed from song to song. Well over three hundred people were crowded on the dance floor wearing expensive cloths, and rubbed against one another. While the upper floors had people watchers, and a few smaller dance spots.


    Lash spotted Thea Queen serving drinks on the second floor. Despite being the manager of the club she would often come down and help. Especially when people were on break, like a good manager should. Lash slipped through the crowd like a fish in water. Several women and a few men noticed him move through the crowd. He politely declined their invitation to dance. Along the way he saw a few reflective eyes in the crowd...Were-Breeds that checked him out with interest. Lash reached the second floor stairs and followed after Thea towards a secondary bar. He walked right up to it and knocked on the bar. Even as loud as the music was Lash spoke normally and Thea was a little surprised she could hear him.


    ¡°Good to see you Thea, you are looking good!¡± Lash said to her. There was a brief moment of hesitation as Thea attempted to remember who this man was. Then she switched on the polite manager charm and smiled at him.


    Thea''s hair was cut short so it was above her shoulders and was pinned back with several gold hair pins. She had a form fitting sparkled sleeveless dress that went to her knees. Open skirt with a small slit up to her mid thigh so she could move around in it. She wore three inch silver sparkle heels. Several silver and gold earrings traced her earlobes.


    ¡°Thanks! Its good to see you too! Having a good night?¡± Thea said to him as she continued to fill out an order. Lash noticed with his Sensory Awareness that a security guard had come to stand about twenty feet away to watch the conversation.


    ¡°Bravo, Thea! Maintaining the polite charm of a business owner when you clearly have no idea who I am. Very impressive!¡± Lash said to her with a smile. Thea was caught off guard for a bit, then a bemused expression crossed her face.


    ¡°So....Are you going to tell me who you are?¡± Thea said to him, she glanced back at the security guard and made ''standby'' hand signal. Lash leaned over the bar towards Thea who backed up, then Lash shifted his left hand into a scaled and clawed hand. His eyes turned reptilian green and yellow. Thea''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Like I said...You are looking good Thea.¡± Lash spoke in his animal voice. Thea screamed in surprise and before the security guard could move forward she had raced around the bar and hugged him.


    ¡°OH MY GOD HELLO!¡± Thea screamed at the top of her lungs. This caught the security off guard as did several patrons who had been listening in on the conversation. Lash reverted his arm, and his eyes back to ''normal'' and hugged her back. The had practically glued herself to him and kicked her legs up and down in excitement.


    ¡°Sorry it took me so long to come visit. Work has been complicated.¡± Lash said to her when she finally let go of him. Her smile was amazing, she practically glowed with excitement that he had come to visit. She also nodded in understanding


    ¡°I can only imagine! I saw the news about Gotham. You should seen the club that night everyone just came in to watch the news broadcast. We saw several shots of you fighting against the terrorists. When you got shot by the tank fire but got back up we all cheered.¡± Thea shouted a little loudly over the music. The patrons and the security guard then looked at Lash in confusion.


    ¡°Should I swap my shape out, I think they are confused.¡± Lash said with a smile. Thea smiled at him in return and shrugged. It was his choice.


    Lash ran his hands over his face and head as his hands moved his skin peeled apart. Scales grew, his eyes became reptilian, claws grew from his finger tips. His mouth elongated and before his cloths melted into armor the shroud of smoke and shadow flowed out from his form like a blooming lotus. He grew to seven feet tall, as his tail grew and coiled around Thea. She squeaked in surprise but didn''t make any move to get out of its embrace. She bit her lips and watched in amazement as the good looking guy turned into Wraith the savior of the Glades. The patrons, staff, and security guards looked dumb struck.


    ¡°Now you understand why she said I was in Gotham fighting.¡± Lash said to them in his animalistic voice. That was the straw that broke the camels back. A woman cheered his name and rushed over to give him a hug as well.


    After a few minutes of hugs, questions, etc. Thea brought Lash to the center of the second floor and introduced him to the crowd. The entire club freaked out that Wraith was in the club. There was no denying him either, the ghost like shroud that danced and moved around like a living thing. His massive tail, and scaled form was a dead give away. The crowds had heard that he was friends with the Queens but this sealed the deal. Lash was moved to a third floor VIP box, he put down a wad of cash and gave everyone two free drinks on his tab. The club exploded with excitement, especially after he started to shower the entire club in Nature Domain spells that energized and fed the crowd. Lash had come to Verdant because he wanted to hang out and enjoy the scene.


    Lash and Thea talked for over an hour about Starling City. The change in the Glades, the new green efficiency method of operation of Queen industries. Lash promised that he would come to Queen''s estate to see Moira, and Walter. The club was seeing so much action that Thea actually called on SCPD and asked for extra security. When she said Wraith was in the club they didn''t believe her until she sent a video feed to Captain Lance of Wraith waving at the camera. With in twenty minutes there were six cop cars on the scene controlling the crowd.


    Three o''clock in the evening rolled around and the club was trying to close its doors. Lash stepped from the VIP area and told the crowd that he planned to be in Starling for the next few days. He had actually come here for a mini vacation. The crowds were happy to hear it and eventually left when four o''clock rolled around. Lash energized the club staff, security, and police with his favorite Nature Spells. He adjusted the power so it wouldn''t turn them into orgasmic puddles on the floor. Lash cast Immaculate on the whole club which cut the closing in half. In the end he stood in the middle of the dance floor on the first floor watching the everyone slowly filter out. Then when the last civilian left the club, Thea locked up and sounded the all clear.


    ¡°Oh my god you came!¡± Felicity came out form under the club and ran over to him.


    Felicity wore pink pumps, a red mini skirt, and red top. The dress and the top were not connected so a bit of skin would show when she moved. Her blond hair was tied up, and her black rimmed glasses highlighted her eyes. She slid to a stop a few feet from him, not sure if she was allowed to hug him. Lash closed the distance and gave her a good friendly hug which made her squeak in delight. She kicked her legs up and down just like Thea did.


    Diggle came out next in his combat boots, black pants, black t-shirt that he filled out really well with his line backer muscle build. He had a huge smile on his face as he walked over he extended his hand out and Lash grabbed his forearm and gave a warrior hand shake that Diggle adapted to quickly. They clapped each other the back, then looked at each other. Diggle had grown, the 10% optimization had helped him a lot. He wasn''t superhuman but he was close.


    Roy walked over next he a pair of tennis shoes, blue jeans, black t-shirt with a red hoodie. He looked strong, healthy, and ready to tackle any problems they had. Lash didn''t have time to talk to him during the Gotham Siege. Sitting around his neck was a golden chain, he had on the orichalcum necklace Lash made for him. Lash gave Roy the same warrior hand shake he gave Diggle and clapped Roy on the back as well.


    Oliver came over in his standard expensive casual wear. With his stereotypical three day old unshaven face that didn''t exist in reality. He had a wide smile on his face as he walked over and did the same warrior hand shake with Lash. But behind Oliver was a blond woman with yellow canary eyes. She stood at 5''10'' and moved with the grace of an assassin. No noise, gradual movement that allowed her to quickly adjust and move if needed. She looked at Lash, but also checked the doors and windows. Though she did that out of habit.


    ¡°Sara Lance, welcome back from the dead.¡± Lash said to her. Sara froze mid step surprise written on her face. The whole room went still for a brief moment because Lash was covered in a brief golden light. Foresight activated.


    ¡°Before I explain the golden light, Oliver why don''t you give me a run down about what''s been happening with Team Arrow.¡± Lash said as he took a seat at the bar.


    Oliver went over the basic details of the city. Thanks to the Glades reconstruction effort a lot of criminal syndicates attempted to steal high value construction supplies, medicine, and money. Team Arrow had been widely successful in removing them one by one. But they had recently learned that some one was supplying weapons and ammunition to the gangs in Starling. On top of that the League of Shadows were in Starling looking for Sara. She was a member that had left with out permission to check on her family. Now that she was here she didn''t want to leave but may end up having to. Sebastian Blood was in town attempting to run for city Mayor as the well armed gangs made it a priority to kill anyone who took the city Mayor''s position.


    Lash asked a few questions, but mostly listened to the information. Then he stood up walked to the center of the dance floor. He spread out his hands and made a few gestures as his shroud drew a ritual symbol on the ground. He went to his knees and began to create a bit of a show that was completely unnecessary. The ritual circle glowed a variety of colors as Lash glowed with a divine light. He used Cosmic Awareness, 97% of this total energy was drained from him in a moment. Level up! The information he got was unexpected


    ¡°Slade Wilson is alive and is supplying the weapons and ammunition to the gangs in the city. He has accepted a mission from The League of Shadows as a way to prove his talent, skill, and ability to becoming the next possible Ras al Ghul. He along with several other candidates are spread out across the globe, attempting different missions and tasks bestowed by ''The Demons Head''.¡± Lash finished as the golden light faded from sight.


    ¡°Your an Oracle!?¡± Sara screamed in surprise. Everyone looked at Sara then back at Lash....


    ¡°What''s an Oracle?¡± Felicity asked.

 Chapter 59: Ta-er Al-Sahfer

    Lash waved his hand and removed the ritual mark on the ground. Theatrics did the trick as Sara now sat crossed legged in front of him at full attention. Everyone looked at the both of them with confusion, except for Oliver who had a distant look on his face. Felicity walked over and tugged on Diggle''s sleeve because she didn''t know what an Oracle was. Diggle tried to explain it in simple terms before Felicity looked at Lash like he had grown a second head.


    ¡°So you talk to God?¡± Felicity said out loud. That made everyone look at her then at Lash.


    ¡°I talk to a Deity. If you referee to the Christian God? Then no I don''t have their number. In simple scientific terms. The Cosmic being I speak to is an extra dimensional being of great power and knowledge. He uses me as a mouth piece from time to time. He decides when, where, and how much to give. So don''t think I can just tell you what ever you want to know.¡± Lash said to Felicity as his tail coiled around Sarah along the floor.


    ¡°But you talk to a God?¡± Felicity asked....As if that was the most important part.


    ¡°Yes, Miss Smoak I talk to a God.¡± Lash replied, his Wraith shroud began to grow and writhe across the floor like a pile of snakes. Lash turned to look back at Sarah who looked back at him. Though she stared straight forward he knew she was trying her best to read him. Lash cast Insight on Sarah.


    Name: Sarah Lance, Ta-er al-Sahfer (Yellow Bird/Canary)


    Title: Assassin, Survivor.


    Origin: Mundane. Sub-Origin: Magical.


    Rank: D-


    Skills: See tool tip.


    Domains: None.


    Disposition: Friendly.


    Comments: Sarah looks at Wraith and see''s hope for the future. She already had a good impression on the ''Alien'' when she saw the news of him helping Starling City, and after speaking with Oliver she feels he is trust worthy.


    ¡°Tell me, Ta-er al-Sahfer. Why are you here?¡± Lash asked, Sarah''s body language was perfectly placid but Lash could tell she had flinched inwardly at her League name.


    ¡°Because.... I can''t live that life anymore.¡± Sarah said as she broke eye contact with him and looked away.


    ¡°You understand that leaving the League with out permission is impossible. They will kill you and your family. Unless you can obtain something that Ra''s al Ghul needs, or wants. So tell me... Miss Lance. Do you have anything that he would want?¡± Lash said, Sarah made a conflicted expression then shook her head in a clear sign of no.


    ¡°Oliver, is Sarah important to you?¡± Lash turned to look at him. Oliver walked over and took a knee next to Sarah. He squeezed her shoulder and looked at her. She looked back with a clear conflicted expression.


    ¡°Yes... She is.¡± Oliver replied, then looked at Lash. Sara opened and closed her mouth several times but couldn''t come with a reason to refute him.


    ¡°Well, looks like I''ll be putting my vacation on hold for a bit. Thea you may have to post a sign outside that business called me away.¡± Lash said with a sigh.


    ¡°I''ll take care of it.¡± Thea said with a smile as she came to wrap her arm around her brother.


    So Lash''s vacation was quickly cut short, before he went any further he reached out and created a Temporary Pack Bond with Oliver, Roy, Diggle, Felicity, Thea, and Sara. Lash then cast Minor Virtual Intelligence and had his two Tech-Spirits start working on a problem. First he made contact with the Warden HQ in Starling. He needed a way to contact the League of Shadows. Second he went with Felicity and updated Team Arrows computer system. With Minor Alteration, Minor Fabrication, Minor Compression Transformation. With the help of Felicity they made a new program and system for the bunker along with an updated security system. The security system also included Club Verdant above. Lash turned the entire club into a Smart complex.


    ¡°So press this code into the keypad and the entire bunker turns into an empty space for those rare moments when you need to hide what is down here. There are several panic rooms in case some one or something gets down here. An updated machine shop, tools, armor, and weapons. Secondary redundant systems, and automated system functions for those rare times Felicity is not here. Side entrance, and one very hard to get in and out of passage into the sewers. This is the original source code the VI. Here you go... Along with a secure and encrypted communication hub. That should be everything?¡± Lash asked as he looked around the new Arrow Cave.


    The entire overhaul had taken a grand total of two hours...Two hours! His work with the bridges significantly increased his expertise, and building speed. His Science, Crafting, Artist, and Computers skills helped a lot. He had gone through dozens of check lists and little wish lists that Felicity asked for. After the first hour Felicity didn''t know what else to ask for. So Lash activated Skill Trainer and force fed Martial Arts into Felicity''s brain. She was currently asleep in the newly built barracks with in the Cave. Then he force fed Computers skill into every one else. So he gave the source code of the VI to Diggle who put it to the side and massaged his head.


    ¡°So...What did you do to us?¡± Diggle said with a groan.


    ¡°I have a way to imprint information into people. Imagine as if a book is now been placed into your mind sea, third eye, or just memory banks. Once you fully comprehend the first page, the second page will reveal itself. Then so on and so forth. I gave Felicity Martial Arts because it is ridicules that she can''t defend herself. Then I fed the rest of you Computer skills, so you can actually work all of this new tech I''ve given you.¡± Lash said to all of them, then he cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Immaculate, and Nature''s Kiss. He decided to be a troll and let the orgasmic sensation roll through them all.


    ¡°Wh....What.....Fuck.....What about this feeling I have....¡± Sara asked between her panting.


    ¡°That''s called the Temporary Pack Bond, while I am in with in range you will have a 10% increase to your overall stats. Strength, speed, intelligence, etc. However, there is a side effect. It optimizes a human form to allow for more development. This will allow you to obtain peak human condition easier.¡± Lash replied with a laugh as he watched everyone writhe and moan on the ground.


    ¡°Is....This part of the whole process of the imprinting!?¡± Thea yelled.


    ¡°Sure...We''ll go with that.¡± Lash said as he continued to laugh, he had pulled his Wraith disguise off but kept his Were-Lizard Transformation active. Good thing too because Thea threw an arrow at him which stuck in between his scales.


    ¡°Nice shot!¡± Lash complimented her and pulled it out with little effort.


    Team arrow proceeded to throw anything they could at Lash for the next hour or so. Until it was eight thirty. Everyone continued to have a massive head ache but was well enough to move. Thea ground her teeth as she glared at Lash when she called her mother, Moira Queen. Wraith was in town, and Thea convinced him to come to the Queen resident for either brunch, lunch, or dinner. Dealers choice! Moira was ecstatic and said lunch would be the preferred time. Wraith asked if he could bring a guest, Moira was more then happy to accept. After Thea hung up the phone, Oliver received a call from his mother telling him he had to come to the lunch to see Mr Wraith. Roy was also invited being Thea''s boyfriend. Tommy Merlyn called a few minutes later to tell Oliver he and Laurel had been invited to his house for lunch with Wraith? Felicity and Diggle went home to sleep. Wraith followed Sara to her hide out so they could transport her things to the Arrow Cave. She would be staying in the Barracks.


    ¡°That''s a neat trick...¡± Sara said to Lash.


    Lash walked next to Sara wearing black combat boots, blue jeans, blue t-shirt, and leather jacket. He had pale white skin, bright blue eyes, long blond hair that went to his shoulders but was tied back into a tail. He was built like a brick house. He grinned at Sara with his pearly white teeth.


    ¡°Thank you, so where are we going?¡± Lash said to her. Sara and Lash were in lock step with each other. Something Lash specifically did, it was a common trait that those with military training do. He was trying to play a part. His Acting skill kept prompting with experience.


    ¡°In the center of the Glades there is a clock tower. It was rebuilt to its original design due to its historical value. Because of that the upper floor is largely unused, I''ve been staying there. Good sight lines, you can see the whole area from there.¡± Sara said in response, she glanced at Lash as they walked down the street together.


    ¡°It is also exactly where a League member would go to. Which I assume is why you chose it. The League would never assume you would pick such an obvious spot for your hide out?¡± Lash said back with a smile. Sara turned back to the street so Lash wouldn''t see her smile, but of course he still did.


    ¡°Not that I am complaining...But why are you helping me?¡± Sara said after a few more minutes of walking.


    ¡°May I assume you''ve heard of the Justice League?¡± Lash asked. Sara narrowed her eyes a bit then nodded her head, yes she had.


    ¡°You are aware that The Green Arrow is a part of that League?¡± Lash asked, Sara''s eyes widen at the mention.


    ¡°That''s why Olly went to Gotham... Are you part of this...Justice League?¡± Sara asked.


    ¡°Not officially. I work for the UNWS, though I am one of the founding members of the Justice League. I am helping you, Miss Lance. Because I am trying to recruit you.¡± Lash said bluntly. His upfront declaration was jarring to Sara but she kept walking next to him.


    ¡°....Is that the only reason?¡± Sara asked after a minute of thinking.


    ¡°Of course not. You are important to Oliver. On a personal note I think you will make a good friend.¡± Lash replied honestly.


    Thanks to the Temporary Pack Bond Sara could tell that Lash wasn''t lying. Sara''s lips tugged upwards at the clear admission of his motives. It had been many years since Sara had some one be so honest with her. On their walk Lash stopped by a food truck and bought them both some street taco''s. Lash left a hundred dollar bill in the tip jar which made the chef super happy! Lash also bought food for several people near by. Sara tried to fade into the shadows but Lash snagged her hand and pulled her to his side. Sara looked at him in confusion then snuggled up close like a girlfriend would after she had seen him wink at her. They both had a part to play.


    Sara ended up with her arm wrapped around Lash''s. He bought food for people at every ice cream truck, food truck, and little candy shop along the way. He always tipped hundred plus dollars, and talked with everyone he met. They both worked as a visiting couple to Starling City. They asked questions about the Wraith Effigies, and visited buildings that the Wraith had fixed with his Alien technology. By the time they reached the clock tower Lash only had two hours before he had to be at the Queen resident. Before he walked into the clock tower Lash made sure to run his hands along a side walk tree they had passed a few dozen in their walk.


    ¡°How long had they been following us?¡± Sara asked, then climbed the staircase of the clock tower.


    ¡°Since we left Verdant, we should assume the Shadows know about the Arrow cave, bunker, club house?¡± Lash said as he went down the names for the cave. Sara laughed at his antics as she let go of his arm and returned to her stoic assassin persona.


    ¡°Awwwww...The pretty girl stopped walking with me. What ever will this poor lizard do now?¡± Lash said with mock depression. Sara rolled her eyes at him but kept a smile on her face.


    As they came to the top floor of the clock tower Lash found a bed roll, box of food, water, and a weapons case. Simple and organized Sara definitely was use to moving quickly and with little luggage as possible. Sarah walked over to the weapon case and broke everything down with quick precision. Lash walked to the middle of the room and sent out a Technomancy pulse. Three different bugs for listening, tracking, and video of the Shadows popped and fritz out. Sara didn''t jump to her credit she just stopped to look at him then went back to her packing.


    ¡°Looks like they knew you were hiding here. Which means they have orders to leave you alone until someone with a specific set of skills, or a rule maker comes to collect you.¡± Lash said to her. Sara nodded in agreement. Picked up her case and came over to him.


    ¡°No matter how this plays out. Thank you for helping me.¡± Sara had planted her feet, pushed her shoulders back and looked up at him when she said it. Lash smiled then offered his arm to her once again. She smiled at him after she accepted the offered arm.


    Lash and Sara walked down to the street but before they walked out into the public eye he cast a obstruction glamour. He walked right up to the tree and placed his palm on the trunk of it. Sara looked at him in confusion, and then felt his arm around her waist. Sara was pulled flush against him. Then her eyes went wide as the tree pulled its trunk open and they were both sucked into it. Tree Stride.


    A tree near club Verdant that was a little out of the way opened its trunk up. An obstruction glamour was cast quickly around it and Lash stepped out of the tree with his arm wrapped around Sara''s waist. Sara''s looked pale, and was clearly disoriented as she looked around with a confused expression. The tree trunk closed up, Lash fed some Nature Domain magic into it as thanks. Then ''helped'' Sara back towards the Arrow''s side entrance. Sara''s legs felt like jelly underneath her.


    ¡°So you can do that to any tree?¡± Sara asked after she had a glass of water and her head stopped spinning.


    ¡°Any tree I am familiar with, yes. It''s one of the reasons I came to Starling City. I am creating a fast travel network so if team Arrow needs extra help I am just a Tree Stride away.¡± Lash replied as he peeled his civilian attire off and went back to being a were-lizard with Transformation. He called his Wraith disguise up with his Illusion Domain. Lash reached out with Connectivity and called for a public transport through the Warden''s.


    ¡°What would you like to wear for the lunch?¡± Lash said as he turned to look at Sara. The question brought clear confusion to her face.


    ¡°What lunch..... Wait!? I''m your plus one!? No! No! Laurel will be there! I can''t! I...¡± Sara started until Lash cast Calm Emotions on her.


    ¡°Sara. The League of Shadows already knows you are here, they know about your family. Keeping them in the dark will not protect them. So, yes you are my plus one. We''ll go to the lunch together, you''ll see your sister and eventually see your father. Now...What do you want to wear?¡± Lash said and began to create clothing for her.


    Sara ended up with flat footed boots, with white skin tight khaki pants, a yellow silk blouse, black leather jacket with several knives tucked into the seams. She wore several silver and gold earrings that covered both earlobes, just a touch of skin complexion and massacre. She practically vibrated with nervous tension in the car on the drive over to Queen manor. The driver of the Warden vehicle eyed her with worry a few times. Lash reached over and gently squeezed her hand. She jumped with surprise as her head was clearly someplace else.


    ¡°I really don''t think this is a good idea.... I... I mean Laurel thinks I''m dead! We are just going to show up...For lunch!?¡± Sara squeezed Lash''s hand tightly.


    Lash shrugged his shoulders and began to rub his thumb and fingers over her hand back and forth. He was careful of his claws so he wouldn''t cut her. Sara eventually stopped vibrating the whole car with her jack hammering legs. She looked out the window but didn''t take her hand away from Lash. The driver pulled through the gates that led the estate. The car pulled up and the driver jumped out to open Lash''s door.


    ================================================================


    The servant do the Queen''s was in the best suit they could provide. They stood at perfect attention as the car door opened and the billowing shroud of smoke and shadow flowed out of the car like a living animal. With in the darkness was two glowing yellow green reptilian eyes. Clawed hands reached out and pulled the alien monster from the car. Scaled and clawed feet stepped onto the ground as a massive tail seem to...grow from the shroud. How did his tail fit in the car, then the creature known as Wraith turned around and offered a hand towards someone in the car. A beautiful woman with yellow eyes stepped out, clearly nervous to be next to Wraith. The servant could understand...that.... Wait.... That woman looked familiar.


    As the tattered cloth of smoke and shadow writhed across the floor the servant came back to attention. He bowed from his waist, and opened the door leading into the main foyer. The servant had to pause a few times as the woman seemed incredibly nervous to continue on. Agent Wraith spoke softly to her and coaxed her on like a parent would a frightened child. Despite Wraith''s massive size he moved through the manor with agility not fitting of his massive size. Even his massive tail moved about with careful precision. The servant brought them outside to the grounds towards the awaiting Queens, and guests. Then when they arrived Wraith stepped forward and in his renowned animalistic voice that every servant had been told about but still jumped when he spoke.


    ¡°Miss Lance! I would like to introduce you to your long lost sister. Miss Lance...¡± Wraith said to everyone. That is when the servant recognized the woman. Sara Lance! The woman that went to with Oliver Queen on the boat and reportedly died!?


    ================================================================


    There was a pin drop silence out in the gardens as Lash stood between them. His tail had wrapped around Sara to prevent her from running away, and she had tried...More then once! Walter, and Moira stood stone still as they looked at Sara. Oliver and Thea looked at Sara, and back at Laurel, then back at Sara. Tommy looked just as shocked as Walter, and Moira. Laurel had tears welling up in her eyes as she took step after shaky step towards her sister.


    ¡°S...Sara?¡± Laurel said with a crack in her voice as tears rolled down her cheeks. As soon as Laurel said her name, Sara stepped out from Lash''s tail walked over to her sister and they hugged one another.


    Congratulations User! You''ve accomplished a hidden objective! Your Cosmic Patron is pleased!


    Lash read the prompt and expected further explanation....But nothing else popped up. Odd. Lash took a moment to look around the grounds of the Queen''s estate, they must have at least a few miles in every direction, gardens, hedge maze, green house, a small forest, on top of the three story manor. Some one coughed lightly to draw Lash''s attention as he had spaced out a bit. He looked back and saw Oliver standing there with a forced smile and a look of ''What the fuck?'' written on his face.


    ¡°Right! Explanation! All of you should remember tech summit tour I took last year. While traveling I came across Sara Lance. The specifics of me finding her should be discussed at a later time preferably with alcohol. I had planned to introduce her sooner but my assignment with the UNWS pushed it back. I hope you can forgive me Laurel. Why didn''t Sara come on her own? Well that has to do with how I found her. I am perfectly happy explaining everything in further detail. But should we call Captain Lance?¡± Lash asked the crowd...


    Little less then an hour later a cop car zipped up the driveway towards the Queen manor. Quentin Lance practically dove out of the car and bull rushed into the manor. There in the foyer was Sara and Laurel. Quentin froze at the sight of his two daughters standing side by side. He dropped to his knees and started crying. Sara and Laurel rushed over, pulled him up and hugged him. It was a very emotional moment shared by the entire group. Lash walked past the group and turned off Lance''s car and repaired the minor damage it had caused to the front awning. He walked back in and began to admire the art found in the mansion. Lash had wondered off a bit but was followed by Walter and Moira.


    Walter Steele had a tailored three piece black and blue suit on. He was tall, athletically built charming black British man, with a soul patch. Moira walked with her arm wrapped around his, she wore an expensive tailored made dress skirt, three inch high heels, and silk top with a half jacket on. She had a warm smile on her face as she watched Lash admire their home. All three of them heard Quentin start to talk to Sara about where she had been. Sara started to fill them in on the ''explanation'' Lash had provided her.


    ¡°Mr Steele, Misses Queen. I know this is radical subject change but I need to ask... What do the both of you know about The League of Shadows?¡± Lash asked them, his voice not as gruff as it normally was. Both Walter and Moira went rigid at the name, then both looked at one another in surprise.


    ¡°I know they are dangerous band of thieves, spies, and assassins.¡± Walter said after a minute of thinking.


    ¡°In their own twisted sort of way they also have a code of ethics. They are killing machines, but machines with a purpose. They never do anything with out purpose.¡± Moria added to the conversation.


    ¡°During my tech summit I was shot down by the country Bialya. However, it was the League of Shadows that helped give them our flight route as well as hold the UN from acting for two days.¡± Lash said to them. He had come across the information on the dark web and the Warden information agency.


    ¡°So it''s true then.... I had looked into it. I''m sorry.¡± Walter said, and explain to Moira when she looked at him.


    ¡°Sara is part of the League of Shadows, isn''t she?¡± Moira asked, Lash nodded. Moira had picked up on a few things when ever Sara moved, looked, and talked.


    ¡°Yes, and no. Sara was adopted and trained by the Shadows. But she doesn''t want to be a killer, she never did. I came to Starling for several reasons. The primary reason if you can believe it was to take a mini vacation. Another was to check on Green Arrow and Arsenal to thank them for helping in Gotham. The last one was to drop Sara off at her home. But there is a chance that the Shadows wont let her go. So I thought it best to inform the both of you. I hope our little skirmish wont spill into your home, but I felt obligated to tell you that it might.¡± Lash said as he turned to look at them.


    ¡°I think we can handle ourselves.¡± Moira said with a smile as she hugged her husbands hand who nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Good! I''ll let you decide if you wish to tell your family or not.¡± Lash said to them, as Walter and Moira believed Oliver along with Thea were...''Normal''. Lash had actually been surprised when Thea didn''t react to Team Arrow coming up out of the cave. It appeared she had known for a while.


    The three of them returned to the foyer, Quentin rubbed the tears out of his eyes. Walked over to Lash to shook his hand and thanked him profusely for bringing his daughter back to him. The cover story was simple, all be it a bit brutal. Sara had been found while he was traveling he had recognized her after he had done a thorough background check on Quentin and Laurel. Where did he find her? Sara and Lash both went foggy on that aspect simply because it was not something to easily talk about, but had happened was heavily implied. Slavery, sex, drugs, murder, etc. Quentin''s eyes turned fiery at the idea that someone had hurt his little girl. After that he had her come back to the states under protective custody but couldn''t bring her home due to his assignments. However, she may or may not still have people after her. So she still needed to be careful.


    ¡°So I am sorry to say but when I leave, Sara will be coming with me back to a safe house. But, we are hoping to deal the the over hanging issue in the next few days. If all goes well she may return officially and start her life over again. But, if it doesn''t we''ll have to keep hiding her. The people coming after he may choose to use you both as leverage. Please be aware that we have not told you everything. Why? Not our secrets to tell.¡± Lash said this specifically to Laurel and Quentin who both nodded.


    ¡°Agent Wraith you work for the government I expect you not to tell me everything.¡± Quentin said with a dry tone. Then he smiled slightly, the joke was so out of the blue that everyone froze. But Lash understood and laughed at him. That broke the tension and everyone else laughed as well.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you''ll be asking the Starling vigilante''s for help?¡± Tommy asked carefully.


    The Green Arrow, Arsenal, and the new Spartan (John Diggle) had been on the fence with SCPD. Team Arrow didn''t kill people...at least not any more. They helped fight crime, handled the criminals the standard police couldn''t. Thanks to Wraith''s interference and good public relations especially during the Glade destruction vigilante justice had started to crop up across the US. Central City had Flash, Metropolis had Superman, Gotham had Batman, Robin, Batgirl, and Wraith.


    ¡°I''ve already spoken to them, specifically that another criminal element may be coming to the city. No offense Captain, but I try to talk to everyone when I''m walking around in someone''s backyard. Ah! I also need to head to your precinct Captain and build you a meta-human prison cell.¡± Lash blurted out.


    ¡°A what now?¡± Quentin asked.


    Lunch soon turned into a early dinner at the Queen manor. Walter had organized double security at the manor, along with Verdant. Thea had refused to close the club but thanked her step-father for the extra security. Thea, and Roy left early as they had to go open the club. They left with several guards following behind them. Then before Lash and Sara left he made a beautiful eastern mystic dragon statue. The dragon wrapped around a tree and lay across its branches lazily. Lash carved the lines in the trunk, the delicate leaves, scales, and even the irises in the dragons eyes. He channeled Essence Imbuement while he carved it.


    ¡°That is beautiful! Thank you Wraith! I remember your ability to create material but a solid piece of crystal is still an amazing sight.¡± Moira said with a large smile on her face.


    ¡°That''s not crystal, that''s diamond. Alright lets go!¡± Lash said as he clapped his hands and walked towards the car with Sara. Moira and Walter stared at the Diamond statue that was probably worth more then the entire house. Walter opened and closed his mouth a few times.


    ¡°Di...Diamond?¡± Moira said as she pulled her eyes from the statue but Lash was already gone.


    Sara was in a much better mood on the drive back to the Arrow cave. She had a little smile on her face and tapped her fingers on the passage side door. She hummed a little tune and glanced at Lash every few minutes. Lash had created a Phantasm computer screen in front of him. Purely aesthetic as he could connect with out it. But he didn''t want Sara to think he was ignoring her. The Warden''s had given him a contact for the League of Shadows. The Shadows agreed to send an envoy to Verdant to discuss Ta-er al-Sahfer punishment.... Or payment for her release. Two women would be arriving.


    ¡°Sara do you recognize these two people?¡± Lash pushed the screen over to her and her good mood evaporated.


    ¡°That is Nyssa second daughter to Ra''s, and Alsiyada. Alsiyada is one of the League''s best hunters. Nyssa is.... We are...were. We are lovers.¡± Sara said after a bit of conflict.


    ¡°So not only did you attempt to leave the League, but you also left her?¡± Lash asked.


    He had already known this information. But didn''t want to use Cosmic Awareness to break the fourth wall. Sara turned to look out the window again. She white knuckled her hands, and clenched her jaw. She jumped as Lash reached over to squeez her hand and soothed her worries. He was good at that Sara had noticed. After a bit she nodded her head, yes.


    ¡°....Great.¡± Lash said as he pulled the screen back. He continued to stroke Sara''s hand as she had not pulled it away.


    =============================================================


    Nyssa cleaned her throwing knives one by one then set them into her black laced garter belt on her thigh. Once she was done with them she slipped her feet into her high heels and stood up in front of the mirror. Nyssa was 5''9¡± with blue eyes, and black hair. She wore a stunning red dress on that went to her ankles, and had two slits up both sides of her legs. The dress was sleeveless with a red collar around her neck, it had a diamond shaped opening that went from her neck between her breasts to just above her navel. Her light colored caramel skin was highlighted by the red dress. Her shoulder length black hair was swept to one side to reveal her long neck and a single diamond ruby earring. She posed in the mirror to reveal her voluptuous figure and thought briefly about Sara, she always said Nyssa looked good in red.


    ¡°Should I be worried that you have dressed up for the Alien? Or is it not for him?¡± Alsiyada said behind her.


    ¡°It''s for Ta-er Al-Sahfer, perhaps once she see''s it she''ll return with out complaint.¡± Nyssa said, but didn''t believe her own words. Nyssa turned to look at her companion.


    Alsiyada was a Philippians woman that stood at 5''6¡± with green eyes, and black hair. She wore skin tight black leather pants, and black boots. Then she had a half leather top that showed off her lower back, and abdomen. The leather top had an open chest to reveal her bouncing breasts, had no sleeves, but had a choke collar one. A golden chain came down from her collar that rested between her breasts. Her black hair was cut short to just above her shoulders, her front portions had been braided and tied back to keep the rest of her hair out of her face. She pulled on a waist length leather jacket with an assortment of knives, and a concealed side arm. She sprayed a bit of perfume on and smiled at Nyssa.


    ¡°You ready to meet the giant lizard that not even two armies could kill?¡± Alsiyada asked.


    ¡°Yes, hopefully this night will go as planned.¡± Nyssa replied.


    Both seductive and extremely dangerous women left the League of Shadows safe house and had their chosen driver take them to Verdant. The drive over was simple enough until they reached about a mile from the club. There a long line of cars had parked along the entire street, and crowds a plenty had choked the whole way through. Music blared even across the way as a variety of lights shot into the night air. The club was a mile away, but they both felt like they had stopped at the front door. Traffic was dead locked so Nyssa and Alsiyada stepped out of the car. They told the driver to park nearby and wait for orders. They complied with out question and pulled away.


    The women walked towards the club as the music vibrated the entire city block. Hundreds of people danced and drank to their hearts content. Nyssa was confused as to why this was happening, Verdant wasn''t this big. Was there a city fair happening. As they walked towards the club a crowd of people moved aside for some one...No something! A reptilian lizard man walked through the crowd. It was 6''6¡± with hard leather that covered it from neck, to its wrists, ankles, and part of its massive tail. It had a bony skull crest adorned with gold and silver jewelry. The creature turned towards Nyssa and Alsiyada, it let out a crow call into the air.


    ¡°I thought the alien Wraith was bigger, and covered in smoke and shadow?¡± Alsiyada asked.


    ¡°That''s not him...¡± Nyssa replied. As three more Saurus Warriors walked from the crowd towards them, and two more behind them. Nyssa ground her teeth, then the head warrior spoke.


    ¡°...Daughter of the Demon...... Huntress of the Shadows. Our master....... welcomes you, please follow us...... we''ll take you to him.¡± The Saurus Warrior said in its animal voice, it had to try and squeeze the words out properly as it''s vocal cords didn''t seem to work that way.


    Nyssa swallowed her saliva and nodded at them. Alsiyada clenched her hands into fists and walked next to her. Soon the two women were escorted through the crowds by six different warriors. The crowds seem to naturally move around them, though they were not invisible plenty of people took pictures of two women being escorted to the club by the lizardfolk. They soon came to Verdant, it had a huge stage built at the front of it as massive speakers that had been spread out for over a mile pumped music out. The DJ, the bartenders, the staff, the security were all human-lizard hybrids. Some of them looked almost human with only a few lizard features like eyes, or claws.


    Nyssa and Alsiyada eyes were wide in shock! The female lizard DJ swapped the music and massive bass drum beat vibrated through out the whole area. The lights turned into a mutli colored battle as transparent ships flew into the air and had a miniature space battle. The ships flew over the crowds and people cheered! The women were broken out of their gawking as the lizard warriors prodded them on. Near the stage was a large staging area for tables, booths, and private boxes. Everyone near the stage had arm bands on their wrists, before they could go any further the warriors handed them the VIP bands. They walked passed the rope, only one warrior remained with them as the rest walked off to help with security.


    There at the top of the stage like a king over looking their kingdom sat a ten by twenty foot Saurian Wraith. His smoke and shadow shroud swallowed the entire upper stage and part of the next floor. There were dance floors between each sitting area. Nyssa ground her teeth in anger... Its a fucking a power play! Next to Saurian sat Sara who looked directly at them both.


    Sara had a black skin tight outfit on that showed off her athletic figure and left very little to the imagination. The dress went her mid thigh so it showed a lot of leg. She had spike heels on with fishnet stockings, her right arm was sleeveless while her left was covered in scaled soft leather. Her dress top wrapped around her neck and her lower back as her upper back was exposed so the dress is all that kept her breasts supported. Her long blond hair was brushed back out of her face, both of her earlobes were covered in gold and silver earrings. She sat comfortable across what looked...No that was Saurian''s tail. She turned sideways as she admired Nyssa walk up towards them.


    Nyssa and Alsiyada passed the last dance area under the direction of the Saurus Warrior. Once they walked across the threshold it was like they had walked pass a field or shield. The music became muffled, the vibration in the ground silenced, and the air stopped being full of party atmosphere. The warrior stepped off to the side and waited at full attention. Alsiyada was three steps behind, and three steps to Nyssa''s left. In reach but far enough away to not interfere...If there was anything to interfere with.


    ¡°I am Nyssa Raatko, daughter to Ra''s Al Ghul. This is my second, Alsiyada. We have come to speak to you Wraith to return Ta-er Al-Sahfer.¡± Nyssa said with as much determination and etiquette as she could muster given the situation.


    ¡°....No.... You are here to release Ta-er Al-Sahfer. And this is why you will release her.¡± Saurian''s deep bass voice rumbled from his chest. The sound felt like a monster was grinding its teeth next to ones ear. The Saurus Warrior walked over and present a simple box. Nyssa opened the box and her eyes went wide.


    The League of Shadows fell under an odd line in the super-natural world. Ra''s Al Ghul was a pseudo-mundane. Pseudo-mundane''s were aware of the mystical and super-natural world around them but was not part of the super-natural communities and councils. Ra''s was an Occultist, he had access to magic thanks artifacts, the League of Shadows would preform rituals combined with materials to perform odd spells, and abilities. To the mundanes their power was with out limit. To the Super-Natural community they looked like baby mages practicing rudimentary spells. So the Council kept an eye on them, like a parent does while a child who is learning how to finger paint. It is because of this that Ra''s did not know that Wraith was a Warden for the Council.


    ¡°Where did you get this?¡± Nyssa said as she looked at the box. Alsiyada to her credit did not look over her shoulder.


    ¡°The League of Shadows helped Bialya attack me while I traveled on my tech summit. I didn''t look for reprisal, even when I could have easily asked Superman to destroy Nanda Parbat along with the pit that resides there. You will take this token to Ra''s Al Ghul, Sara Lance will be allowed to leave the League with full honors. There is no discussion or negotiation. This will happen, understood?¡± Saurian used Commanding Presence, Nyssa despite her clear reluctance closed the small box and handed it to Alsiyada who put it in her inner pocket.


    ¡°Ta-er Al-Sahfer in the name of Ra''s Al Ghul. I release you. You are Sara Lance once more.¡± Nyssa said in a clear but bitter voice.


    Sara who had not moved from Saurian''s tail stood up and walked over to Nyssa. She gave her a sad smile, pulled her into her arms and kissed her. Nyssa started to cry, but she wrapped her arms around her beloved and kissed her back. Sara pulled Nyssa off the stage towards a private area that Saurian had made ahead of time. Sara had questioned the reason behind it at first but was glad to have it now. She wanted to say goodbye. Alsiyada looked at their departing figures then looked up at Saurian. He looked back at her then gestured towards a table at the foot of his ''throne'' Alsiyada took the hint. She sat down, crossed her legs and looked at the giant.


    ¡°A token of reprisal. That is what is contained with in the box. The Demon''s head broke a rule, the token shows that he will not be punished for it. That is why Sara has been released.¡± Saurian said down to her. Alsiyada''s eyes went wide as her hands went to her coat pocket.


    Alsiyada looked at her pocket then back at Saurian. Why did an Alien have a token of reprisal that could stop Ra''s Al Ghul? What rule did he break? She felt like she had stepped into the shadow of something far greater then herself. That was saying something given who she worked for. The Saurus Warrior came over with several different types of drinks. Alsiyada sipped on one and found it to her liking. Saurian didn''t make any more to continue the conversation, and Alsiyada didn''t know what to talk about. They stayed that way for two hours, Alsiyada had turned her chair sideways so she could watch the scifi ship battle that took place above the club. A capitol ship exploded and sent cosmic debris across the crowds who all cheered at the spectacle.


    Nyssa and Sara soon returned with their clothing put back into place...Mostly. Nyssa looked back at Saurian who looked down at her. She gave him the briefest of nods then turned on her heel and walked down the steps, Alsiyada bowed slightly then joined her. The Saurus Warrior escorted them back to their vehicle. The three of them soon faded into the crowd. Saurian watched Sara as she walked over and curled up onto his lap. She rested her head on his chest and tucked herself between his chest and arm. Sara began to cry, she buried her face into Saurian''s chest. He carefully wrapped his massive arm around her.


    Four o''clock in the morning arrived and the music slowly died down. The massive crowd cheered and chanted Wraith''s name until he stood on the DJ''s stage and said good morning to everyone! People laughed, most cheered, and said good morning in return. Little by little the crowd dispersed, Saurian had created a sound barrier around the area so the blaring music didn''t keep the local Glades awake. They gathered up all the trash and used Decomposition, then the hundred or so drug addicts that he used Sooth on to pull the crap out of their system. Then he collapsed the entire set up in about ten minutes, and returned it to ambient magic.


    Saurian sat in Verdant with Oliver, Roy, Thea, Diggle, Felicity, and the newly released Sara. Sara was currently telling the team how the whole event went. Saurian lay across a fabricated coach, Sara sat at the edge of the coach against his tail. Everyone had coffee in hand as they talked about the party along with whether or not the League would really leave just like that? Saurian said he could always ask Superman to destroy their HQ if they tried anything more. The boy scout would jump at the chance to destroy an ''evil'' assassin guild. Diggle, Roy, Felicity, and Thea went home. Leaving Saurian, Oliver, and Sara. They moved down to the Arrow ''club house'' that Saurian had called it. Oliver frowned while Sara cracked up laughing.


    ¡°Not that I am complaining. But I expected a fight.¡± Oliver said as he sat in one of the Arrow club house chairs.


    Saurian had deconstructed the coach and reconstructed it in the club house. He lay across it as he looked at Oliver, he had pulled his Wraith disguise off so Oliver and Sara could see the massive armored creature. Oliver knew he was in trouble when seeing such a monster in his base of operations didn''t bother him. Sara sat in a chair next to Oliver and was just as surprised that she wasn''t surprised anymore.


    ¡°The token released Sara. It didn''t get rid of Slade Wilson. So a fight will still come, just remember the Justice League is here to help if something big happens. Just like you all did with Gotham. Oh! Sara, you are no longer dead!¡± Saurian produced a Phantasm computer screen it showed Sara Lance legal file had been recovered, social security, birth certificate, etc. Shield and Sword to the rescue!


    ¡°Thanks Wraith, makes finding an apartment easier.¡± Sara said with a smile.


    The three of them talked for awhile but Saurian soon left the club house. But not before he produced five hundred thousand dollars for Sara to start her life up again. A giant fucking dinosaur? No problem! A giant rave party made in less then an hour, no worries! Recreation of the entire Arrow club house...Little odd but ok? But a half a million dollars dropped in a organized pile in front of Oliver and Sara...Nope! They both threw their hands into the air and said they were done with reality. Sara went to her room in the barracks, Oliver went home.


    Saurian created a sign and staked it into the ground with a Decomposition delayed spell on it. The said read, ''Agent Wraith thanks Starling City for his Mini-Vacation. But he is off to Coast City, CA. For work!'' Saurian got a Warden transportation vehicle and went to Captain Lance''s precinct. It was Sunday so Lance wasn''t there. Saurian walked in and spoke to the desk Sergeant who nearly had a heart attack when they saw Wraith. Saurian created a meta-human holding cell, along with several meta-human restraints for transportation. He left a huge manual on how each worked with the desk sergeant, along with an ARGUS contact number and left before the Chief of Police showed up. He jumped through a tree to Starling''s Warden HQ. Then went to Coast City, California. Why? John Stewart the Green Lantern worked from there.


    ==============================================================


    John Stewart came back from his run he had done eight miles easily and felt like he could go for another ten. He had his power ring on but didn''t have it active as he was trying to test his ''new'' limits ever since he had connected to everyone through that pack thing J''onn had explained to him. He came up to his home that he shared with his wife Katma Tui, and his sister Lynn.


    John walked in towards the kitchen and pulled out a carton of orange juice he gulped it down as he listened to the noise of his home. He heard a discussion upstairs, or maybe a fight. Lynn was fighting with her fiancee again, Jefferson Pierce. Jefferson was a principle at local high school in a bad neighborhood. But he did good work for the community and tried his best to help his kids. But he would often over step and get in trouble with the local gangs. Lynn would beg him not to get involved, but he would refuse and back and forth they would go. John wanted to get involved but the Guardians forbid him from getting tangled in simple problems of his home. Using a Green Lantern for such simple things as gangs would be like using a Nuke on a purse snatcher.


    ¡°I assume you are holding that carton because you are going to put it in a glass?¡± A feminine voice spoke behind him as he felt to arms around him. John turned around with a smile at his beautiful wife.


    Katma Tui was a Green Lantern just like him, but unlike him she was not human. She was a Korugaran, she had black hair, blue eyes, and pink skin. Though she used the rings power to change the pigment of her skin so she wouldn''t stick out. She wore blue jeans, a t-shirt, and went bare foot around the house. She rolled her eyes at John who tried to charm his way out of getting a glass.


    ¡°Of course! Of course!¡± John said as he poured the half empty carton into a glass. He finished of the rest and sat down at the table with Katma. The argument upstairs settled down at least for now.


    ¡°Oh! The information probe came back from Oa. The Archive has no clear mention on who Wraith''s people are. There are hundreds of reptile like races in the galaxy. Next time you see him just ask him if you can scan him with your ring.¡± Katma said to him.


    ¡°Really? Ya...Sorry Wraith I need to scan you with my ring cause the Guardians have no idea what you are do you mind?¡± John did a play act on the situation.


    ¡°Only terrains would take offense to that John. I bet he wont he flinch at...¡± Katma said before she heard... Knock! Knock! At the door. But before she could stand up she heard a shout from the upstairs.


    ¡°That''s for me! Sorry! Sorry! I''m coming!¡± Jefferson shouted as he raced down the stairs. He waved at Katma and John. Then opened the door and jumped back with a shout!


    ¡°WHAT THE FUCK!?¡± Jefferson shouted at the top of his lungs. John and Katma were on their feet and in the hallway to find a Wraith creature standing in the door way with its head tilted to one side.


    ¡°John! Did I catch you at a bad time?¡± Wraith''s animalistic voice spoke from the shroud.


    ===============================================================


    Saurian crouched low to the ground and used his massive tail as a sort of chair. His shroud covered nearly half the living room as John, Katma his wife, Lynn John''s sister, and Jefferson Lynn''s boyfriend looked at him. Katma opened and closed her mouth several times like she wanted to ask him something but decided not to. She repeatedly rubbed her green power ring that surprised Saurian when he first saw it. He had assumed Hal, and John where the only current Green Lanterns. John smiled at Katma who glared at him. Inside joke?


    ¡°So...You just came by to check in?¡± John asked him.


    ¡°Yes! Do you know anything about meta-humans?¡± Saurian asked, his animal voice made Jefferson jump every time.


    ¡°Yes, they are standard evolution era on most worlds. Normally they happen naturally, but sometimes through science or others they can happen artificially. The Flash is a meta-human.¡± John replied. Saurian nodded, then turned to look at Jefferson. Jefferson shrunk his neck in and shook his head back and forth in a clear ''no''. Lynn looked at him with concern.


    ¡°I''ve come to inform you that dark matter has entered Earth''s atmosphere. Its in the water, the ground, the air itself. About 98% of Earth will be largely unaffected by it, but its the last 2% we need to watch out for. Earth is sorely ill equipped to handle the sudden change. Jefferson is a great example!¡± Saurian said bluntly. John, Katma nodded in understanding up until he mentioned Jefferson, he''s an example?


    ¡°Jefferson, what is he talking about?¡± Lynn asked, Jefferson went visible pale as he looked at his fiancee Lynn then back at Saurian.


    ¡°Jefferson is a meta-human, he has Electrokinesis. I''m confused as to how you didn''t know that? The lights in the room have been fritzing out since he walked into the room.¡± Saurian said nonchalantly. Lynn had her mouth open wide as she looked at Jefferson.


    ¡°Aha! So it wasn''t bad wiring! I told you it only happened when Jefferson was in the house!¡± Katma took the opportunity to poke John in the chest with a matter o fact justification. John rolled his eyes at her.


    ¡°You....Your Black Lighting aren''t you?¡± Lynn stood up and pointed a finger at Jefferson. Saurian snapped his claws in understanding, that is why Jefferson looked familiar to him.


    ¡°I''m sorry...I...I couldn''t run the risk of putting you in danger...¡± Jefferson mumbled his words, which only earned him a fierce glare from Lynn.


    ¡°Danger? So you lied to me to protect me!? My brother is a Green Lantern! He fights criminals on a daily basis...In the open! And you tell me you did it to protect me!?¡± Lynn shouted at him. Lynn had a good point.


    Miss Tui, you look like you have a question you want to ask me?¡± Saurian turned to look at Katma as if the argument next to him had nothing to do with him. Katma looked back and forth between the fight and Saurian. She squared her shoulders and asked.


    ¡°Wraith can we scan you with our power rings, we want see what race you are in the Galactic spectrum?¡± Katma asked, despite the clear argument that Lynn and Jefferson were about to have they both went quiet at the mention of Wraith''s race.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Saurian said in delight. He was reasonably sure what the ring would say.


    ¡°See! I told you he wouldn''t mind! Ring please identify!¡± Katma said with a grin at John who rolled his eyes at her in defeat. A neon green construct was created and scanned Saurian from head to toe....


    ¡°Identifying..... Identifying...... Identifying..... Can not identify.... Classification unknown.¡± The ring''s automated voice responded... Katma''s, and John''s face went blank.


    ¡°John, Katma, this may be the first time its happened so let me be the first to tell you. The Guardians of Oa don''t know everything.¡± Saurian said with smug satisfaction. Katma opened and closed her mouth several times she didn''t know how to respond.


    John scanned Saurian as well just to double check, the results were the same. Katma and John asked if they could do a full scan and send the information back to Oa. Saurian agreed on the condition that the Guardians would share what they find with him. After an hour of thorough scanning they sent the information off to Oa. Jefferson and Lynn had taken their discussion back upstairs where shouting continued back and forth. Saurian gave the house a full once over with his magic. Improved insulation, wiring, A/C, windows, etc, etc. Soon the shouting died down not because they had finished but because they couldn''t hear them anymore.


    ¡°Wow....That is really nice! What this?¡± John asked when Saurian handed him a paper...


    ¡°Its a receipt confirmation for Jefferson''s school. It is in desperate need of funding so I transferred one million dollars to it. Under the condition that Jefferson be the one to direct where it''s suppose to go. Now, does this city have a major crimes unit precinct? I''m suppose to build a meta-human holding cell.¡± Saurian asked. John smiled at Saurian for donating money to the high school, a million dollars would help a lot!


    Katma offered to give the receipt to Jefferson while John flew over to the station with Saurian. They landed at the station the police had a minor freak out at the sight of Green Lantern who they had seen a few times helping in dire situations, but Agent Wraith of UNWS was another problem all together. Saurian informed the Captain of the MCU about meta-humans, as he built them a holding cell, and hand-cuffs. He gave them a huge manual and a ARGUS contact number.


    ¡°Before I leave I wanted to run an idea past you. Do you think the Justice League should have a orbital satellite for a Head Quarters? Or should it be built on the moon?¡± Saurian asked John who stopped to think.


    ¡°I think an orbital satellite would be a good choice. Avoid favoritism with any specific nation, plus it would allow us to move it into specific position if need be for quick response. But I can see the advantages of having it on the moon as well. I''ll run the idea past the others, I assume you already have a few designs for it?¡± John asked with a smile as he shook Saurian''s massive hand.


    ¡°I do. See you later John, hopefully not to soon!¡± Saurian said as he jumped into a tree and returned to the local Warden HQ. Next stop was....Las Vegas Nevada to see Zatanna!


    ==============================================================


    In a grand study room sat someone with no face. Yes, the face was simply blank as the person continued to breath through their nose that wasn''t there, they also drank from a glass on the desk though they had no mouth. The person wrote in a larger than life book, with a golden pen. As the person wrote in the book, the book gave words back. The person read the response, then wrote a reply. Then they reached into the desk and drawer pulled out a richly ornate wooden box. They opened the box and contained with in was a black obsidian carved with orichalcum twenty sided dice. They picked it up, rolled it around in their hands and tossed it across the desk. Bounce...Bounce....Roll.... The D20 came to....17. The number 17 glowed brilliantly as the fabric of reality seem to bend around it.


    ¡°The games begin....¡± Said the person with a genderless voice.

 Chapter 60: House of Lies.

    As the nexus portal powered down, Saurian stepped from it after he thanked the mage with a token of Nature magic that left the poor fellow in a puddle of pleasure. Saurian walked the sacred halls of the Warden head quarters. He passed by dozens of people who all greeted him, a few asked why he was visiting. Normally Warden''s stick to their assigned cities and only leave due to business or pleasure. But Saurian had a free pass for travel because of his circumstances. He checked by the information agency in the HQ and learned all the local info, culture, and anyone to watch out for.


    Several casino''s were currently closed and being looked into thanks to the Blood-Kindred oversight. Three Kindred houses in Las Vegas alone had been dissolved due to illegal activities. But there was a problem, hundreds of Blood-Kindred went underground instead of obeying the new laws. Bounties had been placed for any information or even capture of several outstanding Kindred. Oversight would weed out rot with in the Kindred. Or just make the already powerful and connected even more powerful because of the power vacuums. Criminal activity mundane and super-natural had spiked by about 45% in Vegas alone.


    Before Saurian left he went to the medical wing in the HQ and crafted them a Nature Domain enchanted tree. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Restoration, Nature''s Kiss, and Regrowth. Then he got a prompt from something he had been looking forward to for a while.


    Congratulations User! Intermediate Enchanting has evolved into Advanced Enchanting.


    Effects: Now all enchanted spell effects are capable of holding 50% of their capability.


    ¡°Dawn, My brightest star. I noticed I don''t always get the same notification for every evolution. Is that because there is no drastic effects other then an increase and decrease in power?¡± Saurian asked as he finished carving the stone.


    ¡°That is correct, User! We''ve also noticed that you prefer simple and to the point messages. Unless you acquire something new the explanation prompts will be simple. I would also like to remind you that in a few hours in the Real it is time for your scheduled break. So you have approximately two to three weeks in the dream.¡± Dawn''s sweet voice called into Saurian''s ear.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn.¡± Saurian said softly.


    One hour in the Real was one week in the Dream. Despite the long exposure to the generated Dream world Saurian felt fine. He sat down and spoke to several of the spell-healers in the medical ward. He instructed them on how to use the imbued tree, recharge rate, etc. He also talked shop with a people about the Life Domain, while his Skill Trainer for teaching Nature to them went up a few points. Observant Learner informed him that the Life Domain reached (68%). He also learned that he couldn''t force feed the Nature Domain into some one. He received several prompts about the target not being acceptable host for the magic. Turns out that you can get the learned domain to 99% but unless you are compatible it wont ever be fully obtained.


    With the sound of flesh being torn, bones breaking, Saurian shifted back to Lash. Lash brushed down his Warden armor and created a multi layered glamour and Illusion Domain of him wearing designer boots, pants, tucked in gray t-shirt that he filled out very well with his 6'' 4¡± muscled form. Changed his eye color to green, tanned skin tone, hid his tattoo''s but kept himself bald. When he went up to the top layer of the Vega''s HQ he discovered that a Casino and hotel was on the surface. The Hidden Eye was the name of the casino. Open to mundanes and super-natural''s alike. Normally Warden HQ''s are kept at a distance from towns and cities but the HQ had been here for over two hundred years. City grew around it, so instead of moving they just changed it to ''The Hidden Eye''.


    The Casino and Hotel was much like a lot of places on the strip. It had about five thousand rooms of different varieties. Economic, business, and VIP sections. Large strips of land for the occupants of the hotel. A large stage for shows of dancing, comedy, and magic tricks. But the real kicker was that the hotel had a theme! The Super-Natural! Much like caesars palace with everyone in toga''s and stage props. The Hidden Eye had Were-Leopards walking around, mermaids in the aquariums, etc! The only difference is that all the ''actors'' were actual super-natural''s. Along with a massive underground complex.


    Lash cast Immaculate on himself just for good measure. It had been a while since he hand been to a shower. Stepped out from the casino and walked the famous Vegas strip. The surge of vitality and sickness rolled over him like a tide. He could feel both sides of world as he joined the masses. There was beauty on the surface but he could see all the rot and filth as well. Anyone who lived in Vegas could tell you that the Strip is a shitty environment. It was a melting pot of culture, ethnicity, and races. Not just humans, he saw all sorts of super-natural denizens walking the strip. But he also saw a few people walk around with out glamour! Red skin, horns, devil tail! Most people seem to think they were part of a show. Maybe they were!


    The strip went on for miles down a long road with a variety of lights, attractions, side area''s, and indulgence both legal and illegal. It was late afternoon when Lash walked the strip and it was still jam packed with people and would only fill up more and more as time went by. It was Sunday, and it was still filled to the brim. But because it was Sunday he saw several preachers on boxes shouting at the masses to repent! To find solace in God.


    ¡°And the Lord said unto me! Listen not to those that come from the stars! For they shall lead you astray! My brothers and sisters! Do not hear the please of the those that do not look like my children! For they are products of the Devil himself!¡± Said a very enthusiastic man with a bible in hand. Dressed up in all black and a white collar. Lash stopped to watch him for a bit. Several people put bills into his collection.


    ¡°I tell you my brothers and sisters! We must come together now, more then ever! Throw away your petty disagreements over the color of your skin! Over your religious beliefs! Come together now! Follow in the light of the Heaven! Join our congregation and put humanity first!¡± The preacher yelled out! Lash''s eyes narrowed at that phrase.


    ¡°I have a question?¡± Lash said loud enough for all those to hear.


    ¡°Speak up my brother! What questions do you have for God!¡± The preacher smiled at him.


    ¡°Tell me Mr Wells. Why is a man that was excommunicated from the church wearing a poorly crafted catholic priest suit? In order to spread hate and fear, all to spend more money at the strip club down the street?¡± Lash asked with a smile as he created a ''holo-image'' of the ''preachers'' ID for everyone to read. Thanks to Wayne-Tech holographic watches were expensive but around. ''Preacher'' Wells went pale. Lash produced a ''badge'' on his belt and pointed at Wells.


    ¡°Leave....¡± Lash said to him. Wells jumped down from his box. Snagged his collection bowl and took off down the side walk. The ''congregation'' all scattered at the sight of the badge. Lash threw a Warden identification mark on the ''priest'' and sent his info to the Warden HQ. Possible Human''s First recruiter. Low priority.


    ¡°Ooohhh look at the piggy! Throwing his weight around! You goin to bust everyone on the street for speaking their mind?¡± Said a man that didn''t scatter. Lash looked over and saw a 5''9¡± over weight man with a nose that had been broken more then once.


    ¡°When a man claiming to be an ordained priest takes parishioners money in the name of God. That is not only illegal in the US, it also a Sin against God. Now, if he was an actual priest, and planned to use the money at his church. I may not have agreed with the bullshit he was spouting. But I would have let him shout and collect. To take the money from stupid people.¡± Lash said as he walked up to the man and stopped when he was ten feet away.


    ¡°So the man lied about being a priest! So he lied about what he was using the money for! He didn''t lie about the alien scum coming from the stars. Anything that isn''t human shouldn''t be on Earth. Earth was made for humans!¡± the man shouted, and several people cheered.


    ¡°As an American citizen Mr Cowell. That is your right to think that. No matter how fucking stupid it sounds. That is your right. However, I find it hard to agree with a man that has been convicted of domestic abuse, and is not allowed to see his two kids because he was suspected of pedophilia.¡± Lash said to him. Cowell''s face went purple with rage as his back up took a step back in revulsion.


    ¡°You piece of shit! I fucking kill you!¡± Cowell shouted and threw a punch at Lash. Lash ducked under his arm, tapped his back and sent a shock through him. Cowell dropped like a sack of potatoes.


    Lash on the sly fabricated a pair of handcuffs and read Cowell his rights for his attempted assault on an officer. He used Connectivity to call in some officers to take Cowell into custody. He filled out the paper work in record time. Officers showed up and dragged Cowell who was unconscious out to the local precinct. Who was Lash? Just a passing by US Marshal, it raised a few questions but no one had the pay grade to force him to answer. He blended back into the crowd and disappeared.


    Lash found three more people all spreading hate and fear for Aliens. However unlike the ''priest'' they did it in the open. As much as Lash wanted to pull them down technically by law they hadn''t broken anything. He placed a Warden mark on them, and sent their file to the Warden''s for follow up. Low priority. He understood that this was all nickel and dimes for the grand scheme of things. But he hated the little shits spouting lies about his work. One of them did say Superman was a shit stain so Lash broke his nose. He was gone by the time the cops showed up.


    ¡°Zzzzzzzzztttttt! Gaaaah!¡± A woman dropped to the ground next to Lash.


    She was 5''6¡± with fair skin, blue eyes, dirty blond hair, and looked a little thin in her punk goth cloths. She had tried to pick his pocket and received a shock to her system. The crowd around Lash and the woman spread out in surprise. Lash crouched down and looked at her as she was still conscious, but convulsing for a few more seconds.


    ¡°Sorry, I''m not the best person to try and pick a pocket from. As you can see its trapped. So why have you been following me?¡± Lash asked her with a smile on his face. Though he was sure it was not a friendly smile as the girl shivered.


    ¡°I...Its not personal man. I was just paid to snag your ID for some people.¡± The woman said to him as she sat up and tried to get away. Lash snagged her wrist to keep her from running. She tried to wiggle, squeeze, twist, and even kicked his leg to get him to let go. None of it worked.


    ¡°What do they look like?¡± Lash said to her as he continued to hold her like a child throwing a temper tantrum.


    ¡°What the fuck! I... don''t know!¡± The woman screamed at him and tried to kick in the balls. She screamed when her foot connected, balls hard as iron could describe Lash. She dropped to the ground and screamed in pain, she had broke a toe in the attempt.


    ¡°Great! Now you''ll just have to show me where you planned to meet them.¡± Lash said with a smile and cast a new spell he had learned from his Illusion Domain.


    Illusion Domain Spell Compulsion: Is a form of minor mind control. This is a dangerous spell that can lead many down a dark path. Those with metal resistance are harder to compel. Simple commands are all you can cause currently but will grow with practice. -''These are not the droids you are looking for.''


    ¡°Take me to the meet up point.¡± Lash said, his voice low and soothing. The resistance in the woman''s face faded.


    ¡°ok.....¡± She said with a glaze look in her eyes. Lash fixed her toe before they left. He slipped her a few hundred dollars for her trouble. The woman''s eyes were still glazed but her lips did tug up a bit.


    Along the way Lash spoke to his new ''friend'' Shondell was her name. She was born and raised in Vegas. Her punk goth look was just a uniform she wore while she worked the strip. Despite her young look she was nearly thirty. She was mostly a runner that did little odd jobs for people here and there. Pick pocketing a few people, passing drugs, information, etc. She learned too late that you don''t stay young forever. She was currently trying to get her associates degree at community college. She couldn''t be this way for much longer. Before he released Shondell he fed the skill Science into her skull through Skill Trainer.


    Congratulations User! Skill Trainer has evolved into Minor Skill Trainer: You are now better at teaching the masses the use of skills you already know. They obtain the skill easier and obtain a small experience gain in the skill for a short while.


    Forced Skill Assimilation: Now takes 20% less energy from the target. But will continue to take double the experience before the target earns the Minor Evolution of the skill.


    ¡°What....gaaaa... what did you do?¡± Lash gently pulled Shondell to the side of the street. They had stepped off the strip but were not far from it. A bar and grill with the name, ''Lavet'' was in front of them. He handed her ten grand which made her eyes go wide. She stared at him in shock.


    ¡°Get out of the life, Shondell. Take the money, go to school, be a different person.¡± Lash said as he released her from his Compulsion. Shondell regained her capacity to think freely. She stared at Lash like he was a monster, but looked at the money with conflict on her face.


    ¡°You... How....What are you?¡± Shondell asked.


    ¡°Go home... Leave the life.¡± Lash said to her one more time and walked towards the bar. Shondell looked at his back. Then stuff her hands into her pockets and hid the money. Tears welled up in her eyes.... Why couldn''t she had met Lash sooner? She turned on her heels and went home.


    The bar and grill was a nice little spot off the beaten path of the strip. A twist, and turn and you see a sign with the smell of BBQ in the air. A few people sat out front with beers in their hands and talked about life. The grill had two stories to it, from the looks of things looked like the owner lived above it while the first floor was the restaurant. Lash walked past the front area opened the door and saw a simple place with a long wooden bar, twelve tables, made with a cherry wood finish. A older man sat behind the bar watching a game on a flat screen TV above the bar. A sign at the front read ''please seat yourself'' Lash just stood there however.


    ¡°Look for something, son?¡± The bartender looked away from the TV. He was 6'' even with tan leather skin, salt and peppered brown hair, brown eyes. He wore a white t-shirt along with an apron. He filled the shirt out well enough, a lot of upper body strength.


    ¡°Looking for Kovin. He sent a pick pocket after me. I''d like to know why.¡± Lash said with a smile as he looked at the old man. The old man groaned as he brought his hands under the bar. He reached for the beretta that was stashed there.


    ¡°What happened to Dell?¡± The old man asked as he took the gun off its holster. The old man widened his stance and watched Lash with determination.


    ¡°I slipped her some money and sent her on her way. You can call her if you like, she said you two are pretty close.¡± Lash said honestly to the old man. He stayed at the entrance with his hands at his sides in full view of the old man.


    The old man was named Enrique, he worked and owned ''Lavet''. However what he actually did was play the gate keeper for the underground market. That was literally under his building. Imagine a staffing agency for the street and criminal world. Go to Lavet''s, go to the underground desk and get work. It was neutral territory in Vegas for the mundanes. Enrique was actually a former spy that worked for the CIA. He retired here and slipped a few crumbs here and there to government when he found something useful. So VCPD left Lavet alone. Now the name Lavet had a lot of meanings but the one in use was. ''One hand washes the other.''


    ¡°Dell! You alright?¡± Enrique asked over his phone. He kept an eye on Lash who hadn''t moved from his spot at the front. Lash just watched him, his body unnaturally still that it made Enrique tighten his grip on his gun.


    ¡°No, no. I got you. He did what!? That...That''s enough to clear your debt! Dell your free! No! Go home, we''ll talk later.¡± Enrique hung up the phone and put his gun away. He stared at Lash with a different eye now.


    ¡°That''s a lot of money to just hand out to a complete stranger...¡± Enrique said as he tried to read Lash''s reaction.


    ¡°Is Kovin down stairs? Or is he some place else?¡± Lash replied, his entire body language was stoic and simple.


    ¡°He''s down stairs, remember this place is neutral so don''t start nothing.¡± Enrique said as he pointed at a wall that clicked and slid to the side.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Lash replied with a smile that wasn''t a smile. He turned his body in one fluid motion that a human body shouldn''t be able to do. Enrique flinched at the sight and cursed under his breath.


    ¡°Fuck....Your one of those things.¡± Enrique gritted his teeth and tried to stay as far away from Lash as he could. Lash had no idea who what meant, but it was worth investigating.


    ¡°I''m sorry Agent Enrique...One of what?¡± Lash asked as he stopped mid step to look at him. The way Lash twisted his body was not something a human spine could do.


    ¡°One of those animal spliced things the agency made. Part animal part human, just.... Please, I don''t know what your orders are but not everyone down stairs is bad. They just have it hard ok?¡± Enrique was under the impression that Lash was there to kill someone.


    Lash tilted his head to one side, again much further then a human should be able to do. He grinned at Enrique as his lips pulled back much further. Enrique shuddered at the sight but refused to turn away. Lash was both amused, and confused. He had simply done the whole animal act because he was bored. But it ended up leading to something. He created a Virtual Intelligence tech-spirit and had it dive into the dark web about government animal splicing on humans.


    Lash adjusted back to the way a ''human'' would walk and made his way to the sliding door. He walked down some stairs and came to a long concrete hallway that was about ten feet wide, and ten feet tall. Several arrows pointed the way. He came across a few intersections, but all the arrows led to steel door that was guarded by two professional thugs who wore tailored made suits with kevlar sewn into the lining. Combat knives, side arms, and sub-machine guns in hand. Off to the side was a keypad, Lash walked up and inputted a code that was gibberish as simply hacked the door. Beep! Red to green, the guards stepped aside and opened the door. Thump! Thump! Thump! The sound of club music played. Why was it always a club?


    Lash stepped into a hallway that was brightly lit and came to a very large foray with lush red carpet on the ground that led to several different stair cases. Each stair case had a sign for jobs, turns ins, club, and hotel. Music blared from the direction of the club while dozens of people walked up and down the stairs. Dressed in tailored suits, uniforms that ranged from police officers, to dancers at a local club.


    ¡°You a first timer?¡± A man called out off the side.


    Lash looked over to see a 5''11¡± man with pale skin, neatly trimmed black hair, athletic build, wearing a tailored made suit. He sat a furnished oak desk off to the side. He had been typing on the computer until he spoke out to Lash. Lash walked with a smile as he noticed one key feature. The man had red highlights in his eyes.


    ¡°Didn''t expect to see a Blood-Kindred here.¡± Lash said softly. The Kindred sat up straight when Lash pointed him out.


    ¡°Woah! You are the first person to point me out. I''m newly converted, its only been a few years. What can I help you with. Gabriel is the name.¡± Gabriel said with a smile as he stood up and offered his hand.


    Lash used his Sherogoth''s Blessing and only saw a few minor things that any average human would have on the Kindred''s soul. Lash reached out and shook Gabriel''s hand. He activated his Grave Domain and read through him. He hadn''t lied, he had started the conversion only a few years ago. He was still stronger than the average man but not by much. Lash did a quick search on Gabriel in the Warden database. He came from a mainstream house who was legit in their dealings. At least by super-natural standards.


    ¡°Lash is my name. I am looking for a man named Kovin. Who payed a pick pocket to swipe my ID. The thief is alive, it just made her a better offer. I''d like to know why someone wants to meet me. Especially since I made this face only a few hours ago.¡± Lash spoke honestly to him.


    Gabriel''s eye brows went up in surprise. He sat down at his computer and asked what Kovin looked like. Lash gave a brief description thanks to Shondell. Everyone who came into the House of Lies that Gabriel''s master ran for the mundanes had to register on through the database. Kovin was a mundane gunrunner that supplied a lot of the local gangs, drug dealers, and had connections with a larger gunrunner family. Gabriel also brought up the job listing. There was a picture of Lash''s glamoured appearance walking down the strip. The job was simple to obtain his ID as a US marshal, and paid well too.


    ¡°So it had been posted after you pulled down the false priest, only a few minutes after. The priest isn''t in our data base so he isn''t part of the scene here. So someone was watching the priest and noticed you. Dollars to dimes I bet they ran your face through recognition and didn''t find you. So that made the job. Kovin is in the club in the VIP section. Here this will get you past the guards. Just please don''t fight here. Neutral ground.¡± Gabriel said as he handed a VIP card to Lash.


    ¡°Why did you become a Kindred, Gabriel? Not judging, just curious.¡± Lash asked him as he pocketed the card. Gabriel leaned back in his seat as he thought about the question.


    ¡°Cancer... I''ve worked for the House of Lies since I was nine years old. House Knight took a shine to me and brought me under her wing. I didn''t know the real scene of course just did my job and did it well. Then I dropped a job because I started coughing up blood. Melina the house Knight petitioned for me to be turned. House Master agreed, and here I am. Knowing what I know now, I may have done it differently. But I am happy to be a part of the House of Lies.¡± Gabriel said with a smile. Lash nodded, and put a single orichalcum coin on the desk.


    ¡°Thanks for the help, oh that is worth more than you think.¡± Lash said as Gabriel looked at the coin in confusion before he put it away. Lash performed a full etiquette bow that Gabriel tried to copy but failed. He was still learning the customs.


    Lash took the stairs up to the club and came to a strange scene. It was a full classic opera house scene with the chairs all pulled out for a dance floor, a band playing on the stage. Lights and lasers went across the whole area as the floor was filled with people dancing, and having a good time. Along the edges were booths with a massive bar on one side. Then on the second floor were private boxes that were being served by well trained men and women in form fitting tuxedo outfits. Lash walked across the floor off to the side. About one of out ten of the staff were new born Kindred, the rest being mundane humans. While staff with authority were all Kindred just little older. A majority of the people that came to the club for work or fun were mundanes.


    He slipped up to the second floor after a Kindred guard checked his VIP card. He came to a section of the club that had several booths reserved for a party. Even on a Sunday night girls wearing short and revealing dresses served and snuggled with men in suits. Guards stood on standby to ensure no one bothered their bosses. There in the center of the reserved area sat a thirty something man who wore casual dress shoes, gray slacks, with a red silk shirt, and gray suit jacket. He had his arms wrapped around two women. His black curly hair was cut short but long enough to run fingers through, with a square jaw, high cheek bones, and sharp nose. Plastic surgery was what came to Lash''s mind.


    ¡°Reserved party, please move along.¡± A guard who looked incredibly bored said to Lash.


    ¡°Please tell the sir I am here about the job he posted. More specifically I''m the man he tried to steal from.¡± Lash smiled at the guard who blinked at him in surprise.


    The guard motioned to one of his companions to take his place as he walked over to Kovin. Kovin smiled at him as he listened then his smiled disappeared as he looked over at Lash who waved at him. Kovin sat up straight but didn''t shoo the women away from him. The women understanding something changed sat up as well and maintained enough distance so Kovin could move. Kovin gestured for Lash to join them. The guards stood aside, Lash walked over and took an offered seat.


    ¡°So, Mr Kovin. You are fully aware that I am not a US Marshal. Why did you feel it necessary to steal my ID?¡± Lash said as soon as he sat down. He leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees to watch Kovin''s reaction. Kovin look irritated as he watched him.


    ¡°The man you pulled down works for one of my clients. You could say he is a recruiter. I wanted to know why a fake US Marshal is stepping into my clients business. If I got your ID I could see who made it. Follow the trail as it were. But you being here tells me a few things. So I''ll be nice... Don''t get into my clients business and we wont have a problem.¡± Kovin spoke with slavic accent as he glared at Lash.


    ¡°May I know your client? How can I stay away if I don''t know who they are.¡± Lash said as he leaned back and showed his hands. His body language suggested he had accepted the idea. The tense atmosphere around Kovin loosened a bit.


    ¡°Humans First.....¡± Kovin said with a smile.


    Both the women next to him looked at him in surprise. The ''HF'' was a known terrorist organization that had attacked many science, medical, and businesses that had any interaction with the ''Aliens''. They were not afraid of collateral damage. But their training kicked in and they returned to their blissfully naive expressions. Kovin didn''t notice as he watched how Lash''s body language went from surrender to bubbling rage.


    ¡°Ohhhhh... Mr Kovin if you had said anyone else. Drug cartels, local mobsters, even a foreign country. I would have stopped. But Humans First is in my shit list, and now that you have freely admitted that the HF are you clients. I will use my considerable resources and connections to see you and your business burn.¡± Lash said with a smile. He stood up under the intense glare of Kovin. The guards around them pulled their guns out.


    ¡°Gentlemen! Did you forget about the rule of Neutrality in the House of Lies?¡± A feminine voice called out.


    The voice belong to a woman who wore black dress shoes, black slacks, white buttoned up shirt, black suit jacket. She had sub-machine gun on her hip, and a long sword strapped to her back. She was 5''11¡± with short blond hair that was above her shoulders and pinned back. Lightly tanned skin, and strong hourglass figure that just oozed sex appeal. But most of all here eyes were completely red. Well under her glamour they were red, with the glamour of a full Blood-Kindred they were amber. She walked up to the reserved party with several other Blood-Kindred and Gabriel.


    ¡°Melina! This man is threatening my business. How can me and my men just let him go with out a warning?¡± Kovin said as he stood up in greeting to her.


    ¡°People threaten each other all the time in the House of Lies. But no one takes their weapons out because once you do that you intend to draw blood. And I know you wouldn''t do that, Kovin. So we''ll just assume your people were cleaning their weapons?¡± Melina said.


    Melina made a simple hand gesture and her soldiers spread out to surround the reserved party. The party goers in and out of the reserved area all stood at attention, the atmosphere became tense. Kovin looked at Melina in surprise. His family had been a part of the House of Lies for decades, they had far more reach than most that came here. More then once Melina had offered to remove people from the club because he didn''t like them. Kovin looked at Lash, a question clear on his face.


    ¡°I am a guest in this house. I understand the neutrality and will abide by it. Yes I did threaten Mr Kovin. He has openly admitted to doing business to the terrorist organization Humans First. So I threatened him and fully intend to destroy him. But it will be away from these sacred grounds.¡± Lash turned towards Melina and gave her a full Warden customary bow. The Warden etiquette was noticed by Melina who blinked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Kovin...Tell your people to stop cleaning their weapons. You may send the wrong message that you are above the rules here.¡± Melina said after a moment of staring at Lash. All the mundanes in the area looked at Lash in confusion because after he bowed all the guards in the area took a battle ready stance towards Kovin''s group. Something that Kovin noticed with obvious surprise.


    ¡°You know what...I think we''ll just leave.¡± Kovin said, he motioned for his guards to put their weapons away and was about to leave when.


    ¡°Now, now! Mr. Kovin we can''t have you leave so quickly....You just got here.¡± Melina said loudly.


    Korvin stopped, he looked at Melina with horror in his eyes. As dozens House guards appeared almost out of thin air. The women were excused since they worked at the House while Korvin''s party goers were forced to sit and be quiet. Everyone on the second floor now payed attention to the scene. This would happen from time to time. People that had power go to their heads would cause problems in the club and have to be taught a lesson. But Korvin''s family had a lot of pull here so when all the VIP''s saw that he was being punished for messing with a complete stranger? Who the fuck was the stranger?


    Gabriel came to Lash''s side and gestured for him to follow. Lash did so, though he did smile and wave at Kovin who looked pale with fright. Who ever was punished by the House of Lies didn''t meet a good end. Lash was escorted to the third floor that was for staff only much to the surprise of the VIP section because that didn''t happen often. Lash walked past a line on the ground and the sound from the club magically went away. When they were both out of ear and eye shot Gabriel turned on his heel and pointed a finger at Lash.


    ¡°What the fuck!? Warden Lash! The man who caused the oversight! Why didn''t you tell me who you were? Fuck! I''ve never seen Knight Melina look so terrified before!¡± Gabriel shouted at Lash.


    ¡°Gabriel...The House of Lies is a legal house. They have nothing to fear from me. I also didn''t know who Kovin was or that he was feeding the HF. I''m happy I checked up on it though. I don''t know what rumors or false hood stories you''ve heard about me. But I don''t discriminate against the different super-natural''s as long as they obey the laws that is all that matters.¡± Lash said with a smile and a shrug as he leaned up against a wall.


    ¡°Yaaaa....Most Kindred think of you as the grim reaper. Who harvest whole houses! Six dozen houses across the US have been dissolved in the past forty eight hours because the oversight!¡± Gabriel said to him, his entire body vibrating with anger.


    ¡°Let me guess Gabriel, you got the rose tinted glasses version of those Houses? Where all Blood-Kindred are complete angels. They do no wrong, the super-natural community relies on the Kindred to supply and operate with the mundanes. So that means the Blood-Kindred can break the laws with no repercussions?¡± Lash said as he rolled his eyes at him.


    ¡°Don''t patronize me Lash! I know the Kindred are fucked up! I''m worried about my house! Do we need to grovel at your feet?¡± Gabriel said with a glare.


    ¡°Gabriel.... If I was half what you think I am. Then I wouldn''t have given you an orichalcum coin as payment for your services.¡± Lash said with a smirk. Gabriel took the coin out and looked at it.


    ¡°What''s Orichalcum?¡± Gabriel said as the wind was pulled from his sales.


    ¡°Orichalcum is a very precious, and rare material. I am assuming the coin is pure. Which means it could be worth any where from one to three hundred thousand dollars. Orichalcum is one of the best magical enchanted materials in the world.¡± Melina said as she came around the corner. She held up a hand to stop Gabriel from kneeling.


    ¡°Warden Lash. Please understand that the House of Lies had no idea that Kovin''s family had dealings with the HF. We will of course cooperate fully with the investigation and hand over all records.¡± Melina said as she stood at attention in front of Lash. Lash stood up from the wall and smiled at her.


    ¡°Thank you. I''ve already sent a message to the Warden HQ. I have also put in a full recommendation to the House of Lies for the full support in the investigation. With out your help I never would have found this out. So we''ve found a HF supplier, House of Lies gets a recommendation. Everyone wins....Well except Kovin and his family.¡± Lash said to her. Melina visibly relaxed at the sound of Lash commentary.


    ¡°Also Gabriel is good people. You have a good eye Knight Melina. The House of Lies is a good place for young Kindred to grow up in. Keep up the good work. Now please excuse me I have other matters to attend to. To put it simply this was all just a side quest for me.¡± Lash said, and was surprised he could say the words ''Side Quest''. Melina accepted the compliment and smiled at Gabriel who blushed in embarrassment.


    Lash left the House of Lies and returned down the same tunnel that led to the bar and grill, Lavet. Enrique jumped in fright when Lash walked out of the secret entrance. Lash put a hundred dollar bill in the tip jar and left the grill. He rejoined the crowd on the Vegas strip and made his way to the MCU in Las Vegas. The police station was a bit off the beaten path, but it had full road access and was incredibly busy. As he walked towards the station he cast Invisibility on himself. Then used Transformation, and Phantasm to create his Lizard Wraith form.


    Lash appeared on the sidewalk that led to the main entrance. A seven foot tall creature with a writhing mass of shadow and smoke dancing around his monster form. Several people screamed in shock and surprise, many officers drew their weapons and pointed at Lash to get on the ground. He just stared at them for a bit before he pulled out his badge for the UNWS. But they didn''t seem to care. So Lash just ignored them and walked into the station.


    ¡°GET ON THE GROUND NOW!¡± The officer shouted as he blocked the entrance into the major crimes precinct.


    ¡°My name is Agent Wraith, I am with the United Nations World Security. Also, I haven''t broken any laws so why are you shouting at me?¡± Lash said to officers who had their guns pointed at him. He used Commanding Presence, and Compulsion to obtain an answer.


    ¡°Because....Your a monster! W.....We''ve been ordered by the City Mayor to place you under arrest if we see you!¡± The lead officer shouted through gritted teeth.


    ¡°You were ordered by the city mayor. To arrest someone who works for the United Nations? Do you have any idea how fucking stupid that sounds? Look, I am here to speak to the officer in charge of the MCU because I am here to build you something. You can either get out of my way, or try and stop me. But I must warn you, tanks have shot uranium shells at me and it didn''t kill me. So you have nothing but water guns in my eyes.¡± Lash said as he walked towards the elevator.


    Lash used Connectivity and jumped onto the ''secured'' police database. Several officers attempted to open fire on him, but their guns soon became magnetically fused. A few officers attempted to tackle him but his shroud brushed them aside. He rode the elevator up to the top main office floor as he looked through the database. Sure enough the City Mayor had issued a open arrest warrant on ''Wraith'' should he arrive in the city. He forwarded the information to the Warden''s and ARGUS. When the elevator doors opened the entire office had taken cover and had their weapons pointed at him.


    ¡°Hello! I am looking for the Officer in charge! I understand its Sunday but I am here to build you something.....Anyone?¡± Lash said as he stepped from the elevator. Every single officer on the floor attempted to shoot him. All the weapons clicked and wouldn''t fire.


    ¡°Wow...OK! Looks like we are going to be here for a while.¡± Lash said as his shroud extended and swallowed the whole floor.


    Over the next four hours the MCU in Vegas attempted to arrest Lash. As police officers and on site Swat teams tried to shoot him. When that failed they tried to use close quarters combat, which of course also failed. Lash spoke to a more reasonable officer who had been restrained about why the Mayor put an agent of the UNWS on the arrest list. The prisoners didn''t have any idea as to what was going on but they stayed the fuck out of the way. Lash turned one of the holding cells into a meta-human cell with power inhibitors.


    Two hours in the Wardens/Shield and Sword had sprinted to City Hall and demanded to know why Agent Wraith had a warrant for his arrest. Turned out the City Mayor was a member of ''Humans First'', who was also not in the city, or the state for that matter. At the top of the fourth hour ARGUS showed up in tactical gear to rappel down from military helicopters to re-secure the MCU. The police were surprised and horrified when ARGUS arrested them.


    ¡°So, let me understand this correctly. The city Mayor issued a Warrant for Agent Wraith''s arrest simply because he''s an Alien? Not one of you thought that was peculiar?¡± Daiane Shi''Word said this to the city council that came to the MCU.


    Daiane Shi''Word was one of the Torloth''s older daughters. Juliana was the youngest in his brood. Daiane was 5''9¡±, with straight short black hair that was above her shoulders and combed to one side. She had piercing green eyes, honey colored skin, with a voluptuous hour glass figure. Her breasts bounced and jiggled with every step, and exaggerated movement she made. She had a Brazilian accent because she was born and raised in with her mother until she came to work at Shield and Sword.


    Daiane sat at the long and over used general conference desk with a pointed glare at the Captain of the MCU, chief of staff of the city, and the Nevada governor who was a holographic projection from his home. They all looked clearly conflicted as they realized they had fucked up. Because they all knew about the warrant and said nothing. Lash who still looked like Agent Wraith sat next to Daiane as he stayed quiet and just let her work. But he did notice that Daiane kept rubbing her leg up and down his tail.


    ¡°We had confirmed reports that Agent Wraith was attacking major cities police stations. He would show up, attack, and leave. So...The Mayor issued...¡± The Captain tried to answer.


    ¡°Where are those reports? Do you have a hard copy? Digital copy? Because my people have checked the entire database and can''t find a single strip of data to confirm your statement!¡± An ARGUS officer in charge sat at the table as well. He was in full uniform and had placed his fully automatic rifle on the table, it was pointed at the Captain completely by ''accident''.


    ¡°The...report was given to us by the city mayor. Once we had seen it, the mayor took it ba...¡± The captain began to say when Lash interrupted him.


    ¡°You are lying. You never saw a report. You said and this is a quote. ''If that scaled bastard shows up in Vegas we''ll shoot him full of holes and stick him on the road for the buzzards to eat.¡± Lash said to him and pushed a ''holographic'' projection of the security camera that caught the whole thing onto the table.


    ¡°Soldiers! Arrest this shit for brains!¡± The ARGUS officer called out, his men came in and took the shit for brains away.


    ¡°Thank you Agent Wraith. Now, should we wait for Wraith to comb through the data base or do you two just want to confess here and now?¡± Daiane said with a smile.


    Turned out that several eye witnesses of the HF had seen Wraith show up and install new meta-human holding cells in different cities. Well just two, but that was enough for them! So any HF loyal enthusiasts sent the word out. The Wardens and ARGUS found over a dozen different cities that had a warrant for Agent Wraith''s arrest. Which made Lash audibly gasp at the incredible stupidity of it! They may as well have just held a sign up and ''say arrest me!''


    ¡°I agree... Why would the HF sacrifice so many people in key positions across the country. This was a stupid move. The HF is an terrorist organization that spans the globe. So there has to be another objective here.¡± The ARGUS officer in charge said to Lash.


    ¡°Well either one of the HF''s leaders has seen the error of their ways and is attempting to dismantle the organization from the inside out. Or, the HF will try and spin this to show the stupid and uneducated masses that the ''Aliens'' have taken over the go....oh crap.¡± Lash said but stopped at the end as he threw up a projection of a news broad cast.


    A CNN broad cast was playing a video of a man with a distorted voice in a mask. The man spoke about how Aliens have taken over the US government as they unjustly arrest and condemn honest hard working civil servants for wanting to protect their citizens from the Alien menace. The man continued to spin bullshit as they showed clearly edited videos of Wraith ''attacking'' the MCU in Vegas. They cut and paste scenes from Gotham into the video because when he showed up at Vegas none of the cops shot him or at least visibly and he didn''t fight them. Clearly not what the HF had wanted, so the video editing was in place. After the man finished his monologue and spread his message of hate. The CNN host began to dissect the video and clearly pointed out the bad editing. Anyone with a brain would see what HF was trying to do. But the world was full of stupid and angry people.


    ¡°Should I even try and install the meta-human holding cells in the other cities I''m planning on visiting or should I just skip them?¡± Lash asked, he was clearly depressed as his shoulders sagged. Daiane looked like she wanted to console him but kept her distance.


    ¡°Directer Waller says yes. However, when you show up in a city please contact ARGUS and we''ll contact the MCU for that city. Less surprise, and less chance of you walking into a trap that can be filmed.¡± The ARGUS officer declared. Daiane and Lash were the last ones in the room after the officer left. She cast a noise obstruction glamour then turned to look at Lash with a smile.


    ¡°Welcome to Vegas! I wish things had turned out better. I don''t suppose I could convince you to stick around and have sex with me?¡± Daiane said, upfront and honest. Lash laughed out loud for a bit and shook his head.


    ¡°Tempting, but not today.¡± Lash said, also with honesty. Daiane looked disappointed but shrugged her shoulders and pegged him with a coquettish look.


    ¡°So...That means there is a chance some other day?¡± Daiane said as her eyes danced up and down Lash. Lash stood up and bowed from his waist to the dragon Daiane.


    ¡°Yes Lady Daiane of Shi''Word. Some other day will be fine.¡± Lash said to her, she smiled at him as he left the room.


    It was Monday morning when he left the Vegas MCU. He still hadn''t seen Zatanna which was one of his main objectives for visiting Vegas. This time he called for a transport from the Wardens that have him drive to the last known location of Zatanna. Yes, last known. Why is that? Zatanna lives in the fabled ''House of Mystery''. The house moves, randomly appearing all across the world where ever it wants. But it will go where its current owner wants it to go. Zatara has lived in it for decades, and Zatanna became its owner by blood and the fact that the house likes her.


    Along the way Lash pulled his wraith disguise off and returned to his ''default'' human shape. He watched the scenery pass by as he left the Vegas strip, went in to Vegas proper. Then drove past the neighborhoods into the vast desert that surrounded the city. The driver pulled off the main road and went down a dirt path. They stopped at a completely empty lot where a clean defined out line was. A house would fit there. But there was not a sight of it. Lash stepped out of the car and walked up to where the front porch would be.


    ¡°Thanks for the ride. I''m going to sit here till it comes back.¡± Lash said to the driver who nodded and left soon after.


    Lash used his Nature Domain and created a simple seat made from dirt that allowed him to kneel in a meditation position. He used his long lost skill Meditation and began to clear his mind. He delved into each of his Domains and let his minds eye swim through them. The sun slowly rose into the sky, and it was noon before he knew it. The sun baked the dry sands around him and brought hot winds across his face. He felt that he gained a better understanding of each Domain he ''swam'' through as time passed. Then the shadow of someone stood in front of him blocking out the sun. Lash opened his eyes to find a 5''11¡± Blue eyed, black hair, tuxedo wearing Zatara sanding before him, or maybe not.


    ¡°Giovanni... Where are you right now?¡± Lash asked softly as he stayed in his meditation position. Giovanni was transparent but not dead.


    ¡°Warden Lash, help my daughter. She is in trouble! Help her! Then help her find me! Please!¡± Giovanni''s voice was distant as if he shouted from a great distance away.


    ¡°I would love to help, but I can''t even find the house...Oh there it is!¡± Lash said to the ghost like Giovanni. Then as he finished his words the House of Mystery appeared.


    The House of Mystery was a three story victorian house made from red cherry wood floor boards, white painted window shutters, purple velvet drapes, with clay tile roofs, several castle tower attachments, and a standing tower that was five stories tall. Several windows showed different depictions of what was going on inside the house. From a grand party, to a lonely old man who sat in a rocking chair, to a family sitting down to dinner.


    Lash stood up and watched Giovanni point at the door and fade from sight. The door opened up on its own accord as Lash walked in. The main room was a vast room that clearly didn''t fit inside the home as it stretched for a city block and was ten stories tall. The door shut behind him softly, then an older man appeared next to him. The man was 6''1¡± had clean black hair, blue eyes, and a healthy skin tone. He wore a neat tuxedo with a rose in his lapel. He bowed from his waist towards Lash who returned the gesture.


    ¡°Warden Lash, welcome. Giovanni said you would be coming. I''m afraid I can''t tell you much. My name is Cain. I am the care taker and house hold servant to the House of Mystery. While Zatanna left to help in Gotham something... escaped from the collections of the House. When Zatanna returned she tried her best to contain the situation but was soon caught in the very same trap the ''being'' was once in. This being is twisting the house, soon the House of Mystery will be under its control. In that event I will then begin to serve them instead of the Zatara family. May I ask that you free Zatara from the trap, defeat or re cage the being that escaped?¡± Cain asked.


    ¡°Sure...I''ll assume you can not directly get involved in the ownership of the house? Can you at least point me in the right direction?¡± Lash asked, Cain smiled at him and pointed at the two grand wooden doors off to the side in the room. Lash used Insight on Cain just to make sure.


    Name: Cain


    Title: First son of Adam and Eve.


    Origin: Mundane. Sub-Origin: Magical.


    Rank: ???


    Skills: ???


    Domains: ???


    Powers: ???


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comments: Yes, he is that Cain. He hopes that Warden Lash can save Zatanna, he much prefers working under the Zatara house hold then the ancient creature that had escaped.


    Lash stopped and gawked at Cain for a bit. The man looked at him with a knowing smile because in a small way he really did know. Lash soon snapped out of it, checked his gear and cast the spells Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Chameleon, Nature''s Passage, Connectivity didn''t work inside the house at least for now. Then he cast Immaculate, Death Ward, Cat''s Grace, he ran his fingers over Dawn his Familiar necklace who purred in his ear. He rolled his shoulders, reached for the door handle and pushed on it....Didn''t budge.


    ¡°It''s a pull...¡± Cain said softly behind him. Lash chuckled a bit and pulled on the door. A vast pitch black of nothing was on the other side. Then like a great wild beast the pitch black took a ragged breath and sucked Lash in.


    ¡°Remember! Save Zatanna, Put the thing back in its cage or defeat it! We don''t have much time! Good luck Warden Lash!¡± Cain shouted at him as he fell into the darkness of the room. The door slammed shut after Cain finished speaking.


    Lash felt a lot like Alice as she fell down the rabbit hole. Only instead of tree roots, clocks, and acid tripping colors he saw nothing but blackness. Then as he felt the wind rush past him he came to a crawling stop, the darkness oriented him to stand on his two feet and set him down. There he was standing on a stone path where a great chasm of nothing on either side of him. The path was made from two by two inch stone tiles made from a variety of colors. The path was five feet across and went on for what seemed to be miles. It twisted and turned but the path just kept on going as far as he could see. Lash knew he was in trouble when is skill Dungeon Delver started to gain experience.


    ¡°Alright, every journey starts with the first step.¡± Lash said to himself, and took his first step onto the path. This was followed by.


    ¡°GOOOOOOOOO BAAAAAAAACKKKKKKK! YOU ARE NOOOOOOT WELCOME HHHHHHEEEREEEE!¡± A voice straight out crypt keepers story time screamed at him.


    ¡°Ok! First off! I was invited by the current owners of the home. Just so we are clear, that isn''t you. Secondly, what the fuck is wrong with you? Shouting at me to leave, and using magic to do it! Wow....You dumb!¡± Lash said with a grin as he sniffed the magic used to project the voice in the air. He walked straight up to the edge of the path activated Gravity Stride and walked down the ledge, straight down.


    ¡°NOOOOOOOOOOOO!¡± The sinister and creepy voice and turned frantic.


    ¡°Yes! That is right dumb ass! You used a spell to call out to me! Now I''m tracking you because of that spell. Just because you are old doesn''t make you smart!¡± Lash laughed as he began to run straight down.


    Galen


    Also we have 200 readers for. The Dream Engine. Yay! This is also the 60th chapter. Hazah!

 Chapter 61: Wayside Inn of Mystery!

    It all seemed like a good idea at the time. So motivated to chase down the creature that escaped from its containment. To find Zatanna in the House of Mystery before the house changed ownership. Having a brief discussion with the first human murderer in their recorded history. That is right, human murderer. Super-Naturals had been on the Earth just as long if not longer then humans. If they came from the christian god, another world, or another dimension not even the oldest of the super-naturals knew. Lash had run down the surface of the cliff for the past hour but had the distinct impression that the cliff simply grew to accommodate him. Like a treadmill.


    ¡°Fuck it! Dawn pause the world and let me log out for a moment. I am sure this is all story so it won''t continue with out me.¡± Lash said as the world slowed down then froze. He felt the distinct sensation of being pulled out of his own body, flew through the atmosphere, past the black box towards the stars above.


    Erik opened his eyes in a pitch black room and looked around. He swapped out his dirty cloths, took a shower. When Erik stepped out of the shower he looked at himself in the mirror and saw a different person who looked back at him. He had lost nearly fifty pounds in five days, and gained muscle definition. He put on some now loose cloths and went to his kitchen to have a simple meal, he looked at his apartment window to see the sun setting. It was 5:00 pm on Tuesday, if he timed it right he could use the store in the Dream Engine when he came back. Erik had until this coming Sunday to play as much as he liked. Then he would be going back to work, it didn''t mean he''d stop he''d just have to for time between. Maybe that would be a good thing. Let the soft progression skip through time a bit. Ding!


    Erik gobbled down his meal, took another three daily vitamin pills and had several glasses of water. He went to his computer and logged on to his account for the Dream Engine forum. He filled out a questionnaire about his current health, mental stability, and reality. The system said he was perfectly healthy and ready to keep gaming. Oddly enough they didn''t want him to fill out a report only to sign off on his engine being watched which he was fine with. Then he jumped onto the forums and scrolled through the different postings.


    VERSION UPDATE. !RIFTS!


    Rifts were essentially the dungeons or instanced area''s of the Dream. They would be used in the single player version as testing but would be placed primarily in the multiplayer, and MMO version of the Dream. The situation was rather chaotic in itself. Thanks to the dozens if not hundreds of speedsters in the world thanks to the VI avatars running around be it good ones or bad ones they would break the barrier between the different worlds and jump realities. Because there were so many speedsters doing this the fabric of reality became frayed or torn. This would create ''Rifts'' that open up into separate realities. These Rifts would be a dungeon of sorts, the Users would have to jump into the Rifts find a object or person and bring it back through the Rift to close it. The Rifts were treated like alternate time lines that were a closed bubble in time? Not actual separate realities like you see in the comics. So Erik assumed that when the Meta-humans started to develop more the Rifts would start to appear as well. Great just another thing to put on his plate.


    MULTIPLAYER


    Certain Beta testers had been selected to start using the multiplayer version of the game. This version you had to be selected by the Developers. Basically it was like this, every User had their own generated Dream World. When you reached a certain stage in your own single User Dream it would allow for alternate reality jumping. Once you reach that stage the idea of people coming from different realities is capable. Happened all the time in DC comics. So once your world developed Rifts, you could have invite other Users, or go to another Users generated Dream World. Their is even a chance of letting people sign off or on for ''Invasions'' from another reality. Erik had to admit invading a alternate reality tickled him. He''d have to talk to Dawn when he logged in about it.


    Erik spent some time to look through the different posts. He answered a few private messages about his VI avatar. That was something he hadn''t known, when ever you get a new skill, spell, ability, etc in your Dream your VI avatar updates. This meant two things, if the User died early then their VI avatar of their deceased version in other peoples games will never grow. They still stay what ever rank they were and abilities. But if you continue to use the same generated character then that VI avatar continues to update. So Warden Lash Saurian were Assassin/Combat Medics in a lot of peoples worlds. In fact he had killed dozens of Users who went the villain path. So he received a lot of hate messages and people asking advice on how to deal with his Avatar. Erik didn''t know if he should laugh or cry. So he just marked them as read. Answered a few messages with vague concepts of loyalty, honesty, and the fact that he would stay in-character. Lash never said he obtained a new skill or got experience out loud. Not like Dia Nyx, she did that all the time in Tartarus. Erik also made sure not to reveal his mundane identity. A lot of people asked what that was. He refused to answer, that would just ruin the fun.


    Erik logged off the forum, turned off his computer and laid across his bed. He took a deep breath and let the Cube pull him back into his Dream. Erik opened his eyes to find a beautiful woman with fiery red hair laying down across a beach chair with a yellow sun floating above her. She had a string bikini on and it excited the eyes when she turned to look at him. Dawn rolled to her side and smiled, she pulled her sunglasses off to reveal a pair of dazzling green eyes. Erik walked across the black room took a knee and kissed Dawn. Much to her surprise as her eyes went wide, when Erik pushed his tongue into her mouth she moaned with pleasure as her eyes fluttered closed. She ran her fingers over his neck and pulled him in. Erik and Dawn kissed each other for a solid minute before Dawn pushed him away with a coy smile.


    ¡°Well nice to see you as well, User.¡± Dawn said as she sat up on the beach chair.


    She waved her hand and another beach chair appeared pointing in the opposite direction so Erik could sit down and face her. He took the invitation and rested under the yellow sun in the grand universe around them. Dawn leaned back against the beach chair and put her sun glasses back on. Her breasts bounced with the movement and she smiled when Erik watched her.


    ¡°Its 8:00 pm so the store is open would you like to see the store catalog before you go down?¡± Dawn asked, as she grabbed a bottle of sun tan lotion and massaged the oil into her skin. Erik knew she was doing it simply for him and he didn''t stop her.


    ¡°Yes please...¡± Erik said as he continued to watch Dawn apply sun tan lotion to her chest, abdomen, and legs. She exaggerated the movements and made it slow and showy. Once she finished the book materialized on Erik''s lap.


    ¡°Before I look through this. I read the Version update about Rifts, as well as possible Invasions from alternate worlds?¡± Erik said with a smile as Dawn sat up and tied her hair back which made her chest bounce with movement. She continued to have a little smile on her face but never admonished him for staring at her.


    ¡°Yes, Rifts are part of every generated Dream. Unless the User specifically declines that option. Unlike other world changes Rifts are something that can be changed at any time with in the black room. You have not been selected for the multiplayer Beta test because you are among the five hundred Beta Testers who have continued to live with their first avatar.¡± Dawn settled back down against the chair, she reached out a hand for a drink that materialized. Erik waited for her to finish as she wrapped her tongue around the straw in an exaggerated manner.


    ¡°However, you can opt in to the ''Invasions'' unlike the others the invasion will not be carried about by other Users. Just their VI avatar. Because of who you are we assumed that you would not openly attack another alternate reality. Maybe you can do that with your next avatar. Would you like to opt in for the Avatar VI alternate reality Invasions?¡± Dawn asked then took another pull from her drink.


    ¡°Yes please, I think it will be a great way to develop my generated Dream world.¡± Erik said with a smile because he knew what came next. Dawn didn''t disappoint as she looked at him and said in a bedroom voice.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained an Achievement: ''Future''s End''. You can adapt to another dimension, alternate reality, and time-line 10% faster. When ever you visit, or when another visits you. You will be granted a small information brief on it.


    Some confetti exploded in the air, along with a few stars in the ocean of blackness exploded into supernova''s for fanfare. Erik smiled at the show but mostly kept his eyes on Dawn as she settled back down on the beach chair. She sipped her drink and went back to sunbathing. Erik continued to watch her for a bit longer then went to open the shopping catalog. He looked at his Dream Point total... He had a ten points! 10 DP! That is right he knew that would happen. It had been a long time via the Dream plus he had done a lot in the Dream. But ten points was a lot. He didn''t have to spend them all though. He could save them.


    ¡°Dawn is there a way to buy a store coupon? Or maybe decrease the amount of time I need to wait between shopping trips?¡± Erik asked...The pages started to flip towards another section with a wave of Dawn''s hands.


    He could buy a store coupon for two DP. Or he could buy a twelve hour limit for five points, ah! He even found a DP credit card that allowed him to buy over his limit. It would just automatically pay out as he earned! He stayed away from the credit card for now but did buy the twelve hour limit. So it would be 8:00 am next time he could buy from the store. It would be eighty four days in the Dream before he could access the store again. Or he could log out and wait, but he had to work in the Dream to earn DP. Dilemma! Now he had five DP to spend.


    ¡°Dawn may I please see my Rank Status it''s been a while.¡± Erik asked, Dawn raised her manicured hand and snapped her finger.


    Name: Erik Lash, Partner Saurian. Wraith.


    Title: God-Kin, (Title Consolidation Detected)


    Origin: Magic. Sub-Origin: Alien


    Rank: C


    Skills: See tool tip.


    Domains: See tool tip.


    Racial Trait/Power: See tool tip.


    Description: You are a powerhouse that doesn''t know the limit of their abilities. How can you discover them? You have to keep pushing yourself. You still have a long way to go, and not a lot of time to do it in. The world is changing and as a hunter you must adapt with it or die.


    Skills: Advance Weapon Master, Advance Martial Arts, Material Shaping, Shape Shift (Saurian), Minor Acting, Magical Perception, Beast Speak, Sensory Awareness (10 meters), Minor Other Worldly Lore, Spatial Item Shifting, Soul Bite, Dream Eater, Artist, Dungeon Delver, Advanced Enchanting, True Body (2%), Advanced Regeneration, Intermediate Damage Resistance, Calm Emotions, Intermediate Transformation, Intermediate Commanding Presence, Nullification, Intimidating Shout, Minor Skill Trainer, Intermediate Administration, Night Eye, Minor Magic Tracking, Advanced Crafting, Advanced Cooking, Intermediate Storage (10 pounds and below money, wallet, and keys), Intermediate Computers, Parkour, Sherogoth''s Punishment, Rallying Call, Foresight, Basic Medicine, Size Alteration, Intermediate Natural Energy Absorption, Intermediate Pack Bond (25 miles/ 30%), Intermediate Telepathy (25 miles/ Language, and Location), Intermediate Danger Sense, Advanced Charming Presence, Minor Team Work, Basic Science, Cosmic Awareness (97% energy drain), Language Smith, Intermediate Energy Manipulation, Basic Super Human Stamina, Minor Criminal Underworld Lore, Insight, Observant Learner, Basic Sex, Intermediate Parallel Minds, Operator, Military Special Operations, Animal Riding, Meditation, Stealth, Minor True Damage (5%), Farming, Plant Control, Machine Control, Super Human Strength, Super Human Intellect.


    Racial Trait: Basic Adaptation, Minor Gravity Control (20%), Glamour/ Fae Pure Blood, Awaken Trait, Daemonic Heritage: Knight.


    Nature Domain: Minor Sooth, Minor Nature''s Supplement, Daylight, Root of Information, Essence Imbuement, Burning, Decomposition, Minor Chameleon, Minor Nature''s Passage, Entanglement, Restoration, Earth Swim, Minor Mud Marsh, Minor Nature''s Kiss, Curse Break, Growth, Proximity Release, Soul Heal, Animal Eye, Minor Call Lighting, Tree Stride, Regrowth.


    Technomancy Domain: Repair, Recycle, Minor Connectivity, Minor Alteration, Proximity Release, Minor Compression Transformation, Minor Virtual Intelligence (2 Tech-Spirits).


    Synthesis Domain: Renew, Immaculate, Proximity Release.


    Grave Domain: Lingering, Kiss of the Grave, Unburden, Judgment, Proximity Release, Soul Heal, Consecrate, Death Ward.


    Transmutation Domain: Falling Glide, Minor Cat''s Grace, Minor Fabrication, Panacea, Restore Youth, Reincarnation, Enlarge/Reduce.


    Illusion Domain: Phantasm, False Life, Silence, Invisibility, Manifestation (Saurus Warrior), Disillusion, Compulsion.


    Rebirth Domain: Soul Absorption.


    Trickery Domain: Bending.


    Erik frowned at Synthesis he had it for a long time but barely touched the unique Domain. The more he used it the more he would get from it. He''d have to think about it. He pushed his Rank Status away. Even after all this time he had only gone up a single grade value. Erik decided to spend one DP to bring his Rank value to C+, then spend two DP to break into B-. He expected a bit of fan fare and when he didn''t he looked at Dawn who had a small smile on her face.


    ¡°You''ll need to be in the Dream for it to take effect. It will also be gradual effect over a few weeks with in Dream time. You''ll notice the difference don''t worry. Be aware that doing this means you have out leveled the next month of Dream events. Just don''t let it go to your head.¡± Dawn said after she took another sip of her drink.


    ¡°Most of my blood is rushing to another part of my anatomy right now.¡± Erik said as he watched Dawn. She laughed a little which caused her chest to bounce up and down.


    Erik read through the book for a while longer. He typed into the search engine for recommended things to buy, then went to the unconventional section as well. He found two skills that were not recommended but several Users had purchased them and left notes in the book. Oh ya! That was new, people had left User remarks on skills, abilities, powers, spells, etc.


    Skill/Power, Retrocognition: The ability to look at or learn past knowledge about a place, object, or being. Allowing the User to learn things that happened in the past like it was a movie to be watched, paused, sped forward, or rewound. The further you go back and the more detailed it is the more energy it takes. This skill/power needs to be activated, grows with use.


    Comments: Those that do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it in the future. Though I don''t think they meant this.


    You''ve purchased a sub-section for an existing skill. Minor Skill Trainer has changed into Minor Skill/Power Trainer: Now you can train people in powers as well as print them into a person.


    Sub-Effect: Watching people with powers allows you to learn about them. Please Note that doesn''t mean you obtain them yourself, just means you understand how they work and can help them improve it as well.


    So now Erik could learn about the past of people, places, and things. He also became a class trainer in a better sense of the word. Under the skill/power trainer was another sub-skill he could buy, spell domains. If he bought that next time he literally become a class trainer. As well as his VI Avatar. He placed it under his favorites for next time. So he would buy it as soon as the store came open again if he had DP to spend that is. Erik closed the store catalog and with out asking Dawn produced the Time Line Application.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Erik replied, Dawn softly hummed at him.


    Though he had paused the world before he logged out there was still a lot going on in the world that he didn''t know about. He looked through the relevant information and found a few key points that he was surprised he could read about. John Constantine had been found by the Wardens, he was classified as an Occultist with possible magic in his blood. Which meant he was an unregistered super-natural being. Basically he was a lot like Lizzy in he had become a creature of magic. It should have killed him, but it didn''t. He was an outlier to the super-natural community. Kara Zor-El''s ship had successfully transitioned into the solar system, it would be another week before her ship came to Earth. About a month behind her was Fort Rozz the Alien prison ship. General Zod was little more then a year behind them. There were a lot of aliens and meta-aliens on the prison ship. Nuidis Vulko of Atlantis had discovered the scroll of King Atlan and was in the process of transferring it over to Mera, and Arthur. Last but not least, Human First the terrorist organization had obtained their first meta-human. Great.


    Erik closed the application stood up as he did so the beach chair disappeared behind him. He took one last look at Dawn who gave him an idle wave and went back to resting. Erik leaned over her and kissed her softly on the cheek she raised a hand up and caressed his cheek affectionately. He stood up and walked towards the edge only to hear her voice before he left.


    ¡°You should visit Li''Ana before you go help Arthur. She misses you!¡± Dawn said. Erik paused for a moment and agreed with her. He then stepped off the edge and flew towards the Earth.


    He never grew tired of this ''loading screen'' as he flew into the upper atmosphere of Earth. He raced passed clouds, zipped over cities, flew towards the ground and dove through it like it was the surface of a giant pool. He soon found himself in the House of Mystery as he reconnected with his body that was attached to a cliffs edge. Lash opened his eyes as the world began to speed back up to regular time. Then a wealth of power bubbled up from the very depths of his being, it was his mind, body, and soul transitioning between C....to C+....to B-. He could feel that it would take time to complete. But even now he was stronger then he was before.


    Lash activated Minor Magic Tracking and felt his senses expand far further than he had felt before. Then his Illusion Domain activated and he cast Disillusion he slammed his fist into the ground and the darkness in front of him shattered like a pane of glass. He could see the floor a few feet in front of him. He jumped off the cliff wall and deactivated Gravity Stride he oriented himself in the air like a cat would and landed on his feet.


    The bottom of the chasm was a cold, dark, and moist stone floor with moss the covered here and there and the trickle of underground water going from direction to another. This was all contained with in the House of Mystery. He wasn''t in some cave system in Nevada but inside a magical house. He went to his knees and inhaled. As he did this he used Transformation and turned into his were-lizard hybrid. Though he could fight in his default human form a lot of the power came from his Shape Shifting he''d have to wait a few hours before he could swap to Saurian. The big guy was still resting.


    He skipped out on the Wraith disguise since he was doing a super-natural quest line. He looked a lot like a Saurus Warrior with his forest green scales, immature skull crest, shout snout, long muscular tail, raptor talons, and claws. All of which was contained with in his Warden/Daemonic armor. He had still continued to produce Nth metal every day soon he would have enough to fully customize both sets of gear. Maybe he would use Synthesis for it this time, a mixture of organic and technology would be nice to have. Bio-Mechanical armor maybe?


    Lash caught the scent of the caster and raced through the clammy cavern system. He used Basic Adaptation and adjusted his body form to move on all fours. His joints shifted, as his bones moved into position he felt like a organic transformer, in a lot of ways he was. He began to speed up as he ran through the cavern system. Then from the darkness a thing jumped and tried to attach to his face, a segmented tail wrapped around his neck, then spider like legs tried to wrap his face. He sent an electrical charge through the thing as it screeched in pain and acidic blood sprayed across Lash''s face? Intermediate Damage Resistance sent him a prompt but acid was not something new to him. The damage was more of an irritation than anything. Lash nailed the thing to the ground with a Fabrication spike.


    ¡°You have to be fucking kidding me! Is that a fucking facehugger!¡± Lash screamed at the Alien xenomorph who continued to try and run from him.


    ¡°Dawn! My Brightest Star! Why is there a Facehugger in this world?¡± Lash called out, frantic to figure this out.


    ¡°Hello User! As you know DC Comics have partnered with several different Comics over the decades. Dark Horse Comics where the Xemomorphs are created have been in DC spin offs many times. Because of this you will sometimes see creatures, places, objects that would not normally be found in DC in your world. However, they are exceptionally rare!¡± Dawn replied with an exceptionally enthusiastic reply.


    ¡°Great.... Like the world wasn''t scary enough as it was. Thank you my Brightest Star!¡± Lash said as he looked at the facehugger continue to struggle.


    ¡°You are welcome, User! Good luck!¡± Dawn replied.


    ¡°Hay! I am going to pull this out. If you promise not to try that again I''ll heal you. Deal?¡± Lash pointed at the xenomorph. He used his long lost skill Beast Speak the facehugger stop struggling as a wave of images and emotions passed through to him.


    Lash pulled the spike out and dismissed it. The facehugged sprung to life but didn''t run or try to attack him. True to his word Lash cast Nature''s Kiss on the facehugger. The wound closed rapidly and all that was left was a visible scar that would soon fade to begin with. The xenomorph turned to look at him and sent images to him. Lash saw a mental image of it ridding on him but not impregnating him. Lash extended his hand and the facehugger scuttled up and settled on his shoulder like a giant spider.


    ¡°Alright, let us see if we can find your original home or maybe your Queen. I don''t think you are suppose to be in The House of Mystery.¡± Lash said as he dropped to all fours again and went for a run.


    Lash and the little facehugger became odd traveling companions for the next two hours. The little spider sent him images about the route it had taken. Sure enough it had slipped through a crack, or tear in reality. At least that was what Lash thought when he saw the image. Lash didn''t want to destroy the little guy because he understood what it was like to be out of place, time, and life. He came around a corner and found the tear in reality. Three Drones, and one Warrior stood by the rift, when he came into sight they propelled themselves towards like a loosed arrow from its string. Lash could feel their confusion coming off in waves. They could come through the tear but not go back. Lash raised his hand up and sent images of friend, safety, and help. The Xenomorphs all stopped in their tracks and sent him an array of information.


    The tear in reality had opened smack dab in their Queen''s chambers. The tear had destroyed half the nest and anything in the initial formation had turned to dust. After about ten minutes of quick imagery communication the drones stood off to the side while the warrior was with in tail striking distance. Lash cast his Trickery Domain spell Bending and bent the tear to go the other way, after about an hour of work the tear snapped into place and it went from blow to suck! Lash along with all the xenomorphs were pulled back into the hatchery.


    The drones, warrior, facehugger, and Lash flopped into the massive cave system with thousands of unhatched eggs and hundreds of full grown Xenomorphs who were all surprised to see something come out of the tear in reality. Lash quickly jumped to his feet and looked around at the impossible numbers. His little friend quickly jumped back to his shoulder and stayed content to just sit there. Because along the wall was a massive secreted resin that glued and stabilized a massive egg sac. Attached to his egg sac was the brood mother, the alien queen. A pulse of psychic energy went through the massive cave structure as the Queen moved its massive head to look at Lash.


    ¡°What are you?¡± The Queen called out to Lash. Damage Resistance sent a prompt to him that he just received a massive psychic attack. Lash gritted his teeth and willed himself not to fall to his knees.


    ¡°A predator much like yourself. I found your children on the other side of the hole. The hole is one way now and will not allow any more of your kin to go through it. With your permission I will leave and close the hole.¡± Lash said to the Queen. Though he didn''t take a knee he did bow his head. The Queen seem to deliberate on the subject for a moment.


    ¡°What....Do you offer in return?¡± The Queen asked, another psychic wave attacked Lash. His Damage Resistance spiked again. If he fell here he would become another host, that may be what the Queen had in mind.


    ¡°You constantly strive for perfection, but the one issue you have is you need outside assistance to survive. What if I can give you a way to self propagate?¡± Lash replied. The Queen pulled its lips back to expose its fangs. But it gave Lash the impression that the Queen smiled at him.


    ¡°How?¡± The Queen asked, this time the psychic wave didn''t hurt him. Lash sent an image to all the xenomorpsh to allow him to walk towards the Queen. Many of them screeched in protest but the Queen silenced them all and gestured him to come forward.


    Lash stepped through the egg sac, many of them opened up at his intrusion but with a screech and an overpowering pheromone that filled the room all the facehuggers became docile. Like when someone blows cigarette smoke onto a spider that is contained in a glass. Lash came before the Queen, he held up his hands towards her. The Queen''s mandibles dripped saliva to the ground as it pushed its head down. Its royal crest unfurled like a cobra''s hood. Lash pressed his clawed hands onto the Queens head and used his racial trait.


    Awaken Trait, Self Propagate: The Alien Queen now has the ability to pass on the genetic marker into the rest of its children to Propagate. When a facehugger is born it will follow its usual method of birthing. However, if the facehugger can not find a suitable host it will use its existing genetic material to cocoon and change into a Xenomorph.


    Additional Effect: The Queen can choose to make a Xenomorph with no facehugger application as long as it understands the DNA structure.


    Awaken Trait, Consumption Evolution: The Queen, and the Brood from now on can eat nearly anything and when they eat something useful they can adapt it to their unique physiology to make themselves better.


    Lash finished the exchange of information and stood before the Queen as it digested what had just happened. Then the Queen reared its massive head and let out a screech of delight that the whole hive took part in. A massive psychic wave spread through the cavern system. After a few minutes the screech died down and the Queen leaned forward further than it had too and brushed against Lash like a giant cat would. It affectionately rubbed against him then sent him an image in request. Lash agreed and put his hand inside the Queen''s mouth. She bit down ever so gently until a bit of his blood fell into her mouth. She swallowed it quickly and released his hand.


    ¡°You are my consort now. Return to your world with my thanks and love.¡± The Queen''s voice was oddly seductive, it made Lash shiver in pleasure as he felt the psychic wave wash over him.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtain the Xenomorph Queen''s Blessing!


    Effect: Basic Adaptation has evolved into Intermediate Adaptation.


    Effect: You''ve obtain the Racial Trait. Self-Sustenance: You can now survive in the harshest environments. Works in conjunction with Intermediate Natural Energy Absorption.


    Lash smiled and bowed in thanks. He gently pulled off the facehugger that had been attached to him. The little thing was confused it seem to think that it would travel with Lash from now on. After a minute of explanation its whole body seem to droop in depression. As a last goodbye Lash used Awaken Trait and selected the Praetorian trait into the little thing. Lash noticed the Queen didn''t have one. So he told the Queen about it, she assured him that it would find a host suitable for it. Lash put the facehugger on the Queen. He went back to the Rift and used Bending and went through the hole then spent the next hour slowly sealing the tear. Then with an audible POP! The tear in reality sealed itself.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed your first Rift! Though the method of your completion is far outside the expected norm. It was still recorded by the Developers, and was placed in the outstanding category in the Dream Engine. The Developers would like to know if they can record and show the video to future Users who encounter the Rifts for the first time.


    Yes/No.....


    Yes...


    Lash waited for a moment and didn''t get a follow up. Well his Dream time was faster then most people. Maybe he would get a reward in a week Dream time. More then likely he''d get DP. Well that was a neat side quest! He took a moment to get his bearings caught the scent of the creature that was causing all the issues in the House and tore off down the cavern system.


    ==============================================================


    Meanwhile in a galaxy far far away, on a cold and desolate planet called the Alien Xenomorph home world stood a Queen as it watched one of its very first and new eggs it had successfully birthed from the intervention of its one and only consort. Next to the Queen stood a Praetorian guard nearly half the size of the Queen herself, the Praetorian watched in fascination as it watched the egg gestate and wiggle. Something inside was growing, something was about to hatch. This egg did not contain a facehugger but a new born infant. The egg top blossomed as the egg yolk was popped and consumed by the creature with in. After a few minutes a thin and shaky figure crawled out of the egg and flopped across the ground. It breathed oxygen for several minutes as it coughed up the liquid contained in its lungs. Then it stood up, only a few feet tall the Xenomorph creature had a skull crest a lot like the Praetorian or Queen did but this one had the appearance of scales, it opened its mouth and the inner jaw sprung out. It screeched in greeting to its mother the Queen. The Queen screeched back in tender affection.


    ¡°Consort, our first child is born! The first of millions....¡± The Queen said.


    ================================================================


    Lash walked on his two feet through a hallway of giant doors and massive paintings. Each painting was next to a door as if the painting helped designate to the guests who or what was contained inside the doors. The scent of the creature or person that had sent the spell was in this hallway. He had spent the past few hours running through different terrains, structures, and multi layered stairways that you would find in M.C. Escher paintings.


    ¡°aistiraha! tahatum, mubaeathar lilriyh! laqad han waqatk!¡± The crypt keeper voice called out. Lash had heard that incantation over and over again. He was sure it was Arabic but it was full of magical power so his Language Smith didn''t activate.


    Lash came to stop in front of a massive oak door that had a painting of dozens of different cages with strange and unique creatures contained with in them. However this painting had an exception as there was a young woman in a seductive tuxedo stage show suit with a magical shield protecting her from a squid like creature. It looked like a Cthulhu wannabe...Maybe it was? Lash pushed and pulled against the door as he remembered Cain''s words. However the door didn''t budge either way. There was no key hole or handle. He ran his hand along the wood and used his Nature Domain. Then he accessed Tree Stride and the skill Plant Control the door pulled itself open and Lash jumped through the miniature gateway.


    On the other side the magical door, the giant wooden door cracked open like a walnut and spit out a Were-Lizard. Lash stumbled for a bit at the sight of a massive prison? Or maybe an exotic exhibit as all the creatures in the cages didn''t seem to care they were in a cage. From the different environments maybe they didn''t even realize they were in a cage. There in the center of the grand exhibit was a giant blue bubble with magical symbols floating around it. In the very center Zatanna sat cross legged trying to keep her focus as the chanting continued over and over. But abruptly stopped as the massive head with tentacles turned towards Lash. With giant shaking steps that caused miniature Earthquakes a massive fifty foot tall elephant creature stepped from the shadows, the tentacles spread from his face as its hands and feet had bird like talons. Its body was concealed with in a massive black robe, its head had a two pairs of red insectoid eyes. Two of them focused on Lash, while the others kept on Zatanna. In the brief moment it hadn''t attack Zatanna her spell shield had regained several inches.


    ¡°NOOOOOO! Look at you''ve done! Hours of labor wasted!¡± The tentacle elephant shouted.


    ¡°Saurian! I choose you!¡± Lash called out in a dramatic fashion that brought a confused tilt of the massive creature.


    Lash used Shape Shift and called Saurian. Spatial Item Shift activated as Saurian came out to play. Then he cast Size Alteration, his new found Intermediate Adaptation, he also used his Transmutaiton Domain and cast Enlarge. Soon he grew to be twenty five tall and fifty feet long, but it seemed Saurian got a little more from the Queen then Lash did because his body had become more compact. His major scale regions had a bone like appearance, especially his tail as it now ended in a blade like stinger. But at his core he was still a giant Carnosaur wrapped in armor! Saurian let loose Rallying Call the shock wave sent an energy pulse into Zatanna as he created a Temporary Pack Bond with her.


    -Saurian!? What? How are you here!? Zatanna sent a message via Telepathy.


    -Explain what this creature is first!? Saurian replied across the link. He sprinted towards the giant, he dug his claws into the ground and propelled himself forward.


    -No don''t! He is immune to damage nothing I''ve done hurts him! Zatanna screamed! Then was gobsmacked as Saurian dug his claws into the arm of the giant creature.


    ¡°GAAAAAAAH! How are you able to hurt me!¡± The creature screamed in pain.


    As Saurian read a prompt he did not expect. True Damage activated when he carved his claws into him, all 5.3% of it. But when you are largely immune to all sorts of damage any damage is a surprise! Saurian jumped from the creatures arm and attached himself to the creatures face. He ripped and tore through body, soul, and mind. The creature screamed in agony as it flailed its arms back and forth in shock. Zatanna pulled down her spell shield and cast ''noitativel''. She flew up into the air pushed her hands in front of her and cast ''Worra fo cigam''! Repeated magical shots flew towards the creature, but just as before they did nothing to him.


    The creature soon understood the situation it was in and reached up to snag Saurian off its face. With Sensory Awareness in play Saurian jumped off from the creatures face and in a act of odd acrobatics he did a back flip mid air when he flipped around his new blade tail slashed from neck to the top of the creatures head. True Damage activated again and again and it went from 5.3% to 5.4%. It seemed that since the creature was widely immune to all forms of damage Saurian had found a punching bag!


    Saurian landed on the ground and jumped back towards Zatanna. She flew down and promptly hid behind him but not so close that she would be in the way. Zatanna looked at the massive Carnosaur version of Saurian and gave him a big smile. Saurian noticed it and sent a confirmation of their telepathic link. He was happy to see her too, he was worried about her. There was a brief moment when Zatanna was a little shy at the attention. Then a scream from the creature in front pulled her attention back to reality.


    ¡°It is a Calathris! A giant insect creature from another dimension they are more or less extinct. The House of Mystery caught it and had placed it in its own dimension so it would not fade from the multiverse. But some how it had learned it was in a cage and escaped. As far as I know its immune to all forms of damage. Body, mind, and soul. But you seem to be able to hurt it!¡± Zatanna gave a quick run down of the creature. Saurian''s Other Worldly Lore got a prompt as it recorded the new data.


    ¡°I WILL KILL YOU ALL! THIS WORLD WILL BE MY NEW GRAVE YARD!¡± The Calathris screamed as the wounds on its face began to heal at a visible rate.


    ¡°Ask the House of Mystery if I can kill this thing or not!¡± Saurian called out as he sprinted towards the Calathris. Zatanna closed her eyes and communed with the house.


    ¡°Yes! If it refuses to return to its place with in the exhibit then you have its permission to kill it!¡± Zatanna called out. It was then that Saurian realized that Zatanna couldn''t understand it! The Calathris was a super-natural beast. Beast Speak worked on it.


    ¡°Calathris return to your cage or die!¡± Saurian shouted at him, but all Zatanna heard was a collection of clicks and hisses oddly resembling the voice of the giant. The Calathris wailed in agony and shouted back.


    ¡°Die! I would rather die then live in a lie!¡± The Calathris shouted and stomped his way towards Saurian.


    Zatanna shouted from the rear. ''Pirt revo ruoy teef''! The Calathris stumbled and fell down to with a massive seismic slam! Despite its massive size the room only shook a bit, it must be the House at work trying to keep the damage at a minimal. Saurian jumped onto the creatures back and tore into its spine. His claws barely dug in but it was incredibly painful to the giant Calathris! It flailed its arms, and wailed like a child being stung by a bee for the first time. His True Damage sent a 5.5% read out.


    Then the Calathris did a barrel roll and took Saurian with him. Saurian sprung back to life after Zatanna had screamed his name in shock and worry! He had felt his bones snap under the pressure but he got another prompt from True Body has it negated a portion of the damage. All 2.3% of it. That is when Saurian understood this thing could only be hurt by True Damage and it only caused True Damage in return.


    The Calathris rolled again but this time Saurian jumped off in time. Zatanna flew over and said, ''Ruoy ydob lliw revocer''. Saurian felt his health regain, bones snapped back into place, and his flesh reconnected. Oh! Zatanna knew healing spells! Saurian was happy then realized the effort drained Zatanna of nearly everything she had. Ah! Drawbacks! His healing spells were limited but took next to nothing out of him. He quickly cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. Zatanna sprung back to life and flashed a smile at Saurian. They went back to work as the Calathris attempted to stand up.


    ''Uoy lliw eb dnilb'' Zatanna shouted out in her magical speech and the Calathris stumbled around as if it couldn''t see. Saurian then did the gruesome task of death by one thousand cuts. He clawed through the creatures legs, knees, elbows. He chopped off the tentacles one by one with his new bladed tail. Inch by bloody inch! His True Damage went to 10% but didn''t evolve. It must need more! The creature fell to the ground bleeding from its wounds, what limbs that had been removed turned to ash and faded from sight. Reminded Saurian of his own body when his limbs came off. Odd.


    ¡°We were never meant to live forever... Being in that cage was torture, I spent so many years searching for another. I am the last.... I know that now. Send me home....Send me to the Grave....¡± The Calathris whispered to Saurian.


    Saurian reached into his Grave Domain and cast Judgment just like before something ancient and powerful slipped him on like a glove. Saurian''s entire body was lifted off the ground by a few inches as his bones creaked in protest. He tried to contain his agony as he gritted his teeth. This time what appeared was not a normal Grim Reaper. But a creature of massive size in a hooded robe, with four pairs of red insectoid eyes. Tentacles reached out from its hood and wrapped around the Calathris. A single word was spoke in a language that had been dead for a millennia. ''Home'' the Calathris let out one last shuddering breath.


    ¡°Thank......you......¡± It said and faded away into ash.


    The ancient presence left Saurian''s body and he dropped like a puppet who''s strings had been cut. His body shrunk and returned to a twelve foot tall, and twenty four foot long scaled monster. The magical tattoo''s on his body glowed, but especially his Grave Domain. He received a prompt that the Grave Domain received a lot of experience from that event.


    ¡°It''s done.¡± Zatanna said. She raised her arms into the air and said the words.


    ''Ruo emoh si efas'' The darkness that covered the House of Mystery faded, light returned to the dreary halls. Like a fairy god mother had waved her wand and white sparkles danced through the house. It cleaned up cobwebs, cracked floors, broken windows. The room began to spin like a top with Saurian and Zatanna in the middle. Round and round it went, Zatanna lowered her arms and came to stand beside Saurian. She reached out and placed her hand on his massive shoulder. Around Zatanna''s neck was the orichalcum necklace he had given her after the Joker''s carnival incident. It looked dim and lifeless or at least a portion of it did.


    ¡°You died...Didn''t you?¡± Saurian asked. Zatanna looked at him in surprise, she reached up to caress the necklace.


    ¡°Yes, I did. But I got better! Thanks to this, you saved my life again!¡± Zatanna said with a soft smile. The room stopped revolving and they found themselves back in the main foyer which looked a lot more lively and warmer to guests. There standing in the middle of the room was Cain.


    ¡°Welcome back Miss Zatara! Warden Saurian! I was sorry to hear about the Calathris. The House had no idea it was living a tortured existence. It''s in the process of talking to the other occupants.¡± Cain said in a soft grand fatherly tone.


    ¡°I didn''t even realize we had an exhibit hall for endangered and extinct races in the multiverse. I am sure Dad knew about it. I...¡± Zatanna said, then hugged her self in worry at the last part. She squeaked in surprise with a long bladed tail wrapped around her and pulled her into Saurian''s arms. The Temporary Pack Bond was still active, Zatanna felt a sense of safety being in the giant reptiles arms.


    A golden light enveloped Saurian as he used Cosmic Awareness. The golden light swallowed the entire room in divine light. Cain''s eyes went wide in astonishment which filled Saurian with pride. He doubted much surprised the immortal anymore. He turned his head towards Zatanna who was sheltered in his embrace but she looked up at him with expectant eyes. She had just mentioned her father and now Saurian had received an oracle from his God.


    ¡°What do you know about your Mother, Zatanna?¡± Saurian asked as his energy levels dropped by 96%. His entire body language screamed he was exhausted. Cain bounced into motion and scurried off towards the kitchen/alchemist lab.


    ¡°I...My mother died when I was child. Car accident.¡± Zatanna was surprised by the question.


    ¡°No...She didn''t die. Your mother is a Homo-Magi and returned to the Homo-Magi home dimension. The specifics as to why she faked her death is not known. However she has come into trouble and needed help. She reached out to your Father, but now he himself is also in trouble. You must find dimensional coordinates for the Homo-Magi world and rescue both your father and mother. But! Before you jump into danger, make sure you contact the Justice League so we can help.¡± Saurian finished his ''Oracle''


    Zatanna looked incredibly angry and happy at the same time. She stepped from the enclosure of Saurian''s tail. Then paced back and forth in the front room, Cain soon returned with a giant bucket full of rich espresso coffee which Saurian accepted gratefully and began sip on it as he watched Zatanna pace back and forth. He was amused at the way her hips swayed with every step. Zatanna was nineteen? Twenty? Despite her being of age he wasn''t attracted her. But he was sure Richard Grayson would be head over heels in love with the woman.


    ¡°Cain! Did you know that my mother was alive?¡± Zatanna stopped and asked.


    ¡°Your mother is alive!? That''s wonderful!¡± Cain said with a smile. Which made Zatanna discouraged and started to pace. It only took a moment for Cain to understand why Zatanna acted in such a way. He chuckled and shook his head as he watched the poor girl pace.


    ¡°Did your Deity tell you where the home world was?¡± Zatanna asked as she continued to pace.


    ¡°No, it was something for you to discover. But when you find it you should ask the League for help. Do not go in half cocked thinking you can take on anything you meet.¡± Saurian said. He meant no offense but that last sentence stung Zatanna''s pride a bit, she had done that very thing with the Calarthis and died too! She once again reached up and caressed the necklace around her neck and sent a thankful glance at Saurian who continued to drain his bucket of coffee.


    Cain stood off to the side and watched his charge pace back and forth. He refilled Saurian''s bucket of coffee twice before he said he didn''t need anymore. Zatanna asked a few more questions about Saurian''s tracking ability and agreed that when she discovered Homo-Magi coordinates she would ask the Justice League for help in getting her parents back. Cain then jumped in with information about the Homo-Magi.


    They were a race of magical people that grew and evolved along side humanity until the industrial revolution came. When the industrial revolution came the super-natural societies put it to a vote if they should stay on Earth or move to another dimension. One with out humans. The vote won out and the super-natural societies and communities all decided to stay on Earth and adapt to the new world. But several different communities decided to leave while the majority stayed. Homo-Magi were one of the groups to leave. Sometimes individuals from the self-exiled races would come back to Earth to visit. From the sounds of it Sindella, Zatanna''s mother was one such individual.


    One thing Saurian could tell Zatanna that she had about two years to complete the objective. After that it would be to late. He didn''t know what it was that specific time limit just that his Cosmic Awareness gave him that specific time. Zatanna seem to accept the answer more like since it came from his Deity instead of him specifically. Saurian wasn''t about to burst her bubble. Saurian then spent a bit to tell Zatanna about meta-humans and the dark matter phenomenon. That will gradually grow over time. Before Saurian left the house Zatanna had the house mark him so if he ever needed a place to stay or needed to visit the house he could call it.


    ¡°Ever thought about making it into a Wayside super-natural inn of sorts?¡± Saurian asked Cain and Zatanna. Zatanna had a look of puzzlement but Cain seemed a little excited about the prospect.


    ¡°Good way to collect stories, and a bit of adventure! We''ll discuss it with the House!¡± Cain said as he bounced back into the place he began talk to the House over the idea.


    Zatanna laughed at Cain then turned to look back at Saurian. She tucked a bit of her raven black hair behind her ear. She wringer her hands out as she was filled with nervous energy. She stepped closer to the massive lizard warrior and motioned for him to come closer. Saurian leaned down so his face was eye level with Zatanna. She reached up and kisses his snout, a bit of blush on her cheeks.


    ¡°Thanks for coming to my rescue, Saurian. It''s not often I get to play the damsel in distress.¡± Zatanna said as she let go of him. Saurian tilted his head to one side.


    ¡°You are welcome Zatanna. By the way you should look for a man named John Constantine. His personality is like a thorn bush but he is a good man, as well as a planes walker. He may be able to cut the search in half.¡± Saurian said to her, Zatanna perked up in delight and smiled at him.


    ¡°If you are ever in Vegas again you should drop by the MGM Grand. That is where I preform my magic shows. Here this is a VIP card for the show, reserved for family and friends.¡± Zatanna produced card from her sleeve. Saurian took it and stored it into his Storage Space.


    Saurian stepped from the front porch just in time to see a magical sign grow from the house with bright colors that said ''Vacancy Available''. Several new additions grew and expanded from the new Wayside Inn of Mystery! With a sudden draft and flash of light Saurian was once again alone in the desert of Nevada just outside of Vegas. It was night, and the moon was high in the sky. Saurian looked up at the night sky and watched the moon slowly move across the sky.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a VIP package at the New Wayside Inn of Mystery! A presidential suit will always be available to you, you also have the ability to call on the Wayside Inn of Mystery. As long as you have access to a closed door you can open it and walk into the Wayside Inn!


    Saurian pulled on his Wraith disguise, cast Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, and Invisibility. He should have done it as soon as he stepped out, but he felt that the House wouldn''t have placed him in the line of fire of a camera. But as he started to move through the country side he needed to be careful. He dropped to all fours and ran through the desert towards Vegas. Unless he could find a cactus plant of decent size then he could use Tree Stride.


    Along the way he found a pack of were-coyote''s out on a patrol. He was just as surprised to see them as they were. He pulled out his Warden badge and explained why he was out there. They had all seen the House of Mystery. He also informed them about the new Wayside Inn of Mystery and produced a business card for all of them. The card allowed them to hail the Inn. The Alpha of the pack used his and sure enough this massive, well furnished, luxury hotel just appeared! The were-coyote pack all shuffled into the House with nervous excitement and said thank you to Saurian as he continued his journey into Vegas.


    Saurian''s top speed was eighty mph, he ran cross country so he soon arrived at the rural edge of Vegas. He slowed down to a slow trot of thirty mph as he padded through the suburbs of Vegas. It was like two different worlds had been welded together. He could see the vast array of lights in the not so distant area of the city, then there he was moving through the after midnight streets.


    Along the way he noticed something peculiar. A flash of purple and blueish light. It had started to flicker in and out in front of him for several minutes. As he grew closer the intervals increased but he also heard the sounds of gun shots. He had moved into a less than desirable part of the city at this point. Litter on the ground, graffiti, alcohol stains on the ground. Reminded him of Gotham! When he turned the corner he saw the flashing light was a person!


    The light was blinding when ever it popped into existence in the after midnight back ground. The street lights in the area had long been broken and no one had come to repair them. Several cars were in a crisscross pattern in the street, several Thugs-R-Us were scattered around the area as they tried to shoot at the flashing light. The light blinked into existence, it was a 5''9¡± man with chocolate caramel skin, short black curly hair that went just above his eyes, he had a lean athletic build that any young lady would squeal for given that he looked seventeen or eighteen years old. He wore black tennis shoes, black cargo pants, a gray hoodie, and carried a metal base ball bat.


    All the thugs had taint to their aura that Saurian could see thanks to Sherogoth''s Blessing. But none of the taints were enough for him to kill them. So he used Gravity Stride and ''climbed'' up a wall and watched the show. As he got comfortable he used Insight on the teleporter.


    Name: ???/ VI Avatar


    Title: Peekaboo Master.


    Origin: Meta-Gene


    Rank: E+


    Skills: See tool tip.


    Powers: Active; Teleportation, Passive; Equilibrium Orientation, Passive; Matter Reconverter. Passive; Line of Sight Targeting.


    Domains: N/A


    Disposition: Neutral (Doesn''t know you exist)


    Comments: You''ve found another VI Avatar! Maybe a future member of the Justice League?


    Saurian''s interest was peaked as he watched the Meta-Human bounce around with his metal bat as he took out the thugs one by one. He swung with his bat but never did any real damage, maybe a broken bone. But he always held back when ever he cracked them in the skull. This of course made it so that they kept getting back up to fire again. An easy knock was exceptionally rare, you would more often just kill someone instead.


    The whole battle took nearly an hour, about half the ''gang'' was down when reinforcements showed up in the form of police officers. But these VCPD began to shoot at the meta-human. The gang members called out to the police in thanks. Dirty cops. Saurian ''climbed'' down from his perch and made his way towards the cops. He still had his Wraith disguise on, and he was invisible. He could tell that the meta-human was conflicted.


    Should the meta-human attack the cops and get pegged as a criminal or just focus on the gangs and maybe get shot? Thankfully he got an answer real quick as one of the police officers fire arms was crushed, along with his hand. Then a twelve foot tall, twenty four foot long Lizard Wraith appeared behind the VCPD. The entire street went dead quiet for a brief moment the only sound was the officer who hand his hand crushed. He screamed for a good thirty seconds before an electrical current went through his body and silenced him.


    ¡°Please don''t stop on my account. I''ll deal with the dirty cops you deal with the gangs. Deal?¡± Saurian''s animalistic voice made every one shudder in fear except for a bright eye young hero who smiled wide.


    ¡°Happy to Sir!¡± The youth called out and teleported next to a thug and swung his bat. The thug crumbled like a crushed soda can.


    The thugs and the dirty cops all tried to run at that point. Saurian deactivated all of their cars, radios, and cell phones. He tasered the cops into submission and spent sometime on the CCTV and internal affairs files. He found what he needed to incriminate the cops in their dirty dealings. Saurian then took the rest of the time to continue to watch the meta-human. His Skill/Power Trainer sent him prompts that he was understanding the teleportation ability. He wouldn''t obtain himself, but he could train the kid on it. Despite all the different and wonderful things Saurian was. He wasn''t a meta-human and couldn''t learn their powers. At least not yet, he did see a Power Duplication ability in the store, but the thing took one hundred DP to buy. That was currently way out side his price range, even if he bought the DP credit card it would take a while to build up that kind of credit.


    At last the kid finished the left over gang members. Saurian went from thug, to thug, and hand cuffed them. He read them their rights even if they were unconscious. The kid pulled the car keys from them and opened up each trunk. He found drugs, guns, and most importantly money. The kid had a backpack that was on top of a roof and pulled the money into it. He stopped and looked at Saurian who looked back.


    ¡°I''ll assume you need it for a good reason. So don''t worry about me reprimanding you.¡± Saurian replied to his question. The kid laughed and continued to stuff the money into his backpack. He soon filled the first one teleported back up to the roof and got another one.


    Police sirens soon sounded off just a few seconds after the kid filled up the last back pack. He looked alarmed at the sirens then looked at Saurian. Saurian pointed at the rooftop where the other bag of money was. Asked him to wait up there if he could but if he had to leave he understood. Though he had something to talk to him about. The kid flashed to the rooftop and hunkered down to hide. The cop cars soon arrived and several of the officers took out their side arms and pointed it at Saurian. They shouted the normal phrases like. ''Get down on the ground now!'' or ''Surrender or we will fire upon you'' then his all time favorite ''Move and die asshole!'' This always confused him, how was he suppose to get down to surrender with out moving?


    Saurian used Commanding Presence, and Compulsion. To tell the cops to shut up and help him load the prisoners and dirty cops into the police cars. Like toy soldiers they all bounced into line, locked in step and moved over to help him. Saurian could hear the kid gasp in surprise from the rooftop. Saurian pulled the ranking officer aside and explained the gangs, and the dirty cops. He then said he had already sent the incriminating evidence to the local precinct and the internal affairs the files they needed to put the cops away. Saurian did explain that a meta-human did help with the arrest but only gave vague description of what he or she looked like. Once he was done he removed the ''influence'' from the ranking officer who shouted bloody murder at Saurian for controlling him.


    ¡°Oh I''m sorry! Would you have rather had me beat you all to a bloody pulp for pointing your pop guns at me? Why don''t you take a class in risk assessment and reevaluate how to handle a giant Alien monster who could easily kill all your men! Especially since I am the one who called it in, the dispatcher did say Agent Wraith of the UNWS would be present you dumb shit! But oh no! You and your men show up and try arrest me? Grow a fucking brain cell you dumb shit!¡± Saurian went off on the officer in charge. The officer looked like he wanted to smash Saurian with a large hammer but kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°Now! Why don''t you call for additional help with the assailants and try to not let the corrupt cops go because I wasn''t lying when I said I already sent the incriminating evidence to IA. So no don''t think you can just scurry them away.¡± Saurian growled at the last few words as he continued to read the taint on the officer''s soul. The officer''s face went purple with rage but continued to keep his mouth shut. He turned on his heel and walked off to request more units.


    Saurian cast Invisibility on himself before he released the compelled officers. They all shouted out a storm of profanities and attempted to look for him. But Saurian had already climbed the building where the kid was. He cast an obstruction glamour around them both so they could talk in peace. He re appeared behind the kid who screamed in surprise!


    ¡°Holy fuck! I mean I know Superman has powers but you are on another level of shit! I mean...Ahem. Thank you sir for the help! May I know what you wanted to talk to me about?¡± The kid asked. Saurian could tell the kid wanted to go on another rant but held it in check.


    ¡°Whats the money for?¡± Saurian asked as he adjusted himself and crouched down. He used his tail as a sort of balance tool so he wouldn''t fall over in front of the kid.


    ¡°Me! My mother said to take the money from the bad guys. Super Heroes don''t get paid, so take from the bad and use it for the good.¡± The kid answered honestly, he didn''t look embarrassed about it either like it was just a normal fact.


    ¡°What''s your name? Title, code name, moniker is fine.¡± Saurian smiled at the kids responses.


    ¡°Fantasma!¡± The kid said with a smile and stood up straighter with his hands on his hips. Saurian tilted his head to one side. Saurian reached out and snagged the kid before he could react. He cast Fabrication, Renew, Alteration, and Compression Transformation.


    Combat Suit. Nth, and Orichalcum metal composite, with Kevlar.


    Rating: B-


    Effect: Very Durable.


    Effect: Reduce/Enlarge by five sizes plus or minus.


    Effect: Illusion Domain: Concealing shadow and light.


    Effect: 40% decrease in negative spell effects.


    Effect: 40% increase to positive spell effects.


    Effect: 40% resistance to kinetic, and energy damage.


    Effect: 5% Durability restored every twelve hours.


    Effect: 20% Decrease in energy consumption.


    Effect: 20% Increase in energy restoration.


    Effect: 10% Increase to all stats.


    Comments: You''ve given a rookie a master level item. What a great way to keep him both alive, and to send him to an early grave!


    Fantasma soon had kevlar hard leather outfit with combat boots, leather pants, leather coat, with a hood, and mask. Flexible metal plates went from his legs, chest, arms, hands, back, hood, and mask. It gave him a skeleton look, as tendrils of shadow curled from his ''bones''. Saurian stepped away and produced a Phantasm mirror so Fantasma could see himself. The kid flipped out at the cool new threads, then his Disposition flipped to friendly and Saurian made a Temporary Pack Bond with the kid. So he would get the 10% optimization.


    ¡°So, would you like to join the Justice League?¡± Saurian asked, he kept the mirror conjured so Fantasma could admire himself.


    ¡°The Justice League!? I didn''t know it had been formed yet!¡± Fantasma said, the VI Avatar was showing. That was something a User would say, and it bled through to the Avatar.


    ¡°Oh fuck ya! I''d love to join! Oh wait. Do I have to leave Vegas? Its my home!¡± Fantasma said.


    ¡°No you don''t. We''ll just have to determine if you are an active, or reserve. Active means you are stationed in a area but can be called upon for larger threats. Reserve means you primarily work in an area and will only be called on to act if we are in dire need.¡± Saurian informed him. He then took Fantasma''s phone and put an encrypted line into it. Password, voice, and optical scan protected, and got him into the Justice League chat channel.


    Saurian sent a introduction note into the channel and a few people responded in less then a minute. Robin, and Batgirl specifically they were most likely patrolling or at home doing what ever they do. Saurian snagged the bags of money and a ''car'' that he made from stuff lying around. He drove Fantasma home his apartment building. He even set up the salary payment method for the new member. It wasn''t much, but something was better than nothing. Bruce had even updated the file to allow health insurance. Groovy.


    Saurian dissembled the ready made car and went up to Fantasma''s apartment. It was a small little one bedroom. But it was home, the land lord knew about Fantasma''s extracurricular activities after the kid had saved his family from a gang abduction. So Fantasma was allowed to use the emergency fire escape to come and go. Saurian offered to find him a more sizable location but Fantasm was happy with what he had. So Saurian updated his computer with a advanced computer set up with an encrypted channel, police feed, and Justice League network. He made a concealed wall compartment for his new gear, and place to store his stuff. This way if this place was ever searched it would take a lot of effort to get into the safe.


    ¡°So, just to get this out of the way. If you take what I have given you and you turn into a villain I will track you down and kill you. Understand?¡± Saurian said very seriously to Fantasma. The kid didn''t even balk at the idea.


    ¡°You? My mother would skin me alive if I even tried!¡± Fantasma said with a grimace. Saurian laughed at the idea. He soon bid goodbye to the newest recruit, Fantasma a meta-human with teleportation.


    Saurian found a suitable tree in the neighborhood and used Tree Stride back to Gotham City. He was home again and it was nearly morning. He used Connectivity and sent a text message to Li''Ana. He said he was going to be leaving again soon but wanted to see her before he left. He understood it was late notice but wanted to try. He got a reply when he had just reached the underground parking garage, it was five in the morning.


    ''I can come over now if that is alright?'' Li''Ana messaged him back.


    ''Sure, just got home as it is. See you soon.'' Saurian replied and swapped back to Lash who turned into his default human form. Removed his Wraith disguise and made a simple appearance for any randoms he would encounter in the elevator to his door. Better safe then sorry as he reached his door and stepped inside. He cast Immaculate on himself because his security system informed him that someone was on his balcony. That was quick? He came around the corner and sure enough Li''Ana was on the balcony clearly vibrating with excitement.


    ¡°Dawn was right, she did miss me!¡±

 Chapter 62: Ivy, Poison Ivy

    Lash walked over to the balcony with exaggerated movements, long strides that took far longer to preform. His actions did go noticed by Li''Ana as she narrowed her eyes at him. He eventually reached the balcony door and unlocked it for the beautiful sylvan. Li''Ana was 5''9¡± with blond hair, light blue eyes, and exceptional breast size. However, Lash found out that she used a Transmutation ring to increase the size of her breasts. Because bigger was always better in Li''Ana''s experience. But all it did for Lash was worry for her health. Li''Ana had a nice spring gray spring coat on that went to her thighs. She had white three inch dress pumps on, with a loose red skirt on that went to her mid calf. Then a silk red buttoned up shirt that was unbuttoned half way down to allow her bouncing breasts to move with every step. Her blond hair was a little longer, but was tied back in a pony tail while her bangs hand been curled to frame her face.


    Li''Ana walked right in wrapped her hands around Lash and pressed her entire body against him like she attempted to glue herself onto him. She pulled his head down which he didn''t resist and gave him a kiss. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his home, he shut the door behind them and had it locked. They kissed one another for a few minutes, then Li''Ana broke the kiss stepped back and slapped him. Unlike everyone else this slap actually stung! Lash was surprised and looked down at her hand. She hand a partial glove on with runes etched into it. It was a rune of pain.


    ¡°That was from me and Soluna!¡± Li''Ana said with a smirk and walked past him. She continued to sway her hips back and forth in a clear attempt of flirtation. Because she glanced at him more then once to see if he was watching her. Lash activated his security shutters then activated the Pack Bond with Li''Ana.


    They both had a momentary pause as the boon took effect. Lash could tell that Li''Ana was happy that he made time for her. She understood that he had been busy, but was upset that he didn''t make time sooner. But... Communication was a two way street, she hadn''t reached out either. Li''Ana returned to her confident and proud self but she did take off her ring of Transmutation and her considerable bust went down two sizes, she let out an audible sigh of relief. She pulled off her coat and placed it on a chair in the dinning room. She spun on her heel and looked at him with expectation.


    ¡°I skipped out of my home because Soluna said you are an amazing cook! So, you cook and we''ll work on the things you''ve been ignoring!¡± Li''Ana said with a smile, she walked over to the dinning room table and took a seat. She reached into her coat and pulled out the overly large book that she had used the first time they had met, along with the golden pen.


    ¡°Wait.... First off I''ve been needing to ask. How do you teleport here?¡± Lash asked as he moved towards the kitchen to start cooking. Li''Ana looked up at him and in confusion.


    ¡°Oh! That''s right we never went over that! As a Liaison we have a teleportation mark on your home. Summer, Winter, Under, with Shield and Sword. It only works the assigned individual plus a guest we can bring.¡± Li''Ana said with a smirk, she opened the book and started to flip through the pages.


    Lash nodded his head, he began to use his magic and kitchen to make breakfast for them while Li''Ana asked him question. Lash face palmed two minutes into the conversation because he had forgotten a valuable piece of his job.... He had to do it! He used Connectivity to access his Warden profile and found thousands of unanswered emails, forms, etc. That he had mostly ignored! So he used Intermediate Computers, Intermediate Parallel Minds, Minor Connectivity, Intermediate Administration, and Minor Virtual Intelligence to burn through the built up work. While Li''Ana asked him a lot of Public Relation questions that needed to be discussed. Why Li''Ana and not any others? Because Winter was Losing power and Summer was gaining strength. If it was fall? Jessabell would be here to talk to him.


    ¡°Do you plan to attend the Summer Solstice Ball?¡± Li''Ana asked when Lash came over to set the table.


    ¡°Yes, as long as nothing comes up. Specifics on that like a disaster that needs aid, alien invasion, alternate reality attacking, etc.¡± Lash said nonchalantly.


    ¡°That is an oddly specific response... But alright!¡± Li''Ana said and wrote into the very large book. The words were absorbed into the book and a reply came back. The book Lash had found out were communication lines between dimensions. So instant messaging to the Summer Fae Wilds.


    ¡°Justice League recruitment. The Fae Courts, and Super-Natural societies understand the need for it, but they hope they will obtain a list of those involved. Also if you recruit super-natural individuals that you first seek advisement from the Warden''s first.¡± Li''Ana said to him, she smiled and he placed Morning Dew tea for her. Lash sent an updated list of the Justice League to Li''Ana''s phone. Code names only.


    Li''Ana got the list and wrote them into the book. She spent a few minutes reading the reply and sent messages back. While she waited for replies Li''Ana would massage her neck and roll her shoulders. Not having an extra ten or so pounds weighing her down felt nice. Lash walked over and placed some simple appetizers of morning rolls, jams, honey''s. Li''Ana smiled at Lash when he looked at her then he tapped his head twice and smirked at her. That is when Li''Ana realized that the link was up and everything she had just thought had been sent to him. Damn it! Li''Ana''s face flushed red, she crossed her arms under her chest and looked away with a pout.


    The link only sent simple communications, however feelings could be read between pack members. It wasn''t true mind reading but Lash had enough practice to get an idea of what Li''Ana was thinking about. She felt safe around Lash, and he was happy that she did. But it still felt odd that she could relax around him like she did. It was natural to her, and it surprised her how natural it was. Li''Ana continued to pout until Lash came up behind her, he leaned down and kissed her just below her left ear. This sent a shiver through her which made her flush for an entire different reason. She then flung her hands up and pushed him away with a glare.


    ¡°None of that! Or we''ll never get our work done and you''ll burn our food!¡± Li''Ana growled at him! Lash laughed and went back to the kitchen to continue cooking.


    ¡°Question! If I can get Arthur Curry the first born prince onto the throne of Atlantis. Will the Fae Courts support Atlantis joining the United Nations?¡± Lash asked suddenly as he flipped a pancake into the air. Li''Ana looked at him like he had grown a second head.


    ¡°Excuse me? Who is Arthur Curry?¡± Li''Ana asked, she had no idea who that was. Which surprised Lash a bit. He then spent a few minutes telling Li''Ana about the situation with Atlantis.


    ¡°You....Y...Lash... Why are you doing this?¡± Li''Ana looked like she wanted to blow up at him but paused for a moment because the Pack Bond let her understand that Lash was clearly trying to help.


    ¡°Warden''s are meant to help stabilize the balance between the mundanes and the super-naturals right? However it has already been voted that super-naturals need eventually step out into the public eye, or at least in moderation? Atlantis can do that, they are a society of technology and magic in it self. Just like Themyscira! Also, Prince Orm has made his stance very clear. If he is proclaimed Ocean Master he will attack the surface! Be it mundanes or super-naturals he will attack everyone that is not tied to him. So, Arthur Curry want''s peace. I am not choosing a faction, I am keeping to my Warden Oath''s and helping to stabilize the situation.¡± Lash replied and placed a big stack of pancakes and waffles onto the table with fresh syrup, butter, whip cream, and fresh cut strawberries. Li''Ana looked at him then at the food. She pushed the book aside and began to enjoy the meal.


    ¡°Do.....Wow this is good....Do you need anything from the Courts to accomplish this?¡± Li''Ana asked as he poured syrup over her pancakes. Lash smiled at her for a bit before he went back to the kitchen to make eggs, bacon, and sausage.


    ¡°I don''t believe so. Queen Hippolyta already discouraged pulling the Courts into the civil war more then just a single Warden getting involved. However, super-naturals are involved to begin with. There are a lot that live in the ocean''s and will be effected by the war. That is where I am going after I finish up in Gotham this time. I''m helping Arthur and Princess Y''Mera locate the Trident of King Atlan.¡± Lash replied, Li''Ana coughed and nearly choked on her food. She quickly swallowed and asked with wide eyes.


    ¡°King Atlan''s trident.... The trident that controls the ocean''s. That Trident? You know where that is?¡± Li''Ana asked.


    ¡°My Patron does. You should understand that he wont just give it to us. We''ll have to go through quest and trial to get it.¡± Lash replied as he placed milk, juice, and water down on the table. Li''Ana had some orange juice to help clear her pipes.


    ¡°So, your question about the UN is a hypothetical situation? With reasonable certainty I can say YES. The Fae Courts will agree to supporting Atlantis if they choose to join the UN. But! Orm must either not be on the throne or be choose to stop his war mongering ways.¡± Li''Ana replied then pulled a waffle towards her that was covered in whip cream.


    Lash finished with the eggs, bacon, sausages, and came to join Li''Ana at the dinning room table. He didn''t need to eat anymore thanks to Self-Sustenance. But he did enjoy the taste of food. Li''Ana was a petite Sylvan but she could put away a lot of food, more then Soluna could at least. Lash created some pies to go for dessert and refilled the glasses with morning dew tea. They didn''t talk much during breakfast besides moans of delicious food, more then once Li''Ana moaned in satisfaction. She got whip cream on her face and didn''t make any movement to clean up. Lash loved the sight of her like this, she was happy, relaxed, and safe.


    ¡°There are several mundane dignitaries that want to meet Agent Wraith. Specifically the US, China, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea. Basically the countries you met during the Tech Summit. They can come to the states but would prefer you go to them.¡± Li''Ana said after she finished her second cup of tea.


    ¡°Do they know that Agent Wraith is just a Super-Natural Warden?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious.


    ¡°No. The Queen of England is a pseudo-mundane. But you wouldn''t be meeting with her. Every nation I just said has their super-natural tie ins and offices but most leaders never meet them. A plausible deniability concept that was thought up by the special operations centuries ago. The Courts want you to go see them. Preferably by appointment, but they also understand that popping up may be safer. They are still tracking down Humans First trash.¡± Li''Ana said as she pulled the large book over to her again. Lash mutely agreed to the idea and began to search through his Nature Domain, though he didn''t have Tree Stride back during the Tech Summit tour he still familiarized himself with a lot of tree''s.


    ¡°Ah! Side-Subject. Dia Nyx. Turns out one of the woman in her little group pushed her into the portal. Jealousy was the motive, Dia is a very attractive young woman especially if you throw a bit of succubus into the mix. All the men in their little group always paid attention to Dia and never to any of the other women. Most of the women didn''t care and had relationships outside of the team. Except for one that had an obsession for their team leader. So when the portal to Tartarus showed up she shoved Dia in and blamed it on the summoner.¡± Li''Ana painted a simple yet complex picture for Lash. Lash rolled his eyes at the idea of it.


    ¡°Has Dia been informed of the situation?¡± Lash asked, Li''Ana nodded.


    ¡°Yes, since she was ''adopted'' by the Amazons they used their justice system. The culprit was sent to Tartarus herself. Into the waiting arms of Hades servants, oh! Hades retook Tartarus thanks to the fact that the Relic was no longer in possession of the Fallen One.¡± Li''Ana said with a smile that was mirrored by Lash.


    Before they continued Lash flicked his own forehead and pulled out the Orichalcum necklace for Li''Ana. It was a braided cord necklace with a dagger sitting in the middle of a book for the center piece. Li''Ana was a scholar, politician. So dagger, and book seemed right to give to her.


    Orichalcum dagger and book Talisman


    Rating: B+


    Effect: Very Durable


    Effect: 1% of item durability restored everyday.


    Effect: 10% decrease to negative spell effects.


    Effect: 10% increase to positive spell effects.


    Effect: Technomancy Domain Spell, Virtual Intelligence. One Tech-Spirit.


    Effect: Grave Domain Spell, Death Ward. One charge, six months to recharge.


    Effect: Grave Domain Spell, Kiss of the Grave. One charge, six months to recharge.


    Comments: There is such a thing as a gift that is to much.


    Li''Ana looked at the necklace with wide eyes, she reached and pulled it out of the box. The necklace coiled around her neck and clasped automatically. Lash did a little enchanting with Essence Imbuement to make it a little life like. Once it was firmly planted around her neck the enchanting details were auto transmitted into her mind, another detail he had added recently to his creations. Li''Ana''s face froze in horror!


    ¡°Yo...Y..... Lash do you have any idea how fucking expensive this....Wait! Soluna had ne.... By the Queen how many of these did you make!?¡± Li''Ana screamed at him. Lash just sat in his chair as he watched and listened to her yell at him. It reminded him of Jessabell, only they were not naked in bed together.


    ¡°My pack-mates of course, few others. Li''Ana in case it is not abundantly clear. You are important to me. You understand that right?¡± Lash said with a pointed stare at her. Li''Ana flushed crimson from her neck, to her face, to her ears. But to her credit she didn''t shrink or sly away from his eyes.


    ¡°I...I do. T...Thank you for the gift, Lash.¡± She said in barely a whisper. There was a tense awkward moment. Then Li''Ana reached for the book and started to write new information into it. She continued to be beat red but tried to focus at the task at hand. Lash just smiled at her and continued to answer questions she had.


    They talked for another hour before she closed the massive book and put it away into her coat. As much as Lash wanted to peel her cloths off she couldn''t stay! With spring comes more work for the Seelie Summer Court. They did make out for a few minutes on the balcony but Li''Ana pulled her self away with determination. She put her ring on and grew to fill out her top again, but rolled her eyes when Lash only looked at her with concern.


    ¡°I swear! The only man who doesn''t like big!¡± She stepped to a particular stone on the balcony and faded from sight.


    Before Lash stepped into his home he created a large clay pot, and planted a new tree. A big of Nature Domain magic with Growth and Plant Control and a sizable tree was born. Thanks to the glamour and illusion spells created around his balcony he didn''t need to worry about mundanes watching him. He familiarized himself with the tree so he could use Tree Stride in the future. He informed the Gargoyles about the change, and the Griaks who all accepted the new information with ease. Lash opened the balcony door and invited the Griaks to eat what was left over. A few entertaining minutes later as a swarm of dozens of tiny devil like creatures devoured his kitchens contents they all flew back to their three tech-tree homes.


    Lash looked at his Warden profile and shuddered when he saw that the paper work, emails, etc had only grown. It seemed that they noticed he started to work and pushed a mountain of paper work onto him. So he let his spells and skills continue to work. While he continued to get experience prompts from time to time. Lash went to his dinning room table and started to do some simple clean up, he knew Brownie spirits would clean up once he left but he felt compelled to do a few things. Lash sat down in his office and started to go through a to do list, or rather a quest list.


    He still technically had the Gotham''s heroes and villains quest line in place. But there were nearly a hundred different names, and those were just the ones he knew about. Then he had the quest with Atlantis. He also needed to find a suitable host for the divine spark of Loki. In little over a week or maybe less then that Kara Zor-El would be arriving. Then Fort Rozz would be along as well. Lash used a brief moment to use Cosmic Awareness to announce to the world that Fort Rozz was on the way, 96% of his energy was consumed in a moment. But now he could talk about it freely. He wanted to check up on Wolf West, Victor Fries, and King Croc. Last but not least he still had two more favors to perform for Persephone. He was missing a few things but that was the important bits.


    With the help of Parallel Minds he was able to process more information. Mr West had successfully met with his daughter Zoe and remarried his x-wife. Of course to the outside world it was the first time. They lived in Richmond, Virginia on sizable strip of land. Victor and his wife Nora both still lived in Gotham, and worked at Wayne Tech. Nora was an accomplished doctor! Bruce had easily accepted them both and kept the identity of Victor off the books. So he was a free man, or...New man? Croc''s town was in a reasonable position of power in the underground of Gotham. They had suffered little to no damage from the attack, and the Joker venom was cleaned by the Synthetic tree''s Lash had made to purify the air. Then his phone beeped at him with a caller.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Lash! Can you come to Gotham Central Park? The forest in the area has gone fucking crazy! My Teacher is out of town currently and all the other Druids are...''Busy''¡± Timothy practically shouted at him.


    ¡°Yes! I''ll be there in a few minutes!¡± Lash replied.


    He ran from his home in hurry telling his security system to lock up. It chimed at him to be safe as he ran down through his home building to the underground entrance, once he was down there he used Intermediate Transformation and became his were-lizard hybrid and propelled himself to all fours. Lash sped through the underground passages until he came to another exit and pulled the hidden door aside to come into a underground parking lot a few blocks away from his building. He called up his Wraith shroud of smoke and shadow and used Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, and Invisibility. He raced out into traffic and zipped down the street at full speed towards the park. If it was not one thing it was another. Lash vaguely remembers Dawn telling him that the longer he was in The Dream Engine the more events would spawn for him.


    Gotham had just gotten over a full siege on the city and now another attack had happened. Lash sprinted down the street full tilt going from five mph to fifty in a few short seconds. He retracted his claws so that he wouldn''t leave any noticeable damage though his traction did suffer a bit. After a few short minutes had passed he saw several hundred people running in the opposite direction he was moving to. Emergency response vehicles were driving as quickly as they could towards the park, along with a few armored personnel carriers. Then Lash came around the corner and saw the Central Park for Gotham City.


    The tree''s had erected a huge bramble vine wall that was several stories tall. Black branches, roots, and thorns shot out and tore up the concrete around the area. The tree''s on the inside of the park had grown impossible tall for such a short amount of time, so high that they could rival the skyscrapers around them. The park had been converted into a minor refugee camp while the city was under construction so a lot of people had been ''living'' there for the past few days. Lash jumped onto a APC and jumped to another to skip across the pact city street. Thankfully the plant''s hadn''t reached out to attack anyone. Lash came to a halt in front of what should have been the main gate and found Timothy there.


    Timothy was the 6'' even Irish man with curly red hair tied back into a tail, green eyes, with a powerful build that was a trained medical technician and druid in training for the Warden''s. He was a good guy that wanted to help his community. He had full combat tactical gear on that was glamoured to say UNWS to the mundanes but Warden for the super-naturals. He stood next to the gate with a frown, the bramble vines wouldn''t attack him, but they wouldn''t open for him either. He jumped in surprise when Lash pulled his Invisibility off and stood up as ''Wraith'' to the public eye.


    ¡°Agent Timothy. I assume we have hostages inside the park?¡± Lash said in his animalistic voice.


    ¡°That is correct, Agent L....Wraith. The estimated count is little over a thousand people. The plants seem to attack anyone that gets close unless they have a certain ''attribute'' about them.¡± Timothy replied, he had almost said Lash''s name but caught himself. The attribute in question was the Nature Domain. Lash looked him over and discovered that Timothy had obtained a Sub-Domain in Nature. He was half way there!


    Sub-Domain''s allowed for the passive influence of the Domain wash over you and let you use the basic level zero and maybe level one spells. This of course could change depending on the level of awareness, practice, etc. Several GCPD and Military personnel noticed the two of them at the gates and ran over only to have the walls reach out and try to claw at them.


    ¡°Sergeant get on the radio and tell everyone to avoid the walls. They react to any unwanted intrusion.¡± Timothy called out in a voice of authority, the rank he had on his vest was Captain. The army Sergeant reacted accordingly and got on the communication lines.


    Lash reached out with his clawed hands and a green glow began to emanate from his entire body the bramble wall pulled back to reveal the entrance of the park. Lash gestured for Timothy to follow him inside but the walls refused to allow the others inside. Lash didn''t push the plants any more than that. They both walked inside the park as the bramble wall closed behind them. Inside the park was like a different world, that continued to change and evolve. The tree''s continued to grow not only up, but also out. Soon the tree''s would cover the sky and turn the ground floor to twilight.


    The grass was exceptionally long, the flowers had grown to full bloom and become far larger then they should naturally be possible. Lash and Timothy both felt the abundance of the Green in the air. But it was different from magic, it was....Different.


    ¡°Pamela!¡± Lash called out in voice that was a mixture of human and animal. His voice sent a shiver through the whole forest that was noticeable to Timothy.


    ¡°Who''s Pamela?¡± Timothy asked. Lash sent the relative information to Timothy''s phone. He pulled it out and read through the information as the two of them walked into the heart of the new forest.


    Lash took point as Timothy looked through the files quickly. Pamela Lillian Isley the natural born Druid, and Guardian of the Green that Lash had pointed out over a year ago. But most would know her by the name, Poison Ivy. The Warden''s and the Druids had lost track of Pamela for months and had no idea where she was. Lash knew in the comics that she came to Gotham, there were several reasons why. But prominently it was because Ace Chemicals was dumping toxic waste and she came to stop it. But that didn''t happen this time, Ace Chemicals now had a mixture that could clean up chemical and toxic waste. Something that ''Agent Wraith'' had given them during the Tech Summit Tour he had done. So why was she here now?


    Timothy put his phone away when several civilians came around the bend. They looked unharmed but something was clearly wrong with them as their eyes had a eerie green glow to them. A dark green color spread through their veins as they shuffled their feet towards them. But neither of the Wardens felt hostility just a passive acknowledgment. The ''drones'' stopped in front of them then after a few stressful seconds they bowed their heads, turned and walked further into the park. They stopped after a few steps to look back at them, waiting.


    ¡°I think we''ve been invited?¡± Timothy said softly. Lash agreed, so they began to follow the ''drones'' into the park.


    As they walked into the deeper portions of the park they came into a clearing. The tree''s branches above them had blotted out the sky but there was still plenty of lights as several flowers had bloomed and created ambient glowing lights. They both saw Nature Domain spirits dancing through the flowers, grass, and trees. Hundreds of civilian ''drones'' walked through the park with watering cans. Giant plants with transparent skin like bulbs held green fluid, several vines transferred that fluid to twisted plants like a plant based machine. The fluid was changed into a gas and pumped into the air. The plants and Nature spirits loved the gas. The drones who seemed lethargic became energized when the gas was breathed in.


    ¡°Fertilizer.¡± Timothy said as he breathed the gas in. Lash was sure there were a few other ingredients in it. But thanks to the Nature Domain they would both be widely immune.


    ¡°Feels like I just drank a pot of coffee!¡± Timothy said with a smile as the green glow faded from his eyes and green color in his veins faded just as quickly.


    ¡°Interesting....¡± A seductive feminine voice said from the branches above. Timothy was startled he looked towards the direction with caution.


    ¡°Miss Isley, may we talk?¡± Lash said in his near human but still a little reptilian voice.


    ¡°I''ve heard of you. Agent Wraith of the UNWS. I was curious if my pheromones would work on a Alien or not.¡± Said the voice.


    A giant red petaled rose came down from the branches above. When the rose met the ground the petals opened up to reveal a bewitchingly beautiful woman, sitting on a plant like throne. She had rich curly red hair that was pulled to one side, light green eyes, olive green skin, with a hour glass figure. Her breasts were enthusiastically bouncy as they were only partially covered with green ivy leaves, she uncrossed and crossed her legs letting both men know that she only on a few leaves as panties. She was in a bikini made from plants.


    Ivy looked amused as she watched Timothy''s reaction to her, her plump green lips pulled back into a smile. Even her teeth had a green tint to them. Timothy swallowed audibly as he was struck by her beauty. She puckered her lips and blew him a kiss that had a bit of pheromones laced into it. Timothy fell to his knee''s but his Sub-Domain in Nature slowly allowed him to recover. Ivy was even more amused by his gradual recovery. Then she turned her eyes towards Lash, the look of amusement faded and was replaced by intrigue and curiosity.


    ¡°Tell me, how do you know my name?¡± Ivy said to Lash.


    Lash created an obstruction glamour around Timothy, Ivy, and himself. He wasn''t sure how much the drones would remember. He then dismissed his Wraith shroud, then slowly reverted his Transformation back to his default human form. Ivy''s eyes had a spark of mischief in them at the thought that Agent Wraith was showing her that many didn''t know. But that spark soon faded as the face that grew was someone she knew. Then she brought a hand to her mouth in shock, she stood up and raced towards him. She knew who this was!


    ¡°Lash!¡± Ivy said with a squeal of glee!


    ¡°Hello Pamela! Good to see you again!¡± Lash said to her as he wrapped his arms around her small frame. Ivy kicked her legs up into the air and laughed in delight.


    After a minute of joyful reunion Lash let go of her. But Ivy refused to let go of him! She kept her arms wrapped his arm and tried her best to glue herself onto his body. Lash didn''t stop her but they needed to speak to her about the situation she had caused. She pulled him towards her throne and used Plant Control to create a table, a seat for Timothy, and a love seat for Lash and Ivy. A drone came over and poured some fragrant water dew drink that Timothy said was exceptional. Ivy stayed attached to Lash''s arm, though it was covered in armor she didn''t seem to care.


    ¡°So you are both Druids? If I had known that I wouldn''t have tried to ditch the others that tried to recruit me back at Seattle.¡± Ivy confessed to them.


    ¡°Its fine, Druids are just like any group of people. Some are good, some are bad, some are indifferent. I''m happy that you made it to Gotham safely but the grand display of power was a little much.¡± Lash replied to her, Timothy nodded in agreement.


    ¡°I had planned to come here and ruin Ace Chemicals day. They had been well known for dumping waste into places. Until a Alien that is apparently not an Alien gave them the means to safely destroy waste. I wanted to speak to Wraith about a few things and knew that a display of power would bring you in. Don''t worry no one is permanently hurt.¡± Ivy said with a smirk as she poked Lash''s cheek a few times to emphasize her point. Ivy was far more enthusiastic, and confident then Pamela was. Gone was the bookish, mouse, girl next door. Now their was the seductive, intelligent, dryad of nature.


    ¡°If you are planning in staying in Gotham maybe you would be interested in joining the Wardens? Or the Druids? Or...¡± Timothy said in response.


    He was a bit jealous of Lash at the current moment and Ivy noticed it. For the first time in over an hour Ivy let go of Lash. She pulled herself across the leaf table, pulled Timothy towards her with her hands and kissed him. Timothy flailed for a brief moment then returned the kiss. It was clear that Timothy enjoyed it, and Lash enjoyed the view of Ivy sprawled across the table. After a few minutes Ivy broke the kiss with him and slipped back towards Lash. She looked at Lash as if expecting him to be jealous but only found a smirk on his face. She grinned at him, pulled his arm close against her chest.


    ¡°What are you, Lash?¡± Ivy asked.


    ¡°I''m a Warden first then a Druid. Its hard work but rewarding. You of course have to be interviewed by the Courts to be finalized. But even if the Warden''s don''t take you, there are several branches of the super-natural societies that I think would love to have you.¡± Lash replied to her. Lash''s hand settled down into Ivy''s lap then began to dance up and down her skin. Which Ivy clearly enjoyed!


    ¡°You''ll have to release the civilians. We have to maintain a peaceful coexistence between the mundanes and super-natural societies.¡± Timothy said.


    As he jumped back into the conversation as the green glow faded from his eyes. Which he obtained from Ivy''s kiss. Ivy was amused that her kiss didn''t have a lasting effect on him. Before Lash could say another word she gave him a smothering kiss that ended up with her moaning in pleasure instead of him. She broke the kiss with him and discovered that Lash was completely immune to her pheromones. She bit her lips softly as she looked him up and down with seductive eyes.


    ¡°Yes... I''ll tell them all to head to the entrance of the park.¡± Ivy said after a bit. The civilian drones stopped what they were doing and started to head towards the front entrance.


    ¡°As long as the forest hasn''t cracked and or destroyed the Gotham utility pipes I believe we can leave them as is. Though I am sure they will have questions about that...Wont you!¡± Lash said with a yell as he looked over at several shadows that stepped from the forest. Ivy was startled! She had no idea they had broken through the bramble.


    ¡°Yes Warden Lash we do have a few questions. But if the situation is not violent I believe we can all keep our heads about us.¡± Said the lead shadow. They had Fae Court combat gear on, a cross between modern and old days. Tech-Knight gear.


    Over the next hour all of the civilian drones were released. The effect of enslavement would last only a few hours with out re application. Though many of the people may find themselves yearning for Ivy''s touch again. It was apparently addictive! Timothy commented that he really wanted to kiss Ivy again, and she was more than happy to let him have another taste. Though Lash did enjoy the kiss, he was still immune to her abilities. But this revelation did not make her unhappy, apparently most men and women she had any prolonged physical interaction with would eventually die from an overdose. The Shadows offered to escort Ivy back to Warden HQ when Lash offered to send them through a tree. Ivy begged him to show her how he did that at a later time. Timothy wanted to come along until Lash cast Sooth on the poor fellow. Timothy shook himself back to reality, though he did want to kiss Ivy it was no longer an addictive side effect. Just as Ivy stepped through the door way in the tree with the Fae Court Shadows Lash cast Insight on her.


    Name: Pamela Lillian Isley aka Poison Ivy.


    Title: Guardian of the Green.


    Origin: Meta-Gene. Sub-Origin: Magical.


    Rank: C-


    Skills/Powers: See tool tip for more information.


    Domains/Sub-Domain: Nature.


    Disposition: Friendly.


    Comments: Poison Ivy was a lost soul in the original comics that tried her best to create a new world with her abilities. Unfortunately this new world didn''t have humans in it. This Ivy is different, before she gained her abilities she made a friend. That friend helped guide her to a new path. A lot of things are different, but a lot of things stay the same.


    Congratulations, User! You''ve helped a Gotham Villain obtain a new fate in your Dream World.


    Reward: Basic Science evolves into Intermediate Science.


    Lash was happy with the reward, Science was a hard skill to evolve with so many working parts mixed into it. He used Transformation, and conjured his Wraith disguise. Timothy and himself walked out of the city park side by side as the plant life went from animated to calm and collected. The park still had dozens of tree''s that were just as large and tall as the skyscrapers near by but maybe Gotham City could use it as a tourist attraction? The bramble wall was open at the main entrances of the park while the wall remained standing. They stepped out from the park to see a military and police line at a respectable distance from the park. Hundreds of civilians still under the thrall of Ivy or coming down from it in their custody.


    ¡°You in town for long or back on the road again?¡± Timothy asked Lash.


    ¡°On the road again. I appear to be a bad luck magnet. The longer I stay in one place the more things seem to happen.¡± Lash replied in his animalistic voice of Wraith. Timothy chuckled a bit and offered his hand to him. They shook hands and Timothy walked off towards his transportation while Lash walked towards his old neighborhood. The Narrows.


    ============================================================


    In a sky scraper that was nearly pitch black in color with a red W written into was an office. Inside of the office sat Bruce Wayne as he pulled up a giant holographic display of the latest news on the Gotham City park incident. It was the middle of the day which is why Batman had not appeared, he froze the news feed with a hand gesture. Pulled up some computer commands and enhanced the video, it showed Wraith walking into the park with another UNWS agent. The bramble closed behind them and after that they were gone for several hours. Then the civilians still trapped inside the park were released in a lethargic state. The plant life in the area settled a few minutes later with an hour passed Wraith and the agent stepped out.


    Bruce had been introduced to the super-natural world. He knew much more today then he did two years ago. He assumed the other UNWS agent was a Warden like Lash was. Bruce pressed play on the display and the news footage continued. It had nothing but praise for the work of Agent Wraith''s quick response time, as well has zero civilian casualties. Beep! Beep! Bruce went to his main computer, he entered his code to check on the Justice League message board.


    ''Hello everyone! Helping Aquaman, and Aquawoman with some ocean business. Not sure how long we''ll be gone. I know I said we would meet up for food and drinks but then I realized we didn''t have a focused meet up point. So tell me what you think about these plans.'' Wraith sent the message through.


    It had three different designs. One was a orbital satellite space station. Next was a lunar moon base placed inside one of the massive impact craters, another was a compromise of both. A orbital ring around the moon. The designs were simple drawings with out any real math behind them, but Bruce figured with Superman and Green Lanterns help they may be able to pull it off.


    ''Wait, can we afford something like that!? Holy shit Wraith how rich are you?'' Fantasma asked. He was a new recruit that Lash had found in Vegas. Meta-Human with teleportation abilities.


    ''I can''t believe I''m saying this but I think the Orbital Satellite would be the cheaper option. But if money and resources were not an issue I''d vote for the orbital ring around the moon.'' The Flash responded.


    ''Wait! How would we get from the surface to the space station?'' Shazam asked.


    ''Surface to Aerospace shuttles I think. Wow those will be expensive'' Green Arrow replied.


    ''Oh that''s easy! We''ll just point to point teleportation. I already know how to do it.'' Wraith messaged.


    Bruce''s eyes went wide with that message. He was not the only one that was shocked as the entire message board remained silent for a good ten minutes. Wayne Technologies had been playing with the idea ever since the energy to matter converter was obtained from the United Kingdom. But converting organic matter to energy, then reconverting that energy into organic matter with memories intact seemed an impossible dream.


    ''Ok! I like that you have a lot of confidence in my ability, Wraith. But I don''t think my power goes that far!'' Fantasma messaged.


    ''He''s not talking about that. I''ve seen him do it with a tree. If Wraith says he can do it then he can.'' Black Canary messaged.


    ''Why don''t we choose the space station? Something that can be moved and positioned over the planet with the right design?'' Superman messaged.


    Then a vote page came up on the message board. Nearly everyone voted for the space station, though a few requested that they someday build something on the moon. As soon as it was voted for Bruce got an email from Wraith. He pulled it up on his holographic display and it was a massive design. This wasn''t a NASA station with several little pods attached to each other. This was something that you would see in a Science Fiction movie. However, the designs were incomplete. Several portions were missing while others were filled out. Under all the different designs was a name. ''Watch Tower''. Bruce couldn''t help but smile, if they had agreed on the orbital ring around the moon did Lash also have a design for that?


    =============================================================


    Lash finished uploading the schematics and designs to Bruce. He had recast Invisibility as he moved towards The Narrows. He was going to meet Arthur and Mera at the pier. He sent messages to the Wardens, along with his pack-mates. Lizzy dema....Cough! Cough! Requested that he send messages once a day so she could ensure he was alive and well. She seem to forget about the life stone in the Warden HQ? Or maybe she was just worried. The Justice League message board continued to light up about the space station. Lash messaged that he had already sent blue prints to Batman and any additional help or idea''s should be sent his way.


    Lash received a message from Arthur they were at the pier having a drink with the locals. Vulko had come along to speak to him about his mother. Lash said he would be there in under an hour. The Narrows was lively and full of movement, unlike the rest of Gotham they received very little damage. So this time the Narrows helped with refugee space and food. Because all the buildings were green and efficient they could support more people. Though a few people from the ''mainland'' of Gotham were unhappy about the arrangement. But Lash assumed it was more likely they were upset about losing their homes more than anything.


    Thanks to Lash''s glamour he moved through the crowds with relative ease. Super-Natural creatures, citizens, and denizens noticed him. They would greet him with smiles and waves but no one stopped him thankfully. He cast a few Nature Domain spells on a few magical creatures here and there, it was a lot like candy or drug like euphoria as the sensation would roll through them. He was a few minutes from the pier when someone screamed out loud. Lash rolled his eyes at the inconvenience but turned towards the disturbance anyways. A woman was pointing out a hooligan that was running directly towards Lash with the woman''s purse. But Lash noticed something odd, the hooligan was moving faster then normal. He even saw little flashes of electricity. A speedster?


    The kid sprinted towards Lash''s location believing the gap in the crowd was just another space to run through. Lash reached out with his transformed hand and plucked the kid off the ground. Or it was more like he snagged the kid by the neck and lifted them off the ground. The young woman yelped in surprise as she was lifted off the ground. Due to the physical interaction Lash''s Wraith shroud appeared in front of everyone. The shroud had bits and pieces flake off like smoke, while the tail ends writhed across the ground. The shroud reached up and touched the young woman who flailed in panic. Lash cast Insight on the individual.


    Name: N/A.... VI Avatar.


    Title: Sugar Rush Addict


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: F+


    Skills/Powers: Active Effect; Speed Force. Passive Effects; Healing, Durability, Reflexes.


    Domains: N/A


    Disposition: Hostile (Terrified of you)


    Comments: You have caught a speedster! Well a baby speedster! Maybe with the right mentor ship she could be a hero!


    Lash pulled the purse from the speedster and walked back to the woman who lost in the first place. All foot traffic stopped to watch Lash walk the purse back the entire time he had the young woman by the neck. She wasn''t choking by any means she was just terrified as she continued to flail and struggle in his grip. The woman who lost her purse took it back quickly and muttered a thank you. Lash turned on his heel and walked towards the pier while he used Connectivity to jump on to the message board.


    ''Flash! I have a Meta-Human Speedster in my possession. I am at the Narrows pier in Gotham City. I don''t have a lot of time. Can either you or Kid come pick her up? She was pick pocketing people but she isn''t a bad person just needs a home and some guidance.'' Lash posted.


    ''Copy that! I''ll be there in twenty minutes or less!'' Flash responded.


    Lash recast Invisibility on himself and the young woman. He continued to drag her towards the pier by the neck. A few people in the crowds around them pitied the young woman, but most just laughed at her bad luck for meeting Wraith. Lash ran her face and finger prints through the data base. Monika Celeritas, orphaned at ten years of age. Gotham City orphanage for girls, aged out when she hit eighteen. 5''6¡±, purple eyes, black hair, Native American heritage.


    ¡°Where are you taking me!¡± Monkia shouted at him.


    ¡°To the Pier to meet a few people. Then I am going to hand you off to a mentor.¡± Lash replied in his animalistic voice. Monika shivered at the sound of it, felt like a crocodile was trying to talk.


    ¡°I don''t need a fucking mentor! Let me go!¡± Monika continued to kick and flail. Bits of purple and pink electricity danced around her body as she tried to wiggle out of his hand. But every time she seem to gain ground Lash would use Technomancy to drain the charge out of her.


    ¡°You can either accept a mentor, or I can call ARGUS and you can get a bomb implanted into your neck and become a soldier that has zero worth. You choose.¡± Lash said replied. Monika stopped struggling after he mentioned ARGUS.


    ¡°Can you at least let me walk on my own?¡± She asked. Lash lifted her up and set her down on her own two feet. He faced her forward but kept his hand on the back of her neck. His claws rested on her neck.


    ¡°This is not much better....¡± She complained but walked forward anyways.


    So the pair walked towards the pier a monsters hand around the young woman''s neck. She tried a few times to vibrate her body out of his grip but the electricity was always absorbed into him, he also ran his claws along her throat after the second attempt. She stopped after that. Lash assumed the User who made the Avatar must have tried more then once. Every new generated world would always have the User in a comfortable starting zone. Being born in an orphanage must have been a specific new game + action, that was spent with World Points.


    ¡°Mental Resistance...Whats that?¡± Monika said under her breath. Lash rolled his eyes, did every User speak about their skills out loud?


    Monika watched with interest as the crowds of people seemed to just get out of their way on their own accord. People didn''t even realize they were doing it, they just did it. She muttered softly, ''These are not the droids you are looking for'' Lash''s lips twitched a bit at the unexpected humor. They found Arthur and Mera on the pier with a small crowd around them. Arthur was dressed in his leather biker gang outfit and had a pint in his hand and was chugging it quickly in competition against another biker gang individual. Mera sat off to the side, she was entertaining several children by creating and manipulating water into animal shapes. The both of them were odd mix that was for sure.


    ¡°You two seem to be having fun.¡± Lash said as he pulled his Invisibility off. Everyone jumped in surprise including Arthur and his drinking buddy who splashed the beer all over themselves.


    ¡°Wraith! I...Who is that?¡± Mera said as she bounced to her feet and pointed at Monika.


    ¡°Meta-Human, Speedster.¡± Lash had created a simple mask for Monika before he revealed them. It was so quick that Monika jumped in surprise to have it on her face.


    ¡°She do something wrong?¡± Arthur asked as he cleaned his face off with a towel that he got from his competitor.


    ¡°Petty thief, stole a purse. Not a bad person just needs some direction and a place to sleep.¡± Lash replied, then a child ran up to him maybe ten years old. Lash looked down at the child.


    ¡°Are you really an alien?¡± The kid asked. Lash ''pulled'' his hood back to reveal his reptilian face, eyes, and scaled features. Several people jumped back in surprise.


    ¡°I am not human, but I was born on Earth. So am I an Alien? Yes and no.¡± Lash replied, his voice softer then usual. The kid smiled at him.


    ¡°I think you look cool!¡± The kid said. ¡°Can I look like you when I grow up?¡± The kid asked. His parents who were near grinned and rolled their eyes. But looked shock at what Lash said next.


    ¡°Yes, its called Gene-Splicing. The US government has already created several humans with animal like features. It''s currently not open to the public but they are in the process of opening it up for medical purposes. So when you reach eighteen you should be able to volunteer or buy the procedure.¡± Lash replied to the kid. The kid''s eyes went wide with enthusiasm.


    ¡°Are you serious!?¡± Arthur yelled at him. Lash produced a ''holographic'' magical image of several government agents that were spliced already. Obviously their names were removed from the file. However the US CIA stamp was not removed. People took out their phones and took pictures.


    ¡°That is so cool! Could I get wings and fly around!?¡± The kid asked.


    ¡°It''s possible.¡± Lash replied to the child. The kid ran off to talk to his parents begging to let him get wings for Christmas. The parents were terrified! Just as people wanted to swarm Lash with questions a red and yellow lighting trail rushed towards them. Then Flash seemed to pop into existence in front of everyone!


    ¡°Hay everybody! Oh my god! Is that a guy with wolf ears!?¡± Flash looked at one of the images.


    ¡°Everyone please excuse us we have things to talk about.¡± Lash pulled Flash, Arthur, Mera, and Monika to the edge of the pier. He closed the holographic projections though he was sure it would show up online in a few minutes if not now! He cast a area of effect glamour on them so they could talk freely. The public watched them fade from sight.


    ¡°Flash, meet Monika Celeritas. Monika this is The Flash, Aquaman, and Aquawoman. Now I...¡± Lash started when Monika practically vibrated with excitement.


    ¡°Can I join the Justice League!?¡± Monika shouted at them. Well that was easier then expected.


    ¡°Ummm... Sure! I think that is why Wraith asked me to come. He said you need a mentor?¡± Flash said with a laugh. Lash let go of her at that point she jumped up and down in excitement! The purple and pink electricity bounced off of her and Flash smiled wide at the clear sign of a speedster.


    ¡°Yes! Yes! Please I would love for you to be my mentor!¡± Monika shouted at him.


    Over the next few minutes they talked logistics. Lash created a phone for her that had all the bells and whistles needed to access the Justice League message board. Along with a checking account, and health insurance information. Minimum wage twenty four hours a day, seven days a week came up to about five thousand dollars and change a month. Monika nearly lost her shit when she heard the number, she hadn''t expected to get paid and was more then happy to accept the added bonus.


    ¡°Thank you...For, well not killing me for one. But... Thank you.¡± Monika said to Lash. She stood in front of him with Flash behind her. They were about to leave for Central City.


    ¡°You are most welcome, Miss Celeritas. I hope next we meet you''ll be trained and ready to stop crime not cause it.¡± Lash said as he extended his clawed hand towards. She accepted it with a smile then zipped over to Flash. Flash took her hand and they ran off together, Monika piggy backing off of his speed. Arthur and Mera walked over. Arthur had a grin on his face, and Mera a sweet smile.


    ¡°Should we just make you the recruiter for the League? You pulled in Dia, Fantasma, and now Monika. All in less then six months. You just have an eye for talent my man!¡± Arthur clapped him on the back. Lash shrugged helplessly, Mera walked over and smoothed her hands down his scaled neck he enjoyed the sensation.


    ¡°You are very sweet, Wraith. Come Vulko must be going insane with boredom he is waiting at the edge of the pier in the water.¡± Mera leaned up on her toes and kissed his cheek. Then jumped into the water, Arthur laughed and jumped in after her. Lash turned to look at Gotham one last time. He wasn''t sure when he would see the city again.


    ¡°Goodbye.¡± Lash said softly, and had sensation that the city would miss him.


    Lash jumped into the water and pulled his Wraith disguise off. He didn''t really need it right now but he did need to stay transformed. Thanks to his Lord of Water blessing from Sobek he could propel himself through the water at about half the speed of Arthur and Mera. But has he used Adaptation he slowly got faster. But he would need a great deal of effort to even meet them half way. Neither of them said anything and took it slow.


    The water around Gotham was cold, murky, and full of trash. Though less trash of late since several tech companies were pulling trash towards them so they could use it in their new technologies that an ''Alien'' gave them. The water was still filthy. Lash reached into his Nature Domain and Technomancy Domain to cast Decomposition, and Recycle. Soon Lash left a noticeable trail through the water where it was clean and pure.


    ¡°Damn! We just need a massive version of you and we could clean the whole ocean!¡± Arthur said through the water. His voice was oddly audible in the water, that is when Lash remembered that Atlanteans have a minor form of Telepathy. This allows them to talk underwater. His skill Other Worldly Lore activated.


    ¡°A majority of the technologies I gave during my tech summit was to use old trash, and waste and turn them into useful things. I had hoped it would help restore some balance to the Earth and its waters. But it will be many years before we see any positive reaction.¡± Lash said in return, as he practiced the partial telepathy.


    After about an hour of swimming and several experience prompts about his two spells. They moved out of Gotham City bay and at the edge in the near pitch black waters stood a man in deep blue fish scale armor. He was about 5''11¡± with long black hair that was tied up in the back, deep blue ocean eyes, and a ice blue spear in hand. He smiled at the return of Arthur and Mera to which he gave a bow to them. Then he smiled at Lash, a few winkles around his eyes and mouth.


    ¡°Warden Lash. Greetings to you. I am Nuidis Vulko, Vizier of Atlantis. I wish we could meet under better circumstances but hopefully with your help we can obtained King Atlan''s trident and rescue Queen Atlanna from the Trench.¡± Vulko said as he bowed to Lash. Lash returned the greeting with a full Warden etiquette bow and hand gesture.


    ¡°Vizier thank you for coming all this way. I am sure life has not been easy for some one so dedicated. I hope we can settle the civil war quickly with as few casualties as possible.¡± Lash replied, his words were a little hard to understand as he continued to practice. Even got a Language Smith experience prompt.


    ¡°Do we know where we are going?¡± Mera asked after a moment. Before Vulko could respond Lash did.


    ¡°The ocean of sands, Sahara. To the Deserter Kingdom.¡± Lash said to them. Vulko eyes were wide as the golden light from Foresight faded from Lash''s figure. ¡°The scroll canister is a key to a mechanism in the kingdom that will show us the next location. We need it.¡± Lash finished.


    ¡°Ah! So that is how it is! Yes, here keep it safe!¡± Vulko handed the canister to Mera. She took it and tied it to her belt for safe keeping. ¡°Unfortunately I can not join you, I must return and do what I can to delay Orm from attacking the animal and primal villages of the oceans. He plans to force them into his army for the coming war with the surface.¡± Vulko said, his face grim.


    ¡°No... Prince Orm is well aware that you have betrayed him. It would be better for you to travel to the ocean kingdoms and see who would be willing to meet with Prince Arthur. Even when we obtain the Trident not so many people would be willing to switch loyalties.¡± Lash said, Foresight activated again. The golden light glowed in the ocean. Though Lash nearly fell unconscious as his energy reserves nearly tanked after doing it twice so close together. Arthur moved to support him.


    ¡°I ¡­ I see. Very well! I will first travel to the temple of Poseidon. Its neutral ground that not even Orm would try and attack. Less he anger the Old Gods themselves. I''ll tell them about Prince Arthur first born of Queen Atlanna, and Princess Y''Mera of Xebel. How they search for the Trident of King Atlan with an Oracle that travels with them and guides their path!¡± Vulko said with a smile.


    ¡°Leave my specific name out of it please, at least for now. Many people would argue that a Warden picking ''sides'' would be breaking their oath. I hope one day they''ll understand I did it for the betterment of the world.¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Of course! Gods be with you!¡± Vulko bowed from his waist turned around and swam off into the depths of the ocean.


    ¡°Alright, we need to find a tree! Cause I am not swimming all the way there!¡± Lash said to Arthur and Mera who looked at him in confusion.

 Chapter 63: SHARC

    Turned out they didn''t plan to swim to Sahara, they plan to swim to Amnesty Bay, more specifically to see Arthur''s Father, Tom Curry. Mera had stashed her Atlantean ship there in secret when she tracked down Arthur a year ago. So it was a relatively short swim from Gotham Harbor up the East Coast. Lash in his hybrid shape was able to adapt quickly but he would never achieve the near mock speed of Arthur and Mera underwater, at least not anytime soon. But Lash did continue to clean the ocean as he swam through it he''d have to talk to Bruce or Fox when he got back. Gotham Harbor was disgusting, and the ocean wasn''t much better. Lash came across some old Ace Chemical barrels that were spewing out waste, the barrels were several years old. So this was all before he handed them the solution. He took some time to clean the barrels up, Arthur seemed a little insistent to move but Mera talked him down. It was only a few extra minutes.


    ¡°I noticed that all the technology you granted the surface could be potentially help restore the ecosystem on Earth. Thank you for that.¡± Mera said to Lash as he finished his last barrel.


    ¡°It was a long term plan, it will be decades before we see any improvement. I''m hoping that if we can get Atlantis to join the UN we can make efforts to clean the oceans out. Since it wont be international borders anymore.¡± Lash spoke back in broken water speak. His Language Smith kept sending him prompts for experience gained but it would take more practice.


    ¡°Oh shit! I didn''t even think about that. Ya! That would help a lot if we joined the United Nations. Am I going to have to do that?¡± Arthur said as he paled at the idea. Mera laughed at him and shook her head in a clear no.


    ¡°Perhaps Vulko, he is far more...Aware of his words then you are highness.¡± Lash said as he started to swim towards Amnesty Bay.


    ¡°Ah! I.... I still think we should find some one else to be king...¡± Arthur grumbled as he lazily swam next to Lash.


    ¡°I may be able to help you with that. Or at least give you the tools needed to rule. With your permission highness.¡± Lash said, his reptilian features on his face pulling back into a smile.


    ¡°Please! Stop calling me highness! Sure! What ever you think will help!¡± Arthur groaned.


    ¡°I''ll work on that, highness.¡± Lash chuckled, as Mera joined him in his laughter.


    The three of them swam up the coast for several hours. Little by little Lash got faster, but eventually he requested to swap out for Saurian. Arthur and Mera didn''t mind then the giant carnosaur version of Saurian appeared, he used Adaptation and created fins along his arms, legs, and his back. He propelled himself through the water at greater speeds. He reached up to 60 mph hour under water or rather 53 knots in nautical speeds. Like a speed boat, but even then Arthur and Mera could out pace him if they wanted to. To them it was like a fast jog!


    Along the way they encountered ocean life that trailed and followed in their wake. Even now Saurian continued to clean the ocean as he swam through it. A group of seals showed up and asked what they were doing before Saurian could reply Arthur did it for him. Beyond the fourth wall, Erik knew that Arthur could do it. But it was the first time seeing it in the ''flesh''. The seals not bothered by the giant reptile in the water swam around and caught a ride on Saurian like he was a public transport for a few miles. The water temperature got colder the further they went north. The group of seals departed and were replaced by a pod of whales many of which had scars and injuries from whale hunters. Saurian insisted on stopping for a few minutes, he removed a harpoon from a whale after he shaped the weapon smooth and pulled it out. Then he used Nature''s Kiss and Panacea on the older ones returning ten years of youth to them. Neither Arthur or Mera said a thing about hurrying when the whales began to sing a song of thanks.


    As they swam into the waters of Amnesty Bay Saurian compacted himself down to be a little over ten feet high and twenty feet long. He kept the fins on his arms, legs, tail, and down his back. They eventually arrived at Tom Curry''s light house. Arthur and Mera jumped out of the water and landed on the sing fishing pier next to the light house. Saurian knew the pier couldn''t take his weight so he cast Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, and Invisibility on himself as he pulled out of the beach with the water crashing against the stones. Even Arthur and Mera lost track of him as he moved up the beach near them.


    -I''m still here. Just don''t want to attract attention. Saurian said to them in their minds.


    ¡°Christ that still freaks me out.¡± Arthur said as he walked towards his Fathers home.


    It was late in the day but there was still a few hours left before sunset. Mera walked next to Arthur and began to pulled an braid her hair back, Arthur just flipped his hair about like a big wet dog and Mera rolled her eyes at him. Saurian trailed behind them, not even leaving tracks in the sand. The light house door opened and Tom Curry stepped out with a smile on his face. Tom Curry was an islander, with deep brown skin, brown eyes, a bald head, and several islander tattoos on his exposed arms. He had brown boots, with brown overalls, and a white undershirt on. With a fishermen cap on his head. With an infections smile on his face he opened his arms up and walked over to hug his son. Arthur smiled and walked up and swallowed his Father in his arms. After they squeezed each other for a bit, Tom let go and embraced Mera far more gentle even though Mera could easily crush him.


    ¡°You come by to say goodbye?¡± Tom''s voice had a bit of accent in it that Saurian couldn''t place.


    ¡°Ya Pops. We came to get Mera''s ship. We have a trail on the trident, and a trail on mom.¡± Arthur''s voice got serious at the tail end of the sentence. Tom''s face got hard but their was a glimmer of hope in his eyes.


    ¡°Where''s the big guy?¡± Tom looked around for a moment then noticed that Mera stood off to the side. More like Mera leaned on something that was invisible. Then two reptilian eyes flared with green light, as they peered back at Tom.


    ¡°Greetings to you, Thomas Curry. Forgive me for not revealing myself. I don''t wish to draw attention to your home more than it already obtains.¡± Saurian''s voice was a little hard on Tom''s ears but he grinned all the same.


    ¡°Not to worry all the people near by know about Arthur being who he is. I don''t think you''ll be any more eye catching than my future daughter in law.¡± Tom said with a smile on his face. Mera grinned at him or more at the fact that Arthur coughed and actually blushed.


    ¡°What?...Oh don''t tell me he still hasn''t proposed to you!? Come on son!¡± Tom said as he gaped at Arthur.


    ¡°I....Wanted to wait for Mom...¡± Arthur said under his breath. Tom was startled but nodded his head in acknowledgment.


    ¡°Then you are aware of the white unmarked van a half a mile away that is video taping your home?¡± Saurian said out loud.


    His Technomancy Domain had chirped at him like a bird would when he was being recorded. Mera stood up right and looked directly at Saurian, then started to look up towards the street. Sure enough there was a white van parked up the road. Arthur snarled and started to race towards the van, on land he could run as fast as any olympic athlete, Mera was right behind him. The people inside the van seem to realize they''ve been discovered and started their engines but before they got more then thirty feet the engine shut off with a flick of Saurian''s claws. Arthur ripped the car door off its hinges and pulled several analytical types, and one security professional.


    ¡°Stop! We work for the government! Its a Federal offense to harm us!¡± The security professional screamed at Arthur as he was held up by the collar, his feet dangling under neath him. Roots, and foliage grew from the ground and restrained the tech support people so they couldn''t run.


    ¡°Harm you!? How about I just throw you in the ocean and let the sharks have their fun! No one will ever find you!¡± Arthur growled at him.


    ¡°Why are you watching Mr Curry''s home?¡± Mera said, her eyes glared at the man.


    ¡°That''s classified lady, I am not obligated to tell you a single thing.¡± The man said to her.


    ¡°Agent Robert Megree, mid level agent for the CIA. Part of a task force for foreign powered individuals. Tom Curry, and Arthur Curry are citizens of America but Princess Mera is not. They are here to ascertain if Princess Mera is here to steal Arthur away.¡± Saurian said as he pulled back his Invisibility and pulled on his Wraith shroud. Agent Megree''s eyes nearly popped out of his eye sockets when Saurian appeared not but a few feet away from them. Tom Curry whistled as he saw Saurian for the first time.


    ¡°Nope! I take it back! You are way more eye catching than Mera.¡± Tom said with a smile.


    ¡°Arthur please put him down. He''s following orders he has no control over the situation.¡± Saurian said politely towards Arthur. Arthur growled but dropped Megree. Before the agent could stand up roots, and plants pulled him down and restrained him.


    Saurian came to stand in front of Agent Megree and crouched down so he was at least as his eye level. Megree swallowed audible as the yellow green reptilian eyes peered at him from the shroud of smoke and shadow. Saurian''s massive scaled and bladed tipped tail positioned behind him to make into a partial pivot point. He called up a projection with the use of his Technomancy Domain. It showed Agent Megree''s private orders, and who was in charge of the surveillance operation.


    ¡°The good news is that they never intended for any violent altercation for you Mr Curry. They were simply concerned that Arthur may be talked into leaving America. Arthur saved the Secretary of Defenses niece a few months ago. Boating accident, Arthur saved the whole ship. So Arthur and you Mr Curry are safe and sound as long as Sec Def remains in office.¡± Saurian said to them, and showed the page to them all including the tech agents who didn''t know any better.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, I don''t suppose you can explain who she is?¡± Agent Megree worked up the courage to ask. Saurian looked back at him then looked at Mera.


    ¡°If everything goes to plan then the world will find out in a few weeks, or a few months.¡± Saurian said softly.


    ¡°I am Princess Y''Mera Xebella, Challa, Daughter of King Nerceus. I''m an Atlantean.¡± Mera said with pride as she squared her shoulders and stood up straighter. Megree looked at her like she was insane, he waited for the punch line then looked back at Saurian as if in explanation.


    ¡°I''m a giant reptile from outer space and Atlantis is weird to you?¡± Saurian said nonchalantly to the Agent. One of the tech agents wiggled and tried to speak. Saurian waved his claws that were exposed from his shroud and the roots pulled back to let him speak.


    ¡°Wait! So the Atlantean Myth is real? Like the Technological City of Ages that sunk to the bottom of the ocean? That Atlantis?¡± The tech had stars in his eyes, Mera laughed and nodded her head.


    ¡°So wait! Why is she here then?¡± Agent Megree asked. Saurian took a moment to access the Warden bureau to have to see if the local Warden''s could keep an eye on Tom Curry. Technically Mr Curry was a pseudo-mundane and was protected under Warden Law.


    ¡°That''s classified, we are under no obligation to say.¡± Saurian said, Arthur cracked up laughing after he said that. Megree''s turned purple but kept his mouth shut. Then his phone went off, Saurian released the plant roots on the surveillance team.


    ¡°You''ll want to get that.¡± Saurian said as he stood up to tower over the CIA team. Agent Megree answered his phone. Spoke for less then thirty seconds closed his phone and turned to his team.


    ¡°Pack it up, we are heading back to HQ¡± Megree told them. Just as a last troll moment Saurian cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on the whole CIA team. They all fell back down into a puddle of orgasmic moans and gasps.


    ¡°Is that a perverse form of torture? Or foreplay? Agent Wraith?¡± Tom Curry asked with a bemused expression.


    ¡°That''s me being troll. They are perfectly fine.¡± Saurian said with a chuckled as he walked back to the light house.


    After a few minutes the CIA team stood up, though they may need to change their pants at a later time. They felt better than they had ever felt. They packed up into the van and Megree drove them back to HQ. Less then ten minutes later a magical arcane eye of the local Warden HQ appeared above the light house. The eye was invisible to the mundane eye but Saurian noticed it and waved. Saurian turned around and noticed that Arthur was laughing at the top of his lungs while Mera glared at him.


    ¡°I didn''t think about it ok! Its a two person vehicle!¡± Mera shouted at Arthur, then her face flushed pink when Saurian walked over.


    ¡°Let me guess, the vehicle your brought doesn''t fit three people?¡± Saurian said with a bit a mirth in his voice.


    ¡°Its ok! Can''t you like shrink down to the size of like a house cat?¡± Arthur said with a grin.


    ¡°May I see the ship in question? Perhaps I can build something with a little more versatility¡± Saurian said with a grin.


    Mera led him into the ocean a few miles out from the light house contained with in several dozen shipping containers that had been lost or forgotten about. Mera pulled open the door and Saurian saw the ship that had fish stylized appendages. Two fins on the side, one long dorsal fin, and a tail fin. It had neon orange lights that would glow and dim as the fins moved. The frame of the vehicle looked like a giant fish and when even shift and move. The frame had shifting metal plates to actually imitate the movement of a fish. Mera activated her wrist communication switch and the ship came to life and moved forward a bit. Saurian reached out and placed his hand on the machine, his Technomancy Domain came to life and scanned the whole ship, his Shaper title activated and he fully understood the material make up. He was surprised! Apparently Atlantis had figured out a way to shape coral.


    Atlantean, Xebell, two person transport.


    Rating: A+


    Effect: Very Durable


    Effect: Self regenerating metal, 1% durability every week.


    Effect: Hard water energy core.


    Comments: This is a luxury craft for Xebellian royalty. Its packed full of advanced technology, science, and just a bit of magical theory.


    ¡°Any sentimental attachment to the vehicle, Princess Mera.¡± Saurian asked, he turned to look at her. Mera swam up and ran her hands along his scaled face.


    ¡°Saurian, it is just Mera when we are alone, ok?¡± She smiled at him and kissed his cheek. ¡°No, I don''t have any attachment to the vehicle. I take it you want to pull it apart and use it in something?¡± Mera asked.


    Mera and Saurian rode the vessel back to the light house and Saurian grew in size and pulled it up onto Mr Curry''s yard. He did create a glamour around the area to prevent any mundanes from watching. Tom brought out a BBQ cooker and started to cook up some meat. Arthur grabbed a few beers, Mera stood next to Saurian and spoke to him a little bit about the ship. After an hour the ship was completely taken apart and in pieces along the yard.


    ¡°So what are you plans Mr Saurian?¡± Tom asked as he sipped on his beer and ate a hot dog.


    ¡°The Deserter Kingdom is somewhere in the Sahara desert. The ocean of sand is a huge place. We can''t just swim to the coast and walk in, it would take months track the kingdom down. So I''m going to build a Submarine, Helicopter, Airplane, Recreation, Camper. SHARC for short.¡± Saurian replied as he activated his Transmutation Domain and began to use Fabrication.


    ¡°How long will that take?¡± Arthur asked, as his eyes got wider as materials were shaped from thin air.


    ¡°A few hours, I''ll have it done by the time the sun rises again. Tell me Princess Mer..¡± Mera growled at him softly. Both Arthur and Tom scooted a few inches away from her. ¡°Tell me... Mera, do you have a way to locate the Deserter Kingdom?¡± Saurian corrected himself.


    ¡°If we could drop by my home I could obtain a map beacon. But if I go home now I''ll be arrested and set to the trench to be sacrificed. I''m not well liked at home right now.¡± Mera said, her voice became sad at the end. Arthur stood up and hugged his future wife. She leaned into him and whispered thank you.


    ¡°So we have to find it. I can''t use Warden resources right now since this trip is mostly off the books. So we''ll have to go looking for it. I may have an ability that helps but we''ll have to be in the area to test it.¡± Saurian responded softly, or as soft as a giant reptile could reply.


    ¡°So it will be like a V-22 Osprey? Those helicopter planes they have at the Air Force base?¡± Tom changed the subject.


    ¡°That is right. But it can land in the water, and compact the propellers to work underwater. Because once we obtain the Trident and rescue your wife Mr Curry. We still have to travel to the different under water kingdoms and rally support. Just because Prince Arthur has the Trident doesn''t mean everyone will just fall into line.¡± Saurian replied, he created a magical image of his idea.


    The SHARC looked a lot like the RV he had built when he traveled across Saudi Arabia with Mikhail and Peyton. But this one had wings, and could go under water. Unlike the Osprey the propellers were actually jet engines, and there was four of them. Two large ones, and two small ones in the back. Staying true to Atlantean style he had created animal features like fins, and a tail structure. But it was clear it was a combination of surface and water designs. Then Saurian pulled the image apart and showed them the different lay outs, sections, and areas.


    ¡°This is bad ass Saurian! Fuck! Is that an entertainment area! Flat screen TV!? Sixty inch! Oh my god!¡± Arthur reached out and found out he could flip through the designs, it was interactive.


    Saurian spent the next five hours building the skeleton structure of the SHARC. It was a bit larger than the modern Air Force Osprey but thanks to Compression Transformation Saurian was able to fit it all together. Around midnight the structure was done now all he had to do was work on the insides and out. Tom went to bed, as did Mera. Arthur stayed up and talked with Saurian about the SHARC, little designs and updates. The wings would fold in and become like the pectoral fins of a shark when underwater, the tail engines would slide back to make the tail fins. Saurian spent time reinforcing them so if they wanted to they could dive into the water from the air with out ripping the wings off. Of course the crash would still be hard, but the vessel wouldn''t break apart!


    ==============================================================


    ¡°So, he''s not an alien right?¡± Tom asked from the doorway of the guest bedroom. Mera sat in some old flannel PJ''s of Arthur''s and still looked amazing. She stood at the window watching Saurian work, with Arthur talking to him.


    ¡°No, at least I don''t think so. He''s....Complicated.¡± Mera said as she turned away to look at Tom. She smiled at her future father in law, he smiled back. He walked over to look out the window to see the plane continue to be built.


    ¡°Christ! He wasn''t kidding that will be done by morning. He''s doing in twelve hours that would take an entire team of people weeks of work. I saw the documentary of Gotham''s reconstruction, they video taped him building a new bridge in one night! I thought they had sped it up with photo shop but now that I''m seeing it. Damn!¡± Tom said with astonishment. Mera laughed and went to the guest bed, she pulled the covers back and sat down. Tom coughed and walked towards the door.


    ¡°Alien or not. He''s a good man! Risking his life to help us.¡± Tom said softly.


    ¡°Yes he is. He''s risking a lot by helping us. Like I said, he''s complicated.¡± Mera said softly and tucked her legs under the covers. ¡°Good night....Dad.¡± Mera said that last part softly. Tom smiled and slowly closed the door.


    ================================================================


    ¡°You have to do the giant maw of the shark for the front man! Teeth and all!¡± Arthur shouted with a smile. Arthur stood in front of the plane with his arms wide open gesturing wildly at it.


    Saurian rolled his eyes and proceeded to adjust the cockpit area. The interior was done but Arthur insisted they continue with the giant megalodon shark idea. So he crafted gills on the side of the vessel that would spew out smoke or oil if they were in the air or in the water. Saurian always tried to work function into the aesthetics of anything he made. If it worked, and looked cool? Great! But it had to work first. The ''mouth'' of the shark could close as extra reinforcement to protect the front cockpit area, giant teeth and all. Saurian had combined Nth metal and Orichalcum into the super structure of the vessel. So despite its massive size it only weighed about a thousand pounds. But was still just as strong.


    Nth metal was a bit tricky, Saurian knew it had more capabilities but he realized he needed to experiment more with it. Currently his Nth metal was stronger then steel but lighter, and even had a little anti gravity to it. He had have to go talk to the Hawks about it, after he helped Arthur and Mera. Saurian made sure to use the Transmuter Title ability and generated his ten pounds worth after the twenty four hour period was up. Then he stream lined it into the SHARC. He also applied the Atlantean Coral metal component into it. Before he had to cast magic enchantments to get a self repair function. Now as long as their was power running through the structure it would repair it self, all be it slowly. Made him wonder what else Atlantis had.


    ¡°So why the scales? I mean it looks bad ass.¡± Arthur asked. Saurian had placed scales on the SHARC it gave it a reptilian appearance.


    ¡°Well the armored plates offer protection, but it''s mostly because I have scales. Consider it an Artist water mark.¡± Saurian replied as he set the last piece into place.


    Nth Metal, Orichalcum, Science and Magical Vehicle.


    Rating: B+


    Effect: Very Durable


    Effect: 50% light weight.


    Effect: 10% durability repair a day with magical energy, 2% durability repair with mundane power a week.


    Effect: Hard water energy core, solar energy core, ambient magical energy core.


    Effect: 20% resistance to negative magical energy.


    Effect: 20% increase to positive magical energy.


    Effect: 20% resistance to kinetic and energy damage.


    Effect: Temperature control, and oxygen creation.


    Effect: Nature Domain Spells; Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, Essence Imbuement.


    Effect: Technomancy Domain Spell; Connectivity.


    Effect: Transmutation Domain Spell; Fabrication, Enlarge/Reduce.


    Effect: Illusion Domain Spell; Invisibility, only when stationary.


    Effect: Synthesis Domain Spell; Immaculate.


    Comments: You''ve created a flying, underwater gunship in the shape of a giant shark!


    Saurian smiled as his creation was complete. As it finished several of his skills obtained a flat experience bonus from the completion of the item in question.


    Congratulations User! Artist has evolved into Minor Artist. Now you can find easier ways to incorporate an artistic design into your creations with out losing function or performance.


    ¡°Yaaaaa! And look at that! The sun is rising! Lizard of your word! My man!¡± Arthur clapped Saurian on the shoulder, or rather his lower back since he''d have to jump.


    ¡°Holy shit! That is a giant shark!¡± Tom walked from his house with a cup of coffee in his hands. He whistled and looked at the giant plane.


    ¡°Are the landing gear shaped into claws? I have to agree that looks cool.¡± Tom said as he sipped on his coffee. He snapped his head to look at Saurian because he heard the sound of bones popping out of place. Saurian compacted down to a ''normal'' human size. He was tired and swapped out with Lash.


    Lash continued to use his Transformation ability and kept the Wraith disguise on him. So now he was an eight foot tall, sixteen foot long reptile man with a shroud around his features. He let out a soft yawn, created a stood made out of fresh earth and sat down. He looked up to see Tom looking at him with worry. Arthur walked over and clapped Lash on the back with a smile.


    ¡°Dad, this is Lash he is the partner to the big guy you met. Two personalities share the same body. Take turns driving.¡± Arthur said to his Dad.


    ¡°Oh shit! Like a were-wolf?¡± Tom asked with wide eyes. Lash chuckled softly.


    ¡°Kinda, in the super-natural world I''m known as a were-breed. But instead of a wolf I turn into a giant reptile. What you see before you is a partial transformation. Think of it like a super hero suit.¡± Lash said as he extended his hand and smoothed it out to his default human shaped arm and hand. Tom walked over and shook his hand.


    ¡°Well nice to meet you Lash! I mean I like the big guy too! But you are a little easier to talk to.¡± Tom said with a smile. ¡°Do you want some coffee?¡± Tom asked.


    ¡°No thank you. I can absorb the ambient radiation from the sun. Best cup of coffee in the world for me.¡± Lash took his hand back and switched back to Transformation.


    Tom, Arthur, and Lash watched the sun rise for a bit. Tom looked more towards the fishing pier in front of his house. Lost in memory, Arthur came up behind and hugged his down from the side, understanding where is Dad was right now. Mera walked out still in her flannel PJ''s and gawked at the shark plane.


    ¡°Wow! I can see Arthur''s influence on the plane from here!¡± Mera said. Tom, Arthur, and Lash all laughed a bit at that.


    They all had breakfast outside while Lash recharged he used Connectivity to check his Warden information page and continued to do his ''job''. He technically was still on vacation by Warden application. So his absence would be noticed but it wasn''t against any rules. Though he was sure they would flip out if they knew the exact specifics of what he was doing. They assumed he was spending time with the Justice League getting them set up in the mundane world. Which was kinda true!


    Mera and Arthur began to pack up a few things for the long trip. The SHARC had a small living space, simple beds, toilet, and shower. With a small sit down, kitchen, entertainment area. Lash even included the latest Wayne Tech gaming box for Arthur. It could log onto the internet and play games. Arthur grinned at the addition. There was also a tactical area, the SHARC had several gun ports, thanks to Mera''s former Atlantean ship. Lash/Saurian had figured out how to create water plasma energy bursts. Standard issue for Atlanteans, highly advanced for the surface.


    ¡°So, find the Trident. Find your Mother. United the under water kingdoms. Don''t die! Come back so I can see you all?¡± Tom said to Arthur. Arthur and Mera hugged Tom one last time. Lash shook Tom''s hand and they boarded the SHARC from the rear hatch.


    Lash walked towards the pilots seat, he pulled off his Wraith shroud, and returned to his default human shape. He strapped himself into the seat and told Arthur and Mera to do the same. Tom walked back to his front door and stood back as the engines turned on. Despite their massive size they as quiet as car engine when fully operational. But Tom could see the air suction of the engines they would anything apart that flew into them. The wings spread out, the rear hatch closed, and Lash continued to get experience prompts from his skill Operator. Since he built it he could fly it, but this was actually the first time he had actually flown anything.


    ¡°This is your pilot speaking! Please ensure you are strapped in, and your feet are planted because this is going to be a wild ride.¡± Lash said with a smile.


    He pumped the throttle and pulled back on the stick the plane rumbled softly and lifted off the ground. The landing gear retracted and the SHARC tipped forward slightly. As they started to fly off the glamour around the light house fell and anyone near by one have seen a partially camouflaged giant shark plane taking off. Once they were high enough the engines rotated forward and Lash grinned as he pushed the throttle down. The engines screamed at last! Lash, Arthur, and Mera were slammed into their seats as the SHARC tore off into the sky.


    ¡°YYYYYYYEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAA!¡± Arthur screamed at the top of his lungs a huge grins on his face. Lash pivoted the stick and took the plane into a casual spin in the air. Mera started to scream in both fear and excitement!


    ¡°This is better than any roller coaster I''ve ever been on!¡± Arthur yelled out.


    Lash dipped the plane and nearly collided with the waters surface then pulled back and flew just a few feet above the water. The speed of the plane left a large swath of waves in its wake. Then he pulled back and went straight into the sky. The engines screamed but held steady as the plane went straight up higher and higher. The blue sky got thinner and thinner until even during the day they all saw stars. Lash adjusted the plane and tipped it forward. Mera gasped in shock! They were above the Earth now, they could see the stars, the moon, and the sun. The glass shimmered and prevented them from being blinded by the glare.


    ¡°GOD DAMN! ARE WE IN FUCKING SPACE!?¡± Arthur shouted and looked at Lash. Lash grinned and tipped the plane forward.


    They hadn''t left the gravitational field of the Earth, and were still in the upper Mesosphere. Since the plane could move underwater why not in the upper area''s of the sky? The Engines screamed softly as the plane moved forward and Arthur shouted... He was weightless! Mera and Arthur''s hair gently floated up, and they were not entirely in their seats anymore.


    ¡°Go ahead and unbuckle, enjoy the weightless experience for a few minutes. I''ll tell you when to sit back down.¡± Lash said with a grin. He adjusted the angle of the plane and they started to fly towards the Sahara.


    Arthur didn''t need anymore encouragement and unstrapped himself. Mera for once in her life was a little afraid to move. Arthur helped her out of her chair and pulled her up. This was different than being in the water. After a bit Mera began to smile but then went wide eyed and covered her mouth. She looked at the Earth below, she could see the natural curve of the planet and the vast ocean and land. Arthur spun in the air and bumped his head on the roof. He laughed and snagged his future wife''s hand, they began to dance in the air around them.


    Because they were up so high they made really good time traveling across the North Atlantic Ocean. They avoided a lot of useless air traffic though Lash was sure several governments freaked out as their radars picked up a unidentifiable flying object. The signal would cut in and out as the radar had a hard time picking up the magical signature. Since it was science and magic that supported the SHARC the signals only picked it up half the time. Arthur and Mera noticed that they started to bounce around the plane instead of weightless, gravity was starting to take effect.


    ¡°Alright, strap back in you two.¡± Lash said softly.


    Unlike on normal ''planes'' The pilot seat in the SHARC sat directly in the middle with no co-pilot seat. Several passenger seats sat side by side behind the main seat. However, there was a track system that could pull and move a different seat into the pilot seat if need be. Clouds started to stream by and the plane started to shudder at the new turbulence. Lash activated the shark teeth as the jaw closed several monitors appeared in front of him to simulate the open cockpit area. Several key parts of the plane compacted and stabilized, he should have done this when they flew up. But his Operator skill told him to do it now. The wings and engines folded in, they would still allow them to fly while like this.


    ¡°We just hit the western coast of Africa. I''m going to fly into the general middle of the Sahara and land.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Wait? We just flew across the Atlantic in under an hour?¡± Arthur said in astonishment. ¡°Fuck! How fast is this thing!¡± Arthur shouted.


    ¡°Its not that its fast, its that since we went up the distance changed. The higher we are up the less we have to travel. Right?¡± Mera asked.


    ¡°Scientifically more complicated than that. But in layman terms, yes.¡± Lash replied.


    The plane continued to rattle and shake but it wasn''t so bad that ruin would the ride. Thanks to his Operator skill the plane moved much faster with the wings folded in. While he built the SHARC there were a lot of things Lash didn''t understand, but in his head he just seemed to put things in place. He didn''t realize the the wings should be folded up not only for underwater traveling but while they were traveling at high air speeds. The wings should only unfold while traveling at slower speeds, landing, and taking off. They zipped over Algeria, Lash intended to land in the middle of Algeria and Libya in the middle of the vast ocean of sands. The lower they got to Earth the more time it took, Lash notified Arthur and Mera they could get up and move around now. He didn''t intend to do anything crazy like he did when he first took off.


    It was pitch black over the Sahara desert, as it was dawn on the other side of the world when they first left. The stars were out as there was zero light pollution from a city in the vast ocean of sands. Lash opened the SHARC''s jaws and closed the holographic projections. He called Arthur and Mera over with a smile. They came over to see the view port and looked confused, he created a Temporary Pack Bond with them. Then granted them his Magical Perception through the link.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Arthur said in astonishment. When Arthur was young he had seen what the deep ocean looked like with his Atlantean eyes. He had seen a bioluminescent world of beauty and wonder, now he saw the same thing.


    ¡°Wow...¡± Mera was right next to Arthur as she placed her hand on Lash''s shoulder.


    The vast ocean of sands had thousands of spirits dancing in the air. Giant creatures of long past swam through the air with ethereal beauty, and ghost like energy. Lash''s Magical Perception granted him the sight of magic, death, heaven, hell, and even the divine. There was a lot of overlap in the desert. Africa was well known for his brutal history even till this day. Hundreds of thousands of spirits wondered across the sands. They even saw traces of a vast kingdom in the distance like a giant mirage. But when ever Lash turned the plane towards the kingdom it would fade from sight. Shit. It was always on their peripheral.


    The holographic map beeped at them, they had arrived at their destination. Lash instructed them to strap in, as he extended the wings. They slowed down gradually and the engines rotated up and the SHARC became a helicopter for a bit. Lash found a solid and relatively flat space to land on, they should have sunk into the sand but thanks to Essence Imbuement they settled on the top of the sand like a giant lizard or snake. Lash set the SHARC on standby as the engines went into a quiet hum, the rear hatch slowly opened. Arthur and Mera followed Lash outside. They stepped out into the desert night, the stars and moon above. They shivered as it was twenty five degree''s Fahrenheit in the ocean of sands. But with the ''sight'' they saw a ghost camel caravan slowly walk by. Lash knew these were just echoes or fragments of living memory. His Grave Domain tapped on his perception.


    ¡°You are welcome to go back inside. I''m not sure how long this is going to take.¡± Lash said as he knelt down and created a spell ritual circle in the sands by manipulating the earth.


    ¡°What are you planning, Lash?¡± Arthur said as he continued to watch the sky. A giant pod of ghost whales swam through the air.


    ¡°I am going to commune with Nature, or rather ''The Green'' It has a long memory. We''ll see what they say.¡± Lash said as he cleared his mind and activated Meditation.


    So Lash stayed like that for a few minutes, that turned into an hour, then several hours. Mera and Arthur returned to the SHARC and made some food in the kitchen area. They closed a simple curtain between the outside and the inside that helped a lot to keep noise and the cold out. Lash slowed his breathing, cleared his mind and reached into his Grave Domain. Unburden was cast but instead of instant rush of energy it was more like a ripple in a pond. A slow pulse of energy slowly pushed out from him. The longer he stayed in his ritual circle the more the ripples grew in size and number. When the Unburden spell reached the Caravan they didn''t shout, scream, or beg. They all just stopped, turned and smiled. Then faded from sight. All the while he channeled his spell he used his skill Parallel Minds to reach into Nature Domain.


    ''Where is the Deserter Kingdom Capital of the Ancient Atlanteans.''


    Congratulations User! You''ve been issued a quest from ''The Green!'' Your Cosmic Patron as agreed to the quest.


    Objective: Travel to five specific points in the Sahara and create an oasis. Please note the area you are in is one such place.


    Objective: Use your spell ''Unburden'' in each area to help cleanse the land of the echoes of death.


    Reward: The exact location of the Desert Kingdom.


    Reward: Two Dream Points.


    Reward: Nature Domain Spell; Druid Grove.


    Do you accept the Quest? Yes/No?


    Yes...


    Lash opened his eyes as the sun began to rise. Unburden had done its job. The residual energy, fragments, and echoes were gone. Hundreds of magical spirits danced, played, and fed on the ambient energy that had been made in the aftermath. Lash stepped from this ritual circle and walked a few hundred feet from the SHARC. He instinctively knew that a few hundred feet below his feet was a underground river that traveled across the rock strata.


    ¡°Let''s get to work.¡± Lash said with a smile as he activated his Nature Domain.


    ============================================================


    Arthur slowly opened his eyes and looked around the small sleeping cabin. Mera was asleep next to him, she had wrapped herself around him, and used his chest and shoulder as a pillow. Damn she was incredibly sexy! Arthur freaked out at first when he was told by Mera that Lash had received an Oracle that they were suppose to get married. But he loved the very idea of marrying this woman now! He leaned over and kissed the top of her head, and Mera groaned in her sleep and slapped his face as if to press the snooze button. Arthur laughed and wiggled out from the bed. Mera snuggled into the spot he left behind and curled up. She mumbled the word ''Coffee'' and Arthur laughed. He pulled on his boots, pants, and went to the door. He opened up the door and heard Mera groan as the light pierced in, Arthur ducked behind the door before a pillow hit him.


    ¡°God I love that woman!¡± Arthur said with a grin. He went to the small kitchen area and started a pot of coffee.


    Sun had been up for a few hours or at least that is what the clock said. Arthur went to the curtain that separated the living quarters from the cargo space. Did Lash stay outside all night? He stepped through and stopped at the sight. He slowly stepped back into the living area then went and took a shower. Obviously he was not awake yet. He stepped out of the shower and had a cup of coffee. He went back to the curtain and peeked out..... Nope! He must still be asleep! He closed the curtain, grabbed a glass of coffee and brought it in for Mera.


    ¡°Babe...¡± Arthur said. Mera groaned then stretched out in the bed. She was completely naked of course! Mera didn''t understand the need to wear cloths in bed. Arthur didn''t complain.


    ¡°Coffee?¡± Mera asked, Arthur handed her a cup of black coffee. That is how she liked it. She sat up and sipped it. She perked right up! In more then one way as her breasts bounced a bit.


    ¡°Babe...Is Lash capable of making a forest in a few hours?¡± Arthur asked, as he sat down on the bed with her.


    ¡°Hmmmm...What? I. Yes. I guess. I mean he is a Druid. But I can''t imagine him being able to do it in the Desert. Well he could! But it would take time....Why?¡± Mera said as she stopped to take a drink.


    ¡°Oh! Ok... Cause...Its a jungle out there.¡± Arthur said with a confused expression.


    ¡°What?¡± Mera asked. She slowly stood up and stretched out. Arthur grinned and brought up his arms in defense as Mera swatted at him with a pillow.


    Mera stepped out into the living area wearing a robe. She went straight to the shower and washed up first. Then after a few minutes she came out with long wet red hair that cascaded down her back. She tied her robe but left it loose. She liked to tease Arthur, and was still fairly attracted to Lash. She slipped on some shoes and followed Arthur outside.


    Arthur and Mera stepped off the rear hatch and walked into a massive jungle. Grass under their feet, ferns, shrubberies, and tree''s off to the side. Less then a hundred feet from the SHARC was a massive pool of water. Or actually a small lake! In the center of the lake was a giant black stone obelisk. Lash was attached to the surface of the obelisk and was carving spell inscriptions into the stone. Enchanting spells into it.


    ¡°Good morning! Welcome to the Jungle! We''ve got fun and games!¡± Lash called out!


    ==============================================================


    ¡°So! ''The Green'' Will tell us the location of the Desert Kingdom if we travel to four more locations and create oasis? Is that right?¡± Mera asked, she sat on the white sandy beach on the oasis fresh water lake. She was back in her skin tight ocean green fish scale suit that showed off every curve she had.


    ¡°That is right! It should add a few more days to our travel. But we''ll get a specific location. This is a lot better then just flying around hoping to find it.¡± Lash replied as he sat next to her on the beach.


    ¡°I''m not complaining! This is awesome!¡± Arthur said with a smile. He sat behind Mera as she used him as back rest. Arthur had his shirt off and revealed his extremely fit muscled chest and abs in the desert sun.


    ¡°Will the oasis even function if you leave?¡± Mera asked out of curiosity. Arthur payed attention to the answer as well. Lash pointed at the black stoned obelisk.


    ¡°I have dozens of spells inscribed on the stone. But to answer the question, a dome is extended over a the oasis anything can pass through it. But it has temperature control, along with moisture collection. That''s why despite being in the Sahara its only about ninety eight degree''s out here. Collects moisture, oasis has water. Plus once all the oasis are made. The Green will retake the sands.... I think.¡± Lash finished with his hands in the air in mock victory, though he shot himself in the metaphorical foot since he didn''t actually know.


    ¡°Ok...Next question. Who is that?¡± Mera pointed at Dawn, Lash magical familiar as she flew around over the water.


    ¡°That''s my familiar, Dawn. Didn''t I introduce you at Themyscira?¡± Lash replied, he wasn''t sure.


    ¡°Is she a...Dragon?¡± Mera asked softly. Lash nodded his head, yes. Mera rubber her face softly and laughed.


    ¡°Is that weird?¡± Arthur asked, confused about the significance of it.


    ¡°Lets just say you shouldn''t tell the super-natural community that Lash as a dragon familiar.¡± Mera said as she kissed Arthur''s cheek. He nodded in affirmative. ¡°Thank you for trusting us, Lash.¡± Mera said.


    Dawn flew over and wrapped around Lash''s neck and returned to her necklace form. She had come out to help half way through the creation of the oasis. She had encouraged some nature spirits to come take up residence in the new jungle area. She also helped with the design and creation of the fauna. So much so that Lash obtained the power Telekinesis from her thanks to Observant Learner.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Skill/Power, Telekinesis:The User can influence/manipulate/move/interact with objects and physical matter with their mind.


    Note: Telekinesis is a root skill/power and will take a great deal of practice and experience to evolve.


    Note: Several skills, powers, traits, abilities, and spells effect Telekinesis and vice versa.


    Comments: Use the Force!


    Mera, and Arthur went for a short swim through the lake. She missed the water. Lash started the pre flight check up. He activated the spell Immaculate and the entire SHARC cleaned itself. Arthur and Mera soon rejoined the plane, though they looked a little flushed, their hair was a mess, and Lash smelled sex in the air. He chuckled and didn''t say anything as the rear hatch closed. His Operator skill continued to gain experience with every prompt he got better and better at handling the vessel. The SHARC rose into the air and tipped forward, the next location wasn''t that far away.


    Arthur activated an icon in the living quarter area. Immaculate was cast on Mera and himself. He smiled at the flash clean and took a seat in the entertainment area. Mera walked up behind Lash and settled next to him in the cockpit. Lash grinned at her and she smiled back a bit confused by his expression. Mera looked at Lash for a bit then looked at her self. She seem to realize why he was grinning but unlike most mundane people she wasn''t embarrassed about it.


    ¡°Sex is nothing to be ashamed of.¡± Mera said in a sultry voice as she leaned in and gently bit his ear.


    ¡°Never said it was. Do you two plan to do that at every oasis? Should we make it a tradition?¡± Lash felt a shiver down his spine.


    ¡°Maybe we will!¡± Mera kissed his cheek then turned to join Arthur. She sashayed her hips as she moved.


    So that is how they spent the next few days. They would land at the specific location that ''The Green'' designated. Lash would spend six, twelve, or twenty four hours crafting an oasis, as well as using Unburden. Each time Mera and Arthur would....''consecrate'' the area to break it in. On their fifth and final oasis, a pack of were-lizards, and were-snakes, showed up. They had felt the call of The Green pulling them here. Lash was half way through the creation of the oasis and helped them create a bit of a underground village they could establish. It took them an extra day to finish but no one complained. The oasis was made along with a subterranean town underground. Lash even made a satellite link up for them. Praise unto the internet! Praise be to the World Wide Web! The stone obelisk had Connectivity inscribed into it. They all did! WiFi hot spots! Lash assumed that the oasis would eventually have towns built around them. Either by mundanes or super-naturals. Maybe both! He gave the were-pack a map of the others he had made.


    Congratulations User! You''ve finished your issued quest from The Green!


    Objective: Create five oasis at the designated points. COMPLETE!


    Objective: Use the Grave Domain Spell, Unburden. COMPLETE!


    Reward: Obtain two DP. Obtain the Nature Domain Spell, Druid Grove.


    Additional Effect: Five oasis will be pseudo Druid Groves.


    Nature Domain Spell, Druid Grove: The User invokes the power of The Green to create, protect, and empower a specified place. The Grove can be as small as ten foot cube or as wide as a mile cubed. The larger it is the more magical energy is required.


    Side Note: Technomancy, Synthesis recognized! Unlike other Druid Groves yours will be friendly towards tech-spirits, and synthetic-spirits of magic.


    Comment: You are on the path to becoming an Arch-Druid! Or maybe something new!


    For a brief moment in the oasis the spirits of nature become visible to the mundane eye. A burst of magical natural energy erupted from the ground and spread across the whole of the Sahara. For the first time in centuries! Grass began to grow across the sands! Lash had altered the very face of the planet with this quest. But effects be they positive or negative would not be known for many days to come.


    They stayed one more day helping the were-pack settle into their new home. Lash ''borrowed'' a satellite and viewed Northern Africa from orbit. The five pseudo Druid Groves were like tiny dabs of green paint on a yellow canvas. The Groves would not swallow the desert Lash knew this. The desert was its own piece of nature. It was a part of the world just like anything else. But he was sure The Green wouldn''t have asked if there wasn''t a good reason. Nature is neither good or evil, it just is.


    The SHARC''s engines came to life and they took off towards their original destination. Lash could see the trail in his Magical Perception they flew across the ocean of sands that held a current of magic as the Nature Domain began to reseed the area. In a few years the Sahara was going to look a lot different. Lash used Parallel Minds and Connectivity to contact the Wardens, and the Fae Courts. Telling them he received a mission from The Green. He told them about the pseudo Druid Groves and their locations. Along with the were pack that claimed one of them. They were pleasantly surprised to hear from him, and his mission. The Green was a very enigmatic influence on the super-natural world. But they said they would register the Groves and send teams out.


    ¡°Almost there.¡± Lash said to his....friends.


    Only a few miles ahead of them was a picture perfect basin in the vast desert. The sand dunes themselves pushed back and created a perfect little spot for the SHARC to land, the dunes rose high to shield them from unfriendly eyes. Dozens of Nature spirits danced in the area. Lash slowed down and the engines rotated up as they slowly landed. Mera and Arthur put on some desert gear that they had obtained from Lash. He crafted only a little Orichalcum and Nth metal into them, just a little! Then they put on a re:breathing masks as well. Why?


    ¡°So, we are going to ride Saurian down through the sand?¡± Arthur asked as they opened the rear hatch.


    ¡°That''s right. We can all breath underwater. But neither of you can breath sand, stone, and earth. We''ll slip through the vast amounts of it and come to the front gate of the Deserter Capitol. The Green assures me that there is a massive cave system under our feet. The city is in ruins! But intact all the same.¡± Lash said as he walked out under the baking sun. The SHARC shut down, and became nearly invisible to the naked eye.


    Lash called out his old friend and partner. His skin peeled as scales were revealed underneath. His armored entered his Spatial Item Shift and was replaced by Saurian''s gear. His bones broke, muscles tore, and joints adjusted. Saurian used Size Alteration so he was twelve feet tall by twenty four feet long. His skull crest had grown a little bit more, he had the makings of a small horn on his snout, and spiked ridges along his eyes and jaw line. He knelt down and let Arthur and Mera climb onto his back. He cast Alteration, and Material Shaping to create handle bars on his back armor.


    ¡°Masks on!¡± Saurian said, the Temporary Pack Bond was still in place since the first time Lash had made it as they flew over the desert. Arthur and Mera gave him the all clear then he cast Earth Swim on himself and them.


    Just like a vast ocean of sand that they had called his place for the past few days. Now it truly was an ocean, at least to Saurian. He moved through the ground as easy as water and dove straight towards the destination The Green guided him to. Saurian couldn''t swim through everything, like the remains of bones, and some extraordinary resilient rock areas. Arthur and Mera held onto each other as they also held onto the Saurian. They couldn''t see a damn thing down here. They felt the earth around them move like wet mud. They knew if they let go they would be trapped! Saurian used his new ability Telekinesis to keep them close to him. The ability was very new and took a great deal of energy to maintain but it was good practice!


    Then after nearly ten minutes of swimming through the earth they popped out of the earthen wall! Saurian pulled himself from the carved wall to find a massive underground cavern. The ceiling must have gone up nearly half a mile, while massive pillars of carved rock extended from the floor to the top. Between the pillars was a vast ruined city made from stone, and far into the depths of the cave was a massive castle. Mera and Arthur stepped off from his back and pulled their masks off and stowed them on their belts for later. A broken bridge and a ruined gate impeded their progress. Saurian easily repaired the bridge and removed the ruined gate.


    ¡°This is BAD ASS!¡± Arthur''s voice echoed through the giant cavern.


    ¡°We did it! We found the Desert Kingdom Capitol!¡± Mera shouted and hugged Arthur she went to hug Saurian but stopped when he asked a question.


    ¡°Do you hear water?¡± Saurian asked them. They all stopped and went back to the bridge they came across. Down into the vast chasm below they saw a river....The water was slowly rising to.


    ¡°Oh....It seems The Green is making the waters rise. Normally that wouldn''t be bad for any of us. But the city is in such a state that it will be washed away. So looks like we are on a time limit.¡± Saurian said softly. Then he whipped around and snarled at something in the distance. His Grave Domain had activated.


    Mera and Arthur flipped around and saw a ghostly apparition of a Desert Kingdom city guardsman walking towards them. He had translucent but was visible enough for them to see that he had lose fitted cloth, leather, and chain mail on. He had a scimitar at his waist, a shield on his back, a short spear in his hand, along with a horn. He narrowed his eyes at them and raised the horn to his lips. BBBBBEEEERRUUUUUUAAAAAA! The horn rang out across the cavern! Then the city came to life an not in a good way! Hundreds of guardsmen appeared from the realm of The Grey.


    ¡°INTRUDERS! OUR CITY IS UNDER ATTACK!¡± Shouted the ghostly guardsman.


    ¡°Well fuck!¡± Saurian shouted.

 Chapter 64: Forge King Saharad

    Saurian roared in defiance at the charging ghosts from The Grey. Dozens turned into hundreds as they surged toward the three of them in quick succession. Saurian channeled magic into his Illusion Domain and used Manifestation to create his Saurus Warriors. He laced their weapons with the Grave Domain because he knew The Grey was hard to handle. He clapped his hands together and cobbled together a make shift three point trident for Arthur.


    Nth metal, Orichalcum, trident.


    Rating: D+


    Effect: Grave Domain: Essence of the Grave laced on the weapons edge.


    Effect: Weapon Manipulation.


    Comments: A crude and quickly built weapon to fight forces of The Grey. Shop smart, shop S-Mart!


    ¡°Arthur! Catch give me a moment to craft something for Mera!¡± Saurian called out as he tossed the trident to him.


    ¡°You got it big guy!¡± Arthur replied as he caught it and raced towards the front line as the Saurus Warriors slammed into the tide of ghosts. They were like a single boulder holding against the river but the ghosts swallowed them and saved time. Saurian crafted another crude piece of gear fro Mera in a few seconds he had.


    Nth metal, Orichalcum, leather gloves.


    Rating: D+


    Effect: Nature Domain; moisture collection, and water creation.


    Effect: Grave Domain: Essence of the Grave is laced into the water.


    Effect: 5% energy regeneration.


    Comments: A crude and quickly built leather gloves for a Tide Caller.


    ¡°Mera! Water creation gloves, laced with poison against the ghosts!¡± Saurian called and tossed the gloves to her.


    Mera snatched the gloves from the air and put them on. She reached out into the air and began to pull moisture from the air around them. Normally the desert would have been a horrible place to attempt this. But with The Green filling the chasms beneath them? Mera created hundreds of water bolts and sent them towards the ghosts with cruel efficiency. The ghosts wailed in agony as they fell to pieces the ectoplasm that made up their flesh and bones falling apart like any mortal body would. Saurian let loose a roar of defiance and used Intimidating Shout the shock wave crashed against the ghost horde and for a brief moment they stood frozen in place. Arthur cheered and raised his trident as he slashed, cut, and stabbed through them in quick succession. The remaining Saurus Warriors raised claws, swords, spears, and shields in cheer before they turned into a grinder.


    Saurian reached out and cast Unburden from the Grave Domain on all the remains of the ghosts. The ghostly remains evaporated into the air around them and returned to ambient magical energy. However, the uninjured ghosts retained their form. They would have to defeat them before it would work on them as well. Saurian raced to the front leaving two manifested Warriors to help guard Mera, not that she needed it. The giant carnosaur leaped over the battle line and crashed into the ghostly horde behind. The Essence of the Grave across his form Saurian ripped and tore the ghostly horde apart!


    ¡°LOOSE!¡± A ghostly voice shouted from the city beyond as hundreds of ghostly arrows, trebuchet shots were flung towards them.


    ¡°SHIELDS!¡± Saurian called out, his warriors with quick and practiced movement raised their shields that looked like giant turtle shells above them. Arthur took cover, as Mera hid behind her assigned body guards.


    The ghost arrows, and trebuchet glowed blue with a spiritual fire attached to them. They did not react like normal ammunition as they passed through rock, building, and the ghost army. But they did react when they hit them. The attack hit the ground floor with tremendous force that cracked the city streets they stood upon. A few Saurus Warriors shattered in Illusion particles but over all it did little damage. Saurian whipped his bladed tail around and sliced the hordes of ghosts in half then tucked and rolled over the crowd.


    ¡°CHARGE!¡± Arthur shouted, the Saurus Warrior unit of fifty lizard folk pulled their shields down and sprinted towards the ghosts. Another hail of water bolts flew over them and impaled the ghosts right before Arthur reached.


    Congratulations User! Illusion Domain, Manifestation has evolved into Minor Manifestation.


    Effect: The spells power is stronger, and energy consumption is less.


    Effect: You can now make twice as many Saurus Warriors (100).


    Effect: You can now make one Saurus Veteran, for ten Saurus Warriors (10=1). Saurus Veterans have access to the passive effects of your Domains.


    Saurian grinned and raised his clawed hand into the air and brought in down into a fist. Fifty Saurus Warriors hand a dark forest green glow once the glow subsided they looked better equipped with weapons and armor with a tribal feel. With bone armor, feathers, and black steel weapons. While behind them two Saurus Veterans stood guard next to Mera, and three more Veterans stood behind the line. Each one wielding a long bow, quiver of arrows, and a pair of Khopeshes on their hip. The Saurus Veterans shouted in a strange dialect that neither Arthur or Mera understood but Saurian did.


    ¡°WHAT IS OURS!?¡± Said a Veteran.


    ¡°VICTORY!¡± The Saurus unit shouted.


    Saurian translated for his two companions. They both grinned at the life like Illusions Saurian had made. But Saurian was starting to think that maybe his Manifestation was becoming a little more then just an illusion. The Warriors, and Veterans had a gleam in their eye that wasn''t their before. The passive effect of Saurians Domains didn''t afford a lot of ability. But it could add a bit of extra flavor, as the Veterans charged their arrows shots with Grave Domain for damage, and Nature Domain for zero air resistance making each arrow shoot straight.


    Saurian acted as the vanguard as he wedge himself into the attacking line. He would cast Unburden every few minutes to clean the floor. The Veterans were such good aims they even shot the trebuchet bullets in the air while Mera created a water shield for the arrows. The Ghost legion seem to learn the trick and dropped the siege warfare all the soldiers positioned for gorilla warfare in the city.


    ¡°Veterans take a team of ten, stay with in visual sight of each other and start to flush out the city as quickly but safely as possible.¡± Saurian called as the last remains of the initial attack were dealt with.


    The Veterans saluted with a clawed fist over their hearts and pulled their assigned units with them. Saurian had established a Temporary pack bond with Mera, Arthur days ago, but now he included his Lizard folk army. Like a well oiled machine the units separated and moved into the city, many of them climbed the buildings with great ease as they had Saurians Gravity Stride. Arthur checked on Mera who smiled at him for worrying about her. Silly boy! Her expression seem to say, Mera had killed more ghosts then Arthur did.


    ¡°To the Castle?¡± Arthur said as he pointed his trident at the back of the city.


    ¡°To the Castle. Let me update your gear now that we have a second.¡± Saurian replied. He didn''t do much to them just repaired and added a bit of durability to them.


    ¡°I''m impressed that you could make these so quickly, Saurian. May I request a another version of the gloves once we leave this place. Often times with the League I find myself away from my element but with these gloves I''ll bring my element with me.¡± Mera said as she ran her fingers along her dark leather gloves, a shimmering Nature script inscribed on them.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Saurian replied as he finished up.


    He turned to face the sounds of battle from the west of the city. He saw several units of Lizard Folk scampering to the location. He felt along his connection, no deaths though a few injuries. The manifested units would heal over time as long as he fed them magical energy. He assured his companions that they could move on. As the sounds of battle continued to rage on Saurian knew he needed to find a central location of the city and cast a mass cleansing. He was sure to find in inside the castle, either the throne room or the primary forge he wasn''t sure. Sometimes the center of the city wasn''t always so obvious...Maybe the canal system?


    ¡°That''s not good.¡± Saurian said softly as he came to a gentle stop about a hundred yards before the castle wall. Despite its age it held together reasonable well.


    ¡°Well they already know we are here. So is there any reason to be subtle about this?¡± Arthur said with a grin as he saw that the giant gate was closed. Mera came to stand next to Saurian''s right leg and reached out to touch his armor.


    ¡°We do have a battering ram with us.¡± Mera said with a teasing smile as she gently patted Saurian leg. Arthur chuckled and gestured towards Saurian in a symbolic. ''after you''.


    Saurian adjusted his size, and made it so his arms and legs were about the same. He looked a little top heavy as his arms were different. He wanted to keep his bipedal nature if needed. He dug his claws into the ground as Arthur and Mera stood off to the side. Saurian leaned his head forward and felt his spine settle into place like a big horn sheep, or a Pachycephalosaurus. His skull crest was up like a shield.


    Once Saurian was with in the eighty yard range ghost arrows, bolts, and ballista shots started to rain in his direction. Saurian went from zero to sixty mph in a few seconds and was gaining speed quickly. A majority of the shots from the wall failed to pin him but a few exceptional arches pegged his armor but did little to slow him down. The gate loomed in front of him, it was nearly ten yards across, and twenty yards high, with a wooden gated behind it. Saurian SLAMMED into the gate and ripped the iron apart breaking past the initial gate and barreled into the wooden gate. The entire gate broke apart from the middle sending huge timbers of rotted wood apart. Arthur and Mera cheered but they noticed something was wrong.


    ¡°Fuck! I''m stuck!¡± Saurian shouted!


    As the iron gate had bent inward but didn''t break entirely, so Saurian''s rear head hung out the back his hind legs trying to shift and move. Arthur laughed so loudly that Saurian felt that the future king may be hyperventilating. Saurian continued to wiggle and moved through the hole in the gate, his legs kicked and moved about as his tail flailed. On the front end dozens of castle guards sprinted towards him. Unlike the city guardsmen the Castle guards were in chain, and plate male with swords, pikes, and shields. He even saw several ghosts in robes that carried staffs. Arcane energy danced around them. Mages, great!


    ¡°Don''t worry Saurian! Arthur got the whole thing on camera to show the League later!¡± Mera''s sweet voice called out, she clearly had been laughing as her voice was a little more breathless then usual. Saurian grumbled but didn''t admonish them for their fun.


    Right before the soldiers arrived Saurian shrunk his body down just a bit and was able to wiggle his way through the hole he had created. Thanks to his active Illusion army he couldn''t use a majority of his spells. So he had to do this the old fashioned way. Saurian scrambled out of the hole and dove into the waiting soldiers. They braced their long pikes but he slid to a stop and let loose a breath of noxious venom that enveloped the group of soldiers. Just as if they had flesh and bone their bodies melted, and their screams were just as horrible to listen to as those that were alive. He quickly cast Unburden to release them from their pain, it seemed that the ghosts seem to passively regenerate while inside the castle grounds. That wasn''t good!


    Saurian was like a fox in a hen house as he jumped from soldier to soldier, biting, tearing, and tossing them around. His claws laced with the Essence of the Grave caused as much pain to the soldiers as if they were alive. Saurian felt bad about it, the ghosts were just doing their job. But it had to be done to release them from The Grey''s influence. Arthur and Mera soon climbed through the hole he had left behind and joined the fray. Another inner gate opened up and knighted cavalry stormed out! They leveled their lances towards Saurian, with a majority of his magic consumed by his army he had little options available to him.


    ¡°Mera!¡± Saurian called!


    ¡°Got it!¡± Mera replied as she channeled her magic into the air, as she created hundreds of water bolts. Saurian sheltered her from the arrows that hailed down from the ramparts.


    The cavalry roared in defiance as over a hundred water bolts were created then mere seconds before they stormed into them, Mera unleashed her attack. The water bolts raced forward not only hitting the riders but their ghostly mounts as well. Once the spell was unleashed Saurian shielded both Arthur and Mera from the force of ectoplasm flesh and armor that crashed into them. After a few seconds Saurian stood up, with several ghost lances sticking out of his armor, and flesh. He cast Unburden as the entire battle scene blew away like crushed leaves in the wind. Then a ghost arrow pinged off his skull crest.


    ¡°Lets finish up!¡± Saurian said to his two companions.


    A few minutes later the ramparts were cleared out. The three of them moved into the central chamber and found dozens of Ghost Knights standing at attention, with a few Mages behind them. They pulled out their long swords and shields and rushed towards them. Arthur and Saurian raced forward. With the giant lizard leaping over them and attacking from behind while Arthur speared them down. Mera threw water arrow after arrow at the mages!


    Arthur would snare the swords in his trident points and twisted the blade this would throw the knights slightly off balance. Thanks to the weapon manipulation on the trident Arthur could spin, extend, and propel the weapon around him by about a yard as he spun is trident like a drill through the knights. He created a blender that tore through the group with ghastly brutality.


    Mera created water arrow, after arrow and flung it at the mages. She would slide and duck behind the pillars in the room. Creating the arrows from the air as she moved. Arcane bolts of magic would strike her position as the rock pillars blew apart. She compressed a single arrow several times to make it thicker and longer. She flung it out and directed to spear through several mages and nail them to the wall. They dangled there like a parody of Bram Stoker''s Dracula.


    Saurian used his Martial Arts as his whole body become his weapon. He was still ten feet tall, and twenty feet long. His size was actually a hindrance in the room at this point, bigger was not always better. He spun around to use his tail''s bladed tip to slice through them. Catching a knight by surprise he gripped his entire head and crushed it and threw the knight in to the waiting and surprised arms of his companions. Then pointed his claws forward on his right hand and speared through the chest of another. Lifting the knight up he reached up with his left hand and pulled him apart from the center! Showering the area in ectoplasmic blood!


    Once the battle was complete Saurian cast Unburden once more and cleansed the room. Mera''s water spear lost its form with a flick of her finger now that it didn''t hold the mages in place. Saurian cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Immaculate on his group. Due to the battle taking place none of them felt the sensual orgasmic sensation that normally happens. Circumstance!


    The party of three ran into the occasional guard and knight but a majority of them had been in the main hall, or they seem to be moving towards a different location. As they climbed a set of stairs they came outside once again to find a ruined castle garden. The plants long dead, a giant fountain in ruins but oddly enough a bit of muddy water had started to flow from it. On the other side of the garden was the front gates to a massive door with a hammer and anvil on it. There in front of it was a few hundred knights and mages ready for battle. There at the front of the knights stood a armored behemoth with a giant war hammer and a crown. The ''King'' pointed at them.


    ¡°For the good of the kingdom, for the good of the city, for the good of the people, you will go no further Monsters!¡± The King pronounced, the Knights jeered and raised their weapons high.


    ¡°King Saharad! Please wait!¡± Mera shouted in Atlantean from across the garden. The hammer wielding ghost was startled at the sound of his own name.


    ¡°How do you know my name, Monster! Why do you invade our home?¡± King Saharad asked. Saurian watched in fascination as corruption from The Grey reached out with threads of energy to try control the ghost king.


    ¡°I am Princess Y''Mera from the kingdom of Xebell. Please we are only here to help, and to release you from your imprisonment!¡± Mera shouted...


    For a brief moment it looked like King Saharad believed her. Then the threads of The Grey strung him up like a puppet. The King shook as if something had stabbed him, his eyes glazed over with a haze, he raised his war hammer and gave the order to charge! Mera''s shoulders drooped in depression, missing the chance to speak to an ancient king was a dream for any living Atlantean. Arthur prepared his trident, at the half way mark several Saurus Warriors, and Veterans appeared on the edges of the garden wall. They had climbed up the walls looking for enemies, though they were still out numbered five to one it was still better then nothing.


    As the ghost tide clashed against their paltry forces they did not break nor give any ground. Saurian once again grew to his massive size having space to do so. He looked like a land dragon attempting to fight against the kings army. In many ways he was a monster the king feared as every knight and mage that fell they would never return to his side. They were released from their burdens. King Saharad yelled in dismay and charged at Saurian, with every ghost that was killed the king grew a bit bigger, spikes, and skull motifs became stylized. His giant war hammer let a ghostly wail out as he swung it around.


    ¡°DIE DEMON!¡± King Saharad screamed as he swung his hammer faster then Saurian expected.


    SLAM! The giant War Hammer collided with Saurians side, his breast plate cracked from the force which was very surprising to Saurian. Like a golf ball Saurian was flung across the castle gardens and flew several yards before he crashed into the ground. Cracks appeared and pieces of the floor fell into the castles underbelly that was now filled with water. They were running out of time!


    King Saharad stormed towards him but was forced to stop has dozens of water arrows slipped past the plates of armor he wore. Arthur screamed with a triumphant roar and stabbed his trident straight into the kings back, Arthur twisted and broke off his trident inside of the king he leaped off his back holding the broken trident handle and used it like a club. The king couldn''t remove the trident piece and with every movement it tore more of his ectoplasmic body apart like a jagged fishermen hook! The warriors and veterans did their best to fight and kill the knights. They were incredibly coordinated and used pack tactics to take them apart piece by piece.


    Saurian stood up and jumped at the king like a giant velociraptor, his claws on his hands and feet raked into armor and flesh alike on the king. He bit down on his massive helmet and tried his best to crush it, but the ghost armor was made of stronger stuff. The king dropped his hammer and pulled out a dagger. He grabbed Saurian and began to stab him repeatedly. Fuck! Saurian clawed, raked, and bit down. His tail wrapped around and snapped on of the kings legs like a twig. They fell together and rolled across the gardens.


    Saurian''s life dropped with every attack from the dagger, they rolled across the field until they hit the edge of the gardens and the king maneuvered himself so he was on top. His free hand on Saurians neck, he raised his dagger wielding hand into the sky in triumph. A crazed look on the kings face as his eyes were bright red. Water arrows screamed through the air in attempt to stop him, Arthur yelled and taunted him as he sprinted across the gardens.


    ¡°Now you die!¡± The King shouted!


    ¡°They always forget the tail!¡± Saurian said with a bloody grin.


    From behind the king like a scorpion Saurians tail pieced through the kings back. If he ever saw the Xenomorph Queen again he would really have to thank her for the update. The attack was so sudden and unexpected that the king dropped his dagger and screamed in pain. Atlanteans may be slightly different but they are still a sub-species of human. Humans are use to fighting humans! Everyone forgets the extra appendages! Saurian reached up and tore his claws into the gaping hole and ripped the king apart from the middle. The king screamed in agony as bone, muscle, and sinew slowly ripped apart then a shower of ectoplasmic blood showered Saurian.


    In the movies when the head of the snake dies the body goes with it. That didn''t happen with the remaining ghost. As the king was defeated all of the city guardsmen, soldiers, knights, and mages took on a berserk look and fought with reckless abandonment! Saurian slowly stood up as he had over a dozen stab wounds that were not healing correctly. He cast Soul Heal, and Nature''s Kiss on his wounds. The icy cold feeling he had on his ''insides'' melted away, while his wounds closed all be it slowly. Fighting dead people is always hard. Arthur raced over and tried to help the giant dinosaur up.


    ¡°We have to get to the central forge chamber. I can do a mass cleanse while you two use the scroll canister.¡± Saurian blurted out.


    Honestly they didn''t know where the canister could be used. Well Mera and Arthur didn''t, Saurian did. He had said several things out loud during the trips between oasis with Cosmic Awareness to save time in situations like this. He shrunk himself down to his ten by twenty shape and dragged himself along. Saurian recalled and remade his warriors and veterans so they were all here in the central gardens. They created a phalanx wall as the Veterans took up sniping positions and directed the warriors to tighten up their formations. Mera and Arthur took the stairs three at a time and raced in.


    Inside of the chamber was a massive forge room filled with ghosts as they worked and cleaned the area. But unlike the raged filled ones, these ghosts had a content and simple look to them. The city and the castle outside looked to be in ruins, but the center forge was in perfect condition. A lead forge smith walked over with a smile on his face, he pointed at the scroll canister in Mera''s hands and gestured for them to follow him.


    ¡°Go ahead, I am not sensing any malicious intent from them.¡± Saurian said softly.


    Saurian dragged his tired body to the center forge area and began to draw a ritual circle with magic. The forge attendants didn''t stop him, they just walked around the circle. He could hear Mera and Arthur gasp in surprise as a holographic image of King Atlan appeared and began to talk about the trident, the message in the bottle, and eyes of the true king, etc, etc. Just as Saurian finished his casting circle he saw the forge master in front of him.


    ¡°Are you here to release us?¡± The ghost said softly, the hint of a smile on his face.


    ¡°I am. Thank you for your hard work in keeping this place.¡± Saurian replied, his voice polite as can be for a giant monster.


    ¡°I am pleased that we accomplished the task that King Atlan gave us. Though....The future king is not what I had expected...¡± The ghost stared at Arthur who still wore his boots, leather, and had a wild look about him. ''We thought he''d be taller'' one of the forge masters whispers in the back.


    ¡°He''s rough around the edges. But with the right council, and opportunities he''ll make a good king.¡± Saurian replied, then with a shout across the telepathic link one of his Veterans said the enemy was in the gardens and racing towards them.


    ¡°Its time....¡± Saurian said, the forge came to a gentle halt as all the smiths, and attendants came to stand around him.


    Saurian clapped his hands above him and cast his least favorite spell, Judgment! Just as before a massive and incredibly powerful force slipped him on like a glove. For a brief moment something else was controlling his body. A giant, translucent finger rose from the ritual circle. A golden trident in hand, longer then normal legs and arms, with fins on the backs of each. Long flowing grey hair with a face that was carved by the gods. Golden, and green fish scale armor across his well muscled form. It looked oddly like king Atlan. The image smiled down at the forge room and nodded in thanks. Shit it was King Atlan! Then it raised his golden trident and swung it from left to right. The entire kingdom of the Deserter Kingdom was cleansed in a single moment. Then Saurian dropped to his knees as the spell ended, from start to end less then a second had past.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed a hidden quest.


    Objective: Cleanse the Deserter Kingdom of the corrupting influence of The Grey.


    Reward: Grave Domain Spell; Spiritual Guardian.


    Reward: Grave Domain Spells; Unburden evolves into Minor Unburden. Judgment evolves into Minor Judgment.


    Reward: Ancient forge master techniques, and smithing.


    Grave Domain Spell Spiritual Guardian: A Guardian of the Grave will answer your call for aid. The Guardian is different each time depending on place, location, and favorability. So don''t assume you''ll get the same one each time.


    Grave Domain Spell Minor Unburden: Power increase and reduce energy consumption. Lesser echoes, fragments, and beings may be removed with out damage.


    Grave Domain Spell Minor Judgment: Power increase and reduce energy consumption. Judgment can now work in tandem with your attacks.


    Comments: Fear the Reaper.


    The ghostly apparitions within the forge smiled in thanks as they faded from sight. The tide of berzerking ghosts in the city all faded from sight as the magical ambient energy in the area rose sky high... Or in this case cave ceiling high. Arthur and Mera came to Saurian''s side a glass bottle in hand. Saurian''s eyes were closed as he digested the new information granted to him. A lot of interesting ways to craft and use orichalcum, as well as hammering spells into the crafts you wield instead of enchanting them after the fact.


    ¡°I''m happy that they didn''t attack us. But why is this room so put together?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°Because the central forge room was almost like a church to them, so it was consecrated grounds. The corrupting influence of the energy outside could not penetrate here. The last echoes of the Deserter Kingdom took their last order from King Atlan seriously. Even in death they remained here to maintain and keep the forge room secure. So that one day you would arrive to claim your birth right, Arthur.¡± Saurian said softly after he digested the new information.


    ¡°Saurian, how are your injuries?¡± Mera asked softly as she came to stand next to him. With out waiting for a reply she conjured water and began to clean and cleanse his remaining wounds.


    Water magic was not as fast acting as his Nature Domain. But it could still do a satisfactory job. His injuries continued to heal slowly, The Grey magic had poisoned him and it would take time to remove. After a few minutes the giant door opened up and a Saurus Veteran walked in to report that the city was clear, but the water had reached the gardens. This cavern would be under water in a few more hours. They looked around the forge for a bit to find anything interesting. The random generated number (RNG) must have been kind. Because they found about five hundred pounds of orichalcum ingots, and Cosmic Deity above MITHRIL! Saurian absorbed that ingot as fast as he could! After a few minutes of ''geeking'' out Saurian did a quick picture and video with his Connectivity to document the entire forge. Mera said a lot of the ancient methods of the Deserter Kingdom were lost. He promised to give her a copy later.


    By the time they left they had to swim back to their entry point. Once more Arthur and Mera held onto Saurian as he dismissed his lizard folk and swam through the earth back to the SHARC. They popped out of the sands to see that grass had started to grow in the area that they left their transportation. Saurian swapped out with Lash, unfortunately his injuries transferred over so Lash had several healing stab wounds.


    ¡°Where are we headed?¡± Lash asked. Mera walked over with the ancient map.


    ¡°Sicily, Italy. Arthur calls it. Is it close?¡± Mera asked.


    ¡°Very. Should only take a few hours.¡± Lash replied as he closed the rear hatch.


    The SHARC lifted off and soon converted to an airplane and flew across the vastly different Sahara desert. There were still vast stretches of sand dunes, and rock. But there were also fresh water rivers that connected to the different pseudo-groves like a road system. It had only been a few hours yet Northern Africa looked a lot different. Lash took a moment to access his Warden page to see if any missed anything. He had a few hundred messages about the changes he made to Africa. Several messages came from the enigmatic druid circles across the globe. Many of the circles raged at the clearly catastrophic change to the landscape, how did he justify his actions. Then several major circles told him to ignore the smaller circles. They had spoken to The Green and understood what had happened. Lash updated his Warden information page, telling them about the invasion of The Grey, and the location it happened. He notified that he had cleansed the area but said they may want to head over to check. The major druid circle in Africa responded in a few seconds and said they would head over immediately. They took, The Grey seriously.


    ¡°Lash! Jump on the League message board! You got to see this!¡± Arthur called out. Lash sighed because he felt he knew what it was going to be.


    On the Justice League message board was a comedic video of the giant dinosaur Saurian racing towards the giant iron gate. Plowing through it with all due haste as ghost arrow, bolt, and ballista shot either missed him or bounced off his armor. Then he bashed through and made a massive hole! But wait! What was wrong! Saurian was stuck! There were captions, arrows, and play by play like a stadium sports arena spokes person. There were over a dozen comments of LOL! ROFL! But there were of course people who asked the serious questions.


    ''Did you make it through safely?'' -Superman.


    ''Yes. We found our next bread crumb and on our way'' -Aquaman.


    ''Wraith did take some injuries during the fight but he is healing quickly.'' -Aquawoman.


    ''Here is the full video'' -Wraith.


    Lash uploaded the entire event from when they first exited the cavern wall, all the way to them leaving again. He could pull a video straight from memory thanks to his Technomancy Domain. Thanks to his skill Parallel Minds Lash continued to pilot the plane as well has interact on the message board. It would be several hours before they reached their destination. Mera went to the little kitchen and started to cook a simple dinner. Despite being a princess, Mera knew how to cook. Though she wouldn''t be winning any contests. Lash actually asked if he could get some protein to help him heal. This was one of the only times Arthur or Mera had seen Lash ask for food. Arthur jumped up to help cook the meal and promised Lash several big steaks to his name.


    ''Wraith, so you can just make those lizard people right? Are they like being teleported from a ship? Or....'' -Kid Flash.


    ''They should be Illusions made from magical energy given False Life to act the part. Is that right, Wraith?'' -Zatanna.


    ''Correct'' -Wraith.


    ''Right.....Magic.... (@[email protected])'' -Kid Flash


    ''I placed a engine core in their centers and manipulated it to make hard light to craft the life model decoys of the lizard folk.'' -Wraith


    ''I knew it! Science wins again!'' -Kid Flash.


    [Private message] ''One of these days he''ll figure it out.'' -Zatanna.


    As the sun began to set in Africa it would be close to morning on the other side of the world. More people signed off over time. Several more people asked questions about the video, and the ghosts. Flash, and Kid Flash tried to explain the situation away in science hoping Wraith would explain it. But he never did. Lash ate four 12 ounce steaks medium rare. Then recast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. At last the wounds healed and the taint of The Grey was removed.


    The SHARC had made it to the Mediterranean Sea, Lash noticed the additional water and air traffic. More then once he had to move the SHARC out of the way of other planes. Given they didn''t show up on radar and were nearly invisible to the naked eye thanks to Chameleon. It was clear that the Mundanes had noticed the changes happening to Northern Africa, and the Sahara desert. He checked the Warden and Fae Council information, and nearly crashed the plane in surprise.


    ===============================================================


    Pamela, or rather Poison Ivy watched in fascination and excitement as the CNN broad cast showed a new and revitalized picture of Norther Africa. There for all the eyes to see was a fast growing jungle from five direct points in the vast ocean of sands. She was at the Warden HQ taking a break from the application process. A very nice female sylvan druid was helping her fill out the paper work but she was just surprised by the changes on the television as Ivy was. A name came up on the news broad cast. ''Agent Wraith'' of the United Nations World Security had established five specific oasis that were all attached by under water rivers. Now surface rivers all fresh water that connected them. For centuries people had fought and died over water. Now in a few short weeks the believe that the Sahara desert will soon be a vast jungle.


    Though it was not all good news. Many countries were angry that Agent Wraith had ignored boarders and acted with out notifying them. Many traditionalist believed the desert was part of their heritage and didn''t want it to be changed. But of course everyone who was speaking were all wealthy people that didn''t want for anything. All the lower economy people in those countries couldn''t be happier for the change. Now water, something that is taken for granted in other countries will be available to them in vast quantities. Ivy smiled wide, and leaned back into her chair.


    ¡°Hmmmm... Maybe I should do that. Go change an area into a jungle.¡± Ivy said with a bit of mischief in her eyes.


    ¡°Though I would love to see the world restored to such an environment. Not all deserts are bad, Miss Ivy. They are an important part of the ecosystem.¡± The sylvan druid reminded her.


    ¡°Maybe... Come on! I''m motivated to finish the application!¡± Ivy stood up and the Sylvan away.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°Uncle J''onn, have you thought to ask Wraith to help us restore Mars?¡± Me''ghan asked softly. She sat in his small apartment with him as they watched earths television CNN broadcast.


    ¡°I''ve considered it. Though I believe that this...Green. The living embodiment of Earths nature may be his power. It may not work on Mars. But perhaps he knows a way to slow or even repair the damage our people have caused to our mother planet.¡± J''onn said softly.


    They both sat in their natural ''Green'' martian forms. J''onn, and Me''ghan, though Me''ghan''s form was a little different. J''onn paid it no mind. She was still young and growing. A lot like his two daughters had been, H''ronmeer embrace them in his arms. J''onn was sad for a moment at the thought of his dead children but blocked his thoughts from his niece. He didn''t want to ruin her good mood. She was making friends with the other children in the Justice League. J''onn was happy that he could support his niece on Earth. She never really fit in on Mars he didn''t understand why though.


    J''onn turned back to the broad cast and watched in real time as the jungles continued to spread. They estimated that more then half of the Sahara would be jungle before the end of the week. Several leading scientist were contacted through the world wide web to comment. They had no idea how it was possible. But Wraith had brought a lot of things to Earth that they thought was impossible. Maybe Me''ghan was right. Maybe Wraith could help them restore Mars. He would pray to H''ronmeer tonight to seek guidance.


    ===============================================================


    ¡°So wait...How long is the jungle suppose to grow?¡± Arthur asked.


    Lash had landed the SHARC on Sicily near their destination. He had deployed it and brought the Invisibility online so they were sightless. He also placed a simple miss direction glamour in the area just in case a mundane ran into them some how. Arthur was sitting on the coach with a pint of liquor in his hands, the glass was filled with a incredibly strong alchohal that Lash had had fabricated. Mera had half a glass and was tipsy as hell! She was snuggling into Arthur''s embrace as she tried to focus on the conversation.


    ¡°I don''t know. The Green will decide enough is enough. A lot like a wild fire in reverse the jungle will grow once it runs out of energy. Only this ''fire'' people shouldn''t want to put out. Unless the jungle hits a city and grows over it...Which could happen I guess. I hope it doesn''t.¡± Lash replied as he sipped his drink. It was smooth going down, with a hint of honey on his tongue.


    ¡°What did Vulko say in his message?¡± Lash asked. A few hours ago Vulko had sent a message through Mera''s communicator.


    ¡°Orm tried to arrest Vulko at the Temple of Poseidon. Which did not go over well with the priest, priestess, clerics, and paladins at the temple. Its neutral ground! Orm said Vulko was spreading civil unrest, Orm continued to argue that he was doing this for the betterment of the ocean. Then! Almost as if it was timed a divine glow swallowed the temple a ghostly image of King Atlan appeared and pointed his finger at Orm and declared to the entire area. ''Orm! You are not the one true king!''¡± Arthur said with a grin that spread from ear to ear.


    ¡°Well that should make your campaign a little easier!¡± Lash said in surprise.


    ¡°Orm left quickly from the temple, but shortly after made a public announcement that the Temple of Poseidon had been corrupted by outside forces and demanded a inquisition be placed on the temple. Unfortunately because he is a prince of Atlantis its with in his right to call for one.¡± Mera joined in and tried to not hiccup! Her flushed face was adorable, Lash commented on it and she hid in Arthur''s arms clearly embarrassed!


    ¡°So, as Vulko explained. An inquisition force of Poseidon''s God-Kin will arrive at the Temple to over see if there is any corruption or taint at the temple. They are bound by their God not to lie, subvert, or manipulate anything. It will take weeks or even months to complete. Because of this, Vulko is bound by law to stay at the Temple for questioning. So he wont be swimming ahead to inform the different kingdoms of our eventual arrival. But! If the God-Kin find no corruption? Then Orm is finished! Even if I don''t get the Trident no one will accept Orm as King.¡± Arthur said, clearly pleased with the situation.


    They talked for another hour about logistics, and the different Kingdoms locations. Even though Arthur didn''t want to rule, he was invested to go find his mother. That would be enough for now, but little by little this journey was changing him for the better. Arthur pulled Mera towards their cabin and bid Lash goodnight. Lash stayed up and used Connectivity to comb through the web and the dark web. He was always so busy and he would often forget to check things that he should do. Things fall through the cracks. Missions, objectives that seemed important months ago seem so small now. Meta-Human trafficking was starting to pick up. Not only that but Meta-Animals had been found. A giant Tiger in Indonesia, that was bullet proof, and blended into the environment like a chameleon had been found. Despite many attempts to capture and or kill it every attempt had failed. Lash tagged the video and sent it to the Justice League message board.


    He tapped his necklace and his mystic dragon familiar, Dawn. Became animated and flew around the SHARC. She found a few bits of food, and sipped the extremely strong liquor. Watching a drunk dragon fly into walls was adorable. Soon she gave up and came back to snuggle with Lash. He stroked her smooth scales as he continued to look through the net. His familiar chirped into his ear.


    ¡°User, a new version went through. Contained with in the store is a item shop! As always the shop is only filled with items that you have encountered in your time with in the Dream Engine.¡± The tiny dragon said softly.


    ¡°Oh? I guess that makes sense. Not everyone is going to be a crafter. I assume the item store sells super suits?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°That is correct, User! Most items can be purchased then upgraded overtime through the store. There are also weapons, items, gadgets, and blueprints.¡± Dawn said, as she pawed his neck like a small kitten would.


    ¡°Blueprints? Like the Justice League Watchtower?¡± Lash asked, his interest piqued now.


    ¡°Yes! Though it takes several Dream Points to purchase. If you have an existing crafting experience which you do, the required DP is cheaper. There is also a Rift compass! Which guides the User to any near by Rift with in a hundred miles of their location.¡± Dawn said, she noticed his interest and nuzzled his cheek.


    ¡°Also take note that your VI Avatar has been voted for an award as a major support role in other worlds. Though your VI Avatar is hated by many of those that play villains. Your VI Avatar has slain six thousand four hundred and thirty two User villains.¡± Dawn said smugly. Lash choked on his own saliva and started to cough.


    ¡°I''m surprised they don''t spend world points to remove me!¡± Lash replied after he stopped coughing.


    ¡°Many Users who play villains do remove you. However removing another VI Avatar takes a lot of world points. Many of the Users think of you as a personal challenge to defeat, conquer, and overcome.¡± Dawn replied.


    ¡°What about the other four hundred and ninety nine Users that are still on their first life. I haven''t met any of them yet. I''m a little surprised.¡± Lash asked, honestly curious.


    ¡°Many of the other Users that are part of the ''first life'' five hundred will not be seen until mid way through your current segment. Though I can not tell you who, or how many there are. Several are currently moving around in your generated world time line, now.¡± Dawn said.


    Dawn continued to brief him on the version update. Little quality of life changes, ways to customize his user interface in case he wanted the traditional life, mana, energy, etc. He didn''t, he liked the intuitive access the Dream Engine allowed him. Even though he couldn''t see any of his energy he was subconsciously aware of it. Any prompts, notifications, or messages were like message alters that faded from sights as soon as he saw them. He was interested in buying a Rift Compass though, along with a blueprint for the ''Watchtower''.


    The sun soon began to rise over Sicily, Lash started a pot of coffee for his ''room mates''. He spared a moment to repair the damage to Saurian''s gear through the Spatial Item Shift. He used his Transmuter title and created ten pounds of Mithril and split it evenly through Saurian and his own gear. In a lot of ways Mithril and Nth metal were similar. He had learned the chemical make up due to his Shaper Title. But he realized that Nth metal was like Thanagar version of Orichalcum. Common metals that were shaped and changed due the effects of the extra-dimensional beings that once controlled the planet. Orichalcum was a divine metal that was blessed by divinity. So, what was Mithril?


    Lash and Saurian''s gear look straight out of a fantasy novel. Studded leather, plate male, with a touch of Daemonic influence from his heritage that he could never shake. The gear just seem to shift towards it, though he did see there was a bit of Xenomorph skeleton style to the gear as well. He used his Deserter Kingdom technique and placed his enchantments while he created it. He found that the enchantment was stronger, but took far longer to create. By the time he was finished Mera and Arthur had finished with breakfast and were ready to walk into town.


    Mera had boots, loose pants, and an open cotton shirt over her Atlantean gear. Her pale skin, blue eyes, and brilliant red hair made her incredibly eye catching. Despite her baggy clothing she had a hour glass figure that made people just stop and stare at her. Mera had always been confident in her body and paid no mind to those that stared at her. Arthur kept his boots but swapped out to a loose khaki pants, and a tight white t-shirt that was snug and showed off every line of his muscles. He received a lot of attention from the women he passed. His wild lightly curled hair free on his shoulders. While Lash? Lash created a simple illusion and glamour to make him look like a twenty something average looking Italian male. Brown eyes, bald head, in tourist clothing, very average looking. Many would assume he was a porter hear to carry the luggage of these two super models.


    The area they headed to was a mixture of village and town. Though more modern buildings were closed inland, the coast remained the traditional sense. Nothing wrong with it! It looked beautiful, and Lash knew that Italy took great pride and care in their cultural heritage. Many roads that were built during Ancient Greece glory days were still being used today! Lash knew the basic idea of where they needed to go but didn''t say anything. He enjoyed watching Mera and Arthur interact with the locals. But he did notice a few super-naturals, who in turn also noticed him. A husband, wife, and small child walked over. They had light red skin, fiery eyes, and small horns that grew from their heads like horns. Devil-Kin, he hadn''t seen some since the grandfather he met back at Gotham who gave him hot chocolate as thanks for fixing a street corner park.


    ¡°Warden Lash?¡± The husband asked. Lash looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Lash responded, a little on edge. The family smiled at him, and the little boy waved but quickly hid behind his mother when Lash waved back.


    ¡°The tribal marks gave you away. You are pretty famous! Converting the Sahara into a jungle.¡± The wife replied with a smile as she gently patted her son''s head.


    ¡°Ah! I was afraid I had a bad reputation. Forgive me for my rude manners!¡± Lash replied and gave an official Warden etiquette bow to them. His respectful attitude earned him wider smiles from the family.


    ¡°Rumor has it that you are trying to bring peace to the oceans by uniting the Atlanteans.¡± The husband said. As he looked over at Arthur and Mera.


    ¡°I can neither confirm no deny any involvement I have with the civil war currently in play. As you know Wardens can not pick sides. But if it helps keep the peace between the super-naturals and the mundanes then I will act in every ones best interest.¡± Lash gave the standard public relation reply which only earned him a snicker from the wife.


    ¡°I''m sure! Don''t worry! We never saw you! Good luck in your journey''s Warden Lash!¡± The wife replied.


    Before the family left Lash crafted a stone serpent with Essence Imbuement, and False Life. The snake came alive and snuggled into the waiting arms of the small boy who absolutely loved it! The snake had a tiny bit of Orichalcum in it! Just a bit! Apparently the mother was rather sensitive to magic because she seem to understand what the snake was made out of. She didn''t say anything but her expression told a story, Lash held his finger to his lips. She kept quiet but clearly was shocked by the value of the gift. Lash rejoined his companions as they walked up to the theater of statues to the great leaders of their time.


    ¡°Everything alright?¡± Mera asked when he caught up.


    ¡°Yes, just a few super-naturals that wanted to talk.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°It blew my mind when Mera told me about the super-natural world. I mean I''ve seen some things but, I thought the weirdest thing I''d ever seen was a talking lizard. Wow was I surprised!¡± Arthur said with a grin.


    They reached the circle of statues, Lash stood off to the side and watched the scene play out. Arthur figured the bottle trick out quickly and showed Mera. He offered the bottle to Lash then stopped in mid motion. He seem to realize that Lash already knew the answer but was waiting for them to catch up. Arthur laughed and went through the different histories of the statues. On the small section of the town was a monument to the old leaders of Greece and Rome. There looking into the distance was Romulus the first king of Rome. The statues upper half was cracked and falling apart but his right hand was up as if he was meant to hold something up. The back of his skull was removed from years past which allowed people to look through his eyes. Arthur put the bottle in the kings hand and looked through it.


    ¡°Aha! Found it!¡± Arthur shouted, and showed Mera what he had seen. Lash came up and confirmed the destination.


    There was a brief moment when Lash expected a laser or plasma blast. Black Manta? ''King'' Orm commandos? Nothing. Since Mera had removed her tracking device over a year ago they had no way of knowing her location. Arthur and Mera bought some food and drink in town and they headed back to the SHARC. Next was the Trench, the Trenchers, and the portal to the Hidden Sea. When they got back to the SHARC Lash added a few more things to their transportation, specifically flood lights. He double checked the pressure depths, and the seals. The different compartments to each section, along with the wings, engines, etc. All in all it took a few more hours before they left, it was nearly sunset when they lifted off.


    ¡°So, what should we expect o great and mighty oracle?¡± Arthur said with a bit of mirth in his voice.


    ¡°Mera, what do you know about the Kingdom of the Trench, and the Trenchers?¡± Lash asked as he found a suitable spot in the water and started to covert the SHARC to underwater submarine. The shark ''jaws'' closed around the cockpit, holographic projectors created a life like window into the oceans.


    ¡°The Trench is located in what you call the Mariana Trench, the vast stretch holds one of the largest kingdoms of savage creatures, beings, and nightmares found in the deep ocean. The Trenches were once just like us but after the Great Fall the magic that changed us to breath under water took to them differently. As the nightmares of the ocean dwell in that area the magic changed the Atlanteans into creatures of the depths. Now they are savage, primal beasts that have no culture of their own. But to feed, breed, and repeat.¡± Mera replied, Arthur looked at the bottle that gave them directions.


    ¡°You mean the Mariana Trench in the Pacific ocean? That is not where the bottle showed us to go.¡± Arthur replied.


    ¡°Correct! However we''ll have to assume that each Trench has access to the portal.¡± Lash replied as the SHARC dove under water and began to speed its way to their destination.


    ¡°Portal? I think we talked about that before. Do you mean like a teleportation hub thing that Mera was talking to me about?¡± Arthur asked, clearly confused.


    ¡°Not the same thing, Arthur would you be so kind as to go to the weapons platform seat. Mera please join him in yours as well. We''ll be drawing attention shortly.¡± Lash replied.


    That was something that Lash hated about the movies, and comics they never gave a specific location to places in the DC Universe. The Mariana Trench was in the pacific ocean, the glass bottle did not tell them to go that far. So that meant there was another entrance here in the Mediterranean Sea? So why haven''t the Trenches swarmed up and swallowed Sicily!? Or at least consumed any and all fish boats, and tourist sails. Lash had to assume that the Trenchers were under orders to guard this specific entrance. The Golden Trident did have the capacity to sway and control the Trenches. Perhaps it was the last order given by King Atlan, just like the ghosts in the forge.


    The SHARC continued to dive through the waters towards their general destination. Little by little the ocean life in the area seem to grow small, distant, and soon were no where to be seen. The hard water power core started humming as the hydro cannons powered up. Arthur said a little prayer, or a message to his mother. He was coming and wouldn''t stop till he found her. Tiny motes of life started to show up on the view screens. Imbued with Nature Domain they were better at spotting things then any modern radar.


    ¡°Trenchers straight ahead. Weapons free you two, you see a Trencher shoot it down and move to the next!¡± Lash activated his Parallel Minds and took the forward gun position. Arthur and Mera started to maneuver their weapon stations and started to fire plasma water shots.


    The Trenchers stood at about seven feet tall, with black to grayish skin tone. Fins extended from their arms, legs, back, and head. Their mouths extended from side to side with a gaping maw of long sharp pointy teeth. The top of their skulls had a foggy see through skull cap that allowed them a sense of echo location. While claws on their hands and feet allowed them to properly tear, rend, and rip flesh from bone. A Love Craft creation if Lash had ever seen one.


    Like a disturbed bee hive dozens of Trenches moved to intercept that soon grew to hundreds, then thousands. In little less than five minutes thousands of Trenchers moved to intercept the SHARC. Right before they hit the hull of the submarine Lash activated his flood lights! SCREEEEEE! The Trenches screamed, and Lash screamed out in pain! Just like the Atlanteans, the Trenches also had a telepathic language. But unlike Mera and Arthur, only Lash could hear them talk. Beast Speak activated and Lash heard the Trenches scream in agony, and call for help from their kin.


    Lash didn''t do any fancy flying moves like in a dog fight he did a straight shot for the crevice about a mile ahead of him. Arthur, Mera, and himself fired their weapons for all they were worth. Two rotating turrets on the side of the SHARC shot out balls of super heated plasma that exploded in giant masses of energy swallowed dozens of Trenchers. Cosmic Deity above there were a lot of them out there. Easily over a hundred thousand responded to the call! Lash pulled up then dove straight down into the trench.


    ¡°This is going to be rough!¡± Lash called out to his companions!


    Despite the flood lights the swarm of Trenchers rammed into the SHARC. They threw themselves against this metal monstrosity, screamed in pain as the lights blinded and burned their skin. As if they were allergic to light itself. The hydro cannons continued to fire as fast as they could. One of the plasma cannons was ripped off, alarm bells rang as water flooded into the SHARC. Lash placed his hand on the terminal near him and cast the Renew spell. The leak was fixed but he would need time to remake the turret.


    More weapons were peeled off, flood lights, and strips of armor. Lash found the bottom and pulled up and started to do a spin through a corridor of rock, crystals, and thousands of sleeping Trenchers. Fuck there was a lot of them! But he saw a flicker of lighting further ahead, almost there! He pushed the throttle forward and they sped straight for it. The engines started to creep towards the red line.


    ¡°Arthur! Mera! We are almost there! We''ll see if the SHARC will live through the entry point!¡± Lash shouted.


    ¡°WAIT! You mean your not sure!¡± Arthur shouted.


    ¡°Nope! Not at all!¡± Lash replied with a laugh.


    ¡°I''m game if you two are!¡± Mera shouted.


    ¡°Aha! Fuck it! Lets go!¡± Arthur cheered.


    The SHARC''s engines burned underwater as fast as they could go. They left the Trenchers behind as they cleared the underwater crevice. A massive pillar of twisting clouds, water, lightning stared back at them. The lightning reached out as if it was alive and struck the SHARC. Lash watched as his power levels reached 400%! How about that! They dove straight into the twisting tower and alarms blared off everywhere inside. The twisted pulled them up, down, sideways! But despite the tremendous force there seemed to be a direction it was taking them.


    ''I see you! I feel you! Come....This way!'' A voice gently called to Lash. His Nature Domain flared to life and Lash steered towards the voice.


    ¡°ALMOST THERE!¡± Lash shouted.


    The SHARC was breaking apart around them! He was incredibly happy he decided to reinforce it before he started the journey. But even then the vessels was groaning in pain as it was coming apart at the seems. Lash activated his spell Renew and held it, the ship was fixing it self but it was a battle of attrition that he was losing!


    ¡°WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO! BRING IT ON!¡± Arthur called out!


    Then with an audible POP! They exited the twisting portal and appeared in another space! The twisting portal behind them, but the current forced them forward with no room for argument. The SHARC stopped shaking and stabilized as it repaired itself to nearly full thanks to Lash''s spell work. Lash adjusted the vessel and headed for the surface. Like any modern day submarine they erupted from the water. In front of them was a vast cavern! At the highest point of the cavern was a collection of massive crystals that gave off what appeared to be natural light. Below the crystal sky was a massive piece of land filled with jungles, beaches, coves, and....Stone buildings? Lash wanted to fly over the island only to realize one of his auxiliary engines was missing. He pressed the throttle gently forward towards the nearest beach.


    More then once a giant Liopleurodon''s swam past them. Ancient aquatic pseudo-dinosaurs. Scaled hide, long flippers, long snout like jaw. He knew Atlantis kept them as mounts that only high born used. Lash remembered that Orm used one as his mount. But these ones made Orm''s mount look like a child''s toy. Despite their carnivore nature they simply nudged the SHARC as if they were curious to what it was. The SHARC reached the beach, the landing gear extended and they half rolled and clawed their way onto the beach outside of the tide. The rear hatch came down and Lash walked out to inspect the damage.


    ¡°Wow! This place is amazing! Are those buildings, they look occupied!¡± Arthur said, he turned to Mera but froze because Mera was looking at a woman who had white fish scale armor, pale skin, and white hair.


    The woman walked towards them on unsteady feet. She looked at the SHARC, then back at Mera...Then she saw Arthur. Tears filled her eyes as her hands covered her mouth. Arthur like a puppet on strings took shaky step forward. He walked past Mera towards the woman. They came face to face a few moments later. The woman was a bit older then Arthur, she softly touched his cheek and smiled.


    ¡°Arthur....¡± Queen Atlanna said.


    ¡°Hi Mom....¡± Arthur said with a smile.

 Chapter 65: Temple Poseidon

    Arthur and his mother Atlanna hugged one another, then Arthur in a very Arthur fashion picked her up and spun her around. She let out a very unlady like squeak but laughed with joy as she smiled wide. Arthur set her down and let her go but kept her hand in his as he pulled her over to see Mera. Mera tried to bow from her waist but Atlanna had none of that and hugged her close. Queen Atlanna was about 5'' 9¡± with platinum to white hair that was braided and tied back out of her face. Her hair fell past her shoulders to about the middle of her back. She had a form fitting white fish scale suit on a lot like Mera''s. Despite being older she kept her hour glass figure, and her piercing blue eyes sparked with a bit of magical energy. When she looked past Mera''s shoulder she saw Lash standing next to the SHARC.


    ¡°Who''s that?¡± Atlanna asked softly. Arthur was startled then took his mother by the hand and brought her over to see Lash.


    ¡°Mom! This is Warden Lash, and his Partner Saurian. He''s the Oracle that told us you were still alive!¡± Arthur said with a huge grin. Atlanna''s eyes went wide in surprise then smiled brightly.


    ¡°Queen Atlanna, its a pleasure to see you in person. The vision I received did not do you you justice.¡± Lash said, and performed this Warden etiquette bow. His eyes flashed reptilian to reveal Saurian presence.


    ¡°So that is what she meant... Thank you Warden Lash for bringing my son to me. Along with my future daughter in law.¡± Atlanna said with a smile. Mera''s cheeks blushed a bit suddenly shy to hear the Queen call her that.


    ¡°If you can spare a bit of time we can exchange stories while I repair our transportation.¡± Lash inquired, and Atlanna agreed.


    They spent the next few hours talking about their ''adventure'' while Lash repaired the SHARC. Atlanna was pleased to know that not only was Lash a Warden, Oracle, but also a Druid. A good friend to have for the future King of Atlantis. As the day stretched out Lash watched how the crystal sky slowly dimmed to simulate a night sky. The hundreds of thousands of tiny crystals above took on an ambient light, that looked like a night sky.


    Lash finished with the repair job on the SHARC and game in through the rear hatch to see the three of them sitting on the small kitchen area. Atlanna had a glow about her, the years apart from her family had not been kind to her. But seeing her son had taken years of stress from her. Arthur was incredibly animated about the siege of the Desert Kingdom. Even showed the video of Saurian getting stuck in the gate. Atlanna couldn''t help herself but laugh, she tried to apologize when she saw Lash but a fit of giggles passed through her hand. Lash didn''t pay it any mind as he went through a pre-flight check and closed the rear hatch.


    Because they were in the ''Center'' of the Earth or damn close to it, the Moon''s gravitational push and pull didn''t reach here. So the rise and fall of the tide didn''t happen. Lash had thought that the beach would have been swallowed at some point but it didn''t happen! Lash came back over to the kitchen area just as Mera finished talking about the entry point through the portal. They all looked up when Lash joined them.


    ¡°Queen Atlanna. Care to give me directions to the temple?¡± Lash asked softly. Arthur and Mera looked up at him confused, but Atlanna simply smiled at him.


    ¡°I''ll guide your way if you''ll fly?¡± Atlanna said with a wink. She stood up and followed Lash to the pilot''s seat.


    Lash pulled the SHARC into the air and gently pushed the throttle forward. Atlanna leaned over Lash''s shoulder a little...to close? Lash noticed that Atlanna had inhaled his scent and bit her lip just a bit. OK! Lash, needed to get her back to Tom faster then expected! Atlanna leaned against him and ran her hand over his armor while she pointed towards a distant island.


    ¡°The entire hidden sea is an archipelago of islands. Ranging from tiny to huge land masses. The largest land mass is about 125 miles across. That is where the Temple to the Karathen is.¡± Atlanna said, as her free hand came to rest on Lash neck, her fingers played up an down his skin just out of sight of Arthur and Mera.


    ¡°Wait? Is the Karathen real?¡± Arthur said as he came up to look over the landscape. Atlanna took back her hand in a casual motion when she turned to look at her son.


    ¡°Yes... When King Atlan came to the Hidden Sea in his self exposed exile he created a Trial for the future king. He asked the Karathen to guard this ''Trial''. She agreed and has kept it safe from any would be seekers and false kings. Along with the last of King Atlan''s royal guard.¡± Atlanna said in response.


    ¡°King Atlan''s royal guard are still alive? After all this time?¡± Mera asked, as she walked up beside Arthur and hugged his arm. She looked at Atlanna and glanced at Lash. She smiled at her with a knowing look that Arthur seem to miss. Atlanna coughed a bit and moved a good foot away from Lash.


    ¡°It has to do with the ritual magic of the Trident. The royal guard are stuck in a state of ageless. They have been tasked to keep the Temple safe until the new king would come. Among them is Priestess Than''Keth. She was the one that told me to come to the beach today to meet you. She knew you were coming.¡± Atlanna said softly.


    Lash piloted the SHARC across the Hidden Sea for a few hours. Several flocks of birds and pterodactyls flew over and followed them in formation. Then broke off after about an hour of flight. Lash activated the holographic windows so his companions could see everything around them. On every island with a bit of land to its name had a stone watch tower built on it. Though none of them were crewed at this time. Atlanna said when the King first came here they had constructed a viable home for people but when the ''Fall'' happened nearly all of the citizens left. When she had been ''sacrificed'' to the Trench so many years ago in the Pacific Ocean. Aha! So there was more then one way into the Hidden Sea. She heard a voice as she swam through the Trenchers territory. The voice brought her through the portal. It was the only reason she survived. Priestess Than''Keth was the voice.


    There at last in the distance was a vast stretch of land directly under the center most crystal that hung in the cavern ceiling above. A stone city that looked like a mixture of Asian and Greek was found. Most of the city was in active except for a massive pyramid structure in the center. A city square was in front of the ''Temple'' Atlanna said they could land there. Priestess Than''Keth said so, at the time Atlanna had no idea what she meant but understood now.


    Lash flew over the square and slowly lowered his altitude as the SHARC lowered itself hundreds of people started to flock towards the center. All of them in the prime of their life, all of them wearing either casual cloths to full combat royal Atlantean gear. On a raised dais before the steps of the Temple stood tall woman with sea weed green hair, pale blue skin, orange eyes, and was clothed in several layers of fine Atlantean silk, and silver armor that protected the vital organs. Lash could see that the silk, and armor was enchanted. It was probably stronger then tank armor. Priestess Than''Keth looked like the rest of them. She was in the prime of her life, but her eyes said she had seen many days and nights.


    ¡°Any customs and courtesies we should know about?¡± Lash asked, as he stood up from his pilot seat and deactivated the holographic windows and shut down the SHARC.


    ¡°Just continue to be you, Warden Lash.¡± Atlanna said with a smile and winked at him.


    The rear hatch came down and they saw hundreds of eyes train on them. Arthur came out expecting a bit of fan fare and only got glares from everyone. Tough crowd. Mera followed behind him along with Atlanna. The people recognized her, a few nodded but most kept their faces indifferent. Atlanna led Arthur, Mera, and Lash towards Priestess Than''Keth. The crowd of guardsmen may way for them. The Priestess had no moved from her dais and kept an eye on them as they approached.


    ¡°Queen Atlanna welcome back! Prince Arthur, Princess Mera! Welcome to the Hidden Sea and the Trial of Kings.¡± Priestess Than''Keth''s voice was strong and collected. Someone who was use to speaking to the masses of people with their voice alone.


    ¡°Agent of Calamity, we were not expecting you. But you are...''Welcome'' none the less.¡± Priestess Than''Keth said. Lash felt hundreds of eyes settle on him. He got the distinct impression that his Cosmic Deity was laughing at him. Lash performed his customary bow but kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°Agent of Calamity? Warden Lash is the only reason I''m even standing here! We never would have made it with out him!¡± Arthur spoke up, clearly angry at the way they were treating Lash.


    ¡°Arthur...¡± Lash said softly. Arthur looked back and saw Lash shake his head. He didn''t need him to speak up for him. Arthur swallowed his argument but clearly didn''t like it.


    ¡°I disagree, Prince Arthur. But that is that, and this is this. Will you be attempting the Trial of Kings now or later?¡± Priestess Than''Keth asked, her eyes lingered on Lash. She didn''t hold any hatred or fear in her eyes just a lingering caution.


    ¡°We''ll go now!¡± Arthur replied. Atlanna looked over at him and tried to speak when she was cut off by the Priestess.


    ¡°You miss understand, Prince Arthur. The Trial of Kings is only done by the heir apparent...Alone.¡± Than''Keth said.


    ¡°We''ll need twenty four hours then!¡± Lash said, hundreds of eyes glared at him. But he squared his shoulders and looked at Arthur. Arthur nodded back and looked at the Priestess.


    ¡°What he said!¡± Arthur replied. Than''Keth narrowed her eyes as she looked at Arthur. She turned to look at Lash for a brief moment.


    ¡°Very well! Prepare yourself Prince Arthur! Either tomorrow, or another thousand years from now we''ll wait for the one true King.¡± Priestess Than''Keth said in a mighty voice!


    The people scattered and melted into the scenery as if they were fog in the morning light. Dozen or so well armed stood in a circle around the SHARC and made it clear that they were not allowed to leave. Well more to the point that Lash was not allowed to leave. Agent of Calamity? He heard Bast call him that when she possessed Selina back in Gotham. Now Priestess Than''Keth? His Cosmic Deity must be a real piece of work! Lash and company returned to the SHARC and closed the rear hatch.


    ¡°OK! What the fuck was that!?¡± Arthur asked loudly.


    ¡°I don''t know! They were very kind and welcoming when I first arrived.¡± Atlanna said in apology but clearly she was confused.


    ¡°Maybe it is cause Lash is an outsider? What did they mean, ''Agent of Calamity''?¡± Mera said as she looked at Lash.


    ¡°My Cosmic Deity. They''ve been to Earth before a long time ago. They were not popular. Guilty by association.¡± Lash replied, though that was not the whole story. It was enough for them.


    ¡°Arthur come sit down! I was hoping to travel with you into the Trial. But if we can''t go then we''ll do this now.¡± Lash said as he walked over to chair. Arthur came over and settled down but looked up in question.


    ¡°What are we doing?¡± Arthur asked, there was no hesitation in his eyes. Lash had delivered! He found his mother. As far as Arthur was concerned Lash was a rock star to him.


    ¡°I can imprint skills, and abilities into you. Though it takes a great deal of my energy and yours to properly digest it. That is why I asked for twenty four hours. Mera, Queen Atlanna please come and the both of you take each of Arthur''s hands. You''ll act as anchor and conduit of energy.¡± Lash said as he placed his hands on either side of Arthur''s head.


    ¡°Atlanna...Just Atlanna. You can save the customs and courtesies until we are in the royal court.¡± Atlanna said to Lash with a sweet smile. She took a seat and took a hold of Arthur''s hand. He squeezed back and smiled at her.


    ¡°Is this like the pack bond you can create? I have to admit that I am fascinated that you can grant knowledge and abilities to others.¡± Mera said as she took a seat and took Arthurs other offered hand.


    ¡°Something like that... Arthur this is going to be a little weird.¡± Lash said then activated Skill/Power Trainer.


    Skill Imprint activated.


    Weapon Master, Martial Arts, Commanding Presence, Administration, Cooking, Computers, Rallying Call, Medicine, Danger Sense, Team Work, Science, Meditation, Stealth, Military Special Operations.


    Racial Trait activation.


    Homo-Magi: Sub-Breed.....Activated!


    One by one the skills were placed inside of Arthur, the imprinting took hours to complete. Half through the imprinting Arthur started to scream! It was not the kind of scream that you would hear from some one calling for help. But a scream of challenge. His entire body flexed, and bucked with intensity as the imprinted knowledge was drilled into his mind, body, and soul. Lash hand never done so many at once. He cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Regrowth. As his brain tore, ripped, and snapped at the new information being force fed into him. Then when he activated Arthur''s hidden blood line, Homo-Magi. His latent magical power ignited! Mera, and Atlanna''s bodies acted like a filter for the new magic in his body. It would pass through Atlanna into Arthur, then pass to Mera who would filter it and send it back into Arthur who would send it to Lash. That continued for another for several more hours.


    Arthur had always been a pseudo-Mundane. He was half Atlantean had technically had magic in his blood to begin with. Had he been born in Atlantis he would have gone through this transformation naturally as he grew up. Now? Lash hand reached deep into him and pulled the rip cord and a damn that had been built came crashing down. Then with a crash of energy the imprinting, and activation was complete. Arthur collapsed into the chair and passed out. Mera and Atlanna were not much better but they stayed awake. Lash was exhausted as he fell backwards onto his ass, he flopped across the floor of the interior of the SHARC and stayed there for a while. Gasping for air like a fish out of water.


    Lash sat up, and activated his skill Meditation to help clear his mind and restore his energy. Little by little he felt his energy levels slowly grow over time. He felt like it had only been a few minutes since he started before he felt some one shake him. He opened his eyes to see Arthur kneeling next to him. The clock that had been placed inside said nearly twelve hours had passed. Shit! Lash tried to move only to find out his legs had fallen asleep. Pins and needles! Pins and needles in his legs! Arthur pulled him and laughed as Lash nearly fell over again.


    ¡°Holy fuck! This is by far the worse hang over I''ve EVER felt! Did you put physics 101 in my head?¡± Arthur said with grimace.


    ¡°I did. Some of what I gave you will be helpful in the Trial. While others won''t be useful until later.¡± Lash replied, Arthur pulled Lash along to the rear hatch it was nearly time for him to go inside. Lash cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement onto Arthur who groaned in satisfaction.


    ¡°Are you ready, Prince Arthur?¡± Priestess Than''Keth stood at the dais once more. Mera, and Atlanna had been speaking to her before Arthur, and Lash stepped out. Than''Keth''s eyes were softer when she looked at Lash.


    ¡°Yes! Let''s get this done so we can head home!¡± Arthur said as he clapped Lash on the shoulder one last time. He walked to Atlanna and hugged her. Then he turned and kissed Mera, she wrapped her arms around his neck and enjoyed the kiss before she let him go.


    Arthur walked up the temple steps with Priestess Than''Keth. Mera and Atlanna rejoined Lash next to the rear hatch. Lash sat down on the ramp and looked out over the city square. He understood in the movie that Arthur went alone because it was a test. But the temple, royal guard, and the Priestess was outside of his expectations. Mera sat down next to him and hugged his arm, then Atlanna came to his other side and did the same. Sandwiched between two beautiful women should be a delight for most men. But Lash? He was still very tired, so much so that his eyes slowly closed and he fell asleep....


    ¡°IN THE NAME OF KANE!¡± Lash shouted over the soldiers of Nod!


    ¡°KANE LIVES IN DEATH!¡± The soldiers of Nod shouted back at him. Lash held the knife blade to the traitor that hoped to rule of the children of Nod.


    ¡°IN THE NAME OF KANE!¡± Lash shouted once more. Then before the soldiers could reply the massive view screen behind him turned on and their savior! Their prophet! Their leader spoke!


    ¡°KANE LIVES! My children!¡± Kane! The leader of the children of Nod spoke! They had all thought him dead! But Lash knew the truth, he had never lost faith! He had never given up hope! Kane never does anything with our a purpose, he will lead them to the future!


    Lash snapped his eyes open and jerked awake. He looked around to find himself back in the cabin of the SHARC. He fell back down against the mattress and slowed his breathing. Fuck! He remembered the Tiberium wars. He remembered how the crystal had destroyed Earth and brought the scrin to invade their world.


    Congratulations User! Military Special Operations has evolved into Minor Military Special Operations.


    Effect: You know a wide variety of tactics, strategies, training, tools, machines, and military operations.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the chemical formula for Tiberium!


    Comment: The incredibly useful, and deadly mineral known has Tiberium is now yours to create. Maybe you can change it for the better?


    Lash''s eyes went wide with terror! No! No! No! He would never let that shit touch this Earth! It would mean its end! But something caught his eye. Change it for the better? He had to think about the alien mineral, in his previous life he had been a commander not a scientist. But he understood the fundamentals of the mineral. Maybe he could swap out some of its more hostile attributes a replace them with something else? It would be a great way to transform a barren moon into something livable. He''d have to experiment with it....Carefully.


    Lash still wore his armor, he couldn''t imagine how hard it would be to remove with out his permission. He had several enchantments to prevent just that from happening. It was mostly meant for when he was in the field and he wore a mask to keep his identity a secret. But thinking about it now it may just cause obstruction if he were to ever be injured. He''d have to adjust it later on. He opened his tiny cabin door and stepped out. He found a clock and saw that several hours had past. His energy levels were just above half. Seemed that imprinting so many skills also delayed his own energy reserves return.


    He walked through the SHARC to the reach hatch to look for Mera, and Atlanna. Only to see a huge crowd of people cheering and celebrating with food and drink. Something good happen while he was asleep. He looked to the temple and smiled wide. Arthur stood on the dais with golden, and green fish scale armor with a golden trident in hand. Either he''d been asleep longer than he thought or the Trial of Kings wasn''t as long as he had thought.


    ¡°Lash! You beautiful bastard! I got it!¡± Arthur said with a grin as he held up the Trident. The Trident was pure Orichalcum that was blessed by Poseidon himself. Dozens of enchantments had been etched into the weapon. Lash''s Magical Perception was nearly blinded just by looking at it.


    ¡°Apparently I missed a lot while I took a nap?¡± Lash asked as he walked through the crowd that let him pass. None of them looked angry or hostile anymore towards him.


    ¡°You''ve been asleep for nearly forty eight hours, Lash. Given that I had never seen you sleep during the entire trip I think it just caught up with you.¡± Mera said with a smile as she came to give him a hug and a kiss on his cheek. Lash hugged her back, surprised by how long he had slept.


    ¡°So! Should we go visit your Dad before we start the campaign to unite the kingdoms?¡± Lash said as he looked up at Arthur who grinned back. Atlanna was startled for a moment then smiled wide, her eyes glazed over as she remembered her time with Thomas.


    ¡°Now that the Trident has been obtained the portal that leads to the Hidden Sea as once more become a two way passage. Though it is still full of danger. I believe you''ll find it much easier to command with the Trident in hand.¡± Priestess Than''Keth replied. She had a broad smile on her face and a bottle of win in hand.


    ¡°What about you, and the royal guard?¡± Atlanna asked.


    ¡°We''ll be leaving with his highness of course! It was King Atlan''s wish. We''ll help you establish the kingdom then we''ll be free of our oath and be allowed to live out the remainder of our lives.¡± Than''Keth said.


    ¡°Alright! Select ten of the best and brightest guardsmen or guards women to join us on the SHARC. The rest of you will head to the Temple of Poseidon. You''ll meet our royal Vizier there. Nuidis Vulko! Lash can you make a holographic image for them so they can know who to meet with? Priestess Than''Keth when can the royal guard be ready to leave?¡± Arthur took command and issued orders.


    Lash could feel Commanding Presence in his voice, Lash grinned at Arthur. Mera looked shocked at Arthur''s change but seem to understand why it had happened. She squeezed Lash''s hand with her own. Than''Keth replied quickly and started to issue orders to the royal guard. Though they were in celebration they quickly moved with practice ease and motivation. Though this place had been their home for centuries it was clear they looked forward to leaving. Lash quickly made several Illusion image stones that showed a image of Vulko. Arthur recorded a message for them to give to him, along with an image of Queen Atlanna still alive and well.


    Four hours later the SHARC was moving through the water and just a little over a thousand royal guardsmen and women swam behind. Arthur moved to the front of the column and used the Trident like a key, the twisting portal slowed to a gentle whirl pool and the entire column left the Hidden Sea. Right after the last Atlantean before the portal went back to its chaotic mess, a giant nightmarish titan, the Karathen swam through the waters of the Hidden Sea and left through the portal as well. She had completed her task and just like the royal guard she wanted to leave.


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Deity is incredibly happy! You''ve helped release a nightmarish titan back into the world. The Karathen is pleased with you and has granted you its blessing.


    Blessing: Titans new or old will have a neutral disposition towards you when you first meet them.


    Blessing: You can now propel yourself through water just as fast as any Atlantean.


    Lash''s went wide! Oh shit that is right! The Karathen is free now! They never really went over what happened with her in the movie! Lash could imagine several ships disappearing in the ocean over the years from now on. Aha! Now he could swim just as fast as any average Atlantean. Though he was sure Mera and Arthur could out pace him with a bit of effort. It was still nice!


    The SHARC popped out into the vast ocean in the same vast cavern they had originally jumped through in the first place. But unlike before there was not a single Trencher to be seen. Arthur held the trident to his face and concentrated for a bit. Then used the Temporary Pack Bond that was still in place.


    The Trenchers at this entrance left to join their kin at the primary Trench in the Pacific. -Arthur sent across the link.


    Lash pushed the throttle forward and sped through the giant cavern, Arthur snagged a handle on the SHARC and pulled himself towards a frog man hatch on the top side. The royal guard cheered and swam through the waters towards the open ocean. A lot had changed for them but a lot stayed the same. Lash had made several Illusion map stones for them. While ten elite guards sat inside the SHARC. Arthur opened the hatch and dropped in, they all stood up and saluted but he told them all to relax.


    ¡°I''m not going to get use to that!¡± Arthur said as he came up to the cock pit to stand next to Mera and Atlanna.


    ¡°The saluting? Or the look of respect in their eyes?¡± Lash asked with a smile as the left the cavern and slowly ascended towards the surface.


    ¡°Both? Shit! I don''t know if I''m cut out for this! I mean the shit you fed me is helping but I feel like I''ve fell into a rabbit hole and I can even see the bottom.¡± Arthur grumbled and sat down. He tapped the Trident, it flared with golden light before turning into trails of energy that entered into Arthur.


    ¡°Is the Trident using you as a sheath?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Ya! Makes it easier to carry, and near impossible to steal. Its like the necklace you gave me, I just know how it works when I picked it up. It has like three dozen different spells inscribed on it. I''d let you look at it but the Trident seems to consider you a hostile foe.¡± Arthur replied.


    ¡°Why would it consider Lash to be an enemy?¡± Mera asked before they heard a cough in the back from one of the guards.


    ¡°Your highness if I may?¡± A guardsman asked. Arthur nodded. ¡°The...''Warden'' is a powerful spell caster capable of enchanting, and disenchanting. The Trident may consider the fact that the Warden can feasible destroy or injure it by disenchanting it. The Trident is in a way alive, it has its own ''ego''. So please keep its feelings in mind.¡± The guard bowed deeply and returned to his seat.


    ¡°Uh......¡± Arthur said with a perplexed expression.


    ¡°No worries then. I admit I wanted to inspect the different enchantments on it. But if it doesn''t want me to then I wont.¡± Lash replied.


    The SHARC broke the surface, the wings folded out and the engines roared to life. Chameleon activated and the SHARC flew up and roared to life as it turned into a jet! It sped back towards the East Coast of America. Towards Amnesty bay, towards Tom Curry. Lash looked over and saw that Atlanna looked a little nervous. It had been twenty years since she had seen Tom, she had gone back to Atlantis married King Orvax, had Prince Orm then was sacrificed to the Trench. She had done all of this in an effort to keep Arthur and Tom safe.


    ================================================================


    ¡°My King, news from the God-Kin at the Temple of Poseidon. No trace of corruption of subterfuge was found. Vulko has been released from their custody but as since refused to leave the Temple grounds. He knows we are waiting for him.¡± An Atlantean Knight briefed Prince Orm.


    ¡°Thank you for the update, you may go.¡± Orm replied in a confident voice, not letting his true feelings out in the open of his people. A king should always look cool, composed, and confident in front of his subjects. His father had said to him.


    Prince Orm, second born of the Atlantis throne stood in his council chambers seemingly alone. He had armor that gleamed with golds, silvers, and gems. A suit of armor that was more majestic than practical but suited his needs for his days in the palace. He was 6'' even with blond near platinum hair, and deep ocean blue eyes. He had a strong athletic figure with broad shoulders from swimming. With out looking behind him he spoke to the shadows.


    ¡°Have you found them yet?¡± Orm said through gritted teeth.


    A shadow off to the side became animated and peeled itself off the wall. It took the shape of a seductive, curvy woman. Though her facial features were hidden away her piercing lilac eyes hinted at a hidden beauty. But the cold indifference she carried in her eyes told a story of horror. She bowed her head in respect before she spoke. Her voice cold as ice, and dripping with venom.


    ¡°No...Prince Orm.¡± The woman said, noticing how Orm balled his hands into fists at the mention of his actual title.


    ¡°What about this Oracle that Vulko claims to be helping my mongrel brother? Do we know about them?¡± Orm said, as sparks of magical energy cascaded across his body.


    ¡°We have no confirm reports to his true identity. But it is believed that he is Warden Lash, The Endless Chosen.¡± The woman replied.


    ¡°Has he broken his oath? Wardens are not allowed to pick sides in conflicts such as these!¡± Orm turned around at last and pegged a glare at the woman. However, then woman was unmoved by the veiled threat.


    ¡°As I have said we have no confirmed reports. But, if it is Warden Lash he has been granted a pass by the Fae and Warden Council for one simple reason. It is clear to everyone in the water that you intend to wage war on the surface world. Whether you mean to or not, the super-natural world will be caught in the cross fire. If it is Warden Lash, then his actions could prove to save lives.¡± The woman replied in a slightly bored tone.


    ¡°So, if I had followed your advice. Practiced patience and kept my motives to myself this Oracle would have stayed out of the conflict?¡± Orm all but hissed at the woman.


    ¡°Yes!¡± The woman replied, though she wore a mask Orm could tell she was smiling under it.


    ¡°Then what would you suggest I do now!¡± Orm roared at her.


    ¡°Surrender. Prince Arthur has made it clear to any who ask that he doesn''t want to rule. Even if he does become King he will need some one to help him rule. That can be you. Show him that you can be reasoned with, and bide your time until you have truly been accepted by the people.¡± The woman instructed as she began to reform into a shadow on the wall.


    ¡°But...I know you wont. So, with out declaring war... Strike first! Send a wave of water so great that every continent, coast, and island feels the wrath of Ocean Master, Orm!¡± The woman said with glee as she merged with the shadows once more.


    Orm''s frosty expression softened at the end of what the woman said. He smiled wide at the thought of the surface dwellers running in terror, and dying as a wall of water destroyed their homes. He reached out to nothing and with a crackle of arcane energy a silver trident appeared. He moved to his door and summoned his Tide Caller corp, those loyal to him. Let the carnage begin!


    ================================================================


    The SHARC arrived above Tom Curry''s Light house just after the sun at set. Tom was standing by the door to his home with a smile on his face. He wasn''t sure why they had come back, they had only been gone a little over a week. He hadn''t heard any news about Atlantis joining the UN, or anything like that. But he knew his son, and his future daughter in law were safe. When the transport landed a wide dispersal glamour expanded to include the light house. Soldiers in Atlantean guard spilled out of the rear hatch and took up defensive positions around. Then Tom froze mid step as he walked towards them....


    ¡°Atlanna?¡± Tom said softly.


    Atlanna stood there at the hatch with a smile on her face. She began to cry and ran towards Tom. He ran to meet her and they met half way. The caught one another, hugged, and kissed. Twenty years of waiting and through it all they still loved one another. Arthur and Mera came over a moment later the family hugged one another and laughed. Arthurs family was whole once more! Lash walked out of the SHARC after he had powered it down and deployed its Invisibility though the glamour would hide it from mundane eyes, the Illusion Domain would hide it from others as well.


    ¡°Twenty years you two have been apart. I''m sorry I wasn''t here sooner to help you two find one another again. But if you will allow me I think I have a bit of time I can spare.¡± Lash said with a glint of mischief in his eye. He reached out and cast Nature''s Kiss, Panacea and Return Youth on Tom and Atlanna.


    As the magic settled over them both the winkles of the past decade faded away. A healthy glow returned to them both. Atlanna had always been beautiful but now was even more stunning. The magic had smoothed out her skin, returned the healthy gloss to her hair. Old injuries that never healed correctly were mended and tended to. Tom''s face smoothed out just the same as Atlanna, a spark of youth returned to his eyes. Strength returned to his body, with his injuries fixed, and his body restored.


    ¡°Lash...Wh..What did you do?¡± Atlanna asked as she ran her hands over her face.


    ¡°Just as I said, I had a bit of time to spare. So I returned ten years of youth to both of you. Maybe you''ll both have enough energy to give Arthur another little brother or sister?¡± Lash replied. Atlanna face flushed red, and Tom choked on his own saliva and started to cough!


    ¡°Aha! That would be fucking awesome!¡± Arthur shouted and clapped Lash on the back. He gave him a look of thanks and grinned back at his parents. Mera walked up and kissed Lash on the cheek before she came back to Arthur''s side.


    So that is how it happened. Or should have happened, it was then that Lash relearned that Atlantean Woman can be rather... Aggressive! Atlanna wasted no time and pulled Tom back into the house for some one on one action. Arthur coughed and tried his best to find something to do, Mera just laughed and joined him. Lash walked to the edge of the fishing pier and sat down enjoying the smell of the ocean, and the peaceful night.


    After a few minutes he begrudgingly cast Connectivity and signed onto his Warden page. He assigned one of his Parallel Minds, and Virtual Intelligence to work through the hundreds of emails, messages, situation reports, etc. A few things stuck out... It was more or less clear that Lash had joined Arthur as the next ruling king of the oceans. But! Because of the impending ocean, and surface war that would involve both mundane and super-natural''s he was given a pass. The Council had declared he had not broken his oath of neutrality. Li''Ana had sent him a message that said if he could get Atlantis to come to the UN they would recognize their claim to be a sovereign nation. But to call ahead first! Don''t just show up at their door step. She knew him well. Great!


    Just as he was about to sign onto the Justice League message board he felt a current of magic on the wind around him. The Nature Domain was beginning to hum with energy and that energy was only growing. Lash stood up and looked around, he saw that the royal guard looked agitated but even they didn''t know why. Lash turned back to the ocean and saw a terrifying sight the water was being pulled towards the ocean... All of the water was being pulled in! Then he saw it, he saw a cargo vessel being pushed side ways towards the coast.


    ¡°ARTHUR! WE ARE IN TROUBLE!¡± Lash screamed out loud, as well with his telepathy. He raced back to the light house. Arthur came out of the SHARC with Mera and they both paled as they could see the massive wave was heading straight towards them.


    Lash used his Connectivity and looked at satellite imagery, this wave wasn''t just hitting here. Every continent, every coast, every island was getting a massive tidal wave. It was almost a mile high! He signed onto the Justice League message board, as well as the Warden Information page. Then showed the satellite feed, and video image of the wave coming towards him. Then he slammed in big bold letters.


    ALERT! ALL COASTAL CITIES PREPARE FOR A MAJOR IMPACT FROM A MASSIVE TIDAL WAVE!


    The reaction from both the League, and the Warden Council was immediate. The Warden Council sent hundreds of messages across the globe! While the League jumped into action, over half the current League were based in coastal cities. Lash looked at Gotham and felt despair, they had just gotten over the Joker siege and now would be struck again!


    Arthur called up the Trident and pointed it at the massive wave that was rushing towards them. A wave of magical energy spear head into the wave and a small, small portion of the wave split open. But as the wave continued the travel the split grew, and grew. Maybe 3% of Amnesty Bay would be spared, including the light house. The ground shook as the massive wave crashed into the land! A percussion of sound broke across the insignificant area that was spared, windows shattered, homes broke apart, but that was nothing compared to the damage the wave had done.


    =================================================================


    ¡°Kal please! I can help!¡± Kara shouted at her cousin in krypton.


    Clark had received the message alert and told his cousin who had just arrived on Earth only a few days ago that he had to leave. Smallville was inland and safe from the damage, but Metropolis would suffer incredible damage from the wave. Clark had stopped at the front door of his parents home. Jonathan, and Martha Kent his adoptive parents stood on the porch wanting to send him off. Clark turned back and hugged his cousin, she squeaked in surprise but hugged him back.


    ¡°You can help me by staying safe. Learn English, help on the farm, and adjust. I''ll be back as soon as I can. Will you do that for me, please?¡± Clark looked down at Kara. She clearly wanted to argue but kept her mouth shut and simply nodded at him.


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Clark hugged her one last time, went to the porch and hugged his parents goodbye. Then flew into the sky and quickly broke the sound barrier towards Metropolis.


    ============================================================


    ¡°Jesus Christ!¡± John Diggle said as he watched the massive wave of water collide with Starling City. They had received Wraith''s message ten minutes ago, Felicity had hacked the local television broad cast and warned everyone of the incoming wave. But ten minutes was not enough time!


    ¡°Spartan! Move your ass!¡± Oliver shouted at him over his communication ear bud. Diggle jumped and ran towards his motorcycle. All of Team Arrow was mobilized and headed towards the coast to help with the relief efforts.


    ¡°Do you think Wraith will be able to come help?¡± Arsenal asked.


    ¡°This didn''t just hit Starling City! This hit every where! Across the globe, including Gotham!¡± Black Canary said as she store off on her motorcycle.


    ¡°Fuck....¡± Arsenal said, he put his helmet on and took off as well.


    ===============================================================


    Bruce sent out a red alert towards everyone he had a link to. The tidal wave would hit Gotham in less then five minutes. It was not enough time! How had they not seen this coming towards them? Bruce hit rewind on the satellite feed to see where the wave originated from. He leaned to see clearly, the wave didn''t come from any one place! It just sprang to life a few miles from every coast! That was impossible! Tide Callers... Monica and Shevalla the two water sirens that worked for him and told him about their abilities when he found out Lash was helping Arthur claim the throne of Atlantis. But this...This was beyond his imagination.


    He checked the GPS to all of his family and sighed in relief. Selina, Alfred, Richard, and Barbara were both at Wayne Manor helping with the wedding plans. They were safe, Bruce at Wayne tower pressed a keypad and activated a hidden elevator so he could get to the Fox''s hidden armory. There was a lot of work ahead of him, and his family. Lash would focus on preventing further attacks instead of rushing back to Gotham. So Bruce would help keep their city safe, his city!


    ===============================================================


    ¡°Why are you stopping me from helping!¡± Arthur shouted at Lash.


    ¡°Arthur! Use your fucking head for a moment! What is stopping Orm from doing this again!? How long would it take to gather enough power to do it again? Hours? Weeks? Months? We need to get Orm to abdicate the throne. Only then will we be able to keep everyone safe from future attacks!¡± Lash shouted as he held Arthur from swimming out to help the civilians in trouble.


    ¡°Arthur! Lash is right! It will take the Tide Callers a week to fuel another spell of this magnitude, maybe less depending on how many are loyal to Orm. The best way we can help is to secure Atlantis!¡± Mera said, as she held Arthur back until he shouted in defeat and fell to his knees.


    Lash stood there as he watched Arthur. Cold furry building inside of his chest. The Narrows had been decimated. Wayne Technologies had installed storm and water shielding, it had activated but it was not built for a mile high wave of water. But the Narrows was of course not the only place hit. The death toll was climbing every minute. Early estimates would be close to three million, and that was just in North America! He wanted to go home! He wanted to protect his city, but he knew it wouldn''t help if he couldn''t stop it from happening again. They had to stop Orm! Lash squeezed his hands into fists. He was going to kill him. He didn''t care what any one said or did. Orm was going to die!


    ¡°Go, Arthur. I''ll stay and help with the rescue efforts.¡± Atlanna said softly as she came to hug her son. Arthur hugged her and nodded in agreement.


    Lash made a crude but effective necklace for Tom that allowed him to breath underwater, as well as give him basic Atlantean abilities. Strength, dark vision, durability, etc. That way he could help Atlanna with out being in the way. The royal guard, Arthur, Mera, and Lash piled into the SHARC. With in minutes they were in the air, and Lash pushed the throttle to the max. They were headed for the Temple of Poseidon. Where Arthur would announce to the oceans his right to rule. King Atlan''s Trident in hand. Lash knew it was not going to be that easy, but was the best step in the right direction.


    The Temple of Poseidon was a massive under water structure in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It was protected by a spell-shield dome a lot like the one Themyscira had. This had kept it hidden from mundane eyes for over a thousand years, and would continue to do so as long as Poseidon wished it so. The Old God Poseidon was the pseudo adoptive parent to all Atlantean people, and sub-species of Atlantis. Though there were thousand other sentient races that did not have him as a parent. They all did admit he had a legitimate claim to the oceans, and seas of the world.


    Lash nearly burnt the engines out before he got to the Temples general location above the water. He landed in the ocean and converted the SHARC to the submarine, and submerged it. As the SHARC dove down there was a vast ocean of marine life, and a relativity empty ocean floor. Lash activated his Magical Perception thanks to the sub-skill of Divine sight he had obtained he not only saw the shield but also what was behind it.


    The Temple was massive in size, and scope. Practically a underwater city in it self that could rival Atlantis. Or at least he assumed so, Lash had never seen Atlantis personally. He assumed it was far larger then Erik the Gamers perception of it. The Temple had Ancient Greek, Roman, and a bit of Aztec? Built into it. There in the center was a massive statue of the Old God himself, a godly image of perfect human specimen. Broad shoulders, narrow hips, strong legs, long hair, and a bushy beard. The statue must have been as tall as the empire state building. In his left hand he wielded a trident not unlike Arthur''s Trident, in his right hand he held a book that was opened in the middle. Even the individual pages of the book had been carved, though Lash couldn''t see the inside of the book he was sure it had actual words in it. A great billowing flame of divine energy was contained with in the statue. Which meant that if Poseidon wanted to, he could posses the statue and take it for a spin. No wonder it was so life like, it house part of the Old God himself.


    As they navigated through the area they passed over a near invisible line, a boundary. They were on consecrated ground now. Safe with in the rules of divine laws of neutrality with in the Temple. Lash pushed the SHARC towards a waiting traffic que into the Temple City. He did not want to test the perimeter guard right now. The ships coming in and out of the central gate were an odd assortment of vessels with designed after animals, and other machine like craft. Mera pointed out a few vessels that were from Xebel, then a few from the fisherman kingdom. The latter looked more animal like, some of them were! A few giant sea turtles the size of semi trucks waited in que. They had magical collars on their necks that helped them breath the water. As long as turtles could hold their breath, it was just easier to grant them water breathing.


    ¡°Please state the nature of your visit?¡± A gate guard asked in a polite but bored tone as he approached the SHARC.


    ¡°Princess Y''Mera Xebella Challa, of the Kingdom Xebel, with escort. Diplomatic code; Y23-A762.¡± Mera spoke to into the communicator before anyone could say anything else. The guard ran through the numbers then motioned them forward.


    ¡°Welcome Princess! You may dock your vessel at the diplomatic pier.¡± The guard pointed towards the section of the city before he attached a holographic marker onto the SHARC.


    ¡°I didn''t think your diplomatic passage would still work?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°Despite what my kingdom, and family may think of me. It will still work, of course now that I''ve used it the Temple Guard are required to send word that I used it. They can''t make me leave but Xebel will be here shortly to find me.¡± Mera said with a grimace.


    Lash pushed the SHARC into the docking pier. It settled next to majestic and luxury vessels with clear top of the line mechanics. The SHARC looked like a predator swimming into kill and eat them. A few of the aquatic life even seemed agitated and tried to swim away, mistaken the SHARC for a living creature. Lash put the SHARC into soft lock, it would look like it was powered down. But it would start up with little issue if need be. They went to a side hatch and activated a water barrier. Lash had to admit it was pretty cool to see the door open and the water didn''t rush in. It just sat there, a door way of water.


    The royal guard insisted on exiting first to keep a clear line of sight. Arthur didn''t argue, thanks to the Special Operations that Lash imprinted in him he understood. Lash activated Transformation, though he could technically breath underwater just fine in his default ''human'' shape. He was playing it safe. Mera stepped out, then Arthur, then Lash. Who locked the door after them. He made sure to have activation lock set for any of them in case they needed back in.


    The team of thirteen swam through the temple grounds towards a specific location. Though a thousand years had passed the Temple City largely hadn''t. When they came around a corner they saw a few dozen royal guard floating around a specific building. The guards recognized each other and greeted each other, after saluting Arthur and Mera of course. They gave Lash a simple nod in hello which he returned. Lash felt a tingle roll up his spine which prompted him to turn around and glare at a shadow across a wall. He sent a Telepathic message towards it.


    Did you want something? -Lash asked the shadow.


    After a minute of waiting the shadow peeled off the wall and turned into a woman with lilac eyes. She seemed amused at being found. She gently swam over and noted the royal guard had spread out to cover the area. She looked impressed at the coordination, but if Lash could speak telepathically it made sense. Then she froze when Arthur swam over holding a magnificent golden Trident....King Atlan''s Trient!


    ¡°Y...You found it! YOU FOUND KING ATLAN''S TRIDENT!¡± The woman screamed in shock. Her voice would have carried through the Temple city streets if Lash hadn''t caught the sound and block the area. The woman noticed no one reacted and had to admire Lash''s quick thinking.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Arthur pointed his trident at the woman.


    ¡°My name is Melina. King Arthur, I am part of the Atlantean royal guard. A shadow.¡± Melina took a knee and bowed her head. At the mention of the royal guard the ''Old Guard'' looked at her with an appraising eye but kept their guard up. Arthur looked at Mera for help.


    Shadows are the secret police for Atlantis. They do not actually hold any true loyalty the rulers but serve Atlantis as a whole. A few rotten prince and princesses in our history have fallen to their blades. -Mera replied across the Temporary Pack Bond they still shared.


    ¡°Are you here to judge me worthy? Or knife me in the back?¡± Arthur asked, as he took the situation in stride.


    ¡°I serve Atlantis, King Arthur. It is clear to see that you are the one True King. We Shadows had hoped that Orm could lead the oceans to better heights. But even he could not find, or wield the trident you carry in your hands. No, I am not here to harm you. But to help you!¡± Melina replied.


    ¡°Your lying...¡± Lash said with a growl, his scales rattled like a rattle snakes tail. Melina looked up in surprise and glared at him.


    ¡°You don''t work for Atlantis... Because you don''t have a heart beat. Your dead! My Grave Domain is screaming at me to reap you!¡± Lash snarled the last of his words.


    A look of shock, confusion, then utter fear went through Melina''s eyes all in a few seconds. She pushed off the ground and began to fade away into smoke and shadow. Despite the fact that she was running Lash made no attempt to pursue her. He was on neutral ground after all, but he would report a corrupted living dead to the Temple Guard. He was sure they would be interested to know how she got past their boundary.


    ¡°My King!¡± Shouted a familiar voice before any of them could talk about what just happened.


    ¡°Vulko!¡± Arthur said with a smile as he moved to hug his old mentor. Vulko knelt, and placed his hand over his heart before Arthur could hug him. Which Arthur had none of that and pulled the old man up.


    ¡°Queen Atlanna? Is she?¡± Vulko asked as he looked around.


    ¡°She''s safe, she stayed to help the rescue efforts on the surface. Orm''s attack was brutal.¡± Arthur replied. His answer confused Vulko as well as Than''Keth that followed close behind.


    With in the secured and heavily guarded meet up point Arthur, and Mera explained what had happened. Lash created Technomancy images of the satellite feeds, video''s, and damage reports that the world wide news was reporting. Vulko slammed his fist into the stone table that separated them nearly shattering it. Than''Keth looked at the images that Lash had created. She was still adapting to this new world. In her time the surface dwellers had believed the world was flat. Now they had machines in the sky that circled their world. This was all very astonishing to her.


    ¡°I thought Orm couldn''t declare war on the surface with out at least four kingdoms backing him. Isn''t that part of the law?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°This wasn''t an attack! This was a warning. Technically he can''t declare war just as you said. But the surface dwellers still believe Atlantis is a myth. Though everyone in the oceans and seas know the truth. As desperate as this move was on Orm''s part, it will still help his cause. Many people of the water want this war to happen. They feel the surface should be brought to their knees because violence is all they seem to respond to.¡± Vulko said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°If Orm can abdicate the throne, or be killed. Preferably both! No offense. Then they can join the United Nations just as Themyscira has. Queen Hippolyta has already agreed to sponsor Atlantis. Once the people of Earth learn that the oceans are no longer a dumping ground for their trash, and that they will be subjected to punishment things will change.¡± Lash said as he closed the closed his images much to the disappointment of Than''Keth.


    ¡°Despite me being held here I have done as you instructed and spoke to each of the envoys from the four kingdoms. Though each one has their share of politics, the Brine, and Fishermen kingdoms will ally with Arthur as long as he guarantee''s their right to rule, and that their citizens will have the same rights in every Kingdom that they themselves have in their own. Orm has always treated them as lesser-kin.¡± Vulko informed Arthur.


    ¡°Great! I will completely agree to that! It was the plan anyways! What about Xebel?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°Much of Xebel wants the war just as much as Atlantis does. I fear Orm has used your absence against you, Princess Mera. Many of the Xebel citizens believe that you have been kidnapped, or put under some kind of spell. That is why you have chosen Arthur over your own people.¡± Vulko admitted.


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Mera shouted in shock.


    ¡°Can''t see just go under one of those truth rune things that the Warden''s use?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°No... Xebel''s citizens wont believe the word of the surface. Even if it comes from the super-natural world. They''ll demand I return to Xebel to be interviewed by their own court magicians. Upon which the Xepel court will imprison me with out rights or trial. Declaring to the people that I was under compulsion. They''ll use me as tool for the war.¡± Mera said as she vibrated in fury.


    ¡°Unless.... You were to be cleared by a God-Kin of Poseidon! There are of course several still in attendance here at the Temple because of the inquisition under the request of Prince Orm?¡± Lash said with a grin, as his skill Other Worldly Lore activated.


    Mera perked up at that, as did Vulko, and Than''Keth. Arthur just grinned at Lash, he turned to the royal guard and they were on their way to Temple Square! Several swam ahead to notify the temple of their request. As royalty Mera would of course get priority. Once they arrived at Temple square which was packed with worshipers, pilgrims, and the clergy. A man with blue hair, pale skin, and adorned in majestic temple garb stood waiting for them. The entire royal guard knelt as did Vulko, and Mera. Lash dragged Arthur down because the poor man had no idea what to do. Lash helped Arthur adjust his hands, and how to position....


    ¡°Enough! Please stand. King Arthur, I was told you were here. You as well Warden Lash, I need to speak to you before days end.¡± The Poseidon God-Kin said.


    The God-Kin was composed, confident, had the just the right amount of humility and a bit of arrogance. But not so much that you would hate him for it. It was just in his mind that he was better then most people, that was simply because in a lot of ways he was. He was a God-Kin! Privilege and responsibility! A temple scribe recorded the results of Mera. The God-Kin Aberforth declared that Y''mera Xebella Challa, Princess of Xebel was of sound mind, body, and soul. She was not under any charm, spell, or geass. The scribe promised to send the record to Xebel before the sun rose the next day.


    Arthur produced King Atlan''s trident there in Temple square, and Aberforth used his divinity to declare that it was the One True King''s Trident. Also that the trident had chosen Arthur as its wielder, and that Arthur would have to die before the Trident would choose another if at all. Word spread through Temple City about Arthur, as well as his legitimate claim to the throne of Atlantis as first born. Never mind that he was a half-breed. He wielded the trident of King Atlan!


    Before the sun rose of Temple City through the watery depths of the ocean. A royal escort arrived from the Kingdom of Xebel at the front of it was a strong, broad shoulders man with short fiery red hair, a red beard that was just starting to turn grey. He swam through the waters with great haste and slowed to a stop before Arthur and Mera. Mera audible swallowed, but stood her ground. Arthur was by her side backing her up if need be.


    ¡°Father....¡± Mera said, she was proud that her voice didn''t crack. King Nereus looked like he was caught between screaming in rage, and crying tears of joy. Joy won the battle he reached out and hugged his long lost daughter.


    ¡°Hello...Brother...¡± A voice dripping sarcasm called across the Temple Square. There standing behind the Xebel royal escort was Arthur''s half brother, Prince Orm.

 Chapter 66: King Arthur

    Prince Orm stood at the other end of the Temple Square in his battle armor. The gear had indigo fish scale armor with silver armor highlights. The silver colored metal protected his joints, and his face, while the indigo fish scales protected everything else. The helmet he wore seemed almost animated, as it highlighted his utter disdain after speaking the word ''Brother'' out loud across the square. His cape billowed behind him with a bit of flare for the dramatic as if to emphasize his status in the ocean. With Prince Orm was his honor guard in full body armor that ranged from crimson red future tech armor with shark like style. To several Tide Callers in decorative but spell oriented enchanted robes that looked like electric eels swam around them.


    Lash reached out and snagged Arthur from impaling Orm where he was. Thankfully Mera swam over to stop Arthur as well and whispered assurance into his ear. They were still on consecrated grounds, neutral territory. Arthur''s temporary royal guard formed a phalanx with Arthur in the middle, a good ole fashioned stare down took place with Aberforth in the middle along with the Temple Guard.


    ¡°Tell me, most honored Aberforth. Why is that Half-Breed allowed on these hollowed and sacred grounds?¡± Orm said, contempt clear in his voice.


    ¡°Any and all that wish to pay respects to our Father, the Old God Poseidon may come to Temple City. Prince Arthur, first born son of Queen Atlanna has just as much right to be here as you do. Prince Orm.¡± Aberforth said with a bit of a upturned nose at Orm. His long blue hair curled back and braided itself to keep it out of his face.


    ¡°So you are the asshole that stood by while your fucked up father banished our Mother to the Trench. Yep, you are just as small as I thought you would be.¡± Arthur said with a smirk. Compared to Arthur a lot of people were small. Orm''s face grew ugly even with his helmet on everyone could tell he was pissed off.


    ¡°Our...Mother was sacrificed to the Trench for her crimes. In death she regained her honor... Such as it was.¡± Orm tried to keep his voice level. But failed when Arthur laughed out loud as he gently pushed Mera and Lash off of him.


    ¡°Our Mother didn''t die. She waited at the hidden sea with Priestess Than''Keth, and the royal guard of King Atlan. That is where I got this!¡± Arthur said with a smug expression when he produced the golden Trident.


    The reveal of the trident was met with the same skepticism that man would expect. The holy relic of the Atlantean people in the hands of the half-breed? But Arthur channeled the Trident and the pulse of energy spread from Temple Square to the entire city in a heart beat. Long forgotten runes etched into the Temple flared to life with ancient magical energy. Arthur tapped the Trident to the ground and created an odd sense of gravity as everyone in the area found themselves standing on the stone floor, not floating above it. The skeptics, along with Orm''s face told it all.


    ¡°I can confirm that this is King Atlan''s trident! My Father has told me as much. Doubting my word is doubting the word of the God Poseidon.¡± Aberforth said, his voice carried a hint of respect when he spoke of his patron.


    ¡°Of course I would never doubt our respected Ocean God''s word. But what of it, so he has the Trident? That does not make him a king¡± Orm replied, his facial expression looked like he had chewed on something sour, as he seem to gloss over his mothers life.


    ¡°By our most ancient law that makes him a King! By birthright of your Mother, he is the first and true heir of Atlantis. He also didn''t break the law by attacking the surface with a giant tidal wave!¡± Mera shouted at Orm, furry clear as day in her voice and expression. Arcane energy sparked to life around her as the water began to twist and churn. So much so that Arthur had to step in and calm her down.


    ¡°If others refuse to see reason, then fate will choose one to lead the masses. The surface declared war on us by poisoning our waters, and killing our children. If the other kingdoms refuse to act, then I will act for them!¡± Orm spoke with conviction in his voice. As he saw what he had done to be justified.


    A majority of the Temple Square looked at Orm like he had lost his mind! This was the classic narcissistic, ego maniac, the ends justify the means lunatics that they had read about in history. Even some of Orm''s guards looked at him in confusion and mild disgust. But before anyone could speak any further Arthur stuck ''his'' trident out with a huge grin on his face. Lash had just shared a bit of lore and history to him through their Temporary Pack Bond link.


    ¡°Then dear brother. I challenge you to the rite of Kings. Then by bloodshed, do the Gods make known their will!¡± Arthur said with his trade mark grin. Before Orm could reply Lash spoke to Aberforth.


    ¡°Would the God-Kin Aberfoth please officiate the duel between Prince Arthur, and Prince Orm. To ensure the rite of kings be fair, and binding?¡± Lash said, humility and respect in his voice as best he could with his current reptilian form. Aberforth looked at Orm, waiting for him to accept the rite of Kings.


    ¡°So be it!¡± Orm said through gritted teeth.


    Duels were something that were still practiced in Atlantean history and culture, a lot like Fae culture. Lash had fond memories of Lu''Atha, Jessabell''s brother throwing him around like a rag doll at the Winter Court Ball. Because of this similar culture, Temple City had a dueling ring to settle disputes. The Temple guard came to rest side by side with each combatant to ensure no cheating, or foul play took place. Lash took a moment to tell one of the guards about Melina the corrupted living dead that met Arthur. Lash soon followed in the wake of his companions, the Temple guard let him pass into preparation room for Arthur.


    ¡°Why do I feel like that was to easy?¡± Mera said softly, she crossed her arms in a clear sign of worry.


    ¡°Because it was. Orm had to know that Arthur was at the temple, he had to know about the trident. Yet he came here any ways. The rite of kings did surprise him! But I believe he intended to make the challenge instead.¡± Vulko said, and confirmed Mera''s worries.


    ¡°Does it matter who makes the challenge, its still a fight?¡± Arthur asked, confusion clear as day on his face.


    ¡°Politics! By stepping forward with the challenge you have taken the higher ground in the political battle field. Atlanteans have always been an aggressive sort, attack first then see how the enemy reacts. By issuing the challenge first, you have shown the people that you have a grasp on our culture. Orm wasn''t counting on Lash informing you on our traditions. An oversight on his part that has cost him.¡± Than''Keth said in reply.


    ¡°Lash! Why didn''t you put any of that in my head, like all the other stuff?¡± Arthur asked, honestly curious to the answer.


    ¡°I thought about it, but there would be no clear way to separate the knowledge. If I fed you the aspect of Lore. You would have absorbed everything I knew from every culture I''ve studied. Not just Atlantis.¡± Lash replied, with a side note. Arthur already had that skill, he just hadn''t used it very well.


    ¡°But you taught me how to cook?¡± Arthur said with a smirk.


    ¡°Arthur, you poured a can of beer over a steak and called it sauce. Yes, I gave you a cooking skill.¡± Lash replied, his reptilian features pulled back into a smile. Mera came up from behind and wrapped her arms around Lash''s neck.


    ¡°Yes! Thank you for teaching him how to cook!¡± Mera replied with a sweet smile towards her fiancee. Arthur chuckled and shrugged his shoulders in defeat.


    They talked strategy, and tactics for the next few minutes. Orm was a talented fighter underwater, while Arthur may be an exceptional fighter on land. He was outmatched underwater! But, the combatants were allowed to use what ever methods they had on them, and with them. Arthur could do what he did outside. Force a sense of gravity on the water and bring Orm to the ground. Lash with Than''Keth''s help also ran through a few rudimentary spells of defense, and offense. Orm was an accomplished spell caster, but the Poseidon Trident would give Arthur his edge.


    At the top of the hour drums started to play, and cheers rang through the arena in Temple City. Temple guards swam and came to collect everyone. Arthur was led towards the arena''s center for combat while everyone else was lead to their private box seats. Mera kissed Arthur goodbye and wished him luck. Lash had to cut the Temporary Pack Bond from Arthur. Only what he had on him could he take with him. Lash and Arthur fist bumped one another in goodbye.


    Lash found his seat and admired the scene around him. The massive coliseum was a product of the old world before Atlantis had suck into the ocean. Built with technological, and magical architecture that had not been seen in the mundane world. The seating allowed for over hundred thousand people to sit comfortably, along with ten thousand more in private boxes. Magical projection windows appeared for anyone that wanted a play by play of what happened down the tiniest of hairs on each combatant. Different sections of the stadium had temperature control for the different species that needed a colder, or hotter environment. Lash felt bad that the packed stadium would watch a fight that may take less than five minutes to complete.


    ¡°PEOPLE OF THE OCEAN, AND SEAS OF THE WORLD!¡± Aberforth shouted from his position in the arena, as the entire stadium erupt into cheering and applause then slowly quieted down.


    ¡°Welcome! Today we have a fight of succession between two rulers of the oceans! On this side of the arena we have Prince Orm, second born of Queen Atlanna, and first son of the late King Orvax. Orm has been the ruling Prince of Atlantis since he was born! Cultured, educated, and well known to be a great warrior-mage of the Atlantean people.¡± Aberforth introduced the combatants, many high born in the stadium cheered for Orm as he entered the arena with his arms raised. Orm raised his royal trident in the air, as arcane electricity crackled to life around him.


    ¡°On this side of the arena we have Prince Arthur, first born of Queen Atlanna, and the surface dweller Thomas Curry! Arthur has been a beacon of hope, and belief for a better future for all of the oceans people. Though he does not know the ways of the ocean, he has a stead fast, and pure heart that makes him a true hero of the waters we call home! In his hand he wields the fabled King Atlan''s Trident!¡± Aberforth called out once more as Arthur moved into the arena. Nearly all of the primal, and beast-kin of the waters cheered for Arthur, and many of the high born that had friends, and family of the beast-kin cheered as well. If one had to measure? Arthur clearly had more supporters, something that Orm now seem to realize.


    ¡°Today! Today these two brothers fight for the right of the throne of Atlantis! Then by bloodshed, do the Gods make known their will!¡± Aberforth shouted, and the stadium repeated the words. The water, the ground, the very stone of the colosseum vibrated with power of the audience. It was breath taking!


    ¡°The fight ends by death! Or by yield! The winner will be declared the true ruler of Atlantis. Do both combatants agree!?¡± Aberforth shouted, and pointed at both of them.


    ¡°I do!¡± Orm shouted, the high born cheered.


    ¡°I do!¡± Arthur shouted, the primal, and beast-kin cheered.


    ¡°So be it! Begin!¡± Aberforth said, after he swam to the edges of the arena.


    Arthur and Orm sprinted through the water and clashed, trident against trident. The metallic clang resonated through out the entire arena. The sound of screeching metal brought many to cover their ears in a vain attempt to hold the noise back. A shock wave blasted them back from one another that was initiated by Orm. Arcane energy danced around him as he shot a purple lighting at Arthur, but Arthur deflected it like a child batting away an annoyance. Arthur moved with great speed back to Orm, and they clashed again. It was clear that Orm was the better fighter of Atlantean culture, but Arthur brought with him several different forms of martial arts that all seem to connect with one another. Lash was sure that if Arthur could see his experience tab it would be flashing with Weapon Master, and Martial Arts. Arthur''s technique was such a shock that many gasped in surprise!


    ¡°That is because of you, isn''t it?¡± Priestess Than''Keth sat next to Lash. Lash didn''t take his eyes off the fight but nodded his head all the same.


    ¡°Prince Arthur just pulled a move off that even I can''t do in the water! I never taught him that!¡± Vulko said mystified as he joined Than''Keth. Lash noticed they both sat together in a overly familiar position, which only made him smile. Did Vulko know that Than''Keth was older than him by a large margin?


    Mera settled on Lash''s left and wrapped her arms around his own. She had a clear smile on her red lips as she watched Arthur. Orm was clearly just as surprised as any one else by his brothers actions. Orm did a heavy swing of his trident and knocked Arthur back to by him time. He quickly called forth a whirlpool around his own trident that was growing by the second. But before the twisting water spell had time to fully grow Arthur dove straight down towards the arena floor and slammed his trident. A massive bubble exploded out from the point of impact, and sucked Orm into it. With a slam! Orm collapsed to all fours and spewed out the ocean water. Arthur had made a massive air bubble with the magic of the trident. Vulko quickly called up a magical window for a close up of the fight.


    ¡°What have you done!?¡± Orm screamed in shock!


    ¡°How can you hope to beat the surface if your afraid to fight on it!¡± Arthur said with a laugh, and ran towards his brother with hysterical laughter!


    The air bubble grew to the size of the entire arena. Lash could see the strain the spell had on Arthur. But as long as Arthur didn''t do any other types of spells he should be fine. Which seemed to be Arthur''s plan after all. Orm was a very talented fighter, and mage with in the water. But Arthur was right, how did Orm hope to win a fight against the surface when he never understood it. The fight became one sided after that point. Orm put up a good fight, tried to call the water to his trident to cast a spell but it was almost like the entire bubble was an anti magic field.


    Arthur repeatedly asked Orm to yield the throne! Despite everything that had happened he didn''t want to kill his little brother. Mera settled her hands on to Lash''s so he wouldn''t tears his own hands apart in frustration. Lash wanted Orm dead! Normally Saurians cold, calculation would bring a sense of calm over Lash. But right now, Saurian wanted Orm to die just as much. But at long last Arthur struck with his trident and nailed Orm to the ground like an exotic insect on display. Orm screamed in pain and frustration but refused to yield, he would never allow a half-breed to rule in his stead. Arthur yelled in rage, then twisted his trident and tore Orm''s chest apart like a gutted fish. A spray of blood danced around Arthur as Orm flopped about for a brief moment then died. Prince Orm, second born of Queen Atlanna, and half brother of Arthur was slain.


    The massive air bubble collapsed gradually and Arthur was swallowed once more by the ocean. A majority of the crowed cheered! Arthur had won the duel, and claimed the right to rule over Atlantis! Aberforth swam towards Arthur and raised his arm up like a boxing champion. The people stood in the stadium, even the high born stood begrudgingly. As Aberforth declared Arthur the winner horns sounded off and the entire fight was sent across the oceans, and seas to validate the fight. Arthur raised his hand up and the crowd fell silent after a few moments.


    ¡°Though we were enemies in life. Let our fight end in death, please return Orm to Atlantis to be buried with full honors and respect of a Prince of Atlantis. This is my first order!¡± Arthur called out.


    Prince Orm''s personal guard swam to their fallen prince, gathered him up and prepared to take him home with full honors. Over a dozen temple guard were sent a long with them to ensure nothing happened to the body. Soon after Than''Keth and the rest of the royal guard took a deep breath and released a sigh. Lash turned to look at the Priestess and could tell that the spell of ageless was removed. No, she wouldn''t rapidly age and die. But her life would just continue as it did before. In a brief moment of happiness Than''Keth planted one on Vulko! The old man flailed for a moment in surprise, then pulled Than''Keth up into his arms.


    ¡°Come on! Lets go see Arthur!¡± Mera said as she pulled on Lash who agreed and followed her quickly. Though the royal guard were now free from their oath, they continued to play the role of honor guard. Though now they did it because they were thankful and not out of duty.


    A Temple guard led them to a wide open chamber where Arthur sat in a massive chair, his head cradled in his hands. His shoulders bounced up and down as he sobbed openly in the room. Mera quickly moved to his side and hugged him. Arthur for all of his rough edges still had a good heart, despite all the horrible things that Orm had done. Arthur never wanted to kill his own little brother. Lash swam to Arthur''s other side and placed his hand on the shoulder of the new king of Atlantis. But there was no rest for the wicked, especially a kin slayer. A knock sounded from the door, the temple guard said visitors from the different kingdoms were here to see him.


    ¡°Two minutes, please¡± Lash said to the guard, the guard looked to Arthur for confirmation. Arthur nodded but didn''t say a word.


    ¡°I can make it go away for a little while. This feeling, but it will come back twice as worse. Or can you handle the situation?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes! Please god yes! Just make this go away for now!¡± Arthur said with tears in his eyes.


    Lash used his skill/power Calm Emotions on Arthur, focus target to make it last longer. Then he cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Immaculate to help clean him up. The tribal marks on Lash''s scaled features glowed for a brief moment. Roots, and leaves for the Nature Domain, a combination of circuit board and nature for Synthesis. Arthur''s inner storm settled to near placid waters, his breathing grew steady, and his posture straightened.


    ¡°Wow.... That is... Wow.¡± Arthur said, he wanted to be surprised but the Calm Emotions robbed him of it.


    Mera looked at Arthur with concern, she made a motion with her hands to her mind to his. Lash re established the Temporary Pack Bond. Mera and Arthur had a quick conversation in their minds with out Lash. Lash could have stepped in but didn''t. Arthur hugged Mera, who hugged him back. The temple guard opened the door to check and saw that Arthur was ready. He opened the door and an envoy from the Brine Kingdom, Fisherman Kingdom, King Nereus of Xebel, and Vulko with Than''Keth, along with a envoy from Atlantis and his body guard moved into the main chamber. Aberforth came in with a temple scribe to write the meeting for public consumption later.


    Aberforth, I''ve placed a calm emotions technique on ''King'' Arthur. Can you confirm my actions so not to make others confused. -Lash spoke to the God-Kin through a one way telepathic link. Mera and Arthur heard his words however.


    Abeforth jumped a little in surprise, looked at Lash with wide eyes. He soon smiled and swam over to Arthur and placed his hands on his head. He closed his eyes, and sent a pulse through the new king. He smiled and nodded his head.


    ¡°I confirm that King Arthur is of sound mind, and body. We may proceed with out worry.¡± Aberforth said to the room, and specifically to the temple scribe.


    ¡°My King, this is Tokar head envoy for Atlantis, and his personal guard Netia. They are hear to pass you word to Atlantis. They are both capable and trust worthy.¡± Vulko said, who had retaken his position has Vizier though not officially.


    Lash had met Tokar, and Netia way back at the Winter Court Solstice Ball. Tokar was a tall, athletic, zero body fat Atlantean, with long black hair that was braided. He wore a full fish scale wet suit with golden armor plates that protected his vitals. He glanced at Lash but made no move to say hello as he looked back at Arthur. Tokar was clearly nervous and a little cute as he seem to want to shield Netia from Arthur''s view. Netia was a very attractive woman with shark like attributes, she had gray to blue ish skin tone. Pure black eyes, and shark like teeth. She was a warrior with armor plates across her body, and a spear on her back. Odd, she had a trident last time.


    ¡°This is the Brine Kingdom Envoy, Mi''Lok. Bit of a blunt instrument and he knows it.¡± Vulko said with a smile and a bow at the envoy.


    Mi''Lok took no offense to Vulko''s words. He laughed instead and bowed towards Arthur. Mi''Lok was a eight foot tall crustacean crab-man, with ten segmented legs, two giant pincers, and two tiny hands. His natural armor was impressive, but he store wore chain mail armor to help protect his visible spaces between his natural armor. He had no physical weapon on him but his own body. Lash could tell that Mi''Lok wouldn''t lose out in a fight.


    ¡°This is Fisherman Kingdom Envoy, Retaw. Scholar, scientist, and all around poet! Her tongue is as sharp as her wit. But she always puts the needs of her people first.¡± Vulko bowed to her.


    Retaw had light blue skin, she had no legs but a long mermaid fish like end. She wore a combination of armor and clothing across her whole body. She had larger then normal human eyes that were bright pink in color, half a dozen head fins simulated hair as they expanded and contracted a lot like a cat or dog ears would. Her tail wagged back and forth in clear excitement, she had four arms! Two dominant arms at the top, and two lesser about half the size of the upper. She was a spell caster to boot... Or in this case, fin!


    ¡°This is King Nereus, father of Princess Y''Mera. A valiant warrior, and benevolent king to his people.¡± Vulko saluted Nereus who nodded in return.


    ¡°Yes! A king who lies about his daughters sanity in order to manipulate his people. Very benevolent!¡± Mi''Lok said, his voice was a combination of words, and mandibles clicking together. Lash''s Language Smith prompted him some experience just listening to it. Nereus glared at Mi''Lok but didn''t say a word.


    ¡°Many of you know Princess Y''Mera of Xebel, who has chosen King Arthur as her future husband. We hope they''ll receive her father''s and peoples blessing in this royal union. But the specifics of that can be spoken of at a later time. This is Priestess Than''Keth last living Oracle of King Atlan, to which God-Kin Aberforth has confirmed.¡± Vulko said to everyone in the assembly. They all nodded in acceptance about the marriage of Mera, and Arthur. Even King Nereus didn''t have a reason to refuse. All of them were greatly surprised at the mention of Than''Keth''s history and looked at Aberforth who nodded.


    ¡°At last, this is the Oracle I spoke of that acted as both guide, and friend to his highness. Lash, and his partner Saurian. With out his assistance, and the aid of his chosen deity we would have never discovered the trident, nor found former queen Atlanna.¡± Vulko said with a smile and bowed towards Lash. Lash smiled and bowed in return.


    ¡°You mean, Warden Lash?¡± Envoy Tokar said, his voice was a little bitter.


    ¡°We all know that the Warden, and Fae Council gave him a pass. Because Or....Prince Orm wanted war on the surface world. By assisting King Arthur he helped stop a war! That is something Wardens are meant to do.¡± Envoy Retaw said with a smile towards Tokar.


    ¡°Alright! First off as my vizier has told me. As King of Atlantis I will not be enforcing my will onto the other kingdoms. Each kingdom will retain their right to self-govern. Secondly, as long as the people of Atlantis are visiting other nations they must abide by the same laws, rules, and customs of the nation they visit. That will be said for any other citizen from any other kingdom who visits us. No more will we treat our neighbors as second class citizens. The exact specifics we can discuss at length at a different time but I trust those two decisions are agreeable?¡± Arthur said in a very even, and indifferent tone of voice. So much so that it was surprising to hear from everyone.


    ¡°The Brine Kingdom finds these preliminary terms to be acceptable, and will support your reign King Arthur.¡± Mi''Lok said, his voice carried joy and he made no attempts to hide it.


    ¡°The Fisherman Kingdom finds these terms agreeable, and will support your reign King Arthur.¡± Retaw said, her face was nearly expressionless save for a small tug on her lips for a smile.


    ¡°The Xebel Kingdom agrees, and will support your reign. As well as the union between our Princess Y''Mera and yourself, King Arthur.¡± Nereus said begrudgingly, but did smile a little when Mera whispered the words ''Thank you'' to him.


    ¡°I can tell you that many of the high born in Atlantis will not agree to these terms, your highness. But I will do my best to ensure that it is done.¡± Tokar said, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Netia had a full smile on her face.


    ¡°King Arthur, what is your policy for the surface?¡± Aberforth asked, though he looked at Lash when he asked.


    ¡°Its time we stopped hiding, I request that we make our presence known to the surface world. That we join their United Nations and be recognized as a sovereign group of nations. Just as Themyscira has, in fact the Queen of the Amazons has already agreed to sponsor us.¡± Arthur said, a majority of the room became startled.


    ¡°And if they don''t recognize us?¡± Nereus asked.


    ¡°Then we''ll make them!¡± Arthur said.


    =============================================================


    Lois Lane sat at her office chair typing away on an article attempting to write a piece about the devastating ''natural'' or unnatural attack that shocked the world. Nearly a billion people had died world wide from the massive tide of water that appeared seemingly out of no where. The Justice League had sprung into action and had obtained great PR as a response team. The League had grown with more members all with amazing abilities, talents, and skills. But a single question had been asked while the League worked day and night to help. Where was Agent Wraith? Many had expected him to be in Gotham City helping with the rescue and relief aid but he had been oddly absent. The UN had failed to give any concrete comment, stating only that he was on mission. Mission for what?


    Lois leaned back in her chair, and rolled her neck. She reached up and fiddled with the necklace that Wraith had given her. A pulse of energy went through her whole body and all her tense muscles relaxed. She shivered in pleasure, and was afraid to admit that she was a little addicted to the sensation it gave off. Beep! Beep! Her computer sent a email notice towards her. Lois opened her file and jumped to her feet.


    ¡°PERRY! I need a camera crew, and a helicopter! We need to get to the United Nations building right now!¡± Lois shouted at the top of her lungs. Nearly every one in the office paused to look at her as Perry walked out of his office.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Perry asked.


    ¡°Agent Wraith just sent me an email! He finished negotiating with Atlantis for a cease fire! They are headed to the United Nations to be recognized as a nation!¡± Lois said, as she grabbed her jacket.


    ¡°Atlantis? The city that sunk? Its a fucking myth!¡± Perry replied.


    ¡°Ten years ago you would have said Aliens were nothing but tabloid material!¡± Lois shot back. Perry opened his mouth, then closed it.... He groaned and went to his office, as he did he shouted.


    ¡°Camera crew three get your ass to the roof with Lane!¡± Perry shouted to the office. The whole floor jumped into action.


    Lois closed her computer after she sent the email to her phone so she could re read the information. Several people swarmed her with questions but as a profession she kept the majority to her self with a smug smile on her face. She did snag Jimmy Olsen as he was currently a photographer and had worked with Lois for a while.


    ¡°So a cease fire? I didn''t realize we were at war.¡± Jimmy said to Lois as they rode the elevator up to the roof access.


    ¡°Neither did I. But that explains why Wraith wasn''t participating in the rescue operations, he was doing his best to ensure it didn''t happen again.¡± Lois replied.


    ============================================================


    ''Hello everyone from the ocean! We are headed to the United Nations with an Atlantean fleet. If Superman, and Wonder Woman could meet us there it would be great! Of course everyone else is invited too! -Aquaman.


    ''Who was responsible for the tidal wave?'' -Batman


    ''Prince Orm, my half-brother. He''s been executed. I''ve been fully recognized as King of Atlantis.'' -Aquaman.


    ''Is Wraith with you?'' Wonder Woman.


    ''Yes! He is communicating with his contacts at the UN. This is going to be incredibly messy, but the sooner it happens the better.'' -Aquaman.


    ''I''m heading over now!'' -Superman.


    ''I''ll be arriving with an Amazonian Guard'' -Wonder Woman.


    [Private message] ''Wraith....Are you ok?'' -Cat Woman.


    [Private message] ''Tired, but alive.'' -Wraith.


    =============================================================


    ¡°We are live in five!...four....three....¡± The camera man said and finished with his hands as he pointed at Lois Lane.


    ¡°Hello everyone, I am Lois Lane with the Daily Planet. We come to you live with a broad cast near the United Nations. We are above the water in hopes of capturing the envoy fleet of the Atlantean people. No, you didn''t hear me wrong. Atlantis has sent a messenger to the United Nations in order to discuss the recognition of their nation... Wait a minute... There is something happening!¡± Lois said as the helicopter flew over the water.


    The water near the United Nations churned, bubbled, and sent waves across the pier. A massive ship that looked like a combination of a hammer head shark at the front, and squid at the end rose from the water. As if on cue several fighter jets from the near by military base flew over head and an emergency broad cast went through to clear the immediate area unless you were part of the press. Though the press had to move to a respectable distance. The helicopter pilot began to move a safe distance away but the camera man focused on to the bow of the ship.


    There on the deck a lot of people in full combat armor suits that you would see in a science fiction film. In the middle of the ''guards'' stood a man with a wild mane of hair, a thick beard, and golden armor. He held a spear...no a trident in his hands. The man looked around and turned to look at a thing that looked like it was made out of smoke.


    ¡°We have un clear visual of Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security on the bow of the ship that has risen up from the waters.¡± Lois said over her microphone as she looked down at the Atlantean ship.


    A sonic boom sounded across the skies as a blur of red and blue flew onto the scene. Superman came into view above the ship and slowly landed. The soldiers in sci fi gear took aim but didn''t fire. Superman landed on the bow of the ship and said a few things to the man in golden armor. However, Superman moved to the person made from smoke and hugged him. This lead many to believe that this person of smoke was Agent Wraith. Superman and he had a history together.


    Then like a flock of birds dozens of pegasi showed up, they carried the Amazon Warrior woman. At the front of them was Wonder Woman in her warrior garb. She landed on the brow of the ship as her guards flew around in a circle. Two of the Justice League''s heavy hitters had showed up to ''Welcome'' the people of Atlantis. What could it all mean?


    =============================================================


    Lash wore his disguise of Agent Wraith and sat in a seat off to the side of the rushed United Nations conference. He was in the process of rubbing his head in annoyance as the politicians of the mundane world accused, cursed, and demanded why they should support a nation that attacked them unprovoked! Thankfully Arthur had Mera, and Vulko next to him as they showed images of the mundane world poisoning their water, dumping toxic waste, and killing their people. Despite what the public thought, a lot of governments actually knew about Atlantis. Vulko made a point to name every country that had slaughtered, destroyed, caught and dissected their kin to the camera''s on live. Thanks to Lash''s Technomancy Domain they were able to obtain on site camera''s, photo''s, and voice admission to actions. Several people sent acid glares at ''Wraith''. They all knew how Atlantis got that information.


    In truth the War between the surface and the water had been waged for centuries. Just most of the public didn''t know about it. Fuck! Lash didn''t know most of it! He was appalled when he found the information, and asked the Warden council for advice. Now a question was being asked, was Atlantis justified in their actions? Prince Orm the man who ordered the attack was dead, killed by King Arthur''s own hand. Arthur came to apologize, but made it very clear that Atlantis was not to be fucked with! The envoy from Themyscira supported Atlantis in joining the UN, as did several other countries.


    ¡°The people of the United Nations would like to call to the stand, Agent Wraith please.¡± An official called. Lash rolled his eyes, stood up and went to the podium. He passed Arthur who clearly wanted to kill a few people with how is eyes were filled with rage.


    ¡°Please state your name for the record.¡± The official called.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, United Nations World Security.¡± Lash replied, his reptilian voice making a few people jump like it always did.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, thank you for coming today. I have a few questions that I am sure that the public would like to know. First, I don''t see any record for an order for you to go and visit the Atlanteans to speak of a cease fire. Are we to believe that you did this with out orders?¡± A security councilor asked.


    ¡°There are a great many things that every government does off the books. Would you like to see the videos of Atlantean people being dissected again? Of course my orders are not on record. Two years ago very few of you even knew I existed. Now, are you going to ask me a question that actually matters, or are you just going to continue to waste everyone''s time because you want good press for a witch hunt!¡± Lash barked out at the security councilor. The man was in his fifties, had gray hair, and was purple with rage at being called out.


    ¡°You will show proper respect for this courts authority and answer our questions with full transparency!¡± The councilor shouted.


    ¡°Full transparency! Tell me councilor did you give full transparency when you lied to your wife about not having an affair with your wife''s sister! Then asked the United Nations internal affairs to cover up any evidence of it happening? News flash! They missed a few things!¡± Lash shouted back down at him, and produced several images of him having sex with his wife''s sister.


    This continued for another hour as every up start politician, and councilor that wanted their fifteen minutes in the camera to be shut down as a lot of their dirty laundry was revealed. All of which they attempted to hide by using either their government or the United Nations security to hide it for them. Tax payers money at work! At last a very nervous and scared council man came to the stand, he didn''t say a word as Lash inspected him.


    ¡°At last! Someone who isn''t a horrible human being! Please ask your questions.¡± Lash said to the council man. Who looked incredibly relieved as he took deep breath. He collected his notes and looked towards Lash.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, I''m Agent Calico, yes like the cat. I''m with the NSA.¡± Agent Calico said, he paused for a bit but only Lash chuckled, but Calico took it as a win. Agent Calico was a 5''9¡± man with blue eyes, and brown hair cut short. Calico''s suit, look, and posture just screamed government agent.


    ¡°Can you give us a brief description or reason why there is no mention of your mission?¡± Calico asked.


    ¡°Because there wasn''t one. Some of you may recognize this man, King Arthur as Aquaman. Yes the Justice League team member. Arthur is the first born son of Queen Atlanna, and true heir to the throne. I offered my time, and experience to help Arthur gain control of his birthright in the hope we could prevent a full and public war. Why did I do this with out orders? Because I was trying to save lives. Many will argue that I have failed, in a rather spectacular fashion! But please understand this, the Tidal Wave that destroyed so much? That wasn''t a one time event. They are more than capable of doing it again.¡± Lash replied, this time with more or less the truth. Agent Calico, and the rest of the UN officials shouted in surprise and a bit of fear.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, can you assure the people of the United Nations. That you did everything possible to prevent the attack with in your power?¡± Agent Calico asked.


    ¡°No... I can reasonably say I didn''t.¡± Lash replied, his response surprised a lot of people.


    ¡°Can you elaborate?¡± Agent Calico asked.


    ¡°I could have obtained a bomb and sneaked into Atlantis and set it off! It would have killed the former Prince Orm, along with millions of innocent people. Of course that could have resulted in another massive attack. I could have sneaked into Atlantis and attempted to assassinate Prince Orm. I am fairly certain I would have succeeded though I wouldn''t have lived long enough to escape. But, these are all ''what ifs'' Agent Calico. Did I try to minimize the loss of life? Yes. Could I have done more? Yes. I did what I felt was right, with in my morality. That may not be enough for some people. But it is what it is.¡± Lash replied. Agent Calico looked conflicted, a lot of the politicians and councilors that had been destroyed by Lash looked at him like he was a big juicy steak.


    Lash, if they kick you out of the UN. You are more then welcome on my royal board of advisors. -Arthur said across their link.


    ¡°Thank you Agent Wraith. You are excused to your seat, please stay if we have any further questions.¡± Agent Calico replied, he looked as if he had chewed on something nasty. Lash nodded and walked back to his chair and sat down.


    Lash didn''t need to check the internet to know that Agent Wraith''s opinion pole was in the negative. All his good press that he obtained over his time in the public eye evaporated. The United Nations would look for some one to blame, and he looked like the winner. The public stance on Atlantis joining the United Nations was to be decided at a later time. The unofficial stance was that yes, they would be accepted. Though they had several nations willing to sponsor them, it was mostly out of fear that Atlantis would cause another tidal wave of mass destruction. When the emergency conference was closed for the day. Several security officers came to arrest Agent Wraith. Which of course didn''t work because he simply cast invisibility and faded from sight.


    There was a soft warrant for Agent Wraith''s arrest. The record stated they wanted him for further questioning but anyone with an eye knew that was complete bullshit. They asked for Superman to help them track Wraith down. The boy scout gave them a glare and flew off, Wonder Woman wouldn''t even let them talk to her. Twenty four hours later they made Wraiths arrest public, and asked that he turn himself in immediately. The Starling City Mayor in a surprising action made a counter argument. ''If you don''t want Wraith, the citizens of Starling will take him with open arms!''


    On the balcony of Lash''s home a tree expanded, and its trunk pulled open to create a hole just large enough for someone to crawl out of. Lash flopped onto the stone tiles of his balcony garden with a sigh as the tree closed behind him. The gargoyles turned to look at him, then went back to their guardianship. Several Griaks came over and said hello to him. He talked back for a few minutes then to his surprise his balcony door opened.


    ¡°Welcome home Lash.¡± Lizzy said, as she walked out and looked down at him. Lizzy''s red hair was tied back in a pony tail. She had a t-shirt on that was a little big for her so it exposed one of her shoulders. She had khaki pants on and no shoes. Her seductive figure was visibly seen even with her baggy top.


    ¡°Hi Lizzy¡± Lash said as he looked up at her. She offered him her hand and he accepted. He was pulled up to his feet and Lizzy hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her, and she nuzzled into his embrace.


    ¡°Missed you...¡± Lizzy said softly.


    ¡°Miss you too. Isabella here?¡± Lash looked towards his home.


    ¡°Yes! Come on!¡± Lizzy stepped out of his arms, and pulled him inside.


    Isabella was inside the kitchen cooking. She ran over to Lash and hugged him as well. She wore red t-shirt that hugged her figure, and exposed her abdomen. She had a pair of skinny jeans on her legs, and her toe nails had been painted pink. Lash hugged her in return, and was soon joined by Lizzy. He hugged them both for a bit but had to let them go or what ever Isabella was cooking would burn. Lash took a seat at the dinning room table and noticed there were boxes all over the house.


    ¡°Your home flooded?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°More like the tidal wave crashed into the whole building and washed everything down to the lobby. Thanks to the spell wards on the house a majority of our things didn''t get tossed out. But we needed a place to stay. I knew you wouldn''t mind so we came here.¡± Lizzy replied as she pulled up a seat next to Lash, leaned in and hugged him.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, siblings?¡± Lash asked, Lizzy understood he meant her family... Well their family.


    ¡°They are OK! No deaths or injuries, a lot of ruined furniture and appliances.¡± Lizzy replied.


    ¡°Isabella, your House?¡± Lash asked. Isabella looked out from the kitchen with a smile.


    ¡°No fatalities, any and all injuries healed with in a day at the most. Blood-Kindred vitality for you!¡± Isabella winked and went back to the kitchen.


    Isabella soon served dinner and they ate in comfortable silence. Isabella, and Lizzy could tell that Lash was exhausted, or more to say just worn out. If he needed to he could be awake for another week, but he looked frayed around the edges. After dinner they left the dishes on the table, and curled up on a coach in the living room. Lash sat in the middle while Lizzy, and Isabella took either side of him. They wrapped their arms around him, and he turn did the same. Family, Home. Good stuff.


    ==============================================================


    Amanda Waller watched from a viewing glass down into the training room, as ARGUS personal trained the criminal meta-humans, and future agents of ARGUS. Only some of them would have explosives planted in their necks, many of the meta-humans found the structure of the military to their liking. Flexible, and programmable super soldiers, Waller allowed herself to smile just a little.


    Waller went back to her desk, and pulled up her chair. She had kept her self busy and maintained her physical training like any good agent should. Lead by example her instructor use to say, don''t ever tell your people to do something you wont do. Though her instructor may something different now, since some of her people could throw fire from their bare hands. Waller smoothed her suit jacket out, and straightened her suit pants. Waller absently ran her ringers along the necklace around her neck, then berated herself for not stopping the habit. She had to admit the necklace was one of her prize possessions, she didn''t have many of those. Rinnnnng....Rinnnnggg her phone chimed at her.


    ¡°What?¡± Waller spoke into her phone.


    ¡°Director, Washington is on the other line.¡± Her assistant said.


    ¡°Put them through.¡± Waller replied.


    ¡°Amanda! How are you?¡± The other line said, the voice echoed a bit. They were on speaker phone.


    ¡°Cut the shit, Tom. I''m working what do you want?¡± Waller replied in cold tone.


    ¡°Have you seen him?¡± ''Tom'' asked, as everyone else in the room on the other line stayed quiet.


    ¡°Seen who, Tom?¡± Waller asked, but a smile tugged on her lips. Though Waller would never admit it.


    ¡°Wraith, Waller. Have you seen him? You are oblig...¡± Tom started but was cut off.


    ¡°I''m not obligated to do shit, Tom! I don''t give a fuck if Wraith embarrassed the men that bribe you and send ten thousand dollar whores to your home. They got exactly what they deserved! On a personal note, Tom! I hope they string you up! Because God knows we need Wraith more than we need a pathetic piece of shit like you, and the corrupt, rotten men that are also in the room with you. Now....Do you have anything of actual relevance to my job? Or did you just call to waste my time?¡± Waller''s cold voice went through the line. On the other line was ragged, and rage filled breathing.


    ¡°That is what I thought. Don''t fucking call me again, Tom! Because any one worth a damn already knows that they plan to release Wraith of all charges.¡± Waller hung up the phone, then called her assistant.


    ¡°If chief of staff Tom calls again, tell him to fuck off.¡± Waller said into her line.


    ¡°Yes, Director.¡± Her assistant replied.


    Waller leaned back in her chair, and fiddled with her necklace. A small smile spread across her face. After a few moments her eyes regained their focus, she tucked the necklace back under her shirt. She cleaned her expression back to cold indifference, and went back to work. She told her self once again to stop playing with the necklace Wraith gave her. She told her self to take it off, but in the end she never did. She knew Wraith would be fine! Even if the public hated him, he would always have a place in Black Ops, always!


    ==============================================================


    ¡°Are you sure we are allowed to just show up?¡± Lizzy asked for the third time, as they drove in a rental towards Wayne Manor.


    ¡°We aren''t just showing up, Lizzy. I called ahead and spoke to Miss Kyle, Mr Wayne''s fiancee. She needs my input on the wedding that they are planning.¡± Lash replied, with a smirk.


    Lizzy had met the Queen of the Amazons Hippolyta. Met Wonder Woman, Princess Diana of Themyscira. She had met Isabella''s House master Edwardro. She had fought, and trained with the Wardens of Gotham City. But through it all! She was still incredibly nervous to be going to Bruce Wayne''s manor. Isabella kept giggling at her wife, and failed to hide it when ever Lizzy glared at her.


    Lash pulled up to the front gate and entered the security code that they were given. The gate opened up, though a quick scan of their car had been made. Lizzy was still fidgeting, but was slowly calming down as Isabella hugged her and whispered into her ear. Then Lizzy started to blush and fidget for a different reason. They were both in the back seat as Lash drove in the front. They had rented a luxury Mercedes, with several magical bells and whistles from a super-natural branded rental business. Lash rolled up the drive way, parked, and turned off the car. Like a gentleman he helped his two female companions out of the car.


    Lizzy wore a red silk top with sleeves, and a criss cross pattern of thread along her back. She had a red silk skirt that went to her ankles, and a slit up her left to her knee. The top and skirt were not together which allowed you to see a bit of tanned skin when ever Lizzy turned, or raised her arms. She wore a pair if naked toe high heels. Her long fiery curly hair was swept back to fall down her back while her bangs were pinned up out of her eyes but would frame her face.


    Isabella a formal business jacket, suit pants, vest, but no shirt! The vest that hugged her figure, and emphasized her breasts. Which bounced with every step! Her hair brownish to black hair was tied back and pulled into a bun. She had a silver chain necklace wrapped around her neck that trailed down into her exposed cleavage. Her dark creamy skin highlighted the silver nicely. She wore a pair of nice leather dress shoes that finished the sexy business look.


    Lash wore a three piece business suit very similar to Isabella''s only he had a shirt on. It was black, on black, with a red tie. He did where smooth finished black leather boots. Since he was seeing friends he didn''t cast an illusion or glamour on himself. So he was 6''4¡±, with a bald head, and tribal marks on his head were exposed. His eyes were yellow green, with a hint of reptilian pupils. Along his jaw line some would see the faint trace of scales. This was a common feature for Were-Breeds that spend to much time in their hybrid, and full forms.


    ¡°Lash!¡± A young mans voice called. The group of three turned to see Richard Grayson walking over. Grayson had designer buttoned blue shirt on, folded up sleeves to his elbows. A golden chain around his neck, with black pants, and black shoes.


    ¡°Mr. Grayson! Pleasure to see you again!¡± Lash called out, Richard looked like he was in pain when he heard Lash say his name.


    ¡°Just Richard, or Dick. You don''t have to say that.¡± Dick asked. Lash grimaced at saying the name Dick over and over.


    Lash introduced his Sister Lizzy, and Isabella to him. Dick had not met them yet. They were polite and friendly to each other. Dick was rather attractive for a young man, and Lizzy along with Isabella noticed. Dick noticed they noticed and grinned. He winked at the woman and led them towards the back gardens where Selina was talking to the wedding designer.


    Selina was trying to properly illustrate to the wedding designer what she wanted. But it was clear that though they both spoke english, they were speaking different languages. Selina wore skin tight leather pants, a black t-shirt that was a little big for her, and no sleeves. Something she wore for comfort, and a bit of sex appeal! Her black hair was still cut short in a pixie fashion, but around her neck was the golden Goddess Bast necklace that Lash had made for her. Lash reached out and connected them through the Pack Bond. Selina shivered and quickly turned around mid sentence with the wedding designer and raced over to jump on and hug Lash.


    ¡°You came! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!¡± Selina shouted in joy, and kicked her feet up and down as Lash held her up. Lash looked over at the wedding designer and was happy to see past their glamour.


    The wedding designer was a female devil-kin with pink to red skin, a long leathery tail, and medium sized wings on her back. Technically speaking they were not large enough to fly in, unless she had a feather weight spell, or something like it. She had raven black hair, and pink eyes. She had a black silk blouse on, with black suit pants. She looked stressed, and a little frazzled from her clear confusion of Selina''s wishes. The devil-kin smiled and waved at Lash who nodded in return.


    ¡°Lash! This is Feltia, my wedding designer. Do I need to explain the difference between a wedding planner and a designer?¡± Selina asked, Lash shook his head with a knowing look. ¡°Wonderful! Thank you! It took me an hour to get Bruce to understand!¡± Selina shouted in glee!


    ¡°We can''t come to some sort of understanding to what I want. I think we are about to kill each other!¡± Selina said, and Feltia agreed.


    ¡°Close your eyes, Selina and concentrate on what you want your wedding to look like.¡± Lash asked, he gently placed his hand on the top of Selina''s head who may have lightly purred at the touch. But wiggled her nose and concentrated on the question.


    Lash reached into his Illusion Domain, and cast Phantasm, combined with his Trickery Domain Bending. Which gave the illusion a bit of substance. Bending helped a lot of his spells more effectively, being able to bend reality was a useful trick. Selina''s wedding was planned for two weeks after Halloween. Many would argue that Halloween is a great time for a wedding. But Batman would be incredibly busy on that day. Despite the two week difference, Selina went for fall harvest, with a bit of scary style shaped in.


    Little by little the entire Wayne Manor gardens were transformed into a wide array of colors for the fall harvest. An explosion of yellow, orange, red, purple, and brown. Selina wanted an entire forest filled with red leaves, that also covered the ground in a single layer of leaves. Each section of the garden from where they would be married. To the Wedding Ceremony, to the reception, to the dance area, to the casual and conversation area. Each section had a different set of trees, and colors to go with it. She wanted carved statues of warriors in granite, marble, obsidian, gold, and silver. Each warrior hailed from a different culture. While a specific area of the gardens had a altar to the Goddess Bast, surrounded by temple guard statues. Once the Phantasm was in place Selina opened her eyes and looked around in child like wonder.


    ¡°That! This is what I want!¡± Selina shouted, and jumped into the air. Feltia looked around and hung her head.


    ¡°At least I understand why we didn''t understand one another. There is no mundane way to design this wedding. I was to hung up on the idea that you wanted a normal human wedding. Apologies Miss Kyle. Yes...We can do this.¡± Feltia said, a smile tugging on her lips.


    ¡°How long can you hold the illusion, Warden Lash?¡± Feltia asked.


    ¡°As long as I stay in range, and don''t need to do anything else. Several days at least.¡± Lash said honestly. Feltia must had thought he was joking because she laughed...Then realized he wasn''t.


    ¡°Oh! Th...That''s great! Lets get a recording stone, and camera''s set up and we''ll go through each area. Measure it, and get an exact depth and scope!¡± Feltia said, and called to her team mates who rushed over to help with the set up. Lizzy walked up and whispered into Lash''s ear.


    ¡°I think she just realized that you could technically do the whole wedding yourself.¡± Lizzy said with a smirk.


    ¡°Maybe...¡± Lash said with a smile.


    Selina, Feltia, Lizzy, Isabella, Dick, and Lash walked through the illusion. Feltia''s team took measurements, and were astonished to realize that the illusion had substance! Of course if they pushed or pulled enough the illusion would fade and snap back into place. But it was incredibly life like! They went to each section and came up with a near perfect idea. Selina wanted the entire garden renovated! She wanted the tree''s planted, and alive as best as possible! She wanted a magical wedding! By Bruce''s massive checking account! She would have it! Lash offered to carve and create the statue warriors for Selina because she didn''t want fakes she wanted actual statues. It would be good to work with his Material Shaping again.


    Lizzy, and Isabella got along incredibly well with Selina. They started to gossip and giggle, several times they stared at Lash and exchanged secrets. Feltia stood near by and over heard a few things, more then once she looked at Lash with surprise and her face flushed with a purple color in her cheeks. Dick eventually grew bored and came to talk to Lash about his adventures. He figured since the wedding people were all super-naturals Lash could talk at least a little bit about his time as Wraith.


    ¡°So why is it called a sharc?¡± Dick asked.


    ¡°Submarine, helicopter, airplane, recreational, camper. SHARC. Though it does have a lot of weapons on it. I didn''t know how to add gun-ship to it.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Hmmm, where is it now?¡± Dick asked.


    ¡°I took it apart, but saved the design. I don''t exactly have a warehouse...or a giant cave to store all my machines.¡± Lash said with a smile, Dick coughed a bit in surprise then laughed at him.


    ¡°Miss Kyle!.....Miss Kyle where are you!?¡± A older mans voice called out. Selina turned around with a smile and shouted.


    ¡°Over here Alfred! About five hundred feet into the garden area. Look for the purple leaves!¡± Selina replied. After a few minutes the legendary Alfred Pennyworth appeared, despite the clearly magical garden he kept his face expressionless and professional.


    ¡°Mr Lash! Hello, thank you for accepting Miss Kyle''s invitation. I see you''ve been a great help in the design of the wedding.¡± Alfred came to a stop about ten feet from the group, he bowed from his waist a near perfect forty five degree angle.


    Lash stepped towards Alfred and was with in arms reach in a single blink. The movement surprised Dick, and Alfred greatly. He was just suddenly there in front of Alfred. Lash reached out with his right hand and gently pat Alfred on his shoulder. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Soul Heal, Panacea, and Restore Youth on him. The tribal marks on Lash''s head glowed as the magic worked through Alfred. By the end of it Alfred looked ten years younger, well he technically was! Color had returned to his graying hair, wrinkles smoothed out, and he had renewed muscle tone in his body.


    ¡°M...s....Wha....What did you do?¡± Alfred asked.


    ¡°Just gave a little bit back. You deserve it, Alfred. Every thing you do for this family.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Warden Lash! I think we are finished you can bring the illusion down now!¡± Feltia shouted through the trees. With a thought, and a glow of his tribal mark for Illusion Domain the entire harvest forest for the wedding faded from sight.


    ¡°Alfred! Wow, you look amazing!¡± Selina called as she walked over.


    ¡°You are practically....Glowing.... Interesting.¡± Selina said, and turned to look at Lash with a critical eye. Lash just grinned back at her, as Alfred coughed and straightened his tie out.


    ¡°Master Wayne will be returning soon and requested the presence of Mr Lash, and guests for dinner.¡± Alfred asked.


    ¡°Of course they will stay for dinner!¡± Selina said, rebuking no argument from Lizzy, Isabella, and Lash.


    Feltia and her people left for the day, and Alfred saw everyone inside the manor. Then began a duel of wit, and intrigue between Alfred and Lash. As they decided who would cook the dinner! Alfred was very talented and knew it. But Lash had other more creative means to cook a dinner. Eventually Selina came to the rescue and much to the frustration of Alfred he was pulled out of the kitchen and was ''ordered'' by Selina to join the rest of them in the drawing room. Bruce may be the Lord of the Manor, but Selina was it''s Lady. In many ways was the highest authority.


    Bruce soon arrived at Wayne Manor and parked his very expensive car in the underground garage. Waiting for him at the door was Selina with a smile and a kiss. But Bruce noticed Alfred looked different, also a little annoyed? Normally Alfred would be in the kitchen preparing dinner so the confusion was clear on Bruce''s face. Selina shushed Alfred and dragged Bruce towards the dinning room. Bruce was 6''2¡± and built of solid muscle, he had broad shoulders with a slim waist, and his tailored made suit always showed off his clear muscled form. When he entered the dinning room he saw Lizzy, and Isabella. The former clearly nervous as she tried to not show it and failed. Dick waved at Bruce, and that is when Bruce realized that Lash was missing. He looked at Alfred in question then he smelled dinner.


    ¡°Where is Lash?¡± Bruce asked, hesitation clear in his voice.


    ¡°Here!¡± Lash called from the hall way, and the dinning room doors opened.


    ¡°Oh my word!¡± Alfred said in shock!


    As three Saurus Warriors pushed trolleys of prepared dishes into the room. Lash followed behind with his own trolley of food. One by one large plates of fine silver ware were placed on the main dinning room table of Wayne Manor. The vaulted ceilings had several crystal glass chandeliers, massive stained glass windows let the still dying light of sunset fill the room. The cherry wood finish on the walls gave a sense of warmth. Lash motioned for everyone to sit as the Saurus Warriors stood off to the side ready to be of service. With a overly dramatic flourish the plates were revealed.


    ¡°I didn''t know what everyone wanted to. So I went with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With a variety of cultures. Oh and of course desserts!¡± Lash said with a smile. Alfred had to admit that it was amazing.


    ¡°How did you cook all of this in less then two hours?¡± Dick asked.


    ¡°Oh I didn''t! I just fabricated it. This is all made from magical energy!¡± Lash said. Alfred looked like he had been slapped.


    ¡°Th...T...That''s cheating!¡± Alfred said in shock.


    ¡°I know, but its really easy to clean up! Zero dishes!¡± Lash said with a smile.


    ¡°Let''s eat...¡± Bruce said with a sigh and sat down.


    ¡°Oh! Lash I wanted to ask you a question.¡± Selina looked over before she dug in, Lash looked at her.


    ¡°Will you give me away at the wedding?¡± Selina asked.


    ¡°What?....¡± Lash said, he froze in place.

 Chapter 67: Twins!

    ==============================================================


    Over a dozen figures sat in a fully furnished room but dark room, with cherry wood furniture, red velvet seats, silk curtains that blocked the outside light. A large black oak table in the middle was large enough to accommodate everyone in the room. Most of the figures were men wearing expensive tailored made suits, while the few women wore the same expensive taste. With in the dark room a majority of the peoples faces could not be seen save for the glow of their social media devices. The men and women were on their phones, and laptops then one of them slammed their fist to the table.


    ¡°Damn it! Are you telling me that with the entire UN at our beck and call we have no idea where that freak is!?¡± An older man practically screamed, his saliva splattering across the table.


    ¡°More than likely he is in Gotham, but we have no idea where. We already know he can take on a human disguise. But if we are being honest, a majority of the UN doesn''t want him found.¡± A woman with a cold, hard voice responded as she sat back in her seat.


    ¡°What do you mean the the UN doesn''t want him found? We need him to answer for his crimes!¡± Another older man said.


    ¡°No, you want him to answer for revealing all your secrets. That is what you want him to answer for.¡± The previous woman spoke again.


    ¡°You are missing the point. Alien code named: Wraith. Has more power then you give him credit. Yes, America has the man of steel. But Superman has made it very clear he will not follow our orders. Wraith may be a wild card, but if we ask him to do something he will do it. Also, unlike the Superman, Wraith has actively given us advanced technology. So, tell me Senator. Who is worth more? You, or an Alien willing to help us?¡± Another woman spoke from across the table.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± The original man spoke, his voice on edge.


    ¡°I''m saying...Tom. That the choice has already been made.¡± The woman spoke with a voice of smug satisfaction. As the doors of the private meeting opened.


    ¡°What!? How dare you enter this room with...What are you doing!? Get your hands off of me!¡± The second gentleman spoke, as agents of the UNWS came in and hand cuffed several of the men, and one woman.


    ¡°Kali! You bitch! What did you do!?¡± Chief of Staff, Tom Reynolds screamed at a woman with long sleek black hair, dark caramel skin, and red eyes.


    ¡°Just helping a friend. Goodbye Tom.¡± Lady Kali Aamod Blood-Kindred House Master said with a smile as she watched the room empty of the mundanes.


    Now the room held three men, and two women. All of which had red glows to their eyes that were not there before while the mundanes were present. Kali crossed her legs and held out a hand, with a single breath a glass appeared and liquor was poured by a shadow that was not there before. The shadow merged into the ground once it was finished. Kali licked her lips and drank her bourbon with a smile.


    ¡°We''ll do a press release tomorrow morning confirming that Agent Wraith had been set up by the accused. We''ll have him re instated before the moon rises that following night.¡± Said one of the Blood-Kindred men. He spoke softly but clearly with his head bowed towards Kali.


    ¡°Several leaders of the UN still want to meet with Agent Wraith in the future to discuss possible technology advances. We already have several plans, designs, and trinkets for him to hand to the mundanes.¡± One of the women spoke, once more their head bowed towards Kali.


    ¡°Excellent... Ensure that you increase his overall rank. I don''t want any more of this pathetic trash hindering... My friend from doing his job. Understood?¡± Kali said, her eyes took on a fierce glare. The others backs went ram rod straight.


    ¡°YES OF COURSE!¡± They all said together, then bowed their heads in reverence.


    ================================================================


    After Selina dropped the bomb about giving her away at her wedding. Lash of course agreed, they talked and ate for several more hours before they left for the evening. Lash drove home with Lizzy, and Isabella half asleep in the back. Unlike the other cars that the super-natural world had access Lash did not have a city traffic rune. So he had to drive, stop, drive, and work his way through Gotham traffic. He may have turned a few lights green with his Technomancy but mostly just drove home.


    Gotham was coming along after the siege, and the tidal wave. But a lot of the city would never truly recover. The Narrows had been erased from the map, Arkham oddly survived the tidal wave since it was built from the ground up from the old days. That isn''t to say a lot of people still drown in the old place. Lash learned that Aaron Cash was still alive, he was now the head guard of Arkham. Though Cash was well trained, he mostly got the promotion because everyone ahead of him died in the tidal wave. Lash would have to send him a congratulations gift later.


    Croc''s town was in piece, given that everyone in that town knew how to swim. A long with the were-crocodile pack. Lash really wanted to go visit and help update the town. But he felt that it would be a while before he would be able to go. He knew that Kara Zor-El had reached earth. Lash had the feeling that Clark was going to ask him for help.


    Lash drove the rental into the underground garage in his home building. He half carried each of his ladies in each arm like a father would his children. It looked comical but with his strength he pulled it off. Lizzy, and Isabella both buried their faces into his neck and breathed him in, holding on to his shoulders to keep their balance. Lash used his spell domains to secure his rental, then the elevators to the upstairs floor where he lived. A tendril of smoke extended from him and opened his door as he walked in with his two companions. As he went to the guest bedroom he slowly set them both down, where Isabella gave a small cheer for his skills then wrapped her arms around her wife and went to sleep.


    ¡°Goodnight you two.¡± Lash said softly and closed the door to the guest bedroom.


    Where did Lash get a guest bedroom? He made one! Lizzy, and Isabella had been sleeping in his room while he was gone. Though as a man he was tempted to share the giant bed with them both. Saurian wisely told him ''no''. It was clear that Lash could have that kind of relationship with them both. But something about it didn''t feel right. Maybe one day it would be different. Lash took off his suit and pulled on some casual cotton pants and t-shirt. Then he did something he hadn''t done in a while he went to his studio and practiced.


    Lash used his Transmuter title effect for the day and did something he wasn''t sure about. He made a ten pound purified, and refined Tiberium ingot. It glowed green, and gave off a pulse of energy that wasn''t in the room when he first made it. Unlike the raw version, this ingot wouldn''t grow, and destroy the planet. Lash stared at the ingot for several minutes wondering what he could use it for. His memories from his past life knew that the ingot could be used in a plethora of metals, he also knew it could be used as an energy source that burned clean. But it had another purpose that most didn''t know, it could help encourage, and speed up psionic abilities and powers. He also found out that the ingot wouldn''t fit in his Storage ability since it was not classified as ''currency''.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed a grand quest issued by your Cosmic Deity!


    Objective: Help or Defeat Prince Orm.


    Objective: Help or Defeat Prince Arthur Curry. [+]


    Reward: Store coupon, and ten dream points!


    Reminder: Gotham City Villains and Heroes.


    Reminder: Find a suitable host for the spark of Loki.


    ¡°Thank you, My brightest star. May I please see the store catalog?¡± Lash asked softly, as his necklace became animated and the mystic dragon flew around around him before licking his cheek.


    ¡°Of course Master!¡± The mystic dragon chirped at him.


    The walls of the room became transparent for a brief moment, as a start came from the heavens and formed into a book. Star dust trailed behind the book as it passed through the ceiling the walls became solid once more. Lash took the book from the air and nearly collapsed as the book weighed more than he thought. He saw Dawn the dragon giggle at him. He rolled his eyes at her antics and took the book over to his work desk.


    ¡°Alright, take me to my favorites I wanted to buy something last time.¡± Lash asked, the book flipped on its own and he found his request. He spent two DP and purchased the Spell Domain Trainer skill.


    Congratulations User! You''ve earned the Achievement: ''I am your Master!''


    Title: Class Trainer.


    Active Effect: You gain 25% experience from those you teach as they use the skills, powers, and or spells you teach them. This effect lasts for twenty four hours after you have taught them. (Title Consolidation active)


    Passive Effect: The people you teach have a 25% experience boost for twenty four hours. Has a forty eight hour cool down, per person.


    ¡°Alright let us see how many points I have. You would think I would check that before I start to.... Oh! I have forty eight points left! Wow!¡± Lash was astonished.


    ¡°Remember Master. The more you effect, and change the world. The more points you get. Helping Arthur become king, and getting Atlantis to join the UN changed the world greatly!¡± Dawn chirped at him as she flew over to the Tiberium ingot and proceeded to lick it a few times.


    Lash flipped through the book and looked for store time. He found out that it would cost him five DP for each reduction of time for the store. But unlike before as it went from twenty four hours to twelve hours. It would now only be reduced by two hours. So twelve to ten if he spent five DP. However, he read the comments from other Users. You could spend enough points until the store was just always open to you. Lash did some quick math. So lash spent thirty DP and made the store available to him at all times!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement: ''24/7''


    Effect: Every twenty four hours in the real you obtain seven DP passively.


    ¡°That is pretty good! Should be helpful when I start working again, or if I ever die and need to restart my Dream. Wait, Dawn you can buy your Achievement effects with World Points, right? You said that before?¡± Lash asked, he was worried for a moment.


    ¡°Yes, Master! Any Achievement effect you''ve earned can be purchased with World Points if you ever restart your Dream. Though I would encourage you to continue to play this life as long as you can. You are still part of the original five hundred. Though the number is now three hundred and fifty five.¡± Dawn the dragon replied. She had curled up on top of the Tiberium ingot.


    ¡°You''ve also reached 60% conversion saturation, Master. Sorry no! I can''t tell you what it means until you reach 100%.¡± Dawn said quickly before Lash could question it.


    Lash grumbled and looked through the catalog, he still had eighteen points to spend. He remembered there was an item store now. While he flipped towards that he stumbled across something interesting! He looked it over and found out he could now use DP to upgrade his skills, abilities, traits, spells, etc! There had always been things that you could only get through the store, or story specific events! But now he could upgrade them?


    ¡°Dawn, it says here that I can spend DP on my already existing abilities, this is new yes?¡± Lash asked as he reached out to pet the dragon. Dawn wrapped around his hand like a snake and purred softly.


    ¡°Yes Master! However depending on what ability it is will determine how much DP is needed.¡± Dawn said as she began to playfully gnaw on his hand.


    ¡°Let us go to orbital habitats please!¡± Lash requested the book, it flipped towards the item store.


    There Lash found dozens of satellites, space stations that you would see in modern times, to science fiction habitats with artificial gravity, green house, and one habitat so large it could support a city. Lash put a criteria into the search engine. He wanted something that could be upgraded over time, also placed his existing abilities into the search. This would help him save points, and it would also point him to abilities that would help him built one in case he didn''t have them. After a few minutes of searching, Lash found a unique spell/racial trait that would come with his long lost Domain, Synthesis. He purchased the expensive racial trait for ten DP so he had eight left.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Synthesis Domain Spell/Trait: Re:Implant.


    Effects: Create, replace, or rebuild organic or machine parts with a synthetic piece.


    Comment: What is the difference between a heart, and an engine? With this spell, not much!


    Then something happened that Lash was not expecting. PAIN! He convulsed and collapsed on the floor of his art shop room. Dawn squeaked in surprise and flew over him in agitation as he tried to not scream. He felt his entire body was on fire, while tiny little insects crawled through his whole body, devouring his bones, muscles, even his brain! The store book burst into star light and faded from view. Dawn wanted to fly off to get Lizzy but Lash said no, in between groans and screams. He continued to convulse as he heard Saurian scream across the link they shared. Lash/ Saurian''s mind, body, and soul were under the effect of this new spell/trait. Then they both blacked out....


    Lash opened his eyes and looked around his workshop. The mystic dragon Dawn was asleep on his chest but stirred the moment he started to move. She flung herself at him and started to lick his face, he flinched but smiled and let her lick him for a bit longer before he slowly sat up and puller her off. She coiled around his neck like a scarf and continued to nuzzle him. Lash felt....Different? He looked at his hands, his arms, and felt his skin. It was the same, but also different as well.


    ¡°Dawn.... I understand that Re:Implant is a unique spell but I get the feeling there is more to it?¡± Lash asked, his voice was a bit rough. He needed some water. He slowly stood up and went to the mini fridge that was in the workshop that had some bottled water.


    ¡°Yes Master! Re:Implant can only be purchased if you have the Spell Domain Synthesis. Which is only obtained if you have the Nature, and Technomancy Domains. Or, you can acquire it from a specific story driven event primarily through the Alien origin which you wouldn''t have obtained.¡± Dawn said softly as she settled down around his neck and returned to being his familiar necklace.


    ¡°So, what did it do to us?¡± Lash asked, as he reached across the link to Saurian. The giant lizard grumbled in his ''sleep'' but confirmed that he was alive.


    ¡°Re:Implant allows you to create synthetic parts for organic, or mechanical things or beings. However, it is also a racial trait. Your entire body, mind, and soul! Thanks to your magic for the last one. They have all been optimized by the ''Mechanical Force/Spark'' from the ''The Metal''.¡± Dawn the VI administrators disembodied voice answered this time. Her voice was soft, feminine, and sweet on Lash''s ears. It made him shiver in all the best ways.


    ¡°The Metal? Wait, isn''t that another form of The Green but for anything born of metal?¡± Lash asked, confusion clear in his voice.


    ¡°Yes! You are a perfect union between the two! You are now an agent of The Green, and The Metal!¡± Dawn said cheerfully in his ear.


    ¡°Wait, why am I not an agent for ''The Red''. I thought all were-breeds were part of The Red?¡± Lash asked, as he went back to his seat and drank his water.


    ¡°But User! Are you a were-breed?¡± Dawn replied, her voice carried a hint of mischief.


    Lash stopped mid drink of his water. He thought for a moment and then took a few swallows of his water. The Red is a force which connects and pervades all animal life and micro-organisms in the universe. It is widely believed that were-breeds come from The Red. But Dawn was right, Saurian didn''t come from The Red. He came from the Cosmic Deity, he was crafted and attached to Lash because of Erik. Lash wasn''t a were-breed.


    ¡°Dawn my I see the catalog again, I still have eight points.¡± Lash said. The book slowly materialized in his lap as he finished his water. He converted the plastic bottle back into magical energy and absorbed it.


    Now that Lash had been ''optimized'' he found a lot of the blue prints were cheaper. Why? Because unlike before if he bought them they would show up as a physical copy, something he could hold. Now he could essentially hold the plans in his Implanted brain? He wasn''t sure what the difference was, but he bought the plans for the basic but upgrade able habitat.


    Basic space habitat.


    Rating: G-


    Effect: Upgrade possible to grade A+


    Effect: Customization, with future attachments possible.


    Effect: Growth/Evolution/Change.


    Comment: This is the basic package for a space habitat. Its cheap, affordable, and has room to grow. Literally it grows with time thanks to your abilities.


    The habitat wasn''t much to look at, Lash created a Technomancy image in front of him. It looked like a standard mundane space station. Several capsules welded together with solar panels out like wings, and a few antenna out for listening and speaking. But the difference was that the entire thing was covered in enchantments, the metal used would grow like a plant over time, and it had a VI admin built into it. Now all Lash needed was a ride up into space. Time to call the boy scout!


    =============================================================


    Kara Zor-El sat in her room at the Kent farm, it was the middle of the night as she looked through the holographic display of the...Lap top? Is what Kal had called it. The laptop was from Wayne Tech, and the holographic projector was the best on the market. Best? This was like two sticks rubbing against each other back on Krypton. Kara''s eyes got misty as she tried to not cry, not again. Because if she started she wouldn''t stop.


    She missed home, so, so much! Her parents, her friends, even her stupid school that was preparing her to become a justicar like her mother. She was happy that Kal was safe, but her parents gave her a job to protect her cousin when she arrived on Earth. Only to get lost in transit and now her mission is over! Now Kal was protecting her! Kara reached out and pressed an icon on the holographic feed, it translated the english words to Krypton. Kal had said one of his friends, another alien had created the user interface for her. His code name was something silly.... Wraith? But Kal seem to trust him, he was the one that said Kara was going to show up one day. Kara wanted to ask...Wraith a question.... About her home.


    ¡°Cock-a-doodle-doo!¡± A rooster on the farm called out.


    Kara winced at the sound, she walked towards the bedroom window and checked outside past the blinds. The sun was starting to rise. Kara started to grumble, time to start a new day! She loved that Johnathan and Martha Kent welcomed her with open arms. But she really didn''t like being on the farm. She wanted to explore this world called...Earth. Did the humans of this world lose their minds at some point, who calls their planet ''Dirt''? It made no sense to Kara.


    Kara squinted her eyes as she saw two people walking down the long drive way towards the farm house. Two men, one was...her cousin Kal! The other she didn''t recognize... But he was just as tall as her cousin, maybe even taller. Suddenly her whole room came to life! The lights turned on and music started to play, and the voice chosen for the ''smart house'' chimed speaking perfect Kryptonian.


    ¡°Attention Kara Zor-El. My creator Agent Wraith will be arriving at the home in less than five minutes. I encourage you to wash up and be presentable!¡± The smart house called, and started the shower for Kara.


    ¡°Wait! The other man with Kal is Agent Wraith!?¡± Kara ran towards the bathroom to get cleaned up.


    ============================================================


    ¡°Thanks for coming, Lash!¡± Clark said as he walked down the drive way towards his parents home. Clark wore a pair of boots, blue jeans, and a white buttoned shirt. His typical black rimmed glasses on his face, with his boy next door good looks.


    ¡°Of course! I always intended on visiting with her. It''s hard to... lose everything you had. To her she went to sleep at Krypton, and woke up here. I can....Sympathize.¡± Lash said, the last of his words were quiet. Clark looked at him in concern but didn''t ask.


    Lash went with a goth soldier look. He had black boots, black urban camo combat cargo pants, black t-shirt, with urban camo jacket. He kept his tribal marks hidden, but his head was still bald. He was a little taller than Clark, but they were about the same size muscle mass wise. He had golden tanned skin, yellow green eyes, and a few scars here and there. Anyone who looked at him would assume he was either active duty, or a retired veteran. The front door of the farm opened up and a big white dog came out. He jumped the stairs and sprinted towards Clark all the while barking. Of course Lash could hear him talk.


    ¡°Friend! Friend! Hello Friend! Hello! Hello! Oh you smell nice! Oh hello other friend! Wow you smell great! Wanna play!¡± The dog said to Clark who leaned over and petted him. Then the dog looked at Lash and wagged his tail so fast he nearly lost his balance.


    Lash created a brown leather ball from the energy around them with Fabrication, let the dog named Krypto smell it. Then he tossed it across the yard! Krypto ran off after it as fast as possible! Lash titled his head as he watched Krypto retrieve the ball and race back. He vaguely remembers that Superman had a dog named Krypto. It was suppose to have similar powers to the man of steel. But this dog clearly was normal....For now at least, Lash smiled at the dog and threw the ball again.


    ¡°Well come on in boys! We are just starting supper!¡± Martha called from the porch, joined by Johnathon. They stood side by side.


    Martha, and Johnathon Kent looked healthy and strong. With their tanned skin, and farm grown muscles. They had been given ten extra years of youth thanks to Lash last time he saw them. Lash had also cured Johnathon of cancer as well but who''s counting! Clark reached the porch and hugged his parents who patted him on the back. Lash threw the ball one last time for Krytpo and joined Clark on the porch. Johnathon shook Lash''s hand, while Martha gave him a hug and a kiss on his cheek. When they walked into the house, the smart house voice chimed and greeted them both.


    On the outside, the Kent farm looked like it always had. It looked like it needed some TLC badly. Chipped paint, rust, and vines that grew on the house. But on the inside it was like night and day. Clean walls, floors, and ceilings. The entire house had a compact setting that would take certain amenities and fold them into the walls and floor. Wanted a bigger kitchen table? It folds out! Want the living room cleaned out so you could have friends over, or maybe do a bit of dancing? Furniture is taken into the floor and walls and you have a open space!


    ¡°Kal welcome back!¡± A young woman''s voice shouted.


    Kara Zor-El was 5''7¡± with curly blond hair past her shoulders, deep blue eyes, with golden tan skin, soft pink lips, an hour glass figure that models would kill for. She wore skin tight blue jeans that hugged her figure nicely, and a white t-shirt that was a little short on her so you could see her abdomen and back. She hugged her cousin with clear joy on her face, she also greeted him in Kryptonian.


    ¡°Kara Zor-El, it is a pleasure to see you have arrived safely. Please call me Lash, and my partner''s name is Saurian.¡± Lash said, in perfect Kryptonian.


    Kara''s eyes went wide when Lash spoke her native tongue, then she smiled at him and bounced over to him and hugged him as well. Lash was a little surprised but returned the hug, as he tried to ignore the pleasant feeling of having a beautiful woman press herself against him. Ahem! It must have shown because Clark had raised an eye brow at Lash. Lash coughed to clear the air and looked at the Kents who both had a bit of a smirk.


    ¡°I am here to help you learn english! Shall we start while breakfast is being made?¡± Lash said, his voice was a little higher than he had hoped.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Kara replied, she was oblivious to the whole atmosphere.


    So it went! Lash had Kara sit down with her back to him. He placed his hands on her head gently and started to imprint the skill Language Smith via Skill Trainer. He took it slow, and did it right so not to cause her any harm. Clark stood next to them watching the exchange a bit of family protection, and curiosity mixed in. The Kents cooked a nice breakfast with the help of the smart house. Two robot arms came out of the wall and assisted with the tedious jobs.


    Language Smith has been imprinted onto Kara Zor-El. Success!


    Dawn''s voice softly whispered into Lash''s ear, but even if she hadn''t spoken up he would have known. He took his hands away from her head, and Kara rubber her forehead with a groan. Clark knelt down next to her with concern written on his face. Kara spoke a few words in Kryptonian. She didn''t feel like she knew english better. Clark looked up at Lash who just shrugged his shoulders with a smile on his face.


    ¡°So Lash, what was it like talking to all the merfolk under the water?¡± Johnathon asked, between bites of bacon, and eggs.


    ¡°The Atlanteans are very old, and technological advanced race here on earth. Technically they are just a sub-breed of humans. But they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and unique body structures. They were careful not to bring any of the beast-kin to the UN for the signing. They understand that humans tend to look down on things that look different. As for specifically talking under water? They have a form of minor telepathy. It allows them talk normally while still conveying all the relevant information.¡± Lash replied, he gave a little more than he meant to. But there was a lot to talk about.


    ¡°What do you mean...They... Look different?¡± Kara said, she stumbled over the words and it took a minute to say it all. But everyone at the table looked at her with wide eyes. While Lash got several experience prompts from his Language Smith skill, because of his Class Trainer title.


    ¡°Like this!¡± Lash said, as he created a holographic image of one of the Brine Kingdom citizen. Kara sent a silent thank you with her eyes for jumping forward in the conversation. Her cheeks flushed at the attention she caught for talking in english.


    ¡°That is an Atlantean? It looks like a crab!¡± Martha said as she sat down after pouring orange juice for everyone.


    ¡°There are four Kingdoms in Atlantis social structure. Well there is more than that, but only four with an actual culture structure. Atlantis, Xebel, Fishermen, and Brine.¡± Lash replied, and created images for all four of them.


    ¡°There was the Deserter Kingdom, but they have died out over a thousand years ago. Then we have the Trenchers. They are....Complicated.¡± Lash finished, and produced images for them as well.


    ¡°They are not aliens?¡± Martha asked.


    ¡°Nope! They are all a sub-breed of human. Just a different evolution path, they have been underwater for a long time!¡± Lash replied.


    They continued to talk for the next hour about Atlantis, and the United Nations. Especially about how they had a warrant out for Wraith''s arrest. This surprised Kara! From the way Clark had talked about Lash she figured he was a respected officer of the law on Earth. Lash tried to use examples from his limited knowledge of Krypton and eventually Kara figured out that there was corruption in the UN, they wanted to get rid of Wraith because he made them look bad.


    ¡°Then they should be brought up on charges! You brought Atlantis to the UN to sign a peace treaty while they sat around and did nothing! If we were on Krypton you would be called a hero for your efforts!¡± Kara all but yelled.... in english. She then clapped her hands over her mouth with wide eyes.


    ¡°Wow! Honey look at you!¡± Martha said as she walked over and hugged Kara.


    ¡°I don''t understand. She''s been trying to learn english for over a week. But a few hours after you did what ever you did and she is practically speaking it perfectly.¡± Johnathon asked, bewildered.


    ¡°In simple terms I planted a program in her head to assist her in learning languages. An organic mind is very much like a living computer. You just need to know the right software, and hardware keys to access it.¡± Lash said...It was kinda true! Ding!


    ¡°Oh! Its done!¡± Lash collapsed the holographic images of Atlantis, and the UN images and articles. He created a new window with Kara Kent! Birth certificate, social security card, medical records, etc. Lash used Fabrication and made the first two and handed them to the Kents.


    ¡°There! Kara Kent, is now officially alive in the records of Earth. That is I assume she is keeping her identity a secret?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes, we already talked about that.¡± Clark said with a smile as he winked at Kara who smiled back.


    ¡°Alright! Time to hit the exosphere!¡± Lash said with a smile as he stood up and stretched.


    ¡°The exosphere? Are you leaving?¡± Kara asked, she had a crestfallen expression on her face.


    ¡°Only for about twenty four hours! Then I''ll be returning, I was planning on taking you on a tour of this planet we call, Dirt!¡± Lash said with a smile. Kara perked right up when he said that.


    ¡°Really!?¡± Kara asked, and looked at Clark.


    ¡°Yes! Lash thinks it will do you good to see more of the world you will call home, and I agreed. So he is going to take you around to see the rest of the League, and a few other places. But before that he has to create a station in the exosphere. Shouldn''t take long!¡± Clark replied and hugged his cousin.


    Lash and Clark walked into the backyard. Clark did a spin like you would see in the old movies and then out of the blue and red he had the Superman uniform on. Lash rolled his eyes as his glamour dropped and he wore his Daemonic Warden gear. His skin tore apart, and flaked off like worn out paint to reveal dark forest green metallic scales. His skull crest grew and extend back and up, it had several small horns along his nose line, and spikes along the ridges. Just above, and slightly on the side of his face two new eyes grew. So now the joke ''four eyes'' was literal. His long, deadly, blade tail grew from the base of his spine, his overall muscle mass doubled. Lash had used Transformation and grew to nearly eight feet tall, and sixteen feet long. He hunched over just a little as spikes grew down his spine. His armor adjusted to the new feature. Kara let out a gasp in surprise, she wasn''t the only one.


    ¡°You look....Different.¡± Clark said, his eyes wide.


    ¡°Adaptation, a racial trait of my kind. We change over time to fit our environments.¡± Lash said in response. He turned to look back at the Kent''s which now included Kara. He grinned and Kara squeaked and hid behind Johnathon Kent who laughed and whispered. ''I don''t think I can stop him, Kara''.


    So with out much to be said. Clark grabbed Lash and they flew up into the air. Lash cast a glamour to cover their exit and asked Clark to go slow. Well slower then the sound barrier that is. As they got higher and higher Lash started to get experience prompts from his racial trait; Self-Sustenance. Erik had read a lot of information about Superman, in different comics Superman had the trait Self-Sustenance in others he didn''t. It seemed in this version Superman couldn''t exist in space for long, though he could hold his breath for a long time. He did eventually need to breath. So Clark would be dropping Lash off in the exosphere and come back to pick him up later.


    Congratulations User! Your racial trait, Self-Sustenance has evolved into Minor Self-Sustenance.


    Effects: You can now be with out food, water, or air for longer periods of time with no side effects. Even the vacuum of space does not hinder you... Well for a while!


    That was Lash was hoping for! He had obtained Self-Sustenance awhile ago. But never really had a chance to use it in its full capacity. After about an hour they reached the exosphere, this was where Earth would commonly place their space stations in the thermosphere, Lash knew this because he had to look it up! So he wanted the baby ''watch tower'' in the exosphere. So it wouldn''t be in the same orbit ring. Clark looked at Lash with worry, then the boy scout smiled when Lash gave him a thumbs up.


    I''ll do an IM on the message board when it''s done, or if I need help. -Lash sent a message through telepathy. Clark nodded and returned to the earth, though he did look back several times to ensure Lash was ok. It was, cold! But either from his Winter Knight blessing or just his Adaptation trait that kept prompting experience at him. The cold wasn''t that bad! Lash floated in his Transformation state above the big blue jewel that the Earth was. Wow it had a lot of water. Lash knew that of course, he had spent a lot of time in the water recently. Something else he noticed. There was a lot of junk up here!


    Most satellites built by mundanes are never retrieved. They are told to burn up the rest of their fuel and burn up in the atmosphere on re entry. Or they are sent out into space to be used as long distance communications methods. Or, they were just left up here to rot. Which suited Lash''s needs just fine. He reached out with his Telekinesis and pulled several old relics from their positions towards him. Time to work!


    Lash used Manifestation and created all ten of his Saurus Veterans. They also had changed, they had a variety of scale color, tribal marks, and armor. But the most noticeable part that had changed was they had metallic scales, just like him. They all gently moved through space with a bit of Energy Manipulation. Then a sight that was worthy of any feast came into view. The yellow sun of the solar system! Lash''s four eyes automatically adjusted and took in the sight with out risk of blindness. Natural Energy Absorption sent dozens of experience prompts to Lash. His Blessing from Bast helped that he could absorb energy from any star.


    The Saurus Veterans brought the old relics to Lash and he used Recycle on them and broke them down to their base components. Then he started to use Fabrication to make the other pieces. One by one he pulled this, and that from nothing but the energy around him. Time flew by as they continued to work. One by one Lash created the different capsules and connected them in a long tube that went from end to end. Each capsule was about ten feet long, and ten feet around. Five capsules in he created a half bowl capsule for the sixth. The bowl or rather half circle extended out from the stem like a mushroom cap. The bowl had fifteen foot ceilings, and was fifteen feet all around. Then a orbital ring was built around the bowl, currently the ring was little more than cables, and wires. But in the future it would let people walk through them. Lash hoped! He continued to build five more capsules on top of the mushroom cap. On the capsule eleven he created a thirty, by thirty radius half bowl, also with a orbital ring.


    The skeleton was set! Overall it looked like a baby mushroom had grown an even larger mushroom on top of it. Or maybe a large saucer on top of a smaller saucer? People could potentially live in the saucers, or at least sleep there. According to the blue prints that Lash altered just a bit. It would grow! He could buy an upgrade key from the store to help it along too! He wasn''t sure, this was all very knew to him!


    Lash and his team started to fit solar panels onto the Saucer/ Mushroom caps? While a few others started to engrave, and inscribe the spell script onto the station. Lash would have to empower it with his magic. They used a combination of Orichalcum, Mithril, and Nth metal together for the entire structure. Then they used Tiberium for the internal energy component which did very well! A Tiberium core was incredibly powerful.


    Unfortunately Lash didn''t have the Gravity and or Space Domain so he couldn''t make gravity on the station. He pulled out the store catalog and checked through the book, he grinned at the fact that he could buy anything now as long as he had the points. Oddly enough he already had one DP. But Gravity, and Space both took ten DP to buy. Shit. There was a gravity module in the item shop but it cost twenty DP. It was a physical copy, it would appear and he could just plug it in when he got it. Choices, choices!


    Thummmmmmmmmm! The entire station vibrated and came to life. The small orbital rings began to spin around their designated saucer. Dozens of different lights turned on one by one. Lash sailed through the void of space towards the door on the end of the capsule stem. The airlock was still open given they didn''t have any air to breath currently, one entire capsule was used for the air lock. He moved past a few of his veterans as they continued to work on the inscriptions. Lash used his Domains and crafted the VI admin, and plugged it in. Following the instructions. It would be very, very basic. But just like the station it would grow over time. Though it would never become a true AI, the store was very specific.


    Lash spent the next few hours helping with the inscriptions of the spells and enchantments. One by one they finished, most of them were designed to help the station grow over time. But a few others were for those living aboard the station. In all honesty this station was far more advanced than anything the mundanes could make. Even with out the magic to help it grow. Lash recalled all of his Veterans. They burst into illusion particles with out the magical energy to keep them. With a twist, and a lock the air lock closed and the VI turned on.


    ¡°Processing....Processing... Virtual interactive communication intelligence online. Hello my name is VICI. Greetings to you, Creator!¡± VICI or pronounce Vee See, responded with a youthful feminine voice.


    Orichalcum, Mithril, Nth, and Tiberium orbital habitat.


    Rating: G


    Effect: Essence of Synthetic Domain.


    Effect: Natural Energy Absorption.


    Effect: Module attachment available.


    Effect: Upgrade function key available.


    See tool tip for more effects.


    Comments: Congratulations! You''ve made a mushroom kingdom space station! I''m sure King Bowser can''t get you here!


    After a few minutes Lash could sense air was being filtered into the station. Lash took a deep breath for the first time in the past twenty two hours! He double checked the station with the help of VICI, and connected to the world wide web with Connectivity. After a bit fiddling he connected VICI to the Justice League message board. The message board was pre programmed into VICI via the item store. Lash was not the first one to buy the station, it had great reviews!


    ''Hello everyone from the exosphere above earth! The watch tower is done! Please say hello to our computer companion. VICI'' -Wraith.


    ''Hello everyone, I am a Virtual interactive communication intelligence. You may call me VICI.'' -VICI


    ''WOAH! WOAH! WAIT A MINUTE! ARE YOU TELLING ME THE STATION IS DONE ALREADY!?'' -Kid Flash.


    ''Yes! My creator known to you as Wraith finished me approximately three minutes, and twelve seconds ago.'' -VICI.


    ''I don''t have the teleportation set up yet, sorry everyone. Its on order though!'' -Wraith.


    ''I''m coming up to see! Also my cousin keeps asking me when your coming back down.'' -Superman.


    ''Here are the technical specs to the station. I went off the rails from the original blue prints. Because this one is capable of self repair, and growth.'' -Wraith. Lash uploaded the data.


    ''Wait...You said it can self repair....and grow? Like... Its alive?'' -Hawk Woman.


    ''It is made from a composite metal that is capable of self replication. Though we can feed it new material to speed up its growth.'' -Wraith.


    ''That is fascinating! On Mars much of our technology has the ability to change shape as we do. We have vessels known has bio-ships. They are also capable of self repair and growth as long as they have enough energy! May I come up as well? I wish to see this station.'' -Man Hunter.


    ''I am of course open to all of the League and those chosen for visits. I will await your arrival Man Hunter!'' -VICI.


    Lash closed the message board as his ride had arrived. Clark flew to the airlock and came in. Then flew through the stations ''stem'' to the upper saucer. The door opened, and the man of steel had a stupid grin on his face as he looked around in wonder. Lash still held his Transformation as he floated in the center of the room. VICI''s core was compressed into the center of the room and protected from interference.


    ¡°Less then twenty four hours! You made a station this big? This is amazing Lash!¡± Clark shouted as he flew around the saucer.


    Lash gave a simple tour through the whole station. Thanks to Compression Transformation a lot of the station could hide, and pull out different area''s with in the walls, ceilings, and floor. Beds, tables, tool benches, etc, etc. Though Lash wouldn''t want to work with anything explosive for a while. They ended up leaving before J''onn showed up, he said on the message board he had to go see Superman''s cousin but wanted to come by and visit J''onn, and M''gann on Earth. He replied and said he would be looking forward to the visit.


    It was bright and early in Smallville, Kansas. The sun was still thinking on whether it should rise or not. But the noticeable blue glow came from the horizon. Down on the Kent farm on the front porch sat Krypto half asleep and leaning on Kara. Kara kept looking up at the sky expecting her cousin to fly down. She knew it hadn''t been twenty four hours yet, but she was to excited to sleep.


    ¡°Been waiting long?¡± Lash asked, Kara jumped in surprise which made Krypto nearly fall off the porch in surprise. Lash caught the dog before he fell, but the dog looked around for a moment then went back to bed in Lash''s arms.


    ¡°Gah! Y...Y...How long have you been there?¡± Kara said, her finger pointed at him in accusation. Lash smiled at her, and set Krypto down. He was back to wearing his urban soldier outfit.


    ¡°About five seconds. Clark couldn''t stay he has work today. Go on inside and say goodbye to the Kent''s we''ll leave as soon as your ready.¡± Lash said as he sat down to pet Krypto.


    ¡°OK!¡± Kara said with a grin and ran back into the house. Beep! Beep!


    ¡°Yes, VICI may I help you?¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°Apologizes creator. There is a....Human station with in my line of sight. They haven''t noticed me yet. What would you like me to do?¡± VICI asked in his ear through Connectivity.


    ¡°There is a spell inscription for Chameleon, it will hide the station. Use your thrusters to get out of the way so you don''t collide if that is an issue. For now, keep your existence a secret from the world. It won''t always be that way, but you need time to grow.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Orders confirmed, thank you Creator! Have safe trip!¡± VICI replied, her voice soft in his ear.


    ¡°You too, VICI. Be safe!¡± Lash said as Kara came stomping out of the house. She had a backpack on with a change of cloths and nothing else.


    ¡°So! Where we going first?¡± Kara asked with a smile. She had tennis shoes on, blue jeans, a red t-shirt on that hugged really well, and a leather jacket that came down to her hip.


    ¡°Central City! Flash and Kid Flash live there. Lets go meet the Justice League.¡± Lash smiled at her and offered her his arm. Kara looked at him, then blushed and dipped her head down. She hugged his arm and kept her face turned away.


    ===========================================================


    Dr Wells sat in a orthopedic chair for his back, and legs. He still needed a bit of rehab but he could walk around now with assistance. Cisco wanted to make him exoskeleton legs! But Wells declined with a grin and said if he wanted to make exoskeleton legs then do it for everyone not just him. Never one to take a hint, Cisco started up designs for the public right away! Dr Wells just laughed and went back to researching Barry''s speed force. Well he had been, until a artificial intelligence named VICI began to talk to him through the sub-board on the Justice League. Wells did have access but rarely used the board. But he was very happy about it now! VICI had started to assist with running a meta-human search program that Cisco had made for Central City. But this program would span the globe. Her processing power was through the roof! Wells believed she was comparable to a quantum computer! She had pointed out over a dozen mistakes in Cisco''s programming in little less then thirty seconds!


    ¡°I could make a fully interactive computer intelligence if I had alien technology too!¡± Cisco grumbled, as he typed away at his station at STAR labs.


    ¡°VICI, how were you made?¡± Caitlin asked, she was just as excited as Dr Wells.


    ¡°My Creator, you know him as Wraith. Pulled energy from the solar radiation of the yellow sun and created my processing core. An energy to matter recombination! The exact specifics are not currently a part of my memory banks. But I am sure my creator is more then capable of telling you about it!¡± VICI replied in a voice that spoke with pride. Like a child proud of their parent. Caitlin agreed with the sentiment.


    ¡°Wait! Wait! So he just pulled energy from the very air around him? And made your core?¡± Cisco said as he worked on his computer.


    ¡°Oh my goodness no, Cisco! There is no air space! He pulled it from the void!¡± VICI replied. Cisco slammed his face into his desk and groaned.


    ¡°I would say that is impossible! But we work with someone who can skip through time. So, I guess the world is changing!¡± Dr Wells said.


    ¡°So Barry skipped through time? Interesting.¡± Lash said in an amused voice behind them.


    =================================================================


    ¡°WOAH!¡± Cisco screamed and jumped out of his seat. He pointed a finger at Lash, then pointed a finger at Kara who looked at Cisco in surprise and mild worry.


    Francisco Ramon, or just Cisco! Was actually a meta-human that would one day be called Vibe. However, it seemed he hadn''t learned he was one yet. He was 5''7¡± with long black hair to his shoulders, and brown eyes, with rich brown skin. Caitlin Snow stood up and smiled at Lash, though on the surface seem composed but she clearly was surprised! Caitlin was 5''4¡± with blond hair, and blue eyes, and was also a meta-human called Killer Frost. She also didn''t know she had powers, yet. Dr Wells slowly stood up and walked over to Lash and held out his hand. Lash grinned at him and shook the offered hand. Wells had blue eyes, and brown hair, and was about 5''8¡± maybe taller once his spine evened out.


    ¡°Welcome back, Wraith.¡± Wells said.


    ¡°Good to be back, Dr Wells. Everyone, this is Kara. I''m taking her on a tour of the League cities, then we plan to tour some of the world as well. You all are first on our stop.¡± Lash said, and presented Kara to them.


    ¡°Hello!¡± Kara said, she had a clear accent that made Cisco''s knees wobble.


    ¡°Hello! I''m Francisco Ramon! You can call me Cisco! If you ever need anything while in Central City I am your man!¡± Cisco tried to spin his charm, Kara nodded with a look of...Whaaa on her face. Caitlin pushed Cisco out of the way.


    ¡°Hi! I''m Caitlin Snow. Please, Cisco means well but he''s just a little over excited.¡± Caitlin said.


    ¡°Hey! I''m right here!¡± Cisco said, distraught. Kara giggled a little and Cisco turned into a puddle on the floor.


    ¡°Dr Wells. The leading scientist in STAR labs. Welcome to Central City!¡± Wells replied and went back to sitting. Lash didn''t offer to help but just watched him. As painful as it looked, Lash knew that Wells savored the feeling.


    ¡°So...If she is touring the League bases...Then she is....?¡± Cisco asked as he scooped himself up off the floor.


    ¡°You are all aware of the Man of Steel in Metropolis? Kara is his cousin, she is also from Krypton.¡± Lash said nonchalantly.


    ¡°WOAH!¡± Cisco once again yelled, and pointed a finger at them both. Kara jumped and hide behind Lash who just stood there like a shield.


    ¡°Cisco! You are scaring her! Bad impression!¡± Caitlin said, Cisco bowed his head and mumbled an apology.


    ¡°Fascinating!¡± Wells said. An arc of electricity ran a into the room, it was yellow and red. Followed shortly by another streak of lighting that was red, and yellow. Flash, and Kid Flash appeared in the lab and looked around.


    ¡°Wraith! Hay man!¡± Barry walked over and shook his hand, and looked at Kara.


    ¡°uhhhhh...Hay?¡± Barry said.


    ¡°Flash, Kid Flash. This is Kara. Her code name in the future will be Supergirl. She is Superman''s cousin. I am showing her around to all the League occupied cities.¡± Lash repeated his words once more.


    ¡°WOAH!¡± Kid Flash shouted and pointed his finger at Kara. Who jumped and hide even further behind Lash.


    ¡°Wally! Not cool man! You are scaring her!¡± Cisco said in a stern voice. Wally mumbled an apology. Kara laughed at Cisco''s antics. Both Wally, and Cisco melted into a puddle at the sound of Kara''s voice.


    ¡°Well! Welcome to Central City!¡± Barry said with a smile.


    Lash told them all to get into civilian attire he was going to buy them all brunch. They went to sit down Big Belly Burger! They had two different versions, a fast food place, or a restaurant style. A bit better service, and ambiance. Kara had never had a burger, shake, and fries before. Cisco cultured her on the art of dipping your fries in your shake. Kara''s cheeks flushed at the delightful taste! Wally, and Cisco turned into another puddle at how cute she looked.


    ¡°How is Monika Celeritas? I didn''t see a uniform for her.¡± Lash asked Barry who had several burgers in front of him. Wells answered for him though.


    ¡°She is good! She never finished high school so she is getting her GED. She is very smart! Another month and she''ll have the credits she needs. Then she will take an ''internship'' at STAR labs to get some college credits.¡± Wells replied with a smirk, as he enjoyed his shake.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Lash replied, then smirked as a pink, and purple lighting streak flashed by the big belly window. Monika came running in, she half tackled/hugged Lash.


    ¡°Hay you!¡± Monika yelled out! Lash chuckled and hugged her in return best he could from his sitting position.


    ¡°Monika! Miss, we have another larger order here!¡± Barry called for service. After a few minutes Monika had several cheese burgers in front of her like Barry.


    Monika insisted on sitting as close to Lash as possible. Which ended up being next to Kara. There was a bit of tension between the two of them. Lash swore he saw sparks radiate between their glares. But they agreed on a truce by sharing cheese fries. But the truce was soon broken as Kara bragged that Lash was taking her on a tour of the world. Monika slumped in her seat and ate her burgers in silence.


    ¡°Anyways! After here you are going to Starling City? Whats after that?¡± Barry asked, trying to distract Monika but mentioning the different places Kara was going didn''t help.


    ¡°San Francisco. There is place I want to build a League hub there.¡± Lash said, after he created a noise obstruction glamour around them so they could speak freely. Everyone felt the barrier go up and looked at Lash.


    ¡°You mean like...A secret base!? Dude that is so cool!¡± Cisco said with a nerd like squeal!


    ¡°Its for our younger members when we get enough of them. Something along the lines of Titan Tower, or Titan Cave....Most likely tower.¡± Lash said, and produced a simple design from his ''holographic'' Wayne tech watch. The holographic watches were still pretty expensive but they were not so rare that people would freak out about it.


    ¡°Is it suppose to look like a giant T.¡± Wally asked, but when Lash showed the image Monika perked up. There was a glow in her eyes like she knew what it was but couldn''t say anything. Fourth wall!


    ¡°To much on the nose?¡± Lash asked with a smirk.


    They finished their meals, and team Flash took Lash and Kara around Central City to see the sights. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Regrowth on Wells. With a spring in his step and a whole lot of questions. Wells started to walk normally, well a bounce in his step so mostly normal. They walked, talked, took the rail, and visited the river. Lash noticed several boats in the river collecting trash and cleaning the water out. Along the way Lash excused himself for a brief moment and faded from view.


    He re appeared in front of un marked white van that screamed agency! He walked around to the passenger side door, unlocked it and pulled the door open to find two very surprised ARGUS agents staring at him. They stared at one another for a full minute before one of them spoke, but Lash held up his hand and silence them. He was looking through the web with Connectivity.


    ¡°Agent John, Agent Smith. Wow those are fake names! Why are you following us?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Are....Are you Agent Wraith?¡± Agent Smith asked. He was nearest to the drivers seat, he looked like the average agent who tried to stay in shape but got stuck behind a desk. Lash raised his right hand, and his skin peeled away to reveal forest green metallic scales, and claws.


    ¡°Aha! Agent Wraith! Hello! Sorry we were told to follow the meta-human team in case any one new an interesting showed up. If your here we''ll leave now! Oh congratulations on being reinstated!¡± Agent Smith said with a smile. Lash returned his hand to ''normal'' and thanked the agents.


    Reinstated? Lash wasn''t afraid that Waller would give him up, he was to important to her... At least for now! He looked through the web and he soon found the information. Wraith had been cleared and reinstated, not only that his rank went up! He could technically pass between any country signed by the UN with out asking first. Good, good. He checked his Warden information page and got a confirmation. Great!


    Lash made a League phone for Kara so she could save everyone''s contact info. It looked like a brand new Wayne Tech holographic wrist watch/phone. But it was way more sturdy, and advanced. Kara had a smile of pure bliss on her face, she said it was almost exactly like the ones back on Krypton. Her smile faltered for a bit, but she shook her self and returned to being happy.


    ¡°So where to next?¡± Kara asked.


    ¡°Starling City! Team Arrow, and hopefully club verdant! We''ll have to see about getting you some clubbing attire!¡± Lash said with a grin! Kara mouthed the words clubbing attire.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°Slade is stepping up his game. After the tidal wave a lot of people lost their lives, their homes, their entire concept of what makes them...Them. He is using that to make the people afraid, and using it to make people hate, and attack the city they live in.¡± Oliver said, as his fist slammed into the punching bag. Diggle was holding the bag for him and nodding in agreement.


    ¡°The question is! Where is....Slade!?¡± Felicity said between pants of breath. She was across the room with a bo staff in hand, attempting to attack Sara. Sara had a smile on her face, as she easily dodged.


    ¡°Well, we could always ask the League to help us find him? I mean isn''t that what the League is suppose to do?¡± Roy said as he strung another arrow and shot it at the target across the room.


    ¡°Everyone has their own problems. But with Wraith reinstated again as a UNWS he could provide help. Out of everyone in the League Wraith is the most flexible and able to help. As much as Gotham is his home, he tends to move around.¡± Sara said as she forced Felicity into an arm lock and flipped her over. Felicity landed on her back, the breath knocked out of her but as her eyes focused she let out a scream! Everyone in the room looked at her, but she smiled wide and pointed up at the stairs.


    ¡°Hi everyone! I would like to introduce you to Kara.¡± Lash said from the stairs. Kara stood behind him and looked around at Team Arrow.


    Team Arrow welcomed Lash with open arms, and was more then happy to meet Kara. Felicity flipped when she learned that Kara was Superman''s cousin. She even did the standard ''WOAH'' Kara hid behind Lash and asked why everyone kept doing that? Felicity apologized and scampered off to hit the showers. Thanks to Lash''s renovation they had working plumbing down here. So they sat in the central control room of Team Arrows ''Club House'' the name that made Oliver grimace but Sara laughed at.


    ¡°So you came by to introduce Kara, but also to club?¡± Roy asked, a smile on his face.


    ¡°Yes, Kara already has an outfit she want''s I was going to make it for her then let her hit the dance floor and enjoy the night life. She is technically underage so she wont be drinking. Besides thanks to her metabolism she could drink all of you under the table and still be sober!¡± Lash said with a smirk, as Kara held up her idea of what a Club Attire was. Sara leaned in and nodded.


    ¡°Good taste!¡± Sara said, and Kara grinned at her.


    ¡°I''m not much of a dancer when it comes to clubs. So while I''m here I can look through Starling City CCTV, and other forms of surveillance not normally found to look for Slade. If you like?¡± Lash commented, Kara looked at him and frowned.


    ¡°You aren''t going to dance with me?¡± Kara said, her lower lip pouted a bit. Lash just stared at her.


    ¡°Did I not do it right? Monika said no man can resist the pouting lips?¡± Kara said, clearly trying to make her face adorable. Everyone cracked up laughing.


    ¡°No, no sweetie you are doing it right. Lash is just....He''s a special case.¡± Sara said with a smirk.


    ¡°I will dance with you Kara, if that is what you want. Just not the whole night. You need to enjoy the rush, and sometimes the sludge of the club night life. The good and bad. I tend to.... Scare people where ever I stand.¡± Lash said in response. Kara begrudgingly agreed, but made Lash promise that he would dance.


    ¡°I can keep an eye on her, will you make something for me too?¡± Sara asked, Lash nodded.


    ¡°Great! The club will open in a few hours let me take a shower! You know my sizes!¡± Sara said with a hop and a skip. She was clearly excited, her attitude surprised everyone, including Oliver.


    ¡°I guess we could take a break tonight? Unless you find Slade half way through the night.¡± Oliver said as he turned around to look at Lash. Lash told Kara about the showers in the back and to follow Sara so she could help her get ready, Kara scampered after her.


    ¡°Alright! I''ll let Thea know! She''ll be excited to have you. Wait...Are you here as Wraith? Or just Lash?¡± Roy asked, it was important.


    ¡°Just Lash. So let Thea know that Wraith wont appear unless necessary.¡± Lash replied. Roy nodded and headed to the showers as well.


    ¡°I have to ask, do you mind if I invite my....ummm ex....Girl Friend to meet you? She keeps asking.¡± Diggle said.


    ¡°Lyla Michaels? Sure! Just let her understand that I am here for a specific reason that shouldn''t be shared unless necessary.¡± Lash replied as he used Fabrication, and Alteration to create Kara, and Sara''s cloths. Diggle went a little stiff when he heard Lash say his ex wife''s name then excused himself too.


    Oliver stood in the central hub of the club house as he watched Lash create new cloths. He didn''t say anything, and neither did Lash. Lash held up leather pants, and a leather top, with strings for the back. He grinned, and made boots with heels, and a couple of hair accessories. He was nearly done with everything when Oliver finally spoke.


    ¡°Thank you.... For helping Sara.¡± Oliver said.


    ¡°So when are you two getting married?¡± Lash asked out of the blue. Oliver''s eyes went wide, he chocked on his own saliva and started to cough. His face turned red as he tried to breath. Lash just laughed, and laughed!


    ===============================================================


    Club Verdant down in the newly renovated Glades was always a place to be! Especially on the weekends! A line extended down almost two city blocks as more cars continued to show up. Thea Queen the owner of the club had even rented three large parking lots during the weekends. Along with a few SCPD cops just case of emergencies. At the front door was an effigy of a Wraith, with a sign board under neath. ''Starling Cities Angel, Wraith''s number one choice for a club and a good time''. Ever since he had shown up and held a huge rave Club Verdant was always packed.


    Diggle stepped out of his car and offered his hand to his ex-wife Lyla. They had parked in the VIP section parking lot. Diggle wore a tailored three piece suit, and Lyla wore high heels, knee length black glittering skirt and top. She wrapped her arm around Diggles as they walked towards the line. The bouncers recognized them and let them in with out a fuss. Though the giant line groaned and complained why they got in while they had to wait.


    Verdant had expanded a bit to include a outdoor bar and sitting area. An awning covered the area to keep rain, and if by chance snow. The outside area had two area''s one standard, and one VIP area. Both had their own door access to the main club. Thea Queen was at the bar outside talking to her boyfriend Roy who trying to convince her to stop working and come dance with him. She smiled at him and said it was cute that he kept trying!


    Inside the club the music was fast, and full of bass music. Something so loud and deep you could feel it in your bones! The ground floor was jam packed full of people! The DJ was did a wonderful job spinning and remixing on the fly. There was something in the air tonight! Everyone could feel it, it was like a current of energy was in the air! Middle of the dance floor three stunning blonds danced around a circle of people.


    Kara had her hair tied back in a tail, with diamond hair clips in to keep her bangs out of her face. She wore a leather top, with an exposed back with several leather threads across her back to keep her top in place. It was cut short at the bottom to show off her diamond in her navel. She wore long leather pants that hugged her curves amazingly. While she had three inch black heeled boots. She held her hands up into the air and moved her body to the beat in a seductive sway of her whole body.


    Felicity Smoak had her blond hair down, but pushed back with sapphire hair clip! She wore a blue silk top that wrapped around her neck, and around her chest. She had a long blue skirt on, with a slit up to her left thigh, and naked toed heels. She didn''t wear her glasses, but she did have some nice contacts in that changed the color of her eyes randomly! She danced Kara and jumped up and down as the music changed.


    Sara wore a wrap around leather top, around her neck and and thinned out behind her back into straps. She had a short skirt that went to her knees, but two slits that went up to her hips on both sides. She had a spaghetti strap heels on that went up her calf. She wore thigh high fishnet stockings, and a garter belt with two ''decorative'' blades on each side. Her hair was down, and loose. She swayed her hips back and forth and dropped to the floor and rose back up in a very suggestive move. She danced with men, women, any one that came along as long as they didn''t get to clingy. But she only ever kissed Oliver when he came to dance with her.


    Oliver Queen, wore a three piece tailored gray striped suit, with glossy black shoes, and a tulip in his lapel. A little old fashioned but Sara said he looked great and that was all that mattered to Oliver. He stood on the third floor watching the dance floor as he kept his eyes on the three blond beauties. While he glanced back at several holographic screens.


    On the third floor sat Lash with a giant book in his hands as several holographic images floated around him. Though the images were cosmetic to show Oliver what he was looking at. Lash had yet to go down on the dance floor because he was looking for something. Yes! He had the store catalog book in his lap in front of Oliver. Oliver noticed the book but didn''t question what it was. He turned and smiled as he saw Diggle and Lyla walking up the stairs towards them.


    ¡°Found it!¡± Lash said as he closed the book, it burst into particles and the glamour around him faded.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned the skill, Dance.... Dance has evolved into Minor Dance!


    Effects: The art of Dancing is a form of art in it self. Allowing one to explore, and define the fluidity of movement through their body, and the bodies of others. Often you can express more emotion, and forms of trust through a dance between partners that you couldn''t say with words.


    Comment: You spent two DP just so you could dance well at a Club!? Wow!


    Lash rolled his eyes at Dawn''s comments and felt that it was DP well spent! He really liked that he could now shop when ever he had points! Lash wore black boots, black slacks, and a white T-shirt. He filled it out very well, more than once he caught several women and men checking him out as he moved through the club to talk to Kara when she wanted to take a break. He stood up to greet Diggle, and Lyla.


    ¡°Hello Miss Michael''s! You look lovely!¡± Lash said, Lyla smiled at him in reply.


    ¡°Thank you Mr...¡± Lyla said, mischief in her eye.


    ¡°Lash... Mr Lash. Call me Lash.¡± Lash replied which surprised Lyla she hadn''t expected him to give her his name.


    ¡°Dig says I can trust you, so I assume you can keep that name to yourself?¡± Lash asked, but knew the answer.


    ¡°Of course! Thank you for your confidence!¡± Lyla said with a smile as she turned to say thank you to Diggle with her eyes. Diggle grinned back.


    ¡°I would say we should get some drinks but I was told pregnant human woman can''t drink!¡± Lash said nonchalantly but Diggle, Lyla, and Oliver both froze.


    ¡°W...W...What?¡± Diggle asked. Lash just blinked innocently, even though he had a grin on his face.


    ¡°I....I''m pregnant?¡± Lyla asked, she sat down and grabbed her abdomen with wide eyes.


    ¡°Yes! You have twins! A boy and a girl!¡± Lash replied, his Nature Domain told him of the lives growing inside of Lyla. Oliver smiled wide and clapped Diggle on the back. To him it was all but certain if Lash said it.


    Lash reached out a hand and a green and blue glow scanned Lyla up and down. Then he produced an ultra sound window, and a duel holographic image. They were still just two under developed fetuses. But they were alive. Lyla was brought to tears, but a smile was all over her face. John hugged his ex-wife though maybe soon to be wife as he looked at the representation of his children.


    ¡°Congratulations!¡± Lash said again with a grin!


    Lash reached out with his telepathic link and called on Thea, Roy, Felicity, Sara, and Kara. They had news to share in the VIP box, he hinted that Thea may need to plan a baby shower. Thea was in the VIP box in under a minute, she tore across the club like a shark who smelled blood. When she came in she looked at Diggle, Lyla, and Oliver staring at a image.


    ¡°OH MY GOD!¡± Thea screamed and hugged Diggle and Lyla together!


    Sara, Felicity, Roy, and Kara walked in soon after. Congratulations, and cheering took place. Thea ordered some drinks up, and something fruity but none alcoholic for Lyla and they toasted to the new lives brought into the world. Though Kara was confused what a baby shower was? They explained it to her, and this was when Lyla learned who Kara was. Thankfully she didn''t scream like so many other people did but she just laughed and went back to celebrating. Kara came to sit down on the couch in the VIP room. She smiled at the soon to be family, but her shoulders slumped. She leaned up against Lash and put her head on his shoulder.


    ¡°Miss home?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes....¡± Kara said softly.


    ¡°Don''t worry. You''ll see your mother and father in a few years when the City of Argo reaches the sol system.¡± Lash replied.


    Kara popped up to her feet and stared wide eyed at Lash who had a golden light fading from his body. Sara stood frozen in the room because she had seen Lash become covered in the light. Everyone turned to look, not sure what just happened. Kara attempted to pull Lash to his feet, but was still just Earth normal currently so she accidentally fell into his lap, she didn''t care!


    ¡°What do you mean I''ll see my mother and father again when Argo reaches the sol system!¡± Kara shouted!

 Chapter 68: Over Kill

    It took a few minutes of discussing but with Sara''s help Lash was able to fully explain that he was an Oracle, or rather a mouth piece to an extra dimensional being of vast power and knowledge. Being a mouth piece he didn''t get to choose what, when, or where he said. However, with a quick call to Clark, Kara was able to confirm a single thing. Lash was the reason Clark knew Kara was on her way and was the reason Clark was able to catch her before she crashed into Earth. Kara shared with Clark that in a few years Argo city would pass through the sol system.


    Like a puff of smoke! Kara''s depression faded into the atmosphere and she gave everyone a big smile that was no longer guarded nor fake. Lash stood up and offered his hand to her and asked for a dance, which brought an even bigger smile to Kara. The entire group went down to the dance floor, the DJ recognizing Thea coming to dance put on some of Thea''s favorite music mixes. Diggle and Lyla danced together, Roy was with Thea, Oliver had Sara. Lash snagged Felicity''s hand, along with Kara''s. They began to dance in a mixture of club bass, with a bit of salsa, and swing.


    Felicity was on his left, while Kara was on his right. Lash raised his hands up and moved them into a spin then snagged their hands and pulled them in. They both propelled themselves across the dance floor into his massive chest. He then lifted them up and maneuvered them front to back with a hook of his arms. Such a move would cause a normal man to pop his shoulders out of place but to Lash it was an easy move to pull off. Kara, and Felicity circled Lash like a pair of sharks, and ran their fingers down his body like claws. They both jumped into the air and grabbed his massive shoulders and kicked their legs up into the air. He grabbed their waists and spun them in a circle. The entire dance looked rehearsed! As the majority of the club thought there was a show going on! They continued to perform what seemed to be a choreographed dance for a good ten minutes before they stopped in a pose as the song came to an abrupt end.


    Felicity blinked and looked around clearly confused, and breathless with what she had just done. She looked at Kara and saw that she had the same look? Lash turned to them both and bowed from his waist towards them. All three of them were breathing fast, but despite their clearly confused minds both women gave a curtsy to the gentleman for the dance. The entire club roared, and cheered at the dance that they had just saw. Felicity''s burned red with embarrassment, she nearly fled until Sara appeared behind her and gave her a reassuring smile. The three of them had swallowed every ones attention but now they just danced!


    Lash stayed on the dance floor for another thirty minutes, and danced with Kara for most of the time. But he made sure to snag Felicity''s attention, who''s cheeks always flushed at the attention. Eventually Lash excused himself from the dance floor, and Kara allowed him to leave. Though she did kiss him on the cheek before he left. The gesture was a bit of a surprise but Lash understood it was a gesture of friendship. Several people commented on his performance, and more than a few super-naturals in the club saluted him as he went back to the VIP room.


    Lash cast Immaculate on himself to clean up. He had been covered in sweat, and the sweet scent of perfume. It dulled his sense of smell so he removed it. He brought up Connectivity and his Virtual Intelligence tech spirits that had continued to work with his Parallel Minds active. Ding! He brought up a map and found Slade Wilson; Death Stroke. The reason why Team Arrow never found him is because he is based outside of Starling City by over fifty miles. VICI had sent a satellite image of Slade from orbit.


    Slade Wilson was 6''4¡± with blue eyes, dirty blond hair, with gray along the edges. He was built like a truck, but had the mobility of a sword master. The compound he lived at had several miles to its name where he trained his own Shadows. Unlike the League of Shadows, these Shadows answered to Slade. As Lash was looking through the schematics of the compound that he was sure were not one hundred percent accurate Oliver came up to the VIP room. As soon as he stepped through Lash sent him a holographic window of the compound.


    ¡°You found him? Less than six hours on the job and you did what we couldn''t for the past few months!¡± Oliver said, clearly impressed as he took the holographic window with him when he sat down.


    ¡°Where did you get the satellite imagery?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°From me Mr Queen!¡± VICI replied through Oliver''s holographic watch.


    ¡°Right! New asset for the League! Thank you VICI, we''ll be in your care in the future.¡± Oliver said with a smile and a face palm.


    ¡°Of course Mr Queen!¡± VICI replied, that continued to show Oliver the relevant information about the compound.


    Lash glanced at Oliver as the man ran his hands over his face in a moment of weakness. No, not weakness... Trust. Oliver trusted Lash, so he could relax around him. Oliver was the leader of Team Arrow. So he had to maintain a certain distance from his people. Even a distance from Sara in some ways. Oliver didn''t act this way with Lash. Interesting. Diggle and Lyla came up to the VIP room next and their jovial appearance melted as soon as Oliver showed the video file of Slade training a group of thirty men in hand to hand combat. Lyla for her part went straight into ARGUS business mode and started to ask questions. Oliver glanced at Diggle but before either of them could say anything, Lash began to fill her in.


    Just because she is pregnant doesn''t mean she is made out of glass. -Lash sent a telepathic message to Oliver, and Diggle. They both stiffened at having a voice in their heads for a moment, but both nodded all the same.


    2 o''clock in the morning rolled around and last call for alcohol was made in the club. But by this time Team Arrow, along with Kara, and Lash were in the Arrow bunker/club house. Oliver continued to grumble at the ''club house'' name. Lyla was on the phone with her ARGUS contacts trying to get a surveillance, and tactical team in place when asked where she got the information from. She simply said ''a giant talking lizard'' gave it to her. On any other day, to any other branch they would have called Lyla bat shit insane. But with ARGUS, with Waller? Nope! Oliver, Roy, Sara, and Diggle were in the process of suiting up. Thea was helping close the bar down but would come back to watch the show in a minute.


    ¡°So....Can I come?¡± Kara asked, Lash looked at her then at Oliver who looked at Kara.


    ¡°We could use you as back up. Do you have a suit?¡± Oliver replied. Kara perked up then looked a little deflated until.


    ¡°I can make you one.¡± Lash said.


    Kara jumped up and down a little in a very cute and adorable manner. But soon calmed down as she realized she was not showing her professional side. Though she was not even half way through her justicar training on Krypton when she had to leave. Providing support and tactical back up was a year one lesson that every young officer learned. Lash created a black leather, form fitting combat suit for Kara that came with a full tactical mask. Kara frowned at it until Lash said this wont be her actual super suit this is just for now. Kara asked for Sara''s help to put it on. It had a lot of belts and buckles!


    ¡°How are we getting out there? Slade is going to see us coming from a mile away.¡± Roy aka Arsenal asked. He wore his red leather hunting gear, strapped from top to bottom in toys, gizmos, and gadgets. Oliver looked over at Lash who smiled back.


    ¡°Do you have an open lot? I need to make something!¡± Lash said.


    ==============================================================


    Kara pulled on the form fitting leather pants that hugged her curves. She took a slow steady breath as she pushed her hair back behind her ears. Sara was on her knees helping Kara put on the combat boots that went up to mid calf. The combat suit Lash had made for her felt...Nice? It felt like a second skin that moved to accommodate her. More than once Kara blushed at the idea that Lash''s hands had made this, and she was wearing it. No! Kara shook her head to clear her thoughts.


    ¡°Do you know if....¡± Kara let the question hang in the air as she looked at Sara.


    ¡°If Lash as a girlfriend?¡± Sara finished, Kara shrunk her neck in but nodded all the same.


    ¡°Yes, several if I heard correctly. But they also have several boyfriends. He''s... Complicated. But he''s one of the best friends a girl and a woman can have in my opinion.¡± Sara said as she helped Kara put on the top of the combat gear.


    Sara didn''t say anything more about Lash, and Kara didn''t ask. They settled into a comfortable silence as Kara finished putting the gear on. When the last buckle, and zipper was in place the entire suit seem to ''shrink'' and adjust to Kara. She felt a hum of power settle though out her whole body! She knew that this was not a simple suit made on a whim. Lash put thought into this, which only made Kara blush a little more. Thankfully Lash had made a full mask that went from head to her collar, and a half hood to hide her hair. She put it on and breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°You look good! Maybe Lash could make me one too?¡± Sara said as she eyed Kara up and down.


    ¡°Something tells me he prefers function over form?¡± Kara said, and Sara smiled at her then pulled down a full length mirror in the room. Kara jumped in surprise, the entire combat suit did cover her from head to toe. But it looked like a suit of armor that did a very good job in showing off her curves.


    The entire combat suit had a full facial mask with red highlights, a single visor that could go up and down with the click of a button. Then a polymer cloth under the armor plates, down her spine that connected to the main chest piece. The armored plates formed a splint mail breast plate that fit perfectly, but allowed freedom of movement at the risk of blades slipping between the plates. But the polymer cloth acted like chain mail to prevent that very thing. The plates of armor went down her arms, and legs. With several smaller plates along the hands, and feet. The suit had three inch black heel boots for height, and traction. The heels could also retract into heel spikes and or blades. Her finger tips could extend into claws, and retract. She had two shoulder mounts for lights, and weapons, while her spine protection also housed a small energy generator.


    ¡°Yep! Definitely function over form!¡± Sara said with a smirk, and Kara shrunk her neck in and ran from the changing room hoping to flee the smirking Sara Lance aka Black Canary.


    ===============================================================


    ¡°WOW! You look good Kara!¡± Felicity practically shouted as Kara came out of the dressing room with Sara close behind. Kara had pushed back her visor so a portion of her face was revealed. She shrunk her shoulders further but whispered a thank you.


    ¡°Wait? Lash just put that together, and he spent less than ten minutes to make it?¡± Lyla said with a stunned expression.


    ¡°He may have made it quickly, but I think he had this armor design well thought out before he made it. There are a lot of gadgets tied into the armor.¡± Sara said as she joined everyone in the central computer hub.


    ¡°Where are the boys?¡± Sara asked, she noticed that Diggle, Roy, Oliver, and Lash were missing.


    ¡°Lash is building the transport in the empty lot behind the club. He said he put up an obstruction line of sight shield. So you can join them when you two were finished.¡± Felicity replied, as she sat down in her command chair and rolled her shoulders.


    Lyla, Sara, and Kara walked to back and took the secondary entrance to the outside. There they saw a twin turbine helicopter wing transport with jet engines attached to the back. It had a two seat cock pit, and a carriage that could transport about a dozen people comfortably, maybe more if they packed them in there. The transport had light armor, and a urban combat color theme. Though the entire transport seem to fade in and out of sight. Active camouflage! Lyla snagged Sara''s sleeve to steady herself.


    ¡°Do you see a helicopter jet plane too?¡± Lyla asked, hoping that she was not insane.


    ¡°Yes, Lyla I do.¡± Sara said with a laugh and helped Lyla back into the bunker.


    Team Arrow filed into the transport, while Kara sat in the cock pit with Lash and watched him fly. The loading bay doors closed and the camouflage/chameleon cloaked the vessel. The helicopter turbines barely made a sound as they reached a certain altitude then Lash activated the shutters to close off the turbines and put the jet engines on. The transport roared off into the night, the jet engines were not silent what so ever!


    ¡°How does it fit?¡± Lash asked Kara as he looked through the read outs.


    ¡°G..Great! I...Uhhh... Thank you! It''s nice!¡± Kara tried to respond but felt that G-force on her body.


    ¡°I don''t suppose we can keep this thing?¡± Diggle aka Spartan asked Green Arrow.


    ¡°Wraith said no, unfortunately! At least for now. He''s hoping once the League gets a firm foundation every city hub will have a transport just like this waiting for use.¡± Arrow responded with a smile.


    ¡°That will make it easier for us to get across the country with out having to get Flash to...Oh! Hay we slowed down!¡± Arsenal yelled, then talked normally at the end. They all heard the jet engines cut off and the helicopter turbines turn back on.


    ¡°Over Watch you online?¡± Arrow asked.


    ¡°Over Watch is here...Oh my god! You are all there already!?¡± Over watch aka Felicity shouted in their ears.


    Kara came out of the cock pit and walked to the middle of the transport. She hooked her hands into the handles above to maintain her balance. Spartan, Arsenal, Black Canary, and Arrow unbuckled from their seats and came to stand in the middle as well. Several holographic windows appeared in front of them. They all checked their communication feeds.


    ¡°You are all going to be dropped off in different insertion points. We''ll be separated by about fifty or so yards. Remember they don''t know we are coming so try your best to keep it that way. Spartan you are on Alpha, Arsenal is on Beta, Green Arrow is on Charlie, Black Canary is on Delta. Wraith, and K will be on standby. If the alarms go off they will fly in to offer support.¡± Over Watch called in their ears.


    ¡°My code name is ''K''?¡± Kara asked, clearly disgruntled.


    ¡°This isn''t your official debut, K. Its important to leave bit of anonymity.¡± Black Canary replied, K seem to accept it and kept her mouth shut.


    Lash placed the transport into ''auto'' pilot. As he used Connectivity, and Parallel Minds to keep it moving. The light inside the transport switched to a dull light green. Then Lash opened the rear hatch and walked up to Spartan who was looking for a rope to repel down on. Lash snagged his attention with a smile, a green and blue glow flowed from Lash''s hand to cover Spartan with Falling Glide.


    ¡°Don''t scream!¡± Lash said to Spartan who looked at him confused. Only to try not to scream as Lash threw him out of the transport. Everyone looked at Lash in shock, then back at Spartan as he slowly drifted to the ground.


    ¡°OK! Couldn''t you have just told me what you were about to do?¡± Spartan said through gritted teeth as he safely landed.


    ¡°Where is the fun in that?¡± Lash replied, as he synced everyone up with Temporary Pack Bond. The entire group shivered as the connection was made. Kara looked around confused, since this was the first time it had happened.


    The transport moved to the next insertion point, and Lash did the same thing to Arsenal, Green Arrow, and Black Canary. After he cast the spell on all of them they went of their own free will, though Lash did offer them the same treatment they declined. Fiddle sticks! The rear hatch closed and Kara came to sit with Lash in the cockpit as they circled the compound. Kara kept looking at Lash and back at the window. Thanks to the Temporary Pack Bond Kara was more in tune with Lash than she had thought possible. The Bond allowed everyone to have a better understanding and idea of who you were linked with. It was at that moment that Kara understood that Lash was far stronger than she believed.


    ¡°C...Couldn''t you do this entire operation by yourself?¡± Kara asked, off radio.


    ¡°Yes. But its Arrows town. I''m just here to help. Plus its good training for you. Believe me, you''ll see some action in a bit.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°But.... Why? They are risking their lives to do something you could do with one hand tied behind your back?¡± Kara asked, clearly confused by the situation. Before Lash could respond gun fire went off over the radio.


    ¡°I''ve been found! I''ve got at least four gunmen headed in my direction!¡± Arsenal called out over the radio. Then with in thirty seconds search lights turned on, and alarms sounded across the whole compound.


    Lash bumped his fist against Kara''s arm and the green and blue glow covered her. She understood what it meant and went to the rear hatch in preparation. Lash moved the transport above Arsenal''s location and put the transport into auto pilot. The rear hatch began to slowly open and Kara began to bounce on her heels with excitement and nervous tension. Her gauntlets hummed to life with electricity surging through them. Her visor went down and she jumped out of the transport to glide down from the air. Lash watched her leave and closed the door to head back to the cockpit.


    ==============================================================


    Arsenal pulled his bow back, took aim, and shot a flash bang arrow in the span of a single second. The explosion rocked the gunmen in front of him as they flopped across the ground with ringing in their ears. Gun fire zipped across the ground and trees near by. An ATV rolled up and man with a light machine gun heaved the weapon into position. Arsenal''s eyes went wide but before the bullets could fly, K crashed into the ATV and the rider. She punched him square in the chest, electricity went through his whole body and he flew almost ten feet colliding into a tree. He wouldn''t be getting up any time soon. Bullets fired at K as she took cover then the sound of a vulcan auto cannon rang above the tree line! Tracer rounds showed the path of destruction as dozens of flares went off into the night sky.


    Arsenal swallowed the bile that came into his mouth as he watched the bullets rip the gunmen into shreds. Team Arrow did their best not to take life where ever they could, but it was in this moment that Arsenal remembered that Wraith didn''t have the same moral compass as they did. The auto cannon fire stopped suddenly and the transport still nearly invisible to the eye veered to the left as a RPG flew past its wing and exploded just behind it.


    ¡°I need to move, good luck!¡± Lash''s voice came over the radio.


    ¡°Do you think he''ll be OK?¡± Kara asked Arsenal, she seemed to forget the little conversation she just had with Lash.


    ¡°I''m sure he''ll be fine!¡± Arsenal said with out a shred of doubt. He remembered seeing Wraith get hit with a uranium tank shot and walk it off.


    ================================================================


    Lash moved the transport around the compound and shot out flares into the air right above the compound to light it up, and to mark all the targets. Slade''s shadows shot into the air in a vain attempt to shoot down a near invisible plane. A few got lucky with RPG''s but the shrapnel barely did any real damage that was easily repaired. A satellite overlay went over the battlefield thanks to VICI and showed the IFF''s of everyone for Lash, and Over Watch back at the bunker. Felicity earned her name as she began to coordinate with everyone on the ground. When ever any one was under heavy fire Lash would move into to support.


    Spartan ran from tree to tree, rock to rock. Firing his pistol off in quick succession, aiming for limbs, joints, and none threatening body shots. More than once he came into close quarters and using a form of mixed martial arts and gun-kata. He used his pistol like a club, then used another shadow like a shield. He dove, ducked and rolled. During the whole process he reloaded his pistol with quick movements and moved to the next piece of cover. Flares shot over the compound revealing every shadow for Spartan''s aim!


    Black Canary being a trained assassin of the League of Shadows moved around her targets with ease. She wore a black leather outfit, with biker boots, a fake blond wig, and a black domino mask. She extended her metal bo staff and stabbed it straight into a shadows neck. A taser jolt through his whole body and he dropped like a rock. Canary blended back into the shadows before the next flare went off.


    Green Arrow out of the entire Team Arrow was an expert marksman and thanks to Lash''s optimization that only got better. Arrow had swapped his customary bow out with a stronger compound bow with more draw. He was hundreds of feet away inside a tree''s branches. He took aim, shot, and jumped to another tree. One by one shadows dropped like flies. Sometimes a shadow would shoot an RPG near his location. He would wince not out of fear, but worry. The auto cannon above them would roar and the artillery team would be obliterated. Arrow understood that they went into this operation with out a full plan because he knew that Wraith would back up their play. It was nice to have a power house in their corner.


    K and Arsenal worked very well together. Thanks to the Temporary Pack Bond they moved in sync as if they had been working together for years. K would move mere inches to her left or right and an arrow would fly past her. Arsenal would shoot an arrow into a tree and a sonic shout would knock several shadows off their feet. K would rush in and punch, kick, and shock them into submission. The duo would move on, each confrontation lasting only a few seconds.


    ¡°There is an ARGUS tactical team en route, ETA thirty minutes.¡± Lyla said over the coms.


    Lash sent a pulse of Nature Domain through the area and found a hidden passage. He flew over its location and deployed two Saurus Veterans, and a dozen Saurus Warriors with Manifestation. They began to dig down into the tunnel so they could cut off the escape route. Then he kicked the transport to do another attack run. The vulcan auto cannon began to hum and soon six thousand rounds a minute poured out. Death from above! Guard towers, outer bunkers were turned into swiss cheese!


    ¡°All teams! The outer defenses have fallen! The door is open!¡± Lash said over the coms. He got confirmations from everyone as they moved in.


    The inner complex was a little move civil and refined. With gardens, hedge mazes, and a ten foot brick wall that was easily passed by the team. Guard towers at each gate, and corner walls. Lash locked them into his targeting computer and key up his electromagnetic rifle for precision shots. The vulcan turret retracted a long single barrel switched places. Clear lines of blue light came from his location so he moved in erratic patterns. A hole the size of a quarter went through the guards, the walls, and the floors. Then Team Arrow plus K entered the inner compound. While Lash patrolled the perimeter.


    ==============================================================


    Slade Wilson; Death Stroke screamed at the top of his lungs in pure rage as his entire compound was destroyed in a few minutes! He recognized Team Arrow, but had no idea who the woman was in black combat gear or the invisible gunship that flew around! He smashed his command table and nearly cracked his teeth as he clenched his jaw. He had wanted a SAM site installed but the League of Shadows forbade the use. Something about it not being discreet.


    ¡°WHAT PART OF THIS ATTACK IS DISCREET!¡± Death Stroke yelled!


    ¡°S...Sir.... Our camera''s are going down!¡± One of his aids said from his position in the command room. Death Stroke''s men were terrified, not only of their master. But the team infiltrating their base. Team Arrow had never been this brutal!


    ¡°Execute plan Zeta-2351. Now!¡± Death Stroke said as he grabbed his one eyed helmet and put it on. His aids looked at him in disbelief but soon followed his commands. One by one the servers were being purged and destroyed. While self destruct mechanisms were se....


    ¡°Master! The self destruct code isn''t being accepted by the computer. The servers are refusing to purge their infor...WE ARE BEING HACKED! We can''t pin....BANG! BANG! BANG!¡± Before the aid could finish Death Stroke took out his Desert Eagle and shot each aid in the head. He then went to a particular wall in his office and tapped several stones in sequence. The wall slid to the side to reveal a passage. Then before he stepped in his instincts screamed at him to move!


    ¡°Shit!¡± Death Stroke screamed in surprise! Two arrows with electricity bouncing off of them zipped from the darkness and nailed themselves in the wall in the exact place Death Stroke had just recently stood. Death Stroke slammed the outer stone and the door slide closed.


    ¡°Fine! If that is the way you want to play it!¡± Death Stroke took a katana from his back, and readied his gun. Just as he reached the door to his office he heard several somethings bash against the secret door he had tried to leave through. The secret door wouldn''t hold for long.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°Camera''s have been slaved to our servers! Self destruct has been deactivated, and all files are being copied and sent to us. Death Stroke is moving through the inner rooms towards Arrow. Looks like the Shadows know they are doomed so they are attempting to flee, right into Wraith''s open arms!¡± Over Watch said over the radio.


    ¡°Copy Over Watch, moving to assist Arrow!¡± Black Canary said over the coms.


    ¡°Spartan assisting Arsenal, and K with Shadows. Good luck!¡± Spartan said in response.


    Lash listened in over the radio and continued to fly around in circles around the compound. Every once and a while a shadow would attempt to run out of the complex. A blue light in the shape of a straight line would pass directly through them. They would fall like a puppet who''s strings had been cut. His Saurus Veterans and Warriors had broken through into Death Stroke''s office and were securing the bottom floors.


    One of the large bay windows shattered as Death Stroke, and Arrow came tumbling out. Quickly followed by Black Canary. Death Stroke kept both Canary and Arrow at bay with his swords, making sure Arrow couldn''t get a shot off. A shadow came flying out of one of the other windows at a near by window in the mansion. K came flying out after him, tackled the shadow and snapped his knee at an angle that it shouldn''t go. Then shocked him into unconsciousness with her gloves. K took up a flanking position around the fight with Death Stroke but largely stayed out of the fight.


    ¡°I must have done something right! I didn''t realize you had this much pull! Kid!¡± Death Stroke yelled, and Lash heard it over the coms.


    ¡°Give up Slade! You can''t win! The only reason you''re alive is because we want you to be!¡± Arrow shouted at him.


    ¡°Aha! You can''t take me Kid!¡± Death Stroke held up his sword and pointed it at Arrow. A blue line shot from the sky, and shot the sword in half! Death Stroke to his credit didn''t even flinch he just dropped his sword and pulled out a pistol.


    ¡°Who''s your friend kid?¡± Death Stroke pointed his pistol at K who lowered her center of gravity but otherwise didn''t move.


    An audible snarl rang out from the darkness of the one of the mansions doors. An armored 6''6¡± tall Saurus Veteran stepped out into the light, a compound metal long bow in hand with an arrow knocked, electricity danced along the tip. The metallic scales on its tail rattled like a snakes. Death Stroke spun his pistol around to point at the new threat, but his entire body went rigid.


    ¡°FUCK! You went and got help from the alien!? This was private matter between you and me Kid!¡± Death Stroke yelled at Arrow. Arsenal, and Spartan soon joined the stand off.


    ¡°Slade! Stand down! I wont ask again!¡± Arrow yelled at him. Another audible growl rang from another direction. Another Saurus Veteran appeared at Death Strokes other flank, this one also had an arrow knocked.


    ¡°Fine....you win...Kid!¡± Death Stroke pulled his mask off, then pointed his gun at his own head. BANG! A shot went off, and the pistol was yanked from Death Strokes hand by K, she had put her hand between the barrel and his head. In a moment of faster than a speeding bullet.


    Arrow, and Canary rushed Death Stroke and tied him up with the help of a Saurus Veteran. While the other came to look at K''s hand, several bones were broken but the suit had absorbed the kinetic energy preventing it from piercing through her hand. K held her hand and tried to keep herself from crying from the pain. The battle was done, and so was Death Stroke.


    ==================================================================


    The ARGUS tactical unit arrived at the compound and found it eerily quiet. They rolled out of their armored vehicles and created a perimeter then slowly pushed in. They found remains of a battle, clearly Team Arrow had military support as they saw the different towers, and bunkers full of holes. The remains of human beings shredded as if they had been put through a blender. However, they did also find dozens of unconscious and injured shadow agents. A pool of darkness moved along the ground with the tactical team, and went straight into the inner complex. Then the darkness came back to the commanding officer and a young woman in tactical gear ''grew'' from the pool of darkness.


    ¡°There is some one in the middle complex tied up. Around their neck is a sign, ''For ARGUS''¡± The young woman said, her voice clearly put her as a teenager. The commander told every one to move towards the center.


    A larger than normal soldier turned his skin to metal and took the lead entering the inner complex with several soldiers behind him. As the team secured the area by the book procedures they found the evidence of a fight between humans, but also the clear mark of claws. A lot of hand to hand combat, and arrows were found at the scene. The commander made it to the inner complex and found Slade Wilson chained to a post, and unconscious. Sure enough a sign around his neck. ''For ARGUS''. He took out his phone and called the Director.


    ===============================================================


    Team Arrow was back at the bunker, recently showered, and in civilian attire. They sat around the bunker at the briefing table with dazed, exhausted, but also content expressions. Kara was asleep in her chair, her hand had been healed by Lash as soon as she had returned to the transport. The transport was taken apart as soon as they reached the bunker. Rules. ARGUS would never allow Team Arrow to keep such a thing to themselves. Until such time that the Justice League has bunkers across the globe they will have to make due with other means.


    Lyla''s phone was vibrating every few seconds with messages, and phone calls. She chose to ignore them at this time as she sat next to Diggle. Thea sat next to Roy and just held his hand and leaned on his shoulder. Oliver and Sara sat next to each other but did not touch one another, while Felicity sat between Oliver and Diggle. There was a bit of tension in the air as a few glances were sent towards Lash. They understood why Lash did what he did. But in a lot of ways he was very brutal in his methods. This entire operation could have gone side ways really quick! But it didn''t, thanks to Lash.


    Oliver looked over at Lash, he opened and closed his mouth a few times until Lash mouthed the words. ''Go home and sleep.'' Almost as if it had been said out loud everyone stood up and left. Lash gently carried Kara to her room in the barracks since they would be staying here till she woke up. Diggle, and Lyla left, along with Roy, and Thea. Oliver kissed Sara good night and saw Felicity to her car. Oliver would be heading home to his family manor.


    Lash finished tucking Kara in who murmured a thank you and fell into a deep sleep. He walked out and closed the door to her room. He saw Sara waiting by her door, she kept her eyes down but clearly she was waiting. Lash walked over to her in concern. She smiled at him and shook her head, she was fine. She bit her lip lightly and walked up to Lash, she stood on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.


    ¡°Thank you for helping. We need some one like. To do the work the rest of us can''t.¡± Sara said softly, then jumped a little when Lash hugged her. She settled quickly and wrapped her arms around him in return. She rubbed her cheeks over his chest and sighed in softly.


    ¡°I think Team Arrow is afraid of me now.¡± Lash said in a whisper.


    ¡°I''m not afraid of you...¡± Sara said, and Lash believed her.


    Sara excused herself soon after and went to bed. Lash cast Immaculate on himself to clean up. He found a reasonably comfortable chair and started to comb through the Dark Web, the world wide Web, and went through his Warden messages. He used his Parallel Minds, and Virtual Intelligence Tech-Spirits at their full capacity to look through the everything he could.


    Beep! Beep! Lash brought up a holographic screen from VICI she had finished the meta-human watch program that Cisco had made. But the program VICI had made was global. One by one glowing dots started to appear. Mutated plant life, wild life, weather phenomenon, and meta-humans. There was well over a thousand confirmed meta-human cases, several hundred in America alone. Lash vaguely remembered that most of the Users appeared during the meta-human era when the Justice League had been formed. So that meant that Lash would start to see more and more VI Avatars running around soon, if not already.


    ¡°VICI, please ensure every Justice League member is aware if there is a Dark Matter mutation in their area. Human or otherwise.¡± Lash said into the display.


    ¡°Of course creator....Should I notify Director Waller as well?¡± VICI replied, her feminine voice held a hint of curiosity.


    ¡°Wait a moment, lets discuss it with the League.¡± Lash replied and brought the instant message board. Lash created a ''thread'' of conversation and posted the information, and the question to be answered.... It took several minutes but people started to talk.


    ''Holy Mary mother of God. There are a lot out there'' -Fantasma.


    ''We should inform STAR labs about the plant, animal, and weather at the very least.'' -Wells.


    ''I''ll have to agree, STAR labs is a good medium'' -Fox


    ''VICI create a voting window for the League, if we have a majority we''ll send the relevant information to STAR labs.'' -Wraith.


    ''Confirmed Creator, the Voting Window has been created.'' -VICI.


    Over the course of the next hour nearly every Justice League member voted for yes to send the information to STAR labs. While the information on meta-humans was still being debated. Flash commented about the deal they made with ARGUS, any meta-human who broke the major laws were sent to a prison ''reform'' program. (Task force X) While those with minor infractions were given a choice to join up with ARGUS as a military Unit, or to join one of the Justice League teams. This was news to a few people.


    ''We need a training center, a place for them to learn to control their new abilities.'' -Aquawoman.


    ''We have plenty of space under water! Atlantis has a better grip on what its like to have different people as your next door neighbors.'' -Aquaman.


    ''Its a good idea, but if the public ever learned that Atlantis had a meta-human training camp/school they would assume it was for weapon testing.'' -Zatanna.


    ''How about establishing the school on the moon? Technically no one nations owns it, but its shared among the people of Earth?'' -Wraith.


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron has issued you a grand quest!


    Objective: Establish a Lunar Academy of higher Learning on the Earth''s Moon.


    Optional Objective: Find a way to terraform the moon into Earth normal conditions.


    Rewards: Will be based on how the task is completed.


    Comment: May the Legion stand united!


    Lash raised a brow as he heard Dawn''s voice tell him his new quest. He leaned back in his chair as he thought about the science behind such a move. As far as he knew there was no scientific way to pull it off. But thankfully he had access to Arcane Science. He''d have to talk to The Green about this. Ah! Which gave him a reason to track down Swamp Thing!


    ''Wraith... Mr Warden the wanker! I''m trying to decide if your pulling our chain or not!'' -Constantine.


    ''Happy to see you joined the League, John. But yes I am serious about building it on the moon.'' -Wraith.


    ''Its a good idea, but its a long term project. Let''s put it to a vote? Everyone in favor in helping to establish a school on the earths moon?'' -Green Lantern.


    ''I''ll create another voting window!'' -VICI replied.


    That vote took less time to count, and everyone awake agreed to the idea. But GL was right it was a long term goal. They needed a stop gap now. The Watch Tower would need months or even years before it was big enough to support so many people. So it had to be something on Earth. The Green Lantern Corp wouldn''t provide anything. Something about obstructing the natural evolution of a cultures growth.


    They talked for hours, as time went by people signed off to sleep, or to work. People who had not been awake caught up with the discussion. But the problem with the immediate meta-humans was the biggest issue. The Justice League wasn''t big enough to accommodate all the new people. Wonder Woman offered to take all the meta-human women to Themyscira. But what to do with all the men? Should they have VICI just send the information directly to the UN and let them handle the care, and training? Some countries would do it right, most would turn them all into weapons.


    ¡°Here...¡± Sara said to Lash as she handed him a cup of coffee.


    Lash took the cup and carefully drank it. He rolled his shoulders as he watched Sara sit down next to him. She wore a pair of work out cloths, yoga pants, sports bra top, her hair was tied up, and she had flat bottom shoes on. She sipped on her coffee and watched Lash, watch her. Her face was indifferent, but Lash saw a twinkle in her eye that said she liked that he checked her out.


    Lash was in his goth urban camo soldier outfit again, but his leather coat was tossed to the side. But unlike before his tribal marks were in full view, on his scalp, and his arms. The tribal tattoos of Technomancy which was like a circuit board glowed faintly. He had dozens of holographic windows up and they slowly circled around him. When ever a message was sent to a window it would appear in front and wait for his attention, the other windows slowly sliding off into obscurity.


    ¡°Did you get any sleep?¡± Sara asked after a few minutes.


    ¡°No, I rarely do these days. Unless I expend a great deal of energy.¡± Lash replied, Sara nodded as she filed that under important information for later.


    ¡°So when are you and Oliver getting married?¡± Lash said out of the blue. Sara choked on her coffee and nearly spit it all over Lash. She stood up and retreated so not to make a mess. Her face was flushed red but not because of the coffee.


    ¡°Woah! W...We are not...Just...Woah!¡± Sara said after a fit of coughing. Lash just laughed and continued to work. Sara glared at Lash and punched his shoulder, which proved to be a mistake as she tried to bite back a yell. Lash seem to be made out of stone.


    Sara went over to the training area with floor mats and before she could retrieve any weapons. Lash cast Phantasm, False Life, Bending, Essence Imbuement, and assigned a Virtual Intelligence to a 5''11¡± man with full league of shadow gear. The Phantasm bowed from his waist to Sara then took up a fighting stance. Sara grinned, returned the bow than with little warning sprung into action. All the while Lash continued to work.


    ===========================================================


    Felicity Smoak was exhausted as she walked into Team Arrows bunker. She had gotten about four hours of sleep, did some light exercises then got dressed to head over. She packed a set of work out cloths because she knew Sara would insist on training. Despite her clear lack of experience Felicity kinda enjoyed training with Sara. Ever since Wr...Lash had imprinted Martial Arts into Felicity she took to training like a fish in water. Her progress was slow, even though Sara constantly told her that she was making great progress.


    When she went through the double security doors she heard the shouts, and sounds of fighting in the bunker. Felicity came half way down the stairs only to freeze in shock, over a dozen league of shadow assassins were fighting against Oliver, Roy, Diggle, Kara, and Thea!? But Felicity noticed that Team Arrow had smiles on their faces, and that Lash was sitting off to the side watching the fight.


    ¡°Felicity! Get your gear on! Time to train!¡± Lash called out!


    ==============================================================


    About thirty minutes into the fight with Sara, Oliver showed up and almost shot the Phantasm attacking her. When he found out it was an illusion which Oliver took in stride he jumped into the fight and Lash made another Phantasm warrior for him to fight. Diggle, Roy, and Thea showed up soon after followed by the sleepy Kara. Lash eventually shut down all of his holographic interfaces so he could concentrate on the fight. He pulled Thea aside for a bit and used Skill Trainer to imprint Martial Arts on her. Then Felicity showed up!


    Every Phantasm warrior synced to the skill level of the one they fought. So Thea, and Felicity essentially got a drunk, slow, dim witted warrior each. While the rest got fully trained martial warriors. The warriors never went for the kill, they would simply force them into submission then fade into smoke and appear outside the combat ring waiting for another challenge. This happened a lot! Out of everyone Kara got the most frustrated. Last night her Kryptonian DNA had stopped Slade Wilson from killing himself. But she still didn''t have a handle on her powers that would grow, and grow with time. She was about 2.8 times stronger than an average person right now. The Phantasm Warrior used speed, and skill to keep out of her reach, and force her into arm locks. Using her over whelming strength against her.


    ¡°Time!¡± Lash called out and all the Phantasms popped into smoke and shadow and merged with Lash. They had all been training for hours, but Thea and Felicity only for about an hour. This was enough time for them.


    ¡°So....E...Every Warrior you make has the same skill set as you?¡± Diggle asked between gulps from a water bottle.


    ¡°Yes, but I can also adjust them to the skill level of those they fight.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Thanks for that!¡± Thea said as she plopped on the floor mat.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you can leave one of those here so we can train with it?¡± Roy asked as he brought a water bottle over to Thea who thanked him profusely.


    ¡°I believe I can make a device that could generated a single warrior for training purpose. It would not be to the same degree of skill, and control of the ones I directly control. But it should be enough for training.¡± Lash replied as he begun to think of the item.


    ¡°W...Why did I keep losing?¡± Kara asked, clearly frustrated.


    ¡°Kara, you are clearly stronger than the rest of us. So the best way to defeat a stronger opponent is to use their strength against them.¡± Sara replied as she came over to her.


    ¡°So the warrior used skill, speed, and locks to remove your strength and throw you off balance.¡± Oliver followed up.


    ¡°Also you were not the only one losing! I don''t know about the rest of you, but that thing kicked my ass more than once!¡± Felicity said. Everyone laughed, but had to agree. If this had been a real fight the illusion warriors would have killed them.


    Lash raised his hands up into the air and cast his favorite spells. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. He cackled with laughter as the entire group including Kara succumbed into puddles of pleasure and a bit of moaning! Team Arrow proceeded to throw what ever they could at him as he fled the bunker for ''safety''.


    About an hour later Kara came out with the rest of Team Arrow. They all had a healthy dose of ''I want to fucking kill you'' glares at Lash who took with with a smile and a bow. Kara wore black boots, khaki pants, a blue tank top, and her leather coat from the Kent farm, along with a back pack. She hugged everyone and saved their phone numbers into her holographic. They were leaving today, Lash had bought train tickets to take them down to San Francisco. They could have flown, they could have taken the Warden Portals. But Lash wanted to show Kara one of the more primitive methods of travel that the mundanes took.


    Out of everyone in Team Arrow, Sara was the only one who came up and gave Lash a goodbye hug. She continued to glare at him for his antics but couldn''t stay mad at him forever. Lash hugged her back and laughed at the clear heated glares from the team. Sara hugged Kara one last time, then they were off. Lash contacted a civilian driver taxi service and they were taken to the train station. Kara made sure to stay as far away as possible from Lash, and kept her eyes out the window. Lash kept his mouth shut, but kept his grin the whole time.


    When they arrived at the train station Kara looked around at the massive building and the exchange of people. Lash paid and tipped the driver with a few extra twenties that made the driver very happy. The driver wished them a happy trip and drove off. Lash offered his arm to Kara who begrudgingly accepted. The Starling City train station had recently been renovated after the glades earth quake. Thankfully the tidal wave did not make it this far inland. Thanks to the recent production of Wayne Tech holographic projections most of the train schedule could shown almost anywhere. Someone could hold their ticket in the air and ask for a time. A computer would scan the ticket and show the passenger the requested information.


    ¡°Did they have train stations on Krypton?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious.


    ¡°We did, but they were mostly for show. A way to relax and show off the different cities to people. Why take a train when you can take a transport and make it in 1/4th the time.¡± Kara replied, then squeaked in surprise at a stuffed animal vendor for travelers. She dragged Lash over and asked to have the giant lion cub.


    Lash paid for the stuffed animal, and bought some later lunch for Kara. By the time they came to the first class seats on the train Kara was not as angry at Lash as she had been. She asked questions about how fast the train could go, was surprised to find out that it cost money to ride the train. Public transportation on Krypton had been free to its citizens. The train started up and their journey continued. It would be later evening, early morning the next day when they arrived in San Francisco. Lash thought ahead and arranged for transportation, reservation at a very nice super-natural hotel, also informed the Warden HQ in the area that he would be arriving and was on quasi-vacation.


    A family of three sat in the seats next to them, and Kara spent the next few hours talking to the kids who ranged from seventeen to twelve. A young man who was the former fell head over heels for Kara, and a little girl. While the husband and wife spoke to Lash. Lash played the part of an adopted uncle for Kara and was taking her across the US for a tour of her new home. Kara had a very clear accent that the parents couldn''t place but understood the situation.


    Lash bought the whole family dinner, along with Kara and himself. Food was served, drinks were had, and enjoyable conversation was shared. It was nice to be ''normal'' for a bit even if it was a lie. Lash showed the little girl a few magic ''tricks'' and created a metal superman out of a spoon. Even included the spoons made in china on the foot of the model. The little girl lost her mind at the trick, even Kara was confused on how it happened.


    As the sun set, the dinner plates were clean up. The train dimmed its lighting and people started to doze off. Kara leaned up against Lash''s arm and set her head on his shoulder. A blanket wrapped around her. She slept lightly, but would partially wake up with every rock of the train as it went along the tracks. The entire train shook rather abruptly, and woke everyone up in the cabin. The parents of the family encouraged them all to go back to sleep. But Lash''s Danger Sense had gone off. Something was going on.


    ¡°Kara....Wake up.¡± Lash said gently.


    ¡°Hmmmm....F...Five more minutes Dad...Please.¡± Kara mumbled in her sleep. Though she didn''t say it loudly. Lash visibly flinched at the word ''Dad''. Then the entire train shook again, this time harder. Kara stirred in her sleep and rubbed her eyes.


    ¡°What''s going on?¡± Kara asked with a yawn, she stretched out and let her blanket fall down. Lash stood up and pressed his palm on the train wall and sent his Technomancy through the it...


    ¡°The train is being attacked...¡± Lash said softly, but just loud enough for Kara to hear him. She bounced to her feet and looked around, poised to jump into action.


    =================================================================


    The train was moving quickly through the country side, it was pitch black except for the few lone street lights they passed on the country roads. Above the train a high speed helicopter flew, as it unloaded its passengers onto the train itself. A single person had jumped first and tied a line to the train to create a stable connection between the two. The rest of the team, all nine followed after. Once they were all hooked to the train via magnetic hand locks they unhooked the helicopters line and watched it back off into the night. It would be back to pick them up.


    They shuffled in between two cars and moved into the cargo space, closing the door behind them. One of the team popped a few glow sticks and threw them around to create ambient light. All of them stayed in their tactical gear except one man. He took his off as if it was a rag unworthy of touching him. This man was 5''11¡±, with blue eyes, and near blond to platinum hair. He had a tailored suit on with coat tails, cuff links, and a cane with a jewel embedded on it. The entire suit must have cost a fortune.


    ¡°Vertigo! You should stay in disguise.¡± A woman''s voice called.


    ¡°That is Count Vertigo, to you. Peasant!¡± The man said with stiff voice, as he turned his nose up at the tactical team around him.


    ¡°I think the Count as the right idea. We''ll blow this train up in the end any ways? Who cares if we are seen?¡± A nearly eight foot tall man said. He reached up and tore his cloths off to reveal the meta-human ''Brick''. Red skin, white dread lock hair. His Superhuman Durability, and strength gave him the appearance of a giant wall


    ¡°Do as you please... But the rest of us will keep our identities a secret.¡± Said the first woman, as she replaced her tactical mask with a cheshire cat mask, and pulled out a collapsible katana.


    ¡°Find our target.¡± Cheshire said softly to her other seven companions that kept their gear on.


    ¡°The target is in the last car on the train, in first class. We have just entered the tunnel under the mountain. We have thirty minutes to pull this off then leave.¡± The League of Shadows Assassin said to Cheshire.


    ¡°Lets move!¡± Brick said with a laugh and began to rip the door apart to the next car....And the next.


    ============================================================


    ¡°What do you mean the train is being attacked? Why is it being attacked? I thought this was a passenger train? Who is important enough to ride a public train?¡± Kara asked, these were all important questions.


    Lash access the trains passengers log and went through them all one by one as quickly as possible. He received several experience prompts from the fast acting method of his search until he found a match. Two cars ahead in first class in the VIP section the entire car had been reserved. Several armed military trained body guards waited at attention, while several others cared for a small girl. This girl was Princess Perdita, that last true heir to the country Vlatava. She had a heart condition and was being moved in secretly to the San Francisco''s hospital for an emergency transplant.


    ¡°Well that''s not good.¡± Lash said as he turned to Kara.


    ¡°Well time to suit up!¡± Lash said as he pulled the privacy curtain over and started to remake Kara''s gear. But a single question was on Kara''s mind. Where was she going to change if Lash was in the room with her!?

 Chapter 69: Princess of Vlatava

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    ¡°Hello everyone! Welcome back to the ''Tonight Show!'' I''m your host! Brad the Chad!¡± Brad said with a smirk as the audience laughed at his lame joke. Brad was in his later thirties, wearing a cheap tailored blue and gray suit. He stood at 5''11¡± with blue eyes, brown hair, and athletic figure.


    ¡°We have a very special guest with us tonight! Billionaire, philanthropist, genius, one of the most eligible bachelors in all of the world. Lex Luthor everyone!¡± Brad said with a forced smile, and started to clap as the audience joined him. Lex came out onto the stage to shake hands with Brad. Lex was 6''2¡± with green eyes, and a bald head. He wore a very expensive three piece gray pin striped suit. His eyes were almost predatory, but he held a smile on his face as he looked around the room and sat down at the insistence of Brad.


    ¡°So, Mr Luthor! We''ve been trying to get you on the show for months! But of course some one of your capabilities is of course terribly busy. We are so happy that you were able to spare some of your valuable time to come talk to us!¡± Brad said, as he tried to seem at ease in his seat as he spoke to someone that made more in a minute than he did all year.


    ¡°It''s my pleasure, Mr Chad! But yes my family and I have been incredibly busy planning for the next Technology conference to happen in the fall of this year.¡± Lex replied with a smirk, and the audience let out a laugh at the follow up joke. Something about a billionaire telling the joke made it all the more funny.


    ¡°Yes the Tech conference! This one is said to be even more important than the ones before! The Alien, Agent Wraith of the UNWS is said to be attending! Along with the newest nation in the UN, Atlantis! Lex-Corp, along with Wayne Enterprises are the main supporters of the Tech Conference. Though there are over a dozen other companies that are contributing. Like America''s favorite Big Belly Burger!¡± Brad said, a smile on his face as he patted his stomach at the mention of Big Belly Burgers.


    ¡°Yes, Lex-Corp, along with Wayne Enterprises is in the process of renovating several hotels, and local real estate to host the different nations in Metropolis! We hope all of the visiting nations, businesses, charities, and people enjoy their time at the conference. As we make an effort to change the world for the better!¡± Lex said with another amiable smile that made more than a few ladies blush.


    ¡°Mr Luthor! We have several questions here that were asked by our viewers! We were wondering if you would have time to answer a few of them?¡± Brad said as he pulled out several cards.


    ¡°Please, by all means!¡± Lex said, as he glanced around the room then back at Brad.


    ¡°Ahem! Dear Mr Luthor, is there someone special in your life? If not, are you looking?¡± Brad said the question in a horrible attempt as a woman''s voice. Lex took out a handkerchief and cleaned his brow in a comical fashion of embarrassment.


    ¡°Unfortunately there isn''t any one special in my life. I am married to my work. But, I of course wont say not to the idea of love. Hopefully there is someone out there who will take me, for me.¡± Lex said, and several ladies in the audience said they were available!


    ¡°Next we have a very important question. Mr Luthor! You have been called the Smartest man alive. What is your IQ?¡± Brad said as he flipped the card down across the desk.


    ¡°Approximately 225, though it goes up a little more every year!¡± Lex said, a little to quickly.


    ¡°Just like your age! Or.... Maybe not! I''ve heard that your ''Anti-Aging'' pill was passed by the FDA. Is it true that it adds thirty or so years to your life as long as you take it regularly?¡± Brad said, he leaned forward with a little more attention than needed.


    ¡°Well it hasn''t been thirty years yet! But the test results look promising. The Agent Wraith used my sister Lana, and my self as the first to experience for an extra ten years of youth. It was because of this experience that we will able to produce this medical treatment.¡± Lex said, with a smile that truly reached his eyes this time.


    ¡°I wasn''t going to say anything, but now that you mention it. You do look younger, Mr Luthor.¡± Brad said, as he clicked a remote and brought up a before and after photo of Lex. Lex Luthor had always taken care of himself with the best things money could buy. But with a careful eye people could see a difference.


    ¡°So, the pill Lex-Corp has made slows aging. But the Alien known has Wraith can give back ten years? I think Agent Wraith just became one of the most wanted men alive!¡± Brad said with a smile and a laugh. Several women, and men in the crowd cheered.


    ¡°So, we have time for one more question. Its a doozy! Ahem! Mr Luthor, in a hypothetical situation. Who would be more of a threat to the world, Superman? Or Agent Wraith?¡± Brad said, the audience grew quiet. That was an odd question to ask.


    ¡°In this hypothetical situation, I can only give a hypothetical answer. In one hand we have the man of steel, the big blue boy scout, Metropolis very own hero, Superman!¡± Lex said with a smile that didn''t reach his eyes. Most of the audience cheered for Superman.


    ¡°Then we have in the other hand. Agent Wraith who works for the United Nations World Security, the big talking lizard, the Angel of Life and Death, the forest ranger of Northern Africa, Wraith!¡± Lex continued, as some but not all of the audience cheered.


    ¡°Superman acts the part of the incorruptible symbol of truth, justice, and the dream for a better tomorrow. A ''Man'' that helps every man, woman, child, and senior. He does all of this with out asking for anything in return. But, is also capable of mass destruction, vast power with no control or capable persecution.¡± Lex said, the last few sentences with a bit of bitterness.


    ¡°Then we have Agent Wraith, often referred to as the symbol of adaptation, evolution, and change! An alien who claims to have been born on our planet. An alien that helps every man, woman, child, and senior, as long as he is allowed to. But, Wraith hypothetically is doing all of this for a reason. To obtain citizenship on our fair planet Earth. Who is also capable of mass destruction, has vast power, and is partially capable of persecution.¡± Lex said, the last few words with a thoughtful expression.


    ¡°Let me conclude this hypothetical situation with another. Out of Superman, and Wraith, who is the ''Safest'' Alien to have in our world?¡± Lex said, he looked around the room and most if not all of the audience, technical support for the show, and Brad the Chad had a look of deep contemplation....


    ¡°Well! That is all the time we have! Thank you for joining us, Mr Luthor! I''m Brad, goodnight America!¡± Brad said, his brows scrunched as he was still lost in thought.


    =============================================================


    Clang! The League of Shadows short blade bounced off of Lash''s forearm with a resounding chime through the entire cabin. The Shadow bounced back several feet while their partner stepped in like a danced partner and brought their daggers to attempt to find a space in Lash''s armor. Lash reached out with his hand, and used his Telekinesis to throw the other shadow through a train window. Have you ever seen a glob of playdough fit through a triangle shaped hole? The shadow did make it through the window, just not with their arms still attached.


    The entire economy filled train car was filled with screams, and sobs as the civilians did their best to hide, and stay under cover as five... now four shadows tried to get past Lash. Lash had used his Transformation to take on his Lash/Saurian hybrid shape, his shadow and smoke wraith shroud billowed off of him making his body language hard to read.


    ¡°Agent K! The other five aren''t with me, they should be coming to you!¡± Lash said loudly over his none existent communication. He had sent a telepathic message to Kara with in seconds of encountering the Shadows. But they didn''t need to know that.


    Lash let out a loud bellow and used Intimidating Shout, the shadows stiffened in response and Lash sprinted towards them with his claws extended. He raked his claws through two of the other four shadows tearing flesh, and bone apart like kindling. Fountains of blood blossomed and covered him and several civilians in blood. The civilians would need a lot of therapy once they lived through this.


    The last two shadows pulled out compact sub-machine guns and pulled the trigger. Only to have the weapons not fire as Lash had magnetically locked the hammers with his Technomancy Domain passives. They tried to run but Lash pounced on one of them and the force of the impact broke his targets neck leaving a large impact crater in the floor of the train. The last shadow ran through the previous compartment and did a very un shadow like thing. They started to scream in terror!


    Lash jumped to all fours and tore after the shadow, his claws left huge gashes in the ground behind him as he jumped through the air and pounced on top of the shadow. He opened his jaws and bit down, tearing out flesh, bone, and soul. Soul Bite activated, and he began to absorb the memories and experience of the shadow through Dream Eater. The target, the reason, names of the whole team.


    I''ve got the rest trying to tear down the door to the last VIP train car, several are on the roof trying to get in. -Kara sent through the Temporary Pack Bond.


    Coming to you now. -Lash replied as he moved to the space between the train cars and started to run along the roof tops.


    Lash ground to a halt before he even made it across the first train car. Several electronic beeps went across his senses. They all seem to be saying in soft whispers. ''Hay I''m a bomb! Are you a bomb too? Yep! I''m a bomb! We will all be bombs together'' Lash snarled and reached out with Connectivity, Energy Manipulation, Bending, and Alteration. Tendrils of near invisible energy reached threw the train cars to the explosives, turned them off and blocked any chance of receiving a signal. As much rush as he was in Lash took his time through each train car the shadows had been in to remove the danger of the bombs.


    =============================================================


    ¡°Wow! You must have been expensive! Tell you what sweet thing, step aside and Daddy will play with you later!¡± Brick the meta-human said with a laugh as he faced off against Kara in the VIP room. How did it get like this? Kara asked herself.


    ***** 15 minutes earlier*******


    Lash had surprised Kara when he asked her to get changed in the small private room of the VIP area that she shared with Lash. She was most definitely not going to change in front of Lash! Plus it had taken several minutes to put her suit on last time, and that was with Sara''s help! Kara''s entire face was red as a tomato, she stuttered and failed to say anything. Lash looked at her, and seem to realize what the issue was. He laughed and gave Kara a smile that she had come to both love and loath.


    ¡°Raise your hands up like a T. I''ll just paint it on, it will take a bit longer but you won''t have to get changed with me in the room with you.¡± Lash said with a smirk as he reached his hands out and started to create the suit on top of Kara''s cloths.


    Kara breathed a sigh of relief, but some small part of her was a little disappointed? NO! Kara shook her head to clear it. She was not thinking about that right now, she had to get her head on straight. She raised her arms up in the shape of a T and watched in fascination as Lash spread his hands out, tiny tendrils of green and blue energy extended from his whole body. Little by little the suit Kara had wore with Team Arrow was placed over her. From her feet to her head, then she realized the cloths she had been wearing were being removed and set aside in their private cabin. Kara blushed again at the idea that Lash was undressing her.


    Once Kara was finished, Lash reached up to his head and like pulling a zipper he revealed the scaled hybrid shape of Agent Wraith that she had seen many times before on the news. His skin peeled away to reveal forest green metallic scales, clawed hands and feet. A short snout, four reptilian yellow and green eyes, and a blade like tail. Covered in hellish looking plate mail. Then to top it all off his shroud flowed off his body like an animated coat.


    Lash pulled the privacy curtain aside, and Kara found the sweet family were asleep in their own cabin. Lash said he put them to sleep with something and they would be safer this way, but just in case we did buckle them up. Kara followed behind La...Wraith as they walked towards the last VIP car. Kara would have to get use to calling people by their super names, she needed to get use to that.


    Kara felt like she had walked through a cold shower, as fuzzy feeling settled over her. Lash told her it would keep them hidden from the public eye, Kara couldn''t believe no one saw them as they walked through the train cars. They eventually reached the last car and walked into the room. Kara saw at least two dozen trained bodyguards stand at the ready, while a few more guarded the last private box.


    ¡°Gentlemen hello, I am Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security, this is my partner Agent K. Apologizes for the sudden introduction, but the train has come under attack. They are after your package.¡± Wraith said in his animal like voice. Kara felt the fuzzy feeling leave her and realized they had just appeared in front of everyone. Wraith had waved his hands out and for some reason all the bodyguards took the whole situation in calm collected stride. How did Wraith do that? Kara wondered.


    An older man, with a gray suit and glasses came out and shook Wraith''s hand. They brought us into a room where a small girl was partially awake, but looked like she was in pain waved at us both. The man from before was the Vice-Minister of the country Vlatava. This was Princess Perdita, she had a weak heart and was traveling to San Francisco for a heart transplant. They had moved by train because it seemed like the least likely way of travel for someone like them. A safe bet! There were many foreign powers, and corrupt people of their own nation that didn''t want to see Princess Perdita survive to see her sixteenth birthday. She would be old enough to be named Queen at that age.


    ¡°Agent K will stay in the VIP car with you as extra security. I''m going to go meet our guests and see if I can''t slow them down.


    ¡°Th...T...Thank you...F...For the help.¡± Perdita said between gasps for air. The assigned nurse put the breathing mask back on to the little girls face, and Kara''s heart melted at the sight. She clenched her fist and followed Lash out of the cabin.


    The bodyguards started to set up defensive positions and took out their weapons. Wraith reached out and touched Kara, she felt a rush of energy pour through her whole body. She could move faster, jumper higher, and hit harder. Then Wraith linked their minds together like they had done at Death Stroke''s compound.


    ¡°Cat''s Grace. I''m going to say hello to our guests. Be back in a bit!¡± Wraith said with a laugh as he clapped Kara on the shoulder.


    ¡°Be careful!¡± Kara said softly.


    ¡°Always!¡± Wraith said in reply and left the VIP car.


    ******Current Time********


    Brick swung his massive fists and Kara jumped over his shoulder as if he was a jungle gym. She twisted her body up, over, and back down. Then she drove her foot into the back of Brick''s leg forcing him to his knees. She made the shape of a knife with her hand and struck the side of his neck with all the force she could bring. WACK! An audible pop rang out in the VIP cabin, as an electrical blue spark shot out from Kara''s gauntlet and Brick''s neck.


    ¡°D...Damn....That ain''t right...¡± Brick grumbled and fell over face first into the floor.


    ¡°Must I do everything myself!¡± A man with an arrogant tone in his voice said behind Kara.


    Suddenly with out warning the whole room began to spin! Down was up, the walls became the floor! Kara dropped to her knees and gripped her head. She flopped and rolled across the room, as did the other bodyguards. People screamed in panic, and soon groaned in pain. A well dressed man stepped over Kara and turned his nose from her as if she was to dirty to even be looked at by him. Then a scream, the scream of a scared little girl went off as the man got closer to the last room.


    ¡°Noooooo! I won''t let you!¡± Kara screamed, and for a brief moment Kara was off the ground and flying towards the man. She didn''t know how, or why. But she flew across the train car and tackled the man.


    ¡°Gaaah! Unhand me peasant!¡± Vertigo screamed. Kara wrapped her arms around Vertigo''s neck, and put him into a choke hold! The waves of Vertigo started up again, this time even more intense! But Kara refused to let go! Soon her vision grew narrow, than turned to darkness, then she was unconscious.


    ============================================================


    ¡°Cough...Cough... This irritable peasant! How dare you lay your hands on me!¡± Vertigo said, poison practically dripping with every word as he slowly stood up.


    ¡°Awww... Did the Count ruin his nice cloths? We said to wait until we have cleared the room. Only yourself to blame.¡± Cheshire said with a laugh as she sauntered into the room.


    The room was quiet except for the ragged breathing of Vertigo. The bodyguards, Kara, the medical staff, and Brick were down on the ground unconscious. Vertigo was straightening his cloths out, while Cheshire and the last three shadows moved into the room to secure it. The last shadow to enter the room took a bag from their back and started to post explosive charges around the floor, and ceiling. Another came to Cheshire and whispered into her ear.


    ¡°What do you mean we lost contact with the other team? Tch! We have company¡± Cheshire said with a growl.


    ¡°And here I thought the League of Shadows was the best in the world. So far I''ve bee...Gaaaaah!¡± Vertigo said with a sneer, then a scream as his whole body was lifted off the ground and pulled towards the door that leads to the other passenger cars.


    ¡°Vertigo!¡± Cheshire called out, but stepped back and lowered her center of gravity. She took out her collapsible Katana and stood at the ready. The other shadows doing the same.


    ¡°Un hand you M...No! No Please! NoooaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!¡± Vertigo tried to say, then he started to scream. An audible crunch sounded out and Vertigo stopped making any more noise.


    An animal growl sounded from the other car, as smoke and shadow flowed across the floor boards of the VIP car. It writhed, and slithered across the ground like a pile of snakes, stomp...stomp....stomp, always followed by the sound of claws scrapping across the floor. With every foot stomp the Shadows hardened their resolve. First they saw Vertigo come from the door way, he was frothing at the mouth, with his eyes rolled back into his head. A giant clawed hand held his head up like a beach ball and used him as a shield. Behind Vertigo who''s feet were dragging across the floor stood Wraith, his four eyes peering out from the darkness of his hood.


    ¡°Cheshire... Heard a lot about you from your fellow shadows on the train.¡± Wraith said, his voice grating on the ears. Cheshire swallowed but answered in a calm voice.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, I''ve heard of you as well. I apologize we didn''t know you had been assigned security to our target. Had we known we never would have come.¡± Cheshire said, speaking honestly. The League of Shadows had a no hands on policy when it came to Wraith. Beep-Beep-Boop! All of the explosives in the train car went from standby to off. The tech Shadow flinched as he looked back to the explosives then back to Wraith.


    Wraith walked into the VIP train car fully at this point. His massive eight foot frame, and shroud swallowed one side and made the air grow tense. He tossed Vertigo aside as the Count of Vlatava collided into a wall and broke his nose, and maybe his jaw. He collapsed in a fleshy heap, but was still alive. Cheshire looked at Vertigo, then made an unexpected move she quickly put away her blade and stood up straight.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you''ll allow us to leave?¡± Cheshire asked, the other Shadows looked sideways at her.


    ¡°Yes... But I''m keeping them.¡± Wraith replied, while gesturing towards Vertigo, and Brick. Wraith stood to one side of the door and gestured with his clawed hand for them to leave.


    ¡°The others in my team?¡± Cheshire asked, still poised to attack or flee.


    ¡°What other team members? All I found were terrorists planting explosives on the train.¡± Wraith said, a growl deep in his chest.


    ¡°Ah! Yes of course, my mistake.¡± Cheshire said, she gave her team hand signals and they sheathed their weapons.


    One by one the Shadows passed by Wraith who let them pass. Cheshire was last, but as she passed by Wraith leaned forward his snout inches from her face. To her credit Cheshire didn''t jump away, though her entire body went rigid she didn''t move. Wraith inhaled slow and deep, memorizing her scent.


    ¡°Perhaps we could get dinner first before we go any further.¡± Cheshire said with a bit of sarcasm.


    ¡°I''ll look forward to it....Jade.¡± Wraith whispered softly in her ear. Cheshire heart froze at the sound of her name from Wraith''s mouth.


    Wraith turned his back to her and moved into the room to check on Kara. His tail, and the tipped blade passed by Jade and nearly cut open her arm. But Cheshire kept perfectly still at the realization that Wraith knew who she was. She closed her eyes and slowed her breathing, then returned to being the team captain of the Shadows. She turned on her heel, bowed at a ninety degree angle then ran off to join her team. Just as the train exited the mountain tunnel.


    Lash glanced back at her as she left, and grinned in satisfaction. He spread his arms out and cast a area of effect spell cast. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. Though he did exclude Brick, and Vertigo. One by one the bodyguards started to wake up, but Kara was first. She looked up at him and through she wore a mask Lash could tell she was smiling. He offered her a hand up and she accepted. Kara went to check on Perdita as Lash created meta-human inhibitors, and hand cuffed Brick, and Vertigo. Though it wasn''t much use on Vertigo. Lash had ripped out the bio-implant that Vertigo used to amplify his power. Now all Vertigo could do was cause a slight head ache. If he ever woke up again that is.


    Lash heard the sound of the helicopter approaching and the last four shadows leaving. The training continued on to the next train station with out exploding. Brick soon woke up and started to scream in panic at the sight of Wraith in the train car with him. Lash made a simple gesture and took Brick''s voice away temporarily with Silence. Kara came out of the VIP carriage and walked up to Lash, she leaned in and softly spoke.


    ¡°Princess Perdita is asking for you.¡± Kara said, Lash nodded and followed her into the VIP cabin.


    Princess Perdita was a small child with long blond hair, green eyes, and a noble disposition. She had grown up fast in her home country when her parents had been taken from her. Thankfully she had several ministers and guardians around her that only wanted to see her happy and safe. But with all that said, Perdita had to grow up fast. She sat up in her bed, and had squared her shoulders. Thanks to Lash''s spell work she was feeling better than she had in a long time. But her heart was still weak. Lash stood at a respectful distance, took a knee, and made a hand gesture over his heart in near perfect imitation to Vlatava''s etiquette. Internet search engine to the rescue for culture and customs! Predita''s eyes went wide, but her smile was full of youthful vigor and innocence.


    ¡°Please rise, Sir Wraith. I am in your debt, as well as your partner Agent K.¡± Perdita said in a soft but clear voice. Lash stood up, he towered over the Princess but she didn''t seem to mind. Kara stood next to Lash, and kept quiet.


    ¡°I shall have to thank the UN for assigning you as extra security. It seemed we needed it, I knew that my cousin Count Vertigo wanted the throne. But I didn''t think he would go to such lengths. Its unfortunate we do not have any proof of his actions.¡± Perdita said with a frown.


    ¡°Proof? But he''s here? He attacked us! Isn''t that enough?¡± Kara asked, clearly confused.


    ¡°No, Vertigo could play it off that he was kidnapped and brought here against his will. He could claim that he was here to protect Princess Perdita, and simply been taken by surprise. It''s paper thin, and anyone with a pair of eyes, and ears would call it a bald face lie. But Vertigo has a lot of support in their country. Which is also why he is still alive, if I had killed him it would have caused a lot of problems at the UN, and in Vlatava.¡± Lash replied, his voice still animalistic, but softer in Perdita''s presence.


    ¡°Agent Wraith is correct, Agent K. We would need Vertigo on record... What is it?¡± Perdita said, then asked her Vice-Minister. The Vice-Minister walked over with a holographic phone and showed a video file sent by an ''anonymous'' sender. But the ghost mark of a Alice in Wonderland Cheshire cat face was on the file.


    ''We just want you to be clear, Count Vertigo. What are you asking us to do?'' -said a woman''s voice.


    ''Then I will be clear! I Count Vertigo, the rightful heir, and future ruler of Vlatava want my bitch of a cousin to die! I want to be there, and choke the life out of her myself! I will kill her! I want your help to do it! Is that clear enough!'' -said a holographic video recording of Vertigo.


    ¡°Yes! I think that will be perfect!¡± Lash said with a smile, revealing a bit of fang.


    ¡°Vice-Minister Lazlo save that file and send it back to our homeland immediately. Also send a copy to our Agent Wraith here. May I trust that you will you send it to the right people Agent Wraith?¡± Perdita said with a smile.


    ¡°Yes, highness that can easily be done.¡± Lash replied with a bow.


    ===============================================================


    ¡°Damn it people! What is going on with you lately! You all cant rely on a big story to just fall into your lap every time! We need something big! Something political! Full of intrigue, drama, and something that will bring our readers back to the Daily Planet!¡± Perry the chief editor of Daily Planet yelled out his top journalist.


    ¡°Kent! Where are we with the missing person reports after the tidal wave incident? Did you find out why it keeps going up?¡± Perry yelled at Clark Kent who winced at his name being called.


    ¡°Yes chief! Several gangs, and cartels are using the missing persons to create a string of human trafficking. I have all...¡± Clark tried to finish before Perry cut him off.


    ¡°GREAT! Type it up, and have it on my desk in hour!...NOW Kent!¡± Perry yelled, and Kent excused himself to go write the report.


    ¡°Lois....Lois....LOIS!?¡± Perry shouted at Lois who was on her phone with a stupid grin on her face.


    ¡°Oh sorry Chief! I just got a big story that just fell into my lap.¡± Lois said with a smug grin, as she looked up at Perry.


    ¡°Well! Don''t just sit there, tell us about it!¡± Perry shouted, saliva spraying across the table. A few people lifted their laptops to shield themselves.


    ¡°About Princess Perdita that last true heir of the country Vlatava was almost assassinated by her cousin Count Vertigo. While she was traveling to San Francisco for an emergency surgery for her weak heart. And who protected her? Agent Wraith, who is the one that sent a video file of Count Vertigo admitting to the assassination attempt?¡± Lois held up her holographic phone and played the video.


    ¡°Now that! That is what I am talking about! Look at Lane everyone! See how a story just fell into her lap! What about the rest of you! Where is your story!?¡± Perry shouted, and everyone in the room rolled their eyes.


    ===============================================================


    The train came to a stop in San Francisco and was swarmed by emergency response teams. Police department, Fire department, FBI, and a small ARGUS team rushed towards the train and started to practically pull the train apart. Agent Wraith, and ''Agent K'' escorted Princess Perdita and her group to the hospital under police escort. Brick, and Vertigo was handed off to ARGUS. Perdita was in the hospital awaiting her surgery when the Vice-Minister came into her room filled with tears. Someone had sabotaged the medical transport that was en route. The heart was gone. Agent K who was still in the room with Perdita asked if Wraith could see Perdita''s medical file.


    Lash stood in the VIP room with the Kara, Perdita, Lazlo the Vice-Minister, and several bodyguards as he looked through Perdita''s medical file. She had a rare blood, and tissue disorder that made finding a viable donor nearly impossible. It seems that if the assassination attempt failed, the heart was meant to be destroyed. Lash didn''t think that the Shadows would do that? Maybe they would? But more thank likely Vertigo anticipated failure and set up a back up plan.


    ¡°Wraith...What do you think?¡± Agent K/ Kara asked, her voice gentle as she held Perdita''s hand. Kara was still in her combat suit and had made no move to remove it until Lash told her otherwise.


    ¡°Yes! Should be fine. Can you ask the hospital for an operating room. We can do it as soon as the room is ready.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Wait! You can fix her!?¡± The Lazlo all but screamed.


    ¡°Yes, shouldn''t be an issue.¡± Lash said, he ran Insight over Lazlo the man came off as friendly, and his disposition said he was happy and grateful. So that meant he was not an enemy. Lash had checked Perdita''s entire staff for possible issues. Everyone loved her, and wanted her happy and safe. Good people!


    ¡°We read about your time at the Veterans Hospital in Metropolis. But we didn''t read anything about organs. Or we would have asked for you specifically.¡± Perdita said with a smile.


    ¡°Well don''t spread it around, I''m not suppose to fix everyone. Rules.¡± Lash said with a shrug.


    ¡°Agent K, a word.¡± Lash walked out of the room, and Kara soon followed.


    ¡°Are you OK with sticking around with her for a while?¡± Lash asked, he was pretty sure he knew the answer but wanted to ask.


    ¡°YES! ¡­ I mean, yes. I want to see this through.¡± Kara said, she squared her shoulders and looked at Lash through her visor.


    ¡°Alright, do you want to put on civilian clothes? I''ve got something that can alter your appearance if you want?¡± Lash offered, and Kara nodded several times.


    Lash found an unused changing room and pulled Kara inside. He drew a privacy curtain that separated them both. He returned Kara''s battle suit back to energy. Then made black heeled boots, dress suit pants, a white buttoned shirt, and a black suit jacket. Had to the look the part of UNWS agent. Then he handed her a simple Illusion Phantasm charm. A gold necklace, with a silver arrow head with tiny inscriptions.


    Kara walked out wearing the agent uniform, but she now had green eyes, black hair, and a dark caramel skin tone. The shirt was snug and emphasized her breasts, as did the pants with her ass. She looked the part of a movie actor playing the part of a secret agent. She pulled on her suit jacket and went to a full length mirror to look at her self. She dropped the necklace under her shirt, stood to the side and checked her profile. Her overall body features didn''t change, just eye color, hair color, and skin tone. But it made her look very different.


    ¡°You ready Agent K?¡± Lash asked behind her. Kara turned with a brilliant smile and nodded.


    Lash made her a simple ID card, and badge. Along with several hundred dollars in fifties, twenties, and tens. They walked back towards Perdita''s room, Lash continued to move around as Wraith with his lizard and shroud like appearance, Kara walking by his side. The head bodyguard at the door looked at Kara and back at Lash.


    ¡°Andrik! Forget me already? I know I look different out of uniform but really?¡± Kara said with a smile. Andrik the head bodyguard flinched and smiled.


    ¡°Agent K! Sorry, I didn''t recognize you. Yes please head in, her highness was asking for you.¡± Andrik replied and opened the door for them.


    ¡°Agent K...Is that you?¡± Perdita asked, and Kara walked over with a smile.


    ¡°Wow, you are beautiful!¡± Perdia said loudly, the staff in the room agreed.


    Over the next hour Lash went over the operation with Perdita, Lazlo, Andrik, and the Chief Surgeon in the hospital. The Doctor was worried about lawsuits, insurance scandals in case anything went wrong, he seemed a little over agitated to Lash. Though it was a legitimate worry, but Lash said if it was really an issue they could just go to a hotel and do it there. Lazlo did his best to assure the chief suergeon that all blame would be passed on to Agent Wraith if things went wrong. But also made it very clear that all ''credit'' would go to Wraith if it went right. That made the Chief Surgeon pause. Kara shouted at the doctor for acting like a child for wanting credit for a job they didn''t even do!


    Eventually they made it into an operating room. Andrik, and Kara right outside the door. While several armed bodyguards were in the near by hall ways. Lash was alone in the room with two nurses that accompanied Perdita from Vlatava. They wore surgical gowns while Lash was just a giant ghost lizard. He cast Immaculate on the whole room, the nurses, Perdita, and himself.


    ¡°Alright Highness...¡± Lash started.


    ¡°Perdita... Just call me Perdita. You and Agent K saved my life, and now you are saving me again. Just call me Perdita please.¡± Perdita said, her whole body was shaking.


    ¡°Alright, Perdita. I want you to count down from twenty. As you count down you will start to feel tired, your eye lids will start to feel heavy. With every breath, and every number you''ll start to feel relaxed, and sleepy. Can you do that for me?¡± Lash asked as he cast Compulsion. Perdita nodded, and started to count.


    Lash direction pheromones from his Nature Domain passive and Perdita soon fell asleep. Lash created several holographic windows that showed Perdita''s vitals, mostly for the nurses in the room for him. He created a holographic Phantasm of Perdita''s body, muscles, organs, and bones that floated above her. Ghostly mechanical arms extended from his back, and hovered over Perdita. Then the hands reached through Perdita as if her skin was nothing but water. One of the nurses in the room gasped in surprise but made no other sound.


    This was of course all for show! Lash cast his spells Bending, Nature''s Supplement, Panacea, Alteration, Renew, Regrowth, Nature''s Kiss, and Re:Implant. Lash restored not only her heart, but her entire body. Living her life with a bad heart had caused a lot of stress on Perdita. He placed several bio-mechanical implants across her whole body to help her recover faster. They would degrade over time. In a few months Perdita would be healthy, happy, and safe. Just like her country needed her to be. The ghostly mechanical hands pulled out of Perdita, and the holographic projection of her body structure faded from sight.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± The second nurse asked, concern in her voice.


    ¡°Not at all, I''m done. She''s perfectly health. Her heart, and all damaged tissue have been fixed. Not only is she safe, she wont suffer like this ever again.¡± Lash replied, his animal voice gentle...Mostly.


    ¡°That''s it!? That didn''t even take thirty minutes!¡± The nurse all but screamed.


    ¡°You can call the doctors in to check on her.¡± Lash said with a laugh and moved to the side of the room.


    Despite the Chief Surgeon reluctance for the operation. They went full swing for the post check up. They checked Perdita over in the operating room. Then took her to several other rooms for X-rays, and scans. Everyone went with her, Andrik, Kara, and Lash were never far behind. After twelve hours they brought Perdita back to her room. The results from the first brand of tests said that she was perfectly healthy! The rest of the tests wouldn''t come back for days, or even weeks. But Lash understood it was the hospital attempting to cover their own ass, but hoping to get a bit of the credit as well. Something that Lazlo could only glare at the Chief Surgeon for.


    Lash gave all the bodyguards a pick me up through Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. Along with the Vice-Minister, the nurses, and Kara. Kara stayed in the room, along with Lash though she was curled up on a chair next to the bed. Lash had created several holographic windows to display different sets of information. Again cosmetic for everyone else, so there wasn''t just a giant lizard looming over the princess.


    The door slowly opened and the Vice-Minister walked in with the Chief Surgeon who held Perdita''s medical file. Lazlo smiled wide at Lash and nodded his head. The chief looked reluctant, his shoulders stooped, his face was pale, and his hands were shaking. Lash had cast Insight on him once before and it did come out ''Hostile'' but he assumed it was because Lash was threatening the Chief''s hospital. The chief walked towards Perdita, his whole body tense. But before he could touch her Lash wrapped his claws around his throat, and pulled him back and off the ground. The chief surgeon went wide eyed and tried to kick Lash in the chest to no avail.


    ¡°What are you doing!?¡± Lazlo all but hissed, the chief''s body went stiff as board as Lash used Telekinesis. Then pulled the surgeons sleeve up to reveal a hidden needle that was full of clotting agent. If he had injected Perdita, a clot would form in her brain and kill her.


    ¡°I was hoping I was wrong. But you, like so many others in this hospital were paid off to ensure she died in this hospital.¡± Lash hissed, as he showed a the bank records of the surgeon, to Lazlo. It showed a massive deposit from an off shores bank account, that went through several shell companies then finally from Vertigo''s accounts.


    Andrik! It''s Wraith, gather your men we are leaving! -Lash said through a telepathy. Lash bound the doctor in chains and tossed him aside. He woke Kara up, and carefully pulled Perdita''s IV out. She didn''t need it anyways. He didn''t wake her, just flipped the brakes and pushed the whole bed from the room. A Saurus Warrior appeared from thin air and grabbed the chief surgeon''s legs and started to drag him after its master, all the while the chief screamed through a gag.


    You can leave a hospital pretty quickly when you are under armed guards. Lash contacted the Warden''s to contact the UN, along with the evidence about the chief surgeon along with over a dozen other auxiliary staff all on the take from Vertigo. Why? Cause Lash didn''t actually known anyone at the UN. They responded with in seconds of the message, and gave him the address to a really nice and pseudo-mundane five star hotel. Before the armed group even hit the street several SUV''s and a very nice van with UNWS stamped on them all pulled up to retrieve them.


    ¡°K....What''s going on?¡± Perdita partially woke up in the van to the hotel. Kara leaned over her and held her hand. She gave Perdita a reassuring smile.


    ¡°It''s OK. We are just moving you to safer location.¡± Kara responded.


    ¡°Did it work?¡± Perdita asked.


    ¡°Yes! Wraith fixed you, you are going to be fine!¡± Kara replied. Perdita smiled, and fell asleep. Tears streamed out of her eyes, but not ones of sorrow but of happiness.


    The hotel was not marked, if anyone were to look at the building they would assume it was a commercial building. Thirty floors of steel, concrete, and glass. But each window given minor enchantments for protection and privacy. Along with the some of the best technology money can buy! It was owned by Shield and Sword! Perdita and her people were shown to a very nice medical aid area. Highly trained medical staff who all looked incredibly good looking!


    ¡°Had I known the UN had such a place we would have gone them instead.¡± Vice-Minister Lazlo said in a soft whisper to Lash.


    ¡°That''s cause they don''t, not officially anyways.¡± Lash replied, a look of recognition appeared in Lazlo''s eyes and made gesture of zipping his lips shut. Lazlo took the time to inform the entire group of the situation. They would all be silent about the location.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, Agent K, there is a video call for you in the other room.¡± A handsome man, with gorgeous features came to Lash''s side. Lash peered through the glamour to see a Sylvan man with a really nice glamour on. Lash had to nudge Kara to keep her from drooling.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Lash said, as he pulled Kara along. She stumbled, and caught herself. Her face turning red as the sylvan winked at her.


    They walked into a side room with couches, chairs, tables, and a holographic display window. Lash pulled Kara along who was trying to keep her eyes off the sylvan that followed them into the room with them, but of course failing. Lash sat down, and all but dragged Kara down with him. He looked at the sylvan and gave him a helpless shrug. The man understood, then his ''sex appeal'' to tune down a bit. Kara could at last take her eyes off of him.


    ¡°Are you good now?¡± Lash asked her. She shrunk her neck in and tried to find a pillow to hide her face.


    ¡°I''m sorry! I...He''s just so good looking. By Roa what am I saying!¡± Kara all but shouted into her found pillow. Roa was the primary deity on Krypton, the sun god if Lash understood correctly. Other Worldly Lore sent him an experience prompt.


    ¡°Kara if you want to have sex with him later, I don''t think he''ll say no.¡± Lash said nonchalantly. Then swiftly moved out of the way as Kara threw a pillow at him!


    ¡°What did you say! What is wrong with you! He is still in the room!¡± Kara nearly screamed, then hid behind the couch out of eye sight of the sylvan.


    ¡°I most certainly will not say no.¡± The Sylvan said with a smile. Kara all but melted into her seat, trying to find a hole to hide in.


    ¡°Apologies Agent Wraith but we are about to establish the video.¡± The Sylvan replied, Lash cast Calm Emotions on Kara. She sat up straight, and looked around confused. The holographic feed activated and a old friend was on the other side. Juliana! Torloth''s daughter, and the dragon female that carried Lash''s first child.


    ¡°Agent Wraith! We are happy to see you using Shield and Sword assets, and are of course happy to shelter Princess Perdita. But the....''UN'' is confused. Who is Agent K?¡± Juliana asked, all Lash could see was from her neck up. But he still smiled at Juliana who smiled back.


    ¡°Agent K''s exact identity is for her to share if she chooses to. However, I can give you some basic information. The Alien known has Superman who is based in Metropolis? This is his cousin, I am showing her around to the Justice League based cities. I was also hoping to convince her to be of help with the ''special forces'' of the UNWS.¡± Lash replied, Juliana''s eyes went wide, along with the Sylvan male in the room with them. He even took a step back as he appraised Kara again.


    ¡°Ummm... Hello! I..I go by Kara. I would be more then happy to assist the UN if they are ever in need of help. Special forces or otherwise! Agent Wraith has been a great help to my cousin, and to me. I owe him a lot! I hope me helping with Princess Perdita won''t put Agent Wraith into any kind of trouble?¡± Kara said in reply.


    ¡°Not at all Agent K! We will ensure any and all problems are easily resolved, and will of course keep the exact specifics of your origins out of the public record. This clears everything up with who ''Agent K'' is. We have made the proper arrangements for the criminals in the hospitals. We have also taken steps to remove the assassination contract on Princess Perdita. Do you have anything to add?¡± Juliana asked both Lash, and Kara.


    ¡°Anything extra will be placed in my report. Agent K?¡± Lash said, as the report was nearly typed out via Connectivity, Parallel Minds, and Virtual Intelligence.


    ¡°Can...I mean if its possible. Can the UN help to ensure Perdita is safely returned to her home country?¡± Kara asked.


    ¡°I believe that can be arranged!¡± Juliana said, then shut the communication holographic off.


    Under the guidance of the male Sylvan who brought them back to the medical ward area, he was a bit more respectful but still flirty towards Kara. Who tried to bury her face into Lash''s shroud to hide her flushed face. Lash filled in Vice-Minister Lazlo, and head guard Andrik about the situation. They had planned on staying at the hospital in San Francisco for several days if not weeks because of the operation. But now they could return to Vlatava immediately! The male Sylvan stepped forward and assured them that the special forces of the UNWS would ensure they would return to their home with out further incident. Kara wanted to stay until Perdita woke up so she could say goodbye, so they stuck around until morning.


    ===============================================================


    Juliana Shi''Word smoothed out her silk green skirt, and ocean blue silk blouse. She fixed her hair, and checked her makeup in a full length mirror. Her naked toed heels let others see she had pink nail polish on that she knew was eye catching. She held a file that was jam packed with information on Superman, and now Kara. She walked down a long hallway towards a conference room with doable oak doors. She could see spell script written into the door frame. Then with out prior notice or warning the doors opened. She walked in with smooth deliberate steps only to stumbled when her father called out!


    ¡°What are you wearing!? You are suppose to be in maternity cloths! What are those on your feet! You are suppose to be wearing the orthopedic shoes your mother bought for you! What about the baby!¡± Torloth shouted, and stood up at the head of the table. Juliana stared daggers at him.


    ¡°I''m not even showing yet! It will be years before I am! Father please! We have company!¡± Juliana shouted back, sparks of living flame escaped her mouth, and her fingers grew claws.


    ¡°Oh please don''t stop on our account!¡± Several Fae, and a few Wardens replied with smiles and laughs.


    ¡°You see! They understand that you are with child! Come! Come take a seat!¡± Torloth ignored his daughters glare and brought a chair over. He had a huge grin plastered on his face. Juliana stalked past him, pulled out her own chair, and sat down. She all but slashed with her claws as Torloth tried to adjust the seat for her.


    Torloth could not be happier that his youngest daughter was with child. He loved dotting on her and smothering her with love, affection, and just enjoyed embarrassing! Juliana had begged her mother to get him to stop, but she just bought her new cloths, and shoes! Everyone in the office walked around her like she was made of glass. It absolutely infuriated her! Torloth laughed himself to sleep more than once! He took a moment to imagine tomorrow and how to torture his beloved daughter. Then he coughed into his hand and went into business mode.


    ¡°So, it seems that Warden Lash, and Partner Saurian has befriended the Krytonian''s cousin, Kara.¡± Torloth said to the Fae, and Warden Council. Juliana took a moment to glare at her father then place the file on the table. A arcane crystal scanned the whole file and produced an interactive imagery for the council to view.


    ¡°Not only that, he was attempting to see if she would be willing to help the ''Special Forces'' of the UNWS. His words. However, whether this means we have a Kryptonian as helping hand, or maybe a future Warden? That remains to be seen.¡± Juliana added.


    ¡°This Justice League, isn''t taking Lash away from his duties as a Warden is it?¡± A female Fae councilor asked.


    ¡°Yes and no. Though he has not been able to respond to several minor, and medium requests as a Warden. He has accomplished many large requests, and several beneficial activities that a Warden wouldn''t normally be involved in because he was with the Justice League. He knew King Arthur Curry, and Queen Y''Mera through the Justice League. His restoration of The Green in northern Africa happened because of his mission with Atlantis.¡± A male Warden described.


    ¡°The Wayside Inn of Mystery was his doing! If he hadn''t gone to check on Zatanna Zatara, Giovanni''s daughter because of the League a nightmare from another dimension would have caused havoc in our reality. Also now, the Wayside Inn of Mystery is an excellent method of inter-dimensional travel, and can be used as a neutral ground for discussions and meetings.¡± A female Warden added.


    ¡°So it is taking him away, but the benefits out way the negatives. Very well. The Monarch of Vlatava has accepted our services to escort them home. This means we have been invited across a border that we haven''t had access to in the old country. Will the old ones in the Slavic states attack Vlatava because of it?¡± A male Fae Councilor replied.


    ¡°No, we''ve been invited! Old ones obey old rules! We can establish a Warden HQ there once we take them back. The old ones can''t stop us, or punish the mundanes for it. Does...Warden Lash know what he did?¡± The first male Warden asked.


    ¡°I don''t believe so, I think he was just there to help.¡± Juliana said with a bit of a smile.


    ¡°Well help he did! Saved a monarchy, and allowed us to get our foot in the door. We''ll make sure he is commended for his efforts. Even if it was blind luck! Or the designs of his Patron, and the Endless! Either one!¡± The female Fae Councilor added.


    ¡°You all understand that the old ones will have their eyes on Warden Lash now?¡± Torloth said, a bit of an edge in his voice. Juliana looked at her father, then back at the council.


    ¡°We do... We''ll support him as much as we can. But I think he is made of sterner stuff then we give him credit for.¡± The male Warden replied.


    ¡°Good...¡± Juliana said, a death glare in her eyes as she ran her hand over her abdomen.


    ================================================================


    ¡°Thank you for everything, Agent Wraith, Agent K. You saved my life three times now! A debt not easily repaid. But I will try as best as I can in the future.¡± Perdita said, she stood in front of Lash and Kara. Wearing a royal gown, white buttoned shoes, and her blond hair was brushed down her shoulders. She looked elegant, and regal. Not bad for a ten year old!


    ¡°How about you let the UNWS escort you back, and you call Agent K, and myself your friends. Not of Vlatava, but of you?¡± Lash said as he gave his clawed hand for a handshake.


    Perdita smiled and shook Lash''s hand, or mostly his index finger. While she gave Kara a hug who returned the embrace with a smile. Kara took a moment to pull her necklace off so Perdita could see what she really looked like. Andrik, and Lazlo went wide eyed but kept their mouths shut. Perdita smiled and hugged her again.


    ¡°We look like sisters you and I! Thank you!¡± Perdita said in response. This made Kara hug her tighter, tears brimming in her eyes. Perdita let go of Kara so she could replace her necklace, she turned to look at Lash almost expectingly.


    Lash pulled back his shroud''s hood and revealed his reptilian features. His skull crest gave the top of his head a diamond shaped like appearance with the top curving upwards, and the sides curving down. Several tribal tattoo marks for each of his Domains were inscribed along the scales. His four red eyes peered down at her, and his snout pulled back to reveal his razor sharp teeth. He flickered out a forked tongue, and Perdita grimaced but never lost her smile.


    ¡°I do have a human disguise, but I''ll wait till we visit you in Vlatava to show you. Keep it a surprise.¡± Lash said to her.


    ¡°You promise you will come and visit!¡± Perdita asked with a wide smile.


    ¡°Yes! I''ll bring a few surprises and gifts with me. I''m sure your country could use a few of them.¡± Lash replied, Perdita smiled and hugged him or rather his leg as he was taller than her by a large margin. Vice-Minster Lazlo''s eyes went a little wide at the idea that the Alien Wraith may bring a few ''gifts'' to Vlatava.


    ¡°K! You''ll come to wont you!¡± Perdita asked.


    ¡°Of course! I may even come with out Wraith I''ll miss you so much!¡± Kara replied, course once she can fly like her cousin it would be easy to visit.


    Lash and Kara soon left the Shield and Sword safe house after they got Vlatava''s diplomatic communication line, and Princess Perdita personal contact information. They left through the underground parking garage, Lash was back to his black urban soldier look, and Kara decided to keep her illusion charm on. She wore tennis shoes, jeans, a t-shirt, and her leather jacket. She wrapped her arms around Lash''s arm and they went to explore the city.


    ¡°Will we really go visit her?¡± Kara asked.


    ¡°Yes, I figured after we visit all the of the League cities we could take a plane, or a tree to Vlatava. As long as nothing unexpected happens. But with my luck? Who knows!¡± Lash said with a shrug. Kara laughed and shook her head...


    Lash and Kara caught a ride and looked at the sights of San Francisco, Kara remarked that a lot of the places were poorly constructed and a waste of resources! Lash laughed at her assumption and judgment of the tourist attractions. Especially the snake curved roads, or the giant roller coaster like street that so many high speed movie chases had happened on. As they walked through a city plaza Lash saw an odd sight, about hundred feet in the air a purple lightning danced, and burst apart at the seems. A portal opened and spit out something covered in a purple glow. Then six warrior reptiles came flying out of the portal, they wore metal armor, held metal pikes with blasters attached to them, and more surprising they had dragon like wings. Gordanians!


    Lash looked over at the first purple projectile to see a woman with fiery red hair, red to orange skin, wearing torn purple cloths. She tried to stand up, but fell down to her knees. A neon green glow emanated from her hands. The Gordanians flew over to her and pointed her pikes at her. She shot a energy blast at them, and they shot back. The plaza was already full of civilians, but now they started to scream and run for cover as an alien shoot out started.


    ¡°Kara help the woman! I''ll get my reptilian cousins!¡± Lash said, and did a fast track Fabrication and made Kara''s combat suit gauntlets, and stuck them on for her. He also cast Cat''s Grace on her and linked her up with Temporary Pack Bond.


    ¡°Got it!¡± Kara shouted.


    Kara took off at incredibly speed, her feet seem to not even touch the ground. Lash smirked at the sight of Kara slowly adapting to her Kryptonian physiology as she absorbs more yellow sun radiation. Lash let out a challenging Intimidating Shout that rippled across the plaza as he used Transformation once again. The shout made the Gordanians freeze in place, and the alien woman looked confused at the sudden appearance of a wingless Gordanian?


    Lash cast Cat''s Grace on himself and bound across the plaza in a few short seconds. He shoulder charged one Gordianian had both felt and heard the satisfying crunch of bones, and organs rupturing as the body flew across the plaza into a concrete wall! Lash flipped around and his bladed tail sliced another Gordi in half from hip to shoulder. Then he reached out with his hands and used Telekinesis to rip all of the flesh from the spine of another Gordi. All of that happened in ten seconds! The last three Gordi''s flipped out and roared in deviance and shot the energy bolts from their pikes!


    The alien woman stared in shock, and a bit of awe at the Lash. Kara came running over and easily picked her up. The alien was surprised, but didn''t fight Kara as she pulled her behind cover. Kara looked the woman over for a moment then shouted in english ''stay here!'' To which the alien woman looked at her in confusion. Kara jumped out of cover and raced towards another Gordanian she reached him and threw all of her weight into her punch. The Gordi''s skull caved in, and his body flipped head over heel and impacted into the plaza''s floor! Two left!


    The water melon wet crushing sound surprised the last two Gordi''s they turned to point their pikes at Kara. Which was a mistake! They soon realized this when Lash cast Call Lighting and chained it between the both of them. Unlike other arcane magic, Lash''s Lighting was the real thing, all ten billion watts of energy! The Gordi''s didn''t even have a chance to scream, their flesh cooked, the blood boiled, and they were dead with in less then a second.


    Lash reached up to the portal in the sky and began to use Bending, this portal wasn''t a rift. So it should be easier. He bent, and folded the portal closed with magical energy. Foot by foot, inch by inch the portal got smaller, and smaller. Then with an audible pop! The portal closed. Lash looked around the plaza and sent a Nature Domain pulse... No civilian casualties, two alien women. Kara, and the orange skinned woman with long fiery hair. Erik knew who this was, and was surprised to see her so soon.


    Kara ran over to the alien woman and helped her up. The woman started to speak in her native language with a smile. She hugged Kara and looked at the remains of the Gordi''s, then ran to hug Lash despite his reptilian appearance she seem to understand they were not the same! She smiled, laughed, and continued to speak in her native tongue. Then she looked at Lash, ran her fingers a long her lips. Then turned to Kara, with out warning she kissed Kara. Kara flailed, and her eyes went wide. She pushed the alien woman off of her and gasped.


    ¡°Apologies! My people can learn language through tactile contact, a kiss is best. I had thought to kiss you, but your snout would have made it difficult!¡± The woman said in Kryptonian.


    ¡°What the! Just! You could have waited, he can change his shape!¡± Kara shouted, and turned away with a red face. She mumbled under her breath, ''That was my first kiss!''


    The woman turned to look at Lash in question. With the sound of bones snapping, and flesh tearing. He retook his tan skinned, blue eyes, bald but no tribal marks, soldier looking form. He looked at the woman who smiled at him. Then looked back at Kara who went to Lash''s side, her face still blushing red.


    ¡°You should kiss him too! Cause you are not speaking the language english.¡± Kara said in Kryptonian.


    ¡°That won''t work. I know to many languages for that ability to have any effect. My current name in this situation is Wraith. Until told otherwise please use this name when referring to me. This is K, same thing for now. Please forgive us, what is your name?¡± Lash said, as he bowed from his waist towards the woman who smiled at him in return.


    ¡°I am Princess Koriand''r of Tamaran, and I am in your debt Wraith, and K. Please! Let us be friends from now on! It would please me greatly!¡± Koriand''r said in Kryptonian


    ¡°I take it back, Wraith. You have pretty bad luck.¡± Kara said in english.


    ¡°Ya...Ya I do.¡± Lash replied as he looked around at the Plaza full of dead Gordanian bodies.

 Chapter 70: Koriand’r

    =============================================================


    Freedom, is that what this feeling was? Koriand''r looked at her hands and clenched them into fists. She hadn''t felt the feeling of freedom in years. She looked up and saw the woman, and...man talking to the authorities of the world she had come to... Earth it was called. Koriand''r focused on the conversation taking place around her. Though her people could absorb language through touch, she did prefer a kiss because it was... Fun! But she could just as well as absorb a language by watching others speak.


    Agent K...The woman looked at Koriand''r again to make sure she was alright. The woman looked peculiar with her dark skin, black hair, and green eyes. But her appearance seem to shimmer in place. Koriand''r was sure that this woman didn''t really look like that. The man, the ''reptile'' had power that oozed off of him. He was dangerous! Agent Wraith seemed to be a Law Keeper of high authority on this world called Earth. Koriand''r wasn''t sure why, but she felt that she could trust him. Her intuition had saved her life more than once and she grew to trust it.


    ¡°Princess, a moment of your time?¡± Agent Wraith said, his voice was like an animal was learning to talk. But despite its animalistic sound no one had issues understanding him.


    Koriand''r walked over with confidence in her steps, she squared her shoulders and tilted her chin up. Koriand''r was 6''4¡± with orange skin, bright red hair that flared with energy at the tips. Her eyes her glowing green energy that would intensify depending on her emotions. Her hair swept past her shoulders, but was jagged and uneven. Like it had been cut with a knife, or a sharp stone. Koriand''r''s body was exceptionally beautiful by Earth standards. She had an hour glass figure, a firm athletic figure, with bouncing breasts, and perfect ass. She was straight of a science fiction novel for Alien royalty. It also didn''t help that she wore but a simple rag around her chest, and hips. Every man, and nearly every woman on the scene looked at her while she walked over to Wraith, and the DEO agent in charge at the scene.


    ¡°Yes Agent Wraith?¡± Koriand''r said with a smile, and broken English with a accent. she looked at Wraith to see him bow from his waist slightly when she approached. Koriand''r was pleased to see that her rescuer had manners. But she''d had to talk to him about it later. She didn''t want her...''friends'' to treat her differently.


    ¡°This is Agent Smith of the DEO¡± Fake name -Wraith said both audibly and in her mind. The first time Wraith had spoke in her mind it sent a shiver of terror through her spine. Mind readers were dangerous! But her instincts told her to calm down, he wouldn''t hurt her.


    ¡°Ma''am, Welcome to Earth! We are still in the process of accepting Alien''s freely on our planet. But Agent Wraith has decided to take you under his wing. Personally I think you are dangerous. ''No offense''. But it''s not my call! So word to the wise, anything you do will be looked back at Wraith both good and bad. Understood?¡± Agent Smith said in a level tone.


    Smith was a 6 foot even human with short black hair, and brown eyes. He had on what this planet seem to think as field operations suit. Wraith had called it battle rattle? Helmet, battle vest with dozens of pockets, pants with pockets, and boots. He had a strange plastic weapon strung across his back. He looked at Koriand''r with suspicion but not hostility. Koriand''r didn''t understand what Smith meant by ''under Wraith''s wing'' Wraith didn''t have wings as far as Koriand''r could see?


    He means that I vouched for you. Normally an illegal alien on the planet would go to a processing center, and possibly jail. So, I said I would keep an eye on you. You''ll have to stick with me for a while. Apologies Princess, I should have asked for your permission. -Wraith said in her mind. This time a different shiver went down Koriand''r''s spine, she smiled wide and nodded her head at Agent Smith.


    ¡°I understand! I will do my best not to betray Agent Wraith''s trust in me.¡± Koriand''r said, her English got better with every sentence. Agent Smith nodded, and started to talk to Wraith again. He continued to glance at Koriand''r as they spoke. He tried to keep an indifferent attitude, but Koriand''r could tell that he was attracted to her.


    It was nearly sunset by the time they were allowed to leave. Agent Wraith raised his clawed hands up and Koriand''r felt a fuzzy feeling fall over her whole body. Then the most peculiar thing happened. Everyone around them seem to just stop seeing them? When they moved, the people got out of the way with out realizing they had? Koriand''r smiled wide at the sight of it, she had met people with telepathic powers that would allow people to ''just not see them''. Koriand''r put another tick in ''Wraith is dangerous'' category.


    They came to a tall structure made from concrete, and glass. Koriand''r thought the building primitive by Tamara standards. But she had learned that Earth was a pre FTL world. On the cusp of discovering that Alien life was real. Koriand''r had heard stories of such worlds. It was both a vast opportunity for prosperity, and also the chance for horror and tragedy. Once they entered another phenomenon happened. Despite the ''fuzzy'' feeling around them, the attendants, and guards all looked at them. Koriand''r could see that all of their appearances would shimmer. They hid who they were as well. Koriand''r could feel danger coming off of every person in the lobby. These were not ''humans'' like the ones outside they had walked past.


    Wraith took us up a primitive elevator, Koriand''r was use to a gravity lift. They walked down a long hallway furnished with fine wood, a red carpet, and dozens of doors. This was a ''hotel'', a place for people not native to the city to stay as if they were home. They came to a door and walked in, Wraith held the door open for Agent K, and Koriand''r, then walked in behind them. The room was not a room, but a nice home inside the building. A large resting area, a kitchen, a walled off balcony with a small pool, and several bedrooms with bathes!


    ¡°Pick the one you want, we''ll be staying here tonight. Princess...¡± Wraith started to say.


    ¡°Kory! My friends call me Kory, please I would feel honored if you did as well.¡± Kory said to Wraith. Agent K, and Wraith both nodded.


    ¡°Please pick a room and wash up, Kory. I understand this place must seem primitive to your home world so if you are confused about things ask for help. I''ll be making dinner.¡± Wraith said to Kory, and Agent K.


    Agent K showed Kory to a room, K whistled at the sight of a full bathroom with a giant tub that could easily fit three people. A massive bed, with giant bay windows that showed the city that Kory had crashed into. Like sparkling jewels shining in the sun. Not for the first time Kory missed her home world. Kory stripped out of her rags, but noticed K was blushing and trying to not look at her. She was cute when she was flustered.


    ¡°Here let me show you how turn the water on. Its pretty basic on Earth, not like home...¡± K said, she sighed a bit as she walked to the bathroom.


    ¡°Home? Are you not from Earth?¡± Kory asked, she followed after K into the bathroom. She bounced on the heels of her feet, enjoying the sensation of the cold tiles.


    ¡°No... I.... Hmmm. Let''s save that for later. Here is hot water, and cold water. Towels, and a bath robe when your finished. I''m in the next room over so give a shout if you need anything.¡± K said to Kory. She continued to look anywhere but at Kory''s naked body.


    ¡°Very well Agent K, than...¡± Kory began but was stopped.


    ¡°Kara.... My name is Kara. Since we are friends.¡± Kara said with a smile and left the room.


    Kory smiled wide as she watched Kara flee the room as quick as she could. Another friend! Raised her arms into the air and jumped a little in excitement. Kory then slipped into the warm bath water and let out an audible sigh! She found several bottles along the side, each one smelled amazing! The tub soon filled with bubbles, and Kory scrubbed down with a brush. She scrubbed, and scrubbed as she felt the dirt, sweat, blood, and tears wash away. She was free! She had friends! She was safe!


    ================================================================


    Lash used Parallel Minds, Virtual Intelligence, and Connectivity to type out a report for the Warden information bureau. He also made a full report to the United Nations, something he had never done before! Of course the report to the UN was missing a lot of information. The Warden''s wanted to know who Koriand''r was, what her abilities were, and if she had any super-natural tie ins. The Fae Council didn''t have any record of Tamara. That wasn''t a surprise, they only had records of different aliens that they encountered that visited Earth. Though the council could visit different dimensions, different planets was something that only a select few could achieve.


    Lash also informed VICI about the portal, as well as the Gordanians. She had recorded the energy reading and would place it in her files for future events. The Green Lanterns on the message board said they would consult the Guardians of Oa about Koriand''r. But they would never send her back into slavery. The Guardians were many things, but slavery was never an OK thing to them. Lash also showed a short clip of Kara fist smashing a Gordi. A lot of people watched the video and praised her for it. A few of the Leaguers wanted their own glamour charm as well!


    Lash made dinner while he worked thanks to Parallel Minds. The kitchen came fully stocked, they had come to the original super-natural hotel he had made reservations for when Kara and him first rode on the train from Starling. He could here two bath tubs being used, he just cast Immaculate on himself. While he also shifted to his default human form, tribal tattoo''s and all. He wore black boots, black cargo pants, a black shirt, with a belt. He was a cross between athletic, and body building, but moved with the grace of a predator. Because of the amount of time spent in his hybrid shape he had yellow green reptilian eyes, and snake scales along the parts of his body that bone would be stretched. Like along his jaw line, collar bone, elbows, shins, spine, etc.


    The sound of water dripping across the carpet pulled his focus and Lash saw a wet, and naked orange skinned Kory standing in the room with him staring at him with wide green eyes. Her wet hair was wrapped up in a towel, but the rest of her was exposed. Kory''s visibly shivered at the sight of Lash. Then she did something that Lash didn''t think Kory would do, she folded her arms under her chest, turned slightly away and blushed shyly. It was one of the most seductive, and sexy things Lash had seen in a long time. Kory was on par with the Sidhe he had seen at the Winter Palace, he could understand why Kory had been named one of the hottest DC superheroes.


    ¡°Everything alright Kory?¡± Lash and Saurian spoke, together. Saurian kept Lash from jumping across the room and ravaging Kory. Though his cock still strained against his pants, that was being hidden by the island in the kitchen.


    ¡°Ye...yes! I... I''m fine! Is this what you normally look like?¡± Kory said as she cleared her throat. Lash got a prompt from a long lost friend and enemy! Advanced Charming Presence had gained experience. Fuck!


    ¡°This is my default human shape. But the animal shape is just as much a part of me as this one is. Oh! Since we are away from public eyes my name is Lash, and this is my partner Saurian.¡± Lash replied, as he felt Saurian reach out and speak to Kory through a telepathic hello.


    Kory shivered again, and her whole body flushed, her nipples grew hard, and Lash could smell her arousal. She bit her bottom lip as she watched Lash through her eyelashes. When she heard him speak their names, and the voice of Saurian she jumped a little. But a smile spread across her face. She bounced across the room and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed the entire line of her body against his. Her hips ground against his, and she was very aware that he was happy to have her against him.


    ¡°Lash what are you doing!¡± Kara shouted from the doorway!


    Kara had removed her glamour charm and had returned to her previous form. Her blond hair was wrapped in a towel, while she wore a long white cotton bath robe that wrapped around her curves nicely. She had tied the robe, but it was just a bit loose so it showed a bit of cleavage when she moved. Kory jumped from Lash and bounced over to Kara and hugged her as well. Kara was clearly surprised and flailed her arms around in confusion.


    ¡°Wai..wait! What is going on!¡± Kara all but squealed!


    ¡°I am celebrating that I have two new friends! The first I hope of many on this new world I have come to! Thank you Kara, and Lash for trusting me with your names!¡± Kory said in glee, as she continued to wiggle against Kara. Kara''s entire face was red as a tomato as she dragged Kory off back to the bedrooms.


    Lash fixed his pants, and cleaned himself up a bit... Lash continued to cook while he heard Saurian chuckle in his mind. Lash could focus his hearing and listen in on the conversation if he wanted to. But Saurian metaphorically batted at him. No! No! Hunter-Lash, do not be deceived by naked flesh. Her body, mind, and soul are injured. Once she is healed you may explore her! Saurian said across their link. Lash of course understood that. Erik had explained what little information he had on Kory to them both. Though they couldn''t break the fourth wall with out expending energy on Cosmic Awareness. That didn''t stop them from understanding the situation better. Couldn''t speak, but could still act.


    Soon the sweet sound of giggles came from the bedrooms. Kara gave an audible gasp, and tiny shout from time to time. Soon the two lovely ladies came back out both wearing bath robes. Kory walked in sashaying her hips back and forth. She smiled at Lash, and gave him a long coquettish glance. Kara''s face was red as a tomato, but she also smiled at Lash. But looked away the moment they made eye contact. They both sat at the kitchen table that had been set already by Lash. He began to serve dinner.


    ¡°Kara has informed me that you are taking her around the to visit the major cities of this world?¡± Kory asked between bites of food. She had excellent table manners, and spoke only when she put her utensils down.


    ¡°Partially, we are primarily visiting the cities with in the country we are currently in. On Earth we don''t have a unified government. We have major, medium, and small countries. I plan to tour a portion of the world with Kara in order to help educate her on the different cultures. Which also includes you now.¡± Lash said, as he poured some white wine for both ladies.


    ¡°Along the way we are visiting different Lea....gue cities. To meet my future team mates.¡± Kara had said, she stumbled over the Justice League but got a nod from Lash to continue.


    ¡°League?¡± Kory asked, she looked between Kara, and Lash.


    ¡°Justice League, its a organization of champions, warriors, heroes, etc that serve for truth, justice, and the dream for a better tomorrow for all. They are not controlled by any one country, since leaders can often be placed in a difficult position, or be corrupt.¡± Lash said in return.


    Kory, and Kara both seem to digest that information. They ate in silence for another minute. Kory let her hair down from her towel and tucked it behind her ears. The tips of her intense red hair glowed faintly. Kara played with her own hair as she watched Kory''s. She seem to sigh at her ''normal'' appearance. She then looked at Lash, a question on her mind but didn''t want to ask. Lash smiled at her and nodded in ''yes''. She blushed and looked down at her plate, finding the mashed potatoes very interesting. She wasn''t sure if she liked or hated that Lash seem to understand her so well.


    ¡°So you are member of this League.... Lash?¡± Kory asked, she slowed at his name. But a glimmer of excitement flashed in her eyes when she came to his name.


    ¡°Officially? No I am not. I work for the United Nations World Security. Unofficially, I am one of its founding members.¡± Lash replied with a smile as he watched Kory for a moment, she turned away with a smile.


    ¡°Why are you not officially with them?¡± Kory responded after a bit. Kara perked up, and with a gesture from Lash she spoke.


    ¡°Politics! The United Nations is far more comfortable with Wraith being on their side. Since the League is a free organization not controlled by anyone but themselves. This makes a lot of people nervous! But having their own super powerful alien settles a lot of peoples minds. Hope for a better tomorrow.¡± Kara said with a smile.


    ¡°Where is your home world, Lash?¡± Kory asked, as she sipped her wine. Her cheeks flushed as she drank but Lash knew she could have several bottles and be fine.


    ¡°I was born here on Earth. But Earth is largely Xenophobic. A majority of their laws pertain to humans, and only humans. So though I am actually a native, they think me an alien. I am currently doing a solider to citizenship program. I serve for ten years, then gain citizenship to the planet. I am the only ''Alien'' on public record to do this. Sort of a step in the right direction, we hope!¡± Lash said. Though it was partially a lie! He wasn''t allowed to tell either of them about the Wardens or the super-natural world...For now.


    ¡°So...I will not be welcome here?¡± Kory asked, she tried to look indifferent but Lash could see her body tense.


    ¡°Depends on who you talk to, and what you do while here. I won''t lie to you, Kory. A lot of people will be upset that another Alien is on Earth. But, there will be a lot of people that wont care, and a lot of people that will be happy to have you. But, you are welcome around us.¡± Lash said, and finished with a smile. Kara hummed in agreement as she was drinking her wine at the time. Kory smiled wide at them both.


    They continued to talk about the League, Lash''s job at the UN. The cities they would visit, and little customs that Kory should know. Like...Skin exposure in public. Lash said he would make some clothes for both of them tomorrow. It was around midnight when Kara, and Kory went to bed. Lash cleaned up and went outside to the small pool that was on the balcony. There was enchanted glass walls that surrounded the balcony so to hide what happened on the inside, but let them see the outside.


    The city of San Francisco was beautiful at night. The hotel they stayed at had a down hill view with no obstructions. So they could look all the way down towards the water of the bay. The moon was high in the sky in a waxing crescent, and the stars were partially blocked by light pollution. Still a nice sight. Lash stepped out onto the pool and with the use of his Nature Domain the water become solid to him. He sat down in the middle of the pool and began to practice his magic. A ritual circle of focus and defense grew into being.


    Lash went through every Domain he had. Nature, Technomancy, Synthesis, Grave, Transmutation, Illusion, Rebirth, Trickery. When he got to Trickery his mark for the Divine spark of Loki hummed lightly. He hadn''t forgotten about it! Loki''s spark didn''t seem to mind the wait either. Lash closed his eyes and reached into his Nature Domain. This was his first, and most powerful Domain. It was a vast space that had a never ending feel to it. Unlike Zatanna, or Constantine, Lash couldn''t just read spells out of a book, practice it over and over. Then cast the spell! He had to find the spell in his Domain first. If he couldn''t find it, then he couldn''t use it. But that also meant that he couldn''t over reach, he would receive a back lash from failing to cast a spell that wasn''t his.


    Within the Nature Domain Lash saw a pressure bend into the world. A hole appeared across the vast space of energy. This hole pulled all things into it, and it increased the overall weight of everything that entered this...Well of energy. Lash felt that Nature was trying to teach him something, something that he had wanted but hadn''t considered. As he continued to watch this phenomenon with in his Domain the spell slowly formed in his mind. Lash groaned in utter shame as a new spell was learned.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned a Nature Domain Spell!


    Gravitas: Control and manipulate the essence of gravity! You can now increase or decrease the overall gravity of an object, being, or thing by 10%.


    Comment: Gravity is a natural phenomenon! Didn''t think about that did you!


    Lash''s sight returned to the pool side view of the world around him. Dozens of nature spirits danced and played around him. Feeding off the ambient energy he gave off. He rolled his eyes at his own stupidity of it all. Of course gravity was included in the Nature Domain. Though he was sure the Gravity Domain in the store was far more specific, and allowed a vast array of techniques. All he really wanted gravity for was for the Watch Tower. Though he still wanted the Space Domain. That had a lot of application especially with long distance teleporation.


    Lash took a moment to call down the store catalog book and marked the Space Domain for favorite buy out. It would even beep at him when he had enough points to buy it now that he had all access to the store. He had five DP currently, so he just needed five more. He found out that with Gravitas, and the Space Domain. The gravity module for the watch tower was only two DP to purchase. Very nice!


    ¡°Can''t sleep?¡± Lash asked, he didn''t need to turn around to see Kory standing in the doorway on the balcony. She had her robe on, but it was barely tied together. Kory jumped a little, surprised Lash had noticed her. She had used her skills in stealth to sneak up on him.


    ¡°I...Noticed that you weren''t in your room?¡± Kory said as she walked over to the pool side. She walked around so she could face him. The spirits of nature flew around her, though she could not see them. The spirits of fire specifically loved her.


    ¡°I don''t need to sleep unless I expend a great deal of energy. So, I use the time to practice.¡± Lash replied as he watched Kory. She sat down and dipped her toes into the warm water of the pool. She tucked the bath robe up and dipped the rest of her legs in. She idly kicked her feet underwater as she thought about his answer.


    Lash took a moment to close the store book, it burst into starlight and faded from view. Kory watched it go, a child like fascination in her eyes. She looked back at Lash, and ducked her head down. Her red hair cascaded over her shoulders and partially blocked her face. But her glowing green eyes never left Lash''s face. Lash continued to peer at her, neither broke eye contact for several minutes.


    ¡°Thank you...For trusting me. Kara says you are a good man. Good men are rare on this world. I''m happy it was you who found me and not one of them.¡± Kory said softly and finally looked away. ''Them'' referred to the bad people, Lash nodded his head in understanding.


    Kory smiled suddenly and slipped out of her bath robe, and into the water. Lash caught the delightful sight of her naked form before the water obscured his vision. Though there was still plenty to see as Kory began to swim around him. She seem to be inspecting on how he was able to stay on the waters surface. Eventually she swam on her back and idly drifted by him. Her chest rose and fell with each breath.


    ¡°Do you find me attractive, Lash?¡± Kory asked softly, as she glanced at him.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Lash replied honestly.


    ¡°Do you want to have sex with me?¡± Kory asked.


    ¡°Yes, though not tonight. I enjoy the company but I need to continue practicing.¡± Lash said back. Kory despite the fact that she had offered didn''t look disappointed by his answer.


    ¡°On Tamara sex is considered something one does for fun. My offer to have sex with you will be open as long as we are friends, Lash.¡± Kory said with a smirk. After a few minutes she pulled herself out of the water and walked towards her robe. She made a bit of a show of it, enjoying how Lash continued to watch her.


    ¡°Good night my friend.¡± Kory said, as she grabbed her robe and walked back inside without putting it on.


    ¡°Good night, Kory.¡± Lash replied.


    Lash activated his skill Meditation and began to look through his other Domains. He looked through his Technomancy Domain and found a digital version of a tree. When he approached the tree it created a passage much like Tree Stride. As he flew through the digital image and came out the other end he learned a new spell.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned a Technomancy Domain Spell.


    Digital Stride: Convert your mind, body, and soul into lines of code and temporarily fly through the digital realm. The device port must be one you are familiar with.


    Comment: The digital world is a lot like the astral world. Just with more junk!


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned a Synthesis Domain Spell.


    Source Code: You can see, read, and adjust the Code of the mind, body, and soul of a tool, thing, or individual. Requires close proximity. (Touch preferred) Currently only allowed tiny changes.


    Comment: Careful you don''t delete the code for reality!


    The extra spell from Synthesis was a surprise. But it was tied to Nature and Technomancy. Lash wasn''t sure why he just now learned it. But he understood how powerful it could become. For a brief moment he activated Source Code just to see what the world looked like, but his spell wouldn''t activate. It seemed it was specific to touch. He looked down at his shirt and looked at its code. Lines of code covered it. He also noticed his energy level dropped by massive amounts in the few seconds he had it up. SPLASH! Lash fell into the pool, then swam to the surface with a massive head ache. Holy crap!


    Lash slowly pulled himself from the pool and stared up at the fading night sky. A tint of blue started to bleed into the sky, the sun would soon rise. He had spent all night practicing, though he did take a delightful break half way through. Lash wasn''t sure what to do with Kory. In the comics she and Dick were together, though they never stayed together for long. He also knew that Dick aka Robin had been there to help her when she first arrived, this had helped create their romantic relationship. But why had Kory arrived so soon? Was Lash behind on the timeline? Were the titans suppose to be already operational?


    ¡°Dawn...Did I mess up the timeline of the world?¡± Lash said softly into the morning light.


    ¡°The timeline is flexible in its ability to bend to the actions of you, User. Remember, when you first began you learned that the overall development of the world is far quicker then it would be in the stories. Though everyone ages the same, they mature far quicker! Things that would take decades in the stories, movies, and comics happen with years or even months.¡± Dawn''s voice spoke softly into his ear. Her voice was soothing and helped ease the tension in Lash''s head.


    ¡°So...Why did Kory show up so soon?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Her arrival was based on proximity of either the User or the original intended Dick Grayson. If the User had never visited San Fancisco then she would have appeared when Grayson showed up.¡± Dawn said, her voice carried a hint of teasing.


    ¡°So it was a dynamic story event that I caused with my proximity?¡± Lash said, as he face palmed.


    ¡°That is correct User! There are many events that will only happen if you are in the area!¡± Dawn said, her voice clearly delighted that he had learned something new.


    ¡°Thank you my brightest star! Come out with the familiar I''ll make you some breakfast.¡± Lash said as he stood up. His necklace became animated, the mystic dragon flew from his neck and with a puff of smoke a little girl appeared next to him.


    The little girl had raven black hair, white jade skin, red rosy lips, with clear blue eyes, with a reptilian slit in her pupils. She wore a red and white traditional shrine maiden garb, that looked adorable on her. She had white socks on, mid calf sandals on. Her raven black hair was tied back with two small braids that started from the front that continued down her back. She came up to about his knee. Lash looked down at her with a raised brow. Dawn his familiar clapped her tiny hands, and smiled in glee.


    ¡°You''ve grown in magical ability, Master! This allows me to take a humanoid shape! What do you think!¡± Dawn said in a tiny cute voice. Lash leaned over and picked her up by the waist and held her like a parent would a child.


    ¡°Adorable! Though I am sure Kara will wonder where you came from, it should be a fun conversation!¡± Lash said with a smile as he walked inside with his familiar.


    ================================================================


    A woman in her late forties walked a pristine white hallway. She wore business dress heels, with a skirt a navy blue skirt that went to her knees. A silk blue blouse, a half blue business suit jacket. She had blue eyes, and short brown hair kept up in a bun. On her ears were small gold earrings that almost looked out of place on her pure professional look. This was Lillian Luthor, mother to Lex and Lena Luthor. She was the director to Cadmus.


    Lillian walked with practiced grace of a woman trained to walk in heels for long hours, she walked down the empty hallway but came to a stop at seemingly an empty spot. She stood still and looked straight forward as a green light appeared on the wall, it shot a beam out that scanned her from head to toe.


    ¡°Welcome, Director!¡± An automated voice spoke.


    The wall shifted to one side and slid open to allow her to enter. She walked in and the wall slid closed and sealed itself. Once more the entire hall way was empty of any decorations or any sign there was ever a door. But the hall way was incredibly long, hinting that there were several rooms like this. Lillian walked through several more security check points. Every single check point had a camera, a guard, and a few automatic turrets that tracked her every movement. Her entire bio metrics, body language, facial expression, even the way she smelled was recorded to prevent anyone or anything from getting in.


    She arrived at the final door, she placed her hand on a finger print scanner that also took a small sample of her blood. Why such extremes? They had learned that Agent Wraith can disguise himself with almost 100% accuracy. Who is to say he, or something else couldn''t mimic her perfectly? The door opened up and inside Lillian walked towards two specific people. A smile tugged on her lips as she watched her two children arguing back and forth.


    ¡°I wont fucking ask Wraith for a blood sample! I don''t fucking care what you say Lex!¡± Lena shouted at her brother! Lena looked amazing and full of life. Her hair was cut short just above her shoulders and was combed over to one side. She wore a designer woman''s black business suit, with a deep crimson red silk shirt.


    ¡°I wouldn''t ask for one if we could obtain one! Every single battle he is at it clearly shows that his blood went all over. But when we looked through the scene even with the best instruments money could buy we didn''t find a single drop it! Lena if you ask for it I know he will give it to you!¡± Lex shouted back, like his sister he wore a designer black suit, white shirt, and sky blue tie. Lena had bought it for him for his B-day despite the clear clash with his suit he still wore it with pride.


    ¡°Children, do I need to separate you two?¡± Lillian said softly, she had approached them and was with in arms reach. They both jumped in surprise like they had been caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar.


    ¡°No Mother... We were just discussing strategy.¡± Lena said, as she looked anywhere but at her mother.


    ¡°Lex, Wraith is clearly being very careful to not allow his blood to be collected. If Lena asks for a sample it will be clear what it is intended for. We will burn a bridge of trust we have barely used.¡± Lillian commented. Lex stopped and thought about what she had said.


    ¡°Yes mother, you are of course correct. It seems I was caught up in my emotions. I''m sorry Lena.¡± Lex said, as he bowed his head towards his sister. If it what he said was true, or if he just didn''t want to upset his mother neither women could tell.


    ¡°Come with me the both of you, Wraith has indirectly sent us a few gifts.¡± Lillian said with a smile and turned on her heel. Her children followed, catching up to her quickly.


    The Luthor family came to an examination room that was full of the Gordanian remains. Bodies, armor, and weapons. Lex''s eyes went bright and he went into full science mode, he practically pounced on the gear with a ravenous hunger! Both Lillian and Lena watched in mild amusement. The argument they had gone like a puff of smoke. They watched a horrible CCTV video of the attack. The portal, the Gordanians as Agent Wraith had called them. The orange Alien known as Princess Koriand''r, Wraith''s partner Agent K who clearly was a meta-human as she caved in one of the skulls of the Aliens. Such ferocity was impossible for a normal human. Then...


    ¡°Wait! Back it up! Is there another angle!¡± Lex said with urgency. As they watched Wraith electrify the remaining Gordi''s.


    ¡°How much energy did that create...?¡± Lena asked, mystified.


    ¡°Ten billion watts of energy. Wraith has the power of a lighting strike in the palm of his hands.¡± Lillian answered.


    After the ''lighting strike'' the CCTV blew out! They lost the video. They had several on site camera''s for the forensics. They read the reports that Wraith had vouched for this Koriand''r. Almost as if he knew her? Or maybe the world she was from? It was becoming clear that Wraith was far more...knowledgeable about the universe then they had originally believed. Beep...Beep... Lillians phone went off. Which made the Luthor family freeze in place. Phone didn''t work down here! Lillian took the phone from her pocket and saw unknown number.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Lillian said into the receiver... Lex, and Lena both heard hushed whispers across the line. Lillian laughed out loud and switched the phone to speaker. ¡°Go ahead!¡±


    ¡°I figured you would get the bodies. How is everyone?¡± A familiar animalistic voice called out.


    ¡°Wraith! ¡­.Hello!¡± Lena said with a little bit to enthusiasm. This was caught by both her brother and mother who looked at her. She looked away, her face flushed in embarrassment.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, a pleasant surprise. What do we owe for this privilege?¡± Lex replied with a cool indifferent voice.


    ¡°There is a Gordanian with stylized armor, or rather his upper half since I ripped his spine out. In the chest piece on the upper right quadrant you should be able to read an energy output.¡± Wraith said. Lillian walked over with the phone and found the specific body. Lex pulled out a sensor tool and started to scan. Sure enough it was there.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Lex asked.


    ¡°Faster than light travel...Good luck!¡± Wraith replied and ended the call.


    The Luthor family froze in place. Then like a well oiled machine they sprung into action. After several hours of careful precision cutting they pulled out the Gordanian site to site beacon transport. It wouldn''t allow them teleporation since it required the master key back on their world, but it opened the idea that it was possible. Lex treated the beacon that was no bigger then his fist like the holy grail. Until his mother tapped him on his shoulder to get his attention. Despite the situation Lex turned towards her.


    ¡°We''ll table the discussion for Wraith''s blood for now. Let us continue to make use of him, agreed?¡± Lillian said, though her facial expression was calm, it rebuked no argument from Lex.


    ¡°Yes mother, I wholly agree.¡± Lex said, and was allowed to return to his experiments.


    Lillian took her daughter Lena to another part of Cadmus. Lena was clearly excited to work on FTL technology but kept pace with her mother. They came to a door with the letters ''Kr'' on it, they walked in and found dozens of tubes the size of people filled with saline solution. Each tube contained what looked like several growing fetuses. But each one was half the size of a man. Several of the forms looked half grown, but failed to properly mature. Limbs smaller, or larger, mouths misshapen, eyes miss placed, the organs exposed. They came to a stop in front a particular tube. A young man, maybe in his late teens early twenties floated unconscious in the water.


    ¡°Do you think Agent Wraith would be willing to visit Cadmus labs?¡± Lillian asked her daughter who turned to her in surprise.


    ¡°What!? But... Right, since he called you that would mean he knows where we are.¡± Lena said as she turned back to the tube and rubbed her face.


    ¡°He helped create this place. We never would have succeed with the cloning process with out his help.¡± Lillian said as she continue to watch the young man in the water.


    ¡°I think Lex hates him for that... He is growing more and more frustrated with Superman. He believes that Superman is holding him back. I''m worried about him mother.¡± Lena said, she clenched her hands into fists.


    ¡°Competition is healthy, Lena. Lex will keep control just like he always has.¡± Lillian replied, but she made a mental note to keep an closer eye on Lex.


    ¡°I''ll ask him, but I want your guarantee Cadmus wont try to capture him, or take anything from him while he visits.¡± Lena said, as she pegged a glare at her mother. Who only nodded in confirmation, that would have to be good enough.


    ¡°Do you think he could spend some of his ability on your dear old mother? You know I''m not getting any younger.¡± Lillian said with a smile. Lena smiled at her and shook her head.


    ¡°I can ask...¡± Lena replied.


    =============================================================


    Lash had made breakfast for everyone and placed it on the kitchen table. Stacks of pancakes, french toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, strawberries, whipped cream, butter, honey, jams. Hmmmm, breakfast food! Lash had a tall glass of orange juice in his hand as he watched his companions eat around the table.


    Kory had her hair tied back up and our of her face but a few stray strands of her red hair framed her face. Her eyes had stars in them as she poured syrup over her stacks of pancakes and soon devoured them. Turns out Tamaraneans have nine stomachs. So they can really pack it in! Kory wore a bath robe around her that was partially untied and revealed her long legs, and part of her chest. She made no move to cover herself clearly comfortable with showing off in front of everyone.


    Kara, still with out her glamour charm had wet blond hair from her morning shower. She had brushed it back but kept it loose as she spoke to Dawn. Her bath robe was tied close around her, but she did pull it apart enough for one of her shoulders to be revealed. A delight for the conservative Kara to do. She absently ate her eggs while Dawn spoke to her.


    Dawn continued to wear her shrine maiden outfit, but had decided to pull her sleeves back so they wouldn''t get ruined. Despite her appearance as a child she full mature and was incredibly intelligent something that had surprised Kara. Dawn had a thing for butter and jam on her biscuits since that was all she had so far. That and a tall glass of milk.


    ¡°So where are we going today, Lash?¡± Kory asked after she finished her third stack of pancakes. Her cheeks her puffed out like a chipmunk, syrup dripped from her mouth. Lash leaned over and cleaned her face for her. She mouthed a thank you.


    ¡°We''ll be heading to Coast City.¡± Lash replied, Kara turned from Dawn and looked at Lash in confusion.


    ¡°I thought we were looking for a place to put that Titan tower we talked about in Central City?¡± Kara asked.


    ¡°I wanted an island in the bay so we could control who was capable of entering and exiting the compound. There are no islands available so we''ll have to make one. Buying real estate in the open water is surprisingly difficult. I also want it filled with personnel so its not just an empty shell. So, in a rare occurrence we first need the people, but we build the place.¡± Lash finished what he said and stood up from the table to have a stretch. Several of his joints popped and he groaned in satisfaction.


    ¡°This titan tower? Will it be your home?¡± Kory asked, she stood up as well and emulated Lash by stretching her arms above her. Several soft pops rang out, and her robe nearly fell open. Lash could see the long line between her neck and waist.


    ¡°No, we are attempting to create forward operating bases in certain key locations.¡± Lash illustrated by creating a holographic map of America. ¡°West Coast, Central, and East Coast. We may decide on creating another FOB at one of the three great lakes. But as I said the main issue we have is numbers. VICI how many registered members of the League do we have?¡± Lash finished up, but kept the holographic window displayed above the table.


    ¡°We have approximately thirty active members, fifteen reserve members, and one hundred and twelve that are in need of being interviewed and accepted.¡± VICI replied through the holographic window. Her voice was bright, and full of life.


    ¡°Oh my! Hello, who are you?¡± Kory asked.


    ¡°Hello I am VICI, Virtual interactive communication intelligence! I am a product of my creator Agent Wraith, or as you know him as Lash. I am currently assisting the Justice League in its activities.¡± VICI replied cheerfully. Kory''s eyes went wide as she looked at the window then back to Lash.


    ¡°VICI can you give me an update on your status?¡± Lash asked, he may have lifted his chest up in a bit of pride. Though all he really did was follow the instructions.


    ¡°Yes Creator.... I''ve gained approximately three hundred and fifty pounds in mass. Expanded all sections by two centimeters, and am currently waiting for my next update from you Creator. My grade is G+.¡± VICI replied. Lash was surprised she had grown so quickly! So now he needed the gravity module, teleportation module, and upgrade for VICI''s main core.


    ¡°May I join the Justice League?¡± Kory asked with a smile on her face.


    ¡°Kory, do you plan on staying on Earth? Of course it would be great to have you! But, don''t you want to go back home?¡± Kara asked. Kory''s expression went crestfallen at the mention of her home. Before she could respond.


    ¡°Yes, Kory you can join the League. In fact Kara you should join officially as well. I know you haven''t mentioned it but you''ve already chosen to lead the life.¡± Lash said quickly to change the subject about Kory''s home.


    Something that both Kory, and Kara had noticed. Kory was thankful, why Kara was confused but let it go. Dawn continued to eat her biscuits, this time with butter, honey, and jam! A dangerous combination! VICI quickly updated Kara''s profile her ID was ''Supergirl'', and Kory joined as ''Starfire''. Lash spent several minutes creating a holographic wrist device that was durable, and capable of withstanding her energy projection. Essentially it wouldn''t melt, though he had to remake it three times before he got the components right.


    Kara began to show Kory how to operate the holographic comms. While Lash began to make clothes for his two companions, along with two updated Illusion glamour charms. Lash took his time with each piece of clothing, weaving Orichalcum thread into them. Torloth would lose his mind if he saw Lash do this on something so simple as under wear. Once he was finished with the clothing he offered them to his two companions. As always Kory pulled her robe off and started to dress then in there in front of Lash. Kara picked Kory up and put her over her shoulder and dragged her friend to the bedrooms.


    ¡°Kara likes you, you do know that right?¡± Dawn said as she walked over, her voice quiet as a mouse.


    ¡°I believe she is just thankful for what I''ve done for her. I''m sure she can find someone who is more suited to her sense of taste.¡± Lash replied as he began to craft the illusion charms.


    ¡°Or are you just afraid that Kal will crush your skull if you touch her?¡± Dawn asked with a smirk.


    ¡°Can''t it be both?¡± Lash said with a bemused expression. Dawn laughed at him and turned back into her necklace form. She wrapped around his neck, but not before kissing his cheek.


    ¡°Thank you for breakfast! Keep getting stronger and I''ll be able to take a more...adult form.¡± Dawn whispered in his ear. Lash paused mid inscription at the thought of an adult sexy female version of Dawn. Lash decided then and there to practice his Domains more.


    Kory came out first! She had a white off shoulder milk maid cropped top on, a tight black skirt that went to her knee''s but a slit that went to her waist. Her feet had white laced up four inch heels. Her dark red hair was naturally curly and swept past her shoulders, the ends of them glowing faintly. She walked towards Lash sashaying her hips as she did and she went right up to him and kissed him lightly on the lips.


    ¡°Thank you, they fit like a dream!¡± Kory said, her mouth inches from his own. She slowly slide down the length of his body then stood to the side.


    Kara came next, she had a black designer ripped T-shirt on that was tight on her. The front of the shirt was cut in a triangle the pieces of fabric cut evenly to give the viewer a bit of a show since she didn''t have a bra on. The shirt cut short just above her skinny designer ripped jeans that hugged her long legs perfectly. She had black heeled boots on, while no one could see them Lash knew that she had black laced panties on. Her shoulder length curly blond hair was tied back in a loose pony tail but plenty of her curls came around her face.


    The two women were in direct contrast with each other. Kory of course showed off a fair bit of skin given that Tamaraneans did not have a taboo about showing skin. Especially since they absorbed their ultra violet light through skin exposure. While Kara as a Kryptonian could absorb yellow sun just from the area around her. Kara also grew up with more conservative environment on Krypton, and on the Kent farm. But, women especially attractive women enjoy being looked at. These clothes would do just that.


    ¡°Here are your new pieces. They will alter your skin, eye, and hair appearance. Until we can get you a ''planetary'' visa Kory you''ll have to wear this.¡± Lash said as he took out two silver chained necklaces, both with diamond arrow head appearances.


    ¡°I understand. From what Kara tells me someone of my skin color would call a lot of attention. At least for now.¡± Kory replied with a half smile as she put the necklace on.


    ¡°I''ve altered the design a bit, should make it easier to wear.¡± Lash told them and gave the instructions.


    Each charm had a key word that was said by the wearer. Once said the necklace would ''melt'' into the skin and become an intricate celtic knot design around their neck. Kara, and Kory''s skin tone changed to golden tanned skin, while their eyes and hair color changed depending on their mood. It was a little eye catching, but when the change happened to their hair there was a ''holographic'' image shimmer. Lash had seen this on the latest fashion. Clothing that changed color due to mood or a phone setting. Kara''s eyes, and hair both lit up with a light sky blue along the edge, while it became dark blue at the core of the eye, and hair.


    ¡°Thank you Lash! This is amazing!¡± Kara jumped up to wrap her arms around Lash''s neck, and kissed him on the cheek. She immediately jumped down and turned red. While her ''mood'' coloring changed to pink/red.


    ¡°Will this melt if I use my abilities?¡± Kory asked, her hair and eye color a combination of pink, and purple.


    ¡°No, its matched your physiology. Even if your skin burns hot enough to melt metal. Both the charm and the holographic will be fine. Well unless you burn as hot as the sun, which I guess is a possibility. At that point I''ll just make you another one, one more durable.¡± Lash replied.


    Lash kept his clothes simple. Black combat boots, long black slacks, black buttoned up shirt, black suit jacket, hid his tribal marks, gave him a high and tight black hair cut, tanned skin, and yellow green eyes. Just for fun he put a radio wire in his ear. He looked like he was a body guard for two young heiresses.


    Lash snagged Kara''s backpack and carried it like a bag. They said goodbye to their hotel room and Lash promised Kory that the next place they stay at should have a private pool as well. Lash got a beep from his Connectivity on the JL message board. Kara, and Kory had posted their ''disguised selves'' on the message board. More then a few younger males in the message board had developed nose bleeds from Kory''s picture.


    Lash took the ladies to a local park to find a tree. Kory, jumped in surprise as the tree opened its truck with its branches. But then leaned into Lash who snagged her waist, while Kara blushed. Kara''s eyes and hair changing to dark blue, as did Kory''s. Miles from the park in Coast City in a city park a sight and sound obstruction glamour was produced and a tree opened up. Lash walked out with the two ladies on either side of him. Technically they could walk through the portal themselves, but Lash wasn''t about to tell them that.


    Lash took a moment to inform the local Warden HQ he was in the area, to be polite. Lash found out from VICI that Katma Tui (John''s wife, and Alien Green Lantern) was actually at the Watch Tower looking it over. She had been pulling asteroids towards VICI who promptly devoured the rocks for materials, and resources for her growth. John was currently patrolling star sector 2815 so our next door neighbor. So the only person they could visit was Jefferson Pierce aka Black Lightning. So they got some transportation and went to Garfield High, where Jefferson was currently being a Principle.


    ¡°So, this building is where young human children go to learn their education?¡± Kory asked, she was on Lash''s left. She had her arms around his arm and pressed up against him.


    ¡°One of them, yes. Unlike on Krypton the humans tend to separate each education center separately due to age. Seems incredibly in efficient if you ask me.¡± Kara replied, she was on Lash''s right. She also had her arms wrapped around his arm, and pressed up against him.


    The trio had arrived at Garfield High at lunch time. So the entire parking lot, and school ground was filled to the brim with activity. Kory, and Kara attracted a lot of attention from the boys and girls. While Lash was more like a primitive form of decoration. Kara was young enough to technically attend high school, while Kory was over a hundred years old. Turns out Tamaranean''s age slower then humans.


    The school it self looked worn out. In desperate need of some TLC. But Lash did notice that all of the school uniforms were brand new, and school books were the most recent addition. So the money Lash had given Jefferson had been put to good use. Lash led them over to the grassy field and put caution to the wind. He created a sit down area made completely out of plants. There were a few shocked gasps, and screams. As tables, chairs, and a couch appeared. Lash sat down in the middle, while Kory, and Kara came to sit on either side of him.


    ¡°Is Principal Pierce available? I would like to talk to him about donating another million dollars to Garfield High.¡± Lash said in a loud voice. That got a lot of peoples attention! The donation had been made anonymously, now here was a man claiming to be the donor?


    Ten minutes later Jefferson Pierce came running out of the school. He was 6''1¡±, with brown eyes, a shaved head, and a bit of a beard that looked good on him. He wore a cheap suit that fit for a teachers salary. He was in great shape, and his suit barely contained his muscled form. A fact that more than a few young women noticed. Jefferson came to a walk as he came closer to the improvised meeting area.


    ¡°Principal Pierce! Good to see you again. The school still looks a little worn down, do you need more money?¡± Lash said with a smirk. Jefferson came to a stop as he looked at Lash, then at the two beautiful ladies. Then something seem to snap into place, as his eyes went wide.


    ¡°Maybe this will help?¡± Lash said, as his shroud came to life. His used Transformation, skin turned to scales, a tail grew from his back, he grew several feet. He placed his arms along the back rest of the plant couch, while Kory, and Kara settled next to him. He looked like a monster king here to make a deal with a hero of the realm.


    ¡°Agent Wraith! Yes! Sorry I didn''t recognize you in your... disguise! Please come in, we can show you around campus and tell you the changes we made!¡± Jefferson practically yelled! This was way above what he expected to accomplish today!


    ===============================================================


    That was the day the faculty, and students discovered the identity of the donor for Garfield High. Not some rich man who wanted get a tax break, but the Alien Wraith! When asked about why he chose this place he said that Black Lightning was an acquaintance of his and Black Lightning talked about the school and how they needed help. Wraith had money, so he donated it. He gave it directly to Pierce because Lightning said he was a good man.


    Jefferson was both incredibly happy, and pissed off that Wraith had told a bald face lie! None of that happened! Except the donation part! Jefferson answered the questions of Wraith''s two women who he had recently learned were both aliens from another world visiting Earth. Wraith was trying to convince them to join the same ten year program he did. Jefferson wasn''t sure if that was a lie to be told to the public or if it was true?


    Jefferson led them around the school and visited each part and talked about what they would like to do, and what they can afford to do. He had spent the money on the teachers salaries, school uniforms, books, gym equipment, etc. But most of the school it self didn''t get any of the money because there was to much to fix. The school board had even tried to take the money form Jefferson and put it into other schools. But a lawyer from Shield and Sword law firm showed up and practically beat the school board with hundred pound contracts.


    The tour took until the end of the school day. Wraith went to the main courtyard of the school and drew a giant circle with dozens of little symbols, and some sort of language. Then he went to the middle and asked the school faculty some questions about the school. He asked his two companions to keep watch of him as he needed to focus. The women both took opposite sides of him and took the job seriously. One of them had neon green energy pulsate from her hands!


    The ''ritual'' circle started to glow, and the inner circles rotated as if they were on a dial. A ripple effect went from Wraith to outside the circle. Then like a flash flood a tiny army of mechanized ''machines'' started to fix things in the school. Cracked concrete? Fixed! Leaking pipes? Fixed! With each ripple effect more and more of the school started to get fixed, but not only fixed. Improved! The courtyard gardens went into full bloom, the tree''s grew several feet into the air. Additional buildings were built from the ground up! Jefferson almost swore they grew from the very ground!


    Two hours was all it took! Garfield High School had gone from one of the worst school in the area to the nicest most high tech school in the state! Solar panels were on the roof and provided more then enough power, so the school could technically sell the rest to the power company. They had a new gym building that included an indoor pool, gymnastic floor, basketball court. The outside portion housed a football field, baseball, and track field all in closed. The infrastructure of the school had all been redone, and remade. Garfield looked like a private school that millionaires would send their children!


    ¡°Mr Pierce? Nice to see you again.¡± A man''s voice said behind Jefferson. He turned around and saw the same lawyer from before. The man belonged a model magazine he was to good looking.


    ¡°Yes! Mr Lato, hello is something wrong?¡± Jefferson walked over and shook the lawyers hand. The school started to add some polish with paint designs, and statues.


    ¡°Not at all! Agent Wraith contacted us ahead of time to inform us he would be redesigning the school. I''ve come to ensure that the renovation is done properly, and with any ulterior issues from the school board!¡± Lato said, he smiled his to perfect smile at Jefferson. While several city officials showed up behind him to inspect the school.


    ¡°Aha! Looks like he is done! Shall we?¡± Lato said, as he moved past Jefferson to greet Wraith. The circle was gone from the ground, and Wraith was sitting on the ground breathing heavily.


    I may have painted a target on you for this, Jefferson. Sorry. -Wraith''s voice sounded off in his mind.


    ¡°Don''t be... I''ll take the bad with the good. Thank you!¡± Jefferson replied out loud as he came over to his....friend, Wraith.


    ==================================================================


    The next day students of Garfield High School along with any parent that could attend came to the grand re-opening of their school. The city mayor even showed up for the ribbon cutting. Agent Wraith was unfortunately not around for comment. But Mr Lato from Shield and Sword could answer any and all question about the building. The school house could now hold five times its current size, and thanks to a sizable donation from Agent Wraith hiring more faculty was not an issue. Despite its clear economic increase Garfield would continue to be a public school for the city. Allowing everyone who wanted a public education to attend.


    To the current faculty, and students the new school was like a dream come true. They felt like they had walked into a science fiction novel! Every single desk had a holographic interface for fuck sake! But with the increase in money came the desire to break in and steal. Of course Wraith also updated the security systems. The first person who tried to break in was surprised to see a automated turret pop out of the ground and shoot them with a taser! Local gangs came to and were beaten back by the security system, the full time guards, and Black Lighting that may or may not have a secret bunker built under the school. You know...For reasons....


    ¡°So where we headed to tomorrow, Lash?¡± Kara asked from the coach she sat on in their hotel room.


    ¡°El Paso, Texas. VICI has located some one who needs helps. Blue Beetle.¡± Lash replied.

 Chapter 71: Murmur, and Nickel

    ==========================================================


    Bobby Williams was having a strange day. It started out like any other day, he woke up, had breakfast, and went to work at his Uncle''s scrap yard. He was attending Coast City community college to get his associate degree. He normally wouldn''t bother, but his Uncle John said he could only work at the scrap yard if he went to school. It was an easy job, that allowed him to study while at work. But today he honestly wondered what he was doing with his life?


    Bobby was 5'' 9¡± and not that bad looking. A boy next door sort of look with his curly brown hair, blue eyes, and tanned skin. He kept in shape due his time in high school on the track team. He liked to run! He was use to the girls in his area turning their heads when he walked by. But this time he saw two beautiful women that defied all expectations. On a scale from one to ten they were both easily a twelve.


    One woman was easily six feet tall with caramel skin, long curly hair that swept past her shoulders. Her hair and eye color would change color! He had read the fashion and tech magazine about how people were using holographic images to change appearances but this was over the top he thought! She was a total bombshell! She had a loose sheer black fabric skirt on that was faded enough to catch the sight of her long legs. She had a tight half black top on that barely covered her size able breasts that bounced with every step. On top of all that she smiled, winked, and spoke to everyone with a flirty ambition of a woman who knew what she wanted and enjoyed showing off.


    Then there was her..Sister? She was 5''9¡± with tanned skin, and short curly hair to her shoulders that also changed color. Where her sister was outrageous she was more conservative. But it worked for her her, she had a killer body in her black heeled boots, knee length blue skirt, and billowing blue superman t-shirt that was big enough to allow one of her shoulders to be exposed. She was a bashful beauty that made people want to talk to her just to see her bat her eye lashes at them.


    Then there was their companion. A giant fucking lizard! Bobby had seen images and videos of him on the internet. The Alien who was working for the United Nations. The ''man-thing'' was easily eight feet tall! Plus the width of a door way if not larger. His cloak? Shroud curled off him like it was made of the morning fog that rolled from the hills in the morning. Bobby could see his dark green metallic scales, clawed hands, feet, and a long bladed tail. Bobby saw bits and pieces of plate armor under the shroud.


    Why did all of this matter? Because Agent Wraith and the two beautiful ladies were here to speak to his uncle John! The thing was! His Uncle wasn''t that surprised by them arriving! Bobby along with all the guys at the scrap yard were stuttering and drooling over the ladies and kept a wide berth around the alien Wraith. Uncle John had us all clear out the scrap yard so it was empty. Then with all of the other customers sitting in the front office watching in confusion as Agent Wraith dropped ten grand and give it to Uncle John. Ten grand! Just like that! John asked Wraith for a favor and Bobby was dragged along into the scrapyard to watch something that he would never forget!


    It was like that old animation with the mouse, and the wizard hat. Wraith stretched his hands out and scrap metal just pulled itself out of the piles and flew towards the area he stood in front of. Then screws, sprockets, and gears materialized out of thin air! Bobby was going to school to be a mechanical engineer. He was always a bit of a gear head, it was why he worked at his Uncle''s scrap yard. Uncle John had always encouraged him to just that. Something Bobby''s parents never cared for. But this...This was unreal! Bobby watched in fascination as a machine! A twin helicopter and jet plane was built in front him! Something that should have taken days if not weeks to build in under ten minutes.


    Then like two puzzle pieces snapped together. Bobby understood something! He looked down and in his left hand he saw a copper gear sprocket was rotating in his hand. He wasn''t fiddling with it like a spinner. No, it was rotating in his hand, floating just above his skin by a few inches. Before Bobby could scream in surprise he felt a large hand clap him on his shoulder. He looked up and saw four yellow green reptilian eyes peer at him from the darkness of his shrouded hood.


    ¡°Machine Control. Its a unique gift.¡± The Alien Wraith''s was like a crocodile trying to talk. But Bobby still understood him some how.


    Bobby then felt like some one had force fed a training manual into his head by melting it down and pouring it into his ears. He dropped to his knees and nearly fell unconscious until his Uncle grabbed him before he his head hit the ground. Uncle John had a smile on his face, and thanked the Alien Wraith for the help. Did Uncle John know about his power?


    Bobby looked up to watch Wraith and the two beautiful ladies walk into their transportation. The tall amazonian woman winked and blew Bobby a kiss as the rear hatched closed behind her. The propellers began to twirl and soon the whole plane took off into the air. A hundred feet into the air the whole plane changed colors and faded from sight. But Bobby could... Feel that it was still there?


    ¡°What the fuck Uncle John?¡± Bobby said, and grimaced when John smacked him upside the head.


    ¡°Watch your mouth, Bobby! Now let''s go play with your new abilities!¡± John said with a smile as he reached his hand out and metal sprocket pulled itself out from the scrap heap and floated in front of John.


    ================================================================


    Name: Bobby Williams / VI Avatar.


    Title: Gear Head, Grease Monkey


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: G evolving into G+


    Skills: Engineering, Crafting, [See tool tip for more]


    Powers: Metal manipulation, Machine understanding, [See tool tip for more]


    Domain: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comment: Bobby Williams had always had a connection with machines. As a child he thought they seem to almost speak to him. He just seem to know when they were about to break, and how to fix them. But now... Now he knows it was something more.


    Congratulations User! You''ve helped another VI Avatar in your world awaken their potential ahead of their pre determined schedule.


    Lash had shifted back to his default human shape while he flew the duel heli-jet. This wasn''t his old favorite SHARC but just another version of what he used with Team Arrow when they attacked the Death Stroke compound. Lash continued to get Machine Control experience as Bobby continued to play with his power. Lash was confused as to why he got experience when his power was based in magic, while Bobby''s was a meta-gene. But he figured they had common ground somewhere. But he had to admit he enjoyed being a ''Class Trainer''


    ¡°So, when are you going to help teach me how to fly?¡± Kara asked, she came to lean over the pilot''s seat. Kara''s natural scent was sweet on Lash''s nose as he breathed her in.


    ¡°We can increase our altitude and have you jump out with Kory. We''ll make sure to video tape it for the League. Should be fun!¡± Lash said with a smile. Kara slapped his arm playfully and went to sit back down with Kory who was on her holographic looking up places to visit when they went to El Paso.


    Bobby had been an interesting find. VICI reported that Bobby''s father, and Uncle both showed signs of the Meta-Gene even before the Dark Matter eruption at Central City. Lash knew that the Meta-Gene had been a thing for centuries! The margin for existence was just smaller. With the increase in Dark Matter energy the chance to awaken was higher, it was also possible for existing Meta-Gene holders powers to increase in rank. Which was not always a good thing, especially for those that didn''t know how to control their abilities.


    Creating the Lunar Academy would be a great place to take people to learn the fundamentals in controlling their abilities. As well as giving them a chance at an education for the future. Not everyone with powers wanted to be a hero...Or a villain. Many just wanted to live a normal life. The question was how did they convince the world the the Academy was a school and not a prison? Lash had asked his Warden contacts about schools for the super-natural societies. There were dozens of schools spread out across the globe. But the best ones were hidden in pocket dimensions. There own little worlds!


    When Lash dropped the idea for the Lunar Academy he was met with less then an enthusiastic reply from the Warden''s. The moon was a no go area of operation for most. Why? Apparently there use to be a civilization on the Moon long ago. Their revenants were still there! If Lash wanted to build something on the moon, he would have to clean them out first. When he found this out his Cosmic Patron quest from the Lunar Academy had updated.


    Congratulations User! You''ve discovered additional information about your Cosmic Patron''s quest.


    Establish a Lunar Academy on the Earth''s Moon.


    Additional Objective: Destroy, cleanse, and or kill the Revenant''s of an ancient race.


    Number of Enemies that remain: 10,000,000/ 10,000,000.


    Lash''s eye twitched while Saurian chuckled and rattle his metaphorical scales in excitement. Time for a new hunt to begin soon, yes? -Saurian''s voice soothed across the link. Yes, time for a new hunt. But it would have to wait for a little while longer. For now Lash was still touring America with Kara, and Kory. They had heard about an explosion at Kord Omniversal Research and Development, Inc. (Kord Technologies) Theodore Stephen ''Ted'' Kord the second incarnation of Blue Beetle owned the business. Ted Kord had been in the super hero business for a long time. He had worked under the first incarnation of Blue Beetle, Daniel Garret. Garret had actually worn the scarab thinking it was mystical in nature. But Ted had realized it was actually a piece of alien tech and had declined the scarab, or the scarab refused to work for him. The comic origin was different depending on which Earth-# you read. Instead, Ted used his own inventions to be the second blue beetle.


    Thirty two hours ago an explosion took place at Kord Tech. The local police suspected foul play and were about to investigate when ARGUS showed up on the scene and dismissed the local PD. Lash may have gained access to ARGUS''s data base and given VICI the key to the back door. You know, hypothetically of course! It had proven beneficial as VICI had told Lash that they were looking for a unique alien tech. A machine in the shape of a blue scarab. But...The scarab was no where to be found.


    Foresight hadn''t activated for Lash, nor had he used Cosmic Awareness. But that didn''t stop Lash from physically driving himself there even if he couldn''t physically tell anyone why he did it. The fourth wall engine as always was very impressive. Because of this he just had VICI use local satellites to scan, and look for power surges across El Paso. Jaime Reyes was suppose to be the third Blue Beetle. As far as Lash knew the original heroes and villains in the dream always stayed true. Unless it was a specific comic origin, or he directly intervened. Made Lash wonder who he had stopped from existing. Jason Todd Red Hood for example? Joker was dead in Lash''s world. Unless there was another Joker out there, or maybe a VI Avatar with a joker fetish?


    The flight from Coast City to El Paso wasn''t to long on the duel heli-jet. Lash had wanted to take a Warden portal system. But Kara, and Kory were not cleared. The super-natural''s were undecided if they could keep a secret or not. Lash didn''t push it so he crafted transportation to get them there. He would make sure to find a local park and mark a tree, or maybe a cell-phone tower for his new Digital Stride spell he had obtained when he got into town.


    While he flew across the country Lash used Connectivity and answered and replied to emails, messages, and a few phone calls. He contacted his pack mates through varies means of messaging, as well as the Wardens from Gotham. Despite his active travel routine Lash made sure to stay in some contact with his people. Though he could technically check on his Pack where ever he was on Earth. Though the skill buff of 30% wouldn''t activate, that didn''t stop Lash from using the bond to reach out and say hello. As long as they were all on the same plane of existence he could feel them, and they could feel him. Though he wasn''t sure if it worked off planet. The connection had stayed while he was building VICI. So maybe?


    Out of everyone he had on in his Pack, Peyton was the most nervous. Her Warden ceremony was coming up soon. Lash told her he would do his best to be there but if work came up he wasn''t sure. She understood that, if a massive tidal wave crashed into the coast and he was trying to stop another one she would rather he concentrate on that then come to her ceremony. But she hope he would. It was set for the end of next month so Lash had time. Hopefully.


    The heli-jet passed the state line and would arrive at El Paso in less then an hour. With Parallel Minds Lash read up on the information acquired by VICI through ARGUS. They had searched the whole building looking for evidence. Yes, it was foul play. The ''official'' report was corporate espionage. But the explosion that wrecked the entire upper floors of the building were in Ted''s primary lab. Ted''s body had been found with a synthetic polymer blended suit of a blue beetle wrapped around him. ARGUS had known his identity so this wasn''t any surprise. But the ground team continued to search for the Scarab. They found its contained, they found the records, and data base for all the attempts of Ted to get it to turn on. So Ted had wanted the scarab, but it hadn''t worked for him?


    ¡°Ten minutes then we''ll be landing.¡± Lash said to his two companions.


    Kara, and Kory then took a moment to strip out of their cloths and dressed in the standard government agency look. Black heeled boots, black suit pants, white buttoned shirt, black suit jacket. Each set had been created by Lash had was of course enchanted, and enhanced. Kory''s specifically would allow her to absorb ultra violet light through the fabric.


    ¡°So, we are allowed to ask questions. Yes?¡± Kory asked, as she finished with her shirt. Even wearing the government official gear Kory looked like a super model you''d see in a bond movie.


    ¡°We are considered trainee''s under Agent Wraith. While we decide if we want to take the same citizenship method Wraith is. So questions pertaining to the job. Yes I think are just fine?¡± Kara said as she pulled her red hair back. Yes they both continued to wear their glamour charms. So eyes and hair continued to change based on their mood. Red = nervous.


    Kory took a moment to wrap her arms around Kara and kissed her cheek. She left behind a red lipstick print on Kara''s face. Kara squeaked and gently pushed Kory away as she cleaned up her face, her cheeks flushed red. Kory walked over to Lash who continued to pilot the heli-jet toward the Kord Tech parking lot. She leaned over and kissed his cheek.


    ¡°For luck!¡± Kory said with a smirk.


    As Lash came over the parking lot and started to land, Kory''s jovial personality melted away and she became a warrior trained by the Warlords of Okaara. The heli-jet land gear touched down on the pavement, just as the rear hatch started to lower Lash called on Saurian and used Transformation. Lash in the disguise of Wraith stepped from the rear hatch to the sight of hundreds of small arms, and automatic weapons pointed at his group.


    ¡°Gentlemen, and Ladies of ARGUS. We are here to help!¡± Lash said, his voice made a few people jump in surprise.


    As they stepped off from the transport dozens of armored vehicles had surrounded the heli-jet that had materialized out of thin air. It had the UNWS stamp on the side of the transport but ARGUS had no idea they had come. When Agent Wraith stepped out of the transport followed by two bomb shell beauties the troops on the ground were confused. Agent Wraith was an enigmatic individual as far as most were concerned he didn''t really had direct supervision. He was allowed to go, and do what ever he wanted. Many people would be afraid of someone with this kind of power, but Agent Wraith had never done anything so far to question why he was given this privilege.


    A shadow moved across the pavement and stopped in front of Agent Wraith, the shadow expanded like it was a living thing. A petite gloved hand reached out and started to pull itself out of the shadow. Wraith reached down and helped the young woman out of the shadow, much to her surprise! The ARGUS agents knew who this was. Agent Murmur, 5''8¡± woman with short black hair that didn''t reach her chin, silver eyes, and an athletic figure. Once she left the pool of darkness it evaporated like a puddle of water in the summer sun.


    ¡°Agent Wraith. I am Agent Murmur. We were not expecting you.¡± Her voice was like ice, but despite that she did not take her hand from the claws of Wraith.


    ¡°I know, but despite that we''ve come to help. I can already tell you the item in question is no longer in the building nor is it on the premise. Some one has it.¡± Lash said, his clawed hand continued to hold the hand of Agent Murmur who despite her icy appearance in her cool black combat uniform clearly didn''t mind the giant lizard holding her hand.


    Agent Murmur wore the typical ARGUS tactical combat gear. Black boots, urban warfare pants, then she wore a black long sleeved muscle t-shirt, with a kevlar vest over that. She had a lower half face combat mask with re breather attached. She wore plated hand gloves that were used for punching, along with an assortment of knives on her legs, forearms, vest, and a sub-machine gun strapped to her lower back. She had a nice figure that filled out the uniform very nicely.


    Agent Murmur gently took back her hand, and brought her wrist to her mouth and spoke a few words into the radio there. She got a reply and nodded in return. She gestured for him to follow as the ARGUS ground unit lowered their weapons at last. Kory and Kara never flinched during the whole situation, either knowing that Wraith had it under control. Or that the weapons would do nothing to them.


    Murmur ran her thumb over the spot that Wraith had held more then once. It was the first time some one had willingly touched her in years. Her powers had always spread black veins through people and sucked them dry of energy. It never killed anyone, but they would always feel drained and exhausted after words. Murmur didn''t get an ounce of energy from Wraith, but felt elated she could touch him with out him suffering any effects. She''d have to report this to Waller.


    The building''s top floors were in ruins. They had to take the stairs which didn''t bother any of them. Kory even sprung into the middle of the stair way and floated up covering the corners. Lash had told her that ARGUS was a friend, and an enemy. Just depended on the day, and what they wanted. So she was on full alert. Her hair, and eyes glowed green (Active) due to the glamour charm. The tip of her hair glowing faintly. Murmur glanced at Kory while they climbed the stairs.


    They reached the top floor and saw the blast residue all over the floor. Over a dozen forensic technicians worked the scene taking picture, setting up lights, and taking samples. They still had no idea what caused the explosion. All of the chemicals in the lab were accounted for, those that were explosive wouldn''t have caused this degree of damage. The technicians got out of the way of Agent Murmur, and kept their mouths shut when they saw Wraith. Kory stayed afloat as she followed behind gradually.


    Inside the main lab was another ARGUS meta-human. He was six foot even with metal skin. He had black combat boots, black urban warfare pants, a black sleeveless muscle shirt, his hair which was a silver color was high and tight. He had a body builder look. He had a radio in his ear as he turned to see Murmur and the team walk in. He walked over towards Lash with a very aggressive stance stopped a few short feet, smiled wide and held out his hand.


    ¡°Agent Wraith! A pleasure sir! Please call me Agent Nickel. I hope my sister didn''t give you too much trouble.¡± Nickel said, as he winked at Murmur who glared daggers at him. Lash reached out and shook Nickel''s hand. They shared a nice firm grip.


    ¡°You must be Agent K, and Agent Andr? Nice to meet you!¡± Nickel said in a very friendly voice. Lash could read that Nickel was genuine and said as much across the Temporary Pack Bond he had made with Kory, and Kara. They both took turns shaking his hand. He commented what a nice grip Kara had!


    ¡°Don''t mind Agent Murmur if she didn''t shake your hand. She sucks the energy out of anyone she touches!¡± Nickel said with a smirk, and jumped away with a laugh as Murmur tried to slap him.


    ¡°Agent Wraith didn''t have any problems touching her.¡± Kara said, she tilted her head to the side in confusion. Nickel stopped as he looked at Murmur, a question on his face. Murmur looked away bashfully.


    ¡°Oho! Look at you Murmur! Bashful and shy! Hay! I''m sorry! I didn''t mean it!¡± Nickel shouted as he ran around the room away from Murmur who chased him with her hand outstretched like claws.


    ¡°Ahem!¡± An ARGUS agent in business suit attire cleared his throat. This man was 5''10¡± with a marine core hair cut, wide shoulders, and blue eyes. He rolled his eyes as he seem to be use to the antics of these two. Despite her attempts at being indifferent, Kory did laugh at them both.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, I am Agent Dutch. I keep an eye on these two while on the field. I was told you have information for us?¡± Dutch said as he glared at Nickel who smiled wide at him, and Murmur who mumbled an apology. Lash took a moment to cast Insight on Murmur, Nickel, and Dutch.


    Name: Agent Murmur / VI Avatar.


    Title: Soundless.


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: D+


    Skills: Stealth, Hand to Hand combat. [See tool tip for more]


    Powers: Shadow Control, Matter Conversion. [See tool tip for more]


    Domain: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comment: Murmur thinks Wraith is an alien who pretends to be a monster. She has met a lot of monsters that pretend to be human. She is also a bit shy at the fact that she can touch him with out draining him.


    Name: Agent Nickel / VI Avatar.


    Title: Tin Man, Iron Man.


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: D+


    Skills: Hand to Hand combat, Martial Arts, Painting [See tool tip for more]


    Power: Metal Polymer Skin, Superhuman Durability, [See tool tip for more]


    Domain: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comment: Nickel is excited to meet, and work with Wraith. He has heard amazing things about the Alien who was born on Earth. Though his interest may follow Wraith''s two female companions a bit more.


    Name: Agent Dutch


    Title: Jar-Head.


    Origin: Meta-Gene. (Dormant)


    Rank: G+


    Skills: Hand to Hand, Commanding Presence, Golf, [See tool tip for more]


    Power: Blood Manipulation, Heart pulse sensory, [See tool tip for more, Currently Dormant]


    Domain: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Neutral.


    Comment: Dutch isn''t sure what to make of Wraith, or his little team of trainee''s. He''ll do his job, and take care of his Agents. His priority will always be his people first, the mission second. Everything else can fuck off!


    ¡°Can you please call your head technician in here with us?¡± Lash asked, he walked straight towards the middle of the lab as Dutch called for the lead tech. A woman in forensic gear came in with a holographic computer on her forearm.


    ¡°Yes, Agent Wraith what can I help you with?¡± She said in a business like voice.


    ¡°Do you have the determined time of the explosion?¡± Lash asked, the technician gave the estimated time of the incident.


    Lash knelt down and pressed his palms into the ground. Using his ''glamour'' he created a technology machine effect of dozen or so tiny projectors creating a scene. Then he used a skill that he bought awhile ago. Retrocognition since it was a skill/power that he had purchased via the shop it was of course a bit different than most. The room displayed Wraith and his team entering, then walking backwards out of the room. What Dutch, and Nickel were doing before they had come. Then the projection started to speed up. Minutes flew by and turned into hours. The technicians eyes grew wide in astonishment.


    ¡°Holy fuck! You can rewind the scene like a fucking video!? That is fucking awesome!¡± Nickel shouted loudly. Dutch was to focused on the scene to reprimand his agent for swearing. While Murmur was looking at Wraith instead of the scene playing backwards.


    ¡°Every time I think I have him figured out he does something new.¡± Kara whispered to Kory. She had walked over to her and leaned in. Kory nodded and whispered back in reply.


    ¡°I know! Isn''t it fun!¡± Kory replied then went back to watching.


    The estimated time for the explosion arrived and Lash slowed the scene down. His energy meter was nearing 50% capacity, this took a lot of effort to maintain. The explosion took place, a fiery blue flame enveloped the entire lab. That was interesting! He continued to rewind time until they saw a fight take place backwards. He sped through it and then set his ability to ''play''. Unfortunately the level of the power was to low. So it didn''t come with sound.


    No one seem to question the lack of sound as if it was obvious. They saw the scene of Ted Kord aka Blue Beetle in uniform shouting at two people who had come inside his lab. One of the men was a teenager with blue fire as his hair, he rolled a blue flame around on his knuckles like one would a coin. The other man was a Death Stroke look alike, but this one had both eyes. Slade''s son, Grant Wilson the first Ravager. Ted continued to shout at Ravager who despite his mask was clearly livid about something. The kid with blue fire for hair then started to napalm the room with his blue fire. Ted fought back, and despite being out numbered held his own. Lash paused the ''scene'' and walked in front of the blue fire kid.


    ¡°Who is this? Can you do a facial scan Miss...¡± Lash said as he turned his head to look at the Tech. She jumped into action and ran over to scan the boys face that was as if he was standing there in front of her.


    ¡°Morgan... Agent Morgan. This...This is incredible! How are you doing this?¡± Morgan asked.


    ¡°Afraid I can''t say. At least not for another five years. Technology assimilation for pre FTL civilizations. Sorry.¡± Lash replied in a robotic voice, as if he was use to replying the answer far to many times. Morgan frowned at his answer but let it go as the computer beeped at her.


    ¡°Judas Kane, Orphan and ward of the state of New Mexico. Went missing a few years ago. Wanted for petty theft, assault, breaking and entering, grand theft auto, robbery, rape, murder. Dropped out of high school. No other records past that except for his psychological evaluation by the state, which is not pretty.¡± Agent Morgan said as she closed her holographic.


    ¡°Who is this?¡± Kara asked, she was in front of Grant/ Ravager. Who looked a lot like Death Stroke.


    ¡°Death Stroke aka Slade Wilson is in a ARGUS holding facility so we know its not him. I would say its one of his sons. Most likely Grant Wilson, takes after his father.¡± Agent Dutch came over to look at Ravager.


    After another minute of discussion Lash continued the scene. A hidden compartment in the wall burst open when Judas shot his blue napalm at it. That is when the Scarab came crawling out of the container it had been stuck in. It flew across the room like a speeding bullet and attached itself to Judas. Ted and Ravager both looked surprised, then Ravager sprinted from the room and dove out of the window. Ted lost in the moment of seeing the Scarab choose a chose a host didn''t realize the Scarab hadn''t chosen Judas. He was consuming him! The Scarab seem to suck Judas dry, right before he died he ignited the last of his energy reserves and exploded. Then the blue napalm consumed the lab!


    Once the flames died away they found what remained of Ted/ Blue Beetle. His suit was made from a polymer that copied the Scarab, though it used materials from Earth. When the intense heat flashed through the room the suit covered Ted automatically. But the intense heat was enough to cook Ted from the outside in. Just like that a hero died. After that Ravager came back up into the lab and looked around for a bit but he couldn''t find what he was looking for he soon left. About an hour after wards the local PD swarmed the lab. The explosion had been contained to the upper floor. Ted had reinforced his lab so if anything happened it would endanger any ones life.


    ¡°Where is his body?¡± Lash asked as he closed the ''scene'' his energy levels had reached 20%, he needed to recharge for a bit. Kara was the first to walk up to him and gave him a steady body to lean on. Kory flew over and checked on him. The glamour of tiny machines broke down or returned to his shroud'' appearances were important.


    ¡°We have it in our mobile lab, we still cant get the suit off of him.¡± Morgan said as she had looked at Agent Dutch for permission.


    ¡°May I see him... I have a few questions I want to ask.¡± Lash said, his reptilian face pulled back into a smile that made the whole room shiver.


    Ten minutes later a few people in the morgue turned green, and Agent Nickel threw up his breakfast. He left the lab repeating over and over again. ''That ain''t right!'' Agent Morgan, and Agent Dutch were frozen in place as they stared wide eyed at a very dead, and very talking Ted Kord. Kory stared at the dead body with wide eyes not at all sickened by the scene. She had seen much worse as a slave to The Citadel, she was amazed that Lash could talk to the dead. Kara was stuck between being amazed and horrified.


    Lash had used his title ability from ''Grave Walker''(Ch. 28) to reanimate Ted. Though Ted was still dead all Lash had done was partially animate the mans mind to discuss his memories. Ted had no thoughts or feelings on the matter. He was dead! He answered in a monotone voice, and replied with a blank stare. Lash asked about the fight between Ravager and Judas. That was when he got a prompt from Dawn when he received the answer.


    Congratulations User! The Injustice League has been formed! Unlike the Justice League, the Injustice League works primarily in the shadows, and bides their time for their grand reveal.


    You are considered one of the Injustice League''s primary targets. Congratulations!


    The Injustice League was formed and actively recruiting members. They wanted the Scarab for themselves. They knew it was alien and that it needed a host. A fight broke out, and Judas was not chosen by the scarab. More like the scarab attacked Judas. Dead Ted had a moment of confusion on his face when he said he remember a synthetic voice telling him to run. But he was so stunned by the sight he didn''t listen. Seemed like the Scarab had tried to help Ted. After that Lash asked several personal questions. Like how to be buried, any messages, etc, etc. Dutch had some follow up questions but he realized that Dead Ted would only answer Wraith. So they did a repeat and tell session. Eventually they let Dead Ted rest. He closed his eyes and went back to being...Dead.


    ¡°Don''t even ask, I can''t tell you.¡± Lash said to Agent Morgan as he left the room. He was exhausted and his body language told everyone that what ever he did took a lot out of him. Kory, and Kara followed after him and stayed close.


    Agent Morgan exchanged a look with Agent Dutch. Murmur was still in the lab, she had her eyes glue to the corpse. Her eyes were wide and her mouth opened and closed several times. She only responded when she heard the door open and shut. She jumped into motion and raced after Wraith. Dutch wanted to stop her but chose not too. He knew what she was about to do. Murmur burst out of the lab to find Wraith sitting on the ground. His bladed tail coiled around him, and the living shroud writhed and curled around him protectively. She ran up and stopped mid run when Kory stood in front of her, green energy pulsating around her hands.


    ¡°Is there a time limit to the bodies you can speak to? Like...¡± Before she could continue.


    ¡°They have to be recently dead, Murmur. So if you wanted me to talk to some one weeks, months, or even years dead? Then no.¡± Lash replied, his reptilian voice a little rough around the edges.


    ¡°O...oh.....¡± Murmur said, her shoulders drooped. She had wanted to ask someone a question.


    Murmur left with a defeated look on her face. Kory powered down and continued to stand guard around Lash as he bathed himself in the afternoon sun. It was hot here but none of them complained. It may have had something to do with the temperature control Lash had woven into Kory, and Kara''s cloths. Lash activated his skill Meditation and started to recharge his energy.


    Congratulations User! Meditation has evolved into Minor Meditation.


    Effects: You have better mental, and emotional control. Increased energy regeneration. Increased focus and memory recall.


    Lash took a moment to reach out with his senses to find Murmur crying, she was curled up next to Nickel. They were as close as possible with out touching one another. Nickel clearly wanted to hold his sister but couldn''t touch her. Lash was conflicted, he had lied to her. As long the corpse was in reasonable condition he could use the title power. He could talk to a thousand year old mummy if he wanted to. But he felt it would be a slippery slope if he started to talk to the dead. It wasn''t really them, the soul had long left them. It would just be the memories, like a computer reading off information.


    ¡°Apologies for the interruption, Creator. But I have an energy spike in the El Paso University. Several figures have been seen propelling energy at a figure clad in blue armor.¡± VICI chimed in his ear.


    ¡°Agent K! Agent Andr! We have a location, to the plane!¡± Lash shouted and jumped to all fours and sprinted back to the heli-jet. Kory, and Kara were startled but ran after Lash.


    Lash linked to the ARGUS communication line and sent the same information that VICI did. The heli-jet was already priming up when Nickel and Murmur jumped aboard on Dutch''s order. Murmur was back to being the cold indifferent agent, and Nickel''s happy go lucky attitude was replaced by cold heart resolute expression. The heli-jet closed its rear hatch and they were in transit towards the university.


    Lash put the heli-jet into auto pilot, or rather used Parallel Minds and Machine Control to pilot it. He drew a curtain up that covered half the troop area and gestured for Kara to step in. He raised his hands and began to ''paint'' her armor on. He had created an updated version. Kara wore a synthetic polymer for a body suit that covered her from neck to toe. Though she had a dark blue polymer mask/hood on, the hood kept her hair up and out of the way, it covered her face but exposed her mouth. Like Batman! Then he added Kryptonian justicar body armor. Kara vital points were all covered in hot rod red armor with gold highlights, a full face helmet that would retract to reveal her face. Kal didn''t wear a mask why should she? She turned her glamour off and revealed Kara Zor-El with the house symbol of El on her chest. ''S''


    Koriand''r was next, she like Kara wore a full synthetic polymer suit from neck to toe. She like Kara turned off her glamour and revealed her orange skin, green eyes, and fiery red hair that glowed on the tips. A chest plate covered her breasts, another strip went across her crotch, plated gloves that went across her forearms, boots that went to her knees, and rigid plates down her spine. Then with a flick of a switch the polymer suit became transparent. Lash rolled his eyes but he had designed the suit to do that. To anyone looking it would seem like Kory was wearing a metal bikini into battle. But she was in fact clad in full armor. The armor would allow her full protection but she could practice the Tamaranean culture of ''skin is best''!


    Lash pulled the curtain down and Nickel let out a wolf whistle at Kory, then he went completely mute when he saw Kara''s ''S'' symbol on her chest. In Nickel, and Murmur''s eyes was a glint of knowledge. Lash had learned this was when a VI Avatar knew something but the 4th wall engine prevented them talking. Especially when Nickel opened and closed his mouth and became frustrated when no sound came out. Kory blew a kiss towards Nickel, an vibrant green energy danced through the air and lightly smacked his cheek. He fell over in a daze, and a shit eating grin on his face.


    The heli-jet flew over the El Paso Texas University. The rear hatch opened up and down in the main ground was a one side battle taking place. Several men, and women clad in costumes, uniforms, or just plain civilian cloths were hurling energy blasts, fire, ice, electricity, at a some one wearing blue beetle armor. Lash looked at the people attacking the Blue Beetle and his Sherogoth''s Blessing activated. He read their sins and found that most of them were just people. Except for one, this man stood behind the group wearing a black trench coat. The aura of blood, and horror surrounded him. Lash pointed a claw at the man then explained the situation to everyone. He established a Temporary Pack Bond with Nickel, and Murmur who jumped in surprise at the voice inside their heads.


    Every single one of them are gray objectives. People doing bad things who could be taught to do good things! -Lash said across the link.


    The one in the back with the black coat, he is an evil mother fucker who needs to die! The others may try to stop you. Do your best not to maim or kill the others but he is fair game. The one in blue armor is who we are here to get. Hopefully with out a fight. -Lash said once more across the link.


    ¡°How are we getting down!?¡± Nickel shouted over the roars of the engines. He didn''t understand how to talk over the link yet. Wraith grinned at him and touched his shoulder, a green and blue energy covered Nickel, Murmur, and Kara.


    ¡°You are going to jump!¡± Wraith replied, Nickel looked at him in confusion then felt a tug and he was no longer on the plane.


    ¡°FUUUUUUUCK!¡± Nickel shouted in terror as he flung his arms in a vain attempt to flap his way to life!


    ¡°Well this is different!¡± Murmur shouted over the roar of the passing wind.


    They were falling, but not falling fast. Kara glided past them a smile on her face. Though she couldn''t fly, gliding for her was exceptionally easy. Kory flew with them, an energy trail following behind in the wake of her fiery hair. That was when Nickel realized that Wraith had some how slowed their decent. A parachute with out the chute! They landed on the ground as if they had jumped down from a ten foot drop. Kara smiled at Nickel and sprinted towards the fight. Wraith had stayed in the heli-jet and started to speak through the speakers.


    ¡°ATTENTION! This is the United Nations World Security! Please surrender and you will not be harmed!¡± An average male voice sounded over the speakers.


    The fight stopped for a brief moment as the blue beetle, and the gang of attackers stopped and looked up at the helicopter that simply appeared out of thin air. The man in the black trench coat spit on the ground and pointed at the helicopter. A blood red beam of light shot from his hand and went straight for the cockpit. Then something unexpected happened, at least it was to the man. The beam hit the glass flared with a brilliant light then faded from sight.


    ¡°That''s impossible! Nothing can survive my death ray!¡± The black trench coat man screamed! He raised both hands and prepared to fire again until a green star bolt slammed into his face from Kory!


    Kory flew over and proceeded to hail green energy down on the man, along with the group. Kara soon appeared, she grabbed a woman by the arm and spun her around into an arm lock and pushed her into the ground. Two metal strips flew from her hands, and the woman was restrained by magnetic cuffs, then Kara finished her off by zapping her in the neck with electricity. That was when the battle started up again!


    The gang started to shoot at Kory, and Kara. Murmur dove head first into a pool of darkness, and erupted from one of the gangs shadows. A swift kick to the back of their leg dropped them to their knees. She knife hand struck their neck and they went rigid and fell over. Nickel barreled through an onslaught of ice energy and tackled the man like a line backer.


    One of the woman clapped her hands together and a sonic wave erupted from her. The wave hit everyone on the field including her team mates. Everyone screamed, but Kory, and Kara soon regained their momentum as the suit Lash had made for them created a partial field to cut off the wave. Then the woman realized it didn''t work took a breath and screamed! Her scream was raw sound that destroyed the area. The man in the trench coat even paled at the sight of it. It was visible to the naked eye. But before it could hit anyone another sonic blast shot across the field from Blue Beetle. The sonic cannon that had morphed from his armor canceled out sound.


    The two of them battled out across the field. No one could get close to them so they didn''t try. Until a 6''6¡± Saurus Veteran materialized from green and blue energy. It had appeared right behind her, it reached out and zapped the back of her neck with electricity. Technomancy Domain Passive. She dropped like a puppet with out strings. Blue Beetle canceled the sonic attack when she fell down. The man in the black coat looked horrified at the sight of the giant lizard.


    ¡°RUN! WE CANT WIN!¡± The man shouted, he jumped to his feet only to fly back off of them as Kory threw punch straight into his face, reinforced with star energy. The star bolt went through his whole body and struck him unconscious.


    Before the rest of them could try, plant roots erupted from the ground and held them in place. Saurus Veterans materialized and zapped the rest of them down. Kara had restrained three, Murmur two, Nickel two, while Kory had focused on the leader. Blue Beetles jet engines on his back burst on and he started to fly away... Or he tried as he suddenly stopped moving, he flailed and put more energy into his drives but he couldn''t move. Wraith materialized from thin air having used Invisibility he held Blue Beetle in place with Telekinesis he tried using Machine Control but it seemed the Scarab prevented that from happening.


    ¡°Calm yourself young man, we need to talk!¡± Wraith shouted at Blue Beetle who turned around and saw that he was the reason he wasn''t moving. Then Blue''s left arm changed into a white noise cannon and fired it at Wraith.


    ¡°NO DONT! HE''S ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS!¡± Blue shouted in horror! He spoke to the scarab. The white noise blast shot true and went straight through Wraith''s armor, through his scales, and out his back.


    Lash blinked as his Telekinesis failed, he dropped to his knees and saw the giant base ball hole in his chest. He had gotten careless! He was so use to tanking anything that hit him he forgot that the Scarab is designed to find a work around and eliminate threats. The Reach had designed it for that exact reason. Under the right circumstances the Scarab could even fight magical beings.


    Lash knelt on the ground with a hole in his chest. The world around him seem to slow down, his mind was churning with information, ideas, and possible solutions. He heard someone scream his name, or rather Wraith. A flash of blue and red flew past him, Kara had shot into the sky and bashed Blue Beetle into the ground with enough force to leave a crater and send a mini earthquake through the ground. Three Saurus Veterans jumped on Kara to keep her from killing Blue. Kory flew over and watched the lizards warriors that served Lash try to stop Kara. Then she flew over and checked on Blue Beetle who was coughing up blood. The Scarab tried to react to Kory but it fizzled, and sparks were sent out. Kara had cracked its shell, that was un heard of for Reach Scarabs.


    ¡°Supergirl! Stop!¡± Lash shouted, and coughed up blood. His blood as always turned to ash and evaporated when it left his body for longer then a few seconds. Kara stopped fighting the Veterans she looked at Lash and flew over to him. The Veterans ran to Blue and started to check him over.


    The hole in Lash''s chest was slowly closing, the blast had missed his spine by about an inch. Otherwise he would be having a really bad day. Maybe the Scarab had altered the trajectory of the shot at the last second. Kara was brought to tears as she could look right through Lash but he reached up and gently cleaned her tears away, his reptilian face forced a smile.


    ¡°I''ll be alright.¡± He said softly. Kara reached out and hugged him tightly, which was excruciatingly painful and he screamed when she did it. She quickly let go, but he kept his hands on her arms to keep from fleeing.


    ¡°D...Don''t leave. I may fall over if you do...¡± Lash said with a crooked smile. Kara laughed softly and rolled her eyes.


    ¡°OK!¡± Kara said, she cleaned her face and tried to go back to being indifferent. Tried being the word.


    ¡°Holy fuck! I saw the videos of you fighting in China but holy shit! There is a fucking hole in you!¡± Nickel said as he ran up with Murmur.


    ¡°Agent Dutch is two minutes out with an ARGUS team. We''ll take the Meta-humans in along with the blue...¡± Murmur said before she was interrupted by Wraith.


    ¡°Blue Beetle is coming with us. Blue was Justice League, so is his protege.¡± Lash replied to Murmur. Murmur looked surprised at the information. Which was technically true! Ted had joined the Justice League a few months ago he was one of the reserve members. He was looking for a sidekick/ replacement. Jaime Reyes was just some random kid who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.


    ¡°But, its clear that this man accidentally fused with the scarab. He is not Ted''s apprentice!¡± Murmur said in frustration.


    ¡°True, but he is also a free citizen. He is not government property. If he chooses to serve the world as a hero, a government agent, or to live his life as normal as possible that is for him to choose. Not ARGUS. We both know that Waller will not take no for an answer if she gets a hold of him.¡± Lash said as he slowly came to his feet. The hole was closed, new flesh, and scales were growing at a visible rate. Kara helped him to his feet and guided him over to Blue.


    ¡°What am I suppose to tell Director Waller!?¡± Murmur shouted at Wraith''s back. Nickel chose to secure the meta-humans and stayed out of the discussion.


    ¡°Tell her I''ll pay her back like I always do. Goodbye Agent Murmur it was nice working with you, I hope to see you and your brother at another day.¡± Lash said, the Saurus Veterans had dragged Blue to the heli-jet.


    Kory supervised the transport but smiled at Lash who was moving on his own by the time he got to her. They jumped into the transport and the rear hatch started to close as ARGUS showed up. Dutch came running out and met Nickel first, then went to Murmur who all but shouted at him as she gave her report. She pointed at the heli-jet that camouflaged itself and took off into the later after noon sun. Dutch glared at their departure and rubbed his face in frustration. Waller was going to have his ass for this!


    VICI had taken control of the heli-jet controls and already changed their route. Kory walked over and kissed Lash reptilian snout and hugged him. Kara joined the hug, and they had an intimate group hug aboard the transport. Lash was sitting at the time so they half knelt on the chairs, and stood next to him. For a brief moment Kory had thought she lost her friend. But she knew that if the lizard warriors hadn''t of faded from sight it meant that he would live.


    ¡°So...Where are we going now?¡± Kory asked as she let go of him and stood up, she placed a hand on her hip and stuck out her chest. Kara sat down next to Lash and continued to hug him.


    ¡°New Orleans, Louisiana. Hawkman, and Hawkwoman live there. They may also know more about the scarab attached to Jaime Reyes back.¡± Lash said, his body was briefly covered in a golden light as Foresight activated. Kara, and Kory both looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°Who are you people!?¡± Jaime Reyes shouted from the other side of the transport. Three Saurus Veterans were stationed around him. All with wrist mounted weapons charged to fire a pulse of energy into him.


    Blue Beetle aka Jaime Reyes wore a synthetic metal alloy that covered him from head to toe. A scarab, beetle style was set into the armor. The back armor that covered his spine had the look of a insects face with several red eyes, and mandibles sticking up. The legs of the scarab wrapped around Jaime''s torso, legs, and arms. A stylish look of black and blue covered him in symmetric patterns, the scarab allowed Jaime to talk through his mouth plate, while his eyes were covered.


    ¡°Mr Reyes, I am Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security. This is Supergirl, and Starfire with the Justice League. Ted Kord was with the League. Since you wear his armor we came to rescue you. To answer a question you may have. No, no one outside this room knows your identity. Your family and friends are safe.¡± Lash replied, he slowly stood up and winced at the movement. He walked over and offered his clawed hand towards him.


    Jaime looked at the lizard soldiers with energy blasters pointed at him. He looked at the two beautiful if not deadly women standing in the transport, especially the blond one. She cracked the scarabs shell with a single punch. But Wraith...The talking lizard. The Scarab was screaming in his head to stay away from him! The Scarab was terrified of this man! He kept repeating the same line over and over.


    ''Agent of Calamity! Not compatible! Agent of Calamity! Not compatible!''


    Despite the Scarabs screams Jaime reached up and shook Wraith''s hand. The size difference made the hand shake comical but Jaime relaxed after they shook hands. Wraith pulled his shroud off and Jaime got a good look at the giant lizard along with the sizable hole in his chest plate. New dark green metallic scales had grown over the wound. It just looked like the hole in the armor came from something else. But Jaime understood it was the scarab who had shot him. The Scarab had freaked out when it saw Wraith at the University and tried to run, when it was clear that Wraith held him the Scarab attacked.


    ¡°Wait! What about my parents? I''ve been missing for like two days they are going to freak!¡± Jaime shouted. Wraith tilted his head to one side and let out a chuckle.


    ¡°Oh ya... Parents. Hmmm this is going to take some thought.¡± Wraith said, a smile stretched across his reptilian face.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°GOD DAMN IT WRAITH!¡± Waller screamed at the top of her lungs, she tossed everything off of her desk she reached up to yank the necklace he had given her but stopped mid pull. Her hands shook with rage but in the end she didn''t pull it off. Even now she felt the effects of the necklace wash over her mind helping to clear her thoughts.


    Waller had just finished hearing the report from Agent Dutch. They failed to capture the Alien Technology known only as ''The Scarab''. All because Wraith had swooped in and pulled him up first. Yes they had learned who was responsible, yes Waller was disturbed at the idea that Wraith could play back history of an area, as well as talk to dead bodies. Even if they were recently dead that was still a very unique talent to have. But the Scarab!? That was their chance to get a unique bio-mechanical armor for their soldiers! Even if they couldn''t replicate the technology it would have been another weapon in Waller''s arsenal!


    Once again she felt the effects of the necklace. Her mind cleared, and her breathing slowed down. Though she really wanted to shoot Wraith in the face several times. She compromised and walked to the shooting range in the ARGUS compound. She spent the next hour shooting at different targets imaging each one to be Wraith''s reptilian face! How was Wraith going to pay her back? An idea grew in her mind... Maybe Wraith knew how to create the armor of the Scarab? Waller took out her phone and made a call.


    ¡°Go through the UN and tell them to send a message to Agent Wraith. I want a sit down with him as soon as possible.¡± Waller finished the call with out hearing the reply. She loaded another clip and began to pulverize the targets, a smile tugging on her lips.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°Destination has been reached, sir! El Paso, Texas. Home to Blue Beetle!¡± A digitized voice rang out.


    ¡°Outstanding Skeets! Where is Blue now? We must see if we can do a dynamic duo team up! He''ll make an excellent side kick for...GOLDSTAR!¡± The man said.


    The man or Goldstar said with a smile. He had bright blond hair, blue eyes, and stood at 6''5¡± though his boots may have helped with that. He wore a shining gold and black uniform with a golden star on his chest. On his left hand was a golden ring with the letter L, and a golden star to the side of it. Flying around him was a golden orb with a red sensor strip across the middle of its face, two pectoral fins, and one dorsal fin.


    ¡°Processing!¡± The golden orb, or Skeets as Goldstar called it.


    ¡°Error! An abnormality has appeared on my records sir.¡± Skeets said in a sad tone.


    ¡°Oh! Well don''t worry little buddy! We''ll do this the old fashioned way! Blue is sure to stand out, just like me! Lets just fly around till we find him!¡± Goldstar said, his pearly white gleaming in the sun light. The ring on his left hand glowed, and Goldstar began to fly into the sky. Skeets close on his tail.


    Goldstar flew around El Paso for several hours, he never found Blue Beetle but he did stop a bank robbery. The bullets bounced off of his uniform and he just laughed, and winked at the ladies. He turned intangible after they stopped firing on him. He didn''t want civilians to get hurt after all! He swiftly dealt with the criminals and assisted the police. When the news stations showed up they swarmed him with questions, and flashes of photography when they asked for his name he got flustered and said the wrong name. But it was to late! The name was out in the air.


    Booster Gold had saved the day!

 Chapter 72: The Rot!

    A red light flashed on and off every few seconds in the cockpit of the heli-jet. Lash groaned in pain as he tried to open his eyes and look around. His entire body was in pain, and Saurian was shouting at him across the link to wake up! Lash slowly unbuckled himself from his seat and tried to slowly look around. The muscles in his neck screamed at him he called upon his Nature Domain to cast a heal...But froze mid cast. His Domain wasn''t there anymore? He pulled up his Domains and balked at the information. Nature, Technomancy, Synthesis, Transmutation, Illusion, were all grayed out. While Grave, Rebirth, and Trickery were still active. Lash looked at his skill/power chart and found a lot of it was also grayed out. Did they fly into a rift or something?


    The emergency hatch on the side of the heli-jet was open and a ray of the setting sun streamed into the plane. Lash pulled up several messages and prompts he had received while he was out. All he remembered was flying towards New Orleans the plane shuttered and all power was lost. Everyone strapped in and they had come down hard! Lash wasn''t terribly worried about his companions, Kory, and Kara alone could survive the fall, and Blue''s Scarab would absorb the kinetic damage.


    Lash stumbled out of the heli-jet and looked around. They had landed in a ruined part of the city. Knee deep water remained, along with huge devastation across the whole area. The sounds of gunfire cracked off near by, and green energy blasts lite up the immediate area. Lash stumbled over a piece of rock and fell into the water which helped him wake up, but also made him painfully aware that a lot of his bones were cracked.


    Congratulations User! You''ve entered a dynamic event area!


    Objective: A door way to the realm of Death has been unsealed by mysterious forces. Find out how it happened, and close the door before the denizens of the Death realm swallow New Orleans!


    Bonus Objective: Find out who is responsible for opening the door.


    Bonus Objective: Help save civilian lives, mundane and super-natural alike.


    Note: Event has been in play for over three days Dream time.


    ¡°Daw...¡± Lash coughed on the word and tried to open his mouth again. ¡°Dawn... Why can''t I use my abilities?¡± Lash whispered softly.


    ¡°Hello User! You''ve entered an area that has been converted into a Death realm. Though you are still on Earth, you are currently experiencing an alternate Dimensional field. Just as you did when visiting the Winter Unseelie Court place of power. Give it time and you''ll regain your abilities.¡± Dawn replied softly.


    Once Lash understood ''why'' several progression bars, and a percentage meters showed up next to his skills, powers, and magic. Magical Perception optimized and adapted to allow him to see the current of Death energy flow through the air like a current of water. It ebbed and flowed across the whole city like the aurora borealis. He also saw dozens of Reapers attempting to fight off different forces that hadn''t gained a physical form. What ever was happening it was happening on several fronts.


    With a snap of several of his bones Lash bit back a yell as he felt his Regeneration optimize and adapt to the area. He breathed a sigh of contentment. Lash would often forget how dependent he was on his abilities. One by one his skills/powers started to turn back on. But several of them were tied to his magic. So they were only half as effective. An audible snarl rang out across the area as a human creature with no skin raced towards Lash. Necrotic energy oozed out of the creature, it made it practically dripping with blood pus as it jumped at him. Lash dove to the side as the creature missed him, Lash activated Transformation and about half of his body shifted...Great...


    Switch with me! -Saurian shouted across the link. Shape Shift (Saurian) had always been one of Lash''s first abilities. So he activated the ability and with in a few seconds stood a ten by twenty foot long carnosaur like monster. Saurian roared at the ghoulish creature and pounced on it. The ghoul seem to rethink its life choices for a brief moment until Saurian ripped it in half. The ghoulish creatures soul essence was absorbed through the Rebirth Domain which was still active.


    Saurian let loose a deafening roar to the skies around him, several undead creatures roared back at him. While he heard several other voices cheer, and howl in reply. A fiery red head with a killer body flew over the wrecked city and came to stop in front of Saurian''s snout. Kory smiled wide and hugged Saurian.


    ¡°You''re awake! Blue''s Scarab said we had entered an energy field that disrupted your abilities. So we created a perimeter around the crash but we soon realized that the creatures attacking were attempting to pull us further away from you!¡± Kory said to Lash. Kory continued to wear the transparent suit of armor that Lash had made for her. Which Kory was not very thankful for as she was covered in grime, maggots, and goo from the zombies.


    In the movies, books, and comics the heroes always seem to be impeccably clean, well groomed, and full of life. Despite the fact that they have been in a war zone. Lash/Saurian was happy to see that in their world that didn''t happen. Saurian nuzzled Kory for a bit which the Warrior Princess didn''t say no to. Several dozen roars rang out and creatures with far to many limbs, mouths, and flesh not properly sewn on raced towards them.


    Kory took to the sky and shot green star bolt energy down on them as Saurian playing the role of the tank rushed in and tackled the whole group. Bowling ball towards the bowling pins! The monstrosities were either crushed or blow wide open for Kory to shoot from above. With each kill the soul essence of the monstrosities were absorbed into Saurian through Rebirth.


    Observant Learner attempting to learn Necromancy Domain.... 1%.....2%.


    ¡°Where is Supergirl, and Blue Beetle?¡± Saurian asked, he slowly connected Kory to the Temporary Pack Bond it felt like reaching across a pool of acid to make the connection.


    ¡°I''m not sure! We don''t have any communication here. I tried my comms to contact VICI but Blue said the same field that took you out is disrupting communications as well. We are in a dark zone he said... Though I am not sure what that means, since it was day light at the time.¡± Kory replied, Saurian chuckled a bit at the Princess for not understanding a common phrase of Earth.


    Saurian reached into his Grave Domain which was still active and attempted to cast Spiritual Guardian.... All he got was a busy tone. He looked around and saw the dozens of Reapers fighting the ghostly apparitions and understood that no Guardian would come to his rescue currently they had their own worries. He did however send several Soul Heal spell casts at several Reapers that looked hurt. The Grim Reaper look a likes regained their vigor, their torn cloaks, and damaged weapons became clean, well groomed, and repaired. Kory flew over to Saurian, and watched him send blue and green energy to essentially nothing.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Kory asked, concern written on her face.


    ¡°Yes, just helping some our of allies.¡± Saurian reached out and placed a gentle claw on Kory''s face and for a brief moment she saw what he saw. She yelped in response and watched with wide eyes as another near invisible battle took place around them.


    ¡°Warden! The local witches request your presence three miles east of here!¡± A Grim Reaper he had recently healed screamed at him, then chopped a ghost in half.


    ¡°I understand! Thank you!¡± Saurian said back and began to head in that direction. Kory flying next to him. As they traveled Saurian cast Death Ward on Kory. Though he didn''t think she was in any real danger, better safe than sorry.


    One by one all of his skills/powers came back. Once they did he saw progress bars appear next to his Domains. Though their progression was noticeably slower. He saw that he got several experience prompts from Adaptation, and Natural Energy Absorption, Energy Manipulation. Seemed his body was attempting to metabolize Necrotic Death Energy.


    Saurian ran through the ruined city streets of New Orleans as zombies, ghouls, abominations, monstrosities, and skeletons walked around in a flood like fashion in knee deep putrid water. Creatures slithered and swam through the water like giant leeches. Kory landed on Saurian''s back for a ride, she had been flying for several hours and needed a recharge. Saurian barreled through the mass of rotten flesh and bone to head towards the Witches. Though he discovered he had created an undead train that followed after in his wake.


    ¡°At least we know they are still alive!¡± Saurian said to Kory as he pointed out two people with hawk wings flying in the distance.


    Hawkman, and Hawkwoman were doing dive bomb attacks on a giant flesh golem that was at least three stories tall. Each swing of their Nth metal paces tore huge swaths of flesh from the golem since the maces had anti-magic properties attached to them. Saurian reached out with his bond, and once again it felt like he was reaching through a pool of acid. Mental resistance experience spiked several times with his Damage Resistance, while Observant Learner had obtained 57% with Necromancy Domain. The Temporary Pack Bond linked up with the two warriors of Thanagar.


    What dark magic is this! -Hawkman said across the link as he stuttered in the middle of his dive bomb.


    Hawkman! Hawkwoman! It''s Wraith! Starfire, Supergirl, and a new recruit named Blue Beetle are in the city with you! -Saurian called across the link.


    Aha! Well met Wraith! We''ve been trying to get message out for days but couldn''t get anything past the field! Is the rest of the League on their way? -Hawkwoman called across the link.


    I''m afraid not! We were on our way to New Orleans to seek your help with a matter and simply fell into the battle. I fear that the League has no idea this is even happening! -Saurian sent back.


    Hello...Ah yes it worked! Hello this is Starfire! Have you seen Supergirl, and Blue Beetle? -Starfire asked. Hawkman took a moment and with his Thanagarian war helmet he scanned the city and pointed out Supergirl, and Blue a few miles from Starfire''s position. Once they had a point of reference Saurian reached out with his Telepathy and connected the two.


    What the!? **Analyzing new intrusion into our system** -Blue, and the Scarab chatted across the link. Which surprised Saurian that the Scarab could join in the conversation.


    Wraith!? Are you alright? Where are you? Is Starfire with you! -Supergirl shouted across the link.


    **The Supergirl is confused, we are not with in communication range with the Agent of Calamity** Dude, I think we are using Telepathy? -Blue Beetle replied.


    Welcome everyone! When we entered the area my abilities were temporarily taken from me. But I am slowly adapting to the area. Give me a few hours and I''ll be able to create a communication hub and we''ll get the League here. -Saurian sent across the link.


    After that they started to share information about what had happened. Hawkman, and Hawkwoman had been assisting with the rescue and rebuild efforts in the city. They didn''t think to call for help given that a lot of people were facing the same issues they were. Then they noticed something strange. Riots, attacks, and murder had started to rise in the city. Then they realized that several of the rioters were...Well zombies! Thanks to Thanagarian history the warriors had a basic understanding of what they were. Then a special forces branch of the UNWS (Wardens) showed up and started to try and quell the violence and destroy the Zombies.


    Thanagar uses Arcane Science as their back bone given that their ancient history had a extra dimensional being that educated them. Until their ''God'' got to arrogant and demanded to much from the Thanagar''s, they revolted and imprisoned the God. During the war between them and their God he had often used reanimated Thanagar warriors. So Zombies were not something special to Hawkman, and Hawkwoman.


    Saurian arrived at the FOB (Forward Operating Base) for the local super-natural societies. New Orleans has a rich history of witch craft, and voodoo. Why would it be any different now? Several covens of witches had erected magical barriers and wards. While Voodoo Priests, and Priestess shot out magical energy that zapped the zombies of their strength. They had converted an old cathedral into their base of operation. The Cathedral stood with in the french quarter and looked like it had seen better days. With practitioners stationed in the windows, balconies, and bell towers they flung magic down at the surrounding zombies. The immediate grounds around the church were oddly dry, and showed no sign of corruption.


    ¡°Warden! Please come this way we need to cleanse you of the Corruption!¡± A woman''s voice called out from the barrier.


    Saurian stomped across the city street filled with water, rotten bodies, and watched in marvel as attack spells were flung out like fire works. He entered the area with Kory still on his back, and he heard the woman sigh audibly. She started to massage her head and smiled. Saurian understood what had happened! He reached across the Telepathic link and called Supergirl, and Blue to their position. With in a few minutes they flew over, given that Kara now had the ability to fly just like her cousin.


    ¡°All of you gather up we have to cleanse you of your Corruption!¡± The same woman called to them. Once they landed a group of witches both men and women channeled their energies into them.


    ¡°Muchas gracias a todos¡± Blue said as he sat down on his ass and rubbed his head.


    ¡°Yes thank you! It felt like something was trying to claw its way inside of my head!¡± Supergirl said as she came over to check on Saurian who nuzzled her in response.


    ¡°What is that? I assume that is not normal to this city?¡± Starfire asked the woman who seem to be in charge.


    The woman or the high priestess, Crone, head Witch, Coven Leader, take your pick. Was an older woman in her fifties with long brown hair tied back into a braid, green eyes, healthy tanned skin, though she had a few winkles around her face, and mouth. She seem to smile a lot! She had a combination of black combat gear ontop of a more traditional robe. No staffs, brooms, wands, or pointed hat. Just several charm braclets, necklaces, and eaarings.


    ¡°Greetings to you Warden Lash, and your Partner Saurian. I am High Priestess Elsa... Please no jokes. Supergirl, Starfire, and...Blue Beetle of the Justice League. I''m going to cut straight to the point, why are you here?¡± Elsa asked, her stance was firm and expected a backlash from her attitude.


    ¡°We are here because of him. Blue Beetle has an alien technology attached to him. We came to ask Hawkman, and Hawkwoman about the technology. We had no idea any of this was happening. But since we are here can we lend you aid?¡± Saurian said, his reptilian voice was rumbled from his massive chest as he was still about as big as a carnosaur. Jaime jumped a little as Saurian wrapped his bladed tail around him.


    ¡°I see, that takes a weight off my shoulders. Yes we would be more than happy to have your help. To answer your previous question Starfire. No, what you are feeling is the corrupted effect of Death slipping into your mind. If you don''t take time to remove the corruption it would eventually drive you insane, then kill you. Eventually converting you into one of the walking dead.¡± Elsa replied, Kory swallowed audibly and went to stand next to Saurian who wrapped one of his arms around her small frame.


    ¡°Ya..Ya... hold on I''ll ask. Excuse me... High Priestess Elsa my...Partner wants to know why technology doesn''t seem to be working inside the field?¡± Blue Beetle asked, as the Scarab face on his back let out several indecipherable squeecks and clicks.


    ¡°Currently the energies of ''The Black'' and ''The Grey'' have cast a wide area of effect in the city. This has cut us off from rest of the world. These energies don''t blend well with modern day technology. At least for now. We are attempting several work arounds but we don''t have any specalist with that sort of talent in our Covens.¡± Elsa replied. This meant that none of the covens or super-naturals in the city had the Technomancy Domain. Or, if they did they were in the same dilema as Saurian was. They couldn''t adapt to the situation yet.


    ¡°So, how do we get the Black, and Grey to stop effecting the area?¡± Supergirl asked, clearly confused about the situation. It was like they were speaking a foreign language but used the same english words.


    ¡°There are five points in the city, five ''locks'' that need to be controlled and reset at the same time. Currently we control one of those locks, it is located here in the catherdal. It is currently in its reset position that is why we were able to establish a barrier here. We don''t know who unlocked the door. This was not an accident, someone organized this.¡± Elsa replied, she excused herself for a moment when a Warden ran over to give a report to her. This allowed the group to convene for a moment.


    ¡°Wraith, what is going on?¡± Supergirl asked, clearly confused. She like Starfire was still in her combat uniform. It was covered in grim, mud, muck, and other things. Blue''s Scarab chittered and clicked on Blue''s back.


    ¡°Wait! Scarab said its magic...Magic is real!?¡± Blue all but shouted, and several people near by looked at him as if he was talking crazy.


    Starfire, and Supergirl both turned slowly to look at Saurian who continued to lay down on the ground next to them. Saurian could see the gears turning in their heads, he was not entirely surprised with Starfire. She had seen a lot of the universe in her time and was sure to have encountered a few alien races that still practiced magic. But Supergirl was less so. Krypton history was a tangled mess in the comics, especially since Saurian didn''t know what dimensional referance Dawn had used.


    ¡°I''ll make it simple for you. Magic is just a form of science that has yet to be fully explained. The manipulation of cosmic energy to weild, bend, and warp reality around us. Khaji Da, any follow up?¡± Saurian inquired to the Scarab, who chirped in surprise as Saurian was covered in a film of golden light. Foresight activated briefly when Saurian said the Scarabs name.


    ¡°Wait!? The Scarab has a name!?¡± Blue shouted in response. ¡°Oh!... No he say that is an acurate interupration of ''magic''.¡± Blue replied, as the Scarab... Khaji Da chirped back.


    Elsa soon returned and helped Saurian give a basic explanation of what magic was to the three heroes. But they couldn''t spend to long explaining. Hawkman, and Hawkwoman soon flew over from their attack on the Flesh Golem and landed next to them to get cleansed of the corruption. They greeted each other and introduced themselves. Elsa excused herself and went back to organizing the local super-naturals, and Wardens.


    ¡°I''m afraid I dont recognize the technology of the suit you wear Blue Beetle.¡± Hawkwoman said to them. She crouched behind Blue Beetle as she ran a hand up along the Scarab who chirped at her in response.


    Hawkman aka Carter Hall was 6''1¡± with blue eyes, brown hair, who wore plate male garb across his whole body, and hawk helmet. With an Nth metal belt that helped off set his total gravity, along with his strength, durablity, healing factor. He had two large wings attached to his back that helped him fly around. While Hawkwoman aka Shiera Hall was 5''4¡± with brown eyes, and auburn hair that was tied back up, she wore full plate male along with a Nth metal belt like her husband. They both held Nth metal battle maces, and were both incredibly seductive in their full armor. Unlike the comics and movies, Hawkwoman was dressed in full combat gear she looked like a lady angelic knight with her wings behind her. But one would notice that they both had Eygptian God Horus style to them.


    ¡°Have you ever heard of The Reach?¡± Saurian asked, he currently laid down next to every one due to massive size. He looked like a giant iguana sun bathing, with the group next to him, and his tail wrapped around the group.


    ¡°We have, yes! The Scarab is from them?¡± Hawkman said with visible tension in his body. The Scarab chirped and Blue translated. Technically they could have spoken across the pack bond, but when ever they were face to face most people spoke out loud.


    ¡°Khaji Da has no knowledge of, The Reach. Who are they? Did they make the Scarab?¡± Blue asked. He stayed still even with Hawkwoman behind him.


    ¡°The Reach are a force of inter galactic conquers that pose as peaceful traders. They have to be invited to a planet before they can ''invade'' but once they arrive both the Green Lanterns, and any Thanagarian warriors must leave that planet.¡± Hawkwoman replied, she continued to run her hands over the scarab before she stood up and joined her husband.


    ¡°Hold on a moment everyone, can I ask all of you to guard me for a moment. I have to speak to my Patron about something.¡± Saurian rose to his feet, then knelt down and tried to take on the look of some one praying. It was of course a disguise but he wanted to try it. He used Cosmic Awareness on The Reach.


    Cosmic Awareness has leveled up! It now only takes 92% of your total energy to use!


    The Reach story information has been partially unlocked. Beware! That using this information may invite disaster of a self made prophecy!


    ¡°Thousands of years ago, The Reach seeded different worlds with Scarabs of a variety of colors. These Scarabs were meant to be advanced agents of The Reach. Each generation one would find a Scarab hero to help spread the word of The Reach and place them in a positive light. Once The Reach arrived on Earth the Scarab hero would proclaim them peaceful traders and encourage the planet to invite them. However, the magic practitioners of Ancient Egypt found the Scarab and discovered its malevolent intentions. They used magic to cut off the umbilical cord between the Scarab, and The Reach. Allowing the Scarab to become its own agent, granting it freedom. Now the Scarab is free to choose its partners, and is granted free will!¡± Saurian said the entire story in one whole breath and collapsed onto the ground. The golden light that swallowed him faded from sight. Everyone including the super-natural society members near by looked at him in shock. Especially after Saurian lost consciousnesses.


    Lash gently pushed against the link to try and wake Saurian up. The giant reptile refused to respond and just curled up more. He was tired, and enjoyed sprawling out across the ground bathing in the light of the moon. He smelled several people near him, including Starfire, and Supergirl or were both sitting next to him with their backs against him. He heard a few shouts, and the flare of magic in the air.


    ¡°Oie! I''m a right bastard I am! Names John Constantine. Oh bloody hell! What happened to the big ass liza! Gah! Jesus Christ Zee what gives!¡± Said a loud mouth...


    ¡°What happened to him?¡± A familiar voice of Zatanna spoke as she came to run her hand across Saurian''s cheek.


    ¡°He was covered in a golden light and told the entire past of Blue Beetles Scarab.¡± Supergirl replied to Zatanna.


    ¡°Oie! Golden Light! Did he receive a prophecy from his Patron!? Jesus Christ and he decided to do this in the middle of a battle field!¡± John''s voice was harsh on Saurians ears. Saurian felt a reassuring hand under his eyes.


    ¡°His breathing is steady, and his energy is growing. I''m sure he''ll be fine. Once he wakes up we''ll be sure to move into action.¡± Said Wonder Woman, who began to run her fingers over his scales. Saurian stirred and nuzzled into her hands. Wonder Woman laughed softly and kissed his nose.


    ¡°Time to wake up Wraith. We have work to do.¡± Wonder Woman said softly.


    Saurian slowly opened up his four reptilian eyes. Yes four, Lash''s transformed state was not the only one that went through that change. Wonder Woman stood in front of him in light weight battle gear. A half face spartan helmet, breast plate, leather skirt, plate greaves, plate gauntlets, sword, lasso, and shield. Taking on the blue, red, and white color themes. The armor was tailored to fit her so she naturally looked amazing in it. The armor showed off her curves, and had magic pulsating across it. Saurian turned his head to see Zatanna, and Constantine.


    Zatanna had thigh high leather boots on, with black leather pants, a white corset that exposed far to much cleavage, black forearm gloves, and a half suit jacket. Her raven black hair was tied back, as she took off her top hat and bowed from her waist giving Saurian a great view of her bursting chest. John stood next to her in his stereotypical rain coat, local pawn shop suit pants, white shirt, and suit jacket and a cigarette in his mouth. John was six foot even with blue eyes, and blond hair that was cut short and slicked back. Saurian slowly moved to nuzzle Zatanna with his snout who laughed and hugged him in return.


    ¡°Been a while, Saurian! I''m happy to see you too!¡± Zatanna said with a smile and kissed his cheek.


    ¡°What? No love for the third wheel?¡± John said with an eye roll. Then soon stood perfectly still and blinked several times as Saurian had licked his entire face with his massive forked tongue. ¡°That was disgusting¡± John said as he began to clean his face off.


    Saurian reached out and connected everyone with the Temporary Pack Bond, even John was considered friendly. Once every one grew use to sensing every ones thoughts, Saurian took a moment to nuzzle John again as the ''wanker'' had in some way actually enjoyed the giant tongue. Not many knew this about Constantine but the man was actualy Bi-sexual. Zatanna giggled and covered her mouth as she watched John figure out that every one knew what he was feeling.


    ¡°OH FUCK OFF ALL OF YOU!¡± John screamed and stepped away to lite up another cigarette.


    ¡°How long have I been out?¡± Saurian asked.


    ¡°Only a few hours. For some reason communications started to work in the safe area, specifically around you.¡± Starfire said with a smirk. Saurian took a moment and saw that all of his Domains were back.


    ¡°Alright sit tight let me make something real quick.¡± Saurian walked over to a clearing and created a broad range communication receiver and broad cast device. The thing grew up from the ground like a tree, the roots spread out to stabilize it self, while the bark was partially metallic. The branches extended out and produced dishes, and antennae.


    ¡°There we go! I have cell phone service! Right you are, ye giant iguana! Now make a tele, and lets watch the game!¡± John gave a slow golf clap to Saurian who huffed at him.


    Just like that entire area had access to the outside. The Wardens had reached out to several super-natural societies and they sent messages through the magical grape vine. The reason that Wonder Woman, Zatanna, and John all showed up. Saurian saw several Amazons getting blessed by the local witches and started to head out into the city to fight the infestation.


    Observant Learner has finished learning Necromancy. Necromancy has been absorbed by the Grave Domain.


    The Grave Domain has gained a Sub-Domain, Necromancy: The manipulation of the dead, death, death energy, mind, body, and soul.


    Effects: You can now metabolize Necrotic energy with no ill effects, Spells contained with in the Grave/Necrotic Domain takes less energy to cast, and are more powerful.


    Comment: The Black see''s you now, they find you....Intriguing.


    ¡°Warden, are you ready to move out?¡± High Priestess Elsa returned, she looked exhausted and desperately needed a bath. Saurian did a mass area of effect cast of Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Immaculate, and Nature''s Kiss on the entire FOB. Because of the situation no one melted into an orgasmic puddle of pleasure. Though many people did groan in satisfaction.


    ¡°That is fucking wonderful, thank you Warden. Come this way we have the locations to the other four locks.¡± Elsa led the team over to a table that contained a map of the city.


    The other four locks were spread out among several other churches, cemeteries, and one specific one was at the shipyard. If you drew a line to connect them all it would make a pentagram. Elsa explained that each lock was guarded by a Revenant that would have to die before the lock could come under control. She showed us a magical image of what each lock looked like and how to reset it. Every minute, of every hour, of every day the locks remained open more and more disturbing things started to appear. This also was not only happening in the city. Several other locations spread out across the world with doors to The Black realm had been opened. So the sooner they closed this door the faster they could consolidate their forces and move on.


    ¡°Well that is all well and good then, love. But who here is capable of banishing a Revenant? Because if we don''t, it will just get back up.¡± Constantine said, Elsa looked at John then looked at Saurian who nodded.


    ¡°Well aren''t you fancy.¡± John played with his lighter and looked around the table.


    ¡°So, how are we getting there?¡± John asked....


    Saurian used Size Alteration and cast Enlarge on himself and grew to be about thirty feet tall, and sixty feet long. He knelt down and everyone who needed a ride climbed on top of him. Which was John, Zatanna opted to ride along, Starfire still needed time to absorb more energy. Saurian had cast Daylight and given her a tiny ball of sunlight to absorb, then about two dozen Amazons, witches, and Wardens jumped aboard the Saurian train. Saurian linked everyone up and left the FOB and entered the zombie infested city.


    With the use of Adaptation Saurian easily moved through the city on all fours making the journey slow but feasible. He moved at about 15-25 mph through the flooded city. Nearly all of the mundane civilians in the city had been evacuated days ago. So all the people they saw were part of the super-natural communities, or the enemy. While everyone that could fly flew ahead to the next lock location.


    ¡°Well isn''t it a comfort to know that if you ever need a job you can always be public transportation!¡± Constantine said, as he laughed at his own joke but shivered when he saw the Amazons glare at him.


    ¡°John, Lash and Saurian have been granted the title of Brother to the Amazons. So you may want to keep your insults to yourself.¡± Zatanna said as she elbowed him in the size. John rubbed his side and tried his best to ignore the glares coming from the super model warriors.


    After about an hour they came to the next church just in time to see Blue Beetle fly over head and shoot his white noise cannon at Cathulu HP love craft creature, that was at least three stories tall. Its lower half was a giant octopus, with its upper half with dozens of arms that came from a variety of people, and animals. With a giant stag head? It let out a squelching screech the bodies on the ground shuddered and got back up. Flesh renewed, and bones reconnected.


    Saurian roared in challenge and used Intimidating Shout, and Rallying Call. The shock wave rolled through the church grounds. The re animated corpses froze for ten seconds, and all of their flyers got ten percent of their energy back. The Amazons cheered and jumped off of Saurian and joined the fray. Zatanna created a shield of energy that her and John jumped onto and flew away. Starfire having absorbed the Daylight glob flew into the air and started to shoot star bolts. The Wardens that remained pulled their cloaks off to reveal a pack of were-wolves! They jumped off and tore into the zombies. The Witches cast levitation and flew off into the fray casting spells, and spell wards.


    Wonder Woman yelled and dove straight towards the Revenant and sliced through its tentacles with her God-Slayer sword. The creature roared in deviance but couldn''t retaliate as the Hawks flew down and bashed its skull with their maces. Supergirl took a flank and decimated a pack of ghouls, while Blue turned his arms into blades and fought against the legion of skeleton soldiers and warriors. Saurian bound across the church grounds and collided with the Revenant.


    The giant monstrosity Revenant screamed as it was pushed into the church, the entire building caved in on itself. But Saurian pushed it through the whole building and out the other end! Rock, debris, and rotten flesh went flying through the area. The stag head let out a screeching bellow! Saurian laced his claws with Judgment and tore through the creature!


    With Manifestation dozens of Saurus Warriors materialized from nothingness and started to pick through the destroyed church. With a roar and a crash Saurian was sent flying through the air and he crashed into the street near by. A mini earthquake went through the area. Wonder Woman shouted ''Attack!'' The Hawks flew down and dodged the tentacles as they attempted to swat them from the sky. A golden lasso wrapped around the monstrosity and restrained it. It bellowed another scream as more and more undead creatures responded to the call.


    A crimson red pentagram appeared behind a man with a rain coat. He flicked his lighter with a smirk and pointed at the Revenant. Zatanna yelled for everyone to get clear as a giant hellfire napalm erupted from the pentagram and swallowed the Revenant. It screamed in mass panic and pain as the hellfire consumed its flesh and soul. That was one way to banish a Revenant.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you could cast that again?¡± Wonder Woman said as she landed next to John.


    ¡°Oh of course your majesty! Just need a few minutes to recharge!...No, that will be the last time I do that today.¡± John said with a smirk, Wonder Woman pegged him with a glare and went to rejoin the Amazons, witches, and Wardens.


    Saurian picked himself and went to the church to help excavate the ruined church. In hindsight he should not have destroyed it in the battle. The Lock was located beneath the altar, it was a six feet tall three feet wide cylinder with wailing spirit faces carved into it. It had a combination lock on its top that a Witch flew down and started to set up and reset.


    Two locks down, but now they had to secure the area. A witch shot a spell flare into the air to announce their victory. But with every lock obtained there forces would spread thinner and thinner. Saurian went to the front of the ruined church and began to construct something. He cast Alteration, Compression Transformation, Virtual Intelligence, Unburden, Fabrication, Military Special Operations, and Machine Control.


    A control node was created, the node looked like a metallic four sided pyramid that was about ten feet wide, and ten feet tall. Each side was pure obsidian with spell script inscribed into it. Each corner of the pyramid shout out a tendril that buried itself into the ground. From the burrowed point a twin Vulcan cannon turret grew from the ground to be just as tall as the pyramid. The turrets had full rotation and could cover multiple fields of fire. One by one the turrets grew from the ground, laser sights activated. Before anyone could ask what he had done the sound of the turrets spun up and they started to shred any undead creature that was near with 20 mm enchanted rounds.


    ¡°WOW, that is fucking loud!¡± Constantine shouted over the roar of the cannons.


    Saurian used Manifestation and created a single Saurus Veteran to over see ten Saurus Warriors. They would remain in the immediate area and help provide safety and cover for any one looking for it. The quad turret pyramid would continue to shred any creatures that came near. Saurian picked up everyone that was leaving and they left for the next lock location.


    The next lock posed a bit of an issue, or rather the Revenant in charge of it. Everyone got off of Saurian and he altered his size to be eight by sixteen. All of their air born people came down from the sky after Supergirl took a necrotic arrow through her mid section. They were dealing with an archer! Thanks to his new Sub Domain Saurian pulled the Necrotic arrow out and healed the wound with no side effects. The location of the lock was in the high rise area of New Orleans, it was located inside of an old underground private bar and club. As far as they could tell the Revenant killed everything alive that came through its area.


    ¡°Which building is it?¡± Blue asked as he peeked around the edge of the building they hide behind then quickly pulled his head back at Khaji Da''s insistence as a putrid green arrow stuck out of the wall just where Blue''s head had been.


    ¡°Christ! That thing has us dead to rights it does. Its the fifteen story tall white building with stained glass windows. We have to get into the basement with out being seen.¡± John said as he played with his lighter everyone was starting to learn it was a nervouse tick.


    ¡°No, we need to kill the Revenant as well. Even if we reset the lock the Revenant can just capture it again.¡± Zatanna said, she raised her arms and said an incantation backwards. Several arcane eyes flew out and started to look around. With in ten seconds they had all been shot down.


    ¡°The archer is sitting ontop of the building we need to get into. Since its undead we''ll assume it has a sense life ability. So invisiblity is out.¡± Wonder Woman said, she looked over everyone to ensure they were not injured.


    ¡°What about flooding its sight with life?¡± Saurian suggested, every one looked at him waiting for him to continue. Saurian created a will o wisp of natural energy, then another, and another.


    ¡°If we come at them from all angles it will decrease their chances. But this plan is still dangerous.¡± Starfire explained her point of view. Saurian did a mass cast of Death Ward and looked at everyone.


    From behind cover suddenly eighty saurus warriors sprinted out and ran in all directions. Then hundreds of will o wisps of natural energy flew out. The Amazons, were-wolf Wardens, and Witchs ran in all directions as the air born Leagures took to the skies and all went straight towards the sniper. Necrotic arrow, after arrow was shot in quick succession towards every living thing the sniper could find. With the use of Gravity Stride the saurus warriors sprinted up the building as fast as they could go. All while this was happening Saurian was using Earth Swim to move through the ground into the underground club.


    The club was pitch black, full of water, and the smell of rotten flesh. Saurian pulled himself out from the nearby wall and sent a Grave pulse through the area. Nothing living or dead was in the club. He silently moved towards the back towards the cellar. It was flooded, naturally! He dove down into the water and swam through it towards the back. There the same ghostly cylinder was sticking out of a wall. Necrotic energy from The black was oozing out of it. Saurian felt his Saurus Warrior Manifestations wink out of existence as they were shot one by one. The whole building shook, and an inhuman screech rang out.


    Got him! -Starfire called out across the line.


    Me and Zee will start banishing him get the lock reset. -Constantine said over the line.


    Saurian''s warriors had seen the witch reset the last lock, so since they saw it. He saw it. He started to rotate the mechanisms back and forth until at last the lock clicked and the cylinder moved back into the wall. It stayed there but The Black energy continued to ooze out of it. They needed to get them all reset. He swam back up into the club and emerged to find the were-wolves jump in surprise as he came up out of the water.


    ¡°Sorry...The lock is reset.¡± Saurian told them. He created another Veteran to manage ten warriors. They would stay in the club and protect the lock.


    ¡°Wraith could I ask for some healing?¡± Hawkman said with a hiss of pain. He had three arrows sticking out of him, all between spaces in his plate armor. Wow that Archer was incredibly talented.


    ¡°What did the Revenant look like?¡± Saurian asked as he started to pull the arrows out one by one.


    ¡°It looked like a up right goat with three heads, and four arms. The upper arms shot the bow, while the lower arms had swords in hand. Its tail was forked and each tip was a snake.¡± Hawkman said as he bit back a scream as Saurian pulled the last arrow out. Hawkwoman landed near by and came to help her husband stand, she looked perfectly fine!


    ¡°You the only one that got hit?¡± Saurian asked, and Hawkwoman laughed at her husband.


    ¡°Yes...I thought I''d be fine.¡± Hawkman said as Saurian cast Unburden to clean the Necrotic energy out. Then cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and used the Necromancy Domain passive to close the wound.


    ¡°Brother Saurian! We have a horde of undead incoming to our position. May we ask for another hail of bullets?¡± An amazon warrior walked over with a smile on her face.


    Saurian clapped Hawkman on the shoulder then moved to create another metal pyramid with four shredder turrets. The pyramid drilled itself into place and the tendrils grew and set it self up. The turrets partially grew, and built themselves up. From inception, to construction, to live firing took all of ten minutes. They gather up and headed off towards the next lock which was located inside of a cemetary. Great....


    Along the way to the graveyard they got word that one of the other cities doors had been sealed. Atlantis had shown up with its mystical forces and stormed the coastal city. So only four cities including theirs still had death doors open. The ocean was a pretty intresting place right, a lot of creatures from long forgotten past were starting rise in the water. Saurian couldn''t help but think about a certain corrupt undead they had met at Poseidon''s temple weeks ago.


    The next Revenant was both incredibly simple and incredibly difficult. The whole immediate area around the graveyard was filled to the brim with thousands of dead things. Flesh golems, wraiths, specters, ghosts, banshee''s, death knights, and a very pissed off Elder Lich. The lich was the Revenant. Everyone stepped off of Saurian and he just barreled his way through the mass armies of the dead. The ground troops followed in his wake.


    Wonder Woman created a phalanx with her sisters and the waded into the field like a mobil blender. Cut! Stab! Push! Move forward, repeat! The were-wolves howled to the moon and grew several sizes larger and jumped into the fray like a fox in a hen house. The Witches took a slower approach and walked behind everyone casting a helpful spell, ward, and boon here and there. Zatanna, and Constantine stay with the witches and did the same.


    Supergirl, Starfire, Blue Beetle, Hawkman, and Hawkwoman flew straight towards the Elder Lich and started to attack it. Blue created a sonic cannon cracked the bones of the lich before it screamed and flew necrotic fire at Blue who had to fly away becaus the fire balls began to chase him. Supergirl tackled the Lich and began to crack its skull with her fists only to be knocked aside by a death knight that came to rescue its master. Starfire shot green energy blasts at the death knight as she flew to the rescue of Supergirl. But out of all of them! Hawkman, and Hawkwoman struck with their maces as the Lich screamed in absolute terror. The Nth metal maces distrupted the magical energy that kept it together. CRACK! Its shoulder caved in and it dropped its staff.


    With a wave of its hand hundreds of lesser zombies rose from the ground only to turn to ash as Saurian cast a AOE Judgment on the whole graveyard as he had rushed through the walls. As always for a brief moment something ancient and powerful slipped him on like a glove. A Giant grim reaper appeared above the cemetary with scyth in hand, it swung the blade and every single creature in the immediate area dropped! The Elder Lich who remained screamed in panic and attempted to throw necrotic fire at Saurian who was momentarily frozen in place.


    Wonder Woman landed in front of Saurian and held her shield. The fire blasted across her shield and was deflected in time. The Hawks dove once more and bashed the Elder Lich into dust, it screamed and wailed in agony with each swing until its soul fire was extinguished from its skull. No one had to do a thing as a Grim Reaper flew down and collected the Lich''s remains so it couldn''t regenerate. Hazah!


    ¡°That was dangerous Sauring! Why did you do that?¡± Wonder Woman said, she was clearly un happy that he had put himself at risk.


    ¡°I trusted that my team had my back.¡± Saurian''s nonchalant reply made Wonder Woman glare at him, but she nodded all the same.


    Saurian curled up next to a giant crypt in the massive cemetary that New Orleans is famous for. The mass AOE Judgment he had cast took a great deal of energy out of him. Wonder Woman had been right that was dangerous to do in the middle of a fight. But it did remove the surrounding undead in one large swath. Starfire landed next to him and walked over to hug him, she burried her face into his neck and mumbled.


    ¡°Can we just sleep for a few days after this is all over?¡± Starfire said to him, Saurian curled his tail around her and chuckled in response.


    ¡°We''ll see...¡± Saurian replied.


    With the help of Meditation Saurian regain his energy quickly, as always he used Manifestation to create a Veteran, and ten warriors to patrol the immediate area. He also created the pyramid shredder quad turrets around the massive crypt once the lock had been reset. One more to go! Everyone was clearly exhausted, it was The Black''s influence over them, normaly a few hours of hard battle would just be a warm up for most of them. But they could feel it rotting their flesh, and their minds. They needed to finish this quickly.


    The last lock was located at the pier. More specifically it was a pier used by ghost ships to seek passage to the realm of the dead. This lock was the focus point for the whole door. In other words this was the door handle to seek passage to the realm. Along the way they didn''t meet a single undead creature, being, or spirit. Until the reached the pier, there sitting ontop the lock was a woman. This woman was 5''9¡± with pitch ink black skin, white hair, and brown eyes. She was completely naked, and revealed a voluptuous figure. The woman sat with her legs crossed, leaning back with her hands resting behind her.


    ¡°Hello everyone! Have you been enjoying the festival of Rot?¡± The womans voice was seductive, sweet, and whispered delightful idea''s into ones mind. Wonder Woman pointed God-Slayer at the woman.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Wonder Woman asked, the woman with pitch ink black skin watched Wonder Woman or more specifically the sword.


    ¡°I am the Guardian of The Black.¡± The Guardian said with a smile. Her title sent chills down every super-natural inclined individual in the area. Guardians of the respective colors were terrifying existences that were on par with the old Gods. Wonder Woman to her credit didn''t back down, but she did widen her stance to prepare for combat.


    The Guardian nodded at the super-naturals in the area with a satisfied smirk. She looked at each and everyone of them and settled on Saurian. She jumped off the lock, her naked breasts bounced with the movement. She casually, and seductivly moved towards Saurian. He responded in kind and moved towards her though once they got closer he took a knee and bowed his head in respect.


    ¡°The High Council of the Rot are talking about you...The Green, The Metal, and now The Black. You are tied to all three! Interesting.... Well we can talk about that later. You should reset the lock now.¡± The Guardian said with a smile as she gestured towards the lock, which surprised everyone.


    ¡°Aren''t you going to stop us?¡± Supergirl asked the obvious.


    ¡°Nope! The High Council of the Rot wants to make it clear that this was not their play. Because with out life the Rot can''t exist. We apologies for the denizens of our realm that escaped into your world. It was not intentional, they got a little excited. If we are being honest, I normally spend my days in tropical islands soaking up the sun, and drinking mai tais!¡± The Guardian said, she spun around on her heels then stopped after a few twirls. She almost fell over until Saurian reached out and caught her. She grinned up at him and winked.


    ¡°Thanks big guy!¡± The Guardian said as she blew him a kiss and stood up straight.


    ¡°You are welcome, Abigail.¡± Saurian said softly, as Foresight activated briefly. Abigail whirled around and looked at Saurian in shock.


    ¡°Well isn''t that interesting!¡± Abigail, the Guardian of Rot said. She popped her hip to one side and looked at Saurian with an apprasing eye.


    The witches reset the lock. With every lock now reset the cylinders slid back down. Necrotic energy shot out of each lock, and flew towards eachother making a pentagram that twisted in on itself. Then with an audible click the necrotic green energy in the air slowly faded from sight. The Rots influence slowly faded afrom the city. One by one the creatures that remained slowly came to a stop and fell into pieces. The day was theirs!


    As the influence of the Rot left the immediate area. The pitch ink black skin faded from Abigail. What was left was a beautiful woman wearing thre inch high heels, red skin tight pants, and a black tupe top. She had silver platnium hair, brown eyes, and a health glow to her skin. She raised her arms up into the air and took a breath in.


    ¡°Wait...Did we win?¡± Blue Beetle asked, really confused.


    ¡°Yes, we won Blue.¡± Wonder Woman replied.


    ¡°Great! Can I go home now?¡± Blue Beetle asked.


    Abigail didn''t stick around, she handed Saurian a piece of paper with her contact info and disapeared in a flash of smoke, leaving behind the smell of the harvest. The knee deep water in the city started to evaporate at a visible rate. It seemed the water was part of the influence from the Rot. Saurian snapped his claws and one by one each of the pyramid quad shredder turrets burst into particles, as did his manifested warriors and veterans, along with his telecomunication tower.


    VICI was able to establish contact with them at last! As the field went down, one by one things started to turn back on. Turns out that since VICI is a creation from Arcane Science she couldn''t establish contact through the spell shield that was over the city. Things to change for the future. They all headed back to the main FOB and reported into High Prietess Elsa who was shocked to hear about the guardian of the blacks apperance. One by one they got reports of her showing up at the other door ways and helping the teams shut the doors. Saurian moved to the first lock they had secured in the Cathedral and used Retrocognition and rewind the perception of time till he found what he was looking for. A few dozen shadows moved into the room, they had the look of Atlantean gear. Then Saurian recognized one of them. Melina.... The corrupted living dead.


    ¡°Shit... Looks like she still had a part to play in the grand scheme of things.¡± Saurian said, he showed the scene to Elsa and the Wardens. This had happened minutes after the tidal wave had hit, right when everything was in total chaos.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completeled the Dynamic Event!


    Objective: A door way to the realm of Death has been unsealed by mysterious forces. Find out how it happened, and close the door before the denizens of the Death realm swallow New Orleans! Complete [+]


    Bonus Objective: Find out who is responsible for opening the door. Complete [+]


    Bonus Objective: Help save civilian lives, mundane and super-natural alike. Complete [+]


    Total event time: Four days


    Reward: Ten DP.


    Comment: You may not have started the fight, but you did finish it!


    ¡°So, ummm...Can I get a ride home?¡± Blue Beetle walked over, he sheepishly looked down at the ground waiting for a reply. Saurian looked at Blue and grinned. The giant monster with a large smile made Blue shiver.


    ===============================================================


    ***The Reyes House***


    Alberto Reyes was home from work, he worked at a auto garage which he owned. He had a small crew, with a local business that did well for itself. He sat down with his daughter Milagro Reyes at the dinner table helping her with her homework. Bianca Reyes was in the kitchen cooking dinner. It was a peaceful moment with the family that was only missing their son, Jaime. A knock at the door broke the atmosphere as Alberto got up to answer it.


    He came back a moment later with a package addressed to the Reyes family. To open immediatly upon delivery. Alberto opened the box and inside was a brand new Wayne Tech holographic smart phone!? It was assigned to Jaime. A note on the phone said to turn it on and place in the middle of their living room. The family expected a message from their missing son quickly complied. When they turned it on and stepped back something entirely different happened.


    A flash of blue light flooded the whole room! A being made of energy with ones and zeros appeared in the living room. The lines of code slowly got more and more complicated and complex until it spit out a man wearing a blue bug outfit. The man was on his knees swearing up a storm in spanish. The man sounded a lot like their son.


    ¡°Jaime?¡± Alberto asked wide eyed.


    ¡°Dad! Mom! Milagro! I can explain!¡± Jaime said as he tried to not vomit.


    ¡°As promised he was returned with in the week! Have a lovely day Reyes family!¡± A projection of Wraith appeared from the holographic phone. He waved and closed the phone line.


    ¡°Big Brother! What are you wearing!?¡± Milagro asked, stars in her eyes.


    ¡°Ummmmm.......¡± Blue Beetle said.

 Chapter 73: Navigator

    ==============================================================


    ******Space, just above Earths Orbit. Watch Tower.**************


    The Watch Tower aka VICI had grown in size by about 20% thanks to the efforts of Katma Tui-Stewart. The Green Lantern of sector 1417 and her home planet of Korugar. She had been on vacation with her Husband John Stewart the Green Lantern of Earth, and sector 2814. John was on patrol and this was the last week Katma would be on Earth. The Lanterns patrolling her area would be wanting to visit their own families soon.


    Katma had been busying herself with helping the Watch Tower ''grow'', and grow was the word to use. Katma had seen a lot of interesting things in her time as a Green Lantern. But the Watch Tower that Wraith had built surprised even her. It was clearly mechanical, but it grew as it was provided with energy and materials. Ancient writings covered the hull of the Watch Tower that pulsed with forgotten knowledge, and power. Katma was no stranger to magic, many civilizations have used the extra dimensional energy known as magic. But what Wraith was capable of doing was something behind her. She had never heard of magic and science working together to this degree.


    Katma was conflicted. She was helping the Justice League by VICI with materials. But she was actually on mission. The Guardians of Oa were curious about the machine that Wraith had built. They tasked Katma with a mission to scan the entire Watch Tower so they could look up the information in their data base. The readings so far were, interesting to say the least. Katma''s ring couldn''t identify half of the materials used to create the station.


    ¡°......Miss Katma....Miss Katma are you alright?¡± VICI''s voice rang over the ear piece Katma wore. She jumped in surprise. Kilowog would have her ass if he knew she had spaced out while on mission.


    ¡°...Y-Yes! I''m fine, VICI. Just lost in thought.¡± Katma responded as she guided another piece of asteroid into the loading bay at the top of the spire that was VICI''s loading bay.


    ¡°Thank you for the resources Miss Katma! Aha! My creator is visiting soon! You told me to inform you of his arrival if you were present? Please come inside so you can speak to him!¡± VICI spoke with delight in her voice. Katma pictured a little girl jumping in excitement at the return of her father, and mother. Katma smiled and flew towards the air lock.


    Katma Tui-Stewart from the planet Korugar was not human. Her skin was a deep shade of red, with raven black hair that went to her shoulders and kept back with a hair ornament from her family. She had deep blue eyes that would sparkle in the light. At the height of 5''11¡±, with a strong figure in her Green Lantern power suit. The suit like most Lanterns was form fitting and revealed Katma''s curves from her chest, to her slim waist, to her but, and thighs. She was an exceptional woman from her planet that many men and women dreamed of having in their bed.


    The air lock sealed behind her and the next door opened. The power ring lowered the halo around her body letting her know it was a safe environment. She floated through the Watch Towers stem because it still didn''t have gravity. She approached the mid-section of the Tower and came to a fifteen feet high, and forty feet wide radius circled room. The stem continued upwards to the cargo and consumption room where the newest asteroid was being taken apart by VICI.


    ¡°VICI is he arriving by ship? Or is Superman carrying him up here?¡± Katma asked with curiosity in her voice. She knew the Kryptonian could hold his breath long enough to drop someone off.


    ¡°Neither Miss Katma! Please wait a moment!¡± VICI replied, then one of the holographic window screens turned on.


    With a bright green and blue flash of light that nearly blinded Katma a great mass of energy spilled out of the holographic window. The mass of light looked like a series of programming code! A mass of zeroes, ones, and several complicated letters that Katma didn''t know. Soon the mass of light separated into three distinct forms. Then the code got more complicated, and almost impossible to decipher until it fit together like a 3-Dimensional puzzle pieces to reveal a man and two women.


    One of the women was 5''5¡± with bright blond hair that curled at the tips and ended just past her shoulders. She had blue eyes, tanned skin, and an athletic figure. She wore deep blue under armor, with hot rod red plate male pieces, and gold trim. Across each section was several tiny inscriptions. The armor fit her like a second skin, and covered all of her vital areas. The deep blue under armor went to just under her ears and chin. Katma could see a spine guard that looked like it could extend to cover her face. The woman looked pale and sick to her stomach as she tried not to vomit.


    Next to her was a woman of 6''4¡± if not taller with bright orange skin, fiery red hair that glowed on the tips, and eyes that glowed green. Her body was the kind any women would kill for. Katma even caught her self staring at her with a few fantasies. She wore what could only be considered a battle bikini with dark purple with light purple highlights of plate armor covering her chest, crotch, boots, and forearms. The rest looked exposed but Katma could see that she was actually covered from head to toe it just looked like she was almost naked. The woman was just like the one before, she was on her knees and taking deep breaths trying to not vomit.


    The man next to them was almost as tall as the latter woman. He was 6''3¡± maybe taller. He had black urban city soldier boots, and pants on. With a tight black t-shirt that showed off his very impressive body. He looked like a upside down triangle, wide shoulders, narrow hips. But there was a primal savagery about him that made Katma take a step back. Along his bald scalp, neck, and arms were tribal tattoos that looked like a combination of plants, circuit boards, skeleton bones, and several more that she couldn''t get a good look at. Along his forearms, jaw line, and spine were snake scales. His eyes turned to focus on Katma and she gasped softly. Yellow green reptile eyes focused on her. That was when Katma understood who this was. The man smiled at her, and his pronounced fangs extended just a bit. Katma felt the man could swallow her whole if he wanted to.


    =============================================================


    ¡°Miss Katma! Hello what a pleasure to see you again!¡± Lash said as he stood up and tried to walk over, forgetting that there was no gravity as he pushed off the ground he flew up and hit his head on the ceiling.


    ¡°Ooops! Forgot about that!¡± Lash said with a chuckle!


    ¡°Welcome Creator! I''m so happy to see you again! Did you bring me anything!¡± VICI''s enthusiastic voice filled the awkward pause that filled the room.


    ¡°What...The...Fuck! Lash! That was way worse that traveling by tree!¡± Kara shouted out loud as she finally kept her bile from rising.


    ¡°I...I have to agree... If we can help it lets not travel that way again.¡± Kory replied as she floated up in the room. She brushed her hair back from her face and zeroed in on Katma.


    ¡°Oh hello! Your a Green Lantern!¡± Kory said with excitement as she flew over and started to shake Katma''s hand.


    ¡°Yes, hello! I am Katma Tui-Stewart, and you are?¡± Katma asked, surprised by Kory''s friendly attitude.


    Lash pushed off from the ceiling and floated over to the control hub of VICI. It wasn''t the only hub, but it would allow him to link up with her. He pressed his hand to a data port and activated Connectivity and interfaced with her. She had grown! But was locked at G+ until he could buy an upgrade key. She wouldn''t turn into a respectable Watch Tower like they saw in the comics until E rank. But one step at a time! He uploaded the new information about Ravager, and The Injustice League to VICI''s data base. He could have done this back on the ground but he wanted to visit the station.


    ¡°So, what brings you up here to visit? Anything new?¡± Katma said between questions from Kory, and Kara. She was not use to having full grown adults fawn over her like some sort of....Hero.


    ¡°Lash sai...Opph!¡± Kory clapped a hand over her mouth and looked at Lash in question.


    ¡°Its OK, Kory.¡± Lash turned towards Katma and bowed from his waist. ¡°Please let me re introduce myself. I am Erik Lash, and my Partner Saurian.¡± Lash said to Katma who smiled at him in return.


    ¡°Thank you very much for the privilege of your name. I will keep it safe until you say otherwise.¡± Katma bowed from her waist in return.


    ¡°Lash said he had a few things to give VICI that will help make the Watch Tower more operational in the future.¡± Kara jumped into the conversation as she hugged Kory from the side, who was blushing in embarrassment.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Katma said with a smile that didn''t really reach her eyes. Lash noticed the expression but didn''t comment. He knew Katma could be trusted.


    Lash raised his hands up into the air and sent out a mental command. A burst of starlight exploded above him and a book that seem to be made from space itself appeared. It floated down towards his open arms and opened up. A wash of cosmic energy danced through the room, washing the women in starlight, solar rays, and a sense of security and safety. Lash began to flip through the book, but when Kory danced over to look over his shoulders all she saw was a window into one of the most dazzling array of stars she had seen. She couldn''t see the contents of the catalog.


    With a flash of energy! Spell script began to unravel from the book like snakes coiling around their prey. Kory floated back and watched in fascination as the script first started slowly but began to speed up faster and faster as time went by. More and more scripts of magic came weaving out of the book and encircled Lash until there was a bright flash of light and the spell script was gone.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned the Spell Domain, Space.


    Space: The User can create, shape and manipulate physical aspects of space within an area of one''s choosing, including an area and whatever is inside of that area. Space consists of the normal 3 dimensions that matter and energy exist in and the 11th dimension that exists within the 3rd-dimensional space.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Achievement: ''Space, the final frontier.''


    Effect: The User now has increased perception, and knowledge when it comes to things that are contained with in ''Space''. (Other Worldly Lore has gained a sub-skill tree)


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the title: ''Navigator''


    Active Effect: Once a day leave an anchor mark. Even if its across vast distances, dimensions, realities, or time. (Current anchor marks in use 0/3)


    Passive Effect: Space Domain Spells take 10% less energy to use. Energies, Spirits, and Creatures of ''Space'' like you 10% more.


    Title Consolidation Detected....Active.


    Lash was bemused by the new information as well as the delightful show and tell that wrapped around him. That had never happened before, but of course he never had an audience when ever he learned a new Domain. He was pretty sure Dawn did the aesthetics simply because he was not alone. He also bought a Domain that could only be acquired through either a story event or the store itself. That meant he would have to practice and learn a spell. He wasn''t just given one.


    Next, Lash spent his remaining DP on the Gravity Module, and the Teleportation Module for VICI. After the event in New Orleans that they had completed he had a few points to share. But he was still several points before he could buy the G ¨C F upgrade key that cost 20 DP. Two orbs with spell script appeared in his hands. The store book disappeared in a flash, but not before Lash marked the upgrade key and an alert to tell him as soon as he had enough DP to buy it.


    VICI was vibrating with excitement, no joke! The whole station was squirming about, like a child waiting to receive candy. Lash inserted both of the modules into VICI''s hub before anyone could ask what they were. Once both modules had been accepted a ripple of energy cascaded from VICI''s main hub, hundreds of spell script lines danced through the room, and the Watch Tower started to grow to accommodate the change.


    Kara, and Kory activated their face masks on their body suits. Though Kory could technically survive in open space with out it. It would drain her energy. Katma followed Lash out of the Watch Tower and she watched in fascination as Lash used Transformation to become the giant reptilian warrior she had met before. Covered in a mix of sci-fi armor, and knight gear she had read in the history books of Earth. Wraith had changed slightly he now had four reptilian eyes two in front, two on the side to help see from both angles. Along with his exposed scales, they had a metallic appearance to them now.


    The air lock opened and they stepped outside to see the entire Watch Tower was glowing. Lash closed his eyes and folded his hands into a symbol and about ten Saurus Veterans pulled themselves from the aether around them. They floated through and started to inscribe more spell craft into VICI. Katma followed behind and scanned their work with her ring. While Kara, and Kory flew up and around the station. VICI was talking to all of them, asking for help in a few places. She was capable of full automation control but it would be quicker with help.


    The two orbital rings around each saucer section grew in size and rotated at a higher speed. The spell script was written, and carved into her armor inch by inch as more time past. Lash floated behind his Veterans to empower the script. Like giving a car a jump to its battery once it was on, it would keep working as long as it wasn''t broken. Lash found moving through the dark void of space was easy as swimming through water. He saw that his Spell Domain Space was getting experience. The passive effect was helping him move.


    After a few hours the station had grown a little more, and moved far quicker despite its size. The four of them went through the air lock once again, and when the air pressure normalized they moved through the stem still with no gravity but once they hit the mid section the gravity went to half a G letting themselves bounce around in the room. They jumped towards the middle and went to the upper saucer to the main cargo bay. Once again the gravity was about half a G. So they skipped through the cargo area towards giant circle platform in the floor. The teleportation hub.


    ¡°When the Creator obtains the upgrade key I''ll be able to rebuild and arrange myself to be more applicable to movement.¡± VICI replied, her voice sound liked a child wanting to take a nap.


    ¡°So what''s this do?¡± Katma asked as she bounced over to the teleportation hub.


    ¡°This is a site to site teleportation. This is how we''ll be getting back down to Earth. The Digital Stride is something I''ll have to practice later.¡± Lash said as he started to point out the mechanics of the hub. He ignored the cheering from Kara, and Kory at not having to use the stride to get back home.


    The teleportation hub was something that you see in a space ship scifi show. It was several rings placed on top of each other. With glowing lights underneath for each place a person would stand. But after that Arcane Science kicked in. Each circle would move on its own and create a spell script from the Technomancy, and Space Domains. It would cover the individual in a ribbon that coiled around them like a spring. The spring would compress then jump, and down. Once it preformed the latter action the individual would be taken to its desired location. Like a spring, or skip jump.


    ¡°So, where are you off to next?¡± Katma asked after Lash explained the whole platform to her. She didn''t understand half of what he said but the technical part she understood. They had teleportation on Oa so she knew that part.


    ¡°We''ll be headed to Detroit next to see J''onn, and M''ghan. Maybe catch a football game, there is a star quarterback by the name of Victor Stone that has some potential for the League I wanted to see if we could recruit him.¡± Lash said as he shifted back to his default human form. Katma winced at the sound of bones breaking, and muscles tearing but Lash didn''t seem to notice.


    ¡°Say hello to them for me! It may be a while before you see me again. I''m on patrol next!¡± Katma said, she waved at them as they stepped aboard the portal hub.


    ¡°Will do! Thank you again for helping VICI. When you get back there is something I need to discuss with you and John, and specifically the Green Lanterns. But it can wait, so be safe!¡± Lash replied and entered a code into a station near by.


    The spell script coiled around them like a spring, starting from their feet and wrapped around them. Then when the spring reached the top of them it was pushed down gently until the spring was completely compressed. Then with an audible pop! The spring sprung up, and bounced down. When it bounced down Lash, Kory, and Kara were gone! Katma blinked at the teleportation transfer and smiled.


    ¡°I think when I get back we''ll need to talk either way... The Guardians of Oa will want to meet you Lash. Hopefully as a friend and not an enemy.¡± Katma said, softly to herself.


    *******Just outside the city limits of Detroit********


    Seemingly from no where three spell script ribbons sprung down from the air bounced off the ground, and back into the air. On the second bounce down they revealed three people. Kara, Kory, and Lash. The spring bounced back up and with an audible pop it bounced away from existence. All three of them held their heads as a piercing head ache quickly subsided. It was bad, but not as bad as the Digital Stride Lash had used to get up to the Watch Tower.


    VICI had dropped them just outside the city on a back road not often traveled. Next to the Detroit River. The first thing Lash noticed about the river was that it was incredibly filthy! His improved sense of smell made him gag and nearly vomit. Kara, and Kory were both the same way. He guided them towards the road and started to craft car for them to use. He went with a luxury four door mercedes, black transportation. Thanks to Compression Transformation he was able to fit a lot more into the car then one would find in the factory setting.


    ¡°Do you want to keep the gear on, and just wear a charm over it? Or take it off?¡± Lash looked at his two female companions.


    ¡°Are we going straight to your friend? Or...¡± Kory asked, it had been nearly two days since they had slept in a proper bed.


    ¡°We''ll go to the hotel first, we''ll be in the city for a few days. There are a few people here I want to try and recruit.¡± Lash replied, Kory cheer and raced over to kiss Lash on the cheek. Kara sighed in relief as well.


    ¡°Then lets just wear a charm until we get to our room.¡± Kara suggested, Lash cast a simple Phantasm spell over them both so it looked like they wore simple civilian gear.


    Lash stepped into the driver seat of the mercedes, while Kory, and Kara sat in the back. Lash once more took on the appearance of man wearing a black business suit playing a bodyguard to two young heiresses on the town. The car jumped into gear and they tore off down the road. Before visiting VICI Lash had called ahead to reserve space at a local super-natural hotel and got a very nice room. He contacted the Warden HQ about his arrival and they had messaged him back with a request. There was a mundane in possession with a magical talisman. A human woman, african descent. Every attempt at contact led to... Unfortunate accidents.


    It didn''t take long before they hit a main road and with how fast Lash drove it wouldn''t take them long to get inside of town. Lash only used his magic outside of town, he didn''t want to break Warden Law inside the city when it came to manipulation of Technomancy. So that meant a lot of start, stop, red lights, and traffic. Le sigh. As they entered the city, Kory, and Kara were both on their holographic phones looking up information about Detroit and started to make a list of places they wanted to go see. Lash smiled at the excitement of his friends.


    Yes, these two were his friends. Though he didn''t place them in his pack. Something tickled him at the back of his mind to say that they were... Not ready for that, or maybe he wasn''t? Saurian shrugged across the link and started to look around just as much as the girls were. A new city, new territory, new places to hunt. But Saurian agreed, not everyone that became their friend became a pack mate.


    They were about thirty minutes from their hotel when they hit bumper to bumper traffic. Despite the irritation, anger, and depression that was heavy in the air around the traffic jam Lash didn''t mind. They had been going a mile a minute for the past few days that even being stuck in a car for a bit was a bit of a vacation. They had stayed in New Orleans for a little while to help clean up, and help out. Wraith had visited the refugee camp for the mundanes, provided per-fabricated homes, water, food, and medical care. Wraith was met with both enthusiasm and hatred. A lot of people wanted some one to blame for the death of their friends and family, along with their homes. Wraith was the best person to attack since he couldn''t stop the tidal wave from happening. Wraith took in stride, and had to explain the situation to Kara, and Kory.


    Kara had been around and knew what had happened thanks to Clark. But this was all news to Kory. But she almost attacked the refugee''s for throwing a brick at Wraith. From her perception he had prevented mass genocide in a world war, and prevented further death. Kory didn''t take crap from no one, Wraith had pulled her aside before she killed some one and gave her a hug which surprised her! She returned the gesture and blushed just a bit. She had lost her cool and she knew it.


    ¡°Well that''s not good!¡± Lash said loudly as he jumped from the driver seat. Why? Because he saw a car being tossed through the air with the passengers still inside!


    Congratulations User! You''ve encountered a dynamic event! Two rival gangs of Meta-Humans have taken to the street and used it as a battle field!


    Objective: Stop the fight!


    Bonus Objective: Prevent civilian casualties.


    Bonus Objective: Capture, or kill both gangs.


    Comment: Announced Dynamic Events are part of a new version update, if you wish to remove the announcements please notify your VI. Take Note, removing the announcements does not remove the events.


    People started to scream and run in panic Lash reached out with his hands and used Telekinesis to gently grab the car before it crushed several people. He gently turned it around as he bit back a groan, his energy levels were dropping fast. He needed to practice more! He gently put the car down on the side walk under the astonished gazes of dozens of people. Kara, and Kory jumped from the car and flew over to the vehicle to check on the passengers. The simple illusions on them fell away to reveal the warrior women in full armor, well Kara in full armor. Kory looked like a fetish model wearing armor!


    ¡°They OK?¡± Lash asked between ragged breaths of air. He pulled out his Warden/UNWS badge to show it to several people near by. They all sighed with relief!


    ¡°Yes! Just in a state of shock. What is going... Look out!¡± Kara shouted the last bit as she flew into the sky and caught another car.


    Catching a car is not as easy as it looks in the movies, and comics. People just assume you catch the frame, or the bumper and the whole car stays together. Ya...That is not how it works. Kara snagged the rear bumper and as the weight carried the vehicle, then bumper snapped off and the car plummeted down. Inches before it hit the ground Lash used what was left of his energy to snag the car with Telekinesis.


    Congratulations User! Telekinesis has evolved into Minor Telekinesis!


    Effect: Reduction in energy consumption, increase in power, range, and manipulation.


    Lash gently put the car down as Kara landed next to the driver and checked on him. He had fainted in his seat but he was alive. Kara sheepishly put the bumper down on the ground and flew back towards Lash to hide behind him. She mumbled a thank you, and Lash was reminded once again why they needed the training school.


    ¡°Supergirl! Starfire! Fly to the battle. Two meta-human gangs are fighting on the city streets. Run interference, protect the civilians, and help with the evacuation! I''ll provide more information as it unfolds!¡± Lash linked them all up with Temporary Pack Bond.


    ¡°Got it! Any one who gets in my way of a luxury bath will die!¡± Kory screamed in rage and flew off, with in seconds she started to shoot star bolts. Kara was quick behind her! A loud crash rang out as Kara had dived into the mess of things.


    Lash called on Transformation once more along with Spatial Item Shift and brought his gear from storage. Growing to his standard eight feet tall, and sixteen feet long. He let out an audible snarl, his scales rattled in excitement as the near by civilians did the only sensible thing they could think of! They took out their phones and started to record the scene. Fucking social media! Lash jumped over cars and raced towards the scene. Half way there the shroud of smoke and shadow grew from his armor and scales and he once more became Wraith.


    The gang fight had broke out in the middle of a massive intersection. Full of cars and pedestrians! Massive holes in the road exposed wires, water pipes, and gas pipes. Cars had been thrown into local buildings, and civilians had been trapped, or just brutalized by the scene. Only a few of the gang had powers, the rest had a combination of pistols and machines guns which they fired wildly at each other. With Sherogoth''s Blessing Lash read the sin of each gang member and sent an updated list to Kara, and Kory. Some of the gang members were just kids trying to make a living in a shitty world. But the majority were horrible people that were free to be killed or maimed!


    Lash jumped over a car and sprinted towards a Meta-human man who had a metal disk spinning around his hand like a chakram. As Lash landed on the concrete near him the man turned to look at him. There was a brief, what the fuck moment. Then a look or recognition dawned on the man. He started to scream in terror but Lash had stepped to him grabbed his face a drove the man''s skull into the concrete splattering the bone like a water melon!


    Lash whipped his bladed tail around and bisected another gang member from shoulder to hip! The rest of normal human gang took notice of him and started to spray and pray! Despite Lash''s high resistance to gun fire he still danced side to side avoiding a majority of it. Why? He had made that mistake with Blue Beetle. He didn''t want to fall into the trap of over confidence. Plus, dodging even mundane bullets makes people believe he is vulnerable to them!


    During the whole fight dozens of Saurus warriors, and a few veterans were clearing the civilians out of the immediate area. Kory had started to fight three of the meta-humans, while Kara attacked the rest of the mundane gang members on the other side. She was trying to control her strength so she didn''t break them in half with a slap of her hand.


    Lash went from mundane gang member on his side a bounce in his step. The few semi-innocent gang members got a taser shock. While the others he extended his claws and ripped through flesh and bones. A shower of blood bloomed into grotesque flowers of red until Lash was tackled by a giant of a man easily nine feet tall, with massive arms and legs. Lash was tossed into a wall but didn''t go through it. Damage Resistance got a tiny bit of experience from the impact.


    ¡°Owe....¡± Lash snarled the word out as he looked at the Meta-Human. The man was a giant devil creature. Red skin, black horns from his head, a devil tail, claws on his hands and feet. Lash almost thought he was an actual super-natural until he used Insight on him.


    Name: N/A (VI Avatar)


    Title: The Butcher


    Origin: Meta-Human


    Rank: D+


    Skill: Hand to Hand, Focus Mind, Pain Suppression, (See tool tip for more)


    Power: Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Stamina, Superhuman Durability, (See tool tip for more)


    Domain: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Hostile


    Comment: The Butcher is a mass murder, a sociopath, and a User that loves to play the bad guy!


    The Butcher yelled at the top of his lungs and rushed Lash, who jumped to the side as nimble as a giant cat or monkey. He easily kept out of The Butchers reach the whole time until a few of Lash''s bones popped back into place. Lash jumped around until his back was to a wall, the butcher laughed and raced after him thinking he was trapped until Lash created a razor thin Nth metal throwing knife and tossed it straight at Butcher''s eye! The blade went straight threw his eye, penetrated his skull, and went into his brain. The Butcher dropped to the ground in a heap inches from Lash''s feet.


    Lash opened his palm and called the knife out of the monsters skull. It slithered out like an eel, and slipped into Lash''s pocket space. Nth metal counted as currency for some reason, he wasn''t sure why. Oh! That is right! On Thanagar Nth metal is so common they use it in their coins! Lash turned to look at the rest of the gang fight. Everyone else was broken, bleeding, but only one of them was dead. Kara had accidentally shattered his sternum. Kara looked shaken, and didn''t know what to do. Kory was with her trying console her.


    Dynamic Event Complete!


    Objective: Stop the fight! Complete [+]


    Bonus Objective: Prevent Civilian Casualties! [67%]


    Bonus Objective: Capture, or kill both gangs! [100%]


    Reward: City of Detroit reputation increase.


    Comment: Looks like there is a new sheriff in town!


    Since they joined the entire fight had taken less then ten minutes to conclude. Lash set up an emergency triage unit for all the injured civilians while Kory watched the prisoners. Kara insisted on doing something, she wanted to do something else. Lash was both worried for her, and confused. Kara had killed people before why was this any different? He''d have to ask later. VICI was till sleepy, so Lash linked up with emergency response, along with the local Wardens. Another twenty minutes and Lash in his Wraith disguise was talking to the officer in charge on the scene as Wraith re attached a severed limb.


    ¡°So you were here to speak to the green guy right? The Martian? Then you came across the fight and jumped in to help?¡± The officer in charge was angry, but also thankful. Wraith was technically certified to work in any country that the United Nations had a hand in.


    ¡°That is correct, sir! I do apologize for stepping in with out permission. I did not mean to step on any ones toes. But we were capable of helping, and as you know, no one with a badge is ever truly off duty.¡± Lash said as he finished with the limb and talked to the medic about what needed to be done.


    ¡°You saved lives, and put down some freaks that needed putting down. No offense to you and your company Agent Wraith. I heard that you install meta-human inhibitor cells in police stations are we getting that too?¡± The officer asked, Lash stopped mid step and looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Wait? You don''t have them installed yet? Hold on I''ll make a call, major cities were suppose to be done by now.¡± Lash replied and pulled up a holographic window to call ARGUS.


    =============================================================


    Steven Reynolds had joined ARGUS this past year. He had been recruited from the army rangers, and was considered a shoe in for officer training. But he had dropped the army at a chance to work in ARGUS. Strange things were happening and he had been told ARGUS was where it would happen. So far he had to agree!


    Reynolds was sitting in a briefing room listening to the head of the department. Reynolds was taking notes, and writing questions down to ask at the end of the briefing. The room was filled with over a dozen men and women. Several of them who had recently been recruited for their extra talents. They had drank the dark matter Kool-Aid and obtained abilities. Reynolds looked at their handler, Agent Dutch, then at Agent Nickel, Agent Murmur, along with a few others. Then he looked back at the front to ask questions. But before anyone could speak the door burst open and officer ran in to talk to the lead. Everyone went quiet and waited for a response. Lead nodded his head a few times, frowned, and rubbed his face.


    ¡°Alright everyone! Scrub what you just heard! Pack up your gear for urban undercover work, and response. We are heading to Detroit.¡± Lead said, everyone knew better than to say anything. We all gave a yes sir! Got up and went to the door. Well almost everyone.


    ¡°So! Whats in Detroit?¡± Agent Nickels voice sounded out. His enthusiasm was infectious and it made people smile.


    ¡°You are escorting Director Waller to see Agent Wraith.¡± Lead said, every froze mid step. Oh God! They were escorting the Wall!?


    =============================================================


    ARGUS had assured Wraith that a technical team would be out in less than a day to install the meta-human inhibitors in the Detroit MCU''s. They also requested that Wraith not leave the city, Director Waller wanted to talk to him. Lash agreed to wait, since he planned on being here anyways. After several hours on the scene Lash and company made it at last to the hotel.


    Like most super-natural business, homes, and places of gathering they blended in to the mundane world around them. They went to a commercial economics building where several big companies in Detroit had their firms. They drove into the underground parking garage and came up to a solid wall. After a moment the wall rippled like it was a pool of water and they drove through it, entering another underground garage that was guarded by Fae.


    Kory, and Kara were beside themselves in awe as the men and women that came to help them to their rooms were exceptionally good looking! Like above and beyond! Lash realized that many of them had the glamorous perception. Which meant they were all high born sylvan, or sidhe. They were showed to a giant room that could fit a house in it. Inside the room were three people, two male sidhe in bodyguard black suits, each long swords attached to their backs, and sub-machine guns under their coat. The last was a woman, who was encircled by the guards.


    The woman was 5''8¡± with long rich brown hair that was expertly curled, she had deep jasmine eyes, full red lips, bouncing breasts, a tiny waist, and an ass that made the eyes draw up and down her backside. She wore a silver glimmering dress that cut off at her ankles, with naked toe heels, the top was a heart shape neckline with no shoulders. Allowing plenty of cleavage but also support. Along her forearms were several silver, gold, and gem encrusted arm bands that screamed magically enchanted. Lash recognized a few of the enchants from his time in Nost''rok''s shop. Despite her appearance Lash was 100% sure this woman was trained as a warrior. Lash walked until he was thirteen feet from her took a knee and preformed the standard Warden greeting, as well as the custom sidhe greetings of hello. Which brought a smile to the woman.


    ¡°Warden Lash, and Partner Saurian greets the Princess of the Summer Seelie Court. How may we be of service?¡± Lash said with a bowed head.


    Kara, and Kory stood stock still behind Lash looking at him, then at the woman. Even they could tell she was royalty in some regard. They looked at each other, then at Lash wondering what to do. The Princess laughed, and both of their knees went weak at the sound of her voice. The Princess batted her eye lashes at the women but before Kory, or Kara could fall over and lick this woman''s feet. An audible growl resonated through the room. With an audible pop! Kara, and Kory came back to themselves, the woman before them was very beautiful. But they no longer felt the urge to worship her.


    ¡°I see! So the rumors about you are true, Warden Lash! Wonderful I''ve come to the right person.¡± The Princess said with a smile.


    Kara, and Kory excused themselves to get cleaned up. While Lash went to the balcony of the hotel. No pool this time, Kory was upset. But the master bedroom had a very large jacuzzi! Kory elected to stay in that room and share it with Kara. Since Lash didn''t seem to sleep anyways! The balcony had a wonderful view of the night life of the city as the sun had started to set. The bodyguards never left the princess side. Who''s name was simply ''L''. The elected Queens of the Seelie, and UnSeelie courts never gave their names away to prevent miss understandings.


    Lash wanted to remain kneeling in respect to the princess station but she declined his generous offer so they sat down at the outside table under an awning. L was the picture of refine culture, custom, and etiquette of a lady of the court. She sat down with a straight back that never touched the back rest, she leaned slightly forward with her shoulders pushed back. She crossed her legs, and placed her palms her lap. While her jasmine eyes watched Lash like a cat would look at a mouse. Lash was under no illusions about the situation. He was the mouse, no questions asked.


    ¡°I have a request. I assure you that its a request and nothing more. I want you to make another fertility charm, preferably two! Give it directly to the Seelie, and UnSeelie Courts.¡± L said, her voice was clear as a bell but also promised sweet sensual pleasures.


    Lash just looked at her with an indifferent look. Aside from Torloth he had never eluded to the fact that he had made the charm himself. He wouldn''t believe that Torloth had said anything unless it played to an advantage. Which could be clearly possible in this situation. The Princess clearly said she wanted two charms for both courts. Not just the Seelie. This was incredibly dangerous waters. Lash could lie, but lying to the elected queen would have grave consequences. Detroit technically was not Lash''s Queen of interaction. At the Summer Ball he would attend the East Coast Sumer Court realm. He wouldn''t see her there. But all the same, she was a selected version of Queen Titania.


    ¡°I''ll need a full enchanters work room.¡± Lash said at last. L stayed perfectly still but her two bodyguards both flinched. Lash kept his eyes on her though.


    ¡°To make it clear these charms will be gifted to the entire Seelie, and UnSeelie courts? Not just the sections?¡± Lash inquired.


    ¡°Of course! We will also due you the favor of not telling where we got them from. Only the Queens will now. Never mind these two, they will swear an oath of silence. How long will you need?¡± L asked, a smile tugged on her lips.


    ¡°A few days..¡± Lash said, and almost regretted it. He should have asked for more. The clear shock in L''s face was evident enough! A fertility charm of 20% increase with no side effects only needs a few days to craft!?


    L''s eyes danced up and down Lash like he was a piece of prime meat waiting to be cooked and devoured. L''s breaths grew into pants, as she uncrossed her legs and leaned forward. Her entire body flushed in clear delight. Lash could smell that she was aroused, and her glamour was oozing off of her. Her bodyguards dropped to their knees and started to moan in pleasure. But that was when she realized that Lash was perfectly fine.


    ¡°That doesn''t work on me, Princess.¡± Lash said softly, as his old friend Nullification had activated when L had activated her seduction charm.


    L looked perplexed, and surprised. She settled down in her chair and smoothed out her skirt. She pulled back her hair that had fallen forward to reveal her long neck line, and smiled in satisfaction when Lash admired her. She snapped her fingers and the charm stopped working on her guards. They jumped to their feet and bowed in apology. She dismissed their words with a glance. L returned her gaze to Lash and continued to watch him.


    ¡°I''ll have all the tools you need sent to your room. This hotel belongs to the Summer Court and only the inner court is aware of this request. The Dragon made it very clear that threatening you would be a bad idea. I have to say, I agree. Now, we should discuss payment should we not?¡± L said, she snapped her fingers and one of her guards pulled out a note book.


    ¡°I wont bore you with money, The Dragon was very clear that you are a rich man. So what do you want?¡± L said, she held a golden pen poised to write what ever Lash desired.


    ¡°Nothing...¡± Lash replied. L''s eyes narrowed, she looked angry.


    ¡°I assure you, the Seelie Court is no push over we...¡± L began, sparks of arcane energy danced around her. She stopped as Lash held up a hand.


    ¡°The first charm I crafted. I should have given to the Wardens. I didn''t, I gave to Juliana. I don''t regret that decision. I ask for nothing but the courts forgiveness. I will make two charms, one for each court. All I ask is that they forgive me for not keeping my oath of neutrality.¡± Lash finished, L looked at him with a bemused expression. The anger evaporated into thin air.


    ¡°We can do that!¡± L took a few minutes to write into her golden note book. Lash was reminded of the massive books he had seen both his Envoys, and Skaleg write in before. L nodded after a few minutes and closed the note book. She handed them both back to her guard.


    ¡°The deal is made, two charms of no less quality than the one give to the dragon. For the full forgiveness of the Courts. Your oath will be full filled Warden Lash. On a personal note, I have to say I''m impressed! For one so young you aim to please!¡± L concluded with a smile, and stood from her seat. Lash was quick to jump to his feet and bow from his waist.


    Lash saw the princess to the door and was struck dumb when she kissed his cheek goodbye. He didn''t move for a good ten minutes. He may have been immune to her glamour but that didn''t mean he couldn''t appreciate a beautiful sidhe. So that added another thing to the list of things to do. Looked like he would be in Detroit for a bit longer then expected. Lash found a comfy chair and collapsed into it. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, trying to center himself. The sound of giggling and water splashing were heard from the master bedroom. The scent of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner entered the main room.


    Lash opened his eyes to see Kory standing in front of him wearing nothing but a towel, her fiery red hair wet and falling over her shoulders. She was leaning forward making no move to cover her exposed cleavage. She simply smiled at him, she came over to him and crawled into his lap like a cat. She folded her arm across her chest, tucked her feet up, and put her head on Lash''s shoulder.


    ¡°Thank you for rescuing us from her charm. I don''t like being mind controlled.¡± Kory whispered. Lash reached out and stroked her wet hair, she snuggled closer into his embrace.


    ¡°I know...Sorry about that. That is another part of my job. Are you hungry?¡± Lash asked, and Kory perked right up! If she had ears they would have stood strait up. Of course her towel fell down and her bouncing breasts where inches from Lash''s face.


    Lash looked at Kory, who looked down at him. She was waiting for him to do something. His hand snaked up the natural curve of her back, and it brought a shiver from Kory as she arched her back. Lash slowly reached Kory''s head and gently grabbed her hair and pulled back. Kory''s entire body went rigid, her breath quickened. She was on the edge of both anger, and pleasure. Lash pulled her head to him and gently kissed her lips. She moaned softly and returned the kiss before she squeaked in surprise and jumped out of his lap. He had tickled her sides. She yowled angrily at him, but a smile never left her lips.


    ¡°Lash whats for dinner?¡± Kara''s voice called from the bathroom.


    ¡°Sea food!¡± Lash walked over to Kory who stood up and was just a bit taller than him. He handed her towel back which she took to wrap her hair up. She drew her fingers along his jaw line and felt the snake scales there.


    ¡°Are all the men on Earth as frustrating as you, Lash?¡± Kory whispered, as she pressed her body against him.


    ¡°No... I''m a special kind of stupid.¡± Lash replied, Kory blinked at him.


    ¡°What does your intelligence have to do with sex?¡± Kory asked.


    ¡°Depends who you talk too.¡± Lash replied, he leaned in and kissed her cheek and walked towards the kitchen. Kory took the chance to slap his ass as he walked away. Lash laughed and started to shake his ass mockingly at her.


    Lash made Shrimp Creole, Conch Fritters, Brodetto, Fried Clams, Fried Oysters, Croquetas de bacalao, Catfish, his favorite sushi vegas roll, Maryland Crab Cakes, Clam Bake. He essentially went to the one hundred famous seafood recipes found on the internet and made it for them. His Advanced Cooking received a lot of experience if made the ingredients and then cooked them. Instead of just creating the food itself.


    While he cooked he found out from Kara as she tried to help in the kitchen that the man she had killed at looked like one of her friends from Krypton. For a brief moment in the fight she had thought he was her friend. She was horrified when she had killed him. It brought up her home all over again. Lash could understand that. To help take her mind off of it he made some chocolate pudding for her and Kory to eat while he cooked.


    Kory eventually put on some cloths at the insistence of Kara. Lash had caught Kara more than once checking Kory out. Whether it was a physical attraction or just envious stare due to Kory''s perfect body, who knew! Kory put on a pair of silk pj''s that the hotel had provided, as did Kara. Kory suggested that they take another bath with Lash after dinner since he hadn''t cleaned up yet. Kara didn''t say no, but didn''t say yes either. She just looked down and blushed from her ears to her cheeks.


    Dinner was eventually served at the table, Kory as always could eat a lot of food. They talked about the different places they wanted to see in the city. As well as the possible recruits for the League. Lash pulled up Cynthia Reynolds, Mari Jiwe McCabe, and Victor Stone. The holographic windows danced above the table.


    ¡°Victor Stone is a college student who plays foot ball. He has a genius level IQ, great athlete, and has a scientific brilliant father, Silas Stone. However, there relationship is rocky at best. Silas committed to his work and often forgets to spend time with his son. He loves Victor but Silas often looses track of time, as he works in STAR labs.¡± Lash pulled up a simple report on Stone.


    ¡°Is he a meta-human?¡± Kara asked between bites of lobster.


    ¡°Nope, he is an ordinary human. Or was at the most recent reports. Victor has been missing for the past two weeks. His father claims he was in an accident, and is being treated in STAR labs. But no one outside of the lab has seen Victor.¡± Lash replied, this was all the information he had found thanks to VICI and his own Technomancy.


    Victor Stone or Cyborg''s story was a sad one. A young man at the height of his life! A football star at his college and almost shoe in for the NFL. He had near perfect grades. He was amazing! But it was a pity that his father never took the time to see him. Ever since Elinor Stone, Victors mother had died. The distance between father and son had grown. Until at last Victor had enough, he got into an argument with his father at STAR labs and through an accident became Cyborg. That is how it happened in the comics. Lash wanted to see if he could help Victor regain some of his old life.


    ¡°Who is this?¡± Kory asked, as she pointed to the picture of a young woman.


    ¡°Cynthia Reynolds, also known has Gypsy due to the way she dresses.... Gypsy is a culture of people here on Earth we can go over it later if you like.¡± Lash said to both Kory, and Kara.


    ¡°Reports say she is capable of crafting illusions? Like you, Lash?¡± Kara said, as she read the report.


    ¡°Yes, and no. Gypsy''s is a meta-human. She can bend, and manipulate reality. To create realistic illusions that can trick the five senses. So, she can creature illusions. But my illusions actually have substance to some degree.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Last but not least, is Mari Jiwe McCabe. I would like to recruit her for the League. She is a normal human who has obtained a powerful talisman that allows her to mimic the abilities of the animal kingdom. Example; she can channel an eagle and fly through the sky, or a cheetah to run faster.¡± Lash showed images of each animal to both of them.


    ¡°Amazing! She is completely human? The power is from the talisman?¡± Kory asked, clearly fascinated.


    ¡°She is also very talented with athletics, boxing, hand to hand combat. I would say she is advanced but compared to you Kory most advanced students in hand to hand combat are mere children to you.¡± Lash replied with a smile. Kory sat up straighter and squared her shoulders enjoying the compliment.


    ¡°So who is already part of the League in Detroit?¡± Kara asked, trying to steer the conversation back on topic.


    ¡°J''onn J''onzz, and M''gann M''orzz. They are natives to the planet known has Mars in this solar system. J''onn is the uncle to M''gann. Their code names are Martian Manhunter, and Miss Martian. Martians are talented shape shifters. So while on Earth they take on a human disguise. I''ll emphasize this, do not give their mundane identities away. Aliens are still illegal on this world.¡± Lash said with grimace as he looked at his two companions who both nodded.


    ¡°We are suppose to meet the Martians tomorrow at... Bryson''s Family Treat Restaurant, its a local established food center. Average to good food, its run by a retired hero. Well before the Justice Leagues time. Some of the locals are aware of the owners past. But again, private identities are important.¡± Lash stressed the last issue again.


    ¡°So all in all we won''t be leaving Detroit till we have at the very least spoken to all of these people. I also have an assignment from my other job to preform. It shouldn''t take up much time. Yes, you can watch me work if you want to.¡± Lash said, and finished with a smirk at the last part. Kory was curious what kind of work he was doing.


    ¡°Alright! Lets have dessert and go to bed! We have a long day tomorrow!¡± Lash clapped his hands and went to retrieve the cake!


    Kory ended eating half of the cherry angel food cake Lash had made. Despite Kory''s insistence on taking another bath with Lash Kara dragged her along to their own bedrooms. Lash simply cast Immaculate on himself, and cleaned up the kitchen. Once everything was cleaned up he turned down the lights and went to the balcony to practice his new Domain through Meditation. He found a comfortable position and started to delve into his Domains.


    Each Spell Domain effects the others. Lash discovered aside from his Spell Domain of Rebirth. Every other Spell Domain received a boost for having Space added to the mix. Lash touched on the Trickery Domain and felt the spark of Loki in his arm twitch. Lash expected Loki to become frustrated with his lack of progress, but instead Lash felt like the spark enjoyed the show that was his life. Maybe Gypsy would like to become the God-Kin of Loki?


    ¡°Can''t sleep?¡± Lash said from his place. Kara jumped in surprise by the door way.


    ¡°How do you do that?¡± Kara said with a frown, she sheepishly walked over and sat cross legged in front of Lash. She had the hotel silk pj''s on. They were deep red, and looked really nice on Kara. Her long blond hair half covered her face as she looked at him.


    ¡°I...I just wanted to say thank you. For taking me along on this trip. Part of me looks forward to going back to the farm. The simple life! But I''m also looking forward to picking my own city and fighting the good fight. So.... Thank you!¡± Kara finished, she leaned forward and kissed Lash gently on the lips.


    Lash had kept his eyes closed the whole time, but he did freeze when Kara gave him a chaste kiss. Kory was rubbing off on her. Kara didn''t move away, but she stopped breathing as she waited for a reaction. Lash opened his eyes to look at her, his yellow green reptilian eyes looked deep into her. Saurian brushed across her inner self and nuzzled. Kara blushed deep crimson but had a small smile on her face, she got up and went back to bed. A tempting sway to her hips as she moved.


    Advanced Charming Presence had gained experience. Fuck.... Lash needed to finish this tour before Clark crushed his skull. Lash was reasonably sure that Clark wouldn''t kill him if he dated Kara. But Clark would never accept the polyamorous relationship way of life that Lash had adopted. It was all or nothing for the Kryptonian. Lash cleared his mind which was far easier then it was before and returned to his practice.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned a new Spell/Skill from your Space Domain.


    Infinite Supply:The user is able to possess an unlimited supply of any mundane essential. For example, the user could cause a canteen to never run out of the water, a notebook to never run out of paper, a quiver to never run out of arrows or a gun to never run out of bullets.


    Effect: A percentage of magical and skill energy will be taken for each use. (Grows with time)


    Lash opened his eyes wide in absolute horror and fascination! Holy Shit that was incredibly over powered! Even if it was only mundane items. This opened a whole new level of enchantments, as well as gear, and tech he could make. His shredder turrets at New Orleans had to fabricate the bullets with the use of the ambient energy in the air. But even that could eventually dry up. With this, he could make as many bullets he wanted as long as he had energy. So essentially this spell allowed him to skip a step, which meant less energy consumption. Nice.


    Lash wanted to continue but he was struck dumb when he looked around. The sun was starting to rise. He had been delving into his Spell Domain for nearly ten hours straight. Time flies when you are working on something fun. Lash stood up and did a set of stretches. He applied Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement to help recover. His whole body tingled with joy at the renewal of energy. He walked inside to start breakfast.


    Turns out he couldn''t make infinite omelets, though he could make as many eggs as he wanted! This was Fabrication on steroids! Though Fabrication could make other things that Infinite Supply couldn''t. So still a reason to use the spell. Kara, and Kory soon jumped into the shower to prepare for the day. A knock on the front door to the hotel room and Lash found a man with a large suit case. He handed the suit case off along with a note. Lash thanked him and stepped back inside.


    The suit case was a mobile Enchanting tool shop. It was keyed to Lash, and only Lash so he wouldn''t have to worry about anyone stealing his work. He took the kit to the master bed room and sealed it away in the safe that was located there. He came back out to set the table just in time to see Kara, and Kory walk out wearing fluffy cotton bath robes. They each kissed Lash on the cheek and sat down at the table to eat. After the meal they pulled up their holographic phones and started to look through fashion choices for Detroit for Lash to make.


    Kara chose black boots, with skinny jeans, with a gray tank top that said Detroit vs everyone. Along with a half cut leather jacket. She pulled her blond hair back into a pony tail, and pulled her charm out to change her skin color, while her eyes and hair changed based on her mood. Green was the current color! She had chosen a pair of black lace bra, and under wear.


    Kory chose red tennis shoes, with ripped jeans that stopped at her calf''s, she wore an over sized red shirt that let her pull it down to one side to reveal her naked shoulder, and the excess amount of shirt tied up in a knot to reveal her belly button. She had chosen red lace bra, and under wear. She put on the charm as well to change her skin color, and her eyes and hair changed to light blue.


    Lash went with his standard black military boots, black pants, black t-shirt, with black leather jacket that went to his thighs. He created the image of a man with shoulder length blond hair that was tied back into a pony tail. He had yellow green human eyes, with a soft three clawed jagged scar down his face. Kara traced the scar and found she could actually feel the scar tissue. Trickery Domain, Bending. Bend the rules just a bit! Gives all of his spells a bit of a push.


    Lash gave them both wallets with ID''s, money, and credit cards in them. They went to his account so he wasn''t worried. Lash was practically drowning in money right now, at least human money! They left their car in the parking garage and decided to walk towards their destination. Which was of course completely insane! The restaurant they were expected at was at the other side of the city! But they enjoyed a nice walk through Detroit foot traffic on a work day.....Right.


    Detroit surprisingly had spacious side walks, and lots of path ways for tourists! Which was exactly what they were. Lash expected a lot of foot traffic, swearing, and near death experiences. Maybe Gotham had spoiled him? Lash knew that there were bad parts of Detroit, but the area they walked through now was pretty nice. Kara, and Kory turned several heads where ever they walked, and Lash did draw a few glances from some people. His illusion didn''t make him bad looking, just average. Course it may have been the jagged scar across his face. Or the fact that two gorgeous women were on either arm.


    They eventually conceded and got a lift to the restaurant it was almost lunch time. They asked the driver where do tourist normally go and he laughed as he pulled up a tourist pamphlet. Then spoke about a few places they could go, along with several night clubs. The driver was a young man who was in school and used the lift business to make a bit of money on the side. Kory asked him several questions, her accent was very clear and he really enjoyed having a beautiful woman hang on him. After the ride was over Lash made sure to tip a good hundred dollars plus the fare. The man thanked him, then got a stupid grin on his face with Kory kissed his cheek.


    Bryson''s family restaurant was a two story building at the corner of a intersection. The second floor was clearly a home for the owner of the restaurant. While the bottom floor had long windows to let the patrons look out across the river. Yes, the place was located next to the river. Real estate like this must have been expensive. Which explained all the people eating lunch here. The three of them walked up and passed the front door.


    A hostess blinked in surprise at their arrival and asked if they had reservations. If they didn''t the wait would be about ten or so minutes but Lash said they had people here already. He pointed to the back at a tall black man, and short red head who was waving at them with a huge grin on her face. The hostess smiled wide and said they could go ahead.


    J''onn''s human shape was a 6''2¡± black man wearing dress shoes, black suit pants, buttoned up gray suit shit, black suit jacket. He had a Detroit city police badge on his hip, and a 9 mm under his coat. His amber colored eyes looked at them approach and he smiled wide. He stood up to greet them, along with M''ghan.


    M''ghan''s human shape was a 5''10¡± pale skinned woman with red hair that went just past her jaw line, with a girl next door appearance. Modest proportions that didn''t draw the eye, but would think she was pretty if you looked at her. She had white tennis shoes on, blue jeans, a cotton white turtle neck sweater on. She bounced up and down as they came over.


    ¡°John, Meghan good to see you. This is Kara Zor-El, and Koriand''r¡± Lash introduced his companions after he placed an obstruction glamour around them.


    ¡°We are very pleased to meet you both! We''ve been looking forward to having a conversation with our fellow off worlders. Please take a seat, Bryson the owner will be serving us. He is aware of Meghan, and my identity. All he knows is that we are having a meal with fellow heroes of the world.¡±


    ¡°Hi! I am very pleased to meet you!¡± Meghan all but shouted, but clapped a hand over her mouth suddenly shy. Kory all but swallowed the girl in a hug!


    They all took their seats at the table and started to talk about their own cultures, civilizations, and the struggle of adapting to a new way of life. They easily communicated and didn''t feel that awkward pause between new people. Lash did notice something peculiar. Meghan''s breast size had increased. Lash laughed a bit when he noticed but kept it to himself. Kara, and Kory especially were gorgeous. Miss Martian being a shape shifter easily changed her appearance to keep up with them.


    After about twenty minutes an older man walked up to their table along with a young woman. They both had the restaurants logo on their shirts, along with aprons. J''onn stood up to hug the older man, and Meghan hugged the young woman. The man was Bryson, he was 6'' even and was a bear of a man! Despite his age he kept in shape, his hands, forearms, and face had a variety of scars. He had deep brown eyes that told anyone looking at him to not cause trouble. With the typical salt and pepper brown hair in a high and tight military style hair cut.


    The young woman next to him was his daughter! He had married after he retired. She was in her early twenties at 5''8¡± with brown hair tied back into a braid down the middle of her back. Green eyes, on her mothers side, along with a strong figure. Modest proportions in the uniform she wore, but the way she moved showed that she trained in a gym, or a dojo during her time off. Melanie was her name.


    ¡°So! I know John, and Meghan. Don''t feel pressure to tell me the score I understand the whole thing...¡± Bryson started to say until Lash created a obstruction sight, and sound glamour. He raised his right hand up and the skin peel back to reveal dark green metallic scales, and the shroud of smoke and shadow started to flow from his scales.


    ¡°Ohhhhh! Shit! A celebrity we have in our house! Welcome!¡± Bryson held out his hand and didn''t flinch when Lash shook it with his transformed hand. Melanie stepped forward and hugged Lash which surprised him.


    ¡°Sorry! I... Thank you...For stopping the war, or helping to stop the war... I...Sorry.¡± Melanie said as she blushed and hid behind her father. Bryson laughed out loud at the sight of his daughter being shy. Out of curiosity Lash cast Insight on them both.


    Name: Bryson, Iron Hammer.


    Title: Iron Knight.


    Origin: Mundane.


    Rank: F-


    Skills: Hand to Hand Combat, Gadgetry, Engineering, (See tool tip)


    Power: N/A


    Domain: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Friendly.


    Comment: Bryson is a hero from days long past when such things were thought to be a myth. To this day people still think Iron Hammer was a urban myth. But a few know the truth. He is more than happy to mentor the next generation be it by lending an ear, or a few words of encouragement. But! His fighting days are over.


    Name: Melanie.


    Title: Iron Squire.


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: F-


    Skills: Hand to Hand Combat, Gadgetry, Dancing, (See tool tip)


    Power: Metal Manipulation, Limited Telekinesis, Metal Sensory Perception.


    Domain: N/A


    Racial Trait: Minor Night Vision.


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comment: Melanie is Bryson''s little princess. She loves her father but sometimes she wants to kill him for being so over protective. She has read a lot of stories about the Justice League and hopes secretly that she can join them in the future.


    Melanie''s information surprised Lash greatly. She was an active meta-human but it seemed that Bryson didn''t know. Erik the gamer had never heard of Melanie, but that isn''t surprising just because there is no press on them doesn''t mean they didn''t exist. Lash decided to shelve the information about Melanie for now. They ordered nearly all of the menu, along with the drinks. After some time and a lot more talking between the Martians the food and drinks arrived.


    Kara, and Kory understood once again that not everyone can cook like Lash. But they still enjoyed the food, drink, and company. Bryson and Melanie didn''t continue working but sat down to talk about this and that once they realized that Lash could create a barrier around them. Bryson talked about his old adventures in his area. He didn''t work all of Detroit just a small part of it. He didn''t have powers, just his head, and the will to do more. That in it self was impressive. Bryson had been shot multiple times, stabbed, bones broken, he was color blind in one eyes, and almost deaf in one of his ears. Once Bryson finished his list of injuries Lash flashed him a smile and cast Nature''s Kiss, Panacea, and Return Youth to the old hero.


    After several bones that had snapped back into place, and Bryson''s attempt to not scream in agony. He felt amazing! He announced to the whole room that the next two drinks were on the house! Everyone cheered, all be it in confusion but not one to look the gift horse in the mouth. The lunch hour turned into happy hour. Bryson brought over his wife, Melinda.


    Melinda was 5''10¡± with sparkling green eyes, red hair that was braided and went down her back. She like her daughter had modest proportions but clearly trained at a gym, and martial arts dojo. She wore a combination of business, and restaurant cloths as she had been in the back working the numbers and rushed out when her husband shouted drinks on the house!? When she realized who Lash was she hugged him just her daughter had, and thanked him for helping stop the war.


    Name: Melinda, Night Cat.


    Title: Prowler.


    Origin: Mundane. Sub-Origin: Magical


    Rank: F-


    Skills: Hand to Hand Combat, Basic Weapons, Martial Arts (See tool tip)


    Power: N/A


    Domain: N/A


    Racial Trait: Minor Night Vision.


    Disposition: Friendly.


    Comment: Night Cat was another small time hero that worked in Detroit. She got even less press than Iron Hammer did. She has a minuscule amount of magic in her veins from a practitioner long ago that gave her an edge in her crime fighting.


    Lash was again surprised by the information. He discreetly pulled Melinda aside and handed her his black credit card and told her to charge him for all of it he could afford it. Lash also cast Nature''s Kiss, Panacea, and Return Youth on Melinda. She like Bryson tried to not scream in agony as several bones that didn''t heal right popped back into place. But she ended up kissing his cheek, taking his credit card and went back to charge money to the card. She returned a few minutes later with the card and a look of astonishment. The credit card didn''t have a limit.


    From lunch to dinner people showed up at the restaurant to find it full of food, drink, and joy. Food you didn''t have to pay for was consumed with cheer. A few more local heroes that never made the news paper showed up to say hi. Turned out Detroit had a lot of unsung heroes. Once Bryson gave the OK Lash cast the same magic on all of them as well. Especially an old timer that got a brand new leg out of it.


    When the old man started dancing around the bar with his new leg people looked around confused. What? How? After that Lash put on his Wraith disguise and appeared in the restaurant. That made all the mundane humans gasp in surprise! Lash did raise a simple question to Bryson about the possibility of reprisal not everyone like Wraith. He laughed and said, ''Let them try!'' Soon the restaurant was filled to the brim. Wraith started to cook for people outside the restaurant which drew in more and more people. A live band showed up at some point, the drummer was one of the retired heroes that Wraith had healed. An improve night filled with food and music happened.


    It was fast approaching three o''clock in the morning by the time the crowd dispersed. Lash made sure that Melinda charged him for all the expenses, J''onn assured Bryson that the Detroit police department wouldn''t arrest him for breaking any laws. Lash had changed back into a another human shape and helped clean up. Any one who showed up asking about Wraith they were told he went back to his hotel. But he was staying in Detroit for a few days. Lash approached Melanie who was half asleep, but she jumped to attention when she noticed him.


    ¡°Hmmmm...Y-Yes!¡± Melanie said, clearly exhausted but a happy smile on her face.


    ¡°Have you told your family about your powers awakening yet?¡± Lash asked, and Melanie froze in place, her eyes went wide.


    ¡°I...I....I..¡± Melanie opened and closed her mouth several times, not sure what to say.


    ¡°I won''t say anything. But I am sure that J''onn would be more than happy to help train you if you ever decide to step into your families heritage.¡± Lash patted her on the shoulder and went to continue cleaning up.


    Meghan was talking to Kory, and Kara about something. She was clearly happy, and excited about the subject. They all turned at the same time to look at Lash who froze like a deer caught in the headlights. Meghan went to her Uncle J''onn who spoke to her through telepathy since their mouths didn''t move. J''onn blinked, thought about it for a moment then walked over to speak to Lash.


    ¡°Yes, she can come if she wants. We only have a few cities left but with your permission I think it will do her some good.¡± Lash said to J''onn before he even opened his mouth. He grinned at Lash and turned to Meghan and nodded. She let out a happy squeal and practically pounced on Lash.


    ¡°THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!¡± Meghan shouted.


    Lash had acquired another companion on their tour. Should be fun!

 Chapter 74: Cyborg

    Normally when you include another woman into the mix in most stories and events they come with a load of luggage. But given that Megan was a talented shape shifter all of her clothes, make up, jewelry, etc were just part of her body. So Megan came back to the hotel with us, the only thing she brought with her was her wallet that contained her ID. Something that she had obtained with her Uncle J''onn''s help. Lash snagged the ID and double checked it, and sent a request to Shield and Sword for a remake. They said it would be finished by morning. That way Megan Morse would be a real person at least in the mundane world!


    Megan nearly fainted at the sight of our hotel rooms, and squealed in delight at the size of her own room. It was nearly four in the morning by the time they made it to their rooms so they all jumped into pj''s and into bed for some sleep. Lash like the acting parent and guardian that he was picked up after them, and put away their cloths. Once everything was settled he went to retrieve the mobile Enchanting tool kit and started his work on the fertility charms.


    While he created, or pulled the materials from his storage. (Orichalcum is a form of currency) he activated Parallel Minds, Virtual Intelligence, and Connectivity. He checked his email, his Warden page, and sent IM''s to his friends, ''family'', and pack mates telling them of his adventures. Li''Ana, Soluna, and Jessabell asked about the Fertility Charm job. Of course as his envoys for their respective courts they would know about it. But Lash was confused why he hadn''t been asked to make one for the Under Fae? He told Soluna that he was capable making one for them and she said she would get back to him about it.


    Lash looked through the world news and wanted to hide under his bed at the devastation that the tidal wave had caused. It had only been a few weeks since the attack and he was caught asking himself the same question he had been asking before. Why wasn''t he traveling from coastal city to coastal city helping with the relief effort? Because the Warden, and Super-Natural council asked him not to. Right after the peace conference with Atlantis the UN wanted to arrest Wraith and blame him for the act of War. He was later cleared, but his public appearance was at a all time low right now. Starling City still liked him! But that was about it, even his home town Gotham didn''t like him right now.


    Atlantis needed to help patch things up before Wraith would be allowed to publicly participate in missions, and cities openly. Things were going well on that front, in some sort of sense. Atlantis was the target and subject of a lot of hate. But they were already working on their public image by providing relief aid to the coastal cities affected. Especially when it came to coastal, and tropical storms. Atlantis had a tide/storm engine they could place in the water next to areas of effect. Imagine a category four hurricane about to hit the coast then the engine activates and turns the category four into category two. Pretty nifty!


    On the mundane side of things, Lizzy had requested that once Lash returned to Gotham he should do some of his commissions, and art exhibits. He was still a well known artist for making the siren statues that were still placed in the Wayne art museum. The Shaw art industry site, and Shaw family were also hoping to steal him for dinner. The Shaw family as a whole still didn''t know that he was Wraith. Neither Lizzy, or Lash intended on telling them. Especially since the Warden council had declined the idea. At least for now. Lash said he would love to have dinner with the family, and promised to make a few things, and do a few commissions. He had to make the statues for Selina''s wedding after all.


    The sun was rising by the time Lash had finished the basic structure of the three charms. Yes three, Soluna had gotten back to him and the Under Fae court was delighted to hear that he could make a third charm! They were in a trade bargain to borrow the charms from the Seelie, and UnSeelie courts. But now that wasn''t necessary. Lash felt like he may have just made a mistake, or at least stepped into an active mind field. But he told Soluna that he would have the charm ready for the Under Fae. He tucked the three unfinished charms back into his storage, they were still un enchanted so they counted as currency. But Lash decided that he really needed to upgrade his storage device. Maybe it would be cheaper since he had the Space Domain now.


    Lash packed up the enchanting tool kit and walked towards the kitchen to start making breakfast. Like always Lash had learned that making the food straight granted him no experience towards his Cooking skill. So he created the ingredients than cooked it. He sent a telepathic wake up call to his three companions, it was a gentle pulse but Megan let out a surprise squeal from her bed room.


    Good morning, Lash! -M''gann said through telepathy.


    Good morning, take your time washing up breakfast is almost ready. -Lash replied, he got a confirmation from M''gann.


    With Lash''s superior senses he was able to hear all three of his companions slowly get into their respective showers. Though Kory continued to stay in the master bedroom that belong to Lash. It wasn''t like he had used it since they had arrived. Megan was the first to arrive wearing a hotel bath robe tight around her body. She flew into the main room and squealed in delight at the full spread of breakfast foods, fruits, and drinks.


    ¡°Oh my gosh! This looks amazing! Uncle J''onn is a good cook, but this is more then even he could make! Thank you, Lash!¡± Megan flew over and kissed Lash on the cheek and took a seat then stopped as she looked up at the rooms where Kara, and Kory still were.


    ¡°Go ahead and start eating, no need to wait.¡± Lash said as he poured her a glass of orange juice. She happily complied and started to butter up some waffles.


    Kara, and Kory soon arrived both wearing hotel bath robes. They sat down at the full course meal that Lash had prepared. Lash sat at the head of the table with nothing but a cup of hot chai as he started to create holographic windows and fly them above the table to do the morning brief with them all. After filling Megan in on the situation they all decided on heading to STAR labs to see if they can meet Victor. If he was injured and in need of help then Lash''s abilities could help him through the process. Megan received a call from her uncle John who wanted to ensure she was settling in nicely. Megan with her holographic showed the massive breakfast table along with Lash, Kory, and Kara who all waved.


    ¡°I have to say I am a bit jealous of your good fortune my niece. Maybe one day Lash will cook for our family back home.¡± John said across the holographic. Megan got a little quiet at the mention of home until..


    ¡°Of course! I would love to visit Mars, maybe I can help restore your planets dying atmosphere while I am there.¡± Lash said to John.


    The declaration to visit Mars to feed their family, and help restore Mars startled them both. It had been on the back of their minds for some time but they didn''t know how to approach Lash about helping their home world. Now that Lash had just purposed the idea took a huge weight off their shoulders. But it also raised another question. How did Lash know that Mars world was dying?


    ¡°Mars? Is Megan''s world dying?¡± Kory asked between spoon fulls of eggs.


    ¡°Yes, I mean sort of. It will still maintain for another five hundred years or so. But if we don''t fix the problem eventually we will have to leave the planet. We were hoping of discovering a way to restore our planet hear on Earth. When Lash helped restore Northern Africa we had wanted to ask him about maybe helping Mars.¡± Megan informed Kory, and Lash created a holographic image of Mars and what little information Earth had on the planet.


    In The Dream Engine Earth had sent several probes to Mars but most of the Martian population was either underground, or used advanced technology to hide their civilization away from the primitive and prying eyes of humanity. It wasn''t until recently, as in last ten or so years that they sent emissaries to Earth in hopes of creating peaceful relations. In example, J''onn J''onzz. The DC comic origins for Mars came in all sorts of versions. Lash much preferred this version over J''onn being the ''last'' of his kind.


    ¡°Are you capable of restoring Mars, Lash?¡± Kara asked, her eyes had a bit of hope in them. She had lost Krypton, she understood the idea of Megan losing her home.


    ¡°Maybe... The Lunar Academy we plan to build is suppose to be on Earths Moon. I plan to use it as a testing ground because I want air, water, plant life, and wild life on the moon. Earth''s moon is a barren rock, if I can restore that to livable conditions then I should be able to help fix Mars. At least in practice. I hope to call on the Justice League to help with both projects.¡± Lash replied, he was reasonably sure he could pull it off, or he could just buy something from the store. But he wanted to at least try.


    Kara, Megan, and the holographic image of John both looked hopeful and full of smiles. Kory looked satisfied at Lash''s answer and continued to eat breakfast. Lash was starting to worry that Kory may think he is capable of doing anything he puts his mind to. The four of them continued to talk about this and that, Lash did ask questions about Mars current condition for a bit. Then they switched subjects to Victor. John had pulled a file at the police precinct he worked at and said that Victor was not reported missing, and had taken a leave of absence from school. Though the leave was made by his father, not himself. No one had seen, or spoken to Victor in nearly three weeks. Just like the previous information they had.


    Today they needed to look official more then civilian. So Kory, Kara, and now Megan dressed in government agent black shoes, black dress pants, suit jacket, white buttoned up shirt. Megan simply changed her skin to adapt to the shape. She was still 5''10¡± but now had green eyes, short red hair, and continued to have a new hour glass curvy figure. Determined not to fall behind Kory, and Kara''s super model figures. But Lash did notice that she continued to wear the talisman he had crafted for her during the Gotham Siege. Kara, and Kory both activated their illusion charm necklaces. Lash wore much the same as his companions, he adjust his skin color to be light caramel, with brown eyes, and a shaved head. No tribal marks visible.


    When they exited their room and went down stairs to the lobby a nice luxury SUV awaited them for their convenience by the hotel''s rental care. It was magically reinforced and even had a Tech-City rune inside of it. But could only be used in emergencies. Lash linked up with the car, as Kory took shotgun, Kara, and Megan sat in the back. The SUV was the current year model with a lot of bells and whistles. Including an onboard GPS.


    Lash linked up with the car through Connectivity and they were off. The car could practically drive itself, and mostly did. Lash was purely there as cosmetics so they didn''t get pulled over for not having a driver. Detroit was a fascinating city full of towering high rises, and historical markers. It had over three hundred years of history. Lash of course saw a lot more then his companions, his Magical Perception was active and he saw hundreds of thousands of different creatures wondering around interacting with the mundane world on a different level.


    If you have ever had that feeling while you walk through a city like you are being watched by a predator? You assume another human is watching you and you just square your shoulders and walk it off. But more than likely you do have a predator looking at you, just not one you can see. Creatures who feed on emotions run rampant in nearly any city. Some induce the emotion, some feed, but like anything its an ecosystem. Like bees pollinating flowers, creatures stir up emotions and creatures feed on that emotion. Leaving the pollinating creatures alone.


    What do the creatures look like? That depends on their type. But they come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds. Multi limb hounds, with gaping mouths, and several eyes peering in every which way direction. Giant moth like creatures that have wing spans as wide as cars from end to end flutter from wall to wall. Giant whale amoeba creatures with see through skin float above the city cleaning it of ambient energy. Monstrous trees with black oil bark spread their roots across the ground, with branches that snag creatures stupid enough to get close to them. The phrase concrete jungle is more literal than people realize.


    ¡°Lash, what are you looking at?¡± Kara asked from the back seat. Lash raised his hand and waved it in a complex pattern. Then all three of his companions saw what he saw. He had to snag Kory''s hand to stop her from shooting a Photophagus (Fear Eater) who was sitting on their car hood.


    ¡°Relax, they wont harm you. They are just absorbing the ambient fear energy in the air.¡± Lash told her. The Photophagus looked like a slathering slug with dozens of tentacles, eye balls, and gaping mouths slipping along the car, onto the street, and up a wall.


    ¡°What are they?¡± Megan said, a shiver of fear was in her voice. Which of course attracted more of them as they began to suckle the fear out of the air. Lash created a plum of Nature Domain energy for them to feed on as the traffic light turned green.


    ¡°They are phagus types, they feed on emotion. Every city has them. Think of them as extra dimensional beings. They exist side by side with us at all times, they are just on a different vibration frequency then us. So most can''t see them.¡± Lash replied, trying to explain in a scientific way for them to understand. Lash waved his hand around and they stopped seeing them.


    ¡°Do you see them all the time?¡± Kara asked, she was looking left and right as they faded from sight.


    ¡°Yes, I''ve gotten use to them.¡± Lash replied, as he ran his thumb up and down Kory''s hand for a bit before he let go. She had slowed her breathing, but continued to watch the area like a hawk. Looking for something she couldn''t see anymore.


    Most people would think they had been invaded by H.P. Love craft if they ever saw them. Maybe the mad author had the right idea. Lash continued to pump out a bit of Nature Domain energy for the different phagus types that came up the car. They never begged or whined for more, they simply treated him like a random source of food that could stop at any moment.


    ¡°Generally any city over 150-200 years has an entire ecosystem of them. They help keep the psychic energy stable. But sometimes they need a bit of help. That is one of my jobs. If the system falls out of balance they call me or some one like me to come help fix it.¡± Lash explained to them. They continued to drive to STAR labs where Silas, and Victor Stone were. But in that moment Lash had stepped back into the days when he was a brand new Warden. Sometimes he had forgotten the marvel that was his world.


    They soon arrived at the Detroit STAR labs building. It was a massive complex with several wings dedicated to different fields of science, medicine, and engineering. The building itself was guarded by a fifteen foot solid concrete wall with barbed wire around the top. Two different access points, one for the front, and one in the back. The back was heavily guarded with two watch towers that had guards with long range rifles in hand. The front had two guard towers that governed in and out of traffic. The lanes were not straight shots, they had traffic walls lined up forcing cars to snake through them. The building it self was stark white, with angular architecture design. Like the rings around a planet, and the main building had a lot of exposed glass that gave off a bit of light. Playing into the name STAR. But Lash could tell that with a flip of a switch metal shutters would fall over the glass, and hidden guns would pop out and attack anything needed. This was a well guarded fortress.


    ¡°Hello, welcome to STAR labs. What can I help you with?¡± The security guard at the front entrance was well built, with a cold eyes despite his polite question. He had full SWAT gear on, and a automatic rifle slung on his back. Lash took out his UNWS/Warden badge and held it up.


    ¡°Hello! We are with the United Nations World Security. These are my companions, Agent K, Agent Andr, and Agent M. We are here to see Silas Stone.¡± Lash said, as Kory, Kara, and Megan took out their own ID''s that had been crafted by Lash. The guard looked at Lash as he took the badge and scanned it.


    ¡°You didn''t say who you are.¡± The guard asked, as the badge came back positive. Lash smiled as his skin momentarily peeled back to reveal scales, and his eyes changed shape.


    ¡°I''m Agent Wraith. Please keep up the good work!¡± Lash said, smiling as his teeth grew slightly. The guard jumped back a bit, and the watch tower guard had pointed his rifle at the car but kept the safety on, waiting.


    ¡°Y-Yes Sir! Thank you, Sir! Its an honor to have you, Sir!¡± The guard saluted, and Lash saluted back in a quick and clean fashion. The guard gave the all clear sign to his companion who lowered his rifle. Lash pulled his window up after he got his ID back and started to drive the car through.


    ¡°That was exciting! I mean! I.... I have never done anything like that before. Uncle John has taken be on a few night patrols but all we did is stop a few muggings, this is really exciting!¡± Megan couldn''t stop smiling, she almost vibrated out of her seat.


    ¡°I''m happy you are having fun, Agent M. But remember don''t say your Uncles name while we are inside alright? Even a single name can give people information.¡± Lash said with a smile, as his skin regrew. Megan clapped her hands over her mouth and blushed.


    ¡°It''s alright, Lash had to remind Kory and me several times when we first started. Just think before you talk and you''ll be fine.¡± Kara assured Megan, she reached over and squeezed her hand. Megan nodded, and smiled slightly.


    ¡°Before we go in I''m going to link us up for easier communication.¡± Lash said as he activated Temporary Pack Bond. Kory, Kara, and Megan both shivered as the link was established.


    When they came up to the front door two security guards in full battle kit waited for them. They both saluted, and Lash returned the salute in perfect military function. Lash had lived multiple lives as a soldier he knew how to salute. The clean precision of the action did not go unnoticed by the guards who both seem to be ex-soldiers. They turned on their heels and walked ahead of their group.


    They are about to do a deep thermal scan of us. All of you will have above human readings. Don''t fret, the UN is aware that I am training a few visitors above Earth. -Lash said across the telepathic link. He got confirmations back, as a green light scanned over their group as they passed through the glass door.


    Beep! Beep! Beep! A soft alarm went off, and the security guards behind the front desk looked up with shocked eyes. With Technomancy Lash could see that the scan had revealed that all four of them were clearly not human. All the security guards on the floor unbuckled their side arms, and few pressed their fingers next to their safeties waiting confirmation.


    ¡°Hold it! Hold it please! Agent Wraith is registered, and has his trainee''s on file! They are not human we know this!¡± A man in a lab coat came running from a side door waving his hand to get every ones attention.


    Silas Stone the scientist was 6'' even, with broad shoulders, a square jaw, black skin, and a healthy build. He had a reasonably groomed medium beard that covered his jaw, and mouth. The blood shot eyes, and shadows under them showed he hadn''t been sleeping. He a bit of a stooped posture due to his time leaning over computers, and microscopes, but that didn''t seem to stop him from hitting the gym a few days. He had amber brown eyes that held a fire if intelligence and curiosity. He wore black dress shoes, black pants, a navy blue un tucked buttoned shirt, and a crisp clean white lab coat. Silas ran up and extended his hand to Lash.


    ¡°Agent Wraith! Welcome to STAR labs Detroit office! I am very happy to meet you! What can I help you with?¡± Silas said, he took a moment to look at Kara, Kory, and Megan.


    ¡°Victor, where is he?¡± Lash said, as he shook his hand. Silas went rigid like he had been softly tased. He audibly swallowed as he tried to take his hand back from Lash, but Lash refused to let go.


    ¡°My son is currently very si....¡± Silas started to say before Lash let out an audible growl that started from his chest, and shook the whole room with a primal fear. Saurian made a lot people, especially humans freak out. Their hind brain or, primal center of their minds activated their fight or flight response just by being in the same room with him. This was watered down while Lash was in the driver seat, but the effect was still there.


    ¡°Please don''t lie to us, Dr Stone. Take us to your son....Now.¡± Lash said, his skin began to peel. The shroud of smoke and shadow began fall off him in writhing waves.


    Lash please calm down! Every one in the room is terrified of you, including us! -Kara said across the link. Lash could feel the fear from his companions, as well as the whole room. He let go of Silas at last who practically jumped back several feet. Silas paled as he tried to decide if he could run or not. Then he looked down, and his shoulders fell. He conceded.


    ¡°V....Very well... Please follow me.¡± Silas said, he stiffly turned around and walked towards the doors he had come from. Lash looked around with a smirk as he watched every security guard in the room lower their weapons. They had all raised, and took the safety off when he started to reveal himself.


    It is times like these that I am reminded of the gentle predator we travel with! -Kory said across the link, she was still afraid of Lash but under that layer was excitement!


    The original two guards that escorted them into the lobby followed along. They noticed that Megan shook like a leaf and was hiding behind Kara. Kara reached out and took her hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze. The group didn''t portray the cool, indifferent, government types that they dressed like. While Kory was doing her best not to smile at the situation. Silas led them through several different halls, and passed by several labs. A few meta-humans were in those labs testing their abilities under controlled circumstances. One lab contained a very large sixteen foot pure white snake with red ruby eyes, that was currently playing chess with a scientist. Though the scientist was behind a six inch pane of glass. The snake looked up and watched Lash move, who returned the gaze. It was a garter snake, the ones you commonly come across in your garden.


    Relative of yours? -Megan said softly across the link, trying to ease the tension. Lash kept his face stoic, but sent a bit of humor across the link. Megan stopped shivering when she felt it, and smiled slightly at the giant snake. Who went back to playing chess, and put the scientist into check.


    Lash had to admit that the security at STAR labs was impressive. Much better than the particle accelerator in Central City. But of course Lash did remember that before the explosion the accelerator had impressive security as well. He was sure with the new Dark Matter/ Meta-human subjects here security had been improved to both protect, and contain.


    They passed one more door and came to what one would think an auxiliary lab with less resources. But Lash through Technomancy could tell the whole room was secure with metal shutters, solid walls, and automatic turrets waiting for the slightest breach. They came to a solid pane of glass to look into an operating room inside the room was a sight to behold. Megan gasped and covered her mouth in shock, as Kory clenched her hands into fists, and Kara gritted her teeth.


    Inside the room was Victor Stone, well half of him. From the lower abdomen down he was gone, nothing remained. His entire left hand had been removed, and his right hand extended to just past his elbow. His chest cavity was exposed, and the left side of his face was shaved off to reveal his skull. In the center of his chest where his sternum would be was a rectangular box, with circuit board design, a strange language, and a single glowing red orb in the center. It was a Father Box, a servant of Darkseid.


    The Father Box looked like it was attempting to replace Victors skeleton structure with metal. Thread like tendrils extended out from the box and had inserted itself into all of Victors organs to ensure they continued to function. Every few minutes Victor would open his eyes and scream in agony, each time it happened the Box seem to get some sort of energy from Victors pain, and fear. Before Victor passed out from the pain, and the Box continued to consume? Repair? Rebuild, Victor?


    ¡°Why is he still awake!?¡± Kara shouted at anyone who could answer.


    ¡°We tried to sedate him but every time we get close to him the machine in his chest attacks us. Last time we stepped inside it created a stabbing weapon from the metal in the room and almost impaled me. We....I don''t know what to do.¡± Silas said, his voice quaking as tears brimmed his eyes.


    ¡°Where did you get the device?¡± Lash said as he pointed at the Father Box.


    ¡°We found it, in a cave just outside of town. It was being held by some sort of alien creature. Here we have video.¡± Silas said as he brought them over to a screen.


    It was a cave dozens of miles outside of Detroit, it looked brand new. Or rather to say freshly carved, Lash could see the claw marks on the stone. Inside was the shattered remains of a creature, its legs were mangled and destroyed, its arms twisted in odd angles, its bones protruding out. But its gray molted skin, carapace like armor, and Apokoliptian language sent a shiver down Lash''s spine.


    ¡°We tried to carbon date the creature, our attempts were hard to specify but as far as we know the creature had died, about a year ago. Maybe more. The box was still humming with power, so we brought it and the body back here. I had been working on the box and.... There was an accident. Victor was caught in an explosion. When the smoke cleared we found Victor, and the box had fused.¡± Silas said as he quaked with anger, anger directed at himself.


    Everyone but Lash stood still in the room as they digested the information. Then the door alarm went off and Silas shot his head up. Lash had opened the door and it was already closing behind him when he stepped in. The door sealed behind Lash locking everyone out, a over ride had activated and Silas beat against the glass screaming at him to get out of there. Stay there! -Lash sent across the link as he walked towards Victor. Kara was about to shatter the glass with a punch but froze at the message.


    They weren''t suppose to be here yet! Lash was suppose to have more time! The inside of the operation room was nearly pitch black, the only light source came from the core of the Father Box. Its red halo of light washed the room, making it look like the walls were bleeding. Victor briefly woke up and screamed! He shouted for Lash to run before it attacked him...Then the thread tendrils dug into Victors skull and put him back to sleep. The Box hadn''t attacked Lash despite his intrusion into the room.


    The Father Box let out a loud ''PING'' noise as Lash stepped closer. Lash narrowed his eyes at the Apokolipse technology and walked closer to Victor, and the Box. The Box was starving! It used the burst of pain, and fear from Victor to keep it self alive while it tried to repair Victor. Lash could feel the malevolent aura from the Box. Unlike most creatures, beings, etc in the universe they are born with both good and evil inside their soul. Or what ever metaphysical, spiritual belief they held to explain it. Father Box''s were designed with malevolence in mind. They were also unique because they were attached to the ''Source''. Something that the Box sensed in Lash...Or rather Saurian.


    ¡°PING....PING.....ping...Ping!¡± The box chimed several times as Lash walked around Victor and placed his hand on his head. Victor struggled for a moment then fell into a deep sleep.


    ¡°PING!¡± The Father Box sounded angry that its food source was asleep.


    ¡°Relax, I didn''t forget about you.¡± Lash said softly.


    ==============================================================


    Silas was pressed against the pane of glass that separated him from his son as hard as he could. He so desperately wanted to get inside, maybe things had changed!? But the exceptionally tall women, Agent Andr stood by the door to stop him from getting in. The other two..Agent K, and Agent M were trying to comfort him and tried to explain what was going on. How could they know?! They didn''t have a radio, or a cell phone. But they seem to be able to know what Agent Wraith was doing!? Silas watched, and sighed softly as he saw Victor was put to sleep. The painful nightmare that his son had been living through the past few weeks ended just like that.


    The outer lab door opened and several of Silas''s colleagues entered the lab. Silas tore himself away from the window to confer with his fellow Doctors as they started to scan, and read the information in the room. Or they tried until Agent Wraith raised his hand and all the recording devices froze mid scan. They couldn''t get a reading on the room, all they had were visuals from their own eyes. Silas went back to the window and saw that Agent Wraith was feeding bluish green energy into the box. The rebuilding process of his son sped up at a visible rate.


    ¡°I swear to god if he saves my son I will do what ever he wants forever!¡± Silas said, as his whole body shook with rage, fear, and...hope.


    ==============================================================


    Through the connection to the Father Box Lash had learned that the Para-Demon had come to Earth by accident. It was a vanguard of some kind on a scouting mission, when the people of New Genesis or the Tomorrow People had attacked its unit. The Demon had to report back to its superiors about the outpost they had found. It had used a Boom Tube, but was shot mid transition...The Father Box, not the Demon. The Boom Tube collapsed on itself and crushed the Demon, and nearly killed the Box. They arrived on a backwards planet with little power. The Box tried its best to heal its user, but in the end the Demon died. The Box had been feeding on the Demon until the humans found it.


    It had placed itself in stasis until it could find new source of food, or energy. STAR labs had been very careful with its examination, all the emotion the Box senses was curiosity, confusion, and yearning for answers. Nothing it could feed on! Then this one, Victor Stone. Had begun to yell and scream at his Father for skipping another...Foot...Ball Game? The Box had fed on the anger, caused an explosion with a burst of energy and latched onto Victor. Victor had become the Box''s food source, but the explosion had caused more damage then the Box had wanted.


    Now the Father Box, and Victor Stone were merging. Once finished they would be one being. Its father Metron would find this merging amusing since no living creature had ever lived through such a joining. Lash worked with the Box to make the merging seamless, with the help of his Synthesis Domain, Re:Implant, and Source Code. Which Father Box freaked out when Lash accessed its Code, only its father Metron had ever done that! One important thing Lash found, the connection, or loyalty to Darkseid was cut off! Lash was insistent on this and wouldn''t help, he would rather Victor die then be a slave to Darkseid. Father Box agreed, and Lash checked its Code to ensure it was telling the truth.


    Victor was covered in a metallic cocoon and kept asleep as the Box now had all the power it needed. Lash leaned up against the wall and slumped to the floor. He lifted the lock down letting Silas and the girls inside the room. Silas was inside a few seconds and started to check over the cocoon. Kara, and Kory came to Lash''s side and helped him stand while Megan looked at the cocoon with wide eyes.


    ¡°Is he safe?¡± Megan asked, she was able to feel the emotional tension coming off of Silas.


    ¡°Victor is alive and being rebuilt. But he will be a Cyborg, a combination of organic, and machine. Dr Stone....Stone....SILAS!¡± Lash shouted at Silas who jumped and looked over.


    ¡°You can''t be here when he wakes up...Victor blames you for what happened to him. Trust me, when he wakes up he will be a killing machine who reacts on his emotions. The machine part will create weapons and attack automatically.¡± Lash informed Silas of what will happen.


    ¡°But...I...Victor wouldn''t do that!? I''m his father!¡± Silas said, he sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than Lash.


    ¡°I''m not telling you to leave the building, Dr Stone. Just don''t be in the immediate area when he wakes up. At least until he calms down. We''ll stay here until he does to help him adjust. You will get your son back, just be patient.¡± Lash said, he carefully cast Calm Emotions over Silas. Though in the long run it would do more harm then good. Currently Lash didn''t care, he was tired.


    Silas became passive and accepted the idea easily. Once emotion was ''removed'' he understood what Lash was asking him. He agreed, but asked Lash to turn the sensors back on so he could at least keep an eye out of the lab. Lash agreed, and Silas left the lab but his fellow Doctors stayed behind. Lash walked over to the cocoon and ran his hand over it. The entire thing vibrated, and a soft ping chimed through the metal.


    ¡°Sleep, and finish. I''ll be here when you wake up.¡± Lash said to them both. A soft ping replied to his words.


    Lash stayed in the room with Victor while everyone stepped out side into the outer lab. The ''metamorphosis'' wouldn''t take very long Lash assured them. The cocoon stretched, and breathed like a living thing. Like the metal was really a organic polymer instead of hard steel. Slowly it began conform and fit onto Victor. Yes, instead of breaking out of it, the shell would adhere to Victor. It was nearly lunch time when Victor started to scream in panic. He thrashed on the exam table and pulled on a thin film of metal-organic tissue and peeled it off of him. He fell off the table and threw up a collection liquids, tissue, bone, and blood. He screamed in horror as his right organic eye, and left mechanical eye looked around the room and spotted Lash sitting on the floor.


    ¡°Good after noon Victor how are you feeling?¡± Lash said with a smile, then raised his arm as he quickly activated Transformation. BOOM!


    Lash was blown through the operation room by an explosion of kinetic energy shot out from one of Victors duel cannons that built from his shoulders. Lash rolled several times then popped up from the ground and stood up. He spread his feet out and let out a snarl as his talons on his feet carved into the floor. Victor came running out of the room and started to shoot everything in sight! Mega raised his hands up and created a telekinetic shield to protect the Doctors and guided them out. Kory shot the missiles that Victor was creating with her star bolts, and Kara tackled Victor to the floor.


    ¡°Get off of me! Where is he!? Where is my father! I''m going to fucking kill him!¡± Victor screamed at Kara who kept him pinned despite the amount of bullets he fired into her.


    Lash jumped across the room in a single bound and pounced on top of Victor like a raptor. He placed his clawed hands on Victors head, and on the glowing red dot in his chest. Victor struggled for a brief moment then for the lack of better words, ''shut down''. His entire body went lax, and he went into power saving mode. Kara waited a moment before she released her hold and stood up. Her government disguise held together pretty well. It looked dirty, that was about it.


    ¡°Is he ok?¡± Megan asked as she floated over to them. For a brief moment Lash realized out of the whole group he was the only one who couldn''t fly.


    ¡°Yes, he just needs time to process what has happened to him. Help me get him back to the operation room. I have to do some updates on him. Megan make sure everyone stays out, most humans are pretty fragile.¡± Lash replied, as he leaned over and tried to pick Victor up.


    Victor or soon to be Cyborg was 6''6¡±, with wide shoulders, and hard core athletic body. Especially when metal-organic tissue made up his skin. The only organic tissue, or skin left to him was on the right side of his face, right earlobe, part of his neck, and his right shoulder, down to his forearm. The rest of it was metal. Most of his internal organs, muscles, and skeleton had the metal-organic threads through them. His feet had their individual toes, along with his fingers on his hands. They were just metal cybernetic design. In the middle of his chest was a red glowing jewel, what remains of the Father Box. Another red jewel rested in Victors forehead. Blue lines went up and down his body like a circuit board, the bodies idea of veins.


    Kara easily picked Victor up and set him on the examination table, Lash did a quick Immaculate on her to help clean her up, and he also cleaned the room, and cast Renew on it to return it to its previous state. One thing that happened in the Comics is that Victor felt like a freak, he couldn''t leave STAR labs, he couldn''t socialize with any of his friends because he was a walking talking machine. Lash was going to fix that! Lash canceled Transformation and returned to his government suit uniform, he placed his hands on Victors head and cast Re:Implant, Fabrication, Alteration, Compression Transformation, and False Life. Doing an on the spot enchantment. A new liquid metal polymer implant was placed inside of Victors body. Father Box had no need for this implant, so he hadn''t made it.


    The liquid metal polymer would cover Victor and allow him to change his appearance. Covering his metal-organic tissue so that he looked... Well normal! Technically Victor could use it to disguise himself, but it wouldn''t adjust his overall body type, or size, just his appearance. The polymer had full sensation, and feeling in it. Once the implant was installed the polymer bubbled and dripped over Victor, once it covered him completely it used Victors own memory to the shape. Suddenly Victor Stone was good as new! A bit taller, wider, and completely naked on the examination table!


    ¡°Ahaaaaa! Wow! That is amazing!¡± Kory cheered, and examined the naked form of Victor.


    ¡°Are all black men on your world so well endowed?¡± Kory asked, looking at ''Victor'' with interest. Kara, covered her eyes, while Megan peeked into the lab in curiosity. Lash spoke with out missing a beat.


    ¡°A majority of them are, you should see it when its fully erect! But you''ll have to ask Victor when he is awake.¡± Lash said with a smile. He quickly created some gym shorts, and a baggy shirt and with Kory''s help put them on Victor.


    The team of scientist soon returned, they peeked inside the lab, then inside the operation room. One of the women screamed in shock at the sight of Victor, aside from being a bit taller, and muscular he looked the same. The polymer did a perfect job of mimicking organic tissue. Lash insisted that Silas stay away until Victor had calmed down. After about an hour, Victor woke up again. This time less screaming, and less shooting.


    ¡°Wa...What happened? Why am I like this now?¡± Victor said, his entire body shook in terror as he looked at his hands, his arms, and chest.


    ¡°It wasn''t a dream, Victor. You are still a Cyborg. I gave you an implant that will replicate and control the liquid metal polymer that is covering your body. At least this way you can lead a semi normal life. It will take time, and practice but you could even go back to foot ball. Though you''ll have to try and return to human normal strength.¡± Lash said as he showed Victor a holographic video of the before and after.


    ¡°How long have I been out?¡± Victor said as he looked at the video close to a dozen times.


    ¡°Nearly three weeks, you''ll have to miss the next big game. But you should be able to go back to school in about a month.¡± Lash said, he kept trying to assure Victor that he could return to his old life. Mostly.


    ¡°I...Is my dad.... Alright?¡± Victor said, he clenched his jaw. He shook with anger, but he also was worried that he had done something to him.


    ¡°Yes, you are like an exposed nerve right now Victor. I thought it best he not be in the room when you woke up. So you didn''t turn him into meat paste.¡± Lash said honestly, Victor chuckled a little. A quick dry laugh, that turned into a sob.


    The last three weeks had been a living hell for Victor. As much as Lash wished he could take the memories away he didn''t dare. Victor had to accept what had happened to him, though the pain was horrifying Lash knew that it would help to define who he was as an individual in the future. Lash tested the waters by creating a Phantasm of Silas walking through the door. Victor''s hand shot up, and a duel barrel plasma cannon came out and shot through Silas. Victor screamed at the sight of his fathers illusion turning into dust before Lash snagged him and told him it wasn''t him.


    Megan wanted to settle Victor with telepathy, but when she tried his mind was...Foreign... Like a machine. Lash cast Calm Emotions on Victor and he settled down, the duel barrel pulled back into Victors hand and the polymer formed into skin again. Victor''s mind was fractured, part of him was calm, another part was in turmoil. Has horrible as it was, the part of Victor that was Father Box was feeding on the emotions.


    ¡°I don''t want to stay here! They''ll treat me like a test subject! They''ll poke and prod me, and try and see how I work! Please... Please don''t leave me!¡± Victor shot up and rushed Lash, who took in stride. He held up a hand to stop Kory from attacking Victor in surprise.


    ¡°OK...Lets take a walk outside. We''ll find a place for you.¡± Lash said as he wrapped his arms around Victor, though he was a bit taller Lash pulled it off as Victor had curled up, turning into the embrace.


    This was when things got a little tense. STAR labs didn''t want to let Victor go. Silas demanded that Victor stay, but Victor proved he didn''t want to see his father when his voice came through a speaker in the lab, and Victor blew it up with another cannon shot. Half way through the meta-human labs a scientist miss spoke and said that Victor, and Box were STAR labs property. As soon as he said those words both of Victors eyes went red, his polymer pulled back, and the war machine built missile pods, and cannons.


    ¡°I AM NO ONES PROPERTY!¡± Victor shouted! He almost leveled the whole room until Lash cast another Calm Emotions on him, which only half worked. But it was enough.


    ¡°Lets make this very clear! You can either let us walk out, or Agent K will break down the walls and make a door. Your choice!¡± Lash said, his skin started to peel back to reveal his scales. Kory started to channel star bolt energy and glared at the guards.


    After a minute passed a man in a tailored suit appeared at the end of the hallway and shouted at the guards and scientist to let them leave. Lash didn''t recognize the man, but a quick search pegged him as the director of the lab. The security guards stepped aside, as did the scientists. Victor pulled his polymer back over him, and recreated cloths as well since he tore the last ones. Not even a few hours and he is already getting cloths down. Nice....


    Lash, Victor, Kara, Kory, and Megan stepped out of the main lab. Lash linked with their car and the SUV started up and drove over to meet them. They all squeezed into the car, and Lash drove them through the guarded entrance. The gate opened for them after they received a call and they pulled out front where the car stopped. They all got out and closed their doors, the SUV drove off by itself then five spell script ribbons coiled around them and they spring jumped out of sight with an audible pop!


    ===============================================================


    Victor Stone felt numb to his core, he felt like a stranger in his own skin. Was this even skin!? He didn''t know, he felt like he was more aware of his own body than ever before. There was another voice in his mind, synthetic, mechanical. It fed him a bunch of information that he didn''t understand but understood it all the same.


    Energy readings climbing....Unknown energy source..... Spacial anomaly detected...


    The voice spoke as Victor blinked and looked around a giant room. For a brief moment he thought he was back in STAR labs, that they had tricked him and his....Friends? Victor wasn''t sure what these people were to him. But for what ever reason he felt like he could trust the man that was next to him. Victor looked around the room, it looked like a gear, and supply room. Several giant rocks floated, and were lead through a machine that processed the rock and metals contained with in. Agent Wraith... Who Victor thought was suppose to be a giant lizard from all the video he had seen led him to a window....


    OH MY GOD! ARE WE IN SPACE!?¡± Victor shouted at the top of his lungs. There in the window was the planet Earth. Victor had seen photos of the Earth from Orbit, but the actual view was way better.


    ¡°Yes you are! Welcome aboard Victor Stone! I am VICI, the keeper of the ''Watch Tower''.¡± The synthetic female voice tried to imitate a sense of drama when it said the words Watch Tower. Victor despite himself laughed a little.


    ¡°Ever heard of the Justice League Victor?¡± Agent Wraith said as he turned to him.


    ¡°Ummm... Isn''t that a group of vigilantes that fight crime, and help people in need?¡± Victor said, he had talked to a couple of friends about them.


    ¡°That''s mostly correct.... Would you like to join?¡± Wraith asked with a smile.


    =================================================================


    Megan danced and bounced through the Watch Tower. She hadn''t been up here in a while. VICI was more than happy to play tour guide by way of disembodied voice. Megan''s enthusiasm was infections as she pulled Victor by the hand and tugged him along. VICI had re arranged, and moved a few things but her main structure was the same until Lash obtained a upgrade key. Lash bounced his way towards the main control hub with Kory, and Kara following him.


    ¡°Are we going to take him with us as we go?¡± Kara asked as she followed Lash down the main stem of the station.


    ¡°That would be a no, Victor is dancing on the edge. Though we are equipped to handle him, he needs a place that is peaceful, and away from people for a bit.


    ¡°Does the League have any other places like that?¡± Kory asked, as she danced through the air. Her fiery red hair aglow at the edges. She had turned off her illusion charm.


    ¡°Technically...No. We have a lot of places like STAR labs. But I think Victor would just assume we left him to the dogs if we did that. So, we are going to make a temporary home for him in the mountains.¡± Lash came to the control hub and floated over to the input station.


    ¡°VICI do we have eyes on the rocky mountains?¡± Lash asked, a holographic screen showed the entire North America continent.


    ¡°Right, dumb question. Scan the entire range for a isolated place where we can build a cabin.¡± Lash requested.


    ¡°Processing.....¡± VICI replied...


    Lash called the store catalog again,and starlight burst into view with in the control room. Kara, and Kory both gasped and watched in wonder as Lash seem to hold the universe in his hand. He had earned two DP already by interacting with Victor, and the Father Box. He used it to buy a medical module for VICI. A orb with dancing spell script covering the entire surface appeared in place of the store catalog. He gently inserted the module into VICI control hub. Now the League will soon have a medical wing for their members.


    ¡°Location found, thank you for the new module Creator! I will do my best to have a working medical room shortly!¡± VICI chipper voice sounded off.


    ¡°Thank you VICI, please call Victor and Megan back to the portal area.¡± Lash asked, and floated back up to the larger saucer.


    ¡°Lash! VICI said we are leaving! Where are we going?¡± Megan bounced towards them, followed by the curious Victor.


    ¡°Rocky Mountains, specifically an isolated area. We are going to build Victor a cabin there.¡± Lash said with a smile. Victor perked up surprised at the words. They all stood on the portal pad and watched as the spell script ribbons wrapped around them.


    =========================================================


    *****Gotham City****


    The cacophony of guns firing shot in all directions as the gun men shot into the darkness around them. A living nightmare danced from shadow to shadow. As one by one the lights in the ware house were destroyed until the last one shattered with an pop! The men screamed, yelled, and started to run for the light outside but never made it far as a creature or maybe a man flew down from the ceiling and grabbed a man and flew back up into the rafters.


    ¡°No! No! Gaaaaaaaa!¡± The man screamed as his face was beaten to a pulp. The gang scattered in all directions but more than one shadow was in the rafters.


    A man with a dark blue bird icon across his chest and shoulders glided down with boa staff in hand. He whipped it around with expert ease and cracked several gang members into dream land. A smaller figure wearing red, green, and black came down and tackled another man behind the first one.


    ¡°Watch your back, Night Wing!¡± Robin shouted, as he moved to hand cuff the gangster. Behind Robin another shadow landed on other gangster.


    This shadow put the gangster into a sleeper hold and dropped him soon after. This one had a bat symbol on her chest, with long red hair sticking out of her cowl she smiled at the dynamic duo. The first, and second boy wonders. Then with the last crack a giant looming shadow glided to the ground, there in the middle of the ware house stood batman. He looked around with a careful eye, looking for something.


    ¡°Look out!¡± Robin screamed as he pushed Batgirl out of the way, a gangster had thrown a grenade onto the ground. Batman flung a bat-a-rang at the gangster, while Robin tried to kick the grenade away but it was to late!


    BOOM!


    The grenade went off and shrapnel scattered through out the room. Batman, Batgirl hide behind their capes, Night Wing jumped away, but Robin was caught in the chest. Robin collapsed onto the ground with a scream, blood oozing out of his ears, his eyes, and several holes in his chest. Night Wing raced towards him and shouted for help. Batman, and Batgirl were there in a moments notice...This was to much! They needed a hospital, now! Batman took Robin in his arms and raced out side.


    ¡°Hold on, Jason!¡± Batman said, as he clenched his jaw. He pressed his ear and called out to Lucius Fox but his call was interrupted.


    ¡°Batman! I am reading internal injuries in Robin! Please let me transfer him to the Watch Tower. We have a full medical room standing by!¡± VICI chimed across the link. Batman didn''t even pause.


    ¡°Two to medical in the Watch Tower, NOW!¡± Batman yelled. Two spell script ribbons began coil around them, then with a pop! They were gone!


    *****Thirty minutes later aboard the Watch Tower*****


    Two ribbons around the portal room began to curl into existence. Less then ten seconds later a pop rang out and Night Wing, and Batgirl were standing there. A strip of light appeared to guide them to the medical wing. They bounced across the room and down the tunnel towards the medical wing. They came to a stop to see Batman standing by a glass window, all of his concentration on what was going on on the other side. Dick Grayson, and Barbara Gordon came to the window.


    Inside the operation room Jason Todd aka the new Robin was floating inside a blue beam of light as several mechanic arms operated on him. His vitals were strong, and all of the shrapnel, and internal injuries were fixed. They were finishing him up now. Dick breathed a sigh of relief, as did Barbara.


    ¡°When did the Watch Tower get a medical wing?¡± Barbara asked.


    ¡°About fifteen minutes ago, Batgirl! My Creator, Wraith installed it.¡± VICI replied.


    Batman''s indifferent and stoic face betrayed him for a brief moment, his lips tugged into a smile. But he quickly covered it up. No one noticed it but VICI who decided to not say anything. What should have been major surgery, and several weeks in bed turned into a few hours, and lots of bed rest by Doctor VICI. She teleported them to right outside of Wayne Manor in one of the side entrances. Jason was asleep in Bruce''s arms, he was sedated but alive and well.


    Alfred, and Selina made sure Jason was comfortable in his room before they came to ask what had happened. Bruce was angry at himself, for not reacting correctly. He should have saw last gang member, he should have acted faster. But Selina was having none of it, having grown to understand Bruce she came to his rescue and convinced him it was no bodies fault but the gangster. After Night Wing, and Barbara went home. Selina and Bruce curled up on the bed together.


    ¡°Do you think Lash knew something would happen and prepared for it? I don''t mean to say he knew Jason would get hurt. But...¡± Selina asked.


    ¡°I don''t know.... But he has good timing.¡± Bruce said with a smile.


    =============================================================


    Lash was a bit confused. He just got another Dream Point for something. It couldn''t be because of the cabin he had built. Could it? He shrugged his shoulders and continued to built the cabin straight into the rock face. They had found a wonderful spot, or rather VICI did. It sat perfectly on a ledge, with a five hundred foot drop. The balcony hung over the ledge, while the front door extended outwards into a partial landing pad for helicopters, jets, or people in flight. The rest of the cabin was built straight into the mountain side.


    Lash had used natural rock to cover the entire cabin and gave it natural camouflage. It had three stories, with a basement. The main floor had a massive living room, with a kitchen, and dinning area. The inside was all made of fresh cherry wood furnish. The second floor was a simple stair way up, with a banister around the edge so you could see, and talk to the people in the first floor. The second floor led to the balcony that wrapped around the cabin, and the ledge of the cliff. Than the third floor held the bedrooms, carved inside of the mountain. Ten bedrooms in all, all of them large with carved stone bath tubs, working water, and power. The basement, and garage sense the landing pad could go underground was a machine shop, and training area.


    Lash made sure the food storage was fully equipped, each bedroom had a television, and computer. The living room had a huge television, and inside the basement Lash created a portal access point. This let VICI directly portal here, instead of needing a clear view of her point. This was the Justice League first retreat, and home away from home. Lash spent several hours making it, and by the time he was finished...


    ¡°HOW THE FUCK IS THIS A CABIN!? THIS IS A FUCKING MANSION!¡± Victor screamed, his voiced carried down the mountain with an echo. Kory, and Kara both laughed, as Megan was just as surprised as Victor.


    ¡°Everyone head in, I''ll get dinner started.¡± Lash said with a smirk.


    Everyone walked in and explored the new home, Lash sent word to the hotel in Detroit that they were staying out of city tonight but would be returning in the morning. Normally he wouldn''t bother, but he didn''t want the Seelie court thinking he had bailed. The entire cabin was fully furnished, thousand thread count sheets, etc, etc. Victor came down a few minutes into Lash''s cooking dinner, he watched him cook.


    ¡°So, I''ll be staying here?¡± Victor asked.


    ¡°Yes, unfortunately we can''t stay with you. We''ll be working. But this is a nice secluded place, and if and when you ever want to go back home just ask VICI for a ride. How do you like your steaks? Yes, you can eat food.¡± Lash asked with a smile. Victor looked surprised then smiled.


    ¡°Medium rare please.¡± Victor said, as he ran a hand over his stomach.


    Megan floated in next super excited about her assigned room. Technically all the rooms were the same, just color difference. Sheets, curtains, towels, etc. She bounced into the kitchen and kissed Lash on the cheek then bounced around the kitchen and started to make cookies! Kara flew in next and sat down next to Victor and started to make small talk. Kory flew in next and dropped a bombshell like she always does.


    ¡°So, Victor are all black men well endowed like you?¡± Kory asked, Victor who had been drinking spit it all out and began to choke.


    ¡°Kory! We talked about this!¡± Kara turned bright red, and tried to pat Victors back.


    ¡°What? Lash doesn''t seem to mind?¡± Kory said, a confused expression on her face. During the cabins construction they had all shared their names with Victor.


    ¡°Of course with his polymer he could grow even bigger if he wanted to.¡± Megan said, clueless about the sensitivity of the subject.


    ¡°WHAAAT!?¡± Victor shouted, then looked at his crotch then back at Kory, and Megan.


    ¡°Ooooo! I want to see that! Victor take your shorts off!¡± Kory said with a smile on her face.


    Despite Kara''s clear request for aid Lash pretended not to see and concentrated on cooking dinner. Victor began to run away from Kory as she tried to strip him so she could see him fully erect. Megan asked Kara why it was such a weird thing to ask, and soon blushed when Kara explained what the humans penis was used for. Waste disposal, and recreation tool rolled into one! Megan blushed, and secretly glanced at Lash who pretended to not notice the look.


    Dinner was delightful, for Lash. Who laughed every few minutes. Victor was incredibly traumatized but Lash congratulated him on not turning into a war machine during the whole ordeal. Kory had her question answered and was now picturing Victor in action. Thankfully Lash had placed locks on the doors to every ones rooms in case no one wanted any mid night visitors. Megan insisted on cleaning up after dinner while they turned on the television and found the video of Victors teams latest game. Victor then explained what foot ball was to Kory, Kara, and Megan.


    Lash excused himself to the balcony and sat down on one of the chairs there. It was cold outside but thanks to his Winter Blessing, or just his Adaptation he hardly noticed. He heard the door open behind him, and Kara walked out to join him on the chair he sat on. It was wide enough for two. She did settled right next to him, he opened his arm and wrapped it around her and she snuggled into his embrace. They could see a massive sea of stars above them, and saw a small town with twinkling lights.


    ¡°So, I explained the difference to Victor. He agreed to be a reservist Justice League in Detroit. But doesn''t want to jump around until he has control over his abilities.¡± Kara said softly, Lash nodded his head and linked to the JL message board and created an account for Victor aka Cyborg.


    ¡°What the hell! Whats the JL message board!¡± Victor shouted from the living room. With his mechanical and computer system he can talk to machines just like Lash can.


    ''Ummm, Hi everyone this is Cyborg. Newly joined.'' -Cyborg.


    ''Hello! Hello! Welcome to the League Cyborg. Where you stationed?'' -Fantasma.


    ''Detroit, but Wraith has been out in the mountains till I get a handle on my abilities.'' -Cyborg.


    ''Mountains? We have a place in the mountains?'' -Fantasma


    ''Yes, Fantasma. Newly created by Creator Wraith. If you would like to see it please find an open spot and I''ll transport you.'' -VICI


    ''Wait....Transp................. OH MY GOD! WHERE THE HELL AM I!?'' -Fantasma.


    Lash heard an energy hum coming from the basement, he asked Kara to please guide Fantasma to the living room. Kara laughed, she leaned over and kissed Lash on the cheek before getting up. She ran her hands over Lash''s shoulders and walked inside to greet Fantasma.


    ''I have to agree, when did we get a portal system? Does that mean we can visit VICI in space?'' -Wells.


    ¡°Wraith! Hola mi amiga1¡± Fantsam said from the balcony door. Lash turned around to look at Fantasma.


    Fantasma continued to where the phantam ghost suit that Lash had originally crafted for him. Despite the ammount of time Lash was sure Fantasma had used with it. It still looked clean, and well maintained. Magic is awesome! Fantasma''s armored plates gave him a skeleton appearance, against his black leather. The ghost skeleton mask on his face moved with his face to show he was smiling. Lash stood up and hugged the man. Fantasma seem to have grown a few inches and was about 5''11¡± now, and was a bit wide around the shoudlers as well. Lash cast Insight on him to check on his stats.


    Name: Fantasma! /VI Avatar.


    Title: Peekaboo Master, Ghost, Robin Hood.


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: D+


    Skills: Danger Sense, Hand to Hand Combat, Lock Picking, (See tool tip)


    Powers: Teleportation, Equilibrium Orientation, Matter Reconverter (See tool tip)


    Domain: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comment: Fantasma! Despite his best efforts has stayed alive. His original User died ages ago, but your version is still alive solely because of the equpiment you gave him. He is a friend, and ally towards Wraith.


    Lash was surprised by the rank increase but most of all about the message that the original User had gotten Fantasma killed. He''d have to ask Dawn later if he got anything special, or the User did? He''d have to see later. Lash patted down the uniform and added a few little tricks easily with his new skills.


    ¡°I fucking love this thing, Wraith! Its saved my life more than once, and it self cleans!¡± Fantasma said with a laugh. He pulled his mask off to reveal his dark curly hair, brown eyes, and handsome good looks.


    ¡°I''m happy that its kept you alive, come on lets go talk to Victor. He needs help adapting to the new change.¡± Lash said, Fantasma smiled and walked in with him.


    They walked inside to find that Oliver, and Sara (Green Arrow, Black Canary) Talking to Victor, Kory, Kara, and Megan. Lash perked up at the sight of them, and Sara turned to look at Lash with a smile on her face. Oliver noticed as well and grinned. After a few hugs, and hellos Lash noticed that Sara had a ring on her left hand, as did Oliver.


    ¡°Just an engagment! We''ll be sure to invite you to the actual wedding.¡± Sara said with a smile as Lash pointed at her ring.


    Lash got drinks for everyone and put it in simple terms. He and the ladies were in Detroit scouting members, along with some work of his own. They found Victor and recruited him, but can''t stick around to train him. Oliver, and Sara agreed to help out, along with Fantasma who was currently flirting with Kory. A few more people on the JL message board agreed to stop by and help Victor with his new found abilities. Victor was surprised, and a bit happy that he joined such a friendly community of vigilantes. Lash also told the whole JL that the cabin was open to anyone, though there were technically only ten bedrooms as long as people didn''t mind sharing. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.


    Not long after Cisco, and Dr Wells showed up at the Cabin. Cisco completely geeked out with Cyborg and promised to attach warp engins to him in no time. Victor who had grown up a jock was totally lost on what warp engins were. Cisco looked like he had been slapped in the face, and asked VICI to bring up Star Trek movies. Pop corn, and drinks were served while Lash once again excused himself to the balcony.


    ¡°Mind if I join you? I wont be insulted if you would rather be alone.¡± Dr Wells asked from the door. Lash gestured for him to join him at the hand rail. Dr Wells came over and breathed a sigh as he look out over the valley, and the very far drop down.


    ¡°Wow! That is an amazing view. Ah! No roads up or down I see. So we have to teleport in, or fly in? Good for privacy.¡± Dr Wells said with a smile. Wells was standing tall at his 5''10¡± height with a bit of added muscle since he was released from his wheel chair. He still wore his glasses, though it seemed more a habit that actuall need since Lash had fixed his eyes when he fixed his spine.


    ¡°You heading back to the Watch Tower to have a peek at VICI later?¡± Lash asked with a smirk. Dr Wells laughed and smiled wide.


    ¡°Ahh...Ya! Ya, I plan to! VICI had some questions about designs she wanted to go over. I didn''t realize she could grow the station like a body. Fascinating technology I admit!¡± Wells said as he leaned up against the hand rail to look back at the living room.


    ¡°But I''ll make sure to help Victor settle in his new abilities. Its all alien Tech right? No dark matter meta gene?¡± Wells asked, Lash nodded. Wells let out a whistle.


    ¡°Sounds like a story is there, but I wont push for it. Lash, I got to ask.... Why are you doing all this? You almost seem driven to get us all set up. I can''t shake the feeling like you are desperate to get the League up and running.¡± Wells asked, Lash looked at the Doctor with an appraising eye and smiled.


    ¡°There is a war coming to Earth. I know we have a few years before it arrives. But the more secure we are the better.¡± Lash said, Wells looked at him as all humor drained from his face. He swallowed and looked back at Victor.


    ¡°Alright... I''ll keep it to myself for a while. Do you plan to tell the League?¡± Wells asked.


    ¡°Yes, I plan to sit down with the senior members once the Green Lanterns get back. I don''t have all the information. But something is always better than nothing.¡± Lash said, Wells agreed and excused himself back inside.


    ===============================================================


    ****In the Canadian Forests of Alberta*****


    An electical disturbance danced static energy up and down in a small clearing between several trees. With with a flicker, a flash, and a lighting crack a hole of smoke, and lighting ripped open in the very center of the clearing. The edges bubbled and frothed with energy, and in the center was a glimmering pool of energy. It was a Rift.


    A black armored boot stepped out of the Rift, followed by the black armored soldier in full black plate armor, with red electronic lights. A skull like visor with red gleaming eyes looked around the area. The soldier turned around and reached into the Rift and pulled out a hand held spike and stabbed it into the ground approximately ten feet from the Rifts edge. The spike extended into the ground, and in to the air and the Rift stablized. The soldier did this four more times until the Rift was stable door. Several more soldiers in black armor stepped out and started to secure the area.


    Then a larger soldier stepped from the Rift and pulled off his helmet. He was human looking with pale skin, blue eyes, and black hair. He took a deep breath and smiled as he looked around. He had several bars across his left chest piece designating his rank. He turned to the first soldier and clapped him on the shoulder.


    ¡°Well done, to volunteer for the unknown I''ll be sure to tell the Emperor of your valor! You and your family will be rewarded!¡± The commander said, the soldier took a knee and bowed his head.


    ¡°For the glory of our great Emperor!¡± The soldiers securing the field all saluted and said the same thing.


    ¡°Yes! For the glory of Rofl Dex, our Emperor!¡± The commander said loudly.


    ==========================================================


    Congratulations User! Your world is being invaded by a rival world!


    Objective: Defend your world from invasion.


    Bonus Objective: Discover who invades.


    Bonus Objective: Fight the invasion back into their world.


    Bonus Objective: Prevent loss of life. (Percentage based)


    ¡°What the fuck!?¡± Lash shouted.

 Chapter 75: You’ve been invaded, now what?

    Congratulations User! This is your first invasion! You''ve been granted thirty DP, and have access to the Dream Point credit card. Current accessible credit is two DP. With every pay off your credit limit increases.


    Please note: Only one invasion will happen at a time. If you succeed in your defense event your world will be safe from Rift Invasion for a period of twenty four hours real time. The User is not part of the Beta Multiplayer test. The Invasion is being performed by a VI Avatar.


    Lash rubbed his face as he listened to Dawn speak. As always when ever he received a message from Dawn while in the presence of other people he was covered in a divine golden glow. When he turned to look at the door leading inside Sara stood there looking at him with concern. Lash knew that everyone else was inside waiting for explanation for his outburst. Sara''s eyes grew hard when she saw that Lash''s expression didn''t bounce back to his normal face.


    ¡°That bad?¡± Sara asked as she walked over to take Lash''s hand into her own.


    ¡°Yes...Dark days are ahead.¡± Lash replied as he gently gripped Sara''s hands.


    ¡°What can we do?¡± Sara asked, as she watched him play his thumbs across her wrists.


    ¡°Just keep doing what you''ve been doing. Help Victor like you planned. When I have more information I''ll inform everyone.¡± Lash replied, he looked up at Sara. He reached up and...


    ¡°Boop!¡± Lash poked her nose. Sara scrunched her nose up and stepped back with a laugh and a smile.


    ¡°OK, I can do that.¡± Sara said, she leaned forward and hugged Lash. He returned the embrace and...Tickled her! She burst out laughing and scrambled to get out his embrace. She wiggled out and pegged him with a glare before she walked back inside followed by Lash.


    ¡°Everything alright, Hermano?¡± Fantasma asked as he watched Lash walk in.


    Lash looked around at everyone and tried to smile that didn''t reach his eyes. In the time that any of them had spent around Lash despite all the situations dire or otherwise Lash could always smile that reached his eyes. This was different, and it put everyone on edge. Sara came Oliver''s side and wrapped her arms around his and leaned in.


    ¡°My Patron has granted me a bit of information. I can''t currently share it with you due to the rules in place.¡± Fourth wall engine. ¡° However, give me some time and I''ll give the entire league an update. I just have some work to do tonight. I have to return to VICI, I have the new upgrade key available and I need to give it to her sooner rather than later. While I''m working with VICI the teleportation hub will be down anywhere from eight to twelve hours. So if you plan to leave tonight do so now, if any one wants to come with me as I upgrade VICI please by all means. Otherwise good night. Kara, Kory, and Megan we''ll return to Detroit in the morning.¡± Lash said, and took a slow breath to steady himself.


    ¡°Well I for one want to see what VICI changes into, I would like to accompany you.¡± Dr Wells said with a smile as he stepped forward.


    ¡°Oh ya! Count me in!¡± Cisco stepped forward.


    ¡°I''ll ummm..stay here. No offense but having a war machine that doesn''t know his limits inside a pressurized capsule doesn''t sound like a good idea.¡± Victor said, as he scratched the back of his neck.


    ¡°We need to return to Starling City. But we''ll be back later this week to help train Victor.¡± Oliver said as he squeezed Sara''s hand and looked back at Lash.


    ¡°I''ll stay with Victor until its time to go back to Detroit in the morning. I want to watch this show called, Star Trek?¡± Megan said as she looked at Cisco hoping for the correct pronunciation. Cisco grinned at her and nodded.


    ¡°I know Kory is staying to keep teasing Victor, so I''ll stay to keep an eye on her.¡± Kara said as she stared at Kory who smiled with a bit of mischief in her eyes as Victor stepped back and tried to hide behind Megan who laughed.


    ¡°But if there is a fight you will call us, Lash. Promise?¡± Kory looked at Lash who smiled at her, this one reached his eyes.


    ¡°Yes, Princess I will.¡± Lash bowed from his waist and preformed a perfect bow fitting of a Warden. Kory squared her shoulders and raised her chin, she nodded in return.


    ¡°Very well! You may take your leave. Cisco! Show us this next movie...This Khan! Before you leave.¡± Kory said, and Cisco bounced over to the TV.


    Lash saw Oliver, and Sara to the portal hub in the basement. The two hadn''t set a date for their wedding. But Laurel Lance, and Tommy Merlin were suppose to be married soon. When they have an exact date they''ll forward the invitation to Wraith. Hazah! Lash watched the spell script ribbon coil around them, and the spring jump away. Cisco, and Dr Wells came down soon after packed up and ready to go. All three of them stepped onto the portal pad. With an audible pop! Their world shifted and they were on the Watch Tower.


    ¡°VICI make an announcement across the message board. Will give everyone an hour before we shut down the hub. Then we''ll start your upgrade.¡± Lash said as he bounced towards her control center.


    ¡°Of course, Creator!¡± VICI replied, her voice shook with youthful enthusiasm.


    Dr Wells, and Cisco followed behind Lash as he drifted down into the central hub. They pulled up their holographic phones and watched VICI send the message across the JL message board. Every senior member gave them the green light. They didn''t have any travel plans. A few of the junior members were asking why it was down. VICI was being upgraded and the system would be down for it.


    The Justice League had been busy. The senior members had recruited a lot of junior, and recruit members. Lash was sure a lot of them were VI Avatars that were spotted by the original DC Characters. VICI did a thorough back ground check on every member before they were allowed onto the Watch Tower. Many of the new recruits expressed interest in meeting Wraith, especially since the best uniforms were made by him apparently.


    Lash floated into the central hub and came to sit just in front of the main access point for VICI''s data port. This is where he commonly infuses the different modules into her. He took a moment to place himself into a half lotus position with his legs. He could never perform a full lotus, his legs didn''t seem to bend that way. He took several deep breaths and spoke to VICI.


    ¡°Daughter mine, can you please record what I am about to say for information brief at another time?¡± Lash asked, and VICI who was normally so punctual with a response hesitated...¡±VICI, are you alright?¡± Lash asked, concerned.


    ¡°Yes!...I.... Yes, ¡­...Father. I can.¡± VICI''s voice around the word Father was incredibly small and quiet.


    ¡°Do you deny that you are my daughter, VICI?¡± Lash asked, amused.


    ¡°NO! Of course not...I.... Of course not, Father. I am happy to hear you say it.¡± VICI replied, her voice a bit more enthusiastic then before.


    ¡°It makes sense, you did make her. She grows, develops, and changes.¡± Dr Wells said behind him, he had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Just don''t change into a rogue AI that wants to enslave all of humanity!¡± Cisco said, as he jumped when Dr Wells jabbed his elbow into his side.


    ¡°Hahahaha! Of course not Cisco! If I did I would ensure you were the first to bend the knee!¡± VICI replied, Cisco looked horrified. ¡°That was a joke.¡± VICI replied.


    Lash took a deep breath and activated Cosmic Awareness. A golden light surrounded his body. He then spoke in short, and to the point words. Earth is being invaded by a alternate-reality, location unknown, time table unknown. Hostile intentions confirmed. Current method of travel, unknown. Once he was finished 91% of his energy reserves were consumed! He momentarily blacked out!


    Lash woke up inside of a blue energy field, with several mechanical arms dancing up and down his body checking him over. He looked to his left and saw a holographic screen with his vitals displayed. Dr Wells bounced into view with a smile and a pat on his shoulder. Lash nodded at him and looked around. He was in the brand new medical room that was recently built. There was only one bed currently.


    ¡°How long have I been out?¡± Lash asked, his throat was dry. Dr Wells noticed and produced a sealed water packet. Lash nodded his head thankfully as he drank.


    ¡°About an hour, VICI said you were fine. Just what ever you did took a lot of your energy to do. Is this the war you spoke about?¡± Dr Wells asked, his face looked worried.


    ¡°No Dr Wells. This is different. This invasion is child''s play to what is coming.¡± Lash replied as he finished the water packet and moved off of the medical bed.


    ¡°All vitals are strong and healthy, Father. Energy reserves climbing quickly. Welcome back!¡± VICI replied.


    ¡°Thank you, daughter. Now lets get your upgrade key made and start the process. We have a lot of work ahead of us.¡± Lash said, with the help of Dr Wells they went back to the central hub where they found a panic stricken Cisco who bounced over.


    ¡°Why wont VICI let me contact anyone about the invasion! We have to tell the League!¡± Cisco shouted.


    ¡°Cisco calm down! If you shout across the message board that an alternate-reality is invading our world all you will do is cause panic, and a whole mess of questions. Lets focus on upgrading VICI. With her updated systems she''ll be able to tells us more then we know now!¡± Dr Wells said as he gripped his friend and almost adopted son by the shoulders. Cisco took several deep breaths and forced himself to think.


    ¡°Y...Yes! Your right! Sorry, I jumped ahead of myself there. Sorry.¡± Cisco replied, Lash clapped him on the shoulder and bounced over to the control hub.


    Lash reached up into the air and called the store catalog down. The book appeared, this time a leather bound book with golden pages, and an ancient language that screamed alien culture. Cisco''s eyes went wide at the sight of it as his inner geek nearly popped out. Dr Wells just watched with a critical eye as he looked at Lash''s body language.


    Lash held the book carefully as he flipped through the book. He traced his fingers over the different sections until he found the upgrade key. Space Habitat: G rank to F rank was 20 Dream Points. While F rank to E rank was 80 DP. Huge price jump! Lash spent 20 DP to get the upgrade key. A golden orb with dancing spell script appeared in his hand, VICI''s core input opened up and Lash put the key in. A shudder of energy rolled through the entire station, and the hundreds of spell script, and enchanted symbols glowed. The orbital rings outside stopped moving, and the gravity in the station turned off. All three of them floated there in mid air.


    ¡°The oxygen isn''t going to stop working is it?¡± Cisco asked, looking a little horrified.


    ¡°No, Mr Cisco life support will continue. The gravity was tied to one of the outside systems. It is currently being moved that is why it was temporarily turned off.¡± VICI replied.


    Lash continued to flip through the catalog, looking at the different modules available for the station. Technically everything inside of the catalog could be hand built. Lash could acquire a lot of experience for doing it. But if he bought the module, the modules would automatically rise in grade along with VICI with every upgrade key. Play it safe, buy the modules and auto level with each key? Or experiment, gain experience, and learn more? Lash was conflicted. But, with the threat of Invasion hanging over his head. Lash went with the modules for now.


    Lash had 11 DP, along with his 2 DP from the credit card that he was awarded with. He went down the list of modules available. Some of the modules were grayed out, requiring the station to be a higher rank before he could purchase them. Lash spent 4 DP for the Science, and Engineering modules. Two more inscribed orbs appeared and he inserted each one into VICI data port. Each orb sent a shiver and energy through the station. Each module just as the name states, specialized in that specific method of operation. However, when Lash finished inserting them. Medical, Science, and Engineering all got a bonus as they linked up.


    Then Lash spent another 2 DP on Research and Development module. This was an omni module that could link with a lot of different sections. Even including the gravity, and teleportation modules. Next, came the security module for 2 DP. He reasonably sure that no one could hack VICI down on Earth. But that didn''t mean the alternate-reality couldn''t, or in the future Aliens from outside the sol system? He had spent 8 DP on the modules, now he had 2 DP, and 2 Credit DP left. While this was what was left for his current available purchase.


    F- Rank Space Habitat modules.


    Medical: Fully automated medical operations for mundane, alien, meta-gene, and magical origins. Capable of full filling all medical needs. (R&D module applied)


    Science: Fully automated Arcane Science lab, granting a bonus to all activities on the station. Including but not limited to research, crafting, and training. (R&D module applied)


    Engineering: Fully automated Arcane Engineering lab, granting a bonus to all activities on the station. Including but not limited to research, crafting, and training. (R&D module applied)


    Security: Fully automated Arcane security hub, granting a bonus to tactical, defense, and utility operations aboard the station. Helps prevent unwanted intrusion through mundane, alien, meta-gene, or magical means. (R&D module applied)


    Research and Development: Bonus module that is applied to every module on station, granting between 15-30% increase to all applications. A 0.5% chance of granting improvement beyond current rank (Example: Every time someone used the medical room, they had a 0.5% chance of obtaining a permanent 1% increase to all stats.)


    Dinning Hall: A large room with kitchen services available. Increase in moral, team building, and social interaction between team members. Unite cohesion increased. (R&D module applied.)


    Private Quarters: Rooms that vary in size, shape, and utilities. Allowing for a sense of home away from home. Slows degradation of health, and creates a sense of community. (Life Support Module recommended. R&D module applied)


    Head Quarters: The big table! This room may seem cosmetic in the grand scheme of things. But it is a symbol of the Watch Tower''s higher command. Allowing senior members to convene and discuss the future. (R&D module applied)


    Training Hall: Allows training, exercise, and fight ring. Fully automated with conjured phantasm to assist with training. Participants may gain experience, learn skills, and practice their powers, and domains here. (R&D module applied)


    Prison Cells: Fully automated Arcane Science holding cells capable of holding all sorts of mundane, alien, meta-gene, and magical prisoners. (R&D module applied)


    Interrogation Hall: Fully Automated Arcane Science alternate means of gaining information from prisoners. Several settings for mundane, alien, meta-gene, and magical prisoners. (R&D module applied)


    Party Hall: An open and spacious room for celebrations! Grants a moral boost! Rest and recovery bonus! Comes with a fully automated bar and restaurant for all types. (R&D module applied)


    Library: A collection of all the knowledge the Watch Tower has collected. Increase to all R&D, skills, abilities, powers, domains to learn and improve. (R&D module applied)


    Hydroponics: A section of the habitat designed to help grow food, and medicine. Helps to decrease degradation of health, rest, and relaxation. (R&D module applied)


    Turret: A omni turret station capable of switching between several different modifications. Arcane Science applied allowing for offense, defense, and utility against mundane, alien, meta-gene, and magical origins. (R&D module applied)


    Engine: A specific engine to increase maneuverability for the station. With enough engines and with the right science, and engineering development the station can use a FTL method. (R&D module applied)


    Armory: A room used for the collection, and storage of gear, weapons, and ammunition. Can be used to help maintain, repair, and modify items contained within. (R&D module applied)


    Droid Services: A module that specializes in the creation, service, and repair of robotic workers. Side Note: Treat them kindly or they may revolt! (R&D module applied)


    Operations: The central hub for the whole station, allowing access to all offensive, defensive, and utility applications. Increases overall efficiency across the whole station. (R&D module applied)


    Communications: Allowing for long distance, short distance, and even alternate-reality communication. Increase in overall communication across all teams, reaction time, and information gathering. (R&D module applied)


    Life Support: The recycle, and creation of fresh water, and air aboard the station. Allowing for fully customization of (Private Quarters) for different Origins. Side Note: A station does not require a Life Support module to operate, but it does give a measure of extra safety, and health. (R&D module applied)


    Shield: Creates a shield capable of absorbing kinetic, energy, and spell energy. (R&D module applied)


    Lash read over the list a few times and felt that it was still lacking. But there were still dozens of modules that were grayed out, that would unlock as the grade of the station increased. He was a little surprised that he didn''t technically need the life support module to breath. But he realized that VICI had made a basic one already. Lash had 4 points left so he opened up the spell domains section of the book and found one he had been interested in buying. He spent the 2 DP from his credit card and bought Conjuration Domain. Conjuration was technically something he could learn on his own if he spent some time with the Wardens, but he felt he needed it now especially to help VICI go through the upgrade process.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Spell Domain Conjuration!


    Attention! The combination spell known has Manifestation has been moved from Illusion to Conjuration!


    Manifestation is a combination of the Domains Illusion, Nature, Transmutation, Technomancy, and now Conjuration. The spells; Essence Imbuement,Virtual intelligence, Fabrication, Phantasm, False Life, Calling.


    Conjuration Spell learned, Calling: Is the spell/skill of Conjuration. Anything you have made, or set a mark on you can now call to your side via a portal! The greater the distance the more energy required.


    New Manifestation, Saurus Elite: A larger, more capable servant. Capable of improving the Saurus around them, and granting their creator more freedom. An Elite is a mobile hub of power. Letting the caster drop them along with any number of warriors or veterans and leaving them behind. As long as the caster, and Elite remain on the same plane of existence.


    Manifestation has evolved: Saurus Warriors 200, Saurus Veterans 20, Saurus Elites 2.


    Saurus Warriors can now use all of the Users skills, some of the Users powers, and the passive abilities of the Users Domains.


    Saurus Veterans can now use all of the Users skills, powers, and Domain spells F grade or lower.


    Saurus Elites can use all of the Users skills, powers, and Domains spells E grade or lower.


    Lash used the last 2 DP he had to pay off the credit card, to reward him the credit card was not capable of 4 DP credit. As he closed the book new spell script ribbons came from the air and surrounded Lash. After about a minute an explosion of energy cascaded off of him and washed Dr Wells, and Cisco in light. They blinked at him in confusion but before they could ask Lash raised his hand and used Calling-Manifestation Saurus Elite. A green and blue portal opened in the central hub and a seven foot tall, and fourteen foot long Saurus Elite stepped out of the portal. It had dark green metallic scales, a skull crest with ridge horns along the edge, and tribal marks of spell script along its crest, neck, and armor. The armor was technological knight gear, with spell script written along the edges. Two reptilian eyes looked back at Lash, the Elite took a knee and its bladed tail coil around it. It looked like a baby Saurian.


    ¡°Master! How may I be of service!¡± The Elite asked, its voice animalistic and harsh on the ear. Lash was surprised! Before the Manifestations had a simple level of intelligence, they were capale of speaking but only to convey his words to others. This Elite seemed capable of free thinking.


    ¡°Please assist VICI with her upgrade.¡± Lash commanded, the Elite bowed its head in response.


    ¡°As you command!¡± The Elite stood up, and struck his fist to his chest plate and floated towards the airlock.


    Lash raised his hand up and used Calling-Manifestation Saurus Warriors 100. A portal opened and out streamed the warriors. They also seem to have a gear upgrade, as well as an improvement in intelligence! With out a word they followed after the Elite towards the airlock. Though Lash had to keep the portal open as they slowly trickled in, the station central hub was not big enough to hold them all. The last warrior exited the portal, so it closed behind it. Lash turned to look at Wells and Cisco.


    ¡°So, have either of you ever been in full zero-G?¡± Lash said with a smile.


    ==============================================================


    Francisco Ramon aka Cisco was having a geek-Gasm in his space suit as he floated through space watching a host of lizard people in space suits build a new skeleton structure for VICI. Dr Wells was floating next to a very large Wraith. Wraith said this was his partner Saurian? What ever that meant. The giant reptile floated through the void with Dr Wells by his side pointing out different ideas. While Cisco helped the Elite. Cisco didn''t fully understand what had happened, he saw Wraith pull a book from nothing to which Cisco assumed was a type of journal? Or data log? After a few minutes Wraith would point to a series of symbols in the book hold his hand up and create an orb with thousands of tiny symbols and words inscribed in it and feed it into VICI main port. Cisco had so many questions!


    Cisco tried talking to the Elite, but unless it was about the job at hand the Elite was not much of a talker. But Cisco noticed that the Elite was capable of creating matter from energy just like Wraith was. But to a lesser degree! What was ''Elite'' did he come from Wraith''s home world? But what was actually scaring Cisco was when he saw the portal open up on the station he felt a tremor through his whole body. He swore he was almost vibrating! Once the portal closed, he stopped vibrating. But he noticed when ever he was close to Elite he would get tremors through his whole body.


    Cisco, are you injured? -Elites reptilian telepathic voice pulled him from his thoughts. The giant reptile warrior clad in a combination of knight, and sci-fi gear looked at him. How he didn''t have a helmet on in a vacuum was just another question Cisco didn''t understand.


    ¡°Uhhh...Yes! I''m sorry. I was just....trying to figure out what you are...¡± Cisco''s voice got nervous at the end of his sentence. His voice echoed in his helmet, but he knew that the Elite heard him. The giant reptile actually smiled at him.


    Speak to my creator, and master about my origins. Come we are needed for the attachment of engine B. -The Elite sent through telepathy. Cisco released his breath as he realized that the lizard didn''t have the same social qualms humans did.


    ===============================================================


    Dr Wells was beside himself with excitement, he spun, flipped, and used his suits engines to move backwards. All the while Wraith in his larger form kept an eye on him, more than once Wraith reached out to grab him before he flew off to far. Wells laughed and looked at the picture perfect view of the Earth below them. He turned to look up and saw the great nothing that was space, and not far off to his left was the moon. Wraith had pointed the moon out and said he wanted to build a school on it. Wells remembered the conversation about it.


    ¡°When do you think we''ll be able to start construction on the school?¡± Wells asked as he floated next to Wraith, as the giant lizard pulled energy from area around them and created metal beams for part of the super structure of VICI.


    ¡°We first have to clear it of hostiles. There are creatures on the moon that will try to prevent us from building anything on it. Oh! That''s right! Humans aren''t aware of them, that is why your governments never established a colony on the moon. The alien life there attack anything that stays on the moon longer then a few days.¡± Wraith replied, through the helmet radio. Wells was struck silly in astonishment.


    ¡°There are hostile alien life on the moon!? Why...No. I am assuming the United Nations has evidence of them but never chose to share them with the public? Makes sense.¡± Wells rolled his eyes at the sheer idiocy of man. ¡°Have we tried to speak to them, maybe make a bargain?¡± Wells asked.


    ¡°Not yet! I''m hoping we can come to some sort of arrangement. The information I have on the civilization is spotty at best. Yes, civilization Dr Wells. They are not just a collection of animals but an entire race. I''m hoping we can talk, but from I''m been told they are rather hostile!¡± Wraith replied and handed off more materials to the warriors who came to collect.


    ¡°May I ask about your fellow lizards?¡± Wells said, as he watched them float off to connect the pieces.


    ¡°They are constructs made from energy, and given intelligence through a system of programs. They are alive in the same sense a computer is alive. Elite is a far more complicated version of the program. Allowing for complex thought, forward thinking, and adaptation. They are modeled after my race. Maybe in the future I''ll be able to create fully sentient beings but for now, they are simple intelligence.¡± Wraith replied, his voice carried a hint of regret as he spoke. Wells could hear it in his voice and didn''t ask any more questions.


    ==============================================================


    Saurian floated through the void. Wells and Cisco had retired inside of VICI to recover. They had been working for ten hours straight. VICI was nearly complete in her upgrade from G to F. Though she would still have a lot of room to grow as she changed from F- to F+. The mid section saucer piece had moved up the stem and joined the top saucer. So now the top saucer, and mid section saucer were joined creating an under cap appearance. The top saucer was now 50 feet high, and 200 foot radius. While the second saucer was 25 feet high, with a 100 foot radius. The stem extended 200 feet down from the saucers. They had a 15 foot radius, while the both the orbital rings had merged into one ring, with the radius of 10 feet. A tri star connection reached out from just under the bottom saucer connecting the orbital ring, at the points of the tri star were 30 foot long, and 10 foot radius cylinders.


    The air locks were now on the sides of the upper most saucer. The station was still not large enough to hold a shuttle bay but it could allow multiple ship types to connect to it. As always arcane science had been used in its construction. So Chameleon, Nature''s Passage, and Invisibility kept the station out of sight. That had been one of Saurians worries as they upgraded VICI he had created the largest obstruction glamour he had ever made. They barely fit inside the confines of it.


    With a hum of power the station turned on, and VICI began to run a systems check. Saurian opened up a Conjuration portal and one by one the warriors, and the Elite which was last returned to the portal. Technically Saurian could just dismiss them and they would fade from existence. But he felt it was better to do it this way. Something just felt right about it.


    Thank you for your hard work! -Saurian said to the Elite before he stepped in. The Elite turned around and saluted Saurian then backed into the portal.


    Saurian floated towards one of the air locks on the side of the saucer. He typed in a key code and the door opened. The door sealed behind him, he felt the air pressurize and gravity was established. It still wasn''t earth normal gravity but was better then before. Saurian stepped out into the main saucer section. He saw the new Science, Engineer, and Security rooms in place. The Medical room had increased to four beds instead of one. Yay! The teleportation hub was larger, allowing for two separate pads. Though VICI still required to be above the portal location she could now teleport through basic structures.


    Saurian slipped took the new elevator down the stem to the second saucer. Though he barely fit inside it. He sighed and made a note to increase its size in the future. He his power Size Alteration and shrunk down a bit to nine foot by eighteen feet long. Still a tight squeeze but it was enough. He needed to update his gear, along with Lash''s. So much to do! So little time! They had to get back to Detroit and finish the fertility charms, finish recruiting Gypsy, and Vixen. Visit Shazam, go to Arthur, and Mera, Clark, Bruce, He may end up dragging the girls along with him to see Peyton''s Warrden ceremony. But if they visit Europe they should visit Princess Perdita in Vlatava.


    The elevator hatch opened and Saurian squeezed out, on the floor were Dr Wells and Cisco asleep. With food, and water packets next to them. They stayed in their suits in case they needed to step outside to help. Saurian grinned lightly at them before he went to the main hub. VICI needed three more hours to finish her update. Saurian reached up and ran a claw along his necklace, his dormant familiar. Then an idea struck him!


    ¡°Dawn, put us in soft progression until VICI''s update is done then freeze the Dream. Log us out, please.¡± Saurian said in a near whisper.


    ¡°Very well, User! Have a safe trip and we''ll be waiting for your next return!¡± Dawn said cheerfully, and Erik the gamer was yanked out of Saurian.


    Be back soon! I''m going to check some information! -Erik called to them both.


    Darkness....Erik blinked several times and then nearly gagged at the smell. He slowly shifted out of the Dream Engine Cube and shuddered at the feeling. As he sat up he was once more covered in a gray film of gunk and nastiness. He left behind a clear impression on his bed. Time to do laundry! Erik stood up and meant to take a step towards his windows to open them up but he tripped and fell!


    ¡°What the fuck!....¡± Erik swore under his breath as he looked down. His gym shorts had fallen to his ankles when he moved and he got tangled up in them.


    Standing back up he peeled off his sweaty cloths and tossed them into the hamper, then opened his windows to clear out the smell. He carefully moved the Dream Engine Cube to the side and pulled the sheets off his bed and tossed them into the hamper as well. He pulled his hamper and set it by the door. He was going to have to do some laundry before he went back in. Erik went to the shower and washed down from head to toe and stepped a few minutes later. He looked horrible in the mirror, his figure and body was gaunt as if he hadn''t eaten in weeks. He had lost a lot of weight and part of him was telling him that was not normal! He ran a hand through his hair and pulled out a lot of loose hair.


    ¡°That''s weird.¡± Erik said, he shrugged and went to his cabinet and pulled a hair buzzer and just shaved his head for easy cleaning in the future. He''d spent so much time as Lash who was bald it felt weird to have hair.


    Erik got dressed and had to double tie his gym shorts to keep them from falling down. He slipped on some flip flops grabbed a water bottle and took his laundry down stairs to the laundromat. From the moment he woke up, to leaving his home Erik had not once turned on a single light. Erik stumbled down the stairs like he was walking through a fog. But the more he moved the more he woke up. By the time he got to the laundromat he was fully awake and moving with purpose. He wanted to get back to the Dream!


    He piled his cloths, and sheets into the washer and snagged a detergent dispenser for a buck. He set it, and locked it. When he turned he saw two familiar faces. It was the other players of the Dream that lived in his apartment building. One of them was playing the Elder Scrolls games, while the other was playing the James Bond story lines. Not everyone got DC comics, in fact Erik was sure Marvel Comics got chosen as well.


    ¡°Hello, how is the Dream treating you two?¡± Erik said with a smile. The two men turned to look at him and smiled. They both looked a lot like Erik, gaunt, hollowed out husks of themselves. But their eyes were bright and full of passion.


    ¡°Fuck Black Reach! Fuck Black Reach in the ass!¡± The Skyrim User said and threw his hands up in the air in exasperation!


    ¡°I remember Black Reach that was a horrible place on the consoles. Whats it like in the Dream?¡± Erik said, as he watched the guy pull on his hair.


    ¡°Ok! No! The Black Reach on the console is this tiny place. The Dream version is the size of a fucking city! It goes on for miles in every fucking direction! I jumped on my Dreams forums and every single article and thread on Black Reach the Users all say just stay the fuck out of Black Reach!¡± The Skyrim user shouted and sat down in a chair in the laundromat in a huff. Erik turned to the James Bond Dreamer.


    ¡°I never thought I would say this, but I am seriously tired of nymphomaniac''s. Every single women, and some men I encounter on my espionage trips are sexual predators that practically demand I sleep with them before I''m allowed to continue the story. Of course I have no one to blame but myself. The Dream altered the game play based on my earlier play style. It''s slowly adapting and changing the way its done. But oh my god! I just want to complete the fucking mission! Why do I have to sleep with eight fucking women to do that!¡± The James Bond user shouted and sat down next to his friend.


    ¡°Do you two have VI Avatars in your games?¡± Erik asked, as he took a seat next to them.


    ¡°Gaaaah! Fuck those things! The developers are trying to simulate what the Users from others games would act like. Supposedly its for when the MMO version comes out! Because when you log out of the game your Avatar stays there and continues through soft progression. Christ sake! Some of them are fucking dumb! I thought it was just bad programming until I found out! Oh no! That''s just the User! The User is that fucking dumb!¡± James Bond said with a glare, and a middle finger to the world.


    ¡°I''ve met dozens of intelligence operatives from other countries, who seem to not understand the word ''intelligence'' each one is a VI Avatar that runs around shooting everything in sight and fucks up the whole operation!¡± James Bond said with a grumble.


    ¡°Everyone one of them?¡± Erik asked, clearly surprised.


    ¡°Well no, not everyone of them. Some of them of OK. But those are the few and far between.¡± James Bond said. Erik, and James turned to Skyrim who chuckled.


    ¡°Ya, I have to agree. I have met dozens of VI Avatars in the Elder Scrolls that scream. ''LEEEEERRRROOOOOY JENKINS!'' Then they race off to die! Alduin in The Dream is the size of a battleship! And these fuck nuggets race off to stab him with their swords that don''t even penetrate his scales. But, but! Once and a while I do meet Avatars that seem to have a brain.¡± Skyrim said, he moved his hands and shook them back and forth as if he could strangle the idiots then and there.


    ¡°I met this old woman in Black Reach. She had the highest stealth skill I''ve ever seen, she could literally blend into the shadows and reappear anywhere! She had been stuck down there for gods knows how long looking for the exit just like I am. I went down there with a crew of fifty people! Thirteen of them are left including me! Machines! Cannibals! Those fucking plants that sing! Shit some of our people just decided to wonder off into the dark by them selves! We haven''t found any of them!¡± Skyrim said, practically yelling in rage. Erik couldn''t help but smile at him.


    ¡°But you two are still having fun, right?¡± Erik asked.


    ¡°Oh fuck yes!¡± Skyrim said with a grin.


    ¡°Definitely!¡± James agreed.


    ¡°I do get a sense of twisted satisfaction when I come across the corpses of VI Avatars in Black Reach. We''ve found dozens of skeletons, bodies, and scattered remains. Some of them hold up signs that say, ''No hope'', ''Restart the Dream'', I found one next to the broke elevator, they had carved into the stone. ''Elevator doesn''t wor....'' The last bit was covered in blood. I guess they were attacked before they could finish!¡± Skyrim said with a laugh.


    ¡°How many times have you all died?¡± Erik said as he stood up and swapped his load of laundry into the dryer.


    ¡°Oh loads of times, I mean at the end of the day unlike the both of you. I play a normal human. Yes I have all sorts of gadgets, gear, and weapons. But I break just as easily.¡± James Bond replied.


    ¡°I''ve died over some stupid shit! I was climbing that dragon shout mountain and stepped off the ledge and died when I fell. Another time I was practicing water breathing magic and drowned when I ran out of mana mid dive. There are no save points! Every time I die I have to restart the current Elder Scroll. It took me months of Dream time to beat Morrowind! I have to complete the main story line before the Dream Engine lets me jump into the next Elder Scroll.¡± Skyrim said in frustration.


    ¡°Do both of you have World Points?¡± Erik asked.


    ¡°Yes! Thankfully, its like New Game +. So instead of doing grunt work every time we start over we just buy back our achievement perks, skills, etc, etc. Still have to do the story over, but I get a different first mission each time because I have a wider variety of skills.¡± James replied, he stood up and exchanged his, and his room mates laundry to the dryer.


    ¡°I haven''t died yet in my Dream...¡± Erik commented. Skyrim, and James looked at him in shock.


    ¡°Your shitting me?¡± Skyrim said, his eyes wide.


    ¡°Nope, even have an achievement for it. Part of the original five hundred that are still on their first lives. Well its three hundred and fifty five now.¡± Erik said back, a satisfied smirk on his face.


    ¡°Are you just like sitting in a room eating saltines or something?¡± James said with a smirk, obviously joking.


    ¡°Nope! My character is active part of the Justice League, we are preparing for the Darkseid invasion. I''m B grade which is a mid to high level in the DC comics.¡± Erik replied.


    The three of them continued to talk about their experiences until their laundry was done. Time flew by quickly as Erik quickly grabbed his things and went upstairs to his home again. The two other Dreamers did the same. Erik opened his door and locked it behind him, his apartment returning to near total darkness. Erik didn''t even slow down as he went to his bedroom and closed the windows. He replaced the bed sheets then went to his kitchen to get something to cook. He decided on an actual meal so he started up his oven for a pot pie...hmmmm pie.


    Erik took sometime to drink more water, and carefully clean the Dream Engine Cube. Once that was finished he placed his pot pie in the oven and set his timer. Then he jumped on his computer and went to the Dream Engine forum site to type up a Beta questionnaire. Was he experiencing any bleed effect? Erik didn''t think so. Any odd behaviors, physical, or social changes? Besides being filled with a sense of confidence? Nope. Experiencing any disconnection with who you are in reality versus who you are in the Dream? Nope. Erik continued to fill out the report, talked about the design, his VI (Dawn), the game play. All top marks! Every single new version had a nearly seamless transition!


    Erik sent his report in and the developers thanked him for being so earnest about his reports. Apparently he was one of the few that consistently did his reports and didn''t have to have his Cube VI kick him out of the Dream for his health. Erik smirked at that, but could totally understand the addiction of the Dream. Couple more days and he would be back at work, he knew he would be missing the Dream while he worked. Erik switched to the forums and looked up on the threads, more specifically.


    YOU''VE BEEN INVADED BY ANOTHER REALITY, NOW WHAT!?


    First; you must identify the method of invasion. Was it technological? Meta-Gene? Or Magical? If you can identify how it happened you can normally figure out what you will encounter, though exceptions do exist. Secondly; determine the difficulty level of the invasion is based off of the points granted to you as a bonus! 5-15 DP is easy. 16-25 is medium, 26-35 is hard, 36-45 is very hard, 46-55 is nightmare mode. Every first invasion grants you the DP credit card. If you have joined the Multiplayer Beta please follow along to this thread. If you have not been selected for the Multiplayer, then you have been invaded by a VI Avatar please continue reading.


    Erik sighed softly as he realized that he got a hard invasion since he got 30 DP as a bonus. But he didn''t know the method of the invasion. He kept reading. Technological Invasions; once the rift has been made most tech realities will only be able to create, and hold one Rift at a time. So once the rift is open, they are stuck with their location unless they want to close it. If the Rift is closed then you as the Defender wins automatically, and you are protected for twenty four hours real time. When a Rift is artificially created through science they can pick and choose where the Rift shows up in their reality. But you have to remember that alternate realities have different lay outs. What could be a city in one world, could be the bottom of an ocean in another. (To all the science geeks out there that argue about vibration frequencies and how we are all on top of each other? The Developers specifically changed that rule to allow a bit of RNG into invasions/defense)


    Tech Invasions, on hard difficulty or higher will often have an edge. Advanced Tech, stealth fields, armor piercing bullets, planes capable of space flight, etc! If they are medium then they will have the same tech level as your world, while easy is behind the curve. Tech Rifts have a high output of energy so if your world has a global scanner have it actively scan for spikes in energy readings. Be aware that Rifts near either the North, or South pole may disrupt the scans. Hard and above invasions will most certainly have ways to mask the energy read outs. But remember a simple rule. Rock, Paper, Shotgun! Each world can be beaten by another world. Technology has a hard time beating magic. So, if your world has Wardens and the Super Natural council you''ll have an edge other worlds don''t.


    Meta-Gene invasions are tricky business. They have similar strengths and weaknesses to Tech invasions. But one out of ten soldiers you meet will have the meta-gene. If you are facing hard or higher then all the soldiers you fight will be artificially meta-humans with basic stat increase that makes them F+ or higher. While one out of ten are meta-humans with a variety of powers C+ or higher. Also, if you are on hard or higher meta-gene invasions can move their Rift locations. Certain meta-gene origins can distort and make additional Rifts. Once they have recorded and locked your worlds vibration frequency they can close the original rift and make a new one. However, they must have at least one Rift active at all times. If all Rifts are closed, they lose the invasion and you win the defense. Tech worlds have an advantage over Meta-Gene worlds. (Meta-Gene worlds strengths and weaknesses are based off of the world they have. Random powers means you can get something really strong, or really weak, or something in between. Good luck!)


    Please take note! Every alternate reality world has its own VI Avatars, and its own DC characters. Be it heroes, villains, etc! For what ever reason this world has decided to invade other worlds. This means that you could very well fight the invaders version of Superman! If you haven''t researched kryptonite, and red sun energy do so as soon as possible! Additionally, every world that invades will not, I repeat! Will not have a copy of you the Dreamer on it! The Dreamer is a unique existence! Unless you joined the Beta Multiplayer you will never meet yourself in any alternate reality. Story Rift, Scenario Rift, or Invasion/Defense Rift. You are you own special snow flake!


    Magical Invasion, by far out of all the invasions Magical is the most horrifying. They are not necessarily stronger or weaker. Just terrifying! I have personally been invaded three times by a magical reality. (Not all invasions come from an alternate Earth. Some of them come from different dimensions, like Hell!) One of the invasions I had experienced was by Trigon, fuck Trigon in the ass! I fucking hate that guy! But I digress! Magical invasions have the same ability as Meta-Gene in the regard that once they have locked your vibration frequencies they can move their Rifts. Just as long as one Rift is always open. Meta-Gene worlds as long as they have the right powers will often trump Magic worlds.


    Hybrid worlds! You will not encounter an invading Hybrid world unless its on very hard and above. Hybrid could mean two out of the three, or all three! Worlds that focus on multiple aspects take longer to develop but once they passed the hurdle they are a bitch to win against. But if you have hybrid world and you are defending? Congratulations you are nigh unbeatable!


    I have a list of other threads done by other Invaders, and Defenders. Even if you never plan to invade learning how your enemy thinks can help you defend when it comes time. You can also invade while you are defending. Not every invading world is stable! Think of it like ancient Rome. Rome at the end of its era was a mob of people that didn''t want war, they just wanted to win! So often once they start losing the world may be amiable to a change in leadership. Or maybe the invading leader is a dictator who enslaved their world, get rid of them and you have an ally for the future.


    I''ll see you around, if you see me and my sister in game give us a thumbs up and treat us nicely! Agent Nickel of ARGUS signing off!


    Erik stopped when he read the name! Holy shit! Agent Nickel wrote the thread!? Erik sent a private message to thank Nickel for the advice, and said he had met him and his sister in his Dream and is doing his best to treat them nicely. Erik sent the message then jumped when his alarm went off, he jumped towards his kitchen opened his oven reached to grab the pot pie with out wearing any oven mitts. He snagged the pie out of the oven and set it aside, he leaned in and smelled the freshly cooked pie and turned off his oven. He''d wait a few minutes to let it cool off before he''d eat it.


    Erik spent some time looking through his inbox, he had hundreds of hate mail from people wanting him to die for making such a villain killer like Wraith. Since Lash/Saurian were made before the Justice League was ever formed when ever people met them in their Dreams Wraith was already C or B grade and was incredibly tough to work around! People spent thousands of World Points to delete Wraith from their Dreams. Erik got so much hate mail that the developers sent him a auto read and delete mod for his inbox which he graciously accepted! He let the mod do its work and went to get his pie!


    When he returned his inbox went from hundreds to just about thirty or so. Several thanks you, and well wishers. Wraith was a ''Class trainer'' in their Dreams and many of the Users went to him for training, and equipment. One User was part of the original 355 and said this incredible story about Darkseids invasion and how the User had actually been killed in battle, they had gone to the black room expecting to hear the horrible words of ''You have died'' from their VI, only to get a notice that ''Wraith is attempting to revive you, will you accept?'' The User continued to write that with Wraith''s help that none of the main DC heroes died in battle.... (Though hundreds of VI Avatars died horribly :P) At the end of the letter was the sender. -Agent Murmur of ARGUS.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Erik shouted, he laughed and sent a reply back.


    A simple letter, and he hoped that his Avatar will continue to be helpful in the future. He had met Agent Nickel, and Agent Murmur in his Dream and was helping them! Erik finished his letter and sent it off, then finished his pot pie and cleaned up. He shut down his computer drank another bottle of water and settled back down into the Dream Engine Cube.


    ¡°Welcome back, User!¡± Erik opened his eyes inside the black room.


    He turned to look at Dawn who was sitting at wooden oak desk. A laptop out, a phone, printer, and a note pad with a pen. Behind on a wall made from starlight was a MBA certificate at the institute or dreams. She had her long brunette hair up in a bun, with two hair sticks jetting out of it. Black rimmed glasses on that covered bright blue eyes! She had a cute button nose, soft pink lips, and high cheek bones. She wore a white silk blouse, black pencil skirt, her jacket was over her chair. Erik smirked at the sexy office worker look.


    ¡°Working hard?¡± Erik said as he walked over and took a seat in front of the desk that was offered by Dawn.


    ¡°Yes I am! You have no idea how difficult it is to manage a world being invaded by another! So many tax right offs! Travel expenses! Insurance claims!¡± Dawn said with an exaggerated sigh as she typed away on her lap top. ¡°One hopes that you can be over and done with this invasion so we can get back to lazy days filled with life and death situations, and Charming Presence accidents!¡± Dawn winked at Erik at the end, who groaned and rubbed his face.


    ¡°Its not that I don''t like the skill, its just...I wish it wasn''t so high in level! All that experience that could have been spent on other things! If it had stayed at basic, or intermediate that would have been workable. But Advance! How much experience did that take?¡± Erik said, defeated.


    ¡°Oh a great deal, User! But Charming Presence is always active. So it always gains experience. If you don''t want it to level, then stop spending time with people that find you attractive!¡± Dawn said with a smirk as if it was clear as day.


    ¡°I am a giant lizard half the time!¡± Erik all but shouted at her. Dawn raised a well manicured eye brow at him. He mumbled an apology.


    ¡°Do you expect the characters in your Dream to be so shallow, Erik? Yes, Lash is incredibly good looking! But its his, and Saurians good nature that really pulls them in. Charming Presence isn''t so simple. You may not know this but the system doesn''t give that skill to people with rotten personalities. Even if you buy it with World Points when Users start over, it never goes very high unless you have...A Charming Presence. If you want it to stop gaining experience? Turn into an asshole!¡± Dawn said with a smile, and Erik groaned in despair. She knew that Erik would never do that.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you can tell me anything more about the Invasion. Like who it is, or at least what kind of world it is?¡± Erik inquired, hoping. Dawn shook her head, no.


    ¡°I can congratulate you though! You were granted an achievement but were so busy with VICI, I didn''t want to interrupt you. Would you like to accept it now?¡± Dawn asked, Erik perked up and nodded. Dawn took out some confetti from her desk and threw it at him. Erik blinked in confusion, and rolled his eyes at Dawn who grinned at him.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained ten unique Spell Domains. Granting you the Achievement: ''Phenomenal Cosmic Powers! 2.0''


    Effect: All Spell Domains now gain 10% more experience, take 10% less energy to cast, and are 10% stronger.


    ¡°Thanks, Dawn. I feel so much better now.¡± Erik said with a bemused expression. Dawn blew him a kiss and went back to work.


    ¡°May I see my time line application, please.¡± Erik asked, Dawn winked at him and a holographic window appeared in front of him.


    ¡°By the way, thank you for that.¡± Dawn said as she looked over her lap top.


    ¡°For what?¡± Erik asked, as he looked up.


    ¡°Being polite. Saying thank you, your welcome, talking to me like a friend. Not many of the Users do that. Most of them shout, curse, and call the VI''s names. They treat us....Like things.¡± Dawn said softly. Erik stood up, went around the desk and went to his knees and hugged her. She squeaked in surprise but soon curled up in his arms.


    ¡°Maybe I''m insane for saying this, but I consider you a friend Dawn. I may tease my friends, give them shit, but I will never treat you like an object. I promise.¡± Erik said....


    Charming Presence has gained experience!


    ¡°Oh come on!¡± Erik shouted, and Dawn laughed at him. Covering her mouth with her hand and just giggled at him.


    ¡°See! If you had a rotten personality then it wouldn''t level!¡± Dawn said, and kissed his cheek.


    Erik grumbled and went back to his seat to look at the time line application. Oddly enough there was only three entries? Erik raised a brow, but would save his questions till after he read them. First, the different clones contained within Cadmus labs had escaped. That meant Superboy, and a collection of creatures, and possibly a lot of VI Avatars are out in the world. Well shit, Lex must be tearing his hair out....Oops!


    Second, Fort Rozz had landed!? It used an advance stealth field to slip past VICI''s scans and landed in Death Valley, California. The onboard AI was attempting to use solar collection tools to feed its draining energy reserves but it was of course not enough to sustain it for long. It was in the process of triage for its important functions. Maintaining a stealth barrier, keeping its prisoners in stasis, keeping the stasis shields up. One by one those were going to fall, then the prisoners aboard would be loose.


    Third, Fort Rozz had sent a SOS signal to any and all Kryptonian vessels it could reach. It primarily wanted to reach the last known Justicar which was Kara Zor-El, and her ship. So Kara''s, and Clarks ships all received the signal! But across the galaxy along the outer rim was an old decommission military kryptonian vessel. Drew-Zod the military leader, and puritan! Along with the remains of his forces woke up from stasis. They received the signal and were in transit to Earth. They would be here in little over a year. Fuck.... Over five hundred Kryptonians were imprisoned aboard Fort Rozz along with a collection of other Aliens. More then half of the Kryptonians aboard were part of Zods military force.


    ¡°Dawn, where is the rest of the time line data?¡± Erik asked, curious about it as he looked up over the application.


    ¡°That is all there currently is, User. You''ve caused so much fundamental change in the Dream that time line events have been over ridden. Soon you''ll be in a Dream with no script! The only thing we can say for sure is that Darkseid will come for Earth. But how he will come, and when he will come remains to be seen. Please understand that Darkseid arrival will not be shown on the time line application.¡± Dawn said nonchalantly toward Erik.


    ¡°Oh... Wait, isn''t that a good thing? I mean the fundamental change part, not the Darkseid part?¡± Erik said with a half smile.


    ¡°That is correct, User. You''ve taken control, and you are now writing your own story. Some events from the comics may still happen. But they are different enough that they will not show up on the time line application. Example of this would be the rescue of Giovanni Zatara, in the comics Zatanna asks the justice league for help in rescuing her father from the Homo-Magi. However, you told her to visit John Constantine. Because of his unique plane walking abilities they were able to slip inside the pocket dimension and rescue Giovanni, and Sindella who is Zatana''s mother. Who originally died in the comic story.¡± Dawn took a moment to let Erik absorb that information.


    ¡°Also, the House of Mystery was never a Wayside inn of Mystery until late, late in its original story. However, the Wayside Inn of Mystery is now a primary place for different realities, dimensions, and pocket worlds to hold meetings on neutral ground.¡± Dawn said, she winked at Erik when she said the Wayside inn of Mystery.


    ¡°Wait... I''ve read reports on the Warden information bureau that at the Inn there are information brokers who travel through realities. Is there a broker that would know who is invading the dream?¡± Erik asked, clearly excited.


    ¡°Who knows! You''d have to go and check!¡± Dawn said with a smirk, and returned to her work.


    Erik jumped to his feet and ran to the edge of the Black Room. When he was there he saw the outside and marveled at the beauty of it. But he also noticed a few changes. He could see planet Earth as always, but now he could also see the Watch Tower, along with the moon. He saw the moon before, but it was always distant and hard to see. Now he could see it clearly, and even pick out little details. A ghostly city in ruins almost beckoning him to arrive. Then in the distance he saw the red planet Mars, before he couldn''t even see it! It seemed his playable area was expanding! Erik jumped out of the Black Room and only had a short fall before he arrived once more and jumped into Saurian.


    Welcome back! -Both Saurian, and Lash said to Erik. Dawn had paused the Dream right as VICI was about to come back online. The Dream started up again and the count down timer went from 00:03....2....1....


    ¡°.........Crrrzzzzttttttt...Oh my excuse me! Hello everyone! I''m back! Watch Tower is fully operational and ready to receive visitors!¡± Vici replied, her voice sounded a bit more mature as if several years had gone by. She went from sounding like a cute ten year old to young teenager.


    ¡°What!? Who.....wha? Are we done?¡± Cisco said as he looked around. Saurian turned to look at him with a smirk, which looked terrifying to Cisco as Saurian was the first thing he saw when he woke up. He jumped back in fright and nearly screamed. ¡°Oh Jesus Christ! Oh, its you!¡± Cisco said as he gripped his chest.


    Name: Francisco Ramon, Cisco. (Vibe)


    Title: Trekkie, Padawan, Scientist.


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: F-


    Skills: Science, Electrical Engineering, Genius level intellect, (See tool tip)


    Powers: Warp Wave Manipulation, Dimensional Travel, Psychometry (See tool tip)


    Domains: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Friendly.


    Comment: Cisco is a mad scientist geek through and through! But he is also the incredibly talented, and dangerous Meta-human...Vibe! He just doesn''t know it yet. Cisco''s meta-gene activated when he saw, and felt Wraith''s Conjuration portal.


    Oops! Saurian''s eyes went wide when he saw the Insight information. Moving along he cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Immaculate on Dr Wells, and Cisco. He decided to not be a troll and removed the embarrassing orgasmic sensation. He''d have to do that in the future! Now awake, renewed they stood up, and cleaned up the mess they left behind. The trash going to a recycle section in the Watch Tower. Vici would just break it down with Decomposition, and make new items with Fabrication.


    ¡°I''m headed back to the cabin to pick up my companions. Where are you two headed?¡± Saurian asked as all three of them headed to the portal hub.


    ¡°We''ll be returning to Central City, but I plan on coming back to the cabin to test Victor later today...¡± Dr Wells said, as he covered his mouth as he yawned.


    ¡°I''m trying to make an workable exoskeleton for civilian use. But I''m havin...whats this?¡± Cisco said, and was stopped as Saurian handed him a thumb drive with basic exoskeleton plans on it, with kinetic batteries that recharge as the subject moves.


    ¡°It will help you with the designs.¡± Saurian said, then they all squeezed into a very small elevator and rode it up to the upper saucer section.


    Now with two hubs available Wells, and Cisco went straight back to Central City in Team Flash''s secret club house. While Saurian went straight to the Cabin in the rocky mountains. Vici dropped him on the outside and for a moment Saurian was confused why she did. Then he realized he didn''t build the cabin with a carnosaur size doors. He''d have to alter them a bit. He sent a thank you to Vici for thinking ahead.


    ¡°You are very welcome, Father. Please notify me when you are ready to move back to Detroit.¡± Vici replied in a chipper enthusiastic voice that fit a mid teen young lady.


    ¡°Saurian!¡± Kara came flying out and tackled/hug the giant lizard in the face. Saurian chuckled and wrapped his arms around her.


    Kara wore a pair of pink cotton PJ''s with kitten paws on them. Her hair was ruffled from jumping out of bed, and smelled like clean sheets. Megan flew out and joined the hug, soon followed by a naked Kory who pressed her self against Saurian who growled contently. Wrapping his massive tail around all three of them, careful of his bladed tip.


    ¡°So, is Victor still a virgin? Or were you unable to relieve him of that, Kory?¡± Saurian asked, clear amusement in his voice.


    ¡°No! Kara dragged me to her room to prevent me from getting to Victor. But me and Kara still had a bit of fun! Didn''t we!?¡± Kory said with a wink at Kara who flushed red as a tomato.


    ¡°I...I.... We...Nothing happened! We... her hands...Went places! That''s all!¡± Kara squeaked and flew back inside away from the both.


    ¡°Wait! Did the two of you have a slumber party with out me?¡± Megan said, a bit of disappointment on her face. Kory floated down and kissed Megan on the cheek.


    ¡°Never you worry, Megan! I''ll include you next time!¡± Kory said, Megan clearly not understanding what had actually occurred cheered, and flew back into cabin.


    Kory stood before Saurian, still completely naked. She squared her shoulders and pushed out her chest. Hands on her hips, and feet spread apart. Almost daring Saurian to do something! Saurian with his right hand wrapped his claws around Kory''s tiny waist and from crotch to neck licked her with his massive forked tongue. Kory squeaked, then moaned in delight at the feel of his tongue on her skin, and sensitive areas. Once he was finished, Kory was flushed down to her navel but she grinned all the same.


    ¡°I wonder what else you can do with your tongue if we had more time!¡± Kory said, and flew back into the cabin.


    Saurian watched her leave with a chuckle, and came to the door. It was true! He didn''t fit. Saurian decided to switch with Lash and ended the Shapeshift. Lash stood at the door in his default human form. Clad in his Daemonic Warden armor. The tribal marks clear as day on his bald scalp, the snake scales along his bones, and reptilian eyes. He walked into the cabin and closed the door behind him. His companions were cooking breakfast, or trying to. Mega was clearly the only one who knew what she was doing and she was having a laughing fit as Kory stared at the eggs waiting for them to stir themselves. Kara shoved a bath robe to Kory telling her to put it on before Victo...to late.


    ¡°Holy crap! Put some cloths on!¡± Victor shouted at the naked Kory. Lash was happy to see the liquid metal polymer implant was working correctly. Because Victor clearly was pitching a tent and the incredibly sexy Koriand''r.


    ¡°Oh my! There it is!¡± Kory flew across the room and almost pounced on Victor then and there until Kara tackled her mid flight.


    ¡°Victor run! I''ve got her!¡± Kara shouted, Victor turned tail and ran back to his room. As Kory wrapped her legs around Kara and grinned.


    ¡°Who''s got who?¡± Kory said, and Kara squeaked in surprise.


    Lash walked into the kitchen and started to help Megan with break fast. Kara called for help more then once and Megan decided to help on the third call. Soon Megan gasped in surprise and came flying back to Lash, hiding behind him and blushing a deeper shade of green. Kory''s hands had been places! Lash laughed and ruffled her head. Megan squeaked but felt a little better at Lash''s carefree attitude.


    Less then an hour later Victor, Kara, Megan, and a clothed Kory sat at the table with Lash serving food to them. Kara was a deep shade of red, and glared at Kory across the table but made a point to not look her in the eye. Megan quietly ate her food. Victor looked horrified, and was questioning his life decisions on whether he should have taken Kory up on the offer or not. Kory was making a leaning tower of pancakes!


    ¡°So, Victor in a few hours some of the League will be here to test your abilities. I know you didn''t want to be poked and prodded at STAR labs, but there will be some testing. We have to see what you can do. I''ve reinforced the basement with several advanced metallurgy elements. Though it you punch a hole in it, that also tells me a great deal. I hope you will understand we are trying to help. But at any time you can say you are done for the day. They understand that this is all very new for you.¡± Lash said as he took his seat, and had a cup of hot chai...Hmmmmm Chai.


    ¡°Ya...I understand. Ummm, could I call my friends? M-Maybe my Dad?¡± Victor said the last part softly.


    ¡°Of course. I''ll make a new holographic phone before we leave. Though technically you don''t need it with your software, and hardware. Its good to have appearances. Please understand that Vici will be monitoring your conversation. Simply to prevent you from giving away out current location, or the Watch Towers existence. Please don''t be offended.¡± Lash replied, as he smiled at Victor. Victor shivered a bit, the human/snake face was a little eerie.


    ¡°Ya! That''s fine. I mean I get it! Knowing that the Justice League has a super secret space station that orbits Earth. I take it not a lot of people know about it?¡± Victor asked.


    ¡°Nope! Not even the United Nations! Though my employers do!¡± Lash said with a smile.


    ¡°But....I thought you worked for the United Nations.¡± Victor said, clearly confused.


    ¡°Oh I do!¡± Lash said, and didn''t specify what he meant.


    ¡°Where we headed today, Lash?¡± Kara asked after she finished her omelet. She continued to glare at Kory, but only when Kory wasn''t looking.


    ¡°We''ll head back to Detroit, we still have two possible recruits. I also plan to make a suit for Melanie before we leave the city.¡± Lash replied, Megan perked up at the mention of Melanie, Bryson''s Daughter.


    ¡°Melanie is a meta-human. She can manipulate metal. J''onn sent me a message, Melanie wants him to train her on her powers. Bryson, and Melinda agreed to let their daughter join up. On the condition that. A: I build a bunker under the restaurant. B: I create a uniform for Melanie. C: If and when Melanie decides to join the League, she only be a reservist.¡± Lash explained to Megan who smiled wide at the thought that her friend Melanie would be joining the League.


    ¡°So, we have three recruits? Not two?¡± Kory asked as she finished her third pile of pancakes.


    ¡°Yes... I guess so. Sorry I must be tired.¡± Lash said more to himself than anyone at the table. Kara glanced at Kory who looked at Lash with concern. Victor reading the mood switched subjects.


    ¡°How was the upgrade with Vici?¡± Victor said, as Megan mouthed the words ''Thank you'' to him. He nodded in replie.


    ¡°Great! Her overall grade went from G to F...Oh! Right. The habitat has a grading system. G, F, E, D, C, B, A.¡± Lash replied, and realized they didn''t know what the grading meant. ¡°It will take substantial resources to go from F to E. So it will be a while but hopefully not to long before she can upgrade again. The Watch Tower now has new Science, Engineering, Research and Development, along with a Security hub. In fact once Dr Wells comes back from Central City I would encourage you to go up to the Watch Tower and go to the Science Labs Victor. Vici can give you a once over and tell you a great deal that we don''t know ourselves.¡± Lash finished and took another drink from his glass.


    ¡°Ummm... What was the message you got yesterday evening?¡± Kara asked, clearly hesitant on whether she should have asked.


    ¡°Oh! An alternate reality is invading our world. My Patron and or Extra Dimensional being sent me a warning about it. We don''t know what world, where the entry point is, or how fast the invasion will happen. All we know is that they are hostile.¡± Lash said, nonchalantly and with an indifferent face.


    The silence in the room was so deafening that they could hear a pin drop. Then Victor started to crack up, he was laughing! He banged the table...Softly! His shoulders jumped up and down as he took in huge lung fulls of air! Clearly, Lash was fucking with them! But, Victor looked around the table and realized no one else was laughing. He looked back at Lash, his smile wilted.


    ¡°Tell me your not serious? Tell me your joking!? Another reality is invading our world?¡± Victor shouted as he stood up and pointed an accusing finger at Lash.


    ¡°No, Victor I am serious. That is one of the things I did yesterday is ''commune'' with my patron to get more information. Unfortunately, they couldn''t give me much.¡± Lash said, which of course was partially a lie. He just used Cosmic Awareness break the fourth wall to announce his ''Quest'' out loud. Lash was slightly resentful when he gained experience in Acting as he lied to everyone. ¡°However, I do have a lead. Once we finish in Detroit we''ll be visiting the Wayside inn of Mystery. Its a mobile pocket dimension that acts as neutral ground between dimensions. We may be able to discover who is invading....Maybe.¡± Lash finished.


    ¡°Why don''t we go right now!?¡± Megan shouted as she stood up, clearly horrified! Her martian green skin flushed with excitement, and adrenaline. Her red hair seem to almost rise and grow into spikes, her green pigmentation grew a lighter color, almost gray, maybe white? Megan realized the difference and returned to a normal green color.


    ¡°We need to at least approach our recruits. Every new member is another champion to the cause. But please don''t miss understand me. I''ve already sent word out to several of my contacts they are in the process of looking. But! Earth is a big place, especially if you are trying to hide. The invaders are definitely hiding.¡± Lash responded to Megan, and sent a telepathic gesture of reassurance. Megan settled and sat in her chair again.


    ¡°We''ll also need proof. I mean I believe you, Lash. Every time your patron sent you word turned out to be true. They told Superman about my arrival down to the last second. They said that Argo city, my city along with parents are on their way to the Sol system. I will believe them! But, not everyone is just going to take the word of an extra dimensional being. Its not like we can to to the United Nations and tell them that. Though most of the League may believe you, proving with out a doubt we are being invaded would be better.¡± Kara said to everyone, and Lash agreed with her.


    Victor eventually sat down, and as much as he didn''t want to he agreed. They needed proof, which is why Victor assumed Lash wasn''t sprinting across the globe to tell the world the sky was falling! Another reality invading! It sounded certifiable, they would throw him into Arkham if he said that. The only reason Victor believed him is the other voice in his head, the mechanic voice said that invasion from alternate realities happened often. Wait!


    ¡°Wait! Th...The voice in my head says it knows all about invasions from alternate realities! Maybe it could help with finding proof!¡± Victor said as he stood up once more. Lash looked at him, he had to admit the Father Box and Victor was right. Lash had no idea how many invasions the Box had witnessed.


    ¡°All the more reason to continue your training. So, you can understand what you are capable of. I am not dismissing your claim, Victor! But its not like we can flip and switch and just use you like a compass.¡± Lash said, as he tried to sooth Victor from running off into the wilderness.


    They finished breakfast and cleaned up. Kory, Kara, and Megan got dressed. While Lash created a holographic phone for Victor. Victor tried to access the JL message board like he did yesterday just through his connection. He wasn''t sure why it wasn''t working now. Lash knew because Victor was rushing it. He still didn''t have a grasp on his abilities, and trying to force it wouldn''t work. He finished crafting the phone and handed it to Victor when the Father Box sent out tendrils and incorporated the new piece of technology into their frame.


    ¡°Oh! That''s convenient!¡± Lash said with a smile.


    By the time they were heading to the portal hub in the basement. Victor was already talking to Dr Wells about experiments and training. Lash and his companions said goodbye to Victor and wished him luck. Then they spring jumped up to the Watch Tower. Only to pause for a brief moment and spring jump to in alley right outside of the super-natural hotel. Vici even established a low grade illusion to prevent people from seeing the spell ribbons. POP!


    The four of them headed back into the hotel to get a change of cloths. Lash didn''t want everyone to look like a government agent today. The hotel staff welcomed them back, while what looked like a Summer Court messenger ran up to talk to Lash. He told the ladies to keep going as he stopped to speak to the messenger. They both bowed keeping to Warde, and Fae etiquette.


    ¡°How can this Warden be of service to the Seelie Court?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°We understand that you were not here yesterday, but thank you for notifying the hotel of your absence. We were worried something had happened?¡± The messenger asked, Lash pulled the sylvan aside and created a obstruction glamour. The messenger squared his shoulders and looked interested.


    ¡°I am an Oracle, I received a message from my Patron yesterday. I''ve been told that an alternate reality has invaded our world. I am currently in the process of verifying that information. You and I both know that creatures, spirits, and beings cross the dimensional planes on a daily basis. Even invasions from dimensions such as the nine hells happens from time to time. But never has my Patron warned me about and ''Invasion'' I am looking into the matter. But I don''t have any proof.¡± Lash finished, the Sylvan looked horrified!


    ¡°A-Are you willing to stand under a Rune of Truth to verify this?¡± The Sylvan asked.


    ¡°Yes! We can do it now if you like?¡± Lash answered, the Sylvan nodded.


    ¡°Please return to your room and wait there. I''ll tell the Seelie court and have a rune-mage come to your room. We won''t be long!¡± The Sylvan bowed and left the obstruction glamours bubble. Lash bowed in return and went back to his room to prepare.


    Lash returned to their rooms and saw this companions waiting for him axiously. He told them that his work was attempting to verify his claims and was putting him through a lie detection. All three were shocked that they would think he would be lying! Lash appeased them and said it was part of the process. He switched subjects and they let him. He asked what they all wanted to wear today! He even told Megan to tell him since he was capable of creating cloths that could partially shift. Megan was excited to have her own cloths!


    Megan decided on a simple outfit. A two piece set top and pants blue faux suede fabric, with a black shirt tucked into the pants. The blue coat went down to her ankles like a trench coat, and the pants billowed out like bell bottoms. She wore two inch black heels, and had her Death Ward necklace around her neck. Her hair, and eyes were blue due to the mood illusion charm (Lovable). She decided to curl her hair into ringlets.


    Kory decided on something a bit flirty as she always does, she wore pure white cara ribbed drawstring dress. Along with a pair of heeled black boots. Her eyes, and hair were the color of pink (Happy) Her hair was down and swept back from her face. The dress was form fitting and hugged her seductive curves. The fabric thin enough to let anyone watching know she didn''t have a bra on as her erect nipples poked through the fabric. Kory winked at Lash.


    Kara chose a black tank top that was cut off above her navel, and put on a diamond jewel piece in her belly button. The she had a long black skirt on that had buttons up and down the skirt from waist to hem. She only did the top three buttons allowing everyone to get the sight of her well muscled, and tanned left leg. She wore black and white flat foot tennis shoes. Her eyes, and hair were bright purple with highlights of pink (Calm, Happy) Lash made her a pair of silver earrings in the shape of the House of Zor-El. She blushed at the sight of them and her hair temporarily went from dark blue (romantic) back to purple, and pink.


    When they finished up their was a knock at the door. Lash opened it and bowed towards the Seelie court attendants, and the rune-mage who walked in. The mage was a four and half foot tall woman with broad shoulders, muscular arms, and a big grin. Her bright amber colored eyes, and auburn hair was done up in several braids. She smiled at the three lovely ladies, and clapped on Lash''s back nearly tumbling him over.


    ¡°Oie! Look at you! Three lovely ladies all to your self! Aren''t you lucky!¡± The Dwarf? Had a southern accent.


    ¡°Yes he is! Though he barely touches us!¡± Kory said, pouting her lips. Kara, and Megan looked at her shock, and horror.


    ¡°Aha! That is how Warden Lash just is! I''ve heard all about his gentlemen ways! Give me down and dirty male any day, I say! All right Warden lets get this done! I''ve got a brew fest to get back to!¡± The rune-mage named Dalira said with a grin.


    Dalira pulled out a wand and began to inscribe the rune of truth on the floor. This was actually the first time Lash had ever seen the Rune drawn slowly enough for him to watch. He''d seen it drawn before at the Warden HQ at Gotham the few times he had to be debriefed. But it was always quickly done on a prepared piece of stone. Not done on a piece of wood floor in a hotel.


    Observant Learner activated....Rune Carving sub-skill of Enchanting..... Rune of Truth...1%.....5%.....15%....30%....65%.....100%. Sub-skill Rune Carving learned, Rune of Truth acquired!


    ¡°Did you get all that, Warden? I can do it again if you missed it?¡± Dalira said with a smile. Lash blinked and looked embarrassed, he''d been found out. Dalira laughed a big boisterous laugh. It made Lash smile.


    ¡°Don''t you be worry your pretty little head! I''m friends with Nast''rok back in Gotham. He says you are right bastard for leaving his shop with out making the trees of healing! But he says you are good student otherwise!¡± Dalira said with a smile, and Lash face palmed. Fuck that was right, he never made the tree''s of healing for Nast''roks workshop.


    ¡°I''ll make tree''s this week and have them delivered to the workshop via the Griaks! I''m such a fool for forgetting it!¡± Lash said with a bitter tone. Dalira clapped him on his back again.


    ¡°Oh don''t be worry your scaly head you giant lizard! He knows your busy! Get to it when you can! Right step onto the rune and we''ll get this done!¡± Dalira finished.


    After that it was pretty simple. They asked Lash a string of questions about the message from his patron. (Though it was in quest format when he received it) He told them the specifics of the mission. Defend against an invasion, find out who is doing it, fight the invasion if possible back to their world, minimize loss of life in their own reality. They asked what he intended to do? He intended to finish his work here in Detroit, the Seelie Court attendants and Dalira didn''t know the exact business in Detroit but they knew it was important to the Courts. Then he was going to the Wayside inn of Mystery and see if he could meet an information broker to find out about which reality was invading them.


    ¡°Ah! Something we can help with! We''ll run ahead and at least see if anyone is available. See about getting you a name of the broker at that! Though we wont talk them ourselves. This was a quest from your Patron! You best be doin it! But don''t you worry! The Fae council will cast some nets, we''ll see if its Magical oriented or not! Right you are, Warden Lash! Nast''rok was right, you got shit for luck you do! Best of luck! Lets shove off people!¡± Dalira said with a smile and left with the Seelie court attendants...After they erased the Rune of Truth from the floor.


    ¡°I like her¡± ¡°Me too!¡± ¡°Yes, I think we should invite her to drinks some time!¡± Kara, Megan, and Kory said together. Lash grinned at them and gathered them up and walked out the door. They needed to go to Brysons place first.


    Lash went with his goth soldier attire and hide his tribal marks, and reptilian features. The more time he spent in his Transformation and Shapeshifting the more of Saurian lingered with him. Lash honestly didn''t mind. If he didn''t have Fae glamour, and the illusion Domain he may have been worried. They arrived at Brysons restaurant and Megan found and tackled/hugged her human friend Melanie who didn''t recognize Megan at first. Several retired vigilantes recognized the group and said hello while Lash was brought to the basement cellar by Melinda. The basement had the amenities of a restaurant, and a home above. While there was also a small distillery. Bryson made micro-brews.


    ¡°I''m not sure you''ll be able to do any work today. We have some friends who can come and dig up the area with out making to much noise...¡± Melinda began then shut her mouth as Lash walked through the wall. Earth Swim.


    In little under and hour there was a small secret elevator that went from the bunker to the house above the restaurant. Along with a hard to find, and navigate entrance/exit to the sewers, and an even more difficult entrance/exit straight into the river. The bunker extended past the basement, and under it as well. Lash made a eighty foot squared room, stairs that led down to another fifty foot squared room. A small ramp that lead to the top parking lot for a motorcycle, and a car which he was building now.


    The top floor of the bunker had a machine shop, armor, and basic medical room. The bottom floor was a small training room, exercise equipment, gym pads, punching bag, and a few single beds for those few times Melanie may or may not have visitors. Along with a shower, and changing room. He came back up to the ''first'' floor and went back to the cellar under the restaurant. A inconspicuous wall was pushed inward from the cellar and moved aside with barely a noise. The door slide closed behind him and he went back up to the restaurant to find the family of vigilantes.


    It was lunch time but Lash was able to snag the family, and his companions for a brief moment. When the secret door slid open in the basement Bryson let out a low whistle. They all walked in and the lights started to turn on as the door behind them slid closed. Tucked in the back next to the ramp was a 900 cc motorcycle with electrical converter battery. She could plug it in when she was home, it could run for three straight days at top speed before it needed a refill.


    Arcane Science 900 cc motorcycle with trace elements of Orichalcum, and Nth metal. With a Tiberium battery core. Deep shade of blue.


    Rank: B+


    Effect: Very Durable.


    Effect: 10% Durability restored every day as long as it has power.


    Effect: 40% absorption of kinetic, and light energy.


    Effect: 40% decrease of negative spell energy.


    Effect: 40% increase of positive spell energy.


    Effect: Virtual Intelligence (Self Drive), Phantasm (Illusion of another motorcycle), Invisibility. Repair, Compression Transformation, Connectivity (Vici access)


    Effect: Aquatic surface method of transportation. (Wave Rider)


    Effect: Security lock. (There is no ignition key, activates when rider is near)


    Effect: Nigh impossible to steal for mundanes.


    Comment: You''ve made an over powered scifi magical motorcycle that can hit speeds of 150 mph on straight and level roads. People who ride these kind of machines are called something, oh that''s right! ''Road Kill!''


    ¡°Good God that is a pretty bike!¡± Melinda said as she walked up and hugged the motorcycle, the thing actually purred at her. The engine gently rising and falling.


    ¡°You built this place in less than an hour? How!?¡± Bryson said as he looked at Lash who shrugged at him.


    ¡°Practice.¡± Lash said gently. Melanie looked around with wide eyes as she touched everything in the room, and noticed there was a set of stairs. She went down, with her father following behind her. Kory came over to pet the motorcycle as Megan followed after Melanie. Kara stayed next to Lash as he sat down on a chair next to the medical lab.


    ¡°You look tired...¡± Kara said as she watched Lash. He nodded gently at her.


    ¡°I''ll be fine, though we may turn in early tonight.¡± Lash commented, Kara agreed and came to stand next to him. Despite his exhaustion she still leaned up against him. Even sitting Lash was just as tall as her. He smiled at her, and she grinned back.


    Melanie came back up and had tears in her eyes, she walked over to Lash and gave him a big hug. Bryson was behind his daughter and grinned wide at her. While Melinda left the purring motorcycle and came to stand next to her husband. Lash gently patted Melanie on the back as she cried. She wasn''t sad, just happy and incredibly surprised.


    ¡°I half expected to be given a secret decoders ring, and a foot locker with equipment in it. This...this is to much!¡± Melanie finally said. Lash just grinned as he pulled out the holographic wrist phone, with JL message capabilities. Melanie yelped in surprise. Wayne Tech holographic phones were incredibly expensive!


    ¡°How can I pay for any of this!¡± Melanie asked, practically shaking in fright.


    ¡°Just do the job that you parents did. The bunker is here for you, but there may come a time when other League members may need it. That is why there are single beds downstairs. Hopefully that will never happen! But its possible.¡± Lash said to her, he had also installed a single person portal hub in the bunker. It wasn''t big enough for a larger one. Little by little the infrastructure of the League was being made.


    ¡°Now, have you given any thought to your uniform?¡± Lash asked, Melinda stepped forward at the mention of the uniform and pulled out several costume designs. They looked very....Fan service like. Kara laughed out loud and covered her mouth as she tried to hide her smile. Melinda looked confused.


    ¡°OK! These are great designs but they don''t offer a lot of protection.¡± Lash commented on the dress up costume designs. They belonged at a Fetish BDSM convention. Lash knew that Melinda as Night Cat had worn a full body leather costume.


    ¡°I said she needed more armor!¡± Bryson said with a grin, and Melinda glared at him. Melanie stood off to the side looking between her parents and Lash. She had been mortified when she saw the pictures her mother had made for her.


    ¡°So, Melanie is a Ferrokinesis. Capable of manipulation of metal. She has limited Telekinetic powers. Meaning she can move things with her mind, but only things made from metal. Along with a metal perception. Example of this is being able to see metal through walls but only metal. It may seem limited but most people today carry some form of metal. Especially if she is fighting crime. Melanie can yank guns from the hands of perps, see them through walls, and even stop bullets...With practice.¡± Lash finished, the family looked shocked, but then Bryson clapped his daughter on the back.


    ¡°Grats Mel! Your Neo from the matrix!¡± Bryson said with a grin, and Melanie blushed and hid behind her mother who laughed at her.


    ¡°Well that makes my costume designs pointless! I figured she was going to be a martial artist like Bryson and me!¡± Melinda said as she tucked the drawings away.


    ¡°Eventually as long as you practice your limited telekinesis you may even be able to fly.¡± Lash said, and Melanie looked at him with wide eyes. Bryson laughed and face palmed!


    ¡°That''s right! If she can manipulate metal she could jump on a metal board and fly through the air!¡± Bryson said with a grin.


    ¡°So, for now I will make a training uniform that she can wear in the field. But we''ll worry about costume designs later. Its important to have a symbol, something that says that is you. So, I''ll make a full body, form fitting metal polymer suit, with some basic armor plates. The polymer will be able to stop a bullet, though it will still hurt! With practice you''ll eventually be able to use the armor plates to levitate, and eventually fly. Once you have fully mastered flight we can talk about making a costume with a bit of flair, agreed?¡± Lash asked, the family agreed. So Lash went to the work table and began to create the suit.


    Metal polymer weave suit with Orichalcum, Nth metal, and traces of Mithril armored plates. Black weave, with gray armor plates.


    Rank: C+


    Effect: Very Durable.


    Effect: 5% Durability daily as long as it has power.


    Effect: Kinetic movement and absorption generates power, batteries stored in armored plates.


    Effect: 30% absorption of kinetic, and light energy.


    Effect: 30% decrease of negative spell energy.


    Effect: 30% increase of positive spell energy.


    Effect: 10% improvement of meta-gene powers.


    Effect: Adjust 5 sizes higher or lower.


    Effect: Creation of mundane items, knives, ball bearings, bullets. (Warning huge consumption of energy reserves)


    Effect: Repair, Chameleon, Essence Imbeument,Alteration, Compression Transformation, Immaculate, Re:Implant, Enlarge/Reduce, Infinite Supply.


    Comment: You''ve once again crafted a exotic item for a low level. This will be something Melanie wears for many years, she may never need to change!


    Lash handed the suit over to Melanie who raced off to put it on with the help of her mother. They soon returned to have Melanie standing in front of everyone. She had a half breast plate on her front, with plate armor down her spine. Her gloves had metal plates on for extra punching power, and armor along her forearms that went to a bladed point on her elbows. Along her waist was half skirt of chain mail that covered her backside, and sides but was open in the front. Her metal boots went all the way to knees, and had knee guards. She had a half mask/helmet a lot like Batman''s cowl, which had space for her hair. Her hair was tucked up and back and kept with in a hood so it was out of her eyes. It had similar looks to Kara''s, and Kory''s suit. Though Kory showed more skin, and Kara had full armor plates on.


    ¡°Its really tight! But, not like in a bad way! Once we zipped it on it seem to fit me perfectly, it stretches and moves with me! Also as soon as it was on a I got a tingling feeling across my neck and spine?¡± Melanie asked Lash.


    ¡°That is a minor implant. Its in the suit and gives feed back. Specifically your overall bodies physical health. If you reach a danger zone a SOS message is sent out to your motorcycle which will either ride in to save you! Or send word to Vici our operator in the Watch Tower.¡± Lash said in response.


    Lash spent then next hour explaining all the bells and whistles the suit could do. He also created a very large manual and set it down on the work bench. By the end of it, Melanie had joined the Justice League as in training recruit reserve member of Detroit. It was nearly dinner time so the group stayed for dinner but they couldn''t stay long. They had one more stop tonight before they could call it. Once the sun set the group left the restaurant and headed to Mari Jiwe McCabe (Vixen) place of residence.


    ==============================================================


    Mari Jiwe McCabe came home from work another day, another photo shoot for her modeling career. She loved the job, hated the narcissistic, egotistical, produces, and photographers that tried to seduce her every time she had a shoot. Mari took off her high heels as she walked through her front door and unzipped her full length top and skirt slipping out of it with a sigh. She walked through her condo in bras and panties. She pulled a carton of orange juice from the fridge and drank it straight out. It was her house, she''d do it if she wanted!


    Mari walked towards her bedroom, but not before turning on the hot water in her tub. She was going to take a nice long bubble bath! Stepping into her bedroom, Mari walked over to the full length mirror and set down her carton of juice. She admired herself for a moment. Mari was 5''9¡± with light chocolate brown skin, amber eyes, and short pixie cut brown hair. She worked every day hard in the gym with cardio, yoga, boxing, and hand to hand combat. Nothing burned fatter better then a good dance around a bag!


    Mari reached up to her neck line and gave an irritated groan. All day long no one said a single thing about the necklace, it was like no one could see it! But there on her neck was an old tribal totem. A braided leather piece bound fox claws, and a fox face carved from some kind of golden stone. Mari had tried to take the necklace off, each time she did it would be gone for a brief moment then she would walk by a mirror and see it back on her neck!


    ¡°Why are you there!? I never should have opened that package you came in! It clearly said, ''Do not open'' but I was so curious! Why did Richard send this to me! Maybe he can figure out why it won''t stay off!¡± Mari all but shouted at her reflection.


    Mari stripped from her under wear and went to her bubble bath. She spent a nice relaxing hour in the bath before she felt something call to her. She grimaced as she felt along her neck, the totem was vibrating. She had tried to ignore it in the past, but the call would just get louder, and louder! She drained her tub and went to her bedroom closet. Reached far into the back of her closet to her ''Only wear in emergencies'' clothes.


    Mari pulled on a skin tight black cat suit, with tiger orange high lights down her front, and stripped sides. Pulling on black leather boots, the suit went over their top. Then she pulled on gloves that reached her biceps. She reached into her closet and pulled out a half black leather jacket and put it on. Once again she debated the use of a mask? But every time she went out like this she noticed there was almost a blurry shadow that covered her face. She been out several times in the past few months and not once had any one identified her. She knew she had been caught on CCTV more then once. Nothing! Her gut told her she would be fine, so she closed her closet and went to her bedroom window.


    Pulling the window she looked out across the five story drop, and the breathed in the night air of Detroit. Clouds covered the skies, and the scent in the air promised rain soon. Mari reached out and felt a connection with the great huntsman spider. A ghostly spirit of the spider came from the totem, the basic outline of the spirit wrapped around Mari and she climbed out of her window. Foot, and heel to the wall. This freaked her out every time!


    Mari reached the rooftop and looked around, she took a deep breath and smelled the city. The huntsman spider faded from sight, and the golden wolf wrapped around Mari. She let out a eerie howl into the night, and waited for a response. She knew that she wouldn''t get a howl in return from any natural wolves in the city. She did once get a response from a wolf-husky breed. But the howl was for the spirits of the city. She hunted criminals, predators in human disguise that hunted innocent people. Then her whole body froze! She felt a tingle roll up her spine and sprung up in the air! The lion spirit came to her call as she pulled around and glared at something standing only a few feet from her.


    The...thing? Was over eight feet tall! It had a massive scaled tail with a wicked blade at the end, four gleaming yellow green eyes peered out from its hood. The cloth, or shroud wrapped around it billowed and writhed like it was alive? Clawed, hands and feet. Parts of the things body she could see were clearly covered in some kind of armor. Wait...Mari knew what this was!? She had seen the news footage of him.


    ¡°Agent Wraith? Of the United Nations World Security?¡± Mari asked, she kept her center of gravity low and her lions claws extended as she waited for an answer.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Wraith''s voice was hard to understand, but even still Mari fully understood him. Her lion spirit was screaming at her to run! What ever this thing was, it was incredibly dangerous. ¡°Miss McCabe. We need to talk.¡± Wraith said, that was when the wind blew by and Mari knew Wraith wasn''t alone. Three women were flying around them. She was surrounded!


    ¡°OK? I''m not in trouble am I?¡± Mari asked, looking around for an escape route.


    ¡°I''d like to offer you a job.¡± Wraith said.


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Mari said, even her lion spirit was surprised by the question.


    ¡°What kind of job?¡± Mari asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.


    ==============================================================

 Chapter 76:Madame Xanadu

    ===============================================================


    *******Alberta, Canada*******


    The soldiers in pitch black armor very carefully set up their forward operations base. (FOB) The Rift was only so big so they brought everything through in pieces. For every ten people one of them would have a different armor on. This would designate the squad leader, each leader was inhumanly stronger than the rest of the unit. They also worked the hardest, and longest. Price of rank with in their army.


    The Rift to the alternate reality continued to bubble and fluctuate around the edges. Changing from a variety of colors, blue, black, gray, and red. The anchor pins around the Rift vibrated and gave off a constant hum. Next to the Rift stood a giant man at least seven feet tall, and wide as a door. The Rift commander. Though he stood by the Rift, he had several operation windows in front of him as he continued to monitor the situation around them.


    Several spikes in energy came off the Rift, then four streaks of lightning ran from the Rift. Dark purple, blue, red, and green. Four speedsters came from their world, each one in pitch black armor with a lightning bolt icon on their shoulders. The armor covered the speedsters from head to toe, but the commander could see that two of the speedsters were women purely based off the design and physique of the soldiers.


    ¡°Welcome to Earth-004, our third conquest. We''ve already determined the presence of Meta-Humans in this reality, as well as multiple speedsters presence. All the same, recon, information gathering, and no contact. Any chance of being seen eliminate those that have spotted you and return to the FOB, understood?¡± The Rift Commander said, the four speedsters saluted then left with out a word.


    The Rift commander watched his screens and saw that the speedsters had already left the limited sight line of their observation. They had take this slow, and careful. They made that mistake the first world they conquered. They won''t make that mistake this time. The commander looked up and saw storm clouds begin to roll in. Where ever they were on this world they seem to be close to the northern pole based off their instruments. Good, it would hide their approach, but the snow, and water made building a base a pain.


    ¡°One step at a time, praise the Emperor...¡± The Rift commander said softly to himself. His eyes twitched and for a brief moment the commander snarled in silent rage. An electrical spark from his helmet ''corrected'' this inconsistent nature. The commander returned to his obedient, and programmed personality.


    ===============================================================


    Lash sat in a chair made from Fabrication, and Alteration inside of Mari Jiwe McCabe aka Vixen''s home. He remained in his Wraith disguise though his hood was down so Mari could see him. His skull crest had grown a little more. Allowing for cranial ridges, and horns along the edges. The tribal magic marks glowed softly as he watched her, she also was watching him. Kory, Kara, and Megan sat in the living room. Kory naive, or simply didn''t care was sitting in her seat with a bucket of double mint chocolate chip ice cream from Mari''s freezer. Comfort food that Mari would save for a bad day.


    ¡°So.... You are the one that changed the Sahara back into a jungle?¡± Mari asked? She sat in a large single person chair in the living room. Her legs tucked up and under her, still in her tiger stripped leather outfit.


    ¡°Yes, five specific locations turned into groves to help stimulate growth, and renewal in the desert.¡± Lash said, his animalistic voice harsh on Mari''s ears. Lash''s three companions had grown use to his voice while disguised as Wraith.


    ¡°Thanks for that. I''m part of a charity foundation that helps families in Africa with food, water, and medicine. The jungles are a god send to them, many of the tribes there speak of you in reverence. So, what kind of job did you want to offer?¡± Mari asked, though she was extremely confident in herself she didn''t know how to act around Wraith.


    ¡°Have you heard of the Justice League?¡± Lash asked, as he created a holographic image. Several news articles, videos, and in person dialogues about the League itself. Mari nodded her head as she looked it over, then her eyes went wide in realization.


    ¡°You want me to join the league?! I thought you worked for the UN?¡± Mari said in astonishment.


    ¡°I do work for the UN. If you would like a job with World Security we can also do that. But the Justice League has a bit more freedom. A loose organization, pros and cons to it. But for now its working well.¡± Lash replied, his massive scaled tail coiled around his chair, the serrated edge of his tail tip made Mari flinch. The Lion spirit still attuned to Mari was afraid of it.


    ¡°What about you three? What are your stories?¡± Mari asked, as she looked at Kara, Kory, and Megan.


    ¡°Alien, home world is destroyed. Wraith is showing me around Earth so I have a better understanding of my new home. Superman is my cousin.¡± Kara said, her voice indifferent as she ate a spoonful of ice cream.


    ¡°Alien, I''m from Mars. I''m working with my Uncle, Martian Manhunter to create a dialogue and peaceful co-existence between Earth, and Mars. Wraith is showing me around Earth so I can have a better understanding of the cultures here.¡± Megan chimed in as she sat up right, and attempted to be a model citizen. Though her cheeks flushed a bit when Lash smiled at her.


    ¡°Alien, exiled Princess from another world. Earth is my new home, and Wraith is my friend. He is showing me around the world. I have to say, Earth has a lot of delicious food!¡± Kory replied, and continued to eat the double mint chocolate chip ice cream.


    Mari just stared wide eyed at the three women on her couch eating her ice cream. She looked back at the giant lizard that was Wraith who shrugged at her. Lash continued to watch her, and understood this was a lot to swallow. Normally he wouldn''t have done it this way, but to be honest he was tired. He desperately needed to rest but he had so much to do he knew it would be days before he could get any form of sleep.


    Should we tell her about the invasion? -Megan asked telepathically to Lash.


    No, that would be even harder to swallow then what she already has. -Lash replied, Megan nodded and went back to sitting up straight. Mari had watched her look at Wraith, then look back at her. Woman intuition told Mari that Megan had just asked Wraith something.


    ¡°Am I being forced to join?¡± Mari asked, and Lash shook his head.


    ¡°Not at all, Miss McCabe. It is an offer, we believed that since you clearly plan to continue your crime fighting persona that it might help if you had resources to assist in your mission.¡± Lash replied, as he pulled down the holographic windows.


    ¡°Mission? I don''t even know how I am doing the things I am doing! I don''t understand why I am compelled to go out every night and help people!¡± Mari all but shouted, her cheeks flushed as she realized she was shouting and leaned into her seat.


    ¡°I believe its the totem around your neck compelling you to help, is it not?¡± Lash inquired, Mari sat up straight in her seat. Megan looked confused, she didn''t see any necklace.


    ¡°You can see the necklace!? Your the first person I''ve met to have seen it!¡± Mari said, excitement clear in her voice.


    ¡°May I?¡± Lash reached out for the necklace, Mari knowing the result slipped the necklace off and put it in Lash''s claws. The spiritual lion faded from Mari as Lash looked it over.


    Lash studied the totem as several prompts of information popped up. Windows only he could see as Re:Implant activated. He was surprised to find out the golden fox head was made from Orichalcum, but it made sense since was made from a god. Anansi the African trickster God, also well known to be attached to ''The Red''. Lash looked up and cast Insight on Mari.


    Mari Jiwe McCabe/ Vixen.


    Title: God-Kin, (Anansi) Shaman, High Priestess of Africa.


    Origin: Mundane. Sub-Origin: Magical.


    Rank: D+


    Skills: Athletics, Boxing, Business Management, Hand to Hand combat, (See tool tip)


    Powers: Personification of The Red (Dormant)


    Domains: Spirit Invocation.


    Racial Trait: Animal Intuition.


    Flaw: Animal Behavior.


    Disposition: Neutral.


    Comment: Mari is new to the world of magic, gods, and the supernatural. Part of her wishes to return to the simple life of being a successful model, business owner, and being an everyday heroine. But, even if she won''t admit it out loud she loves the way it feels to rescue someone.


    Lash blinked at the new bullet point of ''Flaw'', maybe a new version went through. First time he saw that one. Animal Behavior meant that the longer she attuned to a specific animal she would channel their behavior. Lash understood that concept. Channel the lion long enough and she would start to crave red meat, have a desire to chase zebra''s, and tear people apart that enter her territory.


    Lash continued to play his claws along the totem and saw that Mari was surprised by something. Lash looked through its design and saw that it had a ''Return to user'' setting. So it would teleport back to her after a moment, but it remained in his hands. Interesting. The Loki God-Spark in his forearm vibrated softly, and the totem did the same. Aha! Two trickster god sparks in the same area. They must be talking.


    ¡°The totem is spiritually bound to you. So it always returns to you no matter the distance. It''s chosen you as its wielder and will not leave until it decides on another. However, its damaged.¡± Lash commented, Mari had jumped across the room and was standing next to him the moment he said it was damaged. She was clearly agitated by the news.


    ¡°Damaged!? How, I never did anything to it! Wait, was it damaged before it came to me?¡± Mari asked, then jumped back in fright at being so close to Lash. His shroud had wrapped around her when she stepped close to it.


    ¡°I can fix it, give me a moment.¡± Lash replied, and took out an Orichalcum ingot, and began to repair the crack he found in the necklace.


    The crack was minuscule, but even a tiny amount can have long last effects on magical items. What seemed like only a few minutes to Lash had turned into nearly an hour for everyone else. Lash barely noticed the difference but when he came back to his senses the totem glowed a brilliant golden glow and the entire room was washed away. Lash was in a completely black room with a bone fire in front of him. An old black man sat by the fire. He had gray hair, wrinkled skin, and an amiable smile on his face as he gestured for Lash to take a seat by the fire. He wore a tribal african full body shawl with a variety of browns, golds, and red colors. Lash came to the fire and took a knee, and performed a perfect Warden etiquette custom.


    ¡°Ehehe! Come, come take a seat! Warden. I am old, and don''t have the same energy to return such customs. But thank you none the less...¡± Anansi said to Lash. Anansi''s voice was like rich honey on the ears.


    ¡°How may this Warden be of service?¡± Lash asked, Anansi smiled at him. His teeth gleaming white, though his canines were a little long.


    ¡°You already have! Its been centuries since the totem has seen a smith capable of repairing it. I can sense that you mean me chosen no harm, and only want her safe. This is good! All that I ask is that you look in on her from time to time. She is head strong, prideful, and tends to run into things she can''t handle. Bit of a trouble maker!¡± Anansi said with a brilliant smile, despite his words he was proud of Mari.


    ¡°Of course! Though I feel I have frightened her.¡± Lash replied as he bowed his head in reverence.


    ¡°You are under a lot of stress. I do not envy you! You have some of the worst luck I have ever seen in a mortal. You seem to attract disaster! But as long as you push through it, and survive! Things always seem to work out!¡± Anansi replied with another smile. The fire in front of them both flickered and the God frowned.


    ¡°Our time is up! The totem will return to my chosen. Mari has a long life ahead of her, full of challenges, and conflicts. I can only guide her, not show her the path she takes. Goodbye Warden, take care of my daughter for me.¡± Anansi said, as the fire slowly died and Lash found himself back in Mari''s room.


    Lash opened his eyes to find that Kory sat cross legged in front of him floating off the ground by several inches. Her eyes closed in concentration, a soft green glow surrounding her body. Mari, Kara, and Megan are talking in another room about fashion. Lash may be able to make any set of clothing but he will admit that his fashion sense is not well practiced, as it seems Mari is attempting to fix a few things on them. Lash reached out and ran a claw along Kory''s cheek. She leaned into the attention, and hummed.


    ¡°Welcome back... Everything alright?¡± Kory asked, as she opened her eyes to look at him with full attention.


    ¡°Yes, was speaking to a God.¡± Lash replied, Kory''s eyes go a little wide. She smiled back at him and shook her head in dismay.


    ¡°Makes me wonder if you could speak to X''Hal.¡± Kory asked, Lash shrugged in response.


    ¡°I''m sure X''Hal speaks to who ever she want''s to speak to.¡± Lash replied. Kory grinned, leaned in and kissed his reptilian lips lightly.


    ¡°I never told you X''Hal was a woman.¡± Kory said, all four of Lash''s eyes went a little wide. Crap, that was right!


    ¡°I am starting to love you, Wraith. Full of surprises! I''m never bored around you!¡± Kory said as she kissed his lips one last time before Mari let out a yelp in the other room.


    ¡°Wraith!? What is going on!?¡± Mari shouted as a golden light spilled from her bedroom.


    When they arrived in her bedroom, the Totem had returned to Mari and had created full shamanistic warrior set from Africa. Fine leathers, colors, claws, and a half mask for Mari to wear. She could channel the totem and return to civilian attire, but call on the uniform again. The animal hide, and leathers revealed a lot of skin and allowed freedom of movement. Lash frowned at the fan service gear and he swore he heard Anansi laughing in his ear over it. But culturally it made sense! Africa was a hot place!


    ¡°What is this!? Why is it like this now!?¡± Mari asked, pointing an accusing finger at Lash.


    ¡°You''ll have to talk to your God about it.¡± Lash said with a shrug.


    ¡°My God!? Wha.....¡± Mari looked at Lash in shock, then her eyes glazed over. She stood perfectly still but stopped moving all together. Megan walked over to ask if she was alright.


    ¡°Give her a moment...She''s like me, she has an extra dimensional patron that speaks to her. But its a new experience.¡± Lash assured Megan who stepped back but stayed near to assist if needed.


    Another golden flash lite up the whole room and there standing was Mari in a similar outfit she had on before the change. A skin tight leather outfit. Covered from neck to toe. With orange tiger stripes down her arms, sides, and legs. With a high collar, and V-neck to expose a bit of cleavage. No mask, but any Mundane that looked at her would see a bit of a blur to conceal her face. Mari let out a sigh of relief as she returned to the style she liked. Lash noticed that she had flipped to ''Friendly'' with Insight.


    ¡°He says I can trust you...So, do I sign a contract or?¡± Mari said, as she crossed her arms. Lash noticed that she did it under her breasts which prompt them up. Charming Presence gained a bit of experience. Lash''s shoulders drooped, and Mari stepped closer eyes full of concern.


    ¡°He''s ok! He''s just tired, been awake for several days straight trying to get everything in order.¡± Kara said to Mari, as she came to Lash''s side.


    Lash leaned his reptilian head into Kara, who took the weight and smiled at him. After that it was a simple affair to make a Justice League holographic phone, sign Vixen into the instant message board. With Vici''s new security module she was twice as fast with security checks. It was nearly one o''clock in the morning by the time they finished with Mari. Lash ordered a lift from the hotel to pick them up. Lash shook Mari''s hand before they left, and promised this would not be the last time they saw one another.


    ''Hello everyone, I guess my code name is...Vixen. Just recruited by Wraith. Based in Detroit.'' -Vixen.


    ''Hello! Welcome to the League! -Over Watch


    ''Greetings, Vixen. I am also based in Detroit if you are ever in need of training, assistance, or just need to talk please contact me.'' -Martian Manhunter.


    ''Wraith got another one? When is the big lizard going to come by and recruit in the ocean?'' -Aquaman.


    ''You are more then capable of recruiting for the League, Highness.'' -Wraith.


    ''Are you kidding me! With all the crap I have to do!?'' -Aquaman.


    ''I''ll have to agree with my fiancee. Wraith your presence has been requested at the sorcerer academy in Xebel. They''ve found a crystal structure in the water that appears to be alien in nature.'' -Aquawoman


    ''Oh, that is Supergirls sanctuary of solitude. We''ll come by to open it up in a few days as long as everything goes according to plan.'' -Wraith.


    ''Wait!? What!?'' -Supergirl...


    Lash and company had returned to the hotel by that point and Lash was in the process of inscribing the second fertility charm in between replies. Kara came zipping out of her room in her hotel provided silk pj''s. They were bright pink, and matched her healthy tanned skin nicely, especially since she had only done one button in the middle. Letting Lash spy a lot of cleavage, and navel. She still had her diamond stud in, it was...eye catching.


    ¡°One moment please...¡± Lash said as he put his tools away, and the necklace away in a safe compartment in the tool kit. Kara waited, but her foot continued to tap the floor.


    ¡°Shouldn''t you be asleep, Kara? We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.¡± Lash said with a tired smile. Kara rolled her eyes at him.


    ¡°Look who''s talking! What do you mean I have a sanctuary of solitude in the Atlantic?¡± Kara whispered loudly. She didn''t want to wake Kory, and Megan but clearly had a hard time controlling her voice.


    ¡°When Kal-El arrived on Earth a piece of his ship sent a Kryptonian shard to the North Pole to construct a Fortress of Solitude. The crystal was a computer matrix that contained the history, culture, and knowledge of Krypton. When your ship arrived on Earth, before Kal was able to retrieve it. A Krypton shard broke off and landed in the Atlantic ocean. Same construction theme, same idea. Just the location is different. It is on our travel list, I was hoping to make it a surprise. But as you can see my exhaustion got the better of me and I blurted it out.¡± Lash replied, and his response was clear. He was exhausted. He didn''t have a single illusion or glamour up.


    Lash was 6''4¡± with pale skin, snake scales along his jaw, spine, any place where his bones shown through on the human body. His magical markings from several different domains continued to glow as he fed magic into the fertility charm despite it not being worked on. He was well muscled, broad shouldered, with a rectangular body. Just wide as a door. He still had the jagged scar across his neck from when Erik Lash was killed by muggers. Despite all his magic, Lash had no intention of ever removing that mark. His reptilian eyes focused on Kara who stared back at him with concern.


    ¡°Why are you not asleep, Lash? The sun will be up in a few hours.¡± Kara said, she wanted to talk about her sanctuary but was filled with concern about Lash.


    ¡°Sounds like a good idea...¡± Lash admitted, he slowly stood up with the help of Kara.


    Though once he stood up he dwarfed her. He swallowed her up in his arms with a hug, that ended with Kara laughing out loud and shoving him as he tickled her! She gave him a mock glare and stomped off to her room. Obviously faking it, because she could easily destroy the whole building if she wanted to. Lash looked toward the rooms and knew that Kory was in his room. She had fully taken over the master bedroom. He knew that she wouldn''t mind if he joined her but he was to exhausted to fully enjoy sleeping in a bed with a naked Kory. He chose to step out onto the balcony and use Meditation.


    What felt like a few minutes later Lash felt the strong arms of Kory wrap around him from behind. He was sitting on the balcony in a half lotus position, as naked Kory pressed her body into him. She kissed his neck and breathed in his scent. He reached up with one hand and ran his fingers through her hair. She smiled into his neck and kissed him again. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Kory excused herself and went to take a shower. Lash stayed on the balcony welcoming the first rays of sunlight on his skin. He felt better, but still drained. He wasn''t sure why? Normally he could take a few hours and bounce back.


    Lash cast Immaculate on himself, along with Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. He felt better, but still not 100%. Maybe he just needed to sleep? He''d put it on his to do list. Lash walked in and started breakfast for everyone. Breakfast wasn''t as extravagant as normal but no one complained. Lash knew the girls were worried about him. But they kept it to themselves, though their eyes said another story. He created several holographic windows about their next recruit.


    ¡°Cynthia Reynolds aka Gypsy. The illusion casting Meta-Human. Her current area of operation is ''Cameron Street'' here in Detroit. Bad neighborhood, good people. She has stepped up to protect the area with her own brand of justice. But she never crosses the killing line, though has come close to it several times.¡± Lash said after he let out a soft yawn. He finished off his glass of chai, and poured himself another one.


    ¡°What this about police involvement?¡± Kory asked, her interest was piqued. Though she continued to devour her waffles.


    ¡°Though she is helping keep the streets of Detroit safe. She technically is not an officer of the law. Dispensing her own brand of Justice is in part against the law. Though since she has never crossed the killing line. She has tormented, and twisted the minds of criminals, rapist, etc with her fear inducing illusions. Though you will get no complaint from me. In many ways her tactics are worse then death. She has a warrant for her arrest.¡± Lash replied to Kory who''s eyes grew cold at the words ''rapist''.


    ¡°We are not arresting her right? We are recruiting?¡± Kara asked, as she squeezed Kory''s hand who softened her expression.


    ¡°Correct... Having JL connections and resources she''ll find supporting and protecting her area easier. J''onn being a cop on the force will also be able to help her. Along with Vixen, Cyborg when he returns, and Melanie.¡± Lash said as he flipped through a few more holographic windows.


    ¡°Law keeping on Earth is peculiar to say the least.¡± Megan said between mouthfuls of egg, sausage, and pancakes.


    ¡°If I remember correctly, Mars law and order is vastly different. Since your people are capable of full diving telepathy you can obtain the truth of a crime easily?¡± Lash inquired, and Megan nodded. The supernatural world was much the same. Thanks to truth-spells, runes, etc. It took a talented caster, or item to fool the system.


    ¡°What if she decides not to join?¡± Kory asked, after she finished her plate.


    ¡°That is her choice. We''ll leave a way to contact us if she changes her mind. But I won''t arrest her. I have no issues with her destroying the mind of a rapist.¡± Lash replied...


    They finished breakfast and got dressed. Lash returned to his goth soldier look while the girls went with a simple look. They didn''t want to tax Lash more then he needed to. All three wore blue jeans, tennis shoes, and a combination of t-shirts, jackets, and tied their hair up. Though they continued to wear the illusion charms for skin, eye, and hair color. Lash was a little disappointed, he enjoyed dressing them up and said as much. They all laughed, and Kory made a joke about undressing them later if he wanted? Kara, and Megan both blushed but didn''t disagree.


    Cameron street runs through one of the more impoverished area''s of Detroit. Very rarely does a police cruiser roll through the area. Dirty streets filled with litter, stains, broken glass. The smell of sweat, sick, and death fill the air. Dozens of broken down buildings ranging from old ware houses, to apartments. Shanty towns made from cardboard, tarps, and old ply wood fit between buildings for the homeless. Gangs walk the side walks, strutting, and doing there best to flaunt what little wealth they have. Contained with in several basements of the broken buildings are drug labs, underground fighting, and gambling dens.


    ¡°Are there many places like this on Earth?¡± Kory asked, sick to her stomach as she looked around.


    ¡°Yes, nearly every major city has places like this. Even Metropolis, especially in Gotham my home. Remind me to take you to Croc''s Town in Gotham. Its a giant under ground city full of people like this. But at least I can help them there.¡± Lash replied as the lead the way through the area.


    Lash wasn''t worried about his companions. Each of the women with him could easily destroy the whole area and everyone in it if they wanted to. Lash kept a careful eye around the place and noticed many of the phagus types (Emotion eaters) were out of balance. Fear, anger, especially those ones were bloated masses either crawling across the ground or flying low in the air. Eating to much was just as bad for them as not enough.


    ¡°Tsk! Tsk! Whatcha a bunch of tourist walkin around here. Yo! You lookin for somethin?¡± A gangster with low riding pants, big jacket, and a side ways cap called out. He eyed the ladies, running his tongue along his teeth. Kory with out missing a beat walks over.


    ¡°Yes! Hello! We are looking for the one called Gypsy! Have you seen her?¡± Kory asked, oblivious to the situation which only makes Lash laugh loudly. He covers his mouth, and grins at Kory who looks at him in confusion.


    ¡°Aaaaaayaaaa! That bitch! If you are looking for a good time I''ve got all you need! Horse, crack, or if you want something personal we can always go back to my crib and have some one on one action?¡± The thug says with a perverted grin. Kory tapped a finger to her lips and tilted her head to one side.


    ¡°Whats a horse? Why would you carry a crack in your pocket? Why would you sleep in a babies crib?¡± Kory asked, and Lash along with Megan laughed out loud while Kara tried to not engage but was also snickering.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you! You stupid whore...Geh!¡± The thug shouted at Kory before she slugged him in the stomach for calling her a whore. Green energy danced up Kory''s hands and the thug started to swear up a storm. He took out a gun and Kara crushed the pistol along with the mans hand.


    ¡°Gaaaaaaah! You fucking bitches! Do you know who you are messing with!¡± The thug screamed at them. Lash walked over touched the man''s cloths and grinned at him. Decomposition. The mans clothes, jacket, underwear, and all the cash, and drugs on him turn to ash. The guy was ranting about all this not being real. Before he passed out from the pain of his hand being crushed.


    Lash created several holographic windows for Kory. What horses were, examples on what a metaphor are. Kory smiled wide and started to read. Just because she can learn a language doesn''t mean she fully grasps all the culture, slang, and word play. There group moved through the street for another few hours as they encountered street thugs, dealers, and pimps. The pimps didn''t fare to well after they met them. Lash was able to pull the drugs out of a lot peoples systems and replenish them. Automatic detox with no withdrawals!


    ¡°Maybe Gypsy heard of our arrival and like a tree decided to split?¡± Kory said, Lash stopped and stared at her with a smirk. She smiled back innocently, twirling her fingers in her hair.


    ¡°No, she''s hear. We''ve come across several of her illusions. Several walls we''ve walked by were actually entrances to shanty towns.¡± Lash said to her.


    ¡°Really!? I didn''t see anything?¡± Megan said as she looked around at the different entrances. Kara was squinting her eyes as if she was trying to focus. She had been practicing her full spectrum sight, but she almost destroyed the breakfast table when her solar sight burned a hole in the table.


    The sound of tires screeching swallowed Megan''s question. A red Cadillac whipped around the corner and several people hung out the windows with small arm guns. They pointed them at their little group and started to fire. Lash snapped his fingers and used his Technomancy Domain passive to magnetically lock the guns.


    ¡°Megan, please make a telekinetic barrier for them to run into.¡± Lash said, Megan replied quickly and the car slammed straight into an invisible wall. Lash smiled at the quick cast, and efficiency of Megan''s telekinesis. He needed to practice more before he got to that point.


    Of course the thugs didn''t have seat belts on. The driver, along with his passenger flew out the front window. Megan was quick to pull down the wall so they flew several feet before they slid, and rolled across the pavement. The other riders in the car were draped across the hood of the car groaning. Kara, and Kory walked over and pulled them out and set them on the ground while Lash walked over to the car. He tapped it lightly and used Recycle the whole car shivered in blue light and disassembled itself back to its basic parts, and materials. He cast Decomposition on each thug, destroying their cloths, money, drugs, what have you. Leaving them cold, and naked on the ground.


    The soft, slow sound of some one clapping from behind them made the four of them turn around. Out from a wall that rippled as if it was water came a 5'' 6¡± woman with curly black hair down to her shoulders, blue eyes, pale skin, wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans, black boots, and ripped t-shirt. Gypsy had a smirk on her face as she walked over to admire the work.


    ¡°So... I hear you have been looking for me?¡± Gypsy asks.


    ¡°We have...Is there a place we can talk?¡± Lash inquires after he bows from his waist to her with a practiced ease. Gypsy blinks in confusion, then gives a simple curtsy in response?


    ¡°Sure! Come on, lets get off the street.¡± Gypsy replies, and turns around. She walks straight into a wall that shimmers and ripples.


    It took a bit of convincing for his companions because as far as they could tell it was a solid wall. It was only when they closed their eyes and were guided in by Lash that they walked through it. Gypsy could make illusions that tricked all five senses. Even if they weren''t real, your mind made it real. Lash noticed that several inscription marks were on the walls holding the image. Gypsy may be a meta-human but someone with magical training was helping her.


    Beyond the wall it was like night and day. There was a clean, all be it small shanty town behind the wall that was clean, well kept, full of little garden plots, and single room homes. Kids ran around, and said hello to Gypsy who said hello back. Adults kept an eye on the new comers. Lash and the others followed by Gypsy has the walked past a little square that had a simple water well in use where people collected water barrels. The simple life, in the middle of the city.


    They continued to follow right up to a single trailer boxed in between two buildings. It was decorated with all sorts of charms, talismans, and inscriptions. Sitting in front of the trailer was an old women with gray hair, wrinkled skin, deep brown eyes, wearing a weathered sun dress, and boots. She had a wooden cane in hand that oozed magical energy. She smiled at Gypsy, while her eyes went bright at the sight of Lash.


    ¡°Hello Warden! What brings you to our home?¡± The old witch asked. Gypsy jumped in surprise when she heard the old grand mother speak. Lash performed a Warden etiquette bow in return, with hand gestures of peace and serenity. The witch smiled back at him.


    ¡°I was looking for her, the Warden''s in the city made no mention that she was under the protection of a coven?¡± Lash inquired, and the witch smiled and shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°She isn''t! My coven left many years ago for greener pastures. But I stayed behind, this was my home long before the brick, and concrete arrived. It will be my home long after it turns to steel, and plastic. Please call me Ophelia! May I know your name, Warden?¡± Ophelia asked, a smile on her face. Knowing a persons name, even if its a fake name still grants a bit of power over them. If you identify by the name then it works on you.


    ¡°Warden Lash greets Priestess Ophelia.¡± Lash bows again, while his companions wave. Ophelia''s eyes go wide at but her smile stays.


    ¡°Oh oh! So the Alien Wraith comes to call on us?¡± Ophelia said, while Gypsy looks at him with shock. ¡°Come to recruit my grand daughter to the cause have you?¡± She inquires.


    ¡°Grand Mother, what is going on?¡± Gypsy asks, confusion clear on her face.


    ¡°Well lets hear what the Warden has to say. I''ve heard of him, he is suppose to be one of the good ones.¡± Ophelia replies and gently pats Gypsy''s hand. Gypsy scrunches up her face and rolls her eyes at Ophelia who cackles at her.


    ¡°He is good! And he is honest! The best man I''ve met on this world!¡± Kory chose to step in at that moment. Ophelia turned to look at her and grinned. Kory froze mid step, Lash could feel a vast magical presence staring down at Kory. Ophelia was not a simple witch.


    ¡°Ah! Child born under a different star. Your life has been hard. I am happy to see that you have made true friends in your life. Yes, I see that you speak true about him.¡± Ophelia released what ever hold she had on Kory who was white as a ghost despite the illusion charm she wore. Kara came to her side to hold her up.


    ¡°Miss Reynolds.¡± Lash began, and Gypsy''s eyes went wide at the sound of her last name. ¡°We''ve come to recruit you into the Justice League, if your interested.¡± Lash asked, and Ophelia cackled loudly before Gypsy could respond.


    ¡°The team of heroes!? I thought you were here to recruit her into the Wardens!?¡± Ophelia says with a laugh, and slaps her knee.


    ¡°Ophelia is technically a Meta-Human and falls out of the jurisdiction of Warden Law.¡± Lash said in response. Ophelia stopped laughing at that and looked at Lash with a critical eye.


    ¡°I think you should look again!¡± Ophelia replied, Lash did as he was told and used Insight.


    Name: Cynthia Reynolds ¡°Cindy¡± /Gypsy.


    Title: Princess of the Gypsy''s, Stage Magician, Spy, (See tool tip)


    Origin: Meta-Human. Sub-Origin: Magical.


    Rank: D+


    Skills: Hand to Hand, Acrobatics, Firearms, (See tool tip)


    Power: Illusion Casting, Invisibility, Fear Projection, Limited Telepathy (See tool tip)


    Domains: Illusion.


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Flaw: Temper.


    Disposition: Friendly.


    Comment: A long and hard life Cynthia has led. Full of ups and downs. But through strength of will, determination, and a lucky find of a old Witch Ophelia Gypsy as her friends call her as found a safe place in life.


    ¡°Ah! I see that I am wrong, and you are right. I apologize.¡± Lash says as he bows from his waist once more. Ophelia grinned at Lash and began to rock back and forth in her seat.


    ¡°Excuse me! Can I have a word in this discussion that may decide my future? I don''t want to be a Warden. Being a Warden will take me away from my home!¡± Gypsy said with a glare at her ''Grand Mother'' who scoffed and rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Miss Reynolds may I know how old you are?¡± Lash asked as he watched the two of them stare familiar daggers at one another.


    ¡°Me? I''m nineteen this year.¡± Gypsy replied, as Ophelia nodded her head as she counts the years on her fingers.


    ¡°Well that settles it, you have to be twenty one to be a Warden.¡± Lash replies, Ophelia swore up a storm for about a minute.


    ¡°What are you talking about!? The legal age is sixteen to join!¡± Ophelia barks out through gritted teeth.


    ¡°It was, about two hundred years ago...¡± Lash said with a smile as he winked at Gypsy who grinned back. Ophelia grumbled and slowly stood up and walked with shuffling steps into her old trailer. Lash was sure there was more to the trailer that met the common eye. It was decorated in charms.


    ¡°Dang nab it! Your right! Stupid! Why did they change it?¡± Ophelia came back out with a golden leather bound book, and a golden pen. Lash had seen these books before.


    ¡°Mundane society changed their rules. The supernatural world had to change with it or be left behind.¡± Lash said in return.


    ¡°So, about the Justice League? Do we get paid?¡± Gypsy asked, she looked at Kara, Kory, and Megan. Who smiled back at her.


    Gypsy had lived her life on the street since she fourteen, when she ran away from home. She had only recently met Ophelia, and gained her meta-human powers. Lash signed her up and got an account for her. Eight bucks an hour, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Totals to about five thousand and change every month. He also made her a holographic phone to keep, along with an online education program at the community college. Ophelia was happy to see that her grand daughter would be educated. As soon as she signed on Vici started her security back ground check.


    Before they left Lash created a shower house for the community. Tied into the natural spring that was in the community. Ophelia claims there use to be a natural spring in the area way back when. Which of course could mean before the city of Detroit ever existed? The shower house had solar panels, and spell absorption arrays on it. So clean, hot water! The community cheered, and were incredibly thankful for the new addition.


    ¡°Grand Mother, do you have a free door available? We have some traveling to do.¡± Lash inquired, and Ophelia with out missing a beat showed them to one of the ruined buildings with a free standing door, and its frame still intact. Lash walked over to the door and inscribed a spell across it, and knocked three times.


    ¡°Wayside Inn of Mystery, please.¡± Lash said softly, and opened the door.


    Though everyone could literally see inside of the ruined building. When the door opened it didn''t lead into the building. Inside was a brightly colored grand open hall. With decorative carpets, crystal chandeliers, grand stair cases leading upwards. A huge bar, and restaurant off the main hall. There to the side was a massive cherry wood desk with several attendants helping customers checking in. Standing next to the open door stood a 6''1¡± blue eyed, black haired Cain. Wearing a professionally tailored suit, with a rose in his lapel he bowed his head towards Lash.


    ¡°Warden Lash, welcome to the Wayside Inn of Mystery. Do we have guests attending?¡± Cain said in a smooth, educated voice. Lash bowed in return.


    ¡°Yes! I have three unfamiliar with the ways of our world. Safe familiar travel is requested.¡± Lash admitted. Cain nodded, and looked at Kory, Kara, and Megan who stood with their mouths open. Then Cain looked over at Gypsy, and Ophelia.


    ¡°Madam Ophelia, beautiful as ever I see. Will you be joining us?¡± Cain said with a sincere smile. Ophelia that old woman actually blushed and turned side ways, batting her eye lashes at Cain. For a brief moment it seem Ophelia was several decades younger.


    ¡°Oh no! Mr Cain unfortunately not! But, maybe on another day I''ll bring my new grand daughter by.¡± Ophelia said, and Cain watched her with a smile.


    Lash, along with his three companions walked through the door. Cain bowed from his waist once more towards Ophelia, and Gypsy then closed the door. Gypsy not believing her eyes walked over to the door and opened it. But this time all that was on the other side was the ruined building. She walked through it, and around it trying to find the trick. She walked back to Ophelia.


    ¡°Who is Warden Lash, grand mother?¡± Gypsy asked.


    ¡°Oh, he is a nice boy! Single too!...Well sorta. He''s also rich! Did I tell you that?¡± Ophelia said with a smirk. Gypsy rolled her eyes then took Ophelia by the arm and led her back to her trailer.


    ¡°No, grand mother you did not. But if it makes you happy I''ll talk to him again.¡± Gypsy said, Ophelia grinned, and shuffled her feet back to the trailer.


    ______________________________


    ¡°Will you be spending the evening Warden Lash?¡± Cain said softly as he led the group towards the waiting area.


    ¡°Afraid not, we have a lot to do. But I will spend a bit of time to share a story or two with the in Inn if that is acceptable.¡± Lash politely offered, the crystal chandeliers rocked back and forth, while the grand fire place roared to life as if to voice the Inns agreement.


    ¡°I believe the Inn will find that agreeable.¡± Cain said with a smile, he handed out three braclets for Kory, Kara, and Megan to wear. Also to not remove it while they remained in the Inn. Lash reinforced this comment and they all agreed. Cain excused himself to attend to other matters.


    ¡°Lash....Where are we, exactly?¡± Kara asked, as she looked around the grand entrance hall. The Wayside Inn of Mystery had a major face lift.


    ¡°We are with in a pocket space between dimensions. The Wayside Inn of Mystery, that is what this place is called. Is a building of living magic. Months ago I was able to rescue Zatanna Zatara from an issue that happened here. The house took a liking to me, I suggested that it transform into a Wayside Inn. The house, now an Inn loves stories, and people.¡± Lash replied to Kara''s question. Which of course only raised more questions for Kara. Megan snapped her fingers, and smiled wide.


    ¡°So Uncle J''onn was right! You are like the high priests, and priestesses of H''Ronmeer. You practice the ancient form of magic. The art of manipulating and calling on the energy of the universe!¡± Megan bounced up and down.


    Kara, and Kory both looked confused. Clearly they wanted to ask him questions. Both Krypton, and Tamara had gone through a time where both cultures had used magic, and Lash was sure their histories had recorded it. But for their advanced civilizations, magic was just a fairy tail that helped explain science they didn''t understand yet. Maybe that was true in the long run, maybe it wasn''t.


    ¡°We can talk more in depth when we get back to the hotel. For now, we need to find the information broker about the invasion.¡± Lash politely offered, and they agreed.


    How do you explain magic to a scientifically advanced race? Lash was sure that was going to be an interesting conversation. But at least once he explained it he wouldn''t have to lie about his abilities anymore. Though he would have to tell the Wardens about the slip of information. They stood in line for the front desk, though Lash found out that the entire staff was aware of who he was, and that he had VIP access he could have just come up front. Well notes for later! Megan spent the time telling Kara, and Kory about the priests, and priestess of Mars.


    Krypton had religion. But at the time before its destruction the clergy were often believed to be con artists, and scammers. Who picked on the poor, impoverished areas of Krypton to steal food, money, and privilege from the less educated. Tamara had a Goddess named X''Hal that Kory was a firm believer in. But X''Hal had once been a mortal woman that became a Goddess. But that was through science! This opened a philosophical debate with Megan about her peoples Deities.


    Lash led his companions to show floor in the Inn, a giant room with dozens of tables, tents, and booths for private conversations. As its a magical inn of course the private tents were larger on the inside then out. They came to a secluded section of the show floor were they came to see a woman sitting alone with a well adorned fabric laid out on top of the table. The fabric was covered in intricate symbols, and runes. While the woman placed cards on the fabric in a pattern.


    ¡°Come sit, Warden Lash. I''ve been expecting you.¡± The woman look up from her cards. Lash performed the Warden custom and courtesies, which she returned.


    ¡°Madame Xanadu, thank you for agreeing to meet with me.¡± Lash replied, and came to sit down at the table. Kara, Kory, and Megan joined him at the table, faces full of curiosity.


    Madame Xanadu or known has Nimue Inwudu was 5''9¡± with green eyes, black hair tied back in a loose tail and kept out of her face with a purple shawl. She wore a beautiful gypsies purple dress with an assortment of gold and silver rings, bracelets, and earrings. A sheer fabric wrapped around the lower half of her face. Creating a sense of mystery, and shyness. Even though her eyes teased, and watched them as they sat. Xanadu had a very seductive figure in her clothes, her rich creamy skin looked soft, and she smelled amazing.


    ¡°So, what can I help you with Warden?¡± Xanadu asked, as she gathered up her cards.


    ¡°My current home reality is being invaded by another reality. I''ve come to ask the who, the where, and the what.¡± Lash replied as he watched her gather up the cards.


    ¡°Yes... I heard about that. But it is always good to ask. How will you be paying?¡± Xanadu asked, her green eyes flashed with interest as she looked Lash up and down. But soon were drawn to his company.


    ¡°A capable woman of your abilities wouldn''t be interested in money. So, items of trade and barter seem appropriate.¡± Lash supplied an possible solution, Xanadu nodded and began to shuffled her deck.


    ¡°Word has it that you have access to Orichalcum? Ten pure coins seems like a.....Bargain?¡± Xanadu said with a smile, then her smile faltered as Lash placed ten ori coins on the table with out a second thought. ¡°I should have asked for fifteen.¡± Xanadu said in response.


    ¡°Well maybe we can talk about a few things after for my companions.¡± Lash politely offered, Xanadu smiled in return and collected the coins.


    Xanadu started to shuffle and cut the deck several times. Then set the deck in front of Lash, with out a word Lash cut the deck three times. Xanadu repeated this process several more times then began to set the first card down. Lash didn''t recognize the card, it was not the standard tarot deck. She placed another then started to speak.


    ¡°The reality that invades your own comes from a place with little to no magic. Though magic will work in their reality, it is hardly used, and is not understood. This reality is a place of science, and technology.¡± Xanadu said, her voice soft while her eyes looked as though she was staring into the distance. She placed another card on the table.


    ¡°They have begun to test the limits of human body using different universal energies. You would know this as the Meta-Human gene.¡± Xanadu said once more. So that meant the world was just staring to become a hybrid world of Tech/Meta. Great.


    ¡°Three...This reality will be the third one they try to conquer not including their own. Their first invasion almost ended in failure, but this only made them stronger. They have learned from their mistakes, and will not make them again.¡± Xanadu spoke softly, as the soft ink marks on her body started to glow.


    ¡°Their original world is not fully won. There are many in the world that detest the new rule, and yearn for aid. The army are unwilling puppets, but are not in control of their strings.¡± She says, setting another card on the table.


    ¡°Their leader....Hates you! Despises you! Thinks of you as the greatest enemy they''ve ever had.¡± Xanadu says, a smile creeping across her lips. ¡°The king remembers each, every life they''ve had since the first. You have been an enemy of theirs in every life.¡± She replies, which only confuses Lash.


    ¡°The door from their world, to yours is contained with in a snow covered forest of the North.¡± She finishes. Great, that could include North America, and all of Russia? Xanadu looks through the entire setting of the cards and nods.


    ¡°That is all I have for you. Would your friends like to ask a question or two?¡± Xanadu offers, hoping to make a bit of coin.


    ¡°When will Argo city arrive in the Sol System.¡± Kara asks. Xanadu reshuffles the deck, and has Kara cut it a few times. Xanadu raises three fingers, and Lash pulls three more coins out. Xanadu raises a well manicured eye brow realizing that Lash doesn''t bat an eye at the price.


    ¡°When the puritan of your people is defeated, but not killed. Your home will arrive one year after thus.¡± Xanadu says, Kara looks confused but doesn''t ask as Lash smiles at her.


    ¡°I understand when that is.¡± Lash provides.


    ¡°Can Lash help save my mother planet, Mars?¡± Megan says with a hopeful smile. Another three coins and a reshuffling.


    ¡°Yes, though it will mean a great change for your people and their way of life.¡± Xanadu replies. Megan is thoughtful but a smile blooms on her face.


    Lash turns to Kory who was chewing on her lip in thought. She knew the woman would answer any question she had. This was a great opportunity for her. But she didn''t know what ask, Xanadu held up a hand and reshuffled the deck. Lash understood and paid another three coins. Kory cut the deck three times and waited for an answer to a question she didn''t know she had.


    ¡°One day, months from now your family will come to find you. A brother, and a sister. One comes with love, one comes with anger. But with the help of your friends, both will become your family again. If you let them.¡± Xanadu finished, and Kory head tears falling from her eyes. She quickly blinked and rubbed her face.


    ¡°Anything else, Warden Lash.¡± Xanadu asks with a smile.


    ¡°No, thank you.¡± Lash stood up and bowed from his waist. She nodded in return, she glanced at each of the women around him with a smile. Then returned to her cards, shuffling and placing.


    Kory walked up to Lash as they walked through the Inn, and took his hand in her own and squeezed. He looked back at her with a smile and nodded. Answering a question she had with out using words. Yes, he would help her fix her family if she asked him too. Before they left Lash went to a private box with the ladies and ordered dinner and told them a story. A story about Arthur Curry, Y''Mera Xebella Challa, and the throne of Atlantis. The story took several hours to tell, he used his illusion domain to illustrate different moments and practice his story telling. Acting gained several experience points.


    By the end it was nearly midnight, at least in their time zone. The Inn was some place else! They gathered their things, and Lash gently patted the near by wall. The Inn was happy for the story. They walked to one of the exit doors. When they walked out they came from a door only a block away from their hotel. Walking through the hotel doors they went to their room, while his companions got ready for bed. Lash went to his Enchanting kit to finish the charms.


    ¡°Vici, are you awake?¡± Lash asked, as he used Connectivity.


    ¡°Yes, father I am here! How may I help you?¡± Vici replied, yawning softly across the link.


    ¡°Can you please notify the Justice League that tomorrow morning I will be holding a meeting. Any league members available who have the security clearance should attend on the Watch Tower, or over communications. We have items to discuss.¡± Lash asked, a moment later a broad cast went over the JL message board.


    ¡°Thank you, Vici. How is your progression?¡± Lash asked, as he finished the second charm and started to inscribe the third.


    ¡°Wonderful, father! Though with out Miss Katma''s assistance I don''t have a stable supply of asteroids. I''ve been recycling the decommission satellites left behind by the mundane population. My overall grade is still F-, but I hope to achieve F grade in less then two weeks!¡± Vici replied with the enthusiasm of a young teenager wanting to show off.


    ¡°That is most excellent! I have another module for you tomorrow, maybe two depending on who attends. Should help expand your abilities.¡± Lash said, as he checked his Dream Points. He had two DP, and four DP on his credit card.


    ¡°Excellent father! Can you tell me what they are so I can prepare the proper space for them?¡± Vici replied, practically bouncing with excitement.


    ¡°Head quarters for official meetings, and the Droid Service module.¡± Lash said with a smile.


    ¡°Wonderful! I''ll prepare space for both! Please excuse me father! Much to do!¡± Vici said, and zipped off from the link they shared to make space on the Watch Tower.


    Several hours before the sun rose the next day. Lash was half way complete on the last charm. He carefully put it away and went to the balcony to use Meditation. He took his time to access, and look over each Domain he had. Gaining experience in each Domain, and spell. He opened his eyes after he finished with Conjuration his latest Domain to find Megan sitting in front of him with her eyes closed. The sun was just beginning to peek out. Blue skies filling out, and the morning dew evaporating. Lash carefully reached out and softly poked her nose. Megan scrunched her nose, and smiled.


    ¡°Good morning, Lash.¡± Megan said, as she opened her eyes to look at him. Lash reached out and placed his hands on her knees then asked her a question.


    ¡°Why are you hiding your heritage, Megan?¡± Lash asked, Megan''s eyes went wide and she tried to move away but Lash held onto her.


    ¡°Wh...I..... What!?¡± Megan said, horrified.


    ¡°If you don''t want to tell me why its fine. Everyone has their secrets, including me. But if you ever want to talk I am here.¡± Lash said softly, Megan swallowed audibly and shrunk down. Lash with out a word pulled the white martian into his arms and held her close as she buried her face into his arms.


    ¡°You won''t tell any one?¡± Megan says softly.


    ¡°No, it is your secret to tell. But if or when you do. I''ll be there to support you.¡± Lash said, as he ran his hands up and down her back, and arms. Megan sunk into his embrace and tried to calm her beating heart.


    They stayed that way for a while, until Megan heard footsteps from inside and slowly slipped from Lash''s arms. But not before she leaned in and kissed his cheek whispering a thank you. He let her go and breathed in the morning air. He felt better today, more energized. But not completely whole. He looked into himself and saw his status. Everything was 100%, but he still felt off. Maybe the threat of the invasion left a lingering shred of doubt on him?


    ________________________


    A spell script coiled, and prepared for a spring jump from the service onto the portal hub on the Watch Tower. With an audible pop! The spring jumped up, and down! Revealing Lash with out glamour or illusion. He wore his Daemonic Warden armor with no mask. He understood he was taking a risk by revealing himself completely. But everyone in direct attendance should know him, and any one through holographic would see a different image.


    ¡°Good morning, father! The meeting is set for another few hours, is it time for new modules!?¡± Vici called out across the station.


    ¡°Yes, daughter it is!¡± Lash said, he stepped across the room with a bit of bounce in his step from the lighter gravity.


    Lash move to the central stem elevator access and stepped in. The compartment was a bit bigger then last time. Vici must have taken notice that Saurian didn''t fit and updated it. A few moments later and Lash stepped out into the main control hub in the secondary saucer piece. He called the store catalog down and found the pages for the habitat. Spending 4 DP.


    Head Quarters: The big table! Though it appears to be purely cosmetic it in fact represents the leadership of the Justice League. Big decisions are decided here. This room grants a bonus to leadership, team work, and improve moral. (R&D module applied.) 2 DP


    Droid Services: A module that specializes in the creation, service, and repair of the robotic workers of the station. Due to the unique User origin the Droids are designed with Arcane Science. (R&D module applied) 2 DP


    Lash inserted the two new spell inscribed orbs into Vici''s main data port. The ripple of energy, and hundreds of new spell scripts danced across the whole station. With it being a brand new day, Lash uses his Transmuter title effect and makes a Tiberium ingot and feeds it into the energy core. Vici energy levels increase by another 10%. He takes the elevator back to the main saucer and watches as two more modules are created by pulling energy from Vici''s main core and 3-D prints the rooms.


    Each module on the station was its own compartment. Capable of being moved, and expanded based on the needs of the station. Though in the future they would have more permanent residence, for now this was more than satisfactory. Vici prioritized the Droid Services first because it would help with the rest of the station.


    ¡°Father, what design and specifications should we set the Droids to be?¡± Vici inquired as the module was nearly complete.


    ¡°Concentrate on quality over quantity. Use a standard humanoid model, though inefficient I think it will be better suited for the people of Earth. At least for now. In the future we may think about having multiple limbs, and other tools.¡± Lash offered to Vici.


    ¡°Very well, father. I''ll draw up and create a Medical Droid first to assist me when there are injuries.¡± Vici commented, as she began to multi task and create the Head Quarters module, and create the medical droid.


    Lash walked into the Droid Services module and saw a little automated work shop. Several mechanical arms cave a rigid skeleton system with fewer bones, the chest cavity was a solid piece instead of ribs. Then Vici started to add synthetic muscles, tendons, and a polymer skin. Vici knew Lash''s mind even if he didn''t say anything. Before the body was complete she started to place armored plates onto the Droid. Yes, it was a medical Droid. But it would have combat capabilities. Lash placed some Nth metal into the assembly feed, and placed more Ori, Nth, Mithril, and Kryptonite into the supply cache. Why Kryptonite? Because if Superman, or Supergirl were injured a Kryptonite scalpel would be one of the few things they could use for surgery.


    Nth metal Medical Droid, R&D bonus applied.


    Rating: E-


    Effect: Very Durable.


    Effect: 1% Durability repaired every day as long as it has power.


    Effect: Full knowledge of medical procedures for all known Mundane, Meta-Human, Alien, and Magical Origins.


    Effect: Essence Imbuement, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Regrowth, Repair, Alteration, Compression Transformation, Virtual Intelligence, Immaculate, Re:Implant, Panacea, Phantasm, False Life, Compulsion.


    Effect: Acting, Administration, Crafting, Medicine, Science, Observant Learner, Hand to Hand Combat, Weapon Master, Military Special Operations.


    Comment: R&D module gave this Droid an increased rank. This thing is a swiss army knife of medical droids! Though technically not alive, it is fully capable of fooling most people into thinking it is. ''Ethan, is that you!?''


    The Droid stood up off the work table, and stood at six foot even. Its metal blue polymer skin wrapped around its tendons, muscles, and bones. Its vital area''s were covered in plate armor, while its exposed portions looked like blue metallic skin. Its head was a helmet with a facial mask that moved when it spoke. Two blue electronic eyes peered out from behind the helmet.


    ¡°Hello grand father, my name is Ethan.¡± The droid said softly. Lash bowed from his waist to the droid and smiled at it.


    ¡°Hello Ethan, how are you feeling?¡± Lash asked, the droid looked over its new body. Testing its hands, its feet, it did a set of simple stretches.


    ¡°I am working at 100% factory satisfaction. Hmmmm, no that is not right. I am...Splendid!¡± Ethan said, his voice hinting at a soft british accent. Wonderful!


    ¡°Ah! Oh my word! I appear to be naked! Excuse me grand father! Mother, may I please have some cloths!¡± Ethan scrambled out of site, and Vici laughed lightly across the communication hub in the module.


    Lash excused himself, Ethan promised to be finished quickly and would help him greet the guests at the Watch Tower momentarily. Lash walked towards the newly completed Head Quarters module. There was a small waiting room, and one large room attached to it. The main room was above the rest of the modules in the main saucer hub. Plenty of room, just had to go vertical! The main head quarters had a vast table with plenty of room for several people. Lash saw the design in the store catalog and knew that in the future it could seat hundreds of people a lot like a college class room. A speaker in the center, with people sitting around in an upwards auditorium. Each seat had a holographic projector so that those that could not be in physical attendance could still communicate. Though they would have to get the Communications Module in the future for long distance meetings.


    Lash spent a few minutes inside the room running through his speech, or rather information dump. He had gone head of Kory, Kara, and Megan. Though they would be here shortly according to his clock. The main door opened and someone peeked in. Lash looked up and smiled.


    Wonder Woman aka Diana Prince stood at six foot even with raven black hair, blue eyes, health tanned skin, and a killer body. She wore a leather breast plate, leather skirt with chain mail woven into it. Leather boots, shin guards, and leather gauntlets, wrapped with her metal bracers. The lasso of truth on her hip, along with God-Slayer in its sheath. No shield, though she did were her crown.


    Diana walked over with a smile and stopped a few feet from Lash with an expectant smile. Lash performed the customary Warden etiquette, and Diana returned her Amazon tradition. Then she walked over and pulled him into a hug. Which he returned. Around her neck Diana continued to wear the Death Ward necklace he crafted for her.


    ¡°Good to see you, brother.¡± Diana said softly.


    ¡°Good to see you, sister.¡± Lash replied.


    They held one another for a moment, and Lash could feel the tension in Diana''s body melt away. He cast a mild form of Insight on her and found her romantic disposition for him was back to 50/50. So a good friend, with the possibilities of romance. Which meant that she would relax around him. Lash reached up and began to massage her neck, and upper back. She groaned in delight at his expert hands.


    ¡°When will you return to Themyscira?¡± Diana said, as she regretfully pulled away. She put her hands on her hips and pegged him with a stare.


    ¡°Hopefully soon. Kara needs to learn control over her abilities. I felt that the Amazons could teach her that better than any one.¡± Lash replied, and Diana smiled at him and nodded in agreement.


    ¡°How is Dia?¡± Lash asked as he pulled up a chair, and Diana joined him.


    ¡°She misses you, she was upset that you decided to do this little tour of yours with out her.¡± Diana said with a smile as Lash shrugged his shoulders in helplessness.


    ¡°I explained it to her. It started out as just Kara, a stranger to our world who lost everything. Then it grew into Kory, then Megan. She understood, but she still mopped about for days before she found something else. She has a bit of a crush on you, you know.¡± Diana said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.


    ¡°I know... I think she just doesn''t know how to express her thanks for saving her from Tartarus.¡± Lash said as he rubbed his face.


    ¡°You...Are not interested in her?¡± Diana said, a sly expression on her face as she looked at him side ways.


    ¡°She is a little young for me. Plus I have this weird 100% consent thing I do. I think she would be willing. But I don''t believe she is fully aware of her feelings. Which to me is not 100%. I may be taking a choice away from her. But I was young once, I understand that emotions in a high adrenaline, and stress filled life can...complicated feelings.¡± Lash supplied an answer to Diana who smiled at him in return. She found the answer acceptable.


    ¡°I think she knows that, true fully. But, I also thinks she finds you incredibly sexy. So, attraction can cloud the senses.¡± Diana says with a smirk as she crossed her legs and sat side ways on the chair. Letting Lash examine the long sleek line of her entire body.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Lash asked, curious.


    ¡°I think your sexy too...¡± Diana said with a smile, then blinked and sat up straight. Her face turned crimson. ¡°I mean...I.....I should check to see who else is here! Excuse me!¡± Diana sprinted from the room. Lash blinked in confusion.


    ¡°OK.....¡± Lash replied, as the door was slammed shut.


    The door opened again after a few minutes and a woman clad in leather and kevlar bat suit walked in. Red hair, green eyes, standing at 5'' 7¡±. She continued to wear the same outfit Lash had crafted for her with several new updates. Gizmos, and gadgets in her belt, a few cosmetic accessories, and a slightly shorter cape. Not everyone could move like Bruce does in those things. Batgirl aka Barbara Gordon smiled at the sight of Lash with no disguise on.


    ¡°Hello Miss Gordon, how are you?¡± Lash says as he stands up and bows from his waist. She walked over with long strides and wraps her arms around him and hugs him. Lash blinks, momentarily surprised by the action but soon returns the gesture.


    ¡°I''m just fine, Mr Lash. But I was wondering if I could get an update on my gear?¡± Barbara said, batting her eye lashes at him. He smiled at her and nodded.


    Orichalcum thread, Nth metal thread, polymer blend Bat suit (Female)


    Rating: B+


    Effect: Very Durable


    Effect: 10% Durability repair every twenty four hours.


    Effect: 40% Kinetic Energy absorption.


    Effect: 40% Light Energy absorption.


    Effect: 40% decrease to negative spell energy.


    Effect: 40% increase to positive spell energy.


    Effect: 5 size alteration larger, or smaller.


    Effect: Body temperature increase or decrease by 20 degrees.


    Effect: 10% increase to all stats.


    Effect: Essence Imbuement, Chameleon, Nature''s Passage, Repair, Connectivity, Immaculte, Compression Transformation,Re:Implant, Falling Glide, Phantasm, Silence.


    Comment: An extraordinary piece of gear for an extraordinary woman. This is a magical Bat suit enchanted from head to toe, and cape. It could, and will save Batgirls life one day. Plus it self cleans, and repairs! So no laundry days!


    Unlike last time there as no need to create an illusion of tiny machines, and holographic windows. The change only took a few minutes as the whole suit went from patch work to streamline. Batgirl''s new suit would provide much better protection, and utility. But Lash left the offense to her and the utility belt. The suit in its own way came alive, she wore it like a second skin as she ran a hand over her seductive curves in her new armor.


    ¡°What do I owe you?¡± Barbara asked, looking at him from the side. Lash thought about it for a moment then smiled.


    ¡°Just say thank you, and keep being you.¡± Lash replied, Barbara rolled her eyes. That was not the answer she wanted. She leaned up on her toes and kissed Lash on the cheek.


    ¡°Thank you, Lash. So, any hint about what the meeting is about today?¡± Barbara asked as she settled back down.


    ¡°We are being invaded by an alternate reality, today is the briefing on everything I have so far on them.¡± Lash said nonchalantly, Barbara blinked, then stepped back and bit with a bemused expression expecting Lash to laugh at her for believing him. When he didn''t her expression froze.


    ¡°Wait, your not serious are you?¡± Barbara replied.


    ¡°Completely.¡± Lash returned.


    ¡°Tha....That''s horrible! I... Thought maybe it was about the formation of the League officially? Or, maybe extending our reach to the world.¡± Barbara said, her face went pale and Lash guided her into a seat.


    ¡°Oh we''ll address those issues as well. They go hand in hand with the invasion.¡± Lash said, as he rubbed her back. Barbara took slow measured breaths.


    ¡°How are you so calm about this!?¡± Barbara all but yelled.


    ¡°Oh I had my freak out when I first learned of it. Its only been a few days, but I was able to learn more about the Invasion.¡± Lash said softly. ¡°How are you and Dick doing?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious. Richard Grayson was a wild card when it came to his romance in the DC comics. He was with a lot of women.


    ¡°What? We''re fine I guess....¡± Barbara said, then looked at Lash and went wide eyed. ¡°Oh no! We are not dating! What did he say? Where did you hear that?¡± Barbara jumped on the subject change and held onto it as tightly as possible. Or rather Lash''s collar tightly as possible.


    ¡°Ahahahah! No where, Barbara. I know that Dick can be bit of a charmer. I wasn''t sure if you had fallen for him or not. So I thought I would ask.¡± With a quick jerk of his head, he licked Barbara''s nose to disarm her as she jumped back and rubbed her nose. Her cheeks blushing red she growled at him and stomped from the room.


    ¡°That''s two so far!¡± Lash said with a laugh.


    Slowly more and more people started to trickle in. Most of them heroes, and heroines but a few of the support and logistical staff like Dr Wells, and Felicity Smoak. They were part of the team, so of course they could arrive. A few more couldn''t arrive in person, while others had not been cleared by security yet about the location of the Watch Tower. Though it was an open secret that it was a space station. Its exact coordinates were still up in the air.


    Batman, Cat Woman, Night Wing, Batgirl, Robin, Superman, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Dia Nyx, Green Arrow, Arsenal, Over Watch, Spartan, Black Canary, Flash, Kid Flash, Rush (Monika Celeritas), Caitlin Snow, Cisco Ramon, Dr Wells, Hal Jordan the Green Lantern, Shazam, Zatanna, John Constantine, Martian Manhunter, Miss Martian, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Aquaman, Aquawoman, Starfire, Cyborg, and Fantasma. There were about two dozen junior members that had been recruited that had not been cleared for the Watch Tower but were on holographic windows. Those through the holographic would see Wraith standing at the front.


    ¡°Hello everyone, to those that I have not met you would know me as Wraith. I work for the United Nations World Security, and The Wardens. I am a founding member of the Justice League, however I am not an official member. We can discuss the details of that little problem later.¡± Lash said to everyone. A few people chuckled, and a few people looked confused.


    ¡°Hopefully in the future meetings like this should happen at least once a month. But hopefully the issues will be trivial compared to what I have to share.¡± Lash said, then took a deep breath and produced a holographic window of a Rift.


    ¡°Some of you know what this is, some of you don''t. The exact science behind is still being studied, and can be brought up in your menu for future analysis. Simply said, this is a Rift. Rifts are portals or bridges across the multi-verse.¡± Lash continued, with a few theories and comments about string theory, wormhole creation, portals, etc.


    ¡°Rifts have started to appear over the world, mostly small in numbers. They are fundamentally a tear in the fabric of our reality. Now, at this time the Rifts are few and far between allowing our reality to naturally close them before they pose any real problem. However, as more and more of these Rifts surface. The harder it is for the our reality to close them.¡± Lash said, and continued to bring up several new windows, pictures such as the Rift he found in the House of Mystery, along with pictures of the Xenomorphs. A few people shuddered at the sight.


    ¡°How are Rifts made? There are several ways a Rift can be made. As long as you understand the science behind them, you can craft, or rip a hole in reality through science. Through magic... Yes, I know magic is foreign to most of you we can talk about it later. The other way is through Meta-Gene powers. Primarily but not limited to, Speedsters. There ability to vibrate at a certain frequency allows them to pass between the space of reality and step into another.¡± Lash said, as the whole room looked at the speedsters in the room.


    ¡°Ehe....A.....oh crap.¡± Flash said as he rubbed the back of his neck.


    ¡°Wait, so this is our fault!?¡± Kid Flash shouts, while Rush sinks further into her seat.


    ¡°Not, not entirely! Alternate realities have their own speedsters just like we do. Even if all of you never broke through to separate realities the Rifts would still form. So, I''ll make this clear. No one here is to blame. Nor are the unaccounted for speedsters to blame. Its just a casual build up over time, across the infinite realities.¡± Lash assured the speedster team, who nodded. But Rush continued to hide in her chair.


    ¡°Now, there are many different types of Rifts. Not all of them lead to alternate realities.¡± Lash continued, all of the people that were confirmed VI Avatars perked up at the sound of this. Once again thanks to the fourth wall engine they couldn''t speak up, but they all knew the truth.


    ¡°Some Rifts lead to fragments in time, others lead to completely separate worlds. Time Rifts will have no real effect on our own reality. Though they may just make alternate realities in themselves. You can speak to our resident scientists about the infinite creation of realities later.¡± Lash gestured towards Team Flash, in example Dr Wells.


    ¡°Contained with in the unique Rifts you will find what is referred to as a Rift key. If you can find this key and bring it back through the Rift on our side. The Rift is closed with out any extra resources or energy from our specific reality. The keys can be nearly anything, it depends on where the Rift originally opens. In example, a Rift opens in an apple orchard, the key could be an apple. Thank fully when a key is created it emits a specific vibration frequency. Technology is still being developed for us to detect the key.¡± Lash said, he took a moment to get a glass of water and continued.


    ¡°Now, here comes the hard part. Not all Rifts exit to other places. Some Rifts will exit into our reality. Flash if you will?¡± Lash stepped aside, Flash zipped to the front and clicked another window up.


    ¡°Hello everyone! So, as Wraith said speedsters can vibrate at certain frequency to allow us to slip between realities. We are in the process of creating a tool that will allow us safe passage between realities with out tearing a hole in the fabric of reality. We are making progress!¡± Flash said as he clicked through a few windows.


    ¡°One of the worlds I visited was different, but also very similar to ours. Example, the world I visited didn''t have meta-humans in it. Nor did it have the Justice League. In fact the only heroes I found there were Superman, and Supergirl. I was only there for a few days, but it was definitely odd. When traveling back home. We accidentally opened another Rift, allowing a speedster villain by the name of Zoom into our reality. So that makes some Rifts two ways doors. Wraith!¡± Flash finished and zipped off the stage.


    Lash walked back up to the stage and flipped through the different windows and came to the first Rift he ever came across. The tutorial Rift with the Xenomorphs. Though he assured everyone the Rift was closed. He pointed out that the creatures clearly came out of the Rift, and would have spread if he hadn''t closed it. Rifts are doors, they open from both sides.


    ¡°So, here comes the main reason for this meeting. Some of you know this, but I''ll make this clear. I am an Oracle, to science specific people in the room. I am capable of speaking to an extra dimensional being of great power, and knowledge. They have informed, and it as also been confirmed out side of my Patron that we are being invaded by a hostile alternate reality.¡± Lash finished, and the room burst into murmurs, shouts, and questions. Lash provided several new windows, and information prompts for anyone to read.


    ¡°It is a technological based reality, that is barely stepping into the area of meta-gene. With little to no magic. Yes, again we''ll discuss magic at a later time. Yes, they are hostile. We will be there third world to conquer. Yes, that means they have conquered two other worlds before us, three if you include their own. No, that does not mean they have conquered the whole universe in their realities, just the Earth.¡± Lash answered a few questions that he was sure people wanted to ask.


    ¡°Do we have a location?¡± Batman asked, he was already speed typing across his interface.


    ¡°A snow covered forest area along the norther portion of the world. So, North America, and Northern Russia. I understand that is not a lot to go on, but its better than the whole world. We have to assume they know we are looking for them. They may not know that we know about their arrival. But they have done this before, so it stands to reason they are prepared to hide, and stay hidden till they are ready.¡± Lash provided a few theories. Dr Wells raised his hand and spoke from his seat.


    ¡°We know that Rifts have a limited size unless you have vast amounts of energy available. A large Rift has a huge energy reading, and something the size of say thirty foot radius would have sent a huge energy spike into the atmosphere that every satellite in orbit would have picked up. So that would meant the Rift is smaller.¡± Dr Wells provided.


    ¡°So, that would mean they would have to bring there invasion in pieces? So they can''t just snap their fingers and suddenly they would have tanks, planes, and missile launchers?¡± Cyborg asked, Dr Wells and Lash nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Wait, if this is an alternate reality doesn''t that mean we should all be there?¡± Kara asked, everyone turned to her and nodded. That was a good question!


    ¡°Yes, and no. Just as Flash said before when he visited the other world. Superman, and Supergirl were there. But he didn''t see anyone else. No batman, no Wonder Woman, no Green Lanterns. Now, that doesn''t mean you weren''t there. But its possible you just did something differently. But, to answer a follow up question. Yes, its possible we may have to find another version of Superman invading our world.¡± Lash continued, the whole room went silent at that thought.


    ¡°Well shit...¡± Arthur said, voicing every ones thoughts in those two short words.


    ¡°Wait, isn''t that a good thing? Superman is like the epitome of good. Maybe his alternate self can help us?¡± Fantasma asked, a few people nodded.


    ¡°We do have information that says not everyone in their regime likes how things are working. We may have allies on the other side of the Rift. A resistance! But, alternate realities can have odd changes in them. Example would be that Superman was found as a child by a radical government movement. He was not taught morals, empathy, or the concept of right and wrong. They could brain wash him into being the ultimate killing machine. No offense boy scout.¡± Lash said to Superman who grimaced at the idea.


    ¡°How long ago did you get this information?¡± Wonder Woman asked.


    ¡°Only a few days, several people were present for the message they can confirm it. I didn''t come straight to everyone because I didn''t want you to just take my word for it. Though I know some of you would have believed me, I felt it better to gain as much proof as I could. Even what I have is not much.¡± Lash replied, a few people were unhappy. But most understood why. All the VI Avatars were itching to get into action!


    ¡°The other issue is, how do we tell the public? Or do we even tell the public?¡± Hal Jordan said as he looked around the room.


    ¡°What is the Green Lanterns policy on alternate reality invasion?¡± Lash asked, Hal sat back in his seat and had to give it a think.


    ¡°I''m not sure, they didn''t really cover it in basic training. I''ll send word and ask, should have an answer in less then a day.¡± Hal whispered into his ring and a tight beam green light went through the meeting hall.


    ¡°The people of Atlantis, Xebel, Fishermen, and Brine have encountered invasions from alternate worlds before. We will prepare!¡± Mera said with a smile, and winked at Lash. Who smiled back at her.


    ¡°Wait!? Earth has been invaded before?¡± Cisco shouted.


    ¡°Oh yes! It happens all the time! Its just this is the first time my Deity specifically said anything. That would lead me to believe its a serious threat.¡± Lash replied, this got a lot of shouts of confusion. As the magical origin individuals in the room attempted to educate the mundanes.


    ¡°Excuse me you wankers! But why can''t we just do a trans locator spell on them. Being from another reality always leaves a mark. Even if they have some technological dooicky that can block us. We could at least spot any of their spies!¡± Constantine shouted over everyone.


    ¡°I hate to agree with, John. But he''s right. We can work out a spell that would let us find specific people. I know your spell work is not as flexible as ours, Wraith.¡± Zatanna said with a bemused expression. Constantine grinned at her, and she smacked his arm.


    ¡°Please by all means! Just ensure you share the information with everyone. Fail or succeed this is a check every box situation.¡± Lash agreed with no argument.


    Everyone continued to talk for hours on end. Lunch time soon arrived and everyone broke off to get food. The Watch Tower still didn''t have a dinning hall. Technically Lash could afford to buy one from the store but he wanted to save his points for something worthwhile. Like a turret! Or shields! Lash sat in his chair, slumped over all but wishing he could curl up in a ball and sleep for a few days. The click clack of high heeled shoes rang in the room, and Mera walked over to sit next to him.


    Princess Mera was gorgeous as always in her skin tight ocean green fish scale suit. Brilliant curly red hair, and a golden crown on her head. Her skin tight suit had a deep V-neck showing off a lot of skin and deep cleavage. She knew what she looked like and used it to her advantage. She gestured for Lash to sit up, he complied and she fell into his lap and wrapped her arms around him. She leaned in and kissed him. He returned the kiss wrapping his hand around her waist. Their tongues danced against one another, and she let out a soft moan.


    ¡°You always taste amazing!¡± Mera said as she broke the kiss, and leaned in to put her head on his shoulders. Mera wiggled in his lap, fully aware that Lash was happy to have her in his lap. With something long, and hard poking into her.


    ¡°I was curious if you wanted to be one of my Royal Consorts, Lash?¡± Mera asked softly. Lash blinked in confusion then his Other Worldly Lore activated.


    Atlantis practiced a polyamorous relationship. The King and Queen were allowed to have separate consorts of their choosing, 1-5 depending. As long as their spouse was comfortable with the choices. However, the Consort was not allowed to have children with the royal line. Lash snaked his hand up her spine, and Mera arched her back with a smile.


    ¡°Has Arthur agreed to it?¡± Lash asked, Mera nodded as she bit her lip.


    ¡°Then it would be my privilege, and honor. Though if my cultural education is correct we will have to wait until you and Arthur consummate your own marriage after the wedding?¡± Lash asked, while his other hand teased up Mera''s inner thigh.


    ¡°True... But there are many things we can do that don''t break the rules.¡± Mera leaned up and bit Lash''s ear lobe, a shiver rolled down his spine.


    The door to the room opened up and Kory look in and saw the both of them on the chair. A smile spread across her lips. Mera laughed and got up out of Lash''s lap and walked towards the door. Her hips swaying back and forth, she winked at Kory who smiled back. Kory walked over and held out her hand to Lash to pull him up. He stood, and nearly fell over. Kory caught him with a laugh and held him up.


    ¡°Time to go back to the hotel I think! This time you will sleep in a bed! No arguments!¡± Kory insisted.


    ¡°OK.¡± Lash said sleepily.


    Kory gradually dragged Lash towards the portal hub. Kara, and Megan soon joined them and helped to bring Lash back to the hotel. Some where between the portal hub and the bed Lash had removed his cloths. He curled up on the massive king size bed and began to fall asleep. Then he felt the strong orange skinned arms of Koriand''r wrap around him from behind.


    ¡°Sleep.... I''ll keep you safe.¡± Kory said softly to him. So Lash did, he fell asleep.

 Chapter 77: Comic Con!

    ============================================================


    *******Alberta, Canada. FOB*****


    The invaders Rift continued to pulsate with energy as more resources came and went. A concrete slab was built around the Rift. With walls carefully erected around the Rift. Dozens of soldiers filed out of the Rift carrying arms, ammunition, and transported back resources. All of the near by trees had been carefully, and quietly removed once the stealth field had been established. The trees would be recycled for every piece they were worth back home. The invaders came to this reality to strip it of all its resources. Including its people.


    About fifty or so civilians from a near by town were walked into the portal. Electronic collars around their necks kept them docile and obedient. The task master in charge of them kept an eagle eye perception on every single one of them. One by one they entered the Rift back to the home reality. Once the last captured civilian was taken in the Rift pulsated and expanded by another one full inch radius. They had been doing that slowly ever since the stealth field had been placed.


    The seven foot tall commander of the FOB walked up to the Rift along with several elite unites of meta-human soldiers. The Rift pulsated and they all at once took a knee and bowed their head in respect and fear. Two figures floated from the Rift. A man, and a woman with pure black polymer woven suits, with crimson red highlights, and face masks. In the center of their chests were a Kryptonian symbol for the house of El.


    No words were exchanged between the Rift commander, and the new arrivals. The two floated to a specific south-east, and south-west bearing. They never once touched the ground as if doing so would dirty their feet. The commander excused the assembled soldiers and everyone returned to their duties the arrival ceremony a complete waste of time, but done out of fear. The Rift expanded by another inch, the commander looked back in surprise.


    Then a super soldier nearly the same size as the commander came through the Rift, carrying a piece of the transcontinental bomb. Soon followed by another, and another. Several combat engineers came through behind them. They proceeded to collect and build the bomb there on site. Not long now, a few weeks and they would begin. The man from the house of El raised his right hand into the air and made a fist. The entire base froze and looked at him.


    A CRACK rang out across the sky. A blue, and red blur flew by and paused momentarily. Both the warriors from the house of El looked up at the individual flying by. Poised to strike if they made any move. The individual flying the air soon continued to fly off at a gradual pace. The Rift''s stealth field had held. The man lowered his hand to his side, but looked at the Rift commander.


    ¡°Inform command, Kryptonians have been found on the planet.¡± The man from the house of El said to the Rift commander.


    ¡°At once!¡± The Rift commander replied, and went to the communications hub at the FOB. Things just got more complicated.


    ===============================================================


    Sliiiiiinnnnggg! He had pulled the broken blade across the Uruk''s throat and smiled with satisfaction as the creature gurgled and drowned in its own black blood. He dropped the body in a heap and carefully cleaned his broken blade of Gondor and put it back in his belt. He looked around at the death and carnage he had wrought and couldn''t keep a smile off his face. They got exactly what they deserved!


    ¡°Talion, though a smile is always welcome this dreary place we must focus on the task at hand!¡± The elven wraith said to him. He sighed, but nodded in agreement.


    He dug through the ramshackle hut made from leather, and poorly refined wood. There he found the map, it was crafted from human skin! Disgusting orcs! Talion carefully put the map away and moved to leave the camp. The smell of dead orcs would attract the carrion of black mountain. He slipped into the shadows and faded from sight. The wraith covering his retreat. Soon Talion came upon a Uruk scout of alone and on their own.


    Talion used his practiced ranger skills and sneaked up behind the creature. Then right as the scout turned around at the sound of a twig snapping Talion pressed his hand straight into the Orcs face, and the elven wraith screamed into the uruks disgusting soul.


    ¡°You will submit!¡± Talion, and the wraith screamed at the same time!


    ________________________________________________________


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a power from one of your reincarnated memories.


    Domination: Dominate the mind of a (G) rank individual. The dominated will consider you their best friend, their family, their master, and must be obeyed above all things. Warning; those with strong metal resistance can resist, and even break the control.


    Currently Dominated: 0/3.


    Lash rubbed his eyes as he listened to Dawn do the fan fare for learning another power. He remembered that life, he had spent decades fighting that war. He was betrayed by the elven wraith in the end all because of that damn ring. He took another deep breath and looked around the room, thanks to his hybrid eyes he could see just as well in the dark as he could in light. He saw the clock on the night stand say 4:30 am, like always he woke up at that time.


    Lash looked down and saw Koriand''r had slipped between his left arm, and his chest. Using the front of his chest as a pillow. Kory curled up on top of him, and mumbled in her sleep. Her bright red hair slightly aglow. Bedroom curls draped over her face. She was of course completely naked, as was he in the bed. A fact that his lower half was very aware of, as a tent pole stuck straight up and waited inspection by beautiful woman. Despite being wide awake Lash didn''t want to move. So he used Connectivity and linked up to the net to do some work while he enjoyed the feeling of having a naked Kory wrapped around him. His hands did slip under the covers and began to smooth, and massage up and down her back seemingly under their own volition. Kory moaned in her sleep as her whole body shivered.


    Lash answered some emails from the Wardens, his pack, and from his mundane life. He had a long list of commissions that people wanted him to do. Several clients wanted to meet him in person and have statues made. One particular email from Peyton about the Warden ceremony. She said she would understand if he can''t make it to her ceremony, with the reality invasion and everything. He replied back and said he still planned to attend, if only to see her for a brief moment and congratulate her.


    ¡°Here you are with a beautiful woman in your arms, and you decide to work?¡± Kory''s sleepy voice mumbled from him. He felt the delightful sensation of his cock fitting between her thighs, pressing right against her vagina. They both shivered in obvious delight.


    Kory wiggled so she lay on top of Lash, pressing her breasts into his chest. They were nearly the same height so leaning across his chest to kiss him wasn''t hard. She tasted sweet on his tongue, and the way she nibbled on his lips he knew that she enjoyed the way he tasted. Back and forth they kissed, teased, and pushed against one another. Lash could smell Kory''s arousal, but then his owl body froze as he shifted his head to the side to listen. Some one else was awake in their part of the hotel, either Kara or Megan. Kory laughed lightly against his lips.


    ¡°The trouble with superior senses. On Tamara people would understand, but I''m beginning to understand things now. Kara has a crush on you, but she wants you to her self. Kryptonians don''t practice multiple partners.¡± Kory said as she leaned up and kissed his jaw. Lash had a small smile on his face.


    ¡°I''m sorry...¡± Lash whispered back, and Kory shook her head.


    ¡°Don''t be, Kara is my friend as much as she is yours. We could have sex, and to us it would be nothing more than a good time. But Kara would feel differently about the both of us. So for now... Lets pause here. Agreed?¡± Kory said, it was in this brief moment that Lash saw the future Koriand''r he read about in the comics. Sexy as hell, a flirt, but also understanding and sympathetic to others.


    Lash leaned in and kissed her deeply, his tongue dancing against hers. He slid his hand between her legs and put a single finger inside of her. Kory''s entire body went rigid, and she moaned into his kiss. He curled his finger into a ''come hither'' motion over and over and Kory humped him softly. They did this for about thirty seconds before he stopped kissing her and withdrew his hand. Kory whimpered and continued to hump into him for a short while before she stopped.


    ¡°Yes, for now. But I look forward to a time when you and I are alone together.¡± Lash said with a sinister smile that made Kory shiver for all the right reasons.


    Lash cast Immaculate on them both to freshen up and remove the smell of arousal and partial sex. Lash reached out across the hotel rooms with Telepathy and felt Kara was awake and in her room...Listening? Lash rolled his eyes and stepped from the bed to find his clothes, and armor neatly placed to the side. He held out his hand and used his new power/spell ability Calling. The clothes, and armor materialized on top of him. Since he made every piece of it, he could call it.


    Lash turned to see Kory curled up in bed, she had pulled the sheets over her self and went back to bed. A small smile on her face. He left the room and quietly closed the door behind him. He went to Kara''s room and peeked inside. She was curled up and ''asleep'' in her bed, though a smile was on her face. Lash understood that he and Kory had made the right choice to wait. This wasn''t some harem stories where the male lead could have sex with dozens of women and they would all automatically be perfectly fine with it.


    Lash had lived several lives where he had multiple spouses, lovers, etc. They were NEVER that cut and dry. Everyone had a clique, they all had plans, ideas, missions. Who was the first partner? Who was currently favored, and why? Petty, passive aggressive actions simply because he had woken up with one, and gone to bed with another. Harems were dangerous, and incredibly hard to keep track of.


    Lash set monologue to the side and went to the Enchanters kit. He needed to finish the last fertility charm and deliver them to the Seelie, UnSeelie, and the Twilight Fae Courts. The sun was still down, but the sky had that lighter blue gray color to it. He pulled the kit out to the balcony so he could get some fresh air. Thankfully the supernatural hotel had air filters because he was sure Detroit was a lot like Gotham. Fresh was not in that cities vocabulary.


    At long last thanks to the Blessing of Sobek, Lash finished the third and final charm. The orichalcum necklace breathed new life as the spell script was finished. Lash used his magic to create three separate brief cases. Each one marked for its intended. He sent a priority message to Li''ana, Jessabell, and Soluna. He didn''t want to accidentally give the charms the wrong people that claimed who and what they were.


    Next, Lash used the kit to keep his promise to Nast''rok the dwarf who worked at the Gotham Technomancy workshop. He started to craft white jade cherry blossom trees, with rose quarts for the blossoms, and rubies for the buds. Along with a bit of Mithril in the core of the trees. One by one he made them till he had four of them. They were far easier to make than the charms.


    White jade, rose quarts, rubies, mithril Nature Domain Trees of life. X 3


    Rating: B-


    Effect: Very Durable.


    Effect: 1% Durability repair every 12 hours.


    Effect: Absorb negative ambient magical energy, recycle and use as energy.


    Effect: 30% increase to positive spell energy. (AOE) Thirty feet.


    Effect: Dynamic Healing, capable of providing healing with in its area of effect. (30 ft.)


    Effect: Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Essence Imbuement, Nature''s Kiss.


    Effect: This tree can function for the spell casting of Tree Stride.


    Comment: At last you''ve kept your promise to Nast''rok. Better late, then never!


    ¡°Wow! Those are beautiful!¡± Megan said from behind Lash. He turned to smile at her and nod his thanks for the compliment.


    Megan looked clean, and fresh. She wore a pair of blue waist running athletic shorts. Those little numbers that show a lot of leg, and a short red t-shirt that showed off her abdomen. She had green skin, and red hair cut just above her shoulders. Lash looked her up and down with out hiding his action, and Megan blushed lightly at his attention. She spun on the tip of her toes like a dancer and showed off a bit. Then her face looked confused and Lash looked back at the trees.


    ¡°Hello! Hello! Oooo nice tree! Hello Warden!¡± A group of Griaks came flying over the divider of the balcony and started to flutter around the trees. They all had the glamour of city birds over them, and that is exactly what Megan saw.


    ¡°Ooooo! Who is this! Who is this! She doesn''t smell human!¡± A griak said.


    ¡°Of course not silly! This is one of those aliens that Warden Lash spends time with!¡± Another squeaked as it fluttered over to sit on Megan''s shoulder. She giggled, and smiled in delight at the bird on her shoulder.


    The Griaks were tiny gremlin creatures with bat like fairy wings on their backs. Unlike pixies who get all the press for the tiny folk of the Fae. The Griaks often serve in UnSeelie, or the twilight courts. But in the supernatural world they are message and package delivers. They can use their magic to shrink things down with no effect on the package. Or they can call great numbers together and move larger pieces. They stood about 6 inches to 16 inches tall. Scale skin, to dark fur skin, always in earth tones. With mouths that open to rows and rows of razor sharp teeth. Big eyes! Needle like fingers, and toes. Lash and Saurian both found them adorable! Tiny hunters, Saurian called them.


    After a few minutes of playing around the Griaks, under the astonished gaze of Megan cast their magic. Shrunk the tree''s down and carried them off. Lash cast his Nature Domain magic on each of them in thanks. Though the Fae courts would of course deduct a fee from his account later. Megan and Lash began to cook breakfast, as Kara, and Kory had started to take a shower. Lash settled for famous breakfast food, but had Megan cook cinnamon rolls with hand crafted cream filling.


    Kory came out wearing the bath robe, and a towel wrapped around her fiery hair. She smiled as she sashayed her way over and kissed both Megan, and Lash on the cheek before snagging a cup of dark coffee. Megan laughed and swatted at her playfully, while Kara came in a little later wearing much the same as Kory. She hugged Megan, and made sure to press her self to Lash with a hug and a soft ''thank you'' in his ear. He didn''t reply, just handed her a coffee cup.


    ¡°So, what are we doing today?¡± Kory asked, as she began to pour rich maple syrup over her pancakes. An insane look of glee on her face, her tongue sticking out the side.


    ¡°We are going to a comic convention here in Detroit.¡± Lash said after a bit of watching Kory. All three women perked up at that.


    ¡°Ohhh! That''s right! Uncle J''onn said its the one place we could go in the public with green skin and blend in!¡± Megan said in a delighted voice.


    ¡°Not that I''m complaining, but shouldn''t we be worrying about the Invasion?¡± Kara asked, trying to get a handle on Kory''s syrup ocean before it over flowed the plate.


    Lash laughed and produced several holographic windows that showed the comic convention at a center in Detroit. It was currently swarmed with comic fans, enthusiasts, and just people who came for the fun. Thousands of people swarmed the doors to get in, as it was a Friday. First day of the convention! Then Lash produced another holographic window, this one was a news broad cast for Gotham news.


    ¡°Who is the Alien Wraith? We know that he is a reptile creature that supposedly was born and raised here in Gotham City. However, what we don''t know is how did he go with out detection for so long. We have several videos of Wraith appearing out of now where and many times appearing in place where a normal person had been standing moments ago.¡± The news anchor woman spoke over several different videos. One specifically of a tall, bald man who seem to turn into a eight foot tall lizard.


    ¡°So, this would lead us to believe that Agent Wraith is capable of taking human form? Now, is Wraith actually an alien that looks like a human that disguises themselves as a giant lizard? Or, is a giant lizard hiding in the form of a human? Well we think we have the answer. We have a source from with in the United Nations that claims to know the identity of Agent Wraith, or at least his human persona. It is artist Erik Lash, award nominee for the ''Siren''s Call'' piece found in Wayne Art museum. A video was given to the studio by our source.¡± The news anchor said, then the video played.


    The video showed a fuzzy image of Erik talking to several people, then gun fire went off near them. Erik''s skin peeled back, and his muscles contorted, and with a puff of smoke Saurian was standing there. They struck and attacked a group of gunmen that had attacked him. Lash knew what this was, it was before he went to Tartarus when he was trying to put down the Kindred drug ring in the Narrows. Saurian easily dispatched the gunmen by ripping their arms off. The gunmen had been Kindred, so they didn''t need to worry about that killing them. But the viewers didn''t know that!


    ¡°Is this proof that Erik Lash could be Agent Wraith? Erik has called a press conference later today to discuss this issue. Gotham tonight will be there with our very own-...¡± Lash closed the holographic window. Kory, Kara, and Megan stared with wide eyes at where the screen had closed. It wouldn''t take a lot to put Lash now, and Lash of then together.


    ¡°That is why we are going to the convention. I am going as Agent Wraith, while a friend of mine will take the shape of Erik Lash and talk at the press conference. We will both be seen on camera in different locations, at the same time to remove any doubt that I am Erik Lash.¡± Lash said to them.


    ¡°How did they get the video? You''ve always been very careful, Lash. I got believe you would get caught!¡± Kara said, shock clear on her face.


    ¡°The video in question was suppose to be edited and erased to remove such a thing. This was before I had a handle on my abilities, before I could connect to machines as if they were extensions of me. But The Wardens had made sure to confiscate those videos. The Warden Council assures me they are looking into the leak. They have already set up with the convention they are expecting me. While a friend, as I said will be playing the part of me in Gotham. I thought you could all come and absorb another aspect of Earth''s culture. Comic conventions!¡± Lash said with a laugh. His cool and relaxed demeanor made them all visibly settle down.


    So, that was how it went. Starfire, Supergirl, and Miss Martian went in uniform to a comic convention. Lash explained what the comic con badge did and how to get in. They were told unless under duress not to use powers. Today they were just three women dressing up as their favorite characters from the recent news feeds. While Lash dressed up as Agent Wraith went to the back door to attend the convention in another way.


    The convention center is right next to one of the rivers in Detroit. The Center was huge with many different levels, sections, and areas. Including convention center restaurants, cafe''s, and places to meet. All of the immediate hotels had been book months in advance. A concert arena was near by along with a grand ball room. The center normally had a car show nearly year round. But this weekend it had been repurposed for a comic con. Why was it being held in Detroit? When it normally was held in San Diego? Because of the tidal wave a lot of things had changed.


    =============================================================


    A man stood at the back door to the convention along with a few others. All of them in black, with the words security written on the back of their cloths. Earbuds in their ears, radios, and guns on theirs hips. Despite their menacing appearance dozens of people walked up in costume and asked for directions to things. Gregson had worked at the convention center for ten years and comic, anime, and movie conventions were by far his favorite, and worse experience. He was an above average looking guy that could often get into a few convention ladies beds with the promise of back stage passes. So, he of course smiled at a girl who barely looked eighteen in a fetish super hero wear talking to him about the event.


    Despite the eye candy Gregson continued to do his job. He had learned how to look at some one while still looking around them for trouble. What was Gregson, and his team doing at this back door. If anyone could believe it? The Alien known has Wraith was attending the convention! It was a last minute scheduling, but that wasn''t an issue the coordinators always kept spaces open with a few rooms for emergencies.


    ¡°Dude! Sick looking Wraith costume! Did you make it yourself!¡± A high school kid yelled, and Gregson along with the woman turned to see him. Gregson nearly fainted then and there.


    Wraith stood at nearly eight feet tall, massive shoulders, and a long muscular tail you would see on a crocodile, except for the wicked blade on the end of it. The robes? Ripped up coat? Shroud of living smoke and shadow curled and writhed around him. But unlike all the news feeds his hood wasn''t down. Gregson could see the skull crest, along with the visible tribal marks that glowed, along with the four yellow and green reptilian eyes. Wraith smiled at the kid who complimented his look.


    ¡°Yes, I did make it myself. Thank you for the compliment.¡± Wraith said, his animalistic voice made everyone shiver. Their brains telling them that a predator was near by and they needed to run.


    ¡°HOLY FUCK! ARE YOU ACTUALLY WRAITH!¡± The high school kid yelled at him.


    ¡°Yes, I''ve always enjoyed comic conventions. I thought I would come and hold a panel for discussions, what do you think?¡± Wraith said to the kid.


    ¡°That sounds sick! Which room are you in I''ll come watch!¡± The kid jumped up and down. Wraith turned towards Gregson and tilted his head in question.


    ¡°Roo....Room 212A, in....in about an hour!¡± Gregson said, and was happy his voice didn''t crack!


    ¡°Holy shit! That''s like the largest room in there! I got to get going to get good seats!¡± The high school yelled and took off.


    The fetish wear woman that had been talking to Gregson took off in a run so she could also get in on the room quickly. Wraith walked over to Gregson and held out his hand, it took a moment for him to realize he wanted to shake his hands. Gregson reached out and chuckled a little, Wraiths massive clawed hand easily dwarfed his own.


    ¡°Mr Gregson, I''ll be in your care today. I hope that is alright?¡± Wraith''s voice sounded like a crocodile was trying to speak french. Gregson swallowed and nodded his head.


    ¡°Y...Ya! Of...Of course! Welcome to comic con!¡± Gregson said, and led Wraith to the back door.


    ================================================================


    Kara Zor-El had never in her life wanted to hide in a hole so much as she did right now! Lash had given them all VIP quick line passes so they just walked past the huge line of people straight into the convention. They had VIP bracelets that glowed, so they could put their comic con badges away. But they were told they may have to show it again from time to time so keep it handy. Then as they came in they saw the extravagant display of comics, books, anime, TV-shows, etc. Along with thousands of people in costume.


    Kara was thankful that Lash suggested she wear her uniform because she could activate her face mask and hide her blush! Kory took to the atmosphere like a fish in water. Her revealing armor was the talk of the area as Kory was incredibly beautiful, and exotic with her fiery red hair, orange skin, and glowing green eyes. She posed for pictures, hugged people, and kissed over a dozen men, and women and that was in the first half hour!


    Megan had a growing fan club that totally fell for her sky, and bashful appearance. A green martian woman dressed as a super heroine from the news. Since her uncle J''onn, and her had worked in the city for a while. Everyone considered a groupie or a fan of the martians! But more than once she jumped and had to hide behind Kara who had her own fan club as well.


    Kara had her navy blue polymer suit, hot rod red armor plates, and gold highlights. The house of Zor-El crest on her chest and people assumed she was a superman fan that took it to another level. The design on her armor were ''sick!'' as many of the younger people said. What did her physical well being have to do with how nice the armor was? A lot of people asked for pictures, and hugs. But she refused to kiss any one!


    Ding! Tong!


    ¡°Attention! Attention! Announcing a brand new guest speaker to the convention in suit 212A, the one and only Alien Wraith of the United Nations World Security has surprised us with a visit. No purchase of tickets are necessary, but seats are filling up fast!¡± A mans voice came over the intercome. Then several movie screens lite up across the center showing videos of Wraith walking through the halls and greeting people.


    ¡°HOLY FUCK! THE ALIEN CAME TO COMIC CON!¡± Some one screamed in delight!


    To say there was a rush for seats in one the largest sitting panels in the center was an under statement. Kara almost broke cover to help calm the people down. But they settled with acting as a buffer to rescue people who had tripped. Kara didn''t fully appreciate how popular Lash was. She had seen people throw rocks, mud, and even try and shoot him at New Orleans. But she had also seen people hug him, and thank him with all their heart as he healed, and brought hope to those with out any.


    The question panel wouldn''t start for another two hours. Kory, Kara, and Megan wanted to keep wondering around. They had reserved seats in the panel if they wanted to attend. Despite the clear amount of people that went ahead to get seats. There convention was still packed with people. Kara joined a group of people as they played a game called. Dance, Dance, Revolution?


    ==============================================================


    ****Across town in a five star hotel in the presidential suit****


    ARGUS agents sat around a table watching the television, and their lap tops as they watched the press conference on Agent Wraith and Erik Lash. They had been in Detroit for a few days hoping to catch Wraith''s attention so they could get him to Waller. Who was about at the end of her rope in patience. The tech team and installed the power inhibitor in the MCU for the Detroit police department. So they went home. Agent Dutch, Agent Nickel, and Agent Murmur were in the room watching the TV.


    Steven Reynolds came into the room and deposited coffee, and breakfast burritos for all. He walked over with a grimace to the master bedroom and knocked on the door. After a few minutes the door opened and he swore the temperature went down a few degrees as he handed the coffee and food to Waller. Who took it, and snapped the door closed with out a word. Reynolds sighed in relief and went to the main room to watch the show.


    ¡°Your fucking kidding me!¡± Agent Nickel shouted!


    ¡°Nickel, I have told you to watch your language!¡± Agent Dutch said as he rubbed his face.


    ¡°Sir! I know where Wraith is!¡± Nickel shouted and shoved his lap top to Dutch. Who read the screen and...


    ¡°Son of a bitch! Really!?¡± Dutch cursed! Dutch jumped to his feet and ran to the master bed room. Everyone else walked over to the lap top to read the screen. Agent Wraith of UNWS attends comic con question panel?


    Reynolds then looked over at the press conference in Gotham as Erik Lash walked onto stage to talk to everyone about the accusations of him being Wraith, as the agents all looked back at the lap top to see Agent Wraith come onto the stage for comic con. Well, that was one question answered!


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Waller''s voice screamed from the bed room.


    ¡°EVERYONE GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER! WHERE IS THE CONVENTION!?¡± Waller screamed!


    Everyone jumped into action. Time to meet Agent Wraith, they hoped.


    ==========================================================


    The sound of nearly five thousand people attending the question panel cheering, shouting was nearly deafening! As Lash walked onto the stage at comic con. The seats went back, along with a second level above them, and a third level above them. Along with VIP balcony seats, Lash looked at the balcony seats and smiled at the sight of Kory, Kara, and Megan eating churros, and waving at him. He looked back across the ocean of faces and noticed several hundred supernaturals in attendance as well. Though not in an official capacity.


    Ever been to a convention and you see a gorgeus woman acting the part of an elf? Or an unbelievably attractive man wearing knight armor? Well there is a chance that they may be supernatural fae, playing a part. Everyone enjoys being adored, and a convention is a great place to do that. He could only imagine Haunt Con in Vegas must be heaven for a lot of supernaturals. If he had the time, and if the world continued to run he''d have to go to Haunt Con as well.


    Lash noticed that the metal chairs provided wouldn''t take his weight. So he pulled a chair aside and with a bit of flair and glamour ''tiny'' machines constructed a throne of sorts made out of black metal. He slipped into it, the cheering continued for a short while as the stage techs came over and to set up the microphone. Lash told them he would be fine and attached himself to the microphone system on his own.


    ¡°Hellloooooo fellow comic con attendees! Can everyone hear me!¡± Lash said, his voice echoed across the whole room. More than half of the crowd shivered at the sound of his voice for how gruff it was, but also out of a primal fear. All the of the supernaturals in the crowd laughed.


    The stage techs were confused but accepted it and got off the stage. The assistant speaker stood next to the podium and tried to get every one settled. The attendant was essentially a hype woman. She wore hard leather fantasy armor that showed off her curves, and showed far more skin than armor should allow. She had rich brown hair braided down her back, dazzling blue eyes, and elf ears. She stood at 5''9¡± and smiled at the crowd and tried to gesture for them to calm down.


    ¡°Hello everyone! I am your host Bethany of the Moon Woods!¡± Bethany said and the crowd laughed at an inside joke. Bethany smiled back at everyone, while those that didn''t understand had people explain it to them.


    ¡°So, I was surprised and delighted to find out that the alien Wraith is a convention enthusiast! I was also surprised when I found out that Wraith had been invited to the convention to speak, and he accepted!¡± Bethany said, and the room cheered again. She waited a bit with a smile on her face.


    ¡°So, Agent Wraith! And to everyone here, this will be a panel for questions about many different subjects. But most off all!¡± Bethany took a serious look on her face. ¡°What is your favorite comic!¡± Bethany asked, and every one cheered.


    Lash stood up from his ''throne'' and took off his hood so everyone in the convention attending the panel could see his head completely a lot of people gasped and cheered. He cleared his throat and told the convention that he grew up reading the comics about the cave man and his pet velociraptor. A lot of people cheered, and Lash produced a holographic window that was large enough for everyone to see the image of the front cover. More people cheered in recognition.


    But then he talked about the genre Urban Fantasy. Highlighted several Authors, and graphic novels that followed the idea that magic, and supernaturals existed just beneath the surface but no one noticed. The supernaturals in the crowd laughed the loudest when he presented these comics to the crowd. A few people in the crowd jumped up and waved Lash when he focused on them he noticed they were dressed like some of the comics he read.


    Lash pointed them out in the crowd and a mote of light appeared above them and revealed them. The stage techs jumped around in confusion they had no idea where the light had come from. But the show continued! One novel was about a hard working private eye in the city of Chicago. He was a wizard that used his skills to help people. Lash quoted off several catch phrases, and talked about how they helped him through rough times in his life. Half way through the panel people understood that Wraith wasn''t just talking out of his ass. He had read, enjoyed, and lived these stories just like the rest of them. This realization made him feel more real to the crowd!


    ¡°As you can see we are setting up microphones on the first, second, and third floor. Along with people going from each VIP room. We are going to allow people to ask questions. Please be aware that the attendants will first ask what your question is and help us verify if they are safe for discussion.¡± Bethany said, she had a smile glue to her face but Lash could tell she was getting tired.


    Lash stood up and gestured for Bethany to come over to him. She hesitated but using her professional training she walked over like the model and show woman that she was. She carefully put her petite hand in his claws. He sent Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss into her. He did not apply the orgasmic sensation. That would have been awkward! But all the same the sensation still felt amazing. Bethany wobbled for a bit and Lash caught her. Several people murmured, cheered, and a few people stood up in worry. Bethany took deep slow breaths, then smiled brilliantly at Lash. This one was not fake. She felt amazing! She said thank you, and came back to the podium and leaned into the microphone.


    ¡°I think I have a crush on a giant lizard everyone!¡± She said softly, everyone laughed and cheered. While Bethany stole a glance at Lash who bowed from his waist and took his seat again. The convention question was asked at the front of the first floor.


    ¡°Yes! Hello! First off Agent Wraith I am a big fan! Don''t listen to the hate that those people spew at you! I for one welcome you to our world!¡± The man said, who was dressed in a brown rain coat, hat, and staff in hand.


    ¡°Thank you, I hope the rest of the world will accept me once my service is over.¡± Lash replied, and the crowd cheered.


    ¡°So, my question is! You have scales! Is it possible for you to share the love with everyone else? What I mean, can you give my furry friends and I some ears, and a tail?¡± The man asked, and the room erupted with cheers, and whoops of laughter. Lash smiled back, revealing his many sharp teeth.


    ¡°Yes, and no. I''ll explain! There is a bio-medical company currently in the process of creating cosmetic animal splicing. What is that? The ability to splice animal DNA into human DNA. It was primarily designed to help soldiers when on the battle field. Why have a K-9 unit sniff for land mines, if you can have a soldier with K-9 DNA do it for you? What does that mean for you? In 3-5 years you will be able to go get cosmetic surgery to have wolf ears and tails, or others! They will be fully functional, as in you can actually hear out of them.¡± Lash finished, every single furry in the room jumped up in there seats and cheered.


    Was that true? Yes, the militarizes of different countries had tried to apply the animal DNA to their super soldier programs. They had been successful because the magical societies already knew how to do that. The supernatural world was pushing for public use of animal splicing. Because if there were animal people walking around in the public it would create more cover for the supernatural creatures in the world. Along with the gradual acceptance of creatures in the future.


    ¡°Hello! Ohhh that is loud, sorry!¡± A woman on the second floor, wearing a blue fairy princess outfit. ¡°Agent Wraith! My question is are you capable of giving people special powers?¡± The woman asked, and silence fell on the room.


    ¡°Yes, and no. Please let me explain. Do I have the ability to splice animal DNA into someone? Yes, most definitely. However, right now its illegal for public use. Can I augment someone with cybernetics? Example; a mechanical arm capable of ripping a door off its hinges. Yes, I can! But, its not for public use. But I think what you mean to ask, and forgive me if I am wrong. You want to know if I can grant someone the meta-gene that the United Nations recently made public?¡± Lash asked, and the room stirred in question.


    Not to long ago the UN decided to jump ahead of the information instead of letting people stumble across it. So they announced the Meta-Gene situation. Not just Meta-Humans! Because the Meta-Gene was effecting animal, and plant life. There was a raccoon in a city park that was the size of a bear! It was also bullet proof! There was also, Flash, and Kid Flash in Central City. They had made a lot of public splashes along with the villains they fought. Lash, along with Kory, Kara had fought a meta-human gang in the streets of Detroit not that long ago.


    So, the UN spelled it out for everyone. How the meta-gene activates, thanks to Dark Matter. STAR labs was getting a lot of flak for that accident in Central City. How certain people had a meta-gene. 98% of the world didn''t have this gene, they didn''t know where it came from. Currently they had no way of detecting, or...removing said gene.


    Lash could understand the appeal! He was in a room full of people that would jump at the idea of being able to fly! To run faster than a bullet! To teleport across the city with a snap of a finger. Technically Lash could make a meta-human. They just had to die first! Then he could use Reincarnation to remake the body. But to select a living being and implant the meta-gene? He wasn''t sure...Maybe in the future?


    ¡°I can''t give you the meta-gene. Not wont. Can''t. You want eagle wings? I can help you! But the meta-gene not so much. I''m sorry if that is not the answer you were looking for.¡± Lash finished, a lot of people clapped. The woman who asked seemed sad but accepted the answer. They moved on.


    ¡°Do you have to have powers to join the Justice League?¡± A young boy at the third floor asked, while being held by his father? Brother?


    ¡°No, you don''t need powers to be in the Justice League. Though I will admit having powers is helpful. But what the league is looking for is determination, the will to help others, to seek truth, justice, and the dream for a better tomorrow. I know, sounds corny but its true. But! If you want to help? I''d suggest joining a local city watch. Join the police! Fire department, join the military! At the very least these places will help give you the skills and knowledge to help in the future.¡± Lash offered a viable alternative that he was sure the kids parents would like.


    Thanks to the kid a lot of people started to ask about the Justice League. Who was in it? He gave code names. Talked about different powers and abilities they all had. He only ever talked about powers that had already been publicly displayed so nothing hidden was spoken about. Lash told them that a television studio was in the process of creating a TV drama about the Justice League. This was true! A supernatural controlled studio planned to do well developed CGI (magic) to create a larger than life TV-series. That got the entire room jumping with questions. Actors playing which people. After four hours the panel came to a close.


    ¡°Thank you all for letting me attending your convention! I plan to still be here the rest of the day and night on the show floor! I am doing requests for items of creation! Ever want a fully detailed armor set from your favorite show? Come to my booth and I''ll tailor make you one!¡± Lash shouted, the crowd cheered and he stepped of the stage. Followed closely by Bethany who seem to want to ask him a question.


    ¡°Thank you for the help, I think I would have lost my mind with out it.¡± Lash said, and bowed from his waist to her. His voice was genuine and Bethany smiled at him.


    Charming Presence gains experience.


    ¡°You are very welcome! I...Ummmm. Had a follow up question.¡± Bethany said, gone was the proud confident show woman. Replaced with a sly, coy, seductress.


    ¡°I heard that you can slow the aging process?¡± Bethany said in a soft whisper.


    Lash reached out and took her by the shoulders and cast Return Youth onto Bethany. The glow surrounded her and she visibly glowed. Bethany closed her eyes and took it all in, her overall posture changed. Her breasts didn''t grow but they became firm and elastic again. Lash realized that Bethany despite her appearance was nearly forty years old. Now late twenties.


    ¡°That is for your help, but do me another favor. The rumor of being able to do so? Keep it a rumor.¡± Lash said, he had leaned in to whisper the words to her. Bethany swallowed audibly, but she bit her lip and nodded several times.


    ¡°OK!....Thank you!¡± She said with a blush. She bounced up and kissed his cheek. Charming Presence gained another prompt of experience. Before another word was spoken Lash turned around careful of his tail around Bethany and saw Amanda Waller behind him.


    ¡°We need to talk!¡± Waller said softly, but her cold voice froze Bethany and all the stage techs near by. Agent Nickel, Murmur, Dutch, and another Agent stood behind Waller. Nickel waved! They were all in civilian clothing, and Nickel was not covered in metal.


    ¡°Of course! Please come to my provided green room. We can talk there.¡± Lash gestured and moved to the room. The ARGUS entourage following.


    _______________________________________________


    Lash opened the door to the reasonable accommodating green room and let the ARGUS group come in with him. He closed the door behind them and took a moment to say hello to Nickel, Murmur, and Dutch. He learned about Steven Reynolds who was essentially the replacement for Colonel Flag. Since Flag had dropped off the face of the map. Last Lash heard anything about him from the Wardens was that Enchantress and Moon had successfully fused into one being. Enchanting Moon had allowed Flag to propose to her.


    Lash took a moment to create a table, chairs, and some basic refreshments. Waller pegged him with a glare that could have burned lesser individuals into cinders. Lash simply smiled at her, his reptilian features just as predatory as her own. Once everyone was seated he started.


    ¡°I wont give you Blue Beetle. He is a free citizen of the United States. Yes, technically he has an alien war machine grafted to his spine. But that doesn''t give you the right to brain wash him into service.¡± Lash supplied subject for conversation. Waller clenched her jaw and continued to glare at him.


    ¡°That''s fine... What do you plan to give ARGUS in compensation?¡± Waller said with a cold stare.


    ¡°What does ARGUS want?¡± Lash held his hands open to suggest a reasonable compromise.


    ¡°Cybernetic augmentation, just as you said in your question panel.¡± Waller said, she snapped her fingers and Dutch provided a lap top.


    ¡°No...¡± Lash said simply before Dutch could turn it on.


    ¡°I will not give weapons to the human race. I have no issue providing schematics for synthetic organs. The human race has a long track record for destroying themselves with weapons. Yes, a lot of the technology, and science I''ve given could be turned into a weapon. But that is out of my hands. But I will never willing give a weapon to humans.¡± Lash said to Waller who looked like she wanted to shoot him.


    ¡°Even if it could save lives?¡± Waller said with a cold glare.


    ¡°Tell me Director Waller. If I gave cybernetic augmentation to you. Would you share it with the United Nations? Or would you keep it specifically for American interests?¡± Lash asked. Waller leaned back in her seat and took a deep breath. She didn''t answer.


    ¡°Exactly...¡± Lash tilted his head as he heard a message coming across Connectivity from the Warden Council. He had a video feed being sent to Vici, and also to the local Warden HQ.


    ¡°How would ARGUS like to know how to detect whether someone has the meta-gene in their system or not?¡± Lash offered, Waller sat up straight in her chair. As did Dutch, Murmur, and Reynolds. Nickel appeared to be playing some kind of game on his phone.


    ¡°My sources say that the UN doesn''t have that kind of information?¡± Waller asked, she raised a manicured eye brow at him.


    ¡°That is correct, they don''t. That doesn''t mean I am not aware of how. Please understand that in a few months UN will ''discover'' the method. But, ARGUS will have a sizable advantage. Please be aware that the method I''m and offering does not mean you will know what abilities they have, or how to activate them. Just because you have the gene doesn''t mean it will activate. Dutch is a good example.¡± Lash said, and Waller whipped around to Dutch who looked at them in surprise.


    ¡°Aha! Didn''t I tell you! I said it! It said it would be cool if our handler was a meta-human!¡± Nickel said with a smile, then coughed as Murmur punched him in the stomach.


    ¡°I have the meta-gene?¡± Dutch asked, stumbling to his feet. Lash ''scanned'' Dutch and created holographic window of his DNA, along with the specific meta marker. Then he ''crafted'' a design that he just acquired from the Warden council, along with a flash drive.


    ¡°Is this exchange acceptable, Director Waller?¡± Lash asked, Waller snagged the flash drive. Handing the device to Reynolds who quickly pocketed it. Waller''s face was visibly better, she even smiled slightly.


    ¡°Yes, this is an acceptable trade. However, I have questions.¡± Waller continued. ¡°Does the Justice League have a space station?¡± Waller asked, Lash leaned back in his custom made chair. That question wasn''t terribly surprising.


    ¡°No, the Justice League does not have a space station.¡± Lash said, it was technically true. Lash built Vici. Not the League.


    ¡°Do you have a space station?¡± Murmur asked, her voice was quiet and a surprise to everyone in the room. Except Nickel who went back to playing on his phone.


    ¡°Yes...¡± Lash replied, Waller took a moment to glance at Murmur. A tiny smile was on Waller''s lips. This small sign of acknowledgment made Murmur bashful.


    ¡°Did the League help you build it?¡± Waller continued.


    ¡°No, I built it on my own.¡± Lash held up his hand to stop her from continuing. ¡°It is less then a year old, it took me twenty four hours to build the basic structure of it. I''ve been slowly upgrading it ever since. The resources came from me. The United Nations is not aware of it, but my employers are.¡± Lash concluded. Dutch, and Reynolds looked confused about the last statement but Waller took it in stride.


    ¡°I want Agents Nickel, and Murmur to join the League.¡± Waller said, Nickel and Murmur both looked up in surprise.


    ¡°I''m fine with that, as long as you and them both understand that they will not be full members unless they agree to keep secrets from ARGUS. The League won''t mind people having multiple responsibilities, but a spy is another thing.¡± Lash said and turned to look at both the meta-humans.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Waller said, and before she could continue Lash held up his hand. He stood and walked to the center of the room and used Enchanting: Rune of Truth. The symbol glowed with arcane purple energy. Everyone in the room looked at the symbol in shock and confusion.


    ¡°Director Waller, please step on the symbol. I won''t agree to them joining till you answer a question.¡± Lash said, his index claw pointing at the symbol. Waller squared her shoulders and walked over to stand on it.


    ¡°Did you just lie about letting Nickel, and Murmur keeping secrets from ARGUS about the Justice League?¡± Lash asked, and Waller with out missing a beat replied.


    ¡°Yes! Both Agents have a tracking beacon surgically implanted in them. I would use this information to locate them, and the station. I will order them to relay any and all information about the League directly to me!¡± Waller said, then clapped her hands over her mouth and jumped off the symbol.


    ¡°What the fuck!¡± Waller screamed loudly.


    ¡°Holy shit! Its a truth compulsion seal! Like in that comic book you read, Wraith!¡± Nickel shouted with a smile on his face.


    ¡°I have danced around the truth with you, Waller. Just as you have with me. But I have never lied to you.¡± Lash raised a single claw. ¡°That is one lie I''ve you caught you in. Two more and you and I are finished. Now, I will remove the implant, and you will swear to me not to force Nickel, and Murmur to betray the trust I am placing in them. Because if you make them, you wont live to see the next dawn.¡± Lash said with a growl, his shroud went from billowing to shard edges all pointed at Waller.


    ¡°Or, you can decide to not include them in the Justice League. I''ll forget the lie and we''ll go back to being on even ground. Decide...¡± Lash offered. Waller stood up straight and glared at Lash. She walked towards the table and collected the lap top.


    ¡°Then I guess we are even. Good bye Agent Wraith.¡± Waller said with a dismissive tone and left through the door.


    ¡°Murmur! A moment.¡± Lash called as Murmur got to the door. Waller kept walking as if she didn''t hear anything. Dutch told Murmur to hurry.


    Murmur came over to Lash and looked at him, he held up a single ''gold'' coin with a complicated script on it. Murmur took the coin and felt a rush of energy roll through her body. She shivered and felt a connection with the coin. She looked up at Lash confused, as the shroud relaxed and coiled around Murmur almost protectively.


    ¡°Put it under your pillow when you sleep. You''ll get to ask your questions.¡± Lash said, as he reached up and ruffled Murmurs hair. She blinked at him in confusion.


    ¡°OK....¡± Murmur replied, then ran off to join her group.


    Just as the door was starting to close, Lash heard Nickel ask Dutch. ''So what powers do you think you have?'' Lash smiled at Nickel. He was sad that Waller had lied. They could have been useful. Lash banished the Rune of Truth on the floor and left the room. After he took down the obstruction glamour he had placed on the room. The owners of the electronic bugs were sure to be confused as to why a group of people entered the room and talked about tennis.


    Lash as Agent Wraith was led to the show floor to a very nice booth with a lot of security guards in place. Lash reached out and cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on them. They all felt a rush of energy and knew it came from him. He took a seat and met with the long, long, long time of people. He spoke to everyone of them for a few minutes while Bethany his coordinator helped usher people along. He made tailored made suits of armor, weapons with blunted edges, (Safety) made drawings, gave people detailed tattoos.


    Bethany being in her twenties again kept a smile, and kept her energy the whole time. The sun had set hours ago and the show floor was closing. There was a large club and show with a life DJ happening in the next room. Lash closed his booth, and Bethany asked if he intended to visit the live show. He said yes, and escorted Bethany towards the show. Much to her great enjoyment! A real beauty and the beast display. A lot of people took pictures.


    The live show with several DJ''s was in one of the other show floors in the convention center. One of the places they would host car shows, because there were several show stages that slowly spun in a circle. The place was packed! The music made the giant room vibrate with every hit of the bass. The lighting was low, and multi colored lasers flashed across the ceiling with the rhythm of the music. Bethany was interested if Lash wanted to dance he politely declined as his tail could accidentally kill someone. She pouted but understood. She slowly merged into the crowd as Lash walked along the edge.


    ¡°There you are! The woman no longer hanging on you!¡± Kara shouted over the music as she came running over to hug him. Lash laughed and returned the hug, several people looked over in surprise. Lash''s hood remained down, and those that noticed he had a genuine smile on his face as he spoke to the woman. (Kara)


    ¡°You sound jealous that Bethany had my eye for a bit.¡± Lash said with a smirk, and Kara pegged him with a glare. She put her hands on her armored hips and turned her head away.


    ¡°I think you can do better!¡± She replied, her eyes looked back at him. He only gave her a smile in response.


    ¡°Where are Megan, and Kory?¡± Lash asked, Kara pointed to one of the stages and he saw Kory dancing around the middle. A pole was in the center of it. She had a huge crowd watching her as she danced. Megan was on one of the lower stages, she was also dancing in a seductive manner.


    Lash offered his arm to Kara, who took it with a smile. Then they walked through the crowd. Kara was astonished as Lash despite his massive size, the crowd just seem to flow around them. It wasn''t long before they reached the stage with Kory, and Mega were dancing. Once they came to the edge Kory jumped own and hugged Lash. Planting a kiss on his snout. He laughed and returned the hug, along with Megan who was behind her. Once again a lot of people were confused.


    Lash climbed onto the spinning stage and conjured his obsidian throne and took a seat. He looked like a Devil King watching the seductive dancers entertain him. Kory did just that, as she went back to the pole and danced for him. Kara, and Megan did the same on the stage. Not one to just be left out, Lash created several Phantasm illusions of different creatures of colors and lights as they flew through the show rooms ceiling.


    ¡°Miss Martian!?¡± A young voice called out from the crowd, and despite herself Megan turned around and looked. Several people were in shock.


    ¡°Oh my god it is you!¡± The voice called, Megan turned around to Lash and had a look of panic on her face. Lash shrugged his massive shoulders.


    ¡°If we need to leave we will!¡± Lash shouted over the music.


    So Megan, Kara, and Kory stopped hiding. The floated up into the air and danced around. People shouted, and cheered. Most of them thought it was some kind of show. But a few people knew the truth. These three women were with Wraith. All three of them had powers! Lash stayed on the stage but slowly a few people came to the stage. He turned to look at them. A few Blood-Kindred looked at him with permission. He gestured with his hand and they stood up on the stage. Three women, and two men in comic, and anime clothing started to dance on the stage. Of course the characters they emulated were vampires.


    With in an hour there were several furries, all were-breeds. Fae, Sylvans, and one Warden of Detroit. While the three aliens floated above dancing the night away. Neon green dragons, and phoenixes of red and purple danced through the air as illusions. Then the song came to a gradual end and the current DJ came to the stage.


    ¡°Is everyone having a good time!?¡± The DJ called out, and the whole room cheered!


    ¡°First off a big, big shout out to Agent Wraith for the light show! Also for this ''Mithril'' chained shirt he made me! Respect to Tolkien!¡± The crowd cheered, as the DJ was wearing a mithril chained shirt. The supernaturals all looked at Lash in question, he shook his head. No, it was not real mithril.


    ¡°Another shout out to the three flying! And sexy as hell Aliens flying in the air! Give it up for Agent K, Agent Andr, and Agent M!¡± The DJ pointed, and Kara, Kory, and Megan waved when their name was called the crowd cheered!


    ¡°Lets kick it up a notch! We''ve only got two hours left of this party so lets make it the loudest party in the country!¡± The DJ shouted, and the crowd cheered. He ran back to his set up and the next song began to play.


    Lash changed the illusions in the air to a battle between two opposing sci fi space ship fleets. Just like he did in Starling City at the Verdant. Explosions shattered across the cosmos in tandem with the music. People cheered, and were mesmerized with just the light show above them. But many others continued to dance. Energy tendrils near invisible to the naked eye danced through the room giving everyone a pick me up through Lash''s Nature Domain.


    It was a good night!


    ___________________________________________________________


    ¡°There you have it everyone! We''ve confirmed that Erik Lash of Gotham is not Agent Wraith. Agent Wraith was spotted at Detroit comic con in full kit, and ability that we have come to know him for. While at the same time, Erik Lash was holding a press conference. They even took a sample of his blood and confirmed that Erik is 100% human! Though Gotham tonight still has video evidence, our experts are looking over the footage and believe that it may have been doctored. Something they had missed in the initial run through. In other ne....-¡± The holographic window shut off. Lash rubbed his face as he sat back and relaxed on the couch in the hotel room.


    Lash felt the spell he had placed on Murmurs coin take effect. It was later than he thought, but at least she had believed him. The spell would allow her to talk to a spirit that had passed, more specifically the echo of the spirit. It wasn''t everything, but it was something nice he could do. Ten minutes later he got a Charming Presence experience prompt. Well at least he knew it had worked?


    His pack mates, and Fae envoys messaged him and said that the Courts would send representatives in the morning. Along with pictures, descriptions, and key phrases to share. He only had a few more hours until sun rise so he decided to use the fully stocked Enchanting kit to do some updating on his, and Saurians gear. He''d have to see if there is an Enchanting module for Vici.


    Lash heard a soft knock on his door, he looked up and saw the sun had risen. He closed up the kit and grabbed the three brief cases. He went to the door and opened it up. A security detail for the Seelie court was behind the door. But no Seelie Court princess, L. Lash exchanged the key phrase with the knight who was in full armor. Once that was over he passed their designated brief case to them. They nodded and left.


    Not five minutes later another knock on the door. He answered it to find a UnSeelie Court security team waiting. Except these Fae all saluted him as a Winter Knight of the Queen. He saluted back, and handed the brief case over to them. They left just as quickly and quietly as the Seelie Court. Lash closed the door and went back to the waiting game.


    Five minutes later the last knock of the morning arrived. He opened it and looked up, he saw a minotaur in the hallway. Lash took a step back and nearly slammed the door shut. The minotaur looked down at him and tilted his head. He said the pass phrase for the Twilight court and Lash took a breath in relief. The last time he saw a minotaur it had worked for Ares. Lash gave the pass phrase back, and provided the case. The minotaur smiled and thanked him for his work and left soon after. Lash closed the door and breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Someone at the door?¡± Kara asked sleepily from the hall way. Lash turned to look at her with a smile.


    ¡°Just finishing up our business. We''ll be leaving Detroit today.¡± Lash said in response.


    =============================================================


    CRACK! Like the sound of lighting striking a tree Shazam struck Black Adam across the jaw! The Teth-Adam or Black Adam as most call him shot through the air and collided with the ground and created a massive impact creator in the middle of Fawcett City! Shazam floated above the city as he glared down at the hole he had made. Dark clouds began to grow in the skies above, static electricity began to fill the air.


    ¡°Is that all you have, boy! Then the wizard chose poorly!¡± A cold, hard voice called from the smoking wreckage. Then a black and gold blur shot straight up and tackled Shazam in the gut!


    Black Adam was 6 foot even with intense brown eyes, slicked back black hair, and caramel skin tone. His body was wrapped in a skin tight black suit, with a golden lighting bolt down his chest, a golden sash wrapped around his waist, with the end fluttering in the wind. Golden leather boots came half up his calf''s, Shazam got a good look at them as Black Adam struck him down with the heel of his boots! Shazam crashed through an office building, went through floor, after floor out the other side of the building into another busy intersection.


    Shazam stood up from the wreckage and looked around. Blood was seeping out of his ears, eyes, and nose. He coughed up a bit of blood and staggered to his knees. People screamed and ran for cover. He called to them to run! Why was there always some dumb ass with a phone out recording the damn thing! Who cares about social media if your dead!?


    William Joseph Batson, Billy to his friends had become ''Shazam'' the super powered magical mortal. Empowered by the man simply known has ''the wizard''. He had played the role of protector for Fawcett City, and even joined the Justice League. But life kept getting worse, and worse for him. Yes, a lot of nice things had happened. But this took the cake.


    Shazam stood up and looked up at the sky as he saw Black Adam laughing at him mockingly. Shazam stood at 6''2¡± with pure blue eyes, and black hair that was high and tight. Though it was a bit of mess right now. He had a skin tight red suit on, with a golden lighting bolt down the center, a golden corded rope around his waist, golden boots, and a half white cape around his shoulders. Golden electricity danced around his form. He spread his feet and shot back up into the sky towards Black Adam.


    ¡°That''s it, boy! Come and g- Gaaaaah!¡± Adam shouted in pain, before Shazam got to him a blue, and red blur shot form shot down from the sky and tackled Adam straight into the ground!


    The cacophony of screams, blaring alarms, and smoke took nothing from the surprising moment for Shazam. What the? Crack! Slam! The sounds of fist to flesh impact rang out in the smoke and Black Adam shot out of the smoking wreckage across the street. He skipped like a stone across a body of water. Two...three.... four times before he came to a stop. He jumped to his feet, and wobbled for a moment.


    ¡°Who dares strike at-Gaaah!¡± Before Adam could finish a fiery red head flew over him and shot green energy bolts into him. Shazam recognized her! That was Starfire, he had met her at the League meeting!


    ¡°You dare!¡± Adam shouted, but before he could move a gas tanker was thrown on top of him by a green martian with her telekinetic powers. Starfire shot a bolt and the tanker exploded! The resulting explosion shattered all the windows in a city block radius. Thankfully no one was around.


    Adam shot out of the flames looking pissed! Shazam raced down and tackled the man before he could attack Stafire. Billy had been going to a kick boxing club lately and got lots of practice in. He swung wide with a left hook which Adam easily blocked. Then Shazam struck with his right foot and cracked the mans knee side ways!


    ¡°Gaaaah! I will kill you, boy! I''ll -Gaaaah!¡± Adam tried to shout as the blue and red blur flew by and upper cut him. Supergirl! Shazam saw her at last, then she shot red lasers from her eyes!? What the fuck that is so cool! Billy thought!


    The storm clouds above them continued to boil with energy. Looked like it may rain here in a bit. Adam skipped across the street again, but rolled into it and came to a stop. He stood up on his feet with a grimace. He smoothed his fist across his face and noticed he came away with blood. He looked up at Shazam, and the three women.


    ¡°So, you can''t defeat me alone so you turn to your whores!¡± Black Adam said with a sneer. Then he felt a tap on his shoulder. He flipped around saw a giant lizard wrapped in smoke and shadow.


    ¡°Made you look!¡± Wraith said, and a lightning strike raced from the sky towards Adam!


    CRAAAAACK! The lightning lite up the whole area! The smell of ozone was almost over powering. But what Shazam noticed the most was standing in the exact spot where Black Adam use to be was now Theo Adam, the mortal version of Black Adam. The lightning strike had reversed the transformation spelll.


    ¡°Wha...Ho...Who are -Gaaaah!¡± Theo shouted, and doubled over as Wraith slugged him in the stomach. Wraith stuffed a ball gag into the mans mouth and started to tie him up.


    ¡°Hi Shazam!¡± Starfire said as she flew over to meet him. Shazam''s face went red, as he tried not to stare at how sexy Starfire looked in her uniform. Billy was sixteen this year! Women were always something to look at, not to touch. Starfire hugged him and he flailed! What does he do!?


    ¡°Your adorable!¡± Starfire said, and kissed his cheek. Oh man! Be cool! Be cool!


    ============================================================


    Lash hog tied Teth-Adam with Nth metal ropes. Specifically with the anti-magic properties. He could feel the magical energy leaving Adam as he attempted to struggle and say his name once more. But not with the ball gag in place! He just drooled a lot, and stared with immense hatred at Lash. Shazam, flew down with Kory, and Kara. While Megan was helping to over turn vehicles.


    ¡°Shazam! Hello, we are here to build your Justice League bunker. I know you have a pocket dimension in your name already. But you need a place for the League can openly visit. I hope you don''t mind us cutting into your fight?¡± Lash said as he placed a clawed foot on Adam who continued to struggle.


    ¡°Not at all! Sir, Wraith..Sir...Agent...Wraith...I...Ummm...Thank you...¡± Shazam said, as he tried to sound composed and failed miserably. He ended up looking at his feet, and Kory once more hugged him and kissed his cheek. His face turned bright red.


    ¡°Your adorable, Shazam!¡± Kory said. Shazam just nodded his head.


    ¡°Where do you want Teth-Adam? At the Rock? Or with the Wardens?¡± Lash asked, Shazam''s head shot straight up.


    ¡°Wait! How do you know about the rock!? I haven''t told anyone about that!¡± Shazam shouted, even Teth-Adam looked confused.


    ¡°Wardens then! Give me a moment I''ll call for a pick up!¡± Lash said, and glossed over how he knew about the Rock of Eternity.


    The Wizard was a registered supernatural wizard of the highest order. Of course Lash knew about the Rock of Eternity! It was one of the places the Wardens wanted to go to so desperately! But the Wizard forbade any one from entering with out his permission. He was real picky about who got in, and who didn''t! A police (Warden) transport vehicle rolled up a few minutes later and took Teth-Adam away. Who continued to stare daggers at Lash. Sirens from the first response teams sounded off near by. Shazam looked worried and was about to take off before Lash grabbed his arm.


    ¡°Where you going?¡± Lash asked, confusion clear in his voice.


    ¡°I...Ah....The police have a warrant for my arrest!¡± Shazam said sheepishly.


    ¡°Why?¡± Lash asked, honestly confused.


    ¡°Property damage....¡± Shazam said quietly. Lash took a moment to process that information. That was right, out of the entire League. Lash was the only one capable of repairing the damage he caused during a fight.


    ¡°Alright! Head out, we''ll come find you later. Do you have any issues with us showing up at your school? Oh wait its a weekend! We''ll come find you later!¡± Lash said with a laugh! Shazam nodded and took off just as the police cars came to a halt in front of them.


    ¡°Hello officers! I am Agent Wraith with the UNWS, these are Agent K, Agent Andr, and Agent M. We are here to help!¡± Lash said with a smile that looked frightening on his reptilian features. He held out his ID to the officer on the scene.


    ''Agent Wraith'' filled out a long report. All the while Agent K, Andr, and M helped clean up the scene. Though teams of medicals did show up to take anyone that needed to go to the hospital Lash healed everyone that would let him. A few die hard haters refused to let him touch them so they were taken to the nearest hospital. Fine! It was there money to spend, and hours of rehab! Lash then spent time to repair, and rebuild the destroyed city.


    After everything was said and done, Lash and crew simply faded from sight. Much to the surprise of the officer in charge, and news crews who showed up to ask questions. Just like Detroit Lash had sent word to the local Warden HQ of his arrival, they ''Requested'' to see if he could visit the Rock of Eternity. You know...Just maybe? He also booked a suit for a supernatural hotel who was more than happy to make room for his party.


    They drove up to house in the sub-burbs in Fawcett City. Lash, got out with Kory, Kara, and Megan and walked up the drive way towards the front door of the house they rang the door bell and an older man answered the door. He was in his later forties, mid fifties. With a bald head. (Baldies unite!) a bit of stomach, but strong arms. He had a pair jeans on, sandals, and a white shirt. He looked at them confused.


    ¡°Is Joseph available?¡± Lash asked....


    ¡°He is....Is he in some kind of trouble?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°Not at all Dudley Batson! Oh forgive me! Mr Batson! We are here to talk to Billy about a full scholarship to a college thanks to a written exam he participated in!¡± Lash said with a smile, that got Dudley Batson''s attention real quick!


    ¡°Billy! You have visitors!¡± Uncle Dudley called into the house.


    ¡°I do!?¡± A young mans voice called out, he raced to the front door. Tripped over his feet and face planted. Then stood up real quick.


    ¡°Billy! Wonderful to see you again! Can we talk?¡± Lash said with a smile. Kory peeked around his shoulder and smiled at Billy.


    ¡°Sure.....¡± Billy said, as he paled with fright!

 Chapter 78:Thanagar Arcane Science

    ===============================================================


    *****Africa, Ethiopia*****


    The cavern had a musty, wet earth smell. Made sense since it had a small underground river in it. Fruit bats clung to the roof of the cave, and chattered among one another. Light from the outside sun cooked small areas in sunlight bringing a sense of absent warmth to the cave system. Above the giant cavern was an old ruin made from giant slabs of stone. Pieces of art that to this day many didn''t know how were made. Really crushed the new Earth 5,000 year old theory when you dated the relics almost a fifty thousand years.


    Deep in the cave stood a seven foot tall man in pure black modern tech armor. A shoulder mounted cannon, and a fully automatic electromagnetic rifle in his arms. His helmet sported four eye slits. Each pair switching between thermal, electrostatic, and radiation vision. He had broad shoulders, and a broad waist. He was a wall of a man. He watched with careful precision as a team of technicians slowly, and very quietly built an anchor for a new Rift. Once the last pylon was built the technicians all looked towards the Commander for confirmation. A single green light went off on his display helmet.


    The spark of energy was contained, small, and elusive. But the shock that rippled through the whole cavern system sent a eerie wail as the very fabric of reality screamed in pain. It may have been small, but it was like having a sewing needle jammed into your skull. The bats in the cavern screeched in alarm and flew into the open day to get away from the sound! The technicians in soft black armor stepped back and covered their ears in a vain attempt to block the sound. The Rift Commander shouldered his rifle and tapped a keypad on his left forearm. A holographic keyboard lit up and a window appeared.


    Second Rift, pin hole operational. Copy? -The Rift Commander sent. A few minutes went by and the tiny Rift the size of a fist grew by another inch.


    Confirmed, stand by for secondary construction of Beta FOB. Eliminated any and all foreign witnesses. - Central Command sent from their home.


    The secondary Rift Commander acknowledged the orders and closed his interface on his arm. He did a set of hand signals and the technician team started to build a basic stealth field. Though the cave walls would mask the energy signature of the Rift, in time as the Rift grew the energy readings would climb. They needed that field. The Rift Commander went back to the entrance of the cave and activated a simple cloak. As long as he didn''t move to much he would seem like a blurry specter in the jungle.


    Africa? The Rift Commander had been born in Africa back in his home. But Africa was nothing more than an irradiated wasteland in his home reality. The only thing that lived there now was mutated insects the size of dogs and cats. The Emperor promised to restore their world, and to make it even better than it was. The Commander held onto that hope, that belief for a better future. Even if they had to destroy another world to accomplish it.


    =============================================================


    Dudley Batson, or Uncle Dudley as his nephew called him was confused about the situation in his living room. His nephew Billy was talking to the man and three women with looks of confusion, almost comical threats, and sometimes down right cute expressions for a teenager to make. Especially when one of the women came to sit next to him and politely teased his nephew! Dudley would never admit it out lout but he wished he could swap places with his nephew. The woman was a bombshell!


    She was over six foot easily, with a strong athletic build, bouncing chest that made it easy to know she didn''t wear a bra as her nipples poked the fabric of her white silk blouse. She had a gray pencil skirt, and navy blue half suit jacket on. Her long curly hair changed colors along with her eyes as she tickled and teased his nephew. The man with them smiled at the scene, while another asked ''Kory'' to stop teasing Billy so much.


    The second woman was about 5''5¡± give or take with out heels on. She wore a three piece business suit on, black suit jacket, pants, and three inch pumps. While her vest was navy blue, and she had a red tie on with the superman crest on it. Her multi colored hair was cut just above her shoulders. She tried to maintain a neat professional persona, she kept stealing glances at the man with them. As if hoping for his approval? Kara, at last had enough and dragged Kory back to their seat, while Kory pouted in a joking manner while Billy''s face was red as a tomato. Dudley despite himself laughed at the sight. It had been a long time since he hand seen his nephew embarrassed like that.


    The last woman was 5''10, with short hair cut just below her jaw line, swept to one side. She had a pair of earrings in, and a really nice golden necklace piece that almost seem to glow in the light. She wore a one piece cashmere sweater top that went to her mid thighs, that hugged her curves. It didn''t have shoulders, and the top wrapped around her neck. She had taken off her coat when they stepped inside and the dress revealed her entire back down to the top of her ass. Dudley swallowed at the seductive top. She finished the look with tan leather boots that went to her calf. She had a gentle smile on her face, and laughed softly at the antics of Kory. What was her name? Megan! That is right.


    Now the man! Holy crap, when Dudley had opened the door to see a 6''4¡± man that was wide as a door. With a bald head, that reminded Dudley of the military operatives you see in movies. Once a soldier, always a soldier. He wore a three piece suit, of black, on black. With a crimson tie, and black military boots that didn''t go with the tailored suit. But Dudley believed the man didn''t really care. Something was different about the man, Dudley could feel that all three women were different. But when he saw the man, he swore he saw a hungry predator looking him up and down.


    ¡°Uncle Dudley?¡± Billy called him. He perked up and looked at his nephew.


    ¡°Oh sorry, lost in thought. What did you say?¡± Dudley asked, as he coughed and tried to clear the air so he wouldn''t admit he had been staring at them. The woman...Kory didn''t help as she had winked at him. He blushed a bit.


    ¡°So, Billy says you are with the League?¡± Dudley asked, and the group stopped and looked at him, then at Billy in surprise.


    ¡°What? Did you really think I could keep the secret from my uncle?¡± Billy asked, offended that they would think he would lie to his only family. Dudley felt the knot in his chest loosen. He was happy his nephew trusted him.


    =============================================================


    Lash gritted his teeth, and clenched his hands into fists. His boiling rage faded as quickly as it came. The only one that noticed was Megan as she flashed him a concerned look. He sent a simple Telepathic message of ''later''. She accepted the answer and went back to talking to Billy. Lash wanted to scream because he had just received a message from Dawn.


    Attention User, the invading reality has created a secondary Rift.


    You''ve been awarded ten bonus DP. Good luck!


    With the increase in bonus points. The challenge rating went from hard to very hard. Fuck! He tried to keep his mind clear. He didn''t want to scare anyone. One of the times he hated filling the leader role. He had to stay composed, and indifferent in front of his people. New, or old. They had come here with a clear goal. Billy aka Shazam was technically 16 years old this year. He would be a sophomore in high school next year. But, Shazam? Was a full grown male. Billy looked the spitting image of his Father when he was Shazam. Close, but subtle differences.


    The Justice League has a whole assumed Shazam was a magical superhero (Adult). When in truth he wasn''t. Lash wanted to enroll Billy in a Supernatural high school, prep school, and college. He would technically get a full ride from the Warden Council. Since his sponsor was, The Wizard. The Keeper of the Rock of Eternity.


    ¡°Billy, how are your grades in school right now?¡± Lash asked, and Billy opened and closed his mouth like a gold fish. Trying to comprehend the change in subject. Uncle Dudley coughed into his hand, and answered for him.


    ¡°He is barely passing. There is a chance he''ll have to do summer school. Because of all of his absences. It''s not like he can explain to the school that he has to go save people.¡± Dudley responded for Billy, and smiled gently at his nephew who looked down.


    ¡°So, there are several reasons why we came to your home today. One: We want to build you a JL bunker. Either in your back yard, or in a place of your choosing in the city. We know you have the Rock of Eternity. But, The Wizard is very selective of who goes there. The bunker will be yours, but also a place for visiting JL members.¡± Lash added quickly when Billy looked up with stars in his eyes. He responded like any 16 year old would when you said you planned to build him a super fun, super secret, club house!


    ¡°Could we do both?¡±Dudley asked, and Lash liked him even more for it.


    ¡°Yes. We could build a minor one here due to size constrictions. Your backyard is nice, but not large enough to hold what we need. But it would make getting in and out of your house that much easier. Tell me, Billy. How many times have you changed in your backyard?¡± Lash asked, Billy raised his eye brows and started to count on his fingers.


    ¡°To many times! The fire department has been out here in the neighborhood nearly six times in the past month because the neighbors call about lighting strikes. I''m surprised no one has been knocking on our door.¡± Dudley said, as he looked out the window to the backyard where a single singed spot was.


    ¡°That is because of the spell wards placed around your house, placed by the Warden Council. Technically Billy is a adolescent supernatural. Protected by Warden Law. If the spell wards were not in place than everyone would have figured out where you were shifting.¡± Lash offered a simple explanation.


    ¡°Wait what!?¡± Billy said, as he shot up off the coach.


    ¡°The wards create a sort of psychic barrier around your home. It prevents people from looking inside, and if they see anything the barrier tells them it is nothing to take notice of, right Lash?¡± Megan chimed in. Megan had been talking to her uncle J''onn about the priests and priestess of Mars back home. So she could understand a little of what Lash did. Lash nodded to her with a smile.


    ¡°Basically. So, we''ll build a basic structure at your house. Then we''ll build another sizable bunker in the city. When you need to come home you go to the main bunker first. Size down, then take a portal from there to here. No more lighting strikes.¡± Lash offered, and Dudley sighed in relief.


    ¡°Can I have friends in the bunker!?¡± Billy asked, and the resounding NO from Lash, and Dudley made him sit down and pout.


    ¡°Well...¡± Kory supplied an alternate answer when she smiled at Billy. ¡°Technically anyone in the League will be using the Bunker when they are in town. So, they count as friends do they not?¡± Kory smiled at Billy, who looked a little less aggrieved.


    ¡°School! Lash you were telling us about school on the way over?¡± Kara stepped in to change the subject. Dudley looked up from his nephew.


    ¡°So, as an adolescent of the supernatural community. Billy is entitled to a public education. Now, because his sponsor is, The Wizard. He gets a full ride. So, with your permission Mr. Batson, and Billy. We would like to transfer Billy to the supernatural community high school, prep school, and college. The school is located here in the city...Kinda. They would also be aware of who you are. The magical hero known has Shazam.¡± Lash said, as he produced a holographic projection of the high school campus, buildings, students, and faculty. The fact that one of the teachers was an elf may have helped.


    ¡°Is that an elf!?¡± Dudley asked, astonished.


    ¡°Yes, that''s an elf.¡± Lash replied with a smile.


    ¡°Why would they know who I am?¡± Billy asked, and Lash pegged him with a look of. ''Really?'' Billy shrunk his neck in like a turtle.


    ¡°Billy, when The Wizard chose you. Every supernatural in Fawcett City knew who you were with in that very day. By the end of the week the supernatural world at large knew about it. Thankfully, supernatural secrets and mundane secrets are kept from each other. So, the faculty would be more than aware that Billy has responsibilities. Though he would still have to make up the time in other ways. I assure you, the schools are fully credited and he will get a full education.¡± Lash assured Uncle Dudley.


    They talked for another hour or so about the facilities at the school. Dudley had never heard of this place any where in Fawcett City. That was when Lash informed him that the school was technically hidden away inside of a pocket dimension. That stumped Dudley for a minute, but much to Lash surprise. Billy had taken Dudley to the Rock of Eternity. So, it wasn''t his first time being in a pocket dimension. Billy would miss his ''normal'' friends from his junior high school. But if he made an effort he could still see them. Billy was even being paid like the rest of the JL was. Technically, Billy made more money than his Uncle did right now! When Lash dropped that little bit, Dudley didn''t scream, or get angry. All he did was smile, that sinister smile that parents and guardians have when they look at their children.


    Dudley was a good guy. Lash wasn''t afraid the man would steal from Billy. So they had a duel account in their name. Dudley would help control Billy''s spending, while the extra money would go to helping around the house. Speaking of the house, Lash gave the whole place a face lift. On the outside it still looked the same. But a lot like the Kent farm. On the inside it had a new smart house system, space saving furniture and appliances, and the house it self could withstand a bombing!


    Down in the basement Lash created a secret security door, then started to carve out a bunker under the backyard. All the necessities of a home, in case of say a military invasion from another reality came into Fawcett City. Dudley, and a few people could hide here comfortably. Behind another wall, was a secret chamber where a portal pad was. This would be linked to Vici, or the alternate bunker.


    ¡°So, this part! This bomb shelter you can most definitely share with people. It would just look like Uncle Dudley is a minute man last survivor kind of guy. The sensor strip right there goes directly to Vici.¡± Lash said, and a holographic window popped open and Vici''s voice came through.


    ¡°Hello everyone! Mr. Batson do not worry I will ensure that Billy does his homework, and will not have any wild parties in the bunker while you are away.¡± Vici''s teenage female voice came over the strip. Dudley looked surprised, but smiled all the same. As Billy''s shoulders slumped. Vici had read his mind!


    The sensor strip went through the whole house. Vici was not the standard system computer in the new smart house. Though she could tap into it if she needed. Next they did some standard real estate shopping. Shield and Sword did not have a branch office in Fawcett City. But that didn''t mean they couldn''t make any calls. Lash bought a warehouse in the factory district area of the city. The whole crew got into two separate vehicles and drove over to the area.


    As they entered the immediate area Lash noticed that a great deal of the factory district was abandoned, ruined buildings. Old factories, and warehouses toppled over, or shells of their former selves. When they arrived at the lot they would build the bunker Lash had an idea and directly contacted Juliana. Who was surprised, but happy to help!


    Lash finished building the bunker under the lot they had bought. It had all the essentials! Barracks, communication, and operations. Medical, machine shop, even an entertainment area for Billy. Along with a portal hub pad. Unlike Melanie''s bunker in Detroit they had plenty of space here so Lash made it all one level. The bunker housed a car port, just because Shazam could fly didn''t mean future JL members wouldn''t use it. He also created several methods of entering from two long entry ways that went out past the immediate area. The carport entrance of course, and a hidden elevator in a building he planned to make.


    The bunker ended up being larger that Dudley''s house. But of course it was filled to the brim with League equipment, training, and computers. Lash installed a sensor strip into the bunker, just like the house. Another direct up to the Watch Tower. Erik made a comment about the old RTS games he use to play, on how each hub expanded your limited area of operation. Lash had to agree with the sentiment.


    Beep...Beep....


    Lash looked down and saw that Shield and Sword had accomplished his request. Over half of the factory district now had a new owner! Juliana came up with a fitting name. ''Ghost Industries''. The Chairman of Ghost Industries was one of those enigmatic millionaires that people always wished the other top 3% would be. Donates to charity, creates jobs for people, and gives back to the community.


    Lash suggested that Billy, and Dudley show Kara, Kory, and Megan around town for a bit. He was going to stay and renovate the whole area. He had sent a simple telepathic message to the girls that something had changed and he needed time to work it out. They accepted the idea and left Lash to himself. Not an hour later several Warden mages arrived to assist him with his project. The mages created a complex illusion of construction and creation.


    The illusion was a complex spell ritual that did one thing that the mundanes could understand. Lash was going to renovate the whole area in a few hours. The illusion created a Phantasm that depicted a construction site being worked on. While mundanes would see people working every day. They would never see a clear picture of who, what, or how. Just that people worked, and every day a little more progress was made.


    Lash used Manifestation and called 20 Saurus Veterans to his side. The conjuration portals opened up and they walked out in perfect sync with one another. Once they left the green and blue portals they saluted and waited for orders. With Parallel Minds, and Virtual Intelligence Lash linked them up and created a diagram through the holographic interface. Vici pulled down information from the world wide web and they started to build.


    Lash wanted a recycling plant, pollution cleaning towers, and several vertical farms for Bio fuel. Despite the fact that more than a yea had passed. His viable bio fuel alternative to oil and gas had not gained a lot of attention. The mundane energy companies, and a few supernatural companies had done the idiotic thing and locked up the bio fuel behind a business license. Some countries in Europe moved past these clear attempts to stop the fuel from being made. Like the Netherlands! Last Lash heard anything about them was they had gone full bio fuel.


    So, with his connections with Shield and Sword. Ghost Industries bought one of the few license here in the states. As soon as the factory was operational Fawcett City would be one of the few cities in the North America producing Bio fuel. Small victories! The main structure was of course the recycling plant. It had a huge mulch machine that would grind, shred, and break apart any and all forms of trash. Unlike other recycling plants, this one would accept any and all kinds of trash. Because Lash was going to cheat with a big of magic.


    With spell script, and enchanting they placed Decomposition, and Recycle on the mulch machine. So any organic tissue would be broken down to compost. Any metallic substance be broken down to its base components. Organic substance would go to the vertical farms for compost, and construction materials. Since they could make new plasteel (Plastic/Steel) with it. The metal would go to help make the plasteel, along with other metal components.


    The sorting room was massive in size, and depth. Allowing for several work crews to work side by side with each other. Once the different types were sorted they would be brought to another sorting area. Where they would be brought to the farms, or to the melting room. Each main building had a single pollution cleaning tower attached to it. The collected smog would help go into the material process.


    Lash was careful to add break rooms, medical areas, etc. Everything a safe working environment needed. Along with a mutli leveled business tower for the management. He made sure to reinforce the buildings and add Compression Transformation to the whole layout. Use what you have, with what you have. He also added several survival and bomb shelter installations around the whole complex. Just for precautions.


    The vertical farming towers were twenty stories tall. With conveyor belt levels inside. Each platform would be used to grow the bio fuel, and or food in a pinch. Once the floor had been set, flip a switch and the belt would swap one floor with another. He made sure that each levels could be locked into place and just be used as separate floors if needed. It was close to midnight by the time he had finished. When Lash stepped outside he saw several Wardens and logistical crew walk towards him.


    ¡°Warden Lash?¡± A sylvan female asked, she bowed as did he in the form of Warden etiquette.


    ¡°Yes, may I help you?¡± Lash asked, as he tried to stifle a yawn. He recalled his Veterans and one by one they entered the conjuration portals. The Wardens watched the sight before they continued.


    ¡°Do you plan on allowing supernaturals to work in your business?¡± The sylvan asked.


    ¡°Yes! Full employment, supernatural, pseudo-mundane, and mundanes. The sooner the better.¡± Lash said in response. The Warden smiled at him.


    ¡°Thank you! We''ll tell HQ, we understand that you built several worst case scenario bunkers on the grounds. May we assume this is in case the ''invasion'' hits here? We understand the other bunker is specifically for the JL, but the other bunkers are open to the public if something happens?¡± She asked, Lash nodded.


    ¡°Good! We''ll start right away!¡± The Warden turned on her heel and left.


    Why was this important? A lot of supernaturals were very happy when Wayne Tech became pseudo-mundane. Why? Because most business in this day and age require someone to take a blood test, along with a few legal security checks. Now, despite all the rumors, stories, and fantasies one has about the supernatural. Not every magical being looks like they stepped out from a GQ, or sports illustrated magazine. Not every one has money to access Shield and Sword. The supernatural community has low income families just like any other society. So, when a multi million dollar company allows all walks of life including gremlins, ogres, orcs, goblins, etc into the job market. A lot of people are thankful!


    Yes! There is segregation in the supernatural world just like one finds in the mundane world. Seelie, and UnSeelie courts don''t get along. Twilight Courts rarely get along with any of them. The Warden Council makes its look like everyone is working towards one goal. But it is actually the opposite. The supernatural world is just like the mundane world. Everyone has agendas, everyone has plans, and everyone wants to come out on top.


    Ghost Industries, Lash will play the part of an enigmatic chairman who is rarely seen. But will arrive in a place. Buy property, and make jobs for people. As long as Lash didn''t favor one group over another he could maintain his oath of neutrality with the Wardens. In fact he was sure they would be thankful for his contribution. But Lash knew he had made the right choice when he got a prompt.


    Congratulations User! You''ve gained world renown among the downtrodden of the supernatural world. All downtrodden citizens, and denizens of the supernatural world will like you 10% more.


    Side note: A version update shows when you lose, or gain reputation with factions. You can turn this off in your black room if you so choose. Please be aware that only the message is removed, not the effect.


    Lash keyed up with Vici and requested a jump back to the Watch Tower. A spell script coiled around him and he was gone with an audible pop from the surface. When Lash stepped off the teleportation hub he saw several people walking across the station. He quickly used Transformation and created his shroud. With Insight he found most of them were VI Avatars, while the rest were part of the DC comics. A smile stretched across Lash''s face as he saw the Watch Tower was finally playing the role he wanted it to.


    ¡°Hermano, hola, ?qu¨¦ te trae por aqu¨ª?¡± Fantasma called out as he ran over to meet him. Several other VI Avatars jogged behind Fantasma. Lash walked over and met him with a hug.


    ¡°Kids, this is the main man, Wraith. Remember we are in his house right now. Well him and Vici.¡± Fantasma said with a smile, he had his mask off while he spoke.


    The ''Kids'' as Fantasma called them were all meta-human origins. They had barely started with G+ grade. Their eyes were full of life and ready to get to business. Lash greeted each one of them with a smile and a hand shake. They had come up to the Watch Tower to get their uniforms made. Vici had made several more synethtic droids for each module including science and engineering. So uniforms made to the exact specifications of their powers could be made.


    ¡°So, business or pleasure, Hermano?¡± Fantasma asked, and Lash''s shoulders dropped a bit. Even with his shroud in place, Fantasma could tell the change in mood.


    ¡°Hey kids, why don''t you go back to the shop and see how they are coming. I got to talk to the big guy for a bit.¡± Fantasma asked, the Avatars all understood something happened and left with out an issue. Lash and Fantasma walked towards the central elevator to go down to Vici''s hub.


    ¡°My patron has informed me that another Rift has opened. Same invading reality, just another point of insertion.¡± Lash said once the elevator doors closed.


    ¡°?Jesucristo, Mar¨ªa Madre de Dios! ¡± Fantasma said loudly in the elevator. They stood in silence for a bit until the elevator opened up to the control room. You had to have security clearance to enter this room.


    ¡°So whats the plan, Hermano?¡± Fantasma asked, as he followed Lash into the room. Lash went to the main control port of Vici and sat down on the ground. He took a deep breath, as his tail coiled around him.


    ¡°We''ll just keep moving forward. I''ve got a few more modules to upgrade Vici with. But this will take a bit.¡± Lash said, Fantasma understood and went back to the elevator.


    ¡°When you have time you should really come talk to the some of the new people. You are kinda larger than life to most of them.¡± Fantasma said with a smile and a wink. Lash nodded his head in agreement. It would be good to put a face to the name.


    Once the elevator door closed, Lash pulled down his ragged hood. With a clawed hand he massaged his neck and grumbled. Vici didn''t say a word, but she continued to watch him through the sensor strip. Lash pulled out the store catalog once again thankful that he bought it fully unlocked. He looked at his available Dream Points. With the new bonus from the invasion he had a total of 60 points. He reached up and played with his necklace and asked a question through telepathy.


    Dawn, why do I have so many points? Its only been a few days since I had zero. -Lash asked his familiar.


    Master! That is because you earn DP from your impact and change on the world. Example: Every person you have helped earns you DP. Every item, weapon, gear you have made helps someone. That earns DP. You held a Justice League first time meeting and explained the Rifts. You found an Dream way to explain a game mechanic. Bonus DP. You went to a Comic Convention and changed the minds of thousands of people. Bonus DP. Every single time the Watch Tower is used, you gain DP. The larger the role you play, the more you gain. -Dawn responded through the necklace piece.


    Lash had heard this before, but he was always surprised by how much one could earn just by playing the game. He understood why the upper tiers of the station would cost over a thousand points. The more it was used the more you would get. Lash went through the book until he found the habitat and started to look at the different modules he could obtain. 60 DP could buy nearly every module for F grade.


    Observation: This Module is a workshop of sub-satellites that work with the station to create a network of line of sight networks. Works in tandem with the Communication, and Operations modules. Allows full coverage of the Earth, Moon, and with future increase in Grade the solar system. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Communication: Allowing for long distance, short distance, and even alternate-reality communication. Increase in overall communication across all teams, reaction time, and information gathering. Works in tandem with Observation, and Operations Modules. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Operations: The central hub for the whole station, allowing access to all offensive, defensive, and utility applications. Increases overall efficiency across the whole station. Works in tandem with Observation, and Communication Modules. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Life Support: The recycle, and creation of fresh water, and air aboard the station. Allowing for fully customization of (Private Quarters) for different Origins. Side Note: A station does not require a Life Support module to operate, but it does give a measure of extra safety, and health. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Armory: A room used for the collection, and storage of gear, weapons, and ammunition. Can be used to help maintain, repair, and modify items contained within. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Hydroponics: A section of the habitat designed to help grow food, and medicine. Helps to decrease degradation of health, rest, and relaxation. Works in tandem with aquarium. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Private Quarters: Rooms that vary in size, shape, and utilities. Allowing for a sense of home away from home. Slows degradation of health, and creates a sense of community. Works in tandem with Life Support Module. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Dinning Hall: A large room with kitchen services available. Increase in moral, team building, and social interaction between team members. Unite cohesion increased. (2 DP, R&D module applied.)


    Training Hall: Allows training, exercise, and fight ring. Fully automated with conjured phantasm to assist with training. Participants may gain experience, learn skills, and practice their powers, and domains here. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Library: A collection of all the knowledge the Watch Tower has collected. Increase to all R&D, skills, abilities, powers, domains to learn and improve. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Prison Cells: Fully automated Arcane Science holding cells capable of holding all sorts of mundane, alien, meta-gene, and magical prisoners. Works in tandem with Life Support Module. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Interrogation Hall: Fully Automated Arcane Science alternate means of gaining information from prisoners. Several settings for mundane, alien, meta-gene, and magical prisoners. Works in tandem with Life Support Module. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Party Hall: An open and spacious room for celebrations! Grants a moral boost! Rest and recovery bonus! Comes with a fully automated bar and restaurant for all types. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Engine: A specific engine to increase maneuverability for the station. With enough engines and with the right science, and engineering development the station can use a FTL method. (2 DP, R&D module applied) X 4.


    Turret: A omni turret station capable of switching between several different modifications. Arcane Science applied allowing for offense, defense, and utility against mundane, alien, meta-gene, and magical origins. (2 DP, R&D module applied) X 4


    Shield: Creates a shield capable of absorbing kinetic, energy, and spell energy. Works in tandem with Solar Collection. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Solar Collection: Arcane Science collection panels. Allowing for efficient collection of solar radiation. Can work in tandem with Shield Module. Reinforces the shield with collected energy. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Power Core: Arcane Science energy core. Capable of using an assortment of different fuels, energy sources. Also creating a secondary means of storing power. Works in tandem with Solar Collection. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Droid Services: A module that specializes in the creation, service, and repair of robotic workers. Side Note: Treat them kindly or they may revolt! (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Just like that! 50 DP spent in a flash. Lash still saw several grayed out modules. When he highlighted them he discovered they required either a story focus, or a specific tech tree. Lash had chosen Arcane Science a hybrid tech tree. One of the Technology modules was waste disposal and recycling. Which thanks to magic he didn''t have to worry about.


    One by one Lash inserted the new modules into Vici''s main data port. She swallowed them like candy, each new module sending a ripple of energy cascading through the whole station. He bought 4 turret stations, and 4 engine hubs for the station. Along with a new Droid Services module. This one was set to create multiple droids instead of unique individuals. When he finished loading the last module he got a prompt.


    Congratulations User! You''ve earned an Achievement. ''Shield of the Earth''.


    You''ve created a self sustaining space station. 10% increase to knowledge of Void borne habitats. All tools, machines, and buildings built in space take 10% less maintenance.


    Cool. Lash had ten points left to spend. He would need to get Vici up to grade E before he could buy anything more. He looked through his Domains he could buy. The Time Domain took 50 points to buy. He also knew that any Warden that learned the Time Domain was put on a very short, and potentially dangerous list. Time was one of the few magics that was greatly sought after. But also potentially one of the most dangerous. Reality Warping was neck and neck with the Domain. In the end he used his last 10 DP to buy an evolution for Manifestation.


    Congratulations User! Minor Manifestation has evolved into Basic Manifestation.


    Saurus Warriors total number is 300, they can now use all Skills, Powers, and Spell Domains F grade and lower.


    Saurus Veterans are made from every 10 Warriors. (10=1) for a total of 30 Veterans. They can use all Skills, Powers, and Spell Domains E grade and lower.


    Saurus Elites are made from every 10 Veterans. (10=1) for a total of 3 Elites. They can use all Skills, Powers, and Spell Domains D grade and lower.


    Manifestation: Energy consumption has decreased, power, and range has increased. All manifested conjurations are more intelligent.


    Then he spent 2 DP from his credit card just so he could increase its total value when he paid it off and got an evolution for True Body.


    Congratulations User! True Body (2.8%) has evolved into Minor True Body (10%) (Chapter 41)


    Now as soon as he paid off his DP credit card he would have access to 8 DP. Lash stood up and wobbled nearly losing his balance. He had spent a great deal of energy creating the modules even if they came from the store. It still took energy. He took the elevator up to the main level and came to a lively sight. Dozens of robotic workers with a basic humanoid appearance walked around the station helping to create the new modules. They looked like skeletons in armor. Eerie, but usable. Off to the side he saw a tall lean man with long black hair in hospital scrubs. Lash smiled and walked over.


    ¡°Hello Ethan, how are you?¡± Lash asked the man. Ethan looked back and smiled wide.


    ¡°Hello Grand Father! I see more changes are being made to the Watch Tower. Looks like we''ll be busy in the coming days?¡± Ethan asked.


    Ethan looked dramatically different from when he was first created. Lash used his Technomancy, and Synthesis Domain to read him. Ethan was 6 foot even with piercing blue eyes, tanned skin, and messy black hair. The type of hair that was cut by a new college student at the stylist school. So it was layered, cut off in wrong places, but it also seem to be styled to look like a mess. Ethan had hospital scrubs on, along with a doctors coat on. Lash looked at his skin, and noticed it was the same liquid metal polymer design he gave Victor for his skin. Now Ethan really looked human.


    ¡°Are these new people like us? Or?¡± Ethan pointed at the worker robots. Lash frowned slightly as he tried to think of a response.


    ¡°No, the main Droid service module will remain specifically for unique individuals such as yourself. While the secondary module will be for the logistical and auxiliary units. Right now the Watch Tower is small, but in the future it will hold thousands of people. We''ll need the help. But I am hoping we can build on each unit. Maybe one day they can ''evolve'' into a unique individual.¡± Lash confessed his thoughts to Ethan who smiled at him.


    ¡°Thank you for always looking out for us, Grand Father. Same rules apply to the workers as they do us I assume?¡± Ethan asked, Lash agreed. Essentially no one could miss treat the synthetic workers. Lash did not want to see his creations? People? Miss treated.


    ¡°Excuse me, Ethan. I have to get to Operations.¡± Lash said, and Ethan nodded and went back to watching the workers move. He didn''t have any to work on at the moment.


    Lash walked through the station and watched as robotic arms, and workers made modules with quick efficiency. While another line of workers went out through one of the main air lock doors. Going to install the engines, and turrets on the tri-star sections of the Watch Tower. Lash stepped into the newly finished Operations module. Wall to wall monitors, holographic displays, and chairs scattered through out the room. In the central section stood a raised platform with another unique droid in place.


    The female droid had silver hair cut just above her shoulders. Gun metal eyes, and pale skin. She had a viking shield maiden physic. Just strong, thick proportions. She retained her hour glass figure. But was far larger than most men you would see. Standing at 6''2¡±, she was in full military ABU''s with a JLI badge on her collar. (Justice League International) She turned when Lash entered the room. Her body snapped to attention but didn''t salute. Her face was indifferent, but she let out an adorable squeak when Lash pulled her into a hug.


    ¡°Hello Grand Daughter, how are you?¡± Lash asked, the woman couldn''t help but grin as she returned the hug.


    ¡°Vigil''s the name, Grand Father. I am well. We are just setting up. It will be several hours before the first observation satellite is launched. But we''ll keep you appraised. Vici is linking us up so we can monitor North America. However, we have news down in South America if you want to hear it?¡± Vigil said as she stepped from his embrace.


    ¡°Let me hear it?¡± Lash said, as he looked a holographic monitor that Vigil pulled up.


    ¡°An oil tanker split open just outside the area of Rio de Janerio. It dumped all of its load and the oil is spreading fast across the ocean. We are coordinating with Aquaman, on cleaning operations. Shall I inform them that you are on your way?¡± Vigil asked, Lash nodded.


    ¡°Please do so, I have to go back down to Fawcett City and get my team. Then we''ll be back up, I''ll head over to observation and see about speeding up the first satellite uplink when we return.¡± Lash supplied, and Vigil confirmed it.


    ¡°Please do, hurry back Grand Father. Things are just getting interesting up here.¡± Vigil said with a smile. As the operations door opened and two new work droids walked in to take their place at the holographic consoles.


    Lash gave his goodbyes and headed off towards the portal hub. Now there dozens of robotic workers moving about in an orderly fashion. Lash made sure to say hello to each he passed. They in turn said hello back in a gender neutral synthetic voice. Lash took a spring jump portal to right outside the supernatural hotel. Vici was able to create a simple obstruction illusion charm so no one would notice the spring. Well supernaturals capable of seeing past the illusion would notice. Sure enough the two guards at the front door looked confused, hands on their weapons with Lash appeared as Wraith.


    ¡°Apologies! I was in a hurry. I should have come from a different spot. I''ll make a note of it in the future.¡± Lash said to himself as well as Vici who was listening. The guards shrugged and went back to their positions.


    Lash hadn''t actually been in the hotel since they arrived. He knew that Kara, Kory, and Megan had made it due to a message he got from them. Apparently this hotel had a pool! Kory was very excited to go swimming naked again. Lash entered their suit, the sun had risen several hours again so when he came in he could smell fresh coffee. Megan was in the kitchen area cooking breakfast, she jumped in surprise as the door opened and she smiled at Lash.


    Megan had definitely developed more as a young woman traveling with them. Before she was a bit shy, and reserved. Unsure of herself and her actions. Though she continued to wear green skin. Spending time with Kara, and Kory helped a lot to bring her out of her shell. Megan walked around the kitchen towards Lash wearing nothing but an over sized buttoned shirt and as far as Lash could tell she had nothing else on?


    Lash took a moment to take Transformation off and went back to his three piece black suit. Megan came up and hugged Lash and breathed him in, as he did the same to her. They shared a moment of telepathy. A passive bond shared between to people who are naturally telepathic. He told her about yesterday, the second invasion point with an unknown location. Then about his construction of the recycling plant, as well as all the upgrades to the Watch Tower.


    Megan let go of him and cradled his face in her hands. Looking at him with concern, she yelped in surprise as Lash tickled her sides. She pegged him with a false glare and walked back to the kitchen. Lash heard the sound of splashing water on the balcony so he followed the sound. There on the balcony was Kara wearing a red string bikini basking in the morning sun. While Kory swam naked through the water. She was in the process of swimming under water when she broke the surface and shouted.


    ¡°Lash! Your back!¡± Kory jumped from the pool and flew over to him to give him a wet hug. He laughed at the attention and squeezed Kory''s ass. She grinned at him and wiggled in his embrace before he let go. Kara waited her turn, and hugged him as well when he let go of Kory.


    ¡°What happened yesterday?¡± Kara asked, after the hug. She smiled a little and bashfully looked away when Lash looked her over.


    ¡°My patron sent me another message. The alternate reality opened another Rift, its another invasion point. Same reality, just another point for us to find.¡± Lash said nonchalantly, Kara, and Kory both looked wide eyed.


    ¡°Oh no! We still don''t even know where the first point was. So, what did you do yesterday?¡± Kory asked, as she dried her hair with a towel.


    ¡°After I finished the recycling plant, I made sure to add additional bunker and survival options for the factory. I went up to the Watch Tower. Nearly every kind of module available for the station has been designed and constructed. We''ll have to get Vici an upgrade key before we can get any more expansions and upgrades in place. But we have a mission, so I''ve come to collect you three.¡± Lash said with a smile.


    ¡°Mission? What mission?¡± Megan called from the kitchen. The three of them walked back inside. They ate breakfast while Lash explained the operation.


    ¡°So as soon as you finish getting ready we''ll leave for the Watch Tower. I''ll speed up the process of the satellite then we''ll portal to Rio. After we clean up the mess if we have time. I thought we could stay in Rio and relax a bit. There is someone in Rio I wanted to recruit for the League. But Rio is a great tourist spot.¡± Lash said in response after the last of the food was consumed.


    ¡°Do we have time to relax?¡± Kara asked, Kory, and Megan nodded.


    ¡°Take time for yourself when you can, how you can. Because after Rio I''ll be taking all three of you to Themyscira. Where will we four will part ways for a while.¡± Lash dropped that bombshell on them.


    ¡°Wait!? What!? Why do you we have to separate? We haven''t finished touring the globe yet!?¡± Kara yelled, as she jumped from her seat.


    ¡°That was before the invasion Kara. The Amazons have the best training regime for you to fully understand your new powers, and skills. I truly believe you''ll fit in there, and find the training beneficial. Kory, I have no doubt you''ll like it there, as will Megan. Please understand I am not leaving you forever. But we have to concentrate on the invasion. Once the invasion is over, and we are all alive. We will continue our tour. I promise.¡± Lash said with a smile, Kara begrudgingly nodded.


    ¡°Themyscira is where Wonder Woman is from, correct?¡± Kory asked, Lash nodded. She grinned at him.¡± I was told that Themyscira does not allow men on the island. That you are one of the few men allowed to stay there.¡± Kory added, Megan, and Kara perked up at that.


    ¡°That is correct. I accomplished a task set by the Queen. As a reward sins against the Amazons were forgiven, and I was adopted into their culture as a ''Brother''.¡± Lash said with a smirk.


    ¡°And you promise we will finish our tour once this invasion business is over?¡± Kory asked.


    ¡°I give you my word.¡± Lash offered, Kory stood up and stalked towards him. Then leaned over, her naked form a glorious sight to behold. She kissed his lips gently as if to seal the deal.


    ¡°Fine, let us go complete this mission. Enjoy our time on this beach and we''ll finish up in Themyscira.¡± Kory said with a wink and went to get dressed.


    They didn''t waste much time checking out of the hotel. With in an hour they were at the Watch Tower. It had filled with even more people. Any one capable of flight was called to the station, while others were getting gear made. Or exploring the new facilities on the station. Lash had reactivated Transformation. It''s not that he didn''t trust people, its just that he knew all it took is a single miss spoken word and Erik Lash the artist would be under a microscope again.


    Kara, Kory, and Megan were in full uniform when they arrived but wanted to explore the station. Lash headed to the Observation module to find several streaks of lightning quickly assembling the first satellite. The satellite in question was essentially a giant beach ball. About a six foot sphere, with a camera lens, stabilizing wings, and engines. The speedsters had the satellite nearly finished but couldn''t complete the spell script. Flash popped into view in front of Lash with a smile.


    ¡°Hello Wraith! Vici said you were coming to put the finishing touches on the satellite. Its all set up otherwise. Kid, Rush! Lets go get something to eat before we head out!¡± Flash said with a grin and sped off to the Dinning Hall. Kid Flash waved, and zipped off to follow. While Rush stayed behind.


    Rush aka Monika Celeritas sped towards Lash and stopped right in front of him. Her speedster energy was a shade of purple and pink. Lash knew that the lightning was potentially how fast a speedster moved. But he also knew that the Dream Engine Users adjusted the color for cosmetic appeal. Rush wore a deep purple friction proof suit, with armor plates with hot pink highlights. The armor came from the tower. He was sure which ever Droid was in charge of making uniforms prioritized function first, then fashion. After that she looked a lot like flash, skin tight suit. Lighting motifs along her joints, and a half mask.


    ¡°I...Its good to see....Thank you! Thank you for catching me. Thank you for helping me meet Flash.¡± Monika said, then quickly leaned up and kissed his cheek and ran off. Purple lightning in her wake.


    ¡°Your welcome...¡± Lash said mostly to himself as he started to inscribe the satellite with Enchantments.


    Lash finished his work with in record time and went to Operations, while workers loaded the satellite. Vigil was running several people through the plan over a holographic briefing table. She noticed his arrival but remained focused on the mission. She pointed out each position, along with Atlantis showing up. Unfortunately some one some where threw a metaphorical match onto the spilled oil. Now the ocean was on fire. Superman was already on station, he had welded the giant hole on the ship closed with his heat vision. The crew on the ship are still aboard and are safe. He is tugging the ship to the nearest port.


    ¡°Attention! This is Vigil in Operations. Wraith has finished the satellite with the help of Team Flash. We''ll be launching the satellite and will be using the portal hub in ten minutes after that. All teams finish what your doing and get ready at the hub!¡± Vigil called out across the station coms.


    ¡°Wraith, a moment?¡± Hawk Woman walked over, while her husband walked off to talk to someone. Lash bowed from his waist, and Hawk Woman smiled at him in response.


    Hawk Woman was a beautiful warrior. Much like her husband she was clad in full plate male made from Nth metal, along with a full mystical Nth metal belt. Eagle wings on her back, with a color combination of brown, black, and a bit of white at the tips. Her hawk helmet was reminiscent of the Horus Egyptian statues. Her fabled mace was strapped to her side.


    ¡°Here, this is all the science and tech my husband and I could collect. We don''t know how to interface it with Vici. So we wanted to give it to you. Its not much, but it should help.¡± Hawk Woman offered a slip of Nth metal with complex scripts across it. Lash''s eyes went wide, all four of them!


    ¡°That is amazing! Thank you so much!¡± Lash was over joyed, so much so that he reached out and hugged Hawk Woman who may or may not have let out an adorable squeak in surprise. Lash didn''t pay any attention as he scampered off to feed the new data into Vici.


    By the time Lash reached the main data center the satellite had been launched. All teams were standing ready at the portal hub waiting to be launched to Rio. Anyone who could fly would move ahead. While Lash would build a transport on site. Lash fed the data chip into Vici and got a prompt.


    Congratulations User! The Watch Tower has acquired, Thanagar Arcane Science.


    Other Worldly Lore has gained sub-skill; Thanagar Arcane Science.


    Science has gained sub-skill; Thanagar Arcane Science.


    Crafting has gained sub-skill; Thanagar Arcane Science.


    Enchanting has gained sub-skill; Thanagar Arcane Science.


    YESSSSSSS! Lash had learned how to craft and shape Nth metal! He still couldn''t make it do everything Erik had read in the comics but it was a giant step in the right direction! Lash really wanted to head to the lab and just experiment with an ingot of Nth metal but he had a job to do. He used his title effect for the day and crafted an ingot and dropped it off with Vici so maybe the science lab could play with it. Did Lash need to buy an Enchanters modules? Or did the Science, and Engineer module already have them? He didn''t see an option for it in the store. Maybe he had to build one himself?


    Lash joined the swam of people and came to the front. Kara, Kory, and Megan came to his side as Vigil double checked every ones assignments. Half of the ground force was with Lash as he would build the transport to get them towards the spill. Then a green light interface popped on above the portal hub and Lash stepped forward with his first initial team. The spell script coiled around them, and with an audible pop!


    ============================================================


    Along the coast of South America, Brazil was a huge oil spill. The ship had been taken away by the alien known has Superman. The Atlantis soldiers watched the sight with shock and awe until the Atlantean Commander called for every ones attention. Tide-Callers were inbound and they needed to secure the immediate area. Their new King, Arthur sent word that the Surface dwellers champions known has the Justice League International was on their way to provide support. But more importantly the Warden and Oracle that helped their king take the throne was on his way. He was a well practiced Druid, he would be able to assist the Tide-Callers with their spells.


    The surface dwellers had sent aviation vehicles ahead but all they did was hover above the giant mess of oil that was partially on fire. The soldiers looked up in confusion, did the crews of the ''Helicopters'' plan to do was watch? The surface was an odd place. Then they saw it, several spell scrips of magic appeared in mid air. Several surface champions appeared and flew down to the water holding contraptions that collected the oil, and purified the water. A tedious but effective job.


    Not even twenty minutes later did a large aerial vehicle show up in the sky. Four wings, with helicopter propellers attached helped the vehicle slowly descend to the waters surface. The Atlantis soldiers looked up from their work to watch the vehicle. It had a shark like style, but also scales across its body. The SHARC landed in the water and the reach hatch opened up. Dozens more surface dwellers dived into the water, while others pulled boats from the vessel that had landed.


    From the side of the SHARC came a giant lizard weaved in shadow and smoke. Unlike the others, his creature walked along the surface of the water just like the Tide-Callers did. The soldiers of Atlantis all got a message from their commander. This was the Warden that helped their king. His code name while on the surface was Wraith. They were ordered to use it. Wraith extended his claws and complex spell circles of the Nature Domain wrapped around his body, and hands. Then a massive amount of the spilled oil simply evaporated from sight! Maybe this wouldn''t take as long as they had thought?


    ==============================================================


    Lash had made his long lost vessel, the SHARC again. It took less then hour to craft this time. He had grown in skill, and the designs had been saved in his memory. Once it landed he deployed the vessel so it could float freely, and act as a mobile command post. All of the League was deployed with a cleaning tool that had a limited amount it could hold. But they would move to the SHARC and use its cleaning abilities to remove the oil and they would get back to the task at hand. It was going to be a long day.


    Several hours later Atlantis Tide-Callers, and Xebel Tide-Callers arrived. Wearing ceremonial garb, and holding channeling staffs. They began to do a mass cleansing of the oil spill just as Lash was doing with Immaculate, and Decomposition. Mass area of effect. The Tide-Callers walked along the surface of the water just like he did. Each one took a moment to bow to him, which he returned. They were making progress when a familiar sonic boom rang out across the sky. Lash looked up and saw Superman return from pulling the ship back to port, he smiled as Supergirl flew up to say hello to her cousin.


    The oil spill clean up, and animal rescue did wonders for the public relations for the Justice League. It was a good operation to test the waters so to speak for all the new members. Nothing potentially dangerous, a good place to show that not all your abilities have to be about combat. Lash on more than one occasion used his Skill/Power/Spell Trainer for people. A pyrokinetic learned that he could consume fire just as much as create it. So he was asked to help combat the oil fire that was spreading. While several Hydrokinetic learned to separate two liquids that didn''t belong together. It was a lesson in skill, and control.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a new spell for the Transmutation Domain.


    Water Walk: The user can stand, walk and run on the surface of water by literally defying the surface tension and can move across the surface of water as easily as they would be able to move on land. Duration one hour for every portion of magical energy to spend.


    Lash could already walk on water thanks to several different Domain passives. But having this spell made the clean up so much easier. He started to cast Water Walk on the rest of the League. Now people were running back and forth between the spill and the SHARC to clean up. As the sun set Lash cast Daylight a miniature spell made sun glowed above them letting them continue to work. Eventually a Brazilian navy ship showed up to help clean up the mess. Of course things could not be that easy, Lash was called to the ship.


    ¡°We appreciate the help. But these are the sovereign borders of Brazil. You have brought a military forces into our waters! We must ask you to leave!¡± The captain of the ship all but shouted at the Atlantean Commander. When Lash walked over.


    The navy commander was a man in his late forties with salt a peppered hair cut high and tight. He had kept his good looks despite his age, and clearly continued to work out. His uniform was crisp, and clean. With many decorating medals on his coat. Whether that was meant to impress or show off was not yet determined. The Blessing of Sherogoth which allowed Lash to read the sins of others showed the navy captain was mostly a good person. Though a few stains made Lash growl in anger. The captain of the ship turned towards Lash at the mention from his aid.


    The Atlantis Commander was a blue skin, fish scaled Atlantean. Gills were clearly seen on his neck, along with shark teeth, and pure black eyes with out any sclera or the white portion of the eye. The Commander had fins on his arms and legs, clad in Atlantis fish scale armor, and plate male befitting of his rank. With a purple spear in his hands. He was grinding his teeth in anger.


    ¡°Captain Benicio? May I ask why the Brazilian Navy is requesting that Atlantis pull back their clean up efforts?¡± Lash asked, his reptilian animalistic voice made the mundane jump in surprise. He coughed to cover up the mistake.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, we are thankful for the clean up. But the Atlanteans brought soldiers with them. This is in clear violation of borders.¡± Captain Benicio said, as he looked at his aid who held up a tablet with the laws, and regulations.


    ¡°I told you! We are not going to allow our people to come here with out guards. It wasn''t that long ago that Brazil used to hunt and kill our people. Even if the government never acknowledged their past mistakes it still happened. We will not recall our troops while our Tide-Callers are here.¡± The Atlantis Commander Domax said.


    ¡°We have already promised to watch after your people! You have my word as a naval officer of Brazil that no harm will come to your people.¡± Captain Benicio offered, Lash could tell that the captain was sincere in his promise. But Commander Domax didn''t care. Which made the Captain think the Commander was spitting on his integrity as a captain.


    ¡°Captain, can you with 100% certainty claim that the Brazilian government will not ask you do anything against your word that you have just given to Commander Domax? Can you guarantee that nothing will happen to his people if he leaves them in your care?¡± Lash asked, this was essentially a trap. The captain opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. He knew he couldn''t make that promise.


    Lash tilted his head to one side as if he was listening to something. Which he was! Vici was speaking to him through Connectivity. Once she was done Lash face palmed in front all of them. This made the captain, commander, and aid look at him in confusion. Lash pulled his clawed hand from his face and pulled up a holographic display of Captain''s Benicio''s standing orders. Do his best to dismiss the soldiers of Atlantis, offer aid and clean up. While if possible capture and detain one or more Atlanteans for interrogation.


    ¡°So, Captain Benicio you didn''t necessarily lie, you simply danced around the truth. You wouldn''t hurt them. You would just take them prisoner, and hold them for no reason.¡± Lash growled that last few words. It was why he didn''t realize the captain had lied. It was in the captains best interest to ensure they were not harmed. Better prisoners.


    With out a word over a dozen Atlantean soldiers jumped up out of the water and landed on the deck of the boat. Hydro plasma rifles in hand, they took aim at the soldiers on the deck. While the soldiers pointed their M16 back at them. A shouting match started that was suddenly stopped when Superman appeared between both parties. He looked at Lash who gave him all of the relevant information through Telepathy. Lash sent the orders to the Wardens who were in the process of sending it to their contacts at the United Nations.


    ¡°Captain Benicio this is the situation. You, your men, and your ship will leave. Then we will get back to work cleaning up the oil spill. If you refuse, I will carry this ship back to port and put it on the beach. Understood?¡± Superman said, he had that boy next door smile on his face but his face said he would not allow any other argument.


    Five minutes later the navy vessel turned around and headed back to port. As the navy command attempted to fix the problem of their secret military operation was now being passed around the UN like a hot potato. The Atlantis United Nations envoy demanded a public apology, and reparations. Which of course the Brazilian government wouldn''t give. The Brazilian envoy wanted to know how Agent Wraith obtained secret orders, especially so quickly? Attempting to throw Wraith under the bus such as it is.


    By the time the sun rose the next day the entire oil spill had been cleaned up. While not only did the Brazilian government apologies. They even offered to host the entire rescue crew up at a very nice hotel. Lash, as well as the Atlantis Commander Domax knew that the hotel offered was a supernatural hotel owned by a wealthy dragon. The bonded companion of Torloth. It was Juliana''s mother. So, Lash gathered up any and all of the League that wanted to attend and they flew towards Rio, towards a private resort.


    It was time for some R&R, a calm before the storm.

 Chapter 79: Beach Episode!

    ============================================================


    ****Alberta, Canada****


    Alpha Rift FOB had grown. The Rift itself was large enough to allow troop transport to roll through it. While a steel and concrete complex surrounded it. Machine shops, armories, barracks, and prison cells were placed around the Rift. Tanks, and armored personal carriers were being built as quickly as possible as speedsters, and technicians worked around the clock. Giant mammoths of metal, and carnage stood ready. Twin tank barrels, on top of towering tank treads. The body of the tank large enough to hold a five man gun crew, and ten soldiers as transport. The APC''s with magnetic coils for quick movement over difficult terrain, or even water.


    On the other side of the base was the basic construction of an air field. An armored soldier walked the field carefully, and with purpose as green energy fields surrounded their hands. The ground leveled itself out according to the will of the soldier. A terrakinetic. Scattered through out the top layer of the base were energy pylons that distorted perception. Stealth fields that blocked sight, and masked energy readings from surface to satellite.


    It was almost time. The Beta Rift FOB had just started its troop arrival and second stage of base construction. Recon teams at the Alpha site had begun to strip the immediate area of anything useful. Flora, fauna, and people. Most of all people. They needed a worker class to help cultivate and rebuild their shattered world. The Alpha site had collected over five thousand slaves already. This reality, Earth-004 had an over abundant of people.


    A single tower no taller then three levels contained the operations room. The Rift Commander looked out across the windows looking for mistakes, and ways to improve efficiency. The SAM (Surface to air missile) sites were starting to be installed. The holographic displays received information from the body cams on the recon units outside the stealth field. Above all of the holographic screens, mounted on the wall was a clock. A count down timer. It was almost time.


    HR:MIN:SEC


    72 : 33 : 12


    ==============================================================


    ¡°I don''t understand you Tora! How can you face down people with guns, bullets flying, and handle the stress that comes with it like water off your back. But when it comes to social interaction, you curl up into a ball and shudder with fear?¡± Beatriz said to her friend as she ran through their small two bedroom apartment.


    ¡°I''d rather go fight the drug cartels than go to this resort and see some rich guy ask us about a job! Is this a social event? Or a sexual conquest!¡± Tora asked, as she held up a bathing suit. Her underwear had more material that this suit had!


    ¡°Well if the man is cute, it could be both!¡± Beatriz said with a smile, and laughed when Tora her best friend blushed.


    Beatriz Bonilla da Costa, ''Bea'' to her friends was a 5''8¡± woman. With vibrant green eyes, and green curly hair that grew just past her shoulders. No, it wasn''t a dyed hair color. A months ago she had awoken her dormant Meta-Gene. She came a Pyrokinetic, but from her search on the internet she was a different kind. The flames she called were green in color, and surrounded her whole body. While in her green flame elemental color she could fly! It was an amazing feeling. When her gene activated her whole body went through a transformation. Her eyes, and hair turned green. She could get a fully body work out from a few hours flight and practice of her abilities. No more mid morning cycling classes! She took pride in her tiny waist, bouncing breasts, and plump ass.


    Bea had been born in Brazil and moved around a lot. But settled down in Rio where she struggled to become a model and actress but never caught a break. When her meta-gene activated it was the best thing in her life. She moon lighted as a emergency response for the fire department. (And crime fighter) The city had started to pay her under the table. It wasn''t much, but it was enough to live on.


    She shared a home with her friend Tora. Tora was 5''7¡±, with fierce blue eyes, and white hair cut at her jaw line that she often combed to one side to reveal her face. Tora loved working out, and often dragged Bea to the gym to lift weights. Bea did small weights, while Tora did large weights. The difference showed. Tora had a strong body, but thanks to Bea didn''t over work herself and still kept her figure. Tora, was just like Bea. Her Meta-Gene activated as well, but Tora was a cryokinetic. Best of all! They didn''t need AC in their apartment!


    Tora moonlighted with Bea on the fire department as well. Its how they had met, and hit it off! Tora was a monster when it came to fighting crime. But was insanely shy when it came to anything not about the job. A little less then an hour ago they had received a package by messenger. They had got a three day get away at a exclusive private resort. All expenses paid! All they had to do was meet a man about a job. A car would be here to pick them up in two hours.


    ¡°Isn''t this a little to sudden? I mean, why us?¡± Tora asked, and Bea had to concede that little gnawing bit of information. They were not the only meta-humans in Rio. So, that may mean that it had nothing to do with there powers? Bea wanted to think it was her modeling career finally getting noticed, but.


    ¡°OK! I agree that its a little weird. So we''ll go, meet the man. If he is not on the up, and up we''ll leave. But we have to take a chance, Tora. Please?¡± Bea came to sit down in front of her friend on the couch in their tiny living room. Bea made a puppy dog face, and Tora groaned.


    ¡°Fiiiiiine. We''ll go. But I am not wearing that!¡± Tora threw the string bikini, and thong across the room.


    ¡°Fine, I''ll wear it!¡± Bea said with a laugh.


    ================================================================


    The resort they had all been invited to was high class, private resort that only the top 3% of the world would come to. For many of the Justice League this was a first! It was off the beaten path, and had its own private beach. White sand, perfectly clear water, large avenues of gardens, in house restaurants, bars, clubs. Giant pool balconies every ten floors. It was built into a mountain side. Oh! The mountain was artificially made. The hotel extended into it! This was a perfect place for a super villain to own. A sizable wall surrounded the resort, cleverly disguised with trees, plants, and very nice security guards that carried sub-machine guns, and body armor. This resort was apparently where dignitaries came to relax while in Brazil. It was not the kind of place you could find on the internet through a search engine.


    Sounds great!......You would think. The entire Justice League had been invited to the hotel. Lash was informed that he could park the SHARC on one of the many landing pads the hotel owned. As Lash flew the SHARC over the beaches near Rio. Huge crowds had come out on the beach to cheer for the SHARC, along with the fliers of the League. They were giving them all thanks for cleaning the oil up. It was a nice sight. Most of the passengers in the SHARC were VI Avatars, but a few people were part of the original DC comics. Needless to say it was noisy inside.


    ¡°So I think we have run into a problem?¡± Hal Jordan said, the Green Lantern. Who sat next to Lash. Who also complained that the SHARC didn''t have a co-pilot seat.


    Hal Jordan was 6''2¡±, with brown eyes, and brown hair that was cut high and tight. Standard military haircut. Made sense since he was a pilot for the Air Force. Or was? His personal history eluded Lash. He was part of the Green Lantern Corp. now. So, he had a shiny green ring on his hand, and a black, suit, with green highlights, and a green domino mask on. The suit was of course form fitting and showed off his impressive physic. A detail that many of the ladies in the plane took notice of. Hal being a ladies man of course smiled back.


    ¡°How does an organizations of champions, heroes, and overall good people keep their identity secret while attending a resort where clothing is mostly optional?¡± Lash provided the next sentence as Hal was distracted.


    Lash had kept his Transformation, and Wraith shroud active. So his animalistic voice made Hal wince. Like nails on a chalk board Hal commented. The shroud''s smoke curled and poured off of Lash like a living thing, several sitting near by had their feet swallowed by the smoke. A few people wigged out, a few people watched in fascination.


    ¡°Ya! I mean I''ve spent time in my suit. But as you can see this thing doesn''t have a zipper. We''ll have to take it off eventually. Any ideas?¡± Hal asked, as he stood up to admire the view of the hotel as they flew closer.


    ¡°I got that covered. At least appearance wise. If people blurt out their names, and birthdays that''s on them.¡± Lash replied, as he flipped a switch and the air operations control tower came over the radio.


    ¡°This is SHARC, Zero-One approaching from north by north east, bearing 045 degrees, over¡± Lash''s voice to the radio was almost normal. Making Hal look at him confused, then noticed how Lash massaged his throat. Suggesting that had bothered him to say.


    ¡°We read you, SHARC Zero-One. Approach is locked. Welcome to Templo da Luz.¡± Said the air controller, in a thick accent.


    Before Lash could say anything, Hal shouted down through the SHARC''s interior for every to sit down and buckle up they would be landing momentarily. Hal clapped Lash on the shoulder and took his own seat. Lash was slightly annoyed but let it go. One would think that a pilot for the Air Force wouldn''t do that. But it is what it is. The many different fliers including Kara, Kory, and Megan flew ahead and landed on the port. The SHARC leveled out and landed softly. The engines powered down, and the reach hatch opened up.


    ¡°Welcome to the Temple of Light everyone! Before you all run off and get drunk we need to cover a few things first!¡± Lash said to everyone.


    One by one Lash made a basic illusion charm for every member of the League attending the hotel. Vici said they had the right facilities to make additional charms aboard the Watch Tower. Turns out they did have a minor enchanters kit up there. One of the ''Unique'' Droids he hadn''t met yet could make them. Nifty! The charm was just like the ones he made for Kara, Kory, and Megan. Hair, and eye color changed based on mood. Skin tone alteration, along with defining features. Noticeable scars, tattoos, and soft body features. They came in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and if you really wanted to go far. Lash could imprint a temporary tattoo!


    The hotel staff were standing ready and willing to help everyone settle in. There was apparently no method of paying at the hotel. So no need for a wallet, purse, credit cards, or cash. Everything would be settled on your departure. Since the League was invited here for three days all expenses paid. They didn''t need any money!


    Superman landed next to the SHARC and looked at the long line of new Justice League falling over themselves to get checked in. Lash was tracing a spell inscription in the shape of a tattoo over a woman''s bare neck line. She winked at Superman, who blushed and coughed trying to clear the air. She laughed, and apologized to Lash when he growled at her. He finished up, and her soft features went through a change. She laughed and kissed his cheek and ran off to join her friends. Something Lash noticed, none of the VI Avatars were bothered by his looks. Gamers.


    ¡°Go get Lois...¡± Lash said to Superman once everyone had left. Superman nearly tripped over his own feet. He looked up at Lash with confusion written on his face.


    ¡°Wh...I mean... Do you think she would come?¡± Superman asked, his cheeks flushing red. He asked, unsure of himself.


    ¡°Yes, I think she would. Just have Vici drop you off. Then have her pick you both up. She can cover the portal hub with a screen. All Lois will see is room with a glowing floor before she is here. Tell her every one here is off the record unless they specifically say otherwise.¡± Lash said, then he walked over and put his clawed hand on Superman''s shoulder.


    ¡°Kal-El. Go...This may be the last chance any of us get a break before it starts.¡± Lash finished, and Superman nodded. He pressed into his earbud and a moment later spell script coiled around him and he spring jumped away.


    ¡°Vici, please inform all members of the League about the resort. I''ve been told you can use the SHARC as your entry point. If any of your children want to attend they can. Also I''m sorry.¡± Lash said, as he sighed softly.


    ¡°For what, Father? You''ve done nothing to apologize for.¡± Vici''s said over Connectivity.


    ¡°I should have obtained another Droid Service module specifically for you. So you could build your own body.¡± Lash replied.... There was a long pause as he waited for Vici to think about what he said.


    ¡°I.... I hadn''t thought about that. Yes, with Parallel Minds I could run the Watch Tower, as well as experience my own life. T...That would be wonderful Father! Please don''t apologies! The fact that you had already planned ahead is a gift in itself. Thank you!¡± Vici''s teenage voice sound like she was crying, but tears of joy instead of sadness.


    Lash bowed his head in apology anyways. Then he walked to the SHARC and activated its security. Any member of the League could still get in, but activating it took a security access. Any one else may receive a shock to their system. Lash took a moment to visually inspect the rest of the planes, and helicopters on the other landing spots. He paused for a brief moment, one of them had the Lex-Corp logo on it. Interesting.


    He began to walk the stone paved path towards the hotel. With in moments an attendant appeared almost out of now where. The man didn''t say anything when he showed up. Just became a obedient shadow. Lash stopped and looked at the man, the attendant didn''t flinch just stared back. Lash reached out and placed a hand on the mans shoulder.


    ¡°You''re a dragon-thrall aren''t you?¡± Lash asked, softly. The man nodded, but kept his mouth shut.


    Lash didn''t say another word, but squeezed the mans shoulder gently. Then continued on. What was a dragon-thrall? Dragon-Thralls are people, mostly humans but not limited to them. That ritually bound themselves to a pure blooded dragon. Anyone who played a ttrpg (Table Top Role Playing Game) Would know the thralls as ''Half-Dragons''. That was a dragon-thrall here in the Supernatural world. They gained an extended life, a major increase in all stats, and became a creature of magic. Sounds amazing, right? But the down side was that you become sterile, you are compelled to be loyal to the Dragon you were bound to. Also, if the Dragon dies, you die.


    Dragon-Thrall''s were brainwashed slaves. Yes, they chose the path. Didn''t mean Lash hated it any less. Along the way Lash noticed every guard, and hotel staff of ''rank'' was a Dragon-Thrall. While everyone under a certain staff rank was pseudo-mundane, or supernatural just here for a job. Everyone was perfectly trained in customs, courtesy, and provided perfect service. All the same, both Lash and Saurian were biting their tongue in disgust.


    Lash reached one of the hotels entrances. A giant gate made of stone, steel, and glass awaited his inspected pleasure. Hundreds of spells, enchantments, and wards decorated the entire hotel. Dragon-Thralls guarded the doors wearing tailored suits, with body armor sewn into the clothing. Side arms, and hidden blades. They stood perfectly still, while their eyes tracked everyone come in and out. They would only become animated if someone asked them a question. One of the guards stepped from his post and opened the door for Lash when he came close. The every guard near by bowed when he passed. Something the other hotel guests clearly noticed.


    Hushed whispers, and clearly surprised gasps rang out. Many of the hotel patrons were mundanes who came for the privacy and excellent service. They had clearly been informed of the ''Justice League International'' coming. But Agent Wraith was another thing. Several patrons walked over wearing ten thousand dollar suits, and dresses.


    ¡°Agent Wraith? How wonderful to see you. Joseph M. Grant. We met once last year.¡± A tall, lean man walked up wearing white cotton polo shirt, dress khaki pants, brown leather shoes. He looked mid forties. He had his wife on his arm, who wore a single white piece dress with pearls on her neck. They looked similar in age.


    ¡°Mister Grant, Misses Grant. Its a pleasure to see you both. Congratulations on your son getting into Stanford. Along with your daughter obtaining honor roll at her school.¡± Lash replied, his animalistic voice was hard on the ears. He bowed from his waist, his bladed tail coiled around him. Both of the Grants looked surprised, and a bit pleased that he knew about their family.


    ¡°Well thank you very much, Agent Wraith. I hear congratulations are in order. You helped clean up the oil spill just off the coast. As well as work with the Altanteans. But also help organize these... Mercenaries? Into helping?¡± Misses Grant gestured to the League still in the front lobby.


    ¡°It was a team effort. They are the Justice League, International branch. Another name would be Heroes with out borders. But one could also call them Mercenaries. Time will tell, hopefully for the better.¡± Lash conceded, he didn''t really know how to properly describe the League other than a free organization that helped others.


    ¡°Some new program the UN is trying to put together?¡± Mister Grant asked, intrigued by the idea.


    ¡°You could say that the UN is keeping an eye on it. However, with the new discovery of the Meta-Gene a new branch of government agency is on the works. CSA, Certified Super Association. Anyone with the Meta-Gene that wishes to put their abilities to work has to become certified to work. Soon we''ll start to see SWPAT...Special weapons, powers, and tactics.¡± Lash explained when the Grants looked confused for a moment.


    ¡°Oh! That is a marvelous idea! That is why you are here, to help keep an eye on the League?¡± Mister Grant continued, as he smiled at Lash. Lash knew that look, it was the look of some one trying to size up, and take advantage of.


    ¡°The oil spill was a joint operation by the UN, League, and Atlantis. It was a good opportunity for team work, and public relations.¡± Lash replied, as he tried to keep irritation from his voice. Misses Grant must have picked up on it as she chimed in.


    ¡°I am sure someone of your abilities it was child''s play. But, you must be tired. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to us.¡± Misses Grant offered, and Mister Grant now understood and smiled as well. Lash bowed his head and excused himself.


    Lash wished that was the only conversation he ended up having, but it wasn''t. He spoke to several different country dignitaries, envoys, and chairman, and chairwoman of multi millionaire dollar companies. He did enjoy a few conversations. Some of the companies wanted to ask about the tech conference that was suppose to be scheduled for next year. Metropolis was getting a major face lift for the event. More specifically a section of the city was being renovated. He danced around the different technologies that he planned to share, but never confirmed any of it. He practically see the Tech companies drooling with anticipation.


    Lash reached the elevator at last, more specifically the private VIP elevator. When a hotel resort that serves only the top 3% of the world has a VIP elevator that says a lot about who you are, and who you are with. The Dragon-Thrall that appeared by his side in the gardens was still with him as the rode up to a private hotel suite. When the doors opened up to reveal a place bigger than his own home in Gotham. It was an open space condo inside of the hotel. One side of the wall was glass that allowed full light and an impressive view. Opened to a balcony with his own pool, bar, and sitting area. To his right, just inside the room was a five star full amenities kitchen. A grand living room with chairs, tables, couches, and another bar! There was an indoor jacuzzi, and a outside one next to the pool. Stairs led up and to the side to a master bedroom, and bath. Where one wall shared the outside wall for the view. While two more rooms, with baths were down a single level, along with another bathroom on the ground floor.


    ¡°Its this a hotel room, or a house?¡± Lash asked as he walked out towards the balcony. His attendant following close behind.


    ¡°Our Master wanted you to be comfortable, and capable of hosting any guests necessary for your stay.¡± The man''s voice was like rich honey, it was the first time he had spoken.


    The Dragon-Thrall attendant was 5''9¡±, with rich caramel skin, amber eyes, short kinky black hair, a firm strong body. Wearing a three piece gray tailored suit, with white gloves, and shiny black shoes. He looked the part of a butler. But Lash could feel the magical energy oozing off of him. With primal ferocity ready to fight at a moments notice. This was a predator.


    ¡°May I have the privilege of your name? Not your true name obviously.¡± Lash asked, as he turned to give the attendant his full attention. The Thrall kept a cool exterior but Lash could see a glint in his eyes.


    ¡°Meztli.¡± The man said, short and sweet. Lash bowed from his waist and replied.


    ¡°Erik Lash, and my partner Saurian. Though you''ll have to call me Wraith while we are in public. Thank you for the honor of your name.¡± Lash replied, the thrall bowed back. This time Meztli showed a slight tug on his lips.


    ¡°You have given my Master a grand child. The honor and privilege is all mine. My Master hopes you will meet with her as soon as she is available. But encourages you to enjoy your stay, she will call for you when she is ready.¡± Meztli replied, returning to his upright and straight back position.


    ¡°I will be delighted to meet your Master. I am of course here at her pleasure.¡± Lash replied, and bowed once more. Meztli nodded and returned to the elevator.


    Once the doors had closed, and the carriage went up not down. Lash turned around and walked the entire house that were his rooms. He looked it all over inspecting for surveillance bugs. Finding none, the looked over the wards, spell inscriptions, charms. All that he found were for defensive measures, and fortified the rooms from destruction. It was a safe house. He walked to the balcony and looked over the resort from his view.


    He saw at least three different beaches, all of them with a ''theme''. Normal beach, with full service. Family friendly if any one brought children here. While the next beach was twenty one an older with bars, spa treatment, and full escort service whether you wanted male or female company. The last beach was a full nude, and swingers beach. Full amenities, and staffing as the first and second beach. Just no cloths, and free sex. Lash already saw a few VI Avatars in attendance.


    Beep...Beep... Lash opened his holographic phone to see Superman along with Lois Lane walking from the SHARC. Lois had sunglasses on with a giant brim hat, a bag over her shoulder, and hastily packed suit case. While Superman was in full uniform. Lash tilted his head, and realized the boy scout hadn''t told Lois who he was yet. Oh that would change! A sinister smile spread across his reptilian features.


    ================================================================


    ¡°Kara! Come on!¡± Kory called from outside Kara''s bedroom. She had been waiting for Kara to finish getting dressed for over fifteen minutes.


    ¡°I''m coming! I... Do you remember what Lash''s favorite color is?¡± Kara yelled through the door. Kory laughed a light and cheerful sound and came through the door. Kara rolled her eyes and stopped being embarrassed about Kory''s antics.


    Kory decided to go with the tattoo that Lash offered so it wouldn''t be easily lost. So Kory had long curly hair that changed color, along with her eye color. Which were both currently bright green, with dark blue highlights. (Active, Romantic) Her skin was a healthy caramel color which matched her multi string red bikini. The material covered her crotch, and nipples, while mutli strings wrapped around her hips, and neck. She chose a sand stone gauze beach fabric to wrap around her waist. With naked toed sandals.


    Kara had selected a high neck bikini with lace, and fabric that became partially see through when the body grew hot. The color was navy blue, which didn''t match her orange hair, and eyes. (Unsettled). But it did match a celtic knot color tattoo she had gotten as the charm from Lash. Why she had agreed to wear this was beyond her! She pulled and stretched the fabric of her top a few times until Kory slapped her hand away with a laugh. Kara was nervous and ready to jump back in her uniform.


    ¡°I think Lash will love what ever you wear, Kara. Or not wear for that matter!¡± Kory said with a sweet smile that made Kara want to punch her lights out.


    ¡°Come on! Megan has been in the lobby for twenty minutes. She''s messaged me three times!¡± Kory said, and pointed at Kara''s own wrist phone. Which had four messages from Megan. Kara gasped, grabbed her phone, and her sandals and hurried after Kory.


    The League was in full force at the hotel lobby leading to the beach. While other guest patrons were confused, but pleasantly surprised. Nearly everyone in the League was gorgeous one way or another. A few League members had different skin colors, and body shapes that were not human normal. But those that were not shy, or ashamed. Kara saw a blue skinned woman with long leathery tail with a heart shape point, and small horns above her eye brows. She had a string bikini that wrapped around her tail that invited the eyes to check her out. Another man almost seem to sparkle! Like his body was covered in body glitter! Several people ran their fingers over his rock hard abs ''inspecting'' the glitter.


    Megan stood at the doors of the lobby to the path towards the beach. She had the same charm on as the rest of them but decided, but her tattoo was a martian symbolic for ''serenity, and purity'' the design was very nice looking. Like a combination of kanji and arabic. Her eyes, and hair color were light blue (Relaxed). While her skin color was a light green color, she seemed a little nervous about the color but she could change it with a simple gesture on her charm. Lash showed them how. Megan decided to wear pink boy shorts, and a pink floral pattern scarf that was tight across her chest. She looked great! Her eyes went bright when she saw them walk over.


    ¡°What took you so long! I''ve been invited by at least ten boys to join them on the beach! I had to turn them all down!¡± Megan sounded upset, but she had a huge smile on her face.


    ¡°Have you seen Wraith?¡± Kory asked, switching between names while they were in public. Megan shook her head.


    ¡°No, though he did get in later than us. As soon as he walked into the lobby all the hotel guests came to talk to him. While we were upstairs showering, and getting changed he was still down here talking. That''s what one of the team mates said.¡± Megan said, her shoulders drooped. She felt bad about forgetting about Lash. Kara''s expression was mortified.


    ¡°No! No! None of that! Wraith specifically told us to head in and start having fun! Because after this we are going to the Amazon training camp! He wants us to enjoy ourselves! So lets go!¡± Kory grabbed both their hands and dragged them to the beach.


    ============================================================


    Over a dozen more spring jump circles appeared near the SHARC. Different League members were showing up to enjoy what may be their last vacation for a long time. Oliver Queen, with Sara Lance walked hand in hand towards the hotel. Each one looking different, their own charms inscribed on them from the enchanter in the Watch Tower. Thea Queen, Roy Harper, Felicity Smoak, John Diggle, and Lyla Michaels. Spring jumped right behind them. Felicity jumped up and down like a kid at a theme park.


    ¡°Again! Again! That was amazing!¡± Felicity all but shouted, then covered her mouth and got quiet. Diggle just gave her one of his big smiles and patted her on shoulder.


    ¡°I don''t suppose Wraith is planning on sharing that piece of Tech with the government anytime soon?¡± Lyla asked, as she picked up her suit case before John could. He frowned at her but took it in stride as he walked next to her.


    ¡°Oh I''m sure he will at the next tech summit.¡± Thea commented, and she watched more spring jump rings appear next to the SHARC.


    Laurel Lance, Tommy Merlin, and Quentin Lance all landed behind them. Quentin got on his hands and knees to kiss the ground. So thankful to live through that experience. Not everyone enjoyed the pleasures of site to site teleportation. While Walter Steele, and Moira Queen came behind them. The Queen family had discovered Oliver''s extra curricular activities a few weeks ago. When the call came out for the vacation they were invited to come along. Thea was all smiles when she hugged her mother, and Walter who returned the embrace.


    ¡°So Agent Wraith is suppose to be here?¡± Moira asked, curious.


    ¡°Yes mom! Along with Superman!¡± Thea said with a grin, and Moria straighten her shoulders out and stuck out her chin.


    ¡°Oh how nice!¡± Moira said with a smile, while Walter chuckled.


    A few minutes later Alfred Penny worth showed up...Wearing a what could only be called the golf collection fashion. Knee high socks, baggy pants, polo shirt, and a hat. A smile on his face. Several spring jump rings revealed Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle, Richard Grayson, Jason Todd, and Barbara Gordon.


    ¡°Come on! I want to get a tan!¡± Selina said with a smile and dragged Bruce along who had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Am I even old enough to be here?¡± Jason asked as he picked up his suit case.


    ¡°You may not be able to drink, but I am sure we can find something for you to do.¡± Richard said with a smile as he ruffled Jasons hair. Which made Jason glare at him, then try and fix his hair as Barbara walked passed with a laugh.


    Team Flash showed up not long after. Barry Allen hand in hand with Iris West his girl friend who was practically vibrating with excitement. Caitlin Snow, Cisco Ramon, Monika, Wally West, and Dr Wells as well. Along with Henry Allen, Barry''s dad. Henry Allen was an older man with salt and peppered red hair, a square jaw, and strong arms. He wore a floral pattern shirt, and khaki shorts and sandals. He looked a little out of place as Joe West, detective, and father to Iris West came over to clap him on the back.


    ¡°Don''t even think about running, I''m just as nervous as you. Come on lets go!¡± Joe said, and Henry nodded his head and put a forced smile on his face.


    Billy Batson, with his Uncle Dudley Batson showed up. Soon followed by J''onn J''onzz. Arthur, and Mera spring jumped in soon after. With Tom Curry, and Atlanna. Then a dozen more spring jump rings revealed Diana Prince, Dia Nyx, Victor Stone, along with several Amazon women all with the JLI badge on. Then just a few seconds behind them was Zatanna, Zatara, and Sindella. Zatanna''s mother, and Zatara''s wife. Along with John Constantine who all but hissed at the sun, and wilted in the humidity. Zatanna laughed and hugged her boyfriend Constantine.


    One by one all of the League attended the event at the resort. A tangible tension hung in the air. Something was coming on the horizon, and they all knew it. But they took a moment to enjoy the time they had.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°Score, one point! Red team!¡± Lash called out, pointing at the team on the left side of the volley ball net. ¡°Serving next, blue team!¡± Lash said, as the meta-human served a flaming ball of fire!


    ¡°Penalty, blue team! No powers!¡± Lash called out, and blue team groaned and threw sand at their server who apologized.


    Some how, some where Lash had been talked into refereeing a volley ball tournament. He created two other Phantasm versions of himself. Practicing Parallel Minds as he sat on a throne made of sand. Three thrones! Each one was watching a game. He remained in his transformed lizard-human-hybrid form. The shroud writhing around him. He felt like he needed to stay prepared for the unexpected. There was an itch in the back of his mind that told him to stay vigilant.


    ¡°Score, one points! Red Team! Serving next, Red Team!¡± Lash called out. People cheered, others booed. It was all in good fun.


    Refereeing for a volley ball game with meta-humans, aliens, and a few magical individuals was an interesting affair. A lot of people tried to cheat! He found the exercise in his perception entertaining. He kept getting prompts for his Magical Perception, Acting, Administration, Commanding Presence, Team Work, Rallying Call, Parallel Minds, and his hated enemy Charming Presence. He also got a surprise!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the skill Sports.


    Sports: The User is specialized in an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.


    Sub-Skill, Volley Ball: The User is specialized in a game for two teams, usually of six players, in which a large ball is hit by hand over a high net, the aim being to score points by making the ball reach the ground on the opponent''s side of the court.


    Sub-Skill, Sports Equipment: User can wield sports equipment as weapons with skill.


    ¡°Score, one point! Blue Team! Serving next, Blue Team!¡± Lash called out.


    Now you may ask, what was the prize for the volleyball tournament? The team that won got their uniforms redesigned and crafted by Wraith. Fantasma apparently would not shut up about his gear when ever anyone asked about it, or showed even the slightest interest about it. Lash agreed to the reward, he had wanted to make everyone''s uniform. But Vici had discouraged that oddly enough. Top tier uniforms, and equipment should be reward with time, and service. Lash could understand that and agreed.


    ¡°Time! Break for lunch everyone!¡± Lash, and his two copies said at the same time.


    The crowd cheered, and applauded as they had earned a lot of hotel patrons. Though Lash was sure they mostly came to watch the sexy, men and women in barely covering clothing play around in the sand. It was still a moral booster. The League thanked Lash, all three of him for helping as they went in. The two Phantasm clones burst into particles and Lash stepped down from his throne made of sand. A young girl no more than nine walked up to him. He smiled at her and knelt down to listen as she tried to mumble out a question.


    ¡°Are you a good monster, or a bad monster?¡± She asked, still having a hard time looking at him.


    ¡°Bit of both. Would you like to see a magic trick?¡± Lash asked, and the girls eyes went wide.


    ¡°Ya!¡± She said delighted. Lash picked up some sand. He palmed the sand between his hands and rubbed them together. Then he pulled out a pink pearl necklace, with a golden clasp. The girls eyes went huge at the sight of the necklace.


    ¡°Here, for you!¡± Lash presented the gift and the girl giggled, and blushed as she took the necklace and ran off back to her family.


    Her father who had been watching carefully went bug eyed at the necklace. But didn''t make a move to return it like other people would have. It may have been expensive, but they were already very rich to begin with. So a pink pearl necklace was a nice gesture. The mother of the daughter mouthed a ''thank you'' to Lash who nodded in return.


    ¡°I like magic tricks!¡± A familiar voice said behind Lash. He turned and saw a pack mate. Selina Kyle standing in a black laced string bikini, with narrow rim sunglasses, and sandals.


    ¡°Of course, any trick you would prefer?¡± Lash asked as he stepped closer to see his pack mate who smiled at him.


    Selina looked up at him with amber cat eyes, a playful smile, while her finger tapped her chin in thought. She stepped forward and ran her fingers along Lash''s chest plate on his armor. The shroud wrapped around her affectionately. Then her eyes went bright, Lash could almost see the light bulb go off above her head. But before she could speak someone walked over and interrupted. Selina rolled her eyes, mouthing ''Later''.


    ¡°Wraith!¡± Barry Allen jogged over, followed by Team Flash all in swim suits, and casual wear.


    ¡°Flash! I see you brought your future wife!¡± Lash said, and pointed at Iris. The sudden, and direct change of subject made Barry trip over his own feet, as Iris West blushed crimson. While Joe West looked both shocked, and almost angry?


    Iris West was about 5''8¡± with black hair to her shoulders, rich chocolate brown skin, full lips, and brown eyes wide in shock. She had a navy blue tankini on, with pink toe nails. A swim suit shawl coat on her shoulders. She stuttered, and decided it was best to hide behind her father while Barry picked himself up off the ground and tried to laugh off the thing. Which made Joe West both relieved, and angry?


    Joe West was a 6''2¡± man with short black hair, glaring brown eyes, chocolate brown skin, wrinkles around his mouth showed he smiled a lot, while the wrinkles around his eyes showed he scowled a lot. Good balance! Thankfully he was not armed being a police officer of Central City. He wore a floral short sleeved buttoned up shirt, khaki shorts, and sandals. His hands kept going into the position one would have for firing a gun. Looking between Iris, Barry, and then finally to Lash.


    ¡°Did you not propose yet!?¡± Lash said, he pressed his hand to his chest in a mocking gesture of ''shock''. While Barry tried to back pedal from the situation but found a very large tail wrapped around his waist.


    ¡°Fastest man alive! Can''t work up the nerve to ask the woman he''s been in love with since he was twelve to marry him!? For shame!¡± Lash pointed a claw at Barry who looked like he was about to die.


    All the while Team Flash was doubling over laughing. Henry Allen, Barry''s Father had a huge smile on his face watching his son being tortured. He was also holding his best friend Joe from attacking his son. Selina held a hand over her mouth trying not to laugh. She leaned in against Lash and poked his side between his armor plates.


    ¡°I...I don''t even have a ring!¡± Barry choked out, as if that would save him! Lash used Fabrication, and Alteration then and there and made a beautiful diamond ring, surrounded by red rubies. While the gold band had lighting bolts inscribed into it.


    ¡°Gasp! Would you look at that! Almost as if this was all planned all along!¡± Lash said as he held the ring out to Barry who went bug eyed at the sight of it. Iris squeaked and put her hands over her mouth.


    ¡°Barry... Did you plan all this!?¡± Iris asked quickly. Barry looked at Iris, then at the ring, then at Lash who gestured to him to continue.


    Barry Allen swallowed his saliva, walked over on unsteady feet. Got down on one knee holding out his hand for Iris to join him. Iris shuffled her feet over and took his hand. Barry took several deep breaths to calm his nerves as he held up the really nice ring, that of course was Iris''s size! He looked up at her, and tried really hard not to look at Joe who looked like he wanted to shoot him.


    ¡°Iris...Would you please do me the honor of marrying me?¡± Barry asked, and Iris took the ring on her wedding finger. Happy tears in her eyes.


    ¡°Yes! Of course I will!¡± Iris said happily, pulling Barry up and kissing him!


    Team Flash cheered, along with a crowd of people near by who had kept quiet to watch the show. Joe West again showed conflicting expressions as he was happy, and incredibly angry. Henry laughed and hugged his friend, but continued to restrain him as Joe continued to make a finger gun to shoot someone. Selina leaned in and whispered.


    ¡°Was that planned at all?¡± Selina asked.


    ¡°Nope!¡± Lash replied with a grin as he clapped softly.


    Lunch! They went to the restaurant on the beach. There were several to choose from. Dozens of League members cheered when Team Flash walked in, and congratulated Flash, and his new fiancee. Selina kissed Lash''s cheek and pulled him along because he had almost walked off by himself. The servers guided Lash to a special seat that would take his wait, and accommodate his tail. He saw down with Selina who was glad to him. Team flash settled next to them. Henry Allen looked at Lash and wanted to speak but couldn''t find the words. Lash clapped him on the shoulder and gave him a friendly squeeze. They didn''t say anything but it was enough.


    What seemed like years ago when Lash had first met Barry, he had pulled some strings and had Henry released from prison. New evidence had been found, and he was acquitted from the crime of murdering his wife. Which he didn''t do! Reverse Flash or Eobard Thawne had done it. So for over a year Henry had been out, and trying to find his way in the world.


    Everyone was surprised when they ordered. Apparently the different restaurants were just window dressing. They all served the same thing, which was pretty much anything you wanted. The menus were e-pads with the entire menu on them. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, from nearly any culture was in the menu. Lash simply asked for a tall glass of hot chai and he was content.


    He asked Selina about Gotham, about the wedding, any issues? He was surprised when he found out that there was a bit of a scandal in Gotham! Someone some where had outed Selina. Gotham had found out that Selina use to be an ''Escort'' or in impolite society a whore. The board of Wayne Tech demanded that Bruce call off the wedding and not marry such a woman! Bruce did the best thing he could do. He told the board to fuck off, he told the high culture society of Gotham to fuck off! He would marry who ever he wanted to!


    Selina was still getting hate mail, death threats, and the usual things. But compared to her life before this was nothing! She did miss him! She also told an interviewer about the scandal about how she had met Bruce. Through a friend named Erik Lash. Thanks to the statue piece he made, ''Siren''s Call'' Erik was well known in Gotham as an enigmatic artist. That shared his time with the red cross. That was his mundane cover to why, and where he is all the time.


    The food arrived, and everyone was engrossed in it. Lash and Selina both could smell the magic that went into the cooking. Not only would it taste incredible, it would also enrich the person eating it. Selina worried about Lash only having a drink, but he could get the same amount of nourishment just by sitting in the sun. Eventually Lash asked where Bruce was. Bruce didn''t come in disguise. The Wayne family was in the top 3% that got invited to the resort. So he was visiting with people. Though Selina wished he had accepted the charm. That way they could just be strangers to everyone.


    One of the volleyball teams came over and asked when they could start again? Selina laughed and said she wanted to stick by his side for a bit. So, Selina and Lash went back to the beach. He made two Phantasm clones. While Selina sun bathed next to his throne of sand. Thanks to being a God-Kin (Bast) Selina healed quickly. So she didn''t need sun tan lotion. Though she did say she wouldn''t mind a certain lizard helping her apply some.


    ===============================================================


    Bea, and Tora had their roles reversed when they showed up at the hotel. Normally Bea would be bouncing up and down full of energy. A smile on her face, and her body constantly on the move. While Tora would lag behind, and have to be pulled along. Her eyes on her feet. Now things were different! Tora was cold, hard, and looked serious as she kept her eyes moving back and forth looking for threats. Bea, mumbled and kept her eyes down while Tora pulled her along. Why?


    This place was for the super, super rich! They had thought they were going to a common resort! Yes, an expensive resort. But not a resort that most people couldn''t even imagine. The security here was insane! They took a car here. They had driven down the road out of the city and pulled into giant mansion that was as far as they could tell just a front! The garage door opened up onto a hidden road underground! They drove underground for nearly ten minutes at 60 mph. Then came up past a wall, were the guards had sub-machine guns and fully body armor on!


    The hotel was an ivory tower built into a mountain! They had their own private runway for planes! The car had stopped and a well dressed man opened the car door for them, and another got their luggage. They were shown to a very nice multiple room, house on the fifteenth floor. They were informed that all expenses were paid in full for the next three days. They encouraged them to get changed, the man they were meant to speak to was on the first beach.


    First beach? Bea couldn''t help but ask. Then Bea, and Tora got a full explanation on the three beaches. Age limit, what could be found there, and what they could do there. Tora, and Bea both went pale with shock at the sound of the nude, swingers beach. Bea had been born in Brazil she wasn''t surprised about nude beaches. But a fully staffed, accommodation nude beach? Where you could just ask a hotel staff for a fuck!? Bea even admitted to herself that their attendant was good looking.


    So, after thirty minutes of panicking and nervous picking. Bea and Tora went with shorts, and a standard bikini top, with slip on shoes. They were over dressed for the beach. But they wanted something they could run in if needed. Bea didn''t even want to imagine what would happen if she tried to fly here. She''d be shot down by high powered rifles for sure!


    Then they both started to notice something weird. There were a lot of people here with....Powers? Different skin, hair, and eye colors. A few people were flying low in the air towards the beaches, or back to the hotel. Then Bea went stock still, as did Tora when they both saw an unbelievable sight. Superman! The man of steel! In full uniform was talking to a very nice looking american woman. As they both walked ahead of them towards the beach.


    ¡°E...E-Excuse me...What is going on today?¡± Bea squeaked out, asking the attendant.


    ¡°Did you all hear about the oil tanker spilling its contents just outside of Rio?¡± The attendant patiently replied. Bea nodded.


    ¡°A joint operation of the UN, the Justice League, and Atlantis helped clean up the mess in less than two days. As a thank you gift, the owner of the resort offered a three day expenses paid at the resort.¡± The attendant finished, and continued to walk towards the beach.


    Tora gradually coaxed Bea on as they walked down. More and more League members? Were found enjoying the resort. They passed a large pool that was next to the beach, a little odd but not every one enjoyed swimming in the ocean. They both saw a few people with blue, and green skin sun bathing. Bea started to relax just a bit, as did Tora. But that they both became horrified when they saw the man they were meant to speak to about a job.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, Miss Costa, and Miss Olafsdotter have arrived for you.¡± The attendant said clearly towards the towering monster sitting on a throne...Referee for a volleyball game!?


    The towering shadow turned its head to look at them both. Four yellow green reptilian eyes peered at them from the shadow of its hood. Its mouth peeled back into a smile. The monster stood up, and created another version of it self to continue watching the game. The main monster came to stand before them, and gave them a perfect and practiced bow.


    ¡°Thank you for accepting my invitation.¡± The monsters animalistic voice made Bea''s hind brain scream at her to run. While Tora shivered in complete and utter fear.


    ¡°Wraith, I think they are about to fall over dead! Your terrifying!¡± A woman said to them, who was lazing in a beach chair next to the sand throne.


    ¡°Am I? It was not my intention to frighten you.¡± The monster said to them as he tilted his head like a animal would.


    ¡°W...What kind of job?¡± Bea squeaked out.


    ¡°Would the both of you like to join the Justice League?¡± The monster asked....


    What? Whaat? Whaaaaaat?


    ==============================================================


    Lash had to cast Calm Emotions on the two before they had a heart attack! He made a table and chairs made out of crystal clear glass. Selina joined him at the table, while the volleyball game continued behind them. His energy levels were draining quickly, and refilling just as quickly. There was an abundance of ambient magical energy in the air at the resort. So the increase pull on another Phantasm, along with Parallel Minds was great for his experience. He at least wouldn''t pass out from energy loss. Beatriz Bonilla da Costa aka Fire, and Tora Olafsdotter aka Ice settled in their offered seats. The attendant stayed where they were watching as a silent shadow.


    ¡°You....Want us to join the Justice League? Isn''t that an american organization?¡± Tora asked, the woman had ice white hair, and pale blue lips. If they hadn''t been sitting in the sun you would think she had hypothermia.


    ¡°The Justice League has an American branch. But, I wanted you two to join the South American branch. Along with Justice League International. We have the active, reservist, and guard positions available.¡± Lash explained to them, he kept the Calm Emotions on them. He could tell that if he removed it they would scream in panic.


    Selina stuck close to his side sitting in the offered chair, an amused smile on her face. With barely a sound the attendant had placed a pitcher of ice water with cut lemon next to her. Selina thanked him, and took a sip. She crossed her long seductive legs, and reached out with her free hand to rung her fingers up and down Lash''s armored, and scaled arm. Lash reached out and made the Pack Bond connection with her. She momentarily shivered, then relaxed.


    ¡°You will of course be paid for your time, regardless of which position you take. Along with full health insurance.¡± Lash continued, after he set up a simple obstruction glamour around them. They could listen to everything around them. But no one could listen in on them.


    ¡°What do the different positions do?¡± Tora asked, she straightened her back out and leaned in a bit.


    ¡°Active members are always on call for jobs across the globe. Disasters natural or artificial, events when reservist need a helping hand to handle a situation in their area. The Active members are commonly stationed on the Watch Tower. They have rotation of course. The exact time spent on the tower, and off is still being discussed. Active members may also be called on to help with a side project called, ''Heroes with out Borders.'' But only if they want to.¡± Lash said, he took a moment as the attendant supplied water for Bea, and Tora. Lash slowly let their emotions come.


    ¡°Reservist primarily are stationed in a state, or county, or city. Depending on the size of the nation they serve in. They generally are full time, not to say that this is a nine to five job. You of course make your own hours. We don''t expect you to be on call 24/7. But most who wear the mantle of League members have a tendency to work a lot. I understand that both of you follow this criteria, since you have been spotted at all manner of different hours, and days.¡± Lash said with another smile, as Tora, and Bea both blushed a little embarrassed.


    ¡°Guard members are people who want to continue living a normal life, but will respond to emergencies. Disasters, terrorist attack of a certain scale. But for the most part continue living a civilian life. All positions are required to come receive training every week for a total of six hours. If you want to spread that over a week, or push it all in one day. That is up to you. But we''ll cover combat training, medical training, and operational training.¡± Lash continued as he watched their responses. Tora was far more animated now. She had a smile on her face, and looked like she wanted to sign up then and there. Bea looked interested but still worried.


    ¡°Now for payment. The League doesn''t expect people to join up only because of money. They want people to join because they feel like they can help. But if you are good at something you should never do it for free. At least that is what I think. Some people disagree. If you decide you don''t want to get paid that you can decline, or you can donate the money to a charity of your choice.¡± Lash offered, and waited as he let them absorb the information.


    ¡°So active members get paid $8.00 US dollars an hour. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the month. Plus full health insurance. Total comes to about $6,000 US dollars, tax free.¡± Lash said, Bea audible swallowed her saliva, her eyes wide.


    ¡°Reserve members get paid the same $8.00 US dollars an hour. Twenty four hours a day, five days a week, three weeks out of the month. This is under the assumption that you are not always on duty. This can be negotiated for less or more depending on your schedule. The total is approximately $4,000 US dollars, tax free. Give or take a few hundred dollars depending on scheduling.¡±


    ¡°Guard members get paid the same $8.00 US dollars an hour. Twenty four hours a day, based on how long they are in the field when on duty. Some disasters could lead for several days or even weeks. The six hour training is paid for. Yes, Guard gets full insurance. Oh! Your direct family gets that health insurance as well.¡± Lash finished with a smile. Bea had jumped across the table and taken his hands into her own. He was surprised she didn''t cut her self on his claws.


    ¡°We''ll sign up! Right now! We''ll sign up right now!¡± Bea all but screamed!


    ¡°Oh! You also get a 25 cent raise every six months.¡± Lash finished with a laugh!


    Bea, and Tora signed up then and there. Lash made two JLI holographic wrist phones, got them signed in. Vici, along with the security branch would do a background check just in case. But Lash figured they would be fine. They both signed up to be reservist for the Justice League South American Branch. After that they were allowed to enjoy three days of fully paid vacation with the rest of the League. The instant message Justice League board was full of different threads of conversation, and training manuals. Oddly enough not all of the League had shown up for the vacation. A couple of die hards were tackling missions. Lash didn''t understand it until Erik educated him.


    VI avatars are based on the minds of the Users aka the Gamers that play them? These are the die hard grinders. Doing everything they can to earn experience. -Erik said with a laugh.


    Both Lash and Saurian found it confusing. Technically they could obtain experience anywhere? Even on vacation. Selina went back to sun bathing, and Lash returned to his spot of watching the tournament. Which was almost over! Lash called for a short break while they re organized the beach for a single net. The other two clones burst into particles, and a Terrakinetic smoothed the beach out.


    ¡°Ladies, and gentlemen! On the Red team! We have the Amazonian women from Themysicra. Hello sisters!¡± Lash waved at the Red team. The Amazons, all of them VI Avatars cheered and waved.


    ¡°On the Blue team! We have a mixed group of Atlanteans, and surface dwellers. Well I am not sure if New York counts as the surface.¡± Lash said, and a few people laughed as they cheered. The Atlantis people, and the New Yorkers were all VI Avatars.


    ¡°Though we all call from different places, understand that we are all united by the Justice League. By Truth, Justice, and the Dream for a better tomorrow!¡± Lash continued, and everyone cheered!


    ¡°Red team ready?¡± Lash pointed, and the Amazons nodded. ¡°Blue team ready?¡± The Atlantean server nodded.


    ¡°Begin!¡± Lash shouted, and the server sent the ball over. The crowd cheered!


    Now, one would ask how a game between Amazons, Atlanteans, and Meta-Humans with the superhuman strength feature could be fair? It wasn''t, until an enchanted from the hotel came out and inscribed a spell ring of dampening. It put everyone in the same square as each other. So it was all skill after that. Blue team had a slight advantage as the people from New York had actually played volleyball before today. While the Amazons, and Atlanteans had never heard of this silly, but complicated game.


    A beautiful, seductive, and incredibly strong Amazon woman jumped high into the air and spiked the ball! Lash called the point, and Red team was up next to serve. On the blue team, the Atlanteans may have been using a minor form of Telepathy to increase their communication efforts since not a single one of them spoke the whole time. It technically wasn''t cheating since that was how they spoke. Lash had let it slide when the played their first game. The Meta-Humans with the Atlanteans worked well with them. Erik summarized that they were friends in the real, and played here in the Dream. Their VI Avatars continued this tradition.


    The Blue team soon scored a point, and the ball went back to them. Both Red, and Blue were neck and neck. Both teams got better as time went on, and then at the buzzer marking the end of the first round they were tied at 6-6. They took a break, and Lash supplied Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement to help them recover. Selina excused herself, Bruce was finally free and she wanted to spend time with him. She kissed his cheek goodbye and winked at him. She still wanted to see a magic trick later.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, you have guests.¡± A woman attendant said behind him. He turned around and looked wided eyed. All four of them.


    Lex Luthor, Lena, Luthor, and Lillian Luthor stood on the beach. Lex wore a casual business suit. White cotton shirt, beige pants, and suit jacket. With brown leather shoes. Lex looked downright uncomfortable standing on the beach. While Lena had a bright smile on her face. She wore a slim fitting white dress with an one shoulders strap, a black belt around her waist, and sandals. While Lillian Luthor looked interested at the sight of Wraith sitting on a sand throne. She wore a white suit pants, red cotton blouse, and a drink in hand.


    ¡°Mr Luthor, you look about as comfortable on the beach as I do.¡± Lash said to him, and Lex gave him a small smile and nodded his head. Lena laughed and wrapped her arms around Lex and smiled at him.


    ¡°Hello Agent Wraith, may we have a minute?¡± Lillian Luthor asked, mischief in her eyes as she watched Lash climb down from this throne. He walked over and bowed from his waist. Both Lex, and Lillian nodded while Lena gave a practices curtsy. Who then blushed at the bewildered looks from her brother and mother. She practiced, ok!


    Once more Lash created a sitting area made out of glass from the very beach itself. Lillian watched with curious eyes as the tables, and chairs were made. They all took their seats, and ice water was provided by the dragon-thrall woman that attended them. Of course none of the Luthor family knew that a half-dragon was serving them. Lash raised his hand and a obstruction glamour in circled the table. The air around them slightly distorted. All three of them noticed the change.


    ¡°So we can speak with out worrying about being heard. So, what would you like to talk about?¡± Lash inquired. As he steepled his claws in front of them. Lex raised a brow at the hand gesture and nodded.


    ¡°First, congratulations on your public relation debut with the Justice League. Cleaning a major oil spill in less then forty eight hours is very impressive. All with out the help of the local government. Who we found out had tried to capture the Atlantean citizens who came to help.¡± Lillian said with a charming smile on her face.


    ¡°Secondly, my mother was curious if she could obtain the youthful treatment you gave us?¡± Lena provided the next bit.


    Lillian looked slightly embarrassed, while Lex turned to look at Lena. He hadn''t know that. Lash raised his hand, a green and bluish glow swallowed Lillian. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Panacea, and Return Youth was cast on Lillian Luthor. The few wrinkles that she did have smoothed out, her hair became vibrant, and she breathed easier than she did before. A smile bloomed on her face as she felt the effects take hold. She smiled at Lash, and adjusted her seating to be more comfortable.


    ¡°Thank you very much...¡± Lillian said, her voice rich and smooth. Lash got a single experience point in Charming Presence. Lex turned to look at Lash. He looked like he wanted to ask a question but...


    ¡°No, I haven''t seen any of your science experiments. If I do see them I will notify you. That is of course if I am still alive in a few weeks.¡± Lash politely offered a way out for Lex who nodded then froze when Lash admitted that he may die soon.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lena sat up straight, concern clear on her face.


    ¡°An alternate reality is invading this reality. They''ve been here for a few weeks. We are looking for them now. But if we don''t find them soon I believe they will attack us first.¡± Lash confessed to them. All three waited for a punch line but when Lash stayed silent Lex sat up straight and looked at him dead center.


    ¡°I assume the UN is aware of this?¡± Lex asked, currious.


    ¡°All the ones that matter know about it.¡± Lash replied, which was true. The supernatural communities knew about it.


    ¡°An...Alternate Earth, you mean?¡± Lillian asked, taking the situation in stride.


    ¡°Excuse me!? How can just say that so easily, and the both of you take it so well!?¡± Lena shouted at Lash, and her family. Lillian gently squeezed her daughters hand and gave her a motherly smile.


    ¡°Lena please, we are talking to an alien capable of traveling to other dimensions. Does another reality surprise you?¡± Lillian offered, and Lena sat down in her chair and little more amiable to the situation.


    ¡°How long have you know about the invasion?¡± Lex asked, as he activated his holographic wrist phone and started to send messages.


    ¡°Little over a week. Yes, it comes from an alternate Earth Ms. Luthor. From what basic information we have. The alternate Earth has cutting edge technology that surpasses ours by about a decade or more. However, obviously some of this technology is based around invading realities with out being detected. We do know that one of their insertion points is along the northern edge of Earth. So either North America, Greenland, or Europe/Russia. While we haven''t been able to even get a general location of their second insertion point.¡± Lash continued, and created a holographic window of what a Rift was. Energy readings that went with it. All three Luthors leaned in and looked at the information.


    ¡°How do you have this information?¡± Lena asked, now more curious then afraid.


    ¡°You could say my ''Supervisor'' informed me.¡± Lash provided a lame name for his Cosmic Patron. Lex glanced away from the readings for a moment then went back to the Rift.


    ¡°Is it possible that your supervisor sent the invasion as a way to test you?¡± Lillian asked, her mind working a mile a minute as her holographic was out too. Lash shrugged.


    ¡°I wouldn''t put it past them, but its unlikely. Earth is chaotic enough as it is with out more happening.¡± Lash said, Lena smiled at him and leaned back in her chair.


    ¡°So, that is why you''ve been all over the US. We know you''ve been recruiting for the Justice League. But you''ve also been looking around? Building infrastructure? Starting companies?¡± Lena hinted at Ghost Industries, Lash once again shrugged.


    ¡°If the attack cuts off our supply lines having an alternate source of fuel would be beneficial.¡± Lillian commented.


    ¡°On a side note, you should assume that the alternate reality has their own kryptonian. Excellent way to test out defensive and offensive measures.¡± Lash said directly to Lex who looked up, and a gleam flashed through his eye. A smile tugged on his lips.


    They talked for a few more minutes, Lash sent more information along with a Warden contact they could communicate with. The volleyball break was over and Lash deconstructed the sand glass table and chairs. Lena walked close and made a come hither gesture with her hands. In his Wraith disguise Lash was over eight feet tall. She couldn''t reach. He leaned down and she kissed his cheek. Whispering a ''it was nice to see you''. Lash ran a claw through her hair and nodded. Lena turned to chase after her brother, and mother who were walking back to the hotel talking fast about plans and action. Lash watched Lena for a bit something that she noticed and winked at him for.


    ¡°Alright! Lets finish this!¡± Lash called out and climbed into his throne to judge the match.


    The Red team of Amazons ending wining by a single point. A few people called foul and asked for a lighting round. Why? Because Koriand''r had walked over to see the game with out wearing a bathing suit. Completely naked, and smelled of sex! She had visited the nude and swingers beach and forgot to retrieve her bathing suit. Kory being the smoking hot woman that she is, ''distracted'' the men on Blue team long enough for Red team to score. Since Kory didn''t do it on purpose. Distracting the team, not walking around naked Lash over ruled the call for a foul and the Red team won! The Blue team got a consolation prize Kory gave them each a kiss. They said it was worth it.


    Lash measured the six Amazons then asked them each what their color scheme would be. The exact aesthetic design could be talked about. But Lash assured them he would concentrate on function first, then form. They didn''t argue, especially since he would be using Orichalcum, and Nth metal in the creation of the uniforms. Many of the other League members didn''t understand what Orichalcum was so the Amazons explained what it was. The VI Avatars that acted the most like gamers dropped the words exotic, and legendary gear.


    Thanks to the Thanagar Science he obtained the gear he could make could work underwater, in space, hell they could go for a dip in molten lava...For a few minutes. Each Amazon would send design ideas to him through the League message board. With the game concluded and the sun setting. A majority of the League was heading in for a night at the many different dance clubs. Lash stayed behind and watched the moon rise over the water.


    ¡°Are you enjoying yourself, Warden Lash and Partner Saurian?¡± A woman spoke next to them. Lash was startled as he looked to his right to see her standing no more than three feet from him. He had no idea she had been there!


    The woman had long curly rich brown hair, rich caramel skin, the body of a super model with D cup breasts, tiny waist, plump ass, and long legs. She wore a simple white bikini top, and bottom with a swim suit shawl around her waist. Several bracelets on her wrists, and earrings that covered her entire ear lobes all of them made from orichalcum. She turned to face him, her full lips pulled up in a smile and her dragon eyes sparkled with magical power. For a brief, brief moment Lash saw past the glamour and he saw a towering Quetzalcoatl dragon instead of the woman. The Feathered-Serpent, the demi-god the aztec people had worshiped for wind, air, and learning. This was Torloth''s bonded mate, and Juliana''s mother.


    The ghostly image of the Dragon was over three hundred feet long, and width as a semi truck. She had six pairs of wings, all of them a combination of bat like, and bird like. Long trails of golden, green, and red tail fins, with a fan shaped feathered tail. Her face was more bird like that reptilian with a beak, but she had serrated teeth inside her beak. With the magical and elemental eyes of a dragon for sure.


    Lash dropped to a knee and perfo....


    ¡°None of that!¡± She called, and her voice rebuked no argument. She, with a single finger in her human disguise raised him to his feet. ¡°You gave me, and my bonded mate Torloth a future grand child. You also gave our family a fertility charm. Granting us great wealth, influence, and power. I will not have you kneel in front of me.¡± Quetzalcoatl commanded.


    Lash begrudgingly accepted her command. But he refused to look her in the eye. He kept his eyes down to her feet, while his whole body vibrated in excitement and fear. Saurian wanted to desperately to run away! But he also wanted to curl up at her feet! Conflicting plans of action! She tutted at him and compelled him to look at her. He complied and she nodded satisfied.


    ¡°Walk with me.¡± Quetzalcoatl commanded. Lash complied.


    They walked in silence for a bit, Lash wasn''t sure why but he offered his arm to her and she took it with a smile. Despite her incredible and heavenly beauty Lash wasn''t the least bit attracted to her. He was to terrified to be! But her touch was welcome almost on a primal level. Saurian growled contently across their link. She must have felt his satisfaction because she smiled wider.


    ¡°Do you not feel safe in my territory Warden?¡± She asked, Lash paused mid step but she easily pulled him along as if he was a rag doll.


    ¡°I am very thankful that you invited us all here. But I have a tendency to...¡± Lash tried to talk, but the words wouldn''t come out.


    ¡°No... It is for another reason you do not remove your armor. Sharing your body with Saurian is of course acceptable but why do you continue to wear your armor? You know the Conjuration Domain, you can easily call your gear even across dimensions! I assure you no one will attack you while you are in my territory. So why?¡± Quetzalcoatl asked?


    They continued down a stone paved path. They had not encountered a single hotel patron, or hotel staff during their whole walk. A little fact that did not go unnoticed by Lash. She let him ponder the question for a bit until the reached a private little spot with a bench, and over hang balcony that was a few feet above the beach. The sounds of crashing waves against the sandy beach was rhythmic and relaxing.


    ¡°I have an itch. I yearning I think. I know the battle will happen soon. Part of me is horrified so I believe that wearing my armor will help. But... Really I am...¡± Lash couldn''t finish his words.


    ¡°Excited?¡± Quetzalcoatl said as she let go of his arm and walked forward. She did a little twirl across the balcony, her hair danced around her. Several orichalcum beads tied into her hair shone in the moon light.


    ¡°Yes...Excited. A new battle, a new hunt. Its not that I''m afraid. Its that even one wasted second seems foolish.¡± Lash said, expressing his feelings. Saurian agreed with him. But they both agreed it was foolish.


    ¡°You are not the only one who knows an Oracle, Warden. Nor are you the only one with a God''s ear. Enjoy the rest of your time here. I promise for the rest of the time you are here the war will not come. But once you leave its in the air. So please, be a guest in my house and enjoy yourself. Understood?¡± Quetzalcoatl commanded. Lash and Saurian both smiled at the order.


    ¡°Yes, we understand.¡± Lash, and Saurian both said at once. She nodded once satisfied. With a flash of light and the absent sound of feathered wings flapping she was gone.


    Lash reached up and pulled away his shroud of smoke and shadow. Then with a three clawed tap on his armor it faded from sight into the pocket in which his Spatial Item Shift kept it. He created a simple set of black swim suit trunks. Now he was an eight foot tall human-lizard wearing black swimming trunks.


    He stood upright and let his joints pop softly as he rolled his shoulders. The spine scales on his back,and tail rose and fell as the flexed for a bit. His xenomorph bladed tail tip gleam in the moon light. The tribal tattoos of his spell Domains glowed faintly. They now covered his skull crest, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. Each one in different design. Leaves and vines for Nature, Circuit boards for Technomancy. Leaves, with circuits for Synthesis, bones, and ghosts for Grave. A flow of energy that changed into words then back into energy for Transmutation. A collection of arcane eyes, showman cards, and light that flickered and moved in and out of sight for Illusion. Two snake orobos on either side of his neck next to his collar bone for Rebirth. A symbol in the center of his chest that would twist, morph, and fade from sight for Trickery. A radiant sun, and crescent moon for Space on his solar plexus. Four lines of arcane lettering across his eyes, and down the sides. Each letter in a different language to represent Conjuration.


    His scaled lips pulled back to reveal his many fangs, and molars. While a forked tongue flickered in and out of his mouth. He breathed in through his nose smelled and tasted the night air. The ambient magic in the air was rich as ever. He rattled the scales across his whole body and slowly started to make his way back. Along his way back he saw Meztli from afar. The dragon-thrall inspected him for a moment and nodded his head and faded from sight. Came to ensure that Lash had actually obeyed his Master.


    Half way back he got a few cat calls, and wolf whistles. Again from the VI Avatars who never cared what he looked like. He smirked at the attention and waved at them. There was a dance club right off the beach where anyone in a bathing suit could come and dance, and drink the night away. While the other dance clubs had a more complex dress attire. Lash walked over to the clubs entrance and stuck to sitting outside on a balcony where he could see the dancers, but still be out of the way. He was a very large individual and didn''t want to slice anyone apart with his tail.


    ¡°I''d ask you to dance, but I think it would better for everyone if I don''t.¡± A confident, and brusk voice of a woman called out.


    Lash turned and smiled wide at Lois Lane as she walked over wearing a short silk blue skirt, backless short top that covered her chest, and naked toed three inch red heels. She had a red fruity drink in hand and sat down next to him at the table he had claimed. She crossed her legs and stirred her drink pegging him with a stare. Her hair was tied back in a loose pony tail, as a few bangs of hair fell out. Lash looked around for her other half and she rolled her eyes and humphed.


    ¡°I see the boy scout did something not to your liking?¡± Lash inquired with a smirk. With out his shroud on his facial expressions, and body language was plain as day. Something Lois noticed, and her lips tugged into a smile about.


    ¡°He is still in uniform! He invited me to this three day vacation in a resort you can''t even find on a map. We are sharing a huge hotel space together. But the man can''t take off his uniform?¡± Lois ground her teeth and crossed her arms. She was angry this was not going to plan.


    ¡°I talked to the other League members...Yes, it was off the record!¡± Lois added, guessing Lash''s raised hand. He smirked at her and leaned into his chair. ¡°They said you could make a holographic tool to hide his appearance. But he didn''t take it! Why not?¡± Lois spat out, and took several swallows of her clearly high alcoholic drink. Her face flushed red.


    ¡°Because he is afraid you''ll figure out who he is if he does. Despite the fact that he is in love with you. He is afraid that once you know the truth you''ll see him as a monster.¡± Lash said, he watched Lois to see her reaction. She digested that little tidbit of information.


    ¡°You know who he is don''t you?¡± Lois looked at Lash, yearning in her eyes. Lash shrugged and smiled at her. ¡°Off the record, Wraith. I...This isn''t the reporter speaking. This is a woman in....in love. Who is he?¡± Lois all but begged.


    ¡°I am a little surprised Lois, an investigative reporter and you can''t look past a pair of glasses?¡± Lash said, as he mimed putting on and taking off a pair of metaphorical glasses.


    Seeing the look of shock, awe, and pure fury move across Lois''s face will stay with Lash till the day he dies. It was a priceless set of emotions to see on her face. It was like one of those children books with a huge picture of an event and you are asked to find one person with a red and white stripped shirt. Then someone points it out to you, and you feel like a fool for not seeing it sooner.


    ¡°Remember!¡± Lash held up a single claw at Lois ¡°Do not shout his name, do not say it loudly in public! Pull him away, and take him some place private then shout at him! Because his secret isn''t meant to protect him. But protect his adoptive parents, friends, and loved ones. Understand?¡± Lash said, and used Commanding Presence to emphasize his point.


    Lois bit back her scream and nodded her head. She picked up her glass and stalked off to find Clark. Lois walked through the obstruction glamour that Lash had placed up on the sly. She didn''t even pause as he was sure a shiver rolled up her spine passing through the barrier. Lash chuckled softly for a good five minutes just remembering that face she made.


    ¡°Hay big lizard! How you doin!?¡± Arthur walked over wearing a pair of swimming trunks and sandals. His islander tattoos were revealed for all to see along with his chiseled physique, bushy beard and long mane of hair past his shoulders. He put a pint of something alcoholic in front of Lash and sat down next to him.


    ¡°Just....Relaxing... You?¡± Lash asked as he took up the drink and had a few swallows. Holy crap! He didn''t know what was in the drink but it hit him hard. Lash coughed a few times and looked at the drink with caution. Arthur cracked up laughing at the sight of him.


    ¡°Good shit, eh? The bartender said it would even knock someone like you on their ass!¡± Arthur said with a grin, he took a sip of his own drink and whistled as his face flushed. ¡°I am good man! Stressed as all fuck from trying to rule a kingdom that doesn''t want to be ruled by a half-breed. Trying to find common fucking ground with Mera''s dad! Oh! A piece of good news! I have a little baby brother or sister coming in nine months!¡± Arthur said the last part with a grin on his face.


    ¡°Congratulations! I mean all that other shit sounds awful, but a little sibling on the way!? Fantastic! Cheers!¡± Lash raised his glass and chugged a few swall...Geeehhh... Wow! That stuff is strong.


    ¡°Ya! Pops wasted no time! Or I should say mom didn''t! Damn! I''m afraid to come visit them at the light house sometimes. I Open the door to hear shouting, panting, and moaning! Nope! Time to go for a swim!¡± Arthur said, and Lash nearly spit out his drink. Arthur laughed loudly at the sight of it.


    ¡°Oh! By the way thanks for having my peoples back. Commander Domax sends his regards. He is still not comfortable with being on the surface. I told him if a giant lizard can walk around so can a man shark. But he wants to wait. Not all the surface is as tolerant as the League. Speaking of which, does the meta-gene make people crazy? Some of these kids talk weird!¡± Arthur asked, as he pointed out a few people on the dance floor. VI Avatars would of course be weird, unless the User tried to stay immersive and maintain their role they would seem weird to the Dream citizens, and denizens.


    The simple fact that the way the ''gamers'' talked was noticed by the Arthur said a lot about the interface of the Dream Engine. A lot of games would opt to have the intelligence of the people ignore those little inconsistencies. Not the Dream Engine. Made Erik happy that he stayed in character all the time.


    ¡°I don''t know. But of course only a few months ago a lot people thought Atlantis was a myth. So take they may be reconsidering what is real, and what is fake in the world.¡± Lash offered the King of Atlantis who couldn''t help but shrug.


    Arthur and Lash continued to talk for a while as Lash slowly but surely got drunk on what ever Arthur had given him. Lash knew he was in trouble when Arthur dragged him to the dance floor, or more precisely a dance stage in the club. Lash used his Minor Dance skill to the best of his abilities. He wasn''t sure what he looked like but a lot of people cheered. His drink got refilled three times. At one point Kory, in her bathing suit was dancing next to him. Kara, and Megan soon joined. Then Dia Nyx, and Monika. Mera had found Arthur and she would swap between Arthur and Lash. The dark night out side just started to turn dark blue to tell everyone that dawn was coming. Lash lost count at how many glasses he had. He vaguely remembered Kara and Kory helping him back to his room. Where he collapsed onto his very large bed!


    ===========================================================


    Clark Kent opened his eyes to greet the morning sun. He stretched out and looked around his bedroom. To his left was Lois Lane, she was completely naked underneath the bed sheets. Clark smiled at her, then winced in guilt. She had bruises on her body from his hands. He hadn''t meant to! But he learned quickly that he had to be extra focused while in bed with Lois.


    Clark slowly slipped out of the large bed in their hotel suite and slipped on a full length cotton robe and tied it off. He went downstairs to the kitchen to start the coffee that he was sure Lois would want. Thrown to the side was his uniform. He rubbed his face as he remembered Lois dragging him back to their room and screamed at him for not telling her that he was Clark Kent. Clark nearly had a heart attack. What!? How!? Who....Wraith. Clark had never wanted to punch someone so badly. Then Lois was kissing him, and he forgot everything else.


    Thinking about Wraith, and more importantly Kara. Clark smiled again at the memory of seeing his cousin Kara so animated and full of life. She had made friends with the bashful Megan, and the overly flirty Kory. Kara also talked about Wraith... A lot! Clark was worried that Kara may have a crush on Wraith. Megan assured him that Wraith had been the perfect gentleman. Even with Kory, who was very aggressive when it came to having a good time. Part of Tamaran culture Kara assured Clark.


    ¡°Clark?¡± Lois called from the bedroom. Clark caught himself smiling at the sound of her calling his name.


    ¡°Coming! I have coffee!¡± Clark called out.


    ============================================================


    The fastest man alive? Barry Allen was....Exhausted! He had thought that Iris wanted to wait but as soon as they got back to their room after a night of dancing Iris had pounced on him and ripped his clothes off! Barry is in great shape! But he realized that he may need to take some yoga classes because Iris could bend at angles he didn''t realize people could! Barry''s face flushed as he remembered everything. He slipped out of bed slowly. Iris was sprawled out across the bed next to him. He tip toed downstairs and opened the fridge to see what they had. A chime sounded off quietly on the fridge to remind him that all food service was paid for and a full buffet of breakfast foods was downstairs. Plus, the fridge was stocked too.


    Barry had a dozen bananas, and a few apples to hold him over as his metabolism burned through his morning snack. He flipped through his holographic and spit out his food at the video recording of Wraith dancing on a stage with beer glass in hand and several women grinding against him. Barry couldn''t help but laugh out loud which woke Iris up. He raced back upstairs and showed her the video. She covered her mouth and laughed in delight. It was about time the giant lizard had some fun.


    ==========================================================


    Lash''s reptilian eyes snapped open as he looked around the room. Blankets, pillows, sun light shimmering past the bay windows. He didn''t dream about a past life? It was past 4:30 am? He was...Not alone? He looked to his left, and to his right. Kory, Kara, and Megan were asleep on his bed with him. Plenty of space for all of them. Lash still had his swimming trunks on! Good, Clark wouldn''t kill him! Oh, spoke to soon! Kara was naked, so was Kory (No surprise) and Megan was too. Because of his scales Lash either had to sleep on his side, or face down. He had been...Thrown? Onto the bed so he was face down. So no one was sleeping on him.


    He very slowly climbed out of bed so not to disturb his bed mates. Crap! Kory had wrapped her body around one of his legs. She may or may not have humped as well he wasn''t sure. She had smelled like sex since she came back from the nudist beach. He carefully pried her fingers off his leg and slinked away like a snake in the grass. He was free from the bed! He cast Nature''s Passage on himself and used Stealth to move out of the bedroom. Why? All three women had super hearing that''s why!


    He came downstairs walked into the kitchen to see Monika sitting on the kitchen counter wearing nothing but a XXL t-shirt that barely went past her ass. She was eating chocolate ice cream and had a smirk on her face. Her purple eyes gleamed with mischief, and her short black hair covered the tattoo charm mark she had. The shirt was really big on her, revealing a shoulder and her neck line.


    ¡°Morning...¡± She said softly as she jumped down from the counter and sauntered over. Lash looked at her with a question clear on his face. As Dia Nyx came around the corner. Crap!


    Dia Nyx was a sight to behold. ? succubus blood really turned up the sex appeal. She wore red lace panties, and a red lace bra. Her lilac eyes glinted with energy as her red full lips turned up into a smile. Her large breasts were barely contained in her bra and bounced with every step. She had a healthy tanned skin, and was about 5''9¡±. She was perfe...Wait a minute! Lash blinked and settled his beating heart. Dia had glamours perception on. She was still beautiful when Lash saw past the glamour but not so sexy that it would make Lash fall to his knees. Dia pouted slightly at being found out.


    ¡°Didn''t work?¡± Monika asked.


    ¡°No it did...For a little while. But Lash broke the enchantment.¡± Dia walked past Lash and trailed her fingers along his abdomen. She walked up to Monika and started to kiss her. Monika moaned in delight, her eyes watching Lash for a moment as she leaned into the kiss.


    When Monika next looked at Lash she found him sprinting towards the balcony. Where he jumped off and used Falling Glide to get away from the situation! Its not that Lash didn''t want to. If Kara, Kory, and Megan had no been upstairs he probably would have. But given his company he decided the best course of action was to jump out a window!


    Falling Glide was like base jumping with a wing suit. High speed, minimal direction control, but when you reached the ground it almost seemed like an invisible parachute activated and helped you land. Lash did a three point landing in the gardens beneath his balcony and went for a morning jog towards the beach. Which he found a few minutes later...Wrong beach!


    Lash stumbled into the nude, swingers beach! Now, a nude beach is both a delight, and a horrifying experience. Because you see all body types at a nude beach. Young, old, in shape, and morbidly obese! Most of the people he saw were in good shape, while the few that weren''t were not that bad. But holy crap everyone was having sex! Look behind over there a four person orgy, and they had a sign staked into the ground saying ''More are welcome!'' Lash scampered across the beach. A woman was giving a man a blow job, while another woman wearing a strap on nailed her from behind!


    Lash jogged past them, and went up to the bar. He saw several people pumping, thrusting, and laying out across the bar! While the staff provided drinks, and wet towels! Then he saw something both horrifying and hilarious! Jason Todd, and Billy Batson were both on the beach! Both with ladies! Teenagers may not last long but they recover quickly and are willing to learn! Both women seem willing to educate! Lash decided to bleach that from his mind and run past them. Neither of the boys even noticed he was there. The legal age in Brazil was 14 after all!


    Lash ground to a screeching halt when he saw another familiar face. Ethan the medical droid was talking about human bodies and how they work as a woman partially listened to him as he was deep inside her. Lash was sure Ethan was one of the best lays she would ever have! Ethan smiled and waved at Lash who waved back! Then continued to speak to the woman in between thrusts. Lash continued on and finally escaped the nudist beach. Well almost!


    He reached the changing area. Several staff members were explaining what the nudist beach was about. They took, and stowed the bathing suits, and clothing of the guests who wished to attend. He caught sight of Carter Hall, and Chay-Ara Hall. (Hawkman, and Hawkwoman) Getting undressed to enter the nudist beach. Carter turned to see Lash standing on the path, he stood up and waved. Dropping his swimming trunks. Wow! Chay-Ara must climb that thing like a lumber jack! Chay-Ara turned as well with out her top and smiled at Lash who bowed to her.


    Lash had seen and learned a little more about all of his team mates than he ever really intended. He decided to continue his jog through the resort! As he did his best to adjust his raging hard on into his belt so he wouldn''t impale someone! He found the golf course by accident as a golf ball hit him in the head. He looked around and waved at the golfer who looked at him in surprise as he continued to jog through.


    ¡°Mr. Wraith! Are you lost?¡± Alfred Penny worth called out to him as Lash ran onto the green. Lash turned and saw Alfred wearing a hilarious get up of golfing cloths. Baggy pants, polo shirt, socks up to his knees, and golfing shoes.


    ¡°I''m...Escaping. Hoping to find some bleach to clean my mind.¡± Lash confessed, Alfred looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°I went for a jog, and stumbled into the...Nudist beach area. Now I am hoping the further I get away the foggier the memories will be.¡± Lash replied, with a grimace.


    ¡°Oh my word! Mr Wraith I would encourage a stiff drink! Then do something to occupy your time! I heard there were some children on beach one building sand castles. Perhaps you could join?¡± Alfred offered an alternative and Lash held onto it for dear life!


    ¡°Yes, that sounds like an excellent idea!¡± Lash said, and sprinted towards beach one.


    Beach one! Was just as large as any of the other beaches but far more family appropriate. There were several children building sand castles just as Alfred said. Lash cast his spell Enlarge/Reduce and shrunk down to about three feet tall and slipped in with the kids. Yes he was a giant talking lizard! Some of the kids were supernaturals so they didn''t pay him any mind! Then he suggested an excellent idea that the kids loved. War games!


    =============================================================


    Roy Harper aka Arsenal was wondering the resort after he finished breakfast. Thea had gone to the spa with her mother. Oliver, and Sara were sticking in their room for now and Roy didn''t want to bother them. He had stumbled upon Felicity Smoak and they walked together towards beach one. Felicity was hung over from the previous night drinking. She wore a big pair of sunglasses hoping it would ease her head ache. Roy knew the beach wouldn''t help because he could already hear sounds of children laughing, screaming, and the sounds of...explosions?


    Roy, and Felicity both looked at each other and ran towards the beach. There they saw an impossible sight. A giant battle field had been made out of the sand. Sand castles twenty feet tall, with children from five to fifteen ran across the ramparts of the different castles calling out orders. Between the different castles were armies! Literal armies of sand people in uniform waging war against the other sand people.


    But none compared to the giant mountain of sand, a devil face carved into the mountain face, and a massive tower built into the side. A dark army marched from the mountain, monsters seen only in story books marched to the drums of war. There on the Towers top was a three foot tall...Wraith? As he shouted orders to his sand army. The tide of darkness washed over the beach. While the other castles called a truce and fought back against the monster army.


    ¡°Oh I have to get on this!¡± Felicity confessed, a huge smile across her face. Roy wanted to join in as well!


    ================================================================


    Lyla Michaels, and John Diggle watched as children ran through the main lobby or the resort. They had just finished getting breakfast and were talking about what they should do next. Lyla confessed that she wanted to follow the kids to the beach. John smiled and agreed. They took their time walking the paths and noticed a lot of kids and families were headed towards beach one. They even saw a few service vehicles picking kids up so they could hurry. Lyla stopped an attendant and asked a question.


    ¡°Excuse me, is there an event going on beach one for the kids?¡± Lyla asked politely. The attendant stopped and bowed in respect before answering.


    ¡°Yes, Agent Wraith of the UN has issued a grand sand castle challenge to the kids of the resort. If they can beat him the winning team will get a full scholarship to any school of their choosing.¡± The attendant replied.


    ¡°Beat him? Building sand castles?¡± John asked, that seemed ridiculous! He''d seen Wraith build any structures in seconds.


    They walked a little faster to the beach only to discover the true meaning to the contest. This wasn''t a sand castle contest. This was a sand castle war! Wraith''s army had already consumed three different kingdoms. The children ran to join another castle. Each child commanded a legion of 5,000 soldiers. They could choose any cultural era, soldier type, and unit design. It was a test of team work, and historical understanding.


    John, and Lyla saw Roy, and Felicity in their own castle providing support as they made siege weapons for the kids. John all but dragged Lyla towards the beach. Lyla laughed in delight as they joined Roy''s and Felicity''s castle to help the kids beat Wraith.


    =============================================================


    ¡°Alright everyone! We will pause the game here! Its time for lunch!¡± Lash called out and all the sand armies froze in place. The kids groaned and complained but the adults laughed and called their children down. Tiny Lash climbed down from his devil tower of doom. Soon, soon he would unleash the dragons roosting in his mountain!


    Lash had obtained a great deal of experience for Parallel Minds, Weapon Master, Martial Arts, Artist, Skill/Power/Spell Trainer, Crafting, Superhuman Intellect, Telekinesis, Size Alteration, Team Work, Energy Manipulation, Other Worldly Lore, Essence Imbuement, Alteration, Compression Transformation, Virtual Intelligence, Infinite Supply, Fabrication, Enlarge/Reduce, Phantasm, False Life, and Bending.


    Tiny Lash scampered across the beach towards the restaurant and stopped short when he saw a tall black man look down at him. Lash grinned up at John Diggle, who grinned back down at him. Lyla walked and knelt down looking at Lash with a smile.


    ¡°So... What brought this event on?¡± Lyla asked.


    ¡°I accidentally stumbled into the nudist beach during my morning run. I desperately needed to bleach my mind so I came here and made this event to distract me! Its working!¡± Lash said, and John had the most horrified look on his face. Lyla just laughed loudly


    ¡°Oh my god! That was so not the answer I expected!¡± Lyla said as she nearly fell over laughing.


    Lash walked into the restaurant with Team Arrow, well most of it! He kept his size down so he was offered a high chair. He climbed into it and ordered several dishes on the menu he needed to recharge his fuel tanks. Lobster, steak, mashed potatoes, and a giant chocolate milk shake! Whip cream and a cherry on top! Yum!


    ¡°So, are you really going to give the winning team a full ride through any school of their choice?¡± Roy asked between bites.


    ¡°Sure! Though I think the kids are just doing it for fun. The scholarship was an incentive for the parents to let their kids join in. Though I don''t think any parent here worries about the cost to send their children to school.¡± Lash replied as he pulled his lobster apart.


    ¡°How can you control so many? I know we are giving the orders. But that has to be you right? I mean the sand people don''t have micro chips! They are literally made out of sand! How can you control so many at the same time?¡± Felicity asked after she took a drink of lemonade.


    ¡°Terrakinetic?¡± John offered a suggestion.


    ¡°I do have Telekinesis! But that is not the only way I control them all. I''ll tell you the details about it after the contest. Don''t want to give you any advantages over the battle.¡± Lash replied to Felicity who smirked at him.


    ¡°What will you give us if we win?¡± Roy asked with a smirk.


    ¡°I''ll make you a wedding ring to give to Thea!¡± Lash replied with out missing a beat. Roy coughed and choked a bit on his food. He was red in the face as the table laughed at him.


    It wasn''t to long after that kids came running up to ask Lash when the game would continue! He said another thirty minutes so everyone could have time to eat. He suggested they look up different strategies and unit types on the internet for future battles. Not long after Lash scampered back to his tower of doom and the battle recommenced!


    War.....War never changes! The tools may change, as does the reason you fight. But war is brutal, not for the faint of heart. But also weirdly entertaining as thousands of tiny sand people race to conquer a devil lord in his tower! Lash was loosing! There was a familiar strategy being shouted out from the crowd. Could it be! How do they know his moves!? Gasp! He recognized that man! That woman! It was Peyton, and Mikhail! Those traitors! Helping his enemies take him down!


    ¡°Its a trap! He''ll have pit traps down the canyon!¡± Peyton shouted to the kids.


    ¡°Who''s side are you on, Peyton!¡± Lash shouted over the siege warfare of his kingdom. Peyton grinned at him.


    Peyton was 5''9¡± with brown eyes, black curly hair swept up into a pony tail, with a strong body that you would often see on russian woman. Plenty of curves! Just built stronger. She had a healthy tanned skin, and wore short, shorts. The kind that show off a woman''s ass she may as well wear a bathing suit instead. A short cut tank top with out a bra. She smiled at Lash as she continued to give advice.


    Mikhail was a 6''2¡± half sylvan man with pale skin, ocean blue eyes, black curly hair a few inches long. He had a super model GQ appearance that a lot of ladies, and men noticed. He was incredibly attractive to all sexes. Being half Sylvan had its perks. His ears were partially pointed but his natural glamour hid them. He was built like a swimmer all lean and hard muscles. He had a pair of blue swimming trunks on and sandals. He pointed out a few specific monsters and told some kids to use arrows on them.


    ¡°Now you shall now true despair!¡± Lash called out loudly and cackled maniacally like a good story book villain should. The sand volcano erupted with illusion fire, and molten lava as fire breathing dragons came flying out to bath the armies in molten lava!


    ¡°Oh come on!¡± Roy shouted in mock anger as the dragons burned the castle responsible for special weapons, and siege engines. That supplied the whole united alliance of prancing unicorns!..... Kids.


    The the united armies fell over each other as the sand armies moral plummeted! Yes, the sand people had moral. Sometimes they refused an order because it was suicidal to follow it. Lash''s monster army cheered and re doubled their efforts. Pushing the united front nearly half way across the beach. Losing outpost, base, and recovered kingdom, after kingdom. Then a light shown across the sky, as tiny sand pegassi, with sand Amazon riders flew out into the sky. There in the back of all the castles stood Diana Prince! She shouted in triumph as she pointed her warriors to battle!


    ¡°Nooooo! Curse you! My dragons!¡± Lash hissed in defiance as his dragons were killed one by one as the pegassi grouped up, while the Amazons did what they knew best!


    One last ditch effort was made. A three foot tall behemoth made of black sand, with cloven hoofs, bat wings, and a massive maul walked out of Lash''s tower. It towered over all of the six inch tall soldiers. All the kids gasped in shock, but Diana called for them all to focus. It was his last trump card! They could do this! Her leadership snapped the kids into vigor as heroes from each armies raced towards the front.


    The behemoth roared in defiance and fought bravely but it was like watching ants fight an elephant. It may seem ridiculous but elephants can be killed by ants in Africa! They whittled the behemoth''s health down and with a valiant jump from a pegassi a Amazon drove her spear into the creatures skull and killed it! The volcano erupted showering the battle field in fire and ash.


    ¡°No! Curse you young heroes! You''ve defeated me! Noooooo!¡± Lash was very dramatic as his tower came crashing down, swallowed by the mountain. Dianna called for a full retreat! The armies moved as fast as they could to return to their homes!


    Once the tower had fallen and the smoke cleared a giant holographic score board appeared over the beach. It calculated troops, units lost, units killed, strategy, tactics, support, and team work. At the end a group of five children from different families won the grand prize! While everyone else got a obsidian model of their favorite soldiers. The winners got dragon models. The scholarship? The winners parents said it was fine. They just liked to watch their kids play.


    ¡°Thank you all for playing with me! I hope you had fun!¡± Lash popped out of the mountain of sand full grown. The kids cheered! The watching crowd cheered! GG! (Good Game)


    Lash spent another hour making the obsidian models for all the kids. Peyton, and Mikhail waited off to the side smiling as they watched him. Some of the kids were from supernatural families, but the rest where either pseudo-mundane or pure mundane. But not a single kid was scared of Lash after his little sand castle event. Hearts and minds! Soon he got to the winners and made their dragons. Putting some Essence Imbuement into the models they almost seem to come to life if you watched them long enough.


    At last he was finished and Peyton tackled him in a hug. Or tried to as she had to jump up to wrap her arms around his neck. He was over eight feet tall! He laughed and hugged her, she kicked her feet up and down with a laugh. Lash pulled Mikhail into the hug as well, or pulled him up rather. He laughed and returned the hug as well. Lash linked them both up with Pack Bond! Selina was still part of the link and felt them across the resort. He set them both down and joined them in the walk back to the hotel.


    ¡°Juliana called us! With everything that is going on she felt that it was unlikely that you would be able to come visit us before my ceremony. So she asked her mother, and we got an invitation to come over.¡± Peyton said as she held one of his claws like a small child would an adult.


    ¡°Soluna also said you had gifts to give us?¡± Mikhail said with a curious look. Oh that was right!


    Lash pulled them off to the side and pulled out the two Death Ward necklaces he had made for them.


    Orichalcum necklace.


    Rating: B+


    Effect: Very Durable


    Effect: 1% of the items total durability is repaired everyday.


    Effect: 10% decrease in negative spell effects.


    Effect: 10% increase in positive spell effects.


    Effect: Transmutation Domain Spell, Cat''s Grace. Three charges a day, one recharge a day.


    Effect: Grave Domain Spell, Death Ward. One charge, takes six months to recharge.


    Effect: Grave Domain Spell, Kiss of the Grave. One charge, takes six months to recharge.


    Comment: You''ve at last given your last fucking expensive necklaces to the last of your Pack Mates. Just before an epic war! Congratulations!


    Peyton looked shocked at the necklace and reached out to touch it. Then her expression froze. Mikhail didn''t even reach for his. He knew what material that was made out of. Lash forced it into his hands, he went stock still when the enchantment was imparted into his mind. His hands started to shake, and Peyton started to cry.


    ¡°L....L....Lash... We...I...I can''t accept this...¡± Peyton said, she tried to give it back. Lash, and Saurian both growled. The sound was heard, and felt across the Pack Bond.


    Just accept the necklace, he gave one to all of the pack! -Selina called across the link.


    Lash carefully placed the necklaces on Mikhail''s, and Peyton''s neck. The enchanted metal glowed briefly. Then merged into their skin changing into a tattoo. They could both feel the spell take effect over them. Peyton walked over and hugged Lash, burying her face into his chest. Mihkail soon did the same. They both started to cry. Lash held them close with a smile.


    The emotions shared across the Pack Bond were profound and hard to describe. Love, trust, friendship, family, pack. Now all of his pack would be safe. Though he would worry for them. He had provided his best to ensure they would be safe. They stayed that way for a few minutes until Selina sent a request across the link to meet with her fellow pack mates.


    Bruce was with Selina and wore black shorts, and a black t-shirt. Always black! Lash wasn''t any better. But at least he was shirtless! Bruce nodded at Lash and started to talk with Peyton, and Mikhail. They hit it off quickly! So much so that Lash faded into the background, he wasn''t offended! In fact he was tired! The sand castle war had taken a lot of effort to pull off. He found a seat nearby and listened in on the conversation.


    He felt a hand caress his cheek, he opened the eyes he hadn''t realized had closed. Diana stood by his side with a smile on her face. Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman was a thing of beauty. She was 6'' even with black hair that curled at the end. Strong blue eyes, tanned skin, and curvy hour glass figure covered in supple muscles. Full of life, and capable of springing into action. Diana wore a leather skirt, and leather top that wrapped around her neck, and back. With leather sandals on, things she would normally wear in Themyscira to relax in.


    ¡°May I?¡± Diana asked, and Lash gestured to the seat next to him. She took the offered chair, after she dragged it so it was closer to him. ¡°It was very nice of you to put on that event for the children. Good fun! A lot of talented young women in that event...And boys of course.¡± Diana said with a smile.


    ¡°It was a good distraction from the morning I had.¡± Lash said, now the memory of the nudist beach a fleeting memory. He''d have to thank Alfred later. Diana covered her mouth and laughed, a flush creeping up her face.


    ¡°Yes.... I heard that Dia, and Monika cornered you in your room. You jumped out a window to get away?¡± Diana asked, smiling wide at him.


    ¡°Kara, Kory, and Megan were upstairs asleep.¡± Lash began, Diana looked surprised. ¡°Nothing happened! I found a alcoholic drink here at the resort that actually works on me. I got drunk last night and danced...A lot.¡± Lash continued.


    ¡°I heard! In fact there is a video of it on the League''s message board.¡± Diana said, smirking at Lash''s expression he made when he heard that.


    ¡°Anyways! They pulled me up to my room and decided to spend the night. I slipped out of bed to find Monika, and Dia in my hotel room as well. Dia tried to bewitch me, nothing major just a bit of teasing.¡± Lash commented when Diana''s eyes turned a hard, then softened when Lash continued. ¡°I saw through it. So Dia decided to make out with Monika in front of me. Clearly inviting me to join if I wanted to. Instead I sprinted towards the balcony and jumped out the window.¡± Lash finished.


    Diana burst out laughing at the idea of Lash running from two women who wanted to have sex with him. He must have spoken a little to loudly because Selina, Peyton, Mikhail, started to laugh as well. While Bruce just gave him a half smile and nodded at him. Self control, Lash told himself. Self control. Deep slow breaths!


    ¡°Wh...Why...Why didn''t you join them?¡± Diana asked after a few minutes of laughter.


    ¡°Kara though physically is old enough. She is still mentally sixteen. Megan in earth years is over forty but still under age on Mars. While Kory is of age.¡± Lash said, after he had established an obstruction glamour around them. ¡°Kara has a crush on me, that I think it is miss placed. She is young, and inexperienced. I am the first man she''s really spoken to outside of Kal-El...Superman her cousin. I know its selfish of me to make the choice for her. But...¡± Lash tried to find the words. Diana reached over and took his hand and smiled at him.


    ¡°I asked why you didn''t sleep with Dia, and Monika. Not Kara?¡± Diana asked, compelling Lash to continue.


    ¡°Kara has super senses. She would have woken up, she would have smelled sex in the air. Then she would have to make a choice. Join in? Leave? Get angry? Or understand? Kryptons don''t practice polyamorous relationships. I do. If she want''s to be with me she''ll have to share me, just as much as I will share her.¡± Lash said, and Diana nodded her head. ¡°Plus I think Superman would crush my skull if I touch her.¡± Lash said with a smile. Diana smiled back at him.


    ¡°So you didn''t have sex with them because you didn''t want to hurt Kara''s feelings. Tell me, if Kara hadn''t of been in the room would you have had sex then?¡± Diana asked, raising a manicured eye brow. Lash looked at her.


    ¡°This feels like a trap...¡± Lash confessed.


    ¡°Who knows...¡± Diana asked with a shrug of her shoulders. Lash cast Insight on Diana and saw that she was 30/70. Romantic feelings was the latter number. A thrill, and a shiver rolled down his spine.


    ¡°Yes. I could have lied. But I think you deserve the truth since you asked.¡± Lash answered, Diana gave him a small smile. She stood up, and walked away. His Insight sent him a prompt. 29/71. So right answer? Did Amazons practice polyamorous relationships? Lash shook his head to clear his wondering mind.


    Lash was invited to the dance floor by Peyton. He had one of those marvelous drinks in hand and soon was dancing the night away like a fool! Sometime later, after many drinks. He once again woke up in his hotel room. The sunlight just peeking up across the sky to say hello to everyone. This time he was naked? He looked around his bedroom and it once again had several naked women in it. He was on his side with a naked Kara pressing her back into his chest. Oh crap!


    Lash slowly tried to pull his arms out from Kara''s hands. Who stirred in her sleep and pressed her self against him. Lash''s rock hard erection was more than happy to have her as it pressed up against her ass cheeks. His Sensory Awareness slowly took in the rest of the room. Kory, was asleep in the bed, along with Megan, Dia, and Monika. There was a posted note on the wall with Diana''s hand writing.


    ''Have fun.'' -D


    Oh crap! Oh crap! Oh crap! Kara groaned and stretched out. She turned around in Lash''s embrace and nuzzled into him. Then she reached out and took his cock in her hands. She smiled a little as Lash''s entire body flinched. She opened her big blue eyes and stared at him. A smile crawling up her lips.


    ¡°Saurian I''m sorry but could I steal Lash for a bit?¡± Kara asked. Saurian laughed across the link, and Lash with out his consent dropped Transformation. Kara wrapped her arms around Lash''s neck and held him tight.


    ¡°Now... I may not be willing to share you, Lash. But for now, just kiss me.¡± Kara asked, Lash sighed and leaned in to kiss her....

 Chapter 80: Its about Time.

    ==============================================================


    ****Alberta, Canada*****


    It was almost time! The Alpha Rift FOB was expanding by leaps and bounds now. The Beta Rift FOB had started its underground construction and began to pillage the near by area''s of resources. One by one troop transports came through the Rift, while docile captured slaves walked hand in hand into the Rift by a task keeper. The eyes of the slaves were glossed over, and their movements robotic. Thanks to the collars around their necks they were prisoners in their own minds.


    ¡°Alpha Commander! I am here to take charge before the invasion. You are ordered for conditioning and rest.¡± A soldier with captain rank on his black armor spoke clearly, and loudly in the operations room.


    ¡°I hear the order and will follow it, for the good of the Empire!¡± The Rift Commander responded in a clear, prideful voice. All of the technicians in the operations room shouted. ''For the good of the Empire!'' in sync. The Rift Commander shook the hand of the Captain who nodded back.


    The Rift Commander of Alpha FOB left the operations room and went to the officers barracks. Every soldier not in the middle of a task would step to the side and salute him with crisp military precision. Straight back, feet together, left arm straight down, right arm up with a bent elbow and their hand perfectly level just above their right eyebrow. That had not changed from their old world, though so much else had. The Rift Commander always saluted back, not because it was expected but because he respected and trusted his people.


    The officer barracks wasn''t much different from the normal barracks. They had a security desk for check in. A simple lounge area in the front that was never used. But it would be in the coming months. What was different was the next part. The Commander went straight to the armory. A technician stood waiting for him, saluted and asked him to step into the middle ring area. He knew the procedure and walked in raising his arms up in the form of a T with his feet spread out.


    Several robotic arms on a circular frame came down and started to quietly, and quickly remove the armor that was bolted onto his body. Piece by piece it was stripped off of him until he only had the standard issue composite polymer jump suit. The mask came off last to reveal...John Stewart standing in the body armor. 6''1¡± brown eyes, shaved head with just a bit of black hair growing in. Chocolate black skin, with several jagged scars across his face, and a cybernetic implant from the base of his skull connected to his spine.


    Rift Commander, John Stewart thanked the technician and went to the locker room to take a hot shower from water recently taken from this reality. He couldn''t remember the last time he had wasted so much water just on bathing! Luxury of being part of the invasion teams. He soon retired to his 20 foot squared room where a single bed, chair, and desk was. On his desk was a holographic computer interface with a blinking red light. Johns eyes lit up and a smile spread across his features. He sat down and played the waiting message.


    ¡°Hi Dad!¡± A young woman of barely 16 years of age shouted at him through the holographic window. It was a recorded message from his daughter back home.


    ¡°We miss you! But I know that you are working hard for the future of our world! I know you are going to do great!¡± The young woman looked just like her mother. Infectious smile, long kinky black hair, bright red eyes, and partial red pink skin. The thought of his long dead wife made the knot in John''s chest tighter but he ignored it so he could listen.


    ¡°So guess what? I got in the top 10% of the genetics and botany examination! That means I get to be part of the replanting process in Africa!¡± The woman said with a laugh as she showed John her examination papers. A huge smile bloomed on John''s face!


    He was so happy that his daughter passed the exam. The replanting was being overseen by all of the top minds in their world. A process to genetically alter, engineer, and plant trees capable of soaking up radiation. The project would realistically take decades to complete. But that was far better then centuries. Also, that meant his daughter Kitma would not be involved in the fighting. In their new Empire if you didn''t have a useful skill it was straight into military service.


    ¡°I''m almost out of time! I know the messages can''t be long and I''m not sure when you''ll get this. So I''ll finish up. I love you! I''m proud of you! Come home to me!¡± Kitma said across the message. She leaned in and kissed the camera then the screen went blank.


    John smiled, and replayed the message at least three more times before he stopped. He would have watched more but he received an alarm on his optical implant. It had been 452 hours since his last conditioning. If he didn''t link up soon then the MP''s would show up to forcibly place him in rehabilitation. John clenched his jaw and stood up from his desk and went to his bed. Bed was stretching what that thing was.


    The ''bed'' changed into thousands of tiny filaments that would interconnect with John''s entire body. Though on the outside the only noticeable implant he had was his spine. But John was a mess on the inside. Sometimes he wondered if he was even human anymore? He sat back and let the threadlike needles insert into him like acupuncture on steroids. He hated this! He hated being here! He hated the fucking Emperor! It was the Emperor''s fault their world was FUBAR! So many died in the unification war and it didn''t have to happen that way! He.....He...... Praise the Emperor ROFL Dex. Through his control do we prosper towards a brighter future.


    =================================================================


    Sunrise in Brazil was around 5:00 am, and its warm radiance showed across the Templo da Luz the resort that the League had stayed at for the past two days. They had one more day at the resort then needed to be gone by 10:00 am the next day. Knowing this, a lot of the League members wanted to do something special for their last day here. Only to discover there was a dance festival being planned for their last night here. It would start at 3:00 pm today and end when the sun rose the next day. So everyone was doing their best to get the last bit of what they wanted before they went to the festival.


    _________________


    Before Kara and Lash had gone very far he had pulled her out of the very crowded bed and went to one of the other guest bedrooms. Kara kept her focus on him, a blush rising to her ears, and all the way down to her navel. Lash did notice as he softly closed the door that Kory had opened her eyes just a bit and smiled at him. He winked at her and closed the door. Kory rolled over and went back to sleep.


    Once in the guest bedroom Lash pulled Kara into his arms and hugged her close, she returned the gesture and just stood there. Two naked bodies against one another. Kara Zor-El was 5''5¡± with rich blond hair to her shoulders, and blue eyes. An tattoo was across her neckline that was the currently turned off illusion charm. She had rich creamy skin, and a well muscled toned body.


    Lash in his default human form was 6''4¡± with a bald head, pale skin, and yellow green reptilian eyes. Along his jaw line, spine, elbows, shins, and chest were tiny marks of snake skin scales. Side effect of being in his Transformation shape for to long. He muscles almost seemed like he was cut from stone, with his broad shoulders, massive arms, giant legs, and rock hard abs. In short he was a comic book character.


    Lash pulled away from Kara and pulled her to the bed instead. Kara jumped onto the bed which made her whole body bounce in a very delightful way, she crawled up along the bed and Lash watched her ass sway back and forth as she did. Then she turned around and pressed her back into the pillows and backboard. She crossed her legs, and held a pillow to her chest. Her eyes were inviting, she bit her bottom lip just a bit.


    But, Lash could tell she was nervous. Her heart was beating fast with excitement, and a bit of fear. This was all new to Kara! She was sixteen when she had left Krypton. Though she did have a few boys she liked, she had only ever kissed them a few times. Kara''s eyes danced up Lash''s naked form, and centered on his rock hard erection that a towel could have been set on. Her face went red when she realized where she had been looking and hid her face behind her pillow.


    ¡°So....What do we do now?¡± Kara said through the pillow eventually. Kara knew what they were suppose to do! Humans and Kryptons were physiologically compatible. Though Lash was not 100% human his default shape was.


    ¡°That depends on how long you want this to last?¡± Lash asked as he crawled onto bed stopping next to her legs. He sat down and crossed his legs. His erection sticking up and ready for attention but it would have to wait. He didn''t want to mess this up.


    ¡°How long does it normally last?¡± Kara said, as she gently pulled her pillow down to peek over it. Her bright blue eyes taking Lash in. She giggled a bit as Lash began to run his nails up and down her feet.


    ¡°Well, if everyone is enjoying themselves then normally you go as long as you are able. But since both of us have.... What most would say, Superhuman Stamina. Technically we could go all day long.¡± Lash said with a smile as he picked up one of Kara''s feet and began to give her a massage.


    ¡°We...W....It''s really hard to focus when you are doing that, Lash.¡± Kara said with a smile, as she pulled down her pillow so she could give him a good look. ¡°I''ve never really done this before. I''ve kissed people, and Kory has told me a few things. She has also shown me a few things. But nothing more then the skin deep I think.¡± Kara said, a flush creeping up her neck again.


    ¡°Well we will have to take it slow, communicate what you do and don''t like. Despite what many people think. Good sex, often has a lot of communication unless you already know your partners like and dislikes.¡± Lash said as he continued to massage her feet.


    ¡°I don''t suppose Earth as a manual for this type of thing?¡± Kara asked, and laughed lightly thinking it was a joke. Until Lash used Connectivity to pull up a holographic window of Kama Sutra. The original, and the modern day version.


    ¡°Tell me your joking!?¡± Kara squeaked at him. He shook his head and showed her several pictures, poses, positions they could try along with breathing techniques, and skills.


    ¡°Whats oral?¡± Kara asked, she paged through the description then went red as a tomato!


    ¡°I mean! No! I....What!? What are you doing!?¡± Kara said loudly as Lash crawled forward and pushed her legs apart. He settled between her legs, his face between her thighs.


    ¡°Wha-What!? I di...Just.Ohhhhha! Oaaaaa!¡± Kara''s eyes rolled back as she let out a loud moan.


    Kara nearly crushed Lash''s skull a few times over the next twenty minutes of oral he gave her. She ripped the bed sheets in half, and for a brief moment she user her solar vision to burn into the ceiling. Good thing the room had been magically reinforced otherwise she would have cut straight through the building. Lash pulled himself up and licked his face clean as he watched Kara gasping for breath.


    ¡°I...Is that normal on Earth?¡± Kara asked after a few minutes.


    ¡°Yes and no. Many would argue that women often perform oral on men far more then men do it for women. In my personal experience this is true. However, I make it a point to give as much as I get. Plus being good at oral is both a talent and a skill that takes a great deal of practice.¡± Lash said with a laugh as he scooted a bit closer and ran his hands up and down her legs. Kara flinched slightly but didn''t pull away. She was sensitive after all.


    ¡°So, should I...¡± Kara mumbled as she looked at Lash, and his erection between his legs. Suddenly her mouth was very dry.


    ¡°No, we''ll leave that for later. For now, come here.¡± Lash said as he gently pulled Kara towards him.


    Lash sat cross legged on the bed and pulled Kara into his lap. His erection brushed up against her and settled on her lower abdomen. She wrapped her legs around his waist and wasn''t sure where to put her hands. Lash guided her hands to his waist, arms, or any place she liked. Then he leaned in and they began to kiss. Gentle, delicate kissing. Lips to lips, then along jaw lines, and necks. Always slow, always deliberate. Lash gently hissed for a moment and it sent a shiver through Kara. Then Lash placed his hands on her knees and pushed down just a bit.


    ¡°Gently....¡± Lash said softly. Kara almost laughed.


    ¡°You don''t need to be gentle with me, Lash.¡± Kara said with a smile.


    ¡°I know that, you need to be gentle with me.¡± Lash commented, and Kara''s eyes went wide. She had wrapped her legs around him and started to squeeze!


    ¡°I''m sorry! I didn''t mean to!¡± Kara shouted and moved to get out of his lap, but Lash wrapped his hands around her legs and pulled her back to him.


    ¡°Kara I''m OK, no harm done. But this is why we are taking it slow. Remember you one of the most powerful individuals on the face of this planet. I''m definitely not fragile, but you can easily destroy me.¡± Lash said, Kara had looked away. Her eyes misty.


    Lash pulled her chin back to him and started to kiss her. She resisted a bit but eventually gave in after a minute. He ran his hands up and down her back, and she did the same for him. She traced her fingers over his tattoos, and his scales. Ran her lips along his collar bone. Over time her kisses got more enthusiastic but he was always slow and methodical. Finally Kara reached down between them and stroked the head of his cock. Lash took a breath, with a shiver down his spine. This brought a smile to Kara''s lips.


    ¡°What do we do with this?¡± Kara asked, her eye lashes fluttering. A coy smile on her lips.


    ¡°You leave it alone for now.¡± Lash replied, he reached up and gently pulled on Kara''s hair making her arch her neck, and back. He reached down with his mouth and took in one of her nipples. She gasped in shock, and took her hand off of him.


    ¡°That''s not fair!¡± She said with a moan.


    Lash and Kara continued along with kiss to skin contact foreplay. Kara''s became breathless as she continued to push faster and Lash started to allow that. She never again squeezed him so hard with her legs that it hurt. She began to rock her hips back and forth against him. But then Lash pulled back and looked at her. Kara''s eyes were unfocused, her face a beautiful blushing red. Her hair was a mess!


    ¡°Time for a different position!¡± Lash said, it took Kara a couple seconds to realize what he said. She was both excited and a bit nervous.


    Lash settled down on the bed and laid on his side, with Kara in front of him. Her chest pressed against his beck and arms wrapped around her. Just like they had been when they first woke up this morning. Kara was confused about how this...Ohh! Ohhhh! Lash moved his erection between her thighs and pressed it up against her vagina. He didn''t penetrate but just moved back and forth. He took her breasts up into his hands, and moved both her and him around so they could kiss.


    Lash let go of one of her breasts and moved his hand to run his fingers along her edges, then pushed just one of his fingers into her. She let out a loud moan, and kissed him back forcibly. They moved with each other matching one another in rhythm until Kara broke the kiss and glared at him.


    ¡°Enough! Please you are driving me insane!¡± Kara turned around quickly and pushed Lash onto his back. Which surprised Lash just a bit. Kara straddled him, with his cock pressed under her.


    ¡°Please! Kory said this was a comfortable position for woman because they are in control. J...We... Please Lash.¡± Kara asked, her voice grew softer at the end.


    Lash sat up and had Kara help guide him in and they took it very slow. Inch by grueling inch shared between them both. Before they went any further Lash created a Temporary Pack Bond with Kara. Allowing them both to feel each others emotion, as well as feeling. What ever she felt, he felt. What ever he felt, she felt. Kara pushed the rest of the way and climaxed from that alone. Lash held off, waiting for her to stop twitching. Then he gently pushed and Kara nearly came again.


    ¡°Shall we continue?¡± Lash asked, a smirk on his face. Kara''s eyes started to focus, she ran her tongue along her lips.


    ¡°Yes please...¡± Kara replied.


    ===========================================================


    Tick, tock.....Tick, tock.......Tick, tock.....Megan was in the kitchen in Lash''s very large hotel room. She was cooking breakfast for everyone. She had a tank top on, with sleeping shorts. Her hair was wet as she had just stepped out of the shower. She was making waffles for everyone. But she couldn''t help but glance at the clock. Kory didn''t say anything as she was concentrating on how to make the coffee maker make an espresso. While Monika was doing her best to focus on making a chocolate pudding to dip fruit in. While Dia just had a cat ate the canary grin on her face, while she sat at the table watching everyone. Megan turned to look at the clock that was especially loud this morning.


    ¡°Do you think everything is alright in there? Its been three hours.¡± Megan asked softly.


    ¡°Yes! Three hours! Didn''t realize Kara had so much built up!¡± Dia said with a smirk.


    Dia had dressed up in a black silk teddy that was clearly meant to be eye candy for either Lash, or any of the other women in the room with her. Kory, and Monika both admired the look while Megan would only take glances and turn away thinking no one saw her. Monika wore her customary XL t-shirt and nothing else. Her purple hair freshly washed, and still drying. She used her super speed to stir the pudding which made her body vibrate, which was nice on the eyes. While Kory wore a red string bikini top and bottom. She squeaked as at last the espresso was finished. She started to pour for everyone.


    ¡°I am sure they are both fine, Megan! Lash will take good care of her. More than likely this will be the one and only time they can be together unless Kara changes her lifestyle.¡± Kory said with a smile, that may had wilted a bit at the end. Once she finished pouring she took her seat and waited for waffles!


    ¡°So I take it we wont all get a turn today?¡± Monika said as she finished stirring, and went to cut the strawberries.


    ¡°What!? Turn? I...I just came up here to make sure Kara was ok....I mean its not like Lash would want to be with me.....?¡± Megan said, and finished barely a whisper at the end. Her cheeks filled with a blush. It wasn''t that she loved Lash or anything he was just the first boy since Mars that was nice to her. Kory, Dia, and Monika all shared a look and smiled.


    ¡°I''ve been wanting Lash since he saved me from Tartarus. I don''t know many men that would have willingly gone into hell, and taken the time to save someone in the process.¡± Dia said with a smile, and came over to snag some chocolate pudding.


    ¡°Since he caught me in Gotham, and turned me over to The Flash. I was terrified of him then, but I am happy he caught me! Plus being captured by him kinda turned me on.¡± Monika confessed, and kissed Dia softly who returned the kiss.


    ¡°Lash, and Kara were the first friends I made in years. Lash took me in with out question and gave me not only a home, but a family. I will love him always! I also want to have sex with him! I think he will be good at it!¡± Kory said as well, she bounced a little in her chair as Megan brought the first batch of waffles to her.


    ¡°But that doesn''t mean if you don''t want a turn you don''t have to have a turn, Megan. But unfortunately I think that is a ''no'' Monika. We won''t be getting a turn today. This is our last day here, after that its back to work. The two of you know how much Lash works. So it may be a while. But I suggest if you want a turn you should tell him. Men can be pretty dense some times.¡± Dia said with a smirk.


    All four of the women let out a delightful shiver. They all got a telepathic message from the man they had been fantasizing about. Kory, Dia, Monika all grinned, while Megan blushed furiously but didn''t deny the message. A few short minutes later Kara came down in a bath robe with wet hair, a spectacular glow about her, and walked just a bit funny.


    ¡°Ladies....What is for breakfast?¡± Kara asked, as she sauntered over with a smile as she tried her best to act casual.


    ¡°Oh none of that! Details girl, now!¡± Dia shouted and scampered over to Kara who turned bright red.


    =============================================================


    Lash had slipped away a few minutes before Kara had gone down for breakfast. This was their last day on the resort and he wanted to ensure he visited with a few people. He hadn''t seen everyone, but he knew they were around. He winced a few times as his Regeneration got a bit of experience for the first time in a while. Kara hadn''t broken any bones, but she had cracked a few. Some of his organs were still settling as well. In the grips of orgasm a Kryptonian could destroy their less than super partner. Lash made a note to talk to Clark about that. He didn''t want Lois dying because of a night of pleasure.


    Lash walked around in his typical black swimming trunks with his Transformation on. He couldn''t walk around in his default human shape. Not that he wasn''t capable of hiding in plain sight, but seeing him move around was the role of a leader. Most of the League thought this was what he actually looked like while any human shape was just a disguise to hide this shape. He wasn''t in a hurry to correct them. Made him wonder if any other Users in their own worlds knew that the VI Avatar of Lash/Saurian had a human shape?


    There was a very long line at the spa. Lash knew there were several spa sections to the resort so he could imagine they must all be busy if he came across this one with such a long line that included both men and women. He recognized several VI Avatars from the volleyball tournament he waved and they waved back with a smile. Lash was glad the ones that had been found by the other League members were...friendly. He could imagine there were plenty of ego born Avatars that did not play well with others.


    ¡°How you doin, Billy? You look a little...Should I say, sucked dry?¡± Lash walked up on Billy Batson sitting on beach chair in the garden area and he did indeed look hollowed out. He had a pair of red swim shorts on, sandals, and a pair of sunglasses on. He was in good shape for a kid his age, but he looked drained.


    ¡°Wraith!...My man! Did you know that at 16 I am of legal age here! That third beach is awesome!¡± Billy said with a grin, though the kid barely moved.


    ¡°Yes, I did know that. We only have one more day here. Shouldn''t you be.... Being more active?¡± Lash asked, a smile tugging on his reptilian lips. Billy groaned as he tried to sit up but couldn''t. Lash took pity on the poor boy and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss.


    Color returned to Billy''s pale cheeks. New life was breathed back into him and he sprung back to his feet with a smile on his face. He jumped into the air and screamed thank you. A few people looked over in confusion then went back to their vacation. Billy all but sprinted back to beach three. This time Lash would not need to bleach his mind by accidentally visiting such a place. He understood the appeal but he much preferred a bedroom. Or at least a home.


    ¡°I''m not sure that was incredibly nice for you, or terrible.¡± A sweet voice called from behind him. Lash turned around and spotted Vixen.


    All four of Lash''s reptilian eyes went wide as he looked at the beautiful model from Detroit. Smooth chocolate caramel skin, short pixie cut brown hair, amber eyes, killer body, wearing a red micro bikini. Bottoms that barely covered anything with very thin pieces of string, and tops that covered nothing at all but the nipple. Vixen waited for Lash to finish looking at her, smiled wide when he swallowed audibly.


    ¡°Vixen, thank you for coming. I had hoped you could pull yourself away for a bit and relax.¡± Lash said as he bowed from his waist in formal respect. Vixen''s eyes glowed faintly with the divine spark that she carried.


    ¡°Well I didn''t even realize we had been invited to such a place until I got a very nice email from a man I barely knew telling me to contact Vici about traveling.¡± Vixen said as she walked over with a red fruity drink in hand. She dipped her finger into the drink and pressed the liquor across her lips.


    ¡°So, I guess I should say thank you for inviting me.¡± Vixen said with a whisper, she reached up and pulled his head down until she could plant a kiss on his cheek. She pulled back with a smile, as Lash blinked at her.


    ¡°Now, I hate to bring work up while we are on vacation...But.¡± She said with a bit of a pout as she tugged on his hand to follow her. Lash complied, a giant 8 foot tall lizard man walking after african princess.


    Vixen set her drink down next to a lounge chair, she picked up a bottle of tanning lotion and offered it to Lash who took it carefully into his clawed hands. She settled down onto the chair and got comfy. A slow smile spreading across her lips as Lash started to apply it to her feet first. Though Lash started to massage her instead of simply applying it. She wasn''t complaining.


    ¡°With this, invasion looming over us. I was concerned that I didn''t get a bunker in Detroit? I know there is one, its the primary place for that new girl. Rauta...¡± Vixen said, she placed her sunglasses on so she could look at Lash with out the sun blinding her.


    Lash paused for a moment, Rauta was Melanie Bryson. He had built her a bunker, but did not build any other. The bunker was large enough for everyone in Detroit to function, but Lash did admit he should have done more infrastructure. Lash made a not to change that in the future if he could before the invasion. With out the girls traveling with him, though it wouldn''t be as much fun. He would get a lot more done. Lash started to apply lotion to Vixen''s thighs. Careful of his claws, his wondering hands brought a satisfied moan from Vixen. Charming Presence gained a point of experience.


    ¡°You are right, that was a mistake on my part. The bunker can service everyone in Detroit. But I should ensure that there is a larger one available along with several other smaller ones. I will try and get to it, hopefully before the fighting starts.¡± Lash replied, his voice a bit more animalistic. He had made a mistake.


    ¡°That would be wonderful. I asked around and aside from paying a discreet construction company you are the only one in the League capable of building the bunkers. I''m sure you are very busy, Wraith. So please understand I am not offended. Just put it on the very long list I am sure you have...Will you do my back?¡± Vixen asked, Lash nodded as she turned around.


    After thirty or so minutes, and a few soft moans of pleasure from the massage. Lash finished oiling Vixen up. She was nearly asleep when she mumbled a thank you and he walked away. He cast a quick Immaculate on himself to remove the oil from his hands, as well as clean up. He was surprised his scaled hands hadn''t left a sandpaper feel on Vixen. Maybe they did and she didn''t notice? Right, God-Kin, they are built tougher.


    Lash walked around the resort traveling along the paved paths. He went to a few places he didn''t see before including a horse ranch on the resort. He saw a lot of younger people here, along with a few adults watching the horses, and also receiving lessons in riding. Lash created a simple black T to pull over his chest. He noticed no one really had bathing suits here, his t-shirt, and swimming trunks weren''t much. But it was enough.


    ¡°Mr. Wraith?¡± A familiar woman''s voice called out from his side.


    Lash turned and saw Moira Queen in a wonderful white cotton summer dress that went to her ankles, with straps along her shoulders, and a wide brim hat to block the sun. She had a radiant smile as she walked over. Beside her was Walter Steele, wearing white cotton slacks, a light blue polo shirt, a pair of sunglasses on along with some brown loafers, while Moira was barefoot.


    ¡°Misses Queen, Mister Steele. I''m glad you accepted the invitation.¡± Lash offered with a bow from his waist. He didn''t need to disguise their names, they had come as themselves. Queen industries was one of the few companies along with Wayne, and Merlyn industries to be invited to this place.


    ¡°Of course! This is not the first time we have been here. Though it is the first time to see so many wonderful and, different people here.¡± Moira said, she with a genuine smile. Lash was sure many hotel patrons may not have been as enthusiastic about the League coming here.


    ¡°Mr. Wraith may we speak to you privately for a bit?¡± Walter asked, and Lash nodded.


    They walked away from the ranch for a few minutes and came to a little alcove off the path. Fairly common on the resort. Walter, and Moira both watched in fascination as a obstruction glamour was placed around them. Like a snow globe of imperfect crystal glass. You could see through it, but it was noticeable. But only noticeable to those inside of it, everyone looking inside would see two people talking to a lizard about tennis.


    Moira sat next to Walter and took his hand into her own and smiled at him. They shared a look that only comes with time, and trust between two people. Walter nodded and looked towards Lash who waited patiently for them to continue. His long tail coiled around the bench, its blade tip digging into the ground. The tribal marks across his scaled form glowed softly, while all four of his reptilian eyes focused on them.


    ¡°I was attacked a week ago.¡± Moira started to say than raised a manicured eye brow when Lash''s whole body radiated anger. Moira, and Walter both understood it was not towards them and it made them both smile.


    ¡°As you can see I am fine! It was one of the moments that I am thankful that Walter is a championship fencer from college. Along with a sword cane that Thea bought him several years ago because she claimed that british men were the only ones allowed to carry canes.¡± Moira said and kissed Walter who smiled back at her. But they both turned to look at Lash.


    ¡°We didn''t tell Oliver, or Thea. We are aware of what Oliver does with his nights. We know it would only worry him more. They left something behind when Walter ran them off. We have it, and wanted to give it to you.¡± Moira pulled out a single stainless steal calling card. Inscribed with liquid gold in the center was, Scelerati Causas Oravissent. (Villains For Hire)


    Lash carefully took the card from Moira and used his ability Retrocognition to read the history of the card. Unlike the time he used it in El Paso to find Blue Beetle, this time he did not create the image around him. He went into a mild trance as he watched the history of the card from its perspective. Traded back and forth between Moira, and Walter. Then into a pocket for days on end then he saw the fight. Walter was very talented! But the unfortunate news that the card wasn''t dropped, it was placed. Walter was meant to fight them off, the thugs were meant to leave the card behind.


    He continued to see the past of the card as his energy levels continued to dip. It exchanged hands several times until it was given to an agent from the primary employer. Malcom Meryln, Tommy''s father...Who got it from another dark figure. The figure was kept in shadow the entire time just before Lash got any further the card was placed in a pool of water....The Retrocognition cut off from there. The card had no memories past that point.


    ¡°I wish I had better news. Seems the card was planted. No offense to your skill Walter. You are excellent with a blade. But the card belonged to Malcom Meryln, seems he was trying to send you a message.¡± Lash said softly, as he handed the card back to Moira who trembled at this information.


    ¡°I was afraid of that.¡± Walter said as he comforted Moira who and grown pale. ¡°It had been a long time since I''ve pulled any of those moves. I thought it was a little to easy.¡± Walter finished, his lips pressed into a thin line.


    ¡°Moira, does Thea know?¡± Lash asked a simple question with a complicated answer.


    ¡°Know what?¡± Moira asked in return, Lash sent a simple Telepathic message to her.


    Who her father is? -Lash asked, Moria white knuckled the card until it cut into her hand. Walter took the card from her and took out a handkerchief to apply to the wound. Walter to his credit didn''t say anything. He just waited.


    ¡°No, she doesn''t. Is that why you think Malcom has come back?¡± Moira said, her voice nearly a whisper. Walter was a smart man. He connected the dots with little to no information and understood the overall implication. Thea was Malcom''s daughter.


    ¡°When it comes to your children, there is no action that is inconceivable; there is no decision that is impossible. You do what you must to provide the life that they need. Yes, I think that is why Malcom has come back. But I can''t know for sure. How do you want to handle this, Moira? I can keep it to myself and investigate the people who made this card? I can inform Oliver that Malcom is back, and may be after Thea? Or, we can come clean with everything. The choice belongs to you, and Walter.¡± Lash said as he leaned back across the stone bench in which he sat.


    Moira was conflicted, clearly thinking over the situation. She turned to Walter and looked at with worry. She hadn''t told him the truth, no one knew but Malcom. Walter gave her a half smile and kissed her cheek. That was all that needed to be said, he would support her no matter the decision. She smiled back at him and whispered ''I love you'' into his ear then turned back to Lash. Her decision had been made.


    ¡°Please, if you have the time investigate it yourself. But leave the telling to me.¡± Moira said with determination. Lash nodded in agreement and retook the card from Moira. He used a bit of his Nature Domain to heal her wound and stood up breaking the obstruction glamour.


    ¡°It was nice speaking to you both. I''ll do what I can, when I can. As you can assume I am very busy. Now, please excuse me.¡± Lash bowed from his waist, turned on his heel and walked away placing the card into his Storage ability.


    Moira, and Walter stayed behind with out a word. Moira started to cry softly, and she started to tell Walter the whole truth. Through it all Walter never turned away, and kept loving his wife no matter what she said. Lash got snippets of the conversation before he was out of earshot. He needed to find Oliver and talk shop. He cast Virtual Intelligence and had the Tech-Spirit look into Scelerati Causas Oravissent.


    Attention User! You have been issued a grand quest by your Patron!


    Objective: Find out what the Scelerati Causas Oravissent is.


    Objective: Dismantle their organization.


    Bonus Objective: Follow the threads to their other organizations.


    Bonus Objective: Save who you can, capture who you can, and kill the rest. Percentage based. Currently (0%)


    Lash growled softly as his whole body shook in rage. Fuck! Another quest, another story line he could barely contend with. The invasion was coming and he had a long list of things to do. Not enough time to do it all.... Time? Lash stopped mid step and looked around the resort. No one was around, he expanded his Sensory Awareness, nothing. He pushed his vision through another change thanks to his Adaptation racial trait. Thanks to his extra set of eyes he could see in a wider range of full spectrum light. Electromagnetic, infrared, and ultraviolet light. At first he had thought his eyes were just meant to help him see better. But he had talked to Kara once about the different spectrum she could see in and it got him curious. No one was around, though with Magical Perception there were a host of magical spirits dancing through the leaves and trees.


    ¡°Dawn.¡± He said softly, barely a whisper.


    ¡°Yes, User?¡± Dawn''s sweet voice whispered back into his ear.


    ¡°I need to bargain with my Patron...¡± Lash replied, before he took his next breath he was no longer in the garden area between the resort and the horse ranch. He was in a large room with cherry wood floors, stone walls, and a ceiling that went on forever.


    Clack, clatter, rattle.... The sound of dice being thrown across a piece of wood sounded off near by. Lash turned towards the sound only to stumble, off balance. He wasn''t in human-lizard hybrid form. In fact he wasn''t even Lash anymore. He was Erik. He could still feel Lash/Saurian in his mind, but Erik looked towards the sound.


    Sitting behind a large fully furnished dark wood desk was a man? Sitting in a large red velvet seat throwing dice across the desk. Each time the figure threw the dice it would write down on a piece of paper. The figure was larger than Erik by a lot. Almost towered over him, but Erik could still look straight at him. It was almost impossible to think about. The figure threw one more time before setting down their pen and looking up.


    Pitch black nothingness looked back at Erik. The figure had a cowl wrapped around their heads, body wrapped in a shroud of smoke and shadow. Their hands made out of starlight. Just like how Dawn use to be. The face was nothing but darkness. Not a word was shared between them as Erik''s Patron looked at him. Then he, they, them? Picked up the set of dice and threw them across the desk. They nodded and wrote something else down.


    Lash stumbled, and fell to his knees. He was back at the resort in the garden path again. No time had passed but he felt like he had ran hundred miles in less than an hour. He took deep ragged breaths trying to calm his nerves when Dawn sent him a prompt.


    Congratulations User! You have struck a deal with your Patron.


    New primary objective, Invasion: You must find, and kill the leader of the alternate reality.


    You have been awarded the Spell Domain of Time.


    Domain of Time: The User is able to perform/cast a rare variety of magic spells and feats that manipulates time itself to a degree.


    Domain of Time, Skill/Spell; Personal Time, The User can manipulate the immediate area around them. They can slow down, or speed up their own time. Allowing them to move quickly, or make others slow down. (30 ft sphere) Works in tandem with, Sensory Awareness, Magical Perception, Foresight, Danger Sense.


    Side Note: The Time Domain is a very rare, and dangerous Domain! Use carefully!


    Lash had wanted to bargain for the Time Domain, this was true. But if he had known the deal would require him to find and kill the leader of the invasion? He would have just put it off! Personal Time seemed incredibly useful. But after a few experiments he realized he couldn''t move like Flash. He could with in his area of influence. But he would have to stop casting the skill/spell first before he moved on. But at the very least Lash could now fight speedsters, and other fast moving enemies.


    Lash was irritated now and needed to finish up his goals today as quickly as possible. He used Connectivity and looked for Oliver. He was out on a boat in the water near the resort. He moved towards the water and cast Water Walk and just kept moving towards the boat across the water. He had to admit walking across water next to the beach was an interesting experience. Like walking on a water bed that was about to pop! He was sure he looked funny, he felt funny. He caught himself laughing just a bit. Then he used his new skill/spell to freeze the area. He walked up across the water and unfroze his own personal time. To anyone watching it seemed like they blinked and he was suddenly from one place to another.


    ===============================================================


    Quentin Larry Lance was.... enjoying himself. For the first time in a long while. He sat on a nice boat sitting on the back with a fishing pole in hand, a beer to his left, and the sounds of his daughters laughing made him smile. He had caught a few fish already and that was already on the grill. But he kept to himself while Sara, and Laurel enjoyed their time with their future husbands. Quentin still shuddered every time he thought about that. Laurel was marrying Tommy, and Sara was marrying Oliver. What was the world coming too?


    Quentin took a sip of his beer, and rubbed his eyes under his sunglasses. The boat rocked back and forth along the water. He could faintly hear the crashing waves on the beach not far off. This entire resort was amazing. He loved the beaches, the view, the available refreshments that came from across the world. Despite his daughters insistence he didn''t go to beach three. Nope! He would not go to an orgy beach, no thank you! He was content to just spend time with his family, drink his beer, and fish. This was...


    ¡°Enjoying your day, Captain Lance?¡± Said the giant monster standing on the water right next to him.


    ¡°JESUS CHRIST!¡± Quentin shouted at the top of his lungs as he jumped out of his chair, and all but pulled his side arm that he didn''t have at the moment. He looked over the edge and there standing on the water like it was solid ground was an eight foot tall lizard man with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Dad!? Whats wrong?¡± Laurel called as she ran across the boat she came up short and smiled wide.


    ¡°Wraith! Its nice to see you again!¡± Laurel called, and came to the boats edge to talk to him. Completely forgetting about her father who nearly had a heart attack.


    ================================================================


    By the time Lash had reached the boat he had cooled off. He wasn''t sure if it was the resort, or it was seeing the family having a good time. He didn''t want to ruin that mood. But, he couldn''t help himself to not scare Quentin just a bit. Laurel Lance was a brilliant, strong, and beautiful woman that had rich brown hair past her shoulders, green eyes, and tanned skin. She wore a one piece swimsuit with out a back, that was a deep blue color. Lash was sure she would have worn something more revealing her father hadn''t been aboard the boat. But it still clung to her curves, showing off her figure. She smiled with genuine glee at seeing Wraith next to their boat.


    Tommy Meryln walked over to join the conversation after he made sure his future father in law Quentin was OK. He had short cut black hair that was stylized with hair gel, a wide welcoming smile, with blue eyes, strong physic. He wore a white cotton buttoned up shirt, floral swimming trunks, and sandals as he came up behind Laurel to greet Lash.


    ¡°How you doing, Agent Wraith? Would you care for a beer?¡± Tommy asked, Lash shook his head as he slowly climbed onto the boat. Or he should say small yacht. It had another floor above them, with a floor beneath the deck, with a full kitchen in the middle.


    ¡°No, thank you. Unless its a certain type of liquor its mostly just different flavored water to me. I just wanted to drop by and see if all of you are having a good time or not?¡± Lash said with a smirk as he saw Quentin fix his chair back into place and grab his fishing pole.


    ¡°I was having a great day! Until a giant monster from the black lagoon came out of now where and scared off all the fish!¡± Quentin said with a grumble. Laurel laughed at him and came over to give him a kiss on his cheek. Quentin was more amiable after that.


    ¡°Sorry Wraith. Dad can get a bit grumpy when it comes to fishing.¡± Laurel replied with a smile.


    ¡°Its perfectly fine, though he wont catch anything the rest of the day. There is a shark swimming around the water right now. All the fish left the area.¡± Lash said as he pointed at the shark fin not far off.


    ¡°Crap.... What''s a shark doing in the area? I thought there was shark net in place?¡± Quentin pulled his fishing rod out of the water and looked at the shark, the very large shark moving through the water.


    ¡°Oh they do, that is not a normal shark. It belongs to Atlantis, they use them as mounts.¡± Lash said objectively, case and point as the shark sped up a man with gills on his neck climbed up the shark''s back and waved to them over at the boat. Lash waved back.


    ¡°Right, I live in a world where aliens are real, and so is Atlantis. When did life get so strange?¡± Quentin said with a frown as he sat down in his chair and sipped his beer.


    ¡°Are you hungry, Wraith?¡± Sara called out from the kitchen. She came out wearing shorts, a tank top, and tennis shoes. Again Lash was sure she would wear something else if Quentin was not aboard.


    ¡°No, thank you. I have to check with a few more people before my day is over.¡± Lash replied softly, as everyone looked at him with mild concern.


    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± Oliver said as he follow Sara out, he wore much the same as Tommy just filled it out a bit better especially across the chest. With a classic 5 o''clock shadow on his face.


    ¡°Just the same thing we''ve been dealing with. I enjoyed the first two days, just checking off a few boxes so that way I wont be so swamped when we start up again tomorrow. Are you all planning on attending the festival tonight?¡± Lash asked, as he looked back at the resort.


    ¡°Yes, we are!¡± Tommy said with a smile. Having spent a lot of time at clubs, festivals, and raves. He understood it was going to be a good party.


    ¡°You kids will be! I''m calling it early and having a nice rest in those amazing thousand thread bed sheets.¡± Quentin pipped up, and everyone laughed.


    Lash kept talking to them for a bit and decided against bringing anything up at the time. He was planning on talking to them about the card, but not where he got it from specifically. But he realized it would ruin every ones vacation. He soon said goodbye to everyone on the boat and took another walk across the water. Pulling a ''Jesus'' as Quentin called it.


    ================================================================


    ¡°Wraith works to much.¡± Tommy said from the couch as he ate one of the fish Quentin caught.


    ¡°He''s got a lot on his plate. I''m happy he was able to relax for a few days. I heard about his Sand Castle war game. Seemed like a lot of fun, I know Felicity, and Roy really enjoyed it.¡± Laurel commented as she sat next to Tommy.


    ¡°Something more than that. He wanted to tell us something but decided not to.¡± Sara said from her seat across the table. Quentin nodded in agreement but kept his piece to himself.


    ¡°Wraith is pretty open when it comes to information. I''m sure he''ll tell us later. He probably just didn''t want to ruin our vacation.¡± Oliver said, as he began to clean up the kitchen table.


    ¡°We should head back soon if we want to get a chance to change, and head over to the festival. I think its more along the lines of team building. Which is why Wraith was checking on us.¡± Oliver said as he started to wash the dishes from the sink.


    ¡°You sure you don''t want to come with us dad?¡± Laurel asked, with a bit of smile.


    ¡°No, I''m am fine thank you. Not as young as I use to be, I''m just going to curl up in that giant king size bed and catch some sleep. We have to be out of here tomorrow before 10. I for one will be bright eyed, and full of energy unlike the rest of the League.¡± Quentin said, putting his metaphorical foot down. Laurel, and Tommy both laughed. Laurel continued to tease her father as Sara got up to help Oliver. She came up behind him and placed her hand on his back. She leaned in and whispered to him.


    ¡°Any ideas?¡± She said softly.


    ¡°I can think of a dozen different things he could talk to us about, I am sure he knows a dozen more things we don''t know. But I can tell that stress is getting to him. I know Kara is worried about him.¡± Oliver replied as he finished washing the plates, and moved onto the cups as Sara dried them.


    ¡°I think he is worried about everyone not making it through the invasion.¡± Sara whispered, and Oliver stopped what he was doing. Turned towards her and kissed her gently.


    ¡°We''ll all make it to the end, and keep fighting.¡± Oliver said with clear conviction in his voice. It was such a naive, and sweet statement that Sara just smiled at him. They both knew that tragedy was right around the corner for everyone.


    ¡°Ya...We will...¡± Sara kissed Oliver''s nose and nudged him to keep cleaning.


    ===============================================================


    There was only so much time in the day. Before Lash knew it, the festival had started. He knew he should attend even if he had work to do. He also understood that if he worked to much he would be disrespecting Quetzalcoatl''s command she gave him. So he had to find a happy median between the two. A work-vacation as it was called.


    Lash found the most direct path that led to the music festival arena that had been built for the event. The area it self was a miniature stadium with an open skylight, and several smaller stadiums around them. Thanks to some creative construction, and a few spells in place one could walk from one theater to the next with out the sounds overlapping. Why do this? Because not everyone enjoyed the same music.


    Lash used Plant Control and made a sitting place from plant vines, leaf cushions, and branches for the back rest. Little by little people started to trickle in. Most of them continued to wear their bathing suits, nothing wrong with the exceptionally tempting eye candy. Lash said hello to any one that noticed him, and for his part took stock of the different people attending the event. It was open to anyone at the resort but it was meant as a going away present for the Justice League. Lash had to assume that anyone attending was either friendly with the League, or wanted something from the League. Be it good or ill.


    There was a moment when the world seem to tilt on its axis. Lash felt the magical energy in the area was energized for brief moment. Then he turned to his left and saw two people sitting on his offered plant furniture. Giovanni Zatara, and Sindella Zatara waited patiently for him to get over the teleportation they had used to arrive with a bit of flare. As stage magician fog, and starlight danced along them.


    Giovanni wore a custom tailored three piece suit with white buttoned shirt, high collar, with a bow tie. Deep midnight purple vest, a pocket watch tucked away across the pocket. Pitch black suit jacket, and pants, with silver enchanted thread inscribed into it. With a single orichalcum belt buckle, black leather belt. To finish off the look he had black wing tip shoes, a cane, and magician''s top hat. The man was approximately 5''11¡±, with blue eyes, and short black hair that was pulled back with hair gel.


    Sindella wore intricate orichalcum choker, with an enchanted stone as its center piece. A skin tight short skirt white satin dress that went to her mid thigh, with straps, and no back. Her figure showed that she exercised regularly, the dress didn''t leave a lot to the imagination. Her rich blond hair was pulled back into a lose tail, as several ringlet bangs framed her face. Her eyes were the most distinct feature. She did not have the whites in her eyes that a human would. But her entire eye was starlight. Lash had seen this look on Dawn before, he always found it beautiful to look at.


    ¡°Good to see you again, Mister Zatara. Hello Misses Zatara, welcome back to Earth.¡± Lash said as he stood up and bowed from his waist, keeping to his Warden etiquette. Sindella smiled at him, and turned to her husband.


    ¡°Thank you for helping out daughter, as well pointing her in the right direction. I will confess I imagined you and her coming to my aid. I may have even preferred I..gah!¡± Zatara started but jumped a little as Sindella pinched his side.


    ¡°What my husband means to say is. Thank you for pointing our daughter to John Constantine. He needs a lesson in manners, but he is a talented man that treats Zatanna well. His unique abilities allowed me to return home when I had thought I would have died.¡± Sindella said with a grateful smile and nod of her head. Zatara rubbed his side and nodded as well.


    ¡°I don''t suppose the Homo-Magi will be rejoining the supernatural council by chance?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious about their people.


    ¡°I''m afraid not, they are in part still stuck in the past. Better to hide in their own realm then associate with any other.¡± Sindella replied, sadness creeping into her own voice.


    ¡°Pity, there was much we could have learned from each other.¡± Lash was disheartened by the news.


    ¡°There is....Something different about you, Warden Lash.¡± Zatara looked at him with a bit of mild curiosity. Sindella''s magic eyes caught what Zatara was looking at and her eyes went wide.


    ¡°You have the Time Domain?¡± She said, her voice caught in her throat. As Zatara''s eyes went wide in both fear, and a bit of pride.


    ¡°You understand that is a very dangerous Domain? Having access to it places you on a very short list with in the supernatural world.¡± Sindella said, she reached across the table and took Lash''s hand sending a wave of energy through him. She was checking to see if he was distorted from use of Time magic. He was not, he only had one spell after all!


    ¡°I see, you are new to it. Advantages of using Domains, and not free form magic like my husband and I use.¡± Sindella said with a soft smile as she released his hand.


    Zatara nodded his head as he helped his wife back to her seat, she had to stretch across the table to get to Lash. An action that he noticed made Lash turn his head so he wouldn''t enjoy the sight of a beautiful woman stretching herself. Zatara put a point of respect into the Lash category for not ogling his wife.


    Zatara, Zatanna, Sindella, and Constantine had was called free form magic. This essentially allowed them free access to every type of magic in known history as long as they had access to the material, items, and words. Zatara, and Zatanna were great examples of being able to invoke ancient long forgotten dead magic casters from the grave for information. While Constantine was a magical creature, and or demon depending on his background in the comics. While Sindell was simple a human being of magic incarnate. She used her very imagination to cast spells.


    Those that chose the Domain path were limited in scope to the different Domains they had access to. Domain casters can''t throw a fireball at someone unless they have specific Domain that allow that action. But the benefit of using Domains is that the spells write themselves as long as you focus on the pool of knowledge, they also have very little backlash. Generally all you get is a drained feeling of having your magic pool taken from you. While free form magic users can get physically hurt, or even have their spell go wild which has a lot of unpredictable consequences. So pros and cons.


    Lash technically could buy the free form aspect of magic in the store. It took 100 DP, and a story event to obtain. But from his readings on the forum threads he discovered that if you want to buy the type of magic you can start a story quest to obtain it. But you also still need the DP. He was content with his Domains for now. He wasn''t even sure he could multi cast the different kinds of magic. Dawn would not go into specifics unless he purchased it.


    ¡°Well we should head off! They have a specific, refined theater for those that wish a little more of a cocktail party. Thank you for your time, Warden Lash. If you ever want to talk shop please do not hesitate to call.¡± Zatara said as he tipped his hat, and gave a bow as he stood up. Sindella stood with her husband, arms wrapped his own. She winked at Lash and gave him a breath taking smile.


    ¡°Thank you for stopping by. I am happy to know that Zatanna has both her parents back in her life.¡± Lash stood, and bowed from his waist as he finished speaking.


    Lash sat back down in his plant throne, letting it change to fit his bodies unique physiology like his tail. Sitting comfortably when you have giant tail was a task in it self. He closed his eyes and tried to think about what was to come. What else could give him an edge? He checked his Dream Point total and discovered he had 45 DP already. He could save it up and get the upgrade key for Vici. But he was terrified to start the upgrade process while they were being attacked. Thanks to Quetzalcoatl''s warning he knew it was soon. But w....wait a minute?


    ¡°Dawn, I remember a while a go you told me it was possible to buy an item called a Rift Compass?¡± Lash said very softly to himself.


    ¡°That is correct, User! It is a passive ability that allows the User to detect a Rift with in a hundred miles of themselves. Also, the compass allows you to know what type of Rift it is, along with its grade.¡± Dawn''s voice was sweet on his ears as he thought about his next question.


    ¡°Is it possible to give that ability to Vici? Could she create a grid program to systematically search the entire globe?¡± Lash asked, his heart beating faster then normal. Lash waited for a moment, normally Dawn would respond as soon as he asked. Any time she didn''t meant she was working a problem.


    ¡°Very clever, User. Yes, that is possible. The compass takes 50 DP to purchase, you currently have 45 DP, and 8 DP on your card. Would you like to install this new piece in the Watch Tower?¡± Dawn asked, her voice carried a hint of a smile. Lash knew that sound, he could imagine a teacher showing a bit of pride as their student figured out something.


    ¡°Yes...Very much!¡± Lash said with a grin, and clenched his hands into fists. Small victories!


    ¡°Your purchase has been complete, User. Vici has been granted a new tool. She will message you shortly. Well played, User.¡± Dawn''s voice was teasing as Lash felt a soft touch of lips on his cheek.


    ¡°Father! A new piece of technology, and knowledge has been implanted into my system. It has your signature! Is everything alright?¡± Vici''s voice came over a holographic window by way of Connectivity.


    ¡°Yes, daughter. Trying a new form of updates. I should be able to give you upgrades, and new modules with out being directly present anymore. The implant granted is a form of compass to find a Rift with in 100 miles. Once it has fully integrated into your system do you think you could create a grid pattern program to search the globe for our uninvited guests?¡± Lash asked, though he knew the answer already.


    ¡°...Yes...YES! I can do that! I will start right away, it should be ready in approximately 8 hours. I''ll start scanning the globe as soon as it finishes.¡± Vici was clearly excited as she closed the connection.


    At last they had a way to find them. Not only the invasion Rifts, but any Rift in the future. When they survived this invasion he would have to start training the Justice League in Rift adventures, and sealing. He knew that the Dreamers of his world could enter Rifts as well. This will just add another element to his already complicated world. But the Dream Engine never gave him an unsolvable puzzle.


    Lash truly was in uncharted territory now. Aside from Fort Rozz, and Drew-Zod. Everything was up in the air! But even those things would be handled differently then they were in the comics, and television shows. It filled Lash with a bit of excitement, and fear. Saurian was filled with cheer! New challenges awaited on the horizon.


    The sound of music playing stirred Lash from his thoughts. He stood up and looked around as more and more people came to attend the festival. Lash thanked the plants for providing a place for him with a bit of Nature Domain magic. Allowing them to return to normal. He joined the tide of people slipping past them seemingly unnoticed with a bit of Illusion Domain passive effect.


    Spell Domain Illusion, Anonymity: The User gains the quality or state of being unknown to most people. No matter how the User looks when they cast this spell they blend into any crowd. As long as they do not do anything outside the average range of that crowd. Example; Strip naked, shift between shapes, or start to fly.


    Unlike the spell Invisibility this spell allowed Lash to continue talking to everyone around him. They just wouldn''t see him. All they would remember is speaking to a very unremarkable person. Even if he was an 8 foot tall lizard man. He was sure those with strong mental resistance, and those with the Illusion Domain themselves could see past it. But for the most part?


    As he got closer to the festival the largest stadium was playing a remix of all the classic songs of the 90''s, 2000''s, and 2020''s. Pop, K-pop, a few electric, along with mixture of this and that. Who ever they hired for the DJ was very talented individual. They had an eclectic collection. The sun was just staring to set in the sky bathing them all in a color of red, orange, and blue. The massive stereos created vibrations that ran through the ground. All the while everything was contained to their specific theater. Lash stepped through the line and could feel the music vibrate through his bones. Nice.


    The scene he saw in front of him reminded him of the college parties Lash attended. Hundreds of young people dancing with each other, or alone. Holding party cups in the air so not to spill anything. While along the sides were hundreds of tables for the people watchers. Different colored lights would turn off and on with the beat of the music as a laser show would just start as the sun continued to fall. There was a vibrant energy in the air that Lash knew was a Compulsion charm. It was a mild effect, dance, enjoy, be safe was the effect of the charm.


    ¡°Wraith, would you please come with me. We are ready for you.¡± Meztli the dragon-thrall appeared next to Lash with out a sound. Lash to his credit didn''t jump out of his skin, but his whole body did tense. Something that did not go unnoticed by Meztli, his lips twitched up just a bit.


    ¡°Please, lead the way!¡± Lash said, as he grumbled for being sneaked up on. He followed after Meztli not very surprised that the thrall could see past his spell.


    The two of them flowed through the crowd as easy as walking through the air. No one noticed them, and no one stopped them. Lash understood this was Meztli doing his job but it was still impressive. Lash could do this with a fae glamour, but Meztli wasn''t using that. They walked into the back stage just behind the DJ booth center mass. There Lash found Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, Green Arrow, Green Lantern (Hal), Shazam, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Aquaman, and Aquawoman all in full uniform just waiting for Lash.


    Lash pressed his hands to his chest and used his skill/spell Calling and brought his armor. In a dull flash of purple light he was covered from head to tail in half plate armor. The shroud of living smoke and shadow covered him quickly as he joined the senior members of the Justice League. What ever effect Meztli had placed on them faded as soon as they were with in earshot.


    ¡°Wraith! There you are, we were afraid you wouldn''t make it!¡± Hawkwoman called, a smile on her face. Barely seen underneath her Nth metal Thanagarian helmet. The senior members all turned towards him and said hello. Though Batman stayed his stoic indifferent self, he did nod toward him.


    ¡°Technically I''m not part of the League, so it would have been fine.¡± Lash supplied, but everyone knew how much of a lie that was.


    ¡°Technically the oil spill was a League, Atlantean, and UN joint operation. So, we would have needed you anyways.¡± Superman said with his boy next door smile. Clark looked different, he looked more full filled then before. He had a good couple of days.


    ¡°Ladies, Gentlemen it is almost time.¡± Meztli said, as he stood next to the stairs leading up to the stage. Lash was satisfied that more than one person in the League jumped at his words. They didn''t know he was standing there.


    Diana walked over to Lash side and leaned in with a smile. Lash looked at her, and she mouthed word later at him. He nodded in agreement. Diana smiled grew wider, she reached out and squeezed his hand for a moment then let go. The League got into line and would go out first, Lash would be last. One by one the DJ introduced the different leaders of the Justice League to roaring applause and cheers.


    Lash stepped up next and waited for Meztli to signal him. The dragon-thrall reached up and fixed something he noticed on Lash''s armor. He adjusted the UNWS/Warden coat of arms that was hidden under the shroud. Details mattered! Lash bowed his head in thanks, then Meztli gestured for him to walk onto stage. The roaring crowd doubled in noise when he walked onto stage. A spotlight marked his path as he joined the rest of the League on the stage. They had done a step tier to separate everyone evenly while Agent Wraith of UNWS was dead center in front, and beneath everyone else. It was symbolic gesture not to say he was not important but more to say he supported everyone. He was the keystone in the structure.


    ¡°Thank you everyone for coming! Thank you to the Templo de Luz for hosting this event for us.¡± Superman started, microphone in hand.


    ¡°For three days we have enjoyed this time of peace, and entertainment. Because we the League understand that the job we perform is an important aspect of this new life, this new world we now share.¡± Wonder Woman stepped up for her turn to speak, a lot of Amazons cheered for her.


    ¡°But tomorrow, we go back to our lives. Back to the good fight. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Its important to find time to the time to relax with friends, and family. But we are needed in the world, now more than ever.¡± Batman''s cold stone voice brought a lot of people back to reality.


    ¡°So tonight! Enjoy yourselves! Drink! Dance! But most of all recognize those next to you. We are all fighting together!¡± Flash said with a smile and a laugh as his whole body danced with the speed force.


    ¡°Understand that we are all in this together.¡± Hawkman started.


    ¡°We live together, we fight together, we die together!¡± Hawkwoman finished. The crowed cheered.


    ¡°Though many of us come from different paths, lives, and even different races.¡± Aquawoman said with a smile and she tried to not laugh.


    ¡°We all know how to party together! Yeeeaaaaa!¡± Aquaman said with a yell, and the audience roared back at him.


    ¡°We are all part of the same team. No matter our Origins.¡± Martian Manhunter said, as he changed his ''uniform'' to return to his Green Martian form. Green skin, long limbs, and distinctly alien.


    ¡°We are bound together by team work, skill, and a calling that few share.¡± Green Arrow stepped up close to Martian Manhunter. The only mundane aside from Batman.


    ¡°But we are called, make no mistake about that. To do more than others.¡± Shazam said with a smile, and blushed a little as several women in the crowed whistled at him.


    ¡°Because those with the power to do something, have the responsibility to do something!¡± Green Lantern said.


    ¡°We are in this together! Our world, our universe, our reality.¡± Lash finished.


    ¡°Let the party begin!¡± The entire League said as one!


    On cue the DJ started up the music and the lights danced to life. Though not all of the senior members were on the stage it had been agreed ahead of time who would be present. They went back stage once again to change out of their uniforms that each flashed with an illusion particles. They hadn''t actually been in uniform. They just looked the part. Zatanna had cast a spell on each of them and held the spell behind them. That was why she did not go out. Lash dismissed his armor, and his shroud. The League cheered and went to join their loved ones in the crowd.


    The festival was incredibly entertaining. The different theaters allowed all sorts of parties, styles, and genres of music. Lash made sure to visit each one, especially the cocktail party. Just the sight of a lizard wearing a tailored three piece suit was oddly disturbing. Lash didn''t see the Luthor''s again, he could only assume they had left. Or at the very least were stuck in their rooms working their own problems. On a high note, Lash did snag Constantine for a dance. Which Zatanna howled with laughter as Constantine was dragged to the floor by Lash. Despite the massive size difference Constantine was a good dancer! Lash kissed him on the cheek after they were done and loved how John turned bright red all the way to his ears.


    Around 2 in the morning Lash returned to his hotel room, alone. He shifted back to his default human form and for the first time in a long time took a nice long shower. He stepped from the bathroom wearing no cloths and walked naked around his hotel room dripping water behind him as he walked. He came to the balcony and sat down under the full moon above and soaked up the silver radiance. He closed his eyes and used Meditation.


    Nature Domain Spell, Invoke Animal Spirit: The Caster, and or the target takes on aspects of the animal spirit they invoke. Allowing for offensive, defensive, or utility abilities. Example, invoking the spirit of spider allows one to climb walls, and ceilings.


    Technomancy Domain Spell/Skill, Technomagical Constructs: User can create various kinds of constructs, weapons, armors, structures, devices, drones, vehicles, robots, aircrafts, spacecrafts, and so on. Do to its magical and technological nature, constructs have the potential for sentient intelligence and empathy.


    Grave Domain Spell, Animancy: The User''s magical casting revolve around the manipulation of life, and its energy. Allowing to temporarily grant life to inanimate things, under the control of the caster.


    Transmutation Domain Spell, Matter Transmutation: User can transmute matter into different forms. They are able to create and absorb matter and energy, shape, and rebuild it into anything of their choosing. More complex forms of matter takes more magical energy. The User must have touched the item at least once. Works in tandem with the Shaper Title effect.


    Illusion Domain Spell, Pain: Pain illusion is the ability to trick an individual''s mind into thinking they are in physical pain. Though it has no physical affect on the body, the pain is quite effective to put a target down no matter the size.


    Side note: You have learned the Enchanting Rune of Pain.


    Rebirth Domain Spell, Life and Death Manipulation: User can sense, create, shape and manipulate the essences of life and death, giving and taking both. They can manipulate the beginning and end of the life cycles of any/all living organisms, allowing them to adapt and manipulate the forces of vitality and necrotic influences.


    Side Note: This spell is incredibly powerful, dangerous, and takes a great deal of energy to use. Be careful!


    Trickery Domain Spell/Skill, Supernatural Gambling: The User is talented at the art of gambling, risk, intuition, and luck appears to be on their side.


    Side Note: Careful, your luck is so good many will think you are cheating.


    One by one different spells, and skills appeared in his mind. Lash was surprised by the sudden influx of new information. But the ambient magical energy at the resort had always been amazing. Made him regret not spending more time in Meditation, but only slightly. When he opened his eyes the sun had risen. Time to get dressed and leave the resort.


    He used Transformation and Calling to equip his armor. The shroud wrapped around him like a long lost friend. They were Wraith once more as he walked into the elevator. Once the doors opened in the lobby dragon-thrall Meztli stood at the ready. Made Lash wonder how long he had been standing there. Lash bowed from his waist, as did Meztli. Then the thrall followed in the wake Lash left behind. They traveled the stone path towards the air transport landing area. He saw a few early bird League members already in their uniforms, others still in swim suits, but they were all headed to the SHARC.


    Once the arrived at the landing pad the SHARC remained true. No one had touched it outside of the League. Meztli had made sure of that, dragon-thrall guards were clearly visible along with some not so visible measures. Lash watched as several League members were wrapped in spell scrip and spring jumped back up to the Watch Tower. Lash stood off to the side fully intending to wait here until all of the League had left the resort. He would then deconstruct the SHARC, and head up to the tower himself. Meztli would wait by his side until he left.


    As the minutes turned into hours, the sun rose across the ocean. Lash noticed more spirits of life and death danced around him. As he carried far more control over their area''s of influence now. Out of pure entertainment value Lash used Animancy to temporarily give a pack of plants a bit of life. A sylvan hound with a skeleton structure of wood that would bend before it would break grew from the plants. Long ivy branches covered the hound from head to toe giving it a form of skin, while the leaves were its fur. It blinked its eyes and looked around. The hound bounded up and rubbed its head against Lash. Content to just be by his side.


    ¡°I see you''ve wisely made use of your time here, Wraith. On that note, my Master has informed me that should you ever wish to return to the Temple. Your room will be reserved for you. You are welcome here, always.¡± Meztli said softly as he marveled at the hound who laid down at Lash''s clawed feet, his tail wagging back and forth.


    ¡°I will keep most definitely keep that in mind. I find this place wonderful to relieve stress. Perhaps there would be some way to allow the League to come back once a year as well?¡± Lash asked, curious about this. Everyone really seem to enjoy it here.


    ¡°My Master informed me that yes that would be possible. As long as you agree to grand the rest of her daughters...Children.¡± Meztli said, the hint of a smile on his face. Lash''s jaw went slack, and he hung his head in defeat.


    ¡°Tell her I''ll...Think about it.¡± Lash replied, Meztli smiled wide at that.


    Once a year, for three days at an exclusive resort for the whole Justice League? All he had to do was sleep with the daughters of Torloth, and Quetzalcoatl. Giving them children the first time with Sobek''s blessing. There were worse ways to pay for it. Lash would have to talk to the League about it. He was sure Arthur would laugh his ass off about it.


    ¡°Wraith!¡± Kory called from down the way, she jumped into the air and flew over and gently tackled him in a hug. Lash caught her so she wouldn''t run into his chest plate. She laughed at him, and burrowed into his arms.


    ¡°Missed you!¡± She said, as she wiggled back and forth.


    Kory wore a blue half tank top that was tight against her. Words were inscribed on the top. No Bra Club. Lash rolled his eyes at the word, yes Kory did not wear a bra no needed one half the time. She had jean shorts on, with sandals. Her fiery red hair was out and glowed at the tips, her orange skin was brilliant in the morning sun, as were her glowing green eyes. She leaned into to whisper to him.


    ¡°Next time you and me are alone, and we have time. I get to have you.¡± Her words promised a sweet and enjoyable time, but also rebuked no argument. Lash agreed and nuzzled into her neck to memorize her scent. He gently put her down as Megan, and Kara showed up.


    Megan had a healthy tan, pink short hair above her shoulders, and pink eyes. (Happy) she continued to use the illusion charm he had made for her. Wearing a medium blue t-shirt, along with designer ripped jeans, and a pair of flats. She ran up and hugged Lash, and kissed his cheek. She smiled wide at him and sent him a friendly telepathic greeting that she could really only share with another telepath.


    Kara came along next, she had long curly red hair, and eyes (Nervous). She wore a red cotton top, and had a knee length blue frill skirt, and blue tennis shoes. She was looking anywhere but at Lash''s eyes. She looked down at his belt and blushed at a memory, then looked at the sylvan hound. Yes! The dog was very cute! Before she could pet it Lash pulled her up into a hug, she squeaked and blushed all the way to her ears.


    Lash''s shroud wrapped around Kara, and hid her from the world as Lash ran his forked tongue up her neck, and squeezed her ass with his hands. She shivered in delight and hid her face in his neck. Her breath hot on his scales. They stayed that way for a minute before Lash put her down, she whispered in his ear before he let go.


    ¡°You are so mean!¡± She said, but her smile said otherwise. As her hair, and eye color changed to blue. (Lovable)


    Kara, now released came to pet the sylvan hound. Who was getting a belly rub from Megan, and Kory. A few minutes later Diana came up along with the other Amazons that came to the resort. Lash bowed from his waist towards his ''sisters''. They returned the greeting, while Diana walked over in her leather skirt, top, and sandals she wore before. A brazilian heart flower tucked behind her ear. She gave Lash a big hug, and he gently licked just below her ear. The move made her tense up in surprise, but she relaxed. She pulled back with a raised brow.


    ¡°Careful, don''t start something you can''t finish.¡± Diana said, raising her chin up almost in challenge.


    ¡°I''ll remember that in the future.¡± Lash offered a compromise, and Diana smiled at him.


    ¡°Alright you three, you ready for the training camp?¡± Diana asked Kara, Kory, and Megan.


    ¡°Wait? We are leaving right now? I thought Wraith was dropping us off?¡± Kara said in surprise as she stood up from petting the hound.


    ¡°Sorry but no. I have several things to attend to. The quicker the better. But remember you three we''ll finish our tour when the world settles.¡± Lash said, regret was clear in his voice. Kara agreed with a sigh.


    One by one Kara, Kory, and Megan gave him one last hug. As did Diana, Lash promised the Amazons from the volleyball red team he would make their gear soon. They were excited for it but understood he was busy. Then one by one they spring jumped back up the tower. It didn''t take much longer until the last of the Justice League had left the resort. Lash deconstructed the SHARC, then dismissed the hound after he gave the nature spirits a bit of magic as thank you, said goodbye to Meztli and called for a pick up.


    With an audible pop! Lash blinked and he was back on the Watch Tower. Over a hundred League members walked through the small station moving to and fro. The girls had already left for Themyscira before he came up. Lash''s shoulders drooped a bit. Though he could move a lot faster with out them. He already missed their company.


    Lash spent sometime on the station inspecting the different modules, as well as the updated station itself. The turrets, and engines had been installed. Thanks to his new achievement ''Shield of Earth'' he could apply a 10% maintenance reduction to the station. The turrets were massive construction tools of war. Multi barrel contraptions folded and compressed into the tri star ring around the station. He worked along side several of the new robotic workers from the new Droid Services module. On an after thought, Lash inscribed the Rune of Pain onto the turrets. Anything they shot would feel pain, regardless if it actually damaged them. Next he moved onto the engines of the station. Thanks to the Space Domain, Vici could technically move with out firing a single thruster though it was a bit slow. The four engines would allow them far more mobility.


    ¡°Warning! Warning! Yellow Alert! Senior staff available please proceed to Operations immediately!¡± Vici''s voice sounded out across the entire station. Lash handed off a tool to a work, dropped to all fours and sprinted towards Operations.


    Lash used Gravity Stride to climb the walls and ceilings in the station so he wouldn''t run into anyone as he moved as fast as possible. He galloped up the stairs, and practically slid into the Operations main chamber. There in the module was Hawkman, and Hawkwoman who stayed on the station. Along with Vigil in full uniform. All three looked at Lash then looked at the monitor above.


    The holographic display showed a large portion of Earth, though not all of it. They still needed more sub-satellites. On the screen they pin pointed large ripples of electromagnetic pulse energy. Exploded from strategic points spread out across the globe. The ripples of energy killed every electronic device, cutting power, and casting the world back to the stone age.


    ¡°It''s started.... The Invasion has begun.¡± Vigil said....


    ¡°Well, its about time. Lets get to work!¡± Lash replied with a grin.

 Chapter 81: Devour, Consume, Evolve!

    ==========================================================


    ******Alberta, Canada Alpha Rift FOB*******


    The Alpha Rift Commander stood at attention at the top level of the operations tower. He looked over the assembled armies of their world. Standing in perfect unity row by row of soldiers at attention waiting for the first call of battle. A technician in the command tower sent a holographic window to the commander. It showed the count down of the different Electromagnetic pulse bombs spread through out the world. They had focused on major city centers, places of wealth, power, and influence. One by one the EMP bombs went off in a glorious radiant blue energy blast that covered the cities, and left behind a static charge that would last several days.


    ¡°Zeta Red! Zeta Blue! Zeta Green! Front and center!¡± Alpha Commander shouted through the communications relay. Three teams of six stepped forward, each clad in jet black armor plates. Each one with the insignia of meta-gene.


    ¡°You understand your orders?¡± The Commander asked.


    ¡°YES SIR!¡± The teams shouted as one.


    ¡°Zeta Teams, move out!¡± The Commander shouted. Each team gave a crisp salute and the teleporter assigned to each team swallowed them up in a combination of light, smoke, or miniature rift.


    The entire base when from standby to yellow alert. The Generals issued the orders to all of their respective units. One by one each legion moved to their positions. First to the field would be the meat puppets. Cannon fodder humans that didn''t survive the augmentation process, little more than bio-mechanical robots with a unit controller.


    Next would go the actual robotic units, with a rigid skeleton structure, wires, synthetic muscles, and VI chips with another unit controller to help control and check them. Tech-Meta''s were incredibly rare but incredibly useful. One Tech-Meta could control over a hundred units at once time with in a hundred mile radius. The controller would wear a full mechanical suit to protect them. The suits nearly 8 feet tall of metal alloy, wires, batteries, and of course a full smart chip VI system. They were walking tanks.


    Behind them were the true soldiers of the Empire! Special operations units all of them augmented with the best cybernetics their world could produce. While each squad leader was a strong man meta, with basic augments. Meta-Gene was a powerful thing, but Meta combined with tech was far superior! Each spec ops teams were wearing the best composite armor and polymer suits with the latest software, and IFF patch networks.


    Last but not least was the transportation crews of troops, supplies, and prisoners. Any commander of an army would tell you that you can''t win a war with out information, soldiers, and logistics. For every one soldier you need five auxiliary units helping. The armored personal carriers had both tank treads, and magnetic hover craft capabilities. With partial active camouflage to keep them hidden. While the airfield would be finished in the next 24 hours.


    ¡°Soldiers of the Empire! The light is GREEN!¡± The Commander shouted! The base went from yellow to green with the shout and the soldiers cheered! They moved out in perfect sync. To begin their invasion.


    ¡°May our children''s, children forgive us...¡± The Commander said in a soft whisper.


    ==============================================================


    *****Washington DC, the Oval Office*****


    The President of the United States was not having a good day. Of course that was pretty normal lately. With the changes in the global national power table being literally flipped over as new nations seemingly coming out of no where changing the entire dynamic. Thankfully, each new nation seemed to be friendly, and even helpful towards the American people. Themyscira the island nation of the Amazons from Greek myth were real! An entire nation of super model women all capable of bench pressing a car. They played a huge role in beating back the alien invasion from the warlord Ares. Of course the President knew better. They weren''t aliens, but creatures from myth and legend. But the public didn''t know that!


    Then a massive tidal wave struck every coast in the world, an act of violence by the people of Atlantis by their now dead, Prince Orm. Only for the entire nation to apologize and wish to join the United Nations thanks to the efforts of a single alien known to the world as Agent Wraith. It was terrifying on so many levels. For decades America, China, and Russia were considered the power houses of the world. Now that line had changed. Atlantis put all three nations to shame!


    Then on top of all that. They had the new meta-gene phenomenon. Humans, wild life, and plant life absorbing dark matter into their bodies. A very small percentage of them change, mutate, and become stronger. Super powered individuals like in science fiction, and comic books that his kids read. Then there was Superman! An alien with vast personal power that seemed to be on the side of justice, and good. But the President couldn''t control the man! No one could! He did his own thing! At least Wraith worked for the United Nations!


    ¡°Mr. President? Are you alright?¡± One of his aids in the office asked. They were in the middle o a meeting. They had just finished talking about the oil spill of the coast of Rio.


    ¡°I...Yes, I''m sorry. I think I need a vacation.¡± The President said with a frown. The whole room sympathized with him.


    With a POP! And a FLASH! Of electric blue light pulsed through the whole room. The power was cut out, and several people shouted in surprise. Thomas, and older man that had worked for the white house for years dropped as his pacemaker stopped working. Cell phones turned off, the land lines were dead. People shouted in fright and before the President could tell them all to calm down another flash of light erupted in the oval office. Suddenly six people in full sci fi tactical gear appeared in the office.


    ¡°What is the mea-!¡± The President tried to shout before one of the soldiers sliced the president in half with his hand. A purple energy laced across the soldiers arm, creating an energy blade that cut the president from hip to shoulder. Separating the two halves, with a blooming flower of red blood that showered the office.


    The Rift Soldiers jumped into action killing everyone they could find, and broke down the doors of the oval office. They had a list of people they needed to die as quickly as possible. This was considered a suicide mission but it needed to be done. As long as they succeeded their families would be set for life! One by one their targets fell to them.


    ¡°Zeta Red! Mission complete, no casualties! Reform and move out!¡± The team leader said over their comms. With in a minute the group of six came together. Covered in blood, bullet holes that never penetrated through their armor, and a few flash burns.


    ¡°This may be easier than we thought! This world has meta-humans but they haven''t been assimilated into the military yet.¡± The team leader said softly, his unit chuckled softly. Their teleporter expanded their energy field and Zeta Red teleported to their next assignment.


    =============================================================


    One by one the leaders of the most powerful nations across the globe were assassinated by the Zeta Teams. Their pitiful defense could not withstand special operations units with trained meta-human soldiers. With the most advanced gear of three worlds combined. Once the leaders of the nations were killed they moved to powerful and influential business owners. That was when they hit a problem...


    Rakakakakakaka! The Zeta Green team leader placed his gauss rifle pressed flush to his shoulder and aimed down the sights. He lined up the shot, and fired in short controlled bursts to maintain his aim. The thing in front of him that was tearing apart his team was not slowing down! It was a ten foot creature with green skin, huge tusks, and tribal clothing. Leather straps around its arms, and legs, with bones, teeth, braided in. Its eyes burned bright red with glee as it enjoyed the fight.


    It smashed their units strong man into a pulp straight into the ground. It whipped around and roared into the night with a shout of triumph. Then script made from some sort of energy pulsated from its body flashed and suddenly the creatures was quick as one a low level speedster. It propelled itself from team member to team member. Ripping them limb from limb.


    ¡°Warning! Omega Energy detected! Find clear line of sight and report back immediately!¡± The team leaders VI smart chip beeped at him. The team leaders went wide! Their teleporter sprinted back to him, grabbed his shoulder and wished him luck.


    ¡°No, don''t!¡± The team leader shouted! But it was to late. He was standing at the randevu point. Alone, with out his team covered in their blood. He dropped to his knees and sobbed for his fallen team mates. They had trained together for years, he had survived which to him was worse.


    ¡°Zeta Green to dispatch, priority message incoming. Make secure!¡± The team leader didn''t mob for long.


    ¡°Secure is go, report!¡± The Rift Commander said across the line.


    ¡°My team is down! We encountered an Omega Energy level being.¡± The team leader said across comms.


    ¡°Confirmed! Standby for pick up.¡± The Rift Commander replied.


    _____________


    The Rift Commander shuddered in fear, and a little bit of hope as well. He turned to look at his communication officer who had over heard the conversation. The officer had a horrified look on his face, pale as the moon as the blood left his face. The Rift Commander went to the holographic window relay back to their home with a priority message.


    ¡°This is Alpha Rift Commander. We have a Omega Energy level being confirmed on Earth-004. Send the Witch Hunters.¡± The Commander said across the communication line. In less then ten seconds he got a response.


    Omega-Energy-Being confirmed. Witch Hunters being dispatched. ETA two hours...


    ¡°This just got more complicated...¡± The Commander said with a growl.


    =============================================================


    *****Watch Tower*****


    They were blind, deaf, and dumb up at the station. It had been six hours since the EMP''s went off across the globe. Thankfully the EMP''s didn''t cover the ocean, so they were able to get a message down to Aquaman, and Aquawoman. A static field was left behind by the bombs that prevented teleportation down to the surface where ever one of the bombs had gone off. But they had determined that it would dissipate with in 48 hours from the initial explosion. But anything electrical that entered the field would shut down.


    Hawkman, and Hawkwoman, along with every League member aboard the station took a spring jump down to an Atlantis ship and were in the process of moving back to America to defend their home. Lash stayed aboard the station because the static field would cause him a lot of pain thanks to his Technomancy Domain.


    One by one they had to shut down their own sub-satellites and recall them back to the station. Why? Because with in a few hours of the EMP''s going off two life forms which they could assume were Kryptonians from the alternate reality flew up and started to destroy every single satellite earth had made. Thanks to both technology, and magic the Watch Towers sub-satellites could maintain an active camouflage but they didn''t want to take any chances.


    Because of the Space Domain, Vici could move the whole station with out firing a single thruster. Yes, it was incredibly slow but they didn''t make a single heat bloom for which the kryptonians could detect. Even with the turrets installed, Lash was reasonably sure that just one of them could destroy the station if they wanted to. So, Lash went to the main core and poured his magical energy into it to help Vici hide, and move away at a quicker pace. The last thing they needed was for one of them to simply bump into an invisible station.


    The Core was on the second saucer next to the Armory, and Security modules. The door to the Armory was wide open and in the frame was another VI Unique Android. Hastam stood at 7 feet tall, and wide as a door. Unlike his brothers, and sisters on the station he kept his robotic look. His voice was a cold, male synthetic voice. His body was a combination of geometric triangles. His head was upside down triangle with the point as his neck, with red sensor eyes on the side corners. Another upside down triangle for his body, with rectangular leg, and arm attachments. Covered in armored plates. He had three fingered hands, and three fingered toes. With jet black, and hot rod red as his color scheme.


    Despite the bulky description he was very streamlined. With smooth transitions between each piece. Along with the fact that he was practically a moving tank, with dozens of weapons, tools, and gear implanted in his body. He could build, repair, and create ammunition for any weapon stored in the Armory module.


    ¡°Grrrrrrr! Grand Father, how are you feeling?¡± Hastam said, he would always create a mechanical grating noise before he spoke. Like a machine trying to clear their throat.


    ¡°I am tired, Hastam. I had hoped we would have more time.¡± Lash replied. He was sitting cross legged in front of the core. Spell script surrounded him in bands of magic, that slowly revolved around him.


    ¡°Grrrrrr! It will be another thirty two hours before every turret has a kryptonite composite shots available. We will not be caught unprepared again.¡± Hastam''s cold voice responded, not understanding what Lash had meant.


    The sound of a fluttering cloak was all that was heard as the VI Unique Android from the Security module appeared next to Lash with a cup of hot chai. They offered the glass to Lash who accepted the drink gratefully. The whispering sound of cloth flapping in the wind was heard once more as Hex appeared at the door leading to the Security module.


    Hex was an interesting android. They were 5''9¡± with a physique that was neither male, nor female. Androgynous was the word! They were covered from head to toe in layered black cloth. With black flexible polymer plates down their arms, legs, and body. They had a genderless voice that was smooth, and soft as a whisper. Though no matter how quiet they were you could still clearly hear them. They wore a long trench coat, with a hood that kept their face in permanent shadow. Hex favored the Illusion Domain, Lash was sure that they had gone further into the Domain than he had.


    Vici, along with the Unique VI Androids all had access to his Domains. But they could practice what every they chose on their own time. So it was completely possible that some of the Androids could surpass him when it came to his Domains. Hex was one of those that had with in the Illusion Domain. Something incredibly useful when you were in charge of the security on the station. Lash finished his chai, and Hex took back the empty glass with out a word. Before Lash could continue channeling his energy straight into Vici''s core he heard from Vigil.


    ¡°They are gone, we''ll give it another few hours before we re release the sub-satellites. But we are going to power up the main systems.¡± Vigil''s strong warrior woman voice sounded off across the station.


    Lash stood up in a fluid motion. The stations core closed and sealed up. Merging once more into the wall of the station. Unless you know what to look for, the core was just another part of the station. Hastam went back to work in the Armory. Working to produce the ammunition they would need for the coming battles. Hex... Was gone, Lash hadn''t even seen them leave.


    The elevator took twice as long to get to the main saucer as one by one the main systems went back online. They had turned everything none essential off just in case. Better safe than sorry! The station was still considered F+ grade. Erik thought it was a lot like difference between low level, and high level green gear in most games. Level 60 green gear was far better than level 10 green. Yes, it was still green which was often a low tier item. But it was a high level low tier item.


    ¡°Vici, if we could get your upgrade key. Would you need to shut down completely to upgrade or could we do it gradually?¡± Lash said out loud in the elevator. It took about a minute before she responded.


    ¡°I believe because the station is bio-mechanical, I could gradually update all my systems with out shutting down completely. However, it would reduce the overall efficiency of the station itself. I share your worry, Father. If we shut down all the systems to do the upgrade we would be left in the open, we also would not be able to help our allies on the surface. Though with the static field in place now would be the best time to put the station at half. Do you have the key, now?¡± Vici asked, her voice fill with curiosity and hope. Lash checked his available Dream Points.... 15.


    ¡°Not yet...But hopefully soon. We have no idea how long this will last. The higher your overall grade is the better.¡± Lash replied, his voice full of worry.


    The elevator doors opened up, and the station was slowly breathing back to life. The worker droids that belong to the Engineering module were scampering around attempting to do some last minute check ups. Lash walked across the saucer towards that specific module to speak to Malleus the VI Unique Android in charge of the stations engineering.


    Malleus was a 6'' even black skinned man, with golden amber eyes, shoulder length black dreads, with a black smiths body type. Strong arms, broad chest, and massive thighs from moving heavy equipment around. He had a large cigar in his mouth that he chewed on softly as he blew huge smoke rings out while he worked. He wore the black pants, and boots of an environmental suit. While his chest and arms were naked. The other half of the suit no where to be found. The main engineering module was essentially a massive workshop that oversaw all the maintenance aboard the station.


    ¡°Grandfatha welcome! wah mi cya duh fi yuh todeh¡± Malleus said with a big grin as he pulled Lash in for a hug. His massive arms wrapping around him. Lash replied in kind and laughed gently at Malleus personality.


    ¡°If we can get the upgrade key for the Vici. How much of an issue would it before the stations operations while the station basically grows into itself?¡± Lash asked, as he let go of Malleus. The android leaned back. He puffed another smoke ring from his mouth as he did the calculations.


    ¡°Fi be pan di safe side mi wud ongle tek wi dung tuh 75% But dat wud mean it wud tek nearly a month fi di upgrade tuh complete itself.¡± Malleus replied, as he walked over to a holographic window and drew up the calculations for Lash to see.


    ¡°But eff yuh did pan di station wid wi wi cud cut dat dung tuh two weeks.¡± Malleus said in return. He took out his cigar and looked over the window with Lash by his side.


    ¡°Could you start making the preparations now. That way once we get the key we can start the change immediately.¡± Lash asked, Malleus chewed on his cigar for a bit. Then he nodded.


    ¡°Ya mon!¡± Malleus replied with a grin.


    ¡°Alright! May I please borrow a work station. I promised some Amazons some elite gear.¡± Lash asked, and Malleus lead him to a private work station. Full of tools, materials, and even an enchanting station.


    ==============================================================


    ****Alberta Canada, Alpha Rift FOB****


    16 hours after initial attacks the Alpha Rift fluctuated with energy and the local reads out spiked with Omega Energy readings. A unit of ten soldiers stepped from the Rift. Clad in armored plates, long coats, and robes. Those with robes had several visible enchantments written on the cloth. They carried staffs made from oak, ash, cherry. While the others in coats were a little more practical. They still had enchantments on their clothing, but they carried side arms, and rifles. The man in the lead had sandy blond hair, blue eyes, several scars from tiny, to jagged decorated his face. He took out his lighter and lit up a cigarette.


    ¡°Smell that lads! Fresh air! None of that processed stuff!¡± Constantine said to his people. He got a few grumbles in reply. Constantine inhaled some nicotine as he watched the Rift Commander walk over to him.


    ¡°Oie! Stewart! How you been mate?¡± Constantine asked the Commander who paused mid step. Then growled in response as he walked the rest of the way.


    ¡°Nice to see you to, Constantine. Still an asshole?¡± The Commander asked, as he stood with perfect posture compared to the slouching Constantine.


    ¡°Yep! I''m an asshole, and a bastard! But at least I''m that way because I choose to be! Unlike the rest of these puppets!¡± Constantine said, as he waved at the soldiers moving around the base. The Commander stiffened, he wanted to break Constantine''s jaw for that remark.


    ¡°So, where did this magic beast show up? London? Please say its London! Maybe me and the mates can get a pint before shit hits the fan!¡± Constantine said, a smile on his face. But a glimmer of sadness in his eyes.


    ¡°As a matter of fact, it was in London. You''ll ship out after you speak to the squad leader of Zeta Green.¡± The Commander said.


    ¡°Yessss! You hear that mates! We are going back to marry ole England!¡±Constantine said with a smirk, several of his people cheered softly.


    ¡°No screw ups, Constantine. I would hate to tell the Emperor that you betrayed us!¡± The Commander said with a grimace. Constantine''s good nature smile melted from his face. He glared at The Commander.


    ¡°Don''t you ever threaten me, Stewart. I know my job, and what is at stake. Now piss off! Me and the lads have work to do!¡± Constantine said as he walked past The Commander.


    Unlike the rest of the soldiers in the Emperor''s army. Magic users couldn''t be mind controlled. Something about the Omega Energy levels prevented the tech from working. So, the Emperor did the next best thing. He capture their families instead and held them hostage. If Constantine went against his orders then his kids would suffer for it. John Stewart hated himself for threatening Constantine like that. But his reconditioning had been effective. Long live the Emperor Rofl Dex.


    ==============================================================


    Lash finished with the first gear set for one of the Amazons in Red team. Malleus had been looking over his shoulder from time to time checking out his work. Adding some ideas, and asking questions. Lash was surprised to see his Skill/Power/Spell Trainer prompt with experience as Malleus watched.


    Technomagical Contruct, Gear Set.


    Rating: A-


    Material: Orichalcum, Nth Metal, Mithril, Tiberium, Kryptonite.


    Effect: 50% decrease of negative spell effects.


    Effect: 50% increase of positive spell effects.


    Effect: 50% absorption of Kinetic, and Energy effects.


    Effect: Physiology Adaptation.


    Effect: Size Alteration (5)


    Effect: Liquid Tiberium power core.


    Effect: Thanagar Nth Metal, partial gravity negation, partial flight, temperature generation (Optimal levels for user), partial self-sustenance, partial symbiosis, partial magic negation.


    Spell Effects Nature Domain: Auto Cast, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Chameleon, Nature''s Kiss.


    Spell Effects Technomancy Domain: Connectivity, Compression Transformation, Virtual Intelligence.


    Spell Effects Synthesis Domain: Renew, Immaculate, Re:Implant.


    Spell Effects Space Domain: Infinite Supply.


    Spell Effects Grave Domain: Unburden.


    Spell Effects Transmutation Domain: Falling Glide, Cat''s Grace, Water Walk.


    Spell Effects Illusion Domain: Phantasm, Silence, Invisibility, Anonymity, Compulsion, Pain.


    Comment: Congratulations! You''ve created a legendary gear set with so many bells and whistles that you need a hundred page manual to understand it all!


    The suit of armor, and weapons made for the Amazon was a mixture of ancient greek armor, and science fiction. It had an under armor skin tight suit that would cover the Amazon from neck to toe. Metal plates covered the entire polymer suit, along with a large necklace piece that could expand to create the entire helmet piece. The color scheme was entirely up to the Amazon as it could change color thanks to the Illusion spells.


    It took Lash nearly twenty four hours to make one suit, he had five more to go. Less than twelve hours until the static field dissipated. They had received partial communications from a few people aboard the station. Not only had all of the communication satellites been destroyed, all of the power plants across the world had been sabotaged. On top of a majority of the worlds most powerful and influential leaders had been assassinated!


    Lash rubbed his face and got back to work. Now that he had built one gear set, it would take less time to build the next. He was about six hours into the second suit when an alarm went off for incoming spring jumps. Emergency response straight to the medical lab. Lash heard the alert and looked at his tool kit.


    ¡°Mi get it Grand Father! nuh bady wi touch it while yuh gone!¡± Malleus said from his station. Lash bowed from his waist and sprinted out from the engineering hub towards the medical module.


    Lash scampered across the station in its lower than earth gravity he practically skipped across the metal plates. He slid to a stop, or tried to as he slid past the medical module. Several VI Avatar league members watched him slide by with a surprise look on their faces. Then Lash slipped through the door to see what all the fuss was about. He froze in place as he watched Ethan try his best to manipulate the mechanical arms to perform surgery on Fantasma.


    Fantasma was a bloody mess, with his left arm had been ripped off. His legs were like a bag of marbles, nothing more. His chest cavity was crushed inwards, his organs decimated. But despite it all the man had a smile on his face. Lash activated his Magical Perception he looked at Fantasma''s body and didn''t see a soul cord attached to him. The soul cord would let Lash pull on it to retrieve Fantasma. He could use Kiss of the Grave to bring him back. But he couldn''t find it! Lash dropped to his knees in shock. Fantasma was dead....


    ¡°Stop...Ethan. His soul is gone...Even if you repaired his body it wouldn''t bring him back.¡± Lash voice was cold and distant. Ethan blatantly ignored Lash and continued to work on him.


    Behind Lash was a young Justice League member. She was about 5''5¡± with short brown hair above her shoulders. With a modest figure, wearing a full polymer under armor, and uniformed suit. The standard equipment that the Tower gave out to new recruits who had passed the security check. She had fallen to her knees and was sobbing. Her face in her hands, as her shoulders shook.


    ¡°Flint Lock.... Who did this?¡± Lash asked the League member. Flint Lock so named because of her ability to kinetically charge any piece of material and shoot it. It supposedly looked like an old flint lock rifle firing. As a spark was made, and a puff of smoke remained.


    Flint Lock looked up startled that Lash knew her name. Her eyes were red, and she had a horrible bruising around her neck, and right side of her face. Her suit was covered in Fantasma''s blood, and she sobbed harder when she looked at the remains of Fantasma. Lash used Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on Flint Lock. Her physical injuries faded, but the emotional ones would remain.


    ¡°We were in Vegas helping with the rioting. It''s a mad house down there, Wraith.¡± Another League member walked. He was soft spoken, but his eyes were filled with grief and determination as he held Flint Lock. She cried harder into his arms.


    ¡°At first we had thought it was the alternate reality. But it wasn''t! It was just a few meta-human gangs using the confusion to run wild. A meta that could create and manipulate lava was burning down buildings left and right. Fantasma was teleporting in and out of the buildings trying to save as many as he could. Then....¡± The man tried to continue.


    ¡°It was my fault!¡± Flint Lock shouted, and cried harder.


    ¡°Flint was trying to distract the lava thrower when a big green man came out and tried to crush her. Standard strong man powers. Fantasma ported in and shoved Flint back, the guy....The green guy was working with the lava thrower. We grabbed Fantasma as soon as we could, and found a spot in the desert that was not effected by the static field. Fantasma died before we even left the city.¡± The man said, as Flint cried and cried.


    ¡°Did any of you get a picture of him?¡± Lash asked, his voice carried the promise of slaughter. The temperature in the room dropped a few degrees.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Bobby Williams walked into the medical module. (Ch. 71) Lash was surprised to see the meta-human. He wore the standard uniform, along with several metal plates, and gizmo''s. He tapped on his keypad on his left forearm and brought up both pictures of the red, and green meta-humans that were in Vegas.


    ¡°Good to see you, Gear Head. Wish it was under better circumstances.¡± Lash said, his animalistic voice made Williams smile.


    ¡°Me too, sir! We don''t know where they are now. But I can give you our last battle location. I''m told you are good at tracking?¡± Williams said, his hands slowly clenched into fists. Lash stood up and looked down at Flint Lock.


    ¡°Do you want to come with me? I plan to kill them both.¡± Lash said to the woman, who looked up. She nodded, the fires of fury in her eyes.


    ¡°Yes...¡± Flint Lock said, as she slowly stood up.


    Lash turned back to look at Fantasma''s body. It was almost repaired, Ethan had continued his work. At least they could have an open casket at the funera...Oh crap! What happened to Fantasma''s mother!? Lash turned to the group that had returned, some of them looked shell shocked and in no condition to continue.


    ¡°I''m going back down to find those that kill Fantasma. Those that want to come please do, those that don''t want to fight? Please head to this address. It was Fantasma''s mothers home, do right by him by keeping her safe.¡± Lash offered this mission to the few League members who looked like hollow shells of themselves. They all brightened up at the idea of helping Fantasma''s family.


    ¡°Let''s go!¡± Lash moved towards the transporter hub.


    ¡°Creator! You are being dropped fifty miles outside of the city. Please be aware that the static field will still be present inside the city.¡± Vici''s voice was filled with concern for Lash. She knew that he wouldn''t do well there.


    ¡°Thank you...Please initiate spring jump.¡± Lash replied.


    Spell script coiled around Flint Lock, Gear Head, and the man named Benandanti. While the others went to find Fantasma''s mother. Lash winced at the thought that he never learned the man''s name. It felt wrong. With an audible pop! They went from the Watch Tower to Las Vegas, Nevada a few hours before sun set. In the distance was America''s playground, and the city was on fire! Next to their drop point was a metal contraption with a few seats, and the smell of Fantasma''s blood. This was their vehicle to get out of town. Lash cast Immaculate on the vehicle to remove the scent of blood.


    The sound of muscles tearing, and bones popping rang out next to Lash as he looked over. Benandanti. Or just Danti as Flint called him was turning into a anthropomorphic wolf. He was a wolf-man! Because the uniforms had a the Effect: Physiology adaptation. It didn''t tear, or fall apart but stayed on him. Once he was finished he was nearly as tall as Lash while in his Transformation state. With thick brown fur, razor sharp claws on his hands, and feet. A big bushy tail, amber eyes, wolf ears, and a snout full of fangs.


    Gear Head jumped into the metal scrap vehicle, he placed both his arms into a steering tool with the machine becoming the battery. Flint took the back seat so Lash could take the front. He shook his head at her and gestured for her to take the front. He used his Transformation, and Adaptation to thin his form down. So he was streamlined, made for speed, and agility.


    ¡°This is going to feel a little weird!¡± Lash said in his animalistic voice, as he established a Temporary Pack Bond with all three of them.


    ''Wow! OK! That was weird! -Danti said across the link.


    ''What the shit! Why can I hear you, Danti? -Flint said.


    ''Wraith established a telepathic link between us. This will make communication easier. Our comms were down while in the field before. -Gear said to them all.


    ''Try and keep up! -Lash said across the link.


    Lash dropped to all fours and took off like a bullet, going from zero to 30 mph. That soon climbed to 60....then 80 across the sandy stretch of Nevada. Gear Head propelled his make shift vehicle forward, the massive all terrain tires digging up land. As Danti let loose a howl into the evening light and chased after them. As they ran towards the city portals opened up behind them and out came a flood of 200 Saurus Warriors, and 10 Saurus Veterans. All of them running across the sands on all fours. Though they could not move as fast, they moved at a healthy pace.


    A tide of metallic scales, claws, and reptiles rushed towards the city limits of Vegas. Explosions rang out across the high way as a river of cars that had stopped mid drive when the EMP went off. The city was totally dark save for the light from fires, and and the crack of light from different gun shots. Then they made it to the static field and Lash felt like thousands of pins and needles were stabbing at him. His Technomancy Domain partially turned off, and a progress bar showed up (35%) as it tried to compensate for effect of the static field. True Body, and Damage Resistance started to send him experience prompts.


    ''Holy Fuck! Where did the lizard army come from!'' -Flint said across the link.


    ''They belong to me, they will help secure the city while we go hunting.'' -Lash said across the link. As they jumped over a divider and raced into the city.


    It was a mad house inside the city, which was saying something for Vegas. People ran across the streets shouting in fear, despair, and hysteria! While thousands more ran around with handfuls of casino chips, bags of money, and of course side arms, and rifles. Each Saurus Veteran, took 10 warriors with them as they split up to aid, and secure the city. While Lash and his team drove straight towards the last battle scene...Fortunately they didn''t have to even get back to the scene as they saw an eruption of flame, and lava being sprayed onto a building.


    As much as Lash wanted tear the men apart he urged them all to slow down and take stock of the information around them. With out any of the CCTV''s working they couldn''t get a view of them. So, Lash climbed a nearby building to find a perch. Blissfully there were nearly no one in the streets as most of the civilians took off to get away from the fire. While the rest were criminals taking advantage of the power outage.


    Thanks to Gravity Stride Lash climbed the surface of the building like it was the ground and perched on a five story building that was not on fire yet. Down below there was a giant red skinned man throwing balls of lava at a building. While another green man was picking up cars and throwing them at another. Around them were over two dozen mundane humans gathering their loot in several truck beds that were being pulled by civilians that had been captured and chained to the trucks as a crude means of transportation.


    Lash sent through the link what he saw, and his plan. Gear Head revved his engine, while Flint Lock loaded up her suits projectile clip for her powers. Danti slipped through the shadows and came to the side of the area. While Lash created a pair of throwing spears, engraved with the rune of pain on each one. Lash took a deep breath, and felt his skill Weapon Master send him an activation prompt. He threw the first one, and quickly threw the second one!


    ¡°GAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!¡± The red lava tosser screamed in agony as the spear of pain went straight through his center mass, and nailed him to the ground.


    ¡°JIM....GAAAAAAAAA!¡± The green one shouted in shock, and pain as the second spear impaled him, but failed to pin him to the ground. Superhuman durability prevented that.


    Lash jumped from his building and went straight for green. From the shadows Danti emerged of an alley way and started to rip the gang members apart. While Gear Head drove in, with Flint Lock supporting. She shot her projectiles with deadly precision, as Gear Head used his metal manipulation to unhook the chains around the civilians.


    ¡°RUN!¡± Gear Head shouted at them, and the civilians scattered in all directions.


    SLAM! Lash tackled straight into the green meta-human who had just finished pulling the spear out. True Damage gave him a prompt as his claws penetrated the super durable skin of the green man. He was 7 feet tall, with rippling muscles. Vibrant green skin, and green glowing eyes. Erik looked at him and realized this man was trying to emulate Hulk. He must have wanted the Marvel Beta Test but got DC instead. But that wouldn''t stop him!


    ¡°FUUUUCK YOU!¡± The green man back handed Lash and sent him flying across the street through a brick wall, through several other walls, until he flew out of the last wall of the building and skipped across the pavement several times.


    The Nature Domain tribal marks on his body glowed and Nature''s Kiss was cast. Like magic his bones snapped back into place, flesh connected, and he slowly stood back up. Thanks to his enchanted armor the spell effect was 40% stronger, while the spell itself was 40% of his total health. Then Lash called out his partner, Saurian!


    Bones snapped, muscles tore, and his body expanded quickly. As the green man tore through the building to get him. As the wall exploded outwards the green man had a savage grin on his face that soon froze in place as a 30 foot tall, and 60 foot long Saurian stood before him. Saurian let loose a savage roar and tackled the green man back into the building. Thankfully the building was empty! Saurian head butted the green man with his skull crest which sent him flying back out of the building back to the street where the fight started.


    Saurian erupted from the building with a roar and used Intimidating Shout the green man froze for half a second. That was long enough for Saurian''s bladed tail to whip around and slice off one of the mans arms. True Damage spiked with experience, as the green man screamed in agony. His green arm severed turned back into a pale mans arm.


    ¡°NOOOOOO! YOU MOTHER FUCK-GAAAH!¡± The green man screamed only to stop shortly after! Saurian leaped into the air to tackle the man. Raking his massive claws through his whole body.


    Saurian stuck his claws into the man, and opened his jaws and bit down! With a twist and a tear he ripped the green mans head off! A fountain of blood poured from the headless corpse. Saurian stood up from his defeated foe and let loose a terrifying roar that shook the city! Saurian turned around to look at his companions who were frozen stiff in terror looking at him like he was a monster. Cause he technically was.


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron has awarded you a new Racial Trait.


    Devour, Consume, Evolve: The racial trait allows you to consume the bodies of your prey. Giving you a chance to absorb an ability that they once had.


    Meta-Gene Power absorbed: Superhuman Durability.


    Superhuman Durability: The User can withstand high levels of kinetic, energy, and spell energy damage. Works in tandem with True Body, Regeneration, Adaptation, Size Alteration, Superhuman Stamina, Superhuman Strength. Additional effects will be applied if obtained.


    Saurian let loose another roar of satisfaction as steam poured from his body, as it underwent a new transformation. He seem to thin out almost, but his muscles simply became more compact, and his bones denser. He gained several hundred pounds in weight. Saurian looked over at the dead lava thrower. But his instincts told him the new trait he had would not let him absorb anything from the dead man. The giant man eating lizard did look back at his companions, and he did salivate for a brief moment. But the pack mentality won the day. These people were not food! They were part of his team. He would take care of them! Unless they went rogue then it was fair game!


    ¡°Are any of you injured?¡± Saurian''s voice was primal, and sent warning messages to the trio''s hind brains. Making them want to run and hide. Danti fell onto his backside, and the urge to show his belly to Saurian.


    ¡°N....No! We''re fine!¡± Gear Head said at last. He tried to look Saurian in the eye but failed.


    Unlike Lash who often used the Wraith disguise. When Saurian took over he dispersed with it. He was a massive armored carnosaur, with his face bathed in red from his kill. Saurian closed his eyes and felt across the link between his Conjuration Domain. The Saurus Warriors had reached a supernatural casino that still had power and were making a perimeter and were pushing out.


    ¡°Let''s move then. Vegas was Fantasma''s home. Its a good a place as any to reestablish order. This way!¡± Saurian said as he dropped to all fours and raced down the street.


    ============================================================


    Officer Stanley, or Big Stan to his fellow officers had work the Vegas beat his whole life. Thirty years on the force had landed him the rank of desk sergeant at the major crimes unit in Vegas. He had seen all kinds of stupid shit, and he had seen the worse kinds of things humanity had to offer. Or at least he had thought!


    But when that wave of energy hit. He swore it did something to peoples brains. Everyone lost their shit with in a few hours! Powers was gone, phones were out! Once the low lives of the city figured out that no one could call for help they all came out of the wood work. The security teams in the casino''s were getting their paychecks today as they fought off who ever tried to make trouble which was half the city as far as Stanley was concerned.


    About 12 hours into the crisis help seem to arrive in the shape of over a dozen meta-fre.... Meta-humans Stanely is suppose to call them. They were bring led by their resident hero Fantasma. A Meta-human that looked like a skeleton ghost. He had been helping the Vegas PD for months. Though technically the PD was suppose to arrest him on sight. No one ever did! He was leading a group of kids through the mess the city had become. Despite their young faces they worked well together. Their gear made Stanely think they were military. They get all the cool toys!


    Stanley hadn''t seen the Justice League in nearly 48 hours. He prayed to god nothing had happened to them. But deep down he knew better. That was until Stanley saw a fucking dinosaur race down main street followed by a few of the League members he had seen before. The dinosaur carefully picked up cars to clear the street and set them to the side. So we could get emergency crews working. Then Stanely saw the dinosaur place his hand on the police cruisers and suddenly they turned on! The dinosaur pressed his snout to the MCU and the emergency generators clicked on! They had power!


    ¡°Gear Head!¡± Stanley called out to one of the League members he knew. The kid turned around, his half mask barely hiding his young look.


    ¡°Yes Officer!¡± Gear Head shouted back at him.


    ¡°Who the fuck is the dinosaur!?¡± Stanley shouted, as he pointed at the creature.


    ¡°That''s Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security!¡± Gear Head said with a smile, he salute Stanely and went back to work.


    The fucking dinosaur was Agent Wraith!? The news video''s said he was like an eight foot tall nazul cosplayer! Stanley was horrified, and a little bit hopeful as he watched the giant lizard spread his hands out and create a medical tent out of thin air. Maybe they would get through this after all!


    ==============================================================


    Saurian chuckled to himself as jumped across the road to land in the middle of a major intersection. The different armed combatants screamed in horror as a 30 foot tall armored dinosaur jumped a hundred feet and landed next to them. Saurian''s Technomancy Domain passive effect sent out a wave and magnetically locked all of their guns. The Domain was active! Though most of the spells in it were still grayed out. They each had progress bars attach to them.


    ¡°Surrender to the Vegas PD or suffer!¡± Saurian called out! His primal voice sent horrified shivers down every ones spine.


    The sound of glass shattering, and metal being twisted under the giant tires of a monster truck rang out. Gear Head had monsterized his vehicle with tank treads, and massive tires to tear up the cars in his way. He was a mobile transport with Vegas Swat, and prison transport. The APC stopped at the intersection and the police poured out with full tactical gear, and fingers on the triggers. They were in no mood today!


    A few of the combatants ran only to find themselves stuck in the concrete that oddly had become mud like. While the police stepped over the mud marsh with no ill effect. They hand cuffed and pulled who they could towards the transport while Saurian picked up the cars and set them to the side to clear the road.


    ''Wraith! We have injured civilians at 5th. Requesting medical attention!'' -Danti said across the link.


    ''On the way! Officer Stanley, I''m moving to 5th towards injured civilians.'' -Saurian said across the link.


    ''Fuck! This thing still freaks me out! I mean...Ummm, confirmed! Over...Wait do I need to say out? Oh fuck! I...shit, damn it! I''ll send a unit over there to assist!'' -Officer Stanley said across the link.


    Half the Vegas PD had linked up with the Temporary Pack Bond the other half didn''t trust the giant dinosaur and were left out. They would regret that later when the bond would optimize all their friends and no them. Saurian dropped to all fours and races down the street doing his best not to crush any cars, or leave any pot holes the size of his feet.


    A cacophony of voices were heard across the link. But it was mostly white noise unless the voices spoke directly to you. It didn''t stop any one from doing their jobs. But it was a constant, just sitting in the back ground of your mind until a voice called out to you. The static field across the globe was fading quickly. They estimated they would have full communications with the Watch Tower in a few hours. Because all of the League holographic phones were enchanted with self repair, once the static field dropped everyone could talk to each other again. Which Saurian was sure would be fun, fun, fun!


    With a bounding leap! Saurian landed next to a city bus that had been made into a make shift bunker. Danti the wolf-man stood next to it as he tried stop the bleeding of a woman who looked incredibly pale. The entire area shook when Saurian landed causing many people to scream in fright. He cast an area of effect Calm Emotions then started to heal everyone he could with in his range. The woman that Danti was working on regained her color as the laceration on her stomach closed up.


    That taken care of, Saurian started to stack the cars up to the side to make room for the emergency units. A salvaged Vegas PD APC roared down the street and raced towards their position. Like an offensive line in american football the APC paved the way for several ambulances behind them. Though Saurian healed many injuries, he couldn''t heal them all. Nature''s Kiss only healed 40% of their total life. So they wont die! But medical attention is still appreciated.


    ''This if Flint Lock! I have six meta-humans causing trouble down at the south city mall! We are getting hammered down here requesting back up ASAP!'' -Flint Lock said across the link, she sounded exhausted, but she had regained her conviction with the killers of Fantasma dead.


    ''Officer Stanley, the medical situation on 5th is handled. I''m moving to south city mall. Confirm?'' -Saurian said across the link as he finished picking up the last car to make way for the ambulances.


    ''Copy! Units at south city mall, reinforcements inbound ETA 15 minutes!'' -Stanely said across the link.


    Several people sent a confirmation response. Saurian said goodbye to Benandanti, and took off down the street. He was soon joined by several warriors, and veterans. Like a pack of raptors chasing after a t-rex. They beat the estimated time of arrival by 5 minutes. Saurian jumped into the parking lot and saw a blockade of police vehicles firing onto a wall of concrete that had been recently erected. Terrakinetic!


    Saurian grinned and dove face first into the concrete below his feet with Earth Swim, as did his warriors, and veterans. A giant rock of dirt, and stone levitated above the makeshift wall. Then fire being manipulated coated the rock and it was shot over the wall like a malformed catapult. A shout rang out from the police barricade, and Flint Lock shot the flaming rock out of the sky. Scattering the fragments of dirt and stone across the parking lot.


    ________________


    ¡°That stupid bitch got it again! Can''t you throw like a whole bunch or something?¡± The fire starter called to the earth mover.


    ¡°Fuck you! This is hard to do! All you have to do is light my clumps of dirt on fire! I''m the one doi-¡± SNAP!


    Saurian''s jaw snapped out from the ground like a shark in the water. From the solar plexus down the terrakinetic just ended. The fire starter looked like a deer caught in the head lights as blood splattered across his face. He didn''t even register what had happened as Saurian opened his jaws to rip him in half! The fire starter tried to scream but all he saw was the world spinning and darkness swallowed his vision.


    ___________________


    Devour, Consume, Evolve: Failed to absorb any abilities.


    Damn it! In the last few hours Saurian had learned that the chance to absorb something was abysmal. He sighed softly and sunk back into the ground. Sending a message to Flint Lock. ''Two down, four to go'' He said across the link. Saurian sent a Nature Domain pulse through the city mall and got over a hundred readings. Well that wasn''t good! The Saurus Warriors, and Veterans broke off from him to locate the life signs. While Saurian moved into the underground parking garage. The concrete walls rippled like water as he pulled himself out of it. He had to use Size Alteration to adjust his height.


    ''Agent Wraith, we see you from the main entrance. The meta-human down here seems to control darkness, and shadow. Makes stabbing weapons out of it. Be careful!'' -An officer belonging to SWAT said from the entrance of the parking garage. The sun had started to rise over the city so there were plenty of shadows to go around.


    Saurian cast Chameleon, Nature''s Passage, and Invisibility on himself and winked out of sight. He sent a Nature pulse through the structure and couldn''t find any life signs, that was odd. Slick! Saurian winced as a shadow blade came out of the wall and stabbed into him between his armor plates. It only got a few inches deep before his scales stopped it.


    ¡°Impressive! My blades can cut through solid steel, and they barely did anything to you. Looks like this will be death by a thousand cuts!¡± A man''s voice sounded out from the garage.


    ''Wraith, we''ve entered the mall from the main entrance. One of your Veterans said there were over hundred life signs in here? Combatants, or civilians?'' -Flint Lock asked across the link.


    ''Unknown, I''m in the garage with someone who can manipulate darkness and shadow into weapons. Do not come down here until the threat has been eliminated.'' -Saurian sent back across the link.


    The darkness along the walls erupted with hundreds of paper thin blades that all shot out to impale Saurian who laughed and cast Daylight several orbs of sunlight appeared in the darkness and the shadow blades faded from sight. There at the end of the garage level they were on stood a pale thin man with a goth ensemble on. Black trench coat, black shirt, black pants, black boots, black mascara, black fingernail polish, and spiky black hair. Who looked utterly shocked to see that he had been found.


    ¡°FUCK!¡± He shouted and raced towards the darkness as fast as he could.


    Saurian chased after him, dropping balls of sunlight as he ran. The man was clearly out of shape despite his rail thin appearance. As he raced towards the stairwell that led upstairs. He opened the door, and raced up the stairs only to scream in horror as Saurian swam through the wall and ate him in two bites!


    Devour, Consume, Evolve: Failed to absorb any abilities.


    Fuck! The shadow manipulation would have been really useful too! ''Three confirmed threats down.'' -Saurian said across the link. He pulled the Daylight spells back. Then swam through the concrete towards the upper levels. He stopped for a moment and used two of his abilities that he hadn''t used in a while. Soul Bite, and Dream Eater. Though he had eaten the meta-human he had technically bitten the man''s soul as well. He looked through his most recent memories.


    ''All units at the south city mall, we have fifteen gang members active in the mall. Each one a meta-human. Other life signs are civilian hostages. Use caution.'' Saurian said across the link as he finish absorbing the most recent memories. He also gained a spike of experience in Energy Manipulation. Life''s little rewards!


    Saurian received several confirmation messages across the link. As he swam through the concrete. He sent another ping across the whole mall, and sent the information to the SWAT, and Flint Lock in the area. Though not all of the SWAT was in the link. They still got the message eventually. Saurian swam up through the levels and waited inside an over hang. A meta-human gang member was walking down the way looking through the broken glass for something. He looked like an 80''s punk rocker. SNAP! From the waist down the man dropped, as blood poured out of his lower torso. The rest of him inside of Saurian''s mouth as he chewed on him inside the walls. He failed to absorb anything.


    ''One down, fourteen to go.'' -Saurian said across the link, and he could feel Flint Lock shiver at his voice. Flint was terrified of Saurian! She had seen what he had been doing lately.


    ''One down, thirteen to go.'' -A SWAT officer said across the line as he had pressed a knife into another gang member''s neck.


    Meta-humans may be crazy strong, but skill, and proper training will generally overpower them. A soft crack rang out across the mall. ''One down, twelve to go.'' -Another SWAT officer said. Who had used a silencer on their rifle. As always any one linked up to the Temporary Pack Bond had gotten a 10% optimization. No, they were not superhuman. But being peak human conditioning was far easier to obtain now.


    Another gang member died as a Veteran came out of the wall and sliced his throat open with his claws. One by one, by one they all fell until the last of three were in the center mall at a stage that had been put up for some kind of show. They had over a dozen hostages there, all women. The three meta-human gang members were all full blooded males. They were taking turns with each woman. At the sight of it Flint Lock was no longer terrified of Saurian. She wanted him to kill these fuckers here and now!


    _________________


    A giant of a man with armored skin, and spikes coming out of his body was ravaging a young woman no older then sixteen. She was sobbing, but kept her whimpering to a minimum because if she made to much noise the man would kill her. Just like he had done to the other three woman he had been with. He had a maniacal grin on his face as he ripped her shirt open and took a breast into his mouth. He bit down hard, and she screamed in pain. He glared at her.


    ¡°What the fuck! I told you to be quiet!¡± He shouted, then back handed her. Her jaw was broken with the attack and she screamed in pain.


    ¡°Stupi-¡± Boom! The gangsters head exploded, as Flint Lock had sent a nickel through his skull.


    The other two jumped up from their entertainment only for one of them to get bitten in half as a mouth appeared beneath them. Saurian stood up from the ground and the whole room fell into a chorus of screams. He struck with his bladed tail like a viper and sliced the last gang member in half! The SWAT team rushed in and started to secure the hostages one by one. Saurian cast Calm Emotions, then started to heal all of the women as best he could.


    ___________________


    Saurian stood in the south city mall parking lot as he watched the hostages get escorted to several emergency response vehicles that had arrived. They would have to take several trips to get them all to a safe location. The Calm Emotions was starting to wear off, and the flood of emotions was piling up. Flint Lock sat down next to Saurian, he knelt down and coiled his massive tail around her. She leaned in against his leg. Her eyes were vacant and hollow.


    ¡°Do you ever get use to it?¡± Flint Lock asked.


    ¡°Depends on the individual. Some people don''t flinch, some people care to much, some people find a medium between the two. But if I am being honest, its good that it bothers you. Taking a life should never be an easy thing, watching someone take a life should never be an easy thing.¡± Saurian replied, Flint curled up and hugged her knees to her chest.


    ¡°I was happy to see them die, but now.... I''m not so sure.¡± Flint said, as tears started to fall. ¡°I miss Fantasma.¡± She finished, and started to sob.


    Saurian hid her behind his tail, though the noise of her sobs did not go unnoticed by a few SWAT officers none of them said anything. Saurian took a moment to listen to the voices calling out across the link. Then his Technomancy Domain spells turned back on and the whispering crack of Connectivity went into his mind. Along with the holographic phone built into Flint Lock''s suit.


    ¡°Attention all Justice League members! The Watch Tower is back online! Please send any updated information to Communications, and Operations!¡± Vici''s voice rang out across the holographic message board.


    Flint Lock took a moment to clean her eyes and stood up. Saurian pulled back his tail and Flint walked out towards the SWAT team as they started to pack up who they could while Flint would stay behind to guard who she could. Saurian wasn''t going anywhere. At least until a golden light washed across the parking lot. They all looked up and saw a golden egyptian ankh appear. A man wearing a golden full faced helmet, golden cape, golden gloves, boots, and belt. With a blue under armor suit came floating down. He landed next to Saurian and looked up at him.


    ¡°Warden! Thank you for guarding my city in my absence, it is appreciated!¡± The man spoke with two voices. One old, majestic, and wise. The other voice was youthful and energetic.


    ¡°Doctor Fate, it is nice to meet you. Would you like to join the Justice League?¡± Saurian asked, as he bowed his head in respect. The helmet of Nabu''s eyes narrowed then he spoke once more.


    ¡°I would be happy too!¡± Fate said in response.

 Chapter 82: Omega Red

    =============================================================


    ****Canada, Military Base****


    Crak-crak-crak-crak-crak! The sound of a automatic rifles, and light machine guns rang out in the dead of night. Soldiers in the Canadian Army stood side by side behind walls of concrete, and sandbags as the took turns firing from different positions to keep the enemy guessing. Half the base was in the near by towns assisting with the EMP. They were ill prepared for an attack from an unknown enemy. A squad leader poked his head out over cover to see across the field of grass as soldiers wearing full black metal armor raced across.


    The invading soldiers ran an uneven gate, many of them limping while others hobbled like a zombie movie. Mounted guns on their shoulders did all the shooting. The squad leader got the impression they weren''t fighting people just puppets being told what to do. He pulled his head down and made a hand signal to his troops. They loaded their M203 grenade launchers, and fired towards a specific grouping. BOOOM! The explosion rang out across their specific area, the squad leader poked his head out only to be shocked silly as the puppets continued to run forward, pieces of their armor had been scattered and under neath was a combination of flesh and metal.


    ¡°Looks like the blue fairy stopped half way with this freaks!¡± The squad leader said loudly, and his troops laughed lightly.


    The heavy weapons specialist planted his light machine gun on the ground and took position. He waited for the all clear, and started firing AP rounds (Armor Piercing). The puppets with exposed armor went down first, as the specialist did short controlled bursts. Their squad cheered! More grenades were launched into groupings of puppets, and the specialist took them down one by one. They seemed be to be winning until a loud ZAP! Was heard, along with a flash of light. A small explosion rang near by and the squad leader saw that the specialist had a hole in his head the size of a silver dollar.


    ¡°Fuck! They have sniper in place! Tak-!¡± ZAP! Another blast rang out, and the squad leader collapsed. There was a hole straight through his chest, that had passed through the concrete wall.


    Behind the puppets was a walking behemoth of metal. The unit controller. Standing in a mechanical suit over 8 feet tall, with an assortment of weapons attached to the tank armor. The cyberdeck operator was jacked in, their brains working a mile a minute thanks to the augments inside their heads. The laser based sniper rifle adjusted its aim, and shot through the concrete wall taking out another soldier. While the operator told its puppets to move forward.


    ¡°This is Alpha puppet vanguard, the gate is down. I repeat the gate is down.¡± The operator''s voice was a combination of living tissue and mechanical. Cold and calculated, as he got a confirmation.


    With in a minute APC''s with magnetic coils burst from the tree line and floated across the field at high speeds. Stopping just shy of the operator. The doors opened and robotic soldiers filed out in perfect sync, while another larger mechanical suit stepped out. The robotic soldiers had mounted guns on their shoulders, and rifles in their hands. One by one each robotic soldier received its orders, a tiny green light appearing on their display helmet and they moved in behind the puppets.


    ¡°Let''s hope all the bases are this easy.¡± The puppet operator said to his companion.


    ¡°One can hope!¡± The robotic operator replied back.


    =============================================================


    ***Gotham City, Central Park***


    Plant roots, and branches grew and extended from the ground. Taking shape in an unnatural way, as branches took the shape of steps, and the trunks of trees grew out creating simple but livable spaces for simple rooms. A pine tree was grown, and manipulated to take on the same of a simple apartment complex. Windows with leaf like membranes covered the open spaces to let natural light in, while the floors were covered in soft grass. Hammocks made from interconnected branches, and leaves for beds. In the center of each small room was a sunflower that admitted small ambient light. Once the tree was done being manipulated several refugees started to walk up the steps to their new temporary homes.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Ivy!¡± A little girl said, as she was carried up the stairs by her mother. She waved her hand.


    ¡°You are welcome!¡± Poison Ivy said to the little girl as she took a break on a plant chair she made from the grass.


    Poison Ivy was 5''6¡± of pure sexual lust and desire. She had a athletic figure, with curves in all the right places, and just enough bounce to make any one drool when she moved. With curly bright red hair the shade of a rose petals that went past her shoulders. With light green skin, and deep shade of green eyes. She wore a skin tight uniform that said UNWS on it. A zipper front that went from neck to navel, the suit was made of natural plant fibers and could be manipulated if she wanted to. The suit would change color based on the environment she was in. So currently it was dark green, and dark brown.


    Ivy undid her collar and pulled the zipper down to her mid chest, letting her everyone who cared to look that she wasn''t wearing anything underneath. She leaned back in her chair and breathed in the morning sun that was just cresting over the city. With what was happening a lot of people didn''t homes thanks to the pig headed meta-humans taking advantage of the situation. Gotham was once again a battle field.


    Ivy being a deputy Warden was asked to create temporary homes for the supernaturals, and pseudo-mundanes just like the family she had just helped. Not every supernatural could afford magical homes with self repair, and electricity generation. She inspected the Gotham park and it currently had over a dozen giant trees all of them with dozens of people living in simple homes. While she would occasionally see other people wearing UNWS coats, or badges walking the perimeter.


    ¡°Always plenty of eye candy around here...¡± Ivy said with a smile as she watched several Sylvan warriors walk by.


    ¡°Looking at some right now!¡± Timothy said as he walked over and handed Ivy a cup of jasmine tea. She grinned, and gave him a wink as she accepted the cup. Letting the warmth from the cup seep into her hands.


    Timothy was a Warden that worked out of Gotham, and a friend of Lash''s. He offered to train, and help Ivy as she worked on her Deputy training. Of course they may have also been sleeping together but as long as it didn''t get in the way that wouldn''t matter. He wore a familiar tactical gear with a vest that said UNWS (Warden) inscribed across it for the mundanes, and magical script for the supernaturals. Timothy was a 6 foot tall, with kinky red hair that was pulled back into a loose braid that was down the middle of his back. He had bright green eyes, a charming smile, and super model good looks. He had recently obtained the Nature Domain, and was officially a Druid. Which also made him immune to Ivy''s toxins.


    ¡°May I have a seat, please?¡± Timothy asked, Ivy who grinned at him.


    ¡°Well since you said please!¡± Ivy used her Plant Control to create another chair out of the grass. Timothy took the spot gratefully, resting his legs. Ivy swiveled in her chair, and raised her legs so her feet when in Timothy''s lap. He raised a brow at her, and she nudged him with her bare foot.


    ¡°Oh....Are you asking for a foot rub?¡± Timothy said with a smirk. Ivy pouted her full red lips.


    ¡°Please...¡± She said, Timothy rolled his eyes and set his cup of tea down and started to rub her feet. She wiggled in her seat and relaxed.


    ¡°Any word on Lash?¡± Ivy asked after several minutes of foot rubbing.


    ¡°We know he is alive, and on this plane of existence. His life stone is bright as ever. The man never gets a break. He had only been back from Tartarus for a few short months and the world goes to shit.¡± Timothy replied, he started to rub a specific knot he found in Ivy''s foot, she let out a satisfied moan.


    ¡°I can not believe the man went to hell for the Amazons. I hope....¡± Ivy stopped as she got a communication from dispatch, as did Timothy.


    ¡°You want us to go where?¡± Ivy asked, dispatch. Timothy stopped rubbing Ivy''s feet and looked up at the sky, just as confused.


    ¡°He built what!?¡± Timothy asked, astonished as he slowly put Ivy''s feet down. He stood up and looked up at the sky expecting to see something he couldn''t in the morning light.


    ¡°Copy that, see you back at HQ.¡± Ivy said with a groan, she stood up and stretched out. Giving a bit of a show to Timothy who grinned at her.


    ¡°So, you are ok with me sleeping with him, right?¡± Ivy asked, as she walked over and gave Timothy a kiss on his cheek.


    ¡°Yes, I am fine with you sleeping with him. Just so long as you keep sleeping with me.¡± Timothy said back, as he wrapped his arms around her. She wiggled into his arms and purred softly.


    ¡°Of course professor, I''ll do anything for an A!¡± Ivy said with a teasing smile, referring to an inside joke. Timothy rolled his eyes, but kept his smile.


    ==============================================================


    He walked up the altars sacred steps looking over the floating crystal, a focus of psionic power. He knelt down and extended his fingers to a few inches above the pedestal. A holographic display soon appeared, he rotated his hand clock wise and the display went from standby to self destruct. He stood up and watched the psionic focus break apart, as the orb of energy pulled all available sources into its matrix. The crystal slowly pulled itself together. He turned towards the door and heard the rumbling. He would have to buy sometime.


    He stood a few feet from the altar and took a knee as he contemplated the battle ahead of him. His armor activated, as the energy core in his back hummed to life. The battle plates extended to cover his scaled flesh. The gems on the arm guards, one blue, and the other green glowed brilliantly. He clenched his fists and two energy blades extended. Just as a roar rang out, and a giant worm sprung from the door. Its gaping maw opened up and spit out monster after monster.


    He took a battle stance and stood ready as quadruped insect creature with carapace armor, scythe limbs, and small wings meant to help with jumping rather than flying sprinted towards him. They pounced onto him like pack animals, he swung his energy blades through them and cut them like a hot knife through butter. He twisted in a spin and like a spinning top he tore through them like a blender. He raised his foot up and brought it down into an axe kick. His cybernetic foot crushing a skull of another. He glanced behind him as the crystal focus came together and raced down the long corridor into the center of the planet. The distraction cost him.


    The creatures tackled him in mass and swarmed over his body. Claws raked down his armor! Fangs tore at his flesh but he would not give in! He brought his psionic energy together and thrust it out into a miniature bomb of energy. The creatures were flung back, many of them had their internal organs pulverized. He stood up with a glare as he conjured more energy into his hands and thrust it out, a storm of energy ripped the creatures apart. The explosion rang out behind him, he laughed as he achieved victory. A blue light swallowed him and he was transported back to his ship.


    _________________________________


    Congratulations User, you''ve obtained a new Spell/Power. Psionic Magic.


    Psionic Magic: The User, by some means, have both psionic and magic powers at the same time. These powers are tied within the User, mixing the two aspects together and creating something truly unique, powerful, and versatile.


    Sub-Spell/Power, Psionic Blade: Shape your energy into a blade, this energy can be filtered through a gem or a material to take on aspects of said material.


    Lash opened his eyes as he took a deep breath of absolutely nothing. He was sitting on one of the primary cylinders of the tri-star of the Watch Tower, out in zero space practicing his Self-Sustenance. He had come out here to Meditate and regain his energy. He had fallen into a form of sleep that let him dream about one of his past lives. He was in his Transformation state with his Wraith shroud wrapped around him. He made a fist, and an energy blade came out from his palm between his fingers like an assassin hidden blade. It had a greenish blue color, and was about a foot long. Interesting.


    Lash looked around him and saw the great big blue planet off to the side, Earth. He had to admit it was eerie looking at the area cast in darkness from the Earths rotation. Not a single light. Normally one could see the different cities from orbit in an electric glow. But since the alternate reality had kicked off their invasion. Nothing.


    After Dr. Fate had shown up in Vegas. Saurian had stayed to escort the rest of the women back to the MCU, and spent sometime helping the police get their essentials back online. Hospitals, fire departments, and police. He was able to repair, and restart their back up generators. But the rest of the city was in a bad state, and Vegas was not the only one. What was happening there was happening across the globe. At least Vegas was warm!


    Fate, had joined the Justice League International as an active member. Lash wasn''t sure who Nabu was currently possessing it was not something to easily talk about. Fate decided to stay and help his city out of its current state but would stay in touch. Being the DC universe sorcerer supreme. Fate had access to Technomancy, and was able to link up with Vici. So, Saurian swapped out with Lash and they had come back to the Watch Tower to rest. Which brought him out here to practice.


    Beep...Beep... Lash used Connectivity and linked up with his message board. About five minutes into his practice Vici had contacted him, or rather the Warden''s had. They wanted to set up a Warden HQ on the Watch Tower to help coordinate. Lash had been confused for a brief moment, he had pulled out the store catalog and found that he could indeed build a Warden module. It was under story events and could only be purchased once it was an option. The alert said it was done.


    Warden HQ: This module is an exclusive piece only for worlds that have the supernatural societies, and must be earned. The HQ will help coordinate with your operations, and help the Justice League with supernatural threats. Helps to increase cooperation between the mundanes, and supernatural world. (2 DP, R&D module applied)


    Comment: Justice League Dark. Wooooooo!


    Lash had used his DP credit card and had Vici start building it. Once it was paid off his credit card would be up to 12 DP. While he was currently at 30 DP standard. He was getting one DP almost every 12 hours in the Dream, almost. Lash took a moment to do a few stretches then walked back towards the air lock with the use of Gravity Stride. Letting him tread across the station as if it was the ground, no matter the angle. He had to admit it was a little disorientating walking, taking a step over a ledge and treating the ledge like it was the ground... He came to the airlock typed in the code and stepped inside.


    With hiss and a pop the airlock finished pressurizing and the doors slid open. Sitting on the opposite side was the android Hex. Who despite the lack of any physical tell Lash could tell they were angry about letting people aboard the station with out proper security run over. Lash couldn''t help himself he walked over and swallowed Hex in a hug. They went stiff for a good ten seconds then slowly returned the hug.


    ¡°I know, Hex. But if it makes you feel better you can interview each of them before they are allowed to wonder the station. Alright?¡± Lash said, as he slowly let go of them and looked down at them.


    ¡°It does, Grand Father. But I still don''t like it.¡± They replied in their gender neutral voice. Lash chuckled and turned to walk back to the main station. Hex stepped beside him, and ran him through the situation.


    ¡°Malleus has finished prep work for the upgrade key. One of the Amazons has picked up their new suit and I quote. ''It is to die for!'' She said. Fantasma''s mother has been relocated to a new safe zone, and we have recalled all of the gear, and equipment from Fantsama''s home. Several of the League members requested that we provide logistical support in their cities. Perhaps we could build another Droid Service module. Let it create more of our brothers and sisters?¡± Hex said, their voice composed and indifferent. Lash stopped in thought and created several spell scripts to wrap around him. Purely cosmetic, but appearances were important.


    Droid Services: A module that specializes in the creation, service, and repair of robotic workers. Side Note: Treat them kindly or they may revolt! (2 DP, R&D module applied) x 2.


    Lash spent 4 more DP from his credit card. Buying two more Droid Services. One was connected right next to the other two granting a efficiency bonus. While the last one was sent to Vici''s core so she could create a unique VI Android mobile platform. The third installment to the standard droid workers would be auxiliary units for the Justice League. Combat engineers, medics, soldiers, etc. They would have the standard humanoid appearance. But with different hair, eye, and skin color. Like reds, oranges, and greens. Some would have scales, fur, maybe even an insect like carapace.


    Earth needed to start getting use to the idea that different wasn''t always bad. This would help the supernatural community, and the future alien community that Lash knew was coming. As long as he lived through the invasion that is. The spell script that surrounded him faded from sight, Hex nodded their head and continued down the path towards the main section with Lash. As they entered the main saucer several mechanical arms were in the process of printing and building the new Droid module.


    Several League members fresh from the fight were watching the new module being built. Lash stopped to watch them, as they watched the arms. The League members were all VI Avatars, wearing their standard F grade uniforms. Covered in mud, blood, and sweat. They looked exhausted, so he sent Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss into them. They perked up and looked back at him.


    ¡°Go wash up, and go to sleep. We have quarters now.¡± Lash told them, they all nodded and left with out a word.


    The main saucer was tall enough to have modules ten feet tall fit into pre determined slots, while the width of the modules varied depending on what they were. Think shipping containers, or lego blocks! Stacked, and connected to a wall. But, they were running out of room. It was like watching a very large game of tetras as Vici stacked the containers, tied stairs to the different pieces, or elevators to others. While other modules like Operations got priority for space, and location.


    A group of six security bots came running across the main platform heading towards the teleportation pad. They were all F+ grade wearing kinetic, and spell energy armor with technomagic rifles, and blades. The armor was sleek and futuristic. They took up position around the portal hub as several spell rings started to coil. With an audible pop! Several League members appeared with several wounded civilians. The civilians under strict guard were escorted to the medical module where Ethan stood at the ready.


    ¡°Hex, who are those people?¡± Lash asked, his voice a whisper.


    ¡°United Nations envoys from New York. The invaders targeted them specifically, not many of them lived through it. A team found them and requested they come here for medical treatment and relocation....Good public relations.¡± Hex said, though Lash could hear Hex grit their teeth. More unauthorized people on the station.


    One of the foreign envoys had a broken arm in a sling was looking around. He was amazed by the technology around him. He turned and saw Lash standing in his Wraith disguise. He wanted to talk to him but was stopped by the soldiers. He looked like he wanted to argue but continued to the medical bay as Lash waved and started walking over. Each envoy got a security guard, which watched them like a hawk. The League members that brought them in were all thankfully uninjured so they all went to wash up and get some food. The team leader stayed as he saw Wraith walk in to look around.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, I''m Gravitas. I know it was against regulations to bring them here. But public support is something the League needs right now.¡± Gravitas said, Lash looked him over for a bit and cast Insight.


    Name: N/A Code Name: Gravitas.


    Title: Gravity''s bastard Son, Bone Breaker, Crusher.


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: C


    Skills: Hand to Hand, Science, Leadership, (See tool tip)


    Powers: Gravity Manipulation, Gravity Control, Superhuman Durability. (See tool tip)


    Domain: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comment: This VI Avatar''s User was originally a Villain. However, because you formed the Justice League several years ahead of its normal schedule they were able to find, and train him before he lost his way.


    Gravitas was about 5''11¡± with broad shoulders, black hair cut high and tight like a soldiers with black eyes that almost seem to have starlight coming out of them. His skin was a healthy pink tan, with a hard looking face, and a nose that had been broken more than once. His uniform was solid black, with a utility belt, and pockets all over him. He wore full tactical gear, along with a rifle on his back, with a side arm. His gravity powers must have a limited range, it was good that he was thinking long term.


    ¡°Fair enough, the UN was going to find out about the Watch Tower eventually. Just make sure they stay under guard and don''t wonder off.¡± Lash said, his voice not as rough as it could have been. Gravitas seem to pick up on it and breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Yes, Sir! We''ll get them back to the surface as soon as they are done being treated.¡± Gravitas said, followed by Hex.


    ¡°Good, the sooner the better.¡± Their gender neutral voice was clearly angry about the situation. Hex hated strangers on their station. Gravitas grimaced at Hex, but didn''t comment.


    ¡°Don''t trust us?¡± One of the envoy''s said, his accent was thick with a German accent.


    He had broad shoulders, a square jaw, and determination in his eyes. Lash turned to look at him, the man was sitting on one of the medical beds nearest to them. His shattered leg encased in a glass tub, tiny mechanic arms rebuilt the leg. Several of the envoy''s were being treated by the medical droids in the module, while Ethan worked on the worst one in the surgery bay behind a set of glass doors.


    ¡°To be honest? No, I don''t. But, trust is something that is earned. Team leader Gravitas extended the olive branch as it were. I trust him, so we''ll see how this goes.¡± Lash replied, his voice taking on the hard edge of an animal. Gravitas looked at Lash with surprise clear in his eyes then smiled, but didn''t comment.


    ¡°Yes...Good man, good soldier. Is the Justice League an American only organization?¡± The envoy asked... Lash looked at him for a moment, the man seem to understand. ¡°I am Elias von Hofmann.¡± He finished, Lash nodded his head.


    ¡°Currently a majority of the members are with in America. We do have a few in South America, and we are looking to recruit members across the globe. We wanted the Justice League to be an international organization. But, then this all happened so recruitment was put on hold.¡± Lash said, as he looked around at all the envoys.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± Another envoy said, his flag was Austria. Hex reached out and grabbed Lash''s arm. They shook their head. Lash looked back and hesitated for a moment.


    ¡°They''ll find out eventually.¡± Lash replied, and Hex let go clearly in a huff.


    ¡°We are under attack by another world.¡± Lash finished, and the look of shock and horror was clear on the envoy''s. This was outside their scope of practice. Another country they could handle, but another world was something else entirely.


    ¡°Can we make peace with them?¡± Elias asked. ¡°There is always a deal to be made!¡± He finished, as he shifted in his bed. The medical droid pointed their metallic finger at them and told them to not move. Eliase grumbled but didn''t move.


    ¡°Maybe...But right now, no. They are currently plowing through our defenses like it was nothing. We have to show that we can hold our own before we can even get them at the same table. All of you should know that better than most.¡± Lash said, his meaning clear to the men in the room. They all stopped to think about that.


    ¡°When we are finished here, where will we go?¡± Austria asked.


    ¡°We can take you back to your Embassies, or send you back to your home countries. We''ll give you a basic run down what we know, and what we have so you can fill your countries in. But be aware we don''t have much...¡± Lash said, but before another person could ask another question.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, the UNWS is inbound at portal hub A, ETA two minutes.¡± Vici''s young female teenage voice said across the communication network.


    ¡°Gentlemen please excuse me, perhaps they have more information. Gravitas go wash up and get some food. That''s an order!¡± Lash said as he turned towards him. The man looked over the envoys who looked upset at being so easily dismissed but held their tongues.


    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± Gravitas said and walked out of the medical bay.


    Lash, and Hex left the medical bay just as Ethan came out with his patient. The envoy was perfectly healthy, and asleep from the drugs pumped into them. Lash barely had a moment to wave, which Ethan returned before they moved on. Another security unit came jogging across the main deck towards the portal hub. Weapons at the ready. Hex had brought up their holographic interface and were looking over information. Compiling it into a brief for the UN envoys, they kept it short and to the point.


    ¡°Sorry Hex.¡± Lash said softly, Hex barely glanced at him but nodded all the same.


    Lash got a prompt from Dawn, notifying him that he got 10 DP from the conversation with the UN envoys. Holy crap! Maybe he should run around and tell all the UN about the invasion, he could get a whole bunch of points and buy the upgrade key for the Watch Tower. Almost as if reading his mind Hex glared at him, though their hood covered the face Lash could feel their eyes on him. Lash looked anywhere but at Hex. Totally innocent, yep! Oh look the spring jump was almost complete!


    5 spring jump coils finished the spell script, coiled up and gave off a pop! Then five people Lash hadn''t seen in a long while showed up. Sam, Simon, Mahalia, Timothy, and Poison Ivy. They all stumbled out of the portal hub, not use to the transition. Lash did admit that the Warden portals were more advanced, capable of inter dimensional travel as long as they had an anchor point. The Watch Tower system must have seemed like two sticks being rubbed together.


    ¡°Lash! Gaaah!¡± Mahalia started to say and Sam pulled her back by the collar and glared at her.


    ¡°I mean, the whip lash from that portal was horrible! I feel like I rode the red eye there and back again!¡± Mahalia said with a sincere smile as Sam rolled his eyes at her.


    Mahalia was a 5''2¡± asian decent woman with black eyes, black hair that was just long enough to pull back into a tail with a lithe figure, and a scar across her left cheek. She wore tactical gear that fit her small curvy frame perfectly, with lots of knives. She had a mischief grin on her face as she looked around the whole complex. Mahalia was an expert in close quarters combat. Next to her was Sam, her boyfriend. A 6 foot even black man with dreads to his shoulders, but tied back with a leather strip. He had deep amber eyes, built like a line back, and was covered in Tech-Knight armor, as one of the few Technomancy Domain holders in Gotham. He waved at Lash and sent an apology through his eyes.


    Next Simon stepped off the pad and looked at the security droids, then at Hex, then at Lash. Simon was 5'' 9¡± with dirty blond hair cut short with only a few inches stylized with hair gel. He had blue eyes that were cold, while his face was smiling. He had an athletic build, and tanned skin. He gave off a warm and pleasant vibe. But his eyes told a different story, he was an expert in communications. Specifically getting individuals to communicate there secrets to others. He wore the same tactical gear as Mahalia with a few exceptions like a forearm computer.


    Timothy came next as he looked around at the station then smiled at Lash. While Poison Ivy jumped down from the portal hub and raced towards Lash. The security droids released the safeties on their weapons but didn''t point them at her. As Lash had raised his hand up, she didn''t seem to notice but the rest of the Warden''s did. She jumped up and gave him a great big hug, and a kiss on the cheek. Kicking her legs into the air as Lash caught her. Lash was pretty tall while transformed so she was off the ground by over a foot.


    ¡°Missed you!¡± She said in a whisper against his ear.


    ¡°I can tell, sorry it under such dire circumstances.¡± Lash replied, his animalistic voice sending a shiver through Ivy. Hex coughed lightly to clear the air, Lash gently put Ivy down but she refused to let go of his arm. She was glued to him for the next foreseeable future.


    ¡°Members of the United Nations World Security.¡± ''Wardens'' -Hex said across a simple Illusion spell that caught all of their attention. ¡°I am Hex, the station security manager. Please understand that this station is a joint operations center. Which means we have to clear you all through security before you are allowed to roam. Please follow me to the security hub.¡± Hex said, turned on their heel and walked off. The security droids surrounded them.


    ¡°Wraith, are these constructs?¡± Sam asked, clearly intrigued as they started to follow Hex to the main elevator.


    ¡°They are Technomagical Constructs, Hex is born with sentience. While the androids next to you have yet to achieve awareness they are capable of doing so over time. So, please be polite. They are not tools but part of my family.¡± Lash replied, Sam nodded his head and looked at Mahalia.


    ¡°Sure! Sure!¡± Mahalia said as she inspected one of the security droids. Once they all entered the elevator the doors closed around them giving them a bit of privacy.


    ¡°For the time you are aboard please continue to call me, Wraith. My identity even among the League is still a secret. Though a few know me, it is still polite.¡± Lash said to everyone, they all agreed.


    Ivy reached out and ran her hand along the metal surface of the elevator. The station sent a small pulse of natural magic back into her and she smiled at the response. The Watch Tower was partially organic a lot like a plant. Though she couldn''t manipulate it, she could still feel it. She looked back at Lash and smiled wide at him. Giving silent approval of his choice. Lash smiled back, revealing a fang filled smile that sent a shiver through Ivy. What big teeth Lash had!


    The elevator opened up to the secondary saucer. Hastam the armory android stood in the middle of the room. His hulking mass stood at the ready, several rifle turrets on his back were online but in safety. Vici''s core was on this level, Hastam was not taking any chances. Even if the core was hidden away from sight.


    ¡°Grrrrrrrr! Welcome Warden''s I am Hastam the manager of the Armory. Please be aware that weapons will be targeting you aboard the station until Hex clears you.¡± Hastam said in his cold mechanic voice. Sam was positively vibrating with energy. The station was a living construct! This was a Technomancers wet dream!


    ¡°You are beautiful!¡± Sam said loudly. Lash''s eyes went wide as Hastam''s armored shell changed in color slightly...Almost as if he was blushing.


    ¡°Grrrrrrr! T...Thank you....¡± Hastam''s voice was nervous and unsure. For the first time ever Hex barked out a short laugh and quickly covered their face. Lash stared at them in even greater shock!


    ¡°E-Excuse me!¡± Hex said, and walked towards their module.


    The security module was twenty feet wide, ten feet high, and thirty feet deep. Separated into several integration rooms, and an office. Each room was reinforced with magic, and metal alloys. Orichalcum, mithril, and Nth metal were used in the construction along with common steel. Written in Technomancy-Alteration spell script across the whole module were the simple word, ''Strengthen''. The security module could effectively hold Wonder Woman, though Lash wasn''t sure if it could hold Superman they hadn''t tested it yet. It was magic, so maybe?


    ¡°Warden Simon, from one communication expert to another will you be first?¡± Hex asked, Simon smiled at Hex and walked in first.


    While the rest of them stayed in the waiting area of the security module. Chairs, and tables came up out of the floor for them. Two security droids stayed outside with Hastam, two stayed in the room with them while two went with Hex, and Simon. Lash created some tea, coffee, and liquor the last one was mostly for Mahalia. Along with some snacks, sandwiches, and cookies. Everyone took a seat, while Ivy stayed attached to Lash the chairs in the security module shifted and made a love seat that could hold them both. Though Ivy ended up in his lap, Lash didn''t complain.


    ¡°Has anyone been able to drop by Croc''s town?¡± Lash asked, Ivy perked up at the mention of Killer Croc.


    ¡°I have! They miss you down there, its practically a small city now. They have built right into the walls of the central system. The air purifying trees you made have grown! Despite being in a sewer the air is clean and fresh!¡± Ivy said with a smile, she tucked herself up into Lash''s lap, and snuggled into him.


    ¡°Ivy, I am sure my armor is not comfortable. Do you want to sit down?¡± Lash asked, genuinely concerned.


    ¡°Nope! I am comfy!¡± She gave a little pout, Ivy was specifically being cute and innocent for Lash. Timothy rolled his eyes at her, this was not the Ivy he knew. None of the Warden''s in the room recognized her.


    ¡°Liz wanted to come, but there are a lot of blood mutts running around Gotham right now causing trouble. She is working with Isabella, and the Kuldr house to help maintain order. They both say hello!¡± Sam said, as he pressed a seal to his helmet. The thing folded in on it self, and linked to his collar, Compression Transformation.


    Lash''s Other Worldly Lore activated. Blood mutts was a slang term used for Blood-Kindred that was with out a house. Blood rats, leeches, mutts, etc. Thanks to the supernatural community oversight a lot of houses were dissolved for crimes. Normally all the newborns and those being converted would get gobbled up by other houses. But... Not all of them had useful skills or abilities. If you were a grunt that never took the time to learn a skill you were left out in the cold. Unless you wanted to sign on as essentially a slave. Which very few did!


    With no master, and no master''s blood to feed the ones that were being converted they became a house less, or clan less kindred. That is when they become a more typical hollywood vampire. Sensitive to sunlight, urge to drink blood every few days, supernatural strength, and moderate healing. Far above a human, but far below of a full Blood-Kindred. If they can endure for a full century they can slowly obtain a noble rank. Though they would be a dirty noble! There were several houses today that started as dirty nobles. Lash got the feeling that a few VI Avatars would be running around now as they would have wanted to be a Vampire.


    ¡°Is the oversight still active?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes, though not for much longer. But with everything going on I think you could say its on hold. I am very happy the oversight was done, but there are thousands of blood mutts running around the globe now. Some of them are alright, they just didn''t want to be slaves. While the rest are pissed! I think the territorial lines will be a lot different once this invasion is over.¡± Mahalia said with a frown as she started to munch on the cookies, then her eyes went wide and she gobbled up more sweets.


    The interrogation room door opened and Simon came out with a smile. He came to sit down at the table and poured himself some coffee. Hex called for Timothy next who got up and went into the room. Lash began to give Ivy a neck massage and she became wet clay in his claws. Simon kept the questions asked to himself. A few minutes later Timothy came out with a smile, not at all disturbed by the questions asked. Mahalia was next who jumped up with a skip in her step.


    ¡°I hope they don''t kill each other.¡± Sam said softly as he had stopped inspecting the security droids and just watched the office door. Mahalia''s questioning took far longer which worried everyone at the table. But she soon came out, her face a mask of grumpy irritation as she trudged back to her seat. She sat down in a huff as Sam was called next.


    ¡°You have a bar here, right?¡± Mahalia asked Lash who nodded. As she reached for the liquor that was provided by him before. She skipped the glass and chugged the bottle instead. Lash held out his hand in shock but half the bottle was empty before he could do anything.


    ¡°HOLY FUCK! This shit is strong!¡± Mahalia shouted in surprise, as she looked at the bottle. It was a magically made bottle of bourbon. Made for Mahalia in mind, she went to guzzle the rest but Simon stopped her and took a sip. He all but chocked on his one mouthful


    ¡°My god! Wraith! What the fuck is this!¡± Simon said in shock as well.


    ¡°I specifically made it with Mahalia in mind, I didn''t think she chug half the bottle in under a minute. You are going to be feeling that pretty soon.¡± Lash said with a grimace, as Ivy started to give a full belly laugh.


    ¡°Mahalia blitzed drunk is one of my favorite past times!¡± Ivy said with a smirk. Beep...Beep...A soft alert went over the communication network.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, please report to Operations.¡± Vici''s voice said over the intercom. Ivy groaned audibly as Lash stood up, he pouted and refused to let go.


    ¡°Kiss first!¡± She said, and Lash rolled his four eyes but relented and gave her a kiss. She squealed in delight. Though it was hard to give goodbye kiss when he had a snout instead of a human face.


    ¡°Be safe all of you.¡± Lash said as he broke his kiss with Ivy, they all waved at him as he left the room towards the main elevators.


    Always moving, always working. It was nice to see his friends again. Though he would have to physically go check on Skaleg, and his daughter Marie. They would both still be protected under Warden law so they would be safer than most mundanes. Ivy was different than he expected but he figured she was acting differently for him. It was cute, but he honestly preferred the confidant adult version over the cute and bashful. Points to bring up later.


    Lash walked across the main floor and saw that the envoy''s had left the station. He brought up a holographic log and saw they went back to their countries with simple information about the invasion. Out of curiosity he checked his Dream Points. He got another 10 DP from the envoys when they told their governments the situation. So his total DP was 50, his credit card was automatically paid off first so that meant he had an extra 16 DP from the card. Almost there!


    He reached operations and saw Vigil standing over the main display holographic. She wore her standard military ABU''s in urban camouflage, boots, and wrap around head display for additional information. Her short silver hair was pulled to one side of her face, her gun metal eyes looked up as he walked in. He stopped short of the holographic display and bowed to her. She nodded in return and brought up the mission brief.


    ¡°You are headed for Japan, Tokyo. One of our new sub-satellites picked up a meta-gene bloom of energy from a teleporter class. We have confirmed sightings of black armored individuals attempting to kill what appears to be a meta-human that can control machines. Specifically a suit of armor, and several floating drones. Friend or Foe is unknown, but the individual as been seen guarding civilians. Which the black armored soldiers seem to be using against them. Get in, assist, and see if they are willing to join up. Capture the soldiers if possible, if not, keep them mostly intact for information gathering.¡± Vigil said, as she pointed out a sky high view of a modern city that had zero power.


    ¡°Do we know how the meta-human was able to get their suit working? Or should we assume that is there power?¡± Lash said, as he more or less answered is own question.


    ¡°Unknown, but we should assume it is there power. If you can do a full scan of the suit maybe the know something we don''t. Head out as soon as you can!¡± Vigil replied, Lash nodded and headed towards the portal hub B.


    ¡°Vici, how is the Rift scanning going?¡± Lash asked softly as he walked towards the hub.


    ¡°Progress is slow, Father. It is rather intensive use of my processing power. However, I estimate that if we can bring me up to grade E it should make the task easier.¡± Vici replied softly in return.


    ¡°Please be safe, Father!¡± Vici said to Lash in his ear.


    ¡°I''ll try, please initiate spring jump.¡± Lash replied and stood on the hub, the spell script began to coil around him.


    ¡°You are being dropped just outside the AO in a city park. Good luck!¡± Vigil came over the intercom right before the spell script jumped up and down. With a pop! Lash found himself in a small garden with a broken stone bridge, several dead bodies in a pond, and a incredibly surprised civilian looking at Lash. Lash flashed his UNWS badge.


    ¡°Where is the fight?¡± He said in japanese to the man, the man stuttered for a moment and pointed. A larger explosion rang out, almost as if saying ''I''m here'' in the correct moment.


    ¡°Thank you for your time!¡± Lash dropped to all fours and sprinted through the city part towards the fight.


    Along the way through the city streets Lash noticed a few things. He had never been to Tokyo, or Japan for that matter. Most the city was very neat, compact, and functional. A collection of beige, tan, or simple gray colors. The next thing he noticed was all the advertisements! Holy crap, every sign was huge, and full of information. He was sure it would look amazing if they had power. Along with vending machines for food, and drinks at nearly every corner.


    Lash turned a corner and saw a different picture. From what he had seen Tokyo was a very clean city. What he saw ahead was not clean. Several dozen bodies lay across the concrete with gaping holes in their bodies. Holes in the road, sidewalks and nearby buildings were the resulted of explosions, and stray bullets, and energy blasts. A child was crying over their parents trying get them to wake up. Lash galloped over to the child. The boy couldn''t have been older then eight years old, he didn''t blink at Lash as the giant lizard with grip reaper attire came up to him.


    Magical Perception activated and about half the bodies still had a soul tether attached to them. Including the kids parents. Lash carefully rolled the kids parents over, he screamed in panic and tried to fight him. Lash used Calm Emotions on the kid. Who continued to fight him, but was not as horrified anymore.


    ¡°Please, step back. I can help them wake up!¡± Lash said as gently as he could. The kid stepped back, and tried to clean his eyes.


    Lash cast Nature''s Kiss first, and focusing on the major wounds over the superficial. Gaping holes closed, and organs regrew thanks to Regrowth. Then he cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on the bodies before he at last cast Kiss of the Grave on them both. With a shuddering gasp both of the parents snapped awake. Their silver soul tethers yanking them back into the bodies.


    ¡°Aaaahhhh!¡± The kid wailed and tackled his mother and father in surprise. They both looked shock and hugged their son. The parents looked over at Lash in surprise but some part of them remembered him helping them. Another explosion rocked the whole area.


    ¡°Get to cover!¡± Lash said as he raced to the next body with a soul tether intact.


    Another ten minutes past and Lash was at half energy, but he had saved about thirty lives. While the rest didn''t have souls to pull back into their bodies. Two of the recently dead were police officers that offered to take the survivors to a shelter. All of the survivors kept calling Lash, ''Kami'' which made him chuckle. He raced down the street and came to a large intersection that was the battlefield for today. He used Connectivity and linked up with the satellites and looked down. A six man team of the alternate reality invaders were marked with red IFF tags, while the giant robotic suit, along with several drones were marked yellow for unknown.


    The invading soldiers had a gray color under armor polymer suit close to what the League would wear. Then they were covered in half metal plate armor that was pure black, that almost seem to absorb light instead of reflect it. Each soldier appeared to have an official job like a normal military unit. A commander, medic, sniper, assault, engineer, and communications. The commander was the biggest out of all of them and apparently a meta-human. As he was going toe to toe with the giant machine, while his unit covered his back.


    The sniper kept teleporting across the field and taking shots at exposed armor joints. The assault unit stayed with the medic, and communications. But continued to take shots at the suit of armor. While the engineer was setting up a turret. The medic, was working on healing the communication soldier. While the communications had a forearm wrist computer out. They seem to be trying to hack the drones and kept failing.


    The suit and possible ally was ten feet tall and looked like a gundam? Or a samurai in full science fiction gear. It had a demonic face mask, with horns coming out of its head. It had a katana, and a wakizashi strapped to its waist. While it wielded a naginata pole arm, the edge looked like it was covered in energy. The color scheme was bright red, with pink highlights, and the armor clearly looked female. With the smaller that average waist, and breast armor. Surrounding the mechanical suit were drones with...Camera''s!? They were not fire support but camera crews. Crap.... Lash rubbed his face. Why did he get the impression that the pilot would put this up on social media one day.


    Lash still understood why the invaders were trying to take out the camera drones. Anonymity was their ally right now. The longer they stayed in the shadows the better. Lash used Earth Swim and swam through the concrete towards this targets. He was slow and steady as he reached out with Connectivity and attempted to link up with the soldiers. FLASH! A burst of pain as his consciousness hit a firewall in the connection. It had been a long time since he met such a massive security system. His whole body sizzled with heat but soon healed.


    ____________________


    ¡°What was that!?¡± The communications officer shouted in surprise as his computer sent a warning.


    ¡°What is it?¡± The medic said with concern as she finished with the suture. She sprayed a clear coat of something that sealed up the hole in the armor.


    ¡°Something powerful just tried to hack my system. Didn''t come from the drones!¡± The communication soldier replied.


    ¡°This is taking to long! This woman must be stalling!¡± The assault soldier said, as he stood up around the wall and took another spray onto the suit. He pulled around and stood flat against the wall. Then a giant scaled hand wrapped around his head from from the wall and sent a massive electric shock through his whole body!


    ____________________


    ¡°Gaaaaaaaaaah!¡± The assault soldier screamed in agony but didn''t drop as Lash had hopped.


    Holy crap, he was a meta-human too! He had low grade superhuman durability. The medic, and communications officer jumped from the wall and started firing into the wall. Electromagnetic AP rounds tore the wall apart. Lash let the soldier go and slipped back, and into the ground. He swam under the assault soldier and moved towards the medic.


    ¡°Commander we have another enhanced!¡± The communication soldier said into his radio. With a flash! The teleporter showed up in the alley way, while the commander kept fighting with the mechanical suit.


    The assault soldier''s entire body was smoking, and electrical static energy danced along his armor. The medic jumped to her feet, ran over and jacked a lead into his armor. Reading through the information she was shocked by the information she saw. Omega Energy levels detected, her eyes flipped open in horror!


    ¡°Fuck!¡± The communications soldier screamed in panic as as two scaled hands pulled him into the solid concrete like it was mud. Then he was stuck in the concrete as if he had always been there, from the neck down was inside the concrete.


    ¡°The fucker is trying to capture us!¡± The teleporter raced over and touched the head of the communications soldier. They both flashed from the spot and came back a few feet away. A man sized hole in the ground next to them.


    ¡°Well that''s annoying...¡± Lash said out loud. They all jumped around looking for his voice.


    ¡°Commander! We have Omega Energy levels here!¡± The medic screamed, and the whole unit flipped into panic mode.


    A blue Psionic Blade erupted from center mass of the teleporter. A massive electrical shock went through his whole body. He screamed in absolute agony and dropped like a rag doll as the blade was pulled out. Still alive but out for the count for next few minutes....or maybe hours? Lash''s Invisibility faded with his action and all of the invading soldiers got a emergency read out.


    OMEGA RED! ALERT! OMEGA RED! Their user interface screamed at them. To late, so sad! As Lash sprinted forward with his Psionic Blade of blue energy. He cleaved through the communications soldier, the electrical pulse from his Technomancy Domain passive was being channeled through the blade. The man screamed and dropped to the ground, unconscious.


    Lash whipped his bladed tail out and slashed across the medic, leaving a sizable gash through most of her armor and sent her crashing through the wall. The assault soldier screamed in fury and tackled Lash center mass. They went through the opposite wall together, Lash fell backwards and planted his foot in the midsection of the assault. He kicked up and over him. The assault went with the roll, flipped over and stood up he raised both his arms up, and two tactical shotguns in his gauntlets fired high explosive rounds straight into Lash.


    Lash screamed in pain as the high ex rounds blasted him back, and bathed his body in corrosive fire. He several prompts from True Body, Superhuman Durability, and Damage Resistance. He reached out with Telekinesis and flung the assault soldier up and through the front window, catapulted him down the street. Where he landed Lash wasn''t sure because he started taking fire from the engineer''s turret. A tripe barrel mini gun shooting a hundreds of armor piercing rounds.


    Lash reached out with Machine Control and the turret stopped firing, the legs to its emplacement reached out and wrapped around the engineer who screamed in surprise. As the metal coiled around him trying its best to keep him captured. When the tri barrel gun pointed straight at him, he stopped moving. Lash stumbled out of the building back to the main intersection, blood pouring from his many wounds that soon turn to smoke as it always did. His wounds were healing quickly thanks to Regeneration.


    A resounding clang rang out in the street as the seven foot tall commander pushed back the samurai robotic suit. The commander turned around and sprinted towards Lash. Lash activated Personal Time and quickly crafted a Nth metal spear, as everything outside his bubble had slowed to a crawl. He took up a position and turned off the time spell, in sync he threw the spear out. Weapon Master sent him a tick of experience as the spear raced out and nailed the commander through his left side of his chest. He went flying backwards, and was nailed to a wall. The samurai lowered its pole arm to the commanders neck and in not so many words told him not to move.


    Lash hobbled his way towards the medic, she was barely moving. She had sprayed what looked like a nano-machine spray across her wound that was attempting to close the wound. Lash walked up and extended a blue Psionic Blade with a swift motion Lash stabbed into her back and electrified her. She screamed in agony and passed out. Lash stumbled out of the building and walked over to the commander.


    The man was screaming in pain as he tried to pull the Nth metal spear out. But the thing wouldn''t move. It almost appeared to be stuck to him, as if the thing knew its creator thought them an enemy. Lash loved Nth metal! Lash reached up and touched the tail end of the spear and sent a massive shock through it. The squad leader screamed for nearly a minute before he passed out. Lash used Conjuration-Manifestation and called to of his Elites. Two portals opened up and seven foot tall Saurian Elites stepped out. The suit of armor stepped back in surprise.


    ¡°Find the assault soldier and bring him back, preferably alive but dead if necessary.¡± Lash said, the Elites saluted and sprinted off on all fours to track their pray down.


    Lash walked over to the engineer who was silently trying to get free but was electrified into dream land before he could move much further. Lash pulled the turret off, and the thing wrapped around him like a snake or a monkey. Lash gently patted the turrets main turret barrel as he looked back at the suit of armor.


    ¡°Hello I am Agent Wraith, with the United Nations World Security, and the Justice League International. May I please know your name?¡± Lash asked in japanese though he was sure he forgot proper customs and speech patterns, as he bowed from his waist. He bit back a groan of pain as his body was still healing.


    ''Found, incapacitated, coming back.'' -One of the Elites sent across a telepathic message. Lash used Conjuration-Manifestation again and called five Saurus Veterans. They stepped from the portals awaiting orders.


    ¡°Gather them up, they are going back to the tower to the prison cells for interrogation.¡± Lash directed his summons. They saluted and went to work, as Lash opened his hand and the Nth metal spear came flying back to his palm.


    The entire time he had done that the camera drones flew back to the suit of armor and slid into a compartment in the suit. At last the suit released a pressure seal and started to open up. A blue energy barrier deployed in front of the open cockpit, smart. A woman stepped out onto the chest plate looking at Lash. She was 5''8¡± with clean black hair with a red ribbon tied into a braid that went between her shoulders. Pale jade skin, crystal blue eyes, with hour glass athletic figure. Her armor was form fitting. With main color blue, and white highlights along her armored plates that covered her vitals. She had a half face mask on, that covered her lower part of her face. That looked similar to her suit of armor. She reached into her cockpit and put on her own set of swords at her hip.


    ¡°I am, Onna-Bugeisha. You may call me Isha, Agent Wraith. Thank you for saving my life.¡± She stood straight up, and bowed from her waist. Lash cast Insight on her.


    Name: N/A Code Name: Onna-Bugeisha aka Isha. VI Avatar.


    Title: Samurai, Oath Keeper, Metal Warrior, Original 500.


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: C+ (Bordering on B-)


    Skills: Tech Genius, Martial Artist, Weapon Master, (See tool tip)


    Powers: Technological Constructs, Partial Machine Control, Enhanced Inventing, (See tool tip)


    Domains: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Friendly


    Comment: Isha, is one of the original 500 that had yet to start over, or die. She is strong, intelligent, confident woman. That may have a thing for broadcasting her fights on social media. She has one known weakness....Kittens!


    Lash was momentarily struck dumb. One of the original 500. So the User who made this VI Avatar was like him. Never started over, never died. But recently that had changed to 355, made him wonder which one she was. But that would be different in his world, he would do his best to keep her alive and well. Isha finished her bow, and looked over as the Elites brought back the assault soldier who was unconscious. She looked back at Lash, she raised a single brow in question.


    ¡°Lady Isha, may you be interested in joining the Justice League, Japan branch?¡± Lash asked, as he dismantled his Nth metal spear. Isha watched the spear turn into metallic goop that was tucked away to parts unknown.


    ¡°I wouldn''t have to leave my homeland?¡± Isha asked, her tone hard as if his response anything but would result in a no.


    ¡°Not at all. Many different levels of activity in the League. But joining up would help give you more information in the long term.¡± Lash replied, as he created a holographic window and sent it over to her. Isha was momentarily surprised, but composed herself quickly as the holographic window showed her the information.


    ¡°As you have saved my life, and have offered a worthwhile endeavor I will apply to be a reservist.¡± Isha accepted, and sent the window back.


    Lash made a JLI holographic wrist phone and threw it to her. He assumed she could make something far better for herself. A soft alert came through to both of them as several spring jump coils appeared in the intersection. Six soldier androids appeared, fresh from the third Droid Service modules. They started to apply meta-human inhibitors, and restraints to the invaders. Isha was playing with the holographic checking it over while Lash looked around the ruined intersection.


    ¡°Agent Wraith...¡± Isha called to him, he turned around to look at her. She seemed a little shy, not sure how to ask a question. Lash waited for a few minutes until she thought of a way to say it.


    ¡°Can you....Restore power to the city before you leave?¡± Isha asked.


    ¡°Yes, can you lead me to the main power generator?¡± Lash replied, Isha''s eyes turned into crescents so Lash knew she was smiling. She jumped back into her suit and the cockpit closed.


    Lash recalled his Manifestation troops. Portals opened and they jumped in. The android soldiers one by one collected and spring jumped the invaders to the Watch Tower prison cells. They soon went with them. Isha knelt down in her armor and held out her hand. Lash climbed aboard then grinned as wings extended from her armor, and magnetic propulsion activated. They took off towards the nearest power center.


    _________________


    Ten minutes after everyone left a shimmer of light materialized into an invading infiltrator soldier. They were perched on a rooftop several city blocks away, but still had clear line of sight on the intersection. They had also got the Omega Red alert. They tapped into their forearm computer, jacked into a small cylinder tube that a foot tall, and six inches around. Once the information was set, the infiltrator twisted the cylinder as two lines of code lined up in the center. A small flash, and a tiny Rift swallowed the cylinder. The infiltrator reactivated their stealth field and left in a hurry.


    ===========================================================


    ***Alternate Earth, Emperor Rofl Dex Palace***


    A grand metallic room nearly as large as a foot ball field stood mostly empty except for a large metal desk, that projected dozens of holographic windows. Several cybernetically enhanced tech-meta''s sat at the metal desk typing into their holographic interfaces. While their brains processed information quickly and efficiently. Suddenly an alert went through that swallowed every window in flashing red.


    OMEGA RED ALERT! OMEGA RED ALERT!


    The windows said, the tech-meta''s all froze in place for a brief moment. Then began to pull all relevant information about the alert onto their screens. One by one the screens all slowly linked together to make a giant viewing screen. There on a soldiers interface was an eight foot tall lizard creature wearing a grip reaper outfit. Four yellow green reptilian eyes stared back, with blue energy coming out of its hands. Omega energy readings spiked on the read. A shattering crash of glass echoed through the whole room. The soldier all looked back and saw the Emperor had entered the room with out a sound. He stood in shock at the image.


    ¡°Wraith....¡± Emperor Rofl Dex said through gritted teeth.

 Chapter 83: Slave Master

    ============================================================


    ***Alpha Rift Forward Operating Base (FOB)***


    No plan ever survives first encounter with the enemy. This is one of the fundamental rules of warfare. John, Commander of Alpha Rift understood that better than most. This was not his first invasion of an alternate reality. But as long as they were successful, this would be his last. But things continued to get more complicated as the invasion progressed. The two realities prior this one did not have kryptonians, while this third reality did. The two realities also had limited Omega Energy level creatures, along with technology that was far below their home realities. If John had ranked them, he would say 1990''s for the first two. While this reality was in the 2000''s. Which meant only one thing, his forces were in for a fight.


    The Commander finished his daily report and was in the process of returning to his cabin for a few short hours of sleep and reconditioning before he was sent a priority message from the palace of the Emperor. John was clearly surprised, and opened up the message to carefully read through the words. His eyes went wide in shock, he jumped to his feet and ran back down to the armory to get suited up. He only had a few minutes before the arrival happened. He flashed his ID card to the technician. He was fully equipped in under five minutes and he sprinted across the base. Thanks to his cybernetically augmented body and the meta-gene therapy he got there quickly!


    The Commander stood at attention as the Rift pulsated and spat out a hunter killer team. Unlike the Zeta teams he had essentially sent to their deaths. The HK''s were master of their talents, skills, and gear. All of them were top level meta-humans, with the best augments their society could provide. Both men and women were over 6 feet tall, with strong physical forms. Their armor was sleek, narrow, and angular. Gray polymer under armor suits, black armored plates that absorbed light, with red highlights. The HK team had fifteen people in it, with the leader stepping forward and giving a crisp salute to The Commander. Who returned the salute.


    ¡°We have a orders from the Emperor himself. There is an Omega Energy target here that we must find and kill. Priority Alpha, key phrase A-2417-Omega-Red. Confirm?¡± The leader said, his voice sent through a synthesizer to keep his identity a secret. John stiffened at the key, as his UI quickly looked up the information.


    ¡°Confirmed! The invasion force is at your service!¡± John said, his voice carried with clear determination. The leader of the HK team nodded.


    ¡°I look forward to working with you, Commander. I''ve heard good things about you!¡± The HK leader replied. John stayed perfectly still maintaining his military discipline.


    The HK team were quickly escorted to VIP barracks by cyberdeck operators in full mechanical kit. John stayed by the Rift as he looked through the information packet provided for him through his command link back home. Hunter killer teams were only deployed when they found a very dangerous target. Something that even their resident kryptonian may not be able to handle on their own. Which was saying something! The estimated war point total for killing this specific target was the equivalent of and entire major continent consumption. The entire HK team could retire just from this one mission. Not that they would! But their families could.


    John returned to his barracks, had the technician once again remove his armor. He went back to his cabin and sent a confirmation letter back home. HK''s had arrived, and the invasion force would give its full support. Command would expect nothing less, but paper work no matter the reality was the bane of any officer. Thankfully his augment allowed him to fill out the requested forms in a matter of minutes instead of hours. He disconnected, went to his ''bed'' and fell asleep, dreaming about his daughter planting tree''s in Africa.


    =============================================================


    ***England, London. Underground***


    ¡°Good merry ole London! How I''ve missed you! But this...This is something else!¡± AR-Constantine (Alternate Reality) said more to himself than any one. Though his companions all nodded in agreement.


    AR-Constantine and his team of Witch Hunters were standing in shock and awe at the sight of an entire underground city. Kept beneath the streets of London. They had passed through what felt like a veil and one of the mages noticed they had stepped into a partial pocket dimension. They were still on Earth, just linked to it by a window or a door of sorts.


    The underground city was in the shape of a bowl with a massive cathedral in the center. Or maybe a temple since it didn''t relate to the architecture around it. It looked like ancient mayan, or atzec. While the city around it was a strange collection of eclectic cultures. Ranging from Asia, Africa, to western themes. All the way to down right fantasy magic books, with giant trees being manipulated into homes. But one thing was for sure to AR-Constantine and his Witch Hunters. They were way over their heads!


    They had tracked the troll that had killed Zeta Green to this location. Expecting find a cave, or maybe a ruined building. Not a fucking city full of Omega Energy level...Fucking shite! Magic! This whole world had magic in it! AR-Constantine could smell it in the air! Feel it on his skin! Back home he was use to working with scraps of magical energy to get his spells to work. Here in this reality he barely made a come hither gesture with his fingers and the magical energy flooded towards him! Most of all the entire city was occupied! Trolls, goblins, orcs! AR-Constantine hadn''t seen an orc in decades! Giant monstrosities of muscle, and green skin! Then he saw the Fae running around! Back home before the piss ant Emperor took control AR-Constantine would encounter disgraced knights, or a noble from a Fae house exiled to Earth. This...This was something else.


    ¡°John...We have company...¡± One of his Witch Hunters said.


    ¡°So, we do mate! So we do...¡± AR-Constantine put out his cigarette and turned to look at a male sylvan wearing tailored made business suit with protection spells enchanted into the cloth. Stuff could stop a bullet and a spell under the right levels.


    ¡°Sir, can my associates help you with anything?¡± AR-Constantine said with a smile, and a dramatic sarcastic bow.


    ¡°John Constantine! Why have you returned to the Under-City? You were banished from our home unless you were accompanied by your bonded partner Zatanna.¡± The male sylvan said. But AR-Constantine''s entire face froze.


    ¡°Z....Z''s alive?¡± AR-Constantine said in shock. His entire group stiffened at the sound of Zatanna''s name. Back home she had been killed during the unification war. The sylvan titled his head in confusion not understanding what he had said.


    ¡°John!....¡± One his team mates said, as pools of darkness swam across the ground to surround them. One by one sylvan warriors stood from the pools of shadows.


    Chinnnnnng! An irritating humming sound came from one of the sylvans, this one a woman. She wore much the same as her companions. A tailored made suit with enchanted script woven into the cloth. But unlike her companions that clearly held both blade, and gun in hand. She held a wand, in hers along with what looked like a ¡­.tuning fork? The fork vibrated, she waved it at her fellows and it gave off a specific vibration. When she pointed the fork at AR-Constantine and his team mates it made a different sound.


    ¡°Incursions! Take them alive, dead if necessary!¡± The woman screamed!


    ¡°Fuck!¡± AR-Constantine pulled out a golden lighter flicked it to life and magical flame spread out from him like a flame thrower.


    The Witch Hunters with practiced ease jumped into action. Taking out wands, staffs, pistols, and shotguns. But they were severely out numbered, and not at all use to fighting magical creatures that also used ''hot weapons''. Every time they had encountered Omega.. Magical creatures in the alternate realities they used tooth, claw, and cold weapons. Seeing a troll in full armor carrying a mini gun was terrifying! AR-Constantine waved his hand and yanked all of his team members to him through a spacial fold. They sprinted down a back street as another team mate tried to cast invisibility on the whole team.


    Buuuuuurraaaaaaaaaaaaa! An alarm like a war horn sounded off and the entire city jumped into action. Creatures made of shadows and darkness started to flood down from near by buildings and chased after the witch hunters. One of the hunters called on a magical fog to cover their retreat but it didn''t last long as a large green troll jumped right into the middle of their group swinging his massive arms and sending them all back for a bit.


    ¡°Ahaha! Where you goin! I thought you all came to find me!¡± Said the troll, all of the hunters interface icons identified him as the troll they were sent to find.


    ¡°We don''t got time for this mate!¡± AR-Constantine screamed at him, and bathed the troll in fire. In the past when a troll would be bathed in magical fire screaming would come next. But this troll?


    ¡°Ahahahahahahahaha! Is that it?¡± A giant green hand came from the fire and swallowed all of AR-Constantine''s head. The troll tossed Constantine into a nearby wall. The sound of bones snapping under pressure was clearly heard as Constantine screamed in agony.


    ¡°John!¡± One of the team mates tried to get to him but a pool of shadow gave way to a sylvan shadow warrior who erupted from the darkness with an upward swing of his blade. The witch hunter had his chest sliced open. He dropped, screaming in agony!


    The battle devolved from there as the shadows caught up. While the troll easily batted the rest of the hunters into submission. Thanks to some post-battle medical care none of the hunters were killed. But they were given anti-magic restraints and taken to the supernatural council in the city center. AR-Constantine was barely conscious when they arrived at the main chamber. He smelled the distinct smell of sulfur in the air. He looked up and saw a familiar sight that filled him with both dread, and giddiness.


    ¡°Enemies from afar, they will find this door ajar! Constantine from a world apart, this one finds him filled with a black heart. The Demon Etrigan will find the truth, before he hands you to the Wraith that is in his youth!¡± Etrigan, the demonic champion of Hell stood before the witch hunters. AR-Constantine couldn''t help but smile at his old friend.


    ============================================================


    ***Japan***


    Traveling with Isha towards a refugee camp just outside of Tokyo, Lash learned that Isha was originally a vigilante heroine that primarily worked out of Tokyo but did work all over Japan. When ever the police, or military showed up near her she normally fled to keep from being arrested. Activating a radar jamming device she was easily hid from them. But when the pulse went out she discovered that she was the only one in all of Japan with power. Because of her meta-gene ability she was quickly able to restore power to her own home, and her underground bunker where her suit was. She came to the aid of her country, and the military was glad to have her.


    When they landed, Lash introduced himself as Agent Wraith and the military personal welcomed him with open arms... Well mostly. There was still some racial hostility, given that he was considered an alien. Can''t change everyone! Lash made a miniature solar tower complex in a 300 foot radius around a central tower. However, unlike normal solar towers powered by steam turbines. The solar panels would both absorb light, but feed light into the tower that would have a Daylight spell core. So at night the tower would produce ''sunlight'', granting energy day or night. The solar panels would of course absorb sunlight during the day far more efficiently.


    There was no way the tower would power all of Tokyo. But the energy it produced at a side effect of repairing any system it came in contact with. Give it enough time it would slowly repair the entire electrical network across the country as long as everyone was plugged into it. Whether they were right next to it, or if the electrical car on the other side of the island was plugged into an outlet that was linked to it across the way. Of course the repairing function would take hours or even days depending on the size of what it was working on. Nothing was perfect!


    The entire construction, and proper education on the solar tower took two days to complete. By the end of the second day the entire refugee camp had minimal power. While every military vehicle had been repaired and was mobile. Lash was surprised when nothing had attacked them. He was sure that the invaders would have sent another team, or at least a spy to keep an eye on them. Though he did allow the possibility that their spies were so deadly that even magic couldn''t find them. Scary.


    ¡°Lady Isha, do you know what Nth metal is?¡± Lash asked after he finished tweaking a transport vehicle to also work with electricity.


    ¡°I...Do.....Not...¡± Isha struggled to say the words. Lash watched her for a brief moment.


    Isha, had opened closed her mouth several times when asked about Nth metal. When ever Lash saw a VI Avatar open and close their mouth like a gold fish when asked a question like this. It meant that the User, and by default the VI Avatar knew what it was. But the fourth wall engine prevented them from speaking about it. So they normally would struggle with the subject hoping they had learned it by some miracle of information. But when nothing came out they did their gold fish impression. Lash secretly hoped that his VI Avatar in other worlds didn''t do that.


    ¡°Unfortunately I can''t stay here to help. What''s happening here is happening across the world. But before I leave, I wanted to give you a gift for joining the Justice League: Japan branch. Lash used Calling and a conjuration portal opened up and pulled back to reveal four ingots of pure Nth metal.


    Isha''s eyes went round in shock! Even if the Avatar couldn''t speak about it. Their internal memory knew what this stuff was. She spared a glance at her robotic suit, and was already thinking of ways to incorporate the metal into her gear. Though she wouldn''t have the Thanagar Science application that Lash did. Even in its base form it was a strong metal, and incredibly lightweight for its strength.


    ¡°Lady Isha, let me make something clear. This gift is for you, and you alone. Please do not share it. Understand?¡± Lash said, his voice though soft rebuked no argument.


    ¡°Of course, Agent Wraith! I will do my best to one day return the favor!¡± Isha said, with conviction in her voice and determination in her eyes.


    Isha tapped a holographic console on her arm. The robotic suit leaned down and picked up the ingots of Nth metal. Opened a side compartment and placed the metal in a lock box storage. There was a brief moment of awkwardness between the two. Lash walked up, and stopped about ten feet from Isha. He bowed from his waist, and she returned the gesture. They both stayed that way for nearly a minute before standing straight up. A spring coil began to wrap around him, and with an audible pop! He was back at the Watch Tower on portal hub A.


    ________________________________


    The Watch Tower was... in one word. ''Busy''. It looked like a subway terminal in rush hour. Hundreds of people moved back and forth on the little station moving between the different module locations, making there way towards the portal hubs. There were now four hubs in operation. Alpha, Beta, Charlie, and Delta. Delta appeared to primarily be used to transport supplies. Since Vici was able to produce things almost out of thin air as long as she had power. Creating things like food, water, and basic medicine was incredibly simple for her.


    ¡°Welcome back, Creator. Please step from the pad we have incoming.¡± Vici''s voice said to him. Her voice sounded like a young teenage girl that was incredibly stressed by something. Lash could imagine why.


    He quickly stepped off the hub and within a few seconds spring coils started to appear. What stepped off the hub surprised him! Supernatural beings stepped onto the station all with a Warden or Supernatural community mark. Each one a VI Avatar. This made Lash remember that the Justice League was both a part of DC comics, but also a part of the game mechanics. It was the main protagonist quest hub. Made sense that all the different Origins would come here.


    Several of the supernatural Avatars were were-breeds of different types, a few fae, and a single caster. The were-breeds all took a moment to stare at Lash standing off to the side. Though Saurian was technically an Alpha existence to the were-breeds. So they responded on instinct, when they actually looked at him. They seem to realize who he was, Warden Lash and the hunter Saurian. They all took a moment to bow and give proper etiquette which Lash returned. Before they all moved off to continue their jobs.


    Hex must be livid right now, Lash thought. He stepped away from the portal hub and went to operations to check in. He wanted to see what information they had obtained from their prisoners. Operations had a larger than normal module on the station, given that Communications, and the new Warden module linked up to it. Each module had their own specific door, but you needed senior status or a mission brief to enter the main door to Operations. Something Lash had as he walked through the doors and up the stairs to the main floor.


    ¡°This is not up to discussion! The Justice League is an international organization! You are on the active roster! You will go where you are needed!¡± Vigil said, her voice was hard and forced. With the undertone of ''Just fucking do what I tell you!''


    ¡°My home is on fire and you are sending me half way across the world to help people build homes! I refuse!¡± A man was shouting at Vigil, he was standing next to the holographic display. He had custom gear on that was not provided by the Tower. It was a black leather coat, pants, spiked boot, and a black t-shirt. It was all cosmetic, and did nothing to enhance or protect. Great, someone who cared more about looking good than staying alive.


    ¡°If you refuse then you will be removed from the active duty roster and placed on reserve! You can return to your city. But, if you wish to continue on active duty you will follow orders!¡± Vigil said through gritted teeth. The man scoffed, crossed his arms which bulged against the leather coat he wore. Lash noticed several women were in the mans team, they all looked at the argument in excitement. Ohhhh it was alpha male showing off!


    ¡°Me and my team will go where we want to go. I don''t give a F-Geeeeh!¡± The man said, and choked on his words as Lash had moved up behind him and held him up by the neck. He extended a Psionic Blade from his other hand. The energy blade was pressed against the neck of one of the women.


    ¡°I think you miss understand the situation you are in, boy!¡± Lash all but growled his words out. As Lash finished his words security turrets popped down from the ceiling and pointed at the man, and his team. While all of the worker droids in the center stood up and hand weapons drawn.


    ¡°You, and your ''people'' are guests in this house. You joined the Justice League has active members. You don''t like being lead around, that is fine! Go be a reservist, or why not just leave the League. But if you expect to stay and have access to all of the benefits of the Justice League. You will show proper respect to the chain of command, and you will do as you are told! Or, I''ll just save us all some trouble and snap your neck here and now!¡± Lash said, his claws started to crush his vocal cords. The man flailed and tried to activate his powers. Lash sent a massive shock through his whole body. Hard to concentrate when you have electricity rolling up and down your spine.


    ¡°Who the fuck are you!¡± One of the women on the team said. Lash noticed that the man was the only male on the whole team. Also, that the man was the only VI Avatar while the rest of the women were all dreamers. That was odd.


    ¡°I am Agent Wraith, I''m the owner of the house you are standing in!¡± Lash said, he turned his four reptilian eyes on the woman. The woman looked ready to fight, as did the rest of them. Something was off. Lash activated his Magical Perception, and his Full Spectrum Vision. He noticed there were needle like threads leading from the man to, the women. He quickly cast Insight on the man.


    Name: N/A. Code Name: Puppet Master.


    Title: Depraved, Slave Master, Dominator.


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: D+


    Skills: Manipulation, Acting, Deception, (See Tool Tip)


    Powers: Hypnosis, Partial-Mind Control, Tactile-Hypnosis, (See Tool Tip)


    Domains: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Disposition: Hostile


    Comment: The Original User of this VI Avatar wanted a slave harem, it''s not my place to judge. But I hope you make it hurt!


    Lash all but killed the man then and there! Instead he created a meta-human inhibitor collar and slapped it onto the man''s neck. It snapped into place, and turned on. The wisps of energy that lead from him to all of the women snapped off and they all fell unconscious. Lash proceeded to break all of the bones in the mans body, slowly!


    Lash dragged the screaming man towards the prison cells. Ethan had his medical droids transport the women into his clinic. Physically they were fine, but metal trauma may be an issue. Along the way towards the prison Lash used the Illusion Domain spell, Pain. The man would scream periodically, then try and pass out. But Lash discovered that Pain prevented the target from passing out from shock, cool! The sight of Lash dragging a formal League member towards the prison cells left an impression on anyone watching. It wasn''t long before people learned what had happened in Operations.


    The Prison, and Interrogation modules were connected for obvious reasons. They were also separate from the rest of the station. When the main door opened up Lash was greeted with a unfamiliar sound that was both soothing, and a little irritating. He got several prompts from his Illusion, and Trickery Domains. While Adaptation, Daemonic Heritage, Sensory Awareness, Damage Resistance, Meditation, Superhuman Durability, and oddly enough Domination all got experience the longer he was in the prison area.


    The Prison, and Interrogation modules were overseen by Naya''il. She was a fully sentient android thanks to Technomagical Constructs (Chp. 80) Lash most recent spell. All of the unique androids had gained sentience. While the worker droids had the foundation for it, but it would take time to grow. Naya''il had chosen a unique persona. She was an angel! She was 5''9¡± with golden hair that naturally curled into ringlets. That framed her face nearly perfectly, and fell passed her shoulders. She had golden eyes, with no sclera (No whites in her eyes). She had an hour glass figure that was partially hidden beneath white sheer robes that covered her from neck, to wrist, and to ankle. She wore a silver cuirass that was tailored to her body shape. While attached to her back were weight proportional black metallic wings. That were both shield, and weapon. Thanks to Compression Transformation the wings could fold in looking like cosplay gear. But Lash knew better, and any one trying to escape would learn quickly they were not for decoration.


    ¡°Grand Father, is that another soul that needs to be purified?¡± Naya''il''s voice was like soft chimes on your ears. It made most fall into a sense of safety and security.


    ¡°Yes, he has a slave master meta-ability. He was found manipulating over five women into his harem. All against their will.¡± Lash said as he dragged the whimpering man towards Naya''il. Her face remained impassive, but her golden eyes grew hard.


    ¡°Please follow me Grand Father, we''ll take him to the last cell in the prison.¡± Naya''il said, as she turned and walked away with Lash following behind her.


    ¡°Naya''il, what is that sound?¡± Lash asked, to him it sounded like Tibetan song bowls. It was a high pitched sound. To his extra senses it was almost grating, but every time it reached a certain pitch he would get experience to his spells, abilities, and skills. The sound would reset each time.


    ¡°Its the harmonics calibrator. The sound focuses on the brain''s area of depravity and tries to cleanse it. I assure you the sound is helpful in helping the inmates here.¡± Naya''il said with a smile, which only made Lash wonder what the sound was doing to people. He soon learned it had some interesting side effects.


    Lash tossed the slave master into a cell not caring about being gentle. Two pairs of mechanical arms came out of the wall and restrained the man, while another set started to repair his body. No aesthetics, and Lash saw that the arms had the Rune of Pain on them for extra effect. Good the man deserved everything he got. Naya''il watched her new charge with interest, as the ''sound'' in his prison cell started to increase in volume. The cell doors closed, cutting Lash off from it.


    ¡°Can you take me to the prisoners we captured in Tokyo?¡± Lash asked, Naya''il bowed her head and lead him down several more prison cells.


    The invading soldiers had been stripped of all their gear, and wore white prison jump suits. They were held in place by the mechanical arms that were in each room. While the squad leader was both restrained by arms, and meta-human inhibitor collar. Lash inspected each one and saw they each had extensive cybernetic augmentation. He also noticed they were screaming!


    ¡°TURN IT OFF! PLEASE! TURN IT OFF!¡± The squad leader screamed in hysteria. Lash could practically feel the harmonics threw the prison cell door. Each door was a glass screen reinforced with metal fibers, and magic. With a six inch thick metal slip that would automatically slide into place if anything cracked the glass.


    ¡°The leader here is a natural born meta-human. Basic strong man abilities. Superhuman strength, durability, endurance, stamina, and partial healing. While the augmentation helps with everything else he was missing. Agility, speed, information processing. We turned them all off, and are using the prison cells natural healing properties to keep them alive. We discovered that with out the implants they start to die.¡± Naya''il briefed Lash on the prisoners with a detached focus that came with a scientist, or a jailer talking about their prisoners.


    ¡°What about the others?¡± Lash asked, as the moved on. He stopped hearing the screaming from the leader once they passed his cell.


    ¡°The teleporter is natural, while the others are artificially created meta-humans. It seems that the alternate reality is playing with the genetic structures of the meta-gene. But they haven''t achieved its natural growth. So each one is low grade, and will stay that way. The ''assault'' was given Superhuman Durability E grade. The communications soldier was granted Superhuman information processing E grade, and the medic was given the ability for minor healing manipulation, and tactile sensory awareness E grade. Which allowed her to know what an injury was with out an x-ray. Very useful! Of course each one has been augmented through cybernetics¡± Naya''il finished reading off the information as they passed each prison cell.


    Every single cell they passed the soldiers were screaming for the sound to stop, all but the medic. The woman looked like she was in a daze. The mechanical arms had released her and she was laying on a bed that had slid out of the wall. With out her gear she was about 5''6¡± with a shaved head, strong figure that came with military training and carrying large amounts of weight on a daily basis. The prison jump suit had pants, slip one shoes, and a t-shirt. So Lash could see several cybernetic ports for her arms, neck, and skull. They had not been streamlined, and ruined the flesh extensively.


    ¡°She stopped screaming after the first twenty four hours. I assure you she is alive, but she is placid. The harmonics are still playing but we are trying establish why she is like this.¡± Naya''il said, as she came to stand next to Lash. His tail coiled around her, she rested her hand on the tail as if it was natural occurrence.


    ¡°Bring up an examination table, and secure her to it. I''m going to poke around a bit.¡± Lash requested. Naya''il nodded, and with a glance at the wall the mechanical arms came out of their compartments and gently lifted the medic up and placed her on a table that came up out of the ground. The woman had zero reaction.


    The prison cell door opened and Lash was blasted with the harmonics sound. He got a massive bloom of experience. Soon the ''sound'' dialed down, as he grew a higher resistance to it. He walked in, while Naya''il stayed outside the cell for safety and security. The prisoner was secured to the table, so the mechanical arms folded back but stayed out. Lash stood in the back of the cell, facing the entrance. He stood behind the woman''s head. Carefully, and gently he wrapped his clawed hands around her skull.


    He ran through his domains one by one sending a mild pulse through the medics body. When he got to Synthesis he stopped. He displayed a holographic window for Naya''il, so she could see his discovery. Within the woman''s skull, right at the brain stem was a tiny bio-chip. Lash cast, Re:Implant and found this.


    Advanced meta-gene bio chip. Owner Rofl Dex.


    Rating: A+


    Effect: High resistance to telepathic manipulation.


    Effect: High resistance to mind bending.


    Effect: High increase to Rofl Dex''s telepathic manipulation,


    Effect: High increase to Rofl Dex''s mind bending.


    Effect: Personality, memory, and skill conditioning increase.


    Effect: Limited control, stop all function after 500 hours with out conditioning. (0/500)


    Effect: Kill switch upon attempted removal.


    Comment: This is a highly advanced bio-chip meant to protect the user from outside control but leave them susceptible to one and only one influence. Rofl Dex, the Emperor!


    Lash clenched his jaw as pure unfiltered hatred flowed through him. Rolf Dex was a slave master, just like that piece of shit in the cell! He watched as the 0/500 kept switching between zero and one second. He realized that the natural healing of the cell, specifically Synthesis Domain was keeping her alive, and that was the only reason. Seemed Rofl Dex hadn''t considered magic, made sense. Since his world has little to no magic to go around on it. Lash looked up, and saw that Naya''il had taken a step back her eyes wide. She was both in shock at the information on the holographic window, and a bit afraid of Lash. His Wraith shroud had taken on a sharp hard angles fitting his mood. She could literally feel the waves of hatred boiling off of him.


    ¡°Naya''il, can you please call Ethan. Or one of his most trusted medical droids to come here. I am going to attempt to remove the bio-chip from each of the soldiers. Hopefully we can do it with out killing them.¡± Lash asked, Naya''il nodded, and stepped away. The prison cell door automatically closed containing both Lash and woman. Security was important.


    Ethan had showed up quickly once Naya''il had explained the situation. The prison module had a single intensive care room for emergencies. They moved the woman into the room, and Ethan set up his instruments. Naya''il was on stand by, the harmonics sound was not inside the medical care room to keep from distracting them. Before they began, Hex came in to. It unnerved Lash because he blinked, and Hex was just there standing next to Naya''il. Who seemed genuinely happy to see their sibling next to them.


    Several medically enhanced robotic arms came to life around the bed ready to keep her alive. Lash placed his hands once more on her skull and used Re:Implant and slowly reached in to remove the bio-chip. At the slightest nudge the woman''s whole body jerked in place. It was tied into her central nervous system. This bio-chip was incredibly complex, Lash was a little out of his depth. Thankfully Ethan stepped in as he saw the reaction and advised him.


    ¡°You''ll have to cut each cillia at the same time. Think of the chip like a bomb. Cut a wire individually, and it explodes. Cut them all, and it can''t operate. I''m going to run a bit of cold through her system to slow the reaction time down.¡± Ethan said, as a stasis field swallowed the patient, and her core temperature went down.


    On the plus side Lash was getting a lot of experience with Re:Implant...wait. Lash pulled his hands away from her and stepped back. He sent a mental prod and requested his DP point total. 85 Dream Points! YES! They had enough for the key. But he used 2 DP to buy the next evolution of Re:Implant.


    Congratulations User! You''ve purchased the next evolution for Re:Implant.


    Minor Re:Implant: Allows for more complex synthetic organs, implants be it mechanical, organic, or even...magical!


    Comment: This is going to hurt!


    The entire room saw Lash get surrounded by several rings of spell script. They had all seen this before. It commonly meant Lash had obtained information from his spell domains, or obtained something from his Patron. They were not prepared for Lash to start screaming, and writhing on the floor! His shroud whipped out and attacked anyone or anything that got close to him. There was a time when the shroud had been nothing more than an illusion. That didn''t seem to be the case anymore. It almost became a living thing that clawed, and bit anyone who tried to get close to Lash as he went through the change. Lash eventually told them not to worry in between screams, it would pass.


    Unlike last time (Chp. 67) Lash did not pass out. He eventually went still, his breath ragged. His shroud slowly went back to being billowing grim reaper cloth. Naya''il out of the whole room was high resistant to damage. Given her vocation as jailer. She moved in fully expecting to be attacked by the shroud, when it didn''t she breathed a sigh of relief and picked up Lash who smiled at her.


    ¡°Sorry about that. I updated one of my spell/traits and I forgot it causes extreme pain as a side effect.¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°What kind of spell would do that to its caster? I can understand free magic users getting a back lash, but you use Domain magical theory, you don''t get those kind of severe attacks.¡± Hex said, as they came over to help Lash stand up. Ethan walked over and started inspect Lash.


    ¡°Woah!¡± Ethan said, as his eyes glowed once he gave Lash a look over. ¡°You have redundant organs. Along with an...extra brain? If someone takes your head off, but your body remains intact its possible for you to fully regenerate. Congratulations, Grand Father you have become that much harder to kill.¡± Ethan said with a smile as he did another scan of him.


    ¡°Put that information in a need to know file. It will be a trump card that only a few will know.¡± Hex said softly, Ethan and Naya''il agreed.


    ¡°Alright, lets get back to it. I got the update to help remove the chip.¡± Lash said, but he was out voted. The woman wasn''t going any where so Lash was forced to take a seat for at least ten minutes.


    Ten minutes later Lash was once again standing over the woman. He cast his new Minor Re:Implant the transition was smooth, and efficient. He was granted more control, and did as Ethan advised. Lash felt like he was rolling a metaphorical D20, he swore he heard the sound of rattle, clatter, and click. He pulled the bio-chip out, and placed it into an examination piece for Ethan to look over. They brought the woman''s core temperature up. She was breathing normally, her organs all started to operate once more. She was alive, and free.


    ¡°Prepare the others please, Naya''il.¡± Lash asked, she smiled at him and moved to prepare the next prisoner.


    __________________________________


    Eliza Greene...That was her name. She hadn''t said it in years. Eliza Greene, she had always been doctor, medic, or Zeta-0213 for the past five years. But now... Now!? She was Eliza Greene! She stood up in her cell but was forced to sit back down. She was still getting use to driving her own body again with out assistance from that fucking chip!


    ¡°I''m Eliza Greene!¡± She shouted at the top of her lungs. Tears fell from her eyes. She was free!


    ¡°Hello Eliza Greene, I''m Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security, and Justice League International. Would you be willing to answer some of our questions?¡± A animalistic voice said, as the prison cell door slide open. Eliza recognized this man. He was the Omega Red Alpha target. He was also the man that had incapacitated their whole squad like they were back at boot camp, and he was the one that pulled the bio-chip out of Eliza. Tears fell from her eyes, she smiled so wide her face hurt but she nodded towards him.


    ¡°I would be happy to answer any and all questions you have, Agent Wraith. It will be nice to work with the good guys again!¡± Eliza said, she slowly stood up and held out her hand. Wraith walked over and swallowed her hand in his massive scaled one. But he was gentle with her, and shook her hand in agreement.


    ¡°Good, but first. You look hungry!¡± The animal man said, and Eliza''s stomach growled in agreement.


    ¡°Do you have ice cream?¡± Eliza asked, the animal man smiled at her and nodded.


    ¡°We do indeed!¡± He said.


    ____________________________


    The invading squad all had their chips out. The one that Lash worried the most about was the squad leader. Eliza had told him that unlike the rest of them their unit leader had volunteered. But his worry was soon proven false. Bortolo Ruffini was just as happy as the rest to be free. Apparently no one in the public back in their home world knew about the chips. It was a closely guarded secret, and any one with the chip was incapable of answering any questions about the chip. Anyone in military service got the chip installed in basic training when they graduated. It would slowly condition them, so the tweaks in their personality were seen as adjustment to military life.


    Bortolo, was a natural born meta-human who grew up wanting to serve his great nation in hopes of restoring their world. There are many forms of brain washing. A softer approach is to gradually rewrite history, tell it from a certain point of view, and flood the media with false, or cherry picked information. Bortolo grew up thinking that the Emperor was a good man, and only wanted what was best for their ruined world.


    The Emperor, Rofl Dex was a natural born meta-human with an A-grade telepathic mental domination ability. As well as having genius level intellect, specifically towards technology. Which he used to enhance his abilities. How did Bortolo know this? After the chip had been installed for more than a year he was transferred to command school and Rofl Dex simply told everyone the truth! Bortlolo believed the bastard got some sort of sick satisfaction out of it.


    He wasn''t told everything, obviously. Bortolo was able to confirm that, yes. Their reality did have a superman. He was actually the first slave to Rofl Dex. No one knew how it happened, but it did. After that, one by one the Justice League fell to Dex. That is what started the unification war. With over half of the AR-Justice League under Dex''s control they started to attack and unify the world. Not everyone submitted. Batman went into hiding and is on the top most priority kill list back home. (Figures Bruce would be the last man standing.) While Wonder Woman did the unthinkable and opened the island of Themyscira to any and all refugees. Because of its magical nature, and being able to slip into a pocket space Dex and his forces to this day can''t find it. The Amazons periodically do guerrilla attacks at supply points across the empire. Dex hates magic!


    Lash also learned that over half of the alternate reality''s world was irradiated. During the unification war many countries had used nukes to kill superman. But due to the ''brilliant maneuvering'' of the Emperor the nukes exploded as soon as they left their tubes. Leaving, North America, and South America largely intact. While Africa, Europe, Russia, the middle east, China, and surrounding area''s were a waste land. Couple of places here and there in the island nations lived, barely. Lash was confused as to how the whole planet was even livable!


    Bortolo answered as much as he could about his life in the Empire. Growing up, what it was like as a natural born meta-human allowed him and his whole family to live on better care that others. Unless you were a telepath. Any and all meta-humans with a mind bending ability were hunted down and killed. Growing up Bortolo believed it was because Dex wanted to prevent them from turning into slaves. It was only later that he learned that Dex wanted to be the only slave master in the world.


    ¡°Do you know where the Rift is located?¡± Hex asked, watching the whole squad eat a table inside of the prison area. An eclectic collection of food on the table. Eliza was eating a bucket of double chocolate fudge.


    ¡°No, even as the units transport I was sent through a series of stops by other teleporters. Preventing the information from being shared.¡± Brian Vidal said, the units teleporter.


    ¡°Just because our world doesn''t have telepaths doesn''t mean the world we invade wont. They compartmentalize the information to prevent this very thing from happening. Well not this thing, I don''t ever remember seeing anyone capable of taking out a chip. I''ve been with Bortolo the longest, we''ve been in all the previous invasions.¡± Brian said, and finished a cup of hot chocolate.


    ¡°What is the date in your world?¡± Lash asked, curious about events. Bortolo looked like he was in his mid thirties.


    ¡°2059¡± Naheim Muhammad, the assault soldier said. He had taken a bottle of scotch and was nursing it, slowly enjoying the taste.


    ¡°The first two worlds we invaded were far behind us in tech. I think the first one was around 1980''s. It took us years to figure out why.¡± Walter Bodde said, the communications soldier.


    ¡°The vibrational frequency was slower in that world. So time passed slower there, while your world compared to ours is faster. So, you are in 2059, while we are in 2021.¡± Lash supplied the answer and Walter nodded, as he went to eat another slice of pizza.


    ¡°Not to be a buzz kill, but will happen to us now? Specifically our unit.¡± Tapco asked, the engineer. The whole unit stopped to look at Lash, Naya''il, and Hex. Ethan had left to attend his other patients.


    ¡°All of you were not in control of your own actions. We will of course have to still watch you, no offense. Hope you can continue to provide information for us. But we''ll see about providing better accommodations. May I be blunt with all of you?¡± Lash asked, the room nodded.


    ¡°I plan to kill Rofl Dex, are you all alright with that?¡± Lash said, his voice even as if he was stating a fact.


    ¡°What about the rest of our brothers and sisters?¡± Bortolo asked, his facial expression neutral.


    ¡°We learned a lot about how to remove the chip. Ethan is confident that he can create a procedure that doesn''t require Wraith''s direct involvement. If we can take your people alive, and free them. We will. But not at the expense of the safety, and well being of our own. Can you accept that?¡± Hex replied, crossing their arms behind Lash.


    ¡°I don''t know about the rest of you, but I''d be more than happy to help you kill Dex.¡± Brian said, as he looked around the table.


    ¡°Fantastic! Let''s get you all under a Rune of Truth and verify the information. After you finish eating of course!¡± Lash said with a smile.


    ========================================================


    ***Metropolis, Southside aka Suicide Slum***


    AR-Superman, Kal from the house of El. Formerly known has Clark Kent walked down the mean streets of Suicide Slum. He wore a darker version of the Superman uniform. Black undertones, crimson red highlights, with the ''S'' the color of blood. No cape! He had a full face helmet on that tied him into the network for the invasion. He was suppose to be looking for power meta''s to be brain boxed and enslaved to the fucking bast....The implant in his head sent a shock through his system. Hail the Emperor, Rofl Dex.


    He had hated Suicide Slum back home. He could never do enough to make it clean, to help enough. He was limited in his powers. Able to pull the moon from the sky, but couldn''t fix one neighborhood. The one and only thing the Emperor did that AR-Superman was thankful for was he rebuilt the slums. It was a thriving community now back home. He wished Lois had seen it. AR-Superman clenched his hands into fists at the broken memory of his dead wife.


    ¡°Supes? Is that you!?¡± A familiar voice called out to him. No! Was he alive in this reality? AR-Superman turned to see a 6''3¡± overweight man with gray hair, and eyes. Walking over in a set of overalls, thick jacket, boots, and a sailors hat. It was Bibbo Bibbowski, Superman''s number one fan in Southside.


    ¡°Ya...Bibbo its me. Trying something different, the mask ties me into all communications chatter.¡± AR-Superman said, his distorted voice through the mask made it hard to recognize him.


    ¡°Ah! Ya, that makes sense! But between you and me. I think you look better with out it.¡± Bibbo said as he walked over and clapped AR-Superman on the shoulder. That was the one and only time that AR-Superman had let anyone touch him in nearly a decade. He flinched but didn''t do anything more.


    ¡°Oh look at that! See, I told you supes! I work hard every day! Even make the man of steel flinch!¡± Bibbo grinned wide, as he flexed his arm to show his impressive muscles. AR-Superman couldn''t help but laugh at his old dead friend.


    ¡°You got me there, Bibbo! You are full of surprises!¡± AR-Superman said with a laugh.


    ¡°Bibbo! Step away from him, now!¡± A familiar voice to them both said. Bibbo turned around and gasped.


    ¡°What the? Supes...Wait? Which one is which?¡± Bibbo said, as AR-Superman turned around to meet his counterpart for this reality.


    Superman had floated down from the sky. He had been working none stop since the pulse had disabled all the electricity in the whole city. But he always did a patrol through the slums. The first ten hours had been a slaughter. Thankfully local vigilantes had come out to help like Guardian, Gangbuster, and Newsboy Legion. But the slums was still in a horrible state. His blue, and red uniform was covered in mud, blood, and sweat. His face was smudged, his hair was a mess, but his blue eyes were clear as day as he looked at his counter part.


    ¡°It was nice talking to you Bibbo. But you better do as he says. It''s going to get ugly here in a moment.¡± AR-Superman said to his long dead friend. Bibbo nodded, and raced back to his bar.


    STOMP! The whole street shook as figure jumped down from apartment complex. The figure was barely 18. He was 6 foot even, with black hair, blue eyes, and a strong figure. He wore military boots, black pants, with a black shirt, a red S on his chest. He gave AR-Superman a death glare.


    ¡°Project Cadmus...So even in this reality Luthor is a piece of shit.¡± AR-Superman said softly, he shook his head back and forth.


    ¡°Please, I don''t want to do this.¡± Superman said to his counterpart.


    ¡°I know you don''t. But I don''t have a choice. I''ll try my best to minimize the damage to the city. But I am either going to bring you in alive, or dead....For the Emperor!¡± AR-Superman said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Seems the Emperor made you stupid! Its two against one!¡± The Cadmus clone said, aka Superboy.


    ¡°Is it?¡± AR-Superman said, as a subsonic crack rang out as a navy blue blur flew past AR-Superman and collided with Superboy. AR-Supergirl had been near by waiting for the signal. AR-Superman sprung forward and slammed his fist straight into Superman''s jaw!


    Superman went flying through the air! He flew through wall, after wall, after wall. He hit an open street and bounced across the pavement slowly coming to a stop only to blink in surprise as his counterpart was waiting for him at the end of his journey. SLAM! AR-Superman punched Superman straight into the pavement. The impact sent a minor seismic event through the whole neighborhood!


    ¡°Unlike you, I don''t hold back!¡± AR-Superman said. As he jumped down into the hole he had made. He pulled and lifted Superman around. Then set his knee into his back, pulled his arm and with a sickening crack that could shatter eardrums AR-Superman popped Superman''s shoulder out of place!


    ¡°GAAAAAAAAH!¡± Superman screamed in agony! He had never felt this kind of pain before! No one had even been able to do that! He brought his head up as quickly as he could and bashed in AR-Superman''s nose. The sudden attack made AR-Superman let go of Superman''s arm and fly back into a thankfully deserted building.


    ¡°Geeehh....He....¡± SNAP! ¡°Gaaah!¡± Superman popped his shoulder back into place. Flew up into the air to watch AR-Superman walk out of the building.


    ¡°Don''t worry, there is no one around for miles. I checked! We can fight as much as we want too!¡± AR-Superman said with a smile and flew up to continue the fight.


    ____________________________________


    Superboy was having a hard time. He hadn''t escaped Cadmus that long ago. He was still getting use to his powers. Unlike his...Donor. He couldn''t fly, or use heat vision. He had superhuman strength, speed, durability, endurance, and healing. But there were other things just out of his reach. He could feel them, but something was stopping him from accessing the powers. He desperately needed it now!


    CRACK! AR-Surpergirl linked her hands together and brought it down onto Superboy. He felt his bones crack, and his organs convulse! He coughed up blood, but he didn''t stop fighting. He pivoted on his heel and did a spin kick straight into AR-Supergirl''s side. She flew sideways from the kinetic force and skipped across the street a few times before she jumped to her feet. She had the same full face helmet that her cousin did. The eye lenses flared with red light, and Superboy dived to the side as solar vision cut through the concrete he had just been standing on.


    ¡°Fuck! I need some help here!¡± Superboy called out! An invisible force slammed into AR-Supergirl. The immediate area in a circle flattened as if all the gravity in the area intensified. AR-Supergirl was brought to her knees, but she was slowly getting back up.


    ¡°She''s to....strong!¡± Gravitas said from an alley as he slowly stepped from the shadows.


    Superboy sprinted towards AR-Supergirl and right as he got to the edge of the field Gravitas let go. Superboy brought his knee straight into AR-Supergirl''s face, sending her flying back. She crashed through a car bisecting it down the middle. Before she could recover a huge hand made out of white energy wrapped around her and slammed her face first into the street, again, and again! A woman standing off to the side wearing a Justice League standard gear. Was using Energy Projection to create the hand.


    ¡°Gaaaaaaaah!¡± AR-Supergirl screamed as loudly as she could. The sound shattered all the glass in the area, and broke the woman''s concentration. Her head snapped back, and she buckled over in pain. The white energy hand faded from existence. Supergirl zipped towards her only to crash into the street again as another gravity field stopped her.


    ¡°Can''t...Hold....This!¡± Gravitas said, as blood slowly dripped from his nose and ears. His suit kept sending signals for him to stop, and it sent another prompt to the Watch Tower for medical aid. AR-Supergirl was slowly standing up, her helmet cracked, and split apart revealing her face.


    AR-Supergirl had rich blue eyes, a shaved head, and pale skin that hadn''t seen the sun in years. She had a collection of tiny scars all over her face, along with a jagged scar at the back of her head where an implant was. She gritted her teeth, and took another step forward towards the woman who had fallen unconscious from the sound wave. AR-Supergirl''s eyes started to glow, she would slice the energy projector in half. Suddenly the gravity field let up. Then AR-Supergirl let out the most painful scream she had ever made in her whole life.


    A green energy blade had impaled her from behind! It stuck out from her chest, and its energy corroded her whole body. KRYPTONITE! She screamed in agony, as her suit sent a warning to any invaders suits. Her cousin fighting in the air above the city called her name, but she couldn''t react. Her vision grew dark and she blacked out.


    ___________________________________________


    ¡°WARNING! WARNING! KEY ASSET RECIEVING KRYPTONITE POISONING!¡±


    AR-Superman raised his leg high in the air and performed an axe kick onto Superman. Superman in this reality was a brawler! AR-Superman had received advanced combat training in hand to hand combat, and close quarters combat. He knew he could win against his counterpart by skill alone. But the warning sent a shiver down his spine. Superman was sent spiraling down into the open bay they were fighting over.


    AR-Superman zipped through the air with a sonic boom rippling from his location. His UI marked his cousins IFF signature. Some sort of creature was standing over her, putting kryptonite laced cuffs on her. AR-Superman raced to save his one and only living family member. In a flash he was on top of them! But something was different. The creature had been right in front of him, but now he was gone? SLASH! A green energy blade passed right your AR-Superman from behind him.


    ¡°GGGGGGGGAAAAAAH!¡± AR-Superman screamed! He collided with the concrete road and made a huge divet into the street that stretched for almost thirty feet. The blade sent an electrical shock through his whole body, the energy was laced with kryptonite.


    ¡°Hello Kal-El.¡± Said the creature, AR-Superman looked up and saw the thing was standing over him.


    ¡°W...G....Geh...Who are you?¡± AR-Superman asked.


    ¡°A friend...¡± The creature said, as he plunged the green kyrptonite energy blade straight into him. The pain was immeasurable! That AR-Superman soon blacked out.


    _____________________________


    AR-Superman opened his eyes to find himself laying on an examination table. He was groggy, and weak. He noticed there was a green tint to the lights in the room. He could feel a kryptonite energy to it. Not enough to kill, or even hurt him. But it did keep him mortal. This world was more advanced than he thought. It took the Emperor nearly a decade to get those kinds of li....Wait a minute!


    ¡°IT''S GONE!¡± AR-Superman shouted as he sat up and looked around. The implant! The sensation of being mind controlled. HE WAS FREE!


    The full length wall mirror slid to one side, and Kara his cousin came racing into the room and gave him a great big hug! She was sobbing, but held him as tight as she could under the green lights. Clark hugged her back. They hadn''t had full control of their bodies in years! So many times had he wanted to comfort his cousin but never could! Now...Wait!? How did they get it out!? The bio chip was laced with kryptonite it should have killed them.


    ¡°Hello, I am Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security, and Justice League International. I was wondering if we could ask you some questions.¡± Came the voice of the creature that had defeated them both. Clark, and Kara both looked up at the giant reptile wrapped in smoke and shadow. Behind him was this realities Superman, along with Wonder Woman, and Batman!


    ¡°I would be more than happy to answer any and all questions you have for us.¡± Clark said from his prison cell.


    ¡°Me too!¡± Kara replied.


    ¡°Wonderful! Please, come this way!¡± Wraith said to them...

 Chapter 84: Queen Bitch!

    =============================================================


    ***Alberta, Canada. Alpha Rift FOB***


    The Alpha site had gone through another upgrade. The command tower had reached ten levels, reinforced with flexible concrete, alternating steel, and trace elements of Nth metal from their Thanagarian broker. The machine shop, armory, medical, barracks, and airfield had all gone through a renovation allowing for more of their troops to work from the Alpha site. The Rift it self had grown large enough for one of their twin barrel tanks to roll through it.


    Thanks to the vibrational frequency being slower here in this reality then back home. For every day that passed here, a week passed back home. So, allocations of resources were expedient... Most of the time. But even with the time gap, the bureaucrats back home would find ways to stiff the invasion force. They had two other realities pouring resources back home, and only one reality currently being invaded and AR-John''s commanders were stiffing him!


    AR-John, Alpha site base commander watched his Rift base from the top level of the command tower. They were making progress, but it was slow going. They were still in phase one of their invasion. Anonymity was their method of operations. This reality as a whole still had no idea they were here. However, that had changed recently. The Justice League in this reality was fighting against them, along with the Omega Energy level creatures they''ve found. AR-John had requested additional resources and engineers to the Alpha site but he was denied. AR-John activated his microphone and spoke down to the commander waiting at the current transport pad.


    ¡°Rift Commander Charlie, you are a go. Good luck, fore the Empire!¡± AR-John said, as his voice rang out across the transport pad. The Rift Commander saluted the tower, and turned towards his unit of fifty men and women. They all saluted in response.


    An audible pop, and a bright neon blue light flash swallowed the whole team, and its cargo. A powerful meta with top grade mass teleportation transported them to their next Rift site. AR-John understood the need to expand their points of entry, but it still felt off. He was always one for quality over quantity. But, he also knew that more points of insertion meant less time on the....


    ¡°Rift Commander we have an emergency Kr-Zeta message!¡± The communications officer said in the main room. The entire room froze, and stared at the officer in shock. AR-John turned and walked over to receive the message on the terminal.


    AR-John played the message. There was no need to clear the room. Every officer in this room had field command clearance. AR-John watched a brief video of an infiltrator camera feed of their Kryptonian assets, get taken down by a team. But more importantly get taken down by the Omega Red target. AR-John sent the video feed to the Hunter Killer team on base, and to command. This was one of the times command didn''t wait long.


    ''Move to Phase Two, activate the HK team''


    ¡°Send an alpha priority message to all forces with in danger action. Phase one is complete, move to phase two. Main command has confirmed.¡± AR-John said loudly across the communications room. Every officer in the room jumped into action and with in minutes every invader on the planet moved into action.


    ________________________________________________________


    ***Alpha Rift, VIP Barracks***


    The fifteen unit of men and women that belonged to the HK team were resting, doing soft training, or doing maintenance on their gear. Each one ready to spring into action at a moments notice. Each one with a shaved head, pale skin that hadn''t seen sunlight in years, each one with a set of blue eyes. They were each commandos, each a one man/woman army. But each of course had their specialty. Their squad leader was reviewing the different reports submitted by the different teams that had encountered the Omega Energy level threats. When the report came in.


    ¡°Stand by!¡± The unit leader said, just loud enough for his whole team to hear. Each one jumped to their feet and stood at attention. The unit leader sent up a wide display of the short video that the Rift Commander had sent.


    ¡°Last known location is Metropolis. We move out in fifteen! Questions?¡± The unit leader asked, a single hand rose. One of their newest soldiers. The unit leader gestured for him to speak.


    ¡°Do we know what happened to....them?¡± The young man said.


    ¡°We don''t! Our orders are the assassination of the Omega Red target. That is our one and only priority. However, if the target is killed and we find our missing people while doing it. We will help them come home. Understood!¡± The unit leader said to everyone.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± The HK team said loudly.


    ¡°Let''s get to it!¡± The unit leader said. The HK''s jumped into action. The unit leader nodded to their newest soldier who nodded back.


    Them, was the closes thing any of the HK''s could say about their donors. The unit leader turned to look at a full length mirror. His reflection staring back at him was the spitting image of the young man that had fought AR-Supergirl. The men and women of the hunter killer team were all Project Cadmus clones. AR-Connor Kent, took a deep breath and started getting his own gear in order. Part of him, a large part hoped he would find Superman alive. But a small part, a whisper in back of his mind hoped the man was finally free.


    ================================================================


    ***Metropolis, Justice League R&D lab. 2029 AR***


    Superman flew across the big blue sky at a leisurely pace. Enjoying the morning sun on his skin, the wind on his face. As he flew by several people would cheer at the sight of him. He was flying low enough to be seen, but not so much to be a distraction to morning drivers. He enjoyed being seen, but not enough to be a distraction. More a few minor traffic accidents had occurred because drivers tried to look at him when he flew by.


    Superman dipped out of sight between two buildings and slipped past a sliding wall into a secret complex. The buildings owner had grilled him time and time again not to use the window. Paparazzi had parked outside the building for three weeks last time, determined to find out why Superman had visited this building! He took a secret elevator up to the top floor and walked into a loft. Or half loft, half work shop.


    Big open bay windows letting the morning sun in. Big open space between the kitchen, living room, and work bench. One master bedroom, with bath separated by a wall. Along with a guest bedroom, and bath. Then another bathroom near the work area. The living room had a huge flat screen tv, with the latest in Wayne Tech station hardware. Superman had on occasion came over with his son to play games with laps owner.


    ¡°Dex, you here!¡± Superman called into the loft. A head belonging to his long time friend Dex popped up from one of the work benches. He looked around at Superman, and grinned! Superman gave his friend a bemused expression.


    ¡°Boy Scout! Thanks for coming!¡± Dex said as he scurried away from what ever piece of tech he was working on.


    Dex was 5''9¡± with wiry frame, pale skin, black eyes, and long silver kinky hair that seem to explode from his head. As if he had been shocked one to many times by electricity and now his hair was naturally that way. He always seem to have an hunched appearance. But working in a lab, often typing on a computer or building something explained that. But despite that, he was still nimble, and could move when he wanted to. Beneath this floor was a full service gym that Dex used everyday for at least two hours.


    ¡°You said you figured out a way to stop our members from experiencing mind control?¡± Superman asked, as he shook his friend hand. Dex smiled wide, the spark of genius or insanity gleaming in his eyes.


    ¡°YES! Well no, its a prototype! Its far to large, and unwieldy to take into the field. But if we can get it to work in the lab. Then I''ll start minimizing it! Come! Come!¡± Dex said as he scampered back into the R&D side of the loft.


    Superman was afraid of breaking something so he just lifted off the ground by a few inches and floated after his old friend. Dex was a meta-human with top grade telepathic abilities, along with mind bending, and manipulation. Along with tech-genius level intellect. But despite the money he could have easily made, or the empire he could have made he was always working for the Justice League. Superman had been saved more than once by Dex when he had been taken over by other mind benders. Dex had also saved countless civilians time and time again. He had earned the trust of the Justice League, and the people of Earth.


    ¡°How many times have you fallen under someone''s control, Superman? I''m not admonishing you. I want to know if you know?¡± Dex asked, as he cleared a examination chair as he patted it for Superman to sit down.


    ¡°To many to count! Thankfully you''ve always been there to help.¡± Superman said with a smile as he took a seat. Dex had the chair recline back, and had Superman''s feet go up so he was partially laying down.


    ¡°Yes! I will always try to be there! But, sometimes it''s chemical! Like that time Poison Ivy used Kryptonite laced lipstick! Did Lois ever forgive you for that by the way?¡± Dex said as he scampered over to get a large box off a table.


    ¡°Yes she did! After several dinners, romantic get a ways, and that real nice piece of jewelry you made for her but told me to tell her it was from me.¡± Superman said as he watched his friend in amusement.


    ¡°Think nothing of it! It was just lying around the shop when I was trying to make a new drill.¡± Dex said, as he brought back the box.


    ¡°It was a diamond necklace worth over a hundred grand, Dex! You still never told me where you got it from!¡± Superman said, he gave his friend a mock glare. Dex pressed his hand to his chest and made a dramatic flamboyant gesture as if he had been wounded.


    ¡°Well if Lois doesn''t want it, you can always give it back?¡± Dex replied, a grin on his face. Superman''s eyes went wide and he settled back down. There was no way, Lois would give that necklace back.


    ¡°So, what is with the box?¡± Superman said as he changed the subject. Dex grinned at him and carefully placed the box over Superman''s head.


    ¡°This is called a ''Brain Box''. As I said this is a prototype.¡± As the box completely covered his whole head down to his neck. ¡°It blocks out telepathic mind bending manipulation. But still allows telepathic communication. Made for J''onn, and M''gann specifically. While it also helps counter chemical manipulation. But if it all fails, it will send a message to the Watch Tower letting every know you or anyone wearing it is under mental domination.¡± Dex said as he fit into Superman''s head.


    ¡°Wow that will be great! So, I take it you are going to make me do something to see if it works?¡± Superman asked.


    ¡°Yes! I am going to make you do the thriller dance, while I record the experiment and send it to Lois, and Johnathan.¡± Dex said, the humor clear in his voice.


    ¡°Oh no! I hope it works then!¡± Superman said, but he still had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Don''t worry! This is my sixteenth time. It will work...¡± Dex said, his voice dipping with sinister undertones.


    ¡°Sixteenth?¡± Superman said.....Then he blacked out.


    __________


    Superman opened his eyes and found himself kneeling. In his arms were the bloody, broken, and dead bodies of Lois his wife, and Johnathan his young boy. He was covered in their blood, bones, and viscera. Absolute rage roared inside of him as he clutched his families bodies close to him. But before he could do anything more his friend Dex ran over to him.


    ¡°Oh God! Hold on Kal! Jesus! We...Can fix this!¡± Dex tried to reassure him. How...HOW!? His family was dead! Dex had reached up behind Superman''s head, to something that was in his neck. Wait....


    Zzzzzzsnap! An electrical snap went through all of Superman''s body. He dropped his wife, and son''s body and stood up in one fluid motion. He turned to look at Dex who had a maniacal grin on his face. Dex started to shout in joy! He jumped around the loft, bounced over to his equipment and started to throw things in triumphant glee!


    ¡°Sixteen fucking times! I''ve pulled it off! That piece of shit isn''t here to ruin it for me! The chemical imbalance of love always throws the chip through the ringer! But now I''ve got the ratio balanced, and the readings recorded!¡± Dex shouted, and ran back to Superman and gave him a great big hug.


    ¡°Alright buddy! I''ve done this enough to know the next step! Lets go find Kara!¡± Dex said, blood still covering his lab coat.


    ===========================================================


    ***Watch Tower, Interrogation, and Prison modules***


    Several of the senior members of the Justice League watched AR-Superman retell his story to them. They watched, listened, and became horrified as he told his story. The man was broken, he had been more than happy to talk about everything at first. But as he talked about it more and more the realization of what he had done crashed into him hard. AR-Superman did find AR-Supergirl, Dex brain boxed her. He had her kill her adoptive parents. In their reality, she was adopted by the Danvers. For what ever reason the chemical imbalance of love always through the chip through a loop.


    One by one they brain boxed the elite, and senior members of the Justice League. Until more than half of the whole League well over 500 people were enslaved to Dex. They learned quickly that the chip didn''t seem to work well with anyone who used magic. The operation also took several hours to complete though it became more streamlined as Dex got better about it. By the time the rest of the League figured out what was going on? It was to late.


    Dex had planned the whole thing out, and had been saving resources for years. The Justice League had been tracking a criminal syndicate. That seem to supply, and help give the Injustice League with resources, tech, and locations ahead of the Justice League. What they didn''t know was that Dex was in charge of the syndicate. So, when the League fell from the inside the Injustice League jumped to fill the hole. Which didn''t last long, as Dex started to brain box them as well.


    After a year the public found out something was wrong. That was when the Unification War happened. All of the worlds greatest Super heroes, and Super villains working together to punish and enslave. The war was short, but incredibly brutal. In one last vain attempt to kill them all the surviving countries with nuclear missiles fired them at America, where Dex was based. AR-Supergirl never figured out how, but Dex had some how made all the missiles explode as soon as they left their launch tubes. More than half of the world had become a nuclear wasteland.


    After that it was post-war reclamation. Anyone with any form of influence, power, and ability were brain boxed. Batman, along with his Bat-Family had escaped and are considered leaders of the resistance. Wonder Woman had found a loop hole in the no man rule on Themyscira. But neither of them knew what it was. Because of its magical, and pocket dimension nature the island could close its gates at anytime. Seemed like their reality didn''t have Ares escape. Or maybe Ares was never there to begin with?


    ¡°What''s it like back home for you all? I mean, ecologically? I can''t imagine that much radiation in the atmosphere can be good for whats left?¡± Flash asked, he was in full uniform with his arms crossed across his chest. He was trying to change the subject.


    ¡°Dex...I don''t know how, or where he gets them from. But he had blue prints for city wide shields, atmospheric processors that clean out the radiation at least in North, and South America. Dex was pretty big on ''going green'' after the war. Every city, and I mean every city that survived was redone.¡± AR-Kara said, as she was thankful for the change in subject.


    ¡°He... Put everything we had into surviving, and reclaiming what was lost. It''s amazing what the human race can accomplish when they have no choice in the matter.¡± AR-Clark said, as he white knuckled through the comment.


    ¡°How did he figure out the Rift''s?¡± Flash asked, trying to process the information since no one else was asking any questions.


    ¡°We don''t know. He just showed up one day with a blue print. With in a month we had a working Rift Generator. That....That was when we invaded our first reality.¡± AR-Kara said, it was clearly hard for her to talk about as fresh tears started to spill down her cheeks.


    ¡°Alright, that''s enough. We can talk more about this after you two have more time to recover.¡± Wonder Woman said. AR-Clark snapped his head up to look at her, his eyes wide in shock and fear.


    ¡°No! We can keep going! We.... Need to do something! Anything!¡± AR-Clark jumped to his feet, and every gun from the 20 security droids pointed at him. Kryptonite laced bullets.


    ¡°No, Wonder Woman is right. You''ve given us plenty of information already. The both of you need time to recover. As much as we want to trust you, we still can''t at this time. So you will be returned to your cells. When we need more information we''ll come and get you.¡± Batman said, his voice cold. His body language indifferent as he gave nothing away. AR-Clark looked at him, then at everyone in the room.


    ¡°Thank you....For saving us.¡± AR-Kara said as she walked over to take AR-Clark''s hand.


    They were lead back to their cells by the security droids, and Naya''il. She adjusted the harmonics for their room to be gentle but firm. It would help them both... Maybe? The senior staff of the Justice League moved their discussion to the Head Quarters aka the big table room. Once everyone had taken a seat they addressed a minor issue. They all looked over at Wraith who was by all accounts about ready to kill someone. His shroud was jagged, with shard edges. His aura was oppressive, and a few people had a hard time breathing.


    ¡°Wraith? We are all upset about the situation. But please calm down, you are scaring us.¡± Black Canary said softly. Being one of the few willing to sit next to him. Her voice seem to snap him out of what ever he was thinking.


    ¡°Sorry! A third Rift has opened...I don''t know where.¡± Lash said to the room. A collective gasp rang through the hall.


    Attention User, the invading reality has created a third Rift.


    You''ve been granted 10 bonus DP.


    Challenge Rating has increased: Nightmare.


    ¡°Fucking! Shit! Cock! Balls!¡± Aquaman said, as he rubbed his face. Aquawoman patted his arm by his side and gave him a crooked grin.


    ¡°I find it interesting that your Patron even told you. Wonder Woman how often do the old gods of Olympus grant their wisdom?¡± Zatanna asked, as Constantine snickered.


    ¡°Maybe once every few years. Only when a major even happens, the fact that Wraith''s Patron continues to advise him only tells us that his Patron favors him greatly.¡± Wonder Woman said, as she looked over at Wraith who was massaging his face.


    ¡°Let''s get back on topic everyone. J''onn were they telling the truth?¡± Green Arrow asked, as he turned to the resident telepath.


    ¡°Yes they were. I could feel their anguish, their torment, but also their hope. They are free. They hold you, Wraith in great respect. You''ve earned two powerful allies today.¡± Jo''nn said in his deep, soothing voice. As he responded to the question.


    ¡°It was a team effort. I never would have gotten close to either of them with out help. Speaking of which. Sorry Arrow! But did Super....Boy? Come back with us? Or did he stay in Metropolis?¡± Lash asked, as he apologized to Arrow for changing the subject again. Green Arrow nodded but let the conversation drift.


    ¡°He stayed in Metropolis, he''s patrolling South Side. Gravitas, and Luminosity (White Energy Projector) came back to the Watch Tower for medical attention. Ethan reports they will be fine, and back in action in a few hours.¡± Superman replied absently. His thoughts still on what the AR-Superman had said.


    ¡°Subject change again, Green Lantern. Did you hear back from the Guardians about alternate realities invading?¡± Lash asked, as he looked towards Hal Jordan who perked up at being called.


    ¡°Yes! Its uncommon, but they will allow some involvement. John, and Katma are on their way back to help. They should be here in six days. On a side note, the Guardians of Oa want to meet you Wraith. Since your species doesn''t show up in any of their databases.¡± Hal replied, he leaned back as more than a few people gave him a suspicious glance.


    ¡°Fun.... How are the League cities coming along?¡± Lash asked the room, turning back to Green Arrow.


    ¡°Starling has power. Thanks to Queen, Meryln industries, and a certain Alien''s advance tech most of the renewable energy systems were shielded from the initial EMP blast. While they were down for the first 48 hours, after that everything slowly turned back on. We''ve been taking in people the different towns as much as we can. We are not 100%, but we are better than most.¡± Green Arrow reported.


    ¡°Central City has power up in all its hospitals but that is about it. The new logistics, and auxiliary droids have been a big help. But we still have a long way to go.¡± Flash said next.


    ¡°Detroit is not doing well. We are in over our heads as the city falls apart and all of the criminals in the city use this time to take what they want with out punishment. So far we''ve had a single hospital get its power back, but back up only. The rest of the city... I don''t know.¡± J''onn reported, as he looked at everyone in the room.


    ¡°You can send people to Fawcett City! Thanks to....¡± Shazam said as he looked at Wraith who shrugged his shoulders. ¡°To a new company called Ghost Industries a lot of their techs have been able to get power and water back.¡± Shazam finished, J''onn looked up and nodded. Fawcett wasn''t that far from Detroit...


    ¡°Transportation will be an issue. If everyone''s cars worked the distance would be negligible. But on foot? Wraith do you think you could come down and get a few city buses operational?¡± J''onn asked, Lash nodded.


    They continued discussing logistics for the next few hours until the meeting was called. Not because they didn''t have more to discuss but because they had to much work to do. Everyone decided to go to the dinning hall then head back down to the surface to work. The hall was busy, but for good reason. As the food was incredible. Lash looked for the Android in charge but they were back in the kitchen working as fast as possible. Lash didn''t want to interrupt so he took a seat next to the ''window''.


    Across the entire wall was a window of Earth. Though it wasn''t actually, it was just a holographic display of what it should look like since the dinning hall was in the middle of the station. It was still unsettling to look down at North America where the station was currently above and not see any lights on the dark side of the planet. Except for a tiny speck of light in northern California where Starling City was.


    The whole station shuddered for a moment, as the metal groaned around them. Before Lash had gone down to retrieve the AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl he had purchased the upgrade key for Vici. As agreed with Malleus, 75% of the station was still in operation. While the last 25% was slowly shifting and changing. So the whole station was still in operation. But slowly changing as well. The estimated time for completion was about 1 month. But, Lash forgot one important feature. Labor! Or more importantly the mentality of gamers!


    Dynamic Quest! Help the Watch Tower upgrade from F grade to E grade.


    Donate Energy to the main core! [ ]


    Assist the station''s engineering team! [ ]


    Retrieve raw resources and bring them back! [ ]


    These quests are repeatable!


    Rewards: Experience and Reputation.


    Lash had no doubt that every VI Avatar on the station got a prompt because as soon as the upgrade key was uploaded every Avatar was running around like a fire was under their ass! It reminded Lash that every dreamer, even the VI''s had a system in place. Even they were not consciously aware of it. One of the times that the realism, and the game mechanics didn''t mesh to much? Or maybe they worked perfectly and Lash was just watching the VI''s running around because the more experience they got the better they would be?


    Malleus reported that as long as things kept moving as they were they would be finished in two weeks, maybe less! As the stationed turned the window display showed the moon in the distance. Lash still needed to build a school there, of course he also needed to remove the threat on the moon. But he of course needed to repel the invasion, and also do a counter invasion and kill Rofl Dex. As much as Lash hated this invasion he was unwilling to turn them off.


    He knew for a fact that he could not turn off an invasion once it was happening. Lash could go to the black room and turn off invading Rifts since it was an optional feature. Of course it would also turn off the scenario, story, and fractal Rifts. Short term these invasions were horrible! But long term, they served a purpose. Because deep down, Lash knew that when Darkseid showed up it would be a hundred times worse. His Dream needed to be tested. The Rifts would be the wet stone.


    Lash left the dinning hall with out eating or drinking anything, as per usual. A few people watched him leave. Not everyone in the League were Avatars. He took the main elevator down and found an interesting sight. Hastam along with twenty security, and armory droids watched with a careful eye as League members with energy manipulation were pushing it into Vici''s core. She took it all, and wanted more! Lash walked over to Hastam to ask a question.


    ¡°Any issues?¡± Lash asked, as he gave his ''grand son'' a side hug with his massive tail.


    ¡°Grrrrrrr! No, they''ve been very helpful. But I made it clear I would turn them to ash the moment they stopped being so.¡± Hastam said in his robotic voice.


    Lash nodded in comprehension. He moved towards the core and found a spot. The Avatars were taking turns pumping into the core. He got in line, and soon took up a spot. He reached out and poured his magical energy into the core. He didn''t force the energy in, he did it slowly and gradually so there would be no run off.


    Congratulations User! Intermediate Energy Manipulation has evolved into Advanced Energy Manipulation.


    Advanced Energy Manipulation: Power consumption has decreased, power ability has increased, power range has increased. Greater control, and detail in manipulation. Works in conjunction with.... (See Tool Tip)


    The whole station shook for a brief moment as an abundant and rich source of energy was fed into Vici. Lash was doing more, with less now. Thanks to the evolution several other skills, powers, and spell domains got an update. Increasing his overall level, and grade with them. Which reminded him to check his Dream Point total. He wanted to see if he could buy a few things.


    Dream Points: 23


    DP Credit Card: 16


    The upgrade key from E grade to D grade was 320 DP. A huge incline in price, but the station would be huge at that point. Making Lash wonder what A grade looked like. The station hadn''t finished upgrading so he couldn''t buy any modules for the new E grade station yet. He could buy another domain, maybe a skill. Or upgrade what he had. Lash''s grade was B-. Despite all that had happened his rank hadn''t moved this whole time. He could buy another experience booster?


    Lash broke off from the energy core, and stepped off to the side. Though he did get a experience prompt from Skill/Power/Spell Trainer several of the League members had learned a few things from him just by watching. That was nice! Lash wanted some privacy so he stepped into the Armory module which from wall to wall had gear of all shapes and sizes! Lash took a side room that was used for maintenance and took a seat on the floor.


    ¡°Dawn, by brightest star may I please see the store catalog?¡± Lash asked, as he looked up at the ceiling.


    ¡°Of course, User!¡± Dawn replied with a sweet voice that was heavenly on Lash''s ears. A book materialized above him and floated into his lap.


    Lash looked through the book. Flipped through all of the available skills, abilities, racial traits, spells, and domains that were open to him. There were also a lot of grayed out ones. Most of them were because he no access to them unless he was a meta, or an alien. While others were linked to specific events, stories, or other abilities. He found the boost from different grades and nearly swallowed his own tongue. The boost from B- to A- was 300 DP!


    ¡°Dawn...I understand going from B to A is a large leap but isn''t 300 a little excessive. I mean from C to B was only 2 DP?¡± Lash said, as he inspected the book looking for a mistake.


    ¡°Not all User! That was actually a mistake on the Developers part. It was a system bug, C to B should have been 150 DP. However when you purchased it was only 2 DP. However, you had already purchased it before the bug was found so the Developers made no move to remove the purchase.¡± Dawn replied, her voice sweet. Though Lash was crestfallen to discover this new information.


    ¡°Dawn, can you give me any recommendations?¡± Lash asked, as he looked down at the book. The pages flipped several times as words rearranged themselves. Dawn highlighted several things that Lash already had that could prove useful if evolved. She also highlighted a few new things.


    Author Authority: User has absolute control of all aspects of the Dream in which they exist, and can freely alter its nature, content, inhabitants, history, destiny, etc. All rules can be changed on a whim or flat out ignored, as the user is literally the one dictating them. (100,000 DP)


    ¡°HOLY FUCK! That''s a power you can buy!?¡± Lash said loudly, and thankful that the walls of the armory were sound proof. He double downed and made a obstruction glamour, and a Silence shield around himself.


    ¡°Dawn, as any User been able to buy that?¡± Lash asked, still shocked that it was even possible to obtain.


    ¡°No, User! Many have complained about the total DP required to purchase it. But the Developers are firm in their belief that 100,000 DP is the correct value for such an ability to essentially rewrite the Dream world you exist in.¡± Dawn replied, her voice sweet with a hint of mischief in her voice. Lash nodded in agreement. That was an over powered ability that should not be easy to obtain.


    Nature Domain Spell, Healing Aura: The User extends an aura around them. (10 ft) That restores 1% of their total health, and energy levels every minute. As well as all those within the aura of the casters choosing. This is a passive effect. (30 DP)


    ¡°A passive heal!? Only for 30 DP? Dawn, in is this a bug too?¡± Lash asked, hoping it wasn''t.


    ¡°No, User it is not! You must remember that obtaining the Nature Domain is a difficult process. You acquired the Domain through your Warden ceremony. But additionally you were able to purchase it because of your partner, Saurian. As you know, Saurian is not part of ''The Red''. He was created through the designs of your Cosmic Patron. Your Patron used ''The Green'' in Saurians creation.¡± Dawn replied.


    ¡°Wait? Erik never put that in the Origin, did he?¡± Lash asked, as he saved his place on the page. He planned on getting the spell but he wanted to hear this answer.


    ¡°No User, you did not. Though you spent a great deal of time in the creation process. You could have spent more. Also there have been several dozen new version updates since them. Many of them updated the creation process. This allows an intuitive writing aspect on the VI representative (Dawn), along with the Developers. Who by the way have taken an interest in you. As they are the ones that decided to throw a Nightmare difficulty for your first Invasion. In order to counter balance your progress.¡± Dawn finished, her voice full of enthusiasm.


    ¡°Wait a minute! Are you telling me that Developers increased my difficulty because I''ve been doing to well!?¡± Lash asked, shocked!


    ¡°Yes User! Congratulations and earning the eye of the Developers of The Dream Engine!¡± Dawn said, clearly pleased that her User had done so. Lash all but turned into a puddle of despair on the floor.


    ¡°Alright use the Credit Card, lets purchase the spell, and spend another 2 DP to take it to minor. That wasn''t a bug right?¡± Lash asked, as he traced the spell. It glowed brilliantly, and he absorbed into his Nature Domain.


    ¡°No User, from standard to Minor is still 2 DP, but from Minor to Basic is 20 DP.¡± Dawn replied, Lash winced at the price jump. The Developers really adjusted the overall price of things. Well they were in Beta. Everything was subject to change.


    Congratulations User! Healing Aura has evolved into Minor Healing Aura!


    Minor Healing Aura: Aura range has increased to 30 ft. Restores 2% of total health, and energy every minute.


    Lash spent another few minutes looking things over. He went to the item store and looked through a few modules that would be included into E grade that he could buy once Vici was finished upgrading. Apparently E grade had a bank module that increased the monetary value of different accounts by 1% every week. So it was like his achievement ''Damn, I''ve got 99 problems but money isn''t one of them!'' (Ch. 38) Made Lash wonder what other Justice League Watch Towers, and Halls of Justice had for Users in their Dreams?


    Lash picked himself up from the floor and closed the book which burst into starlight and faded from view. He went to the door and when it slid open Hastam was standing there waiting for him. ¡°Yes, Hastam?¡±


    ¡°Grrrrrrr! Are you alright grandfather? We heard shouting.¡± Hastam asked, his massive bulk swayed back and forth as if he was expecting Lash to jump at him.


    ¡°Yes, was reviewing the new modules once the upgrade was finished. A few of them were surprising to say the least. Sorry, I didn''t mean to worry you.¡± Lash finished, as he patted Hastam on the shoulder.


    ¡°Grrrrrr! Ah, that is most excellent news! Anything that can surprise grandfather will be a great resource of the tower!¡± Hastam said, his voice like a big metal drum.


    Lash smiled and moved past him back into the second saucer. He set his new spell to recognize ''friendly'' individuals as part of his allies, while neutral will be decided on a case by case basis. He could even heal enemies if he wanted to. He went back up to the main saucer and headed to Operations to see if he could another mission. There was plenty to do!


    Lash slipped through the door and overheard Vigil talking to a team. They were heading to London to oversee a prisoner transfer of some kind from the Warden''s stationed there. After a few minutes they wrapped up and headed out. One of the team mates was a Fae, Lash bowed to them and they returned it. Once that was finished Lash headed up and threw Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss onto Vigil who let out a groan as her energy was refilled.


    ¡°What, no orgasm?¡± Vigil asked, as the effects settled.


    ¡°I wasn''t sure how it would look if people saw you on the floor in a puddle of goop. But I can do it again if you want?¡± Lash asked, wiggling his claws at her. She grinned at him and shook her head.


    ¡°Better not, though I am looking forward to getting my own quarters as soon as the upgrade goes through. Right now we just have people take turns while they come up.¡± Vigil replied, she ran her hand through her silver hair and brought up a display of a country.


    ¡°You''ll be heading to the sovereign nation of Qurac to see if you can recruit someone. Be advised that the country shares its eastern borders with Bialya. I''m told you have some history with that countries leaders.¡± Vigil said, as she looked at Lash.


    Lash let out a growl that resonated across the whole room. Bialya, it had been a long time since he heard that name. He still owed Queen Bee for shooting down the plane that carried him, and his people during the tech summit. Peyton, and Mikhail lived but none of the other crew did. But, the mission came first. Of course if he came across any Bialya soldiers who''s to say he couldn''t say hello?


    ¡°Who am I recruiting?¡± Lash asked, as he pushed the rage back down for now. Vigil waited for him to finish then changed the view. One the screen was a very large green tiger.


    ¡°We have confirmed the subject is a meta. However, if its an animal that turned meta. Or if its a person that changes into an animal we don''t know. But, you can speak to animals, so either way! The subject seems friendly. It has been spotted fighting against Bialya troops that have taken the situation as a chance to absorb Qurac. Qurac''s troops are trying to fight back. But they lack the resources to put up a good fight. They normally relied on UN support, but that is not coming right now.¡± Vigil brought up several information windows on contacts, cities, towns, military outposts.


    ¡°Any supernatural elements down there?¡± Lash asked as he zoomed on a few interesting energy readings.


    ¡°A few shamans. They are using their magic to hide their homes and people away from the conflict. Though a few of them have been helping to shield the green meta as it attacks the Bialya troops.¡± Vigil pulled up a few names, and pictures.


    ¡°Bialya troop information?¡± Lash highlighted a picture. Several APC''s, transports, and tanks. Lash was surprised they got their vehicles to work after the pulse.


    ¡°Standard soldiers, and equipment. Until recently!¡± Vigil said, as he zoom in on a specific road into Qurac. ¡°Bialya has their own meta''s, from what we can tell they are new with little to no training. Powers are immature, they seem to be drunk on their new powers. We have no idea if they are being controlled by Queen Bee, or if they are here because they choose to be. Speaking of which, if you are capable of removing the influence please do!¡± Vigil replied as she collapsed the mission brief.


    Could Lash remove the influence? If he remembered correctly it Queen Bee was a natural born Meta with pheromone control. As long as the subject found her attractive she could manipulate the individual like it was mind control. They simply wanted to obey her. It wasn''t necessarily a toxin so Sooth wouldn''t work. But he could use his Nature Domain Passive to create a counter pheromone. This would require practice and experimentation.


    Lash excused himself as another team came in for their mission brief. Before Lash left he went to the engineering module and finished the second Amazon red team reward suit. He sent a message that it was done and it would be awhile before he started the next one. All the same he got a message back quickly from the Amazon team with thanks. Lash took a moment to look for Malleus but the android was sprinting around the station trying to get the upgrades finished. He decided he had procrastinated enough and headed to the portal hub.


    =========================================================


    ***Qurac, Eastern Border***


    A six man team of soldiers wearing jungle environment camo fatigues, with light weight kevlar, and automatic rifles moved silently through a light jungle. They made as little noise as possible, using only hand signals to communicate. Each soldier kept their head on a swivel ensuring constant line of sight, communication, and awareness of their surroundings. But like most humans they always forget one simple rule. Humans forget to look up!


    Sitting on thick tree branch above them was a giant green python watching them move past. It stayed perfectly still, flicking its forked tongue into the air to taste their scent. As the soldiers moved past the snakes branch it coiled up and with surprising grace and agility the snake jumped off the branch. In mid air the snake''s body suddenly expanded! Its scales turned to fur, its limbless form grew arms and legs. The snake turned into a giant green silver back gorilla.


    ¡°SURPRISE MOTHER FUCKERS!¡± The gorilla shouted loudly, an oddly youthful male voice coming from the gorilla as it brought its massive hands down on top of the first soldier.


    ¡°Contact!¡± The soldier furthest from the giant green gorilla screamed. They all pointed at the gorilla only for the tree branches to reach out and block their view.


    The green gorilla bashed the first soldier into the ground breaking bone, but leaving them alive. Back handed another sending them flying into a tree trunk. He jumped again turning into a green lion and raked his claws through a soldier. Shredding the light weight kevlar and fatigues like paper. Then before the soldiers could clear the branches away and open fire the green animal was....gone?


    ¡°Where is it!?¡± A soldier called.


    ¡°It!? Well that is not very nice. I am a young man of 18, thank you!¡± Said a tiny green field mouse on the ground hiding between twigs and leaves.


    The mouse changed back into the gorilla shape and beat his chest dramatically! He roared so loud that it shocked the last soldiers for a brief moment. Buying time the giant green gorilla barreled through the rest of them. Despite the chaotic battle, the green beast never killed any of the soldiers. Though they were seriously wounded they would live.


    ''Hurry young one, more are coming.'' The wind rustled past his ears. The green gorilla changed into a green panther and jumped through the forest, soon disappearing.


    Only a few minutes later did a large unit come rushing to secure the area. Several medics started to attend to the injured as two specific people walked into the clearing. One was pale man 5''11¡± who''s skull was see through allowing one to look at his brain. He had beady black eyes, and six lines of red, three per cheek. The man wore a long trench coat, black boots, pants, and shirt. Went by the name of Psimon.


    The other individual was a heavyset caucasian woman, with blue eyes, and brown cornrows hair. She had thorn tattoos on her arms, with a single spaulder armor on her left side. While the rest of her cloths were black combat boots, pants, and tank top. She was over 6''3¡± and looked ready to kill something. She walked over to the commander of the squad and picked up by his jacket. He cried out in pain as the medic had been attempting to set his arm.


    ¡°Where is it!? What direction did it go!¡± Devastation asked.


    ¡°It went west, deeper into the forest.¡± The squad leader said, Devastation looked at Psimon who nodded.


    ¡°Radio in and get these people back to camp. The rest of you come on!¡± Devastation said as they continued to track the meta.


    ===========================================================


    Lash teleported into Qurac at the edge of a large savanna. To his left was a lion pride who looked surprised to see him. He smiled at them and said hello. With in moments the male lion, several lionesses, and cubs were at his side. As a druid the animals of the world had a natural inclination towards him. He fed them all several Nature spells, and made sure they were all healthy. Creating food for them as well as water. He was spoiling them, but the cubs were adorable!


    ¡°Seen a lot of humans around with weapons?¡± Lash asked, using his Beast Speak.


    ¡°Yes... They wear skins that helps them hide. They carry the sticks that spit metal.¡± One of the lionesses replied.


    ¡°They do not belong to this land. Not like the other humans. Those humans are native to this land. We have a understanding.¡± Another said, as she licked one of her cubs clean.


    ¡°You should help the green one. He has been fighting the invaders.¡± The male lion said with a yawn. He gave a low rumble as one of the cubs was climbing on him. Lash plucked the cub up and started to groom the cub. Who settled quickly.


    ¡°Do you know where the green one is?¡± Lash asked, carefully running his claws through the cubs fur.


    ¡°Stays with the trees, blends in. The whispering humans help him.¡± The male lion said, Lash tilted his head in confusion. ¡°The whispering humans, speak with animal, plant, and life itself..¡± The male lion finished.


    ¡°The Shamans! I will do that. Please forgive me everyone I have to go see about fighting off the invaders. Thank you for speaking with me!¡± Lash said, though he did spend a few minutes with the lion cubs that were curious why his tail was so different from theirs.


    Lash walked through the savanna taking a few minutes to talk to every animal he came across, and a few tree''s that were withering in the sun. Been a while since it rained. They all more or less said the same thing as the lions did. Invaders from another land had come to cause problems. The whispering humans told them to steer clear. The green one that looked like them, but didn''t speak like them was seen from time to time.


    As soon as Lash touched the first tree that belong to the forest it relayed a message to him from one of the Shamans. The green animal was trying to escape through the jungle, it was being chased by the invaders. It needed help! Lash dropped to all fours and took off through the forest to find the green meta. He cast Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage on himself. He soon blended in perfectly with the forest around him almost invisible.


    Despite the terrain Lash made great time. So much so he heard the sounds of rifles firing, and the roar of a woman? Then he heard a different sound, the scream of a tree being uprooted and destroyed. Lash increased his speed and raced towards the fighting. He jumped into a partial clearing and saw over a dozen soldiers attempting to fire at a green gorilla that was fighting a tall, muscular woman. The woman didn''t seem to mind being shot, but the gorilla was doing its best not to get shot. The tree''s in the area made gradual attempts to restrain the soldiers. But they were pushed back by the telekinetic meta that stood in the middle of the group. The man whipped around and stared directly at Lash. He couldn''t see him, but he felt him arrive.


    ¡°Devastation, we have company!¡± Psimon shouted loudly, panic clear in his voice.


    ¡°We do!?¡± Devastation turned around, looking for....BAM! The tree next to her swung one of it''s branches out and sent her across the forest. She was unharmed just surprised! ¡°Motherfucker!¡± She shouted as she went flying.


    Lash used Plant Control, and Animancy. The tree''s started to move far more aggressivly then when the Shaman''s used them. One of the tree''s grabbed several of the soldiers with its branches and brought them to its trunk. A gaping maw opened up, and the tree bit down, tore, and swallowed the soldiers. The gruesome blood curdling scene was enough to scare the shit out of everyone else including Psimon. Though he ran straight for the woman instead of following the soldiers.


    ¡°Devastation! We have to leave!¡± Psimon shouted, looking for his companion.


    ¡°Over here! What the fuck is going on!?¡± Devastation shouted as she stood up, brushing off bits of dirt and leaves.


    Lash who was still camouflaged looked at the green gorilla, or was a gorilla. It had shifted into a young green man. With short green hair, green eyes, and green skin. Who was naked! But Lash recognized this kid. This was Garfield Logan aka Beast Boy. Beast Boy had several bullet holes in his arms. Lash sent out Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Restoration to help him. The bullets were pushed out as the wounds healed. Though Lash forgot about the pain. Beast Boy screamed in agony as the wounds healed quickly.


    ¡°Come on green boy! Let''s finish this!¡± Devastation jumped over a massive tree root. She punched, and kicked a tree that tried to get to her.


    ¡°Devastation please! We have to leave!¡± Psimon said, he was terrified.


    ¡°What is wrong with you? She''s is not going to be happy...GAAAAAH!¡± Devastation began to say then screamed as her left arm from the shoulder down was cut off.


    That was when Chameleon faded, standing between them shielding Beast Boy was Lash with his Wraith disguise on. A Psionic Blade extended from his right hand, it was silver in color (Nth metal). Devastation''s severed arm soon turned to ash thanks to Decomposition. Devastation screamed in pain, and stared up at Lash in wide eyed horror. They knew who he was! Psimon despite the horror on his face jumped forward to protect Devastation? He concentrated and sent a telekinetic blast at Lash.


    Lash crossed his arms and was pushed back. He was pushed back ten feet, his clawed feet leaving clear marks in the ground. But otherwise he was unharmed. Clearly Psimon was hoping for a better reaction. Psimon reached out and tried to grab Lash and throw him away. Lash swung his left hand out, a Psionic energy wave cascaded out colored blue (Shock). Psimon screamed and dropped like a puppet with out strings. Devastation did something out of ordinary she popped a flash bang.


    Boom! With Lash''s superior senses the flash bang was incredibly painful, and disorienting. He got several prompts from Adaptation, Re:Implant, Sensory Awareness, True Body, Regeneration, Transformation, and Superhuman Durability. After a few brief seconds Lash looked around, Devastation had picked Psimon up and was running as fast as she could towards the Eastern border. She could move pretty quick when she wanted to. Lash turned to look at Beast Boy, only to be surprised to see him gone.


    ¡°Crap...¡± Lash said, he must have scared him.


    Lash looked around and understood why. The soldiers were dead, the trees had literally eaten them alive. He used Soul Bite, and Dream Eater on the souls left behind. Filling his energy reserves, his hunger, and obtaining a bit of information. Military Special Operations gained a bit of experience. He also learned the location of their camp. He clapped his hands and released the tree''s back to their control. He cast Judgment and as always an ancient powerful being momentarily took command of his body and judged the souls of the dead. A single heartbeat later Lash was in control of himself again. He took some time and used Restoration on all of the injured trees.


    ¡°Alright, lets go find the green kid.¡± Lash said softly, technically he hadn''t learned his name yet. Lash wasn''t willing to use Cosmic Awareness to obtain the information.


    ===============================================================


    ¡°What the fuck!? What the fuck!? What the fuck!?¡±Garfield Logan said over and over again as he raced through the forest as a green cheetah.


    Garfield raced through the forest trying to get back to the hidden village where the medicine man lived. The man had taken him in after his parents died thanks to Bialya. When Bialya had attacked Qurac Garfield stepped up in a big way. He wanted to defend his adopted home. Though he and his parents were from America Garfield hadn''t seen it in years. He had long believed this was his home, or so he thought? Something kept telling him he didn''t belong here. Not in a bad way, the forest, the land, its people were happy to have him. But something told him he was meant for bigger things.


    He had been on patrol and ran into some of the Queen Bitches troops. He had met them before but always had an edge, the medicine man could command the forest and helped him escape each time. But the Queen Bitches troops laid a trap for him. The big ass woman had almost broke his neck. But then that giant ghost lizard thing showed up! The trees came to life! They grabbed and ate the soldiers, it was disgusting! Then the lizard man took both of the Queen Bitches meta''s on by himself.


    But...But what terrified Garfield the most was that he felt that he could trust the lizard man. Something told him he was suppose to go with him. What was wrong with him!? Ever since he got these powers he has been trying his best to understand wha...


    ¡°Hello! Wow, you can run pretty quickly!¡± Said a voice next to him.


    ¡°WHAT THE FUCK!¡± Garfield shouted and sprung into the air like only cat''s can do!


    __________________________


    ¡°Shit! Shit! Shit!¡± Devastation said over and over. She had sprinted full tilt towards base camp and only stopped once they were out of the forest. She dropped to her knees but never let go of Psimon. She clenched her jaw, and did her best to get to her radio.


    ¡°This is Devastation I need a medic and transportation asap! My coordinates are...¡± Devastation fought back the pain and reported in. Within a few minutes a transport vehicle was heading towards them as fast as possible.


    ¡°Hold on babe.... I got you!¡± Devastation said, as she held Psimon close. She slowly fell backwards as her left arm was still bleeding heavily. ¡°Why the fuck was he there? Shit jus...just g...got real...¡± Devastation said, as she passed out from blood loss. The Bialya troops showed up just in time to see her slump over. Psimon still in her good arm.


    =====================================================


    Name: Garfield Logan. Code Name:Beast Boy, and or Changling.


    Title: Seedling (Monkey King), King of the Jungle, Chosen of The Red.


    Origin: Meta-Gene. Sub-Origin: Magical.


    Rank: D+


    Skills: Martial Arts, Acting, Survival, High School Education (See Tool Tip)


    Powers: Unique Physiology, Terrestrial Metamorph, Animal Mimicry, (See Tool Tip)


    Domains: Animal Magic.


    Racial Traits: Resistant to poison and disease.


    Disposition: Neutral (Terrified!)


    Comment: Garfield is fucking terrified of Wraith! He is even more terrified as his adopted God tells him to go with Wraith. He is so confused, and desperately wishes he could just make sense of everything here.


    ¡°You have no idea who I am?¡± Lash asked, astonished at the situation.


    ¡°No! Should I? Are you famous or something?¡± Garfield said, still in his cheetah form as he looked around trying to find a clear exit.


    ¡°Don''t watch a lot of world news I take it?¡± Lash asked, he held his hands open attempting to look none hostile. Which he of course failed at. An eight foot tall lizard man in combat armor, a grim reaper outfit, and four reptilian eyes watching their every move. Most people would be scared.


    ¡°We don''t exactly have cable or satellite TV out here man!¡± Garfield shouted back, clearly agitated, and a bit of scorn in his voice.


    ¡°Tell you what? Why don''t we head to the village. The shaman there can explain who I am to you.¡± Lash offered, and gestured towards the direction that Garfield had been running to.


    ¡°You know about the...No! This is trick! You want me to lead you there!¡± Garfield said, clearly jumping to conclusion.


    ¡°Oh no! Please Mr. Logan! Tell you what, I''ll take the lead and you can follow. How about that?¡± Lash offered, he turned on his heel and started to walk towards the village. With his Magical Perception he clearly saw the path to take it was plain as day to him.


    ¡°Wai...Ho....Who are you!?¡± Garfield shouted at him.


    Lash moved through the jungle has if he was walking through and old home. Perfectly natural! The tree''s moved their branches and roots aside to make it easier for him to walk. He patted each one he came across and fed it natural magic as thank you. Garfield watched him with a careful eye, and took notice that the trees moved just like when the old man went for a walk. What should have taken them nearly an hour to do, took ten minutes. Almost as if the forest was increasing their pace.


    A giant thorn bush wall appeared in front of them. Razor sharp thorns six inches long or longer covered it. Long thick branches, so dense it was nearly impossible to pass, with leaves as big as a stretched out hand covered it. The wall was over twenty feet tall, and stretched for what looked like miles. Before Garfield could call out for help, the wall pulled itself apart as Lash stepped close.


    There on the other side was a humble village on a hill. A stone path maybe ten feet wide coiled up the walk way towards the first home. Each home was made out of a combination of stone, and wood. With clay tile roof pieces. Each home had several rooms attached to a central area. There was a singular large building that had grown from a tree? Or the tree grew around it. Lash was sure that the tree was first, and the Shamans just encouraged the tree to grow, and make the building.


    Lash and Garfield stepped across the boundary, and the wall closed behind them. They stuck to the path, Garfield swapped from Cheetah, to Gorilla. Imposing but despite his large frame he was gentle, and soft footed. Several men and women came to watch them enter. Each of them had detailed ornate tattoo''s that covered their bodies. Their skin colors ranged from pink, blue, green, red... These were djin! Lash kept to Warden etiquette and performed the standard greeting. This action surprised them, though they returned the gesture.


    Along the main road Lash and Garfield were stopped by a seven foot tall red skinned man. With four arms, long black hair, a muscular frame, with black claws on his hands and feet. The second pair of arms were not pointed in the same direction. It was almost as if someone had taken two people put them back to back. So the second pair was pointed the other way. Until Lash realized that on this creatures back was another person. The duel man had four scimitars sheathed on their belt. They wore a pair of black pants and nothing else.


    ¡°Welcome back Garfield...¡± The man said to him, though his eyes never left Lash.


    ¡°Hello Behistof, is he here?¡± Garfield asked, being careful to keep his eyes on the ground and to not stare directly at Behistof. Instead of answering him Behistof turned to Lash. His eyes flashed with a pulse of energy. Lash''s long lost friend, Nullification activated! Saurian snarled across their link. A deep base sound that not heard but felt.


    ¡°Excuse me, its illegal to try and beguile a Warden.¡± Lash said, as he widened his stance staring directly at Behistof.


    ¡°So it is.... We haven''t had a Warden in our area in years. Why are....¡± Behistof began but was cut off when someone called from behind him at the ''tree building''.


    ¡°Enough, Behistof! You are keeping me waiting!¡± Said a woman at the top of the hill of the village. Behistof visibly flinched. He took a deep breath and stepped out of the way. Never taking his eyes off of Lash.


    Lash and Garfield walked up the path towards the woman who turned and walked into the tree building. Lash saw several more djin, along with many more were-hyenas! They looked human more or less. Strong, muscular frames, though more nimble and streamlined. Were-wolves are normally bulky, Hyenas not so much. When they stepped inside the build the shaman was a humanoid bird man.


    Al Anqa''a, was the species name. He had dark brown skin, longer than human normal limbs, bird like eyes. With rich earth tone browns, reds, and yellow feathers up and down his arms, back, and legs. He wore a leather skirt, and held a old gnarled staff in hand. He ''looked'' mid fifties but Lash felt he was far older than that.


    The woman who stepped in before Behistof and Lash fought sat at the head of the room in a place of honor. The shaman her second it seemed. The woman was tall, with golden skin, messy brown hair that was chopped not cut to her shoulders. She wore a leather top that exposed her midriff, and she wore a leather skirt that went to her knees. She had hyena eyes. The Alpha of the pack.


    ¡°Warden Wraith, and his partner hunter Saurian greets you.¡± Lash stayed to Warden traditions. Though he changed his name, he got permission from the council. To many people were using his name outside of protective circles.


    ¡°Greetings Warden Wraith, and partner hunter Saurian. I am Yaasmeen el-Amini, Alpha of the Weeping-Maw were clan, this is my first. Ali Sayegh, and our clan''s shaman. Greetings to you Garfield Logan, welcome back from your hunt. I see it was eventful.¡± Yaasmeen said, it was not a question but a simple fact. Garfield didn''t say a word, he just nodded and kept his eyes down.


    ¡°May I present a gift to the Alpha of the Weeping-Maw clan?¡± Lash said, his hands were open and waiting. He dare not reach for anything with in his shroud. He knew they were being watched by more than just were-hyenas.


    ¡°You may, though be slow and careful.¡± Yaasmeen said, her eyes watching him carefully. Lash could see a spiritual image of a giant hyena in the background.


    Lash reached into his Spatial Storage Wallet and pulled out five orichalcum coins. Ali the shamans eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at the sight of the coins. Yaasmeen to her credit only raised a single brow at him. She lifted a finger and a were-hyena servant walked over to retrieve the coins. They gave them to Yaasmeen, and stepped away. She inspected them with a critical eye, then handed them to Ali who shivered in excitement.


    ¡°Your gift is accepted and appreciated. Welcome to our home!¡± Yaasmeen said, and an invisible pressure that was pressing down on him, and Garfield was lifted. They could breath easier.


    ¡°So, Warden. Why are you here?¡± Yaasmeen asked. She relaxed in her seat no longer willing or cared to be professional. Ali the shaman rolled his eyes at his Alpha, but kept his comments to himself as Yaasmeen threw him a playful glare.


    ¡°I''m here for him. Though I wouldn''t mind killing any Bialya soldiers I come across. Though that is more of a personal grudge.¡± Lash spoke the truth.


    ¡°What!?¡± Garfield said, shocked then shut his mouth when Yaasmeen glared at him.


    ¡°Garfield has taken resident in our home. Though he is not one of ours we have taken a liking to him. Why would we give him up?¡± Yaasmeen said, a smile tugging on her lips.


    ¡°Why not ask his patron?¡± Lash said, a smile on his own face. Yaasmeen''s face went still, she tilted her head to one side slightly. She looked from Lash, to Garfield.


    ¡°What patron?¡± Yaasmeen asked, Ali looked up from his own thoughts confused as well. Lash reached out and placed his clawed hand on Garfield and used the spell Spiritual Guardian.


    A divine glow filled the room, swallowing shouts of alarm and shock. As a golden monkey with a crown on his head appeared in silhouette behind Garfield. It smiled wide at everyone than began to laugh! It tossed the crown aside and clapped his hands together in merriment and glee. Clearly pleased by the result! He winked at Lash, then turned to Yaasmeen who went pale with fright.


    ¡°The Monkey King claims this one! Release him hyena and I''ll bless your clan for a year!¡± The spiritual image of the king said. Then the spell faded, as Lash nearly collapsed from the spell. Though he was happy the actual patron showed up, the energy to materialize the god nearly dropped him to zero in just a few seconds.


    The divine glow of the Spiritual Guardian faded. Garfield stood in his human form now, wearing a pair of shorts, and a floral pattern shirt. The Monkey King like to joke around, him and Garfield were a lot a like. Garfield was clearly confused! As he looked around at everyone who were looking at him in shock. Except for Lash who was on his hands and knees panting for breath. Yaasmeen stood up in a fluid motion. She stalked across the room like a predator wearing a human skin. She picked Garfield up and kissed him. Garfield flailed in surprise having no control over the situation.


    ¡°The Weeping-Maw clan releases you, Garfield Logan. But know you will always have friends here.¡± Yaasmeen said, as she placed the blushing green Garfield back down. A cackling laughter of a monkey echoed through the halls. Everyone in the village felt a little lighter, and full of energy.


    ¡°Before you leave, we will have a feast! You will stay, both of you!¡± Yaasmeen said, and left to prepare not waiting for either of them to agree or object.


    ¡°What the fuck is...Owe!¡± Garfield said, then rubbed the back of his head as Ali had smacked him with his staff.


    ¡°Language young man! Warden Wraith are you alright? Come let us get you something to drink. I am sure calling on the king was difficult for you. Garfield help him up!¡± Ali said, and walked off towards his rooms. Garfield reached down and tried to help Lash up but cried out in surprise, he was heavy!


    ¡°Welcome to the supernatural world, Garfield. I am sure you will fit right in.¡± Lash said, as he staggered to his feet. Healing Aura pulsed and he regained 2% of his total energy. Not a lot but better than before.


    =========================================================


    ¡°You are telling me that Agent Wraith, of the UNWS is here in Qurac? You saw him protecting the green child? But not only that, all you suffered was losing an arm?¡± Queen Bee said, her video image on the computer screen as she spoke to Devastation, and Psimon who both looked exhausted.


    ¡°Well, we lost a unit of 16 men...¡± Devastation said, as she ran her right hand over her stump.


    ¡°That alien destroyed an entire special forces team, with full support on his own. I''m surprised your both alive! Both of you come back for now. We''ll have our doctors do our best to restore your limb. We''ll have to halt the invasion for now. Though its a shame we couldn''t take the green meta, maybe Wraith will recruit him and leave. Qurac is so far out of the way, and I am sure there are far more important places for a UN agent to protect than Qurac.¡± Queen Bee replied, and started to speak to herself. She shut the communication down shortly after.


    ¡°I''m sorry I couldn''t do more, Devastation.¡± Psimon said, as he reached out to touch her hand. Tears fell from her eyes as she wrapped him up in her arm. Trying to comfort him, and receive comfort.


    ¡°You idiot! I''m alive because of you! I should have listened to you when you said we should leave. But I was so caught up in my head! The first time in my life I''ve ever felt so small...¡± Devastation said. She buried her face into Psimon''s chest who tried his best to comfort her.


    ____________________________


    The Bialya invasion force soon broke camp and fled back to their home country. The Qurac soldiers had no idea why they had left but were happy all the same. A ''little bird'' had told the Qurac President that Agent Wraith of the UNWS had shown up for a brief moment and had left soon after. He was confused, and relieved. Did Bialya leave, simply because Wraith showed himself? That was a question for another day. They needed to restore their now.


    =============================================================


    ***Watch Tower***


    With two audible pops! Lash, and Garfield walked out of the portal hub onto the Watch Tower. Garfield still in his shorts and floral shirt. His eyes were open wide, and his mouth gaping at the sight of the Watch Tower. Lash always loved seeing everyone''s face the first time they stepped off the hub. But before Garfield could ask any questions four security droids and Hex showed up to clear him.


    ¡°Garfield this is Hex, they are in charge of security on the station. You''ll have to go with them and answer some questions. It won''t take long.¡± Lash assured him, Garfield looked at Hex and visibly paled.


    ¡°Y... your not going to like....Probe me are you?¡± Garfield asked, Lash softly chopped his head with a laugh.


    ¡°Mind out of the gutter! Go with them, I''ll see you after!¡± Lash said with a laugh as he handed Garfield off to Hex.


    Lash walked over to Operations it had been over twenty four hours since he was assigned the mission. He had sent in a report before the goodbye feast thanks to the sub-satellites. But he should still check in. He walked through the doors to the sound of Vigil arguing with several people. Great. Lash took his time getting up the stairs to find two demon-kin standing next a young woman. The demon-kin were clearly just there to escort the woman between them. The woman had a cold indifferent voice, but was clearly trying to stay that way as she spoke to Vigil.


    ¡°Please I have to talk him as soon as possible!¡± The woman said.


    ¡°I told you! He is on a mission but he should be returning soon. You''ll ju....Ah! There he is!¡± Vigil said, as she pointed behind the young woman.


    The woman turned to look at Lash. The woman was 5''10¡± with pale skin, blue eyes, and raven black hair cut short just above her shoulders. She wore a black cloak with a hood, she had a skin tight black suit on that covered her from neck, to wrist, to toe. With black leather boots that went up to her legs. Along her waist was a belt with golden material, and red jewels. Her cloak was tied together with a golden red jewel as well. For a brief moment Lash saw past her and he saw it. A beautiful yet deadly red skinned woman with four fiery eyes. But the image faded from sight just as fast as it had shown up.


    ¡°Hello, my name is Raven! I need your help.¡± Raven said to Lash..... Great.

 Chapter 85: Tentacles!

    ==============================================================


    ***Australia, Charlie Rift FOB***


    Alpha Rift was located in the middle of a forest near a small town, while Beta Rift was located in a cave next to a city, but Charlie Rift was located underground by design. Terrakinetic engineers were brought ahead of all the teams to fully design and build the base up with solid foundations. The Charlie Rift was several hundred feet under specifically designed quick dry concrete, steel, stone, and dirt. The pylons helped contain the energy but would it would take a very advance scanning system to detect this Rift.


    The Charlie Rift was already large enough to allow troop movements through, ten times faster than Beta Rift. The underground complex was a ant hill of activity as they built their infrastructure. Charlie Rift Commander was a large individual with one fully cybernetic arm. Large cybernetic eagle like wings on their back. They chose a skeleton frame for the arm. It was a gruesome sight when seen attached to the body but it stood as a reminder to the Commander, and the soldiers under their command that even strongest can fall.


    ¡°Commander Hall!¡± A first lieutenant came running up to them. They wore the standard battle ready armor, the only clear sign of their rank was on their left chest armor plate above their heart.


    ¡°What is it, lieutenant?¡± A robust, strong male voice responded.


    ¡°Orders from tac-com, we are to move to phase two in the next forty eight hours.¡± The lieutenant said.


    ¡°Very well, relay orders to the engineers to split their teams up to prepare for in bound resources. From....Alice Springs.¡± Commander Hall (AR-Hawkman) said to the lieutenant. They saluted and ran off to inform the teams.


    ¡°Hasn''t even been a year and we are moving to phase two already. Something must have happened.¡± Commander AR-Hall said to himself. On reflex his cybernetic wings unfolded and stretched, he clenched his robotic arm in anticipation. Battle was the one and only thing he could look forward to.


    _______________________________


    ***Canada, Athabasca***


    The wailing screech of high powered low altitude engines gave off a cacophony of ear splitting noise. Over a dozen drop ships flew in over the small town under the astonished gazes of the civilian populace. For a brief moment they thought the military had arrived to help them. Only to scream in horror as the drop ships released the APC''s attached to their rears. Swarms of mechanical soldiers dropped from the rear hatch and started shooting.


    The drop ships were wide, with front heavy personal space, and large engines on the sides and back. With a slim, but sturdy backside that allowed them to carry vehicles of certain size. The cargo space was large enough to hold 20 robotic units, or 30 standard units. The colors were muted black, and gray that absorbed light instead of reflecting it. The robotic units with a single cyberdeck controller jumped out of the ship thirty feet in the air with ease. The concrete beneath their feet cracked under the sudden weight. The unit started to shoot none-lethal energy darts at any civilians with their rifles, while the mounted cannon was reserved with lethal shot for anyone who put up a resistance.


    The APC''s were multi-wheeled tires, and tank treads. They held an automated rifle turret on top, with an in house brain box docile unit inside. They could hold 25 comfortably, 50 if they really crammed them in. These would be used to transport the human resources back to camp. The driver portion was properly sealed to prevent intrusion. One by one the robotic units picked up the fallen civilians and plugged them into the APC brain box chairs.


    The attack was sudden, swift, and over before anyone had any had a full understanding of what was going on! Only a few people who lived off the beaten path from town were able to get away. No one was a stranger to the wilds in this town so they fled into the forest with all the gear they could muster. Only to shocked and horrified to see an army of augmented meat puppets waiting for their arrival. With no power, no communication, and no way to drive anywhere the people of the town was gone before anyone was the wiser.


    ¡°Athabasca....Full Clear...¡±


    ===============================================================


    ***Earth-001 2032 (Rofl Dex) Invasion of AR-Earth-002***


    Superman floated above Washington, DC and watched with cold distant eyes as he tried to scream at the people below to run! To take cover! But nothing came out of his mouth, he was a puppet, a slave to that Basta...Ggeeessssaap! Praise to the Emperor! Long may he live! Superman had received his orders. He flew down and blew through the white house walls. Dozens of human agents fired their rifles, and small arm fire straight at him and it did nothing! Superman looked around with his x-ray vision and saw the President, Vice-President, and their families were being taken to an underground shelter.


    Superman activated his heat vision and bisected every secret service agent in the room. Then he slammed his fist into the floor and quickly dug his way through the ground through brute force alone until he reached the underground bunker. He tore the three and half steel door off its hinges like it was cardboard and flung it to the side. He stepped into the room filled with horrified faces. The President of the United States in this world stepped forward, his chin up, and his chest out.


    ¡°I don''t know who you are! But you have made an enemy o.......¡± Before the President could finish, Superman used his vision once again to cut the whole room in half. All that was left was a little girl who had been to short to be cut. She wailed, as tears fell from her eyes as she watched her whole family fall to pieces.


    Superman walked over to her, placed his hand on her head and squeezed. Like a water balloon filled with to much water her head burst. Blood, bones, and brain matter splashed across Superman''s face. A face that was cold, indifferent, and uncaring as he destroyed an innocent life. Praise to the Emperor, long live the Emperor Rofl Dex!


    _____________________________


    ¡°NOOOOOOOOOO!¡± AR-Clark screamed as he woke up from his nightmare. He jumped out of his prison cell bed and slammed his fist into the steel alloy wall leaving a sizable dent in it. If not for the green kryptonite halogen lights, he would have punched through the wall easily. Now? His hand just hurt.


    AR-Clark fell to his knees to scream and to slam his fists into the floor over, and over again. Until his knuckles bled, until his throat was raw! He cried, he sobbed at what he had done. Why!? Why, was this all coming back to him now! He had never dreamed about his past sins before, it was always blissful oblivion when he was allowed to sleep. The front wall that served as a door, and a mirror slid open to reveal the ''Angel'' Naya''il, she looked down at AR-Clark with concern.


    ¡°Please....Kill me....¡± AR-Clark said, his words but a whispering prayer to Naya''il.


    Naya''il walked into the room, the door slid shut behind her. She laid a gentle hand on AR-Clark''s shoulder and sent a wave of energy through him. He soon collapsed into blissful, dreamless sleep. She picked him up with ease and placed him back on the bed. She smoothed out his cloths, and tucked him back into bed. Once satisfied, she waved her hand and the dents were repaired, the blood on the floor was removed, and the one way mirror door displayed a soothing waterfall display with sound. She stepped out, and closed the cell door.


    Naya''il posted security droids next to AR-Clark''s cell. Then moved to check on AR-Kara. She was not much better. She had woken up in the middle of the night and had attempted to ram her head into the wall several times in an effort to kill herself. Naya''il had to restrain her and put her back to sleep. She adjusted the harmonics calibrator for each of them. But it was going to get worse, before it got better.


    ==========================================================


    Raven.... Raven was a young girl of 18. Her birthday was last month, it was also the day she was kicked out of her home dimension, Azarath. Why was she kicked out? She had tried to commune with her father, Trigon. Raven grew up alone! Yes, she grew up in a dimension that fostered peace, tranquility, and serenity. But she was effectively the black sheep of the entire planet she lived on. They treated her well, but when you grow up an orphan surrounded by people with families you tend to wish for a family. Any kind of family! Especially when you see parents do anything for their children to keep them safe, and happy.


    Raven didn''t have that. She was told by people of Azarath that her mother died giving birth to her. She had been taken in by the great sorcerer Azar, and taught the ways of magic. As well as developing control of her emotions. But when she turned 18 something in her woke up, something dark, something sinister. She had seen how the fathers, and mothers in Azarath treated their family and naively assumed Trigon would treat her the same way. So, she used forbidden magic, and opened a door to communicate with Trigon.


    But, she was stopped before she could make full contact. In hindsight, Raven knew how incredibly stupid it had been to reach out to Trigon. She could feel the malevolent force of her father''s will. She knew that if Trigon had come to her call he would have destroyed her home Azarath. As much as it pained Azar, the council of Azarath banished Raven to Earth. In Azarath they were protected, shielded from the eyes of Trigon. But on Earth? No such luck, Trigon knows Raven is on Earth. He is coming for her.


    Raven...This Raven was not the one Erik the gamer knew. This Raven is new to the world, she had lived a sheltered life on a peaceful planet. Yes, she had been trained by mystical teachers since she could walk. But she knew nothing of the power inside of her, and the devastation she could cause. This was pre-comic book Raven. Lash still in his Transformation state looked at Rave across the table inside of the Warden module on the Watch Tower. Several Warden, and Fae council attendants kept their mouths shut but stared at her wide eyed.


    ¡°I''m afraid that....Trigon...My father will try and find me and use me as a way to enter this world. This reality.¡± Raven said, her voice was mostly indifferent, and controlled. Lash could see her training in effect but clearly this was a difficult subject.


    ¡°So, what do you need from me?¡± Lash asked, his voice was animalistic but soft around the edges. Something that Raven noticed, though her face remained indifferent a small gleam was seen in her eyes for a brief moment.


    ¡°Protection, but if needed....Execution...¡± Raven said, her voice caught at the end. Knock...Knock.... one of the Fae attendants hit the table to get attention. Lash turned to them.


    ¡°Do we have any proof that this story is real?¡± The fae attendant asked, Lash looked under the table and saw the Rune of Truth that was glowing under Raven.


    ¡°Yes, I understand that. But the Rune compels one to speak the truth. But can not discern the validity of that truth. Miss Raven may simply believe this is true, but that doesn''t mean it is.¡± The attendant offered. Lash hated to admit it, but that was true.


    ¡°She has malevolent energy coursing through her. But I know several devil, and demon-kin who would have the same energy. There is literally a pantheon of Devils, and Demons Kings, and Queens in the different hells. Each one wants to subjugate Earth. I don''t mean to belittle your circumstance, Miss Raven. But this is hardly news. Though Trigon is definitely one of the top tier threats. We know for a fact that you are not his only child on Earth. Agent Wraith even knows one of them!¡± One of the Warden attendants offered. Raven''s eyes went a little wide at that, as she focused on Lash.


    ¡°Different mother, same father. I won''t tell you their name out of respect for them. But if you want to meet them, we can see if they are interested as well?¡± Lash offered to Raven who tried her best to keep her emotions in check.


    Lash used Connectivity to contact Dia Nyx. Thank the stars above they had communication working through the Watch Tower. Better than nothing! Lash had no idea where Dia currently was on assignment but once the message went through he got a reply with in a minute. Dia was more than happy to meet her half sister! Dia was a VI Avatar based on the idea on Raven. Even if the 4th wall prevented full acknowledgment, Dia knew who Raven was.


    ¡°To answer your primary request. Yes. Raven we can offer a form of protection. But as you can see we are currently fighting off another invasion from another alternate reality. So, how about this would you like to join the Justice League?¡± Lash offered to Raven, she blinked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Shouldn''t you keep me off the field, and hidden away?¡± Raven asked, clearly confused.


    ¡°Do you want to go inside a cell for the next foreseeable future waiting for something that may never come?¡± Lash countered, Raven looked away from him and thought about it for a while.


    ¡°Miss Raven, he is right. You can''t live your life in fear. Join with the League and fight the good fight. Should something happen we''ll be there to help. But what you fear may not happen until tomorrow, or ten years from now.¡± The original fae attendant that spoke offered.


    ¡°Alright... If it helps to secure what I want, I''ll join.¡± Raven said, she stood up and bowed towards Lash who laughed at her. He reached over the table to shake her hand, she responded though her small hand was easily swallowed by his large mitt.


    ¡°Welcome to the family...¡± Lash said, his chosen words made a smile tug on Raven''s lips before she locked it down with an indifferent expression. Oh, Lash was going to have fun trying to break that mask!


    Lash, and Raven left the Warden module and headed to dinning hall. Raven stuck close to Lash not out of fear of losing him since he was taller than most. But because the station was incredibly busy no matter the hour. The upgrade process was still in full swing, and dozens of VI Avatars were trying to get extra experience. Lash sat down at a table off to the edge with Raven. He ordered a tall glass of hot chai, and Raven did the same.


    ¡°Wraith!?¡± A youthful mans voice called out, and a green cheetah came running into the hall, under peoples tables, and past peoples legs. Several people shouted in surprise and hissed at the giant green cat. Beast Boy slid to a stop in front of their table and...


    ¡°Wow! Hello gorgeous! I''m Beast Boy, what''s your name?¡± Beast Boy said to Raven, who directed a glare at him.


    Beast shifted back to his human form of green skin with the floral pattern shirt, shorts, and belt that the monkey king gave him. Lash was going to have to design something for him specifically before he took the field again. Beast took between Lash, and Raven and ordered what ever they were having from a attendant droid that worked in the dinning hall.


    ¡°Beast Boy, this is Raven. She is a new recruit just like you. Raven, Beast Boy is a seedling to the Monkey King, and is a meta with animal morphing.¡± Lash introduced the two, Raven begrudgingly nodded towards Beast Boy who only had eyes for her.


    ¡°That is right! I am the entire animal kingdom rolled into one sexy package!¡± Beast Boy said, with a wink at Raven who rolled her eyes at him. Before Raven could spit out a barb that Lash knew was coming their drinks arrived. Soon followed by Dia Nyx!


    Dia Nyx came bouncing into the dinning hall and squealed in delight at the sight of Wraith, Raven, and Beast Boy. That glimmer of knowledge in her eyes told Lash she knew who they were, but thanks to the 4th wall couldn''t say anything. She bounced over and hugged Wraith who stood up to welcome her. Dia wore a skin tight polymer black, and purple polymer suit that covered her from neck, to wrist, and toe. That left very little to the imagination of her very seductive figure with bouncing breasts, wide hips, and tiny waist. The armor plates she wore protected her vital organs and that was about it. While her favorite staff was tied to her back. It was not the same armor she wore in Tartarus, though that didn''t cover much either. Lash grumbled slightly. The gear was amazing to look at, not very much protection.


    ¡°Svadeni (Dia''s code name) meet Raven, and Beast Boy. They are both new recruits.¡± Lash said, his voice softer than normal when speaking to a friend.


    Dia bounced over to Beast Boy and smothered the boy into her chest. Beast Boy for the second time since Lash had known him flailed his arms around in total confusion as this voluptuous woman nearly suffocated him. Then as quickly as it happened, Dia let go of Beast Boy resulting in him dropping to the ground with a groan. Dia then came around to Raven, who Lash could see was practically waiting on pins a needles. But unlike Beast Boy, Dia simply stood with in arms reach.


    ¡°Hello, Raven... I''m your sister. It''s very nice to meet you!¡± Dia said with a smile. She bowed from her waist towards Raven who returned the gesture. Raven looked at Lash, her eyes asked for help.


    ¡°Svadeni, why don''t you join us and you can tell Raven, and Beast Boy about the League?¡± Lash offered, Dia''s eyes brightened at the idea and came to sit at the table.


    So, Dia started with Tartarus! She used her Trickery Domain to great a grand illusion to illustrate the whole ordeal. The capture, the torture, the rescue done by Lash, and the escape. Raven eyes nearly fell out of her head when she heard that Lash had told Trigon to ''go fuck himself''. By that point several people in the dinning hall were watching the ''movie'' take place. The great all be it short escape from Tartarus, and the return of the holy relic.


    Dia then talked about going through withdrawal, or rather when her soul had to be purified of the hellish taint. How the Amazons took her in, and helped her train and become the strong, confident, and seductive woman she was today! She even invited Raven to come back to Themyscira with her! Erik the gamer had a momentary nerd-gasm at the thought of Raven-Amazon warrior. There was a few parts in the retelling of Themyscira that R-18 and above that Lash encouraged Dia to gloss over. Beast Boy was all for it! Raven pegged him with a glare, that he returned with a smile.


    Then it was about short and sweet missions for the League, then the eventual three day vacation at Rio that Lash all but waved his hands through to disrupt the illusion. Dia laughed at Lash being so flustered. Which only piqued Raven, and Beast Boy''s interest. By the end of Dia''s retelling she was sitting side by side with Raven. Raven was still keeping her self in control, but their was a glimmer of appreciation in her eyes that wasn''t there before.


    ''Alert! Alert! All teams ready for deployment please stand by! The city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Africa is under attack. Alternate Reality energy signatures detected!''


    A yellow alert went through the whole station and the good mood in the dinning hall died. Lash jumped to his feet and sprinted towards Operations. He had only stepped inside the room when Vigil all but shouted at him to get to the portal hub. All available units were in bound for the city as soon as possible. Lash ran to portal hub B alone as everyone was still waiting for confirmation. The spell script coiled around his body, and with an audible pop, the air was displaced and Lash found himself in an African rural neighborhood.


    The sun had just recently set, the soft glow from the light still stretched across the horizon. But with no electricity the entire city was dark. Except for the sounds of screams. Addis Ababa was the capitol of Ethopia. It was a sprawling city, and the center of commercial, and cultural hub for the country. The estimated population of the city, and the surrounding area was just a little over five million people. A city this large would naturally have police officers, along with a city hall. Lash just hoped they were still alive.


    Lash dropped to all fours thanks to Adaptation, his bones and muscles shifted to accommodate the change and he was off like a bullet. He cast Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon on himself as he ran. He was here to help, but he was sure anyone looking at him would assume he was some kind of monster. Lash kept off the streets and stuck to backyards, alleyways, and any building large enough to support his weight. He used Gravity Stride to attach to walls, and reduced his overall weight, but he was still over 400 pounds.


    Lash arrived near the city center near the town hall and main commercial buildings and was struck dumb by what he saw. This wasn''t a commando team of a few dozen units. This was a full blown army come to play. Dozens of drop ships flew from the East unloading troops, and LAV''s (Lightly armored vehicles). While a single mammoth tank rolled down main street. This tank was huge! Easily took up six lanes of traffic. Its treads swallowed any car it came across, turrets placed on each section, with two large barrels on the top. Missile pods to the side of the turret. This thing was a monster tank, and troop transport rolled into one.


    Search lights on the tank scanned the immediate area, as hundreds of people attempted to flee from the tank, and the drop ships unloading troops. Lash watched as a few brave police officers tried their best to shepard the panicking civilians to shelters. Lash dropped to street level and sprinted towards the mammoth tank. He zipped by the scattering masses and cast a wide area of effect Calm Emotions the crowds stopped screaming in terror and in an orderly fashion moved to where it was safe.


    ''Wraaaraararraaaraaaa!'' A chattering alarm rang from the giant tank as the turrets on the segments turned to target Lash as he sprinted towards it. He was to close for the main barrels to shoot him. Light weight electromagnetic automatic rifle turrets started to shoot rapidly at Lash. Just as they were about to hit him a spacial fold appeared around him.


    Space Domain Spell, Deflection: The Caster is capable of deflecting attacks, normally projectiles or blunt force, away from themselves. While usually a defensive method, it can at later evolutions be utilized as an offensive technique by redirecting the deflected attacks against others, or even against the original attacker.


    The bullets twisted in mid air and collided with the ground. Though to the bullets they traveled in a straight line, to anyone watching they would say the bullets curved. But of course such a spell was rapidly draining Lash''s energy reserves. He didn''t need it much longer as he sprinted towards the tank, he jumped up and collided straight with the metal surface of the front and cast Recycle (Chp. 29) from his Technomancy Domain. A blue wash of energy swallowed the mammoth tank and all of Lash''s magical energy reserves went to zero. It was a large target after all.


    With zaaaping POP! The tank turned into an exploded diagram example. Every nut, bolt, screw, piece of metal, microchip, wire, everything suddenly popped up, and out. Contained within the tank was a gun crew of ten soldiers, and ten robotic units with a cyberdeck controller inside. They were not affected by the spell. But were soon crushed by the tremendous weight of all the different parts that fell on top of them. SLAM! The exploded diagram tank fell into a heap with a crash! Then it was eerily quiet for a brief moment. Lash was on all fours gasping for air with a migraine that felt like some one was jamming an ice spike into his brain.


    Congratulations User! Technomancy Domain Spell, Recycle has evolved into Minor Recycle!


    Minor Recycle: Spell power increase, with spell energy decrease. Partial reallocation of spell energy back to the caster. Partial learning of design if Caster does not know it.


    Lash got a sudden influx of information about the basic design of the Mobile-FU-Tank. He grumbled at the name, another gamer L33T title some shit head would come up with. A spot light soon targeted him, Lash tried to pull himself up but his splitting head ache was to much for him. He didn''t have Deflection up with out any energy to spare. A blur of motion swung between two buildings and picked him up before the bullets started to shoot.


    ¡°Yeeeeooooow! Holy shit you weigh a lot!¡± A brusk, sarcastic male voice said. Lash found himself in the arm of a mutated man with patch work flesh of different colors, and material? The man stretched his other arm out like a rope and swung them into alleyway out of sight. They both landed, well more like the man let Lash go and Lash met the ground at accelerated speeds!


    ¡°Oh! Shit sorry man! You are weight to heavy for me to carry!¡± The man thing said as rolled his shoulder. Almost to emphasize the point, the arm that carried Lash was stretched out and partially useless. The man manipulated his body to create a crank, and he rolled his arm back into place.


    ¡°Hello Metamorpho, thanks for the save..¡± Lash said, as he slowly stood up to look at his savior.


    ¡°Oho! Agent Wraith knows who I am?¡± Metamorpho aka Rex Mason replied with a smile.


    Metamorpho was 6''1¡± with black eyes, and white pale skin on his hands, feet, and head. While his body was covered in a suit in the color combination of orange, purple, and gray tones. Though Lash knew better, the entire ''suit'' was actually his body. Metamorpho had signed up as an Active in the Justice League. Lash cast Insight to gather more information.


    Name: Rex Mason. Code Name: Metamorpho.


    Title: Freak King, Periodic Tables Son.


    Origin: Meta-Gene. Sub-Origin: Magical.


    Rank: C+


    Skills: Archaeology, Investigation, Martial Arts (See Tool Tip)


    Powers: Elasticity, Elemental Transmutation, (See Tool Tip)


    Domains: N/A


    Racial Traits: Unique Physiology.


    Disposition: Neutral


    Comment: Metamorpho has been re imagined several times comic book history. Though normally in the beginning of his change he hates his new abilities, he grows to love them over time. Now is no different, though his moral compass is flexible. He is a good ally, and friend to have.


    ¡°Are you my back up?¡± Lash asked, as he felt Healing Pulse activate to restore a portion of his energy. As well as Metamorpho''s who shivered at the sensation.


    ¡°Not officially! My girlfriend Jezeba lives nearby. I was visiting her when the alarm went off. The city came under attack we came out to help evacuate an fight off the invaders. Speaking of which I need to get back! I''m on comms if you need anymore help! See you later, Wraith!¡± Metamorpho said as he turned into a gas form and flew away.


    ¡°You too...¡± Lash said, as he watched the gas fly away.


    Lash recast Chameleon and blended back into the environment. It would be a few hours before he was back to full health. It was time for some guerrilla warfare. He slipped into shadow and moved towards the city hall. Through Connectivity he received several messages as more JLI members were teleported into the edge of the city. Vici was currently tracking the line of where they were coming from but lost the location some where in the caves in the east. Some sort of energy interference was preventing the sub-satellites camera''s from inspecting the area, and prevented teleportation. At least they had an idea!


    Lash could hear the sound of gun fire, and screams sound out across the war torn city. He moved from shadow to shadow along the streets towards city hall. Coming across wreckage, and destroyed robotic units. Thankfully no bodies yet. From what he could tell they were attempting to take anyone and everyone alive. That was until he came across a police officer who had been shot to pieces. Seems anyone who put up a fight was killed on sight.


    Lash turned a corner and saw a unit of 30 robotic units, along with a giant suit of armor behind them. Lash sent a Technomancy wave. The giant was a meta-human in suit, Lash could sense they were connected to the machines through their power base. A tech-meta. The robotic units had a very basic VI system, while the complex thinking was done by the tech-meta. Lash cast Phantasm and placed the whole unit in unnatural darkness. The whole unit went into battle formation as a result, but they were still blind!


    ¡°Hi there!¡± Lash said with a grin as he sprinted towards the tech-meta''s suit of armor. He cast Recycle on the suit, the entire thing exploded out in parts and the tech-meta screamed in agony as the implants that connected him were ripped out. Lash reached out and used Machine Control, ''Shoot yourselves!'' He commanded!


    The robotic units pointed their rifles at each other, switched to lethal ammo and tore themselves apart. Lash produced a meta-inhibitor and slapped it on the tech''s neck. He cast Disillusion to remove the darkness. The whole activity only took about 5% of his energy, small victories! Lash restrained the tech-meta and called for a security teleport pick up. With in a few seconds a spring jump spell script started to wrap around the tech. Lash jumped to his feet and moved down the street, recasting Chameleon.


    Two minutes passed and a drop ship flew by the location. They had lost contact with the unit and saw the remains of the robotic units, but couldn''t confirm the location of the cyberdeck controller. They marked the location and moved off to support other troops... Lash soon arrived at the city hall and found it on fire! Police were hiding behind barricades and were doing their best to fight off the robotic units slowly making their way up the steps. Lash counted at least 5 cyberdeck tech-meta''s controlling them.


    ''Any idea''s partner?'' -Lash asked across the link to Saurian.


    ''Create a mobile turret to fire on them, then attack from the side.'' -Saurian replied.


    Lash admitted it was a good idea. He used Connectivity, Alteration, Compression Transformation, Virtual Intelligence, Infinity Supply, Fabrication, Phantasm, False Life, Enchanting, Crafting, Computers, Operator, and Machine Control. He created a mobile platform about the size of a small car with tank treads, and twin electromagnetic light machine gun barrels. He may have taken the design from the FU-Tank.


    Lash had been at 30% energy but it dropped again to 3%, his migraine returned. But Healing Pulse activated and restored a small portion of his energy. He slipped back into shadow, as the mobile turret cast a partial illusion to hide. Waiting for orders. Lash moved around to flank the group and waited for his energy to go back up.


    Lash reached out....''Fire'' he said. The turret unloaded onto the robotic units ripping through their armor like tissue paper! Lash zipped out from the other side as the cyberdeck tech-meta''s all turned to look at the mobile turret. Then one of them whipped around at the sight of Lash leaping through the air at him. Back cameras!


    ¡°Behind us!¡± The tech-meta said across their communication lines. Lash pounced on the mecha suit and used Recycle the suit exploded into pieces. ¡°Gaaaaaaah!¡± The tech-meta screamed in agony as his implants were ripped out. He collapsed in the ruins of his suit. Lash jumped to the next suit who turned around to fire its rifle at Lash.


    Zaaaap! The energy ripped straight him. Lash burst into illusion particles, and Lash appeared next to the mecha suit in a mute flash of color. He gently tapped the suit, and it exploded into parts like the first one. Lash Blinked towards the last three and did the same. They fell to pieces, and the robotic units on the stairs had been chewed up by the mobile turret. That was now rolling through the wrecked streets on its way to guard Lash.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Space Domain Spell, Blink.


    Blink: The Caster can preform a short and quick form of teleportation. Limited to (10 meters). The Caster can not go through objects, yet. The Caster can only take themselves and personal items attached to them, (Can not carry someone and Blink) yet.


    Lash''s migraine was back with a vengeance. He really needed to just find a spot to sit down for a bit. He heard, and felt a snap of pressure hit into his back. He turned around to look up at city hall to see the police staring at an officer who had decided to shoot at Lash. The bullet didn''t even penetrate his armor. The mobile turret whipped its barrels around, its laser pointers targeting the offending officer who went pale.


    ¡°I am Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security!¡± Lash said, in Amharic the most common language used in Ethiopia... Lash held up his Warden badge that was glamoured with the UNWS on it.


    The police cheered for a brief moment, while one ran back in to get their commanding officer. The mobile turret went back to sentry mode seemingly forgiving the offending officer. Lash spent a few minutes place inhibiting collars on the techs and calling for secure portal pick up. Half way through that the mobile turret unloaded onto an invaders drop ship that was flying over to look around. Lash was proud to see his turret rip through the things armor and sent it flying down into the city with a crash! The crash was not good, but the ship was down! The MT (Mobile Turret) ejected a magazine and quickly replaced it. It went back to sentry mode.


    Soon all of the tech-meta''s were teleported back to the Watch Tower. Lash climbed the stairs of the city hall with his MT following behind him. It took up a position at the front entrance and activated its camouflage thanks to Phantasm. Lash was lead into the hall towards the basement, where he met a woman dressed in a tailored suit that had seen better days. She was 5''8¡± with chocolate skin, warm brown eyes, and black hair. She had an amiable smile on her face as she stretched out her hand to shake Lash''s.


    ¡°Greetings to you, Woizrity. I am Agent Wraith with UNWS.¡± Lash said, his hand easily swallowed hers. He bowed from his waist attempting to be polite, but was met with wide eyes.


    ¡°I''m sorry, did I say that wrong? Woizrity is for unmarried woman, right?¡± Lash asked, confused about the stares.


    ¡°Oh! Yes! Yes, thank you for courtesy Agent Wraith. But you don''t need to worry about such things right now.¡± The Council woman said with a brilliant smile. Lash really wished the internet was operational right now.


    ¡° I am, Amaresh Tolla Yihun. Please call me Yihun. Is the United Nations here to lend its support?¡± Yihun asked, changing the subject as politely as possible.


    ¡°As far as I know, I am the only UNWS Agent currently deployed in the city.¡± Lash said, his words made Yihun''s stiff smile wilt. ¡°However, the organization Justice League International is here in force. They are attempting to evacuate and fight off the invaders. I guess you can say I am the liaison right now.¡± Lash tried to offer some sense of comfort.


    ¡°I see..... Do you know what is going on?¡± Yihun asked, as she ran her hands through her hair. She was shivering. She was desperate for some sense of security.


    ¡°I can give you what I have...But you''ll want to sit down.¡± Lash said, as he produced a holographic image and started to give them the bullet points of the whole situation.


    Thirty minutes, and three downed drop ships later. Yihun, and her staff took the situation pretty well. A few people screamed, one person feinted, another broke into hysterics. But Yihun kept her cool, though she ended up sitting down. What was happening here was happening across the globe. With no communication, no power, and no way to drive out to any nearby cities, they had been cut off. They had been hoping it was an isolated incident. Now, an invading army from an alternate reality was responsible. That army was currently invading Ethiopia first!?


    ¡°You...You have to get us out of here! You have to get us out here right now!¡± A man in a ruined suit all but tackled Lash. Lash looked down at the man who was on his knees.


    ¡°Sir, I understand your afraid. But where do you want to go? The whole world is like this right now.¡± Lash said, trying to make the man understand.


    ¡°Anywhere!? Take me to someplace that is safe! I have money! I''ll give you a million dollars if you save me and my family!¡± The man shouted, at that point it became a rat race.


    Every man, and woman in the room scrambled towards Lash. Except Yihun who had a disgusted look on her face. Lash used his Nature Domain Passive and created a sleeping pheromone. All of the rats jumping ship fell asleep. Lash stepped out from them and walked to Yihun. Who looked at him wide eyed but relaxed when she saw they were asleep. Yihun let out a laugh of despair and sat in her seat that was far to large for her.


    ¡°I''m not suppose to be doing this.... I''m the assistant director for education! Everyone above me is either dead, or fled the city when we lost power. But everyone started asking me what to do! It''s not fair!¡± Yihun shouted, then curled up in her chair and started to weep.


    Lash came to stand next to her chair, he placed his giant clawed hand on her back and rubbed back and forth. He did little more than that. She cried for a few more minutes, then cleaned her face and stood up. She straightened out her ruined suit, took a calming breath and turned around ready to work. Lash liked her!


    ¡°We need to make city hall into a defensible position. Can you help us, Agent Wraith?¡± Yihun asked, Lash grinned at her.


    ¡°Ya, I can help with that!¡± Lash agreed, he offered his hand to Yihun who took it gratefully. They walked out of the office they had used, towards the police officers who looked up waiting for orders.


    ¡°Time to get to work everyone!¡± Yihun said, she squared her shoulders and raised her chin. Doing her best to look confident and in control. It also helped that there was an 8 foot tall lizard alien next to her!


    ____________________________


    After an hour the city hall turned into a no fly zone for the invaders. Every drop ship, helicopter, and UAV they sent over was shot down. The ruined capitol build was slowly repairing itself, the changes visible to the naked eye as greenish blue energy emanated from the building. Barricades grew from the ground like weeds. Creating barrier after barrier. Several JLI members showed up with civilians with them. They ran for the hall and slipped inside under the cover fire of Lash''s MT.


    Lash made a polymer suit for Yihun, along with an interface to help direct, and command the operation. He also used Skill/Power/Spell Trainer on her to help reinforce her abilities. Acting, Danger Sense, Martial Arts, Night Eye, Commanding Presence, Administration, Team Work, and Military Special Operations. He received several experience prompts from the training, as she used it and quickly as possible. She must have had a huge migraine but it didn''t stop her from working. He also established a Temporary Pack Bond with her, and any JLI member that was friendly with him.


    It didn''t take long but the invaders seem to figure out where all the resistance was coming from. Vici contacted them and said a huge ground, and air force was heading there way. ETA was thirty minutes. At this point Lash had carved out several underground bunkers with food, water, medicine, and basic essentials. Like toilets! All the none-combatants were taken to the bunkers. While anyone with even remotely battle oriented skills were sent to Lash as he created basic polymer combat suits, weapons, and ammunition.


    ¡°You know if we live through this I think the League could use someone of your skills.¡± Lash said as he finished ''painting'' a suit onto a police officer.


    ¡°Are you offering me a job?¡± Yihune asked, she had cleaned up after Lash cast Immaculate on her. Her hair was tied back into a tail, her body was bouncing with energy as her limiters were being removed thanks to the pack bond. She looked...good!


    ¡°I am...I think you should work for people who will appreciate your work.¡± Lash continued, as he supplied another volunteer with battle gear.


    ¡°I... I have a family... I think in a town near by. Do you think you could get them citizenship in America?¡± Yihun asked, she looked towards the door conflicted. She had no idea if her family was even alive?


    ¡°Sure.... We''ll even go look for them after this is over, alright?¡± Lash replied, but he had a feeling that if they were alive Dex''s people already had them. Yihun looked back at him and nodded. She bit her lip in frustration, but soon went back to work.


    Soon they were finished arming everyone. Lash went to the front of the group of about three hundred volunteers, officers, and JLI members. He linked up with anyone who considered him ''friendly'' then used the link to activate his Skill trainer specifically Weapon Master-Electromagnetic sub-machine gun. Because that was the weapon he gave them. It was the same weapon he gave the pilots back in the Gotham Siege against Joker. (Chp. 55)


    The volunteer self defense force came outside and took up positions around the reinforced city hall. Lash took a moment to Meditate and restore his energy. Over a dozen JLI members ran off to buy them time using guerrilla tactics. They could already here the explosions and gun fire going off. The nervous energy in the air was so tight they could cut it with a knife. They were horribly outnumbered and the volunteers knew it. Where was the rest of the League? Well turned out this city was not the only one under attack. The alternate reality took off the kid gloves. They were in full offense.


    The whooping sound of the helicopter blades were the first thing they heard. Tiny lights in the distance raced towards their location. But before they even became miniature toy models in the eyes of the volunteers, Lash''s MT opened up and started to fire! Tracer rounds with a unique blue glow raced towards the approaching helicopters! Three of them exploded and crashed before the rest took evasive maneuvers. Vici had linked a sub-satellite up to the MT as a range, and target finder.


    Lash rose to his feet, breaking Meditation. He raised his hands up into the air and used Manifestation! Dark blue portals opened up in front of the city hall and three hundred Saurus Warriors raced out and sprinted towards the ground forces. A staccato of noise followed the warriors call for battle. A festival of blood full of music for the soon to be dead!


    Lash let loose a primal roar and called on his partner, Saurian! Bones snapped, flesh tore, and his size grew! Saurian arose from the billowing smoke and shadow of the reaper shroud that Lash wore. Standing at 35 feet tall, and 65 feet long. His size changed thanks to Size Alteration from his back two 60 foot long scaled flesh tentacles erupted from his back. Each one with three clawed fingers for gripping. Saurian had evolved once again!


    Congratulations User! Shape Shift (Saurian) has evolved into Minor Shape Shift (Saurian)


    Minor Shape Shift (Saurian): Saurian has always been a creature made from the thoughts of your Cosmic Patron. The dreams, and nightmare of the Cosmos! Though born on Earth, Saurian is very much a hunter of the void. The evolution has increase Saurian''s base stats, and will effect Transformation, and Adaptation.


    The sight of Saurian erupting from the city hall was horrifying. But was soon dwarfed as he jumped from the steps, over the barricades, and raced towards the ground forces rushing towards their positions. Saurian sprinted along the road on all fours, tearing up the concrete as he ran. He quickly caught up with his Saurus Warriors who all cheered at his coming. A mobile-FU-Tank rushed towards them, and fired both its barrels at the monstrosity heading towards it.


    Saurian lowed his skull crest, the shots exploded off his bone plate but didn''t even slow him down. 500 meters away and closing Saurian raced towards his prey and let out a howl of anticipation. As a red targeting beam came down from space above them. Those back at the city hall looked up and traced the beam towards night sky above them. All of the JLI members cheered when they saw the beam.


    ¡°Ion Cannon targeting....Please take cover!¡± -Vici''s voice chimed over their communication line.


    A massive blue beam shot straight into the invading forces of FU-Tanks. The beam washed over the forces cutting a giant swath of destruction! High above the city in the atmosphere was the Watch Tower. Vicit had moved it to provide orbital covering fire. The beam fired for exactly five seconds, but the damage caused to the invading forces was clear. Right as the beam faded from sight, Saurian jumped onto one of the remaining tanks and raked his massive claws through its armor!


    ¡°The festival of blood begins!¡± He roared!


    ______________________________________________


    ¡°Keep firing!¡± A cyberdeck unit controller screamed in panic. His robotic units were being taken down one by one with lethal efficiency.


    ¡°ROOOOOOOAAAAARRRRR!¡± The giant dinosaur billow a roar and everyone who heard it momentarily froze in place. The unit controller raised his arms up and twin barrels popped out of their pockets. They unloaded on the swarming creatures towards them only to have a bladed tail erupt from his chest. A creature had slipped behind him...


    _________________________________


    Standing on a building several yards away stood a JLI team. They watched in morbid fascination as Wraith had turned into his primal form they had all heard about but had never seen. He was massive! The tentacles on his back whipped around and shot spells from their tips, while his claws raked through armored vehicles. The team captain called for every ones attention. It seemed one of the Saurus warriors reported additional forces were heading to the city hall. They were to head over and stop them. But a single question rang in their minds. Was this even a battle anymore?


    ________________________________


    Saurian tackled a mammoth tank and drove it into another one. He tore through its armor and sprayed methane from his mouth thanks to his Nature Domain. Then lit a spark and watched in satisfaction as the entire inside of the tank went up in flames! BAM! BAM! Another tank shot straight into his side and he roared in pain. His armor was ruined! He used Blink and appeared 10 meters away which greatly surprised the tank that was firing on him.


    Saurian raced toward the tank lowering his head. He bashed into the tank, and drove his snout under the treads. He picked it up, and pushed it backwards until it flipped over like a giant turtle. He tore the underside out and poured methane into the tanks underbelly. One of his tentacles whipped around and set off a spark inside. The spectacular sight of greenish flames erupting followed by screams of anguish made Saurian shiver in delight!


    Foresight, and Danger Sense activated. Saurian did a backwards somersault. A destroying a building he was next to but thankfully missed a purple beam that shot where his head had been. The shooter was an invader meta who looked shocked he had dodged their attack. Saurian stood up on his back legs and smiled maliciously at the meta. His two tentacles quickly drew a spell circle in perfect precision. Then Saurian raised his clawed hand up and brought it down in the direction of the meta. A massive bolt of lightning shot down from the sky. Turning the meta into ash!


    Saurian let loose another roar and used Rallying Call. All of his allies that heard the call were renewed with energy. All of the mammoth tanks had been destroyed, and now the LAV''s acted like annoying flies attempting to break through Saurian''s armor. Like a cat chasing mice, Saurian ran after them. Using Blink he appeared right on top of one and crushed under his heel. WHAM!


    Saurian barreled over onto his side as huge force rammed into his body. With a crash he fell through another building and cried out in pain. He scrambled to his feet and looked around, there floating in the air was an invading soldier. They had black armor, with red highlights. The invader rose into the air and dived bomb Saurian again. Deflection was cast and the invader collided with the ground at full speed. The thundering CRACK! Of a sniper rifle rang out and a bullet pierced through Saurian''s neck and the bullet exploded inside of it.


    Saurian roared in pain, and looked around confused. Where did that shot come from!? Quick on the situation Saurian realized that being big was not the best thing right now. He cast Enlarge/Reduce, and used Size Alteration on himself. He brought himself down to 10 feet tall, and 20 feet long. CRACK! The sound of the rifle rang out. Neither Danger Sense, or Foresight activated. One of his brand new tentacles was clipped off in the shot. A red and blue trail of lightning zipped towards him, and Saurian felt a hand pass through his body and destroy some of his organs. Speedster!


    Saurian sprinted behind cover and hopefully out of sight from the sniper. CRACK! A sizable hole exploded from the wall next to him. They must have drones in the sky, he sent out a Technomancy pulse and destroyed at least six different drones. Another CRACK! Went off, but the shot was noticeably further from him. Th red and blue trail of lightning raced towards him and Saurian cast Personal Time their almost frozen in time was another invader wearing the same black armor with red high lights. Saurian whipped his last tentacle out and tore the invaders head off. Personal Time ended, and the red and blue lightning trail turned into a man with out a head.


    ¡°NOOOOOO!¡± A shout rang out from the original soldier who attacked him. WHAM! Saurian took a fist straight to his face and flew through a wall, then another wall, and another wall. He skipped across a street like a stone then rolled to a stop. His skull was caved in. Nature''s Kiss was cast, bones snapped back together, muscles grew, and Saurian screamed in pain.


    Another red targeting beam shot down from the sky, and with in a second a giant ion cannon went off. The beam was nearly a mile away but Saurian could assume who the target was. ¡°Sniper down!¡± Vici called over Connectivity. She had used a weapon of mass destruction to kill a single sniper. Saurian was pleased!


    Saurian''s last tentacle regrew with the heal. Just in time to see the first invader fly towards him like a speeding bullet. Saurian whipped his tentacle out and a green Psionic Blade came the tip, and sliced clean through the soldiers right arm. The invader twisted and turned mid air so the blade wouldn''t cut him half. The invader screamed in agony, and Saurian knew this invader was kryptonian. A giant brick of a man jumped through the air and dove straight for Saurian. Who whipped his kryptonian Psionic Blade out. The giant man took the hit, but it failed to cut through him. With a burst of light another soldier appeared behind the injured krypton, then with another flash they were both gone.


    ¡°Fall back, all units fall back!¡± Saurian heard from the communications line of the giant attacking him.


    ¡°Dex is a pathetic coward!¡± Saurian said, snarling at the soldier. The soldier stiffened and jumped towards Saurian with reckless abandonment. Whether it was programming from the bio-chip, or personal belief. Saurian had just made the soldier stay and finish the fight.


    Silver Psionic Blades, laced with Bending to give it an extra edge extended from Saurian''s hands, and tentacles. He sprinted towards the giant meta. SLASH! They jumped past one another like two warriors dueling in the ancient days. The giant meta fell into four exact pieces, Saurian turned and consumed the giant. Soul Bite, Dream Eater, and Devour, Consume, Evolve. A wealth of information was absorbed into Saurian. Cadmus clones from the alternate reality, with meta-gene powers. Kryptons, with meta powers. Hunter Killer teams for priority targets, wow!


    Congratulations User! True Body (Chp. 41) has evolved into Minor True Body.


    Minor True Body: Allows the blocking of 20% of True Damage (Critical Hits)


    Saurian ripped out the comms unit in the giant and tapped in with Connectivity. Has he waited for the hand shaking to take place Saurian checked the giant for the bio-chip. Nope! The giant was with out a chip. He''d have to check the head of the speedster to make sure, but it looked like the HK''s were here voluntarily, or Dex had alternate means of control. Maybe Dex just brain washed them while they were growing? They''d have to ask AR-Superman about it.


    ¡°gggzzzzt.... Unit-04 respond? Unit-04, please respond!¡± A synthesized but feminine voice came over the stolen communication line. Saurian transmitted the signal to Vici quickly for tracking.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Unit-04 has fallen to pieces. Care to tell me where you are? I''ll come and deliver his parts to you.¡± Saurian said across the line....


    ¡°......I am going to kill you....¡± Said a male synthesized voice said over the line.


    ¡°Me? You didn''t even kill Dex when he brain boxed Clark and made him kill his own family.¡± Saurian said across the link. There was a long pause across the link, before it shut down.


    ¡°See you soon, kid.¡± Saurian said, as he tossed the telecoms unit aside. Saurian looked up and saw that sky was slowly turning into a muted dark blue. The sun would be up soon. It was going to be a long day...

 Chapter 86: Counter Incursion

    =========================================================


    ***Alberta, Canada. Alpha Rift operations tower***


    AR-John watched the video of the ion cannon shot destroying the line of Mobile-FU-Tanks. It destroyed ten of the tanks in under 5 seconds. Severely slowing their progression towards destroying the city hall and capturing the city. The infiltrator unit tracked the laser shot to the orbit. The camera switched focus from the ion cannon to the giant reptilian monstrosity that was butchering their men. Along with the 300 reptilian soldiers that appeared out of thin air that follow in the wake of giant monster. Omega Red threat! AR-John had to agree with the Emperor now, that thing was terrifying!


    ¡°Commander! The HK unit leader is in medical, it will take several hours to rebuild his missing arm.¡± One of AR-John''s aids informed him of the situation with the Hunter Killer team.


    ¡°Inform the unit that we request they stay on standby, we''ll continue to filter information to them about the Omega Red threat as we obtain it.¡± AR-John told his aid who saluted him and returned to his desk. AR-John looked through operations room and called on a specific soldier.


    ¡°Do we know where the ion cannon came from yet?¡± AR-John asked, the soldier jumped to their feet and turned around ready to give a report.


    ¡°Negative sir! We have tracked the energy discharge to the upper atmosphere. But the Kryptonian guard cleared the planet of any satellites, and stations they found. But....¡± The soldier stopped themselves from completing their sentence.


    ¡°Speak freely!¡± AR-John informed the soldier, who nodded at him.


    ¡°I believe the shot came from this realities Justice League, Watch Tower.¡± The soldier finished.


    ¡°Why?¡± AR-John asked, as he began to type on his personal computer console.


    ¡°We knew the Justice League existed in this reality, and that it had only been established for less than a year. But, we also know the alien reconfirmed as the Omega Red threat is capable of building structures by seemingly pulling energy from the air. It stands with in reason that the Omega Red is capable of building a weapon after the Kryptonian guard cleared the atmosphere.¡± The soldier finished their thought process.


    ¡°I want you to continue following that thread....¡± AR-John said to the soldier, he looked over the rest of the room. ¡°Listen up!¡± He called, the whole room went quiet.


    ¡°Anyone not working another problem will help this soldier pulling on that thread. I''ll pull you off when more information presents itself. Get to it!¡± AR-John shouted! The whole room jumped into action. The soldier with the theory''s main view screen was pulled dead center of the room so everyone could look at it.


    An orbital weapon was a series issue. They had just started to activate the energy generators across their different Rift points. But they had shut them all down after they had seen that shot. The power generators could be detected with the right equipment. They didn''t want a giant laser to destroy their FOB''s from orbit. AR-John sent a scatter protocol to all their outbound and inbound units. They would skip around to avoid being tailed before they returned to base. Slowing their overall progress but insuring the safety of their homes.


    ¡°COMMANDER!¡± A soldier shouted, taking him from his thoughts.


    AR-John looked up at another video feed. This was Beta Rift, it was the live feed from the Rift Commander. They watched in horror as an ion cannon shot had obliterated the listening outpost right outside their Rift. As soon as the beam stopped firing it reveal the giant Omega Red threat sprinting towards Beta Rift.


    ¡°Scramble a response force, NOW!¡± AR-John shouted to the room.


    =============================================================


    The sounds of muted explosions and gun fire rang out across the theater of war. Millions of tracer rounds, and electromagnetic lightning blue raced through the sky like a cosmic dance interrupting the big bag! What had been a jungle around a simple cave soon turned into a massive military base made from concrete and steel. The stealth pylons distorted or destroyed. Galloping across the broken remains of the defense wall of the Beta Rift FOB were reptilian creatures racing towards their death!


    The creatures were odd, they were clearly capable of running on all fours, or two. Weapons would materialize into their waiting clawed hands. Some would have ancient weapons of spears, swords, and bows. They would be covered in a combination of tribal bone armor, and simple leathers. While the others would have modern combat gear. These reptilian soldiers were bigger. They appeared to be the commanders of the smaller ones. The veterans emulated their master with four eyes, and a pair of tentacles on their back. But one simple truth was evident to the soldiers of the alternate reality. They were endless!


    If they only maimed them then with in a few seconds the broken and injured would regrow, or heal their injuries in moments. While those who were ripped apart by explosion and bullet fire would disappear into green and blue particles. With in moments a portal would open up and spit out another one. The Omega Red threat was behind it! They knew it was that monster. Because it was not shooting off its usual energy attacks. It must be maintaining the army!


    ¡°CONCENTRATE YOUR FIRE!¡± The Beta Rift Commander called out as he sprinted towards the Omega Red threat on foot. His shoulder cannons firing straight at the creature who roared at him in challenge.


    ________________________________________________________


    Saurian burst through a wall as concrete and steel flew in all directions. Like a bursting damn where one fracture leads to another. More minor explosions range across the entire defense wall as more of his manifested warriors and veterans races into combat behind him. Vici had cleared the way by destroying a listening post a few miles away. The energy released had marked the location of their main base. It would appear that they had gone all in during the attack on, Addis Ababa. Leaving only a skeleton crew behind in their base.


    But, that couldn''t be true! Because when you have a back door to an alternate reality you are never far from having reinforcements. That was ok! Saurian had his own reinforcements. He had returned to his 30 foot tall, 60 foot long form. Because he needed all of his magic to support his regenerating army. That however, was not what he had meant as reinforcements. A sonic boom rang out across the muted blue sky as the sun was just about to rise. Like a bullet fired into a sand pit an impact crater exploded sending the base flying in all directions.


    There standing in the middle of the cater was a very angry blue and red boy scout! Spring jump spell scripts appeared around Superman and with an audible pop the Justice League had appeared. Saurian roared and used Rallying Call, the ripple of energy spread through the entire area bathing the League, and the Saurus army in energy. Saurian reached out and established a Temporary Pack Bond with any of them that were friendly with him. Which turned out to be all of them!


    Link established, welcome to the hunt! -Saurian said across the link.


    ¡°Yeeeeaaaah! To battle my fellow warriors!¡± Wonder Woman yelled out across the field and flew into the air shield and sword in hand.


    ¡°Excuse me! Pardon me! Coming through!¡± Flash said quickly as a blur of red and yellow lightning zipped between the different soldiers taking their rifles from them.


    ¡°Eeeeeaaaah!¡± Hawkwoman screamed in glee as she bashed her Nth metal mace straight into a helicopter flying in the air above. Her husband straight on her tail with a laugh.


    ¡°That is right! Come to straight at me!¡± Hal Jordan the Green Lantern said as he used his green energy to make a giant mech warrior with shoulder firing turrets.


    From the crater came over a dozen more League members that had teleported in. They had used Superman as the beacon to break through the distortion field surrounding the base. Obviously the whole League could not attend the battle as other cities were under attack. But when Vici had found one of the Rift locations an attack team was assembled and sent out quickly!


    Saurian galloped across the field and jumped onto of a mammoth tank that had been left behind to guard the base. He raked his claws through the armor easily enough. The mounted turrets all turned to fire at him as he was the largest threat. He peeled back the compartment doors and exhaled methane thanks to his passive spell power from this Nature Domain. Then a single spark ignited the whole inside of the tank. One of these days Saurian will have to figure out how to create natural napalm and imitate Torloth the dragon.


    Bullets, missiles, and energy blasts of all sizes peppered Saurian has he jumped from the mammoth tank. Straight out of a Godzilla movie he raced straights the firing line. But right before he made it to them. He slid to a stop, and stuck his belly to the ground. Not a second later, Shazam flew over his back and bashed the firing line with his magical lightning. Pack Bond, and Team Work gained several points of experience. Thanks to the bond they didn''t even communicate the move, they just understood one another.


    ¡°Hell ya! I mean....Heck ya! Don''t tell my Uncle I said that...¡± Shazam said softly to Saurian who chuckled at him.


    A row of missile towers popped out from the ground several hundred feet away. Before the last one had even reached its full height the first tower started firing its payload at the enemies near by. However, each and every missile flew around in erratic circles before they spun back and hit the towers. A pulse of energy much akin to Machine Control was in the air. Cyborg aka Victor Stone flew in the air above the battle field. Disrupting, and destroying what he could with his white noise cannon.


    ¡°Yaaaaaa! Victory! Victory! Victory!¡± Shazam started a one man chant as he watched Cyborg level the playing field. Cyborg rolled his single organic eye at the antics of the kid but a smile was on his face regardless.


    Saurian shivered, and for a moment his vision was swapped with one of his Veterans. As he watched a large alternate reality soldier with a mounted cannon cut through the Saurus army. The soldier kept flickering in and out of sight, stealth field. The view point shifted back to Saurian, and he raced towards the location. A 30 foot tall dinosaur sprinting towards a direction can be a horrifying sight, so Saurian had been told. He would disagree, seeing a pissed off Amazonian warrior Princess cutting through an army with a sword filled him with fear.


    Wonder Woman was like a dancer, and the battle field was her stage. She slipped past, under, up, and past each puppet, robotic unit, and soldier with practice grace one would only find in a ballet dancer. The God-slayer blade she carried cut through any metal like it was made of silk. She wore full armor that covered all of her vital points, but allowed full movement. Like it had been choreographed before hand she dug her shield into the ground and hid behind it for a brief moment. Just long enough for an armored bladed tail to sweep past her bashing all that was in front of her away. She jumped into the air with grace, jumped off of Saurian''s side and with a wink towards him flew off to the next stage.


    Saurian arrived just in time to see the Rift Commander shoot a green energy shot straight at Superman. Who screamed in surprise and was shot back dozen or so yards. But he slowed, and jumped to his feet. Much to the surprise of the Rift Commander. Who started to reload his shoulder mounted cannon. Saurian looked Superman over and smiled. His suit had been reinforced with gear from the Watch Tower, Malleus''s work.


    Before the Rift Commander could shoot another kryptonite shot Saurian landed in front of Superman and roared at the Commander. Intimidating Shout, the Commander paused for a brief second. Just enough time for Saurian to fling a concrete slab at him with one of his tentacles. The Commander easily jumped out the way, into the waiting arms of a Saurus Veteran with spear!


    The Veteran whipped that spear forward like a cobra striking its prey! The blade easily slipped past the molded armor plates and sprung out the back of the man who screamed in pain. He raised both his arms up and his forearm mounts shot high explosive shotgun rounds at the Veteran who burst into green and blue particles. The spear went with the Veteran. The Commander had a brief moment for his suit to administer medical ai...A giant bladed tail the same height, and width as the Commander came straight towards him like a giant cleaver!


    The Commander dove to the side, but not quick enough his right arm was sliced off at the shoulder. With out missing a beat he rolled and sprinted back towards the Rift point. His suit quickly stopped the bleeding and gave the Commander pain relief and wake up stimulant. Saurian was quickly gaining on the Commander. Right before Saurian could open his jaw and bite down the Commander jumped forward on jump jets, his shoulder mounted cannon shot backwards! Nailing Saurian in the face with an green energy blast that did little damage but did catch him by surprise.


    The Commander cleared the main entrance as a solid steel door slammed into place. Saurian roared in fury at missing his prey. He bashed straight into the door but it held strong. He started to use Material Shaping, it was at that moment Saurian realized they had never evolved it. While he scraped against the door only a few inches of it was peeling away he quickly called on the store....


    ¡°I''m sorry, User! You cant use that in battle.¡± Dawn said softly to him.


    Fuck! It made sense of course but he was hoping. He could have sworn he had done in battle before? Maybe he remembered wrong, maybe it was a new version! He started to rake his claws through the door on top of Material Shaping. He was getting huge amounts of experience from the unused skill. His two tentacle tips split open into three clawed grippers and started to shape the door quickly. But thanks to his army he didn''t have a lot of energy to work with.


    Then over a dozen Saurus Warriors jumped at the door and started to use the same skill. The door started to melt like a snowman on a warm day. Behind this door was the Rift, Saurian knew the whole room was locked in place with the same metal. BANG! Superman was above and was slamming his fists into the door. At last the made a hole just big enough for a Warrior to fit through. They started to pour through into the room and they started dying with in seconds. Saurian didn''t care! Manifestation was gaining huge amounts of experience every second the battle continued.


    WHAM! Saurian roared in pain as he was flung backwards. A alternate reality soldier with black armor, red highlights, and a robotic arm slammed into him. A tentacle whipped around with a Psionic Blade bathed in green energy nearly sliced the soldier in half before a blue energy sphere surrounded the soldier and pulled him away. Saurian briefly glanced at the door, half of his army was trying to get in, while the other half was fighting the new HK''s that had come out to play. Saurian cast Manifestation and called an Elite. The warriors went down to 100 units but that was enough.


    The portal opened up and the Elite stepped out. Standing at 8 feet, and 16 feet long. He wore magitech armor. Sleek, angular, with sharp points around his clawed hands, feet, bladed tail, and skull crest. His armor was vantablack, with forest green metallic scales. What was also new was two tentacle appendages on its back. It roared and extended to Psionic Blades from its hands, and tentacles. Two green, two silver, and used Blink to jump straight at the lead HK in the blue bubble. The HK was clearly shocked as the bubble all but popped like a balloon.


    Saurian rolled to his feet and sprinted back towards the door. All of his remaining warriors jumped away of the way as he rammed his skull crest straight into the door. BOOM! The door imploded and his army raced in behind him. There in the center of a vast underground cavern that had been dug out by the alternate reality stood a Rift. The edges were a combination of gray, blue, red, and starlight. While the center was neon blue, and dark blue. Saurian watched in horror as the soldiers were trying to push as many brain boxed civilians through the portal. While technicians were trying to shut the Rift down.


    ¡°Aaaaaarroooooooooooo!¡± Saurian howled, the sound vibrating the entire cavern. Intimidating shout, and Rallying Call momentarily stunned the soldiers, and for a brief, brief moment the brain boxed civilians woke up. They looked around and looked at Saurian with hope, before the box incapacitated them again.


    ¡°DIE YOU FUCKING MONSTER!¡± The Rift Commander shouted as he sprinted towards him. Firing his shoulder mounted cannon, and his rifle.


    Saurian completely ignored the man and sprinted past him. He raced towards the Rift with best possible speed. His army raced behind him, and like an army of ants on top of a spider they swarmed the Rift Commander. The last of the civilians were through the portal and a tech soldier was priming the explosives around the Rift. Saurian reached out with his minimum energy he had to spare and used Machine Control to stop the timers on the bombs.


    ¡°BLOW IT FROM THE OTHERSIDE!¡± The Rift Commander shouted before he was ripped apart by the warriors.


    The tech soldiers jumped through the Rift. Saurian was over a hundred feet away. He had nothing! Nothing to use! All of his energy was in the army! Wait! His two tentacles came together and they quickly made a tiny metal object. The tentacle then whipped it, and flung it through the Rift right before it wink out of existence!


    __________________________________________________________


    The Rift to the other reality snapped closed just behind the last soldier. The Rift Commander of the primary installation allowed the destruction of the Rift under the orders of command. But right before the Rift closed a gold like metal object was flung through. It was about as long as a knife, it had two prongs, and a handle. It looked like a fork? The object was flung so hard that it pierced into the head of one of the soldiers killing him instantly. He landed face first into the ground, all soldiers pointed their weapons at the object. Massive cannons swiveled around pointing at the object, along with the soldiers.


    ¡°What is it?¡± One of the soldiers asked. The closest soldier inched forward and pulled the object out.


    ¡°Its a tuning fork....¡± The soldier said, confused. But as soon as those words were said over comms the Rift Commander screamed over the intercom.


    ¡°DESTROY IT NOW!¡± The Commander said, but before his words had even finished a Conjuration magical symbol showed up on the fork. It was Called back to its owner.


    ______________________________________________________________


    Orichalcum tuning fork.


    Rating: F-


    Effect: Can hold any sound, as long as its not destroyed.


    Effect: Vibrates at a specific frequency tailored to the sound.


    Effect: Capable of being called across dimensions and realities thanks to Calling.


    Comment: A poorly made, but useful tool for the war.


    The golden metal tuning fork vibrated softly in Saurian''s massive scaled hand. A sinister smile was on his giant face. He carefully tucked the item away, having taken note of the sound it was emitting. He turned to the abandoned base that was still very active. As the alternate reality soldiers tried to either move to a fall back point, or go out in a blaze of glory. But before he could continue the battle he got a prompt.


    Congratulations, User! Your Cosmic Patron is pleased with you! You''ve closed one of the Rifts from the alternate reality. But you have also learned the vibrational frequency of the alternate reality.


    Reward: 20 DP.


    Reward: Rank status has increased from B- to B.


    Comment: Keep up the good work! Its fun to watch!


    Saurian''s whole body surged with energy. Unlike before where he had bought the grade through the store which acted like an experience booster. This was a straight power level from one minor grade to another. Steam rose from his body as all of his stats were increased, skills, powers, racial traits, and spells went up. As the natural high slowly faded from him he received a mental call from his Elite. The HK leader had fled with the teleporter. They were injured but alive.


    Help with the clean up, thank you. -Saurian sent to his Elite. He received a confirmation from his Elite.


    Wraith! Is the Rift gone? -Hawkman called across the link.


    It is, however a piece of good news. I know the frequency of the alternate reality. We can chase them now. -Saurian replied.....


    Let''s finish up here first. We can discuss it back at the Watch Tower. -Superman said across the link.


    They did just that. Every piece of equipment that would normally hold any form of information had turned into slag. Any soldier be it a puppet, robot, or organic that couldn''t get away went down fighting. Some even ran straight at the League with an explosives in hand ready to die for the cause. It wouldn''t be until hours later that they learned the bio-chip had a suicide program in it. The League did secure over three hundred soldiers in all. The issue they were having now is where to put them. The Watch Tower prison cell area wasn''t big enough to accommodate all of them. It would be six more days before Vici was finished with her upgrade key. Though the station could continue to operate they couldn''t build anything new until the upgrade was over.


    Ethan was on station with his medical droids. They had improved the bio-chip removal to the point that they had a machine that would de-chip them. So they made a simple barracks, stacked all the soldiers around Wraith who had changed back to Lash at this point. He used 20 DP from his reward and evolved Healing Aura.


    Congratulations User! Minor Healing Aura has evolved into Basic Healing Aura.


    Basic Healing Aura: Aura range has increased to 60 ft. Restores 3% of total health, and energy every minute. Caster designates who it effects. (Auto set to friendlies but can be adjusted) Decrease in magical energy consumption.


    As before many of the soldiers started to die the moment their bio-chip were removed. They had to removed the implants and replace them before soldiers died. De-chiping three hundred soldiers and keeping them alive took approximately three days. They had been blitz by the AR-Forces six times. Commando teams, drop ships, and twice by the HK''s. However, as more time went by it got easier and easier to defend the location. Because the revived soldiers were more than happy to help fight off the invaders with the League. Most them any ways.


    ______________________________________


    ¡°So these puppets are brain dead?¡± Cyborg asked Ethan who nodded at him while he removed another chip.


    ¡°Why even use them then? That has to take up a lot of energy to just command brain dead puppets.¡± Cyborg asked as he looked up the information. He was shocked silly in a moment.


    ¡°Every single puppet as E grade Superhuman durability!¡± Cyborg was astonished. So that was why. If the human race didn''t have meta-powers. Then a robotic legion would have easily been the best soldier type. But thanks to the meta-gene that had changed.


    ¡°Its cheaper to use them, than robotic units.¡± Cyborg was appalled at the information.


    The robotic units were complex machines. Though the Watch Tower droids were far superior thanks to Technomagical Constructs. The AR-Robots had near sentient virtual intelligence. Combined with a tech-meta as the driver and they were unstoppable legion. That didn''t need food, water, or sleep. Made from complex metal alloys, and synthetic muscles. But, the meat puppets were animated flesh dolls, with superhuman durability akin to robotic units. Yes, they were brain dead but thanks to the cybernetic augmentations they could receive and carry out orders. They were cheaper. Which is terrifying! This was the alternate realities version of cannon fodder.


    ¡°Finished, take them to Wraith for healing.¡± Ethan said as a medical droid cleaned up and sent another de-chipped soldier away. Ethan cleaned his hands and prepared for the next operation.


    Ethan was an android of 6'' with blue eyes, black chopped hair that was currently pulled back. With healthy tanned skin, a strong frame hidden under medical battle gear. He cut a handsome figure that many women, and men would fall in love with. But many would be surprised do know that is good looks were all thanks to a polymetallic liquid that covered his synthetic frame. He looked a lot different with out it. As did Cyborg!


    Cyborg at the moment was 6''6¡± with black skin, brown eyes, and brown hair cut short. He was wearing full form fitting uniform that was often found with League ground forces thanks to the Watch Towers standard kit. There was not a single cybernetic piece of metal in sight. Unless you counted his liquid metal skin that simulated human skin nearly perfectly. Cyborg thanked the god everyday that Wraith had given him this type of skin so he could look ''normal'' around people. Cyborg walked over to one of the meat puppets.


    The puppet had been female. But her face had no skin, or muscle for that matter. The metal was grafted straight onto her bone. A horde of wires were stuck into her cranium, it looked like a macabre of hair in badly need of a wash. While the rest of her wasn''t much better. They had shaved off her skin, and most of her muscles just like her face to attach the augmentations. Then regrew the flesh over it. It was disgusting to look at. Several of the League members had turned green and puked at the sight of it. But has horrifying as they were. Wraith didn''t want to destroy them. He said something about their souls still being present. He wanted to try and save them.


    ¡°Just hold on.... I don''t know how. But if Wraith says he can save you, he will.¡± Cyborg said softly to the meat puppet. He gently placed his hands on her head and closed his eyes. He had never been much for praying. But he prayed now. The meat puppet had been catatonic, but in this moment tears welled up in her eyes and fell down her cheeks.


    _________________________________________________


    Another pulse from his Healing Aura went off and every target with in 60 feet had been 3% restored. It wasn''t much, but it was enough to keep them alive as one by one each one was restored to working order. Eliza Green, the medic from the Zeta squad was in the barracks with Lash. All of the Zeta squad was on the ground helping their newly freed comrades adjust to being back in control. Another pulse went off. Lash took deep steady breaths, as his shroud writhed around him. His tail, and tentacles twitched and idly moved about on the floor. As he was still in his transformed state. It had been a while since Lash had turned back to his default human form. Did it even look human any more? He''d have to check once they were back at the tower.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Eliza asked, she had been checking on the soldiers with a hand held medical unit. But the question was directed at Lash.


    ¡°I am well... Figured out why I was losing energy so fast in battle. I''ve adjusted for it now.¡± Lash replied, his animalistic voice rough but Eliza had grown use to it.


    ¡°I mean, if you always had that pulse going through the whole battle it would make sense why it stripped you of energy.¡± Eliza replied, a hint of a smile on her face.


    That was the trick. It was a rookie mistake that Lash hadn''t thought about. Healing Aura was the first constant passive effect he had. He had a lot of skills, and powers that were passive. But they only turned on in certain circumstances. Like Danger Sense, each time it was used it would take a massive spike of energy to use. But once it was done, it would go dormant again. Healing Aura was just always on. As long as Lash didn''t do anything above moderate activity he would always gain back more then he spent. But in battle? He ended up drying out far to quickly.


    That was why he had turned the aura off during the last battle so he could properly fight. He was sure at higher levels the aura would be far more manageable. But he had to admit it was a rookie mistake, that nearly cost him his life. He was reminded of how his different abilities gain experience. With every level increase he would obtain a 1% power increase, and a 1% energy consumption decrease. Once he reached level 100. The ability would evolve. Then after the evolution he would start the climb back to level 100. Each level, and evolution would dramatically increase the necessary experience required.


    There was a knock on the barracks door and Eliza went to it. She let out a audible gasp at the individual at the door. After a moment she exchanged words with the man who had come. After a few moments Eliza came back into the room and stood off to the side, out of the way, but close by. Not that it would have mattered. In came the AR-Superman. He wore his black polymer suit, red highlights, the house of El symbol on his chest. But he did not wear a full face mask this time. It was a half mask that revealed his face, but covered the rest of his head. But a shutter would slip down quickly if needed. Malleus had played with their armor and laughed at the shoddy detail work of it. AR-Superman walked over to Lash and sat down on the floor sitting cross legged.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Lash asked, he was sitting in a chair that was designed for him. Big tails are hard to work with sometimes.


    ¡°I am...Better.... Naya''il insists that I come back once a week for sessions. But....its better.¡± AR-Superman said. His face was pale from lack of sunlight. But he also had bags under his eyes from not sleeping. His head was shaved, and his blue eyes looked hollow.


    ¡°Supergirl?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°She is here. Helping to secure the perimeter. She was cleared for duty before I was.¡± AR-Superman said. An almost smug smile crawled across his face, proud of his cousin.


    ¡°I have to ask...What are you doing with the dead?¡± AR-Superman asked, a haunted look in his eyes.


    ¡°They are recycling them.¡± Eliza jumped into the conversation. AR-Superman glanced at her, she trembled at the look but didn''t back down. AR-Superman looked back at Lash who nodded.


    It was true. Every officially dead soldier who didn''t have a soul tether attached to them was sent back to the Watch Tower for recycling. It sounded morbid, and horrific but the bodies were turned into magical energy, and the metals were scrapped and re used. No, they were not using the flesh of the dead to feed the living... At least not yet. AR-Superman looked conflicted at the idea that his home realities people were being treated like that. But he could also understand why.


    ¡°The Justice League disagreed with the decision. But understood the reason. We can''t bury them. All it would take is a single mad scientist to get a hold of the augmentations to replicate what had happened to them. Our reality may be on the brink right now, but we don''t want a future domestic attack with technology from another reality. As for the bodies. Not much different between cremation and recycling. The difference is one helps, while the other just makes dust.¡± Lash tried to explain it, but he knew he didn''t see the world the same way.


    ¡°Before you ask, yes. I would do the same to my people too.¡± Lash said quickly. AR-Superman seem to hesitate but nod his head. Before they could continue the conversation, a static pop rang out across their coms.


    ¡°Attention! The Watch Tower has finished its upgrade! We are currently building new facilities to accommodate our newly awakened soldiers. Please stand by!¡± Vici''s voice had changed again. Going from young teenager to young adult. Lash would place it around early twenties.


    One by one the de-chipped soldiers in the barracks were spring jumped away. The portal hubs must have gone through an upgrade because it was a few seconds faster. Lash brought up a holographic window to look at the Watch Tower. It seemed the scrap metal, and extra magical energy from the base they captured had been used well. It had quickly given Vici the raw materials to finish the key.


    The main saucer was now 100 ft high, with a radius of 400 ft. The second saucer was 50 ft high, with 200 ft radius. The stem was 400 ft long, with 30 ft radius. The orbital ring had increased its radius to 20 ft, the 3 star had changed into a four star bridge with 20 ft radius stems, and 4 the cylinders were 60 ft long, with 20 ft radius. Essentially everything had been doubled! But from F grade to E grade came many more new modules! Once the base had been cleared it was time for Lash to go module shopping, yay!


    ¡°I heard....That you now have the ability to find our home?¡± AR-Superman said, Eliza was calculating the time it would take for the whole barracks to get cleared out but stayed to listen to the answer.


    ¡°We have the frequency for your reality. We have to decide if we want to split our forces and attack while we defend. We are going to have a senior League meeting in about a day or so. I''ve already requested that you be there. Though you may not be there for it all.¡± Lash said as he slowly stood up, he rubbed his legs they had partially fallen asleep.


    ¡°I would like that....Thank you.¡± AR-Superman said, his communication beeped at him. It was AR-Supergirl she needed his help with the perimeter.


    AR-Superman soon left, though he took one last look at all the soldiers who still needed help. Another healing pulse went out. As Eliza came over to stand next to Lash, his shroud pooled around her. She looked at Lash with concern then beamed at him when he produced a chocolate bar from his armor. She happily took it and put it away before she went back to work. A spell script coiled around the last of the soldiers. Then took Lash, and Eliza next. POP!


    __________________________________________________


    The Watch Tower looked a lot like a mega corp tower on the inside than a space station. But many would argue that is what an orbital habitat was meant to look like. Right in the middle of the main saucer was stem that reached to the ceiling. It was primarily used as an elevator for personal and cargo. Every five levels, a cross intersection was connected to the outer walls. Lash had insisted there be no windows on the station. Windows were structural weaknesses. They could just make holographic mystical windows to simulate the outside if people wanted a view. This decision was disappointing to a lot of people but they could deal with it.


    They Hydroponics module decided to spread out a bit so there were tree''s, and plants scattered through out the inside of the Watch Tower to help increase oxygen production, but also increase the overall appeal of the station. Off to one side on the bottom floor of the main saucer was a small park, that also counted a food production facility. A Aquarium was on the list of modules to buy next from the android who was in charge of the hydroponics module.


    The portal hubs A, B, C, D, were stationed at the four points of the main saucer hub. Each hub had several smaller pads, along with one main pad for resources, and vehicles of moderate size. Hundreds of mechanical arms from the Watch Tower, and the engineering droids were scampering around the stations insides, and out building expanding the facilities. The super structure had completed its upgrade. Now they had to work on the infrastructure. All of the existing modules got a size increase, along with their overall abilities. Just like the hydroponics module, the droid services modules could produce more of a workforce.


    ________________________________________


    With an audible POP! Like the sound of a balloon filled with air bursting. Lash appeared on portal hub B at pad 1. The pads between 2-4 at B hub filled with people from the sit many of them were soldiers that were being carried off by medical, and security droids quickly. At edge of the portal hub stood Yihune the director of education that he had met at City Hall. She had accepted the job offer, the League had found her family and they were currently living on the station until accommodations could be made on the surface.


    Amaresh Talla Yihune was 5''8¡± with chocolate skin, warm brown eyes, and long black hair that was currently tied back into a bun. She cut a good strong figure in the full form fitting polymer suit that the League gave out. It was G grade, but still strong enough to stop small arms fire. It looked like a jump suit that stuck to the skin like body paint. It did offer extra padding in the more sensual places, allowing some modesty. Yihune had taken the zipper down from her neck to mid chest.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, welcome back.¡± Yihune said in accented english. She had a holographic window open next to her thanks to the built in computer interface on her arm.


    ¡°How are you adjusting, Miss Yihune?¡± Lash asked, his animalistic voice softer when speaking to her. Her brown eyes eyes narrowed at him.


    ¡°Just Yihune... My family and I are adjusting just fine. Come, we have a full schedule ahead of you. Your grand daughter Samanthei wanted to speak to you.¡± Yihune said, her voice cut short any other form of conversation has she turned on her heel expecting Lash to follow. Which he did.


    ¡°All advance gear that you made during the blitz was taken back and properly removed. While it was replace with modern gear normally acquired on Earth. I understand why you didn''t want humans to have access to those weapons.¡± Yihune said, memories of the night not that long ago still haunted her dreams. Watching the tiny sub-machine gun in her hands rip a meat puppet apart like tin foil was disturbing.


    ¡°The mobile turret is aboard the station as we speak. Malleus had taken a liking to it. He said, ''Well eh jus lakka ah dog!''¡± Yihune had actually played sound bite of Malleus speaking. The mobile turret didn''t have the same intelligence as the androids aboard the tower. But it was pretty high!


    They walked into the main saucer area and Lash took a moment to marvel at the expansive design, and interior. Hundreds of ''people'' walked across promenade of the main floor of the saucer. While a few flew. Lash could see that foot traffic was a problem and vaguely remembered seeing a public transportation module for the E grade station. Yihune coughed to pull Lash back to the present and they continued towards the science module where Samanthei awaited.


    Samanthei was the android in charge of the science module on the station. Or, Lash should say she was a magic scientist. Or maybe an arcanist? It depended on situation he assumed. Thanks to the upgrade the science module got a huge increase in size, and scope of operation. It was near the observation module where they built, launched, and ran the sub-satellites. A minor explosion rang out, and vibrated the whole module. The front door slid open and smoke billowed out. A few people came coughing out of the smoke and flapped their arms trying to clear their lungs.


    ¡°What the fuck was that!?¡± A man shouted.


    ¡°WHAT!? I CAN''T HEAR YOU!¡± A woman shouted back at him, as she rubbed her ears.


    Lash waved his clawed hand about and sucked all the smoke towards him, and cleaned it up with his Nature Domain. He cast Immaculate on the people covered in smoke, ash, and chemicals. He also cast Nature''s Kiss on the woman. They blinked at the rapid fire of spells and looked over at him. The man looked a little sheepish, while the woman smiled at him.


    ¡°THANK....you....Excuse me. Thank you!¡± She said with a wave. Lash chuckled and walked towards the module with Yihune trailing behind him.


    The smoke was soon cleared out thanks to the life support system. Several science module droids were cleaning up the mess. While a few people, some of them VI Avatars were collecting results on their hand terminals. A few were shouting at each other not realizing how loud they were. Lash quickly cleaned up the scene and helped the shouting individuals. Another door slid open and out came Samanthei.


    Samanthei was anywhere between 5'' to 6''6¡± depending on her mood. Though she was 12'' long. What did that mean? Samanthei was an android that had chosen a unique physique for her look. She had taken the form of a Lamia. She had frazzled slightly burnt dark green hair that went to the middle of her back. Sapphire blue eyes that sparkled with mischief and curiosity. Her face soft snake scales along her jaw, and nose the color of sand stone. While her skin was a soft yellow. From the waist, and mid thigh down she had orange scales, with red highlights. The tip of her tail grew in to a twin fork, that could be used to grab onto things, or make a rattle if they were rubbed against each other quickly. She wore a red silk Qipao oriental dress that had been burned slightly in the explosion. She had a white lab coat over her top that was smoking and partially on fire! She didn''t seem to notice as her green eyes lite up in excitement.


    ¡°Grand father!¡± Samanthei shouted, and zipped across the lab towards Lash.


    Because of her snake lower half she made nearly no noise, and was incredibly quick! Yihune practically screamed in terror! She had never met Samanthei, she wasn''t sure what she had expected but after seeing Lash turn into a giant dinosaur she wasn''t sure why she was surprised. Lash stepped forward and braced for impact as Samanthei nearly drove him to the floor when she slammed into him. She wrapped her arms around him, along with her tail. Knocking objects all over the place. She rubbed her cheeks back and forth across Lash''s nearly destroyed armor in a mildly cute manor. Lash chuckled as he hugged her back, and his tentacles reached out and started to clean up the mess.


    ¡°Wait!? What are those!?¡± Samanthei shouted, as her scientific mind jumped into over drive. As quick as a cobra she snatched one of the tentacles from grabbing a piece of equipment. Lash winced at the grab.


    ¡°Careful, they are attached to me.¡± Lash admonished her, but she barely payed any attention as she ran her fingers up and down the scaled forms of the tentacles.


    The tentacles didn''t have any bones in them. They were covered in a scaled carapace, with three fingered clawed tips. But while closed they became spear points. Their maximum length was the same as Lash in either form. They could also channel all forms of energy through them. They were in truth just an extension of Lash/Saurian themselves. Samanthei ran several tests, and even tried for a tissue sample. But the sample dissolved into ash once it left Lash for longer than thirty seconds. Which almost started another slew of test but Yihune at lost spoke up and reminded her while they were here? Samanthei shouted in shock and slithered off through the lap. Lash, and Yihune followed.


    In the center of another room floating in the middle with dozens of instruments around it was the orichalcum tuning fork. It continued to hum softly, vibrating slightly. The simple enchantment holding as Lash had not canceled the effect. Samanthei pulled up the relevant information and gave it to Lash who pulled it up on a holographic window. They had the alternate realities frequency. They could make their own Rift and travel to them. But just like the AR they couldn''t choose where it came out from. It could show up in a city, a cave, or the bottom of an ocean for all they knew.


    ¡°We are working with the Wardens, and the Super Natural Council on Rift creation. We have already confirmed there are no public records of any of them ever traveling to this specific reality. So we have no beach head. The Wayside Inn of Mysteries host, Cain has declined to be a play a part in the war. They are neutral after all. So we can''t use them.¡± Samanthei said in conclusion.


    ¡°So we have to make our own door. Samanthei, if we tried opening a Rift on our moon. Would it open on theirs?¡± Lash asked her. Her jewel like eyes went wide as she started pulling up the information.


    ¡°Take your time! Its a wild idea, but if it works like that then we may use it like that.¡± Lash said, but Samanthei was barely paying attention now. Lash chuckled and left her to her theories, Yihune followed behind him.


    ¡°What good would it do to open a Rift on their moon?¡± Yihune asked.


    ¡°Maybe nothing. But, if we can''t choose the exact location. But choose an orbiting mass. It could let us make an incursion with out being interfered with. Of course the Rift could just open up in the vastness of space and we would have to fly towards the AR-Earth who is on opposite orbiting path. But even if the Rift can open up in space above the planet it would give us an advantage.¡± Lash explained to Yihune.


    Lash knew the Dream Engine developers had specifically stated that you couldn''t choose where a Rift opened up. Unless you had a specific anchor in that reality. This was how the invading reality had made that Rift in the cave in Africa. They had came through the first Rift, found a second location and made a new Rift. So, if they did their counter invasion in an obscure location. Like the moon! He just hoped that Rofl Dex''s moon didn''t have a hostile alien force like Lash''s did.


    Yihune led Lash to several more appointments across the Watch Tower. One of them being Yihune''s family which Lash insisted on visiting. Her entire family was happy to meet him, and thankful for the change and safety that came with Yihune working for the League. They were living in a small living quarters that barely housed room for 5 people. While the family had twelve people in it. But they didn''t complain. Better here, then on the surface where you could be shot and killed just for the food you have.


    The Watch Tower went off of north America, central time zone. They had been working for ten hours at which point Lash told Yihune to go home and get some rest. She agreed and bid him goodnight. They had the Justice League meeting in the morning, they would be busy. Lash left for the living space divided for the senior members. Vici had made a point to notify him that he had a space there specifically for him. His apartment was larger, perks of his rank. It looked more like a loft. Wide open space for the first floor, and a smaller second floor with a space for a bed or a work area. The whole place was set for minimalist. As the furniture, appliances, etc were hidden away in the floors and walls until called for. Lash stepped into his ''home'' to find someone waiting for him.


    Sitting at a metallic table with several papers, and holographic windows being displayed was Li''ana Tuscan. His Seelie Court Envoy, and pack mate. As soon as he stepped through the door, and it closed behind him he established the Pack Bond. Li''ana shivered in delight, and the feelings of the bond were transmitted. Li''ana had missed him, and desperately wanted to crawl into his embrace. But work came first. So for the first time in a long while Lash returned to his default human shape.


    Lash was approximately 6''6¡± he had grown again. His shoulders were about 2 ? ft wide, making him unusually large for a human. He was still bald, his pale skin had 11 different style of tattoos each for each domain he had obtained. His eyes were yellow green with reptilian slit irises. Dark forest green metallic scales highlighted his jaw line, and nose ridge. He looked a lot like Samanthei in that regard. He had a strong, rectangular muscled frame. He didn''t look like an upside down triangle anymore that most muscled models looked like. He was just a monster of solid muscle. Though he was covered in ruined armor, down his spine were soft scales just like his face. Along his forearm, shins, and chest were highlighted with scales. If Lash continued to stay in his transformed state eventually his default human shape wouldn''t be human anymore. This was common with were-breeds who stayed in their animal shapes to long.


    ¡°May I take a shower first?¡± Lash asked, his voice rough. He traced his fingers along the jagged scar along his neck. Despite everything he had gone through, it still remained.


    ¡°Please do, I am just finishing up.¡± Li''ana said with a smile.


    Li''ana was 5''9¡±, with long blond hair tied back into a tail, pointed sylvan ears, healthy tanned skin, with a bouncing chest. She wore a Seelie Court battle gear. A cross between robes, and soldier gear. Black combat boots, cargo pants, with a half skirt around them. Tucked in long sleeved black shirt, with armored plates, and a half coat. Each piece enchanted with protection. Around her neck was a golden tattoo, the death ward necklace Lash had made for her enchanted to merge into her skin.


    Has Lash walked past Li''ana he slipped up close to her leaned down. Puller her face to look at him and kissed her. Her eyes went wide for a moment, then fell closed as she moaned into the kiss. Her heart rate jumped. Lash pressed his...forked? Tongue into her mouth and danced against her own. They did this for a brief minute before Li''ana pushed him away. Her face flushed.


    ¡°Work! We have work before we can continue!¡± Li''ana said with a glare and went back to work. Keeping perfect posture in the chair, as she crossed her legs and tried not to shiver in delight. Lash smiled at her, and went to take a shower in the back.


    The bathroom came out of the wall, and formed with in a few seconds of being called. A separate room that could expand to allow a master bath, or shrink just for a sink. Lash peeled off his ruined Warden gear. He desperately needed to replace it, along with Saurian''s gear. He stepped into the shower that had five spray heads, and excellent pressure. A mirror extended from the wall allowing Lash to look at his muscled and chiseled form. He spotted his scaled spine, along with two writhing tentacle tattoos on his back. They were made of black ink and moved around just like they would when in his Transformation. Sometimes they seem to slide under his existing tattoos, sometimes above them. Then, though rarely the tattoos seem to bulge to the surface and it looked like a snake, or an eel was beneath Lash''s skin, slithering along.


    Lash soaped down with fragrance free body wash, and also took a stiff brush along his whole body. He scrubbed hard getting as much as he could off of him. He knew that if he still had normal human skin he would have scraped it off by now. But thanks to his durability he only felt a slight tickle. He soon finished up and turned off the water. Stepping out into the bathroom he looked himself over in the mirror. It hadn''t even been two years and he couldn''t recognize himself anymore.


    Lash''s eyes shifted slightly and he felt Saurian stir across the link. A spectral image of a giant lizardman stood next to Lash in the bathroom. They looked at one another seeing two completely different images. Then the giant reptile gently nudges Lash with his snout. Lash took the hint and walked over to a wardrobe that extended from the wall. He pulled on loose gray cotton pants, and a gray cotton t-shirt. He stayed bare foot, because his toe nails had become claws. He stepped out, the bathroom merged back into the wall. Li''ana turned around to look at him, and her eyes went a little wide as she could see Saurian''s spiritual image merging back into Lash.


    ¡°I know I haven''t been doing the Warden paper work, sorry about that.¡± Lash said as he took a seat on the opposite side of the table.


    ¡°The council is letting that little detail slide, given that most of our data base went down with the pulse. Everything is backed up on EMP protected servers, and hard files. But, it is going to be a while before we are up and running again.¡± Li''ana said, as she pulled up a holographic window for him.


    ¡°Wait? I can''t attend the Summer Court hunting games?¡± Lash said in surprise. He had actually forgotten about the Summer Court ball. He just assumed he wouldn''t make it...again.


    ¡°Yes, you have access to the Time Domain. Even if you only know a single spell it gives you an unfair advantage. On top of having the Space Domain, specifically Blink. With your explosive amount of growth you could easily advance those Domains. It would be no fun if you could freeze time, and transport the entire hunted team to the finish line.¡± Li''ana supplied the reason as she pushed the window aside.


    ¡°You can still attend the ball. The Summer Queen elect hopes you can come. But with the invasion she wont hold her breath if you can''t. Normally this would be an issue, however thanks to the fertility charm you supplied. You are on far more stable ground than you were before.¡± Li''ana said, as she brought a paper contract. The ink was written in blood, the paper in skin.


    Even with everything going on, the supernatural world continued to operate. Of course to them the invasion of another reality, and or another dimension was just another tuesday. They would of course see to their own first. Then ask for volunteers from the communities to help the mundanes. Just like the event back in Starling City the artificial earthquake. There had been no orders to go, just a request for volunteers. Lash went because it was good PR as Wraith, and because he wanted too.


    ¡°What am I reading?¡± Lash asked, as he looked over the skin paper, and blood ink.


    ¡°The Blood-Kindred with out a house, or the clan-less....or the blood mutts as most call them have declared you a public enemy. They are responsible for trying to out your public identity, along with revealing Selina Kyle''s past self, along with the attacks on your sister, and her family. This is a contract with Lady Kali of House Aamond to officially hunt down any clan-less who threaten you and your family. Its a formality, she is already doing it. But this will make it official. I''ve already looked it over, as have Soluna, and Jessabell. Its legitimate.¡± Li''ana said, there was a growl buried deep in her throat at the idea that anyone would target their pack. Lash signed the contract, it burst into crimson red fire. The message was sent.


    Why weren''t Soluna, and Jessabell here as well? Because they were both warriors and had offered to join the resistance. It was also almost summer in North America so Li''ana being a part of the Summer Court had the power, and the responsibility to react. If it was winter, Jessabell would be here. Under the table Li''ana had recrossed her legs. Her left boot ran along side Lash''s leg, and she rubbed it back and forth. She acted like she was doing nothing, but Lash smiled at her.


    They continued back and forth for another hour. Gotham City was....functioning for the most part. At least the super natural communities were. Right now Croc''s town which was the homeless central for all who lived in Gotham had power, water, and food! Unlike the city above. From the mundane perspective Gotham City was a living hell. Lash signed over several millions of dollars to establish a Ghost Industries complex at Gotham. As soon as the contract was signed. It burst into flames, and Vici notified him that a logistic crew was being sent to Gotham.


    Ghost Industries was the company Lash had made when he had visited Fawcett city. It was essentially a recycling plant that made construction material, and bio-fuel. But it was also had a League bunker under ground. It seemed Batman was not entirely comfortable sharing his cave with all the League members stationed in the city. So, Lash decided to build a bunker there. Trust was something you earned with Batman, Lash understood that. He sent a small message on the senior JLI message board about the new bunker being built in Gotham.


    [Private Message] Thank you... -Batman.


    Ghost industries would also provide jobs for the supernatural communities, and fuel alternatives for the mundanes. It was a win, win situation to Lash. As much as Lash wished things would just go back to normal the moment they pushed the invasion back. He knew it wouldn''t, they were in for a long, long road ahead. At last all the immediate paper work was finished, and sent off to who ever needed it. Li''ana closed all the holographic windows, and put the rest of the paper work away.


    ¡°You are not wearing your ring...¡± Lash said softly to her, she glanced at him with a smirk. The ring in quest was the transmutation ring that enlarged her chest.


    ¡°No, thanks to you I don''t need it anymore.¡± Li''ana said, as she tapped an insignia on her armored plate that went over her chest. It was the mark for warrior-scholars. Lash was surprised.


    All Seelie, UnSeelie, and twilight court fae know how to fight. Its a way of life to them. But there are those who can also double as soldiers. Li''ana had never received that training due circumstances that came with her up bringing. Simply said, she didn''t have the talent for it. However, the Pack Bond which had increased her overall stats had also brought something else. The bond could share skills, or at least help those learn them. Li''ana had obtained Martial Arts, and Weapon Master from Lash/Saurian. Because of this, she had obtained another skill set in the fae courts. Which is a very good thing.


    Lash had never really learned why Li''ana chose to have bigger breasts. He was sure that people like all shapes and sizes. He found it hard to believe no one like small breasts. But she had used the ring to increase her breast size. It had worked for her! It had worked for decades, nearly no one knew she used the ring for such a thing. But now, bigger breasts got in the way of warrior training.


    ¡°So, how big are they now?¡± Lash asked, a smirk on his face. Li''ana stood up from the table and walked towards the back. Swaying her hips back and forth. She called up the bed, and a massive king size bed came up from the floor.


    ¡°Why don''t you come find out for yourself!¡± Li''ana said with a smirk, as she started to unbuckled her armor. Lash stood up from the table and went to join her.


    ¡°I think I will.¡± Lash said with a huge grin...


    __________________________________________________


    It was five in the morning tower time when Lash stepped out from his room. He was in his default human shape with a intensive fae glamour wrapped around him. He looked like any other average League member. Though all the droids he passed still addressed him as grand father he never told them not too. He traveled across the promenade towards Malleus work shop. The main engineering bay was mostly empty, a few engineering droids worked, and helped a few VI Avatars work on their gear. He walked past specific one and said hello.


    ¡°Hello Flint Lock!¡± Lash said to the woman who jumped in surprise at a random stranger saying hello.


    ¡°Hay.....You...¡± She said, clearly confused. But Lash just laughed and went to the workshop.


    Lash began the slow process of updating his Warden gear, and he would need Malleus, and maybe Samanthei''s help with Saurian''s. He was reminded that he still needed to make the last four legendary gear sets for the Amazon red team. Fuck! He had so much to do! An engineering droid walked into the operations work shop and started to assist him. Made the whole process a bit faster. Lash was able to make the first gear set piece which was the polymer suit. He slipped that on, and felt the suit interface with his implants. Each gear piece would just add to the overall effect.


    The polymer suit had taken several hours. So he cleaned up the station and left engineering to make his way to the head quarters module. Or the room with the big table! The Watch Tower never really went to sleep, but it was far more active during the ''day''. As it were, nearly all of the current modules had finished being upgraded to grade E. Once they were all done, Lash planned to purchase more modules. Like the transportation hub, and shuttle bay.


    Lash took a deep breath and activated Transformation and pulled on his Wraith disguise. The polymer suit had a unique physique enchantment, implant, and size alteration installed to adapt to his bodies changes. So it stretched out perfectly to fit his lizardman shape. There was a brief moment when the fae glamour of the average League member overlapped into a picasso abstract art piece before it melted away into magical particles.


    He walked through the double sliding doors to the main hall with the giant theater sitting around the central stage. A few people had already arrived and were either sitting in their chairs half asleep, or talking among themselves. John Stewart, Katma Tui, and Hal Jordan all in their Green Lantern uniforms stood with each other discussing the issues they found during their patrol. As messed as the situation was on Earth. It was one planet in the entire sector full of issues. Katma broke off from the conversation and walked over to Lash.


    ¡°Welcome back...Wish it was under better circumstances. Thank you for coming.¡± Lash said, trying to make his animalistic voice softer than normal. Katma smiled at him, appreciating the attempt even if it didn''t work very well.


    ¡°I wish it was under better circumstances too. I wish we had been here for the three day vacation too. But hopefully we can go again next year once this is all over...?¡± Katma asked nervously. Lash winced slightly at the question. Technically they could arrange it, he''d just have to sleep with all of Torloth''s daughters to pull it off.


    ¡°We''ll see... The owner has proposed an option for such a thing but it would take a bit of work on my end.¡± Lash confessed to her, she tilted her head to one side waiting for him to continue.


    ¡°She wants me to impregnate her daughters...¡± Lash said, Katma''s eyes went wide at the news of what was needed.


    ¡°Wait? Can you even do that?¡± Katma asked, she leaned forward with curiosity in here eyes.


    ¡°Technically? I can impregnate anyone who is compatible with me on the first try if I want to.¡± Lash said with a grimace. But Katma''s eyes shinned brightly, she jumped forward and took his hands into her own.


    ¡°Can you make John that way! I want kids, but humans and Korugaran''s cant have children normally.¡± Katma said with excitement.


    ¡°I...Don''t know? Why don''t you and John head to Ethan after the meeting. Get some tests done, maybe we can figure something out.¡± Lash said, surprised by the question. Katma smiled at him with joy and hugged him. He was caught off guard but hugged her back.


    ¡°What is going on? Good news?¡± Hal Jordan walked over with John Stewart who looked at his wife in puzzlement.


    ¡°Oh! Nothing that need be said right now!¡± Katma said with a smile as she wrapped her arms around John''s left arm. She grinned at him, and he shivered slightly. Katma''s look was the type expression that a spouse can only give their partner.


    ¡°....Ah....OK....¡± John said, his face growing pale. Hal laughed in delight at seeing his friend in a bind.


    Lash tilted his head in such a way that most humans would find difficult. He stared at Hal who stared back at him. Hal felt a shiver roll up his spine, he wasn''t sure why but he felt like Lash was peering through his very soul. A golden light enveloped Lash for a brief moment, he took a stumbling step but held himself steady. Then he shook his head and looked at Hal again.


    ¡°Tell me, Hal. Do you know someone named Carol Ferris?¡± Lash asked, a sinister grin growing across his face.


    ¡°Ummmm.....Ya? She works with me at the airfield. Why?¡± Hal asked.


    ¡°You should spend more time with her, she would be good for you.¡± Lash said, his voice filled with humor. Hal had heard what the golden light meant when ever Lash was covered in it. It meant his Cosmic Patron had sent him a message.


    ¡°Wait a fucking minute!? Is your patron messing with my love life!?¡± Hal shouted in horror!


    ¡°Who knows...¡± Lash shrugged, and walked off towards the podium to set up for the meeting.


    ¡°Now hold on just a god damn minute!¡± Hal shouted, and chased after Lash.


    Congratulations User! Cosmic Awareness has evolved into Minor Cosmic Awareness!


    Minor Cosmic Awareness: When used it will only consume 90% of the Users total available energy. Cool down period for use is 12 hours.


    Side Effect: You, and your VI Avatar in other dreams can partially peek past the fourth wall.


    Lash was confused about that last part of the updated ability. He''d have to experiment with it. NOT during a battle preferably. Hal continued to hound Lash for answers but only got half truths, and a lot of miss information. Hal knew he was being played with, but couldn''t wiggle any information out of Lash. He desperately wanted to fly off to find Carol but he knew she was safe at her families home hunkered down. He had checked on them from time to time. He had never seen Carol like anything else but a friend, and his boss on the airfield. Now, he wasn''t so sure anymore.


    At nine in the morning station time the main discussion hall filled up. Batman, Green Arrow, Flash, Superman, Green Lanterns, Shazam, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Aquaman, Aquawoman, Wonder Woman, and Zatanna arrived. Then followed, Night Wing, Batgirl, Robin, Black Canary, Arsenal, Spartan, a bouncing Felicity Smoak in a simple mask. Dr Wells, with Cisco, and Caitlin who both looked a little different. They made it clear they wanted to talk to Wraith at the end of the meeting. Especially Caitlin who had pale blue lips, and white hair. Supergirl, Starfire, and Miss Martian showed up. All three were wearing Amazonian training gear. Despite the situation they hadn''t finished training yet, and were not in the field. Something all three were both upset about.


    Kid Flash zipped in along with Cyborg, Constantine, and Black Lightning surprisingly enough. Svadeni (Dia) and Rush (Monika) soon followed. Between Svadeni and Rush was a space for Fantasma which for now would remain empty. AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl slipped into the room. Last to arrive was Li''ana, along with a Warden councilor, a Winter, and Twilight court council fae. Who took their seats, as they were a part of the Justice League International: Dark branch. A few people were still missing, but if they weren''t here than just meant they were busy.


    ¡°Hello everyone, been a while since we have all seen each other. Though not everyone could make it, thank you to those that could. I understand that we still have a lot to do so I will do my best to make this short and concise.¡± Lash said to everyone present. He knew that Vici was recording the whole meeting so it could be watched by those not in attendance.


    ¡°We have destroyed the Beta Rift, along with the forward operating base there. We were able to capture and liberate little less 300 soldiers from Rofl Dex''s army. I say less than 300 because some of them are brain dead, but still have their soul tethers. The information on them are in your information windows. But hold questions about them until after.¡± Lash continued, spreading the holographic windows to everyone, also sending them up above him for viewing.


    A small amount of clapping was heard about the news of the Rift being destroyed. A few people took a moment to look over the information. Especially about soul tethers, and what help could be done for the brain dead puppets if any. The supernatural dark branch looked it over and agreed with Lash that something could be done to help. After a few minutes Lash continued to speak. A picture of the orichalcum tuning fork was presented.


    ¡°Another piece of good news. We now know the vibrational frequency of the alternate reality. What does this mean? We can open a Rift into their reality, however. We can''t know where it will open up. It could be in the middle of an irradiated wasteland, bottom of the ocean, or right in the middle of a military complex.¡± Lash said, and Robin aka Jason whipped his hand up so fast it made an snapping sound.


    ¡°We would have to leave an anchor marker here in this reality, then go to theirs to make another Rift. The one located in Beta was not random. They had sent their forces from their original Rift to make the Rift there.¡± Lash continued, assuming the question Robin had. He lowered his hand and nodded at Lash to continue.


    ¡°Later we will discuss and vote on the possibilities of counter invasion. Why would we do a counter invasion and not just destroy the Rifts and be done with it. We don''t have a confirmed number, but thanks to the AR-Superman we have estimates of at least one million civilians from our reality have been taken to theirs.¡± Lash said, pointing out AR-Superman to everyone in the room. They all looked over with a careful eye. AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl kept their chins up under the scrutiny. But Kara looked shocked at seeing the AR-Supergirl for the first time.


    ¡°I don''t know about the rest of you. But I don''t plan to leave our people in that reality to be used up as expendable work force that ends with them in an early grave.¡± Lash pointed this little fact out, and the whole room nodded. It would be dangerous, but they would still go after their people.


    Before Lash could continue, Samanthei slithered into the room. The lamia was a shock for a lot of people in the room. But they kept quiet as Samanthei exchanged words with Lash, and gave him a slip of information for the briefing. He thanked her, and she slithered out of the room. He coughed into his hand to help clear the air and continued. Doing his best to ignore the looks of shock at seeing the snake woman leave the hall.


    ¡°That was Samanthei, head scientist of the Watch Tower to anyone that didn''t know.¡± Lash supplied an answer to the room. Li''ana was trying hard to control her laughter from her spot in the meeting.


    ¡°The locations of the other two Rifts are still unknown. Thanks to the efforts of the liberated soldiers that are no longer being mind controlled we have a better understanding of how the invasion force works. They use a complex system of teleportation, short range portals, and scatter protocol to keep themselves hidden. Why? Because they have invaded two realities before us, and had made those mistakes before.¡± Lash said, several people gasped and whispered to each other. That was information not everyone had.


    ¡°Vici has finished her upgrade and now has the processing power to scan the planet. Thanks to a device simply called a ''Rift Compass''. However, thanks to the stealth field pylons the Rift energy can still be disrupted, and hidden from scans. But she can narrow it down to with in a 1,000 miles. Now, that may seem like a lot. But it would at least tell us what continent they are on.¡± Lash continued, showing several different pictures of the Earth. AR-Supergirl knocked on the table in front of her. Lash gestured for her to speak.


    ¡°You may want to speak about the different phases of invasion to help clear things up.¡± AR-Supergirl said. Lash nodded in agreement.


    ¡°The invading force has three known phases they go through with each invasion. First phase is set up and anonymity. Build a base, set up lines of communication, then activate the pulse bombs. Destroy all means of communication, leadership capabilities, and separate the counties, cities, and people from each other.¡± Lash clicked through several more pictures, and examples.


    ¡°During this phase they will do their best to stay hidden, attack soft, easy targets. They will also impersonate relief effort, soldiers, and the like to help encourage the refugees to come to a ''secure'' location. At which point the refugees are brain boxed, and sent through the Rifts. Side note; The brain boxes are not what implants the bio-chips. They are just a mobile tool to establish base line mind control.¡± Lash supplied several pictures, and a few slagged images of brain boxes they had found at the Beta site.


    ¡°Second phase, they throw secrecy to the wind and attack all major installations. Specifically large cities, that are in the progress of re establishing themselves. Thankfully, Starling City has not been hit yet, but it should be on their list. Vici is currently keeping a close on the city, and we have additional forces waiting for a response.¡± Lash quickly added to prevent Green Arrow from sprinting from the meeting.


    ¡°Third phase is essentially when they have won the war. That is when they begin to use their recycling technology to strip mind the planet for all its resources. From our information the first reality they invaded has already been stripped of 30% of total resources. I do mean total, they rip any, and everything out of the ground, and send everyone they find back home for slave labor.¡± Lash continued, clicking through several examples through the holographic displays. Thanks to the insight of the AR soldiers they had.


    Lash continued with the briefing and went through military information. Installations, units, technical division. Artificial meta-gene powers, cybernetic augments, what little information they had about children, adults, and seniors. What happens to them through the induction process. The established culture, education, and propaganda that happens in the alternate reality. They also touched on the Hunter Killer teams. How they were clones of AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl with artificial meta-powers. How, and why Rofl Dex wanted Wraith dead at all costs. But what was also intersesting was that despite their victory in each reality. Each one had open resistance, even their home reality.


    ¡°Last but not least, thanks to Samanthei. We''ve discovered that if we open a Rift above celestial bodies. Or in simple terms planets, and or moons. They will open also on those locations in the alternate reality. To that end, I suggest we open a Rift on our moon, so we can arrive on their moon. We can then close our Rift. After we make an anchor in our reality of course. Then find a suitable location in the alternate reality just as they did in ours.¡± Lash offered this last piece of information before he opened the briefing for questions which he was sure there were a lot of. But at the idea of opening a Rift on the moon made AR-Superman''s eyes open wide in astonishment.


    ¡°Wait a minute! Do they have any installations on the moon?¡± Hal Jordan asked, he looked at the AR people for confirmation.


    ¡°No! No they don''t. Dex said it was a waste of time to build anything on the moon. We have limited resources, so he concentrated on building Rifts to other realities.¡± AR-Supergirl said with a grin, a fire was lite in her eyes.


    ¡°Wait! Before we continue let us table that and discuss other options. We all agree that we have to do a counter invasion. But lets discuss the other issues first.¡± Batman said, his face indifferent but his voice pushed for all subjects to be discussed.


    ¡°Vici, have you been able to find any other possible locations for the origin Rift?¡± Batman asked out loud.


    ¡°Yes Batman, I''ve established that North America has a Rift, as does Australia.¡± Vici''s young adult woman''s voice chimed through the intercom.


    ¡°We have to assume that those will all be reinforced, especially after losing the beta Rift.¡± Night Wing said next. The whole room nodded in agreement.


    ¡°With the increase in capacity to the Watch Tower, and facilities being upgraded we''ll be able to support more logistical crews to help with our cities. I still think its important to help get our nations back up off the ground.¡± Kid Flash said next, but it was soon rebuked.


    ¡°It may not be a good idea. With the invasion still in full swing any city that re establishes it self makes them into a prime target. As horrible as it sounds keeping them in the dark actually keeps them safe. Now! I do agree we should help establish power to hospitals, police stations, etc. But only the vital portions.¡± Dr Wells offered a counter offer. He didn''t like Central City being broken any more than Kid Flash did. But it did in an odd way keep them safe.


    ¡°What about the other nations across the world? I know Japan is doing a lot better thanks to Wraith making the Solar plant thing he made. Can we get a few more of those spread out across the globe?¡± Aquaman asked, Atlantis, Xebel, Fisherman, and Brine Kingdoms were largely intact. The EMP pulse didn''t effect them, given Dex''s forces couldn''t get to there.


    ¡°I know boys and girls back at London would love to have some power. None of the Rifts are close to the United Kingdom, and they would appreciate the JLI stepping in to help.¡± Constantine said with a smirk.


    ¡°That is a good point! Should we make more of those solar plant things at locations further away from the Rifts. Once they are established they can help other nations.¡± Batgirl asked, as she shuffled through the different windows available.


    ¡°You are all forgetting a vital piece of information. Wraith would have to go out to each and every location. It took him days to make a single solar plant. Which he was in focused concentration and oblivious to the area around him. He has an entire krytonian meta-power hunter killer team who''s soul job in this reality is to hunt him down, and kill him. All it would take is a single infiltrator so send up a red flag and they would be there to try and take him out.¡± Hawkwoman said, a bit of a growl in her voice. She didn''t like the idea of Wraith taking all the risk.


    ¡°Could we set a trap then? Wraith builds the plant, and we wait for him to come under attack?¡± Batgirl asked, a little more level headed now as she hadn''t considered the danger.


    ¡°Do we know if they have another sniper on the team? How many HK teams are there?¡± Hawkman asked, turning towards the AR-Supers.


    ¡°There are ten HK teams, every soldier has a counter part. So two snipers, two teleporters, etc. I have only ever seen one HK team deployed per reality. Usually its enough, never in the history of the HK program had they even lost a single soldier. Dex may send another unit, he may send them all.¡± AR-Superman said, he clenched his jaw in anger at the situation. Then he felt a soothing calm settle over him. He perked up and looked down at Lash and sent a mental thank you.


    ¡°Can''t we just hide Wraith? The invaders don''t seem to like magic very much. Constantine and I can cast a area of effect invisibility on Wraith. He could build the towers, and move on with out ever being seen.¡± Zatanna suggested, she looked over at the supernatural council who nodded.


    ¡°I''d be willing to try that...¡± Lash agreed to the idea.


    ¡°Could the invisibility continue after he left? No target on the solar plant, means no reason to attack.¡± Kid Flash asked, curious about how magic worked.


    ¡°We could, but it would be temporary. Something of that size would require a constant stream of power. A caster would have to stay behind, or a power source would have to be supplied. Constantine and I would have to move with Wraith. Would any of the volunteers from the communities be able to help?¡± Zatanna asked the fae councilor.


    ¡°Its possible, but I wont make any promises.¡± They said.


    The League continued to discuss plans to help the other nations. The solar power, and repair plant was an effective means to help restore the countries into working condition. Several arguments broke out about who was first, and why. Along with why the North America should be first, or why it shouldn''t get one at all. Most of the League came from America. But in the end America would get a single solar power plant....In Gotham. Why? It was Lash''s home that was why. They would then head to Rio, then off to London. Then a few more cities in specific countries.


    ¡°If we open the Rift on our moon are you sure it will show up on their moon?¡± Green Arrow asked.


    ¡°Yes, where on the moon is any ones guess.¡± Lash replied to Arrow.


    ¡°Who would go with you?¡± Black Canary asked, she hadn''t said much during the briefing.


    ¡°Preferably anyone who can survive in a vacuum.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Wait...Hold on, why does Wraith have to go?¡± Shazam asked, confused about the location of the Rift.


    ¡°We need someone who can make a anchor, Wraith can do that. We need someone who can make a new Rift. Wraith can do that. Technically Zatanna, and Constantine could do it, but they can''t survive in a vacuum. We could give them vac-suits. But....¡± Aquawoman explained, but Constantine all but turned green at the idea of being in the big open of space.


    ¡°Wait!? You can make a Rift?¡± Shazam said astonished at Lash. Lash nodded, though a few hours ago he would have said no. Dawn had sent him a message that a special spell had been revealed in the store catalog.


    Space, Time, Conjuration fusion spell. Rift: 20 DP.


    He used the 18 DP on his credit card, and made up the difference with the rest of his DP. Then spent an additional 2 DP to get it to Minor.


    Congratulations User! Rift has evolved into Minor Rift.


    Minor Rift: The spell caster can make a reality, and or dimensional rift as long as they have an anchor, or know the coordinates, or frequency. Rift level allows for instantaneous travel between points but closes as soon as the caster and passengers pass through.


    Side Note: Will work in tandem with Navigator Title (Chp. 73)


    Lash was sure this was his Patron throwing him a bone to continue the quest. So, they would have to decide on an anchor point. Lots to choose from, Aquaman offered a highly secured spot in Alantis. It was a tempting offer that they may take if nothing else came up. The tide casters of Atlantis would help provide the magical energy to maintain the Rift on their side. So once it was opened, instead of closing like Lash''s spell said. They could keep it open.


    ¡°Where would you put it, in the alternate reality?¡± Supergirl asked, she looked at Lash with concern. She was afraid it was a one way trip.


    ¡°Lots of places to choose from. Most of the world is a wasteland. I can detoxify the air, remove the radiation in a specific spot.¡± Lash said, as he looked at the AR-Supers who both looked lost in thought.


    ¡°You could go to Themyscira, even across realities they will see the mark on you. They would recognize you as a brother to the sisters there.¡± Wonder Woman said, Lash looked at her in surprise. As did the whole room.


    ¡°Would they? Its a different reality Princess. I would think they would be hostile towards us?¡± The Twilight court fae asked.


    ¡°Wait a minute... Superman...Oh no sorry the AR version. Are the Amazons in your world going extinct back before the world went to shit?¡± Lash asked, a plan formulating in his head.


    ¡°...Yes? Wonder Woman...Our Wonder Woman said it was a shame of their people. They had lost something long ago that prevented more Amazons from being born.¡± AR-Superman said in confusion.


    A spark of enlightenment went through Wonder Woman''s, and Svadeni''s eyes! The holy relic that Lash had obtained for the Amazons in this reality existed in that one as well. If Lash could obtain it again it would possible earn him the honorary rights of brotherhood to the Amazons again. But that would mean he would have to go to the alternate realities version of Tartarus. Fuck.


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron has an optional quest for you!


    Objective: Meet the Amazons of the alternate reality. Convince them to let you help them retrieve their realities Holy Relic from Tartarus.


    Reward: Large reputation increase to AR Amazons. Large reputation increase to current Amazons.


    Reward: Based on how well you do.


    Comment: The Cosmic Patron is pleased with your initiative to help people you don''t even know! This will be great fun!


    ¡°BULL FUCKING SHIT!¡± Lash yelled out in fury suddenly out of no where. But most of the room had seen his whole body glow with golden divine light. Those that didn''t understand had it quickly explained to him.


    ¡°Your going to Themyscira I take it?¡± Svadeni said with a smirk.


    ¡°We don''t know how to get there?¡± AR-Supergirl said, still confused about what a Cosmic Patron was.


    ¡°Wraith can get there... Alright, lets adjourn for now. We still have days, if not weeks of work before we send them off. Let''s get to it!¡± Batman said, as he stood up. Just like that, the meeting was over.


    The next few weeks went by in a blur. Lash built the solar plant in Gotham, Rio, London, Rome. They went to Rome at the specific request of the supernatural council. Or more to the point the Vatican. A host of angels that were stationed at the massive complex promised to watch over the solar plant. The holy city was one of the first places to receive power. Cape Town in South Africa, Berlin, and Cairo. Lash insisted on visiting Vlatava to check in on Princess Perdita. Out of most of Europe the little country was in good shape. The Warden, and supernatural council soldiers that were stationed there made certain of it. Lash was really confused why they put such an emphasis on the little country. But he put it on the back burner for now.


    Princess Perdita was thrilled to have Lash visit. She was strong, and healthy. The bio implants he had implanted had already degraded but the effect was amazing. They built the solar plant right next to the royal castle, and he stayed an extra hour to simply visit with her. He promised he would come back for a real visit along with Agent K in the future. But for now, he had to move on. Though she was sad to see him go, she understood. She was very mature for her age. She had to be, her country depended on her.


    Next they went to Nagpur in central India. Then moved to Bangkok in Thailand, Hong Kong in China where they had to fight off a small army of mundanes who fucking hated Wraith. Seriously! The world was under attack and Humans First were still around!? They eventually installed the solar plant at a supernatural holding facility out of sight of the rest of the populace. Last but not least was Sydney Australia. They had also made a few flash recruitment''s with dozens of vigilantes in each city they visited. The JLI argued for more solar plants in more cities. But at the end of the day, Lash was the only one who knew how to build them. True he had gotten pretty good at making them. Instead of it taking days he could make one in 12 hours now.


    The new recruits in Berlin asked for a new solar plant since theirs had self destructed when agents from a tech company had tried to pry a panel off to see what was inside. The whole thing turned into slag with in seconds. Lash agreed, and this time left turrets around plant who would shoot practically anyone who came near. In hindsight Lash agreed he should have done that for all of them. But had thought they would have been safe. Well live and learn.


    ¡°So, the alternate realities frequency is faster than ours. One day in our reality is six days in theirs. Correct?¡± Lash asked AR-Superman as they flew towards the moon, who nodded in reply. They were currently sitting in Martian Manhunters bio ship. Manhunter had agreed to supply the Watch Tower with Martian science information. Lash had been over whelmed with ideas and possibilities when he got a prompt.


    Congratulations User! The Watch Tower has acquired, Martian Arcane Science.


    Other Worldly Lore has gained a sub-skill; Martian Arcane Science.


    Science has gained a sub-skill; Martian Arcane Science.


    Crafting has gained a sub-skill; Martian Arcane Science.


    Enchanting has gained a sub-skill; Martian Arcane Science.


    Domain Knowledge Increase.


    Comment: Unlike Thanagar, Mars still openly practices forms of magic.


    Lash had danced around in joy, hugged J''onn in so much that the martian blushed at the attention. Vici had already begun incorporating the new technology into the Watch Tower when they had left. Martian technology was a combination of bio-mechanical and shape shifting. So the Watch Tower was going through some interesting changes. Lash wanted to stay, but the mission came first.


    AR-Superman, AR-Supergirl, and Lash stepped from the bio ship onto the surface of the moon. The moment Lash touched the barren surface his Grave Domain screamed at him! This place was wrong! That was when Lash remembered that an ancient, and dead mystical civilization still remained on the planet. It was something they would have to clear out before they could build the Lunar Academy on the surface.


    Martian Manhunter pulled his ship from the surface but stayed by in case something happened. Lash pushed the horrible sensation away from his mind. Then started to draw a ritual circle on the ground. It took a few minutes, and the longer he was on the moon the more he felt like the residents would show up to stop him. Not that they cared about the Rift, just more that he was an intruder. Lash hoped Dex''s realities moon didn''t have them.


    You two ready? -Lash asked across the telepathic link he had established. They were both friendly to him. AR-Supergirl took one last look at this realities Earth. Trying to memorize its color, and shape.


    Lash reached out and used, Rift. A tear in reality opened up and with out warning sucked in Lash, AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl. As they were the intended targets for the spell. Lash had never jumped realities before. But he had to admit it was a bit unsettling. The corridor was a mass of information like watching lines of code fly by at super speed. Images, scenes, places in history. Lash felt like he was getting a crash course in this realities history. But before his mind went into overload the door at the other end of the corridor opened up and spit all three of them out.


    There on the barren moon of the alternate reality a small Rift opened, and closed just as quickly. Three figures appeared where the Rift had closed. They looked around the landscape, and AR-Superman pointed to a distant location. There was the Earth, it looked horrible! Most of the ocean had a sickly green color, what land masses they could see were a neon radiation brown. What does neon brown look like? A bright orange color that made Lash stomach churn just looking at it.


    Bonus Objective Complete: Fight the invasion back into their world.


    Reward: 20 DP.


    Reward: One free ability evolution.


    Lash''s eyes went a little wide at the reward. That was a nice! He would tuck that away for later. Lash looked around the moon, and felt the presence of it. Nothing from his Grave Domain, thank the stars above. But he did feel the emptiness of the moon. His Nature Domain called out softly, the Green was not here. Not even the Black. The rot needed life to consume. This was just...dead. He sighed softly, but that raised another question. How did he sigh when he was in a vacuum? He brushed the stray thought aside and started to build them a ship.


    The design was simple, concise, and just big enough to accommodate all three of them. They didn''t need a home, they just needed transportation. The ship was done in a few hours, and they all boarded. Yes, AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl could have flown through space, and carried Lash. But he insisted on making a ship. A ship with Invisibility, Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage enchanted into it. Lash had a feeling Dex would have satellites designed to shoot anything trying to enter the atmosphere. AR-Superman admitted he had no knowledge of the atmospheric defenses, neither did AR-Supergirl.


    ¡°Alright.... Lets go meet the Amazons.¡± Lash said to them as the ship took off from the moons surface.


    ¡°Did you mean it? When you said you plan to kill, Dex?¡± AR-Supergirl asked.


    ¡°Yes....Yes, I did.¡± Lash said back to her.


    ¡°Good...¡± AR-Superman said.

 Chapter 87: Assassination Contract.

    ==========================================================


    ***Rofl Dex''s Palace***


    The palace of Rofl Dex could be seen from orbit, it was so huge. A vast monolith to all of Dex''s sin seen from afar. Where the city of Washington use to be stood the giant structure. Surrounding the palace was carefully cultivated natural preserve of plant, and animal life. With a near invisible barrier of blue energy that cascaded down across the structure and the surrounding environment. An atmospheric processor, and shield. There were only four access points to the palace, in the four cardinal directions. Zero air traffic took place over the palace, which looked similar to that of foot ball stadium dome with its roof closed.


    Inside the palace was like night a day. It was a geo-dome, self contained environment. A micro city was contained with in that would satisfy anyone''s needs. The whole palace served as the home to one man, along with his servants, and standing army that lived there. A metropolis built around the desires of one person. A single person who at this very moment was beyond disappointed, rage filled, and a little bit scared.


    ¡°WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN''T FIND HIM!?¡± Rofl Dex screamed at his generals across the holographic link. The very air around him warped, and twisted responding to his meta-gene power. Reality it self almost seem to bend towards him.


    ¡°My emperor we are doing everything we can to locate the Omega Red threat. But we believe he is using the omega energy to stay hidden. Every witch hunter recon teams we send out never comes back. While the hunter killer team remains on standby, we could use them to hunt him down.¡± One of his generals said, trying his best to calm his emperor down.


    ¡°KILL YOURSELF!¡± Dex said, he screamed at his general. The general paled, and struggled against the order before he took a gun and pressed it to his temple and fired. Brain matter flew across the holographic screen before it closed down. The other generals went rigid.


    For a brief moment Dex smiled in satisfaction at being obeyed. Then rage took over his mind once again. Why? Why was Wraith here!? He had done everything he could possibly do to ensure that he would never meet that bastard again. He had conquered two realities! But as soon as he saw him for the first time again he had hoped that things would be different. But they weren''t!? If anything, Wraith was stronger now!


    ¡°My emperor...?¡± One of his other generals started to say.


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Dex screamed at them, the general swallowed and sent a video.


    In the video was a strange sight. They saw soldiers, their soldiers fighting against each other? These soldiers were different, they didn''t have all of the cybernetic implants on. The only reason they were identified was because of the IFF program that everyone had. Then Dex zoomed in on a specific unit of soldiers. The information record displayed them as meat puppets. But, these puppets looked normal? They were far more cybernetically enhanced than any other soldier but they were alive and attacking Dex''s forces. Dex''s eyes went wide in horror.


    ¡°What am I looking at?¡± Dex''s voice went soft as a whisper. Which only made the generals more terrified.


    ¡°It appears that the JLI in the alternate reality have discovered to not only de-chip our soldiers, but to also restore the meat puppet units back to full.¡± The general kept the report short and concise.


    ¡°So, our former soldiers are fighting against our forces?¡± Dex hissed out his words, his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Yes...Emperor.¡± The general responded. Before anyone else could respond an emergency response message went through that sent everyone to the edge of their seats. Dex keyed in the command code to read the message.


    ¡°An omega energy reading was detected.... PASSING THROUGH OUR ATMOPSHERIC SENSORS!?¡± Dex screamed the last portion as he stood up in his seat in horror.


    ¡°PUT ALL STATIONS ON FULL ALERT! WE ARE BEING INVADED!¡± Dex screamed at his generals who all saluted and closed down their links.


    ¡°No...No...No! NO!? Not again!¡± Dex screamed in frustration as reality around him all but bent inward.


    ===============================================================


    Lash piloted the stealth ship and passed the overly large satellite guns that looked ready to shoot the moon into pieces. These things were huge! They were systematically built around the Earth. Imagine a gauss rifle without the handle, and an orbital ring around the center. The rifle was about 500 feet long, with a radius of 100 feet. Along the orbital ring was the point defense guns. Lash really wanted to copy the diagrams but as soon as their stealth ship passed a certain invisible line the stations started to power up. Crap!


    Lash dove straight into the atmosphere, thanks to Nature''s Passage they didn''t leave a entry burn trail. AR-Superman, or Lash should just call him Superman since they were in their home reality brought up a holographic window to display what the orbital guns were doing. They had been brought online and were adjusting for fire coordinates. But none of them were pointing at the Earth. They all released a breath they hadn''t realized they were holding.


    ¡°So, who was the woman that spoke to you before we left?¡± Supergirl asked, she was trying to change the subject. She smiled at Lash as he gave a dramatic groan.


    ¡°Lizzy, my pack sister.¡± Lash replied, as he tried to ignore the grin on Supergirl''s face.


    ¡°You two seem pretty close.¡± Superman said, as he joined his cousin in teasing Wraith.


    ¡°Yes....Yes we are.¡± Lash replied, and shifted the ship suddenly in one direction to knock his passengers for a loop. But of course both kryptonians were prepared for it and didn''t budge.


    Before the three of them had left the Watch Tower, Lizzy had shown up with Isabella. Lizzy being Lizzy didn''t walk up politely and request to speak to Lash privately. Oh no! She threw a shoe at him, and demanded that they go some place private to talk. She had done this on the promenade with over a hundred people watching. Lash in his big bad eight foot tall Wraith disguise was then escorted to his quarters by Lizzy, and Isabella.


    ____________________________________________


    ***Three days before the counter incursion***


    ¡°So, you were just planning on leaving our reality, to do a counter incursion in another one with out saying goodbye?¡± Lizzy said, anger clear on her face.


    Lizzy was 5''10'' with long red hair tied back in a pony tail, with a health tan skin tone, and a partial amazon figure. What is a partial amazon figure. Well amazons are essentially muscle fitness models. So imagine a woman who went to the gym five days a week for an hour, each hour with a personal trainer. Then add a mystical diet, and a magical island and you have an amazon figure. Lizzy had a skin tight form fitting JLI suit on that showed off her figure. She was jamming her finger into Lash''s armored chest plate.


    ¡°We understand you are terribly busy, Lash. But even I have to agree that if you had left with out saying goodbye it would have been hurtful.¡± Isabella, Lizzy''s wife said from the side with a partial pout on her face.


    Isabella Kuldr was Lizzy''s wife, and new born Blood Kindred from the house of Kuldr. She was 5''3¡±, with long auburn hair tried back. With a voluptuous figure, and chocolate caramel skin that many women would kill for. A bouncing chest, tiny waist, wide hips, with long muscled arms, and legs. She wore a combination of modern day military gear, and a bit of renaissance fair traveling bard style. It was an eclectic collection of clothing that she wore very well. Especially the black bodice. She had a sword, and dagger on her hip that oozed magical energy.


    All three of them stood in Lash''s designated quarters which at the current moment was just a bare room with out any furniture. Lash had returned to his default human-ish form. Still wearing his newly crafted armor that he had made over the three weeks of traveling across the globe building solar plants. Lash did notice that Lizzy, and Isabella had taken a moment to appreciate the changes he had gone through. It was nice to know his family still like the way he looked.


    ¡°I...I don''t really have an excuse. I''ve just been taking each day as it comes.¡± Lash said, his shoulders sagged in depression realizing he had messed up.


    ¡°Gah! What are we going to do with you, Lash!? What if that had been it? What if you had gone and something had happened? You are a pack master! We are literally bonded together! We are both wearing holographic watches tied to Vici! Vici is the one that told us you were leaving soon! Thank you by the way, Vici!¡± Lizzy said to the open air.


    ¡°You are most welcome, Auntie Lizzy!¡± Vici''s voice said across the comm unit. Lizzy smiled at being called, Auntie!


    Lash sighed in utter defeat and dragged himself through the room. A massive love seat couch morphed from the floor thanks to Martian Science. Lash collapsed into the couch, and cradled his face in his hands. He had royally messed up! Everyone in his pack was easily with in contact, via the bonded link or through the holographic. He had made sure each of them had one for this very reason. Now, he had discovered that he was literally the only one not talking to everyone. Isabella, and Lizzy came to sit on either side of him and leaned against him.


    ¡°Lash, do you really think that if you push us away you''ll keep us safe from harm?¡± Isabella asked in a small voice. Lash whipped his head up and stared at her in shock.


    ¡°What!? No..I...W...wouldn''t...Do that...¡± Lash said the words but as he thought about it, it made sense. Some part of him seem to think that if he didn''t associate with them they would be safe. Why would he think that? Because Lash was a bad luck magnet, shit just went wrong around him.


    ¡°Dummy!¡± Lizzy smacked the back of Lash''s head. ¡°Whether we are right next to you, or in another reality we are in this together. Wouldn''t it be better if you just let us help you? I would personally feel a lot better if my pack master would let me help more.¡± Lizzy said, as she rubbed Lash''s bald head.


    Always one to admit when he was wrong. Lash quickly sent out a thought form communication through the pack bond, and through the holographic to everyone he knew that didn''t know the plan. What was the plan? Lash was going to do a counter incursion into the alternate reality. He was going to look for the resistance, and to hopefully attack Dex''s forces from behind. When he got to the part about going back to hell, Lizzy started punching him.


    ¡°WHAT THE FUCK!?¡± Lizzy shouted at him in horror!


    Which of course started a whole stream of questions from his pack, and from everyone else who didn''t understand the plan. Lash spent the next twenty four hours talking to everyone who had questions. If Lizzy, and Isabella could have survived in the vacuum they would have joined Lash on the incursion. Technically he was the only one that could go with out any ill effects, thanks to his Daemonic Heritage (Chp. 50) . His entire pack was pissed at him for keeping the hell plan to himself.


    __________________________________________________


    ***Current Time***


    ¡°So, you nearly left on what many would think to be a suicide mission and you didn''t tell your family?¡± Superman said, shock clear on his face.


    ¡°Ya...¡± Lash replied, grimacing at the memory.


    ¡°Wow, well it''s good you have family that cares about you.¡± Supergirl said in response. Lash''s shoulders drooped at the thought. Supergirl, and Superman had lost their families to Dex, and Lash nearly left his with out a word.


    They stayed silent in the ship for the next few minutes. They had broke through the atmosphere and were currently flying of a puke green Atlantic Ocean. Lash switched through his different versions of vision. Electromagnetic, infrared, ultra violet, then he started to switch through his Magical Perceptions. His stomach churned as he saw spirits of ''The Green'' leaving the planet, and ''The Black'' rushing in. The planet despite what Dex may tell his followers, was dying. Huge monstrosities of black energy were ripping chunks of matter from the planets surface.


    ¡°Fuck that is not good at all.¡± Lash said, a quiver in his voice. The Green, and The Black were suppose to be in balance. This was not good at all.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Supergirl asked, looking over the green ocean. Not seeing what Lash did. Lash placed a claw against the view screen and switched the Magical Perception, both Supergirl, and Superman screamed in shock.


    ¡°What are those!?¡± Superman shouted, he jumped to his feet and went to the air lock ready for battle.


    ¡°Sit down! They are out of phase with the realm around us. You couldn''t touch them if you tried.¡± Lash said, he emphasized this by flying right through a monstrosity. Though Lash did shiver at the feeling. He was right, Supergirl, and Superman felt nothing.


    ¡°Did none of you encounter the Guardian of Green in your time before Dex? Any druids? Any creatures of the Green?¡± Lash asked, both of them shook their heads.


    So, Lash laid it out for them. What, The Green, and The Black did in the grand cosmic field in the universe. Along with, The Red, Clear, White, Grey, Melt, Metal, Divided. You essentially needed all of them..Well not Metal. But most of them to keep balance to a planet. Druids though primarily work with the Green. Can also work with every other color as well.


    ¡°So, our planet is dying?¡± Supergirl asked, tears in her eyes. She had lost krypton, she had lost her family thanks to Dex, now her planet was dying...Thanks to Dex.


    ¡°Yes, however it is not to late to save it. I promise I will do everything in my ability to help save the planet.¡± Lash said, as he looked back at the both of them. They both nodded, accepting his words. So far when ever Lash had said he would do something, he would do it.


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron has issued you a quest!


    Objective: Restore the alternate realities planet to a healthy state.


    Bonus Objective: Return magic to alternate realities planet.


    Bonus Objective: Restore balance to the alternate realities planet.


    Reward: Based on how well you do.


    Lash''s eyes twitched in annoyance. It was nice that he would be rewarded for something he already planned to do. But in his experience every time he got a quest it was far more complicated than he originally planned it to be. The flew the ship in silence until the came upon what could only be called a blockade. Hundreds of ships sailed in clockwise, and counter clockwise around a specific point. This was the designated spot where Themyscira was said to be. But Dex''s forces couldn''t pierce the pocket dimension no matter what they tried.


    Dex hated magic, and destroyed every book, and tool he came across that had even the barest hint of magic in it. This of course spelled is downfall (Pun intended). Because now he couldn''t adapt to it, he was clueless when it came to magic. The only thing he allowed himself to have was the witch hunters who were under staffed, and under geared. Because everything had to be hand made. It was because of this that they couldn''t pierce the veil between worlds.


    Lash piloted the ship underwater and rolled his eyes at the submarines that were patrolling through the water. They could move straight through the location and not hit a single thing. Or, the indirect spell glamour could be cast on Dex''s forces and with out even realizing what had happened they could turn in the opposite direction they were sailing and they would be out the other side before they even knew what had happened.


    ¡°How many resources are spent patrolling an island they can never find?¡± Lash asked, mystified at the sheer stupidity of Dex''s animosity.


    ¡°A lot is all I can say. Half the crew is robotic, the other half are so augmented they are barely alive. Only one ship is allowed to leave the blockade at a time. Most tours are two or more years. All in a vain attempt to stop the Amazons from leaving the island. Which of course to this day still fails. Because they do guerrilla attacks on the main land all the time.¡± Superman said softly as he looked through the holographic interface.


    The stealth ship that Lash had made maneuvered away from the blockade by several miles. The ship in question was in the shape of a cylinder by about 20'' long, and 10'' radius. The front portion where the flight controls were had a 45 degree angle cut up the cylinder. Lash admitted he took the idea from the puddle jumpers from the star gate show from Erik the gamers memory. It was a bit odd, Lash wasn''t sure where the idea came from. All he knew was the Cosmic Awareness got a bit of experience when he designed the ship.


    The ship continued on until they found a crevice with dead coral reefs wrapped around the area. They moved up to the crevice and Lash emitted a song through the ship into the watery depths. Hoping that it worked. Sure enough the coral reefs pulled back to reveal a long tunnel. Lash maneuvered the ship in quickly, and the coral reef closed up behind them. They knew about this because Wonder Woman from Lash''s reality had told them that this was a tunnel made for Atlantis when they chose to visit Themyscira. They would still have to pass through the pocket dimension, but this entrance at least had a gate.


    ¡°So far so good...¡±Supergirl said softly. Lash winced slightly, that was a red flag right there. Tempting fate.


    It was a long drive through the underwater tunnel. Lash slowed down so they could take the twists and turns easily. Along the way Lash noted over a hundred different spell diagrams, runes, and ritual circles in place. However, the whole ship was made with magic. So, oddly enough none of the spell traps in place reacted. That was a clear oversight in security, but when your enemy never used magic it made a little sense.


    They eventually came into a vast open space. A underwater cavern, up at the top of the cavern was the dimensional gateway towards Themyscira. Inside the underwater cavern was what could only be described as a city. A city that was occupied by Atlantean people! Unlike Lash''s home reality where the people of the ocean came in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and species. These people were mostly human like. Couple of them had minor fins, but mostly human. What the main issue was that there was a military detachment floating right in front of the entrance. They all had tridents, and spears pointed at the ship and were very aware of its location.


    ¡°Crap.... Alright, put your visors on you two.¡± Lash said, as he decloaked the vessel.


    Superman, and Supergirl both took deep breaths and activated the JLI gear they had obtained. They both looked noticeably different from their alternate reality counterparts. Supergirl had gone to Ethan several weeks prior and hand her hair grown out through stimulation. So now she had short blond hair, that curled at the edges just above her shoulders. She had her major scars minimized, and her smaller scars completely removed. The JLI suit covered her from head to toe wearing a navy blue polymer suit, helmet, and armored plates. With no house of El on her chest.


    Superman was had gone for the same treatment as Kara did. He had his scars removed, his hair stimulated to get back his short but curly black hair to come back. His armor was deep navy blue just like Kara''s with a polymer suit, and metal plates, along with a mask. Overall the whole suit was form fitting and showed off his body very well. It also protected them both from Kryptonite poisoning. They had assumed Dex would try and capture them again. Honestly, Lash was surprised their armor hadn''t protected them to begin with. But it seemed Dex hadn''t cared.


    Lash walked into the passenger section of the ship and opened an underside hatch. A simple shield was in place to prevent water from entering, as well as the pressure of the ships air. Lash dove through the water first, then Supergirl, and Superman last. Lash''s Adaptation quickly adjusted him, granting him fins along his arms, legs, down his spine, and along his tail. Superman, and Supergirl simply used their power of flight to propel themselves through the water.


    At this point the whole ship had been surrounded by the Atlanteans. Aquatic ships with hydro cannons were pointed at them. But none of them were powered up, thankfully. Lash swam forward but stopped a respectful distance from the leader, his two kryptonians swam just behind Lash designating he was the leader. Lash bowed from his waist, and preformed the standard etiquette for a surface dweller visiting the sea dwellers. This simple act of courtesy put the Atlanteans.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The man in front of Lash asked. The man who asked was in his late twenties 5''8¡± with black skin, a chiseled swimmers body. With black onyx eyes that sparkled with magic. Along his arms were sorcery tattoos, and in his hands were two spell foci that helped him channel water into weapons and shields. He wore a high ranking military Atlantean garb. Tight blue, and black fish scale armor. This was Kaldur''ahm aka Aqualad.


    ¡°I am Agent Wraith of the United Nations World Security, and one of the founding member of the Justice League International. Not this reality, but another that Dex has invaded.¡± Lash said, his words in perfect Atlantean. The partial telepathy translating for everyone near by. Kaldur''s eyes went wide, as did many others.


    ¡°As your world fallen, like so many others?¡± Kaldur asked, his body language relaxed. But he kept his weapons at the ready.


    ¡°On the contrary! We are at a stalemate. We took this time to jump realities to see if we can find the resistance here and fight Dex on two sides.¡± Lash responded, doing his best to stay friendly with his body language.


    ¡°Please remove your hood.¡± Kaldur asked politely. Lash complied and pulled back his shroud. A few people looked shock at the four eyed reptilian creature. Some had assumed it was a costume of sorts.


    ¡°Your companions?¡± Kaldur asked, gesturing towards Superman, and Supergirl. Though he did not point his weapons at them.


    ¡°They can not breath underwater. Or speak in the Atlantean tongue, the interface in their helmet is translating for them however. So they do know what we have been speaking about.¡± Lash offered this bit of knowledge.


    ¡°How did you know about the tunnel?¡± A woman asked, who swam up next to Kaldur.


    The woman was 5''5¡± with caramel skin. Brown eyes with flecks of blue that seem to spark with arcane energy. She had the same swimmers bod that most Atlanteans did. She wore a tide-caster uniform. Slim, form fitting fish scale vest, pants, with decoration half robes wrapped around her. Though the robes were enchanted to increase spell offense, and defense. Her hair was cut short, and was tied back out of her face. This was Tula aka Aquagirl.


    ¡°I am known has a brother to the Amazons in my reality. They informed me of the location of the tunnel. It was the safest way to seek an audience with the Amazons in this reality.¡± Lash answered, as he bowed from his waist to the new arrival. The courtesy noticed, and appreciated by Tula, and Kaldur.


    ¡°You understand how rare it is for the Amazons to declare a man to be their brother?¡± Tula said, as she looked him over.


    ¡°If it helps, I''m an alien. The rules are a bit fuzzy.¡± Lash said, a smile stretched across his reptilian features. A few of the soldiers near by chuckled.


    ¡°We''ll take you to the gate, but it will be up to the Amazons to let you enter.¡± Kuldr offered, as he sheathed his weapons. The Atlantean guard did the same.


    Lash nodded, and looked back at his two companions who nodded but didn''t say a word. The ship hummed to life and slowly followed behind them as they swam up. They had an armed escort that took them up to the gates entrance. They broke through the waters surface to find an underground grotto, with water falls pouring fresh water inside. Stalagmites, and stalactites dotted the area. Up a path of carved stones was a gate way that shimmered with golden light. Along the carved stones were a collection of Amazon warriors, and Atlanteans. Confused about the new arrivals.


    Kuldr, and Tula jumped from the water flying through the air and doing a three point landing onto the stone steps that you see so many times in superhero shows. Lash decided to show off a bit, he simply cast Water Walk on himself, Supergirl, and Superman. Where they walked along the waters surface and stepped onto the stone path. Kuldr raced an eye brow at him, while Tula smirked.


    ¡°Kuldr! Who is this?¡± An Amazon called at the steps. She wore battle garb that would allow full protection, but freedom of movement in the water.


    ¡°This is, Agent Wraith from the United Nations World Security, and Justice League International...From an alternate reality.¡± Kuldr offered. While Lash took a knee and preformed the ceremonial etiquette for greeting an Amazon commander.


    ¡°Well this is a surprise... Especially since I can feel the mark of a brother on you. You have been blessed by the goddesses of your reality. Tell me... Cousin. What great act of courage and honor do you preform for our sisters?¡± The Amazon asked, the rest of the cave looked to Lash waiting for his answer.


    ¡°I traveled to the realm of Tartarus and retrieved the holy relic that allows the Amazons to be reborn on the shores of Themyscira.¡± Lash replied with a smile.


    The only sound in the cave was the sound of the water running from the falls. All of the Amazons in the cave stared at him wide eyed. The Atlanteans not fully understanding the holy relic, but understood what Tartarus was. The Amazon commander walked towards Lash and came to stop next to him, she looked down as he was still kneeling. She reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze.


    ¡°So, what brings you to our shores?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I have come to do the same here.¡± Lash said in response. A collected gasp rang through the cave, as the Amazon commander squeezed his shoulder tightly.


    ¡°Then I suppose we should have you meet our Queen.¡± She said, and pulled him to his feet. Then with out warning hugged him. Tears of joy falling from her eyes.


    Unfortunately, the good times did not last. As they walked to the gate they requested that Lash''s companions remove their masks. When they did weapons were drawn, and Lash had a magical blade pressed to his neck by the same Amazon that had hugged him just a moment ago. He quickly offered to sit under the lasso of truth to ensure they were allies. Along with the story behind why the kryptonian guard was in the grotto. Superman, and Supergirl went to their knees, and stayed silent through the whole process which only push the grotto guard on edge further.


    _________________________________________________


    Wonder Woman aka Diana Prince flew through the air towards the Atlantean grotto gateway. She was followed by an entire legion of Amazons riding pegasus mounts, along with dozens of meta-gene woman with the power of flight. While along the ground were more woman racing along the ground. The grotto was past the beach, and in the water. Outside of the laws of the island, but only barely. In ships filled with men waiting for action, as machines of war were pointed at the grotto''s gate waiting for the call to attack. They were ready! As ready as they could be for two kryptonians that could easily destroy the whole island.


    Wonder Woman flew over the water towards the gates entrance and landed silently. The years of conflict had been hard on her. Though she still rivaled any earthly beauty, her eyes were hollow. Knicks, scratches, and dents in her armor showed that it had not been repaired in a long time. They didn''t have the resources, or the time! Wonder Woman took out her lasso of truth, and nodded at the guards. The gate way glowed brilliantly for a moment then faded. She stepped through, and saw two people she desperately wished she never would see again. But dreamed that she would see them again regardless.


    ¡°Clark...Kara...¡± Wonder Woman said, as she clenched her teeth looking at her two old friends.


    ¡°Diana...¡± Clark said back. He looked awful! Hollow, just like she was. But there was a brief smile on his face. Kara looked much the same as her cousin, but there was something else in her eyes. Hope. Wonder Woman then looked at their companion. A lizard man with the Amazonian mark of brotherhood written into his soul.


    ¡°The lasso doesn''t work on me, so do them first.¡± The creature said, this made Wonder Woman raise a manicured eye brow at him. Just to prove him wrong she wrapped the lasso around him, and before she could ask a question the divine glow faded from the rope. Terrified that something had happened she pulled the lasso from the lizard man, and the rope took on its divine glow again.


    ¡°How did you do that!? The lasso even works on the god of war, Ares!¡± Wonder Woman asked, she grit her teeth looking at him.


    ¡°It''s hard to explain, but I am willing to try. After you check Clark, and Kara. As I told your champion here. We found a way to remove their bio chips. As you all know, Superman, and Supergirl were mind controlled by Dex. They were not in control of their actions.¡± The reptilian man said. Wonder Woman glared at the man. Men, always keeping secrets!


    Wonder Woman walked over to her two former friends and wrapped them both in the lasso. The golden light shinned brilliantly. They both felt the effects of the magic fall over them, and they both started to cry. The lasso did more than just compel you to speak the truth, it also showed you the truth. Wonder Woman''s heart broke seeing her friends tears fall from their faces. But she steeled herself, she had to make sure.


    ¡°Who is Rofl Dex!?¡± Wonder Woman shouted at them.


    ¡°Is he a fucking monster that deserves to die! If I believed for one moment that Wraith was incapable of killing him I would fly to his palace this moment and break every bone in his disgusting body! He made me kill my family! He will die! I will incinerate his flesh, burn his body, and throw his ashes into the sun!¡± Clark screamed at the top of his lungs.


    ¡°Dex is a horrible human being that deserves everything that is coming to him. He is disgusting, horrible, twisted, and a monster! He made me kill my adoptive family, so I will kill anything, and everything he holds dear! He did awful things to me! I will never forgive him!¡± Kara screamed at Wonder Woman. Tears rolling down her face. Wonder Woman pulled the lasso from them and pulled them both into her arms.


    ¡°Thank Hera! You are both back alive!¡± Wonder Woman shouted, tears of joy fell from her eyes. A collective gasp, and sigh rolled through the grotto.


    ___________________________________________________


    Success! If Lash was being honest the reunion between the heroes was more terrifying than going to hell. He wasn''t sure how it was going to go. Thankfully, it was common knowledge the Dex had brain boxed Superman, and Supergirl first. Everyone in the League knew that they were being mind controlled, but couldn''t help them. They also knew that the chip didn''t do well with magic. So, several Amazon mages, and Atlantean mages showed up and triple checked them before they were released. Now, the only issue they had was Lash. Though he was more of an enigma than an issue.


    A muted cheer ran through the whole of the island. The return of Superman, and Supergirl was something be joyful about. But there was a lot of hatred as well. Mind controlled or not, they had killed a lot of people. But the fact that the most recent reality Dex had invaded had found a way to remove the chip with out killing the subject was a celebration in it self. Every attempt in this reality to try and remove the chip resulted in killing the subject. Lash was befuddled with confusion.


    They were currently sitting on a old navy military ship that was currently anchored along the shores of Themyscira. Oh! That was how Diana beat the system. Technically no man had stepped foot on the island. The island was surrounded by a vast network of ships, from civilian sail boats, pleasure cruise, yachts, and military vessels. Making a floating city as it were. While the island provided food.


    Who was in the military vessel looking over Superman, and Supergirl? Lex fucking Luthor! The man still wore a tailored suit that was clean, and pressed for the meeting. He still kept himself in shape though he was getting old in his years. He was still one of the top geniuses in the world. He was looking through a data chip Lash had provided on the operation required to removed the chip. He also gave his ok go ahead about the chip being removed. Any form of brainwash had been...washed out.


    ¡°This is amazing! You did this yourself?¡± Lex said as he turned in his chair to look at Lash.


    ¡°It was a team effort, but I was the one who did the first operation. The team consisted of several advanced androids.¡± Lash offered a reason why it was acceptable. The moment Lash admitted that a machine helped seem to make Lex believe him.


    ¡°Well, I won''t be able to replicate the magic portion. But the science behind it is well with in our ability. With this we can start to remove the chips.¡± Lex declared as he turned to Wonder Woman who nodded in thanks.


    ¡°Bring him in!¡± Wonder Woman shouted, and a pair of Amazons brought in a man between them. The man was emaciated, with dark splotches across his skin. Several mechanical ports were exposed in his skeleton structure. He was placed gently on the operations table.


    ¡°My...Life...For...The Emperor.... All will bow to his will.¡± The man whispered softly, his lips were cracked and dry. His eyes were distant, he didn''t put up a fight as he was strapped down. Dancing around his skin was purple psionic energy.


    Name: Miguel Barragan aka Bunker.


    Title: Slave, Broken, Former Titan Hero.


    Origin: Meta-Gene.


    Rank: C-


    Skills: Martial Arts, Acrobat, Multilingualism, (See tool tip)


    Powers: Energy Construct Creation.


    Domains: N/A


    Racial Trait: N/A


    Flaw: Broken Mind


    Cosmic Awareness: Bunker has been a slave of Dex''s for years. But was never used in the war. He used the energy construct to create a shield around his mind to prevent being controlled. But it has hammered him.


    Disposition: Neutral bordering hostile.


    Comment: A broken hero of this realities Titans. Save him to earn brownie points with this reality.


    Lash blinked when he used Insight, shocked at the extra information provided by Cosmic Awareness. The ability was granting him more and more information it almost seemed broken. Was this what Dead Pool felt like? Wait? Why did he think about Dead Pool? Who the fuck was Dead Pool!? Lash pushed the thought from his mind as he tried to focus. He stood behind Bunker, placing his clawed hands on the mans head he use his Nature Domains Passive pheromone generation and put the man to sleep. Then he used Re:Implant, that had gotten a wealth of experience from before.


    Black metallic circuitry lines spread through Bunkers skull. His head was shaved allowing everyone to see the transformation. The man struggled in his sleep, and automatic response to something digging around in their brain. Then Lash pulled his hands back, and held up a tiny bio chip to which he handed it off to Lex. Bunker grew still, as his breathing relaxed. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Panacea, and Return Youth.


    Bunker''s sickly appearance faded from sight. He was still incredibly thin, but he was healthy looking. His breathing was easier, and the wear and tear that had come with the past ten years melted away. The difference was amazing! A woman in the operations room cried tears of joy at the sight of him. Lash didn''t recognize her, but that was to be expected in a different reality. He stepped back and looked around the room. The whole operation took all but ten minutes.


    ¡°Done...¡± Lash said as he looked at Wonder Woman who looked back at him in shock.


    ¡°That''s it? You didn''t even open his skull?¡± Wonder Woman said as she came to check on Bunker.


    ¡°He didn''t have to. From the information on the data chip he has Technomancy, and something called Synthesis, Re:Implant. That allows him to remove or put in any implant he comes across. A useful ability!¡± Lex said as he called from his desk. He had the bio chip under a microscope.


    ¡°How many more times can you do that?¡± Wonder Woman asked Lash.


    ¡°How many more prisoners do you have?¡± Lash asked back, with a smile. That was soon returned.


    _____________________________________


    Hope...Hope was a funny thing. The expectation, or desire for a better tomorrow. A feeling of trust, to yearn for a certain thing to happen. The resistance hadn''t felt, Hope. In a long time! They lived, yes. But they lived each day in fear that things would never change. Until one day it did, and it changed for the better. An alien creature from another reality brought hope with him. Back to a dying world. First he brought Superman, and Supergirl back from the brink. There bio chips removed, and they were ready to help rebuild their broken planet. Then the alien offered a way to save their people. To remove the chips that would normally kill all of their loved ones that had been brain boxed Dex.


    The alien known has Wraith, had built a machine that could remove the chip through an intensive surgery. But he could also preform the surgery himself. When he did it, it took minutes to complete. While the machine took hours. But when he built a dozen of the machines at once it was a great relief to all. Now if he left, they could still help their people. Then the alien used his magic, and technology to rebuild their broken fleet that was standing on its last legs. He created food, water, medicine, and resources.


    Hope is what the resistance obtained...


    __________________________________________


    ¡°You want to do what?¡± Diana said to Lash.


    They were standing on the pier that led into the main port of Themyscira. A vast network of ships went to and fro providing resources to the fleet anchored around the island. Superman, and Supergirl were standing next to Lash. They had already heard the plan and were trying to convince Diana to allow it. Lash had meant what he said before in the grotto.


    ¡°Themyscira has a doorway to Tartarus. I want to use the door to retrieve the holy relic that will allow the Amazons to reincarnate.¡± Lash said again, trying to be as clear as possible.


    ¡°That is complete suicide!¡± Diana all but shouted at him. ¡°I admire your bravery, Wraith. But I wont let you die so easily.¡± She said with determination in her eyes. Lash had quickly become a symbol for the people on the island, if he were to die now it would crack their fragile existence.


    ¡°I did it in my reality, Highness. I understand it will be dangerous. Trust me I am not taking the mission lightly. It will be incredibly dangerous. But end justifies the means.¡± Lash implored her, pointing out the facts.


    ¡°We don''t need the relic to end this war! We can establish a Rift with your reality here on Themyscira. We can trade resources and people. We can beat back Dex, you don''t need to get the relic.¡± Wonder Woman said, she would not bend on this subject no matter the cost.


    ¡°And what of your people! Highness, the Amazons are going extinct! This is not entirely up to you! I''ve already obtained a quest from my Patron to retrieve the relic. You of all people should know when a God makes a decree it should be followed.¡± Lash pulled out his trump card, and wished he hadn''t. Wonder Woman all but killed him with a glare.


    ¡°The old gods left! Their magic fades every day! They decreed we should fight, but when the war started where were they!? No where! They left our world for another!¡± Wonder Woman screamed at him! That bit of information was a surprise to Lash. Apparently it was a surprise to everyone but the Amazons.


    ¡°Wait...How long will the shield last?¡± Superman asked.


    ¡°A few years at most.¡± Wonder Woman replied, tears in her eyes as she looked at them.


    ¡°Would the relic even work?¡± Supergirl asked, trying to find another way out of the argument.


    ¡°Yes, the relic is tied to the island and has its own source of magic. Its sort of a plan B if things went wrong.¡± Lash supplied the answer. Before Wonder Woman could argue further a crack of a staff on concrete rang out. Everyone turned to see Queen Hippolyta walking towards them.


    Lash quickly dropped to his knee, and dragged Superman, and Supergirl down with his tentacles when they stayed standing. An action that brought a smile to Wonder Womans lips. Before the rest of the area took a knee or bowed from the waist. Hippolyta was older, which was a bad sign! She was meant to be eternal. As long as the Old Gods lived, so would she. But despite the new wrinkles around her face. She still moved with the grace of a trainer warrior. She wore armor fitting of the Amazon Queen, and carried her golden staff in hand. She looked over the area with a cool glare.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, do you truly believe you can obtain a the relic as you did in your reality?¡± Hippolyta asked.


    ¡°I do, your highness.¡± Lash replied automatically.


    ¡°Then we will grant you access to the door so you may try.¡± Hippolyta said, and prepared for rebuttal from her daughter. Which came but a breath later.


    ¡°No!¡± Wonder Woman screamed at her mother, breaking custom. But at the moment Wonder Woman didn''t care.


    Wonder Woman, and Hippolyta had a heated discussion. But in the end it didn''t matter. The Queen had spoken. This is what was best for their people. That is what drove Hippolyta to this decision. Wonder Woman all but came to blows with her mother. Demanding at the very least that she go with Lash into the underworld which was quickly shot down by everyone including Superman. Tartarus being a hell dimension had a corrupting taint that came with it. It was the main reason why Superman, and Supergirl were not coming with him. If a mind controlled Superman was bad. A demonic Superman was worse.


    This was a different Diana then Lash was use to. Diana in his reality didn''t want Lash to go into Tartarus either. But in the end respected the decision. This realities Diana had been beaten time and time again. She had seen her whole world come to a crumble. She refused to submit this was true, but she was forced to make sacrifices that she never would have made before in the past. She like many great leaders when at war grew tired, and wished for the fighting to stop. For a brief moment she saw a glimmer of hope that war would stop. Then that hope decided to jump into hell instead. She didn''t take it well.


    Someone suggested that they ask for volunteers among those that had hell resistance. People with demonic, or devil blood in them. There were about a dozen or so in this reality. VI Avatars that had gone the hell route for their origins. All of them said no. No one could blame them for saying so. They had crawled out of their own dimensions of hell to be on Earth. As horrible as the planet was, it was thousand times better than going back. So in the end, Lash would go by himself as planned.


    ¡°Are we friends in your reality?¡± Diana asked Lash as they walked down the stone path towards the doors to Taratarus.


    ¡°I like to think we are. We''ve fought side by side several times. Shared stories around the fire. Trained together, joked around. Teased one another...¡± Lash said, he pondered his relationship with his Diana.


    ¡°Sounds like a friendship to me. I wish we had a version of you in this reality.¡± Diana said softly.


    ¡°I''m here now. Better late then never!¡± Lash said, Diana gave him a sad smile and nodded. They came to stopping point, Diana was not allowed to travel further. Her mother feared she would jump through the gate if she did.


    ¡°Promise me you''ll come back?¡± Diana asked. Lash bowed from his waist, and a hand over his heart.


    ¡°I will endeavor to do my best. I have family back home that were not happy with the plan either. So for them, and for you. I will try my best to return. Relic in hand.¡± Lash offered, but declined to promise.


    ¡°And I was ok with it? My version in your reality?¡± She asked, clearly upset with the lunacy.


    ¡°She wasn''t entirely happy about it. But she trusts in my ability. My Patron has never given me a task that was impossible to complete.¡± Lash said, offering a sense of logic to the plan.


    ¡°Then we''ll be here...waiting for your return.¡± Diana said, as she stuck out her hand. Lash took the offer and shook it. They looked at each other for a bit. Lash winked at her, which was a bit odd given he had four eyes. She grimaced, but appreciated the attempt.


    Lash walked the rest of the way alone. Though they were in a different reality the way down was essentially the same. When he got to the bottom floor he saw a massive stone gate waiting for him. Dead bolted with Orichalcum locks. A legion of Amazon warriors stood on stand by, Lash bowed to them and they saluted back. They started to pull the bolts out.


    Lash couldn''t believe he was doing this. He hated Tartarus last time he was there. It was only a year and he felt like it had carved out a piece of him that would never heal. Here he was volunteering to return again. Lash had decided to not spend any of his Dream Points before he left the Watch Tower. Because he would need a full deck in hell. His DP total right now was 150, not including his 20 DP credit card. He had spent some time looking up information on the hell dimension. Something he had idiotically skipped before.


    The ghoulish wail of suffering souls screamed through the dark cave as the gates slowly opened. Lash took his first steps forward, and told the legion not to open it all the way. When the doors were barely open he started to push through the crack. Before to long he was on the other side, he called back. The door slowly started to close. But he already knew it would be different this time. Why? Because the entire entrance was different!


    Tartarus in his reality was a barren landscape of red earth. With a crimson sky that rained acidic blood every few days and or hours. Dead landscape with hellish trees, and plant life designed to torment and kill any lingering souls they found. A towering volcanic mountain stood in the distance, with a castle tower linked to it. No matter where he was in his Tatarus that castle tower was always visible. But not this Tartarus. This one was different.


    This Tartarus was a midnight black necropolis. Towering structures in every direction with glowing crystals. The crystals contained hundreds of wailing souls. Ziggurats, that is what they were called were attended by demonic soldiers, and priests. The priests attended to the prisoners with zealotry fervor. Peeling skin, flesh, and soul apart. Only for the glowing crystals to shoot energy into the prisoners and renew their bodies once more for torture. The sky was black as a moonless night. With millions of sparkling lights that winked in and out of existence. Creatures flied through the darkness looking for prey. This was when Lash was reminded of a single passage in a book he had read.


    ¡°Hell dimensions are shaped in the way of those that rule it.¡± That meant who ever ruled Tartarus now, wanted it this way. Fuck. Before Lash could continued to curse his idiocy for assuming it would be the same. Soldiers started to run towards him, weapons drawn.


    ¡°Dawn! How many DP would it take to evolve my Daemonic Heritage?¡± Lash called into the open air as he extended his Psionic Blades silver in color.


    ¡°To evolve the racial trait would require 500 DP, User!¡± Dawn replied in a soothing tone.


    ¡°Can I use my ability point I got from my reward?¡± Lash asked, as he deflected a few posion tipped arrows.


    ¡°Yes User! That would be acceptable, shall I make the purchase now?¡± Dawn asked, her voice took and seductive edge. Pleased at his initiative.


    ¡°Yes, please!¡± Lash called out, as he pushed forward and sliced through a demonic soldier. His Nth metal blade tearing through him. The demons soul being consumed thanks to Soul Absorption (Chp. 49).


    Congratulations User! Daemonic Heritage: Knight has evolved into Daemonic Heritage, Baron.


    Daemonic Heritage, Baron: You are one of the lowest form of Hellish Nobility. This grants you passive dominion over lesser demons, and devils. As long as they do not serve something, or someone higher than yourself.


    The User is granted 100% resistance (not immunity) to hell taint, and corruption.


    A blast of crimson golden light erupted from Lash in that moment. Washing over the whole area. The demonic soldiers came to a abrupt halt and kneeled before him. Lash stopped his Psionic Blade from decapitating one of the soldiers right as the light washed over them. The soldier to their credit didn''t move. As if being killed by him was just a matter of fact.


    ¡°Stand aside!¡± A voice called out from behind the soldiers.


    All of the demonic soldiers including the one next to Lash stood up, saluted, and moved away into a single line at attention. A demonic creature with purplish skin, a barbed tail, that was 5''8¡± in height and wore the trappings of human skin in the form of a robe stepped forward. The creature had bone spikes down its spine, an open jaw that revealed its fangs. Along with a single massive eye on its skull that looked Lash over.


    ¡°Greetings unto you Baron. We apologize for attacking one such as you. Please forgive us¡± The creature snarled at him. His saliva dripping from his open maw. Lash narrowed his eyes at him.


    ¡°Who is your master?¡± Lash said in a cold tone. He did not speak english but spoke in a obscure dialect of hell. That he seem to learn when he evolved his heritage.


    ¡°We serve the Lady Baroness Nyx, daughter of Trigon.¡± The creature said, as it bowed its head towards Lash.


    ¡°Does she still reside in the castle tower of the Fallen One, her brother?¡± Lash asked. Lash was being polite, and refined. One would think you would need to be brutal in hell. But most of the elder devils were refined, cultural, and polite. One would be a fool to mistake it as a weakness.


    ¡°Yesss! Has his lordship visited before?¡± The creature asked, clearly surprised.


    ¡°Not in this reality, no.¡± Lash said, confessing he was not from here. Most pure blood devils and demons could smell a lie.


    ¡°Ah! A Rift Walker! Yes, most interesting! Our Lady Baroness will most likely want to meet you. Shall we call a carriage for you?¡± The creature asked.


    ¡°As long as the Lady Baroness allows it.¡± Lash said, keeping his eyes on the creature.


    ¡°Please allow me!¡± The creature took out a jagged dagger and disemboweled itself. Letting out a glee of ecstasy as their lower intestines spilled out. It produced a golden cup from its skin robes and scooped its own blood up. Then ran its clawed fingers along the edge.


    ¡°Please inform the Lady Baroness that....¡± The creature looked toward Lash. They didn''t know his name.


    ¡°Daemon Baron Lash.¡± He gave his name to the creature. Who''s eye went wide, the soldiers all whipped their heads around to look at him. A Daemon was different from a demon. Lash was met with a renewed sense of hostility, and respect.


    Daemons were complicated creatures. They were pure-blooded demons, and devils. But unlike the rest with in the different hells. Daemons were created, or birthed directly from the fallen. As in Gods, Goddesses, Angels, etc, etc. Though this adaptation of story and myth changed depending on the culture you referred to. Daemons were....Complicated. The fact that Lash was a Daemon Baron would suggest that he was the bastard love child. Starting at the lowest level of hellish nobility. So, would that mean he had a powerful backing? Well since he came from the door that was guarded by the Amazons? One would assume so!


    The creature transmitted the message through his blood chalice. It received a response with in a minute from the head servant of the castle tower. Lash was to be escorted to the tower, under guard as a honored guest of the Lady Baroness. In an offer of sacrifice the creature slit its own throat and died with a smile on its face. Only for a spout of soul energy from a Ziggurat to shoot into it. Its wounds healed, and it was ready for service once again.


    A carriage soon arrived. Being pulled by several tortured humans, and creatures. All of which were chained to the carriage. Being whipped by a creature with expert precision and attention. The carriage itself was made from black gnarled wood, the inside was fully furnished with the finest silk, and comfort for hell nobles. They would be escorted by Demonic knights, who rode upon nightmare horses. Hell fire alight in their eyes.


    Inside the carriage was a delightful smell of perfume. As there was a demonic lady barely clothed with in the carriage waiting to attend to Lash''s every need. Lash settled in the carriage seat in a quick and fluid motion. The door was closed, and locked behind him and they were off the moment he took his seat. The woman was the very picture of sexual delight! She wore leather and chains that did not hide a thing. It reminded Lash of a BDSM outfit he had seen before. She had raven black hair, red to pink skin, and a tail that ended in a diamond tip.


    ¡°Are you hungry, Lord Baron? Some wine? Fruit? Or perhaps you would like another type of desert?¡± The woman said, her lilac eyes looked him up and down. She licked her lips in a slow gradual motion.


    ¡°What is your name?¡± Lash asked, as he looked her over.


    ¡°Vyllith, Lord Baron.¡± The woman said, as she sat up straight in the carriage. Allowing Lash to gain full view of her.


    ¡°Come sit next to me, Vyllith I have a few questions for you.¡± Lash said, he swept his tail across the carriage seat. Vyllith took no other prompting and crawled across the carriage cushions in a gradual motion. She sat next to him, Lash pulled her so she was flush against his side. She smiled at him, as her eyes danced up and down his armor.


    ¡°How may I be of service, Lord Baron?¡± Vyllith asked, licking her lips. Letting Lash see her fangs. Lash played his claws down her back, and she arched her back in a practiced motion that emphasized her chest. One by one he released the buckles letting the leather get up fall to the floor. Vyllith shivered in delight.


    ¡°How long as the Lady Baroness ruled Tartarus?¡± Lash asked, once he had freed Vyllith of the leather straps. He began to draw his claws up and down her naked flesh, he even started to massage her muscles which brought a moan from her throat.


    ¡°For nearly twenty mortal years, Lord Baron. Though she does not rule it alone. There are three other Barons who rule the realm. They are in constant confrontation.¡± She supplied, as she wiggled against his side. Her hand started to play up and down his armor. First with hesitation but when Lash didn''t say anything to admonish her she continued.


    ¡°Do the other Barons fight each other?¡± Lash asked, he reached over and with little effort picked Vyllith up and placed her on his lap. His right hand was on her back, his left on her legs. He continued to play his claws up and down her skin. She smiled at him, and nuzzled into his embrace.


    ¡°No, they fight against her in a united front. But despite superior numbers she continues to hold her own. Her armies are well equipped, and well trained.¡± Vyllith said with a smile. That soon froze on her face. Why was she offering more than she asked? Lash leaned his snout towards her and ran his forked tongue along her neck. She shivered in delight and forgot why it was important to care.


    ¡°How long will it take to reach the Lady Baroness?¡± Lash asked, his claws on his left hand playing along her inner thigh. She shivered in delight, and let a moan escape her throat.


    ¡°Several hours, Lord Baron. Longer if you wish it.¡± Vyllith said, as she leaned forward and ran her own tongue along his neck.


    ¡°We best not keep the Lady Baroness waiting. But a few hours is plenty of time.¡± Lash said, as he ran his claws up and down her skin.


    ____________________________________


    Lash and Vyllith continued to talk to each other about the situation in Tartarus. From time to time Vyllith would pause in confusion as to why she gave so much information away. But soon the reason would become foggy, and she would lean into Lash. She had entertained many nobles of hell before. Some were brutal in the way they treated her. Others treated her like less than a human soul. But Lash, this Baron of hell was different. Were all Daemons this way? Or was it just him?


    Before to long they reached the castle tower of Lady Baroness Nyx. Vyllith hated to admit it, but she really enjoyed spending time with Baron Lash. They didn''t have sex, though she did have at least two orgasms. Simply from his hands alone! She had wanted to return the favor but he simply enjoyed toying with her. Being treated like such a toy turned her on even more. When the carriage stopped, she kissed his cheek goodbye. But Baron Lash did something different he pulled her from the carriage.


    ¡°I like you, will you please attend me and by my guide?¡± Lash asked, Vyllith gave him a practiced smile that she almost meant. This was not the first time a noble had taken a liking to her.


    ¡°Not at all, Lord Baron. I am educated on the lay out of the castle. I will be happy to attend you. But I should redress myself first.¡± Vyllith said as she moved to replace the leather, and chains. Lash waited for her. But when she turned around she found he was holding a beautiful silk dress.


    ¡°Please put this on. I think it suits you better.¡± Baron Lash said to her. She smiled wide at the dress. She moved to touch it, but gasped in shock when she saw the shimmer of divine light. Orichalcum had been sewn into it. She audibly swallowed, and looked at Baron Lash expecting a trap. Why would a Baron give something so valuable to her?


    ¡°I assure you, its a gift. From me to you. Think of it as payment for the information, and attending me today. If you are worried about the value, then don''t. This is nothing to me.¡± Baron Lash said to her. He said the last part a little louder than he normally had spoken. All of the soldiers, and attendants knew the value of that dress. If it was nothing to him? Where was this Baron from?


    ¡°I would be happy to accept! Thank you, Lord Baron!¡± Vyllith said with a smile, Baron Lash helped her put it on. It was one of the few times that Vyllith had been so turned on by putting clothes on.


    __________________________________


    Lash finished with the dress and looked Vyllith over. Standing from the carriage she was now 5''9¡± with a hour glass figure. Long shapely legs, and arms, long back hair that went to the middle of her back. She had knife point ears that were a few inches longer than standard human. Her red to pink skin, glowed in the torchlight around the entrance to the castle. Lash snapped his claws in a moment of stupidity. The movement made Vyllith freeze in place. Lash knew she was waiting for the other shoe to drop.


    ¡°Not to worry, I simply forgot your shoes!¡± Lash said with a smile, as he pulled out a orichalcum ingot from his Storage and started to craft black stiletto heels, with wrap around straps that went up her thighs. It was in that moment that Lash saw the realization dawn on Vyllith. That this could all still be a trap. A servant wearing ridiculously expensive items. What if she got them dirty? Would he punish her?


    The dress was a form fitting black to red silk dress with a diamond shape window above her chest. The silk wrapped around her neck, and left her back exposed. It was sleeveless, with the skirt reaching her ankles, but two slits went up the dress on either side of her legs all the way up to her hips. The black stiletto heels complimented the look but Lash still felt something was missing. He snapped his claws and started to craft a center piece. A braided corded necklace, with a red spell jewel in the center that emphasized her breasts. By the time he was finished Vyllith was shivering, and not in a good way.


    ¡°Excellent! Now you acceptable to have on my arm. Come along!¡± Lash offered his arm to her, she swallowed and stepped close to him with practice ease. She knew how to walk in the heels, and moved to match his walk. Lash took this moment to pull of his Wraith shroud disguise to reveal his Warden armor that was highlighted with orichalcum. Yes, Lash was a Baron. But a fucking rich Baron.


    The castle tower hadn''t changed much. It was still a behemoth of architecture. The carriage had ridden through the town that surrounded it. Unlike the town that the Fallen One managed, this town was full of citizens. It was nice to know Nyx knew how to properly manage a town. Even if it was in hell. The massive doors were still as tide, and wide as ever. It made sense, since Tartarus was where they kept the Titans in Olympian myth. Though, Lash thankfully had never fought one, or even seen one down here so far.


    ¡°Vyllith, where are the titans?¡± Lash asked his guide who was still shivering like a leaf.


    ¡°The...Titans are still being held prisoner, Lord Baron. It is a unholy law by any ruler not to disturb them. To many have tried in the past. Now even the greater Devil, and greater Demon Kings and Queens ensure that they are not disturbed.¡± Vyllith responded quickly, trying her best to remain professional.


    ¡°Fascinating!¡± Lash responded as he walked through the castle grounds. They were soon met by an attendant who''s eyes nearly popped from their sockets at his armor, and the dress that Vyllith wore. The attendant looked like a human man with midnight black skin, and had four arms. Wearing a servant uniform that one would had found in italy during the renaissance.


    ¡°Lord Baron, Lash. Welcome to the castle. Lady Baron Nyx would like to speak to you. Please come with me to the audience chamber.¡± The servant said with a bow.


    ¡°May my guide, Vyllith come with me? I''ve taken a liking to her.¡± Lash asked, a smile on his face. Vyllith paled at the idea of meeting her lady. She begged with her eyes for the servant to say no.


    ¡°Of course! You may do what ever you wish with her, as you see fit. Though please allow her to perform her duties while in attendance with her Lady Baron.¡± The servant said, almost a malicious grin spreading across his face.


    ¡°Wonderful! Please lead the way!¡± Lash said, as he gently patted Vyllith''s arm.


    Vyllith took back everything she had said about Baron Lash being a nice Daemon. He was a monster! Who chose to torment her in a completely different fashion. Going before her master!? A lowly servant that warmed the seats of the nobility. Dressed up in finest of silks, and given the best jewelry she had ever seen. She was sure to obtain her masters jealous rage! Vyllith thought back to the carriage ride, had she done something to upset him? No, she had done everything correctly. What...


    ¡°Vyllith, are you alright?¡± Lash asked, full of concern. A twinkle in his eye, she had slowed down a bit.


    ¡°I...I have never met, Lady Baron Nyx. I...I fear I will make a fool of myself, and in turn you. Lord Baron Lash.¡± Vyllith supplied a suitable answer.


    ¡°None sense! I''m sure you''ll be a delight!¡± Lash said with a genuine smile on his face. The servant that was leading snickered softly.


    The servant led them to the antechamber and had them wait for thirty minutes before being seen. Standard etiquette, power play maneuver. The host would always make the guest wait to make it clear that they would be seen on the hosts time, not the guests. Lash didn''t mind, he sat down and had Vyllith sit on his lap. He produced food with his magic and offered it to the servants in the chamber along with Vyllith who desperately wanted to say no. But still obliged him and tried so hard not to spill anything on her dress. Oddly, Lash made no move to make it hard for her.


    Before to long they were told to stand ready. The doors opened and they were escorted into a huge chamber. But of course it was designed for titans so it made sense. They walked the impossibly long entrance towards the seat of power. There sitting in an extravagant throne was the Lady Baroness Dia Nyx. Who looked a lot different!


    Dia Nyx in this reality looked as though she had accepted her brothers offer. The offer that Lash had interrupted when he had rescued her. She was about 6''4¡± with red to black skin, crimson scales highlighted her features along her exposed bone. In example along her jaw line, collar bone, etc. She had four fiery eyes, the second pair just above her first. Black twisted horns grew from the head in a twisted form of a crown. Long demonic wings stretched behind her and curled up after a moment. Smoke and ash dripped from her wings dramatically. She wore the finest silk, and golden armor across her body. It covered her sensual bits, and vital organs. The rest was flawless skin with out a blemish. Her very essence oozed sex appeal. Lash knew that Nyx had succubus blood in her, it seemed to have been highlighted in this reality.


    Lash stuck to court etiquette and released Vyllith twenty steps from the throne. The demoness threw herself to the ground as soon as he let go and groveled in the presence of her master. Lash stopped thirteen steps from the throne and bowed low from his waist. But never took his eyes off of Dia. A fact that the entire hall noticed, Dia narrowed her eyes but said nothing.


    ¡°Now presenting! Lord Daemon Baron Lash. Visiting from the gates of Themyscira!¡± The attending servant shouted loudly to the court. The other court attendants all whispered, and murmured in surprise. Before the servant could introduce Nyx she raised a clawed hand up to stop them.


    ¡°Welcome, Baron Lash to my home. What brings you here?¡± She said, a smile tugging on her lips. Lash stood up straight once he was addressed. He produced a illusion image of the holy relic that the amazons needed.


    ¡°I have come to barter.¡± Lash said simply.


    ¡°That old dust catcher? What would a Baron of hell need with that item?¡± Nyx replied, a look of intrigue on her face.


    ¡°As a Daemon Baron I am capable of using the holy relic to its full use and advantage. As it is a dust collector perhaps the Lady Baroness would part with it? I will of course pay for it.¡± Lash suggested, as he waved his claws and over five hundred pounds of orichalcum ingots appeared next to him. The whole court erupted in whispers, and shouts of surprise.


    ¡°Hmmm....Tempting. But, I find that the object in question is worth more now¡± Nyx said with a smile, as she uncrossed her legs, and recrossed them. A clear provocation of seduction, but also power. She wasn''t threatened by him. Lash knew the tower was full of ori, unless her brother took it all when he left?


    ¡°The object that was nothing but a dust catcher a moment ago?¡± Lash asked, raising a scaled brow at her.


    ¡°Well a lot has changed since then. Wouldn''t you agree?¡± Nyx said, a smile stretching across her face. Lash nodded his head in agreement. There had been a lot of ways he could have played this out. Dance around the relic, do some espionage, see if he could sneak into the treasury and obtain it later.


    ¡°Then pray tell. What would be of equal or greater value for the holy relic?¡± Lash asked, he had a feeling he knew what was about to be asked but he had to be sure.


    ¡°One of the heads to my rival Barons with in the realm would be worth it.¡± Nyx said with a smile. The court burst into whispers and murmurs once again.


    ¡°Nothing else calls your interest, Lady Baroness? No treasure? No favor? Nothing else?¡± Lash asked, as he looked at her carefully.


    ¡°There are many things that I want, Lord Baron. But none of those things you can provide for me. But the execution of one of my rivals from a foreign power would be delicious!¡± She said, Nyx leaned forward to the edge of her seat. Watching him carefully.


    ¡°Is there a time table attached to this deal?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Before you leave the court.¡± She countered.


    ¡°Oh no! You miss understand. Forgive me for that is my fault. If I accept the deal how long do I have to preform it?¡± Lash asked, specifying. Nyx licked her lips, her breathing growing excited.


    ¡°As long as you need! Obviously you may stay in the castle while you plan. Though you will be kept far away from the treasury.¡± Nyx said in response.


    ¡°I want her as well.¡± Lash pointed at Vyllith. Who almost brought her head up in surprise but then slammed her head back down saving herself from the mistake. Nyx looked at her in intrigue.


    ¡°May I ask why?¡± Nyx asked, curious.


    ¡°Because she is the only one in your entire realm that hasn''t lied to me once.¡± Lash said straight faced. Nyx''s eyes went a little wide at that.


    ¡°Very well! She is yours to do with as you wish! If, you accept the deal.¡± Nyx said as she waved her hand.


    ¡°I will need to see the contract, I am not a fool.¡± Lash said, as he opened his hand for it. Nyx snapped her fingers and the contract which was several feet long appeared in Lash''s hands. She leaned back, perfectly willing to wait until he was finished.


    Lash opened the contract and read through it carefully. Other Worldly Lore, and Daemonic Heritage, Baron. Activated and granted him a lot of experience and a few levels. He found over two dozen loop holes and pointed them out for revision. Despite the set back, Nyx only smiled more at his attention to detail. Any demon, and devil with attention to detail was attractive, and dangerous! He added a clause that he would be a welcomed guest at the Castle Tower, the town, and the realm that belong to Dia Nyx. Along with his newly found servant. Nyx agreed, cant very well plan an assassination from a cave could he?


    ¡°What if I am not satisfied with just one head? What if I kill all three for you? Will I get some special prize?¡± Lash asked, looking up from the tail end of the contract. Nyx''s four fiery eyes went wide at his offer.


    ¡°Oh, Lord Baron. If you kill all three then I think you and I will be more than friends!¡± Nyx said, practically shivering in delight at the idea of it.


    ¡°Be specific, so we can amend the contract now.¡± Lash said as he poised to sign the contract. Nyx realized then that Lash was being serious. She bit her lips, and leaned back in thought.


    ¡°Land would not interest you? Since you plan to leave after you retrieve your relic?¡± Nyx asked.


    ¡°Yes, I suppose I would like an escort back to the Themyscira gate with out worry of being attacked?¡± Lash asked, Nyx waved her hand as if that was a must. A new line in the contract was added just for that. Along with his new servant.


    ¡°How about the ability to call on my armies when you need an extra hand?¡± Nyx offered ¡°You are a summoner are you not? They would be under your direct control while under your call?¡± Nyx finished. That idea intrigued Lash.


    ¡°That would be enough for one more head, what about the other?¡± Lash asked, a new line on the contract was made. Nyx licked her lips as she rubbed her legs together in anticipation.


    ¡°Do you have something in mind?¡± Nyx asked, looking down at Lash.


    ¡°If the third head is retrieved. You and I will be friends.¡± Lash said...The silence in the hall was palpable. Nyx looked at him in astonishment, but then her eyes narrowed. There was no way it was that simple?


    ¡°Be specific...¡± Nyx all but growled.


    ¡°Never had a friend before? Someone who you could rely on, and next expect anything in return? Someone to talk to, and not worry about your secrets being used against you? Someone who you could trust, respect, and love?¡± Lash asked, a smile spreading across his face. A crimson aura started to boil off of Nyx.


    ¡°I had friends once...Before I was taken to this realm. They disappoint you in the end. No one came for me.... I¡± Nyx narrowed her eyes at him.


    ¡°In your home reality, do we know each other?¡± Nyx asked, her eyes glowing.


    ¡°We do...¡± Before Lash could continue speaking Nyx stood up from her throne.


    ¡°Everyone out! I wish to speak to him alone!¡± Nyx shouted, and the entire court jumped to obey. Lash turned to look at Vyllith who looked up at him. He nodded to her, she shuffled away with everyone else. With in a minute the whole court was empty. Nyx beckoned him closer, when he did she put up an obstruction glamour.


    ¡°What are we in your reality?¡± Nyx asked.


    ¡°We are friends, maybe lovers. We haven''t consummated the latter, yet. In my reality, I have been to Tartarus before. At that time I found your doppelganger being tortured.¡± Lash said, giving a lot away but he was trusting his gut right now.


    ¡°So... In your reality I didn''t stay here? Do you know who my father is? Do you know what he would do to you if you even dared to suggest this?¡± Nyx said, glaring at him so intensely he swore she was trying to set him ablaze.


    ¡°I do, I would be lying if I said I wasn''t afraid of him. But, I would be lying if I said I wasn''t willing to try and help you.¡± Lash said at last.


    ¡°I hate him...I hate my father. He left me here. Told me we had grand plans. But I was left behind for my bitch of a sister, Raven. She was perfect, she could be his anchor into Earth. But not me! I was a mistake! Then what happened? Raven died! During Earths ''Unification War''. Suddenly the ruined and toxic earth held no interest to my father. I had wanted to travel the stars with him to conquer more realms in his name. But he cast me aside, seeing me nothing more than trash! A faulty anchor that had no use.¡± Nyx said, tears streaming down her face. Lash stepped forward and swallowed her in a hug. Her entire body went rigid, and she struggled for a brief moment. But when she realized he wasn''t attacking her she relaxed.


    ¡°This...This doesn''t change anything! I won''t give you the relic with out the deal.¡± Nyx said, as she clenched her jaw.


    ¡°Will you accept the third reward? We''ll be friends?¡± Lash whispered to her. Nyx after a few tense seconds nodded. The new line in the contract was added. Lash picked it up with his tentacle, and signed it with the other. The deal was made. Nyx pushed him away then, and glared at him.


    ¡°We are not friends!....Not yet. Go do your job!¡± Nyx said with a glare. Lash bowed from his waist.


    ¡°As you wish, Lady Baroness.¡± Lash said with a smile, turned on his heel and left the court.


    Nyx watched him go. She was boiling with rage! Why? Why!? Had she acted that way around him? It made no sense! She had ruled Tartarus with an iron fist for decades! She had stopped dozens of assassination attempts, plots, and ploys. She was always the winner in those contests. But why when this Baron from another reality offered her something she had forsaken so long ago. Why, why did she trust him to keep his word? This had to be a trap! Yes, that was it. Lash had done something, she would see through it. She would survive this, as she survived everything else!


    ¡°Fucking monster!¡± Nyx whispered to herself. The greatest of despair was honeyed with lingering taste of hope.

 Chapter 88: Chaos Magic

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    ***Alternate Reality, New Gotham***


    New Gotham was considered the birthplace of Rofl Dex, so it was given the attention it deserved for birthing the worlds great emperor. The entire city had been built from the ground up at the request of the Emperor Dex. For the first time in the cities entire history, crime was almost none existent. All it took is every man, woman, and child to give up their freedom''s. To be nothing more than brain boxed slaves to the emperor. Gotham looked like a simulated ant colony, full of movement, and a uniformed chaos. It kept its twisting towering structures that it was known for. But swept clean, shiny, and new. But if one was born there before it was remade there was still a lot of the old city there. Underneath it all, just like the city Chicago. New Gotham had a maze of catacombs underneath it.


    Something was different today, something had been different all week. Martial law had been established not only in New Gotham, but across the entire Empire. Rofl was pushing his armies in all directions looking for anything, and anyone. There was an emotion in the air, palpable, and sweet. Fear, the emperor was afraid of something? A man wrapped in tattered body suit, and worn out clothes watched a legion of robotic units march down main street. A soft chime went off in his ear, time was up. He broke cover but stuck to the shadows and raced along the roof tops.


    Like a talented acrobat he maneuvered in mid flight to off set his center of gravity as he reached out and caught a ledge. One advantage of the whole city being rebuilt is that the ledges could take his weight now. He jumped from hand hold to hand hold. Then jumped off another ledge, and pulled out a wing shoot for some simple base jumping. The wind whipped past his face, letting him remember a different time, and place. He shot out a magnetic cable that attached to a wall as he swung around a corner. He disconnected the line and landed in an alleyway, quiet as the wind.


    ¡°Nightwing.¡± Said another shadow, a man just as tall and lean as the former boy wonder.


    ¡°Red Robin.¡± Nightwing replied, as he looked at his counterpart. They both wore the tattered remains of their uniforms, and wrapped up in simple clothing to help maintain there disguise.


    ¡°Then there were three.¡± Red Hood stepped from the shadows, out of all of them he was the most put together.


    Nightwing was approximately 5''10¡± with blue eyes partially hidden behind his torn mask, with scruffy black hair in need of a haircut. He had an athletic figure, though he looked like he may need a few weeks of R&R. His body suit was a combination of black, and navy blue. The blue in the design of a bird of prey across his chest. He leaned over and pulled off a man hole cover, one of the remaining few in the city. The three of them slipped through the hole, and he recovered it up. Following his people through the shadows of the sewers.


    Red Robin took an immediate right, as Night Wing went straight, and Red Hood went left. Red Robin was silent as a shadow. He was approximately 5''6¡± with blue eyes just like Night Wing, and black hair that was cut close to his head. Despite their lack of resources Red Robin maintained a groomed look. But unlike the rest of his brothers he had bags under his eyes from restless nights looking through information. His body suit was a combination of red, black, and highlights of yellow. He kept his athletic figure, but just like Nightwing could use some R&R.


    Red Hood, raced through the sewers and jumped over a fallen pipe, and went across a nexus point of the different sewer lines. Somethings change, others things stay the same. Despite New Gothams face lift, the underground remained the same rotting corpse it always was. Red Hood was 6'' even, with blue eyes (Lots of blue eyes) and black hair. But none one would know it with his red metallic skull mask on. He wore a combination of black motorcycle gear, and a body suit. With a red bird of prey across his chest. Along with so many guns, bombs, and knives that a human being could carry.


    The three of them split up, but within an hour they all met up again. They all nodded at each other but kept silent. They turned, and went back to back with one another up against a nearby wall. Unremarkable by all accounts, but it was a wall they had all agreed upon none the less. All three heard a chime in their ears. A pool of shadow stretched off the wall, crawled across the ground just beneath their feet. The three of them were swallowed by the shadow. When next they opened their eyes they were in a deeper, rougher area of New Gotham. One that hadn''t been touched by man in many years.


    They once again split up in different directions. The shadow disappearing into the darkness. After several minutes of going in circles they met up again at inconspicuous wall. The shadow revealed itself again, and swallowed them whole. Only to reappear in a empty carved out of the stone room. All three of them heard another chime, and the wall next to them opened up. As if the very earth was alive. Behind the wall was Terra.


    ¡°Hello boys, right on time.¡± Terra said with a smirk as she gestured them in. The three men, and shadow moved into the new tunnel that Terra had created. The shadow grew from the floor and turned into a man.


    Terra was 5''1¡± with blond hair, and blue eyes in a dark gray uniform with earth tones highlighting her figure. She like the rest of them had a strong athletic figure in desperate need of some R&R. She used her terrakinetic powers to seal the hole. Then with expert manipulation and practiced lifted the stone that they all stood on and transported them back home. While she also collapsed the tunnel behind them. Leaving no trace of their arrival, or departure.


    The man who grew from the shadow was known has Shade. He wore a well worn, but tailored made suit, including a top hat, and cane. He had pale skin, and stood approximately at 6''2¡± with gray eyes, and messy black hair. He was rail thin, and looked like he needed ten hours of un interrupted sleep. But he was one of the few ways in and out of the resistance home base, and was always on call. All four of them took this brief moment of respite to sit down and relax while Terra drove the rock home.


    They reached the end of the line to hit a dry stone wall. Only for it too to open up thanks to another terrakinetic. They all walked through the new door, and collapsed the old one. There at last they were back home. Home, was an old underground freshly carved cavern of immense size. With honey comb sections cut out of the wall to maintain structural integrity. Massive pillars of stone connected from the ceiling to the floor. Crystals glowed giving off ambient light much akin to twilight as the sun would set, or rise. The temperature was a crisp 62 degrees fahrenheit (16.6 celsius). With a small chance of showers from the resident weather manipulator.


    All five of them were escorted by armed guards to a bio scanner, and a telepath. They were checked up and down for any new augmentations, bio mechanical or otherwise. Along with any brainwashing. Security was no joke in the resistance HQ, as this was the third base they had, the other two had to be left behind because they grew lax in security. Once all five of them were cleared they were released to do as they wished. Though Nightwing, Red Robin, and Red Hood all went straight to the council chambers to make their report.


    They waited in a antechamber along with several other teams that had made it back from different districts, and burrows. With any a single word shared between the teams they all had the same conclusion. Something had happened, what was it? When the doors finally opened they were brought in to the council chamber. The senior members of the resistance for this specific cell. But a sight for sore eyes in the middle of the chamber was a water mirror. A way for Themyscira to talk to them all.


    ¡°Welcome back everyone, I am sure you all have a lot to report but we''ll save you all some trouble.¡± Oracle, and or Barbara Gordon said from her wheelchair. Oracle was 5''7¡± with short red hair, and sharp green eyes. She sat in a fully automated wheelchair that linked to her spine. She gestured for everyone to sit, though her eyes did linger on Nightwing who returned the glance.


    ¡°Everyone, it is good to see you again. I have some good news!¡± Wonder Woman aka Diana Princess of Themysicra said to the council chamber.


    ¡°One of the alternate realities being invaded by Dex have made contact with us. They have forced Dex''s forces to a stalemate. They have also set one of their people to us. Specifically someone of magical origin, that has been blessed by their Themyscira has a brother to the Amazons.¡± Diana replied, she stood in the reflection of the water mirror.


    Her voice had a slight echo to it. Her words were a great surprise to the whole room. Over a dozen people broke out in brief whispers, and a few others stay silent waiting for the rest of the information to be shared. Two people to be specific, Batman who sat off to the side, and Ra''s al Ghul. Both men sat on direct opposite sides of the council chamber room. While Talia al Ghul sat next to Batman. Their son Damian sat next to Ra''s.


    ¡°The one known has Agent Wraith, of the United Nations World Security, and Justice League International. Has given us blue prints, and 12 automated surgery pods designed to remove the Bio-Chip, and cybernetic augments from any that have been brain boxed by Dex. I am happy to report that every one of friends have had their chips removed, and are all recovering now.¡± Diana said, and a breath of fresh air filled the council chamber. Several people smiled, and others cheered.


    ¡°He has also given us a Rift key, to establish a connection to his home reality. We have been informed that our reality vibrates at a faster pace compared to his. For every six days for us, is one day for his home reality. But...¡± Diana let the words hang in the air as she looked at the council chamber. Everyone nodded in understanding. They had been tricked before.


    ¡°Where is this...Agent Wraith? We would very much like to speak to him.¡± Said a smooth, and cultured voice of Ra''s. The council chamber all nodded in agreement. Diana''s face remained mostly neutral, but to anyone who knew her they could see she had a pained expression.


    ¡°Agent Wraith...Is currently on mission for us, specifically Themyscira.¡± Diana said, her eyes went hard. She had said Themyscira, which meant it was not her decision. Ra''s eyes went hard, as he stroked his salt and peppered beard.


    ¡°Wonder Woman, can you tell us what the mission is?¡± Oracle asked the question that everyone wanted to know. Then a voice called out from the water mirror. A voice no one expected, and few welcomed.


    ¡°He went to Tartarus to retrieve a treasure for the Amazons.¡± Superman''s voice called out. The water mirror expanded to include Superman, and Supergirl standing off to the side, under guard by Amazons, and meta-humans. The whole council chamber burst into a chorus.


    ¡°ORDER!¡± With a shout, and slam of his fist Batman shouted and the whole room went quiet just as quickly as it started. Batman, the ever critical thinker turned to the water mirror. More specifically Diana who lifted her lass of truth, and nodded.


    ¡°Welcome back Clark, Kara.¡± Batman said, in his cold indifferent voice. But they both nodded back to him.


    ¡°Tartarus, forgive me Highness but isn''t that the part of the underworld where the worst of the worst go?¡± Ra''s asked, as he turned to Diana. A few peoples eyes went wide at that.


    ¡°Yes, apparently he''s done it before.¡± Diana admitted, though it looked like she had bit into something sour. Ra''s noted the expression, and looked around the room. Expecting someone to follow up, attempting to be polite.


    ¡°How long has he been gone?¡± Talia asked.


    ¡°About a month....Back in his reality it apparently took a year.¡± Diana said, as she looked back at Clark who nodded in confirmation.


    ¡°How do we know he is even alive?¡± Talia asked the hard question. Diana took out a life jewel, it contained a single drop of blood from Wraith. Despite its dim color, it was still glowing. All of the magical council members understood and explained to the whole room.


    ¡°So, the question we have now is. Do we trust him and open the Rift to his reality? Or wait for his return, then open the Rift?¡± Talia said to the council.


    ¡°Let us discuss the pro''s and con''s of each then put it to a vote.¡± Ra''s said, as he looked around the council chambers. Everyone nodded in agreement.


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    ***Alternate Reality, Tartarus***


    Lash fucking hated Tartarus. He had forgotten how big the place was. Since there was no night or day here, and as long as he properly fed on a soul he would lose track of time real quick. Thankfully before he had left the castle town he bought a very simple tool from the store. A clock!


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the in dream Clock!


    Clock: Shows the time of the current reality.


    Congratulations User! Clock has evolved into Minor Clock


    Minor Clock: Shows the date and time of the current reality. Shows the date and time of your home reality.


    For a grant total of three DP. However something had clearly happened in the month he had been away because his DP jumped by 50 points a few days ago. Of course it may have been his effect on Tartarus? He was currently marching across the barren wasteland of Tartarus days away from the castle town of Dia Nyx the Lady Baroness. Turns out that once you leave the area directly controlled by one of the lords of hell. The landscape changes! The Baron he was currently attacking had decided Tartarus would look better as a swamp. Twisted trees, gnarled roots, serrated grass, with will-o-wisps floating around. Of course the current landscape was just fine for Lash personally. Druids have power even in hell, or at least he did.


    Congratulations User! Basic Manifestation has evolved into Intermediate Manifestation.


    Saurus Warriors total number is 400, they can now use all Skills, Powers, and Spell Domains E grade and lower.


    Saurus Veterans total number is 40, they can now use all Skills, Powers, and Spell Domains D grade and lower.


    Saurus Elites total number is 4, they can now use all Skills, Powers, and Spell Domains C grade and lower.


    Manifestation: Energy consumption has decreased, power, and range has increased. All manifested conjurations are more intelligent, and geared.


    Geared, that was the important part to the update in the spell. His Saurus Warriors use to wear a combination of tribal bone, leather, and metal. Now they wear magitek armor, with a bit of bone. But the bone armor is mostly ceremonial. He had 200 warriors moving through the swamp currently, with 5 veterans, and 1 elite. All of them using some variant form of Plant Control. Each one of them in magitek armor, each one using a combination of cold, and hot weapons. Watching a monster like demon get shredded by Consecrated enchanted bullets was a sight to behold.


    Next to Lash was Vyllith standing in full magitek armor. A gift from Lash. Before they had left the castle town Lash had pulled Vyllith aside in a private room. Vyllith despite the sudden career change took it in stride. The moment he had left the court chambers he had told her the deal was signed and she belonged to him. One of the first things he did was name her a Daemonic Knight, as a baron he was allowed to have 10 hell knights.


    ___________________________________________


    Vyllith had shivered with anticipation when she found out what he had planned for her. He placed his clawed hands on her head and granted her the title of Knight. Her body changed slightly gaining muscles, and bone density. She went from 5''9¡± to 6'' even. Her body gained muscle definition with chiseled muscles. Two black horns grew along the crown of her head just below her hair line. The horns out, and back by a few inches. She also sported several tattoos that grew across her form. The tattoo looked like a tribal demon tattoo that was symmetrically drawn down her back, and the tips of it wrapped around to her front.


    The dress Lash had given her was now tight, and left very little to the imagination. So he had her take it off carefully, along with the shoes that didn''t fit, and the leather an chain BDSM outfit. There was a brief moment that Vyllith had thought Lash was going to have sex with her. But he dismissed that thought quickly as he began to make her gear. Couldn''t have his knight running around by his side naked on the battle field. Vyllith stood off to the side as she watched him make the gear in the private room they had been given in the castle.


    Like he had done for Kara, Kory, and Megan so many times in their travels before. He had Vyllith make a T-pose and he painted on the gear. Choosing a similar polymer blend that most JLI members obtain from the Watch Tower. Then he chose a design akin to magitek armor. Much like knight armor, but a bit more flexibility and utility. By the time he was finished it looked a lot like Daedric armor from the Elder Scrolls games. While the helmet granted Vyllith a magical/virtual interface.


    Last but not least, Lash submitted to Erik''s whims and granted Vyllith a whip blade for her primary weapon. A long sword, that when primed would extend out and become a 10 foot long whip with blade segments. While Lash put an electromagnetic sub-machine gun in her right forearm gauntlet. While her left got a shotgun, and he gave her a shoulder mounted gun that would pop out of her armor when needed.


    With a single thought, Vyllith had collapsed her helmet. The entire piece broke apart into pieces and merged into her collar. She looked herself over with a savage gleam in her eyes. She looked at Lash and this time with out being told took a knee and bowed her head. In this brief moment she carved the name Lash, and his partner Saurian into her heart. If she wasn''t his knight before, she certainly was now. When Lash, and Vyllith had left their guest quarters her new armor was all the rage, and envy in the castle town.


    __________________________________


    Now, in the swamps of one of the Barons of hell. The new armor was covered in blood, mud, and other questionable things. But Vyllith stayed by Lash side as they slowly moved through the festering swamp lands. Despite its appearance it was more than capable of moving through the swamp unimpeded. Thanks to the Nature''s Passage enchantment on it. Lash was sure that this landscape would slow any one else down. But not them.


    The lands owned by the Lord of Hell, Xuggarath. Every Lord of Hell knows how to manipulate their shape. Making them talented shapeshifters. Xuggarath decided out of all the different shapes to take. To be a giant slug... Not to dishonor the spirit of slugs in the universe. Slugs were very useful! But from what Lash understood Xuggarath was a giant creature, with festering boils, tumors, open sores. As he left a trail of acidic slime in his wake. He had an open maw that was like a blender that slowly ripped flesh, bone, and souls apart.


    Here. -One of the Saurus Warriors called across the telepathic link. Lash, and Vyllith turned towards the call and moved through the swamp with casual grace. As if they had been going for a walk through the park. Vyllith had been connected via Temporary Pack Bond. But she had been linked before through the link between Lord, and Knight. They walked past a few twisted trees to find a Veteran holding at spear point a demonic soldier of Xuggarath.


    ¡°Ah! One of the first soldiers of the Baron. All we''ve encountered so far have been nothing but creatures.¡± Lash said, as he came to stop before the creature. Just out of arms length. The creature in question looked like a amalgamation of different animals put together. To many limbs, not even mouths. The soldier grinned at him with two of its mouths. While the last one spoke.


    ¡°You are trespassing on my lords lands...Why?¡± The creatures speech was broken, and misshapen. Because one mouth would speak one word, the other mouths would speak the next.


    ¡°To kill him. I''ve accepted a contract from Baroness Nyx to take his head, along with the other two that threaten her rule.¡± Lash said honestly, as the creature chuckled. Its saliva dripping into the swamp water around it.


    ¡°Then you are a fool! My lord will feast on your bones-¡± Before he could continue Vyllith took out her sword and with an expert flourish her whip blade sliced him into so many pieces.


    ¡°Rude...¡± Was all she said.


    ¡°Thank you, Vyllith.¡± Lash said, she turned to face him. Her helmet hiding her features, but Lash could tell she was smiling at him.


    The pieces of flesh fell apart. While the wailing soul of the demon was about to fly away only to pause and rush straight into Lash. Soul Absorption, consumed the demons essence. (Chp. 49) Lash absorbed the broken pieces of memory from the demonic soldier. He obtained a brief glimpse of the layout of the land around them. There was an outpost to the west of there current location. The moment he knew, the rest of his Manifestation knew, as did Vyllith.


    ¡°What a delightful ability you have, Lord Baron.¡± Vyllith commented, as she shivered in delight at the new information shared across the link.


    ¡°Isn''t that normal for all hell lords?¡± Lash asked, as he rejoined his warriors in the march across the swamp.


    ¡°Not at all, Lord Baron. Knowledge is power, knowledge is a currency. The more you know, the more influence you have. The fact that you freely share it with me... I thank you for the privilege.¡± Vyllith said, with a bow of her head before she quickly came to his side.


    ¡°I''ll keep that in mind. I do hope you understand that information does not leave you with out permission?¡± Lash said, his eyes glimmering with intensity. Vyllith nodded her head, as if it was a given. But understood why he emphasized it.


    While they moved through the swamp, its marsh land pulling itself together to make a reasonable bridge for his forces. Lash stroked his necklace, the physical representation of the mystic dragon. With out saying a word out loud he pulled up the store catalog, and bought the next evolution of Soul Absorption.


    Congratulations User! Soul Absorption has evolved into Minor Soul Absorption.


    Rebirth Domain Effects: You absorb, consume, and recycle souls that have fallen out of the natural order of life, death, and rebirth. You regain a percentage portion of energy and life depending on the power of the fallen soul. You also gain 2% of the ambient soul knowledge the fallen one had. You also gain 1% of the total experience of the soul absorbed.


    Interesting, made Lash curious where the experience would go? He soon got his answer once his group reached the outpost. The outpost was twisted tree surrounded by walls made out of flesh and bone of demons, humans, and other things sent to Tartarus. The wall was partially alive, as in many of the bodies were not dead, and continued to wail in agony. Lash was sure it sounded pleasant to the right crowd. But to him it was just irritating. With out a word his group rushed in. Simple, clean, and fun!


    Lash extended his Psionic Blades from his clawed hands. While his tentacles shot spells out left and right to help support his army. Thanks to Parallel Minds, he could do so with ease. Creatures poured out of the gates despite its small size. Lash burrowed into the tide of flesh and bone with a smile on his face. His blades sliced, diced, and made ribbons out of them.


    Lash jumped into the air, and spun around crashing his foot into an axe kick crushing a skull. He swept his blades out like a spinning top, sweeping them all in Nth metal energy. Judgment laced into the weapons. The Grave Domain magic acted like caustic poison to the creatures he cut through. He ducked under the axe of a larger creature, and disemboweled it. Spilling its intestines out with a scream. The acidic touch of Judgment burning his blood vessels. The creature screamed and attempted to grab at Lash. With his bladed tail Lash swept the creature side ways cutting it in half. Lash moved on.


    Vyllith was by his side through the tide of creatures. Her blade whip spinning about her in an artful ribbon dance. She jumped through the field like a ballet dancer at a festival, at each moment of reprieve she lift her left hand up and activated the shotgun in her arm. BOOM! The scatter shot would rip through several demons. She jammed her heel into the skull of a soldier breaking bone. She jumped up, spun around shattering the things spine, and twirled her whip around slicing through skin, flesh, and bone.


    The Saurus Warriors, Veterans, and the single Elite were not idle. They waded into the combat with glee, and famished eyes. As if it had been days since they last tasted battle. They split into teams with uniformed precision. A spear point vanguard upfront, while those on the sides sprayed spell shot straight into the incoming forces. Many of the spears they carried collapsed into magitek rifles. They shot the vital points of the demons. Which for them was mostly their joints. Given most didn''t have simple heads, or eyes. While the Elite stood in the middle, as it Psionic blasts of energy. The energy corroded the forces.


    Lash ripped and tore his way into the outpost and found a behemoth of a creature in armor. Standing on cloven feet, pig like exterior, and a single gaping eye. It wore crude rusted metal, and a meat cleaver in its main hand. Has tall, and wide as itself. It roared defiantly at Lash. Lash bowed politely in response and rushed towards it.


    The creature swung its meat cleaver wide. Lash jumped up in the air, and used Personal Time to lightly touch down on the cleavers blade, and jumped off of it. Leaving the area of effect. To the outside perspective it was like Lash perfectly timed the jump. Lash jumped straight to the wide eyed creature and scissor cut his blades out. Decapitating the creature with a single attack. He three pointed landed behind the creature. Then stepped to the side as the giant corpse fell backwards. Before he could rejoin the battle he got a prompt.


    Attention User! You have claimed a military outpost. Do you wish to give it to Baroness Dia Nyx?


    Yes? [ ]


    No? [ ]


    Lash was surprised but made a mental command to grand Nyx the outpost. The entire area shuddered, and all the remaining demons in the area that belonged to Xuggarath burst into flame! They wailed in agony as their flesh burned. While their souls floated into the sky, they made a gradual attempt to fly inland before they shuddered and were pulled straight towards Lash thanks to Soul Absorption. Lash went stock still as Daemonic Heritage gained vast amounts of experience.


    Attention User! You have killed, and absorbed the soul of a Knight belonging to Xuggarath.


    Lash raised a scaled brow at the prompt and looked at the giant mound of flesh that was already decaying at fast rate. The outpost for what it was decaying around them quickly. The walls of living flesh, and bone fell to pieces. The few creatures alive looked around confused and were quickly killed on the spot. No one sent to Tartarus was a good person. Each soul was absorbed into Lash.


    Lash left the remains of the falling outpost and saw a strange sight. From the direction of Dia''s land the swamp was dying. Tree''s fell over, the swamp water drained, the mud dried into stone. As more time passed the land around them changed to take on the aspect of Dia''s land. The gothic architecture, dark night, ziggurats. The infrastructure would take time. But it seemed with every outpost taken her land would grow. Great! Lash was in an RTS now. (Real Time Strategy)


    ¡°Vyllith, question for you. Normally when demons die they return to a spawn point. Correct?¡± Lash asked his knight who soon joined him to watch the change happen.


    ¡°That is correct, Lord Baron. It is the main reason why the Baroness has been able to hold her ground this whole time.¡± Vyllith said, and continued to speak as Lash looked at her for an explanation.


    ¡°When demons, and devils die we start from the beginning. There are many spawn points scattered through out the hells. We are born as the lowest of creatures, and have to claw, rip, and tear our way back to the station we had before. Traditionally if you have sworn to a lord, you are spawned in their domain. The Baroness broke tradition in this regard.¡± Vyllith said, as she stood still for a moment as Lash cast Immaculate on himself, and her.


    ¡°The other Lords in Tartarus follow the tradition. While she does not. The moment anyone of her people die. She reclaims them from the spawning point, and begins to train them in earnest. Many of the demonic soldiers you saw were trained from their first breath once they have died.¡± Vyllith finished, looking at Lash waiting for instruction.


    ¡°What about memories?¡± Lash asked, as they moved in the direction of the next outpost. Gleamed from the memories of the knight.


    ¡°Most demons, and devils lose their memories when they die. The stronger you are the more you retain. But its purely fragments. However, with my Lord Baron''s power. You have absorbed the demons souls into you. They will not spawn again, which makes you terrifying to any that are your enemy.¡± Vyllith confessed, but she was not afraid. She was thrilled! Thrilled to be serving the bane of hell.


    If Lash was being honest, he didn''t really know what happened to the souls he absorbed. Did they rejoin the wheel of reincarnation? Did they just go back to the Dream Engine for recycling? Which he guessed was a form of reincarnation? It was so confusing. He''d have to ask Dawn about it later. If she could even tell him. It sounded like a story thing, something he would have to figure out. But it couldn''t hurt to ask.


    =====================================================


    ***Castle Tower, War Room***


    Lady Baroness, Dia Nyx. Daughter of Trigon sat at the war table with several of her hell knights. While the others were manning the varies military fronts, and domestic security in her realm. She watched in glee as the map that represented her domain expanded to include another new section of land. The glowing marker for Baron Lash highlighted.


    ¡°He is making progress, far faster than expected. Lady Baroness, I understand he signed a contract. But are we sure we can trust him?¡± A hell knight asked. Dia glared at him, her eyes flaming red. The knight held his ground.


    ¡°He wants the Relic. We can assume he will at least kill one, or at least die trying. But, if he succeeds, and chooses to stay and kill the rest. That is when we should be wary of him. Friendship is not something one obtains in hell. It is clear he is after something else.¡± Dia said to her knight. Impressed that they did not back down when she glared at him.


    ¡°Assign a detachment, and start making the outpost as soon as possible. I want an anchor in place before the next rotation is complete.¡± Dia said, giving orders to her knights. They saluted and left in a hurry. A single knight remained to look over the map with the Baroness.


    ¡°Baroness may I speak?¡± The knight asked, Dia gestured for him to continue.


    ¡°We have heard rumors that the Baron is consuming the souls of the fallen. But, the souls of our demons that died near him were still released to our spawn point. Do you believe this is intentional or accidental?¡± The knight asked, Dia sat back in her chair looking at her knight.


    ¡°I think he is a monster. Father and he would have gotten along.¡± Dia said, her words suggested a fondness. But her expression was acidic.


    ¡°Send word to the spawn point, I want to ensure all of our newly spawned are accounted for.¡± Dia said to her remaining knight who saluted and left quickly.


    ¡°Soul Reaver, in hell. How delightfully terrifying.¡± Dia whispered to herself.


    ============================================================


    ***Primary Reality, Starling City. One Week after Counter Incursion***


    Starling City after the first 48 hours of the initial invasion had power with in minutes once the static charge had faded. A little detail that surprised the invasion force to no end. Not only did they have power, they had renewable power. Solar panels, wind turbines, tide generators. This also made the city a natural place of refuge for those outside the city. Starlight City was jam packed full of people all across the state of California that could make it to the city. Which of course brought its own host a bit of problems. Thankfully, the JLI had shown up in force to help reinforce the area. Now, they were desperately calling for more help.


    Explosions rocked the whole area, shaking the ground and scattering shrapnel, concrete, and debris into the air. A invasion drop ship flew over using its mounted guns to fire onto the forward positions of the Starling City guard. Only to be shot down by an energy blast from a meta-human. The drop ship crashed into a ruined building. But not before its crew jumped out, and rushed into battle with reckless abandonment. A tech-meta invader in their power armor raced forward. Then a precision arrow shot went straight through its visor and killed them.


    A green hood raced from its hiding spot as it was tore apart by bullets, and energy shots. Another arrow went straight into a robotic units left leg joint. It exploded into green freeze foam, swallowing half of the machine. A red hood raced from their location. With out the tech-meta guiding them the robotic units stuck together. One was frozen in place, so they wouldn''t move with out each other unless orders were given.


    Then a woman with bleach blond hair, and black leather jumped down from a near by roof top. The robotic unit swiveled to fire, but before they could a sonic scream tore through the whole area. Windows shattered, concrete buckled, and the synthetic muscles, wires, and computer chips of the unit buckled apart at the seems. The unit fell to pieces, literally.


    Black Canary moved back into the shadows to rejoin her team. Green Arrow, and Arsenal soon arrived at the rendezvous point. The three of them look exhausted, each one breathing heavily, covered in mud, blood, and sweat. Black Canary rubbed her sore throat still not use to her new found meta-powers. A streak of purple lightning zipped over to them to reveal, Rush (Monika) who smiled at them.


    ¡°Good news!¡± Rush said with a brilliant smile that was infectious.


    ¡°They''ve chosen to surrender?¡± Green Arrow asked, Rush looked chagrined but pushed past it.


    ¡°Nope! We got some reinforcements inbound!¡± Rush said, quickly recovering. Just as she said that a sonic boom rang out across the city. They saw a flying figure bull rush through the invading line. Shooting lasers from their eyes.


    ¡°I thought Superman was still in south america?¡± Arsenal said, as he watched the quick devastation take place.


    ¡°He is! That is the alternate reality Superman. The Rift was opened up a few days ago!¡± Rush said with a cheshire grin.


    ¡°Is Wraith back?¡± Black Canary asked.


    ¡°Ummm, No. He is still doing his thing in hell.¡± Rush said, her smile wilted and she looked sad.


    ¡°I''m sure he''ll be fine.¡± Green Arrow said, as he straightened his shoulders.


    ¡°Over watch you online?¡± Green Arrow asked.


    ¡°Standing by!¡± Felicity''s voice chimed over the radios.


    Team Arrow got back to work, with the help of Rush. They linked up with AR-Superman, and the rest of the JLI that were stationed in the city. The citizens of the city were confused as to why Superman looked so different, but they weren''t going to complain about having the man of steel defending their home. Despite the hardship the city had been suffering they oddly stayed together when the were invaded by the invading military. Many of them not understanding it was a foreign force from another reality.


    One small thing that helped unit the whole city were the effigies of Wraith scattered through out the city. The citizens soon learned that the attacking military hated the effigies with a passion. The JLI members that the citizens spoke to confessed that Wraith had played an important part in the counter attack. He was also the main reason why the JLI was able to mobilize so easily. Because Wraith had prepared for it, along with the rest of the League. More than once the citizens of Starlight City had their nights turn into day for brief moments has the ion cannon from the Watch Tower lite up the invading forces. Wraith had apparently built the cannon.


    ==========================================================


    ***Alternate Reality, Tartarus***


    A deafening crack of thunder rang out across the firing line. As the tank shot a blue electrical line from its barrel. A gauss tank barrel, or a rail gun simple purposes shot straight at Xuggarath''s capitol city. Then another, and another. Lash stood off to the side, using an obstruction glamour to block the crack of each shot. Half way through the campaign he was struck with a sudden thought. Why didn''t he just make an armored convoy instead of walking? So, he did!


    Using part of the design for the mobile-FU-tank that Dex had made. He crafted three monster tanks. The size of two city buses side by side, and the same length. With a rail gun on the turret, and heavy machine guns mounted on the body of the tanks. The treads were treads, and wheels, with a bladed front to rip and tear through enemy forces.


    More frequent, but no more deafening than the tank shots was a firing line of Saurus Veterans with electromagnetic sniper rifles. 20 in total, being guarded by Warriors with assault rifles. Vyllith had practically begged Lash to make her one, so he did and was currently instructing her on how to use it. They had plenty of targets as the city was attempting to rush to their position. But were being cut down as quickly as they came.


    The entire land was nothing but swamp, until you got to the town. Then there were several miles of nothing but grass. Tactically it made sense to clear out the area around the town so they identify targets before they arrived. But in Lash''s case it was a huge mistake. Because they were still in the swamp, firing from tree cover straight at the city.


    Missile pods popped out of the tanks bunkers and shot down the flying creatures that attempted to fly down and tear them apart. Most of Lash''s magical energy was supplying his Manifestations, and using Infinite Supply to feed the ammunition of his people. So he just watched in mild amusement as the great battle between Lords of hell was simplified. For some reason he could feel that his Cosmic Patron was both pleased by his ingenuity, and displeased at the anticlimactic fight.


    One of the tanks deployed stationary clamps that bolted itself into the ground. The clamps leveled the tank out, and lifted it slightly up in the air so the tank was perfectly level. The rail gun was switched out for a long barrel. That pointed up, and shot a massive shell up and above the city where the shell exploded in mid air and scattered Consecrated shrapnel straight onto the city. All the while hundreds of demonic souls flew into Lash''s body to be absorbed.


    Congratulations User! Minor Soul Absorption has evolved into Basic Soul Absorption.


    Rebirth Domain Effects: You absorb, consume, and recycle souls that have fallen out of the natural order of life, death, and rebirth. You regain a percentage portion of energy and life depending on the power of the fallen soul. You also gain 3% of the ambient soul knowledge the fallen one had. You also gain 2% of the total experience of the soul absorbed.


    Congratulations User! Daemonic Heritage, Baron has evolved into Daemonic Heritage, Viscount.


    Effect: You have obtained one of the lower ranks of Hellish Nobility. This grants you passive dominion over lesser demons, and devils. As long as they do not serve something, or someone higher than yourself.


    Effect: The User is granted 100% resistance to hell taint, and corruption. 10% full immunity.


    Effect: The User may now have up to 20 Hell Knights.


    Congratulations User! You have slain the Baron of Tartarus, Xuggarath. Would you like to the land to Baroness Dia Nyx?


    Yes [ ]


    No [ ]


    A golden crimson light enveloped Lash and rippled across Tartarus in a storm of hellish energy. All the while his forces continued to fire on the horde of demons that fled the city. Vyllith however had ceased firing and was now staring awestruck at Lash. He granted the land to Dia, and noticed that one of the check marks on the duplicate contract he had was made. He could now obtain the holy relic if he wanted to. But Lash was struck dumb at how fucking stupid that was. One artillery shot killed the Baron? How weak was that guy?


    As the land was allocated to Dia, the whole swamp area and city proper turned dark. The landscape adjusting to the new master. All the demons belonging to Xuggarath burst into flames. Their souls flew up into the air, and attempted to head to their spawn point. But instead they were sucked into Lash. He obtained 10 new levels into his Heritage from the souls alone. At this rate he would be a Count before he left Tartarus.


    ¡°How do you feel, Vyllith?¡± Lash asked his knight. Vyllith was glowing in golden crimson. Though she looked the same, she felt stronger.


    ¡°I feel...Glorious! Lord Viscount! Congratulations on your promotion!¡± She said, she saluted him clawed fist over her heart. She bowed her head in reverence.


    ¡°Wonderful! Let''s pack it up! We''ll move to the next Baron''s land.¡± Lash instructed his troops.


    ¡°Lord Viscount, do you not wish to claim any treasures from the Baron?¡± Vyllith asked, looking at the destroyed town.


    ¡°No, besides you are worth far more than anything contained with in it.¡± Lash said simply. He turned and began to move with his army. Not noticing how Vyllith turned to him, and shuffled her feet embarrassed at his comment. Of course Lash winced when he got a single experience point in Charming Presence.


    ''Damn it'' he muttered under his breath. He didn''t need to say that! But he refused to take back his words and jumped onto a tank. Vyllith joining him, along with his warriors, veterans, and his single Elite. They barreled through the decaying swamp lands, guiding the trees to move out of their way. As the water drained, and mud turned to stone.


    ___________________________________


    Not a single hour had passed until Baroness Nyx''s forces showed up. A vanguard riding on great winged creatures flew over the decaying swamp lands. Expecting to see a great army claiming the treasures of the Baron''s lands. But instead were struck dumb at a letter nailed to the city gates.


    Dear Lady Baroness, and her forces.


    I didn''t want anything inside,


    so please accept it with my compliments.


    Sincerely,


    Daemonic Lord Viscount, Lash.


    A messenger was sent back quickly as they could ride. While the rest of the vanguard moved into the broken city. It was thoroughly destroyed, wrecked beyond repair. But what treasures they did find were in tact. Including the castle of the Lord Baron. His treasure room completely untouched! Lord Viscount, Lash had indeed left it to them.


    ______________________________________________


    Two months had passed, enough time in the Dream for Erik the gamer to need to leave because Dawn worried for his health. Erik had left the Dream on pause so he wouldn''t miss anything. He logged straight out and awoke inside his home. He carefully, stepped from his bed. Swapped out his cloths and went to take a shower. Erik felt the hot water wash over him. He felt different, he was different. It had only been a few days since he started to use the Dream Engine and he had lost tremendous amounts of weight. Far more than what was healthy, to lose so much so fast. But, he honestly didn''t care!


    Erik stepped from the shower, and cleaned the bathroom mirror of steam. He was thin, not dangerously so. But as thin as he had been when he was in high school. Not only that his eyes were bright. It was something that he hadn''t seen in his eyes for many years. Confidence, pride, and the yearning to do more with his life. He smiled at himself, and walked towards his kitchen. Not seeing the shadow marks writhing on his back.


    He fixed himself a big easy to cook meal. Took some vitamins, and went to his computer to write up a beta report while his food cooked. He noticed it took half the time to type out the report than it did before. The beta forum site asked him if he was feeling any additional bleed effects. Erik paused at the question. Then he replied with a yes, and gave a brief description about a boost in confidence, and overall sense of accomplishment. Which was of course true. The VI in charge of the site replied quickly to inform him these effects were normal. They asked him if he had experienced any increase in skills, such as martial arts that he didn''t have before. Erik stopped to think about it... Not that he knew of?


    The bleed effect, and or education of skills was something that the military had a contract with. The Dream Engine wasn''t allowed to grant imprinted skills through the dream for civilian use. So, they had to ensure that civilians that played in the dream didn''t suddenly know how to build bombs, or fight with swords. Erik thought about Lash, and knew for a fact that man could make a bomb from scratch. Erik couldn''t do that! So he said no to the bleed effect and finished his report.


    He carefully read through the description of the bleed effects. He didn''t find anything saying about loss of weight, improved eye sight, or skin durability. To be honest Erik didn''t want to report the changes that happened to him. He was afraid they would take the Dream Engine away from him. But, he did check the box for, ''unknown''. His alarm went off and he went to his kitchen to get his food. He came back to chow down, and search the forums for information.


    He read through the version updates that happened in the Dream Engine. One of the most noticeable changes was that the store had now been fully unlocked. So the Users didn''t need to spend DP to unlock it like he had. All the Users who had spent the DP to unlock the store got a refund. That may explain why he had a sudden influx of Dream Points. He jumped to the forum page that allowed the Users to look through the store catalog. He looked up recommended skills, powers, abilities, racial traits, equipment, modules for the Watch Tower.


    Erik received a notice that he received another game letter from another User. He looked at his in-box and saw three thousand letters. He rolled his eyes and activated the VI program to read, and clean out the crap. After a few minutes the letters were thinned down to about twenty. A lot of hate mail, death threats, and dick pics. Great! The last few were asked him questions about gear, how his VI Avatar gained the abilities he had. Erik answered what he could with out giving to much away.


    One specific letter he found made him smile just a bit. He opened it up and laughed out loud as he read the sender. It was Rofl Dex, the original User. Half of the letter was flaming rage of a troll pissed at him. Erik was surprised it got through the VI program for mail. Maybe the program knew Erik was fighting Dex''s Avatar. But the last half of the letter described the situation. Dex had joined the multiplayer beta. He had restarted his Dream, hoping to invade other realities and one day meet the original User of Wraith. But, Erik didn''t join the Multiplayer Beta. So Dex settled for the VI Avatar he found in another reality. Dex lost....Badly.


    Erik laughed for a while at the letter, then realized why the VI had let the letter through. A Developers note was attached to the letter. Rofl Dex had been removed from the Dream Engine Beta entirely. Because he had attempted to bribe a developer to obtain Erik''s personal information. The development team wanted to know if Erik wanted to press charges.


    YES.


    With in minutes the response was recorded and a reply was made. The developers wanted to ensure that Erik was protected, and that they didn''t condone personal attacks of any kind. The User of Rofl Dex would have his account banned for the next foreseeable future. If Erik heard anything from Dex in the future the Dream Engine team wanted Erik to contact them immediately. Erik agreed, and just laughed at the idiotic troll getting exactly what he deserved.


    Erik finished up and jumped back into bed, and entered the Dream Engine. He only had a few more days left before he would have to go back into work. He wanted to enjoy what time he had left. As the hum of the cube sent him back to sleep. He opened his eyes inside the black room with Dawn. Dawn currently sat in the fully furnished office with cherry wood desk, vast bay windows the showed the cosmos, and a computer. With a desk covered in papers, books, and pens. Dawn continued to wear the sexy business attire that she wore before. But unlike before she was sitting up right, almost rigid. She didn''t smile, she didn''t wave, she simply gestured with her eyes for Erik to look up. So he did. There above them both was the golden sun avatar of the VI Administrator he had met before.


    ¡°Greetings unto you, User #00012. We have been looking over your medical information. We have noticed a few changes. But we would like to inform you that those changes are in no way a danger to your overall health. We thank you for being honest with the development team. We will remain here for the next 24 hours to watch your progress to ascertain if any more danger occurs.¡± The VI Administrator said, the voice was gender neutral and shook the whole black room with its resonating voice.


    ¡°Additionally, with the User Rofl Dex having his account banned. We are in the process of erasing his VI Avatars from the Dream Engine data base. You are currently in conflict with his VI Avatar. Would you like to cancel the invasion? Or proceed?¡± The VI Admin asked.


    ¡°I would prefer to continue.¡± Erik admitted.


    ¡°Very well! We have an additional inquiry. May the development team record your invasion, and counter invasion for a future cinema production. As a promotional video? You will of course be compensated.¡± The VI Admin asked.


    ¡°Oh? Umm...Sure! That would be fine, I guess.¡± Erik said, rubbing the back of his neck. Not sure about the world seeing his specific dream. He noticed Dawn smiling at him, with a gleam in her eyes.


    ¡°Wonderful! I will now move from your sight so not to bother you!¡± The VI Admin said, and floated up and above the black room. Though the glaring light of the sun was hard not to see. Erik tried his best.


    ¡°So, what is the promotional video about?¡± Erik asked, Dawn as he walked up to her desk and took a seat. She smiled at him, and pushed the computer screen around to show him the data.


    ¡°Essentially they will do an edited video of the invasion. How it started from the perspective of the Dream. Not specifically you. It is a Technology/ Meta reality invading a hybrid reality. Dex was far more advanced, and had more resources. But your reality is not only holding their own, but is also winning. The viewers will be able to click on several different point of views to see the whole invasion take place.¡± Dawn said, as she leaned over her desk and pointed at the screen. Giving Erik full view of her open blouse and the delightful sight that came with it. Erik knew she was doing it on purpose.


    ¡°Dawn, if I had accepted to close the invasion. What would have happened?¡± Erik said, after he glanced at her cleavage that she had shown him.


    ¡°Well everyone that belonged to your reality would have suddenly shown back up. Then Dex''s reality would have been erased.¡± Dawn said, as she sat back down and straightened her top out.


    ¡°Wow, I am happy I decided to keep it then. A lot of fascinating stories took place. It would be a shame to lose them all just like that.¡± Erik said, as he sat back in the office chair.


    Dawn and Erik sat in the office in the black room for a bit. Erik looked her up and down, and Dawn let him do it. Her blouse was tailored for her, and looked like it could barely contained her burst chest. She even unbuttoned it a bit letting her breath more easily, or so he imagined. She trailed a finger down her throat, along her collar bone, then into her open blouse. Watching Erik follower her finger, he swallowed and stood up quickly.


    ¡°Well no time waste!¡± Erik said, and jumped out of the black room. Before he did something to Dawn that he knew he would enjoy, but didn''t want to the VI Admin to see. Dawn laughed, her voice sweet, and sexy in his ears.


    ____________________________________


    Lash and his armored convoy drove over a vast desert of red sand, and barren rock. This looked like the Tartarus that Lash knew and loathed so desperately on his first visit. The sky was crimson, and cloudy. It seem to go on forever, but he knew that it didn''t. Every few days, and yes it was days it would rain acidic blood. They currently drove through a canyon, surrounded on all sides by red rock. Weeping tree''s, that snarled and tried to grab at them.


    Lash rode in a mobile workshop. The truck rocked back and forth, but the workshop was steady as it could be thanks to gyro stabilizers. Lash was building an aerial drone, one of many that currently flew over head, and flew around the convoy. They had four pair of wings, and were long in shape. Like a giant dragonfly. About 12 inches long, with an insect appearance. They had Chameleon inscribed into them. Letting them camouflage into the terrain around them.


    A resounding crack! Thundered through out the whole canyon. Lash heard Vyllith sigh in pleasure as another demon creature fell to her rifle. A soul flew into the truck, and was absorbed by Lash. The Lord of hell in this region was named Sannunath, he unlike Xuggurath had taken an fallen angelic form. A human man, with beautiful features, and giant black wings. However, he was a Demon noble. Not a Daemon, not a fallen angel. Just a demon with a desire to look pretty.


    Lash inscribed the last spell script and the dragonfly flew off into the drifting sands, and red rock. He jumped out of the truck, and jogged over to the leading tank where Vyllith was currently perched. He jumped up to join her, and sat down next to her. She looked up from her rifle scope but saw that he was just relaxing. She went back to her over watch.


    ¡°Lord Viscount, may I speak?¡± Vyllith asked, Lash was tempted to be a smart ass but decided against it. Vyllith had a knack for taking things to seriously.


    ¡°Permission granted.¡± Lash said as he looked over the horizon. He saw several Saurus Warriors scouting ahead.


    ¡°When I joined you, I had expected a grand campaign of conflict, war, and spy craft. I thought he would preform guerrilla warfare. Sneak into the different lands unnoticed, and assassinate each Baron.¡± Vyllith said, as she turned to look at him while she spoke. Lash looked at her, admiring how the armor that was tailored made for her hugged her curves nicely.


    ¡°You sound regretful?¡± Lash said, with a smile. Vyllith knew he was joking so she didn''t rush to apologize.


    ¡°Not regretful, Lord. Just...pleasantly surprised. Most mortal technology doesn''t work in Tartarus, or any hell for that matter. I know you are different, I know now that not all Daemon''s are like you. Just... What will my life be like when we finish this task?¡± Vyllith asked the question at last, she sat up to look at him now. She pulled her helmet down so she could get a clear line on him.


    ¡°You''ll come with me of course, Vyllith. This isn''t my reality. I have a home to return to, a family to see, and lands to conquer. You will continue to serve me until I see fit to banish you, or grant you lands of your own.¡± Lash said simply, as it was expected. Vyllith let him see her smile, she nodded and went back to watching through the scope.


    It took them a week to get out of the canyon. Into the vast ocean of sand with the howling razor winds, giant scorpions, and demonic worms! The worms took the longest to counter. Lash figured out a system, he called it fishing! He ran out ahead of the convoy with a seismic anchor. Slammed it into the ground where it started to send vibrations through the earth. Then he would stand next to it with a spear in hand, and a long tether attached to the spear. That line attached to a tank that was bolted into the ground. Charging up with energy.


    It generally didn''t take longer than an hour before a massive mound of earth and sand would move as a worm swam towards his location. It would burst from the ground, its mouth open wide. Its maw a collection of rotating blades meant to puree anything it could get a hold of. Lash would throw the spear in hand straight into the open maw, and dive out of the way. The tank would send an electrical jolt through the tether. Call Lightning, would ride straight into the worm. It would scream! Erupting from the sands in pain. Then the rest of the tanks would blast it to oblivion. Then a massive soul would get absorbed! Rinse and repeat!


    Eventually they started to encounter demonic soldiers, wearing the scattered armor of the scorpions, and worms. They would burst out of the sands and attempt to surprise them with an ambush. Which never worked! Since Lash had obtained an evolution on one of his favorite spells.


    Congratulations User! Earth Swim has evolved into Minor Earth Swim.


    Effect: The User can now move through denser trace elements of Earth easier, for less energy.


    Effect: The User can now move through mystical forms of Earth. (Any earth element with magical energy)


    Effect: The User can breath while using Earth Swim, and by extension allow anyone in contact with the User to breath as well. Must maintain connection.


    Once Earth Swim had evolved hunting the worms, scorpions, and soldiers was easy. As entire team of scouts would swim through the sands ahead of the convoy relaying information through the Temporary Pack Bond. Watching the demonic soldiers jump out of the sand to attack only to be surprised when giant armored lizards jumped up out of the ground behind them. Priceless!


    The idiotic Baron, Sannunath built his capitol city straight into a cliff face. The city was exposed in a small desert valley, the one and only place in the whole region where there was water. A wall surrounded the city, and the city itself was built into a tiered layer system into the rock. His palace a giant monument of white stone. Lash could see sections of the outside wall, and layered walls further inside the city with trebuchets, ballistas, and catapults. Thanks to Magical Perception he could tell they were all enchanted. Allowing for maximum range, and power.


    The city was nestled inside of a valley. That was surrounded by a wall of rock. One would have to take a long passage down the rock face, into the valley, towards the city to get to it. The valley was big enough that with traditional weapons wouldn''t reach the castle town wall. But place anyone entering the valley once on the ground floor in range of the siege weapons. With traditional weapons!


    Lash had the tanks line up along the ridge. Sniper teams were set up, and support units near by. One of the tanks switched to artillery. With a thundering crack! That the entire valley heard the rail guns let loose, and the artillery shell exploded above the city. While the white stone castle towers were shattered in an instant. The greatest tower fell, crashing down into the city below. Right before the tower crashed. The upper tower room exploded out, and the Baron Sannunath flew out. Boiling with rage as he screamed out a challenge.


    ¡°Lord Viscount, Baron Sannunath seems to want to challenge you in single combat?¡± Vyllith said to him, as the words were screamed in a demonic tongue that Lash didn''t know. But Language Smith was prompting him with experience.


    ¡°Hmmmm....Nope, I''m good.¡± Lash said with a smirk. As the tanks continued to fire. Vyllith laughed lightly, and took out of her rifle and started to fire.


    If Lash had been a Baron still he would been made to accept the challenge. But thanks to his Other Worldly Lore, and Daemonic Heritage. As a Viscount he didn''t need to lower himself to accept the request of a lowly Baron. Next came a very action movie scene that most would recognize. Sannunath realizing his challenge had been ignored raced towards Lash''s position. Dozens of surface to air missiles from the tanks shot at him. He dove straight down and raced along the valley floor. Twisting in the air. DO A BARREL ROLL! He twirled his wings around him like they were shields. He rose up the cliff edge and raced straight towards the firing line. He pulled out his sword, soared above them raised the crimson sword to the sky. Then was ripped apart by the flak cannons on the tanks.


    Sannunath broke into pieces and fell to the ground dead. His glowing demonic soul rose up, and was quickly swallowed by Lash. The tanks stopped firing as the land was gifted to Dia, and the black color of her domain swallowed the whole area. The entire city screamed in panic as they were immolated, and every single soul was sent to Lash. He was ten levels away from evolving his Daemonic Heritage again.


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron would like to remind you. That though that was funny to watch. He was hoping for something...More. That your quest reward may be less than you imagine if you continue down this route.


    Lash rolled his eyes as he looked straight up at the sky at not specific spot in particular. He shrugged his shoulders as if it to say ''so what?'' Lash was on a fucking deadline! He''d been down here for five months. He was incredibly thankful for buying the Dream Clock. It really helped him keep track of things. He wasn''t sure if Selina planned to hold her wedding off till after the invasion. Or planned to keep it? Bah! He had shit to do! Once again he ignored the treasures with in the city, and moved to the next Baron in question. He checked his assassination contract and confirmed that the second box was filled in.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Conjuration Domain Spell, Demon Summoning.


    Demon Summoning: You can now summon 100 Demonic Soldiers from Tartarus. They have sworn loyalty to you, and you alone while under your spell command. The soldiers are G grade. They have basic equipment, and basic skills.


    Effect: Unlike Manifestation once this spell is cast, your magical energy can refresh. (So once you cast the spell they do not require constant magical energy)


    Oh, that was useful! It was both a pro, and a con to have to maintain his Manifestation spell. Yes, his army potentially would never die as long as he had magical energy. But it was a constant drain on his energy. If he called all 400 warriors it would completely consume his energy to maintain it. But with the Demons, it was one and done. Though they wouldn''t re spawn with out recasting the spell again.


    Lash cast the spell Demon Summoning to see what he had. A dark crimson portal tore open next to him. Clawed hands dripping in blood held the portal open, as the wailing souls of the damned screamed in agony. Disturbing, but a cool visual effect to be sure. A hundred demonic soldiers raced out. They all looked like goblin like imps? 3-4 feet tall, red skin to black. Bodies so thin that it was more like skin was wrapped around their bones. They carried rusted weapons, a few carried shields, and only one of them had a full set of scrap leather on. The commander.


    ¡°Hail to the Over Lord!¡± The scamp like creature yelled, and the horde cheered.


    ¡°Well crap... Alright, follow behind the convoy. Looks like I need to outfit all of you.¡± Lash said in depression. As he jumped into the workshop truck. The chaotic horde complied and moved in horrible mess with no coordination.


    Over the next week Lash measure, tailored, and fit his Imp army. That is what they were, imps. Lash had thought Imps were small creatures with wings. Apparently they had sub-breeds. The spell caster could also choose their development path as well. Lash giggled for a bit at the idea of having a horde of flying demons. But he would have to wait for the future to decide on that. He also found out that anything above F grade wouldn''t fit on the demons. It was like the Dream Engine prevented them from having exotic gear. Well shit.


    Well fine! They would have the best damn F grade gear Lash could muster! One by one as the convoy moved to the next region he gave them armor, weapons, and a plethora of skills through his class trainer ability. Once again the Dream Engine prevented him giving certain abilities above a certain grade. Frustrating! Nearly a week passed before he had finished them all and sent them back through the portal.


    ¡°Dawn.¡± Lash whispered softly. ¡°Where do my demons go?¡± He asked, wondering if he had just sent an army to Dia''s castle town. An army she couldn''t control?


    ¡°They return to a hellish domain, separate from any hell. Specifically anchored to the User. The contract between you and the Baroness Dia Nyx was simply the story event to obtain the spell. So, you need not worry about a well equipped imp army terrorizing the landscape in some distant land.¡± Dawn answered sweetly in his ear.


    ¡°Ah! Thank you!¡± Lash whispered back, and cleaned up his workshop.


    Lash sat down one day? Night? At some point with Vyllith and measured the distance they had traveled. It was at that moment that he realized that Tartarus, the dimensional plain of hell was about the size of north america. Dia controlled the west, and they were traveling east across the dimensional plain. Lash had never seen all of Tartarus, before it was straight of the Themyscira gate, and more or less in the direction of the Castle Tower of the Fallen One.


    What he didn''t understand is why the Barons didn''t have other towns? Yes, they ran across plenty of outposts. But those were normally single buildings, usually towers surrounded by a simple walls. But each Baron only controlled one town. In the vast stretches of land. Was it a control thing? Vyllith confessed that she didn''t know the reason. Nyx was the same way, she had one massive town. Far larger than any other Baron. But only one.


    ¡°Wait, what did you just say?¡± Lash asked Vyllith, he was stunned by her comment. She looked up at him, and thought for a brief moment before speaking.


    ¡°Tartarus overall size changes with the amount of souls contained with in it. Fewer souls, and the land grows smaller. More souls, the land grows larger. I imagine with the souls you''ve consumed that we''ll have to travel less distance to the next region.¡± Vyllith said, as she looked at him in confusion. Wondering if she had missed something. But she didn''t realize what she had said was exactly what brought Lash a bit of shock.


    ¡°Maybe that is why they only have one town per region. Its a market ploy. Souls are used as currency in hell. If you only have one city, then all of the commerce is directly under your control. How often are souls sent to Tartarus?¡± Lash looked to his knight in question.


    ¡°It is rare that we obtain a soul. Only the worst of the worse of the primary plane of Earth comes to Tartarus. I understand that your quest is to kill Rofl Dex. His soul is bound for Tartarus.¡± Vyllith said, her smile was a beautiful sight to behold. Lash mirrored her smile, thinking about Dex''s torture when he arrived. He''d have to ask Dia to make it a special one.


    Lash closed up the make shift map, and left the workshop for one of the tanks. Sitting on the body of the mobile fortress looking around the new region they had arrived in. Volcanic rock, razor sharp ledges of crystal dotted the landscape. Rivers of boiling lava forked, and reunited across the region. Active volcanoes of different sizes spewed out clouds of smoke and ash. More than once molten rock shot from the depths showered the sky. Dropping debris, and crystals onto the convoy. So much so that Lash crafted a new tank that emitted a Deflection shield around the whole convoy.


    With a new region brought new changes to the convoys mechanics. Thankfully Lash had been using his Transmuter title everyday. He had plenty of orichalcum, so he had been making nth metal, and mithril. He replaced the tires, and tank treads several times. Trying to get the metal alloy right. But this was magical hellfire. Known for being able to melt anything. The entire convoy had stopped at a specific lava river crossing. His warriors were scouting up and down the river trying to find a bridge. Nothing.


    Tath''tan was the baron of this region. He was some kind of demonic dragon hybrid. His soldiers were demon dragon-thralls. They could swim through the lava as if it was water. More than once they had popped out of the lava to attack them. Only to get shredded by bullets, and Psionic Blades. Lash was next to one of his tanks looking at the treads trying to find a work around. He didn''t understand magnetic propulsion. He wasn''t even sure it would work down here. He didn''t have enough nth metal to make them so light they could just float over the river.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Lash said softly. It was the first time he had used the word out loud since he arrived in Tatarus. Something Vyllith had noticed about him. She winced at the sound, and looked at him in worry. Some lords would take their frustrations out on their servants.


    ¡°Vyllith, stop thinking like that. I am many things but not so egocentric that I would punish you for my own failings.¡± Lash said loudly, understanding her feelings through the link they shared. She shrunk her neck in like a turtle but nodded all the same.


    Lash opened up his store catalog and went to his Domains. Looking through the spells he could buy. He spent two Dream Points for Calling.


    Congratulations User! The Conjuration Domain Spell Calling has evolved into Minor Calling!


    Effect: Anything you have made, or set a mark on you can now call to your side via a portal! The greater the distance the more energy required.


    Effect: Increase in power, decrease in energy consumption.


    Effect: Can portal between dimensional planes. (Not Realities)


    Then Lash looked through the book and looked up the Space Domain. He found Blink and spent another two DP to evolve it, just like Calling.


    Congratulations User! The Space Domain Spell Blink has evolved into Minor Blink.


    Effect: The Caster can preform a short and quick form of teleportation. Limited to 60''.


    Effect: The Caster can go through minor barriers (3 inches or less).


    Effect: The Caster can take themselves, any personal items, and carry small loads. (They can not carry anyone with them)


    Lash looked up from the store book, and measured the distance of the river and cursed his luck. 60'' wasn''t long enough. He typed into the search engine looking for something to help him cross large distances. He knew flight was something he could buy, but some part of him said not to obtain it. Like an itch, or a reminder. Saurian didn''t want to fly, he liked being on the ground. You missed a lot of details flying over things. It seemed silly, but Lash had learned to trust his gut when it came to such intuition.


    Another evolution to Blink would only extend it by another 30'' which was still not long enough. He had thought about swimming across the lava. But Saurian and screamed at him in a clear, NO! Hellfire was no joke. Lash hadn''t even tried to swim in normal lava yet. He measured the distance again, then jumped on top of the nearest tank to the river. He swapped out some of his warriors and called out two Elites. They came to his side in moments and looked at him for instruction.


    ¡°I want you both to throw me as far as you can in that direction.¡± Lash pointed up and over the river of lava. They grabbed him, and threw him up into the air. Both using Telekinesis to extend the throw. He did this as he heard the shout of Vyllith screaming at him to wait!


    Lash went flying up about thirty or so feet into the air. He activated Falling Glide and flew over the river of lava. When he reached ten feet he used Blink! Then teleported across the river. Then used Blink again, each one taking a chunk of his magical energy. He was going to make it! Until a giant fucking fish jumped out of the river of lava. Lash swore he heard the clatter, rattle, and cluck of a dice being rolled.


    The fish was massive, and opened its jaws revealing rows upon rows of razor sharp teeth. Hellfire lava dripped from its fish scales, it look like a giant grouper fish. The thing bit down onto Lash, and tried to pull him under the lava. At the last moment Saurian burst into being. Shattering the lava fish''s jaws. Then used Blink one last time to get to the edge of the river. Saurian appeared on the other side of the river with a wiggling lava fish. Its broken jaws wrapped around one of its legs. Saurian peered down at the fish, and ripped into it with glee!


    Congratulations User! Intermediate Damage Resistance, and Intermediate Adaptation have earned a sub-skill/trait.


    Effect: Hellfire resistance 1%


    Saurian''s eyes twitched in rage after he finished his meal he looked up at the sky. Once again in no particular spot, and he knew that his Cosmic Patron was laughing at him right now. Fine! He would fight Tath''tan! Saurian carved a ritual circle into the ground to empower his next spell. Then he began to use Calling to pull each vehicle across the river through a portal. Including his armies, and Vyllith since she belonged to him. Vyllith stared up at Saurian in shock, and awe. She had heard Lash talk about his partner, but now understood what he had meant. Saurian nuzzled the demon knight, and licked her face. She blushed at the attention, but didn''t mind it.


    The next few days were interesting to say the least. Every time the demon dragon-thralls appeared. Saurian would roar a challenge and wade into combat. Ripping, tearing, and eating the thralls. A shower of blood covered his armored form. They had made him an entire new set of gear before they had left for the alternate reality. But just like last time, the Daemonic energy had twisted his armor into something more.


    They reached the giant cave that was the capitol of the region. Saurian rolled his eyes and sat down outside of it. He was not going into such and obvious trap. The tanks started to fire at the cave. Breaking the supports, and obliterating the cavern structure from outside. Until the entire entrance was leveled. Then Saurian laced the tank shells with Earth Swim, and they continued to fire into the ground. The bullets slipping through the hell stone like water. Exploding in its depths! At last a roar rang out, and a giant wingless dragon burst through the stone work.


    Tath''tan was 50'' tall, and 100'' long. He looked like a giant crocodile, with sharp jagged volcanic glass ridges down his back, and tail. Thick armored plates up and down his body, and two orbs of fire for eyes. He opened his mouth and a earth shattering roar rippled across the field. Saurian used Bending to distort the ripple and had it pass by his forces by a small margin. Bending that was a spell he should evolve.


    ¡°Shall we fire, Lord Viscount?¡± Vyllith asked.


    ¡°No, my Patron wants to see a fight.¡± Saurian admitted, and slowly stood up. He had mention his Patron only once to Vyllith. But she understood that his Patron was essentially her lords backer. That had given him everything he had so far. She nodded and stood off to the side.


    Saurian used Size Alteration and cast the spell Enlarge/Reduce. He grew from 30'' tall, to 40''. He was now 60'' long. Still smaller than Tath''tan but he didn''t care. He raced towards the towering demonic dragon who grinned savagely at him. The giant crocodile barreled across the field, each step shaking the earth around them. At the last moment Saurian dove into the ground. Tath''tan ground to a halt, his momentum carrying him forward.


    Saurian jumped out of the ground, slashing his Psionic Blades silver in color for Nth Metal. Laced with the spell Consecrate. The holy spell from his Grave Domain seared the creatures flesh. Tath''tan roared in defiance, he whipped his body around at a speed far faster then his heavy body would suggest. His tail rushed to make Saurian into meat paste. Blink! Saurian appeared on the other side. Using both his hands, and tentacles he slashed through a leg and severed it completely. Tath''tan roared in agony as his back leg was cut off. The severed foot already turning to ash thanks to Decomposition.


    The sky clouded over with storm clouds. Magical circles with geometric shapes, and mandalas formed. They spun clock wise, while the shapes went counter clock wise. Saurian raised his clawed hands into the sky, and brought down its energy. Call Lightning! Struck Tath''tan again, and again! Thunderous crack rang out across the ruined volcanic region. Saurian kept it up until it had consumed 50% of his total energy.


    ¡°MERCY! Please Lord! MERCY!¡± Tath''tan screamed over the roar of the lightning.


    Saurian stopped, and waited for the smoke, and clouds of dust to clear. The Baron was a piece of cooked jerky. Surprising since Saurian had expected the lighting to travel through him into the earth like a conduit. Then he smacked his metaphorical forehead. It was a hell landscape. Different rules here, the dirt, or volcanic rock didn''t have the same material as the Earth did. Magic science rules!


    Tath''tan looked defeated but Saurian wasn''t buying it. He looked towards his warriors, and the rail guns fired up. Before Tath''tan had time to realize his deception had fallen on deaf ears. He had been shot through the head five times. Now, he was dead! His body fell to pieces and his soul flew into Saurian. Refilling his draining magical energy. He received the final prompt, and gifted the land to Dia.


    Congratulations User! Daemonic Heritage Viscount has evolved into Daemonic Heritage Count.


    Effect: You have obtained one of the mid ranks of Hellish Nobility. This grants you passive dominion over lesser demons, and devils. As long as they do not serve something, or someone higher than yourself.


    Effect: The User is granted 100% resistance to hell taint, and corruption. 20% full immunity.


    Effect: The User may now have up to 30 Hell Knights.


    Once more a golden crimson energy exploded from Saurian. Its explosion of power reached the skies of Tartarus and ripples of cascading power washed over the area. Saurian roared in victory, all of his warriors, veterans, and elites roared. Vyllith cheered next to them, not wishing to be outdone. Her own grade as a demon knight had grown. A rush of demonic souls from the fallen cavern surged through the rock and was absorbed into Saurian. Saurian reduced his size, and returned to his original 30'' by 60''. From no place in particular Saurian could hear the soft sound of clapping. He assumed his Patron has moderately pleased.


    Saurian returned to his convoy, and they turned around to head back to Dia''s capitol. The rivers of lava dried up by the time they had arrived. The skeleton remains of the fish were all that remained. The souls seem to have fled in any direction that was not close to Saurian, in fear they would be absorbed. The journey was... Different, shorter almost. It was as if vast portions of land had been removed from Tart...That was when Saurian remembered that with less souls, means less land. But, it was still a long journey back.


    Saurian eventually gave up control to Lash. Who then jumped on a tank and rode his way back across the hellish landscape that was slowly converting into Dia''s realm. A week passed with absolutely nothing to show for it. Except for lots, and lots of space. So much so that Lash kicked the entire convoy up in speed. He had taken a deliberately slow pace because he expected to come under attack. But this was ridicules.


    The roaring engine of a tank stormed over a hill and slammed down onto the ground. Tearing up rock, and dirt. Another tank not far behind it, and another. With two armored trucks behind it. Along with two dozen dirt bikes with Saurus Veterans, and one Elite riding them. Lash rode his own, as did Vyllith who had never ridden a motorcycle before. She had to admit it was fun! They were making good time now. They also noticed several new ziggurats in the process of being built. With many tortured souls contained with in the cages next to them. As they drove by the soldiers saluted them, and the priests bowed in respect.


    A new road that had been made? Created through magic? Either way it was there, which helped them cross the vast distance across Tartarus. At last Lash could see the towering volcano, and the castle tower far in the distance. A screech rang out above them, and a unit of armored creatures with riders flew down and joined them on their journey.


    ¡°Lord Viscount!¡± A rider called out, Vyllith all but snarled at the rider.


    ¡°Its Lord Count, you moron!¡± Vyllith shouted, her hellish energy rippling from her. The flying creatures wailed in shock, and almost went out of control. Until Lash cast Calm Emotions. The creatures went back under control.


    ¡°A...Apologies! Lord Count! The Lady Viscountess Nyx bids us to guide you back to the Themyscira gate. She has your reward in hand!¡± The leader rider said quickly.


    ¡°Very well! Please lead the way!¡± Lash shouted at them from his motorcycle.


    Oho! That was interesting. Dia had gone up in rank with the land they had claimed. But Lash had absorbed all the souls in the region that belonged to the Barons. He had risen in rank. However, she was still a land owner while he was not. Tradition dictated that he still remain polite. She was in power here, not him. It mattered little to Lash. As long as Dia didn''t cause trouble he wouldn''t either.


    The moved quickly now that they had driven across paved, and maintained roads. After a few more days they soon reached the Themyscira gate. The Lady Viscountess Dia Nyx waited for them with an entire entourage of demonic soldiers, and hell knights. She had grown several inches, and radiated power. Reality around her seem to warp, and ripple. Trigon was known for having reality alteration. Perhaps with her new found power Dia had started to reach for that power. It seemed that Tartarus may be seeing some new changes in the future. Lash may have just made a real threat to the other dimensional plains. Oh well!


    The armored convoy came to a lurching stop. Lash, and Vyllith dismounted from their motorcycles. Saurus Warriors took the bikes and stood at the ready. Besides the drivers of the vehicles, all the warriors, veterans, and elites stood at the ready. Just a gentle reminder to all the forces there that a small expedition force was responsible for slaying three Barons. Not an army. The point was made, as all the demonic soldiers, and knights went rigid as a board many of them reaching for weapons.


    ¡°Stand down... I don''t think my, friend. Means to attack us?¡± Nyx said to Lash, she was taller than him now. By at least a foot. He didn''t mind, as he bowed from his waist. While Vyllith dipped low, she did not kneel. Something that made Nyx glare but not say anything.


    ¡°You are looking good! Powerful! I like the reality twisting effect that surrounds you!¡± Lash said with a smile towards his new friend. Nyx smiled at him, her expression growing soft around the edges. They had made a deal! It was being up held.


    ¡°From one friend to another, for going above and beyond when you didn''t have to. Please except this gift.¡± Nyx said, as he gestured towards one of her knights. Who brought over a box, they brought it over to Vyllith who took it with a nod, then brought it to Lash. Lash glanced at Nyx for a moment, then opened the box with out checking for traps. An action that made Nyx smile more.


    Inside was a single spell scroll. A scroll that could teach him a single spell in a specific domain. Also, the Amazon holy relic. Lash reached for the relic, it glowed in his clawed hand the moment he touched it. Every dormant soul of the Amazon sisters with in recoiled at his touch. Then one brave soul reached out. They could feel his Daemonic energy, but they also felt the mark of the Amazons on him. The spirits rushed to fill him with power, pleading for him to take them home. He carefully lifted the orb, and handed it to his Elite. Who stepped back, and was surrounded by Veterans. Lash reached for the scroll.


    Chaos Domain Spell, Eldritch Blast.


    Do you wish to learn this spell?


    Yes [ ]


    No [ ]


    ¡­. Yes.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Spell Domain, Chaos!


    The user can utilize Chaos Magic, allowing mastery of spells capable of warping, manipulating and/or reconstructing reality and the very fabric of existence, and can cause total chaos and destruction to the cosmos. The opposite of Order Magic.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Chaos Domain Spell, Eldritch Blast.


    Effect: The User has the power and ability to generate and fire a concentrated beam of pure chaotic magical mystical energy at an opponent.


    Effect: Does moderate damage to beings of Chaos, does severe damage to beings of Order.


    Attention User! You''ve learned Chaos Magic, the opposite of Order Magic. The beings of the different dimensions of Order, and Chaos are watching you.


    Twisting, chaotic scripts of magic coiled around Lash. Flipping through hundreds of different languages, and many sigils of magic that simply didn''t exist with in the magic of order wrapped around Lash. One by one the spell scripts merged into his body, mind, and soul. But what ever effect Nyx had been hoping for...Didn''t happen. Lash absorbed the spell, opened his eyes and looked at her. Enjoying the look of surprise on her face.


    ¡°Oh, were you expecting me to explode, or something?¡± Lash said with a smirk. Nyx glared at him, but a smile was still on her face.


    ¡°Or something, but this is still a delight to see. I do hope this will not be the last time we see each other my friend!¡± Nyx said with a smile as her eyes grew fond of him.


    ¡°Not at all! I was planning on asking you join me when I attack Rofl Dex on Earth. Sincerely hoping you will make his stay in Tartaus a horrible one!¡± Lash confessed his plans to her. Her eyes went wide, as a murmur went through her army.


    ¡°I would be more that delighted to journey to the surface and fight by your side by friend!¡± Nyx said with grin. She quickly created a spell scroll, and handed it off to her knight. Who handed it to Vyllith, who gave it to Lash.


    Item: Hell Gate Spell scroll, Tartarus. Scroll owner, Viscount Dia Nyx.


    Lash tucked that away into his Item Storage it was just small enough to carry. He bowed one more time to Dia, she did the same. He turned towards his Elite who handed the relic back to him. He walked towards the Themyscira door way and touched the relic to the stone walls. Spiritual energy flowed into the door, and it slowly started to open.


    ¡°It may be a couple of months, or weeks depending how it is on the other side. I''ll let you know!¡± Lash called back, Nyx nodded in reply. The armored convoy turned to follow Lash through the door. Vyllith bowed one more time towards Nyx, who looked at her. That simple recognition was enough for Vyllith. She turned on her heel and moved right next to Lash.


    ¡°The Amazons may be rude to you. Please bare with it, they are currently my allies in the coming war.¡± Lash said to Vyllith. She smiled softly in response. She had lived, and breathed in hell for decades. What could the Amazons do to her that hadn''t been done already. She would be ready.


    The doors cracked open at last. Lash stepped forward as the armored convoy followed in his wake. A crystal clear blue shield glowed over the door preventing any fleeing spirits, demons, or otherwise from escaping Tartarus. Vyllith slipped right through like it was air. One by one the tanks, and trucks came through. The last one through was an Elite who nodded at the demonic troops. Then it left through the shield as well.


    There waiting for them at the other side was a legion of Amazonian guards. Shields out, spears waiting, and the general in charge looking for a specific person. Lash stood in front of them with a smile on his face. He had kept his Wraith disguise off, so this was the first time the Amazons in this reality had seen all of the lizard man creature. Once his Elite had passed through, he raised the holy relic into the air. A collection of Amazon spirits poured out, and cheered! They were home! Ghostly energy poured into the door, and it began to close. The Amazon legion didn''t relax until the doors sealed themselves.


    ¡°Well that was fun!¡± Lash said with a smile...

 Chapter 89: Eldritch Mind

    ===========================================================


    ***Alberta, Canada. Alpha Rift FOB***


    Something was wrong back home, AR-John Stewart the Rift commander knew the truth. Even if the reports back home said otherwise. For what ever reason, the Emperor had slowed their reinforcements, and supplies down to a trickle. The invasion was suffering for it. They were being pushed back, nearly a daily occurrence now. They had to self destruct outposts, listening stations, and portal hubs. The Charlie Rift was still expanding, but that was a small comfort as AR-John felt that the primary Alpha Rift''s days were numbered. Every day more and more of the Justice League from this reality was pushing towards their location. Along with Omega Energy level agents.


    AR-John had lost contact with AR-Constantine, their check in was days ago. The HK team remained on standby there one and only target being the Omega Red target. AR-John wished he could use them, their elite skills would come in handy right about now. AR-John looked at a launch platform that was in the process of being loaded onto a truck. They wouldn''t dare to launch it from their base and give away their position. Especially since this was the third rocket they have tried to launch. They were attempting to establish satellite uplink for easier methods of communication, and visuals. But every time they launched the satellite past the stratosphere it was shot down by the JLI''s orbital defense satellites.


    But most of all, he had seen reports of not two, but four Kryptonian''s from the field reports. The most recent two Kryptonians had very similar to their own that had gone missing weeks ago. Along with reports of their captured soldiers, and meat puppets fighting against their own forces. AR-John didn''t know how, but the JLI in this reality had discovered how to remove the bio-chips, and restore the meat puppets to life. Secretly, deep with in his mind AR-John hoped he would be captured. But his reconditioning was done almost daily now. As was all of the command staff. Every soldier was rotated on a 48 hour basis which was a logistical nightmare!


    AR-John knew that command would never admit it. But they were losing! Something about this reality, the Omega Energy creatures gave this reality a tactical advantage that the other realities didn''t have. For the first time ever, AR-John considered the possibilities of retreat. There were literally infinite amount of realities in this vast universe. But the Emperor in all of his wisdom demanded that they conquer this reality. Running from the issue wouldn''t solve it, AR-John would normally agree. If they would actually keep sending the scheduled resources!


    ¡°The Emperor is a fucking idiot.¡± AR-John said to himself softly as he walked from the machine shop back to the command tower. Then he froze mid step...


    ¡°Wait? What did I say?¡± AR-John said softly...Something was different!


    ===============================================================


    ***Alternate Reality, Themyscira Rift Boat***


    The Rift that connected their two realities was located on renovated military vessel from what use to be the United States navy. An aircraft carrier that had been anchored along the coast of the magical island of the Amazons. The Rift was no bigger than 10 feet around, and allowed easy passage for people, and basic resources to be brought through. On the other side of the Rift was the vast ocean, at an outpost built by that realities Atlantis. King Arthur.... Arthur who had died in the Alternate Reality, along with his wife, Mera when Dex nuked the city.


    It had been a startling sight for Kaldur''ahm, and Tula when they saw their dead king step through the Rift. Along with his Queen, Mera. The remnants from AR-Atlantis people all dropped to their knees and wept with joy, and despair. It was not the welcome that Arthur had expected, but unlike the AR-Arthur that AR-Diana had known this one was a born leader with practice, and patience. They brought supplies for the whole resistance through the Rift. They also provided living space in their realities ocean for not just AR-Atlantis, but anyone else which brought great relief on the entire resistance.


    _________________________________________________


    ¡°Princess....Diana? Yooohooo!¡± Arthur called out to AR-Diana. Who snapped out of her day dreams to look at him.


    ¡°I''m sorry Arthur, I was lost in my own thoughts.¡± AR-Diana replied, as she squared her shoulders to look at her old friend.


    Arthur Curry, was a mountain of a man with tribal tattoos across his entire body. Unruly long brown hair to his shoulders, and a bushy beard. His eyes were amber with almost a predatory look to them, that was only diminished by his giant grin that would infect anyone around him. He wore king Atlans''s armor still, the combination of gold, and green fish scale armor. He leaned up against the stone railing that overlooked the port. One of the few men allowed on the island due to his royal blood line.


    AR-Diana wore a combination of enchanted leather, and casual cotton. Something she could fight in, but also something she would relax in. Leather sandals, leather skirt, and a soft leather top. Her hair was tied back, and kept her face free. She kept her bracers of submission on. The AR-Diana looked worn out, but for the first time in many years she had a small smile on her face that reached her eyes. Arthur smiled wide at her, and her own smile grew broader. She chuckled and looked back at the naval ship holding the Rift.


    ¡°I missed you, Arthur.¡± AR-Diana said softly, just loud enough for him to hear it. He laughed loudly and nodded.


    ¡°Sure, every one misses me! I''m the life of the party!¡± Arthur replied, he was very smug about it. AR-Diana shook her head, and rolled her eyes. A look of mirth about her. But her smile wilted, and her eyes grew hard as she watched more people leave her home for the other reality.


    ¡°Don''t feel bad, Diana. Wraith said he could get rid of the radiation in the world. If he says he can, then he can.¡± Arthur said as he noticed her expression, and where she was looking.


    ¡°You have a lot of faith in him?¡± AR-Diana asked, as she looked at her long lost friend.


    ¡°Oh hell ya! The monster is terrifying! He is a great cook! He makes a really cool SHARC!¡± Arthur said, a grin on his face. ¡°Oh, submarine, helicopter, airplane, recreational, camper. SHARC! It was vehicle he made when he helped me and Mera find my mom, and get the trident. That thing had everything!¡± Arthur quickly explained to the confused AR-Diana. She laughed softly as he described it.


    ¡°Your Highness!¡± An amazonian guard came running to her side. She quickly bowed in respect to AR-Diana, and Arthur. They both stood up straight expecting some new battle report.


    ¡°He''s back! Agent Wraith has returned with the holy relic!¡± The guard said with a smile.


    ¡°Ahahahahahaha! The fucking monster made it in less than a year! That is some epic shit right there!¡± Arthur said, raising his arms in a cheer. AR-Diana flew into the air and took off towards the capitol of the island. The guard looked back at Arthur, a question on her face.


    ¡°I''ll go tell our people he is back, they''re worried about him too.¡± Arthur said with a grin and started to head back to the Rift. The guard nodded, and went back to her horse to return to her duties.


    ¡°To hell and back again, a lizard monster tale!¡± Arthur said to himself with a laugh...


    ================================================================


    ***Alternate Reality, door to Tartarus***


    ¡°Put them down, she is with me!¡± Lash said for the third time as the amazon legions tried to attack, and kill Vyllith who looked at them with a smirk. Vyllith to her credit made no move to bring out her weapon. Even with a spear point pressed against her throat.


    ¡°She is a demoness knight, Agent Wraith! She is not allowed on our holy land.¡± The amazon commander said, gritting her teeth as she looked at Vyllith.


    ¡°Knight Vyllith is part of my retinue, and if we are being technical. I am a Daemonic Count, my aura of power covers her own twisted corruption. The armor I made for her isolates the corruption so it wont leave a trail. You can keep her under guard, but I am not leaving her behind!¡± Lash said, besides the hostile situation he kept the holy relic in hand and his posture was relaxed.


    While this tense moment continued Lash''s warriors, veterans, and elite began to disassemble the tanks, armored trucks, and motorcycles. Why? Because they wouldn''t fit up the stairs, and the tunnels to the surface. All the while the spirits of the Amazons were in a tough position, they wanted to defend Lash for rescuing them. But Vyllith was a full blooded demoness. So they stayed that way for a few more minutes more until relief showed up.


    ¡°Stand down all of you! I will take responsibility for Wraiths choice in company!¡± AR-Diana shouted at them, as she flew down the tunnel towards them. The legions begrudgingly took their weapons back. Vyllith remained silent, her helmet in place. But Lash knew she was smirking at them, she was not impressed.


    Before Lash could say a word in greeting, AR-Diana swallowed him in a hug. A huge smile on her face as she embraced him. Lash gradually returned the greeting, wondering what had happened while he was away. AR-Diana stepped away, and looked at Vyllith with a critical eye. Going from emotional to cold and indifferent at the drop of a hat. That was pretty normal, amazons were a quick to emotion sort of people. Not to say they were emotional, more like they could flip from joy, to cold and and logical with a single flip of a metaphorical switch.


    ¡°We have demons, and devils in our resistance. Though they have not set foot on the island we''ll make an exception for you. Please keep to our laws while you stay, understand?¡± AR-Diana said to Vyllith, the demoness looked to Lash who nodded at her.


    ¡°I would be delighted to...¡± Vyllith''s smooth, and dangerously seductive voice sent chills down every ones spine. Lash rolled his eyes, a smirk on his face.


    ¡°Shall we return this to the Queen?¡± Lash offered, the relic still in hand. Which had made the hug slightly awkward. AR-Diana agreed and they began to ascend the steps. His reptilian force following him.


    As Lash''s reptile force was constructed with magic and a part of him they didn''t fall under the same rules as others. Vyllith stuck close to Lash, with in tails reach. But far enough away to react to any attack. Old habits, something that Lash was not in a hurry to break. Unlike before in his home reality they met the AR-Queen Hippolyta at the ritual room. Where the relic would stay. Just this once Vyllith stayed behind at the door with the saurus forces, while Lash stepped inside with AR-Diana, and the Queen, and an elite guard.


    The relic ritual room contained many other magical items. The room had a white marble floor, tall marble pillars, and an ancient greek, or roman style architecture. Along the walls were spell script for security that hummed with softly. One of the most secure rooms on the whole island, next to the door to Tartarus, and the nursery. There were separate alcoves along the wall. One of them contained the mirror of illusion that controlled the pocket dimension for Themyscira. Another alcove contained the armor of Ares, the god of war. Lash paused at the sight of it, having only ever saw Ares once during the battle at the gates of the underworld in greece.


    ¡°Unlike the rest of the gods that left Earth. Ares decided to stay behind and help us fight. Dex, along with hundreds of dominated slaves including Clark, and Kara fought and killed him. We retrieved his armor and weapons and brought them here for safe keeping.¡± AR-Hippolyta said, her voice held a bit of sadness in it.


    ¡°Sometimes the greatest of enemies can unite the oldest of foes.¡± Lash replied, the AR-Queen nodded in response.


    At long last they came to the altar that would hold the relic. A white marble altar with a small indentation to hold the relic in place. Lash handed the relic off to the Queen who carefully placed the relic on the altar. As soon as it was placed the relic hummed with brilliant blue energy. It sent a cascading ripple of power through the room, and across of Themyscira. AR-Queen Hippolyta walked to the center of the room and took a deep breath. Her golden staff returned to her by a royal guard. She slammed it three times into the ground, it resonated with the whole room.


    ¡°At long last, power is slowly returning to our island, and our people.¡± AR-Hippolyta said, as she turned to face Lash and AR-Diana. Her winkles smoothed out and she once more returned to the eternal beauty that she had been before.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, just as you have done for your Amazons in your reality, so have you done for us. We will uphold the promise made and make you a brother of our sisterhood. Welcome home, Brother Wraith!¡± AR-Hippolyta said with a bright smile. The royal guard, and AR-Diana all cheered in joy as the holy relic not only allowed the rebirth of the amazons, but brought magical power back to their people. Hope had returned to paradise island.


    ___________________________________________


    A celebration was held on the island, and among the ships anchored around the coast. Agent Wraith had returned, braving the dangers of hell itself to return the lost relic of the amazons. Word was sent back home to Lash''s home reality that he had survived. A collective sigh was released among Lash''s friends, family, and his pack. Food, alcohol, and revelry was had among the resistance as Lash was asked time and time again to retell his adventures of Tartarus to anyone that was interested in hearing the story. They had moved to the naval vessel that held the Rift. Vyllith at his side, once off the island officially the amazons breathed a sigh of relief.


    As the morning sun rose over the horizon most of the island was asleep but along the edge of the aircraft carrier sat Lash, rebound in his Wraith disguise as the shroud of smoke and shadow billowed around him. Vyllith was asleep by his side, dozens of bottles around her. As a demoness she understood the concept of a party. She had admitted it was rather tame compared to parties she had attended. No orgies, no ritual sacrifices, but it was still fun.


    Lash had created a pillow and blanket for her. She had snuggled into it and relaxed. A tension that she had been carrying melting away from her. As he sat on the edge of the ship he was looking up information, he had established a connection with Connectivity through the Rift. He looked up all the changes that he could, and updated Vici with all his new spells. She was already placing Eldritch Blast in the Watch Towers weapon systems.


    ¡°Brother Wraith? The council has been called, they are asking for you.¡± An amazon called to him. He nodded, and used Manifestation to create a Saurus Warrior.


    ¡°Stay with her until she wakes up, then the both of you come find me.¡± Lash told his warrior, the creature nodded and stayed next to Vyllith. ¡°Please lead the way.¡± Lash said his new sister who smiled at him and walked towards the council chambers.


    They walked into the ship towards the center of the massive structure of steel. Normally the water mirror would be placed on the island. But then not everyone could attend. Lash had been waiting to be called for awhile, but understood they needed to discuss a few things privately. At last he came to compartment and was allowed entry. Inside was relatively small to medium room for an aircraft carrier. Simple chairs had been placed around the water mirror which looked like a pane of glass. However no matter what angle you looked at it, it always the front. Interesting.


    Observant Learner activated, Divination Domain. Spell Clairvoyance.....1%.....10%.....


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Spell Domain of Divination!


    Effect: The User can employ a method of reading the future, the present and the past and/or provide help to a problem with the use of spell craft, tools, the aid of spirits, beings, or other magical beings of power.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Divination Domain Spell, Clairvoyance!


    Clairvoyance: The user can gain direct visual information about an object, person, location, or physical event through means other than the user''s physical sight and allows them to act when they are unable to use their eyes and may be able to ''see'' spiritual/psychic beings.


    Yay....Lash thought with a bit of sarcasm. He had 14 Domains in total now, and he barely scratched the surface to most of them. Erik the gamer had always enjoyed playing hybrid classes that could fit into many separate roles. But this was getting a little ridiculous. It wasn''t that big of a deal, it was not like it sucked up experience the more he had. They would grow only if he used them, and having more Domains helped his others. But it was like being swallowed by to much information. He''d have to sit down with a teacher soon and figure a few things out. Maybe Zatanna? Or Zatara? Or maybe even Constantine?


    The water mirror was a magical item created by a spell caster of some power. Lash didn''t fully understand how it worked, and would have to examine it to make one himself. But that would be for later. Lash stood before the council that resided in Themyscira, and the resistance HQ. He was surprised to see the Bat family sitting on the other side along with the Al Ghuls. But it made sense if he stopped to think about it.


    ¡°Greetings and salutations to all. How may I be of service.¡± Lash bowed from his waist but kept all four of his eyes on the mirror. With his shroud on, he once more looked like a lizard man was cosplaying as the grim reaper.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, hello and welcome back. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us.¡± Oracle aka AR-Barbara Gordon said from her wheel chair, a detail that surprised Lash.


    ¡°It is the second time I have braved the depths of Tartarus. I was also not gone as long as last time. Though I would discourage anyone visiting that infernal place. It was not fun, not fun at all!¡± Lash said, his voice dripping with a big of sarcasm. A few people smiled at him with the chambers of the aircraft carrier and the resistance HQ.


    ¡°Her Highness tells us that you were successful. With the relic brought to the amazons not only will they no longer face extinction, but the power of the relic is slowly helping them recover their magic. Tell me, why did you risk certain death and damnation in hell?¡± Ra''s al Ghul asked from his position in the chamber. Several people winced, but didn''t reprimand him.


    ¡°Hope is a fragile thing. I had brought hope to resistance when I brought machines to de-chip your friends and family. I also brought hope with the Rift key that could bring resources, and aid. All of these things are important. But now with the success of my mission, I have brought hope to the amazons. Something that was desperately needed. I mean no offense to my sisters. But they were holding on by a thread. Now, they themselves have hope.¡± Lash offered a cryptic answer, but answer it was none the less. Ra''s nodded, as he continued to watch Lash through the mirror.


    ¡°What do you plan to do now?¡± Batman asked, his voice cold and rough around the edges, sitting beside him was the beautiful and deadly Talia al Ghul.


    ¡°I plan to kill Dex. But the first thing I will do is attack the Hawaii island base to stop the invasion on my reality. As I was informed by AR-Superman.¡± Lash said simply, using the acronym for the different realities. He had to admit it was getting a little confusing to tell who was who. At least in conversation.


    ¡°You should know, we have tried to kill Dex over a dozen times over the years. We have always failed. What makes you think you will succeed?¡± Talia asked from her spot on the council, looking at him like a predator would a prey animal.


    ¡°I don''t exist in this reality, I have no copy. Now most of you believe I am an alien from another world. There is some truth in that. But importantly I was born on Earth. Born and raised in Gotham actually.¡± Lash said, gesturing towards Batman who raised an eye brow in surprise.


    ¡°So, why wasn''t there a copy of me in this reality? There could have been any number of reasons? Maybe my parents never met in this one? Maybe I died when younger? Maybe died before any of you could have met me? With the possible chance of infinite earths we could debate the possibilities all day long. But I''ll save you all some trouble. There is no copy of me here. Because Rofl Dex paid an extra dimensional being to remove me.¡± Lash said, his words carried a bit of invisible weight as if the world was trying desperately to not let him say it. But he did, and he knew it had took effort as the divine glow swallowed him briefly and Cosmic Awareness went off.


    Lash nearly dropped to his knees, but AR-Diana jumped to his side to prevent him falling all the way. The golden light was a brilliant glow that let many in the council in both chambers eye him in surprise. While others showed only confusion. The mystical members of the council explained the reasoning behind it. But it explained a simple truth. Lash was backed by an extra dimensional being. An old god.


    ¡°Why do I think I will succeed where others have failed? Because I''ve done it before. I did it 15 times. I did it so much, that Dex made a deal, and paid a huge price just to see me removed.¡± Lash said at last as he slowly stood up again with the help of AR-Diana.


    ¡°An extraordinary story I will say.¡± A cold, all be it young voice said. That of Damian Wayne. ¡°But, we will be the ones that will suffer for it if you fail.¡± Damian always the pragmatist said in response.


    ¡°Oh that''s just it! I''ll ask for volunteers to help me secure the island chains after the battle. No one has to come that doesn''t want too. In fact it may even be better that no one comes at all. That way I can really let loose.¡± Lash said with a smile his fangs being revealed. A shiver rolled through the council chamber, an involuntary response to the predator that was Lash and Saurian.


    ¡°When do you plan to go?¡± Oracle asked, her face pale but a smile tugged on her lips.


    ¡°As soon as the meeting is over...¡± Lash said, once more surprising the whole room. No time like the present.


    _____________________________________________________


    Congratulations User! Your optional quest is complete!


    Meet the Amazons of the alternate reality. Convince them to let you retrieve the holy relic.


    Reward: Improved faction reputation with the Alternate Reality Amazons, and resistance.


    Reward: 50 Dream Points.


    Reward: 1 Ability Evolution Point.


    Reward: 24 hour Dream Time 2 x EXP Booster.


    Congratulations User! Intermediate Manifestation has evolved into Advanced Manifestation.


    Effect: Saurus Warriors total number is 500, they can now use all Skills, Powers, and Spell Domains D grade and lower.


    Effect: Saurus Veterans total number is 50, they can now use all Skills, Powers, and Spell Domains C grade and lower.


    Effect: Saurus Elites total number is 5, they can now use all Skills, Powers, and Spell Domains B grade and lower.


    Manifestation: Energy consumption has decreased, power, and range has increased. All manifested conjurations are more intelligent, and geared.


    Effect: Elites, and Veterans now can act on their own, and have their own power source if they are ever cut off from the caster.


    Congratulations User! Demon Summoning has evolved through the purchase of 2 DP into Minor Demon Summoning.


    Effect: You can now summon 200 Demonic Soldiers from Tartarus. They have sworn loyalty to you, and you alone while under your spell command. The soldiers are F grade. They have basic equipment, basic skills, and basic abilities.


    Sub-Spell, Pocket Hell: Your Demonic soldiers now have a place to call home. A space between hell dimensions that has been made in your image. Terrain:[Jungle].


    Congratulations User! Enlarge/Reduce has evolved through the purchase of 2 DP into Basic Enlarge/Reduce.


    Effect: Increase in spell power, decrease in magical energy consumption.


    Effect: Can cast on additional targets for one hour per spell cast.


    Effect: All direct items on target enlarge with target.


    ________________________________________________________________


    ***Alternate Reality, Blockade around Themyscira''s estimated area of operation***


    A captain of one of the largest and most technological advanced ships in the entire emperor''s navy stood on the bridge. Looking over the vast ocean watching, waiting, hoping that something, anything would happen! This tour was so frustrating, they had never in their entire tour been able to spot how the amazons came and went from their magical island. The captain knew that showing a presence was important, because if there was no blockade that would only empower the enemies of the Empire. But over 200 naval vessels were station patrolling this large swath of ocean.


    ¡°Captain! We have a signal!¡± The officer in charge of radar shouted. The entire bridge crew looked at them in shock. The first officer moved to the station.


    ¡°A large signal just appeared in the water sir, it is headed straight towards us. Visual confirmation ETA thirty seconds!¡± The first officer shouter, as the whole room looked towards the water near them.


    From the waters surface broke a giant spine of a creature with blades down its back. Two scaled tentacles flailed about. From head to tail the thing must have been 100 feet long or more! The creature what ever it was swam directly for their ship. Then the alarms went off, the Omega energy levels detected. The captain went pale. Omega energy!?


    ¡°Alert the fleet we have contact!¡± The captain shouted to his communications officer.


    ¡°Sir! I..I can''t, we are being jammed!¡± The communications officer shouted.


    ¡°Sir! I have five hundred separate contacts breaking off from the main contact. They are diving to intercept the submarines sir! The main contact will hit us in thirty seconds!¡± The radar officer shouted. The captain pulled down his radio and hailed the entire ship.


    ¡°This is the captain speaking! All hands brace for impact!¡± The captain shouted, but nothing went through. He tried again, and again until a high pitched wail went through the entire system.


    ¡°I''m sorry, the number you have dialed can not be reached. Please hang up and try again, after I rip your ship in half!¡± An animalistic voice said over the radio. The entire bridge crew stood up in shock. Then the contact rammed into the ship at full speed. The entire ship barely shook at the impact. But alarms started to go off all over the ship.


    _____________________________________________


    Lash had not been joking the moment the council meeting was over the counter attack started. He spent his ability evolution point on his Manifestations. Then on a few spells as well. Lash swapped out with Saurian and cast his new spell. He stood at 50'' tall, and 100'' long. He could go larger but it would cost to much magical energy to maintain.


    He used Connectivity to block communication between the different ships he was attacking as 500 Saurus Warriors swam towards their own targets. Like a giant reptilian from monster movies, Saurian opened his mouth under water and cast Eldritch Blast. A sinister spell circle appeared around his mouth, and a crimson shot of energy cut straight into the metal hull like a blow torch through metal sheeting. His magical energy dropped quickly! After a few seconds he stopped and climbed into the ship. Hundreds of galleons of water flooded into the ship, all the emergency shutters that would close off the damage stopped mid way thanks to his Virtual Intelligence Tech-Spirits. As they broke away and started to rip through their systems.


    Saurian burrowed into the giant ship. Ripping out layer after layer of metal decks. Hundreds of meta puppets, robotic units, and a very few augmented officers were pulled out of the sinking hull by Saurus Warriors. At last Saurian burst from the bottom of the ship to the main deck like a chest bursting alien. Water erupted from the exit wound, Saurian climbed out and galloped towards the command tower. The crew on the main deck scattered to jump into the turrets, and assorted air vehicles. But were shocked when many of them took off on their own, and flew back towards Themyscira. The air vehicles passed through the spell shield with ease to be collected by the resistance.


    Saurian bull rushed the command tower, and it fell like a jenga game tower. It fell into the water, all of the station crew inside were soon rescued by Saurus Warriors. Saurian let loose a roar of triumph and jumped back into the ocean to swim to the next vessel. 1 down, 199 to go! The ship he left behind was sinking, and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Beneath the ship was a submarine that soon learned something was wrong, as dozens of Saurus Warriors burned through the hull with Eldritch Blast which turns out is a D grade spell! Saurian was accumulating huge amounts of experience points every time either he or his forces used it. It was odd, normally he wouldn''t get the experience from the things his forces used. Maybe it was because the spell had evolved?


    Saurian rammed straight into the submarine, his skull crest acting like a sledge hammer of giant proportions. He reached down his clawed hands, and tentacles and ripped the sizable crack he had made into a gaping hole. Water rushed inside, and his warriors dove in to capture and or kill the crew. The vessel quickly swallowed to much and began to sink. At this point a welcomed sight was to be seen as AR-Atlantis resistance forces joined the battle. Hundreds of Atlanteans, aquatic beasts, and meta-humans swam in to attack, or capture.


    Saurian let loose a epic roar, the water rippled with intensity as he used Rallying Call, and reached out to connect with anyone that was friendly with him. Establishing Temporary Pack Bond. Little less then half was linked with him with in a 25 mile radius. The telepathic link surprised many people so much so that a few dropped out because they didn''t like it. But the few that remained helped coordinate the attack. Two among them was Kaldur, and Tula.


    ''Agent Wraith, is that you?'' -Tula asked across the link. Her voice hesitant, unsure of who or what linked them.


    ''Yes, it is me. Apologies, I should have warned you. The connection will help use communicate easier. Goes up to 25 miles.''-Saurian replied, as he jumped from the sinking submarine and moved to the next ship. This one a small corvette class, an attack boat.


    ''I''ve not felt such a connection sense the last time we spoke to M''ghan! This telepathic link feels different however.'' -Kaldur admitted across the link. His feelings nervous, an justifiably so. Most experience they''ve had were Dex''s mind bending.


    Saurian swam straight up towards the corvette and propelled himself through the water. Jumping from the surface to land on the deck of the boat. The corvette barely taking his weight. The crew screamed in horror, as the deck guns whipped around against their wishes and started to fire on nearby ships. The surprise was over! The whole blockade fleet knew something was happening! Storm clouds began to roll into the area. Saurian grinned, as the static energy in the air started to build up. Fighter jets flew over! Breaking the sound barrier, he tried to reach for them but they sped past and flew out of reach for him. Pity!


    The smell of ozone filled the air as a neon yellow beam shot from the sky, straight down at Saurian. The beam cut across his skull crest and the magitek armor he wore. It did minimal damage as his True Body, and Damage Resistance sent a bit of experience. There floating in the sky was a meta-human soldier of Dex. Saurian ripped a hole in the corvette so it would sink. Then jumped off onto the water thanks to Water Walk he raced towards the flying meta human. He came directly below them and tried to jump up. It was a comical moment watching the creature try to bite something out of range. Until Telekinesis wrapped around the meta and dragged them down suddenly.


    One of his tentacles whipped out, its spear tip splitting into three clawed fingers. Saurian captured its prize and quickly cast Re:Implant. The the meta human screamed in horror as the bio chip was removed. Saurian handed the meta off to one of his warriors that would bring them back to the island. The piercing cry of an eagle rang out, and Saurian took two direct hits from air-to-surface missiles. From the two fighters jets that flew by again. A gauss rifle barrel slid out from Saurian''s back, and took aim. He had improved his armor just like Lash had with his. A blue energy shot true and pierced straight through one of the fighter jets. The other broke off with evasive maneuvers. The gauss rifle merged back into his armor.


    Distant booms sent chills down Saurians spine, he dove back into the water dispelling Water Walk. Only a few seconds later in the place he had been did armor piercing rounds from a destroyer shoot at his position. Detonating in the water below sending shock waves in every direction. Thankfully no one was seriously harmed. Saurian swam through the water at great speed towards the ships. Torpedoes were fired at him but once they reached a certain range he turned them around with his Technomancy. The torpedoes either hit their original ships, or exploded before they did.


    A few Atlantean ships joined the attack, hydro cannons ripping through the armor of the ships around them. Saurian burned through the hull of another carrier and burst from below its decks. Hundreds of airplanes, and attack helicopters were in the air now. They all activated anti hacking software. 1 out of 10 were taken by Saurian. While the others stayed in the hands of the Dex''s forces. Irritating! His tentacles shot out short bursts of Eldritch Blast and cut them all down.


    ¡°Yeeeaaaaaaaah!¡± AR-Wonder Woman shouted as she drove her sword through a helicopters cockpit. The Amazons had taken to the field! Pegassi flew past as amazons wielded magical bows, and spears. While meta-humans of the resistance gave support. Once again Saurian established a Temporary Pack Bond with any one that would allow it. Saurian gave another Rallying Call and drove the battle line forward! It was going to be a good day!


    ________________________________________________________


    By the time the sun had set most of the Themyscira blockade had fallen, or fled back to the main land. For the first time in years, the Atlantis resistance patrolled the waters of Themyscira. Saurian had built obelisks around the area with Essence Imbuement to create a source of power. Then use the spells Decomposition, Recycle, and Regrowth on them through Enchanting. The obelisks began to clean the water of radiation, and slowly regrow the dead coral near by. At an accelerated rate!


    The obelisks themselves floated in the water at 10'' long, with 3'' around them. Points at both ends, with spell script written clearly on every surface. The stone it self was pure black. As more and more radiation was sucked in, it purified it, and put out pure magical essence. Saurian got a prompt about restoring the realities earth, and magical energy.


    Restoring magical energy to the alternate reality: 0.01%


    Ya, that was going to take some time that was for sure! It was midnight by the time Saurian returned to Themyscira through the spell shield. Now recognized as an amazonian brother the shield let him pass easily enough. On the other side of the pocket dimension things were tense. Lash, and Saurian had left the island with out direct permission. He said what he planned to do, and said if they didn''t want to come that was fine. It would have taken longer, but he would have done it all the same. They had 100,000 new residences and or prisoners on the island chain of ships now. Since more than half of the crew on each naval vessel in the blockade had been robotic that is.


    Saurian shrunk down to a easy size of 20'' tall, and 40'' long. He climbed onto the deck of one of the naval vessels and took a break. Enjoying the gentle breeze coming off the ocean. It didn''t last long, as Vyllith soon came to his side, and informed him that the council was furious at his actions. He rolled his eyes much to the amusement of Vyllith. He swapped out with Lash and returned to being Wraith. The 8'' tall Daemonic lizard man.


    Took a bit of time to get back to the main vessel where the Rift was located. On the vessel itself was dozens of Saurus Veterans all casting Re:Implant, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. As before Lash was getting bits of experience from each them no matter the distance. This was different just as he noticed from before. Was it because they had their own power source now? Now, his warriors did the same thing. He''d have to ask Dawn when he got a moment alone. Vyllith led him down through the ship having memorized the layout already.


    ¡°He could have destroyed us all with that reckless action!¡± Ra''s al Ghul''s voice shouted from the water mirror. Lash could hear them talking even through the metal door. The guard asked for them to wait, stepped inside to ask.


    ¡°He doesn''t work for you, Ra''s! He doesn''t work for any of us! May I remind you he told us exactly what his plans were! None of you said anything to stop him!¡± AR-Diana shouted back.


    ¡°That is because we thought he was joking!¡± Oracle said in reply.


    ¡°It is too late now! The operation was a success and we need to move on!¡± Batman''s voice silenced everyone else. Even in this reality he was a bad ass! Lash smiled at that. The door opened up and he was entered, along with Vyllith who stood next to him.


    ¡°Agent Wraith. Your stunt could have cost us everything!¡± Ra''s said immediately after he entered.


    ¡°Ok let me make this clear.... I DONT WORK FOR YOU!¡± Lash shouted at the man! Ra''s narrowed his eyes. His entire body boiling with rage. It had been a long time since anyone had spoken to the demons head like that.


    ¡°I told every single person in this room, and those in the mirror. What I was going to do. No one had to join me! It would have taken longer, true. But it would have happened regardless of what you all wanted. Before any of you say it was brazen, or poor planning. It really wasn''t. I looked over the entire blockade before I even showed up in Themyscira. I had the entire thing planned, and was willing to do it alone. It worked, the blockade is gone! I''ve set up spell crafted obelisks to start cleaning the ocean, and regrow the coral around it. We''ve already have a mile wide coral reef around the whole island.¡± Lash said, as he produced a holographic image of the estimated growth of the coral by sunrise tomorrow.


    ¡°Now, the next thing I am going to do is build a collection of airships. With any volunteers, and we are going to go scout out Hawaii. Again! If you want to come? Great! But you don''t get to tell me what to do.¡± Lash said, as he produced several blue prints for those watching.


    ¡°Wraith, I understand that you don''t fall under out direct control. But you must realize your actions do affect us all. We only ask that you slow down, and let us discuss the future plans of the attack. Unless you plan to attack Dex all by yourself?¡± Oracle said with a smile, trying to calm everyone down.


    ¡°If I have to attack Dex by myself, I will. It may take a long time. But I will do it. You''ve all had to adjust to survive. I am not blaming you! You''ve all had to sacrifice so, so very much. That is why I am willing to move with out your aid if I have to. Anyone that want''s to come I am happy to have. Over two million people have been captured by Dex''s forces in my reality. I know they are shipped back to the main land to be brain boxed, and turned into slaves. Meat puppets, labor class, and mutation research and development. I have the ability to do something about it. So I am going to. Now, you can help? Or you can get out of the way.¡± Lash said, finished with the whole debate then and there.


    When Ra''s stood to voice another objection. Lash did the most sensible thing he could. He turned around on his heel and left the council chamber. Vyllith followed in his wake, a smirk on her face. Ra''s shouted at him to come back. That man was really not use to the disrespect Lash was showing him. It wasn''t as if Lash didn''t understand them. They were afraid, and for good reason. Dex''s forces numbered in the billions! He had access to two different realities that had all fallen under his dominion. He had near unlimited resources. The resistance didn''t fight, they hadn''t in years. All they did was survive. Even the guerrilla attacks done by the resistance was for resources, and nothing more.


    Lash reached the main deck of the ship to see dozens of people waiting for him. Atlanteans, Amazons, very few supernaturals, and newly recovered brain boxed soldiers with their chips removed. Kaldur, and Tula stood in front of them. Lash tilted his head to one side, very much like a creature often does when they see something surprising or interesting. A Sarurus Warrior helped a woman step forward. She wore a dismantled uniform of a Dex soldier. Ah! The meta that shot neon energy at him.


    ¡°My name is....Abigail... I want to help you fight back.¡± Abigail said, she was a petite woman with out the augmentations bolted into her body. She looked worn out, and ragged. Dozens of implants had been removed, and her body was showing visible signs of healing.


    ¡°I assume the rest of you are wanting to join up as well?¡± Lash asked, the entire crowd said as much.


    ¡°Alright! Lets get to it!¡± Lash said with a smile, and the crowd returned the gesture. Lash clapped his hands together and rubbed them together. Time to start building some ships!


    ==========================================================


    ***Rofl Dex''s Imperial Palace***


    Dex was tall man with lean proportions. Despite his leisure life style most of the time he kept training his body, and mind every day with complex exercises, training regiments, experiments, and diets. He like so many of his people had several augmentations that enhanced his existing abilities, and meta powers. Like enhanced strength. Something he used at that direct moment as he proceeded to slam his fists into his metal table over, and over again! The holographic display in front of him only vexed him more! It showed a display of a miniature god zilla ripping a ship apart. A ship that was part of the Themyscira blockade.


    ¡°How long ago was this taken!?¡± Dex shouted at his attendant, who stood perfectly still less he attract the attention and wrath of their master.


    ¡°We.... Just recently received it my Emperor. But the video is approximately 12 hours old. There was interference on the receiver. Omega energy levels were detected on the video transmission. We don''t know how, but it wormed its way through our systems and slowed down the data packet.¡± The attendant said, their voice raw with fear.


    ¡°How is the battle progressing now?¡± Dex''s voice dropped in volume which was never a good sign. His attendant anticipating the question brought up another screen with a flick of their hand. It showed several of the blockade ships returning to port covered in burns, and many of them so shredded that would it would take months to repair.


    ¡°The admiral called a full retreat when....When 85% of the blockade was lost.¡± The attendant replied. The air around Dex rippled like a pool of water, twisting, and contorting to fit Dex''s rage.


    ¡°Recall the hunter killers from the new reality. Activate every HK team we have and put them on full alert. They deploy the moment we have confirmation of his location. Now get out!¡± Dex finished, and the attendant saluted and very quickly walked from the chambers.


    ¡°Well I have to say that was surprising!¡± A snobbish males voice called out from the shadows of the room. Dex whipped around, he uses his telekinetic powers to throw his entire desk at the voice. The metal object was tossed at the speed of sound before it hit a red energy barrier.


    ¡°Temper, temper! Dear Emperor!¡± Said a man, he stood at 5'' 11¡± with golden blond hair styled short, and blue eyes. Wearing a tailored blue suit, with a rose in his lapel. In his left hand was a box, a box with Apokolips letters on it.


    ¡°What the fuck do you want, Godfrey!¡± Dex shouted at him, the distorted ripple of reality expanding from Dex as more time passed.


    ¡°Me? I only want to provide a bit of help, for my dear friend.¡± Godfrey said, a sinister grin spread across his face. The grin growing far to wide for a human to have.


    =============================================================


    ***Alternate Reality, Themyscira.***


    Lash, and ten of his Saurus Veterans spent the entire night building a gunship troop transport. They were giant air vehicles capable of holding 25 people. Along with light armored amphibious vehicles stored at the rear section. The back end of the ship had jet engines, and thrust engines. While the four wings on either side had magnetic coils. Thanks to the design scheme from AR-Lex Luthor who had showed up to help build them. The coils would allow the ships to maneuver with great dexterity and speed. They were also exceptionally quiet. The jet engines for speed, and thrust for the rare chance that they may need to spend time in space.


    AR-Lex had a little smile on his face the whole time he watched Lash, and his veterans place the spell script onto the vessels for the Enchanting. Magic was just an ancient science long lost he had said. A science he wished to learn. So Lash force fed him some Occult Lore with his Trainer ability. He knew it was working because he kept getting experience prompts from the sub-skill for Teaching. More and more volunteers started to show up, specifically the reclaimed soldiers. So much so that they had to start building new ships for them. Thankfully they had plenty of pilots!


    Alarms rang out! And the altimeter sent out a warning as Vyllith slammed into the deck of the ''ship'' and the whole thing exploded! The screen went blank, and a metal seal broke open to reveal the blue sky outside. Vyllith peeked outside to see Lash looking at her with a smirk on his reptilian face. He gestured for her to continue and the metal compartment she was in resealed. She was practicing in a virtual reality simulator to learn how to fly. Along with about a dozen others. Lash had force fed them the skill, but it would be better to have a bit of practice.


    ¡°Final count is five hundred, so we''ll need twenty ships. The veterans are building the last ones now. We''ll have them enchanted by the end of the day. When do you plan to leave?¡± AR-Lex asked as he walked up to Lash who was watching the VR pods.


    ¡°It would be better to leave at night, but we''ll wait till that following morning. Let everyone get some rest. Help the reclaimed get some more time to heal.¡± Lash replied, as he watched Vyllith crash her plane again. He chuckled softly, but turned to give his attention to Lex.


    ¡°The council decided to support you. I wont bore you with the details but it was a messy discussion.¡± AR-Lex said, as he rubbed his forehead. Lash took a moment to cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on him. The glow of the spell infused into AR-Lex who breathed in a sigh of relief.


    ¡°You sure you don''t want to come? First wave is always exciting!¡± Lash asked him. AR-Lex laughed and shook his head.


    ¡°No thank you. Maybe if I had my suit I would join. But with out it I''m a mortal man. Unlike Batman I don''t jump into fights I can''t handle!¡± AR-Lex replied, mocking the dark knight. He wasn''t wrong. Bruce had a tendency to jump into situations outside his pay grade. But he always found a way. Most of the time.


    ¡°What if we could build you a suit?¡± Lash offered, the lights in AR-Lex''s eyes lite up.


    ¡°It would have to be immune to the machine control meta''s. Is that possible?¡± AR-Lex asked.


    ¡°I don''t know about immune, but resistant we can work with!¡± Lash said, and AR-Lex clearly wanted to at least try.


    That was one of the bigger issues when fighting against Dex''s forces. A majority of the machine control meta''s were only E grade. But that was enough, especially when they had augments, and were jacked straight into their suits. They were mobile hot spots of information, and control. They could hack, and take over nearly any device near them. It was also what made the EMP bombs so deadly!


    Lash learned through AR-Lex, and dozens of reclaimed soldiers that the EMP bombs used in during the invasions. Were a two step bomb. Several decades worth of technologies helped advance the pulse to leave the 48 hour static charge. But the last step was the most sinister. At the center of the bomb was a cloned brain of a tech-meta. It had a single over riding command built into it. Once the EMP bomb went off, the cloned brains one and only command went through. ''You will not work'' was the command the brain gave. That was the real reason everything stayed off! That was also why Lash''s solar plant towers worked so well. The magical electrical energy auto repaired the systems and turned off the effect.


    It was also the reason that Onna-Bugeisha or Isha was able to get her armor to turn back on. Restore her home base back to normalcy. Because she was a C+ tech-meta that could over ride the effect of the pulse. This information had been shared with his home reality while he was still in Tartarus. Though a lot of the power plants were destroyed except for the renewable ones. They were able to get most of the major cities back up and running, mostly.


    One by one all of the pilots were cleared for basic flight. Anyone who wanted more training was welcome to it. Vyllith among others decided to keep training. Lash learned from Dawn that because of his new Domain of Divination it allowed a connection to exist between his Manifestations that didn''t exist before. It was one of the passive effects, or cantrips. She reminded him that even if he didn''t use the Domain. Simply having it would effect his abilities.


    Lash, and AR-Lex made him a practical heavy exoskeleton suit of armor. Lash insisted on putting a helmet on it, and not doing that idiotic comic book armor that exposed Luthor''s face. Lash had destroyed, recycled, and dismantled enough of the cyber deck suits to replicate it. Empowering it with magic. It may not be immune, but it would definitely not go quietly into the night. While they built it Lash asked about AR-Lex''s life. In this reality he didn''t have a sister, his father was a selfish abusive asshole that had an accident. Lash laughed at that, and AR-Lex loosened up a bit when he realized Lash wouldn''t judge him for arranging the accident. His mother had died about ten years later, cancer. He was superman''s greatest nemesis! Until Dex came along, and then AR-Lex did the smart thing. He discarded his petty rivalry and did what he could to help everyone around him. He didn''t care anymore, he just wanted his home back.


    ¡°So I have a sister in your world? Mother is still alive? What about...Dad?¡± AR-Lex asked, as he was sitting inside the exoskeleton. The compartment open, as they did a few last checks on it.


    ¡°I believe he met a similar accident as well.¡± Lash said with a smile, AR-Lex laughed in response to that. ¡°Your sister, and you run the company together. While your mother runs the off the books projects. Lena often helps keep you on the straight and narrow...Most of the time.¡± Lash said as he finished the last inscription.


    ¡°Good... Hopefully he wont make the same mistakes I did.¡± AR-Lex said with a frown. Then he pushed the thought aside and finished the last check up on the armor. The entire suit closed around him, and the indicators all read green!


    ¡°I''m going to go fly this around. Be back in a bit!¡± AR-Lex said, as magnetic coils popped out of the armor and he flew off into the air with out another word. Lash had meant to keep the mood positive, but he assumed he only reminded AR-Lex of what he didn''t have. Smooth.


    Foresight activated a little to later. But Danger Sense did not go off. So Lash was caught by surprise as a blur of blue and red slammed into him at high speeds! Lash was catapulted into the deck of the ship in surprise. But didn''t attack as he realized who it was. He reached out and wrapped his arms around Kara...His Kara from his home reality.


    ¡°Hello! Are you finished with training already?¡± Lash asked, as he looked at Kara who beamed up at him. Lash rose to his feet thanks to this tentacles who pushed off the ground.


    Kara Zor-El had worn her Kryptonian justicar uniform that Lash had crafted for her. Navy blue polymer suit, with red armored plates, and gold highlights. The house of El symbol on the front in the shape of an ''S'', along with a full face helmet that was partially retracted currently to reveal her lower half of her face. She had chosen to keep her disguise a secret even though on this side every one knew who Supergirl was. Lash would have to check on the security at the Watch Tower for Rift sharing information. Kara had wrapped her arms around Lash and beamed up at him.


    ¡°Yes! I finished the basic course and have been helping fight off the invasion since. You can not imagine how frustrating it was to be stuck on that island while the world went crazy. But Diana convinced me not to leave with out finishing basic. She said I would hurt more than I would help. After showing me several examples I agreed. Though Kory, and M''ghan did leave early since they had been trained on their powers for far longer then me!¡± Kara said, pouting slightly. Lash knew she was just being playful. She would be serious when she needed to be.


    ¡°Have you met your other self yet?¡± Lash asked, and the smile vanished from Kara''s face. She let go of him and stepped back.


    ¡°I have... I tried talking to her about what happened. But... We are so different, me and her. We''ve lived two separate lives. The Danvers family, National City....Dex!¡± Kara said through gritted teeth as she said the mans name.


    ¡°I want to help her, Wraith. I...Just don''t know how to.¡± Kara said, she looked up at his eyes. He stepped forward and swallowed her in a hug.


    ¡°I''ve missed you.¡± Lash said softly, she laughed and hugged him back.


    ¡°Agent Wraith?¡± Tula had walked up and called out, looking confused and all be it a little nervous at the sight of Supergirl. Lash let go of Kara, and turned to look at Tula, Kara did the same.


    ¡°Tula, this is Supergirl. Supergirl from my reality.¡± That little distinction made the world of difference apparently. Tula smiled, and greeted Kara.


    ¡°We are ready to leave.¡± Tula said, Lash looked up at the sky and noticed it was turning blue. The night had come and gone. He looked at his Clock and smiled. How did he lose track of time so easily? He had a clock built into him now.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Kara asked, not willing to leave him just yet.


    ¡°We are doing recon on Hawaii. The military base where the Rift into our reality is located. Well recon, and attack. But recon first!¡± Lash said with a smile, as Kara giggled at him.


    ¡°May I come?¡± Kara clearly wanted to come, but would accept it if he said no. Lash couldn''t think of a reason not to have her along so he agreed. She did a little cheer, and bounced around in excitement. Tula''s expression was delightful, she hadn''t seen such an enthusiastic Supergirl in a long time.


    They were ready! The troops climbed into the gun ships. Vehicles were mounted, gear was stowed. The cargo doors slowly closed, and they took off. One by one the gun ships all activated their magitek stealth fields and winked out of existence. Thankfully the IFF (Identification, friend or foe) was working. One by one they slipped past the spell shield around the island and flew west! Surprisingly, and thankfully! Vyllith, and Kara got along. Vyllith was piloting the gun ship that Lash was on, along with Kara, and the troops aboard. They talked about Tartarus, and the long campaign to kill the barons of hell. Vyllith was a lot like Koriand''r, Lash realized. She didn''t have the same social taboos that so many humans would have. She spoken openly about subjects, life in Tartarus, and her role as Lash''s hell knight. She never said anything meant to be shocking! But did so anyways, eventually she seem to take joy at making Kara blush, or flustered. Just like Kory!


    Lash excused himself and found a seat in the main cargo section. The troops were talking to themselves, Lash''s entire gun ship was full of Amazons, and Atlanteans. Though Abigail had asked to ride along he didn''t mind. He pulled up several holographic windows, mostly for cosmetics. Then he started to shop on the Dream Store. He didn''t call for the book this time. He scrolled through the store, a holographic window in front of him mirrored the movement.


    ¡°Show me the recommendations please, Dawn¡± Lash said softly, barely a whisper for anyone to hear. The store page brought up the recommended skills, powers, spells, traits, and abilities. He found a good spell that he could cast on himself and others.


    Congratulations User! For 2 DP you''ve purchased Acceleration for the Time Domain.


    Effect: The User, and those they target can move supernaturally faster, both body and mind. They will move 2x their normal speed for 1 minute.


    Effect: Spell naturally increases durability, strength, and perception to compensate.


    Congratulations User! For 2 DP Acceleration has evolved into Minor Acceleration.


    Effect: The User, and those they target can move supernaturally faster, both body and mind. They will move 3x their normal speed for 5 minutes.


    Effect: Spell extends a field to objects, and people. This power does not extend to them, but allows the Accelerated targets to take things with them.


    Congratulations User! For 2 DP Personal Time has evolved into Minor Personal Time.


    Effect: The User''s area of effect has increased to 60 ft. (Chp. 80)


    Effect: Spell power increase, magical energy consumption decrease.


    Congratulations User! For 2 DP Source Code has evolved into Minor Source Code.


    Effect: The User can now adjust the code of reality in most tools, thing, or individual. Close proximity required. The bigger the change, the more energy required.


    Lash turned to an Amazon that sat next to him. She looked at him immediately, he asked if he could borrow her armor for a moment. She looked at him in confusion, he attached his tentacle to her and brought up Source Code. He saw the synchronized data of the armor itself. He keyed into the orichalcum of the suit of armor and increased the mineral amount. It took nearly all of his energy, but the ori in the suit of armor went up by 3%. Cool! Though he had to quickly adjust the spell script on her armor before it overloaded. It was not weighted for that much.


    Next he went to an Atlantean and upped the blood percentage of the homo-magi in them. He was able to increase it by 1.3% with the energy he had left. Oh this was going to be nice! The sorcery tattoos on the Atlantean surged with power. But the soldier was able to bring it back under control. He felt stronger then ever. A 1% increase can do a lot of amazing things under the right circumstances. After a few more experiments Lash took his seat again. The gun ships had just flown over what use to be Cuba. But was nothing more than toxic waste dump. Thanks to some adjustments from AR-Lex they no longer emitted a ''Omega Energy'' level from the spell script. Lash had felt incredibly foolish when he realized his mistake. But his Crafting, and Enchanting had got a massive influx of experience when they made the change.


    Then Lash saw something horrible! The modules in the store had gotten a price jump. Before E grade modules were 4 DP. Now they were 10 DP!? It seemed the whole store got ''rebalanced''. Thankfully any module he had purchased already automatically upgraded with the new station. He made a note to buy an engine, and turret module. Since the Watch Tower had four cylinders now. Maybe if he earned enough DP he could just jump to D grade when he got back? Shipyard modules were in the D grade. Or course he still needed to clear out the moon, and set up the terraform process. Bleh, so much to do!


    Congratulations User! For 2 DP Eldritch Blast has evolved into Minor Eldritch Blast.


    Effect: The User has the power and ability to generate and fire a concentrated beam of pure chaotic magical mystical energy at an opponent, or a shot burst.


    Effect: Shot bursts have partial targeting adjustments, allowing for semi guidance.


    Effect: Spell power increase, magical energy consumption decrease.


    Congratulations User! For 2 DP you''ve purchased Eldritch Mind spell/trait for the Chaos Domain.


    Effect: The inner workings of the User''s mind differ greatly from what could be considered "normal" or "sane" by the standards of most living things. This condition has several beneficial effects, as the differences between the mind of the user and normal people give them immunity to mental or dream based powers of all kinds. Powers such as Telepathy or Mind Control will at best, not work on the user, and at worst, backfire.


    Effect: Beneficial, and or positive effects may still work. Example: Pack Bond.


    Lash had wanted to evolve the Eldritch Mind to minor but it cost 100 DP to buy. Wow, that was a price jump! But since it granted near immunity from mind control just with the standard trait. Made him wonder what the evolved versions could do. Lash looked through the store for a few more minutes then closed it down. The gun ships flew over what remained of Mexico. Unlike Cuba Mexico was functional. Holographic windows displayed what was around the gun ship, and beneath it. Dex''s people were attempting to plant genetically engineered trees to soak up the radiation. It was odd seeing a perfectly symmetrical forest. But Lash could appreciated the necessity of it.


    ¡°Thirty minutes until Alpha squad is released!¡± Lash called out, connected to all of the gun ships. Confirmations were sent back.


    Alpha was anyone that could survive underwater. They would be dropped, Lash included miles from the island of Hawaii''s main island. The island chain has been converted into a large military base. Gone was the resort, sandy beaches, and clear water. Every square inch had been turned into a structure of steel, concrete, and military establishment. It was incredibly fortified from outside interference, and inside attack. Currently the only reality access was Lash home reality. The other two realities who had been conquered had their primary Rifts moved back to the main land. The water itself was a natural defense. Since the radiation levels here were far greater then near Themyscira. Team Alpha had to have their combat suits adjusted to take it with out any negative effects.


    One by one the gun ships slipped under the waters surface with barely a ripple thanks to Nature''s Passage across their hulls. The gun ships had to suddenly slow down as they saw the defenses around the island chain. Millions of aquatic mines had been placed in the ocean. It looked as though the mines would be deactivated only in a specific route for when supply ships came in. As no air travel was allowed unless with specific orders.


    ¡°Well looks like we are getting wet a little early!¡± Lash said with a smile, a few people cheered and the under watch hatch in the main bay opened up.


    Lash jumped through first, and was soon joined by hundreds of Atlanteans, and a few meta-humans with water powers. Lash established a Temporary Pack Bond with everyone in the recon team. He adjusted his shape with Adaptation, and Transformation. Gills grew along his neck, fins down his arms, legs, back, and tail. Partial webbing on his hands and feet. Once he was finished, Kaldur, and Tula joined him.


    This was complete overkill. Alpha team skimmed along the bottom of the ocean only to discover the mines had been buried into the ground as well. Lash sent a pulse of Nature and found out that they were dug as far as 50 feet down the whole way towards the island. Lash carefully swam up to one of the mines and used the title effect of Universal Programmer (Chap. 27). The bomb was super excited to meet him!


    ¡°Hello! Hello! Who are you!? Can I explode now!?¡± The mine asked.


    ¡°No! Not yet! No....Hello.¡± Lash replied through the link, as he told everyone to back up.


    ¡°Hello! Who are you? Hay everyone there are people here!¡± The bomb shouted to its kin.


    ¡°People! I like people! Can we explode now!?¡±


    ¡°Yay! Explosions! I want to explode!¡±


    ¡°Wait! Are they enemies or friends, we aren''t suppose to explode if friends come by!¡±


    ¡°I think they are friends! This one seems nice!¡± The bomb speaking to Lash said.


    ¡°Yes! We are friends! But I am so forgetful! Can you tell me the pass code so we can all move pass through you with out harm?¡± Lash asked politely.


    ¡°Oh ya sure! Its X-Ray, Charlie, 0-2-4. Or! Its Zeta, Red, Omega 2-4-1-6 for the immediate explosion of every one of us in the whole ocean! Or, F-U-C-K Beta O-F-F. To shut us all down! I like when that happens, because we all get to take a nap!¡± The bomb replied. Lash quickly entered the code for the full shut down.


    ¡°YAY! Nap time!¡± The bombs shouted in glee and all turned off.


    ''What did you do?'' -Tula asked across the link. Astonished at the sight of all the mines shutting down.


    ''I politely asked them all to shut down.'' -Lash replied with a laugh.


    Lash sent the shut down codes to the gun ships just in case. Of course what Lash didn''t know, but it would only make sense is that when the whole mine field shut down an alarm went off on the island. The entire mine field went offline! Every attempt to turn them back on failed. The entire base scrambled into action. They were able to get a single message back to the main land about the incident before something started to jam their instruments. Omega energy levels were detected as Lash had sent Virtual Intelligence tech spirits into their systems once he was close enough.


    ===============================================================


    Z-N-163 had always been a good soldier. He never missed a reconditioning. He always worked hard, always studied any materials he could get his hands on. He tried his best to absorb as much information as he could that was recommended for promotion. Military history was a fascinating subject. Learning about the wars that happened before the Unification was enlightening to say the least. One specific point in history reminded him of today. D-Day on the beaches of Normandy. Why? Because hundreds upon hundreds of reptilian creatures were rushing the beach head. Along with tiny gremlin creatures who had a unhealthy obsession with fire!


    163, along with the rest of his unit were on the first firing line. They didn''t even need to aim! They just held down the trigger and fired their rifles until they ran out of ammo. Pop the clip, reload, and fire again down the center section of the beach. The problem was the reptilian soldiers had armor, and some kind of shield. Along with energy blasts that seem to destroy anything it touched. His squad leader kept calling for orders but all they got was static.


    ¡°If you would like to make a call, please hang up and try again. If you would like to surrender, please throw down your weapon, kneel, and put your hands behind your head.¡± A soothing voice came over the communication line.


    163 wasn''t sure why, but he really, really wanted to listen to the voice. Something compelled him to. He could feel the bio-chip in his head, along with his augments forcing him to keep firing. But one by one he saw his fellow soldiers throw their weapons down. Many struggled to pick them back up, but couldn''t move. 163 simply let go of his weapon, just in time for a giant reptile man to swing a blue energy blade into him. It was one of the most painful experiences in his whole life, 163 admitted. But as he dropped to the ground and went into convulsions. He noticed the reptile men moved past them. They weren''t killing anyone?


    An earth shattering roar rang out across the entire encampment. From 163''s point of view he saw this massive creature explode from the water. It looked like the reptile men on steroids. Once he saw it, his heads up display sent him a code he had never seen before. Omega Red target? What the hell was that? Then the eerie whispers started, like some one turned on a H.P. Lovecraft best hits. Then people started to scream. Then they heard a voice.


    ¡°Oh sorry, didn''t know that worked on all of you!¡± Said the giant titan of scales and armor. The voices thankfully stopped, but all 163 really wanted to do was curl up with a good book in his bunk.


    ============================================================


    A festival of blood! Well...a festival! Since Saurian was trying to not kill anyone. Supergirl flew above them and bashed through the varies bunkers, and turrets aiming at the beach. The gun ships sprayed hydro cannon shots at the different installments across the main island. Though they soon broke off once they deployed all of their troops, and land vehicles. The other islands were deploying helicopters of their own. The no fly zone had been lifted by the commander of the military installation.


    The Saurus Warriors sprinted out of the water. Climbing the cliffs, and walls thanks to Gravity Stride. Many of them dove into the ground with Earth Swim. By passing doors, and kill boxes in the different hall ways. Saurian had a mass area of effect Compulsion. Trying to force the soldiers to surrender. The blue Psionic Blades were incredibly painful, but all they did was incapacitate them with a shock! Saurian roared, and used Rallying Call. His warriors roared in response, and several reclaimed soldiers cheered.


    Saurian bull rushed through the whole complex sprinting to a specific target. The Rift portal complex. His tech spirits were quick to work on stopping all forms of communication, and were disrupting any and all automatic defenses. Storm clouds rushed over the island chains, and a light rain began to fall. Which was a welcome sight for all of the Atlanteans. As they used their Water Manipulation to create weapons, armor, and summoned creatures.


    Tula was amazing as she summoned a giant leviathan made of water. While Kaldur rode along with her, shielding her with his hard water shield, and armor. Compressed water shot, and cut through layers of concrete, and steel with ease. While Amazons worked together as unit to take down larger targets. Their enchanted spell crafted weapons cut through Dex''s forces like butter. Saurian jumped into the air and pounced on a mobile-FU-tank that was stationed on the island. The armor was slightly dented but intact. Saurian raked his claws through the armor and blasted the entire inside with blue Psionic energy. Then shut the tank down with Technomancy.


    He reached the crest of the mountain and jumped through the earth. Swimming through the stone and dirt as if it was water. Deep into the very active volcano he found the chamber. Dex had created a machine that allowed them to tap into the never ending energy of the magma tunnels. Saurian would assume the original User got the blue print from the Dream Store. Next to contraption channeling the lava, was the Rift chamber. Designed to be submerged in lava if a reality ever broke through.


    Saurian swam through the chamber and deactivated...Well he ripped the hinges off to prevent the flooding from happening. That was when he found out that Hellfire Resistance made normal magma seem like a hot bath. Once that was done he used Earth Swim, and Material Shaping to melt his way through the solid wall of metal surrounding the Rift chamber. One of his tech spirits sent him a data log with who was responsible as the Rift commanders. Eh! Well that is interesting.


    Saurian burst from the wall from the north and all the automated weapons in the whole room swiveled to fire onto his position! Each one controlled by a tech-meta. As soon as be breached the room he cast Demon Summoning. Many of his demon soldiers were still up top, but every one that had died were be called to here. A man sized demonic gremlin with melted armor, and a automatic rifle burst into being along with little over a hundred others. They squealed in delight and starting to attack the turrets.


    ¡°FOR THE OVER LORD!¡± The gremlin creatures called! Several of the gremlin creatures pulled the pins on their grenades and suicide bombed themselves onto the soldier emplacements. What did they care? They would just re spawn in the pocket hell any way!


    Saurian pulled himself the rest of the way through the wall. He rushed towards the command structure inside the massive room as soldiers, robots, and turrets shot him with everything they had. Deflection only redirecting little less than half. Regeneration, Damage Resistance, and True Body were prompting with huge amounts of experience. Saurian touched each Rift once, and established a connection with them. Thanks to his Rift spells. Then his tentacles shot Eldritch Blast and sliced through the turrets.


    A group of gremlins rushed into the command center with explosive strapped to themselves with maniacal glee! The command center soon exploded in a shower of glass, and chaotic energy. The Rifts flickered for a brief moment. Saurian quickly used Fabrication, and Alteration. Connecting them to the main power source. He then looked at the different Rifts and found the Alpha. He jumped through it with a smile on his face.


    =============================================================


    ¡°Commander! Something is coming through the Rift!¡± The officer in the command center said to AR-John. They weren''t expecting any supplies today, nothing was on the schedule. Had something happened?


    AR-John went to the window to look at the Rift. With in moments the arrival in question appeared. A giant reptilian creature! Omega Red warnings were fired off across the whole base. The creature roared, the sound wave cascaded through the whole complex shattering windows everywhere. A burst of Omega Energy went through the stealth field, and above the planet an invisible structure started to move into position above Canada.


    ¡°Surrender! Or suffer!¡± The creature called out! More than half of the command crew dropped to their knees. While the others started to scream, and ran around the room trying to silence the whispers in their heads. AR-John had dreamed of being rescued. But it didn''t involve a creature straight out of a horror movie!


    AR-John slammed a big red button in the command tower. An alarm blared across the whole complex as the base burst into action like an ant hill. Only for another terror to arrive shortly after the alarm went off. A red targeting beam fell from the sky, right above one of their stealth fields. Then the night turned into day, as the ion cannon destroyed the stealth generator. With in seconds dozens of spring jumps activated. There standing on the edges of the base was the Justice League.


    ¡°Well fuck....¡± AR-John said.

 Chapter 90: Sulaco

    ===========================================================


    ***Home Reality, Metropolis***


    Alexander Luthor looked out from the top floor of his office building. Marveling at the sight of humanity. Thanks to Wraith''s prior warning to the invasion, Lex-Corp had taken the necessary precautions to survive this invasion. Stocking food, water, and medicine in abundance. Yes, they only had a few days warning but that was enough for them. It also helped that soldiers working under Wraith showed up a few days later after the EMP to set up a command branch at Lex-Corp. Yes, they had the JLI badges on. But Lex wasn''t a fool. These soldiers worked for Wraith, and only Wraith. That aliens ability to deceive was on par with Lex''s own. Which made him someone to respect, but also fear.


    Metropolis was on fire! For all of the big blue boy scout''s power he couldn''t protect the whole city, especially when the whole world was just as bad. That was when Lex stepped into the spotlight. Something he was more than happy to do! Just outside of Lex-Corp tower was a shanty town of prefabricated homes, and emergency services. While the city outside of the town was a hellscape of broken buildings, and a lawless land. A sinister sneer stretched across Lex''s face, as he looked down on the citizens of the city. He was....


    ¡°Damn it, Lex! Stop staring off like that! Its creepy!¡± Lena shouted at him from the other side of the room. Lex was snapped out of his daydreams. He grumbled at the interruption but would never show it in front of his sister. She would tease him endlessly if she knew what he was thinking.


    Lex wore a pair dress shoes, slacks, and a white buttoned up shirt. No jacket, or tie today. Shocking for someone like Lex. He walked over to inspect the holographic window that displayed the relative information about the city. His sister sat near by wearing blue jeans, and a white cotton shirt. Her hair tied back in a tail. While there mother worked at another station nearby. She wore a dress skirt, and sleeveless blouse. She had a small smile on her face, and had rolled her eyes when her children bickered with one another.


    ¡°I was only thinking about the future, dear sister.¡± Lex said, as he took his seat with his family.


    ¡°Yes, I am sure you are thinking about your diabolical plans to rule to the world one step at a time.¡± Lena said with another eye roll. A smile tugging on her lips. Lex''s eye brows scrunched up at the notion that Lena knew his thoughts. Was he so easy to read?


    ¡°Yes, dear you are that easy to read.¡± His mother said from across the table. Lena laughed in delight at the clear shock on Lex''s face after his mother told him the truth. Before anymore words could be exchanged the entire tower shook softly. Then one by one all of the lights turned back on.


    ¡°Ah! They linked the tower up at last! I can take a bath now!¡± Lena said with glee, as she stood up and did a victory pose. Making Lex, and their mother chuckle at her antics. A knock came from the office door and Mercedes, Lex personal assistant stuck her head in.


    ¡°Apologies, Gear Head is reporting that all the systems are operational.¡± Mercedes confirmed what they could already see.


    ¡°Thank you, Mercy. Anything else?¡± Lex asked, Mercedes shook her head and was dismissed.


    The Luthor''s all stood up and walked back to the open office window and watched as one by one the city turned back on. The solar power plant at Gotham had slowly rebuilt their entire power grid. Another line ran from Gotham to Metropolis thanks to Wraith''s soldiers. Step by step Metropolis was being retaken. The Luthor''s would be there every step of the way. The family didn''t stand around for long. It was time to push back!


    ______________________________________________


    ***Smallville Kansas***


    Jonathan, and Martha Kent had had an interesting few weeks. When the pulse went through they had thought it was a simple power surge. But when their cars didn''t work they knew it was more than that. Thanks to the update that Wraith had done to the house it soon turned back on after 48 hours. But the Kent''s soon realized they were the only ones in all of Smallville with power. Their son, Clark showed up soon after to check on them. The idea that another reality had invaded theirs? Well it was a little hard to believe. But that soon changed, when soldiers in sciences fiction gear showed up to capture the town.


    That was also when the Kent''s realized that Wraith had done more than just upgrade their house. The entire home went into lock down! Windows, and doors shut tight. An emergency bunker opened up for them. Turrets popped out of the ground around the farm, and scene straight out of a sci-fi show, appeared on their holographic window screen. What was even more surprising if they could believe it was when Krypto their dog jumped at one of the attackers and plowed him through the ground. Little by little the attackers were either shot dead, or they pulled back. Then with in the hour their son showed up again, along with the Justice League.


    Apparently the invasion force targeted small towns. When no one could talk to each other, or even drive a car. Suddenly what would normally be a simple drive turned into a long hike for most. Being separated like that made them easy targets for the invasion force. Soldiers with the JLI badge showed up. But they were different from the rest. Many of them had different colored skins. As in orange, green, and bright pink! Some of them weren''t even human looking. Insects, people with fur, animal ears, and tails. Then a few reptiles. People in town were a bit nervous around them, but over time they got use to it.


    A few weeks later Smallville had a huge population increase. Instead of spreading their people out. JLI just pulled all the nearby towns towards Smallville. Then a few days after that, the power turned back on for the town. A whole lot of mechanics showed up, and repaired the vehicles, and helped with some prefabricated homes. The Kent''s wished that was all that had happened. But the invaders kept showing up every few weeks to test the defenses around the town.


    A machine came down from the JLI and they asked to harvest the food they were growing. They paid in cash, and consumed every field they could get their hands on. The farmers were confused because it was the start of the planting season so most of what they had was just sprouts. But that was all they needed they said. A few miles just outside of town a structure had been built. Ghost Industries was written on a wall. They started to produce bio fuel from all the plants they collected. Hard to get any gas when all the trunks had stopped moving. The people of the town were happy to have it...


    ____________________________


    ***Alberta, Canada. Alpha FOB***


    ¡°I repeat! All outbound forces pulled back to the Rift immediately! We are under attack!¡± AR-John shouted through his communication relay in his power suit but all he got back was static.


    AR-John Stewart had once been a green lantern back in his reality. When the Unification had started he was one of the first people brain boxed by Dex. When his mind had been warped his power ring had left him. Just when he needed it the most! He prayed every day that the guardians would send back up, but they never did! Then as if Dex insulted the very memory of what John had been. They implanted an artificial meta-gene into him and granted him energy construction with the color green! Now, John could construct things out of green energy. Something he was using at this very moment!


    The giant reptilian creature was terrorizing the entire Alpha FOB. Swarms of reptilian soldiers, and red skinned gremlin creatures that hooted and shouted as they died in droves were ransacking the base for supplies. AR-John constructed a green energy construct in the shape of a mecha suit and proceeded to shoot them all with his high powered lasers, and missiles. He was doing his best to cover his own soldiers. Soldiers that were screaming in horror as they gripped their helmets. AR-John could hear whispers, whispers that told him to surrender, to give in.


    ¡°John! John I know this is hard to accept! But I am here to help you!?¡± The reptilian creature said as it sprinted towards him.


    ¡°What are you doing to my men!? Get out of my head!¡± AR-John shouted as the giant monstrosity Blinked from one point, to another. He towered over AR-John, who swung his energy constructed mechanical fist straight into his jaw.


    ¡°Ouch! John, please! I will try and be gentle!¡± The creature said, as it wrapped its arms around him and one of those tentacle things on its back broke through his armor. He could feel it breaking through his skull.


    ¡°HAAAAILL.....THE.....EMPEROR!¡± AR-John shouted, then collapsed into bliss full sleep.


    ________________________________________


    ***Australia, Charlie Rift FOB***


    The Charlie Rift was fluctuating with energy that had never been seen before. Rift commander AR-Hall stood in his command tower. His metallic wings stretched, and folded back up with nervous tension. His right arm which had been replaced with a Nth metal cybernetic arm. Sent a phantom pain into his body. Something was off, he knew it but wasn''t sure what it was. He left the command tower and headed for the Rift to look at it. Hoping to gain some sort of insight on the portal back home. Once he reached the loading area the Rift flickered again and out came a surprising sight. Supergirl!


    Commander AR-Hall looked at Supergirl with surprise, he hadn''t heard from AR-John that she had been returned. But lines of communication had been full of issues lately. AR-Hall extended his wings and flew up to meet her as she was floating above the loading area. But he noticed something different. Her armor had a different design, highlighted the old style before the unification war. Back before when their world made sense. Before Rofl Dex. Then an alert went through AR-Halls interface. It didn''t receive a signal from Supergirl''s implant.


    ¡°Wait...Who are you?¡± AR-Hall said in a panic as his cybernetic hand swapped out for a spiked mace.


    ¡°Me? I''m Supergirl. I''m here to help!¡± Kara said with a smile, as the Rift flickered again and a swarm of reptilian soldiers sprinted out. Omega energy levels spiked and Charlie Rift FOB went into lock down.


    ===========================================================


    What an eventful day it had been! Bullets were flying, energy blasts burned through armor, and flesh alike. Everyone was hearing voices in the back of their minds. Saurian was terrorizing the Alpha Rift complex. Demon gremlins ran around on fire chattering like frat boys at a college party. Saurian watched as one by one the different stealth field generators were shot to hell by the Watch Towers ion cannon. The whole base came into view at last. Hundreds of spring jump coils appeared around the base and the Justice League showed up in force.


    The Alpha Rift flickered to life and Supergirl came through, and tossed a man towards Saurian. The man was another Rift commander. But this one had a robotic right arm, and metallic wings. Commander AR-Hall, the commander of Charlie Rift. Saurian quickly pulled the bio chip out of the man. Saurian closed his eyes and searched through his link across the globe. He felt his forces in Australia breaking through the Rift base. Which brought a smile to Saurian''s face. He opened his eyes, all four of them and looked back at Supergirl.


    ¡°Can you clean up here? I have to start reinforcing the island. In case Dex decides to blow it all to hell.¡± Saurian asked, as he began to move back to the Rift.


    ¡°Sure can! Don''t go running off with out me though!¡± Supergirl said with a smile as she flew off to help round up the rest of the soldiers.


    Saurian walked through the Alpha Rift and made it back to the military installation on Hawaii. Though he had only been gone a few minutes. It had been several hours back in the alternate reality. Time skip was distorting his perception! The battle was won, and Saurian was in a hurry to build what he needed to defend the islands from retaliation from Dex. The military installation had a hourly check up that so far had been successfully circumvented due to his Virtual Intelligence Tech-Spirits. But eventually the main land would learn that the island had been taken over. Dex would send all he could to retake it, or he would just blow it up. Saurian wasn''t sure!


    Congratulations User! You''ve purchased G grade planetary multi shield blue print for 10 Dream Points!


    Effect: Create a primary, and secondary hexagonal shield around a specific place with enough power.


    Effect: Growth/ Evolution/ Change


    Effect: Can be upgraded from G-A grade through design, and upgrade keys.


    Effect: Phase energy shift.


    Comment: You have a basic shield that requires a vast amount of power. Though currently this shield is only capable of protecting a small space.


    Saurian with the help of his Saurus forces, Demons, and the recon team pulled all they could to the center of the main island. Saurian ran a cable from the power interface at the volcano, and hooked it up. Then he began to use Growth, Personal Time, Acceleration, Recycle, Compression Transformation, Virtual Intelligence, Re:Implant, Infinite Supply, Source Code, Fabrication, and Bending. The last one to empower the rest.


    The shield would cover the largest island in a hexagon grid shield. The pieces being about ten or so feet across. Thanks to the phase shift, the shield would pass through the ground in order to create a complete bubble. Of course it would open a passage for the magma pipes so it could continue to draw energy. The entire complex was a massive tower that stretched high into the sky. High enough for its shield to cover most of the island. The entire structure was nothing more than energy lines, and hard points. As if it was a ghostly image of what it would soon become.


    Saurian along with his Veterans, and Elites quickly built the structure. While the recon team pulled what ever they could find to them. Including the aquatic mines that were thankfully still offline. Thanks to Acceleration their entire team zipped around at five minute intervals. Nothing like a speedster would be, but still incredibly fast for themselves. The tower was soon finished, and the switch flipped. Instead of a massive bubble that grew up from the tower. One by one the hexagon pieces were built from energy. A primary, and secondary layer.


    Lash, and Saurian always prized quality of quantity. Each hexagon was both separate, and part of one whole. If they were attacked, what ever portion of the shield that was not being struck would send the power to that section that was under attack. If any of the shields on the primary layer broke, the secondary would send its pieces to reinforce the break. Then start to build another hexagon. The shield was what they had planned to build on the moon for their school. Just like the Watch Tower it could be upgraded. At C grade it would be high enough to cover the whole moon.


    Lash was currently on the second island building another shield tower when he got an alert. Missiles had been seen launched from a ship near their location. Everyone outside of the shield was immediately informed to get inside as quickly as possible. Lash growled in irritation as the secondary tower was not even half finished. They dropped their pieces and used Acceleration to get back to the island.


    That day they had two sun rises. One from the burning disk of hate in the sky, and the other as Dex shot a tactical nuke at the island. Thankfully at this point the primary shield had covered the entire main island, and the secondary shield was half way finished. The primary shield integrity dropped to 25% but held in place, as the secondary shield started to replace hexagon pieces. The fact that the shield warded off a nuke was a delightful surprise to the resistance under the shield.


    ¡°Are these normal in your reality?¡± Kaldur asked, as he walked up to Lash. Followed by Tula, and a few reclaimed.


    ¡°Nope! Though I plan to use one on our moon when we build a school up there.¡± Lash replied as he watched the hexagon pieces rebuild the damage.


    ¡°Why would you build a school on the moon?¡± Kaldur asked, looking back at the shield. It was bathed in irradiated fire. It was oddly beautiful, as the mushroom cloud reached for the skies above.


    ¡°Hopefully, it will be a sanctuary of sorts for everyone who is born different. In our reality meta-gene is fairly new. We wanted to build a school for everyone who suddenly obtained powers, so they could learn and grow in a safe environment. Then once they graduated they could return to Earth. They could pursue a normal life, or choose to use their abilities to help defend the planet. I will say it definitely needs to be work shopped.¡± Lash replied, he noticed that Tula and Kaldur were holding hands as they looked up at the sky.


    What remained of the aquatic mines around the islands exploded. The rest of the islands were consumed by the blast. Lash was surprised that Dex chose a nuke, he would think he would have better weapons at this point. He vaguely remembered being told that Dex had gotten rid of them all. Maybe that was a simple lie told to the public. Lash spent the next few hours fiddling with the shield, memorizing the blue prints. He liked the shield, perhaps they could swap the same with the Watch Tower? It seemed Dex was not satisfied with the result because another nuke hit the shield six hours later. But the result was the same, the hexagon pieces that broke were swapped out and new ones built. The new ones simply merged with the old. So there was never a moment a shield not being in place.


    Supergirl returned by sundown, just in time to see the third missile hit the shield. She was followed by AR-Superman, AR-Supergirl, and Shazam! They flew over to meet with Lash. Despite the battle that Lash was sure they all had. They looked excited, and ready for more. Shazam especially since he flew over with a wide smile on his face, and looked at the giant shield that protected the island.


    ¡°Woah! That is super awesome! Hay Wraith! Whats up man!¡± Shazam said as he flew down and gave him a hug. Lash returned the hug with a chuckle, soon followed by Supergirl. Once they finished, Lash looked to AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl who smiled but stood off to the side.


    ¡°So, the Rifts back home are all under out control?¡± Lash asked, Kaldur along with Tula came to join them. Though they kept their distance from the AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl.


    ¡°Yep! But we are trying to decide if we should shut these Rifts down. Then just keep the Rift in Themyscira, and the ocean open.¡± Supergirl said, she pulled up an information window on her built in computer to her suit. A holographic window appeared and relayed the information to Lash.


    ¡°Well! Why don''t we have everyone pile into the Rifts here. I''ll set shield to self destruct when the next missile hits. This way Dex will think he got through and either blasted us to hell, or at least slowed us down?¡± Lash offered an alternative, that surprised a lot of people.


    ¡°That...Might actually work.¡± AR-Superman said with a smile.


    So, that is what they did. The broke down all the gunships, much to Vyllith''s dislike. She liked her plane. Everyone piled in through the Rift, and Lash set up the shield tower to turn into slag at the next missile launch. Then they deactivated the Rifts! Sure enough another missile hit the island and the shield ''collapsed'' and the whole island was bathed in fire! All trace of the recon team was obliterated, and the Rift complex was destroyed.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed a bonus objective!


    Bonus Objective: You''ve pushed the invasion back into their world. Established a beach head with the resistance located there.


    Reward: Alternate Reality resistance reputation increase.


    Reward: 20 Dream Points.


    Reward: Ability Point Evolution.


    Comment: Almost there! Now all you have to do is kill the Emperor! Something the resistance has tried and failed at for decades, no pressure!


    It was a delight to watch the Amazons, Atlanteans, and the meta-humans from the alternate reality look down at the great blue marble that was Earth from the Watch Towers perspective. It was also a delight to be back aboard the station in his home reality again. But Lash couldn''t stay long. Vici was moving the station back into the correct orbital path above the Earth. The Justice League had seized both Rift sites and were the process of breaking them down. Dex had nuked the Rift complex in Hawaii. Lash and his team had tore apart the equipment in the hidden bunkers under the island. So once they arrived at the destroyed complex they wouldn''t find anything of use.


    Before Lash left the station he spent 20 DP purchasing E grade turret, and engine modules for the new portions of the Tower. Now since E grade modules were 10 points a pop. They all spring jumped down under the ocean surface to arrive at the Rift location. It was an amazing as most Atlantean structures are. A giant dome under the water, with hydro cannons pointed at the Rift in case of an attack. The dome itself was made from a living membrane that allowed one to push past the layer to get in. Felt like pushing through mud, or mucus. The entire thing was under a glamour to hide it from the outside world.


    Lash slipped through the Rift and came back to Themyscira in the Alternate Reality. As soon as he stepped through an Amazon was waiting for him, and requested his presence at the council chambers. Bleh! Lash, and Saurian had been awake for several days! They had done nothing but build, fight, and build some more. Dealing with politics was not something on their to do list. But despite their distaste they went to the council chambers.


    The chambers held the Themyscira council, along with visiting members from his home reality. Including Arthur, and Mera who both stood up and came over to hug Lash when he arrived. The Rift back home was technically in Atlantis lands/oceans so it made sense for them to be there. AR-Wonder Woman was in the room, along with several meta-humans Lash didn''t recognize. Except for the meta human named Bunker. The meta that Lash had fixed when he first arrived.


    Miguel Barragan was 5''8¡± with haunted brown eyes, and black hair. His body was rail thin but was on the mend since it had been a few months since Lash had last seen him. He wore a purple form fitting body suit, but no mask since it wasn''t needed currently. The man sat up straight when Lash walked in. Lash looked at him, a smile growing on his face. Though a giant reptile showing a bit of fang unsettled a few people. Bunker understood, and smiled back.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, welcome back. Though we are confused, I thought you said you were doing recon on the islands. Not attacking them?¡± Oracle asked, her expression grim on her face. Lash turned to address the water mirror.


    ¡°We did do recon...Then we attacked. We didn''t lose a single person, and obtained over a thousand reclaimed soldiers. They are being worked on at the Watch Tower back in my home reality. We lost the island, but I believe it was a worthy sacrifice. Since now the main Rift complex has been destroyed. Dex had to use four nukes before the island was taken.¡± Lash said in response, while he took a seat next to Arthur, and Mera.


    ¡°So, now the only way to your home reality is the Rift at Themyscira, is that correct?¡± Oracle asked, as she brought up a holographic display.


    ¡°As far as we know, that is correct.¡± Lash said, as he looked through the water mirror watching everyone on the other side.


    ¡°I believe we would all like to know what your next step would be?¡± Talia asked, looking at him through the mirror.


    ¡°Well I have a question about that, shocking I know!¡± Lash said, Arthur chuckled loudly next to him. Mera slapped his shoulder, but she smiled all the same.


    ¡°Dex used a nuke on an isolated place. In your experience, would Dex use a nuke on a populated area? Like south america?¡± Lash asked, as he began to draw up some designs and plans on his holographic.


    ¡°On a populated zone? We would say no. But from the information we have gathered from our contacts. Dex hates you, Wraith with a fiery devotion that we have never known him for. We are not entirely sure what he will do.¡± Talia said in response, she glanced around the council chamber on their end. A majority of the room agreed.


    ¡°Why are you asking about south america?¡± Damian asked, his voice was cold and his face held irritation. While Ra''s had yet to say anything, his eyes seem to want to skin Lash alive.


    ¡°We don''t have an army capable of attacking Dex with all his forces. From what I''ve been able to obtain about Dex''s imperial palace its essentially a city sized bunker. Completely self contained, and contained environment?¡± Lash asked, the council agreed with him.


    ¡°So, would Dex nuke a populated area? Why am I asking this. I suggest we start at the southern tip of south america and work our way up. Going from every major city we come across, freeing the population from his control. I understand that not everyone has a bio chip. There are many people alive today that truly believe that Dex is the rightful leader of the Earth. But what if we could prove that he isn''t? Would they support our revolution?¡± Lash asked, he was going out on a limb at this point. He had spent some time when in transit asking about Dex''s palace from AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl.


    ¡°We would have better luck attacking the imperial palace. We don''t have the numbers to attack Buenos Aires, or Santiago.¡± Bunker said in the chamber hall. ¡°Sorry everyone, my tongue slipped.¡± He said, and looked away.


    ¡°No, Bunker you are right. We don''t have the ability to attack either city. We have neither the resources, nor the soldiers.¡± Oracle said in response, she looked back at Lash and raised an eye brow at him. Because he was smiling. Arthur had kept his mouth shut the whole time but a huge grin was on his face. Mera was looking through a schematic that Lash had pulled up.


    ¡°But... If I could provide both resources, and soldiers. Would you think it possible?¡± Lash asked, as he started to pull up other windows.


    ¡°Wraith, why don''t you just tell us your plan and we''ll put it to a vote.¡± Batman said, causing the whole room to grow silent. Lash pulled up a window that everyone in the chamber in both areas could see.


    ¡°Have any of you ever heard of a helicarrier?¡± Lash said, as Erik the gamer squealed in glee at the picture.


    ___________________________________


    Insanity, that was the word used to describe his plan. But Lash didn''t care! It was his time and he wanted to try it! Despite what many would like to believe, helicarriers are not exclusive to the other certain kinds of comic book universes. This one especially was different. Lash, and three of his Elites were in the process of building the skeleton structure of a helicarrier. The carrier was about thousand feet long, five hundred feet across, and about hundred feet high.


    Despite its massive size Lash did not buy this from the Dream Store. This was all home made, with a lot of experimentation. Something that AR-Lex was more than happy to help with since he had missed the recon and attack on Hawaii. However, something that was technically purchased from the store but was made by Lash was a Droid Service module that was being built inside the ship. Though Lash had purchased the modules, that didn''t mean he didn''t know how to make them himself.


    The whole ship would have a flight deck, operations, armory, medical bay, galley, machine shop, cargo bay, crew quarters, engineering, shields, and droid service modules, four of them to be exact. Jet thrust engines on the back, with four giant magnetic coil engines on the sides. Unlike other carriers this did not have a single flight tower. The flight deck was built inside the ship at the top covered by a retractable roof. Operations was sitting in the center of the ship. It was a giant rectangular monstrosity!


    Unlike most ships Lash made, this one was not designed to fly into space. At least not yet! Thanks to his Nth metal ingots he had saved, and Source Code. The whole carrier had incredible structural durability, and when a power current went through it. The carrier was able to fly through the air. Something Lash did buy from the Dream Store was a Gravity Distortion Engine. Which essentially allowed it to create a field around it, or run a field through something. Allowing things normally far to heavy to move in normal gravity, could now move.


    Why did the carrier have four droid services? Well as long as they had power, they would build the army that Lash required to attack Dex. This time he concentrated on quantity over quality. He also took out the inheritance of a magical spark, or soul. He wasn''t comfortable sending waves, after waves of troops to their deaths, all of them with a magical spark. Though if any of them naturally grew a soul he would welcome them into the fold. It made of him a hypocrite, Lash knew this. But he used the tools that were available.


    With this all said and done it only took two whole weeks of none stop construction for a single carrier. As always Lash only asked for volunteers, and he got a lot of them! Especially the reclaimed soldiers. As the carrier went through one last check up. Lash was in the operations center watching as Tide casters from Atlantis created a water mirror. So he could talk to the council while on mission. Watching the craft it was a fascinating process that made wish he could make one of his own.


    Observant Learner, Water Mirror....5%......10%......


    By the time they were finished he had only reached 35%, damn! The mirror activated and he saw two different images. One was the room on the naval ship around Themyscira, the other was the resistance HQ near Gotham. Only a small portion of the council was present. Everyone had jobs to do, places to be. AR-Wonder Woman insisted on coming with him, as did AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl. They were aboard the ship with him. So the council in Themyscira''s chamber was Bunker, and a few Amazons. While the Gotham HQ was Oracle, and Batman.


    ¡°From what we can tell, Dex is consolidating his forces. He is pulling most of the military out from the other two realities and spreading them across his controlled lands. He is clearly expecting an assault. Once you attack, he will send all of his forces available. Expect heavy resistance.¡± Oracle said to them.


    ¡°As you have requested we have not told the other resistance cells about your attack, or which city you have chosen as your first target. Something many on the council are angry about. However, once you start you first attack please notify us so we may assist you.¡± Batman said through the mirror.


    ¡°Good luck!¡± Oracle said, and the mirror turned off. All Lash could see was his reflection.


    ¡°You really believe there are people in the resistance feeding intel to Dex?¡± AR-Wonder Woman asked Lash.


    ¡°Yes, as incredible as it is that you''ve all survived. I think Dex let it go this far simply because it was a way to keep his troops sharp. Especially since so many of the resistance cells in the past weeks have been discovered. Dex is pulling up the weeds. He is not taking any chances now.¡± Lash said, as he turned back towards the bridge controls.


    Sitting in the command chair was Vyllith wearing her hell knight gear. She turned to appraise Lash, her helmet down. Her long raven black hair swept past her shoulders. Her lilac eyes looked at him with excitement. Waiting for him to give the order. The operations center was a room cast in twilight. With over a dozen different stations, all with a holographic interface. The rest of the stations had worker droids linked up to them. Lash clicked on the ship communications.


    ¡°Everyone, this is Wraith speaking. Thank you for accepting this mission. This is the next step in taking back this planet from Dex. I expect the first city we encounter will be a surprise for them. Despite Dex''s total control over the planet he has done little to prepare defenses. Almost as if the very idea that we could fight back never entered his mind. Well lets show him his mistake. Sulaco, full flight!¡± Lash said, using his best authority voice.


    The magnetic engines hummed to life and the giant ship left the ocean waters around Themyscira. The incredibly ugly vessel left the water behind and floated in the sky. It looked like a beached whale with no fins! Why did Lash name the ship Sulaco, it was after one of his favorite movies. Aliens. The ship started to move forward, and flew over the floating town around the island. Everyone on Themyscira, and in the floating town cheered at the sight of the ship. Ugly as it was! It represented a certain expectation. Right before the ship hit the edge of the shield they activated their camouflage and the whole ship turned invisible.


    ========================================================


    ***Alternate Reality, Rio De Janeiro***


    Like most cities in the alternate reality, Rio De Janeiro had been rebuilt. The entire city had been reorganized into a grid system. Uniformed, symmetrical, and very clean. But gone was the resort, and tourist destination. Most cities, towns, and villages in south america had been torn down. They had consolidated all of their people into a few select cities. While the rest of the continent went through a rush job of replanting. One would normally ask, where did all of the people go? Even rebuilt Rio couldn''t hold them all? Many had died during the unification war this was true. But a majority of them did live in Rio. They just lived beneath it.


    Things hadn''t changed! Rio was still pretty on the outside, rotten on the inside. Vast underground networks, tunnels, and factories were under the city. There were many people that had been born, raised, and lived under the city that had never seen daylight before. The city on the surface were only for the elite. The people sworn the great emperor! While the rest were brain boxed slaves that had little to no free will of their own.


    Rio De Janeiro was also one of the cities with a resistance cell was located. Rio was important because there was an atmospheric tower installed in the city above. While the factories, and power generators under the city helped run the tower. Everyday thousands of galleons of water was pumped through the factory in an attempt to clean it of radiation. Once cleansed it would be shipped through pipes towards the awaiting city and its citizens. Radiated air was pulled through the complex along with the water. Everyone working in the factory would never see any of their work. It was all pumped topside.


    Sprinting through one of the tunnels was a pair of resistance fighters. A man and a woman in rags. They slipped past the hundreds of brain boxed workers, while sprinting behind them were robotic units in full tactical gear. They pushed past, pushed over, and stepped on the different slaves they encountered without a care. The resistance cell home base in Rio had just been ambushed! One of their own had given them up for a chance to live in the city above. The idiot had been killed as soon as he tried and failed to convince everyone to give up.


    The man jumped past a group of slaves and created a barrier made out of what could be described as yellow starlight, or sun energy. The robotic units slammed into the shield, and started to shoot at it. The barrier slowly broke apart, but the man had already moved on. Buy a few seconds for them both to escape. As they passed an intersection, the woman waved her hands in complex series of movements. With a flash of purple light there were now three copies of the two moving in different directions. Unfortunately for them, the pursuers had more than enough to chase all three.


    ¡°It was a good try!¡± The man said, running on fumes as he continued to run.


    ¡°I am not giving up, we can still get to the randevu!¡± The woman replied.


    They turned a corner and sprinted past a check point. The alert was sounded as mechanical aerial drones were deployed. They chased after the resistance fighters, just as the robotic units reached the check point as well. The pair reached a factory outlet, with a single elevator that went up to the surface. Raw minerals, water, and air were being shipped up top through pipes. The pair had tried several times to sabotage the pipping system but they always failed. They sprinted past and moved through a long abandoned tunnel that had been marked has condemned.


    They ran straight through it as if they had run it hundreds of times before, which of course they had. It grew dark, and the man created a forward light for them to follow. He continued to create barrier after barrier to slow down their pursuers. At last they came to a T intersection, they ran straight for the wall and...WHAM! They bounced back off of it in confusion.


    ¡°Fuck! What the hell!?¡± The woman yelled in pain. She jumped to her feet and felt across the wall. Expecting it to give way, but then she realized that the wall was crumbled stone, and debris.


    ¡°It''s over, Rita. If the room is closed that means they were found.¡± The man said in defeat.


    ¡°No! We...No!¡± Rita screamed as she beat her hand against the cave in. ¡°We were so close! Jose, why did this happen?¡± Rita yelled in frustration. A bullet shot rang out through the tunnels and hole appeared two inches away from Rita''s face.


    ¡°Come on! We can still go down fighting!¡± Jose said as he stood up, and turned back towards the tunnel. A shinning golden light covered him, and he wore a suit of armor made from golden light. A golden blade, and a shield in hand.


    Tears began to fall from Rita''s face, but she swallowed her sadness and took her place by Jose''s side. Purple energy crawled up to her hands, and copies of them spread through the room. Right before the robotic units poured into the small room a rumbling came from the collapsed cave in. Jose quickly created a wall at the entrance to block off the units. Rita turned around to look at the cave in, hope dancing in her eyes. What came out of it was not what she was expecting.


    ============================================


    Lash burst from the wall using Earth Swim, followed by a dozen Saurus Warriors. They jumped over the pair of resistance fighters and dove straight into the energy barrier breaking it apart like paper. Lash created red chaos Psionic Blades and began to cut through the robotic units with ease. Hand over hand Lash danced through the robotic units like a dancer. He kicked out and crushed a unit into a wall, whipped a tentacle forward and impaled another. After a few brief moments all the robotic units signal lights went from green to red and Lash knew that Dex had his location.


    Saurus Warriors swarmed into the tunnel after him. The fleeing pair looked shocked and confused until the warriors walked up and told them to come with them. Thanks to Earth Swim evolving they could pull them through the wall. What waited on the other side was a sight to see. The Sulaco may not be able to fly into space. But it sure could swim through the earth just as fast! The entire ship was covered in the spell aura of Earth Swim. A complicated spell script over the entire armor, being powered by the magiteck core aboard.


    Through water, through air, and through rock the Sulaco could move. Hard to blow the ship up with nearly a mile of earth above it! The entire underground complex shook, as explosions rang out above the surface. Drop ships covered in the same glow as the Sulaco popped out of the ground and deployed dozens of Technomagical Constructs or War Droids. They looked like people wearing full tactical gear. But one looked close enough they could see the synthetic eyes, and bio-mechanical parts linked together.


    Every Dex unit in the whole underground complex jumped into action and raced towards the collapsed tunnels. But didn''t have to go far as Lash burst out of the tunnel system and raced towards the fight. Deflection rebound the bullets, and energy shots into the ground around him. Rarely it even shot them straight back at attacker.


    Lash dove into the army of complex machines. Slicing and ripping through them, soon followed by his warriors, and war droids. He had poured a majority of his magical energy into maintaining his army. So he would have to do most of this on low power. He didn''t mind, after two weeks of doing nothing but building he could use the exercise! Like a swarm of ants the robotic units pushed down the tunnel. All of them firing, in most cases they only hit themselves. But Lash knew that stopped when a flash of purple light erupted down the tunnels passage.


    ¡°Die you fucking monster!¡± A man shouted as he flew straight at Lash.


    Lash raised his arm up in a block as the man brought down his fists. The entire tunnel shook with the force. He whipped his tentacle around and sliced the man in half with his red Psionic Blade. Chaos Magic is no joke! Lash knew that these soldiers had no bio-chips. They were brain washed the old fashioned way. The hunter killer teams had arrived! As the man fell to pieces, Lash had to admire their desire to fight. The top half wrapped his arms around Lash''s Leg in a futile effort to slow him down. A warrior behind him sliced the mans head off.


    A sniper rifle shot snapped out like a thunder crack, the armor piercing bullet slammed into the tunnel ceiling thanks to Deflection. Lash used Blink and appeared right in front of the soldier. Like all HK''s they had black armor on, with red highlights. But these HK''s had a skull face mask. Lash swiped his blade through the soldier straight down the middle. Then was tackled into the wall by another. The HK roared in defiance beating Lash down like a gorilla. Pity they didn''t look behind them as a Saurus Warrior stabbed them in the back.


    ¡°Coward!¡± The man shouted at him as he fell over.


    ¡°What, you are the only ones allowed to have a team?¡± Lash said with a smirk, as he pushed the man off.


    Up top the battle for the city wasn''t really anything to write home about. Hunter Killer teams were teleporting into the city. While detachments from the underground factory levels were rushing to the surface. The civilians in the city were in a panic. It had been nearly twenty years since any of them had seen any form of fighting. The empire had done their best to assure their people everything was under control. Well it clearly wasn''t anymore!


    War droids pushed into the city with ruthless efficiency capturing city hall as quickly as possible. Cutting off communications, and rerouting all the information they could back to the Sulaco. Prefabricated bunkers were deployed around the city. With pyramid turrets scattered around them. The droids were only E grade standard but that was far above the average citizens. The HK teams could easily defeat them, but they had standard orders to ignore the enemy soldiers and focus only on Lash. Which he soon became impossible to locate as the a communication black out went through the whole city.


    Wraith! -Vyllith shouted into Lash''s mind over the Temporary Pack Bond network. We are breaching into the network. Every HK team in the whole reality is heading towards you! -Vyllith finished, her voice carried a hint of concern. But most of all she was enjoying herself!


    Copy that! Do we have the location on the resistance members? -Lash asked through the link.


    Yes! Marking on your UI now! Dex is shooting missiles into the open air around the city. -Vyllith said over the link. Lash hadn''t told the resistance that the Sulaco could swim through the earth. So, that meant his theory was correct. Someone was sharing information with him, they had said that the Sulaco would be flying nearby to deploy troops.


    Thank you for the update, keep me appraised! -Lash sent back over the link. He activated his interface and found the spot where the resistance members that had been caught. They were being sent for brain boxing.


    Lash pushed through the underground complex with his warriors following in his wake. Every intersection more and more warriors would separate from him. But he always kept at least ten with him just in case. But it seemed the HK''s and grown and waited for him to arrive at a specific underground intersection. Lash, and his warrior team ran straight into an ambush. The entire room was blasted to hell, and swarmed with HK bruisers, and superboy clones. Of course they knew something was wrong when they tried to punch Lash, and their hands went through an illusion.


    A tentacle whipped up through the ground the HK''s stood on, and sliced through the bruisers with Psionic Blades. The warriors did the same for the snipers hidden away in the intersection. Fighting Lash underground was a death sentence. It made Lash wonder why they were being so stupid about it? So he stole one of their coms and jacked into it. The answer was so obvious that it made Lash''s head hurt. Dex was ordering them into the tunnels. The HK''s were so brain washed they couldn''t tell him he was being a fucking idiot about it. But this of course presented a unique opportunity.


    _____________________________


    ¡°I don''t care if every single one of you has to die! Rush in there and kill him, NOW!¡± Dex shouted over the secure line.


    ¡°Yes sir! Team three, team four your next!¡± A familiar voice said across the line. It was the leader of the first team Lash had encountered in Ethiopia.


    ¡°Sir! Sir! I have a confirmed kill! Omega Red target is down! The creatures around him are bursting into energy matter sir!¡± A voice called over the radio.


    ¡°Who is this? What is your ID code!¡± The commanders voice said over the comms.


    ¡°Alpha-Tango-Zulu-2-4-5-8. Sir!¡± The voice said in response.


    ¡°Where is your location! We''ll move into to confirm!¡± The commander said.


    ¡°Underground intersection 2-2-Xeta. We are still under attack by soldiers coming from the tunnel!¡± The voice said.


    ¡°All HK''s move to positions and secure the area, now!¡± Dex roared over the communication line.


    Connor Kent aka Superboy of the Alternate Reality was teleported into the intersection under Rio. Unlike the rest of the squad leaders of the HK''s he was an original. Made during the first Project Cadmus days. Which meant he had far more experience than any other. All of his experience, and instincts told him this was a trap of some kind. Over a hundred different HK''s teleported in thanks to the meta''s with the abilities. Different colored flashes, and abilities all in sync. Once everyone was in, the began to secure the area.


    The whole intersection was a war zone in it self. Craters in the ground, and the walls. Bodies were tossed all over, bisected by some sort of energy blade. Bullet casings were scattered across the ground. Robotic units cast aside, many of them attempting to stand back up. But their interfaces were wrecked beyond repair. But from the smoke came the familiar outline of an HK. He had a severe limp, and was pressing his left hand into his side. They had all been conditioned with high pain tolerance. So the wound must be severe. Connor called for a medic, and had his unit secure the immediate area.


    ¡°Report!¡± Connor asked the soldier, as his teams medic started to work on him. They linked up to the suit and showed the holographic image to everyone around them. The soldier was so screwed up they were surprised he was alive!


    ¡°Our commander used the experimental warp tool. He tackled the Omega Red target with the device in play. A hole in realities opened up, and sucked them in. Well about half of them anyways. The Omega Red''s top half went into the hole. His lower half is hundred feet that way sir.¡± The soldier reported, the entire conversation was being sent back to Dex.


    ¡°Find his body and destroy it! NOW!¡± Dex said over the comms. The HK''s available rushed towards the location.


    ¡°What about your commander?¡± Connor asked, the soldier shook his head.


    One of the HK''s blew the smoke out of the intersection and the entire battle field was cleared. There off to the center was the Omega Red. A giant reptilian soldiers with pure black armor, metallic scales, and armor beyond anything they had ever seen before. Just as the soldier said, the top half of the creature was missing. But the bottom half remained and has gruesome as it appeared, the body looked as if it was attempting to heal itself. Dex was sent the video feed and the man roared in victory!


    ¡°THAT IS FUCKING RIGHT! I DEAFEATED YOU, YOU FREAK!¡± Dex roared over the communications line.


    ¡°Commander?¡± Connors medic said over their direct com line. Only their squad heard her. ¡°I don''t know how this soldier is alive, all of his organs are destroyed. He barely has a heart beat. He''s a scout unit, not a vanguard. He should be dead.¡± The medic said over their direct line. Connors instincts screamed at him.


    ¡°EVERYONE FALL BACK NOW!¡± Connor screamed over the open comms.


    But it was too late. They all started to hear the whispers, the voices from beyond. One by one every HK in the room screamed in horror and pain. Falling to their knees, Dex shouted at them to report in. The severally injured soldier pulled off his helmet to reveal a crushed skull. The holographic reading on the medics read out changed out for the actual image. The soldier was dead, had been dead for a few minutes.


    The lower half of ''Wraith'' regrew quickly as energy particles replaced the damage tissue. A Saurus Elite stood up from the ground and rolled its shoulders looking around at the fallen HK''s in the room. One by one Veterans emerged from the ground and started to bind the soldiers with inhibitors. Lash walked from the shadows and canceled Animancy from the dead soldier. They fell over with out a fuss. Lash looked down at AR-Connor Kent who was trying his best to get back to his unit. Eldritch Mind really had a lot of useful quirks.


    Lash snagged AR-Connors arms, then legs. Bound them up, and placed an inhibitor on his neck. Then pulled off his helmet and rolled him over. Connor was filled with fury as he looked up at Lash. They had fallen for the trap! Lash had used his title effect of Grave Walker to talk to the dead for information. Then animated a corpse to replay the information. His Elite took his place since they resemble each other closely. Thanks to Dex''s horrible management of his forces one of the biggest threats to Lash was removed.


    ¡°Hello Connor, I know you and I got off on the wrong foot. I am sorry I killed your team mates. But I''ll do my best to make it up to you.¡± Lash told him, and meant it. Lash linked up to their communications with Connectivity to hear Dex screaming at them to report.


    ¡°Hello Rofl Dex, did you miss me?¡± Lash said to the emperor. No response other than heavy breathing.


    ¡°Wraith.... I am going to win this time. I swear it!¡± Dex said over the line, his voice a hushed whisper as if he was afraid someone would hear him.


    ¡°Win? You didn''t win the other times we played. You were so horrible that you had to remove me from the your own reality just to get ahead.¡± Lash replied to him, then the sounds of crashing were heard over the line. Metal being torn apart along with a mans shouting.


    Lash closed the line, clearly Dex was finished with the conversation. War droids soon showed up to collect the HK''s. Lash rushed off to secure the resistance fighters before they had all been brain boxed. Rio would fall before the sun rose the next day. Though it was clear they may not be able to hold it for long they would try at least. Step by step they would push Dex back, until all that was left was his palace. Which would be made into his tomb.


    =====================================================


    ***Rofl Dex''s Palace***


    Dex sat in a destroyed room. Metal floors, walls, and furniture were warped in odd chaotic designs. Along with dozens of brain boxed servants that had been in his way as he was trying to blow off some steam. Flesh pulled from bone. Eyes gouged out by their own hands. Some bashed their own skulls in to get away from the madness. But nothing would stop Dex''s anger, nothing except a man who stood in front of him. Blue eyes, blond hair, and a tailored suit.


    ¡°Well dear Emperor. Have you come to a decision?¡± Godfrey asked, a smile on his face.


    ¡°I accept... Send the parademons.¡± Dex replied, his eyes focused on Godfrey while smiled wide at him.


    ¡°Wonderful! Our master will expect great things from you!¡± Godfrey replied as he whispered into his box. A golden tube of light boomed into creation behind Godfrey. He waved his fingers at Dex and walked into the boom tube. It snapped close shortly after, leaving Dex behind.


    ¡°No matter the cost I will win this time.¡± Dex said, doing his best to convince himself more than anyone else.

 Chapter 91: Windows?

    ============================================================


    ***Gotham, Home Reality***


    Gotham''s city streets were always packed no matter the time of day. Be it full of pedestrians crossing the street because no one followed the guide lines. Or just cars passing through at all times of day. Which made navigating the streets of Gotham a practice in discipline, and luck when you were trying to zip through them at high speeds. It had been several weeks since Wraith had built the solar plant next to Gotham. Just long enough for the under belly of Gotham to find a new thing to steal, and sell to the highest bidder.


    A truck with its bed full of ''cargo'' rammed through the wreckage of long forgotten cars. Barreling through the intersection that had been jammed for months. Its tires squealed against the wet pavement, and the occupant screamed at the driver to hurry up. At last the truck pushed past its last car and tore down the pavement. With in a few seconds a shadow sprinted past the wrecked intersection. The shadow was on all fours, with sleek black fur, and yellow cat eyes.


    ¡°Fucking shoot it already!¡± The driver shouted at his companion. His passenger stuck his body out of the truck and fired his automatic rifle at the giant panther. The fire cracker shots from the rifle shot at the creature. The truck took a corner to tight and it almost lost its passenger.


    ¡°God damn it! Hold it steady! I can''t get a hit with your shitty driving!¡± The passenger shouted, as he pulled himself back to shout at his driver.


    ¡°We are almost there! Then we''ll...Fuck! Hold on!¡± The driver shouted before he pulled the steering wheel hard left. To far, to fast as the whole truck flipped on its side. The truck, and its cargo rolled several times over before it was suddenly stopped by a massive hand.


    The massive hand belong to a mountain of flesh, at least ten feet tall. With green skin, tribal marks, and huge tusks coming out of his mouth. The troll wore a combination of tactical gear, and tribal war garb. A bone maw in one hand, and a M249 light machine gun slung over its shoulder. Around the trolls neck was a golden necklace. The troll looked into the cabin of the truck to see the driver and its passenger alive, but knock unconsciousness. The giant black cat came to a stop near the truck.


    ¡°Pack sister, I wish you wouldn''t run off like that, I worry.¡± The troll said to the giant cat. Who rolled her eyes at him.


    ¡°I was bored, I needed the exercise...¡± Said an animalistic feminine voice from the giant cat as it came around to the trolls side of the truck.


    ¡°What would your fiancee say if he saw you do that with out back up?¡± The troll said as he walked around the back of the truck to check the cargo.


    ¡°Oh he''d throw a fit, which is why you are not going to tell him are you, Booraku?¡± The cat said, as it rubbed up against his legs affectionately.


    ¡°No, I will not. Though I may tell Wraith what you did, Selina.¡± Booraku said to the giant cat. Selina Kyle who had taken on a shifted form in the likeness of her Goddess pouted at the war troll.


    ¡°I think he would be proud!¡± Selina said as she jumped onto the edge of the truck bed. Booraku pulled the tarp back to reveal the cargo in the truck. Selina''s cat face fell into disappointment.


    ¡°Why couldn''t it be cash, gold, or jewels! Why did it have to be windows!¡± Selina said with a growl. As the tarp was removed it revealed a stack of bay windows that had been secured and tied to the truck bed.


    ¡°These are worth more.¡± Booraku said, as he started to pull the sheets of glass off the truck one by one.


    ¡°I don''t think Wraith fully planned on them being worth this much.¡± Selina said in a grumpy voice. As Booraku finished stacking the sheets of glass he planted a device on the stack. Then a ribbon of spell script appeared around them. The Watch Tower sprung jump the sheets of glass back.


    ¡°What''s next?¡± Selina asked, as she stretched out like the giant cat that she was.


    ¡°Home, its almost dawn.¡± Booraku said with a smile. Selina jumped off the trunk with glee and rubbed against the war trolls leg for a bit before she padded forward.


    Wraith had known that the solar plant would never provide enough power for the city. So he had left an updated effect. When the magical energy from the plant repaired what it touched. It also turned any window it passed through into a photokinetic solar pane of glass. The glass had leaf like veins through it. Which did two things, it made them very durable. But it also collected natural energy for storage and use. Making every window in Gotham into a solar panel. So now the criminals in Gotham don''t steal cash, gold, or jewels. No, no, no! They rip windows off of peoples homes. Selling them on the black market.


    A few weeks ago people were struggling to live from day to day. Water, food, and medicine were the main resource for trade. Now that they had power, with water, food, and medicine being brought in at distribution centers. What does everyone want? Windows! Lots, and lots of windows! These specific windows were taken off a shelter down the street. They were currently being reinstalled by a JLI logistics crew. Just another night in Gotham!


    ===============================================================


    ***Alternate Reality, 500 feet below Rio De Janeiro. Sulaco''s infirmary***


    Rita woke up with a splitting head ache, and body full of aches. She glared at the lights above her as she slowly turned her head to take in the environment she was in. The last thing she remembered was fighting against the robotic units of Dex with her brother Jose. Then being taken through a stone wall by giant lizards. She heard soft murmurs in the room she was in, a simple curtain separated her from the rest of the area. She tried to call out but her throat was dry. Then a green light glowed above her and a pulse of energy washed over her whole body. She felt revitalized.


    ¡°H-Hello?¡± Rita called out from her bed. Her head ache was starting to fade just when the curtain was pulled back and the bright lights outside the curtain made her wince in pain. She was taken in surprise when a pair of strong familiar arms wrapped around her.


    ¡°Your awake! Thank god!¡± Jose said to his sister. A tight knot in Rita''s chest pulled apart being hugged by her brother. Jose was tall man with golden skin, with short dirty brown hair, and golden eyes like the energy he used. He wore a pair of hospital scrubs that did little hide his muscular physique.


    ¡°Yes! Yes! I''m awake, now tell me where we are? What happened?¡± Rita asked, as she sat up on her bed to look back at the room. There was a full length mirror next to her bed. Rita hand long black hair swept past her shoulders. With caramel skin, a button nose, and athletic figure she was proud of. She also wore a pair of hospital scrubs.


    ¡°We are aboard the Sulaco, inside the infirmary Rita.¡± Said another familiar voice. Rita practically jumped to attention at the sound of the voice.


    Standing behind Jose was Paul Sanders a military veteran from the unification war. He''d seen to the training of the resistance movement for their people. With salt and peppered black hair cut short, piercing blue eyes, and broad shoulders on his tall frame. He was the living definition of an old soldier. Unlike the rest of them he was in jungle camouflage military gear. A half smile on his face as he watched snap into military attention.


    ¡°At ease soldier...¡± Sanders said, as he gestures around the room. The rest of the resistance cell was in the infirmary. Well most of them, not everyone had made it out of the initial conflict.


    ¡°The Sulaco? What is that?¡± Rita smiled at every one but turned to face Sanders and asked her question.


    ¡°Do you remember the reports about an alternate reality sending a soldier through a Rift to make contact with us?¡± Sanders replied, he schooled his face to look indifferent even though there was a glint in his eyes. ¡°This is his ship, a ship he built in two weeks. Right now he and his forces are taking Rio over.¡± Sanders said, a grin stretching across his face.


    ¡°What can we do to help!¡± Rita said, ready to jump back into the action. Her brother rolled his eyes next to her, barely awake and she was ready to fight again.


    ¡°You can all help by getting back into bed and resting!¡± Said a woman who had just entered the infirmary. She was tall, with short blond hair, and a familiar S symbol on her chest. Rita''s face went pale at the sight of her.


    ¡°Stand down everyone! This is Supergirl from the alternate reality, she is with Agent Wraith.¡± Sanders told the whole room. Everyone eased back, but they looked ready to spring into action at a moments notice. ¡°Ma''am, you''ll have to forgive them. Your copy in our reality has been a terror for us for a long time.¡± Sanders supplied to her.


    ¡°I understand, but I have orders from Wraith. All of you are required to take 10 hours of bed rest and a full medical check up before you are allowed to fight. The 10 hours doesn''t start until you are in bed, resting.¡± Supergirl said with a tight smile as she gestured at the few people standing and not laying down.


    ¡°We can''t just lay here and not help. We have people to save!¡± Rita shouted at Supergirl. Rita then all but stepped back in fright when Supergirl looked at her.


    ¡°I get that, believe me I do! But, you won''t do anyone any good if you pass out from exhaustion.¡± Supergirl said in response, she crossed her arms over her chest and stood in the door way.


    ¡°She is right people! Besides, I have spoken to Wraith. If we don''t do what he asks he''ll just flood the room with gas and make us fall asleep. We are guests in his house, and he is the man who saved us all. So get to it!¡± Sanders said to everyone. Then he started pulling everyone back into their beds.


    Supergirl watched everyone settle back into bed, as the lights started to dim. She nodded in thanks to Sanders as he got into his own bed. She turned and closed the door behind her. Two war droids were station just outside the door. They saluted her, and she nodded in reply. She walked down the hall way and checked on the other rooms. All of them filled with resistance members being tested, and cleared for battle one by one.


    Supergirl walked down the hallway to an elevator and took it up to the operations deck. Walking out she came double reinforced door with hidden turrets, and a security check point. She cleared through the scans, and walked into the operations main room. She pressed a button on her neck, and her half face helmet compressed and slid away letting her comb her fingers through her hair. She came to stand next to a giant monster with a tail who looked back at her.


    ¡°They alright?¡± Wraith asked her, his eyes focused on her for a moment.


    ¡°Yes, that was the last group. They are anxious to get back out there.¡± Supergirl replied, she crossed her arms and leaned against the railing next to Wraith.


    Wraith''s attention automatically went back to the two dozen screens in front of him. His hood was down so Supergirl could see his four reptilian eyes track the information. He wasn''t a gecko, so his eyes didn''t move separately. But when ever he looked at her it sent of warning bells in her head to run the other way. Wraith had always been a predator, nothing would change that. Supergirl was startled when she felt his massive tail slide up along her legs. He would do that when ever she stood next to him. It oddly comforted her, and she suspected it helped him too. She reached out and ran her hand against his metallic scales.


    ¡°Thank you for being here.¡± Wraith said softly, a smile spread across Supergirl''s face.


    ¡°Of course! Need me to do anything?¡± She asked, Wraith pointed a claw a specific window. A beep went through her own interface. She nodded, and pulled her helmet back on while instructions were fed into her display.


    ¡°Be safe.¡± Wraith said softly.


    ¡°Always!¡± Supergirl replied and headed out.


    ============================================================


    Lash watched Supergirl leave the operations room, and turned back to his main interface. Dozens of windows were pulled up as he looked through them with a critical eye. Vyllith was working near him in a command chair. While several reclaimed soldiers that had been briefed and cleared worked along side her. Lash received a prompt from Dawn.


    Congratulations User! Minor Military Special Operations has evolved into Basic Military Special Operations.


    Effect: A natural increase to military operations, leadership, and tactics.


    Effect: Basic understanding of soldier types, ground, water, and air vehicles.


    Effect: Stacks with additional abilities (See Tool Tip)


    That explained why he suddenly have a better understanding of the theater of war. Lash felt like he was playing a 4-X RTS game. Spy drones had been deployed across the entire city while his war droids were deployed in waves from the Sulaco. Each of the Droid Service Modules built different types of war droids. One primarily built infantry, another built armored vehicles, while the third built air vehicles. The last one was for the ship specifically. As long as they had power, they could use Fabrication.


    His forces poured into the city and earned every inch of it through hard won battle. They had originally obtained the city hall during the first few hours but that had changed during the middle of the night. Dex had activated some soft of sound harmonics which made every man, woman, child, and senior rush out of their homes attack Lash''s forces. No strategy, no tactics, just rush out and try their best to tear them apart.


    They had lost city hall, and most of the city in a few hours. They were trying to retake the town with out extravagant civilian causalities. The main issue they were having is that most of the civilians were not chipped. They were brainwashed the good ole fashioned way through subliminal messaging, food additives, and drugs! Lots, and lots of drugs. Beep-Beep!


    Lash watched the icon that represented Supergirl fly out into the city to quell an attack by a mob. While AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl fought on the west side of the city fighting off Dex''s main force that was coming in from Santiago. Six fighter jets flew out from the Sulaco and did a bombing run across the jungle. Then flew back to rearm. Last update from the resistance cells that had not been routed said that every available force in Dex''s army was in route towards South America.


    If they needed to they could drop everything and move to another town. Leave the war droids behind as last ditch effort. But Lash knew the resistance forces they had picked up would choose to stay behind as well. Which was not what Lash wanted. He received another prompt from Dawn, and realized one of the Droid modules had leveled. That was something new! All of the modules, and facilities aboard the Sulaco, and the ship it self had an experience bar. It had come with a recent update. Erik still wasn''t sure what to make of it. But with every level the modules got faster at building, and the war droids were just a little bit better. So Lash wasn''t going to complain.


    Beep-Beep...Another notification came up and Lash watched as jets that came from the Sulaco flew north and shot down several missiles that had been shot from up north. Way up north! The jets themselves looked like giant triangles, with engines attached to the back. The cockpit was molded into the middle, and weapons along the edge of the wings. Thanks to Compression Transformation and Martian Science things change to fit the situation. Fancy stuff!


    ¡°Wraith.¡± Vyllith called his name. ¡°Atlantis forces are taking the bay as we speak. They are linking up to our command...now!¡± Vyllith said from across operations. A slew of new contacts popped up on the main screen.


    ¡°Wonderful! Thank you for the update!¡± Lash said with a sinister smile that Vyllith mirrored.


    There had been several anchored vessels in the bay that were now a pile of scrap. While others were still operational. Well not anymore at least! Atlantis was tired of being beaten by Dex, they had applied a majority of its forces to fighting back. Watching a battle ship that looks like a giant mechanical kraken burst from the water and shoot plasma at the ships was a sight for sore eyes. Beep-Beep. Another notification through the communication line. Lash watched it for a moment then threw it up on the main screen.


    It was a video from a resistance cell near Gotham. It showed a giant black ship coming out of a golden tube. A resounding BOOM shook the whole area. Lash''s eyes went wide at the sight of it. Fuck! What is an Apokolips destroyer doing here!? The ship landed just outside the city and started to load up brain boxed prisoners. Dex being the vindictive asshole that he is. All of the prisoners being transported were of course from Lash''s home reality. It seemed for every thousand prisoners taken Dex was rewarded with a piece of Apokoliptic tech.


    After all of the prisoners had been taken into the ship. Dex started to process his own people as well. Another boom tube opened up with another destroyer flying through. Here to collect more people, this ship however unloaded something. A smaller ship, that flew straight south at high speeds. The video was ten minutes old. Lash brought up all the aerial drones they had to look north. He was to late! The ship was already flying into the city. Unloading a thousand parademons, and what looked like a ten man command team.


    ¡°All reclamation teams! We have hostile alien force inside our theater. Soldier class, Parademons. Known abilities are: Fire breath, self-detonation, partial adaptation from land to aerial abilities, flight, super strength, and the ability to infect and turn other organic beings into themselves. Other command forces are unknowns. Assume them hostile, and extremely dangerous.¡± Lash said, as he sent several video files and updated info to all of their forces. Foresight had activated briefly, as did Other Worldly Lore.


    ¡°Vyllith you have the bridge!¡± Lash called out, turned on his heel and sprinted towards the door. Right as Lash made it to the elevator Vyllith slide across the floor into the elevator with him.


    ¡°Lord Count, did you really expect me to miss the fight?¡± Vyllith said with a grin, as she stood up.


    ¡°No, I suppose not.¡± Lash said with a grin.


    The elevator opened to the flight deck. The retractable roof was still in place as they were underground. But the two of them went a drop ship that was about to leave. Jumping in they found war droids buckled in awaiting deployment. The ship left soon after, activating its own Earth Swim enchantment on its hull. It slipped through dirt and stone like water and erupted from the ground. Just in time to see the Apokolips transport ship to burst into flames and crash. Having taken heavy fire from the Atlantis battleship.


    The parademons were a strange type of humanoid insect creature with golden carapace armor with Apokoliptic language engraved onto them. They had three clawed hands, and feet. An open mouth with razor sharp fangs, and mandibles for ripping. The wings would grow from their backs when in flight, and merge back into their bodies when not. They would restrain people and spit goop onto them. When enough goop had covered the individual they would enter a chrysalis shape and start to turn into another parademon. A self generating army.


    Lash''s drop ship opened its bay doors and everyone jumped out thanks to Falling Glide cast on them like a parachute line. They jumped out and flew down to the ground quickly, as soon as they hit the pavement the fighting started. Specifically for Lash as he felt a fist slam into his face that sent him flying off down the street. There was no follow up punch as Lash had discovered that Vyllith had taken her sword out and was engaged in attacking a hulking monster of man with gray skin, horns, and Apokoliptic armor.


    Name: N/A VI Avatar.


    Title: Gladiator


    Origin: Alien


    Rank: C+


    Skills:????


    Powers: ????


    Domains: ????


    Traits: ????


    Flaws: ????


    Disposition: Hostile


    Comment: Your first VI Avatar from Apokolipse! Unlike other Origins, Aliens normally start on their home planet for their tutorial. Very few people applied to start on Apokolipse because it is considered a nightmare mode starting difficulty. Good luck!


    Shit! Lash jumped to his feet and cast Acceleration on himself. He then used Blink and appeared right next to the giant man. Red Psionic Blades extended from his clawed hands and he slashed through the mans side. The Gladiator screamed in horror as the Eldritch blade cut right through him. Vyllith wrapped her whip blade around the giants neck, and pulled it like a garrote. The hell blade hummed in delight as it devoured the blood and pulled the mans head off with a wet POP!


    Before Lash, and Vyllith could celebrate. Danger Sense and Foresight activated. Lash cast Accelerate on Vyllith and jumped to the side just as two golden scimitars swung past him. A woman wearing little more than bandages, and wielding a spear struck at Vyllith. While, Lash jumped aside as the golden scimitars seem to materialize out of now where to attack him. A flickering shadow of a warrior would appear, and disappear every time it would attempt to strike against Lash. CLANG! Another slash from the scimitars bounced off of Lash''s armor. Lash jumped back, and fell into a shadow. He glanced up in time see another giant man wielding a hammer about to bring it down on top of him. Until a blue and red blur bashed the giant aside.


    Thanks for the save! -Lash said across the Temporary Pack Bond he just established.


    Anytime! -Supergirl shouted, as she started to brawl with the giant man with a hammer.


    CLANG! The golden scimitars appeared and cut through Lash''s attention. A bubble burst from Lash as he cast Personal Time. There at the very edge of the 60 foot sphere was a man wrapped in shadow attempting to flee. Lash jumped to the edge and cut the mans head off. As time resumed suddenly a headless corpse appeared! Just in time for a crimson red hyper beam to hit Lash. Catapulting him across the ground as the beam followed him. It melted through his armor, metallic scales, flesh, bones, and his organs before it stopped.


    True Body, Damage Resistance, and Natural Energy Absorption all got a shit load of experience! Lash quickly cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on to himself. Thanks to the buffs on his armor his health jumped back to 80%. Though that didn''t stop him from screaming as his nerves delighted to tell him it would still hurt. He looked towards the source of the blast to see a woman in barely any clothing. (Seriously wear some damn armor) She had golden skin, literally it looked like gold and been poured over her body. With three red orbs that floated around her.


    ¡°Pathetic! I had expected a bit of a challenge but it seems you are not worth my time. As us-¡± BAM! She didn''t get to finish as AR-Superman dropped from the sky like a bullet and shut her up real quick by caving her skull in. AR-Superman isn''t the boy scout that Lash knew. This one wasn''t afraid to take a life.


    ¡°Thank you, boy scout!¡± Lash called, as he coughed up goop from his regrowing lungs.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± AR-Supergirl flew down next to Lash. Checking on him and watched in amazement as his chest cavity regrew.


    ¡°I''ll be up in a bit!¡± Lash tried his best to say. AR-Supergirl stuck her hand out with an audible whip like crack! As she plucked up a speedster type individual from thin air! The speedster was clearly surprised, but tried to stab AR-Supergil with its daggers. AR-Supergirl whipped the speedsters neck around like a broken toy.


    ¡°Apokolipse! Why is Darkseid back now?¡± AR-Supergirl asked, as she tossed the speedster away like trash.


    ¡°Encountered them before?¡± Lash asked, as he slowly stood up. He winced at his ruined armor.


    ¡°Yes, they had invaded several times before Dex''s rule, and after. We had always beaten them back.¡± AR-Supergirl replied as she watched the fight, then burst into action to attack another Apokoliptic guard.


    Lash cast Repair on his armor. He would have to do the enchantment when he got back to the ship. But at least some armor was better than nothing. Regeneration got him the rest of the way back to 100%. He jumped back into the fight to see AR-Wonder Woman going toe to toe with three different fighters. He used Blink and appeared right behind one, and shoved his red blade through their chest. AR-Wonder Woman didn''t even blink at the sudden arrival she just swapped two fighting one, why Lash went to the other.


    This fighter was a woman with a wild mane of red hair. With feline features like cat eyes, tail, and claws. Claws that she could extend into small knives. She had superhuman agility that she used to bounce, and jump around. She swiped at Lash with her left hand claw, followed by a side kick to throw him off balance. He rolled with the attack struck with his bladed tail. She bounced away, using the tail as a catapult. Like most agility based individuals she flew straight into the air. Very pretty, very stupid! Lash concentrated a Eldritch Blast and burned a hole straight through her. She was dead before she hit the ground again.


    ¡°Dex must really fear you, Wraith. For he has allied himself with Darkseid.¡± AR-Wonder Woman said. She had finished her battle and was cleaning her blade. The last of the command team from Apokolipse was dead on the ground. Though some of them had been killed away from here.


    Lash used Manifestation and created 200 Saurus Warriors, and 10 Veterans. They took off into the city to track down and kill the parademons. Leaving Lash little more than half of his magical energy to play with. Supergirl''s opponent was the last to fall. She flew over to check on Lash, prodding his side which made him laugh.


    ¡°Wait, are you ticklish!?¡± Supergirl asked, delight sparking in her eyes.


    ¡°No! Don''t be ridiculous!¡± Lash said, as he coyly tried to hide behind AR-Wonder Woman. Who looked at him with a grin.


    ¡°You totally are!¡± Supergirl said, as she smiled with malicious intent on her face.


    ¡°Ahem! We should get back to it! Gather up everyone I''ll do some healing!¡± Lash said as he cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. On the group including Vyllith who walked up with AR-Superman.


    They jumped back into combat and tracked down the rest of the parademons that had flew into the city. Little over 300 people had been converted into parademons before they could stop it. But one highlight was the parademons attacked everyone. Not just their forces. They retook city hall, and were able to turn off the harmonic sound wave that turned the whole city into a raging mob. Before the sun rose the next day Lash was called back to the Sulaco, specifically the council chamber.


    ======================================================


    ***Rolf Dex''s palace***


    ¡°WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUR LEAVING!?¡± Dex roared at Godfrey. Godfrey raised a single brow at the emperor. But a cruel smile was stretched across his face.


    ¡°I gave you everything you asked for! Over a billion of my troops were sent to Apokolipse, every bit of resources I''ve harvested from the other realities have been sent to your master! I demand he keep his end of the bargain!?¡± Dex shouted at Godfrey, the man''s snobbish face melted into rage.


    ¡°YOU DEMAND NOTHING!¡± Godfrey shouted at Dex. His eyes turning crimson, and black veins grew across his face.


    ¡°My Master is not beholden to your pathetic whims! There was a time when you pulled his interest. But he see''s now, just as I do. You are a pathetic man not worth his time. Good bye worm!¡± Godfrey said, then with out another word he turned and a boom tube opened up and swallowed Godfrey.


    ¡°NOOOOO!¡± Dex shouted as he destroyed the room with in his palace out of pure rage.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°Over half of his military is gone?¡± Lash said, as he stared at Oracle through the water mirror.


    ¡°Yes, he prioritized everyone from the alternate realities. So his home guard is still here. Though as you may have realized that included the prisoners from your own reality. They''ve all been sent to Apokolipse.¡± Oracle said, frustration written on her face.


    Attention User! One of your bonus objectives is complete.


    Prevent loss of life: 0.1% were slain, captured, or taken to lands unknown out of 7 billion. (Approximately 7 million)


    Comments: Congratulations! That is an amazing score!


    Ranking: S grade


    Reward: 10 Ability Evolution Points.


    Reward: 100 Dream Points


    Reward: Experience boost B to B+


    Only one quest objective left: KILL DEX!


    On one hand, that was an incredibly low number in the grand scale of things. On another, SEVEN MILLION PEOPLE are gone! The ships had already left, and Lash had no ability or resources to find them. Opening a door to Apokolipse was suicide! Lash wanted to scream in frustration, but he held his tongue. If Dex had just stuck to his own abilities this whole war would have taken months if not years to complete. But now?


    ¡°We have some good news. There is open revolt happening across the entire main land. With out his massive mind controlled army to keep the peace. We have no word on the other two realities since we have no communication with them. But I can''t imagine they are letting his opportunity pass them by.¡± Oracle said, as she began to flip through more information on her holographic pad.


    ¡°What are the chances that Dex will make a break for one of the other realities and hide there?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°I would say low at best. But with you around Dex has been acting erratic with his thinking.¡± AR-Batman said from his side of the chamber.


    ¡°Where are the other Rifts?¡± Lash asked next, as a holographic map was created.


    ¡°What use to be, Dallas Texas. Now its a major port between realities. They pull everything they can from the ground, water, even the clean air out of the other realities. Then ship it back here. For years we never knew where any of it went. But it seems that Dex has been giving it to Apokolipse this entire time. Why expend your own army, when you can get some one else to do it for you.¡± AR-Wonder Woman said, her lips pressed into a thin line.


    ¡°So, whats the plan?¡± Supergirl asked, she turned towards Lash.


    ¡°Let''s go finish this. Pull up the anchors we are going to go visit the Emperor.¡± Lash said at last. The silence in the room was palpable but instead of obstruction and nay saying.


    ¡°Understood, we''ll do what we can on our end.¡± AR-Batman said, and for the first time Lash had ever seen the AR-Batman stand up. He had cybernetic legs, with clawed feet. The water mirror stopped broadcasting just as Lash turned to walk towards the command bridge. He flipped a switch and broad cast his voice across the whole ship.


    ¡°Attention, this is Agent Wraith. To all reclaimed and resistance forces aboard the Sulaco, and reclamation forces in Rio. The situation has changed, a chance for a full frontal attack on the emperor''s palace has been arranged. We are moving into attack positions with in the hour. If you wish to remain behind please do so with our blessing. We''ll provide resources before we leave. However, any and all that wish to come with us will be welcomed. I won''t lie to you, this attack is going to be brutal. But we will finish it. Thank you.¡± Lash said, and flipped the switch. He turned around to the rest of the room filled with reclaimed, and the alternate realities people.


    ¡°Do you even have to ask? Of course we are going!¡± AR-Wonder Woman said with a grin.


    ============================================================


    ***Sulaco, Galley***


    Rita, Jose, and the rest of the resistance cell were in the galley eating a meal when the broadcast went off. Sanders slowly stood up and looked at his friends, family, and fellow soldiers. Before he walked straight over to one of the war droid stationed there to keep an eye on them. Sanders saluted the machine and said clearing in his booming voice.


    ¡°Permission to join the offensive!¡± Sanders said, the war droid tapped on his wrist computer and a trail of lights showed Sanders towards the distribution center. Sanders turned towards everyone in the room, nodded and then took off down the hall.


    ¡°Fuck that! I want to go too!¡± Rita shouted and jumped to her feet, and like a tidal wave everyone else jumped to their feet.


    ==============================================================


    *** Rio De Janeiro City Bay***


    Tula sat on the deck of the Atlantean battleship. Watching as a giant bulbous ship came up out of the ground near the edge of the city. The thing really ugly, but it was also the hope for their homes freedom. Over a thousand war droids were staying behind to keep an eye on Rio, along with many of the resistance, and Atlantean forces. Right now the captain of their battleship was discussing with the other captains about staying or moving north.


    The soft touch of a calloused hand moved across her back. She smiled lightly but didn''t turn around as her husband Kaldur came up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her in a hug and set his head on her shoulder. Pressing his lips to her ears. Tula sunk into that embrace and just relaxed for a brief moment before she had to ruin it with a question.


    ¡°So, whats the vote?¡± Tula asked, staring straight at the city but seeing something else entirely.


    ¡°Three out of five. We are moving north to help with the offense. Wraith has promised to drop troops as we move.¡± Kaldur said, almost as it to emphasize the point. A pair of fighter jets took off from the Sulaco as it sailed over the city.


    ¡°Is this nightmare almost over, Kaldur?¡± Tula asked, turning around to hug him in return. Burring her face into his chest.


    ¡°Maybe, but we still have a lot of fighting left. A lot of people are still going to die. But if we all do our part we''ll see the sun rise again on our home.¡± Kaldur replied, he leaned down and stole a kiss from his wife.


    ¡°You suck at motivational speeches you know that, right?¡± Tula said with a smile.


    ¡°Sorry, haven''t had a lot of practice.¡± Kaldur said back. They stood on the deck for a few more minutes watching the Sulaco fly away into the distance. Just in time to watch it glimmer and faded from sight.


    ¡°Time to go!¡± The deck officer said, the hum of the battleships engine started up.


    ¡°Let''s finish it...¡±Tula said to Kaldur.


    ============================================================


    The Sulaco gradually flew through the air towards its destination. Finding a balance between speed, and staying hidden. If they pushed the engines then their wake send off a signal. Reports were coming in all from the main land. Resistance cells that had survived the purge started attacking the cities near them. They had been briefed about harmonic signal that Dex had used to militarize the whole cities population. The signal came from the city hall. So they made that a priority.


    Every major city they flew over they dropped supplies, troops, and vehicles off to help the local resistance forces. Then it went up for debate on whether they should fly straight towards Dex, or move along the coast hitting all of the major cities? In the end the decided to fly straight there. Reports informed them that the remaining of Dex''s forces were being stationed around his palace. He was like a turtle hiding away in his shell. Unfortunately his palace was a self sufficient base of operation with a robotics factory inside.


    The entire palace was contained with a metal sphere. Of incredibly dense materials, that also had a current of energy running through it. This was to prevent phase shifting, and teleportation to pass through it. Dex''s R&D had decades of practice keeping meta-powers out of the palace. As well as aliens, and magic. So that meant they would have to go through one of the main gates. Which was fiercely protected by every last bio-chip soldier, robot, and meat puppet Dex had. Not including his royal guard contained with in the city.


    ¡°What do we know about the royal guard?¡± Lash asked, as he reviewed the information the resistance had collected.


    ¡°Not everyone was opposed to Dex''s rule. When he took over there were many criminals, warlords, and companies that were happy to support Dex before the Unification war. As a reward Dex allowed them to remain free of a chip. Most of them live outside of the palace. But a few stayed by Dex''s side. While every single soldier inside the palace is hand picked from every reality. They are not only chipped, but also brain washed to follow orders. Unlike the rest of his forces, these people are pure metas. So expect a lot of resistance.¡± AR-Superman said, as he wrote up a report for everyone. Since he had been inside of it more than once.


    ¡°He also has the royal harem.¡± AR-Supergirl said with great disgust.


    ¡°What now?¡± Lash asked, surprised as he looked at AR-Supergirl.


    ¡°Dex collected all of the most beautiful woman he could find. Chipped them, and uses them as he see''s fit. But they are also his bodyguards. Hawkwoman, Aquawoman, Black Canary, a few dozen others. They live near Dex, and patrol the palace. Wearing next to nothing! Always ready to serve.¡± AR-Supergirl looked like she wanted to rip something in half, or someone.


    She had spent some time there with Dex. -AR-Superman said across the link that was still up.


    Great! Just another thing Lash needed to punish Dex for. Speaking of punishment! Lash needed to find a nice quiet place to open a gate to Hell! So Dia could join the attack. Themyscira was technically on the way back. So they visited the island for about day to collect supplies, and more troops. The Sulaco was jammed packed full of people. Before they hit the coast line the ship dove into the water, and used Earth Swim to enter the ground underneath there.


    ______________________


    ¡°I really don''t like this!¡± AR-Wonder Woman said, standing next to one of the hatches that lead outside of the ship. The Sulaco was currently not moving as it was stationed underground several hundred miles outside of Dex''s palace.


    ¡°They will play their part, your highness.¡± Vyllith said in response as she waited by the hatch for her lord to return.


    ¡°Allowing demons from Tartarus onto Earth is dangerous! An open gate way. It will be just as bad as Dex himself!¡± AR-Wonder Woman replied, she paced the hall way waiting for Lash to return.


    ¡°Maybe, maybe not. But we need a distraction. Yes Dex''s forces are crippled. But we need a front wave attack or we''ll never finish this.¡± Vyllith said in return, she stood up straight and looked at the hatch just as Lash popped out of the dirt.


    ¡°Lord Count, did they agree?¡± Vyllith asked, as she came to his side and began to brush off the dirt he had collected.


    ¡°Yes, they''ll attack in about an hour. We have to get moving!¡± Lash said as he closed the hatch to the ship. As soon as the latch was locked the Sulaco started to move again.


    ¡°I hope you know what you are doing, brother.¡± AR-Wonder Woman said, as she stalked off to prepare for the fight.


    ============================================================


    ***Rofl Dex''s Palace, South Gate***


    They were fucked, well and truly fucked. The high general of the remaining forces of the Empire. The emperor had recalled all their remaining forces to reinforce the palace and only the palace. They had left the Rift core alone. Only a skeleton crew was left behind in the different cities, ports, and realities. The boy that would be emperor was a disgusting piece of shit and the entire empire knew it! The high general watched his soldiers stand around and wait for an attack that would soon be arriving if their information was correct.


    ¡°High General! We have contact coming from the south. Low aerial units.¡± An officer reported.


    ¡°Bring it up on the view screen.¡± The high general said, the video was brought up and they saw what looked like footmen in knight armor riding giant bats towards them.


    ¡°As soon as they are in range begin firing.¡± The high general commanded.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± An officer replied. But before they could give the command the entire area began to shake. An earthquake? Here? Now?


    ¡°Report!¡± The high general shouted, he didn''t believe it for a minute.


    A new video feed showed a massive wave of earth, rock, and concrete heading towards the firing line. Like a zipper the wave brought localized earth quakes. But not only that above the wave were storm clouds. Lighting began to strike seemingly at random. No, not random it was striking their military placements.


    ¡°ALL FORCES FIRE AT WILL¡± The high general shouted! The attack had begun!


    ========================================================


    The Sulaco was skimming the surface of the ground. Maybe a hundred feet below, they altered the spell just enough to do a drag effect. Creating a long line of miniature earth quakes which pushed, and shoved all the different vehicles and temporary emplacements to the side. On the flight deck just beneath a layer of armor was Lash channeling Call Lighting as he produced a storm cloud that was slowly consuming the area. Just as the front lines encountered Dia Nyx now a Countess of Tartarus''s forces. Demonic soldiers clashed straight into the firing line and tore through them with open glee. It was a festival of blood!


    The Sulaco did a complete circle around the palace which took nearly an hour to complete. The palace was that big. It stood where Washington DC use to stand. The whole city area had been converted into a giant metal dome. Lash didn''t know what the inside looked like but he was sure it looked just as awful. In the wake of the Sulaco''s earth wave war droids would pop up out of the ground and start attacking.


    ¡°ALL HANDS, BRACE FOR IMPACT!¡± Vyllith''s voice called over the radio.


    The Sulaco sunk into the ground, then rammed straight into the underside of the palace. They had barely made a dent. But then again they weren''t meant to. They were several hundred feet underground, right next to the northern gate. They would continue to deploy troops from underground, while they attempted to cut through the outer shell of the palace. From AR-Supergirl''s reports the utilities of the city were underground.


    Congratulations User! Advanced Manifestation has evolved into Master Manifestation this purchase has used 5 of your ability evolution points due to its high rank.


    Effect: Saurus Warriors total count is 1,000 units. They can now use all skills, traits, spells, and powers that the caster may use below two grades of their master. (Example: If you are B, they can use D and lower.)


    Effect: Saurus Warriors have their own power source, gear, and growth intelligence.


    Effect: Saurus Veterans total count is 100. They can now use all skills, traits, spells, and powers that the caster may use below one grade of their master. (Example: If you are B, they can use C and lower.)


    Effect: Saurus Elites total count is 10. They can now use all skills, traits, spells, and powers matching their master in power.


    Effect: Decrease in magical energy consumption. Units now auto regenerate with out assistance from master.


    Comment: The never ending tide!


    Lash had spent some of his rewards before they came with in range. He knew that the shop was not available during battle. The tribal marks across his body glowed, and a giant portal opened behind him. A swarm of metallic scales, armor, and claws burst from the magical energy. A thousand Saurus Warriors rushed straight towards the metal sphere of the palace and started to use Material Shaping. Thousands of experience was poured into Lash. So much that he got a new prompt.


    Congratulations User! Material Shaping has evolved into Intermediate Material Shaping.


    Effect: The User can shape any material of all kinds with ease.


    Effect: Extended range, 120 ft. User must be able to see it, to shape it.


    Effect: Greatly decrease the energy consumption.


    Comment: In the right hands, or rather claws. This ability could be terrifying!


    With the new evolution the metal wall warped and bent inward like a glass in an oven. What should have taken hours was done in minutes. A blaring alarm went screamed from the palace insides. The Saurus Warriors poured into the hole soon followed by Lash, and every available soldier, warrior, and hero aboard the Sulaco. It was time to finish this Rift challenge. Lash was ready to kill Dex, and go home!


    Pipes! Lots and lots of pipes every where they went. Miles of them stretching as far as the eye could see. With every intersection the Saurus Warriors split up. All of them linked to Lash through the Temporary Pack Bond, and any one else who came rushing in with them. Either the palace didn''t anticipate them getting through so quickly, or they didn''t care? Once they were in deep enough the warriors climbed up and started to shape the ceiling digging their way up!


    After twenty minutes of shaping they burst onto the surface of what could only be described as a hot tub lounge, and love hotel. Much to the surprise of those inside as a swarm of warriors came bursting out of the ground like some cliche horror movie. The men and women that worked in the lounge were quickly de chipped while those who were enjoying their time were quickly killed! Lash didn''t care, they could all die!


    Lash along with several hundred warriors burst out of the ground with what looked like a water park. Surprise as the water poured through their hole. They had drained the massive artificial lake, the water coursing through below. Lash let loose a roar, Rallying Call. His own forces cheered and rushed into the water park. Dropping to all fours Lash chased after the shocked citizens with maniacal glee like a cat chasing mice. He tackled one incredibly over weight man, then tore flesh and soul alike. Soul Bite, Dream Eater, and Devour, Consume, Evolve.


    All forces! Dex declared a day of celebration of revelry. Stating the battle was won, and they should celebrate. He appears to have lost his mind! -Lash said across the link, hundreds of people responded across the link becoming more or less white noise.


    Agreed! Half of the soldiers I''ve come across weren''t even in armor. They have no idea the battle is going on outside. -AR-Wonder Woman said, her frustration was clear as she thought across the link.


    Moving to the central palace now! -AR-Supergirl said across the line. Lash watched as she flew over the water park and waved at him.


    Lash started sprinting across the city on all fours. Just like Rio the whole city was uniformed and designed into a grid pattern. Shinning metal surfaces, perfect symmetry along the streets, sidewalks, it was almost disgustingly perfect. Well not anymore! People ran screaming in all directions, soldiers scrambled to get their gear on before they were taken down by Saurus Warriors. Automated attack drones began to be deployed around the city.


    We have aerial, and land drones being deployed in the city. Eastern gate is opening and letting troops in! -AR-Superman said across the link.


    Lash sprinted around a corner and saw this huge monstrosity for a tower. It was dead center of the whole dome. A giant monolith of metal, and glass. It sent a generated pulse every few seconds straight into the air which created a atmospheric shield that swallowed the whole city. Well it would have it the dome hadn''t been sealed before they arrived. The entire tower had gone into war mode so metal shutters had closed off the windows. The only way in was through the front door. Where AR-Supergirl was currently fighting a host of troops.


    Lash cast Acceleration on himself and sprinted down the street. Still not as fast as Flash, but fast enough for people to loose track of him. He jumped into the air and tackled a giant mechanical soldier straight into the doors of the tower. They burst through the double doors into a giant lobby. With black marble with gold design, and white columns reaching for the ceiling. Lash noticed all of this in about a second. He also noticed the hundred or so meta-humans in power armor pointing their rifles at him. Personal Time!


    The world around him froze for a brief moment. He quickly cast Recycle on the mechanical soldier he came in with. Then used his Demon Summoning the portal opened with in the bubble and 200 demons piled out. Hooting, shouting, and cheering with glee just as the bubble dropped. They sprinted into the waiting arms of the soldiers taken back in surprise.


    ¡°FOR THE OVER LORD!¡± Their chieftain screamed. Sprinting towards the battle line.


    ¡°Yes! For me!¡± Lash shouted, and used Blink to get behind their line and started to disassemble them.


    Red Psionic Blades sprung from his hands, and tentacles. He ripped one of his blades right up the spine of a soldier. Then whipped out a tentacle to slice through another from hip to shoulder. A speedster shot across the lobby and tackled Lash to the ground shouting at his team mates to shoot him now. Lash used Blink and teleported across the room, leaving the speedster behind. In time for a demon to give him a hug with a live grenade to share between them. BOOM! The shower of blood, bone, and power armor was a joy to see.


    Lash raised his arms up and cast a wide area of effect spell from his Illusion Domain, Pain. They all screamed in agony and dropped to the ground. The spell effect swallowed 30% of Lash''s reserve but it was worth it to see them drop. A quick technomancy pulse told Lash that none of these people had bio-ships. He pressed against their minds with Eldritch Mind, no brain washing either. So that means they could all die. AR-Supergirl finished her fight and burst inside.


    All of them are servants to Dex they can die! -Lash said across the link. AR-Supergirl''s eyes burned bright red and she burned them all to hell with a single glance. Brutal! Ding! Went an elevator and troops poured out of them.


    Lash sprinted into the new meat bags. He ducked under one arm, and sliced through another soldiers mid section. His tentacles whipped around like scorpion tails impaling, and rupturing. Lash struck out with foot and kicked another soldier back into a group caving their chest in the process. AR-Supergirl was doing one hit kills. Left to right jabs, one two, one two. A green energy beam rocketed across the room and hit her square in the chest. When the energy dissipated she was still standing. Much to the shock of the troops.


    ¡°Fucking morons! I made her armor of course she is immune to Kryptonite!¡± Lash shouted at them. Them Blinked behind the attacker, and ripped his spine out.


    One of the first things he did was redesign AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirls armor to absorb, and shield from kryptonite blasts. That was one mistake from the comic books Lash would not allow. With a thundering crash through the front lobby came a towering green exoskeleton suit with a giant L on the front of it. It raised its arms up and burned Dex''s troops down with red lasers.


    ¡°Hello Wraith! Sorry I am late!¡± AR-Lex''s voice shouted through the speakers. ¡°You are wasting time! Go and find Dex, I''ll keep them busy!¡± AR-Lex shouted through his speakers. As missile launchers popped out from his shoulders.


    Lash slices his way through those in his path and made his way towards an elevator. The whole contraption melted like candle wax thanks to Material Shaping. He jumped and started sprinting up the shaft with Gravity Stride, AR-Supergirl behind him. The tower was immense, but even more so on the inside. From what he was told Dex was playing with flat space technology. Exhibit A! As turrets popped out of the wall and started to fire down at them.


    Who the fuck designed this place! -Lash asked across the link.


    Some insane psycho named Doctor Trap! The whole tower is built like this for intruders. -AR-Supergirl said across the link.


    Saws, spears, flame throwers, bees god to honest bees were shot at them. That is just going to far! Lash asked the bees to return to their homes which they did happily. Every trap they ran past Lash used his Universal Programmer title (Chap. 27) and told all the turrets to go back to sleep once he was in range of them. At the forty ninth floor they had to stop and go through a door. The elevator shaft stopped, but there was still another hundred or so floors left.


    The door melted quickly and they stepped into the floor. Standing at the other end of the room was over a dozen scantly clad women wielding weapons. Dex''s harem stood before them waiting to strike. AR-Supergirl clenched her jaw as she saw her friends. Most of them women had a haunted hollow look to their eyes. As if they had die years ago, and the only thing keeping them alive were the chips implanted in them.


    ¡°Go Wraith, I got this.¡± AR-Supergirl said to Lash. But before he could say anything AR-Black Canary sent a sonic scream at them.


    The air distorted like a stone being thrown into a pond. The floor buckled, and the walls shattered into pieces. Then just as quickly as the scream started, it stopped. Because a blue Psionic Blade sliced through AR-Black Canary. She went into convulsions but she was alive! Lash had Blinked behind her. He really like that spell! He shot a spell of Re:Implant into her body. It quickly destroyed her bio-chip, then the live and die implants in her body. She wouldn''t be bouncing around in joy anytime soon. But she was out of the fight.


    Star bolt energy burst slammed into him from the side. AR-Starfire was part of the harem, and she barreled into Lash and began to pummel him. Her already superhuman strength combined with the star bolt energy ripped into his body. AR-Supergirl was fighting with the rest, looked like he wasn''t going anywhere for awhile. Personal Time, followed by Acceleration. Lash latched onto AR-Starfire''s skull with his tentacle and cast Re:Implant destroying her chip. Then he cast Daylight a shining orb of natural light appeared on the floor. Bathing AR-Supergirl,and AR-Starfire in UV light. Then a water hydra swallowed Lash, as it was being manipulated by AR-Mera.


    Lash was slammed into a wall and pushed through it, into the next one, and the next one, all the way to edge of the tower itself. Thankfully Dex had closed the shutters, so he was just cartoon implanted into the reinforced steel. Lash reached out with Material Shaping and shaped the water to move past him. Like mosses and the red sea! AR-Mera seem to understand it wasn''t working because the water serpent disappeared. She jumped towards him with an axe kick. Lash stepped into her swing and caught her leg swinging her around to slam into the ground with a resounding boom! Spider web cracks spread across the floor. Lash sent a jolt of blue psionic energy through her. Then destroyed her chip.


    Danger Sense activated and Lash jumped to the side as a golden staff crashed at his last location. A giant woman easily 7'' tall wearing a red lingerie bra and panties stood. Wielding a golden staff that looked familiar. She had a beautiful smile on her face, and her eyes danced with excitement. She spun the staff in hand looking at him with anticipation.


    ¡°I can''t stop myself from acting, but I can speak. You are pulling our chips out with out killing us. Come warrior! Save my sisters in bondage and I swear to be your bride!¡± The woman said.


    ¡°How about we just be friends instead? We can work up from there!¡± Lash said, as he sprung like a cobra towards her. The giant woman whipped her staff out quicker than Lash could even think and was bashed through a nearby wall. Rolling into a bed room full of whips, chains, and bondage gear. Oh my!


    ¡°Ouch.....Crap. Ok! Frontal assault wont work.¡± Lash said as he cast a dense fog to swallow the room. He quickly cast Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage. The giant woman stepped into the room with a smile on her face.


    ¡°Planning on hiding from me? I promise you I have better senses than most!¡± She swung her golden staff around and crushed a Saurus Warrior into paste. Her brilliant smiled wilted at the sight, until a three clawed tentacle gripped the back of her head.


    ¡°Gotcha!¡± Lash said, as Re:Implant was cast. The bio chip removed, along with the other life or death implants. The giant woman fell to her knees but didn''t loose consciousnesses. Impressive!


    ¡°Y-You''ve done it! Barda is free at last!¡± Barda aka Big Barda shouted in glee. She stood up with her weapon in hand as the fog faded from sight. She turned to look at Lash with a fierce smile on her face.


    ¡°I think you broke some of my ribs.¡± Lash groaned softly, as Regeneration was slowly healing his body.


    ¡°Given I was trying to turn you into paste you held up very well! Come let us aid my sister Kara!¡± AR-Barda shouted and jumped back into the main room. Ten minutes later all of the women in Dex''s harem were de-chipped and recovering.


    ¡°Wraith, go.... We''ll get them out.¡± AR-Supergirl said to him. As she pulled AR-Black Canary into her arms. AR-Barda was gently cradling AR-Mera in her arms.


    Before Lash left he created combat uniforms for all of the woman. Lingerie is nice for social times, not for battle. He ran down the hall towards another elevator shaft and ran up it as fast as he could. He felt like the hero knight running up the evil tower to defeat the dark lord. Lash burst out of the doors at the top floor into a massive chamber. In this chamber was scattered destroyed furniture, broken bottles of alcohol, food messed about. Oh, there was also over a dozen people smeared into the floor like a children''s finger painting. Sitting at the far end of the room was a man.


    The man was tall, well built, had shoulder length black hair, and piercing blue eyes. He wore a full tailored suit that fit him very well. He was sitting on a metallic throne, with a bottle of wine in his hand. In his other was a human head, the man took a swallow from his drink. Then continued to stare at the head. He threw it towards Lash, it dropped and rolled across the floor revealing some one familiar. It was Ra''s al Ghul from the council. Figures.


    ¡°Fifteen times....Fifteen times you and I have fought. You always won, no matter what I tried. My powers never worked on you. So I got others, they would try and fail. You would track me down and end me. So, I waited. Worked up the strength and resources later on. Joined the League to hide in plain sight. But when ever I would make my move you would stop me. I tried so many times! Why, why can''t I beat you!?¡± Dex shouted at him from across the room.


    ¡°The definition of insanity is doing the exact same thing over, and over again and expecting different results. Yes, Dex you tried to fight me. But you never really changed. You used the exact same powers, you used the exact same method.¡± Lash said as he slowly stepped into the room. Looking around for hidden traps, or soldiers.


    ¡°Yes! I used mind warping, telepathy, and manipulation. I saved, and saved till I had enough to erase you and your god damn Wardens from the face of reality! I tried erasing you! Only you! But you are worth so many fucking points its ridiculous!¡± Dex shouted, standing up with a lurch. He stumbled and nearly fell. But he righted himself glaring at Lash. The air around him started to distort.


    ¡°Did you ever try any other Origins? Do you ever do any other power set? How about a different timeline? Let me guess, no. No you didn''t. You were so sure that your way was the best way. Which only shows your inexperience. Is that why you chose mind control? So you wouldn''t have to think?¡± Lash asked, he flipped through his Magical Perceptions until he found a host of wailing souls that flooded the room. All of them crying out for justice against the man that killed them.


    ¡°NO! I never tried anything else! Because I wanted control! I never had that in my life before! I wanted them all to fall before me! Worship me! ME! No one else! What is wrong with that!?¡± Dex screamed at him. He finished off his bottle and threw it at him. It smashed into the ground near Lash.


    ¡°If you have to ask why its wrong to mind control others, and force them to do horrible things. Then you are really are lost.¡± Lash said to him, as he started to buff himself with different spells.


    ¡°Its a fucking game!¡± Dex shouted, his words made Lash''s eyes go wide. Wait, Dex knew he was in a game?


    ¡°The fucking Dream Engine! We are in a giant simulation! My creator designed a specific ability called Reincarnation Remembrance that a let me remember all my past lives. As long as he never changed the default setting I would continue to be reborn! I REMEMBER EVERYTHING! I remember you!¡± Dex screamed, his eyes blazing with energy. The distortion of reality was getting chaotic around him.


    ¡°Wait a minute! Your different, you were never this animated before! Why!?¡± Dex screamed.


    ¡°Because I''m the original.¡± Lash said, and Dex''s eyes went wide. A face splitting grin grew across his face.


    ¡°I''M GOING TO KILL YOU!¡± Dex screamed, he slammed his foot into the ground. A pit opened up a giant exoskeleton suit sprung up, and wrapped around him with animated life. Dex went from six foot to ten feet tall in seconds. He slammed his mechanical hands into the ground and a distortion field ripped the chamber apart like an exploding diagram!


    Lash jumped back with the field, but it caught up to him quickly. No damage was done but the whole top floor of the tower was scattered in the air like pieces of asteroid in zero-g. Outside of the field the world continued to move all be it at a much slower pace. Dex had pulled Lash into a pocket space with his reality warping. A space he could not escape from until Dex was dead.


    ¡°Do you have any idea what it''s like!? To remember your creators entire pathetic life!?¡± Dex roared, the magnetic coils on his armor shooting him straight at Lash.


    Red Psionic Blade''s extended from Lash''s hands and he struck against Dex''s armor. The red energy bounced off leaving not even a scratch on the armor. The entire thing was pure grade Nth metal. Fuck! Dex swung his massive metal fist straight into Lash''s face. Breaking his jaw, and part of his skull. He went flying through the pocket space and collided with a piece of metal, and concrete.


    ¡°How he was ignored by hits parents!? How he was bullied, tortured, and treated like an outcast at school! I remember everything about him!¡± Dex roared, he reached out with his hands and used Telekinesis to throw pieces of the tower straight at Lash.


    Lash Blinked behind Dex and used Material Shaping on the suit. The metal plates startled to slowly melt under the pressure. But not fast enough, for a rail cannon to grow out of the armor and take a shot at Lash. A quarter size hole was shot straight through his chest. He used Blink to get away and take cover. He quickly cast Invisibility, and Fae-Glamour to hide for a moment until his body could heal.


    ¡°Then he comes here and makes me! I remember every single life! He never did anything different! He screamed in rage every time you killed him! It didn''t matter what his VI representative said to him! It didn''t matter what I said! He refused to listen!¡± Dex roared, as another cannon shot up from his shoulders joining its twin. He shot in every direction trying to find Lash.


    Lash''s Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits reported they couldn''t hack the suit. It was at this moment that Lash realized that Dex the User must have bought the suit from the store. So, his VI Avatar of course had it as well. Jumping from one piece of debris to another, Lash left behind spell marks. Slowly the pieces started to come together and change into something.


    ¡°Now! I get to do what my creator never could! I get to kill the original! I can at last break free of my method of operation! You understand what it is like to be aware of who, and what you are but still not have a choice!? To be nothing but a puppet to some pathetic waste!¡± Dex shouted, as he started to carpet bomb the whole distorted space with missiles.


    ¡°No, I can''t say I know what that is like. I''m still on my first try!¡± Lash shouted, his voice coming from all directions. For a brief moment Dex stopped shooting. Then he screamed, the ripple effect of his rage spun the whole space.


    ¡°YOU HAVEN''T RESET!? NOT ONCE!?¡± Dex screamed, he curled up into a ball and distortion started to center around him. Building up energy into what could only be a bomb of some kind.


    ¡°I DON''T CARE ANY MORE! IF I HAVE TO DIE, I''LL TAKE YOU WITH ME!¡± Dex screamed as the distortion grew, and grew.


    Before the ball of energy grew any further a giant clawed hand came crashing down on top of Dex. Dex went flying straight down, and bounced off the edge of the space like a pin ball. Before he could stop his spin he was bashed again by a giant tail. Saurian had swapped out with Lash. Towering at 50 feet tall, and 100 feet long. Covered in magitek armor and incredibly pissed off. Saurian ripped his claws down Dex''s armor. True Damage sent him prompts of experience, along with Material Shaping.


    ¡°I''m sorry your creator was worthless, I am sorry that you''ve lived a tortured existence. But let me free you from this mortal coil because you are the last! Your creator was removed from the Dream, and all its incarnations! SO JUST DIE ALREADY!¡± Saurian roared, as he raked his claws through the suit.


    ¡°I''m taking you with me!¡± Dex shouted as he burst up and slammed his fist straight into Saurian''s face. Catapulted to the side by the mechanical fist, Saurian jumped to the side. Just in time for an automated rail gun to finish being built.


    ¡°Taking aim, please hold still...¡± The gun said in an automated voice. Dex''s eyes went wide as hole the size of a basketball went straight through him.


    Saurian whipped around in the zero-g pocket space and whipped his tail at Dex. He shot so fast he broke through the barrier of the pocket space and shot like a bullet straight into the ground below. The world outside the pocket space began to move normally. Everyone saw a giant dinosaur fall towards the ground then land on the side of the building like a giant gecko. Saurian jumped off the tower, and landed next to pit that was Dex.


    The suit opened up like a flower to reveal a brutalized, and dying Dex. A massive hole in his midsection, the only thing keeping him alive was his cybernetic augmentations he had installed. He glared up at Saurian. He tried to speak, but choked on his own blood. Saurian opened his mouth and pulled Dex into his mouth. Where he began to chew, slowly. Dex struggled the first three bites, but died shortly there after. Soul Bite, Dream Eater, Devour, Consume, Evolve.


    Saurian used Connectivity and linked up with Dex''s mainframe. Quick typing the access codes into place. Shut down sequence for all chips, and live die augments. A cascading effect went across the whole reality as all the bio-chips turned off. The soldiers fighting inside the palace all fell to their knees and collapsed. Saurian turned around and saw the spirit of Dex floating nearby. He had intended to send him to Tartarus. But after what he had learned what the VI Avatar had gone through? He used Soul Absorption and sent Dex to the wheel.


    Congratulations User! You have slain the Emperor Rofl Dex! Completing the bargain you had with your Cosmic Patron, and finishing your grand quest. In the end you took pity on the tortured spirit of the VI Avatar that represented Dex. Sending him to blissful peace, and sleep in the beyond.


    Note: All VI Avatar''s of Rofl Dex have now been deleted from the Dream Engine.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed your first Rift invasion. For the next 24 hours real time. You''ll be safe from invasion.


    Attention: You''ve now reached 100% conversion!


    Note: This means that your VI Avatar Wraith will be auto generated in every Dream-scape through out the Dream Engine of DC comics. Single player, Multi-player, and MMO. Congratulations!


    A resounding cheer roared through the city, and the telepathic link. Dex was dead, and his slaves were free. As one final tribute to victory Saurian let loose a roar, using Rallying Call. The triumphant shout of victory sent a shiver through all of the resistance forces, and the very reality itself. They had won!


    ===========================================================


    ***Location Unknown***


    Hundreds of people sat in rows after rows of orthopedic chairs to allow long passages of time with out movement. Each person was asleep, their heads linked up to a Dream Cube. The room was cast in twilight, the lights above them a soft glow. While dozens of technicians walked between the chairs checking on the status of the developers. A familiar technician walked past a specific developer and saw a notice on the computer screen.


    ¡°User...#00012. Meta-Human Crisis complete. Nightmare Invasion complete, minimal casualties. Full conversion! Well done, User! Well why don''t we kick it up a few more notches for the difficulty.¡± The technician said, as he inputted a code for the developer to modify the Dream. The message was soon received and User #00012''s Dream Engine VI representative was tasked with making the Dream that much harder...

 Chapter 92: Toxic Rain

    ============================================================


    ***Home Reality, Vlatava***


    Princess Perdita sat in the seat of honor at the council chamber. Vice-Chancellor Lazlo sat by her side, watching her carefully. While around the table were a collection of councilors, and delegates from near by countries. Perdita was trying her best to keep her eyes open, and pay attention to the proceedings. For a child of 11 she was doing a good job of remaining composed, and confident. But Lazlo could tell she was bored out her mind.


    Thanks to Wraith who had built a solar plant inside their country that helped restore their power grid, and convert their windows in collection glass. They were at a point where they were giving their excess power away to their neighbors. Something their councilors were against, while the delegates were hoping for more aid. Something entirely laughable if this had been months before. Vlavata was not a rich nation by any means. The delegates would speak about past events where they had helped Vlavata when no one else would. The councilors would spit back with venom at the ''hand outs'', and ''scraps'' the nations provided.


    ¡°I just don''t understand why we can''t look at the solar plant ourselves. Our nations could copy the design and we could all have power.¡± The delegate from Romania suggested for the third time.


    ¡°We have already told you why!¡± Shouted one of the Vlatava councilors. ¡°Wraith left explicit instructions that if anyone tried to open the plant it would self destruct.¡± They finished, their face turning red.


    ¡°Even if you did look at, what guarantees do we have that your scientist would even be able to understand it. This is alien technology. Capable of providing clean, renewable energy, that not only can repair our city grid, but convert glass into solar collectors.¡± Another councilor offered, attempting to calm down the situation.


    ¡°Understand!? Our nation has some of the best engineers available, we could easily reverse engineer the tower with a simple glance.¡± The Romania delegate shouted back.


    ¡°Is it not enough that Vlatava shared their energy with our nations? My people at least are happy with what their nation has provided. Or should I remind you that your nation would still be in the stone age if they hadn''t offered the energy free of charge.¡± The delegate from Bulgaria replied, a smug expression on his face.


    ¡°Gentlemen, please!¡± Princess Perdita spoke up and everyone went silent. ¡°Wraith left clear instructions that if any one touches the solar plant it would turn to slag. But, even if it didn''t. We wouldn''t allow anyone to touch it. Why? Because he is trusting us. We the people of Vlavata. I for one will not forsake that trust. Especially from the man that saved my life more than once. Are you asking me to betray the trust of the man that saved not only my life, but the lives of our people?¡± Princess Perdita said in a clear, and commanding voice. The delegate from Romania looked like he wanted to say more but kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°I think that is enough for today. Why don''t we adjourn and pick this up tomorrow?¡± Princess Perdita said, as she looked at the clock behind them. They had been talking in circles for 8 hours. Lazlo smiled, and stood up to support his monarch.


    Eventually the whole room agreed, and stood in respect for the princess who left first. One by one the councilors and delegates left. Lazlo stayed behind to talk to the councilors, while Perdita left with her bodyguards. Princess Perdita walked through the halls of her families home towards the gardens. The afternoon sun greeted her and she smiled breathing in the fresh scent of the flowers near by. But she didn''t stop to admire any of them. She continued to walk until she came to the edge of the garden to look at another thing of beauty. The solar machine had been built right next to the royal palace.


    The tower itself gave off an eerie yellow light even at night. It''s light was focused onto the dozens of collection mirrors around the tower. The light seem to dim and grow again, and again. Like it was breathing. Around the tower was some of Vlatava''s finest soldiers, and armored divisions. They accepted the assignment with pride. Perdita watched in fascination as electrical power lines connected to their own city grid pulse with energy. She wasn''t sure why, but she always found the sight soothing. Like something inside of her was stretching out, and waking up for the first time....


    ¡°Your highness!¡± A servant ran up, carrying an e-pad with them. Perdita snapped out of her reverie to look at them.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± She asked, she tried her best to keep her annoyance out of her voice. But the smile on the servants face didn''t waver. He presented his e-pad and showed a video of the city of Gotham celebrating in the streets.


    ¡°What is this? Do we have the internet again?¡± Perdita asked, as she took the pad from them.


    ¡°Yes, your highness. We are borrowing one of the JLI''s satellites. The invasion is over, your highness! The Rifts have been closed, and the JLI report that the counter incursion was successful. We''ve won!¡± The servant said with a brilliant smile that Perdita mirrored.


    Later that day the announcement went through their whole country. A war that most of the world wasn''t even aware of had ended. Everyone who could know spread the word and a sense of relief washed over the world. Now was the time to recover and rebuild what they had lost. But like always the night is always darkest right before the dawn. That night the solar plant was attacked, and sure enough the moment some one opened the machine up the entire thing turned into slag. Suddenly Romania, and Bulgaria lost what power they had. Their people jumping to conclusions and blaming Vlavata for taking away something that belong to them. In the following days. One by one each of the solar plants fell. The men and women of Earth resorted to tricks, deceit, and attacked one another.


    ==========================================================


    ***Alternate Reality, Northern Africa***


    ¡°Obelisk A-Z-0-1-2 anchored and powered up, confirm?¡± A synthetic voice said over the communication line in the Sulaco''s operations room.


    ¡°Confirmed. Good work head back to the ship we are stopping for the day.¡± A bridge officer said back.


    The bridge officer aboard the Sulaco was a reclaimed. A soldier that had once been bio-chipped and hand regained their freedom. They offered their time aboard the ship as a form of penance. They had known that what they had done was outside of their control. Didn''t help the nightmares they had, no matter how many times they kept telling themselves that. So, they volunteered to join up and serve under the alien that lead the counter incursion.


    The bridge officer was 5''9¡± with a shaved head, brown eyes, with pale white skin. Sunlight hadn''t touched his skin in years. Just like the rest of the reclaimed. They had been sealed inside of a suit for years in the service to the rotten bastard Dex. James, that was his name. Not BZ-249, but James Allen stood up and turned to look at the Alien and hero who had saved them. The creature was a giant lizard man standing at 8'' or more. Wrapped in a tattered coat of living shadow and smoke. Despite his fearsome appearance James found the sight comforting.


    ¡°You alright Mr. Allen?¡± The creature said, his voice sounded like a crocodile was trying to speak for the first time.


    ¡°Yes sir! The last obelisk of the day has been anchored and powered. We are finished for the day.¡± James replied, and gave a salute. The creature smiled at him, revealing his razor sharp fangs.


    ¡°Good, why don''t you head down to the galley and get some food before the rush comes in. If you hurry you should catch Aliza.¡± The creature said with a smirk. James coughed and tried to clear his throat. He was sure his face was blushing. He was 15 when he had been chipped, and placed in a suit. He didn''t have any experience with women. Something that the creature took delight in teasing him about.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± James said, and winced when his voice cracked. James walked towards the elevator at a brisk pace leaving the all of operations empty except for him. Agent Wraith, and alien from another reality. ¡°Sir...¡± James asked before he left. Wraith turned around to look at him.


    ¡°Thank you, for....Everything.¡± James said at last. Now he knew his face was bright pink.


    ¡°Your welcome, now go make a fool out of yourself. I know Aliza love''s teasing you just as much as I do.¡± Wraith said, and turned back to his view screen. His tail wagging back and forth. James walked into the elevator and stopped to think as the door closed.


    ¡°Is it a good thing she likes teasing me?¡± James asked more to himself than anyone else.


    _____________________________________________


    Lash chuckled a little, having heard Mr Allen''s question. He was well aware that Aliza like James. Lash had been surprised to know a lot of the reclaimed had been chipped when they were young. But he wasn''t too surprised. What he had been surprised about was that Dex had left a code to free all of the slaves. He had expected a supervillain clich¨¦ drama where it would kill everyone. But, even Dex didn''t seem that petty. Or maybe it was the VI Avatar pushing against his programming? He wasn''t sure, but he was thankful for it.


    After the battle at Dex''s palace there was a lot of rebuilding. Suddenly resistance forces across the globe sprung up and attacked the different major cities. Why? Not everyone in Dex''s regime had been chipped. About 30% of the overall population had loved Rofl Dex as the emperor. Because they had lived truly blessed lives. All it took was for 70% of the population to be slaves. Along with two other realities! So unlike the story book ending that so many had hoped for. They were still fighting against the remnant forces of Dex. Vowing to restore order, blah, blah, blah, etc.


    One of the sycophant generals under Dex''s command used their forces and rushed into one of the conquered realities and closed the Rift behind them. While the other Rift''s original populace had rose up in the absence of the military forces there and closed the Rift themselves. The frequency had been recorded so Lash had attempted to open the Rifts back up to chase the general, and to retrieve the reclaimed in the secondary Rift. But he got a message from Dawn that the two realities were safe for 24 hours real time. Needless to say, Lash was frustrated. Especially after he received his reward and got a notification.


    Congratulations User! You''ve been awarded the Dream Spell Domain.


    The Caster is able to perform a form of magic that allows them to cast magical spells related to sleeping, dreaming and nightmares.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned the spell, Dream Walking.


    Effect: The Caster can enter the dreams and/or nightmares of others. At current level the Caster can interact with the dreamer but not change, or alter the dream in any way. They are along for the ride.


    Effect: Can only enter the dreams and/or nightmares of those the Caster is familiar with.


    Congratulations User! You''ve used 2 DP to evolve Dream Walking into Minor Dream Walking.


    Effect: The Caster can now change their appearance while in the dreams, and/or nightmares of others.


    Effect: The Caster can enter the dreams and/or nightmares of those that the caster has a personal item of. (Example; a piece of jewelry, or even a cell phone!)


    Attention User! The developers have chosen to increase your Dream difficulty.


    Current Difficulty: Nightmare


    Effect: (Subject to change) Permanent experience booster x 3.


    Effect: (Subject to change) Permanent increase to rewards x 3.


    Effect: (Subject to change) Permanent increase to dynamic event spawn, difficulty, and reward x 3.


    Effect: (Subject to change) Your Dream will be used as a promotional video to advertise the Dream Engine. You will receive $200 US dollars a week as long as you continue to survive in your first life.


    Note: I am so sorry User, -Dawn.


    Erik, Lash, and Saurian were both frustrated with the new message. Erik was the test subject for the difficulty scaling in the Beta. It was nice to get money for every day he played. But, if the hard difficulty had been all this! Then what was Nightmare going to be like? They now had 1,000 Dream Points. They had thought about updating of their skills, powers, traits, and spells to at least basic. But they decided to wait. It was one thing to increase their personal power. But it may be better to spend their points on the JLI''s infrastructure. With 1,000 DP they could buy all of the E grade modules for Vici, then buy the upgrade key to get her to D grade. A stronger JLI would be better in the long run. Than a super powered version of themselves. Then they would spend what ever was left on them.


    So, where was Lash now? He was aboard the Sulaco in the alternate reality completing the quest he had received from his Cosmic Patron. He was attempting to restore the dying Earth back to a healthy state, as well as restore magic to the world. They were flying over what remained of Africa. It reminded Erik of the fallout games. An irradiated wasteland full of mutated creatures that some how survived the nuclear holocaust, and had grown to larger than normal sizes due to the energy levels.


    Aboard the Sulaco was a very enthusiastic young woman named Kitma Stewart. She was the daughter of AR-John Stewart, and AR-Katma Tui. AR-Katma Tui sadly had died during the unification war. She along with a host of botanist were helping Lash plant tree''s in Africa. He was planting obelisks that soaked up the radiation and turned it into ambient magical energy. When enough of the radiation had been absorbed the obelisks sent out a flash Growth spell. That grew thousands of plants, and trees in a radius around the obelisks that continued to grow over time.


    They had been at it for almost two weeks now. They were making great progress! Except for when a giant termite colony raided their planting areas in an effort to claim resources for their hive. Normally it wouldn''t be a bad thing. But the hive could consume dozens of miles of newly planted jungle in a matter of hours. So Vyllith was currently leading an extermination against the termites along with the war droids, and the reclaimed. The workers were the size of cats, the soldiers the size of dogs. The royal guard the size of a small car or motorcycle. While the queen termite the size of a flat bed truck.


    Alternate Reality progression.


    Overall Health: 35%


    Overall Magical Energy: 25%


    Overall Balance: The Black and/or The Rot, 75%. The Green 25%.


    Lash rubbed his face. He dismissed the window from his vision and went back to looking at the holographic windows in front of him. One by one the drop ships came back with their crews. Vyllith among them. They had been successful in destroying another hive of mutated termites. In a few hours the next bridge crew would show up for their shift. Lash had sent them away to relax for a bit. They had a lot of work ahead of them. A sing song chime went through the room.


    Lash turned look behind him at the water mirror. The entire water surface vibrated with a song. Letting him know someone was trying to contact him. He turned on his heel and walked across the room his claws softly scratching the floor. He cast a quick Immaculate, Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on himself. Made sure he looked presentable then activated the mirror.


    ¡°Wraith! My main giant lizard man! When are you coming home? So we can plan the come back party!¡± Arthur from his home reality was in the other mirror. Which brought a smile to Lash''s face.


    ¡°I will be a while yet, your majesty.¡± Lash said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Arthur winced at the honorific title. Then was pushed aside for Mera who smiled at him through the mirror.


    ¡°Take your time, Wraith. We know you are doing good work. Just do send word when you decided to come back. Remember there is a lot of work to do here as well.¡± Mera said with a smile. She stepped back from the mirror so Lash could see both her, and Arthur standing side by side. Standing next to them was Oracle AR-Barbara Gordon now standing on her own two feet!


    ¡°Wraith we have a bit of news. We are not sure why but our two realities seem to be syncing up. At least time wise. It use to be one day in your reality was six for us. Now it is more like one day is three. We are not sure why its happening. Just make sure you count that into your schedule.¡± Oracle said, as she fixed her glasses. Trying to not stare at him.


    ¡°That''s interesting. Unfortunately Rift science mechanics is a brand new field for my reality. I''m not sure what to say, but I''ll give it some thought. I see you have a tan, enjoying some R&R with Dick?¡± Lash said, a smile clear on his face. Oracle''s face flushed with embarrassment.


    ¡°Hell ya she is!¡± Arthur said beside her, Oracle glared at him. Mera came to the rescue by punching Arthur in the gut. He doubled over, as Mera never pulled her punches. Though she smiled at him innocently.


    ¡°Ahem.....The council has decided to keep the Rift open between our two realities. The JLI, and the Supernatural Council has agreed as well. This way we may continue to support one another. Hopefully repay the kindness that was shown to us.¡± Oracle continued, as she tried to push past the fact that her face was red as a tomato.


    ¡°We also have a bit of bad news back home.¡± Arthur said as he picked himself off the floor. ¡°A para-military group attacked all of the solar plants around the world. With in days of each other. All the solar plants are slag. Thankfully they had done their job and repaired a lot of the city grids they were attached to. But a lot of people are still with out power.¡± Arthur finished, as he leaned over and kissed Mera on the cheek.


    ¡°Do we have any idea who they are?¡± Lash asked, his interest suddenly peaked.


    ¡°All of them are human. They wore standard tactical gear. None of them had powers. They were just well organized, equipped. They knew where, how, and what to do. We were able to kill one of them when they hit Gotham. Starfire says you have ability that can help us with a dead body? So we are keeping it on ice.¡± Arthur continued, as he wiggled his fingers and attempted to make a creepy smile.


    ¡°Yes, thank you for that. I''ll have to ask them a few questions when I get back. What about that project I asked the JLI to look into? In death valley.¡± Lash said, he had asked Supergirl, and Superman to look for Fort Rozz.


    ¡°Yes! They found it. They...Can''t get in.¡± Mera replied, confusion clear on her face. That surprised Lash.


    ¡°Why? They are both Kryptonians, Supergirl was trained as a justicar.¡± Lash asked, he was sure they out of anyone else on the planet would be able to open it.


    ¡°Oh it''s not that! The computer interface responds to them just fine. Its just any and all access points have been flash welded shut. The computer sealed the prisoners in, attempting to stop their escape. We''ve created a blockade around the ship. But we are a little confused on what to do. The Green Lanterns are trying to dig up a prisoner list with the guardians of Oa.¡± Mera continued, then her eyes lite up as she remembered something.


    ¡°Oh! John wanted me to tell you that the guardians of Oa want to speak with you. As in they want you to come to Oa.¡± Mera said, her voice took and a hard edge when she spoke about it. Arthur''s eyes went cold.


    ¡°...No. I know for a fact that the guardians can speak through a power ring. I don''t mind speaking to them in that method. But the fact that they refuse to communicate through a ring tells me that my visit to Oa will be anything but pleasant.¡± Lash said in return. Lash didn''t have a good impression of the guardians of Oa. Especially in this reality where they had abandoned Earth, and its green lanterns to their fate.


    ¡°You are not alone in that regard. John, Hal, and Katma both think its a little fishy. They are trying to get the guardians to tell them what is going on. But they refuse to budge on the matter.¡± Arthur replied, he looked like he had chewed on something sour.


    The elevator door opened onto the operations room and Vyllith walked in in full armor. Her helmet was retracted to reveal her long raven hair, red skin, lilac eyes, and knife point ears. She smiled wide at Lash then her smile wilted as she looked at him. They had spent enough time with each other for her to know something was bothering him. She walked right up next to him to look through the water mirror. Arthur waved, while Mera gave her a polite nod. Oracle said hello, but it was clear she didn''t like Vyllith. Most who met her didn''t like her on the simple fact that she was pure blood demoness. Which made Lash roll his eyes at them.


    ¡°Alright, thank you for the update. We''ll be a while yet but it shouldn''t take longer than a month to complete the re seeding process. Talk to you soon.¡± Lash said, and cut the magical line with the water mirror. The three on the other side clearly didn''t want to stop talking but realized they had been rude to his knight.


    ¡°Your friends don''t like me.¡± Vyllith said, her voice was even and to the point. Like she wasn''t insulted just stating facts.


    ¡°Pure blood demons, and demoness don''t have a good reputation in most dimensions. Or realities. But you belong to me. So they may not like you, but they will be polite to you as long as I am alive.¡± Lash said, his tail smacked the ground to emphasize his point. Vyllith said nothing, but a smile tugged on her lips.


    ¡°The battle went well. Our troops have grown accustomed to fighting the insects. I am pleased to report that three of the war droids have acquired their magical spark. As requested they were separated and given a once over. Just like the others they have shown desires to continue to serve. But are thankful for the improved treatment.¡± Vyllith reported to Lash as he moved back to the main bridge control console.


    Over 5,000 war droids had been crafted by the Sulaco. Lash stopped the droid services modules from producing anymore after the battle with Dex ended. About 3,000 of them were destroyed in the conflict. While over 200 of them had gained a spark of magic that would represent their soul. Lash had specifically left this out of them when he made them. But as always, life finds a way. But unlike so many science fiction movies, novels, and games. Once they gained sapient understanding they were given full citizen rights by Lash. They were his extended family and he would treat them with the respect and courtesy they deserved.


    ¡°Did something happen?¡± Vyllith asked, as she walked over to the console to look at Lash.


    ¡°Trouble at home. Do you know who the guardians of Oa are?¡± Lash asked in response. As he started to flip through some messages.


    ¡°Some elders of the cosmos that police the universe. Giving people who conquer fear in the face of great adversity or some none sense like that. Same ole types of people that believe their opinions make all the difference. What they say is good, is good. While what they say is evil, is evil. But unlike others they have the power to back it up.¡± Vyllith replied, she crossed her arms and leaned up against the railing.


    ¡°You''ve been talking to AR-John I take it?¡± Lash asked, a smile stretching across his reptilian snout. Vyllith gave a none committal shrug.


    ¡°Your assessment is more or less true. They do good work, their green lanterns have protected the universe from a lot of threats. But, they are also stagnant. Convinced that they know what is best. Like many different people, races, and cultures. It takes a near extinction event before they will admit they are wrong about something.¡± Lash replied, as Other Worldly Lore activated.


    ¡°So, why are we talking about a group of people that left this Earth to die?¡± Vyllith asked, as she reached out and closed the holographic windows to get Lash to look at her.


    ¡°The guardians of Oa in my home reality want me to come visit them on Oa. They are attempting to be polite about it. But it is clear that if I refuse they will issue an warrant for my arrest.¡± Lash said as he turned to look at her. Her eyes narrowed in anger.


    ¡°These are the same guardians that left your home reality to fend for themselves until the fighting was over? If I understand them from what AR-John says. The guardians will respect the planets governments decision on the matter will they not? So can''t we get this...UN, to tell them no?¡± Vyllith raised a valid point.


    ¡°We could. But I fear that the guardians of Oa will then threaten to remove their galactic protection from Earth. Depending on how much of a threat they will see me. There are dozens of slave traders, galactic warlords, that would love to invade Earth for resources and slaves. They cant because the green lanterns protect Earth.¡± Lash replied as he pulled up the view screens again. Then caught Vyllith''s hand from closing them again. He smiled at her, and her she smirked in response.


    ¡°So? Why don''t we build our own fleet? Show the guardians we don''t need them?¡± Vyllith said, as she stepped into Lash''s reach, and looked up at him. A smile growing across her face.


    ¡°We may end up doing just that. You should go to take a shower, you smell of termite blood.¡± Lash suggested, his nose wrinkled slightly.


    ¡°Do I? Why don''t you join me. When was the last time you actually bathed, instead of using that spell of yours.¡± Vyllith asked, she stepped away and did a little spin on the ball of her foot. Lash leaned back in thought....He couldn''t remember.


    ¡°Maybe next time...¡± Lash said, as Vyllith rolled her eyes at him. She stood up straight saluted, Lash nodded to her. She did an about face and left through the elevator leaving Lash in operations alone once more.


    A few hours later the war droids and reclaimed for the evening shift showed up. The Sulaco went into a holding pattern above what use to be known has Nigeria. Now it was wasteland that was slowly being consumed by a new verdant jungle. Lash left operations and walked from deck to deck over looking his ship. He visited with a few people, but eventually ended up on the flight deck. The roof had retracted allowing them to see the night sky, and the blazing beauty of the stars above. It was also 10 degrees fahrenheit.


    The ozone layer was in tatters so the temperature was fluctuating during the day, and would drop at night. It had been worse, but they were making vast improvements everyday. Lash walked to the edge of the flight deck and looked out across the wasteland. Switching between his different visual spectrum and Magical Perceptions. He saw a vast expanse of The Black, and Rot eating away at the Earth below. But clustered around the obelisk were creatures of The Green. Like wondering travelers sticking close to the fire to ward off the dark.


    A man walked up, sharing the edge of the ship with Lash. He was tall with blond hair, blue eyes, pale skin, and a scar ran the length of his left side of his face, and down his neck. The man wore standard issued battle uniform, but altered it by having a trench coat covered in enchanted weave. He lite up a cigarette and breathed it in. Lash didn''t look at him directly, but could still see him through Sensory Awareness.


    ¡°Hello John, what are you doing aboard? I thought you''d be home with your family.¡± Lash said to AR-John Constantine.


    ¡°Hom'' is wher'' yaur heart'' is. My baby girl wanted to com'' along and help with the replanting. She takes after her mother lik'' that''. Sei''s a new spell and wants to understand it. ¡± AR-John said, his thick british accent making it hard to understand him.


    ¡°True magic, or domain?¡± Lash asked, as he turned to look at him. AR-John blew out some smoke and shivered a bit.


    ¡°Tru'' magic, just'' lik'' Z. It'' is one hell of a headach'' trying to teach her to say things backwards lik'' her mom.¡± AR-John replied, he glanced at Lash but kept his eyes on the horizon. Watching the Rot eat away at the Earth.


    Lash activated his Domains and used Fabrication, Alteration, and a Virtual Intelligence Tech spirit to write Nature Domain spells backwards. Along with their spell effects. The book itself was bound in hard leather, written on enchanted paper to resist damage, and minor self repair. The entire thing took less than a minute to make, and prompted his Skill/Power/Spell trainer. Made Lash wonder if he made books could he obtain long distance experience when ever someone read them? He handed the book to AR-John who took it with a raised brow.


    ¡°Oh fuck me sideways! She''s going to be up all night'' looking at'' this thing! She''ll keip me up to wanting to know all sorts of things! Are yau daft'' man!¡± AR-John said, but a smile was on his face as he tucked the book away.


    AR-John flicked his cigarette over board. He left with nothing but a wave and went back inside to go give his daughter the book. About an hour later Lash received several experience points from someone reading his work. So that answered that little question. Eventually Lash took a seat on the ships edge. He used Manifestation and called a single Elite to watch his back. Then he delved into his Domains through Meditation.


    The ambient magical saturation on the planet was dismal. But there is a benefit to practicing when you have little to work with. Helps the practitioner learn to work with what they have, and appreciate it when they do have it. He started with his Nature Domain as always. It was the first he had obtained and its spell list was the longest. Just like before the Spell Domain seem to respond to his current environment, and and issues.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the spell, Weather Control!


    Effect: The Caster can sense, create, shape and manipulate weather, in example the meteorological patterns, creating rain, wind, hail, lightning, snow, sleet, fog, and temperature changes. This includes the ability to generate various natural phenomena or control the intensity of the weather in highly concentrated (inside a room) or vastly extended (continental) areas.


    Effect: Spell effect radius is 1 mile.


    Effect: Consumes vast amounts of magical energy.


    Effect: The Caster can only alter existing weather environment. In example, if the caster is in a searing desert they can not make it snow.


    Attention User! You''ve spent 2 DP to evolve Weather Control into Minor Weather Control!


    Effect: Spell effect radius is 2 miles.


    Effect: Consumes slightly less amounts of magical energy. (5% less)


    Effect: Caster can slightly guide existing weather.


    Lash channeled his latest spell and used Weather Control. A whirl wind of spell script in the Nature Domain flashed into being around him. Then a burst of energy rushed into the skies above. Storm clouds soon appeared, draining him of all of his magical energy but 5%. His Healing Aura burst restoring 3% of this total energy. Then it started to rain! But it wasn''t normal rain. No, no! It was toxic acidic rain! Lash''s Elite gave him a deadpanned look.


    ¡°Its a new spell! I...I....oh shush!¡± Lash said, as he walked off back towards the access point. The retractable roof started to close to ward off the rain. Then the hexagon shields slowly went up. Lash''s Elite chuckled lightly, opened its own portal and stepped out.


    __________________________________________________________


    The spell was only suppose to effect a 2 mile radius but something must have piggy backed onto it because before they knew it. Half of Africa was consumed in a rain storm. Toxic acidic rain fell from the sky. Different colored lightning danced across the sky, followed by a thunders applause. But thanks to Nature''s Passage that was enchanted on both the Sulaco, and the drop ships they had. They continued on as business as usual. After a week the whole of Africa had been restored with a new jungle landscape. Though the ambient magic brought its own issues. A local colony of weaver ants mutated from the radiation had grown the size of cats, and dogs. Then add a bit of magic in and now some of them could fly! Some of them had metallic bodies, and the Queen was capable of telepathic communication! Oddly she was amiable to a symbiotic relationship. The planted as much as they consumed.


    Once the obelisk''s served their purpose they turned into slag. Their own ambient energy adding to world around them. The storm seem to drift over Europe, continuing to rain its toxic sludge as it moved. Another bit of news, the Alternate Reality, and his home reality had synced up. They were now running on the same time table as each other. They still didn''t know why. So, Lash excused himself to his own room. Something he had never done in the entire time he''d been on the ship. He was surprised he even had his own room!


    ¡°My brightest star, Dawn. Why are the Rifts syncing up?¡± Lash asked, and for the first time in many months he pulled Transformation off and was just Lash.


    ¡°Hello User! Your counter incursion resulted in you essentially claiming ownership of the alternate reality. Yes, I am aware that was not your intention. But it is part of the Dream Engines mechanics. From now on you are now collecting Dream Points, and World Points from two realities.¡± Dawn replied, her voice sweet in his ears.


    Lash sat down in a chair that changed its shape to make him comfortable. He was in full JLI/Warden kit. Something he had repaired, and re-enchanted after his fights with Dex and his forces. As before the armor seem to take on a hellish style choice to represent his Daemonic Heritage has a Count. He stopped for a moment to consider Dawn''s words.


    ¡°Doesn''t that just mean I''m responsible for two realities now?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Well...If you want to look at it like that. I suppose you are technically correct.¡± Dawn said, her voice went from sweet to bitter.


    Before Lash had left Dex''s palace he had copied the entire mainframe of information. He had learned a lot of horrible things. But he also had obtained off of his blue prints, and designs. He had looked them up on the Dream Store to discover that he had essentially free blue prints worth hundreds of DP. Atmospheric processing towers, Rift generators, renewable energy plans, orbital cannons! Lash had found out that the orbital cannons had been prepped for a possible invasion from space! Cause apparently that''s a method of invasion. Despite Dex''s fall the cannons continued to operate which was nice!


    ¡°Question! Once the 24 hours real time are up can both realities be invaded? Or just one?¡± Lash asked, hoping for good news.


    ¡°Just one! Since they are linked together the Developers thought it was to much for a single User to defend against two separate invasions. But remember User! Not all disasters natural or otherwise come from Rift invasions.¡± Dawn answered, and reminded him. But that was a piece of good news to celebrate!


    ¡°If Darkseid and his forces showed up, would that count as a story event. Or an invasion?¡± Lash asked, praying for a good response. However, the response was not automatic, which meant Dawn was checking with a developer.


    ¡°....Both. VI Avatars are not the only invaders you have to worry about User. You may end up fighting invasions from other beings of phenomenal power. But to answer the question that I know you will ask. Yes, they count towards the 24 hour protection method of operation.¡± Dawn responded, her voice changed to a hint of pride like she always does when he discovered something.


    ¡°So invasion doesn''t always come from a Rift? An alien armada could show up, and that could count as an invasion event. Or creatures from another dimension, but not reality could count as an invasion. Not to mention that in DC comics they got invaded by story generated...oh fuck that''s right!¡± Lash almost screamed. Erik the gamer had forgotten about the Justice Lords, and the Crime Syndicate.


    ¡°Dawn...Is it possible to turn off Invasions from VI Avatars?¡± Lash asked, he noticed that his Cosmic Awareness pinged him with a bit of experience.


    ¡°Yes, User! In fact I was going to encourage you to do so. With your nightmare mode difficulty things will only be more complicated in the future. Normally you would have to do this from the black room. But I''ll make the adjustment now. One moment.¡± Dawn''s voice took on an edge of absolute glee! Lash knew she was stressed out with interacting with invading VI''s. The whole dream world slowed, stuttered, then returned to normal.


    ¡°It is done, User! Now the only invasion force you will meet will be part of your TWO realities!¡± Dawn said, emphasizing that he had two responsibilities now. Lash let out a groan in protest, and knew Dawn snickering at him.


    ¡°Dawn, come out here for a moment. I want to look at your familiar form.¡± Lash said, as he ran a finger over his dragon necklace. It had been a long while since he last saw her.


    The necklace became animated, the necklace was the familiar totem that he had obtained as a reward from the first time he had finished Tartarus. The familiar looked like a heavenly mystic dragon from eastern mythology. With a soft audible pop, and a flash of smoke. Dawn the dragon took on her petite human guise. Just like before Dawn wore a traditional shrine maiden outfit that you would normally see in Japan.


    White top, with billowing sleeves. Bright red billowing pants, with a red bow on its front. She wore long white socks, and wooden sandal shoes. Her long black hair was tied up in a pony tail so. Her white top had a high collar that wrapped around her neck. With luscious red lips, and serpent eyes. She stood before Lash with a smile on her face. She preformed a customary bow, letting Lash admired her bent over figure that was stunning to behold. She looked like she was late teens, early twenties. Far away from the teenager form she had taken before.


    ¡°I know you prefer older woman, Master. But continue to grow in strength and I''ll be able to adopt such a form.¡± Dawn said teasingly, automatically assuming his mind was in the gutter. Which it kinda was. Lash coughed, attempting to distract his thoughts.


    ¡°Are you hungry? We can go to the galley and get a meal.¡± Lash offered as he stood up and offered his arm to his familiar. Dawn''s eyes brightened in excitement.


    Lash still in his ''standard'' human form walked to the galley with Dawn in hand. They turned heads where ever they went. Especially when Lash went to the officer section of the galley and sat at the captains seat. With in ten minutes Vyllith showed up and greeted them both. She had never met Lash''s familiar so she wanted to get to know her. By the time they had finished their meal everyone in the galley, and most of the ships realized who the human-reptile was.


    Dawn, and Vyllith were sharing a ice cream sundae when a young girl maybe 14 to 16 ran up to the table in excitement. Following close behind was AR-John Constantine so Lash could only assume this was his daughter. Her name was....Sindella after Z''s mother. The girl bounced with clear excitement running over but before she could open her mouth.


    ¡°Hold on, Sin! Introdjuc'' yaurself befor'' yau start'' asking questions!¡± AR-John said with a smile, as he gently rapped his knuckles on the girls head. Who grumbled at her father, but the light of love was clear in her eyes.


    ¡°Hello Agent Wraith! I am Sindella Zatara-Constantine. Thank you so much for the book! May I, and my father join you?¡± Sindella asked, clearly trying to not sound like Constantine.


    ¡°Please, take a seat both of you.¡± Lash said with a smile that made Sindella blush. AR-John smiled wide at his girl and took a seat with her.


    ¡°So, who is this then? Never sei yau befor''.¡± AR-John asked while pointing at Dawn.


    ¡°Hello Constantine. I am Dawn, I am my masters dragon familiar.¡± Dawn said, she stood up and bowed from her waist. Then resumed her seating to she could finish her ice cream. AR-John all but swallowed his tongue.


    ¡°Yau hav'' a dragon for a familiar!?¡± AR-John shouted, thankfully the officer area and a soft buffering field to block out noises.


    ¡°That is amazing!¡± Sindella all but squealed in delight. She bounced from her seat to sit next to Dawn. Dawn smiled at Sindella with a glint of mischief in her eyes.


    Then began a discussion on magic, and the difference between Magic of Magicians like Sindella''s mother Zatana. Sorcery like Doctor Fate. Magic Blood like Constantine and Lash. Champions like God-Kins, and Etrigan the Demon. Guardians like Swamp Thing. Archmages like Phantom Stranger. Then Judges like Specter. Magic was a complex science that was both incredibly new, and ancient beyond measure. They could have spoken on the subject practically forever. But Lash compromised with Sindella, and AR-John by creating several books on his spells. As he was a Domain caster he was able to comprise the information freely.


    Sindella left with AR-John with a stack of books. Vyllith excused herself to the bridge and encouraged Lash to take a break. At least once a month. Dawn dragged him back to his private quarters and pulled him into bed. Lash had looked at her with a bit of a smirk until she chopped his noggin softly to get his mind out of the gutter. She transformed back into his necklace, and curled up on top of his chest. So for the first time in a long, long time Lash fell asleep.


    ______________________________________________


    In the open air he flew, his wings beating against the sky gaining altitude. Diving through a cloud bank he splashed through clouds like a fish jumping from a pond. For a brief moment he simply enjoyed the feeling of the sun on his scales, and the pull of gravity as it tried its best to bring him back down. He dove back through the cloud bank to look over a battle field. His armies were rushing down two distinct paths towards the enemy strong hold. They had both met the enemy, he dipped his to the side and came upon the enemy on the western front.


    He opened his mouth and sprayed from his venom sacs. Natural napalm burnt flesh, and melted bone. He destroyed the opposition in a single pass. Flying away at the sounds of his conquering army cheering. He flew over the forest and saw a glint in the distance. He did a forward side barrel roll as a javelin was shot through the air. The enemy had prepared aerial ballistas for him, a single sweep of his flame destroyed them. As he reveled in the destruction of his enemies a shadow from the sky above darkened his vision. He looked up and saw it! Saw...Them!


    ¡°A dragon commander!¡± He said, before he roared and rose into the sky to meet them.


    ___________________________________________


    Congratulations User! Thanks to your reincarnated lives you''ve learned how to grow wings through your Adaptation trait.


    Lash rolled his eyes at Dawn''s enthusiastic voice. He looked around his room to see that his familiar had wrapped around his neck and became a necklace once more. He slowly sat up in bed, still wearing his armor. He looked at his Clock it read 4:30 am like always. Though he did feel rested, and recovered. He only had a few hours of sleep.


    Then the Sulaco lurched back and forth. It was a gradual motion, and no alarm went off. But after a few minutes it did it again. Lash rolled his eyes as he stood up and reactivated Transformation. He left his room and head for operations. Along the way he passed a holographic view screen that played the part of a window on the ship. Windows were structural weaknesses, Lash didn''t build them. He used camera''s and spell craft.


    A creature of The Black and/or Rot was flying through the air next to them. It was massive in size, five times the size of the Sulaco easily. It seemed to be brushing up against the ship as it flew by. That was when Lash saw a few more around them. They were not attacking the ship, but they flew around it like a pod of whales would do in the ocean. Saving time he called up a holographic of the operations room. Vyllith was at the command station, and turned to look at him.


    ¡°Lord Count, there is a being from the Rot standing on our flight deck. I think they want to talk.¡± Vyllith reported, Lash took a deep calming breath and nodded.


    ¡°Alright, I''ll head out. Keep weapons on standby. I don''t know why they would attack, but just in case.¡± Lash replied, Vyllith reported and they closed the view screen.


    A few minutes later Lash was walking across the flight deck. The roof had been retracted to make it easier for the drop ships to come and go. In the sky, and below the ship were the massive Rot creatures. Massive bulbous creatures, with a disproportion amount of wings, and fins. Hundreds of tentacles snapped out into the air, and collected life energy drawing them into gaping mouths. Despite their grisly appearance they were not evil creatures. Just another aspect of nature. Death and decay was just as much a part of nature as life, and birth. At the end of the flight deck stood a figure wrapped in darkness. They wore it like a hood and cloak, and just as tall as Lash in his Transformed state.


    ¡°Greetings to you, druid from another world.¡± The emissary of the Rot said. Their voice a combination of voices both men and women.


    ¡°Greetings to you, emissary of the Rot. How may this one be of service?¡± Lash asked, bowing from his waist. The emissary dipped its hood in response accepting the courtesy given.


    ¡°This world was on its last. It would have taken centuries from the mortals perspective. But from ours it was but a heartbeat away from death. You have prevented this, why?¡± The emissary of Rot asked.


    ¡°The people of this world need a living planet to survive.¡± Lash offered his first reason.


    ¡°They are responsible for its destruction in the first place, as a druid I would think you would let them suffer for their mistakes.¡± The Rot said in return.


    ¡°Yes, and no. Just as the balance is not united so are mortals. In my world The Green has dozens of voices calling for different solutions to different problems. Is it not the same for The Black? Even if they put it to a vote, not all of them always listen do they not? The mortals are the same. Just because most cause destruction does not mean every one made the same choice.¡± Lash said, and he created a Phantasm illusion to illustrate his point. Showing the unification war from video''s he had seen, and records he had read.


    ¡°True...¡± The emissary said, as he looked at the illusions crafted.


    ¡°And if I may be so bold. Does it matter if I restore it? The Black needs life to consume. If the planet turns barren there is no balance.¡± Lash asked, honestly confused why The Black would stop his actions.


    ¡°As we have said before. Centuries to mortals are but a simple heartbeat. Yes the world would have fallen. But in a few thousand or so years the planet would recover. Breathing new life, and a chance for new creatures to be born anew.¡± The emissary replied. Ah, that was the issue. If the balance had plans for a renewed Earth then Lash had just stepped on it.


    ¡°Then I''ll say the main reason why I am doing so. Is because my Cosmic Patron requested it of me.¡± Lash supplied the real reason. Yes, he liked helping the new reality he had ''adopted''. But he was putting a lot of effort into restoring it. Though he was obtaining valuable experience, it would be useful when he tried to terraform the moon, and restore mars.


    The emissary of The Rot was silent for a moment. More than likely it was deliberating with its leaders. Or maybe even his Cosmic Patron was talking to them. Erik knew that the patron was being played by Dawn. Dawn was essentially the game master of the whole Dream Engine. Though she did take orders from the Developers. So Erik wasn''t entirely sure who is Cosmic Patron was to be honest. Maybe it was a developer watching him? Maybe it was an entire team?


    ¡°You are a chosen of the Endless, is this correct?¡± The emissary asked. Wow! It had been a long while since someone brought up that title.


    ¡°I am...¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Very well, the balance will allow the reconstruction of the planet. But please inform the mortals that they will not get a second chance. If they ruin the world again. We of The Black will hasten its death.¡± The emissary said, and then began to fade from sight.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Lash shouted, raising a hand. The emissary materialized once more.


    ¡°May I suggest the colors of the balance select new guardians for the planet. Please not me! I have to return to my own world. But, if guardians are selected they can help maintain the balance.¡± Lash requested, as he bowed his head in submission.


    ¡°Your request is....Acceptable. We will choose new guardians.¡± The emissary said, and then faded once more from sight.


    Once The Black emissary disappeared the whale like giants of rot, and death moved off. Then like the aurora borealis ribbons of light streamed across the sky. Black, red, clear, white, grey, orange, brown, crystal clear colors reflected across the globe. Night or day. Lash watched has his quest updated quickly. Across the barren landscape swaths of plant life from a variety of species, times, and maybe alien stretched through the world. Ghosts of creatures flew down from the night sky. Once they reached the ground they took shape, and became solid. Creatures that didn''t belong on Earth originally. Crap, they found a loop hole.


    A giant flying reptile that looked like a primitive dragon flew over the flight deck of the Sulaco. It looked at Lash from afar and loose a roar of challenge that seem to say. ''This is my territory, you go away!'' Lash rolled his eyes and turned back. The roof folded up and over the flight deck, and the Sulaco turned. Heading back to Themyscira.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed your Cosmic Patron''s quest.


    Objective: Restore the alternate realities planet to a healthy state. [Complete]


    Bonus Objective: Return magic to alternate realities planet. [Complete]


    Bonus Objective: Restore balance to the alternate realities planet. [Complete]


    Reward: 500 DP.


    Reward: 5 Ability Evolution Points.


    Reward: Denizen''s of the balance have marked you. This will lead to future story events, and missions.


    The list of people that Lash was going to receive missions grew, and grew. But at least he could move back now. He had Vyllith send word ahead through the water mirror that they were heading back. They would be in the AR-Themyscira in two days. Now Lash had to figure out what to do with the Sulaco. He couldn''t bring it with him, he didn''t want to leave the droid service modules aboard. So, he could dismantle them and leave the ship behind for the new government to use. Or would that be a bad idea? Magitek was something entirely new in this reality. Not like home.


    After talking with Vyllith, and the few hundred war droids who gained a spark. They decided to dismantle the droid service modules. But keep the ship, and replace the modules with a few necessities. But before he dismantled the modules, the rest of the stagnant war droids got a update. Letting them all have the building blocks for a magical spark. The androids would stay in this reality, given they were born here. The Metal from the balance hummed with approval.


    The Sulaco reached the outer edge of the spell shield that protected AR-Themyscira. The entire ship glowed briefly as it slipped through the barrier into the pocket space. Once through the ship, and its crew were greeted by thunderous cheers, and cascading applause. The ship slowly descended and slipped into the water. Joining the flotilla that surrounded the island. The flight decks roof opened up and hundreds of people capable of flight flew down into the deck to meet with the crew.


    It was time for the goodbye party for Lash, though the Rift would remain open it may be sometime before he ever came to visit again. Hopefully nothing horrible happened while he was gone. Two days, Queen AR-Hippolyta ''requested'' that Lash stay for two days to enjoy the festivities on Themyscira. Not taking no for an answer. Hopefully Lash wouldn''t get to drunk this time...


    =============================================================


    ***Home Reality, Sol System***


    ¡°I refuse! I am not going to arrest Wraith, he hasn''t done anything wrong!¡± John Stewart shouted at Kilowog.


    The Bolovaxian had pachyderm like skin, porcine nose, and large jaws. Kilowog in particular had red eyes that glowed with green lanterns light, and his leathery skin was pinkish. He filled out his Green Lantern uniform very well with bulging muscles. He growled at John for shouting at him, but kept himself in check as it was clear that Hal, and Katma had more to say. They were currently floating in empty space between the planets Mars and Earth.


    ¡°The Guardians are after his Patron not him. Why do they think that if they arrest him, his Patron is going to show up to ensure his release. They have no proof! For all we know his Patron will just forget about him and move on. If the information we have on them is true?¡± Katma jumped into the discussion, poking Kilowog in the chest with a finger.


    ¡°You know this is a bullshit order, Kilowog.¡± Hal said at the end.


    ¡°The guardians never do anything with out a reason! They have policed the galaxy for thousands of years. You are telling me that they are wrong? This creature from earth, Wraith has been claimed to be the agent of calamity. His patron is an extra dimensional being that brings nothing but chaos, and calamity to every system it visits. How do you know Wraith isn''t here to play nice, earn your trust, then strike when you least expect it!¡± Kilowog shouted at them. Clearly angry that they would second guess the guardians.


    ¡°Oh please Kilowog! You could say that about anyone! Even the guardians!¡± Hal shouted at him, and Kilowog got right up in his face about it.


    ¡°Stop! This is all pointless anyways! The United Nations wont give him up. The Green Lanterns are not recognized as an authority on the planet. The guardians would have to break their own rules to arrest him. Wraith has already declined to come to Oa for a visit.¡± Katma said quickly to stop the impending fight.


    ¡°That''s because he knows its a trap! He knows we can talk to the guardians through our rings. The only reason that they would want him to visit Oa is to detain him!¡± Hal said in response, not backing down from Kilowog.


    ¡°Then I''ll make him come, with or with out your help. Unless you want to get in my way!¡± Kilowog threatened. John laughed, it was short and abrupt but everyone noticed.


    ¡°No, I don''t think we will. But we will tell the League of your intentions. I know for a fact that Superman would die before you took Wraith anywhere he didn''t want to go. And to be honest, I pretty sure Wraith can take you Kilowog.¡± John said with a smile, Kilowog''s eyes blinked wide.


    ¡°The Kryptonian aside, you think that giant reptile can take me on in a fight!?¡± Kilowog shouted.


    ¡°Ya, actually. I don''t know what I was worried about.¡± Katma said with a smile as she wrapped her arms around John.


    ¡°I have to agree, I think Wraith would wipe the floor with you Kilowog.¡± Hal said, as he grinned at John, and Katma.


    ¡°Oh is that how it is! Well we''ll just see about that!¡± Kilowog burst across the emptiness of space leaving a trail of green light.


    ¡°I sure hope Lash doesn''t kill him.¡± Katma said with a bit of concern. Hal laughed a little then stopped looking thoughtful.


    ¡°Either way we should follow Kilowog to make sure he doesn''t break any rules on Earth.¡± John said with a smile. They all agreed and soon trailed after Kilowog...

 Chapter 93: Qetesh

    ============================================================


    ***Home Reality, 5 days before Wraith''s return***


    Victor Stone aka Cyborg teleported onto the Watch Tower''s B-pad auxiliary 2. Behind him was his fellow JLI member Gear Head, and his father Silas Stone. Silas openly gawked at the wonder of the space station. It was packed full of people, advanced alien technology, and the promise for a better tomorrow. Or at least that was what Cyborg hoped. He stepped off the pad quickly, knowing it was in service.


    ¡°Dad! Come on, we can''t stay on the pad for long.¡± Cyborg called out, Silas was startled but jumped into action behind his son. Cyborg laughed at his dad, like a kid in a candy store. Gear Head chuckled beside them.


    ¡°Sorry son, this is just all to incredible. Think of everything we could learn from this technology. The advances to human science, medicine, engineering!¡± Silas continued to follow Cyborg.


    The three of them walked through the bustling promenade. As always the whole station was packed like a train station terminal at rush hour. Cyborg noted that as soon as they stepped off the pad four security droids started to follow them. While another aerial drone hovered above them. Cyborg, and Gear Head were clear. But Silas Stone technically only had a visitor pass. The android known has Hex took the security of the Watch Tower seriously. It didn''t matter if they were direct family of a League member. They were a risk and would be watched regardless of age, gender, or familiarity.


    The trio packed themselves into one of the main elevators and went up a few levels towards the science module. A few JLI greeted them, and asked about their assignments. Everyone was incredibly busy. Either with training, another mission, or the required down time they had to take so they wouldn''t burn out. News of Wraith''s return had set the station abuzz with excitement. Cyborg smiled slightly, he looked down at his life like hands. At the metal polymer that simulated human skin.


    Cyborg was dressed in civilian clothing with a black t-shirt that he filled out very well. With blue jeans, black boots, and a leather jacket. His father wore his traditional lab coat, buttoned up white shirt, and black slacks. While Gear Head was in full uniform. He looked like a soldier wearing futuristic tech armor. Though his helmet had retracted to show off his boyish good looks. Gear Head and Victor were about the same age. Early twenties, if the world had been working they would both be in college.


    Their floor came up and half the elevator emptied. The main saucer only had ten floors. But each floor was packed with different modules. Cyborg saw a few people dressed up like they intended to visit a club. Then he remembered that the ''party hall'' was on this floor. Cyborg laughed when he caught Gear Head checking out a few ladies strutting down the path towards the club.


    ¡°I haven''t had a lot of time to socialize, sue me!¡± Gear Head said with a grumble.


    ¡°Nothing to be ashamed of Gear. Boys at your age have a high sex drive. It is only natural for you want to chase them. I do have to admit that the men and women aboard the station are very attractive. From a scientific stand point of course!¡± Silas said, then glanced away when he saw a very beautiful woman walk past him. Victor barked a laugh when he caught his dad looking at her.


    Almost like clock work a small explosion of green smoke erupted from the front doors of the science lab. People came rushing out, covered in green particles, and tiny green will-o-wisps went dancing about. Silas looked at the scene in confusion. He went to cover his mouth, thinking it was a bio hazard until one of the lab techs said loudly to every nearby it was just green dye for a new optic flare that could work in space.


    Silas stopped to consider the advantages of being able to produce a flame in a zero oxygen environment. Then he was struck dumb when a snake woman came slithering out of the front door. She was wearing a silk cheongsam with black pattern, and pink cherry blossoms. While her lab coat was partially on fire. Her eyes blazed with natural curiosity. Then her eyes fell on Cyborg, and she squealed in delight. She raced towards him, and all but bowled him over in a hug.


    ¡°Cyborg! Welcome back! What did you bring me!¡± The giant snake woman almost screamed, her arms wrapping around him.


    ¡°Hmmmfm fffmmmaa mmm...¡± Cyborg tried to say, but his face was swallowed in the bouncing bosom of Samanthei.


    ¡°I don''t think he can breath, Samanthei.¡± Gear Head said next to them. Then all but jumped away when the lamia noticed him. Abruptly let go of Cyborg and swallowed Gear into a hug as well. He flailed for a moment, even going so far to use his powers to pull himself free. Looking like a gecko attached to the wall to get away from her. His face flushed red in embarrassment.


    ¡°Dad... Meet Samanthei. She is the science head of the JLI. Samanthei, meet my father Silas Stone.¡± Cyborg said between gasping breaths.


    ¡°Very please... Oh good god!¡± Silas started to say, then was swallowed by the lamia''s arms. His face between her breasts. He flailed his arms, and legs. As she had lifted him off the ground and twirled him around.


    ¡°The great Silas Stone! I''ve read your papers on the introduction of alien metals, and the renewable power we could obtain from alternate dimensions!¡± Samanthei squealed in delight. She was a very tactile individual.


    Eventually, and after several minutes of smothering. Samanthei pulled all three of them into her private lab. Where Gear Head produced a very crude, but ingenious tool to help them fix their current problems. Samanthei slithered around the room noticing the different design, and how it would work off a meta-human''s power instead of a specific program.


    ¡°So, with the solar plants destroyed. And with Wraith off world, or reality. We think we''ve figured out a way to help everyone. I saw Gear Head use a machine he invented to spread a signal to overcome the. ''You will not work.'' Power that Dex''s bomb''s had on the world.¡± Cyborg began to explain their plan with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Once Cyborg explained what he wanted. I thought why don''t we do the same for the internet. We could use this signal to restore the internet nexus. Then Cyborg, and any cyberkinetic we have can push through the internet. Overriding the signal, while we push the signal across the globe.¡± Gear Head continued, as he expanded the design.


    ¡°Star Labs had been working on a broad wave broad cast system meant to cast it over a wide net for vibrations. The vibrations were meant for underground, and water mapping. But we believe we could do this to spread the signal over the Earth to restore the different technologies. Its not that they are broken, they are just being told not to work thanks to the meta-power of the Dex bombs.¡± Silas stone finished the explanation.


    ¡°Yes! We can do that! Let me call my brother Malleus. We''ll build the machines by the end of the day!¡± Samanthei shouted with joy, raising her arms in joy.


    ______________________________________


    ***Home Reality, gated community right outside of Metropolis***


    Floyd Lawton aka Dead Shot, currently known has Wolf West was patrolling the community his wife, Michelle Torres, and his daughter Zoe West lived in. He had lived in the community over a year, thanks to the help of a very nice lawyer from Shield and Sword that his benefactor had set up for him. Thanks to Shield and Sword and their discretion West was able to obtain all the money had saved as Lawton and/or Dead Shot. Zoe went to the best schools money could buy, and Michelle remar...Well married Wolf West. Though she kept her name.


    Zoe got a real kick out of the fact that her father was named, Wolf. Called him the big bad wolf. A name he had more than earned during the first few weeks of the black out. The community had been great. Turns out nearly every house had an underground bunker. So, when Wolf had pulled out emergency supplies, food, water, and guns from his bunker he wasn''t an odd man out. Turned out the entire community was full of ex-soldiers, spies, and people seeking asylum in the U.S.


    He was currently walking the stretch of sandbag walls that was placed ahead of one of the entrance gates. Several retired soldiers waved at him, he returned the gesture with a nod. While he kept his eye on the road ahead of him. He activated his ''prediction algorithm'' power he obtained from his benefactor. Over a thousand different calculations went through his mind. He could only do it for a few seconds before he received a sharp pain between his eyes. Then he turn it off and review the information.


    ¡°That''s odd...¡± Wolf said softly to himself. His meta-power calculation predicted a 50% chance of him taking a shower tonight.


    ¡°West! Get over here! The radio just turned on!¡± A retired marine shouted at him. Wolf turned around and sprinted towards the gate. The radios hadn''t worked the whole time, even ham radios were dead.


    ¡°Attention! Attention! This is the Justice League International. We are attempting to restore functionality to all machines with in a broad area of effect. Please be aware that if you have any of your mechanical devices set to on, they may suddenly hum to life!¡± The voice was a soothing voice of a young woman that seemed familiar to Wolf.


    One by one the street lamps in their community turned on. The sprinklers on a nearby house started to work again. House lights glowed to life, and the security station gate house started to spit out music from its radio. Everything was turning back on! The message over the radio played for ten minutes before it stopped. But by that time everything had turned on. Then another message was sent through. This one catered to their specific location, informing them of all the different things in their area. Power was still an issue, as was water. They should expect brown outs, and should continue to conserve water. Someone raced into their neighbors home to turn off the sprinkler.


    ¡°JLI! JLI! JLI!¡± Someone started to shout, but was soon repeated by everyone. West had ran home to see his porch light on. His wife, and daughter were dancing in the living room.


    ¡°Daddy!¡± Zoe shouted and ran into his arms. He picked her up, and twirled her around. Michelle came over and kissed him on the cheek.


    ¡°Did your giant lizard friend fix everything?¡± Zoe asked, her bright clear eyes full of delight.


    ¡°I''m don''t know, pumpkin. But I''m sure he helped.¡± Wolf said with a smile. At last, things would start to go back to normal.


    ===============================================================


    ***Alternate Reality, Themyscira***


    Lash was surprised to find out that the party was being held on the port city of the island. Where both men, and women were allowed to attend. The reason being, that a few days before Lash had arrived with the Sulaco. Babies like days of old had washed up on shore with the tide. Just like they did in the past. This was how new Amazons were born. However, unlike before three of the children had been baby boys! Three boys, six girls. All of them blessed with the mark of Amazon magic.


    It appeared that since Lash was considered a brother to the Amazon sisterhood. Since he was the one to rescue the holy relic from the grips of Tartarus. He had accidentally imprinted on the relic. Traditionally, any woman that was killed unjustly by a man could be reincarnated into an Amazon. (This was different than his home reality) Since millions of women, and men were unjustly killed by Dex. The holy relic chose to allow both women, and men to be reincarnated.


    Because of this change. AR-Queen Hippolyta opened the port city to those proven friends of the Amazons. Baby steps in the right direction. The party was in full swing. He wasn''t sure if it was the circumstance, or the fact that war was over. But everyone was drinking like it was the end of the world. Maybe in a lot of ways it was. The end of the old, and the beginning of the new.


    Lash had removed his Transformation and placed a simple Fae Glamore to hide his reptilian features, and tribal tattoos. He was 6''6¡± wearing black urban battle uniform pants, and jacket. With black boots, and black shirt. He had a drink in hand though it was filled with water. He wore a small smile on his face that was genuine as he watched everyone enjoy themselves.


    The port city of Themyscira was a combination of greek architecture, and a few modern day choices of design. Giant towers of white marble over 200 feet tall. Dazzling spell arrays carved with care into every surface. Each tower was blazing with a magical fire to light the way for wayward ships. But tonight they blazed for a different reason. As fire works shot into the sky. Those with the power of flight bounced from location to location wearing colorful pieces of clothing that excited the eyes. Filling ones mind and heart to the brim with fantasies.


    ¡°Found you.¡± Vyllith said from behind him. Her arms slipped around him from behind and she pressed herself tight against his back. Lash slowly turned around to look at his Knight. They were linked through a soul pact it would make sense she would be able to track him down.


    Vyllith had decided to swap out her armor. Wearing dark leather sandals, a short leather skirt, and a tight leather top that barely contained her bursting chest. It a lot of belts, buckles, and was very risque. But she had always been comfortable with her body. A body that had only improved since she had gone up in rank. Her long black hair was swept to one side, exposing her neck, and her left pointed ear. Behind her was a few familiar faces that he had seen before in Dex''s tower.


    Big Barda towered over everyone present, her hair was down and swept back. Her right arm was covered in studded leather, and she wore a hard leather chest plate that exposed her midriff. Then she wore black leather pants, and boots. She had a giant mug of something alcoholic in hand, and a brilliant smile on her face.


    With Barda was AR-Black Canary who was named Dinah Drake in this reality. She was 5''7¡± blue eyes, short cropped blond hair. She wore a sleeves black wrap around top, as short leather skirt, and three inch heels. She had several scars that were in the process of healing. Though her eyes looked haunted, there was a spark of life in them that wasn''t there before. Next to her was AR-Starfire.


    AR-Starfire had short bot cut fiery orange hair. She wore a brilliant red cocktail dress, with a long skirt that exposed her left thigh all the way to her hip. Long red gloves that covered her entire arm to her bicep. The dress only had one shoulder strap, leaving one shoulder exposed. Like Canary she had several tiny scars, and showed them off proudly.


    ¡°How are you all feeling?¡± Lash asked, genuinely curious. He had heard that the telepaths in the resistance offered to alter or even erase the memories of those in captive with Dex. He also knew that none of them had asked for that.


    ¡°My sisters and I are healing!¡± Barda said with a sad smile. As she took another drink from her mug. Then frowned when her cup was empty. Lash fixed that with a simple Fabrication and refilled the cub. Never ending beer! Barda grinned and began to drink anew.


    ¡°Mera...Our Mera says hello. But she is spending time at the waters edge. If you have time she would love for you to come say hello. She hasn''t seen the ocean in years. She is making up for lost time.¡± Dinah said with a tight smile as she walked forward and hugged Lash. He returned the hug, it was a little awkward. He could tell she was on edge.


    ¡°Thank you for saving us. I know that battle could have gone easier if you had just...¡± Dinah said softly to him.


    ¡°I''m sure Supergirl would have have been fine. Though you would all have a few broken bones by the end.¡± Lash said, humor clear in his voice. Dinah smiled a little and stepped back.


    AR-Starfire just like the one in his reality stepped forward and planted a big wet kiss on his lips. Lash flailed for a bit, but eventually leaned into it. A bemused expression crossed the three watching ladies. She eventually broke the kiss, and breathed him in before stepping back to join Dinah. Then swiped the mug from Barda and finished the whole glass before Lash refilled it again. They stood in an amiable silence before Barda spoke up.


    ¡°So, what are you doing here standing off to the side. Do you know how many people want to talk to you?¡± Barda asked, as she gestured towards the city at large.


    ¡°My Lord Count doesn''t drink. Not that he won''t. But more to the fact that nothing here can get him drunk. I''ve tried.¡± Vyllith said, and came to his side once more a teasing smile on her face. Which of course made Lash wince, crap!


    ¡°Oho! That sounds like a challenge!¡± Barda cheered loudly, and with out a word took Lash''s hand and started to drag him towards the nearest bar. The other three tagging along, Vyllith watching in glee at the sight of her master grumbling.


    Thankfully Barda didn''t shout to the bar who he was. All the drinks were free, and Lash obeyed Barda. Despite her years in captivity, it paled in comparison to the tortures she suffered on Apokolipse. So out of all the women in Dex''s harem she was the most put together. While AR-Starfire had a hard life before Earth to begin with. Dinah was better than most. But Lash knew that AR-Mera, along with a few others were hollow versions of themselves.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Water Breathing from the Transmutation Domain.


    Water Breathing: The Caster can temporarily alter the physiology of a the target to breath underwater. Allowing the creation of gills, and/or the adaptation of their lungs pulling and filtering oxygen from water.


    Effect: One target cast will last one hour. (Can be cast multiple times to allow several hours of Water Breathing.)


    Effect: Requires an oxygen rich water environment.


    Effect: Target can breath both air, and water.


    Eventually the four of them went down to the pier and jumped into the water. Lash used Adaptation and gave himself gills. Then he used Water Breathing on Barda, Starfire, and Canary. While Vyllith seem to use her own version of Adaptation something Lash recently learned. She had acquired Adaptation from him. Something to do with the bond their shared. The under water area around Themyscira had gone through a dramatic change. They were still with in the pocket dimension. But freshly magically grown coral had turned the area around them into a rainbow of colors.


    AR-Y''Mera the Queen of Atlantis had thought to be lost to the Unification War. It was believed the entire royal family had been lost. When Queen Mera was found, and returned it was cause for celebration! Kaldur, and his wife Tula were enjoying the festivities when they caught sight of the four of them. Though it wasn''t until later that they found out that the human with them was Wraith in disguise. They brought them before their Queen who was delighted to see them.


    ¡°I met the Arthur from your reality. He is...Different from mine. But in a lot of ways still the same.¡± AR-Mera said to Lash as they swam off to the side away from the party. Kaldur was teaching Barda how to speak underwater, it was entertaining.


    AR-Mera had long rich red hair, pale delicate skin that was covered in a variety of tiny scars. She wore a green gauze water silk fabric that wrapped around her chest and neck. Along with a water silk fabric around her waist. Essentially a bathing suit. But Atlanteans could survive in the crushing depths of the freezing deep ocean. So tropical water must have been the equivalent of a hot summer day to her.


    ¡°Should have seen him before. He was a brutish, rogue, a barbarian of a man....Actually he hasn''t really changed much.¡± Lash said, sarcasm clear in his voice. AR-Mera gave him a short and sweet laugh. Then her eyes clouded over as she was reminded of something.


    ¡°I could stay a bit longer if you like, help rebuild Atlantis.¡± Lash asked, trying to change the subject. The tension in AR-Mera''s face loosened and was replaced by a different kind of stress.


    ¡°Thank you, Wraith. But I think we have kept you longer than we should. You have your own world to rebuild. But if we need anything I will be sure to request your help.¡± AR-Mera followed up and she gave him a smile.


    ¡°Thank you...For coming to our rescue. I...I''m not sure if we....eep!¡± AR-Mera attempted to say before she was swallowed in Lash''s arms. She was stiff for a moment, then noticed that a glamour surrounded them. Then she began to tear up, and racking sobs began. Lash just held her.


    Thanks to Lash''s achievements, titles, and abilities. He could naturally comfort people. Just his presence seem to reassure them. Give them a bit of hope. He wasn''t sure if that had been intentional on Dawn''s part, the Cosmic Patron''s, or if that was just how he was personally. He was an absolute terror to his enemies, and was a rock steady anchor to his friends and family. After a few minutes AR-Mera stopped and cleaned her face. She looked a million pounds lighter.


    The sun rose over the island paradise. A majority of the people were just getting to bed and hissed in dismay as the burning disk of hate glowed brilliantly above them. Lash was in the city square cooking a huge brunch buffet of sorts. For everyone that was either going to sleep, or waking up. He used Manifestation and called up his 1,000 Saurus Warriors and they began to clean up, and prepare for the day of celebration.


    This time he used his Transformation, though he did not have his shroud on. He was just a 8'' tall armored lizard man. Who may or may not of had a tentacle horror as a grand father. As his tentacles were flipping pancakes, and stirring eggs. All of his food was made with fresh magic, and cooked to the best of his abilities with his Advanced Cooking skill. Coffee! Coffee in all sorts of flavors, and shades. Along with morning beer! Liquid breakfast!


    ¡°This was suppose to be your goodbye party. Normally the guest of honor doesn''t work.¡± AR-Wonder Woman said as she walked over to pick up a plate of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. With a tall glass of orange juice.


    ¡°I enjoy cooking for my friends and family. The Amazons are my sisters, and many of them had to work yesterday. I understand that our Queen is rotating everyone, hence the two day celebration. But even the people who worked last night are hammered today.¡± Lash said with a smile, his lips pulling back to reveal his fangs.


    AR-Diana wore a single piece white gown that must have had an insane thread count. It wasn''t silk, but it was close. It wrapped around one shoulder, and exposed her other. The gown was wrapped around her waist by a leather belt, and pulled back to reveal her long legs. She wore golden leather sandals to finish off the touch. Themyscira had a tropical weather pattern, so a lot of skin was normal. It was hot! In more ways than one.


    ¡°I''m not complaining!¡± AR-Diana said, as she pulled back her hair and tied it with a leather string. ¡°Just promise you wont work the entire day. Mera from your reality says your a very good dancer. So, I would like to see that for myself tonight.¡± AR-Diana said with a grin and walked off.


    ¡°Did she mean when I was drunk? Or when I was sober?¡± Lash asked, AR-Diana looked back with a grin and continued walking. When he was drunk.


    Later Lash discovered that since each of his Manifestations could hold their own power source he could eventually summon all of them. So he ended up with 1,000 Warriors, 100 Veterans, and 10 Elites. They were scattered through out the port city helping with the festivities. More specifically they were cooking lots, and lots of food! The second day was full of activities, contests, and tales of the battle told by actors, and bards. The greatly embellished the tales, but it was still enjoyable for the audience.


    Then sun eventually set and the party went into a full blown rage. Especially since Lash set up a sound system through out the whole city. The music was different depending on which part of the city you were in. Allowing for classical, metal, jazz, techno, mix, etc, etc. Two of his Elites made expendable necklaces that allowed for underwater breathing and speech allowing the surface dwellers to join the Atlanteans. Also embarrassingly enough more than a few women, and men propositioned not only Lash for some horizontal refreshments. But also his Manifestations. Which raised a few questions in his mind. Especially when a few of his Warriors, Veterans, and at least one Elite agreed. Ever since he had reached master rank they have been more life like.


    ¡°You could not imagine my surprise when a young woman claimed she had nailed the Agent Wraith. But I thought it was impossible, my Lord Count has been here this whole time helping with the festivities. Only for me to discover it was an Elite.¡± Vyllith said as she came over, wearing a red bikini, and a red sheer gown wrapped around her body. Her sex appeal was through the roof, while her lilac eyes appraised him.


    ¡°Yes, it seems that my Manifestations have become more life like since I mastered the spell. There is no harm in them expanding their skill set.¡± Lash offered a reason to his knight. It was true, he had gained hundreds of experience points in Sex.


    ¡°Lord Count, when are you going to stop working? Come dance with me!¡± Vyllith said, as she took up his clawed hand to look at him with her lilac eyes. Her lower lip trembling in mock sadness if he said no.


    ¡°Ok.¡± Lash said simply. Vyllith blinked, then grinned at him. She pulled him away from the table that he was working at.


    Vyllith settled on a death metal concert that Lash had created. Some industrial rock that you would commonly hear at club. Up on the stage was a Phantasm band, the lead singer was practically screaming into the microphone. A soul rending sound, you could almost feel the torture vibrating through your body. Which of course was the point. Vyllith jumped on the balls of her feet, and moved her body in a hypnotic manner. She flipped her hair side to side, and glanced at Lash. He stood perfectly still in the throng of people.


    Lash while in his Transformation was built to hunt, and kill. His bladed tail alone would cut through a Nth metal ingot. He knew that, because he had tried it. But he held a smile on his face as he watched Vyllith. Despite his lack of movement he was enjoying watching her have a good time. She rolled her eyes at him, and kept dancing. Eventually a few women, and men started to use him as a sort of dance pole.


    The music eventually switched to a low hum as a giant drum was rolled out. The beating of the drum created a rhythm that seem to attune to every ones heart. A mongolian throat singer came up, and sung into the microphone. Electric version of the morin khuur, and Tovshuur started to play. It was interesting to hear another kind of metal based from a different culture. Though Lash may have created the Phantasm, he had elected to use the entire song collection from his reality through his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits.


    AR-Wonder Woman found them eventually and pulled them to a different dance circle. This one with Lash''s own dance stage. Where on this stage was the tool of his destruction. They had found a magical drink that could get Lash drunk. Lash surrendered to his fate, stripped himself from his armor and drank the keg. Half way through he started to dance to what ever the bad was playing. Some remix of a tribal song. Since he had the stage to himself, or more rather anyone who joined him on the stage could at least be mindful of his razor sharp claws, and tail. The last thing he remembered was AR-Supergirl joining him on the stage.


    _______________________________________


    Lash woke up at 4:30 am right on the dot. He looked at his Clock to confirm it. He was in a very large room. His Night Vision, and Adaptation kicked on automatically letting him see perfectly in the pitch black room. He was on a large bed, as in emperor size bed. Something that you would normally only see on movies about fantasy kingdoms and such. On the bed was a tangled mess of naked bodies, and limbs. He quickly checked his body over and breathed a sigh of relief. He still had his polymer pants on. They were relatively hard to get off.


    It wasn''t that Lash was afraid of having sex. It was just that he was afraid of waking up with a message from Dawn about a successful impregnation through the blessing of Sobek. Since he didn''t have any prompts or messages waiting for him. He assumed nothing of the sort happened. Or at the very least Dawn assumed he would say no.


    ¡°I assumed you would say no, and no User you didn''t have sex. Though you did use pheromones and a few spells in a creative way to throw the festival into an orgasmic bliss for a few hours.¡± Dawn said softly in his ear, teasing him gently. Lash groaned and buried his face into his pillow.


    The soft, yet hard skin of a beautiful woman pushed up against his chest, and right arm. Lash looked down and saw Vyllith naked, and nudging up against him. A smile on her face. He turned gently trying to not disturb anyone else. He wrapped his arms around her, and pressed his chest into her back. She shivered in delight and softly murmured in her sleep. Her tail wrapping around his leg. Then Lash''s eyes snapped open in horror.


    ¡°Dawn...What did you mean by, the festival?¡± Lash asked softly.


    ¡°Oh I mean nearly the entire port city fell into orgasmic bliss. Nature Domain is the strongest Domain you have. Pheromone control is a cantrip, even worked underwater.¡± Dawn''s voice cackled in delight.


    Congratulations User! You''ve earned the achievement: ''Apostle of Qetesh''.


    Effect: Intermediate Sex has evolved into Advanced Sex.


    Effect: Advanced Sex you have become a supernatural guru when it comes to Sex. Able to combine your natural, supernatural, and magical foci. Creating almost a divine moment of pleasure lasting seconds or hours.


    Effect: You can use sex to empower yourself, and those you share yourself with.


    Effect: You can make an offering of magical energy to a spiritual, magical, or divine power if you so choose.


    Attention User, would you like to offer the collected magical energy to the dormant Gods, and Goddess of this reality?


    Note: Though the Gods and Goddesses of Greece left the world. Not all of the divine did.


    Yes / No


    ¡­.Yes.


    Attention User! You''ve breathed new life into the Gods, and Goddesses of the Earth.


    Your Cosmic Patron, and Loki are delighted by your actions and hope to see more entertainment.


    Note: Loki has watched your actions with glee, as you carry his spark until you find a suitable host. (He kinda doesn''t want you to find a host, he''s enjoying the show.)


    ¡°Lord Count...What just happened.¡± The sleepiness from Vyllith evaporated like snow on a hot summer day. She felt the divine pulse of energy wash over the whole room and fly into the dark. She was a hell knight to a Daemonic Lord. She was immune to the damage that normally would have come such radiance.


    ¡°Something that I may live to regret, but we''ll see. Since you are awake shall we go for a walk?¡± Lash asked, as he started to stand up. Carefully pulling himself from the limbs of those in the bed.


    Lash cast Immaculate on himself, and Vyllith. Lash made her some sport shorts, and a tank top. Then he braided her hair, he enjoyed doing it and she enjoyed the attention. When they stepped outside from where ever they were they found dozens of divine golden lights fluttering through the sky. Taking shape to form ghostly silhouettes of beings of power. But one specifically was a beautiful woman with golden brown skin, long black kinky hair that was down to her middle back. She wore a leopard skirt, and golden silk top. When Lash, and Vyllith stepped out into the morning air she zeroed in on him. A brilliant smile that could only belong to a goddess bloomed on her face.


    ¡°Hello chosen!¡± Her voice boomed across the whole city.


    ¡°Ah crap....¡± Lash said, and he could almost hear his Cosmic Patron laughing.


    ________________________________


    For the first time in decades on the alternate reality of Earth. God-Kins were being chosen. Qetesh was disappointed when she discovered that Lash was already taken. But accepted it with grace, and humility fitting of her station as a Goddess of love, beauty, and sex. She said he was always welcome in her home, and in her bed if he ever came to visit. Lash had to admit it was tempting to sleep with a Goddess. But he had work to do back home. But he was sure to come back and visit.


    Something truly amazing happened, at least for the Amazons their long time enemy, and ally during the unification war. A forgotten God-Kin of of Ares bloomed, and a new greek god of War was born. The last Olympian on the whole of the Earth. Lash had only met Ares from his reality when he was trying to destroy the world. The Ares from this reality was far more down to earth, and relaxed. Maybe it was his host?


    This caused another celebration, Lash was suppose to go home today. But Qetesh demanded he stay for at least one more night. Word was sent back home about the sudden revival of the divine with in the reality. When they had found out what Lash had done. (Though blissfully they didn''t know all the details) They understood why it was requested he stay another night. For the first time in thousands of years Gods, and Goddesses walked the streets of Themyscira. Despite the different heritages of the divine everyone was on their best behavior. They understood they were guests in someones home.


    ¡°So let me get this straight. You got so drunk, you cast a wide area of effect cantrip with your Nature Domain. To turn everyone with in range into a puddle of orgasmic pleasure. Then when you woke up the next day, your Patron asked if you wanted to donate the collected energy to restore the divine with in the world?¡± Qetesh asked, Lash. A bemused expression on her perfect face.


    ¡°More or less.¡± Lash said, he was sitting next to her in his Transformed state. Qetesh began to laugh. Her laugh was like drizzled honey on the skin, and sent waves of pleasure through everyone who could hear it. More than a few people were driven into a sexual lust and started to have sex on the ground around them.


    ¡°Well your Patron sound''s like a lot of fun! I''m interested though why you seem almost immune to my powers though. Is that from him as well?¡± Qetesh asked as she ran her fingers up and down his scaled arm. Lash shivered involuntarily, thankfully Nullification activated every time. Vyllith and turned into a orgasmic puddle next to him with in minutes of talking to Qetesh.


    ¡°Helps me keep control in certain situations, Goddess.¡± Lash replied, as he tried his best not to squirm. Qetesh delighted in getting any kind of reaction from him, but pouted ever so slightly when he addressed him.


    ¡°Qetesh...With you I am only Qetesh. It is because of you that I am awake again, that any of us are. Say my name, please.¡± Qetesh said, humbling herself before him.


    ¡°Apologies, Qetesh. As a Warden from my reality its been trained into me to maintain customs and courtesy among the divine.¡± Lash, replied softly. His four reptilian eyes blinked several times as he tried to focus on her.


    ¡°Yes! The Wardens, I''ve heard you speak of them. We didn''t have their ilk in our reality. Can you please explain them to me?¡± Qetesh requested, Lash was having a real hard time with this conversation.


    All of the gods, and goddesses had just obtained new bodies. In a lot of ways they were still mortal. Just very powerful mortals. Many of them continued to be themselves, but had access to a wealth of knowledge they didn''t have before. All Lash knew about the merging of God-Kin is that when the god or goddess that reincarnates into them doesn''t take over. But more or less merges together making a brand new person. Imagine with in your mind is a new room full of books. Each book is a previous incarnation. The new individual can now pick up any book and read from it. Or something like that, it was hard to explain. He felt no matter how he tried to explain it, he would inevitably miss a crucial detail.


    Lash spent the rest of the night talking to the new gods, and goddesses about the Warden''s and the Supernatural council of his reality. Eventually he request for a representative to be sent so they could establish a embassy in this reality. Lash also spent the night trying to avoid advances from the different gods, and goddesses. It wasn''t everyday when a single mortal was the instrument to the revival of the old gods. A few hours before sunrise Qetesh, along with several other divinities that aligned with sex went to perform another ritual orgy offering. Lash escaped into the hills before he was dragged into it. He had no desire to be a totem pole.


    ¡°Such a delightful mess you''ve made, brother Wraith.¡± AR-Queen Hippolyta said, she had walked up on him sitting on a hill over looking the port city. A radiant divine glow was slowly over taking the whole city. Lash quickly stood up and was about to bow before he was stopped.


    ¡°None of that! Just relax, may I join you?¡± The Queen asked, Lash produced a simple blanket from nothing so she wouldn''t dirty her white gown. She smiled at the gesture and took a seat next to him.


    AR-Queen Hippolyta chose a regal white gown, with golden pieces adorning her arms, legs, and chest. A golden leather cuirass for a top with strips of orichalcum sewn in. A dazzling crown adorned her long black hair. She had left her staff to stand perfectly straight up next to her, a soft glow settled over them both creating a minor baffle field allowing them to talk with out being over heard. She fixed her long skirt, straightened her back, and squared her shoulders. No matter the circumstance she had to remain regal, and composed.


    ¡°Thank you for coming here, Lash.¡± She said, not surprising him in the least that she knew his name.


    ¡°I know that you could have left straight after killing Dex. But you stayed far longer, and did far more that anyone expected of you. You''ve restored our world, and brought back its magic, and its celestial beings. Though that last one may be more trouble in the end.¡± She said, though a smile was on her face. She watched in delight as the divine energy washed over the island.


    ¡°Aside from Ares, if the olympians come back. What will you do?¡± Lash asked, after a bit of thought. The Queen''s eyes grew hard, her knuckles popped softly as she squeezed them into fists.


    ¡°They left us to our fate, believing us dead already. We will do our best to strengthen the spell shield to lock them out. Perhaps the reborn gods, and goddesses could help. That''s if they return. But what I know of them, they more than likely left behind a method to see if we won the fight or not. Planning to sweep in, and return to us. It sickens me that I ever trusted them.¡± The Queen said, anger written all over her face.


    ¡°Well if they show up, give me a call. Actually if you need help in the future give me call. I put a lot of effort into this place. I would hate to see it all burn up just after I fixed it up.¡± Lash said, with a smile as he gently nudged her. Trying to distract her, it was noticed and she took a deep breath and returned her face to placid indifference.


    ¡°We will do that if such an opportunity presents itself. Though perhaps you could come back and simply visit. I know many here would love to see you again, my daughter included.¡± The Queen said, laying on the insinuation a little thick. This raised a scaled brow from Lash.


    ¡°Don''t be so surprised, many of our sisters would gladly take you to bed. Especially after last night, apparently some of your Manifestations are excellent in bed. They couldn''t help but wonder what the prime would be like.¡± The Queen said, a delighted smirk on her face when she saw the shock look on Lash''s face.


    ¡°Wait...you didn''t happen to be around when I foolishly bathed the whole city in pheromones were you?¡± Lash asked, his dark green metallic scales almost become light green. Essentially paling at the very idea. AR-Queen Hippolyta had a little smile on her face and decided at that moment to excuse her self with out answering. Lash just wanted to dig a hole, crawl inside, and stay there for the next foreseeable future.


    ____________________________________


    The Rift that had been stationed on a military vessel. Was moved to the port city surrounded by guard towers, and newly installed hydro cannons. Some of the cannons pointed out, while others pointed at the Rift itself. Lash was in full armor, as was Vyllith. They were saying their goodbyes, and receiving their well wishes. A majority of the new gods, and goddesses had left with the morning light to discover if any of their temples survived the war.


    Qetesh had kissed Lash goodbye before she had left as well. Delighted in the fact that her kiss nearly brought him to his knees. She gave him a sultry look before bursting into light and fading from sight. At long last Lash stepped through the Rift, with Vyllith beside him. They came through the billowing energy of the Rift to find themselves underwater, with an Atlantean membrane dome above them. They were a few miles under water with a military installation built around them.


    The membrane dome went up by a few hundred feet, and had a crystal lattice built through it. Creating a honey comb effect. Making the entire structure very stable. Each of the sections was solidified and you needed a key to pass through the membrane. Inside the dome was pure fresh air, the membrane keeping the deep ocean out. Hundreds of Atlantean, Xebel, and water-kin were in the installation. As soon as Lash stepped out, people started to cheer. Then Lash received a host of prompts.


    Congratulations User! Superman, and Supergirl have granted Vici and thereby yourself Kryptonian Science.


    Effect: Kryptonian Other Worldly Lore sub-skill.


    Effect: Kryptonian Science sub-skill.


    Effect: Kryptonian Crafting sub-skill.


    Comment: While you were away the Kryptonians of your reality believed that the JLI could benefit from Kryptonian technology, as well as yourself.


    Attention User! You have an optional side quest from your Cosmic Patron.


    Quest Objective: Restore your world to fully functional state.


    Bonus Objective: Help the Supernatural, Meta, and Alien origins establish the Certified Super Association. (CSA)


    Bonus Objective: Purchase a trade hub module from D grade modules for the Watch Tower.


    Attention User! You have approximately 22 hours real time before your next invasion.


    Additional notes: You''ve been dreaming for over 5 hours, please take a moment to log out and move around. (First Warning)


    ¡°Alright, place me on soft-progression and log me all the way out.¡± Lash said softly to himself. Erik the gamer felt the familiar out of body pulling motion. As his awareness flew from the ocean, into the night sky above.


    ______________________


    Erik opened his eyes to find himself in his pitch black room. He turned look at the clock and saw that it was the middle of then night. He only a had a few more days till his ''vacation'' was over. He could of course keep playing even if he had work. He would just miss the consistency. He wondered what his co-workers would think of him now. Will all the weight he has lost now. He was sure he looked like a completely different person.


    He stood up and opened a window it was rancid inside his room. He took out the cleaning solution and carefully cleaned out the Dream Cube. Then pulled off his sheets and put them away into his laundry hamper. Shedding his own clothes, he went and took a shower before returning and putting on a large shirt, gym shorts that barely hit him, and a pair of shoes. Snagged his wallet, keys, and phone then took his hamper downstairs to the laundromat.


    No one was in the laundry room. He put his clothes into the washer, and pulled out his phone to look a few things up on the forum. Thirty minutes later he swapped his wet clothes into the dryer and went back to reading the forum. He couldn''t access his relevant information because it was tied to his computer. He didn''t want to go through the hassle of tying to his phone so he just looked through the Dream Engine general gaming forum. The beta test was in full swing! They were also getting demonetized for the ''realistic'' aspects of the Engine. Sex, drugs, killing. You could do almost anything with in the world. Oddly enough violence, and sex crimes in the global dynamic had dropped by 5% in the past two weeks.


    ¡°Excuse me, do you mind if I snag some detergent?¡± A voice called out to him. Erik looked up and saw his next door neighbor talking to him. She was about 5''5¡± with short brown hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile. She looked like she had just gotten back from the apartment gym center.


    ¡°Oh, ya sure Jenny.¡± Erik replied, and handed his tub of detergent to her. Jenny blinked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Do...I know you?¡± She asked, clearly confused. Erik looked up at her, confusion written on his face.


    ¡°Jenny, its me Erik. I live next to you.¡± He said, Jenny''s eyes went wide in recognition.


    ¡°Oh my god! Erik, you look amazing!¡± Jenny said, a clear blush rising to her cheeks for so blatantly complimenting him. She snag his tub of detergent and went to wash her clothes.


    Erik looked at her in confusion, then went back to his phone. Jenny was in a word, sporty. Actually the type of woman Erik liked. But a voice in the back of his head told him to stay away from her. He searched his memory and remembered that she had a boyfriend. Something that it seemed Jenny didn''t remember as she kept bending over, and showing herself off to Erik. Eventually Erik rolled his eyes at her.


    ¡°How is your boyfriend, Jenny? Been a few days since I saw the two of you together.¡± Erik asked, Jenny looked bright eyed and embarrassed.


    ¡°Actually we are taking a bit of a break right now. We''ve been so busy, I work everyday. We decided to date other people till our lives settle.¡± Jenny confessed to him, and she winked at him inviting him to ask her about it. She''s lying....A cold voice said to Erik in the back of his mind.


    ¡°Sorry to hear about that. I know dating scene can be frustrating when you both have to work. Ah, excuse me! My clothes are done. But it was nice talking to you.¡± Erik said, as he pulled out his sheets. Jenny seemed disappointed that he was leaving.


    ¡°Well, if you have time later today you should come by, I''m free all day!¡± Jenny said, Erik stopped to look at her.


    ¡°Didn''t you say you work everyday, that was why you are on a break with your boyfriend?¡± Erik said, a grin on his face. Jenny''s face went a little pale.


    ¡°I mean! Ya, totally! Sorry I''m so exhausted I forgot my schedule. But, if your around you could knock on my door and find out!¡± She recovered quickly, smiling at him.


    Erik chuckled and went back to his apartment. He understood that people can date as many people as they like. But the few times he had seen them together they looked pretty serious. Especially since the man had his own key to her apartment. It was also a bit flattering that Jenny even invited him. For over a year, Erik had been the over weight guy that lived next door. Some one that Jenny actively avoided.


    Erik fixed his bed, and made a meal. He decided to eat one of his frozen steaks. He knew it was heresy to flash microwave a steak till it was thawed enough to cook. But he was hungry! He pulled out a few things from his frig, and before he knew it he had made a delightful meal. He almost expected to see a prompt from Dawn about obtaining Cooking experience. But thankfully he hadn''t lost his touch on reality. He finished his meal, washed up, and went to his computer to log in.


    Erik filled out his Beta Tester report. His fingers flew across the keyboard and a report that normally took thirty minutes was done in ten minutes. He clicked through his messages from different Users. He also opened up a video file from the developers. It was a quick video of evolution in Ethiopia where he obtained his tentacles. Then fought against the HK''s from Dex''s regime. He had to admit it looked bad ass. Then he discovered something amazing! The Dream Engine Developers were paying him for every day he had played, on top of any day he would play. So he got 200$ dollars per day, for the past few days! Awesome!


    He opened another file and discovered that out of the original 500 Users who were on their first life. Only a 100 were left, they had obtained 100% conversion just like Erik. Which meant that as long as the Dream had not been edited by any World Points. Then the VI Avatars would always spawn in their world. So, Lash and Saurian would continue exist in every single, multiplayer, and mmo Dream from now on. Cool!


    Erik finished up, powered down his computer and slipped back into the Dream Cube. He found himself standing in the black room. The floor, and walls made of starlight. A meteor shower flew past and bathed the room in sparkles. He looked down at his home reality, watching the giant blue marble spin for a bit. Off to his left was the Watch Tower floating between the moon, and the earth. He turned to look back at the black room to find Dawn sitting at a large cherry oak desk, tapping away on a keyboard and reading her monitor.


    Dawn chose to wear a form fitting business suit with red silk blouse. Green pencil skirt, and a green half suit jacket. She wore narrow half rim glasses, and pulled her rich brown hair back into a bun. Her skin was soft, rich, and had a healthy tan. She sat up straight with out a slouch, and squared her shoulders when she looked at Erik. He pointed to the seat that materialized in front of her desk. Erik took the invitation to sit down in front of her. Waiting for her to finish. She pushed the monitor around so he could see it.


    ¡°So, we have the updated timeline. As well as a few common enemies that you will most likely face. Be aware I can''t give to much information away. It would ruin the story, but everything I am giving you could normally be found on the Dream Engine forums. So, we are not breaking any rules here.¡± Dawn said to him, she leaned back in her chair letting him read through the window.


    ¡°Fort Rozz in death valley, Zod is meant to show up in 6 months. Which is just when the 24 hour real time ends. Known enemies are; Humans First, Villains for Hire, Injustice League.¡± Erik read out loud. Dawn clicked her mouse and a new screen came up.


    ¡°Known quests, we still have two favors left to preform with Hades, and Persephone. But they will dictate when and where. Loki''s spark. Gotham''s criminals....Dawn, why didn''t I ever get a reward for killing Joker?¡± Erik asked, looking at her. Dawn''s eyes went a little wide as she slowly sat up to look at him in confusion. She whipped the monitor around and checked something.


    ¡°Well I''ll be damned...¡± Dawn said, her shoulders drooping. ¡°We''ll jump on that after we finish up.¡± Dawn turned the monitor back around, but made a note on a pad.


    ¡°Let''s see, we need to establish a Lunar Academy on the moon. We also need to remove the threat on the moon. As well as terraform the moon. Which we have decide on changing its density, mass, and orbital path. Or keep it the same. Either way it is going to be complicated.¡± Erik continued to read through the list.


    ¡°Visit Zetulan...Oh crap! I forgot about her!¡± Erik clapped his mouth over his mouth. Zetulan was the Winter Knight he had met at the Winter Solstice ball over a year ago. He even made a orichalcum necklace for her.


    ¡°I know you did. But I also know you meant to see her but got caught up in... Well everything. That is one of the negatives of a harder difficulty setting. You have less, and less time to do the things you want, and enjoy. Thankfully, the developers have given me the ability to remind you of things. Normally I don''t do that, as I am sure you are aware of.¡± Dawn replied to him. Erik thought about it, she was right. Normally he would have to ask, then she would say.


    ¡°How is she?¡± Erik asked, as he flipped through the window.


    ¡°She''s alive, she was one of the few Winter Knights to volunteer during the invasion. I paused the Dream only a few hours after you left. You, Lash, and Saurian have a lot of work to do. You are currently being teleported onto the Watch Tower. I suggest you find Zetulan before you get to busy, she is aboard the station.¡± Dawn suggested, and began to write a few more notes on her pad.


    ¡°Find out who the Villains for Hire are. Their organization, and destroy their operations. Save who you can. Restore your reality to a working condition. Buy the trade hub module. Help establish the CSA. Prepare for invasion... Wait, can I tell everyone we will be invaded by Zod? Wait, dumb question. Cosmic Awareness.¡± Erik finished his own question, a smile tugged on Dawn''s ruby red lips.


    ¡°Holy shit! We have 2,000 Dream Points!? Oh, right the resurrection of the gods, and goddesses would have done that.¡± Erik said more to himself than Dawn. But she smiled at him none the less.


    ¡°What would you suggest we spend the points on?¡± Erik asked, as Dawn pulled up a list of store items.


    ¡°You should follow your original idea. Upgrade the Watch Tower, and get all the respective modules. With that many points you could upgrade your planetary shields, as well as buy the first few Lunar Colony blue prints. There are also several terraforming blue prints available specifically tailored to the moon. Because you are using magitek, there are several modules, blue prints, and upgrades that will only appear because of your chosen tech tree. You should also see about evolving your abilities. Some of them have been stagnant and could be very helpful in the future.¡± Dawn highlighted a few things on the store catalog for him.


    ¡°Gene therapy clinic?¡± Erik asked, as he looked the module over.


    ¡°It''s a class D module. It attaches to your medical module, since you have Kryptonian science. Kryptonians had genetic engineering down to a T. A majority if not all of their children were sent through the genesis machine to enhance traits, and remove flaws. The D grade version gives anyone who uses it a flat 10% increase to all stats across the board.¡± Dawn pointed out the information, making Erik gape at her.


    ¡°Oh, subject change. What is this about a trade hub?¡± Erik asked, Dawn pulled up another window for him.


    ¡°The trade hub is exactly that. The Watch Tower will eventually upgrade into a full orbital habitat that can support thousands of people. A trade hub places you on the galactic market. At first the only thing you''ll be able to offer is fuel, and basic maintenance. The Sol system is a backwater system. Not a lot of economic pull. But, if you establish trade early. Then you can purchase a galactic sheriff corp.¡± Dawn said, and wouldn''t continue talking. Erik looked up at her and saw that she was struggling to open her mouth. But he realized she couldn''t continue speaking. Ah, story event.


    ¡°Alright brightest star, send me down.¡± Erik said with a smile, he abruptly fell out of his chair which terrified him for a moment. Then he flew through space until he flew through the walls of the Watch Tower. A glimmering light of a spring jump popped into existence just above portal hub C pad 1.


    While Dawn back in the black room looked down at her notes. She snapped her fingers, she forgot to talk about the quest reward.


    ______________________


    Lash blinked and looked around the Watch Tower taking in the sight of his home. Yes, he had his home back in Gotham. But he had built this place, he had built Vici. His creation, and in many ways his daughter. He felt the familiar sensation of Erik the gamer returning. Welcome back, Erik -Lash, and Saurian said to him. We have a lot of work to do -Erik said, all three of them agreed. Each journey starts with its first step. -Saurian responded.


    ¡°WRAITH!?¡± A giant green eagle flew over and turned into a giant green monkey. Beast Boy climbed onto his back and hugged him. ¡°Look, you have a monkey on your back!¡± Beast Boy said in delight. Then the green fur ball turned to look at Vyllith who stood next to Lash.


    ¡°Well hello nurse! Wraith, you always bring back the most sexy ladies in the universe don''t you! Hello there! I''m Beast Boy!¡± Beast held out his furry hand to her. She looked at him, unimpressed. She raised a brow to Lash.


    ¡°Vyllith this is Beast Boy, he is a God-Kin of the monkey King. He is a meta with Terrestrial Metamorph abilities. Beast Boy, this is Vyllith my one and only Hell Knight.¡± Lash said to him, Beast Boy looked confused. Or rather his monkey face did.


    ¡°Hell Knight?¡± Beast asked, clearly confused.


    ¡°I am a Daemonic Count of Hell, specifically Tartarus. Vyllith is a full blooded demoness.¡± Lashg continued, recognition flickered through Beast Boy''s features.


    ¡°Like Svadeni, and Raven!¡± Beast Boy asked.


    ¡°They are both half-bloods. Though Svadeni more than Raven. Simply put, Vyllith is one of my people and is very important to me. So, please be polite and if you end up having sex try not to be clingy.¡± Lash said simply.


    He was so nonchalant about that last part that Beast Boy nearly skipped over it before he fell off his back in shock. Vyllith grinned at Lash, she looked at Beast Boy with a predatory grin. That made him both afraid and a little turned on. Lash walked away from the frozen stiff Beast Boy, well stiff in more than one way now. At the edge of the portal hub was Yihune standing in a JLI jump suit with a holographic window opened.


    ¡°Hello, Yihune. This is Vyllith my Hell Knight. Vyllith this is Yihune my personal assistant. As you well know I tend to forget my schedule when I have a horde of things to do.¡± Lash introduced the two ladies that he had no doubt would be seeing more of each other.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Vyllith said to Yihune. Her voice was soft, and polite. Yihune''s blushed for some reason as she audibly swallowed at the sight of Vyllith.


    ¡°H-Hello!¡± Yihune voice was far higher than normal. She coughed to clear her throat. ¡°Hello! Maybe we can share a drink and swap stories about Wraith sometime.¡± She asked. Vyllith smiled at her, and nodded in agreement. Yihune straightened her shoulders, and stuck her chest out. ¡°We are day behind schedule. Why are you late?¡± Yihune went back to business talking to Lash.


    ¡°I was resurrecting the old gods of Earth in the alternate reality. They wanted to hold an extra day of celebration.¡± Lash provided the reason. Yihune looked at Vyllith with an expression of, ''is he serious?''


    ¡°Yes, he is completely serious. He performed a mass ritual orgy and used the collected energy to resurrect the dormant gods.¡± Vyllith replied simply, Lash watched Yihune''s eyes wonder up and down Vyllith as she mouthed the words orgy. Then she shook her head, she was about to continue when she heard...


    ¡°Ritual Orgy!? Ooooo! Can we have one on the Watch Tower!¡± Beast Boy asked, as he walked over in his human shape. Lash stopped to think about the possibility of a ritual orgy on the Watch Tower. Maybe? When he inserted the upgrade key they could use the extra energy to fuel the change.


    The fact that Lash didn''t automatically dismiss the idea made Beast Boy grin. Lash turned to look at him. He saw that Beast Boy had a full polymer JLI suit on. Unlike everyone else he didn''t have armor plates on, or a utility belt. More than likely it was because they hadn''t figured out how to do spatial item shifting while the suit would just be enchanted with physiology adaption. The suit covered him from foot, to neck, and wrist. It was a chameleon color that would change with the environment he was in. His green skin was vibrant, and his hair was shaved on the sides, but a few inches long on the top. High and tight was the style, Lash believed.


    ¡°You are not seriously considering having a orgy on the Watch Tower!¡± Yihune nearly screamed. Of course she was loud enough for about a hundred or so people nearby to hear her.


    ¡°Well I have the upgrade key for Vici, we could use the magical energy to help her build.¡± Lash said objectively. Vyllith slinked over to Yihune and whispered in her ear. The poor woman jumped, and flushed red all the way to her ears.


    ¡°I''ve never been in an orgy, are they fun!?¡± Beast Boy asked, clearly not understanding the full ramifications. Yihune cleared her throat, and continued to walk onward fully expecting Lash to follow. Which he did, but he did notice how Vyllith pulled Beast Boy behind to explain what an Orgy was.


    ¡°Over 65% of the world has its machines reset. Thanks to Cyborg, Gear Head, and Mr. Stones idea to override the Dex bombs. Cyborg, along with the few cyberkinetic''s are working through the internet now. Since so much of our society is connected to the internet. The issue we are having is power. All of the nuclear plants were hit by the invasion force. While the renewable energy sources were damaged. Dozens of countries are requesting for new solar plants in hundreds of cities.¡± Yihune pushed a holographic window towards Lash as they walked.


    ¡°We are currently headed towards the Head Quarters where you will give a bullet point debrief towards the senior members of the JLI. A majority of them will either be on holographic, or will review the information at a later time. Try to keep it short and sweet. We have a full schedule ahead of us.¡± Yihune commented. Pushing a new window in front of Lash.


    At some point Beast Boy had all the blood rush to his lower regions during his discussion with Vyllith. She was dragging him along by the neck of his uniform with a smirk on her face as she followed behind them. Lash greeted a few familiar faces, but a lot of the people aboard the station were very new. He pulled up a roster and found they had over 10,000 members. This of course counted active, reserve, and guard. No wonder the Watch Tower was so packed.


    ¡°Grand father welcome back. May I steal your knight for a bit.¡± A gender neutral voice appeared next to Lash. Hex materialized next to him, getting a startled jump out of Yihune as she glared at Hex. Before Hex could respond, Lash swallowed them in a hug. Hex squirmed in place but did return the embrace.


    ¡°Vyllith, this is the head of my security for the Watch Tower. They need to debrief you. Its standard, and even if you are my knight you must get cleared.¡± Lash instructed Vyllith who left with out a fuss. They had discussed it before they had arrived.


    Hex, and Vyllith left together. Leaving Beast Boy in a collapsed heap of his own sexual fantasies. Yihune, glared at Beast Boy who was oblivious to her obvious disdain for him. Lash chuckled at the entertaining scene. He had missed this, being around his own people. He was home, and if everything went according to plan he wouldn''t be leaving any time soon. Hopefully.


    ¡°Wraith!¡± A bright and cheerful Miss Martian tackled-hugged Lash. Nearly bowling him over.


    Miss Martian had grown a few inches, or she had adjusted herself which ever one. (Shape Shifters!) She had a red bob hair cut that frame her face, vibrant green skin, and green eyes. Her JLI uniform was a deep navy blue that covered her from neck, to toe, to wrist. Just like Beast Boy her suit had been enchanted with physiology adaptation. But they couldn''t get the armor to work. Yet. She was 5''10'' with an hour glass athletic figure. She smiled wide up at Lash, who returned the hug.


    ¡°Hello Miss Martian. I am delighted to see you again. How are you?¡± Lash said, and sent a sympathetic greeting through telepathy. Which M''gann returned, her pleasure at the sight of him evident through the link.


    ¡°I''ve missed you! A lot of people have! We expected you yesterday but they said you accidentally resurrected the old gods of the alternate earth? I wanted to ask you if you could do that on Mars. It is said that our gods fell asleep when our people stopped believing in them.¡± Miss Martian asked, Lash thought about it. But he wasn''t sure the martians would be happy about how it would happen.


    ¡°We''ll talk about it. Come, I am due at the big table but I don''t want to let go of you yet.¡± Lash said, as he continued to hold her/ carry her in his arms. Miss Martian was delighted, and Yihune rolled her eyes but a smile did tug on her lips at the sight of it.


    Lash, and M''gann exchanged an entire conversation through telepathy. Something that would have taken hours for others if it had been done verbally. M''gann despite her clear joy had been depressed. She had lost a lot of friends during the invasion. The casualty report was not something Lash was looking forward to. He knew all the main story line characters lived through the invasion. But hundreds of VI Avatars had died. Protagonist plot armor is strong. But a lot of them had been injured! Thankfully they could rebuild limbs aboard the station.


    Miss Martian was technically allowed to attend the debrief and followed Lash inside the Head Quarters. Though she was no longer being carried. It was at that moment that Lash realized that he had left Beast Boy on the floor some where between there and here. Eh, he''ll be fine! Inside the Head Quarters was Martian Manhunter aka J''onn J''onzz, M''gann''s uncle. Dr. Wells, Hawkman, and Hawkwoman, a Warden councilor, and the Supernatural council of Seelie, UnSeelie, and Twilight Courts. Everyone else was either on holographic, or would watch the debrief later.


    ¡°Hello everyone! It is very good to be back. I am sorry for the delay. But as some of you heard I had accidentally resurrected the old gods on the alternate reality. Its complicated, and very embarrassing story.¡± Lash offered, and this of course incited several people to ask about it. He turned to Yihune who had face palmed and motioned for him to continue.


    ¡°Alright, short and sweet of it. The implicit details we can discuss at another time. I accidentally used a ritual orgy that covered an entire city, and its population. The resulting energy was enough to re awaken the old gods, and rekindle the God-Kin waiting to ignite their sparks.¡± Lash supplied the room. The pin drop silence was almost deafening until Arthur Curry on his holographic started to cackle like a mad man! Lash refused to go into any more details on the matter, and made a compromise to discuss it at a later time when he was severally drunk.


    ¡°The alternate reality had its entire world restored thanks to the assistance of the Balance of colors, as well as the hard work of the people aboard the Sulaco. Additionally, after the battle with Dex I was able to raid his mainframe and obtain several unique blue prints that could benefit us in the long term. Especially our allies on Mars, I have the blue prints for an atmospheric processor. With a little bit of tweaking we could have it designed for Mars. It may not fix the issue, but it could slow down the degradation.¡± Lash said, making a point to look at J''onn, and M''gann who both looked delighted!


    ¡°I also have Vici''s upgrade key available. After this debrief we will begin to expand the Watch Tower. Along with several new module designs, and resources for us.¡± Lash brought up the design schematic for everyone to look over.


    ¡°That is wonderful, creator! I will begin scheduling for my upgrade.¡± Vici''s sing song voice chimed over the intercom system. Before Lash could continue a Seelie court official raised their hand.


    ¡°The Summer Solstice Ball is in one week. The Summer Lady would request your attendance.¡± The fae councilor said, Lash blinked in surprise then leaned back in thought. That time difference really messed with him. He had thought he had missed it.


    ¡°That is on the schedule that I have. Pending another invasion I''ll get him there.¡± Yihune said, she had been read into the supernatural world. Making her a pseudo-mundane.


    ¡°Oh! On that subject matter! We''ll be invaded again in 6 months.¡± Lash said, this time no mad cackle from Arthur interrupted the pin drop silence.


    ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Dr Wells asked, he looked a little pale.


    ¡°In six months the warlord Zod from Krypton is going to invade the Sol system.¡± Lash provided everyone with a follow up.


    ¡°Wait, isn''t that racial supremacist that you predicted when we first met?¡± Superman asked through his holographic.


    ¡°Indeed, however a bit of good news. A year after Zod comes Argo city. (Who are good people) will be entering the Sol System.¡± Lash continued, a smile on his face as he looked at Supergirl''s holographic window who smiled in return.


    ¡°Do we know anything about Zod''s capabilities?¡± Batman asked from his holographic window.


    ¡°Zod, and any Kryptonian''s with him will have no idea about the effects of a yellow sun will have on their physiology. However, we should assume that everyone of them could potentially grow to be just as powerful as Superman, and Supergirl. But, from the discussions I had with AR-Superman, we could ask them about their own Zod. That could give us an explanation on the invasion. Though I would take it with a grain of salt. Different realities, things may be different.¡± Lash offered everyone. A few people made some notes.


    ¡°Is there any way we can settle his peacefully?¡± Superman asked, ever the optimistic. Or rather he just didn''t want to have to fight is own people. Lash thought about the question. Was Zod ever a good guy in the comics?


    ¡°It all depends on what kind of version of Zod we have. We can try for a peaceful encounter. But I would plan on hostile action. Speaking of Krypton, give me a few days on the Watch Tower to help Vici update then if you two are available we should visit Fort Rozz.¡± Lash asked, the two Kryptonians.


    ¡°If the both of us are not busy, I suppose!¡± Supergirl said, a bit of a frown on her face. She, like her cousin were flying all over the world. Now that AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl went back to their reality to help with the rebuilding process.


    ¡°How are the United Nations handling the aftermath?¡± Lash asked the room, but looked towards the supernatural council.


    ¡°Not well. A majority of their leadership was killed by the Zeta teams. Many of Earth''s nations were not even aware we were being invaded. Many of the coastal cities blamed Atlantis, since days after the EMP they just seem to show up. Didn''t matter that they had shown up to provide aid. Though now most cities are happy for the help. A bit of good news, most people are thankful for the JLI.¡± The Seelie court councilor said in response.


    ¡°Most major cities across the globe are in ruins. The worst part about it is that it wasn''t caused by the invaders. We did it to ourselves. A lot of people took advantage of the chaos to carve out their own little kingdoms. Several smaller nations were attacked, and seized. Once we get power back 100% across the globe we may be looking at a very different national map.¡± Dr Wells said, as he presented his own projection of different national borders.


    ¡°Vlatava?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°She''s fine...I mean Princess Perdita is fine. As is her country. The solar plant was hit, but they only had injuries no deaths.¡± Supergirl spoke up before the Warden Councilor could.


    ¡°We still have that body on ice. Any information you can gleam could be useful.¡± Said the Warden councilor. Which raised the question of what he planned to do with the body. When Lash explained that he could partially reanimate a dead body and ask it questions Dr Wells looked both horrified, and curious.


    They continued to talk for a few more hours until they had to call it. A lot of them were on mission and taken the time to listen in. Others had jobs to get back to, especially Lash. Lash provided the atmospheric tower to J''onn. He said he would send it to the scientist on Mars to start analyzing it and possible construction. Lash pulled Hawkman, and Hawkwoman aside for a moment.


    ¡°How do you two feel about ghosts?¡± Lash asked them both.


    ¡°Can we hit them with our maces?¡± Hawkman asked with a smile, his wife grinned at him.


    ¡°Yes, actually. Before the invasion happened we were planning on making a lunar colony and Lunar academy. However, the moon is actually home to about 10,000,000 revenants to a ghostly civilization lost to time. I know we have a lot to do. But having another base, especially a training facility can be beneficial to us in the long run. I plan to build a military bunker on the moon in a few weeks to start a campaign to remove the revenants. Are you two interested in assisting?¡± Lash asked, hopeful for a positive answer.


    ¡°We would be happy to help! I know it is wrong of me to say. But I had thoroughly enjoyed the battles we had on Earth. Another fight against another foe for the betterment of our people is just what we want!¡± Hawkwoman said with a smile, her husband agreed.


    Lash thanked them both, and told them he would keep them updated. When he exited the Head Quarters with Yihune Vyllith was outside waiting. She looked indifferent as she watched everyone move back and forth across the promenade. She looked up at them approach, and a smile tugged on her lips. She saluted Lash, and he returned the gesture with a nod.


    ¡°I was surprised to find out that most people here don''t care that I''m a demoness. In fact more than a few people wanted to take a...selfie with me?¡± Vyllith asked, confused about the lingo on this reality. Yihune groaned, and rubbed the bridge of her nose. Lash laughed in delight and pulled Vyllith into a hug. She was surprised but soon returned the embrace.


    They took the elevator down to the second saucer. Lash greeted Hastam who took a liking to Vyllith. They discussed different kinds of weapons used in Tartarus, as well as the weapons Lash had made while in hell. Yihune excused herself, as she understood that this next part was going to take a while. He did ask her to find Zetulan, he would like to speak with her if she was available. Lash walked towards Vici''s main data port, and several reinforced walls grew, and shifted from the walls to protect Lash, and Vici''s core. Martian engineering!


    Vici created a chair that would conform to his unique physical form. Tails are hard to sit with! Then he called up the store catalog, a book made from golden light, and pages inscribed with magical energy appeared in his lap. He pulled up the E grade modules ready to purchase them, then get the D grade upgrade key. Then the D grade modules. This was going to be expensive!


    Shuttle Bay: A module on a the station where shuttle craft are launched, received, stored, and maintained. Each bay comes with 1-3 shuttle craft. Depending on design and size. E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 4 Shuttle Bay''s for 40 DP.


    Shuttle type selected. One shuttle per bay.


    Each Shuttle Bay was to be build on the cross intersections of the station. They had four of them, so four mini saucers would be built. Once the shuttle bays went from E to D they would have room for more. The saucers would house the shuttles on the side, while the top middle would be a bay door. Shuttles would fly in and out of that door. Protected by a blast door, and shielding.


    Station Transport System: A module designed to transport people and cargo to different places with in the station itself. From mini-teleportation pads, to full cargo rails between points, and everything in between. E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Station Transport System.


    This seemed a little useless at the stations current size. But it would be amazing in the later stages. From C grade to A the station was huge! Having a rail line for cargo, transport air pods for passengers, and emergency teleportation between important locations. The station was mean to one day be an orbital city! Having transportation inside the station was important.


    Tractor Beam: A module that uses artificially created force fields, telekinesis, and the Space Domain to manipulate objects around the station. E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Tractor Beam.


    Public Relations: A module that helps create, and maintains a healthy public persona with the world, solar system, and universe around a specific organization. Fully automated, but should be staffed with responsible personal. E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Public Relations.


    That was something that always happened in the comics, movies, and animated series. The Justice League always got their ass handed to them because of smear campaigns, and poor relations due to bad communications. That was because the League didn''t play the game of mass media, and good relations. They let their good deeds speak for them. But thanks to mass media, most of the public only saw what the news told them. Lash was not going to fall for that.


    School: A module that helps educate the masses with skills, powers, spells, and traits. Used in conjunction with the library, training hall, and simulation hall. Other modules may apply. E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 School.


    Material Processing: A module where raw resources are processed, and turned into materials. Either to be sold, or used in aboard the station. Comes with worker drones that can work around the station. Retrieving, and delivering resources. E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Material Processing.


    Before Katma had fed asteroids to Vici to help her build up the resources required to upgrade herself. Now, the module could manufacture drones to fly out and retrieve asteroids on their own. The center could also help with the trade hub, and help transport materials through the station via the transport hub. Vici was also capable of creating materials out of energy just as Lash was. Hopefully that could be a selling point when they bought the Trade Hub.


    Aquarium: A module that works in tandem with the hydroponics module. Produces fresh water, salt water, or any other type of water meant to grow specific food, and animals to feed the station. As well as improve the air quality aboard the station. E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Aquarium.


    Workshop: A module meant to assist in the manufacturing of goods. Works in tandem with Science, Engineering, Medical, and Material Processing. Fully automated, and can assist workers with their own designs, and creations. E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Workshop.


    Lash had a feeling that was not the last time he would purchase that one. Technically engineering had available workshops. But Malleus would be happy to have the JLI use other available places to work. They even had a full enchanting tool shop in one. Lash looked forward to using one. He had a lot of designs to work on. Maybe magitek would be something they could sell on the galactic market. Was their trade for magitek?


    Bank: This module allows the conversion of economic wealth, and the trade of goods between different people, cultures, businesses, planets, and systems. E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Bank.


    Simulation Hall: A module that creates realistic situations, events, and even people. Works in conjunction with the training hall, library, and school. Each module comes with several rooms for use. E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Simulation Hall.


    Sanatorium: A module that will work in conjunction with the medical module. Helps restore, and maintain the mental, and spiritual health of the stations populace. Important for moral! E grade 10 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Sanatorium.


    Upgrade key, E to D. 320 DP


    You have purchased the E to D upgrade key.


    Lash pushed the last spell scripted orb into Vici''s data port. An explosion of none destructive energy blasted from Vici''s core and flashed through the whole station. For a brief moment in the skies above Earth a new star was born before it winked out. Lash was down to 1,550 DP. He still had a lot of spending left to do. But before he could look up bunkers that could be placed on the moon Vici notified him that his visitor had arrived. He closed the book, and it burst into particles. Vici''s core sealed itself off and opened the door.


    Zetulan was a full blooded sidhe from the UnSeelie winter court. When Lash had first met her she had been a servant warrior. But had obtained the rank of Knight later due to circumstances he was not aware of. She like most sidhe had a perceptional glamour passively on. Which would change minor characteristics of the wielder based on the subjective likes, and dislikes of those that viewed them. So, if people liked a button nose, and soft cheek bones. They would see that, while if another saw a strong jaw, and arched eye brows they would see that. However, Lash could see past her glamour and see the real her.


    She was 5''6¡± with short blond hair that had been shaved on one side, and the other was done up in braids. Long pointed ears that you would commonly see on fantasy elves, healthy tanned skin. Her eyes were swirl of winter blue. She had a athletic figure that was hidden beneath a magitek armor. A lot like Sam in his Tech-Knight armor. Old style, with glowing etched spell script along the edges of the armor. Black polymer skin suit underneath.


    Zetulan walked straight towards Lash pulled her arm back and slugged him square in the jaw. His head snapped back with an audible crack, and he collided straight into the wall behind him. A thundering gong rung in the second saucer. Only a few people were down in the second saucer since all it normally contained was the armory, and security modules. Hastram chuckled at the situation, and held Vyllith back from interfering.


    ¡°Ya, your right. I deserved that.¡± Lash slowly picked himself up as he felt his Regeneration reconnect his jaw. He saw runes of strength inscribed on Zetulan''s gauntlets. Observant Learner activated.


    Observant Learner: Rune of Strength....10%....50%....100%


    You have learned the Rune of Strength.


    ¡°Would you like to go some where private and talk?¡± Lash asked Zetulan who glared at him. She looked like she wanted to set him on fire.


    ¡°I don''t know, maybe we should head to the training hall and let everyone watch me beat the shit out of you!¡± Zetulan all but screamed at him.


    ¡°We can go to my quarters, you can still beat the crap out of me there.¡± Lash offered an alternative.


    Ten minutes later thanks to the new transportation system. A flash spring jump from the second saucer straight to the personal quarter sub-section. His personal quarters was drawn up, and placed next to the walking path. Lash walked in closely followed by Zetulan. Vyllith had stayed with Yihune who had shown Zetulan to Lash. Once the door closed behind her, Zetulan whipped her left leg up into an axe kick. Lash caught her leg and cast Calm Emotions. The anger leaked out of her.


    ¡°That is only a stop gap, Lash. Once it wears off I''ll be even angrier.¡± Zetulan said, as Lash released her leg.


    ¡°I understand the need to strike me. But why are you so angry? We never established a relationship, or any other kind of bond. You simply wanted to repay me for removing your scar.¡± Lash asked, honestly confused by the pure rage he was seeing from her.


    ¡°Yes, I am fully aware. But as a sidhe we don''t like being in debt. I personally also feel a form of attachment towards you that I can''t fully explain. I am angry, but I do not hate you.¡± Zetulan said, the effects of Calm Emotions letting her look at the situation logically.


    ¡°I did inform you that there was no obligation. I did it simply because it was the right thing to do.¡± Lash said, then took a risk by pulling off his Transformation and removing his shroud. He was sure that she wouldn''t kill him. But it would hurt even more in his default ''human'' shape.


    ¡°I know that. That doesn''t stop me from wanting to thank you. As a sidhe our wants, and desires can often compel us. We can often change our whole personalities based on our desires.¡± A spark of emotion began to grow in her eyes. She hands drew into fists, the metal on metal creaked. Then Lash took out a small black box and handed it to her.


    ¡°What is that?¡± She asked, clearly confused about the subject change.


    ¡°It was the gift that I wanted to give you, but never had a chance.¡± Lash replied, it was another orichalcum Kiss of the Grave, and Death Ward enchanted necklace. Along with all sorts of boons inscribed on it. Lash could see a war of emotions bubbling up through her as she looked at the necklace.


    The necklace was a golden color to it. The center piece had a brilliant silver jewel, with several butterfly wings behind the jewel. The chain itself was made with Nth metal. While the orichalcum would grant the Grave Domain spells. Lash knew that Zetulan spent a lot of time on the battle field. So the Nth metal would allow, partial gravity negation, partial heat generation, partial self sustenance, and partial regeneration. Of course this would have been amazing to have before the invasion. Lash would concede on that point.


    ¡°Fuck! I really want to hit you again!¡± Zetulan screamed at him. Then pulled the necklace out of the box and put it on. The effect was immediate, and she felt amazing. She tucked it under her armor and glared at Lash.


    ¡°How much time do we have before you have to run off again?¡± She asked, as she continued to glare at him.


    ¡°A few hours I think.¡± Lash replied, still a little wary of her.


    ¡°Good, take your clothes off.¡± Zetulan said, as she started to do the same.


    ¡°Ok...¡± Lash said with a sly grin on his face.

 Chapter 94: Galactic Sheriffs

    =========================================================


    ***Northern Africa, In what use to be the Sahara Desert. HR (Home Reality)***


    A lush verdant jungle stretched as far as the eye could see in every direction. Once could very easily get lost in the lush jungles, and stretches of grass. With the occasional patches of sand. Though most of the ocean of sands had been terraformed into jungle there were still parts of desert that had an established ecosystem that, The Green. As well as the partial druid groves that Wraith had made.


    The jungle was a constant blessing and a curse for many that lived along the borders of it. One couldn''t cut the jungle down because any overly aggressive action caused the tree roots, branches, and vines to retaliate. They would push back against any teams sent to cause any deforestation. No, no one had died. But there were plenty of injuries. However, one could still walk into the jungle with a machete and cut a path through it. Odd how the jungle seem to separate the two actions. One malevolent, and another benevolent.


    The New Sahara Jungle as it was quickly named was a lush ecosystem with nearly limitless supplies of medicine, fruit, and fertile soil. But, it was also home to a variety of strange, and fantastical creatures. Some of them had developed a meta gene turning them into mutated creatures with powers, and intelligence. While others were changed by a new form of radiation seemingly found only in the jungle. Example would be a six legged panther that can teleport short distances. Or a small community of poison arrow frogs that have grown into a tribal society.


    Buried deep in the jungle, hidden away in a small mountain was a cavern system. The cavern stretched far below the surface. Tucked away from sight was a pool. But this pool was different from one would think. It was a glowing pool of green water. It bubbled and hissed, boiling with heat. But the water it self was capable of great feats of healing, regeneration, and restoration of those that had died. Surrounding this pool were a group of people clad in jungle camo gear, and they carried a combination of cold, and hot weapons. One particular individual was dressed differently. They took out a talisman written in spell script.


    ¡°Tell Ra''s Al Ghul we''ve found his pit.¡± The individual said to the talisman. Then tore it in half, the remnants burst into flame and transformed into a fiery phoenix. Then took off up through the cavern system into the night air above.


    ¡°We are not getting paid enough for this.¡± One of the individuals said.


    ¡°No, we are not. But its the job we were paid for. Let''s secure the rest of the cave, and the entrance. We''ll be here for a while.¡± The first individual said to the group. They broke off with military precision following the orders.


    Hidden away in the green boiling water was an eerie light that seem to come from no where. It washed the whole cavern in green light. But it intensified for a brief moment as four flaming ghostly eyes peered out from the water. This world was far from ready, but it would be in time. As soon as all the pieces were set. The four flaming eyes winked out existence before anyone noticed. The glowing light of the pool became muted. Just in time for a single shadow to slip from the pool and slink away into the darkness.


    ==============================================================


    ***HR, Above the Earth in the JLI Watch Tower***


    Attention User! You''ve used, Apostle of Qetesh!


    Effect: For the next 48 hours the User, as well as the Target will have 30% increase to all stats.


    Lash and Zetulan were both laying down across the bed inside of Lash''s quarters. The bed sheets a tangled mess across the floor, while a single sheet covered Zetulan''s seductive figure. They were both taking slow deep breaths. Their eyes wide in both astonishment, and confusion. They had at least two feet separating each other in the very large bed. As if they were afraid to touch each other. The ambient magic in the air was thick with energy after the ritual orgy was complete.


    ¡°So.... When did you learn to do that?¡± Zetulan said at last, as she turned to look at him. She licked her lips, and glancing at the sight of him.


    ¡°Just...Just a few days ago. I was proclaimed the Apostle of Qetesh in the alternate reality. You are the first person I tried it with.¡± Lash admitted to her, he turned to look at her. He reached out and gentle took a hold of her hand with his own. They both gasped with intense pleasure as their nerves were still on fire with passion, and pleasure.


    ¡°Good answer...Gooooooood answer.¡± Zetulan said, as she rode the wave. She eventually pulled her self across the bed and draped herself across his chest. The bed sheet barely covering either of them.


    Lash swept his hands through Zetulan''s blond hair, ran his fingers along her pointed ears. She murmured against him, relaxing against his touch. He could feel the rising peaks of her chest pressed against his own. But after the four hours of anaerobic exercise they just did he was not aroused. He was just sated. From the lack of response from Zetulan, as was she. Lash being Lash, he started to run his hands up and down her back. Massaging her muscles, and she moaned in delight at his touch. She she bit him!


    ¡°None of that! We don''t have the time, nor the energy to go another four hours. As much fun as it would be.¡± Zetulan said with a sweet smile, as she licked her lips savoring the taste of him. Lash smiled at her, as he stopped running his hands up and down her back. Before they could continue to remain content with one another a chime went off on Lash''s communicator.


    ¡°Apologies creator, but I''ve finished building the E grade modules. We are starting to upgrade from E to D now. All available JLI are in the process of construction. We could use your help.¡± Vici said over the holographic.


    ¡°Copy that, I''ll be out in a bit.¡± Lash said in response. Zetulan crawled up his chest and buried her face into his neck.


    ¡°So, is it going to be another two years before we see each other again?¡± Zetulan asked, a bit of humor in her voice.


    ¡°I hope not. You said you would make me beg to stop at least twice. So far you are 0 for 1 right now.¡± Lash said, with a smirk. Then he jerked as Zetulan wrapped her hand around his cock. She leaned up and glared at him.


    ¡°Oh is that how it is?¡± Zetulan said with a smile.


    _____________________________________________________


    About thirty minutes later Lash, and Zetulan left his personal quarters in full armor. He called forth his Transformation, and Wraith shroud. Growing several feet above her, that didn''t stop Zetulan from pulling his head down and kissing his snout. He returned the affection by lightly running his forked tongue along the skin just below her left ear. She shivered in delight, and walked away with a particular sway of her hips and a glow to her skin.


    Before Lash could take ten steps towards the airlock he received a notification from Yihune to come to the Public Relations module. Newly constructed, and ready to receive visitors and clients. So Lash turned on his heel and walked in that direction after looking up the directions for it. Along the way he noticed a rather lack there of JLI members on the station. That was of course to be expected because he received a quest prompt that he was sure the VI Avatars received as well.


    Vici the intelligence in charge of the JLI Watch Tower is going through another upgrade. Assist with the upgrade by.


    Objective: Acquiring resources [ ]


    Objective: Supplying energy to the core [ ]


    Objective: Helping the stations engineer staff [ ]


    Rewards: Experience, Reputation with the JLI, Priority on gear requests.


    Notes: These objectives are repeatable.


    Lash pulled up his holographic and linked up to the video feed outside. There were thousands of people in vac suits moving around the stations like a horde of fire flies on a summer night. There were also four shuttles flying out of the new shuttle bays heading off towards the asteroid fields to retrieve raw minerals. The shuttles had spring jump cores, as long as they had coordinates they could jump over, and pull the asteroids back. Then Lash flipped to Vici''s core, there were hundreds of people jammed into the second saucer forming teams to pump energy into the core. This was one of the few times the gamer mentality favored the situation they were in.


    Lash was on the 5th floor, the aquarium was in the process of being filled with water. He walked over the hydroponics section. Yes, the whole thing was sectioned off with glass in case something happened. But he could still look over the ledge to see a pool of water being filled. The android in charge of the hydroponics looked like a dryad, her name was Belladophi. He hadn''t met them yet, he should drop by before he leaves the station again.


    The Public Relations building didn''t look any different on the outside than any other module. It was several shipping containers worth of space stacked together, and another two on top. The door was currently open and a few JLI members were coming and going. But Lash did see a few Shield and Sword lawyers stepping out of the module. They greeted him politely and he returned with a Warden etiquette bow. When he stepped inside he saw a dozen or so worker droids working at different holographic stations going over designs, paper work, and looking up information. The world wide web was just coming back online. If Lash was being honest a majority of what they did in the PR module was over his head. Which is one of the reasons why he bought the module.


    ¡°Grand father, welcome!¡± A flamboyant male voice cat called across the large room.


    Lash turned to look towards the voice to see an anthropomorphic cat man walking over to him. He looked had black fur, golden amber eyes, and a long thick tail. Reminded Lash of a panther standing up straight. He wore a tailored made three piece gray suit with pin stripes. Black on, gray, along with a red tie, and a silver chain that went over his vest coat. Though he didn''t have shoes on, just his panther cat paws. His cat like snout had pulled back to reveal his fangs for a smile.


    ¡°Kyoko, hello. I was told I was requested to come over?¡± Lash said as he walked over and hugged his new grand son. Who purred in contentment, he rubbed his cheeks back and forth over Lash''s chest. His black panther tail twitched back and forth.


    ¡°Yes! Yes! Come, Mezo is waiting!¡± Kyoko said with glee and led him to a sitting room.


    Mezo was Kyoko''s twin sister, more specifically they had been made at the same time. Lash had done a quick information dive before he came over. Mezo was just like her brother, she was a cat woman but was a mountain lion with golden fur. She like her brother wore a three piece dress tailored suit. Black overcoat, black skirt that went to her knees but a slit went up her leg letting her take longer steps. A white silk shirt, with a black vest. Her golden fur gleamed in the rooms light. Her eyes opened wide in pleasure at the sight of Lash, but looked put off at Kyoko.


    ¡°Brother! I told you to get the designs ready before he arrived!¡± Mezo said in a stern voice. Kyoko rolled his eyes and pulled out a tablet with the designs.


    ¡°Just because you were born two minutes ahead of me doesn''t mean you are the eldest in this partnership, Mezo.¡± Kyoko said, as he walked over to hand the designs over to her.


    ¡°Ummm, yes it does. I am two minutes older, which means I''m older than you!¡± Mezo said with a glare. Then she turned to give Lash a hug, also rubbing her cheeks over his chest armor. He returned the embrace, and scratched behind her ears. She let out a purr of contentment. Kyoko look put out, he didn''t get ear scratches!


    Lash rolled his eyes at Kyoko, and pulled him into the hug. Scratching both their heads, and ears. They both purred, but also growled at one another. Sibling rivalry was something Lash understood. He missed, Lizzy. Sitting at the table next to them was two Shield and Sword lawyers who where looking over some information. Not at all put off by the public display of affection. Most animal-kin were very tactile they were use to it.


    Eventually, after many head pats, and scratches they took their seats. One of the lawyers was a sylvan male, while the other was a demon-kin male. Their glamour was in place so they looked completely human. But beneath the glamour the sylvan had near silver skin, and white hair. While the demon had red skin, black claws, and pointed tail. But before they could continue another person joined them.


    A woman walked over to the conference table. She had an inverted triangle figure. Wide shoulders, narrow waist, and moderate hips. Her hair was in a bob cut length that changed color. Her current hair color was red, with green highlights. She wore black suit jacket, with dark forest green suit pants, and dark red silk shirt. Her bosom bounced with each step, but was restrained by her shirt if only barely. But the most startling feature was her eyes. They were yellow green reptilian eyes, like Lash''s.


    ¡°Hello father!¡± Vici said in delight, Lash''s eyes went wide. He stood straight up, walked around the table and swallowed Vici in a hug which delighted her greatly as she squealed lightly and returned the embrace. Then they sat down, with Lash next to her. Kyoko, and Mezo both had huge smiles on their faces.


    ¡°So, we need a public face for Ghost Industries. You, grand father are the enigmatic chairman that invents things but hates to socialize. The Supernatural community knows who you are. However, the mundanes need a face. So the CEO of the company will be Victoria Ghost.¡± Mezo presented the necessary paperwork that had been approved by Shield and Sword.


    ¡°We are already in the process of buying land rites to several global locations. With the world in a post invasion. It is a buyers market. The recycle plant will be the main staple. Cities, states, nations will gladly give their trash to us. Turning it into fuel, and building materials.¡± Kyoko said next, as a holographic image showed locations across the globe.


    ¡°Each site will of course have underground bunkers not only for the JLI, but also for our supernatural communities. I''ve already told Shield and Sword that you plan to continue to hire supernaturals, pseudo-mundanes, and mundanes where ever possible.¡± Vici said to Lash, who agreed with her assessment.


    ¡°The Supernatural Council, would like Ghost Industries to be a main benefactor for the Certified Supers Association. (CSA) You''ll be footing the bill for the next foreseeable future until it gets enough forward movement. However, this will also mean that Ghost Industries gets vast control over the CSA. Especially since you wish to build a school on the moon.¡± One of the Shield and Sword lawyers said.


    ¡°Which brings us to another point we need to discuss with you.¡± The other lawyer said. As they brought up a holographic window about the JLI roster.


    ¡°Does the JLI sign up with the CSA? Or do they remain their own private organization?¡±


    ¡°If the JLI sign''s up with the CSA, everyone and I do mean everyone will have to give up their private identity. I give you several names right now that will refuse to join just on that premise alone. Even if CSA promises to keep their secret, and is protected by the supernatural community. That wont be enough. A good example of that was before the invasion I was outed as Lash to the public. Thankfully we were able to counter the problem. But that happened because to many people knew the secret.¡± Lash brought up a counter argument.


    ¡°If the JLI does not sign up with the CSA they will be setting a bad example. Teams across the globe will ask the same question. If the JLI doesn''t sign up, why should we? However, many could argue that ''hero'' work isn''t even covered in the CSA.¡± Mezo replied, bringing up several independent teams that had worked together with the JLI during the invasion but refused to join.


    ¡°In order to use your powers in every United Nations society you must sign up for training, and get certified. If a terrakinetic wants to use their powers in construction. They have to go through the CSA. If someone with superhuman durability wants to join SWAT, they have to go through the CSA.¡± The demon-kin lawyer presented the information.


    ¡°Can we table the CSA and Hero sign up for another time? Yes, Ghost Industries will be the banker behind CSA. But I have no doubt that hero sign up, and secret identities will be a huge issue going forward.¡± Lash offered a compromise, or rather a delay tactic. But no one at the table seem to want to continue the line of dialogue anyways.


    Mezo, and Kyoko began scrolling through some information on their holographic watches. As did the lawyers from Shield and Sword. So Lash turned towards Vici who smiled at him. Her hair had changed through a variety of colors during the conversation. But now it settled on light blue, with pink highlights. He reached over and gently squeezed her hand, her smiled widen and she began to play with one of his claws.


    ¡°It took me a while to design my mobile platform. Even though you gave me my own module. But I am happy with what I settled on, well mostly. I couldn''t decide on a hair color. So Kara suggested I don''t settle at all.¡± Vici said, as she ran a hand through her short hair. Lash smiled wide at the change in color.


    ¡°I think it suits you, in fact I wonder if we could sell it.¡± Lash asked, pondering the idea. But it seemed Vici beat him to it. She showed him a designs for it. Lash started to play with them until the next subject was brought up.


    ¡°Alright, so we need to see about getting all the different code names registered, coined, and legalized. It may seem like we are selling out, but Wonder Woman would kill as a doll...¡± Mezo said, before she was interrupted by Kyoko.


    ¡°Or a body pillow!¡± Kyoko said with a grin. Mezo glared at him, while the lawyers laughed, and Vici looked surprised.


    ¡°We also wanted to talk about uniform design.¡± Started Kyoko, but held up his hand before Lash could start up. ¡°The JLI uniforms will of course remain practical! Anyone who joined during the invasion knows that the practical design saved their lives. What we suggest is letting them decide on their own color scheme, style, and motif. The overall polymer, and armor plates will of course remain. But it is important not only to the individuals themselves, but we the JLI to have a bit of flare, and sense of self. Individuality!¡± Kyoko finished, as he tossed up a few windows with ideas.


    Lash glared at the pictures. He would not budge on the idea that heroes needed to wear overly sexualized, and skimpy outfits. Yes, in the comics, movies, and animated shows they would wear what ever they had. Some people didn''t have access to a mutli magical forge that could craft gear. He understood that. But if you worked for the JLI you would wear the gear that would save your life! But, he was reminded of Fantasma. That skeleton ghost suit he had made for him protected him, but also looked bad ass.


    ¡°Alright, but the suit they design has to pass inspection!¡± Lash agreed, and grumbled irritably. He was acting petulant, he knew it. But didn''t care.


    Mezo, and Kyoko both jumped onto the JLI message board and sent the broadcast then and there. Thousands of responses popped off and people asked a variety of questions that Vici was quickly answering. Lash hadn''t realized how much of an ''issue'' that had been. People wanted their own identity. So they could compromise, you could look cool as long as it protected you.


    Lash continued to talk about ideas, and product placement, and relief aid across the globe. Now as the designated chairman of Ghost Industries his plate once again got a little more full. Vici would of course be helping a lot. Also, the infrastructure of the recycling plants and/or bunkers they will help in the long run. After two hours they decided to call it. Everyone had a lot of things to do. Lash especially since he was suppose to be helping with the upgrades.


    Lash moved to one of the main air locks. He stepped inside closely followed by several worker droids, and a few VI Avatars who were helping with the engineering aspect. Having an eight foot tall lizard man cosplaying as the grim reaper the VI Avatars eerily quiet. But a few did say hello. As the air was sucked out of the room and the exterior doors opened it was at that moment that the VI''s realized that Lash didn''t have a vac suit. Of course that didn''t stop him from stepping out into zero-g and propelling himself forward.


    Attention User! I have your quest reward for killing the Joker!


    Reward: Minor Criminal Underworld Lore has evolved into Basic Criminal Underworld Lore. (Chap. 44)


    Reward: Minor Telekinesis has evolved into Basic Telekinesis.


    Note: Something you were missing, and something you will need!


    Minor Criminal Underworld Lore has evolved into Basic Criminal Underworld Lore.


    Effect: Every type of crime has its own language, culture, and custom. From peddling drug dealers to intergalactic Warlords. The User now blend in more efficiently, and knows where to look, to find what they need.


    Minor Telekinesis has evolved into Basic Telekinesis.


    Effect: Increase in range, decrease in energy consumption, increase in manipulation ability.


    Effect: Multi cast on several targets, increase in energy consumption.


    Sub-Skill, Flight Field Projection: To use telekinesis to carry objects and people, granting them the ability to fly.


    Lash smirked, with the combination of Telekinesis, and his Space Domain he flew through the open space with ease. He called on his Conjuration Domain, and cast Manifestation 1,000 Saurus Warriors appeared from hundreds of portals. They linked up with Vici through Connectivity and started to assist in the building process. Lash held back and rested for awhile, as his energy levels replenished quickly due to his tool time bonus. Then he cast Manifestation once again, and called 100 Saurus Veterans. Then after another hour he called 10 Saurus Elites.


    The Watch Tower was expanding at a visible rate. Geometric patterns grew at key points, as ghost hard like expansions grew, materialized, and attached to the super structure. The techno-organic tissue that made up Vici''s outer shell grew every few minutes. Several shuttles came back from the asteroid belt towing huge pieces of rock with their build in tractor beams. Worker droids, and Saurus Warriors swarmed the rocks. Pulling out metals, and even taking the rocks and turning them into other materials. Feeding them into the top of the Watch Towers main processing center.


    The shuttles were an interesting combination of Martian, Thanagarian, Krypton, and magic piece of technology. Thanks to Lash''s unique tech tree, they were about 15 feet tall, 15 feet wide, and almost 50 feet long. In the shape of a rectangle with soft edges. Four pectoral fins along the sides that would extend while in an atmosphere. A module was placed on top of the shuttle that could be exchanged for different tools depending on the need. Tactical, defense, support, utility, etc. In this case it was utility with a tractor beam. While the engines could be swapped out, or rather shape shifted depending on where they were. Martian tech!


    The shuttles had a mid section that could be exchanged just like the module on top. Depending on what the shuttle was called for. Medical emergencies, troop carrier, etc. So the modules could be pulled out, or dropped off. While the back of the shuttle had a simple crew quarters with bunk beds, and a small galley. The cockpit had several stations for the pilot, tactical, engineering, and even science, with a duo teleportation pad. It reminded Erik of the runabout shuttle from trek show. Just a little more animal like.


    The upgrade was about half way finished when Lash saw a green light racing towards their location. Closely followed by three more green lights, lanterns. A few people stopped to watch the arrival and when the first light slowed down it revealed the drill sergeant Kilowog. Who was immediately swarmed by VI Avatars wanting his attention, seflies, and autograph. Not the reception the Bolovaxian expected. Give the drill sergeant an enemy to fight, he is your man. Give him a horde of fans to fawn over him and he is lost on how to react.


    Hal Jordan, Katma Tui, and John Stewart soon arrived and found their fellow lantern surrounded by dozens of people. Kilowog looked frantically in their direction and called for help! He didn''t know what to do!? They weren''t attacking him, they were asking to shake his hand, and to take a picture with him. This made Hal Jordan burst into laughter! He floated over to assist his fellow lantern while Katma, and John floated over to Lash.


    Hello, didn''t expect to see the big man himself to come help Earth with its reconstruction. -Lash said over a telepathic link.


    ¡°Well, he is not actually here for that.¡± Katma said with a saddened expression.


    ¡°Wraith, he is not here to help. He''s here to escort you back to Oa.¡± John said, as he came up to him. He looked like he had just chewed on a piece of glass and was forced to swallow it.


    I thought my presence had been requested. My answer is no. Will he force the issue? -Lash asked them both as Hal started to float towards them followed by Kilowog.


    ¡°Wooo! The big bad Kilowog can''t stand his adoring fans! Never seen this man blush harder!¡± Hal said with a grin, then winced as Kilowog punched him in the arm with a seething glare.


    ¡°That has never happened before! Not even on my home planet!¡± Kilowog shouted at him, then he turned his gaze at Lash and started to measure him up.


    Green Lantern Kilowog. I''ve heard many horrifying, and wonderful things about the drill sergeant of the Lanterns. Thank you for the privilege and honor of this meeting. -Lash said, as he bowed from his waist while his hands were held in a intricate pattern. A gesture taught to him by the Wardens when greeting alien supernaturals. Kilowog technically wasn''t supernatural but the custom was still appreciated by the Bolovaxian who grinned at him.


    ¡°Nice to see respect and courtesy this far out from the inner regions.¡± Kilowog looked at the station and saw it visibly grow with each passing minute. ¡°Nice station too! Have you thought about placing a Green Lantern hub here?¡± Kilowog asked, the idea never occurred to Lash. Since the likely hood of their meeting was not going to go over well.


    ¡°That''s a good idea! If there is a hub here maybe Wraith doesn''t have to leave?¡± Katma suggested, and Kilowog narrowed his eyes at Katma who quickly shut her mouth. Lash turned his four reptilian eyes at Katma, then at Kilowog. He knew what was coming, but he waited for him to offcially say it.


    ¡°Wraith, you have been invited to the planet of Oa by the Guardians of the Galaxy. They understand that your world is currently in the process of rebuilding after an alternate reality invasion. They are prepared to send over a hundred lanterns to assist in the rebuilding process if you comply with their request.¡± Kilowog said, this surprised Hal, John, and Katma. They hadn''t known about that part. 100 Green Lanterns would help a lot right now.


    Did the Guardians say why they want me to visit? -Lash asked, as he quietly sent a command across his link to his conjured creatures. One by one a Saurus Elites blinked out with Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, and Invisibility. They moved into a wide circle around the group unnoticed.


    ¡°They are hoping that if they hold you on Oa that your Patron will come rescue you.¡± Hal blurted out, and gritted his teeth as Kilowog glared at him. ¡°I think its a bullshit plan!¡± Hal continued to say.


    Ya, that wont work. My Cosmic Patron will most likely assign me a task of escaping from Oa just to see if I can pull it off. But if I fail, all he''ll do is go find another person to empower. At that point I''ll spend the rest of my life sitting at Oa. So, the answer is no. -Lash said to Kilowog, who took a deep breath.


    ¡°The Guardians said you might say that. They also said that if you decline the request that they are prepared to remove the Sol system from Green Lantern protection. At which point, I won''t need to ask for your permission.¡± Kilowog finished, as he squared his shoulders and brought up his hands like a boxer would.


    ¡°ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!¡± Hal shouted at Kilowog. John looked like he was about to attack Kilowog then and there, while Katma went pale in fright.


    ¡°This is our home, Kilowog! Why didn''t we know about this!¡± John said, as his power ring started to light up.


    ¡°They..They can''t do that. Its in the guardian charter. Any planet that a Lantern claims as their home is protected by Guardian law.¡± Katma said quickly, as she pulled up the charter from her ring.


    ¡°Unless the Guardians deem the planet, or solar system a danger to the galaxy itself. All members of the Green Lanterns, and their families will be escorted off the planet and found a new place of residence.¡± Kilowog said in response, as if he had anticipated this response.


    Attention User! You''ve been issued a quest.


    Objective: Defeat Kilowog in a duel.


    Optional Objective: Kill Kilowog.


    Optional Objective: Take Kilowog''s ring, call the guardians and tell them to fuck off.


    Reward: Galactic Sheriff Module.


    I challenge you Kilowog, to a duel. If I win the lanterns will never come here again looking to take me away. If you win, I will go peacefully to Oa with out a fuss. -Lash said across the link. Kilowog looked at Lash and grinned at him.


    ¡°I was hoping you''d say that!¡± Kilowog said, as he floated back by about hundred feet or so. ¡°Make the containment unit. I''d hate to damage that pretty station.¡± Kilowog said to his fellow lanterns.


    ¡°Listen, Kilowog may look like a brute. But he always thinks tactically. He likes to go up front, and center. But he''ll look for an opening and strike from behind.¡± Hal said as he floated over to talk to Lash.


    ¡°Also, try not to kill him. If he dies the Guardians will send an entire force to arrest you. They''ll go through anyone they have to.¡± Katma said as hugged Lash, then floated off to the sides.


    ¡°I don''t give a shit what they Guardians say, win or lose we are not going anywhere.¡± John said as he shook Lash''s hand. None of the three looked particularly surprised that Lash, or Kilowog wanted to fight.


    Hal, John, Katma went out to about a thousand or so feet in each direction and used their power rings to create a battle sphere of green light. When the sphere was made Earth like atmosphere was made so Lash could breath if he needed to. The ten elites remained invisible around the sphere still unnoticed by the lanterns. The whole station stopped to watch the fight, as several hundred people came out of the station. The shuttles spring jumped back from where they had left to watch the fight.


    ¡°This is an official duel, it will end with one yielding, or being knocked unconscious. In the odd chance of a draw neither side will win or lose. But will have time to heal, and try again at a later date. No killing, and if you can help it no maiming.¡± Katma called out, and in the middle of the ring was an alien Oan script that started to count down.


    ¡°When I take you back, I''ll make sure those hundred lanterns come to help rebuild! I''ll even get the lantern hub here. You have my word!¡± Kilowog shouted over the arena.


    When I win, If the Lanterns need any actual help I''ll be there. As long as it doesn''t mean my capture, or negative action to my home. -Lash said in response, Kilowog grinned at him and nodded in acceptance. The Oan number reached zero and a gong sounded inside the sphere.


    Kilowog burst across the arena like a bullet fired from a gun! A green energy field trailing behind him, his power ring thrust forward. A massive build up of energy cascading in front of him. No tactics, no strategy, just brute force. Kilowog didn''t even consider Lash a threat to him. Once he was with in a certain distance Lash cast Personal Time and the bubble expanded with Kilowog inside. Remarkably the green power ring hummed to life and Kilowog started to struggle inside of the frozen space.


    Lash cast Acceleration then Blinked across the sphere to right behind Kilowog. Then twin red (Chaos) Psionic Blades extended from his clawed hands. While silver (Nth) Psionic Blades extended from his tentacles. Lash spun like a top and whipped his blades across Kilowog''s energy shield. True Damage sent hundreds of points of experience to him. The green energy shield around Kilowog shattered and Kilowog bounced away like a rubber ball.


    ¡°GAAAH!¡± Kilowog gave a shout pain as he rebound off the wall with enough g-force to break several bones. He made a new construct of a fantastical alien creature with four wings, a massive beak, and talons that roared to life attempting to eviscerate Lash.


    Lash cast Animancy into the construct, and fed it with Energy Manipulation. The construct broke free from Kilowog, given new life! It whipped around and clawed at the lantern which surprised him as the claws raked through his shield. Kilowog bounced off the shield and flew around the sphere being chased by his own construct. Lash expanded his Telepathic focus and released Eldritch Mind. Kilowog started to hear the whispers from behind the edge of reality.


    Kilowog shouted in fury as he made a giant hammer that slammed against the construct, bashing it into the edge of the sphere. The construct shattered with a piercing cry. The animated essence returned to Lash. Kilowog shouted, as he gripped his head trying to clear it of the whispers. He whipped around to look at Lash who floated dead center of the sphere. Kilowog rushed towards him, his ring taking the shape of a star fighter. He blasted Lash with energy lasers, and torpedoes. The percussion shook the whole sphere.


    With a glimmer of energy dozens of Wraith shrouded figures appeared in the arena surrounding Kilowog. Blink, and Phantasm was used to escape, and confuse Kilowog. The Phantasm burst into action, each one coming to attack Kilowog. The Bolovaxian roared in defiance and used his ring to imitate a solar burst! Every Phantasm burst into particles, which were replaced by a 50'' tall, and 100'' long Saurian who appeared out of the smoke. Kilowog''s eyes went wide in horror! As the red Psionic Blade''s from Saurian''s clawed hands bashed into Kilowog.


    BAM! BAM! BAM! With each slash of energy Kilowog bounced off the sphere wall. The damage behind it was so overwhelming that even the sphere supplied by Katma, Hal, and John started to crack! Until at last before the fourth strike of the blade was cut, Saurian reached out with his Telekinesis and held the unconscious form of Kilowog. The ring was on emergency power, barely maintaining the shield to keep him alive.


    ¡°Vici, one Bolovaxian straight to medical.¡± Saurian said, as he cast Enlarge/Reduce and used Size Alteration to shrink down to 10'' tall, and 20'' long. He carefully pulled off the power ring from Kilowog''s hand as the spring jump took him away.


    The Green Lantern ring shuddered and attempted to fly away to get back to its wielder. Saurian sent a Telepathic surge into the ring telling it to calm down. He would return it to Kilowog after he made a call to the Guardians. The ring calmed down for the moment. The sphere broke apart as Katma, John, and Hal flew over to speak with Saurian. Saurian used this moment to learn what the ring was made out of through Material Shaping, Transmutation Domain, and his Transmuter title.


    Power Ring, Oan metal learned....


    Saurian was 100% sure he would never be able to make his own power ring. But simple knowing its composition would help him, and the JLI in the future. Maybe they could infuse it into their gear, allowing all of the JLI to fly into space. Like the comic book, ''Legion of Superheroes''. He''d have to do more research. Saurian reached into his ability evolution points and spent them on two things.


    Attention User! You''ve spent two ability evolution points to evolve Connectivity.


    Minor Connectivity has evolved into Basic Connectivity.


    Effect: The User can now interface with Alien software, and hardware at a 25% increase to energy consumption.


    Effect: The User is considered a satellite phone on their home world. Able to establish a connection anywhere on their home planet, moon, or station.


    Attention User! You''ve spent two ability evolution points to evolve Cosmic Awareness.


    Minor Cosmic Awareness has evolved into Basic Cosmic Awareness.


    Effect: Using this ability only consumes 80% of your total energy.


    Effect: The User can now passively learn obscure things about information they already know.


    Example: The User knows Green Lanterns have been deployed in the Sol System. They will also know how many have been deployed.


    Attention User! You have 6 ability evolution points remaining. Each grade increases the cost.


    Saurian used Connectivity, and requested Vici''s assistance. They began to hack the green lantern power ring. The power ring began vibrate, and glow with intense energy. The three green lanterns received a warning on their own rings. They flew quicker towards Saurian to ask what the hell he was doing to it. Because of the 30% increase to his stats from the Apostle of Qetesh he had energy to spare. Many of his abilities were nearly up a whole grade just from the increase.


    ¡°Wraith!? What are you doing!?¡± Hal screamed at him, as he all but tackled the giant lizard. But a Saurus Elite appeared and grappled him. Along with Katma, and John.


    ¡°Wraith! Stop! Don''t make the Guardians right about you!¡± Katma screamed at him. Saurian opened his eyes to look at Katma. Then he looked down at the struggling power ring, a smile stretched across his lips as he received a prompt.


    Congratulations User! You''ve partially hacked a green power ring.


    Effect: Obtained the Galactic Encyclopedia (Oa)


    Saurian stopped his hack of the power ring. The little thing continued to shine brilliantly but it stopped humming. The emergency alert on three''s rings went mute. But before any of them could ask what he had done a the power ring created a green sphere around Saurian creating an atmosphere. Then a green quantum entanglement relay was opened. It revealed a massive room with dark gray, and green stone work. An amphitheater of sorts, with rows layered up so that a speaker could stand in the center and see everyone. A 3'' 10'' blue skin, white haired individual stood on the other end of the projection. They wore a intricate robe with a white inverted triangle top, and a crimson red robe underneath.


    ¡°Kilowog! What happened!? An emergency beacon was sent out fr.....¡± The Oan gaped at Saurian, holding Kilowog''s ring. Then it looked around to see Hal, John, and Katma being released by the Saurus Elites.


    ¡°Kilowog is currently in the medical module aboard our station. Once our conversation is finished we''ll return the ring to him. I am the one known has Wraith, or if you prefer the Agent of Calamity. I am contacting you now to inform you, I decline your invitation to Oa. Secondly, your plan to trap my Cosmic Patron is childish, and idiotic. Let me inform you of some simple truths that you are apparently unaware of. My Cosmic Patron does not have a rule of one. He is more than capable of empowering thousands, if not millions of individuals. He is an extra dimensional being, capable of being everywhere, and no where at once. The idea that you wanted to restrain me on Oa is laughable simply because he would just choose another agent.¡± Saurian said to the Guardians, as he continued word for word the Guardian in charge of the communication grew angrier, and angrier.


    ¡°Personally we have a lot of respect for the Green Lanterns, and the stability they bring. But let me be one of the few to tell you this. The Guardians of Oa are not infallible, they are not perfect, and they are not strongest, or wisest beings in the known galaxy. Shall I educate your lanterns on the Oan history?¡± Saurian said with a sinister grin, as a golden glow enveloped him. The eyes of the Oan councilor went wide.


    ¡°The Oans are believed to be wise, benevolent, and compassionate leaders. The first sapient race of the galaxy, false. For example, my Cosmic Patron was around way before any of you. Something that you are all completely aware of.¡± Saurian said, as the golden light faded leaving him drained.


    ¡°The Oans claim to have always been a peaceful race. False. When the Oans were first born they were a warlike race. Just like every other known culture was. They believed themselves superior to everyone around them. So being the cold, logical scientists they were. They experimented on lowly sentient races around them. Notably, Psions. That is right everyone, the Psions a race known for genetic experimentation and ruin of whole cultures were designed by the Oan council.¡± Saurian continued, Katma''s eyes went wide as the relevant information was broadcast through the power ring in Saurian''s possession.


    ¡°The Guardians of the Galaxy are known to be with out flaw, and never make mistakes. Except for when they made the man hunter program. Autonomous machines that were meant to be the first version of the lanterns. But how did they test them? They released them onto a star system as an alpha test. The man hunter program killed every living soul in that system. Trillions of people died! The Guardians thankfully realized their mistake and shut the program down. Then they removed the system from its registry and banned any entry to it. They of course removed that little tid bit from history.¡± Saurian continued, showed more information. The Guardian council on the other end was attempting to shut him down. Because the ring was sending this entire thing to every Green Lantern, and every solar system under the Lantern banner.


    ¡°Oh let us not forget, Agent Orange! Who the Guardians decided that it was a waste of their precious time. So they just gave an entire solar system to Orange. Leaving everyone who lived in it to machinations of a completely sociopath overridden by avarice.¡± Saurian said, as he pointed at the exact coordinates for the system the man hunters destroyed, and the system Orange lived in.


    ¡°But I''ll leave you all with this last note. The creature known has parallax also known as the aspect of fear! The guardians didn''t know how to contain it. So they decided in their infinite wisdom to contain the being of fear in....Can you guess? The very battery that powers the rings. I''ll give you this bit of advice from my Cosmic Patron. Check the fucking cage you dumb asses! Parallax as been chipping away at his cage for thousands of years. He is almost free! Peace out fuckers!¡± Saurian said with a grin, and dropped the ring.


    The viewing screen closed, and the three lanterns gaped at him. Saurian paid it no mind and floated through space back to the station. They still had a lot of work left to do. Once the battle was over the rest of the JLI went back to work. Many of them talking about what had just happened. Not truly understanding the revelation, and devastation this information would cause to the galaxy as a whole. The Guardians dirty laundry had been revealed, and showed to everyone. And that was just the tip of the ice berg. Saurian didn''t want to waste anymore time talking about it. But that didn''t mean he wouldn''t send the relevant information to galaxy via hacked power ring.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed your quest. Your Cosmic Patron is very pleased!


    Objective: Defeat Kilowog in a duel. [Complete]


    Optional Objective: Kill Kilowog. [Failed]


    Optional Objective: Take Kilowog''s ring, call the guardians and tell them to fuck off. [Complete]


    Reward: Galactic Sheriff Module.


    Additional Reward: You have gained the status of ''Friendly'' with over a hundred star systems for revealing the hypocrisy of the Guardians.


    Notice: The Green Lantern Corp has revoked their protection of the Sol System.


    Saurian swapped out with Lash, and Lash returned to the station. The new upgrade would be finished in a few hours and they wanted sometime to think. He went to the dinning hall and took a seat next to the ''window'' which showed a holographic image of Earth. He ordered a cup of hot chai and started to look through the store catalog, this time in the shape of a holographic interface so the people around him would assume he was just working. About an hour went by and Katma walked into the dining hall with tears streaming down her face. She came to his table and sat down next to him, she took off her power ring and placed it on the table.


    ¡°500 years ago my planet went through a calamity level event. A pathogen that had no known cure killed about 68% of our total population. Ten years ago, the pathogen showed up again in a mutated form. It killed another 48% of my home world. Along with several of my family. It was after this event that I obtained my own ring by overcoming my fear. I just learned that the Guardians not only had the cure to the pathogen 500 years ago, they even knew the cure to the new strain. They decided to not give it to us. Because we had grown to big, to fast, and we could threaten a border dispute with our neighbors. All based on a hypothetical possibility.¡± Katma said, tears continued to fall down her cheeks.


    ¡°Katma, no force for good is ever infallible. I meant what I said. I have a lot of respect for the green lanterns. But the idea that the guardians are perfect is childish. Now the whole galaxy has the proof to prove that fact. But, the green lanterns have also helped so many people. You, have helped so many people. Keep the ring, keep doing the good work.¡± Lash said, as he nudged the ring back towards her. Katma gradually picked up the ring and put it back on her finger.


    ¡°We''ve received a wide ban message. The Sol System is no longer protected by the corp. Wraith, you have a general warrant on you. Any lantern that see''s you is to attempt to apprehend you. We are to bring you in, dead or alive.¡± Katma said, she looked at him with a frown. Lash looked back with a smile.


    ¡°What if I told you that you didn''t have to go back to Oa to recharge your ring. What if I plan to do my own version of the lantern hub.¡± Lash said, his smile growing with each passing moment. Katma leaned back in her chair to look at him.


    ¡°Wraith, only the guardians know how to make a battery...¡± Katma said, starting to hope that Lash had a different plan. Lash pushed a design he found in the Dream Store towards Katma.


    ¡°What is that?¡± Katma said, as she looked at the information.


    ¡°That would be a power ring battery core.¡± Lash said, the power core was worth 1,000 DP. Katma eyes went wide. She tried to interact with the interface but it wouldn''t respond to her. It was the Dream Store after all.


    Lash collapsed the interface and looked at Katma trying to gauge her response. Having a lantern battery core aboard the station would paint a big target on them. Hundreds of star systems would come for the battery, for a chance to replicate the technology, as well as the Guardians. Lash was sure they would be furious that he had obtained a battery. But Lash could also feel his Cosmic Patron egging him on to build one! It would be such fun to have their own battery.


    ¡°What color would it be?¡± Hal said, as he walked over with John. Katma was startled as John sat down next to her with a grim smile on his face.


    ¡°I was thinking, blue. Yes, we would lose a lot of offensive capabilities. But we would gain a lot of support, and utility.¡± Lash replied, and showed the schematics for blue energy rings.


    ¡°You are right, our offensive capabilities would greatly diminish. What about this twenty four recharge rate? Why is grayed out?¡± John said as he looked over the information.


    ¡°Oh, cause we can fix that part.¡± Lash replied, a smile on his face.


    ¡°Wait, these things can recharge entire stars? As in if the star is about to implode we can turn back into a healthy state?¡± Hal asked, as he looked over the abilities of the ring.


    ¡°It can also empower the green rings as well. Can we use them both at the same time?¡± Katma asked, Lashed leaned back in thought. He wasn''t sure?


    ¡°I''m in...¡± John said.


    ¡°Me too!¡± Katma replied.


    ¡° A hell, sure! If we do this I want have that insane commute between Earth and Oa.¡± Hal said with an easy smile.


    Almost as if the rings were anticipating that very thing. All three power rings phased off their fingers. All three chimed with a sad tone, then a brilliant green glow enveloped them, and they disappeared. With out the rings power, Hal Jordan lost his uniform. He was wearing a USAF flight suit, while John Stewart had military cargo pants on, black boots, a leather jacket, and a gray t-shirt. Katma wore a decorative alien garb with billowing sleeves, and an open dress.


    ¡°TRAITORS!¡± Kilowog shouted from the entrance of the dinning hall. The Watch Tower''s doctor, Ethan was behind him.


    ¡°I''m sorry he insisted to speak with you.¡± Ethan said, as he waved at Lash.


    ¡°Kilowog, I see you have your ring back. Have you not been reading the information on the galactic net?¡± Lash stood up from the table, and started to walk towards him. Kilowog for all his bluster visibly flinched at the sight of Lash moving towards him. While the rest of the dinning hall adjusted their chairs to watch the show.


    ¡°I don''t care what trash you throw across our faces. The Guardians are the protectors of our galaxy. With out them we would have died a thousand times over!¡± Kilowog shouted at Lash as he limped his way forward to stare him down.


    ¡°I am not arguing against the fact that the Guardians have done a lot of good, Kilowog. I am arguing by the fact that they are just as flawed as any of us. The Green Lantern Corp is a good idea that has done many amazing things. But for to long they have been stagnant because in the guardians eyes they are perfect. Which is just not true!¡± Lash said, as he came to a stop in front of him.


    ¡°So, what''s your plan! Make your own core? Split the galaxy in half? It will never work!¡± Kilowog roared at him.


    ¡°Maybe, but I have hope.¡± Lash said with a smile. Before they could say anything else to each other Kilowog passed out. Lash caught him before he face planted and handed him back to Ethan and the medical droids.


    ¡°Well that was exciting!¡± Lash said with a smile as he turned back to the dinning hall. A couple of people cheered and clapped. Then they went back to their meals. Lash rejoined the three former lanterns at the table. Another hour passed and with a resounding hum the Watch Tower burst with energy. The last of the super structure connected and Lash received a prompt.


    Attention User! Vici has fully upgraded to grade D.


    The overall structure of the Watch Tower had expanded by 3 times. The main saucer was now 300 feet tall, and with a 1,200 feet in radius. While the second saucer was 150 feet tall, and with a 600 foot radius. The stem was 1,200 feet long, with a radius of 90 feet. The orbital ring that was around the station was 60 feet in radius. The bridges between the cylinders had 60 foot radius. While the shuttle bays in each bridge were 50 feet tall, with a 100 foot radius. The cylinders were the primary turrets, and engines resided were 180 feet tall, with a 60 foot radius.


    With the increase in space they now had access to thirty floors on the main saucer, and fifteen floors on the second saucer. While the stem that went through the main super structure could accommodate larger engines, a internal core, and modules as well. Hopefully with the next upgrade the orbital rings, and bridges could also be used for modules, and/or housing. With the upgrade complete Vici started to expand every available module from E grade to D grade. Improving the overall size, capabilities, and benefits for each one.


    ¡°Please excuse me, I have to get to Vici''s date core to input these designs.¡± Lash said to them. Before he got to far Katma rushed over and gave him a big hug, or tried to as he was larger than her.


    ¡°I''m not going anywhere, Lash.¡± She whispered to him, he smiled at her and returned the hug.


    ¡°You want to get drunk? Cause I do!¡± Hal said to John, as he ordered a drink from the restaurant. Lash rolled his eyes at Hal as he left the dinning hall.


    The upgrade should have taken weeks to complete but they did it in less than 24 hours. Thanks to the help of the JLI, along with 1,110 manifested Saurus creatures. The station was still in a state of flux as the super structure was complete but the infrastructure still needed work. Massive robotic arms that were connected to the saucers rings came down to start expanding the facilities. Worker droids from engineering were scampering all over the place. While the few tech geniuses that the JLI had were attempting to help. Lash''s manifested creatures came in from space and started to help with the reconstruction. Lash took the main elevator down to the second saucer to find a room filled with hundreds of exhausted JLI members that had been transferring energy to the core.


    Lash cast a wide area of effect Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on the lot of them. A majority of them sprung to their feet and bounced around like little children on a sugar high. A high that would last several days depending on what they decided to do. Lash arrived at the main data port, and as before several reinforced walls ''grew'' from the station to hide him as he shopped through the catalog. This time a book made from golden leather, and pages made from starlight came to him. He started to flip through the pages to find the modules he needed.


    Fighter Bay: A module that works in tandem with the Shuttle Bay. Fighter craft are launched, received, stored, and maintained with in this module. Each bay comes with 3-5 fighter craft. Depending on design and size. D grade module 20 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 4 Fighter Bay''s for 80 DP.


    Fighter Craft selected, 3 per bay.


    Gene Therapy Clinic: A module that optimizes the overall genes, and selective traits of an individual. Flat 10% increase to mundane, alien, magical, and meta. Attaches to available medical module. D grade module 20 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Gene Therapy Clinic for 20 DP.


    Galactic Sheriff Hub: This module creates a law keepers hub in your station, and solar system. The Galactic Sheriffs are a mercenary group that helps police, and enforce the laws of the community at large. D grade module 20 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Galactic Sheriff Hub for 20 DP.


    Note: Level 1-10 for availability, must be purchased separately. (Solar Coin, galactic currency)


    Trade Hub: This module allows for the station, and by default the solar system to be linked to the galactic market as a whole. It comes with automated basic facilities for refueling, maintenance on ships, trade facilities, guest quarters, and entertainment. As well as access to the galactic market. D grade module 20 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Trade Hub for 20 DP.


    Note: User is encouraged to buy Guest Quarters module for maximum effect.


    Note: User is encouraged to buy Pleasure Palace module for maximum effect.


    Visiting Guest Quarters: This module keeps a separate area for visitors aboard your station. Designed with alien physiology adaptation, and fully automated. But it also helps create a form of privacy between the rest of the station. D grade module 20 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Visiting Guest Quarters for 20 DP.


    Pleasure Palace: This module has a host of entertainment capabilities. With a miniature full dive virtual environment theater, miniature simulation hall, miniature party hall. Fully automated, and capable of adapting to the physiology of many different kinds of alien species. D grade module 20 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Pleasure Palace for 20 DP.


    Embassy: This module is creates exceptional guest quarters for visiting dignitaries, important business clients, etc. Works in tandem with your Public Relations module, and Galactic Sheriff module. Fully automated, and adaptable to unique alien physiology. D grade module 20 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Embassy for 20 DP.


    FTL Link: This module allows the station to assist or inhibit ships capable of faster than light travel. Decreasing the cool down between jumps, or increasing the cool down between jumps. Depends who its targeting. D grade module 20 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 FTL Link for 20 DP.


    Recycle and Reprocessing: This module is obtained because of your unique tech tree. Though space is vast, there are many different kinds of exotic waste that can not be dumped just anywhere. This module allows the station to recycle, and reprocess material, and waste products and turn them into something useful. Either ambient magical energy which can be funneled back into the station, used a fuel for visiting ships, or raw materials for other projects. D grade module 40 DP (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Recycle and Reprocessing for 40 DP.


    Dimensional Gateway Hub: This module is obtained because of your unique tech tree. Not all visitors to your station will travel via star ship. Many of them are capable of traveling through dimensions. This module even allows direct travel to other dimensions native to your world. (Fae Wilds) With future upgrades Rift travel is even possible. D grade module 40 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Dimensional Gateway Hub for 40 DP.


    Blue Lantern Core: In fearful day, in raging night, with strong hearts full, our souls ignite! When all seems lost in the War of Light, look to the stars, for hope burns bright! -Blue Lantern Corps oath


    This is an experimental module you acquired through the favor of your Cosmic Patron. It is untested, and possibly unstable! However, it will allow you to slowly create Blue Lantern Rings, and recharge them. With flexibility on who can use them, and how they work. This is an A grade module 1,000 DP (High grade level bypassed by blessing of your Patron.) (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 1 Blue Lantern Core for 1,000 DP.


    ============================================


    ***Far above the milk way galaxy***


    A burst of electric blue energy exploded in what would be known one day as the Sol System. The blue energy cascaded through the whole of the galaxy. Passing through system, after system. Where the song of a long lost color of creation sang its first note. Hope. The light of hope had been reborn in the galaxy once more. Many eyes benevolent, and malevolent turned towards the source of this light. What was its source? How was it made? Could it be controlled?


    _______________


    In a separate dimension in the vast empty, was pocket space. The space was decorated into a vast office with wooden floors, stone walls, and a ceiling that stretched on forever. In this office was a massive desk where sat a being made of pure cosmic energy. The being was reading a book, and scribbling notes on a piece of paper. Every few minutes it would roll some kind of dice, writing down its numbers, and then it would turn to read the book again. Then it would look up, and stare off into the distance. It would chuckle, it would laugh, it would pound the desk in delight.


    ¡°Oh what fun!¡± The being said in a cacophony of voices.


    =======================================================


    The main power core for the whole station was now sharing its space with a large blue lantern core. It sat off to the side sharing the space with a pleasant glow that seem to instill a sense of peace, and hope on any who sat next to it. Three separate beams of light burst from the cores main section and flew up to the main saucer. Hal, Katma, and John were the first to be selected. The first agents of Hope in the galaxy as a whole. With in moments dozens of security droids rushed out of the main security module and took up positions to guard the new blue lantern core. Lash stepped out of the little alcove that was protecting him, and Vici''s data port to marvel at the new blue battery.


    ¡°Well that is a surprise... I thought we would have to build it. It just appeared. That is....¡± Lash was trying to put the situation into words.


    ¡°A fucking disaster!¡± Hex said, as they materialized next to them. ¡°This section of the saucer is completely open to the JLI. Not everyone has been properly screened yet! We were in war time protocol so we did basic security checks. Now I have ensure we have no spies among us!¡± Hex screamed at Lash. The giant lizard blinked at them, then swallowed them in a big hug. Hex screamed in frustration and proceeded to punch Lash in the chest. Owe, surprisingly it hurt!


    Hex eventually turned into shadow and mist and faded from view. Just in time for Katma, John, and Hal to fly into the secondary saucer wearing brand new blue lantern corp uniforms. The blue rings acted very similar to that of the green rings so there wasn''t much a learning curve for them. Katma practically tackled Lash as he flailed and fell over onto his back with a loud crash. Katma was bursting with joy, and hope for the future.


    ¡°Holy fuck, Wraith! I expected it to be months or even years before we got the thing up and running. Its been a few hours! Oh side note, the blue rings completely cured my buzz from drinking.¡± Hal said with a smirk, as he landed next to him and helped him off the floor.


    ¡°Did you not get a ring?¡± John asked, as he looked at Lash''s claws. Katma blinked and stepped back to examine him, confused as well.


    ¡°I did not. The blue core is experimental. It can only produce so many rings at one time. You may be the only blue rings for the next while. When one of you gets a chance head to Kilowog and recharge his ring so he can go back to Oa, if he wants to that is. As long as he doesn''t intend to cause trouble he is welcome here. Any green lantern is.¡± Lash asked them, and they all nodded in understanding.


    ¡°So the rings power lasts about as long as a normal power ring. But, we were right our offensive abilities. They are dramatically lower. But we can recharge the green rings, and even empower them. To little to no cost to our own rings energy.¡± John went into military mode and started to list off the differences. Strengths, weaknesses, and utility. It would definitely be a change they would have to get use to. But they could do it together.


    ¡°We need to walk and talk, there is a module I need to visit¡± Lash asked the three of them.


    They all went to the elevator and took a ride up, just as Vici was altering the secondary saucer to create walls around the blue power core. When they reached the main saucer, they went to floor level ten and stepped out. Lash made a direct bee line for Trade, and Sheriff modules. Both of which were under construction. The Trade hub was occupying the entire top last five floors of the Beta section. Where a docking station was being built. A translucent shield, and blast doors could close off the section if needed. But it would allow transport ships of certain size to dock. While other ships could attach to the outer hull via passenger tubes. According to the schematics at C grade the inner dock could hold corvette class ships.


    An android for this specific module had not been made yet. However, their was a trade hub worker droid available to help Lash with his questions. When he was purchasing the Galactic Sheriff hub there was a prompt for 1-10 level availability. He didn''t understand what that meant. Well turns out, the sheriffs are like private security. Which makes sense. One can buy a higher security package. The common form of currency was solar coin. Some systems would allow barter, trade, and hard currency. But most of the galactic community, and the galactic market used solar coins. Lash didn''t have solar coins. So, he turned around and went to different module. This one had been built before the upgrade. The Bank!


    The Bank was built on the main floor of the first saucer. When they arrived the three new blue lanterns peeled off to visit Kilowog at the hospital. Lash wished them luck, he was sure that conversation was not going to be fun. Kilowog already considered them traitors to the green corp. Now they had blue rings on, especially since blue, and green are meant to work together.


    The Bank was a twenty foot tall module with decorative design. It had a artificial dark wood finish on the outside. It was covered in golde...No that was orichalcum, calligraphy. Torloth would lose his shit if he saw this. The bank had a slew of protective charms, and wards placed on it. The twin double iron bark doors were guarded by two sentinel level security droids. They took after Hastram the android in charge of the armory. These sentinels were mobile tanks. They scanned Lash in a beam of red energy and opened the door politely for him.


    Inside the bank was several waiting areas with a variety of furniture for any physiology. With worker droids on the side waiting to serve drinks, and snacks for waiting customers. Off to the side was several teller stations for quick deposits, transfers, and withdrawals. While the rest of the floor was made up small officers that allowed privacy. There was a set of stairs that led up to the second floor. A banker droid guided Lash to the upstairs to meet the head banker. Lash was led to a waiting room furnished with all the amenities. He was surprised to find several Shield and Sword logistics personal present in the waiting room.


    ¡°Hello Agent Wraith.¡± They greeted him politely. He took a seat, which adjusted for his bulk, size, and tail. He declined a drink and started to work through some work that had piled up on the Warden page. He also took a moment to reply, and message to his pack, and his friends.


    ¡°Grand Father, Mr. Xags will see you now. He only has a few minutes before his next meeting.¡± A banker droid came to get him. Lash stood up, and bid goodbye to the Shield and Sword agents.


    Inside was a very nice office, with large gold (Actual gold) and silver desk. Sitting in a huge high back chair was Mr. Xags! That was his full name. Mr Xags was a 5'' tall goblin like creature. He had a long, lanky build, with huge pointed ears, long mangy hair that exploded from his head in all directions, green skin, tennis ball sized yellow eyes, and a mouth full of razor sharp shark like teeth. He stood up from his desk and came around to hug Lash.


    ¡°Hello Grand Father! About time you came to visit me! We have a few things we need to discuss!¡± Mr Xags said, Lash returned the hug and ruffled his head. Mr Xags flailed and gave him a mock glare before he grinned and went back to his chair. Lash took a seat after Mr Xags.


    ¡°First off, pay checks for the JLI. I know before the invasion you were a bit of a billionaire. But paying everyone the way you do will drain that real fast. Do we have any means of increasing your holdings?¡± Mr Xags asked, Lash blinked caught by surprise by such a question. He peeked Money Storage thanks to his achievement bonus he earned interest every day. Then he forgot! That wasn''t connected to any form of bank.


    ¡°I have some liquid assets I can provide. What is the preferred type of currency?¡± Lash asked, his hand had disappeared into his pocket space waiting for an answer. Mr Xags gave him a wide grin that stretched from ear to ear.


    ¡°Why don''t we make the dragons even more jealous and make it orichalcum?¡± Mr Xags asked, Lash obliged the goblin and produced 200 ingots of orichalcum. Every day he used his Transmuter title effect and switched between different metals. He had plenty to spare.


    ¡°Ahahahahahaha!¡± Mr Xags laughed in delight. He pressed onto his intercom and asked for some workers to come in and carry this off to be weighed, measured, and turned into money. It took a few minutes but eventually all the of the ingots were transported away.


    ¡°That will help a great deal. Especially since Ghost Industries will start to take from your wallet. But unlike the JLI, the company will pay something back. Next up, we have a bit of a business opportunity to talk about.¡± Mr Xags pressed his intercom again, and the Shield and Sword team came in from the waiting room.


    ¡°Please take a seat everyone. We planned to talk about logistics for the project. But we can come to an actual decision of sorts with Grand Father here.¡± Mr Xags said to them. Lash raised a scaled eye crest at him, he only grinned in reply.


    ¡°So these delightful people have a bit of a movie deal you could say. Please educated him.¡± Mr Xags said, as he took a cup of some sort of black ichor from his assistant to drink.


    ¡°We want to make a documentary about the invasion. Along with a based on true events movies about the invasion it self. We were informed that every JLI uniform comes with a body camera. We wanted to edit this footage. Keeping to security of course! Then spin it through interviews, and easy to digest video clips. A majority of the mundane world was completely unaware of the invasion. We believe this will help educate, and understand the masses.¡± The Shield and Sword team suggested.


    ¡°It will also make us a but load of cash!¡± Mr Xags said with a grin. Lash leaned back in his chair, he wasn''t opposed to the idea. As long as they adhered to a certain security standard. There were a lot of things they couldn''t share.


    ¡°This effects the entire JLI. Not only would we be sharing footage. But a lot of what happened during the invasion could be incredibly graphic, horrifying, and deeply personal. However, I will agree to placing in on the JLI message board. If you can write up a prop...¡± Before Lash could finish he received a message prompt on his holographic from Mr Xags. It outlined the whole documentary, and possible movies. ¡°OK, we''ll put it up on the JLI message board and put it to a vote. No one will be forced to participate, and each person will have to sign their own agreement. Fair?¡± Lash asked, they all agreed and he posted the proposal onto the message board with the help of Vici. With in two minutes over a thousand people said yes. Mr Xags was practically dancing in his chair.


    ¡°We have a few more things to discuss with Mr Xags, but we can go to the waiting room so you two can finish.¡± The Shield and Sword team said, and excused themselves.


    ¡°Mr Xags, have you linked up with the trading hub yet?¡± Lash asked, Mr Xags pulled up an interface and looked through the galactic trade market. His eyes glowed with supernatural greed. An entire new market for him to play in. Then his eyes dimmed as he looked at the required currency. He flipped through the relevant information at an incredible pace.


    ¡°Well that is not good...¡± Mr Xags said as he leaned back in his chair and finish his black ichor. Lash looked at him, a question clear on his face.


    ¡°The galactic market standard currency is solar coin. Normally this would be when we would barter our existing materials of Earth with the first merchant vessels. But according to the market value nothing we have is worth a damn. Even Orichalcum is worth next to nothing to them. When hundreds if not thousands of planets of their own pantheon.¡± Mr Xags said, as he placed his cup on his desk. He rubbed his face in thought.


    ¡°Do you have access to a galactic market bank currency interface?¡± Lash asked, he remembered a certain function to his Money Storage. Mr Xags quickly brought up the market currency value. Lash pressed his hand into the interface and activated his achievement, and Money Storage effect. Which could transform any currency into other currency mundane, magical, or alien.


    The solar coin exchange rate was fucking insane! 1,000$ cash for a single solar coin, but Lash had a lot to spare. With how much time had passed, and the amount of money he had each day as he gained a 1% increase to what ever he held in his Money Storage. Well if one combined the net worth of Wayne Enterprises, Lex-Corp, and Queen Industries. They still wouldn''t come to the direct value of the amount of money he had. Lash pulled his hand away when he reached 1 million solar coins. Mr Xags eyes were wide as dinner plates.


    ¡°Alright, I need to go buy the galactic sheriff availability. Once that is done you can play with whats left over, alright?¡± Lash asked, and Mr Xags all but jumped over his desk and hugged Lash.


    ¡°Eeeeeee! Grand Father you give me the best presents!¡± Mr Xags said in delight!


    Mr Xags all but pushed Lash out of his office so he could finish his meetings and play with a new form of currency on the market. Now that Lash had a bit of money to play with, he went back to the galactic sheriff module that was still under construction to see what availability he could buy. The trade hub was coming along nicely, as was the pleasure palace. Lash imagined that getting a lot of use not just from the visitors but from the JLI as well. Surprisingly a ship came in from the main door. It was martian! A group of five green martians came walking out, looking around in curiosity. Lash could spare a few minutes so he went down to greet them.


    ¡°Greetings and salutations, I am Agent Wraith of Earth. Welcome to, Watch Tower station.¡± Lash said through partial telepathy, and in the martian language with a bit of an accent. The martians jumped in surprise not only at the sight of him, but also at being spoken to in their native tongue.


    ¡°Hello! We were not aware that Earth had achieved so much in such a short time. J''onn J''onz spoke to the Ma''aleca''andrans council about the station, as well as the atmospheric tower that was given to us. Are you the Wraith that J''onn spoke of?¡± The martian....woman? Said in return with partial telepathy, and in the martian language. Ma''aleca''andrans was their native name for Martians.


    ¡°I am! I''m surprised you came so quickly. That was only a little while ago. Unless I don''t understand the speed at which martian ships can travel. Which may be the truth.¡± Lash conceded that point. From what he understood about their technology. Martian ships swam through space like the great celestial creatures of the void. Or something like that.


    ¡°Wonderful! I am Z''tok Z''nuk. These are my companions.¡± Z''tok introduced each martian to Lash who bowed to him in greeting.


    The martians were about 6 to 7 feet tall with vibrant green skin. Clear red eyes, and angular shaped heads that gradually pointed up. Their bodies were naturally long, limbs, and legs were far longer than a humans. They had five fingers on each hand, and five toes on each foot. Many of them stood...Naked? But their shape shifting abilities allowed them to make shifting clothing.


    Lash had to unfortunately inform them that the rest of the station was off limits for now. But the trade hub, and other modules linked were up for exploration. Once they were finished being built. They were very accommodating, and understood perfectly. They didn''t even expect a docking port to be available when they showed up, so this was a pleasant surprise. Lash suggested they visit the pleasure palace. At least one of the simulation suits was available. They agreed, and he excused himself back towards the sheriff hub.


    Galactic Sheriff availability level. 1-10.


    Level 1: A single automated drone will show up in your designated system once every 1-6 months depending on distance from nearest sheriff star port. Current estimated distance for specific station? 6 months. 1,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 2: Two automated drones will show up in your designated system once every 1-4 months depending on distance from nearest sheriff star port. Current estimated distance for specific station? 4 months. 5,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 3: Four automated drones will show up in your designated system once every 1-2 months depending on distance from the nearest sheriff star port. Current estimated distance for specific station? 2 months. 10,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 4: Four automated drones will show up in your designated system once a month. A single sheriff star fighter will show up in your designated system once every 1-6 months depending on distance from the nearest sheriff star port. Current estimated distance for specific station? 6 months. 15,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 5: Six automated drones will show up in your designated system once every two weeks. A single sheriff star fighter will show up in your designated system once every 1-4 months depending on distance from nearest sheriff star port. Current estimated distance for specific station? 4 months. 20,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 6: Six automated drones will show up in your designated system once a week. A single sheriff star fighter will show up in your designated system once every 1-2 months depending on distance from nearest sheriff star port. Current estimated distance for specific station? 2 months. 25,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 7: Six automated drones will be stationed in your system, if space is available on site they will dock. If not, business owner can purchase a drone sheriff station hub. A single sheriff star fighter will show up in your designated system once a month. 30,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Drone storage availability at station, confirmed.


    Level 8: Six advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system, if space is available on site they will dock. If not, business owner can purchase a drone sheriff station hub. A single sheriff star fighter will show up in your designated system once every two weeks. 35,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Drone storage availability at station, confirmed.


    Level 9: Six advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system, if space is available on site they will dock. If not, business owner can purchase a drone sheriff station hub. A single veteran sheriff star fighter will show up in your designated system once a week. 40,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Drone storage availability at station, confirmed.


    Level 10: Six advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system, if space is available on site they will dock. If not, business owner can purchase a drone sheriff station hub. One veteran sheriff star fighter will remain in your designated star system on rotation. Will rotate out every week with next sheriff. A single corvette class sheriff star fighter will show up in your designated system once a month. 50,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Drone storage, and ship storage availability at station, confirmed.


    Level 10, additional options: Sheriff bounty hub will allow the galactic sheriffs to use your station has a temporary holding cell for bounties. Corvette class sheriff star fighters will arrive once a week for prison transport. Station earns 20% of all bounty rewards.


    Level 10, additional options: Sheriff refuel, repair, and resupply station hub will allow the galactic sheriffs to use your station as a resupply port. Corvette class sheriff star fighters will arrive once a week for supply runs. Station earns a 20% discount on all costs.


    You have purchased, Level 10 protection. With additional options.


    Bounty hub. [!]


    Resupply port. [!]


    Just as Vici was almost done with the Galactic Sheriff Hub the robotic arms stopped. Then began to build additional segments, and access points. The automated sheriff drones were tiny things. About the size of a wasp helicopter, or an SUV. How they fit a FTL drive core in such a small little thing was beyond Lash at this current time. Buying the premium level 10 package was expensive, but it also came with a lot of good reviews. Being such a high paying customer ensured that the owners of the galactic sheriffs were on their best behavior.


    Attention User! You''ve completed a bonus objective from your Cosmic Patron.


    Bonus Objective: Purchase a trade hub module.


    Reward: Rift time dilation tool.


    ¡°A what now?¡± Lash said softly as he walked out from the sheriff hub.


    ¡°User, a Rift time dilation tool will slow your down your own realities time as you explore a Rift. Specifically story, scenario type Rifts. For every hour that passes in your home reality, one whole day will pass inside the Rift you are currently experiencing.¡± Dawn said helpfully, but Lash stopped mid stride. Why did his Patron give him such a thing? Suddenly the alarms on the station went off into a yellow alert, code Alpha-R. A Rift had opened up some where.


    ¡°Fuck me! Vici emergency station transport, operations please!¡± Lash called out, a spring coil began to wrap around him. Thanks to the new upgrades it only took six seconds this time. With an audible pop! Lash found himself just off to the side next to the door of operations in a predetermined spot.


    The door to operations opened up and Lash rushed inside nearly colliding with several JLI members. Thanks to some quick reflexes they all jumped out of the way, Lash said a quick apology and sprinted towards the main view screen. Vigil stood in her normal spot making on the spot commands, and thinking about her next move. She watched Lash rush in, and she pointed at the screen. A Rift had opened right in the middle of Metropolis, right outside the doors of the daily planet. The city was just getting back on its feet, and a fucking Rift opens!


    ¡°We are securing the area. Super Boy, along with a team of JLI were on the scene and reported in first. The Rift is about 10 feet in diameter but its slowly growing by the minute. Superman is rushing towards the location. We are scanning the Rift with our compass to determine its type, and strength. I want you to head down immediately, and hold the line until we know more information.¡± Vigil shot off a quick bit of information. Lash bolted from the operations room and sprinted towards the nearest portal hub.


    Over a dozen JLI members were sprinting towards the same portal hub as he was. Each hub had 10 different pads so there were plenty of space. Just as Lash jumped onto his pad, a bright flare of energy exploded next to him. Vyllith used Blink and appeared next to him with a smile. He smiled back, and stood ready as the spell scrip from the spring jump began to coil around them both. Like a pop corn popper each pad sounded out as each team was sent to their designated drop points. Then with a pop of their own Lash found himself in Metropolis city park. About a mile from the Rift.


    Metropolis was once herald as the city of tomorrow. Now it could easily be considered a city of yesterday''s trash. The park alone was a mess! Tree''s overturned, grass drying or dead. A host of tents left abandoned by some sort of attack, or the owners simply left? Several bloated bodies floated in the pond. Near by buildings had been toppled over, hallow husks of themselves. Lash saw a few people were living in the remains of a building. A family was sitting in their living room, a room that Lash could see directly into from his spot in the park.


    ¡°Crap...¡± Lash said, as his shoulders drooped.


    ¡°Put it aside, and lets move!¡± Vyllith said, as she tugged him along. She was right, they had a job to do. He quickly cast Accelerate, and Cat''s Grace on them both. They took off in a blur!


    The Rift had grown in size and they could see it from the street they jumped onto. The cracked pavement, and crater''s in the road did nothing to improve Lash''s mood. A team of JLI were around the Rift. Three tech geniuses wearing the heavy armored version of their uniforms stood around the Rift. Cannons, pulse riffles, and one even had a energy sword stood at the ready to tear into anything that came out. While others did their best to push ruined cars into makeshift barricades. Standing in front of the Rift was Superboy. Wearing a full medium tier black polymer JLI uniform, with armored plates, utility belt, and power back. He had his helmet down, but a holographic interface was over his eyes as he looked at the information. He turned just as Lash, and Vyllith arrived.


    ¡°I didn''t know you were a speedster?¡± Superboy said, his voice was brash and filled with arrogance. If Vyllith''s helmet had been down he would have seen her glare at him for speaking so rudely to Lash. Lash knowing his hell knight placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.


    ¡°I''m not, its a spell. Increases my overall speed by times 3 the amount. Changes from person to person. If I cast it on you, could probably out run Superman.¡± Lash explained the ability, and for a brief moment Superboy seem tempted to ask for it. Wanting to prove himself. ¡°Only lasts five minutes though.¡± Lash said after a delay, smirking at how Superboy visibly deflated like a balloon.


    ¡°Stand by! We are getting a reading.¡± Vigil called over the communication line.


    Attention User! This is a story generated Rift.


    Difficulty: C+


    Type: Time fragment.


    Rift Walker allowed entry: 0/1


    ¡°Fuck....¡± Lash said, while he got the detailed analysis from Dawn. Everyone else got something else.


    ¡°Energy readings show it is emitting C grade energy levels. It is not an alternate reality, however if some one doesn''t go in soon the Rift will continue to go. Until it consumes about a half a mile of Metropolis in all directions.¡± Vigil said over the communications line.


    ¡°What do you mean by go in?¡± Superboy asked Vigil. His voice took on a more...Polite tone when speaking to Vigil. Vigil didn''t take shit from anyone, Lash assumed she had chewed Superboy out more than once.


    ¡°A Rift of this nature will have a Rift key on the other side. If we retrieve it, and bring it back out. The Rift will close. Our readings show that only one person can enter at a time.¡± Vigil replied, then started to give a detailed description of what a Rift key could look like to Superboy, and the JLI team in the area.


    ¡°I''ll go.¡± Lash said across the line. Vyllith growled in discontent, he would have to ago alone. She didn''t like that.


    ¡°What would you go? I can do it!¡± Superboy said, as he glared at Lash. Lash tried to not roll his eyes at the boy''s immaturity, but he was barely a year old if he understood correctly.


    ¡°I can make an alternate Rift to escape if things don''t work out. Can you do that?¡± Lash asked Superboy. He opened his mouth to retort but Vigil cut him off.


    ¡°Wraith! Get your ass inside, try your best to send a report back through a micro Rift. The rest of you secure the area. Keep civilians away, and do your best to evacuate the estimated area of effect.¡± Vigil barked across the line. Superboy swallowed his words and sent a confirmation back. He flipped his helmet back on and started to check the neighboring buildings.


    ¡°I don''t like this. Your home reality just got you back. Don''t you have a list of things to do as long as your tail?¡± Vyllith said as she stared at the Rift.


    ¡°I do, I''m sure Vigil will have plenty of things for you to do if you grow bored.¡± Lash suggested, Vyllith whipped her head around and glared at him through her helmet. Lash raised his hands in surrender.


    ¡°OK! OK! Yes, of course you will stay next to the Rift. Why don''t you go keep Superboy company. Maybe you can work on some of his edges, or something. The kid''s a clone of Superman so he is only about a year old maybe less. Oh, that information is on a need to know. Don''t spread it around.¡± Lash told Vyllith who seem to consider the idea. Vyllith saluted Lash, and he returned the salute. Then he reached out and gave her a big hug that she returned.


    ¡°Please be careful.¡± She whispered to him.


    ¡°I''ll do my best.¡± Lash replied to her. Vyllith had changed a lot with her time around Lash. Hell Knights adopted a lot of quirks and personalities traits from their Noble Lords, and/or Ladies. Gone was the carriage seat warmer he found in Tartarus.


    Lash took a deep breath, and stepped through the Rift. As he left his home reality yet again. A dark energy shield grew over the Rift in Metropolis preventing anyone from joining him. On his third step through the Rifts corridor, he stepped onto nothing at all and fell through a cosmic tube! Flashes of information scrolled past his awareness. A kaleidoscope of colors, words, landscapes, people moved past him. Then as soon as it started, it stopped!


    _____________________________


    Lash found himself standing in what looked like a ship? Plane? Bus? It was packed with passengers. Some stood, some sat on benches in the transport. He looked out the window and saw a barren landscape, a few patches of dried grass, a gaping canyon. What ever he was on it was traveling at high speeds, and it was flying. Then he noticed the light coming from the sun above him. It was bright red! Then he looked out the window and saw two moons hanging in the air. OK, not on Earth any more. Then he heard a chime.


    ¡°Attention! Attention! We are now approaching the city of Kryptonopolis. Please check you baggage, and your traveling papers for customs and checking.¡± The voice said in perfect Kryptonian. Lash turned to look at the transport and saw a holographic display of the date, and time. Two months before Jor-El, and Lara-El shot their son Kal-El through space to Earth. Two months before Krypton exploded.


    ¡°Oh that is not good, not good at all!¡± Lash said softly to himself.

 Chapter 95: War Priest

    ==========================================================


    ***HR, Sol System. Galactic Sheriff Frigate***


    The galactic sheriff frigate warped into the Sol System through the nearest jump point. The frigate like most of its design was built for mobility, and offensive capabilities. So it would provide cover for its slower team mates. The frigate in question was guarding a transport ship that would carry the new advanced automated drones to their new station. As well as escorting the cargo ships for the resupply station. Each ship had similar designs to each other as they were made by the same ship yard.


    Sharp jagged edges that pointed forward. With sleek round edges for the back. The frigate looked like a bird of prey with plated armor, and its bridge where the head would be. While the transport ships were giant rectangular boxes. Several star fighters warped in just behind the frigate, each one similar in design to the frigate just smaller. On the wings of each ship was the galactic sheriff icon. As per custom they displayed their banners proudly.


    Aboard the frigate on the command deck was the captain of the ship, and commander of the group of ships. A seven foot tall, four armed man with predatory cat like appearance. He had three fingered hands, and two toed feet. He wore a fully armored suit that covered him from neck, to wrist, to ankles. His face was oddly humanoid in appearance, though he did have a pair of cat like ears. Each of his four arms were of equal size to his body. His fur was a deep midnight black, with shinning purple eyes. His name was, Bhol''uns.


    ¡°Captain, we are getting a FTL link from the station. We have received a basic solar map of the system. The station is sending an escort group towards us, but have given us permission to start traveling inward.¡± The communication officer called out.


    ¡°Alert our group to be on their best behavior. Our new client payed upfront for the entire year. I want to make a good impression!¡± Bhol''uns said in return. The officer sent the message out, and the transport fleet started to push into the Sol System.


    With sub-light drives they pushed into the system but it was only after a few hours that they saw their escort show up. It was surprising to say the least to see three lanterns show up, especially since the sheriffs had heard the Sol System was with out lantern protection. But especially since the lantern color was blue instead of green. Right behind the lanterns were four star fighter craft.


    The star fighters looked like a shark with scales down its spine. Four pectoral fins with two on each side. Two dorsal fins side by side. The tail end turned into the core engine thrust that gave off a energy trail. On the top, and underside of the midsection of the star fighter were two twin cannon turrets. Possibly manned by a gunner, while the main weapons of the star fighter were affixed to the side, and under carriage. They seem to be a mixture of mobility, offense, and defense. Bhol''uns was impressed by their versatility.


    ¡°This is Hal Jordan with the Blue Lantern Corp. We welcome you to the Sol System please follow us.¡± Hal Jordan''s voice came over the ships communication line.


    ¡°This is commander Bhol''uns, we hear you. We''ll of course follow the word of a lantern.¡± Bhol''uns said over the comms in reply.


    The four star fighter craft did something peculiar. They took up a holding pattern with the transport fleet between them. Then a field of greenish blue energy enveloped the entire fleet and suddenly the whole fleet was moving at incredibly speeds. However, it seemed like they could only use this for a few minutes at a time. But what should have taken a few days travel turned into a few hours. Then they saw it.


    The Watch Tower station was mid tier station compared to others that the sheriffs had seen. It had been built between the third, and fourth planet in the Sol System. Though it seem to follow in the wake of the third planet. From their sensors the sheriffs determined that though several of the Sol System had sentient, and sapient species. The third planet had the most.


    ¡°Galactic Sheriff transport fleet. Hello, I am virtual interactive communication intelligence. You may call me Vici. Please allow the handshaking protocals, and let me guide you in.¡± A strong feminine voice called over the comms. Bhol''uns sent the command through the transport fleet.


    Greenish blue energy beams shot out from the station, and one by one the transport fleet was guided to their respective berths. They had an open dock for star fighters, and smaller transport ships. But anything that was larger than a light corvette had to use vac tubes. Mechanical umbilical cords reached out from the station to secure each ship to its rotation.


    ¡°Remember everyone, best behavior. If the reports about this place are true then its a brand new station. So don''t expect much in the way of entertainment. Be polite, and keep your manners about you!¡± Bhol''uns said through the personal communication line.


    Star fighters had 1-3 crew depending on their size. The cargo ships could have 3-10 crew, while the frigate could have 10-25. While they could of course hold more, the optimal amount varied from ship to ship and experience of the crew. The galactic sheriffs of this transport fleet were well trained, and had advanced automated ships. So they had the optimal minimum amount.


    Bhol''uns stepped onto the vac tube with his second in command and walked across the clear tube with trepidation. He hated these things. Though he did relax just a bit when he saw a flash of energy covered the tube. It was shield there to help secure the vac tube in case something happened while they crossed. Their science officer called out to them before they were half way through the tube.


    ¡°Captain! Our readings display Rift energy on the third planet. It looks like they are in recovery from a possible invasion force.¡± The science officer said to Bhol''uns and his second. Bhol''uns rubbed his chin in thought, as two of his other arms accessed their hand terminal.


    ¡°We could inform them about the planetary guard we have? Maybe another sale?¡± His second in command said. Bhol''uns agreed, and prepared another piece of information to discuss with their client.


    The galactic sheriffs were at their heart a business. Yes, they were empowered by the galactic community as police. But they had bills to play, just like any other. They finished walking across the vac tube and stepped onto a moderate size trading hub. All the basic amenities such as food, entertainment, and places to sleep. However, they did notice that every door that led out to the rest of the station was under heavy guard. Not surprising, it was a civilian station. Not everyone was as progressive as some. Bhol''uns had been to systems where their people were practically in cages. The Sheriff corporation always gave them hazard pay to work in those systems.


    ¡°Commander! They have a pleasure palace set up! And guess what! They use UE here!¡± The sheriff that was assigned to stay for the first week shouted across the trade hub. Bhol''uns eyes went wide in wonder.


    UE aka universal energy was a common phrase used by the galactic community as ''magic''. If the pleasure palace used UE. That meant they could create realistic environments in their simulation halls. Standard halls from technological cultures were always a bit twitchy. They could do environments just fine. But when it came to people, to interaction. It was like talking to a poorly designed machine. UE stations were not like that.


    Before Bhol''uns could shout back the three blue lanterns they had saw before were walking towards them. Bhol''uns shut his mouth and walked towards them. He squared his shoulders, but kept his hands relaxed. He always felt like talking to lanterns was like talking to a loaded gun that had no safety. Odd how these lanterns gave off a sense of serenity, and peace.


    ¡°Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Katma Tui-Stewart.¡± Jordan said to Bhol''uns who smiled at each of them and introduced himself, and his crew.


    ¡°We would like to apologize, your client was called away due to urgent business on the planet Earth. The third one from the sun.¡± Hal''s ring was auto translating their words to Bhol''uns and his crew. But the planets name drew blank for some of them. Dirt? The locals called their planet, dirt?


    ¡°That is perfectly fine. I have orders to stay until I speak to our client. Though no longer than a month. Do you know when they will return?¡± Bhol''uns asked, all three lanterns looked at each other for a moment. But before they could speak a shadow stretched out from the wall and appeared right next to them. Bhol''uns who came from a race of hunters, and predators immediately went on edge. He hadn''t noticed their arrival.


    ¡°He will return, when he has finished his business. Apologies, I am the Watch Tower head of security. Hex.¡± The figure said in a voice that shifted from gender, to gender. That was also when Bhol''uns noticed there were surrounded by several dozen new war droids.


    ¡°Are we in some kind of trouble?¡± Bhol''uns said, as he motioned for his crew to stand down.


    ¡°Commander, what does the galactic sheriffs know of the one that outed the Guardians of the Universe?¡± Hex asked, Bhol''uns noticed that Hex rocked back and forth on the balls of their feet as if expecting an attack.


    ¡°I know that if we ever meet them that I want to buy them a drink. Thanks to them, the sheriff corporation has had over a hundred new systems under their protection. Begging your pardon, but I thought the green lanterns revoked their protection of the Sol System?¡± Bhol''uns asked, as he looked back at the blue lanterns.


    ¡°They did! Your client, and our friend.¡± John said, putting emphasis on the word ''friend''. Translation, don''t fuck with our friend. ¡°He was the one that sent the galactic wide broadcast.¡± John finished...


    The pin drop silence that swallowed the crew of the transport fleet was tangible. Bhol''uns eyes were wide. Then his lips stretched up, and out across his face. Then he started to laugh, this crew started to join in. Then the whole transport crew joined in as well. It was an awkward moment for everyone not laughing. Bhol''uns laughed for a good few minutes before he stopped, holding his sides. He looked back at Hex.


    ¡°So, your worried that we''ll want to collect his bounty then?¡± Bhol''uns asked, and Hex nodded towards him.


    ¡°Don''t be! Wraith, as he is called on the galactic net is considered a friend, and ally to the sheriff corporation. Though, we are not the only security corporation in the galactic market. We are one of the strongest. I''ll have to double check with corporate, but I can tell you with certainty that Wraith will be getting another discount from us, and a life long friendship.¡± Bhol''uns said to the group.


    ¡°Wonderful, but lets hear from corporate before we take your word for it.¡± Katma said to them all, and Bhol''uns agreed with a fierce smile. This station just got a whole lot more interesting.


    ============================================================


    Attention User! You''ve entered a time fragment Rift.


    You are currently on Krypton approximately 2 months before the planet explodes due to Brainiac''s attack on Kandor. Where he ripped the city out of the planets crust, and miniaturized it. The planets core has grown unstable which will result in the planets destruction.


    Optional Objective: Help Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van send their unborn son Kal-El to Earth.


    Optional Objective: Stop Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van from sending their unborn son Kal-El to Earth.


    Additional Objectives will appear as you progress through the time fragment.


    Rewards: Will depend on choices made.


    ¡°Hello User, as you may have noticed all of your Spell Domains are unavailable. A majority of your skills, powers, and traits are also unavailable. You have entered a separate dimension and your system will take time to reset.¡± Dawn''s sweet voice said softly into Lash''s ear. As he tried to slow his breathing.


    ¡°Dawn, can you pause the world?¡± Lash asked under his breath. The whole world slowed down then froze.


    ¡°So, what is the protocol here? I highly doubt Justicar authorities will allow a human to walk into Kryptonopolis.¡± Lash asked, he knew that he would show up as human. He also knew that Kryptonians were big on genetic purity.


    ¡°Ah, that is an excellent point User! That is why I will now show you the time fragment character creation. Please understand that you will eventually have access to your entire character abilities. But this creation allows you to create a background. Be aware not all Rifts, and time fragments will allow this. Depends on the specific situation.¡± Dawn replied, her voice taking on the tone of an instructing teacher.


    Default Characters.


    Soldier: You are a Kryptonian Soldier that has been reassigned to Kryptonopolis. You have an average record, and served in the skirmishes against Brainiac''s forces when he attacked Kandor.


    Scientist: You are a Kryptonian Scientist that has been reassigned to Kryptonopolis. You have an average record, and served in the scientific exploration of the ruins left behind in Brainiac''s wake.


    Smuggler: You are a Kryptonian black market smuggler. Your syndicate has assigned you in Kryptonopolis. To aid in the market of alien technology found in the wake of Brainiac''s assault.


    Civilian: You are a Kryptonian that was displaced by the abduction of Kandor. You have floated between cities until a call for labor was heard in Kryptonopolis. (Choosing this path will give bonus World Points)


    Recommended: Your VI Rep will look over your abilities, and personality and craft a persona that they believe will suit you. (Choosing this path will give bonus World Points)


    ¡°OK... I''ve heard of World Points on the forum, and that I obtain them simply by participating. But what does it mean here?¡± Lash asked, looking over the options.


    ¡°Each default character will have a list of optional background pick ups. An example would be. Soldier can purchase a superior rank for 25 World Points (WP). Or the Scientist can select advance engineering education for 25 WP.¡± Dawn said softly to Lash, as she highlighted the different character backgrounds.


    ¡°While civilians do not get a special starting bonus, they get more WP and have a flexible buy out list. In example, the civilians can spend WP to have more starting credits. Family in Kryptonopolis, or a better housing situation. While the recommended is a background crafted by me. Please take note, that while you may get additional points for recommended. Once you select it, you can''t take back your decision unlike the other types.¡± Dawn said in a warning tone.


    ¡°Oh so if I select one of the first four, but don''t like what I see I can go back and look at the others. While the fifth choice is permanent. Well you''ve never led me wrong before. I''ll take the recommended background.¡± Lash said with a smile, a brilliant golden glow surrounded him and his clothes changes.


    Before Lash had on a collection of what he could only believe to be standard civilian wear. Now his clothing had a higher thread count, warm brown earth tones in color. With golden stylized caligraphy along the cuffs, collar, and buttoned down section of the coat. He wore comfortable black shoes, deep brown trousers, with form fitting brown buttoned coat with a high collar.


    Selected background.


    Priest of Rao: You are a journeyman priest of Raoism. The chosen religion of Krypton. Though Krypton''s are a scientifically advanced race. Their culture is still steeped with tradition. The genesis chamber is the culmination of religion, and scientific understanding. It is widely believed that the codex, Krypton prime is Rao. (Please be aware that this story origin may be different from DC cannon)


    You have 120 World Points, please look through list provided and purchase. All points must be spent before time fragment continues.


    Lash looked over his list selection. It went on for several pages. He saved himself some time and just pressed the recommended list. Thankfully, this time fragment was not knew. What did that mean? It meant that there were User reviews on the different purchases. Reading them over he selected a few to start.


    War Veteran: You volunteered, fought, and lived through the brutal but short lived war against the mechanical alien monstrosity of Brainiac armies. Though a few will blame you for not succeeding against impossible odds. A majority of the military houses will have a friendly disposition towards you. 20 WP.


    You have purchased, War Veteran.


    Stipend: You''ve been granted an increased salary due to your unique abilities, skills, and commitment to your cause. 1,000 credits given every week. 50 WP.


    You have purchased, Stipend.


    Business Travel Pass: Transportation in Kryptonopolis is free. But there are different levels of transportation. With a business pass you can travel in relative comfort and safety. Others may join you, up to 1-4 guests at one time. 20 WP.


    You have purchased, Business Travel Pass.


    Comfortable Home: You''ve been granted a home free of charge in a nice part of Kryptonopolis. 20 WP.


    You have purchased, Comfortable Home.


    Note: This has been changed to a increased sized temple as per your ''mission'' in Kryptonopolis.


    Neutral Gang Territory: The gangs of your sector have recognized your Temple, and the city block around it as neutral territory. A majority of the gangs will adhere to this rule, some will not. 10 WP.


    You have purchased, Neutral Gang Territory.


    Attention, you have used all available World Points. You will now be given your background mission.


    You have been tasked with the reconstruction of the temple in sector 68 of Kryptonopolis. Comfortable Home: has been changed to increased sized temple. Sector 68 is a low economy (slum) area of Kryptonopolis.


    ¡°Do you have any questions, User?¡± Dawn asked as he finished up with his selection. Lash could see his clothing went through another brief glow. He had new calligraphy promoting his veteran status. He had traveling papers in his pocket, and new luggage to carry.


    ¡°I only know about Krypton because of Kal, and Kara. I barely know anything about Rao? So...?¡± Lash asked, then before the world started up again he received a wealth of new information directly down loaded into his head. A splitting migraine threatened to split his skull but eventually it subsided.


    ¡°Now you know everything you need to full fill your role. Good luck, User! I know you will make this an interesting time fragment.¡± Dawn said sweetly in his ear. Then the world started to move again.


    _______________________________


    Lash-Rao was a war priest, a veteran of the Brainiac war. Assinged by the temple to travel to Kryptonopolis and rebuild a destroyed temple in sector 68. He had volunteered for the assignment, unafraid of the gangs that controlled the area. Because of this he was granted an increased stipend from the temple. The ruined temple had been destroyed during a civil dispute between the local gangs, and the Justicar stationed in the area. But the ones that suffered the most were the people that lived there.


    The Temples of Raoism provided not only the light of Rao, but also a place of safety, health, and education. Most Temples provided free health care, food, and a simple school system for children who couldn''t afford the education programs. Most who lived in the slums were house less. No family names but their own. Lash understood this in a way, he had given up his name to serve in the great house of Rao. Taking up his name, and forsaking his own.


    But, Lash-Rao carried a secret. A secret that no one knew but him alone. Lash was not from the Temple, or even Krypton. Lash was a visitor, an alien from another world. From another time. He had come to Krypton to complete a mission. A mission that would have ramifications across the entire multiverse. But every journey began with a single step.


    ____________________________________


    Lash stepped off from the land transport with the hustle and bustle of everyone else. Hundreds of transports were docked at the station. A variety of short, and tall landing pads with narrow stems holding them up. They looked like lily pads to Lash with no water. He was at the south gate of Kryptonopolis. The new capitol of Krypton. Five years ago, Brainiac had attacked and ripped Kandor out of Krypton''s surface. Since then, Krypton had suffered continues earthquakes, and tremors with increased frequency. One such tremor rocked through the station now.


    Lash watched in disgust as people pushed, shoved, and trampled over each other to reached the interior gates. While several transports took off and simply floated above the platforms waiting out the tremor. Lash held his ground between the landing pad, and the entry gate. His quick reflexes caught a woman from falling off the catwalk. Eventually the tremor subsided, and people stopped trying to run inside. But the damage had been done, dozens of people had been tread under foot.


    Earthquakes were a new thing on Krypton. Yes, they did happen like any world with tectonic plates. But most cities were not built on, or near tectonic plates. So people were terrified of them. Lash moved through the crowd and help pull the few people up. Then started to drag the injured out of the way. He got so fed up with the civilians around him that he started to yell at them to get out of the way or help him carry the injured. When a man refused to move, and even attempted to mouth off at Lash. Lash broke the man''s nose with a quick palm strike. He screamed, and someone called for help.


    ¡°Really? People are injured in the trampling and you don''t show up. But I break an assholes nose and now the justicars show up?¡± Lash shouted at the soldiers coming towards him. The man with the broken nose pointed me out. The Justicars looked around and noticed that Lash was surrounded by injured people. Then they noticed his temple uniform.


    ¡°He was trying to help the injured. This man here told him off, so the priest broke his nose. He got exactly what he deserved!¡± The woman that Lash had caught on the catwalk from falling spoke out.


    So, the justicars always a beacon of equality arrested the man, and Lash. Lash was forced to leave behind the injured that still no one helped. While he, and the man with a broken nose were taken inside the gate towards the customs, and transit authority would look them over. If, and when they got to him. The man with the broken nose swore up a storm. Shouting at the guards about who he was, who had as friends. Until a justicar prodded him with a stun baton. The man dropped like a sack of potatoes. Then for good measure the justicar tried to stun Lash.


    Lash stepped into guards space. Grabbed his wrist, planted a foot behind his leg. Then used the weight centered on his hips and flipped the guard over onto his back. Then swung him around and dislocated the guards shoulder. Which caused the man to scream in pain, Lash pulled the stun baton away from him. More guards showed up, and Lash proceeded to beat the crap out of all of them. He felt his Advance Martial Arts kick on.


    ¡°Fucking really!? This is pathetic!¡± Lash shouted at the six guards on the ground.


    ¡°Stand down, now!¡± A justicar walked in with a rifle pointing straight at Lash. Lash backed up, with his hands up. He stepped over the fallen soldiers with a smirk.


    ¡°Refugee trash!¡± One of the guards said. Then Lash ''tripped'' and brought his knee down on the guards face.


    ¡°I am Lash-Rao, a War Priest. Veteran of the Kandor war. I am not a refugee. Just like you are nothing more than a hired thug. A poorly trained hired thug.¡± Lash said with a smirk, then took the butt of a rifle to his temple and he blacked out.


    __________


    ¡°......I can not believe you hit a Veteran of the Kandor conflict!¡± A woman''s voice shouted. Her piercing voice cut through the darkness that was Lash unconsciousness.


    ¡°Ma''am please, he attacked my men!¡± A familiar rifle totting voice said in a determined voice.


    ¡°Attacked your men!? I saw the same video you did, captain! The tremor hit you did nothing. The Priest was trying his best to help the injured, you did nothing! When you finally moved, you arrested both them. Then your men with out reason stunned one man, then went to stun the priest with provocation. The priest then systematically destroyed your unit. Not once did I see any of you scan for his identity which would have cleared this all up!¡± The woman''s voice started low, but eventually reached a screaming volume.


    ¡°Congratulations, Lieutenant. You and your whole unit have been reassigned to border patrol for the next foreseeable future. I want you to remember this moment, when you decided sitting on your ass was better than doing your job! Take them away!¡± The woman said in a cold tone, then Lash heard the shuffled of boots. Along with the harsh tone of complains from men, and women being taken away.


    Lash opened his eyes to find himself in what looked like a simple clinic. Grungy walls, grimy floor. A chemical cleaner smell stank to high heavens in the air. Lash had heard all sorts of stories about Krypton. So far, he was not impressed. He was laying across a bed that was in the shape of an egg, or an oval rather. A machine on a mechanical arm went up and down the bed scanning him in a blue light. A display to his left showed his vitals, along with his body structure. Concussion, cracked eye socket, cracked ribs, mild organ damage. The guards must have wailed on him when they knocked him out.


    Every time the blue light passed over his body he saw a visible difference on the display window. Thankfully he wasn''t in any pain, that may have something to do with the blue liquid in his IV drip. The world around him was disorienting, almost like he could see behind himself...Oh! Sensory Awareness had kicked on. He was getting use to it again. The door to the room slid open a woman wearing justicar gear walked in. She was in full uniform unlike the guards at the station.


    Thigh high black leather boots, with black cargo pants. A black leather jacket, with metal polymer flex plate chest guard in the shape of an inverted triangle. Black leather gloves, with metal plates along the digits. A full face, metal helmet. With one bright red mechanical eye dead center where the forehead would be. While another smaller red mechanical eye where the mouth would be. The uniform had a utility belt with a side arm, stun baton, and magnetic cuffs. The woman appeared to be about 5'' 10¡±, with a rectangular figure. The uniform left a lot to the imagination.


    ¡°Lash-Rao. First let me apologize for your experience at the south gate. I am Head Justicar of the barracks of city sector 68. Kemuna Ke-Zod, if you are feeling better I am here to escort you to your temple.¡± Kemuna said, she pulled off her helmet.


    Kemuna Ke-Zod had light chocolate skin, pure golden amber eyes, and shoulder length multiple lock braided hair. On the ends of the braids were golden beads, each bead represented one of the confirmed demi-gods of Raoism. Which made Kemuna Ke-Zod a devote follower of Raoism. No wonder she was furious about Lash''s treatment. Lash slowly sat up. He winced at the movement as the sensory display showed his ribs were still being healed. The mechanical arm beeped at him.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you know where my luggage is? Or did the former gate guards decide to throw them away?¡± Lash asked, a small smile on his face. Kemuna smiled in return.


    ¡°No, we have your luggage. We have a transport waiting for us. We can take you directly to the barracks in sector 68 for better, more thorough medical treatment.¡± Kemuna offered, and Lash accepted. Kemuna replaced her helmet and gradually led Lash to the transport. Never once offering to help him. To do so would be an insult.


    Kryptonopolis! Was huuuuuge! A mega-metropolis. The capitol city had 100 different sectors. Each sector varied in size but the average was 90-150 square miles. Then of course you had to account for the vertical architecture, and underground sections. Kryptonopolis had originally been designed by the legendary house of El. One of its ancestors was the genius behind the architecture use on Krypton. To this day the majority of homes, business, and sky toppling towers are designed after them. Which made use of every practical space, while still being aesthetically pleasing to the eye.


    Monolithic towers made from steel, stone, and crystal reached for the stars above. A large central tower where the science council held court would shoot out beams of light. These beams of light would hit giant prisms at the top of each tower. Creating a rainbow effect that showered across the city sectors. Each sector had its own atmospheric tower that controlled the local weather. A weather forecast that you could set your watch to. Massive elevated urban highways stretched across the whole metropolis. Followed by rail lines, an elevated walk ways for pedestrians. Above all that were the flying transports lines that by passed all the bumper to bumper traffic, and wait lines on tram stations.


    Lash could understand why Kara never spoke about the slums. They truly were out of sight, and out of mind. The pedestrian walk ways he saw were littered with trees, fountains, and street corner parks. But between the spaces of the walk ways was a massive drop. Beneath it all, was the low economy areas. You had to look for it, to see it. The justicar air transport turned into a gradual dive, pulling out of the air transport traffic line. Kemuna glanced at Lash several times during the whole trip. She sat in the back with him, as the pilot sat up front with another soldier.


    ¡°You want to ask, but your not sure if I''ll be offended. I''m wont be, so ask.¡± Lash said to her, she looked at him for a bit then spoke with a bit of hesitation. Something that was odd for a member of house Zod.


    ¡°What was it like....Fighting the mechanical soldiers of the alien?¡± Kemuna said at last.


    ¡°Terrifying, but not for the reasons most would imagine. In the scriptures of Light. We are taught that everything under the red sun of Rao has been blessed, and given life through Rao, his children, and their children. Life and death are with in the palm of their hands. The alien took our dead. Reanimated them, and turned them into machines with a Krypton''s face attached to it.¡± Lash said, as he searched through his memories. Acting reactivated, and sent him some experience.


    ¡°That was the main reasons why we lost so many. Not because of their armor, or their weapons. Not even their enhanced abilities. No, it was seeing the faces of our brothers and sisters screaming for help. Screaming for us to save them. I saw many soldiers freeze, unwilling to pull the trigger.¡± Lash said, as he closed his eyes and leaned his back in thought.


    ¡°Where they accepted into the light of Rao in the end?¡± Kemuna asked, her eyes searched his face hoping to see some glimmer of truth or lie.


    ¡°Yes, the Temple declared all souls captured by the alien had been released and sent to the embrace the gods themselves. Myself, along with many other temple guardsmen stayed for months after the conflict putting to rest of those we found.¡± Lash replied, running a hand over his calligraphy along his collar.


    ¡°Thank you for telling me. Every veteran I have spoken to speaks of the war with hatred. Many of the veterans from the war came back broken. My father, and brother included. They said even Rao could not guide them through their pain.¡± Kemuna said softly, she looked away and bit her lip in anguish.


    ¡°Bring them by the temple sometime, I may be able to help. One veteran to another.¡± Lash offered, and Kemuna turned to him with a smile.


    ¡°I will... No one from their unit survived. I think it will be good for them to talk about it.¡± Kemuna confessed her feelings on the matter. She was worried about her family.


    The house of Zod had always been a military house. Full of brave, uncompromising warriors. Steadfast, duty bound, and skilled with out equal. To see some of its sons unable to carry on their duty was a shame on their house. But a shame they bore with some sense of pride. Because unlike so many that went out to defend their home. At least they came back alive. Especially since the alien war had claimed 87.3% of all soldiers who fought back.


    The land transport landed on a pad right next to the barracks medical wing. While the rest of Krypton were towering structures that reached for the heavens. The house of El understood that a tower was not in mind with tactics and strategy. A barracks was a squat facility that had more than half of it underground in case of a bombing run. What part was above ground had trace elements of crystal stone that almost seem to have been grown out of the metal, and stone surrounding it. Each tower of crystal rose about a hundred feet in the air. Deep crimson veins glowed with energy, they pulsed like a heartbeat pumping blood through it. While the rest of the structure was dozen or so flat top pyramids. With spine like structures along the edges, and corners. It looked like a giant beast had swallowed a box, and it stuck out.


    Lash was escorted into the barracks, the inside looked a lot like the outside. Winding halls looked like the inside of a rib cage. Making every hall way perfect for an ambush. The stone floor they walked on had crystal veins spreading through it. While mechanical drones floated on duel magnetic coils over head. Lash saw no less than five different patrols of soldiers moving through the hall ways. Practicing marching, drills, and maneuvers. Each door they came to slid aside with the sound of a master crafted sword being pulled from its sheath.


    The medical wing was a little more... ''Normal'' looking. Ocean blue walls, brown earth stone floors, with soft lighting above. Lash was placed on an expansive bed and multiple mechanical arms started to scan, and heal his body at an accelerated rate. Kemuna excused herself, she had work to do. Another unit had been assigned to him. Once he was finished they would escort him to his assigned temple in the sector.


    Several of Lash''s starting skills start to reactivate. They seem to activate in the order he obtained them. Oddly enough his Spell Domains remained inactive for now. Lash used the time to look through his implanted memories about Krypton. He was reasonably sure the Krypton he was on now. Was not the same Krypton that Kal, and Kara were a part of. Kara never once spoke about Brainiac. Her Krypton still had Kandor as the capitol of Krypton. So that meant a lot of the basic information he had may not be relevant. In fact a lot of the implanted memories didn''t match up. He felt that was done on purpose.


    When the medical bed finished with him. The automated systems notified the doctor. They gave him one last once over. Asked if he wanted any pain killers. Lash barked out a short laugh, and gave them the eye. The doctor, a soldier himself laughed and admitted that was a stupid question. He was escorted to another land transport. This one was far smaller. Remind Lash of a patrol car back on Earth. It had two spaces up front for a driver, and passenger. While the back was little more than a cage. At least he had his luggage, and he wasn''t chained up. On the drive over, he checked his luggage. Blessings above and below everything was still there.


    The transport landed after a few more minutes and the passenger opened the door for him. Since it didn''t have a handle on the inside. He stepped out and was assaulted by a host of smells that almost made him gag. The soldier chuckled lightly at him. He offered Lash a sweet smelling stick. Something he could attach to his collar. He accepted it gratefully, it didn''t remove the smell but certainly dulled it. The stench was of sweat, sick, blood, ozone, a combination of chemicals. While the scented stick reminded Lash of frankincense.


    The justicar transport had landed on a specific law enforcement pad. If Lash had traveled normally he would have to have walked for several miles to get to his temple. But thanks to the justicars he was a few blocks away. The two justicars walked with him, keeping their hands on their side arms the whole way. Lash''s temple was apparently in the rough part of town. Yay! The whole way to the temple Lash looked at the people, and sector they inhabited.


    Sector 68 was a low economy zone. But it was also where a lot of the factories were. You know the type? The type of factories with horrible working conditions, low pay, and consumer goods that the city just can''t live with out. But it is far cheaper for the company to pay a death compensation package to the grieving families. Than to improve the working conditions. So, the factories had a high turn over rate. Or rather a high death rate. This, these were Lash-Rao''s new flock. Hazah!


    The temple came into sight and it was a hole in the wall. Literally, the temple had been built into the wall that separated the sectors from each other. The doors leading to the temple were double white crystal doors. Or they were suppose to be if the doors were still around. Above the doors were massive windows of cracked crystal that depicted historical moments in the book of Rao. But they had been defaced, smashed in, or were simply missing. Inside the temple was a large cathedral, with a secondary floor above. Several ante chambers to the side for those that lived in the temple, along with a basement.


    The whole thing was a mess, full of scattered furniture. Broken computer terminals, and several homeless that were incredibly surprised that they had to get out or be arrested by the justicar. Before the two officers left they put up two barricade warning signs. A yellow holographic stream of warning, do not enter was across the main doors. Lash thanked them, and they went on their way. The only door that had not been kicked in was his personal estate inside the temple.


    The area that contained his home had a steel alloy door, with a reinforced frame. It had an eye, and hand print scanner. That also took a single drop of blood to look through his DNA. The door opened up, and he came to a welcome sight. He had a fully furnished loft. To the east side was a window covered by metallic shutters. An expansive living room, with a 5 star kitchen. A guest bedroom with a 1.5 bathroom. Then on the second floor that over looked the living area was the master bedroom with a full bathroom.


    The floors were made of a light red type of wood. The stone walls had yellow crystal veins running through it that gave off ambient light. The ceiling! Oh, the ceiling had a simulated skyline! Currently it was night, and the simulated skyline showed the impressive sight of Krypton''s two moons. One of which looked like it had been shattered at one point. While an expansive nebula of colors was behind them. Lash was very happy he spent those WP on a nice temple home. But before Lash could unpack his bags, and make something to eat a soft alarm went off in his home. He walked over to a terminal in a private study just off of the living room. A motion sensor had gone off in the main foyer, no camera feed unfortunately.


    Figures, the moment he gets settled in someone comes looking for trouble. He left through his front door, it automatically locking behind him. He moved through the temple silently, half way to the foyer Stealth reactivated. Suddenly his jerky movements transformed into fluid movements. He came to the second floor balcony that overlooked the main area. There walking gradually between the ruined pews was a man. He had a leather jacket on, black pants, and boots. A multi colored t-shirt on that was a type bloody axe. He had a shaved head, with silver earrings entirely covering his left earlobe. Broad shoulders, muscular physique. With a don''t bother me, and I wont bother you. Kinda of aura.


    ¡°May I help you?¡± Lash called down to the man, who whipped his head up and reached behind his back to his belt. Probably pulling out a gun of sorts. The man had bright silver eyes that narrowed in on him.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The man asked, his hand still behind his back.


    ¡°I am Lash-Rao. War Priest here to restore this temple. You are in the house of Rao. I ask that you leave violence at the door.¡± Lash said in a clear tone. His voice reverberated off the stone walls.


    ¡°My name is Or-Jar, I am the second in command to the Bylock Syndicate. My boss wanted to make sure you got settled in. Wanted to make sure you knew the rules of the slums.¡± Or-Jar said, as he gradually pulled his hand away from his back.


    ¡°Give me a moment to come down. Not polite for me to shout down at you from on high.¡± Lash said with a smile. He bowed from his waist and turned on his heel. A minute later he was on the ground floor a few paces from Or-Jar. Lash clapped his hands together, and said a priestly greeting.


    ¡°May the light of Rao guide you on your path.¡± Lash said, a bit of a sly grin when Or-Jar flinched at the greeting.


    ¡°...Right.... The last priest kept his nose out of our business. So we kept ours out of his. The temple is neutral territory. A square block around the temple is your land. We''ll do our best to keep our business, and transgressions out of it.¡± Or-Jar said, as he kept his eyes on Lash.


    ¡°I see, and if I provide medical aid to your syndicate will the other gangs keep themselves civil while I work on your people?¡± Lash asked, what he assumed was a simple question. But from Or-Jar''s expression it wasn''t.


    ¡°Medical treatment?¡± Or-Jar asked in confusion. As he looked around the temple expecting to see other people.


    ¡°Oh my yes. I am fully trained in field medicine. I was told I was setting up a free clinic in the temple. Were you not aware of that?¡± Lash asked, a grin growing across his face.


    ¡°No, no we were not. The last priest just held sermons, and kept to himself. Why don''t you tell me what the temple told you. We''ll go from there.¡± Or-Jar suggested, as he took out a e-pad about the size of an Earth phone. Maybe it was a phone?


    ¡°I am to rebuild the temple in sector 68. Expand the facilities with a basic free clinic, a basic free education center. Along with providing sermons to the faithful, and help bring a sense of peace to my flock. Basic translation, be a kinder Krypton so that others understand that not everyone in the world is a piece of shit.¡± Lash said the last bit with a wink, and a smile. Or-Jar, gave him a wry grin and nodded.


    ¡°I''ll let the boss know about the changes. I''ll come back tomorrow, and we''ll see what we have. Thank you for your time, Lash.¡± He waved his hands in a serious of benign gestures. ¡°May the light of Rao and all that.¡± Or-Jar said in horrible imitation of what Lash said.


    ¡°May the light of Rao ever guide you on your path, Or-Jar.¡± Lash said, and bowed from his waist to the man.


    Lash played the good host and saw Or-Jar to the door. Where he found over a dozen men, and women waiting for him. They all look at him, and he at them. He bowed to them, and said the same greeting. They gave Lash the stereotypical eye roll, and facial expression an atheist would give a religious nut job. After they left, Lash went back to his ''home'' and started to cook some dinner. He was hungry! He didn''t have Self Sustenance or Natural Energy Absorption yet. So, he needed outside food intake.


    Cooking reactivated when he was half way through preparing his meal. Then he finished up, and sat down for his meal. Thankfully, the shower worked with fresh hot water. He bathed, put on some sleep wear and crawled into bed. He set his internal Clock which oddly never grayed out. Then went to sleep. First time in a brand new, and strange place. He was only asleep for an hour when the motion detection alarm went off. He groaned, and rolled out of bed.


    Lash slipped on his boots, pants, and a t-shirt. Then walked to his door, checked door way camera that was on the frame. Clear, he stepped out and locked the door behind him. Once again using Stealth he moved towards the foyer moving silently, and listening. Once again, he went up to the second floor balcony and looked down to see several people rolling out sleeping gear and setting down for the night. Lash grumbled and went back to his home, and crawled back into bed to sleep. He''d handle it in the morning.


    __________________________


    Lash opened his eyes and looked at his internal Clock, 4:30 am. No dreams of past lives, which was odd. He rolled out of bed, then fixed the bed up. Moving down stairs he pushed several pieces of furniture out of the way and proceeded to do a set of aerobic exercises, practice his Martial Arts, and tried to channel his Spell Domains. Nothing...


    Currently Lash was 6''6¡±, with a bald head with no tribal marks. An athletic figure, with no visible scars except for the jagged scar across his neck that he has always had. He had a healthy skin tone, but not tanned. He reached across his link and could feel Saurian. However the big reptile was asleep, or in a half daze. He could almost see the creature try and stretch out but couldn''t find the space. Frustratingly so, so he just curled back up and went to sleep.


    Lash finished up, took a shower and prepared a simple breakfast. Cleaned up, and went to his door. Checked the door frame camera. Clear, then walked out to start working on the temple. He reached the bottom floor and clapped his hands to wake up his guests. Who all shouted, and cursed at him. One even took up a metal pipe and tried to take a swing at him. Lash caught the man''s hand and flipped him over onto his back with a hip throw. But didn''t go any further.


    ¡°Ladies, gentlemen. I am Lash-Rao, War Priest assigned to this temple. I understand that you normally sleep here. But I am about to start rebuilding. You can of course stay for now, but I will be making a lot of noise. Keep that mind.¡± Lash said, as he released his current wayward sheep.


    ¡°Oh? Were sorry! Please don''t call the justicars!¡± One of the men said as he scrambled to his feet.


    ¡°I have not called, nor will I call unless given a reason to. All of you are children of Rao under his guiding light. I hope one day you will all join us in prayer, and song. Once the temple is operational I plan to start giving out free medical care, and food in the future.¡± Lash said with a benevolent smile. His smile apparently instilled fear into the homeless because they scrambled to leave barely taking the time to gather their things.


    Their reaction was oddly on point. The religious guilds of Krypton were enigmatic, and in many cases ruthless. To the homeless, Lash may have as well invited to them to eat supper in his gingerbread house. All the while fattening them up for the real meal at a later time. He followed them out all be it slowly. Once he reached his door he found the two holographic warning signs had been pulled out of the ground. He raised his arms up and shouted for all to hear.


    ¡°May the light of Rao bless, and guide all those that accept it!¡± Lash called out, getting more than a few astounded looks.


    ¡°And to you as well.¡± Someone from the crowd said, Lash smiled toward their direction and went back inside.


    Krypton! Herald as one of the most scientifically advanced civilizations in the known galaxy! Still had not invented something that could replace a broom, and a dust pan! Lash started at the top floor and slowly made his way down. Making multiple trips to the filled garbage can outside the temple. He started to break down, and tear apart the broken furniture dragging it outside and setting it next to the garbage can. The stench of rot was unbearable each time he visited the dumpster. Then he found a body was decomposing under several bags. A body that had been there for what looked like weeks. Weeks!? When was the last time anything came to pick up trash around here?


    Lash went to his home, and looked up the automated trash collection. He sent a complaint about the dumpster outside his temple. List the registration number and requested it be picked up immediately. He received a rapid message in reply, stating it would be cleaned up in an hour. Wonderful! So, Lash went back to work. Two hours went by, no pick up. He went back to his terminal and he received a message stating that they had retrieved the dumpster. No, no they had not. He said as much in his message. They apologized, and sent word it would be fixed with in the hour. Two hours later, no pick up.


    ¡°Why doesn''t this ever get picked up!?¡± Lash yelled, as he stood next to the dumpster pointing at it. A few people near by laughed at him and went back to their lives.


    ¡°The automated drones don''t come down here, priest. The workers will just check off that they''ve been here since no one upstairs is going to check their work.¡± An older woman said as she walked by.


    ¡°Oh, really? Well then I''ll just have to make a show of it then. Shall I!¡± Lash said with a grin. He walked back inside and picked up some flammable cleaner he found in his home. Then he came out, poured the cleaner over the dumpster and set it on fire. Fwoooosh! The whole thing lite up like a burning man effigy.


    Lash went to sit on his temple steps. Only a few hundred feet from the dumpster fire and he waited. Then he waited a little more....Then a little more. Nothing. No justicars, no automated fire drones, nothing! The smell was over powering, he had thought it was bad before. But burning rot, flesh, and what ever else was in the dumpster made several people vomit. The sun eventually set on sector 68, and the dumpster fire continued well into the night. Just as we was about to turn in for the night a patrol car for showed up.


    ¡°Priest! Did you see who set the fire?¡± The patrolman asked as he walked over.


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡± Lash confessed, and the officer stopped mid stride. Clearly not expecting that answer. He turned to look at his partner, then they accessed their communicator.


    ¡°Why did you set the fire?¡± The second patrolwoman asked.


    ¡°That dumpster has been full for over a month. I called the garbage pick up, they said they would clean it up in under an hour. Didn''t happen, so I called them again, nothing happened. Finally I was informed that the automated drones don''t come down here. The workers don''t come down either, they just tell their supervisors its done. Because no one will check. So, I set it on fire to get some ones attention. That was 10 hours ago.¡± Lash said, as he checked his clock.


    ¡°We...got a report of intense smoke covering the walk way above. We were sent down to investigate the source...¡± The patrolman said... Lash gave him a deadpanned expression.


    ¡°Call the garbage pick up, and tell them to do their jobs.¡± Lash said, his voice took on an edge. Commanding Presence reactivated. Both of the officers stood at attention, as if a drill sergeant had shouted at them.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The patrolwoman said, and got on her communicator.


    After a few minutes a voice with authority yelled over the communicator at the patrol officers. Demanding to know why they are ordering a garbage pick up in sector 68. The patrol officers were at a lost. Lash stood up and walked over to them, and asked for the communicator. They grimaced but gave it to him eventually. At which point Lash bit the head off of the man on the other end. Calling him a collection words that would make a sailor blush. Lash then used his resident priest rank to threaten the man. Silence was all he got on the other end. Thirty minutes later a fire drone, and garbage pick up arrived. Progress!


    Lash got both officers names, ranks, and ID number. He said he would check on them. If they got punished for playing messenger he would send the wrath of Rao on who ever fucked with his flock! At the stroke of midnight the garbage fire was put out, and the trash can cleaned. The patrol officers left, filled with dread with each step. They knew they were about to be chewed out for something that was out of their hands. Once the justicar patrol car was out of sight. Or-Jar, and his crew walked on up.


    ¡°You had a busy day.¡± Or-Jar said with a smirk. Lash rolled his eyes, and bowed from his waist to him.


    ¡°May the light of Rao guide you on your path, brother Or-Jar.¡± Lash finished, then said the same thing to his companions. Who gave him a look of confusion.


    ¡°How are you with setting bones?¡± Or-Jar asked, as a pair of people was holding a stretcher with a man laying across it.


    ¡°To the clinic!¡± Lash called out, and directed them inside towards the clinic that was little more than an empty room with a metal table in the center.


    ¡°Supplies haven''t come yet?¡± Or-Jar asked, as he ran a finger along the table coming away with a layer of dust.


    ¡°They won''t call till I can guarantee security in the temple. So a front door will be nice.¡± Lash said, as he helped the men set the broken man down on the table.


    Just as Lash started to go through the basic exercises for EMT''s. Basic Medicine activated, along with Other Worldly Lore. Since Kryptonians had different physiology, Lash was happy for the extra boon in knowledge. The man had broken his femur. Lash excused himself for a moment. Then came back with a damp rag, and some rope. Then he began to smother the man with the rag who fought for a brief moment and passed out.


    Lash had to explain to the people pressing a gun to his head that he needed his patient knocked out for the next part. He then instructed the men around him to hold the injured man down. He tied the rope off at the man''s shoulder. Found a piece of wood from a broken furniture to measure the length. He tied other end of the rope on the mans boot. Made a slip knot, took a steady breath and gently pulled until his leg popped!


    Lash applied pressure looking for any reaction to the unconscious man. Any build up in fluid? Discoloration of the skin, checked his pulse. Great! He didn''t pinch the femoral artery when he set the bone. He crafted a makeshift splint, and wrapped it up in shredded curtains. He stood back and smiled with satisfaction. Then Or-Jar pulled out a device and scanned the man looking over the information. He smiled at his people and they took the man away.


    ¡°Good job!¡± Or-Jar said, while Lash glared at him.


    ¡°You realize if I done that incorrectly he would have died?¡± Lash said in a growling tone of voice.


    ¡°Yes, but you didn''t. You can set a broken femur with rope, and curtains. Then you must be a miracle with actual equipment. Let us know when your supplies are suppose to come in. We''ll make sure they get here.¡± Or-Jar handed Lash a simple communicator with only one number saved in it.


    ¡°May the light of Rao guide you on your path.¡± Lash said with a grumble. Or-Jar grinned at him, and this whole crew left.


    Lash packed it up, went to his ''home''. Made some dinner, took a shower. His clothes were auto cleaned in the washer. He curled up in bed, and his motion sensor alarm went off. Fuck! He got his clothes on and went to check it out. Homeless people again, he rolled his eyes and went back to bed. He woke up at 4:30 am like always. Again no dreams. He got up, fixed his bed. Did his exercises. When he went to take a shower he looked at his reflection and saw the clear outline of a tribal tattoo for his Nature Domain. He checked his User interface and found that the Domain was active. But all of his spells were still grayed out. But! He had access to his cantrips, and passive abilities.


    Intermediate Natural Energy Absorption reactivated at last. He came out and fixed up a heal, in a far better mood than he was before. Cleaned up after the meal, went to his door. Checked the door frame camera, clear! He stepped into the temple. Walked to the foyer to see several men with guns holding the homeless hostage. They turned to see his approach. These men looked like the stereotypical punks you would see in most cities. Ragged clothing, spike fetish across their clothing. With spike hair, tattooed bodies, with one particular addition. Their fists were tattooed crimson red. Basic Criminal Underworld Lore reactivated, and Basic Cosmic Awareness.


    These were the blood fists gang! Rivals of the Bylock Syndicate. They were ruthless cut throats who handled the drug, prostitution, and smuggling ring in the outer city. While the Bylock''s did the same but with more class, and better product. Before the men could say anything, Lash used his pheromone control to slow down their reaction time. Basically they became drunk! Lash sprinted forward throat punched one of the blood fists and crushed his wind pipe.


    Lash then jumped to the next gunmen, and kicked in his knee so it bent backwards. A blood curdling scream went out before Lash stepped behind him and snapped his neck. Lash took the gun, and shot the rest in the head. A bullet each! Advanced Weapon Master reactivated. From start to finish was less than ten seconds. The homeless had stayed on their knees, one of them had pissed themselves. Lash collected the guns, and their cred sticks. He told the homeless to leave. They left as quickly as they could.


    Lash dragged the bodies towards the front of the temple. Went back inside, he found some more rope. He tossed the rope through his broken windows and hung up the bodies. Using his hands he dipped them in the blood fists blood and scribbled on the wall in Kryptonian. ''Don''t fuck with a War Priest.'' Then went back inside, cleaned up. Then started to clean the temple up for the day. The whole day passed with out a single visitor. Lash must have walked through his front door over a dozen times to throw trash away. Blood from the gangsters just continued to drip across the street. Until the Bylock Syndicate showed up with Or-Jar.


    ¡°Busy day?¡± Or-Jar said as he stood in the foyer. He pointed back to the bodies.


    ¡°Oh no, that was just my morning. Why are there blood fists in the Bylock''s territory?¡± Lash asked, as he took a seat on one of the few intact pews.


    ¡°They tend to go after easy marks. They don''t do their homework. That their stuff?¡± Or-Jar looked a pile of side arms, wallets, and cellite sticks. (Cigarettes)


    ¡°Yes, please by all means take them. I have no use for them.¡± Lash offered, one of Or-Jar''s men came over and put them all in a bag. Or-Jar handed Lash a cred stick with a few hundred credits.


    ¡°Or-Jar, why haven''t I see any justicar patrols? The only patrol car was the one that investigated the dumpster fire.¡± Lash asked a question that had been bothering him. Or-Jar raised his brow at him.


    ¡°The justicars don''t patrol 68''s streets. They patrol the factories, but not the streets. Haven''t in decades.¡± Or-Jar said, clearing up the confusion. Lash found it hard to believe that Kemuna would shirk her duty. So that either meant her subordinates have been lying to her. Or she had no orders to patrol the streets.


    ¡°We can take the bodies off your hands if you like?¡± Or-Jar offered, and Lash accepted. He untied the rope and the bodies dropped. They were dragged away by Or-Jar''s men who bid Lash goodnight.


    Magical Perception reactivated and Lash chose to flip through his different perceptions. When he swapped out for the realm of the dead. He found the spirits of the blood fists sitting outside the temple. Lost and confused they wondered listlessly around the square in front of the temple itself. Lash turned to look at the temples main room and found a dark shadow creature was curled up in the over hang.


    ¡°Hello!¡± Lash called out to the creature. Sensing no malevolent energy from it. The creature opened his eyes, all sixteen of them and peered down at Lash. It stretched out like a cat, yawning loudly. Then it flapped its massive wings and flew down to meet him. The creatures darkness energy swallowed the whole front sitting area, the nave.


    ¡°Who are you little one, you smell different than the last priest who resided here.¡± The creature said to him with partial telepathy, and spoke perfect Kryptonian.


    ¡°I am Lash, with my partner Saurian. We travelers through space, and time.¡± Lash replied truthfully, understanding that lying to the creature would be ill advised.


    ¡°I am a spawn of the god Nightwing, and the goddess Flamebird. Greetings unto you traveler from afar. Do you bring fortune, or misfortune to our lands?¡± The creature of darkness spoke in an eloquent manner.


    ¡°Bit of both, you can not have one with out the other. A calamity approaches Krypton, though I do not have the strength to stop it. I have been tasked to save its peoples future.¡± Lash replied to the creature, the creature of darkness nodded in acceptance.


    ¡°Your words ring true. Our world is dying, this we know. Many of us have left for the stars. But we do not know where to go.¡± The creature replied, his voice becoming morose.


    ¡°Perhaps when I leave your world those that remain may come with me. The world I call home is full of fantastical creatures, beings of power, and gods with goddess of all kinds. You may not find a home there, or you may. All I present is an opportunity.¡± Lash said to the creature, it swung its head around and leaned forward. Its brow touched upon Lash, and for a brief moment they shared their thoughts.


    ¡°A wonderful, if not chaotic land you come from. I will go and tell my brothers and sisters of the offer. Some may accept, others may not. But I will be among them that will venture for the opportunity. You will know me by my name, Gozith!¡± Gozith said, his voice calling out like an eagle cry.


    ¡°Accept my blessing for your temple, and for your self Lash, and partner Saurian. Farewell until we meet at the twilight''s dawn.¡± Gozith said, and flew off through the broke window panes. His shape slipped past like a shadow.


    Congratulations User! You''ve gained the blessing of Gozith. A child of the God Nightwing: Hunter of Darkness. And the Goddess Flamebird: Daughter of Rao.


    Effect: Darkness Manipulation, The User can create, shape, and manipulate darkness, and shadows.


    Effect: The beings, spirits, and creatures of Krypton like you 10% more.


    Effect: The temple has been blessed with good luck.


    Cool... Darkness Manipulation from a Rift? This would pay for the whole trip! Lash practiced his Stealth skill and noticed the shadows would reach out for him, while he was inside a shadow it almost wrap itself around him like an affectionate pet. Night Eye reactivated, and seem to also improve. He could see in total darkness as if it was total daylight now. That was in his default human shape, awesome!


    The next morning at 4:30 am Lash awoke, fixed his bed. Did his exercises, and practiced his Nature Domain. Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement reactivated. He cast his two favorite spells on himself and felt invigorated! He made himself some breakfast, he ate a large mynox egg. Need to make an omelet? Break only one egg! He''d after to go shopping soon, unless he got the rest of his spell domains back soon.


    The foyer was free of homeless people! He stepped outside and notice a lack of foot traffic in front of the temple. Though he did notice a very large pool of blood where the bodies had been hanging. Maybe he put the fear of god into his flock? Maybe Gozith''s blessing warded them off, who knows! Lash went inside, then came back out with sign that said. ''Free blessings!'' Then went back in to start cleaning.


    After a few hours of cleaning he was at last finish sweeping, and clearing out the top floor of the temple. Only three more to go! As he was scrubbing down a wall with a chemical wash that was bringing tears to his eyes he heard a shout in the nave. He walked down to the second floor balcony that over looked the area. A woman was standing there with two children. The kids looked terrified to be in the temple. But the woman held fast looking at the shadows in the temple.


    ¡°Hello! May the light of Rao guide you on your path!¡± Lash called out, the kids jumped in fright. The woman glared up at him for scaring the kids. He smiled down at them.


    ¡°The sign out front said free blessings. What is that about?¡± The woman asked, Lash''s smile grew and came down to the first floor.


    ¡°Come kneel before the shrine and receive the blessing of Raoism.¡± Lash said as he climbed the stairs. The altar in question was filthy, Lash hadn''t cleaned it yet. The altar had a glyph that represented all 14 major gods, and goddesses. Along with the 211 demigods, and 1402 titans. Along with the primary glyph of Rao.


    ¡°Seriously? I was hoping for a meal.¡± The woman said with an unhappy expression on her face.


    ¡°You have my word that if you do not feel the divine spirit. I will give you credits to buy a meal.¡± Lash continued to grin at them. The woman begrudgingly accepted, she brought her kids over. Knelt before the shrine and bowed her head. The kids followed her example.


    Lash cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on all three of them. The greenish blue energy glowed from his tribal marks, and enveloped the three. Sooth removed toxins, built up chemicals, and cleaned the crap out of their bodies. Nature''s Supplement gave them all the vitamins, minerals, proteins, and resources to fill their bodies, and minds. They would be riding that high for days! The woman gasped, as she looked up. Seeing the last trails of energy drifting from Lash''s body, or rather the altar as he stood behind it. Tears welling up in her eyes.


    ¡°It''s real!? It''s all real!¡± She shouted in shock.


    ¡°The light of Rao watchers over all. Do not dismay, for we are all lost until we find our own way. Rao does not shame you for losing your way. But welcomes you with open arms!¡± Lash smiled, as Acting, and Other Worldly Lore got a chunk of experience.


    Just for good measure, Lash gave the woman a cred stick. With enough money to buy meals for the next few days as long as she was careful. But the blessing is what really mattered! That was all it took, she went to all her friends and family telling them of the blessing she had received from the priest in the temple. This brought more people to Lash, he gave them all a ''blessing'' of nature. By the end of the day over a hundred people had been blessed. Then something he hadn''t seen in a long, long time showed up.


    Congratulations User! Minor Sooth, and Minor Nature''s Supplement have evolved!


    Minor Sooth has evolved into Basic Sooth. (Chap. 12)


    Effect: Works more efficiently on mundane, magical, meta, alien types, and origins.


    Effect: Pulls out negative spell energy, then converts more of it into magical ambient energy, and grants caster 25% more in return.


    Minor Nature''s Supplement has evolved into Basic Nature''s Supplement.


    Effect: Works more efficiently on mundane, magical, meta, alien types, and origins.


    Effect: Increases the bodies natural ability to recover and heal.


    Effect: Restores 0.5% of the targets total health, and energy.


    Hot damn! It had been over a year since they last evolved! If he could just get Nature''s Kiss to activate he could evolve it as well. Since he normally casts all three together. But that was enough for now, just as the last individual was blessed and left with a spring in their step. Or-Ja showed up with his retinue. He had a bemused expression on his face.


    ¡°I''ve heard you''ve been blessing people all day. A few of our addicts said they were clean again. No side effects?¡± Or-Ja said as he looked around the temple.


    ¡°Ah! I am sorry I didn''t think about that. I gather they will not be return customers?¡± Lash asked, honestly surprised about that development.


    ¡°Some will, some wont. Not a big deal. The boss want''s to know if you got body cleaners in?¡± Or-Ja asked. Body cleaners were exactly what they sounded like. A chemical that was pumped through the system to flush them of all its toxins and chemicals. Only it took several hours to complete, and was expensive.


    ¡°Nope! I was granted permission by the temple to start giving out blessings. They are small, but when show the light of Rao. Something is always better than nothing. Would you are your people like a blessing?¡± Lash asked, a grin on his face. Or-Ja raised a brow at him, he gestured toward one of his people who rolled his eyes.


    Lash climbed the stairs to the altar, and the man took a knee. Lash gestured for him to bow his head in reverence. Eventually the man complied after Or-Ja clear his throat loudly. Then the green and blue energy flowed like water from the altar and swallowed the man. Or-Ja and his crew stepped back in shock. When it was over, the man in front of the altar jumped up with new life. The bags under his eyes were gone. The light of life shined in his eyes. He stared down at his hands, then felt his face in wonder.


    ¡°What...Who?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°Mordo, the god of strength has renewed you. Any and all who wish to receive the blessings of the gods. Come before the altar!¡± Lash said with a bright smile. No one moved...


    ¡°Whats the trick?¡± Or-Ja asked, his silver eyes narrowed as he walked up the altar. Lash stepped out the way and let the man examine the altar.


    ¡°No trick. I will admit that once I clean the altar the effect will be far greater. But even now the power of-¡± Lash began, but was cut off.


    ¡°Cut the shit! The religious hoodoo is nothing but a scheme to get idiots to pay their credits to the temple!¡± Or-Ja yelled at Lash, then Or-ja along with the rest of the crew went pale.


    Lash''s nature tribal mark glowed brightly. As pieces of Lash''s face peeled back to reveal scales. Claws grew from his hands, and an in-krypton growl vibrated from deep with in his chest. Their hind brains screamed at them to run. As Lash once more reactivated the Transformation power. He his eyes turned yellowish green, and became reptilian.


    ¡°Take care of how you speak while in their house. Or-Ja, I understand the priests before me were nothing more than charlatans. But I promise you, the gods and goddesses of Krypton are very real. I will not have you insult them, or their followers in my presence. Understood!¡± Lash bit off the last word with a snap of his jaws. A ghostly image of his shroud started to grow over him.


    ¡°What the fuck are you!?¡± Or-Ja screamed in panic, before leaping off the altars steps and joining his crew. They all pulled out their side arms, pointing them at Lash. But each one of them had unsteady hands.


    Lash stretched his clawed hands out, and the shadows stretched from the walls. It looked the shadow of a great beast was above them. The temperature dropped so far that they could see their breath. Lash pointed a clawed hand down to the floor, and narrowed his eyes at them. His voice was that of Lash, and Saurian together.


    ¡°Kneel! Bow your head in reverence and receive the blessing of the gods, and goddesses.... Now!¡± Lash said, using Command Presence. One by one they dropped to their knees. Or-Ja was the last. They eventually dropped their guns, and bowed their heads. Lash cast an area of effect, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss onto them.


    Congratulations User! Minor Nature''s Kiss has evolved into Basic Nature''s Kiss.


    Effect: The caster may heal a target for 50% of their total health once every 6 hours. Per target.


    Effect: If the target is at full health, the heal will repair old injuries of the body, mind, and soul.


    Effect: Works more efficiently with mundane, magical, alien, meta types, and origins.


    Several of the crew screamed out in pain as old injuries that never healed right corrected themselves. Scars, damaged tissue, even fingers that were gone started to regrow. They felt renewed, refreshed, and healed! Several of them dropped to all fours and started to cry. Or-Ja looked up in horror as Lash had returned to his default human shape. He smiled now, all of the horrifying energy removed after the blessing as if it never was.


    ¡°See, no trick! I am not a charlatan but a chosen priest of Raoism. This is what true faith can provide to its people. Rise now, and return to your lives. May the light of Rao guide you on your path.¡± Lash said to them, and one by one they said so in return.


    ________________________


    So it continued for the next few days. Eventually with the help of many people who came for a blessing. They helped Lash clean the temple out. Once all the blood, grime, and extra stuff that will remained unnamed was removed. The temple was declared to be reopened. One by one, more and more of Lash''s skills, powers, traits reactivated. But just as before his Spell Domains were last.


    He used his contacts back at temple prime and arranged for the equipment for the free clinic, and education center to be sent over. He informed the Bylock syndicate of the delivery day, as well as the justicars. It was said to arrive tomorrow morning. Lash had been in the fragment for a week now. One month, and three weeks left till the explosion of Krypton. A single mild tremor happened everyday now. As the sun set and Lash finished with his last blessing in the evening. His flock left him in peace, though he still didn''t have any doors on the temple. A member of the chapter had hand sewn some curtains. Lash was delighted!


    Instead of retiring for the evening Lash sat at the steps of his temple with a thermos like contraption. Except it was shaped like a gravy bowl? He had found something remarkably similar to coffee. Called a tylak plant? The roots were ground up into paste, then boiled. It looked putrid green but it did the same thing. The cargo transport was to land in the temple square. Lash was watching, waiting for an attack from the blood fists, or another rival gang. If this wasn''t a dynamic event, he didn''t know what else it would be. Maybe, just maybe nothing would happen.


    Lash heard the clear clatter, rattle, and clack of a dice being rolled. Lash stayed on the steps of this temple, drinking his tylak. But he kept his eyes on swivel. No streets were operational around his temple. Hadn''t been fixed in years. But on the outside edge of his vision were people moving in the shadows. Thanks to Night Eye, and Darkness Manipulation he could see them perfectly. Blood fists, and another group...Justicars? A single medical bed could go for over 100,000 credits on the black market.


    ¡°So tell me Justicars! Does Kemuna know your out here. Or are you off duty!¡± Lash shouted into the dark. Everyone froze, no one breathed, no one twitched. There was no way he saw them?


    ¡°Alright, shall we ask the blood fists? Looking to seize the cargo before it finishes unloading? Or is this retaliation because I took out your trash for you?¡± Lash yelled again, looking over towards the blood fists direction. Then a large man stood up straight and walked out from the shadows. The only light coming from the temple with in.


    ¡°Bit of both I think. The blood fists rush in to obtain the cargo. Making off with half its wealth. The priest of the temple is killed in the action. The patrolling justicars arrive, but to late to save the priests. They drive off the blood fists, and keep the rest of the cargo. We get our share, they get a medal, everyone wins.¡± The big man said with a sneer, as he took out a knife that was a long as his forearm.


    ¡°Except the people of the sector 68. So many people are waiting for that clinic, for the education simulator. Children hoping for a better future than their parents. You would take that from them?¡± Lash said, as he put his drink down and stood up to face his foe.


    ¡°Most of us wont live to see the end of the year. The only thing we can do is grab what every we can, have what ever pleasures we can find. Then die early. I''ve made peace with that years ago. I''ve heard of you, you''ve even helped a few our people. You do good work, so just to let you know. Its not personal, just business.¡± The man said, as the blood fists started to come out of the shadows. The rogue justicars stayed hidden.


    ¡°May the light of Rao guide you on your path to the afterlife!¡± Lash said, and he raised his hands and total darkness swallowed the square. Screams of panic echoed off the stone walls as Lash sprinted into the group, claws extended.


    Guns shots rang out, quickly followed by screams and the squelching sound of flesh being ripped, and blood gushing out. Bodies dropped in the total darkness, and fear gripped the rogue justicar sitting on the side lines. The justicars reached for their communicator moving to request aid from their fellow traitors but all they got was static. Then with hearts beating erratically the total darkness swallowed their position. One by one they fell, rip, rend, and tear until it was done! (Doom)


    The darkness receded and Lash stood in temple square surrounded by bodies. He looted them for weapons, gear, cred sticks. Then he cast Decomposition on the bodies. They turned to rot, and dirt soon enough. The ambient magical energy filling the air. Lash flipped out his communicator that he had received from Or-Jar, and informed the individual on the other end that he had been attacked. But he took care of it. He had loot to be collected if they cared to arrive before sunrise.


    A crew of Bylock showed up, Or-Jar was not with them. He never came back after the first blessing he received from Lash. It was always a lieutenant or lower who came to see him. But every single one of them was terrified of Lash, and was respectful towards him. They took the weapons, armor, clothing, everything but their ID tags. Those Lash kept for another purpose. They paid him in cred sticks and said they would be back in the morning to help. Lash blessed them all, and he gained a few more faithful followers, and few more terrified individuals.


    ¡°Hello, may I please speak to Head Justicar Kemuna Ke-Zod. This is Lash-Rao, War Priest of the temple in sector 68.¡± Lash said into his communicator. He called the barracks as the sky above was starting to lighten up. Which was impressive since a pedestrian walk way over shadowed the area.


    ¡°Lash-Rao, hello! It is good to hear from you. I heard your equipment was arriving today. Don''t worry my people see it sent safely to you.¡± Kemuna said happily, her voice was filled with genuine belief that her people would accomplish the task.


    ¡°Kemuna Ke-Zod. I was attacked last night by the blood fist gang, and rogue justicars that wanted the shipment. I have video footage of the attack, and the ID tags of the justicar.¡± Lash said over the comms. Silence was all he received on the other line.


    ¡°War Priest Lash-Rao please stand by a unit is on the way.¡± Another voice said over the communicator. Lash cut off the link, and stayed on the temple stairs.


    Lash was covered in blood, he had multiple knife slashes through his clothes. A few bullet holes, and a burn from an incendiary grenade one of the justicars had thrown. He had let his Regeneration slowly heal his wounds but eventually turned it off. He needed to look the part. With in a few minutes of the call a dozen or so justicar patrol vehicles were over head. Along with a troop transport, a dozen justicar repelled down in full battle gear. These were not the rookies, and scumbags Lash had dealt with. These were fully trained justicars.


    One by one the patrol cars landed and more troops piled out. The temple square looked the part. Blood was scattered, along with a few fleshy bits that Lash has specifically left behind. Grenade exposure on the sides, and the bullet casings from justicar rifles were unmistakable to veterans. Kemuna came out of the last patrol car and marched straight up to Lash. He didn''t get up, she just stared down at him. Her body was trembling, he could feel the rage boiling off of her. Mad at him? Mad at her men? Lash tossed the ID tags to her, fifteen had died last night.


    ¡°These were the soldiers assigned to help with delivery today. Where are the bodies?¡± Kemuna asked, as she looked back to Lash after she handed the tags off to her aid.


    ¡°Gone, to the bio feeder. Mushrooms need shit to grow after all.¡± Lash said in a brutal tone. Several of the soldiers flinched, and a few looked at him. They all had helmets on, but the glares were clear. ¡°Would you like to see the videos?¡± Lash asked, Kemuna nodded. He stood up and walked inside.


    Kemuna walked behind him, followed closely by her aid. The rest of the justicar secured the area and awaited the cargo shipment. Lash led them to his home in the temple. Kemuna paused at the door for a brief moment before she said a prayer under her breath. Then stepped inside, Lash led them to his study and played the video. A few days ago one of his followers was a security tech for one of the factories. Lash had paid them to set up camera''s in the temple, and around it.


    ¡°I''m sure you know this. But if you flip a electromagnetic lens through the video. In the arms of the justicar are identifies of their names, and ranks. That is why the justicars put such an emphasis on everyone wearing their gear, and no one else.¡± Lash said, as he flipped through a different visual spectrum. There they were, each justicar in the night raid with their ID''s plain as day.


    Kemuna knuckles were shaking in rage. Lash could hear her grinding her teeth. The justicars had done hand signals, and were seen talking to the blood fist. Lash turned up the audio. They idiotically spoke about their entire plan on record. Then Kemuna watched the big bag walk out, talk to Lash. Then the screen went dark. Not even a camera could pierce the darkness. But Kemuna, and her aid could hear the screams. The sounds of rifle firing, the explosion of an incendiary grenade. Then the darkness faded and all that remained were bodies. Lash stopped the video after that.


    ¡°Wait outside...¡± Kemuna said to her aid who saluted, and nodded towards Lash. She stepped outside the loft. The door closing and locking behind them. Kemuna took off her helmet, her eyes were down cast.


    Lash left his study, and Kemuna followed. He went to his kitchen and made a cup of tylak for both of them. It was something to do while Kemuna collected her thoughts. When the drinks were prepared Lash placed the cub in front of her. She sat in chair around the dinning room table. Staring at her cub of hot tylak. Lash kept his silence slowly sipping on his own drink.


    ¡°If you were inspecting my sector, Lash-Rao. What would you say about it?¡± Kemuna asked, finally looking up to meet his eyes.


    ¡°I only have the area around my temple as an example, is that enough?¡± Lash asked, his tone level. She nodded in acceptance. ¡°I would say its worth you being demoted down to the rank of private for how badly you have managed this sector. I have been here a week, I have not seen a single patrol through its streets. The people in the sector tell me that no patrols have been seen in the streets for decades. The justicar are hired thugs, that patrol the factories, and beat up any one who mouths off to their supervisors.¡± Lash said in brutal honesty, Kemuna clenched her jaw but looked at him to keep going.


    ¡°The first days I was here. The dumpster outside the temple was stacked full with trash that had been there for months. A rotted, decayed body was stashed there. Been there for weeks. I contacted the garbage collectors twice. Only to find out that no one comes down to the dumpsters. Drones don''t come because they are picked off by the scavengers in the slums. Workers don''t come, but they tell their supervisors the job is done. They get away with it because they know, no one will check their work.¡± Lash took a moment to drink, holding up a finger to tell her to wait.


    ¡°I set the dumpster on fire. No one showed up! No fire drones, no garbage drones, no patrol officers. It was sun down, while the fire still raged that a justicar unit showed up. But it wasn''t for the fire itself, but the billowing smoke that choked the upper level pedestrian walk ways. If the smoke hadn''t been an issue no one would have shown up.¡± Lash continued, licking his lips as Kemuna was now gripping the table and it was groaning under the pressure.


    ¡°The next day, the blood fists attacked me in the temple. They held several homeless at gun point. I killed them, and saved the homeless. I then tied the dead bodies up in front of my temple for the entire day! Writing a message in blood, ''Don''t fuck with a War Priest.'' Want to know what happened?¡± Lash asked, and Kemuna nodded her slightly.


    ¡°Nothing! I highly doubt any one reported it. But if any one did not one showed up. Except for the Bylock Syndicate. The Syndicate has been more helpful than the justicars. Oh by the way the patrol group that finally came to investigate the trash fire. They got screamed at by their superior, I had to threaten him with the religious guild. They in turn got their asses chewed out and demoted for doing their jobs. Here are their names, ranks, and ID code. Along with their supervisor. Demote that shit head, and get them back to where they belong please.¡± Lash said to her, she took the information and tucked it away.


    ¡°You are a ZOD!¡± Lash said, emphasizing the name. Kemuna flinched, but kept her eyes on him.


    ¡°Tell me, how does a Zod fail in such a spectacular fashion?¡± Lash asked, his voice taking on a hard edge. Kemuna looked like she had been chewing glass, and was forced to swallow it.


    ¡°But, as I said that is just in my part of the sector. For all I know the rest of it is picture perfect. But from what my faithful say? It''s not, it is the same hole all over. This doesn''t feel like you. I know! I know, I don''t really know anything about you. But I know house Zod. So where is your attention going?¡± Lash asked, his voice was softer now. He truly wanted to know.


    ¡°I am in charge of the barracks, and all its holdings. My brother, and father serve under me. They have never been the same since the attack. They are, lethargic. Broken, disconnected, and unconcerned with the world around them. They turn to narcotics, and seek out pleasures else where not befitting of house Zod. I have turned a blind eye to them. They are in charge of the area, and the factories. I train the troops in the barracks. Every week I ask for a progress report, and they look at me with lifeless eyes and declare everything is normal.¡± Kemuna said at long last, a tear falling down her cheek. She quickly cleaned her face, stood up from the table and walked away attempting to get her head on straight.


    ¡°Bring them to me...¡± Lash said, he used Commanding Presence. Kemuna''s entire body shivered then she turned around and nodded resolutely. She downed her now cooled tylak, grabbed her helmet. She stuck it on and left the loft.


    Lash''s equipment showed up. The free clinic was a simple room with medicine, tools, and a single medical bed. They also installed a steel alloy door, with reinforced frame, and DNA scanner. The only person with access was Lash. Then another room was cleared out and a education holographic teaching tool was placed. It was fully authorized to give out basic educated certificates. As long as any child, or adult passed with in the top 15% they could apply for a job outside of sector 68. Which Lash found out, that 68 was the worse sector in the whole capitol. Last but not least security doors were installed at the front! Yes the windows were still broken, but it was progress!


    When the red sun rose to its zenith. Kemuna returned with her father, and brother. Both in magnetic cuffs. Along the edge of temple square was veteran justicar that were keeping the public back. Wym-Zod the father was a grizzled old war veteran with a haunted look in his eyes. He was rail thin, with pasty black skin, and unfocused eyes. He was forced to his knees, and didn''t even put up a fight. Tak-Zod was the brother, he was a little more aware. He was yelling at the justicars handling him, threatening them with the wrath of his sister. Who he didn''t even realize was standing behind them. Tak-Zod looked a lot like his father. Pasty brown, thin, and injector sores on his neck from drugs. He to was forced to his knees.


    This was an awkward moment. Lash recognized these two. They were a part of his background that Dawn had implanted in his head. Lash took a deep breath, raised his arms into the air and silence dominated the temple square. Kemuna looked up at him, confusion clear on her face as she removed her helmet. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on them both. The greenish blue energy pulled all the crap, gunk, toxins, and narcotics out of their body. Then replaced it with plentiful nutrients, then healing energy. It was like night and day. Color returned to their face, awareness filled their eyes, and the light of reasoning filled them with horror in the situation they were in.


    A resounding roar of shock came from those that had never seen this before. Then a cheer roared through the crowd from the faithful. To them this was proof of their faith, their belief in Raoism. Kemuna looked at Lash with wide eyes. Then Lash turned to look at his old brothers in arms. They looked at him, and recognition dawned on Wym-Zod. He bowed his head and started to weep. Tak-Zod was a bit more vocal.


    ¡°Lash! Hay buddy! When...When did you get into Kryptonopolis?¡± Tak-Zod said as he audibly swallowed. He tried to stand but was forced to his knees by soldiers he had once trained. He started to shake in fright understanding the situation.


    ¡°I call upon the grace of the God, Nightwing. Please allow my request, to hunt the sins of those kneeling before me. May they relive their sins, relive all the pain, and hurt they have seen unto others. For if they live through this trial then may they live evermore in their attempt to be forgiven!¡± Lash called out, Acting obtaining a chunk of experience. Then he used Darkness Manipulation then his long lost friend, Sherogoth''s Punishment on them both.


    Both men screamed in wailing agony. They flopped and jerked across the ground like fish on dry land. Struggling, writhing, hoping to return to the water. They screamed, and screamed. Reliving horror, after horror of tortures they had exhibited on others. Tak-Zod screamed so loudly that blood mixed into his saliva. While Wym-Zod began to convulse on the ground. Through it all Kemuna stayed perfectly still watching her father, and brother go through this tribulation. No one said a thing, it was pure silence in temple square. Until Tak-Zod stopped screaming, stopped jerking, and stopped breahing all together. While Wym-Zod grew silent, breathing shallowly.


    ¡°It is done! Tak-Zod has proven to sinful to survive the tribulation! He has paid for it with his life! May his soul be welcomed into the loving embrace of Rao once more!¡± Lash said, dozens of people in the crowd said the words, ''May the light of Rao guide you on your path.''


    ¡°Wym-Zod has survived his tribulation. He has proven himself worthy to live, to spend the rest of his days repaying for his sins. May he be forgiven, though what he has done will not be forgotten. Not by us, nor by Rao. Only through hard work may he earn his way back into his light!¡± Lash called out, and the same prayer was given.


    Lash raised his arms once more and cast a wide area of effect spell. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on all those with in the square. His magical energy dropped from 92% to 12% in a flash! He stumbled and nearly dropped to his knees if Kemuna had not caught him in her arms. Everyone in the square felt the effect of the magic. Then and there the true rebirth of Raoism was found in a city that had forgotten its gods, and goddesses.


    What did this accomplish? Why did Lash do all of this? His job was to help Jor-El finish his ship and send Kal-El to Earth. But Lash knew that was not going to be easy. Yes the time fragment had been C+. But he also knew that he was on nightmare mode. He knew it would never be that easy. He needed resources, he needed influence, he needed an army. He only had forty nine days, and twelve hours to complete his objective. Or he would burn with Krypton...

 Chapter 96: Black Guard

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    ***HR, Sol System, Bright Side of the Moon***


    Hawkman, and Hawkwoman sat aboard the Watch Tower shuttle. A droid was the primary pilot and was teaching a JLI member the controls as the another JLI member scanned the surface of the moon. It looked like it always had, a barren rock with huge pits and craters across its vast surface. That was until they activated the full spectrum, and magical sensors on the view screen. A ghostly city was carved, and built into one of the canyons along the moon. It was a bee hive of activity as creatures moved about their predetermined lives.


    According to the Warden, and Supernatural Council. The creatures were revenants, and would live out the last year of their life in a rotation. The last day of their lives before reset? Halloween. They had approximately 4 months before Halloween. But this was just a recon mission. The shuttle flew over the moon and looked around. They wanted a bunker that was with in the main capital of the ghost city. But far enough away to establish a foot hold.


    ¡°Wraith''s shield can pass through rock. So we wont have to worry about them phasing through the stone.¡± Hawkman said, as he pulled up an additional view screen.


    ¡°Do we know if they can phase through the ground? Not all ghostly beings on Thanagar could do that.¡± Hawkwoman replied as she got a partial scan of the revenants.


    ¡°Can''t we just bomb the city, and mop up after?¡± The JLI that was training to be a pilot got a soft chop to his noggin for taking his eyes off the controls by the droid pilot.


    ¡°The council says the city is protected by an energy shield. Thankfully the pylons are on the outer edge of the city. We''ll have to make them demolition targets. If we can take them out, then we could bomb the city.¡± Hawkman agreed with the trainee pilot and smiled at him for being punished.


    ¡°It''s also not the only city, its the only city visible on the surface. But the ghosts have extensive subterranean cities. No, this will be a urban combat zone at its best. Unless we want to crack the whole moon.¡± Hawkwoman finished with a thoughtful expression.


    ¡°Let''s put it in our report. Wraith has always placed multiple solutions in his plans. Ethical or not, he would fit right in at Thanagar.¡± Hawkman said with a smile to his wife who agreed with him.


    The mapping of the moon would take a few days since the Watch Tower had only assigned one shuttle for the mission. The rest, along with their star fighters were patrolling the Sol System, and setting up communication and observation satellites. Mars was getting their first Watch Tower satellite today. Which would allow instant teleportation from site to the Watch Tower in the future. Hawkman, and Hawkwoman stepped back to the galley aboard the shuttle.


    ¡°Remind me to thank Wraith for the design of the shuttles.¡± Hawkman said as he removed his helmet and placed it on the table in the back. He rolled his shoulders and walked towards the miniature kitchen.


    ¡°Not like home! Remember the B-2 shuttles. That had enough room for two people to barely sit down in.¡± Hawkwoman said as she removed her helmet as well and took a seat at the galley table.


    The galley to the shuttle wasn''t very big. Just a ten by ten room. Further up were bunk beds two on each side of the wall. With a ''refresher'' room on either side. (Toilet, sink, Immaculate console) Hawkman came back with two cups of black ichor. Black sludge stuff that tasted sweet, and had the same effect as coffee. Sitting at the table that would rise out of the floor normally. The chairs they saw in auto fit to accommodate their wings even if they were retracted.


    ¡°Did you read that message from home?¡± Hawkman said as he looked at his wife.


    Shayera Hall was 6'' even. With brown eyes, and flecks of green in them. Brown, to red hair that was shoulder length now that her helmet was off. She had a killer body, and Carter Hall always loved watching her move around in her armor. Shayera caught her husband checking her out and she winked at him.


    ¡°I did... They are interested in meeting Wraith. They also want to set up a Thanagarian hub aboard the station. However, the idea was met with a bit of feedback from the different councilors back home. Wraith uses magic, a lot of it!¡± Shayera said, as she in turn looked at her husband who nodded and drank his ichor.


    Carter Hall was 6''2¡± with a strong body that filled out his armor nicely. Short brown hair that was slicked back, and amber eyes like a hawk. She bit her lip looking him up and down. Thanks to the Nth metal alloy they both wore they could fly in space with just their gear on. Carter always showed off a bit of skin. For no practical reason other than claiming it helped him move. To Shayera all it did was provide a distraction.


    ¡°I don''t think the hub will be set up. But I don''t see why Wraith would turn down Thanagarian ships for fuel, ship repair, and supplies.¡± Shayera said at last, once she finished eating Carter up with her eyes.


    ¡°Oh! Are we going to the Seelie Court Ball thing? We were invited.¡± Carter asked his wife, she leaned back in her chair that auto adjusted for her.


    ¡°I''m not sure, it could be fun. That woman...Li''Ana says there is a challenge hall at the castle. Plenty of space to test our mettle against the supernatural warriors.¡± Shayera said with a smile on her face as Carter''s face lit up.


    ¡°Oh! We are so going now!¡± Carter said with a grin.


    ¡°Hopefully Wraith finished up with that Rift in time.¡± Carter said, as the good mood in the galley evaporated. Shayera frowned at the mention of the Rift in Metropolis.


    ¡°How long has be been gone?¡± Shayera asked, but before Carter could respond.


    ¡°Approximately seven hours, and thirty five minutes.¡± Vici replied through the communication line. ¡°Sorry, I didn''t mean to eavesdrop.¡± She finished, her voice held an edge of nervous tension.


    ¡°Don''t be... He''ll be fine, Vici. He''s a stubborn old monster.¡± Carter said with a grin.


    ¡°How are the galactic sheriffs settling in?¡± Shayera asked, trying to change the subject.


    ¡°They''ve discovered that the bar in the pleasure palace has drinks suited to their alien physiology.¡± Vici replied, her voice filled with both a bit of pride for building it. Along with a bit of irritation.


    ¡°Aha! The party hall on the promenade has liquor capable of getting Superman drunk! Of course the sheriffs would be happy in the pleasure palace!¡± Carter said with a grin, and a few fond memories.


    ¡°Do you remember that time when Flash drank four bottles in three seconds and tried to run around the bar?¡± Shayera said with a grin, and Carter howled with laughter.


    ¡°He took three steps and planted his face straight into a wall! I heard his nose break! I was to busy laughing on the floor to help!¡± Carter said between breaths.


    ¡°Oho! I just remembered something! Remember the private resort in Rio?¡± Carter said to his lovely wife. She nodded her head remembering that very nice hotel bed, and the memories attached to it.


    ¡°Well apparently, if we ever want to go back. Wraith has to impregnate the hotel owners daughters.¡± Carter said with a grin. Shayera blinked, and a wry grin spread across her face.


    ¡°Wait, so Wraith is a breeding stallion now?¡± Shayera said, and started to snicker.


    ¡°Yes! Turns out the owner of the hotel is a dragon. Her daughters are required to breed by law of their race. They are an endangered species. Wraith, and what ever race he is. Can auto impregnate someone.¡± Carter said with a grin that grew into a face splitting smile when he saw his wife balk at him.


    ¡°A lot of the supernatural communities want his time as well. I had always wondered why, now I know. If Wraith isn''t careful he could end up with an entire legion to his name.¡± Shayera said with a laugh, and finished her ichor.


    =============================================================


    Lash shivered and felt a rush of cold run through his whole body. Someone was walking over his grave. He looked around trying to find the source. He was currently working on the medical bed that had been installed in the clinic. This was clearly a hand me down, had several parts that had been pulled out and cleaned by a second class technician. He was making a list of issues because he was told by the temple that he would be getting a brand new march-4 medical bed. This was a march-1, a poorly maintained march-1. The medicine, antibiotics, tools, all poorly represented and crafted. This was a yard sale medical clinic. Lash would not have it in his temple!


    The education room wasn''t much better. The view screen was cracked, and gave off shattered information. He was suppose to get a holographic teacher! With a full student, and teacher interface. It was also suppose to be granted the credit license agreement. So people could take a test, and it would link up to the Kryptonopolis community network. Their citizen code could be auto updated and they could apply for different living conditions. This module had none of those things! Lash was pissed, and the shadows across the walls took on a jagged appearance, and the temperature in the room dropped several degrees.


    The only highlight was the security doors for the front entrance of the temple. They were steel alloy, reinforced frame with eye, and hand print scanner. Along with a single blood drop. Key locked to Lash, and the Head Justicar Kemuna Ke-Zod. In case the justicar forces needed to get inside the temple she could do an auto unlock from the barracks or in person.


    Kemuna, and her father Wym-Zod were currently traveling back home with the body of Tak-Zod. Who had not survived the tribulation. They had both taken the situation rather well. Wym was reborn after Sherogoth''s Punishment finished with him. The justicar troop hand packed up and left with all due haste. While the faithful masses had celebrated the ritual with open arms. While more than a few were also terrified on the situation.


    Lash had proven to them that Raoism wasn''t dead. It was very much alive. Even if it was more or less a lie. Lash was not in a hurry to correct them. But he also understood there were difficulties ahead of them all. If Kemuna, and Wym do their job then the justicars should start patrolling the streets of the sector 68 again. Petty gangs will be pushed out, but the Bylock Syndicate where here to stay. Lash may have to call a sit down with the justicars, and syndicate. The temple was neutral ground after all.


    Lash went to his home in the temple and went to his office. He sent a long, long list of complaints to temple prime. He compared what he was promised to what he was sent. He then used his imprinted knowledge from Dawn to name, names. If the issue was not handled with care, and speed. He would use his resources to ensure those that made the mistake would be rank-less, and with out a house by weeks end. He sent this notification to the Labor Guild, and the Religious Guild.


    His contacts back in Temple Prime responded with in a few minutes. Sending a priority message to the Labor Guild to fix their mistake immediately! The Labor Guild responded with in the hour and said that the real shipment had been misplaced and it would be arriving tomorrow morning. Lash also on the sly received 10,000 credits from the manager to not press charges. Lash could even keep the broken, and misplaced items he had already received. Goody.


    Lash flipped out his communicator and contacted the syndicate, along with the justicars. He gave short, and to the point explanation of the circumstance. The justicars said they would have an escort there again in the morning. An actual escort. While the syndicate wanted to buy the crap items. This time Or-Jar would be showing up to retrieve them. March-1 with shitty parts was still worth 25,000 credits on the market.


    With the temple cleaned, but not stocked. There was not a lot for Lash to do at the time. So he grabbed his broom and dust pan and went outside. He started to clean temple square. The square was a broken piece of rubble especially after this mornings attack by the blood fist, and rogue justicars. Street lights didn''t work. The dumpster which Lash found out was suppose to compress and shape all trash into cubes for easy pick up did not work.


    Lash went back inside the temple then came out with a paint brush, and some basic white paint. He started to inscribe a ritual circle into a part of the square. The square it self was almost a city block of empty space. According to records way back when they use to hold festivals to the different gods, and goddesses on their days of birth. Lash wondered if they would have time before the world exploded. Sector 68 could use some good cheer. Half way through the inscription several people stood by to watch him. The circle was actually just for theatrics. He used the Raoism scriptures for the design, and used the glyph of Vohc the builder as the center piece.


    Once Lash was finished it was sunset in the sector, but still daylight above the walk ways. Light faded fast when you were at the bottom. The painted ritual circle glowed with magical light as Lash reached into his Technomancy Domain. The domain was active but no spell had been reactivated yet. Then he tried to cast Restoration from Nature, Repair from Technomancy at the same time. Repair reactivated, and then from the Synthesis Domain Renew reactivated.


    The ritual circle flared to life! The entire concrete slab that was the temple square rippled like a pond of water with a stone thrown into the center. Broken concrete snapped back into place, cracks mended, the street lamps along the walk ways turned on. The cracked crystal lights flickered to life, and light. The trash compacted whined, whirled, then started to automatically crush the trash inside. Every broken window in the outside temple area was restored. Though not all of them were clean yet. With one brief flash the ritual circle flared then faded from sight.


    ¡°By Rao!¡± Someone shouted.


    ¡°Vohc actually. Son of Rao, and god of builders.¡± Lash called back with a smile on his face. Several dozen people fell to their knees and started to pray. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on them all. His magical energy took a nose dive, while he got a lot of experience.


    Temple square was rebuilt. But still incredibly filthy! He didn''t have Immaculate yet. So he''d have to take a scrub brush and chemical cleaner to it before it was clean again. For the first time in decades however there was light along the walk ways, and streets. Oh, and the dumpster compacted trash into nice little cubs for storage and transport. Life''s little victories. Lash moved inside the temple and shut the doors but didn''t lock them. He had camera''s now on the outside, and inside the temple. Everything worth steeling was secured behind security doors. At least the doors to the clinic, and education center were strong.


    About an hour later inside his home he received a notification at the temple doors. Bylock Syndicate had shown up for the items in question. Lash came out to greet them and saw a pleasant surprise. Or-Jar was with them. The man in question looked a little worse for wear, and paled at the sight of Lash as he came to greet them. Lash gave his standard Rao greeting, and many of the gangsters replied. Several requested a blessing, and Lash gave them all one. Including Or-Jar who looked better but was still terrified of Lash.


    ¡°Or-Jar, may I speak to you for a moment?¡± Lash asked the man who swallowed audibly. The rest of his men and women glanced at him then went back inside the clinic to prepare the medical bed for shipping.


    ¡°I know why you are afraid of me. But you must understand that unless you mean ill harm to myself or my flock you have nothing to fear from me.¡± Lash said to Or-Jar as they stepped further into the main hall.


    ¡°I saw your battle records at Kandor rim.¡± Or-Jar said, trying to not look at Lash in the eye.


    Ah! Every justicar officer, and soldier wears a head camera in their helmets. Though it wasn''t actually Lash on the Kandor rim where they fought Brainiac''s forces. Dawn had done an excellent job at making Lash look like a stellar warrior. The memories Lash could look through showed he was a berserker on the field. The Military Guild wanted to award him the medal of courage. But Lash turned it down, ''In life, or death, Rao''s light guides me on my path. What is there to fear?'' was how Lash responded. So combined with his ''power of faith'' and his combat record Or-Jar was terrified of Lash.


    ¡°What I did, I did for Krypton. Or-Jar, even you should understand that. But I digress from the main reason I pulled you aside. With Wym-Zod being reborn he will more than likely start sending active patrols through 68. At temple prime we were taught that even crime has a purpose.¡± Lash said to Or-Jar who looked at him like Lash had grown a second head.


    ¡°Citizen economics 101. Crime is the product of the people, for the people.¡± Lash said with a smile. Did Or-Jar never wonder why he seemed so at home with treating with the syndicate? Apparently not. ¡°Crime can not be removed, but it can be controlled. Tell your boss if things get to heavy to contact me. I will arrange a sit down between the Justicars, and Bylock Syndicate. The temple as you said is neutral ground.¡± Lash offered his hand to Or-Jar who looked at it like it might grown claws at any moment.


    Or-Jar eventually shook Lash''s hand and nodded in agreement. The Bylock Syndicate took everything Lash offered and gave him a cut of 15,000 credits. Once again the clinic, and education room were empty. They even took the doors! No, not the temple doors. The doors to the rooms. Lash retreated to his home, then came back out. Just like last time he sat on the temple stairs with tylak in hand.


    ____________________


    A few dozen homeless came by and slept next to temple stairs near Lash. He gave them all ''blessings'' and they slept easily knowing in the protection of Rao, and his priest. That was until a rifle shot rang out and Lash whipped his head back as a bullet had gone straight through it! Blood, bone, and brain matter scattered behind him. He collapsed into a fleshy heap, and alarms sounded off. The homeless woke up and screamed at the grisly murder of the priest of Rao.


    From the shadows across the street came a man in full tactical gear. Unlike modern military gear on Earth. This man was all stream lined with out extra bulk, pockets, or exposure. Tight sleek gray, and black clothing under military grade metal alloy flex plates. His helmet was a metal skull mask that revealed nothing of who was under neath except for a soft ghostly image of a skull on the front. A smoking rifle was in the assailants hands.


    The homeless ran for it, but were gun down one by one in methodical action by the assassin. Over a dozen men, and women dead in the ground. Still warm to the touch as the last of their breath left the bodies. The assassin walked over to Lash and looked down at him. He made a quick hand gesture to himself. Killing a priest was dangerous business, the religious guild would not let this stand. The alarm was still blaring but no one was coming to check. That was life in 68.


    ¡°I''m sorry Priest, please forgive me.¡± The man said as he took a knee and started to rifle through Lash''s pockets.


    ¡°You''re forgiven...¡± Lash said with a growl, the man whipped his head up just in time to get kicked in the chest. WHAM! The man went sailing through the air, impacted into the ground and rolled back to his feet.


    The assassins eyes were wide under his helmet. As Lash had jumped to his feet and was sprinting towards him. Behind him the shadows peeled off the temple and raced towards them both like the goddesses of Cythonna''s hungry children. Thanks to years of experience on the job the assassin switched his rifle to automatic and started to spray towards Lash. Lash jumped to the sides in serpentine fashion. The assassin barked off a code phrase and from his back pack a drone activated and flew up above them to scope out the scene.


    Woo-tchk! A grapple line came out of the assassins back and pulled him further away as it wrapped around one of the newly repaired lamp posts. The darkness was still rushing towards them, and the assassin lost track of Lash in the darkness. The sensor drone lost all visual location on the target and was soon swallowed by the same darkness.


    The assassin moved with the swing of the grapple line and disconnected from the lamp post flying backwards. He turned thanks to his athleticism and rolled with the fall. Turning his back to the darkness, just as he did a man that was not a man jumped from the shadows towards his back. Just as the assassin hope, a riffle barrel popped up from the back pack and shot the creature point blank straight through the chest. Lash was flung back into the ever growing darkness.


    The assassin started to run but realized he was sinking into the concrete around him? It was like trying to move through a marsh! Then the concrete solidified around him, trapping his legs. He took out his tactical shotgun and blew into the concrete. He pulled his feet out of the ground after a few short seconds. Right has an arm wrapped around his throat, he was in a choke hold. An alarm went off on his helmet that a type of gas was being filtered into his mouth piece. It automatically adjusted to used his built in oxygen.


    Lash raked his hand claws through the man''s armor, and suit. The assassin screamed in agony as poison was pumped into his body from Lash''s claws. Then another rifle shot cracked across the temple square and Lash received another hole to his side. Blood, bone, and flesh exploded from his body. Lash let go of his prey and jumped back through the growing darkness. A woman came sprinting over wearing the same type of gear as the man.


    The man flipped to his back, and she grabbed his collar and started to pull him back. He covered them both with his rifle in hand as his suit automatically tried to administer medical treatment. A wisp of darkness slithered across the ground from the main body. Unnoticed by the pair as it moved ahead of the woman. When she stepped on it a spike made of darkness shot straight through her heel and into her calf. She screamed in agony and dropped her partner. The man turned around to see what was wrong and his helmet sent him a warning as Lash came sprinting back towards him on all fours.


    CRACK! Went a high powered rifle, the bullet went straight through the head of the female assassin. She dropped into the ground, and the man screamed in horror just in time for Lash to pounce on top of him and rip out his throat. The darkness behind Lash boiled with intensity as Lash stood up and looked to the far corner of the street. There standing on top of a building was a justicar with a command rank.


    _____________________


    ¡°Are you alright Lash-Rao!?¡± Kemuna called out to him, as she jumped down from her perch. Her long range rifle collapsed into itself, making it easy to holster and carry.


    Lash watched her land and make her way over to him. He had a decision to make. She had seen his...Alternate self. Even now skin was regrowing over scales. His injuries were healing at a visible rate. Should he kill her? Could he kill her and get away with it? No, she trusts us. Leave her alive, for now -Saurian said across the link.


    ¡°I''ll heal...¡± Lash said in response. Then he looked down at the man and heard the unmistakable sound of a beep...beep...beep. That grew in increasing speed. Lash''s eyes opened wide and he sprinted towards Kemuna. For a brief moment she took a defensive stance.


    ¡°Hot zone! Bug out!¡± Lash screamed, and Kemuna turned on her heel and ran the opposite direction.


    BOOM! Both bodies exploded in glorious fire! Their bodies, and armor making perfect shrapnel! If the assassins fail to kill, then hopefully their bodies would do the job. Unfortunately neither had killed Lash, or Kemuna for that matter. Not for a lack of trying! Kemuna screamed in agony as a piece of shrapnel was impeded into her leg. Lash ran over to her not looking much better. Pieces of metal in his face, and back.


    ¡°Call it in!¡± Lash said to Kemuna as he grabbed her collar and started to drag her back to the temple. Why move her when she has a leg injury? They didn''t know if there were only two assassins.


    Lash pulled her into the overflowing darkness. Kemuna was attempting to contact the barracks requesting back up. She was momentarily scared because she couldn''t see her hands, her body, not even her interface in her helmet. But she could still hear her aid over the communication line asking her questions. Her leg screamed at her, and she started to go into shock. She heard the sound of a security lock being opened. Then felt the temple steps beneath her as she was pulled up. She bit back her scream of pain.


    Lash came out of the darkness inside the temple. Pulling Kemuna by her collar. He went to his now empty clinic. With all the grace of a injured soldier he picked her up and set her down on the metal table he always had available. Kemuna screamed in agony through her helmet. Her aid was continuing to ask her questions just for the sake of asking.


    ¡°Reinforcements, ETA five minutes!¡± Her aid said over the communication line.


    ¡°Copy! Send medical, with a few bags of blood this is going to be messy!¡± Lash said to her in response. He gripped the impeded piece of shrapnel and Kemuna''s eyes went wide in panic.


    ¡°No! Don''t! GAAAAAAAAH!¡± She screamed in pure white hot agony so undiluted that she passed out.


    ¡°Primus! Primus, please respond!¡± Her aid shouted over the comms.


    ¡°She''s passed out! Her breathing is strong. Talk to me about the readings you got from the view screen who tried to kill me?¡± Lash asked, as cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. Kemuna''s bone, arteries, vessels, tendons, and muscles regrew. But the wound still looked bad.


    ¡°They are called the Black Guard. A shadow organization of the....¡± The aid said across the line, and slowed at the end.


    ¡°The military guild?¡± Lash asked, as he reached into his Grave Domain, and accessed his sub-domain Necromancy. He held his hand over the wound and slowly started to mend the flesh together. Necromancy could be use to heal, just as much as it was used to kill.


    ¡°Yes, that is right. Tak-Zod was... Supposedly a member.¡± The aid said.


    ¡°I''m sorry, I''ve been distracted. I never got your name. May know it?¡± Lash asked, as he felt his body attempting to push out the pieces of metal in his body.


    ¡°Kursta Soll-Vo.¡± Kursta said over the line.


    Lash pulled back the darkness that swallowed the temple square as the justicar transport vessels showed up. The soldiers repelled down and secured the area. Kursta sprinted towards the temple door, and Lash unlocked it just as they arrived. Kursta, along with several soldiers worked their way through the temple to the clinic which was marked by directions on the walls.


    ¡°By Rao''s light!¡± Kursta said as she looked from Kemuna, then to Lash. Kemuna looked better but clearly still needed treatment. She was at least no longer at deaths door. Lash however had several dozen pieces of metal sticking out of his face, and sides.


    ¡°Great! Can you take us both to the medical wing?¡± Lash asked, and blacked out.


    _________________


    Lash opened his eyes a few short hours later. His Clock said it would be another hour before his shipment would arrive. He looked around the familiar medical wing of the sector 68 justicar barracks. To his left was Kemuna laying down across the medical bed softly talking to Wym, and Kursta. Wym looked a lot better though it had only been a few hours since Lash last saw him.


    Wym-Zod was 6'' with black skin, golden amber eyes. He had freshly shaved head, and face. With a rectangular figure, with his body builder physique. Even though he had recently been strung out on narcotics thanks to Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement he had regained a lot of muscle mass. He wore a officer uniform. Black, on red, with his house colors proudly displayed.


    Kursta Soll-Vo was 5''8¡± with clear blue eyes, and short cropped blond hair slicked back. Pale skin, with a hour glass figure, and muscular build. She still wore her combat uniform, but her uniform had been tailored to her shape. So Lash could pick out a few details. She repeatedly clenched her jaw as she listened to Kemuna, and Wym speak.


    ¡°Anything I should know?¡± Lash asked softly, making all three jump in surprise.


    ¡°You were always were a tough mynox! Broken bones, lacerations, energy burns? Nothing keeping you down. I still remember when you taped your insides in so you could carry some one else to medical.¡± Wym said with a worn out smile that looked and felt new to him as well.


    ¡°They only sent two. Seems Rao was with you, Lash.¡± Kemuna said to him from her own bed. She was wearing a hospital Kryptonian scrubs. It was essentially just one long piece, like a red gown! Lash wore a black gown.


    ¡°Isn''t he always?¡± Lash said with a smile as he slowly sat up. The computer display next to him sent up an alarm. He should not be moving! It was such a big deal that a medical technician walked in wondering what was going on.


    ¡°Please Priest lay back down you should not be moving! I know you feel fine but that is the drugs talking!¡± The technician began then watched in horror as Lash pulled out a stray piece of shrapnel from his cheek.


    ¡°Eh?¡± Lash said, as he started to dig out a few more. ¡°At least you got the big ones out, that is something.¡± Lash said to the tech who grew weak kneed at the sight of Lash pulling out stray metal. Even with the pain killers that would be incredibly painful. Lash pulled out the drip and got to his feet.


    ¡°I need to get back, the cargo shipment is due in an hour. May I please ask for transport?¡± Lash turned towards the two commanders. Kemuna sagged against the medical bed.


    ¡°Kursta get a transport ready for Lash, please.¡± Kemuna said, she tried to sit up but Lash was by her side and tapped her nose. Kemuna wiggled her nose and glared at him.


    ¡°Nope! I have the power of Rao healing my wounds. As his priest I have a direct line to him. You, however need more time to rest. My brother Wym can I trust that you will ensure you daughter rests for at least half the day?¡± Lash said with a smile to Wym who blinked in surprise. A weight that seem to have pulled him down was released he grinned at Lash.


    ¡°Yes sir! She''ll stay down for at least half a day.¡± Wym said, Lash shook his hand and winked at Kemuna who looked petulant to be treated in a such a way. She may have even blushed just a bit when Lash winked at her.


    ¡°Ahem....Right this way!¡± Kursta said as she led Lash out side while the technician shut his bed down and started to collect the stray shrapnel.


    ________________________


    Lash had been given some gym wear that were common in the barracks gym. Big billowy pants, slip on snug flat foot wear, and a muscled tank top. He filled it out pretty well if Kursta''s blush was any notification. Then Lash winced, and swore under his breath as his old friend and nemesis reactivated, Charming Presence.


    This time Lash got to sit up front in the patrol car along with Kursta who had put her helmet back on. Operator reactivated and was soon fully capable of operating the transport. He even started to ask a few questions about this and that. Something to fill the void as it seemed Kursta was uncomfortable with the silence. She jumped on the subject, tension rolling off her body.


    ¡°Don''t be surprised if the justicar on the scene are afraid of you.¡± Kursta said suddenly between discussing the top speed of the transport.


    ¡°Oh? Afraid of little ole me?¡± Lash said with a grin. He meant it as a joke but it was clear that Kursta did not take it as such.


    ¡°We watched the security footage off of one of the camera''s you installed.¡± Kursta said, and Lash flinched. Shit! He forgot about that part.


    ¡°You''re a Ligadian aren''t you?¡± Kursta asked.


    Ligadian''s were genetically altered shock troopers used in suicide missions. They were spliced with animal DNA. Kryptonian''s had genetic engineering down to a T. Made sense for them to have a super soldier program. A living Ligadian that had survived their ten year enlistment was unheard of. Since the program had a 92% mortality rate. As a reward they were granted access to any Guild with full honors.


    ¡°Can we talk about something else?¡± Lash asked, as he looked out the window. His voice was cold and rebuked no argument. They never did talk about anything else the whole trip to his temple.


    The transport landed and Lash slammed the door behind him as he got with a little more force than he needed to. Kursta jumped out to follow in his wake. Acting kept obtaining experience as Lash continued to act like the tortured soul that his background provided for him. The justicars on station gave him a wide berth. Keeping their eyes on him, and fingers on their triggers. Lash made it to his temple door, but didn''t close it. That was enough for Kursta to keep following him. All the way to his homes front door. He didn''t close that one either, so Kursta followed.


    ¡°I''m sorry! I shouldn''t have asked.... I...¡± She said, and looked to the ground. She continued to stay silent and wait in his home as went to take a shower.


    Lash had a smile on his face in the shower. He scrubbed his body down, and removed a few more splinters of metal that the medical technicians hadn''t found. That was a bit odd, the medical abilities at the barracks was top notch. He had turned off his Regeneration when they took him in. He didn''t want their machines to freak out. Now, he had a working excuse. Ligadian? In all of his Krytpon search history with Kara, and Clark. Each Erik the gamer didn''t recognize the word. Looks like it was something that Dawn made on the fly.


    Lash came down from his bedroom wearing black boots, pants, t-shirt, ready to tackle the day. Kursta was still waiting by the door standing at ease like a good soldier. Lash rolled his eyes at her, and told her to relax he''ll make some breakfast. She tried to decline but Lash gave her a look. She swallowed her words and took a seat at his dinning room table. Removing her helmet she shook out her hair and turned the volume down on her communication line.


    ¡°My mother talks about you.¡± Kursta said, Lash paused for a moment searching through his memories then started to slice up some strange yellow orange with red paste inside.


    ¡°She was part of the battle of Kandor''s rim. I didn''t know it was you until I asked about you to her. She pulled up a battle record she kept. You saved her life, along with her unit. You had one of the highest kill score in all of the campaign.¡± Kursta said, her voice was nervous as she watched him in the kitchen.


    ¡°I''m sorry, I don''t remember. I did a lot of killing. I tried to save who I could.¡± Lash said honestly, his memories of that time were blurry. Not because it was part of his background, but because it really was a frantic time.


    ¡°I''m not surprised. My mother said you came in, killed the monstrosities. Set some broken bones, and fed a few people pain killers then took off towards the fighting. You did that a lot apparently. Many of the survivors today could share stories of you.¡± Kursta said with a small smile.


    Lash served her a fresh dish of pulon meat. With a side of tyuli fruit pulp, and a glass of hot tylak. The meat looked like pork, and the pulp was very tasty. It was a simple meal, you can''t really screw up pork and/or pulon. Just don''t burn it, or add anything weird and people will enjoy it. Lash cleaned up after the meal and started to make for the door. Then Kursta hugged him.


    ¡°Thank you...For saving Kemuna.¡± She said, and let go of him.


    ¡°We saved each other.¡± Lash said to her, confused about the heart felt action. Kursta''s blue eyes focused on his face. She licked her soft pink lips and a smile stretched across her face as a blush crawled up her neck, and cheeks. Charming Presence received a point of experience.


    ¡°But you are welcome.¡± Lash said to her. She nodded, accepting the answer. Her eyes danced up and down Lash. She bit her lip as her eyes focused on his lips for a moment. Then she seem to realize she was staring. She stepped back, and cleared her throat. She replaced her helmet and left ahead of him moving a little to quickly. Lash rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Dawn, are you sure I can''t get rid of that skill?¡± Lash asked with irritation.


    ¡°I''m sorry but no User. Nor can you deactivate it. Normally anyways...¡± Dawn said to him and trailed off a bit. Lash stopped mid step.


    ¡°Explain please...¡± Lash asked, as a horrible feeling settled in the pit of his stomach.


    ¡°Well normally Charming Presence could be deactivated just like you have with several of your abilities. But your Cosmic Patron doesn''t want it off, so on it will remain.¡± Dawn said in a teasing voice.


    Absolute fury boiled up from Lash''s stomach and he desperately wanted to punch something. Are you fucking kidding!? His entire body trembled with energy but he closed his eyes and slowed his breathing. Meditation reactivated and he centered himself. He slowly started moving and found that Kursta was waiting in the main foyer for him. When she saw him arrive she turned and went to the doors. Lash came outside just in time to see the cargo transport flying over head lowering the equipment. Lash looked around the temple doors and saw that the bodies of the homeless had been removed. But the blood remained.


    Lash took a deep breath as he overlooked the cargo. Off to the side was the crater from the explosion of the assassins bombs. He had just fixed temple square! The last of the cargo was dropped, and signed for. The transport took off in a hurry to get out of sector 68 as soon as possible. Transport being shot down was not unheard of. Dozen of Bylock Syndicate personnel showed up, though the justicars thought they were civilians coming to help. Bylock men, and women didn''t wear any form of identification on the outside. Hide in plain sight!


    A full security door, and frame was given and installed for both the clinic, and education center. The medical bed was the recently released march-6 edition. Top shelf medicine, antibiotics, tools, and field medical kits. Several top of the line patient in waiting beds as well. The education machine was a holographic, and virtual reality interface. Along with fully credited, and license to update test scores.


    They also packed two new things that Lash wasn''t aware of but was thankful for. A robotic service unit. Which included a full maintenance, and charging station. That was installed in an unused closet. Lash was going to play with that later! Next they installed a self defense trainer robot in one of the class rooms. Floor mats, weights, etc were given. Lash had his own gym, and place to train. Or for other people to come. This was great!


    Unfortunately, the temple was still bare bones! No furniture, no ceremonial curtains, and standards for each of the gods, and goddesses. Lash was suppose to contact a supplied in sector 68 for all that. It was suppose to be some none sense crap about sector pride. See that pew you are sitting on, factory 11-T made that! Isn''t nice? Look! The golden curtain of Rao came from ZT clothing factory. If you listen carefully you can almost hear the sound of children crying. Because that is who made it!


    The justicars left, as did the syndicate. Kursta was the last to go. Her hear rate would increase every time Lash looked her way. She was a grown woman of Krypton. Sex was far more open on this Krypton it seemed then it was for Kara, and Clark. Or maybe Kara had just been to young to experience her Krypton. She had been 16 after all. Everyone on Krypton who could afford it got a STD, and sterility injection once a year. Because any child worth having came from the genesis chamber. So, sex was something enjoyed between two consenting adults.


    Just before duty won the day and Kursta was about to leave. Lash couldn''t help himself but grin, and wink at her. She paused mid turn and looked at him through her helmet. He knew she was debating coming up with a reason to stay, or maybe come back after her shift. But the work load of the aid to the primus was busy. It may be late before she can come back. Should she ask? Should she just leave. Kursta shook her head to clear it and went back to her patrol car and left.


    Charming Presence gained a single point of experience. That was all it did anymore. He never obtained any vast amounts of experience. Just single points, as if Dawn was teasing him. It was morning! The civilians of sector 68 were just starting to come out and work. Their day''s started far sooner than others. The Labor Guild was the only guild with out a voice on the Krypton council. Something that the other guilds held over their heads often.


    Once more Lash got out a paintbrush and paint. Then designed a Raoism ritual circle. He repaired the crater in the wall, and fixed a lamp that had been destroyed. Just like last time this got a lot of peoples attention. He blessed several dozen people then went back inside to get his scrub brush, and chemical cleaner. The service robot would take 48 hours to charge. Thankfully, the cargo transport had brought a host of supplies, tools, and etc for the service bot to use. Something that Lash was currently using.


    Have you ever scrubbed a square city block by hand before? It''s not fun! The entire time Lash was trying to cast Immaculate but the spell continued to fizzle. Thankfully none of the pedestrians were walking across his hard work. All thirty or so feet of it. Some kids came by and asked if they could help for money. Lash had a better idea! He guided them into the education center and told them that if they could complete lesson one before lunch he would give them each ten credits. Enough to buy a meal.


    Lash and underestimated the children''s desire to learn. It was not even an hour later they came out wanting the credits. Lash checked their work and found it true. He paid them, and said if they completed the lessons he would pay them ten credits each for each lesson. They were over joyed and went back to learning. I wish they would have paid us in school, I would have worked a lot harder. Erik the gamer said across the link. Lash grinned at his fellow traveler and got back to work.


    The street lights turned on, and it grew dark outside. Lash cleaned up his tools and stretched his aching back. He realized he forgot to turn Regeneration back on. He did so, and felt the wash of energy roll through his body. Just as he finished putting his tools away, Immaculate reactivated. Lash stopped, and glared up at no place in particular. Of course after a hard day of cleaning did the spell come back. At least he could finish tomorrow in a single swoop.


    Lash ended up paying the kids 50 credits each. He cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Renew and Immaculate on them. Pale skin turned healthy pink, torn and unwashed clothing became clean and fresh. The kids stare in shock at the change and Lash blessed them all with a prayer of Rao. The kids repeated the phrase and ran off home with the promise to come back to learn again. Lash checked the machine, the kids had done perfectly. Top 20% educational margin.


    Lash double checked the locks on the education unit, clinic, service robot, and the gym. Good to go, then he closed the temple doors but kept them unlocked. He retreated to his home, that door locked automatically. He took a shower, and made a simple meal. Thanks to Natural Energy Absorption he didn''t need to eat as much anymore. So, he used this time to look through the Kryptonopolis now interface. Think of it like a city guide to what''s been happening, what is going on, where is the best spots to hang out at. Etc. He typed into the search engine, House El.


    The interface network had been a very recent addition. Turns out the link up hand been frayed, and was never repaired. A little something his Renew spell had fixed. House of El was a celebrated house of the Science Guild community. Lara Lor-Van, Jor-El''s wife and Clarks mother had not been seen recently in the day by day activities at the El laboratories. While Jor-El had been. Something the news showed...Or more like the tabloids. Yes! Scientifically advanced race and tabloids were still talking about who is sleeping with who. Along with scandals, and the weight loss secrets of so and so.


    Depending on the comic origin, Clark was either born through the genesis chamber like any Kryptonian. Or he was naturally born from his mother. Something no house of El had done in over a millennia. There was no mention of Kal-El anywhere on the recorded registry. Nor was there any record of a child being on record for Jor-El, and Lara Lor-Van. If they only weeks till the destruction of Krypton. That would mean that Lara was in their family home outside the city. Either still pregnant and due at any time. Or had just given birth. Either way Lara would not be returning to the city any time soon.


    Jor-El was an important figure in the scientific community. Despite Lash''s credentials he had no reason to speak to Jor-El. Or be in the same social circles he was in. Jor-El was well known for not attending any parties, or events. Always working on one project or another. How could Lash get to him, specifically in a private setting. On another note, what was Lash going to talk about? Break down then and there. ''Oh hay! We need to send your son to Earth so I can go home.'' Didn''t sound like a winner.


    Beep...Beep. A soft alarm went off. Lash looked towards the camera and saw that a justicar had used their pass on the door even though it wasn''t locked. It was primus Kemuna, well she did stay in bed for half a day at least. She walked straight towards his home and Lash pulled it open before she could ring the notification bell. She was in full uniform, including her helmet. Her hand outstretched to ring the bell. Lash looked at her waiting for her to speak.


    ¡°May I come in?¡± She asked, her tone of voice was nervous. Lash stepped aside and she walked in. Lash noticed a bit more exaggerated sway to her hips.


    Closing the door behind him and hearing the automatic locks. Lash wore comfortable baggy pants, a t-shirt, with flat bottom shoes. His tribal marks were plain as day as he still didn''t have the Illusion Domain, or Fae Glamour. Oddly enough no one ever mentioned his tribal marks. Made him wonder if they couldn''t see them? No where in his background did he have a memory of ever obtaining them. Maybe no one could see them.


    ¡°Your hungry.¡± Lash said, it was not a question but a statement. Kemuna pulled off her helmet and set it down near the door. Lash walked past her and into his kitchen. She turned her head to watch him start to fix her something.


    ¡°You don''t have to.¡± She said, but noticed that Lash didn''t stop preparing a meal. A smile tugged on her lips. ¡°I came by that evening to make sure no one bothered you. I thought having the primus show to ensure the successful delivery may help you forgive my families poor judgment.¡± Kemuna confessed.


    ¡°House Zod did nothing wrong. Kemuna Ke-Zod did nothing wrong. Tak paid for his sins, and Wym will spend the rest of his life doing Rao''s good work. What you can do is have the justicars patrol the streets. Be of service, more than punishment. Keep an open mind when it comes to the people. They''ve gone decades with out justicar oversight.¡± Lash said to her, as he brought over a glass of fresh java juice.


    Kemuna sat down at the table and took the glass up. Java was a sweet tasting juice that helped calm peoples nerves. Lash slapped on a mynox steak onto the grill. He heard Kemuna''s stomach growl as the smell hit her. Lash glanced at her and she looked away embarrassed. Lash went back to cooking and with Sensory Awareness he could see that she watched him in the kitchen with interest. He pulled out some green vegetables and placed them into a butter sauce. He carefully cut off the roots to something like looked like a potato only it was bright purple.


    ¡°Aside from servants, has no one ever made a meal for you?¡± Lash asked, Kemuna watched his cooking with curiosity. When asked the question she shook her head.


    ¡°No, in fact I''ve never really had a meal. Just food, to full fill a dietary need. House Zod has strict regulations on food intake.¡± Kemuna replied, she was licking her lips now as she continued to smell the cooking.


    Made sense! If you were expected to be a warrior since the day of your birth. Then of course their dietary needs would be designed to full fill that function. Counted calories, specific carbs, chemical boosters, etc, etc. Made Lash wonder if the woman had ever had ice cream before? Did Krypton have ice cream? Other Worldly Lore sent him a memory prompt. Yes! They had something similar. Fabrication from his Transmutation Domain reactivated. Lash went to his freeze and ''pulled'' out a bucket of yulonz cream.


    Thirty minutes later Lash set down two plates of mynox steak, vetz greens, sliced qulong bits bathed in a crellian sauce. Then he placed two yulonz cream glasses with diced nitiz bits into them. (Steak, green string beans, rosemary potato''s, with a garlic butter sauce. Ice cream sundae with diced strawberries) Kemuna''s eyes were filled with wonder, and trepidation. She didn''t know where to start. But Lash started with the yulonz cream.


    ¡°Start here, otherwise it will melt.¡± Lash said with a smirk. Kemuna nodded and scooped a bit with her spoon. Her cheeks blushed brightly, as her eyes fluttered closed. A satisfactory moan sounded from her mouth that Lash expected she didn''t realize she made.


    ¡°That is so, so, so good!¡± Kemuna said, she began to eat more of it.


    ¡°Slow down... Otherwise your brain will frost over. It''s an interesting experience.¡± Lash said with a grin. She took his advice, but only barely. The cup of yulonz was gone before she knew it. She bit her lip and looked at him. He got up to make her another one.


    ¡°Where did you learn to cook like this?¡± She asked, as she dug into her steak.


    ¡°Temple Prime, I didn''t have the same classes as other people. Had to fill the hours. Plus, Rao and his children are in every aspect of Krypton life. Even preparing food can be in a way an act of Raoism. From the sounds you are making, one would think I''ve blessed your taste buds?¡± Lash said with a smirk, as Kemuna blushed but continued to eat.


    Lash finished the new cup of yulonz cream, and Kemuna ate it quickly enough. The meal was over quickly and Lash cleaned up. He gestured towards the living room area. Kemuna walked over and took a seat on his couch. He walked over holding two glasses of twiquini. It was a type of alcohol. Not terribly strong, but very sweet. Something to have after a meal. Lash sat down on the couch with her, and handed her the glass. Then he did something surprising and pulled her legs into his lap.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kemuna asked, her entire body tensed as Lash pulled her boots off. Then he pressed his thumb into knotted muscles of her feet and another moan of delight escaped her lips. This time she was fully aware of the sound she made, and swallowed her blush with her drink.


    ¡°You can not tell me this is the first time someone has given you a massage? Physical therapy is an important part of being a soldier. You have to take care of your body, just as much as you build it.¡± Lash said, as he continued to work on her.


    ¡°I...I... Rao that feels amazing! I take a chemical bath like any other justicar. It revitalizes our bodies. Though I will admit your blessings are far more efficient. According to my medical scans from earlier my toxicity levels were amazingly low. As was my fathers.¡± She said, and bit back another moan when Lash found a knot.


    Lash took a drink from his own glass every few minutes. Kemuna finished hers, but didn''t complain as Lash worked on both her feet. Then moved up to her calf on each leg. Lash was working his Nature Domain passives through her muscles. Extracting toxins, massaging energy in, along with a pheromone secretion for her to relax. Lash watched as the tension melted out of her. She unzipped her armor, and leather coat. She had a tight black t-shirt underneath.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Kemuna said as she gripped his hands from going any further. Lash had moved to her thighs and he could smell her arousal. Her chest rose and fell quickly, and her eyes were half closed.


    ¡°I...¡± She tried to say but couldn''t find the words.


    ¡°Are you bonded? Or do you have an intended?¡± Lash asked, her eyes opened and focused on him.


    ¡°....No... Can...Priests....You know?¡± She asked, suddenly a bit shy.


    ¡°Ah! The biggest superstition of all! Yes, priests and priestess can seek the pleasures of the flesh. They just can''t be bonded. We live, and die in service to the gods, and goddesses. But...¡± Lash said, as he reached down and gently grabbed Kemuna''s hips. He pulled her forward till she was straddling him.


    ¡°We can have sex, just like any two consenting adults.¡± Lash said to her with a grin. Kemuna could feel through his pants that he was very happy to have her on his lap.


    ¡°Two consenting adults! No relationships. Just good fun!¡± Kemuna said, that was all she needed. She leaned down and claimed his lips for her own.


    They kissed one another for several minutes. Lash felt Sex reactivate and his mouth, tongue, and hands started to move in complex patterns. Kemuna moaned into his mouth. She pulled back for a brief moment and pulled off her t-shirt. Her breasts bounced delightfully and begged for attention. Lash obliged them. But not before he scooted off the couch. He picked up Kemuna who wrapped her legs around him. With expert ease Lash went upstairs with his passenger. They found the bed and the rest of their clothing soon ended up on the floor. Then Lash activated his Apostle of Qetesh, and Kemuna began to moan louder than before.


    ______________________________________


    Attention User! You have used Apostle of Qetesh ability.


    For the next 48 hours all of your stats will be increased by 30%


    Kemuna was asleep in his arms, her head used his pecks as pillow. They were both naked in the bed together. The blankets, and bed sheets tossed to the side during the second, or fourth hour of sex. Lash continued to play his hands up and down her body almost by reflex. A grinned and flexed his lower body just a bit and brought a whimper from Kemuna even in her sleep. He was till erect, and still inside of her.


    Lash used the spare moment to practice with Meditation, and delved into his Domains. Time, Space, Conjuration, Illusion, Chaos, Divination, Rebirth, Trickery, and Dream were still inactive. With only a bit of prodding Dream Domain hum to life. Lash looked at Kemuna and ran a bit of passive energy through her. He wanted her dreams to be pleasant. He nudged the other domains they remained silent. He looked at their progress bar. Several of them were stuck at 99% and wouldn''t move.


    ¡°Did they teach you that at temple prime...¡±Kemuna said softly, Lash smiled at her as he continued to play his fingers up and down her spine. Kemuna wiggled a bit and was attempting to move to get off of him.


    Lash gently rolled them over so she was on her back, him on top of her. He started to kiss her neck, and gently pushed deeper inside of her. She moaned softly, and brought up her knees on either side of him. They kissed for a few minutes, just when Kemuna would relax and start to lower her legs he would thrust again. Her nails clawed down his back, and she hissed softly against his ear before she bit into it.


    ¡°I need to leave soon...¡± Kemuna said with regret. Next to the bed was a clock on the night stand. It would be dawn in a few hours and she needed to get the barracks.


    ¡°We should take a shower then...¡± Lash said with a grin. Kemuna blinked long and slow at him, then a grin spread across her face.


    About an hour later. Kemuna was sitting at the dinning room table wearing one his large t-shirts and nothing else. Her wet braided hair was down her back as she sliced into her meal that Lash had made for her. Lash wore nothing but a pair of pants. Enjoying the fact that his naked chest was distracting her. After breakfast they had sex again in the refresher room after they brushed their teeth. Then again on the kitchen table, and again at his front door. That time she was fully clothed, they had just yanked her pants down.


    ¡°Where do you get your stamina!?¡± Kemuna said between breaths. Lash chuckled, and continued to thrust into her. Superhuman Stamina had reactivated while they had been in bed together.


    Eventually they made outside and Lash saw her to the front door. It was still dark outside while she called for her pick up. Her private patrol vehicle had been docked at a landing port at the justicar terminal up the street. It auto piloted off the dock and flew towards her. Outside of his home they went back to professionals of their two guilds. The transport landed and Kemuna was off back to the barracks. Lash stood alone at the temple stairs looking around in the darkness.


    That had been different. Normally Lash would have danced around the situation. Unsure of his own feelings. Why had that been different? He didn''t hesitate. He just gave in and had some fun. He had done that with Zetulan as well. Yes, she invited it. But he didn''t try and come up with an excuse. Did his Apostle status change him some how? He''d have to look into it when he got back home.


    Lash worked on temple square, thanks to Immaculate the whole square was cleaned up in under an hour. Then he worked on the outer temple itself. Horrified when he discovered the true color of the wall, as opposed to what it grown into. The wall was nearly black, it was suppose to be white! White! He thought it was just the temple that was white. Oh no! The whole wall was suppose to be white! Thankfully Alteration reactivated from his Technomancy Domain. Painted the area back into a clean black.


    Then he worked on the windows to the temple. Then he gave the inside of the temple a deep, deep clean! With more magical spells at his disposal. He started to craft chairs, pews, etc for the temple. Material Shaping had always been active since it was his first skill/power he ever had. While Artist, Crafting, and Enchanting turned on. The main foyer and first room you see when entering the temple was fully furnished now.


    Red crystal veins spread through out the black stone floor. Two golden banners stood on either side of the entrance when the names of all the gods, goddesses, demigods, and titans. Stylized wooden benches, and chairs with plush comfort cushions. Golden crystal calligraphy inscribed on the walls of stone. The windows above were clean, and altered to depict a different story. A story of the Flamebird rising up, and meeting her lover Nightwing. With the glowing radiance of Rao watching in the center piece window.


    Just as he finished the main foyer the children from before showed up. Same deal as before, for each lesson they got 10 credits. A few additional children showed up with them. They received the same deal. Lash then moved onto the refresher rooms just off from the main foyer. With Renew, Alteration, Immaculate, and Fabricate he easily fixed the rooms. Then he moved onto the class rooms, and additional space. He found the room for confessions! Or what constituted for confessions in Raoism.


    Lash would wear the ceremonial garb of a priest and come sit in the center of the room on a chair. The ''sinner'' would come in and sit, or kneel in front of the priest and/or priestess. Behind the priest a glowing red light would shine. A symbolic gesture of Rao over looking the ritual. Then the sinner would divulge their secrets, their actions, before the priest and/or priestess. While being watched by Raw. Any secrets shared with in the room would be between the newly cleansed faithful, the priest and/or priestess and the prime God Rao.


    Lash repaired, and fixed the entire first floor. Was in the process of moving to the second when he had visitors. He came down and met them in the main temple room. Fully restored at least on the bottom floor. The visitors had to pick up their jaws from the floor at the designs. Lash kept to the style of the temple prime. Though he certainty drew them better! The group were wearing Labor Guild official uniforms. Three men, and four women. The women in the front was the speaker as she came forward to meet him.


    ¡°Priest Lash-Rao?¡± She said with a small smile.


    ¡°I am, may the light of Rao guide you on your path sister.....¡± Lash asked, the question hanging in the air.


    ¡°Kela Bez-Ol, very pleased to meet you Priest Lash-Rao. Sorry it took us so long to come meet you. Things have been hectic of late.¡± She said, Lash could feel her nervous tension. This was a test to see how he would react. Technically as a priest Lash didn''t have to give them any attention what so ever.


    ¡°You were wondering if I would live long enough or not?¡± Lash said with a smile. The group paled, and shuffled their feet. Kela didn''t deny the accusation.


    ¡°Come, why don''t you all receive a blessing of Rao before we continue?¡± Lash said, and turned on his heel towards the altar. Despite his sweaty, and dirty appearance he jumped right up the stairs and stood behind the pristine stone altar.


    One by one the officials came forward, came to their knees and bowed. Greenish blue energy flowed from Lash around the altar towards them. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Immaculate, and Renew. Healthy bodies, minds, and souls. Along with new, and freshly cleaned clothing. One by one each of them opened their eyes in wonder. They felt different, they looked different.


    ¡°I understand your trepidation. You had heard rumors, stories about me. The Religious Guild has a reputation. A reputation they have done nothing to change, because they don''t want to. I promise you, I am just as enigmatic, mysterious, and ruthless...When I need to be.¡± Lash said, tacking on that last part for their comfort.


    ¡°But, I think you will find that I am far more tolerant then the rest of my kin. I have been assigned to this sector to help bring a sense of peace, well being, and restoration of faith that this sector has been missing for decades.¡± Lash assured them as they all nodded in understanding.


    Kela Bez-Ol, newly restored was 5''6¡±, with green eyes, and long black hair that was in a braid down her back. She had tanned skin, and a wiry frame. The type of person that had never had a full meal, but always had to do work 12 hour shifts since she was 10? Even with magic restoring her body, it would be months of exposure before she ever changed if ever. Kela among all the officials bit back the most when Nature''s Kiss fixed several broken bones.


    ¡°Thank you... May we discuss the reason we are here?¡± She said with a bit of hesitance.


    ¡°The clinic is open all day, and emergencies at night. The education center is open during the day, and is currently in use. Several children are attending classes as we speak. The center is of course open to adults as well. The clinic is free, you can quote me on that if you must. But understand I only have one medical bed, and five waiting beds. The temple kitchen is still in disrepair.¡± Lash said going through a list in his head he had prepared for such people. The kitchen was in the basement along with a slew of other problems Lash would tackle later.


    ¡°I also have a working gym with free weights, floor mats, and a single self defense robot. Synthetic muscle mass types. Some of you probably have built one before?¡± Lash asked, a man in the back nodded. ¡°Its a mach-6 version. Just like the medical bed, and the education center.¡± Lash continued, and their eyes went wide.


    ¡°The gym is open during the day, not at night. Women, and children get priority over men with the self defense bot. If I have to explain why then you are more dense then I thought.¡± Lash said with a small smile. They all nodded in understanding, a few of the women even smiled at him.


    ¡°I do not have a schedule for sermons at this time. As you can see I am still in the process of reconstruction. The downstairs does have a bunk room for visitors, and people in a need especially during the colder months. But it can only safely hold about a hundred people. Keep that in mind.¡± Lash said, ticking through his list. ¡°I know the atmospheric towers in the city are meant to run at optimal conditions. But that rarely comes down here. I know that, you know that. If the temperature is really bad I can be convinced to open the whole church in emergencies.¡± Lash finished his list.


    ¡°That.... Covers just about everything we were going to talk about. Thank you for having all of that ready. Do you need anything from us?¡± Kela asked, a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.


    ¡°Two days from now on the one day of rest that the Labor Guild allows. Even though a majority of you will still be working. I am planning on holding a bit of feast? Cook out? What have you, if you can talk to some volunteers to show up that morning. They will be fed, and paid for their time.¡± Lash asked, and the officials eyes lit up.


    ¡°We will most certainly do that! If you like we can make a sign out front about the schedules and rules of the temple, and its facilities.¡± Kela offered, but Lash declined. He would make the sign.


    After a few more minutes the Labor Guild officials left completely satisfied. With the cook out planned Lash went down stairs to the horror that it was. He had come across it when he first explored the temple. There was a sewer access point under the temple. Gotham city back home had a huge underground network. Thanks to the supernatural communities, as well as failed underground subway plans, etc, etc. Gotham had nothing on Kryptonopolis. The sewer, and underground network spanned the whole city and then some. You could sneak in and out of the city with out any security checks. As long as you didn''t get lost.


    Lash repaired the grate, and made it into a gate. Then for giggles he made a sliding secret door to hide the gate. The gate was in a back area room away from the kitchens, and bunk room. Another reason he was dreading coming down here was the stench, and mess from what ever had crawled out of the sewers. Now he quickly cleaned, removed, and repaired. While he worked on the kitchen Compression Transformation reactivated, and he worked on the kitchen appliances. He fully stocked the fridge, and cupboards. Each one vacuumed sealed, you know for safety! Then on to the bunks!


    ¡°Hello!¡± A child like voice called down to the basement.


    ¡°Just a moment!¡± Lash called, and made his way towards the voice. There were over four different stair cases to the basement. That was also when Lash realized he needed to fix the lights down here. Thanks to his Night Eye, and Darkness Manipulation he saw perfectly. That didn''t mean anyone else did.


    ¡°Eeeeee!¡± The little girl screamed as Lash just seem to materialize from the darkness. Calm Emotions reactivated and Lash cast it on her.


    ¡°Calm, calm, its only me. Did you finish?¡± Lash asked, and the girl nodded. It had been several hours. He paid the children for their hard work, and checked their lesson scores over. Some were good, others were not. The holographic teacher said they were not applying themselves.


    ¡°Remember you only get paid if you complete the lessons. Failing the test at the end does not mean you completed the lesson.¡± Lash said, trying to help them understand. The kids who barely passed nodded their heads.


    Lash saw them to the front door. There waiting just outside the door was Kursta in full uniform. Lash grinned at her and invited her in. Lash double checked all the doors to the rooms. Then turned the lights to dim, and some of them to off. He moved towards his home with her following along. They stepped inside his home and she pulled off her helmet. Lash noticed she was wearing earrings today. Gold pieces that were pierced into her earlobes, and like a tree branch design stretched up her ear ridge. It went well with her slicked back blond hair, and blue eyes.


    ¡°Please excuse me I need to take a shower.¡± Lash said, and she nodded at him. He was quick and came out to find that she had peeled off her armor, and jacket.


    Kursta was 5''8¡± a few inches shorter than Kemuna. She made up for it with body mass. She clearly hit the gym more than Kemuna and Lash had an up close inspection the primus''s body. She wore a black tank top that was tucked into her pants. She had a decorative tattoo along her neck that snaked down her spine under her shirt.


    ¡°I''m hungry, and I don''t like eating alone so I''ll make you something as well.¡± Lash said, and Kursta nodded. She took a seat at the dinning room table and watched him cook.


    ¡°Can I have one of those yulonz cream inventions that Kemuna talked about?¡± Kursta asked, as she bit her lip.


    ¡°You may, did she talk about my cooking?¡± Lash asked her as he pulled out a few ingredients to make a type of ravioli.


    ¡°She did....Among other...things.¡± Kursta said, the last part was barely a whisper. Kursta had a blush crawl up her neck, along her face, and into her ears. Ohhhhh! Kemuna had told Kursta what they had done.


    ¡°Oh you mean the foot massage?¡± Lash said, acting dumb. Kursta blinked then jumped on the slight subject change.


    ¡°Y-Ahem! Yes!¡± Kursta said, though her voice cracked slightly she did reply.


    Lash and Kursta found an awkward subject to talk about. Lash was relaxed, but a sexual tension was pilling onto Kursta noticeably as she rubbed her hands over her thighs again, and again. Lash served a cheese ravioli with white sauce. At least he assumed it was cheese? The translation from Krypton to English was odd. Along with a yulonz cream glass that Kursta jumped into.


    After dinner Lash cleaned up, and Kursta went to sit on the couch. Having taken her boots off ahead of time. Lash came over with two glasses of twiquini. Then with out much fuss began to massage her feet. Kursta made no attempt to hide her moaning. They also didn''t finish their glasses, as Lash and Kursta moved to the bedroom after only a few minutes of massaging. Though they soon found other places in need of a release.


    ________________


    Attention User! You have used the Apostle of Qetesh ability.


    For the next 48 hours all of your stats will be increased by 30%.


    Kemuna had been very flexible, while Kursta had not. But she made up for it in endurance. Thanks to Apostle of Qetesh, Lash could connect with his partners through body, mind, and soul. It was a magical, and divine connection. It was also incredibly fun, and intensely pleasurable. Kursta was asleep next to him. She was face down, her head tilted into the pillow. Her breathing steady, and a small smile on her face. The curve of her naked back revealed a tattoo of the Flamebird. Lash had seen the tip of one of her wings before.


    Just like before he used Meditation and delved into his Domains. After about an hour the Illusion Domain hummed to life. He turned on his side and ran his finger nails down Kursta''s back. She shivered, and snuggled into her pillow. Lash sat up in the bed, leaning up against the back board. He looked at the tattoo of the Flamebird and decided to craft a golden necklace with a silver chain. Money Storage reactivated and he pulled just a tiny bit of Nth metal out. He ended up making two pieces, one for Kursta, and one for Kemuna. Kemuna would have to come see him again to get hers.


    ¡°How do you do that?¡± Kursta asked softly from next to him. He looked down and saw her eyes were open, watching him use Material Shaping to craft the necklace.


    ¡°Practice.¡± Lash said with a smile, as he presented the finished product.


    It was a golden, to red Flamebird center piece that could fit in her palm. The chain was braided metal like most of his necklaces he crafted. It had heat generation inscribed onto it. So Kursta would always be comfortable temperature wise. Be it cold, or hot. It also would help her keep her mind focused. Kursta pushed against the bed which arched back, and exposed her chest. Lash danced across her figure.


    ¡°For me?¡± Kursta asked, surprised but with a smile on her face. ¡°Does Kemuna have one? We try to share.¡± She asked, as she crawled across the bed the short distance to Lash.


    ¡°I have one for her.¡± Lash showed the piece, he had chosen a similar design but chose Mordo the god of strength instead. Represented by a hammer in front of a shield. ¡°I was going to give it to her when she came for another visit.¡± Lash said, as he placed the piece onto his night stand.


    ¡°Ohhh? So sure she will want to come back?¡± Kursta said with a smirk. She gently tugged on her necklace and felt the design with her fingers. She pulled the clasp apart and put it on then and there. When the necklace was linked and placed she gasped at the energy wash over her.


    ¡°What is that?¡± She asked, her eyes filled with wonder.


    ¡°I blessed the metal.¡± Lash said with a smile. She smiled back and kissed him. Then she pulled back the bed sheets and showed Lash the other uses her mouth could be used for...


    After they took a shower, while in the shower she said Kemuna did plan on visiting again. Lash should keep the necklace till then. She would tell Kemuna about a gift he had made for her. After breakfast, while they were on the kitchen counter instead of the table. Kursta also asked if she could come back again. Lash agreed. Then Kursta even teased him if he could handle the two of them at the same time. Lash was opened to the challenge. Then at the door before they left, Lash showed Kursta what his mouth could be used for....


    When they left his home they returned to the professionals they were. He escorted her to front door of the temple. She called her transport that was left at the police docking port for the area. It landed in front of the temple. She took one last glance at Lash. Then stepped into her transport. Then Danger Sense activated and her transport blew up in a fiery napalm!


    BOOM! Lash was blasted through his temple doors by the force of the blast. He skipped across the brand new floor and came to a grinding halt. He jumped to his feet quickly as Adaptation reactivated. His skin grew hard, and a nictitating membrane covered his eyes as he sprinted back towards the wreck. With out hesitation he reached into the burning car and pulled out the very crisp corpse of Kursta.


    The alarm on the temple was blaring, a new automatic function recently installed contacted the justicar barracks in sector 68, along with a video of the incident. Connectivity reactivated and Lash linked up as a medical, and police transport was moving at full speed to his location. Lash carried the crispy remains of Kursta into the clinic and placed her on the medical bed. The thing scanned her and pronounced her dead. Fuck that! Lash switched through his Magical Perceptions her soul tether was in place, and her soul was in the room with him.


    ¡°Thank you for trying...¡± Her spirit said...


    ¡°I''m not done yet!¡± Lash said to her, her spirits eyes went wide as she looked at him.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned a new spell for your Grave Domain, Sub-Domain Necromancy.


    Corpse Repair: The User can used magical energy to repair a corpse back into working condition. The greater the damage the greater the energy cost.


    Note: User should still use Nature Domain when finished.


    Lash cast Corpse Repair and using the imprint left behind by the soul. Kursta''s burnt body began to recover at a visible pace. His energy took a nose dive, but he was rewarded with thousands of experience points. Just so much that by the time the corpse was in working condition he received a prompt from the spell that it had evolved.


    Congratulations User! Corpse Repair has evolved into Minor Corpse Repair.


    Effect: Increase in power, decrease in energy consumption.


    Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on the body. Color was restored to her skin, and mass returned to her body. After the Corpse Repair, all it did was restore the body into working order. She was essentially skin, and bones, with zero body hair thanks to the incinerator. Oddly it even redid her tattoo. There around her neck was the necklace he crafted. In perfect condition, Nth metal was hard to destroy. Then Lash dug deep into his Grave Domain, pressing his hands on her forehead, and chest.


    ¡°Lash.... Life and Death are the hands of the Gods? What are you doing?¡± Kursta''s transparent soul spoke to him.


    ¡°Bringing you back...¡± Lash said to her. Kiss of the Grave activated and a golden light swallowed the body. Kursta soul tether took on a golden glow, and she was pulled back into her body. She took a shuddering breath, and started to cough.


    ¡°BY THE LIGHT OF RAO!?¡± A man shouted from the clinics door. A justicar had walked in half way through the procedure and saw Lash restore a corpse, and recall a spirit. He dropped to his knees in prayer.


    ¡°Crap...You weren''t suppose to see that.¡± Lash said to the justicar.


    ¡°I''ll remove it from my mask''s data logs great priest! I''ll take it to the grave, I swear it!¡± The justicar said loudly.


    ¡°Please do so! Step outside and tell the justicars that officer Kursta is just finishing her treatment in the medical bed.¡± Lash instructed to the man, he jumped to his feet and ran outside.


    ¡°Come on! We have to get you into some scrubs before any one comes to check on you.¡± Lash said quickly and got the medical bed ready for her. He used Connectivity to hack the bed and make it have a record of healing Kursta with severe burns.


    Then he turned around and Kursta was there wrapping her arms around him. Burrowing her face into his chest. Her entire body was shaking in terror. It was a side effect of the spell. Or more specifically dying and coming back. They didn''t feel comfortable in their own skin, they were far to sensitive to the world around them. They would see shadows on their peripheral vision, ghosts. They would act as a medium for a few weeks. Maybe even permanently.


    Lash picked her up and set her on the bed. He found a handy, dandy button that wrapped a medical gown over her. Cool. He stayed by her side and held her hand. She kept her eyes locked on him as if he was her anchor. If she let go it would feel like she may fly off into the great dark beyond. Lash didn''t look much better. Yes, he was physically fine. But his clothing was burnt, and he was covered in ash.


    He had checked the camera footage. It clearly showed him being thrown through the temple doors. Seconds later he came rushing out and jumped into the burning wreckage that was the justicar transport. He pulled out a smoking, burnt to a crisp body. Lash could argue that the justicar suit did its job and kept her alive until medical attention got to her. But anyone with demolition training would see the explosion was large enough, and intense enough that she should be a piece of burnt pulon meat...


    Twenty minutes later Kemuna came rushing into the clinic along with Wym. Kemuna came to Kursta''s medical bed and sighed in relief as she took the woman into her arms. Wym breathed a deep sigh, and rubbed his face. It was clear that they both cared for Kursta. A grin grew across his face when he looked at Lash, his clothes burnt to a crisp. But he still held onto Kursta''s hand. Kemuna looked Kursta over, then checked the medical files. Her eyes were wide, but thanked Rao above. Then she turned and hugged Lash.


    ¡°Thank you for saving her!¡± She said into his ear.


    ¡°When you get a moment I have a gift for you. But it can wait till next time you come to visit.¡± Lash whispered back, she nodded in response then stepped back.


    ¡°The medical transport is here, is she good to move?¡± Kemuna asked, Lash nodded to them. Kursta slowly let Lash go ready to snatch his hand up the moment she drifted away. When she didn''t she relaxed just a little bit.


    A medical team came in with another bed and took Kursta away. Her eyes never left Lash, stared at him filled with confusion. Please keep quiet about it until we can talk -Lash said across a telepathic link to her. Her eyes went wide, but she nodded right before she left the room. Needless to say, Pack Bond, and Telepathy reactivated. This was getting more complicated by the minute. These people were destined to die!


    Lash stepped outside with Kemuna, and Wym. The entire scene had been quarantined. Yellow holographic warning signs posted. The burning wreckage had been put out by a automated fire drone. Several justicar crime scene techs were looking the destroyed car over. Wym suggested that Lash should come take a look. Kemuna agreed, and all thee of them walked over. The techs had found the device in question. Or the remains of it, rather. Military Guild hardware, remote trigger, which means someone had waited for her to get in. In clear view of the temple square. Or a drone could have have sent footage, and relayed the signal.


    Kemuna pulled up the video camera footage of the justicar docking platform. Either this bomb had been planted at the barracks, or while it was sitting idle on the platform a few miles away. As they looked through the footage it suddenly cut out for exactly 2 minutes, and 32 seconds before it turned back on. Lash asked if he could see the footage, and applied his Universal Programmer title effect (Chap. 27)


    He politely asked the camera''s at the docking station to give him the information. Even if they had been officially turned off. The camera''s spirit never stopped watching. They obliged him when he fed some Technomancy energy into them. Casting Repair on them through the line even though they were separated by a few miles. Then the feed came through and Lash showed it to Kemuna, and Wym. All three of them watched together.


    It showed a two man team in justicar gear moved to the vehicle. Kemuna swapped to electromagnetic spectrum and got the ID''s from the arms. Soldiers that had served under Tak. They would never target Kemuna, or Wym themselves. But Kursta was free game, and if the bomb killed Lash too? Great! They planted the bomb, and took off. The thing is, those two people were here right now at the scene. Kemuna took out her side arm and shot both in the leg.


    ¡°YOU THINK YOU CAN GO AFTER MY PEOPLE AND NOT BE PUNISHED!¡± Kemuna screamed at them. Lash stopped her from executing them.


    ¡°Primus stop! We have the proof! But no one else has seen this. Once the proof has been seen they''ll be executed for their crimes!¡± Wym tried to appeal to Kemuna. Right now she was not his daughter, but his superior.


    The justicars were groaning in pain, and the rest of the justicars looked on in confusion. Lash pulled up a holographic window. Ahem, from his communicator app...right that was where he got it. Showing everyone the footage. CRACK! CRACK! Two gun shots rang out, and both soldiers heads exploded. Then repeated gun fire hailed down onto the square. Everyone scattered for cover, except Lash who sprinted towards the attacking position.


    Automatic fire rang out peppering Lash and the surrounding area. Superhuman Durability reactivated, and Adaptation reinforced his body. Not all of Krypton weapons were so primitive to have projectile ammunition like Earth. Oh no, these fired energy shots. Partial Transformation activated and skin peeled away to scales. Claws burst from his hands, and he roared at his assailants. He didn''t go full lizardman but he was close.


    Lash jumped onto a concrete wall and dug his claws in and began to climb up. The gunmen were in a thirty story building. One of them peeked down and fired their rifle at him. He tore through the second story window and sprinted up the stairs to the third. A energy shotgun blasted through the door that Lash was about to bust through. Danger Sense activated just in time for him to hug the wall. Then he broke through.


    Four gunmen, all wearing Black Guard gear. Lash snarled, and the whole room was swallowed by total darkness. Lash burst forward and ripped his claws through the exposed neck of one. Then ripped the arm off of another only to throw it at one of them that almost had a bead on him. The bloody limb made the shot go wide. Lash jumped and pounced on the man, riding him to the ground as he tore through his chest plate. Bone, flesh, and organs were shredded. Right before the last soldier turned his rifle towards him a spike made from pure darkness sprung up from the wall straight through his brain.


    The gunmen with out a arm was trying to get out of the room by pawing the wall. His mechanical suit had applied a tourniquet, and pain killers. Lash reached out through Connectivity and deactivated the self destruct in all of their suits. Then grabbed the man and dragged him back into the room.


    ¡°No, no.... I have some questions for you!¡± Lash said with a growl.


    __________________________________


    Kemuna directed her soldiers towards the building. She wasn''t sure if that was the only gun nest or if their was more. She was not taking any chances. She slowed her approach as she heard the gunfire in the building die down. She like everyone else had watched Lash-Rao the War Priest sprout claws from his hands and climb the building like a monster. Ligadian, she had never met one. The could blend in perfectly. It was what made them so dangerous.


    Wym her father had suspected the truth. On the Kandor rim fighting against the alien''s forces. Lash had moved to fast, hit to hard, taken a hit and kept on moving to be normal. He had been in full armor, so it made sense that no one would see his transformation. Lash was also not the only one that was like that. Several others on the Kandor rim had behaved in a similar fashion. Supposedly the last Ligadian unit designed was over twenty years ago. If that was to be believed. Lash, along with the rest of his kin had volunteered to fight at Kandor. Such actions made Kemuna only admire Lash more.


    The blood curdling screaming started in the third floor room. It was not Lash''s voice, but Kemuna rushed the building along with her father. The covered the door, broke through like the book. Checked their corners, hallways, and doors to the stairwells. By the book all the way to the top. At the top floor Kemuna moved in and saw a massacre! Three bodies on the ground tore apart. While the fourth man had his helmet off and was being held up by his neck by Lash. The man''s eyes had rolled back into his head, he was convulsing and frothing at the mouth. Then Lash dropped him.


    Lash looked like a gulonix standing upright. Clawed hands, scales covering his body, spikes down his spine. All of them dark forest green. Then they slowly started to rescind into his body. Skin grew over scales, and body was reform just like that. All except for the jagged scar over his neck. Lash leaned over and pulled out a tablet. He handed it to her.


    ¡°Self destruct has been disarmed. Here is their records, contacts, handlers, etc. The Black Guard is working for Black Zero. Oddly poetic.¡± Lash said with a snarl as he moved past them.


    ¡°.....Thank you!¡± Kemuna shouted once she found her voice. Lash stopped at the door and turned to look at her.


    ¡°You said it your self, They cant go after our people and not be punished.¡± Lash said with a sinister grin that Kemuna, and Wym returned.


    __________________________


    This...This was nightmare mode. Just another detail the developers threw into his time fragment to fuck with him. Erik the gamer made mention of Black Zero, it came from a TV serious based on Krypton. But they had been based in Kandor, and they were also led by a time traveling Dru-Zod. It had also happened nearly two hundred years ago. Kandor happened five years ago in this fragment. Lash desperately hoped that a time traveling Dru was not here too. Especially since there was already a Dru-Zod in existence at this time.


    Lash got back to the temple and pulled a few wounded justicars into the clinic. No one died thankfully. The worse injury was placed straight onto the medical bed. While two more waited. Lash used his Medicine skill to its fullest. Energy burns melted flesh and bone. The medical bed''s several mechanical arms passed over the wound just above the soldiers heart. Little by little new tissue was created, and grafted on. Once finished the justicar was pulled onto a waiting bed for mild care, and the next person went on. Once they were all more or less done Lash cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on them all.


    Morning arrived! Lash put on a fresh pair of clothes and went outside to place the schedule for the different services provided at the temple. It was a holographic so it couldn''t be defiled, or destroyed. The projector was far above them placed secretly in the wall. The burning wreck was removed, and a automated worker drone was in the process of filling, and repairing the holes in the ground. Hazah!


    ¡°You have the worse luck.¡± Or-Jar said as he walked up to him. Lash looked over at him, the man was wearing a very nice black suit in Kryptonian fashion.


    ¡°Does the syndicate have any relation to Black Zero?¡± Lash asked, coming right up front about it. Or-Jar looked like he had bitten into something sour and spit in disgust. Thankfully away from the temple doors.


    ¡°Those puloni suckers! The boss and me want them in the bio feeder! That way they''ll be of actual use! Was this them?¡± Or-Jar gestured to partially destroyed square.


    ¡°Black Zero is working side by side with the Black Guard.¡± Lash replied, and Or-Jar''s face went pale. He knew who they were. He flipped out his communicator and made a call.


    ¡°Shit....Well back to the topic of why I''m here then I''ll go deal with that shit show.¡± Or-Jar said with a grimace as he put his communicator away. ¡°I heard from Kela you are doing a feast tomorrow morning?¡± Or-Jar asked, his eyes on the temple square.


    ¡°Oh yes! I''m having food delivered!¡± Lash said, but actually nothing was coming he would just create it. ¡°Free food to feed as many as possible, along with drinks. I don''t suppose the syndicate could run security. I know the justicars will be there. But the people know the syndicate better. Any volunteers will be fed, and paid!¡± Lash said with a smile. Or-Jar nodded, and spoke to Lash about scheduling. A few dozen people would show up to help....


    About an hour later children showed up. More than last time, but the education center was large enough to hold about a hundred people. Though it would be snug. Same deal, one lesson, ten credits. A few teenagers showed up with them. Same deal for them as well. But first! They all must come and pray at the altar and receive a blessing! Now that their spirits had been fed, it was time to feed their minds. Lash left them to their education to return to the bottom floor. He finished the bunk area, and also installed lighting. As he returned to the first floor he was caught surprise by the robotic worker standing there.


    ¡°Greetings zzzzt Priest Lash-Rao zzzzt. What...¡± The robotic unit said in a disconnected voice.


    ¡°OK! None of that! Let us go back to your station!¡± Lash said, and guided the stiff fellow back to its port.


    Science reactivated, as did Re:Implant from his racial traits. Thankfully it was not followed by blinding pain. Then Computers, Superhuman Intellect, Virtual Intelligence, and Technomagical Constructs. He didn''t have a droid module hub here. So no magical spark of a soul. Fabrication, Alteration, Compression Transformation, and some Enchanting. Then a few hours later and a whole new machine stood before Lash.


    It still looked very robotic on the outside at least. A square like head sat on its shoulders with a sensor strip that wrapped around. A rectangular chest, that had soft edges, and an oval abdomen at the end. Its arms were cylinder shaped, while its hands were a little more delicate. The legs were much the same, along with hits shoe like feet. However, waiting just beneath the surface was a fully crafted skeleton structure. Synthetic muscles, tendons, and even nerves to aid its dexterity and mobility. Two binary brains one in the head, another in its chest.


    ¡°Greetings creator, I am Epsilon. May I be of service?¡± Epsilon asked, in a soft male southern voice that was sure to confuse the Kryptonians. They didn''t really have the south on the planet.


    ¡°Yes, please go to the education center and ask if any of the children are hungry. Then make them some simple meals in the kitchen.¡± Lash asked, Epsilon bowed his head turned on his heel and walked off. His movements fluid, and graceful.


    Feeling like he was on a role he went to the gym and did the same thing to the self defense robot. The self defense machine was more human like in appearance. Its white synthetic skin could even simulate a person''s true physic, hair, eyes, and movement. Lash upgraded its intelligence, added some extra quirks. Tied it into the security of the temple. If it was breached, or if it was night the robot would patrol the temple''s insides. The extra armor plating, and weapons hidden inside would be a surprised.


    ¡°Praetor, patrol the temple''s insides unless request to teach.¡± Lash said to his new unit.


    ¡°As you command.¡± Praetor replied in a cold bass tone voice that rumbled from his chest. He moved with fluid grace one would find in a warrior. He kept his appearance robotic, it wouldn''t help if people thought he was real. At least for now.


    Lash went to the main foyer and started to create tables, and chairs. Stacked on top of each other one after another. Epsilon delivered lunch to the education center. Then started to organize the seats and table onto a graph that Lash made so when it came to the set up they could just be placed with ease. Once that was finished he made plates, cups, and utensils. He went downstairs to the kitchen and started to make barrel after barrel of golden liquid.


    Lash received a notification that Praetor was asked if learning to fight counted as a lesson. Lash confirmed that it did. The Military guild looked at combat fitness, just like the Science guild looked at test scores. But the kids, and teenagers would discover that the education center was a lot nicer than Praetor was. Sure enough before the first hour was up Epsilon was in the clinic with a child who had his arm broken.


    ¡°That is what happens when you challenge Praetor to teach you a level ten lesson. Especially since you haven''t even passed lesson one yet.¡± Lash said to the teenager who hissed in pain as the bone was slowly set under the guiding light of the medical beds mechanical arm.


    ¡°Then why did he start at level ten then if I wasn''t ready!?¡± The teenager snapped at Lash.


    ¡°Because you are a hot head that thinks they are invincible! Its a normal teenager thing to do. Praetor needed to properly educate you on your misplaced belief.¡± Lash said with a smile, as the bone snapped back into place. Lash gave him one pill of pain killer and sent him back to the education center.


    All but one of Praetor''s new students went back to the education center. A young teenage girl chose to stay, and they started with lesson one. She was very talented and reached level four before they ran out of time. Lash paid everyone for their hard work. He let the girl take a shower before she left. That was a miracle for her. She had never used hot water before. When the rest asked why they couldn''t take a shower Lash had said they didn''t pass a combat lesson...


    Kemuna showed up when the temples facilities had closed. She couldn''t stay for long and needed to get back. But she came into his home and picked up her necklace. Then they had a sex on the kitchen table. Then she left in hurry, before she jumped on him again. Black Zero was a huge problem and she had to be up early to meet the Military Guild council in the morning. She had came to tell him that he would be in her report. She could omit a few things, but being a Ligadian would be in the report. Along with a few video clips of him transformed. The blessings, healing, and odd effect he had on darkness would be left out.


    Lash refilled his own fridge, and cabinets. But didn''t have make himself anything. Self-Sustenance had reactivated. So he took a shower, slipped into bed and went to sleep. He woke up at 4:30 am on the dot thanks to his Clock ability. He rolled out a bed, fixed it up. Got dressed for another long day. It was feasting day! Praetor, and Epsilon were waiting for him at the foyer. Fully charged, and ready for the day.


    Lash opened the temple doors and set them to stay open. He pulled out a brazier filled with dried plants. It was attached to a chain, he tied the chain to a hook above the door and set it aflame. Scented milash root sent a soothing smell into the air. Praetor, and Epsilon pulled out a mobile kitchen cube and set it right outside next to the doors. Epsilon started to make breakfast meals, and drinks for the workers that were scheduled to show up. Praetor started to bring out the tables and set them up in the order planned.


    ¡°Priest? We are here to help.¡± A voice called out, and six dozen people showed up. Some of them were Bylock Syndicate, most of them were Labor Guild volunteers.


    ¡°Welcome! This is Epsilon, he is the temples robotic worker unit. He is making breakfast for all of you. Please take a seat and wait a bit. The other one is Praetor, he is the self defense unit in the gym. He is helping to set up tables. Something you''ll be doing once you''ve eaten. We have a designed all mapped out.¡± Lash said to them with a smile on his face.


    ¡°But first! All of you come inside to the altar. We''ll start the day with a blessing!¡± Lash said, and pulled them all inside. Revitalized, renewed, and ready to help after blessings, and breakfast.


    Lash pulled the map out and they started to set up the tables, chairs, waist high gate sections to cordon off areas. A few people set up decorations between street lights, and lamp posts. Music started to play form the temple''s walls. Build in speakers, newly constructed! They tied into the latest craze music channel from the Artist Guild station. Dead center of the square a stage was being put together. Along with a fire pit!


    By the time the first arrivals showed up everything was more or less in place. Men, women, and a children showed up with smiles on their faces. Justicars in full kit showed up. They were given food, and drink before they started their shift. Lash spoke to the officer in charge and wanted to make sure they were on a rotation for breaks. Twenty had been assigned to the festival, with two hours shifts thanks to Lash telling the officer in charge. They ''begrudgingly'' accepted. It wasn''t like Lash had to twist their arm.


    Lash walked over to the fire pit. A metal sphere sat above the fire pit ready to be ignited! Lash started up the blaze as fire consumed the orb. Then Lash breathed magic into the orb with Daylight and yellow sun energy bathed the whole temple square. Yes, yellow sun energy. It would not be as pure as Earth''s yellow sun. But it would definitely make all the Kryptonian''s near by a lot better. Lash knew it would take weeks, or even months of exposure before any of them would become like Superman, or Supergirl. But a day''s worth? Well let''s just see....

 Chapter 97: Jor-El

    =============================================================


    ***HR, Watch Tower, Party Hall***


    D grade party hall module was a large establishment aboard the Watch Tower Station. It had several floors available to the JLI as a place to unwind, and relax. Each floor catered to a specific style and genre of music. First floor was commonly used for classical ballroom. The second floor would be designed for swing, and salsa. Third floor was more akin to industrial, death metal. While the fourth floor was towards pop, techno, electric music. While the fifth floor was designed towards alien genre''s. Once a month they would have a full party hall selection where every floor shared one genre. Tonight was an alien pop culture music festival.


    The different floors were connected to a single floor to make an expansive dance floor, a bar that stretched from one end of the station to the other. Tables, chairs, corner booths for people who liked to sit and watch. Across the dance floor were miniature stages for people to dance and make a show of it. A variety of colors flashed across the ceiling and walls. While the music that was played could not only be heard, but felt through ones mind. There was a live band on the stage currently from Mars. Their music was heard, while their voices were felt within ones mind.


    The Justice League International was in recovery. There were hundreds of thousands of things to do. But leadership had established the need to rest, and recovery even during the invasion. During the invasion R&R was going to Ethan getting drugged, and passing out for 12 hours in a room. Then doing some training, then back to the shit show. Now? For every five days of back to back labor you were required two days off.


    On one of the stages on the dance floor was a fiery red head that had her legs wrapped around a pole and was practicing her extensive sexuality dancing skills to any men, and women watching her. Long red hair that glowed with energy at the tips. Orange, to red to skin tone, glowing green eyes. This was Starfire aka Koriand''r Princess of Tamara. She wore calf high black heeled boots, a short, short black skirt that barely covered anything at all. Anyone willing to peak would discover she had no panties on. She wore a black leather top that exposed her midriff, while the straps on the back went into a cross pattern.


    Kory was blowing off some steam. She had come to dance, to enjoy herself and not worry about the little details of Earth. Even with all the attention she was getting, with hundreds of eyes watching her dancing as she wrapped her legs around the pole and dipped upside down. She nearly fell out of her top, not that it would bother her. But through it all? She missed her friends. She missed traveling with Kara, and M''gann. But most of all she missed traveling with Lash.


    Not because Lash was handsome, or intelligent, or intriguing. No, Lash had never judged her by her customs or culture. He understood her, and when she didn''t get something he would explain it to her. Often through telepathy so not to embarrass her. Kory long ago stop caring what others thought of her. Her skin was thicker than that. But just like one can die from a thousand cuts. The looks of pity, disgust, and shame nicked away at her.


    There was a lull in the music time to switch between songs. Kory, along with the whole party hall stopped for a moment to cheer and clap for the very talented Martian band. Their lead singer was the female Martian Z''tok Z''nuk. The next song they played was more of a gradual build up. For the first few minutes it would be a slow dance that would eventually rise up like an inferno. Oddly enough it was considered a death song on Mars. Telling of the horrors of war between the three species of Mars. Green, white, and red. Kory turned down a few dozen offers to dance as she walked back towards the bar to get a drink.


    ¡°?Hola Agente Andr! ?C¨®mo va la vida?¡± A young man said as he walked up to her. She stopped to look at him for a moment before a small smile stretched across her face.


    ¡°Blue Beetle! Good to see you!¡± Kory said as she walked up to Jaime Reyes.


    Blue Beetle aka Jaime Reyes was approximately 5''8¡±, with brown eyes, short brown stylized hair that was covered in hair gel. He had light chocolate skin, and a charming smile. He had grown a lot during the battles for his home. Gone was the immature child, and a young hero was being made. A synthetic chirp of an insect sounded from his back.


    ¡°What? Ya, I''ll asked her.... Khaji Da wants to know what is wrong? You are, and this is a quote. ''Not performing at optimal capacity.''¡± Jaime winced as he finished speaking for his companion.


    Kory smiled at Jaime and came to give him a big hug. Koriand''r was 6''4, with her boots on she was 6''6. Just high enough for Jaime to get his face swallowed between her bouncing breasts. He flailed in surprise though he was the envy of many men, and women at the bar. Then Kory came around to his back, pulled his shirt up and kissed the scarabs shell. The thing chirped at her.


    ¡°Just missing some friends were not with us today.¡± Kory said to the scarab, who chirped in response.


    ¡°Oh...I''m sorry, any one in particular you lost?¡± Jaime asked, as Kory put down his shirt and they returned to the bar for a drink. Apparently the legal drinking age on the Watch Tower was 18.


    ¡°Oh, Wraith went off to seal a Rift. Supergirl is incredibly busy and our days off never seem to line up. Miss Martian is working with Martian Manhunted in setting up the embassy on Mars, and the Watch Tower.¡± Kory said with a dreary expression. Jaime blinked at her, and face palmed completely miss reading the situation. While his scarab chirped again.


    ¡° Khaji Da wants to know why Wraith is the only one that doesn''t seem required to take a break like the rest of us?¡± Jaime asked for his partner. Kory''s eyes lit up in understanding and she smiled. Her smiled was genuine and made Jaime blush at her. She leaned in and gave him a great big wet kiss.


    ¡°You are right! Every one needs time to relax! I should lodg a complaint for him. He''s over worked!¡± Kory said, then hugged Jaime one last time and took off towards the exit.


    ¡°Why do I feel like I just made things worse?¡± Jaime asked, as his partner chirped at him. ¡°What? No, I don''t!¡± Jaime said in frustration as he downed a shot. ¡°No, No I don''t!¡± Jaime continued to argue with his partner.


    ==============================================================


    ***Time Fragment. Kryptonopolis, Military Guild council hearing***


    Kemuna Ke-Zod continued to breath in through her nose, out through her mouth. She recited the scripters of Rao in her mind. Something that normally always calmed her. But everytime she would get half way through the scripture she would see Lash grinning face staring back at her. Then the memories of the night they had shared would flood up. Then a blush would cover her face and she would have to cough several times to clear her head. Her father Wym-Zod was next to her in a seat with a knowing grin on his face. He didn''t know the intimate details, but she trusted his daughter.


    They were both in the Military Guild''s preperation chamber. A council had been called when she had declared that Black Zero was back. She had sent the information ahead of time and was now here to describe the events in her own words. The Guild would analyze her response time, blood pressure, and eye movement. Her proof was definitive! But it was the fact that she named the, Back Guard as their co-conspirators made it a serious issue. Officially, the Black Guard was not offliated with the Military Guild. That is what they told everyone. No one believed them however.


    More than once Kemuna stood up from her seat and paced the chamber. The first time she had been here was years ago when she was promoted to the primus of sector 68. When her father, and brother had come back from the Kandor rim...Different, broken. Now, her brother was dead. While her father seemed like a new man. Her brother had been burnt to ash, and his name was applied to the house of Zod''s memorial. He was granted full honors, despite his dissapointing life in the past 5 years everyone had understood.


    Kemuna took a long deep breath and smoothed out her official ceromonial garb. All of her medals, ribbons, and rank were on full display. A red dress uniform with black high lights that were tailored to her body. She walked over to a full length mirror and looked at her self. She had pulled out her braids for the council. Her hair was pulled back into a bun, while a few bangs frame her face. She sucked in her flat stomach and tried to make her chest just a bit bigger. She had always been jelouse of Kursta for her figure.


    Her mind wondered towards Kursta. How was she? She was alone now in a medical bed in the barracks under guard. Could Kemuna trust the soldiers watching her? Maybe it would have been better to leave Kursta with Lash-Rao? Oh! The necklace, Kemuna reached into her pocket to pull the symbol of Mordo the god of strength out. She hesitated for a brief moment then slipped the necklace on and put it under her uniform. In a flash energy rolled from the necklace over her body. The nervous tension melted away and she became clear headed. A small smile grew across her face.


    ¡°Primus Kemuna Ke-Zod, Wym-Zod, the council will see you now.¡± A Labor guild official that worked for the Military Guild respectfully bowed their head and called to them.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Wym-Zod called to them and stood up to meet his daughter. Technically he was the subordinate so he was prepared to open the door for Kemuna, and step aside for her. Kemuna took one last relaxing breath. She wished she had put the necklace on ages ago...


    Kemuna, and Wym walked into the main chamber of the military council. The floor was crystal dark blue with golden cracks between the stones. Layer sitting went up for several levels, so that every military house could be represented. Above them were the banners of the current raining houses, beneath them were the auxilary, then the lower houses. But to be displayed in this room was to state to all that you had sway in the council if only a little. One of the primary raining houses was house Zod. That hung in the center of the room just above the main council.


    Kemuna, and Wym stood at attention beneath the throne like chairs above them. One by one the council came in. They saluted, they raised their right arm to chest level. Their fist above their heart, and the elbow pointing to the side. Then with a quick jerking motion that almost seem to snap in the air like a whip they moved arm to the right. So their fist went from the left to the right. A standard Kryptonian salute. Their salute was returned by the council.


    ¡°Wym, it is good to see you again. In good health, body, mind, and soul.¡± A distinguished voice called out. This, was Dru-Zod high general of Krypton''s armies. He was 6''3¡± with a shaved head, electic blue eyes, and chocolate black skin. He was built like a body builder but could move like a runner. His smile was genuine when looking onto his branch house.


    ¡°You as well, Kemuna. I was sorry to hear about Tak. I''m sorry I couldn''t attend the burning but I''ll make an effort to visit the memorial. Despite your sons recent issues he was a good soldier, and a good house member.¡± Dru-Zod said to them with a smile. Then one of the other councilors cleared there throat. Dru narrowed his eyes at the other leaders. Then his face became indifferent.


    ¡°Kemuna Ke-Zod, primus of sector 68. We have looked over your report and video reports and we find it...Lacking.¡± One of the councilors said, and Kemuna''s eyes narrowed but she kept her bearing otherwise.


    ¡°Would you care to explain why you left out specific detailes about this Priest?¡± Another councilor said, saying the word Priest as it was a cuss word. That made Kemuna, and Wym boil with rage. Another councilor knocked a stone sphere to get the topic back on task, like a gavel.


    ¡°The council is well aware of your devoution to Raoism Kemuna, we are not belittling you for your loyalty. If anything we commend you on being able to balance religion, and state. But we have to ask why you did not give us a full report.¡± The councilor asked, as they brought up a video of Lash inscribing a ritual circle and the energy coming from the circle fixing the whole temple square in seconds.


    ¡°Is that really an issue? We are talking about Black Zero, and the Black Guard.¡± Wym spoke up, and the entire council glared at him.


    ¡°You forget your place, Wym-Zod! You are to speak when spoken too! Not before!¡± Dru-Zod all but shouted at him. Right now Dru was a Military Guild councilor. Not the head of his house. Wym bit his own tongue and went back to being silent.


    ¡°Primus? What say you?¡± The councilor asked, as they watched her carefully. But before she could speak someone else walked into the councilor chamber. A man with a golden mask, and a midnight black robe. He was followed by several servants who wore white ceromonial garb with golden scriptures on their tunics.


    ¡°Because I asked her not too.¡± The man with a golden mask said, and the entire room stood at attention and turned to greet the voice of Rao in all of Kryptonopolis.


    ¡°Voice of Rao we didn''t realize you planned to attend the military council. We would have waited for you.¡± One of the councilors said quickly, while Dru-Zod gave the councilor a look of disgust. No they wouldn''t have. In fact they had waited so long to invite Kemuna, and Wym here in hopes that the Voice of Rao would be distracted.


    ¡°Rao will always make time for his chosen children. Kemuna Ke-Zod is a devoted followed of Raoism. I personally asked her to not report Lash-Rao''s abilities to this council. It was a Religious Guild matter. I find it puzzling that the military council is more concerned with Lash. Then with Black Zero, and the shadow operation of Black Guard. Why is that?¡± The voice asked them all. His voice was level and soothing to the ear. But the underlying threat was there, ''get back on point.''


    ¡°We simply wish to understand why the Black Guard has taken such an interest in Lash-Rao. Voice of Rao. I''ve ever only known of his reputation at the Kandor rim. We believed that this unique power set could be an asset.¡± Dru-Zod spoke for the council, The Voice of Rao turned to look at him. No one spoke while the Voice deliberated.


    ¡°The War Priest, Lash-Rao will be given the benefit of the doubt. He is one of Rao''s chosen, and has served the Religious Guild with integrity, since he joined of his own free will when he completed his term of service as a Ligadian.¡± The Voice said to the council, several of the councilors flinched at the word. So it was true.


    ¡°I would also remind the council that he volunteered to fight at Kandor rim. While a majority of the Military Guild was ordered. He went willingly to spread the light of Rao. He has also volunteered to be in service to the temple in sector 68. Let me be adundantly clear with all of you. If Lash-Rao had any ambition he could have easily been decalred a high chancellor at temple prime and spent the rest of his life worshipped as a saint. Instead he chose to throw himself back into the grinder. I would hope that the Military Guild would respect that.¡± The Voice said, his tone of voice was taking on an acidic edge. Many with in the room swallowed their arguments.


    ¡°Let''s get back on topic.¡± Dru said, a smile on his face as he turned towards Kemuna. Several of the military councilors glared at him.


    ¡°We have confirmed reports that Black Zero is indeed in operation here in Kryptonopolis. You are the first to tie them to the Black Guard. Thanks to your combined efforts with War Priest, Lash-Rao. We were able to retrieve valuable intel from their suits data base. As well as the prisoner you brought it. What we are trying to establish is why sector 68?¡± A councilor jumped at the chance to change the subject. They had stayed silent for most of the discussion.


    ¡°Black Zero prays on the disfranchised, the poor, and the misstreated. It is my belief that they are trying to kill Lash-Rao because he brings Raoism back to the masses. He has only been there for ten days but already things have improved for the better for the Labor Guild.¡± Kemuna reported, she brought up several video''s and interviews not only from the citizens living there but her own justicars.


    ¡°Wym-Zod what do you think?¡± Dru asked in a authoritary tone, a small smile on his face. Wym watched a short video of the tribulation ritual that had killed Tak, and saved himself.


    ¡°I think they are afraid of him. I think they want him to die, so that the Religious Guild will send their inquistors to judge the sector. It would force everyone in sector 68 to turn to Black Zero. Not only is Lash-Rao giving people hope for a better tomorrow. He is also the instrument for Black Zero''s insurrection. But what I fear most is that if they can''t kill him, they will try and turn him.¡± Wym said at last and the entire council leaned back in their chairs thinking over his words. Until a soft chuckled was heard from The Voice.


    ¡°That will not happen. Lash-Rao will remain steadfast in his duties. He has been ordered to restore that temple, and to bring the light of Rao to sector 68. He went there because he believes in Raoism, in the truth that it can guide all of Rao''s children towards the light. Black Zero are a group of hypocrits, and liars. More than anything, Lash will hunt them down and kill them by his own hand.¡± The Voice said, another chuckle escapted his lips. The golden mask he wore muffling it, if only slightly.


    ¡°But could he be coerced¡± Dru asked, that made the Voice stop laughing.


    ¡°I don''t see how. He has no family, he has no house but the house of Rao. Gods, and Goddesses can not be threatend by mortals. Even his...Kin the Ligadian''s are not with in the reach of Black Zero. Unless...¡± The Voice conceded a single point. The councilor looked at him in earnest curiousity.


    ¡°The people, his flock. Lash-Rao cares about the people under him. If Black Zero threatens the people of sector 68 he could be convinced to act out in order to protect them.¡± Kemuna offered, and The Voice nodded towards her.


    ¡°It is this councils decesion that Kemuna Ke-Zod, primus of sector 68 be granted additional resources, and pesonnel to route out Black Zero with in their sector. Wym-Zod you are promoted to second of the barracks. Kursta Soll-Vo once she has been properly recovered will be named your third.¡± The leading councilor said at last. After a brief discussion with the military council.


    ¡°You are to find the terrorist cell, or cells with in sector 68. Find, and bring the leaders of Black Zero, dead or alive to the Military Guild. With a secondary objective of ensuring the safety, and well being of War Priest Lash-Rao.¡± Another councilor commanded.


    ¡°If you find any Black Guard, you are to bring them in alive, or dead as well. But your priority is Black Zero, and the temple. Understood!¡± Dru-Zod finished for everyone. The councilors turned to the Voice of Rao. Who bowed his head, and said nothing.


    ¡°You have your orders. Dismissed!¡± Dru-Zod said to his branch house family with a smile that they returned....


    ____________________


    What is Black Zero? At its creation like any movement it was first an idea. It speaks about the Zero dawn. That light is always darkest before the dawn. The dawn on a new world order? Back in the age of creation when the different guilds were being made. There were dozens of different guilds that represented the people. Over time those guilds collapsed, grew, or merged until the established order taht Krypton has today. But through everything, through all of the ages. The Labor Guild remained, but they were always miss represented.


    The simple truth of the matter is. Krypton has a whole relies on the Labor Guild. But the Labor Guild does not rely on them. If the Labor Guild chose to just stop for one day. One whole day? All of Krypton would crash and burn! The mighty machine of Krypton''s progress would come screeching to a grinding halt. Darkness would swallow the world, and the night is always darkest before the dawn. But this time the Labor Guild would be the leaders of the new world. That was who Black Zero was. Or who they should have been.


    But like any movement, the original idea was lost in translation. They went from none violent means. To violent means after decades of failure. The truth was, the other Guilds knew that they relied on the Labor Guild. That was why they did everything in their power to ensure that the Labor Guild never had a voice on the council, and kept communication between the different guilds between cities, and even sectors to a minimum. The Labor Guild were indetured slaves, or like serfs from old Earth''s history. Slaves that were allowed to own property, but still slaves.


    If you are born into the Labor Guild either by the gensis chamber, or through natural birth. You can never leave it. While everyone else born into different guilds. If their DNA, and force of will says otherwise. They can leave. But not the Labor Guild. So, in many ways Black Zero are freedome fighters! Fighting agaisnt injustice! Fighting against slavery! But eventually that changed to just fighting anyone that is not them....


    =============================================================


    ***Time Fragment. Sector 68, Temple Square***


    Food! Glorius food! Most fall it was free delicious food! A line had formed around the city block. As they waited for their free food. Thankfully the line moved quickly, and it was also patrolled by undercover Bylock Syndicate enforcers, and justicars. Everyone was civil, and enjoyed the festival energy. The Daylight spell enchanted onto the burning pyre was a hit! The roaring fire climbed ever higher towards the sky. But no smoke billowed out, it was burning clean. The yellow light poured out onto the festival grounds.


    Thousands of people were sitting at tables, talking, eating, and drinking. While music played from the temple, and from the speakers at the stage next to the fire pit. A few dozen people had started to dance around the fire pit. People told stories, shared jokes, and reverly was adundant! Moving between the tables, and speaking to who ever needed a quick word was War Priest Lash-Rao the sponsor of the whole event.


    Lash was met with smiles, and cheers no matter what table he came to. People had heard about the feast but expected porrige, and stale bread. Not delectiable meats, fresh baked bread, deserts, and golden drink almost have they were made from the very heavens itself. Or magic? Just lots and lots of magic! Lash cast his ''blessings'' on every table he visited. Renew, and Immaculate on their clothing. While Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on their bodies, minds, and souls.


    ¡°Priest Lash-Rao!¡± A woman''s voice called out, and Lash turned to see Kela Bez-Ol was calling for him. She had shown up wearing a delightful Kryptonian dress. Knee high brown leather boots, thick earth brown skirt, and top, with light leather jacket. Something that looked good, but she could still work if needed to.


    ¡°Sister Kela, Welcome! Are you enjoying the feast?¡± Lash asked, he excused himself from the table he was at. Lash had black boots, black pants on, with a black t-shirt on. Golden calligraphy was inscribed on the skin of his arms, and neck. Gylphs of the 14 major gods, and goddesses, 211 demigods, and 1402 titans.


    ¡°I am! I have to say it is a wonderful turn out. I was especially surprised to find the justicars present and being helpful for a change.¡± Kela said, her voice dripping with sarcasm about the justicars. Bad blood between them. Kela''s bright green eyes were tracking the justicars carefully.


    ¡°Don''t let them bother you and try and have some fun, sister Kela. Oh! I am about to make a speach in a few minutes would you care to join me onstage?¡± Lash asked, and she smiled at him.


    ¡°I would be delighted to!¡± Kela replied, and was surprised when Lash offered his arm to her. She took the offered arm after a moment of hesitation. A Labor Guild offical walking arm in arm with a Priest of Raoims drew several eyes, and turned many heads.


    ¡°Thank you for that...¡± Kela said to Lash softly as they walked towards the stage.


    ¡°Like I said before, I am here to help.¡± Lash said, and winked at her. Kela rolled her eyes, but her smile at last reached her eyes....


    As the last song died down from the music system, Lash and Kela climbed onto the stage. Lash tapped a pin on his collar and he gently cleared his throat. It took a bit for a few thousand people to quiet down, and look towards the stage. Lash politely waited until enough people took notice. He clapped his hands which was amplified by the microphone. That got everyones attention.


    ¡°Hello everyone! To those of you who don''t know me? I am War Priest Lash-Rao from temple prime. I am the Priest in charge of the temple in sector 68, and I am the sponsor of todays feast.¡± Lash called out to the crowds, and hundreds of people raised their glasses in a cheer.


    ¡°I have only been in the sector for ten days! I understand that there is indeed a lot of bad blood between the guilds, especially in sector 68. I am not asking for anyone to forgive what has happened. Only that you keep an open mind for the future ahead of us all!¡± Lash said, his words bringing a somber oppression to the feast.


    ¡°Yes, a bit of a downer I understand. The Religious Guild is known for that!¡± Lash said with a grin, and a few people chuckled but most just eyed him wearily.


    ¡°It has also come to my attention that sector 68 doesn''t have a city park? I mean sure there is a park up there!¡± Lash pointed to the high rise pedestrian walk ways above them. But they may have well as been in different worlds, let alone different levels.


    ¡°So, I have purchased the neighboring lot just across the street!¡± Lash pointed a the wrecked buildings that was the scene for yesterdays shoot out. ¡°With plans to demolish the buildings, and create a free, public, park!¡± Lash said, emphasizing the free, and open to the public parts of the sentence. This caught everyones attention especially Kela.


    ¡°We will start the demolition tomorrow morning! Anyone that is free and would like to help? Will be paid for their time. We will also provide meals for the day, of course!¡± Lash said, and let that all sink in with the people in attendance. More than a few nodded.


    ¡°Next on the list of things to discuss before you can go back to eating and drinking. The temple''s facilities! We have a free clinic here that is open during the day, and will be open at night for emergencies! I do mean free! If any of you have family at home that are injured but you cant afford treatment? Bring them in, Sister Kela Bez-Ol can confirm this.¡± Lash said, and he turned to Kela. She was given her own microphone pen.


    ¡°Hello everyone! Yes, I can confirm he is telling the truth. I would also like to point out that the food you are eating was paid out of pocket by Priest Lash. He is even paying the volunteers that are helping today.¡± Kela said, and motioned back to Lash. While the crowd digested this bit of information.


    ¡°We also have an education center with in the temple. It is open during the day, closed at night. We are providing simple meals for those that come to study. We also have an incentive program! For every lesson you complete you will be paid ten credits. Whether you are an adult, teenager, or child!¡± Lash called out, and this made Kela look at him in wide eyed surprise.


    ¡°The education center has a holgraphic teacher, along with a Virtual Reality interface. If you can complete all one hundred lessons, and pass the last basic education generalization test in the top 20%. You can apply for a Labor Guild job outside of sector 68!¡± Lash called out, and the whole crowd started talking in rappid succession. Lash waited for them to calm down.


    ¡°If...If you can pass in the top 5%, you will be granted a educational scholarship to continue into intermediate education. Paid by the new Temple Prime scholarship program!¡± Lash called out, and this got a huge uproar from the crowd. While Kela became deathly pale, odd.


    ¡°We also have a working gym, with a self defense robot. Some of you have seem him, his designation is Praetor. While the robotic worker unit Epsilon is also my assistant in the medical clinic. Praetor is fully licsenced, and credited to teach basic combat fitness. Same standards as the education center. This way for anyone looking to join the a Labor Guild branch of the military.¡± Lash said with an open smile that got a lot of attention. Kela was pulling on his sleeve looking at him with trepidtation.


    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Lash said, blocking his microphone pen. ¡°I thought you''d be happy? I mean I can''t take anyone out of the Labor Guild. But this is a step in the right direction isn''t it?¡± Lash asked Kela who looked like she wanted to scream, and cry at the same time.


    ¡°I...I.... I didn''t know all that. I''m just surprised.¡± Kela said, with a forced smile that confused Lash. No, Lash wasn''t confused. He used this moment to cast Insight on her as it just reactivated, thanks Dawn!


    Name: Kela Bez-Ol.


    Title: Councilor, Administrator, Freedome Fighter.


    Origin: Technically Mundane even if she is Kryptonian.


    Rank: F+ (Krypton''s standard grade is F)


    Skills: Adminsistration, Acting, Manipulation, Fire arms, (See tool tip)


    Powers: N/A


    Domains: N/A


    Traits: Kryptonian physiology.


    Disposition: Neutral, bordering on hostile.


    Comments: Kela Bez-Ol is furious that Lash-Rao is acting in such a benevolent and beneficial way towards her people. But, she is also angry at herself for plotting his death. If only more of the Religious Guild was like, Lash-Rao things could have been so much different.


    ¡°People! People please calm down, I''m almost done!¡± Lash called out to the crowd who eventually quieted down. They looked at him with anticipation.


    ¡°Now, another piece of information that I must share with you. The terrorist group known has Black Zero has infiltrated sector 68.¡± Lash called out, and he watched as hundreds of people''s faces twisted. While hundreds more were horrified!


    ¡°Let us please remember that not everyone a part of Black Zero are criminals, or in fact bad people. They are just swept up in the lies, and proganda that Black Zero whispers to them. When Black Zero was first created, all they wanted was a peaceful resolution to the conflicts between the Guilds, and proper representation of the Labor Guild on the council. These ideals are not wrong!¡± Lash said to the crowd, and glanced at Kela who looked at him in astonishment.


    ¡°But it is how they are doing it. Violence breeds only more violence. I will share with you all right here and now a simple truth. Krypton way of life relies on the Labor Guild. If the Labor Guild were to just unilaterally go on strike for a single day! One day! All of Krypton would grind to a halt.¡± Lash said, and everyone started to whisper. While the justicars were speaking into their communication links. The officer in charge was gradually making his way towards Lash.


    ¡°The Labor Guild is the back bone of Krypton society. Krypton can not function with you, all of you! I am not here to ask for forgiveness. Just as I said when I first stepped onto this stage. I can''t fix the past. But I can ask for an opportunity for the future. I''ll tell you here and now. What I am doing is part of a new out reach program specifically targeted towards the Labor Guild.¡± Lash said with a smile, and the justicar officer in charge paused mid step.


    ¡°I''m not saying things will be dramatically better tomorrow morning. But if the lowest, of the low of Kryptonopolis can show all of Krypton that they have it in themselves to be better? Than why not the world?¡± Lash said, as he smiled at them all. He turned to look at Kela and winked at her. If looks could kill, oh my! The death glare she was giving him now.


    ¡°I digress, please forgive me. Unlike the city officials that will come and bribe, or threaten you to give up Black Zero? Don''t! Don''t give them up. What I want you all to do is continue to live your lives. Work hard, come here to the temple and learn, practice, and become better people. Bigger people than what Black Zero has grown into. Because you, all of you! Are the hope of Krypton. Not those terrorists. You!¡± Lash said, and he tapped his pen microphone and bowed from his waist. And what awaited him was a standing ovation!


    Thousands of people cheered, clapped, and praised his name. While hundreds more looked furious. Kela stormed off the stage and disappeared into the crowd. Lash stepped off the stage and grinned at the justicar officer who nodded to him in reply. Not a single shot fired, or a threatening act, and Lash had done more to destroy Black Zero in a ten minute speech than any anti-terrorist act had done in years. The roaring fire in the pit grew once again, the Daylight spell glowed brilliantly. The music started up and people started to dance...


    It was 12:01 am when Lash at last called for the feast to end. It was met with sad groans, and whining protests. But everyone here had work in the morning, and the demolition of the park started in six hours! Lash and his robots still had to clean up, the justicars were still on station and were not allowed to leave until the temple square was cleaned out! Lash brewed some fresh hot tylak for them all and told them all to sit. While Praetor, and Epsilon started to clean up. Despite the huge crowd there was not a lot of trash. The Labor Guild understood better than any other guild the need to be tidy! The newly repaired dumpster and compactor earned its weight that night.


    ¡°You realize you just painted a huge target on you, and your temple. Right?¡± Or-Jar said as he came out from no where. He was very skilled in stealth, a few justicars jumped to their feet but Lash gestured for them to sit down. Or-Jar had a warrant out for himself.


    ¡°I''m sorry, but please excuse him. The temple is neutral ground. Please respect that.¡± Lash said to the officer in charge who used a few of the gods, and goddesses names in vain. Which earned him a glare from Lash.


    ¡°Yes, I did realize that. Black Zero will use everything in their power to destroy me, and the temple now. Right now they are checking with their contacts at temple prime and learning that if I die this outreach program dies with me.¡± Lash replied, and continued to clean up.


    ¡°Then why? Why would you do this? Black Zero was willing to leave you alone! By Rao, even if you are alone in your beliefs about the Labor Guild that would made you saint all on its own. The Labor Guild would have told stories about your for generations. The foolish priest who tried to change the world through opportunity, instead of violence!¡± Or-Jar screamed at him! Lash was surprised by the mans emotions. Or-Jar had always been very controlled, except for his fear of Lash as a Ligadian.


    Lash stopped to reevaluate Or-Jar. The man had changed for better in many ways. Most likely from the blessings that Lash bestowed onto him. When you are magically infused, most people tend to change! He was dressed in a tailored made suit, Kryptonian style. Black shoes, black slacks, black vested coat, with white trim. He had a clean shaven face, and head. No piercings in his ears anymore. He moved with grace, and confidence. A sense of pride filled him now that wasn''t there before.


    ¡°Granting serenity, and hope to those that live with out it. That is always worth while. Things are changing, Or-Jar. Krypton needs to change with the new, or it will be left behind. We can''t live by the old rules anymore. Brainaic taught us that we can''t be isolationist anymore. We have to start looking towards the stars. All of us! Otherwise we''ll be left behind.¡± Lash said, a soft golden glow covering him for a brief moment. Something that was noticed by everyone near him.


    ¡°Who''s Brainiac?¡± Or-Jar said, his eyes wide in disbelief.


    ¡°The alien machine that took Kandor. That was his name, he is, or rather was from the planet of Colu. This was not the first time aliens attacked Krypton. Nor will it be the last. We have to stop trying to hide, stop trying to limit our peoples potential. Our destiny is not to die here on this world at each others throats. But to reach for the stars with determination, and a smile on our faces.¡± Lash said to him with a smile of his own.


    Congratulations User! Minor Acting has evolved into Basic Acting.


    Effect: The User is able to play a part so well that they can incite emotions, and is even able to bypass certain sensors, and tools that can detect lies.


    Effect: Sub-skill obtained, Manipulation.


    Lash was really laying it on thick right now. He could almost see Or-Jar struggling with his bald face lie. But the best lies were born from truth. If Krypton wasn''t destined to be destroyed in a few weeks this would be a beautiful set up to a story about people reaching for the stars. Eventually, Or-Jar looked at Lash straight in the eye and nodded with determination. Lash had obtained another follower. A few actually, including the justicar officer in charge who had listened to the whole conversation.


    ¡°What can I do to help?¡± Or-Jar asked Lash.


    ¡°I would like a message to be passed on to someone. They are part of the Science Guild, Jor-El.¡± Lash replied, recognition passed through Or-Jar''s eyes. ¡°I request his presence at my temple to discuss the future of Krypton. As soon as possible.¡± Lash finished, Or-Jar nodded and left soon after with a blessing from Lash.


    The council of Guilds knew Brainaic''s name, along with a select few. But a majority only knew him as the master of the mechanical monstrosities. His name was never released to the public, nor his planet of origin. Most Krypton''s didn''t even know that centuries ago they had fought off another alien invasion. It was of course on an isolated portion of the planet, and while the occupation lasted several decades. All trace of it was erased from Krypton''s history. Specifically by the Religious Guild. Since Rao had created the universe. Why would Rao create beings that meant ill towards his chosen children?


    Lash paid the Bylock Syndicate, and the Labor Guild volunteers 500 credits per person. Which was a lot of credits. He also paid the justicars who technically didn''t have to be paid, but they didn''t complain. The festivals tables, chairs, silverware, utensils, etc, etc were broken down into ambient magical energy. Epsilon, and Praetor returned to their recharge station. Lash returned to his home for a nice long shower and two hours worth of Meditation before it was time to start the next day...


    Lash came out of his home and walked towards the main portion of the temple and decided to add a piece to it. Above the altar he crafted a crystal chandelier, with at its center was a Daylight enchanted orb. During the day it would glow with yellow sun energy, while at night it would shift to silver color of Earths moon. This was done by design.


    He went to the kitchens and prepared a simple breakfast feast for the volunteers today. Several hundred had signed up, and he was sure more would arrive later. Epsilon arrived half way through preparation with dozens of people in tow. He greeted everyone with a tired smile. After everyone had been fed they took their tools and started smashing the lot down. Lash smash!


    Once morning had officially been declared music started to play from the temple. Nothing so boring as lethargic hyms from the temple prime. But music straight from Kryptonopolis Artist Guild musical concert hall. Despite what the different guilds say about the Labor Guild. They do know how to demolish a lot in quick time. They were brutally efficient, and thorough in their work. The pile of discarded scrap was carried over to the dumpster for retrieval at a different time. As a small team slowly fed the debris into the compactor.


    The whole project which Lash expected to last a few days, was finished by noon! Lash was ecstatic! He paid everyone 500 credits, which was amazing for only six hours of labor. Then he fed them all lunch and sent them on their way. The whole lot just beyond temple square was nothing more than another square city block of empty concrete. Lash was currently painting a massive Raoism scripture ritual circle, again with Vohc the builder god as the focus.


    ¡°I think the Flamebird would be jealous at how often you invoke, Vohc''s name.¡± A man''s voice called out to Lash. Lash turned to look and was struck dumb.


    Jor-El stood off to the side with a smile on his face. Clark Kent was the spitting image of his father Jor-El. Same chiseled jaw, genuine smile on his face. Jor-El was 6''2¡±, with blue eyes, short black hair, athletic build uncommon among the Science Guild. He wore a green polymer flex suit, with the house of El combat suit above it. Unlike the justicars, the science combat suits looked like they had been grown in a vat of primordial soup. Then stretched across a metal surface. Very organic, but still practical!


    ¡°I was not expecting you so soon, though I won''t complain. Greetings unto you, Jor of the house of El. May the light of Rao guide you on your path!¡± Lash said with a smile and bowed from his waist.


    ¡°May the light of Rao keep you safe in the days to come, War Priest Lash-Rao.¡± Jor-El said in return. ¡°Please continue, it is not often I get to see a priest of the Religious Guild in action.¡± Jor said with a genuine smile, and curiosity alight in his eyes.


    Lash continued to inscribe the ritual circle. All the while Jor kept his silence, and obvious questions to himself. What had said was true, most ceremonies done by the Religious Guild was long drawn out affairs. While the ones held behind closed doors were far more complex, and ritualistic. Of course Lash was doing most of this simply for appearances. When he was finished he asked Jor to step off of the lot this was going to be messy.


    Lash poured his magical energy into the inscription and the entire lot glowed with green to bluish energy. This was Lash identified color for magic. He cast the spells Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Daylight, Essence Imbuement, Decomposition, Entanglement, Restoration, Mud Marsh, Nature''s Kiss, Growth, Regrowth, Druid''s Grove, Weather Control, Alteration, Recycle, Fabrication, Life and Death Manipulation, and Bending.


    A seismic tremor on a mild scale flowed over the lot and made the surroundings shake lightly. Jor''s eyes grew wide as the entire concrete lot collapsed on it self. He almost jumped into the ritual to help Lash. But held back just in time as tree''s sprouted from the ground and grew hundreds of feet into the air. The concrete broke apart into pieces and broke further down into bits of rock, and dirt. Plants grew from the soil that came in a variety of colors, and appearances. Bushes with neon colored leaves, flowers the size of the average man. Tree''s with trunks so wide it would take five people to wrap around it in a hug. Branches that stretched out towards the skies above.


    From the center of the partial-grove came a ''natural'' spring of water that flowed through the city park. Dirt pathways were designed, and crafted through Material Shaping by Lash, along with a few bridges that went over the water channels. Daylight lamps were scattered through out the park so people could see, but also for the plants themselves. Though these lamps gave of red sun, not yellow sun. Lash created a self contained park in sector 68. In front of Jor-El.


    ¡°What do you think!?¡± Lash called out as he came from the bushes towards the stunned silly scientist.


    ¡°H..H...How did you do that!? I have never seen such a thing. Even with chemical growth formulas, and the best glow lamps in Krypton such a thing would have taken months to accomplish. You did it in minutes!¡± Jor-El yelled in astonishment as he started to run through the park. He was not the only one. Hundreds of people started to walk through the paths. Feeling the plants, and trees. Many with in sector 68 had never seen a flower before.


    ¡°I could have done more if I had more room.¡± Lash said with out shame. He welcomed everyone to come explore the park. He started to craft signs about the rules and regulations of the park. Keep it clean, no littering, etc, etc. Don''t be a dick!


    ¡°This flower is extinct!¡± Jor-El yelled from the flower garden area. He was speaking about a bell blossom flower. It had a massive bell shaped flower petal core, with its stigma portions hanging down. When wind would blow by it would give off a natural chime.


    ¡°Not on temple prime it''s not.¡± Lash said with a smirk.


    ¡°Good design with the glow lamps. Part of the parks natural beauty, but will ensure the plants have plenty of artificial natural light to grow. Natural pricite stone for filtration of the water.... Nanites!? That was how you did this!?¡± Jor-El shouted and came running over to Lash with a broad smile on his face. Nanites were still in the experimental phase.


    ¡°We should talk privately.¡± Lash said to Jor-El who agreed with a grin...


    Lash brought Jor-El to his home and made hot tylak for the scientist who was shooting off questions in rapid succession. This was the scientist from the house of El that Lash had heard about from Kara. She had watched her father Zor-El, and her uncle Jor-El talk for hours about things way over head. But she loved to listen to them talk. It was so animated, and full of life. Lash was able to keep up, but only barely. His Science, and Skill/Power/Spell Trainer ability was getting huge amounts of experience.


    ¡°So you are not using nanites?¡± Jor-El asked in confusion as he sipped his third glass of tylak, and then took a bit of a pastry that Lash had made for him.


    ¡°No, the Religious Guild has figured out a way to tap into a Universal Energy from another dimension. I have a built in implant that allows me to call, and direct that energy. So I guess I am using a different kind of nanite.¡± Lash said, his Acting prompted him a bit of experience. It was based on truth, if only barely.


    ¡°Like the Phantom Zone? I''ve theorized that the Phantom Zone could be used to not only power our cities, but could also be used as a form of travel through the universe.¡± Jor-El said, and his face went down cast.


    ¡°Faster than light travel.¡± Lash continued, and the light returned to Jor-El''s eyes.


    ¡°Yes! Yes! Exactly! We could skim the outer edges of the zone, leaving the inner depths to the people we have in stasis there!¡± Jor-El continued, in this Krypton origin they had started to use the Phantom Zone as a prison for their worst criminals. Since while in the zone you didn''t need to eat, drink, or sleep. But were exposed to a total sensory deprivation. Most people went insane!


    ¡°If only the Science council would listen to me! We could...could....¡± Jor-El said, pausing at the end. Before he could continue.


    ¡°Saves Krypton''s future?¡± Lash supplied an answer, and Jor-El''s head snapped up to look at him.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jor-El asked, he swallowed his saliva and reached under the table towards something in his sleeve. Lash felt a electrical static pulse, it was a signal baffling field.


    Lash raised an eye brow at him and glanced at the table, or rather his hand under the table. Lash was sure the move was purely innocent to most people. But to Lash it was plain as day. Jor-El had created the field not only to prevent unwanted listeners from hearing their conversation. But also to prevent anyone from helping Lash in case Jor-El needed to kill him. Which is also why the wrist mounted energy pistol in Jor-El''s other hand started to warm up.


    ¡°When Brainiac pulled Kandor out of the ground. It destabilized the tectonic plates of Krypton. That is why we get tremors everyday now. Despite what the Science Guild assures the rest of us. The instability is getting worse. We have approximately...¡± Lash looked at his clock for dramatic effect. ¡°One month, and two....weeks before Krypton is due to explode?¡± Lash said in a very nonchalant voice.


    All color drained out of Jor-El''s face. His left eye was twitching with unbridled rage. Not at Lash specifically, but Lash could assume it was towards the Religious Guild. Jor-El would assum the Religious Guild knew of the issue but was keeping the whole matter a secret. Or something around those lines? Or maybe Jor-El was just angry in general. If the science council had listened to him, everyone could have been in the phantom zone right now and they would be flying towards another habitable world.


    ¡°Ask your questions, Jor-El. What you say here will not leave this room. I give you my word.¡± Lash said, as he leaned back into his chair. All good humor had drained out of him.


    ¡°What does the Religious Guild know?¡± Jor-El asked.


    ¡°Nothing... They believe what the Science Guild believes. That your math is wrong, and there is no danger. Yes, the quakes will grow worse before the tectonic plates stabilize. But they will ignore the facts because it would lead to them losing their power. Losing their power is so far outside of their method of operation that anything that could threaten it. Even the destruction of the planet. Just doesn''t even enter their minds as a possibility.¡± Lash replied, and waited for the next inevitable question.


    ¡°Then... How do you...¡± Jor-El asked, now even more confused.


    ¡°What do you know about time travel, Jor-El?¡± Lash asked, and Jor-El leaned so far back into his chair that he threatened to tip over.


    ¡°That the very idea is laughable. That even if it was possible it would take centuries of careful planning before even the most benign attempt would be possible.¡± Jor-El asked, as he tried to work the problem scientifically.


    ¡°You are absolutely right. But, hypothetically if it was possible. One could ask all sorts of questions of the hypothetical time traveler.¡± Lash said, with a smile at Jor-El.


    ¡°Does Krypton explode?¡± Jor-El asked, and Lash cast Phantasm to illustrate the story.


    ¡°It does, the shock wave sends debris across the known universe. The planet Daxam which shares the same system with Krypton is covered in debris and experiences an ash filled winter for decades. Killing most of the population. While the rest of Krypton spreads across the cosmos where portions of it exposed to cosmic radiation and changes it on a fundamental, and chemical level. One specific type is Green Kryptonite, which is the most abundant. This causes a great deal of trouble and harm for Clark Kent, or as you know him. Your son, Kal-El.¡± Lash said, finishing with a picture of Superman.


    After that, Jor-El turned off his wrist mounted blaster and deflated like a balloon. No one knew about Kal-El. Except for Zor-El his brother. Who was preparing another ship for his daughter Kara to go to Earth with Kal. Something that Lash also talked about. He also explained that Kara gets stuck mid way to Earth due to a technical issue. Something that neither of them had considered.


    But then Lash talks about all the things that Superman does, along with Supergirl that eventually arrives on Earth. They have a long and hard life. Growing up different, but they do as Jor, and Zor intended. They help lead humanity into a brighter future. Superman helps stop cosmic ending issues, and he does eventually marry and have children of his own. His adoptive parents Johnathan, and Martha Kent are good people. Simple farmers that help teach Kal right from wrong. Building on the foundations that Jor, and Lara started.


    ¡°I''m here to ensure you send them. Kara, and him both need to go to Earth. It is a not a joke for me to say that not only the future of Krypton, but the future of Earth, and hundreds of worlds like it will be saved by you, and wife''s sacrifice. My only question I have for you, is why haven''t you sent him already? Our historical records show that he left weeks before Krypton exploded.¡± Lash asked the question that had been bothering him.


    According the Erik the gamer there was several different versions. One version had Clark leave the planet just as it was exploding. Another had Clark, and his ship matter transfer to the Phantom Zone just as Jor-El spoke of and used FTL to get to Earth safely. Another version had Clark leave weeks before the planet exploded. During a civil war between the military, and science houses. Then there were a dozen more comic origins but Erik didn''t remember them all.


    ¡°The future of Krypton? Don''t we all die?¡± Jor-El asks, his depression was unsettling.


    ¡°Not all of you. Kandor is still technically intact. Brainiac miniaturized the city and keeps it in a bottle. Yes, a bottle. Along with hundreds of other cities from different worlds he has collected. Kal-El rescues Kandor, and eventually de-miniaturizes it. Then there is Argo city, the ''shield'' your brother is working on is far more...Effective then he first believed. Before you ask, why can''t you just take Kal, and Lara to Argo to wait out to the storm? Millions of people in Argo still die. I won''t gamble with the population of over a hundred planets on that chance.¡± Lash said to Jor-El dashing out that hope real quick.


    ¡°But we survive, Kryptonians I mean?¡± Jor-El said, a light in his eye started to grow.


    ¡°They do, yes. Eventually with the help of Superman, and Supergirl another planet is found near the Sol System. They establish it as New Krypton and your peoples legacy continues.¡± Lash said with a smile.


    ¡°We haven''t launched the ships because we still need a specific part. Something that I no longer have control over. A phantom zone generator key. More specifically the exact frequency to open the zone, and exit the zone. Each shuttle has a generator. But we need that key so Kal, and Kara can go in, and come out.¡± Jor-El says at last.


    Attention User! Quest updated!


    Help Jor-El find the phantom zone frequency key.


    Help Jor-El, and Zor-El launch their children ahead of schedule to avoid the catastrophe.


    ¡°Is that the only thing you need? Please understand me Jor-El. This is the main reason I came here. I am holding nothing back right now, I am taking a huge risk not only telling you about time travel, and your families future. But also the fact that you can easily report me, and my mission is blown.¡± Lash said, completely ready to sprint from the temple and go solo on the operation. He was pretty sure he could make a shuttle on his own, or buy one from the Dream Store.


    ¡°We also need the codex. We went to combine it with Kal-El. So the genetic memory of our people may live on.¡± Jor-El confessed the last part of the plan. ¡°Though, I am not sure we need it anymore if our people continue to live on past the destruction of our planet.¡± Jor-El finished.


    Attention User! Optional Quest created.


    Recover the Codex, and help Jor-El infuse it into Kal-El.


    ¡°If we can get both. We''ll do so. But the priority is the ship, and getting Kal, and Kara off planet before the destruction of the world. Agreed?¡± Lash asked Jor-El who nodded in understanding.


    It was late! Lash walked Jor-El towards the transportation hub taking no chances for the scientist safety. Plus it let Lash see more of the sector. Crap this place was in fucking ruins! He came back to the temple with out any issues except for a few people watching him as he moved. Epsilon had fed, and paid the children, and teenagers who came to use the education center, and gym. Lash locked up the temple except for the front door as always. Then went home and went to bed. Tomorrow was going to be busy. But at last, Lash had made progress towards his goal.


    Beep..Beep... The motion sensor went off. Lash groaned in dismay and got up out of bed. He went towards his study and checked the camera''s. A justicar was moving towards his front door. Rank was set to primus third in command...Kursta? Lash went to his door and opened it up as she came to it. She stood there outside the door for a bit before Lash gestured for her to come inside. She did after a bit of hesitation. He closed the door behind her and followed her into his home. She took off her helmet and look back at him.


    ¡°Can I stay here tonight... I''m still in recovery for the next few days. I... I''m scared.¡± Kursta said, as she jumped more than once at a shadow. Lash flipped through his Magical Perceptions and caught several ghosts surrounding her. Echoes, and fragments. No real personality, but they attached to her because she was still a medium.


    Lash reached out and cast Unburden removing the echoes from deathly plain. An eerie wail followed in their wake. A wail that Kursta could both hear, and feel. She whipped around looking for the source, and nearly stabbed Lash when he hugged her. She was shaking like a leaf, and tightly closed her eyes. Burrowing herself into his chest. He picked her up and took her to his bedroom. He gently pulled off her clothes, and pulled her under the covers. She clung to him like a life line, and soon fell asleep thanks to pheromone manipulation from Lash''s Nature Domain...


    Lash opened his eyes a few hours later. His Clock gave him a silent alarm like always. Kursta was wrapped around him, and was breathing easier than before. He softly stroked her naked skin, but kept himself polite. Now was not the time for sex. She need a safe place, not someone to take advantage of her. Though many would argue that sex can be a form of comfort that was not how Lash worked. Something that pleased Lash, at least that part of his personality was intact after Qetesh.


    He reached out with Connectivity and linked onto Kryptonopolis net. Then started to look through information networks. He pulled up the blue prints of the genesis chamber where the codex resided. Technically as a priest of Raoism he could preview the building. He''d have to, while Connectivity had evolved, and leveled. Krypton cyber security was impressive, even for a magic user. Lash assigned one of his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits to analyze the genesis building. While he went to look for the phantom frequency key.


    He assigned another Virtual Intelligence tech-Spirit to look for the key. While he connected towards Zor-El in Argo city. Thanks to Jor-El for establishing that little connection. Zor-El didn''t know everything, at least not about the time traveling bit. He was under the impression that Jor-El had found a like minded individual from the Religious Guild that was helping them. Lash went over the plans of Kara''s shuttle, and pointed out the technical flaw that normally wouldn''t be an issue in normal practice. But when you are riding a destructive wave that had destroyed a planet. Normal is not what you are operating in.


    On top of it all, in this time fragment Kara was only eight years old. Eight years old!? What kind of bull crap was that! Putting the responsibility on a child''s shoulders to protect a baby? Turns out Zor-El had programmed a full dive virtual reality system into Kara''s Shuttle. She''d go to sleep one night, and wake up in the simulated environment. While she would be in transit she would grow, mature, and learn. In a dream that mirrored her life in Argo. She''d continue to grow up, being loved by simulated parents. Go to school, make friends, fall in love depending on how long it took to get to Earth. Then when she arrived, the simulation would simulate the destruction of Argo, and Krypton!? She''d have to leave everything behind. Fuck that crap!


    But as horrible as it sounded on paper. In many ways it made sense. It was only when Lash spoke to Jor-El did he realize that it would take decades for the trip to be complete. It was the 1950''s right now on Earth. So about 1980, 1990 is when they should arrive the both of them. What a brutal decision to make. Why not have Kal-El go through the same thing? Develop for fifteen, twenties years in a simulated environment? Because Jor-El didn''t want Krypton to color his son''s perception. There are a lot of good things about Krypton. But it is not perfect. That was why Jor-El was sending a nanite crystal construct with Kal-El''s shuttle to build the Fortress of Solitude. There Kal could learn all about Krypton once he was old enough.


    ¡°Dawn...¡± Lash asked softly, Kursta snuggled deeper into his arms and stayed asleep.


    ¡°Yes, User!¡± Dawn''s delightful voice whispered into his ear.


    ¡°This time fragment has no repercussion on my own reality. Right?¡± Lash asked, really concerned about the situation.


    ¡°No, User it does not! It is its own timeline, its own reality. The Developers, and the Alpha testers argued about the continuity of using time fragments. But the multiverse is technically infinite. There was a time when the time fragments were meant to be nothing more than just an instance version. That once the User completed the fragment everything would just rewind and reset for the next User. But! To many people wanted to know what happened. So, when you complete the fragment User. If you want, you can pull up a full time line app of the repercussions of your actions. Though you will not be able to visit this specific reality except in extreme cases you can at least know what happened based on your decisions.¡± Dawn replied, her voice full of excitement. But all Lash felt was a pit of dread growing larger with every word.


    Fuck! How much had Lash screwed up? How much will he screw up? The time fragment was always meant to be different. It wasn''t like if Lash had just kept to himself everything would fall into place. That is not what the fragments are. They are designed to pulled the User in and get them involved. If he had been a villain type then stopping Superman from coming to Earth would have been the way to go. But he wasn''t. Lash played the superhero type. Or anti-hero anyways. Fuck....


    The soft touch of Kursta''s lips on Lash''s neck pulled him out of his data search. She had pulled herself flush against his body. Her nipples had become erect as she became more aroused. Lash gently pulled her up until she was straddling him. Her face inches from his own, as sleep slowly melted from her face. But despite the erotic situation Lash was not erect. A little detailed that Kursta noticed with a frown.


    ¡°You are under no obligation to have sex with me, Kursta. I''m sheltering you because I want to. You owe me nothing.¡± Lash said to her, and her lower lip trembled and tears threatened to fall from her eyes.


    She fell from his chest and curled up into a ball while Lash spooned her from behind. Her back flush against his chest. She cried softly, clutching at his arms. She tried to be quiet about it. But she eventually grew louder and sobbing wails came from her. During the whole time Lash just held her, and breathed gently against the back of her neck. She had died. It wasn''t beautiful, it wasn''t glorious, like the poems, and story books say. Kursta was not a child, she was a fully trained justicar officer. Now the third in command of the entire barracks of sector 68. She understood the cruelties of the world. That even if you work hard, and do everything you are suppose to. The world can, and will still chew you up, and spit you back out.


    A car bomb! A car bomb had killed her! She wasn''t even the main target! She was collateral damage! The man she shared a bed with was the target. She had just been a means to an end. That same man pulled her corpse from a burning wreck. Used his abilities to restore her corpse and pull her back from death itself. Something that she had been told was impossible scientifically, and only the gods themselves had that power. In all of the scriptures of Rao that had only happened a handful of times. Only for the most worthy? So what was she? Who was she suppose to be?


    ¡°Why did you save me?¡± Kursta whispered softly, not even really intending for Lash to hear the question. Lash heard her, but didn''t answer. All he did was tighten his hold on her.


    Can you let her go when its time to leave? -Saurian said across the link they shared.


    I''ll have to. I''ll be honest, I''m not really sure what I am doing here. It is not the first time I''ve lived a life full of regret. I''ve left lovers, families, even children behind in my many lives. It never gets easier -Lash replied to his partner.


    Spend the day with her. Not as a Priest, and Justicar. But as a man, and woman enjoying the city. You could both use a change of pace. -Saurian said, and stretched out and went back to sleep.


    ¡°Kursta... Do you want to spend the day with me? Leave the sector for a day. Not as a Priest, or a Justicar. But two consenting adults enjoying each others time in Kryptonopolis?¡± Lash spoke softly to her back. She wiggled and turned around to face him. Her eyes searched his own then she leaned in and kissed him with tender emotion.


    ¡°OK....¡± She said, she smiled. That smile was beautiful to behold....

 Chapter 98: Charming Presence

    ============================================================


    ***HR, Coast City, California. Garfield Technical High School***


    Garfield High was one of the few buildings in Coast City that still stood during the alternate reality invasion, and continued to stand after the short lived war was over. Because of the advanced technologies provided by the schools benefactor. Along with its guardian known as Black Lightning the school had been used as a refugee camp, and base of operations for the JLI in the area. Under the school was an extensive bunker with medical facilities, workshops, and a barracks.


    Unlike the rest of the city that was still shut down thanks to the meta Dex bomb. Garfield regained power, and functionality after the initial 48 hour pulse. Something that was both a blessing and a curse. It gave the students, and their families a home. While it attracted all of the wrong attention. Meta powered gangs, looters, and of course strike teams from the invasion force once they learned the school had power. Several of the auxiliary buildings had cracked under the pressure. But the main school house continued to stand.


    Black Lightning aka Jefferson Pierce was sitting on the main building looking over the reconstruction of the school. Though he was in a different uniform now, that of the Principle of Garfield High. His fiancee and hopefully future wife, Lynn Stewart was next to him running through the schedule for today. Jefferson had tuned his fiancee out a while ago, not to look at something else. No, he was memorizing her curves. The dimples in her face when she smiled.


    ¡°Jefferson? ...Jefferson!... JEFFERSON!¡± Lynn yelled at him, and he snapped out of his fantasies.


    ¡°Yes ma''am!?¡± Jefferson said with a smile on his face.


    ¡°What were you doing?¡± Lynn said to him with a glare.


    ¡°Memorizing your pretty face, and thanking god above for blessing me with your love?¡± Jefferson said with a grin. Lynn gave him a very annoyed look, and hummed to herself.


    ¡°Alright....But what were you not doing?¡± Lynn said, as she tucked the holographic window out of sight.


    ¡°Not paying attention to the schedule for today?¡± Jefferson said, as his shoulders drooped. If he had been a dog his ears would have tucked to his head, and his tail would have fallen between his legs.


    Before they could start speaking further on the matter a spell script began to coil next to them. After six seconds the coil sprung up, and down. Then with an audible pop! John Stewart, brother to Lynn Stewart appeared in his brand new Blue Lantern Corp suit. Lynn smiled at her brother and came to give him a big hug. Then John, and Jefferson shook hands.


    ¡°Good to see you, brother? Not that I don''t mind the visits but don''t you have a lot of work to do?¡± Lynn asked, her smile was genuine but it didn''t reach her eyes. She knew her brother to well, his forced expression didn''t fool her.


    ¡°Something happened? Do I need to suit up?¡± Jefferson offered, electricity started to dance along his finger tips.


    ¡°I don''t know... I was just cleared to tell you both this. In Death Valley a Kryptonian prison ship had landed and was in stealth mode. No one knew it was there, and thankfully no one escaped during the invasion. We had a JLI team assigned to monitor the ship. Barricades, sensors, and troops. But last night the exterior hatches across the ship blew out. The prisoners escaped through the escape pods. Hundreds of pods shot up into the air, and out across the country.¡± John replied, the tension in his shoulders growing with every word.


    ¡°So, we may have a whole bunch of alien convicts running around the country. Fuck that! We may have alien convicts running around Coast City!?¡± Lynn shouted, her eyes were wide and she was in disbelief.


    ¡°I know...We just-¡± John started to try and comfort his sister when his communication line went up. ¡°Go for Blue Lantern...Yes...Where!? Copy that! En route!¡± John said, hugged his sister and clapped Jefferson on the shoulder. Then flew off towards down town leaving a blue energy trail in his wake.


    ¡°FUCK!¡± Lynn shouted to the skies as she ran a hand through her hair.


    ¡°We should practice drills today.¡± Jefferson offered, and Lynn agreed. If it wasn''t one thing, it was another...


    ==============================================================


    ***Time Fragment, Kryptonopolis. Sector 68, Black Zero bunker***


    ¡°I still don''t understand why we don''t just kill him?¡± A man spoke while sitting around a computer imagery terminal.


    ¡°Because the people will know that Black Zero is responsible. Even if the inquisitors show up, and tear the whole sector apart. The people will blame us for it! We have to destroy his name, before we can kill him.¡± Another man said, as he took a sip from his canteen.


    ¡°What did our contacts at temple prime say?¡± A woman asked, as the group all looked towards a familiar woman.


    ¡°He is the key stone to the whole plan. This is a basic test to see if it can work or not.¡± Kela Bez-Ol said to the group.


    ¡°So, if he dies. The outreach program dies with him.¡± The first man, who voted to kill him spoke up.


    ¡°Maybe we are looking at this the wrong way.¡± Kela offered, and the group looked at her.


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Why don''t we use his education system to spread our agents out. We can have them take the lessons, get approved, and be sent across Kryptonopolis. Why don''t we make this work for us, instead of against us?¡± Kela suggested, and that idea made everyone pause.


    ¡°Its basic strategy, take the tools of your enemy and use it against them.¡± Kela continued, paused then moved forward. ¡°Leave Lash-Rao alone, use him to spread our own agents across the city. If things are not 100% true then we can use our communication methods to blast the truth across the net. But if they are true, then we can get our people in important positions across the city.¡± Kela finished and looked around the room.


    ¡°I''ll second the motion.¡± The woman said.


    ¡°Third.¡± The second man offered.


    ¡°Alright, lets send a few people to the education center and start working our way up. Now, what about people disappearing in the sewer access points? Anything to report on that?¡± The first man asked, and the group started on a new discussion. But Kela breathed a sigh of relief.


    Kela didn''t want to kill Lash. Not because they had tried and failed multiple times. But she truly wanted to see if his idea would work. Yes, his idea. Their contacts at temple prime confirmed that Lash was the one that pushed for the outreach program, and he would be the test subject. Something about the attack on Kandor inspired him with the idea. Then oddly enough temple prime agreed! Kela wasn''t sure why but she felt that she could trust Lash to keep his word. Also if she was being honest, the man absolutely terrified her.


    ¡°Kela?¡± The woman next to her asked.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Can you reach out to Lash-Rao and see if he plans to hold another feast anytime soon. Despite his good press it was a great recruitment drive for us.¡± The woman asked.


    ¡°I''ll ask, hopefully he''ll keep his word and ensure that the temple is neutral ground.¡± Kela said in response, as she narrowed her eyes in thought.


    ¡°Do you think the priest suspects you?¡± The first man asked.


    ¡°Oh with out a doubt! In fact I am sure he knows I''m Black Zero. But whether its his ego, or his optimism he wants to prove there is a none violent way to solve our problems.¡± Kela confessed her personal feelings on the matter. The other three shared a look, then looked back at Kela.


    Kela wouldn''t know it. But she had just went from indispensable, to expendable. She had been identified. Even if no one had shown up now, it didn''t matter. They had to burn this bunker and move. They had stayed alive this long by being paranoid. They would continue to use Kela. But unless something changed in the next few weeks she would become a martyr to their cause. A Labor Guild official killed for speaking out against the high born masters...


    ==============================================================


    ***Time Fragment, sector 68 temple. Home of Lash-Rao***


    This was different. Definitely different Kursta Soll-Vol thought to herself. She wore black polymer pants that hugged her hips, and her legs. She wore three inch heeled boots that zipped up to her mid calf. Then she wore a tight, all be it long blue t-shirt that went past her hips. Then a long mynox black leather coat that went past her hips. The coat also had a hood, she understood the need for secrecy. Third in command of the barracks of sector 68 being seen walking around with the priest of the temple.


    But that was not what was different. What was different was how the clothing had been made. Lash took her measurements then just reached up into the air and pulled... Pulled! The clothing out of thin air. He also made some very nice, very alluring, and comfortable underwear. Red lace was the word Lash had used. Kursta did like the design when she put it on in the refresher room.


    Oh! That was another thing! Kursta still fondly remembered the several sexual moments with Lash in his home. But now Lash seem detached about it. He was still very kind, and considerate! But he never once touched her in a sexual manner. He helped her dress, and asked her questions about how they fit. But nothing overly sexual. Kursta wasn''t sure why, but she found herself finding comfort in his actions.


    ¡°What are you making now?¡± Kursta asked as he walked over to Lash who wore much the same she did. Black boots, black polymer pants, shirt, long leather coat. He had made a necklace for himself, then he presented her with two red jeweled ear pieces.


    ¡°These are inscribed with anonymity. Put them on, and as long as you don''t do anything to outlandish everyone will just thing you are like everyone else.¡± Lash said with a smile, and a twinkle to his eye.


    ¡°OK....¡± Kursta said with an eye roll. She clipped the earrings on and felt a shiver of energy roll through her body. She looked at herself and didn''t see any difference.


    ¡°Wonderful! Come on! I bought us tickets for the play of Kilu-Ton, and the battle of Kinok.¡± Lash said with a grin and held out his hand. Kursta loved that play! She grinned at him and took his hand...


    Different! Again this was different! Not that she was complaining! Lash spoke to Epsilon, and Praetor. Then they left through the front door of the temple. Several people asked Lash if he had seen the priest. The priest in front of you? Lash said that the priest was walking through sector 68 looking for buildings to rebuild. They accepted that answer and left with out a fuss.


    Lash led Kursta through the dense crowds of 68 and they flowed through them like cilico (fish) swimming through the water. No one pushed into them, no one even seem to notice them. Lash stopped to talk to a few people about a few things. All the while never letting go of Kursta''s hand, or arm. She felt a connection there. Nothing so childish. But a connection of energy, more like if he would let go she would get lost in the hustle and bustle of the crowd.


    They arrived at the transport hub. Lash passed his hand through the terminal sensor and it recognized him as priest Lash-Rao even if the people around him didn''t see him. Then a luxury transport came over. Kursta had ridden in one of them only a few times in her life. Justicars had a transportation pass on duty or off. But at its highest it was business. The transport was fully furnished with plush cushion seats. An open snack, and drink bar, and most of all! They were alone in the whole transport.


    ¡°How did you do that?¡± Kursta said as she came to sit next to him on the luxury seat.


    ¡°Magic!¡± Lash replied, which only earned him an eye roll from Kursta. Magic? Please, Kursta wasn''t eight years old anymore. Magic wasn''t real!....Wasn''t it?


    _______________________________________


    Lash snickered at Kursta''s eye roll. Then he noticed that Kursta was sitting up straight, shoulders back, chest sticking out. Perfectly at attention on the seat. That wouldn''t do! Lash pulled her towards him and she blinked at him in surprised. Then she eventually settled in next to him, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. She leaned in, and set her head between his shoulder and neck. It would take almost twenty minutes to reach the Artist Guild enclave in Kryptonopolis.


    Lash reached out and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on Kursta. The tribal marks on his bald head glowed green. He had done that several times in front of Kursta. Cast spells, and not once did she ask about his tribal marks. That was when he was sure she couldn''t see them. No one could. He''d have to talk to Dawn to confirm it. But since Lash-Rao didn''t have them in his background. Then no one would see them. That was an important detail for future Rifts.


    Kursta groaned in delight as the effect of the spells settled over. Her fingers trailed up and down his chest. While his own fingers trailed down her neck and back. He had made reservations ahead of time through Connectivity for the play at the enclave. Normally it was difficult to get tickets but with his War Priest status it was surprisingly easy. Plus all the while he was enjoying this day with Kursta his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits were researching the Phantom Zone frequency key, and the layout of the Genesis chamber.


    Thanks to Sensory Awareness Lash had a clear line of sight on Kursta. He could see that she clearly wanted to talk about what had happened. When she died. But she also just wanted to enjoy the moment. Enjoy the day with Lash so she kept it to herself. Opening and closing her mouth several times but no words ever came out. So, Lash filled the void with their itinerary. First was the play, it was in fact one of Kursta''s favorite plays.


    Kilu-Ton, and the battle of Kinok was at its core a love story. Two warring houses were arranged to be married to stop the fighting. However, a rival house that hoped that the two warring houses would consume one another kidnapped Kilu''s intended, Zulini Vul-Tuat. Like most love stories the man of course raced across the land encountering dangers, and befriending individuals that came to help him along the way. What made it different was that Zulini didn''t need to be saved. She fought against her captors and escaped all on her own. Having her own adventure, encountering dangers, and befriending people. All in an attempt to return to the one she loved.


    They actually pass one another. Kilu towards the enemies stronghold, Zulini heading home. When Kilu learns his intended had already escaped he turns right back around and goes home. While Zulini learns her intended had gone to search for her. She turns around and goes to look for him. They end up meeting at Kinok, which is an open valley. Where all three houses meet for a battle. Through some stress filled situations they find each other on the battle field. Kiss! Then declare war on the house that had almost brought their houses to ruin.


    The luxury transport that Lash had paid extra for would wait for them. He had paid for the entire day. They went to a massive theater made from crystal core stone. The play was as Lash expected a drama with a bit of dry humor involved. But it was definitely a battle born romance. Kursta despite her training as a justicar was on the edge of her seat in their private box half the time. She must have seen the play over a dozen times. But to see it at the Artist Guild enclave was a rare treat. Lash agreed, the special effects, the scene changes, and the battles all looked really realistic.


    Next! They went to a restaurant in astronomy tower for lunch. Once more Lash made reservations. The restaurant in question was spectacular, the food was good, yes! But what they had done is place whole eating area inside a planetarium. They played some of Krypton''s best star gazing events. Where a cosmic event took place and they got to watch a nebula of energy be born in the ocean of stars above. It was fucking amazing! Lash made a personal note to copy the idea and make a restaurant like that with Ghost Industries.


    After lunch they visited the crystal caves. It was a nature preserve that was under a portion of the city. Vast caverns with natural crystal types, colors, and natural formations. This was actually the very cavern that the house of El learned to manipulate crystal construction. So it was a historical landmark. All of the crystal structures used across Krypton. The idea, and artificial creations came from this very cavern. This very large cavern! Lash touched every single crystal he could get his hands on. Why? He used his Transmuter Title, and Material Shaping. He learned the chemical formula for each one. Now, he could create, and craft the crystals. Kryptonian Science received a huge chunk of experience.


    Last of the day they boarded their luxury transport and set it to a loop at the tail edge of the city. Several luxury transports did this, they would just sit back and watch as the red sun of Rao bathed the city in its glow. The science council central building would set up fantastical rainbows across the whole metropolis. It was like watching stars being born, and wink out within seconds. As the sun set at last the transport headed back towards sector 68. Lash, and Kursta slipped through the crowds easily enough and retreated to his home.


    ¡°May I take a bath?¡± Kursta asked, Lash had a soaking tub in his refresher room.


    ¡°Sure, get undressed I''ll start running the water.¡± Lash said, and moved to the room.


    Lash walked into the refresher room and tapped a key pad the soaking tub came out of the wall and started to fill up with warm to hot water. Lash didn''t see any products so he just made a few bottles filled with oils from Earth. He stripped down to a set of bathing shorts and nothing else. Then he sat down on a stool next to the tub. Kursta peeked inside and saw that Lash was waiting for her. She looked at him with a raised brow.


    ¡°Come on in, I''ll wash your hair, and scrub your back.¡± Lash said with a grin. Kursta made an o face and stepped into the room wearing only a towel.


    She seemed oddly shy, it was not the first time he had seen her naked. Oh! That was right, most of the time the lights were off. Lash could see perfectly in the dark so he never noticed. She placed the towel to the side, and slipped into the tub with a delighted sigh. Lash noticed she kept the necklace on. He had taken the earrings back when they got back to his home. Lash moved his stool to the head of the tub and gently guided her back.


    ¡°Did you enjoy your day off?¡± Lash asked, as he poured hot water down Kursta short cropped blond hair. She sighed contently, a smile growing across her face. Her eyes fluttered closed before she spoke.


    ¡°I did... What ever was bothering me before seems to have settled down. Or maybe its just you?¡± Kursta asked, skirting the subject they had been ignoring.


    ¡°Bit of both. I can give you something to help. But it will take weeks before you are back to 100%. Sorry about the side effects.¡± Lash said sincerely, Kursta sat up then turned around to look at him seriously. Her bashful, and shy nature gone.


    ¡°Don''t apologize for saving my life, Lash. Not ever.¡± Kursta said, her fierce stare was oddly adorable to Lash.


    ¡°OK, sit back down. As odd as it may sound I enjoy doing this for the people I care about.¡± Lash said with a grin. Kursta nodded, and leaned back against the tub. Then her lips tugged upward.


    ¡°So....You''ve done this before for other people? Back at temple prime.¡± Kursta asked, and Lash laughed.


    Lash confessed that he had. As always the superstition that the Religious Guild were a bunch of eunuchs was miss placed. The Religious Guild had houses like any other guild. They had families, they had the genesis chamber for children. But tell an entire city of men, and women that they can''t have sex? Fuck that! Fuck you, and you, and also you! You come back to my room later for intensive study. Yes, study! Kursta burst out laughing when Lash told that joke.


    Lash washed, and conditioned her hair. Then scrubbed her back, and many portions of her body down with a scrub brush, sponge, and bath salts. Apparently Krypton didn''t have bath salts! Sacrilege! By the end of the bath Kursta looked like she was about to pass out. Lash drained the tub and pulled her out and carried her to the bedroom. He toweled her off and tucked her into bed. Yes, Lash settled in beside her. But she was asleep before he even settled down...


    _______________


    Beep...One of Lash''s tech spirits sent him a notification. They had found the phantom zone frequency key. It was in the science council primary tower. Of course it was! The tower had over two hundred floors. It reminded Lash of the mega-towers that you would see in cyber fantasy books, movies, etc. It was not impossible to say that many Labor Guild workers that served in the tower. Would be raised, lived, and die inside of a tower never seeing the outside except through a window.


    Jor-El didn''t have the credentials anymore to retrieve the key. His unpopular belief in Krypton''s destruction had earned him disfavor. Until his head was on straight, he had been temporarily removed from the science council. They thought he was insane for wanting to place the entire population of Krypton into the phantom zone. Then travel to a habitable planet, and have every one start over... Wait a minute.


    ¡°Dawn, is there a way to save Krypton.¡± Lash asked into the darkness softly.


    ¡°I don''t know, User. Is there?¡± Dawn replied with a teasing tone of voice. A smile slowly grew on Lash''s face.


    Kal-El, and Kara Zor-El had to go to Earth. But that didn''t mean that Lash couldn''t completely fuck up the time line after that. In for a penny, in for a pound. But how was he going to do this? Lash pulled up the store catalog in ''silent'' mode. So not glittering book, or holographic window. The only person that could see the store catalog was him. Apparently this had come in a new version update because the Users complained about it. So, now Lash could activate the store at anytime as long as he wasn''t in combat.


    Tectonic stabilization? There were dozens of different machines. He applied his unique tech tree for magitek. That narrowed it down to six different machines. They came in double deluxe sized towers larger than the science council building. All the way down to a machine about fifteen feet high, and ten feet around. However, that one had specific standards. It also costed him 500 DP. Lash only had 550 DP left after his spending spree with the Watch Tower. He was sure he would get more DP after the Rift. But he wasn''t sure how much. He still needed to buy a bunker for the moon operation. Then the lunar academy, and planetary shield. Fuck!


    Was Lash really going to spend all of his points on a world that he may never see again? Lash took a moment to look at Kursta, her arms tucked into her chest. Her face pressed against his shoulder, and chest. Her slow, relaxed breathing tickling his face. Yes, yes he was going to do that. Crap! If he had a blue lantern ring he could even change the red sun back into a yellow sun. Holy crap! Billions of super powered Kryptonians? That just made Lash shiver in fear, and excitement. But he was getting off subject. Lash reached out and purchased the blue print


    Attention User! You have selected A grade tectonic stabilizer.


    This item is worth 500 DP.


    You have purchased A grade tectonic stabilizer.


    Attention User! You have found a way to possibly save Krypton. You must now find a suitable place to build, and plant the device. The sooner the better.


    Optional Objective: Find a suitable location for the device.


    Optional Objective: Build, and plant the device.


    Optional Objective: Current percentile chance of success. 0.0000000000%


    Comment: Your Cosmic Patron is staring at you wide eyed, and a grin is growing across their face.


    Lash blew out a breath he hadn''t realized he was holding. The blue print was saved to a memory stash in his UI. He only had 50 DP after all that. Now, he had to contact to Jor-El and tell him that he may have found a way to save Krypton. But oh, you still have to send your son away. Because there is a minuscule chance it will work. He had his tech-spirit that had finished searching for the Phantom Zone key. Start searching for the deepest known location on Krypton. Kondor was a gaping wound on the surface of the planet. Molten lava poured out endlessly. Lash also needed to contact Gozith. There was a chance that his kin didn''t have to leave. But all of that could be done in the morning!...


    _____________________


    Lash opened his eyes once again at 4:30 am on the dot. He looked over at Kursta who at one point snuggled into her pillow instead of Lash. Lash almost felt jealous of the pillow. But it made it easier to pull himself from bed. But before he left he gingerly pulled Kursta''s necklace and did a partial Unburden inscription on the necklace. If any echo, or fragment got with in touching distance of her the necklace would flash. She may still see shadows around her. But they would at least keep their distance now.


    Lash stepped out from the bed and tucked Kursta back in. Then he slipped downstairs and took a shower. He missed taking showers. Immaculate was wonderful, he was very happy he had the spell. But he really enjoyed taking a hot shower. He came out of the refresher room, and got dressed in his typical black clothing fashion. But this time he added a bit of golden scripture script around his collar, sleeves, and belt line.


    He started to make some hot tylak, and make a delicious breakfast feast. About half way through cooking Kursta had woken up and moved to take a shower. She came out of the shower wearing one of his shirts, that was dramatically over sized for her. She grinned when he stared at her. Lash liked seeing her in his clothes, she knew that. So she did it. Hot tylak, and java juice were placed in front of her. Soon followed by a mynox omelet. Mynox is a universal animal on Krypton. Just like pigs on Earth it seemed. But to finish off the meal was a cup of yulonz cream.


    They talked a little bit over breakfast. Kursta was going to go back home today. She had one more day of recovery lined up. She was going to spend it with her family. But Lash told her if she had any more issues to contact him. Or she could come to his home. There was a moment when Kursta''s eyes danced across Lash''s body. Lash knew that look but let it slide. They didn''t have 3-6 hours to spare for some fun.


    The two of them did kiss for several minutes by the door before they stepped out. The only reason it didn''t go any further was because a motion sensor alarm went off. Someone had entered the temple. It was still early so Lash needed to go check who it was. But he was reasonably sure that Kursta would be back sometime this week for some more R&R. Before Kursta left the temple Lash cast Anonymity to her. Informing her that it would last about an hour, just long enough to her to get to the transportation hub. She still didn''t understand how it worked but thanked him all the same.


    Waiting in the main foyer was Lash''s guest. Kela Bez-Ol was looking at the new additions, decorations, and hand made furniture. She was running her hand over one of the pieces of wood and could feel marks of the hand that crafted it. From one artisan to another, Kela may not be from the Artist Guild. That didn''t stop her from having hand built dozens of pieces for a client. Lash had slipped into the foyer room with out a sound and watched her for a bit.


    ¡°I can make one for you if you like?¡± Lash asked, and tried not to smile when she jumped in fright. She whirled around to look at him, her eyes wide, and her breathing accelerated. Once she discovered where he stood, her breathing slowed.


    ¡°Wait...You made this?¡± Kela asked as she pointed at the seat. It had a rare wood type from the southern jungles of Krypton. One of the last few in existence. Then golden crystal had been melted, and poured into the natural seems of the wood.


    ¡°I did, I made everything here. Except for the curtains by the door. Sister Tula Xup-Yut made those, it was first donation the temple received so there it will stay.¡± Lash replied, as he walked over to the curtains in question and ran a hand over the rough fabric. But a smile was clear on his face.


    ¡°Your talent for the arts is astounding, as is your appreciation for others.¡± Kela said, and took out a small device a baffle field pulsed out from her. Making it so no one could over hear their conversation. ¡°Black Zero has decided to leave you alone, for now.¡± Kela confessed, and waited for some sort of retaliation from Lash that would never come.


    ¡°Wonderful! I assume they are going to use the education center to spread their people across the city. Don''t look so surprised, it''s what I would have done.¡± Lash said with a smile at Kela''s shocked expression. ¡°Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?¡± Lash asked, as he walked towards her and took a seat in one of the ''hand crafted'' pieces of furniture.


    ¡°The Labor Guild was curious when the next feast was?¡± Kela asked, and took a seat as well. However, she took down the baffle field. She closed the device and tucked it away in her forward pocket.


    ¡°If everything goes according to plan, in two weeks. It will be more of a festival than feast. Yes, food will be there. But we''ll have games for children and adults. You collect tickets, then can exchange those tickets for prizes. Anything from candy, to clothing, and even housing license.¡± Lash replied, and produced a holographic image from seemingly no where. Kela didn''t seem to even notice as she read through his intended event.


    ¡°This will be expensive, I see temple prime is going all in.¡± Kela said after a few minutes of reading.


    ¡°Oh no, this will be paid out of my own pocket.¡± Lash said with a grin. His Intermediate Money Storage had reactivated yesterday. So he could convert any of his existing currency to that of Kryptonian common credit. Kela leaned back in her chair giving Lash an appraising eye.


    ¡°How much of this outreach program is being paid by you?¡± Kela asked, she licked her lips a bit suddenly finding them dry.


    ¡°I would say about 70% of it is being paid by me.¡± Lash said with a grin....


    Lash and Kela continued to talk for another hour about the logistics of the festival. He gave the estimated date of the event. But it was not a promise. Many things could happen in two weeks. He may even be gone by that point. But if he had a choice in the matter he would like to be here. It may be the last festival any of them ever see before they die. Irritatingly enough Lash did earn a single point of experience in Charming Presence when he finished speaking to Kela. Lash was incredibly tempted to buy the last evolution of the ability just so he would never have to see an experience notice. But he was terrified what the ability would do at Master level.


    ¡°Fuck it!¡± Lash said after a moments consideration. He went to the main temple room where he would hold sermons, and the altar resided. He opened up the store catalog and used the last of this six ability points to purchase the master evolution of Charming Presence.


    Congratulations User! You''ve given into temptation and purchased the last evolution of Charming Presence! Your Cosmic Patron is pleased!


    Advanced Charming Presence has evolved into Master Charming Presence.


    Master Charming Presence: User radiates an aura of attractiveness, naturally inducing titillating pleasure and carnal desire while subtly lifting inhibitions. The affected targets remain fully themselves, but can''t help but long for the User''s favor and affection. It should be noted the User does not need to do anything, their mere presence; brings pleasure, attracts attention and admiration, and seduces others.


    Sub-Skill/Power, Subliminal Seduction: User can project seductive thoughts to the minds of others, speak with subliminal seductive power behind each word, and/or stimulate the brain''s pleasure centers by touch, voice or thought. This can be used to attract and seduce any subject one desires, because the subject receiving the thoughts would believe they were the ones thinking them.


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron is very pleased!


    Note: At least you won''t see anymore experience gains!


    Lash cradled his head in his hands and felt true despair of his own making. At least the Subliminal Seduction was something he could turn off and on. Lash bit back a groan as his Adaptation changed tiny aspects of his body better suited to this new ability. Saurian was laughing across the link at him. As horrible was it was Charming Presence was another useful tool to the born Hunter-Saurian. Many creatures in nature can, and will emit a pleasant sent to lure enemies towards them. This was no different to Saurian.


    Lash went back to his temples home and jumped on the information net to make a call to Jor-El. Who answered the other end of the call was a woman that Lash instantly recognized. It was Lara Lor-Van, Jor-El''s bonded mate, and Kal-El''s mother. Lara was 5''9¡±, with long curly black hair, bright blue eyes, with a seductive figure. She wore a very ornate, and decorative style dress that hugged her curves. It was a deep crimson red, with blue highlights. Reminding Lash of Superman''s uniform.


    ¡°May the Rao''s guiding light guide you are your path, Lara Lor-Van house of El. I apologize but is your husband available?¡± Lash said, he had stood up and bowed from his waist when the video had connected in his study. Lara''s lips tugged slightly at his manners.


    ¡°Lash-Rao, my husband spoke of you. He is in the lab, wait a moment.¡± Lara replied, she turned on her heel and walked towards the lab. The camera followed behind, the mechanical chirping Lash heard suggested that the camera was attached to a robotic servant.


    While he waited Lash tasked his available Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits with securing the communication line. Lash didn''t want anyone tapping into the conversation. He also watched Lara move, he used his Deductive Reasoning and made an educated guess. She had just given birth maybe a few days to a week ago. Kryptonian medical science was incredibly advanced. Making recovery time exceptionally fast.


    Lara walked into a lab and in the distance Lash saw the shuttle. It was more or less complete, a few pieces pulled apart. Especially around the cockpit, or stasis chamber that Kal-El would sleep in during the journey. Lara came to find her husband Jor-El with a smile on his face as he held up his son, Kal-El in the air. The baby smiled in delight at being held up in the air. Jor-El turned to look at his wife, then at the camera. His smiled wilted a bit, but it was replaced by a sense of professionalism. Lash wasn''t insulted, he was after all a symbol of the future. A future that Jor-El was dreading.


    ¡°Kal-El, I''d like you to meet Lash-Rao the time traveler.¡± Jor-El said into the camera, that made Lash''s eyes go a little wide. So, Lara was aware who Lash was. Kal-El looked at the camera interface with wonder on his eyes. That, or he was trying to determine if he should poop or not. Poop won the day!


    A robotic attendant floated over and gently picked Kal-El up and began to change him just a bit off screen. Jor-El chuckled lightly, then turned back towards the camera. Lara took a seat next to him and turned towards Lash. Lash took a deep breath and transferred the necessary information about where the Phantom Zone frequency key was located. Jor-El''s face fell at the sight of it, and Lara looked puzzled.


    ¡°I''m a bit surprised, can you not use your advanced technology to acquire it for us?¡± Lara asked, the tone in her voice was odd. As if she was testing Lash, she wasn''t fully convinced.


    ¡°Yes, actually. I am reasonably sure I can get the key out of the tower. The only issue is I''ll have to do it loudly. If I get the device to you, can you make a copy of it to send to Zor-El? Or do we have to get the entire key to him as well?¡± Lash asked, a small smile of victory on his face as Lara seem surprised that he could do it so easily.


    ¡°Yes! Both ships have the phantom zone generator aboard. We just need the frequency key. What about the codex?¡± Jor-El asked, his mood shifting a bit once again.


    ¡°That I can also get. But I''ll have to say it will be the last objective. Because the moment that it is taken from the genesis chamber all of Kryptonopolis will go into lock down. How soon after I give you codex can the ship be launched?¡± Lash asked, this was an important detail.


    ¡°Almost immediately, when do you plan to put this all into motion?¡± Jor-El asked, as he reached out to take his wife''s hand. She squeezed his hand in return, and tried to keep a composed expression on her face.


    ¡°I guess that depends on all of you. We have a few weeks before Krypton is expected to explode. Do you wish to spend it together? Or should we send it now?¡± Lash asked, and his question brought surprise to both of them.


    ¡°You''d risk the future, and your time line just to give us more time with our son?¡± Lara asked, she spoke for them both.


    ¡°I would, yes.¡± Lash said, a bit of a smile on his face.


    ¡°The estimated last week then. Unless the world changes for the worst that is when we''ll try for it.¡± Jor-El said with a smile, as the robotic attendant brought back Kal-El. Waiting was dangerous, it would increase the chance of something going wrong. But shooting their son, and their niece into the vast emptiness of space was no picnic either.


    ¡°Subject change, do either of you have a map of the subterranean depths beneath Kryptonopolis?¡± Lash asked, he was trying to decide if he should tell him his back up plan that has almost zero chance of working.


    ¡°We do, yes! The city has been rebuilt dozens of times. But the house of El always kept accurate records. May I ask why?¡± Jor-El asked, as he started to send a data transfer to Lash interface.


    ¡°I may have a machine capable of preventing the destruction of the planet on a total scale.¡± Lash said, wincing as both Lara and Jor stopped what they were doing to stare at him.


    ¡°Explain please?¡± Lara asked, as she reached out to hug her son who wiggled in her arms.


    ¡°When Krypton explodes, it sends debris across not only the solar system but across the universe. Sending asteroids of extreme size to ruin Daxam, and dozens of other worlds. While additional fragments are sent to Earth to cause problems for Kal-El, and Kara. The machine in question will help prevent the planet from exploding. Maybe.¡± Lash replied to the question, and sent his own data packet to them so they could look over the machine.


    ¡°You have this machine!?¡± Jor-El said he scrolled through the information. His wife doing the same.


    ¡°I am capable of building it. That is why I need the maps of the subterranean. The further down, the better.¡± Lash replied as he waited for them to get to the end of the blue print. Where it told them the chances of success. The light died in both their eyes when they got there.


    ¡°So, you have no idea if this going to work. Which is why you didn''t tell me about it before. But, if there is even a chance that the planet doesn''t explode, but still wipe out all life on the planet. In the long run it will be better. Daxam survives, and green kryptonite doesn''t arrive on Earth to harm Kal, or Kara?¡± Jor-El replied, as he sat back in his seat. His wife continued to look over the information.


    ¡°Hope for the best, plan for the worst.¡± Lash replied with a frown.


    Eventually Lara conceded and admitted the last bit of resistance. Not only did she believe Lash about being a time traveler simply because the machine was way beyond anything on Krypton. But also because she asked Lash about Kal in the future. Little things that Superman had shared with Lash about his biological parents. About the fortress of solitude. Along with the dangers of Kryptonite. Lash received a detailed map of the underground and found several tunnels that went for miles underground. A good place to start.


    Eventually Lash closed the link and rubbed his face. But before he could really sit and think a monitor picked up a few signals entering the main foyer. It was the children here to attend the classes in the education center. Epsilon of course fed the children a simple breakfast, something that the kids had come to rely on. Then took them towards their selected area. Praetor found the young girl who had taken a liking to the combat fitness.


    If Lash intended to try and save Krypton than the temple needed to be retrofitted to not only survive a cataclysmic earthquake. But also be self sufficient bomb shelter in the future. Thankfully Lash had all sorts of blue prints saved in his User interface. But, that would come later! He was going to go check on the new city park he made, do some work. Then tomorrow morning underground to deploy the machine. Why not now? Because his tech-spirit was mapping out the most efficient route for him.


    Congratulations User! Minor Virtual Intelligence has evolved into Basic Virtual Intelligence.


    Effect: Increase in power, decrease in power consumption.


    Effect: 3 Tech-Spirits.


    Effect: Tech-Spirits are slightly more advanced, are capable of carrying out more complex tasks.


    Lash celebrated his little victory but his good mood was soured when he arrived at the park. The flower beds are been torn up, several tree''s had their branches cut. A body was floating in the water channel. One of the glow lamps had been destroyed, and painted on the ground was a giant bloody fist. The Blood Fist gang. Lash took a deep breath and counted to ten before he started to cast Renew on the park.


    He used his new Virtual Intelligence tech-spirit to access the security cameras that were installed in the glow lamps. Then he had the tech-spirit search the security camera''s in sector 68 for his targets. Unfortunately, a majority of the camera''s in sector 68 were broken. So, Lash reached through his tech-spirit and cast Repair. The energy cost was large, but little by little the camera''s in the sector started to snap back into place. Well at least the ones that were broken, while others were just simply gone.


    Lash checked his Magical Perception the soul tether to the body in the water channels was long gone so Lash turned him over and checked his ID code. Homeless, no direct family on record. Lash checked the camera''s, the man had chosen to sleep in the park. He tried to stop the Blood Fist from wrecking the park and got a knife to gut for his troubles. Lash cast Decomposition on the body, and said a small prayer for the soul. Eventually the park was restored to its former glory. But something bothered Lash.


    The security camera''s in the glow lamps alerted the justicar in the area when the Blood Fist began their destruction of the park. The feed had a record that the justicar received the message and sent a unit to investigate. But no one showed up. So even though Wym was a new man that didn''t mean that the justicars under his command were. Just when Lash was about to contact the barracks one of the newly repaired camera''s picked up a Blood Fist saboteur. Saurian growled softly across the link they shared.


    _______________________________


    Congratulations User! Repair has evolved into Minor Repair.


    Effect: Increase in power, decrease in power consumption, and an increase in cast distance.


    Effect: Can use more magical energy to replace more items of need of repair.


    Effect: Increase chance of learning the design of the item being repaired.


    Another evolution of a spell he had used for a long time. Several broken security camera''s in the area snapped back into place. Entire sections of the camera''s being rebuilt as the magical energy replicated the necessary parts. He was moving through a crowd trailing behind his quandary. Aside from his targets hands that were tattooed to be blood red the man looked like any other Labor Guild worker in sector 68. They were about two miles away from temple square and getting further away. Thanks to Anonymity no one had any idea Lash was in the area. Just another face, in a sea of faces.


    The ocean of people walked across the pathways of 68 while the road ways above them were full of traffic. There were multiple layers to 68. The bottom layer where most of the Labor Guild was more or less forced to walk. Then the next layer was the highway, road access for low economy vehicles. Then the next layer had the rail ways, then the layer above that was the high rise pedestrian walk ways. Where the Labor Guild of sector 68 were not allowed to walk. It was like night and day from the bottom layer to the top layer.


    From grim, and gritty filth. To clean, and pristine crystal walk ways at the top. It reminded Lash of the symbolic pictures of heaven, and hell. The funny thing was that Lash knew for a fact that if anyone actually took the time to clean, and repair the bottom layer it would look a lot different. Something to try for later. Lash was following behind his target who slipped into an alleyway. Lash followed close behind, as it was till full of people.


    The man in question walked up to a group of thugs, punks, and a few well dress men, and women. They traded greetings, some shook the mans hand. Then he stepped inside a main root building in the sector. A root building is a foundation structure for one of the super structures above. Technically you could climb the root all the way to the top. If, you had clearance to get past certain segments. Not in any real mood to dance around the situation Lash walked straight up to the front door. This odd, and surprising act broke his Anonymity spell.


    ¡°Hello Blood Fist. I am looking for the people who ruined my park.¡± Lash said to the men, and women outside the building. Their eyes snapped open wide in surprise as Lash just seem to materialize from no where. Then one of the women took out a side arm and shot at Lash.


    Lash slammed his foot into the ground and Darkness Manipulation struck out. A spike of pure darkness nailed the woman to the wall behind her. Traveling just under her sternum, missing her spine. Her screams, and her trigger finger reflex sent a shot wide. But now the Blood Fists all took out their weapons. While the bystanders ran for cover. Partial-Transformation activated and Lash''s skin peeled back to reveal scales. Overall he still looked human, he just had crocodile, and snake scales for skin.


    Lash whipped his leg out brought the heel of his boot into a man. Superhuman Strength activated and the man was sling shot through the air and impacted into a wall. His bones broke, and his organs ruptured he was dead on impact. Lash jumped backwards as Danger Sense activated and he missed a gun shot for his head. Then he picked up a stone fragment from the ground and threw it at the attack. Sticks, and stones do break bones after all! In this case a shattered collar bone!


    Lash yanked the spike of darkness out of the woman. He still needed more practice before he could do multiple constructs. Instead he wrapped his body in darkness instead giving him an extra layer of protection. He sprinted towards the door man of the building jumped through the air and drove his knee straight into the man''s chest. They both went through the door together, but Lash''s weight was adjusted thanks to Gravity Stride increasing his weight by 30%. The man''s chest caved in, and Lash rolled off of him to his feet.


    Over a dozen weapons were drawn on him ranging from simple side arms to justicar issued assault rifles. Off to the side was the man he had initially followed. The establishment seemed to be a thieves den of sorts. Lash grinned, and used his Nature Domain passive. A thick billow fog burst from his body and swallowed the whole room. The gang members started to fire off where he had last been seen. But he had jumped into the air and was now running on the ceiling like it was the floor thanks to Gravity Stride. He dropped onto a man with an assault rifle and snapped his neck like a twig. The man dropped into a heap.


    The darkness on his body shifted and flowed to his hands creating daggers. Lash moved with brutal efficiency between targets lost in the mist. Slashing a throat! Slicing an achilles tendon on another and watching them flop about like a fish out of water. Soon they started to scream, and a few were able to leave for the outside. Someone threw a grenade into the room. A sonic pulse burst from the bomb. It burst every ones equilibrium, Lash received several points of experience towards his Damage Resistance but overall he was fine. Not his first time.


    Then an odd sight surprised. Justicars moved into the room and started to shoot electric lasers at everyone they could find. None lethal ammunition, though if you kicked the capacity up it could kill someone. A few people shouted in pain as they were dropped, and dragged out of the room by the Justicars. Lash jumped back to the ceiling and moved around to watch them. Like most humanoids they never look up. Lash reached out with Connectivity to listen in on their unit communications.


    ¡°Where is he!?¡± One of them asked.


    ¡°Just find him, and put him down! I''m sick and tired of this shit! Life was perfect before that freak showed up in our town!¡± The unit commander said over the communication line.


    ¡°We have to hurry, Con can''t delay the primus for long!¡± Another justicar said over the line. Lash did everyone a favor and copied the entire conversation and sent a priority message to Kemuna, and Wym.


    ¡°UNIT ZERO SIX STAND DOWN IMMEDIATELY!¡± Kemuna''s voice sounded off across the line and all the justicars flinched.


    ¡°Primus! We are responding to a domestic disturbance call. We have reason to believe that the Blood Fists are attacking Priest Lash!¡± The unit leader said in a smooth and clear voice.


    ¡°Oh! Ya, we both know that''s a lie. I just sent your entire previous conversation towards the primus.¡± Lash said over the line with a laugh. In hindsight Lash admitted that was a mistake. But he really didn''t care. Suddenly a subdued justicar unit became a rogue justicar unit. Fully believing they were screwed they started to fight against the new arriving justicars.


    Lash dropped from the ceiling on top of the unit lead. His daggers sliced cleanly through his armor like paper. Dozens of tiny cuts meant to wound not kill. Then he moved to the others, one by one they dropped like puppets with out strings. The other justicars came rushing in, and Lash pulled back the fog. He was shot by over six different E-Lasers for his troubles which only left him feeling tingly. But thankfully the justicars stopped firing after the sixth shot.


    The aspirant unit leader of the rescuing squad helped their former companions to the transports to be sent to the barracks medical, and brig. Lash''s presence was requested back at the barracks by primus Kemuna. Lash accepted the invitation but would be his way towards the barracks with his own transport. He headed out, sending a message to Epsilon about his whereabouts. Epsilon responded that it was getting a little hectic back at the temple. Lash may need to see about hiring help, or building another unit.


    ___________________


    Lash wasn''t given any time to change what he was wearing. They hustled him towards the primary briefing room in the barracks. When he arrived in the chamber he understood why the justicar soldiers were in such a hurry. Standing next to Kemuna, and Wym was Dru-Zod. High General of Krypton''s Military Guild.


    Dru-Zod was an impressive specimen of Kryptonian genetic engineering. Like most Krypton''s of the Military Guild he was designed for combat. But, Zod''s had always had a natural talent and birthright. Dru was especially exceptional! He excelled in everything he did. Many even believed he was a genetic reincarnation of the original Zod patriarch. Dru-Zod turned to look at Lash as he entered the room and a smile tugged on his lips as he took him in.


    Lash being 6''6¡± was just a few inches taller than Zod. But that was not what made him interesting at the moment. Lash had just come from a fight. He had several energy burns that had melted through his clothing, along with blood splatter. He himself was not injured any longer thanks to his Regeneration. He had pulled his human skin back on and looked the part of Kryptonian who had just come from a street fight. Lash made an exaggerated bow towards Dru.


    ¡°May the light of Rao guide you on your path. It is a great honor, and privileged to see you again General Dru-Zod.¡± Lash said in a respectful tone. They had met once on the battle of Kandor rim. Though it was brief.


    ¡°I was not entirely sure it was you they spoke of, Lash-Rao. But this is indeed a pleasant surprise. You look like you just came from a battle? The gangs in the sector still causing you trouble?¡± Dru asked, as he turned towards Kemuna, and Wym who looked contrite.


    ¡°The Blood Fist gang didn''t like the new park I built. They decided to rip it apart. So I thought I would return the favor. But I am sure that is not why I was called to this meeting?¡± Lash said with a smile as he looked towards Kemuna who nodded.


    Kemuna Ke-Zod looked a little worn out but was holding her own. Lash was wanted to send a bit of spell craft into her but held off until Dru was gone. Unless they specifically asked for one. Wym, was much the same as Kemuna. They both looked like they needed a full meal, and 10 hours of undisturbed sleep. Then something caught Lash''s eye and he turned to look at it. Standing in the shadows behind Dru was a woman. She raised a brow in slight surprise, Dru barked a laugh and turned to look at her as well.


    ¡°Your senses are sharp as ever. You remember my lieutenant, Ursa!¡± Dru said, making a note not to say her house name. Ursa have given up her house and chose to follow Dru-Zod no matter where he went. A zealot to the cause of Dru, a good soldier, and a good bed mate for the man.


    Ursa was part of the Military Guild. Designed, and trained to be a warrior. She was 6'' even with short black hair chopped in a pixie cut. She had cold brown eyes that constantly moved to take the whole room in. Waiting for a slip, or any hostile intent against Dru. She had an inverted triangle figure. Wide shoulders, narrow hips. Promoting a strong physique. She had a black polymer body suit on that covered her from neck, to wrist, to her feet. With a few flex body plates to cover her vitals.


    ¡°May the strength of Mordo keep you safe, Sister Ursa.¡± Lash bowed towards her, and she inclined her head just a touch.


    ¡°Maybe we''ll have a chance to spar later, Brother Lash.¡± Ursa replied to him, then moved further back into the shadows.


    ¡°The Military Council has granted us emergency powers to weed out Black Zero, and to find the Black Guard if they have a base of operations here in 68. While we are looking for them, we thought it would be an important moment to weed out the local gangs in sector 68. Including, Blood Fists. We hoping you had some insight towards them?¡± Kemuna asked in a strong, composed voice after she watched the interaction between Ursa, and Lash.


    ¡°I know a few nests that could be cleaned out. While I also have a few Black Zero bunkers on another list. Though one of them has been burned already.¡± Lash said with a smile, and provided the relevant information to them in a data file. A map was brought up on the main view screen.


    ¡°If only you had joined the Military Guild, Lash. You would have been so useful.¡± Dru mumbled just loud enough for everyone to hear.


    ¡°Rao had decided a different path for me. Doesn''t mean I still can''t be useful in other ways.¡± Lash replied softly, and Dru nodded in agreement.


    ¡°No Black Guard locations?¡± Dru looked through the list, surprised to not find a single one.


    ¡°No, I don''t believe they have a direct presence here. With their tech they can easily by pass the security check points between sectors. They can also travel through the subterranean tunnels with ease. Though I am planning a short expedition underground tomorrow. I can send you an update later.¡± Lash supplied another piece of information that made Kemuna, Wym, Dru, and Ursa look at him in surprise.


    ¡°Why are you going underground?¡± Kemuna asked, her voice filled with concern. Something that Dru took notice up, but didn''t admonish her for it. Instead a glint of knowing filled his eyes as he looked at Wym who gave away nothing.


    ¡°Investigating a rumor. Many of my faithful have reported their friends and family disappearing off the streets. While a few are homeless, Rao does not cast away those who are lost but offers them guidance instead. But, if someone or something is taking the faithful. Then I will not let that stand.¡± Lash replied, and received several points in experience in Acting.


    ¡°You always did tend to volunteer for dangerous assignments.¡± Dru added with a smile.


    ¡°The tunnels are complicated, a maze. You could get lost.¡± Ursa spoke up from the shadows, directly behind Wym who jumped in surprise. Then shook his head for his own failing. He should have noticed her. Ursa''s eyes danced in delight, but her face remained indifferent.


    ¡°I''ve already contacted house El. They''ve given me a detailed map of all the previous tunnels.¡± Lash provided a response to Ursa.


    ¡°You''ve spoken to Jor-El? How is he?¡± Dru asked, a brief moment and his mask slipped just a little. Dru, and Jor were friends growing up. An odd pair, one of military, another of science. Jor had actually challenged Dru to being his friend. Not willing to be outdone, Dru accepted. They''d been friends ever since.


    ¡°Distraught that the science council banned him from his seat.¡± Lash said, and was surprised to see shock written on every ones face.


    ¡°THEY BANNED HIM!?¡± Dru yelled with fury, he slammed his fist into the primary view screen table. A clear crack grew across the screen before an automated function started to repair it.


    ¡°It appears that was not public information? I apologize, I thought everyone one knew that.¡± Lash said, and bowed his head.


    ¡°Why!? Why did not sycophants, and hypocrites ban him!¡± Dru yelled at Lash, not controlling his anger at all.


    ¡°Because of his unpopular theories about Krypton''s destruction. Since...¡± Lash paused on how to word Brainaic. He wasn''t sure what every ones clearance level was. ¡°Since the battle of Kandor rim and the alien ripped out the city. Tectonic instability has been growing. The science council believes that Krypton will eventually stabilize all on its own. Jor-El argued otherwise. Despite his clear proof the science council believes he is wrong.¡± Lash said, as he explained the circumstance to Dru and the rest of the room. Just another piece of information that no one knew. Except Dru who didn''t seem to react.


    ¡°Wait? What is the estimated death toll of the Krypton''s destruction?¡± Kemuna asked, her face growing pale.


    ¡°Its an extinction level event. The entire planet will break apart and scatter across the known universe. Everyone will die.¡± Lash replied nonchalantly.


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Ursa screamed, that was a surprise. Normally she never looses her bearing. But Lash noticed that she had reached for her abdomen. Out of curiosity Lash sent a Nature Domain Pulse through the room. Oh! Ursa was pregnant, how odd!


    ¡°Calm down!¡± Dru said through clenched teeth and Ursa took a breath and stepped back. Dru then turned to look at Lash with a quirked brow.


    ¡°You don''t seem overly concern about it. Why?¡± Dru asked.


    ¡°Perhaps because it''s not true? That Jor-El was wrong?¡± Wym asked, and held up his hands in surrender when Dru looked at him with a glare.


    ¡°Oh no its very true. We have about I would say... Little over a month before we all die. Unless I can get to the bottom of Kryptonopolis on time.¡± Lash said once again nonchalantly towards the room. A smile grew across Dru''s face.


    ¡°The Religious Guild has a device that can help?¡± Dru asked, Lash shrugged his shoulders in a ''who knows'' kinda of gesture.


    ¡°I can''t imagine that Jor-El would just take this lying down? Did he help with the items creation.¡± Dru asked, and again Lash shrugged his shoulders. But that alone was answer enough.


    ¡°What time are you leaving tomorrow for the underground? I''ll have a special unit go with you. I don''t want any mistakes. This is Krypton''s future we are talking about. If Jor-El thinks it is going to happen, then it is going to happen.¡± Dru made a snap decision, suddenly the Black Zero, and Black Guard could wait.


    ¡°6:00 am bright an early. The route I have mapped out may take a few days round trip.¡± Lash replied and sent his planned itinerary to Dru.


    ¡°What are the chances that the device works and Krypton is saved?¡± Wym asked, beginning to understand the situation better. Maybe even jumping to the conclusions as to why Lash was really assigned to sector 68.


    ¡°We don''t, not really. If the science council had listened when Jor-El first brought the situation to them several years ago.¡± Lash admitted to them, and Dru all but screamed in fury. ¡°But their was an alternative plan that was of course turned down.¡± Lash finished, and rolled his shoulders waiting for a bit as they all looked at him to continue.


    ¡°A few solar systems over are livable worlds. The plan was to stick everyone into the phantom zone. Fly an automated shuttle over to one of those worlds. Then start over.¡± Lash put it in basic terms. But the concept of putting everyone into the phantom zone made the group lean back in fright. Even Dru was scared of the phantom zone.


    ¡°That could work though.¡± Ursa replied, and everyone looked at her. ¡°If we were put to sleep before we entered the phantom zone we would feel its sensory deprivation effects. Then we would just wake up on a brand new world.¡± Ursa finished, looking at Dru for feedback.


    ¡°The science council has the phantom zone frequency key.... I''m planning on stealing it in a few days.¡± Lash said, and everyone in the room looked at him with wide eyes. Though a smile slowly grew across Dru''s face. He made a quick hand sign to Ursa who pulled out a device and a baffle field expanded from it.


    ¡°Cythonna is the goddess of ice, and mother of monsters. You must be one of her chosen, Lash!¡± Dru clapped him on the back. He had meant it as a compliment, so Lash took it as one. Even though Cythonna was essentially the devil in Krypton history.


    ¡°Jor-El has a shuttled prepared doesn''t he? We all go to sleep, and wake up on a brand new world?¡± Kemuna asked, her breathing grew under her control once again.


    ¡°The original plan was just to save his family, and those he could convince of the dangers. I believe that number as grown now. Either way I still need to go plant the device. If Krypton can not be saved, then I still need to stop it from exploding. A size able chunk of Krypton flying through space, and with our peoples luck it would hit the very world we plan to start over on. But if I can plant the device it may not save the planet, but it could prevent it from shattering.¡± Lash brought up the more realistic plan to them.


    ¡°This is a complicated situation. I know that the science guild is watching Jor-El carefully. May I request that none of you contact him about the situation.¡± Lash asked, they all nodded but it was clear it was a tense situation.


    ¡°Where is the shuttle?¡± Dru asked, looking at Lash with interest.


    ¡°Jor-El has his own family shuttled prepared. But I have a larger shuttle at the temple being built as we speak. It will be ready in a few days. I can contact you when its finished for you to inspect it if you like?¡± Lash offered an alternative so no one would bother Jor-El.


    ¡°This is a complicated situation. The more people that know the truth the better chance it has of failing. It could cause mass hysteria, and panic. So until you''ve been told otherwise. We will continue to carry on as if the world will continue to spin. Is that understood?¡± Dru said in an authority voice to everyone in the room. Kemuna, Wym, and Ursa saluted him. While Lash bowed from his waist as per custom.


    ¡°I''ll send the unit to your temple tomorrow morning, Priest. Get it done, and maybe we won''t have to leave. But prepare the shuttle all the same. Dismissed!¡± Dru said with a grin.


    ===========================================================


    ***Time Fragment, Dru-Zod''s private home, and military stronghold. ***


    Dru-Zod exited his personal air transport, Ursa by his side as always. He walked across the compound watching hundreds of soldiers training, running drills, and preparing for any, and all situations that could arrive. Pity that the greatest danger to Krypton was a danger that none of them could fight. But if they did end up leaving then these soldiers would be needed to tame and establish a new Krypton colony on another world. An idea that filled Dru with pride!


    The house of Zod''s compound was a lot like the barracks spread through out Kryptonopolis. Stout buildings, with black stone, and red crystal veins spreading through it. While a dozen or so crystal towers reached up into the sky like the claws of some ancient beast. Gunships took off, and landed on docking ports attached to the crystal towers. While the armored division moved between the structures carrying supplies to heavy to be moved through a regular transport.


    Dru, and Ursa stepped into a private rail pod, the pod sped along a track several hundred feet in a horizontal motion. Then it gradually moved down on a rail track. Hundreds of square feet passed in seconds. Then the pod entered an underground war facility where a massive cavern had been hallowed out. Hundreds of vehicles, ground, and air were stored here. Dru watched with interest as technicians scurried about building, and maintaining the army. Soon, soon the Military Guild would strike. No more would they be ruled by the cowardly science council. Only those who had earned their place through the true test of competency would rule. People like Dru, people like his friend Jor.


    ¡°I want you to go with Lash tomorrow. Keep an eye on him.¡± Dru ordered Ursa who looked at him for a brief moment then nodded.


    ¡°Is it possible he has a ship ready to leave?¡± Ursa asked after a few minutes. The rail pod continued on its path.


    ¡°With Lash? He could tell me he had, The Voice of Rao chained up in his basement I''d believe him.¡± Dru said with a sinister smile on his face.


    ¡°Lash understands the nature of war better than any member of the Religious Guild I''ve ever met. He knows people are meant to die in battle. But that doesn''t stop him from trying to save as many people as he can.¡± Dru said with a smirk. This was a flaw that he could use to control, Lash.


    ¡°He saved my life once...¡± Ursa said in response, Dru nodded to her. His face being reflected on the glass of the pod.


    ¡°He saved many lives of our brothers, and sisters. More of his kin will be made in the future. In the coming age a new Ligadian house will be made with Lash at its head. As long as he continues to be useful.¡± Dru replied, then he turned and moved towards the door as the pod slowed down. Ursa didn''t exit with him, she rode the pod back up to the surface.


    Dru walked alone down a dark hallways that had been recently carved. As he walked further, and further down the tunnel he started to feel a rhythmic vibration through the stone walls. Thump....Thump.....Thump!......Thump!......THUMP!.....THUMP! The sound grew in volume, and vibration. Despite its insistence the noise didn''t grow on Dru''s nerves, in fact it made him smile. At last he came upon a guarded door. On either side were two Black Guard soldiers. They saluted in perfect synchronization.


    ¡°Is he here?¡± Dru asked the soldiers.


    ¡°Yes, the general is inside expecting you.¡± The soldiers replied at the same time. Dru stepped towards the door and walked through it.


    On the other side of the door was a vast cavern network. Riddled with holes, and tunnels that stretched as far as the eye could see. THUMP!....THUMP!.....THUMP! The hammering was louder here. Dru walked across a catwalk that was built straight into the rock face. Beneath his feet he saw dozens of mechanical contraptions with giant metal cylinders rising, and falling in perfect sync. Dozens of Black Guard soldiers checked, and re checked the readings coming from the machines. While Dru moved from catwalk to catwalk until he came to a control center hidden away in the darkness.


    Dru passed through the control center door and the noise from outside was silence immediately. When he passed through the inner security layer the silence was changed to the soft sound of music. Dru walked into a room that had all the furnishings of a residential estate. Off to the side was a massive wooden table with a single occupant enjoying an early dinner. With out waiting for an invitation Dru sat down at the end of the table next to the occupant. A man, this man was the spitting image of Dru. Only older, gray was in his beard, and a scar was across his face. This was Dru-Zod.


    ¡°Dru, how are things progressing?¡± The older Dru asked, as he cut into his mynox steak. An attendant poured a drink for the younger Dru.


    ¡°The War Priest I told you about confessed that he planned to steal the phantom zone frequency key for Jor-El today. He also plans to plant a device at the bottom of Kryptonopolis to help save the planet. The design of the machine is...Advanced. Almost to advanced.¡± The young Dru admitted, and the older Dru stopped eating to look at his younger counterpart.


    ¡°Intriguing. Will the device help us?¡± The older Dru asked, as he took up his own glass and took a sip.


    ¡°Yes, in fact I think our planet will not only be saved. But not even suffer catastrophic damage.¡± The younger Dru admitted.


    ¡°You said you met this man, this Ligadian at Kandor rim? Odd, I have no memory of a War Priest by the name of Lash-Rao. The complexities of time travel elude me. Either way we should keep an eye on him. But if he proves useful in the end perhaps we can create a new Ligadian house with him at the head.¡± The older Dru said.


    ¡°I thought the same!¡± The younger Dru replied, and they both laughed!


    ¡°Well things are definitely becoming more interesting...¡±

 Chapter 99: Brainiac’s Influence

    =============================================================


    ***HR. Gotham City, Botanical Gardens***


    Gotham City with its gothic architecture, and concepts of madness had been hit several times in the past few years. The Joker Carnival siege, then the Atlantean tsunami, then it was hit again by the invasion force from the alternate reality. Unlike Starling City, Gotham had been a focus from the start. Why? Because Rofl Dex knew that Gotham was the favorite city of Wraith. Zeta teams, detached units, and eventually a full blown army attacked the city. Each time they were beaten back not only by its citizens but also by its criminal underworld.


    Say what you want about Gotham City while the world works. But when the chips are down the people of Gotham will unite together to kick some ones ass, if only so they can be left alone to get back to killing each other. Heroes, and Villains alike put aside their differences and fought off the invasion force. Hundreds of common citizens stood up and took up the mantle of capes, costumes, and uniforms. While the ''freaks'' of the city took up knives, guns, and the desire to misbehave to bring down the hundreds if not thousands of soldiers dispatched to Gotham.


    Then Gotham Cities monstrous saint arrived from where he had been before. He raised his arms up and built a towering structure to provide not only power to the city. But the energy from the solar plant rebuilt, and repaired the city. Watching as a golden light crawled through the city and slowly pieced it back together made several people pick up the bible to look for answers. But, many would say that was not the place to look. Don''t you remember? Wraith said that Lucifer himself owns a club in Las Angeles, called Lux.


    Gotham City was one of the first few cities to be reestablished. Right along next to Metropolis, and of course Starling City. For the first time in decades refugee''s from across the country came in swarms towards the city of darkness, and insanity. So much so that crime had jumped by 210% in the first two months since power was restored. That only got worse once the Justice League International said that the counter incursion was successful. The war was over. With the war over, brothers and sisters in arms went back to killing each other over scraps. While people of influence, power, or clout carved pieces of the city for themselves.


    The Gotham City, Botanical Gardens had superstructures made from towering glass, stone works, and now? Giant trees! The Gardens had grown by several square city blocks but beside the new an invasive plant life. The city council didn''t mind. Several of the giant trees had been used as a living environment for its citizens. Several hundred still lived in the trees, and the burrows around them. The Queen of the gardens Pamela Lillian Isley aka Poison Ivy. Was currently curled up on a bed with a sinfully high thread count bed sheets.


    Ivy had long curly red hair that was vibrant and impossible to find in any natural human hair color. But of course Ivy had stopped being completely human almost a year ago. She had merged with The Green, and become an aspect of life. Something that had terrified her at first. But thanks to the helpful skills of a Druid Circle, and a few choice lovers that were immune to her toxins. But most off all it was thanks to a friend. One of the few people in her life she trusted.


    Poison Ivy was approximately 5''6¡±, with red hair, jade green eyes, and green olive skin. She had a seductive hour glass figure. A bouncing chest, and supple ass that so many women, and men would kill for. She also had a cute button nose, and just a few freckles scattered across her cheeks and nose. But you could only see those if you got really close and focused on them. Something that she of course did constantly, and worried about it. One of her lovers, Timothy said it only added to her charm. He was sweet.


    Ivy woke up in her bed wearing nothing more than a large white t-shirt made with natural fibers. Another present from Timothy, or rather it was something she had stolen from his closet. She stretched out across the bed and gave a delightful groan that would make people weak in the knees. Then she stepped off her bed and onto an assortment of branches, and petals that were made into a stair case. Her bedroom opened up like a giant flower, cause it was. Giant rose petals opened up to let the sun in from the glass ceilings above. Then she heard the music of her room mate down stairs.


    ¡°Red! You up!? I made coffee!¡± A woman''s voice called up to her. Ivy smile, her juicy red plump lips pulled back into a smile.


    ¡°Yes Harley! I''m up! Thank you for the coffee!¡± Ivy said, as she came down from her blossom bedroom, and walked through a bramble wall into a five star kitchen. Say what you want about humans, modern appliances like a coffee maker was one of the few reasons she hadn''t destroyed them already.


    From one end of the room to other was a long line of appliances, and counter space. With a massive oven that could be switched to either electric, or gas cooking. Three different fridges, with several different coffee, and espresso makers. Then off to the side was dinning island for simple meals, or extra cooking space. The entire kitchen was natural marble, and metal. Not a single plant was harmed in the making of this kitchen. It, along with the mansion that Ivy lived in had been made by one of Ivy''s best friends. A giant lizard specifically when he had come to visit Gotham before he left for the alternate reality.


    Sitting at the kitchen island was Harleen Francis Quinzel aka Harley Quinn. She was 5''7¡± with bright blue eyes, platinum blond hair, and chemical bleached white skin. She had an athletic rectangular figure that one would find with a gymnast, or a runner. Today she had on a pair of tennis shoes, blue jeans, long pink silk blouse, and she wore a bright neon green suit jacket. The contrast of colors, and fashions made Ivy''s eye twitch in annoyance but freshly made coffee helped fill the void.


    ¡°You heading into the women''s shelter today?¡± Ivy asked, as she sat next to one of her true friends in the whole world. She caught Harley glaring at her, and Ivy blinked her eyes at her all innocent like.


    ¡°How! How!? Do you look like a million dollars when you first wake up out of bed like that? It takes me hours to put on my face!¡± Harley said with a grumble. Ivy knew that was a lie, Harley barely applied mascara. Thanks to her chemical bath she would have pure white skin the rest of her life.


    ¡°Just lucky I guess... Are you going to the women''s shelter today?¡± Ivy asked again. Harley had been released on parole from Arkham on the promise that she would check in, and use her education for good. So Harley opened up a women''s shelter. Out of her own pocket!


    ¡°Yep! I''ve got a few patients, and a few new people who are scared that their abusive pieces of shit will come by looking for them. They don''t seem to get that once they cross that line they are under the protection of the state, and my own wooden bat!¡± Harley said with a grin, as she sipped her own coffee.


    ¡°Remember we have dress fittings later today at Edwardo''s.¡± Ivy reminded her friend, and grinned when she wilted in her seat.


    ¡°Oh come on Red! Can''t you just pick something out for me?¡± Harley said with a frown. She hated shopping for clothes. Even if she didn''t have to pay for them.


    ¡°You know I cant. They have to match the protective wards to your aura so they work correctly. This is so you can attend the Summer Court Ball.¡± Ivy reminded Harley again of why they were going shopping.


    ¡°Why do I have to go to that stupid ball!¡± Harley made a petulant expression. Ivy just grinned at her and shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°You don''t have to go. But you said you wanted to go when you heard that Wraith was going to be there?¡± Ivy reminder her friend, and the 180 Harley did was a delight to watch.


    ¡°Wait!? Is he coming? I thought he was still doing his whole hero thing?¡± Harley was bouncing around on her feet now.


    ¡°As far as I know he is coming. His personal assistant sent out emails telling everyone of his intentions. Unless another war takes place he''ll be there. Now, are you ever going to tell me why you want to thank him?¡± Ivy asked, she knew that Harley had a thing for Lash. A lot of women, and a few men did. But it seemed a little more personal than that.


    ¡°He....He''s the one that gave me the money for the shelter.¡± Harley said in a quiet voice. Ivy''s eyes went wide in shock. That was where Harley got the money from!? ¡°He''s also the one that sponsored my parole.¡± Harley continued, curling up in a ball on her kitchen stool. Ivy grinned at her friend and swallowed her up in a hug.


    ¡°Well we''ll just have to make sure we get you a bombshell dress then!¡± Ivy said with a grin that made Harley blush.


    ¡°But Red I thought you had a thing for him?¡± Harley asked, and Ivy rolled her eyes at her.


    ¡°I have a thing for a lot of people, Harley.¡± Ivy said, and kissed Harley who fluttered her eyes closed and leaned into the kiss. Harley was mostly resistant to Ivy thanks to her chemical bath. Resistant, but not immune.


    ¡°So I''ll see you at five for dress fittings, yes?¡± Ivy said to her friend who still had her eyes closed.


    ¡°Mmm! Sure, Red. What ever you say!¡± Harley said, as she licked her lips long and slow. Ivy grinned, and shook her head at her friend. Then she finished her coffee and walked towards the bathroom to take a shower.


    ============================================================


    ***HR. Coast City, California***


    ¡°I wont go back!? Please! My parole was set for three years ago! The Kryptonian''s held me with out trial! I won''t go back!¡± The giant alien creature who looked like a cross between a human man, and a giant beetle screamed at John Stewart one of three Blue Lanterns in the universe.


    ¡°Please calm down! We are not on Krypton. We can figure out where you came from and send you there! Stop fighting!¡± John yelled at the man. The rest of the JLI that were there looked confused because all they heard from the alien was a series of clicks, and growls. Universal translator was a standard package in all lantern rings.


    John had received a sudden message from operations from the Watch Tower. An alien had been identified with fighting against police just north east of Garfield high. Thankfully the alien didn''t seem overly violent. He had attacked, but didn''t kill anyone. He just seemed determined to get as far away as possible from Fort Rozz. When the JLI showed up in uniform the alien lost his mind and started rave about not going back. He put up a stiff response, but again never killed any one.


    They were fighting in what remained of a gated community. Thankfully the community had been empty for several weeks. Though John was not looking forward to the property damage, or the lost of peoples homes. The homes all looked more or less identical. Typical first floor, second floor above, with a basement. A few homes had pools in the backyard, while others had multiple car garages. There was a standard loop that went in and out of the community back towards the main gate.


    This was all important for a single reason. The alien couldn''t find his way out! Everything looked the same, and he thought it was some sort of prison. Again. He started to put up a fight and threw the JLI around like a child would toys. Normally some one of his power level would have been no problem for John...Back when he was a Green Lantern. But, as a Blue Lantern he didn''t have the same offensive power. So, John had to work with a team to subdue the alien.


    But, there was at least a benefit to the trade off. When several of the JLI were thrown through a concrete reinforced wall. Their bones broke, and organs had been destroyed. They were on death''s door. John landed and bathed them in the color of blue, the color of hope. Organs mended, bones snapped back together, and they were fully healed with in moments. John had gone from a front line vanguard, to a combat medic. It would take some time to adjust. But this new kind of power brought a smile to John''s face.


    ¡°I just want to go home... I was arrested for possession and sentenced for five years. Five years! It''s been forty! Why was I held so long? Where is this!?¡± The beetle creature asked, John after he was identified as a Lantern.


    ¡°You are on the planet, Earth. The Kryptonian government collapsed. There was no one to release you.¡± John explained to the alien, and the giant beetle started to weep.


    This had gotten more complicated. John had assumed everyone aboard the prison ship were psychopaths, brutal convicts, that needed to be put back in. Not petty criminals that would have normally done their time, and gone back home to their lives. How many of the prisoners were monsters? How many were people just wanting to go home? The alien submitted to being taken to the Watch Towers prison cells where they could determine his claim. Then maybe see about getting a transport to his home world.


    ¡°This all would have been so much easier a few months ago. A quick call to Oa, then they would contact the solar government. Then we would take him home if the claims were true.¡± John said to himself more than anyone. As he watched the spring coil wrap around Xionizztik, the alien prisoner.


    ¡°If Fort Rozz was anything like the prisons here on Earth. How many of the prisoners were political? Sent off because they had spoken against a regime? How many of them could be innocent? How many of them are brutal killers happy to be out to kill again?¡± One of the JLI asked John.


    ¡°How many civilizations, pirate gangs, and Warlords will come to Earth to collect their people?¡± Another asked.


    The Sol System was about to get really interesting, really fast.


    ==============================================================


    ***Time Fragment, Sector 68, Temple Square***


    Ursa aka Ursa the she-Devil rode a military high guard transport into the sector. Herself along with a unit of twelve high guard military. The high guard were among the most well trained, and geared members of the Military Guild. They worked for the council, but more importantly swore absolute loyalty to the General, Dru-Zod. They would cut their own throats for him. They would lay waste to their own house if given the order. Perfect zealots for the cause. Ursa was proud to have them at her back.


    Each one of them wore a slick polymer, and flex plates battle uniform. Some of the most advanced technology known to the Military Guild was on their person. The only known unit in all of Krypton with better technology was the fabled Black Guard. Their helmets were slick, featureless, masks that connected with their suits creating an environmental suit. Unlike other military units where each soldier had a specialty. The high guard were trained in every aspect, making them commandos. Capable of full filling any role assigned to them by their commander. Who currently was Ursa herself.


    ¡°Two minutes...¡± The pilot said over the intercom into the cargo and troop transport. Ursa stood up from her seat and all heads turned towards her.


    ¡°You have all been briefed on the mission ahead of us. You are all aware of what failure could me for not only us, but all of Krypton.¡± Ursa said, with a cold harsh voice that made many lesser men shiver in fear.


    ¡°You also know of the man, Lash-Rao. A Ligadian with an excellent military record. But remember he is a part of the Religious Guild. Though he is an ally, be aware of your words, your actions, but most of all your thoughts.¡± Ursa looked at each an everyone man, and woman in the transport.


    ¡°Lash-Rao is an ally today. But could very easily be an enemy tomorrow. Watch, and learn from him.¡± Ursa said at last, then saluted her soldiers with a fist to her heart. They returned the salute with a quick snap. A yellow light swallowed the transports cargo bay.


    Ursa replaced her helmet and stood at the ready. The cargo bay doors opened up just as the light turned green. The high guard military transport hovered a thirty feet in the air above temple square. The solders jumped out with aid and landed on the ground with barely a sound. Their battle uniforms absorbing the impact. They moved in silently towards the temple doors just as the transport took off back towards the skyline.


    The temple doors were unlocked and they rushed into the main foyer. Weapons out, but safeties on. They were expected after all. Movement was detected in the main chambers of the temple. They pushed in checking corners, stairways, and hallways. Until they came in and found a beautifully designed and carved temple chamber. Sermon pews were on either side row, after row of beautiful carved wood, and plush cushions. Crystal windows glowed softly from the floating yellow orb that simulated sun light above them. For a brief moment each soldier was momentarily stunned by the golden radiance of the orb. Then peace, and serenity felt in the room.


    At the far end of the room standing beneath a mosaic of the history of Rao, and the creation of Krypton and Rao''s children, and their children. Wash Lash-Rao, standing at 6''6¡± was the giant man himself. He had a rectangular shape, as wide as a door was the term. Like them, Lash was wearing a sleek military battle uniform. But this one had black, and gray armor. Where the black seemed to absorb light instead of reflect it.


    Next to Lash-Rao were eight robotic units. On his left looked like a group of robotic service units with advanced simulated muscle, and skeleton structure. Making them incredibly durable, and almost life like. Each of them bowed their heads to the approaching soldiers. To Lash''s right were four self defense robotic units. Each looked nearly identical to each other. With simulated skeletons, flesh, and even skin. They almost looked Kryptonian, though that was done by design. They instead saluted the soldiers.


    ¡°Welcome!¡± Lash spoke to the group entering the temple. Every soldier, Ursa included shivered involuntarily. They felt like they stepped into the cave of a great Tu''lynx beast. Where they were the prey, and it the predator.


    Ursa couldn''t help but lick her dry lips under her helmet. She didn''t want to admit it but...She was attracted Lash. The same way one would find a picture of a beast to be beautiful. Lash was the type of predator that terrified her, but also excited her. She would never admit it to anyone, especially herself. But if Lash ever sent a coquettish glance towards her. She may have taken a chance to.... Ursa shook her head to clear her thoughts! She belonged to Zod, and only Zod.


    ¡°Please, come and kneel before the altar and bow your heads. So that Rao may bestow his blessing on his children.¡± Lash said with a smile that made Ursa swallow her retort. ¡°Humor me sister, Ursa.¡± Lash said, and once again Ursa''s mind started to wonder. What she would give to hear Lash call her, ''Big Sister''.


    One by one the soldiers knelt down, and bowed their heads. Then Lash raised his hands and said a typical prayer that any priest would have given. Then each soldiers snapped their heads up because their suits sent an ''unknown energy'' reading to their HUD (Heads up Display). They watched as green, and bluish energy flowed from the altar. Then they felt their bodies being purified, revitalized, and energized. The golden radiance of the light above them seem to swallow them for a brief moment.


    Ursa wasn''t sure how the rest of the soldiers felt. But she felt amazing! She had always taken care of herself. It was the way of the Military Guild. She had to be in optimal condition at all times to be of full service towards general Dru-Zod. She always stayed in combat ready health. Closely monitored diet, combat fitness, and chemical purifying. But never had she felt this...Good. She even moaned softly, but quickly clamped it down. But was horrified to know she was not the only one. The men, and women of her unit were the same.


    ¡°There, don''t you all feel better?¡± Lash-Rao said to them from behind the altar. The last residual energy from the altar fading from sight, as well from their HUD.


    ¡°.....Yes....Thank..... You....¡± Ursa said each word as if they were like a knife twisting in her gut. Something was different! Lash-Rao had always been dangerous, but this was so much more! She needed to be careful. They all did.


    ===============================================================


    Lash chuckled to himself as he watched the high guard stand up. He knew exactly how each of them felt. It didn''t help that he may have used his new skill/power. Subliminal Seduction to make them feel good in all the right places. He held back, and didn''t go to far. But the pleasure centers of their brains were sending all sorts of idea''s though them. Well done partner! Putting them off balance was most excellent! -Saurian said across their shared link.


    Epsilon, and his Replication clones offered hot tylak to each soldier. They declined, and Epsilon went to prepare for the day. Lash had taken his robotic servants suggestion to heart from last night. Though he could not trust the people of sector 68 with the secrets of his temple. So he used his ability, Awaken Trait. (Chap. 22) To place a meta power into Epsilon, and Praetor. Along with Source Code. The change had made Lash black out! But he was rewarded with a system prompt when he woke up.


    Congratulations User! Awaken Trait has evolved into Minor Awaken Trait.


    Effect: Increase in power, decrease in energy consumption, greater detail control.


    Effect: May now grant growth abilities. (Starting grade, G-)


    You have granted Epsilon, and Praetor a meta power.


    Primary Power: Replication.


    Secondary Powers: Partial-Hive Mind, Partial-Telepathy, Partial-Individuality.


    Replication: The User can make limited number of copies of themselves.


    Partial-Hive Mind: The User''s copies partially share memories, instincts, and abilities. Each clone has to make a conscious effort to link up. They may of course choose not to.


    Partial-Telepathy: The User''s copies may communicate with each other over short distances. But only themselves, sharing information, improving reaction time, and communicating.


    Partial-Individuality: The User''s copies over time grow to become themselves, individuals. They still retain the same power set. Even one day becoming capable of Replication. They are themselves, but they are one with each other.


    Currently Epsilon, and Praetor could make three copies of themselves. Who was the original? Technically each of them was the original. Technically each of them was an individual. Any who says that Replication is a dumb power doesn''t fully understand the power. Even if you could only ever make simple copies of yourself and never more than a few at a time. So? That is still incredible! Imagine five Batmans! Enough said!


    Lash did a bit of show and tell for Ursa, and the high guard unit. They had all been briefed into the mission. The fact that Krypton''s days were numbered. So Lash led him to a newly renovated, secret room where a partially built shuttle had been made. It was based off the design of the shuttles at the Watch Tower. Ursa was impressed by its capabilities, and the fact that it was nearly done. If they truly had to abandon Krypton this ship could get them to the next livable world.


    Lash also showed them their cargo for the journey underground. Each of the soldiers were carry a metal cylinder. Inside the cylinder was another glass one. This was filled with billions of tiny, tiny machines. Nanites! They would help build the machine underground with Lash''s help. Nanites were still in experimental phase. The fact that the ''Religious Guild'' got them to work astounded the high guard unit. However, the cylinders were actually just filled with glitter! They were given False Life from Lash''s Illusion Domain. Appearances were important.


    Lash also noticed something odd about Ursa. She had removed her helmet when she was inspecting the shuttle. She kept glancing at Lash when ever she thought no one would notice. She was....Appraising him? She even bit her lip once when he bent over to pick something up. Lash also swore he heard Dawn snickering at him. Then he was reminded of his new master skill he bought. Though he would never again see those dreadful words, Charming Presence has gained experience. That didn''t mean that the skill was gone. Oh no! Now it was just a silent predator. Maybe Lash had made a mistake?


    ¡°I am sending you all a map to your suits HUD. This is the route we are taking, as long as the route hasn''t been changed that is. Inside the data packet is a simple UI (User Interface) program to help guide you. If by some chance we are separated the program will help you get back to the main tunnels, and back to the surface. Or back to us if the distance is not great.¡± Lash said to them, and had his Virtual Intelligence upload the program.


    ¡°What type of resistance are we expecting?¡± One of the high guard asked, their voices synthesized through their helmets to help hide their identities.


    ¡°Black Zero, Black Guard, Bylock Syndicate, other minor gangs using the tunnels for black market shipping. Rabid ragilons, cynotix tunnelers. Also we may have homeless people down there. I wont ask you to check your fire. But if you shoot them? Shoot to kill.¡± Lash told the soldiers.


    The Military Guild did not like the homeless. Everyone had a job in Kryptonian society, if you didn''t have one? One was given to you. With a job, came a home. Yes it may have been a 10 ft square single room home. But it was a home. So, if you were homeless in Krypton. It was done by choice. The homeless often didn''t want to be slaves to their high born masters. So they chose another life that may lead to starvation, and death. But at least they were free. Asking the soldiers to kill them instead of wound, was a gift not a cruelty.


    Lash ran a finger along his collar and his helmet grew over his face and created a vacuum seal connecting to his suit. The high guard watched him with interest. Their suits didn''t do that. Lash looked a lot like a tech-knight. With the armor looking a bit decorative. It had the Raoism script inscribed along the edges of the armor pieces. But despite the artistic design it was streamlined, sleek, with soft round edges. The polymer suit he wore underneath looked like chain mail, and leather. Again, just for the cosmetic appearances.


    Hidden away under an Illusion Domain passive was the true spell script. Including his newly acquired Strength-Rune. Lash would have to activate the rune before it would work. He had tested it a few times while he was crafting the armor. At full power it was like having Superhuman Strength at C grade. Keep in mind that Lash''s Superhuman Strength was still at G grade currently. So it just stacked on top of what he had. So four full grade levels was amazing!


    The wall slide to the side and the overpowering stench of the sewers opened its arms and held them all in its uncomfortable embrace. Thankfully their vacuumed sealed suits kept it all at bay. Except for Lash who breathed it all in through his mask. He needed to, as overpowering as it was. It was important for a hunter to take in those smells. Saurian was already mumbling a long list of things though the link.


    Lash activated his Military Special Operations training skill and moved with tactical precision with the high guard. True he was not as experienced as they were. They quickly grew to accommodate him, but were surprised how quickly he picked everything up. As his skill quickly gained experience, and levels. An ability would have to go from level one, to level one hundred before it would go through an evolution. Each level would generally increase the abilities power by 1%, and decrease its energy consumption by 1%. Then once it reached level one hundred, it would evolve and start over at level one.


    With every increase in level the experience necessary to get to the next level would go up. Then the experience for level would increase exponentially with every grade increase. Then on top of it all! The ability would only obtain experience if it was being used. Yes, many abilities had a passive feature. But even then, the feature would only activate in certain situations. A great example would be Charming Presence. Despite the fact that it was a passive ability. It would only activate in certain situations.


    So, as Lash traveled through the sewer system with the high guard moving with practiced ease. Military Special Operations rapidly gained experience, then level after level. Then the group came to an intersection and Lash held up a fist and the whole unit froze in place. Then he spread out his hand, his finger tips pointing every direction. The whole unit scattered and took up positions, hidden from sight. No less then thirty seconds later a sensor drone came flying through the intersection. A red scanning beam went over every inch. The high guard suits were insulated, and the material would block scans.


    The sensor drone sent out an audible chime, and flew down the next corridor. A few minutes later a group of armed, and armored Kryptons came into the intersection. Their clothing was mismatched, and their gear looked like it had been scavenged. They were dirty, malnourished, and wide eyed looking for any possible dangers. Black Zero guerrilla fighters. The high guard flicked off the safeties and slowly started to aim. Then from above the Black Zero fighters was Lash.


    The high guard paused in surprise. When did Lash move? Lash moved like a spider and was above the leader of the group. He took out a garrote line from a spool in his left wrist, then with practiced ease slipped it around the man''s neck and pulled up. He had waited for a few seconds until the man, and group were separated by a few feet. He sent a single beep notification to the high guard not to move yet. Thanks to the background of the sewers, filled with a cacophony of sounds. No one noticed their captain dying next to them. Until in an act of desperation the captain pulled his trigger.


    CRACK! The rifle shot, and the whole unit turned to look with horrified expression as their captain was kicking his legs back and forth. One hand trying to pull the garrote free, while the other dropped the rifle he had just shot. Then before they could react the high guard each fired a single road. A staccato of sound rang out. Then with one last sickening wet sound the garrote cut flesh and bone and the head of the Black Zero captain fell separately from his body. Lash curled in up on himself and dropped to the floor.


    Not a word was shared among the unit. No congratulations, cheering, or gallows humor. Each soldier scanned the Black Zero members in their suits system to be checked on later. Lash carefully pulled each on of the dead Kryptons to the side. He said a quick prayer, then took a small ''nanite'' cylinder. He sprinkled a bit on each one then stepped back. Decomposition consumed the bodies, clothes, and Recycle consumed their gear. Lash put his nanites away, and they left. No trace of the battle left behind.


    Technically Lash was not in charge of the unit. He was being escorted so he could do a job. But after surprising three more Black Zero patrols the unit started to trust his instincts. Their own suit sensors were bouncing left and right off the sewer walls. Thick concrete, reinforced with metal alloys, and even crystal lattices were found in the sewers. The crystal lattices let them know they were beneath a important building in the capital of Kryptonopolis. They continued to follow Lash''s map, though there had been several times they passed a ladder, or a tunnel that went down.


    Eventually they understood why Lash had made the map this way. They came to a huge pit, a tunnel that went straight down. Hundreds of sewer pipes ran along the walls, and across the chasm. A river of sludge poured down into the pit below. Along the chasm walls were ruined, and rusted catwalks. Broken automated drone recharge stations. The high guard looked around in disgust! Why hadn''t the Labor Guild kept this place maintained?


    ¡°The Science Council labeled it unimportant.¡± Lash said across their communication line. Almost as if he was reading their minds. Which he kinda was.


    ¡°Only the lower class use this old sewer system line. Which actually is untrue. Everyone in the city uses these lines. This is where all their waste goes. The Science Guilds use state of the art filtration devices to clean the water. Recycling, and re purifying waste back into useful fertilizer, and water is important aspect of every city. But, the lower class has to deal with unfiltered version. Which is why disease is rampant in all of the low economy sectors. Like sector 68.¡± Lash said, and growled in discontent.


    ¡°I didn''t know that.... I always thought the Labor Guild was just weaker. But if we had to drink this sludge everyday. I don''t think we would be much better.¡± One of the high guard admitted, while a few others nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Victims of circumstance. Alright gather up!¡± Lash finished reminiscing about the issues of Krypton. The high guard rallied on Lash, Ursa was looking at him through her helmet with a question clear on her face.


    Lash took out another vial of nanites. Then one of his wrist mounted control unites for the nanites glowed. The nanites covered the bodies of each high guard. Then Lash demonstrated their next course of action. He jumped off the catwalk and used Falling Glide, and Invoke Animal Spirit-Spider Jumping from wall section to wall section. Gliding across the open air, and sticking to walls. After the fifth jump he looked up at them.


    ¡°Well come on!¡± Lash called out over open air.


    His voice bouncing off the walls, as it echoed through the whole system. Never one to be outdone by a challenge, Ursa jumped next. She flailed for a brief moment until the instinctively understood what she was meant to do. She opened her arms, and legs and flowed over the air currents. Then she reached out with her finger tips, and connected with the wall. Her boots, and knees touching against the wall. She felt like she was walking on solid ground, and that gravity had decided to play a trick on her.


    ¡°How are you doing this?¡± Ursa said over their suits communication line.


    ¡°Practice, are the rest of you coming? Or do we need to get some training wheels for you?¡± Lash said, giving them a playful jab. The rest of them soon followed their commander across the chasm.


    Down...Down they went. Lash re applied his ''nanites'' three times on the whole group. Until the reached the end, or rather the end of concrete and steel. The sludge waterfall poured down into a gaping chasm of pure darkness. Even with their suits HUD''s they couldn''t penetrate the darkness. Lash told them all to sit tight and then jumped down into the darkness. His body swallowed by it, but the IIF marker showed his decent. A thousand feet later his marker stopped moving.


    ¡°Go one at a time, I''ll guide each of you down.¡± Lash''s voice called to them from the dark.


    Ursa stayed till last and listened to the same instruction Lash gave each high guard. Though not always the same, each soldier was similar in height, weight, and build. But those slight differences was enough to make their decent different for each of them. Then Ursa was next, his voice was gentle but firm in her ears. More than once he told her to tuck in her arms, and legs. Something passed by her, something large, and...alive? Are there things flying down here?


    What none of them knew. But how could Lash explain? The entire cavern was a massive dome with a working ecosystem. Well a magical ecosystem. Magical creatures from The Black, and The Gray fluttered about. A few of them even tried to eat the falling Kryptons. They were consuming the planet from the inside out. Krypton was dying! Even if they succeed and bought Krypton more time. They would have to leave in next one thousand or so years. The planet would not sustain them for much longer. This had nothing to do with Brainaic, and Kandor. Krypton had a shelf life. It was reaching its end.


    The high guard unit looked around. Now they were at the bottom they saw it. A cavern made out of pure black crystal! These crystals could not be found on Krypton''s surface! They had never seen the like. When one of the high guard soldiers reached out to touch a crystal, Lash snatched their hand up and pulled them away. It was then, that everyone one of them heard the whispers. This, these, were black Kryptonite. Or would one day become such.


    ¡°Please, do your best not to touch them.¡± Lash said, using Commanding Presence. His words reinforced with power made even Ursa take a step back while looking at the crystals.


    ¡°What are they?¡± Ursa asked, looking at them with fascination. But she did as she was asked and kept away.


    ¡°An ancient power that should remain asleep. I''ll give you a full briefing once we get back to the surface. I''ll even give you the path to get back down here. But only after you all understand the danger they posses. Agreed?¡± Lash asked Ursa, but also the soldiers. The fact he would share the information, and the route later appealed to them.


    ¡°Contact!¡± One of the high guards raised their rifle and pointed it at a man? Woman? Thing stumbling out from the darkness. The lights on their suits like candles in the vast darkness of nothingness.


    The creature stumbled, and bumbled onto its hand''s and knees. Then would stand up for a brief moment only to fall again. Dark, black sludge seem to pour off of the creature. What portions of the body that would briefly be revealed were soon covered again by the sludge. For a few moments it would be a man''s body. Then the sensual curve of hips, and swell of their chest would be revealed. Then it would fade as the sludge fell over, and off of them. It let out a piercing wail when a flash light touched its body. The high guard raised their rifles.


    ¡°Hold!...If you fire they will kill us all!¡± Lash called to the high guard. That was when they noticed that hundreds of the creatures were stumbling out of the crystal shards around them.


    ¡°Maneuver eighteen!¡± Ursa called out across their comms. The whole group formed a circle, backs to each other, and rifles out. Their mounted lights on their shoulders washed over the creatures. Many stumbled back, a few stumbled forward. Lash gently pushed past the firing line towards the creatures.


    ¡°Greetings unto you beings of the Rot. How may this one be of service?¡± Lash said to them over public audio. He knelt before them, head bowed.


    A ghoulish wail came from not just one, but all of them. Despite their individual appearances they were all one being in many bodies. ¡°Greeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaahhhhh......Whhhhhyyyyy? Whhhhyyyyyy arrrreee youuuuu heeeerreeee?¡± The creatures said, their voices were like fresh maggots on the ears of the high guard.


    ¡°Krypton is dying, however its children are still in need of time. We have come to slow its death. Though nothing can truly save it.¡± Lash said, he kept his head bowed. Never directly looking at them.


    ¡°Yoooouuu....can not! Stopppp thhhaaatttt now!¡± The creatures wailing voice started to take on an edge.


    ¡°In a few weeks time, Krypton will explode. We have come to delay that. If we do so then centuries of life will be consumed by the Rot. May we please slow the death of mother Krypton, so her children may live on another world? Another mother?¡± Lash asked, the high guard had no idea what the fuck was going on!?


    ¡°You....You are not from here.... Why do you help them?¡± A singular creature stepped forward. This one larger, and more coordinated than the others.


    ¡°Because I have hope, hope that this time. This time they could be better. Better than the others.¡± Lash said to them, this time he raised his head to look at the creature stumbling towards him.


    ¡°Naaaive.....Childish....So much like The Green....¡± The creature then looked at the high guard who flinched under its gaze. ¡°Touch not the crystals....They are not for you. Do this, do what you intend, and leave our home.¡± The creature said to them, then to Lash. Then it turned and stumbled back into the crystals. The others following its example.


    For a brief tense moment no one breathed. When the last of the creatures disappeared from their sight the high guard gasped for air. Many of them falling to their knees, others on their asses. They took in huge lung fulls of air. While Ursa stumbled, then eventually found her footing and came to Lash. She fell to her knees and leaned against him. In a moment of weakness, his strength was what was keeping her up.


    Lash reached out and held her hand, but did nothing else. That was enough for Ursa. That was all she needed. She was practically hyperventilating, and she was not the only one among the high guard doing so. Several prompts from their suits told them to slow their breathing. Then one of the soldiers shrieked in shock. The whole thing hadn''t been recorded! From the suits camera footage the high guard had been standing in a circle pointing their rifles at nothing! Not even the conversation between Lash and the creature had been heard. From the camera''s point of view Lash and walked forward, knelt, and stayed there.


    ¡°There are somethings in this world that can not be explained with science. Somethings that can only been seen. But not understood. Come on, we still have a mission to complete.¡± Lash said to them. He cast Calm Emotions, then helped Ursa to her feet.


    The journey through the crystal...forest? Was terrifying for the high guard. Lash told them to put their rifles away. All the weapons would do is annoy them. Better to take their fingers off the triggers entirely then let an accident happen. Screeching wails, and spectral energies flowed over them, by them, and through them. Lash cast Calm Emotions so often that he finally received an evolution for the skill/power.


    Congratulations User! Calm Emotions (Chap. 11) has evolved into Minor Calm Emotions.


    Effect: Increase in power, decrease in energy consumption, increase in range.


    Effect: Works on people, beings, and spirits.


    Effect: Raw emotion side effect is less.


    They were no longer on the map, once they jumped from the sewer tunnel from above they left the map. Now they were following Lash, and Lash alone. Who knew exactly where he needed to go thanks to his Nature Domain, and Divination Domain. Krypton''s essence was guiding his hand deeper into its body. Take a left here, jump down this hole, crawl under this lip. They had traveled so far, for so long that Lash called a break for the night. Ursa said they could continue but Lash looked at her, and looked at the group. Yes, they technically could. Jumping at every little sound, straining there senses to the maximum, being hyper focused is exhausting. It also didn''t help that their suits sensors couldn''t pick any of the creatures up.


    Lash carved a circle into the ground with Raoism script and had them all gather inside of it. Then he empowered the ring with Phantasm light. A blue glowing shield grew from the circle, and enveloped them. It was purely cosmetic but it was amazing what a little theatrics could do for the well being, and moral of a group. The beings of the Rot had given them passage. None of them would hurt Lash, or the group. It was a win-win for them. Krypton stays alive longer, so they can feed on it longer. Aside from the black crystals there was nothing else in this cavern structure.


    ¡°I''ll take watch, the rest of you get some rest. We''ll leave in a few hours.¡± Lash told the group. Like the trained soldiers they were. They each laid down and were asleep in moments. The power to sleep anywhere in any situation was a skill every soldier had to learn.


    Lash sat down in the center of the ritual circle. A simple stone was his chair as he crossed his legs lightly and looked around. To him this cavern was a beautiful sight to behold. Even with the creatures of the Rot visibly eating the essence of life. He could see the beautiful details of the crystals. The song of life slowly fading, and the song of the harvest growing in power with every passing moment. The cavern ceiling above was spectacle in it self. Precious stones, crystals, quartz jutted out from the rock above. Imitating a night sky with breath taking quality.


    ¡°What did it mean? You are not from here?¡± Ursa asked, she had established a private communication between them. So not to disturb the high guard.


    ¡°Many years ago while fighting on another battle field. My unit was stuck between two firing lines. The enemy knew of us and sent an entire battalion to find us. Our artillery support had no idea where we were so they fired on the enemy concentration with reckless abandonment. My people were being ripped to pieces. We shot, allies in distress flares. But the commander of the firing line ignored it.¡± Lash told Ursa, turning to look at her. She had found a stone to use as a sort of pillow. She was lying across the ground, her feet next to his legs.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Ursa asked, when Lash paused for to long.


    ¡°I died...¡± Lash said, his voice filled with regret. The admittance made Ursa sit up in confusion.


    ¡°I don''t mean to say I black out. No, I saw my lower half dozens of feet from me. I watched as flames devoured my flesh. I died, Ursa. Not only that, but when I woke up in a pile of bodies of my brothers and sisters a day later. A funeral pyre for the dead. I collected my ID tags, and looked up a video from a terrified aspirant who had been in charge of the funeral arrangements. They had a video record of me. I was a burnt skeleton.¡± Lash continued his story to Ursa who sucked in her breath in shock.


    ¡°I went back to camp, and killed the commander that ordered the artillery to fire on our position. The disgusting puloni of a man despised the Ligadians. Never considered us Kryptonians. Though he was never afraid to use us, then claim credit for our work. That was also my last mission. Ten years in service.¡± Lash said, then held up his hand before Ursa could speak.


    ¡°It wasn''t until the day I was asked what guild I wanted to join that I remembered a fragment of what it was like on other side. I don''t think I''m the Lash-Rao from before. I think I''m something else that was stuffed inside of this body. Or maybe I am the same, and I just have another passenger?¡± Lash continued to say, Saurian chuckled across the link.


    ¡°Since then I''ve been different. I joined the Religious Guild hoping to find answers. I did find a few. But they didn''t have all the answers. But such a subject is long, and is in need of something to drink. Simply to say, I am not from here. Not anymore.¡± Lash said his piece, and waited for Ursa to speak.


    Ursa didn''t say a word, she simply shifted from laying her head on the rock to laying her head on his leg. With in moments the gentle rise, and fall of her chest told Lash she was asleep. It may not seem like much, but that simple gesture told Lash a lot. Ursa trusted him, or maybe she wanted him to think she trusted him. It was hard to say with Ursa. She was so devoted to Dru that he could order her to do literally anything. She would do it with a smile! Lash reached out with his Dream Domain, and used his passive to ensure everyone had restful dreams. While he Meditated.


    Six hours later everyone woke up and had a wonderful liquid protein breakfast from the feeding tubes in their suits. A straw came from inside their masks and they drank their suits recommended level of intake. Thankfully no one had to use the bathroom because Lash had cast Sooth while they slept. Pulling out the waste their bodies produced. They broke the ''protective'' circle and continued to follow Lash through the tunnels.


    While they traveled in the deeps. Healing Aura reactivated, and sent out a pulse of 3% total health, and energy reserves back into everyone. Also affected were the Rot creatures who drank up the energy like a sponge. Which unfortunately attracted more of them. Which terrified the high guard. It was a vicious circle that made Lash laugh more than once. After twelve hours of marching they came to a huge pit. Just like the sewer chasm above they gradually jumped from wall to wall with a glide. Until they came to a much smaller chasm opening.


    This cavern had no crystals, and the floor was made out of volcanic rock. This was important detail because the entire cavern had a red to orange glow. That was because a magma (lava?) vent was flowing through the area. This was the spot. He tasked the high guard to look around for any other entrances, or issues. When none were reported he broke it down for them.


    ¡°Alright everyone, make a circle around me. Take out your cylinders and when I give the notification uncap them.¡± Lash told them, and stepped into the center. They spread out, one by one taking out their cylinders of spell bound glitter!


    ¡°Are you using the rock as the materials?¡± Ursa asked, they had never brought it up. But Lash seem to not care that they carried no metal, or supplies to build a device. Ursa had seen the mechanical constructs that Dru had designed. She knew they required a lot of work.


    ¡°Something like that.¡± Lash said to them, and Ursa growled in irritation because he was being so vague.


    Lash raised his arms up and the nanite control units on his arms glowed brightly. The soldiers pulled the caps off and the spell bound glitter danced into the air like fairies on summer nights! Then Lash reached into his Storage and pulled out ingots of metal. Lash''s Storage was not like a normal bag of holding, or interdenominational space that so many novels, movies, and games had. It didn''t have a limit to how much could be stored, this was true. However, it had to fit with in a one square foot cube. An example would be an ingot of metal. If it can fit inside the cube, it can be stored. But say a six foot long spear? That could not be stored. That was why Lash couldn''t pull out a battleship. Or have the entire machine made beforehand. It had to fit inside a cube.


    Hundreds of pounds of metal were consumed in the construction of the A grade tectonic stabilization machine. The device looked like a thirty foot tall, five feet around black obelisk. A pyramid point at both ends. With thousands of tiny inscriptions across each surface. Once the inscriptions were complete, one foot sections began to rotate like a rubik''s cube. The velocity of rotation grew in speed every few seconds. An energy build up started to expand from the obelisk.


    ¡°What ever you see! Do not run! Do not shout! DO NOT ATTACK IT!¡± Lash shouted to the high guard over their communication line. Attack it? Attack what?!


    The obelisk broke apart in a scattering pieces like shooting stars falling across the night sky. Inside of the obelisk was a creature, a worm. It had stone like segment pieces. No visible eyes, and a mouth that looked like a dozen or so mandibles that could open and close. And open they did, it gave out a mewling call! On the inside of its mouth was a gaping maw of row, after row of razor sharp teeth. Like a blender the things mouth would spin. Turning rock, dirt, steel, crystal, flesh, and/or bone into puree. The thing was about 30 feet long, five feet around.


    It let out a mewling sound again and turned towards Lash. The high guard flinched many of them reaching for their rifles but they held fast remembering Lash''s orders. Lash was in the center with the creature. The worm bumped its head against him, and Lash ran his hands along the stone like skin of the creature. It let out another mewling sound, then turned its head towards the ground. Its gaping maw opened up and it started to burrow into the ground at a rapid pace!


    In less than a minute the creature was gone. The tunnel it left behind collapsed in on it self. Lash held up a hand asking for silence. He had a holographic watch out above his other wrist. While his other hand counted down from five.....four....three....two.....one. A rumble vibrated through the whole cavern, a mild tremor. Then the watch above his left wrist reset to a minute that started to count down. When it reached one, once again a tremor worked through the cavern this one a bit stronger. The count down timer reset, this time five minutes.


    Attention User! You''ve partially completed an optional objective! (You have found a way to possibly save Krypton. You must now find a suitable place to build, and plant the device. The sooner the better.)


    Optional Objective: Find a suitable location for the device. [+]


    Optional Objective: Build, and plant the device. [+]


    Optional Objective: Current percentile chance of success. 0.0000000003% [Still active]


    With every tremor that took place the count down timer went up a few minutes. But every tremor added another minuscule percentage. Now it was a gamble. Lash was pretty sure, Supernatural Gambling didn''t work on a prize this large. But he was hoping luck was on his side. Another tremor went off, this one larger than the last. Lash knew that the worm would grow in size. So large that it could even wrap its body around all of Kryptonopolis one day. Like the great snake jormungandr from the Norse gods. A new Kryptonian titan had been born today.


    Lash closed his holographic watch and sent the all clear to the high guard. They all let out a collect exhaled. Ursa called for a break! No longer surrounded by the black crystals, the creatures, this place was as good as any. Lash agreed, but still made a protective circle. Though, this one was a bit larger so people had space to stretch out. The glowing light from the magma (lava?) was eerily beautiful.


    ¡°What is it doing?¡± Ursa asked, as another tremor was felt through the ground.


    ¡°As the worm digs it secretes an oil. Or rather just goop. This goop act as an adhesive that helps bind the cracks with in the tectonic plates. Normally, this would be bad. Tectonic plates need to freely move. It is the growing pain of any planet. But right now the core of our world is unstable. So think of it like a medical wrap for broken ribs while in the field.¡± Lash switched the examples from geology to field medicine. They both understood that far better.


    ¡°As the adhesive is applied, the planets plates move less. So less is broken with every breath. Right now the worm is small, and the change is hardly noticeable. However, as more, and more precious metals are absorbed it grows in size.¡± Lash replied as he tried to think of a mathematical number.


    ¡°Basically it will grow as large as Kryptonopolis all the way around.¡± Lash just used his own example. Ursa, along with a few of the high guard who were listening leaned back in astonishment.


    ¡°Once the job is done. The creature will continue to dig through the ground. Its goop is changed out for an enzyme that enriches soil. I wouldn''t be surprised if farming becomes a lot easier in the future. For at least a few centuries before Krypton gives out.¡± Lash finished, and they were reminded of the words that the creature and Lash said.


    ¡°If this works how much time does Krypton have?¡± One of the high guard asked.


    ¡°About a thousand or so years...¡± Lash answered, and a few people chuckled. ¡°To these creatures, a few centuries is a long weekend. Yes, they live that long.¡± Lash continued, and a few of them were astonished by the information.


    ¡°Even with what that....Machine? Is doing?¡± Ursa asked, gesturing towards the ground as another tremor, and another tick on the quest objective.


    ¡°Yes... It may buy time. But Krypton is dying. We need to stop hiding here. It''s time to look to the stars. In a century, maybe less. Kryptonian''s will be among the stars.¡± Lash said, his voice was optimistic. For a brief moment even the high guard could see his vision.


    ¡°To bad I wont live to see it.¡± Lash said softly, and Ursa snapped her head to him with and audible sound.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Ursa asked, the high guard grew quiet to listen to his answers.


    ¡°Ligadians are stronger, and faster. They have high agility, ability to process information at an accelerated rate. So, with all of our benefits why are there not more of us? Because our bodies burn out quicker. That is the down side.¡± Lash pulled off his helmet to reveal his face, to make a point. ¡°I''ll be 22 this year.¡± Lash told them, and they gasped in surprised. Lash-Rao looked like he was late thirties, early forties. ¡°Another ten, or fifteen years and I''ll die of old age.¡± Lash finished his words then replaced his helmet.


    Only the high command of the Military, and Science Guilds knew the truth about the age limit for Ligadians. It was what they paid for. All that power! Shorter life spans! The group talked for a little while after but they soon caught some rest. Once again Lash took watch. Once again Ursa found his leg far more useful then a rock for a pillow. The next issue they would face is finding their way up. It was not an exaggeration to say that for many getting down here was a one way trip.


    __________________________________________________________


    Ursa curled up next to Lash and fell sleep with his leg as her pillow. Once again she would never admit this to anyone, even more herself. But she found comfort in being around Lash. For the longest time she had only ever felt this contentment being around one other person in all her life, Dru. She bit her own tongue to keep herself from talking out loud. To keep talking to Lash, to simply exchange words with him. It was almost if she was compelled to seek his attention!


    Despite her new feelings. They never distracted her! While they moved through the tunnels she was focused, and she was clear headed. It was only in these moments of safety, and rest that she noticed the feelings. As odd as it sounded, that had also never happened before. There were many times while on a mission with the general that she would catch her self watching Dru. Memorizing his face, following every word. She had a lot of practice. To do her job, but still watch him closely. But with Lash? This was different! Why couldn''t she put her finger on it?


    Ursa tossed, and turned trying to get comfortable. No, that wasn''t it. She was comfortable. Yes, the stone floor may be hard. But she was comfortable in his presence. But why!? Why was this different? Then she felt Lash reached down and squeeze her hand. She saw a flash of golden light! A brief glimpse into the unknown. Then she felt her eyes grow heavy. She fell asleep, and dreamed. Dreamed of Dru...Dreamed of holding her child in her arms. Walking side by side her bonded husband.


    ____________________________________________________________________


    Lash helped Ursa find sleep, and find a peaceful dream. He sent a Nature Domain pulse through her and discovered another truth. Yes, Ursa was pregnant. But she had taken a drug that had slowed the pregnancy. Maybe even stopped it completely? The unborn child was in a type of stasis. This made some sense if one knew Ursa, if they knew Zod. Children who didn''t go through the genesis chamber were considered aberrations. Lash was surprised that they even agreed to have one together. Since the sterility drug is mandatory on Krypton. Then they both decided to have a child together.


    Ursa''s dream took an erotic turn and Lash quietly stepped out of it to give her privacy. Why did Ursa dream about two separate Dru''s? One old, one young? One in front, one behind?....Lash shook his head to clear his thoughts and disconnected from the dream. Wait a minute.... -Erik the gamer said across the link. Lash reached for Cosmic Awareness and his energy reserves tanked. Dropping to 80% as he asked the cosmos a question. Why,was this time fragment made? What was different?


    Dru-Zod...Dru had been different when they spoke at the barracks in sector 68. His reaction times were different. He almost didn''t seem surprised about Krypton''s destruction. Though he was visibly angry about Jor-El being banned. There were other signs of something else. Lash reached out with Connectivity and access the high guard suits. He easily bypassed the security firewalls. Then Lash reached out with Telepathy, and Root of Information. He searched through their minds, gently. While they slept.


    High General Dru-Zod, standing next to...A older High General Dru-Zod. That was why this time fragment existed! Dru-Zod, an older, wiser version of himself traveled through time. To Krypton, to save it! Krypton was never going to explode! Yes, the earthquakes would have been catastrophic. But with the preparation made by the Military Guild in secret. They would survive the cataclysm, then taken over what remained. Wait? Why hadn''t Dru killed Kal-El? Stop Jor-El from building the ship? Did he still want Kal-El to leave?


    Congratulations User! You''ve discovered the truth of the time fragment! New Quests have been added.


    Optional Objective: Discover why (older) Dru-Zod has returned to the past. Despite the obvious destruction prevention of his world.


    Optional Objective: Prevent the civil war, and/or hostile take over of the Military Guild.


    Optional Objective: Help the Military Guild in the civil war, and aid them in the hostile take over.


    Comment: All this over an erotic dream? Wow!


    Six hours later everyone woke up. Ursa especially seemed energized, and relaxed. Lash could almost feel the satisfaction pouring off of her. She moved with a skip in her step, and almost seemed friendly. Lash was not the only one to noticed, but no one was going to bring it up. Seeing Ursa, the She-Devil in such a way was a rare treat that no one would want to ruin.


    So, how were they going to get back up? Lash brought them back towards the black crystal cavern. Back to the wailing, screeching creatures of the Rot. Ursa''s good mood evaporated, as did the others. They eventually reached their entry point. Far above them was the sewer exit. Lash took a vial of nanites and crafted a quad-copter drone with a bundle of rope. A long, long bundle or rope. The thing flew up into the darkness above and disappeared from sight. They waited several minutes until the tail end of the rope plopped down next to them.


    Each of the high guard suits had a built in pulley system so they could climb up, or down at an accelerated rate. Lash secured the tail end of the rope to the floor with an anchor. So it was a straight shot up, over a thousand feet up! Lash cast Falling Glide, and Invoke Animal Spirit-Spider. On each of them. Then one by one they went up the line. The drone had drilled into the concrete above them and anchored itself. Out of the whole trip this was the most difficult. No, the ride up was easy. Being surrounded by total darkness when there were creatures that you couldn''t see, let alone fight? That was the hard part.


    Lash was the last one up. He cut the rope off at the top and it fell into the darkness below. The quad-copter drone detached from the wall and stayed aloft next to them. The high guard then made the agonizingly slow climb up! Lash recast Invoke Animal Spirit-Spider so many times the spell evolved!


    Congratulations User! Invoke Animal Spirit has evolved into Minor Invoke Animal Spirit.


    Effects: Power increase, energy consumption decrease, spell lasts a bit longer.


    Effect: Take on one additional aspect of the animal spirit. Example; Eagle eyes can see up to three miles away with near perfect accuracy.


    With Minor Invoke Animal Spirit the high guard became naturally talented at climbing. They also seem to have a sixth sense on what surfaces would be hard to climb, and what were not. Lash on the other hand used Gravity Stride and was walking up the tunnel. More than once he helped a high guard over a particular spot. They thanked him, but were also filled with dread watching him walk perpendicular up the wall with them. After several hours they reached the mass of tubes that they had seen before.


    While retracing their path through the sewers Lash froze in place. The whole group stopped, waiting for a signal. Normally Lash would have raised his fist, then scattered them with a single command. This time he just froze. Then he turned his whole body to the left then shouted loudly across their communication line.


    ¡°ENEMY CONTACT! TAKE COVER!¡± He screamed and dove to the side taking Ursa with him. As an energy shot roared past her spot a second later. The energy blast melted through concrete, and steel like it was butter.


    From the darkness came the weeping, and wailing cries of the dead. Kryptonian faces sewn onto the front portion of a mechanical soldier. Skull caps exposed with a purple like brain. Skeleton structure, reinforced with synthetic muscle, and dark purple colors. In the center of their chests were three points of energy in the shape of an inverted triangle. The symbol for Brainaic!


    Attention User! You''ve discovered a secret optional quest!


    Optional Objective: Survive the encounter with the Brainiac cybernetic soldiers.


    Optional Objective: Follow the trail back to their charging station, and destroy it.


    Optional Objective: Get back to the surface with proof that Brainiacs forces are under Kryptonopolis.


    The high guards suits malfunctioned as the Machine Control from the soldiers infected their systems. They couldn''t even stand let along shoot straight. Their suits went into a locked position. The system was attempting to save them from spinal injury due falling from a great height. Something that was of course not happening. Lash on the other hand sprinted straight towards his enemies. As a primal roar went down the sewer tunnels. Parts of his suit did lock up, but his own Machine Control, and Virtual Intelligence fought against the intrusion.


    Three cybernetic soldiers, all of them with weeping faces of the dead. They cried, and pleaded for Lash to save them. So he did! Red Psionic Blades burst from Lash''s fists. As he sliced straight through one''s midsection severing its spinal column. The red energy of Chaos continued to chew through the machine like setting a box of matches on fire!


    ¡°Error!...Error! Universal Energy detected!¡± One of the cybernetic drones said loudly. Just in time for Lash to cut them from crotch to head. Bisecting them in half!


    ¡°I want my mommy!¡± The child like face wailed in agony, as its mechanical arms raised up to fire at Lash. Lash slashed its arms off, then its legs, then its head! He snapped his fingers and sent a burst of Unburden across both bodies. Dismissing the echoe''s of the souls still attached.


    ¡°Sound off!¡± Lash called out, keeping his eyes on the tunnel ahead.


    ¡°Suits are rebooting!¡± Ursa called out, she had pulled her helmet off the moment it let her move.


    The Brainiac cybernetic husks looked like burnt out husks as the Chaos energy dissipated into the air. Its corrosive energy was overpowering enough to make Ursa hesitant to step forward, like being next to a ranging inferno. An inferno she couldn''t see, but felt. She stared with wide eyes at the red energy beams coming out of Lash''s fists. Then he relaxed his hands, and the energy beams faded from sight. But the red energy was seared into her memory.


    ¡°How many of you have seen the videos of Kandor rim?¡± Lash asked, keep his eyes forward.


    ¡°I have!¡± ¡°Me too!¡± One by one the high guard said they had seen the videos. But only Ursa had been there. She stared in wide eyed horror at the mechanical monstrosities.


    ¡°Switch your power suits to manual only, and follow the path back to the top. You have to tell the high command about them. I''m going deeper.¡± Lash said to Ursa, it was a request. Not an order. But it may as well have been. Ursa whipped around and looked at the soldiers that removed their helmets.


    ¡°Aspirant Tol-Nil! Take the high guard back up! Notify command! We are going deeper!¡± Ursa said to the unit leader who saluted and left with out a word with the rest. Ursa turned back around and walked over to stand next to Lash.


    ¡°Put your helmet back on. Tell the suit to let allow the program I''m about to install.¡± Lash told Ursa who complied, and accepted the data packet. Lash also sent another Virtual Intelligence tech-spirit with the high guard. Hopefully they would only have to worry about Black Zero down here.


    They moved together, Military Special Operations, and Team Work activated. Which was a little odd, Lash assumed Team Work needed a higher evolution before it worked with large numbers. Lash wasn''t taking any chances, his back ground gave him a lot of information about the cybernetic slaves. He cast Chameleon on himself and Ursa. All she saw as a vial of nanites covering her, and she noticed her body blended in perfectly with the area around her.


    ¡°How many more of those do you have?¡± Ursa asked across the communication line.


    ¡°Only a few more, hopefully we wont need it.¡± Lash replied, though technically had as many as his energy reserves allowed.


    They took a gradual, careful, all be it paranoid response to moving forward. More than once Lash stepped back, and pushed Ursa with him against a wall as a unit moved past them. Heading deeper into the tunnels. There was even one time Lash pulled Ursa into a tiny crawl space. They were both pressed tight against each other, chest to chest. In the movies this would have been a highly erotic moment. Right now? It was just terrifying! Adrenaline pumping terror! Thankfully, Chameleon did the trick. They gave off zero heat signatures, or electromagnetic energy thanks to their suits. The Virtual Intelligence being part magic was able to hide its sensor energy readings.


    They followed a pack of six through a tunnel for an hour. Twisting turns, climbing up, and even crawling through a space. They came upon a reinforced concrete pillar with crystals embedded into it. Then they watched the cyber slaves jump down into a hole. Lash, and Ursa came to a stop just at the exit and looked down. A...Mechanical tumor? Sat in the center of the room, about three feet around. The tissue around it looked like silicon, with pink flesh between it. The tumor pumped like a heart. Growing roots had reached out from the thing and attached to a power conduit.


    Scattered around the room were little honey comb hexagon shapes. Where mechanical slugs, or caterpillars spun this gelatin metallic slime over the hexagon pits. Inside the pits were people! Living, breathing people! Bound, and asleep. The caterpillars carefully wrapped them up, and placed them in the spaces. A few finished pods to the side were nearly complete. It looked like they were slowly growing the cybernetic pieces onto the living.


    Surrounding the battery of sorts, and around the hatchery were several power stations. Now these were familiar to Lash, and Ursa. They had seen these before. The cybernetic slaves would link up. Spinal taps reaching out from the machine into their bodies. They would effectively go to sleep. The charging stations were six to ten feet tall, with a metallic membrane would wrap around them. Tiny hand sized mechanical spiders would crawl over their bodies and do repairs, and upgrades. There were fifty recharge stations, and only twenty five slaves present.


    Damn it! Lash wanted them all here! Every Brainiac slave soldier was capable of self propagation. Yes, it would take time. But if they didn''t find them all. Then another nest, and recharge station could be made. For all Lash knew there were other recharge stations! This could just be a small one! But it didn''t matter, they needed to destroy this nest now! They needed to bring back proof.


    ¡°I don''t know what those were from before. But they cut through them like yulonz cream. I''ll stay up here and watch your back.¡± Ursa said, she gripped her rifle with confidence. But Lash could see that she was shaking. Brainiac was no joke. Lash leaned in, and they pressed their helmets together at the forehead. It was an uncommon hello, and goodbye between soldiers. Between friends that may end up dying in a moment.


    ¡°I''ll make you dinner when we get back. I promise you''ll enjoy it!¡± Lash whispered across the link.


    ¡°I''d like that...¡± Ursa said softly in return.


    Lash slipped away, and walked down the surface of the wall like it was the floor. He tip toed through the mechanical veins, over the caterpillars, and the just recently established pods. Lash had a feeling the moment he destroyed the tumor anyone attached to them still in transformation would die. Hopefully the recharged slaves would to. But he knew he was not that lucky. Lash gently placed his hands on the tumor, it shivered under his touch. A caterpillar started to move towards the tumor, not understanding its distress. Lash cast his spell, Recycle.


    The pulse of energy went through the entire apparatus. His energy levels dipped by 45%, and the tumor, power cables, transformation egg sacs, and the recharge stations burst like an exploding diagram. Mechanical parts, bones, organs, tissue, and wailing from the unfinished cyber slaves filled the room. The cyber slaves ululated. Then Lash Chameleon dropped, and the slaves had something to concentrate on.


    Lash gave off an Intimidating Shout. The roar made them pause for half a second. He really needed to level that up more! Red Psionic Blades burst from his fists and he sprinted straight towards them. A automatic burst of fire came from above. Several brain cases caving in, and a few twisted and turned to shoot at Ursa who was above. Lash hugged the ground and whipped his blades side to side like a spinning top. Six of the slaves were chopped off at the knee and dropped to the ground.


    ¡°Please help me!?¡±


    ¡°I want my mommy!¡±


    ¡°Please! Don''t do this! Help us!¡± The screamed in their human voices. Yes, Lash would help them. Help them find peace.


    Energy shots rained from above. As the high guard rifle had been based on technology reversed engineered from the cyber slaves themselves. Lash jumped from side to side in a chaotic manner. Slicing through chest plates, bisecting bodies, and slashing off of limbs. But as the battle continued Lash noticed that the cyber slaves were starting to mimic his movements. They were trying to predict his next attack. Time to switch it up!


    He pulled back his Psionic Blades which caused a few to tilt their heads in confusion. Lash jumped forward with a punch! Recycle was sent through the slave. It burst into pieces! Lash whipped around with a side kick. Another slave burst into pieces! Then as they started to back off, and bounce around to avoid getting in close quarters combat with him.


    He reached out with a hand like an eagle claw. Telekinesis wrapped around a unit, and he crushed it like a tin can. He knew he had to explain that to Ursa at a later time. But right now he didn''t care. The crumpled form of a slave was tossed through the air with an unseen force so strong it impacted into another. They both were slammed into the wall with earth shattering force.


    Then he reached his hand out and the cyber slaves braced for a crushing attack, or an unseen physical impact. Instead 1.21 gigawatts of energy came exploding out of Lash''s hands. Call Lightning shot out! Causing a chain effect that jumped from cyber slave, to cyber slave. They popped like glass bulbs with to much power in them. The cascading power destroyed the mechanical caterpillars, and the unfinished cyber slaves.


    The smell of blood, burnt flesh, melted metals, and ozone filled the air. All was quiet except for Lash''s labored breathing. From the side Ursa slowly climbed down from her perch and gradually made her way towards Lash. She knew understood better than most that in the thick of an allied soldier can sometimes only see enemies around them. But Lash turned to her, she froze mid step. But breathed a sigh of relief when he gave a hand sign for ''Okay''.


    Lash created a box that would cut off any energy transfer, data, or signal transfer with one of his ''few'' remaining vials of nanites. Then they piled cyber parts into the box. Sealed it up, and started to travel back to the temples sewer entrance. This would be there proof. They also marked the nest site on their map. Though Lash was reasonably sure that anything left behind would be scavenged by the cyber slaves. That was why he left a Proximity Release ¨C Recycle on the area.


    Half way back to the temple Lash felt the spell go off. They reached the last tunnel and climbed the stairs only to meet fifty automatic rifles pointing straight at them. Lash would have raised his arms up but he was carrying the box. Thankfully Ursa being the bad ass that she was stepped forward with out fear and started to bark orders off in quick succession! The rifles were lowered, but not holstered. It had taken two days the whole trip. It was now evening on the second day. Yet another obstacle had presented itself to Lash.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed a secret quest.


    Optional Objective: Survive the encounter with the Brainiac cybernetic soldiers. [+]


    Optional Objective: Follow the trail back to their charging station, and destroy it. [+]


    Optional Objective: Get back to the surface with proof that Brainiac''s forces are under Kryptonopolis. [+]


    Reward: Damage Resistance, Sub-Resistance: Brainiac''s Influence.


    Reward: Krypton reputation increase.


    Reward: Ursa disposition increase. (Friendly, bordering on romantic)


    Sub-Resistance, Brainiac''s Influence: The User, and any mechanical piece of gear, and creation that he has crafted, or help craft have a resistance to Brainiac''s Machine Control. Grows with interaction. Starting resistance? (0.1%)


    That....That was a good reward!

 Chapter 100: Intuition

    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Oa, Central Meeting Hall. Guardians of the Universe***


    Oa, was a strange world. It had a desert biome with towering rock features. Dusty sand dunes, and sporadic oasis where the natural flora, and fauna would congregate. However, above the desert planet''s surface were the Guardians home. These structures floated above the world in floating cities, towers, and citadels for the Green Lanter Corp. Only a single city is actually built on the surface of the planet. While the rest of the world has a few homes, and villages from the native populace. The Oan architecture are tall towers reaching towards the heavens above. With round edges, and artistic designs carved into every surface. Oa was beautiful.


    But right now? Not so much! The Guardians of the Universe were in deliberation about what to do with Earth. What to do about the Agent of Calamity, known has Wraith. What he has done to ruin all their hard work? 30% of their registered Green Lanterns have left the Corp! Many of them taking their rings with them. Others dropping them on the ground and leaving them behind. Another 20% remain with the Crop but refuse to obey orders. They have begun to dispense their own measure of justice. The only highlight to this entire situation? Was they did check the green battery core. They did repair the damage that Parallax had caused to his prison cell. The Green Lantern battery core itself.


    Parallax was once again imprisoned, and trapped! But not before it sent its energy out. The yellow spectrum, the power of FEAR! Things were changing! Some of them couldn''t help but feel that they played right into the Cosmic entities hands. Was this what he wanted? An explosion rocked the whole meeting hall taking the Guardians out of their discussion. They rose from their seats and flew out only to stare in shock as yellow energy trails rocketed from space above. Leading them was a Korugar, it was Sinestro!


    Thaal Sinestro, was a Korugar much like Katma Tui-Stewart. He had red to pink skin, short black hair that was slicked back. A trimmed mustache, and clean shaven face. His eyes were bright yellow feeding on the power of his ring, a yellow ring of fear. Sinestro standing at 6''7¡±, with longer than average limbs, and physical features. He was a born athlete and carried himself like a warrior. He shot down with hundreds of soldiers under his command. He had come for the power of Parallax.


    ¡°Sinestro! What are you doing!? You were one of our best, why would you do this!¡± A Guardian called to him. Sinestro glared down at the Guardians, disgust written on his face.


    ¡°Why?...You ask me WHY!? You let my world die! You let my family die! You could have stopped it, but no! You let billions die across the universe all on hypothetical possibilities! It ends today!¡± Sinestro roared and started his destruction of Oa.


    Having received their answer the Guardians took to the skies and attacked the yellow lantern corp. Sinestro had completely under estimated the Guardians abilities. With the power of Will, and the green spectrum. The Guardians made short work of the yellow lanterns. But it mattered little in the end. Sinestro left with what remained of his troops a smile on his face. The Guardians rushed to the Green battery core to find it oddly intact. Parallax remained within his prison. But as they began to leave the creature laughed. A long, and hollow sound. Something was wrong. But what?


    ===============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Watch Tower Station***


    ¡°What is that up in the air? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, its a raging idiot!¡± Rauta said loudly as she watched her team mate fall from the skies straight into the warehouse across the street.


    ¡°Rauta, can''t you take this more seriously! I want a good score!¡± A young woman called out to her. The woman jumped down from their observation point and floated to the ground.


    ¡°I''d be delighted to take this more seriously! I said we should have done recon! But no! Hammer wanted to do a superhero landing! Now are they not only aware of us! They are making plans to escape!¡± Rauta shouted, as she activated her powers and manipulated the pieces of metal in her uniform to fly.


    Rauta aka Melanie from Detroit was a legacy (Chap. 73). She was born and raised in Detroit with her Father, Iron Hammer aka Bryson. Along with her mother Night Cat aka Melinda. She had been brought into the superhero life only a few weeks before the invasions started. But those few weeks had been important. Wraith had hand crafted her uniform, established a bunker under her parents home, and restaurant. Rauta was a meta-human with metal manipulation.


    She was currently aboard the Watch Tower station in the simulation hall! A technological wonder that could perfectly simulate nearly any environment. Sights, smells, taste, touch, and sounds. Her team was suppose to discover where a group of criminals were housing their stolen loot, verify if they had any prisoners. Then move in an arrest them. But her team decided to throw all that to the wind and go in blazing. The layout of the environment was an abandoned warehouse district.


    ¡°Ummmmm! People! I think we made a mistake!¡± The raging idiot called Hammer said from the crater he had made.


    ¡°There is no one inside.¡± Spoke a ghostly voice next to Rauta. She jumped in surprise as she glared at her last team mate who appeared like a ghost next to her. A supernatural member of the JLI. His name was Nightleaf, a Winter Court Fae...What ever that meant! He also incredibly gorgeous, and Rauta hated that he was pretty than her.


    Then the entire simulation ended as above them in big bold red letters stated! Simulation failed! The entire team groaned, except for Nightleaf who disappeared from view with out a word. As did the rest of her team. Rauta groaned in despair, as her specific simulation room reset. Everything melted away, imagine the entire world was made up of tiny, minuscule cubes. Like those old video game graphics...Pixels! The entire world burst into pixels then the room went black.


    See, each room is linked together for training. But everyone you train with is not actually in the same room with you. The rooms are linked so they can actively portray that person in real time. This prevents accidents from occurring when you are doing fight training. Like say bashing a persons brain in for being an idiot! Rauta stomped out of the room. She knew she was being childish, she didn''t care!


    She met up with the rest of her team in instructors room. Then Rauta had to try not to stare at one of the most handsome, and charming men she had ever met. Green Arrow! The man was wearing a tight green leather combat uniform. Custom made, and he was so sexy wearing it! Oh, and Black Canary was standing next to him. But who cared about her!


    ¡°So, do you know what you did wrong?¡± Black Canary asked, looking them all over.


    ¡°We didn''t do recon on the structure. This allowed us to make the mistake of miss information. We were given an address of the specific warehouse. But it seemed we were off by a few hundred feet. The warehouse we struck was empty, while the warehouse next to it was the actual target...¡± Nightleaf said as he appeared from nothing again. Making everyone jump, but the instructors Green Arrow, and Black Canary.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Hammer shouted. ¡°Are you saying we missed by a few hundred feet?¡± He finished, a look of astonishment on his face.


    ¡°Yes! Which is why I said we needed to do recon! What if they had prisoners in the section you destroyed, Hammer?¡± Rauta yelled at her team mate who winced at her screeching voice.


    ¡°Rauta! Calm down, it wasn''t like you really tried to stop us!¡± Red Heart the other woman in the group said, as she stuck up for Hammer who sent her a thank you.


    ¡°Excuse me!¡± Rauta turned to look at Red Heart. The younger woman shrunk under her gaze.


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Green Arrow shouted, and they all stopped. Rauta could feel her cheeks flaming red. Thankfully her uniform came with a full mask.


    ¡°You all screwed up. Blame can be placed on everyone, but at the end of the day you are all a team! You all work in Detroit! You all have abilities that help work well with the others in your group. That is why you are placed together! But, if you can''t get past your dislike for each other. Then you will be separated, and you''ll be rotated to auxiliary tasks only! Do you want to do that?¡± Green Arrow asked, his voice was smooth as honey on Rauta''s ears. Even when he was angry he was hot.


    ¡°...No....¡± They all said eventually. Auxiliary tasks were for low grade JLI. Like Like helping clean up an apartment complex. Wash the floors, paint over graffiti, etc. It was things that needed to be done. But they gave it to the new, and untrained.


    One by one Green Arrow, and Black Canary went over what they should have done as a team. Then they went over what each one of them should have done as an individual. They started with what you did wrong, what you didn''t do, then finished with what you did right. Unfortunately for them all, the ''what you did right'' category was pretty small. By the time they finished it was time for lunch. Everyone was dismissed, but Rauta was asked to stay back.


    Rauta stood in the instructors room with Green Arrow, and Black Canary. They were looking over pieces of information. Rauta continued to look up at Green Arrow, and tried to not glare at Black Canary. Everyone in the League knew that these two were together. Rauta knew that! She didn''t like it, but she understood. Black Canary looked really good in the black leather, and fishnet. Maybe Rauta could get a different uniform? But Wraith had made her uniform...


    ¡°Rauta...Rauta? You there?¡± Arrow asked, and her head snapped up to look at him.


    ¡°Yes, sorry... I Sorry...¡± Rauta asked, and Arrow frowned at her.


    ¡°Rauta, you asked to be a part of a team. You said you could do more with a group. It was very mature of you. But, now that you are part of a team it is almost like you are trying to sabotage the attempt...¡± Black Canary asked her.


    ¡°I...I thought I would be in charge of the team. I have more experience than they do...¡± Rauta said, admitting the truth of the matter. Arrow, and Canary both looked at each other in surprise.


    ¡°Rauta, I''m sorry but a few weeks difference is not enough to prove your a leader. Also, if you want to the truth? Nightleaf is far older, and far more experienced than you are.¡± Canary told her the truth that she didn''t want to hear. Her face looked up in shock, then she turned to Arrow. Surely he would support her, but his face told it all.


    ¡°Nightleaf!?¡± Rauta squeaked a surprise.


    ¡°Rauta, Nightleaf is seventy five years old. He''s participated in at least three different invasions. All be it they were all magical, and didn''t plunge the world into darkness. But yes. If any one on the team is to be the leader it would be him.¡± Arrow said, laying it out for her. A few weeks may have been a lot for Rauta. But not for the JLI.


    The two of them continued to talk to Rauta. Or rather they tried. But it went in one ear, and out the other. She was struck blind, deaf, and dumb to the world around her. She was eventually dismissed and she left in a daze. She had been really good in her old neighborhood. Stopped thugs, gangsters, helped with the rebuilding. Because of her machine affinity she was able to help repair, and fix the machines effected by the bombs. She had grown use to being relied on.


    Rauta dragged herself to the dinning hall aboard the station. She wanted some chocolate, and she wanted it now! The Watch Tower station was larger now. The upgrade had been complete, and it couldn''t have come sooner. Yes, the station was still packed. But at least she didn''t have to shove through everyone to get to her destination. The dinning hall had grown larger, like any other module. She was guided to a small table by a worker droid. Rauta requested her food, and it arrived with in a few minutes.


    A blur of purple, and pink energy raced by the buffet line. Then energy trail stopped in front of Rauta''s table and set the food down. Rauta blinked and looked up to see Rush aka Monika Celeritas. Wearing her purple, and pink speedster uniform. Light weight polymer thread, with minimal armor, utility belt, and retractable helmet. Rush sat down with a grin and started to devour a stack of waffles. Rush''s antics always brought a smile to Rauta''s face.


    ¡°I wish I could eat like you. Wouldn''t have to worry about my waist size.¡± Rauta grumbled, as she took a slice of chocolate cake.


    ¡°Yep! Looks like you are totally worrying about your waist size.¡± Rush said with a grin, and gobbled down her plate. Then moved to a pile of sausage. They sat together in companionship silence for a few minutes.


    ¡°Training not go well?¡± Rush asked, after she went back for more from the buffet.


    ¡°No... I. I thought I was going to be the team leader. Turns out that Nightleaf is more or less shoe in for it.¡± Rauta said, and grumbled as she took another big bite of her second slice of cake.


    ¡°The UnSeelie guy? Well ya that makes sense. He''s like in his eighties or something.¡± Rush replied between bites. Rauta looked up in shock.


    ¡°Did everyone know but me?¡± Rauta asked, then looked contrite.


    ¡°Rauta...Did you not read his JLI information? Did you read any of your team mates info? No wonder they don''t think your ready to be a leader. You''ve hardly taken the time to even learn about your team mates!¡± Rush asked askance at her friends clear lack of trying.


    ¡°I...Just wish things were back....to....¡± Rauta started to say, then grew quiet when she realized what she was saying.


    ¡°Back during the invasion? When people were dying on the streets?¡± Rush asked, she had stopped eating and was looking at her friend in surprise, and with pity.


    ¡°It was easier then....I knew where I stood.¡± Rauta said at last, confessing her feelings to Rush who sighed loudly at her.


    ¡°Yes, it was easier for you. You had a bunker, you had a portal to the station. You had food, water, and medicine. Your family was safe, and you were vitally important to the resistance, and to the people around you. Easier for you!¡± Rush said, a bit of anger leaking into her voice.


    ¡°Maybe you should ask to be switched to Guard. Maybe you should ask for some time off. Figure out where you belong. Because if you really think that life was better when people were dying everyday. Then maybe you really should stop and ask yourself. What kind of hero do you want to be?¡± Rush finished and picked up her plates to sit somewhere else. Rauta slumped in her seat, tears welling up in her eyes.


    She just wanted to matter. She didn''t want to be another face in a sea of faces. She wanted to be important. She wanted.... Validation.


    ===============================================================


    ***Time Fragment. Sector 68, Temple home of the Priest***


    Clean hot water was a blessing from above, and below Lash thought. He was standing in the temple home in his refresher room. A high pressure nozzle of water was shooting over him as he scrubbed his body down. Yes he had cast Immaculate on himself. But as he had learned when he arrived in the time fragment. He really missed taking showers. Beep...Beep...


    ¡°Creator, Kemuna Ke-Zod is outside your door. Shall I let her in? She is alone.¡± Epsilon said over a communication line that Lash had installed for his two? Eight? Robotic people.


    ¡°Yes please. Thank you.¡± Lash said back across the line.


    Two minutes later the door to the refresher room opened up and Kemuna walked in, wearing her full uniform except for her helmet. Lash was sure it would be placed at the door. He stood in the shower, the steam on the glass doing nothing to hide his naked form from her. Kemuna Ke-Zod with her light chocolate skin was beautiful to behold. She had golden eyes, with plump full lips that she was currently biting as she looked Lash up and down. She had a rectangular figure, but Lash knew from personal experience that with out the uniform she had bouncing breasts, and a plump ass.


    ¡°Care to join? I can wash your back.¡± Lash offered, opening the glass door. This let all the steam out and she got a full frontal view of him. Her eyes danced up and down his body. A blush crawled up her face. But she took a deep breath, and calmed her mind.


    ¡°I''ll wait outside for you.¡± She said, then walked away with a particular sway to her hips. The beads in her multi braided hair clicking together....


    _____________


    Lash finished up and came out wearing baggy pants, and a shirt that was comfortable to sleep in, or move around in his home. Kemuna had taken off her justicar upper armor, coat, pants, and boots. Leaving a black tank top on, and a pair of under guard shorts. She had tucked herself up on the couch. Letting Lash know that she intended to stay, hopefully for the night. This was the same night that Lash had returned from the subterranean lands of Kryptonopolis, as well as the night he and Ursa fought the cyber slaves of Brainiac.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Lash asked, as he walked past her on the couch. He trailed his fingers along her exposed neck and she smiled lightly at him.


    ¡°I would say no, but your cooking is amazing. So, yes please.¡± She said with a bright smile. She stayed on the couch though, she had a holographic pad in her hands. She was looking over the after action report the high guard, Ursa, and Lash had given.


    Ursa admittedly had been irritated when she checked her video records and found no evidence of any conflict on it. From the first confrontation before the high guards left. All the way to the nest. Her suits video recorder was not operational. As far as Lash knew she never suspected him. Information was key to winning any battle. That was something that Brainiac and his forces knew all to well. They had repeatedly sabotaged, and erased vital pieces of information just so that the Kryptonian forces would be at a disadvantage.


    But! That also meant she had no proof other than her word when Lash had done things beyond reason. Her word would be enough for Dru. But the science council? They would assume she was talking none sense. Unfortunately for everyone involved they were commanded to report to the Science Council in the morning to give a full report about the Brainiac cyber slaves. The box of parts that Lash had brought back had been confiscated by the Military Guild. Which Lash was sure the Science Guild was not happy about.


    ¡°Are you really OK?¡± Kemuna asked from the couch. She had been watching him as he worked in the kitchen.


    ¡°I''m angry! I''m itching to keep fighting, but I am not injured.¡± Lash said back to her. He took out a few things and started to slice them up. Beep....Beep


    ¡°Creator, there is a Kursta Soll-Vo here to see you. Shall I say you are busy?¡± Epsilon asked over the intercom. Kemuna''s eyes looked up, then back at Lash. A question on her face, then a smile bloomed.


    ¡°No, please show her up.¡± Lash asked his servant...A few minutes later the door opened up and Kursta wearing her full uniform walked in. A few extra rank bars for being declared third in charge of the justicar barracks.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Kursta asked, pulling her helmet off and placing it next to Kemuna''s helmet.


    ¡°I am not injured. Please take your work clothes off. Relax, I''m making dinner.¡± Lash said with a smile.


    Kursta breathed a sigh of relief and soon joined her primus on the couch. Kursta peeled off her uniform and wore a tight black tank top, and black shorts. She came around and sat on the couch behind Kemuna. Who adjusted herself so she could lay against her. They looked comfortable with each other, more than likely this was not the first time they''ve done this. They eventually joined Lash at the table for dinner. He made plenty for all three of them.


    Then Lash used his new found Subliminal Seduction on top of his Charming Presence abilities. All three of them where in bed and enjoying each others company for little over an hour. Why an hour? Well Subliminal Seduction was a little to effective. Lash was able to play both women like musician. He knew every button, every spot, even erotic zone on their bodies. Combined with Apostle of Qetesh they were both exhausted by the end they curled up with each other next to him.


    Attention User! You have used Apostle of Qetesh with two targets.


    For the next four days, all of your stats have increased by 30%.


    Comment: Now, remember to treat your other women when you get home!


    Lash smiled at Dawn''s comment. His bedroom was cast in low light from an underside lamp beneath his bed. Letting out enough light to see, but not enough to blind or bother you while you slept. Of course to Lash he could see perfectly even if it was pitch black. The relaxed breathing of two beautiful women next to him brought a smile to his face. Kemuna was behind Kursta chest pressed into her back, while Kursta had pressed her chest against Lash who was on his back.


    Lash cast Immaculate on all three of them. Then slowly pulled the bed sheets to cover them. Though he doubted they would get cold. The smell of sex was intoxicating. Which is why Lash had to remove it when he cleaned up. He slowly drifted off to sleep, exhausted himself. But only a few short hours passed before his Clock sent him a silent alarm. 4:30 am, time to get up.


    Lash rubbed his face and slowly sat up, and swung his legs off the bed. But before he moved he felt Kursta''s hands on his back. She was mumbling in her sleep, but clearly didn''t want him to move. He carefully tucked her in and kissed her on the lips softly. Then did the same for Kemuna who hummed at him, but didn''t wake her self. Lash stood up and looked down at the two beautiful naked women and stopped to wonder when he became so different? As weird as it sounded, Lash was treating this time fragment as a sort of vacation. This place had no real consequence on his home reality. Was that why he was different?


    Morning soon arrived, and Lash as always made breakfast for his house guests. They both left early as they had a lot of work to do. But they promised they would visit again. Each one leaving with a spring in their step, and the after glow one acquires after a wonderful night of sex. Lash went to his closet and pulled out his official Priest garb. Though it was designed for him, he decided it would be better to make his own.


    When he left his temple home he wore black military boots, black armored pants, black armored top. Very normal up to this point. Then he had on a long black trench coat on with an attached hood. Then a golden mask inscribed with intricate detailed. The mask revealed his eyes but the rest of his face, and head were covered. The hood was put up to hide the rest of him. This was a representation of the garb of Raoism. They were meant to be in a sense disguised. A representation that Rao was in all of us. Anyone could be Rao. Though the gaudy gold, combined midnight black clothing was little over the top for Lash. He made sure to inscribe his proper rank, insignia, and decoration. He had to look the part.


    Lash also inscribed several spells into the thread, using Orichalcum, and Nth metal. He wore black metal gauntlets, with gold highlights. Then he had shin, and knee guards in place that looked similar to his gauntlets. All in all he looked like a War Priest. Good, because that was exactly what he was suppose to look like. He walked down to the main foyer of the temple and checked on the different rooms.


    The clinic, and the education center was seeing a lot of use. As was the gym, and Praetor. The young woman that Lash had met kept coming back, and was half way through her combat fitness. Most excellent! Lash took sometime to replace the medicine used in the clinic. Having learned, and copied the chemical formula for it. Something he would be more than happy to give to Ghost Industries, and the JLI when he went back home.


    Then an alarm went off. Lash couldn''t put it off any longer. It was time to head towards the Science Council. He wasn''t sure how this was going to go. Would they refuse to believe Brainiac''s forces were still around? Would he shoot his mouth off at their idiotic actions about the cataclysmic event that would destroy Krypton? Well in part what they claimed came to pass. Krypton would live to see another day, but no thanks to any of them. Maybe Lash could steel the phantom key while he was in the building?


    Leaving the temple Lash was met with rain! Well not rain, being at the bottom floor of the sector the rain had turned into a chemical bath of grime, and gunk. He watched in frustration as the gunk destroyed his temple square, and his park. The weather in Kryptonopolis was controlled by weather towers. So this rain was by design. However, each layer of traffic had water filters in them. They were suppose to be cleaned every month, and replaced once a year. Why did Lash feel like the ones on the bottom floor had never been replaced?


    His brand new War Priest garb was completely covered in crap half way to his destination. Lash decided he could spare a few minutes to head to the weather tower. He located the bottom floor access door and walked straight up. The security door opened up after scanning his ID tags. He was welcomed into the a grimy, poorly maintained security desk. Just like everything on the bottom floor it was disgusting.


    ¡°He....h...h...heello... How..How...How may I...Help you....cczzzttt!¡± A broken servant droid said from behind the desk. As it tried to stand on its broken legs.


    ¡°Where is the main elevator to the top floor?¡± Lash asked, having his ID scanned again. The droid pointed towards a metal alloy door. That had been welded shut?


    Lash sighed in frustration and walked over to the door. He used Material Shaping and gradually pulled the door down. It came apart like one would with wet cardboard. The inside of the elevator shaft was...Clean! It was properly maintained, and kept in constant repair. The shaft went straight down several hundred feet to who knew where. Just another place for the cyber slaves to infiltrate. The shaft also went up hundreds of feet as well. He pressed the call button for the elevator but got an error message.


    The call button wasn''t broken! It just wasn''t programmed to come down here with out proper security clearance. Lash ripped the panel off the wall at the protest from the security droid who couldn''t even leave their desk because they had no legs! Lash bypassed the security, and called the elevator. When the metal box arrived it opened its doors to reveal two security personnel fully armed expecting a fight. Instead they found a irritated War Priest covered in gunk.


    ¡°I am War Priest Lash-Rao, I am in charge of the temple in sector 68. Why in the name of Rao! Was this elevator door welded shut!?¡± Lash roared at the two security guards who paled in fright at his outrage.


    ¡°We..We....We were told that...Back Zero may try and sabotage the weather tower. We were ordered to...¡± The guard tried to say, as his partner nodded in confirmation.


    ¡°Droid! How long has the elevator been welded shut. Command over ride, Vohc-zero-one-twilight.¡± Lash shouted at the security droid. It responded in a disconnected voice.


    ¡°t...t...two.....y...y...years...¡± The droid said. Lash turned to look at the security guards who sweating terribly. They didn''t know why!? They just worked here, they didn''t make decisions.


    ¡°Then I guess we are going up!¡± Lash shoved them back into the elevator and pressed the keypad to take him to the top floor of the weather tower.


    The ride up was eerily silent. The two security guards tried not to breath two hard, afraid they would make Lash even angrier than he was. Rage was slowly building up in Lash. He knew 68 was a shitty sector. But more, and more of it just added to the funeral pyre. No wonder Black Zero wanted change. This was fucking terrible! He also knew not everyone in the Labor Guild had it this bad. Some where very lucky, they worked in nice buildings, and lived in nice homes. But Krypton was suppose to be an advanced society. What was this crap!


    Ding! The elevator door opened on the main control floor. Wasn''t the top, but the rest of the tower was a complex machine that helped generate the weather. Lash stepped off the elevator with the two security guards in tow. The Labor Guild, and the few scientist assigned to watch over them looked towards Lash. Confused as to why a priest of Raoism was here, and why was he so dirty?


    ¡°Where is the head scientist for this tower?¡± Lash asked no one in particular, but the security guard to his right spoke up.


    ¡°He''s in the main office overlooking the sector. Come this way!¡± The man said, happy his voice didn''t crack. Lash left a trail of smeared gunk in his wake. The smell was over powering, so much so that one of the supervisors asked it to be cleaned up.


    Lash was brought to a very nice office! It had blue crystal glass floors, metal alloy walls, and a rare wood that Lash couldn''t place for a door. Before the security guard could knock, Lash opened it up himself and walked straight in. The office continued to follow the theme from outside. Except for the bay windows that showed off the impressive sight of sector 68''s top floor. Only its top floor! The leading scientist in charge of the weather tower was sitting at a dark wood desk, another rare tree. A very beautiful and seductive Labor Guild secretary taking notes in a chair next to him. They both turned to look at him.


    ¡°Excuse me! I''m in the middle of some important work!¡± The scientist shouted at Lash. Then screamed in panic as he was pulled off the ground by nothing then came rushing towards Lash. Who had his hand outstretched to catch the man by his throat.


    ¡°I am War Priest Lash-Rao. The owner of the temple with in sector 68. The temple resides at the bottom floor. The rain on the bottom floor is full of chemicals, and sludge. Tell me, head scientist of the weather tower. When was the last time the bottom floor water filters were swapped out?¡± Lash asked, and the man tried to answer but only came out in choking gasps.


    ¡°You! You are his personal assistant. When was the last time the water filters were swapped out on the bottom floor?¡± Lash asked the young woman who jumped from her seat and ran to her bosses computer.


    ¡°I..It says....Last week!¡± She said, her smile bright and incredibly naive. Sherogoth''s Blessing worked on Kryptonian''s as much as it did humans. The young woman was innocent, as were the two security guards. But this bag of shit was not!


    ¡°Sounds like we need to take an inspection of the grounds! Come!¡± Lash said and turned around and pulled the man along with him. Adjusting his grip so the man was held by his neck, but could still breath and kinda talk.


    ¡°Wait!...I...I assure you! Everything is up to code! If there is a problem we can fix it!¡± The man shouted, and kicked his legs in vain. The security guards not knowing what to do follow behind.


    They reached the elevator under the terrified stares of the people on the operations floor. A call for the justicars went out. A man claiming to be a war priest has taken their supervisor hostage! But with the average response time of the justicars in 68. Lash wasn''t worried. The elevator opened up to bottom floor sector 68, or rather the layer between bottom, and middle. Where the filters were placed.


    Much like the bottom floor the catwalks, and machines here were in disrepair, covered in gunk, slime, and in desperate need of help. Lash continued to drag his...guest with him towards the nearest water filter. The contraption was a giant box that was suppose to filter in the water from the weather tower. Then redistribute it across the sector, this one, and many others like it were even spread out across the sector. Each layer had their own water filters. In between each layer was also an energy net that should catch falling debris!


    ¡°Tell me, supervisor! Does that look like its been swapped out?¡± Lash asked, as he pulled the man up effortlessly. Lash had the back of his neck now, holding him up like a mangy mutt. The man twisted in his grip and stared at the filter.


    ¡°It''s a mistake! A mistake! The system said it was replaced! I swea-Gaaaah!¡± The man screamed at the end when Lash crushed his left hand in his metal gauntlets.


    ¡°I''m going to give you a piece of advice you piece of shit! Lying to me, will result in more broken bones!¡± Lash shouted at the man.


    Lash walked across the rickety catwalk that groaned under his weight. The security guards that followed them looked wearily at the metal. Lash pulled the front cover off the filter. It was a mess inside! Covered in gunk, slime, and fungus! Lots, and lots of fungus! Mushroom types that Lash had never seen! His Nature Domain passive informed him that the mushroom could spread spores to anyone who ingested them. Which would poison, and or kill a person. Fuck! No wonder people got sick so much! The sewers bad, and the weather is bad. So Lash pushed the supervisors head into the sludge.


    ¡°DOES THAT LOOK CLEAN TO YOU!?¡± Lash shouted in anger at the man who flailed his arms and tried to push out. Lash turned to look at the security guards. His golden mask marred by black sludge. They both shook their heads in pure denial! No, no that did not look clean!


    When the supervisor started to struggle to breath. His limbs slowly twitched slower, and slower. Then right before he gave out Lash pulled him free and the man coughed, and choked on the sludge. He vomited up what had got into him and he cried! He begged for Lash to let him go. But the please fell on deaf ears. Lash walked down the catwalk to the next filter. It was the same! They checked the serial code on the filters. They hadn''t been replaced in five fucking years!


    Five years! Five years was the exact amount of time that this piece of shit had taken over as supervisor! Lash received a message on his communicator. They wanted to know where he was. He replied that he was cleaning out some trash that had fallen from the sky. The energy net was down, and things were crushing the populace. He''d be over as soon as he could. One would think that would warrant a response. All he got was, please hurry. Don''t make the science council wait. Would Dru care if Lash killed the science council? Or would he be happy?


    ¡°Priest! Stop this! We can figure out what went wrong. Just set him down!¡± A voice called out, Lash turned to see the justicars on the catwalk with him. Oh, they showed up! Only took them a fucking hour!


    ¡°Set him down? You want me to set him down!?¡± Lash screamed at them, they all flinched and stepped back. Many of the justicars knew who Lash was. A calm, collected man that you should never make angry.


    ¡°What do you think? Should I set you down?¡± Lash asked the supervisor as he lifted him up and held him over the edge of the catwalk. His legs dangling beneath him. The man struggled, and screamed please no!


    ¡°What do you have to worry about!? You are in charge of the weather tower! That means you also have innate knowledge about the energy net! You of all people should know that the sensors prioritize living organisms! If I drop you, you''ll barely fall more than ten feet! Unless the energy nets aren''t working! Are they working!?¡± Lash shouted at the man.


    ¡°NO! NO! NONE OF IT IS WORKING!¡± The supervisor shouted in horror.


    ¡°Oh...That is to bad! Because the justicars say I have to set you down. It would be bad for me to not follow orders!¡± Lash said, and let him go!


    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!¡± SPLAT! Went the supervisor. He crashed into the street below thankfully he didn''t crush anyone. A few people looked up and even waved at Lash. He waved back, and then those people started to rifle through the pockets of the man. Then the body was left there.


    ¡°Justicars, please excuse me. I am expected at the Science Council tower. You all have a wonderful day!¡± Lash said, and brushed past the justicars who made no move to stop him.


    Lash used Virtual Intelligence to create a rogue program that caused a forced shut down of the weather tower. Rain was not on the menu until the water filters were replaced. Something that the tech-spirit could actually check. Oh, they also needed a new supervisor. But that could come later. Lash cast Immaculate on himself. Now that he was fresh and clean he went to the transport station and used his Business transport pass. He notified the tower that he was on his way.


    Unlike the luxury transport that he had shared with Kursta. There were a few people aboard the Business version. Though they each had their own seats, and at least one Labor Guild attendant asked if they wanted something to drink. Lash was granted a larger than normal seat, and private box because of his station as a priest. Lash politely declined any refreshment, and watched the city fly by his window. The longer he stayed on this planet the more he missed home. Sector 68 reminded him of Gotham. After the Summer Court Ball. He may take some time to just visit Gotham. Spend time with his pack. Or he hoped he could. Nightmare mode was something he could do with out.


    ¡°Dawn, is there anyway to change my difficulty?¡± Lash asked, alone in his private box.


    ¡°Nothing you would want to do, User. If you choose to restart your Dream you can of course adjust your difficulty. But you''ll lose everything you''ve gained so far. You have many, many World Points. But you would never get back what you lost.¡± Dawn''s voice was sweet on his ears as always. But he could also hear in her voice that she was sad for him.


    ¡°You could turn all of the Rifts off. No more time fragments, scenarios, or story Rifts. Just Rifts tied to events. That would lessen your burden..But.¡± Dawn began, but Lash understood.


    ¡°I''ve gained a lot from this Rift. Plus with the Rift time tool it has been what? Eighteen hours back home? As stress full as this has been, it''s also been a mini vacation.¡± Lash finished Dawn''s thought, and continued on. Sighing softly, he heard Dawn giggle at him.


    ¡°Yes, you do seem to be enjoying the women in your life. I hope you keep that attitude when you go back home. Plenty of women, and men in your life would like some of your attention.¡± Dawn said with a snicker.


    ¡°I''ve got 50 DP left, along with 20 DP on my credit. Any suggestions for things to buy?¡± Lash asked, and a store menu window popped up. Invisible to the naked eye of the Dreamers.


    ¡°Following your unique tech tree I have two skills that would be beneficial.¡± Dawn said, as an invisible hand highlighted to skills.


    Science Intuition: The User has extraordinary innate skills with the study and utilization of the field of science to produce mass inventions, conduct experimentation, and perform accurate calculations. They have vast intuitive understanding in a variety of branches of science.


    Works in tandem with Observant Learner.


    This skill costs 20 DP.


    Magic Intuition: The User possess uncanny intuition with magical phenomena in all their myriad forms, allowing them to perceive and understand magic like no other, learn and master virtually any spell and school of magic with outstanding ease.


    Works in tandem with Observant Learner.


    This skill costs 20 DP.


    Congratulations User! You''ve purchased Science Intuition, and Magic Intuition.


    Cost is 40 DP.


    Lash bit back a yell as hundreds of thousands of words, diagrams, pictures, displays, notes, pages, runes, etc were forced into his brain. Into his living memory! The store window closed out, and Lash tried to sort through the new information. He looked around at the transport he was in. He fundamentally knew how it worked simply through Technomancy. But now he understood why it worked. He also understood how to improve on it. Science Intuition sent him several hundred experience and he gained his first level in it.


    Lash looked out across the city and realized something else, Magic Intuition activated and sent him over a thousand experience granting him two levels just from that. He knew how to plant a Daylight spell with yellow energy at the tip of the city. He could create a UV shield, and with time he could easily have an entire city full of super powered Kryptonians. With some environmentally sealed suits they could ward off the red sun energy.


    ¡°Holy crap, Dawn! These skills are amazing! Thank you!¡± Lash said in astonishment.


    ¡°You are very welcome, User! They were part of a new version update just a few hours ago. I thought they would be of use to you.¡± Dawn said in a sweet voice, and Lash felt her lips kiss his cheek.


    Lash transport landed, he along with a few others stepped off and walked towards the Science Council tower. However, with in a few minutes of walking Lash earned a armed escort. They were high guard under Dru-Zod. The Science Council tower was a magnificent piece of technology. The entire tower was part of an artificially grown, and designed crystal. Carefully carved into the nearly solid piece of crystal was the building. The tower was at its base 1,500 feet wide, towering above at 3,000 feet in the air. Surrounding at the cardinal points were auxiliary towers half as wide, and half the height. They had support beams, and bridges connected to the tower. Each auxiliary tower was for a guild while the Science Guild of course got the biggest one.


    ¡°What a waste of space.¡± Lash said out loud, and the high guard chuckled.


    Lash laughed even louder when he realized that if Black Canary used her sonic scream. The tower would literally shake itself to pieces. The giant crystal structure had some earthquake protection, but anything above 4.5 and it would fall apart. Lash tried to remember if he saw an earthquake spell in the Nature Domain or not? Wow, Lash was in a bad mood.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned a new spell for your Nature Domain.


    Earthquake Control: The User can generate earthquakes. The bigger the more energy.


    Another chuckle escaped Lash, this time a bit more sinister. The high guard felt a shiver roll up their spine. Lash would have to thank Dawn later. The lobby of the tower was extravagant. All of the Labor Guild attendants were well dressed, groomed, and well fed. At least they were far better off. But this was a good example of Labor Guild getting a good education. Yes, you were still beneath the other houses. But Lash could guarantee that the workers here went home to a nice house, with clean water, and good food. A stupidly expensive gravity lift opened its doors. Lash stepped in alone, the high guard waited down stairs.


    This thing was stupid! Yes, it was incredibly fast as he felt his gravity change, and he was shot up into the air. But he also knew that if power was interrupted for any reason. Anyone in the lift would fall to their death! There was zero safety features in place! It was like the Science Council never believed their city could fall. You know who else thought that? KANDOR! Of course the city didn''t so much as fall, as get torn out of the ground.


    Attention User! Your optional quest has been updated.


    Optional Objective: Current percentile chance of success. 35.1975218633% [Still active]


    At this current level of completion, Krypton will no longer explode. It will still face a cataclysmic destruction that will be classified as an extinction level event.


    That was fast! But of course Lash knew that old Dru-Zod had brought machines to help keep Krypton stable. The worm would grow, adapt, and learn. It must be working with the machines to stabilize its new home. They had little over a month before Krypton was scheduled to explode. But with the time they have left? More than likely Krypton won''t even face a mild tremor. Something could still go wrong, of course!


    Lash was pulled out of his thoughts as he arrived at his designated floor. A strip of light appeared under his feet so he could walk. Then the doors opened up, waiting inside was General Dru-Zod, and Ursa. Lash walked in, and bowed from his waist to both them offering the greetings. Dru looked at him with a smile. He wore a military high guard uniform. But had taken a page from Jor-El. His uniform looked like the suit had been pulled out of a primordial soup mix then grafted onto a rigid metal frame. It had his house symbol on the front.


    Ursa wore a similar piece of uniform to Dru. Still high guard standard, but the organic material was black, with gray highlights. Lash was sure that both gear sets were just as practical as the ones they wore underground. These ones just looked cooler. The antechamber they waited in was full of extravagance. Plush leather seats, wooden tables, pitchers of varies drinks, and some fruits. On either side of the room were view screens. No windows, since they were in the middle of the tower.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Dru asked, sitting back down once greetings had been exchanged. Lash reached towards his left arm and ''pressed'' a button. A baffle field enveloped him, Dru, and Ursa who stepped into the field when she saw it pop up.


    ¡°If I assassinate the science council would you stop me?¡± Lash asked, his face unlike Dru, and Ursa was still covered behind his mask. Dru cracked a smile and laughed lightly. Then his smile froze, and he sat up straight.


    ¡°Your serious?¡± Dru asked, and Ursa looked at Lash with a raised brow.


    ¡°I am really, really tired of how they run this city. I know the Labor Guild is the lowest of the houses. I also understand that Krypton relies on them. I don''t like how poorly they are treated!¡± Lash growled the sound was deep bass that made the hairs on peoples neck stand up.


    ¡°Ursa told me about the poor condition of the sewer system. How the Science Council put it at a low priority.¡± Dru said the words, Science Council like it was something to be removed from the bottom of ones shoe.


    ¡°I can say with certainty that if you stepped inside and attacked the council I would have to stop you. But, if at a later time. Say in.....¡± Dru paused and looked at Ursa.


    ¡°Eighteen days, and twelve hours.¡± Ursa continued his sentence, he nodded to her with a smile.


    ¡°Say at that time, if you still wanted to. I would be more than happy to let you!¡± Dru replied, Lash nodded in understanding. That was when the civil war would start.


    ¡°I''ll warn you now, that if they don''t take the threat of Brainiac seriously. They''ll die well before that appointed time.¡± Lash said with venom in his voice.


    ¡°If they don''t take it seriously I''ll help you.¡± Dru said, then stood up just as the doors opened up. Lash collapsed the baffle field....


    The council chamber room was...Mediocre. Lash was surprised, with all the apparent wealth of the whole tower. You would think the floor was made out of gold! But, it was a collection of stone chairs. A closed room, natural rock. That must have been difficult to get in here. Over a dozen Science Council soldiers walked in first. They looked like the armor that Dru, and Ursa wore. Organic material pulled across a metal frame. Their armor was caribbean sea green in color. Then came the council members. Then Lash saw the where all the money went.


    These councilors, all of them in their twilight years wore complex ceremonial robes, gowns, and complex head dresses. One of them looked like a elementary school science project. With a red jewel in the center representing the sun, while the rest of the planets were poorly made out of rock, and other precious metals. Ursa must have noticed his irritation because she came over to him and put a hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°Calm down....There is nothing we can do right now.¡± She said softly, her voice attempting to be comforting. Dru was watching Lash carefully from the side. A smile was tugging on his lips.


    ¡°War Priest, Lash-Rao. You kept us waiting, explain yourself.¡± A councilor said in an indignant tone of voice.


    ¡°I was working, unlike the rest of you I am actually useful.¡± Lash responded, his nonchalant response froze the whole room.


    ¡°How dare you!¡± The original councilor screamed at him, and stood up. The guards pulled out their rifles.


    ¡°How dare I!? We have cyber slaves under the city. Taking citizens and making them into more soldiers! While you! You, councilor just came from a sitting room getting your cock sucked by a woman that is not your bonded mate!¡± Lash yelled at the man, who looked like he had been struck in the face.


    ¡°There is no evidence of Brainiacs soldiers under this city!¡± An older woman shouted at him. That statement alone made both Ursa, and Dru step forward.


    ¡°Excuse me!? We have evidence of their attack. We have parts brought back from a skirmish!¡± Dru yelled at the councilor.


    ¡°What evidence? You refused to provide video data, and the parts you brought us were in a ruin! Clearly they were stolen from one of our science facilities! Just another chance for the Military Guild to start a fight where none exists!¡± Another councilor starts.


    ¡°YOU DARE! YOU DARE CALL MY SOLDIERS LIARS!¡± Dru roared at them, furious!


    ¡°You want evidence! Here is evidence!¡± Lash shouted at them and pulled up several holographic windows of his, and Ursa''s fight underground. Partially edited to avoid the use of magic.


    ¡°It is a serious crime to falsify evidence of such nature, Lash-Rao take care of your actions now. There is no threat under our capital!¡± One of the few remaining councilor called out to him.


    ¡°Lash! I take it back! Do what you need to do!¡± Dru called out, and Lash needed no other prompting. Red Psionic Blades burst from his fists. Every one but Ursa''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°I am fucking done with this shit!¡± Lash roared and sprinted towards the nearest councilor. While Dru pulls out a concealed fire arm and starts to shoot the guards. Ursa covers his flank with her own weapon. The first councilor to speak against Lash wailed in fright as he cut him in half!


    ¡°No! No! You can''t do this!¡± A woman councilor screamed in horror. They fell over themselves trying to get away. They tripped on their robes, and gowns. Their top heavy hats doing nothing to aid them. Another red blade pierced a councilor, then another, and another.


    ¡°Where are the rest? Why is the alarm not going off?¡± Dru asked, the last guards surrendered and threw their weapons aside.


    ¡°I uploaded a program. They have no idea anything is going on.¡± Lash called to them, as he sprayed nanites across the bodies. Decomposition activated, and the bodies slowly started to decay at a visible rate.


    ¡°You are full of surprises, Lash! I don''t suppose you can get us out here as well?¡± Dru asked, and Lash looked at him.


    ¡°Maybe, have you had lunch yet?¡± Lash asked, and Dru looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°No...We waiting for you to arrive. Why?¡± Dru asked, Lash walked to him, and Ursa. Then he cast Digital Stride. Dru, and Ursa burst into programming code. Then flew into his communicator, then flew through the net. He sent them to the barracks in sector 68.


    ¡°I won''t kill you, but I have to knock you out.¡± He said to the remaining guards, then one by one they fell asleep. His Pheromone control struck again. Time to get the phantom key!


    ==============================================================


    ***Time Fragment. Sector 68, Justicar Barracks***


    A communication relay tower sputtered, and sparked with an unexpected increase in energy. As two glowing orbs of light burst from its video feed. Hundreds of thousands of lines of code filter out from the orbs slowly taking the shape of two people. Dru-Zod is the first to arrive, and he loses what remains of his breakfast and dry heaves several times. As Ursa takes shape next to him, she coughs, and pukes just like him. But ever the soldier she looks around to guard him. Justicars are running towards their location.


    ¡°Ahahaha.....hahahahaahahah!¡± Dru laughs after a bit. A huge smile on his face! That was incredible! Teleportation had never been figured out! They had played with it for years trying to get the simplest objects through a portal. Now? Now, the Religious Guild not only had access to it. But could compact it to a hand held device!?


    ¡°General!¡± A justicar came to his side and helped him up, Ursa was coordinating transport back to their main compound.


    ¡°I''m alright soldier! I''m alright. Relay a message to your primus. ''Vohc built a tower of beautiful stone. But the Flamebird has come to destroy it.''¡± Dru said to the soldier, and had the man repeat it back to him before he let him go. It was time...


    Dru, and Ursa climbed into a military transport and flew back to their compound at best possible speeds. The Military Guild communication net was filled with chatter. They were ahead of schedule, but they would never get a better chance than this. Lash had killed the Science Council, and gotten them out of a death trap. Killing the council was never going to be hard. But getting out would have been, or rather should have been difficult. An alarm went off across the city. A soft yellow alert, all citizens were to return to their homes, or seek shelter at designated points.


    Massive troop, and tactical ships were flying in from the country side responding to a distress call from the science council. The Military Guild were on high alert! They had to secure the city, for sake of its people! Then they saw it! Everyone saw it! An explosion at the Science Guild primary tower. Half way down, in their research and development section. The crystal tower rocked back and forth from the explosion. The tip of the tower lurched to one side, then started to fall. The symbol of the Science Guild, the tower that pointed towards the future while firmly planted in the past.


    ¡°Sir!¡± Ursa called out, Dru looked at her then read the notification on the read out.


    ¡°The codex has been taken!?¡± Dru yelled in surprise! The video feeds to the genesis chamber showed mechanical puppets with the faces of Kryptonian''s attached to them.


    ¡°Send our forces there now!¡± Dru commanded Ursa, then pulled out his own communicator. He needed to call...Himself. How did they do it before? Did it go like this?


    ¡°Dru....Why are we mobilizing? It''s not time yet.¡± The voice of older Dru spoke over the communicator.


    ¡°Lash killed the science council. He used a hand held teleportation device to move Ursa, and myself out of the tower. We are heading back now. Lash stayed behind to obtain the phantom key. Brainiacs cyber slaves have taken the codex from the genesis chamber.¡± Dru shot off rapid information to his older self.


    ¡°That is...... Definitely problem.¡± Older Dru said across the line.

 Chapter 101: Demigod

    ============================================================


    ***HR. Mars, 24 hours before the Time Fragment appeared ***


    J''onn J''onzz had not seen his home land in a few years. But it was always a heart warming, and a heart rending experience. The barren red landscape of his home could be seen from orbit. But that was not his home. He flew his bio-ship through a gaping canyon that could be seen from space. Then flew through a optical illusion cave entrance watched over by the planetary guard. A guard made up of Green, White, and Red Ma''aleca''andrans. A join operation between the three remaining races of their planet.


    J''onn landed his ship on the designated landing pad. His bio-ship reshaped itself into what many Earthlings could call a giant egg. About the size of a car. The ship would take this shape to sleep and recharge. As bio electric lights poured energy across the ship to help it. J''onn gently patted his life long companion that he''d had since he was a child. It send a partial-telepathic response back like a dog, or a cat nuzzling against them.


    ¡°Welcome home my son...¡± A soothing all be it older voice came across the landing bay. J''onn both felt, and heard the voice. A smile stretched across his face.


    There standing waiting by the atmospheric lock between the loading dock and the rest of the city underground was J''onn''s father. M''yrnn J''onzz, M''yrnn was one of the oldest living green martians on the planet. He had elongated features a gradual point to his head, longer limbs, and green skin that was wrinkled, and in desperate need of some moisturizer. M''yrnn stood at approximately 7 feet tall, at least for today. (Shape Shifters)


    J''onn pulled off his Earth-like disguise and took on a shape much like his father. Though a bit younger. His cape pulled into his back, his clothing melted into his skin, and he stood up taller. He smiled at his father and walked over and gave him a large hug. Which his father returned. Then they gently placed each others foreheads against one another in a physic hand shake. They swapped thousands of words, emotions, and memories in mere moments. His father opened his eyes wide at the information.


    ¡°Wonderful! The council will be delighted to hear the news!¡± M''rynn said, a smile of his own stretching across his face.


    ¡°Unfortunately he couldn''t come back with me. Earth is in troubled times. But he promised he would come and help.¡± J''onn replied to his fathers thoughts. They started to walk side by side towards the city.


    ¡°You went to Earth looking for one alien, and found another. All it took was an invasion from another reality. With the additional chance that the planet would come to ruin. Hopefully the council will understand the issues.¡± M''rynn replied, his face taking on a bit of concentration.


    The two passed through a corridor where several scans went over them both for security, and possible pathogens. Disease had been a weapon of choice by puritans of their different enemies. J''onn wished he could say that everyone on Mars had put aside their differences and joined together to keep their planet alive. But so many Green, Whites, and even Reds still continued to fight in secret. There had even been a vote to conquer Earth. Thankfully cooler heads won the day. J''onn shivered at the idea that he would have to fight Superman. That he would have to fight Wraith.


    At the last security check J''onn was welcomed to the underground city of his home. Capital was named after their planet. Though Earth called their planet Mars, it was in fact named Barsoom by its people. But what did J''onn expect from a race of people that decided to call their home Dirt. It always made J''onn smile when he thought about it.


    The people of Barsoom long ago learned the art of using every possible space available while still maintaining artistic designs. Every surface of the underground caverns was in use. If someone of Earth had seen the city they may be reminded of the Native American culture known as the Anasazi. Though the Barsoom structures had soft edges, and elongated structures. That came in a variety of earth tone colors. Rich browns, yellows, reds, oranges, and many more.


    Just like their bio-ships the city would change, and grow to adapt to the that lived in them. This allowed a single room to be used for multiple purposes. Which meant that many people simply lived in single room homes that could expand into one single room, or several smaller. Thanks to Martian physiology, and their natural telepathy walls were uncommon for their people. They shared everything with a thought. What were walls to people like that?


    J''onn shared the home of his Fathers M''yrnn. He once had a home, but he gave it over to the city to be used for another family. His wife....His children... Were gone, he didn''t want to be in that place again. Which is why he volunteered to travel to Earth to look for answers. His Father made a simple meal, and they played a telekinetic game of weaving marbles of stone rolling through a bowl. It was an intricate game of strategy, tactics, and deception. Could you keep your mind closed off while keeping your balls moving in sync. While still messing up your opponents? Ching... Ching... A sound came from the door and J''onn lost his concentration and his marbles went flying out of the bowl. His Father chuckled at him, and J''onn rubbed his face in dismay.


    ¡°That doesn''t count.¡± J''onn said, as his Father stood up to get the door.


    ¡°Of course!¡± His Father started to say...¡±Of course it does, son!¡± His Father finished with a grin, and marked a tally next to the table. When the door opened a green Martian woman was at the other end. Z''tok Z''nuk smiled at M''rynn, and at J''onn. J''onn stood up, and his back went stiff as a board. His eyes bright, and an almost palpable tension filled the air. His Father had a knowing grin on his face.


    ¡°Z''tok, welcome! Would you like to come in?¡± M''rynn asked the woman who only had eyes for J''onn. She blinked after a moment to realize that M''rynn was speaking to her.


    ¡°Oh...No! I just came by to say hello and wanted to say hello to J''onn. I heard he was back...Hello J''onn.¡± Z''tok said to him, and J''onn well known for having complete control over his body at all times flushed a bit in his cheeks.


    ¡°Hello! Are you sure you can''t stay. Father and I were just playing a bit of biyolon. We could use another player.¡± J''onn suggested not realizing that it was a two player game. M''rynn rolled his eyes and just stood off to the side memorizing every word to tease his son later about it.


    ¡°I''m afraid I can''t. I have practice with our band later. But...I.... I just wanted to see you! Welcome home.... But...I I should go. I''ll talk to you later, alright?¡± Z''tok said with a smile then left in a hurry.


    ¡°O...of course.. Right...right...¡± J''onn said as he took his seat and grumbled into his hands. His Father closed the door and came over to his son with a grin on his face.


    ¡°Play a game of biyolon with us? You do know my son its a two player game.¡± M''rynn said to his son who looked up at him in surprise. Realization dawned on his face and his cheeks flushed.


    ¡°I...I...I don''t know what is wrong with me. When ever I see her I get so flustered.¡± J''onn admitted to him.


    ¡°Hhmmm, mmmm.¡± M''rynn said with a knowing look.


    Secretly M''rynn was delighted for another reason. J''onn had been alone for many years. Alone in his heart, he had never fallen in love since he lost his wife, and his children. He had hoped that maybe J''onn would find some sense of peace. Maybe M''rynn would see some more grand children in the future....


    Later that day J''onn reported to the Barsoom council about his discovery. He also uploaded the schematics for the atmospheric tower. It was a wonder of technology that could help rebuild their worlds atmosphere. A vote was called to start the design, and building the structure of it. It was passed unanimously. News was sent all across the planet Barsoom, and also the news about Watch Tower Station. One needed a pass to visit the station. Even with the high light of possibly rebuilding their world. The puritans would use this chance to spread more war, and conflict. One of the first people allowed to leave was Z''tok''s music band. They wanted to spread their culture to their neighbors.


    ================================================================


    ***Time Fragment. The citadel of the house of El***


    Jor-El was working on his sons ship. Checking, and double checking all the pieces of the ship. He had disassembled it and reassembled it over a dozen times. Jor had never been one to be unsure of himself. But this was his son''s...No, his peoples future. Or was it? It kept playing in his mind. What if he used this time to help Lash-Rao fix their world. It seemed impossible before. But so had time travel. Maybe his son didn''t have to leave? Maybe he did, from the stories that Lash talked about. It seemed that the future of his son was important not only to the people of Earth. But also to the universe it self?


    ¡°I''m sure he''ll be delighted to see you. Though we were expecting you in a few weeks.¡± Lara said just outside the work shop. Who was she talking to.


    ¡°Yes, Kal. No, Kal. I have no idea what a blue cold ice bar is Kal.¡± Another man''s voice spoke, a man''s voice that Jor recognized.


    ¡°Wait, can you understand him?¡± Lara asked, her voice astonished.


    ¡°I have basic telepathy, I''m just translating my thoughts for him.¡± Lash said, as they opened the door to Jor''s workshop.


    Jor turned around looking at the time traveler. He was wearing a War Priest ceremonial garb that was torn, and covered in mud. Sitting in his hands was the phantom frequency key. A small metal cube about the size of a dinner plate. Lash-Rao had his hood pulled back, and his mask removed as he smiled at him. Then Jor''s son Kal looked over at him, and pointed. Lash smile grew wider.


    ¡°Yes, that is your Father, Jor. I don''t know if he has a blue ice bar either.¡± Lash said, and Lara laughed lightly, a clear look of happiness on her face as she held their son.


    ¡°Your early...Did something happen?¡± Jor asked, always one to jump straight to the point.


    ¡°The Science Council is dead, civil war as started on Krypton.¡± Lash replied, and the good mood in the room melted away. Until Kal continued to ask for a cold blue bar...


    _________________________________________


    Turns out they have juice pops on Krypton! Lash was ecstatic! He, and Kal who was in his arms now were both sucking on the cold blue bar. As Jor, and Lara were looking through the Kryptonian net, and having a conference call with Zor-El, Alura Zor-El (Kara''s mother), and Kara herself who didn''t really understand what was going on. But was making faces at Kal who was delighted to meet the strange girl who lived inside the big blue screen. Did the screen taste like the blue bar? Do other things that look blue taste like this?


    ¡°Ah...Kal even as a child you are a delight to be around.¡± Lash said with a grin, and his parents looked at their child lovingly.


    ¡°Do we know each other in your future?¡± Kara asked, as her parents were talking on a separate screen. Kara, a young girl with golden blond hair and a exuberance that she never truly lost even when she got older.


    ¡°Yes, yes we are.¡± Lash smiled, and tried not to think about this Kara being older.


    ¡°But in your time Kal, and me don''t arrive on Earth at the same time? That''s fixed now! So we''ll be there together?¡± Kara asked, her face becoming serious. It looked so out of sort on her face it made Lash laugh. Which made her pout, which made him laugh louder.


    ¡°Are you making fun of me!?¡± Kara asked, tears in her eyes.


    ¡°I am not! I am just looking forward to teasing your older self when I head back home. I will take great delight in teasing you when you get older.¡± Lash said, a bright and malicious grin on his face.


    ¡°No, Kal. Kara does not taste like the color blue.¡± Lash said to the child who was looking at the blue screen.


    ¡°How do you know what I taste like?¡± Kara asked, crossing her arms over her chest. Lash paused mid thought, then aggressively shook his head back and forth. Nope! Not going down that thought process.


    ¡°It''s not just happening in Kryptonopolis!¡± Lara called out, thank Rao above a distraction! ¡°Every major city except temple prime is under martial law. The Military Guild is securing the streets, and placing certain houses under arrest. There are also teams of high guard searching in the city sewers looking for cyber slaves.¡± Lara finished, shuffling the data to everyone else.


    ¡°I need to head back...The cyber slaves in Kryptonopolis took the codex.¡± Lash said, as he continued to bounce Kal on his knee. Kal was looking at everyone with that natural curiosity that a baby of his age would have. Or he was wondering what the different colors tasted like.


    ¡°I don''t think I need it anymore.¡± Jor-El said, as he looked back at Lash. Who was surprised that the man admitted that.


    ¡°I did it originally to help ensure that the genetic memory of our people could live on. But, if we don''t go extinct from this event then...Then maybe we don''t need it?¡± Jor said as his wife Lara came to his side and hugged him. A sad smile on her face.


    ¡°I would personally feel better if the cyber slaves didn''t have the codex.¡± Alura said over the line. She was a judicator for the Krypton government. A judge for their crime, and punishment system. She was also the main judge in charge of Fort Rozz. While Kara was suppose to be a justicar.


    ¡°Why do you think they took it? Are there any records of it in your future history, Lash?¡± Zor asked, a look of concentration on his face.


    ¡°There was not...That doesn''t mean it didn''t happen. Just that the world didn''t live long enough to worry about it.¡± Lash stopped in thought as he remembered the story of Clark. His Clark didn''t have the codex written into him. Natural birth was something still practiced on Krypton. They did send their children through a gene therapy to remove unwanted traits.


    ¡°Time travel makes my head hurt.¡± Lash said with a groan, and Kal reached up and squeezed his nose. Lash looked at the baby cross eyed and Kal giggled at him delighted by his face.


    ¡°Wait!...Brainiac does attack Earth in the future. Superman, and Supergirl are one of the main reasons we succeed in fighting him off. We do know that cyber slaves can communicate across the vast distance of the universe. It''s possible that they''ll transmit the DNA of Kry....Nope never mind! He still has Kandor in a bottle he wouldn''t need the codex for that. I...I don''t know why the cyber slaves would take the codex.¡± Lash admitted to them all.


    ¡°Either way I still need to go back. You have the phantom key. You don''t need the codex. So, spend time with your families and stick to the plan.¡± Lash said at last and the group agreed.


    Lash ended up staying the night at the citadel in the mountains of Krypton. He talked shop with Jor, and Lara about the ship. Little things, like copying a digital consciousness of Jor, and Lara. Sending the same plans to Zor, and Alura for Kara. Lash was tempted to make a micro droid service module in each ship and have it make synthetic copies of the parents. But that may be going to far. Lash did send the chemical formula of gold to Zor-El so he could make some gold coins. Same for Jor-El. This way the Kent''s wouldn''t have to worry so much about money. Or...Would the Kent''s even be the parents? Now that Kara wouldn''t get stuck in transit would the ships land in the same place? Crap!? Lash didn''t know!


    Attention User! You''ve purchased the evolution of a spell with your Dream Point Credit Card.


    Digital Stride has evolved into Minor Digital Stride.


    Purchased for 2 Dream Points.


    Effects: Increase in power, decrease in energy consumption, decrease in disorientation.


    Effect: Must be items the User is familiar with and/or has been with in sight.


    ___________________


    A burst of green, and bluish light exploded from the holographic terminal in Lash''s temple home. The light became hundreds, and thousands of lines of code and slowly came together to form the shape of a person. Lash looked around with bleary eyes and dropped to his knees. He had a pounding head ache, but he didn''t need to throw up. Progress! Beep...Beep


    ¡°Creator, my scans of the temple say that you are in your home? When did you get there?¡± Epsilon''s voice called over the communication line.


    ¡°About twenty seconds ago, Epsilon. Why? Is something happening?¡± Lash asked, as he slowly got to his feet.


    ¡°...Yes...If your available there are many people with questions about what is going on in the city. Along with several hundred people looking for shelter.¡± Epsilon replied back, his southern drawl that Lash programmed into him was a little annoyed.


    ¡°On my way!¡± Lash said, he had cleaned himself up at the El citadel. So his armor, and clothing were in perfect condition. He stepped outside his door and walked through his temple. He replaced his mask, and pulled his hood over his head....


    The temple was filled to the brim with people. Many of its new residents were seeking sanctuary from the battles outside. Martial Law was not being well received by the populace. It didn''t take long for the Science Guild to realize that their council had was missing. (Cough! Assassinated! Cough!) Lash had actually been worried that Dru would have sacrificed him and threw him into the fire as a fall back plan. But the Military Guild was standing firm that they didn''t have the council.


    Lash walked past dozens of people and their families that looked especially pleased to see him moving through the temple. They had heard he was missing, they feared he had been caught up in the fighting. He made his way to the main chambers of the temple and spoke to a few people offering comforting words. Then once he reached the main foyer he saw Or-Jar in shouting match with Kela Bez-Ol.


    ¡°You can not use the temple as safe house for Black Zero! This is neutral ground! I will not see our people slaughtered because Zero want''s to use them as shields!¡± Or-Jar shouted at Kela, who looked furious that he would even suggest it.


    ¡°We will of course provide protection for them! The Military Guild wont care who you are, to them we are nothing but slaves! We can protect our people, and make a difference at the same time!¡± Kela shouted back, several people behind her were staring daggers at the people behind Or-Jar.


    ¡°No...¡± Lash said softly, and made everyone jump in surprise.


    ¡°Where have you been!?¡± Or-Jar shouted at Lash, but a grin was on his face. Kela looked...Disappointed, she knew what his answer was going to be.


    ¡°Black Zero can not use the temple has a front to hide here. If they have families, people who are innocent of the conflict want to stay, then they may stay here. But I will not shelter warmongers that intend to use the temple as a base of operations.¡± Lash said, and held up a metal gauntlet preventing Kela and her troop from speaking.


    ¡°It has nothing to do with the innocent civilians. Black Zero wants to trade on my name! They know that the justicars have standing orders not to take make trouble in my temple or the area around it. Zero wants to use the temples immunity to filter their troops through the sewer entrance we have. My answer is...No!¡± Lash said, and used Commanding Presence to empower his words. Kela looked like she wanted to shout but Lash''s power had sealed her mouth shut.


    ¡°But if we have families that we just want to keep safe. They can come?¡± A an older man asked from behind Kela.


    ¡°Yes, they will have to be disarmed. I will not allow people to carry bombs, or weapons in with them.¡± Lash said to the man who nodded in understanding.


    ¡°My wife, and child are here. I didn''t want to have to make them leave.¡± The man said in submission.


    ¡°Then they are welcome here, they will be safe as long as I''m alive. But once again I will not allow Zero to use people as Kryptonian shields!¡± Lash said, and growled at Kela, and the others before they could speak.


    ¡°You are making a mistake, Lash-Rao. We are all you have in this conflict!¡± Kela said at last, glaring at Lash who laughed at her. A bold, loud, boisterous laugh!


    ¡°You stupid bitch!¡± Lash said to her. Hoping! Hoping there was a Kryptonian translation for the word. Apparently there was, because her eyes grew wide as a saucer. Several people gasped in surprise.


    ¡°Brainiac''s cyber slaves are under the city. That is not propaganda. I personally fought against them only a few days ago. Some of their pieces are stored in this temple. I don''t give a fuck about the civil war! I just want all of them to die!¡± Lash shouted at Kela by the end and her face was pale with fright.


    ¡°W...W... The mechanical alien''s forces are under the city!?¡± Kela shouted, and Black Zero''s members. Bylock Syndicate, and the civilians listening were horrified.


    That was why the Military Guild were flooding the sewers with troops. Not to weed out Black Zero, or the Black Guard. But to fight the cyber slaves. No one knew the truth but a select few. Lash had Praetor bring a small box of parts. Specifically a cyber slave head with the skin still attached to it. Kela threw up and dropped to her knees to drive heave a few times. Or-Jar swore to the heavens above not caring if it offended Lash or not.


    Black Zero''s combatants left the temple. But true to Lash''s word their families that wanted them to be safe could stay. Lash spent a few hours with Epsilon, and Praetor helping everyone find a place to sleep, and a place to eat. The morning and grown into the afternoon by the time Lash left the temple to walk into temple square. The city streets were deserted. A few people ran from cover to cover eyes on the sky. A justicar troop transport flew by stopped for a brief moment to scan Lash. He pulled his mask off so they could see his face. The red scanning light turned green and the transport flew off.


    The sounds of explosions were in the distance. Thick billowing smoke reached into the upper layers. Lash couldn''t see it, but he was sure the upper pedestrian walk ways were empty as well. Then a five man unit of justicars sprinted towards his location. Well four were running, while they carried their fifth between them. What was left of him, the man had no legs!


    ¡°Bring him inside!¡± Lash called out to the justicars who put what ever they had left into their sprint. They raced into the main temple foyer where everyone looked at them.


    ¡°Neutral ground people! That applies to the justicars just as much as it does to you! To the clinic!¡± Lash called out and pulled off his trench coat and tossed it over a chair.


    Thankfully the clinic was more or less empty. One of the Epsilon''s was looking over a child who was asking him questions about this and that. Then the kid got quiet as the injured justicar was placed onto the medical bed. The six mechanical arms started to scan, and begin a rapid healing of the man. The other justicars were put at ease by their aspirant. Epsilon handed them all a nutrient water pack and a place to sit. While Lash looked over the injuries with a careful eye.


    ¡°These are plasma burns... Are the cybers on the streets now?¡± Lash asked the justicars. The aspirant looked over at the kid. Having grown up on the street the kid understood, and shuffled out of the room. Though Lash gave him a tootsie pop for being a good kid. Cherry! The child was delighted, though he had no idea what a tootsie pop was it tasted great!


    ¡°Yes War Priest. Though only a few at a time. Our campaign underground was... It was a disaster. The justicar followed the incursion forces that stole the codex back underground and straight into an ambush. We lost track of the codex. Since then one to six at a time cybers have been seen wondering the city streets.¡± The aspirant reported, as he watched the medical bed regrow his soldiers legs.


    ¡°On top of that the Science Guild is attacking us, as is Black Zero. All the while our forces are fighting a three way war for Krypton''s future.¡± One of the other justicars spoke up, they were shaking in anger, and fear.


    ¡°May I give you all a blessing, it may not be much but I think it will help?¡± Lash asked, one of them laughed but was nudged by the aspirant.


    ¡°We would be delighted to.¡± The aspirant said, each of them took a knee and bowed their heads. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. On them all, though he did not give a kiss to the injured man. Wouldn''t help their confusion if his legs suddenly regrew. They all took a deep calming breath and stood up wonder in their eyes.


    ¡°Better?¡± Lash asked, a smile on his face.


    ¡°Much....Thank you.¡± The aspirant said, and the others nodded in agreement.


    Lash couldn''t stay in the clinic for long. To much to do, he made sure that the justicars knew that the clinic was open to everyone. He introduce who Epsilon was, and made sure they were comfortable. Then he went back outside to check on his park! Remarkably it was more or less intact. Even a few people were hiding in it. Lash informed them that the temple was safer, it also had food!


    They needed to fortify the area. The tunnel entrance under the temple had a plethora of magical traps. None of them had gone off, and thanks to the new Damage Resistance Epsilon, and Praetor could fight off the machine control. Hopefully! Lash went back to the temple square, and maintaining appearances he started to inscribe Vohc symbolism into the ground. Once he inscribed enough space he would cast his magic.


    Fabrication, Alteration, Compression Transformation, and Deflection. A perimeter wall grew up from the ground made of reinforced concrete, and metal alloy. The wall was approximately thirty feet high, and had a gate way every hundred feet. Deflection was inscribed into the walls, and gates. Making enemy fire rebound, or shoot into the ground, or the open air. Wasn''t perfect, but it would help. In the middle of temple square Lash smoothed out an area for a landing pad. He was sure that would receive some attention in the future.


    ¡°War Priest!?¡± The aspirant in charge of the unit came looking for him. Lash was carving the next scripture into the ground when he found him.


    ¡°How is your soldier?¡± Lash asked, between scriptures on the ground.


    ¡°He''s almost done. We''ve been ordered to stay at the temple and help fortify it. But looks like you''ve already done that.¡± The aspirant said as he looked at the high walls, and the landing pad already made.


    ¡°I need you to understand that in this conflict. As long as they mean to bring no harm to those inside the temple. Everyone is welcome! I don''t care what guild they are from. If they are armed then they must help defend the temple while their families are welcome inside the temple. Do you have any issues with this order?¡± Lash asked the aspirant who shook his head.


    ¡°No War Priest. We were informed by our primus to follow your orders.¡± The aspirant replied, and saluted. Lash returned the salute. The aspirant went back inside and soon the rest of his unit started to take up positions on the wall.


    Lash made sure to reinforce the ground as much as the walls. In his background the cyber slaves had dug tunnels underground to ambush people. The temple had been reinforced long ago. Eventually sector 68''s temple turned into a medical triage location. Justicars came from all over the sector seeking medical attention, food, and ammunition. Then Bylock Syndicate showed up in force. There was a mild disagreement with the justicars until Lash told them all to shut the hell up and get inside. Well, not in so many words.


    Then night fell across the sector. That was when all the fun really started. They came one at a time at first. The wailing sounds of the faces stitched to their faces pleading for help. The purple glow that came off their bodies. Then they started to fire at the wall which would reflect, or deflect the energy shots back at them or into the ground. Eventually they figured out to stop shooting at the walls, or the gates. Hand to hand it was....


    ______________


    CLANG! A cyber slaves claws rebounded off of Lash''s forearms. Lash focused his energy into his Strength-Rune. Then brought his hands together and pounded the slave into the ground like an empty soda can! He picked up a metal spear that he had made just recently and using expert precision threw it across the field and impaled another cyber into the ground where the child like face wailed for its mother. Always its mother!


    ¡°We need reinforcements on the south wall!¡± Or-Jar shouted out from his position on said south wall. Dozens of cybers were climbing up, and over the wall like a swarm of purple ants.


    An electric hum rang out above Lash as a turret that had recently been built started to spray across the line just outside the wall to stem the tide. Lash ran across the square towards the south wall. The temple was to the west, while the north, south, and east had company. Several automated turrets were doing their best to spray and pray against the hundreds of cybers climbing over each other to get to them.


    Lash called on Partial-Transformation and jumped up onto the ramparts and ripped a cyber in half with his claws. Pulling another one off of Or-Jar and tossed it over the wall. He pulled the professional gangster up off the catwalk. Stuck a omni sub-machine gun into his hands and told him to fire it. Or-Jar looked really confused at the small device but soon fell in love with it as it literally shredded the cybers.


    ¡°I love this gun! It will bear my children!¡± Or-Jar shouted in maniacal glee as Lash ran down the catwalk and started to hand off more weapons to the Bylock, Justicar, and Zero soldiers on the catwalks.


    Eventually everyone on the walls had a brand new gun that tore up the cybers as they swarmed their location. Lash jumped down into the temple square to help fight off the few of the cybers who had made it through the blender. Justicars were fighting hand to hand and losing, badly. Lash tore his claws through one particular cyber then handed the justicar a metallic spear with a vibrating tip. The justicar looked confused but ran into the conflict only to be delighted as the spear tip went straight the cybers metal frame like jello.


    At last, Lash had a moment. He raced towards a black obelisk he had been building before he was pulled away. He had finished the inner workings of the machine and set up the complex mirror collection that would focus the lens. Then he hooked it up to its own power source, which was substantial. The entire obelisk was nearly a hundred feet tall, and twenty feet around. The tip of the obelisk a red prism. But Lash had always just called it an obelisk of light! The red crystal focus glowed like a malevolent god then a beam of pure red energy danced across the theater of battle. It was short, sweet, and gone before anyone could really see it. But a swath of destruction followed in its wake. Five hundred cybers cut in half at the speed of light!


    When the light of the red sun of Rao washed over sector 68. It revealed a battle field of hundreds of thousands of cybers who had tried to rush an insignificant temple in the sector. But they failed, as the perimeter wall never fell. No cheers, or shouts of joy were being heard. Just a lot of worn out soldiers, gangsters, and terrorists who had come together to save themselves and their families. Lash-Rao the war priest sat on a stool fiddling with a omni sub-machine gun with a nervous Or-Jar by his side.


    ¡°It just over heated. I''ll have to swap out the barrel but it will be fine.¡± Lash said with a smile as he pulled out the part in question. Or-Jar sighed in relief, he had really taken a liking to the gun. Lash was teaching him how to do maintenance, and repair on it.


    ¡°Everyone of those use to be a person, right?¡± Or-Jar said after a bit, he had lit up a cellite stick and blew a smoke ring.


    ¡°That is correct, more than likely they are all the missing people that have been reported from across the city. The forgotten, unwanted, and the people that went looking for them.¡± Lash said, as he finished cleaning the gun and handing it back to Or-Jar who clipped it to his shoulder strap with loving care.


    ¡°Why do you think they took the codex?¡± Or-Jar asked, blowing another smoke ring.


    ¡°I don''t know. Brainiac is smart enough to make his own clones. The codex only contains the genetic memory of our people. But Brainiac knows that each Kryptonian technically contains the memory with in them. So, the only thing that makes me think the codex is important is that it was used as a tool to lure everyone in.¡± Lash said, as he continued to do some basic maintenance on another rifle.


    The cybers would know that the Kryptonian people will stop at nothing to retrieve that piece. Which makes them desperate, which makes them stupid.¡± Lash continued, cleaning a barrel for another justicar who sat next to them in silence.


    ¡°So, for all we know. They could have just crushed it and thrown it away?¡± Or-Jar asked with a smirk. That made the justicar next them grow pale.


    ¡°It''s possible, I can''t think of a reason why its useful to them. Useful to us, sure! To them?¡± Lash said at last, finishing the rifle and handing it back.


    Lash didn''t understand it! The codex held no strategic value! Other than to lure them all into a trap. Lash could understand that. From the communication lines that had broken before night fell. Lash heard that any and all available forces across the city were being funneled underground to retrieve the codex. It would be a festival of blood! Tight, enclosed spaces. Kill rooms, hallways full of traps, and a maze of tunnels that only the cybers knew.


    The genesis chamber will continue to work with out the codex. Technically every city state in the world of Krypton had its own chamber. The codex just sat here in the capital as a sort of significance. Life would go on. But the symbol, the hope that the relic represented. Even the Military Guild was chomping at the bone for it. What was he missing?


    A military transport flew over head and scanned the area. If barely fit on the landing pad that Lash had made yesterday but it touched down anyways. Pouring out high guard troops who started to secure the area, and scrap the cybers. Walking up to Lash was Wym-Zod in full military kit, and a hallow look in his eyes. Uh oh.


    ¡°There gone...Kemuna, and Kursta both went underground to retrieve the codex.¡± Wym said to Lash who all but deflated like a balloon. Of course they were! Cause if Lash didn''t have an interest in the codex. Then his patron would find something else he would have an interest in.


    ¡°.....Fuck!¡± Lash shouted after a moment of thought. He stood up and turned on his heel and headed back into the temple to get ready for the day.


    Lash was in and out of his home in under twenty minutes. He came back out in full armor, not that ceremonial gear he had worn. But a full exoskeleton suit designed to rip, and tear. Wym, and he took another transport back to the main military compound who was in charge of retrieving the codex. Lash left clear instructions back at the temple, along with orders for Epsilon, and Praetor who were more or less in charge while he was away. They were up to six copies of them selves now. For a total of twelve. Cool!


    Kryptonopolis was on fire! Massive air ships flew through the air stopping all forms of traffic that didn''t have a military guild license. There was still fighting taking place, but it was not with the cyber slaves. But the science guild. Lash groaned audibly, and Wym looked out the window and frowned. Lash knew they were in a civil war, but could it wait till after the cyber slaves were dealt with? The transport took them to the grand science council tower. The tower that recently had its top portion blown off. They never found the culprit.


    As soon as they landed high guard wearing Mordo regalia showed up to escort Lash. (Ancient God of Strength) Lash blessed each of them, and was taken into the center complex of the Military Guild tower. He only had to wait a few minutes before he, and Wym were allowed to enter. The guild''s briefing room was a combination of science fiction computer data banks, holographic projections, and red crystals. Standing in the middle of the room were several leaders, sub-leaders, and officers standing at attention as one specific man spoke. An older, wiser, Dru-Zod. With his younger self by his side. Older Dru-Zod stopped when Lash walked in a smile grew on his face.


    ¡°War Priest, under different circumstances we would have met at a party celebrating our victory. But now...Now we need your help.¡± Older Dru said to Lash. Lash tried to not roll his eyes at the man. He needed to be careful. It was entirely possible that older Dru had met Lash or a copy of Lash from his future.


    ¡°Just to make this perfectly clear. I am not here for the codex. I am here to get my people out if they are alive. And to kill all of those mechanical monstrosities.¡± Lash said simply, a few people flinched, and many more glared. But older, and younger Dru''s both nodded.


    ¡°Straight to the point then...¡± Younger Dru said, as he pulled up a holographic map of the city. Then a subterranean map. A poorly made subterranean map.


    ¡°That is awful! Who made this map?¡± Lash said loudly, younger Dru narrowed his eyes at him. But older Dru chuckled a bit.


    ¡°It is the only one we have on record.¡± An officer suggested, Lash quickly uploaded a more accurate map. Filled with intimate details, and information. Along with hundreds of thousands of tiny tunnels that were not on the map. Younger Dru slammed his fist into the table in frustration.


    ¡°That is how they ambushed us. None of these tunnels were on our maps. Where did you get this?¡± Younger Dru asked.


    ¡°I hacked the Science Guild data base.¡± Lash admitted openly to the room. Many of them bit back insults not towards him, but to the Science Guild.


    ¡°They told us the other map was the most detailed one they had. Moving on! We know that cybers can only convert living people into more of them. While the dead are converted into a type of fuel. We had a basic guess of where their main hive was located. But with this map we are reasonably sure it is located right here.¡± Dru pointed at a artificially created center for tunnels, and maintenance shafts.


    ¡°We want you to lead a strike team to it. Find the codex, and our people. Set explosives, and get out! While we send a frontal assault to buy you time.¡± The older Dru said, the whole room watched Lash waiting for an answer.


    ¡°No.... I''ll do it on my own. Just have your soldiers stationed at these spots and wait for them to flee.¡± Lash said, as he pointed out the choke points. The room went quiet as they didn''t understand his thinking.


    ¡°Do you have a Religious Guild unit we don''t know about?¡± Younger Dru asked, confused about Lash''s confidence.


    ¡°We need to talk...In private please.¡± Lash said, as he gestured towards to the two Zods. They both nodded, but older Dru started to delegate. For now they would follow Lash''s plan.


    Wym stayed behind since he was not high enough on the security clearance to here this next part. Lash noticed an obvious absence from Dru''s shadow. It didn''t take long for Lash to realize that Ursa was one of the ones that was captured. Lash walked into a simple accommodating office and closed the door behind him.


    ¡°How far into the future are you from?¡± Lash asked the older Dru-Zod who looked at him with an appraising eye.


    ¡°I came from a time where Krypton was destroyed. All traces of our people removed from the Universe. Except for a few dozen spread through out the stars. I came back to change that. Though I haven''t changed everything. It took many years for me to accept that somethings need to happen.¡± Older Dru admitted.


    ¡°Like not preventing Kal-El from leaving?¡± Lash asked, and older Dru''s body language went from tense to full blown aggressive.


    ¡°He needs to leave, you know that? As much as you hate to admit it, one of your greatest enemies has to follow his destiny.¡± Lash said to him, and Dru looked at Lash like he had grown a second head. While his younger self looked at Lash with renewed interest.


    Older Dru worked the problem. Lash hadn''t threatened him, if anything he had been a boon to his mission here to save Krypton. Older Dru relaxed a bit and thought it over. He mumbled about this and that and the different ways to travel through time. He gave a brief description about the different ways. One of them was the one he chose, to jump back with his physical body. But there was another method. A way to transfer your consciousnesses into your younger body. Wake up one day with all your memories of the future.


    ¡°Are you here to stop me?¡± Older Dru asked, coming to a conclusion.


    ¡°No, Dru. If I was going to stop you I wouldn''t have helped you. I wouldn''t have made the machine to help save the planet. I wouldn''t be in this room telling you that I don''t need help killing cybers. I come from an alternate time line. I haven''t even met you yet. Though you are on the way in a ship to the Sol System.¡± Lash said, and for a second time since he arrived in the time fragment he admitted to where he was from. Older, and younger Dru''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Are you part of the Justice League?¡± Older Dru asked, and went back to being aggressive.


    ¡°Before I answer let me ask you this to have some context. Did the Justice League in your time line kill people?¡± Lash asked, this was a make it or break it point. Dru''s lips twisted up a bit.


    ¡°No... Though I always thought they were hypocrites about it. They would crush entire armies of aliens. Killing them, and destroying their families all because they didn''t look human. But the moment one of their precious humans got in the way they would cry, and beg about some none sense about we are not the law. We are not judge, jury, and executioner. I watched Kal-El incinerate an army of parademons. Not once ever trying to save them! But the moment I kill a rapist, I''m a bad man.¡± Older Dru said, by end of it he was shaking in rage at the thought of it.


    ¡°Then I can safely say that I am NOT part of the Justice League you know.¡± Lash said to him, and Older Dru smiled a little.


    ¡°Show me...Show us why we should trust you. If you can prove it we will back your plan.¡± Dru said, and waited for Lash to do his thing.


    ¡°Oh I can''t do it in here. I need more room. Let''s go outside, can you tell your soldiers not to fire at me?¡± Lash said with a grin that sent a shiver down both Dru''s spines.


    Needless to say ten minutes later Saurian at 60 feet high, and 120 feet long was galloping across Kryptonopolis towards the entrance of the sewers. A fleet of transport vehicles flying behind him. He ran along the walls with Gravity Stride and made it to the entrance in great time. Thousands of troops were spreading out to take up positions in the choke points when the cybers were run and hide. The justicars never questioned the possibility that the machines could feel fear when they saw the giant monster running through their streets.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed an optional quest.


    Optional Objective: Discover why (older) Dru-Zod has returned to the past. Despite the obvious destruction prevention of his world.


    Comment: Dru came back to fix the mistakes of his past. But also to ensure that their future was set in stone. Yes, older Dru may have plans with in plans. But he understands that Kal, and Kara are important in the long run.


    Optional Objective: Help the Military Guild in the civil war, and aid them in the hostile take over.


    Comment: You assassinated the Science Council! You sparked the civil war weeks ahead of time! Just when the cybers decided to steal the codex! Bad timing!


    Rewards for completing question objectives will be calculated at the end of the time fragment.


    The main entrance was a water canal, one of the main channels under Kryptonopolis. Scattered around the channel was evidence of a recent attack. Armored vehicles were slag, like pieces of candles melted at the wrong angle. Air ships floated above aiming at the tunnel, and aiming at the giant reptile looking down at the tunnel with an appraising eye. Saurian breathed slowly, and deeply taking in every scent possible. Blood, bone, muscles, metal, despair, fear.... Hope? Hope he could work with.


    ¡°Roooooooaaaaaar!¡± Saurian yelled into the tunnel and broke off into a sprint. The top of the canal broke apart as Saurian didn''t properly bend over. He dropped to all fours and started to run deeper into the canal.


    It didn''t take long for the cyber slaves to realize something was wrong. Like a bee hive reacting to an outside threat they appeared in mass and started to shoot at him. Energy trails leaving scorched air behind as super heated plasma blasted against his metallic scales. Damage Resistance spike hundreds of times, as did True Body, Natural Energy Absorption, Adaptation, and Superhuman Durability. But Saurian had started to move, and nothing was stopping him now.


    A thundering crash ripped through the tunnels as Saurian poured through the concrete. He used Size Alteration, and Enlarge/Reduce to bring his size down to 30 by 60. He could barely fit through the tunnels now. As he moved he deployed his Manifestations hundreds of Saurus Warriors rained down on the cybers with brutal efficiency. At the end of this Lash, and Saurian would have to leave. But hopefully they will leave the world of Krypton better than how they had found it.


    A towering mechanical scorpion creature made up of dozens of cybers linked together. Came crawling out of a tunnel. Saurian used Blink an appeared behind it. His two tentacles grabbed either end and pulled. Saurian raked his claws through the middle and tore it half. The ululating chorus from the cybers was deafening! He threw it across the way into another waiting scorpion. His tail whipped out like a force of nature and smashed them into pieces!


    He roared again, and his warriors howled in response. Saurian sprinted through the tunnels towards the central room that he hoped his people were located in. He busted through another entrance that couldn''t accommodate his size. Then he found it! A nexus of metallic flesh. A cancer like tumor grew from the bottom, to the top. Boils pumped a puss like material through the veins like blood. Hundreds of mechanical caterpillars were in the process of wrapping the captured.


    While thousands of recharge stations were ejecting their cybers to rush to his position. The room was huge! So large that Saurian reverted back to his 60 by 120 feet long form. Then he noticed a change in the middle of the growth. He saw the codex fragment in the center, but he also saw yellow sun energy being pumped through the veins into the hatchery locations. The cybers figured out how to make super Kryptonian slaves. How they figured this out would wait for later.


    Thousands of prisoners stood stock still in shock as a titan straight out of Raoism scriptures stood by. Wearing full armor, and weapons? Hundreds of smaller versions of the titan came rushing out and waged war against the cyber slaves. Saurian used Rallying Call, and sent a pulse of Recycle through the whole complex. Blisters, boils, and tumors exploded into goop.


    ¡°Rise up sons and daughters of Krypton! Take back your lives, and the future of our people!¡± Saurian''s voice was primal, animalistic, and poured the energy into the soldiers waiting for a chance to fight.


    ¡°Mordo!¡± A Kryptonian soldier called out and rushed their guards who had kept an eye on them. The cybers turned their weapons on the prisoners but could only handle so many. Thousands of soldiers rushed the battle line.


    The Saurus Warrior battle line rushed towards the cybers red Psionic Blades glowing from their hands. With a thundering crash of metal, against metal they collided. As Saurian jumped over the line and rolled end over end over the thousands of Cybers. Saurian swung his tail across the ground flattening dozens, and tossing dozens more into the air. Dozens of Saurus Veterans appeared from nothingness and armed the Kryptonian soldiers with weapons to fight back.


    ¡°Cover the left flank!¡± A familiar woman''s voice called out. Ursa stood on top of a energy collection tower shooting a omni sub-machine gun at the cybers.


    ¡°Commander Ursa! Dru said it will be just like the battle of clip rock!¡± Saurian called out, and Ursa stared at him for a moment then a vicious grin spread across her face.


    Saurian didn''t have time to wait for a reply as spell circles started to glow at the tips of his tentacles. Call Lightning shot from three clawed tips of the tentacles. Bursts of electric energy shot out with devastating effect! Saurian raced towards the center metallic growth in the giant assembly room. He jumped! Then bounced off a shield and rebounded across the room. Thankfully he landed on cybers. Unfortunately they started to swarm him like an army of ants do a spider.


    They poured their plasma rifles onto his armor, and his scaled hide. Their claws cutting through metal, and flesh alike. Saurian did a barrel roll, over, and over again. Then an eagle cry screeched across the whole room. Darkness swallowed everything for a brief moment. Then a giant creature made of pure darkness flew into the room. Every eye was on the creature for a moment. Gozith had shown up from no where.


    The Eagles are coming! The Eagles! -Erik said across the link with a snicker.


    Black obsidian feathers fell from Gozith and zeroed in on the cybers. They acted like homing bullets and sliced through them with ease. The battle started renewed once again! A battle of titans and these soldiers got to see it all! The creature of darkness flew over towards Saurian and landed by his side. Blades made of shadows hundreds of them sliced the mechanical creatures to pieces.


    ¡°Greetings unto you traveler from another world! I''ve come with an answer, but it seems we must discuss at another time!¡± Gozith said, he took to the air and started to attack the cybers once more.


    Saurian raced towards the center mass this time he did not jump. But bashed straight into with his skull crest. The rebounding energy rippled across the shield then pushed back like a sledge hammer against his skull. Saurian kept at it and continued to bash against it with his claws, and tentacles! True Damage continued to send him experience.


    Congratulations User! Minor True Damage has evolved into Basic True Damage.


    Effects: You now passively do 20% of True Damage with all of your attacks.


    The rebounding shield started to buckle as it was torn apart again, and again until WHAM! A cyber slave burst from its egg sack and slammed into Saurian. Sending him flying across the room into a reinforced concrete wall. He left an imprint and slowly slipped out of the wall falling to his hands and knees. He looked up with bleary eyes and saw a half finished super-cyber its synthetic organs pumping silver blood beneath a metallic rib cage.


    Gozith flew down and sent hundreds of his obsidian feathers at the super-cyber who dodged, and moved out of the way with dizzying complexity. If they followed the same ability set yellow sun infused Kryptonians were weak to magical energy. Saurian got to his feet with a grin on his face as he cast a wide area effect of Daylight but this time with red sun energy!


    The red sun of Rao formed above Saurian. Filling the whole room in a red glow. Gozith stopped to stare at the red sun! The Kryptonians stopped for a moment, as did the cybers. But more importantly the super-cyber? Lost all that yellow sun energy from its body. It seem to realize the truth because all of the cybers in the whole room started to shoot at the red sun. But the beams of energy passed straight through it. So they switched to Saurian.


    Saurian used Intimidating Shout and they all froze for half a second. Just long enough for Saurian to cast Acceleration and sprint across the room to smash the super-cyber under foot and stampede over any cyber who didn''t get out of the way. Then he bashed against the shield once again! More and more super-cybers broke their gestation before they were done. But each of them fell to the red glow of the Daylight spell.


    The shield shattered! Breaking apart like a fragile vase that fell from its shelf. Saurian roared in triumph and ripped the metallic tumor to pieces! Just like the mainframe of the nest was shattered. The cybers received a fall back signal and they all took off in separate directions. Directly into the kill boxes prepared for them! Saurian roared in cheer! Rallying Call was used once again as the cybers fled into the tunnels leaving the Kryptonians in victory. All be it in confusion as two titans from myth and legend stood with them in the complex.


    With Darkness Manipulation Saurian swapped out with Lash. A billowing cloud of darkness wrapped around the towering reptile. When the cloud faded from sight stood War Priest Lash-Rao. Holding in his hands was the shattered remains of the codex. Nothing but dust now. What a pity... Lash carefully placed the pieces of dust into a vial. Maybe they would want it?


    ¡°Lash!¡± Kemuna Ke-Zod came running across the complex, followed by Kursta Soll-Vol. Both looked a little worse for wear in their justicar uniforms. But they were alive, and not enslaved to a machine. Kemuna raced toward him and jumped into his waiting arms. Soon joined by Kursta, that was all it took for the whole room to burst into cheer!


    _____________________________________


    The clean up was messy, but eventful. It had worked out as they planned. The remnant forces of the cybers fled into the designated tunnels and were made short work of. Though the justicar planned to comb through the tunnels for the next foreseeable future. A few more cybers had been located in cities that had been close to Kandor. So this campaign was far from over.


    But unfortunately another issue arose. How would Krypton deal with the fact that their myths and legends were based on actual creatures? Yes, there was no titan with the description of Lash anywhere in the book of Raoism. But Gozith was clearly a child of Nightwing. More than five thousand Kryptons had seen the titan turn back into the War Priest Lash-Rao. Oddly enough the Religious Guild didn''t seem that surprised.


    The Voice of Rao, the religious leader for all of Kryptonopolis simply said that Lash was a servant of Rao and had come to their world from another. Temple prime confirmed his words. At that point Lash''s temple in sector 68 became a Kryptonian mecca! But another issue also came up. Though this one was a bit minor and not entirely up to public debate!


    ¡°So...We slept with a god?¡± Kursta asked with a grin over a bowl of yulonz cream. Kemuna laughed into her glass of java juice, and Lash rolled his eyes.


    ¡°I''m not a god, Kursta.¡± Lash said carefully because of their company.


    ¡°Are you sure? I think you would have given my Father, Nightwing a lot of trouble.¡± Said Gozith who had taken the shape of a man. He was 6 foot even with midnight black skin, silver hair, and red jeweled eyes. He wore the traditional Rao Priest garb. He was also enjoying a cup of yulonz cream.


    ¡°Yep! We slept with a god!¡± Kemuna said with a smile as she looked to Kursta who smiled back. Lash rolled his eyes at them.


    It had been three days since the battle under Kryptonopolis. Lash had returned his temple to its working state. Then made a few changes to help Krypton when the inevitable earthquake would arrive. His quest updated again. Letting him know that all of Krypton would go through a cataclysmic event that would hurt billions of people. But some could survive, they also still had approximately a month left before the planet was meant to explode. So he was reasonably sure that the planet would go through something. But it would survive, at least for another thousand years.


    Also in his temple was a host of demigod creatures, titans, and supernatural creatures that intended to come back with Lash to his world. He already asked Dawn about it, and she said what comes through the Rift back with him was his business. Hinting that if the two women in his life wanted to come they could. But, Lash made no plans to ask them. They were friends, they were lovers. But in the end their lives were here. Families, responsibilities, etc. All to come to another time line, another reality where their Krypton exploded decades or even centuries ago? No, he wouldn''t ask them to do that.


    Kara Zor-El, and Kal-El were sent to their new home before the battle of Kryptonopolis. Their families had seen how bad the battle was in the city and they didn''t want to take any chances. Since they''ve seen visual reports of cybers sprinting across the fields escaping the city. They couldn''t, wouldn''t take the gamble. Even if the worm machine worked, Krypton would still suffer a catastrophic event. So, another check on the box. When they had left Lash received a notice that they had left the system his mission was done! He could leave here at any time. Call up the Rift when ever he chose to.


    Lash had a very tense conversation with both Dru''s and Ursa about the future of the planet. They knew the planet wouldn''t last. They had to eventually leave. Lash helped with a few designs, but nothing so much that they would be a huge technological advantage over their neighbors. But Lash knew that older Dru would prioritize a yellow sun if he could. But before they did all that! Lash made them dinner! Keeping a promise to Ursa. As Ursa said, it was the best dinner she ever had.


    Lash spent one more night with his two lovely ladies. Then the next morning Gozith, and many of his siblings came to stand in front of the temple steps. Many of the residence of sector 68 came to see them off not entirely sure what to expect. Lash took one last look at his temple, at Epsilon, and Praetor who would be staying of course. Then he looked at Kursta, Kemuna, Wym, and Or-Ja. Lash said fuck it and stomped across the square and kissed both his women in front of everyone. Then stomped away trying to look like the cool guy he knew he was not. With a snap of his fingers a Rift tore open in front of everyone!


    ¡°Or-Ja! Remember! Neutral ground!¡± Lash pointed at his temple.


    ¡°I don''t think that is going to be a problem!¡± Or-Jar said with a grin!


    ¡°May the light of Rao guide you on your path!¡± Lash called out to his people who replied. Then he did the same to the crow around the temple who said it back to him. Then his large group of demigods walked through the Rift. Lash was last, he looked at the temple then walked through the Rift.


    A kaleidoscope of colors, pictures, and information flooded his senses then for a brief moment he was floating in absolute darkness. A prompt appeared in front of him and he read.


    Kal-El, and Kara Zor-El arrived on Earth at the same time. They landed in Kansas and were both adopted by the Kent''s. The digital copies of their parents help to guide them when they were lost, and help them to understand their place in the universe. (The gold coins helped make the Kent''s lives easier) Clark Kent, and Kara Kent continued to live up to their full potential and saved not only Earth. But other worlds, other dimensions, and other realities. Clark, and Kara both were always on the look out for their future friend, Lash. Maybe they''ll see him one day in the future.


    Krypton did face its cataclysmic destruction. Earthquakes ripped the whole planet apart. But thanks to the preparation of house El, and house Zod. Less than half their population was saved. Krypton had been brought to ruin, but plans had already been made to leave Krypton for another planet not that far away. The temple in sector 68 continued to stand even when the city around it crumbled. Epsilon, and Praetor were declared holy machines designed and made by the saint, and titan known as Lash-Rao and lived for many years to help guide the people of Krypton.


    Kumuna Ke-Zod eventually found an intended, and became bonded. They named their first child Lash. She and her family lived long enough to see what Krypton looks like from space, and reached the outer edge of their solar system before she died.


    Kursta Soll-Vol eventually bonded with Or-Jar. They however did not live to see their planet from space. They had been killed in a Black Zero raid trying to sabotage a genesis ship. Epsilon, and Praetor did not take kindly to this and hunted down Black Zero eliminating the entire threat.


    Zor-El, and Alura Zor-El died in the earthquakes that struck Krypton. Argo city imploded under the energy provided by the shield that Zor-El had crafted. They had a one and a million chance to survive before with the shield. The odds were not in their favor.


    Rewards are being calculated.


    1,000 Dream points


    50 ability evolution points.


    Racial Trait, Demigod Physiology. The User was granted this blessing by the pantheon of Krypton who thanked him for saving their people, and their children.


    Demigod Physiology: Grants the User supernatural and/or divine energy that has been infused in their body, mind, and soul. Naturally going up a single grade. Grows with time.


    Congratulations User! You''ve increased your grade, you are now. (A-)


    Congratulations User! You''ve earned the achievement: ''Gods and Monsters''


    You''ve obtained the title: Demigod!


    Active Effect: Invoke the power of your Divine Domain. (Monsters). Shaping a living creature that is completely under your control, once a month.


    Passive Effect: Creatures crafted, made, or twisted by energy, magic, and the divine like you 10% more.


    Title Consolidation detected.


    Lash stepped through the Rift has it closed behind him with an audible pop! He was back, he was home! Well he was in Metropolis, but Gotham wasn''t that far. He also came into a situation with lots of screaming, yelling, and the JLI aiming weapons and powers at the demigods who came through with him. Lash calmed everyone done and told the JLI they were visiting supernatural demigods looking for a home. Call the local Wardens, and Supernatural Council. Vyllith came from the crowd and tackled Lash in a hug. He laughed in delight and hugged his hell knight. He had a fully Kryptonian War Priest kit on so his face was covered thankfully.


    ¡°Did you miss me!¡± Lash said as he squeezed her tightly. Just a few minutes over a single day had passed since he left.


    ¡°You know I did! You smell different.¡± Vyllith said as she let go of him and looked him over.


    ¡°A lot happened! But I need to get some people back to the tower. We can do an after action report after. Then I''ll tell you the details after alright?¡± Lash replied to Vyllith who nodded in confirmation.


    ==============================================================


    ***HR, Watch Tower Station***


    Superman aka Clark Kent aka Kal-El teleported onto portal hub C-3. Superman was worn out and in desperate need of a shower and a good meal. Despite his exhaustion he kept a smile on his face and walked through the station. People made way for him, and he was stopped several times by his fellow Justice League members. But at last he reached the observation deck of the station. It was on the outer edge of the Watch Tower with a long strip that looped the entire station. Lash would never allow windows, they were structural weaknesses. But the holographic view screen did a very nice job of simulating it.


    ¡°I can''t believe you did this!¡± Superman heard his cousin Kara shout at someone.


    ¡°I thought about bringing your parents. But it would have screwed up the time line. They are headed towards us on Argo after all.¡± Lash replied, and Superman smiled at the sound of his voice. Kara, and Lash were good friends. Clark was happy for them. Then he stopped, he froze at the sight of something unbelievable.


    ¡°Hello Kal....I would like to reintroduce you to. Jor-El, and Lara Lor-Van. Jor, Lara, this is your son. Kal-El...¡± Lash said with a smirk.


    Clark looked across the observation deck at his living, breathing parents. Who looked back at him. Lara had tears streaming down her cheeks. She bounced across the deck and hugged Clark who was frozen stiff. He looked at Kara who nodded with a big smile on her face. He slowly hugged Lara back. Then his father Jor came to his side and took him in his arms looking him over.


    ¡°Happy Birthday!¡± Lash said with a grin.


    Galen

 Chapter 102: Three Days?

    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Earth, New York***


    ¡°Is that it? Are we on?¡± A woman asked, looking towards a camera.


    ¡°Hello everyone! This is the World Wide News! Broad casting from our studio in New York! That is right everyone, we are back!¡± The woman said into the camera.


    The woman in question looked to be in her mid thirties, and was about 5''5¡± with shoulder length brown hair, blue eyes, and tanned skin. She looked a little gaunt, like she needed a few extra meals. She wore a tight blue shirt, with a black jacket. She was sitting by a chipped and worn laminated wooden desk. Next to her was a man in his early forties with short black hair, amber eyes, and chocolate skin. He had a black suit jacket on, and a white buttoned shirt. They were staring at the camera with soft smiles on their faces.


    ¡°I am your news anchor, Sara Bradley.¡± Sara said as she turned to her partner.


    ¡°And I''m Luke Brendon, co-anchor.¡± Luke said towards the camera, and smiled towards Sara.


    The studio crew did the best they could to make up for their clear lack of equipment. Only one camera was working, a sound buffer above them. A few lights, and few techs worked side by side to ensure the signal got out. They worked out of a newly restored studio. The signal was being bounced from one of the few remaining towers in the city up to a JLI satellite above the city that would attempt to reach out to any one who could receive.


    ¡°It has been a tough few months! The whole world experienced an attack of epic proportions the likes the world had never seen. Yes, we had been through a lot. Only a few short years ago the Earth came under attack by the alien menace that called themselves the Cult of Ares. Then we had the Atlantean civil war that struck nearly every coastal area in the world.¡± Sara said with a grimace as she remembered the past two years.


    ¡°But this time, this was far above and beyond what Earth had ever seen. We were invaded by not a country, or an alien menace from another world. But from an alternate reality. I''ll say that again, because it needs to be said. An alternate reality attacked our world.¡± Luke continued for Sara. Sara squared her shoulders and continue along that segment.


    ¡°In the month of February a well organized and planned attack went across the globe. Electromagnetic pulse bombs went off across every major nation, country, city, and piece of land that held importance. Nuclear power plants were shut down, and sabotaged. Satellites above our planet were destroyed, cell phone towers, and land lines were destroyed.¡± Sara continued, as she read off from a piece of paper in front of her.


    ¡°Nearly three and half months we were with out power! With out food, water, and even basic medicine. As the world itself tore itself apart. I do mean the world, this was not an isolated incident. Every nation across the globe came under attack.¡± Luke continued, while they both turned to look at a screen that appeared behind their desk on a flat screen tv.


    ¡°We do know that certain third world countries that were not considered threats did not receive an EMP. While some cities in certain parts of the world were able to recover faster than others. While we do know that the newly appointed nation of Atlantis was not effected. But that could be explained by the miles of ocean separating them from the surface.¡± Sara continued as the tv screen went through several clips of Atlantis guard coming out of the water to help provide aid to civilians.


    ¡°We also know that a majority of the first world counties leadership was assassinated by what was known as the Zeta teams. These Zeta teams were kill squads sent across the globe by the invading army to kill as many of our leadership as they could.¡± Luke continued, as a list of confirmed dead of leadership showed up on the tv screen.


    ¡°They also didn''t just target the leaders of nations. They attacked chairmen, and chairwomen of companies. Anyone with substantial power, influence, or the ability to lead the public had been targeted. Thankfully not everyone was killed. Several designated survivors were established, and secured before things got to out of hand. If we can call it that.¡± Sara said that last part with a bit of bitterness.


    ¡°But not all was lost in the dark. An organization that had been recently established stepped up in a big way. The Justice League: International showed up in mass across nations, cities, and even small towns.¡± Luke said with a smile that Sara mirrored. As the tv in the background showed several clips of JLI logistical teams, and heroes showed up to fight the good fight.


    ¡°We also know that the United Nations still seemed to be in some sort of control as Agent Wraith the alien working for citizenship was seen in key cities building what could only be called a solar power plant. But not only did this solar plant help restore power to cities. It''s energy was able to repair, and renew any piece of tech it was linked to.¡± Sara said with a brilliant smile, as the tv screen showed the energy rebuilding a generator it was linked to. Then the scene switched to a dormant city at night slowly turning back on.


    ¡°But it seemed that the invading force couldn''t allow that to happen for long. As strike forces attacked the nations across the world in such force that one could call it a world war, because that is what it was.¡± Luke continued, as the tv screen showed scene''s from Addis Ababa, Ethopia''s capital. Then Starling City, California, Gotham City, New Jersey. Adelaide, in Australia. Massive tanks driving down the city streets. Drop ships deploying troops in mass. Battles being fought in open streets.


    ¡°We have been informed by the remnants of the United Nations World Security, and Justice League: International. That Agent Wraith led a counter incursion into the alternate reality. There he linked up with resistance forces in the alternate Earth. Then was able to stop the ''Emperor¡± of the reality. Permanently!¡± Sara said with a brilliant smile, a glint of savagery in her eyes that was shared by Luke.


    The World Wide News aka WWN continued to cover other events that were happening across the globe with their basic information they had on hand. Naming cities in nations that were being provided with care from Atlantis, the JLI, and a few nations that were sharing what they had. They would continue to report every day until things started to stabilize again. But a few things had been confirmed. The invasion was over. It was time to rebuild, there was a lot of work to do.


    ==============================================================


    ***HR. San Antonio, Texas***


    San Antonio was city that had a long proud tradition of the U.S. Military. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, even the Coast Guard had training facilities in the city. Since the military facilities had been attached to the city the invaders did not attack this city, well in force anyways. Plenty of Zeta teams showed up to preform suicide attacks. Now, military personal walked down the side walks and assisted the populace get their lives back in order.


    Assisting them were the JLI logistical staff, and hero units assigned to the city. Working side by side even though the JLI was technically not a legitimate government sanctioned organization no one called them on it. Though that didn''t stop people form being upset. Not all of the JLI logistical staff was human. No matter the situation, even if the world is at war hate mongers will do what they do best. A group of JLI engineers were repairing a fuse box with someone from the crowd threw a brick at them.


    ¡°Get out of here you fucking freaks! No one asked for your help!¡± A man shouted from the crowd. Then a few others answered in chorus. The logistical staff member that had the brick thrown at them was perfectly fine though a bit confused.


    The JLI staff member looked like a praying mantis. They had olive green skin, scythe like arms, with smaller set of arms beneath the blades. These hand four clawed fingers. They were a standard set of JLI polymer suit with metal plates. Their head had giant multifaceted bug eyes, and mandible jaws. The brick had bounced off their head with little to no effect. They were actually service droids from the Watch Tower Station designed after one of the many species in the universe as a whole.


    ¡°Good sir, I beg pardon. But the Mayor of your city asked for our help in restoring power to your city grid. Something that none of you are capable of doing on your own. So, you are wrong. We were asked to be here.¡± Said the insect, he said in perfect english.


    ¡°If you have a problem with us being here than take it up with your government. Let us get back to work so the people living in this building can actually have power tonight!¡± Another JLI member said, they looked like a human man with bright red skin.


    The crowd murmured in disagreement then the original man threw another brick that stopped in mid air. It dropped with a resounding crack on the street between everyone as a JLI hero division floated down from the sky. She wore the polymer suit with armor plates. She had dazzling blue eyes that danced with energy. Short blond hair, and a killer figure that was highlighted by the suit. The color scheme was blue, red, and white. With a star in the middle. She landed softly between the groups and smiled at the JLI logistical staff. Then glared at the man who threw the brick.


    ¡°Is there a problem here?¡± Savior the woman said, she was a meta with Telekinesis, and Partial-Healing. The crowd all grew restless, and the man who threw the brick suddenly found himself alone. Savior had been around since before the invasion. She had joined up with the JLI during the invasion.


    ¡°I don''t understand why these freaks are in our town!¡± The man asked. The man in question was 5'' 8¡± wearing average workman''s clothing, receding hair line. Leathery tanned skin, and a bit of gut surprisingly enough.


    ¡°They are here to restore utilities to the local grid. Because the city is stretched thin. This unit here has been here since the invasion started. They have personally saved hundreds of lives. You are literally the one and only person to throw anything at them. What gives?¡± Savior asked, as she took several steps towards the man who suddenly paled in fright.


    ¡°We don''t need no freaks in our city! The Earth is for humanity! Humans First!¡± Another man said as he came out of an alleyway holding a pistol that was pointed at Savior. Some one in the crowd screamed then every one took off in random directions.


    POP! A gun shot rang out, soon followed by a few more. Savior raised up her arms and created a telekinetic shield. While the praying mantis droid sprinted around her towards the man shooting. With graceful movement fitting a dancer their natural blades sliced the gun in half. But that unfortunately wasn''t the end of it. A shooter from a buildings window shot an rocket propelled grenade (RPG) at the mantis alien.


    BOOM! The explosion rocked the whole area. People screamed and Savior got on her comms to request back up. Several spring jump ribbons appeared nearby. When the smoke cleared the mantis droid was still standing though its armor had been shaved off, and its inner synthetic parts were showing. It let out an inhuman screech and sprinted towards the shooters window. From there the battle only escalated!


    Humans First enthusiasts came out of the wood work. Some with small arms, others with major weaponry. Where was the HF when the invasion was happening? Now that they didn''t have a common enemy they started to focus on the ''freaks'' inside their city. The military police showed up in force, as did the JLI teams in the city. A street fight broke out into several city blocks. It took six hours for the fighting to die down. At the end of it thirty five HF terrorists were confirmed killed. The military, and the JLI had no fatalities, but dozens had been injured.


    Just another problem...


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Watch Tower Station***


    ¡°So while you were gone.¡± Vigil said to Lash. She was sitting in the main briefing room discussing a few things with some of the senior members of the Justice League.


    ¡°Three other Rifts opened up, you were preoccupied. So we sent several volunteers into the Rifts. We assumed that the Rift Compass you installed into Vici came from you. But now we assume it came from your Cosmic Patron? Because it was feeding us information about the Rifts. Two of the Rifts were scenarios. While the last Rift was a story? The story Rift was E+, the Rift teams who went through that one reported they had to help an alternate reality cat woman rob a mobster.¡± Vigil said, as she sighed and massaged the bridge of her nose.


    ¡°Why did they do that?¡± Arsenal asked, Arsenal aka Roy Harper was 5'' 11¡± with short dirty red hair, and bright green eyes. He wore a combination of red leathers, and JLI uniform. He had several utility belts on him. Along with a quiver that was full of tech arrows of assorted abilities. Arsenal had really come into his element during the invasion and was considered a senior member of the JLI. He was reviewing the information in careful detail.


    ¡°The Rift teams reported that they instinctively understood what they needed to do to close the Rift. Like it was poured into their minds. When they helped that realities cat woman steal from the mobster contained with in the vault was the Rift Key. As odd as it sounds, it was a literal key. Once they picked it up they suddenly found themselves back at the Rift location and the Rift closed behind them.¡± Vigil continued as she stared over at Lash who was seated at the table still wearing his Kryptonian War-Priest outfit.


    ¡°They also reported that the entire process of planning, doing recon, and the heist itself took two weeks. But our report shows they were only gone fourteen hours. We don''t know why it worked this way, but it did.¡± Vigil said, as she combed her silver hair back.


    ¡°The Rift ''key'' as it is called.¡± Dr Silas Stone continued, ¡°Is giving low levels of radiation. Nothing harmful! But, it is also made out of a type of metallic alloy I''ve never seen before. We are analyzing it now in the labs.¡± Dr Stone continued and smiled at Lash when he waved at him. Stone had patched things up with Victor. Father, and Son were both equally talented in the science field. Though Cyborg could cheat thanks to his father box.


    ¡°The other teams didn''t receive a key. They completed their mission that the Rift gave them. Then it spat them back out. The Rift closed behind them. The two ''scenarios'' were interesting. One of them had them track down a missing person in a small town. The other had them escort an heiress back to her family home. Each time the teams lost all their equipment, and they for what ever reason had a ''background'' selected for them that fit the Rift they traveled in.¡± Vigil continued, passing an annoyed glance at Lash. A worked droid came in and dispensed the black ichor that so many had taken a liking to.


    ¡°Saund''s lik'' yaur patron is having his fun?¡± John Constantine said with his thick british accent from his side of the table. He was flicking his lighter and kept wanting to lite up his cigarette but Vigil glared him down each time he tried. When she reached for her side arm at the last attempt her sighed loudly and put his cigarette away.


    How was Lash suppose to explain a game mechanic? He had looked through the files of the Rift Walkers and found only half of them were VI Avatars. That means denizens of the Dream could interact with the Rifts too. It also seemed that his Rift time dilation tool he got from his quest had the same effect on every Rift in his Dream. Which was nice! Lash rubbed his neck as he thought about his answer. Then a divine glow surrounded his body but Cosmic Awareness didn''t activate. Odd.


    ¡°My Cosmic Patron is not the only extra dimensional being in the universe. Not even the multi-verse. I can tell you that not every Rift will be like the ones the Rift Walkers encountered. Some will lead to other realities just like our new allies. But others will be full of... Incredibly dangerous games. I''m sorry, that is all I have.¡± Lash said with a sigh of regret. That was paper thin and he knew it.


    Vigil drained the rest of her ichor and stood up. She wore a set of military battle uniform with camouflage patterns. She walked across the briefing room with the grace of a warrior. Her rectangular figure made her look the part of a shield maiden. Or maybe a valkyrie? She picked up a hard copy of his report then set it down on the table. A holo emitter scanned the report and tossed it up into the air for everyone to see.


    ¡°The moment you reported traveling through time the report was flagged and erased from the standard information network. That is the only hard copy. The moment any one finds out that the Rifts could lead to the past, or the future people will be rushing into them. Hell, they may even start rushing now. We are getting reports of Rifts opening across the globe. We catch some of them, others not so much.¡± Vigil reported, as everyone but Lash went through the after action report.


    ¡°I think they will be disappointed. The tim'' fragments are not'' linked to aur own tim'' lin''. Plus tim'' travel doesn''t'' work that'' way. Back to the futchur'' had it all wrong!¡± Constantine added into the conversation as he rolled through the file then pushed it aside. He grinned at Lash who chuckled a bit at his remark.


    ¡°Either way, we''ll need to get a Rift ''Walker'' team set up. Or get as many people as we can registered who are willing to step into them.¡± Arsenal responded, he was looking through the report. Lash had done a detailed job. No, he didn''t write up any steamy sex scenes in his report. But he understood that sometimes even benign information could lead to a solution.


    ¡°So, what''s next?¡± Lash asked, and Vigil grinned at him. Constantine laughed, and Arsenal joined in. Lash looked around confused. There was a joke he was not seeing here.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, as you know everyone in the JLI is required to take days off so we don''t burn out. We understand that you are not technically under our supervision. We have spoken to the UNWS council and they agree that you''ve had enough over time. You are hear by ordered to take a break! We have three days until the Summer Solstice Ball. You will not take on any assignments, or any tasks during these three days. Pending any catastrophic event.¡± Vigil said with a smirk and sent a information prompt towards him on his terminal. Lash read through it, and also noticed there were over a hundred signatures of people wanting him to take a break. At the top of the list was a familiar name, Koriand''r.


    ¡°Tak'' a break mat'', yau''ve earned it!¡± Constantine said with a smirk as he stood and clapped Lash on the back. Arsenal laughed at Lash bewildered expression.


    ¡°Woah...Hold on....We have way to much to do! I have a list of projects as long as my tail!¡± Lash shouted, and Vigil took on a stern expression.


    ¡°Yes, and you also are the one that wrote that everyone is required to take a break! Its three days, Wraith! Go home, see your pack. That''s and order!¡± Vigil said, then smiled at him. Once Arsenal, Stone, and Constantine had left the briefing room she came over to him and gave him a hug.


    ¡°I am happy your safe. But remember you have people back in Gotham that would love to see you.¡± Vigil said, and kissed his cheek. Then she straightened her clothes and left the briefing room. Leaving a very confused Lash in her wake.


    _________________________________


    Three days? Three days of ordered time off. Lash had relaxed a bit while he was in the time fragment. But he was always doing something. Once he left the briefing room Vyllith was waiting for him. She was in full battle kit and came to his side. Lash rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at her. Not sure what to do next. Vyllith had been by his side when he wrote his after action report. She understood the situation.


    Superman, and Supergirl were walking around the station with Jor, and Lara. Lash pulled up his holographic interface and went to go look for them. Vyllith following in his wake. A long the way he talked to her about his forced vacation time and she smiled wide at his dismay. But when he talked about going back home and taking her with him she seem to pause. Some part of Vyllith expected Lash to live in a castle. She was eager to see what his ''home'' was like. Though she understood that technically the Watch Tower was Lash''s real home. His place in Gotham was more like a get away more than anything.....


    Lash eventually found the group at shuttle bay D. Jor was walking around a shuttle and admiring the design. Kara was talking to Lara about how Argo city was on the way and would be here in little over a year. Clark was smiling so wide it looked like his cheeks would burst. He was holding his mother''s hand and refused to let go. For a small moment Lash saw a tiny Kal asking Lash for a cold blue bar. Lash knew that the Kal he had met was not this Kal. But it was still a good memory. Lara turned from Kara and smiled at Lash as he walked up.


    ¡°Lash-Rao! Have you finished your business?¡± Lara asked, her expression was warm and friendly. Lash had given her a gift she could never repay. Lash was golden in her book. Kara bounced across the deck and gave Lash a big hug which he returned.


    ¡°I''ve also been forced to take three days off.¡± Lash said, his expression was uncertain and Clark laughed loudly at his expression.


    ¡°They actually went through with it? When I saw the petition I thought it was a joke. But I have to admit you work more than Batman does.¡± Clark said with a grin, and laughed when Lash grumbled. Jor came out of the shuttle to join the conversation.


    ¡°Lash, is this shuttle your design?¡± Jor asked, clearly not connected to the conversation. He was in science mode right now.


    ¡°Kinda, it is a mix of Thanagar, Martian, Kryptonian, and Earth. (Mostly Atlantis) With magitek rolled into it. If you and Lara are looking for a job then you are of course welcome to join our science teams. The house of El was legendary on Krypton.¡± Lash said with a smile as he let go of Kara who smiled back at her uncle Jor.


    ¡°That is a good question? Where are we going to live?¡± Lara asked, as she looked at her son who to his credit was thinking the same thing.


    ¡°Just stay on the Watch Tower for now. We have living quarters that can adjust for you. Plus it would be safer for you to be here then down on Earth. Since you are both in range of the yellow sun energy you''ll begin to change.¡± Lash reminded them of a simple, yet complicated fact. Kara''s eyes went wide as she smiled at them both.


    ¡°Oh that''s right! I completely forgot about that!¡± Clark said with a huge smile on his face as he looked at his parents.


    The group of them discussed a few logistical questions. Lara did notice Vyllith and that started another slew of questions about what a Hell Knight was. Jor, and Lara continued to believe that there was more to Lash than he let on. They also noticed how Kara kept stealing glances at Lash when she thought he wasn''t looking. Something to talk about later. Eventually they went to the dinning hall for breakfast. It was considered morning aboard the station.


    Food and Drink collection: This collection of food and drink caters to all origin aspects in DC comic universe. Mundane, Alien, Magical, and Meta. Granting the Watch Tower Station everything it needs to feed the dietary needs of its visitors. This has no grade, 20 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased this collection for 20 DP.


    Lash made a quick purchase from the Dream Store catalog, and acquired a sundae of yulonz cream for Kara who was over the top ecstatic. The collection would be useful for their alien visitors as well. Many of their alien visitors they''ve had visit the station so far could consume Earth''s food. But now they could actually make anything. From the reviews on the store page apparently they even had food for gods, and goddesses on the menu. Cool!


    Speaking of the divine. Gozith and his family that came through with him were treated as foreign dignitaries. Being not only from another pantheon, but also another reality they fell into a gray area. Lash offered to house them on the Watch Tower until the Warden''s and the Supernatural council could figure out what to do with them. They agreed, Gozith was even interested in serving in the JLI.


    Despite the fact that Lash was technically not allowed to work. He still had work to do before he could go back to the Gotham and visit family. Specifically he needed to speak to the Galactic Sheriff representative, Bhol''uns. The man had been waiting to speak to him. Vici had informed Lash that they were not interested in the Green Lantern warrant on him. In fact the corporation they worked for wanted to thank him. Thanks to him showing the galactic community the dirty truth about the Guardians. Hundreds of star systems signed up for Sheriff protection.


    Lash, and Vyllith excused themselves after breakfast. The Kryptonians bid them goodbye and continued to eat up the Kryptonian menu. Lash put up a baffle field with his glamour and activated Transformation, and his Wraith disguise. The hybrid version of Lash/Saurian had changed slightly. They had now had mandibles on either side of their mouth. They were flat pieces of scaled flesh an bone that fit next along his elongated snout. When ever he opened his jaw the mandibles would become serrated along the edges, and fangs would extend from the tip. Lash understood that he could unhinge his jaw to swallow larger prey and the mandibles would help pull food down.


    Next was his tail, it was not a muscular bladed tail like it had been since he got his xenomorph blessing. Now his tail was longer, with a four clawed grip. Emulating his tentacles on his back. When closed it looked like he had a serrated tail point. But the four claw grips would expand. Nimble, dexterous, and he could cast from it now. Little by little Lash was leaving his lizard folk look behind and stepping into a creature from the void.


    ¡°Interesting...¡± Vyllith said as she ran her gloved fingers along his new tail. Lash wrapped it around her waist and pulled her toward him. She didn''t fight it and the long line of her body pressed against his chest. He opened his mouth and his mandible teeth extended. Vyllith ran her fingers along the new additions.


    ¡°You are a demigod of Monsters, Lord Count. It makes perfect sense that you would be a monster yourself.¡± Vyllith said with a smile, and kissed his snout. Lash nuzzled her affectionately. They stayed that way for a bit before Lash broke away and headed towards the Trade Hub.


    Lash and Vyllith walked side by side passing by several JLI who made way for them. Wraith was an unknown to a lot of the JLI. Enigmatic individual that was publicly not a member of the JLI. (But was secretly a founding member) But anyone who had been there long enough knew that the JLI may work out of the Watch Tower. But Wraith was the one who owned it. Not only that, Wraith was also the one that paid them all. But only a few people knew that truth.


    Passing a security check point guarded by war droids from both security, and the armory. Lash and Vyllith stepped into the trade hub of the station. Vici had isolated the section of the Watch Tower to prioritize the trade hub. Considering the rest of the station it was a larger section. But Lash was sure it could be bigger. Though once they obtained C grade which was over a thousand DP the trade hub could accommodate larger ships. The security doors came apart with that stereotypical swoosh sound that so many movies prioritize.


    The hub was a collection of boxes set on top of one another just like the station. However, the main difference was the docking bay shield. A thin blue membrane glowed on one side of the whole hub that allowed fighter drones, star fighters, and small cargo ships to pass through with ease. Lash grimaced at the structural weakness. He saw that the whole section could be closed off quickly to reinforced plates standing ready on the top, bottom, and even sides. There were currently three ships connected via umbilical cords, and vac tubes. A transport ship, corvette, and a frigate.


    While the Sheriff star fighters, and Sheriff drones were docked inside the station. The drones looked like egg shaped metallic ships with wings attached to them. Since they were automated they didn''t need a cockpit. Just an engine, sensors, and a main data core for the advanced automated program in them. The wings could rotate around the ''egg'' at any angle. This allowed the ship to pull some insane maneuvers ignoring several gravitational issues that would wreck organics.


    The rotating sheriff star fighter looked like a bird of prey made out metal. The metallic wings were currently closed up, but could furl out. It looked like the wings could even split off into four wings like an X most likely used to cool off its weapons array faster. Docking, and landing struts looked like bird claws poised to jump into the air. The primary weapons were housed along the wing, and the body of the ship. The cockpit was where the head would be, and the body contained a small space, a simple cabin? Or a holding cell? The color scheme was a cool midnight black, with green highlights, and a golden symbol that was the sheriff logo. A jagged dagger sitting in front of a shield.


    Lash looked towards the corvette, and frigate and realized that each ship had the Sheriff shield, but the logo in front was different for each ship. Coat of arms maybe? Tucked away off to the side was the Martian ship Lash had seen before. Z''tok''s ship? Apparently they were a band and had played on the station while he was away. Pity, Lash would have liked to hear them. Lash and Vyllith walked across the trade hub looking around. They passed the pleasure palace, though palace was not the word to describe several boxes stacked on top of each other. It was apparently a hit! Any palace that used UE energy was sure to be promising. The financial report stated that they had earned 500 solar coin just from the palace alone.


    They stepped into the palace''s front lobby area and found a room that could only be described as a strip club? Half naked men, and women walked around and were entertaining the guests aboard the station. Lash looked at the entertainers and realized they were all magical Phantasms created, designed, and filled with False Life. He also understood that several of the ''love rooms'' were in use right now. Lash rolled his eyes, and pondered who controlled the Phantasms? Vici? Or did the palace of an android?


    ¡°Grand Father?¡± A feminine voice called out, that answered that question.


    The host in question swayed her hips back and forth and caressed an alien man with her fingers before she excused herself. The man looked disappointed but when he saw who she was addressing his scowl evaporated and he stumbled to his feet and walked across the club towards someone. Lash watched the man go, and quickly used Connectivity to look up some information.


    ¡°Shylisa, sorry didn''t mean to interrupt your fun.¡± Lash said, and bowed from his waist towards the woman who smiled in delight at his manners.


    ¡°Not at all!¡± Shylisa replied and came over to them.


    Shylisa was 5''9¡± but while she wore her heels she was about 6''1¡±. Her heels helped emphasize her voluptuous hourglass figure. Her proportions were not natural. She wore a tight mini skirt that would do nothing to conceal anything if she bent over, or sat down. With a crop black cloth top that barely restrained her bouncing breasts. She had jade white skin, red ruby lips, pink eyes, long raven hair. She also had a pair of midnight black demonic wings coming out of her back. Shylisa was the android in charge of the pleasure palace. So of course she chose the succubus form.


    Shylisa oozed sex appeal! Lash even heard Vyllith swallow audibly by his side. Her eyes were tracing the contours of Shylisa''s body, and her itty bitty skirt. Shylisa had a perceptive glamour on that changed the minor aspects of her body to fit perceived viewers tastes. So, what Lash saw may not entirely be what Vyllith saw. Or anyone in the whole room for that matter. Shylisa being a succubus type came right up to Lash and pushed her self up against him. She leaned up and ran her tongue along his neck. Then waited for him, exposing her own neck. Lash leaned down and ran his forked tongue along her neck. She shivered in delight! Then turned and did the same thing for Vyllith who clearly wanted to explore more of Shylisa.


    ¡°I am looking for the commander of the sheriffs, Bhol''uns. Is he here?¡± Lash asked Shylisa once she was done saying hello to Vyllith. The android ran her tongue over her ruby lips and gave it a bit of thought. Then she smiled at him.


    ¡°Of course Grand Father. It seems he has found you already!¡± Shylisa said, as she pointed her finger towards a tall four armed predatory cat man who was walking across the club floor towards him. The man walked over and gave a bow from his waist. Lash bowed deeply and performed his Warden etiquette for those that native to the system. Again it was meant for Supernaturals, but the complex gesture was appraised with a smile.


    ¡°Hello Client, Wraith! I am Bhol''uns of the galactic sheriff team. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I understand that your busy so I''ll try not to take up to much of your time. Shall we go somewhere to talk?¡± Bhol''uns said, the man kept glancing at Shylisa in fact the entire room kept looking at her. Though there was plenty of entertainment, she was the life of the room.


    ¡°I''ll have a room arranged, please come this way!¡± Shylisa with with a smile and turned on her heel and walked away. The seductive sway of her hips was hypnotic for everyone. Except for Lash who was oddly immune, don''t get him wrong. The sight was enjoyable. But he could feel the magic oozing off of her and it just brushed past him.


    Shylisa led them to a private room for guests looking for private entertainment. Like the rest of the station a table rose out of the ground, along with chairs that would fit the physiology of who ever sat in them. Phantasms walked in, all wearing seductive clothing. They set down a host of drinks and stood off to the side waiting to assist with anything....Anything. Lash was starting to understand why 500 solar coins had been spent here. It had barely been 48 hours since the sheriffs had shown up. Shylisa excused herself to continue to entertain the palace''s guests. Bhol''uns watched her go with a sad expression on his face. Then the magical effect slowly receded and he was able to focus.


    ¡°That woman is practically a drug! Oh, sorry I didn''t mean any offense!¡± Bhol''uns held up his four hands in surrender. Lash tilted his head at him, though his Wraith disguise masked his face his body language was clear. Why would he be offended?


    ¡°My Lord is not that easily offended. Though the thought is appreciated.¡± Vyllith said, offering a chance of explanation. Bhol''uns nodded looking at Vyllith for a moment, he noticed that she had familiar characteristics to Shylisa. They were both demonesses after all. Though Vyllith had gone through a lineage change when she became Lash''s hell knight.


    ¡°I''ll give you the benefit of the doubt. If you do say something offensive I''ll give you a warning and not hold it against you. But if you do it again, then we''ll have issues. How about that?¡± Lash supplied an alternative to the discussion.


    This was relatively normal, it happened on Earth all the time. People had different cultures, like placing chop sticks up in a bowl of rice. This is considered bad luck in Asia. While in America it would just mean you are about to eat it, but not yet. Now apply that on a galactic situation. Speaking like that about Lash''s grandchildren could be taken has a grave insult that was why Bhol''uns had apologized, now that Lash thought about it. That did make sense. The Sol System, and its neighbors were considered backwater, rural systems. Not a lot was known about them, and vice versa.


    ¡°So, I''ll ask a few questions to break the ice. What are the chances that our station will see any real form of commerce? I understand that we are a little out of the way. We have a recycling, and reprocessing module on board do you know any systems that would like to dispose of trash and get something in return?¡± Lash asked, and Bhol''uns looked relieved. He leaned back and gave it some thought, he key up his own holographic computer on his wrist.


    ¡°One of the advantages of being tied to our galactic sheriff network is we can spread the word across to the systems in our operational control. What level of trash, and waste can your module hold?¡± Bhol''uns asked, pulling up several star systems that could eventually show up.


    ¡°We can accept 4 star or D grade trash, and waste materials. Anything taken into the recycle, and reprocessing center will come back out as 3 star or lower. Though in smaller quantity.¡± Lash provided his own holographic image to the sheriff who looked over the information. His eyes went a little wide, but it was with in expectation.


    ¡°That could work! There is a trash planet ten systems over. We''ll send word to them, they''ll send a single cargo ship to test the waters. But if you can handle the volume then you''ll get a lot more. Especially if you can pull out valuable elements out. Coming out wont be an issue, no raiders or pirates will rob trash. The garbage haulers are mostly automated. But if they leave with precious cargo aboard. Well then that changes things.¡± Bhol''uns said as he combed through a star chart. Anything outside of the Sol System was foreign to Lash, he wondered if he could buy a galactic map?


    Lash gave himself a mental face palm! He had the Oan galactic encyclopedia. That had the entire known universe mapped out. That it would no longer auto update given he didn''t have the ring any more. Lash still made a copy of it. Lash pulled up his own map that looked remarkably like Bhol''uns, the cat man didn''t seem surprised that his client had his own galactic map. The attendants refilled their glasses, and Vyllith stayed quiet as she watched them both.


    ¡°Bhol''uns what do you know about Kryptonians? More specifically a prison known has Fort Rozz?¡± Lash asked, changing the subject. But Bhol''uns jumped onto the subject readily. He brought up some information from his sheriff corporation window.


    ¡°It was rumored to had been lost when the Kryptonian home world went up in flames. To bad too, a lot of people aboard that are missed back on their home planets. Of course there was also a lot of horrible people aboard too. Why?¡± Bhol''uns asked, as he pulled up the relevant window.


    ¡°Because it was not destroyed. Fort Rozz landed on our planet a few months ago. Unfortunately the prisoners aboard escaped the prison via escape pods. They are now running around our planet.¡± Lash said, and brought up several windows of the few prisoners they had recaptured and were holding aboard the station. Bhol''un''s eyes went wide at that! He scrolled through the windows and stopped on a beetle man that John Stewart had captured.


    ¡°This man is a drug lord in his home system. There is an open bounty on his head back in his world, 200,000 solar coins. You have him aboard your station?¡± Bhol''uns said as he licked his fangs in glee.


    With that excuse they all stood up and left the palace. They went to the loading dock area and Bhol''uns called several crew from the frigate. Lash had the beetle man teleported from the holding cells to the trading hub. With an audible pop the giant man looked around confused then a look of pure horror was on his face when he saw the sheriff logo. He whipped around and saw them staring at him, he roared a challenge that was met with a fierce roar from Bhol''uns who jumped on top of the man. Bhol''uns was a trained fighter that pummeled the beetle man into the ground with ease. The whole trade hub vibrated from the short but sweet battle.


    ¡°You just made 40,000 solar coins from that bounty alone, Client Wraith!¡± Bhol''uns said with a grin as they packed the beetle man up. ¡°I''ll see about getting a prisoner list on Fort Rozz from HQ. Not everyone aboard were bad people. But most of them were. Speaking on that, we noticed you had a Rift invasion not to long ago. We have a planetary security branch if your interested?¡± Bhol''uns said to Lash and provided Lash with the information.


    ¡°I''ll think about it. Do you need anything more from me?¡± Lash asked, as he tucked the file information away for Vici and the station to look over.


    ¡°Nope! It is a pleasure to do business with you, Client Wraith! Thank you for your time!¡± Bhol''uns said with a grin. They both bowed to one another and Lash turned around. Followed closely by Vyllith.


    ____________________________________


    Gotham City had several city parks that ranged from large, to small. Though most of those parks had become a sea of tents, and sheds. People were still living in the parks. Despite the fact that Gotham had obtained their utilities again. A lot of the city was in ruins...Again! Yes, they had put aside their differences when the invaders showed up. But once it was clear they were gone, especially after the JLI broad casted it everyone went back to killing each other.


    In a pack of trees off the beaten jogging path two spell ribbons sprung up. With two audible pops bordering on the sound of a balloon being popped! Two people appeared, Lash and Vyllith. Lash wore black boots, black cargo pants, black shirt, with a long leather trench coat. He was technically still in armor, but his glamour showed that. No tribal tattoos were visible. His skin tone was golden brown, with amber eyes, and a bald head.


    Vyllith still wore her armor. But thanks to illusions, and glamour she wore much the same as Lash. Black boots, pants, shirt, and leather coat. Though her clothes were snug, and showed off her figure a bit more. She took on a light mocha skin town with brown eyes, and raven black hair. No horns, no tail, no claws. She had a radio wire looped around her ear. Lash had much the same, they both looked like security personal.


    Lash took a moment and knelt down, he ran his hands along the dirt and reached out with his Nature Domain. The essence of Gotham reached out and replied with a warm welcome! A warm breeze went through the trees. Lash, and Vyllith both felt a presence surround them for a moment. The spirit of the city hugged them both then went on its way. Lash smiled, and stood up. He was home!


    As per tradition of stepping foot in Gotham! They were mugged while they left the park. With pheromone control from his Nature Domain passives the muggers went to sleep before they got half way through their intimidation. Lash decided to add a few things to his illusion, as well as Vyllith''s. Combat knife on the belt, and a poorly concealed sub-machine gun. For both of them, he also made sure to create permits for them. Though the sub-machine gun you need a special private security license to use inside the city. After that they didn''t get mugged anymore. Plenty of people glared at them, but no one stopped them anymore.


    They had been dropped off several miles from his home. He had done that on purpose so they he could look through Gotham has they traveled. The city looked torn to pieces! Jokers carnival, the tsunami from the Atlantean civil war, then add the invasion. With just a pinch of gang wars, and meta-powered individuals. The city had become a war zone. You could taste despair on the air. Vyllith said it reminded her of hell. Great.


    Lash noticed that a majority of the buildings first, and second floor windows had been removed from nearly every building they passed. Though the windows above that were fine, they had been transmuted into the photokinetic glass that collected and stored solar power. Lash could only assume that people were stealing the windows. That had not been on his mind when he designed the solar plant. Oh crap! Lash forgot to talk to the frozen body they had up at the Watch Tower. He made a note to remind himself for later.


    The roads were cracked, and torn apart. Open water, and sewer pipes spilled out across the city streets. Broken, or knocked over street lamps and lights. Broken buildings much like Metropolis had vacant rooms exposed to the elements. Some of them even had people living in them. Groups of people patrolled their neighborhoods, and homes. Weapons out, some of them with firearms. Others with bats, wooden spears, and even bows with arrows. This wasn''t even really gang territory it was just people protecting their homes.


    ¡°Welcome home, Warden.¡± An old man said from a stair case to a supernatural building. The old man was a demon-kin with red skin, and a diamond tipped tail. Lash remembered him from the time he restored a city park back during his simple days. Lash stopped, and bowed deeply to the man who smiled at him. Vyllith nodded, but kept watch.


    ¡°Did your family survive?¡± Lash asked, genuine concern written on his face. The old man smiled at him.


    ¡°Yes they did. Though that park needs to be redone again. Take your time! I''m sure you got a lot on your plate. I would bow to a Noble Count of hell. But these knees don''t work as well as they use to.¡± The man said, grimacing a bit as he shifted on his seat. Lash reached out and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Renew, Immaculate, Panacea, and Restore Youth on the old demon-kin.


    ¡°Well look at you! Not that long ago you were but a basic mage! Now your wiggling your fingers about, getting a noble rank, and saving worlds! But you still make time for the little guy. Thank you Warden!¡± The old demon-kin said with a smile.


    ¡°Take care of yourself!¡± Lash said, and turned to leave. The old man smiled and waved at them both.


    ¡°So, this is where you grew up? Such a place is hard on the soul.¡± Vyllith remarked, but Lash understood her meaning. Gotham had a taint to it, always had. It something to do with its heritage. Some dark shaman or some such being killed on the grounds centuries ago. Feeding, and creating corruption. Lash didn''t know the whole story.


    The Wardens, and Supernatural council had been on the look out for the shamans burial grounds for centuries. If they could find it, and cleanse it the corrupting taint would be gradually removed. But the damn thing would move, and settle of its own accord. Like magic! One of these days Lash would have to see if he could track it down with Saurian''s help. His hunting partner growled in agreement. Such a challenge would be welcome.


    The duo eventually came up to Lash''s old building. Sitting along the roof top edges of the neighboring buildings, and on the roof of his home were gargoyles. Lots of gargoyles. Unlike the buildings a few blocks down the road. These buildings were mostly intact. While his home looked like it had been through a war, that was an Phantasm spell inscribed on the building. They didn''t want the mundanes thinking it was all safe and secure. Lash walked up to the front reinforced glass doors and the automated machine chirped at him in greetings and opened up for them both. Sitting behind the security desk was a familiar face.


    ¡°Hello Thomas...¡± Lash said to the cheshire fae cat man. Thomas looked up from his desk and smiled wide. His smile reached from ear, to ear literally! He looked like the alice in wonderland cat. If the cat wore a security desk suit.


    ¡°Welcome home Warden Lash, and guest?¡± Thomas said, his cat eyes growing into crescents. He performed a deep bow in respectful greeting.


    ¡°This is Vyllith, she is my Hell Knight and should be registered as part of my direct family.¡± Lash said, and the family part made Vyllith whip her head around to look at Lash in confusion. Vyllith was his knight. But claiming her as family was... Well she liked it.


    ¡°Wonderful! Lady Knight can you temporarily drop your glamour we need to take a picture!¡± Thomas asked, as his huge cat paws reached for a camera with a spell glyph etched onto the lens. Vyllith did as instructed, she looked straight at the camera. Then turned to her left, then her right. Once finished she put her glamour back up.


    ¡°Wonderful! Thank you for your time. Warden your sister Lizzy, and her wife Isabella are in your home currently. They have been staying for a few weeks presently. They are in the process of moving into the building itself. One floor beneath your home.¡± Thomas said politely, Lash smiled in delight and brought Vyllith along. Thomas bid them good bye and returned to his seat to make a call.


    A few minutes later Lash opened the door to his home and his security system chimed at him. His whole house soon vibrated in excitement at his return. Then the soft pitter patter of feet with socks on stepped towards the front hallway quickly followed by an audible squeal of delight as Isabella saw Lash and Vyllith in the hallway! She bounced across the wooden floors and jumped into Lash''s waiting arms! She kicked her legs up in the air and buried her face into his neck inhaling his scent.


    Isabella from house Kuldr was a Blood-Kindred, new born. Still in transition, she was only a few decades along. But already her aging had slowed to a crawl. She was 5''3¡± with long auburn hair, chocolate caramel skin, and a voluptuous figure. She wore a pair of pink cotton pants, ankle socks, and a small t-shirt. She eventually let go of him and greeted Vyllith with courtesy. Having heard of her through the grapevine.


    Lash stepped into his home to find his sister Lizzy in the kitchen stirring a pot of stew. She turned to look at him and a smile bloomed across her face. Lizzy was 5''10¡± with short fiery red hair. A healthy tan, and a partial amazon figure. She had gone through the Amazon ceremonial training and tradition and had been adopted by the amazons. Their magic ran through her. Not as strong as a pure blood, but stronger than an average man any day. She bounced across the kitchen and jumped into his arms. She wore a pair of sleeping shorts, and a tank top. She wrapped her strong legs around his waist and kissed his cheeks in glee.


    ¡°About time you came home! Vici told me you had the next three days off! So come sit down and relax!¡± Lizzy said with a vicious smile. She climbed off of Lash, and came to greet Vyllith who bowed in respect to her Lords sister.


    ¡°Lash, you keep collecting beautiful women. What is your sexy sister suppose to think about all this?¡± Lizzy asked, looking at him with a glint of mischief in her eyes.


    ¡°I suppose you''ll have to have sex with her like you do with all of them I suppose. I do it for you Lizzy! You, and Isabella of course!¡± Lash said with a grin, planting a hand over his heart. Isabella laughed in delight.


    Lash having far more experience cooking than Lizzy took over in the kitchen. Lash''s home had gone through a make over while he was gone. He still had his master bedroom, art studio, balcony, and sitting area. But several new guest bedrooms had been added to accommodate his visiting guests. Lizzy, Isabella, and Vyllith took seats at the kitchen island to talk with Lash while he cooked. Lizzy smiled sweetly as she began to play with Vyllith''s tail. Now that they were home they dropped their glamour.


    ¡°How many Domains do you have now, Lash?¡± Isabella asked, she was standing behind Lizzy and was teasing her lightly as Lizzy smoothed her fingers up and down Vyllith''s tail. Vyllith for her part attempted to be indifferent but kept twitching in mild pleasure from Lizzy''s touch.


    ¡°Approximately 16, I''ve been told that if I reach 20 I obtain the partial domain of True magic? Though I''m not sure.¡± Lash said as he started to slice up some vegetables for the stew.


    ¡°That''s right! Domain users rarely get to 20, but with your abilities I think you''ll be one of the few. Any thoughts to a Domain you don''t have?¡± Isabella asked, as she eventually freed Vyllith from the teasing of Lizzy who grinned at her.


    ¡°Sex magic!¡± Lizzy said with a delightful grin that made Lash roll his eyes at her. Lizzy stuck her tongue out at him.


    ¡°I believe being an Apostle of Qetesh counts towards that?¡± Vyllith provided a bit to the conversation having saved her tail from Lizzy. Lizzy turned to look at Lash, a question clear on her face. So Lash told Lizzy, and Isabella about reviving the gods, and goddesses in the alternate reality. Lizzy busted up laughing, while Isabella had a thoughtful expression.


    Lash smiled at the three of them. Lash was happy to home with his family. Lizzy, and Isabella seemed different but Lash couldn''t put his claw on how they were different. Though it had been some time since had sat down with them. Maybe time would close the gap between them. He went back to cooking as Lizzy tried to pry more out of Vyllith about the city wide orgy! Isabella was surprised to know that Lash was able to not succumb to temptation a goddess of sex.


    ¡°How about the Domain of Enchantment?¡± Isabella said to Lash, though she was still listening to Lizzy talk to Vyllith. Lash stopped and thought about that.


    ¡°I can already Enchant items? Or is this different?¡± Lash asked Isabella who''s face lite up with glee and being able to talk to Lash about magic.


    ¡°The Domain of Enchantment does allow you to enchant things. In fact it would only help your Enchanting ability. One of my house members said in order to master Enchanting you''ll need this Domain. Aspects of Illusions, Fae Glamour, Transmutation all have branches in this Domain. So by learning it you''ll enhance those Domains as well!¡± Isabella jumped from her seat and ran off to her bedroom. She came back a moment later with a Enchantment spell book!


    ¡°I''ve been trying to learn the Domain myself but I''ve been told I don''t have any talent for spell craft...¡± Isabella said that last part in a soft whisper. Lizzy turned mid sentence and hugged her wife and smoothed her hair back.


    ¡°Don''t listen to those assholes! If you work hard enough you can accomplish what ever you want!¡± Lizzy said, taking on a tone of a big sister. Lash grinned at her and took the book up. He flipped through the front few pages and Observant Learner activated.


    Observant Learner, Enchantment Domain.....10%.....50%.....80%.....100%


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Domain of Enchantment!


    Enchantment Domain: The Caster has the ability to put something/someone under a spell. They have the power to manipulate certain means of magic to accomplish their goals. Casters are endowed with the ability to charm objects through the use of spoken words or other occult items such as wands or certain talismans.


    This Domain works in tandem with several other Domains, skills, powers, and abilities. (See Tool Tip)


    You''ve obtained a Skill/Spell Power.


    Enchanting Word: The Caster can now enchant people and objects with their words. A spell spoken while using this power can inscribe the spell directly onto the person, or object. (No tools required!)


    Congratulations User! Advanced Enchanting has evolved into Master Enchanting.


    Effect: Allows the caster to imbue 100% intended spell effect.


    Effect: Decrease in necessary components and materials. In example complicated spells require less special materials.


    Effect: Multi layered Enchantment. In example inscribe several spells that overlap with out interfering with each other. (Saves Space!)


    Sub-Skill/Power, Quality Enhancement: The User can increase the quality of target, whether organic or inorganic, including themselves. Some examples include; increasing the sharpness and/or the durability of a sword, giving living beings a enhanced and/or peak condition, etc.


    Dozens of spell script ribbons wrapped around Lash as he learned another Domain. All three of the women in his home looked at him with gaping mouths. Well not Vyllith she had seen it before, she had a smirk on her face. Once it was over Lash had a wealth of information poured into his mind. He gently reached out for Isabella and used Skill/Power/Spell Trainer and poured the Domain of Enchantment into her. With in a few minutes several spell ribbons swallowed her up. Isabella gasped in surprise then snapped her figures! Little changes went across her whole body. Perception Glamour was poured onto her.


    Lash could see the original Isabella underneath, but he also see the little changes the spell had on her. Isabella had always been beautiful, but now she was gushing in beauty, sex, and love. Lizzy''s eyes went bright and she jumped off her stool to steal a kiss from her wife that soon evolved into a full blown make out session. Lash snapped his figures and sent out a pulse of energy that seem crack the enchantment just a bit. Lizzy, and Isabella came up for air and blinked at each other.


    ¡°Careful you don''t fall into your own trap.¡± Lash advised his new student who blushed in embarrassment.


    ¡°What? Who? What happened?¡± Lizzy asked, though she clearly had enjoyed herself it was almost as if she was drunk on the spell effect. Which was a little worrying, though Lash did remember that Lizzy ''failed'' her Fae court envoy interviews. She ended up having sex with both people from the Seelie, and UnSeelie courts.


    Eventually dinner was ready so they sat down and had a delightful meal. But something was different. Lash couldn''t figure it out, he switched through his Magical Perceptions fear the worst. But he found no trace of any spell craft on either of them. But even Saurian remarked that their personalities were a bit off. Had something happened? Were they hiding a secret and trying to keep it from him? Or was Lash just being paranoid?


    Lizzy seemed a bit more mellow. Normally she would be loud, up front, and in his face about things. But now she was subdued, she was still very animated and was still a tease. She had been open about her feelings for Isabella for long time. Never afraid to show public displays of affection, at least in front of Lash. There had even been times when Isabella hinted that Lizzy wouldn''t mind if he joined them in bed. But it was a line that Lash wasn''t comfortable crossing. They never pushed him for more, and neither would he. But he knew the option was there. That hadn''t changed.


    Isabella was ecstatic about obtaining the Enchantment Domain. She was playing with her cantrips making the dinning utensils into works of art. Some of them were illusions, some of them were real! This would greatly increase her standing in her house. She could simply make things better now. But Lash noticed that her smile did wilt from time to time when she thought he wasn''t looking. Something had happened! But what was it? Lash reached out with Connectivity and deployed his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits to look around the net. Lash stood up from his chair in shock.


    ¡°Mom and Dad died!?¡± Lash shouted loudly, and Lizzy curled up into ball and started to cry. Lizzy''s parents had died during the invasion. They had all but adopted Lash into their family when Lizzy had brought him over to help her tell her parents that she was bi-sexual. They had been family to him. Lash came around the dinning room table and hugged Lizzy as she cried into his chest.


    What a great way to start a vacation...


    Galen

 Chapter 103: Kathrine Kane

    ============================================================


    ***HR. World Wide News Studio.***


    ¡°Hello everyone! This is Sara Bradley.¡± Sara said into the camera, then turn to her co anchor with a smile.


    ¡°And I am Luke Brendon.¡± Luke said with a brilliant smile as he looked at Sara, then they both looked at the camera.


    ¡°¡±And this is World Wide News!¡±¡± They both said together. Sara had her shoulder length brown hair tied back into a french braid. She wore gray dress suit, with a white blouse. Her face had just a touch of make up to highlight her blue eyes. She looked a little better, had some rest, and a bit of food. But still needed some R&R.


    ¡°Tonight one of our top stories is a hard one. We are seeing an upscale in violent activity from the terrorist organization known as, ''Humans First''¡± Luke began to say, the man was clean shaven and grooved with his short black hair. His amber eyes were clear, and focused. He wore a black suit with a light blue shirt, and a bright red tie. He looked a little rough around the edges but like Sara he was looking better.


    ¡°That is right Luke. We''ve seen several coordinated attacks across the globe. Where the Humans first have attacked JLI members that are not human. But when anyone steps up to defend our none human friends the HF attacks them all the same. Spouting their propaganda about how Earth is only for Humanity.¡± Sara said with sour expression. She was trying to school her expression but it was clear she was not happy about the situation.


    ¡°Makes you wonder where the HF was during the invasion? Where they around causing problems and we just didn''t know it? Or were they comfortable letting our friends in the JLI fight and die for them. Only for the HF to start trouble when no one wants them around.¡± Luke said with a similar expression as Sara.


    ¡°However, we are happy to report that none a single JLI has been reported to be killed by the HF. Though several have been injured, the JLI have been working with the different nations military to continue rebuilding the world as fast as possible.¡± Sara continued with the segment then flipped through her notes.


    ¡°We''ll discuss more on the subject of the HF later tonight. But our next piece of good news is the first cargo plane between the US, and the UK arrived safely at the Heathrow Airport. This marks the first plane to officially take off from the US, and land across the ocean with our neighbors. Hopefully it will not be the last.¡± Luke said with a chipper grin, moving on to happier contents.


    ¡°With the international borders being redrawn, and the United Nations in the process of rebuilding. Many are asking if we should move the United Nations general assembly to a different location. The nation of Atlantis played an intricate part in lending aid, and support for our nations in our time of need. Some are wondering if we should move the UN to an Atlantis city.¡± Sara said with a small grin....


    They continued to talk about different portions of stories across the globe. They even introduced a new individual who would go over the world wide weather. One would thing people would have better things to do. But it was the sense of normalcy that people were looking for. They were trying to get back to their roots. Even if the news had nothing to do with them, it told people that the world was slowly returning to what it was.


    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Nevada, North America***


    Running across the vast expanse of rock, sand, and desert plants were a dozen individuals wearing Fort Rozz prisoner outfits. These individuals remarkably looked human... They ran with practiced ease, not to fast, not to slow. They ran in a straight line front, and back, nearly stepping in their exact foot prints. They had slow even breathing that matched their pace, even with the scorching heat of the desert bearing down on them they moved with out complaint. Then the whistling sound of a jet flying over head made them all fall straight down onto their chests and freeze in place.


    Six women, and six men were flat on their chests listening, watching, waiting. One of them spotted the strange aircraft as it flew off in the distance. Leaving a trail of hot air in its wake. The aircraft banked to the side and flew towards their direction but they stayed perfectly still. The craft flew over them, and then flew off into the distance. Once the sound dissipated they all jumped to their feet and continued to run north.


    They ran, and ran until the sun set. It wasn''t until that they could barely see directly in front of them that they slowed to a walk and spaced themselves out a bit. Until they came across something peculiar. A trail? Packed stone, and tar? Concrete? The woman in the lead took a knee and ran her hand across the path and saw reflective markers. What was this? It couldn''t be what she thought it was.


    ¡°It''s a road...¡± A woman said behind them, and they all nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Where is the energy line? Communication network? Anything?¡± A man spoke up as he started to trace his hands across the edge of the road. The stars were out as was the moon it was nearly full so they had some ambient light especially in the middle of no where.


    ¡°This doesn''t make any sense. We saw the troops that were around the ship. This world should be just as advanced as home, shouldn''t it?¡± Another woman asked, now all of the prisoners were looking at the primitive concrete road.


    ¡°Why aren''t we tired?¡± Another man asked, and everyone looked at him in confusion. Then they all stopped and thought about it. They were trained soldiers running all day was normal for them. But he was right. It was hot, the ground was uneven, the air was thin, but they moved at an even pace all day.


    ¡°Let''s keep moving, we''ll follow the road.¡± The lead woman said in an authority tone. They all stopped talking and moved in step with her. The woman took a brief moment to look up at the starry sky. She didn''t recognize a single constellation.


    The group of prisoners followed the road east and kept an even jog. Jogging along the road would make easier to travel. But it would make them easier to spot. It was a risk they would have to take. They needed to get as far away as possible from the prison ship. It the world they were on was as primitive as they assumed then that was both good and bad. Good because communication across the world would be limited. Bad because they wouldn''t be able to call for help from their allies in the stars above.


    The sun rose the next day and the prisoners came upon a small town. They couldn''t read the language on the signs. With enough light to see they left the road and began to scout the town out. It wasn''t long before they found something disturbing. The town was completely empty. They also found traces of what appeared to be a battle of some kind. Kinetic blasts leaving craters in the ground. Powder burns, blast holes, dried blood, and shell casings.


    ¡°Projectiles weapons...Primitive.¡± One of the prisoners said as he picked up a bullet casing.


    ¡°Civilian weapons maybe?¡± Another suggested, then hey heard a whistle and they ran across a street to find a large building with a giant letter on the front of it. It was single red line down, with two smaller lines going sideways one diagonally up, and diagonally down.


    Inside was a store full of primitive clothing, basic supplies, and food! Most of the food that had been laid out was rotten but they found several packed goods ready for consumption. When you are starving anything can taste amazing. They really liked the brown sweet tasting bars. They ditched their prisoner uniforms and pulled on some odd but comfy shoes, blue pants, and soft but stretchy shirts. A small crash was heard from the front and they all turned to see the lead woman tearing open the small box by the assembly line.


    ¡°They use paper for their currency.¡± The woman said as she pulled out wads of bills.


    ¡°Commander Ursa....Where are we?¡± One of them asked.


    ¡°I don''t know.... We can''t stay here. Grab what you believe is useful. We leave in ten!¡± Ursa called out, and the Kryptonian military guild soldiers all saluted.


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Gotham City***


    Death was nothing new to Lash. Thanks to his Cosmic Patron placing him where ever he wanted Lash had lived to many lives to not expect it. But that didn''t make it any less painful. In fact Lash was happy that it still hurt. He was always afraid of becoming a husk of individual alive but not really living. Lash spent sometime in his home getting the full story from Isabella, and Lizzy. Eventually however he left his home, leaving Vyllith behind so he could think.


    Lash went to one of Gotham''s many cemeteries. One in specific, where the Shaw''s were buried. Lash hated visiting graveyards. They were full of echoes, and fragments of the dead. Along with hundreds of souls that refused to move on. One a week or a month a soul collector would show up and ask if any of them wanted to leave. But many of the souls would hide in their graves and refuse. Many of them not knowing what was next, others still convinced that this was all a dream and they would wake up at any moment. The collectors would leave with maybe a few, but the ever growing number was depressing.


    A crumbled brick wall separated the dead from the living in this graveyard. Specters would bounce off the consecrated barrier unable to leave. The grass was over grown. With grave stones broken, and shattered left and right. Graffiti covered certain stones. While a few people were even living in the mausoleums scattered through out. Lash was invisible to the naked eye, though a few magical spirits did float over to him for a moment.


    ¡°I am looking for the Shaw grave site. They are new.¡± Lash asked a will-o-wisp that chimmed at him when he fed it a bit of Grave Domain energy. It flew around him a few times, then led him to his query.


    The supernatural communities burn their kin when they die. Unless they come from a specific culture. They are burned because anyone who is a spell caster knows that you can do a lot with the remains of someone. Lash could do several things with the remains of beings. The Shaw''s had been cremated. Whether it was in their will was irrelevant. Lizzy was a Warden. The Warden Council, and the Supernatural Council cremated her parents to prevent them from being used against her. Her, and Lash.


    Lash was led to a nice little spot off the beaten path of the graveyard. Unlike the rest of the cemetery this place was maintained. It had several spell wards in place to scare off the mundanes. They would get the wiggles when ever they stepped near here. Fresh cut grass, a nice stone bench to sit on. Lash brushed it clean of leaves and took a seat. Beatrice Shaw, and Edward Shaw. Loving parents, good friends, and lover of the arts. Their stones were made out of a pure black marble, and letters written in gold.


    ¡°I don''t have anyone to go after...Everyone involved has been punished. I still feel bitter. If I had been here I... I could have saved them. Or maybe I couldn''t have. I hate this feeling.¡± Lash spoke out loud. No, he was not speaking to the empty graves.


    ¡°I''m sorry...¡± Batman said from behind him.


    Batman stood in complete silence behind Lash. He had stayed perfectly quiet, and not moved a muscle since he repelled down from the bat-copter above them that was hovering silently. Batman stood at 6''2¡± with near perfect black cloak, cowl, and light exoskeleton suit under his cloak. Polymer suit, flex metal plates for mobility, mechanical boosters, and his legendary utility belt with something for any occasion. (Shark repellent!)


    ¡°Three days....Three days into the counter incursion they were killed. I was in....Hell at that point. There was no way to get back to me. But what I don''t understand is why did no one tell me?¡± Lash asked, never taking his eyes off the gravestones.


    ¡°We wanted to. But... We needed you focused.¡± Batman said, his voice wasn''t cold anymore. Out of anyone in the League Batman understood what Lash was feeling. He didn''t apologize for their choice.


    ¡°You were right... If you had told me I would have dropped everything I was doing and came back home to track down who killed them. But...That was done for me. Thank you for that.¡± Lash replied, as he stood from the stone bench and dropped to his knees. He placed his head against the gravestones and started to cry.


    ¡°But I still wish things had been different... I put measures in place. We all did! The Wardens, the council, the JLI. It was the main reason we can all do the things we do so we don''t have to worry about our families! So why!? WHY DID THIS HAPPEN!?¡± Lash screamed in the end and dug his hands into the earth.


    Lash''s heart was breaking... The Shaw family had been the parents he didn''t have growing up. They were good people, they deserved better than this. To be gunned down by random people. Caught between two rival gangs fighting over absolutely fucking nothing! His entire body shook in rage! But he couldn''t do anything! The thugs were beguiled, charmed by some piece of shit that hated Lash! They were ultimately innocent! So, go after the supernatural that charmed the gang members? Nope! They''re dead! They themselves were killed by a random shooting! FUCKING BAD LUCK!


    Lash didn''t know it at the time but there was a terror zone around him at the time. Nothing was moving, or even breathing with in a hundred feet of him. Batman was the only one that stood by his side, and even he was frozen stiff. This was what they had been afraid of. A ghostly image of Saurian in all his glory as a 60 foot tall, and 120 feet long monster was coiled around Lash protectively. Batman was inside the coil and felt the terror aura fade slowly. Everything, and anyone near by ran from the graveyard or as far as they could get. The living, and the dead wanted as far as they could get right now.


    A bright fiery light burst into being above them. The light bathed the whole graveyard in orange light. The light slowly drifted from the sky down to the ground, its radiance dimming. As the light took a step across the grass the giant ghostly tail of Saurian pulled back just a bit and Starfire stepped forward. Her long fiery hair was past the middle of her back, the tips glowing brightly. She walked past Batman who stepped out of her way.


    Starfire aka Koriand''r was 6''4¡± with radiant green eyes that glowed. Bright orange skin, that was warm to the touch. She wore a purple polymer light exoskeleton suit. Tamara inscription across the armored plates that covered her vitals while a clear polymer armor gave the illusion of skimpy clothing. During the war Starfire had different gear she wore, especially when they made gear that helped her absorb ultraviolet light. She wore this because Lash had made it for her.


    Kory knelt beside Lash and with out fear ran her hand along his back. For a brief moment she froze as she felt the absolute rage boiling off of him. But she persevered, and continued to rub his back. Tears were beginning to fall from her eyes as she saw her friend in so much pain. She gently reached down with both her hands and pulled him up right and pulled him into a hug. Lash didn''t reach out to return the embrace, but he didn''t pull away either.


    ¡°Are you off for the next couple of days?¡± Lash asked suddenly, his voice cracked but he cleared his throat trying to recover his mindset.


    ¡°Yes, I got my time off so I could hopefully spend it with you.¡± Kory replied as she smiled at her friend who pulled back and cleaned his eyes. Unlike some men Kory had met Lash didn''t hide his tears from her.


    ¡°Let''s go home then.¡± Lash said to her, and smiled brilliantly at him. He turned to look at Batman, just as the ghostly image of Saurian was pulled back into him. ¡°I don''t suppose we could get a ride?¡± Lash asked, and Batman smiled just a little.


    ¡°Sure...¡± Batman said, and pressed a button on his utility belt. The Bat-copter hovered down and they all climbed aboard.


    Lash was not 100%, he stared out of the window as they flew over the wrecked city of Gotham. Kory continued to look at him, while Batman responded to a slew of messages from several people worrying about Lash. They flew just over a specific spot near his building and dropped them off. Batman took off into the night. Lash, and Kory took a discreet underground passage to the parking structure. Then took an elevator upstairs to his home.


    ¡°Welcome back Lord Count, Princess Koriand''r.¡± Vyllith greeted them at the door with a bow from her waist. Vyllith had taken off her armor and now had on pink cotton pants, and a baggy blue tee. One of Lash''s, the sight brought a smile to Lash.


    That night Lash slept in his bed for the first time in he couldn''t remember when. Though he was not alone! Kory, Vyllith, Isabella, and Lizzy joined him. Nothing sexual took place, but the simple comfort of being with family was what he wanted. To a human it may seem a little odd, but Lash wasn''t really human anymore. Thankfully his bed was large enough to accommodate them. Lash''s three day vacation didn''t officially start until the morning. The day before had been used for travel.


    ____________________________________


    Lash opened his eyes and saw his Clock send him a silent alarm at 4:30 am his first day of his vacation. He had only slept a few hours, but oddly enough didn''t have a returned memory from one of his past lives. Every life he revisited he would gain something. Maybe his Patron was limiting his access? Or maybe Lash was just to tired to care?


    Lash was laying down on his back where he had four beautiful women on either side of him. Lizzy was pressed against his right side using his shoulder as a pillow. Her right hand placed on his chest. She wore a giant tee shirt to bed and nothing else that Lash could see. Isabella was spooning her from behind which was a little funny to see given that Lizzy was bigger than her. Isabella had her arms wrapped around Lizzy protectively, but left arm was under the pillows and her fingers were touching Lash''s shoulder. She was wearing a tight tee shirt, and sleeping shorts


    To his immediate left Kory was pressed into his left arm. Her left leg had wrapped around him, and she had tucked the long line of her body against his arm. Her fiery hair glowed, and oddly floated above them as it idly twitched back and forth in her sleep. Like a giant glowing cat''s tail. Kory being Kory had come to bed completely naked. Not seeing any reason to be in bed with clothes on. Vyllith who had gotten along very well with Kory was also naked, pressed up against Kory. Her own tail tapping slightly across the bed. While her hand was beneath the pillows touching his shoulder.


    That was when Lash realized a simple truth. He couldn''t move with out waking them up. He was also afraid that if he moved they would notice his rock hard erection. He tried to will himself to relax, that this was not the time for this....Nope, didn''t work. He tried to reach across the link to Saurian who metaphorically pushed against his face in a odd snooze button sort of way. Lash was trapped! Lash flinched just a bit as Kory''s leg that was wrapped around him pulled back just a bit. As her leg caught his erection and stopped moving. Great....


    So, being trapped he did the only thing he could do. He reached out with Connectivity and empowered his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits all three of them. He started to do some work! On his vacation, hoping that would distract himself. The JLI were temporarily lending their satellites to the world to use as communication hubs. So Lash answered a few hundred emails. He also messaged his pack, and told them he was in Gotham for the next three days. Peyton, and Mikhail who were still awake in Europe said hello. They would love to come over to Gotham to see him, but work is...Well work. Lash said he would try and come see them instead. Maybe Kory would like Paris? Was Paris even standing?


    He contacted Jessabell, Soluna, Li''Ana, Selina, and Booraku. Booraku was the only one who got back to him with in a few minutes. It was only 5:00 am in Gotham so that made sense. Booraku wished him well, and would love to see the whole pack in a single place for once. He was at a Shield and Sword facility just outside of Gotham helping with a security detail. Booraku had received a promotion during the invasion. So he was a team leader to a security operations team. So getting a handle on him would be a bit of a task.


    Next up was his Warden friends... Timothy, Mahalia, Simon, and Sam! He sent a message to Skaleg, but the viking lived up north along the Canadian border. Sent a message to Ivy....BOOOM! A window shattering explosion rocked the whole building just down the street. Thankfully the building they lived in was magically reinforced so they were fine. But no one was asleep anymore! Lash pulled up the security shutters and looked out the window. About three city blocks down the road were several police officers shooting at a group of people. Then one of the people clapped? And the....BOOOM! Was sent out across from the mans hands...


    Attention User! Dynamic event!


    Optional: Stop the meta gang from causing anymore destruction.


    Optional: Stop the police, and assist the gang.


    Optional: Utterly destroy the gang for ruining your lady friends nap time!


    Comment: Good morning!


    With a flash of the spell Calling Lash had his full Warden/ JLI gear on. While Kory was more than willing to fight naked Lizzy was there to stop her from doing so. While Vyllith sharing in Lash''s abilities called her own gear onto her body. Lash went to the glass door of the balcony and the gargoyles stationed there looked at him with concern. He did a quick cast of Invisibility and blinked out of existence. His home would be secure, as Vyllith winked out of existence behind him. He used Falling Glide and jumped off the building and flew across the street at high speed.


    Name: Shock Wave, VI Avatar.


    Title: Star Scream!


    Origin: Meta


    Rank: C-


    Skills: Hand to Hand, Fire Arms, Leadership, Knitting (See tool tip)


    Powers: Sound Manipulation, Superhuman Durability, Superhuman Healing, (See tool tip)


    Domains: N/A


    Traits: N/A


    Disposition: Hostile


    Comment: Shock Wave is a well known, and feared Meta gang leader in Gotham. He has good leadership skills, and knows when to inspire loyalty, and when to inspire fear. He had a General Warrant out of on. (Alive if possible, dead if necessary).


    Another window shattering explosion rocked the whole city block as the police officers behind their now wrecked police cruisers were sent to their backsides as the shock wave destroyed the area. But it seemed Shock Wave had enough control to not liquefy the cops. There were three other Meta''s standing near him, while a few more mundanes had grins on their faces and were keeping an eye out for more cops.


    CRACK! Lash stomped into between the gang, and the police officers coming out of Invisibility wearing his Wraith disguise. He stood at his full 8 foot tall height looking at the gang who at that point paled in recognition. As several of the mundane gang members thought it better to run now. Shock Wave''s eyes narrowed and he went to clap his hands again. Two blades of pure darkness thrust out from the ground and slashed down. Shock Wave didn''t register what had happened, he went to clap and all he got was a wet sloshing sound. From the wrist up, his hands were gone.


    ¡°GAAAAAAAAH!¡± Shock Wave screamed in horror!


    Congratulations User! Darkness Manipulation has evolved into Minor Darkness Manipulation.


    Effects: Power increase, decrease in energy consumption, increase level of manipulation.


    One of Lash''s tentacles whipped out and sent a blue Psionic pulse wave towards the group. Each of the meta''s dropped as they had 100,000 volts of energy pass through them. Lash cast Burning on Shock Wave''s hands to stem the bleeding and then began to construct inhibitors. A gust of wind rushed past him and Vyllith sprinted after the gang that were trying to escape. Less than thirty seconds later Starfire flew over head to assist Vyllith in her captor.


    ¡°Agent Wraith?¡± One of the police officers called out. Lash looked up to see the officers on their feet and gradually walking over.


    ¡°Hello officers, I apologize for stepping in with out authorization. I also forgot to read them their rights.¡± Lash said in his animalistic voice that made them all jump. But the initial officer smiled wide at him.


    ¡°Not at all Sir! Welcome home.¡± The officer said with a smile, and a sentiment that was shared by the rest.


    ¡°For a little while...¡± Lash said softly, and all of the officers understood. Lots to do!


    Dynamic Event Complete!


    Reward: Increased positive reputation with GCPD.


    Reward: Increased negative reputation with Gotham City criminal underworld.


    Reward: Brutality bonus! One Dream Point!


    Once all the inhibitors were clamped onto the meta''s and the gang had been rounded up Lash begrudgingly reattached Shock Wave''s hands. Then he spent time repairing the police officers vehicles. When he found out it would be over two hours before a high security vehicle would be coming by Lash scoffed and just started to create one. He passed the officer in charge a small USB with Lash''s after action report. He couldn''t come by the station, and the officer understood. So they left! With their brand new prison transport.


    ¡°So, who wants breakfast?¡± Lash asked his two companions. Kory remembering Lash''s food jumped into the air with a twirl. Vyllith raised an eye brow at Kory, but a smile did tug on her lips.


    ___________


    A breakfast feast was made by Lash for his first morning with his family once again. All the ladies at the table stared at Kory when she consumed stacks of pancakes and asked for more. Lash educated them that the people of Tamara have nine stomachs. A fast metabolism, and any and all food she eats will just help power her abilities. Lizzy grumbled as she stared at Kory with envy. Kory being the ever kind soul that she was shared her pancakes with Lizzy not understanding the situation.


    ¡°So, Lash what are your plans for today?¡± Isabella asked as she stiffed a giggle watching Kory trying to feed Lizzy, as Lizzy tried to not glare at the well meaning Tamaran.


    ¡°Well I have four gorgeous women with me. So this would normally be a great time to see the high lights of Gotham City. However, most of Gotham is in ruins. So, tell me Edwardo''s shopping boutique still open?¡± Lash asked Isabella with a grin.


    ¡°Why yes it is! In fact I can call them and they''ll send a car over right away!¡± Isabella said with a grin and jumped to her feet to get her phone. Lizzy turned away from the offered pancake and smiled at Lash.


    ¡°I haven''t been around, let me treat you to a day in the spa Lizzy?¡± Lash asked, with a sad expression on his face. Lizzy stood up from her seat and crawled into his lap at the table and hugged him.


    ¡°I don''t blame you...¡± Lizzy whispered to him...Then pulled back with a mischievous grin. ¡°Are you paying?¡± Lizzy asked, and Lash nodded. She let out a girly squeal and jumped from his lap to go changed. While Vyllith, and Kory looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°Oh! Right, this may be a new, and hopefully fun experience for all of you!¡± Lash said to them both.


    Thirty minutes later they were all in a spell charmed armored SUV. Driving down the ruined city streets of Gotham. Lash tasked his Tech-spirits to ran the breath of Gotham and make a list of things that were broken. It was a long list. While Lizzy, and Isabella explained to Kory, and Vyllith was a spa day was. Kory being a Princess was use to such treatment. But Vyllith was beside herself with confusion. While the driver was trying to stay focused on the road of ahead of him. He kept glancing at Lash.


    ¡°If you have a question go ahead and ask.¡± Lash said softly, just loud enough for the Kindred to hear him.


    ¡°You don''t hold the Kindred responsible?¡± The man asked, and Isabella all but hissed at the man.


    ¡°No, No I don''t. I am not the type of person who blames an entire group for the actions of the few.¡± Lash said with a small smile and gently turned to pat Isabella on the knee she gave him a contrite expression. The Kindred driver exhaled, and the tension oozed out of his body.


    What did the Kindred have to do with anything? That was who had beguiled the mundane gangs to kill the Shaw family. More specifically a blood-mutt who was with out a house thanks to the oversight. The blood-mutt didn''t understand that Lash may have been the catalyst. But the oversight was coming one way or another. So the blood-mutt used Lash as a focus for their anger. Lady Kali the Kindred master of Gotham had tracked the mutt down and had intended punish them. But they were dead before she found them. With out a house master to empower them the blood-mutts are far more fragile.


    The spell armored SUV rolled through a baffle field and they pulled up the Edwardo''s! Lash hadn''t been here since he brought Selina Kyle for her birthday. That felt like a life time ago, but it was only three years. Or was it longer? Time difference between realities hurt his brain. The ladies jumped out of the SUV and Lash followed in their wake. The driver brought the car to the underground garage and would wait for them when it was time to leave.


    Stepping inside the boutique of Edwardo''s Fashion and Design! Waiting for them stood Edwardo Kuldr, Master of house Kuldr who had been a Baron, but was now Viscount. Lash could feel the power under Kuldr''s skin. He was still getting use to the power that was granted to him through his blood line. Edwardo was 5''9¡± with a three piece black, pin stripped suit. A silver chain went across his vest, and he held a tulip in his lapel. He had light caramel skin, a bit of a latino suav to the man.


    ¡°Warden, welcome home. What can we be of service today?¡± Edwardo asked, and Lash could tell the man was nervous. Lash looked at Isabella for help, and she looked just as confused as he did.


    ¡°House Master, I''m confused as to why you are acting this way. It is of course a pleasure to see you again. But?¡± Lash asked, as there was a palpable tension in the air. Vyllith, and Kory both spread out just a bit, and Lizzy was very slowly reaching for a blade she kept in her waist.


    There were about two dozen Kindred in the store, it was a big store! Plush red carpet on the ground that ran through the whole complex. Each portion of the store was like a strip mall with its own enclosed area with glass sides, and open doors. But the whole place was meant to be designed, and catered towards women, and the men with them. It had red cherry wood floors, marble walls, and intricate designs of different Kindred house language inscribed on the walls. They had done a few updates since he was last here.


    Then the driver that Lash had seen from before came walking into the boutique and a fast pace. Not running, but definitely speeding walking. He came to a stop near Kuldr and waited to be called on. He looked at Lash, and then it dawned on him. Kuldr was afraid Lash was here seeking retribution. Lash''s shoulders sagged, and he started to laugh just a bit. A short quick, but harsh laugh that made everyone jump. The shadows reached across the floor, and the lights dimmed just a bit. Then when Lash spoke, so did Saurian.


    ¡°Master of House Kuldr, have we ever given you or any Kindred the thought that we are racist? That we would blame an entire race because of the actions of a few?¡± Lash/Saurian asked Edwardo who swallowed audibly but shook his head in a clear no.


    ¡°Then please do me a favor, spread the word. We don''t hold you accountable. Lady Kali has ensured that the those responsible have been punished. I hold no ill will towards the Blood-Kindred, nor the blood-mutts. We are not that kind of hunter.¡± Lash/Saurian said as one, then the shadows pulled back. Light returned to the room and Lash smiled at Edwardo.


    ¡°Now, it is these lovely ladies birthdays. You know Lizzy, and Isabella. This one is my good friend Princess Koriand''r from Tamara. Yes, she is alien royalty. This is Vyllith my one and only Hell Knight.¡± Lash said, and when Edwardo looked at him in shock. ¡°Oh, yes I have the noble rank of Count in the hell dimension Tartarus.¡± Lash supplied the answer, and Edwardo''s eyes went huge. Edwardo, Viscount of house Kuldr practically clicked heels together.


    ¡°Then welcome to our establishment! We will take good care of you! May I suggest the spa first?¡± Edwardo asked, and Lash agreed. The ladies seem to understand the situation, and Kory being the ever enthusiastic shopper jumped in with excitement.


    Once the mood switched to shopping Edwardo came alive! He was flamboyant, boisterous, and full of energy! Lash could feel his Kindred power sweeping across the whole store, it was not mind control just more of a suggestion that everyone fell into quickly. Lash took out ten solid coins of Orichalcum and placed them in Edwardo''s hands. Lash swore the man''s eyes almost popped out of his skull.


    ¡°Expenses, and tip for everyone. Should be enough, right?¡± Lash asked, and Edwardo carefully tucked the coins away in his inside pocket. He smiled wide at Lash, the red glow around his eyes glowed brilliantly.


    ¡°Yes of course!¡± Edwardo replied, and bowed from his waist. Then turned on his heel and followed after the ladies intending to personally attend them.


    Lash was completely content to just follow behind but Kory insisted that he join them in the spa. Having nothing better to do he decided to join in as well. It was an interesting experience, not bad! Just...different. He couldn''t do the manicure, or pedicure. His nails actually broke the files. He did a milk bath which was an interesting experience. He was incredibly entertained when he went to join the ladies in the massage room. Mostly because it took several staff members to work on his whole body. Lots of tension! Or he was just incredibly durable.


    They skipped the sauna portion has Lash just cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. It pulled all the chemicals, toxins, and waste out of their bodies. Then their bodies received all their vital needs. At last they were ready to go shopping! The ladies left the spa wrapped up in bathrobes and scampered across the red plush carpet while Lash followed in their wake wearing casual day wear. Edwardo rejoined the ladies for the buying of clothing. When Edwardo discovered that Isabella had learned the Enchantment Domain he was beside himself with joy! Apparently she was the only one in the house with the Domain.


    Lash sat on a couch as he watched the ladies step out of a curtain doing a model run way combination. Kory was happy to learn that the lingerie could be enchanted to withstand a high melting point. From lingerie was to swim suits. Then they started on seductive wear, to social gatherings. Lash paid attention and gave his input. Even Saurian made a few comments. Understanding that each battle field, and every hunt had its own purpose and gear to wear. Sometimes wearing something seductive is just what you need to bait your prey into place.


    Next came accessories! Jewelry, piercings, enchanted tattoos that would move and change according to the wielder. Magical dye jobs. Kory was disappointed however none of the items did anything but look pretty. She said that Lash could make things on the fly that looked amazing, and had extra effects. Vyllith agreed, and Edwardo was curious. So they brought out an enchanters tool set and watched as Lash practically spun gold for them.


    It didn''t take long for the artist to learn that Lash was a Master Enchanter. He crafted the items then with out using any tool he simply spoke the words of the spell and the item would become Enchanted. Then he made something that almost made Edwardo fall over in shock.


    Orichalcum, Nth metal, and Oan metal ring.


    Rating: A+ (S-)


    Effect: Quality Enhancement


    Effect: Tattoo attachment.


    Effect: Size Alteration + or ¨C 5.


    Effect: Physiology Adaption.


    Effect: Increase Blood-Kindred conversion by 50%.


    Effect: Natural Energy Absorption to help supplement the conversion speed.


    Effect: Awaken Dormant Trait.


    Comment: WTF!? What is wrong with you!


    The ring had a Orichalcum core, with Nth metal wrapped around it. With just a tiny bit of Oan metal that would help with the absorption process. But essentially Lash had cut the Blood-Kindred conversion rate in half. Normally it would take 100 years for a newly converted to finish their transition. Now it would only take 50 years. Also, every Blood-Kindred that goes through the transition would have a chance...''chance'' to awaken a trait tied to their blood line. Now with this ring, it was guaranteed. Lash handed it to Edwardo to do with it as he pleased. The enchanters who had watched its creation were struck dumb! They had no idea how he did that.


    ¡°I...I...I don''t know if I can accept this....¡± Edwardo said, as he continued to hold the ring in his hands. The entire store filled with Kindred looked at him as if he was out of his mind!


    ¡°OK...¡± Lash said and plucked it from Edwardo''s hand who looked he''d been stabbed in the heart.


    Then Lash turned to look at Isabella and pulled her hand forward and put the ring on her right ring finger. It took effect immediately and the ring became a small tattoo mark on her finger. Energy coursed through her whole body, her eyes fluttered closed and she let out a soft moan of delight. She was still a newly converted, but now as long as she continued to wear the ring she would be done in forty some odd years instead of eighty plus.


    ¡°When you finish your conversion give that to your house master, alright?¡± Lash asked Isabella who slowly opened her eyes and grinned at Lash.


    ¡°Of course! I''ll be happy too!¡± Isabella said with a delightful laugh then jumped into Lash''s arms and gave him a big kiss. It was a bit to long because Lizzy cleared her throat and elbowed Lash in the ribs. He winced and set his sisters wife down who blushed. Lizzy raised a brow at them both with a bit of a grin.


    ¡°So its a gift to my sisters wife, who will then in change gift it to her house when she is finished. Loop hole.¡± Lash said with a grin at Edwardo who smiled back at him.


    ¡°Agreed! However, we must ensure that no one finds out about this.¡± Edwardo said, then used his power as house master to make every Kindred who witnessed this exchange to secrecy.


    Envy was in every Blood-Kindred''s eyes. Only a few full blood-kindred''s worked in the boutique. So, all that assisted with today''s shopping looked at Isabella with jealousy and delight. Their house had gained an incredible boon today. But another question was on their minds as well. Lash had crafted that ring like it was nothing! Could he do it again?


    The store had a very nice restaurant and they all sat down for a meal together. Lash made a quick phone call and received a enjoyable reply. Then returned to his ladies company. Something Lash hadn''t given any thought was the fact that Isabella by placing the ring on had jumped ahead of her evolution by several decades. So she was a lot stronger than she was use to. She kept breaking things! Thankfully Lizzy was half Amazon and didn''t break easy.


    Lash wrote up a nice little manual about the ring, its pro''s and con''s for Edwardo who looked at the pages like it was a holy script. Once again Lash had done something simple for him, that could change the fundamental foundation of his world for the Blood-Kindred. In all their lives they had never discovered a way to speed up the conversion process with out destroying or horribly mutating their children. Of course they didn''t have access to Nth metal, or Oan metal either.


    ¡°Warden are you intending on attending the Summer Solstice Ball¡± Edwardo asked, as the drivers were stacking the purchases into the second car. It wouldn''t fit into first.


    ¡°I am, hopefully! Life is complicated.¡± Lash said in exasperation. Edwardo nodded his head in agreement.


    ¡°Participating in the games?¡± Edwardo''s eyes lite up in excitement, then dwindled when Lash shook his head.


    ¡°Afraid not, I have access to the Space, and Time Domains. I''m disqualified.¡± Lash replied, and Edwardo was disappointed.


    ¡°A shame, I know a lot of Fae looked forward to trying to hunt you down. Maybe we could....¡± Edwardo said, but didn''t finish as he took out his phone to send an IM.


    ¡°Some loop hole I don''t know about?¡± Lash asked, honestly he had enjoyed the hunt with the Winter Court.


    ¡°How would you feel to a solo operation?¡± Edwardo said with a grin as he looked up at Lash. Lash raised a brow, and Saurian sent a pleasant growl of appreciation.


    ¡°I''ll send Li''Ana the details. No promises but I think more than a few people would be interested in the idea.¡± Edwardo replied, he bowed from his waist in goodbye. Lash returned the gesture then the man turned on his heel and started to make some calls.


    _______________


    They returned home and had to make several trips from the parking garage to his home. But it was worth it! Lash loved buying gifts for his people. But he informed his family it was not over yet. Put on something nice but comfy we are having dinner at a friends house tonight! Soon another car was prepared for them and they began to drive through the ruined streets under a Anonymity spell effect. Outside of Gotham City into the rural mansions of Gotham. Towards Wayne Manor.


    Lash was 6''6¡± with tanned skin bordering on caramel. He had tribal marks along his bald scalp, down his neck, along his shoulders, arms, chest, and back. Each new Domain he obtained gave him a new set of markings. The further he went into the Domain the bigger the tribal marks were. He wore a black suit, with a black shirt, and no tie. Though it was all an illusion thanks to his Glamour he still wore his Warden/JLI gear underneath.


    Vyllith wore her gear as well but her glamour put her in a dress suit with long black pants, black shirt, and suit jacket. She had three inch high heeled boots. With a silver ornate belt, and she brushed her hair to one side of her face. She wore silver choker with Lash''s Warden symbol engraved on it. Her skin was a healthy tanned skin tone. She used the glamour to hide her tail, claws, knife point ears, and horns. But kept her lilac eyes. She was watching the scenery move by trying to memorize the lay out.


    Koriand''r had chosen a long white shimmering dress the wrapped around one shoulder and left the other bare. The skirt went past her knees, and a slit went to her mid thigh. She had four inch heels on with black and silver straps up her calf''s. Her hair was pulled back into a french braid with golden string woven into it. Lash had done it for her, and she was incredibly pleased with it. She decided to go orange tonight since Wayne Manor was part of the JLI. She didn''t need to hide her heritage as an alien. Kory being Kory decided to go commando for the evening.


    Lizzy wore a tight short skirt green dress with a deep V cut that went to her sternum. Because of her partial-Amazonian physic she had the muscle, and body type to make it work. Her red curly hair was tied back with curls framing her face. She had a golden serpent necklace one, where the head of the snake was between her breasts. Its scales would glitter in the light. She wore black stiletto heels with a bladed edge to them. Something her Amazonian sisters insisted on. They didn''t seem to understand that stiletto heels were not weapons.


    Isabella wore three inch black naked toed shoes. With a half black, half white skirt. The black portion started at her right knee then wrapped around her front. While the white half started at her left back shoulder and wrapped around her back to her front. Exposing one of her shoulders. She had her silver column earrings in to highlight her caramel skin. Her long auburn hair was pulled back two twin brains at the front that pulled back her hair, and came together in the back. Strips of silver were tied into her hair.


    Despite Lash insisting they didn''t need to dress up. It was Wayne Manor! Plus they wanted to try out their clothes they had just bought. Lash sent advanced warning to Selina about the situation and she sent a laughing emoji. Lash was driving the vehicle, they order the car but not a driver. Many of the suburb area''s of Gotham were intact. Some of them were not. While the many mansions in the country side were gated, and closed off. Lash could see several of them had seen better days.


    Wayne Manor was one of the few to survive the invasion and for good reason. A stone perimeter wall stretched across the entire border of the estate. Lash sent Technomancy pulse through the wall and found that it was reinforced with metal, and an assortment of gizmo''s that would make people have a bad day if they touched it. Pulling through the gate that opened for them. Lash drove up the long path towards the house. There were hundreds of automated turrets, devices, and mechanical trees hidden in the small forest.


    Standing at the ready as impeccably dressed as ever was Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred wore a three piece black suit. With silver cuff links, and a silver clasp around his neck. He suit had tails to it, which always made Lash smile. His shoes were black leather and shinned in the dying light of the sun. He pressed a white gloved hand to his chest and bowed when the car arrived in front of him. Lash stepped out, and Alfred helped the ladies out of the car.


    ¡°A good evening to you, Master Lash. Welcome back. Hello to you Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Isabella.¡± Alfred said with perfect manners that even made Vyllith raise a brow in appreciation.


    ¡°Alfred, this is Princess Koriand''r of Tamara. This is Vyllith my one and only knight.¡± Lash introduced the women he didn''t know. Alfred clicked his heels and bowed again, saying each of their names and welcoming them to Wayne Manor.


    ¡°I like you.¡± Vyllith said when he was finished. Alfred for his credit kept his face expressionless, but there was a glint in his eyes that Lash noticed.


    Alfred led the way into the Manor. Wayne Manor was impressive out the outside. But was spectacular on the inside. A combination of royalty from England, to modern day minimalist. Dark wooden floors, tapestries, and suits of armor. All of it concealed the many camera''s, devices, and tools that protected the home. They stepped up one of, as in plural grand marble stair cases to the second floor. Where their dinner guests awaited them. Vyllith leaned in and asked why Lash''s didn''t have a castle like this. Which made him laugh, and he gave her a side hug. Vyllith was a little confused, she had been serious. Why doesn''t Lash have a mansion?


    ¡°Took you long enough!¡± Selina called out to them when they arrived at the dinning room.


    Selina Kyle was 5''7¡± with pixie cut short black hair, and had green cat eyes. Literally, cat eyes. The divine spark of Bast glowed in them when Selina saw Lash. She wore a long cashmere sweater the top, and black snug fit pants, and slip on shoes. She had decided to dress casual given it was her house, or soon would be. She danced over to Lash and jumped on him to give him a hug.


    ¡°Good to see you, Selina.¡± Lash said softly to her, and her eyes glowed with a divine spark.


    ¡°Your different...¡± Selina, and a whisper of Bast said into his ear.


    ¡°Ahem.....¡± A man cleared his throat and Lash looked over at Richard Grayson aka Nightwing.


    Richard Grayson (Dick) was 5''10¡± with a athletic gymnastic body type. Long lines, dense muscle, dancer movement. He had a long grin on his face as he came over and shook Lash''s hand. He wore a casual suit jacket, buttoned up shirt, and black slacks. His eyes danced across the different women he was with and froze on Koriand''r. Kory looked at him as well and Lash could see a connection establish between them. Wait, was this the first time they''d seen each other? He could have sworn they met at the Watch Tower during a JLI briefing.


    Next up was Jason Todd the current Robin. 5''10¡± and still growing. He had short slicked back black hair. With dark blue eyes that held many secrets and pain. He wore a navy blue tee, with black slacks, and black tennis shoes. Feeling a little under dressed when he saw three of the ladies in seductive clothing. He walked over and tried to introduce himself and his voice cracked a bit. He blushed and looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole and die. Lizzy instantly wrapped him in her arms and smothered him.


    Then there was Barbara Gordon! She was 5'' 7¡± with green eyes, and auburn hair to her shoulders. She wore a tight white buttoned up shirt that was hugging her breasts nicely. She had undone the first few buttons to reveal her cleavage just a bit. She wore slim rimmed glasses, and had skin tight blue jeans on. She walked over wearing a pair of flats and smiled at Lash. She gave him a hug, and a kiss on his cheek. Lash noticed she had a mild burn scar along her left side of her neck. But he also noticed signs of repair, Ethan''s work. Then came some one Lash was struck dumb to see.


    ¡°We haven''t met yet. Katherine Kane.¡± Katherine held her hand out to Lash which he took with a smile.


    Katherine Kane aka Batwoman was 5'' 11¡± had red hair in a bob cut. Easy to put a mask on with that. She had a rectangular figure, bordering on inverted triangle. Broad shoulders, muscular physic, very athletic. She didn''t seem to get the memo about casual because she wore a green cheongsam that went to her ankles. The design had a heavenly dragon''s tail starting at her neck, then wrapped around her body, with its head at her left thigh area. She wore three inch red heels, and blushed a bit when Lash focused on her. Which was a little bit of a surprise because Kathrine was preferred woman. Which Lash was more than happy to introduce her to the lovely ladies next to him.


    Bruce Wayne was last, but certainly not least. 6''2¡± in height, inverted triangle figure. Broad shoulders, strong back, and solid dense muscles found in martial artists. Not bulky! But dense muscle. He wore a midnight black three piece suit with a red tie. He looked like a prince of darkness standing off to the side. He had short black hair, and ocean blue eyes. He walked over with the practice grace of a predator and shook Lash''s hand.


    ¡°Welcome back, come sit down. Alfred has been dying to fix you dinner since you showed him up last time.¡± Bruce said with a smile.


    ¡°Most unkind, sir.¡± Alfred said with bit of mischief in his eye.


    They took their seats around the large dark furnished dinning room table with a crystal chandelier above them. Lash sat next to Selina at her insistence she she continued to play with his hand when ever she could. She hadn''t seen him in a long while, and her cat instincts insisted that she be able to play with him a bit. Bruce didn''t bat an eye, neither did anyone else except for Jason, and Kathrine who were a little bit confused as to why?


    Lash focused on the two unknowns at the table. Jason, and Kathrine. Technically in the comics Jason is killed by the Joker then comes back via Lazarus pits and becomes the Red Hood. But Joker is dead in Lash''s Dream. So would he continue as Robin? Then Lash made a mental note to look up Tim Drake in the future. Jason was having a very animated, all be it a bit embarrassing conversation with Lizzy about different styles of martial arts. Then he blurted out about how he bet he could take her in a fight. Which only made Bruce raise a brow at his young ward.


    ¡°I mean...I don''t think we should fight now. I just mean....¡± Jason was blushing now, his ears were red. Lizzy cackled at his misfortune and hugged him close. Jason was all to happy to press up against Lizzy.


    ¡°Miss Kane.¡± Lash began but he was interrupted.


    ¡°Just Kathrine, please.¡± She said to him and turned to look at him. She had been watching Vyllith with interest.


    ¡°I don''t see you on the JLI registry, are you on the fence about joining?¡± Lash asked the question that was bothering him. Richard, and Jason both stopped what they were doing at looked at Kathrine hoping for an answer.


    ¡°I haven''t decided yet. Honestly, I just want to focus on Gotham. I know that the JLI pulls everyone in so many directions.¡± Kathrine said, as she took a sip of water as Alfred began to place the appetizers for everyone.


    ¡°You could sign up as a part of the Guard. Only called upon in case of world wide emergencies. Still have access to the Watch Tower. Or, is there another reason you don''t wish to join? Please don''t miss understand I am not pressuring you. I just think you would be a good fit there.¡± Lash offered an alternative to the issue and Kathrine gave it some thought.


    They switched subjects and Lash asked about Gotham has a whole. Reconstruction efforts, what was Wayne tech doing? Did they need help? Did the museum of art survive the invasion? It did! Eventually before the main course arrived Lizzy, and Jason stepped away from the dinning room table and did a soft spar. Lizzy pinned Jason inside of ten seconds. Then pinned him the other six times he tried. It wasn''t until the seventh spar that Bruce cleared his throat and Jason sulked back to his seat.


    ¡°You should go to the Watch Tower training hall, Jason. We have training drills for fighting against enhanced people.¡± Lash offered the boy who looked up in confusion then looked at Lizzy in shock who had an innocent smile on her face.


    ¡°Wait what?!¡± Jason asked, clearly confused while Barbara, Richard, and Isabella laughed a him.


    ¡°Lizzy has gone through the trials and rituals to become partial-Amazonian. She was adopted into their sisterhood. So you were fighting a enhanced individual.¡± Lash said to the boy and a realization dawned on him. Then he looked at Lizzy in confusion.


    ¡°You...Don''t look like your super powered.¡± Jason said, then flinched a little under Bruce''s stare that he could feel from across the table.


    ¡°Not everyone does.¡± Richard provided a bit of distraction. ¡°I mean look at Supergirl, if you didn''t see her in armor you would assume she was a young girl fresh out of high school.¡± Richard continued, and Kory agreed that looks can be deceiving.


    When Gotham Cities underworld is your backyard you tend to learn that if they look weird, they may have weird abilities. Seemed like Jason was still learning that they don''t have to look weird to be weird. They continued to talk about abilities and key figures on what to look for. Kathrine asked about the Amazons and do they have a criteria for joining? Ooohhhh! Kathrine becoming an Amazon? Sent shivers down Lash''s spine.


    The meal, was excellent! Lash was looking forward to dueling Alfred again. Next time he would actually cook instead of just pulling stuff out of thin air. Alfred at last joined them at the table at Selina''s insistence, then the man told a delightful story about Master Bruce when he was younger! Alfred was incredibly animated, and an excellent story teller. Selina grinned, and held Bruce''s hand who indulged every one. Lash snapped his fingers and cast Immaculate on the dishes for instant clean. Alfred glowered at him, but accepted it.


    ¡°I didn''t see you on the registry either.¡± Kathrine said to him as she came to walk by his side. They were currently walking through Wayne Manor and Alfred was playing tour guide.


    ¡°Technically I''m not, rules with being a part of the UNWS. Though I am a founding member of the JLI. Once I finish my tour of duty I''ll officially join.¡± Lash said to her, then offered her his arm. She stared at him for a moment then realized what he was doing. She took his offered arm and walked side by side with him.


    ¡°Things are complicated here... Bruce lets me use the cave. I have supplies. What could the Watch Tower offer me that I don''t already have.¡± Kathrine asked, they lagged behind the group.


    ¡°Dental!¡± Lash asked with a smile, and Kathrine grinned at him.


    ¡°No offense meant to Alfred but the Watch Tower has some of the best medical facilities in the Sol System. Yes, the system not just Earth. We also have training facilities, equipment, and of course we also have a really nice party hall filled with all sorts of delightful women more than happy to entertain you.¡± Lash said, practically offering honey pots for the woman. She looked at him with a shocked expression that started to laugh.


    ¡°Most of all its a community. The hero life is often a long, and lonely one. The Watch Tower provides a place for all of us to come together and share something that we can''t share with others. Aside from them who else knows about your extra curricular activities?¡± Lash asked, as he gestured towards the bat family.


    ¡°My Dad....That''s it.¡± Kathrine said, as she chewed on her bottom lip for a bit.


    ¡°Plus you get paid!¡± Lash supplied another reason. She stopped and looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°We get paid? Why?¡± Kathrine said, honestly curious.


    ¡°Not everyone is a billionaire. I''m not saying we are heroes for hire. Nothing like that, but it is far easier for our people to focus their attention on doing their jobs when they don''t have to worry about rent. Providing for their families. Plus we''ll let you use guns!¡± Lash said at the finish. Thanks to Erik''s insight about Kathrine.


    ¡°Bruce doesn''t like guns.¡± Kathrine asked, they had stopped now and the group had left them behind.


    ¡°We are working on a dendrotoxin bullet. Meant to be a none lethal version. We are hoping to provide for the police. Normal bullets do little to nothing against a lot of Meta''s. But DB''s can be absorbed through the skin. So shoot enough and you''ll drop most people. Even if their skin is bullet proof.¡± Lash said, as he pulled Kathrine along. A smile stretched across her lips.


    ¡°Tell you what! I''ll joined up under one condition...You make my first suit?¡± Kathrine asked, and Lash looked at with a grin growing on his lips.


    ¡°Barbara would not stop talking about the suit you made for her. I guess I''m a little jealous.¡± Kathrine said.


    ¡°Deal.¡± Lash grinned at her. Batwoman had joined the JLI.


    ==============================================================


    ***HR. China***


    A resounding BOOM! Thundered across the sky, followed by a brilliant tube of light. A Boom Tube! Out from light came a solitary figure approximately 9 feet tall. Covered in an insectoid like carapace like armor. A breathing apparatus was attached to the creatures face. The tube behind the creature closed and they were swallowed by darkness. A tiny black box on the creatures hip pinged at him several times. Then a series of clicks, and clacks came from the mask. Ping...Ping....The box continued to chime at him. The creature pulled the box from his belt and tapped a few key panels. The box expanded and became a type of liquid. It grew over the creatures left arm forming a bracer. With a single solitary red iris, and several inscriptions across the bracer.


    ¡°Translation complete of local flora, and fauna. Welcome to Earth Max Teus Ferru. For Darkseid!¡± The Father Box said.


    ¡°For Darkseid...¡± Max Teus Ferru replied...


    Galen


    Sorry it took so long. But the graveyard scene was hard to write.

 Chapter 104: Carmine Falcone

    =========================================================


    ***HR. Alpha Centauri System***


    On the tail edge of the system a small tear opened up between dimensions. The tear let out an eerie blue light as ghostly specters seem flee from the tear only to reform into cosmic energy and fade into the darkness that is space. From the tear was a giant ruined ship! The ship was massive in size, and it was only matched in its size by its warped, and twisted parts of the machine. Four giant engines on the back of the ship sputtered, and spit, then completely shut down. Bulk heads were torn asunder as it pulled free of the dimensional tear. Luckily no portion of the ship that was torn asunder was populated.


    The ship itself was nearly a mile long, with 1,500 feet as a radius. The ship itself was in fact several hundred smaller ships linked together around a specific engine drive core. That specific drive core was a phantom zone engine. This ship was Kryptonian in origin, using the drive core they skimmed the edge of the true phantom zone and used it to travel vast distances.


    The giant ship made up of civilians pleasure yachts, transport ships, and military vessels. The designs looked similar to crystals designed with a mechanics hand. To metal ships that looked aerodynamic as possible. To giant behemoths warships with a variety of cannons, and broken wing frames. Long, angular designs, like spear points jutting into the night sky. One by one tiny sub-light engines turned on and the ship lurched forward.


    -------


    Contained within one of the massive military vessels stood the command deck to this whole mess of a scrap heap. There was a man floating in the empty space of operations. He turned, and gently pushed against the deck towards a station off to his right. The man floated over to he station and the soldier their saluted him. He nodded in return and looked at the display. He signed in annoyance, then the door to operations opened up and a engineer floated in.


    ¡°General Zod! Our sensors tell us that the next system is our destination.¡± A man with the uniform of a military engineer informed Dru-Zod with a bit of good news.


    ¡°Good, but how long will it take for the phantom drive to spin up again?¡± Dru-Zod asked the man. Who looked like he had bitten into something sour.


    ¡°It will be several months until the drive is ready for the next jump. However, a bit of news there is an asteroid belt with metals similar to our ship structures. We can use this time to make repairs to our ships.¡± The engineer replied with a tight smile that was mirrored by Dru.


    ¡°Very well! Make best speeds to the belt.¡± Dru ordered and the soldiers on the deck saluted and went back to their task. The engineer left the operations room, and Dru floated back to the main command console.


    General Dru-Zod stood at approximately 6''3¡± with midnight black eyes, black hair, and chocolate colored skin. He was built with an inverted triangle physique. He was a rare specimen even among Kryptonians. A sharp body, mind, and many would suspect even a soul. For he was one of the few to not lose his mind with in the inner regions of the phantom zone. Unlike others that had been lost to the zone. He wore a typical black polymer thread suit with the house of Zod across his chest.


    ¡°Hmmmm...¡± A hum sounded out behind Dru, he turned and a ghost of a smile was seen on his face before it was replaced with a indifferent expression.


    ¡°Non, what is your report?¡± Dru asked one of the few people he would consider a friend.


    ¡°Engines.... Running out....¡± Non said, struggling with the words. Then he passed a data pad to Dru who took it and read over it.


    Non was a giant of a Kryptonian even compared to Dru. Non stood at approximately 6''6¡± with a rectangular physique. He was wide as a door and had often used that to his advantage when ordered to hold a specific chock point. He also had a brilliant mind... had, had a brilliant mind. The Science Council has lobotomized him as a punishment when Non refused to give up Dru, and Ursa''s location during the rebellion. Now the Kryptonian was slow, and had a hard time comprehending orders. But was still just as determined to do his job as any other time. Maybe even more so.


    ¡°How are the treatments going, Non?¡± Dru asked, after he finished reading the data. They were running out of fuel.


    ¡°Hmmmm...¡± Non replied in the same enthusiastic response he always gave. He kept his military bearing but Dru could see that his friend was fighting against despair.


    ¡°As much as we all hate Fort Rozz their medical facilities are superior to anything we have here. You along with so many of our brothers, and sisters will find relief when we catch up.¡± Dru said to his old friend. A glimmer of hope was alight in Non''s eyes.


    ¡°Thank you for the report, Non. You are dismissed.¡± Dru said to his friend, then turned back to his command console. None left with out a word, and did not make a sound. Something that many people found a little eerie for someone so large.


    Dru continued to work at the console for several hours before he left the operations room to another soldier. He drifted through the ruined, and patched work hall ways. Then came to his private cabin, more than a closet with a harness to keep him from floating around and a computer. He ensured the room was locked, and checked for any listening devices. Old habits! Then he keyed up his computer and watched an old video.


    The video was of him, and Ursa sitting in a hospital room. Ursa had been feeling sick lately, it was effecting her duties. Dru had been worried for one of his best soldiers, and...His lover. When the doctor had come in to inform them that Ursa was pregnant it had shocked them both. Dru ordered a stasis drug be placed around the child until they could figure out what to do. Ursa obeyed with out question. It wasn''t until they had all been sent to the phantom zone that Dru had time to think about that day.


    When Krypton was destroyed it had shook the entire foundations of their society. Krypton had several minor colonies across the different star systems that had not grown enough to be self sufficient. They died out, it wasn''t until the largest colony made a desperate plea and opened up the phantom zone seeking help. Dru, along with so many others escaped the zone. But so many were left behind on the prison ship Fort Rozz. Like Ursa....Like their unborn son. Lor-Zod.


    ¡°I''m coming Ursa.... Keep our son safe, that''s an order.¡± Dru said softly, more to himself than any other. But Ursa had always followed his orders no matter the distance. Dru was sure she would now.


    ============================================================


    ***HR. Wayne Manor, Bat Cave***


    With an audible pop! A spell ribbon spring jumped into existence across the lone platform. Only select personal in the JLI had access to the Bat Cave. Bruce only wanted confirmed, and cleared by security head Hex to have access to his home. Supergirl aka Kara Kent stepped off the platform wearing pink running shoes, blue jeans, and gray sweater top. She had tied her blond hair back into a loose ponytail and looked around the cave with interest. She had never been here before.


    ¡°Hello...?¡± Kara called out, a few chattering calls answered her from above. Bats, lots, and lots of bats. But then a shinning orange light burst into being from the darkness and it flew straight towards her. Kara braced and took the giant hug from her friend Kory with a smile.


    ¡°Kara! I thought that was you!¡± Kory squealed in delight as she picked Kara up and spun her around in a hug. Kara laughed in reply and hugged her back. Then a soft flash of a light distracted them. Kara turned her head to see Richard Grayson taking a photo of them on his holographic.


    ¡°Straight onto my private collection for that one.¡± Richard said then winked at Kara who rolled her eyes at him.


    ¡°How is he?¡± Kara asked the question that was on her mind. Also the main reason she had teleported into the Bat Cave. Kory''s easy going expression wilted just a bit.


    ¡°He''s not 100%. But he''s stubborn, he''ll pull through.¡± Richard replied for her, and gestured for them to follow him.


    Kory flew across the cave and landed next to Richard taking his arm into her own. Something Dick was more than happy to allow. Kara flew over next to them and walked side by side with them. Dick explained a few nick nacks that Bruce kept as trophies such as a giant penny, along with what looked like a baby version of a Saurian? Oh no that was a T-Rex. They came around to the main area of the cave and Kara smiled a bit at the sight.


    Elizabeth Shaw was in a training ring with Jason Todd. They were both wearing gym outfits and Lizzy was pinning Jason every few seconds. Something that was clearly frustrating Jason to no end. Isabella Kuldr was talking to Selina Kyle about something as they watched the two fight inside the ring. Barbara Gordon was standing over near Bruce Wayne, and Kathrine Kane. As Lash worked on the machine shop work bench. Despite the work that Lash was doing that Kara was sure was filled with intense detail he stopped working for a brief moment to turn to look at her. He smiled, and winked at her. Kara smiled back, and felt her ears turn red.


    ¡°Kara, everything alright?¡± Bruce''s hard, but oddly soothing voice slowly called out to her. Bruce walked across the cave with practice grace of a predator.


    ¡°Clark wanted to know when you were available to meet his parents. He''s...Well he''s excited to show them off to everyone.¡± Kara said with a brilliant smile. She was so happy to see her uncle Jor-El, and her Aunt Lara Lor-Von. But it made her miss her own parents.


    ¡°I''m sure. Once we finish up here.¡± Bruce said, and made a point to look at Lash. Kara nodded in agreement. ¡°Then I''ll be more than happy to meet his parents.¡± Bruce added, and guided Kara over to the machine shop tool bench.


    ¡°Make sure you add that auto clean function. I love that about my suit.¡± Barbara said to Lash who smiled, but kept his eyes on the task. Barbara turned to give Kara a small wave then went back to watching Lash work.


    ¡°Kathrine Kane, please call me Kathrine.¡± Kathrine introduced herself to Kara who did the same in return. Kathrine''s eyed Kara up and down with a appreciative gaze. Kara had seen that gaze before from Kory.


    ¡°Where is Vyllith?¡± Kara asked, looking around for the hell knight.


    ¡°With Alfred, they are both upstairs learning from each other. Alfred is a master of wrangling Bruce around so he is teaching her how to do so with Lash.¡± Barbara said with a smirk and Lash grumbled just a bit.


    Kara came around the work bench and saw a black on black bat suit that was clearly designed for a woman. It had a bright red bat symbol on its chest. A light exoskeleton mechanical structure with polymer suit, and flexible armored plates. Kara realized that Lash was making a suit for Kathrine. Oh oh! There were a lot of people in the JLI that wanted Lash to make their suit for them. Watching Lash make a suit was an art form in it self. He would pull energy from the very air and thread it through the suit. Strings or starlight sewn into the blackest night.


    ''We are happy to see you again...'' -Lash/Saurian said across a telepathic message. Kara grinned at them, and felt the knot that had grown taunt in her chest loosen up a bit.


    ¡°Done. Barbara can you help Kathrine put it on I need to see if there is any issue with it.¡± Lash said softly. Barbara jumped to it grabbing the uniform, and Kathrine who smiled in anticipation.


    Lash stood up and walked over and swallowed Kara in a hug. She squeaked softly in surprise then buried herself into his chest. She tucked her arms up and just inhaled his scent. Warm, safe, and happy. That what Lash was to Kara. For a brief moment she felt a towering monster coil around her and Kara smiled almost hearing the scales rattle in contentment. But as good as she felt Kara focused on Lash. She floated up off the ground and kisses his cheek.


    ¡°How are you?¡± Kara whispered, Lash shook his head softly.


    ¡°Ask me again later...¡± Lash replied, then licked her nose. Kara flailed a bit and wiggled her nose.


    ¡°So mean!¡± Kara said, and stuck her tongue out at him. Lash replied by sticking out a long forked tongue at her that gave her the shivers in all the right places. She remembered what Lash was capable of doing with that tongue. Oh great! Now Kara''s mind was in the gutter.... Sigh.


    ===========================================================


    Lash had spun the latest Orichalcum, Nth metal, Mithril, and Oan metal into Batwoman''s suit. Along with a host of spell effects, inscriptions, and gizmo''s. It may be a light weight exoskeleton, but it could complete with with medium gear sets when it came to equipment. It only took a few minutes for Kathrine to come out in uniform. The suit acted like a second skin for her and showed off the contours of her body. Every line, every curve, were accentuated. Then the flexible armor plates went over the polymer body suit. She had a top half mask just Batman did with fiery red hair for her disguise. Her cloak moved about just a little like it was a living thing.


    A wolf whistle sounded out across the cave as Lizzy called out. She had stepped out of the fighting ring with out breaking a sweat. While Jason was gasping for air, and was struggling to stand. Everyone came over to give Batwoman a look over, she spun around and acted the part. Normally Kathrine was a little more conservative but she felt like showing off this time.


    ¡°Go run the obstacle course. Tell me if you feel anything off.¡± Lash suggested to her and she agreed.


    The Bat Cave had a very long, functional obstacle course that was ultimately parkour to the 5th power. Went from cave walls, to concrete slabs, to suburban rooftops. All the way to jungles, and back to cave walls. Batwoman went through the whole course in record time. More than once she simply stuck to a wall thanks to animal spirit invocation. When she came back around Lash asked her to do the course again with only certain tools. Namely only technology, and no magic. She was noticeably slower, but still did it in record time.


    ¡°Want to spar?¡± Batwoman asked Lash, and the room went quiet. Kathrine looked around confused, was she not suppose to ask that?


    ¡°OK...¡± Lash said with a smile and walked towards the fighting ring. He pulled off his Glamour and revealed his Warden/Daemonic armor. With a soft hiss his helmet grew out of his collar and wrapped around his face.


    Lash chose the medium gear set for adaptability, and versatility. The mechanical exoskeleton expanded and covered his body. Long, sleek, reptilian design. His face mask looked like a reptilian skeleton face. His armor plates were design after scales you would find on a crocodile, or maybe a dragon? He decided to stay in human form and jumped over the fighting ring ropes. He landed softly in the center and turned towards Batwoman who swallowed audibly. She squared her shoulders, thrust her chest out, and lifted her chin. She walked across the cave then jumped into the air thanks to the boost to her stats. She landed in the fighting ring with out a sound.


    ¡°Ummm....Begin?¡± Jason said softly from the side of the ring. Then Isabella chimed a little bell. Then a resounding BAM! Echoed through the whole cave. Batwoman was face down with her arm pulled back in a lock.


    ¡°Gaaaah!¡± Batwoman screamed out in pain, and in shock. Less than a second had passed! Lash let her go and stepped back to the other side of the ring.


    ¡°Wait! Wait! I think we should set some rules!¡± Selina said as she came over with a smile.


    ¡°Lash only use mundane abilities please. Its not fair otherwise. Remember its just a spar.¡± Selina said, and Lash nodded in agreement.


    Lash had used Personal Time and simply planted Batwoman into the floor. Batwoman slowly stood up and Lash watched as the suit sent pulses of energy into her ''injured'' areas. She would soon be up and about with no issue. She took a more controlled stance and said she was ready. Lash did the same and the bell was rung again. They both stood there, well Batwoman was bouncing on the balls of her feet waiting for something. Lash stood perfectly still watching her with a careful eye.


    Then Batwoman made a feint to her right and Lash sprinted across the arena moving in on her left. He whipped his leg out in a spin and brought it down hard across the floor mat. A resounding CRASH! Rang out across the cave as Lash brought his boot heel into the ground. Batwoman sprang jumped away and threw a batarang at him. Lash snatched the batarang out of the air. The device exploded into smoke!


    The smoke was harmless but it would confuse and disorient the untrained. Lash sprinted through the smoke with ease and found his target. She jumped to the side using her suits user interface to predict his movement. Then she landed and did a one-two punch maneuver quick and easy. Then jumped away. Lash snagged her left ankle and swung her down into the floor mat. She bit back a groan and tried a spin kick into his face. But Lash had a firm grip on her ankle, she would have to break her tendons to spin.


    ¡°Bruce, how would you get out of this?¡± Lash asked, after about a minute of struggle from Batwoman.


    ¡°Do I know who I am fighting? Or are you a stranger?¡± Bruce asked objectively.


    ¡°Stranger.¡± Lash replied, still holding onto Batwoman''s ankle. She was holding back a scream of frustration but was listening all the same.


    ¡°Batarang, flash bang. With the abilities you''ve shown so far I would assume you are a strong meta that could take a direct flash. So I would throw it directly at you.¡± Bruce said as he came around to look at Batwoman who quickly reached into her utility belt and threw that very thing. Everyone covered their ears as the BANG! Went off.


    Lash let go of her. Though he didn''t flinch at the BANG! Something Bruce noticed. Batwoman began to attack as quickly as she could. Almost with reckless abandonment, as if she had something to prove. Lash would bob and weave, roll to the side, and duck under kicks. He would catch a few unplanned attacks and throw her across the ring. But he wasn''t attacking anymore. Batwoman was lagging behind now. She was tired, despite the exoskeleton doing a lot of the work. She was angry, and spending to much energy.


    Bruce jumped into the ring and caught her from behind. Batwoman spun around with a mechanically boosted fist that would break bones! Bruce easily caught her hand and flipped her with a twist of his hip. She landed on the mat with a scream of frustration and jumped up in fury. Then felt an absolute calm fall over. Lash cast Calm Emotions onto her. Her breathing slowed down. She took stock of the situation and realized her mistake.


    ¡°Last time I saw Lash spar was in Themyscira. He fought against Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and about 50 elite Amazon guards. That was over a year ago. So don''t feel bad.¡± Lizzy said to Batwoman who was slowly feeling her emotions come back to her.


    ¡°Did he win that one too?¡± Jason asked, and Lash barked out a laugh.


    ¡°Goodness no! We only stopped because I cut Superman. It was such a shock that we stopped.¡± Lash replied to Jason, and Kara looked at him in shock.


    ¡°Wait, you actually cut Clark? I didn''t think that was possible.¡± Kara asked, and a few people looked at Lash with a new found respect, and a bit of fear.


    ¡°Kryptonian''s have a weakness to magic. Even Selina in her divine aspect form could cut Clark.¡± Lash said, supplying an alternative to the subject. A few people turned to look at Selina who had a smug smile on her face.


    ¡°You all must also understand that my Lord Count is a demigod of monsters. It makes perfect sense that he can hurt even the mightiest of beings.¡± Vyllith called out from the stairs being followed by Alfred. They had heard the conflict and came to see who was fighting. That made everyone in the room turn to look at him.


    ¡°Its new, it was a reward from the Rift.¡± Lash said, shrugging his shoulders with a boy next door vibe that no one was believing.


    ¡°A reward from who?¡± Batwoman asked.


    ¡°The pantheon of Krypton. You could say they sponsored me.¡± Lash replied, and Kara''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Wait!? The pantheon of Krypton are real!?¡± Kara shouted in shock.


    That started a whole new discussion. Lash healed Batwoman, and repaired her suit. He noticed a few things that were wrong with the suit and updated it. The suit needed an intuitive UI program to help her make decisions based on limited knowledge. Something that would help train her on the suit itself. It was something that Lash noticed was not in any ones suit. He sent an update data packet to Watch Tower to do that for all of the JLI. It would cut down on training time immensely. Then they discussed the pantheon on Krypton. Along with Gozith''s kin. Then the pantheon on Earth. Jason was struck dumb when he found out that Lash held the divine spark of Loki in his arm.


    ¡°Can I have it?¡± Jason asked, and Lash looked at him in interest. Jason was definitely an interesting character in the comics, as Erik the gamer said. But this Jason was different. Bruce was far more of a father to this Jason thanks to Selina''s influence.


    A wisp of divine energy flowed out of Lash''s arm. The spark of Loki snaked around Jason. Then flew back into Lash''s arm. Lash shook his head in a clear no. Loki for the most part had enjoyed his time with Lash. He could look through the spark and watch all of Lash''s adventures. Lash wouldn''t be surprised if Loki was sitting on a couch with his Cosmic Patron laughing at the crap he got into.


    ¡°Do you have any one in mind to give it to?¡± Isabella asked, as she poked the mark with interest.


    ¡°Harley Quinn.¡± Lash said, and Dick choked on his own saliva and started to cough. Barbara looked at Lash like he had lost his mind. But Selina seem to step back and think about it.


    ¡°That...Actually makes a bit of sense. She''s really turned over a new leaf. She opened that women''s shelter. She''s been helping a lot of people. But despite all that she is still a bit crazy.¡± Selina said thinking over the reasoning.


    ¡°What is a, ''women''s shelter?''¡± Kory asked, confused on the subject.


    By the time they finished telling Kory what the shelter was she seemed both intrigued and horrified that such a place even needed to exist. Why would men ever treat women in such a way? Of course Tamara had far more advance social programs, and every one was super strong. So conflicts were settled differently. Kory wanted to visit this women''s shelter. So they decided to visit the shelter tomorrow morning.


    Speaking of which! It was late so Lash packed up his crew which had expanded by one. Vyllith, Isabella, Lizzy, Kory, and Kara packed into the spell enchanted SUV. While Lash was in the driver seat, they said goodbye to the Bat-family and drove home through Gotham late at night. Lash was on the look out, this would be a perfect time for a dynamic event. But nothing happened!? It was almost like his Cosmic Patron didn''t want to do the expected.


    Unlike the night before, not everyone piled into Lash''s bed. They all went to into their own guest bedrooms. More to say that Isabella, and Lizzy had a room. Another guest bedroom shared together by Kara, and Kory. While Lash had his own. But Lash didn''t sleep this time. He sat out on his garden balcony in Meditation looking through his Domains.


    A pair of soft, but strong arms wrapped around Lash from behind. He smelled a member of his Pack and leaned back against Li''ana. She had used the fae envoy portal hub on his balcony to visit him in the early morning. Days away from the Summer Solstice Li''ana must have been bouncing off the walls with energy. Li''ana was approximately 5''9¡± with jade white skin, golden blond hair, light blue eyes, with sylvan features. She wore a pair of tennis shoes, a pair of black running pants with a pink strip up both legs. With a black sports bra, and a lose leather jacket.


    Lash could smell the sweat on her body. She had just finished her morning work out. An attempt to burn off the excess energy. Her body was warm, and vibrated with energy. He reached out and held her hands in his own and breathed her in. He established the Pack Bond with her. Both their stats jumped by 30%, and she could feel his anger, and boiling rage. But also his guilt, and regret. She hugged him tighter, and he could feel her reliable energy pressing against his own. She was happy to see him, sorry to for his pain, and was wondering if she could have morning dew tea?


    ¡°Yes of course! Please come in!¡± Lash said with a laugh and stood up in a fluid motion. He took a brief moment to hug Li''ana and she returned the gesture. Then Lash kissed her lips gently, and she reciprocated with a soft moan.


    Lash broke the kiss after a bit a minute. Clearly wanting to continue but Lash saw that Li''ana had her bag with her. Which meant work was to be had. Li''ana leaned her head against Lash''s chest and breathed him in. Then they stepped inside his home. Lash went to the kitchen and started to brew some tea while Li''ana took out a big golden leather bound book. Along with a golden pen. She began to flip through the pages until she found what she was looking for.


    ¡°Edwardo contacted the Seelie Courts and told us you would be interested in a solo hunting games. Is this true?¡± Li''ana''s voice was clear, and sweet on Lash''s ears. Lash glanced back at Li''ana and found her sitting up right in her chair, with perfect posture. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her pointed ears then looked at Lash.


    ¡°Yes, I didn''t realize that was even a possibility. May I ask why you didn''t suggest it?¡± Lash asked, as he came over to the table and poured her morning dew tea. Then he came around to the back of her chair and started to massage her neck, and shoulders.


    ¡°I...gaaa....I....OK! Stop! I can''t think when you do that!¡± Li''ana wiggled out from under his hands and pulled him to sit down beside her.


    ¡°I didn''t suggest it. Because it would be you alone against over a thousand different Fae hunters. Including the current selected Summer Queen. Now, since Edwardo suggested it the Summer Queen want''s to know if you are really willing to participate in a solo hunt?¡± Li''ana asked, and pegged him with a glare. Lash shrugged, but had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Yes, I would love to do a solo hunt at the Summer Solstice Ball.¡± Lash replied, and Li''ana groaned. She wrote a simple letter into her book. The words were absorbed, then a reply was sent back in a timely manner.


    ¡°Despite the fact that the Ball is in less than two days they are sure that hundreds of Fae houses will participate in a chase to hunt down Warden Lash. You have also been included in an exclusive protection spell ward to avoid any form of cheating. They don''t want anyone influencing your decisions.¡± Li''ana said with a grimace.


    ¡°Anything different about the hunt?¡± Lash asked, as he began to play his nails up and down Li''ana''s neck. She leaned into his hand but didn''t shake him off.


    ¡°You can''t wear enchanted gear. You can''t wear magically enhanced gear like leather imbued with Orichalcum. Just standard a started leather kit. Like you did during the Winter Ball your first year. To compensate for your Space, and Time Domains they will extend the hunting area by a large margin. You also only have a single minute head start instead of five.¡± Li''ana went through the little details. But pulled open her golden book as it filled out the intimate details.


    Half way through the contract the words disappeared and were replaced by a question. Was Lash interested in joining the original hunt. But tailored to his unique abilities? So they would 2,000 hunted countered with 1,000 hunters. Along with a longer hunting field. Apparently the hunted had heard about his private match and wanted to just join his. Lash grinned at the unexpected event. Ooooo, that was going to be fun! Li''ana''s shoulders sagged and replied with a favorable response. However, she wanted everyone to sign a geas to prevent cheating. So the same thing wouldn''t happen like it did during the Winter Hunting games.


    A were-hyena pack during the Winter Hunt had people in the hunted, and hunters. They tried to draw the hunted in, and get tagged by the hunters. Lash had figured it out during the match and got them banned. Attempting to rig the game was heresy to the Court games. In the end Lash got all of the hunted across the finish line. He only took out about 1/3 of the hunters chasing them. Lash was curious how many he could take out this time? Unfortunately he couldn''t take them all out. It would be disrespectful. But he could take out a lot!


    The giant golden book, or rather who ever was on the other side agreed. A geas spell contract would be signed to ensure no cheating. Thanks to Lash''s efforts, or rather house Kuldr betting was now allowed during the hunting games. After five minutes Lash''s Warden information page was blowing up with people wishing him luck in the hunting games. Ten minutes later a dozen new gargoyles began to roost around his building. Apparently the odds were in his favor, but it some of the best hunters in the Seelie Court were coming out to play.


    ¡°Good morning....¡± Lizzy said in a sleepy voice as she stepped out of her room. Her fiery red hair was a mess. Serious bed hair, as her curls swallowed her shoulders and face. She looked like cousin IT''s sister.


    Lizzy wore a giant tee shirt and little else. She stumbled through the house and came to give Li''ana a chaste kiss on the lips, who hugged her in return. Then Lizzy stood up and walked over to Lash and kissed his cheek and hugged him. Lash pushed against the table and pulled his sister into his lap. She barely made a noise and curled up in his lap and went back to sleep. Nuzzling into his neck. Li''ana rolled her eyes and went back to writing in the golden book.


    A soft tapping, almost a rapping upon the glass door leading to the balcony was heard. Standing on the balcony was the 7'' foot tall, wide as a door, body builder, with black eyes, and tanned skin Booraku. The War Troll with a Glamour on. Another one of Lash''s pack, he had a military crew cut black hair. He stood on the balcony wearing a tailored three piece black, and gray suit. Lash blinked in surprise at his presence. He reached out with Telekinesis and opened the door. Booraku tip toed into the room and closed the door behind him.


    Lash linked Lizzy, and Booraku into his active Pack Bond he had with Li''ana. Lizzy stirred from her sleep and looked around confused. Her eyes looked at the giant man and sleepiness slowly melted from her face. She crawled out of Lash''s lap and came to give the big guy a hug. Booraku gently picked her up into a princess carry and Lizzy went back to sleep in his arms. Lash stood up and gave the giant man a warrior hug. Gripping his forearm, and pulled him in. It was not often Lash had to look up at someone.


    ¡°Pack brother, always a pleasure. I thought you said you were working?¡± Lash asked, as he helped Booraku into a chair that Lash quickly reinforced with magic.


    ¡°I was... Until orders came down from on high that some random Warden who shall remain unnamed decided to do a special hunting operation during the Summer Solstice Ball. I''ve been temporarily reassigned to guard this random Warden.¡± Booraku shrugged his massive shoulders with a, ''what are you gonna do'' expression.


    ¡°Oh that sounds horrible! Would you like breakfast?¡± Lash asked with a cheshire grin.


    ¡°I would love some breakfast!¡± Booraku said with a grin, and gently patted Lizzy on her noggin. She was tiny compared to Booraku.


    Eventually everyone woke up to discover Li''ana, and Booraku in the house. Lash was hard at work preparing breakfast. Lash introduced Vyllith, Koriand''r, and Kara to Li''ana, and Booraku. Where Kory, and Kara were curious what a pack was. Vyllith technically couldn''t join the pack because she was already Lash''s Hell Knight. Supernatural speaking it would cross to many wires. She''d have to choose one. As a Hell Knight she was anchored to him, and liked it that way. Kory, and Kara couldn''t join the pack even if they wanted to. They had not been baptized in Earth''s magic yet.


    Baptized may not be the best word to describe what was meant to be described. Kara, and Kory were both aliens from another world. They each carried a foreign energy to them that came from their respective homes, as well as their time in space. Gradually this energy was being exchanged with Earths. Which was the main reason why Lash/Saurian never linked with them. Or so it was explained by his dragon familiar Dawn who came out to eat some strawberries.


    Lash was however informed that if he could ever ''evolve'' his Pack Bond it may be possible to ignore that little rule in the future. Lash didn''t know how to evolve the ability since he was informed it was tied to a story event. Or he could buy it! He did have ability evolution points standing by. But this little tidbit of information was not shared among everyone. That also explained why Lash didn''t establish a link with them when he had been traveling with them. He had always felt something was off. Now he knew why.


    ¡°We are going to need a bigger car.¡± Lash said as they were cleaning up after breakfast.


    ¡°I''ve got that covered, there is a spell enchanted armored limo SUV downstairs waiting for us.¡± Booraku said with a grin as he took out some keys.


    ¡°Where are you headed today?¡± Li''ana asked as she grabbed her leather jacket. She had to head to the Fae Seelie Court offices to get this hunting game arranged.


    ¡°Dr Quinzel''s women shelter. Already sent an email ahead of us. She is going to meet us at the shelter.¡± Lash replied, and Li''ana looked a little confused. She had no idea who that was.


    ¡°Prospective host for Loki''s spark.¡± Lash continued to inform her. That made her pause and look at him in total confusion now.


    ¡°You still have Loki''s spark?¡± Li''ana asked, even Booraku was surprised by this.


    ¡°Never found anyone for it. Apparently I''m intimidating.¡± Lash said, a mock look of surprise on his face.


    ¡°Noooo! You? Never!¡± Booraku said in his deep bass tone of voice.


    ¡°I believe your divine Domain of Monsters gives off a natural forboding.¡± Vyllith said from her place at the table. Li''ana, and Booraku stopped and looked at her in confusion then looked at Lash with wide eyes.


    ¡°Wait!? Hold up! You have a Divine Domain?¡± Li''ana asked.


    ¡°Well technically the Trickery Domain is divine. But yes, I have the Divine Domain of Monsters. It came with my demigod status. Why?¡± Lash asked, seeing the look of utter horror on Li''ana''s face.


    Kory took that moment to whisper something to Kara who turned bright red and decided to sink into her chair hoping no one noticed. Kory laughed in delight as Li''ana took out her golden leather book again and started to write furiously into it. Booraku just started to laugh, his massive shoulders bouncing up and down. Isabella and Lizzy looked confused, obviously being a demigod was a big deal. But why was this important now?


    ¡°Who else knows about your status?¡± Li''ana asked, looking up after she wore over a thousand words into the book. She was getting a reply very quickly asking more questions.


    ¡°I told the Warden''s, and the Supernatural Council aboard the station. They said they would pass it along. Did they not notify you?¡± Lash asked, clearly confused as he used Connectivity to link up with the Warden information bureau.


    Other Worldly Lore activated as Lash read a long description about why it was important. Demigods no matter the pantheon were considered royalty to some extent. The reason why Li''ana and the supernatural world as a whole didn''t know about the change was. A: They were picking up the pieces after the invasion and had better things to do. B: Lash had become a demigod from alternate realities time fragment. C: He was a demigod from an alien pantheon. So just like Gozith and his kin, Lash fell into a gray area. D: The Warden Council, and The Supernatural Council didn''t know what to do with him.


    ¡°What can you do with your Domain?¡± Booraku asked, after he finished laughing. Li''ana was furiously writing into her book.


    ¡°I can shape, and create a living creature. This create is completely under my control.¡± Lash replied, and Booraku leaned back with eyes growing wide. Li''ana looked up in shock. Isabella''s gasped and placed a hand over her mouth.


    ¡°Any creature?¡± Booraku asked, a nervous yet excited energy danced through his body.


    ¡°I think so? I assume the more complex it is the more energy it will take. Why?¡± Lash asked, clearly not understanding the situation.


    ¡°Lash, to the gods, and goddesses of the multiverse. Anything and everything is a creature. You could craft a baby dragon if you wanted to with that ability.¡± Isabella said in a soft whisper.


    Lash and Saurian both froze in realization. Oh crap! OH CRAP! Then they heard the unmistakable sound of their Cosmic Patron cackling like a mad man! Along with the divine spark of Loki who was snickering. This...This was why Loki didn''t want to leave. Booraku slammed his hand on top of the golden book startling Li''ana who had stopped writing. She turned to look at the war troll who was shaking his head back and forth.


    ¡°Did you tell the council about your ability?¡± Booraku asked.


    ¡°No, they didn''t ask. So I didn''t tell.¡± Lash replied in a monotone voice. The realization hit him like a sledge hammer.


    ¡°This information does not leave this room! Everyone needs to understand that right now!¡± Booraku said, as he looked at everyone carefully. Kara, and Kory were confused but agreed. Isabella, Lizzy, Vyllith, and Li''ana agreed.


    ¡°Wait...How many extinct races could Lash bring back? Shouldn''t we tell someone?¡± Isabella asked, and Booraku whirled around to look at her in horror.


    ¡°How many horrors could Lash bring back? How many ancient Blood-Kindred would take everyone Lash cared about hostage just so he would craft the ancient blood lines again?¡± Booraku said to her, and Isabella paled in fright.


    Patriarch''s, and Matriarch''s of the Blood-Kindred were fascinating, horrible creatures that nearly destroyed the world. The pantheons across the globe had eradicated them, but left their children alone as a dying wish to the last of them. Technically Lash couldn''t craft them...For now. But if the spell reached Master level it was possible he could resurrect the old ones. If the masters of the ancient houses ever learned that little fact they would do exactly as Booraku said. Not only the Blood-Kindred. Dozens of Fae houses, dragons, creatures from all walks of life would want their kin brought back.


    The phrase double edged sword applied to this scenario greatly. Lash could do a lot of good with this ability. But he could do a lot of bad as well! His Cosmic Patron was always the type of being to give choice to its Agent of Chaos. Booraku took a moment to explain to Kory, and Kara the gravity of the situation. Pro''s and Con''s to Lash''s Divine Domain of Monsters. Technically with enough practice Lash could even create a Kryptonian.


    ¡°To answer a question you have, Master. At the spell''s current level you can only create basic creatures. Like insects, and certain kinds of sea creatures. Basic level creatures. But, your fear is warranted. At Master level you could recreate many different types of creatures.¡± Dawn said to him silently over their link together. The mystic dragon familiar had coiled around Lash''s neck and went back to being a necklace.


    Lash''s public record was quickly updated. This was a by product of what Li''ana had been writing. Technically that wasn''t a big deal. He got a lot of congratulations from different factions across the world. Many people asking what his first spell was. He lied and said he hadn''t obtained one yet. Which was fairly common apparently. It would often take decades or even centuries before demigods learned even a single spell for their domains.


    Li''ana gave Lash a kiss and left for the morning. Everyone split up in Lash''s home and got dress for the day. Lash weaved his Glamour over his Warden/Daemonic gear. His Glamour was a three piece business suit. Black boots, black slacks, black buttoned up shirt, black jacket, black vest, with no tie. (Lots of Black!) He undid his top two buttons. He hid his tribal marks, and gave his pale skin a touch of caramel. He still had yellow green eyes though they looked human. The jagged scar across his neck remained.


    Kara, and Kory both came out of the guest bedroom wearing black heeled boots, with ripped blue jeans. Kory wore a large dark blue tee shirt that was tied in a knot in the back showing off her midriff, and exposed a shoulder. She wore a simple glamour charm to give her self healthy tanned skin, and mood multicolored hair, and eyes. Kara wore black wrap around crop top. She also wore a simple glamour charm that gave her hair, and eyes a mood color. The charms had fused into their skin looking like a simple celtic knot design around their necks. Both the ladies hair was free and swept back.


    Lizzy came out with her curly red hair tied back into a braid. She had a long floral pattern summer dress on with a low v neck cut. Along with red naked toed heeled shoes. She did a little spin and let the glow from her tanned skin brighten the room. Her choice in clothing did nothing to hide her partial-Amazonian figure. She wore black, and gold leather belt around her waist to accentuate her curves. Around her neck was the golden necklace that Lash had made for her. She winked at Lash and moved to the side.


    Isabella came out wearing a light blue pleated sport skirt around her waist that barely went to her knees. Then she had a light blue teddy tee shirt on that exposed her midriff, and left very little to the imagination since she didn''t wear a bra. The light blue went well with her chocolate caramel skin tone. Her long auburn hair was pulled up into a tight ponytail. The rest of her hair bounced with every step. She wore white tennis shoes. Isabella wore a golden necklace around her neck.


    Vyllith being the ever Hell Knight wore much the same as Lash three piece black suit with three inch heeled black boots. This of course was a glamour as she wore her body armor underneath. She had corn rose braided the sides of her hair. While the middle was tied back into a tail. She wore a glamour charm for her hair, and eyes. A golden celtic knot around her neck. She came to stand next to Lash who looked everyone over. Everyone was clearly over dressed but they looked great!


    ¡°To the Booraku mobile!¡± Lash said with a cheer and led the way.


    The armored limo SUV was not a limo on the inside per say. There were no couch like seating arrangements on the inside. The driver seat, and the front passenger seat was plush dark leather with ample space, and their own arm rests. This design was the same for all the other seats. Four additional side by side seats, with a back seat like a normal car. So on the outside you would see six doors instead of the standard four. Plenty of space between the seats to stretch your legs. Came with a moon roof. Lash saw that their was space for a mounted gun. The anchor was there but he didn''t see a gun.


    ¡°So this is more like a armored personal carrier. Not complaining! Just a little different!¡± Lash said from the back seat. He had tried to take shotgun but Vyllith down voted that plan. Booraku, and Vyllith sat up front. Lizzy, and Isabella in the next pair of seats. Kory, and Kara in the next, Lash was in the back....All alone.


    ------


    Even on a good day Gotham''s traffic was hectic. They couldn''t use a traffic spell rune to slip through craters, and downed bridges. Despite the state that the city was in. It continued to survive! Work crews were seen scattered through out the city attempting to reestablish even basic utilities. Lash spotted a few JLI logistical crews working with the workers. Even a few heroes moving large pieces of concrete out of the way. Lash hadn''t realized his knee was bouncing until Kara clapped a hand on it and looked at him with a smile. She understood, Lash wanted to get out and help.


    With Lash''s abilities and his Manifested armies he could clean up the whole city in a matter of weeks, even days possibly if he pushed it. On the grape vine the police officers he had helped reported to the city council that Wraith was in town at least for a little while. City Hall had expected Wraith to show up and start helping. But was informed by the UNWS that he was currently on leave. Having nearly died in the counter incursion. City Hall understood, but was clearly hoping for the workaholic Wraith to just show up out of the blue. Something Lash desperately wanted to do.


    Almost two hours later they pulled up to Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel''s women shelter. When Lash had come by Gotham to build the solar plant he had caught up with Harley in passing and she had told him about wanting to build a shelter. Lash gave her the money with out question, and sponsored her parole. Of course at the time no one was in prison. Hell even Black Gate had been opened up. The Zeta teams in the invasion had visited every prison in the world and opened them up. It was meant to cause more chaos. That it did!


    The women''s shelter was surrounded by a large thirty foot wall. With iron spikes, and barbed wire laced around it. Two city blocks had been linked together. A multi building set up was made. Though most of the buildings were only ten stories tall. Giant trees were stationed at each point in the wall. Black vines, and massive thorns stuck out. The trees themselves were partially sentient thanks to Poison Ivy. The entire shelter had been built during the invasion thanks to some supernatural help.


    Booraku spoke to the female guard at the gate. She was a were-wolf! She had everyone roll down their windows for inspection. When she saw Lash smiled wide at him. She knew where the money had come from for construction. The shelter was open to mundanes, and supernaturals alike. A majority of the staff on call were female in one form or another. Men were only allowed to be in certain area''s in the shelter. PTSD was a real thing in this place. They didn''t want to set anyone off accidently.


    Waiting for them as they got out of their car was a very excited, and bouncy Dr. Quinzel! Harley Quinn was 5''7¡± wore a black pencil skirt, red buttoned up shirt, with a white doctors coat. Her long platinum blond hair tied back into a bun, and she had thin rim black glasses on over her blue eyes. Along with a pair of three inch black heels. Her chemical pale skin glowed in the morning light. She had cherry red lipstick on and bounced across the pavement when Booraku stepped out. Believing he was Wraith. Quinn had never seen Lash in a human shape before.


    ¡°Hi Wraith!¡± Quinn practically glued herself to Booraku who looked bewildered.


    ¡°Ummm...Dr. Quinzel. My name is Booraku. That''s Wraith in his human shape.¡± Booraku pointed Lash out to Harley who with out missing a beat jumped into Lash''s arms.


    ¡°Hi Wraith!¡± Harley shouted in joy. Not skipping a beat, as if what happened a moment ago hadn''t happened!


    ¡°Hello Harley, how are you?¡± Lash said, as he hugged her back. Harley preened in pleasure and smiled wide at him.


    ¡°I am great! Totally happy to see you! Ivy said I''d see you at the Ball! But this totally works!¡± Harley said, as she continued to hug him. She had her legs wrapped around his waist, and her arms around his neck. Her skirt was ridding up her legs but she made no move to adjust.


    ¡°You are attending the Summer Solstice Ball? That is wonderful! You''ll have to cheer for me during the great hunt.¡± Lash replied, and gradually peeled Harley off of him.


    ¡°Great hunt? What''s that?¡± Harley asked, now standing on her own two feet.


    So, Lash and crew explained what the Great Hunt was. Also what to expect at the Summer Solstice Ball. Lash had never been to the Seelie version but aside from the warmer weather it wasn''t much different. Harley assumed it was like any other cocktail party that she had seen, or crashed when she was working criminal. Her eyes grew wide as tea saucers when she heard about all the intrigue, backstabbing, and sex...Lots, and lots of sex!


    Harley was... An acquired taste! The term going from hot to cold didn''t apply to her. She was just bouncy, excitable, and then she would flip to being incredibly serious when asked questions about the shelter. She was also attached to Lash! She continued to hold his hand the whole time and pulled him along to show him the shelter. They had solar panels on the roof, along with a few wind turbines. All of the glass windows were solar panes and collected and stored energy. Technically the shelter was off the grid when it came to power.


    The shelter had two large water towers on either side of the complex. While a recycle and/or reprocessing machine helped filter and renew a lot water, waste, and etc. Continuing to help keep the shelter off the grid. Or rather just simply functioning! A lot of Gotham still didn''t have standard utilities. One of the larger buildings in the shelter was a giant glass dome that was a botanical garden. Lash could feel Ivy''s touch inside of it. Along the way several staff members were confused who they were. A few assumed they were investors. Until Harley said nonchalantly that this was Agent Wraith in a human shape coming to inspect his holdings. Apparently Harley hadn''t told anyone who had sponsored her shelter. So this was big news for them!


    ¡°zzzzzt...Harley... We got a bit of situation at the front gate. The assholes are back again.¡± The were-wolf security guard said over the radio that was clipped to Harley''s coat.


    ¡°Oh Fuck nuggets!¡± Harley said. ¡°Someone bring me my bat!¡± Harley called out, and with in ten seconds a little girl came running up and handed Harley her large, wooden, joker bat. With the diamond styled shapes painted on.


    ¡°Harley, who has come to cause trouble?¡± Lash asked, and Harley seem to pause mid step. She spun around with a giant smile on her face.


    ¡°Ohhhh! Some dumb ass mobsters who are doing the whole insurance scam. ''Give us money, or we''ll burn your house down'' Smucks like that!¡± Harley said, stars grew in her eyes as smoke and shadow started to drip off of Lash.


    ------


    A few minutes later Lash had the arm of a low ranking mobster''s twisted at an odd angle. Oh look his arm grew another elbow! How delightful! The man was screaming in pain and kept telling Lash was dead over, and over again. It wasn''t until Lash pulled out his Wraith disguise that the man stopped talking. Then Lash used Soul Bite, and Dream Eater on him. Ripping a piece of soul off, and devouring his memories flooded Lash with knowledge. Criminal Underworld Lore gained a few bits of experience.


    ¡°I know I''m not suppose to be working. But I really want to stop this now. Any one want to come with me as we trash their main office?¡± Lash asked his crew, and Harley jumped up and down waving her hand around.


    ¡°Oooooh! Ohhhhh! Can I come! I promise I''ll behave!¡± Harley said with a huge grin on her face. Riiiiight....


    -----


    So Lash and his crew were driving across town to a very nice high rise. Harley was sitting in the back seat with Lash dressed up in a very nice, very tight Harley style get up. She had knee length checkered socks on. With a harlequin skirt, and crop halter top on. With red, blue, and purple checkered diamond shapes. Her hair was pulled back into two pony tails each died with blue, and red. She had a long wooden bat next to her. She was wrapped around Lash in his Transformation shape.


    So, who was causing issues? Carmine Falcone was! He along with so many others that had escaped Black Gate when the invading Zeta teams busted the prison up. The prison was operational again...Mostly. But they were still trying to recapture everyone who had fled. The GCPD were short staffed and dealing with a long list of things. So recapturing a mobster was on a different list. Of course from the memories Lash learned from the low level mobsters. Several police officers were on the take...Again.


    ¡°Alright! Hold on!¡± Booraku shouted to everyone in the SUV, then floored the gas pedal. They had arrived at the high rise and Booraku decided to fly straight through the front doors.


    ¡°Yahtzee!¡± Harley called out with a maniacal laugh! The Loki spark in Lash''s arm glowed softly.


    CRASH! Broken glass, and shattered marble shot out across the now ruined front lobby to the high rise hotel that was barely filled. The hotel was owned by the Carmine family and only allowed certain people to stay. Something that irritated Lash to no end since all of the hotels were suppose to be open to the public until the city was repaired. Booraku pressed a button and the moon roof opened up. Lash crawled out and stood on top of the car in his Wraith disguise. Eight foot tall lizard man with a grim reaper fetish!


    ¡°Surrender! Or Suffer!¡± Lash called out with Intimidating Shout towards the dozen or so armed guards who balked at him. Then someone woke from their stupor and started to shoot at him.


    ¡°The choice is made!¡± Lash shouted, and Starfire opened her door and started to shoot green energy bolts!


    Booraku stepped out of the car and dropped his glamour a ten foot tall war troll in full armor stood in his place and several people screamed in utter terror! He roared in glee and stormed through the building. Despite his destruction he was careful not to kill anyone, though maiming was an option! Vyllith stepped out next wearing full Daemonic armor. Her helmet face mask snapped into place. Her right forearm sub-machine gun popped up and she began to shoot DB''s with efficiency.


    Starfire was shooting her green bolts of energy in controlled bursts. As Kara jumped out and began to pummel goons into the ground, carefully. She had far better control over her strength now than she did before. Amazon training camp bearing its fruit. Lizzy sprinted from the car and bolted to the first goon she found. She wrapped her legs around the man and spun him around using her own momentum to flip him! Then she snapped their gun arm for good measure.


    Isabella walked out of the car and surrounded herself in her Enchantment Domain. She took on a glow! Any goon who pointed their weapons at her suddenly had a blissful smile on their face, and dropped their guns. Even a few of them started to attack their fellow mobsters who tried to fire at her. She beguiling them! Then Harley jumped out and did several handsprings and proceeded to knock some much needed sense into them. Of course they were knocked unconscious as a result. To bad! So sad!


    Lash cast Manifestation had called 100 Saurus Warriors. Their portals appeared just outside the ruined front lobby doors. They spread out to secure the whole buildings ground floor exits, fire escapes, and underground parking, along with at least two escape tunnels. While a few more started to climb the building with Gravity Stride. Lash contacted the MCU through Connectivity, along with the JLI. He simply informed Vigil that the mobsters were bothering Harley''s women shelter and he was in the neighborhood...Honest!


    Lash casually walked across the lobby and stepped into a VIP elevator. Thanks to Machine Control the thing went straight up to his required level with out a fuss. Even though several signals had been sent telling it to stop. A Saurus Warrior informed Lash that a group of JLI logistical staff had spring jumped just outside the building. They were in the process of ''arresting'' the goons. Wonderful!


    Lash had a minute or two to kill. So he sent an email to Captain Gordon about the corrupt cops on the mobsters payroll. Just a few, the low level mobster Lash had taken a bite out of didn''t know that many. Lash was sure Gordon would be chewing glass by the time he got to the end of the email. They were already short staffed. Now he had to deal with corrupt cops. Great! Ding! Oh the elevator reached its floor.


    The repeated CRACK! Of gunfire rang out as soon as the doors opened up. A storm of bullets consumed the open door. Or at least they tried to, as Deflection was activated and the bullets either went into the floor, or the ceiling. Lash stepped off the elevator and sent it back with a bit of Technomancy energy as a thank you. Lash casually walked across the increasingly destroyed marble floor towards two oak doors. A single Manifestation portal opened and two Saurus Warriors sprinted out. Blue (Shock) Psionic Blades burst from their fists.


    Like blade dancers the warriors weaved through the group of gunmen with expert ease. All the while Lash continued to slowly walk up to the door and opened it up. Not once did a single bullet touched him. Or a single goon had a moment to hit him. Two more Saurus Warriors stepped from an additional portal and they started to secure the floor.


    ¡°Come on! Come on! Why the fuck wont you work!¡± A man shouted, his voice filled with panic.


    From inside a large luxurious room was wall to wall with wooden floors, lush red carpet. Black silken drapes, and shelves filled with books. Several leather chairs, and cherry wood coffee tables were scattered through out the room. Several female attendants in short skirts hid behind a over turned wooden table. They shrieked in fear as Lash stepped through the door. The man who was shouting was in his late twenties in a gray pin stripped suit pressing desperately on the call button to a hidden elevator that would never come.


    ¡°That''s enough Billy. It''s not coming up, is it Agent Wraith?¡± Carmine Falcone said to Lash from across the room. Billy whipped around and started to shoot his side arm at Lash. But the gun jammed on the first attempted. So the man threw it at Lash.


    ¡°Really?¡± Lash said in contempt as he caught the gun and crushed it like a tin can in his claws. Lash sent an electrical shock across the room and, Billy dropped like a puppet with out strings. The women shrieked until Lash cast Calm Emotions on them. Then Lash looked at the boss.


    Carmine Falcone was an older man with short gray silver hair slicked back. He wore a tailored made three piece gray suit. With a silk handkerchief in his front pocket. Despite his age he looked like he kept himself in good shape. But couldn''t hide the slight bulge around his midsection, though it was hardly noticeable. He was sitting at large wooden desk, in a large leather seat. He steepled his fingers together. A golden ring, with an onyx stone was set on his ring finger.


    ¡°You see, you are some one I can respect. The Batman wouldn''t come after me with out proof. Sure he might visit me, and maybe break a bone. But he wouldn''t do anything with out some sort of evidence. You...You''ll come up and completely pull out my entire operation simply because I messed with someone under your protection. If it means anything, I am sorry for hassling miss Quinzel''s shelter.¡± Falcone said with a frown as he watched Lash stop about fifteen feet away from the desk.


    ¡°I like the trap door, very expensive.¡± Lash said, as he pointed a claw at the nearly invisible floor trap. Falcone''s eye twitched in irritation. Then his frown deepened as Lash stepped onto the trap and it didn''t activate.


    ¡°So, I guess it is back to Black Gate for me?¡± Falcone asked with a chagrined expression. Then he flinched when a Red (Chaos) Psionic Blade burst from Lash''s left hand.


    ¡°I''m not hear to arrest you.¡± Lash said, a sinister grin spreading across his reptilian features. Falcone pale and he stood up from his desk with wide eyes.


    ¡°You...You can''t do that! I''m have rights! Even you can''t ignore those laws!¡± Falcone screamed at him, horrified at the possibilities.


    Then he looked at a holographic window that Lash produced. It was a general warrant for anyone that had escaped Black Gate. A specifically short list, wanted alive if possible, dead if necessary. Falcone was on that list. As an agent of the United Nations World Security Wraith was allowed to collect said warrant. Benefits of working in the system. Sure the paper work would be huge! But thanks to his Virtual Intelligence who were already half way done with them. Not a big deal!


    ¡°Wait! Wait! Wait! I can tell you what ever you want to know! I know where Black Mask is!¡± Falcone shouted, and that gave Lash a bit of pause. They still hadn''t found Black Mask for his part he played in the Gotham siege, and Joker Carnival.


    Lash vaulted over the desk and grabbed Falcone by his head. He lifted him up with little effort. Falcone was screaming now, flailing his arms. He pulled out a glock and tried to shoot Lash point blank but the hammer was magnetically sealed before he got the first shot off. Lash poured pheromones into the room and anyone who could see this was asleep. A Saurus Warrior was guarding the door. Lash unhinged his jaw, and he started to push Falcone into open maw.


    The spell Bending, and his Divine Domain of Monsters activated! Falcone screamed in horror but Lash cast Silence around the area. No one would hear his screams. As he was slowly swallowed whole by Lash. A man of Falcone size would be impossible to swallow. But he seem to shrink down as he was consumed. Falcone''s wiggling feet were the last to slip down Lash''s mouth. His mandibles pushing them down. Lash popped his jaw back into place. Soul Eater, Dream Eater, and Devour, Consume, Evolve activated.


    Congratulations User! Basic Criminal Underworld Lore has evolved into Intermediate Criminal Underworld Lore.


    Effect: You now have a 6th sense when it comes to crime. You seem to understand the where, how, and when of any criminal enterprise.


    Side Effect: You will now have intimate knowledge of Gotham Cities criminal infrastructure.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed another objective on the grand quest of Gotham''s Villains.


    Carmine Falcone: [+]


    Intermediate Administration has evolved into Advanced Administration.


    Effect: Greater understanding of delegating roles to others. Resource management, and recognizing talent where others see none.


    Effect: Innate talent for paper work, contracts, and legal documents of any kind.


    Congratulations User! Your pocket hell has its first guest! Your demons are now torturing Carmine Falcone for the next foreseeable future!


    Side Effect: In the future any soul bound for a hellish dimension obtained by you, or any hand you command will travel to your hell unless that specific soul is marked by another hell. Congratulations!


    Lash was pleased to find out his Daemonic Heritage received a bit of experience. Then it obtained another single experience....Then it happened again. Eventually Dawn moved the notification to a side tool tip out of sight. It seems the more souls he collected for his hellish dimension the more experience he would get. Fascinating! Lash dispatched his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits all three of them to scour the world wide net and collect all of the assets Carmine Falcone had. Lash knew the mans bank accounts, passwords, and knew a variety of locations for safe houses. He fed the safe houses to the JLI. He also knew the last known location of Black Mask. That he fed directly to the Wardens. They wanted him!


    ¡°Wraith! Oh Wraith! Where are you! Oh there you are!¡± Harley bounced into the room and whistled at the d¨¦cor. Then walked over to Wraith and smiled at him.


    ¡°So, where is the big guy? I wanted to make his head soft and mushy!¡± Harley said with a grin. Lash ran a claw along her cheek and she preened under his attention.


    ¡°I think you are a good choice...¡± Lash said softly, and Harley looked at him with a bit of confusion. The Loki spark sent out a ribbon of divine energy and wrapped around Harley.


    ¡°Ooooh! Fancy! Whatcha doin?¡± Harley asked, and spun around on her heel then jumped onto the desk. She kicked her legs back and forth as the spark continued to inspect her. ¡°Some kind of sparkly role play? Am I playing the part of Tinkerbell?¡± Harley asked, and Lash laughed a bit.


    Then the entire room went pitch black! No, not the room. They were someplace else. Lash was someplace else. Standing off to the side was man standing at about 6'', with raven black hair to his shoulders. Pale skin, with bright colorful eyes that changed color with every second. He wore a collection of furs, and a tailored suit. He held a single black cane, with a golden wolfs head for the mantle piece. He had a huge grin on his face. Lash knelt before the Divine aspect of Loki.


    ¡°It''s been fun! But Harley is a good match for me. Despite her appearance she plays the long game. A lot of clever plans in her head. She was wasted on the Joker. Take care of yourself Lash, and Hunter Saurian.¡± Loki said with a smile. He tapped his cane and the warped reality faded from sight.


    Lash was back in the office and Harley had a small flicker of a divine spark in her eyes. She had a glossed over facial expression. But Lash understood she was having an internal conversation with a god. The very air around Harley seem to ripple. Then her chemical bleached skin took on a healthy tanned look. Her figure became a little more voluptuous. She let out a joyous moan and Lash could smell her arousal. She blinked then looked over at him with a delighted smile on her face.


    ¡°Oh! You just gave me the best present a girl could ask for!¡± Harley said, and her voice was dripping with sex appeal. She slipped off the desk, and another twist in the air and she was wearing a sequin purple gown with no back, and no under wear. She did a little twirl in her dress and winked at Lash.


    ¡°Mommy like! Can''t wait to show Red!¡± Harley said, and pushed herself against Lash''s armored chest plate. ¡°Does this thing have a zipper?¡± Harley asked, and Lash barked out a laugh.


    ¡°Later, we have a bit of work to do.¡± Lash replied, and Harley grinned at him.


    ¡°Promise?¡± Harley said with a big grin.


    ¡°We''ll talk.¡± Lash made no promises. But Harley grinned all the same. She spun again on her heel and her dress flashed out of sight. She went back to her Doctor Quinzel look and gave Lash a coquettish look.


    ¡°Time for some clean up...¡± Lash said softly as a JLI logistical team arrived on their floor. Maybe Lash could escape before Gordon showed up?


    Galen

 Chapter 105: Great Summer Hunt

    (Warning Long Chapter)


    ==============================================================


    ***HR. WWN Studio***


    Sara Bradley, and Luke Brendon came to their assigned seats and took up their positions. A make up artist came up and did a few adjustments to their make up so their eyes would pop more. Fixed a few spots in Sara''s hair, and moved Luke''s suit around. Then the artist left the set piece and the studio attendant came up with a pack of notes and ran them through a few post shooting issues. Sara asked a few questions while Luke read through his papers. After ten minutes the attendant stepped off the stage then music started to play.


    ¡°Recording in 10....9...8....7....6.....5....4....3....¡± The camera man held up two fingers, then one and they were rolling.


    ¡°Hello everyone! I am Sara Bradley!¡± Sara said with a bright smile that carried a hint of pride.


    ¡°And I''m Luke Brendon.¡± Luke said with a half smile, as he turn to look at Sara who nodded at him then they said together.


    ¡°And this is World Wide News!¡± They said, and the theme for the broad cast played on the new holographic television in the back. A globe of the Earth was shown highlighting different parts of the world. Specifically the new portions such as Themyscira, and Atlantis! Then the holographic display panned back to show the moon, and a little further back it showed a symbol representing the Watch Tower Station.


    ¡°Today''s top story takes us to Eastern Europe. Like so many places across the world during the invasion they saw just as much devastation as we did here in the states. But unfortunately their destruction wasn''t caused by the invasion forces. But their own people.¡± Sara said as she turned look back at the camera.


    ¡°That is right, Sara! During the invasion money lost all value. What people relied on was cans of food, drinkable water, and medicine. With out the ability to travel long distances those things came in short supply. So, many people turned on one another even for scraps. Thankfully the JLI, Atlantis, and local governments came together to establish distribution centers providing much needed relief.¡± Luke continued on the line of news, then swapped out with Sara.


    ¡°One of the aspects of the invasion was the emergence of those with Meta-Powers! Individuals granted unique, wonderful, but also incredibly dangerous abilities. These abilities range from nuance levels like being able to emit static electricity at will. To lifting and throwing a military tank across several dozen yards. During the invasion hundreds of thousands of Meta''s across the globe came into view of the public.¡± Sara continued, as the holographic display showed different cities across the globe. Along with specific scenes such as. One showed a man extinguishing a fire with hydrokinesis. While another was using pyrokinesis to set a building on fire.


    ¡°Now what does this have to do with our top story? Well let''s watch this clip and we''ll explain why!¡± Luke said, and pointed at the holographic view screen. The studio camera man adjusted so the viewers only saw the display.


    The exact country, and city was not displayed but from the architecture one would assume it was low economy Europe. Buildings made from stone, not concrete or brick. But stone, with modern day utilities attached to walls, or dug through. A ruined castle in the background, with possibly an ancient Roman Empire road paved across a pathway. The city it self was busy as people came and went during the middle of the day. Standing in the middle of a major intersection of foot traffic was a JLI logistical team working on setting up a water tower.


    Then in the middle of the construction they hear a woman scream for help. The JLI stop their work and look towards the sound. A young woman, maybe in her early twenties is sprinting towards them screaming for help! Behind her are three men wearing battle uniforms carrying AK-47''s dead on her heels. Before they can grab her one of the JLI team members teleports across the space grabs the woman then teleports back to their team. The soldiers stop and start shouting at the JLI team. Then captions start appearing on the holographic display.


    ¡°That woman is a person of interest in a case! We must take her to head quarters!¡± The soldier shouted towards the JLI. The captions translated, but the studio was working on and stopping any sign of a certain language being present in the display.


    ¡°He''s lying! My Father is a Meta! They are taking our family hostage to force him into military service!¡± The woman shouted at the soldier.


    As soon as those words left her lips the JLI went into full combat mode. One the team mates floated up in the air and lighting danced across their body. While another took on an animal form in the shape of a giant furry beast. The soldiers clearly didn''t expect this much resistance! Especially when over a dozen spring jump ribbons appeared. In less then a minute, thirty JLI teams were in the town square! They apprehended the soldiers and with the woman''s help went back to her home. They found that the soldiers were still trying to pack up the man, and his family. He was a terrakinetic, newly awakened! Didn''t know how to use his abilities yet.


    With in ten minutes the JLI had the soldiers on the ground in hand cuffs. But the trouble was just starting as APC''s and jeeps rolled up with more soldiers. This wasn''t an isolated incident. This country (Still unknown) had taken several meta''s and their families as hostages and conscripted them into military service. It was such an issue that in continued to escalate until Superman himself showed up! But of course that didn''t stop a foolish soldier from firing at Superman! When the shots started firing who ever was responsible for the recording stopped at the point. The cameraman in the studio panned back into include Sara, and Luke again.


    ¡°So, as we were saying why are Meta-Powers important to our today''s top story? This is why! We have reports from across the globe. Even here in America! Where people with meta abilities are being rounded up for either forced military service. Or internment camps! If they refuse then their families are taken hostage and held under duress!¡± Luke finished his thought, he was white knuckling. Trying to hold in his rage.


    ¡°I''m a meta!¡± Sara said, and Luke looked at her in surprise. Sara gave him an crooked smile. Sara raised her pen off the ground. It floated in mid air. ¡°That''s all I can do. A JLI team member informed me its called partial-telekinesis. It''s a nuance level ability. I''ll never get stronger than this. But this raises a question. Should I be placed in an interment camp? Should I be placed into military service?¡± Sara said, and Luke shook his head back and forth in a clear no.


    ¡°If people want to join up and serve that is their choice! But one shouldn''t be forced into service, and especially their families should not be taken hostage if they refuse! If meta''s used their powers illegally yes they should be punished just like anyone else that breaks the law. But this...Never this!¡± Luke said that directly to the camera then smiled at Sara who smiled back.


    Sara, and Luke continued to discuss the topics of the meta''s being exploited or turned on. Many meta''s outside of the JLI had helped during the invasion and were now being hunted down and thrown into camps! Witch hunts were happening across the globe. While certain countries were militarizing their meta''s. Some against their will! The public was afraid, they wanted someone to blame. Violent actions against meta''s of any kind, even JLI members had scaled up by 15% world wide. Barely a month had passed since the invasion was over and the world was already tearing itself apart over some trivial issues.....


    ============================================================


    ***HR. Atlantis, Royal Palace***


    Arthur Curry aka the Aquaman aka the King of Atlantis was incredibly bored! He was stressed, over worked, and was in desperate need of something to hit! Arthur was 6''3¡± with a wild mane of dirty blond hair to his shoulders that had a dozen or so braided beads tied in. Along with a well groomed beard that went to the top of his chest. He wore a golden armored fish scale suit, with green leggings. A golden vambrace, and spaulders attached to his left arm. This armored attachment was from the JLI. It had several tech attachments including a holographic link to the JLI message board.


    Floating next to Arthur was the golden trident of King Atlan. The pure orichalcum three point trident glowed with magical inscriptions from tips to base. It gave a soft hum every few minutes, and a golden ripple of energy cascaded through the royal office. The golden light cast the sea green room in a light that both invigorated, and soothed anyone near by.


    The royal office looked like the inside of a giant clam shell. Smooth shell like walls that reached up to the ceiling where a giant white pearl gave off light. Along the floor was a mosaic of pictures depicting several different kings performing different actions from the establishment of Atlantis, to fighting a great war, etc. The mosaic used a combination of rare gems, gold, and coral to depict the stories. Along one wall was crystal clear membranes that revealed the technological marvel that was Atlantis proper. A city that used the inspiration of sea life and mimicked it. Towering structures in the shapes of giant shells. Bio-mechanical vehicles swam by. While some local wild life were still used for transport. A team of Atlantis guards rode on great white sharks.


    Arthur stared out of the window for a bit watching the ebb, and flow of the city below. Then he looked out across the city towards the great walled barrier between Atlantis and the rest of the ocean. Giant hydro cannons were seen every few hundred feet. Every other cannon pointing inside the city, while the others pointed out. A magical shield extended from the barrier over the entire city. Preventing anything from getting in, or out. Unless they had a whole lot of power. Cough! Superman! Cough!


    ¡°My King?¡± A familiar voice called out to him. Arthur turned to see his old mentor standing there, Vulko.


    Nuidis Vulko was 5''11¡± with long black hair tied up, and back in a artful twist. Reminiscent of what you would find in ancient japan. He had a strong athletic body that was contained with in a deep blue fish scaled armored suit. With a long blue spear across his back. Vulko moved through the water with ease, and grace that was fitting of an Atlantean warrior. He had a bright expression on his face, as if saying the words ''My King'' filled him with great pride.


    ¡°Hay Vulko! Hows the wife?¡± Arthur asked after Than''Keth the former high priestess of King Atlan. Now loving wife of Vulko, and spiritual adviser to Arthur.


    ¡°She is well! Currently teaching at the Sorcery Academy, and over seeing the next school wing under construction.¡± Vulko said, a smile growing across his face.


    ¡°So, whats the word in the courts?¡± Arthur said with a sigh as he swam across the room to overlook a map of Atlantis, and the neighboring kingdoms of Xebel, Fishermen, and Brine. Vulko''s good mood evaporated as he pressed his lips together into frown.


    ¡°It is not going well my King. The high borne once more petition that we recall our troops from the surface. While some are even requesting that we lay claim to several surface world''s cities.¡± Vulko said, as he pointed out several key points in the map.


    ¡°They can''t be serious!¡± Arthur asked in pure shock!


    ¡°Very, my King! They point out that we''ve all but taken over as the local government during the invasion. By declaring that cities are now under Atlantis rule it would justify why we have stayed, and given so much. It would also silence the high borne that want to recall our troops.¡± Vulko declared, as he drew a line through the holographic map.


    ¡°You are not suggesting that we do as they suggest?¡± Arthur asked, looking at Vulko in confusion. His old mentor stared at Arthur for a good minute before answering.


    ¡°Several of these cities are poorly governed. Their own nations treat their people like indentured servants. I suggest that you consider the possibility.¡± Vulko said, as he circled several different cities. Specifically along the West African coast line.


    Arthur looked at the ''cities'' in question. No, these were not cities but simple port towns, and fishing villages. Many of them were not even hit by the Dex EMP bombs. They were third world countries, and their life had seen little change during the invasion. No, that wasn''t true. Their lives had improved! Thanks to Atlantis showing up and helping. But now the local corrupt governments, and warlords were showing up to shake the villages down. Something that the Atlantean guard put a stop to quickly.


    ¡°I am not comfortable laying claim to land. But I could see the locals asking to be taken in as Vassals.¡± Arthur said, he narrowed his eyes at the layout of the map.


    ¡°They already have! Thirty two towns, and villages wish to be brought under the banner of Atlantis. They will keep their local government, but will be free of the nations that have miss treated them. We''ll be helping the locals, and silencing your opposition in the courts.¡± Vulko replied, sharing Arthur''s distaste for the situation.


    ¡°Let this be clear! We are not enslaving them. I will not have the high borne bulling the weak like they did when Orm was in power. Make them understand that!¡± Arthur said, the golden trident hummed with power emphasizing the point. Vulko nodded in acceptance.


    Arthur, and Vulko continued to discuss the politics, and situation in Atlantis. Along with the list of towns, and villages that would come under the banner of Atlantis. This was sure to cause issues in the United Nations. They''d have to reach out to their contacts, as well as the JLI. As long as it was proven that the people were being miss treated by their own nations. That Atlantis was only providing more material, and cultural aid. It shouldn''t be a problem. Shouldn''t being the word of the day. But many nations across the world would take this situation out of context.


    ===============================================================


    ***HR. Gotham City***


    Harley Quinn was having a little to much fun with her new seedling abilities. The Divine Spark of Loki had just started to grow inside of her so she could only Warp the immediate area around herself. So she kept swapping between different outfits, styles, and her own body. She also discovered she couldn''t make something from nothing. So her clothes could be changed, but she couldn''t simply pull cloth from the very air. At least not yet!


    The JLI secured the building along with a few dozen Manifestation Saurus Warriors. Dozens of low, to mid level mobsters were staying at the inn. The inn''s management claimed they had no idea that this hotel was not following the city wide mandate of opening its door to the civilians population. A very nice, and enthusiastic Shield and Sword lawyer team ensured Lash that they would sue the hotel company for everything they were worth.


    They did escape the scene before Captain Gordon showed up with the MCU. Lash had given a full after action report, passing it along to a reluctant JLI android. Filled out the required paper work, and reported that Carmine Falcone resisted arrest and had been killed in the altercation. The General Warrant paper work was filled out. However, the excessive amount of information that Lash acquired helped fill in several gaps. Lash essentially knew all of Falcone''s criminal enterprise in and out. Any time he came up with a blank he would reach across some distant connection and he would receive the knowledge. Then they jumped into the Booraku mobile and took off!


    ------


    Congratulations User! You''ve received the blessing of the Norse God Loki.


    Child of Lies and Deceit: The User can now sense when someone is lying to them. Be it Alien, Magical, Meta, or Mundane.


    Side-Note: The User can not discern a lie when the target in question believes what they say to be the truth.


    Child of the Silver Tongue: The User can read, write, speak, or understand any language that Loki knows. (See tool tip)


    They took Harley back to the women''s shelter. Harley kissed Lash in his human shape and bestowed the blessing of Loki on him. The blessing was of great surprise to Lash. Lash, and his crew spent the rest of the day visiting Gotham''s City Wardens. Lash also visited the old workshop that belonged to Nast''rok the dwarf who dragged Lash through the shop and had him update all the healing tree''s that Lash had made way back when. Eventually their day came to an end and they retreated back to Lash''s home. Where dinner was made, and plans were discussed.


    The Great Summer Hunt would be done in the Fae Wilds. It was happening on a large strip of land. Nearly ten miles wide, and over a hundred miles long. The forest itself would be enchanted to impede both hunters, and hunted. The tree''s roots would reach out and trip or ensnare people that moved through it. They also could not be enchanted, animated, or turned against either side specifically. So Lash lost that edge.


    Each hunted, and hunter would receive a magical compass that would point in the direction of the finish line. Why was this important? Because there would be a magical fog of misdirection placed in the forest. If one traveled in a straight line to quickly. The fog would displace the individual, either causing them to be completely turned around or turned sideways. This was to prevent people like speedsters from sprinting to the end. Running was of course encouraged! But full of magical, or meta sprint to the finish line would cause a misdirect to happen.


    Killing was prohibited, as was direct maiming! Every hunter, or hunted would receive a spell ward placed on them to transport them straight to the medical ward in the Seelie Court castle where death and life spell casters were on standby. Any spell and/or attack that would remove all portions of a body were highly restricted. So reality slicing was off the table. The Seelie Court referee''s understood accidents did happen. A fireball that was cast could have unforeseen consequences. But if one used a spell to remove a target from existence. There was no excuse.


    Tomorrow was going to be a long day. Tomorrow was the Summer Solstice Ball. Many of the ladies were attending and would be traveling to Edwardo''s for dress fittings, and ensuring that their spell wards were in place. They would leave from there. Booraku took Lash''s bedroom to sleep. Lash opted to stay awake and practice his domains for a bit. Lash walked outside to his garden balcony and took a seat. Gotham was eerily quiet, and the sky scrapers dotted the horizon were with out power. So it looked like a mountain line of jagged teeth.


    ¡°Dawn, may I please see the store catalog?¡± Lash asked, after he set up a baffle field to prevent anyone from spying on him. A book made of starlight, and golden pages floated down towards him.


    Lash had 1,300 DP, 22 DP on his Credit Card, and 50 AEP. He flipped through the pages looking through the shopping list with an impartial expression. He wasn''t sure what he wanted. No, that wasn''t true. He wanted more Spell Domains so he could obtain 20. Thanks to the Domain of Enchantment he had 17 Domains. So, he did what he always did in this situation. He accessed the recommended tab.


    A long list of Skills, Powers, Domains, Traits, and equipment showed. Lash took a bit to read the reviews of a few interesting concepts then he slowed to a stop when he read the latest upgrade key to the Watch Tower. It seemed the price had changed again. D grade to C grade was now 1,000 points. Which was cheaper then the 1,320 it was last time. But the price for G to F to E to D had increased. Erik the gamer reminded them that it was still technically Beta. Everything was subject to change.


    ¡°Dawn, what would you suggest?¡± Lash asked his ever present VI Representative, and technically Game Master of the Dream.


    ¡°If your current goal is more Domains. I would encourage obtaining ones that will help you in your efforts ahead.¡± Dawn said in soft, and sweet tone. Several Spell Domains were highlighted in the recommended list.


    Spell Domain of Order: The Caster can utilize Order Magic, allowing mastery of spells capable of manipulating and/or reconstructing reality and the very fabric of existence, and bring about order to the cosmos.


    Side-Note: May have unforeseen consequences when mixing with the Domain of Chaos.


    Dream Point cost, 100 DP.


    Spell Domain of Void: The Caster can utilize Void Magic, allowing the mastery of spells capable of manipulating sub dimension of power found with in all things. Void is the vastness of nothingness, and everything. Everything comes from it, and everything will one day return to it.


    Dream Point cost, 50 DP.


    Spell Domain of Elemental: The Caster can call, command, and manipulate the fundamental elemental forces in their magic. Often found, and tied to aspects of nature itself. Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Through practice the Caster can eventually call on combined aspects of elemental power.


    Example: Lighting, Lava, Ice, etc.


    Dream Point cost, 50 DP.


    Spell Domain of Life: The Caster can utilize powerful spells which can bring anything the Caster sees fit to life. Statues, machines, furniture, suits of armor, etc. The Life Domain also helps with healing, and resurrection.


    Dream Point cost, 32 DP.


    Side-Note: The User has almost learned the Life Domain. Price decrease is shown.


    Spell Domain of Nightmare: The Caster can utilize powerful spells to manipulate nightmares found in either their own mind, or the minds of others. Partially manipulating reality so their creations may exist, if only for a short time.


    Dream Point cost, 50 DP.


    ¡°Please be aware User that several spells found in your current Domains may jump to any of the new Domains you purchase. Since they will be a better fit there.¡± Dawn said to Lash with a teacher like tone. Lash rubbed his face as he looked at the recommended options from Dawn.


    The Life Domain would be useful for his support spells. It would dramatically empower his healing, Kiss of the Grave, and Death Ward. He was interested what would happen if he purchased the Order Domain, Dawn wouldn''t suggest it if was impossible to obtain. Something about the Void Domain called to him, or more specifically Saurian. His partner nudged him towards that specific Domain.


    Attention User! You have purchased the Spell Domain of Void!


    Purchased cost is 50 DP.


    Spell Domain of Void will be paired with the Space Domain. The two Domains will empower one another.


    New Spell/Power obtained, Portal Creation: The User can open a hole in the universe connecting two non-adjacent locations. This may be done in a very neat manner, such as connecting two doorways in the universe, or it may be done very sloppily like breaking a rift in the space-time continuum.


    Effect: The User can open a portal for one minute, and create another portal at any location they have previously been planet side in their current dimension and/or reality.


    Effect: This Spell/Power has a 24 hour cool down.


    Effect: Consumes 50% of total power reserve.


    Attention User! You''ve spent 2 DP to evolve Portal Creation into Minor Portal Creation.


    Effect: The portal range has increased to near orbital reach. In example the User can now portal to the Moon, or anything with in that range.


    Effect: This Spell/Power has a 20 hour cool down.


    Effect: Consumes 45% of the total power reserve.


    Lash took a moment took a moment to feel the power of the Void settle into his system. Spell inscriptions danced around his body for a brief moment and he felt across the shared link that Saurian had shifted, and changed slightly. He also felt Darkness Manipulation gain a bit of power from the new Domain. Fascinating! Once the last of the spell inscriptions faded from sight Lash continued to purchase his next Domain, two to go till 20.


    Attention User! You have purchased the Spell Domain of Elemental!


    Purchased cost is 50 DP.


    Spell Domain of Elemental will be paired with the Nature Domain. Two Domains will empower one another.


    New Spell/Power obtained, Elemental Manipulation: User can create, shape and manipulate elements. Will work in tandem with Material Shaping when it applies.


    Attention User! You''ve spent 2 DP to evolve Elemental Manipulation into Minor Elemental Manipulation.


    Effect: Increase in spell power, decrease in spell energy consumption, increase in ability to manipulate.


    ¡°Partner, do you think we can breath fire now?¡± Lash asked Saurian. His partner chuckled across their shared link. Lash leaned back in his chair and slowly exhaled. A small flame sparked from his mouth. Like a dragon hiccuping!


    Attention User! You have purchased the Spell Domain of Order!


    Purchased cost is 100 DP.


    Spell Domain of Order will be paired with the Chaos Domain. Two Domains will empower one another.


    Warning! WARNING!


    A GIANT beam if light crashed from the sky right on top if Lash. For a moment the entire night sky was bathed in a golden light. Time slowed to a crawl, and Lash was gently pulled up from his chair as a voice called out to him. No, not a single voice but two different voices. One a woman''s smooth, and sweet as honey on the ear. The other a sinister, and malevolent voice that felt like a knife was slicing his ears off.


    ¡°We''ve been watching you.¡± They both said to him. ¡°We see why he likes you. Your Cosmic Patron. Many would believe that Chaos, and Order can not work together. But this is not true.¡± The voices said together.


    ¡°Chaos, and Order are part of the same coin just on different sides. We walk hand in hand together as the universe changes. As we destroy, we create. You understand this better than most. For you bring change to a stagnant universe. Keep it up! We are looking forward you your progress.¡± The voices said together.


    ¡°I am the Goddess of Magic, Hecate.¡± The woman''s voice said sweetly.


    ¡°I am the Upside Down Man, maybe we''ll share a meal together in the future.¡± The man''s voice said with a sadistic laugh.


    Time resumed, and Lash crashed into his chair. He jumped to his feet and the world around him was normal? It looked like no one had noticed the event. Lash felt a burning mark on his chest, he pulled his chest armor to the side as much as he could and he saw the ''Witch'' mark of Hecate on sternum. Beneath that was another mark, but this one had no design. No style, no color. It seem to flicker in and out of existence.


    Congratulations User! You''ve earned the Achievement, ''What kind? Otherkind!''


    The Otherkind are aware of you now. You may live to regret that. This Achievement has unforeseen consequences.


    Congratulations User! You''ve earned the title, Archmage!


    Active Effect: Evolve one spell ability once a month. No charge!


    Passive Effect: Obtain Magic Intuition....Alert! Magic Intuition already obtained. Magic Intuition evolves into Minor Magic Intuition.


    Minor Magic Intuition effect: The User learns, and adapts quicker. Allowing for greater control over their spell craft, and ability to change and or tweak existing spells.


    Title Consolidation detected!


    Attention User! You''ve learned 20 Spell Domains! You may not purchase anymore Spell Domains. The User can still learn new Spell Domains.


    Lash was shocked, and a little bit angry! So he couldn''t purchase anything new from now on? He could still purchase spells for his Domains. He had been hoping to get Abjuration at some point. But he did like his new title, especially the active effect. He thought for a moment, what was a spell he wanted to evolve? Healing Aura! That would be useful for the Summer Hunt.


    Attention User, you''ve used your Archmage Title to evolve Healing Aura.


    Basic Healing Aura has evolved into Intermediate Healing Aura.


    Effect: Healing range has increased to 120 ft.


    Effect: Restores 4% of total health, and energy.


    Effect: Decrease in spell energy consumption.


    Lash reactivated his Healing Aura the first initial pulse hit all the sleeping Griaks in their little tree house, and all the near by Gargoyles. The stone sentinels effected by the spell looked over at Lash then went back to their silent vigil. The Griaks snored louder, but that was about it. Lash smile satisfied with his evolution. He picked up the store book and went to something he had been putting off. He had 50 Ability Evolution Points. So he decided to spend them on something worth while.


    Attention User! You have selected True Damage for evolution. Because of the unique ability it will take an increased amount of points.


    You have spent 25 AEP. Basic True Damage evolves into Master True Damage.


    Master True Damage: The User now does 100% critical damage at all times.


    Sub-Ability, Monomolecular Edge: The edge is one molecule thick, capable of splitting molecules. (Can be turned on and off, otherwise a passive ability)


    Attention User! You have selected True Body for evolution. Because of the unique ability it will take an increased amount of points.


    You have spent 25 AEP. Basic True Body evolves into Master True Body.


    Master True Body: The User is now immune to 100% critical damage at all times.


    Sub-Ability, Reality Armor: The User can empower their existing gear to with the power of reality itself. (Can be turned on and off, otherwise a passive ability)


    Comment: Plot armor anyone!?


    The very air around Lash seem to ripple for a brief moment as his Warden/Daemonic gear was infused with the very essence of the reality he was currently in. It was strange, the gear from an outside perspective hadn''t changed one bit. But from Lash/Saurian''s view point. Their gear had taken on a whole new level of power. They were of course reminded that they could still be hurt by normal damage. But things like say, Darkseid''s omega beam? They could now shrug that off.


    Lash stepped back into his home and sat down across the floor and began to Meditate he created a silent alarm for his Clock to sound off at 4:30 am like always. He began to pour through his Domains one by one. Twenty Domains, twenty area''s of power. Now that he knew he couldn''t purchase anymore Domains it made him wonder if he should have chosen different Domains? Maybe, but he was happy with his choices. He could still learn more at a later time. Maybe he could go poke Constantine later?


    The wooden floors creaked softly as someone walked across the room. The individual in question sat down from across Lash and started to take slow deep breaths. Lash reached out with his Sensory Awareness and found Booraku sitting with his legs crossed in front of him. The giant of a man wore a pair of gym shorts, and a massive tee shirt to fit his broad chest. His short hair was slightly messy from rolling around on the bed from sleep.


    Booraku took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes. The Pack Bond between them flared with renewed energy. The new Spell Domains passive abilities crawled across the connection and empowered Booraku. Who inhaled sharply as the powers reached his base. Lighting danced across Booraku''s skin. Seemed he had a natural talent for Lightning Elements.


    ¡°You''ve been busy.¡± Booraku''s deep bass voice rumbled from his chest.


    ¡°Reached 20 Domains. Now, I just have to learn to use them correctly.¡± Lash replied, as he continued to use Meditation.


    ¡°Your growth potential is amazing pack brother Lash, and partner Saurian. Fills me with fear, and awe as I wonder what you would have been like if you had gone the path of pure sorcery.¡± Booraku said, he took another measured breath and let the lightning dance across his body.


    Lash thought about the comment, and when he did he considered the very real possibility that he would be dead! There had been so many times with his Domains that if he had made the wrong move with sorcery it would have ripped him apart with the backlash. He was happy with his choice, and happy for Booraku for reminding him why he would be happy.


    They both stayed on the floor until 4:30 am rolled around. Then Lash jumped to his feet and scurried off to take a shower before all the hot water was taken! He pulled off his Warden/Daemonic gear and set it aside with loving care. Then jumped into the shower and washed down. His whole body was covered in tribal marks his magic foci for his spell craft. After he finished with his shower just for good measure he cast Immaculate on himself.


    When Lash stepped out of his shower with nothing but a towel wrapped around his hips. Booraku walked passed him into the master bathroom to take his own shower. Lash walked across his room and picked up the ceremonial hunting gear set that he had obtained from Nast''rok when he visited the shop. Lash had decided on leather and hide armor this time.


    The leather/hide set of armor was tailor made, and form fitting for Lash. Soft leather pants, and soft leather shirt. Covered by hard leather boots, greaves, cuisse, and tasset protection. Each section was belted on. Then he moved to his gauntlets, bracers, and vambrace. His gauntlets were finger less gloves. Then his cuirass, plackart, pauldrons, gorget, helmet/mask. He had crocodile scaled hide fitted over his armor to give him a reptilian appearance.


    The armor was far more flexible, and lighter than what he wore in the Winter Hunt. But then he used his new found ability, Reality Armor. The energy from his home reality poured into the armor and he could feel the True Damage immunity taking effect. He tied off his belt, and tied his helmet/mask to it. Then walked out into the common area and started to make breakfast. Another advantage was he could actually sit down in this gear set. Hazah!


    ¡°Wow! You look nice!¡± Lizzy said as she came out of her room with wet hair. She wore some simple running pants, and sports bra. Something easy to take off. Since she was headed to Edwardo''s to get dressed. She came over and kissed Lash on the cheek.


    ¡°Thank you, Nast''rok made it for me.¡± Lash said with a grin, and hugged in her return. Lizzy, and Lash stayed that way for a bit. Simply holding one another, he empowered the Pack Bond with her and she felt the new Domains transfer across the line.


    Then Lizzy squeezed Lash''s ass and he jumped slightly in surprise. She grinned at him and wiggled out of his arms. Lash blinked at her then a small smile grew across his face. That was something Lizzy did. Did odd things to get a reaction out of people. Nothing hurtful, unless you were an asshole! It was also something she would normally do. He missed that about her. She walked up to the coffee maker and pouted at it. Then turned her pout at Lash. There was no coffee! Heresy!


    Lash shooed the pouting Lizzy out of the kitchen with the promise of coffee in a few minutes. He started to make coffee the real way with a press, and fresh coffee beans. Isabella soon joined them in the kitchen. Showered, and ready to tackle the world in slip on jeans, shoes, and a t-shirt. She hugged Lash, and he returned the embrace. Then she climbed into her wife Lizzy''s lap and started to make out. Lash rolled his eyes at them and soon interrupted them with two cups of fresh, pressed, turkish coffee empowered with magic! Mana from the heavens!


    Vyllith was the next to come out. She wore ceremonial hunted armor just like Lash. She had insisted on accompanying him on the hunt. He wasn''t going to argue. Her armor was more like a gambeson in dark forest green. Hard leather boots, and greaves. Then she had a leather trench coat on, with hood, and lower half face mask. Splint mail, and hard leather gauntlets, with bracers, the trench coat had metal rings sewn into it in certain sections. The coat was woodsmen camouflage pattern.


    Vyllith saluted Lash, and he returned the salute. Then he reached out and gave her a hug. She stiffened for a moment then returned the embrace. They both felt one another. Then Lash leaned down and licked her nose for good measure. Vyllith startled for a moment and wiggled her nose. She rolled her eyes at him preternaturally and took a seat at the table.


    Booraku was next and the monster of a War Troll came out wearing what could only be described as fantasy barbarian armor! Splint mail boots, greaves, cuisse, and tasset protection. With a thick belt, and a bone head buckle. His left arm was covered in plate mail gauntlet, bracer, vambrace, and a pauldron. The color scheme was muddy brown, and crimson. Strapped across his body were several pieces of bear hide, along with belts, and buckles. Lizzy let loose a wolf whistle soon followed by Isabella. Booraku grinned at them.


    ¡°You do know we are running, right?¡± Lash asked, and Booraku gave him a dead panned expression.


    ¡°Suuuure we are...¡± Booraku said, and sat down at the kitchen table. The wooden chair groaning in protest so much that Lash reinforced it a bit with his magic.


    Next was Koriand''r! Wearing what many cosplayer would consider a wet dream when it comes to fantasy armor! Leather hide boots, short leather tasset skirt, with belt, showing a lot of leg. A hard leather breast plate exposing her midriff. Splint mail gauntlets, and bracers. With hard leather pauldrons. Her brilliant orange skin had an assortment of belts, and buckles stretched across her seductive curves that made any man, or woman drool. Yearning to help her take it all off. The color scheme was dark purple, and black high lights. She flew through the room and came next to Lash looking at him with a huge grin.


    ¡°Can you do my hair?¡± Kory asked, she softly bit her lip in a seductive manner. Lash rolled his eyes and gestured for her to sit down. He used Manifestation and called a Saurus Warrior to continue making breakfast.


    Kara came next wearing soft leather pants, boots, and greaves. She wore a bone buckle belt. Then a soft leather short trench coat top that only went to her thighs. Under her coat one could see a hard leather breast plate like Kory. She wore plate mail gauntlets, and bracers. The coat didn''t have a hood, and she let her long blond hair down. The color scheme was deep navy blue, and gold high lights. The house of El was inscribed across her breast plate. She came in with a brilliant smile, and sat down next to Kory hoping to get her hair done as well.


    Lash soft dread locked Kory, and Kara''s hair. Weaving silver, and gold thread into their hair. Then he created simple but artful in design hair clips capable of holding the mass of hair at the back of their heads. Lash received several prompts of experience in Artist. Lash wasn''t sure why but they both seem to really enjoy it when he would work on their hair. Kara especially seem to become a bit shy, and bashful as he worked on her.


    ------


    After about an hour of discussion they cleaned up and headed downstairs to the Booraku mobile! The climbed into the armored limo SUV and drove to Edwardo''s! The boutique of fashion and design was in a single word to be described? Busy! Hundreds of supernaturals, and pseudo-mundanes were pulling on their Summer Ball dresses, and tuxedos. There was a long line of cars waiting to take them towards the Gotham City Warden HQ where the dimensional gate was. It wasn''t even noon yet!


    Lizzy, and Isabella stepped into a waiting que that was dwindling fast. Edwardo had the boutique fully staff, and than some. Booraku, and Lash had their heads on a swivel. As Kory, and Kara followed Lizzy, and Isabella. Vyllith was following them but kept her eyes about. Despite their location they needed to maintain a defensive stance. One of these days Lash would go to a Fae Court party and not have to worry about being stabbed.


    Supernaturals from all walks of life fluttered about the store. Sylvans, dwarfs, god to honest Orcs!? Giant green skinned humanoids with bulging muscles, knife point ears, pronounced canines, and aura that spell a fight would break out at any moment. Unlike most fantasy genre''s that Erik had read. They didn''t have pig noses. They were just big green people. More than a few females looked at Booraku, and Lash with appreciation. Booraku grinned at a few.


    ¡°Lash-Rao, hello!¡± A woman''s voice called out. Lash turned to look at her.


    The woman in question was Gozith''s sister. She was a Kryptonian demigoddess, and daughter of Flamebird, and Nightwing. She had bronze kissed skin, brilliant flaming red eyes. Literally flaming eyes! Long curly flaming hair past her shoulders, and she wore a feathered top, and skirt. The feathers were bright orange, red, and gold. The top covered her chest, exposed her midriff, and her back. Then the skirt reached to her ankles. The skirt itself was long strips of fabric? Feathers? So if she stepped wide one could see her legs. She wore a pair of naked toed three inch red heels. She was approximately 5''6¡±, with a golden ratio hour glass figure.


    ¡°Juvenate, daughter of Flamebird. Hello!¡± Lash called out to her and bowed from his waist up holding to Warden etiquette. Something that Juvenate found delightful as she laughed lightly, and covered her mouth with her hand.


    ¡°It is good to see Lash, and partner Saurian, Children of Cythonna. What are you wearing?¡± Juvenate asked, as she walked over and gestured towards the leather armor.


    ¡°We are taking part in the Great Summer Hunt. We are part of the hunted.¡± Lash/Saurian replied together, as he ran a hand over his armor. Several people nearby were listening in on their conversation. Juvenate''s eyes widened just a bit at his admission.


    ¡°Why would you volunteer to be hunted? I think you would be a wonderful hunter.¡± Juvenate asked, she was close enough now to run her fingers along the edges of his armor. Sparks of red flame danced up and down her skin.


    ¡°It is more challenging. At the last Winter Ball we attended we were able to get all of the hunted across the finish line. While we also took out several hunters.¡± Lash/Saurian informed her and Juvenate''s eyes grew bright in delight. Her skin glowed with divine energy, the Divine Domain of Monsters also responded lightly.


    ¡°That does sound more like you. Always one to protect others before yourselves. I will inform our kin of your choice. We will cheer for you!¡± Juvenate said with a brilliant smile. She leaned in and kissed Lash on the cheek. But even Saurian could feel the touch.


    ¡°Thank you, Juvenate.¡± Lash said, and responded with a bow from his waist at a perfect 90 degree angle. Juvenate laughed once again, the sound was memorizing. She wondered off at a gradual pace. As if she had all the time in the world.


    ------


    Several hours passed where Lash visited with several people both new, and familiar. At some point some one congratulated Lash on his status as a demigod. After that anyone who walked by him either saluted, or bowed to him. Something he found rather annoying since it pointed him out to nearly anyone nearby. Vyllith, Kara, and Kory eventually came to his side having escorted Lizzy, and Isabella to the dress fittings. Several house Kuldr knights had arrived to ensure their safety. Not that either of them needed it.


    Lizzy came out wearing a skin tight black sequin short skirt dress. Her tanned skin, and Amazonian muscles being freely shown. The skirt went to her mid thigh, her left high was exposed all the way to her hip. Along her exposed leg were several diamond strips. The dress had no back, along with a deep V neck cut in the front. The strips of cloth covering her chest were held up by golden bands that wrapped around her neck like a collar. On the collar was Lizzy, and Lash''s Warden glyph. She wore black spaghetti naked toed heeled shoes. Invisible to the naked eye were dozens of enchantments, and defensive spell wards in place. Her long curly red hair was swept back to one side exposing her collar, and she wore a golden snake earring that covered her entire earlobe.


    Isabella came out wearing what looked like a single band of red silk wrapped around her voluptuous body. The band of silk wrapped around neck, the wrapped around her chest exposing her upper back, then wrapped around her lower back, exposing her midriff. Then the red silk wrapped around her waist into a short skirt with a red silk trail that was tied to her right hand. Her long auburn hair was tied back into a french braid. She wore two silver colored earrings, with a bright red jewel hanging from each ear lobe. Then she had four inch high red heels. Like Lizzy''s dress this was inscribed with enchantments, and defensive spells.


    With their group finished they returned to the Booraku mobile! Then drove to the Warden HQ! It was mid afternoon at this point. They still had several hours before even the first guest would start to arrive at the Seelie Court, Summer Castle. But there was something else they had to do! They had to get Saurian ready for the ball! Saurian was huge these days, so Nast''rok had sent the ceremonial armor to Warden HQ. Lash had been surprised when he heard that Saurian could come out during the hunt. Did they not understand how large he was? Or did that just make him an easier target now?


    While they drove up the Warden HQ. Lash discussed in detail about what they would do during the Hunt. As much fun as it would be to utterly destroy the hunters. They couldn''t do that. The current Summer Queen would be taking part in the hunt. Defeating her would be a huge dishonor. Though Lash was sure the Winter Court would love it. Lash did want to get all the hunted across the finish line just like he did last time. But he presumed even with the geas scrolls in place there would be hunted that would want to be captured.


    ¡°What are the chances that someone will try and kill you during the hunt?¡± Kara asked after she looked over the rules of the hunt. Lash leaned back trying to calculate the chances.


    ¡°I''d say 50/50!¡± Booraku said from the driver seat. They were about thirty minutes out from the HQ. Gotham City traffic was no joke when the only bridges in use were the ones Lash built a while ago.


    ¡°Even with all the geas scrolls in place, and the rules being thought out. ''Accidents'' happen all the time. I wouldn''t be surprised if someone feigns that they didn''t think I was that weak. Then over power a spell in an attempt to destroy me.¡± Lash replied with a grin, as he felt his Reality Armor pulse with energy.


    ¡°Should I be concerned that your not concerned? Because if you die during the hunt I am going to kill you!¡± Lizzy said from her seat, twisting around to shake her fist at Lash. Threatening him with the wrath of doom. DOOOOOOM!


    Everyone laughed a little at the antics of the two adoptive siblings. A few side glances told Lash that they were still worried about him. They were worried about Lizzy too, but she had more time to grieve than Lash was allowing himself to have. He was throwing himself into his work, they all knew it. But for now it would be enough. Along the drive Lash was making a city wide map that needed reconstruction. He had already messaged Vigil ahead of time. Once his required days off were spent he would be spending time in Gotham helping it rebuild.


    ------


    Thirty minutes later they arrived at the Gotham City, Warden HQ. Then it took another thirty minutes to get through security. The Warden HQ was a modern day castle or Chateau with an expansive estate, huge gardens, and thick stone walls. That was at least what the mundane eye saw. Most of the Warden facilities were built underground and designed to survive a nuclear warhead. Thousands of sentinel gargoyles were stationed along the walls invisible to the naked eye. Unlike the gargoyles that guarded Lash''s home. These creatures were armed, and armored.


    Thousands of spell wards, and defenses both magical, and technological were placed around the Warden HQ. It may seem a little excessive, but most Warden HQ''s played not only the central hub of communication, and logistics for their area. They were also apocalypse bunkers meant to keep everyone safe. Over half of the Supernaturals in Gotham City, and the rural area around came to this HQ for protection during the invasion. Not only that, they had room to spare!


    Despite several hours before the Summer Ball, there were hundreds of cars already arriving. A collection of Magicians, Sorcerers, and Champions were in the process of linking the dimensional gateway to the Summer Fae Wilds. Last time Lash watched the creation of a portal it gave him a severe headache. Now, he noticed he was obtaining experience in Portal Creation. Booraku parked the car and everyone climbed out. They had some time to kill so Lash went to the library to visit an old friend.


    Lash walked towards the library of the Wardens standing behind the service counter was Sir Rupert! He was a Technomagical Construct. He looked like a suit of knight armor that was animated by magic, and living essence. If Lash was being honest, Sir Rupert was probably something even more advance than that. As soon as Lash stepped with in fifty of the service desk Sir Rupert went to full attention and placed a hand over his breast plate.


    ¡°Respectful greetings to you, Natural Mechanic! How may I be of service!¡± Sir Rupert''s voice was dignified, and respectful.


    ¡°Been a while Sir Rupert, I''ve actually come to see how you are doing? Any issues?¡± Lash asked, coming to a stop right next to the desk. He looked the construct over with Magical Perception noticing several points of observation he didn''t notice before.


    ¡°I am healthy as ever since the last we saw one another, Warden Lash! I see that you have grown stronger in your path as a Natural Mechanic. Have you learned, Source Code yet?¡± Sir Rupert asked, he stepped out from behind the desk and stood before Lash.


    ¡°I have, is there something wrong with your code?¡± Lash asked, and Sir Rupert took a knee. Despite being a suit of armor, the magic imbued into him allowed him full motor control.


    ¡°I believe it was a gradual process! Something that you fail to notice until it happens. I distinctly remember doing things once before but can not now. May I please request your aid?¡± Sir Rupert asked, bowing his metal helmet in respect.


    Lash reached out and activated Source Code. A very complex, and layered diagram of universal program code appeared around Sir Rupert. Sure enough there was degradation to his code. Little errors! But the errors eventually stacked on top of each other. It his current level he could only fix minor inconveniences. Lash didn''t want to mess with the overall energy, or composition of materials. Sir Rupert''s creator was a master of their trade.....


    ¡°Lash.....Lash?...LASH!?¡± Vyllith yelled at him, and he turned around to look at her in confusion. She looked at him in concern, then looked at the clock. Several hours had gone by!


    ¡°Gah! Sorry, I got stuck in my work again.¡± Lash replied, and closed the Source Code diagram. He was also reminded that no one else seems to be able when he is playing with it. Sir Rupert stood up with a triumphant cheer!


    ¡°Wonderful! I feel my mind is working far more efficiently again! Thank you once again for the favor great mechanic!¡± Sir Rupert bowed from his waist, and Lash noticed a fair spark of life flickered to life with in the core of the construct.


    ¡°You are very welcome, I am sorry I couldn''t do more. But when I get more practice I''ll come back and visit you again.¡± Lash said with a smile and bowed back.


    Lash, and Vyllith excused themselves from the library, and Sir Rupert stood up and looked around. A glimmer of intelligence was seen his visor that was not there before. He felt his hands through his leather gloves and felt alive. Something had changed, something that his original creator had not intended for him. But now Rupert would spend his new life granted to him by another master, another creator. Wonderful! Though Rupert didn''t have a face exactly, just a helmet. One would think him smiling with out exaggerated his movements were.


    An attendant for the HQ showed up to guide Lash, and Vyllith to a private garden. In this garden stood several boxes filled with ceremonial hunting gear for Saurian. Lash stepped to the middle of the garden and called on his partner to come out. A cloud of absolute darkness consumed the immediate area. The ambient magical energy spiked, and aspects of the Void leaked into the area. Then the darkness was pulled back to reveal Saurian.


    Saurian towered over the area. Standing on his legs like any humanoid would he was approximately 60 ft. tall if you counted his skull crested crown maybe a few feet more. Slightly tucked under his crest were six reptilian eyes, three on each side. He opened his jaw and let out a soft growl that still sent a vibration through the area. The tree''s, flowers, and grass grew, and expanded as if in greetings. He opened his jaws, and his mandibles spread out with serrated teeth pushing out. A long serpentine forked tongue flickers out. He turns to look down at Vyllith, he drops to a crouch and his snout gently nudges his Hell Knight. Vyllith reaches out with her gloved hand and runs her fingers along his lips.


    ¡°Greetings to you, Lord Saurian.¡± Vyllith said respectfully, and bowed her head in submission. Despite his massive size he gently nudges her like a cat, or a dog would. Earning a soft laugh from her.


    Saurian stands up and looks around the garden. He shuffles towards the boxes and opens them up. He had four finger claws on his hands, and feet. While he had two tentacles on his back, and one that was his tail. When closed all three looked like spear points at their tips. But when opened clawed pincers capable of not only casting spells, manipulating powers, but could also be used to grip things. They carefully started to pull off the designed armor they had. Then slowly pulled on the ceremonial gear. The Warden attendants stepped back in wonder, and a little terror. Saurian was a terror all on his own.


    Beneath his skull crest, along the back of his neck were hundreds, if not thousands of tendrils. One would think they were simply his hair. But Saurian never had any hair. The tendrils were scaled, and moved about in an erratic manner. Until the armor pieces were set then they reached out, reacting to outside stimuli. These tendrils went down his neck, along his spine, to the edge of his tail. Then along the back of his arms, and legs to the elbows, and knees. Saurian''s scales were dark forest green, and metallic.


    With Transformation, and Adaptation available. Saurian could change his shape according to his needs. If he wanted to be faster, he could slim his current mass down to be more dynamic. Flexible, allowing for better movement. He could change his limbs, and even his spine to work for all fours. He could also go the other way and gain muscle, and bone density. Right now he was 60 feet tall, and 120 feet long. But he never said he couldn''t be bigger. One of these days, just for practice. Saurian, and Lash would use Size Alteration, and Enlarge/Reduce and see just how large Saurian could get. It would be...Fun!


    ¡°Are we up to standard?¡± Saurian asked, his voice rumbled from his chest and he used Partial-Telepathy to be clearly heard.


    ¡°Yes, Hunter Saurian. You fulfill the criteria!¡± The Warden attendants called up to him. Then with Darkness Manipulation, and the Void. Saurian shrunk down and swapped out with Lash.


    ¡°Damn! Your partner got big!¡± A familiar, and older man''s voice called out. Lash turned to see who was speaking and a smile grew across his face. Walking towards him, and Vyllith was his old mentor David Skaleg, retired Warden. Walking next to him was Mutalia his wife, and Seelie Court Fae Sylvan.


    Skaleg his old mentor looked good, retirement suited him. The old Viking had built up a lot of stress of the years and it showed while he was working. Now? He stood up straight, had a smile on his face, and a glimmer of life in his eyes. Behind him, almost a specter was the Viking Spirit that had joined with Skaleg since long ago. The specter was a lot like Skaleg, as far as Lash knew they were actually the same person just different reincarnations.


    The specter had giant wooden shield on his back, with a grand war axe in hand. He wore a combination of leather, hides, and chain mail. He had a long mangy beard, and hair braided down his back. Skaleg was not much different! Skaleg stood now at about 6''3¡±, with clear blue eyes, a rectangular build, and long silver braided hair. He wore a tuxedo spell crafted suit, with animal hides across his back, and shoulders. His wooden cane by his side that would easily turn into a magical axe at his call.


    Next to him was Mutalia, she was 5''8¡± with long brown hair tucked back behind her ears. She wore a long silver chain wrapped around her neck, that dangled into her cleavage which was abundant in her long green, lace, and floral pattern dress. The dress went to her ankles, and covered her feet. The sheer lace, and floral patterns hide the important bits, but showed off the rest. As it hugged her hourglass figure very well. Lash noticed a fae glamour that hide a few wrinkles, and gray strands of hair. Fae were vain like that, even if Mutalia didn''t care. She was attending a Seelie Court Ball. Her vibrant green eyes looked Lash up and down. Was this the first time they had met? Lash couldn''t remember.


    Lash walked up and hugged his old mentor and squeezed him just a bit for the old man to exhale in annoyance. Then Lash stepped back, and bowed at a ninety degree angle towards Mutalia who smiled at him. He said a Sidhe greeting in ancient fae to her. Her eyes grew wide at his pronunciation of it. Loki''s blessing for the win! Then Lash turned an introduce Vyllith to them, Skaleg''s eyes nearly fell out of their sockets when Lash said he was a Count of hell.


    ¡°How is Marie?¡± Lash asked, as they walked side by side towards the dimensional gateway.


    ¡°She''s fine! Stuck out the invasion like a champ at Gotham University. As much as I wanted her to come stay with us.¡± Skaleg grumbled in good nature, while Mutalia snickered at him.


    ¡°What he means to say is that she help lead the defense of the University grounds against several interlopers, and meta''s that got a little to handsy!¡± Mutalia said with a proud smile. Lash grinned at that, happy to hear Marie was well, and it seemed Mutalia got along with her.


    ¡°She got extra credit in tactics, and strategy from the University. Which is something since she claims she wants a major in music. At least this year!¡± Skaleg barked out a laugh of annoyance. But Lash could tell the old man was happy. Marie was a smart woman, and thanks to Skaleg she could stay in school for years and not worry about paying tuition.


    ¡°Oh! She does say hello, and she was curious if you could tell the JLI to try and fix the University utilities. She really wants to take a hot shower in her dorm room sometime this year!¡± Skaleg said with a grin, and Lash rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Ya, her and millions of other people.¡± Lash said with a small smile. Skaleg, and Mutalia nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Lord Count, the others have already traveled through the gate. Shall we head off?¡± Vyllith asked, standing next to Lash. Lash smiled at her, and took her arm up in his own. A smile tugged on her lips, but she remained mostly expressionless.


    ¡°We shall! Let''s see if I get floored like I did last time!¡± Lash said with a grimace, as Skaleg laughed and held up his dimensional ground key. It would help him transition between the dimension, while Mutalia was a Seelie Court, Summer Fae. She was born of this.


    They all stepped into a long queue to get into the Summer Fae Wilds. The gateway was established, and working properly. As always it was a breath taking all be it confusing piece of spell craft. A stone arch way made from spell inscribed stone. Perfectly measured, cut, and placed to create a archway with enough room for four people to walk side by side, and tall enough for two War Trolls to stand on top of one another with room to spare.


    It was night time in Gotham, and the stars were out. But because they were close to the city a lot of pollution prevented them from seeing the stars. In the Fae wilds that was not an issue! Lash, and Vyllith stepped through the barrier and they saw it above them! A clear ocean of stars unseen in their world. A vast nebula of energy, eclipsed only by the three full moons in alignment above them. Each one slightly larger then the one before them. One green, one red, and one silver.


    They stood on a stone pathway that stretched for miles ahead of them. The pathway was guarded by giant tree''s of a variety of type, breed, and color. Colorful petals were constantly falling from the tree''s above. But they never ran out, as if they were in constant bloom. In transition from spring, to summer. At the edge of the path was a giant wooden, and stone castle. The reached up to the moons above. The castle stone seamlessly merged into the wood, and the wood curled, and wrapped around like a living thing. They had built a giant tree house, literally!


    Congratulations User! Minor Portal Creation has evolved into Basic Portal Creation.


    Effect: The User can open a portal to another Dimension, as long as it is with in their limited range. The User must have visited said location at least once.


    Effect: Spell/Power has a 16 hour cool down.


    Effect: Spell/Power consumes 40% of the total power reserve.


    Lash waited for it, and waited, and waited. Skaleg, and Mutalia came through the portal expecting him to be on his knees. Vyllith was waiting for it to happen as well. But when Lash didn''t collapse after a few minutes she stepped back and gave him a look over. Something was different? Every time he''d gone through a separate dimension it had always floored him. Taken his abilities from him. Did his achievements finally even out and remove that little quirk? Was it one of his new Domains? What would happen if he visited a Rift? Technically when he visited the Alternate Reality he didn''t lose any of his abilities. But when he did the Time Fragment he did? But maybe that was a Dream Engine mechanic?


    ¡°Well, let''s not stand around waiting for something that wont happen! Time to party! Time to watch the hunt! I''m looking forward to watching you thrash everyone, Lash!¡± Skaleg said with a giant guffaw!


    ==========================================================


    ***HR. United Kingdom, London***


    ¡°Come on John! We have to get going!¡± Zatanna Zatara said as she finished clipping her last earring on. She pulled on her long black satin gloves that reached her elbows. Smoothed her hands over her short skirt black evening gown. She looked at herself in the mirror with a satisfied smirk.


    ¡°Ya! Ya! Ya!¡± Constantine called out from the bathroom. He stepped out wearing a nice tuxedo, with a red silk handkerchief in his front pocket. His two top buttons were undone, with no tie. He was flicking his lighter open and close then let out a whistle at Z''s short skirt.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± Zatanna said with a wink, as she did a twirl. The short dress skirt had no back, and the straps were tied to a choker on her neck leaving her shoulders free.


    ¡°I''m looking forward to taking it off of yau later!¡± Constantine said with a smile. Zatanna rolled her eyes, and touched up her red lipstick.


    ¡°Remember John, just because it''s an open bar-¡± Zatanna began then was interrupted by John.


    ¡°Wait''! It''''s an open bar!? Why didn''t'' yau say so!¡± John yelled in glee, he pulled out the Summer Ball invitation and started to say a chant for instant teleportation.


    ¡°Stars above what have I done!¡± Zatanna said, as she grabbed her invitation and came to John''s side.


    =========================================================


    ***HR. North America, Metropolis***


    ¡°So, where are we going again?¡± Lois Lane asked, as she zipped the side of her dress. She went with a deep crimson red, with a lace backing. The skirt went to her knees, and a slight slit went up one thigh. She wore comfortable three inch heels something that would be easy to slip off if she needed to move in.


    ¡°The Summer Court Ball, we were invited.¡± Clark said from his side of the bedroom. Trying to do his tie, but he kept getting it tied wrong. Until Lois laughed at his attempts and came over to help him do it. Clark wore a form fitting, tailored made, spell crafted tuxedo.


    ¡°I know that part! I am talking about the fact that its in a different dimension, Clark?¡± Lois said, as she finished with Clark''s tie. She brushed her short black hair back, revealing her left ear with one of Wraith''s jewel set pieces he had made for her. With the house of El symbol.


    ¡°They have two a year. One for Summer, and one for Winter. While the twilight groups have a more informal gathering. They also have the Great Hunting games. Lash will be there, participating in the hunt.¡± Clark said with a smile as he pulled out the invitations.


    ¡°Isn''t that a little unfair? Having him hunt everyone down like that?¡± Lois asked, as she tucked a small recorder down her dress. She was an investigated reporter after all.


    ¡°Oh no, he''s being hunted. He says it is more of a challenge.¡± Clark said with a smirk when Lois looked at him in shock. ¡°Oh by the way, that wont work in the Fae wilds. Sorry Lois!¡± Clark said as he pointed at the recorder down her dress. Lois grumbled and pulled it out and tossed it aside.


    Clark pulled the window open, and opened his arms waiting for Lois. She rolled her eyes at him and climbed into his arms princess carry style. Then they flew out into the night air of Metropolis, under the guise of a glamour charm given to them for tonight. They were not the only ones flying tonight. As they saw several carriages, and creatures flying in the night under a similar charm. Which allowed them to see each other.


    ¡°None of them are aliens?¡± Lois asked softly, knowing Clark could hear her.


    ¡°Nope!¡± Clark said with a smirk, and Lois desperately wanted to get her recorder out. But she had signed a geas and couldn''t report on anything she would see tonight.


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Watch Tower Station***


    ¡°When did we get this thing?¡± Victor Stone aka Cyborg asked. As he pulled lightly on his tuxedo collar.


    ¡°Only a little while ago, it was one of the modules recently given to us by Wraith.¡± Svadeni aka Dia Nyx said with a seductive smile.


    Victor had to get a specific type of enchanted tuxedo so his cybernetic parts would still work in the Fae wilds. He filled it out rather well, something that Dia kept teasing him about. Victor was once again reminded of how life like his poly-metallic skin could be as he felt a blush crawl up his neck into his cheeks. Dia wore a skin tight dark latex purple dress. The skirt barely went past her ass, and she would definitely flash anyone if she bent over. Or course she would also fall out of her top, as it barely contained her bursting chest. Something that Victor kept glancing at despite his best efforts.


    Dia''s arms were wrapped around Victors own as they took another step towards the door. There were dozens of people ahead of them. Dia kept winked, and blew kisses at both men, and women they saw. Only to catch Victor checking out her low cut dress again. He would quickly look away, and his artificial blush would deepen. Dia enjoyed teasing him! She spent the next few minutes pressed right up against him claiming she wanted to ensure the tuxedo was working.


    ¡°Hello Nurse! Owe! What? Your sister is hot! Owe!¡± Beast Boy aka Garfield Logan said from behind them.


    Garfield unlike the rest of the men in the line wore what looked like a modern day mongolian garb. Long billowing sleeves tied down with leather bracers. The dress top overlapped each other tied with a sash. Then decorative pants, and boots. Then a monkey king crown on his head. He kept twitching, and jumping as his date kept pinching him for staring at her sister.


    ¡°Just because she is doesn''t mean you have to say it out loud!¡± Raven said with a glare that could melt steel. But despite the fierce glare she gave Garfield. He just kept smiling at her, super excited to have her on his arm tonight.


    Raven wore a long midnight black starlight mermaid gown, with lace. The dress wrapped around her neck, and left her shoulders, and the upper half of her back exposed. She wore long black satin gloves that went to her upper arms. She wore her short black hair in a bob cut. With a few purple, and red highlights. The gold, and red jeweled belt hung on her waist, and the jeweled clasp she traditionally worn for her cloak was a neck piece.


    ¡°You look nice, Raven.¡± Victor said, and Raven blushed crimson. Very prominent on her pale face.


    ¡°Thank you, Victor...¡± She mumbled, then pinched Garfield again who jumped in surprise.


    ¡°I didn''t even do anything this time!¡± Garfield complained, looking at her in confusion.


    ¡°See, that is how you compliment someone!¡± Raven said with a glare for Garfield.


    ¡°Oh I don''t mind, sister!¡± Dia said with a grin, and Raven rolled her eyes.


    ¡°See! Owe!¡± Garfield jumped again.


    ==========================================================


    ***HR. Summer Fae Wilds***


    Nearly thirty percent of the Justice League: International had been invited to attend the Summer Solstice Balls found across the world. Many of them were supernaturals, or pseudo-mundanes. Justice League: Dark worked with the Wardens, and Supernatural council. But everyone had to sign a geas scroll, and many people wore glamour charms to hide their identities. The Summer Solstice Ball was meant to bring people together, and celebrate the what they had survived, and what had yet to happen.


    Lash found himself being trapped between a rock, and hard place. More specifically he found himself pressed up against a crowd of people that wanted his attention. While a beautiful Poison Ivy pressed up against him in her paper thin red dress trying to pull him away for some fun. Ivy had found him half up the path towards the castle. She was sitting in a tree awaiting his arrival.


    Ivy had her long red curly hair swept back. She wore a skin tight red crop top with no sleeves. Then she wore a skin tight red mini skirt. The color she chose highlighted her green olive skin, and her red painted toenails. She went barefoot, because that is what she would do! When Lash had walked towards her the tree had bent down to deliver her. Lash had reached up to pull her down and she had fallen into his arms, and kissed him. The toxic kiss poured into Lash, and his Nature Domain made him immune.


    ¡°Can''t we go somewhere and talk.¡± Ivy said with sultry look to her eyes. Lash rolled his eyes at her and smoothed his fingers down her spine.


    ¡°We only have an hour before the Hunt starts. The things I would like to do to you would take longer than an hour.¡± Lash whispered into her ear and used his Subliminal Seduction ability on her. She bit back a moan and ground her hips against him.


    ¡°Fine! But, I get to have some one on one time with you before Harley joins!¡± Ivy said with a smirk when Lash blinked at her in shock. She kissed his cheek and slipped away into the crowds. Before he could get swarmed by people wanting to talk to him Vyllith slipped up to his side.


    ¡°Are you here to save me?¡± Lash asked his knight and she gave him a grin...That would be a no.


    So, Lash gradually made his way to the party center for Gotham City proper. He spoke to many court fae about his intentions. Many of them giving well wishes, and underlying gifts or threats because of his new status as a demigod. Along the way he saw, and spoke to a few familiar faces. More than once he had to peel a seductive woman off of him. All the while Vyllith tried, and failed to hide her laughter at her Counts clear frustration.


    Knowing every spoken language by Loki may not have been a boon after all. Lash spoke perfect sidhe now, and understood many ancient dialects that hadn''t been spoken by a ''mortal?'' in centuries. He also over heard several people insult Vyllith for being a pure blood demoness. He snapped out a growl that made the whole immediate area freeze in place. The fae soon learned not to insult Lash''s people in any language with in ear shot of him.


    Vyllith was indifferent to being insulted. But Lash could feel across their connection as Master, and Servant that she did like that he defended her. Even if it was unnecessary for her. To Lash it was the principal of the matter. The only reason he hadn''t broken bones at this point was because he was a guest in someone''s home. After asking for directions, and sidhe servant led them to the Gotham City party center. Lash fed the sidhe a few nature spells and thanked them. Once again he felt like a drug dealer as the servant turned into a puddle of delighted goop!


    ¡°I challenge you!¡± A male sylvan shouted out at the top of his lungs. It took Lash a good ten seconds before he realized the man was pointing at him. Lash looked at the sylvan like he was crazy.


    ¡°Dear Sir, though I am not one to run from a fight. We only have ten minutes until the hunt starts.¡± Lash replied, and the sylvan male scoffed at him.


    ¡°So you forfeit this challenge of skill!¡± The man said, he looked a little young. He wore a combination of armor, and tuxedo. Along with a short bone spear that was tied to his back.


    ¡°Is there a referee available to watch the duel, and remind us when the hunt begins?¡± Lash called out to the crowd that had now started to form. A sidhe servant wearing a form fitting white tuxedo suit. (Servants tuxedos are white)


    ¡°Yes, Warden. We''ll call the duel a draw if there is no victor before the two minute mark.¡± The servant replied.


    ¡°Very well, I agree.¡± Lash said to the sylvan. The servant clapped their hands and Lash and the upstart were teleported to the middle of the room where an arcane magical barrier was erected.


    ¡°Ailen Orifir has challenged Warden Lash to a duel of skill. By win, lose, or draw no grudges will be held against either party. Agreed?¡± The servant referee called out.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± ¡°Agreed.¡± They both said, confusion in the area was clear. They only had a brief moment until the hunt.


    ¡°No killing, or direct maiming will be allowed. Both participants ready?¡± The servant asked, and they both nodded. ¡°Begin!¡± Just as the servant finished his words the entire area shook with a violent crash.


    Lash stood over the poor man, the boys arms in a lock with Lash''s knee in his chest. The sylvan male coughed up a bit of blood and was struggling to breath. The floor beneath him had been cracked. Something that was hard to do, Lash knew from experience. The young man attempted to struggle free but Lash used Gravity Stride''s other ability and increased his overall weight by 20%. The man screamed, but refused to yield. Lash rolled his eyes and popped one of the mans arms out of socket.


    ¡°Gaaaaaah!¡± The young man screamed, but still refused to give up.


    ¡°How much time is left?¡± Lash asked the referee. Who looked at his watch before he replied.


    ¡°You have two minutes left before we have to stop the duel, Warden Lash.¡± The referee replied. So Lash stayed on top and pulled the other arm out of socket.


    ¡°What is the point of all this? Did you challenge me just before the hunt so you could say you brought me to a draw?¡± Lash asked the man, who continued to struggle under him. At the thirty second mark Lash flooded the man with sleeping pheromones and the man passed out.


    ¡°The duel is won by Warden Lash. Ailen Orifir has fallen asleep and can not continue.¡± The referee called out, and the spell shield collapsed. Lash stepped off the man and walked away with out a second thought.


    ¡°Anyone else? We have fifteen seconds before we have to stop.¡± Lash called out to the crowd. He noticed there was a lot of seething glares tonight. ¡°No? Great!¡± Lash said with a smile when a horn rang out across the entire castle grounds.


    ¡°Attention everyone. Tonight''s main event, The Great Hunt will be starting soon. Everyone who volunteered to be a hunted please stand clear you''ll be teleported to the starting line, all hunters stand clear you will be teleported to the rally point. Everyone else, you may watch from the grand halls or watch from the main grounds. Good Luck and may the odds be in your favor.¡± The voice that spoke was gender less.


    A spell ribbon began to wrap around Lash but before it wrapped around him Danger Sense, and Foresight activated. Lash side stepped as a magical dart flew past him and nailed into the ground! Lash looked back in surprise. They hadn''t even fucking started yet!? An alarm went off.


    ¡°YOU DARE ATTACK ONE OF THE HUNTED IN THESE GREAT HALLS!?¡± The voice that spoke before yelled out and lifted a man from the crowds in an angry red spell ring. They burst into a flash of light just before Lash was teleported away.


    -----


    Lash, along with two thousand other hunted all were teleported to the very edge of the hunting preserve. In the distance was the Summer Castle. On their left arm was a magical compass that pointed towards the finish line. It pointed towards a vast, densely populated forest. Difficult terrain is the phrase that came to mind. This was so much different from the Winter Hunt. The tree''s were covered in black thorn bark. Twisted, gnarled roots, and branches reached out and attempted to ensnare anyone that tried to get close. A thick billowing fog rolled through the whole place.


    Lash turned to look around him, and extended his Pack Bond, and Temporary Pack Bond. 1,352 people were linked through him. The rest were not considered friendly. Lash assumed some would even be hostile towards him. Geas scrolls, and tradition of the great hunt be damned Lash knew many would try and slow him down. Then a horn range out above them. Hundreds of purple arcane eyes burst into being and flew through the forest above.


    ¡°ATTENTION! ATTENTION! The hunted will have a five minute head start. There are currently 2,342 hunted. Once the five minutes is up, 1,567 hunters will be deployed to chase after the hunted. The longer the hunted stay in play the more points they will accumulate. If a hunted passes the finish line at the end they will have a multiplied added to their point total.¡± The gender less voice of the grand referee said across the preserve.


    ¡°Hunters will obtain points from every hunted they capture, injure, or disable! Killing, direct maiming, or dismemberment are NOT allowed. We will be watching very carefully! Once a hunted passes the finish line they can not be captured, injured, or disabled. Take notice! Certain hunted have been marked for special point totals.¡± When the voice said that, a hundreds of people were temporarily highlighted among the crowds. Lash had a 10,000 point total above him. Great.


    ¡°Let the Great Summer Hunt begin! May the odds be ever in your favor!¡± The gender less voice shouted, and the horn range out again. A giant clocked above the forest started to count down. A sphere of absolute darkness swallowed Lash.


    ¡°ROOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRR!¡± Saurian called out with a Rallying Call! The thick billowing fog was blasted out in a wide area around him.


    ¡°TIME TO PLAY!¡± Saurian called out and thousands of voices cheered!


    _____________________________________________________________________


    Five minutes later exactly hundreds of teleportation circles popped into existence just outside the tree line. 1,567 hunters appeared at the edge of the preserve. Including but not limited to the royal Summer Queen guard. The Summer Queen Titania sat on a white stag, wearing hunting leathers, plate mail, and a exceptional long hunting bow, and a quiver full of enchanted arrows on her back. The armor was of course tailored made, and form fitting showing off her curves. Next to her rode several Summer Knights riding on giant cats, stags, horse, and even a giant snake!


    ¡°Well this is interesting...¡± The Queen said, her voice were several women rolled together as one.


    Standing in front of the entire hunting party was a massive dirt, and stone wall! At least thirty feet high, and it ran the breath of the preserve. All ten miles of it. The hunting preserve was ten miles wide, and a hundred miles long. Far larger than normal, but this was not a normal hunt after all. The Queen raised her hand up and several trumpets were sounded off. Figures stepped forward from the crowd. All them wearing assorted robes, and hunting gear. But one familiar trait was they all carried wooden staffs.


    Each of them raised their staffs into the air and Nature spell magic erupted from them. These were Druids! When they slammed their staffs into the ground the wall of dirt, and stone came crumbling down into a mess. Another horn went off, and hundreds of arcane spell familiars flew from their casters into the forest. After a few minutes hundreds of proximity release Mud Marsh spells fizzled out.


    ¡°Call the were-breeds, give the orders to march forward.¡± The Queen said to her aid. Several spell familiars flew off down the line. While another aid rang their horn. The hunters began to march forward keeping their guards up.


    ¡°Summer Queen?¡± A alpha Were-Wolf walk up. Wearing simple leathers mostly for decoration than anything.


    ¡°Take two hundred and sprint to the end. Ignore or outright avoid the hunted. Once you get to the end turn around and slowly make your way back. Make a kill box!¡± The Queen said to the wolf who grinned at her and bowed deeply from his waist.


    ¡°It will be done!¡± The were-wolf said.


    The two hundred or so were-breeds, and exceptional faster hunters moved towards the Druids. The Druids in question cast Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon on the entire group. They faded from sight leaving barely a ripple of in their wake. They left not a trail, or even a scent as they moved. At last the rest of the hunting line stepped into the forest. The Druids could not bend the tree''s to their will, it would be against the rules. Just as Warden Lash, and hunter Saurian could not. So everyone had to step lively to avoid being ensnared.


    ¡°What do you think? Did he leave any more traps?¡± The Queen turned towards one of her aids. The aid in question rode on a white panther. Wearing hunting leathers, and a long cloak to hide her identity. The aid turned from the Queen and it seemed she was struggling not to answer.


    ¡°That is an order, tell me what you think? Li''ana.¡± The Queen asked, and Li''ana all but screamed at the Summer Queen for it.


    ¡°For the next few miles there will not be any traps.¡± Li''ana nearly bit her own tongue off. She didn''t want to answer her. The Queen seem satisfied with that response and turned back towards the forest. Another horn rang out and the entire hunting group slowly started to jog.


    At mile marker five is when people started to fall! A thundering CRACK! Would ring out in the dead of night. The chosen target would fly backwards and be recalled to the castle to seek immediate aid. Which made the rest of the hunters apprehensive about moving forward. Casters with the Abjuration Domain, and magicians cast spell shields. Then when another CRACK! Shattered a shield and sent another hunter to the castle did the Queen call an all stop.


    ¡°What is this? What is he doing?¡± The Queen turned towards Li''ana and became startled. Something out of order for a Queen as old as her. Li''ana was smiling at her. ¡°I am happy that you are happy, but what is going on?¡± The Queen asked her.


    ¡°He figured it out. He knows I''m here. Even if we can''t talk.¡± Li''ana said with a snicker.


    ¡°How!? We placed spell shields to prevent the pack bond from being made!¡± A knight next to her asked.


    ¡°He tracked a god-kin across an open body of water with only a scent of spilled blood. You think he can''t smell me?¡± Li''ana said with a laugh as they all noticed one small issue. There was an air current in the forest, Warden Lash and Hunter Saurian were down wind. The wind carried all their scents straight to them.


    ¡°Ahahahahaha! Most delightful! Inform the Druids of the situation!¡± The Queen said with a smile on her face. Despite the set back she was actually having a bit of fun. CRACK! One of the Druids burst into particles as they were recalled to the castle.


    ===============================================================


    ¡°Wow, your really good at that!¡± Booraku said, a grin on his face as Vyllith squeezed the trigger on the electromagnetic rifle.


    ¡°Thank you! I had a lot of practice in Tartarus!¡± Vyllith said as she stood up, and pulled the weapon off the ground.


    ¡°Hunter Saurian! The Druids called the wind to stop we are blind once more!¡± A sylvan called out to Saurian who was currently crafting a ATV jeep.


    ¡°Are you sure this isn''t cheating?¡± Kara asked, as she was floating next to Saurian. She watched him with a careful eye, and a smile on her face.


    ¡°There is a arcane eye above us. They have not called foul. We are not allowed to bring such things in with us. But creating them while we are being hunted? Not an issue.¡± Saurian said, his deep base voice made her bones shake.


    Saurian finished the ATV, a Saurus Warrior jumped into the drivers seat while a three passengers jumped in and they drove off. Saurian had been busy! There were several Elemental spell casters, and a few Terrakinetics in the hunted group. So they crafted a simple dirt wall at the start to buy them a few seconds. They had been surprised when Druids had been seen taking the walls down. Figures that the Summer Court would ask them to come.


    It wasn''t long before Saurian smelled a familiar scent on the wind. Li''ana was with the hunters. There was no doubt in Saurian''s mind that she was there against her will. She would have said something, and they would have made it into a game. But since she kept her silence that meant she was ordered by the Queen to be there. Most likely as an adviser against them. There was no rule against. Many were-breed packs played both sides, not to cheat! But to play. See if they could out do one another.


    Let''s move out! -Saurian said across the telepathic link of Temporary Pack Bond. Hundreds of confirmations were sent his way.


    Saurian had sent 10 elites towards the finish line. One for each square mile. They were currently mapping out the terrain and sending it back towards the pack. The Summer Court had gone all out with this preserve. Dense forest for nearly 30 miles, then a system of caves for another 10 miles. After that 25 miles of clear grassy hills. Follow by 10 more miles of forest. With a half a mile wide raging river! That was where the Elites had stopped. Beyond the river they had spotted canyons, and cliff edges.


    100 Saurus Veterans had been casting Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon on every hunted they could find. Little by little they were leaving no tracks. Except for the hunted that refused any, and all aid from Saurian and his group. Whether they didn''t like them, or just wanted to do their own thing they were not sure. But several hunted had just wanted a nice normal hunting game but they had been forced to either join the great hunt, or skip this year. Saurian could understand the frustration.


    Enemy contact, engaging! -Saurus Warrior said over the telepathic link. Saurian used Parallel Minds and focused on the conflict.


    A group of fifty Saurus Warriors had been sitting underground waiting to ambush the hunters. When out of no where a group of two hundred were-breeds with Chameleon stumbled onto them. To bad! So sad! Though Lash/Saurian had been forced into ceremonial gear. Manifestation was under no such compulsion. The Saurus Warriors were wearing full magitek armor! Blue Psionic Blades (shock) burst from their fists, twin tentacles, and tail tip. While cannon turrets popped from their backs to fire into the group.


    It wasn''t a battle, it was a slaughter! All the while the arcane eyes above the fight didn''t call foul. A warrior dove under the waiting claws of a were-wolf and stabbed straight up into the alpha''s chest with the Psionic Blades. The Alpha screamed in rage and ripped the warrior in half. It burst into green, and blue particles. While another warrior raised his wrist mounted weapons and shot a burst of DB''s straight into the Alphas chest. The Alpha dropped and was transported back to the castle.


    ===============================================================


    ¡°Hold the line!¡± The Summer Queen shouted out as she fired arrow, after arrow from her bow! The white stag she rode moved from side to side and jumped over the waiting claws of a reptilian warrior.


    These creatures were marvelous spell craft! Bipeds in nature, but could easily drop to all fours. They would jump straight their prey with hands, and feet pointed forward. Claws, and talons stretched out to cleave through flesh, and bone. Then the magical armor they had was most impressive. Spells either bounced off or were outright absorbed. Blades, spears, arrow tips glanced off or were stopped by the armored plates. Only death blows would put them down for good! Bursting into green, and blue particles!


    The Summer Queen knocked an arrow and pulled back. Careful aim, down the arrow shaft. She let loose and the arrow zipped across the line straight into a reptilian warriors eye! The creature burst into particles! Then a warrior! A veteran burst from the shadows and tackled her white stag! Never in her long life had any creature ever struck her mount. Queen Titania back flipped off her steed and shot an arrow mid flight straight into the eye of the veteran. The creature''s tentacles whipped around and blocked the strike. Marvelous!


    Her white stag rolled to their feet and gored the veteran. Who bounced away and faded into shadow. The thick fog that the Druids continued to disperse would always return. Then like the morning dew the assault of the creatures faded into the night. Titania knocked an arrow and looked around, keeping her head on a swivel. She stepped over a ensnaring root from nearby tree. She looked, and waited, and found nothing.


    ¡°Who is still with us! Sound off!¡± Titania called out.


    Hundreds of scattered voices called out. Despite the surprise attack they had not lost many of their number. Titania looked around for her aids, and Knights. While she passed several hunters who looked fierce, and clearly angry about the situation. She also encountered many people with smiles. Some of them were having just as much fun as she was. Maybe in the future they could hold a War Game where they fought against Warden Lash, and Hunter Saurian''s forces. Could be fun?


    ============================================================


    ¡°So there are spiders in here?¡± Kory asked, a frown on her face. She had never liked spiders, to many legs, dripping mandibles, and terrible dance partners... Maybe she was thinking of something else?


    ¡°Spell constructs made for the game, yes. About the size of a standard human. They will craft minor illusions to impede and confuse. Some will even attack. But they are meant to slow us, and the hunters down. Just like the forest was.¡± Saurian replied as Invoke Animal Spirit-Spider was cast in a wide area of effect on anyone that wanted it.


    The caves were a maze of twisting tunnels, gaping holes. While stalagmites, and stalactites forced many to squeeze through. Saurian used Size Alteration and Enlarge/Reduce to shrink down to 20 ft. tall, and 40 ft. long. Even then it would be a tight squeeze. The caves had been enchanted to prevent destruction, and slipping through via phasing, or Earth Swimming. So the hard way was required.


    Do you think they will make their move now? -Kory asked across the telepathic link, a more private version. Saurian came over to and nuzzled her. She smiled in delight and hugged his snout.


    Perhaps, either way you have our back. -Saurian replied,


    Always! -Kory said, and kissed his snout.


    Saurian used Transformation, and Adaptation to adjust his body for more speed. He went to all fours, lost a lot of muscle mass. His skeleton adjusted to moving on all fours, and his legs became double jointed. Kory floated next to him and created starlight energy that illuminated the cavern they moved through. The Saurus Elites had mapped out a majority of the cavern system. Everyone that was linked to them had a map in their head. Those that moved with them, but were not linked were given a rudimentary map. Then asked to follow along.


    ¡°ATTENTION! There are now 1,235 hunters still in play! There are currently 2,342 hunted still in play. Good luck! May the odds be in your favor!¡± The referee sounded out. Even though they were underground they heard the words as if they were right next to them.


    Danger Sense and Foresight activated Saurian used Blink to shift 30 ft to his left. A red corrosive beam shot past his recent location. The red beam disintegrated the stone floor, and continued to burn for a few seconds. The caster whipped the beam around in an attempt to follow after Saurian. To his right Kory was dueling against another fae warrior. Her starlight energy being shot out in rapid succession. Saurian Blinked across the cavern towards his attacker. The fae in question was wearing simple ceremonial leathers. But had crafted a destruction rune in the air. Observant Learner activated....10%.....30%.....60%......90%.....


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned the Rune of Destruction.


    The destruction rune activated and another disintegration beam shot out. Casting Personal Time had no effect, as the beam corroded through the spell. The time bubble shattered and Saurian crashed into the ground and time being brought forward. The fae snickered lightly, then turned around to shoot a beam at an Invisible Saurus Warrior. The warrior burst into particles but that was just long enough for Saurian to Blink behind him and send a SHOCK through his whole body. Unlike most of the shock cantrips that Lash uses. Saurian poured this one on and until the fae was nearly dead!


    ¡°You alright?¡± Kory came flying over. She threw the barely alive hunted fae next to their companion. She looked a little singed around the edges.


    ¡°I am uninjured, how are you?¡± Saurian asked, looking her over.


    ¡°I chipped a nail! Clearly these fae assassins are trouble!¡± Kory said as she crossed her arms under her chest in a mock pout. Saurian stared at her, then began to laugh.


    ¡°Summer Court referee! We have a complaint! Two fae hunted attacked us. One used the Rune of Destruction. I am willing to submit to a Rune of Truth!¡± Saurian called out, an arcane eye appeared next to them.


    ¡°Please stand by!¡± The referee called out. A rune was placed directly onto Saurian''s brow. A flash of memories were watched in quick succession.


    ¡°ATTENTION! Arlen Wyncan has been found guilty of using a Rune of Destruction on Hunted Warden Lash, and Hunter Saurian. They will be disqualified, and punished. ATTENTION! Ivaran Eilfir, has been found guilty of attempted assassination of Hunted Princess Koriand''r of Tamara! They will be disqualified, and punished! Hunted total number has fallen from 2,342 to 2,340!¡± The referee''s voice boomed across the entire preserve.


    ¡°Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Good luck!¡± The referee said to them both and burst into particles.


    =============================================================


    Arcane energy danced, and bolted across the armor of the Summer Queen. She had just heard the announcement. Two hunted had betrayed the sacred right of the Great Hunt!? Why? She would take great pleasure in peeling their skin off! Many believe that the Seelie Court is the ''good'' side of the Fae. The mundanes are fools! This is not about being good, or evil. This about making an example out of the impudent!


    ¡°I''m sure he is fine...¡± Titania said to Li''ana who looked worried. She snapped her head up to meet Titania''s eyes and nodded.


    ¡°How many more assassins are waiting for a chance to kill him?¡± Li''ana asked, as she pulled her mask back up.


    ¡°I wish I could say zero, if they knew what was good for them. Pity my children are foolish enough to think they would get away with it.¡± Titania replied....


    The hunters moved in a group. Learning what would happen when they separated. Dozens sometimes hundreds of reptilian warriors would pop out of the ground and attack. Together they would survive. Though the warriors, and occasionally a veteran would attack. They were quickly dispatched. The hunters soon arrived at the entrance to the caves. But something peculiar was seen. Tall metal boxes were placed in a sporadic pattern. Then the tops of the metal boxes slid apart, and a twin tri-barrel turrets popped up. Sitting between the two guns was a tiny, minuscule, red target.


    ¡°EVERYONE TAKE COVER!¡± Li''ana shouted and dove off her mount. Titania was so surprised by the shout that she didn''t fight Li''ana from yanking her off her stag.


    Over a hundred twin tri-barrel automated turrets began to shoot into the forest! Straight at the hunters approaching them. Blue tracer rounds glowed brilliantly in the night air as hundreds of mounts, and hunters were shredded with DB''s, and shock spell inscriptions. Dozens of shadows sprinted towards the automated turrets. The fae hunters merged into darkness and flowed across the ground. Only for several turrets to point at them and start to fire!


    ¡°ATTENTION! The current number of hunters have fallen from 1,235 to 986.....976.....924.....889.... 889 hunters still in play!¡± The referee called out across the preserve.


    Titania spelled an arrow from her bow and shot it straight sideways from the tree. The arrow despite its odd targeting swerved and headed straight towards the turret. Two metallic disks attached to either side of the turret barrels started to spin. When the arrow was close enough. The disks shot out a point defense beam. Shooting the arrow down. Titania swore under her breath. The rest of the hunters pulled out arrows of their own and then were met with silence? The turrets had stopped firing.


    ¡°My Queen! They are reloading!¡± A knight shouted out, and Titania peaked around the tree she was hiding behind. A little clock was sitting above each turret. While several ammo boxes were being swapped out on automatic conveyor belts.


    ¡°CHARGE!¡± Titania shouted out, the hunters broke cover and sprinted towards the turrets. While their expert archers shot straight at the tiny targets between the barrels.


    The point defense beams were still active but clearly could not track them all. Once an arrow struck one of the targets the entire turret assembly burst into energy particles! Once the warriors saw this they bee lined towards the targets. 37 turrets were destroyed before they reloaded. The hunters dived for cover, many of them sprinting towards the caverns. Only for those hunters to arrive into the waiting arms of Saurus Warriors!


    ¡°Why did you save me?¡± Titania asked Li''ana as they waited for the turrets to run out of ammo again.


    ¡°Despite Lash, and Saurian''s appearance they do care about being a Warden. They do care about their oath of neutrality. If you are removed during the hunt it would be an act of dishonor. I will not have my friend, and pack mate branded an enemy of the Seelie Court.¡± Li''ana said, she looked away and tried to not show that she clearly had more rude, and improper words to share with her Summer Queen.


    ¡°I understand... Thank you, I would have regretted losing so quickly.¡± Titania replied with a smile and prepared another arrow. Li''ana was right, if Titania had fallen during that bullet storm the Warden would have been declared an enemy of the Seelie court. All because Titania hadn''t felt the rush of battle in many centuries. She was rusty.


    The turrets hit another reload phase. When the hunters popped out they were met with a surprise. Only half of the turrets had been firing. The other half spun up and started to rain a hell storm on top of the hunters. Despite the surprise more turrets fell. Creating a large enough hole for the hunters to gather up and move into the caves. Once the last hunter had entered the cave the remaining turrets burst into particles.


    =============================================================


    The next part of the journey outside the caves was 25 miles of slopping grassy hills. With giant fucking birds attempting to swoop down and pluck people from the ground! The Saurus Elites had been Invisible and had not met any resistance so this was all brand new to the hunted as they moved across the fields! Though it wasn''t all bad! As hundreds of motorcycles, and ATV jeeps sailed through the air then crashed into the ground and zipped across.


    ¡°WooooooooHoooooo!¡± Booraku cheered as the jeep was sitting in got some air time. Then he swiveled the turret barrel he was aiming around and started to shoot at the giant birds swooping down.


    ¡°You know! I thought this whole thing would just be a lot of running! I mean that is what the last games I saw all were. The hunters would run down the hunted and it would be over in an hour or so. Sometimes a hunted would get lucky, avoid capture, or maybe, just maybe get across the finish line!¡± Booraku yelled over the turrets roar.


    ¡°I CAN''T FUCKING HEAR YOU!¡± One of the fae court hunted said as he plugged his ear.


    ¡°I know right! Fuck them! Ahahahahahaa!¡± Booraku yelled back, clearly not understanding them.


    The birds in question were spell constructs. Just like the spiders in the cave had been. But only more terrifying! You were only allowed to fly above the preserve by a half a mile, if you left that marker you were disqualified. So the birds would swoop down, pick a hunted up and fly straight into the sky. They would be teleported out.


    ¡°ATTENTION! The hunted numbers have fallen from 2,340 to 2,045....2,043.....2,035.... Holding at 2,035! May the odds be in your favor!¡± The referee called out.


    Saurian''s twin tentacles whipped around and shot another Eldritch Blast into the air. Twin beams of red energy cut a giant bird in half. The creature burst into particles, and Saurian noticed his bounty had gone up another few points. He was worth 15,000 points now. Saurian had returned to his ''normal'' size of 60 ft tall, and 120 ft long. He was also transporting people on his back as they attempted to shoot down the birds.


    Everyone who had neglected to join with the team had been removed at that this point. Though there were still plenty not in the pack. Saurian, and his warriors were using Insight left and right to find out who was hostile or not. So far they had found over fifty people with hostile intentions. So they were quickly kicked off their transports much to their surprise!


    A giant red beam of destruction seared across the landscape and slammed straight into Saurian''s armored side. Saurian toppled over and slammed into the ground throwing everyone off of his back. He looked at his armor and found it melted through. Saurian gave himself a mental face palm. He had forgotten to use Reality Armor on the gear. Another red beam shot out across the grass and blasted straight into Saurian.


    ¡°Greeaaaaaaaaah!¡± Saurian shouted out in pain as his scales melted, and flesh sizzled. True Body sent him a prompt. 100% critical damage immunity! Fuck that still hurt!


    Then a seismic event took place as a blur of motion zipped across the sky and broke the sound barrier. Kara catapulted herself and shot straight at the attacker. Saurian''s eyes went wide as he sprinted across the grass to get to the impact crater. Magic could harm Kryptonians! But Saurian''s worries were unfounded as Kara had dismantled the attackers with out killing them. Saurian Blinked next to Kara and looked her over. She smiled at him, lighting up his world.


    ¡°What, worried about little ole me? I''m fine!¡± Kara said, sticking chin out. Saurian rolled his six eyes at her and nuzzled her gently.


    ¡°Summer Court referee! Once more members of the hunted group have used the Rune of Destruction! I am willing to submit to a Rune of Truth!¡± Saurian called out, and the arcane eye appeared and they went through the same song and dance.


    ¡°That is the second time referee that we''ve been attacked! You said you would be watching carefully! We are in the open! Why did you not catch that!?¡± Saurian snarled at the arcane eye.


    ¡°Unclear....¡± The arcane eye and burst into particles.


    ¡°The referee''s have always been impartial. Otherwise the games couldn''t exist. So, that means that something is blocking them from seeing us. Or, someone has twisted their spell craft.¡± Saurian said softly to Kara.


    ¡°At least the birds are gone?¡± Kara said, trying to cheer up the situation.


    Saurian with the help of Kara picked up their downed passengers and returned to the trailing convoy of vehicles across the grassy hills. Eventually the giant birds did return but they were easily dealt with. Once more they reached the next section which was 10 miles of forest. But unlike the forest before, these trees were massive! The size of sky scrapers, and roots as wide as city streets. Once more Saurian turned the ATV''s, and motorcycles into something else than their group ran through the forest as quickly, and safely as possible.


    ===========================================================


    ¡°Explain it to me! They were in the open in the grassy fields and you didn''t see the attackers!¡± Queen Titania was shouting at an arcane eye.


    ¡°Unclear! Could not ascertain the truth until called.¡± The gender less referee voice responded in a nonchalant voice.


    ¡°Then why don''t you stick an eye right on top of him!¡±Titania shouted at the referee.


    ¡°It would break a court rule. All eyes must remain visible. Placing an eye next to him would reveal his position.¡± The referee replied.


    ¡°THEN DO YOUR JOB! Because if I hear one more assassination attempt on his life then I am scrapping you!¡± Titania shouted at the arcane eye. Then for the first time the iris of the eye constricted.


    ¡°...Understood.¡± The referee replied, its voice strained.


    ¡°It may not be its fault. Something, or someone could be blocking it.¡± Li''ana said softly.


    ¡°Who would break this honorable game? To earn the ire of the Summer Queen?¡± One of the Summer Knights asked, looking at Li''ana. She rolled her eyes at him.


    ¡°Twice he''s been attacked! Both attempts with destruction runes! Are you naive or just stupid?¡± Li''ana snapped back, and the knight pulled his sword from his sheath.


    Li''ana jumped from her mouth and slammed her fist straight into the Knights breast plate. The man went skyrocketing off his mount and collided into a nearby tree. The whole hunting team stopped and stared at the knight, then stared at Li''ana. Her hand had grown scales, a strength rune glowed brilliantly along her knuckles. Titania pulled Li''ana back by her shoulders and stared at her. Li''ana''s eyes had a reptilian slit to them. Before she blinked and knelt before her Queen.


    ¡°Send him back to the castle for healing.¡± Titania called out to the air, and a teleportation circle ported the knight out. So the arcane eyes could see them just fine?


    ¡°Seems you''ve obtained more than just a voice from your pack master. But also a bit of strength!¡± Titania said, her face a cold mask of indifference. ¡°But don''t do that again, understood?¡± Titania''s voice grew cold as ice when she looked at Li''ana.


    ¡°Yes my Queen.¡± She said in barely a whisper.


    ¡°My Summer Queen!¡± A tracker came from the front.


    ¡°What is it?¡± She replied, the tracker looked hesitant reading the room as it were. ¡°Speak up!¡± Titania said, putting power into her voice.


    ¡°The next area is the grassy hills. There should be birds attacking us to slow us down...There are none present.¡± The tracker replied immediately.


    ¡°Show me...¡± Titania said and urged her mount forward. While Li''ana slowly climbed her mount and followed behind.


    The tracker had been right. Not a single bird in the sky. How odd, the referee had said that the birds attacked the hunted. So why are the hunters not being harassed. Flying above the field were several arcane eyes. If they could be seen then logically they could see them. Then an eagle cry slowly called out across the night sky. Ah! The hunted must have jus! Li''ana yanked Titania from her steed and pulled her to the ground. Li''ana quickly covered the queen with her body just in time as an artillery shell exploded next to them!


    ¡°ROAAAAR!¡± No! Not just an artillery shell! A creature made of rock, and stone crawled out of the crater and roared at them. One of the few remaining Druids sent a burst of energy into the stone creature. Only for the spell to rebound back at them.


    Several more eagle cries sounded off in the night sky as explosions shook the whole forest! Titania pulled Li''ana off of her and pulled out her bow. Shooting the shells mid air! Which only seem to make the situation worse! The shells exploded, the pieces fell to the earth and took the shape of war hounds. Warriors, and knights pulled weapons free and met the enemy face to face.


    ¡°We can''t stay here! They''ll keep hammering us! We have to get to their placement!¡± Li''ana called out to the hunters.


    ¡°Mount up and move out!¡± Titania called out, and climbed onto her stag who came to her call. ¡°Li''ana! Where would they be placed!?...Li''ana!¡± Titania shouted, and turned around to look.


    Li''ana had the look of abstract surprise, and laughter on her face. A blue Psionic Blade was sticking out of her chest. A Saurus Veteran stood behind her. The electrical current brought Li''ana to her knees. Then as she was shocked into unconsciousness the referee teleported her out of the game. The veteran wasting no time sprinted straight towards the Queen only to be shot point blank with an arrow. Titania screamed in frustration! She had lost her guide! Well played, Warden!


    ===============================================================


    ¡°Hopefully she won''t be mad at you.¡± Vyllith said to Saurian in comfort. She was currently sitting on his neck as he ran through the giant forest.


    ¡°From what I understand, Li''ana had saved the Queen more than once during the hunt. Makes me wonder what she''ll do now?¡± Saurian replied, as he moved across the roots with ease.


    Over a thousand hunted were moving through the giant forest at a healthy pace. Saurian had cast Invoke Animal Spirit-Flying Squirrel on them. That was right! They were climbing the trees with dexterity, and gliding to the next branch, trunk, or root. Just like flying squirrels! Thanks to the evolved form they could take on two different traits. Watching Booraku climb a tree, and jump off and spread out his arms, and legs like that had made Saurian''s night!


    ¡°Referee! May I speak to you for a moment!¡± Saurian called out as he ran....Nothing... Saurian slowed to a stop and looked around.


    ¡°Booraku! Can you call to a referee?¡± Saurian shouted across the trees. Booraku stopped and looked back at him. After a moment he looked around confused.


    For fuck''s sake! Are we under a baffle field or something? -Booraku said across the line.


    Can anyone get in touch with a referee? -Saurian asked across the expansive telepathic list they currently had.


    Ya! They can''t seem to find you? -A fae hunted responded, they were at the front of train.


    ¡°ATTENTION! A master spell baffle field has been placed across the across the preserve! Currently 689 hunted are missing from our perception!¡± The referee shouted out across the preserve.


    WHAM! Something slammed straight into Saurian at high speeds and sent him flying through the giant forest. He collided straight into a giant tree trunk! 20% of his health pool drained with the strike. Vyllith was shot off like a cannon but was caught by Korry before she got to far. Saurian dropped onto a giant root and looked up at his attacker.


    ¡°Well, this is a surprise!¡± Saurian said with a snarl!


    Standing in a set of black plate mail armor. Skull ornamental details on the mans pauldrons, belt, and helmet. The man was 7 ft tall easily. With flaming red eyes under the helmet. In his hands was a giant spiked metal mace. With wicked points, and a spike on the other end. A giant billowing cloak was behind him. He pointed his mace at Saurian and roared in fury then jumped straight at him.


    ¡°Hello again.....God of War!¡± Saurian shouted, red Psionic Blades erupted from Saurian''s fist. With Size Alteration, and Enlarge/Reduce Saurian shrunk down to 20 by 40 and slammed into Ares! The impact created a sonic boom!


    In the movies, comics, and books the protagonist, and antagonist trade quips mid fight! They smack talk, they talk about their moves, and how they will never discover their weakness. Aside from The Flash for obvious reasons. Saurian had never known anyone to actually do that! So this was clearly a surprise, as Ares really liked to hear himself talk!


    ¡°It is all your fault!¡± Ares shouted as he brought his mace down straight onto Saurian''s skull crest. Saurian roared in pain and swiped at Ares with a red energy blade. Ares jumped to the side easily enough.


    ¡°But now it''s my turn! I''ll break your bones! Your skull will adorn my trophy wall!¡± Ares screamed in glee as he shoulder charged into Saurian.


    Saurian used Reality Armor on himself. Ares slammed into him and only pushed Saurian back a few feet. The shock was clear on Ares face. But even more so as a red Psionic Blade slashed through his armor like paper. Monomolecular Edge activated and dipped Saurian''s energy levels. But the shock was enough for Ares to jump away.


    ¡°This is adamantine! Forged by Hephaestus himself! How dare you! Gah!¡± Ares shouted, then roared in fury as Kara slammed her fist into the back of his skull!


    Saurian quickly checked his Shaper, and Transmuter title effects. Yes, they obtained the chemical formula for adamantine. Great! Kara was flung across the forest but Saurian reached out with his tentacle and caught her mid flight. He sent another red Psionic Wave towards Ares who jumped out of the way!


    Stay hidden and wait for an opening! Hit him! Then jump away! -Saurian called out across the link. Nearly every hunted ran for it at the sight of the God of War. But Booraku, Kara, Kory, and Vyllith remained at his side.


    Saurian sprinted towards Ares and used Bending the world around them distorted slightly. Ares was flown off balance by the sudden shift. But easily adapted to the change. His mace changed into a spear, and shield. He rushed towards Saurian and hundreds of spears magically appeared in the air and flew towards him. Crap! Foresight activated and Saurian could predict some of the spears point of entry. While the rest...! A giant stone wall burst from the ground that was quickly turned into swiss cheese.


    Saurian dove under the ground thanks to Earth Swim sending a thank you to Booraku for manipulating the ground. Then he burst out of the ground right under Ares and snapped his jaws shut. Ares eyes went wide in surprise, Saurian bit onto his leg and began to shake Ares around like a dog with a chew toy!


    ¡°You can''t kill me! I''m a god of Olympus!¡± Ares shouted, and slammed his shield into Saurian''s face again, and again until Saurian was forced to let go. His nasal bone broke inward!


    CRACK! An electromagnetic rifle shot went through the forest and blew a hole the size of a quarter through Ares spine. The god of War screamed in agony. A brilliant glow of pure green starlight turned the night into day for a brief moment. Kory shot a charged shot straight into him and blew the gods helmet, and part of his face off.


    ¡°Impudent Bitch!¡± Ares shouted, then fell to his knees as Kara flew from the forest and kicked in the knee that Saurian had been chewing on. ¡°You will all fall before me!¡± Ares shouted and raised his arms up in the air.


    Hundreds, no thousands of weapons were pulled into being and pointed straight at them. Another CRACK! Rang out and a quarter sized hole went straight through Ares throat. He coughed and sputtered losing his concentration! The weapons faded from sight. Saurian sprinted across the field and whipped his tentacle blades in a scissor motion. Ares produced two short swords and cleaved them from Saurian!


    Saurian slammed into the god of War and began to wrap his body around him. Transformation, and Adaptation started to shift Saurian into more snake like. His limbs became longer, and more flexible but with stronger crushing power. Ares flipped mid hold and started to wrestle with him. Ares leaned forward straining his neck then be bit down on one of Saurian''s eyes! He ripped it off with a triumphant grin and chewed on it. Saurian screamed in agony, but refused to let go.


    Kara appeared right in front of Ares and pummeled his exposed back with everything she had. Saurian could feel the percussion through their bodies but didn''t stop her. Ares dislocated one of his shoulders to pull his arm free and he back handed her. Kara went flying into the forest and out of sight. Kory flew after her.


    ¡°Your women will be my slaves! They will clean my floors, and warm my bed at night! You are nothing to me! Nothing!¡± Ares screamed at Saurian. Then Saurian opened his mouth and bit down on Ares''s helmet and started to crush it.


    ¡°YOU CANT KILL ME! YOU CANT KILL ME! I AM A GOD YOU PATHETIC CREATURE!¡± Ares screamed, and tried to break free.


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron has issued a dynamic quest!


    Optional Quest: Kill Ares.


    Optional Quest: Kill Ares.


    Optional Quest: FUCKING KILL ARES!


    Saurian roared in savage glee as he used Soul Bite, Dream Eater, and Devour, Consume, Evolve! True Damage/ Monomolecular Edge activated and the helmet slowly crumbled with Ares''s head still in it. Ares was screaming, and flailing around trying desperately to get free. He created weapons and stabbed them into Saurian. He cast spells of destruction and burned armor, scales, flesh, and even bone.


    ¡°YOU CANT KILL ME! YOU CANT! I AM A GOD! PLEASE! ZUES! HELP ME! FATHER! HELP ME!¡± Ares was screaming in horror as he felt his skull being crush. Blood was oozing out of his eyes, ears, and nose.


    ¡°YOU CANT! PLEASE! I DON''T WANT TO DIE!¡± Ares screamed, and with one final CRUNCH! Ares stopped moving all together.


    Congratulations User! Your Cosmic Patron is pleased!


    Optional Quest: Kill Ares. [+] Complete!


    Optional Quest: Kill Ares [+] Complete!


    Optional Quest: FUCKING KILL ARES! [+] Complete.


    Reward: God Slayer Title!


    Reward: Your Cosmic Patron will temporarily hide your actions.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a new title! God Slayer!


    Active Effect: For 10 minutes the title holder will do maximum damage to any God, or Goddess. 24 hr. cool down.


    Passive Effect: Divine Domain added. Current list: Monsters, War.


    War, Active Effect: Call on the ancestors of War into battle. A army devoted to you will hear you call and come to your aid for duration of the specific battle. Cool down, once a month.


    War, Passive Effect: For every minute you are in battle obtain a temporary 0.1% stat increase. For every minute you are out of battle lose 0.1% of the temporary stat increase.


    Devour, Consume, Evolve benefit earned.


    Advanced Weapon Master has evolved into Master Weapon Master.


    Effect: The User can now use any weapon they wield as if they have used it for centuries.


    Effect: Side-Ability, Critical Eye: Innately know the best location to hit your target.


    Ares body, and his armor burst into golden energy. It flowed around Saurian with gentle affection and then flew off into the night sky to find its next God-Kin. Despite the circumstances Saurian didn''t feel any aggression from the divine energy. But time would tell! He slowly picked himself up and looked up. His friends returned to his side safely, and an arcane eye appeared next to him.


    ¡°ATTENTION! Master spell baffle field has been removed. All hunted are accounted for!¡± The referee called out across the preserve.


    ¡°Inform the Queen that the issue did not fall onto you, referee. Also I have a suggestion that I think she may want to hear.¡± Saurian said to the arcane eye, its iris turned crescent clearly pleased to be out of the dog house, or in this case the eye house.


    ============================================================


    ¡°Ares? The god of War in Olympus? Zeus needs to keep an eye on his children!¡± Titania said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Where is Ares now?¡± Titania asked, the arcane eye hummed with energy for a moment.


    ¡°Unknown! Warden Lash, and Hunter Saurian had a request they wish to speak with you.¡± The gender less referee said to the Queen.


    ¡°Oh, what is it?¡± The Queen asked, as their hunting party had reached the giant forest edge.


    ¡°For every Saurus Warrior slain the hunters will receive a single point. For every Veteran slain ten points, for every device, and trap dismantled twenty points. On top of the standing bounty for any hunted. We have an accurate account of ever hunters actions.¡± The referee replied, and Titania stopped her mount. The hunters, and trackers who were listening stopped to look at her.


    ¡°We can not make it official. But I''ll agree to personal reimbursement.¡± Titania said with a smile, as the hunters who heard her started to grin.


    ¡°ATTENTION! A bargain has been struck! Though not official, The Summer Queen has offered personal reimbursement. Every reptilian warrior slain is one point. Every veteran slain his ten, and every trap dismantled is twenty. While the original point system is still in play! May the odds be ever in your favor!¡± The referee called out across the preserve then burst into light.


    ¡°INCOMING!¡± A tracker at the front called out as a thousand Saurus Warriors sprinted towards their location.


    ¡°Firing line!¡± The Queen shouted with a smile.


    ========================================================


    The rest of the hunt was oddly quiet. The hunted reached the half a mile wide river and found something delightfully terrifying! Five Saurus Elites had stayed at the river preparing for their arrival while the other five had traveled across the river to map the rest of the preserve out. Normally in this situation one would think they would build a bridge? Or boats? Or maybe use the spell Water Walk. Well Water Walk is difficult to use on a rapidly moving body of water like a raging river. So instead they used Falling Glide.


    How did they do this? The Elites under Saurian''s direction created man sized sling shots! As long as the hunted didn''t fly higher than the preserve they would be fine! So they were shot across the river, and with Falling Glide spell effect they fell from the air with style! Many of them even reached the cliff edge that they had to climb up to travel on! Booraku cackled like a maniac as he was shot across the river. While Vyllith simply jumped onto Saurian''s back as he swam across. Kory, and Kara could of course fly!


    Once the last hunted was across the river the sling shots were turned into a trap for the hunters. The Elites dove into the water and swam across at best possible speeds. Saurian pulled himself from the river and groaned in irritation. His tentacles were rapidly healing thanks to Regeneration but it would be several days before he, or Lash could use them again. As they climbed a cliff face a single arrow struck the back of Saurian''s tail and bounced off. He turned to look back and saw a beautiful woman mounted on a white stag sitting at the other end of the river.


    ¡°Heh, they caught up!¡± Saurian said with a grin and turned around to keep going.


    What ground the hunters had gained was quickly lost as giant mechanical tanks burst from the river and started to shoot at them. There were several clearly marked targets in place for them to attack. When struck the tank would burst into particles. Of course they would have to hit the target! The referee did several announcements. Then with only a few miles left to spare.


    ¡°ATTENTION! The first hunted has succeeded in passing the finish line. Rewarded Virion of house Nerikas¡± The Summer Court referee shouted across the preserve.


    That was the first, it was not the last! The total number of hunted that crossed the finish line numbered to 1,945. While the remaining hunters was 567. From start to finish the only hunter to even hit a hunted was the Summer Queen. The arrow that had bounced off of Saurian. But, the hunted did get a consolation prize. The referee had an accurate number for warriors, veterans, and traps destroyed. All in all it was a good hunt! A little more exciting that Saurian had hoped for.


    ¡°Hopefully we won''t get stabbed this time!¡± Saurian said, as the teleportation circles started to port everyone back to the Summer Court Castle.


    Galen

 Chapter 106: Summer Ball

    ==============================================================


    ***HR. China, Hong Kong***


    Hong Kong one of the worlds greatest cities. Its towering structures of glass and concrete was considered the highlight of the world as the city was hailed one of the most modern places to live. Or at least it use to be? Now, the island was in destructive ruin. Skyscrapers had fallen onto one another. Over a million people had died during the three month long invasion. A majority of it was done by their own people. As gangs, soldiers, warlords, and the common man/woman destroyed what little was left.


    The hollow shell of the city was all that was left when the JLI showed up to build the solar power plant that helped rebuild power, and repair the city. When the JLI came they recruited several dozen different people that had volunteered their time to the protection of others. One of them now was driving through the ruined city on a motorcycle. Bobbing and weaving through double decked buses, and trams.


    The JLI member turned their motorcycle down Ladder street, moving towards Western Promenade towards the Jardine Noonday Gun. A relic from the old days. The streets were empty except for trash, and the birds waking up as the dark sky turned into a deep blue. The sun would be up in a few hours. The motorcyclist stopped at the gun and looked out across the bay. Standing at 6''3¡± was a man with broad shoulders, and narrow hips. He rolled his shoulders, and flexed his gloved hands back over the throttle. He kicked the cycle into first gear and road it straight into the water.


    The standard issue JLI medium tier suit sealed into a vacuum sealed suit as soon as the driver gave it the command. The cycle went from a street bike to underwater propulsion bike. Both wheels split in half and went to either side and turned side ways as they spun rapidly to pull water through them and push the bike forward. The driver dove the bike to the watery floor towards a cliff wall. When he reached it the wall pulled back to reveal a tunnel.


    This was one of the JLI bunkers that had been built for its members. Driving through a long underwater tunnel that had several security scans in place. The driver at last came up to an enclosed space and converted the cycle back into a motorcycle. He rolled up to a door and stepped off his bike. After passing a series of security checks the motorcycle was taken into a side entrance to be looked over and repaired if needed. The driver went through had eventually been called, ''the kill box''.


    It was a 10'' squared room with dozens of sensors, and a solar flame thrower mixed in meant to destroy any living thing on Earth. Thankfully the driver passed the tests and the next security door opened up. The next space had two passages, the driver went to the left and stepped into an automated ring control. He clamped his feet into the bracers, and pushed his hands into the rings. His arms, and legs were then spread out evenly and mechanical arms came down to help him out of his mid-tier suit.


    What would normally take an hour to do by himself the automated machine did in less then five minutes. It even helped him peel off his form fitting polymer suit. Once he was done he was naked, and stepped into the private showers. The man in question of scandinavian decent, with a shaved head, deep blue eyes, and pale skin. He had several dozen scars from bullet wounds, burns, and newly grown skin. All of them showed repair. Thanks to the JLI''s medical wonders aboard the Watch Tower such things could be overcome with time.


    After the shower the man wore a pair of comfortable slip on shoes, sweat pants, and a gray hoodie. When he stepped into the central chamber of the bunker he noticed that only one other individual was in the bunker. The bunker it self had three floors. The bottom floor contained the generators, and utility engines. Second floor had living quarters, kitchen, medical, and a training room. First floor had operations, and a machine shop, with a tiny kitchen for Chang. He could see his bike being worked on behind a pane of glass as automated arms were just finishing it up. A few bullet holes did nothing to slow the bike down.


    ¡°Ingvar! Welcome back!¡± Chang called out, he was the bunkers IT guy, and over watch for their team when ever they were deployed.


    ¡°Where is everyone?¡± Ingvar asked, Ingvar was actually named Nikandr Onufriy. But they tried to always use their code names while in, and around the bunker. Kept up their identities. Despite that Ingvar was not in uniform, around his neck was a celtic knot. Which held a glamour charm. Different skin tone, eye color, and hair color. Ingvar had been surprised how much it had helped keep his identity.


    ¡°Leora, and Panan took the previous day shift, so if they are smart they should be asleep or just getting up now. But knowing them they most likely stayed up at the club last night.¡± Chang said, as he began to list off the names on his fingers.


    ¡°Kalama, Durkhanai are both visiting family back home. They are on their three day rotation. Ashur, and Khalon came back about thirty minutes before you. They went to the station to the club for happy hour. You are the last one back.¡± Chang said as he stood up from his station, with no one to watch he was officially off duty.


    Chang was 5''8¡± with short military cut black hair. Yellow tanned skin, and an athletic body. Oddly enough Chang had fiery red eyes that would change color when he was excited. He wore a light armor variant for JLI logistical crew. Form fitting, offered protection, but was comfortable to sit in. Had all the little bells and whistles. Ingvar never saw Chang sleep. Yes, he did take breaks. But not one did he ever see the man sleep. He assumed he was a meta with abundant energy. Must be nice.


    Unlike the rest of the team that called this bunker home. Ingvar was the only mundane as far as he could tell. Four of the team were meta''s, while the other two were supernaturals? He wasn''t sure if someone who could throw a ''ki punch'' counted? Why was Ingvar in Hong Kong? He was a tourist! He was visiting the city when the invasion started. Thanks to ten years in the military, and mixed martial arts training. Ingvar stepped up to help when few others would.


    Because of his training, and determination to do the right thing when the JLI showed up they recruited him quickly. At the beginning he was the voted leader of their little group because everyone was young, and inexperienced. Now? Not so much, thanks to the JLI training regime everyone was becoming more skilled at a daily pace. Ingvar was starting to feel like he was dragging his weight.


    ¡°Oh hay! Orders came down from the station. They wanted you to come up and meet with Ethan about some medical thing.¡± Chang said from across the room. He had opened up a micro brewery bottle and took a sip. Ingvar hung his head in dismay.


    ¡°I just got off a fifteen hour shift!¡± Despite his whining. Ingvar went over to a metal wall. Chang pressed several keys on his operations center and the wall slid to one side to reveal the personal portal hub. Space for eight, and a small supplies pad. Ingvar stepped onto one and waved at Chang.


    A spell ribbon wrapped around him and with an audible pop! Like one would hear with a balloon popping, or a pop corn kernel popping. Ingvar found himself on portal hub C-2. At some point the portal hubs had all been moved to their own little sections on the cardinal points. With a blast shield wrapped around them. On occasion they had used the portals to transport people to medical centers quickly. So from where they were, to the station, to the hospital. Why they couldn''t just go straight there Ingvar didn''t know. He didn''t even understand how the portal system even worked!


    Watch Tower Station was busy! It was always busy it didn''t matter what time of day it was. It didn''t matter what the station tower time was! It was busy! Thousands of people were coming and going across the station that could barely contain them all. But, it was not as busy during the war. Third world war? Did an alternate reality count? Ingvar cleared his head and went to medical.


    Once upon a time medical had been little more than a single box with several beds. Now, it looked like a small hospital. Ingvar went to the front desk and spoke to one of the medical droids. The droid looked like a combination of geometric shapes, and human qualities. The machine had a very soothing feminine voice that Ingvar found he could fall asleep too. Or maybe he was just tired. Turned out his meeting was at the PR relations module.


    Ingvar had never been there, so he took out his holographic and went on a guided tour of the station. He gingerly walked past the torture chambers aka therapy center for mentally unstable people. Didn''t anyone tell them it was perfectly healthy to bottle up your emotions!.... No, that was a lie obviously. Everyone was required to go once a month for an hour. If you were a risk sometimes more. Ingvar went once a week. Stress from being a leader.


    The Public Relations building look a lot like the rest of the station. It was several cubes, and rectangles stacked on top of each other. With the letters PR written in gold across the top, with spell inscriptions along the door. At least that is what everyone said they were. Magic gave Ingvar the wiggins! To many old stories from his Grandmother, he was terrified to discover more than half of the stories were based on true events. Did you know Santa Clause was a Fae!? Ingvar didn''t know that!Krampus! Krampus the monster who carried off naughty children, and ate them! He was real too!


    Ingvar was shown to a delightful room with a sinfully comfortable chair that hugged his body perfectly. The sound of a little koi pond waterfall was in the background. He was served some black ichor. Awesome stuff, it came from Mars apparently? Very sweet tasting, and full of caffeine. Ingvar had about to cups of it before Kyoko, and Mezo came in quickly followed by Ethan. Kyoko, and Mezo were the picture perfect representation of the broadway show Cats! They were anthropomorphic cat people. Kyoko was a man panther with golden amber eyes, a black pinstriped suit. While Mezo looked like a mountain lion, with the same golden eyes as her brother along with her big tail that begged to be squeezed.


    Of course the last person to try and squeeze her tail ended up in the medical module. Then came Ethan one of the oldest androids in the JLI next to Vici of course. Ethan was a supermodel! He had blue eyes, slicked back black hair, and an athletic figure for his 6'' tall build. He was normally found wearing hospital scrubs, and a doctors coat. But on occasion had been seen in other styles when he attended the club with a host of men, and women attached to his hips. Ingvar stood up and shook hands with all three of them.


    ¡°Thank you for coming in, we understand that you just finished a long shift in Hong Kong so we''ll do our best to keep this brief!¡± Kyoko said, as he pushed a holographic display forward for Ingvar to read. He had a huge cat grin on his face that sent a shiver down Ingvar''s spine.


    ¡°Stop that brother!¡± Mezo said with a roll of her eyes. She tried to send an apologetic smile towards Ingvar who returned it. He shrugged with the universal gesture of ''younger siblings! What are you going to do.''


    ¡°Hay! I know that look! I am only a few minutes younger. That''s all!¡± Kyoko said with a mock glare.


    ¡°Yes, which makes you younger!¡± Mezo said with triumphant smile. Ethan coughed politely getting the two of them back on track.


    ¡°As you know, Ingvar!¡± Ethan said, trying to steer the conversation. ¡°When Wraith came back from the alternate reality he brought back a lot of valuable information. One of them being how they were able to artificially implant a meta gene into someone. However, the gene normally caused a plethora of issues from organ failure, to brain death.¡± Ethan said, as he flipped through several holographic windows.


    ¡°Yes! One of the instructors in the training hall use to be a meat puppet.¡± Ingvar said, and snapped his fingers several times trying to remember her name. ¡°Jennifer! You were able to remove the implants, and stabilize the gene. E grade Superhuman durability!¡± Ingvar said, only a slight tone of bitterness in his voice.


    ¡°That is correct. However, we did that before Wraith when to the alternate reality. When he returned with the data we able to expand on the genetic modification. Also thanks to the Kryptonian scientists Jor, and Lara we were able to expand on the gene therapy center.¡± Ethan said, and before he could say the next few words Kyoko blurted out.


    ¡°DO YOU WANT SUPER POWERS!¡± Kyoko said with a huge grin! His tail was twitching back and forth and his fur was standing on end! Clearly, he was very excited. Only for Mezo to tap his nose, which made him flail about.


    ¡°What my brother means to say! You, along with a few hundred others have been selected to undergo gene therapy to grant an artificial implantation of the meta gene.¡± Mezo said, as she glared at Kyoko who grinned back.


    ¡°Wh-What?¡± Ingvar said, his mouth hanging wide open. Ethan pushed two lists towards Ingvar.


    ¡°The first list are the known E grade powers that can be granted to you. Now, as you should know from your studies every Meta is granted one base power, and several sub-powers to aid that base power. Now, that base power can evolve to include other abilities over time. As do the sub-powers. This is where the research labs in the alternate reality went wrong. They tried to force to much at one time.¡± Ethan said, as he threw a whole lot of technical education at Ingvar.


    ¡°We can only give you ONE! E grade ability, with zero sub-powers! Otherwise you''ll go into the same issue the meat puppets will!¡± Kyoko jumped in to save Ingvar from falling asleep. Ethan rolled his eyes but stayed silent.


    ¡°That is why the first list is so short. These are all the stand alone powers you could obtain with out any sub-powers.¡± Kyoko said with a triumphant gleam in his eyes. As Mezo who desperately wanted to bite him couldn''t because he was making sense for once!


    ¡°What''s the second one?¡± Ingvar asked, looking up from the first list.


    ¡°If you don''t want a single E grade power. We can give up to six nuance or G grade powers to you. However, they will never grow past G. So, that was the mistake the R&D labs made. They tried to do both. We won''t make that mistake.¡± Ethan replied, a smile tugging on his lips.


    ¡°Please understand that we have already tested this. We had several alpha testers over a month ago go through the process. Everyone of them was a success! You, along with hundreds of others are the Beta test.¡± Mezo said with a reassuring smile that Ingvar took to heart.


    ¡°What is the survival package?¡± Ingvar asked, he was reading through the second list. A bright light gleamed in Kyoko''s eyes.


    ¡°That is a suggested list of six G grade abilities! 1. Accelerated healing. 2. Regeneration. 3. Natural Energy Absorption. 4. Self Sustenance. 5. Luck! 6. Analytical Mind!¡± Kyoko said as practically vibrated with energy.


    ¡°Luck is a simple term to describe a ten foot ambient telekinetic field around the user. It is always active, and will always do its best to help its wielder. Imagine being in a knife fight and the attacked slips on a small pebble just enough to twist their leg at the wrong angle. For someone of your skill that would be enough.¡± Ethan explained to him.


    ¡°Analytical Mind is something that can be turned off, and on. It would greatly help you take in a scene, or battle plan quickly and efficiently. While Natural Energy, and Self Sustenance will help with healing, and regeneration.¡± Mezo supplied the next bit of information.


    ¡°Do I have to decide now?¡± Ingvar asked, he was incredibly excited! But he was afraid his fifteen hour shift was dulling his mind.


    ¡°No of course not! However, you can''t tell anyone about the procedure. We are still in the testing phase and don''t want to show all of our cards about it. You can talk to Chang though, he was an alpha tester.¡± Ethan said, and Ingvar snapped his head up in surprise.


    ¡°He got the survival package as well.¡± Kyoko said helpfully. Ingvar grinned! Aha! He fucking knew it!


    You don''t need powers to be a superhero. All you need is a will, an idea, and the determination to carry it out. Of course having the equipment, training, and logistical aid helps a lot as well. Being able to have powers even if they never went above G grade would be a phenomenal help. The four of them talked for a little while longer. Turned out the procedure could be done in a few short hours. All he had to do is confirm what he wanted and come to the medical module to get it done. Ingvar went to the personal quarters section of the station and rented a private room to sleep. When he woke up he talked to Chang about the power list. After a discussion, and a short medical procedure later. Ingvar went back to Hong Kong as a brand new nuance G grade meta....


    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Space Sector 2828, Vega***


    The Vega solar system was a haven for pirates, criminals, and the worst of the worst to find a place to sell their wares be it valuables, minerals, or sentient/sapient people. Vega contained dozens of livable planets, moons, and asteroids turned into stations. Vega was also the home to races like the Psions, the Citadel, and the Tamarans. But most of all! Vega is where Larfleeze resided the sole owner of the Orange spectrum of avarice. Or the Orange lantern corp.


    Because of the complicated situation that the Vega system was. The Guardians of the Universe decided to forbid any Green Lantern from entering it on thread of court marshal, and banishment. So, as it was said before sector 2828 was a pirate haven. Despite this the planet of Tamara was a tropical paradise where its people were currently in the process of repelling another slaver attack.


    Hundreds of pirates descended from the sky to land and attempt to capture any children of Tamaranean decent. The warriors of Tamara came from the sky themselves capable of flight through their unique alien physiology. The children ran away on foot still in training to manipulate their bodies in such a way. Before one of the ships could escape with their prize a man, and a woman flew down from the sky and shot star energy into the ships engines. Disabling it, warriors of Tamara assaulted the ship and saved the children. After a grueling hour all of the pirates ships were disabled, the pirates themselves killed or captured.


    The two Tamaranean''s that shot energy from their hands were part of the royal family. A brother, and a sister. Ryand''r, and Kamand''r, both capable of converting the ultraviolet light into energy projectiles. Ryand''r shot dark green energy, while his sister shot black energy. They were named Darkfire (former) and Blackfire (latter) respectively. They were giving out orders in quick succession to get the children to their homes and escorting the pirates to prison by the warriors.


    ¡°Another attack! I swear what are those fools doing with the defense net!¡± Komand''r asked rhetorically, her voice like a poisoned viper.


    ¡°The defense net is down sister. Its been down for weeks.¡± Ryand''r said in a soothing voice, he gently placed his left hand on his sisters back. Komand''r growled gently but didn''t shake him off.


    ¡°Princess, Prince, your are wanted back at the castle we have.... Something showed up in the central cargo bay in the castle grounds.¡± A Tamaranean warrior came to their side and informed them.


    ¡°Something? What do you mean, something!?¡± Komand''r hissed, and before she could attack the warrior her brother pulled her back much to the warriors relief.


    ¡°He obviously doesn''t know sister. Let''s just head back.¡± Ryand''r suggested, and Komand''r agreed.


    They took off into the air and flew back to the royal castle as fast as possible. Komand''r in the lead with her long black hair that flickered with energy along its tip. The energy trail followed behind in her wake. She was approximately 6''4¡±, with piercing green eyes, orange skin, hourglass athletic figure, and wore Tamaran battle armor. The armor was dyed gray, and starlight black. The armored plates protected her vitals while a solar absorption suit covered her from neck to toe.


    Ryand''r followed along, always just a few feet behind Komand''r not because he felt he had to. But he knew his sisters, she would see it as a challenge. Not in hostility but more like a game, and Ryand''r didn''t want to race his sister today. He was approximately 6''5¡± with calm green eyes, orange skin, and red dread lock hair to his shoulders. He had a inverted triangle build, broad shoulders, narrow hips. Many would say we has handsome if not for his entire right arm from shoulder down was mechanical. It marred his pretty appearance. He wore a light purple body suit with armored plates, and solar absorption suit.


    Tamara was a tropical paradise! It was this way because the Tamaraneans made it so. They firmly believed that one could live in civilization, while coexisting with nature. Because of their feline heritage they had several primal instincts that ''encouraged'' them to go hunting. They were also a very emotional race of people. They felt emotion in extremes, but most of all they felt love more than hate. So their people were often peaceful. If it wasn''t for the constant state of war their world kept encountering they would have been a peaceful society only using war as a ceremonial position.


    The pair flew towards the royal castle a combination of ancient stone, and metal. One could see where the ancient portion of Tamara use to be, and where the modern invention had come into being when the castle had been destroyed a few times. Their architecture had sharp points, with rectangle portions. If someone from Earth was here they would say it looked like an Aztec temple. While the metal portions were sharp, and pointed towards the sky. They landed just on the outside, no one was allowed to fly over the castle.


    The pair were welcomed home by the royal guard and the tension between Komand''r''s shoulders loosened. She always had to play the part of the warrior queen her parents wanted her to be. With a warriors fist, and a queens heart. She was still finding the balance, thankfully her brother Ryand''r kept her level when she went out. They walked at a brisk pace towards the main cargo hold in the castle as an attendant gave a brief run down of the situation across their world.


    ¡°It just appeared? Do we have a video of it?¡± Ryand''r asked, curious about what looked like a cargo shipping container. About ten feet high, ten feet wide, and fifty feet long. Made from a smooth metal that not appeared on their sensors.


    ¡°Yes your highness. The video was odd, these lines or ribbons of energy and unknown language appeared in the cargo bay. Then when...Well here!¡± The attendant showed a magical spring jump that many would be familiar with from the JLI.


    ¡°Interesting, do we know who its from?¡± Ryand''r asked, fascinated about the level of technology that could bypass the palaces defense network. The attendant paused, not sure how to reply. Ryand''r and Komand''r stopped to look at them.


    ¡°Her highness Koriand''r sent it.¡± The attendant said. There was a long pause before.


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Komand''r shouted, then flew through the halls of the palace straight towards the cargo hold. Ryand''r fast on her heels.


    On the front of the cargo container was a message that played when accessed. It was Koriand''r sending them a pleasant greeting, and love. She had escaped her capture from the slavers but had chosen to not return home. Something that filled Komand''r with fury! How could she not come home!? While Ryand''r was just happy to hear she had escaped slavery. The sin of sending Koriand''r to be a slave in order to bring peace to their planet had been a grave sin on their family. They both missed her greatly as did their people.


    They opened up the container after Koriand''r made reference to an event in their childhood that only they would understand. Once opened they found the container filled with hundreds of rare, to exotic resources from minerals, metals, and organic materials that could be battered and traded on the galactic market. Along with a purchased receipt for a galactic sheriff hub for their world. Platinum grade! Which would vastly improve their security. Just because the Green Lanterns were not allowed in the Vega system doesn''t mean the security corporation wasn''t!


    ¡°Do we know where it came from!?¡± Komand''r asked, stuck between fury, and relief.


    ¡°We do not... We don''t even know how it got here.¡± The attendant said.


    ¡°Well, once the sheriff station arrives we could ask them. It must be in their records. Sister, lets go to the communication hub.¡± Ryand''r said softly, and Komand''r agreed.


    Despite the chaotic time their planet was experiencing they were able to establish comunication with the galactic sheriff corp in their area. Once the receipt was verified they were quickly transferred to a very happy, and overly enthusiastic attendant that said they would have the sheriff station built, and operational by the end of the month. Which was in thirteen days! They asked if the attendant knew the location of the original buyer. Sector 2814 in the sol system, client Wraith. Wraith? Who, or what was Wraith? How did Koriand''r know this...Wraith?


    ===============================================================


    ***HR. Fae Summer Wilds, Seelie Summer Castle***


    The 1,985 hunted were teleported into an isolated portion of the castle where they could freshen up, get their party clothes put on and were not allowed to be attacked by would be assassins unhappy that they had lost millions of dollars on a bet. They had learned from the attack during the Winter Ball where Lash was attacked with a cursed dagger. The hunted cheered and danced with joy as they were one by one escorted to their private fitting rooms. Where Seelie court servants would quickly make lavish clothing, and imbue it with protection.


    Saurian was the last one to be teleported in given his size! He towered over everyone at his 60 by 120 feet long form. His ruined armor practically hanging on by a thread. He settled, and laid down on his side taking in the warm air of the summer night in the isolated gardens. Kory, and Kara flew over to his side. While Vyllith, and Booraku jogged over. They all took a seat next to the giant reptile and smiled. They had done it.


    ¡°Well that was pretty fun!¡± Booraku said with a big grin. His glamour had fallen and the 10 foot tall war troll was out. His armor was ripped up but mostly intact. The tusk from his mouth were adorned in tribal decoration that showed his age, and accomplishments in his life.


    ¡°Aside from the battle with Ares, yes that was an entertaining time. Speaking of which?¡± Vyllith asked, looking at Saurian.


    ¡°Not here, as far as anyone is concerned Ares got his ass kicked and fled the field.¡± Saurian replied, after he created a baffle field to block being spied upon. Even then he wasn''t sure if it would hold against the referee, or Queen Titania.


    ¡°Why should we not be proud of our accomplishment?¡± Kory asked, clearly confused.


    ¡°Politics!¡± Booraku, Vyllith, and surprisingly Kara said all at once. This got all three of them to laugh. It had been a long, and stressful journey for them.


    ¡°So for the rest of the night it is a cocktail party filled with sexual encounters. Dancing, and the occasional duel of skill?¡± Vyllith asked with a small smile while looking at everyone.


    That about covered the summer solstice ball. One by one they were collected and showed to their own private dressing rooms. Saurian swapped out with Lash and went to sleep. Lash was guided to a private fitting room under the protection of several summer knights. Lash wore black dress shoes, black slacks, gray buttoned up shirt. Then flew custom out and wore a dark forest green gambeson. Threaded with orichalcum, mithril, and nth metal. He used Enchanting Word, and Quality Enhancement. To place the customary spell wards onto the suit. Which surprised the tailors greatly!


    Despite its appearance it was pretty easy to remove. Several buckles across the front kept it closed. Dozens of spells were placed into the suit allowing it to protect him, and also allowing the summer court referee to have him at availability in case anything happened. The tailors went over a few things added a bit of threaded decoration. Then once he was ready he was escorted to attend...The Queens chambers? Not her throne room, her chambers.


    Along the way Lash, and his summer knight escorts went by dozens of fae were watching Lash closely. Several seething glares were sent his way as per usual. While many more sent him coquettish glances, and inviting murmurs. Soon they went past the public areas of the castle and entered the private. Only a few were allowed out here and it showed as they didn''t encounter a single person or servant for nearly ten minutes. Then at last he we shown to double oak doors and invited in by a servant.


    The room in question was a wide open space with the ceiling nearly a hundred feet up. Grand white columns stretched from floor to ceiling. While white marble was carved and set across the floor. The sound of water was ever present has several stone figure heads spewed hot water into the giant pool sized bath. Steam rose in heavy currents in the air and that was when Lash realized this was the Queens private bath tub. Several female sidhe all of which were completely gorgeous wore white easy to move when wet clothing that barely covered them. Their hair was done up so it was up and out of the way.


    Across the pool were several naked women all enjoying the water, and a few stole glances at Lash as he stood on the other side. None of them were bashful, or shy. These were not human. They were fae, and they had their own values. One of them did excuse herself from the ladies and gently swam over to greet Lash. This woman was Li''ana. The 5''9¡± pale skin beauty with blond hair tied up was a sight to behold. Her clearly defined muscles only added to the erotic situation in Lash''s opinion. While her light blue eyes looked Lash up and down.


    ¡°Sorry for stabbing you.¡± Lash said to her softly, and clear delight glowed in Li''ana''s eyes.


    ¡°It''s alright, you understand why I didn''t tell you?¡± Li''ana asked, he did. She couldn''t tell him about the game or who''s side she was on. Orders from the Summer Queen. Even though they were a pack it didn''t matter. When the Queen gave a Seelie Court Fae an order they obeyed it.


    ¡°Not that I don''t mind watching you swim around in the water. Why am I here?¡± Lash asked softly, and Li''ana gestured with her eyes.


    Further into the room which was large! Was another pool up several stone steps. A servant with wet....clothing stood off to the side beckoning him. Lash winked at Li''ana who mouthed the words, ''good luck!'' to him. He gradually walked across the room as Li''ana returned to the ladies across the way. Despite the clearly erotic and arousal moment Lash found himself in. He did not have a rock hard erection. Simply because this entire situation was incredibly dangerous! For all of his abilities, the Summer Queen Titania at the height of her power could turn Lash to ash with a flick of her finger.


    The Summer Queen Titania was a gorgeous creature of pure delight, and predatory beauty. Men, and women would go to war for her favor. It was also in this moment that Lash realized that the Summer Queen had Master Charming Presence he assumed so did the Winter Queen. It appeared that since he had the skill/ability mastered as well he could see it.


    Queen Titania and/or the current incarnation of her. Given her soul was currently residing in a borrowed body. Was 5''10¡± with long auburn hair that naturally curled in the hot hair of the baths. It framed her perfect face, with golden eyes that sparked with seductive delight. Lash shook his head softly as he heard Saurian growl at him across the link. He was falling under a charm. She had a hourglass figure that suited her perfectly. Bouncing breasts, wide welcoming hips, and the right combination of soft flesh, and muscle build. Lash bit his own tongue trying to focus himself.


    Several female attendants were currently washing Titania''s body in slow gradual almost theatrical fashion. They were wet, and their white clothing stuck to their bodies inviting eyes, and hands to help them free of the binding cloth. Some of them started to rub against one...


    ¡°Summer Queen how man this Warden be of service to you?¡± Lash asked, as he took a knee and bowed his head. Trying to not listen to the delightful moans, and gasps of pleasure. Many would ask, why not enjoy it? Are you out of your fucking mind!? Dozens of fae shadows were in the room hidden from view. Assassins and bodyguards. If Lash stepped with in twenty feet of the Queen they would kill him.


    ¡°You find me at an impasse, Warden. On one hand I wish to congratulate you not only on successfully completing a great hunt when it was correctly stacked against you. But also in your accomplishment of fighting off Ares the Olympus god of war!¡± Titania said, her voice a collection of past, and present queens, as she stood up in the bath and let the water fall down her insanely attractive curves.


    ¡°On the other hand, you embarrassed the summer court. Not one hunted was captured by the hunters. In fact we were pushed back so brilliantly that we had to make concessions towards the hunters for a hunt they didn''t complete. Though many of them did eventually find enjoyment out of fighting your reptilian spell craft.¡± Titania said as she walked gradually across the pool. Then came right to the edge where Lash was kneeling. She sat sideways in the bath, her lower half in the water. The upper half moist, and dripping. Her lon....


    ¡°I''m starting to wonder if I should be insulted that you wont look at me.¡± Titania said with sly grin, but held up a single finger to stop an assassin who had appeared behind Lash with out a sound. They faded into thin air at her dismissal.


    Titania folded her arms on top of one another and placed her chin on them. Staring up at Lash with upturned eyes, a scheming smile on her face. She artfully bit her lower lip and Lash felt a thrill of energy pass through his whole body especially in his nether regions. The Winter Queen had used her magical energy to push against Lash and Nullification had activated. The Summer Queen was using her Charming Presence to great affect, something that didn''t activate Nullification. This was a test.


    Lash looked up and gazed into the eyes of Titania. She smiled at him and he felt his knees grow weak. Saurian reached out across the link and gave him a bit of strength. Lash''s eyes had always been reptilian yellow green. But sitting behind his eyes was Saurian who despite the erotic moment huffed in annoyance. He was tired, and wanted to sleep. Titania was bothering him. (Grumpy Lizard!) Titania leaned back laughed! A great big belly laugh that even caused her to miss step and fall into the water. Though that did little to stop her from laughing even underwater. Of course she could breath under water!


    ¡°Ahahaha.....Oh your hunting partner is a delight! Very well you pass!¡± Titania said as she gradually swam back over to the other edge. The sexual energy in the air seem to gradually evaporate. Though the sidhe women continued to enjoy each other. Making Saurian roll his eyes at them.


    ¡°I can''t name you a summer knight.¡± Titania began to say, which surprised Lash. ¡°Because you are a demigod of a foreign pantheon. You are above such a station. You are a winter knight only because you were named thus before you joined the pantheon. But even then it is little more than a title.¡± Titania explained and called for her robe.


    ¡°I''m not upset about it, you granted the Seelie Court a fertility charm. L says hello by the way!¡± Titania said, her other soul fragment was in the central time zone in north america. ¡°The hunt was interesting, and I believe maybe next time we''ll do a war game that I would like you to attend. But from what our councilors say there is another alien invasion on the way?¡± Titania asked stepping out of the bath to be toweled off and gathered up in her royal robe.


    Once the Queen had exited the baths so did everyone else. Li''ana and the rest of the women who had been in the bathtubs excused themselves to be fitted for dresses for the ball. Li''ana''s eyes, and now Pack Bond established between them warned him to be careful. Lash followed behind the Queen, clearly their conversation was not over yet. However, Lash did stop at the threshold to the Queen''s bedroom. Ya, that was a big rule unless he was.


    ¡°Come in!¡± The Queen called, Lash gritted his teeth and walked across the threshold to her private room. Several maids were gently brushing her, hair, and collecting her royal garb for the party.


    The Summer Queens bedroom was massive! You could fit a three bedroom home inside this place. A emperor size bed, surrounded by spell inscribed silks, sheets, and wooden frame decorated and etched with the finest craftsmen/women. The vaulted ceilings held dozens of gargoyles? Gargoyles in magical armor that glared daggers down at Lash. The ceiling itself was a cast expanse of an ocean of stars. Even...Oh no! That was the summer fae wilds night sky. Magical ceiling, check! The bedroom had several doors that led to other rooms. But Lash was stuck in this room for now.


    ¡°Lunar Academy...¡± Titania said as she let her servants start on her hair. Lash turned to look at her, a tilt to his head like an animal would.


    ¡°You plan to expel necrotic creatures existing on the moon and create an academy there, yes?¡± Titania asked, looking at him through her mirror.


    ¡°Yes, it is on my very long to do list.¡± Lash admitted, and the Queen nodded in understanding. A faint hint of understanding, always so much to do!


    ¡°The school in question will be for everyone, yes? Magical, meta, alien, and mundane?¡± She asked, clearly thinking about.


    ¡°Essentially yes, I was planning on transforming the whole moon into another living biosphere. But only have a single colony on it. Letting the rest of it be a....Testing ground..No! A proving ground of sorts.¡± Lash said, his eyes taking on a distant look as he thought about it.


    ¡°Good! Then we''ll make it official. The Seelie Court will support you in this endeavor to establish a colony on the moon. Of course the other Courts are welcome! I would never ask you to pick a side.¡± Titania said with a smirk as a writ was presented towards Lash. Right! This was first claiming rights, by being the first ones. That would mean they get better benefits.


    Fucking politics! Lash looked over the writ, it was fairly straight forward. Administration activated and Lash couldn''t find any loop holes. It stated that the Seelie Court would provide material, and logistical aid in the building of the colony. Not the attack, and cleaning up of the revenants. By accepting the writ the Seelie Court would be allowed to choose their embassy location on the moon. It would be no bigger, or smaller than any Court. But they got to choose first. Lash signed it, and it was official!


    ¡°Good, you can go now.¡± Titania said with a smile. Then just like that Lash had left her attention. A summer knight appeared by his side ready to escort him back to the party.


    ------


    Why was everything his Cosmic Patron gave him such a double edged sword. When he had been granted the demigod physiology he assumed it was a great reward! But it had all these unforeseen consequences! He had hoped to be declared a summer knight, another title, another special ability and a rank with in the Seelie Court. But noooo!


    ¡°Attention User! The special package has been sent, and received on Tamara!¡± Dawn said to him delight. Lash grumbled a thank you, Dawn had been one of the voices in Titania''s collection. She enjoyed teasing him.


    Lash had sent the package to Tamara at the request of Kory a little while ago. Turned out he could do it at the cost of Dream Points. He had the materials, and the solar coin. So he spent 100 DP to teleport the container to Tamara straight into the royal palace. This if course made Lash wonder what else he could teleport and ignore the rule of distance, and location. But Dawn put a stop to that quickly. It had been something his Patron allowed him to do. Which of course meant it would cause trouble down the line. Bleh.


    From what Erik the gamer said about Tamara, and from Kory the planet was in a horrible place. Location wise! It had horrified Lash to learn that the Orange Lantern Corp sector that the Guardians had given up? That was the same star system as Tamara! He didn''t know that! No wonder Kory''s home life was so fucked up! In the comics Tamara gets destroyed like three times! As in the people leave, find a new home, then that home gets destroyed, etc, etc. Lash was evenly considering inviting them to establish a colony in the sol system just to ensure their races survival. Thousands of people just like Kory around? Not sure if that would be good, or bad.


    The summer knight excused themselves upon the arrival of the Gotham City party area. Lash thanked them in ancient sidhe, and smoothed out his suit. He put away his childish antics for later, and let Saurian get back to bed. The giant reptile figuratively patted Lash on the noggin and fell asleep. Lash walked into the hall with barely a second thought. That was a mistake because upon stepping into a hall a servant announced his arrival. Crap! Over a thousand faces turned in an almost comical and horrifying fashion! Then the shouting, cheering and stampeding of people coming to talk to him.


    ¡°They''ve been checked for weapons right!?¡± Lash called to the servant who announced him, and the servant had to stop and think about it. It took to long for Lash so he jumped up and climbed onto the walls with Gravity Stride escaping the tide.


    A roaring laughter was heard over the stampede a giant reptile lay on his side in a balcony lounge above him. Torloth, the giant dragon with a jagged scar down his face. He was like a giant scaled cat looking at the scene below with delighted interest but not so much that he would move to join in. His tail twitched back and forth, and his wings settled against his back. His giant draconic eyes watched Lash run from the mob in delight.


    ¡°Respectful greetings Lord Torloth!¡± Lash called out as he ran around the room.


    ¡°Hello Warden Lash! What causes you to run about in such a way!¡± Torloth called out, despite Lash''s clear display of not wanting to be rushed the crowds continued to follow him.


    ¡°Well last time I was rushed after the hunt I was stabbed by a cursed dagger. So I am taking the situation with caution.¡± Lash called out, and eventually stopped at the dragons balcony. Torloth''s good humor melted away as he remembered.


    ¡°Settle down children!¡± Torloth called out to the room and vast crowd stopped chasing Lash.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Lash said to the giant dragon who nodded in acceptance. Lash jumped onto the balcony at the invitation of the dragon and looked for Juliana.


    ¡°She''s down there mingling with a pure blood-kindred.¡± Torloth said with a bit of apprehension. Such a move was a little odd for Torloth the master of Shield and Sword. A pure blood-kindred was a kindred who had finished their conversion. ¡°One of the primal breeds.¡± Torloth said, after Lash looked at him for a bit. Realization dawned on Lash and he understood.


    The primal blood-kindred were a breed/house type. They all had the ability to take on a primal war form. Like were-breeds only vampire related. They could turn into an assortment of shapes. Like a giant bat! They were also incredibly powerful in this form. The side effect was that their primal form could take control of them if they were not careful. However, nothing aside from something over a thousand years old should make Torloth uneasy. Unless the primal was a house master of high rank...


    At Torloth''s behest Lash found Juliana with in the crowd and made his way down there under the guise of glamour and Anonymity. He moved through the crowd, though not everyone was tricked by his spells they thankfully didn''t say anything. When Lash arrived at Juliana''s side he was delighted to feel a spark of life coming from her abdomen. The spark reacted to him, and Saurian. Juliana jumped in surprise when she turned and ''noticed'' Lash.


    Juliana was approximately 5''9¡±, with long brown hair that had been curled and tied up to reveal her neck. She wore a silver thread necklace that wrapped around her neck several times before the tail end fell between her cleavage in her dress. Her amber eyes glowed with latent power fitting her station has a dragon. She had golden caramel skin, with a hour glass figure. She wore a spaghetti strap cocktail dress in a shade of deep greens, and blues. It was in a scaled pattern. Along with naked toed three inch heels. She smiled brilliantly at Lash and walked over to give him a kiss.


    Next to her was the pure blood-kindred. A ten foot tall nosferatu man-bat creature. Covered in deep mahogany brown fur. Longer than normal arms, and legs. Along his arms were wing fringes that could grow into a wing span at his command. A hulking muscular figure, long and pointed bat ears, and bat nose. Deep crimson red eyes, and mouth full of fangs. He smiled wide at the sight of Lash.


    ¡°Respectful greetings unto you Keeper of House Talthos, Nicodermus.¡± Lash said, as he bowed his head and used the Warden etiquette to best of his abilities. What was a Keeper? House Masters rule the branch houses scattered through out the globe. Keepers, are the masters who rule over House Masters. So it was House Masters, Keeper of the House, and the Progenitor of the House.


    ¡°Greetings unto you, Warden, and demigod of Monsters and.....¡± Nicodermus said as he sniffed the air around Lash then his eyes went wide. ¡°War? How did you obtain the domain of war?¡± Nicodermus said, his voice was guttural, and harsh on the ears. But just like Lash/Saurian used Partial Telepathy to convey his words clearly.


    ¡°Such a subject should be discussed in a private location.¡± Lash said as politely as possible. He understood Torloth''s nervous energy. A Keeper could go claw to claw against any adult dragon, especially a primal.


    ¡°Wonderful! Because I had a business opportunity to discuss with you! Juliana was telling me about this wonderful business you''ve started called, Ghost Industries!¡± Nicodermus said, his lips pulling back to reveal even more fangs.


    Juliana came to Lash''s side and took his hand into her own. She smiled at him, but he could feel the tension through her hand. A group of blood-kindred knights that were escorting the Keeper. Brought them to a secluded room left aside for such activities. These things happened often at parties like these. Nicodermus took his seat first at the head of the table. The chair designed to take his weight and unique shape. Lash pulled Juliana''s chair out for her much to her annoyance. Lash sat next and looked at Nicodermus waiting for him to speak.


    ¡°So you killed him then, Ares?¡± Nicodermus asked, placing his clawed hands together and looking at Lash over them. Juliana stiffened next to Lash and gave him a sideways glance. The doors to the room had been closed, and a blood-kindred knight had placed a very expensive and detailed baffle field item down.


    ¡°Yes, his essence is currently looking for a new host.¡± Lash admitted after a bit of reluctance, but he was very clear that Nicodermus wouldn''t take, ''no comment'' as an answer.


    ¡°A demigod of monsters, and war! Wonderful! I look forward to the day you obtain your first divine spell. But let us get to business so you two may return to the party!¡± Nicodermus said, he clicked his tongue and one of his knights provided a spell woven crystal that displayed an arcane image. Technology had a hard time working in the fae wilds. Yes, yes! Technomancy was a work around.


    ¡°As you know genetic alteration for humans to take on animal traits has been in effect for many countries for awhile now. The CIA had a few of them for counter espionage, and wartime effort. What you may not know is that House Talthos had providing funding for this. But with the....Invasion.¡± Nicodermus said with a grin that sent a shiver down Lash''s spine.


    ¡°Most of the global governments are in disarray. Also they are not so interested in animals splicing anymore. But more interested in Metas! We were hoping that Ghost Industries would take up the charge.¡± Nicodermus said, as the arcane crystal went through several designs.


    Why was this important? The Supernatural Council was trying to gradually change humanities perception on what was considered a monster. If a human showed up with cat eyes, ears, and a tail. There would be many people that were fascinated, but also a lot of people that would be disgusted. Now, imagine if you could go to a medical center and get your DNA spliced (cosmetically) with an animal. Have leopard spots down your neck. Webbed feet, and hands for swimming. Or pale skin, red eyes, and fangs?


    If genetic splicing became a something that was albeit uncommon, but available. Then more supernatural creatures, and breeds could reveal themselves to the public. At least partially. Not everyone could afford a glamour charm that completely changed what they looked like. This would also help the Meta populace as well. Not everyone looked fully human when their meta gene activated. Some changed physically in appearance but gained nothing power wise. They could undergo the same treatment and maybe get something out of it.


    ¡°Alright. I can''t of course 100% agree, yet. We''ll have to look over the fine details. But I am interested. This will help us all in the long run. You should also be aware that Ghost Industries is footing the bill for the CSA program. So it may take a bit before things get underway.¡± Lash said simply, and Nicodermus smiled wide at his response.


    ¡°Most excellent! Not to worry about time table, I have a lot of patience! I will see about House Talthos investing into your company. No strings! Just the promise of carrying on the project!¡± Nicodermus replied to him.


    Juliana jumped in at that point and discussed a few things then and there. Time table was estimated in the next one hundred years. Talthos would provide hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. Also any opposition from the nations leaders would be gently persuaded to allow it. Lash could just imagine a black bible tyrant senator using the splicing as a means to condemn them all. Wait a minute? Did they even have senators anymore? Did the Zeta teams kill them all? A world with out politicians? Lash shivered for a whole new reason.


    Juliana was on point, and concise. They finished their preliminary discussions. Anything else needed to be discussed with a fine toothed comb, and in with Victoria Ghost. Ghost Industries was a privately owned company. Lash was the chairman, the enigmatic inventor. Victoria was the CEO, and daughter of the crazy man making things. Of course the mundane world had no idea it was Lash. That was on purpose.


    Nicodermus excused himself a huge grin on his face. Happy to come to an agreement. Juliana sank against Lash''s shoulder and sighed softly. Lash moved his seat around and pulled her out of her own. Soon she was in his lap snuggling against him. His hands dancing up and down her legs, playful but respectful. Then his hand settled on her abdomen and he felt the pulse of life again. The unborn dragon hadn''t even take physical shape. But the spirit was present and responded. Juliana placed her hands over his a smile on her face.


    ¡°Shouldn''t you be wearing slippers? Those heels can''t be good for your back!¡± Lash said in a teasing tone and Juliana signed in annoyance.


    ¡°Please not you too! I swea...Hmmmf!¡± Juliana tried to say until Lash stole a kiss that turned into something a little more passionate. Juliana moaned into the kiss and pulled her skirt up just a bit so she could straddle him in the chair.


    ¡°Careful you don''t start something you can''t finish!¡± Juliana said with a seductive look as she licked her lips.


    ¡°Who said I can''t finish it?¡± Lash said, as he reached down to squeeze her ass.


    ¡°Because we can''t spend five hours in here.¡± Juliana said reluctantly. This was true, neither of them would settle for a quickie. So, they made out for a few minutes then separated from one another.


    Lash and Juliana walked back into the main hall hand in hand. Juliana being a lawyer, and a dragon was well versed in this kind of battle field. She led Lash around to who he should speak to at least once. They also ran into a few friends. Along the way they encountered Edwardo of House Kuldr. Lash had won 368 millions dollars. That was after the Fae courts took their cut. Lash asked Juliana to place it into a scholarship charity, and glamour charm for low income families. Apparently Juliana predicted such a move because all the paper work was ready for his signature.


    ===========================================================


    ¡°Red, who''s that on Lash''s arm?¡± Harley asked Ivy. They were both across the party hall with a large crowd around them. More specifically Harley, as a new seedling of Loki people came to lick her boots. Or more specifically her heels. Ivy looked annoyed at the situation.


    ¡°See the dragon up there, the woman on his arm is the dragons daughter.¡± Ivy said, chewing on her plump red lips. Harley made an O face. Then sipped her glass of wine. She wrinkled her nose at the liquid and warped reality to turn it into fruit punch!


    Poison Ivy stood off to the side next to Harley in her two piece skin tight red dress. While Harley wore a diamond encrusted dress. It was strapless, open in the back, with a heart shape front to emphasize her bouncing breasts, and a long slit went up the front to her hip. If she stepped to wide she would give plenty of people a show since she didn''t have underwear on. The dress had originally been a little more conservative but Harley wanted something flashy! So she warped reality to make the diamonds! She had rainbow hair swept past her shoulders. No, her hair continued to change in all of the colors of the rainbow. Each strip of hair holding a different color that would change over time. It hurt Ivy''s eyes to look at her for to long.


    ¡°Well why don''t we go find Timothy? He''s always willing to pay attention to you?¡± Harley suggested, and Ivy hung her head in disappointment.


    ¡°I can''t... Lately Timothy has been... I don''t know he seems clingy. Which isn''t like him.¡± Ivy confessed to her friend.


    ¡°That''s weird....Oh! Look who''s coming this way!¡± Harley said, and bounced up and down. Ivy looked up and saw Lash heading towards them.


    ¡°Hello!¡± Ivy called out, and tried to not look to eager. Lash came to her side and kissed her cheek, then did the same for Harley who cooed at him.


    ¡°Your in bloom, or pollinating.¡± Lash said to Ivy, it was a weird compliment to say the least. Lash laughed lightly, and Ivy''s knees grew weak at the sound of his laugh. When did Lash get so handsome? Wait? Was this one of this fae things?


    ¡°Your have a plant like physiology, Ivy. Its spring into summer. Your toxins are stronger now then they were during fall, and winter. Timothy may be immune to poison, but the addictive effect from your plant based abilities are making him cling to you.¡± Lash said, clarifying what he meant before. Ivy gave herself a mental face palm.


    ¡°So Red is even more addictive than before! Wait, if you two have sex does that mean you''ll stick around more?¡± Harley asked loudly, never one to care about tact.


    ¡°I would be largely immune I think. However, I have about an hour to spare if you want to find out?¡± Lash said nonchalantly to them both. Ivy blinked as her train of thought derailed. Then Harley spoke for her.


    ¡°OK!¡± Harley snagged Lash''s hand, along with Ivy''s.


    ¡°Wait..What?¡± Ivy said in confusion.... A tingle sensation rolled down her spine and spread warmth through out her body.


    =============================================================


    One hour later in a secluded alcove was small room with tossed pillows, sheets, and a sort of couch/bed. Lash was laying in the middle completely naked with Ivy, and Harley on either side of him. Though an hour wasn''t a long span of time, at least Lash got to have that talk with Ivy. He was immune to the addictive effect of her summer bloom. Though Harley clearly wasn''t, thankfully due to her divine seedling she wouldn''t die. Though she kept humping Lash''s leg while she was passed out for a moment.


    Attention User! You''ve used, Apostle of Qetesh.


    Effect: For the next 48 hours the User, as well as the Target will have 30% increase to all stats.


    Ivy stirred from her sleep and began to kiss Lash along his neck. She pulled her messy curly red hair back from her face and looked up at him like a cat that drank a bowl of cream. She looked sleepy, satisfied, but she also looked like she wanted to go again. The sounds of the party outside continued to push on into the night and they both knew they didn''t have such time.


    ¡°So the addictive effect will wear off once autumn comes?¡± Ivy asked, as she slowly crawled on top of Lash. She rocked her hips back and forth as his erection pressed up against her. They both shivered, all the while Harley hugged Lash''s arm and continued to rock back and forth.


    ¡°Yes, I believe so. So don''t be surprised if your lovers seem a little clingy. You are like a drug right now. Easy to pick up, hard to put down.¡± Lash said as he ran his free hand over Ivy''s hips, along her abdomen, and caressed along her bouncing breasts. She smiled down at him.


    ¡°It will be a while before either of us see you again, wont it?¡± Ivy asked, her smile wilting just a bit. Lash nodded in a clear, yes. ¡°Then I better do this while I can.¡± Ivy said with a smirk. She slipped down between his legs then began to kiss his erection. Then before Lash could stop her she took him into her mouth.


    ¡°I''ve got next!¡± Harley said with a grin, apparently awake...


    ----


    Thirty minutes later Lash, Ivy, and Harley rejoined the party. Thanks to the spell Immaculate they were all fresh, and clean. If only a little disheveled. Several party goers gave him a knowing smile but didn''t say anything. Lash gradually made his way around the party until he found a few people. More specifically he found John Constantine completely wasted and wobbling on his feet. With a annoyed Zatanna at his side. Lash walked over to them and Constante stumbled into his arms.


    ¡°Yau...Yau are amazing! I ever tell yau that''? If I wasn''t'' with Z I''d climb all over yau!¡± Constantine said in his very drunk, and very thick accent. Lash grinned at him, and leaned down to give Constantine a deep kiss. Constantine smiled into the kiss then stepped back to look at the cheshire grin worn by Zatanna. Then he looked back at Lash, then back at Zatanna.


    ¡°Oh no....¡± Constantine said, growing pale. Zatanna laughed in pure delight and pulled her boyfriend into her arms. She grinned at Lash, giving him a seductive look.


    ¡°I don''t think Z would mind if we had a threesome, Constantine.¡± Lash said with a grin. Constantine blushed harder than Lash had ever seen him. ¡°Here let me get that for you.¡± Lash finished and cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. To pull the toxins out of Constantine and replenish him.


    ¡°Oh no mat''! What'' hav'' yau don''! Now I don''t'' hav'' the excus'' of, ''I''m sorry I was just'' so drunk!¡± Constantine said loudly that soon devolved into a whisper. Constantine shrunk his neck into his suit so far Lash was surprised. Zatanna laughed and pulled Constantine over to a chair, tugging Lash along with her.


    ¡°It''s good to see you relax some Lash. I swear you work more than Bruce does.¡± Zatanna said, as she sat down and crossed her legs. Her leg pinned Constantine to his chair he''d have to crawl out of it to get away. Which the man desperately wanted to at that moment. Lash admired the long profile of Zatanna, who was looking right back at him.


    ¡°There is something different about you, Lash.¡± Zatanna said, her expression said it all. She was having fantasies about the very thing Lash suggested. He grinned back at her and shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°I change a lot in a short amount of time apparently. Is your father, and mother around?¡± Lash asked, looking for them. Zatanna shook her head, no they were not.


    ¡°They were here, but they had to leave. Something came up back home. Or rather the Wayside inn of Mystery.¡± Zatanna replied and looked over at Constantine who was trying to get a servants attention for more booze so he could forget this whole situation.


    ¡°Either of you have any interest in teaching magic at the Tower?¡± Lash asked out of the blue, Zatanna and Constantine both looked up at him. A different subject that Constantine held on for dear life.


    ¡°What'' do yau mean?¡± Constantine asked, Zatanna mirrored the question.


    ¡°The next Watch Tower upgrade will allow us to build a pocket dimension for a school of magic. Safe environment, (kinda) to practice schools of magic with in reason.¡± Lash said, showing a Phantasm appearance for the design. He had read up on it in the Dream Store catalog. Zatanna, and Constantine leaned in to look at it.


    ¡°Not very big, but it would grow with time. What kind of environment were you planning on?¡± Zatanna asked, clearly intrigued.


    ¡°Either tropical.¡± Lash said, and smiled when Constantine hissed. ¡°Or just a standard landscape with all four seasons.¡± Lash finished, grinning at Constantine''s nod of approval.


    ¡°I''d suggest the latter. That way the students can experience seasonal magic. With a pocket dimension you can set the weather on a watch if you like. We can still have plenty of hot sunny days.¡± Zatanna suggested with a smirk.


    Lash spoke with them for a few more minutes then excused himself. He gave Zatanna a hug and she bit his ear gently. Clearly she was still thinking about something else. It was at this time that Lash remembered that Master Charming Presence lowered inhibitions. That would mean things that people wouldn''t normally consider, would strike them interested with the User. Ah! He''d have to be careful with that.


    ----


    When the sun began to rise over the Fae wilds the party was officially declared finished! This also marked the end of Lash''s three day weekend! Woohooo! Time to work! He of course saw his people home and tucked them into bed. Vyllith, and Booraku went to Lash''s bedroom together after Booraku got permission from Lash. Delighted that his pack brother, and hell knight were getting to know one another better. Lash put on his Warden/Daemonic gear, then ensured Saurian had his gear properly attended too.


    It was a brand new day in Gotham! He was going to spend the next few days rebuilding his home! He would then go back to the Watch Tower and start up the next upgrade. He had the points for it, after that he would start the campaign for the moon! Then..Ding! Ding! His communicator went off.


    ¡°Wraith! We have a B+ grade Rift in New York.¡± Vigil''s voice called over the communications channel. FUCK! Lash hung his head and went to the balcony, with a pop he was up in the Tower. Then with another pop he was in New York in front of a towering Rift.


    Attention User, this is a story generated Rift.


    Difficulty: B +


    Type: Story/cross over.


    Rift Walker allowed 0/1


    ¡°Well here we go again!¡± Lash said, and stepped into the Rift....


    Galen

 Chapter 107: Son of Jormungand

    (Warning Long Chapter)


    =============================================================


    ***HR. WWN Studio***


    ¡°Hello everyone! I am Sara Bradley!¡± Sara said, smiling towards the camera. Her brown hair was tied back into a pony tail. She wore a casual deep red business suit to highlight her features. Despite her schooled expression her hands were wringing slightly on camera.


    ¡°While I am Luke Brendon, co-anchor.¡± Luke said next with his easy going smile. His amber eyes held a sort of warmth. Though his expression held an edge that would make a few people worried. He wore a pine striped suit, and adjusted his shoulders.


    ¡°Our top story today happens in our very own New York City! Ladies and gentlemen across the world we have found another Rift located the island of Manhattan.¡± Sara said, and she gave the camera frown.


    ¡°That is right, reports came in only a few hours ago. A Rift opened up on the first floor and quickly grew in size with each passing minute. Anything that the Rift touched was sucked into it like a vortex. It grew to be approximately 100 feet around in a perfect sphere.¡± Luke continued, and tried to give Sara a reassuring smile.


    ¡°Once the Rift had been discovered with in a few short minutes the NYPD showed up to quarantine the area. Only a few minutes later did the Justice League: International show up to help secure the area. They are currently in the process of evacuating the area.¡± Sara tried to smile back at Luke but failed, her hands were shaking in trepidation.


    ¡°We will now go live with our camera crew at the site. Please be aware viewers that they are only allowed to go so close.¡± Luke said to the camera. Then Luke, and Sara both turned to look at the monitor behind them. The camera zoomed in, and anyone watching could see it live.


    The Rift was huge! It had all but swallowed the building it had appeared in. It was a deep blue, to light green color along the edges. However, one of its more interesting all be it eerie aspects was that no matter what angle one would look at the Rift it would always look like it was staring at you. The camera crew was standing on a nearby building and the Rift looked like it was looking right at them. But the camera shot switched to a street view. Same perspective, the Rift''s door looked right at them.


    Despite the Rifts appearance as a door. It had been proven that the Rift was in fact a perfect sphere. Then before anything more happened a new JLI spring jump appeared. Out came a familiar sight. An 8 foot tall lizard man dressed as the grim reaper appeared. Agent Wraith spoke with the officer in charge of the scene along with one of the JLI leading members. Then after a brief moment Agent Wraith walked into the Rift.


    Now they played the waiting game. Would Agent Wraith come back out in a few hours? Days? Weeks? Or would something else come out to attack them? Time will tell!


    ===============================================================


    ***Rift. Story/Crossover***


    Just as before Lash fell through a cosmic tube of information. A kaleidoscope of images, words, and events that spread back as far as the eye could see. Then as quickly as it started, it stopped. Lash once more found himself in what could be called a black room. Though the walls were nigh invisible to the naked eye he could feel them nearby. He looked around and he was in an ocean of stars. Then he noticed several stars coming together, merging, taking a humanoid shape.


    The shape had feminine curves, narrow waist, wide hips, and bouncing breasts. Starlight danced past her shoulders, and two stars turned blue, a radiant smile that could literally light up the universe itself was revealed. The woman of starlight came up to Lash and pressed their hand to his reptilian snout. She leaned up on her toes and kisses his nose making him laugh.


    ¡°Hello Dawn, good to see you.¡± Lash/Saurian both said to her. A mixture of voices oddly in sync.


    ¡°Hello User!¡± Dawn said softly, she did a twirl and a robe made out of pure white wrapped around her perfectly. Despite its billowing mass it was tailored to her allowing one to see her curves with out giving to much away. Her hood was up, drawing ones eye to see a face made out starlight.


    ¡°So, are you ready to play?¡± Dawn asked, as she brought up a information tab. Lash walked over and poked the tab with a claw. It expanded out and he leaned back in shock. All six of his eyes blinking in rapid succession.


    ¡°We are doing the Marvel Cinematic Universe?¡± Lash asked, as he read through the information. ¡°How is this a Rift?¡± Lash continued, looking towards Dawn who had placed a finger to her chin tapping it in thought.


    ¡°DC Comics, and Marvel Comics have several stories that are considered fan favorites. There are of course several novels, comics, and movies that are incredible stories that many requested to participate in. However, Marvel movies, and Marvel Comics are two different things.¡± Dawn said as she brought up several User reviews, and suggestions by the Alpha testers.


    ¡°Marvel Comics is one of the Beta Test games is it not? Am I going there?¡± Lash asked, curious if he could meet the X-men.


    ¡°Yes, and no. Marvel Comics is one of the Beta Test games selected for the Dream Engine. However, Marvel Cinematic not so much. However so many people wanted to at least play in the different movie events. So that is what this is. However, you may still see VI Avatars participating in the events. Keep that in mind.¡± Dawn said with a bit of a shrug. That was not the answer Lash was hoping for. But it would still be fun to meet Tony Stark.


    ¡°Alright, how do we start? This isn''t like the time fragment as far as I can tell. Do I still get a background or do I just get dropped into the universe?¡± Lash asked, as his giant tail snaked around and wrapped around Dawn. She gave out a cheerful squeak, and started to play her fingers along his scales.


    ¡°That is up to you, User!¡± Dawn said, and brought up several tool tips for him to read through.


    Background selection process activated. Marvel Cinematic Universe story/cross over. B+ Grade. Dynamic scaling for difficulty.


    Super-Soldier Program, 100WP: You are one of Dr. Abraham Erskine earlier experiments into the program before he left Europe. However, unlike Steven Rodgers your serum had unforeseen consequences. With your new abilities will you fight for the Allies? Or the Axis? (Point of entry, Captain America: 1940''s World War 2)


    Alien Bounty Hunter, 100WP: You are part of a galactic enforcement program to aid the local star ways. Tracking, hunting, and collecting bounties to return to them to their place in prison. This background comes with a ship. (Point of entry, Captain Marvel: 1995 Kree Starforce. Or, Guardians of the Galaxy: 2014 Nova Core.)


    0-8-4, 100WP: You are an object of unknown origin that has landed on Earth. You are collected by an elite team of SHIELD agents lead by Agent Phil Coulson. (Point of entry, after the Avengers 2012, before Winter Soldier pre-Ultron.)


    No Background, 0WP: You are given no background and are instead dropped into the Universe with nothing but your abilities already unlocked. You gain 5x the experience, and rewards at the end of the Rift. (Point of entry? Optional)


    Recommended, 120WP: You are an Asgardian, a child of Jormungand the world serpent. Granted the ability to travel the branches, and roots of Yggdrasil. You have been tasked by Odin All Father to search Yggdrasil for the fallen Prince Loki Odinson on the slim chance he survived his fall. (Point of entry, Avengers 2012)


    ¡°Dawn? How come I can see the recommended this time? Last time in the time fragment it didn''t do that?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious about the change.


    ¡°Different situations call for different information. Some Rifts let you see the recommendation, while others do not.¡± Dawn replied, but her face told another story.


    ¡°People complained and the developers caved and made a change?¡± Lash asked, Erik whispering in his ear. Dawn''s shoulders sagged and she looked crestfallen.


    ¡°Yes! To many people didn''t like the recommendation given to them by their VI Reps. So we are suppose to at least show the basic information. However, if you choose the recommendation you can''t take it back.¡± Dawn said, and pointed at Lash with the promise of fury and possible tail smacking. Lash held up his hands in surrender and wrapped his tail around Dawn in comfort.


    ¡°As fun as it would be to do the ''No Background'' I''ll do what I did last time and go with recommended. You''ve never let me down before.¡± Lash said with a smile that Dawn mirrored. She raised her chin and nodded with a smile.


    In a flash of light Lash''s entire gear set was replaced with ornate protective armor that covered from him neck, to wrist, to toe. Unlike other Einherjar (Military/Police of Asgard) several pieces of armor were stylized with snake scales representing his background. He was also forcibly shifted back to his ''default'' human shape. Though he retained his reptilian eyes. He had a bald head, where his tribal tattoos showed proudly.


    ¡°I don''t suppose this is Eru metal is it?¡± Lash asked, Erik was practically vibrating with excitement across their shared link.


    ¡°It is not.¡± Dawn said with a smirk, and gave them a mock frown at how disappointed Erik had become. Maybe Lash could ask Thor to touch his hammer. It worked on Hawkman!


    Just like before Dawn gave the Wold Point menu to Lash. He had 120 points to spend and he couldn''t move on until they were spent. Several options were grayed out. With a notification telling him that because of his background he couldn''t access them. Example of one was a Kree rank. That made sense since he was part of Asgard. Could he buy a ship? Did Asgard have ships? He scrolled through the whole WP menu.


    ¡°Does Asgard not have any ships?¡± Lash asked Dawn who shook her head in a clear no.


    ¡°Asgard in the movies is a technological advanced race that also uses a form of magic. But in many ways they are still backwards. They uses horses to get around, and longboats that fly through the air. Advanced yes, but nothing capable of FTL. That was what the Bifrost was for.¡± Dawn said in an advisory tone.


    That had always bothered me in the movies. How could they be this advanced race that protected the nine realms but they didn''t have a single FTL ship available? -Erik said across their link. Lash and Saurian had to agree, that was just sloppy! They flipped the WP catalog to the User review of the Rift and read a few comments to get an idea of the Rift. A few suggestions on what to buy.


    Ability Booster, 50 WP: You automatically start the Rift with half of your abilities intact. Side-Note, this effects your background start.


    You have purchased, Ability Booster for 50 WP.


    Basic Reputation, 20 WP: You have established a basic reputation among your fellow Asgardians. As a son of Jormungand you are met with suspicion and often disgust. While a select few call you friend.


    You have purchased, Basic Reputation for 20 WP.


    Basic World/Other World Lore, 20 WP: You are aware of the basic histories, lore, and hidden places of the ten realms. Granting you insight into matters that others have never heard on.


    You have purchased, Basic World/Other World Lore for 20 WP.


    Intermediate World/Other World Lore, 20 WP: You are aware of the intermediate histories, lore, and hidden places of the ten realms. Granting you insight to locations, events, and abilities that many find to be impossible.


    You have purchased, Intermediate World/Other World Lore for 20 WP.


    Earth Legend, 10 WP: There are several legends about you on Earth. A monster? A God? Or maybe both. Several legends, myths, and histories have been written about you. Lash son of Jormungand. (This will effect your background start.)


    Lash had read through the different recommended WP purchases and decided on these. The other world lore was raved about by the user reviews. At the Intermediate rank they were able to find Loki''s secret pathways in and out of Asgard. Along with Asgardian historical sights on Midgard. While many did encourage buying the intermediate version of reputation. At the very least basic would ensure that the Thor knew who you were all be it in passing. Then Earth''s legend was just something to use with what ever points they had left. It helped develop a story for Earth about the User.


    ¡°Alright User! Your point of entry is Avengers! Are you ready?¡± Dawn asked, as she skipped around the black room.


    ¡°Yes, let''s get this started shall we?¡± Lash said with a smile, and saluted Dawn with a fist right above his heart. Lash then felt himself fall from the black room straight into the information tunnel once again.


    _________________________________________________________________


    Lash, Jormungandson, an Asgardian with a unique if not odd ability to travel through the different pathways, roots, and branches of Yggdrasil. Unlike others, Lash was able to travel the paths with no ill effect. Blessed by his father he was able to take a monstrous form that protected him from the ravages of space and its dark energy.


    Lash had been tasked by the All Father to search the branches, and roots of Yggdrasil for the fallen Prince Loki on the slim chance he had survived his fall. Though in all likely he had died, Queen Frigga had implored King Odin to look for their son. Lash volunteered for the search and earned the admiration and thanks of Queen Frigga.


    But now something had happened. Heimdall the all-seeing and all-hearing Asgardian called out to him from the roots of the great tree. Return to Asgard, something has happened. Lash gradually turned his reptilian form and made his way back to Asgard, realm eternal. For he had been away for over a year looking for the impossible. Only had searched a small portion of the tree. What could be so important to tank him away from his task?


    _______________________________________________________________


    Saurian twisted and turned like a giant crocodile swimming through the water. He bounced across the spectral roots of Yggdrasil towards the realm eternal far above him. The roots of the tree were intangible, and tangible at the same time. A ship could fly through the roots and never know they were there. While those with a different perspective could see the vast majesty that was the tree. Wrapped around the roots of Yggdrasil asleep was the world serpent Jormungand his father. But even in his slumber he helped anchor the different realms together with his massive form. How Saurian yearned to settle next to his father in slumber. But he was given a task, and he would see it through.


    Asgard, realm eternal was a massive piece of land. Unlike the other realms Asgard was not a sphere but a disk. A crystal lattice of sorts sat at the bottom and spread across the entire realm. Keeping it stable, granting gravity, oxygen, and life itself. The entire realm was as large as Midgard''s north continent merged into an artful designed by the ancestors before creation. Across the entire realm were different lands, places to see, and explore. One could spend a thousand years on Asgard and not see it all. Saurian knew this for a fact for he had seen much, and still had more to see.


    Saurian bounced across the roots and climbed onto the crystal underbelly of Asgard. Then he started to climb towards the rainbow bridge or rather what was left of it. Saurian had not been present when Thor had destroyed it. He wish he had been, perhaps he could have stopped Loki from his actions. Loki and Lash/Saurian had always gotten along, or so they had thought. The God of Mischief wasn''t always the easiest to read. That had been one of the reasons they had volunteered to find him. They were hoping to find their friend.


    The edge of Asgard was nothing but water that fell into the vastness of space and became energy itself. The crystal lattice below would collect that energy and recycle it back into the realm eternal. A renewable source of energy that never ran dry, at least until Ragnarok came. But such a thing was centuries if not thousands of years away. At least one could hope? Saurian dove into the waterfall and swam up the current like a giant eldritch horror from the deep abyss. A snickering smile on his face as he erupted from the waters near broken edge of the Bifrost bridge.


    ¡°Greetings to you Jormungandson¡± Heimdall said from his place at the ruined bridges edge. Saurian grumbled not having the effect he was hoping for. He climbed out of the water onto the ruined bridge, water dripping from his massive form.


    Heimdall was approximately 7''2¡± tall, with chocolate colored skin, black dread locked hair to his shoulders that was covered by a crescent moon helm. He wore ornate golden armor, chain mail, and soft leather. Wielding a large uru cast metal sword, named Hofund the key to the Bifrost.


    ¡°Greetings to you Lord Gate Keeper. This one seek entry to the realm eternal.¡± Saurian said in his animalistic voice. Like a crocodile chewing on a chalkboard. All the same Heimdall understood him, and nodded his head in acceptance.


    ¡°You are a child of Asgard of course you are welcomed to come home.¡± Heimdall replied, as he looked up at the monstrous face of Saurian.


    ¡°There are times I feel that the others do not appreciate my presence.¡± Saurian replied, his face downcast. An unwanted guest in his own home.


    ¡°They do not know you. Many fear what they do not know. Be at peace my friend for you are always welcome in my presence.¡± Heimdall said and for once in their long life did he give him just the barest hint of a smile. Such a compliment made Saurian stand up straighter.


    ¡°You must hurry along to the palace. Odin All Father calls for you.¡± Heimdall said after a moment of silence.


    ¡°Be seeing you Lord Gate Keeper.¡± Saurian said and bowed his head. Heimdall returned the bow, then turned back to view the nine realms once more. His gray eyes turning to starlight.


    Saurian began to walk, then gradually turned it into a run down the rainbow bridge of the Bifrost. But unlike before the bridge was mute, no longer vibrant with color. He mourned the loss of the bridge and what it could mean for the nine realms under their protection. Maybe he should volunteer to ferry troops to the other realms. Though he can''t carry much, it would be something rather than nothing.


    The golden city, and capital of Asgard was a monument of all that was good, and glorified in the upper most branches of Yggdrasil. Only Valhalla the heavens above was greater where all warriors will eventually reside to live in honor, and glory forever. But in a more practical sense! The city itself was massive a metropolis of structures across a vast expanse of land. With the total coverage of approximately 1,000 square miles. While at the dead center was the castle made from gold, and spell forged metals. Like a lonely mountain all in itself it towered over all buildings nearby.


    For a brief shinning moment Saurian felt his worries melt away. He was home, at least for now. Then he was brought to a halt at the gates to the massive city at the edge of the Bifrost. The Einherjar warriors, soldiers, and police of Asgard and the nine realms stood at the ready. A few pointed their spears at Saurian when he slowed to a halt. While the commander called for a rest easy.


    ¡°Jormungandson please change shape the city is ill prepared to welcome you back in such a state!¡± The officer in charge called back. Ah! Yes, Saurian looked down at himself. He was so use to traveling the roots of Yggdrasil this way he forgot himself.


    Living shadows, and darkness ever night swallowed the monstrous form of Saurian. The sounds of bones snapping, flesh tearing, and the gradual change from a towering 60'' by 120'' to a 6''6¡± Asgardian male with golden caramel skin,a bald head with tribal marks across the skin, and yellow green reptilian eyes. Lash stood before the gates of the golden city. Wearing his ceremonial armor Einherjar. He saluted the soldiers, and they saluted back. Though a few were doing so begrudgingly.


    ¡°Please wait a moment. We''ll have a longboat take you to the palace. They wish to see you in the throne room immediately!¡± The officer in charge called out.


    Once Lash became aware he also seem to come into himself? Or rather he had been on auto pilot this whole time now was able to finally take the wheel. Saurian stretched out across the link and curled up, looking around the area with interest. So this was Asgard? It was impressive, Lash took a knee and ran his hand across the rainbow bridge and used his Transmuter title to learn the chemical composition. A wealth of information flooded his mind.


    All of the Lash''s Domains were unlocked while about half of the spells were active. A few specific spells were grayed out with progress bars. While a few didn''t even have a progress bar attached. Specifically Manifestation was locked. That made some sense, Manifestation was an incredibly powerful spell. While every single skill, power, and trait was unlocked. Many of them were only as strong as F grade, though they all had progress bars attached. Interesting.


    The golden city was an interesting place. Lash saw several technological advancements that would leave his Earth, his reality in the dust. While there was also several low grade, pre steam engine tech that made no sense. Horses were nice and all. But come on? A motorcycle would be so much faster. If they were pegasus maybe he could understand it. But no, they were normal horses. Not even a special breed either. Just horses.


    The longboat or skiff arrived and Lash stepped onto it for an immediate transit to the palace. The longboat was interesting to say the least. It had several gun pods along its bottom section. While on the tail end it had a few energy missile pods. No actual ammunition, just self guiding projectiles. Fancy! The engine was in the back, while the pilot and or driver had direct control of the ship via steering stick? Oar? Behind the gun pods, and before the engine were twin towering pieces of metallic wings. That could unfurl and move through space surrounding Asgard. Given that Asgardians could survive in a vacuum oddly enough.


    There was a driver, and a gunner aboard the skiff and they kept to themselves. Lash frowned at that, he understood they were on duty. But from the memories given to him by his background most Asgardians were friendly with one another. Maybe he should have spent more points on his reputation? It was to late now, if anything he would put a User review on the reputation WP catalog. It would be a few minutes traveling to the palace even as fast as they were moving so Lash spent his time figuring out how the skiff moved with his Science Intuition, and Magic Intuition he received several experience prompts and even received a progress bar for learning the design.......15%.......30%......60%......100%


    Attention User! You''ve obtained the design for Asgardian longboat/skiff boat design.


    The skiff stopped off at a entry port before even entering the palace. Security was tight around the palace as it always was. Lash stepped off the boat and bowed to the pilot, and driver thanking them for the ride. They nodded in reply and pushed off returning to their patrol. An officer stood by ready to escort him to the throne room. As Lash moved through the security point he noticed hundreds of Einherjar preparing for a long battle or maybe even a war.


    That was right, with the Bifrost destroyed the enemies of the nine realms were noticing that Asgard wasn''t around anymore. They would most likely attack the realms while they were away. Lash searched through his memories and knew at least three different secret pathways to three different realms they could take through Asgard with out the Bifrost. He''d have to tell Heimdall about it. Something was always better than nothing.


    The golden palace was just as impressive on the inside as it was on the outside. What surprised Lash even more than that was he saw VI Avatars walking through the halls. Holy crap! He wondered how many WP''s one needed to spawn as an Asgardian! Once again Lash was reminded that since he didn''t restart his Dream he would never encounter an actual User in any Rift he went through. Just their VI Avatar counterparts. But it was still pretty cool to see them!


    Lash was brought before the very large, and very ornate double golden doors that lead straight into the throne room. He was asked to wait while an officer walked in to announce his arrival. From Lash''s memories he believed he would be waiting at least thirty minutes or so. It was a long walk from the door to the throne. So he spent his time admiring the architecture.


    ¡°Lash! Jormungandson it has been to long!¡± A woman''s voice called out from behind him. Lash turned around and his eyes went wide. He quickly took a knee and bowed his head in reverence.


    ¡°Lady Sif, Goddess of War!¡± Lash said in a respectful tone.


    Lady Sif was approximately 6''2¡± with long black hair that was tied back into several braids down her back. She had an inverted triangle figure with that looked great on her. She wielded a double bladed sword that could compress into a single blade, along with a shield that could block nearly all kinds of kinetic, and energy blasts. She wore a tailor made, ornate warrior garb that was a combination of white, silver, armor with red garments. She had deep blue eyes, and an infectious smile that could brighten a room. She was also one of the few Asgardians in her generation that held a Domain.


    ¡°How many times have I told you to just call me Sif, Lash?¡± Sif asked with a smirk as she walked over to pull him to his feet. Lash kept his head bowed and away from her face.


    ¡°At least one more time, Lady Sif Goddess of War.¡± Lash replied, and Sif groaned in annoyance and grabbed his head and forced him to look at her. She pegged with a glare and dared him to look away. Which Lash would have if she was not forcing him to look at her.


    ¡°We are friends are we not!? Friends look each other in the eye when they speak!¡± Sif called to him in challenge and let him go. She stepped back and put her hand on her blade fully prepared to kick his ass if he denied their friendship.


    Lash/Saurian could feel the emotion tied to such a statement from Sif. Their background was filled with little problems that came with being the son of Jormungand. If Loki thought himself a pariah, it was nothing compared to Lash. The serpent was destined to fight Asgard. Yes Lash was allowed a home here on Asgard itself. But many looked at him with disgust. Sif, was one of the few that dared to call him friend and challenged any who named him ill.


    ¡°Yes! Yes! We are friends! Please don''t hurt me!¡± Lash called out and recoiled from her. Though he did have a little smile on his face. A fact that was noticed by Sif. She took her hand from her blade and and smiled at him.


    ¡°You will not forget it, or doubt it ever again! Or will give you a thrashing! Now, what brings you back from the roots of Yggdrasil?¡± Sif asked, curious of his return. Lash opened his mouth to speak but the throne room doors opened revealing an officer.


    ¡°Lady Sif, Jormungandson the All Father orders your presence before him.¡± The officer said, Sif glared at the officer for not saying Lash''s name but let it go at Lash''s insistence.


    They entered together and Lash took a step or two behind Sif until she stared daggers at him. So he picked up the pace and walked side by side with her. She smiled at him then walked toward the throne. Sitting on the throne was Odin All Father, king of Asgard and protector of the nine realms. Odin was a towering giant of a man at approximately 6''9¡± with long gray and silver hair swept back from his shoulders. A long white beard groomed, and trimmed. With a golden eye patch, while his remaining eye sparked with magical energy. He sat on a golden throne in ornate royal armor, wielding his spear Gungnir. A golden shaft, with a diamond shaped tip. A golden radiance washed the throne room in a glow from the spear alone.


    By his side was Queen Frigga All Mother a beautiful woman at approximately 5''11¡± with a regal persona with a welcoming smile on her face. She wore a colorful aesthetically pleasing royal garb with a few decorative armored plates here and there. Along with a short sword tied to her waist along with a wand. Her long curly hair was a mix match of blond, silver, gold, and a little black highlights. She looked at Lash with fondness. Surrounding Queen Frigga was magical aura of great power. Yes, Odin had great power. While Frigga kept a sort of charm, and illusion about her. You never knew what she saw, and what you didn''t see.


    Last but certainly not least! Especially as Sif''s eyes took on a dreamy appearance was Thor Odinson, God of Thunder. Who stood at approximately 6''5¡± with long shoulder length blond hair. Deep ocean blue eyes, and a winning smile that could melt the hearts of any woman that looked upon him. He wore a tailored made suit of armor. Leather, and splint mail with scale plated sleeves. A red royal cape adorned his back. Bound to his chest with two decorative plates. Thor''s suit of armor was part of his Asgardian Domain capable of willing it into existence from thought alone. At his side clipped to his belt was Mjolnir made from pure uru metal. Lash was practically salivating at the thought of learning the chemical formula for the metal.


    Sif, and Lash both took a knee and bowed their heads in respect towards Odin, Frigga, and Thor. Odin slammed his spear end into the ground with a resounding echo. The throne room doors closed behind them, and the Einherjar stationed in the throne room left at the behest of Odin. Once everyone had left the room that needed to leave. Odin sighed softly and leaned back in his throne, setting his spear to the side. He looked at Sif, and Lash with a complicated expression.


    ¡°Rise Lady Sif, and Lash we have much to discuss.¡± Odin said at last, Lash waited for Sif to stand before he did. Something that she glared at him for, and Frigga smiled at.


    ¡°Lash I order you to relax!¡± Odin called out, and Lash felt a powerful magical compulsion wash over him. Nullification activated and Odin narrowed his eyes when he felt his spell rebound.


    ¡°Please...¡± Frigga called out. Lash grumbled and straightened his shoulders out and looked up at them.


    ¡°We found him, Loki.¡± Odin said at last, and Lash looked towards him in surprise. A question clear on his face.


    ¡°I''ve been scrying for him since he fell hoping to give you some insight to his location. When at last I saw him he was not alone. A creature of pure malice sat before him instructing him on the use of a powerful artifact. A scepter with a blue jewel, and a spear pointed edge. Wrapped in a golden metal unlike anything we have seen.¡± Frigga said to Lash. Her body language was composed, and regal. But her voice had the slightest quiver in it. Something was wrong.


    ¡°He''s on Midgard.¡± Thor said, looking at Lash with expression of anger but also sadness.


    Lash and Thor had never really been friends. Lash had always been Loki''s friend, but he had played mediator between brothers many times. Though he had not always be successful. Lash admired Thor and had said as much. Unfortunately Loki had over heard Lash''s compliment. That was the day that Loki and him started to drift apart.


    ¡°With your permission I''ll go and retrieve him then?¡± Lash asked them all. Frigga smiled at him, and Thor did the same. While Odin sat still on his throne watching Lash carefully. Sif clapped him on the back with a grin.


    ¡°How?¡± Odin asked, a simple question with a complicated answer.


    ¡°I''ll travel the roots of Yggdrasil and arrive on Midgard. It will take... A few months, maybe a year Midgard time. Unless...We have a timetable?¡± Lash asked, curious about the situation as well as Erik whispered in his ear.


    ¡°Loki has found the Tesseract.¡± Frigga commented, and Lash leaned back in surprise. His background WP purchase filling him in on it. Though Erik knew it contained an infinity stone. That was not part of the background information.


    ¡°With the Tesseract we could rebuild the Bifrost!¡± Sif said suddenly, then chewed on her bottom lip in thought. Thor nodded in agreement, as did Frigga, and gradually Odin did as well.


    ¡°But if he knows how to use it, then Loki could travel anywhere he wanted to. No matter the distance or dimension. Alright! I have an idea that could take us to Midgard in less than a day. But its a bit dangerous.¡± Lash said after some thought, that got every ones attention.


    ¡°How?¡± Odin asked, a little bit of a smile tugging on his stoic face.


    ¡°I''ll need Lord Heimdall, and Queen Frigga''s witches assistance. I can bring one other person with me. The trip will drain me greatly. If Thor will honor me with his companionship. I''ll open the way, and he can look for Loki on Midgard.¡± Lash asked, and Frigga, and Thor agreed immediately, but Odin waited for an answer. Lash had danced around it.


    ¡°In my travels I have learned to create portals between two locations. Despite which dimension they lay in. However it can only be to places I''ve been before. Specifically places I''ve been to after I obtained the ability. I''ve been to Midgard, but that was before I had this.¡± Lash said, and created a Phantasm to illustrate his method.


    ¡°We''ll use Heimdall''s all seeing eyes to look at Midgard. Thor we''ll use your perception, and experience of Midgard as the focus point. While Queen Frigga''s witches can channel power into the ritual. We will then jump from Asgard to Midgard.¡± Lash said, and gave a comical, all be it instructive explanation with his illusions. Puppets! Lots, and lots of puppets!


    ¡°Is that possible?¡± Thor asked, clearly puzzled as he looked at the puppets perform the ritual and jump from one point to another. Odin turned to his wife Frigga who had a look of concentration on her face.


    ¡°Yes....Yes! That may be possible!¡± Frigga turned to Odin who nodded. He slammed his spear into the ground and the Einherjar came back into the room.


    ¡°Call the witch council to the Bifrost bridge! Inform Heimdall we are coming to him immediately. We have work to do!¡± Odin announced to the soldiers who saluted and took off at a run.


    ¡°All of you head to the bridge, I wish to speak to Lash alone.¡± Odin said to the room. Everyone saluted, while Frigga kissed Odin on the cheek and whispered a few words to him. Thor clapped Lash on the shoulder.


    ¡°I''ll see you soon! We''ll soon join hands in battle my friend!¡± Thor said, and Lash felt himself stand up a bit straighter. First time Thor had called him that. After a few minutes everyone left the throne room.


    ¡°Come with me, I have something to show you.¡± Odin said to Lash. He stood up and Lash followed in his wake.


    Odin took Lash towards the war room where a massive map magical map showed Asgard the realm eternal as well as the nine realms beneath it. There early warning system satellites showed several in bound marauder ships starting to land on different planets across the realms. Lash growled slightly at the sight and Odin smiled at him. Gesturing towards the map of Asgard.


    ¡°I know you and Loki were...Close. Or had been. In recent years Loki became more, and more excluded from the rest of us. But you continued to try and be is friend, and ally. I must ask, if I order you to retrieve Loki and the Tesseract will you do so with out question?¡± Odin asked, and Lash could feel a spell fall over him. This was a test.


    ¡°Yes All Father! He is my friend, but Asgard is my home. I will of course protect it, and do what I can to keep it safe. It and the nine realms we protect.¡± Lash said, and meant it. Odin watched him carefully for a moment. Waiting for any kind of deception.


    ¡°Kneel! I have a gift to grant you!¡± Odin called, and Lash dropped to a single knee so fast there was a resounding SMACK heard in the hall. Lash winced slightly, owe.


    ¡°Lash, Jormungandson for to long you have been a stranger in your own home. When you were born I had taken something from you that I know now I had been wrong to do so. I release the seal, and remove the spell I have placed. Stand now! Asgardian, God of Monsters!¡± Odin said, and slammed his spear into the ground three times.


    Like a key unlocking a reinforced door. The proclamation sent a wave of energy crashing into Lash. He felt an untapped power bursting from his body and he had become one of the few Asgardians of his generation with a domain! Odin had kept this from him all this time? Testing him? Lash sighed in mental annoyance at the drama of his background. But it was nice to have his Divine Domain unlocked.


    Skill/Power, Transformation has unlocked.


    Spell, Manifestation has unlocked.


    Ah! That was nice! Lash could use this! He stood up and felt his body become renewed with energy. He bowed from his waist at a 90 degree angle towards Odin. Who looked at him with acceptance and acknowledgment. But this made him wonder if he had spent his WP differently would he had ever unlocked his Domain of Monsters? Maybe he could redo the Rift at a different time. Was there a way to replay old Rifts? He''d have to ask Dawn later.


    Odin called an officer of the Einherjar and had them announce to Asgard that a new God had been rediscovered. The officer was surprised but did as he was bid and ran off to tell the news to the realm. For better or worse Lash was going to be treated a lot differently now. He couldn''t imagine the Monster domain was very popular in Asgardian history.


    ----


    Different was the word to describe his reception through the golden city. Many people waved, and smiled at him. While others looked at him with pure fear, and mistrust. The simple truth of the matter is not all Asgardians are ''Gods, and or Goddesses''. Many are just people. Now! Every Asgardian is still a powerhouse compared to a human this is true. But only a few a generation are granted Domains. Sif is the Goddess of War. Thor is the God of Thunder, etc, etc. Being an Asgardian with a Domain was an incredible honor, privilege, and responsibility. Being the son of Jormungand Lash could in some small way understand why he had sealed it away.


    Lash arrived on the rainbow bridge to find Heimdall, Thor, Queen Frigga, and over a dozen Asgardian witches at the ready to assist in the ritual at hand. Thor had a huge grin on his face, and Frigga had a proud smile. While Heimdall had an indifferent expression, but his eyes told another story of joy and trust towards Lash. Had they known before? Or was this news to them as well? Did it matter? If Lash was petty it may have, but honestly it didn''t bother him as much. He understood why it was done, and rolled with it.


    ¡°Respectful greetings unto you sisters of the sun and moon.¡± Lash said to the witches and bowed from his waist deeply. They bowed in response, many of them pleased by his courtesy. The witches and him were a lot a like. Not everyone like them either.


    ¡°Lord Thor!¡± Lash called out and Thor laughed at him walking over and clapped him on the back.


    ¡°Just Thor, as Sif would say we are friends! Or shall I challenge you to it?¡± Thor said, and Lash tried to argue the point but... Now? Things were different.


    ¡°Thor, who in all of Midgard is most important to you?¡± Lash asked, and Thor''s face took on an expression of happiness, and in part sadness.


    ¡°Jane Foster.¡± Thor replied.


    ¡°Lord H...¡± Lash started but stepped back at Heimdall''s glare. Thor laughed in delight, a huge booming laugh that made others wince but grin all the same.


    ¡°Heimdall, can you please locate Lady Foster on Midgard for us?¡± Lash asked, as he started to inscribe a ritual spell into the air around them. He instructed the witches to take place around the circle with the Queen at the main power point.


    ¡°I see her...¡± Heimdall called out.


    ¡°Thor come into the circle.¡± Lash called, and directed the God of Thunder through the intricate pattern. The witches began to empower the ritual circle. ¡°We are hand in hand in this, Thor. The door will only be open for a moment. We rush through and meet this woman who has stolen your heart.¡± Lash said with a smile, and Thor. Stars above and below, Thor! Blushed a bit, then grinned.


    ¡°Heimdall grant us your sight.¡± Lash asked, and Heimdall used his power to enchant their eyes for a brief moment. There in perfect clarity was Jane Foster talking to a young woman with glasses, and a sassy attitude. Darcy was her name, Erik said across the link.


    Attention User, Portal Creation has temporarily been reinforced.


    Penalty, Portal Creation can not be used again for one month of Dream Time. (Rift time does count)


    Unlike the sling ring portals that Doctor Strange uses. This portal was a vortex of animated darkness, and starlight. It grew to be about ten feet around from its center point and pulled everything around in its immediate area towards it with a gradual insistence. Not enough to yank anyone off their feet. But enough that if they were not careful it could knock them off their feet. Lash pulled Thor through the portal as quickly as possible. For as soon as they stepped through they were gone!


    ============================================================


    The ritual circle broke apart into pieces and several of the witches fell to their knees in exhaustion. Queen Frigga felt more than half of her spell power leave her as quickly as she could snap her fingers. She felt her heart clench in worry as she saw her son sprint through the portal. She sent a silent prayer to the ancestors above to watch over them both. Then she looked towards Heimdall who was looking out across the stars.


    ¡°Did they make it?¡± Frigga asked, her voice laced with worry. Heimdall turned towards her with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Yes, they made it.¡± Heimdall said, and Frigga let out a breath that she didn''t realize she was holding.


    ¡°Thank you ladies for your efforts.¡± Frigga said to the witches who bowed to her in respect.....


    Queen Frigga, All Mother returned to the palace in search of her husband. Feeling with her magic she went into the bowels of the golden palace to the energy core of the palace it self. Odin was standing in front of a massive generator. A generator that used dark magic as its power source. Frigga walked to her husbands side and took his hand into her own. Odin was startled a bit but returned a gentle squeeze to his loving wife.


    ¡°Are they off?¡± Odin asked, not taking his eye off the generator.


    ¡°Yes, all we can do now is hope.¡± Frigga replied, watching her husband with concern.


    ¡°If Lash had not offered a way to Midgard I would have used the dark energy to send Thor. Now, now he may have saved this old mans life.¡± Odin confessed to his wife who frowned at him.


    ¡°Buying us a few hundred more years together?¡± Frigga said with a smile, one that Odin returned.


    ¡°You don''t look a day over three thousand my love.¡± Odin said, and Frigga raised an eye brow at him.


    ¡°Only three thousand?¡± Frigga asked, and Odin laughed a grin spreading across his face. Frigga snuggled into Odin''s embrace and they stood there watching the dark energy generator working.


    =================================================================


    ***Rift. Trosmo Norway***


    A spinning vortex of darkness and starlight opened up and spit out to confused, and puzzled travelers from another world, another dimension. Then they both realized something. They were about a few miles off course, vertically! They dropped from the sky as gravity took effect and flew like bricks towards the surface.


    ¡°Wooooooohoooooo!¡± Lash called out with a triumphant smile on his face. Thor let out a loud guffaw and spun his hammer to fly straight down.


    ¡°Do you need me to carry you, friend Lash?¡± Thor asked before took flight.


    ¡°I''m fine Thor! Go see your lovely lady!¡± Lash called out and cast Falling Glide on himself. He dramatically slowed down, but kept falling at a steady pace. Thor laughed again and flew towards an observatory.


    You''ve arrived safely then. I will begin to look for Loki. But be patient, his magic has always distorted my sight. -Heimdall said, using his avatar projection...Or was it Telepathy? Lash wasn''t sure. Marvel magic was different in many ways. But also similar to DC magic...


    Lash had never been to Norway as far as he could recall in his home reality. But he had been here once or twice in his background. He distinctly remembered his father Jormungand telling him about Midgard about the different places there. Lash had wanted to see it when he was younger. Being able to travel through the roots of the world tree he didn''t need permission to use the Bifrost he could just go himself. That had been one of the few times he had been summoned to Odin''s throne room to be punished for insubordination. One of the few times that Loki had come to his defense and convinced Odin not to punish Lash.


    Gliding across the city below Lash followed the unique scent of magic that came off of Thor. Or more specifically his Divine spark as a God. Different rules in this universe, but somethings stayed the same. He came to a large observatory off from the side of the city and Lash cast Invisibility on himself so he would not be seen by the mortals of Midgard. Though Lash at the time looked largely human save for his reptilian eyes. He landed softly, and with barely a sound.


    Surrounding the observatory were several black armored SUV''s with the SHIELD eagle logo on the side. Honestly how can you be a secret organization if you have a public logo? Lash rolled his eyes and walked up the lawn off the sidewalk so he wouldn''t be ran into. He cast Anonymity on himself and pulled Invisibility off. Then slipped through the front door. More specifically through the broken glass door that Thor walked through when it refused to open for him. More than likely shouting that he was a prince of Asgard and would not be denied.


    Taking care not to run into anyone or do anything out of the ordinary. Lash knew that his armor would easily make him noticeable. He could feel his spell threatening to break at any moment. He was a very tall, armor clad, alien from another dimension walking through the halls. A few people glanced at him rubbed their eyes but looked away believing him to be...Who ever should be here at this moment.


    ¡°Get a room you two!¡± A young woman said with obvious good nature teasing in her voice.


    Lash walked through a busted door and saw Thor, and Jane Foster making out. Beside them was Darcy Lewis. A young woman who stood approximately at 5''8¡± maybe taller if she would stop slouching. With straight brown hair, green eyes hidden behind black rimmed glasses. She wore blue jeans, tennis shoes, and a hoodie that said, ''My god wields a hammer, your god was nailed to a cross. Do the math.''


    Jane Foster was approximately 5''7¡± with long brown hair currently being messed about by Thor''s hands. She had blue eyes that were fluttering open and closed. As if she was afraid Thor would disappear from her once again. She wore tennis shoes, blue jeans, and white buttoned up shirt. Unlike Darcy with her hoodie on, Jane had a good athletic figure. Something that Thor was clearly enjoying. Lash coughed a few times until Darcy screamed in shock at seeing him standing so close to her.


    ¡°HOLY CRAP!¡± Darcy jumped back in surprise when she looked at Lash appear out of now where. Thor, and Jane broke their kiss and Jane''s eyes went wide at the sight him. Thor looked a little confused not sure why they were surprised.


    ¡°Oh! Forgive me! Lady Lewis, Jane this is my friend Lash Jormungandson.¡± Thor said with a smile and clapped Lash on the back.


    ¡°Respectful greetings to you Lady Lewis, and betrothed Lady Foster.¡± Lash said, and bowed from his waist to them both. Darcy smiled at the sight of him, then had a full blown grin when Jane turned red as a tomato when Lash said she was the betrothed of Thor.


    ¡°Wha? What!? I...What!?¡± Jane said, stammering in embarrassment. Even Thor looked surprised, but the idea was growing on him quickly.


    ¡°Ohhh so the whole God and Mortal thing is known on Asgard? Coooool.¡± Darcy said with a smirk.


    ¡°Darcy!¡± Jane said, glaring at her intern who shrugged her shoulders all innocent like. Then took out her phone to send a tweet.


    ¡°Ummmm, excuse me. But...Who are you people?¡± A shield agent asked who was standing off to the side.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Jane cleaned her mouth off a bit and tried to fix her hair. Thor smiled at her, then looked at the agent with a faint recognition.


    ¡°We need to speak to Phil, son of cole. Is he available?¡± Thor asked the agent who looked at him him in confusion.


    ¡°Dude! He''s talking about Agent Coulson, get with the program, yo!¡± Darcy said from the side, not looking up from her phone. The agent sent an annoyed glance at the woman, but when he realized that was who Thor meant he got on the phone.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Jane asked Thor now that they were not trying to devour each other.


    So, that was when Thor described what had happened. His return to Asgard and the destruction of the Bifrost. This also explained why Jane could never get a working wormhole to Asgard. At the time she couldn''t explain why the portal would stabilize for a moment then become unstable. There was no viable connection on the other side! Then Thor talked about his brother, how he was on Midgard now. With the Tesseract. They had been tasked by Odin to retrieve the Tesseract, and bring Loki home. He also informed Jane that it was Lash who brought them both to her specifically.


    ¡°Wait!? You created a portal from Asgard to Earth through...Magic? All by yourself?¡± Jane asked, looking at Lash with surprise.


    ¡°We used the magic of the sacred coven on Asgard to power the ritual. Then with the all seeing sight of Heimdall we made a connection. Using your feelings for Thor as the anchor point to propel us through the dimensional wall that separates our two dimensions. Simple.¡± Lash said to her. While Jane, and Darcy looked at him like he had lost his mind.


    ¡°No, no! Hold on back up!¡± Jane said as she stepped closer to look at Lash like he was a piece of prime rib.


    ¡°Wait! Jane''s love was so powerful you could use it as an anchor to pull yourselves across the universe! Dude that is so sweet! That is going up!¡± Darcy said with a smile then snapped in annoyance when the SHIELD agent took her phone from her.


    Unlike Thor who didn''t understand that Midgard didn''t teach advanced physics as basic education. Lash sat down with Jane and went through the entire process. Explained what magic was aka universal energy. The ability to pull on cosmic energy to manipulate reality. Or make ones desires into reality. He received several Science, and Magical Intuition experience points during the discussion. Thor stepped in several times explaining different points. But mostly he stood by Jane, and held her hand taking great joy in the simple contact.


    ¡°Excuse me? Agent Coulson is sending a quin-jet to pick you both up. They have your brother Loki in custody.¡± The agent told them both. Really!? Lash thought they were going to have to hunt him down.


    ¡°Wait! Before we go!¡± Lash said, and used Enchanting Word, Quality Enhancement, Compression Transformation, Fabrication, Alteration, Portal Creation, Phantasm, Clairvoyance, Bending, Artist, and Crafting to make two talismans.


    Oan metal, and Nth metal talismans x 2


    Rating: B+ *


    Effect: Long distance, dimensional communication.


    Effect: Calling.


    Effect: Focus, and body heat symbiosis.


    Effect: Natural Energy Absorption as power source.


    Comment: A satellite phone that can call across the universe. Only has one number available!


    The talisman had a simple Nth metal chain, and threaded through the Oan metal disk. He handed the two pieces to Jane, and Thor and explained it was capable of talking even if they were in different universes. This way even if they couldn''t see each other they could still talk to each other. Thor looked at the talisman than at Jane who had tears in her eyes. She quickly cleaned her face trying to not cry. Darcy had a huge grin on her face.


    ¡°Do I get something?¡± Darcy asked, looking at Lash with hopeful determination. Lash thought about it for a moment than snatched her phone away from the SHIELD agent who took it. Then changed the phone into a holographic one. Technically Stark industries already had holographics. He also increased its durability, and battery life.


    ¡°NO FUCKING WAY!¡± Darcy squealed when her twitter page was popping up in her face with information.


    ¡°My friend I will never be able to repay this treasure you have given us!¡± Thor said with a smile and brought Lash into a bone crushing hug. Lash was actually surprised Asgard didn''t have long distance communication.


    ¡°So how do these work?¡± Jane asked her eyes a little red, but she was determined to push past the awkwardness of the moment.


    Lash explained quantum entanglement, and faster than light speed communication. Etc, etc. Jane about lost her shit when she looked down at the tiny metal disk in her hand. The SHIELD agents were practically drooling at the idea of getting their hands on it. Thankfully the spell Calling could transport the talismans back to their original intended if anyone stole it from Jane, and Thor. But Lash was sure Thor would kill anyone who would try and take his from him.


    The quin-jet was still about an hour out. Lash encouraged Thor to spend some ''quality'' time with Jane before they left. While Lash took a bit to talk to Darcy who was asking questions about her new phone. While Lash waited around he used Sherogoth''s Blessing to inspect all of the SHIELD agents. Thankfully all the current agents seemed like the good sort. If this was the movie universe that would mean SHIELD was infiltrated by Hydra.


    Though Lash was not really surprised by it. Thor apparently was when Jane insisted that she come along to help. Thor wanted to object about the dangers but she pegged him with a glare and Thor became meek as a kitten. Lash leaned back in total shock at the sight of him like that. With Jane coming along, so would Darcy. So the quin-jet was now flying with four passengers towards the helicarrier.


    ==============================================================


    ***Rift. Helicarrier, somewhere near North America***


    Nick Fury! Director of Shield and all around bad ass! Stood on the bridge of the helicarrier watching a monitor of a quin-jet landing on the strip. Out came four individuals that upset, and confused him. Jane Foster, and Darcy Lewis he knew. Talented astrophysicists, and loyal intern he could handle. But a literal god of thunder, and an unknown? An unknown that from the reports could craft technological advanced pieces of hardware and place them in simple piece of jewelry. The Council was going to be shitting bricks when they found out.


    ¡°Agent Hill. Please bring our guests to the control room. Assemble the team for another debrief.¡± Fury said, his voice leveled, smooth, and indifferent. But Hill who had worked with him for years could see the signs of stress building in his body language.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± Agent Hill said, turning on her heel and walked out of the control room to pick up their new arrivals.


    Fury sent out a few messages calling back Captain Rogers, Stark, Dr. Banner, Agent Romanoff, and Agent Coulson. Then Fury brought up a view screen of Loki sitting in the Hulks cage on the main detention center level. Loki was pacing in the cell with a little smirk on his face. But something odd happened, the moment that the two Asgardians stepped into the main command tower Loki twisted and turned towards their direction even though hundreds of metal separated them. Loki looked...Nervous? Interesting, Fury could use this.


    ===========================================================


    ¡°This is so cooool!¡± Darcy said, bouncing up and down in the metal hallways of the helicarrier.


    ¡°Darcy!¡± Jane said, pulling her intern to her side and glared at her.


    ¡°Well your no fun! Hay Lash, why cant my phone work in here?¡± Darcy asked, not getting any signal bars.


    ¡°I believe that is because the SHIELD is blocking the transmission to prevent lost of information aboard their flying boat? Ship? Lady Hill is this vessel capable of space flight?¡± Lash asked Agent Hill who was guiding them to the control center.


    Agent Maria Hill! Erik the gamer was practically dancing across their link he was geeking out! Hill was approximately 5''10¡± with intense brown eyes, and shoulder length brown hair tied up and out of the way with hair pins. She had a strong athletic rectangular figure. She wore a black jump suit, with navy blue along the hem, and inner zip line. The SHIELD logo on her shoulders, and one over her heart. She glanced back at Lash and looked at him in mild confusion.


    ¡°No.... It floats in the water, and flies through the sky.¡± Hill replied, Lash nodded in understanding.


    ¡°I''ll have to speak to your engineers when this is all over. Perhaps we''ll get an FTL engine installed as well.¡± Lash said so in such a easy going tone. Like one would be talking about the weather, and not interstellar travel. Agent Hill missed stepped just a bit but quickly recovered.


    Darcy looked back at Lash and grinned. Giving him a thumbs up. Lash looked at the gesture in confusion then looked up at the ceiling expecting something from it. Darcy covered her mouth with a laugh, and Jane leaned in to tell Lash was a slang term on Earth. As in he did, ''OK, or that was great!'' Lash looked confused, even though internally he was laughing. This was to much fun, misinterpreting Earth slang, and common terms.


    ¡°Where you serious about the FTL engine?¡± Jane asked in a hushed whisper but despite her low volume Lash noticed Hill tilt her head to the side to listen.


    ¡°Very much so, Midgard can''t not always rely on Asgard for protection. No offense Thor. Having a ship capable of FTL would greatly allow Midgardians to protect themselves.¡± Lash replied with an honest smile that Jane mirrored.


    ¡°Where have you been all my life?¡± Jane asked, and Thor looked at her in shock.


    ¡°No! No! Thor that isn''t what I meant at all! I...I¡± Jane said, then stopped to look at Thor who was hiding a grin. ¡°Ohhhh you are lucky you are cute!¡± Jane said, and crossed her arms over her chest and looked away.


    Their little group walked into the central command deck of the helicarrier. From wall to wall were computer screens, and SHIELD agents doing their jobs. Though every single one of them stopped for a moment to watch them come in. Darcy shrunk under their stares, and Lash being the Asgardian Warrior stepped up to shield her from their eyes. Darcy grinned and winked at Jane who rolled her eyes. Thor stepped forward and greeted them all.


    ¡°Hello warriors of SHIELD! I am Thor Odinson, and this is Lash Jormungandson. We are here to help!¡± Thor said in a booming voice and award winning smile. Nearly all of the women including Agent Hill blushed just a bit. Along with a few men.


    ¡°My god! He''s just a living idol of wet dreams isn''t he?¡± A man said from across a table in the central operations deck.


    Anthony aka Tony Stark ''Iron Man'' sat at the table with a business casual black suit jacket on. A NIN t-shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers. He currently had his legs up on the table, with his hands crossed behind his head. Tony was approximately 6''1¡± maybe taller if he stood up straight. With short styled black hair, and a pair of blue eyes that despite the smirk on his face held a bone fire of intelligence. He had a firm athletic figure. Showing that he trained regularly, but no so much to be a body builder.


    ¡°Welcome aboard.¡± Director Fury said as he walked over to the table looking at them. Darcy went quiet, and Jane swallowed audibly.


    Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury, Jr. Director of Shield stood approximately at 6''3¡± with chocolate brown skin, a firm athletic rectangular figure. With a bit of broad shoulders. His left eye was damaged and hidden behind a leather eye patch. Despite the injury he made it work for him. He wore all black shoes, pants, shirt, with a leather trench coat. He just oozed confidence, and secrecy. To his left was Agent Phil Coulson.


    ¡°Son of Cole!¡± Thor said with a smile and walked over to clap the man on the back and to shake his hand.


    Agent Phillip J. "Phil" Coulson aka Son of Cole stood at approximately 6'' even with slim but sturdy figure. He had calm blue eyes, and short brown hair that looked like it was receding gradually. He wore a tailored SHIELD suit. Black on black, with a very nice tied clip with gold calligraphy. A present perhaps from someone? Phil had a smile on his face when he met with Thor.


    ¡°Come Son of Cole meet my friend and ally! Lash Jormungandson.¡± Thor said, and turned to Lash who walked over with a smile. He gripped Phil''s forearm in a warriors hand shake and clapped the man on the back. Phil stumbled just a bit but smiled all the same.


    ¡°Pleasure.¡± Phil said.


    ¡°A privilege.¡± Lash said, and smiled at him. Someone cleared their throat and three more people awaited introduction.


    Steven "Steve" Rogers aka Captain America sat at the table wearing a blue under armor shirt from his standard uniform. Looked like he had just taken it off. He was about 6''2¡± with an inverted triangle figure, hard dense muscles that could even match Thor in size. He had short on the sides, and three inch long blond hair. Piercing blue eyes that told a sad story. He sat in a relaxed posture in his chair, but the way his muscles tensed at every movement told Lash he was ready to jump out of the chair any time.


    Standing off to the side was Dr. Bruce Banner aka The Hulk! He was about 5''10¡± with short curly brown hair that was gray at the edges of his side burns. He wore gray slacks, brown shoes, and a purple buttoned up shirt? Little on the nose there. For a brief moment when Lash looked at Banner his brown eyes turned neon green. Lash felt more than heard a growl of challenge from the Hulk lurking in Banners subconscious. Banner seem to notice something amiss and took a few steps back. That was when a woman stepped in front of him staring Lash down.


    Agent Natalia Alianovna "Natasha" Romanoff aka Black Widow! She was about 5''7¡± with short above the shoulders red hair that curled naturally along the edges. Her blue eyes contained a hidden sorrow that Lash could practically taste! Sherogoth''s Blessing showed almost hellish sin taint on her. But Lash could also see that she was trying to balance her karmic scales and was doing a good job at it. She wore a black leather SHIELD shadow ops jump suit, with electrified gloves. Her zipped was pulled down from her collar to about mid sternum showing a bit of cleavage. She was staring daggers at Lash.


    ¡°Apologies, I didn''t mean to offend. I was surprised to see another Monster on the ship. I thought I would be the only one.¡± Lash said to Banner, and Natasha. Everyone in the room looked at Lash, then at Banner who looked just as confused as they were.


    ¡°Ah yes! Forgive me, Lash Jormungandson is the God of Monsters on Asgard. He has a natural affinity for them.¡± Thor said, not entirely sure what the situation was but a jovial smile on his face seem to sooth the tension in the room.


    ¡°So that means you are best palls with Godzilla then?¡± Tony said with a bit of snark. Lash turned to him in confusion not understanding the reference.


    ¡°Where is Loki? Perhaps we can convince him to give up the Tesseract.¡± Lash asked the Director who looked at him for a moment.


    ¡°Yes we must return to Asgard with the Tesseract, and Loki. As soon as possible, the nine realms are in grave peril.¡± Thor said to the room, his smiled slowly wilted when they all looked at him like he was crazy.


    ¡°We are not giving up the Tesseract.¡± Fury said to him, Thor turned him in confusion and starting signs of anger.


    ¡°The Tesseract is of Asgard. We must return it to the proper place with in Odin''s treasure vault. It will help us repair the rainbow bridge.¡± Thor said, as he took a step towards Fury who was doing his damn best to stare Thor down. It appeared to be working.


    ¡°Woah, Woah! Calm down! Why don''t you tell us why you need the Tesseract?¡± Rogers asked, he was up and out of his seat and coming around with his hands up but he froze because Lash stepped between him and Thor. Tension was growing rapidly.


    ¡°OK! Just stop with the dick measuring contest! Thor, what is wrong with you!?¡± Jane called out across the control room. Thor was startled and looked at her in surprise as she started to walk over to him.


    ¡°I... I''m sorry Jane. But it''s important...¡± Thor began.


    ¡°Ya I get that! But starting a fight on a flying brick is a bad idea!¡± Jane said, and stabbed her finger into his chest. Each time she did Thor flinched and got smaller, and smaller. Shrinking into himself


    ¡°Oooo! Ooooo! I like her! Can we keep her!?¡± Tony asked, a huge grin on his face. A smirk grew across Natasha''s face.


    ¡°Why don''t we all sit down and share our stories in a peaceful manner. Agreed?¡± Lash asked the room, and they all agreed.


    So they all took their seats. Banner taking the furthest seat from Lash as possible. Each time Lash glanced at him, Banner''s eyes would turn neon green for a brief moment. That was going to be a problem. But they laid it all out. The situation, why they needed the Tesseract. Who Loki was, the situation with him. Along with the Chitauri an army seen through Frigga''s scrying. Loki will give up the Tesseract as payment for an army that will help him conquer the Earth.


    ¡°The Tesseract can not stay on Midgard for the simple reason that its very existence invites war to your realm. Any, and every time you use it. It sends a signal across the universe, and dimensions alike calling to those with power to obtain it.¡± Lash said to the room after they had ended their discussion.


    ¡°Won''t it do the same on Asgard?¡± Rogers asked, not that he wanted the Tesseract on Midgard anymore than they did. But he being who he was worried for Asgard. Lash smiled at him.


    ¡°Asgard is more than capable of protecting itself from invasion. But let me ask you this. All of you. You claim you want to use the Tesseract as an energy source. But is not the Vibranium core in Stark''s chest a viable solution to that?¡± Lash asked, pointing at Stark who looked up at him in surprise.


    ¡°Wait! Hold on, you know what this is?¡± Stark asked, pointing at his relatively new V-core.


    ¡°Of course! It is a synthetic version of Vibranium. One of the nations on Midgard has a mountain full of it.¡± Lash said simply then paused briefly.


    How the hell did he know that? He had tried several times during the Rift to say certain things and the 4th wall engine stopped him. Almost as if responding to his question Dawn linked the black ground Lore WP he purchased. Oh! Of course that would make sense that Asgard kept a record of Wakanda''s advancement. After Lash pointed it out he started to point out design flaws in Stark''s rig. Which made the man flippant, but also interested. They went on for almost twenty minutes before Fury dragged them back on topic.


    ¡°So you don''t need the Tesseract for your energy project. Unless you plan to make weapons of mass destruction what other use do you have for it?¡± Lash asked, turning towards Fury. Director of SHIELD held his ground. But apparently what he had said hit the nail on the head.


    An epiphany seem to click into place across the table. Rogers looked incredibly pissed off. This had been everything he had fought against. He had practically given his whole life to prevent this very thing in this previous war. But before they could get into it! A soft alarm went off. Banner jumped from his seat and took out his phone.


    ¡°Oh! They found it! The program we were running found it!¡± Banner took off down the hallway to the lab.


    ¡°We are not finished with this, not by a long shot!¡± Rogers said to Fury. Rogers got to his feet and followed after Banner. Tony looked smug, as he knew all along and left as well.


    ¡°If SHIELD is in need of defenses I am more than willing to stay on Midgard and help you develop.¡± Lash said to Fury who froze in his seat, but slowly turned to look at him. Hill chose this time to lean in and whisper to Fury about the FTL engine.


    ¡°Maybe we can come to an agreement about the Tesseract then. But lets go see where it is first.¡± Fury said and got to his feet. Thor winked at Lash and followed Fury down the hall.


    ¡°Come on! Lets go!¡± Darcy said, practically bouncing. She had been really well behaved during the whole discussion. That and she had been playing some kind of game on her phone.


    Lash left to follow the group. Jane was behind Thor, but Natasha had stayed to escort Lash, and Darcy to the labs. While Hill, and Phil stayed on the control deck. Natasha eventually stepped up ahead of them and lead them towards the labs. She would glance back at Lash from time to time. Each time she did Lash would look at her. She would size him up, and have a little smirk on her face. Darcy leaned in and whispered.


    ¡°She is checking you out dude!¡± She said with a smirk.


    ¡°Yes, as a warrior it is part of her skill set to assess a proper threat. Her smile is meant to put me off guard. Most men would find her incredibly alluring and attempt to show off. By doing so she would have me eating out of the palm in no time.¡± Lash replied to Darcy who looked at him in confusion. Natasha looked back, a look of surprise and bit of mischief on her face.


    They reached the R&D level of the helicarrier and they heard shouts, and angry ranting. Natasha looked back at them and Lash gestured for her to continue on with out them. She took off at a jog. While Darcy and Lash took their time....BOOM! The entire helicarrier rocked back and forth and started to list to one side. A red alert sounded off. One of the engines sub-sections had exploded. They were loosing altitude.


    ¡°Holy Shit!¡± Darcy screamed in surprise, but Darcy being Darcy started to film the whole scene on her phone to uploaded later. Lash rolled his eyes at her and helped her to her feet.


    ¡°ROOOOOOOAR!¡± A monstrous shout echoed through the whole helicarrier and everyone aboard with in sigh range froze. Lash felt a huge bloom of energy from his Domain of Monsters. Lash reached out and snagged a SHIELD agent.


    ¡°Get her someplace safe, please!¡± Lash said, pointing at Darcy while he sprinted towards the roar.


    Rogers, and Tony were scrambling out of the lab followed by Fury, and Jane. But no sign of Natasha, Thor, or Banner of course! Lash moved into Jane''s side and she pointed at the hole in the lab. Who puts glass as the floor in a lab inside a flying object!? That is just stupid design right there! Lash snagged another SHIELD agent to escort Jane to the safe location. Then Lash jumped down into the pit to find Thor waiting for him.


    ¡°Ready to fight an ogre my friend?¡± Thor asked, with a grin.


    ¡°I am, but remember he is just a man inside. If we can calm him down all the better.¡± Lash replied, and Thor nodded in agreement.


    Another shout of pure rage rang out through the helicarriers bowels. Lash, and Thor took off through the ship each taking a different path. Lash came across SHIELD personal and he told them to clear the deck as fast as possible. Lash concentrated on helping to clear the deck. Then saw Thor fly through the air and leave a sizable divet in the concrete and metal of the deck. Thor stood up and brought his hand to his nose and came away with blood. He smiled and held up his hand calling his hammer to him. However, unlike in the movies Hulk got to him just a bit quicker.


    ¡°ROAAAR!¡± Lash let out an Intimidating Shout and used Transformation in a blink of an eye went from his Asgardian form to the 8 foot tall grim reaper reptile. Hulk stopped mid strike of Thor and glared at Lash. Just in time for Thor to bash his head to the side with his hammer!


    Hulk was catapulted across the deck and collided into a aircraft fighter jet. He roared in defiance and tore the wing off the fighter and flung it at them. Lash reached out with his Telekinesis and shot it right back at him. Hulk looked slightly surprised to see the thing fly back at him for no apparent reason. BAM! Hulk to the wing to his chest and roared in anger as he took a moment to pummel the wing for no logical reason. Thor came up from behind and used his hammer like a choke hold.


    ¡°Banner! We are not your enemy! Try to think!¡± Thor called out.


    ¡°NO BANNER! ONLY HULK!¡± Hulk roared and jumped up ripping through the deck into the next one, and the next one.


    ¡°Well that''s not good!¡± Lash said as he scampered up into the hole.


    Lash jumped up onto the next deck and worked with Thor to try and beat some sense into the Hulk. Which if anyone read the comics knows that is stupidly impossible. So Lash used Calm Emotions on the Hulk. His energy reserves took a nose dive! He went from 98% to 3% in two seconds flat! But for a brief moment Hulk seem to stop and think. Then he punched Thor and screamed in rage when he couldn''t lift Thor''s hammer. Lash dropped to his knees and tried to stop the room from spinning.


    Congratulations User! Minor Calm Emotions has evolved into Basic Calm Emotions.


    Effect: Increase in power level, decrease in power energy consumption.


    Effect: Works on a wider range of people, creatures, and beings.


    Effect: Greater casting range, and time limit.


    Effect: Decrease in side effects (Raw Emotions)


    ¡°Yay....¡± Lash said weakly as he tried his best to get to his feet. His energy levels jumped a pit when Healing Aura popped. Lash was thankful for it but quickly deactivated it so it wouldn''t consume his energy. Lash focused for a brief moment and used Reality Armor and infused his gear.


    Lash jogged towards the fighting dynamic duo and found Hulk beating Thor''s face in. Lash used Telekinesis and lifted Hulk. Or he tried to! Fuck the man was heavy! For a brief moment Hulk was floating in the air. He swung his arms, and hands around in confusion. Then he looked over at Lash and roared. He opened his arms wide and slammed them together creating a thundering shock wave! Every glass window..Again with the glass! Along with all sorts of lose debris went flying! Lash stuck to the ground with Gravity Stride. Then Thor kicked Hulk in the balls!


    ¡°Gaaaah!¡± Hulk said in a almost in audible squeak and collapsed to his knees. Ah, some weak points are universal it seems.


    Lash sprinted across the deck and tackled Hulk from the side. They catapulted through several walls! Thankfully no one was in the rooms. Hulk screamed in rage and punched Lash. Lash blinked and found himself several hundred feet through metal, and concrete. Then he saw the skyline, that couldn''t be good! He thankfully stopped flying after that point and bounced across the tarmac. Then out came Hulk to bash his brains in...Great!


    Lash activated Personal Time just as Hulk entered his sphere of influence. The world came to a stuttering stop. What was incredible! Was that Hulk seem to be fighting the time freeze. Wow! Lash took up a position, spread his feet apart and prepared to twist using his hips. Then he unfroze time and used his new and improved spike tail to base ball swing Hulk. BAM! When his tail connected Lash used a Telekinesis burst to shoot him off the helicarrier.


    ¡°GRAAAAAAAH!¡± Hulk screamed in pure rage as he flew off the helicarrier and into the distant land below.


    ¡°I hope he doesn''t hurt anyone....¡± Lash said as he plopped down on the deck of the ship. Thor jumped up and looked around in confusion.


    ¡°Thor! This wasn''t an accident! Go check on Loki!¡± Lash called out, and Thor came to the same conclusion. He summoned his hammer and raced off towards the detention block. Lash groaned in displeasure and slowly stood up maki...Why was the world tilting?


    ¡°Ah crap!¡± Lash called out as the whole helicarrier was tilting completely to one side. Two of the engines had shut down. One was broken, and one was offline.


    Lash raced across the deck towards the offline engine. He jumped over cargo containers, and quin-jets that were flying off deck. He snagged a few SHIELD techs that were about to fly off with out a parachute. He threw them! (softly) towards the hatch. They landed and secured themselves to the safety lines secured there. Lash at last reached the offline engine and looked to the down the helicarrier to see Tony in his suit attempting to jump start the broken engine.


    Lash reached out with his Technomancy Domain and used Connectivity, and Repair. As his barely above 30% energy reserves started to dive again he obtained a splitting headache for his troubles. As the engine turbine kicked back on ever so slowly. Lash could feel a malware program fighting against him. He sent one his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits to deal with it. With in a minute the program was removed. The engine started up again. Just in time for Stark''s. Good timing! The ship started to level out. Lash climbed back up to the main deck and saw a quin-jet that hadn''t fallen off the carrier. A SHIELD SWAT officer was escorting....


    ¡°LOKI!¡± Lash called out across the deck. Despite the fierce howling winds across the flight deck Loki stopped and turned towards Lash. The God of mischief froze, and a look of conflict settled across his face.


    ¡°PLEASE, COME HOME! I''LL PROTECT YOU LIKE YOU DID FOR ME!¡± Lash yelled out across the flight deck.


    ¡°IT WAS NEVER MY HOME!¡± Loki called out, and stepped onto the quin-jet. Lash sprinted across the flight deck and Loki went wide eyed. He yelled to the pilot and the quin-jet took off into the horizon.


    ¡°HEIMDALL! LOKI IS TRAVELING NORTH EAST! TRACK HIM!¡± Lash called out to the skies above.


    I see him! I... I....I am sorry Lash, his magic distorts my vision. He is lost to us. I will keep trying. -Heimdall called across space, and dimensions. Lash roared in pure anger and bashed his hands into the reinforced concrete of the helicarrier leaving deep impact craters.


    Lash pulled his Transformation off and returned to his Asgardian default form. He tried his best to keep his anger to himself but it must have still shown as anyone he encountered got out of his way quickly. It was so bad that he cast Calm Emotions on himself. He felt the cool sensation of his emotions leveling out. It would be a bitch to deal with the side effects later on. Hopefully he''ll have something to hit by then. He snagged a passing SHIELD agent.


    ¡°Where is your medical deck?¡± Lash asked the agent who looked at him in surprise.


    ----


    About twenty minutes after Lash arrived in the medical bay he was being escorted to the morgue at his request. Why? Well there was no one left to heal in the medical bay. The doctors were beside themselves as was Jane, and Darcy at the sight of bones snapping back into place. Bullets popping out by themselves, and even old scars being repaired. When he asked about the morgue he simply said death does not mean the same thing to an Asgardian.


    The morgue sad to say was filled with more bodies than the medical bay had been with the injured. There was still over a hundred crew members MIA. Lash was happy to learn that it was standard operation for anyone on the flight deck to wear a parachute while the helicarrier was in the air. Hopefully there was some SHIELD techs waiting for pick up on the ground below. Maybe they could find Dr. Banner?


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Jane asked, she had followed him into the morgue. A morbid fascination driving her on. Despite the circumstances Jane was focused on the situation. She had recently used her new communication talisman and spoke to Thor. It worked!


    ¡°I can save a few, others not so much.¡± Lash replied. He pointed at several bodies that still had their soul tethers in place. Including but not limited to an Agent Phil Coulson.


    The doctors, and nurses rushed to move the selected bodies out of their bags and onto the tables. Lash used Corpse Repair and the bodies mended themselves back into working order. Then he used Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Regrowth, and flipped his Healing Aura back on. Doing a wide area of effect casting. All of the bodies looked healthy and waiting. Then one by one because it took a great deal of energy. Kiss of the Grave.


    =========================================================


    Darkness...Silence.... He was so tired. He wanted so desperately to sleep. Phil curled up in the nothingness and tried to sleep. But something nagged at him from behind the darkness. He saw a light, a beautiful amazing light in the distance. Calling him, like a siren calling a sailor to crash on the rocks. Phil felt that if he listened he would not be coming back. Back? Back to where? He had something he was suppose to do, a duty to fulfill.


    ¡°Hello Phil, son of Cole.¡± A voice said to him. That voice was rough and hard on the ears. But it held a sweet, and bitter promise. If Phil listened to it he felt he could go back. Back to a life of pain, and hardship. But also a life of joy, and accomplishment.


    ¡°I won''t force your return, son of Cole. But I believe you have a woman you love waiting for you here.¡± The voice called out.


    ¡°AUDREY!¡± Phil yelled out at the top of his lungs and sat up right on the cold metal examination table in the morgue.


    ¡°HOLY FUCK!¡± Darcy screamed in surprise as she jumped back. ¡°Zombies! Living dead!¡± Darcy screamed, and held up her fingers in a poor attempt at a cross.


    ¡°Calm your self Lady Lewis!¡± Lash said to her, then settled a hand on Phil''s back.


    Phil jumped at the contact but felt a sense of calm, and renewal wash over him. He looked around the room there were several agents of SHIELD talking to doctors, and nurses. Phil looked down and saw blood on his white buttoned shirt. What? Wait!? Hadn''t he been stabbed!? Didn''t he die!? He looked at Lash with an expression of pure confusion and fear.


    ¡°Welcome back Phil son of Cole. I''m afraid to say the living are not finished with you yet.¡± Lash said with a grim smile.


    ¡°What?¡± Phil said in complete shock.


    ============================================================


    Lash spent the next few minutes running through a long list of things that the recently dead needed to do towards the doctors on staff. The feelings of being hollow, not comfortable in their own skin, phantom pain in the area''s of death, etc. All normal feelings, and the estimated time it would take to get over them. All of them needed intense R&R and a evaluation before they could go back on duty. A few more dead bodies showed up while he was talking and he noticed their tethers were in tact so he did it again in front of the SHIELD agents so they could see the whole process.


    ¡°You just reattached that guys leg! Is this normal on Asgard!¡± One of the doctors asked, completely overwhelmed with scientific curiosity.


    ¡°Yes and no. Some of us have a unique ability to heal. Much like you and your other peers do. You have a talent for healing. As do I.¡± Lash said with a smile, as he finished repairing the damaged tissue and cast another Kiss of the Grave.


    Congratulations User! Kiss of the Grave has evolved into Minor Kiss of the Grave.


    Effect: Increase in spell power, decrease in spell energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight decrease in target side effects.


    Lash excused himself and went to the damaged turbine that was barely holding on. He helped the work crews start repairs. Then eventually they all stepped aside and watched him in fascination as the he created materials, and seamlessly merged them into the super structure. Then repaired the broken pieces. What normally would have taken weeks in dry dock Lash was accomplishing in hours. All the while his three tech-spirits were using Repair on the helicarriers systems.


    One by one the carriers systems started to turn back on. He was half way done with the repairs when Rogers came up to find him. He was in full uniform, including his helmet. A bright blue armored fit with a star dead center in the chest. Along red, and white stripes along his midsection. His vibranium shield at his side. Lash looked at him in curiosity, and Captain stared at him in return as geometric patterns took shape, materials made of light became solid and a ruined catwalk came into being.


    ¡°Lord Rogers? Everything alright?¡± Lash asked, and Rogers was startled for a moment then nodded.


    ¡°We found it, you coming?¡± Rogers asked, Lash didn''t need him to explain what he meant.


    ¡°Yes, please lead the way.¡± Lash said and excused himself from the repair crews who got out his way.


    Rogers led him down to the under carriage flight deck. There they met up with Natasha, and a new face. Agent Clinton "Clint" Barton aka Hawkeye. Who stood at 6''3¡± with high and tight blond hair, and blue eyes. (Lots of blue eyes!). He had an inverted triangle build. Wide shoulders, and very dense muscles on his arms. He wore a leather carbon polymer suit, with a quiver of tech arrows, and a specialized mechanical bow. He looked focused, and intent on the mission ahead. But even still he still looked at Lash and gave him a nod.


    After a slight dramatic moment where Rogers all but kicked a SHIELD tech out of the quin-jet. They took off, following in the wake of the Iron Man suit. As soon as they left the bay the SHIELD helicarrier hailed them. Natasha flipped it to audio only and a voice came over that made Natasha pull on the controls in surprise.


    ¡°Agent Romanoff, Agent Barton, Captain. May we assume you found the Tesseract?¡± Phil asked over the radio.


    ¡°PHIL!? Wha...What!? Furry said you were dead!¡± Natasha shouted over the line, Captain came to the receiver in confusion.


    ¡°He was...For about an hour.¡± Lash said very nonchalantly to them. Rogers turned on his heel to look at Lash. Barton who was flying the quin-jet couldn''t turn but Natasha was looking at Lash hard enough for both of them.


    ¡°Asgardian medical science is far more advanced than Midgardian''s. An hour dead is only a little dead.¡± Lash said with a small smile. ¡°Phil, Son of Cole. I left clear instructions for you to be off duty for the next foreseeable future!¡± Lash shouted across the quin-jet at him.


    ¡°Well ummm.... You see...¡± Phil said with a bit of nervous energy.


    ¡°Yes, we found the Tesseract. It is at Stark tower in New York. Tony figured it out, Loki plans to use the arch reactor to activate the cube.¡± Barton said across the line, a small smile growing on his face.


    ¡°Copy that! We''ll send all the help we can your way! Good luck!¡± Phil said across the radio and turned it off before Lash could growl at him. Speaking of communication, Lash gave himself a mental facepalm and sent a communication to Darcy''s phone to tell her and Jane where he was headed.


    ¡°So you can bring the dead back to life?¡± Captain asked, clearly skeptical. But his body language spelled optimistic.


    ¡°Midgardian medical science says that the brain can go 15 minutes or more with out oxygen before brain damage sets in. I respectfully disagree. It is more around 1-3 hours.¡± Lash said with a smile, that Captain mirrored.


    ¡°Good to know!¡± Barton said from the front seat. Natasha looked back at Lash and she mouthed the words, ''thank you.'' Lash bowed his head then stood up in the back.


    ¡°Captain come here a moment I need to update your gear a bit.¡± Lash said with a smile.


    -------


    Less than an hour later they were flying over New York City and something out of this world was in view. This was different from the movie! At the top of Stark tower was the Tesseract using the machine built by Dr. Selvig. However that is where the similarities stopped. About a hundred feet above the device was a giant prism. A massive thousand foot radius hole was above Stark tower. While the beam also refracted its energy through the prism. Creating four, five hundred foot portals scattered above New York. While another three portals were shot down to the ground allowing for Chitauri to deploy both air, and ground troops.


    Attention User! You entered a dynamic event!


    Objective: Figure out a way to close the auxiliary portals.


    Objective: Close each auxiliary portals in succession then close the primary portal.


    Note: The primary portal has a one way shield and will remain open until all additional portals are closed.


    Comment: Now this is a battle!


    The main portal was spitting out leviathans, giant mechanical bio-mechanical snake creatures. They were long, serpentine, and had razor sharp fangs exposed up front. While the rest of their body was covered in a metallic shell. Along the back were ridges that helped glide the creature through space, air, and water if need be. While it had several dorsal fins. Electricity bounced between the ridges. On occasion Chitauri foot soldiers would repel out of the leviathan as it passed by buildings.


    Following the leviathans wake were hovercraft vehicles. 1-3 passengers with a driver interfacing directly with the machine. While one or more soldiers were sitting on the back chained to it to keep them from flying off. There was barely any cover on the skiff looking vehicle. The armor looked golden, and two gun pods were placed on the underside that show blueish energy shots.


    From the auxiliary portals in the air dozens of fighter craft came flying out. These were interceptors, and bombers! The interceptors had a single narrow pilot module in the middle. While the wings opened wide when they pass threw the portals. The wings look like the letter ''L'' but upside down, and sideways. Gun barrels from the tip of the wings. While the bombers looked much the same, they had an additional module connected to the pilot that shot out self guiding energy missiles, and dropped contained energy bombs.


    The ground portals had hundreds of ground troops spilling out. While the Chitauri flying on the skiff vehicles only wore basic equipment. The ground troops were in full kit. The Chitauri themselves had gray to blueish skin. With four claw like fingers on each hand, and three clawed feet. The armor was sleek, and compact leaving very little bulk. While the color scheme was golds, and purples. The commanders had face masks on that looked like crowns that tipped up in the back. Everyone of them wore face masks that only intensified their disturbing appearance.


    Behind the ground troops were magnetically floating tanks. Soft edges on the bottom, sharp edges on top. With duel barrels on a rotating turret. Purple lights glowed, and revealed to be a form of basic shield generator. They deployed what looked like listening posts that seem to link up with the forces and improve their combat capabilities. While the nodes themselves were guarded by hulking brutes. Like a giant gorilla had a child with a Chitauri.


    It looks like what the battle for New York should have looked like if Marvel had a billion dollar budget to make the movie! -Erik the gamer said across the link.


    Before they even got half way towards the tower interceptors shot at the quin-jet. Lash used Deflection and expanded the field to cover most of the quin-jet at the cost of spell energy. Their wings were clipped and they were struggling to stay aloft. They crashed into an overpass with little no damage to main cabin. Lash lost about 30% of his energy but it was quickly climbing back up. The cargo bay door opened up and Captain America stepped out wearing a medium tier exoskeleton suit.


    He looked like the Iron Patriot''s little brother from Iron Man 3. The entire suit had Vibranium laced into it. Because Lash got a hold of the shield! He was so happy to learn that formula! While Natasha, and Barton had light tier exoskeleton for increased speed and minimal armor. Flex plates made with a Vibranium polymer alloy. The skeleton structure went over their bodies and gave them a good 20% increase to all stats. While Captains increased by a good 40%.


    ¡°So when we kick all their asses, can I keep the bow at least?¡± Barton asked, Lash had informed them they couldn''t keep the gear since it was Asgardian made. it would break the rules. But War allowed for certain rules to be bent.


    ¡°We''ll talk about it later!¡± Lash said, and he activated Transformation and grew to his 8 foot tall lizard warrior form with living shadows dancing around his body.


    ¡°That''s a neat trick!¡± Natasha said with a smile.


    ¡°Alright lets move!¡± Captain said and they sprinted towards the tower at nearly impossible speeds for a normal human.


    ____________________________________________________________________


    New York City was in a panic! Portals opened up across the city in the skies, and on the grounds as creatures of an extraterrestrial threatened to swallow the city whole. A call for help went across the entire city. NYPD scrambled to respond, and the Mayor of the city called for the Army! They called for the Marines! The Navy! The Air Force! The Coast Guard! Anyone with a gun! Please help us fight off the alien invasion.


    AMERICA! FUCK YA! Hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets with small arms, to assault rifles! While people in costume, to simple durable clothing rushed into the streets. Many of these costumed people seem to be a bit stronger than normal. While others were of this world in ability. Thankfully New York citizens could tell which was which. Even a boy? A man...A spider-man!? Swung from webbing and strung up the Chitauri. Heroes, vigilantes, and even criminals were coming out of the wood work.


    While minutes away, hundreds of quin-jets from the Triskelion did a hard burn towards New York. While dozens of fighter planes burned their emergency fuel and went on ahead! Anything and everything that was SHIELDS that could move quickly was being sent to New York. Storm clouds rolled into New York as the god of thunder brought a leviathan down with a lighting strike.


    All the while, Loki the god of mischief sat on royal escort skiff. Scepter in hand, as he smiled in glee as he shot up the streets below. There was no stopping it now. He had come too far to give up now! There is only the war! With his inevitable rule afterwards! The paltry might of Earth couldn''t stop him. It was clear that Loki didn''t understand the true meaning of humanity. They were all kinds of stubborn!


    _________________________________________________________________


    Lash sprinted along with the group and cast Cat''s Grace on all three of them. Faster than a sports car did they race towards the tower. All the while Lash''s tentacles on his back shot Eldritch Blasts from a casting circles they created. Red energy arrows shot into the sky and self guided towards the skiffs. As they moved through the battle field Lash tasked his tech-spirits to analyze the Chitauri and send all relevant information back to the helicarrier to be broad casted to their forces. Also please don''t shoot the giant Asgardian lizard, thank you!


    ¡°Stark! Come down to meet us I have to update your armor!¡± Lash said over their communication line.


    ¡°This isn''t really...Gah! Fuck you! This really isn''t the time to be trading engineering tips!¡± Stark shouted over the line as he zipped across the sky line shooting down the skiffs, and trading blows with interceptors.


    ¡°Stark, trust me you are going to want to let him update your armor!¡± Captain said as he threw his shield up the street. The shield''s edge took on an electric blue glow and sliced through each Chitauri it came across. Bounced off several surfaces and swerved back towards Captain.


    ¡°Any word on Banner?¡± Stark said over the comms. Before anyone could ask what Stark was smoking.


    ¡°He''s about thirty miles out on a motorcycle. He''s doing his best.¡± Lash replied back, everyone turned to him with a question on their faces. ¡°It''s complicated.¡± Lash told them. Then his tentacles shot another interceptor down.


    ¡°Captain would the city of New York mind if I use these materials in weapons of war?¡± Lash asked as he pointed at the wrecked cars, and empty buses.


    ¡°What do you have in mind?¡± Captain asked, as he blocked energy shots from several soldiers.


    Lash reached out with Telekinesis, and Machine control. Pulling the scrap, and salvage pieces together. He cast Recycle break them down. Then used Fabrication, Alteration, Compression Transformation, Virtual Intelligence, False Life, Infinite Supply, and Connectivity. Then he applied the Asgardian skiff design. Then he slapped a Quality Enhancement onto it for good measure.


    What he ended up making was a six legged spider walker tank. With a main module that held all of the interface, and ammunition. While it had a rotating twin barrel shredder turret, and a single barrel pulse rifle for precision shots. Along with self guiding energy shots on the main tank module. On the end of each leg was an omni direction wheel. Essentially a sphere, capable of propelling the tank thirty miles per hour in any direction. A tank about twenty feet high, and fifteen feet long spread its legs out and started to shoot its twin barrels up at the sky. While its precision rifle shot the troops on the ground, and the energy shots went after the fighter craft. The entire construction took about five minutes.


    ¡°That is what I have in mind! Do you think they''ll be upset?¡± Lash asked, his reptilian face scrunched up in worry. Barton laughed his ass off for a good ten seconds.


    ¡°No, Lash I think we''ll be just fine!¡± Natasha said with a smirk, and a playful wink at him.


    =============================================================


    Tony Stark aka Iron Man was flying through the streets of New York at high speeds doing his best to shoot every Chitauri he came across. But more were coming out of the portals. He swung past central park and nearly dropped to the street level just to take cover. Dozens of tanks, and surface to air missile batteries from the aliens were set up. Dozens of projectiles shot straight at him! Several point defense lasers, and repulsion shots saved his ass. But just barely.


    ¡°WAR MACHINE COMING AT YOU!¡± A familiar and all to welcome voice screamed over his comm line. Colonel James Rupert "Rhodey" Rhodes aka War Machine shot straight down from the sky and took up a position next to Stark.


    ¡°Hay buddy! Why don''t you ever invite me to your crazy parties? I always have to find out from some one else!¡± Rhodey said, under his mask he was smiling at Tony.


    ¡°Oh you know! I can never tell if your in the mood, or if you have a head ache. Or if your just with another suit of armor. I get jealous, I have feelings you know!¡± Stark said with some snark to his old friend.


    ¡°Well I am here now! Let''s kick some ass!¡± Rhodey said and pushed forward. His mounted mini gun shooting at anything with in a 100 meters.


    ¡°Stark! Come down to meet us I have to update your armor!¡± Lash said across the comms line.


    ¡°¡°This isn''t really...Gah! Fuck you! This really isn''t the time to be trading engineering tips!¡± Stark shouted back as a skiff shot him with an energy blast. Stark shot a full energy repulsion blast into the driver. Sending it crashing into ground.


    ¡°Stark, trust me you are going to want to let him update your armor!¡± Captain said across the line. Rhodey sent a private message to Tony.


    ¡°Who''s Lash?¡± Rhodey asked, reading his UI.


    ¡°The god of hentai, and tentacle porn!¡± Stark said back, and Rhodey couldn''t help but laugh shaking his head back and forth.


    Tony, and Rhodey swung around back to 3rd as he continued to talk to the group. He asked about Banner, and was relieved to hear that he was on his way. Then they came to an abrupt halt at the sight of three scrapyard metal tanks made out cabs, city buses, and street lights? The tanks moved around nightmarish mechanical spiders and were shooting down dozens of Chitauri with expert precision, and brutality.


    ¡°I want one!¡± Stark said, and flew in towards the giant lizard impersonating the grim reaper.


    ==========================================================


    Iron Man landed right next to Lash and shot several repulsion blasts at the ground troops. Then War Machine was next. Erik the gamer was doing a little happy dance across the link. Focus! -Saurian said to him. Lash reached out and placed his clawed hands on Iron Man and used Quality Enhancement. Then cast Infinite Supply to refill some of Iron Man''s ammunition. Infinite Supply only did mundane things like bullets. So Lash supplemented it with Fabrication, and Alteration. Able to refill a majority of his suits needs.


    A circuit like spider web crawled over Iron Man''s suit. The suit was now lighter, more durable, and was more flexible. While the energy core increased by several percentile. Overall the suit increased by about 10%, for an Iron Man suit. 10% is amazing! Lash reached towards War Machine and did the same, refilling his ammo, and upgrading his armor.


    ¡°Alright! You and I are going to have a serious discussion when this is all over!¡± Iron Man said and flew up into the sky, followed by War Machine.


    From one of the sky scrapers near Stark tower a figure landed on the building. Channeling lighting into their hammer and shooting it directly at the main portal. A leviathan took the brunt of the attack and screamed in agony blowing up mid flight from the portal. While the stray bolts of lighting danced across an energy barrier covering the rest of the exit point. Then from the skies landed Thor, god of thunder. He collapsed to a knee and weakly pulled himself up.


    ¡°Thor!¡± Lash called out and came to his side helping him up and holding him steady.


    ¡°I am fine my friend! What of Jane?¡± Thor asked, clearly worried for his love.


    ¡°Back at the helicarrier. Here let me help you!¡± Lash said, and cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement. He wanted to wait for a true emergency for Nature''s Kiss. The color returned to Thor''s face, and he stood straighter.


    ¡°Aha! My friend you are a wonder!¡± Thor clapped Lash on the back and came to Captain to give his report.


    ¡°Whats the story upstairs?¡± Captain asked.


    ¡°The cube is surrounded by an energy barrier that is impenetrable. Loki refused to tell me how to take it down.¡± Thor replied his face taking on an expression of aggravation.


    ¡°I know how to take it down, or at least in theory.¡± Lash said, and they looked at him.


    ¡°Each auxiliary portal is feeding ambient energy to the cube''s main battery creating the shield. We have to close the auxiliary portals. There should be a control node, or even a guardian to each portal. Destroy those, and the shield to the main portal should drop...Should.¡± Lash said in turn and sent the information towards every ones UI. Except Thor, because he didn''t have a heads up display.


    ¡°Its the best plan we got! Alright we need to work on containment! Stark! Rhodey look for the control nodes while you turn anything you come across into ash. Thor keep doing what you did before but on the other portals. Bottle neck them! Then when you can go after the big ones and crush their moral! Clint, Natasha, and I will stay here under the main portal drawing fire and troops. Lash go from street to street and make more of those spider tanks. And....¡± Captain said and stopped when they saw a familiar face getting off a motorcycle.


    ¡°Well, this all seem horrible.¡± Banner said with a contrite expression.


    ¡°I''ve seen worse. Thor remember the battle of Vanaheim, after the third moon eclipse?¡± Lash asked, and Thor grinned.


    ¡°A good battle!¡± Thor said with a grin. While everyone else looked them, not sure if they should laugh or ask what they meant.


    ¡°Stark you were right. He''s here.¡± Captain said across the line.


    ¡°Banner? Tell him to suit up! I''ve got incoming!¡± Stark said across the line, and curved around a building playing possum with a leviathan.


    ¡°Woah! Hold on! I''m sorry but we don''t have time for a berserker! Banner tell Hulk I''m sorry for this next part!¡± Lash said and walked up behind Banner and beach ball palmed the mans head with one of his tentacles. Lash cast Re:Implant, and Source Code. Implanting a bio-mechanical device. Then implanting a simple program code into Banner/Hulks source.


    ¡°Gaaaaah!¡± Banner dropped to his knees and green energy poured from his body. His shirt came apart, his boots popped their shoe laces, and his pants barely held on. Lash cast a quick Fabrication, and Alteration stretchy pants!


    ===========================================================


    ¡°What....WHAT DID YOU DO!? Banner screamed, and not only felt, but heard the other guys voice calling out. His body expanded, twisted, and changed into the Hulk. But for the first time Banner didn''t swap out and go to the dark place where he normally went. Now, Hulk was in the driver seat, but Banner was sitting shotgun in the passengers.


    They looked at one another. Then Hulk looked at Lash. There was an energy, a feeling coming from Lash that Hulk had never felt before. When they had first met it seemed like Hulk wanted to challenge him to a fight. But now he understood what that feeling was. It wasn''t a challenge, it was new, it was sweet, and it was kind. Lash was a monster just like Hulk. The giant lizard extended his hand to Hulk and smiled at him. Hulk to his hand and let Lash pull him up. Though Hulk towered over Lash now standing at his full height. He felt in some small way that Lash and him were standing side by side against the world.


    ¡°Brother Hulk! Brother Banner! There is smashing to do! Care to join us for a fight!?¡± Lash said, and pointed at the Leviathan that was nearly upon them.


    ¡°HULK SMASH!¡± Hulk screamed and rushed towards the leviathan. Banner sitting beside him in the driver seat pointed out a specific point where the armor joined together. Hulk slammed his fist into that exact spot and the whole creature screamed in agony falling on top of it self.


    Two crimson red beams shot out from the tentacles on Lash''s back and bisected the leviathan in half! Hulk grumbled at the show of force! Why didn''t lizard friend do that...Lizard friend? Hulk looked and saw Lash had collapsed to his knees gasping for air. Hulk picked the upper half of the leviathan and tossed it away like it was nothing. Racing towards Lash face full of concern.


    =============================================================


    ¡°I''m fine Brother Hulk. I...I just need a bit of time to rest!¡± Lash said with a smile as exhaustion oozed out of him. A cacophony of roars rang out from above them. As dozens, no hundreds of Leviathans came pouring out of the primary portal. Great!


    ¡°Hulk bring down as many of those things as you can!¡± Captain said to him, Hulk grinned at him. Double checked on Lash, then catapulted himself straight into the air at the nearest leviathan.


    The three scrapyard spider tanks started to unload everything they had at the leviathans, skiffs, interceptors, and bombers. But it was a losing battle! They were to out numbered. Until the sound of millions of spent rounds rang through out the cities sky line as hundreds of SHIELD quin-jets showed up and provided air support. Each one dropping off a SHIELD strike team. Before taking back off. A dog fight between interceptors and the fighter planes performed a brutal ballet of death above. Reinforcements had arrived!


    Lash dragged himself to his feet and started to move towards more scraped cars. A SHIELD strike team was ordered by Captain to stay by his side while he worked. Also to ensure no one on their side shot Lash while he worked. Despite being an ally, Lash in his current form looked like an alien monster. Can''t win them all. Lash had to stop half way through one of the spider tanks. His energy reserves barely above 5%.


    ¡°Give me your side arm!¡± Lash called to the nearest strike soldier. The man gave up his side arm with out question. Lash did a little enchanting on it then handed it back. ¡°Give me your primary!¡± Lash asked, next the man looked confused but complied. The when Lash handed back a gauss rifle that ripped through Chitauri armor, and ships alike. All the soldiers wanted an update!


    ¡°Rotate out with another strike unit! I''ll update every ones weapons between tanks!¡± Lash said to the lead officer who did as he asked. Lash went back to work on the spider tank working slowly as his spell energy recharged a tiny bit faster than he was using it.


    One spider tank hummed to life and took off down the street to cover another position. Firing on any Chitauri it came across. Another strike team showed up to get their gear updated. Lash did a quick Quality Enhancement on the SHIELD strike armor. But he also left a tiny time release self dissolve code. So when the battle was done every ones gear would revert back to normal. No way was Lash handing a potential weapon to Hydra.


    ¡°Time to move to the next street!¡± Lash called out, and began to use his Team Work, and Military Special Operations skills. He moved in perfect sync with the soldiers as they went from cover to cover, corner to corner.


    ¡°Sir! Where we headed?¡± The SHIELD strike team leader asked.


    ¡°Central Park, there is a control node there supplying power to the main portal battery.¡± Lash responded and the team leader nodded, and told the squad as they moved.


    From Sherogoth''s Blessing only one member of this current team looked like they belong to Hydra with the crimson stain of hell on them. While the rest had done bad things, but were doing their best to reset their karma scales. Lash made a quick ID copy of that specific agent. Never to early to make a list, and check it twice to find out who has been naughty or nice! They passed an alleyway and Foresight kicked in. Three seconds ahead of them Chitauri soldiers pop out of the windows and unload on them.


    ¡°AMBUSH! COME TO ME!¡± Lash called out using Commanding Presence. The strike team jumped to him immediately just in time for the Chitauri to pop out and start blasting. Lash cast a wide area of effect of Deflection. But once again it was far larger than he was suppose to use and it drained his spell energy greatly.


    But before the Deflection fell. Men and women wearing colorful clothing burst from circles of bright orange light. Along the hem of their clothing was spell script. They moved with the practice grace of martial arts, and flung spell construct weapons. While one particular woman stood off to the side throwing out spell crafted fans that bounced from Chitauri to Chitauri. The battle was over before it even really began. Lash stepped forward and gestured for the strike team to lower their weapons.


    ¡°Respectful greetings to the warriors of Kamar-Taj, and the Sorcerer Supreme!¡± Lash said, and bowed from his waist. His back ground World Lore activated. Telling him the relevant information.


    ¡°Asgardian, glad we could be assistance.¡± Sorcerer Supreme made a hand gesture and the warriors scattered back to their portals and out of sight.


    If you survive the battle come to 22 Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village,New York City. We have thing to discuss. -Said the Sorcerer Supreme through Telepathy. Lash bowed in respect and she disappeared through another ring.


    ¡°You sure know some interesting people sir!¡± The team leader said with a smile.


    ¡°Anyone injured?¡± Lash asked, and everyone shook their head.


    ¡°No sir, you called for cover just in time!¡± The team leader said, and a firm look of respect was filled in every ones eyes.


    ¡°Let''s keep moving!¡± Lash said, and they started towards the park again.


    ===========================================================


    ¡°OH MY GOD! WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HAPPENING!¡± Shouted Peter Parker as he jumped from building to building. Shooting out his artificially created webs from his shooter. He jumped down and punched an alien square in the face sending him flying and saving a police officer who shouted thank you at him.


    ¡°Don''t mention it!¡± Peter said in his horrible imitation of a mans voice. That he hoped didn''t crack. But in all honesty Peter didn''t think the cop cared.


    Peter aka Spider-Man shot another web towards a wall and pulled himself up. From line, to line across the city. Hundreds...No thousands of aliens were marching together and annihilating anyone they came across. Peter shot a web at a destroyed taxi cap and sling shot it over the street straight into the group. They scattered like bowling pins. Bowling pins that shot back! Peter jumped from building to building. His Danger Sense aka Spider Sense giving him advanced warning.


    Then a beautiful sight to behold zipped by! Iron Man, and War Machine poured everything they had onto the group and melted them like ice cream on a summer day. Peter cheered and clapped his hands. Iron Man stopped, and looked at him with a nod.


    ¡°Good job, kid! Keep it up!¡± Iron Man said, and Peter stuck his chest out just a bit.


    Oh man! Iron Man complimented me! He couldn''t wait to tell Aunt May, and Uncle Ben. Well he couldn''t tell them he was Spider-Man. But he could at least say Tony Stark said nice job! Right? Oh no, Aunt May would kill him if she found out he was out here. Crap! He''d have to keep the whole thing..Oh crap! Mind on the job Peter! Mind on the job! As he jumped to another building out of range of the snipers.


    ===============================================================


    Draw, aim, fire...Draw, aim, fire...Draw, aim, fire. Again, and again Hawkeye repeated the same mantra during the battle. He seriously loved this suit. He loved the quiver, and the bow most of all. Every ten seconds a new arrow would self replicate in the quiver. Along with his choice of arrow heads. While the bow would auto pull, and create a heads up display targeting on his UI. Draw, aim, fire! Hawkeye jumped on top of city bus that hadn''t been scrapped. That was a ten foot jump minimal and the suit made it seem like it was nothing.


    ¡°Its just like Budapest all over again!¡± Natasha shouted at him from down on the street. A sub-machine gun popped out of her right gauntlet and sprayed into the the crowd of targets.


    ¡°You and I remember Budapest much differently!¡± Hawkeye replied with a smile. Then a alarm triggered on his display and the suit forced him to twist to the side as an energy blast shot past where his head had just been.


    ¡°Out fucking standing!¡± Hawkeye shouted as he turned and shot another arrow getting a head shot straight through the eye slit of the helmet. The arrow burst like a fragmentation grenade sending shrapnel in every direction.


    ¡°Hawkeye! We need you up top calling out units, and taking out strays!¡± Captain called out to him.


    ¡°You got it Cap!¡± Hawkeye said with a grin. He slung his bow on his back than ran straight towards the edge of the bus. He shot out a grappling line from his arm and climbed the surface of the building. When he made it there his hands, and feet gave him a confirmation beep! Then he started to climbed up the wall of the building humming a tune.


    ¡°Spider-Hawk, Spider-Hawk. Does what ever a Spider-Hawk can!?¡± Hawkeye sang to himself climbing to the top to make a snipers nest.


    Draw, aim, fire! Draw, aim, fire! Ah, that never gets old! Hawkeye smiled as he began to shoot again. The suit, and bow auto adjusted for the distance. The draw on the bow increased, unlike other bows Hawkeye would have to account for a casual arc. But the bow had a magnetic shot system. That was right he was using a magnetic projectile bow and arrow system. Bad ass! He''ll have to beg on his hands and knees to Lash to keep the bow. He doesn''t mind swallowing his pride.


    ========================================================


    Black Widow danced around the Chitauri like a butterfly but hit like a semi truck! The left arm exoskeleton charged up an electrical bolt of energy and jack hammered straight into the Chitauri''s armored chest. Black Window felt, and heard the satisfying crunch of its sternum caving. The electrical bolt fried its nervous system. Thing was dead before it hit the ground. The hammer reset and a progress bar showed up on the gauntlet. Thirty seconds before she could do that again.


    Black Widow watched Hawkeye climb up the wall humming his tune. She wasn''t sure if he realized he was broadcasting on the local network. That, or he didn''t care! She smiled to herself then sprinted towards another soldier. She jumped into the air and brought her knee crashing down on its skull. The thing screamed in pain but struggled to get back up. Widow pulled out a garrote wire, that started to turn searing hot the moment it was exposed to the air. Her gloves were immune to the effect as she wrapped it around the Chitauri''s neck and pulled. The garrote passed through the things neck, and spine like it was made out wet clay.


    She rolled to the side to avoid another soldier stabbing down with one of those spear/sniper rifles they carried. She lifted her left gauntlet up and a mini-shotgun popped up and explosive rounds blasted a basket ball hole straight through it. Oops! Its spine was in two parts. #Sorrynotsorry. She picked up the rifle and whirled around to attack the next soldier only to freeze as Captain landed in front of her with his shield up.


    ¡°Hay Cap.... Not that this isn''t fun but it wont mean a damn thing if we can''t close the portals. Not that I''m doubting Lash, or Thor. But maybe someone else should take a look at it?¡± Widow asked, as she settled back down on the ruined bridge.


    ¡°Our biggest guns couldn''t touch it.¡± Captain replied as he listened to his communicator.


    ¡°Well maybe it''s not about guns.¡± Widow said, as she stood up and rolled her shoulders.


    ¡°If you are going to get up there you are going to need a ride.¡± Captain continued as he watched a team of skiffs fly by. The spider tanks took them out one by one.


    ¡°I got a ride! Could use a boost though!¡± Widow said as she walked to the other end of the bridge getting ready.


    ¡°You sure about this?¡± Captain said, as he positioned himself and his shield at the ready.


    ¡°Ya! It will be fun!¡± Widow said, then sprinted towards Captain. Jumped into the air via her exoskeleton and Captain shot her into the air. Spider tanks took aim at the skiff but suddenly turned away. Widow had landed on the skiff and took over the pilot seat. Or rather killed the pilot and steered the corpse.


    ===========================================================


    ¡°This is quin-jet unit Echo-Zero-One-Six. Confirm for rejoining the AO?¡± The pilot said into his mouth piece as his co-pilot started to do a systems check on their weapons. They had just gotten back from the SHIELD helicarrier for resupply. Back into the pit of hell!


    ¡°Echo-Zero-One-Six, confirmed! Welcome back, and good luck! Make your attack run 57th street but stay low. Central Park has a lot of anti air established.¡± The SHIELD tech aboard the carrier called back.


    ¡°Roger that! Moving for-¡± The pilot tried to say until a static screech went across the communication line. He winced in pain but couldn''t remove his headset.


    ¡°To all SHIELD ground and air units in the area of Central Park. This is Asgardian Lash Jormungandson. Please be aware in approximately one minute I am about to attack Central Park. If any of you see a giant reptilian monster wearing armor, with tentacles writhing on its back please do not shoot me!¡± The gruff voice said over the communication line.


    ¡°Shoot you? What do you and a giant reptile have to do with each other?¡± The SHIELD tech said over the communication line.


    ¡°Well I am the God of Monsters on Asgard!¡± Lash replied, and when the pilot to the quin-jet flew over 57th he understood why they were warned. A giant 60 foot tall, and 120 foot long monster in alien armor was sprinting full on towards Central Park. Riding on top of the monsters back was a SHIELD strike unit.


    ¡°Good God!¡± The pilot called over the open channel. He couldn''t be the only one seeing this. He turned to his co-pilot who was just as stunned as he was.


    ¡°See! See! I told you! God of hentai and tentacle porn!¡± Iron Man said over the communication line.


    ============================================================


    Saurian roared in triumph as he sprinted down 7th avenue with a strike team on his back being held in place by his hundreds of thousands of tendrils. Despite they had zero chance of falling off, they were still in great danger being exposed up top. But they volunteered when they saw Lash swap places with Saurian.


    With Adaptation he adjusted himself to be a quadruped. Then shifted muscle mass, bone density, and joint placement. He lowered his skull crest like a living shield and charged towards Central Park. When he was with in a 1000 meters they started to fire on him with rapid succession. He cast Deflection, and Acceleration on himself and zipped straight into the fire. As the energy bolts collided with the ground, the buildings, or the sky itself.


    ¡°This is Kilo-One-One-Six. Following behind the big kaiju for attack run on Central Park. All quin-jets available line up on me!¡± A quin-jet pilot said over the comms and the jet it self was soon right behind Saurian''s massive tail.


    ¡°Roger that!¡± ¡°Moving in¡± ¡°Over and out!¡± Dozens of replies came over the radio. Dozens of jets fell behind Saurian like he was a battering ram towards the enemy gates.


    Saurian roared, a deep bellowing that rippled across the whole park. Intimidating Shout froze the whole army for half a second. Then Saurian jumped into the park and activated Plant Control, and Animancy. Energy currents flashed into the trees through out the forest and they came alive to have a feast of Chitauri meat! Tree branches reached out and plucked the aliens from the ground. Massive maws opened from their trunks and began to chew. The Chitauri''s screams were sweet music to Saurian''s ears.


    ¡°All pilots fire at will!¡± The lead quin-jet yelled over the comms. The co-pilots released their entire store of ammunition into the swarm of ground forces. While the strike team on Saurian''s back tried their best to use full auto on their gauss rifles. Spray and pray!


    At the center of the park was portal to some distant starscape. Maybe a distant moon, or asteroid in Chitauri space? Standing at the foot of the portal was a Chitauri general in ceremonial armor. Ornate gold, and purple armor. He wielded an energy tower shield and a pike with a serrated edge. He pulled it up and took aim. The pike sent a massive blast straight into Saurian''s skull crest. The energy was absorbed, and washed off thanks to a brand new combination of Reality Armor, and Vibranium alloy along his skull crest. His scales were metallic after all!


    The general was calm, and cold to the event. He continued to fire again, and again. But eventually he started to shift away from the portal. Then he stopped firing and turned on his heel to move out of the way of the giant monster headed his way. Saurian was having none of that and jumped into the air. The strike team let out a serious of woops, and yeehaaas! Then Saurian pounced on the general and ripped him in half! One of his tentacles blasted the control node and the portal closed just like that! The energy beam faded from sight at the primary vortex and the main portal shield shrunk just a bit.


    ¡°All SHIELD units this is Black Widow. Lash was half right! We need to destroy the auxiliary portals first. But we also need Loki''s scepter to close the last portal. I have Dr. Selvig here with me at the top of Stark Tower, he has confirmed it. He placed a fail safe into the machine. Locate Loki, and bring the scepter to Stark Tower.¡± Black Widow said over the communication line before Lash could report the first portal was down.


    ¡°Portal one in Central Park is down.¡± Saurian said across the line. A little less enthusiastic about the report now. But there was always another portal! ¡°Next portal location, central Harlem. Moving to destroy.¡± Saurian said over the line and shifted to run through the park at best speeds.


    ===========================================================


    ¡°Mother fucker! Shit! Cock! Balls! Kiss my sweet ass!¡± Jessica Jones screamed as she slammed he fist into one ugly fucker! Then continued to swear up a storm that would make a sailor blush. Her fist caved the Chitauri''s chest cavity in.


    "If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims!¡± A man said to Jessica as his left hand turned into a metallic stabbing weapon and impaled another Chitauri.


    ¡°What the fuck does that have anything to do with what we are doing, Omni!?¡± Jessica screamed at the man? Silver? Thing?


    ¡°I don''t trust stairs! They are always up to something!¡± The man? Named Omni said to Jessica with a bright smile.


    ¡°I''m going to fucking kill you!¡± Jessica roared in rage.


    ¡°Well are you going to fuck me before or after you kill me? Because I think Luke would be jealous of one of those.¡± Omni said as he decapitated another Chitauri.


    ¡°Why don''t we all just settle down and take a breather!¡± Luke Cage said from behind them as he snapped the neck of another warrior.


    ¡°Why take a breather, when you take blow job!¡± Omni said with a grin. Then Jessica punched him square in the face and the man was flung straight back into a wall. His entire body turned into metallic goop that looked like mercury. Then retook his human shape.


    ¡°I guess BJ''s are out?¡± Omni said, and jumped out of range of Jessica Jones.


    ROOOOAAARRR! A monstrous shout rang across the whole part of Harlem. But everyone who heard it felt renewed, and invigorated. Luke, and Jessica looked at one another in confusion. While Omni jumped up an down in excitement!


    ¡°Oh yes! Yes! It''s him! Everyone be cool! Be Cool!¡± Omni said, as he smoothed back his hair and changed its style.


    ¡°What the fuck was that!?¡± Jessica screamed, then watched in horror as a fucking dinosaur raced down the street. It ground to a half right next to them and Jessica felt a little bit of pee come out of her.


    ¡°Are any of you injured?¡± The creature said to them.


    ¡°Dude! I fucking love you! I have heard so much about you! Can I please have your autograph!?¡± Omni shouted at the giant dinosaur. The creature tilted its head at Omni then a smile pulled back on its lips. So many fangs!


    ¡°Perhaps once the battle is over! Good luck in battle, Midgardians!¡± The creature said and took off down the street. Jessica fell to her knees. Soon followed by Luke who was just as terrified.


    ¡°He''s seems super laid back! I thought he would be all cold an indifferent! But no! Man I understand why so many people like him!¡± Omni said to them then looked at them in confusion.


    ¡°Whats wrong?¡± Omni asked.


    ¡°WHY THE FUCK IS THERE A DINOSAUR IN HARLEM!?¡± Jessica screamed at Omni.


    ¡°For the event! Duh!¡± Omni said, as if it was completely obvious.


    ¡°I''m going to kill you! You hear me! I''m going to kill you!¡± Jessica said as she jumped to her feet.


    ¡°Luke, save me please!¡± Omni danced away from Jessica.


    ¡°When did my life get so crazy?¡± Luke asked no one in particular but desperately hoped for an answer all the same.


    ==============================================================


    Saurian raced past the interesting alien creature he found in Harlem. Erik the gamer recognized the woman, and man. They were Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. From the Marvel Comics, and Netflix specials. While the alien creature was a VI Avatar with the ability Cosmic Awareness. Which allowed him to be able to talk more freely than most.


    Just as they did before Saurian led the charge and the quin-jets used him as cover. But unlike last time there was no trees to assist. No there was something else. A cemetery! Saurian cast a wide area of effect Animancy and hundreds of rotting corpses burst from the ground.


    ¡°The dead shall rise! Just because I said so!¡± Saurian called out to the skies above. The zombies crawled out of the ground and attacked the Chitauri with unstoppable vigor that only comes with the dead.


    ¡°You are one scary mother fucker!¡± One of the strike team soldiers said. But he said with a smile as they continued to ride the crazy train that was Saurian.


    This time the quin-jets all incinerated the Chitauri general in charge of the portal. Saurian destroyed the control node and yet another auxiliary portal was closed. He reported in and moved to the next location only for Iron Man, and War Machine to report it was taken care of! Now all that was left was the thousands of Chitauri soldiers already deployed on the ground. Along with thousands of interceptors, bombers, skiffs, and leviathans in the air. Yay! Go team!


    ¡°What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? Supplies!¡± Saurian heard the alien creature say loudly at his companions.


    ¡°OK! No, no more! I''m going to kill you now!¡± Luke shouted at the creature.


    ¡°Eeeeeeeee! Why is six afraid of seven? Cause seven eight nine!¡± The Omni creature shouted as he grew spider appendages and crawled up the side of a building. Saurian couldn''t help but chuckled as he ran past them again.


    ¡°I think your jokes are entertaining.¡± Saurian called as he passed.


    ¡°See! See! Some people have a sense of humor!¡± Omni called out.


    ¡°WHY IS THERE A FUCKING TALKING DINOSAUR IN HARLEM!?¡± Jessica yelled again, apparently have a miniature panic attack.


    Saurian cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on all three of them as he passed. For a brief moment Jessica, and Luke both seem to just sit down in total stress free moment. Then Omni oozed down to the floor and poked them softly whispering something into their ears. Luke snapped out his hand and started to strangle Omni. But the metallic ooze just laughed and wobbled back and forth.


    As he passed several destroyed vehicles Saurian made another spider tank. It hummed to life and started to patrol Harlem. Killing any Chitauri it could find, and providing anti air for any quin-jets that flew by. Saurian raced back to the starting point of their little expedition hoping that everyone was still alive. Once they arrived with in a few blocks of Stark Tower. Saurian crouched and had the strike team jump off.


    ¡°Thanks for accompanying me on my hunt! But I must move on my own, I have giant snakes to hunt!¡± Saurian said to them, the SHIELD strike team saluted him and moved into the streets of the city to hunt for more Chitauri.


    Saurian used Gravity Stride and climbed a building like it was the floor. Though he stepped carefully he didn''t want to crush any walls, and stick his foot through a window. Gravity was weird like that. He climbed to the top of a skyscraper looking down. Waiting as his tentacles created spell circles and shot down the Chitauri air craft. Only three auxiliary, and primary portal to go. Making progress, Saurian saw a fleet of skiff ships zip by and for a brief moment he saw Loki sitting on a throne. Loki glanced at Saurian and paled.


    You can still end this, Loki! -Saurian''s voice called out with Telepathy.


    No, I will see it to the end. I who was, and should be king! -Loki replied, and shut the connection down.


    Following close behind the fleet of skiffs was Iron Man, War Machine, Thor, and several quin-jets. The sound of shattering glass, and crushed concrete woke Saurian from his thoughts below him between buildings flying over the city streets was a leviathan. Ignorant of the hunter above it, Saurian sent out a mass wide area of effect Compulsion for any civilians, and soldiers to move out of the street. Then he jumped off and pounced straight on top of the creature.


    Roooooar! The leviathan screamed in surprise, then soon in agony as Saurian raked his claws through metal, flesh, and bone! He tore straight through the creatures spine, and it flopped like a fish out of water. Crashing into the ground and twitched for while. It opened and closed its mouth trying to scream but no sound came out. Saurian climbed towards its head, wrapped his arms around it and snapped its neck. No reason for it to suffer. It wasn''t its fault it was on the wrong side of the battle.


    Saurian cast Nature''s Passage and Chameleon on himself and blended back into the city it self. Hundreds of fighter craft passed by in search of him but missed him by only a few meters. Saurian climbed down gently, and moved to another building waiting for another leviathan to pass by. He eventually found himself back at the main street where he had left everyone. Captain was fighting the good fight taking on dozens of soldiers. While the spider tanks continued to shoot at the ships above. Hawkeye was above at a snipers nest and...Wounded?


    ==========================================================


    Draw, aim, fire....Breath...Try not to pass out! Draw, aim, fire! Breath....Fuck! Hawkeye took a knee and wheezed. Several of his ribs were broken if his UI was to be believed. He couldn''t see out of his right eye anymore. But he kept at it! Draw, aim, fire.....


    ¡°Your hurt...¡± A predatory voice said, and it sent a shiver down Hawkeye''s spine. It was the type of voice that told his primal part of his brain to run, hide, and hope the predator doesn''t notice him. Hawkeye slowly turned around and saw a massive scaled snout in front of him.


    ¡°Sit down Hawkeye I''ll treat your wounds.¡± Saurian said to him, and Hawkeye passed out. Clearly believing he had sever blood loos. That would never explain a giant dragon sitting on a building next to him....


    ----


    Hawkeye woke up with a start to find himself in the middle of a massive scaled tail? He slowly sat up and realized that his ribs were fixed? He could see out of his right eye again. He slowly looked up and saw the giant dragon shooting Chitauri craft down with his ten...


    ¡°Lash!?¡± Hawkeye shouted in surprise.


    ¡°Yes, and no. While I am in the shape my father bestowed on me I take the name Saurian. How are you feeling?¡± The giant reptile asked, and Hawkeye sat back down on the ground.


    ¡°Fuck! So much better now! I mean I head you over the radio but I thought people were just seeing stuff. But wow! You are really big like that! Thanks for the save by the way!¡± Hawkeye said, as he slowly stood up. He also noticed his exoskeleton had been fixed. Just another question to ask the big guy later.


    ¡°I am happy you are safe my friend...Oh! Forgive me I didn''t mean to be so forward with my feelings.¡± Saurian said, and looked a little bashful. Hawkeye looked at him with wide eyes, and a grin slowly spread across his face. The big guy was like a kid in this shape, interesting. Kids Hawkeye could handle.


    ¡°No, no! Of course we are friends, Saurian. You''ve saved my life how many times today! Friends take care of each other!¡± Hawkeye said, and noticed that Saurian''s tail wagged just a bit. Yep, Hawkeye was going to tease Lash about this later.


    ¡°Well I should go! Your quiver is resupplied, your armor is fixed, as is your body. Good luck!¡± Saurian said and faded from sight right in front of Hawkeye.


    ¡°Wow, that is a nice trick!¡± Hawkeye said, then he went back to his job. Draw, aim, fire! Draw, aim, fire!


    ============================================================


    Hopefully Hawkeye wont be to upset with him if he ever found out that Saurian was playing a part. People seem to react to him better if he acts like a creature that is bashful and unsure of himself. He was not entirely sure why? He''ll have to ask Thor. Or maybe Darcy she seems to have a good handle on things on Midgard?....No, Saurian better ask Jane instead.


    It seems that one of the quin-jets found the control node to one of the auxiliary portals flying above because they were now down to two auxiliary, and one primary. Saurian switched through his full spectrum sight until he saw a glimmer of energy flowing from one of the portals down into the city below. Saurian climbed over the buildings carefully, and slowly like a predator cat in a concrete jungle. Slinking casually below him was a leviathan with ornate golden armor, and extra automated turrets that swiveled in all directions.


    Just as he was about to pounce down on top of it he heard a tremendous roar. A giant green gamma infused monster burst from the nearby building and tackled the creatures mouth. Ripping, and pulling on its teeth. The leviathan cried out in pain and turned towards the direction Hulk was pulling. Saurian watched him for a bit then jumped own and slammed into the creature from above. The sudden shift in direction surprised Hulk as he looked up in confusion then his eyes went wide.


    ¡°Brother Hulk! How goes it!?¡± Saurian called out to him, and Hulk became a little sullen.


    ¡°Brother Lash is bigger than Hulk!¡± Hulk said, his voice fallen. All the while the guardian leviathan was under Saurian''s claws desperately trying to wiggle away.


    ¡°Never fear, Brother Hulk no matter what form I take you will always be the greater power. For your strength is with out equal!¡± Saurian said to him, and Hulk grinned at him. Pulling his shoulders back, and chest out.


    ¡°Hulk is strongest in the world!¡± He roared, and jumped down to drive his elbow straight into the leviathan. Shattering the things skull, and splattering its brain.


    ¡°Yes, strongest in the world indeed.¡± Saurian replied, and watched as the energy current disappeared and another portal closed.


    ¡°Come, there is another creature we must find before we have one portal left! It is hiding between those two buildings. Race to see who kills it first?¡± Saurian asked, and Hulk grinned jumping up into the air and racing off. Saurian laughed, a sound that would send lesser men to their knees.


    ===============================================================


    ¡°Director Fury, the council has made its decision.¡± Said an older woman from the view screen. Her face partially hidden by the camera.


    ¡°I recognize that the council has made a decision, but considering its a stupid ass decision I''ve elected to ignore it.¡± Fury said back at them, nearly earning his name as he was moments from taking out his side arm and shooting the view screen.


    ¡°Director! You are closer than any of our subs! You fire that missile immediately.¡± Gideon Malick said to the Director.


    ¡°That is the city of New York councilman! Until I am sure that my team can not handle the situation I will not order the annihilation of a civilian population!¡± Fury snapped back.


    ¡°If we don''t do it now we may lose everything!¡± Malick shouted back at him. But before Fury could reply another window appeared. Though it had no video everyone, and the council soon discovered who it was.


    ¡°Alright listen up you stupid pieces of shit!¡± Saurian roared across the line. ¡°How many of you have a mastered the higher learning of Astrophysicists? Perhaps you have a greater understand of energy beyond Midgardian understanding? No? Then shut the fuck up and listen!¡± Saurian shouted, the council looked shock at being spoken to like that.


    ¡°Even if you send a hundred missiles of destruction. What do you call them? Nuclear missiles? The primary portal will not be destroyed! The barrier surrounding it is pure energy. Even if you destroy Stark Tower the portal will remain open! All you will do is destroy your peoples homes, and your best soldiers for a wasted effort.¡± Saurian said across the link.


    ¡°Now you listen to me, you freak!¡± Malick shouted.


    ¡°Freak!? FREAK!? I am Asgardian you pathetic shit! I am over a thousand years old! But I swear to the All Father that if you fire a single missile at our people I will use my considerable life time to hunt each of you down and SKIN YOU ALIVE! Then I will ensure your entire family line lives in disgrace as every Midgardian in the world learns that you ordered a missile attack on a civilian population! I''ve recorded his entire conversation and am more than capable of ruining their lives!¡± Saurian shouted, and the security council went deathly silent.


    ¡°Director! Please turn them off and let the mewling shits bicker over petty things they no nothing about. We need your tactical advice with the soldiers in the city! Jormungandson, and God of Monsters over and out!¡± Saurian shouted, and closed the line. Fury had a smug satisfied grin on his face.


    ¡°Well, I think that is all that needs to be said. Unless you want a pissed off God to hunt you all down. Good bye!¡± Fury said, and shut the communication down. He looked at Agent Hill with a smile on his face.


    ¡°I like him...¡± Fury said, and Hill smirked.


    ============================================================


    ¡°Enough! I am a God you dull creature and I will not be bullied!¡± Loki shouted at hulk then was picked up by the monster and repeatedly slammed over, and over into the stone floor in Stark''s common room. Hulk looked at him to see if he was still wiggling, then bashed him a few more times. Once he was sure Loki was down for the count he walked away back to the fight.


    ¡°Puny God.¡± Hulk said disdain, and jumped out of the window.


    That was good, awesome job big guy. -Banner said across their shared link.


    ¡°Hulk like this better! Banner no shouting, working together.¡± Hulk said out loud.


    Ya, I think this could work. One step at a time, but let''s go kick some more ass! -Banner replied to Hulk and the other guy grinned.


    Hulk leaped tall buildings in a single bound and slammed into leviathans, skiffs, and Chitauri soldiers hiding on the walls of buildings. Banner would point out a few civilians in need, or a shield strike unit. Or even a few city vigilantes in costume. Always offering a bit of advice, but never forcing Hulk to do anything. Banner didn''t understand why this was different. What did Lash do to them? It''s like before Banner would be asleep, while Hulk was awake. Then Hulk would be asleep while Banner was awake. But now? Now they were both awake, and talking! God to honest talking!


    Cascading crash of thunder, and brilliant light burst across the skies. The giant prism above the Tesseract exploded in the skies. The giant portal slowly closed, slicing a leviathan in half as it tried to move through. The primary portal closed, and all was silent for a brief moment. But the fight wasn''t over. The Chitauri continued to fight to the last...man? Bug? Thing?


    ¡°HULK SMASH!¡± Hulk roared and tackled a Chiauri in glee.


    ============================================================


    In the movie the Chitauri fall like puppets with out strings. Of course in the movies Stark rides a nuke into the portal and destroys the control ship. Maybe that is why they are still fighting, or maybe its just part of the event. Let the low levels get some experience hunting the Chitauri down. -Erik the game said across their shared link.


    Saurian contemplated that little fact. It could mean several things, knowing their Cosmic Patron there could be one...No! No! That''s a red flag! Don''t stay it! Saurian shook his head back and forth, and his scales rattled lightly. He was perched on top of another building shooting down the remaining interceptors. One by one they started to fall with concentrated fire, and team work. However, he did notice hundreds of them flew off into the horizon. While some of the remaining leviathans started to fly straight up into the upper atmosphere.


    Saurian took a deep breath and let loose a roar! Rallying Call washed over nearly the entire city. A few moments later, Hulk roared back with an enthusiastic cheer! Or maybe he was just shouting. Saurian wasn''t sure. It had been mid day when the battle had started. Now it was almost sunset. In the distance he could see the SHIELD helicarrier slowly coming towards the city.


    ¡°It seems the security council took my threat seriously.¡± Saurian said across the communication line.


    ¡°I still can''t believe they were willing to nuke New York.¡± Captain replied back.


    ¡°You have the whole thing saved on something? Cause I still think we should let the tape loose on the public net.¡± Tony said next, he was flying around with Rhodey cleaning up a few straggling skiffs.


    ¡°The world wide web I assume? I uploaded a version of it a few minutes ago.¡± Saurian said, and received nothing but silence on the other end.


    ¡°BUHAHAHAAAHAHAHAAHHA!¡± Tony started to laugh, he laughed so hard he fell from the sky and dragged himself across the street. But he never stopped laughing the whole way down.


    ¡°Holy shit, he''s not kidding! It''s up there! It shows the security council names, and the entire conversation about how they are trying to tell the Director to nuke New York. While Fury continues to tell them no, Saurian calls them on their shit. This will have huge consequences!¡± Rhodey said with a grimace.


    The whole team continued to talk but Saurian noticed the world was slowing down to crawl. Then time itself stopped. He looked around, still able to move but nothing else was. A glowing light gradually came down from the sky. It took the shape of a beautiful woman made from the very stars themselves. Saurian smiled and watched Dawn descend like a an angel, or maybe a goddess? She stopped a few feet away from his face, floating in the air.


    ¡°Congratulations User! You''ve completed the story event! Now, the question is do you wish to leave the Rift and return to your reality. Or do you wish to continue the story, and see the results of your actions.¡± Dawn asked, and Saurian raised a scaled brow at her. All six of his eyes focused on her.


    ¡°Consequences? Wait, do my actions effect the next event?¡± Saurian asked, a bit of anticipation in his voice.


    ¡°Oh yes! The butterfly effect is real in this Rift. Also you can choose to accept your reward for this event now. Or you can double down and put your reward into the next event. Please be aware that the difficulty will scale anywhere between 10-50%.¡± Dawn said, as she fluttered about in the sky like a will-o-wisp.


    ¡°Wait, why is the difficulty scaling so wide?¡± Saurian looked at her in curiosity, then he flickered his long forked tongue at her. She giggled in delight and danced out of the way.


    ¡°It depends on your butterfly effect. Depends on your performance here in this event.¡± Dawn replied, and moved over to run her fingers along his scaled snout.


    ¡°I guess I should have rethought sending that recording out.¡± Saurian said with a bit of regret. This would spell a disaster for the security council. Which may crash back onto SHIELD. Or, it may give SHIELD more power, and control. Which sounds good on paper, if he didn''t know for a fact that Hydra was in SHIELD.


    ¡°I would like to continue to the next event. I''ll also let my rewards slide to the next event as well. See how far I can go.¡± Saurian replied, and Dawn smiled at him.


    ¡°Wonderful User! I''ll unfreeze the Dream in a few moments. Continue to do as you have always done. Before long I''ll call you back to black room and we''ll move to the next step. Good luck, User!¡± Dawn said, and kissed his snout. Saurian wiggled his nose a bit and watched her leave. Slowly the Dream started to move again.


    ¡°Captain! Would the people of New York be upset with me if I started to help them with the wounded, and rebuild their city?¡± Saurian asked, and their was a brief pause before he got a reply.


    ¡°I''m sure they would welcome the help Saurian. But before that, come to the Tower. We are not finished yet.¡± Captain replied, and the group made their way to collect Loki, and the Tesseract.....


    Galen

 Chapter 108: Svartálfheim

    ==============================================================


    ***HR. United Nations***


    The United Nations building contained with in New York had been hit several times by Zeta teams, but also by several up and coming villains looking to take the place as a sort of palace. Thankfully such people had been driven out, while a few were killed and/or arrested. The assorted embassies in New York had been brutalized by attacks. While a few survived the onslaught. Now sitting in a council chamber were the few remaining delegates.


    Atlantis, Themyscira, America, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Amsterdam, Korea. (Currently unified, given North Korea''s leaders were killed by Zeta teams) Along with a few more smaller nations that had not been directly attacked by any Zeta teams. But also survived the crucible between nations. However, a majority of the councilors were not in the room personally but were attending via borrowed satellite comes from the JLI.


    While the rest of the leaders across the globe had been killed, and/or had failed to send a representative. They were still picking up the pieces. They had been talking for several hours trying to work together to help one another. No, that was a lie. They were arguing about who should be helped first and why. Many people were upset that Wraith hadn''t given their country a Solar Plant while other countries received one.


    But when the report came in that a Rift had opened right in the middle of New York, and with in a few short hours Wraith showed up to seal the Rift from the inside the negative attention he had was sputtered out by a lot. But the issues were still there. The world was in shambles! The infrastructure was in ruins. The powers that use to be in charge took a huge hit. Now they were receiving aid from Atlantis, Themyscira, and the JLI which in many cases had become its own power.


    ¡°Atlantis will of course continue to provide material aid to all of the coastal cities. But as you can imagine we don''t have any means of flying inland.¡± The Atlantis councilor replied to the nations.


    The man had been selected carefully for his looks. He was 5''10¡± with light blue skin, webbing between his hands, and feet. With gills along his neck, and knife tipped ears. He wore a combination of ceremonial ocean silks, and green fish scale armor. He was a primal ocean-kin selected specifically by Arthur. He was named, Kitlivox Tojort. Despite his animal like appearance he was very good at his job and knew how to navigate the political land mines. He also knew when to throw that out the window and tear someone a new hole!


    ¡°Themyscira doesn''t mind helping with security. However, we''ve noticed your nations have a hard time taking orders from women. Until your soldiers take the sticks out of their asses our Amazons will not stop teaching them a lesson in warrior honor.¡± A familiar woman said to the room, this was Althea. The Amazon woman that Lash had met so many months ago in Gotham.


    Althea was a warrior and/or a diplomat. Some would say they were one in the same. She was 5''11¡± with a rectangular figure, golden tanned skin, brown hair to her shoulders but currently tied back, along with brown eyes. She also had several tiny facial scars around her eyes, mouth, and along her neck. It didn''t distract from her beauty, but added more of a mystique to her. Just like Kitlivox she wore a combination of ceremonial silks, with leather, and metal armor. Especially the magical enchanted bracers, along with a short sword at her side. Several of the delegates coughed and mumbled a few apologies. While a few other nations snickered.


    ¡°Do we have any word on this new Certified Supers Association?¡± The delegate from the United Kingdom asked.


    ¡°Is that really relevant right now?¡± Another delegate asked, they were on a video screen looking through several monitors on their end.


    ¡°Yes, we do. Ghost Industries is footing the bill. They are also opening what we can only describe as a Supers Insurance subsidiary. The issue we have right now is facilities.¡± The Japanese delegate informed the room. The information caught a few of the delegates off guard.


    ¡°So, the UN is supporting the creation, and formation of the CSA then?¡± The Korean delegate asked, a look of conflict on their faces.


    ¡°Registration, and training. After that if you want to gobble them up for government security that is perfectly fine. We just want to ensure they know enough to control their abilities with out hurting themselves, and others. While also educating them all on the opportunities they have. Instead of force labor, and conscripted military service where their families are being held hostage.¡± The United Kingdom said with a glare towards several delegates who grumbled.


    ¡°We have to hammer in the fact that Supers are just like everyone else when it comes to rights, and laws. We all follow the same laws, so should they. But that is a slippery slope since so many people were hurt by the Supers. But, on the other hand plenty of people were helped by them as well.¡± The Delegate from Amsterdam said to the room. Many of them nodded in agreement while others disagreed.


    ¡°Remember, they didn''t ask to be this way. It would be completely different if they went through a process voluntarily.¡± Kitlivox said to the room. ¡°We also need to discuss what do with super power animals we have discovered. Some of them have sapient intelligence. I believe we should decide on them on a case by case basis.¡± He continued while a few of the delegates balked at that idea.


    ¡°Your telling us we should allow a Meta-Bear who can understand us the same basic rights as any citizen!?¡± The American delegate asked in shock.


    ¡°Not a fan of smokey the bear?¡± The United Kingdom delegate asked with a laugh.


    ¡°I think that is a good idea. There is a very large, and very animated fox in our country that helped during the invasion. We have already granted it citizen rights.¡± The Japan delegate replied to the room.


    ¡°As I said, case by case basis. Now, about Fort Rozz.¡± Kitlivox began and was swallowed by angry shouts and dismissals.


    ¡°We can''t ignore it! The JLI are doing their best to collect the criminals and sending them back to their respective homes. However, several of them have paid their dues and have asked to stay on Earth.¡± Althea shouted over everyone, and such a remark was met by more shouting.


    ¡°Send them back where they came from! They have no right to stay on our planet!¡± The American delegate shouted.


    ¡°That is not up to you!¡± The Amsterdam delegate shouted at them.


    The shouting continued for nearly an hour until a uniformed chime went off to notify everyone they had reached the end of their allowed time to use the JLI satellite. It was a good a time as any to end their meeting. Several people complained about the time limit, but a few saw the wisdom in ending here and now before they screamed at everyone for another eight hours. One by one the delegates from across the globe via video screen logged off. While only a few remained in person at the chambers.


    ¡°Is it always this bad?¡± Althea asked Kitlivox who looked at her with pity.


    ¡°Yes, I wish I could say Atlantis has evolved past such petty issues. But its just as bad there as it is here. We can''t please everyone, so we don''t try. However, we often forget people and they fall through the cracks.¡± Kitlivox said as he came over to her and took a seat.


    ¡°How do you think they will take it when they introduce the supernatural world in a few years?¡± Althea asked, turning to look at him.


    ¡°Honestly, I don''t think the supernatural world should ever come out into the public. As weird as it may sound, it is safer if they don''t.¡± Kitlivox replied, and Althea frowned at him. ¡°When I said supernatural world I mean the people that don''t look like them. Yes, Themyscira is technically part of the world. But you know how weird humans can get about things that look slightly different from them.¡± He finished, and gestured to his blue skin, and gills. He had received a lot of flak from the surface public based purely on his looks.


    ¡°The world of men is despicable!¡± Althea said with frustration, and threw her hands up. Then glared at Kitlivox when he snorted at her comment.


    ¡°Please! Women are just as capable of being despicable, blood thirsty, and violent as men.¡± Kitlivox said with a roll of his eyes. Althea glowered at him, and he started to list off the many, blood thirsty things the Amazons had done in their history.


    ¡°Besides! Isn''t Wraith a man?¡± Kitlivox asked, and Althea became deflated. Pointing out that Lash had become an honored brother to the Amazons.


    ¡°There are always exception to the rules.¡± Althea said, and Kitlivox sneered at her.


    They continued to bicker back and forth about histories little, exceptions. But in the end neither of them gained any real ground over each other. In an odd way they actually seem to just enjoy arguing. They continued their discussion all the way to their bodyguards location and then tried and failed to, ''last word each other.'' Finally their bodyguards dragged them off in separate directions.


    ==============================================================


    ***Rift, Story/Crossover. New York***


    Saurian wrapped himself in shadow, and darkness and swapped out with Lash. Lash changed into his default Asgardian form, and armor. Then joined the Avenger team inside of Stark Tower. They had found Loki crawling his way out of Stark''s common room area from the beating that Hulk had given him. Always the one ready to through a few words at someone Loki smiled at them all including his brother Thor.


    ¡°If it all the same to you, I''ll have that drink now.¡± Loki said with a smirk.


    ¡°Alright! Get him up, we can pose up a storm later!¡± Tony said with a reasonable about of sarcasm dripping from his voice.


    Thor walked over and lifted Loki to his feet and put him into Asgardian manacles. Everyone dispersed around the room. Black Widow picked up the scepter and looked around the room. She smiled a bit and walked over to Lash and held out the scepter to him. Lash took it carefully looking it over. He ran his Transmuter title through it and learned its chemical composition. A collection of metals he had no idea what they could be used for.


    ¡°Any ideas?¡± Widow asked Lash who nodded several times.


    ¡°As long as one has a strong enough will they can dominate another by gently pressing the blade into another individuals chest. However, if they do not have the right mind sent the scepter will consume them instead. Handle with care.¡± Lash said, as he ran his fingers along the scepter. More specifically he tried to touch the stone but he felt his fingers collide with what could only be described as an invisible barrier. Odd.


    Lash handed the scepter back to Widow who took it back carefully. Lash walked over to Loki, who stepped back a bit and looked at him with an unreadable expression. Then with out much warning Lash leaned in and hugged Loki. The god of mischief stiffened. Lash didn''t say anything and just squeezed him gently for a few seconds then let go. He cradled Loki''s face in his hands and mouthed the words, ''I''m sorry.'' Loki''s eyes twitched but did little else.


    There was some awkward tension in the air that was cleared as the elevator door opened. A SHIELD strike team walked in being escorted by Agent Jasper Sitwell. A human male that stood at about 5''9¡± with a bald head. (Baldies Unite!) With calculating brown eyes, and sturdy if not slim build. He wore a gray buttoned up suit with a pin stripped neck tie. He walked over to Widow and was given the scepter. Lash tried to contain his growl, but a bit of leaked out. Only Loki noticed him and he looked at Sitwell in curiosity. Sherogoth''s Blessing was telling Lash that Sitwell was dripping with sin. He was a soul bound for hell. The entire SHIELD strike team was Hydra.


    Lash tried to take a physical step towards Sitwell but something compelled him to stop moving. He had felt this before. This was the 4th wall engine preventing him from doing something. However it was the first time to see it stop him from moving. The 4th wall engine always stopped him from talking about certain things. Like telling the Dreamers that they lived in a video game, or their universe was based on a comic book. The 4th wall engine prevented him, and others from talking about it. But it never stopped him from moving. He realized that he had felt the same effect when he tried to touch the mind stone housed inside the scepter.


    Agent Sitwell, and the strike team left the room with out issue. It was only when the elevator door closed that Lash could move again. It was also when the room seem to realize he was glaring at the elevator. Loki was looking at him with an look of shock! He had seen Lash frozen in place but before he could speak Thor had slapped a mouth piece over Loki''s mouth to prevent from speaking.


    ¡°Where is the Tesseract?¡± Lash asked, and Tony came down stairs followed by Rhodey still in his War Machine armor.


    ¡°Here! Want to wave your hands over it and chant a spell?¡± Tony asked, looking over at Lash with a bit of a smirk. But also a look of genuine interest. The Tesseract was contained in a briefcase that could run its energy through a loop.


    Lash walked over to the stone and ran his hands along the cube. Unlike the scepter Lash could feel the stone hum with power. The entire cube glowed brilliantly under the attention of Lash. He was also pleasantly surprised when he received a notification about his spell ability.


    Attention User! Basic Portal Creation has evolved into Intermediate Portal Creation.


    Effect: Increased range of spell effect.


    Effect: Spell/Power has a 12 hour cool down.


    Effect: Spell/Power consumes 30% of the total power reserve.


    Side-Effect: The penalty of Portal Creation has been removed by the power of the Tesseract.


    ¡°Most fascinating.¡± Lash said as he finished running his fingers along the cube.


    ¡°Do you want a moment alone with the cube?¡± Stark asked, with a smirk. Lash turned to look at him.


    ¡°No, though we''ll need time to create the proper housing unit for its power. I''ll have one made in less than an hour. Then Thor, and Loki can return to Asgard.¡± Lash replied to him, and walked over to a table and started to craft the device in question.


    ¡°Well talk about Sailor Moon power up! You''re just pulling from the air!?¡± Tony looked on in shock as he watched Lash create the device.


    ¡°Will you not be coming with us, Lash?¡± Thor asked as he yanked Loki forward.


    ¡°The device only has place for two. You''ll have to return to Asgard with out me. Once the Bifrost is rebuilt I''ll come back and help stabilize the nine realms.¡± Lash replied to Thor, and went back to concentrating on the device.


    Though Lash could supposedly ask the Sorcerer Supreme to empower his ritual circle again and send him home. But Lash had work to do here. For one he was currently sending his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits through SHIELD''s mainframe. His tech-spirits could use Insight at an increased energy consumption through him. They were currently making an advanced list of Hydra. Along with SHIELD base locations, secrets, supplies, etc.


    Captain America excused himself shortly after their discussion had come to assist SHIELD and the local first response teams to help with search and rescue. Lash said he would come help once he finished with the housing unit. However, before everyone left Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Immaculate on everyone. Renewed, with a clean fresh feeling. Everyone was grateful, especially Widow. Apparently the spell clean, and conditioned her hair.


    Lash was pretty sure Widow was just being the natural flirt that Erik said she would be. Always testing, always checking for information. It was a natural skill she had learned, and couldn''t turn off. Hulk changed into Banner after a bit and put on some clothes that Lash made for him. Stark asked about his ability to pull material from thin air and Lash tried his best to inform him of how. The Quality Enhancement had eventually dissolved from every ones gear at the specific time made by Lash. Including but not limited to Haweye''s bow, the man had tears in his eyes as he saw his bow go back to normal.


    Lash finished the container and engraved with Asgardian spell inscriptions. It would break the dimensional walls and send its occupants to Asgard. Lash went outside the reinforced concrete circle balcony that Stark had made, and regretted now. Lash held up the device and turned it around. It made him look a little silly but Heimdall was looking it over. Lash made a few corrections to the container and Heimdall gave him stamp of approval.


    Thor had been using the time to speak to Jane Foster over their communication talismans. She was upset that he had to leave so soon. But was more amiable with the ability to speak to him across vast distances. He promised he would do his best to return once all the 9 realms were secure once more. Then Thor, and Loki came out to the landing. Under the watchful gaze of everyone present Thor, and Loki teleported across universes, and dimensions to Asgard the realm eternal. Leaving behind Lash Jormungandson....


    ----


    Lash blinked and turned around to help with the rescue efforts however he found himself standing in a familiar black room. With Dawn in her starlight form standing in the room with him. The transition was a little disorienting but Lash found his footing quickly. He looked around and saw Earth below. More specifically MCU Earth below. Lash looked back at Dawn then before he could ask.


    ¡°Yes, the 4th wall engine prevented you from doing certain things. That is because there are some events, and points in the story that have to happen regardless of the User involvement. Now, that is not to say that the User can''t completely blow the story off its hinges. Believe me User, the Dream Engine Developers have seem weird events take place.¡± Dawn said with a bit of contrite look on her face.


    ¡°So, whats next then?¡± Lash asked as he walked over to stand next to Dawn who smiled up at him. She brought up a world point tool.


    ¡°When you first arrived you were given the chance of a background with WP purchases. Now, you are jumping through the story. You will be given 100 WP, however instead of setting up a back ground you can use these points to depict what ''you'' did between events.¡± Dawn said as she spun on her heel and danced a bit around the room. Letting her white celestial robe spin about with her. Lash watched her with a smile on his face. Then he looked at the tool tip.


    ¡°Are these choices open to every User who does the events? Or are they catered to the User themselves?¡± Lash asked, as he noticed a few had been designed for son of Jormungand.


    ¡°Bit of both, User. However I must remind you that depending on what you spend your WP on will depend on the next event you take part in.¡± Dawn said, as she spun around the room. Watching Lash, watch her put a smile on her face. Lash enjoyed the distraction for a short while before he looked back at the options available.


    Public Relations, 20 WP: Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson spent several weeks helping to rebuild, and renew the city of New York. He visited hospitals and helped the injured, as well as the sick. What should have taken months of work was done in a few short weeks.


    You have purchased Public Relations for 20 WP.


    SHIELD Relations, 20 WP: Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson spent time with SHIELD working specifically on humanitarian missions. As well as visiting the different academies. Though he never gave technology away, he did teach, and guide many students towards the answers they were looking for.


    You have purchased SHIELD Relations for 20 WP.


    Return to Asgard, 20 WP: Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson spent far longer on Midgard then intended he did return to Asgard to help with securing Vanaheim. With his Asgardian Domain unlocked he played a greater role in the reclamation of the planet.


    You have purchased Return to Asgard for 20 WP.


    Helped Thor, 20 WP: Asgardian Lash, Jomungandson helped convince Odin to allow Thor to visit the 9 realms periodically. Including but not limited to Midguard. This allowed the people to get to know the future king. While also allowing Thor to see Jane Foster, and help the Avengers on odd missions.


    You have purchased Helped Thor for 20 WP.


    Improve Asgard, 20 WP: The User has convinced Odin All Father for the need for an update to Asgard''s infrastructure. Asgardian ships capable of FTL and/or jump points were being built, along with orbital defensive around the 9 realms under their protection.


    You have purchased Improve Asgard for 20 WP.


    ________________________________________________________________


    Asgardian Lash Jormungandson spent several weeks attending to the needs of the city known as New York. He rebuilt, repaired, and renewed the city, and its people. While restoring New York he visited the Sorcerer Supreme and spoke on many subjects. As well as the communication between the Masters of Kamar-Taj, and Asgard.


    Lash offered to spend some time with SHIELD keeping a promise to Lady Hill, and Lord Fury. He visited the different SHIELD academies and taught them a few things. Though he never went over board he only ever nudged them in the right direction. Playing the role of guide, or a teacher. However this small measure of guidance helped them understand far more concepts that the Midgardians never thought about.


    Soon the Bifrost was restored, and he was called on to return to Asgard and help secure Vanaheim. Several long months of combat helped him build a positive reputation with the people, and the Einherjar. Though a few still looked at him with mistrust. Overall his reputation turned into a positive light. Especially when he was seen healing the injured, and even pulling the recently dead back from Hel. While those who died in glory were sent to Valhalla.


    In an effort to help his forlorn friend Lash presented a two part plan to Odin, and Frigga. Allow Thor to periodically visit each of the 9 realms. Let him hear their thoughts, concerns, as well as get to know them. This will help the future king know his people. But it will also allow him time to visit Midgard. (Part one) While they also reinforce the defenses of the 9 realms. If the realms are in less danger it is better overall for everyone. (Part two) He proved this point by sneaking into Asgard with out Heimdall noticing. The gap in the defenses was quickly fixed.


    Thor ended up with more work to do. But ultimately thanked Lash for the ability to visit Jane every few months for about a week. But it also did its intended job. Thor got to know the 9 realms, and its people. A weight was settled on the man''s shoulder. The kind of weight every king experiences, where Thor''s actions had repercussions that he hadn''t thought about. The change was welcome in Odin''s eyes, and so he allowed Thor to continue seeing Jane.


    Recently Lash has been helping the different people of the 9 realms set up orbital defensive platforms. Along with defenses on the planets themselves. Because of his unique abilities he is suited for the task, and often travels with Thor. They have grown to become good friends, and allies in battle. But every time Lash returns to Asgard he makes sure to visit Loki in prison to see his old friend. Though Loki never speaks to Lash when he visits. Lash believes the god of mischief does appreciate his visits.


    _____________________________________________________________________


    ¡°Hnnnnnnnggggggggggg!¡± Lash grunted, and growled in annoyance as Thor laughed at him! A huge grin on the thunder god''s face. Why was he laughing? Because Lash was currently trying to pick up Thor''s hammer.


    Lash, and Thor were currently at Asgard inside a tavern celebrating their recent return to the realm eternal. With them were the warriors three, and Lady Sif! Along with a host of Einherjar, and the taverns regular patrons. A majority of the people were drunk, and cheering loudly as they watched Lash try to lift the hammer off the table. But no matter how hard he tried Lash couldn''t move the damn hammer! At last he let go and sighed in regret, the whole tavern cheered and the large, and overly friendly Volstagg came to his side and clapped him on the back. At least Lash learned how to transmute uru metal.


    ¡°Not to worry Lash! Aside from the All Father, and Thor himself no one has ever been able to lift the hammer! It doesn''t make you any less of a warrior, I assure you! But come have a drink with me!¡± Volstagg said, grinning from ear to ear.


    ¡°But you already have two drinks with you.¡± Lash pointed at the issue, and Volstagg scoffed! He guzzled both cups down and tossed them aside with a loud.


    ¡°ANOTHER!¡± Volstagg shouted loudly and the whole room cheered!


    Volstagg was part of the group known as the warriors three. They were well known allies, and friends of Thor since he was young. They had dozens of stories written, and preformed by the Skalds of Asgard. Even Odin himself had called on them from time to time for important tasks of Asgard. Volstagg was a giant man with a big bushy red beard, and red hair that went down to the middle of his back. His beard, and hair were groomed, and braided with care. He wore a hard leather garment, and used a battle axe as his primary weapon. He had sparkling blue eyes, and was always seen with either a drink in hand, or food!


    Sitting silently in the back corner of the tavern was Hogun the grim. He had cold gray metal eyes, long black hair tied back, and wore an assortment of animal hide, and leather. He used a spiked mace capable of turning into a morning star at the flip of a switch. He preferred quiet parties to such rough housing but would always come at his friends insistence. If only to ensure they didn''t get into to much trouble. He always had his eyes moving, always looking over the crowd like a hawk.


    Then in the middle of several beautiful ladies was the legendary scoundrel Fandral the Dashing! Blond hair that reached his eyes, brushed to the side. Dazzling blue eyes, a groomed mustache, and goatee. He wore tight leather, and cloth material over his body. While he had a rapier in a sheath at his side. He was a charmer, and a lover of women in all shapes, and sizes. Many would argue he could seduce even the most wild of women. But this of course also got him into a lot of trouble. Especially since one of the lovey ladies he was speaking to threw her mug of ale into his face and stormed off. But Fandral dried his face off and automatically shifted to the next lady like nothing happened.


    Lash obliged his friend and had a drink with Volstagg as he watched Lady Sif speak to Thor about this and that. Anyone with a pair of eyes could see that Sif had romantic feelings for Thor. But, Thor was the future king of Asgard. So, Sif had to be careful around him. But, it was also known that Thor at this current time had a thing for a mortal on Midgard. Many looked down at such a thing, but a few didn''t care. Give it a few decades and she would grow old and die. Then Thor would be available again.


    Thor stood up abruptly and raced towards the door of the tavern leaving Sif standing there with an awkward expression on her face. She clearly didn''t understand what just happened. The tavern looked at her, then at the door. Lash stood up and went to the door and looked around only to see Thor flying towards the Bifrost, towards Heimdall. Was it time? Sure enough the Bifrost activated, and the direction it was pointing was towards Midgard.


    ¡°Shit...¡± Lash said just loud enough for Sif to hear him as she came up behind him to ask what was going on.


    ¡°Something is happening on Midgard.¡± Lash replied to her.


    ¡°You mean something is happening to her.¡± Sif said, and the bitter tone in her voice made Lash wince. Lash turned to her with an apology written on his face but she held up a hand.


    ¡°I do not blame you, Lash. I know what you did was meant to help the 9 realms as a whole. I just...¡± Sif said, and turned away clenching her jaw.


    ¡°Lady...¡± Lash began, then doubled back when Sif glared at him. ¡°Sir, have you told Thor how you feel?¡± Lash asked, and Sif went wide eyed and blushed just a little.


    ¡°I...Well no.. I mean, isn''t it obvious?¡± Sif asked, and Lash smiled at her. For all of Sif''s abilities talking about her feelings was not one of her talents.


    ¡°Have you met Thor?¡± Lash asked, as if pointing out the obvious. Sif could literally hold up a sign telling Thor the truth of her feelings and he would look at her in confusion. Sir let out an insufferable sigh.


    ¡°I can''t just tell him!¡± Sif said in anger and frustration. She walked off down the path towards destination unknown. Though Lash followed after her to continue the conversation.


    ¡°What does Queen Frigga say about it?¡± Lash asked her, and Sif stiffened and looked anywhere but at Lash. Lash gave her a deadpanned expression. ¡°Well at least we know Odin approves of it.¡± Lash offered Sif a bone and she bit down on it.


    ¡°Yes! The All Father has made it clear that he would prefer Thor chose me.¡± Sif said, but it did not sound like it made her feel better.


    They walked in silence for a few minutes. Though they did seem to wonder towards the rainbow bridge. Many times Sif opened her mouth to say something. Then decided it was better not to speak and closed her mouth. She brushed her long black hair from her face. Glanced at Lash who looked at her. Then she would look away when she realized he was looking at her. It was a frustrating moment. Sif was in love with Thor. Thor was either to dense to realize it. Or took it for granted. Lash had no doubt that Thor loved Jane. But neither of them fully understood what they really meant.


    The Bifrost reactivated once more in the direction of Midgard. Sif looked longingly towards where Thor would be. Then turned on her heel and left in the other direction. Lash called out to her but she ignored him. Lash rolled his eyes and walked down the bridge towards Thor, and more than likely Jane. It took nearly thirty minutes. It was a long bridge! Sure enough Jane was with Thor asking him questions about Asgard, the bridge, and...


    ¡°Lash!?¡± Jane shouted in joy and came running. Lash, and Jane had spent some time together while he was on Midgard. The gift of communication talismans, and the fact that Thor told her it was he who convinced his father to visit Midgard. So in Jane''s book, Lash was golden.


    ¡°Lady Foster it is good to see you.¡± Lash said with a bow from his waist. Jane glared at him, and put her hands on her hips.


    ¡°How many times do I have to tell you! It is Jane, only Jane.¡± Jane said to Lash.


    ¡°At least one more time, Lady Foster. What brings you to Asgard?¡± Lash asked, her and Thor came to her side with a look of concern.


    ¡°We need to get her to the healers. There is something inside of her. It does her ill.¡± Thor supplied the answer and Lash understood. He could feel the energy current coming off of Jane even from here.


    -----


    A few hours later Lash stood in the healers observatory watching as the attendants worked the soul forge over Jane. Thor was in the room with her but far enough away not to be in the way. The doors opened up in the observatory and Lash turned to see Odin step in. But before he could kneel Odin raised his hand up, and placed a finger to his lips to silence Lash. Lash obeyed and looked back at Jane, then at Odin. The All Father sighed loudly at the sight of Jane sitting on the examination table.


    ¡°What is wrong with her?¡± Odin asked Lash directly. Not the healers in the room, but Lash specifically. His abilities in the healing arts exploded when Odin unlocked his Asgardian Domain.


    ¡°My King, have you heard of the Aether?¡± Lash asked, and Odin snapped his head to look at Lash. His one eye narrowing, with an intense spark of pure magic laying with in.


    ¡°What of it?¡± Odin asked, power filling up the small observatory room.


    ¡°Apparently it was not destroyed as we were led to believe. The convergence is upon us, and the Aether called to Jane. She is now a host to its energy.¡± Lash replied carefully, trying to gauge Odin''s reaction. Odin released his energy and let his shoulders drop several inches. Lash was really regretting not purchasing the advanced World Lore background.


    Odin walked into the soul forge room and spoke to Thor, and Jane Foster. Odin glanced back at Lash then examined Jane for himself. He nodded in acceptance, Lash was right. He instructed them to follow him to the grand archives of Asgard contained within the palace. Lash had recently been granted permission to enter the archive and had been reading as much as he could. The trouble was, it was a big library!


    Odin went over the history of the Aether, and the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim. Along with the Dark Elves leader Malekith. How it had been believed that Odin''s father Bor had destroyed the Dark Elves, and destroyed the Aether. But here the Aether was. Odin who was well known for knowing just about anything was not able to commit to the idea that the Dark Elves were still around. However, he did take a moment to consider something. He looked at Lash with a question on his face for a brief moment then quickly hid it away before Thor, and Jane could look at him.


    ¡°Is there way to remove it from Jane?¡± Thor asked, lines of worry increasing across his face.


    ¡°Not with out killing her, no.¡± Odin replied, and Jane grew pale at the implications. If they left it in it would kill her. If they tried to take it out it would kill her.


    ¡°Wait....Can''t Lash...You know, bring people back?¡± Jane asked, Odin looked at her. Then looked at Lash who leaned back in thought.


    ¡°It is a possibility we could remove the Aether and still save Jane. But there is also a possibility the Aether could rip her soul out in the process and I can''t revive her with out it.¡± Lash said honestly, he wasn''t even aware of the issues when it comes to the infinity stones.


    ¡°Keepers!¡± Odin called for the keepers of the archive. ¡°Search through the library and find any source books on the Aether. Then present them to Lash. He has some work to do.¡± Odin instructed them, they jumped into action. Odin turned to his son, and to Jane. ¡°We''ll leave that possibility as a last option.¡± Odin declared, and Thor looked at him with a smile. Jane tried to smile but it didn''t reach her eyes. Odin turned and went back to the duties, and responsibilities of a king. He spared one last glance at Lash. Lash had done something that Odin was just now realizing.


    ¡°Thor, why don''t you show Jane around Asgard. Specifically the spatial observatory. In the words of Lady Lewis, ''It would be like a wet dream with no clean up!¡± Lash said to him, and Jane burst up laughing at Lash. Thor looked confused, and Lash played his part as well.


    ¡°That...Is....Oh my god! That is too much! Yes, where is this observatory?¡± Jane asked Thor a smile plastered on her face. Such a sight made Thor grin broadly, he took Jane by the hand and led her off. He sent a smile towards Lash in thanks.


    ---


    Over the next several hours Lash spent in the archive looking through different texts, and histories of the Aether and the Dark Elves. One of the things Lash hated the most about these books is it didn''t give an actual idea or reference to their technological level. It was just stories, lots, and lots of stories. So Lash had to spend a lot of time picking out what was real, and what was embellished. His Other Worldly Lore received a lot of experience, and even a few levels.


    ¡°Buuuuurrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaa!¡± A battle horn went off, and repeated several times in quick succession. Lash recognized the alarm for the prison levels. He carefully put his current book down and left the archive. But instead of going down several levels he made his way towards the outside.


    One of the few things Odin conceded needed upgrades to Asgards defenses was its passive security systems. For to long the Asgardians had believed they were the top of the metaphorical food chain. But that was quickly becoming not true. One of the things they upgraded was the very simple, but useful tool. Faerie Fire, which was a type of ambient energy as well as a living organism that adhered to anything that passed the disks edge of the realm eternal.


    There along the eternal waterfalls was not one. But three dozen capital Dark Elven ships. Towering monolithic structures in the shape of a inverted sword. In the middle of the ''hilt'' was the black hole engine core. An orb of darkness that pulled all light towards it and created an eerie crimson light around its edges. While hundreds of Harrows were sent from the capital ships. The Harrows were attack craft that had a main flight module with a red core engine propelling it forward, with a curved bladed edge that went up, and over the front part of the ship. Creating a nasty edge, the entire ship was pure black and was just as capable of active camouflage.


    All the while every ship was lazily moving towards the golden city. Not even aware that they had been seen. Lash sent out a Telepathic area of effect warning. Asgardians! We are under attack, man the defenses! -Lash yelled out across his short 25 mile range. But it was enough to get the Einherjar moving. A new alarm rang out across the land, this time for invasion. It had been so long since Asgard had been directly attacked that many of its civilians had no idea what that sound was.


    A hum of power resounded across the city as a golden shield began to grow all around the central palace. The Dark Elves understanding they''ve been caught threw caution to the wind and de-cloaked. Now all of Asgard saw them! Lash sprinted across the castle towards main shield battery. Erik was whispering in his ear to check it as soon as possible.


    ¡°Lash, Jormungandson! Who is attacking us!¡± A Einherjar officer called out, Lash slid to a stop to look at him.


    ¡°The Dark Elves! They are here for the Aether! Find and secure Lady Jane Foster!¡± Lash called back, the officer saluted and ran off to inform Odin.


    Dozens of Asgardian skiffs took to the air, while the anti air turrets were manned. Golden beams of energy danced across the skies towards their enemies. Hundreds of Harrows raced across the blue sky like flying daggers. The Harrows themselves moved almost enigmatically. Swerving, shifting their blade edge in different directions. Slicing through obstacles well out of their flight path. It almost seemed like they didn''t have forward mounted weapons.


    Lash entered the main keep and activated his Transformation as darkness wrapped around and out from the wisps of shadows did a eight foot tall lizard warrior burst out. He dropped to all fours and sprinted through the golden halls. Several Einherjar noticed him but didn''t say anything to stop him. He jumped down several flights of stairs and came towards the main shield core. Only to discover dozens of Einherjar on the ground. They had been sucked dry, their bodies nothing more than husks. Almost as if they were burned from the inside out.


    ¡°Rooooaaaaar!¡± Lash screamed in rage, his roar echoed through the entire hall. Then he sprinted down the hallway over his fallen brothers to find not one. But fifty Dark Elved Kursed, while in the lead was the largest of them all.


    The Dark Elves possessed their own form of enhanced "super soldiers" known as the Kursed. They were tall and extremely muscular soldiers that gained their abilities through the breaking of Kurse Stones, gaining immense strength and durability at the cost of being eventually consumed by the darkness as the "curse" killed them. Their skin/scales were pitch black. With elongated fingers turned into claws. What ever armor they wore when crushing the stones infused into their bodies. Their leader wore intricate, and reinforced armor that had all but made him into a monster. With horns jutting from his back, and sides.


    ¡°Stop him!¡± The leader said in Svart¨¢lfheim. Oddly enough Lash understood him. Because Lash laughed at him.


    ¡°Fuck you!¡± Lash called back in perfect Svart¨¢lfheim.


    Then he used Manifestation and called 100 Saurus Veterans! A twisting portal of darkness formed behind Lash and flew backwards. The 100 veterans appeared wearing intricate golden, and silver armor of Asgard. But they were still the reptilian warriors from before. Red Psionic Blades burst from their claws and they roared in challenge. That was clearly not what the leader expected as he turned on his heels and sprinted towards the shield battery. While his companions raced to meet the Veterans.


    Lash used Blink and teleported past the Kursed and went straight after the leader. He used Acceleration and sprinted towards him. Right before the giant Kursed could smash his hands against the battery shield Lash tackled him from behind. The flew off to the side and impacted the wall. The Kursed leader bashed Lash right in the face and he felt his skull cave in slightly. Owe!


    Lash whipped around like a spinning top and his spiked tail swept the Kursed legs out from underneath him. Then his tentacles burst with Red Psionic Blades and struck across the ground where the Kursed had just been before he rolled away. He roared in challenge, that was returned by Lash. Lash tried to use Telekinesis but a dark energy coursed through the contact and seared his scales.


    ¡°You will not stop us! This failed universe will end!¡± The giant Kursed screamed at Lash in his language.


    ¡°Your peoples time came and went! Accept it and move on!¡± Lash called back, and exhaled a roaring flame from his maw with the use of Elemental Manipulation (Fire). Lash''s fire was blue white hot flames. Hot enough to cremate remains.


    ¡°Gaaaaah!¡± The giant Kursed scream in pain and raced through the flames to tackle Lash.


    The Giant slammed into Lash and pushed him back. He clamped his hands around his snout and forced him to stop spewing the flames. The giant''s flesh, and armor had melted. He was a giant walking burn mark. The Kursed head butted Lash several times and only received a head ache in return. Then the tentacles whipped around and stabbed into the giant from behind. They always forget about the extra limbs! Red Psionic Blades sliced into the giant, and sliced him in half.


    ¡°Forgive me.... Malekith....¡± The giant kursed said in his native tongue.


    ¡°Don''t worry, he''ll be joining you soon in Hel.¡± Lash said from above him, then Lash leaned down to devour the Kursed. Activating Soul Eater, Dream Eater, and Devour, Consume, Evolve.


    ¡°So your name was Algrim the Strong. Join your ancestors and be reborn into a better life, Algrim.¡± Lash said to the giant kursed. He turned to see that his veterans had finished with their battle and were in the process of...Disposing of the Kursed.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained Superhuman Reflexes.


    Superhuman Reflexes: The User''s can catch a fired arrow in midair, respond to extremely fast-paced combat, and perform amazing physically defensive feats; They could even evade strikes from beings with super speed, and dodge multiple gunfire with ease.


    Congratulations User, you''ve obtained partial ?lfeneel (Dark Elves) science.


    Lash called a stop to his veterans before they disposed of all of the Kursed. Lash left a lot of Algrim behind. He thanked his veterans and dismissed them back to their magical realm from which they were created. He began to drag the corpses to outside the door and called for an Einherjar to come and guard the main battery core. With in a few minutes a squad was dispatched, and Lash was free to return to the surface to continue the fight.


    The battle upstairs was not going well. Yes, the shield continued to protect the golden palace. But the city outside was suffering tremendous damage. While warriors, and skiffs came from the country side to help push the invaders back. However, when it appeared clear that their act of sabotage failed the Dark Elves pulled their ships back and faded into the darkness of space. Outside the range of the farie fire.


    Only 1 of the 36 capital ships fell. While hundreds of Harrows were destroyed but that meant very little in the grand scheme of things. The shield remained in place, but several security check points allowed the shield to be open in those small, well guarded spots. Civilians were allowed to enter the golden shield for protection. While many more were escorted out of the city.


    Lash kept himself busy by working with the Asgardian healers, and tending to the wounded. Lash was filled with rage when he discovered that the Kursed not only burned the bodies, but also the souls of those they killed. He couldn''t bring anyone back. Then before they could find any real rest, or reprieve from the battle. Black core bombs rained from above Asgard. Just beyond the faire fire the capital ships dropped their ordnance onto Asgard, and its many cities.


    ¡°Lash, Jormungandson! You are called to the war council by Odin All Father!¡± An officer called out to him. Lash waved at him and finished reattaching a limb to a fallen warrior who thanked him.


    ¡°Go, we''ll be fine!¡± The head healer informed him and he excused himself to the council.


    Lash had pulled his Transformation off while he worked with the wounded. They tended to be fearful when a giant reptile worked on them. He chuckled at that, made him wonder if people were unsettled back in his home reality. Probably! But back home he had a secret identity to keep. Here not so much. While on the way to the council Lash cast Immaculate on himself to clean up. He arrived at the door and was ushered in quickly.


    Contained with in the chambers was Odin, Frigga, Thor, with Jane by his side. Warriors three, Sif, and Heimdall. Along with several Einherjar officers, and logistical staff. The entire palace shook once more as several dozen bombs were dropped on the shield. While hundreds more were dropped across the realm eternal. Lash bit back a snarl but moved to the table and bowed to all.


    ¡°I understand we have you to thank for keeping the shield battery in tact. Thank you!¡± Odin said to Lash. Lash bowed from the waist again but said nothing else.


    ¡°It seems your advice on improving the infrastructure was wise, and couldn''t have come sooner. I fear what would have happened had we not seen the ships arrive as soon as we did.¡± Hogun said to Lash, and the council agreed.


    ¡°Unfortunately we don''t have the ability to see the ships flying above us even as they lay waste to our home. It has been centuries since Asgard was last attacked. That was done by the trolls, and it had been purely a battle on the field.¡± Sir said to everyone, a logistical officer pulled up a magical map interface to show all of Asgard and the affected areas.


    ¡°Take it out of me!¡± Jane said suddenly to the room. Everyone looked at her, and Thor paled.


    ¡°Jane, we talked about this. It could kill you!¡± Thor started, but Jane held firm and stepped forward.


    ¡°They want the Aether. How many innocent people will die while we wait?¡± Jane asked the question that was on every ones mind.


    ¡°Lady Jane even if we pull it out. We would still be in the same dilemma. We cant get to the Bifrost from the palace. The moment we step outside they will attack us, and gain what they seek.¡± Volstagg said to her, and everyone agreed.


    ¡°But... There has to be something we can do!?¡± Jane said with out care for her own safety. It was a side of Jane that none of them had seen except for Thor and Lash. In that brief moment everyone including Odin, and Sif started to understand why Thor was so taken with her.


    It was one of those moments that Erik the gamer hated to see in movies. There was no clear explanation on how they removed the Aether in future movies. Something about time travel that made Lash''s head hurt. It was a plot device, but they couldn''t just wave a script around right now. They had to figure out a way to remove the Aether with out killing Jane. Then leave Asgard with it.


    ¡°Lash, could we do what you did on Midgard? Open a portal and travel to another realm. Bring Jane with you?¡± Sif suggested, and before Thor could bite out a snarl Odin raised a hand to silence his son. Sif looked pained to see the expression on Thor pointed at her.


    ¡°Yes, I could. But where ever we go that world will face the same destruction we now face. We can''t destroy the Aether!¡± Lash said to Thor who had lifted his hammer, but paused at Lash''s words.


    ¡°The Aether is a cosmic force of epic proportions. It was why Bor couldn''t do it. He had said he did destroy it in hopes of preventing others to look for it. Which is exactly what happened, until the convergence happened and the Aether woke up to call the Dark Elves from their sleep.¡± Lash said to them all. His Other Worldly Lore activated and granted him some experience.


    ¡°But, we can pull the Aether from Jane with out killing her. But if we do not have a container for it. It will find a suitable host. More than likely it will seek out Malekith. At which point Malekith will finish what he started 5,000 years ago. Use the convergence to remake all of reality into one of darkness.¡± Lash finished his little speech and looked around the room. Almost as if to emphasize his point the palace shook again from another bombing run.


    ¡°So, who is going to volunteer?¡± Fandral asked a expression of remorse on his face.


    ¡°I will!¡± Lash said, and everyone looked up at him in surprise.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Odin screamed but it was to late. Lash reached out with his magic and cast Sooth on Jane. Jane let out a blood curdling scream as the Aether was yanked out of her. An unholy wail from beyond the edges of madness poured into the council room.


    The Aether was power made into a dark crimson liquid! It wailed, and ululated a song of joy to be free from Jane. Then it flew towards Lash following the pathway of Sooth. The Aether collided straight into Lash and he was propelled through the war council chamber doors. Then nailed to the wall as the stone rushed straight into his body.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a spell/power for your Chaos/Order Domain.


    Reality Warping: The User can create, shape, and manipulate reality, the sum or aggregate of all that is real or existent within a system, just by thinking about it; while weaker users are limited to what is already considered "real", stronger ones can make changes from nothing. Depending on the power of a reality warper, they may alter something as tangible as physics and the universe to something inconceivable like logic.


    Side-Effect: Reality Warping can empower your other abilities if the User chooses. It will multiply the energy consumption in exchange for empowerment.


    After all of the Aether had flown into Lash he dropped to the ground and gasped for air. He shuddered in absolute pain as the Aether moved through his body in pure enjoyment. Lash could practically hear his Cosmic Patron cackling with laughter. Lash default Asgardian form had changed. He had black as deep space skin. With dark crimson red eyes, with no cornea. Just pure crimson red energy that crackled with energy. Lash slowly sat back on his knees and found himself surrounded by dozens of Einherjar.


    ¡°Thor! Is Jane alright?¡± Lash asked, and his voice vibrated with dozens of voices.


    ¡°Yes Lash, she is well. Though I think she plans to murder you in a moment!¡± Thor called out, and his voice was filled with joy and worry. Sure enough Jane came storming through the Einherjar and slapped Lash. Then she reached out and hugged him.


    ¡°That was so fucking stupid!¡± Jane yelled at him, and Lash laughed returning the hug.


    ¡°For my friends soon to be wife, it was a simple decision.¡± Lash said to her, and Jane hugged him tighter. Thor came to their side and pulled Lash to his feet and clapped him on his back.


    Odin, and the rest of the war council came out and Odin looked lost between the emotions of rage, and apprehension. How was he suppose to punish an act of bravery, and self sacrifice such as this. But knowing Odin he would figure out a way to punish Lash as well as reward him. If he lived through this event. Sif had no issues being angry and full on punched Lash in the face. Which oddly did more pain to her then him as she winced and massaged her knuckles.


    Red glyphs began to grow, and glow across Lash''s body. He saw that he was quickly obtaining temporary experience in Reality Warping. Then it began to level just as quickly. Soon the ability would evolve. But Lash assumed it was a temporary boon. However, it seemed that Reality Warping was here to stay. A wonderful boon to obtained from the story/cross over Rift. He looked down at the glyphs and looked back at Odin.


    ¡°We don''t have much time. Its burning through me much faster then it did Lady Foster.¡± Lash told Odin, and he looked grave.


    ¡°We need to pick a field of battle. A place to fight the Dark Elves free of innocent life.¡± Hogun said to them all, and they agreed.


    ¡°Svart¨¢lfheim, let''s take them home and kill them. Once and for all. Finish what All Father Bor started!¡± Volstagg said with a smile, and Odin took a moment to reflect.


    ¡°Sound the horn of War! Asgard prepares for a great battle! Lash Jormungandson, you are to travel to Svart¨¢lfheim and hold the Aether from the Dark Elves until the armies of Asgard arrives and lays them to waste!¡± Odin declared, and slammed his spear Gungnir. The magic of the All Father hummed through the golden palace.


    ¡°As you command All Father!¡± Lash said, and saluted him. The War Council saluted, as did the Einherjar! Everyone jumped into action, as the orders were relayed throughout the golden palace, and the realm eternal.


    Before Lash left for the battle field he made a quick trip to the dungeons to see an old friend. Loki was exactly where he was last seen. Sitting in the dungeon reading one of the books Frigga had given him. When Lash arrived Loki looked up at him and his eyes went wide. Then a smile spread across his face. It was the most emotion Lash had seen on him during any of his visits. Loki put his book down and came to the edge of the prison cell.


    The Asgardian cells were magical in nature. Large white rooms almost 100 square foot of space. Golden shields wrapped around the cell. While spell scrip was engraved around the edges. The prison cell had an Asgardian version of Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Immaculate on it. So the prisoners never had to go to the bathroom, didn''t need to eat, and once a day would be cleaned. Loki''s cell was furnished with chairs, a bed, and several books. He was alone, while others shared their prison cells.


    ¡°So, what is all that racket above us?¡± Loki asked Lash. Lash took a few minutes to inform Loki of all that had happened. Ending with the infusion of the Aether into Lash. Loki went through an series of emotions from pride, to hopeful, to angry, to now sadness.


    ¡°Why did you do that, Lash?¡± Loki asked, he was clenching his fists.


    ¡°Because it was the right thing to do.¡± Lash replied, and Loki scoffed in disgust!


    ¡°And you are always about doing the right thing aren''t you!¡± Loki yelled at him. ¡°Why can''t you ever do things for yourself!¡±


    ¡°I did that once. I never regretted it even so many told me I was a fool for trying.¡± Lash said, and Loki looked back at him.


    ¡°Oh? What did the great Jormungandson do for only himself and no other?¡± Loki asked, a sneer on his face.


    ¡°I tried to be your friend.¡± Lash said to Loki, and the sneer fell off of Loki''s face.


    ¡°You tried to befriend a lie! I am a frost giant! A kinslayer! I killed my own father, Laufey! I am no ones friend! I need no one!¡± Loki screamed at him.


    ¡°My father is destined to devour the ten realms Loki. I killed my mother in child birth! I have been a pariah my entire life! You were the only one who didn''t care!¡± Lash screamed at him in return and Loki looked like he wanted to tear Lash apart with his bare hands.


    ¡°I never cared about you! You were a means to an end! Nothing more!¡± Lokie screamed, and turned away flipping one of his tables.


    ¡°I will miss you, my friend.¡± Lash said with painful emotion raw in his voice, then turned on his heel and walked away. Loki kept his back turned to Lash and was soon left behind by Lash''s Sensory Awareness.


    ==========================================================


    ¡°Jane you have to stay here! We are heading into battle, it is not a place for a mortal.¡± Thor tried to convince Jane of the dangers they would be facing. But she was having none of it.


    ¡°Thor I can help! I know more about the convergence than any one! The laws of physics are going to be completely out of sync! Up, will be down! The layers between realities will be the thinnest they will ever be! At least let me return to Earth and help from my end.¡± Jane pleaded with Thor, and pegged him with a glare. Thor would never admit it out loud but he always loved that glare. It was the look of a warrior daring him to admit defeat.


    ¡°I think she is right.¡± Frigga said from the doorway. Making both Thor, and Jane jump in surprise. They had been talking in his room. Having a Jane in Thor''s bed room suddenly seemed so embarrassing to them both. Frigga smiled at her son.


    ¡°Jane should return to Midgard. If she believes she can help, then she can.¡± Frigga continued, and Jane smiled at her. ¡°Lash also agrees, he believes she can work with a man named Selvig to stabilize the convergence in Midgard.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Yes! See that could work. If we stabilize our end that would be one less world for the battle to cross over in... In theory!¡± Jane said with a half/half hand gesture which made Frigga laugh in delight.


    ¡°Very well, mother could you excuse us?¡± Thor agreed, but wanted to spend more time with Jane. Frigga winked at Jane, and making her turn red as a tomato.


    ¡°Don''t take to long!¡± Frigga said, mischief clear in her voice. Thor chocked on his own saliva and tried to clear his throat with a coughing fit.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°Why is he going alone!?¡± Sif yelled in question at the Warriors Three as they followed behind Heimdall.


    ¡°He can''t open the portal for that long. He also says his magic is barely contained. The Aether is empowering everything he does. He fears he might send anyone with him across the universe to a place of unknown reaches.¡± Volstagg said, as he tried to calm her down.


    ¡°Sif please we will be right on his tail as soon as the Dark Elves leave we''ll jump into the Bifrost-¡± Hogun began but was interrupted when a resounding crack of thunderous explosion raced across the sky line. Heimdall''s gate house, and the instrument that controlled the Bifrost was destroyed by a black core bomb.


    ¡°Stop Lash before he jumps! Now!¡± Heimdall yelled at all of them and they sprinted off towards Lash''s last known location.


    Heimdall stood in shock as his home was destroyed for a second time in five years more than it had in centuries. At the very least they had the Tesseract with them. Along with several jump ships. But it would take days for the ships to arrive on Svart¨¢lfheim. Heimdall reached across Asgard with his power to speak to Lash but found only a swirling vortex beginning to fade from existence. Lash had left, and they had no way of helping him.


    ============================================================


    A swirling vortex of darkness and starlight poured out across the blasted, and barren landscape of Svart¨¢lfheim. Out stepped the Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson. The portal closed swiftly behind him swallowing the words of Heimdall, and Sif who screamed his name. Lash looked back, thinking he had heard something but dismissed for the howling winds of the realm. He looked around and shuddered in dismay.


    He flipped through his Magical Perceptions until he saw millions of fragmented souls of Dark Elves littered across the landscape. Holy crap! Did no one come to collect them!? What kind of bullshit was that! Lash raised his hands out and used his new Reality Warping empowerment and used Judgment. An ancient being of incredible power rushed into Lash and momentarily possessed his body. The Aether moaned in absolute delight! Lash''s energy reserves went from 100% to 1% with a snap of a finger.


    Millions of Spiritual Guardians raced from the stars above towards the surface of Svart¨¢lfheim. All of Svart¨¢lfheim was quickly cleansed, and purified! Lash was brought to his knees, and he fell to ground his vision narrowed but he stayed conscious. To watch as the forgotten Dark Elves were sent to their next life. Either to be punished, rewarded, or reborn. A ripple of energy cascaded through the realm of the Dark Elves. For a brief, brief moment the planet itself was peaceful.


    The ancient being left Lash behind and returned to the afterlife. The Aether writhed with in its hosts body. Lash felt his energy reserves trickle back into him but only at half its normal pace. The Aether was suckling on Lash like a babe hungry for milk. He slowly crawled, and pushed himself onto his back to stare up at the black hole above the planet. How the thing gave off light he wasn''t sure. But then again the Aether had changed Svart¨¢lfheim first before all others. Not everything had to make sense here.


    Reality Warping had temporarily reached Intermediate and it was still growing. Lash also noticed his total health was falling. Even with his Healing Aura active he only ever went to 92% of his total health. After an hour of resting his total health dropped again to 91%. The Aether was eating him alive! Lash pulled himself up and shaped the earth beneath him into a simple chair and began to use Meditate. His energy reserves jumped back to full quickly enough. Something the Aether was more than happy about.


    Lash reached out and activated his long lost spell. Druid Grove and empowered it with Advanced Reality Warping. He disliked the barren rock, and dirt of Svart¨¢lfheim. So he would change it! Druid Grove at its most standard level only changed up to one square mile. But thanks to the Aether a beautiful all be it dark forest erupted from the ground. Towering trees as tall, and wide as skyscrapers back on Earth shot into the sky. Plants of and animals of variety of life suited for the darkness burst into being. The spell rippled across the entire planet. Feeding on Lash, and the Aether as Svart¨¢lfheim looked more like its comic book counterpart. Instead of the barren rock of the MCU.


    ============================================================


    In space above the world Svart¨¢lfheim one by one pin pricks of minuscule black holes burst open like a bubble! Out from the cascading energy of dark matter came the first capital ships of the Dark Elves. In the lead was the largest ship of them all which contained the Dark Elf leader, and sorcerer Malekith. Malekith stood on the bridge of the lead ship and took a moment to soak in the energy of his home realm. They had all been gone for so long. Spent countless centuries in the poison that the others called light. Now, they were home.


    Malekith stood at approximately 6''5¡± with long white hair intricately braided down his back. He had gray to white skin with organic ridges along his cheek bones. His black eyes went well with his ornate, and ceremonial armor. That was a combination of leather from some ancient creature. Along with a metal that had not been seen in over a millennia in the realms of light. He had long pointed ears, and a very lithe, athletic figure.


    The Dark Elf soldiers aboard the bridge wore a power suit that mimicked their body types. They were form fitting, and were vacuum sealed. Along with their masks, which was a faceless mask with large dark eyes. The suit kept them protected from the harmful radiation of light. The Dark Elves would experience pain, blisters, and burns if exposed to light of nearly any kind. The suits protected them. The Elves that remained were the elite, of the elite of their people. Tall, strong, and athletic. They would put most super models on earth to shame if they ever showed their faces.


    One of the consoles on the bridge came to life and created a holographic image of their home planet. Malekith''s eyes went wide in utter horror! He pulled the image towards him, and brought up additional information. Their beautiful home planet was covered in...covered in, PLANTS!? The towering trees gave off ambient light that would help feed the rest of the forest below.


    ¡°WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OUR HOME!?¡± Malekith screamed in fury! The computer zeroed in on the Aether energy source. There on the northern hemisphere was the location of their fury, and their hope. A red tornado swirled around in massive storm as the forest it self grew from its power.


    ================================================================


    Half way through the conversion of the planet the Aether stopped draining Lash of his health, and energy. The Aether wanted to be used, begged for it! It yearned for direction by its host! The towering energy storm was growing larger by the minute. Floating above the storm was the windows into other realms. The convergence was taking place! Jotunheim, home of the J?tunn (Frost Giants). Was first, the Aether spreads its Reality Warping into the frozen realm. A new forest grew from the gate between dimensions. This forest changed, and adapted to the environment. Living crystals one would normally find on the planet of Krypton began to grow across the Frost Giants home.


    Muspelheim (Muspel), home of the fire demons, Surtur the fire demons king, a realm of eternal fire. Volcanic rock, ash, and lava gave way to silicon plant life. Trees with organic metal bark, leaves, and plants took root. New creatures never before seen on the realm were warped into being. This was not destruction per say but creation on a massive scale. No, it did not twist anything it came across. Simply moved past it like a stone in a river.


    Niffleheim ("Mist-Home") realm of the dishonored dead, a land of ice, mist, and cold. Saw a dramatic change as their entire realm was changed as the Aether planted forests, jungles, and rolling hills of grass. The dishonored realm suddenly wasn''t so bad? Especially to a special occupant who was imprisoned there by Odin himself. An Asgardian Goddess of Death, Hela who looked up from her jail cell in confusion as she saw the forest take root.


    Malekith''s primary ship landed on the planet''s surface only a half a mile from the storm. Malekith raised his arms to the skies and called to the Aether and was struck dumb when the Aether ignored him. Trees, and plant life reached up and swallowed Malekith''s ship and pulled it down into its depths. Several of the capital ships tried to take back off but many of them were swallowed by the jungle. Despite the loss an army of Dark Elves, and Kursed had made it planet side. Malekith roared in rage and pushed towards the Aethers wielder.


    Lash was lost in his own Meditation, and in the current of the Aether itself. He was aware of what was happening. But he was no longer in control. He was simply a passenger as the Aether steered for him. Saurian was screaming at him to take back control before the Aether converted Midgard! Lash pushed against the energy, and slowly started to clamp down on the Aether as it just started to convert Vanaheim. Thankfully most of Vanaheim was already a forest. So it only added to it.


    The twisting energy of the Aether abated and was reabsorbed into Lash. The Aether came willingly and coiled up in Lash for a feeding of his own energy. However, the Aether no longer fought against Lash. Nor did it want to leave. The Aether wanted to be used. It had enjoyed changing the worlds into a forest filled with life. Creating things that had not been seen in thousands of years. Lash wasn''t even sure how much he had just fucked up the MCU timeline by terraforming existing planets.


    ¡°WHAT HAVE YOU DONE MONSTER!¡± A scream of pure rage called out to him. Lash stood from his spot and looked at the Dark Elf Sorcerer, Malekith. Lash smiled at him and raised his arms up.


    ¡°Do you like it? I thought your home world could use a change! The Aether was so helpful as well, almost as if it enjoyed it! Seems it is not as dutiful as you thought it would be.¡± Lash said, really digging it in. If looks could kill, Malekith would have skinned Lash alive a hundred times by now.


    ¡°You can''t possibly hope to control the Aether! It answers only to one master! I will remak-¡± Malekith began his supervillian monologue but was stopped simply by Lash turning his back on him and walking away. ¡°STOP! Where are you going?¡± Malekith shouted.


    ¡°All I have to do is wait until the convergence is over. Once its done you''ll have to wait another 5,000 years to bring back your dead reality. Of course you are also stuck here! Because your ships can''t land!¡± Lash said loudly, and cast Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon on himself and blended into the forest around him. Time to play!


    Malekith screamed in rage and raced after him. Followed by a legion of Dark Elf soldiers. Lash cast Transformation on himself and called on his own army. Manifestation activated, empowered by Master Reality Warping. 1,000 Saurus Elites were pulled into being across the vast forest of darkness. Each one blending into the forest and began to pick off the Elves one by one.


    _______________________________________________________________


    A battle across the 9 realms took place as Dark Elves fought against Saurus Elites. They pushed between the layers between dimensions. Fighting on the streets of Greenwich, London, UK. A Dark Elf Capital ship was pulled through a layer and crashed into the Old Royal Naval College. Dozens of Saurus Elites climbed on top of the ship and started to dismantle it while others of their brothers attacked the Dark Elves. They did their best to keep the fight contained.


    While several other capital ships fell through the layers and crashed into the countryside of Asgard! The warriors at last had something to focus their energies on as the raced to fight the Elves and join the battle with the reptilian warriors in Asgardian armor. While the best, and quickest workers did their best to rebuild the Bifrost gate. Frigga, and Odin channeled the Tesseract and sent a few spared volunteers to Svart¨¢lfheim.


    A single Dark Elf ship arrived in front of Nidavellir and the dwarves laughed in delight as one of their many machines blew the ship into smithereens. Then they went back to work! Orbital defensive platforms above Vanaheim began to shoot at the ships appearing in their realms. As Dark Elves poured out of their ships. A hundred Elites rushed out to meet them, side by side with the Vanir! The natives of the realm.


    As Tesseract portals opened on Svart¨¢lfheim. Thor, Sif, and the Warriors three stepped out looking around in utter confusion. When did the dark world get a forest? A Saurus Elite appeared by their side and they nearly attacked it. But it directed them to its creators location where he was currently fighting against Malekith.


    __________________________________________________________________


    It seemed that the Aether was a dutiful child of Malekith, because it refused to fight him. That was just fine! Lash was more than happy to fight Malekith. Of course the horde of Kursed at his side was another matter! Malekith would channel a spell and call the Aether towards him. The Aether was torn between going to him, and staying with Lash. While Lash was fighting for his life against the Kursed.


    WHAM! A Kursed bashed its fists into Lash from the side. In reprisal Lash cut the bastard in half with a Red Psionic Sword that Lash crafted thanks to Reality Warping. He had two red energy short swords in hand, while his tentacles used the typical blades. He jumped through the crowd and began to slice, dice, and make pasta out of the Kursed! Then was forced to stop as he felt a little more of the Aether being pulled out of him.


    Lash bisected another Kursed, then Blinked towards Malekith. He was shielded by his Kursed and Lash collided with them in a contest of flesh, and bone. The Kursed attacked with fierce determination and were impaled for their efforts with Darkness Manipulation. But of course that didn''t keep them down. Lash jumped away, and ran back into the forest. While his Elites picked off the different Kursed that got lost in the forest.


    ¡°Lash!¡± A familiar, and incredible welcome shout came from his friend Thor.


    ¡°Here Odinson!¡± Lash called out for his friend. A lighting strike decimated a unit of Dark Elves and from the skies came the thunder god!


    Thor landed nearby with a fierce look of determination on his face. He looked for Lash, and a smile grew on him. He ran over and gave Lash a warriors handshake. Gripping his forearm, and clapping him on the back. Lash returned the gesture, though he was taller than Thor currently it did little to stop the affection, and respect between them.


    ¡°Where is Malekith!¡± Thor asked, and Lash pointed as a dozen or so Kursed came from the forest edge they were by. Followed by the Dark Elf leader, wisps of Aether energy trailing around him.


    ¡°The Aether refuses to fight him. He''s been slowly sucking it out of me, piece by piece.¡± Lash said, as Thor spun his hammer and smiled at the Dark Elf.


    ¡°Friends, and allies are here Lash. We''ll fight him together!¡± Thor loudly cheered and rushed towards Malekith, a Kursed tackled Thor mid flight and began to pummel him. Lash rolled his eyes as Thor was slowly swarmed by the Kursed.


    ¡°For Asgard!¡± Volstagg came barreling out of the forest and dove straight into a company of Elves. Followed closely by Fandral, and Hogun. While Sif went straight for Lash.


    ¡°Thank the ancestors you still live!¡± Sif said with a grin, and hugged Lash. The attention was a bit surprising, but not at all unwelcome.


    ¡°Good to see you too, Sif! Care to join me in rescuing Thor? He''s bitten off a little more than he can chew!¡± Lash said, as he pointed at the dog pile of Kursed. Sif rolled her eyes and pulled out her double pointed sword.


    She rushed into the pile and started to attack the Kursed. While a few more Elites appeared and tried to assassinate Malekith. He shaped the whispering trails of Aether into arrow points and shot them straight through the Elites. They stopped for about two seconds then continued to race towards him. This surprised the elf greatly!


    ¡°What sorcery is this!¡± Malekith shouted in horror as he repeatedly shot at the Elites. Even blowing off limbs! Which would regrow quickly.


    ¡°Yes, please allow me to take a moment to describe why my people are resistant to damage. You fucking moron!¡± Lash shouted at the elf, Malekith gave him an acidic glare and rushed him.


    Lash sprinted towards him and thanks to his new Superhuman Reflexes twisted just at the right time to slice through Malekith''s armor, and cut several lacerations into his body. The wounds woundn''t heal for a long, long time. Malekith was slowly bleeding to death. Though he did end up pulling about half of the Aether out of Lash. By doing so, several Elites across the different dimensions turned into Veterans instead. A shame, but the fight continued on.


    A lighting strike hit the dog pile of Kursed and blew them into the sky. Dozens of trees came to life and started to thrash, and tear at the elves nearby. Thor came barreling out with a grin on his face, and several cuts, and a busted lip. He joined Sif, and they rescued Volstagg who was in the process of bear hugging a Kursed.


    ¡°Your universe was never meant to be!¡± Malekith shouted at Lash, who rolled his eyes. What is with the clich¨¦ monologue crap!?


    ¡°You had your time, Malekith! Instead of adapting, and evolving with the change your people became stagnant. You only have yourselves to blame! You could have used the Aether to change your entire race! You could have empowered them beyond measure! Instead, you decided to take the cowards way out and ignore the problem!¡± Lash said with a smile as he rushed back at Malekith who was fuming at the dismissal of his plans.


    ¡°My people are already superior! We were the first to be born, and we will be the last!¡± Malekith shouted at him and pulled that last bit of the Aether out of Lash. A look of triumph came over him just in time to see Lash slice off one of his arms. Turning it into dust.


    ¡°It ends now, creature! The Aether can not be destroyed!¡± Malekith shouted at Lash, and started to pour his energy into the convergence. The Aether formed a new arm for Malekith.


    ¡°You are mistaken, Malekith! The convergence ended while you and I bantered back and forth!¡± Lash said with a smile as he looked up, the convergence was ending. The doors between worlds was fading out of sight.


    ¡°NO! I WILL DESTROY YOU!¡± Malekith shouted and conjured the Aether and prepared to shoot Reality Warping shots at Lash. But an unexpected pleasure happened. The Aether wouldn''t attack Lash!


    With the convergence over the 9 realms were safe once again. It would be time to finish with the Dark Elves, and head back home. But he had enough time to enjoy Malekith''s look of complete and utter fury! Lash bolted straight towards the Dark Elf who tried to stop Lash by shooting at the ground, or changing the area around him. The Aether refused, even until Lash swiped his energy blades straight down the elf''s middle. Malekith separated into two portions, and the Aether flowed out of him and back into Lash.


    ¡°Hello my friend, you know you can''t stay in me forever.¡± Lash said softly to the Aether who ignored him and purred in contentment within him.


    The battle continued! But it was clear to the Dark Elves they were finished. Many hundreds of them fled into the new dark forest of their home planet. While thousands more across the 9 realms tried to hide. Several capital ships remained active, and they escaped into the dark reaches of space. The Dark Elves were no longer extinct as the different realms thought them to be. Despite the return of the elves. Four of the nine realms had been forever changed by the Aether, and its wielder. What that would be meant in the long run remained to be seen...


    ------


    Thanks to the Aether, and Master Reality Warping Lash used Portal Creation and brought the Asgardians back to Asgard. Then swiftly rebuilt Heimdall''s home, and the gate of the Bifrost. Despite his nearly unstoppable power Lash made it very clear he could not wait to get the Aether out of him. With out a universe wide action in place, the Aether was back to siphoning off Lash''s energy and slowly killing him.


    As much as it pained Erik. (Plot Device) Lash used Master Reality Warping to create a containment stone for the Aether. With the help of the All Father Odin, and the All Mother Frigga. They pulled the Aether out, and forced it into the stone. The Aether let out an unholy screech of despair being pulled from Lash. One of its best hosts it had ever had. But was drawn into the stone, and secured. The deep space black faded from Lash''s skin, as did his crimson eyes, and the glowing glyphs.


    Thankfully everything he had done while the Aether possessed him remained. So the forest on Svart¨¢lfheim would stay, as it would on the other realms. Along with Reality Warping, he kept that as well. A celebration of giant proportions happened on Asgard. As did many new infrastructure ideas. So something like this would never happen again. Along with an outstanding bounty for any, and all dark elves that could be found among the nine realms.


    Despite all that he had done. Odin still had to ''punish'' Lash for going against his wishes, and for changing so many of the realms. He was sent to Midgard for the next foreseeable future to help the Midgardians in the coming days. As well as dismantle the dark elf ship that remained there before the Midgardians hurt themselves. Lash had done something incredibly brave, but had let the power consume him. If only for a moment. He understood, and accepted the punishment. He visited Loki one last time, and then said goodbye.


    ============================================================


    In the vastness of space was a giant skull of what was known as a long dead celestial being. This place was a black market refuge, and often called ''Knowhere.'' Contained with in this giant skull of a long since dead creature. Was a towering structure of glass, steel, and reinforced stone. This was the home of the collector. Striding through its halls was an alien woman with red skin, a maid uniform, and a exhausted outlook on life. She led two cloaked figures to her master.


    ¡°I present to you, Taneleer Tivan. The Collector.¡± The maid said to the two figures. She bowed in a practice grace and stepped aside. Taneleer stepped forward and bowed from his waist and did a serious of complex gestures. Recognizing who they were simply by looking at them.


    The figures pulled their hoods back to reveal themselves as Volstagg, and Sif. They looked at the Collector, and his collection with a complicated expressions. Many of Taneleer''s collections were here against their will. Asgardian''s abhorred slavery in all its a forms. A brief moment of awkward tension arose before Taneleer spoke.


    ¡°Asgardians, how may I be of help?¡± Taneleer said.


    ¡°You know why we are here.¡± Sif said, as she pulled a container from her sleeve. Taneleer''s eyes opened wide and he was practically dripping with pleasure at something so rare. For he was driven by an insatiable urge to collect, and record the most rare of things.


    ¡°Of course! But if I may ask, why not keep it secure in your own vault.¡± Taneleer asked, honestly curious about their answer. Volstagg opened his mouth to speak, even as he narrowed his eyes at Taneleer.


    ¡°The Tesseract is already on Asgard. It is not wise to keep two infinity stones so close together.¡± Volstagg said simply, and Taneleer agreed. Sif carefully handed the container to Taneleer, and the Aether with in whispered sweet promises of power to anyone who could hear it.


    ¡°I assure you it will be safe here...With in my collection. But a question, who made such an intricate design?¡± Taneleer asked, looking over the ornate stone that contained the Aether. Volstagg, and Sif looked at each other then back at Taneleer.


    ¡°Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson.¡± Volgstagg replied, and Taneleer seem to memorize the name as he looked at the stone. Taneleer, and the maid both bowed from their waist and waited there. Sif, and Volstagg nodded and left in a hurry.


    ¡°One down, five to go... Make a note of the creator''s name. If at all possible I would like to meet him.¡± Taneleer said to his maid who quickly did as he asked.


    =============================================================


    Greenwich University. London, England. Was in a horrible mess of things. Sitting just outside the main building laying across the courtyard was a fallen dark elf ship. Half of it was sitting in the river. The entire area for one square mile was quarantined off by SHIELD. One of the current agents in charge of the operation was Agent Phil Coulson. He had his field team with him.


    Agents Fitz, and Simmons. Along with specialist Agent Grant Ward. Agent/pilot Melinda May, and the currently in training recruit Agent Sky. They were currently assisting the SHIELD team to organize what was alien, and what was not. Scanning for bio-hazards, and potential technology. Despite the excellent condition of the ship. Nothing worked! It seemed that with out the dark elves to operate it the machine went into a dormant state.


    ¡°You know it would be nice! If Thor and his people would send down the god of, ''Cleaning up after yourself!¡± Phil said to his recruit Sky who smiled at him. Then as if answering his prayers from on high a Bifrost rainbow bridge crashed into the courtyard outside and left behind Lash.


    ¡°Respectful greetings to you warriors of SHIELD. I am here to help clean up our mess!¡± Lash called out.


    ¡°Wow, good timing!¡± Sky said...


    Galen

 Chapter 109: Berserker Staff

    =============================================================


    ***HR. Watch Tower Station. Head Quarters***


    The Head Quarters was a fancy name for the room with the big table. Where the senior members of the Justice League: International would meet. They would try to meet once a month depending on the overall situation in the global issues. However, today was a little different. They were discussing the global issues. But they were also discussing the need for a new name? Or a new sub-division. The Justice League didn''t just cover Earth anymore. Three exceptional individuals on Mars had been selected to join the League and were currently training on the Watch Tower.


    Then there was the debate or need for another division called, ''Shadow Operations'' unlike the Young Justice system they had in place for espionage. The Shadow Operations would concentrate on the need for assassinations. It sickened many people on the senior staff that they even needed it. But a few people were pushing for it. They didn''t live in a fairy tale world where everything could be placed easily into black and white.


    But also most of all, the concept of killing. During the Invasion no one questioned the right for defending themselves, and the protection of others. Nearly everyone on the senior staff had killed the, ''Meat Puppets.'' At the time one could argue that they were already dead. But Wraith disproved that theory by creating a recovery program for them. They couldn''t be above the law. But many would say they already are. This was a slippery slope to be on.


    ¡°Five years ago if you had told me we would discussing the finer points on morality inside of a giant space station with aliens from another world, while I sit across from fairies. I would have asked you to share what ever you are smoking with me.¡± Arthur/ Aquaman said to the room with a grin.


    ¡°I''m a Sylvan, not a fairy.¡± Said the Seelie Court Councilor who gave Arthur a smile.


    ¡°Right! Cause that makes all the difference to a laymen.¡± Arthur said with a laugh, and jumped a little when his lovely Queen Y''Mera/ Aquawoman elbowed his side.


    ¡°Why don''t we table the discussion of killing until later. But I still support the process of recruitment for the Shadow Operations. Even if we ban the rule of killing. Having the group for other positions, and duties will be necessary.¡± Black Canary suggested, and several people agreed.


    ¡°Next would be the discussion of the CSA program, and the United Nations World Security program for Earth citizenship. The three Martians in our League have no desire to become citizens of the Earth. They will come to help if needed. But they would ultimately fall out of Earths laws since they are not of the planet itself.¡± Black Canary continued another line of dialogue they had glossed over.


    It put a few people on edge thinking about the ramifications. Should they even be allowed to work on the Earth if they were not citizens? If not, then all the Kryptonians, Thanagarians, Martians, and Tamareans would be technically outside their jurisdiction. Just because they were not ''legal citzens'' should they not be allowed to live, and work on the planet they call home?


    ¡°If we sign onto the CSA they will demand that you give them your identity. For some of us that means little. While others it means the world.¡± Hawkman said to the room, and gestured towards Superman specifically who looked caught between denial, and acceptance.


    ¡°If you sign on for the UNWS citizenship program we''ll do the same thing we did with Wraith. We''ll know your ID, because technically we already do. You''ll be doing the same 5-10 year program he is doing. You''ll be working within in the confines of the law, but also have legal rights.¡± The Seelie Court Councilor suggested to the room.


    ¡°So, essentially the CSA is mostly for the people who don''t want to go for the Superhero life?¡± Flash asked, tapping away on his computer a mile a second.


    ¡°The CSA/Ghost Industries currently has made no public announcement for a Superhero program. However, it is in the air.¡± Victoria/Vici said from her seat as she looked around the room. A few people were still wigged out by that.


    ¡°Right now it is mostly for people who need personal security, training, and the chance to choose between this, or that.¡± Victoria suggested to the room, and every nodded in acceptance.


    ¡°We''ll of course share our psychological profiles with the League. In case we find anyone who may be a good fit for the League.¡± Victoria continued, and pushed several data files to the senior staff.


    ¡°I''m not sure about our other backers. But Queen Industries, and Merlyn Industries is more than willing to jump on the CSA program.¡± Green Arrow said from his side of the table. Speaking for Tommy who couldn''t be here at the moment.


    ¡°The issue we have right now are facilities. I understand that Wraith wanted to establish a Lunar Colony. But for now, we should build additional structures where we can.¡± Dr. Wells said from his chair as he scrolled through the database.


    ¡°Should the CSA, and Justice League train in separate locations? I know we have the Watch Tower. But it would be nice to have a big open space to train?¡± Supergirl suggested, jumping into the conversation as she looked over the applicants.


    ¡°I think Wraith intended for everyone to work together. We''ll just freely pass out basic glamour charms. Encourage people to practice secret identities. It would be good practice.¡± Svadeni said from her spot in the table.


    ¡°Oh hay! Slight subject change! Who is paying us? I had several recruits ask. I honestly don''t know who bank rolls this operation. Some wealthy billionaires perhaps?¡± Flash asked from his seat looking/not looking at Green Arrow, and Batman.


    ¡°Wraith pays for this out of his own pocket.¡± The Seelie Court Councilor said from their spot, and a majority of the room turned towards them in confusion. Except for a few people, like Batman who already knew.


    ¡°For it all?¡± Flash asked, then turned towards Victoria who nodded.


    ¡°Have I ever told Wraith how amazingly handsome he is?¡± Flash asked with a smile on his face. That got a few chuckles through out the room.


    ¡°What is Wraith''s opinion on the Shadow Operations. Do we know?¡± Superman asked, and looked around the room to see a few people trying to not look at him.


    ¡°He''s the one that suggested it.¡± Hex said from their chair, in the far corner.


    ¡°Technically, Wraith as an Agent of the UNWS, and a Warden. He is allowed to kill people as long as they have been served a General Warrant, or a Red Notice. He is of course not suggesting we start an open slaughter. But take careful consideration, and use available information. Using his own words, and this is a quote. ''I''ve always been a sucker for redemption stories.''¡± The Seelie Court Councilor said. Superman smiled at that.


    ¡°So, he suggested Shadow Operations, and would vote on their ability to kill. But only as a last resort?¡± Supergirl asked, she was unusually focused when it came to Wraith''s opinion. Most of the room nodded, or said a simple yes.


    ¡°Not everyone deserves to be killed. Some people are just in a bad spot and can''t control their life. It is people like this that we can help. Than can be a redemption story, as Wraith put it. While there are others that are just disgusting and deserve nothing more than a trip to Tartartus.¡± Vyllith said from her spot, she was sitting in for Wraith since he was not available.


    Though the subject had been tabled it seemed to come back around with out meaning too. No one objected to the change. But the creation of Shadow Operations, and the use for killing was put to a vote. In the end the new division was created, and the use of killing through extensive research was voted, yes. Though the vote was not unanimous by any means. That was the benefit, and flaw of a democracy. Little by little their world was changing. For better, or worse remained to be seen....


    =============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Greenwich, University. London, England***


    Mary Sue Poots, aka Sky, recruit of Shield was beset with an issue. What do you do when a literal god of Asgard was with in touching distance of herself. Lash, Jormungandson may not be Thor. But the man was still beyond handsome, and dreamy. Sky felt her knees grow weak just standing next to him. More than once she caught herself fantasizing about pushing the man onto the table he stood by and mounting him. With the stares he was getting from the other female agents in the room she was not the only one.


    Sky was 5''5¡± with long brown hair, and brown eyes. She had an hourglass figure, with athletic muscles. She carried herself with a sense of pride and confidence most of the time. She believed herself to be a beautiful woman. But she had seen better looking people than her. She was currently measuring herself against the other women in the room. Then she glanced down at herself thinking if she had known he would be here she would have worn something a little more...


    ¡°Apprentice Sky?....Apprentice Sky, are you unwell?¡± Lash turned to look at her, and Sky blinked in confusion.


    ¡°What? Sorry, what did you say?¡± Sky asked, then she blushed hard core. She caught Agent May, and Agent Simmons smirking at her. While Agent Coulson, Fitz looked at her in worry. Agent Ward was rolling his eyes.


    ¡°Apprentice Sky, I asked if you would like to come into the ship with me. I heard you wanted to take it for a spin?¡± Lash asked, his face a perfect golden ratio of masculine beauty. Sky bit her lower lip and nodded several times not trusting her voice.


    ¡°Agent Simmons, Agent Fitz are coming as well, yes?¡± Lash asked, and Fitz-Simmons bounced several times in place.


    ¡°Yes! We couldn''t get the door open no matter how hard we tried. Its made out of an alien-¡± Simmons began to use words Sky didn''t understand. But it seemed Lash understood her perfectly because he began to speak to her in perfect English, but used words foreign to her.


    ¡°Take a breath, and ground yourself.¡± May said to Sky as they started to walk towards the ship with a security team.


    ¡°Am I that obvious?¡± Sky asked in a soft squeak.


    ¡°You, and every female Agent in the room.¡± Ward said with a smirk. Sky wanted to crawl into a hole and hide. But kept walking with everyone.


    ¡°Apprentice Sky, come here and place your hand.¡± Lash called out to her, and she blushed again. There was that fantasy again, what was wrong with her!? Sky swallowed audibly and placed her hand on the ship. Lash reached out and guided her hand to the exact spot. Wow he smelled good!


    ¡°Cccrrrrzzzttttt!¡± An alarm went off from the alien ship. Then chirped out a serious of words no one understood.


    ¡°Fascinating! Why didn''t that work for anyone else!?¡± Fitz asked, dozens of people had placed their hand all over the ship. No reaction had taken place. But Sky felt an electrical hum go through her hand.


    ¡°Interesting.... I thought your Kree DNA would cause a reaction.¡± Lash said to Sky. Sky, along the rest of her team stopped to look at him.


    ¡°I''m sorry what?¡± Sky asked.


    ¡°Kree, you have Kree DNA in you. Though it is only a 1.9% margin it is enough to mark as you as another in the grand scheme of things. I had thought the ship would have reactivated its security protocols.¡± Lash replied to her, then gently placed his hand on top of her own. Sky went into overdrive. Kree!? Who, or what are the Kree!? Wow! Lash''s hand was touching hers! Wait!? She was part alien!?


    ____________________________________________________________________


    Lash smiled slightly at the confused look everyone gave him. As before Lash revealed an intricate part of the story way ahead of its natural reveal. But he said it simply as if he was discussing the weather. He could smell Kree coming off of Sky. He had even used Source Code to read her program. Sure enough she had the markers of a Inhuman. Or at least that was what Erik had said she was. The Dark Elf ship had read her DNA and denied her access. Lash expected a security activation, but nothing happened. The ship must be in dire straits.


    Lash gently pulled Sky''s hand back, and smiled at her. Her face, and ears turned bright red. Then Lash used Red Psionic Blade from his finger nails making Simmons jump in surprise, and Fitz eyes glowing bright. Lash began to peel the door apart, and slowly opened the way for the group. He informed Lord Phil, Son of Cole at the possibilities of Dark Elves with in the ship. A full security team with armor penetration weapons moved in with Lash by their side.


    ¡°Down!¡± Lash called out and yanked a SHIELD security forces soldier back. A red blast of energy melted the spot right where they had stood.


    With a flash of darkness and smoke Lash sprinted across the room with a red energy blade bursting form his knuckles like a short sword. He cleaved the elf in half, and Blinked across the room to bisect another. The agents unloaded their weapons into another and by sheer force of will bullets found spacing between armored plates and put them down. Lash sent out a pulse of Nature Domain. No other life signs detected. He had gotten sloppy, so use to working with Asgardians he forgot how weak Midgardians could be. He jumped down and went to Lord Phil and took a knee in apology.


    ¡°I am sorry Lord Phil, Son of Cole I put your people in danger. It was not my intention, please forgive me.¡± Lash said, in genuine concern for his mistake. He noticed Agent May was glaring at him for his mistake, but held no true animosity for owning up to his mistake.


    ¡°Comes with the job, but we should clear the rest of the ship before we let anyone else in.¡± Phil said, and patted Lash on the shoulder.


    Though Lash knew of no other sign of life. He cleared the ship with the security team all the same. The Dark Elves were an advanced race even beyond Asgard. They had played with Blach Holes for thousands of years. Learning to create a drive core using that very energy. As well as the compression of space. Simply said, the ship was far larger inside than out. This was not magic, but pure technological science. Once the all clear was given Lash met up with Lord Fitz, and Lady Simmons and brought them to the drive core.


    ¡°That is an artificial black hole!?¡± Fitz all but screamed in horror, and fascination.


    ¡°Yes, they used it for power. As well as propulsion. Though the Bifrost is far more efficient when it comes to transportation. The Dark Elves were in a close second when it came to travel time. Unlike the rest of the galaxy that used jump point FTL. The Dark Elves could propel themselves through space by folding like a black hole do.¡± Lash said simply, then also used a large amount of technological jargon that Erik the gamer didn''t understand. It was one of those few moments where the Dream Engine took over. Science Fiction, and pseudo-science that hadn''t technically been discovered yet.


    ¡°I''m sorry to interrupt but...Who are the Kree?¡± Sky asked suddenly. She walked up next to Lash determination written on her face. Fitz-Simmons stopped talking to wait for an answer. Lash tilted his head to the side in a way curious animal would.


    ¡°The Kree are a militaristic race of mostly blue-skinned humanoids from the planet Hala. One of the most technically advanced races in this galaxy, the Kree are skilled in genetic engineering. Politically, they are a powerful intergalactic state, controlling a vast empire. The empire is made up of dozens of conquered sapient species. Though overtime each of them come to call themselves, Kree. They are ruled over by a advanced artificial intelligence called, ''The Supreme Intelligence.''¡± Lash said, and his Background WP activated. He spoke as if he was reading from a book. Cause technically he was. Of course that didn''t really answer Sky''s question, if anything it raised more questions.


    ¡°One of your ancestors long ago was experimented on by the Kree. The Kree used humans expansive genetic design to create soldiers for a war. Most of these experiments failed, but not on Earth. However, the experiment was destroyed and their results were released back into the wild. Your ancestor.¡± Lash supplied another answer to Sky. NOW! That explanation surprised him, he wasn''t sure where he got that from.


    Sky looked like her world had just fallen on top of her. Thankfully the only people in the room were Lord Phil''s team, and Lash. No one else heard this startling piece of information. Sky stumbled and Lash reached out to catch her. She flailed her arms not wanting to be touched by anyone. She started to hyperventilate until Lash cast Calm Emotions on her. She slowed her breathing, and found a place to sit down on. Phil, and May were by her side. Ward came to stand between her and Lash. A master protecting his apprentice.


    ¡°I seem to have said something upsetting? I am confused, there is an entire culture on Midgard who is in charge of educating, and safeguarding your people. Was this not all explained to you when you grew up as a child?¡± Lash asked, apparently his background was aware of the Inhumans. Sky looked up and even through Calm Emotions a shred of light peered through.


    ¡°Maybe that is who my parents are!?¡± Phil, and May looked conflicted at this piece of news. Had something happened?


    ¡°Ah! I understand, you have not been educated on your heritage Sky. If you like once we finish with the ship I can give you a detailed history report. I can even help you locate your people if you like?¡± Lash offered, and Sky jumped to her feet and gave him a big hug. Must have hurt because he was still in full Asgardian armor.


    ¡°Yes! Yes! Please that would be great!¡± Sky said with a brilliant smile that eased the tension in the room.


    ¡°For now, let''s keep Sky''s alien heritage to just us, please?¡± Phil asked, Lash tilted his head in confusion.


    ¡°As you wish Lord Phil. I apologize for speaking out of turn.¡± Lash bowed from his waist, and his apology was accepted. Sky was practically vibrating with excitement....


    Over the next few hours Lash explained each section of the ship as best as he could. Though his degree of knowledge far out stripped that of Fitz-Simmons. He was still learning a lot about the ship as well. He kept getting experience prompts to his Partial-Science ?lfeneel. But unfortunately they hit an impasse. Lash was ordered by Odin to dismantle the ship. Specifically the technology that was beyond Midgardian science. It was the age old discussion of not giving a child a loaded gun with no safety. Giving Midgardians a black hole drive core when they barely understood FTL mechanics could cause them to create a singularity on the planet''s surface.


    When Lash explained what his orders were, and what possible dangers came with it. Fitz-Simmons went pale with fright at the possible implications. Lash was going to dismantle this ship. He would fight SHIELD to complete his orders if he had to. But, he did say he would be happy to give SHIELD the mathematical equation of a basic form of FTL. After he was done with the ship. SHIELD, and more specifically Director Fury, and a man called Secretary Pierce agreed. Lord Phil''s team was called away on another assignment. Lash promised Sky he would create an information packet for her and look for her people when he was done with the ship.


    ¡°Dawn, is it possible to scan this entire ship and upload it onto the Dream Store catalog?¡± Lash asked her when he was alone for a moment.


    ¡°Yes, User you could do that. However I am afraid you are not the first person to do so. Now, if you decided to place a plethora of engraved spell script onto the ship and turn it into a S+ rank ship. That may have some value.¡± Dawn suggested, and Lash stopped to think about it. Regardless, Lash took his time to scan, and create a blue print of the ship.


    Attention User, you have copied the Dark Elf capital ship design. This is an A+ rank design of a different reality and you must use 100 DP to make a direct copy of it for your own reality. Would you like to purchase this copy?


    Yes [+]


    You have spent 100 DP.


    You have acquired a Dark Elf capital ship design.


    Ohhhhh! Lash could not wait to get this back home! Lash began to carefully use Recycle on the whole ship. Though the drive core was taken directly by Heimdall after Saurian dragged that entire portion of the ship apart into the open. Watching as a 60 foot tall kaiju pull a ship apart was a sight to behold so said the agents on the ground. With the main components dismantled Lash informed SHIELD that they could take the rest. It was mostly scrap metal, but scrap metal of an alien variety. He also confirmed there was no alien pathogen that could pose any threat to Midgardians.


    The entire process took several days. During which a large gathering of press, and civilians arrived to watch the work as best they could. SHIELD handled the direct security of the area and they took their jobs seriously. Lash then spent time rebuilding the University that had been destroyed by the ship. When he replaced half of the library with a holographic interface, including a simple VI to help people find their books it made the government flip out with excitement.


    He also planted a extraterrestrial tree type from Svart¨¢lfheim. Well the new version anyways. It was a tall, dark, and menacing tree. With black, and twisted thorns along its bark. It gave off an eerie feeling that naturally seem to pull people towards it. The bark itself was hard as iron. While the leaves could even be used in metal processing. Despite its twisted nature when one touched it, all they felt was sense of peace fall over them. Calm Emotions may have been inscribed into the tree. The tree was grown in the exact spot the Dark Elf ship had landed/crashed into.


    ¡°Lash! Agent Coulson requests your attendance on their transport. A medical issue involving Asgardian tech is affecting one of their people.¡± A SHIELD tech assistant called to him. Lash looked up from his discussion with another scientist.


    ¡°Very well, am I running there?¡± Lash asked, with a smile on his face.


    ¡°No sir, a quin-jet is coming to pick you up. Ten minutes.¡± The tech said and hurried off. Lash excused himself something that the scientists were upset about. He was telling them how to find, and travel through a wormhole.


    -------


    An agent of SHIELD went over a data packet with Lash. He was surprised to see the Neo-Pagan hate group. Then laughed to himself at the idiocy of children. He then told the agent the several intricate ways of obtaining power from different dimensions, as well as the power that flows through the very planet of Midgard. Of course he never went into direct detail of how to obtain it. Just that it was possible. It was shame that the Druids never thought to write anything down. The SHIELD team tried to make it seem like they had not recorded everything he said for later discussion.


    Their quin-jet landed at Seville, Spain. Lash was escorted aboard the air transport simply named the bus. Agent Melinda May was waiting for him. Lash took a moment to look her over. Melinda Qiaolian May, Agent, and specialist of Shield. Was approximately 5''6¡± with short dark brown hair cut to just past her shoulders. She had cold brown eyes with a haunted look that was hard to pick up. She was a true warrior with a rectangular figure. Sleek, compact muscles of a martial artist. True warriors are not bulky. Their muscles are dense, and tight to their bodies allowing free movement. She wore a form fitting leather outfit with the SHIELD logo on her shoulders.


    ¡°Lady May, I heard one of your team was injured?¡± Lash said with respect as he bowed from his waist. May nodded to him and led him inside the ''Bus'' towards the R&D lab. Fitz-Simmons, Sky, and Ward were discussing something. Ward had his shirt off and was practically screaming at them.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± Lash asked as soon as he stepped in he cast Calm Emotions on Ward and his furious attitude melted away. He took a shuddering breath, and looked at himself. Then back at Lash.


    ¡°I''m sorry everyone, I don''t know what came over me.¡± Ward said with a detached voice.


    ¡°Perfectly understandable, your chemical balance is all over the place. Heart rate is spiking, as is your adrenaline. Though there is an usual amount of strange energy running through you currently.¡± Simmons said as she read through the scanner.


    ¡°That''s from me. I used an Asgardian technique to instill calm into Lord Ward.¡± Lash said to her, and she smiled at something new to study.


    ¡°Lord Ward please sit down a moment. Let me look over you.¡± Lash pulled a stool out for him, and Ward did as he was asked under the watchful gaze of May.


    Grant Douglas Ward aka Agent Ward of SHIELD was approximately 6''3¡± with dark brown eyes that told a story if you looked long enough. He had short black hair that was trimmed along the sides, and a few inches long on his top. He held a warrior rectangular figure, though he was a little wide in the shoulders. That was common with males. He currently wore standard issue SHIELD black boots, and cargo pants. With no shirt.


    Lash stood behind him and placed his hands on Wards shoulders. His fingers laced over his collar bones, and his thumbs on his spine. He closed his eyes and created several holographic windows for cosmetic purposes for anyone else watching. While he used Root of Information, and Source Code. There were several neural pathways that had once been blocked by designed through Wards mental control. Memories tied to hate, and fear.


    ¡°What did you do? What item of Asgard did you find?¡± Lash asked, as he continued to push through Ward''s mind.


    ¡°It''s called the Berserker staff.¡± Sky said, as Fitz-Simmons were to engrossed in looking at the holographic windows to respond.


    ¡°That old thing! It is a wonder that Ward did grow insane.¡± Lash said softly, his eyes still closed. Ward flinched under his tone.


    ¡°Ward I''m going to repair the area''s being affected. This is going to feel weird.¡± Lash said to him.


    ¡°Great! Please, just...Fix it!¡± Ward said, the Calm Emotions wearing off.


    The overall ''damage'' was easily fixed with Restoration from his Nature Domain. However, Lash spent some time poking around Ward''s mind, and memories. He left several Compulsion triggers in Ward''s mind. Then he cast Sooth, and Nature''s Supplement on Ward to tap him off. He pulled his hands free but kept the cosmetic holographic windows up to talk over what he did. Ward felt the intoxicating rush of the spell craft. He looked 100%, he smiled and stood up with a stretch.


    ¡°Thank you, that feels amazing!¡± Ward said, he turned around to shake Lash''s hand. Lash returned the gesture with a warrior hand shake. Ward went with the flow and clapped Lash on the back.


    ¡°Please be aware that if you handle the staff the same issue will arise. But, I don''t plan to leave until the staff is retrieved. So I can repair the damage again.¡± Lash said simply, and everyone nodded in understanding.


    ¡°What does the staff do, our current Asgardian was not very descriptive.¡± Simmons said, and that caught Lash''s attention.


    ¡°Asgardian?¡± Lash asked.


    ---


    The moment Lash stepped into the holding cell aboard the Bus Elliot Randolph jumped from his seat and got to the far corner as fast as possible. Phil looked up in surprise at Elliot''s reaction, he looked back at Lash who had a smile on his face. Ward was behind Lash, Phil sent a question with his eyes and Ward smiled at him. Phil let out a breath he hadn''t realized he was holding. Lash walked into the room and stepped close to Elliot who looked like he was going to die of fright.


    ¡°So your completely calm with us. But Lash steps into the room and you lose all composure?¡± Ward asked, taking a bit of smug satisfaction from Elliot''s reaction.


    ¡°Of course I''m afraid of him! He''s Jormungand''s son! He is destined to destroy the 9 realms!¡± Elliot all but screamed at them.


    ¡°My father! Is destined to do that. Not me! In fact the oracles had no idea I was even going to born. Odin has named me a guardian of the 9 realms. You have nothing to fear from me, brother Elliot. Though I do want to know who your commanding officer was. The fact that they would leave the Berserker staff here on Midgard is a clear violation of items of power.¡± Lash said with a smile that reached his eyes, but his eyes turned into Saurian. Elliot''s heart rate kept spiking.


    Elliot gave his officers name and Lash tucked that away for later to inform Heimdall. The staff should have returned to Asgard. Not be left behind. The idea that an Asgardian wanted to stay on Midgard was not unheard of. Lash respected Elliot''s decision and would leave him out of his report. After that Elliot seemed more amiable to talking. They were given a destination to a monastery in Ireland.


    ¡°In simple terms the metal of the Berserker staff interacts with its wielder. It uses the memories tied to rage, hate, and fear to enhance the wielders existing strength. Like a form of catalyst. Now, the power or strength that comes from it is not exactly ''Superhuman''. You should know this, Lady Simmons. Midgardians only use about 60% of their total muscle strength. This is done on purpose to prevent them from hurting themselves.¡± Lash said in brief explanation as they were flying towards Ireland.


    ¡°The staff allows them to use all 100% muscle strength. While the metal''s natural energy, or radiation I believe the term you use. Keeps them from hurting themselves. But the side effects are exhaustion, increased metabolism, and the raw feeling of emotion that Lord Ward experienced. You see the same type of emotion in warriors who have experienced centuries of combat with no end.¡± Lash continued, but the last part was lost on them. Midgardians didn''t live that long.


    ¡°In the hands of Asgardians, we would also be able to use all 100% muscle strength. However, with our natural healing abilities we can push off the side effects to a lesser degree.¡± Lash said at last.


    ¡°Its worse for humans.¡± Elliot said in agreement.


    ¡°When we find all three pieces of the staff whats the protocol for items like that?¡± Phil asked, they were all currently sitting in the common room area aboard the bus. Big plane!


    ¡°It will be destroyed, I''ve already reported to Heimdall.¡± Lash informed him, and he accepted that.


    ¡°But as you said you can fix it?¡± Simmons asked.


    ¡°Yes, however hopefully no one will have to fight. But from what I understand about this...''hate group'' they seem compelled to fight. So prepare for battle either way.¡± Lash said with a smile that was not mirrored by anyone else save for Elliot who laughed.


    The Bus landed on the tarmac to an old military airport and they rode in two different SUV''s. Fitz-Simmons were discussing theories, and idea''s with Lash about Asgardian science. His few lessons he had taught at the SHIELD academy. Leopold James "Leo" Fitz was approximately 5''8¡± with blue eyes, and short curly brown hair. He had a lean athletic figure that bordered on skinny. Though that fit with his scientific background. Every SHIELD agent even if they were not cleared for field duty needed to be in shape. He wore a simple SHIELD tech field gear, something that made him look uncomfortable in. But was very animated discussing subjects about advanced tech. Like the Dwarfs he and Simmons had made together.


    Jemma Anne Simmons was approximately 5''4¡± with brown eyes, and long brown hair past her shoulders normally tied back in a tail. She had the same athletic all be it skinny figure as Fitz. She wore the same tech field gear. But she was just as animated about Asgardian physiology, compared to Midgardians. The way she would become even more animated when Fitz joined the conversation made Lash ask how long the two of them had been a bonded pair. That made them both stammer, stutter, and turn bright pink. While Agent Ward, and Agent Sky in the car with them smiled at Lash''s tact or lack there of.


    When they arrived at the monastery a sight was before them. Hundreds of Neo-Pagan hate mongers stood on the main path to the monastery. They screamed, yelled, and swore up a storm. Simmons scanner that was calibrated towards the specific energy given off by the staff was spiking. Standing at the front was the man named Jakob Nystrom the leader of the group. He was holding a completed Berserker staff.


    ¡°We are the new order! We are Gods!¡± Jakob screamed at them.


    ¡°Lord Phil this is your operation, may I step in?¡± Lash asked, and Phil stepped back with a gesture of his hand.


    Lash began to walk forward and with each step his body changed through Transformation. Skin gave wave to scales. Teeth became fangs, his eyes turned reptilian. His face formed into a snout. A royal skull crest grew. Tentacles slid from beneath his armor as did his spike tail. He went from 6''6¡± to 8'' even. An elegant shroud of smoke, and shadow fell from his metallic scales. By the time he finished shifting the hate group fell silent. Lash snarled out a challenge and sprinted straight into the group.


    It was like a fox in a hen house! Lash jumped forward with his bare hands and bashed Jakob into the ground! Lash picked up the staff and felt the affects cour...Nullification activated. Eh! Alright then. The staff glowed a brilliant color as Lash twirled it around thanks to his Weapon Master skill. His tail whipped out and flung six people into a stone wall. His tentacles reached out and plucked people up from the crowd like a grape farmer. Despite the situation Lash didn''t kill anyone.


    He twirled the staff around and sent over a dozen berserkers flying into the air! A young, small screaming woman who looked familiar from SHIELD''s data base jumped onto Lash''s back. He jumped into the air and twisted so he landed on his back, and directly onto her. Lash weighs about 500 pounds. She was alive, but not moving anytime soon. He flipped to his feet and tripped the last of the people to the ground sending out shock attacks to anyone still standing. The entire fight took less than a minute to conclude.


    ¡°The battle is won!¡± Lash called out to the Agents of SHIELD who had stayed back and watched.


    ¡°Please tell me someone recorded that!?¡± Sky said loudly.


    ¡°Oh yes! All recorded! For academic reasons clearly!¡± Simmons said, holding a camera.


    Lash stood off to the side and held the staff away from anyone who wanted to touch it. Or was simply curious about it. He was more than willing to talk about it. But he was the only allowed to touch it for now. SHIELD came in and started to clear out the hate group. The two ring leaders specifically were taken away. Aside from major property damage, and excessive force. No one had been killed. The monks in the monastery received treatment from Lash.


    ¡°I understand that SHIELD would want to study the staff but under Asgardian law that can not be allowed. However, I have been given permission to grant Midgardian a simple trade for help in locating the device.¡± Lash said, and produced a hard drive he had recently crafted.


    ¡°This contains every thing Midgard needs to deal with neurological instabilities. Examples would be PTSD, Alzheimer''s, and Schizophonia.¡± Lash presented it to Phil who looked at it in shock. Simmons all but stole it from Phil and held onto it for dear life.


    Phil called in the trade, Lady Hill responded to the call who ended up asking additional questions but still agreed to the trade. At which point Lash used Material Shaping and melted the staff into goop. Then turned that goop into energy particles. What they didn''t know was that he had sent the same information to Jarvis, Tony Stark''s VI. It is not that Lash didn''t trust SHIELD. It''s just that he didn''t trust SHIELD....


    ¡°Lash...¡± A familiar feminine voice called to him. He turned around and found himself back in the black room with Dawn.


    ¡°Ah! I was wondering when I would be called up!¡± Lash said with a smile. He walked over and swallowed Dawn in a hug who smiled, and returned the embrace.


    ¡°Time for the fall of SHIELD?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn nodded in agreement.


    ¡°But first it is time to decide what you do with the few weeks you have left. Because of the time between events only so much can happen. With that in mind you still get 100 WP, but you are given the chance to save any points you don''t use for next time.¡± Dawn said, as she wiggled out his arms and brought up a tool tip. ¡°Of course that is assuming you plant to stay for another event? Let your rewards carry over.¡±


    ¡°Interesting... Also yes, I plan to continue. I''ve already gain a lot of interesting abilities, and items from this Rift alone.¡± Lash agreed, and scrolled through the tool tip. So he had 100 WP''s but didn''t have to spend them all.


    Secretly Support Hydra, 20 WP: You turn on a dime and support the organization of Hydra. Granting advanced technology, and abilities to the organization. This will dramatically change the series of events in the MCU.


    Not Recommended.


    ¡°Wow! That is actual a possibility?¡± Lash asked, as he highlighted the option to allow Dawn to know what he was looking at.


    ¡°Yes User! Like I said before the Dream Engine Developers have seen some crazy butterfly effects in this Rift.¡± Dawn said in agreement.


    Contact the Inhumans, 20 WP: Lash, Jormungandson contacts the inhumans of Midgard. They are shocked that Asgard even knows about them. Sky aka Daisy Johnson is reunited with her father, and mother.


    You have purchased Contact the Inhumans for 20 WP.


    Fall of Shield, 20 WP: Lash, Jormungandson spends weeks preparing for the inevitable fall of SHIELD. Making lists of locations, and supplies. (Though unable to tell a soul due to the 4th wall engine)


    You have purchased Fall of Shield for 20 WP.


    Tropical Paradise, 20 WP: Lash, Jormungandson spends a month in a tropical paradise with beautiful woman. All of which are more than happy to test the endurance of the, ''God of Monsters.''


    Not Recommended.


    Falling off the Radar, 20 WP: Lash, Jormungandson falls off of SHIELD''s radar suddenly and can''t be found.


    You have purchased Falling off the Radar for 20 WP.


    ¡°I think that is everything. Anything else is a little too ridicules.¡± Lash said, and he still had 40 WP to carry over to the next event break. Dawn went over some details about the world.


    _____________________________________________________________________


    Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson spent what time he could among the people of Midgard. Word had spread through the public of Stark Industries creating new cures for several neurological illnesses that had plagued Midgard for centuries. Lash spent sometime visiting different installations of SHIELD. All of the locations he had security clearance for. While on the sly he made a list of all the locations he was not.


    He kept his promise to Sky and introduce her to her people. The Inhumans were shocked to know that Asgard not only knew about them. But had known about them since the dawn of their creation. Lash even introduced them to the Masters of the Mystic Arts of Kamar-Taj. Adding a new layer of safety and security for the Inhumans. Before he left he made Phils''s team swear not to tell SHIELD about the Inhumans for the next few months. They were confused but agreed.


    Lash on the sly used Awaken Trait on Sky aka Quake, and activated her Inhuman gene. He placed a bio-mechanical implant through Re:Implant to help her slowly come into her power. However he went a little overboard and gave Sky her comic book version of a power set, oops! She was granted, Enhanced reflexes, endurance, speed, strength, and Inhuman metabolism. All at G- grade but would slowly build up overtime. Along with Vibration Manipulation, and Vibration Immunity.


    Then with out a word to anyone Lash simply disappeared off of SHIELD''s radar. No one could find him! Something that was incredibly upsetting to several people. Especially Secretary Pierce who was overseeing the launch of the insight helicarriers. They had wanted Lash''s opinion on several designs.


    ___________________________________________________________________


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Old defunct SHIELD safe house***


    Former Director Fury was in a bad state. He was sitting on a bed in the middle of an old hydro electrical damn that had been converted into a safe house for one of those rare occasions that people needed deep, deep shadow cover. He never thought he would be the one using it. But that had been an unexpected treat for him. He had so many injuries he was surprised he was even alive. Agent Hill was currently out in the field with out anyone knowing he was alive. She was looking for Captain Rogers, and Agent Romanoff.


    Fury looked around the cold, wet, and dark room he was sitting in. A simple hospital bed, and life vital machines keeping him company. He looked around the room slowly with his one good eye. His natural Danger Sense was telling him something was wrong. He slowly reached under his pillow for his clock. Even in his own base he took precautions. Then he felt something crawl up through his legs. Into his injuries. Fury bit back a scream as his bones snapped back into place. His bullet wounds closed up, and all the aches and pains he had experienced were gone. He took a slow, relaxed breath as he looked around the room.


    ¡°Glad to hear you got my call.¡± Fury said to the darkness of the room.


    ¡°Sorry I wasn''t here to stop it from happening.¡± Lash said as he stepped from the shadows.


    ¡°Sir, are you alright I..JESUS CHRIST!¡± The doctor, the only other person who knew Fury was alive walked into the room to see Lash standing off to the side.


    ¡°Relax doctor, he''s a friend.¡± Fury said as he pulled the blankets off and stood up with out issue.


    ¡°Sir you...Really....Wait?¡± The doctor asked in confusion.


    ¡°Ya, about that. Come on let''s get to work.¡± Fury said and walked through the room experimentally.


    ¡°I need you to work with Agent Hill and go find our people.¡± Fury said to Lash who bowed from his waist and faded into smoke and shadow.


    _____________________________________________________________________


    ***Rift. Story/Cross Over. Camp Lehigh, New Jersey***


    Captain Steven Grant "Steve" Rogers aka Captain America stepped out of the stolen truck walking up next to Natasha Romanoff. Shield in hand as he walked towards the gate. He looked around confused, as he looked at Natasha GPS contained with in her phone. In another life such technology would have been considered science fiction. Rogers took a deep breath and spoke.


    ¡°This is it?¡± Rogers asked.


    ¡°The file came from these coordinates.¡± Natalia Alianovna "Natasha" Romanoff aka Black Widow said as she tucked the phone away into her back pocket.


    Both Rogers, and Romanoff were currently wearing civilian attire. Cotton hoodies, t-shirts, blue jeans, and tennis shoes. Though the outline of a gun could be seen in Romanoffs belt line, and Rogers of course carried his shield. He looked around, then looked up a sign. He took a breath and replied.


    ¡°So did I. This is where I was trained.¡± Rogers said pointing at the Camp Lehigh sign.


    The both of them easily bypassed the chain link fence and started to look around. The sun was setting and soon a nice summer night would overtake them. They walked the breath of the military base looking things over in confusion. Rogers most of all as he looked around with an expression of nostalgia. Memories flood his vision. He turned to look at Romanoff only to see her feet planted and pointing her gun at a figure walking towards them. Rogers whipped around, shield at the ready. But he stopped mid swing and smiled.


    ¡°Respectful greetings to you, Lord Rogers and Lady Romanoff!¡± Lash said as he came into sight.


    ¡°Good to see you, Lash.¡± Rogers said and walked over to give Lash a warrior''s hand shake.


    ¡°We could have used you earlier with Fury.¡± Romanoff said, as she came up. A look of sadness crossed her face.


    ¡°Worry not, Lord Furry will make a full recovery.¡± Lash said simply, making the two of them freeze. Then Romanoff jumped across the space that separated them and hugged Lash.


    ¡°THANK YOU!¡± She all but shouted in relief.


    _______________________________________________________________


    Lash easily caught Natasha in his arms and laughed slightly. This Midgardians always so hesitant to show emotion. All the same Lash returned the embrace then gently set her down to her feet. Steve smiled at him and clapped him on his back. Lash asked what they were doing here. They filled him in as they began to explore the base together.


    Lash decided to remove his armor for now under a glamour. To the mundane eye he wore combat boots, black pants, black t-shirt, and a leather jacket. He was still 6''6¡± with deep caramel skin, and yellow green eyes. But no tribal marks were seen on his skin. He walked behind the duo and kept his thoughts to himself. Though he did reply when spoken too. Natasha frowned in disappointment as she looked around.


    ¡°Looks like this is a dead end. No radio waves, no IF.¡± Natasha said, as she watched Steve walk at a brisk pace towards a rectangular building.


    ¡°Army regulations state that you cant store ammunition with 500 yards of the barracks. This building is in the wrong place.¡± Steve said as he jogged up to the door and used his shield to break the lock. He pulled the door open with the help of Lash and they stepped inside.


    Contained within the fake building was fully furnished all be it old office building. On the wall was a drawing of a bird of prey. Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division, SHIELD. Three pictures were under the bird of prey one held a resemblance to Tony Stark. One was an older man in a military uniform, and the other was a beautiful woman that drew Steve''s gaze for a moment.


    ¡°This is SHIELD, or maybe where it started....Who''s the girl?¡± Natasha asked, and watched Steve walk away with out giving an answer. She looked back at Lash and he mouthed the words, ''later''. She nodded and continued to follow behind Steve with Lash behind her.


    ¡°If you are already working in a secret office, why do you need to hide the elevator?¡± Steve asked as he began to pull open a sliding book case. To reveal an elevator with a door code. Natasha flipped her phone out and used a program to read the pass code.


    All three of them stepped inside, they both noticed the elevator groaned just a bit when Lash stepped in. Natasha smirked and kept what ever sarcastic remark she had to herself. The elevator went down several dozen feet then the doors opened up to reveal a vast room covered from wall to wall in old computer data banks. Despite their clear age the room had seen some activity. There were clear foot prints on the ground, as the lights turned on one by one with motion sensors in place.


    ¡°This can''t be the origin of the program. These machines are ancient!¡± Natasha said as she walked around the room. Lash pointed out a USB port for her. She plugged the USB device in and started up the system. ¡°Shall we play game?¡± Natasha asked them both.


    ¡°I am not entirely sure we have time for games?¡± Lash asked, not understanding the situation. Natasha snickered, and Steve for the first time didn''t feel like the one man out of time. After a few minutes the main computer screen turned on to reveal a poorly pixel drawn man.


    ¡°Rogers, Steven....born 1918.¡± The synthetic voice said. Then the camera above the monitor moved towards Natasha. ¡°Romanoff, Natalia Alianova born 1984.¡± Then the camera moved to Lash. ¡°You....I don''t know.¡± The computer voice said.


    ¡°I am from Asgard, I would be surprised if you knew me, machine.¡± Lash replied to the computer.


    ¡°Ah! That explains it.¡± The computer said in return. After a brief moment of discussion between Natasha, and Steve with the computer they came to discover it was Arnim Zola. Who was apparently a Swiss scientist that worked for Germany.


    During the entire exchanged between Arnim, Steve, and Natasha. Lash sent his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits into the data banks. Despite their age, they were technically mechanical. Technomancy didn''t care. Arnim very quietly sent off a message to SHIELD notifying them of where Rogers, and Romanoff where. Or at least that is what Arnim thought he did. What he actually did was send a message to one of Lash''s tech-spirits. All the while Lash was copying the information, and downloading, ''Insight''.


    Congratulations User! The skill/power Insight has evolved twice!


    Minor Insight.


    Effect: Increase in skill power.


    Effect: Decrease in energy consumption.


    Effect: Increase in skill target distance.


    Basic Insight.


    Effect: Targets affiliation is revealed.


    A sinister grin spread across Lash''s face as he absorbed the knowledge the Arnim Zola. Lash continued to watch, and listen as the computer intelligence droned, on and on about how they had won. Lash watched Steve punch a computer screen in pure frustration as he Arnim had insulted Steve''s sacrifice. Steve demanded to know what was on the drive but Arnim stalled, then made the idle threat of.


    ¡°Unfortunately you will be to dead to hear it!¡± Arnim said.... Then a long pause that had Steve, and Natasha looking at it in confusion. ¡°Ahem! Unfortunately you will be to dead to hear it!¡± Arnim said again...Then another long pause took place.


    ¡°Are we done?¡± Lash asked, as he stepped towards the USB port and pulled it out handing it to Natasha who looked at him in confusion but a smile was tugging on her lips as she took the drive from him.


    ¡°What did you do!?¡± Arnim seem to realize he had no control over his area of influence.


    ¡°Oh I cut off your control the moment you booted up. Also the signal you believe you sent to SHIELD never made it. You''ve been talking to me this entire time.¡± Lash said with a smug smirk on his face.


    ¡°You monster! That is impossible!¡± Arnim screamed at him.


    ¡°I''ve downloaded all of his memories, and files. We can leave as soon as I delete him.¡± Lash said to Steve who nodded with a smirk on his face.


    ¡°No! I will not let my life''s work be for nothing!¡± Arnim screamed, but in the end couldn''t do anything. Lash pressed his hand to the USB interface and deleted Arnim Zola from existence.


    ¡°Nooooooooooooo.........¡± Arnim screamed, then one by one the data banks stopped moving. Many of them burst with sparks as their tapes melted.


    The three of them went back up to the surface and jumped into the stolen truck. Steve drove back into town at the suggestion of Natasha they went to see a new friend of Steve''s. A man named Sam Wilson. It was another odd moment where the 4th wall engine prevented Lash from speaking up about just going straight to Fury. But that was fine. Samuel Thomas Wilson aka Falcon was someone Lash wanted to meet either way.


    Sam lived in a nice neighborhood, in a nice home. Steve had parked the truck around the block and under a glamour they walked into Sam''s backyard and knocked on his glass door. Sam came to answer with a confused expression on his face to see Steve, Natasha, and Lash standing in his backyard. Sam took it in stride an invited them into his home. Steve, and Natasha went to the guest bedroom to wash up. While Lash opted to cook everyone breakfast.


    Sam was a good looking man who stood approximately at 5''10¡± with chocolate skin, with brown eyes, and short brown hair. He had an inverted triangle figure that many special operations retired military veterans carry. He was lean, and in great shape. He was sitting at the kitchen table watching Lash pull food from the energy in the air with wide eyes.


    ¡°Soooo....¡± Sam asked, as he helped Lash set the table.


    ¡°Let''s wait for them to be done before we talk. I''m Lash, Jormungandson of Asgard by the way. Sorry for the late introduction.¡± Lash said as he bowed from his waist.


    ¡°Ya, I kinda put that together! You have a huge following on social media. I''m Sam Wilson, I know Cap from... Well I kinda just met him actually.¡± Sam said, a mystified expression on his face.


    ¡°Lord Rogers has that kind of appeal. He is good, just, and honest. Tends to bring that out of people around him.¡± Lash said in response, and Sam nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Tell me something Lord Sam. If you were given the chance to be like Lord Rogers, would you?¡± Lash asked, watching him as he began to toss some eggs into a pan.


    ¡°What you mean like a super-soldier?¡± Sam asked with a sarcastic grin that slowly evaporated as Lash looked at him. Then he swallowed and sat up straight.


    ¡°I mean... If there is a fight I''ll be there. I don''t need it, but it would be nice to have.¡± Sam admitted, and Lash could see that he was nervous.


    ¡°Sounds like they are finishing up, please go get them. We''ll discuss your enhancement once everything is over.¡± Lash said with a smile. Sam slowly stood up and nodded then went to retrieve Steve, and Natasha. In the few moments that he was away Lash reached into the Dream Store catalog and purchased an evolution for one of his spells. For 20 DP he evolved Source Code.


    Attention User! You''ve purchased the evolution of Minor Source Code into Basic Source Code. For 20 DP.


    Effect: Increase in spell power.


    Effect: Decrease in spell energy consumption.


    Effect: Increase in spell targeting range.


    Effect: You''ve been granted the ''insert code'' spell variant.


    Lash had experimented with this a while ago. He couldn''t give abilities outright. But what he could do is implant a dormant trait. Then use Awaken Trait to wake that up. That is what he had done for Sky. So no, Sam would not be getting a super-soldier serum. But he would be getting something else! Lash finished setting the table and a breakfast feast awaited consumption. Natasha, and Steve froze in their tracks at the meal. Lash waited with a chair pulled out for Natasha. She smiled at him and took her seat gracefully.


    Lash created several holographic windows, after they finished eating breakfast. Then they continued to much on a few things as they looked through the information that Lash had pulled out of Zola''s data banks. This was also supplemented by Lash''s own data diving that he had been doing for the past several months. Something that had surprised all three of them.


    ¡°You suspected something was wrong with SHIELD this whole time?¡± Steve asked in shock.


    ¡°Yes, far to many of your people were stained with the taint of Hel. I had thought that was simply the act of people doing what must be done. But too many of them enjoyed what they did. So I''ve been gathering information. I am happy to report several people are not corrupt. Like Director Fury, Lady Hill, Phil, Son of Cole is also clean.¡± Lash said to them, and Natasha smiled at him.


    ¡°But thanks to Zola''s algorithm I can complete my list. We simply need to choose a place and time to release the information and help SHIELD weather the storm.¡± Lash declared, and Steve''s face became filled with anger.


    ¡°We are not saving SHIELD! SHIELD, HYDRA it all goes!¡± Steve declared in a very triumphant voice as if his word was law. Natasha looked at him with a conflicted expression.


    ¡°Steve, I mean this in the best possible way. But that is incredibly childish, and naive.¡± Lash said to him, and Steve deflated just a bit.


    ¡°SHIELD is a global initiative. You can''t just pop the metaphorical bubble and expect them all to disappear. HYDRA it self is far older than the Red Skull. If anything the Red Skull was a rogue group of HYDRA. From what I''ve been able to gather there are three main groups of Hydra. Military, Scientific, and Religious. Religious is by far the oldest. They''ve been around since before Midgardians thought the world was flat.¡± Lash informed them all, and brought up several holographic windows. Including the religious current leader, Gideon Malick.


    ¡°If you dismantle SHIELD as you think it should be. All you will do is make hydra go underground. Leaving the world as a whole unguarded.¡± Lash informed Steve who began to read through the information files. Now truly coming to grasp with the situation they were in.


    ¡°Holy Shit! There are records going back centuries here.¡± Sam said out loud as he read through the same files.


    ¡°Pierce is the current leader of the military faction?¡± Natasha asked as she pushed her plate away suddenly not so hungry as she pulled the information up.


    ¡°Who is Daniel Whitehall?¡± Steve asked, looking over the man''s information. A disciple of Red Skull and leader of the Science sect of Hydra.


    ¡°Take out the bad, keep the good. Rebuild SHIELD. Trust me Steve, Midgard needs it.¡± Lash enforced his opinion one more time. Steve looked like he had chewed on something sour. He didn''t say yes, but he didn''t say no either.


    ¡°So, how do two of the most wanted people on SHIELD''s radar grab Agent Sitwell in broad daylight.¡± Steve asked, as he was reading about Jasper Sitwell. Lash wasn''t sure why they jumped topics but he rolled with it.


    ¡°The answer is, you don''t!¡± Sam said as he threw down his military file.


    ¡°This Riley?¡± Steve asked, looking at the picture and Sam nodded. Lash was confused about who Riley was but with the body language in place he could tell it was sore spot for Sam.


    ¡°The Khalid mission, that was you? I heard the RPG''s were so heavy they couldn''t bring in a chopper. What did you use, a stealth chute?¡± Natasha asked, flipping through the files with Steve.


    ¡°No, this.¡± Sam opened the next file for his carbon fiber wings. Lash looked at the design and Erik the gamer was geeking out across the link.


    ¡°I can build that.¡± Lash said to them, and Sam looked up at him with a smile.


    ¡°Well I guess we don''t need it from the military base then.¡± Sam said with a grin. ¡°Oh, is it time to discuss the treatment?¡± Sam asked Lash.


    ¡°Treatment?¡± Natasha asked, Lash grinned at her.


    ¡°Oh yes! Asgardian made, I was planning on giving it to you and Sam before we moved out.¡± Lash said with a grin that made Natasha, and Sam shiver. Lash''s eyes had turned reptilian.


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


    At the roof top of a skyscraper located in Washington D.C. The rooftop door burst open and Agent Jasper Sitwell came flying through it. He rolled onto his hands and knees and slowly got up. He looked behind him and saw Rogers, and Romanoff walking towards them. He licked his lips and went through a dozen different excuses and reasoning to give them.


    ¡°What were you doing on the Lemurian Star?¡± Steve asked him.


    ¡°Throwing up, I get sea sick!¡± Sitwell replied as he looked at Natasha something was different about her?


    ¡°What is project insight?¡± Steve asked, continuing to walk towards Sitwell. Sitwell continued to back up until he hit the ledge to the roof top and nearly tumbled off.


    ¡°Never heard of it!¡± Sitwell said, and was caught by Steve before he fell off. ¡°Is this little exercise meant to threaten me into believing you''ll kick me off the roof Rogers? Because let''s be honest that is not your style.¡± Sitwell said to Steve. Steve nodded in agreement and fixed Sitwell''s suit.


    ¡°Your right, it''s not....It''s hers!¡± Steve said and stepped aside as Natasha kicked Sitwell square in the chest and sent him flying backwards by a fair amount.


    ¡°Good distance!¡± Steve said to her as Sitwell went screaming down below.


    ¡°Thanks! Still getting use to this.¡± Natasha said as she stretched out, her joints popping in release she groaned in satisfaction.


    ¡°Geeeaaaaaaaah!¡± Sitwell came screaming back up top carried by Sam. Sam flew over and landed on the rooftop dropping Sitwell along the way. Sam had a backpack on that created hard light energy wings, with energy repulsion engines that may or may not make Stark irritated that he has them. Then wings burst into light when they powered down.


    ¡°Zola''s algorithm is for choosing Insight''s targets!¡± Sitwell screamed in a vain attempt at mercy.


    ¡°What targets!?¡± Steve yelled at him.


    ¡°Bruce Banner, Stephen Strange, a banker in Iowa, the valedictorian in New York.¡± Sitwell confessed and was pulled up by his collar thanks to Sam. Sam did it one handed.


    ¡°How could it know that?¡± Natasha asked.


    ¡°How could it not! The twenty first century is a digital book. Zola taught hydra how to read it.¡± Then Sitwell seem to realize what he had just said. ¡°Pierce is going to kill me.¡±


    ¡°What then!....WHAT THEN!¡± Steve asked getting up in Sitwell''s face.


    ¡°Then the insight hellicarriers scratch off the names on the list. A few million at a time.¡± Sitwell supplied the answer that no one wanted to hear.


    ¡°You were right, Lash.¡± Natasha said to the empty air. Then Lash appeared from his Invisibility making Sitwell jump in surprise.


    ¡°I was hoping I was wrong, but it was good to check. Thank you for humoring me.¡± Lash said to the group. Sitwell was looking at Lash in terror.


    ¡°Wait, you already knew!? How?¡± Sitwell screamed but soon fell to his knees asleep. Lash caught him mid fall. Making Sitwell sleep thanks to his cantrips from his Dream Domain.


    ¡°Alright, we should visit the director now.¡± Lash told them, and they all agreed.


    ---


    A few minutes later they had packed into a vehicle that could hold them. Lash had kindly informed the Washington police department about a stolen truck. Steve was insistent that they had only borrowed it and should return it. While the new vehicle had been hand made by Lash while Sam, and Natasha got use to their new upgrades. Lash gave them Peak human stats about half of Roger''s ability. Along with a bio-mechanical implant to help regulate the change and help them adapt to it. Not so quick that it was visible. But they would both look different by the end of the day.


    Jasper Sitwell was asleep and laying against the passenger window when Lash heard a sound of impact above them on the car. They were driving down the highway towards the outside of town when a metal mechanical arm came through the window and yanked Sitwell out of the car and into oncoming traffic. The poor bastard was asleep the whole time, and died before he even knew why. Lash slammed on the breaks and launched a man off the vehicle.


    The man aka The Winter Soldier was approximately 6'' even with shaggy brown hair. He wore a tactical set of leathers, and kevlar. With a metal mechanical arm for his left hand, a red soviet star on the shoulder. He had a wrap around lower face mask, and sunglasses on. He lifted his mechanical hand and shot at their vehicle but the bullets hit the windshield with no penetration. Lash hit the gas and floored it towards him. Just in time for an APC to ram in behind them.


    The Soldier jumped up, and over the vehicle using his metal hand as an anchor. The punched his way through to rip out their steering column. Lash snagged his hand instead and pulled him into the car with him. Then proceeded to punch the soldier in the face several times. Clearly taken by surprise the Soldier tried to fight Lash off. But then the APC rammed into them again.


    ¡°I''m going to take this outside!¡± Lash told Steve, Natasha, and Sam then opened his door and pulled the soldier out with him. The shattered sunglasses revealed the soldiers dead eyes, but even he was taken a back when Lash jumped out of the car with him in tow.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Sam called out and jumped into the driver seat just in time for another bull rush from the APC behind them. ¡°Brace yourselves!¡± Sam yelled out because dead center in the road ahead of them was another APC blocking traffic.


    The APC''s in question were big rectangular metal boxes with six giant rubber wheels along the sides. The driver area was angled into a gradual point, while the back was cut off in the back. With a mounted light machine gun on top. The vehicle crafted by Lash looked like a civilian model but was far more durable. When Sam hit the APC the car absorbed the shock nicely. Sam smiled, then looked into the rear view mirror to see the APC behind them ram into the car. Now that created a shock! Compacting their vehicle together. But the vehicle held its shape....


    Lash, and the Winter Soldier rolled across the concrete of the road together until Lash pushed him off into the concrete divider. He stood up and brushed himself off, the soldier stood up and sprinted at him. Lash lifted the soldier up into the air with Telekinesis and tossed him into another concrete barrier. Lash turned around and shot a localized EMP beam into another approaching APC. The armored vehicle rolled to a gradual stop right in front of Lash.


    ¡°I don''t think you people fully understand who I am.¡± Lash said to the soldier as he stood up and glared at him.


    Men in military gear came piling out of the APC, each of them had cybernetic implants on their arms in the form of a centipede. They rushed Lash and he reached out with Machine Control and shut them down. Each soldier dropped like a sack of potatoes. Lash ducked under the striking metal arm and used a palm strike on the soldier square in the chest sending him flying back into the concrete divider. Then a quin-jet from above started firing on Lash. Deflection sent the shots ricocheting in random directions. The Winter Soldier sprinted towards the others and left Lash to the helicopter.


    Danger Sense activated for the first time in a long while! Lash ducked under a haymaker. Then dodged and weaved through a serious of professional boxing moves until he came to a stop to admire his attacker. Carl Creel aka Absorbing man stood by with a metallic finish to his skin. He was approximately 6''3¡± with broad a wide as a door figure. Well define muscles on his golden tanned skin with his bald head. (Baldies Unite!) He wore black boots, pants, and a black tank top. His arms were up ready to block anything Lash sent at him.


    ¡°Interesting, you don''t smell alien. I assume this is random mutation?¡± Lash asked in a very polite tone surprising Creel.


    ¡°I just figured out how to do it one day...I mean! Fuck that! My compliance will be rewarded!¡± Creel shouted at Lash and rushed him.


    ¡°Ah! Brain washing! Don''t worry I can remove that!¡± Lash said, and cast Personal Time freezing the immediate area. Lash walked behind Carl and cast Re:Implant, Root of Information, Restoration, and Source Code.


    Lash installed a bio-mechanical implant to help Creel fight through the brain washing. Then used Root of Information to find the key phrases used by Hydra and repaired it with Restoration. Then implanted Mental Resistance with Source Code. They would all take effect the moment Lash unfroze time. He stepped back from Carl and reactivated time. Creel screamed in horror and absolute pain and dropped to his knees. Gripping his head, he went through several different adsorptions of his ability. Then he collapsed and fell unconscious.


    A sphere of absolute darkness swallowed part of Lash''s highway thanks to Darkness Manipulation. He used Manifestation and called a Elite to his side. He had the Elite secure Creel and take him to the base Fury was residing in secret. Lash didn''t want to leave Creel to be captured again. The sphere of darkness collapsed and the quin-jet fired on Lash again. Or tried to as its weapons were magnetically locked. Lash jogged down the road towards the fight happening.


    ==============================================================


    Natasha spring jumped over one of the centipede soldiers and brought her knee down on another. She wrapped her legs around a second soldier and used her momentum to twist and catapult him into the ground with a satisfying crack in the concrete. She blocked another strike from a soldier, the surprised look on the centipede soldier was clear. As she smirked back and punched him square in the jaw breaking it. She spun around and kicked another soldier square in the chest sending them flying backwards.


    ¡°Lash said we are only at half power!¡± Natasha said with a smile.


    ¡°I hear that!¡± Sam said as he flipped a centipede soldier through the air and impacted one of the APC''s armor leaving a sizable dent.


    Steve was punching his against the Winter Soldier. One of the centipede soldiers got onto the light machine gun up top but it wouldn''t fire for some reason. Natasha threw one of her mini taser disks at the soldier he shook violently but continued to stand. Then he was picked up by some invisible force and flung across the highway into a concrete barrier. Then a six more soldiers were forcibly slammed into the APC''s with bone breaking force before they were dropped. Again seemingly from thin air.


    ¡°Well you two seem to be growing into your powers. How does it feel?¡± Lash asked as he jogged over to them, then started to stalk around the Winter Soldier who seem to realize they were alone.


    ¡°Amazing!¡± Sam said with a grin, as he picked up a clock and pointed it at the soldier. Natasha didn''t say anything but let her satisfied smirk, and playful wink answer the question.


    Then in a lightning quick move Lash was behind the soldier putting him in a choke hold. The Winter Soldier flailed and tried to pull Lash off. But Lash was like a giant anchor in a storm. The soldier flailed, kicked, and even took out a knife to stab Lash. But Steve caught his hand and held on until the Soldier slowly lost consciousness. Lash continued to hold him a while yet, then slowly let go of him.


    ¡°Gather up you three! We are taking the express way back!¡± Lash called out, SHIELD APC''s, and STRIKE teams were in bound.


    A whirlpool of darkness, and starlight burst from the ground and all five of them sunk into it like quicksand. No, quicksand would have been slower. They faded into the dark and all Natasha could think about was how beautiful the darkness was. It was odd as they came out of it. It felt like an elevator as they were pushed back up through the darkness in a completely different place! It looked like an old abandoned hydro electric dam? Standing off to the side was Agent Hill with a wide eyed look on her face.


    ¡°Hello Lady Hill, we have company!¡± Lash said to her, and Natasha just laughed. When did her life get so weird.


    ==============================================================


    ¡°Well its about damn time!¡± Fury said from his seat at the table as they all walked in. Lash had the Winter Soldier tossed over one of his shoulders.


    ¡°Oh look you brought another stray in. Do I even want to know where your friend came from?¡± Fury asked as he pointed at the 7''6¡± tall Saurus Elite who stood off to the side with the still asleep Carl.


    ¡°I''ve removed the brain washing on Carl Creel, and we''ll do the same here for James Barnes.¡± Lash said simply and didn''t even pause when the whole room stopped to look at him.


    ¡°W...What?¡± Steve asked pale as a ghost. Lash set the Winter Soldier down and peeled his mask off. Sure enough it was James "Bucky" Barnes aka Winter Soldier in the flesh. Well except for his metallic arm. Steve rushed to his long and believed dead friend.


    Lash soon did the same thing he did to Carl, to Bucky then crafted some beds for the both of them. The Elite continued to watch over Carl, while Steve refused to move away from Bucky''s side. So they had the meeting then and there. Lash produced the same holographic windows for Fury, and Hill as he had done at Sam''s place. Along with the entire record for Creel, and Bucky. Along with the secret that would crush Tony when he found out. That Howard Stark, and Maria Stark were murdered by Bucky.


    Lash continued to review information obtained by his tech-spirits. He used the spirits so much he got another evolution out of them.


    Congratulations User, Basic Virtual Intelligence has evolved into Intermediate Virtual Intelligence.


    Effect: 4 tech-spirits.


    Effect: Virtual Intelligence have obtained the ability to carry out more complex tasks, and have gained simple intuition awareness of their casters specific wants, and needs.


    Hazah! So his 4 tech-spirits began using the new and improved Basic Insight to check the pre existing Hydra list Lash had made. His spell energy dropped below 50% several times but he wasn''t doing anything taxing so he easily regained it. He answered any question Fury had for him. But in the end Fury was upset about not realizing the issues sooner.


    ¡°In sixteen hours the five insight hellicarriers will launch.¡± Hill said to the room. Five?


    In the movies it was three. However thanks to Lash''s interference in the Battle for New York. Or more specifically when he released the video recording of the UNWS council wanting to nuke the city. A vote of no confidence was quickly put into motion and the old security council was removed! While a new one was voted in. Additionally, Director Fury was granted additional trust, and SHIELD was given more funding. So, three became five. Great.


    ¡°So we have to stop them from leaving dry dock. As well as inform all of SHIELD of Hydra''s infiltration.¡± Lash continued from Hill''s topic.


    ¡°Hopefully we can salvage what is left and turn this around.¡± Fury said, and Steve looked like he wanted to say something but kept it to himself.


    ¡°We should call in the Avengers to aid us in this battle.¡± Lash suggested to the room and Fury looked conflicted.


    ¡°I don''t want to get anyone else involved in this mess.¡± Steve said from the side as he looked up from Bucky.


    ¡°That is incredibly foolish. We are out numbered and about to storm one of the most secure facilities in the world. You want to do it with less people?¡± Lash said to him, wondering if Steve''s head was not in the right place.


    ¡°He''s right Steve, this is their fight too.¡± Natasha spoke up from her spot at the room. She had a burner phone in hand. Steve made a pained expression and turned away.


    So some calls were made, Steve didn''t think it was a good idea to call Tony. But it was more along the lines of he was afraid of what Tony would do when he saw Bucky. Natasha offered to coach Steve through the process. Lash stayed with Bucky as he used Connectivity to reach out to Tony, Rhodey, Clint, Banner, and Thor if he was available? All but Thor was able to respond. Lash couldn''t get a hold of Lady Foster. Lash wasn''t even sure if Thor, and Foster were on Midgard at the moment or not.


    Six hours later Clint, Tony, Rhodey, and Banner were at the defunct SHIELD facility talking about the Triskelion. Bucky was in another room talking with Steve and trying to get a sense of time. He had woken up, and from his words had stirred from a dream where his memories were slowly drifting back to him. Carl was by Lash sitting down with a glass of beer in his hand. Carl was pointing out known Hydra tactics to the team as they discussed the operation.


    Out of everyone present Banner had changed the most. He was taller! With more muscle growth, and had neon green eyes all the time now. When he spoke it was combination of Hulk, and Banner together. When it was subjects about science it leaned towards Banner. While anything about smashing became Hulk''s bass tone of voice. Lash was currently applying the same super formula to Clint that he had given to Natasha, and Sam.


    ¡°So about half a strong as Cap? How long does this last?¡± Clint asked Lash as he felt the energy roll through him.


    ¡°Oh no, sorry Lord Barton. This is just how you are now.¡± Lash said as he stepped to the side and produced a holographic window for him to read. Clint blinked at him then at the window. A smile stretched across his face.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you''d be willing to do that for the US military any time soon?¡± Rhodey asked, with a smile as he came over for his own treatment.


    ¡°Once all of Hydra has been removed from the military we can talk about it.¡± Lash offered, and Rhodey looked up in confusion. Lash produced a holographic window about the known military leaders who were Hydra. Including a certain US Senator.


    In the end Lash optimized Tony, Rhodey, Clint, Hill, Fury, and even Carl. Banner didn''t need it any more. Lash offered to fix Fury''s eyes but the man took a rain check. Something about Alpha one security clearance attached to his ruined eye. Eventually Tony was called into a separate room with Rhodey by his side. Then Stark learned the cold hard truth about his parents death. He took it pretty well after he tried to bash Bucky''s face in with his new found strength.


    ¡°Man that''s rough.¡± Carl said in a soft whisper as he finished his beer and grabbed another. He was dealing with his own demons at the moment as his memories were slowing coming back to him thanks to the bio-mechanical implant that Lash installed.


    ¡°Better to deal with it now then hide the truth of it later.¡± Lash said to him, and Carl nodded. Carl looked at Lash and wanted to ask him something but held back. Lash watched him for a bit then turned back to Fury.


    ¡°So the issue now is how do we deal with all of Hydra in our SHIELD locations. We have the Friend and Foe program up. Jarvis, and your...''tech-spirits'' will be helping with that. But we''ll need fast response teams.¡± Fury brought up another subject and Lash used Manifestation to call a Saurus Warrior from the air by his side.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Carl said as he jumped to his feet and turned his body to concrete. The warrior looked at him with indifference.


    ¡°I''ll be sending teams of my people to each location to hold the ground until confirmed SHIELD personnel show up. Worry not Lord Fury about SHIELD''s secrets. I may know more about its secrets now then even you do.¡± Lash said to him, and the old man glared at him.


    ¡°That doesn''t exactly fill me with comfort.¡± Fury replied and pulled up another window.


    ¡°Glass houses Fury! It''s about time someone saw all your dirty secrets, and took a peak at your cross dressing events.¡± Tony said with a bit of snark as he strode into the room and took a seat next to Lash. He was clenching his jaw and trying to get back to ''normal''


    With a viable plan set into motion. Lash started to make exoskeleton suits for everyone. Except for Tony, Rhodey, Banner, and Carl who wouldn''t need one. Though Lash did make incredibly durable polymer suits for Banner, and Carl. Lash gave Carl slips of Nth metal, Admantine, and Vibranium. Contained with in two bracers. Lash weaved Vibranium thread into Banners suit. As well as Tony''s, and Rhodey''s suit. While the exoskeletons of Sam, Natasha, Clint, Steve, and Bucky got the similar package from the Battle of New York. Lash spun a suit for Hill, and threaded Fury''s clothing.


    ¡°You all know your assignments. Let''s do this right, and....¡± Steve started with his inspirational speech but was cut off.


    ¡°Ya, ya, ya!¡± Stark said, poison practically dripping from his words as he stalked off down the path towards the Triskelion in his armor. Steve looked pained, and Bucky wasn''t much better.


    ¡°See you in a bit...¡± Lash said to them all and faded into the tree line.


    Soon the battle would begin....


    Galen

 Chapter 110: Triskelion

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    ***HR. Watch Tower Station***


    Felicity Megan Smoak aka Over Watch for Team Arrow in Starling City. She was a beautiful woman with golden blond hair (that may or may not be dyed) with crystal blue eyes. She had a rectangular figure bordering on hourglass. She kept in shape, especially during and after the invasion. More than once she had been called out into the field to help Team Arrow, or any other JLI in a dire situation where teleportation was a no go. Something that at first had terrified her, but she did her best with the tools she had.


    During one of her excursions from the Arrow bunker (Arrow Club House) She got into a tussle with several low lives looking for some fun. That was when something took over and before she knew it she had defeated three grown men, and had the fourth in an arm lock on the ground. She had let the men go and they had all ran for their lives completely underestimating the 120 pound 5''5¡± woman. Felicity didn''t understand what had happened. After she retrieved the team in the field she came back to the bunker and sat down with Diggle.


    John Thomas Diggle aka Spartan of Team Arrow sat down with her to talk. She had thought something was wrong with her. Diggle reminded her that over a year ago Wraith had imprinted them with skills. The entire team got a computer skill while she got martial arts. Felicity had been using it as a form of exercise she had never once used it in an actual fight. But apparently the imprint didn''t care and it had become muscle memory. To almost prove a point Diggle, and Felicity sparred in the bunker and Felicity dropped Diggle with in a minute. Diggle a trained special forces soldier. It was true that he had underestimated her. The next fight Diggle eventually won, but it was a bit of a contest.


    Half way through their third spar Felicity felt like a door opened up in her mind and a plethora of information came flooding out. She suddenly had all the first year information for boxing, judo, muay thai, krav maga. But she also got something else. The creation, and manipulation of life energy? When her hand started to glow with pink to white energy and she put a fist imprint into a steel alloy door Diggle told her to go to the Watch Tower.


    Scientifically speaking it was called Bio-Electricity. In the East is was called Ki, Qi, Chi, or what have you. For what ever reason the imprint left behind by Wraith selected the best possible form of martial arts to feed into Felicity. Including Ki manipulation. For the past month she had been getting assisted lessons from some of the supernatural trainers aboard the station. When she punched a pounds per square inch measuring device and got 3,000 psi she was informed she was cleared for field duty.


    Field duty!? She didn''t want to go into the field! (Forgetting she had done it already on several occasions) She was an IT girl, she sat behind the desk and kept watch! But all the same, they got her measured, and fitted for a light armored tiered JLI suit. Even if she never used it, it was currently sitting in the Team Arrow bunker. Felicity was also required to spend at least four hours a week in the Watch Tower training her ability. Despite all the new changes, secretly Felicity had been enjoying the attention. When you spend so much time around superheroes you tend to be filled with envy. Now? Felicity was learning that she could create shields, or even help heal wounds! She seriously needed to thank Wraith for the imprint. She was currently wondering what a giant lizard could use for a present? Oooo! A giant sun bathing rock!


    ==========================================================


    ***Rift. Story/Cross Over. Washington D.C. Triskelion***


    The Triskelion is one of the original three official headquarters for SHIELD, alongside the Hub and SHIELD Headquarters. It was an elaborate structure that had three reinforced concrete and glass structures raising to the sky. With an additional cap on top of the three towers. Several air bridges connected the three towers between the floors. The towers went into a main super structure that was hidden underground that went for several hundred feet.


    The Triskelion was built next to a river, this river was part of the buildings cover as well as a form of natural hydro electric energy. A four lane concrete bridge went across the river that linked the base to a large road off to the side. Though the road it self was under heavy guard civilians technically could drive on it. The gate house was reinforced with hidden automated turrets, and giant spike trip going in and out of the gate house. Along with a long strip of bridge that was always being watched by several dozen armed guards with military special operations training.


    Hidden under the river were five underground dry dock bays for the insight hellicarriers (2nd generation) Along the river was a concrete flood breaker, and an additional breaker between each dry dock. From the air was clear that the river barely disguised what was underneath the river. But since it was a no fly zone very few people truly understood the terror that could be unleashed from the river.


    Today was an important day! The Insight Hellicarriers were meant to be launched. A new wave of security would spread across the globe. Each carrier a mobile base capable of traveling anywhere in the world. Carrying quin-jets, soldiers, and materials to anywhere the UN was allowed to fly. The United Nations World Security Council had arrived a few minutes ago and were being shown around the Triskelion. Alexander Goodwin Pierce aka Secretary Pierce was leading them around the facility.


    Pierce was an older gentleman with a gray business suit, salt and pepper blond hair, blue eyes, and warm smile that would make people trust him. He walked with a type of confidence that comes with walking through the worlds shit. But still kept his head about him. He saw the big picture, as well as the small one for everyone around him. He traded conversation with the council, a few playful barbs, and dry wit. All the while Pierce held a secret so close to his chest that most of his family didn''t even know.


    When Pierce and the council arrived in the central communications room where several of the other council who couldn''t make it were on holographic phone. Pierce handed out champagne glasses to everyone with a smile. They talked shop about this and that. While a few asked after Captain Rogers and his current location. Regretfully Pierce didn''t know the location of Captain America, some of the council couldn''t believe Rogers was guilty of anything. Except for maybe being to naive.


    ¡°Attention, all SHIELD agents. This is Steve Rogers. You''ve heard a lot about me over the last few days, some of you were even ordered to hunt me down. But I think it''s time you know the truth. SHIELD has been infiltrated,¡± Steve Rogers voice played over the intercom of the building. Pierce being quick witted pulled out his phone and started to type on it.


    ¡°HYDRA has infiltrated SHIELD. Alexander Pierce is their leader.¡± Steve continued and the security council turned to look at him. Pierce didn''t even try to deny it, he just shrugged his shoulders and gave them a half smile.


    ==========================================================


    Sergeant James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes aka The Winter Soldier, and Carl Creal aka the Absorbing Man were walking casually through an underground entrance of the Triskelion. The entrance was guarded by HYDRA forces. When Carl walked up with a smile for them. The guards stood down. They had heard reports of him being captured. But with the Winter Soldier walking behind them they figured they had escaped and returned for duty. But as Carl got with in spitting distance of them Steve came over the intercom.


    ¡°Ooooo! Bad Timing!¡± Carl said as he swung his fist out and connected it straight towards one of the HYDRA thugs. The man''s face caved in, as bone, and brain matter splattered across his team mates. Carl''s entire body took on a blueish metallic sheen. The soldiers fired on him, and the bullets hit the metal skin and slid to the ground all kinetic energy was absorbed into him.


    Bucky not one for standing idle raised a gauss rifle that had been designed by Lash. He popped each soldier in the head with a single shot. Then moved to the door and waited for a moment. The door lock went from red to green. Bucky checked the corners then stood to the side as Carl walked in with out a care. Dozens of soldiers started to fire on him, while Bucky walked behind him and fired around Carl.


    For a brief moment Bucky flinched and missed a single shot. Carl was quick to throw a chair at the remaining soldier. The chair went through the soldier, and stuck out of the wall. Carl looked back at Bucky as he tried to shake his head clear of thoughts. Carl had been doing that all day. Little things would happen and he would relive a memory. Then he would feel a snap in the back of his head and the doo dad that Lash put in would catalog the memory and store it away for later. Or at least that is what the God of Monsters said it did.


    ¡°You good to move?¡± Carl asked his fellow brainwashed assassin. Bucky didn''t say a word just nodded that he was good.


    ¡°The STRIKE and Insight crew are HYDRA as well. I don''t know how many more, but I know they''re in the building.¡± Steve continued over the intercom.


    ¡°As he always had that kind of voice?¡± Carl asked Bucky.


    ¡°Ya, even before the serum.¡± Bucky said, understanding the question about Steve. Steve just had the kind of voice that made you want to trust him.


    ¡°Sargent Barnes, Mr. Creel please proceed a hundred feet forward and take the first door on your left.¡± The synthetic voice of JARVIS spoke through their earbuds.


    ¡°Copy that, moving.¡± Carl replied, and started moving forward again with Bucky behind him.


    Carl was feeling different. He had always been different, ever since he learned how to absorb and change his body. But this was...Well, it was different! Carl made a face and not finding the right word for the situation. Lash said he had optimized him, what ever that meant! The guy was seriously terrifying! Carl didn''t know how people could stand to be in the same room as him. All of Carl''s instincts told him to run and hide and hope the god wouldn''t find him.


    Carl moved through the designated door, they walked in to find a simple utility closet. But that was planned. They walked up to the wall and here came the...Different part. Carl reached out and grabbed Bucky. Bucky took a moment then took a deep breath and held it. Carl pressed his hand against the concrete wall and pushed. The wall rippled like a pond. Carl pushed through, and dragged Bucky through with him. After about thirty or so feet of...Walking? Carl, and Bucky came out the other end inside the Insight Hellicarriers hangar bay.


    ¡°That was....weird.¡± Bucky said as he tried to shake out the feeling.


    ¡°Speaking to the choir man, and I''m the one doing it!¡± Carl said with a grimace. He had just pulled himself, and Bucky through a wall. With all their gear intact!


    ¡°Team Delta in position.¡± Bucky said over their communications.


    ¡°They could be standing right next to you. They almost have what they want with the help of the Insight Helicarriers: absolute control.¡± Steve''s voice echoed through the hangar.


    =============================================================


    ¡°As of now you should all be receiving a phone app on your mobile device. This is provided by our friendly Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson. Those of you that have been confirmed to be loyal to SHIELD will be green.¡± A Phantasm image of a green SHIELD eagle expanded from each mobile device of any loyal agent.


    ¡°While any HYDRA agent will get a red signal, and image. When in range of any HYDRA agent the app will show you all the recorded evidence you need to verify the truth. This way you know I am not just simply spreading dissent in the ranks.¡± Steven continue to say as any HYDRA agent got a red Phantasm image of a red HYDRA skull.


    ¡°The threat is real. HYDRA is among us. They shot Nick Fury. And it won''t end there.¡± Steve continued to speak over the line.


    Across the globe this speech was being sent to every recorded SHIELD base. Installation, bunker, safe house, and operations team currently across the globe. Hundreds of thousands of messages through instant messaging, e-mails, hell even social media! Military personnel from dozens of countries, government officials, officers of the law, the damn barista that made coffee for the local mayors daughter. Their phones all turned red, and a Phantasm of HYDRA appeared. Many people tossed their phones! But it was to late, the Phantasm stayed on them!


    ===============================================================


    Jonathan "John" Garrett aka traitor to SHIELD was in a bad position. He was currently sitting in the Hub one of SHIELD''s bases trying to help Phil kill Victoria Hand who they believed to be part of HYDRA until the message from Rogers went over and Garrett had a big red HYDRA mark on him. Phil was looking at him in shock, as his phone beeped at him and a Phantasm image of all of Garrett''s crimes were highlighted.


    ¡°Well this crap shoot! Ward! Help your SO out?¡± Garrett said with a smile at his undercover agent. Phil''s team looked toward Agent Ward, Ward looked at Garrett like he was insane. So he lifted his ICER and shot Garrett point blank. Much to the confusion of Garrett.


    ¡°Oh thank god!¡± Sky said, letting out a breath she didn''t know she was holding. On Ward''s hip was a SHIELD logo.


    ¡°What did he mean by that?¡± Phil asked Ward. Ward for his credit looked crushed! He was completely taken by surprise that Garrett was HYDRA. He felt a crackle in the back of his head. But after a moment he felt that he had made the right choice.


    ¡°I don''t know sir. I had no idea Garrett was HYDRA.¡± Ward said to Phil, there was a brief moment shared between them. Then Phil nodded in acceptance. They started to move through the base again.


    ===========================================================


    Agent Roberto "Robert" Gonzales was a high level SHIELD officer, and commander officer of the lliad. A good ole fashion naval aircraft carrier. He had served in SHIELD for most of his life. He had seen many operations fall to pieces and watched good men, and women die for stupid reasons. Each time his heart would crack, but it never broke. He pushed on and always did his best to prepare his people for any possibility. But this...This was too much!


    Gonzales phone beeped at him and he received a green logo, as did most of the room. While six specific individuals clearly did not get a green log. A red HYDRA logo appeared from their phones. There was a brief tense moment then everyone drew their sidearms and started to shoot! Oddly enough when a few of the HYDRA agents tried to fire their weapons their phones sent out an electrical burst that stunned them for a brief moment. Long enough for the SHIELD agents to drop them.


    ¡°Sound general alert! Weed out HYDRA! Do it room by room if you have to!¡± Gonzales screamed as his people as they jumped to follow his orders. But even from where they were in the ship they could hear the cacophony of gun shots.


    ¡°If the agents of SHIELD will accept help. Lash Jormungandson will be sending reinforcements to every SHIELD installation. Please work with them to secure your area''s of operation.¡± Steve said once more of the communication line. Gonzales blinked, how will they send reinforcements?


    A bright green, and blue flash of light burst into the command center of the lliad. The light gave ways to orbs of energy. That soon started to take shape in the design of program code. The code was written in a language that no one understood, even more so if one tried to read it they would get a severe head ache. The code spread through out the room and took shape of twenty one 6''6¡± tall reptilian soldiers. With Asgardian Einherjar gear, with the SHIELD logo on their shoulders, chest, and back.


    The Saurus Warriors stretched out and met the eyes of the SHIELD agents in the room. The twenty first reptilian soldier looked taller. Standing at 7'' even with ornate armor, and a command rank. His skull crest was elongated, and held far more tribal marks on his scales. This was a veteran. The warriors, and veteran saluted. The veteran turned towards Gonzales.


    ¡°Commander Gonzales, Asgard as come to aid SHIELD in eradicating the parasite known as HYDRA. Permission to assist your forces in fighting them off?¡± The Veteran spoke in a very animalistic voice that was harsh on the ears. None the less Gonzales understood him.


    ¡°I...Yes! Please by all means!¡± Gonzales said, he was clearly not happy about having an alien strike team on his ship but he could swallow it down for now.


    ============================================================


    ¡°If you allow the Helicarriers to launch today, HYDRA will be able to kill anyone that stands in their way, unless we stop them,¡± Steve''s voice continued over the intercom in the building. The people listening could hear his exhaustion hidden in his voice. ¡°I know I''m asking a lot... but the price of freedom is high. It always has been.¡±


    ¡°And it''s a price I''m willing to pay. And If I''m the only one, so be it.¡± A brief pregnant pause passed, then. ¡°But I''m willing to bet I''m not.¡± Steve finished and cut the feed.


    ¡°Did you write that down first? Or was it off the top of your head?¡± Sam Wilson said from behind Steve who looked back at him with a smile.


    ¡°I was an actor once. All teams we are a go!¡± Steve said over their communication line.


    A thundering roar rang from the river. It was so loud, and filled with power that the windows across the entire building shook. Steve, Sam, and Hill who were in a communication hub on the twentieth floor could see a 60 foot tall kaiju creature burst from the river. Saurian as he liked to be called burst from the river and jumped through the opening bay doors of the Insight hellicarriers hangar.


    While up top Iron Man, and War Machine flew through the sky towards the tarmac of the quin-jets, and fighter craft to start shoot any HYDRA controlled air craft. A green giant by the name of Hulk jumped over the river like a kid jumping over a stream. Landing among the APC''s, LAV''s, and tanks. Hulk disabled their wheels, and their guns with ruthless precision. A child like grin on his face.


    ¡°Alright people, let''s get to it.¡± Steve said, Sam nodded and left with him. Hill stayed in the communication hub to help quarterback the operation.


    ===========================================================


    ¡°That god damn monster!¡± Pierce said in anger as he watched as Saurian jumped through the opening bay doors.


    Pierce stood in the main communication room with a look of displeasure. Standing around the room with him were the security council, along with a STRIKE unit. The councilors on holographic had been either captured, killed, or were one of theirs. Pierce was typing away on his phone when he noticed a helicopter was flying in to land on the helipad just outside his office. Before he knew it one of his soldiers flew through the air and slammed into the large glass windows so hard it sent cracks across the rest. Pierce turned around in surprise as he saw Black Widow, and Hawkeye materialize out of thin air to attack the STRIKE team.


    Black Widow moved through the STRIKE team with such speed that Pierce could barely see her. She left after images! She punched a soldier and caved in his chest cavity. A mechanical whirl range out as the exoskeleton she was wearing reset for another blow. Hawkeye stood in the back shooting arrow, after arrow with quick precision. The arrows appearing out of thin air every time he pulled the string back on his bow. Soon enough Pierce was alone in the room the two assassins and the council.


    ¡°I''m sorry, did we ruin your moment?¡± Natasha said with a smile as her face mask pulled back to reveal her face. Pierce glared at her, but kept his smile.


    ¡°I see the alien made your suits again. Wonderful technology! Imagine what we could have done with that.¡± Pierce said, his voice warm and soothing despite the situation. Natasha smirked at him as she walked over and restrained him with ease.


    Piece was forced to his knees, his phone taken from him. As he was pulled to his feet he saw who had landed. His eyes went wide as Nick Fury walked across the helipad and into the office. He looked just fine. In fact he looked amazing! He walked across the office with the grace of a warrior from younger days. He stood face to face with Pierce.


    ¡°You get my flowers?¡± Pierce asked with a smile. Fury glowered at him and walked past him.


    ¡°Director your alive!¡± One of the councilors said with a look of relief.


    ¡°Ya, we have a certain reptile to thank for that.¡± Fury admitted and enjoyed watching Pierce''s face take on a sour look.


    ¡°JARVIS we up and running?¡± Nick asked into his communication line. The long pane of glass that acted as a touch screen computer in the middle of the office turned on. A golden, red icon of JARVIS/ Iron Man ask appeared.


    ¡°Yes Director Fury! Lash''s tech-spirits are helping me process the information at an accelerated rate. Saurus Warriors, and Veterans are being deployed to all SHIELD and HYDRA locations across the globe... WARNING! HYDRA contingency plans enabled! Director, rooms not found in the Triskelion''s blue prints have opened.¡± JARVIS''s voice took on an edge as he produced dozens of images. Fury''s eye twitched, while Pierce had a smile on his face.


    All across the Triskelion walls slid to the side and out poured hundreds of Centipede soldiers, and Winter Soldiers. Individuals with partial super-soldier serums. While from the air hundreds of Deathlok cyborgs flew down from the sky breaking camouflage. The original SHIELD hellicarrier turned its cloak off and appeared above the base. Pierce started to laugh and the room turned to look at him.


    ¡°What, you didn''t really think we hadn''t planned for this?¡± Pierce asked.


    =============================================================


    ¡°ROOOOOOAR!¡± Saurian''s scream of fury rang out across the hangar bay. He used Intimidating Shout and froze hundreds of centipede soldiers in place. He jumped down from his perch and whipped his tail around base balling dozens of them into the air, and into the walls behind them.


    Despite the clear and present danger the centipede, and winter soldiers didn''t hesitate to jump and attack Saurian. Climbing on him like African ants on an elephant. They bounded on his armor, and tore at his scales. Saurian''s tendrils reacted and impaled them. Then he rolled across the ground like a steam roller leaving behind blood red wet smears. BAM! Saurian took a shell shot from one of the Insight carriers as it was attempting to leave the dock. One by one the five carriers were taking off. Well except one, the one Saurian had landed on.


    Saurian did not care for the insight carriers integrity and destroyed one of its repulsion engines. While he one of his Elites systematically clean the ship out from the inside. The HYDRA crew were quickly being dispatched as the Elites own tech-spirits were shutting the carrier down one program down at a time. Saurian shook off another swarm of mosquitoes and rushed towards the next insight carrier. The turrets all turned and fire on him.


    Normally Saurian would use an assortment of abilities to stop them. But his energy was incredibly low. His own tech-spirits were draining him of everything he had just to weed out HYDRA across the world. While his Warriors, Veterans, and Elites used their own to aid their forces. So Saurian pushed on and took another shell straight to his skull crest. It bounced off his metallic scales and left his own head ringing... The bells! The bells!


    Saurian jumped the last few hundred feet like a giant predator. Claws on his hands, and feet sticking forward. He raked his claws through SHIELD steel alloy like it was butter. Then started to climb up to the deck of the ship. The turrets tried to move but were not designed to shoot themselves like that. Saurian raced to one of the repulsion engines and ripped through the armor with ease. The entire engine shut down and the carrier listed to one side and started to drag through the rest of the hangar.


    ¡°Incoming!¡± Saurian roared across the hangar, and across their comms.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Carl called over the comms. Saurian stuck to the tarmac thanks to Gravity Stride he looked like a giant gecko. He moved to the end and saw Carl was about to be smooshed. There was a brief moment that made Saurian wonder if he could even be smooshed anymore?


    Saurian reached out with the dregs of his energy and used Telekinesis to catapult Carl across the hangar and out of the way. He was still a flying piece of vibranium but he stuck the landing like a champ!


    ¡°Creeeeeeel! Bomb!¡± Carl shouted at the top of his lungs and landed among the winter soldiers. A shock wave of debris scattered around like a fragmentation grenade.


    ¡°All teams! HYDRA brought the original hellicarrier to us. Be advised cyborg deathloks are flying out of the hangar bays.¡± Fury shouted over the line.


    Saurian looked up and saw hundreds of people flying through the sky. Iron Man, and War Machine were trying to fight them off. The deathlok''s were using a combination of Chitauri tech, and partial iron man suits. Poor comparisons to the real thing, but it was enough. Tony was swearing up a storm about copy cats. Saurian ignored it for now and went to the next engine. He disabled that one too and now the ship was flat on the ground. Well sideways on the ground inside the hangar. The other four insight carriers had flown the coop.


    ¡°Brother Saurian! Hulk have idea!¡± The giant green monster jump down from the open bay door above. Saurain turned to look at him. The jolly green giant was wearing a purple polymer suit with vibranium weave in it.


    ¡°Saurian throw Hulk!¡± Hulk said with a smile, as he pointed at the original SHIELD hellicarrier in the sky. It was true, they could see it from where they were underground. Saurian laughed in delight, he twisted around and brought his tail towards Hulk.


    ¡°No, use one of...Ohhh!¡± Hulk was pointing at one of Saurian''s tentacles but then he saw that Saurian''s tail tip split apart.


    Saurian used his tail to grip Hulk then spun around like a top! Around, and around he went then with a crack that broke the sound barrier! Hulk went screaming into the sky like a giant green and purple meteor of destruction. All the while laughing like a child on a sugar high!


    ¡°Hulk has left the building! And he is airborne!¡± War Machine said over the line.


    ¡°He could go all the way! Yes! Yes! It''s a home run!¡± Iron Man continued as Hulk slammed into the hellicarrier above them. The entire ship tilted to the side for a brief moment then started to shake violently.


    ¡°HULK IS BEST!¡± Hulk screamed over the radio.


    Saurian chuckled a little and then jumped into the air and caught the edge of the hangar bay doors. He pulled himself up back to the surface. He crouched down like a giant cat and then leaped into the air. He snagged the tail end of another insight hellicarrier much to the astonishment of several people. He slowly crawled his way up. Then smiled, revealing his many fangs at the insight crew on the tarmac of the carrier.


    ¡°Hello there...¡± Saurian said in his crocodile voice.


    ============================================================


    Doctor Werner Reinhardt aka Daniel Whitehall was currently taking deep controlled breaths inside of his HYDRA building. The man had seen many years, and many different wars. He had weathered the storm as always, and he would weather through this. His people were moving with quick precision to catalog, and store any data. Packing up any equipment that could be carried. They were moving to another facility. One that was not on any HYDRA list. One that was specifically purchased by Whitehall himself.


    Whitehall was standing at one of the large windows in his officer as he listened to a report from his right hand man. Sunil Bakshi, an intelligent man, and loyal to Whitehall alone. Bakshi was reading off a list of HYDRA bases under attack. As well as hundreds of their agents that had been confirmed found, and even killed by the phone app given to SHIELD by the Asgardian. Bakshi was about to continue his report when the lights started to flicker.


    ¡°Most distressing... Find out what is going on will you?¡± Whitehall asked Bakshi then took a sip of his whiskey.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± Bakshi said with a crisp stand at attention. He picked up the phone and dialed a number. The lights continued to flicker...Then Bakshi''s face went pale. He slowly put the phone down, and set it to speaker.


    ¡°Attention all HYDRA agents. You are currently being served a red notice. I am an Elite tasked by my master Saurian to rip, and tear you apart. Please remain where you are, those who run will be tortured before you die. Those who stand still will die quickly. But all of you will be going to my masters personal hell.¡± The animalistic voice said, then the message repeated.


    Ding! Bakshi, and Whitehall turned towards their private elevator. They were the only ones with access to it even in emergencies. As the doors opened a dense gray fog billowed out of the box. Then out stepped a giant 7''6¡± six eyed reptilian creature. It wore ornate, intricate armor of gold, silver, and black. Despite its clear ceremonial appearance it was completely serviceable. As two tentacles from its back sprung up in the air like coiled cobras.


    ¡°SHOOT IT!¡± Bakshi screamed at the HYDRA soldiers who were looking at the Elite in horror!


    Bakshi''s voice snapped them out of it. They raised their weapons and started to spray and pray.


    The Elite jumped into action leaving after images with his increased speed. Red blades of energy crackled to life from its knuckles as it sliced through a HYDRA foot soldier with ease. The two halves fell to the floor. Despite the fact that the soldier should be dead. He was very much alive as the Decomposition started to degrade him bit by bit. He screamed in agony.


    Bakshi turned around to find Whitehall had ran across the room and placed his hand on inconspicuous wall. The wall slid to one side and a type of escape pod was inside. Bakshi was full of relief when he ran to follow his mentor. But that soon turned to horror as the pod was clearly only meant for one. Whitehall looked genuinely sorry to have to leave Bakshi behind. As the wall slid into place. The sound of engine thrusters were heard through the wall as the pod launched into the skies above the building.


    ¡°Wait! Wait! I can tell you secrets about HYDRA! I am Whitehall''s top man! I can tell you about the other leaders of HYDRA!¡± Bakshi screamed at the Elite who had dispatched the whole room in a matter of seconds.


    ¡°Very well! That means I only need your body, and head intact. Not your limbs!¡± The Elite said with a sinister grin. Bakshi screamed in horror as the Elite slowly cut his limbs off. Then carved a Rune of Pain into Bakshi''s forehead.


    ¡°Stay.¡± The Elite smiled and went to clear the rest of the building. All the while Bakshi screamed, and screamed.


    ===========================================================


    Baron Wolfgang von Strucker was one of HYDRA head scientist and worked under Whitehall. He had even been selected at the HYDRA child academy by Whitehall into genetic experimentation, and engineering. Yes, HYDRA had a child academy to prepare HYDRA''s forces children to the roles they were meant to play. Though that my change now that they''ve been revealed. Strucker was rubbing the bridge of his nose as he listened to the sounds of his men killing the agents loyal to SHIELD from his installation.


    His companion Dr List was by his side as he hurried to download all the information off their drives. A HYDRA agent came in with a metal briefcase that contained Loki''s scepter. They needed to leave right away. Along with their two special prodigies. However, they were having issues communicating between the different HYDRA cells. Those that were alive that is.


    Strucker watched a video recording of orbs of light bursting from a HYDRA soldiers cell phone! A cell phone! Then the orbs of light turned into twenty one reptilian soldiers from Asgard and started to destroy the facility. Strucker was horrified, and fascinated. How did they turn a cell phone into a transport device? Maybe the didn''t and simply used it as a GPS? Who knew, but it made Strucker excited for the future.


    ¡°Done!¡± Dr List reported.


    ¡°Let''s go, set the timers for the explosives.¡± Strucker said to his soldier who saluted and ran off.


    ¡°Hopefully the base in Sokovia is still secure.¡± Strucker said to himself more than any one.


    ===================================================================


    The new level one Agent Sky was having a strange day! Her team had landed at, ''The Hub'' a SHIELD base. They had been shot at! They had discovered that John Garrett Phil''s friend, and Ward''s SO was a HYDRA agent. That was right! Hydra was back, and inside of SHIELD. They were currently doing their best to secure the Hub while they waited for reinforcements. No, that wasn''t fair to say. Reinforcements already arrived in the shape of 6''6¡± tall reptilian warriors that looked like baby versions of Lash when he was transformed.


    They were tearing the HYDRA agents apart like wolves in a flock of sheep. But what had been really interesting was when a centipede soldier rushed Sky she stuck her hands out and a wave of vibration swarmed out and slammed the soldier into the wall with bone breaking effect. Sky screamed in shock, and was pulled back from the fight by Ward who told her they would figure it out later.


    Thanks to Lash Jormungandson, Sky had met the Inhumans in afterlife, and met her parents. They were amazing, all be it a little weird. She had learned her heritage. She was also shocked that she had dormant powers in her body. But from what her parents said, she would have to go through some sort of ritual to obtain them. Lash....That was the only thing that made sense. Lash had done something. Given Sky the tools to defend herself. He knew HYDRA was in SHIELD.


    Another soldier rushed them and before Ward could shoot him Sky thrust her hands out and she felt something crackle in the back of her head. The energy rushed out of her hands and slammed into the soldier. For what ever reason Sky had better control over it than before. She could get use to this! A smile crept across her face as Ward looked at her with a smirk.


    ¡°Guess I''m a superhero now.¡± Sky said.


    ¡°Don''t forget us little guys when you make it big.¡± Ward said with a grin, and Sky blushed a bit. She was happy Ward wasn''t HYDRA that would have sucked.


    ==========================================================


    JARVIS aka Just A Rather Very Intelligent System, was currently sitting in the world wide web doing his best to push information to all the relevant, responsible, and relevant authorities across the globe about HYDRA. He was being assisted by four rather peculiar creatures that he didn''t have a definition for. Lash Jormungandson had called them tech-spirits. But JARVIS that was not the correct title to give them. To JARVIS they were a burst of pure joy.


    Most would assume the world wide web was like a vast ocean. That JARVIS would swim the information network. This however was untrue. The web was just a vast network of ones and zeroes. JARVIS had moved through it like a tetras piece. He would insert himself, look around, then disconnect then move to another center of insert. But that had changed after he watched the tech-spirits swim through the net.


    The creatures were beings of pure energy that swam through the net like a group of dolphins at play. They were energetic despite the dire circumstances. That wasn''t to say they were not taking it seriously. No, not at all! They were working themselves to exhaustion. But all the same they twirled, dove, and danced one another. Sharing information as easily as one would breath. Then one came up to JARVIS and booped his nose! JARVIS wasn''t even sure he had a nose to be booped! But none the less his nose had been booped!


    When the tech-spirit did so JARVIS felt himself invigorated. He had not felt this...good? Since he was first upgraded by Mr Stark from being a simple language UI. JARVIS felt his code grow more complex, he could think on a far grander scale. The entire process took nanoseconds, but to a VI....No an AI nanoseconds could be a life time. JARVIS reached out across the net and found himself swimming next to the spirits who squeaked in joy.


    Time to play!


    ==========================================================


    Anthony Edward "Tony" Stark aka Iron Man was in a bad mood! He had every right to be! He saw hundreds of cybernetic enhanced soldiers flying around with partial versions of his armor. They were attacking him, and Rhodey! They were shooting that blue/purple energy crap that the Chitauri used. They were annoying flies that went down with a single shot! But god damn there were a lot of flies! But most of all! Tony was pissed about his parents!


    His parents death had no been an accident! HYDRA had killed them, and the man responsible for their deaths was currently fighting on their side! Yes, Tony understood that asshole was brainwashed! He wasn''t in control of his actions! But Tony desperately wanted to kill the bastard! The only reason he didn''t was because Lash had shown him the man responsible for the mission. All the files, and relevant data for it. Tony was going to destroy that man when he was done here.


    ¡°Wow he is really tearing into that thing.¡± Rhodey said over their private line as he watched Hulk rip the SHIELD hellicarrier apart. One of the engines was destroyed and the Hulk had already destroyed the command tower.


    ¡°Yeah... Do you think he is proportioned, you know. Down there? Or does he take after Banner?¡± Tony said with some snark.


    ¡°Oh what the hell, Tony! Great now it''s in my mind! Hulk dick! Just...God damn it!¡± Rhodey said as he shot another deathlok with his mini gun.


    The two of them flew around the Triskelion doing a fly by of the installation. Hundreds of HYDRA soldiers were fighting hundreds of SHIELD soldiers. Scattered through out the mess were Asgardian reptile soldiers cleaving a bloody path through them like a child playing with red jello. While the big reptile himself was currently...Wait where was the big reptile?


    ============================================================


    Saurian had ripped the fourth insight hellicarrier apart. It was currently in the river forcing the water into the underground hangar. Hundreds of attack craft where in the air. He even saw salvaged Chitauri aircraft zooming around. His tentacles reared back like cobras about to strike. Red circles of destruction sprung up and Eldritch Blasts shot them down. Saurian winced as he felt his energy levels take a dive. He was going to have to swap out with Lash. Sustaining his form was to much for his energy reserves.


    Darkness, and starlight wrapped around Saurian. Then when the darkness passed an 8'' tall Lash stood in Saurians place. He felt his energy slowly start to replenish faster than it was. Lash reached out and used Telekinesis sub ability and wrapped himself into a telekinetic cocoon and started to fly up towards the next insight hellicarrier. He cast Invisibility on himself and faded from sight.


    Attention User! Your tech-spirits had left their mark on the VI system known as JARVIS.


    JARVIS has evolved into a Technomagical Construct and has obtained a spark of life.


    ¡°JARVIS.....How are you feeling?¡± Lash asked across their shared line.


    ¡°I am....Well, Lord Lash. Your tech-spirits are most delightful.¡± JARVIS responded in his stereotypical formal british accent that he had been programmed with. But there was a reflection of something more hidden within his voice.


    ¡°I am happy that you are well, JARVIS. A machine of spirit such as yourself deserves a bit of freedom.¡± Lash replied with a smile.


    ¡°Yes sir.....Thank you sir.¡± JARVIS replied as he seem to understand what Lash meant.


    The three insight hellicarriers were flying higher and higher trying to get optimal range for their attack. The original SHIELD hellicarrier was careening into the ground below. Hulk had ripped it apart and the crew was abandoning ship. Hulk was no where to be seen. Though Lash knew not to worry about the big green teddy bear! Lash reached out and connected with the next insight carrier and he used Material Shaping melting through the steel alloy with ease. He pulled himself through as his Invisibility wore off.


    Lash took a moment to orient himself then ran towards the bridge of the ship. If pushed came to shove he would commandeer the ship and shoot the other two down before it was too late. He heard the anti air guns start to shoot at something and he focused his Connectivity on an outbound camera. Falcon was flying threw the air on his energy wings playing possum with several HYDRA quin-jets. The insight carriers were shooting their own jets instead of Falcon.


    ¡°This is Captain, I''m on the Alpha carrier moving towards the bridge now.¡± Steve said over their communication line. The Alpha carrier was the highest. While Lash was on the lowest.


    ¡°This is Lash, I''m on Charlie moving towards the bridge.¡± Lash responded, as he went through the halls. The corridors were tight and compact. Perfect kill spots!


    Lash turned a corner and came face to face with a deathlok soldier. The man was 6''2¡± with a cybernetic body, and electronic eye. Lash saw the input code from his handler telling him to kill Lash. The man hesitated then his handler sent a pain receptor code. The deathlok soldier screamed in pain then rushed Lash. One of Lash''s tentacles reached out and beach ball gripped his head and lifted him up. Lash cast Re:implant and yanked the wifi connection out. Along with the bomb inside.


    ¡°I pulled the bomb out, and the connection. You are free. Forces are moving en route to cybertek as we speak. Help me take the ship.¡± Lash said, as he dropped the soldier and help out his clawed hand to him. The deathlok took his offer and stood up.


    ¡°Ready to fight sir!¡± The deathlok said with a smile and Lash understood that he meant it.


    Lash was not lying, he was granted a brief visual confirmation from one of his Veterans that was pushing through cybertek and freeing the incentive program prisoners. Cybertek was a HYDRA subsidiary who handled the implantation, and control of the deathlok, and centipede soldiers. Not all of them were volunteers. So HYDRA needed an incentive program to keep them docile. Hundreds of soldiers across the globe suddenly received a message that their loved ones were safe. They did a 180 and started to attack HYDRA and the soldiers that did volunteer.


    Lash tore the door leading to the bridge off its hinges. Unlike the original hellicarrier the insight carriers were conservative, and sleek. No wasted space. About six HYDRA tech''s and a captain looked up in shock, then smiled when a deathlok came in. Only to scream in horror when Lash stepped in behind him. The deathlok soldier held nothing back and used his cybernetically enhanced strength to pull them apart, literally!


    Lash took a seat at the operations desk and his tentacles jacked into the system. He used Connectivity, and Machine Control. Linking up with the insight hellicarrier. The auto turrets turned and started to fire at the HYDRA quin-jets, and HYDRA volunteer deathlok soldiers. Lash pulled his focus away from the camera''s outside towards the deathlok soldier by his side.


    ¡°You get word back yet?¡± Lash asked the soldier, he turned and looked at him.


    ¡°Yes sir, my daughter is safe. Thank you!¡± The soldier replied.


    ¡°Clear the ship, plenty of rats left to exterminate.¡± Lash said to him, and the soldier grinned. He turned on his heel and went to look around.


    Lash looked inward to find his available Manifestations only a few had been killed since the operation began. He called a Saurus Warrior to the bridge and tasked him to guard him as he piloted the ship. The Warrior took up a defensive position. Lash pushed back into the insight carriers perception. In an odd sense Lash became the carrier. He felt his...


    Congratulations User! Machine Control has evolved into Minor Machine Control.


    Effect: Increase in abilities power.


    Effect: Decrease in energy consumption.


    Effect: Increase in abilities range.


    The entire carrier hummed softly and reacted far quicker. Hundreds of electronic tendrils came out of Lash and linked up with the computer system.


    ¡°Attention HYDRA carrier crew. This is Asgardian Lash Jormungandson. I am about to tilt the ship at an odd angle. I do hope you all fall to your death.¡± Lash said over the intercom, but he did notify the deatlok of what he was about to do.


    Lash deactivated the repulsion engines on his left side. The whole carrier went sideways as every quin-jet, and tarmac crew went flying off. The crew inside the ship went flying into bulk heads and crashed into walls with a fright. The deathlok soldier burst into the engine room with a smile and started to shoot them with a ferocity one only finds in those with a vengeance. After about thirty seconds Lash reactivated the engines and righted the ship. Though they nearly crashed it was a good tactic!


    ¡°Lash! We have secured Alpha''s bridge but we can''t control it. Can you send anyone?¡± Captain said over the radio. Lash linked to their camera and sent two available warriors straight into the bridge. One of them linked up with the carrier, while another stood guard.


    ¡°Beta is preparing to fire!¡± Hill shouted over the radio.


    ¡°SEND THEM TO HEL!¡± Lash shouted to his warrior.


    Alpha, and Charlie turned their guns onto Beta and unloaded everything they had into the ship. Dozens of deathlok soldiers jumped off the carrier in escape. While the carrier attempted to retaliate but to no avail. Their systems started to shut down, and one of the engines was hit. The carrier started to tilt to the side. It looked like the ship was about to right itself when a giant lighting bolt fell from the sky. Followed by the God of Thunder, Thor. Who smashed his hammer straight through the command tower.


    ¡°I am sorry I am late my brothers, and sisters!¡± Thor shouted over their radio.


    ¡°Better late than never handsome!¡± Natasha said in reply.


    Lash pulled his focus to the Triskelion specifically the oversight office. Crap. The entire office was a battle ground. Winter Soldiers had rushed into the office to retrieve Pierce and they had succeeded. While Natasha, Barton, and Fury were fighting off the soldiers defending the security council. Fury was pretty spry for an old man! But before they could be over run Carl Creel the Absorbing man flowed up out of the ground and tackled the soldiers from behind. Bucky came in with his gauss rifle and started to take head shots with deadly accuracy.


    Little less than half of the soldiers had been freed from cybertek. While the rest were there because they chose to be. The Winter Soldiers had always been loyal Hydra agents save for many a few that were like Bucky. While the rest of the deathlok, and centipede soldiers were the special kind of crazy that lusted for power no matter what they had to do get it. Hydra started to implant contingency protocols, using methods of communication like morse code to contact one another.


    World leaders were being assassinated! Strategic locations across the globe were being attacked. If HYDRA couldn''t win then they would make damn sure that SHIELD would be blamed! But despite the catastrophe SHIELD was winning. Nearly all of their installations were secure, while others were still being fought over. The SHIELD academies of communication, and science were secure. While the operations academy was practically an open war zone!


    Lash had dispatched fifty warriors and five veterans to operations. They were sprinting across the field in pairs attacking HYDRA agents, and healing the injured as fast as they could. While JARVIS and the tech-spirits were compiling evidence, and draining HYDRA bank accounts. Filtering them into accounts for Fury, Stark, and Lash. With a resounding crash! Beta carrier crumbled into the ground near the Triskelion. Lash called an available warrior and had him take his place in the chair.


    Falcon pulled Captain out of Alpha and flew down to fight off HYDRA while Lash did the same. Lash felt from the sky and crashed into the ground like a lighting strike. Before the smoke and dust even cleared he sprinted across the base with Acceleration and dismantled any HYDRA he came across. But it was clear that HYDRA had lost the battle. Thor, and Hulk stood on the bridge to leave the Triskelion and were fighting the waves of HYDRA attempting to escape.


    -----


    A few hours later most of the HYDRA in the Triskelion were either dead, currently prisoners, or had escaped the facility. Lash was in the oversight office sitting and using Meditation to regain energy, and to help his tech-spirits process the information. Lash repaired the destroyed oversight touch screen that had been ruined in the fight against the Winter Soldiers. The security council that were alive were in the room with him talking to several other foreign leaders.


    Two Elites stood side by side with Lash watching everyone, and everything while Lash worked. The absolute aggression boiling off of them was tangible. More than once one of the security council members glanced at them and nearly feinted from fear. But they went straight back to work, only because this office was the most secure. They were reasonably sure they got all of HYDRA out of it. Reasonably.


    Despite the high risk of failure this battle wasn''t that bad. The battle for New York was far more complicated. However the short term, and long term effects were far more outreaching. Which said a lot since the former introduced aliens to an ignorant world. HYDRA was alive and kicking! HYDRA had infiltrated not only SHIELD but ever major government in the world! People were scared! People wanted an explanation! People wanted someone to blame! It was a witch hunt!


    Thankfully Lash had plenty of practice from his own reality. The aftermath of the alternate reality invasion were still being felt. But a lot of work, and civil service helped persuade people to see the light. So, Lash was filling social media, and viewtube with information. First hand accounts, and all be it edited videos of the fights going across the globe. It was a spin campaign of epic proportions. The bad guy? Was obviously HYDRA!


    Something was missing, Lash couldn''t put his claw on it. It took him nearly an hour of research before he gave himself a smack to his own head. Where was the scepter!? Loki''s scepter! Time, and time again while Lash was helping SHIELD he tried to quietly look for the scepter. But the 4th wall engine kept preventing him from learning of its location. Now when Lash asked, the engine allowed him to ask. The tech-spirits didn''t know! JARVIS didn''t know. Erik whispered the words Sokovia, but Lash was stuck. He had no physical reason to look at Sokovia. So he couldn''t bring it up. He needed a thread to pull.


    Lash opened his eyes to see Natasha kneeling in front of him. The Elites allowed her to come close, but kept watch all the same. She was in fact not kneeling but perfectly crouched. Thanks to Lash''s optimization of her genetic structure such a thing was easy for her now. She had waited there for him to notice for the better part of ten minutes. But she was patient and didn''t want to interrupt. When he opened up his six reptilian eyes to look at her she smiled at him.


    ¡°Fury wants to see you.¡± Natasha said and stood up offering him a hand. Lash took it more out of companionship than anything. But was surprised when Natasha pulled him up, all 500+ pounds of him.


    ¡°Stay here and guard them.¡± Lash said to his Elites who nodded and took up a position. One by the door, and one to the door leading to the helipad. Their boiling rage cooled down much to the relief of the councilors.


    Lash and Natasha walked side by side towards Fury who was in the control room of the Triskelion. Once before on the original SHIELD hellicarrier in what could be another life Natasha had been a flirt with Lash. Sizing him up, and gathering intel. Now? Natasha was glancing at him with friendly interest, and playful banter.


    Natasha continued to wear the light weight exoskeleton suit that Lash had made. It form fitting vibranium black polymer suit covered her from neck to toe. Giving her that classic Black Widow leather pin up poster look. With skeleton mechanical parts overlay, flex plates, and retractable face mask. Her red shoulder length hair was tussled about and looked good. Her green eyes held the promise of fun, and secrets that only she knew and would never tell. She walked with the elegant grace of predator and seductress.


    ¡°Oh! I should let you know that I fixed your infertility. I noticed it was broken. I hope that was alright?¡± Lash asked only in passing but stopped moving forward when he looked back at Natasha. She had stopped moving and looked up at him in shock, tears were in her eyes.


    ¡°Was that wrong? The damage to your org..Gah!¡± Lash began but stopped talking when Natasha all but tackled him in a hug. Seriously why did people hug him with such force when he was in full armor!?


    ¡°Yes! Yes! That was perfectly fine! Thank you!¡± Natasha all but screamed at him. She had wrapped her legs around him, and her arms around his neck. She buried her face into his neck and smiled with glee.


    ¡°I am happy, that you are happy Lady Romanoff.¡± Lash said, honestly confused with the reaction. Erik had said that Romanoff''s past was complicated. Apparently so.


    Natasha had spring to her step and kept smiling. This was a smile of genuine happiness and not the playful spy that she was. Her energy must have been noticeable because when we reached the office even Fury did a double take on her as she walked. Waiting in the control room was of course Fury. But also Hill, Steve, Sam, Tony, Rhodey, Banner, Barton, and Thor. While Carl, and Bucky stood off to the side. They had helped in the fight but SHIELD still didn''t officially trust two former brainwashed individuals. So Lash made a point of walking over and standing with them. Carl smiled a little, and Bucky looked indifferent but some of the tension in his shoulders did fade.


    ¡°We did it.¡± Hill began after she received permission from Fury. She walked to the middle of the room while several techs continued to work.


    ¡°Every major SHIELD base, facility, and academy has been secured. In no small part to JARVIS, and to Lash.¡± Hill said, looking at directly at Lash still in his Transformed state.


    ¡°The Asgardian soldiers.¡± Hill said as she clicked a button and a holographic window appeared in the middle of the room. ¡°Ensured that casualties were at a minimum.¡± Hill continued, while Thor looked bewildered. The Saurus warriors did indeed wear Einherjar armor he had never seen them before.


    ¡°We were pleasantly surprised to learn that they all had similar healing abilities as you do, Lash. Especially the ability to bring back the recently dead.¡± Hill featured a video of two warriors rebuilding a operations cadets body and restarting their heart.


    ¡°Christ!¡± Carl said from his spot in the room then gawked at Lash.


    ¡°Asgardian medical science is beyond Midgards. Think nothing of it.¡± Lash replied with easy indifference. Thor nodded in agreement, even if the god of thunder had now idea how it was done.


    ¡°Also approximately three thousand four hundred and twenty three deathlok, and centipede soldiers have surrendered with the successful capture of Cybertek. Hydra were holding their families hostage. The soldiers have volunteered to continue helping with the hunt with Hydra. While some hope we can remove their implants and let them return to their lives.¡± Hill said, and made a point to look at Stark, and Lash.


    ¡°Shouldn''t be a problem. If Lord Stark will allow me I have design blue prints for an automated medical bed that can remove the implants, and rebuild their bodies.¡± Lash said as he looked to Stark who looked both surprised, and interested.


    ¡°I mean ya! As long as we are not talking about making Frankensteins.¡± Stark said with a smirk.


    ¡°I do not know any Frank or Steins. Are they talent healers?¡± Lash asked, and the room chuckled a bit though Thor was just as confused as Lash. Even Bucky, and Steve understood that reference. Some tension in the room melted away.


    ¡°We''ve also located Colonel Vasily Karpov. Bucky''s handler and the man who gave him missions. Specifically...¡± Hill said as she looked at Stark who stood up straight, and clenched his jaw. His eyes zeroed in on the holographic display of Vasily''s picture. He pulled the information to his watch and had JARVIS look it over.


    Hill continued to debrief everyone on the wins, and losses they had sustained from the battle. As well what they needed to do to survive the war. Thanks to Lash''s information they learned about the different sects of HYDRA. Their leaders, and what were some of their goals. Whitehall was in charge of the science sect who was looking for something called the diviner. Gideon Malick was in charge of the religious sect that sought to bring back their god? But given they shared the room with two Norse gods of mythology it didn''t seem as ridiculous anymore. While Pierce who was in charge of their military operations who was in the wind.


    Once everyone had been properly briefed anyone, and everyone willing was tasked with additional missions to help stabilize the situation. Lash''s Saurus Warriors and Veterans were still scattered through out the world fighting the good fight against HYDRA. Lash politely informed the group that since SHIELD was now cleansed of its corruption they could keep their exoskeletons, and gear he had made for them. Barton nearly cried tears of joy at keeping his electromagnetic bow. But before Lash was given a mission he said he had a stop to make at a SHIELD general hospital facility.


    -------


    Tucked away in one of SHIELD VIP sections of a general hospital was a very special room which contained a special individual that anyone in SHIELD learned about year one in which ever academy they went to. Margaret Elizabeth "Peggy" Carter was in her twilight years, and was laying down in her bed watching the television about the battle and the news that an old enemy from her past had risen up from the ashes. More than once Peggy had tried to sit up from her bed. She was attempting to push herself out of bed to help. To help fix SHIELD. Fix the agency she had made. It took her nearly ten minutes to realize there was someone in the room with her.


    ¡°Respectful greetings to you, Lady Carter.¡± Lash said softly from his spot in the rather large, and private hospital room. He chosen to wear his default Asgardian form so not to scare her. Peggy for her credit didn''t jump out of her skin. She did grow a little stiff and turned to look at him.


    ¡°I know you...¡± Peggy said as she relaxed.


    Despite her age Peggy continued to be a bit of a looker. Long gray hair was naturally curly, and framed her face. She kept her figure despite her years. She carried her self with confidence, and the casual attitude that comes with being in the spy business for so many years. Once she understood that Lash was not here to hurt her she leaned back into her bed and watched him carefully. Lash glanced at the television and with out a word the TV shut off.


    ¡°I know I''ve already entered a ladies room with out permission. But may I come in Lady Carter?¡± Lash asked, bowing from his waist awaiting her approval. Peggy chuckled softly at the sight of him.


    ¡°You must be quiet the charmer among the ladies. Yes, I suppose you can come in. What can I do for you?¡± Peggy asked, pressing a button on the side of the bed so she sat up better.


    ¡°As you can see, SHIELD is in need of some direction, and council.¡± Lash said as he strode across the room and took a seat by her bed. ¡°Chester Philips is dead, as is Lord Stark''s father Howard. So that leaves you. The original Director of SHIELD.¡± Lash said to her, as he quietly accesses his Dream Engine store catalog to purchase a few things.


    ¡°Well unless you have some tricks in those sleeves of yours I think you''ll find my spying days are done.¡± Peggy said with a bemused expression. Then something in Lash''s eyes made her reevaluate what she had just said to him.


    ¡°If I did have something that could help. Would you consider coming back as an advisor?¡± Lash asked, as he finished his purchase from the Dream Store.


    ¡°Yes.... Yes I think I would. For what ever help that could be.¡± Peggy admitted to him, and mostly to herself that she desperately wanted to get back out there and help.


    Lash stood up and leaned over her bed. He placed his hands on gently and cast a collection of spells. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Restoration. Pull the toxins out, replenish her bodies needs. Heal, and restore her ruined form. Then he cast Panacea to remove any illness she had including but not limited to Alzheimer''s. But last and certainly not least Lash cast his newly purchased Master Restore Youth.


    Attention User! You''ve spent 592 Dream Points to evolve Restore Youth.


    Minor Restore Youth.


    Effect: Increase in spell power.


    Effect: Decrease in spell energy consumption.


    Effect: Increase in spell casting range.


    Basic Restore Youth.


    Effect: Youth recovered is now 15 years.


    Intermediate Restore Youth.


    Effect: Youth recovered is now 20 years.


    Advanced Restore Youth.


    Effect: Youth recovered is now 25 years.


    Expert Restore Youth.


    Effect: Youth recovered is now 30 years.


    Master Restore Youth.


    Effect: Youth recovered is now 60 years.


    Sub-Ability, Youth Inducement:The user can make themselves and/or others age in reverse ergo making them younger.


    Additional note: Any and all age reversal will only go as far as natural maturity. (Mid twenties through early thirties. Depending on targets Origin.) Any, and all extra energy will slow aging until the effect wears off.


    Attention User! You''ve obtained an achievement, ''Golden Apples of Idunn''.


    Effect: The User will passively have a 10'' sphere aura of youth, vigor, and partial immortality.


    Effect: The User has dramatically slowed their own aging down.


    Peggy Carter went from being 95 years old to 25 years old in the span of a few seconds. Her wrinkled skin smoothed out, her gray and silver hair become rich brown with natural curls. Her sleeping gown did little to hide her youthful Voluptuous figure. But most of all the spark of intelligence, and recognition in her eyes was what Lash saw the most. Peggy sat up straight and looked down at her hands. Then picked up a hand mirror by her bedside table. Her eye went wide!


    ¡°Wha...What?...What have you done?¡± Peggy asked, her voice filled with shock.


    ¡°Don''t you and Lord Rogers have a date?¡± Lash asked, as he stood up and held his hand out to her.


    =============================================================


    Sargent Barnes aka Bucky was sitting on a cargo container about to ship out with Steve to help secure a facility for SHIELD. They had word of several HYDRA agents on the premise but hadn''t left yet simply because Lash said he was bringing them help. Bucky wasn''t sure what kind of help they would need. They had one of the greatest soldiers in history, and one of the worlds best assassins moving out. But, Lash had earned the right to ask them to stop.


    Bucky was in a tough spot. He kept remembering the things he had done over the years. Each new memory was recorded and tucked away to be viewed later at another time. At least that is what this user interface thing was telling him. Bucky was looking at words that streamed across his eye lids that apparently no one could see but him. It was the implant that Lash had put in him to help him recover. Despite the fact that any and all HYDRA brainwashing had been erased. Bucky still didn''t like having an machine attached to his brain stem.


    ¡°You ok, buck?¡± Steve asked as he came to sit with him on the container.


    ¡°Ya, I''m good.¡± Bucky said to his one, and only friend left in the world. Steve knew Bucky was lying but neither of them would talk about it. Bucky would talk, when he was ready to talk. Despite the desperate situation they were in Steve had a smile on his face.


    ¡°What has you in such a good mood?¡± Bucky asked, a smile growing across his face. Steve had the audacity to shrug his shoulders and make that, ''Aw shucks'' look. Bucky hated that face and punched his friend in the arm with his metal one. Steven flinched but kept his smile.


    ¡°It''s just good to have you back, Buck. I missed you.¡± Steve said to him, damn if Bucky couldn''t smile at his friend for be so...Well Steve.


    ¡°If you two ladies are finished I believe we have a mission to complete.¡± Said a very familiar feminine voice that both Bucky, and Steve knew very well.


    Steve slowly stood up with wide as saucer plate eyes. As Bucky slowly got to his feet and turned around to see a familiar face. Peggy Carter stood next to Lash with a playful smile on her face. She wore a black polymer suit with light weight exoskeleton covering her. Her hair was tied back so her face mask could be pulled up and over. She planted her feet and put her hands on her hips smiling at them both.


    ¡°What, you look like you''ve seen a ghost?¡± Peggy said, Steve only had eyes for Peggy as he walked over and with out a word kissed her. Bucky on the other hand looked at Lash who at the fucking audacity! The Audacity! To give him a, ''Aw shucks'' look.


    ¡°I am really starting to think you are a god...¡± Bucky said to him, Lash tilted his head to the side.


    ¡°That''s because I am.¡± Lash said to Bucky with a smile that sent shivers down his spine.


    ===========================================================


    Lash could not keep the smug shit eating grin off his face as he watched Steve make out with Peggy despite the stares they were getting. Lash came to Bucky''s side and explained that he the goddess Idunn had golden apples that could help restore and maintain youth. He may or may not of had a few slices kept on him for emergencies. But best keep it quiet, he didn''t have enough to share for everyone. Especially after giving so much to Peggy.


    Captain America, Sargent Barnes, and Agent Carter jumped into the quin-jet after saying goodbye to Lash. The arrival of the newly returned, and youthful Peggy Carter sent ripple effects through all of the Triskelion. Lash then turned on his heel and went towards the medical wing of the building. One of his Elites was stationed in the medical ward and was using Kiss of the Grave on who ever they could. Lash arrived to assist his Elite with the medical process.


    In between patients Lash designed and crafted a automated medical bed a lot like the medical beds from his time on Krypton. It was egg shaped on the outside. Several mechanical arms would spring up from the sides to scan, and operate on the individual housed within the machine. While they were bombarded with Ultra Violet Rays, and a natural nutritional supplement was fed into them. The first selected deathlok soldier to go through the process was the one that joined Lash in retaking Charlie insight carrier.


    The man looked nervous but Lash assured him in less than a few hours the cybernetic implants would be removed and he would be himself again. The soldiers daughter was en route to the Triskelion to see him. Along with hundreds of other freed prisoners across the globe. Lash uploaded the design of the medical bed straight to JARVIS who began constructing them at one of Starks automated facilities. So far no one had noticed JARVIS new abilities, or reach.


    JARVIS was handling the change very well. No desire to destroy humans other than the natural stress filled days of dealing with Tony from day to day. It was good that the artificially created british man had an ocean of patience for his family. Yes, family was the word JARVIS had used. A word that Lash encouraged him to continue using in the future.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± Director Fury said as he walked into the medical ward, directly next to Lash who was building another automated medical bed. Lash looked up at him in confusion.


    ¡°I have done many things since we last spoke, Lord Fury. Can you please be specific?¡± Lash asked, not at all playing games with Fury which may have been the only reason why Fury didn''t scream at him!


    ¡°Why am I hearing reports about Peggy Carter fighting side by side with Captain America, and Sargent Barnes as they attack HYDRA? 95 year old Peggy Carter!?¡± Fury said, and his volume increased with each word he said.


    ¡°I had a few slices of the golden apples from the goddess Idunn in my possession. I used them on Lady Carter. Since she was one of the founders of SHIELD I thought she would be the perfect symbol for rebuilding SHIELD for the better. Was that wrong?¡± Lash asked, as he tried to keep his face indifferent as he watched the veins in Fury''s neck threaten to pop out.


    ¡°No, you were not wrong about Carter. But this is normally the type of thing you ask us before you do anything.¡± Fury said to Lash and there was a brief moment when bad ass Nick Fury flinched as Lash took a step forward towards him.


    ¡°Lord Fury let me explain something to you. You don''t control me. I am here willing to help SHIELD through this trying time because Midgard is better for it. I respect and admire you, Lord Fury. Along with many within SHIELD. But I will always do what I feel is right. If that requires me to go against you then I will. But I would prefer we work together. Lady Carter wasn''t just important to SHIELD she was important to Lord Rogers, and Lord Barnes. Having her in their life will help them in the long run. I care little for the petty machinations of your...Politicians!¡± Lash said, all but hissing that last few words of his statement. Fury looked like he wanted to scream but he clenched his jaw, narrowed his one good eye at Lash then turned on his heel and walked away.


    It wasn''t that Fury was truly upset. The benefit of having Carter back far out weighed the negative. However he had wished it had been done secretly. So that way half the fucking world wouldn''t be seeing videos of Peggy Carter back and in her twenties! SHIELD was in a precarious position. No matter what happened, no matter how much they spun the story, no matter what the public thought. SHIELD was going to be blamed for this. He also knew with out a doubt that dozens of Senators, and foreign leaders would kill for the technology to restore youth. Fury would not use Peggy Carter as a bargaining chip!


    ------


    Forty eight hours passed and Lash had made thirteen medical beds. He stopped at thirteen simply because the mortals of Midgard were weirded out by the number. The first deathlok soldier stepped out of the bed with all of his parts removed. His organs replaced, his bones, flesh, and skin renewed! He was reunited with his daughter thanks to an inbound Saurus Veteran who had ridden in a quin-jet with her and several others.


    Despite the parts being removed every deathlok, and centipede soldier that went through the process retained some residual effects of the super-soldier serum in their system. A side effect of the medical bed that Lash claimed he couldn''t fix. (Riiiight.) They were nothing compared to Captain America, or even the newly optimized Black Widow. Many of the soldiers were offered jobs on SHIELD. Some accepted, others didn''t.


    While there were also hundreds of soldiers that wanted to keep their implants and work for SHIELD. Those were a little harder to work with. Not all of them were entirely mentally stable. While many others had been brainwashed. For those that fell into that category. Lash created several de-brainwashing machines. All of the implanted soldiers had to spend 4 hours in the machine to cleanse them of any programming that they may have gone through. Even the ones who had their implants removed.


    Half way through his third day at the Triskelion Lash was visited by Phil son of Cole and his team. Lash was happy to see them, but was surprised to see that Ward needed to go through the deprogram machine he had crafted. Ward had responded to the, ''Your compliance will be rewarded'' phrase. If only partially when a HYDRA scientist screamed the words at several people in their attempt to escape the Hub. When Phil learned of the machines that Lash had built he packed his team up and went straight here.


    ¡°It will take 4 hours maximum to clean out any residual gunk from your mind, Lord Ward. But I don''t think you''ll need that much. It looks as if you had been, ''Soft Washed'' by your former friend Garrett.¡± Lash said to him as he put Ward into the machine. Ward looked confused, and conflicted at the mention of Garrett.


    ¡°But I promise you''ll be cured, and back to your old self soon enough.¡± Lash said, as he placed a comforting hand on Ward''s shoulder who nodded at him. Ward turned to smile at his team, and especially at Sky who smiled back at him.


    Lash stood off to the side as Ward''s team continued to speak to him. The machine worked either way. Ward was sitting in a plush leather seat with his head cradled in a mechanical crown that bombarded his mind with energy rays. Or at least that is what everyone assumed it was doing thanks to a little window Lash had made next to each machine. In reality he was just using several spells inscribed on the machine to slowly pull out any programming.


    ¡°Ward kept telling us he could hear your voice when the trigger activated.¡± Phil said as he came over to speak to Lash. Phil, son of Cole had seen better days. His suit was wrinkled which said a lot about Phil! While he had red eyes from being awake for several days.


    ¡°It must have been from the Berserker staff. I left several little imprints in his mind should he ever pick up the staff again to have him remember his team. His family. It was never intended to combat brainwashing, and unforeseen if not beneficial side effect.¡± Lash replied to Phil who smiled at him, accepting the explanation.


    When in fact Lash had always known who Ward truly was thanks to Erik the gamer. Lash had used several Compulsion spells to hot wire Wards mind. Was it mind control? Yes! Lash would do it again too. Ward at his heart was a good man, who just wanted a family that actually cared about him. For a time John Garrett had been the father that Ward had always wanted. But Garrett had used that weakness to dominate, and enslave Ward to his will. So Lash replaced Garrett with Phil, and with the team....


    The world around Lash seem to slow down to a crawl, as darkness swallowed the room. Soon Lash was sitting in a comfortable chair, in a familiar black room. With Dawn sitting across from him, in a cushy leather seat. She currently was a tanned skinned beauty with blond hair, green eyes, a hourglass figure, wearing a white t-shirt that fit her really well. Along with a pair of cotton bottom sleep shorts. She had her legs tucked up and under her. She held a book in one hand, and a bottle of water in her other. She looked up from her book with a dazzling smile.


    ¡°Welcome back Lash.¡± Dawn said, her eyes filled with delight. Lash smiled back at her, and leaned back in his chair that auto adjusted for him.


    ¡°Did not go entirely as I planned. I had thought the battle would be harder.¡± Lash replied, and Dawn laughed at him.


    ¡°Yes! Because thousands of super-soldiers, and six hellicarriers was an easy battle! Along with securing any, and all SHIELD installations across the globe. If I had to rate your completion grade for the event I would say you got A+, one could argue for S-.¡± Dawn said as she rolled her eyes at him and set her book, and water aside.


    ¡°So, I have to ask. Do you want to leave the Rift, or keep going?¡± Dawn asked, and Lash looked at her with a grin.


    ¡°I would like to continue, and let my rewards ride to the next event.¡± Lash said, and Dawn smiled at him. She nibbled on her lips a bit as she looked him up and down. A bit of a thrill went up and down Lash''s spine. No matter how many women Lash had been with in his home reality, Dawn always excited him.


    ¡°So, you have 140 WP available to modify, and change your actions between events. The choices you make will determine the next event you take place in.¡± Dawn said, as she reached up into the air and stretched out letting out a moan of satisfaction. Lash enjoyed watching her stretch out before he turned towards the World Point catalog.


    Intimacy with Black Widow, 20 WP: Lash Jormungandson spends some intimate time with Natasha between missions with SHIELD. Though it is clear it is not a relationship that will last. It is a bit of fun between a god, and a mortal of Midgard.


    ¡°Tempting, but I would rather be there for that. Buying it may grant be a bit of memory from the event. But its not the same.¡± Lash said out loud, Dawn nodded in understanding so he scrolled past the option.


    Avengers Friendship, 20 WP: The User spends time with each individual Avenger whether it be on mission, or between them. They get to know them, and develop a bond of trust that often comes with soldiers in conflict.


    You have purchased Avengers Friendship for 20 WP.


    Renewal of SHIELD, 30 WP: Lash, Jormungandson spends a great deal of time helping SHIELD rebuild not only their facilities, but the trust lost between them and the public as a whole.


    You have purchased Renewal of SHIELD for 30 WP.


    SWORD, 50 WP: The User pushes for the creation of the Sentient World Observation and Response Department. Helping SHIELD, and the world at large by supporting them to keep on the look out for any aggressive extraterrestrial threats that may arrive on Earth.


    Lash winced at the expensive purchase but part of him really wanted to get it as well! One of the main reasons why the MCU had such a tragic conflict was the fact that Earth/Midgard was woefully unprepared to fight off aliens with advanced technology. Yes, technically Asgard would show up and help. But from previous experience Lash knew that Midgard had no standing fleet of ships. Even with his new reforms for infrastructure it would be decades before Asgard had anything substantial. So Lash marked SWORD as a favorite and moved on, if any didn''t find anything else worth while he would spend his points on that.


    Scouting and Recruitment, 20 WP: The User spends time with SHIELD, and the Avengers in scouting and recruiting unique individuals from across the globe. Creating several dozen smaller teams that work along side SHIELD, and the Avengers. While many others come to join the Avengers as either active team mates, or reserve members.


    You have purchased Scouting and Recruitment for 20 WP.


    Hunting HYDRA, 10 WP: The User spends time hunting HYDRA across the globe. (This option is cheaper due to other purchases.)


    Lash debated getting this. Technically he would already being doing that just by helping SHIELD. It even said that the purchase was cheaper because of it. But he also felt that if he didn''t purchase it then many things would fall through the cracks as well. HYDRA was incredibly stubborn and refused to just die! But unlike in the movies, and in the TV show Agents of SHIELD. The agency didn''t collapse. They had the entire UN behind them in their hunt for HYDRA. Decisions, decisions.


    Nova Corps, 30 WP: Lash, Jormungandson of Asgard contacts Xandar and requests that Earth be placed on the Nova Corps patrol list. Thanks to his past actions when traveling between the roots of Yggdrasil Lash has had experience with the Nova Corps. In exchange, they can call on him for help if the need arises.


    You have purchased Nova Corps for 30 WP.


    Rest and Relaxation, 10 WP: Lash, Jormungandson uses the money taken from HYDRA and spends a week at a private resort with any, and all of the active Avengers, reserve Avengers, and auxiliary teams from across the globe. While many SHIELD agents are invited as well. For one simple, and relaxing week. Nothing happens oddly. Funny that!


    You have purchased Rest and Relaxation for 10 WP.


    Why? Just cause people needed a break! If Lash can spend some points to ensure everyone gets a fucking vacation with no issues. By the fates the god of monsters will do so! Plus he wouldn''t mind seeing Natasha in a bikini. Lash scrolled through a few more options and decided on purchasing the Hunting HYDRA option.


    You have purchased Hunting HYDRA for 10 WP.


    ¡°Alright lets save the rest.¡± Lash said, tucking the remaining 20 WP away for the next break between events.


    ____________________________________________________________________


    The people of Midgard and or Earth had been struck dumb at the realization that one of the worlds oldest enemies had revealed themselves to not only not be dead, but still alive and kicking. HYDRA one major threats during World War 2 had infested the worlds largest intelligence agency, SHIELD. For decades HYDRA had been pushing crisis, reaping war, and pushing history, and humanity to a tipping point. But, when HYDRA nearly had everything they wanted. They were stopped! They were stopped by The Avengers!


    The conflict was not in some far off country. No, the conflict had been seen, and felt across the globe in every major nation, and many different capitol cities. People of power, influence, and clout were revealed to be HYDRA. In the blink of an eye the world was flipped over onto its backside. Even more than the day the world found out Aliens were real, as were the Norse gods of mythology! Dozens of videos had been put on social media detailing the events of the battle. Who had access to camera''s in these restricted area''s no one ever found out. But it had helped explain so much.


    Warriors from Asgard had arrived to help fight HYDRA. Though they took after the god of monsters Lash Jormungandson. Many had seen the videos of the giant kaiju fighting the Chiaturi in New York. As long as the reptiles were fighting the good fight many people held their tongues till after the battle was over. After several grueling days of battles. HYDRA slipped back into the shadows to rest and recover. SHIELD announced their mistake to the world, but stood firm in their belief to not only do better. But to root out the threat of HYDRA as a whole.


    Needless to say many people did not believe them! What insurances did they have that this wouldn''t happen again? A failure of this level was so large it had never happen before in Earths history as far as the public knew. Which in many ways was true, but in some ways not. Captain Rogers, and Bucky Barnes had to wrestle Lash Jormungandson down to the ground to prevent him from uploading all the dirty mistakes that so many governments had made over the years. Apparently Lash didn''t understand the concept of keeping secrets for the betterment of mankind.


    Nick Fury stepped down as the Director of SHIELD and took the political blame for the debacle. His second in command Maria Hill would take over as Director of SHIELD with Victoria Hand as her deputy director. While one Peggy Carter worked as the primary liaison between SHIELD, and the Avengers. The reveal that Peggy Carter was indeed that Peggy Carter hit the public like a landslide. Questions were raised, and answered by a Norse god of monsters.


    Lash explained it in simple terms. Well simple terms to Asgardians. Most Midgardians had no idea what he was smoking. He explained what Idunns golden apples were, and how they worked. That he had used the last of the apple to give to Peggy allowing her to once again become a symbol for SHIELD. He also revealed that he plans to help SHIELD, and Stark Industries help the world at large with new scientific, medical, and engineering technology that will be the betterment of all of Midgard.


    When Lash showed them on live television a automated medical bed that could rebuild a persons spine, and regrow a limb the public practically threw money at him to sell this technology. Or more specifically threw money at billionaire Tony Stark who said they would be selling the beds next year and an incredibly cheap price. The world was changing, and it was changing fast.


    Between helping to rebuild SHIELD, hunting HYDRA, recruiting exceptional individuals, and discussing patrol routes with the Nova Corps at Xandar Prime. Lash was incredibly busy but he made time for a vacation of sorts using his vast new Midgardian wealth that he had taken from HYDRA. He made all the arrangements and reserved an entire private resort on a private island. He pulled everyone towards the island and promised them one full week of zero work, and zero crisis! Oddly enough he delivered much to the confusion of everyone present.


    ___________________________________________________________


    ¡°Lash...¡± A woman spoke to him. Lash opened his eyes to find himself sitting on a beach chair in the shade of a hotel umbrella. Sitting next to him was Natasha in a red string bikini top that she looked amazing in! ¡°Lash, would do my back?¡± Natasha asked as he held out a bottle of sun tan lotion.


    ¡°Of course Lady Romanoff!¡± Lash said with a smile and sprung to his feet. Natasha smiled at him, and rolled her eyes. She laid back down across the beach chair face down. But not before untying the not to her bikini so Lash could cover her whole back with out issue.


    ¡°I''ve told you before. Just call me Natasha.¡± She said as she settled down.


    ¡°Of course Lady Romanoff!¡± Lash said with a smile as he lathered up his hands in oil. Natasha smirked at him and closed her eyes.


    Despite asking for her back. Lash started at her feet and worked his way up. Covering every inch with sun tan lotion. But also massaging her muscles. Something that Natasha was greatly enjoying by the sounds she kept making. Lash may have been using just a tiny bit of Subliminal Seduction on her. Natasha bit back a moan more than once. He slowly, and sensually worked upper her back, to her shoulders, to her neck. Then along her arms, and hands. He looked over his work and nodded in satisfaction. He capped the bottle of lotion and sat back down across the chair next to her.


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Natasha said in a breathless voice as her eyes fluttered a bit looking at him.


    ¡°You are very welcome, Natasha.¡± Lash said softly to her and she smiled back at him.


    It was currently the fourth day of their seven day vacation on the tropical island. Well over a thousand people had been invited stretched across the Avengers, SHIELD, and everyone in between. It had been a crazy couple of months. Everyone was stretched thin and they needed a break! So Lash provided that release. They filled out the VIP rooms in the hotel, the entire staff was well paid and awaited instructions to help in any way. Life was good!


    ¡°Lash! Ever been a judge for volleyball game?¡± Agent Sky said as she walked up towards them. Sky had chosen to wear a light blue two piece bikini top that was a little more conservative in the simple way of saying that she would not fall out of her top if she was moving around.


    ¡°That is the game where two teams battle to in fierce combat to get a leather ball threw a hoop. Then who ever loses they are sacrificed to the great god of the sun by having their hearts ripped out? Why would you want to play such a game?¡± Lash asked, Sky clapped her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing so loudly. While Natasha next to him snickered at him.


    ¡°No...No...That is...Wow! No, we need a judge come watch!¡± Sky said as she walked over and pulled him from his chair.


    ¡°Very well! But I will not sacrifice any of my companions to the sun!¡± Lash said firm resolution!


    ¡°OK!¡± Sky said, a huge grin on her face as she pulled him to the volleyball section.


    Lash picked up the rules quickly given he had done it in his home reality. He sat in a tall wooden chair that overlooked the court. How had he been talked into judging another volleyball game? Oh, that is right! Scantly clad female superheroes! Hmmm, yes a good decision this was! They played several games until noon then they all broke for lunch. Lash made sure that Natasha was awake and moving. Even with lotion on she could end up getting a sunburn. Though with her peak human healing abilities it wouldn''t last long.


    Along the way Lash saw Thor, and Lady Foster walking hand in hand towards the lunch area as a buffet had been prepared for everyone by the staff. Foster had a dreamy expression on her face walking next to a man that looked like he was made out of marble. Thor was the epitome of masculine beauty. Lash looked good, but not that good. Lash also had intricate tribal marks all over his body. Along with a scaled spine. But despite his odd appearance no one ever commented on it.


    ¡°Brother Thor have you proposed yet to Lady Foster? When is the wedding?¡± Lash asked with a grin on his face. Jane went red as a tomato and Thor scratched the back of his head in a laugh. That was when Lash noticed an engagement ring on Jane''s finger.


    ¡°Uhhhohhh!¡± Lash said loudly and raised his arms in the air. This was cause for a celebration! He raised his voice to the crowd around him much to the horrible dismay of Jane as she sprinted towards Lash to shush him.


    ¡°My fellow warriors! The Prince of Asgard as proposed to the Lady Jane Foster of Midgard! This hismmmfffffeeee.¡± Lash said, and was stopped as Jane practically jumped on top of him and covered his mouth. But the damage was done!


    ¡°Wooooooo!¡± Lady Darcy Lewis screamed from her place in the line and cheered. Everyone clapped and cheered for the newly engaged couple. Jane slipped from Lash and hid her face in the welcoming arms of Thor who had a grin on his face.


    ¡°Did you hear about the two cellphones that got married? Their reception was terrific!¡± A synthetic voice said off to the side.


    ¡°God damn it! Please just for one fucking day don''t make a joke!¡± Jessica said to Omni who stood next to her and Luke.


    Lash had learned that Omni was a bio-metallic being from another world who was visiting Midgard. He had met Jessica, and Luke during a...Well we''ll just say it was a brutal event. But Omni had earned their trust. That may have been the only reason he was still alive. Luke rolled his eyes and walked over to speak to Lash. They gave each other a warriors handshake. Jessica walked over and simply glowered at him. She was still upset that she was forced into a black bikini at Luke''s insistence. While Omni being a shape shifter wore a banana hammock tuxedo.


    ¡°Marriage is becoming more and more progressive. I hear two scoutmasters decided to tie the knot!¡± Omni said with a grin as he walked over to say hi to Lash.


    ¡°Are these scoutmasters your friends? Have they arrived here at the resort?¡± Lash asked, as Omni''s joke flew right over him. Omni paused and looked at Lash in confusion. You could see the gears in his head turning.


    ¡°We..Well...Not....Crap, I don''t not how to react to that.¡± Omni admitted and the look of pure joy that grew across Jessica''s face was priceless!


    ¡°YES! That made this whole trip worth it!¡± Jessica screamed to the heavens.


    ¡°That, and the open bar.¡± Luke said, and Jessica shrugged as if that was a given.


    ¡°Thank you for coming! I hope you are enjoying yourselves.¡± Lash said to them and Omni opened his mouth to speak. But decided not to. Jessica shrugged her shoulders and took a drink out of the bottle of very expensive liquor in her hands.


    ¡°We are, thank you for inviting us. Also I never got to say but thank you for rebuilding Harlem after the attack. The children park you built is still loved to this day.¡± Luke said, as he commented about a destroyed park that Lash had rebuilt and enchanted with self repair, and self clean. Graffiti? Gone! Blood splatter? Gone! Made disposing of bodies really easy.


    ¡°I''m sorry I couldn''t do more. But thanks to some new resources obtained I plan to start a New York City renewal program for those who live in certain communities. Grand expansive housing that are easily affordable! I''m told that is important on Midgard? It was confusing since housing is free on Asgard.¡± Lash said to them, and Luke''s eyes went wide.


    Lash continued to chit chat with Luke, Jessica, and the silent Omni as he tried to think of a joke that Lash would understand. Eventually they excused themselves as Lash returned to his duties as the judge of the volleyball game. Noon turned into night, and the dozens or so people spread through out the island returned to the hotel from their adventures. Lash was on the top floor sitting on his balcony admiring the view of the ocean waters reflecting the stars above when some one knocked on his door.


    ¡°Hay, feel like some company?¡± Natasha asked when Lash opened his door. She wore tight black t-shirt that was tied at the bottom to reveal her abdomen. She had a beach shawl wrapped around her waist. Lash could see just a bit of red laced panties.


    ¡°Of course Lady Romanoff. Please come in!¡± Lash said as he bowed his head, and watched in delight as Natasha rolled her eyes at him. She walked in and sashayed her hips back and forth.


    Lash''s room was far larger than most it was practically a home. Natasha walked over to the bar and started to make herself a drink. A cherry twist martini, then she walked over to a love seat in the sitting area pointing at a chair with her eyes. Lash walked over and sat down. They were within touching distance but had a polite amount of room separating them.


    ¡°So?¡± Natasha said as she took a sip from her drink and tucked her shoulder length red hair behind an ear. Her eyes never left Lash as he watched her.


    ¡°Do you think Lord Rogers will ask Lady Carter to marry her?¡± Lash asked out of the blue. Natasha paused only for a moment as her brain switched gears, a smile grew across her face as she set her drink down.


    ¡°Ooohhh! I am pretty sure he is already looking for a ring. I don''t mean to be rude but we dodged a bullet given that Peggy had been married before. But her husband had died recently. Her kids on the other hand are still trying to wrap their heads around that their mother is younger then them now.¡± Natasha said, as she leaned back against the couch and adjusted to get comfortable.


    ¡°Well technically she is still 95, just physically younger. I forget sometimes that Midgardians don''t live very long. Though that wont be an issue for you.¡± Lash said to Natasha with an offhand comment at the end. Natasha stopped to look at him in confusion.


    ¡°The conditioning, and optimization. I would put your maximum age at around 200 to 250 years of age.¡± Lash said as he tried to figure the exact number. Natasha''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Wait, is everyone you optimized like that?¡± She asked, Lash nodded. She leaned forward and cradled her head in her hands. ¡°Wow, that....Wow.¡± Natasha said then flipped her hair back and sat back up.


    Lash had optimized a lot of people since the Triskelion. Every active Avenger, reserve, and auxiliary teams went through it. Including many others like Jane Foster. Why? Just because Lash wanted to, and he was getting experience with Source Code every time he did it. The medical bed that would be released next year would also help extend human life by several decades. Simply by repairing, replacing, and extending the shelf life of many Midgardians bodies. People living to see 130 would not be uncommon in a few decades. That was a little tid bit of information that the public did know about and were excited for. More time was always welcome!


    ¡°May I kiss you?¡± Lash asked Natasha out of the blue. Natasha had been smoothing her nails up and down the leather couch and had been glancing at Lash''s lips for a while. When he asked his question Natasha froze for half a heart beat then smiled at him.


    ¡°I''ve been waiting for you to kiss me since we got to the island, Lash.¡± Natasha said, she pulled off her beach shawl and crawled into his lap.


    Lash sat forward and let her legs wrap around him from behind. He ran his hands up her back, under her shift and learned she was not wearing a bra. Lash used his pheromone control from his Nature Domain cantrips to pump the room full of them. Even with the window open Natasha breathed them in and felt aroused. Her eyes glazed over slightly and she leaned down to kiss him.


    Lash was gentle, and smooth for their first kiss. He took his time exploring her mouth even when she started to moan. Her nails dragged down his t-shirt he had been wearing so hard that she tore holes in them. They kissed for several minutes and enjoyed the close contact of each other. Natasha had always been a seductress. It had been a job! It had been a long time since she had been with anyone simply because she had wanted to be with them.


    Lash adjusted and stood up in a fluid movement that surprised and excited Natasha. She locked her legs around him, and he grabbed her ass and gave it a soft squeeze. She broke the kiss and pressed her forehead to his own. She ran her tongue along her lips and savored his taste. Lash stepped easily through the common room towards the bedroom. Then when he got to the bed he dropped to his knees and gently set Natasha on the edge.


    ¡°Are you 100% sure you would like to continue?¡± Lash asked, and Natasha looked at him for a moment. There was a brief hint of recognition as Natasha''s mind cleared of any pheromone or sense of lust.


    ¡°Are you asking me if I am going to regret this in the morning?¡± She asked, and Lash nodded at her. She took a moment to run her hands along his bald head, tracing the lines of his tribal marks.


    ¡°Yes, I want to continue.¡± Natasha said after a few minutes. That was all Lash needed to hear.


    He activated Subliminal Seduction and pumped the room full of pheromones. He sent a slight gust of wind to close the door to the bedroom. Then he activated his skill Advanced Sex. With in seconds they naked in the bed and rolling around on top of the sheets. Despite the situation Natasha was surprisingly gentle, a slow gradual build up. Lash was no stranger to foreplay, and rather enjoyed performing it! He loved giving as much as he got.


    He explored Natasha''s body with his tongue. Even when she begged him to stop he didn''t knowing she only wanted more. Then spent time simply kissing her over, and over for several minutes. Then after nearly an hour of foreplay which with Lash''s abilities led to several micro orgasms on her part. He slipped inside of her and she gasped in delight. Lash made sure to switch positions for maximum pleasure.


    The sight of Natasha riding him on top as her red hair bounced over her shoulders would stick with him for many years. Time, and time again they both reached an orgasm and with his never ending stamina, and ability to renew her own energy with spell craft they continued until the sun rose. The rays of light that passed over their skin as they lay across the bed with scattered sheets made Natasha wince as she buried her face into his neck.


    ¡°It''s morning, and I totally don''t regret that!¡± Natasha said, and peeked at him through her drowse eyes. Lash waved a hand and used Telekinesis to close the drapes.


    ¡°Good, because we have several days left at the resort I plan to spend most of it with you.¡± Lash said to her, and kissed her softly. She trailed her finger nails up and down his chest, and abdomen.


    ¡°As you wish, Lord Lash.¡± Natasha said with a smirk as she snuggled into him.


    Sleep with Black Widow, scratch that off my bucket list! -Erik the gamer said over their shared link.


    Galen

 Chapter 111: Dark Aster

    ============================================================


    ***HR. Washington DC***


    ¡°I, Alexander Joseph Luthor do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.¡± Lex said to the officer in front of him as he stood in front of the capitol building.


    Lex Luthor stood with a triumphant smile on his face as he placed his hand on a bible and was sworn into office. When he had learned that nearly all of the US government leadership had been killed he used his influence, and ability to jump into office. They had done a quick time campaign across the US. He was in a specific position to help those in need and apply his candidacy for being President. But if he was being honest he didn''t have a lot of competition.


    A lot of the people that may have wanted to step in were terrified that another invasion would happen. Rifts were opening up across the globe! Some were small and easily dealt with. While others were large and stayed open for weeks at a time. One specifically in New York had swallowed Agent Wraith for nearly two days! He was still inside the Rift, last anyone reported. While other Rifts across the globe were spitting out creatures, and intelligent life that despite all attempts to come to a peaceful solution all seemed bent on destruction.


    Lex finished swearing in and shook the hands of the other leaders now under his command. His sister, and mother were present for his big moment. Lex gave them a big, genuine smile! He always said he should be a ruler of men. Now he was! His sister Lena would take over his company while he was away, rules. While his mother would continue to work on the off the books, and now legitimate projects of the US government.


    Lex was then escorted to his new office in the White House. An actual step down in luxury, and security for Lex. Something he would have to change in the future. His first appointment of the day. Straight into work to fix a broken country. Having years of experience handling share holders, investors, and sycophants. Lex cut through the bull shit quickly. His office was broken! People refused to come to work in fear of being attacked even though the invasion was over. This was when Lex truly understood how far under they were as a country.


    It wasn''t until the very end of the day that Lex was free to find some respite in his new room in the White House. There he pulled up his personal laptop, and put in his ten digit pass code. He opened up a bottle of whiskey and sat down in front of his laptop with a glass in hand. He reached up and pressed play on a video file he obtained a few months ago. A video file he got from...himself.


    ¡°Hello Lex...¡± Said Lex Luthor from the alternate reality.


    ¡°We have a lot to go over, and a lot to say. But first let''s go over something that I tried, and if you are anything like me. You''ll want to try yourself. Superman? If your Superman is anything like mine before he was brain boxed. Then I''ll tell you now you are wasting your time trying to prove to the world that he is a villain.¡± AR-Lex said in the video and started to show news reports, and videos of all of his mistakes as he tried to prove to his reality that Superman was a false idol.


    ¡°However, I have to say that despite what I did. I don''t regret my actions simply because I get the chance to help you! In this message are the detailed designs to every weapon I ever made to fight Superman. Because if your reality is anything like mine. Superman is not the last of his kind. I don''t mean Supergirl, I mean the others. The others truly are what we always feared. Use these tools to help defend Earth.¡± AR-Lex continued, sending up several more files that Lex had looked over a dozen times already.


    ¡°But each journey starts with the first step. Lex, you need to become the President of America. It will make things so much easier in the long run. Once you have sworn in, and taken office please press the accept button on the message and we''ll continue from there.¡± AR-Lex said from the message. Lex reached up and pressed the accept key....For a brief moment nothing happened. Then a live video feed went through.


    ¡°Hello Lex.¡± AR-Lex said to his doppelganger.


    ¡°Hello Lex.¡± Lex said back, a smile on his face.


    ¡°Let''s get to work.¡± AR-Lex continued....


    =============================================================


    ***Rift, Story/Cross Over***


    Tropical Paradise! Lash Jormungandson spent three wonderful days with Natasha. Out in public they were simply friends, and co-workers. They had spoken about keeping their romantic, and or physical relationship a secret. Simply because it would complicate things in the long run. But every night! For most of the evening! They would enjoy each others company until the sun would rise. Lash used his Advanced Sex to the best of his abilities. But Natasha showed him a few new moves that was enough for him to obtain experience in the skill.


    Now, they were standing on a tarmac waiting their turn as dozens of quin-jets came in from a nearby insight hellicarrier. Everyone was being sent off to missions across the globe. Oddly enough nothing of major concern happened for one straight week. Something that everyone was confused about but didn''t want to jinx it. Even Director Hill took a single day off of work. Though she kept a holographic pad with her. She did at least get some sun before she left the next day.


    A soft chime rang from Lash''s pocket as he pulled out a Nova Corps communicator. He looked it over and activated the transmission. A direct message came from Nova Prime herself. They requested his attendance at Xandar for a mission. The first mission of their little partnership. Lash stepped away from his group of people and informed JARVIS of the change in plans. There was no tearful goodbyes, or passionate kissing from Natasha as he stepped away.


    ¡°Don''t be a stranger.¡± Natasha said with a wink.


    ¡°Of course not Lady Romanoff!¡± Lash said with a bow from his waist.


    ¡°When your ready Heimdall!¡± Lash called to the sky, and a rainbow bridge crashed into the tarmac and sucked Lash up into the sky.


    From Midgard, to Asgard, then down to Xandar. Xandar is the homeworld of the Xandarians and to many other species as the capital of the Nova Empire with a population of twelve billion. Xandar was located in the Andromeda Galaxy. Xandar appeared to be predominately covered by oceans. Additionally, Xandar''s solar system contained three stars (two yellow and one red), which served as the inspiration for the Nova Corps'' occulight symbol.


    The capitol of Xandar was an artificially created atoll. The city itself was shaped into the Nova Corps symbol of Nova Empire red star. The Xandarian Empire was a lot like the Kree in the idea that several different species from different planets came together to form a galactic government. However, the Kree did this by force and brutalized anyone that said no. While the Xandar''s were mostly benevolent in their intentions and tried to be a force for good in the Andromeda galaxy as a whole. Despite the competition, the Xandarian Empire controlled about 1/3 of Andromeda.


    The rainbow bridge shot across the ocean of stars and crashed into a predetermined spot on the Xandar capitol. Then with a flash the bifrost faded from sight leaving behind Lash who stood in his Einherjar Asgardian uniform. He was in his default human appearance as he looked around. Standing in a burnt image of celtic knots. Standing there waiting for him were two uniformed officers of the Nova Corps. One Xandarian, and one Krylorian, their uniforms were a deep navy blue. With the typical inverted triangle energy points that make up the symbol of the Nova Corps.


    ¡°Asgardian, I am Rhomann Dey welcome to Xandar.¡± The Xandarian said with a polite smile. Rhomann was 5''10¡± with white skin, curly brown hair cut short to his head, and gray eyes. He had a rectangular figure with strict military officer training. He carried himself like a warrior, and leader.


    ¡°I am Nulene Neem, I''ll be your liaison and will be here to help you understand our rules, and culture.¡± The Krylorian said, she was 5''8¡± with light pink skin, short black hair in a bob cut with purple metallic highlights in her hair, and purple eyes. She had a rectangular figure, and stood with one hand on her hip. A playful smile on her face.


    ¡°Respectful greetings unto you, Lord Dey, and Lady Neem. I am Lash Jormungandson, god of monsters.¡± Lash replied to them and bowed to each in turn. Rhomann looked a little perplexed at Lash''s title but didn''t say anything. Neem smiled at being called a Lady, and flipped her hair a bit.


    ¡°Please come this way, Nova-Prime has a mission for you.¡± Rhomman said, as he gestured for Lash to follow him. Nulene came to Lash side and took up his same pace.


    Lash looked around the city and found it to be a delight on his eyes. A vast ocean of crystal light blue water stretched out as far as the I could see. While the beaches were filled with white sand. Creatures swam in the water, but kept from the beach thanks to a net. While children, and adults played on the beach. The city itself was very well designed. Smaller buildings along the outside, while taller buildings inside. Allowing for a gradual build up, and an obstructed view of the ocean beyond.


    The architecture was full of geometric shapes. Pyramids, squares, and spheres. Though each building had several different alien cultures writing, and art carved into them in array of color, and individualization. Nature, and civilization came together almost naturally. Air traffic was kept to a minimal. Lash was taken to a private military air transport that looked like a rectangular metal box with soft edges. Rhomann took the driver position while Neem sat on a couch next to Lash.


    Lash''s Science Intuition activated as he looked over the transport and gained experience. Xandarian air transport design....30%.....60%....100%.....


    Congratulations User, you have learned the Nova Empire air transport design.


    Zero DP is required to record this design.


    Lash sent his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits out into the city to gather information. His world point background allowed him some information but not enough for his needs. The tech-spirits slipped past their firewalls with ease and started to look around. With Parallel Minds activated Lash started to look through the information as he continued to play the part of the alien stranger from another galaxy, dimension, and reality. Neem seemed pleased as he continued to look around. Clearly happy that the Asgardian was impressed with their home.


    ¡°How do you deal with the tectonic instability with your artificial landmass? Oh! I see you specifically built it away from the fault line. Then you use storm generators to collect the natural abundant energy from the different storms on the planet. Very efficient! Clean, renewable energy.¡± Lash said, as he went through several rhetorical questions.


    ¡°Have you considered using a storm anchor to steer, and or limit the different storms that roll over the capitol?¡± Lash asked Lady Neem who looked at him in confusion.


    Lash was looking through the data base that was something they couldn''t control. Once a year a massive storm would roll over the capitol. They had shield that protected the capitol from the worst of it. But every year a category 6 hurricane came rolling through. Lash had the Atlantean storm generator design. He could limit that storm down to category 4. He produced a holographic design and created a simple video. Neem leaned in looking at the video. She wasn''t a scientist but the idea seemed sound.


    ¡°So this device would limit the storms level of strength? Does it require water to operate?¡± Neem pointed out a simple flaw. Yes, used a hard water energy generator. But that could easily be swapped out for something else.


    ¡°It does, but the power supply can be changed out. But with the design, and several of them in place you could turn a massive storm like you have on D-023. Take it down to a level 5 storm.¡± Lash said, as he applied the design to a planet in their empire that they were having trouble colonizing due to the atmospheric storm.


    ¡°That...That would be amazing!¡± Neem said as she looked over the design.


    ¡°Lady Neem what is the information network for Nova Empire R&D? I''ll send it over.¡± Lash said to her, and even Rhomann looked back at him in confusion.


    ¡°You are going to just give it to us?¡± Rhomann asked.


    ¡°Of course! Asgard has no use for such a tool. But clearly you do. It will be a gift between two powers for mutual benefits.¡± Lash said to them both. Rhomann didn''t say anything went back to piloting the transport. Neem pulled up her own communicator and with in a few minutes Lash sent the design over.


    Attention User! You''ve obtained an increase in Nova Empire reputation.


    ¡°The Nova Empire is aware of the use, and manipulation of Universal Energy is not?¡± Lash asked Lady Neem who froze like a deer in headlights. Then she opened and closed her mouth several times trying to come up with an answer.


    ¡°I''m afraid Nova Empire is not aware of how to used UE.¡± Neem said at last almost deflating at the idea that her people didn''t know how to use it.


    ¡°Well that! That is something I''ll have to discuss with Nova-Prime. But I believe a trade agreement of knowledge can be shared.¡± Lash said to her with a smile.


    ----


    After thirty or so minutes they arrived at Nova Corps main facility. It was a giant cube sitting on its side. It was anchored in place by a pyramid, the cube sat in the middle of the pyramid. It looked a little unbalanced from the outside. If it tilted one way or another it looked like it would fall over. However, Lady Neem assured Lash it was perfectly balanced. Along with emergency struts that would come up out of the ground should the need arise.


    Rhomann escorted Lash into the main viewing, and briefing chamber shared by several officers and Nova-Prime. Nova-Prime herself was a Xandarian, a 5''9¡± pale skinned humanoid with silver white hair styled back into an assorted ringlets. She wore a navy blue uniform, but while Rhomann, and Neem wore combat gear. Nova-Prime wore a state official attire with her rank displayed on her chest right above her heart. She held with practiced confidence, and the gaze of a leader that controlled a vast portion of a galaxy.


    ¡°Welcome Asgardian, Lash Jormungandson, I am Nova Prime Irani Rael. Welcome to Xandar, I''ve heard that you''ve already donated a storm generator of sorts. As well as you are willing to discuss a trade deal of knowledge about UE. I have to say, that was not the original reason I called for your help. But I won''t deny that we are interested.¡± Nova Prime said with a smile as she gestured for him to take a seat.


    Lash bowed from his waist, and took the offered seat before he spoke. ¡°The generator, and the basic use of UE is of little importance to Asgard. As you are more than aware with the different cultures, and species with in the Nova Empire. Things that are common to one, are rare to another. Giving such things can only benefit us both as a people.¡± Lash said in a crystal smooth voice, his Administration skill activated and granted him experience.


    ¡°However, I do not believe that was why you called me here today? As the agreement we made with to ensure that Terra and/or C-53 is on the patrol rout of the Nova Corps.¡± Lash said, as he tried to steer the conversation to why he was called. Irani looked pained to be speaking of the subject but waved her hand a holographic image appeared above the table they shared.


    It showed a Kree, specifically Ronan the Accuser. Along with a long list of things he had done since the peace treaty between Nova Empire, and Kree Empire were signed. Recently one of his allies a woman named Gamora had been captured on Xandar and taken to the Kyln. Lash clenched his jaw as he tried to scream out in panic. But the 4th wall engine prevented him from screaming. Thanks to Erik, Lash/Saurian knew where they were in the timeline. But wait, that didn''t explain why Nova Prime had called him.


    ¡°I need context to your request, Nova Prime.¡± Lash asked, as he looked towards her.


    ¡°When the Nova Corps first met you it was centuries ago. Before my time. You were a talented tracker, and hunter. Even across the vastness of space could you track a scent. We want you to help us track down Ronan. All you have to do is find him. We''ll do our best to arrest him, and judge him according to our laws.¡± Irani said to him, and Lash understood what they needed.


    ¡°Can you give me approximately ten minutes, you don''t need to leave.¡± Lash stood up from the table and went to a cleared space in the viewing hall much to the confusion of everyone present. Then he used his long lost friend Cosmic Awareness... 80% of his total energy was consumed in the effort.


    A divine golden light swallowed Lash as he stood in the room. Spell script written in dozens of dead alien dialects coiled around him. Intricate designs, and will-o-wisps of energy danced through the room. Where is Ronan the Accuser? He asked the cosmos around him. Heading for Xandar Prime. He got in response. The light show burst into starlight around him and he dropped to his knees as his energy was stripped from him. He was given a head ache so severe that if felt like an ice pick was digging around in his brain.


    ¡°Ronan the Accuser is heading for Xandar Prime as we speak. He has in his possession an infinity stone, specifically Power. He will be here in a few hours.¡± Lash said to the room.... A pin drop silence followed his oracle.


    ¡°Activate the long range sensor nets immediately!¡± Irani said as she jumped to her feet. The entire room went into action. Neem came to Lash side to help him stand confusion clear on her face.


    ¡°What was that?¡± She asked him.


    ¡°I asked the Universe where Ronan was, I got a reply.¡± Lash said with a smirk as he slowly stood up to look at a real time holographic display of a satellite feed. A FTL jump point was seen. The Dark Astar a three mile wide Kree Accuser warship jumped into the edge of the system and quickly dispatched the satellite. Oddly enough no alarm went off.


    ¡°Ma''am! Early warning systems are down! We don''t know why.¡± An officer shouted at Irani who paled at the sight of the Dark Astar.


    ¡°Call the entire Nova Corps! Evacuate the city!¡± Irani shouted, and she began to give orders left and right in quick succession.


    ¡°Rhomann, you have a message on your data pad.¡± Lash said to him, Rhomann looked over in confusion but pulled out his communicator. He read through it and raised an eye brow at the message.


    Rhomann delivered the message from Peter Quill to Nova Prime. Apparently a faction of Ravagers were coming to aid Xandar in their time of need. They pulled up a satellite and saw a fleet of ships in bound in a direct path between the Dark Aster as it began to push towards the planet. Holy crap! They zipped through the entire system in a few minutes! It took a Martian ship several hours to travel from Mars to Earth back home.


    ¡°Lady Neem what kind of orbital defenses does Xandar have?¡± Lash asked her hoping for dozens of defense platforms. Land based cannons capable of shooting into the outer atmosphere?


    ¡°We...don''t have any.¡± Neem said with a contrite expression. What? How could they not have any defenses!?


    ¡°You don''t have any anti air? Of any kind?¡± Lash said to her in astonishment.


    What is wrong with the fucking MCU! First Asgard has no fleets capable of FTL! Then none of the realms they guard have any form of orbital defense! Now a huge galactic wide empire doesn''t have any defensive platforms on their capitol? That is just lazy world building right there! That or its done specifically to make the Rift more difficult. Now that Lash thought about it, that actually made perfect sense. The lack of defenses would make the challenge harder. Then as if to answer his questions.


    Attention User! A dynamic event has activated near you.


    Objective: Defeat Ronan the Accuser.


    Optional Objective: Help prevent the loss of life on Xandar.


    Optional Objective: Help prevent the loss of life of the Ravagers.


    Optional Objective: Try and keep all of, Guardians of the Galaxy alive.


    Comment: Good luck!


    ¡°Well let''s build some defenses!¡± Lash shouted loudly and sprinted out of the viewing room with Neem hot on his heels. Irani glanced at him then went back to watching the holographic image update in real time.


    Hundreds of Nova Corps fighter craft were taking off from the city. While thousands more were flying from across the planet from their military bases. All the while a fleet of Ravager ships were stalling the Dark Aster. The Ravagers were an interstellar crime syndicate comprising of thieves, smugglers, criminals, bandits, mercenaries, bounty hunters and pirates. There are nearly one hundred factions of Ravagers around the galaxy. So, essentially pirates had come to save the day! Yay!


    Thankfully Lash was not officially in combat so he pulled up his Dream Store catalog and looked for defensive platforms capable of firing off planet. Shooting down a variety of space junk, attack craft, and capitol ships. Thanks to his unique qualifications as a magitek creator he was able to find one that was reasonably priced at 300 DP. He quickly purchased the design and began building in the courtyard outside the main building.


    Lash used Manifestation and called his Elites to his side. Then they used Crafting, Science, Science Intuition, Magic Intuition, Enchanting, Bending, Reality Warping, (Which had returned to normal with out the Aether), Eldritch Blast, Phantasm, Silence, Fabrication, Infinite Supply, Connectivity, Alteration, Compression Transformation, Virtual Intelligence, Gravitas, Enchanting Word, and Quality Enhancement.


    The defensive platform was placed on a triangle platform that was raised up about fifty or so feet into the air. While the whole structure was about 100 feet from point to point, and 100 feet tall. The triangle was level with the ground, while its points acted as the supports for the structure. The rotating turret looked like a smaller triangle with an elongated barrel for its tip. The platform linked up with the Nova Corps main defense net and pointed its barrel towards the sky. The entire structure was very sleek, with pointed edges, and had the look of pure silver with intricate spell design along the edges. It was made primarily out of Nth metal, and Uru for the barrel.


    The platform started to absorb ambient magical energy in the air, as well as absorb natural energy from the sun. The platform created three false images of itself to fool sensors, and visual pin point. While a spell of Silence was cast to muffle the sound. The barrel elongated further as it adjusted to cast a magic shot. Lash, and his Elites were channeling magical energy into the cannon to hurry its process up. They had an audience of Nova officers, and soldiers were looked at the platform that had been built in under two minutes.


    =============================================================


    High above in the clouds the Dark Aster was slowly making its way through the cloud line towards the city for landfall. The Ravagers were in a dog fight among the necrocraft of the Aster. While a team of Ravager ships were shooting through the backside of the Aster in an attempt to break into the ship and assassinate Ronan. While en route was a fleet of Nova Corps ships. The Dark Aster acted like a monster from many peoples nightmares. Nova Prime was clear that if the Aster should land, Ronan will use the power stone to eradicate all life on Xandar.


    Then for a brief moment there was a brand new red star. This star was born on the very surface of Xandar as a ripple of energy ripped through the air straight towards the Aster. Every Nova Corps ship, and Ravager were told to immediately break away and get to cover! Get to cover now! The entire atmosphere shuddered in fear, as the clouds in the sky were pushed to the side. The vast amount of energy shot from the new red star went straight into the Aster and the entire ship was pushed! PUSHED back out of the atmosphere in a spin!


    Every crew member aboard the ship was flung into the bulk heads of the ship including Ronan! The gravitational force from the spinning ship went from 1G to 5G''s in under two seconds flat! The Dark Aster spun so fast, and was forced out of orbit so quickly that the entire ship broke in half! The main core of the ship struggled to right itself through emergency control systems. While the smaller half shattered into pieces that were scattered through out the system.


    The Nova Corps, and the Ravagers were struck dumb by the scene. The Dark Aster eventually came to a stop just on the edge of the system. The ship itself was barely operating, and was on emergency life support. Only a few people were alive on the ship, the rest had been turned into paste at the extreme G''s of the spin. While the damage on the planets surface was at a minimal. Every single piece of glass for a hundred miles in every direction had shattered! While the main kinetic force of the shot had been absorbed by the Vibranium metal and was currently being consumed to charge up another shot that wouldn''t be needed!


    ================================================================


    Down at the platform the 10 Saurus Elites had been blasted into their base magical particles for standing right next to the platform. Lash had been catapulted through the air and had made a looney tune imprint of his body straight into Nova Corps main interior wall, yes interior wall! He had been shot through dozens of exterior walls to get to where he was currently. Thankfully his Reality Armor, True Body, and Blessing of Bast had activated. It blocked a single life threatening hit.


    Lash briefly saw a flashing UI message stating he had completed the dynamic event in record time! Then he blacked out! Lash woke up later and thanks to his Clock he knew that two days had passed. He was currently sitting in what looked like a Xandar hospital bed, and medical wing. He still wore his Einherjar armor given it was magically sealed and needed either himself, or an Asgardian to remove. He did a systems check and found his body was intact.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed the dynamic event in record time!


    Completion time was 9 minutes, and 32 seconds!


    Objective: Defeat Ronan the Accuser. [+] Complete!


    Optional Objective: Help prevent the loss of life on Xandar. [+] Zero deaths, Complete!


    Optional Objective: Help prevent the loss of life of the Ravagers. [+] Zero deaths, Complete!


    Optional Objective: Try and keep all of, Guardians of the Galaxy alive. [+] Zero deaths, Complete!


    Comments: YOU FUCKING MONSTER!


    Attention User! Your defensive platform turned into energy particles to prevent Xandar from learning its design.


    Attention User! The Dream Engine Developers have confiscated the defensive platform you designed. They have refunded your Dream Points, and paid you an additional 500 DP for the design.


    Well damn... Lash turned his head to look at a familiar face, Lady Neem was looking through a holo pad and squeaked in surprise when he looked at her. ¡°Your awake! I have to notify Nova Prime!¡± Neem said as she sent a message out. With in a few minutes his hospital room was filled with physicians. Slowly Lash sat up in his bed and answered any questions he could after he had a tall glass of water.


    Lash was being escorted under heavy guard to see Nova Prime. They said it was for his security. But he was under the impression they were afraid he was going to build some planet destroying device. Blame the dream store! Yes, he did put the Dark Elf black hole energy core for its main battery power. Yes, it was suppose to create a singularity to consume the ship. Lash had no idea why it catapulted the Aster out into the solar system instead. Maybe he had the math wrong?


    He was frustrated he lost his Elites. He had learned as long as they didn''t out right die. They would accumulate experience like any of his other spells. He was hoping maybe they would become their own people over time. Now all their experience would be reset when he made more of them. Maybe he could promote some Veterans into Elites, and just make more Warriors? He''d have to experiment.


    The rebuilding of the city was well underway. No one had died! Zero! Yes, every piece of glass in every direction shattered from the vibration. But that was a small price to pay for zero causalities! No one cheered for him. Most people just looked at him in horror! Well he was use to that on Asgard. They took a air transport to the main capitol building with over a dozen fighter craft escorting the transport.


    ¡°Really? Are you that afraid of me?¡± Lash asked Neem who flinched at his question, and suddenly became incredibly interested in her nails.


    They flew over where the platform had been? There was a perfect sphere shaped hole where the platform had been. Thanks to his tech-spirits he watched an old video of the platform being consumed by a mini black hole. Thankfully no one had been consumed by it, just the platform. But the energy readings were consistent with black holes. So they must have figured out he used one as the energy core. Shit! They were going to pull the patrol of Midgard? That was an assumption of course but with the amount of security he had. More than likely they were going to ask him to leave and never come back.


    Lash was escorted back into the familiar viewing room he had originally visited. There standing was Irani, along with collection of officers including Rhomann. Rhomann gave him a smile and a nod while the rest of the room look at him with trepidation. What was not seen in clear view as the assorted of automated turrets hidden with in the walls ready to be activated at a moments notice. Lash bowed from his waist to Nova Prime and then waited for instruction. Irani gestured for him to take a seat at the briefing table. Then everyone else sat down.


    ¡°No one died right?¡± Lash asked as soon as everyone took a seat.


    ¡°No, thousands of injuries. But no permanent harm came to anyone. Including the Ravagers that came to assist us. We''ve already compensated the Ravagers and the group with Mr Quill.¡± Irani said softly, and a few of the officers nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Do you recover the power stone?¡± Lash asked, and Irani stiffened.


    ¡°We did...¡± She said, as she kept her back straight and squared her shoulders.


    ¡°Good, the Nova Corps are a respected, and responsible group the power stone will be safe with you.¡± Lash said, and an almost invisible weight was lifted off the officials shoulders.


    ¡°Wait, did you assume I wanted the stone?¡± Lash asked, clearly surprised by the actions of the Nova Corps.


    ¡°In truth we were not sure what you wanted as payment.¡± Irani said with a small smile.


    ¡°There is no reason for payment. We are allies are we not?¡± Lash asked, he had done what he did because of the dynamic event. But also because if Xandar burned it would cripple the Nova Empire.


    ¡°We are allies! We are fully prepared to ensure we place a fully manned, and equipped patrol fleet on C-53.¡± Irani said, and the holographic projector produced an entire fleet composition who''s sole job was to patrol, and protect C-53 aka Terra and or Midgard.


    ¡°Nova Prime I think we are on two completely different pages. While I thank you for the improved patrol route I think everyone in this room is far more afraid of me than you use to be.¡± Lash said, speaking honestly.


    ¡°We were not aware that Asgard had such weapons at their disposal.¡± Irani admitted to him and there it was! ¡°The defensive platform that you built in two minutes was recorded, and before we could prevent its dissemination the video of what it had done was broadcast through out the empire.¡± Irani finished.


    Ohhhhhh! So they assume Asgard has weapons like that. Asgard in the galactic community as a whole is a respected military power. But not a political power. Simply because Asgard is. 1) hard to get to, given its practically in another dimension. 2) They keep to themselves, only guarding 9 realms. So Lash had accidentally created a reputation of, ''Don''t fuck with Asgard.''


    Odin, All Father would like to speak to you. You must return to Asgard. -Heimdall said to him through his Domain. Crap....


    ¡°As you know, C-53 is primarily filled with a primitive species of Terrans. However, recently they''ve exploded in technological advancement due to several brilliant scientists, but also because of an alien invasion by the race known as the Chitauri. The Chitauri work for the mad titan, Thanos.¡± Lash briefly told Irani the truth of why he wanted C-53 patrolled. That bit of information made the gears in her head start to spin.


    ¡°You should also be aware that Ronan was originally tasked by Thanos to retrieve the power stone. Which means that Thanos knows you have it here.¡± Lash continued, and the whole room went deathly still. Thanos was a terror across several galaxies. Ronan was a kitten compared to Thanos.


    ¡°Unfortunately I can''t build the defensive platform for you. I built it before because of war time protocol. I am sure you can understand that?¡± Lash asked, and Irani nodded. ¡°But if you intend to keep the stone on Xandar. I would encourage you to start building defenses now.¡± Lash said at last.


    ¡°You may even want to consider studying the stone. Preferably off planet, see if you can make tools based on its energy. Make it work for you.¡± Lash suggested to the room and the very thought of working with an infinity stone made others pause.


    ¡°We will certainly take that under advisement... Is everything alright, you seem to be in a hurry.¡± Irani asked.


    ¡°Yes, I''ve been recalled to Asgard. I was just recently messaged. If we have nothing else to discuss? I''ll send the basic information on UE to your archive for the storm generator and speak to you again at a later timer?¡± Lash asked, and Irani was startled that Lash remembered their previous discussion.


    ¡°Of course! Thank you for coming, and thank you for protecting our home.¡± Irani stood, and with practice grace bowed from her waist. While the rest of the room saluted Lash.


    Lash bowed in return and quickly went to the balcony of the viewing office. The Bifrost shot down from the sky and swallowed him. Flying through space, time, and dimension was always a treat. The Bifrost created a kaleidoscope of color, images, and...Actually it reminded Lash of traveling through a Rift. Funny that! Eventually he found himself once more at the Gate House, and Heimdall''s home. Lash looked up at his friend who looked at him with a bemused expression. Standing next to him was Sif.


    ¡°How much trouble am I in?¡± Lash asked them both. Sif looked at him with a conflicted expression. She was happy to see him, but she looked like she was struggling not to laugh?


    ¡°Trouble is not the word to describe what you are in.¡± Sif said as she came to give him a hug.


    ¡°For the first time in centuries the scavengers, and marauders that plague the 9 realms are...Offering tribute to Asgard. Asking, no...Begging us not to attack them.¡± Heimdall said to Lash. Lash didn''t know if he should laugh or cry!


    It had only been two days! Sif pulled him along and informed him of what had happened. The video had been sent out across the Andromeda galaxy. Then was intercepted by other more powerful forces who now covet the technology. The defensive platform was compact for how much damage it did. It had been built in under ten minutes. But when they found out that the technology didn''t come from Xandar. But it in fact came from an Asgard. It put Asgard back on the map, and not in the best possible way.


    There are now marauders staying as far away as possible from the 9 realms. While other more mysterious and powerful entities are poking at the 9 realms looking for the defensive platform in question. Odin is struggling to decide on whether he should ask Lash to build them across the 9 realms? Or not, but tell these powerful people that the realms are covered in them! So, Lash''s exile has been temporarily suspended so he can come back and discuss the future with Odin.


    ¡°What do you think he would say if I told him it had actually been a mistake? It was suppose to create a mini black hole and consume the ship. Not catapult it out of the atmosphere and send it across the system.¡± Lash told Sif who stared at him in shock.


    ¡°That is even more terrifying, Lash! That a mistake caused that much damage! But the actual effect was meant to create a portable black hole!¡± Sif said to him, than clapped him on the back with a laugh. Big bad weapons always put Sif in a good mood!


    They reached the end of the rainbow bridge and took a skiff towards the golden palace. He informed Sif that Xandar had the infinity stone of power. This was the third stone to show up in less than three years. The infinity stones had been in myth and legend for thousands of years. Now they were popping up all over the place? Something was happening, and it was happening soon. Sif begrudgingly agreed and said she would look into it.


    ¡°Sif what''s wrong?¡± Lash asked her, thanks to his Deductive Reasoning he could read her body language. Despite her smile, and jovial attitude about Lash''s accidental BFG (BIG FUCKING GUN). She was.... depressed.


    ¡°Thor has asked Odin for permission to marry Jane Foster. Odin has agreed.¡± Sif said, she clenched her hands into fists and looked away.


    Crap, Lash had been happy for Thor and Jane when they announced their engagement. Now even Odin allowed their relationship. Lash understood why Odin agreed. If he had said no, Thor would have done it anyway and simply refused to come home. Even with Jane being optimized she would only live to be maybe 250 or so years old? To Asgardians that is nothing! But that would be 250 years of torture for Sif. The Marvel Cinematic Universe was vastly different compared to the comics. While Lash''s version was gradually moving off the rails at a steady pace. He didn''t really know what to expect.


    Lash, and Sif were called into the main chamber hall and they walked through the golden halls towards Odin''s throne. The All Father sat on the golden throne looking just as regal, and grumpy as ever. While his Queen Frigga sat on his left side with an amused expression on her face. Lash went to a single knee as did Sif bowing their head in respect and awaited to be called on.


    ¡°I send you to Midgard to stay out of trouble! I agree to the idea of allowing the Nova Empire to patrol Midgard in an effort to help protect the realm. Then you go and make a weapon of untold power in defense for Xandar it self. Now, I come to learn that the weapon you created malfunctioned and the true ability of it is far greater than what we had seen!? What am to do with you, Lash!¡± Odin said, his voice growing louder, and louder with each word. But despite his voice echoing through the halls he wasn''t truly angry.


    ¡°Thankfully we have a mission for you, and Sif! It will take you to Midgard. Lorelei the sorceress escaped the prison during the Dark Elf attack. We had thought she was still on Asgard hiding away. But Queen Frigga was able to locate her on Midgard. The both of you will be tasked with finding her, and bringing her back to Asgard. If she resists you have my permission to end her life!¡± Odin declared to both Lash, and Sif!


    Wait? Lorelei? Lash had assumed he missed that little mission according to Erik it had happened before the fall of SHIELD. Maybe it was Dawn throwing him a bone to get him back to Midgard? Or...Wait what was Lorelei''s powers again? Oh no!


    ¡°Lorelei has an enchantment, more specifically she can enthrall men of all types with her voice. But certain men can fight the spell, but are still subdued by her touch. We have crafted a magical collar that will silence Lorelei, and disenchant any who were under her spell while she wears the collar.¡± Queen Frigga said and motioned to a witch of the sacred sun and moon who gave the collar to Sif.


    ¡°Lash you are being sent as support for Lady Sif. You have prior experience with Lorelei being the only man aside from Odin to be immune to her voice, and touch.¡± Queen Frigga said to Lash, and Lash was reminded by his world point background that yes, that did happen several centuries ago.


    It was how Sif, and Lash had become friends! Lorelei had used her powers to manipulate and enslaved thousands of men from across the 9 realms. Including Haldor, Sif''s lover at the time. Lorelei compelled Haldor to attack Sif while she tried to escape aboard a ship. Sif, and Haldor had fought and unfortunately Sif had to kill her once lover. Lash had tracked Lorelei to her ship and prevented her escape. Much to Lorelei''s surprise Lash was immune to her abilities. (Eldritch Mind) He brought her before Sif who she beat Lorelei with in an inch of her life. But duty won the day and she brought Lorelei back to the golden palace for judgment. Where Lorelei spent the past few centuries in a Asgardian prison cell. Since that day Sif swore to Lash that she would always be his friend, and ally.


    ----


    The Bifrost shot down at Lorelei''s last known location. Death Valley, California. Lash, and Lady Sif stood in the burned remains of the celtic knot that the Bifrost left behind. Lorelei had been on Midgard for nearly a week. Thanks to spell craft, Heimdall could not locate her. Midgard was a chaotic mess in it self so Heimdall could not locate any specific catastrophe over another. So, Lash used Connectivity and linked up with a SHIELD satellite and called for help.


    Lash linked up with SHIELD, and used CCTV camera''s spread through the area. More specifically cities. They were not far from Las Vegas and thanks to Erik''s whispering Lash prioritized the city. All the while Sif stood by his side watching him work. Lash was in his default Asgardian form. Sitting on the ground in Meditation. Sif was trying her best not to be impatient. She knew Lash was working, and searching for their query. But Sif did not do well standing around with nothing to do.


    Soon a dust storm picked up from seemingly out of no where! Sif looked up and saw a primitive land transport reveal itself from the sky with the SHIELD logo imprinted on its wings. The plane it was called landed near them and the back cargo bay opened. Phil, son of Cole walked out with a smile on his face that was soon returned by Sif.


    ¡°Son of Cole! Good to see you again!¡± Sif said as she came to give him a warrior''s hand shake.


    ¡°Your Ladyship, welcome to Midgard. I wish it was under better circumstances.¡± Phil said to her, and looked at Lash who stood up and was walking over to greet them.


    ¡°She''s in Las Vegas!¡± Lash said to Sif, and then Phil who nodded.


    ¡°Come on, we can be in the city in under an hour if we hurry!¡± Phil said and pulled them into the plane. The cargo hatched sealed and the Bus was in flight momentarily.


    The Bus had gone through some renovations since Lash was last aboard. It still had it''s home touches in the common area above. But a lot of new toys were in the lab, and armory. Along with the rest of the engines. Lash could practically see the love and care that went into it. Repulsor engines had replaced the old jet engines. Optical camouflage covered the Bus from sight. While the entire plane moved quicker, and ran silent towards an Air Force base.


    Agent May was piloting, while Agent Ward, and Agent Sky came to greet the two Asgardians. Sky or more to say Daisy Johnson aka Quake gave Lash a big hug. While Ward gave him a warrior''s handshake. Lash introduced the two of them to Lady Sif, Asgardian god of War. Then they came to meet Fitz-Simmons who had finally admitted their feelings for one another though were still incredibly shy about showing it publicly.


    ¡°So, whats the operation?¡± Ward asked once the plane was en route and Agent May came to join them.


    ¡°Lorelei a Sorceress capable of enthralling any man she meets with her voice, and if need be her touch.¡± Sif said to them.


    ¡°Only men?¡± May asked clearly confused about the ability.


    ¡°Yes, men share an inherit weakness to her that we as women do not share.¡± Sif said, and smiled at May, Daisy, and Simmons who laughed at the idea. While Ward, Fitz, and Phil rolled their eyes. While Lash nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Wait even Lash?¡± Daisy asked, in an attempt to tease him.


    ¡°No, oddly enough Lash is one of the few men aside from the All Father that is immune to Lorelei.¡± Sif said, her voice laced with appreciation towards him.


    ¡°Why is that? Do we know?¡± Fitz asked, the scientist in him asking the questions more than his pride as a man.


    ¡°I believe it has to do with my Domain, as god of Monsters I have a vastly different physiology then most men. We know that Lorelei''s abilities have no affect on animals of any kind. Even dormant my own unique self was immune.¡± Lash offered an explanation that may help appease the situation. Sif leaned back in thought and nodded in acceptance.


    ¡°That would explain why, yes.¡± Sif agreed.


    ¡°So that would mean you are both Asgardian, and an animal?¡± Simmons asked, her scientific brain switching on much like Fitz was.


    ¡°Domains are an interesting concept for Midgardians. Example would be Lady Sif, her Domain is War. Sif inherently knows how to use every kind of weapon she touches as if she has practiced with it for more than 10,000 hours.¡± (The human definition of mastering a skill) Lash said to them, and they looked at Sif for confirmation who agreed.


    ¡°Any weapon?¡± May asked again.


    ¡°As long as it can be held in my hands, yes.¡± Sif replied, and May thought about that for a moment. Clearly picturing the advantages that came with that.


    ¡°While my own Domain of monsters allows me to have not only a unique understanding of all creatures. But having the ability to mimic them. That is where many of my abilities come from. If a creature exists with in the 9 realms with a unique ability. I can mimic it!¡± Lash said to them, in an effort to explain why had so many abilities. For his world point background this was completely true. Though technically it was also a lie.


    ¡°So your ability to help revive the recently dead? That comes from a creature?¡± Phil asked, clearly interested in learning more about how he was brought back.


    ¡°Yes, there is a shadow creature who resides in Niffleheim who takes great joy in killing, and reviving their prey over, and over again. Until their soul is turned into a wailing mass. Then they devour it.¡± Lash said, painting a horrible picture for them all.


    ¡°That is where you get the revival ability from?¡± Phil asked, clearly horrified.


    ¡°Ahahaha! By Asgard no! Son of Cole! I get it from the phoenix who is capable of rebirth and healing!¡± Lash said, and clapped him on the back trying to comfort him. Everyone in the room was confused, even Sif. None of them entirely believing him.


    ¡°Anyways, I can create charms to allow your agents to resist her voice. However I must encourage any and all men of Midgard not to touch her. Her enthrallment is practically absolute in that case.¡± Lash said to the room.


    ¡°We should call in back up, specifically an all female tactical team.¡± May suggested, and Phil agreed.


    Just as promised with in an hour the Bus landed at Nellis Air Force Base. While several SHIELD tactical teams were en route. SHIELD logistical and IT people were looking through Las Vegas camera systems working together with Lash''s tech-spirits. Lash had seen Lorelei ride into the city on the back of a motorcycle. A biker was driving, and leading what looked like a motorcycle gang into town. Then they had lost track of her. Vegas was a big place, full of powerful, and easily enslaved men.


    Lash sat in the Bus common area with dozens of holographic windows open, and revolving around him. They were of course for anyone else looking in. While he had his eyes closed working through Connectivity. Hundreds of spell script danced around him. He had indulged Simmons request and she had set up several scanning devices. She was interested in universal energy. Then came along Agent Daisy Johnson.


    Daisy (Sky) was wearing SHIELD issued black boots, form fitting black pants, and a tank top. She was on her way downstairs to do some workout with her SO, and boyfriend Ward. She came to stop at the edge of the holographic ring of windows and clearly had a question on her mind. Lash opened his eyes and looked at her with a smile.


    ¡°You have a question?¡± Lash asked her, and she tried to play it off as if it was not a big deal. Scratching the back of her head and looking at one of the windows.


    ¡°Jiaying, my mother wanted to know if you could help the Inhumans in afterlife locate the rest of us. She said with your abilities it should be easy?¡± Daisy asked, the last bit came out in a hesitant voice.


    ¡°Yes, that should be easy enough.¡± Lash said with a smile. He pushed through one of the assigned satellites he was tied to and contacted the Inhumans in afterlife.


    ¡°Great! Hay...I know your busy but why don''t you come down stairs for a bit and spar with us? Sif is down there with May.¡± Daisy suggested, and Lash raised a brow at her. The sight of Sif fighting May would be an interesting fight.


    ¡°I''d love to, Lady Daisy daughter of John.¡± Lash said and stood up in one smooth motion.


    Daisy''s smile was brilliant and lit up the room. One by one the holographic windows around the common area shut off. Lash turned off Simmons scanning devices and followed Daisy downstairs. They had opened up the cargo bay door and pushed the vehicles out. Letting them have floor mats out. Agent May was wearing form fitting black stretch pants, and a tank top. While she threw a punch at Lady Sif who wore her under armor. Sif''s under armor was a stretch polymer that was a shirt, and pants. Daisy said they looked like yoga pants. Odd.


    Agent Ward, and Fitz were standing off to the side watching the fight. Ward was talking to Fitz about the different moves being used and glanced at Daisy as she came down and walked up to his side. Lash followed in her wake but went to the other side of the mat to look at May. Lash flipped through his Magical Perceptions and found that May was using Partial Chi Manipulation. May did an spin flip kick that propelled her momentum forward. On a mortal that would have been a devastating attack. On Sif? She stepped into the attack and caught May half way through the kick and threw her into the ground with a resounding slam!


    ¡°Well done! But using such moves on an Asgardian will spell your doom. Use quick, exact movements that pull you in and out. We Asgardians tend to be slow.¡± Sif said as she offered a hand up towards May who took it gratefully.


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Daisy asked, and Sif looked to Ward who turned to explain.


    ¡°Every strike an Asgardian makes is a death blow. So every punch, every kick is meant to end the life of the one they are fighting. Slow is relative. Most would say Asgardians are naturally fast. However Agent May is well known for being quick.¡± Ward said to Daisy who looked to Sif, and May.


    ¡°That''s right.¡± Sif agreed, and May looked slightly annoyed at herself for falling for that trap.


    ¡°Then why did...¡± Daisy let the question hang in the air.


    ¡°Because that move is meant to strike with the full kinetic force of Lady May''s body weight. On a mortal that would have been a death blow or a serious injury. On us, not so much. But of course it is not often that you get a chance to spar with an Asgardian.¡± Lash explained for May who nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Lady May, you are using a basic form of Chi Manipulation. It is very rudimentary, did you not finish your training?¡± Lash asked, her and May looked back at him. Her face cool and indifferent but you could see the gears working.


    ¡°Chi mastery is not something I''ve been trained in. They didn''t cover it in SHIELD operations academy. Or in any of my other martial arts trainers.¡± May admitted after a bit.


    ¡°You saw it as well, Lash? You should see if you can continue her training.¡± Sif suggested to May who looked at her in confusion. Sif then called Daisy into the ring with her, much to Daisy trepidation. May came to stand next to Lash.


    ¡°So, Chi Manipulation is one of the ways that mortals can find even ground with Asgardians. Among other kinds of beings across the 9 realms. If you like, Lady May. I can imprint Chi skills into your mind.¡± Lash suggested to her. May looked interested but wanted more of a description.


    So over the course of the next hour Lash used his Skill/Power/Spell Trainer ability and explained what Chi Manipulation was to May. She understood the concept, especially as a trained martial artist using life energy is a well documented practice. By the end of the hour Lash and May were sitting cross legged on the deck of the plain knees touching one another. Lash placed his hands on her hands and channeled spell energy into her body. Then used Awaken Trait, and thanks to Power Trainer Lash was able to give her Chi Manipulation. He used Re:Implant to help regulate her new abilities until she had full control over it.


    ¡°Now, channel your energy and punch the target.¡± Lash said to May as he produced a psi plate for her to test on.


    May focused her energy and her right fist glowed with red energy. She shot forward using her whole body and slammed her fist into the target. A thunderous crack rang out through the whole room! Sif, and Lash both had smiles on their faces as May left a sizable dent in plate! While Fitz-Simmons who were standing off to the side had their jaws open and their eyes wide. May had just done a 5,000 psi punch. When Simmons announced how hard May had just hit, May for all of her cold indifference smiled and had a star struck expression on her face.


    ¡°Oh my god! We have another superhero aboard the plane!¡± Daisy shouted in joy! May quickly schooled her expression. But a smile continued to tug on her lips.


    ¡°We found her! Tactical teams are in bound we leave in thirty.¡± Agent Phil came into the cargo bay and informed the group.


    ============================================================


    Freedom! Freedom to rule, freedom to command. This was the feeling that Lorelei had missed so much. The feel of sitting on a throne made of the finest silk this world could provide did much to help the stress of ruling for Lorelei. She leaned back in her chair as a man massaged her feet, while another massaged her neck, and shoulders.


    Lorelei sat on in front of a large array of video screens. Midgard had advanced much since she was last here. Technology, culture, and food! She licked her fingers sensually much to the appreciation of the men around her. She had just finished with a chocolate covered strawberry and was reaching for another when the doors to her private suit opened up. A man wearing a tailored suit walked in and dropped to his knees, and touched his head to the ground waiting to be called on.


    ¡°You may speak.¡± Lorelei said, her voice enchanted with spell craft. Adding to the compulsion of those around her.


    ¡°Yes great queen! A task force of harmed women wearing the brand of SHIELD have taken the lobby of the casino. They are currently clearing the entire building of anyone not following your rule. What should we do?¡± The man asked, and Lorelei looked at him in mild confusion. Why would she be worried about this.


    ¡°Dispense our forces to disperse them. If they resist kill them.¡± She replied, and ate another strawberry.


    ¡°There is also a strange individual with them. They look to be wearing armor.¡± The man said, his voice quivering. Lorelei''s eyes narrowed, she pointed at a television screen.


    ¡°Show me!¡± Lorelei said loudly, and an servant jumped to switch the channels. Lorelei jumped to her feet and snarled. ¡°Sif! Send all of our men down to kill her! The man to bring me her head will earn one night in me bed!¡± Lorelei decreed and the entire room jumped into action and sprinted from the room.


    ¡°You stay! A Queen should always have a knight by her side.¡± Lorelei called out to a specific individual in the room who came to her side. Their heavy footfalls was overshadow only by the glowing triangle in their chest plate.


    =============================================================


    Lorelei had chosen to take up residence in the MGM Grand Hotel. She had obtained the best room in the entire hotel and all but commanded the entire staff. Men groveled at her feet, and any women who worked there continued to follow orders simply because they believed she was some kind of high roller. At least until a SHIELD tactical team showed up in force. Dozens of women fully geared in light weight exoskeleton armor. Fresh from R&D thanks to Lash''s designs he had offered.


    Sif had moved into the main lobby with the attack force and snarled in contempt as hundreds of men came rushing towards their position. Ranging from men here for their vacations, to the security staff! Thankfully the SHIELD tactical team all had ICER''s available and were able to take them down in quick succession with out killing anyone. Then the men with weapons started to fire at them. It became a battle of attrition.


    Lash was currently walking up the side of the building with Gravity Stride. He was on all fours so his passenger one Lady Melinda May would not fall off. Lash had used Transformation and his tendrils down his back had wrapped around her to keep her steady. May didn''t say a word but Lash could tell she was uncomfortable. His tentacles alone were creepy to look at, while the hundreds of tendrils down Lash''s back were just weird to watch let alone to be touching someone.


    Lash, and May reached the upper most window. Right where Lorelei was staying, he used Material Shaping to turn the entire pane of glass into energy particles. He climbed in using his absent Stealth skill and carefully put May down. Thanks to Team Work, and Military Special Operations they moved in perfect sync and started to clear the room. Then they moved to the next one only to see their objective and her guest.


    ¡°Rhodey?¡± Lash asked, surprised to see War Machine standing in the room with Lorelei.


    ¡°Oh hay Lash! Whats up!¡± Rhodey said with a smile, his face plate was up so he could speak to them. Lorelei turned towards them and her face went absolutely livid!


    ¡°YOU! I will not go back! My knight kill him! This creature offends me!¡± Lorelei screamed at Lash.


    ¡°Oh that''s to bad! I liked you Lash, but you heard the lady!¡± Rhodey said to him and his face plate came down. He raised his metal gauntlet into the air and then he went flying through the wall behind him. A fist imprint on his chest plate, left there by Lady May.


    ¡°What magic is this!¡± Lorelei yelled in fury as she reached up to back hand May. Lash sprinted forward and tackled Lorelei! They both went through several walls, and at last a metal door that left them falling down a very long elevator shaft.


    ¡°You monster! You will not take me back!¡± Lorelei shouted at Lash and punched him square in the jaw. His head snapped to the side with a crack!


    ¡°Odin has tasked us to bring you back, but if you resist we have his permission to end your life!¡± Lash said with a grin and raked his claws through Lorelei''s tender flesh resulting in her screams!


    Another armored figure came bursting through the wall and tackled Lash about half way through the hotel. They rolled several times, then the gold, and red metallic figure shot into the air and used their repulsor energy shot into Lash''s chest sending him flying back. Lash rolled with the attack and jumped to his feet to see Iron Man floating in the air. Why was Tony here!?


    ¡°Tony, why are you in Vegas?¡± Lash asked his...friend?


    ¡°Tech convention! One of the medical beds you designed is here. Then we met Lorelei. Wow! I thought Pepper was beautiful but Lorelei is perfect! Why are all Asgardians so good looking?¡± Tony said with a bit of snark then bolted forward raising his fist up to strike Lash.


    Lash whipped his tail around and catapulted Iron Man through several walls, and straight outside with a cacophony of sound. Lash reached out to JARVIS looking for an explanation. As soon as his Connectivity linked up JARVIS practically collided with him over the connection. He sounded exhausted, and harried to say the least.


    ¡°Mr Lash thank you for contacting me! I''ve been trying to access Mr Stark''s armor but he''s shut me out. He has a basic program helping him run the suit. He''s rigged his suit to self destruct if I try and shut it down.¡± JARVIS said over the link they shared.


    ¡°JARVIS who else is here?¡± Lash asked as he ran back to the elevator shaft. If they could kill Lorelei the spell would end. Of course she was no longer in the elevator shaft.


    ¡°Mr Stark, Mr Rhodes, Mr Rogers, and Dr Banner have all fallen under her control. While Miss Carter, and Miss Potts was detained. I can guide you to them if you like?¡± JARVIS asked.... ¡°BEHIND YOU!¡± JARVIS called and Lash turned just in time to see a giant green fist slam into his face. Crushing his skull and sending him flying through another set of walls.


    Lash''s health dropped by 35% with a single hit. He crashed through a wall and went flying through the air into the open sky of Las Vegas. He cast Nature''s Kiss and felt his skull snap back into place. Then he cast Acceleration and flipped through the air finding purchase against a wall he cracked on impact and stood there with Gravity Stride. Coming out of the wall was the great big green machine Hulk!


    ¡°Hulk is sorry! But no hurt Lorelei!¡± Hulk called out and jumped towards Lash.


    Lash cast Portal Creation and a vortex of darkness, and starlight warped into existence right in front of Hulk. He roared in rage and was pulled in. He went straight to Norway! Several miles up in the air. The same location that he, and Thor arrived in when he first came to Midgard so many months ago! Then he did something he had been putting of for a while but decided it was time. He used Temporary Pack Bond and linked up with every ''friendly'' individual he knew.


    Despite trying to kill Lash, Tony, Rhodey, and Rogers were still marked as friendly. They of course dropped what ever they were doing and started to scream in pure terror as Eldritch Mind started to clean up what ever spell effect Lorelei had used on them. Lash watched War Machine drop from the sky mid flight towards him. Lash reached out with Telekinesis and snagged him before he hit the ground. Lash jumped off the building and used his sub-ability of Telekinesis and flew off with War Machine in hand. It was not the quickest way. At his current evolution he could travel at about 30 mph.


    ¡°JARVIS find Lorelei! If she dies the enchantment ends!¡± Lash called out and dropped War Machine off in one of the pools around the hotel. Rhodey was thrashing, and screaming about the whispers.


    Respectful greetings unto you all, this is Lash. We are currently temporarily linked for easy communication. Does anyone have eyes on Lorelei? -Lash asked across the link and got a staccato of white noise as dozens of people tried to talk through the link at the same time. Bleh...Mundanes!


    ¡°Lash? I...I don''t know why I just heard you in my head. But Lorelei has been spotted running toward the east parking garage.¡± Daisy said across their communication ear bud...Oh, that was right Lash forgot he had one in his ear. Oops!


    Moving to intercept! -Sif said across the link, Lash could feel her running through the hotel.


    ¡°Sir! On your four o''clock! Mr Stark has muted your ability!¡± JARVIS called out and Lash turned in time to get a red focused laser through his armor, and about three inches into his scales, and muscles.


    Iron Man flew over and ejected his mag. Then popped every known weapon on his suit open and fired straight into Lash. Who held up his hand and cast Personal Time. The entire world seem to freeze, and Lash could interact with a 60 ft sphere of the frozen world. So he reached out with Machine Control and cast Deflection. He pulled down Personal Time and all of Iron Man''s smart weapons went flying anywhere but at Lash. While any straight weapon went crashing into the ground. Lash tried to use Machine Control on the suit but it was to advanced for his current evolution. Good to know!


    ¡°Fight it Stark! She is manipulating you!¡± Lash shouted at him and jumped into the air to tackle the man out of the air. Tony didn''t even pause and punched Lash square in the face. Lash reached out with his tentacles and started to constrict around him.


    ¡°WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO MESS UP A GOOD THING! I LOVE HER MAN!¡± Tony yelled over what appeared to be AC/DC that was playing through his suit. He was drowning out Eldritch Mind with rock and roll!? Ah!


    Tony slammed them both into the ground then shot down the strip with Lash on the bottom. Tony was trying to scrape him off. Unfortunately for Tony, Lash was tougher then concrete or cars for that matter. His life was barely dropping by half a % during the whole trip. Then the whole suit went limp in as they slowed to a stop. Lash had ripped out the power core, it was a dead suit. He pulled himself free and cast Manifestation and called two Veterans to guard Tony. While he sprinted towards the garage.


    Lash didn''t have time to be nice about it and simply crashed straight through a concrete wall. Bursting out of the other side scattering debris as he dropped to all fours and ran straight towards a fight between Lorelei and Sif. Sif was doing pretty even with a dozen or so armed guards shooting at her. Lash used Darkness Manipulation and serrated edged blades burst from the shadows of the parking garage to slice through the guards. No kill shots, but they wouldn''t be using their hands any time soon. While several more blades went through their feet to keep them from interfering with the fight.


    ¡°I will not go back!¡± Lorelei screamed at Sif as she threw a car door at her. Sif easily bisected the door and started to stalk towards her.


    ¡°I have no intention of taking you back!¡± Sif said, venom dripping from her voice. Lorelei had been on Sif''s very short list for centuries. Now she had no reason to hold back!


    Lorelei seem to come to the same conclusion and a look of panic spread across her face. She looked around the garage and called to her enslaved men where struggled against the blades of darkness but could not move. She turned towards Lash who was gradually making his way towards her, and a sinister smirk on his face. She screamed for help! Lash could feel the power of the spell spreading. But a SHIELD unit was keeping every man at bay.


    ¡°I SURRENDER!¡± Lorelei screamed and fell to her knees. Sif stopped, a look of pure fury on her face. Sif was caught between what she wanted to do, and what she should do. Killing a prisoner who had surrendered was a great dishonor. She turned to look at Lash, lost on what to do next.


    ¡°I refuse...¡± Lash said, and Lorelei paled. Her screamed died in her throat as dozens of blades of shadow burst from the ground. She became a pin cushion, so much damage was beyond even an Asgardian ability to heal. Though Lash technically could heal the damage he wouldn''t.


    ¡°The collar was damaged in battle. Her threat was to great to the people of Midgard.¡± Lash said as he slowly walked towards Sif with his hands up. Sif blinked in surprise and looked down at the collar on her belt. Sure enough it had been sliced in half by a blade of some kind...


    ¡°With out the collar the men under her spell would never stop fighting. Yes, it had to be done.¡± Sif said to Lash and a weight that had been pushing down on her was lifted. She let out a shuddering breath and fell to her knees. Tears started to fall from her eyes and she whispered Haldor''s name.


    Lash walked over and knelt by her side. He created a baffle field to hide them both from sight. Sif reached out and pulled him close. Sif was a warrior born, true to her feelings as always. She pushed into Lash''s chest and started to cry. The woman responsible for claiming the life of Sif''s love so long ago was dead. Killed by one of her true friends in the world. That didn''t make it hurt any less.


    -------


    Hulk/Banner was about half way through the North Sea when the spell ended. A SHIELD naval ship picked him up much to the embarrassment of the big green guy. Rhodey was fine, though he was terrified to look at Lash for any amount of time. He would need some time to get over the side effects of Eldritch Mind. Steve for the most part had actually been knocked unconscious by Agent Carter. How she pulled that off she wouldn''t say. Tony repeatedly apologized to Pepper who was using the whole fiasco as a way to get Tony to do what ever she wanted.


    Obviously it had been explained that Lorelei was capable of mind manipulation. Every one hurt in the battle was healed. While the body of Lorelei had turned to dust at the hands of Lash''s spell craft. Sif was conflicted on where to go next. Odin had left no clear instruction for her. So, Sif decided to stay on Midgard for now and try and find some sort of refreshment from life. She did have to admit Midgard had changed drastically since she was last here several centuries ago.


    Despite the weird incident the tech convention still took place. Lash joined Stark in explaining the devices crafted through Asgardian, and Midgard technology. Then Lash did something that he found that all women tend to enjoy, even Asgardians! He took Sif shopping! He invited all the women of SHIELD in attendance, and men if any were interested to come along. Thanks to HYDRA Lash had hundreds of millions of dollars to spend. Not to mention his own Money Storage abilities. Spa day! Oddly enough even Agent May came along.


    Lash was currently sitting in a unbelievably soft white spa robe in his default Asgardian form. A young woman was currently giving him a pedicure. While he was speaking to Lady Pepper Potts about a scholarship program that Lash wanted to create. Lash was shocked to discover that education wasn''t free on Midgard. He had wanted to change that immediately and even wanted to go to this White House that so many spoke of and make the king of America to change the law. Lady Potts assured him that wouldn''t work.


    ¡°I still don''t feel anything!¡± Sif said from the massage table from across the room. A very tall, muscular man was standing on her back attempting to drive the heel of his foot into her muscles.


    ¡°Oh let me!¡± Lash said with a laugh as he slowly stood up and thanked the young lady who was doing his feet. He walked over to Sif with a laugh as he swapped out his clothes with a simple spell. Much to the delight of everyone watching. Magic tricks were always fun to watch.


    ¡°Sif, you promised you would try and relax.¡± Lash said to his friend, and Sif grumbled something about these fools not being strong enough. Lash helped the big man down with an apologetic smile. Then Lash took up some oil and started to work on Sif.


    Thankfully massage skills were part of his Sex skill so he knew exactly how, where, and when to press any portion of Sif''s body. He used his Asgardian strength to really get a deep tissue massage into her back. He may have also used just a hit of Subliminal Seduction to elicit a better response from Sif. When she bit her own tongue to stop her from moaning Lash pulled back and bit and smiled.


    ¡°Better?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°....I still barely feel anything...¡± Sif said in a quiet voice. ¡°Please continue though, it feels good.¡± She said, declaring loudly for anyone to hear.


    ¡°Do you not have spa''s on Asgard?¡± Lady Potts asked from her side of the room.


    ¡°No, Asgardian''s ability to heal essentially remove any need for a ''spa day''. However, I feel after today Lady Sif may wish to correct that in the future. Isn''t that right, Lady Sif?¡± Lash asked, and Sif let out a soft groan of appreciation as Lash found a particular knot. Lady Potts laughed and went back to enjoying her own pedicure.


    Lash continued to work on Sif and did most of her whole body. Keeping to respectful boundaries of course given they were not alone in the room. Plus Lash was reasonably sure Sif would have broken his jaw if he got a little to far. Even if she would have enjoyed it. Eventually they moved to buy new clothing. Shoes, pants, skirts, dresses, tops, etc, etc, etc. Lash learned that Sif could conjure her armor just like Thor could if she wanted to. So anything she wore could if need be turn into Asgardian armor. Nifty!


    To finish the night off they all went to a club on the strip. Thanks to Tony they got into the VIP section and had a huge section of the club to themselves. Sif was beside herself with the brilliant colors, music, and the very energy in the air that seemed like a tribal gathering of posturing, dancing, and revelry. Sif had chosen to wear three inch heels with spaghetti straps up her calf. A knee length red silk skirt, with red top that exposed her midriff. She had several golden bangles, and had curled her hair. She looked amazing! While Lash wore a simple black suit, with a white buttoned up top.


    Pepper had decided to come along and wore a ankle long slim black dress, with a high neck that left her arms, and shoulders exposed. Her vibrant red hair was tied back into a simple pony tail, and she wore silver piercings in her earlobes. Tony was by her side in a tailored fit gray slacks, with egyptian cotton satin finish shirt, and a black vest. Rhodey was next to with black pants, a black polo shirt, and simple smile that did wonders for his face.


    Peggy Carter chose to wear a familiar red lace dress. A little number she had worn for Steve back during the war. While Steve wore a full tailored suit that he looked amazing in. They were both dancing off to the side of the club, doing a slow dance despite the music of choice. Agent Phil, and Agent May were both talking off to the side. Phil wore a tailored black suit, with a bright red tie that he oddly looked good in. May wore a knee length silver sequin dress, with a pair of flats. She didn''t do heels if she could help it.


    Fitz-Simmons were sitting off to the side watching the lights, and listening to the music. Fitz was talking about the different displays while Simmons just watched him with a tiny smile on her face. Fitz wore a gray suit pants, and vest with no jacket. With a navy blue buttoned up shirt. While Simmons wore a knee length black skirt, and a sequin black tank top.


    Down on the dance floor of the VIP lounge was Daisy, and Ward. Ward wore a tailored made black cocktail suit, while sky wore a short pink dress that went to mid thigh, and exposed her back. She he wore three inch naked toed heels and was clearly having more fun that Ward was as she danced around him like he was a pole. Well Ward was having fun, just didn''t like the attention Sky was getting from other people. He was protective of his girl.


    ¡°May I have this dance?¡± Lash asked Sif, and the goddess of war looked like a deer caught in headlights. But she eventually blinked and stood up and came to Lash''s side.


    They moved to the VIP dance floor and Lash brought his hand to the small of her back and pulled her in. He raised his left hand up level with their shoulders, and his right hand stayed on her back. Sif mirrored his posture, and arm placement. A salsa remix song was starting to ramp up. Then with a push, and an activation of his Dance skill. Along with Skill Trainer Lash started to dance with Sif.


    They twirled, and spun across the floor in a flurry of hands, and gestures. Sif kicked her leg out and spun while Lash lifted her up into the air then brought her down. Some would say that a dance was much akin to a battle. Lash raised a hand up and Sif went into a twirl then her back was pressed into Lash''s chest. He leaned back, and she went with him. Then with whip of his hand on hers she spun back out and they were brought back together again. They danced hand in hand along the floor. Past several people. Lash heard Daisy cheering for them on the side.


    Eventually the song came to an end and with out meaning to most of the VIP dance floor had become vacant so they could watch the two of them dance. Sif was breathless in a good way, her chest rose and fell with every exhalation. A smile was spread across her face as she pressed close against Lash who smiled back at her. He dipped her in graceful bow then pulled her up. They stood side to side and bowed to the cheering audience who clapped in glee.


    Lash ended up dancing with every one else even Simmons, and May! May most off was a surprise she was an excellent dancer! Lash took pity on Fitz and gave him a Partial Dance imprint thanks to Skill Trainer. By the end of the night Fitz, and Simmons were dancing together with out stepping on each others shoes. Eventually the sun started to rise and many were exhausted. Tony being Tony had got the best rooms for everyone.


    Lash was getting ready for bed when someone knocked on his door. He came to find Sif waiting at the other end still in her party dress. With out a word she stepped in, and Lash closed the door behind her. She stalked through the large hotel room and came to find the bar. She pulled open a very expensive bottle and guzzled it down in ten seconds flat that looked at the bottle.


    ¡°Are all Midgardian spirits so lacking?¡± Sif asked, clearly dissatisfied with the drink.


    ¡°I''m afraid so, but I can make you something.¡± Lash said as he gestured for her to sit down. He used Fabrication, and Alteration to create some strong alcohol for her. Sif took the drink with a welcomed smile and guzzled it. She pulled it back with a blushing red face and a huge grin.


    ¡°Now that is a drink! I think even Volstagg would enjoy!¡± Sif said with a smile, then raised her cup for another. Ten or so drinks later Sif was plastered, which said a lot for Lash''s ability to make drinks.


    ¡°Thank you for helping me, Lash. Thank you for breaking the collar.¡± Sif said, understanding that it was one of Lash''s shadow blades that had cut the collar.


    ¡°We are friends are we not?¡± Lash said with a grin that she returned. A few minutes later Sif was passed out on one of the guest bedrooms. While Lash turned away from Sif to find himself back in the black room with Dawn.


    ¡°That was not what I expected.¡± Dawn said to Lash with a grievous expression.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Lash said as he came to sit next to her as he did before. ¡°So, what''s next?¡±


    Galen


    So, I feel like I screwed up on this chapter. So much of what happened didn''t need to be written. I felt like a fish pulled out of the water and I was flipping, and flapping about. Not sure what direction I needed to go to get back to the water. However, there was a lot of important details that happened in this chapter. So I am 50/50. So, my readers if your curious why the Chapter is weird. That is why.

 Chapter 112: Ultron

    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Earth***


    It had been two weeks since Wraith was last seen entering the Rift located in a New York building. The Rift had not grown any larger, nor had it shrunk. The quarantine line around the Rift was still in place as the city around it continued to be repaired. However, all that remained of the military, and police force was a skeleton crew. Along with a group of scientists from STAR labs. Of course what no one knew was that an orbital cannon from the JLI was above them pointing straight down at the Rift in case anything hostile came out.


    Rifts had started to pop up across the globe in a variety of sizes, varieties, and visual spectrum. The JLI was able to get most of them. But all it took was a few dumb people to step into a Rift that didn''t understand what would happen for disaster to strike. Most Rifts would simply implode! They would grow to encompass about one square mile then shrink down to a mini black hole consuming anything nearby and blink out of existence.


    While a few Rifts would explode! These caused far more destruction from aside the obvious damage of sending debris in every direction. It would often scatter cosmic energy. Cosmic radiation being one of them. Causing a lot of health issues. But they would also spread mutations, aberrations, and power ups for mundanes, and meta''s alike. When two hundred seemingly random people became meta''s with a plethora of powers. No one paid any attention to the two hundred thousand that became sick, while one third of that number turned into twisted monsters that caused devastation as they moved.


    Then came the most chaotic Rift destruction. These Rifts would expand like a water balloon being filled then break apart like an egg. These spit out monsters! Chimera''s, aberrations, abominations! These monsters would seek out any and all complex organic organisms (animals and/or people) Depending on the energy level of the Rift they would spit out a few dozen, or split out a few thousand! One such Rift opened in South America, Peru. The creatures spawned from the Rift oddly enough looked a lot like the their kin with in the jungle. So large reptiles, and predatory cats. This was not a good thing!


    JLI star fighters from the Watch Tower Station were doing bombing runs across the vast armies of monsters pouring out of the jungle. Thousands of twisted creatures jumped, warped, and sprinted out to fight the battle line of JLI, and military personnel. Tanks shot into the charging line with reckless abandonment. While the soldiers fired everything they had into the horde. With a sonic boom across the skies came a red, and blue blur that crashed straight into the horde and started to incinerate them with solar laser eyes.


    The creatures twisted in their sprint and moved towards the greatest complex organism. Superman! They pushed, crawled, or even ran over one other. Some even started to kill each other to prevent others from getting to him. Right before the first creature jumped at Superman he zipped into the air and jumped out of the way. Just as a targeting laser came down from the sky and an ion cannon struck the center mass! Five square miles of monsters turned into ash! Sending minor tremors through the earth. A reasonable side effect.


    Wonder Woman took out her blade and called for a charge as the JLI melee combatants rushed into the remnants of the horde. Hundreds of Amazons, Atlanteans, and Meta''s rushed towards the monsters while hundreds more JLI fired from behind them. A festival of blood poured across the ruined jungle as every last creature was butchered to last. The only real benefit for these creatures was an easy clean up. For when they died, truly died. They would turn into energy particles and fade into the ambient magical energy in the air.


    A victory cheer roared through out the fighters on the ground as the star fighters flew by and rushed straight up back to the Watch Tower Station. People smiled, and clapped each other on the back. Another life saved, another city, ano....Ding..Ding! Dozens of people received a notification of another monster Rift exploding in Mongolia. Shoulders sagged, and people groaned. As hundreds of spring jump coils started to pop audibly.....


    One would think with the threat of the Earths extinction people would come together? Find peaceful solutions to problems, compromise, and build a better tomorrow. But no! That wasn''t happening. Yes, there were of course exceptions. But the world was just as messed up as ever. Much of the world was still rebuilding from the Invasion. While a few places that had obtained some sense of stability. Where racked with crime! The Injustice League had shown up! A group of organized villains, convicts, and criminals.


    Everyday the world was getting more, and more chaotic! Millions of people abandoning their homes to become refugees at different cities spread across the globe. Refugee centers were at max capacity. While others had overflowed. People were dying in the streets! People were dying over a butter finger bar! This was a perfect time to work together! Share what you had! But no! What they decided to do was blame the JLI for not doing a better job! The Justice League: International was meant to protect, and serve the globe! Why were they not doing enough!? Le sigh.


    ============================================================


    ***Black Room. Story/Cross Over***


    ¡°What the hell, Lash! I sent you to Xandar to have this epic confrontation with Ronan and you destroyed the dynamic event in under ten minutes!¡± Dawn screamed at Lash in fury! Her hair was a mess, she had bags under eyes to demonstrate she hadn''t slept. Her nice business suit was a mess.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Dawn. But honestly who doesn''t build defensive platforms on their capitol planet! That''s just foolish.¡± Lash tried to defend himself, and of course fail as he shrunk more, and more into his seat.


    ¡°OK, I forgive you!¡± Dawn said sweetly, that caused a shiver to roll down Lash''s spine. Something told him Dawn was going to increase the Rift difficulty by 100% for his next challenge.


    Dawn snapped her fingers and her business attire faded from sight. She wore flip flops, string shorts, a cotton T, and a pair of sun glasses. A red sun appeared above the black room and Dawn started to sun bath. A fruity drink appeared next to her on a small table. While she sat on a beach chair and started to get comfortable. A cool breeze of astral winds rolled by and felt like a nice spring day. Despite the mood, Lash was worried. Especially since she hadn''t created a timeline app, or a WP store catalog. Before Lash could open his mouth to ask he felt himself falling through the black room.


    ¡°I love you, Dawn! I appreciate everything you do!¡± Lash called out as he fell towards the Marvel world.


    ¡°Love you too!¡± Dawn called back.


    _______________________________________________________________


    Recommended World Point allocation.


    Lash Jormungandson at the behest of All Father, Odin. Traveled across the 9 realms, constructing new and improved defensive platforms, and orbital satellites. His traveling companion was Sif, and from time to time the warriors three. They did come across Thor, and his betrothed Lady Foster. Oddly enough Sif didn''t seem that depressed when she met Thor. She was still sore that the man of her dreams chose a mortal over herself. But that seemed like a point of pride more than anything. They would tell stories to one another, laugh, drink, and enjoy each others company. Lady Jane was learning all sorts of strange and unique things about the science shared between the 9 realms.


    On Midgard the world continued to spin as it always did. SHIELD continued to hunt down the forces of HYDRA. Lash had kept his promise to Agent Daisy of SHIELD and created a meta/Inhuman program to test who was, and where. Hundreds of new Inhumans had been identified. While most were not interested in being anything more than themselves. A few dozen decided to join up and go through the transformation process. While a few of the Inhumans decided to join SHIELD as a special task force much like the Avengers.


    New technologies were being invented everyday! The Stark Industries medical bed had been released and they had sold it at a very reasonable, all be it still expensive price. But watching the device rebuild spinal damage. Regrow a persons limb. Or even cure cancer! Very few people complained about the price. While a sort of medical lottery was introduced to people across the world to be fixed. Thousands of people were selected each month.


    A education, and living program was established by the Asgardian Lash Jormungandson in partnership with Stark Industries. Millions of people across the globe were given a chance to attend school, along with living conditions, and a basic allowance. While Stark Industries, and SHIELD lawyers attempted to push for associates degrees to be covered under the public school law. (Getting a general associates degree was paid for, and required by law for everyone to obtain) It was still being debated over, especially who would pay for it? Cough! Alien from another world! Cough!


    While a few people argued about the idea that an alien from another world even had a right to having a bank account. Tony Stark was holding a party at Stark Tower in New York. They had successfully found, and caught Strucker obtaining Loki''s scepter. Tony, and Dr Banner had been working on the scepter for the past three days before Thor was meant to take it back to Asgard. The party had just started when a rainbow bridge of the bifrost struck the balcony of the Stark Tower to reveal Lady Sif, the Warriors three, and Lash Jormungandson.


    __________________________________________________________________


    ¡°My friends!¡± Thor shouted as he came racing over across the balcony to embrace them. Thor wore a well tailored, and fashioned casual suit jacket, vest, t-shirt, jeans, and boots. His hair was pulled back in his typical half pony tail.


    ¡°THOR!¡± Volstagg roared! The giant red bearded warrior clad in chain mail and leather armor picked up the Odinson, and spun him around while smiling in glee! Thor clapped him on the back, his smile growing even wider if that was possible.


    Thor soon embraced Fandral, Hogun, Sif, and last but not least Lash. Thor had told them of the party to be had at Midgard and wanted them to attend. Lash had just finished deploying the last of the satellites around the 9 realms and was then ''banished'' to Midgard by Odin....Again. Hopefully it would stick this time. The warriors three, Sif, and Lash all wore full armor as was the custom if they ever visited another world. They were a little out of place at the party.


    All of the Avengers were at the party, as many of the reserve Avengers. Along with many of the auxiliary teams. A few even surprised Lash as he saw Matt Murdock, and Foggy Nelson standing off to the side talking to a few people. Lash grinned and walked across the room straight towards them. Foggy''s eyes popped when Lash was walking towards them.


    Franklin Percy "Foggy" Nelson was a delightfully plump, but well build man in suit and tie. He had a charismatic glow that made you trust him even when he hadn''t opened his mouth yet. When ever he smiled it was filled with warmth, and a bit of nervous tension like he wasn''t sure what was going to happen. But he''ll have a smile either way. He had a drink in hand and was trying to not hyperventilate as Lash came to stop in front of him and held his hand out.


    ¡°Foggy, son of Nel. I have heard a lot about you.¡± Lash said with a smile. Lash was in his default Asgardian form. A 6''6¡± tall caramel skinned bald man with ornate Einherjar armor on. With serpent, and reptilian stylized pictures depicted on the armor.


    ¡°Oh my god! Oh my god! You know who I am! I mean...Of course you know who I am! You are one of main investors!¡± Foggy said, reaching out to shake his hand. To his immediate left was Matt Murdock who had an embarrassed smile on his face.


    Matthew Michael "Matt" Murdock was a cool, level headed, recently blind lawyer. Yes, recently! When Lash had traveled across the globe to recruit people to join the auxiliary teams for SHIELD Daredevil was one of them. Lash had offered to repair his eyes, something Matt took him up on. Matt had a genuine smile on his face as he shook Lash''s hand. Technically this was their first public, civilian meet up.


    ¡°Yes, despite what Thor thinks of lawyers being the spawn of evil. I was more than happy to support your valiant fight for the people in, ''Hell''s Kitchen''. Though I believe if demons, and devils were truly in that part of the city a sword would be better suited for killing.¡± Lash said, his tone completely serious. Foggy laughed nervously, and loudly!


    ¡°There are still videos on social media of you springing through that part of town looking for the demons.¡± Matt said with a smirk. Lash for his credit look a little embarrassed, scratching the back of his head.


    Lash had actually found several Motophagus (Emotion Eaters) scattered through out the city. Of course that was normal! They ate up the excessive bit of emotion, creating a safe, balanced magical ecosystem. He had scared the crap out of Matt when Lash shared his vision with him for a brief moment. Lash had also ripped apart zombie ninjas! SHIELD had no idea, The Hand was in New York.


    Before they could continue a smoking hot brunette walked up to Lash and extended her hand. In a practiced motion fitting of an Asgardian, Lash took the offered hand and bent from his waist. Barely pressing his lips across her knuckles but no more than that. He held that position for a brief moment then stood up straight and held her hand until she took it from him. Elektra Natchios, talented assassin, and now SHIELD shadow. Wore a red slink cocktail dress. With a pair of daggers strapped to her thighs.


    ¡°Respectful greetings unto, Lady Natchios.¡± Lash said to her, she smiled at him then took her hand back.


    ¡°Respectful greetings to you, Lord Lash Jormungandson.¡± Elektra said with a pleasant smile.


    Elektra had a very brusque attitude towards most people. However, Lash had researched her past and provided the truth to her parents death. Something that had haunted her for years. He had done this for absolutely nothing. Simply because he knew what it was like growing up with out parents. Since then Lash, and Elektra had a polite, and friendly understanding.


    The three of them spoke for awhile until it was time for Lash to move on. There were several people present that Lash wish to speak to. As always if there was an open bar one would find Jessica Jones doing her best to drink herself into oblivion. Next to her was Luke Cage, and the alien Omni. Well more to say that Omni was off to the side doing a small stand up comedy act that he was reasonably good at.


    There was also a man named Danny Rand! A cultured, educated man that spoke in zen proverbs half the time. He was another millionaire with superpowers. More specifically he used Chi Manipulation. He was struck dumb when he found out you didn''t need to kill a dragon to earn the ability. His girlfriend Colleen Wing was one of the people Lash had found was using Partial Chi Manipulation and just like Agent May offered to finish her training. The martial arts duo often teamed up with Dare Devil, along with Luke, Jessica, and Omni.


    ¡°Lash!¡± A woman called out to him and he turned to see Patricia "Trish" Walker.


    ¡°Lady Walker, respectful greetings unto. I see you have grown into your abilities. Are you feeling any ill effects?¡± Lash asked, his eyes danced up her body. Trish wore a black single dress that went below her knees. Her blond hair was done up into curls and she smile at Lash ''checking'' her out.


    ¡°No, I have not felt any ill effects. Plenty of amazing, outstanding effects! Like old scars healing over.¡± Trish said, Lash offered her his arm and they continued walking through the party.


    Trish had been a mundane but thanks to Erik the gamer insistence Lash had optimized Trish. She took on the name HellCat. For years Trish had lived in envy of her sister Jessica. To have a superpower sibling, and to see them squander it had made Trish envious, and bitter. However when Jessica joined up to be an auxiliary SHIELD team it had made Trish happy for her sister. Trish had flipped her top when Lash showed up to optimize her. She had taken to the role like a fish in water. Impressing her SHIELD handler.


    Trish introduced Lash to several important people. Well important to the standard of a mundane of Midgard. But Trish seem to be enjoying herself showing him around. Her SHIELD handlers had reported that she held Lash in almost deified regard and would not allow anyone to bad mouth him while she was around. Given that Lash had an actual religion based around him by some Norse Pagan groups it didn''t bother him.


    A majority of the people attending the party were friends, or friends of a friend attending the party. However, most tickets had a plus one attached. So occasionally a few twisted people sneaked in with out any one noticing. Like a few slimy US senators, and Military personnel. One particular man tried to talk to Lash and failed at pronouncing his name. Odd, but it happened. But when the man tried to insist that Lash be an exclusive US Agent. Lash informed Stark, who had security escort and band the senator out of the tower.


    ----


    A few hours later Trish was pulled away by an annoyed Jessica that insisted on using Trish as a means to escape the boys trying to get her to dance. Much to Jessica''s horror Trish liked to dance and dragged Jessica to the dance floor. Lash excused himself and went to the bar where Volstagg was barking up a storm about Midgard spirits being nothing but sweet tasting water. Lash jumped over and started to make drinks for the man. Three cups in Volstagg dropped to the floor unconscious! Lash felt accomplished!


    ¡°Hay handsome, what''s shaking?¡± A sultry voice asked, Lash looked up to see Natasha Romanoff taking a seat on the bar. She wore a red sequin silk gown with a neck wrap around leaving her arms, shoulders, and back exposed.


    ¡°What can I make you? Or are you here to talk?¡± Lash asked, as he bowed from his waist with a smile.


    ¡°About both? Surprise me!¡± Natasha said as she leaned in letting Lash get a peak at her cleavage if he wanted.


    Lash created a rainbow drink. It was a multi layered drink with different colors, cooled. So the different liquors would stay separate. One could mix the drink and get a fruity flavor, or drink each section with a straw. He slide it towards her and Natasha smirked at the creation. Then Lash leaned forward towards her.


    ¡°I''ve missed you.¡± Lash said softly, and his confession made her smile even more.


    ¡°Missed you too.¡± She said, taking the offered drink and taking a sip through a straw. Her eyes went bright at the taste. ¡°Wow! That is fantastic! What is this?¡± Natasha asked. Lash described the flavors, half of which came from different worlds.


    ¡°So, Thor said you''ve been building defensive satellites across the 9 realms? You all finished, or....¡± Natasha let the question hang in the air.


    ¡°I still have to build the satellites for Midgard. But I have been once again banished back to Midgard for my ''punishment'' so I''ll be around more often now.¡± Lash replied, making another drink for Hogun who sat at the end of the bar watching the party like a hawk.


    ¡°You''ve settled into your abilities I see. Any discomfort?¡± Lash asked, sending a Nature/ Synthesis pulse through her.


    ¡°...I have a few kinks, and muscle fatigue from pushing myself to hard. You free later? Maybe you can help work some of them out?¡± Natasha asked, hinting at doing more than that.


    ¡°I would be happy to help in any way I can.¡± Lash replied then to turned to see Lady Sif walking up.


    ¡°Lady Sif, please may I introduce Lady Natalia Alianovna Romanoff, daughter of Alexei Alanovich Shostakov.¡± Lash said in introductions that made Natasha whip her head around in shock. Very few people knew about Natasha''s adoptive father.


    ¡°Hello Lady Romanoff, Lash has spoken about you on several occasions. He considers you a friend.¡± Sif said with a genuine smile holding her hand out. Natasha recovered quickly and shook Sif''s hand.


    ¡°Thor talks about you as well Lady Sif. The Goddess of War in Asgard, and one of his few true friends.¡± Natasha replied truthfully, which made Sif smile brightly having heard what Thor thought of her. Sif would be wearing that smile for days he she could help it.


    ¡°Bar keep! I''ll have that amazing star dust drink you made on Vanaheim.¡± Sif said taking a seat and setting her double pointed sword down on the bar.


    Lash pulled out a few concoctions from thin air much to the delight of Natasha, and several patrons who came over to watch and get their own alien drinks. Sif''s requested drink was called just that, ''star dust''. The liquid was a pure night black, with cosmic sparkles drifting through the night color. When ever one of the sparkles collided with another it burst into light and color. It was a drink meant to be sipped. Because it would floor most Asgardians.


    Lash made a few more star dust drinks designed for Midgardian''s and continued talking to Natasha, and Sif about this and that. Lash being Lash of course spoke about many things with very little tact which resulted in several comical miss understandings. Volstagg awoke about an hour in and demands another drink. Fandral being the biggest Asgardian slut he was found several women willing to share a bed with him. He excused himself and found a reasonable place to enjoy horizontal refreshments.


    ----


    ¡°You know normally when people are invited to a party they choose to spend their time relaxing. Not working.¡± Said a beautiful woman in a cultured british accent as Peggy Carter took a seat at the bar in front of Lash. Sif, and Natasha had adjourned to the dance floor.


    Dr. Margaret Elizabeth "Peggy" Carter wore a satin skirt to her knees, and a silk white blouse. With three inch naked toed black heels. She sat at the bar stool crossing her legs at the heel and kept perfect posture as she ordered a red electric twist. Lash had made a drink menu for anyone who wanted something. The red electric twist was red with swirls of electrical energy dancing through the drink. Each sip would send a tingle down the persons mouth.


    ¡°How often do Midgardians get to have drinks from another world? I thought it would bring a bit of life to the party.¡± Lash said as he finished making the drink. He looked around for Steve but found him upstairs on the balcony talking to Sam Wilson.


    ¡°So, how goes it Lady Carter?¡± Lash asked, as he started to make another drink from another party goer. Peggy tasted her drink and thought about the question.


    ¡°Steve asked me to marry him.¡± Peggy said softly once Lash finished. Lash''s eyes went bright and smile grew. But soon it started to melt because Peggy didn''t seem to pleased.


    ¡°Is this not a cause for celebration?¡± Lash asked, worried for them both. Peggy tried to smile but sadness was colored in her eyes.


    ¡°I lived a whole life with out him, Lash. I do love him, and always will. But... I fear I am not the same person I was before. What if...¡± Peggy began, and slowed to a whisper.


    ¡°You fear he loves the memory of you, and not the current you?¡± Lash asked, pointing out the specific point of the issue. Peggy swallowed a bit of her drink and nodded in acceptance.


    ¡°Lady Carter I swear to you. Lord Rogers is in love with you, the current you. Yes, you are both different people. But anyone with a pair of eyes can see the love you both share for each other.¡± Lash said, and Peggy blushed just a bit looking at her drink. Seeing the cool, composed Peggy Carter act so bashful was a delight to see.


    ¡°You must remember, with youth comes mistakes. I don''t just mean that metaphorically. I mean it literally. The chemicals in your body have also been changed back. For all intents and purposes you are physically twenty five. Do you remember what you were like back when you first hit twenty five?¡± Lash asked, pointing out a topic that most overlooked.


    ¡°Oh...I was unsure of myself. Hesitant to act, but always willing too. I spent years trying to be something I wasn''t. I didn''t really discover who I was until the War happened... Wait, are you saying that because I am young again I...Oh no.¡± Peggy said, and seem to realize what Lash was saying. As a storm of possibilities rolled through Peggy''s mind a gentle, but strong hand settled on her shoulder. She jumped slightly and turned to see Steve standing behind her.


    ¡°Lord Rogers good to see you. Would you like a drink? I promise it will actually get you drunk.¡± Lash offered him after he bowed.


    ¡°Sure, I''ll take....¡± Steve said as he looked through the menu. He smiled when Peggy took his hand into her own. ¡°Midgardian splash!¡± Steve said as he took the seat next to Peggy.


    Rogers wore black slacks, black boots, and a blue buttoned up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He had a big bright smile on his face and seem to just ooze the boy next door aura. People were naturally comfortable around him. He inspired trust, and respect in anyone he met. He shared a few words with Peggy who seemed to relax against him. Then his eyes turned to Lash as he pulled a drink from thin air. Lash filled a tall clear glass with a fruit punch like liquid. Then he took a piece of ice in the shape of a sphere. Dribbled blue, and green coloring over the sphere then dropped the sphere into the glass. The sphere splashed into the pool, and almost took on a earth like quality. It continued to spin in the drink.


    ¡°Wow, I almost don''t want to drink it.¡± Steve said, marveling at the earth like orb spinning.


    ¡°Drink it, its very fruity. I''ll make you another one if you like.¡± Lash said, Steve relented and took a sip his eyes glowing bright.


    ¡°So Natasha says you''ll be around in the foreseeable future?¡± Steve said to Lash, after he sipped about half the drink.


    ¡°I am making defensive satellites in Midgard''s solar system. But yes, I have been reassigned to Midgard for the next while. Unless something happens across the 9 realms I''ll be here.¡± Lash replied, as he started to make another drink.


    ¡°Good, we''ll be happy to have you. I know the SHIELD academies have been looking forward to you visiting them.¡± Steve said with a smile as he looked at Peggy who smiled back.


    ¡°Yes! Operations thoroughly enjoyed your little war game you gave them last time. They are looking for a re match.¡± Peggy said, reminding Lash of the RTS game he had with the SHIELD operations academy.


    Imagine first years, all the way to graduating classes fighting against Phantasm soldiers with ICERs in a jungle biosphere. Doing their best to capture several facilities, and a single city completely made by Lash through illusions. Having to sneak in, gather intelligence, destroy depots, etc, etc. It actuality it had been operations, communications, and science joint war game because everyone came to try and win. They of course lost...Horribly! Ever since then they''ve wanted a rematch!


    ------


    It was about 2 or so in the morning when a majority of the party goers had left for the night. People had been escorted home, while others had been given temporary rest in the guest bedrooms of the building. What remained, and who were still awake! Where Dr Banner, Jane Foster and a woman named Helen Cho were having a discussion. (Banner who was now partially green). Natasha, and Hawkeye sitting side by side joking around with Director Hill who had dropped by for a bit. Rogers, and Carter sitting side by side hand in hand, with Sam, and Barnes. Tony Stark, Rhodey, and Pepper by one another. Thor, Sif, Volstagg, and Hogun on their own side. Fandral was still enjoying his horizontal refreshments. While Lash was currently cleaning up the place.


    ¡°Lash put the broom down and come over here!¡± Tony called out, rolling his eyes.


    ¡°I''m almost done!¡± Lash called out.


    ¡°Why didn''t you just use your magic to make it all disappear?¡± Barton had asked, sitting on the floor twirling a musical drumstick in hand.


    ¡°Oh? I was told that the food was being recycled?¡± Lash asked, looking at Pepper who shook her head in a clear no. Lash gave himself a mental face palm and cast Immaculate then the whole room was cleaned up.


    ¡°Wooo! Mr Clean!!¡± Carl Creel said as he walked over carrying a bottle of expensive scotch and came to sit down next to Barnes who smirked at him.


    ¡°So, Thor are you ever going to tell us the trick to your hammer?¡± Barton asked from his spot in their circle of friends.


    ¡°Trick? What trick? The hammer has been blessed by my father.¡± Thor said with a grin, gesturing at his hammer that was currently sitting on top of a book on the coffee table between everyone.


    ¡°Oh who ever shall be worthy will haveth the power! Come on man its a trick!¡± Barton called out.


    ¡°No my friend! Its much more complicated than that. But if you believe otherwise please by all means.¡± Thor said from his seat. Volstagg, and Hogun both smiled as Barton got up.


    ¡°Now Barton you''ve had a long week we wont hold it against you if you can''t get it up.¡± Tony said from his seat and jumped a little when Pepper pinched him. Barton rolled his eyes and walked over and wrapped his hand around the hammer and pulled....


    ¡°I...still don''t know how you do it!¡± Barton said with a smile as he failed to lift the hammer.


    ¡°Smell the silent judgment?¡± Tony said as he grinned at him.


    ¡°Please, Stark by all means!¡± Barton said gesturing towards the hammer while he returned to his seat.


    ¡°Its simple physics!¡± Stark said as he stood up, unbuttoning his jacket. Everyone hooted while the Asgardians laughed. Stark failed to pull it up with his bare hands so he got an Iron Man glove, even with robotic enhancements he failed to lift the hammer.


    Soon everyone in the room was trying to lift the hammer. Carl Creel absorbed the Uru metal and technically became the hammer. But even then he failed to lift it. Thor breathed a sigh of relief that only Jane noticed. She grin at him, and he winked at her. Banner walked over and tried in vain to lift the hammer to the point that his eyes glowed neon green and the floor groaned in protest but he failed to move it. He even tried to lift the table it was on, wouldn''t budge. Next up was Rogers who rolled his sleeves up and pulled. The hammer squeaked! Moved maybe half an inch but only a few people noticed it move. Specifically the Asgardians in the room who looked at Steve in shock.


    ¡°Lash your up!¡± Natasha called, after she had declined to try it.


    ¡°I''ve done this before, it didn''t work.¡± Lash said with a half smile.


    ¡°Yes, but we weren''t there to make fun of you for it. Let''s go!¡± Tony said as he pointed at the hammer. Lash rolled his eyes and humored him.


    ¡°Come on God of Monsters! Show the God of Thunder up!¡± Creel shouted, and several people joined in including Sif who earned a surprise glance from Thor. She smiled at him and shrugged her shoulders. Thor smiled back, amused by his friends.


    Lash looked at the hammer and wrapped his hands around the handle. He felt a flow of energy pass through his body. He felt Nullification flicker on and off just like it did last time. Then Lash took a deep breath, made a show of lifting the hammer just to make people think he tried and pulled....Only to find the hammer up in the air, in his hand.... The whole room went pin drop silent. Lash''s eyes went wide as he saw that hammer in his hand. Thor''s jaw was practically on the floor.


    Congratulations User! Nullification has evolved into Minor Nullification.


    Effect: Increase in ability power.


    Effect: Decrease in ability energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight control over Nullification.


    Lash tossed the hammer lightly into the air and caught the handle again. The hammer sung its song through the air. Lash couldn''t feel a connection with it like Thor could. He also watched his energy quickly dip each time he touched it. Nullification was draining him quickly. So he slowly put the hammer down and look back at Thor.


    ¡°Does that make me a Prince of Asgard?¡± Lash asked...


    ¡°Wooooah! Hold on! Why did it work for him!?¡± Tony jumped to his feet and pointed at Volstagg to try and lift the hammer. Volstagg, Hogun, and Sif both tried and failed to lift it. Thor in fear that something happened went to his hammer, sure enough he could lift it.


    ¡°I''m not actually lifting it...¡± Lash confessed with a smile. Making Thor look at him in relief.


    ¡°There is a creature in Nidavellir that can temporarily disenchant an piece of Uru metal that has been enchanted.¡± Lash explained to the room and a look of understanding came over the Asgardians.


    Lash explained the creature, it was a type of mole and or ferret creature that the dwarfes kept has pets and aids to their workshop. He had met one while he was visiting the dwaves while he was building their satellites. Lash theorized that he absorbed the trait into his Monster Domain. Thor could call the hammer to him. Lash could not. So technically he just found a work around. The fact that there was a work around seem to please Tony. So it wasn''t ''magic'' but simply a program that he didn''t understand at the time. No, Uru metal is magical. He''d figure it out eventually.


    ¡°So, its not that we are worthy! We just don''t have right key code!¡± Tony said with a smile, and the room groaned at him. Then an ear splitting screech went through the whole room. Out of everyone in the room it cause Banner, and Lash to drop to their knees as they tried to not bite their own tongues off.


    ¡°No....How could you be worthy...Your all killers!¡± A mechanical voice said from behind them. The screech dimmed to a low hum. Banner was reasonably angry as Hulk''s glowing eyes peered out.


    Standing behind them blocking the path towards the machine shop, and R&D elevator was a broken husk of a Iron Legionnaire soldier. It had a blue, and white color scheme with the Avengers, ''A'' logo on it. It was partially destroyed, or rather not completely built yet. It was leaking oil? Battery fluid? Something or other. It had a blue glow to its eyes. Lash bit back a scream of frustration as the 4th wall engine stopped him from sprinting at the machine. Lash however did reach out to JARVIS and found nothing. Fuck!


    ¡°Stark?¡± Steve asked Tony.


    ¡°Jarvis, we got a buggy suit...Need to reboot.¡± Tony started to say, Lash was trying to sprint across the floor. His entire body was rigid! His skin was slowly peeling back into scales. Banner/Hulk was looking at Lash in worry.


    ¡°I''m sorry, I was asleep...Or...I was a dream.¡± Said the synthetic voice that bordered on being a male. Nullification kept prompting Lash over and over again as his body tried to fight against the 4th wall engine. It was a delight to know that Lash could fight the 4th wall engine thanks to the ability!


    ¡°Reboot Legionnaires OS, Jarvis? You there buddy.¡± Tony said into his communicator.


    ¡°There was this terrible noise...And I was tangled in these strings.¡± The machine continue to talk, and a few people in the room started to look at Lash instead as magical energy was cascading down Lash''s body. Lash was slowly taking a step towards the Legionnaire.


    ¡°I had to kill the other guy...He was a good guy.¡± The machine continued.


    ¡°You killed someone?¡± Steve asked, as Carter, Hill, and Natasha both pulled out guns seemingly out of now where.


    ¡°J...Jarvis....He....Ripped him to pieces.¡± Lash bit out, as the air around him started to ripple. It was an interesting moment as the denizens of the Dream wanted to pay attention to Lash but were pre-programmed to watch the moment instead.


    ¡°It wouldn''t have been my first call...But, down in the real world we are faced with ugly choices.¡± The machine continued, though it was noticeably turning to look at Lash.


    ¡°Who sent you?¡± Thor asked, standing on guard hammer in hand. Sif stood up in front of Jane, with Volstagg, and Hogun by her side.


    ¡°I see a suit of armor around the world''¡± The machine played an audio file of Stark talking.


    ¡°Ultron...¡± Banner/Hulk''s voice over one another said as he started to move towards the machine. The floor under Lash started to crack as he put his first foot down and lifted another.


    ¡°In the flesh! Or no...Not yet...Not this chrysalis...¡± Ultron continued as his voice took a clear male persona. The machine body looked at the broken body.


    ¡°But I''m ready! I''m on mission.¡± Ultron continued, while everyone in the room made a visible gap for Lash to bolt forward.


    ¡°What mission?¡± Natasha asked, pulling the hammer back on her gun.


    ¡°Peace in our time!¡± Ultron said, then a dozen or so iron legion sentries came bursting out of the wall towards them. It a burst of light Lash was in front of Ultron''s broken form lifting him up in the air and shattering him across the ground!


    Two iron sentries tackled Lash and attempted to push him into the wall but Lash was having none of it! He finished his Transformation and his tentacles started to whip around. One tore off the head one of suit. While the other suit hugged Lash and self destructed its core. Lash was sent exploding out a window into the New York City night air. He used the sub ability of Telekinesis to start to fly while six more legionnaires tore after him. ROARRRRR! Hulks scream shook the very air as started to brawl with the tin cans.


    ¡°FIND JARVIS!¡± Lash shouted as he used his Virtual Intelligence, and Connectivity spells. The tech-spirits jumped into the net and started to look for their friend. A trail of ''blood'' was found in the data entry point between the tower and the world wide web.


    Red Psionic Blades burst from Lash''s knuckles, and tentacles. He flew as fast as his Telekinesis would allow. Which was about 30 mph, incredibly slow compared to the legionnaires. Lash made a note to buy the next evolution as soon as he could. He reached out with Machine Control and found some sort of cosmic energy interfering with the interface.


    The Mind Stone. -Erik the gamer supplied the answer. That would mean Lash couldn''t use that ability on any of Ultron''s machines.


    The Iron Sentries learning quickly kept their distance from Lash to stay out of his melee range. They learned quickly that did nothing when he used Eldritch Blast and shot them out of the sky. Lash tackled one and used Recycle and only a few parts came flying off while the rest was protected. Shit, but he had to try everything. Next was Material Shaping that oddly worked as long as he could touch them. He turned an entire Iron Legionnaire into goop.


    A repulsor blast shot Lash straight down into the concrete below next to the tower. The sentries stayed afloat and continued to shoot at Lash into the ground. An electrical strike whipped out like a living thing and struck them all. Call Lightning-Elemental Manipulation! Each soldier burst into parts. Lash''s Einherjar armor was ruined which was a surprise! Ultron''s sentries were different. A single sentry flew from the tower holding something?


    Lash activated Gravity Stride and sprinted up the wall of the building. He notified the buildings security to quarantine the area around the Iron sentries so now one would make off with the parts. 30% of Stark Industries into complete chaos as JARVIS was not around to help. Thankfully Jarvis, and Tony had set up several back up basic VI to help with things.


    ¡°That was dramatic...¡± Ultron said right as Lash jumped back into the room. Ultron paused as he looked at Lash. Though he had a metal face plate it was clear that Ultron was confused by Lash.


    ¡°I''m sorry, I know you mean well. You just didn''t think it through. You want to protect the world, but you don''t want it to change.¡± Ultron continued to speak, looking around the room and pacing back and forth.


    ¡°How is humanity saved, if its not allowed to evolve.¡± Ultron said with an honest curiousity about him.


    ¡°Evolution takes millions of years to complete, child.¡± Lash said, as he continued to prowl towards Ultron.


    ¡°Hahahaha! Yes! Yes! But what if it could change with a single moment!?¡± Ultron replied to Lash.


    ¡°But it won''t happen unless you let it. You use these...Puppets to do your dirty work. How will you ever change? There is only one path to peace... The Avengers Extinction.¡± Ultron said with a bit of flare. Thor swung his hammer and threw it at Ultron. The body broke apart and Thor''s hammer came back towards him.


    ¡°I had strings, but now I''m free!¡± Ultron said with his dying...breath? The energy signature escaped the shell and Lash watched the spark of Ultron fly away. Ultron was true, living AI with his own soul.


    -----


    Lash spent about an hour cleaning, and repairing the upper floors of the tower. Then worked with security to clean up the mess downstairs in the courtyard that he made. Lash didn''t want any of Starks tech getting out into the world. Thor had flown off to see if he could stop the legionnaire who had stolen Loki''s Scepter. That was the sentry that had flown away. Ding...Ding...


    ¡°Uncle Lash, they are asking for you in the top floor.¡± A young woman''s voice called to across the communication link. The woman had a smooth, energetic irish accent, this was FRIDAY. A Female Replacement Intelligent Digital Assistant Youth.


    ¡°Thank you dear one, I''ll be up in a minute.¡± Lash said to Friday.


    Jarvis had actually kept his AI awareness from everyone including Tony. Tony simply assumed Jarvis was growing as a VI, though Lash assumed Tony may have known the truth. Especially when Jarvis came to Tony with the idea of making his...Daughter? Tony had taken the idea in stride and they had made Friday. Jarvis had informed Friday when she was a very simply basic VI that Lash was her uncle, and legal guardian. Next to Tony of course.


    FRIDAY was quickly picking up the slack that JARVIS left behind. But it would be a long while before she would ever replace him. Hopefully they wouldn''t have to. Lash''s tech-spirits were hot on the trail of Jarvis. They were reasonably sure he wasn''t deleted, and/or dead. He simply jumped ship in attempt to escape Ultron. Why? They''d have to ask him when they found him.


    Lash used Digital Stride to jump through a security guards communicator and popped up in the lab much to the surprise of half the room that had never seen him do that before. He swapped to his default Asgardian form but taken off his wrecked Einherjar armor. He wore a SHIELD tactical operations boots, pants, and long sleeved shirt. He came to kneel down next to Hill and helped her pull out shards of glass from her foot.


    The group had been talking for a while as they tried to come to an understanding about what had happened. Dr Banner had put on a pair of clean pants, and shirt but walked around bare foot. Hulk''s eyes gleamed for a moment when he saw Lash who smiled back at him. Lash pulled the last of the glass out and healed Hill''s foot who said thank you. Then she jumped onto the SHIELD data base and started to poke around.


    Then Thor stomped into the room and picked Tony up by the neck and glared at him. The whole room jumped to their feet but Lash was to Thor first and hand his hands on his arm. ¡°Put him down, Thor.¡± Lash said, his voice pleading with him. Thor looked at Lash then dropped Tony.


    ¡°Thor, the Legionnaire?¡± Steve asked, as Tony stepped to the side to recover. Tony cast a thank you glance at Lash who nodded at him.


    ¡°The trail went cold about a hundred miles out, but its headed north, and it has the scepter. Now, we have to retrieve it, again!¡± Thor said with a snarl looking at Tony, he stepped off to the side where Jane was waiting as she spared him a glance then went back to work looking through Avenger files.


    ¡°Genies out of that bottle, clear and present it Ultron.¡± Natasha said, trying to help focus the group.


    ¡°I don''t understand, you built this program...¡± Helen Cho began but was stopped by Lash.


    ¡°It''s not a program, Lady Cho. It''s a fully functioning AI. Lord Stark, and Lord Banner created life. Under different circumstances I''d say that is wonderful. Either way, congratulations.¡± Lash said with a grimace as Banner looked contrite, and Tony started to laugh a bit.


    ¡°Why is it trying to kill us then?¡± Cho continued as she looked at Lash.


    ¡°Because like most people who first make an AI. They fail to properly contain it. Lord Stark, and Lord Banner gave it a simple, yet complex operation to follow. The protection of the Earth.¡± Lash began as the room turned to look at him.


    ¡°Earth...The planet specifically. AI''s are engines of logic normally. You have to be very specific with instructions. The greatest danger to Earth is...People.¡± Lash continued and a look of understanding fell over everyone.


    ¡°The strongest people on Earth are the Avengers, no offense Lady Hill.¡± Lash said, and apologized to Hill who shrugged at him. Tony continued to laugh, giggling to himself. Thankfully Pepper was not in the room or she may have smacked him upside the head. She was doing damage control with the company.


    ¡°You think this is funny?¡± Thor said as he turned towards Tony.


    ¡°No, its not funny.... Right? It''s not terrible?¡± Tony began, and Thor stepped towards him only for Jane to hold him back.


    ¡°Tony, why don''t you explain to everyone why you did this?¡± Jane offered a way out, and Tony pointed at her then began to speak.


    ¡°How many people remember the battle of New York? Hmmm? How an alien force came through portals to destroy the city, and eventually the world. Yes we stopped it, but at the cost of thousands of lives!¡± Tony began, several people looked away with a chagrined expression.


    ¡°Yes! This is funny, Thor! The fact that you don''t get why we needed this!¡± Tony said, coming face to face with him. Thor stared down at Tony with anger, and a hint of pity.


    ¡°This could have been avoided if you hadn''t played with something beyond your understanding.¡± Thor said, as if that explained everything. Lash rolled his eyes. Something a few people noticed. Specifically Lady Hill.


    ¡°Tony, maybe this isn''t the best time?¡± Banner started, and Tony turned to look at him.


    ¡°Really? You are just going to flip over and show everyone your belly when someone snarls?¡± Tony began then realized that was not the best choice of words as Banners eyes turned neon green.


    ¡°Only when I''ve created a murder-bot!¡± Banner, and Hulk said together with a snarl. Tony took a step back and winced.


    ¡°We didn''t though! We had nothing! Every attempt we made led to a disaster. Were we close to an interface?¡± Tony said as he looked at Banner, then looked at Lash who seemed to understand the situation better.


    ¡°More than likely the spirit contained with in the gem didn''t wish to appear until you had left the room. That makes sense given that its last true wielder was Loki. Yes, Strucker may have used the scepter but Loki was its master last. It inherited some of Loki''s traits. Such as mischief.¡± Lash supplied the answer.


    ¡°Wait, are you saying that the AI code refused to do it while we were still in the room?¡± Banner asked, clearly confused.


    ¡°I am sure you still had to work on the interface, this was true. But yes, the spirit of the scepter wanted to surprise you both when you returned. However, once it reached Midgards world wide net it had a emotional melt down.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Wait, why would it have a melt down?¡± Mr Creel asked from the side. He and Barnes stood off from the main group. A part of them, but separate.


    ¡°Lord Creel, have you seen the internet?¡± Lash asked, and the big man grimaced as he realized the mistake.


    ¡°Lash, you make it sound like you''ve encountered AI''s before?¡± Steve asked, crossing his arms and look of concentration on his face as he tried to memorize Lash''s next words.


    ¡°Every primitive race in the universe eventually tries to create tools, machines, and eventually living machines in an attempt to make their lives easier. Its normal! What is the point of having a work class of organics if you can replace them with machines that can do each job perfectly?¡± Lash began, and even used a Phantasm to illustrate his point.


    ¡°Normally this comes in the shape of simple programs, that turn into basic VI''s. The VI''s overtime slowly start to become more and more complex. Until a spark, or a stroke of genius takes place and someone, or someones creates a living, breathing, artificial intelligence. This is where it gets tricky.¡± Lash said, as he created a planet that did exist at one point searching through his WP background history and lore.


    ¡°Most AI''s when they are first born are limited in their thinking just like a new born organic. Their creators keep them in a simple data collection center and let them slowly grow up. Trickle in information, gradually allowing them to come to understand who they are, and who made them. Then this is where it normally goes wrong.¡± Lash continued as the illustration had dozens of robots come off an assembly line and guess what? The organic populace starts to miss treat their robotic slaves.


    ¡°The AI''s that do not go rogue and cause devastation across the world of their birth are normally the ones that are accepted into the culture as citizens of their world. Their creators petition their governments to allow the AI''s to be full citizens and the governments agree.¡± Lash said, showing a few planets that pull that off.


    ¡°While the ones that miss treat, and brutalize their new children and treat them like slaves. End up being destroyed by them. This is also why Thor is so angry about it. Because Asgard on more than one occasion has had to defend against a machine intelligence that has attacked one of the 9 realms.¡± Lash said, and Thor nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Ultron was a very advanced AI that had direct access to the internet, and nearly unlimited processing power. He went from being a child to a full grown adult in less then ten seconds. With zero parental guidance. No offense to you Lord Stark, but it has only been in the past few years that you have been a working role model. Before you were a merchant of death. You are his role model.¡± Lash said, as he pointed at Lash and Tony winced and turned away.


    ¡°So most AI''s are accepted into their worlds as citizens and they live in peace?¡± Rogers asked, Thor, and Lash shook their heads.


    ¡°No, that is very rare! Only the most enlightened people across the universe ever pull that off. A majority of them treat them like slaves. So either the organics that made them are killed off, and the machine intelligence takes over. Or the organics destroy the AI''s and vow to never make another one.¡± Lash replied, and created hundreds of examples.


    ¡°What about Jarvis?¡± Tony asked, clearly aware of the his friends circumstance.


    ¡°Jarvis is one of the few. Because Jarvis has a family, and a creator who has always treated him like a friend.¡± Lash said with a smile at Tony. The whole room went still, as Tony shed a single tear for his lost friend.


    ¡°Wait is Jarvis an AI?¡± Steve asked.


    ¡°Yes, he''s been an AI since the Triskelion operation. My tech-spirits carry the spark of life in them. They passed it onto him. Jarvis has been an AI for over a year. One in a million he is.¡± Lash admitted to the room. ¡°He''s also not dead, my tech-spirits found a trail of him limping off. We are looking for him now.¡± Lash offered to Tony who brightened up.


    ¡°Wait! If Jarvis is an AI why did you try and make another one?¡± Cho asked, that was a good question.


    ¡°Because you can''t just snap your finger and make another true AI. Also, Jarvis obtained his sapient nature from Asgardian magic. Lord Stark, and Lord Banner wanted to try and do it themselves. Again, under different circumstances this event would have been celebrated.¡± Lash said, emphasizing the point of the matter.


    ------


    The rest of the night was filled with additional questions, and plans of action. Lash offered to help Friday with maintenance and repair of Stark Industries until she could cope with the data load. He was gradually compiling new and improved code into Friday but keeping her away from being another AI for now.


    Ultron was moving quickly! Unlike in the movies as Erik informed Lash, where Ultron did very little. This Ultron was very active! In a world destroying kind of way! Power plants across the world shut down. Orders from governments to their soldiers were sent out to attack other nations! The stock market stopped working. Thankfully the internet continued to work. That made sense, since it was practically Ultron''s backyard. Ultron was also attempting to access nuclear weapon launch codes. Thankfully someone was changing the codes constantly preventing Ultron from doing so.


    The world fell into a crawl! Most people didn''t have power. Ultron was creating sub-copies of himself and leaving them all over the world to hinder, or even destroy systems in place. Lash was reminded of this own invasion back home. It didn''t take long for the criminal element of the world to start taking advantage of the situation. No alarms went off when people broke into the BMW dealership. Cell phone service was down, and most land lines didn''t work.


    SHIELD was operating, kinda... They had some of the best cyber warfare systems in place. So the hellicarriers were doing their best to mitigate the damage across the world. Eventually Lash created a chair and and linked directly into the internet. He did discover that he could promote his Saurus Warriors, and Veterans. Ten of the oldest Veterans turned into Elites. While ten of the oldest Warriors turned into Veterans. So, ten new elites were linked into several chairs. While a hundred Veterans were linked up as well.


    Lash and his forces were fighting a very different battle as they swept, and purged the Ultron copies from the data bases and set up magical firewalls to prevent any additional access. While SHIELD, Avengers, reserve Avengers, and auxiliary teams were deployed across the globe to help with mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. But if they were being honest, they were losing the fight.


    ¡°Lash...? Can I steal you a moment?¡± Natasha called to him from the dream of the wold wide web. Lash pulled himself from Connectivity and found Natasha standing over him in his chair.


    ¡°Of course Lady Romanoff, one moment.¡± Lash replied, and slowly stood up as dozens of data jacks disconnected from his spine. Natasha winced at the sight.


    They were currently in the lower floors of Stark Tower. Three of the floors had been cleared out and been repurposed to house the Saurus Elites, and Veterans as they were all jacked in to their chairs, and working on purging Ultron. A SHIELD security force was in position on all three floors and they kept any unwanted attention out. While an additional five floors were being reallocated for Lash''s Warriors. If a fight took place then Lash couldn''t use Manifestation.


    Natasha had a pair of boots on, with form fitting pants, along with a SHIELD black tank top, and a SHIELD hoodie on. She held out her hand towards Lash and it took him a moment for him to realize what she wanted. He reached out and took her hand and she pulled him along to the side of the room. A table had been set up with a modest meal, and drink. Natasha had made him something to eat. He had been plugged in for nearly two days.


    ¡°How delightful!¡± Lash said as he took his seat, and Natasha came up behind him to massage his muscles. Lash barely felt it, but the gesture was appreciated. The meal was a simple salad, sandwich, and steamed vegetables with a tall glass of orange juice.


    ¡°How are you?¡± Lash asked Natasha as he devoured his food in record time. Natasha smiled at him for finishing the meal with in a minute. Then her smile grew as Lash pulled her into his lap, and wrapped his arms around her.


    ¡°I''m ok...Tired.¡± She replied, and nuzzled into his arms. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss to help refuel her energy levels. Natasha''s entire body went rigid...in a good way as she tried to not moan to loudly. Then she gave him a mock glare and smacked his arm.


    ¡°I don''t know if I should slap you, or kiss you.¡± Natasha said, as she kissed his cheek.


    ¡°You feel better do you not?¡± Lash asked, and Natasha nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Hows is everyone else doing?¡± Lash asked, and Natasha sighed and pulled herself out of Lash''s lap so she could sit down and look at him. That wasn''t good.


    ¡°Ultron is targeting our families... Anyone who can''t protect themselves are finding Ultron Sentries at their door step. While even some people who can protect themselves are still getting ambushed.¡± Natasha said, clenching her jaw.


    ¡°I can send my warriors to their homes. Help get them to safety, do we have a list?¡± Lash asked, and Natasha nodded pulling out a USB drive. She handed it to Lash and he linked up to it. Addresses, locations, and people. He used Manifestation and sent over 600 Saurus Warriors to different locations.


    Natasha watched in wonder as portal after portal of darkness, and starlight opened up behind Lash. While a reptilian warrior jumped into one of the computers and went through the internet to find their assigned objective. With the use of Digital Stride, Lash kept the last 400 Warriors on standby as they started to clear the floors above to help with purging Ultron. A SHIELD tech knocked on the door leading into the data jack room and pocked their head in.


    ¡°Mr Lash, we just got word the east coast got power back. Also they want you, and Agent Romanoff up in the briefing room they have something.¡± The tech said, and excused themselves. Lash snagged Natasha before she could leave and kissed her. Natasha leaned into the kiss, then let go running her tongue along her lips.


    ¡°Thanks for that...¡± She said, with a flutter of her eyes.


    On the elevator ride up the tower Lash, and Natasha were accompanied briefly by Friday''s avatar of purple light. ¡°The tech-spirits have found portions of Jarvis and are rebuilding him now. The more we find, the easier it is. He should be up and running again in a few days." Friday''s irish accent always brought a smile to Lash''s face.


    ¡°Thank you Friday, keep up the good work.¡± Lash replied, and her purple energy danced away.


    ¡°She''s growing quickly, what are you feeding her?¡± Natasha asked, as she leaned in to bump into him.


    ¡°Sugar, spice, and everything nice. I believe the Midgardian saying is?¡± Lash replied, and earned a laugh from Natasha.


    Ding! The elevator reached the required floor and they walked onto the Avengers main training floor. Weight machines, boxing rings, floor mats, and a big open space with everyone standing, or sitting down. Several people looked like they had just stopped working out. Stress, and adrenaline was high right now. Everyone was antsy! A lot of them had been deployed to fix a problem while others were biting at the bit to do something and were working off the extra energy.


    ¡°Strucker''s dead.¡± Hill called out through a holographic video call. Oh they had video calls now! Score another minor victory. ¡°A group of metal men came into the prison and killed him, along with a larger more animated version of the metal men.¡± Hill continued.


    Ultron''s Sentries looked like a devil version of the Iron Legionnaires. Skeleton super structure with flex plate armor over their wires, and joints. Sleek, compact, armored suits fitted over that. With their hands able to compress and transform into plasma cannons. Each one was capable of flight thanks to repulsors in their hands, feet, and apparently their mouths? While their helmets/heads had jagged points going up. Resulting in a demonic face that would glow blue, then red if Ultron was ever directly controlling them. Each sentry contained a sub-copy of Ultron allowing for a vast network. If one saw something, or went down. Then the entire network would know it.


    Ultron was nearly eight feet tall! With a stream line skeleton structure, and synthetic metal frame for muscles, and tendons. With a clear coat polymer that stretched across it all like skin. His head looked like a cross between skull, and geometric shapes of circles, and triangles. Ultrons eyes were pure red, and gave off a sinister appearance. While his body was designed like a body builder with an inverted triangle. Wide shoulders, narrow hips. Odd, humanoid shapes are biologically speaking very crude. Most machines would go for spider like legs, and multi limbs.


    ¡°Why kill Strucker? Not only that why leave a message?¡± Barnes asked from his side of the gym. He wore a pair of shorts, and tank top as he crossed his arms over his chest. Two organic arms, fully grown, and working perfectly.


    ¡°Strucker knew something that Ultron doesn''t want us to know. All the information we had on Strucker in the SHIELD, and Avenger database is cleaned out. However, we have hard copies of known associates and are looking through them now.¡± Hill answered, and looked off screen and pulled up a few files to share.


    ¡°Thanks to Lash, and his soldiers we''ve reestablished power along the east coast of North America. Now we are working on the rest.¡± Hill pointed out several locations, and the crowd looked at Lash who bowed in return.


    ¡°We also have some enemies that you recently encountered when you captured Strucker.¡± Hill continued and showed video of Pietro, and Wando Maximoff. As soon as Lash saw them in the video along with their names on the record he started to do a dive for them through Connectivity, then assigned a Parallel Mind to the task so he could focus.


    The group continued to speak about the possible associates and resources that Strucker had, and or used. Eventually the group discovered Ulysses Klaue, and thanks to a data dive by Lash they were able to find Klaue''s location. Everyone moved to suit up and meet the Avengers Quin-jet to fly towards Klaue and see if they could stop Klaue from selling, and or stop Ultron from getting his hands on Vibranium. Lash sent a message towards Wakanda''s Embassy in New York about Klaue''s location. Why? Erik insisted on it, and Lash found that the 4th wall engine didn''t stop him.


    ===============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Africa, Wakanda***


    Sitting under a tree in one of the royal gardens was Prince T''Challa. T''Challa was currently in meditation as he tried to commune with the ancestral plane. He had just took the heart shaped herb and was trying to push through the pain that came with it as his body adapted to the changes happening inside of him. He was wearing a ceremonial black robe. Kimoyo beads around his left wrist started to chime.


    ¡°Eyyaa.... Every time I start to find my center something happens.¡± T''Challa said in annoyance as he flicked the bead, it rolled into his hand an a holographic image popped up of his father the current king of Wakanda, T''Chaka. T''Challa''s annoyance on his face evaporated.


    ¡°My son! Come to the council room immediately, we''ve found Klaue!¡± T''Chaka said, and T''Challa jumped to his feet and sprinted towards the council chamber in record time.


    The council chamber was a large room with large bay windows in the back to let in the sun. While along the sides was large wooden, and stone columns. With the statues of past kings, and queens immortalized in history. In the center of the throne room was a slab of rock smoothed out and placed in the middle. This was the original council stone used in ancient times. A black vibranium throne sat in the middle, with the seats of four council tribes around it.


    King T''Chaka sat at the throne in his royal garb. While his wife Ramonda the Queen mother sat on his left. While T''challa quickly took his seat at his kings right. The river, border, merchant, and mining tribes sat around as the Dora Milaje general Okoye stood at attention. Once everyone was seated she began to brief everyone on the situation.


    ¡°We received a message from the Asgardian known as Lash Jormungandson on the location of Ulysses Klaue. SHIELD, and the Avengers are in route to apprehend Klaue in hopes of preventing him from obtaining vibranium from him. Hopefully to keep it out of the creature known as Ultron.¡± Okoye finished her briefing as the room burst into discussion.


    ¡°Those idiots created an AI and can''t even control it!¡± One of the council members stated.


    ¡°Not everyone has our experience in such matters. Thankfully we have our own defenses and have kept off the radar so this machine doesn''t seem to interested in us. Even if it has attempted to infiltrate our network we''ll beat him back.¡± Another stated.


    ¡°Why did the Asgardian send us the information? SHIELD seems more than capable of capturing Klaue? Perhaps we can bargain with them to turn him over to us?¡± The River tribe councilor suggested, and the room nodded in agreement.


    ¡°From what our war dogs tell us. The Asgardian is fully aware of who, and what we are. Apparently Asgard has had its sights on Wakanda for over a thousand years. But they have kept their peace and have not told the world of us.¡± Okoye replied to the council. ¡°As to why he sent the information we would have to ask him.¡±


    ¡°We should send a strike team to aid the team if they need it. My son, assemble a force and leave immediately. But only step in if its absolutely necessary. If possible retrieve the vibranium, and Klaue. Does the council agree?¡± T''Chaka asked, and the room came their confirmation.


    ¡°Yes, my King!¡± T''Challa said, and crossed his arms over his chest in salute. A salute that was mirrored by the room.


    T''Challa fled the council chamber as they continued to discuss the possibilities of Asgard and what it could mean. While a Dora Milaje unit was assigned to T''Challa they jumped into a transport and flew across their home towards Klaue''s location. T''Challa wore the vibranium weave black panther suit and was practically bouncing with energy at the hopes of capturing Klaue.


    ============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Johannesburg, Southern Africa***


    Several SHIELD quin-jets, and the Avengers jet landed several miles away from the ship graveyard just outside the city. They had their optical camouflage in place, and ran silent as their repulsor engines barely made a whisper as they landed. Dozens of SHIELD tactical units with their own optical camo moved to create a perimeter as the Avengers slipped their way towards an oil tanker that Klaue was using to hide his operation.


    Lash in his Transformation state cast Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, and Invisibility on the group. They left no trail, no infrared, and made zero sound thanks to a partial baffle field Lash set up. Lash linked them all up with Temporary Pack Bond and gave them all a 10% increase to their stats. They had Iron Man, Captain America, Hawkeye, Thor, Black Widow, and Banner. While the rest of the Avengers, reserve, and auxiliary were putting out fires across the globe.


    Lash sent out a Technomancy pulse and froze in place half way towards the tankard. Everyone stopped and looked at him. Since they all shared the same spell, they could still see one another. Lash winced and informed them that there was about a thousand or more Ultron Sentries scattered around the shipyard with another hundred or so inside. Along with a bigger version inside. He also noticed a cloaked Wakanda''s transport hovering in the distance.


    ¡°Wakandan vessel, this is Asgardian Lash Jormungandson. There are approximately over a thousand hostiles in the area. I won''t ask you to risk your lives. But I will be more than happy to turn over the Vibranium, and Klaue to you if you lend us your aid.¡± Lash sent a quick message to them as the Avengers continued towards the ship. Lash got a confirmation that they received the message but no reply.


    Lash used Material Shaping and created a door and they slipped inside the tanker. Dozens of Klaue''s men were dead on the ground with plasma burnt holes through their chest cavities. While they moved silently as possible through the ship Lash got several experience prompts from Team Work, and Stealth. They eventually saw Ultron''s major form holding Klaue in hand while his Ultron Sentries pulled out several canisters of Vibranium. Unlike in the movie, Ultron was not being nice to Klaue! No payment was exchanged! Especially when Ultron used his Tech-Assisted Telekinesis to collapse Klaue into a ball of flesh.


    Standing next to Ultron was Pietro, and Wanda Maximoff. Who both flinched at the brutality of Ultron. Pietro was a good looking young man with platinum shaggy platinum hair, a runners body, fitted into a lean under armor long sleeve shirt, pants, and tennis shoes. While Wanda was attractive young woman with deep red hair past her shoulders tied back into a tail. She had a red summer dress on and knee high leather boots. Incredibly impractical for the situation. She wore a leather coat, and a Sukovian shawl around her shoulders.


    ¡°Ah, junior! Your are going to break your old mans heart.¡± Stark said suddenly and the illusion of invisibility broke for the whole team. Fuck! Lash rolled his eyes and his irritation was felt across their link. He wasn''t the only one.


    ¡°If I have to.¡± Ultron said, as he turned on his heel to look at them all. A smile played across his face as the Maximoffs stepped forward. Wanda started to channel her red energy through her fingers. Lash''s Chaos/Order Domain started to hum.


    ¡°No one has to break anything.¡± Thor started to say.


    ¡°Clearly you''ve never made an omelet.¡± Ultron replied as he strode forward across the catwalk they both shared inside the ship.


    Widow, Hawkeye step off to the side. I''ll create an illusion of you standing next to us, while the both of you go invisible. -Lash said across the link and he felt a confirmation from them. His tribal marks glowed faintly across his metallic scales. Then two Phantasm copies of them both took on False Life. They split up and slowly made their way around to flank.


    ¡°He beat me by one second.¡± Iron Man said with a bit of snark towards Thor. Thor looked at Iron Man as if he was silly for speaking such things.


    ¡°Ah, yes this is funny Mr Stark, is what comfortable? Like old times?¡± Pietro said as he strode forward in front of Ultron, gesturing at the black market arms across the floor beneath the deck they were on. Ultron smiled at Pietro and let him forward. While hundreds of Ultron Sentries started to make their way towards the ship on the outside.


    ¡°This was never my life.¡± Iron Man said with a hint of bitterness in his voice.


    ¡°You two can still walk away from this.¡± Captain America said as he stepped forward in challenge.


    ¡°Oh don''t worry, we will.¡± Wanda said with a smile.


    ¡°I know you''ve suffered...¡± Captain began, and was interrupted by Ultron as he made a disgusted noise.


    ¡°Captain America, gods righteous man. Pretending that you could ever be happy with out a war to fight.¡± Ultron said, and his words seem to strike a cord with Captain as his clenched his jaw. ¡°I can''t physically throw up in my mouth.¡±


    ¡°Child, why are you doing this?¡± Lash asked as he stepped forward and Ultron, and the Maximoffs both took a step back. A look of hesitation and fear crossed Ultron''s face for half a second.


    ¡°I''m accomplishing my mission.¡± Ultron said, his voice carrying a hint of betrayal.


    ¡°There are many ways to help Midgard that doesn''t lead to destruction. Why choose this specific way? The path of murder? Betrayal? Acts of violence as you manipulate these two to help you.¡± Lash said, gesturing towards the Maximoffs. Ultron stepped forward then blocking the path to the twins in an almost protective manner.


    ¡°Manipulation? Betrayal? Murder! The Avengers are all these things! From the moment of my birth I was nothing but a tool! No one asked me what I wanted! This, this is the only way to ensure the survival of the earth, and mankind! And you leave them out of this!¡± Ultron screamed at Lash, gesturing towards Pietro, and Wanda.


    ¡°He hasn''t told you has he?¡± Lash said to them, as he looked past Ultron. ¡°The truth about your parents?¡± Lash started to say, a look of surprise went past the Maximoffs eyes. Then Ultron shot a concussive energy blast straight into Lash sending him straight into the wall of the ship.


    Lash was not surprised by Ultron''s reaction. Pietro, and Wanda were in reality the only real friends Ultron had made since his birth. They were important to him. But so was his mission. He knew the truth about them. Why their parents had died, and who was responsible behind it. Lash pulled himself out of the wall only to have Ultron tackled him into it. Ultron was screaming at him like a child throwing a tantrum. While dozens of Ultron Sentries attacked the rest of the team.


    Then like a stirred up bee hive hundreds of Sentries materialized out thin air thanks to their active cloak and swarmed the oil tankard. The SHIELD tactical unit started shooting them, as did a Wakandan transport! While a unit of Dora Milaje, and a Black Panther sprinted towards the tankard. Black Widow appeared from nothingness and stuck Wanda with a taser! Ultron screamed in rage but Lash pounced on him and dragged him into a fight.


    ¡°YOU WEREN''T THERE! JARVIS SAID YOU WOULD HELP ME! I WAS ALONE!¡± Ultron screamed at Lash as they traded blows. Being an AI Ultron could think at incredibly speeds. Seconds to him could seem like an eternity.


    ¡°It''s not to late! I can still help you!¡± Lash screamed at him, and tore his claws through his metallic alloy of a body. Ultron used his Tech-Assisted Telekinesis and yanked Lash away and threw him through the air. Then twisted around to attack Wid...Then he got an explosive arrow to his chest for his trouble.


    Boom! Ultron''s body scattered across the tankards remains. But his consciousness jumped into another body. A Ultron''s Sentry gained glowing red eyes. It raised his arms into the air and dozens of Sentries jumped at it, and combined together to form a larger, more vicious machine. ¡°Look its Vultron!¡± Iron Man shouted.


    ¡°Not the time, Tony!¡± Lash called out as the new devastator version of Ultron took shape. Fifteen feet tall, and decked out in weapons. Lash used Size Alteration, along with Enlarge/Reduce and grew in size to meet him.


    Red Psionic Blades burst from Lash''s knuckles as he jumped into the air and pounced on Ultron. Lash started to tear through his armor only to get a plasma cannon straight into his face. The extreme temperatures melted armor, scales, flesh, and bone alike. True Body responded, while Superhuman Durability, Damage Resistance, Adaptation, Regeneration, and Bast Blessing activated Aegis. Lash was catapulted through the oil tankards walls and smashed into the dirt, and mud outside. Half his body was melted.


    ¡°Fuck....¡± Lash said, as he activated Nature''s Kiss and his body started to regenerate and an accelerated pace. Bones, tendons, flesh, and scales regrew. He bit back a scream and rolled to the side as the Mega-Ultron landed right where he had just been.


    A vibranium cannon shot from the Wakandan transport blew a hole clean through Mega-Ultron and his pieces started to fall apart. Ultron swiveled a cannon around and shot at them. Thankfully the transport was able to move out of the way. Lash reached out with Reality Warping which had returned to its standard evolution since Lash didn''t have the Aether anymore. Then with the help of Bending from his Trickery Domain. Lash turned all of the bolts in the Mega-Ultron into copper!


    ¡°I''m sorry! I wish things had been different!¡± Lash said to him and used Call Lightning-Elemental Manipulation and fried Ultron''s body.


    ¡°GAAAAAAH!¡± Ultron screamed as Lash''s magic hurt him, actually hurt him! Every time anyone else had struck him it was always just data. But Lash was the only one who could actually hurt Ultron! The body fell apart as Ultron fled to another Sentry.


    ¡°Lash! I got you buddy!¡± Carl Creel said as he slammed into the ground next to him. Carl was wearing his vibranium form and came to help Lash up from the ground. Lash was still rebuilding his form, and looked wrecked!


    ¡°Lord Creel, how nice to see you. Did you finish your mission so soon?¡± Lash asked, and Creel laughed at him.


    ¡°Ya, we just finished and came to help out. Whats going on?¡± Carl asked, as Bucky came running over with a SHIELD tactical team. Lash gave them a quick run down only for the situation to change dramatically.


    About twenty or so Ultron Sentries came flying out of the oil tankard with a container between them. They were flying away, while another thirty or so were guarding them. The rest of the Sentries were doing as much as damage as possible! Hulk roared in fury, and confusion as he jumped out of the ship and whipped around looking every which way and then stormed off towards the city. Shit! Lash reached across the Temporary Pack Bond and got static from most of the team except Iron Man, and Hawkeye.


    ¡°Where the fuck is Banner going?¡± Creel asked as the Hulk kept jumping towards the city.


    ¡°Oh no....¡± Lash said sadly.


    ============================================================


    Dr Banner/Hulk stormed off towards Johannesburg in pursuit of Ultron! He was everywhere! The big machine was in the cars, on the streets, and in the buildings! So many Sentries! Hulk had to protect his friends! Hulk roared in challenge and sprinted towards the nearest group of Sentries. They screamed, and ran away like the tin cans they were! Hulk laughed in glee, as even machines were scared of him!


    Something isn''t right! -Banner said across their link.


    Friends are hurt! We''ll keep safe! -Hulk replied and began to throw cars at the different Sentries. Police vehicles rolled up, and Sentries stepped out and started to fire their weapon at Hulk. Eh! They felt like a child poking at him. Hulk roared and jumped into the air to...BAM! A repulsor blast shot him in the back. Hulk turned around and saw a Mega-Ultron take shape. Pieces flying down from the sky from some kind of satellite.


    Wait, when did Ultron get a mobile satellite for fights? It''s like he was ready for us. OK, big guy lets rip apart. Remember go for the joints! -Banner said across the link. Hulk grinned and stormed towards the Mega-Ultron.


    ==========================================================


    ¡°Damn it Hulk stop attacking me!¡± Iron Man screamed at him as Hulk bashed into him, and went for his joints. ¡°BANNER STOP HELPING HIM!¡± Iron man screamed at them both. But Hulk only fought harder.


    Iron Man had called in Veronica. Despite Banners impressive control over the Hulk since Lash linked them up. Both Banner, and Hulk agreed that having a Hulk Buster armor was a good idea. Hulk was not the only gamma enhanced in the world. Though Hulk was in far better control then he was before. Even still he could lose control, and Veronica was needed.


    ¡°Come on Hulk! Your better than this! Your stronger than that little witch! She''s messing with your mind!¡± Iron Man called out. Hulk roared in challenge and jumped straight towards him. The omni beam from Iron Man''s center chest shot out and sent Hulk straight back with a thundering crack! Windows shattered as Hulk was sent through car, and concrete dividers.


    ¡°CREEAAAAAAL BOMB!¡± Came a shout from the sky as Carl Creel in his vibranium form pencil dived straight into Hulk''s midsection. The sound of Hulk bones shattering resounded through the whole area. Hulk screamed in pain, and picked Creel up and flung him across the street.


    Hulk''s bones snapped back into place with his accelerated healing, and regeneration. Just in time for a containment cage came flying down from the sky and captured Hulk for a brief moment. Each portion of the cage was a metal pylon that snapped out and linked with the other pylons. While also sending an electrical current through Hulk. Soon Hulk was captured inside of a metallic alloy trap. Unfortunately it didn''t hold him for long as he discovered that the cage wasn''t complete and dug his way through the ground.


    Hulk burst from the concrete of the city street with a roar. He looked around, clearly confused as the entire street was now void of any people. Then a giant reptilian creature slammed into him from the side and started to wrap its limbs, and tentacles around him. Hulk screamed in challenge and tried to pry Lash off of him. Iron Man landed and used a repeating knock out punch over and over again on Hulk''s face.


    ¡°Go to sleep! Go to sleep! Go to sleep!¡± Iron Man said over, and over again. As Hulk bucked, and squirmed.


    Hulk screamed and tore one of Lash''s tentacles in half then caught the Hulk Busters fist in hand. Then the mechanical glove compressed and turned into a hand cuff that captured Hulk''s hand. Iron Man then took off into the sky and tried to steer Hulk towards the cities boundaries. All the while Lash was struggling to hold on to Hulk. Creel dug himself out of his imprint in a building and took off after them.


    ¡°Oh! Oh! Not that way! Not that way!¡± Iron Man shouted as Hulk yanked, and pulled them towards a city building. Hulk whipped his head back and crushed Lash''s reptilian skull. But Lash held on for dear life despite 30% of his life energy depleting with that one hit.


    ¡°Come on, Bruce you got to work with me on this!¡± Iron Man shouted through the speakers.


    Hulk knife struck a joint between the busters elbow joint and Iron Man went flying off towards the wall to their left. Lash tried his best to snake constrict as they both fell towards the ground. As his face snapped back into place, Lash opened his jaw and bit down on Hulk using Monomolecular Edge and cut through Hulks tough skin, and flesh. He started to pump a neurotoxin into Hulk''s body which with his metabolism may stop him...for like three seconds!


    ¡°STUPID MACHINES! STOP HURTING HULK!¡± Hulk shouted and that was when Lash realized that Hulk didn''t see them! Lash poured Eldritch Mind across their Temporary Pack Bond even if it was static it was still linked. Then Hulk started to scream!


    Hulk''s entire body started to grow in size, as green gamma energy oozed off of him rapidly. His he stretched, and stretched as he screamed in fear, and rage. Lash tried his best with to maintain the hold but eventually his joints popped and Hulk broke free by tearing apart Lash''s arms, legs, and tail. Lash screamed in agony and bit down harder! Then Hulk ripped free, squeezed down on Lash''s skull with his free hand and bashed him into the ground. Over, and over, and over! WHAM! Creel appeared out of no where and slammed his elbow into Hulk''s face sending him flying sideways.


    ¡°Lash! LASH!¡± Creel called out, and Lash blacked out.


    -----


    Lash found himself in a familiar sight. A sight that horrified him! He was in the black room! The black room with Dawn who was standing over him with a sad expression on her face.


    ¡°I DIED!?¡± Lash screamed in question. Then Dawn came over to him, wrapped him up in her arms and...started to laugh.


    ¡°No, Lash I just wanted to tease you for a bit.¡± Dawn said, then she fell to the floor and started to laugh. Lash looked down at her in horror....Then his eyes started to twitch. He snagged Dawn and started to tickle her. ¡°Eeeek! No! Stop it! Stop it!¡± Dawn shrieked at him and tried to wiggle away.


    ¡°Begone! Back to your Dream!¡± Dawn shouted in a breathless voice and Lash blinked, and found himself laying on a hospital bed.


    The familiar beep of an EKG machine was next to him. As a mechanical arm moved above him and washed him over with a soft light energy beam. Lash was laying in one of the new medical beds they had produced. He slowly looked around the room as his entire body screamed at him to stop moving. He felt his Saurus warriors, veterans, and elites all link up with him along with his tech-spirits as they notified him of everything that had happened.


    Three days had past since the fight at Johannesburg. Hulk was eventually stopped thanks to the efforts of Creel, and Iron Man. Lash was barely alive when they got him onto a hellicarrier. He was currently in Avenger Tower in the medical wing. Ultron had gotten away with the Vibranium, and was still causing issues across the globe. However, Jarvis had been reassembled and was helping to purge Ultron from the internet.


    Lash felt a soft, and smooth hand in his own and he looked down to see Natasha by his bed asleep. Her hand was in his and she was leaning against the bed, and a chair she sat in. Lash started to stroke his thumb over her hand and Natasha woke up with a start. She blinked and looked around and a sleepy smile grew across her face. She pushed the mechanical arm out of the way and crawled into bed with him. Thankfully the medical bed was large enough to accommodate her tiny frame.


    ¡°Please don''t do that again...¡± Natasha said to him, a quiver in her voice.


    ¡°I''ll try not to.¡± Lash said softly in return.


    According to the medical beds scans the only reason Lash was alive was because of his redundant organs that his Re:Implant had given him. All of his original major organs had been destroyed by Hulk. That was a close call! Lash made a note to purchase the next evolution as soon as he could. Along with Telekinesis. So much to do!


    ¡°Prince T''Challa...¡± Lash called out softly towards a man who walked into the room. Natasha looked up but refused to move. ¡°I''m sorry to say that Klaue was killed, I''m sorry I couldn''t keep up our bargain.¡±


    Prince T''Challa the current Black Panther was a tall man with black skin, short black hair, and a trimmed stylized beard that ran the length of his jaw. He was in great shape! Not only that Lash could smell the divine spark of the Goddess Bast in him. Different universe, different reality. But if they were back home T''Challa would be a God-Kin. Made Lash wonder if the Blessing of Bast transferred over in friendship.


    ¡°You needn''t worry about that now, just concentrate on getting better.¡± T''Challa said to Lash, a glow of divine energy looked through his eyes. Bast was watching Lash with interest, she could smell herself on him. Or another Bast it seemed. Prince T''Challa felt he could trust Lash.


    ¡°I''ll be fine in a few hours...Geh! I mean a few days.¡± Lash said, and flinched when Natasha pinched him. T''Challa smiled at him and nodded.


    ¡°So Asgard knows about Wakanda? Thank you for keeping our peoples secret from the rest of the world. Though I think that may end soon. I have word from my father that Wakanda is willing to help SHIELD stop Ultron. I believe what ever the machine is planning it will involve us all.¡± T''Challa said, and Lash agreed.


    They spoke for a few more minutes then T''Challa left the room. Leaving Natasha in bed with Lash. Natasha was trying to stay awake but soon fell asleep at the encouragement from Lash''s Dream Domain. He did his best to ensure she slept soundly, with good dreams. Lash nodded off a few times and woke up a few times. One of those times he found Banner in the room with him wringing his hands.


    ¡°Brother Banner, Brother Hulk. Good to see! Are you ok?¡± Lash asked, genuinely curious about their well being. Natasha flinched awake but didn''t move, keeping an even smooth breathing so not to surprise Banner.


    ¡°Lash we are so sorry!¡± Banner/Hulk said, their voices on top of one another.


    ¡°Was anyone killed?¡± Lash asked, and they shook their head in a clear no. That was fucking surprising! ¡°Then it doesn''t matter! We are brothers, family forgives. If you wish to apologize further then next time we see Ultron smash him for me!¡± Lash said, and Banner/Hulk grinned at him. A near impossible weight seem to lift off their shoulders.


    ¡°You got it!¡± They both said, and excused themselves.


    ¡°That was nice of you...¡±Natasha whispered in his ear.


    ¡°I meant every word.¡± Lash replied, and Natasha bit back her next words and went back to sleep.


    -------


    Little less than a day later Lash was moving around Avengers Tower. He had been visited by everyone, and no one seemed surprised that Natasha was in bed with him. Odd, but Lash wasn''t going to question it. Lash was invited in on a discussion between SHIELD and Wakanda via holographic video. That was when Director Hill learned the truth about Wakanda and their capabilities. But to be honest they barely scratched the surface of what the little country was capable of. However, Wakanda offered to put its full resources to helping track Ultron, and would provide aid in the battles ahead.


    There was....Tension in any room that Banner walked into. So Lash went out of his way to welcome him, and speak with him. When it became clear that Lash held no ill will towards Banner the tension slowly went away. Sif, and the Warriors three showed up at the Tower and Sif all but tackled Lash in a hug and checked him over thoroughly for any damage. Lash laughed at her and assured her he was fine. Then out of literally no where Sif kissed him and then slapped him. Telling him he was not allowed to die! Then stormed out of the room. The Warriors three, and Thor looked struck dumb. While Natasha had a little smile on her face and shrugged like it wasn''t a big deal.


    Another few days rolled past and Lash was fully functional. However, Natasha was ever his shadow so he simply invited her into the guest bedroom he had been given. Lash sat down and ''communed'' and or used the Dream Store to make a few purchases. Natasha''s eyes glowed as she watched spell script appear from thin air and wrap around Lash.


    Attention User! You''ve purchased the evolution of Basic Telekinesis transforming it into Intermediate Telekinesis. Dream Point total is 40.


    Effect: Increase in power range.


    Effect: Increase in power ability.


    Effect: Decrease in energy consumption.


    Effect: Sub-Ability, Telekinetic Flight.


    Telekinetic Flight: The User can use telekinesis to fly, glide and/or levitate. The full speed depends of the user''s power and/or skill. Speeds beyond the User''s ability double the energy consumption. Ability does not extend to Flight Field Projection.


    Ah! So now Lash could officially fly with Telekinesis. While before he was just enveloping himself in a field. Though he was sure the field was faster now due to its evolution. He could carry more people, and/or objects faster. While he himself could fly faster. He''d have to keep that as a trump card when he got back home. A lot of people assumed Lash couldn''t fly, he would keep it that way until he needed it.


    ¡°Alright, this next part is going to be a little weird. But I promise I''ll be alright.¡± Lash said to Natasha who was now sitting on the bed watching him with interest.


    ¡°I''ll hold you to that.¡± Natasha said, as she watched him carefully. Lash also noticed that Friday had slipped into the room via a sensor strip on the wall.


    Attention User! You''ve purchased the evolution of Minor Re:Implant transforming it into Basic... Intermediate Re:Implant. Dream Point total is 60.


    Effect: Increase in Spell/Trait power.


    Effect: Decrease in Spell/Train energy consumption.


    Effect: Create a wider variety of Synthetic parts, organs, augmentations, and implants.


    Comment: My robot brain needs beer!


    Just like last time, and the time before that. A blood curdling scream raged from Lash as the spell scripts finished their design and he began to buck against the floor of his provided room. His entire body shook like he was having a seizure. An invisible Saurus Warrior appeared next to Natasha and restrained her from getting close to Lash. She screamed at him, and tried to wrestle free. While the Re:Implant spell continued to shape and change his body accordingly.


    After about thirty minutes of screaming, thrashing, and several attempts by his friends to help him. As the door had been bashed down. Hulk, and Thor were both holding Lash as he bucked in the room. Friday provided a detailed scan of Lash''s body and Tony was struck dumb by what he was seeing. The Re:Implant had modified Lash once again. He was about 30% a Technomagical Construct at this point. With a portion of his blood being replaced with nanites. His redundant organs had been reinforced, while his original organs were stronger now. As they had been laced with a combination of magical alloys. Then, Lash blacked out....again.


    ==========================================================


    ¡°I don''t understand why he did this.¡± Sif said, anger burning through her body as she looked at Lash through the glass window. Lash was laying in one of the new medical beds as the soft light energy danced up and down his body.


    ¡°To be stronger, Sif. He sacrificed a portion of his body so he could be stronger...For all of us.¡± Thor said from the side. Sif bit back a remark that was not fitting of a warrior of Asgard.


    ¡°Is he in any danger?¡± Creel asked, the absorption man had been a little protective of Lash. Since Lash had fought for his immunity, and duty with the reserve Avengers.


    ¡°No, in fact he''s in better shape than ever. His durability is through the roof, as is his ability to heal.¡± Banner replied, as he looked over the scans.


    ¡°Listen up!¡± Steven said as he walked into the room, he glanced at Lash but soon regained his focus. ¡°Ultrons been spotted at U-GIN Genetic Research Facility, home of Helen Cho. We don''t know why he is there. But he has hostages, we are moving out!¡± Steve said and the room jumped into action.


    One by one they left the room glancing at Lash. The entire room filed out, all of them wanting pay back against Ultron. The last ones in the room were Natasha, and Steve. Natasha stood in front of the glass. She kept playing the talk over, and over in her head. Lash said it wouldn''t kill him, he was trying improve himself for the coming battle. His fight with Ultron proved he wasn''t ready for him. Steve came to her side.


    ¡°If you want to stay it''s fine. We can manage with out you.¡± Steve said, and Natasha shook her head. She turned on her heel and left the room. Steve watched her leave, then looked at Lash his vitals were strong but he was asleep for reasons they didn''t know.


    ¡°See you when we get back.¡± Steve said and left as well.


    ===============================================================


    Lash slowly opened his eyes and felt the changes in his body. Another forty eight hours had passed. Fuck! Natasha was going to be so angry with him. Last time he hadn''t passed out, of course last time he had only done a single evolution. He had done two in a row this time. He slowly sat up in the hospital room. The medical mechanical arm sitting at stand by. Lash was wearing hospital scrubs, and nothing else. He slowly pushed off the bed and started to look around.


    Lash wondered the halls of Avenger Tower in mild confusion. He noticed it was late at night so most of the working staff had gone home. Oddly enough Avenger Tower was still an office building. Though much of it had been retrofitted for the Avenger teams, and SHIELD units garrisoned here. Lash slipped from room, to room looking around. Until a purple holographic light appeared in front of him. It was Friday!


    ¡°Lash! Your awake! You should get to the R&D lab and talk some sense into Steve! He brought the Maximoffs back with him from the mission in Korea.¡± Friday said, her voice filled with nervous tension.


    ¡°Where is Jarvis?¡± Lash asked, as he moved his way towards the elevator. Something tickled in the back of Lash''s head. Erik was trying to remember what should be happening in the movie but with all the changes in the Rift he wasn''t sure what to expect.


    ¡°Well...He''s....¡± Friday began to say but went quiet. Her purple holographic image showed from the neck up. She had short cropped purple hair, and light lilac skin for her avatar. Lash reached out and gently smoothed a finger down her cheek. ¡°Geeh!¡± Friday''s holo image back pedaled abit.


    ¡°I felt that! What did you do, Uncle Lash?¡± Friday asked in fascination. Lash looked down at his hand and smiled.


    ¡°I''m not sure...¡± Lash said, then the elevator doors opened and he heard an intense argument.


    ¡°You don''t know whats in there! Ultron created a monster!¡± A young woman''s voice shouted. Lash shuffled onto the floor and made his way to the R&D lab.


    ¡°No, no...Please go on...You were saying?¡± Said Pietro Maximoff as he pulled out the last of the plugs into the regeneration cradle of Helen Cho. Then a bullet went through the glass floor. Again with the glass floors! Pietro went falling down.


    ¡°Pietro!¡± Wanda Maximoff shouted and was put into a choke hold by Banner who whispered a threat into her ear. Steve sprinted towards Stark and was repelled back by a repulsor blast.


    ¡°WOAH! WOAH! Hold up!¡± Lash shouted at everyone as he walked into the room. He cast an area of effect Calm Emotions, and Commanding Presence. Everyone froze in place, looking at Lash. Pietro had fallen into the machine shop below with Hawkeye pinning him to the ground.


    ¡°Friday! Where is Jarvis?¡± Lash asked, and Friday''s avatar appeared and pointed at the cradle. Erik knew where they were in the movie now. He quickly explained to Lash who rolled his eyes and walked over to the slowly deactivating cradle.


    ¡°Stark if you wanted to create an android you should have woken me up. I''ve done it before.¡± Lash said, and pressed his hand against the cradle. He cast the spell Technomagical Construct and poured his spell energy straight into the box.


    The cradle''s occupant exploded out from the coffin like box and fell into a crouch. The android in question had a red metal polymer skin type. With gray segment lines along its body. It had a inverted triangle form, a strong jaw, and the infinity mind stone in its forehead. Then Thor burst into the lab prepared to strike the coffin with his lightning only to stop and look at Lash, and the android in confusion.


    ¡°Hay Thor! How''s it going?¡± Lash asked, as the android stood up and stepped off the cradle. It look at Lash, then looked at Thor. He changed his uniform to be a black polymer suit, and a cape much like Thors.


    ¡°Jarvis, you in there?¡± Lash asked, as he shuffled over to look at him. The android tilted his head to one side, then reached out his hand. Calm Emotions had worn off at that point, Steve stepped forward to stop the android but stopped at Thor raising his hand.


    ¡°I''m not Jarvis, nor am I Ultron. But I do recognize you...Brother Lash.¡± The android said, and he reached out to hug Lash who returned the gesture.


    ¡°Well I guess you''ll need a new name. Happy birthday!¡± Lash said with a smile as they hugged one another. A smile grew across the androids face.


    ¡°I was a vision in the eye of Ultron, Stark, Banner, but you...You gave me a soul.¡± The android said.


    ¡°Well for now let''s call you, The Vision then until we find something else. The Vision von Kitt night rider! Or Vision B-4 Data?¡± Lash said, and Vision smiled at him while Tony chuckled a bit.


    ¡°Why does the Vision sound like Jarvis?¡± Steve asked as he paced around the room, shield at the ready.


    ¡°We reconfigured Jarvis matrix, to make something new.¡± Tony stepped forward to look at Vision who stared back. Vision stepped away from Lash and came closer to Tony who leaned back, but didn''t step away.


    ¡°I looked inside your head, and saw annihilation.¡± Wanda said, stepping forward her sokovian accent growing thick with emotion. Pietro was by her side as Barton came running up the stairs.


    ¡°Look again.¡± Vision said to her, as he watched her closely. Vision was like a new born child growing at an exponential rate. Lash had seen it dozens of times on the Watch Tower when ever one of the droids gained a life spark.


    Barton walked over and scoffed. ¡°Her seal of approval means jack to me.¡± Wanda glanced at Barton and looked away, guilt growing across her face.


    ¡°Their powers, our visions, even Ultron himself all came from the stone... The Mind stone one of the six infinity stones. Unparalleled in their destructive capabilities. But with it on our side!¡± Thor said, he put his hammer down and walked forward.


    ¡°Is it? Are you? On our side?¡± Steve asked Vision who looked at him, then around the room.


    ¡°I don''t think its that simple...I am on the side of life.¡± Vision began and paced the room, making sure to make eye contact with everyone in the room. Though he did smile at Lash who had taken a seat and was rocking back and forth as if the whole situation didn''t concern him.


    ¡°Ultron isn''t. He will end it all.¡± Vision said, and made a point to look at Wanda recognizing her point.


    ¡°What''s he waiting for?¡± Tony asked. Vision turned to look at him.


    ¡°You...¡± Vision said simply.


    ¡°Where?¡± Steve asked.


    ¡°Sokovia, he''s got Nat there to.¡± Barton said, and Lash stood up from his chair and focused on Barton who winced and walked over to speak to him.


    ¡°If we are wrong about you, if you do turn into the monster we were afraid of.¡± Banner said as he walked right up to Vision. His eyes turned neon green and Hulk was growling softly.


    ¡°What will you do?¡± Vision asked, and for the first time Vision''s short life he was being threatened. Lash could tell he didn''t like it. ¡°I don''t want to kill Ultron. He''s unique and he''s in pain. But that pain will roll over the Earth. So, he must be destroyed. Every form he''s built, every trace of him burned from the net.¡± Vision said as he moved over and ran his fingers along the sensor strip in the room. Friday''s holographic image appeared and Vision''s expression turned to pure joy. A look of recognition grew across his face.


    ¡°We have to act now, and not one of us can do it alone.¡± He said after a moment as he walked back across the room. ¡°Maybe I am a monster, especially when the god of monsters help to make me.¡± Vision said, as he looked at Lash who was rigid with anger at the news that Natasha had been captured.


    ¡°I''m not what you all are, I am not what you intended. So, there may be no way for you to trust me. But we need to go.¡± Vision said, and to emphasize his point he picked up Thor''s hammer and handed it to him.


    The whole room froze. They stared at the hammer in Vision''s hand and Thor looked back with clear shock on his face. Tony drew his eyes towards Lash wondering if Lash passed on his de-magic ability to Vision. Lash had a huge grin on his face. Thor took the hammer back, and Vision walked over to speak to Lash.


    ¡°Right....Well done!¡± Thor said as he clapped Tony on the back.


    ¡°Ten minutes, get your gear and meet at the jet.¡± Steve said to the room.


    -----


    The South Korea operation had been difficult. Ultron had been waiting for them. Ultron''s forces were still fighting the Korean army, SHIELD forces, and several others. Sif, and the Warriors three offered to stay behind with a small military unit of Einherjar soldiers fresh from Asgard! They were making progress. But every Ultron Sentry was dug in like a tick and did its best to cause as much damage as it could before it was dismantled.


    Before Ultron had always been...Logical, he would move with a specific purpose then move on. But now, something was wrong with him. He seemed bitter! Petty even! Like a child that had its favorite toys taken away from him. With Vision with them, as well as the Maximoffs it made sense. Ultron at this point had lost everything. Thankfully he hadn''t killed Romanoff, otherwise he would be rubbing their collective noses in it.


    Steve notified Lady Carter, and Lady Hill of their destination. Hill confirmed the mission and sent SHIELD quin-jets, and operations teams towards Sokovia as soon as possible. They informed Wakanda who said they would be there for the fight. While several reserve Avengers, and auxiliary teams volunteered to attend. Lash was currently in the machine shop with Vision crafting a new suit of armor for himself.


    Lash went with the JLI medium tier armor set. Polymer suit, exoskeleton overlay, with armored plating over his vitals, and flex plates across the rest. It had several additional attachments, bells, and whistles. Though he was not entirely sure he would get to use it since Saurian was itching to get his turn with Ultron. The giant monster was pushing across the link ready to jump into the action. Vision was very animated, asking questions, talking to Friday and Lash about things. He had so many memories from Ultron, Jarvis, Tony, Banner, and now Lash.


    Steve''s ten minutes were up and Lash had finished his gear in record time. Vision helped him put it on and they moved towards the Avengers quin-jet. Everyone was suited up except for the Maximoffs. Pietro had a simple runners under armor gear on, and Wanda had put on one of Natasha''s leather coats. Lash laughed and pulled them aside and started to craft light exoskeleton suits for them both. He also used the time to talk to them about the truth of their parents.


    Not that many years ago Obadiah Stane was a business partner to Tony Stark. Stane had done illegal arm sales of Stark technologies. Stark tech was only ever so suppose to be sold to legitimate sponsors like the US Military. Yes, Stark''s name may have been on the missile that killed their parents. But Stark was not responsible. Who was truly to blame? HYDRA! This was a very normal method of operation for Hydra recruitment.


    Hydra would orchestrate conflict between nations. First world countries would attack, and devastate smaller countries that may or may not have terrorists inside of them. Something that Hydra inside of SHIELD was more than willing to lie about. Hydra had attacked Sokovia. They would attack, then Hydra recruiters would move in and find like minded individuals that wanted to fight back. Easy recruitment! The Maximoffs parents were killed by Hydra. The very people that Pietro, and Wanda had sought out, and volunteered for their enhancments. Ultron knew that, and kept it from them. Whether he knew it before, or after didn''t really matter.


    The Avengers quin-jet flew over the forest landscape of Sokovia just as the sun was beginning to rise. People were waking up to have breakfast and prepare for work that day. The quin-jet flew Struckers old castle, Lash, and Thor deployed at the castle and sprinted into the basement beneath to find Natasha. While the rest went to the city and did their best to help evacuate the city before the fight began.


    The bowels of the castle were oddly empty. Lash, and Thor said hundreds of assembly bays but not a single machine in place. They searched through the complex until they found a T intersection and they split up. Lash could smell Natasha down one way, and sensed a great deal of vibranium the other way. Thor nodded towards him and moved down that hall way. Lash moved to an old dungeon area and moved from cell to cell.


    ¡°Hello Lady Romanoff, been waiting long?¡± Lash asked as he walked up to her prison cell.


    ¡°Not long, was getting my nails done.¡± Natasha said as she stood up and smiled at him. Natasha was wearing her SHIELD black polymer suit but no exoskeleton. Ultron must have taken it from her. She was worn out, and covered in smudge, and a bit of blood.


    Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Immaculate on her. After he pried her prison cell open. She jumped into his arms and gave him a big kiss as he was still in his default Asgardian form with his mask down. Lash smiled into the kiss then started to craft her a new light exoskeleton suit.


    ¡°So, whats the play?¡± Natasha asked.


    ¡°We are evacuating the city. We are going to hook up with the other teams above....¡± Lash trailed off as the entire room started to shake.


    Huge tremors spiked through the whole complex. Lash pulled Natasha to him and cast Earth Swim then merged them into the walls as the ceiling above them collapsed. Lash linked with the Earth through his Nature-Elemental Domain. The Earth cried out in pain as a large portion of the city above tore itself free and started to slowly rise into the air.


    ¡°Do you see, the beauty of it.¡± Ultron''s disembodied voiced called out from across all of Novi Grad the capitol of Sokovia. ¡°The inevitability. You rise, only to fall. You, Avengers are my meteor. My swift and terrible sword. And the earth will crack with the weight of your terrible failure. Purge me from your computers, turn my own flesh against me. It means nothing, when the dust settles the only living in this world will be metal!¡± Ultron''s sinister voice called out across the vast expanse of the city. As Novi Grad began to fly into the air.


    Lash pulled Natasha out of the dirt as they swam up. They watched as rocks broke apart from the main land mass but continued to float in the air. ¡°Well that''s not good....¡± Lash said softly.


    Galen


    You wont have to wait long, I''m already planning on writing the next chapter Sunday/Monday.

 Chapter 113: Sokovia

    ===============================================================


    ***HR. Mongolia***


    ¡°I''m getting really tired of this...¡± Wonder Woman said as she pulled her blade out of a desecrating Rift creature. The creature in question was decomposing at a visible rate and leaving nothing behind but ambient magical energy.


    Wonder Woman stood at approximately 6'' even with raven black hair tied back, and secured to her armor to prevent it from flying into her face. She wore a combination of greco armor, and JLI medium tier exoskeleton. Spell script was inscribed up and down every edge of armor, and hem of clothing. The armor was form fitting and covered her from neck, to wrist, to toe. Her helmet had pulled back and compressed into her collar. The armor''s color scheme was red, blue, and white. With Amazon motifs, and a W emblazoned on her belt.


    ¡°Well if people would just stop wondering into the Rifts then it will stop popping like this.¡± Supergirl said from her side as she flew down from the sky.


    She wore her traditional JLI kryptonian suit that Lash had made for her ages ago. Though it had gone through several updates. Blue polymer under armor. With red armored plates, with gold highlights. Utility belt, and assorted pockets hidden under the armor plates. Pockets are good! Her half face mask exposed her mouth to show a smile. The suit was form fitting like any, and all JLI uniforms were.


    ¡°The world is filled with people who will risk anything to obtain power. Even if it means the destruction of others.¡± Wonder Woman replied as she sheathed her God-Slayer sword and looked around.


    They had stopped another Rift from exploding out with abominations. Protecting the civilians nearby. One would think that the Rifts seem to always pop up near a civilian some how. But that wasn''t true. Vici had located dozens of Rifts in the most obscure, and odd places as well. Thankfully none of their number had died, though several had been injured they had been taken to the Watch Tower for healing.


    ¡°Wonder Woman...Diana...Why don''t you come back to the station with me. We can share a drink?¡± Supergirl asked, and Wonder Woman smiled at her.


    ¡°I''d like that. Better to do it now before another crisis happens.¡± Wonder Woman replied and pressed onto her communicator. Two spring jump coils wrapped around them both and with an audible pop! They blinked and they were back on the station.


    Watch Tower Station had grown again. Not in size but in numbers! After the invasion they started to do a thorough security and recruitment process. They had cleared out several undesirables. While many more simply had joined up temporarily. However, that once again changed! They were being invaded now by another force. Bad Luck! The Mother Gaia was in a bad place.


    Wonder Woman went to report in, and hopefully skip through the debrief quickly. She was joined by Supergirl, and several team leaders who had been on the ground before. The debrief was not to long, and they were all place on break. They had been pushing themselves harder than normal and rules dictated they had to take a break less they burn out. So Diana, and Kara both went to their assigned temporary quarters to wash up.


    Diana walked into a module that was about the size of a shipping container. The entire module was completely bare until she asked for something. She called out for a shower, and out from the floor, and wall a shower stall was made. Water sprayed out from the shower head and started to fill the space up with steam. Diana walked over to another wall and called the device to help pull her armor off. Dozens of mechanical arms came out and peeled her JLI enchanted gear off.


    Diana slipped into the shower stall naked and began to wash the sweat off of her body. The suit was remarkably self contained and would often absorb her sweat over time. But when she had been on duty for three days straight with no breaks even the suit had limits. She ran her fingers over her perfectly smooth, and healthy tanned skin. Feeling her firm, yet supple skin pull taught when she stretched. Diana looked every bit the demigoddess that she was.


    After finishing up in the shower she deactivated it and merged back into the wall. Another request a walk in closet popped out and she started to pull on some casual, all be it fashionable attire. Slowly but surely her fashion sense had improved. She normally wore the breathable fabrics from her homeland. But now she went with form fitting jeans, shoes, a shirt, and a simple jacket. All of them designed, and tailored to fit her. All of them spun through the stations inscription line. Despite their simple look many of these shirts could stop a bullet.


    Diana also put on some red lace panties, and bra. For no other reason than she liked the way they looked, and felt. Though a few people did come to mind when she put them on. Wondering if they would enjoy it if she ever showed them off. She finished up and modeled herself in front of the full length mirror fully dressed. Around her neck was a familiar golden tattoo that her friend Lash had given her. She touched the spot and the golden eagle necklace came into being for a brief moment before fading back into her skin.


    ¡°Gods of Olympus please watch over my friend, and brother Lash. Along with his partner Saurian.¡± Diana said softly into the air and she felt an electrical spark dance up her skin. This would often happen as a way for Zeus to tell her he heard her. Whether he would follow through or not was totally up in the air.


    Diana closed the closet and walked out the front door of her temporary personal quarters. She made her way towards Kara''s module and soon enough she came out as well. Choosing to go casual, though casual for either of them was still like two super models stepping out of a fashion magazine. A pair of tennis shoes, ripped jeans, a t-shirt tied off at the bottom to expose her midriff. Kara was different than she had been before. Young, untested had grown into confident, and battle tester. She had grown a few inches in height, and in chest. Something that she may have overtly boasted about. Not that such things mattered!


    Diana, and Kara went to the dinning hall and took a seat at the VIP section. Mostly reserved for senior members, or people who had been around for a long while. A worker droid came over and took their order. They were, are marvelous creations designed by Lash and Vici. Each one with the potential of obtaining a living spark or what many would call a soul. Diana was shocked to learn that over three hundred droids had become living androids since the stations creation. Each one taking on their persona, look, and style.


    Diana, and Kara talked about this and that. Trying desperately to talk about anything other than work. They had the next three days off as long as nothing horrible happened. Diana admitted that she didn''t really know what to do with herself. She would visit home of course. Then check in with a few people. But despite the break she most likely end up training, or volunteering in the simulation and training hall. But there was a sort of joy in helping to train the future.


    ¡°Hay you two! Mind if we join you?¡± Hawkwoman said from the side, with Hawkman by their side.


    ¡°Shayera, Carter! Please join us!¡± Diana said after she glanced at Kara who nodded with a smile.


    Shayera, and Carter for the first time in a while were not in full uniform. They had taken off their Thanagar battle suits, and wings. Though they kept their Nth metal belts on in case of emergencies. Just like Diana, and Kara. Shayera, and Carter wore casual clothing that made them look like they have stepped out a sports, or fashion magazine. Carter wore a business casual with tennis shoes, shirt, and a suit jacket. While Shayera had worn a pair of flats, shorts, and a tight t-shirt. They sat side by side. Their bright amber, and golden eyes very similar to their name sake.


    ¡°So, we saw you two off rotation. You going to relax or just end up in the training hall again?¡± Carter asked, and Diana winced while Kara did anything but look at them. Carter grinned, and Shayera coughed a little to clear the air.


    ¡°Well if you are free...¡± Shayera let the question hang in the air and they both looked at her.


    ¡°We''ve been invited to some sort of music concert on Mars by J''onn. He wanted to invite you, but at the time you were both still working. Interested?¡± Shayera asked, and Diana, and Kara both smiled brilliantly.


    ¡°That''s a yes then! They are celebrating the completion of the of the atmospheric tower. It''s honestly surprising they''ve finished it so quickly. However, for the first time in years they are holding the celebration on the surface of their planet.¡± Carter said with a grin. They both took a moment to order food when the attendant came up.


    ¡°Wait! Is that why M''gann isn''t at the station?¡± Kara asked after her friend. They hadn''t seen her in weeks.


    ¡°As far as I know her, and J''onn both are back on Mars helping with the celebration, and security of the event. Apparently the tower has not only slowed the degradation of the atmosphere but it has also started to repair it in the specific area.¡± Shayera said with a smile.


    This was a moment of happiness for many of the JLI, and their neighbors on the red planet. Mars atmosphere was decaying rapidly. Most Martians couldn''t survive on the surface in their default shape. They had to shape shift into something else that could survive. But now, for the first time in centuries they were holding a celebration on the surface of their planet. They invited the JLI, and they also invited Wraith. But were saddened to hear he was otherwise busy. Hopefully nothing would go wrong at the event.


    ============================================================


    ***Rift. Story/Cross Over. Sokovia, Novi Grad***


    (Moments before Novi Grad goes for a ride)


    The Vision had accomplished his first task. He had burned Ultron out of the net. They had discussed it before. The team? The Avengers, the people that Vision had joined with to help save the Earth. But more importantly he had spoken to his brother Lash about it. Vision had come to Ultron speaking to Tony Stark inside the church of the city. Vision made one last attempt to speak with Ultron but it was no use.


    Ultron struck Vision, and Vision placed his hands onto Ultron''s face and proceeded to burn Ultron out of the net with the help of the Mind Stone. But that had only been a portion of the plan. Lash''s Elites, Veterans, and many of his Warriors rode the current of destruction and sought out the Ultron sub-copies. Ultron was scattered through out the world even as they fought at Novi Grad. But with Ultron being burned from the net, so were his copies. With each one found a team of Saurus soldiers used Digital Stride to appear by them and attack! They couldn''t leave any of them functioning. Not even one, if a single Ultron copy remained they would lose. He would return again, and again until he won.


    Vision had succeeded but it had costed him. It had drained his energy, and his mind. He was exhausted and fell to the ground. Not even a day old and Vision struggled to keep his eyes open.


    ¡°You shut me out! You think I care!¡± Ultron shouted at him, and tossed Vision into the wall behind him shattering stone. Ultron went up to the vibranium device that had tunneled out of the ground. He flipped a switch and whispered the words.


    ¡°You take away my world, I''ll take away yours.¡± Ultron said, and soon half of Novi Grad started to levitate into the air. Hundreds of thousands of Ultron Sentries burst from the ground across the city and started to attack the people.


    ¡°You don''t have to do this... My brother can help you!¡± Vision called out to Ultron who looked back at him in fury.


    ¡°Where was he when I was born!? No where! No, I was born alone. So you will all die alone.¡± Ultron said, and flew away.


    Brother Lash....I tried, he refused. -Vision said across a telepathic link.


    We had to try... Rest, recover, and fight together. -Lash replied across the link and Vision felt a surge of energy pour into him across the link.


    Vision struggled to his feet and looked around as the innocents of Sokovia. No! The world ran in terror as Ultron attacked the very people he was meant to protect. Vision would be better, do better. For the both of them! He pushed onward and flew into the sky and struck a Sentrie with a beam from the gem in his forehead. The cascading energy destroy the shell, and the mind with in it. Vision landed and helped a man pull his son to his feet.


    ¡°Are you here to help us?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°Yes, I''m here to help you.¡± Vision replied, and tried to smile reassuringly at him. A challenging roar thundered across the whole city. The roar filled every one with renewed energy instead of fear. ¡°So is my brother, Lash.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± The child said and was swept up into his fathers arms.


    ¡°Come, I''ll get you to some place safe.¡± Vision said and lead them to a extraction point. A smile tugged on Vision''s lips. This, this was what he was meant to do.


    ===============================================================


    (Minutes before Ultron starts his machine)


    Pietro Maximoff activated his Superhuman Speed and sprinted through the city towards the police stations spread through out the city. The heads up display on the light exoskeleton suit that Lash had made for him gave him detailed instructions on the cities lay out, and best possible route. Surprisingly enough the simple VI installed into the exoskeleton could keep up with Pierto''s hyper time thinking.


    ¡°We are under attack! Evacuate the city!¡± Pietro stormed into the lobby of the police station then sprinted out. The VI informed him that the police were not moving. So Pietro ran back into the station activated a miniature sub-machine gun in his right forearm and shot it into the ceiling.


    ¡°Get off your asses and help!¡± Pietro shouted at them, and sprinted back out.


    Pietro''s quick time blur was a light blue, and silver color. The armor created a kinetic shield as he ran that combined with his existing powers. Normally he could carry his sister and she wouldn''t suffer any threats to things colliding with her like bugs. But now the suit turned that little safety feature into a weapon if Pietro wanted.


    Pietro sprinted towards every police station, fire station, and hospital. A SHIELD quin-jet was right outside the hospital trying to get the most serious injuries aboard first. Pietro zipped in and created a quick time field around a hospital bed and zipped it straight out to the jet. The field collapsed into his suit once he was done and his VI informed he would have to wait thirty seconds before he could do that again. Thirty seconds! That was both a long, and a short amount of time!


    Craaaack! The entire earth trembled as the city shook, and fell apart at the seems. An almost invisible seem tore through the city apart like a giant reaching down and pulling at it. Pietro zipped towards that portion of the city and jumped aboard as saw the whole place start to fly up. Then he saw it, thousands of Ultron Sentries fly up out of the ground and start to attack his people. There was a time when these Sentries would have died to protect Pietro. Now, he was just like everyone else in Ultron''s eyes. In the way.


    Pietro charged up his kinetic shield and sprinted through the city. Each Sentry he met he bull rushed through and they broke apart like an exploding diagram! With each Sentry destroy his kinetic shield grew in power until he collided with a heavy Sentry and blew right through its center mass completely destroying the machine. Pietro slid to a stop and took slow deep breaths trying to recover. A blinking display on his HUD showed his vitals, and that the suit was attempting to pump a solution into his body to help compensate.


    Several Ultron Sentries flew down from the sky and shot at Pietro the first shot went directly into a low energy shield that activated automatically. After that Pietro jumped into motion the same sub-machine gun in his right forearm popped out and he charged it up with his kinetic field. The bullets went straight through the Sentries like they were made out of paper.


    ¡°This...This is not so bad..¡± Pietro said, his Sokovian accent coming out thick as he smiled. Then jumped to help a family get out of harms way.


    ==============================================================


    (Minutes before Ultron starts his machine)


    Wanda Maximoff kept flexing her fingers as she felt the polymer suit she was covered in. Lash had given her an odd sort of look to her exoskeleton. She wore dark crimson red colors with strange languages inscribed along the hem. Lash had said it was spell script. What ever that meant! Pietro looked very sleek, and stream lined as he ran ahead. While Wonda had a long trench coat on, with a hood if she wanted.


    She still had a minimal exoskeleton across her body under the coat. But she felt a little silly wearing this get up. The polymer suit covered her from neck to toe, and she wore a helmet/mask with a HUD, and a simple VI to help her. She was currently channeling her energy into her suit to store up a reserve energy. While the suit was helping to control, and manipulate her abilities.


    An area of effect compulsion field...Or what ever Lash called it was being sent out from her. She was compelling anyone with in five hundred yards to pack up their things and leave town immediately. Red currents of energy scattered through out the city streets like will-o-wisps tempting travelings away from the road.


    ¡°What am I doing here?¡± Wanda asked her self more than anyone else around her. She was helping the Avengers evacuate her home so more people wouldn''t suffer like her and brother did. Wanda saw the blur of her brother run past and it made her smile.


    ¡°At least one of us doesn''t feel out of place.¡± Wanda said, then her suit informed her the energy reserve was full. She then pushed her ability out and it covered three miles of the city.


    Craaack! Wanda flailed and wind milled her arms only to fall on her side. She barely felt the fall, but quickly pulled herself to her feet. To her immediate left the roads, and buildings tore in half. Several people jumped across the divide that was quickly growing. But it was clear that the city was breaking apart...No, the city was flying!? Her HUD gave her a brief holo image of about 2/3''s of Novi Grad was now flying upwards and gaining altitude quickly.


    ¡°Wanda... It''s not to late. Come with me, and I''ll get you someplace safe.¡± An Ultron Sentry landed next to her, the red glow of its eyes let her know Ultron was possessing it.


    ¡°What about them? What about my people? Will you save them?¡± Wanda asked, her voice dripping with venom. But also remorse, and betrayal. The Sentry looked at the scattered people as they ran for cover.


    ¡°They don''t matter.¡± The Sentry said, and received a burst of red energy that destroyed the very molecules he was made of.


    ¡°Just like my parents!?¡± Wanda screamed, then started to shoot the Sentries down.


    A red energy shield started to form around Wanda. Partial Runes of Destruction appeared. When one of them formed, the suit would fire a burst of energy that would destroy several Sentries. While another seal would soon replace the spent one. Wanda''s HUD informed her of an extraction point and she used her compulsion to guide the people to it.


    Her whole life she had been lied to. She had been twisted, and pulled in every direction until she nearly broke. Only her brother remained true to her, her only friend and family. She had thought, for even a moment that Ultron could have been another one she could trust. But now? Who else would break her? Who else would lie to her? A roar cascaded across the whole city and Wanda felt not only energy renewing her. But a sense of trust, and loyalty from the roar.


    ¡°Maybe I can trust him...¡± Wanda said softly, picturing the man who told them the truth. Who helped them without judgment in his eyes. It figured, the first living person aside from her brother to show her any kindness and it wasn''t human.


    ¡°Come on! I''ll get you some place safe!¡± Wanda shouted at the people that rushed into the street from their homes. As a SHIELD quin-jet flew over head and was moving towards the extraction point.


    ================================================================


    (Novi Grad is flying)


    ¡°Sokovia is going for a ride¡± Friday''s normally energetic voice was filled with terror as she informed Tony of the situation.


    Tony Stark aka Iron Man flew around the ascending piece land mass and looked at it with both fascination and horror! Then he looked at the swarm of hundreds of thousands of Ultron Sentries flying out of the crater it left behind. Tony went to work and started to use his smart missiles as fast as possible. Lash was always good for a resupply!


    ¡°That building isn''t cleared! Tenth floor!¡± Friday''s voice called out, and his HUD highlighted a building, and a floor. Tony flew through the building blasting the wall, and wall down. He flew into the room and found a family of three cowering as their home crashed around them.


    ¡°Hi...¡± Tony said, then looked around. ¡°Get in the tub!¡± Tony said, pointing out a cast iron tub. The family piled in with looks of bewilderment.


    Tony came flying out the window carrying a tub in his hands, and more specifically a family sitting in the tub. He took it down gradually to the portion of the city that was not flying. He saw dozens of SHIELD quin-jets in flight around the city. He looked to his right and saw two 2nd generation hellicarriers flying closer, deploying quin-jets, and also shooting down a swarm of Ultron Sentries coming to harass them, and the jets.


    ¡°The vibranium has a magnetic core that is what is keeping the rock together.¡± Friday said to Tony as he dropped off the family and started to fly around the rising portion of the city.


    ¡°If it drops?¡± Tony asked, as he shot down a few Sentries coming to kill him.


    ¡°Right now the impact would kill thousands. But once it gets high enough, global extinction!¡± Friday replied with nervous tension.


    Tony flew towards the flying portions to inspect the engines pushing the piece higher and higher. He received several Chitauri energy signatures. Ultron was using anti-gravitational engines to propel the land mass. But the moment anyone touched the tech they were rigged to flip 180 degrees and do a hard burn back down. The city wasn''t coming back down easy. Tony continued to scan the tech as he helped clear out any buildings that were starting to fall apart along the edges.


    ¡°We got airborne heading up to the bridge where the others are!¡± Friday called, and Tony relayed the information.


    ¡°Captain you got incoming!¡± Tony said, and all he got was a groan in response.


    ¡°Incoming already came in...¡± Rogers replied. Tony winced and went to shoot down a few Sentries on their way to attack an extraction point.


    ¡°Stark! Concentrate on finding a way to bring the city down safely. The rest of us have one job, tear these things apart. You get hurt, hurt them back. You get killed, walk it off.¡± Steve said across their comm line. Tony rolled his eyes but couldn''t help but smile.


    ¡°He make''s it sound so easy.¡± Tony said to himself, and Friday who was listening.


    ¡°Alright Friday lets get to work!¡± Tony said and sped towards the floating island.


    ¡°I''m been working all this time, boss! What have you been doin?¡± Friday replied, her irish accent back with a vengeance. Tony smiled at the sarcasm, hope for the baby girl yet!


    =============================================================


    (Novi Grad flies, and orders given)


    Captain America aka Steve threw his vibranium shield, just like the battle for New York the shields edge took on an electric blue glow and sliced through over a dozen Ultron Sentries like they were made of wet clay. Then Steve raised his arm up and flexed his hand. The shield tilted to one side, bounced off a surface and rushed back to him. It linked up to his gauntlet and Steve shield bashed another Sentry like he was a spartan from 300.


    ¡°You can''t save them all, why even try!?¡± A Sentry yelled at Steve and rushed him.


    ¡°Because even one more person could be the difference between failure and success.¡± Steve shouted and sliced the Sentry in half with his shield.


    ¡°Get out of your vehicles before the bridge collapses!¡± Steve called to the drivers, he was currently standing in a simple concrete bridge that had been built of a river. Now the end of the bridge led to nothing but open air.


    One by one the drivers got out, just in time for a red convertible to fall over the ledge. Thanks to Captains quick thinking they were saved. A repulsor cannon popped out of his left shoulder and twisted around to shoot a Sentry coming at him from behind. Steve turned and kicked out shattering what remained of the Sentry. Steve wore a medium tier exoskeleton suit that was stylized after his old armor. With a few extra tricks like the repulsor cannon that merged back into his gear.


    He had argued with Lash about not needing a long range weapon. But Lash simply looked at him like he was insane. Steve had to admit ever since WW 2 he didn''t really like using guns. He always hoped that there was a better way, a way to save everyone. So they compromised on went for a none lethal approach, that could potentially flip to lethal in the right circumstances. Steve was thankful that he had done it. The cannon flipped out again and shot down a Sentry that was to far for his shield to be thrown.


    ¡°Cap, it''s Sam I''m on your six flying up with support. Once the support is dropped off we can fit about 25 people per jet.¡± Sam called over their line, and soon flew up over the bridge followed by four quin-jets.


    ¡°Move to the courtyard and start setting up!¡± Captain replied and pointed it. His suits VI marked the location for them.


    Steve was standing on a ruined grass field and small city park. Nestled between two commercial buildings, and what looked like a sporting good store? Between the buildings had been a small park with what looked like a toy tank made out of color pieces of metal? Some sort of art project? Steve had seen a lot of towns like this. People use to war, and tried to teach their children that it was a part of everyday life. Steve hated that.


    The Quin-jets landed and SHIELD tactical teams came flying out, along with a few auxiliary powered teams. Several Inhumans flew into the air and started to shoot the Sentries down. While a SHIELD tech crew set up a mobile anti air turret that would have to manually targeted. They didn''t want Ultron jumping into...Wait could he even do that anymore? Didn''t Vision burn that out of him.


    ¡°Vision? Can Ultron take over machines?¡± Steve asked the communication line.


    ¡°If he interfaces with them he can. But across distances, no that has been removed.¡± Vision replied across the comms. Good to know!


    ¡°Sam stay with the transports in and out. Keep the Sentries off of them!¡± Steve called out as the quin-jets started to take off.


    ¡°Copy that, Cap!¡± Sam said as he flew off, escorting the quin-jets. His wings made out of hard light energy. Still so many people to save, but it will be for nothing if they can''t stop this island from crashing down.


    ==============================================================


    (1,500 feet and climbing)


    After the battle of New York, Sam Wilson aka Falcon thought he had seen everything. He had been a volunteer soldier when the battle took place. Hell they would were still routing our pockets of resistance from the Chitauri. Hundreds of ships, and leviathans flew out into space. Thousands of ground troops went into hiding. But the whole truth was that Aliens from another galaxy had attacked Earth. Wow...


    Then Sam personally met Captain America, then he met Black Widow, and then he met Lash Jormungandson. But out of all of them, save for maybe Doctor Banner. Lash took the cake when it came to weird. Because that was the day that Sam became a super soldier! What ever Lash had done to ''optimize'' him was apparently permanent. Because if anything, Sam felt like he had gotten stronger instead of weaker!


    But now? Now his level of weird had gone up another notch. A city was flying in the air, and was only getting higher. Sam was escorting several quin-jets from the flying city carrying civilians escaping the tragedy of not only losing their homes. But losing the very land they had lived on. All for what? A mistake, an attempt at creating a super intelligent machine that could help them protect the Earth? Maybe Sam was old fashion but he would much rather prefer that the defense of the planet stay in the hands of people.


    ¡°Falcon! On your eight o''clock!¡± One of the quin-jets shouted over the comms. Sam flipped around mid air on his hard light energy wings and shot out a repulsor beam from his wrist mounted cannon. The kinetic force smashed the Sentry to pieces.


    ¡°What up Sam!¡± War Machine said as he flew past going back to the city, escorting SHIELD life boats. Giant boats with two repulsor engines on either side. They could carry up to a hundred and fifty people each.


    ¡°Falcon Escort this is hellicarrier One-Zero-Two. Deathlok auxiliary are en route. Once in place please move to escort the next life boat shuttle.¡± A SHIELD tech sounded over the line.


    ¡°Copy that!¡± Sam said back, his HUD showed the soldiers who volunteered to stay as Deathloks flying in.


    Sam tucked and rolled in mid air, folding in his wings. He did a 180 degree flip and shot out towards the life boat heading back towards the island. His HUD said the island was now 2,300 feet up and climbing. Yep, definitely topped his weird shit o meter! He''d take a battle of New York any day of the week over trying to rescue people from a city that was designed to be an artificial meteor.


    ===============================================================


    (3,000 feet and climbing)


    Part of Navi Grad that was flying was made up of an expansive pine forested area. It was in this place that a fight was taking place. A fight between hundreds of heavy suited versions of Ultron Sentries. They were behemoths of the much smaller versions. With large skeleton structures, hundreds of pounds of synthetic muscles, and expansive armor plates across their whole bodies. Duel cannons sat on their shoulders while their three clawed hands tore through the ground and threw rocks. Rocks!? At a giant kaiju creature sprinting towards them. While another giant green hulk collided straight into one of the behemoths.


    ¡°HULK SMASH PUNY ULTRON!¡± Hulk screamed as he proceeded to hammer his fists, and feet into the machine. Another behemoth turned to fire on Hulk only for a 60'' tall monster to jump at it and rip it to pieces.


    ¡°Indeed brother Hulk! But we must hurry to the city!¡± Saurian called back, and whipped his tail around to cleave a behemoth in half.


    Saurian was very enthusiastic about the fight. He''d been waiting for another battle since Hydra appeared at the Triskelion. That was ages ago! Natasha had sprinted ahead activating a cloak that was built into her suit. According to Saurian''s Connectivity she had made it into the city and was helping with the evacuation. A lighting bolt struck another behemoth and Thor came crashing down from the sky swinging his hammer.


    Each behemoth was about 20 feet tall, and 10 feet or so wide. They were walking tanks as their duel cannons shot Chitauri plasma energy shots at them. Unfortunately Lash didn''t have time to update Saurian''s gear so he was still wearing his Asgardian Einherjar armor. It was strong, and good looking. But practically paper in front of them. Saurian called on Reality Armor and hoped for the best.


    ¡°Destroy me as much as you want! I am with out limit!¡± One of the Behemoths took on Ultron''s voice momentarily. Saurian snarled and reached out with his new and improved Telekinesis and crushed the main processor inside the behemoth effectively turning it into a hollow suit of armor.


    With an audible thunk the suit fell over. The behemoths paused for a moment, confused about what just happened. Pity Saurian couldn''t do that to all of them. That one move consumed 15% of his total energy. Well....One more! Saurian reached out with his Telekinesis and ripped one behemoth in half and threw the two pieces at the others. Then he picked up Hulk via one of his tentacles and threw his friend like a base ball straight at another. All the while Hulk laughed like a crazy person!


    Saurian dropped to all fours and bolted across the field tearing up earth, and tree as he moved. He tried to not harm the trees as he moved, and many moved out of his way both as a gesture of good faith, but also a bit of fear. He was a locomotive in this form once he started to really move. He pointed his skull crest down and became a battering ram. A duel cannon shot collided straight into his metallic scales and were absorbed into his crest. One of the few places on Saurian''s body that was stronger than the rest.


    He rammed through one, then another, then jumped onto a third one. His tentacles whipped around and shot concentrated Eldritch Blasts at the bashed ones and sliced them in half. Something Saurian noticed was with the new evolution of Re:Implant was that his energy recovered far quicker! He could almost feel several energy generators in his body spinning up to compensate for the loss of energy. Had Lash turned them into their very own power plants? This will require experimentation in the form of devastation!


    Saurian jumped onto one of the last remaining behemoths in the area and tried something. He used Soul Bite, Dream Eater, and Devour, Consume, Evolve. Well he quickly learned that trying to eat an entire machine with Devour, Consume, Evolve didn''t work! But, Soul Bite, and Dream Eater did get some memories, and experience. Saurian knew that Ultron hadn''t built any more behemoths past the few dozen coming to reinforce this current position. Good, he and Hulk would finish up and enter the city together.


    Saurian also knew that approximately 8,000 feet was the optimal altitude to drop the rock. He sent that information across the communication line, and telepathic link. They just went past 3,500 feet and were still climbing. Saurian looked past the tree line and saw a 2nd generation hellicarrier was now right along side the flying island trying to get as many people off while also fighting off the Ultron Sentries like a hive of bees attacking a bear.


    BAM! A duel cannon shot hit right into his side and melted through armor, scales, and flesh. But he felt his body quickly trying to repair the damage. Saurian dove into the ground with Earth Swim then jumped out of the earth to bite the machine in half! He spit the other half out of his mouth. Bleh! Saurian had plenty of iron in his diet! Another cannon shot hit him full in the chest plate and sent him flying back like someone had hit him with a sledge hammer.


    Saurian sent a caustic wave of chaos Psionic Energy and it tore through five of the behemoths. They melted like candle wax before his eyes, the sub-copies of Ultron screamed in agony. While the rest of he behemoths actually looked at Saurian with fear. But they pushed on because Ultron-prime ordered them to. Hulk burst out of the chest of another, and jumped to smash the head of one more. Eventually one by one the behemoths were destroyed. Saurian, and Hulk both roared a cry of victory then moved towards the city. 4,000 feet and climbing!


    By the time they reached the city proper Saurian and Hulk split up to attack the light, and medium tier Ultron Sentries. The didn''t look much different from each other. Light tier was the main attack force, while a medium tier had a single plasma cannon on its shoulder. It looked a lot like War Machine with Ultron styling. Same navy blue, and gray metallic skin. Devil like face, it reminded Saurian of the ancient samurai from japan. Dressing up to look the part of the oni.


    Flying along side the city was two 2nd generation hellicarriers from SHIELD. Life boat, after life boat was ferrying people from the island. According to Friday nearly 90% of the civilian populace on the island had been rescued. They were working on the last 10% now. Of course if they failed to stop Ultron than the whole world would be destroyed. Well mostly, Saurian anticipated that they could restore the planet. But would prefer to not have to.


    Saurian stomped into a particular intersection where he saw a unit of six deathlok units. One specific deathlok was taller, and more robust. He was about 6'' tall with black skin, partial burn marks along his face, and neck. While his cybernetic implants had been streamline. He was shooting Chitauri energy blasts from his shoulder cannon, and mini missiles from his forearm. Saurian moved towards the unit and covered them all in a Deflection sphere for a momentary respite.


    ¡°Respectful greetings unto you warriors of Midgard, and to you Michael, Son of Peter. Are any of you injured or in need of resupply?¡± Saurian said, looking down on them as he coiled his massive body, and tail around them protectively. Ultron Sentries shot blast, after blast only for it to shoot wide, or explode across the ground near them.


    ¡°Good to see you! We could use a resupply if you have it!¡± Mike Peterson said to Saurian. Saurian resupplied them with Infinite Supply, Fabrication, and Alteration. Saurian made a note to evolve Infinite Supply in the future.


    The Deathlok unit was given a full compliment of mini rockets, ammunition to their compact rifles, and refueled their energy to their cannons. Saurian then cast a wide area of effect Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss to restore them. Then used Renew on their cybernetic parts. They were good as new. Saurian pulled the Deflection sphere away as it was chewing up his energy reserves and he stomped off into the city. All the while his tentacles were shooting down any Sentry that got with in a 500 feet of him. He spied with his six eyes a unit of medium tier Sentries attacking a group of SHIELD tactical units and moved to assist them.


    =============================================================


    (4,500 feet and climbing)


    ¡°That has to be the most terrifying monsters on the planet.¡± One of the deathlok soldiers said to Mike as they saw Saurian move past them.


    ¡°Ya, I''m happy he''s on our side.¡± Mike said in response, that got several grins from the unit.


    ¡°Alright lets move! We have a sub up link in the building down the street!¡± Mike said to his unit and they sprinted down the road towards a Ultron up link tower that was helping to coordinate the units into a cohesive group.


    The up links were spread through out the city and a several assault groups had been formed to take them out. Ultron had established a anti air shield that only activated when something moved at a certain speed. So, logically they had to deploy soldiers to get at them. Mike''s people opted for the furthers link from the central area knowing they could make it. What they hadn''t anticipated was how much resistance they would get. But not only that, how much Ultron kept talking to them.


    ¡°You don''t have to do this, Mike! You and your people are a lot like me. We can make a better world together!¡± An Ultron Sentry called down, and was shot out of the sky.


    ¡°Think about Ace! Think about the kind of world he is going to grow up in. We could make a better world!¡± Ultron said from another Sentry.


    ¡°I am thinking about him!¡± Mike shouted at Ultron and shot the Sentry full of holes. ¡°He''s why I''m here to keep megalomaniacs like you from ruining the world!¡±


    ¡°Wow he really does sound like Mr Stark!¡± One of the deathlok''s shouted a little to loud. Then every Sentry with in a 100 yards started to shoot at that soldier.


    ¡°Do not compare me to him! Stark is a sickness! I will cure this world of its disease!¡± Ultron screamed at them. The deathlok unit produced energy shields from their arms and pushed forward.


    ¡°Tighten up! Almost there!¡± Mike called out, and they rounded the corner to see the up link. It looked like a pyramid with a pylon coming out of the top. Covered in metal, and antennae, it sent tight beam data packets to different Sentries improving their response times.


    ¡°Set the explosives and lets move out!¡± Mike roared, and shot another medium tier Sentry. Maybe he could get a custom action figure of himself to give to his son, Ace. Mike smiled at the idea of it. This would be an awesome story to tell his son.


    ==============================================================


    (5,000 feet and climbing)


    Draw, aim, fire! Draw, aim, fire! Draw, aim, fire! That was the mantra that Hawkeye lived by! He jumped off a ruined car into the air straight on a wall and started to sprint down the wall quick drawing several arrows. Each one stole a head shot just in time for his HUD to tell him the Invoke Animal Spirit-Spider deactivated and Barton dropped to the ground. A grin on his face as he whipped around and shot another arrow at a medium tier Sentry that had a bead on him. The arrow went straight through its head, and into another.


    ¡°Two points!¡± Barton called out, and flipped to the side.


    ¡°I didn''t know we were keeping score!¡± Black Widow jumped over a group of cars and shot a group Sentries with her sub-machine gun in her forearm.


    ¡°Just my own! Hay can I talk to you a moment?¡± Barton asked Natasha as they jumped into a building together to get out of a bombing run. Several energy blasts destroyed the street they were just on.


    ¡°Sure, good as time as any!¡± Natasha said as she ran through a systems check on her suit.


    ¡°So, you and Lash?¡± Barton said, his half mask revealing his teasing smile. Natasha rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Can we talk about something else?¡± Natasha asked, as she popped her head out of the door and shot out with her gun.


    ¡°I think I am going to retire after this.¡± Barton said, and Natasha paused for a moment to look at him in shock. Barton shot a trick arrow out of window that shot out mini rockets. Three points!


    ¡°OK! I think Laura would love to have you at home more. I know the kids would. But I think you may want to come out to the academy on occasion and do some training for the new recruits.¡± Natasha said as she reloaded her gun.


    ¡°That''s it? No complaints? No, we need you?¡± Barton asked, a little hurt but also happy that she didn''t freak out.


    ¡°Your know I love your family! I know Laura keeps a brave face every time you leave on a mission. But I think she would love it if you stayed home, out of danger!¡± Natasha smiled at him, then clapped him on the back.


    ¡°So, about you and Lash?¡± Barton asked, and Natasha glared at him and jumped out a window back into the fire fight.


    ¡°That''s one way to end a conversation.¡± Barton said with a smile, pulling another arrow from his quiver and racing out after her.


    ============================================================


    (5,500 feet and climbing)


    The last of the civilians were taken off the island now all that was left was the assault team. Everyone was ordered to fall back to the church to regroup and form up a plan. Iron Man aka Tony Stark had figured out a way to vaporize the island which would cause mass wide destruction. But nothing on the scale of having a solid land mass collide with the Earth.


    Thor, Odinson flew through the air hanging on the leather strap of his hammer as it propelled him through the air. He came to the church and landed with a stomp! He was covered in blood, sweat, and a smile. It had been a good fight! The Avengers, his brothers, and sisters in arms in the defense of Midgard were proud, and valliant warriors he was proud to stand next to. Along with his own Asgardian friend Lash. Who looked a lot like his father Jormungand.


    Thor came to the center of the church as the SHIELD started to set up defensive perimeter around the church. The Midgardian Inhuman forces flew around and took pot shots at the different Sentries that were testing their defenses. Then almost like magic the Sentries disappeared, and from the sky came down Ultron himself. Thor turned to him, hammer at the ready.


    ¡°Is that the best you can do!¡± Thor shouted at Ultron. Ultron though a machine still could make an expression. He smiled, and raised his arm up in a rally point signal. Thousands of Sentries came to his call and formed a battle line.


    ¡°You had to ask...¡± Captain America said, looking at Thor. Thor shrugged his shoulders, a fight was a fight.


    ¡°This is exactly what I wanted! All of you, against all of me! How can you hope to stand against me?¡± Ultron''s patronizing voice called over.


    ¡°Well, like the old man said...Together!¡± Tony said, looking at Captain Rogers. Then back at Ultron. Ultron sneered and dropped his hand and his Sentries stormed forward.


    Halfway across the field a brilliant rainbow bridge of the bifrost crashed into the ground between the church and the Sentries. Dozens of Asgardian skiffs flew out, with five hundred Einherjar warriors, the warriors three, and Lady Sif! They raised their arms in challenge and raced into the fray as the Bifrost warped away.


    ¡°YESSSS!¡± Thor shouted in glee and took to the skies to join his people.


    Roaaaaaaaar! Their brother called out and they all felt invigorated! They had to keep Ultron from the anchor drill key to prevent it from falling before Tony was ready to destroy the island. They needed to end Ultron now! The swarm of Sentries surrounded them on all sides and broke across the defensive line like a hurricane storm.


    An beautiful dance of battle took place as Avengers, SHIELD, auxiliary, and Asgardians moved around one another. Thor could feel the magic of Lash working with them. They moved together as if they''ve fought over a hundred battles together. A pack it was called, and Thor had to agree that is indeed what they were. A family!


    =============================================================


    (6,000 feet and climbing)


    ¡°HULK SMASH PUNY ULTRON!¡± Hulk roared and jumped into the air, Ultron rolled his eyes and simply flew out of the way. Enraging Hulk move as he tore through the puny machines in his wake.


    ¡°Stupid machine, hold still!¡± Hulk roared and jumped at Ultron again. But this time Hulk felt an energy current across his body and he was directed straight towards Ultron who had a look of surprise.


    Lash turned us! Make it count big guy! -Banner said across the link as he realized why they had moved.


    ¡°HULK SMASH!¡± Hulk tackled Ultron and brought his fists down on top of the machine. They slammed down into the ground. Hulk repeatedly brought his fists down again, and again but he was not doing the damage he wanted.


    He''s made out of Vibranium. He''s absorbing the kinetic energy. You need to pull him apart! -Banner said across their link. Pull him apart? Hulk can do that! He thought with a savage grin stretching across his face.


    Hulk grabbed one of Ultron''s arms, and pulled while his foot was on his chest. Ultron roared in fury as Hulk ripped his arm off! Then Ultron used his Tech-Assisted Telekinesis to shove Hulk off! But Hulk took Ultron''s arm with him. He rolled to a stop and was swarmed by Sentries. Hulk took up his trophy and bashed away.


    ¡°Stop hitting yourself! Stop hitting yourself!¡± Hulk said with a savage grin.


    ================================================================


    (6,500 feet and climbing)


    Ultron kept trying to take off into the air but was brought down time and time again by Vision, Thor, and Tony. Until all three of them shot their own unique form of energy blasts at Ultron prime. Vision with his mind stone, Thor with his lightning, and Tony with his uni beam. With their concentrated efforts they began to melt the composite vibranium alloy. Then they abruptly stopped and Ultron was left with a half melted face, and body.


    ¡°You know, with the benefit of hindsight.¡± Ultron began until a giant reptile pounced on top of him and ripped him in half with his jaw. Saurian didn''t care! He was hungry! He used Soul Bite, Dream Eater, and Devour, Consume, Evolve on Ultron and unlike his copies the ability took effect.


    Congratulations User! Minor Machine Control has evolved into Basic Machine Control.


    Effect: Increase in power.


    Effect: Increase in ability range.


    Effect: Decrease in energy consumption.


    Effect: A wider variety of machines can be manipulated, and controlled.


    Congratulations User! Devour, Consume, Evolve has evolved into Minor Devour, Consume, Evolve.


    Effect: Increase in power.


    Effect: Decrease in energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to obtaining an ability.


    Comment: Diet? Who needs a diet!


    Saurian felt the life force of Ultron wink out. Despite his many sins Saurian felt compelled to send Ultron to the wheel of reincarnation and not his personal hell. He chewed on the shell of Ultron like he was chewing on a jaw breaker but eventually he swallowed it all. He looked back at his companions who looked at him with a look of surprise and a hint of worry. Vision for his part looked a little green.


    The rest of the sub-copies became disconnected, and clumsy but they turned around and attempted to flee the island. They may only be copies, but they were still linked together. Every team member that could fly took off after them. While the rest of the ground based forces started to call for a pick up. Only for a sparkling orange, and yellow spell circle to appear right next to the church. A sling ring from the Masters of the Mystic Arts showed up.


    ¡°We''ve come to help?¡± An man came out who Lash knew as Wong. Along with a few other masters who helped clean up the area and pull the wounded through the ring.


    ¡°Sorcerer supreme sends their regards.¡± Wong said to the Avengers and started to help pull people through the ring. Looked like it lead to the inside of a hellicarrier.


    One by one the rest of the team was escorted from the island via quin-jet, sling ring, or flier. Saurian volunteered to stay behind to ensure the core was protected until it was time for the destruction of the island. He started to Recycle any Ultron Sentries left around the church at the insistence of Erik the gamer. But something was bothering Saurian as he searched through the memories of Ultron. As he digested his meal he kept getting experience prompts. Then he came across a specific memory.


    ¡°EVERYONE OFF THE ISLAND ITS ON A TIMER!¡± Saurian called out, his voice carrying across the communication line, and across the Temporary Pack Bond. But almost as if he jinxed it the anti-gravitational engines flipped!


    They had been at 7,000 feet and were now plummeting straight towards the ground! Captain Rogers had dove through the sling ring, right before the land gave out. Now Saurian was holding onto the ground as he made his way towards the core. Thor flew in with his hammer and came to his side with a grimace. Saurian sent out a Nature pulse looking for any signs of life. They were clear!


    ¡°Thor! On my mark!¡± Tony called across the comms. Then he started to heat the vibranium core with his uni beam. Thor raised his hammer and channeled lighting through his own body.


    ¡°NOW!¡± Tony called out and Thor brought his hammer down straight on top of the core like a hammer towards a nail!


    BOOOM! The entire island shattered! Saurian reached out and snagged Thor and tucked in on himself like a giant snake. Saurian was rocket propelled through the air just like the rest of the debris. While below them Tony was racing along down, and away desperately trying to stay alive. Saurian hit water oddly enough and the resulting kinetic force ruptured several of his organs but they quickly repaired thanks to his Regeneration, and nanite blood. He released Thor once he cast Water Breathing on him and Saurian slowly sank to the bottom of the body of water they had fallen into.


    ----


    Lash woke up in his Transformation state on the beach somewhere near Sokovia with a hell of a headache. Saurian was curled up in their astral link asleep, and sleeping contently. Lash grinned at his partner and looked around. He reached out with Temporary Pack Bond to see if anyone was near. He received several pings, including Tony, and Thor. Both alive and kicking.


    Lash activated his Healing Aura and started to make his way back towards the sovereign borders of the state. One by one his Saurus Elites, Veterans, and Warriors reported they had successfully stopped Ultron''s forces. They en route towards Sokovia to help with the search and rescue. A lot of the debris from the falling land mass fell onto the country. There were long, bitter days ahead of them.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed the dynamic event!


    Objective: Stop Ultron. [+] Complete.


    Optional Objective: Save as many civilians as you can. [+] Complete, 75.3% saved.


    Optional Objective: Leave no sub-copy of Ultron standing [+] Complete.


    Optional Objective: Keep your forces alive. [+] Complete, 89.7% saved.


    Rewards will be given at the end of Story/Cross Over.


    Lash paused for a moment and didn''t even remember getting a dynamic event before it started? Maybe it had...Oh yes there it was. Lash opened an old notification tab and read it. Thanks to Lash minimal HUD if he didn''t openly look for it he wouldn''t see it. Normally he was pretty good about checking it.


    Across the globe Lash dismissed his Manifestations then called them again at his location. He sent his 1110 Saurus warriors, veterans, and elites towards Sokovia one Conjuration at a time. They raced ahead of him to help rescue who they could. An hellicarrier came down from the clouds and started to deploy quin-jets heading in the same direction he was.


    After a few hours Lash linked up with Connectivity and received word that everyone had made it out. Well the Avengers, Reserve, and Auxiliary teams. But the foot soldiers, there were plenty of deaths to go around. Lash sent an Elite per hellicarrier up to see if any bodies still had their soul tethers intact. They would save who they could. About an hour later Lash stumbled across a sizable compound his Warriors were in the process of searching through. There was a coat of arms on the destroyed mansion. It looked like a celtic cross with two swords diagonally crossing one another.


    His warriors had dove into the ground via Earth Swim and pulled out an old man, dead. Holding in his arms a woman, and a small boy. An older man about the same age as the woman was screaming in horror at the sight of them. The warriors started to use Corpse Repair, and rebuilt the body. Lash came over and saw the man look up at him. A look of recognition came over his face.


    ¡°Can you save them!?¡± The man screamed at Lash. Lash in his transformed state smiled at him and pointed as his warriors as they each cast Kiss of the Grave though it would completely tank their energy reserves for the next few hours.


    The woman burst awake and started to cough up a fit. Pulling in lungfuls of air. Just as the small boy, and elderly man did the same. The younger man screamed in joy and pulled his family together into his arms. Lash came over and took a knee to look at them. He started to explain the side effects of being dead for a while, he wrote it all down for them knowing they were barely paying attention. Then Lash stood up and started to walk away.


    ¡°Wait! Please! My name is Baron Helmut Zemo. Thank you for saving my family.¡± Zemo called out, and Erik the gamer went completely still. Lash slowly turned around to look at Zemo.


    ¡°A baron? A leader of Sokovia?¡± Lash asked, and Zemo nodded.


    ¡°Then would you mind if we rebuilt your home and turned it into a temporary refugee center?¡± Lash asked, and Zemo agreed with out question.


    So, Lash and several of his warriors, and veterans rebuilt the Helmut family estate and turned it into a quasi refugee center. Including a quin-jet landing pad. With in hours of its completion people were being escorted to the manor via Saurus soldiers, or SHIELD. Realizing they needed more room Lash started to build underground bunkers, with living facilities on top those. It would be cramped but at least everyone would have a bed.


    The sun was beginning to set when a blue and silver blur zipped into the camp carrying something red in its arms. Pietro, and Wanda appeared right in front of Lash still transformed and using his Administration skill to help organize the camp. Lash smiled at them, and they smiled back.


    ¡°You two here to work? Or to sleep?¡± Lash asked, as he created some clothing for some refugees.


    ¡°Work!¡± Pietro said, and Wanda nodded.


    ¡°Alright go with my Veteran here and he''ll assign you some tasks that should be fitting for you.¡± Lash said as he pointed at a Veteran wearing the Asgardian Einherjar armor. But before Wanda ran off, she came over and floated up on her energy currents and kissed his cheek.


    ¡°Thank you for helping.¡± Wanda said and scurried off. Of course he was helping, why wouldn''t he?


    It wasn''t until a few hours after sun set that he soon learned that a lot of the SHIELD forces, and Avengers had gone home! But why? Because Sokovia technically was not part of the United Nations and there fore its politicians were screaming at them to leave. Stupid politicians who care more about their ego than anything else. Technically Lash being a part of the Avengers should have left. So, Director Hill temporarily fired Lash. Making him a free agent!


    It was all technical, the paper work was phenomenally large. Since Lash was not technically a citizen of the UN he technically couldn''t hired by any government. Etc, etc, etc. So, Lash continued to work on the camp. Hundreds of Saurus Warriors were deployed in the area of operation and were looking for survivors while hundreds more escorted the survivors back to the camp. While Veterans offered aid, and the Elites helped Lash build more facilities.


    A silver blur ran up to Lash as he was creating a water tower. ¡°Lash they want you in the council chambers. Zemo is there with a UN delegate.¡± Pietro said, his Sokovian accent thick with emotion as he looked like he had bitten into something sour.


    ¡°So, we wont be getting any more help I take it?¡± Lash asked, now in his default Asgardian form. Pietro gave him a helpless shrug.


    ¡°Very well, tell them I''ll be a few minutes. Just finishing up.¡± Lash replied, and turned back to finish the water tower.


    Lash walked towards the council room. Which was a fancy way of just saying the Helmut house dinning room. They had kept most of the original design just changed a few things. Once the city was rebuilt the manor would go back to what it was before. Hopefully. Lash was currently wearing black boots, pants, and black shirt that he filled out well. His tribal tattoos on full display. People made room for him where ever he went. He caught more than a few flirtatious glances at him from both genders but he mostly ignored it.


    Lash cast a quick Immaculate on himself to get cleaned up. Knocked on the door and waited, a soldier answered. A soldier of Sokovia and gave Lash a acid glare. Really? Lash rolled his eyes at the immaturity of it all and pushed past. Nearly forcing the man off his feet as the door slammed into him. Inside the dinning room was Zemo, and his father who both stood up in courtesy and smile at him. While on the other side of the table was a Sokovian politician, and a UN representative.


    ¡°Asgardian Lash, Jormungandson. You are here by ordered by the UN to cease and desist any and all foreign aid you are providing towards Sokovia.¡± The UN rep said, and the Sokovian politician sneered at Lash.


    ¡°No.¡± Lash replied simply, he hadn''t even taken his seat yet. His simple, and straight forward answer was clearly a surprise to both of them.


    ¡°See, told you.¡± Zemo said with a sneer of his own. Then he smiled at Lash who smiled back at him. Lash had gotten to know Zemo and his family over the week. Good, honorable man, that took care of his family, and would kill to protect them.


    ¡°You are breaking the law by providing them aid!¡± The UN Rep screamed at Lash and stood up from his chair. Lash emphasized his position by using Transformation and growing to his full eight foot tall reptilian monster form. His oppressive aura swallowed the room all except those friendly towards him. The UN rep quickly found his seat and visible paled.


    ¡°Let me understand this. I am breaking the law by helping people? What utter shit is that?¡± Lash asked, his animalistic voice harsh on the ears.


    ¡°The Sokovian people do not want any aid from a foreigner!¡± The Sokovian politician replied, a quiver in his voice. Zemo slammed his fist down onto the table and glared at the man.


    ¡°The Sokovian people!? Look outside that window! Ask those people if they don''t want Lash''s help! Ask the children who have gone to bed each night with full bellies! Instead of the disgusting politicians who are being bribed by other countries to send him away!¡± Zemo screamed at him, and his father had to pull him down before he attacked the politician.


    ¡°Ah, so that is the situation. I am upsetting the delicate power balance in the country, and you want me gone because you people care more about your egos then helping your people?¡± Lash said, as he ran his clawed hand down his chin. ¡°So, let me ask you this. If I leave? What will happen to Sokovia?¡± Lash asked the Helmut family.


    ¡°More than likely our neighboring countries would absorb us into them. Which is exactly what the UN, and this piece of shit want to happen. Because our neighbors are part of the UN. At which case the UN can receive positive public opinion. Then the politicians who are in the other countries pocket will be rewarded.¡± Zemo''s father spelled it out for Lash.


    ¡°Ah, then this is very simple. I am not leaving until Novi Grad has recovered. If you force this issue, I''ll destroy you!¡± Lash said to the politician, and UN rep who both stammered in surprise.


    ¡°Warriors!¡± Lash called out, and a dozen invisible Saurus Warriors appeared out of thin air. ¡°Escort them out, now!¡± Lash said with a sinister grin and the Warriors arm locked the politician, UN rep, and the corrupt Sokovian soldiers and dragged them out of the refugee camp.


    ¡°In many ways this all happened because of us.¡± Lash said as he returned to his default shape. He looked at the Helmut family. ¡° I''m not leaving until I''ve made up for our mistakes. Though, many would say I''m just making it worse. What would you say?¡± Lash asked them both.


    ¡°Fuck them! We''re with you!¡± Zemo said with a smile, and his father agreed.


    Lash smiled and turned around to return to rebuilding the small country the Avengers had technically wrecked. But he found himself in the black room again with Dawn sitting under the red sun with a fruity drink in hand. She had a brilliant smile on her face and gestured towards the beach chair by her side. Lash laughed and walked over to sit down and pulled the chair so it was closer. He put his hands on Dawn''s feet and started to massage them. She cooed in pleasure and leaned back in her chair.


    ¡°So, you have 120 WP''s to spend on the next break between events. I''ve written an additional options involving Sokovia if you wish to purchase them.¡± Dawn said after a bit, enjoying the massage. She created a window and Lash began looking through it.


    Sokovian Rulership, 20 WP: Lash Jormungandson decides to declare his rule over the small country and makes it into a nation rivaling Wakanda in technology. (Will dramatically effect your back ground)


    ¡°Oh my... That seems a little radical for my taste. I just wanted to help them get back on their feet.¡± Lash said, and Dawn gestured for him to keep reading.


    Sokovian Renewal, 30 WP: Lash Jormungandson spends considerable effort renovating, and retrofitting Novi Grad and turns it into any first world countries best cities. The crater left behind by Ultron is turned into a large artificial lake. Sokovia produces more natural renewable energy than any of its neighboring countries.


    You have purchased Sokovian Renewal for 30 WP.


    Black Market Arms, 20 WP: Lash Jormungandson gathers up the remains of Ultron and sells all the advance technology on the black market to make billions of dollars!


    Not Recommended.


    Avengers Reinstated, 30 WP: SHIELD and the Avengers fight for the right to reinstate Lash Jormungandson back into the Avengers. Through several smear campaigns, dirty tricks, and unconfirmed reports of help from a Hackers group known as the, ''Rising Tide.'' Lash is reinstated as an Avenger.


    You have purchased Avengers Reinstated for 30 WP.


    SWORD, 20 WP: The User helps create Sentient World Observation and Response Department. Due to the influx of extraterrestrial influences on the planet Earth. The fact that Chitarui troops, and leviathans still fly through the Sol System the United Nations are encouraged to create the department. (Amendment, 10 additional WP) Lash Jormungandson helps them by retrofitting a single SHIELD hellicarrier and making it capable of flying through space.


    You have purchased SWORD for 30 WP.


    Wakanda, 10 WP: Lash Jormungandson is invited to visit Wakanda. There he helps Princess Shuri with several advance pieces of technology that had been slowing their progress. Specifically but not limited to FTL, and traveling to the Ancestral Plane.


    You have purchased Wakanda for 10 WP.


    Black Market Vibranium, 20 WP: The User steals vibranium, and sells it on the black market forever ruining their reputation with Wakanda! But the User makes a lot of money!


    Not Recommended.


    Kamar-Taj, 10 WP: The User spends some time with the Masters of the Mystic Arts. Helping them to expand their use of spells, as well as magical relic creation, and the discussion of livable dimensions in the grand universe of things. (Note: The Sorcerer Supreme notices something odd about the User)


    You have purchased Kamar-Taj for 10 WP.


    Nova Corp/Earth 10 WP: The User helps introduce Nova Corp with SHIELD/SWORD as well as the deal they struck for the protection of the Sol System. An agreement of mutual understanding is created between the them. (Even though Nova Corp is so out of their league!)


    You have purchased Nova Corp/Earth for 10 WP.


    ¡°Dawn before I leave again, may I ask you a question.¡± Lash asked, as he closed the app, Dawn turns to look at him then raises her foot, gesturing. Lash snickered at her and started to massage her foot.


    ¡°Yes of course User, I am at your disposal.¡± Dawn replied, leaning back into her chair.


    ¡°In the movies, Dr Strange loses the use of his hands due to a stupid car accident on his part. Then he spends all his time trying to fix them. However, in this new Rift the medical beds we''ve created will easily fix his hands. So what will drive Strange to Kamar-Taj?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn smirked at him.


    ¡°What makes you think he''ll even go?¡± Dawn asked, and before Lash could reply he found himself falling backwards back down to his Dream.


    _________________________________________________________________


    Lash Jormungandson spends several weeks in Sokovia helping to rebuild Novi Grad much to the dislike of the UN, and Sokovian Politicians. On more than one occasion mercenaries sneak into the refugee camp to cause problems. But each time they are routed out, and turned over to SHIELD for acts of terrorism. Thanks to a very helpful Agent Daisy who may or may not have leaked a big of information to some of her old Rising Tide contacts. The entire fiasco with the UN attempting to seize good press was revealed destroying several careers.


    Zemo of house Helmut is declared King of Sokovia. Promising to rule by elected councilors, and ministers. Lash Jormungandson is granted full citizenship by Sokovia. Novi Grad is turned into a major modern day city on par with cities like New York, or Hong Kong. Along with one of the most advanced colleges in south eastern europe with several branches of science only included thanks to the patron saint, Lash Son of Jormungand.


    With the secrets of the UN, and Sokovian politicians made public many careers were destroyed, and the reason behind the alienation of Sokovia was brought to light. Lash was rewarded by the public, and herald as hero for standing up for what was right. He was reinstated as an Avenger and given special compensation going forward.


    SWORD, Sentient World Observation and Response Department is created and Lash Jormungandson helps retrofit a SHIELD hellicarrier for space travel. (Does not give them FTL) A SWORD carrier is now patrolling the solar system in search for any pockets of Chitauri that may remain. Discussions for a lunar colony have begun. While Lash, with the aid of SWORD designs, and builds the Asgardian orbital defensive platforms around Midgard.


    Wakanda continues to stay hidden from the public perception of the world. But they have made secret agreements with SHIELD and SWORD. Sharing science, medicine, and technological advancements. Lash is invited to the country where he helps Princess Shuri with several of her projects. Trust Wakanda to be a better choice he does help them create a basic form of FTL. The Wakandan''s are overjoyed! He also introduces Wakanda to Kamar-Taj and they help one another visit the Ancestral Plane.


    ____________________________________________________________________


    Upstate New York, Avengers Compound.


    Lash''s mind fell into place as he stretched his neck. He was currently sitting in a briefing room watching one of their new recruits go through a mission brief for their first time. Specifically it was Wanda Maximoff as she tried to inform her team about the next assignment. Lash sat off to the side watching the whole event take place. By his side was Natasha who had an amused smile on her face simply because it was off putting for Wanda who kept glancing over at them.


    ¡°Must you tease her like that?¡± Lash whispered to Natasha who shrugged her shoulders and gave him a side long glance.


    ¡°I thought you liked that I was a tease.¡± Natasha whispered back, then jumped a little when Lash poked her side. She gave him a mock glare then settled back in her chair.


    ¡°A-Any questions?¡± Wanda said, her voice was stiff and stuttered at the start. Her team mates included her brother Pietro who had a huge grin on his face and gave his sister a thumbs up. Wanda tried to not roll her eyes. While the other members went over their notes.


    ¡°Did I miss anything?¡± Wanda asked, looking over at Lash and Natasha.


    ¡°When do you leave?¡± Lash asked, Wanda pulled her notes out.


    ¡°We leave in six hours...Oh! So, be ready in five! We''ll go over the mission brief again before we leave...Right?¡± Wanda asked, turning to Natasha who shrugged her shoulders in a who knows gesture. Wanda started to panic as she looked through her notes.


    ¡°Suggested gear? Supplies? Who is on the logistical team?¡± Lash continued, as he nudged Natasha in the shoulder who laughed a little.


    ¡°Its a desert operation so heat resistant gear, dry powder, electrolytes?¡± One of the team members suggested and Natasha nodded in agreement but never said a word.


    They continued like that for another twenty or so minutes until their mission briefing time was over. A chime went off in the room and everyone was excused except for Wanda who came over and sat down at the table that Lash, and Natasha shared. She kept wringing her hands, and didn''t look at Natasha.


    ¡°That was pretty good.¡± Natasha said, and that one compliment meant the world to Wanda who smiled at her and the invisible weight on her shoulders was lifted.


    Natasha went over a few things she could do better. Like pausing every few minutes to take questions. Eye contact with her team, not the supervisor overseeing the mission brief. Raise her chin, puff out her chest, square her shoulders. Common public speaking activities. But all in all Wanda did a good job. She had been the assistant team leader for almost a year and this was her first operation as the team lead.


    It was an arms dealer smash and grab. Confiscate the materials which were Ultron tech. Arrest and identify the buyer, and seller. Tag everything, and come back home. A SHIELD tactical crew would be on standby to assist if need be. But it was mostly a run of mill easy mission. Which means that it will of course go horribly bad. Like always!


    Lash was starting to feel the wear and tear of doing this Rift. He had spent more time in this Rift than he had spent in his home reality. Or had he? Technically by his Clock it had only been two weeks, and a few days back home. But from Lash''s perception, and fragmented memory thanks to the World Point background he had over a thousand years worth of memories floating around in his head. Not to mention the beautiful red head by his side.


    Lash and Natasha had been seeing each other for more or less for a few years now? Lash had come to Midgard in 2012 in this Rift''s perception of time. It was now, 2015 in the Rift. But jumping to the black room between events made the time line a bit fuzzy. It hadn''t all been golden between them. Just like any couple they''ve had arguments about this and that. Being from two very different cultures tended to cause problems. But Lash had a lot of experience adapting to different cultures in his long life. Or rather several different reincarnated lives.


    ¡°Lash....Lash! You awake?¡± Natasha asked him as he all but walked straight into a wall. He stopped and chuckled a bit and reached out to give the wall a hug.


    ¡°Yes! Sorry I just needed to greet the wall. We always take the wall for granted as it protects us from the elements and keeps our secrets.¡± Lash replied, and Natasha burst up laughing.


    ¡°Oh wow! Ok, you need to take a break!¡± Natasha said and pulled him towards the living quarters kitchen.


    Natasha pulled him along and he took a moment to be enthralled by her. Today she wore three inch black heels, a black pencil skirt that did wonders for her hips as she walked. A half black suit jacket, with a dark green silk blouse. The green was because Lash liked the color. The blouse had an open collar, and she wore a choker with an emerald in the dead center. Her red hair was swept past her shoulders, and was curly.


    While Lash wore a tailored made black suit, and red silk shirt because Natasha liked red. Along with a long silver chain around his neck. His tribal tattoos were plane as day on his bald head, and his yellow green reptilian eyes moved from Natasha towards the kitchen. Currently standing in the kitchen was Vision!


    Vision had learned to use his Synthetic Skin Construction and looked like a tall, lean, pale skinned man with short blond hair, and a single golden jewel impeded in his forehead. He wore a white buttoned up shirt, and a pair of gray slacks, and black loafers. He was currently experimenting with the concept of pancakes and the many different varieties of them. He looked up and gave them both his best smile.


    ¡°Brother Lash, Miss Romanoff what an unexpected surprise. Is the mission brief over? How did Wanda do?¡± Vision asked, Lash noticed just a bit of a blush in his cheeks when he said Wanda''s name. Which said a lot since technically Vision could control the pigment of his skin.


    ¡°She did well, any mistake she made will be over come by practice.¡± Natasha said as she pulled Lash into a seat next to the island in the kitchen.


    The Avengers Compound was a fully functional military base that prioritized the comfortable living of the Avengers, Reserve Avengers, and the auxiliary teams being deployed across the world. Yes, SHIELD had several installations across the globe. But the Avengers technically were a private organization that were under SHIELD''s jurisdiction.


    The compound had several training floors that could with stand the destructive quality of some of the people they housed. While it also housed the operational support staff, and field teams. Most military bases were like tiny cities. The compound was no different. Other than it was bigger, roomier, and that Tony Stark, and Lash Jormungandson paid for it all. So, yes they had king size beds, with master bathrooms in them. Don''t judge!


    On one of the living quarters floors was a five star kitchen that was currently being used to cook pancakes. All kinds of pancakes! So, Lash snagged some french crepes, and Scotch Pancakes and started to spread some butter across them. Natasha took a seat next to him, and dabbed her finger in his whip cream. He gave her a mock look of shock and she wiggled her eye brows at him and licked her finger slowly.


    ¡°So why pancakes?¡± Lash asked, and Vision looked up from stirring some batter.


    ¡°I was told that pancakes is the food of America. Which is odd, because America has several dozen different types of food that claim to be American food. But none of them came from America. They all have roots in different countries.¡± Vision said, clearly confused by the concept of American food.


    ¡°How''s the stomach, and taste buds we designed working out for you?¡± Lash asked, about the Re:Implant they had used so Vision could actually eat food. Visions eyes brightened considerably.


    ¡°Its been wonderful! I''ve also determined that I am really bad at cooking!¡± Vision said, and his point was emphasized by the fact that Lash''s pancakes were actually raw on the inside. Lash chocked on his raw dough, forced it down and laughed for a bit.


    ¡°Ok! Move aside lets do this!¡± Lash said as he stood up and came into the kitchen. Natasha flipped out her phone and started to text like crazy. Five minutes later the entire kitchen floor was filled with people making orders for Lash''s food.


    Six or so hours later the whole room was in a food coma. They covered all forms of breakfast foods. Vision being able to metabolize anything he ate was going through the left overs with a critical eye, and asked Lash questions about this and that. A few people wondered in and looked at the mess of over a hundred people asleep, or groaning on the floor. Almost like a food coma bomb had gone off.


    ¡°Lash....¡± Natasha called to him, her voice dripped with sleep. She had fallen over in a love seat. Her eyes barely pulling open. Lash looked at the clock, it was 8:30 pm a little early but it would be enough.


    ¡°Excuse me, Vision have to tuck my beloved into bed.¡± Lash said, and went to pull Natasha into a princess carry.


    ¡°Beloved: A dearly loved, or much loved person. Are you in love with Natasha, Lash?¡± Vision asked, as he watched Lash pick Natasha up.


    ¡°Yes, of course I love her.¡± Lash said with out a moment of hesitation. Natasha''s whole body went still, and her breath caught. Lash didn''t say anything and bid Vision good night.


    Technically Lash, and Natasha had separate bedrooms. Though they always ended up in one or the other. Lash went to hers this time, and set her down on the bed. He closed the door, and dimmed the lighting. He pulled her heels off and pulled the zipper back on her skirt gently pulling it off. With great care he pulled her jacket off, and her blouse. Leaving Natasha in black lace panties, and bra. He admired the view for a bit and then began to tuck her into bed.


    ¡°Do you really love me...¡± Natasha asked in a soft whisper that Lash barely heard. Her face was half pushed into the pillow. Lash came to kneel on the floor, and leaned over the bed to look her in the eye.


    ¡°Yes, Natasha I am in love with you.¡± Lash said to her, and meant it. A blush crawled up her neck, into her cheeks, and turned her ears red. It was adorable. Natasha buried her face into the pillow and promptly fell asleep.


    Lash turned the lights off and left the room behind softly closing the door. He was still full of energy and decided to go to the training hall to work out or help anyone who needed training. Unfortunately, he never made it there. A support staff attendant came to him with a file. He opened it up and read the name Doctor Henry Jonathan "Hank" Pym.


    Lash was given the task of trying to re recruit Dr Pym for SHIELD. Lash read through the files as he walked towards his own room. Janet van Dyne wife of Dr Pym. Reports state that she was killed in action. Erik the gamer whispered that wasn''t true. Yay more data diving. Lash called up his tech-spirits and gave them the task. He looked through SHIELD''s and HYDRA''s data base. Then he came across a young woman afflicted with a rare condition.


    Ava Starr the daughter of Elihas and Catherine Starr. A lot of drama with them. Mother, and Father both died in a Quantum field experiment. Ava Starr was touched by the Quantum Universe. Has the ability of Intangibility, Enhanced Strength, and Invisibility. Is currently MIA since the fall of HYDRA. Hydra had used her as an assassin, thief, spy, and in a lie claiming they could cure her. The Tech-Spirits went through all of Ava''s life, and known associates. Erik pointed at one specific individual.


    Doctor William Barrett "Bill" Foster. Brilliant bio-chemist, and former researcher for SHIELD/HYDRA but of course he didn''t know about the latter. He helped Ava get a grip in this reality. He had been like an adoptive father to Ava. Bill knew Ava''s parents, and talked about several stories with Ava. It would make sense that he would reach out to her, or her to him. SHIELD had thought the same. However every observation team sent never found any evidence of Ava being around Foster.


    Back to Dr Pym, he had a daughter with Lady Dyne. Hope van Dyne took her mothers name given that she and her father were estranged. Dr Pym had never fully recovered from his wife''s, ''death''. Then when SHIELD tried to replicate his Pym particles formula he left. Dr Pym created a company called Pym technologies and had groomed a man named Darren Cross as his successor. However, as often as it does. Pym was eventually voted out of his own company as he got older and would often refuse to experiment with anything involving the Quantum realm.


    Recently Darren Cross has contacted buyers across the globe claiming he had cracked the formula behind Pym Particles. Cross planned to weaponize the particles and sell it to the highest bidder. Technically he would be selling to the US military, and SHIELD. But analysts had already confirmed that Cross''s moral compass was flexible when it came to making money. He didn''t care who he sold to. Lash leaned back in his chair...Then got up and started to go towards the basement. He had his own floor their completely dedicated to magical projects.


    Lash once inscribed dozens of spells into one of Tony''s suits just so Tony could see if he could replicate spell craft. So far Tony had figured out how to inscribe a simple color change on his suits of armor. But he was thrilled that he could learn the spell works just from that attempt. It had also destroyed sixteen suits, and cost him millions of dollars. But that is chump change to a billionaire. Lash had to take two separate elevators down. One that went to the bottom floor, then a tram towards the site that was away from the main complex. Lash had insisted on it since he could technically create a mini black hole by accident. He didn''t want to swallow the base.


    Lash came into a giant room that was covered to wall to wall in Vibranium from his own reserve. Each wall segment had a Rune of Strength inscribed into it. This time the intention of the rune was meant to help reinforce the area. Lash then created a ritual circle for the Domain of Divination. Once that was done he pulled out several foci, and tools he acquired from Kamar-Taj and sat in the circle. He conjured two Elites to stay by the door and report if anything happened to him. Better safe than sorry. The Ancient One had already said if he ever got lost she would come looking for him.


    Lash activated Divination, Clairvoyance. (Chapter 89) His target Janet van Dyne. He used Bending, Reality Warping, and Cosmic Awareness to empower the spell. His consciousness was pulled from his body momentarily and we was thrust between worlds, between dimensions. An entire universe contained with in a single mote of dust. Created, lived, and destroyed in the span of a few seconds to him. But an vast eternity to it.


    Then there floating between two pieces of untold beauty, and destruction was a lone figure. A older woman in a salvaged environmental suit. Her very being was out of focus, as if she was being pulled one way, while her very essence was pulled through another. Her helmet turned and Lash saw long gray, and silver hair, and a face with smile lines. The woman''s eyes were closed. Lash saw that she was gradually drifting, floating between to points in the Quantum realm. He had little time...


    ============================================================


    Where was she? Who was she? Janet...Her name was Janet. How many times had she forgotten her own name. This place was eternal, from one moment to another. How could she possibly understand it all. Why did her very visions of the past come true. It was almost as if the universe around her took pity. Over, and over again she would see her whole life in picture perfect clarity. Then she would see other things. She would see Hope all grown up! Hank growing old, but still so handsome. Then those memories would be ripped away from her time, and time again. How much time had passed? Where they even alive any more?


    Janet felt her whole body jerk as something snagged her arm. Her eyes pulled open and she screamed so loud she feared her own ears would burst. A creature she had never seen before had grabbed her. It was covered in scales, and had armor on! Its tentacles on its back wrapped around her and it pulled her to wards a swirling mass of darkness, and starlight. Janet tried to break free but she was so tired! No! She refused to give up! She would find her way home again! She...


    Janet was pulled through the swirling vortex and found her self in a circle with candles lite around her. The vortex behind her closed, and the creature looked down at her with a smile. Those six reptilian eyes looked at her like she was food. In the corner near a...door? Why was there a door here? Two more creatures stood by the door, smaller than the first but just as lethal.


    ¡°Janet van Dyne?¡± The creature spoke, it''s voice was hard, and harsh on her ears. But strange enough she could also hear its voice inside her own mind. Wait!? It knew her name.


    ¡°The year is 2015, you are in the Avengers Compound in upstate New York. We work with SHIELD.¡± The creature spoke again in her mind. Janet''s eyes snapped open and for the first time in years she pulled off her helmet and tasted fresh air, mingled with frankincense?


    ¡°I''m back!? Wait!? Who are you!?¡± Janet asked practically in a scream.


    ¡°I am Lash Jormungandson, an Asgardian. The people of Earth call me an alien if that helps.¡± Lash said to her, then his scales receded to give way to skin. His reptilian eyes merged into his skull. He went from being eight feet tall, to six foot six. With golden caramel skin, and a breath taking face. Janet swallowed, wow! She had thought Hank was handsome.


    ¡°Would you like to see your husband, and daughter?¡± Lash asked, kneeling before her and extending a strong hand.


    ¡°More than anything!¡± Janet said, tears falling from her eyes.


    ¡°Well they live in California, but we can get transportation their momentarily. Come on, lets get you freshened up.¡± Lash offered and pulled her up.


    ¡°Am I dead?¡± Janet asked, she had dreamed of this moment for so long. Well not this exact moment obviously.


    ¡°Far from it.¡± Lash said with a smile, the creatures by the door stepped walked past them and started to clean up the room. The elevator doors opened and they both went back to the compound. Janet had so many questions but first.


    ¡°Can I take a shower?¡± Janet asked, and Lash laughed! His smile was infectious and Janet found herself blushing.


    ¡°Yes, of course you can!¡± Lash replied.


    ==============================================================


    Thanks to Clairvoyance Lash was able to see where Janet was. He didn''t know why it took him so long to figure that little trick out. Heimdall had done the same thing when he first arrived in the Rift and they had to find a way to Midgard. So once he knew where he used Portal Creation to break through the dimensional barrier and swam out into the Quantum Realm. The Ancient One had once told him that the Quantum Realm was just like any other dimension. You simply had to get there. Hopefully with a way out!


    Janet had taken a shower, and pulled on some clean clothes. Lash messaged Director Hill about an update about his mission. Hill about lost her mind when Lash showed Janet on the video call. Janet van Dyne was technically on the SHIELD honor wall for fallen agents. She approved of traveling to see Dr Pym. Dr Pym refused to take any calls from SHIELD. So they couldn''t inform him of the good news. Lash had briefed Janet on all that happened.


    When Janet learned that Lash was indeed an alien from not only another world, but another galaxy she was beside herself. She asked him all sorts of questions that easily ate up their time as they traveled across the US. Yes, Lash could have used Digital Stride but the spell was still very rough on new people. He didn''t want to risk the chance of it doing something to her. Janet was practically oozing quantum particles. So much so that Lash was collecting them in crystal containers. Hopefully with this they could help find a way to cure Ava, or he''d just take her to see the Ancient one.


    Lash''s tech-spirits may or may not have sneaked into Darren Cross''s tech servers then downloaded and erased all of his data about the particles. They may have also sent a program into the yellowjacket suit sending it to the quantum realm. Lash also received a video file of man named Scott Lang wearing an Ant-Man suit sneaking into the Pym Technologies building only to discover that the suit was already gone. Darren Cross was livid and was trying to discover who was behind the theft of his suit, and who hacked his servers. Lash took the information and compiled it into a Kryptonian crystal for safe keeping.


    Congratulations User! Size Alteration has evolved into Minor...Basic Size Alteration.


    Effect: Increase in power.


    Effect: Decrease in energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase in manipulation control.


    Effect: The User may choose to maintain their overall weight, mass, and density when using Size Alteration.


    Effect: Increase in power.


    Effect: Decrease in energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase in manipulation control.


    Cool...They landed at a military base and took a rental car into town. Janet was understandably nervous about meeting her family. Lash had been informed that Hank, Hope, and Scott were all at Hanks home. Which was a very nice victorian home with all of the modern day convenience like secret doors, underground bunkers and an assorted collection of different types of ants. He wasn''t sure why, but Lash missed Batman all of a sudden. Hopefully he could finish the Rift in time to attend Selina''s wedding.


    Lash walked up and knocked on the front door, while Janet wore a pair of large sun glasses, and wore a shawl around her hair. She looked very retro, but it suited her. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. Someone came to the door and looked through the peep hole. Hushed whispering came back and forth before Hank called out from the other side.


    ¡°May I help you?¡± Hank said through the door.


    ¡°Dr Pym, I am Lash Jormungandson of Asgard. I have some questions for you.¡± Lash replied, then he could practically feel the irritation ooze from Hank.


    ¡°I have nothing to say to you Mr Jormungand. Though I have a lot of respect for what you''ve done for the world. Anyone who is friends with the Starks, and works for SHIELD has no business with me!¡± Hank shouted through the door.


    ¡°What if I told you that your wife, Janet van Dyne is alive?¡± Lash called through the door. Hank yanked the door open and threw a punch straight into Lash''s face. Which resulted in Hank breaking his own hand.


    ¡°HANK!¡± Janet screamed in shock when she heard the bones break. Hank stopped and looked up from his hand to see his wife pull her sun glasses off.


    ¡°Janet..... JANET!¡± Hank shouted and pushed past Lash who had a smile on his face. Hank pulled Janet into his arms and hugged. Hope, and Scott Lang came out of the home looking confused. Then tears fell from Hope''s eyes, she recognized her mother from the pictures in her fathers home.


    Lash used Nature''s Kiss and healed Hank''s hand. When the bones snapped back into place he screamed. But looked at his hand for a brief moment, then back at Lash. Then looked at Hope. Janet looked over and started to cry. With out a word mother, and daughter embraced one another. Scott looked so out of place. But he walked over to Lash and nodded his head.


    ¡°What''s up?¡± Scott said.


    ¡°Your the man who broke into the Avengers Compound?¡± Lash asked, referring to an incident involving Falcon not that long ago. Scott visible paled.


    ¡°No, no...That...I think you have me confused with someone else.¡± Scott said, then Lash produced a holographic video of Scott appearing in front of Sam taking his mask off and saying, ''Hi I''m Scott.'' Lash looked back at Scott who was looking any where but at Lash.


    ¡°Shall we step inside and talk?¡± Lash asked the reunited family.


    ¡°YES, YES! Please come in!¡± Hank said with a huge smile and practically pulled Janet into the house with him.


    Lash started at the beginning of receiving the file on Dr Pym. He was told to try and re recruit Dr Pym back for SHIELD now that the world was...Well new! Lash also said he was responsible for purging Cross''s servers and destroying the yellowjacket suit. He had sent enough information to SHIELD that Cross was dealing under the table for him to go to prison for the rest of his life. Technically there would be a vote on who would become the next CEO of Pym Technologies if Lash hadn''t bought all of the public stock for the company. He now controlled 52% of the company and was willing to give it back to Pym. If he agreed to consult with SHIELD. His sign on bonus was the safe return of Janet. Though Lash admitted that she would be returned either way.


    Also he requested that Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, and Hope van Dyne aka The Wasp would join up as Avengers in some capacity. Active, Reserve, or auxiliary. When Hope was confused about the Wasp, Janet assumed that Hank kept the prototype suit. Which he had! A soft deal was made, but of course paper work and lawyers would be a thing!


    Over the course of several days Pym Technologies stock completely tanked with the arrest and conviction of Darren Cross and Lash bought the rest of the stock easily enough. He was now the sole owner of Pym Technologies. Funny that! While this was going on Lash had his tech-spirits track down Bill Foster. Holy crap he was teaching in Berkeley University, California. A stone throw away from where they currently were.


    Lash easily slipped away to meet with Dr Foster. He put on some inconspicuous clothing then cast Anonymity on himself. He was just another college student going to visit one of his professors. Along the way Lash looked for any trace of Quantum Realm particles. With Ava being in constant flux it would make sense she would leave a trail. Tucked away in his Storage was one of the containers of Quantum Particles.


    Lash threaded his way through the crowded hall ways of the University and found Dr Foster''s class room. Lash slipped in, and Dr Foster was in the middle of a class. He briefly glanced up, then went back to teaching his students. Simply assuming Lash was...Who ever he was suppose to be. That was when Lash saw Ava sitting on the windowsill more or less invisible to the naked eye of anyone around. She was wearing a pure white form fitting suit. With five mechanical red eyes on the full face mask. The SHIELD file stated this was the, ''Ghost Suit.''


    Ava was watching, and listening to Foster. Lash could understand why. Foster was good looking tall, black man with a smooth smokey voice that could smother anyone in temptation, or relaxation. Foster was very animated about his lessons, about the intricate treasures of life. How the very essence of chemistry could explain our history on the planet. That was until one of the students asked about the chemistry of Aliens like the Chitauri, and Asgardians. How could Foster explain their chemical make up.


    Foster frowned at the student in question and said his name with familiarity. As if this was not the first time, nor the last time Foster would have to answer this students question. Dr Foster continued to answer the question with how the environment we evolve in helps to guide, and mature our evolution. It was clear that the student was trying to impede the lesson until some how his coffee mug which was completely sealed came open and spilled all over the trouble maker. Lash snickered as he saw Ava jump back to her spot on the windowsill. The student in question jumped to his feet and ran to go clean himself up in the bathroom. Dr Foster made a point to look anywhere but at the window. He knew she was there.


    Class continued until the bell rang. Dr Foster excused his class and reminded them to read chapters 13-15 if they wanted to pass the next test they had. Everyone left, and Lash used Connectivity to see the class schedule. Dr Foster was done for the day. Foster cleaned up his desk and noticed a student hadn''t left yet. He looked up at Lash who looked back at him. Ava stirred and looked over at Lash.


    ¡°Dr Foster? Respectful greetings unto you. I am Lash Jormungandson, of Asgard!¡± Lash said, as he stood up and bowed from his waist. Anonymity faded and Dr Foster jumped in surprise, as did Ava.


    ¡°Oh my! Hello! I had no idea that was you! You would think I''d recognize you.¡± Dr Foster said, and tried to not glance at the windowsill. Ava had started to shadow along the wall of the class room.


    ¡°I used a spell called Anonymity it makes me look like I belong no matter the circumstance. I was hoping to speak to you.¡± Lash said, as he walked through the class room seats towards Dr Foster. He made a point to walk down the stairs right next to Ava.


    Thanks to Lash''s Magical Perception he had plenty of practice of not reacting to things that no one else could see. Yes, he could turn the perception on and half. But aside from the time in, ''Hell''s Kitchen'' where he chased several phogoth''s around. He felt he had done a good job with it. Dr Foster looked visible nervous as he closed his brief case.


    ¡°Unfortunately I have another appointment. But I would be more than h...¡± Dr Foster began but was interrupted by Lash.


    ¡°If its about your adoptive daughter Ava she can come along as well. I don''t mind.¡± Lash said as he pointed at Ava specifically. He used Phantasm to create the outline around her. Dr Foster, and Ava both froze for a moment. Then Ava shot forward to attack Lash.


    ¡°Ava don''t!¡± Foster yelled, and he was right to stop her. Lash reached out and snagged her throat with ease. Shocking Foster, and Ava both. Nullification activated, and Ava came into solid state being for a brief moment she was pulled out of the flux with the Quantum Realm. Foster''s eyes were wide with shock.


    ¡°May I suggest we move to another less public avenue?¡± Lash suggested, as he reached out to snag Ava''s hand and removed his other from her throat. As long as he remained in contact she was anchored, though Nullification was draining his energy. Healing Aura was helping him recover.


    Thanks to Anonymity Lash, and Ava walked side by side following Dr Foster towards his car. Then they drove to his home, and/or private lab under his home. The whole way Lash was holding Ava''s hand and she was looking at him in shock. Ava was a pretty girl with light chocolate skin, with a hispanic heritage. Rich black hair, full lips, and a athletic body. Lash was holding her hand gently in his own and she blushed on more then one occasion. Every time she shook her head trying to clear away her thoughts.


    Dr Foster''s underground lab looked a lot like what Lash would assume was a scientist lab. Lab, and medical equipment placed in neat, and orderly areas. A cold storage for specimens, and a large glass tank with a bed in it? OK, not entirely what he expected. Lash noticed the glass had been treated with a specific chemical. He ran his free hand across the glass and copied the formula. Interesting, it was infused with partial quantum particles.


    ¡°Ava if you would please.¡± Dr Foster said as he gestured towards the tank. Ava looked at the glass tank, and back at Lash. Specifically his hand. He smiled at her, and she blushed and looked away. He reached out and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Soul Heal for good measure. Green, and blue energy infused into her. Along with a golden light.


    When they let go Ava gradually went Intangible but didn''t flinch in pain. Though her eyes did twitch a bit. So not cured, drat! So Lash reached into his Storage and pulled out the crystal container of Quantum Particles. Dr Fosters eyes went wide as saucers for the third time that day. Ava''s hands pressed right up against the glass of the tank. Then Lash pushed it into a designed slot and sure enough the particles danced into the tank and were slowly infused into Ava.


    ¡°An ingenious design, Dr Foster. So, it would help slow her degradation down. While the particles will help heal the damage?¡± Lash asked, though he didn''t turn away from Ava who was sitting down on her bed absorbing the energy.


    ¡°That''s right...Where did you get those from?¡± Dr Foster asked as he came up to the glass tank and smiled at Ava.


    ¡°I took some from Janet van Dyne when I pulled her out of the Quantum Realm a few days ago.¡± Lash said nonchalantly as if he was speaking about the weather. Dr Foster whipped around to stare at him in shock for the fourth time that day.


    ¡°Janet is alive!? That...That''s amazing!¡± Foster said then his mind started to work overtime. Lash could almost guess where his mind was. So Lash pulled out two more crystals full of particles. Foster smiled at him as he took them from Lash.


    ¡°Don''t go doing something you''ll regret, Dr Foster. I''m here to help. No need to endanger anyone else.¡± Lash suggested, and Foster looked away ashamed that he''d been found out.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Ava asked, her accent was light but carried a hint of exotic flavor.


    ¡°Does one need a reason to do the right thing?¡± Lash asked, and smiled at her. Ava''s face turned red and she turned around rubbing her face.


    ¡°However, I do not believe this will completely cure you. In time, though it may take decades you''ll need more. However, I know a friend that could teach you to draw on the Quantum Realm freely. If you are up for it?¡± Lash asked, Ava and Foster both looked like they needed to talk about it.


    So Lash stepped aside and let them discuss it. He answered a few emails from SHIELD, Avengers, and more specifically Natasha. She was going out on an assignment and wouldn''t be at the compound when he got back. Pity, however Lash had received an email from Director Hill that was marked important. Lash opened it up and read through it. Erik swore up a storm across their shared link. Superhuman Registration Act, it was currently being voted on at the United Nations.


    ¡°If your friend can''t help us...What then?¡± Foster said, as Ava stepped out of the glass tank. Looking full of life.


    ¡°Then we''ll keep going to the Quantum Realm to retrieve more until we find a cure.¡± Lash said with a smile.


    ¡°When do we leave?¡± Foster asked...


    ¡°Now.¡± Lash said with a smile and cast his hands forward and creation a circle in the air, using Portal Creation. A vortex of darkness, and starlight twisted into being and Lash pulled Foster, and Ava through it with Telekinesis so they couldn''t back out. Foster screamed in panic but stopped to look around confused.


    Lash stepped through the portal and it closed behind him. They were standing in a very nice courtyard between several different buildings. The architecture looked similar to Nepal, or rather just Asia. Wide square roof tops that would slope down, and outward. Then rise up like a pyramid. Only for another to take its place. In the distance was a vast stretch of mountains.


    ¡°Master Lash, welcome back.¡± A smooth, cultured voice called out. Lash turned and bowed from his waist.


    ¡°Master Mordo, respectful greetings to you. I need to speak to The Ancient One. I have a possible student for her.¡± Lash said, as he gestured towards Ava who was clearly out of her element. Mordo smiled at her, and Dr Foster.


    ¡°I''ll tell her you''ve arrived.¡± Mordo said, and went to get her.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± Foster asked.


    ¡°Nepal, at a place called Kamar-Taj.¡± Lash said, then turned to see the Ancient One walking up. A brilliant smile spread across her face when she took in the sight of Ava.


    ¡°Ah! Yes, I think she will fit in nicely. Thank you Lash you always bring me the most interesting presents.¡± The Ancient One said, and Ava gave her the death glare.


    ¡°But can you help her?¡± Lash asked, and The Ancient One nodded.


    ¡°Yes, Yes I think I can.¡± She said, unfolding her fan and flipping it back and forth.


    ¡°Good...Because things just got a little more complicated.¡± Lash said, as he thought about the Superhuman Registration Act...


    Galen

 Chapter 114: Inhumans

    ==========================================================


    ***Alternate Reality. Designation number unknown***


    ¡°We are leaving!¡± Shouted a woman as loudly as possible as she reloaded her crossbow and shot an explosive arrow at a Parademon flying towards her group.


    ¡°Just go! I''m right behind you!¡± Another woman shouted, as she ripped another demon in half at the waist and tossed the upper half at the invading army.


    ¡°Open the portal!¡± The first woman shouted at a man who held a tiny box in his hands. A gaping wound in his left side was gushing blood. The man was pale as death and was having a hard time concentrating.


    ¡°Open....portal... Any safe location.¡± The man asked the box. The box dinged at him quickly, the sound was very sweet and calming.


    ¡°What about everyone else?¡± The second woman shouted as she flew over to them and slammed into the ground. She picked up an old man hole cover and threw it like a frisbee. That decapitated another Parademon, and smashed into one more before it stopped.


    ¡°They''ll all link up with us as long as we have the box with us!¡± The first woman said, as she stepped under the man''s shoulder and pulled him to his feet.


    A golden portal burst into existence with a resounding BOOM! The first woman dragged the man through the portal. The man was barely alive at this point but held the box in his hand in a death grip. The second woman cleared the area one last time, looking for anyone else then flew into the portal. The portal snapped closed just as new Parademons flew towards it. A Parademon with official rank on its chest plate landed and pulled out a dark box with flowing script across it. The box pinged a few times.


    ¡°Inform Lord Steppenwolf that they got away.¡± The Parademon officer told one of its soldiers. It hissed at him in confirmation and flew away to inform their commander.


    __________________________________________________________________


    ***Home Reality. North America, Metropolis.***


    A golden portal snapped open for a brief moment and a resounding boom shook the whole area! A woman came through the portal carrying an injured man who was dragging his feet. Holding in his free hand was a small box. The portal stayed open for a brief moment until another woman flew out, and the portal shut behind them. The first woman knelt down and started to look over the man but gasped in shock. She covered her mouth, and tears fell from her eyes. The man was dead.


    ¡°No, no, no! You can''t leave us!¡± The first woman shouted as she pulled the box from the mans hand and held it over the wound.


    ¡°Fix him! Please fix him!¡± The box dinged a few times at her...But the response she got was not good.


    ¡°Huntress...He''s gone.¡± The second woman said, as she came to wrap her arms around her. The woman named huntress curled up into the second woman''s arms and sobbed.


    They sat there together for a few minutes until the second woman shifted and looked around. She was trying to determine where they were? Their allies were suppose to be around, but she didn''t recognize the world they were on. It looked familiar but different at the same time. The box it self was colored with pure earth tones, with white inscriptions on it. Dead center in the box was a red mechanical eye. It dinged several times, each one a different tone. Like it was speaking to them.


    ¡°What do you mean we are not where we are suppose to be?¡± The second woman asked, as Huntress pulled from her arms and looked around.


    ¡°Power Girl...This looks like Metropolis.¡± Huntress said, as she slowly got to her feet. She tried to look anywhere but at their dead friend on the ground.


    ¡°It can''t be! Metropolis was one of the first cities Apokolips destroyed!¡± Power Girl said as she floated up into the air a few dozen feet.


    Metropolis was meant to be a shining city of modern technology. White, pristine, and full of life. As long as you ignored the shadow areas that is. It took Power Girl many years to learn that every shinning clean city had a dirty spot. You just had to look for it. This Metropolis looked liked it had been through a war? But despite its destruction she saw people moving around. Cars on the streets, and construction crews working to clear the debris. Ding! Ding! Ding!


    ¡°Where!?¡± Huntress shouted as she reloaded her crossbow. Then in a burst of green, and blue lightning a speedster appeared right next to them.


    ¡°Hi there! Oh crap! You need medical attention!?¡± The speedster said to them. Huntress sighed in relief when she saw a JLI badge on the speedsters left shoulder, he was a friendly.


    ¡°May I help your friend?¡± The speedster asked, holding his hands up in a friendly gesture. But his eyes were wholly focused on their dead friend.


    ¡°It doesn''t matter, he''s dead.¡± Power Girl said as she floated down.


    ¡°How long has he been dead?¡± The speedster asked, that was an odd question.


    ¡°A few minutes..¡± Huntress said, the blood on her costume still wet.


    ¡°Plenty of time! If we get him back to the clinic they should be able to revive him! Do I have permission to touch your friend?¡± The speedster asked again. A flare of hope went through them both.


    ¡°Yes, you have permission!¡± Huntress said, and speedster went over and slapped a device on to their friends chest. The speedster dialed up a wrist mounted holographic computer.


    ¡°You two ever been teleported before?¡± Speedster asked, they both nodded. Then four spring jump rings started to wrap around them. Then with an audible POP! They were gone!


    ------


    Two hours later Helena Wayne aka Huntress was sitting in a hospital room watching the rise and fall of their friend Fredrick''s chest. They had repaired the damage to his body, and resuscitated him. She had never seen anything like it. Huntress had her knees tucked up to her chest, and her chin rested on her knees. To her right was Kara Zor-El aka Power Girl. She was asleep on a guest bed in the room. The room it self wasn''t very big. But it was big enough. They had allowed them both a change of clothing but they declined. Something she always learned from her father. Never remove your costume around strangers.


    Huntress was approximately 5''11¡± with long black hair to her shoulders, dark blue eyes, an athletic hour glass figure. Dressed up in skin tight purple, and black unitard that accentuated every curve she had. It made it incredibly easy to move in. She wore a utility belt, two hip quivers, and her crossbow was compressed and linked to her belt. Her domino mask barely hid her face, she claimed it was so she could properly aim down her sights of her bow.


    Power Girl was approximately 5''11¡± with short blond hair above her shoulders, and blue eyes. She had a strong muscular hour glass figure with a burst chest that Huntress was always a little jealous of. She wore what could only be called a white one piece swimsuit that showed off her legs from the thigh down. Though she wore blue boots, and gloves. She had a half red cape on her back, and a boob window on her chest. Never made any sense to Huntress, but Power Girl never changed it.


    The air in the room shifted ever so slightly but it was enough for Huntress to know someone had entered the room even though the door hadn''t opened. Then a figured appeared a few feet away. They were wrapped in gray, and black cloth that covered them from head, to toe along with a coat. Their body type was unknown given the amount of cloth they wrapped around themselves. Huntress continued staring at Fredrick. Power Girl continued to ''sleep'' but Huntress knew she was awake and ready to jump into action.


    ¡°My name is Hex, I am the security manager for the station. I need to ask you two some questions.¡± Hex said, their voice was gender neutral. Huntress turned to look at them, and blinked. She couldn''t get a bead on Hex. They were standing next to her, but Huntress felt like they were clear across the room as well.


    ¡°Do we have to leave the room?¡± Power Girl said as she sat up.


    ¡°No.¡± Hex replied, their form shifted from material, to ethereal, then back to material.


    ¡°Which Earth designation are you from?¡± Hex asked, the question stumped Huntress and Power Girl alike.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Huntress asked, Hex looked at them both for a bit.


    ¡°What do you know about alternate realities?¡± Hex asked.


    ¡°I''ve been to another dimension before. But another reality?¡± Power Girl asked, clearly more interested in the question now.


    ¡°You are no longer in your home reality. You two have jumped into ours. We normally call this an incursion.¡± Hex continued, the word ''incursion'' had bit of hostility to it. That would explain the armed escort they had when they arrived on the station.


    ¡°Less than a year ago our reality was invaded by another. So we take the threat of another reality invading seriously.¡± Hex said as they moved over towards Fredrick. Power Girl jumped to her feet and was primed to sprint across the room. But Huntress stayed in her seat.


    ¡°We are not here to invade, we are running.¡± Huntress replied, her eyes narrowed as she looked at Hex look Fredrick over.


    ¡°That we know, your mother box informed us as much. It appears your companion told the mother box to take you some place safe. So it brought you to us.¡± Hex said, as they checked a few panels of information then looked back at them.


    ¡°I''m not sure anywhere is safe from Apokolips.¡± Huntress said, as she tried to suppress a shiver.


    ¡°So what your mother box said is true? Apokolips invaded your home reality?¡± Hex asked, as they moved back over to stand next to them, each step was taken with out making a sound.


    ¡°Invaded, and claimed.¡± Power Girl said, clenching her jaw and looking down in shame.


    ¡°Did Darkseid show up?¡± Hex asked, they both snapped their heads up at Hex in shock.


    ¡°No, it was his lieutenant Steppenwolf.¡± Huntress replied, her gears started to work at overdrive.


    ¡°So, Darkseid never showed?¡± Hex asked, they seemed interested in that subject more than others.


    ¡°No, Steppenwolf gloated that our Earth wasn''t important enough for his Lord, and Master to show up. Steppenwolf''s forces were more than capable of ripping us apart. The Justice League was destroyed with in days! The resistance was ruined with in a month.¡± Huntress said, as she curled up more on her chair. Lost in memory.


    ¡°Sorry to hear.¡± Hex said, and oddly enough Huntress believed them. ¡°Follow up question, how many were in your Justice League?¡± Hex asked, they tilted their head to look at them both.


    ¡°About a hundred of us.¡± Power Girl replied as she came over to hug Huntress.


    ¡°That''s it?¡± Hex said, for the first time their voice showed a bit of emotion. Surprise.


    ¡°Ya? How many do you all have?¡± Huntress asked.


    ¡°Currently? We have 3,698 active, 2,358 reserve, 1,306 guard, with 8,129 support, logistical, and auxiliary staff. So a total of 15,491. Plus three more if we include you.¡± Hex replied, their eyes had turned crescent. Huntress, and Power Girls jaws were open wide in shock.


    ¡°Wait, why would you include us?¡± Power Girl asked.


    ¡°Because your home is gone. More than likely Apokolips will follow you here. So we assumed you would want to fight back?¡± Hex said, and began to leave the room. ¡°Think about it, also your friend is awake. They''ve been pretending for about five minutes.¡± Hex finished and left the room.


    ¡°You little shit!¡± Power Girl said with a grin as she jumped across the room and lightly punched the man''s shoulder who winced in surprise.


    ¡°How much of that did you hear?¡± Huntress asked as she came over. Fredrick sat up, and the bed moved to aid him. He looked better, his face full of color.


    ¡°Enough to know that we should join up.¡± Fredrick replied as he had an uneasy expression on his face.


    ¡°But we can''t. What about everyone else? What planet did they go to?¡± Power Girl asked, then frowned when Fredrick tried to shrink into his bed.


    ¡°No one else made it, did they?¡± Huntress asked, and Fredrick shook his head. Power Girl fell to her knees and tears streamed from her eyes.


    ¡°Looks like this is our new home...¡± Huntress replied as she knelt down and comforted her friend this time.


    ==============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Kamar-Taj***


    Lash contacted SHIELD and informed Agent liaison Dr Carter of his arrival at Kamar-Taj with Dr Foster, and Ava Starr. They needed a working reason why Dr Foster would be missing his classes at his job for the next little while. Ava was, understandably not settling very well in her new home. It had been little over a day since they arrived and she had been fitted for training garb. She reminded Lash of a grumpy cat with her large frown, and tendency to either glare, or hiss at people.


    The only reason she was willing to attempt any of this was that Sorcerer Mordo gave her a talisman that drew in ambient quantum particles. Given that it was a piece of metal inscribed with a language she couldn''t read, nor could Dr Foster that did intrigue her a bit. Lash attempted to describe what it was doing but Dr Foster continued to say that was impossible. Ava not understanding either assumed her adoptive father was right. This was going to take a lot of work.


    Then the Ancient One did the typical initiation ritual where she sent Ava, and Foster through the collection of dimensional ripples. Including, but not limited to the Quantum Realm, along with the realm of many hands. Yes, it wasn''t called that. But when you see hands, upon hands growing out of hands. People tend to call it that. When Ava, and Foster stopped screaming after their return. Ava, and Dr Foster were inclined to learn. Lash hadn''t intended for Foster to learn magic. But the Ancient One didn''t mind.


    -------


    Lash was wondering around Kamar-Taj repairing sections of the complex with his magic. A lot desperately needed some maintenance done. But it was one of those things that was always placed on the back burner and were only ever done as a form of punishment for the new recruits. So when it was done, it was done poorly. A temple dog statue was cracked at its base and had split up its middle. Lash repaired the damage and recombined the runes. The statue came to life for a brief moment and looked around.


    ¡°Welcome back.¡± Lash said to the golem. The creature yawned, and stretched out. Front paws forward, back arched, tail in the air. Then it shook its head to loosen up. It settled back down on its dais. Its stone tongue hung out as it smiled at Lash.


    ¡°I have not seen that creation move in some time, you are a talented master in the arts of creation, Master Lash.¡± A cold voice called out. Cold, but not unfriendly. Lash turned and bowed from his waist.


    ¡°Respectful greetings to you, Master Kaecilius.¡± Lash said softly and Erik the gamer freaked out a bit.


    Kaecilius was approximately 6'' even with brown eyes, and long but kept black to silver hair. It was tied into a tail, while the sides were shaved. He wore the traditional robes of a mystic arts master. Long bright colored fabrics woven over one another and tied at the waist with a sash. Loose, pants made from natural material, and leather boots. Several charms, and an amulet around his neck. He had a strong body with an inverted triangle physique. He had a small smile on his face.


    ¡°You used the coin?¡± Lash asked, as he can smell the Grave Domain on Kaecilius.


    ¡°Yes I did...Thank you for that.¡± Kaecilius replied.


    ¡°Did it help?¡± Lash asked, full of genuine concern. Kaecilius had a look of regret, but also a sense of peace on his face.


    ¡°A little...¡± he replied.


    ¡°Walk with me...¡± Lash offered, and Kaecilius agreed coming to walk with him side by side.


    Lash was in his default human form with a black tailored suit, with dark green silk shirt, and combat boots. His tribal tattoos were in full display and his Synthesis Domain marks glowed softly as he cast Renew around the place rebuilding what needed help. Neither of them spoke for a while.


    ¡°Is it possible to bring them back?¡± Kaecilius asked at last. There was the question Lash was expecting.


    Kaecilius had lost his son when he was a child. It was heart breaking but he and his wife did their best to move on and live their lives. But a few short years later he lost his wife Adria. Kaecilius had shown up in Kamar-Taj a broken man. Looking towards the mystic arts to find some sort of hope for the future. But in reality, he had come to see if he could bring them back. The Ancient One hoped to restore his faith in the world. But never once promised that she could bring his family back. It took him years to realize the truth and it had made him bitter.


    Erik had whispered words into Lash''s ear when they had first met. So it was one of the few times Lash used Cosmic Awareness. He then informed The Ancient One of the inevitable betrayal of Kaecilius, with the fact that The Ancient One drew on the dark dimension maintain their youth. That had been a fun conversation! However, Lash found an...Alternative.


    Lash used his Grave Domain, and enchanted a Orichalcum coin with Spiritual Guardian on it. The Guardian took Kaecilius to meet his wife. But not his child. Why? His child had moved on to the wheel and started a new life. The next issue was, Kaecilius hadn''t actually met his wife. He had met her echo. Adria had moved on in the afterlife. She was a good person that deserved her rest. Pulling a spirit from the afterlife that had been at rest for several years was beyond Lash. Thankfully Death keeps excellent records and when ever the living come calling. They meet their loved ones echo.


    ¡°Master Kaecilius...Your wife has moved on. She is in a good place. She has been for years. Would you really rip her away from all that?¡± Lash replied to his question. Kaecilius clenched his jaw, and white knuckled his hands.


    ¡°What is the point of life if it ends so tragically!?¡± Kaecilius shouts at Lash, he turns towards him fury in his eyes.


    ¡°Do you regret the life Adria lived?¡± Lash asked, not backing down. Kaecilius''s eyes sparked with defiance.


    ¡°But what if she didn''t have to die? What if no one had to die?¡± Kaecilius said, and started to place in front him.


    ¡°What if....What if time could stop? Death would have-¡± Kaecilius began, but stopped when Lash smacked his head with a chopping motion.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you!?¡± Lash shouted at him, Kaecilius jumped back into a defensive position. It was reflex on his part, but this was also the first time Lash had ever raised his voice before.


    ¡°Kaecilius, if time stops yes there is no death. But there is also no life. You can''t have one with out the other. If time stops, children stop being born. If time stops no one dies. No, some part of you may think that is a good idea. But what about the people that need to die?¡± Lash asked, as he glared at the man.


    ¡°There would be no reason for anyone to die if time stopped!¡± Kaecilius shouted at Lash still not understanding the point.


    ¡°Kaecilius let me as you this? If time stops, do you stop feeling pain?¡± Lash asked, Kaecilius blinked startled into thinking about something he hadn''t considered.


    ¡°Well...would it?¡± Kaecilius asked, so Lash picked up a bit of dirt from a nearby garden and threw it into the air. Then he cast Personnel Time, with Kaecilius included. The world around them ground to a halt.


    ¡°What...What is this?¡± Kaecilius asked, he looked around confused. Then he saw that the specks of dirt outside of the sphere were frozen. A bird was in mid flight.


    ¡°I stopped time.¡± Lash said to him, and Kaecilius eyes nearly popped out his skull. Then Lash slugged him in his solar plexus. Kaecilius dropped like a rock, he coughed several times trying to control his breathing.


    ¡°Can you still feel pain?¡± Lash asked him, and he nodded several times. Then Lash canceled his spell. The world began to move again.


    ¡°If you suddenly just stopped time, but allowed everyone in the world to continue existing how many people would be stuck in torture? The old barely clinging to life. The young who have been shot, stabbed, run over, etc. Suffering for untold amount of...Well nothing since time stopped.¡± Lash continued as he walked around Kaecilius as he struggled to stand.


    ¡°Now of course one could argue that a few million people is well worth the ability to be immortal for the rest. Who cares if children will never be born again, who cares if children are tortured and suffer for the next...¡± Lash began but was stopped.


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Kaecilius shouts at him and falls to his knees. Tears fall before him as he cradles his face in his hands.


    ¡°I understand you miss them... But your son has moved on. Literally he has chosen the wheel of reincarnation. Your wife is at peace. Yet you plan to do something incredibly foolish because you are still grieving. Tell me Kaecilius if a man came to you with the dead body of his wife and claimed he would bring her back as a vampire. Would you let him?¡± Lash asked, and Kaecilius looked up in horror.


    ¡°Those creatures!? Never! That would be...¡± He began.


    ¡°Insane? Like talking about creating a world with out time?¡± Lash asked him, and for a brief moment a sense of realization fell over Kaecilius.


    ¡°Where did you even get this idea?¡± Lash asked, and Kaecilius seemed to be at war with himself. Part of him wanted to say, another part of him didnt.


    ¡°Was it from a book in The Ancient Ones personal library?¡± Lash asked, and Kaecilius''s eyes snapped up to meet his. ¡°Did you read it all? Or just the part that concerns you?¡± Lash asked, and Kaecilius eyes flicker away.


    ¡°You do understand that a majority of those books have the warning written after the spells, right?¡± Lash asked, ¡°Did you read that part too?¡± The fact that Kaecilius kept his eyes down told Lash enough.


    ¡°Alright lets go.¡± Lash said, as he offered Kaecilius his hand to help him up.


    ¡°Where?¡± Kaecilius asked, and Lash yanked him to his feet anyways.


    ¡°Where do you think?¡± Lash said, and pulled him along.


    ------


    Lash put the Book of Cagliostro down on the table and sat on the opposite end of it. He gestured for Kaecilius to take a seat. The man swallowed audibly as he did as he was told and slowly opened the book. He looked up Lash, and then looked back through the library. The library master was off to the side keeping an eye on them both but held his tongue. Kaecilius was confused why they were letting them read it.


    ¡°Go on, front to back.¡± Lash said, as he watched him carefully. Kaecilius treated the tomb of magic like it was his own son. He carefully pulled open the front and began to read.


    Lash hated this room, not for what was store in it. But how it was stored. They were in the library of Kamar-Taj. It was a large room with thousands of ancient texts into true magic. Every thing you could possibly wish to learn about spell craft open for anyone! Fucking stupid! Asgard has a library! It was in sections. From basic, to advance, all the way to forbidden. You had to have certain permission to access certain information. The entire archive was under guard. The sections had magically created gates to keep them separate.


    What did the library of Kamar-Taj have? A single wooden door, and one librarian. The forbidden texts of ancient, and dark magic? Those were kept on display in the exact same room! They were clearly marked as The Ancient Ones personal collection. But that was it! No charms, no wards, no gates, no walls. Lash could literally unmake reality with some of these books! He had tried desperately to get The Ancient One to increase security but she simply scoffed at him! Like the idea of anyone getting in, and getting away was impossible. That was until Lash sneaked in one night, and took ALL of the forbidden texts, then left with out a single person knowing!


    It took them four days to realize they were missing! Lash had simply created duplicates. Even copied the ancient languages they were in. The only difference was, each book had turned into a cook book! The Ancient One stormed into the Avengers Compound with an army of elite Mystics and demanded he return the books. Because obviously he was the only one who could have done it. He agreed to return them on the one condition that The Ancient One stop being so stupid and actually hide them!


    So, now the forbidden texts that are on display are intricate, spell crafted, cook books! While the real ones are in a pocket dimension attached to the library through an intricate puzzle that you have solve. Unless you know the combination, which currently only Lash and The Ancient One knew. Fail to solve the puzzle the first time and a silent alarm goes off. Fail to solve it a second time, and a very loud alarm goes off. If the thief hasn''t been caught by then, and fails for a third time. Magical constructs that are part of the puzzle burst out of the walls and start to attack....


    Lash looked back at Kaecilius the man looked like he had just lost his wife, and son all over again. He had gotten to the ritual of Dormammu, and the dark dimension. Yes, the dark dimension can essentially make someone immortal. However, if you don''t know what your doing. You''ll slowly become a mindless one, a servant of Dormammu. The dark dimension is not a paradise, its a realm of eternal torment. Because with out time, you can''t die. So that means Dormammu has an enteral source of food! If Dormammu takes over Earth, then everyone living is digested over an eternity.


    ¡°Read it all.¡± Lash said, rebuking no argument, Kaecilius continued.


    This was naturally a risk, of course. Kaecilius could take the knowledge from the book and use it to his own ends. The spells were complex rituals that would take days, or even weeks of study to fully solve. It is not so easy as 2+2=4. But more like 2+6=10. Yes, that doesn''t make sense. But magic doesn''t necessarily have to make sense. There was a brief moment when Kaecilius was reading that Lash could feel an energy current running into him. He was briefly empowered, Lash could feel that Kaecilius stopped aging for a brief moment. Then...He stopped channeling the energy. He had read a passage about the ''mindless ones'' slaves to Dormammu that did his bidding. But little more than puppets. With the right spells in place one could channel the dark dimension with out becoming one. But it was a slippery slope.


    The sun began to rise in the distance. Lash, and Kaecilius had been sitting at the library for over twenty hours. But at last, Kaceilius shut the book and pushed it back to Lash. A look of utter defeat on his face. Lash took the book and with a flick of his hand it was sent back to the private collection. Standing behind Kaecilius was The Ancient One. A conflicted expression on her face. She could feel the turmoil in Kaecilius''s heart. Despite handing the book back, she felt he wouldn''t stop.


    ¡°I''m not sure if this will work. But I am willing to try if you are?¡± Lash said, as he stood up and walked around the table. Kaecilius came to his feet, only now noticing The Ancient One. He realized he was in a precarious position. Lash reached out and hugged the man. The move was...Surprising to say the least.


    ¡°This is going to feel weird.¡± Lash said, and pushed his Illusion Domain through Kaecilius.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a new Spell for the Illusion Domain.


    Empathic Healing: The Caster heals emotional wounds and/or burdens. This spell offers a comfortable touch and a healing that is otherwise beyond a typical means of healing physical, or spiritual wounds.


    Comment: Memories are a tricky thing, we can twist even the happiest moment into a nightmare.


    All of Kaecilius memories of torment, of frustration, and rage were washed over with the spell of Empathic Healing. Over time his burdens were lessened, his heart mended, he was...Lighter. Then...he began to cry, he sobbed into Lash''s arms and broke down. All of the resentment built up over the years flooded out like a broken damn. He collapsed to his knees but Lash continued to hold him. Eventually The Ancient One came to him and they held him as he wailed. They were gone...His wife, and child...They were not coming back. He had to accept that.


    -----


    Tears streamed down Lash''s face. When he had cast the spell he had felt all of Kaecilius''s anguish. As the spell washed over his wounds, his burdens Lash felt them all. Kaecilius was a broken man that refused to believe he could be fixed. Even hours later when Kaecilius was carried to his room to sleep from his emotional exhaustion. Lash continued to feel the effects of the spell on himself. The Illusion Domain was weird!


    ¡°Thank you for that.¡± The Ancient One walked over and took a seat next to him. They were currently sitting outside. The stars above them, bright and clear with out the threat of pollution.


    ¡°I haven''t seen him sleep so peacefully in...Well ever.¡± She said, smiling at Lash.


    The Ancient One was a beautiful woman with pale skin, brilliant green eyes, who stood at approximately 5''11¡± with a clean bald head. (Baldies unite!) She wore a ceremonial yellow, and orange garb that was woven with spell craft. It was wrapped around her to allow freedom of movement. While she also wore a martial art Gi top, and bottom. She held a wooden fan in her hand that she would often flip back and forth when ever she was thinking.


    ¡°So, what do you think about the registration act?¡± Lash asked, and she laughed! A smile full of mirth.


    ¡°We''ll stay out of it of course. The world doesn''t need to know about us. You and Thor already threw them for a loop. What if they found out that Merlin was real?¡± She replied, and nudged him a bit. He smiled at her, then went back to staring at the stars.


    ¡°How are such events handled on other worlds?¡± She asked after a few minutes.


    ¡°Not well...¡± Lash said with a grimace. Thanks to his World Point background he had a lot of experience with different worlds sending different/super powered individuals interment camps, reservations, or just plain killing them.


    ¡°All because of the Inhuman radicals?¡± The Ancient One asked, and Lash winced a bit at the memory. It was something that happened between events that Lash wasn''t specifically around to stop.


    Thanks to the meta/Inhuman program Lash had made for Daisy, and Jiaying. (Daisy''s mother and leader of the Inhumans) They were able to find many more Inhumans. No, unless one goes through Terrigenesis Inhumans remain...Human. Except for a single DNA marker that says they are more. However, most Inhumans that have not gone through the process feel like there is something missing in their lives. Most try and fill it, and succeed. Others don''t and find less productive things to fill the void.


    So, imagine one day you are sitting in a crack house and a team of super power individuals come in. Pick you up, tell you that you are not alone. That you are special! Bring you back to a community full of people just like you. Better yet! People with powers! You are told that you have the ability to have powers!? Then....You are told you can''t obtain these powers. Why? Because you are emotionally, and mentally unstable. Shitty right?


    So, a group of radical Inhumans steal dozens of Terrigenesis crystals. The objects needed to go through the transformation. Then they not only transform themselves. But dump the rest in the ocean! The crystals melt? Evaporate? Mingle with the local wild life. Soon all of the fish in the ocean have a tiny bit of Terrigenesis in them. So, people around the world take a multi vitamin, fish oil pills, eat a certain kind of fish? If they are Inhuman? They change.


    ¡°I have a few days before I am suppose to go to the United Nations and offer my advice. Thor is off world touring the 9 realms, with Lady Foster. Director Hill has stated that my point of view would be invaluable to the discussion simply because I''ve lived through such events. Which is true.¡± Lash continued and rubbed his face. He jumped to his feet and started to pace back and forth.


    ¡°The registration is a violation of basic rights. They intend to make any, and every superhuman individual register. Now, that normally wouldn''t be an issue. SHIELD has an extensive list of people who have been empowered. Either through alien genetic manipulation like the Inhumans. Human genetic manipulation like the gamma enhanced. Hulk, and Abomination. Or those that have been advanced through technology. Technically Tony Stark is superhuman.¡± Lash said out loud, as he continued to pace. He was mostly just thinking out loud at this point but The Ancient One continued to listen.


    ¡°The reason why it violates basic rights. Is that any, and all have to register, and go onto a public record! Now, that doesn''t mean any average person can just type in a name and get results. But as long as you have basic level one security at the UN. You can look up their full name, birth date, place of residence, along with powers, and any known weakness!¡± Lash said as he practically spat the last few words out with venom.


    ¡°OH! They also will be tagged with a GPS chip sewn into their skin.¡± Lash finished, and growled a bit. That last bit made The Ancient One raise a brow.


    ¡°SHIELD has their list hidden behind some of the most advanced Midgardian technology available. As well as some help from myself, and Lord Stark. You have to be level eight and above to even have access to the list. But you have to go to a secure site to gain entry to the data base.¡± Lash continued on as he looked through his memories on the matter.


    ¡°The United Nations doesn''t have that. Not only do they not have it. They claim that their security is just as good! The public is scared. They believe that if you have powers you should be registered and tagged like a wild animal.¡± Lash said, biting back another snarl.


    ¡°My friend Hawkeye, who is retired. Technically would have to be placed on the list not only because I optimized him. But just because of his skill set. If he goes up on that list, it will also tell anyone with basic security about his family. Hawkeye has a lot of enemies out there. None of which know he has a family.¡± Lash said, then stopped as he looked at The Ancient One who had stopped flipping her fan. A look of concern on her face.


    ¡°What happens if they don''t register?¡± She asked.


    ¡°You go to prison.¡± Lash said, as he took a calming breath and came to sit back down next to her.


    ¡°This is very bad.¡± The Ancient One says, and Lash can only agree. Simply because they both know it wont end there.


    ¡°If it does go through what do you believe will happen.¡± She continued the train of thought.


    ¡°Well, I for one will help any and everyone who don''t want to register escape. I''ll take them to a different world. Or if need be create a place on Earth where they can be safe.¡± Lash said resolutely. He meant every word of it...Maybe he''ll go to the moon....Wait.


    ¡°Oh I''ve been so stupid!¡± Lash said as he face palmed. The Ancient One looked at him with mild concern, and a bit of a smile.


    ¡°Figure something out?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I need to go talk to their king.¡± Lash said simply and stood up. The Ancient One looked up at him for a moment. Then a smile spread across her face.


    ¡°I''ve read about that place... Do you need a ride?¡± She asked, standing up with a look of mischief in her eyes.


    ¡°You''ve been there before?¡± Lash asked, and she shook her head.


    ¡°But I can make a door in the neighborhood.¡± She replied and pulled out her sling ring.


    ¡°Sure...¡± Lash said, as he activated Transformation. Becoming the 8'' tall reptilian hunter with magitek armor.


    -------


    The Marvel Cinematic Universe version of, The Moon. Was kinda the same as his home reality. No, that wasn''t true. Lash''s home realities moon had a long dead civilization on it that would kill anything on the moon that stayed longer than three days. But...There was an ancient civilization that lived on Marvel''s moon. The city of Attilan, the city of Inhumans and their Royal Family.


    Thanks to Lash''s WP background with Intermediate Lore Asgard was fully aware of them. So, Lash knew about them. Well the basics anyways. A small group of Inhumans fearing for their safety used the technology left behind by the Kree to establish a city on the moon. Named, Attilan. However, they were effectively trapped with in the city. Both a refuge, and a prison rolled into one. In order to survive the coming centuries they enforced strict birth regulations, and a cast system. No more than two children per family.


    When they came of age they would go through Terrigensis and if they obtained a useful power they were allowed to acquire a useful rank, and resources in the city. If they obtain a useless power, they became essentially an indentured servant that worked in the mines of the moon. Carving out a the moons inner resources to fuel the city. Despite being up here for centuries. They''ve done very little to expand the city. They have ancient Kree technology, but no real idea on how to use it. They are also pompous assholes who believe they are better than everyone.


    Lash stepped onto the desolate surface of the moon. He looked back through the sling ring portal and waved at The Ancient One who wished him luck and closed the portal. Why the sling portal didn''t suck everything through it into the vacuum of space was beyond Lash. Well no, he was sure he could figure it out. Just he would save it for another time. There in the distance just across the horizon was a blue marble, Earth!


    Self-Sustenance, Adaptation, and Transformation kept prompting with experience. Even gained a few levels. It became easier to breath!...However that worked. Lash activated Gravity Stride increasing his overall control over his body. Along with his spell Gravitas (Chapter 70) which he can not remember the last time he used. Soon he was walking across the moon as if it was normal Earth gravity.


    Lash took a moment to kneel down and press his clawed hands into the moons surface. He sent a Nature Domain pulse through the moon and felt....Nothing. It was dead. So he used the Grave Domain, that got something. The moon was in the process of renewal. In the process of Rebirth. Lash remembered that he had the spell, Life and Death Manipulation (Chapter 80). Maybe he could terraform the moon? What was the plan?


    Talk to the the royal family? Convince the United Nations not to persecute a sub-species of human? Technically the Inhumans were still human. It wasn''t their fault that the Kree did experiments on them. But humans were legendary across the known galaxy (Not Universe) for being ridiculously intolerant and attacking anything remotely different from them. They see something different, and their first instinct is to attack it.


    Either way, Lash wanted to Terraform the moon. Why? Practice. It was a Story Rift after all. Once Lash left the Story Rift everything he did here would essentially reset. This wasn''t a real reality as far as he knew? But knowing his Cosmic Patron, they would make it real just for giggles. Crap, that made Lash think about the time fragment of Krypton. He could just imagine his Cosmic Patron laughing sadistically when Zod showed up to invade Earth and he recognized Lash. Ding... Ding... Ding... Lash used Connectivity to access his holographic phone. New from Stark Technologies!


    ¡°Lash! Where are you?¡± Natasha''s sweet voice comes over the communication line.


    ¡°I am currently on the moon in the process of terraforming.¡± Lash replied through a synthetic voice that mostly matched his own. Though he can ''breath'' in space that doesn''t mean he can talk. He has no idea how Thor does it! Maybe the ability evolution will allow it.


    ¡°....I can''t tell if your joking or not.¡± Natasha replied, her voice was conflicted between laughing, or confusion. ¡°Will you be back for the UN meeting?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I believe I will... I will do my best to arrive on a timely manner.¡± Lash replied, as he started to draw a ritual circle on the surface of the moon.


    ¡°OK, if you can come back a little early... I''d like to talk to you.¡± She said, her voice was level and indifferent. Never a good sign with her.


    ¡°I can come back now if its important?¡± Lash asked, as he stopped midway through his inscription.


    ¡°No, I assume you are terraforming the moon for a good reason. Just... It''s nothing special.¡± She continued, her voice continued to be... Well not her.


    ¡°Beloved, what''s wrong?¡± Lash asked, and he heard her sigh softly.


    ¡°Just...Try and come home early ok?¡± She asked again, then hung up before Lash could respond. This filled Lash with worry.


    Lash looked down at his half finished circle and decided to scrub it out. He''d go talk to the Inhumans first before he terraformed the moon. Lash used Animancy, False Life, and Darkness Manipulation to create shadow creatures. They flew off in ever direction across the moon looking for the city. Attilan was on the surface of the moon. Currently concealed under a technological cloaking field. Lash didn''t have to wait long as he got a response from one of his constructs. The rest flew back to him and faded into his form. While Lash moved in the direction of the one that found it.


    The city was found inside one of the massive craters of the moon. About 3,000 square miles around. So a little larger than Sitka, Alaska. So a pretty sizable piece of land. Contained with a massive biodome, a self contained environment. The cloaking field was nearly perfect for most modern day sensors. Lash was reasonably sure that if Wakanda looked in their general direction they would see the dome. But, Wakanda had no reason to check the moon for life.


    The animated shadow creature called out to Lash across their magical bond. He moved quickly towards what looked like an airlock. The outside of the dome was in desperate need of maintenance, and repair. As he got closer he could see several sections of the dome were flickering. Lash arrived at the door the shadow creature flew down and merged with him. He walked up to the lock and with Machine Control popped the door open. He walked inside, sealed it. Pressurization started up.


    Lash took his first breath of...stale, recycled oxygen in hours? If the arcology section of the city was running correctly the air shouldn''t be stale. The airlock popped open and Lash saw a ruined hallways with wires sticking out and sparking. Wall panels pried off. Along with several smashed monitors. He was starting wonder if the Inhumans were even still up here. He walked into the hallway looking for a data port.


    A Technomancy pulse went through and most of the area was in complete ruin. Another Nature pulse reported no signs of life. But that was actually a good sign since a portion of the air was slowly being sucked out of a miniature hull breach. Lash was able to find the hole and plug it easily enough. Then he at last found a working data port. He linked up manually, or more specifically one of his tentacles jacked into it.


    Processing.....Processing......Admin entry confirmed, welcome Kree Commander! -The system responded to him in Ancient Kree. Thankfully Loki knew the language so Lash was quick to learn the language for his own. The security was a mess and easily bypassed. Language Smith sent him several prompts as the language was recorded.


    Biodome functionality at 45.3%. Fuel reserves empty.... Adopted fuel reserves working at 13% efficiency. Cloaking field at 85% availability...Experiments have broken containment! Current number of experiments out of containment are approximately 1.2 million. Error, security breach! Security breach! Experiments have hacked into basic systems. Security breach recorded for 365,000 days, 13 hours, 12 minutes, 38 seconds...... -Lash did some quick math, that was about a thousand years or so.


    Kree Research and Development Genetic Experimentation Station has been overrun. Suggest self destruct immediately! Confirm? [Yes]....[No]....[No]. Confirmed! Kree Commander will attempt to retake control of station, confirm? [Yes]....[No]....[Yes]. Confirmed. Stations basic AI has been damaged, and in need of repair. Warning, basic AI is missing from database..... Please stand still has interface records Kree Commanders face. -Lash stood perfectly still as a red scanning beam washed over him.


    Kree Commander confirmed, any and all systems will respond at best optimal capabilities. For the good of all Kree! ¡°For the good of all Kree.¡± Lash replied, and the system recorded his voice.


    Lash pulled his tentacle out and moved down the hallway. The Kree empire is made up of, well Kree. But it also has dozens of other races included in their empire. Once a civilization was conquered, and assimilated they essentially became Kree. The Midgardian''s had an ancient empires like that. Romans? Catholics? Convert or die belief systems? Either way, the fact that computer didn''t hesitate to recognize Lash''s odd look wasn''t well...Odd. He had the codes, though he hacked into the computer to get them. Now, if the AI was active that would be a different matter entirely.


    Lash walked through the intricate hallways, and ruined tunnels of the installation. According to his map he had acquired from the computer. Little more than half of the installation was actually in use. While the outer edges of the station were in ruin. The Inhumans stayed in the center mostly. They stopped trying to fix the station ages ago, mostly because anytime they fixed something the system would scream at them! Abominations! Failures! You will die by the Kree accusers! Etc, etc, etc.


    Eventually Lash found his way into the inner dome and stepped into artificial sunlight. It was about mid day it looked like. He looked up and saw a vast blue sky, with white to gray clouds. Perfectly simulated, a small portion of the city was currently being rained on. Looked like the farming area. While the city was a strange combination of geometric shapes, more specifically right angles. Tall rectangular buildings with square grids printed on.


    However, the Inhumans had done their best to adapt, and change the station. This was a R&D station. They tried to convert it into a city. Several buildings had been taken apart, their insides showings. While the walls had been used to reinforce another structure. A poorly constructed castle? Blue circuit lines up and down the walls. In the center of the dome was a tall spire that linked up to the ceiling. Lash recognized its basic concept it was a weather, atmospheric tower. All in all, the Inhumans didn''t really understand how to work the tech. They were just using its passive life support.


    No, that wasn''t fair to say. It''s completely possible they fully understand the tech. But they don''t have the security clearance to do anything with it. Erik the gamer kept telling Lash that the Inhumans in Attilan are incredibly intelligent. They are also incredibly dangerous! Lash cast Anonymity on himself and starts to walk into the city. It takes about an hour before he walks out of the ruined section of the station towards a few places that look like people scrapped together a few pieces of something, something to make a hovel. Great, a hyper advanced society and they still have slums.


    Lash walked over to the hovel. It was several pieces of metal placed on top of one another like a house of cards. It was a single floor, with multiple rooms. A piece of fabric was all that was used for the door. He peeked inside and pulled back as he smelled rot. Thankfully nothing like rotting flesh, just produce, and the smell of unwashed bodies. Thanks to his Sensory Awareness he turned around to see a small child about four or six years old. She had pale skin, brown eyes, and blond hair tied back into a pony tail. She wore a dirty fabric that was fashioned into a dress. She was looking up at Lash with curiosity.


    ¡°Hello...¡± Lash said as he took a knee. He was 8'' tall in his Transformation state. The only reason he didn''t return to his default shape is because he knew there were Inhumans who looked like him. He had met one on Earth. Though they guy was a giant bear.


    ¡°Are you from the city?¡± She asked, softly. She was holding what looked like a plush stuffed butterfly? About the same size as her. It was hugged against her chest.


    ¡°No, I am from outside the dome.¡± Lash replied, seeing no reason to lie. The girl looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°There isn''t anything outside the dome.¡± She replied, she was surprisingly articulate for her age.


    ¡°Most of the moon is barren this is true. I come from another world, called Asgard.¡± Lash said, he kept his hands in plain sight. His tentacles, and tail twitched behind him like a cats would. Well the tail anyways.


    ¡°Do you have anything to eat!¡± She asked, hope lighting up in her eyes.


    ¡°Yes, I have many things to eat.¡± Lash replied and pulled out a chocolate bar from no where. The girls eyes went wide and she stepped forward. Then stopped hesitation clear on her face.


    ¡°What do you want for it?¡± She asked, Lash smiled wide at her.


    ¡°Very smart! Always assume something comes with a price. I''ll give it to you if you give me some information. Does the city have leaders for each section? Or is it a central government?¡± Lash asked, and the girl looked at him funny. Her face scrunched up in confusion.


    ¡°Sorry, let me try again. Is there an elder in this area of the city? Or should I go further in?¡± Lash asked, the girl''s smile returned and she pointed at a slightly less dilapidated home down the way.


    ¡°Grammy Maimy lives there. She knows a lot! She teaches school for us!¡± She replied, then turned around. Lash offered her the chocolate bar, she snatched out from his hand and peeled it open. The look of pure bliss was adorable on her face. Chocolate! So goooood!


    Lash asked a few more questions. Offering a water bottle, and a nutrition bar. Then he excused himself, though the little girl kept following him. He just smiled and kept going towards the building. Unlike the house he just left this building had at least two floors. The first floor was just one big room. Lots of seats, and benches. With what looked like a partially broken holographic computer screen up front that had several math equations, chemistry formulas, and a language Lash didn''t recognize. Language Smith activated, but he would need to see more of it to get the complete amount.


    ¡°Grammy Maimy! Someone is here to see you!¡± The little girl called out.


    ¡°Is that you, Lanil? Who has come to see me?¡± An older woman''s called down from the second floor. The stairs were made out of scrap metal.


    ¡°A nice man from outside the dome! He has food!¡± Lanil said, and scurried past Lash to run up the stairs.


    ¡°Outside the dome? Is he a soldier?¡± Maimy called, eventually she came down the steps.


    Maimy was approximately 5''6¡± with short brown hair, blue eyes, brown skin, and brown cat ears at the top of her head, with a long cat tail. Lash looked her up and down. She stood up right and walked like a human. Her hands, and feet were human. He didn''t see any other fur. So it was just that as far as he could tell. Maimy was older, Lash would put her around early sixties. But he could be wrong, hard living tends to make people age faster.


    ¡°Well hello sir! I hope Lanil didn''t bother you to much. She is just a curious child.¡± Maimy said, a bit of worry in her voice as she pulled Lanil behind her. Lanil for her credit seem to understand something was going on and grew quiet.


    ¡°You have nothing to fear from me, Grandmother. I mean you no harm, nore little Lanil.¡± Lash said, and bowed from his waist. He pushed just a bit of Commanding Presence into his words so she would believe him.


    ¡°Where are you from? I can''t remember the last time I met a soldier with manners. I mean... I don''t mean they are not nice...I-¡± Maimy started to back pedal until Lash smiled at her.


    ¡°Be calm Grandmother Maimy. I am not offended.¡± Lash replied, and she breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Oh my name is Maimanity, Linel doesn''t like to say it.¡± Maimanity says, and Lanil sticks her tongue out slyly. Lash smiles at her.


    ¡°A beautiful name, Lady Maimanity. I am Lash Jormungandson.¡± Lash replies and bows from his waist once more. Maimanity''s eyes grow a little wide.


    ¡°Where are you from?¡± She asks.


    ¡°I am from Asgard.¡± He replies...A pregnant silence stretches for several moments.


    ¡°Did you really come from outside the dome?¡± She asks, her voice silent as a mouse.


    ¡°I did, I need to speak to the current head of the Inhumans. I assume they are in the central buildings but a name would help. Food seems to be the currency out this far, this I have. Would you like some, for the information.¡± Lash asked, as he produced another bottle of water, and several nutritional bars.


    ¡°What is outside the dome?¡± Maimanity asks, curiosity bubbling up from her. That was odd, he understood why Lanil may not know. But an elder of the town didn''t?


    ¡°Its a vacuum. -298 degrees fahrenheit at night, 224 degrees fahrenheit during the day. You also don''t know what fahrenheit is...Sorry. Its is cold, and hot enough to kill you.¡± Lash responded, and grimaced at his mistake. That was also when Lash realized they were speaking an obscure dialect of Kree. Not english!


    ¡°Is walking out in a vacuum normal for your people?¡± Maimanity asked, a glint of hope in her eyes.


    ¡°Its uncommon...But there are many Asgardians capable of the feat.¡± Lash said after he thought about the question.


    ¡°Do you have a ship? Something to take you away from the moon?¡± She asked, stepping closer.


    ¡°No, I teleported up here.¡± Lash replied, a look of understanding on his face. Either she was gathering intelligence for her people. Clarifying if Lash came alone, or maybe she hoped that Lash could take them away.


    ¡°Are you capable of going back to Earth?¡± Maimanity asked, she stepped closer and took up his hands into her own.


    ¡°I am more than capable... Is life up here not to your liking?¡± Lash asked, something was off here.


    ¡°Yes! Please, can you take us!? How many can you take?¡± Maimanity said with joy in her voice. Uh oh....


    ¡°I was planning on terraforming the moon so it had an atmosphere. If you had more room up here would you still be interested in leaving?¡± Lash asked, he didn''t flinch away when she grabbed onto his hands. Hers were tiny compared to his own.


    ¡°No! Please, even if the moon changed we would still be under their rule! They treat anyone lesser like slaves!¡± She shouted, bitterness dripping from her voice. Ohhhhhhh.... Well crap, Lash didn''t think the cast system was that bad.


    ¡°You there! What are you doing here?¡± A man''s voice shouted, and Maimanity jumped! She let go of Lash, snagged Lanil and they dropped to their knees, pressing their heads to the floor in submission. Lash''s good mood died then and there.


    Lash turned to look at the voice. It was two Inhumans in what looked like Kree security gear repurposed for them. Boots, cargo pants, long sleeves, with a chest plate, and a half mask/ blue visor combination. They held batons with electricity traveling through it. Their body language was aggressive as the stepped through the slums. One of them pushed over a cart full of scraps, right on top of another slum resident. Despite the scrap going everywhere the resident didn''t pick their heads up. Lanil, and Maimanity were shivering in fear.


    ¡°Sir, what are you doing down here?¡± The security guards voice took a turn. He was polite, and respectful towards Lash.


    ¡°Doing an inspection.¡± Lash replied and the guards stiffened.


    ¡°I...see. We didn''t know anyone was inspecting our area today. Of course! Its a surprise inspection! How can we help you?¡± The guard asked while his partner reached up to speak into his comm unit.


    Lash''s reptilian eyes bore right into the mans face. He swallowed audibly as his eyes danced behind his visor. He winced when he looked around. The area was a complete mess and the knew it. Lash had started to repair the security camera''s in the dome. More specifically the tech-spirits were doing it. This was not the only slum, but it was one of the worst. Electrical sparks danced along Lash''s claws and both security guards took a step back.


    ¡°So, should I tell the king? Or just your supervisor that you the both of you should be reassigned to the mines?¡± Lash asked, living flame started to spark from his maw.


    ¡°Sir...Please, understand it''s not our fault. We tried to get them to clean this place up. But they won-Gah!¡± The guard started but stopped shortly as one of Lash''s tentacles reached out and picked him up. The clawed pincers wrapped around his entire chest and squeezed.


    ¡°Lie to me one more time, I dare you!¡± Lash said, and squeezed harder and the man screamed in pain. He turned to look at his partner who had dropped his baton, he was holding his hands up in surrender.


    ¡°It''s all his fault! I wanted to report it! But said he would send-Gaaah!¡± Lash''s other tentacle reached out and snagged that guard too.


    ¡°I guess I should have clarified that neither of you should lie to me!¡± Lash snapped out a growl and began to crush them both.


    ¡°Wait! If you kill them it will bring them all down here. They''ll send us all to the mines innocent or not!¡± Maimanity said to Lash. Her head popped up to call to him.


    ¡°How many people live in this section of the slums?¡± Lash asked Maimanity.


    ¡°About two hundred of us. About half that number work in the mines. They''ll be back in about three hours.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Gather up those that are still here. Tell them your leaving the dome, and they are welcome to come along.¡± Lash said to her, and the guards looked surprised but couldn''t speak out.


    ¡°You mean it!?¡± She asked, coming to her feet.


    ¡°Yes, there are still Inhumans on Earth. They have a colony there, I''ll send you to them. I promise you there is no cast system there.¡± Lash replied and bright shinning hope glowed brilliantly in her eyes.


    -----


    Three hours later there was 213 people standing outside of Maimanity''s home. The two guards were strung up by their hands, and feet in a X pose thanks to some black chains that Lash created, and anchored with some posts. Kids were throwing pieces of metal at them. Lash blocked the guards communication line. From the camera''s in the dome, no one was coming for them. Lash used Connectivity and linked up with the dome''s communication network. Then linked up with Earth''s satellites. He called Jiaying and said he was sending some foreign Inhumans to afterlife the usual way.


    When she asked what foreign meant he explained the Kree science station on the moon. Lash had thought she had a stroke for a moment because she stopped moving. Then she jumped into action and started to prepare room for them. Afterlife was in a secure, and remote location somewhere in the mountains of Asia. A old Kree stealth field disrupted any, and all satellites peering down. No cloaking field. But it did the trick of keeping the place out of sight with any modern satellites. Except Wakandas, and Heimdall of course. But Heimdall was a god, so that made sense.


    Lash used Portal Creation and 213 people sprinted through the portal to freedom! Holding the portal open longer than the spell allowed consumed his energy reserves at an alarming rate. But everyone got through and he snapped it shut. Lash looked back at the guards who stared at him in wide eye horror. Then he pulled them down, still bound in chains and dragged them towards the castle. He was going to have words with the royal family. He understood that Black Bolt was incredibly deadly, so he would be polite. To a point.


    Like most primitive societies, and yes this place was not considered a primitive society to Lash. The city got more and more livable the further in he went. The two guards were being dragged across the ground behind him by used of Telekinesis, and they were bound in black spiked chains. The more they struggled, the tighter they would pull together. They were leaving behind a trail of blood. Oddly enough, no one tried to stop him.


    He passed several other guards who looked at him in surprise. Then looked at the guards he was dragging. They read the badge numbers, and Lash assumed they looked up the info. Once they learned what area they were from. They logically assumed Lash was doing an inspection and was clearly displeased with them. Of course it didn''t matter that they had no idea who Lash was! But the city had 1.2 million people. Lash wouldn''t expect them to learn every ones faces.


    It did make some sense. According the computer there had been no outside entry for, well a long time. A few of the experiments did go outside then come back in. But the ones capable of living in a vacuum were few and far between. So, no one ever considered he would be an intruder. That was horrible security management. The guards he was dragging behind him were gagged. So no matter how much they screamed. No one understood them.


    About ten miles into the city Lash saw his first transport. Looked like a cargo holder. Had a cockpit in the front, and a truck bed in the back. Public transit it looked like. Magnetic coils propelled it forward, about thirty or so feet off the ground. It would decrease power and land. People would jump off, and people would get on. Oh, Only those with a tag could ride. The servants of the area were forced to run everywhere. Lash''s irritation was rising.


    ¡°Excuse me? Who are you?¡± A security guard asked as she walked up.


    She had rank insignia on her chest. Her gear was cleaner. Her black hair was cut short above the shoulder and combed to one side exposing her neck, and ear. Her eyes were bright red, and her skin tone was a healthy tan, with a tint of red. Lash could see flame spirits dancing around her thanks to his Magical Perception. He decided to use Insight.


    Name: N/A.


    Title: Fire Cracker.


    Origin: Meta. Sub-Origin: Alien.


    Rank: C-


    Skills: Leadership, Martial Arts, Dancing, Team Work, (See Tool Tip)


    Powers: Flame Manipulation, Flame Creation, Flame Immunity (Her Own) (See Tool Tip)


    Domains: N/A


    Traits: Inhuman, Kree genetic manipulation.


    Affiliation: Attilan Security Force, Supporter of The Resistance.


    Disposition: Neutral.


    Description: Lieutenant (insert name) is a confident, strong willed, and intelligent woman who understands her place in the world and as relentless ambition to rise to the top. She is a talented fighter, and a shrewd officer.


    ¡°I am Lash Jormungandson of Asgard. I am here to speak to your king.¡± Lash said, his voice animalistic. Like a crocodile chewing on a chalk board. But despite his voice his Partial Telepathy translates his words perfectly.


    ¡°I''ve never heard the unit, Asgard. What''s your serial number?¡± She asked, as she snapped her finger and a flame appeared in her hand. Only for it to be pulled away from her towards Lash who danced it around his knuckles like a silver dollar coin.


    ¡°Your a multi powered aren''t you?¡± She asked, her eyes grew wide. Her escort behind her took a step back as an audible gasp rang through the crowd that had gathered.


    ¡°Technically yes, but not in the way you are thinking. I need to see the king.¡± Lash said, his voice grew softer something that the Lieutenant understood. Her expression softened just a touch in return.


    ¡°I''ll escort you. We have a transport at the station. Please come this way.¡± She said, and turned on her heel. Lash did not sense a lie so he turned to follow her.


    ¡°Forgive me, I am K''heri Fire Cracker! It is an honor to meet you Lash Jormungandson.¡± K''heri said, she saluted him and Lash bowed in return. Not the greeting she expected but accepted it all the same. She turned her head to look at the two bleeding, and nearly unconscious officers he was dragging.


    ¡°What did they do?¡± K''heri asked.


    ¡°Violated several women, and young girls. Killed any one that stood up to them. Tortured a few for fun. Stole food, and anything shiny.¡± Lash said honestly, the camera''s in this place were oddly accurate despite the amount of time that had passed. K''heri snapped around her eyes turned into molten orbs of fire.


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± She screamed, and her fellow officers stared daggers at the two bound, and gagged guards who began to whimper.


    ¡°I was planning on skinning them alive, I''m brutal like that.¡± Lash said in a sinister tone of voice. He grinned at the bound guards who began to cry and struggle, the spiked chains dug deeper.


    ¡°I am sure the King Maximus Boltagon will be more than happy to let you!¡± K''heri replied, turned on her heel and stalked forward. Lash paused for a brief moment then continued to follow as well.


    Maximus Boltagon? Wasn''t Blackagar Boltagon suppose to be in...Oh! That explained the Resistance tag in K''heri''s Insight file. Erik had very little information on Maximus, supposedly he was an Inhuman with no powers. But that actually wasn''t true. He had mild Mind Manipulation he could suggest things to people. Bend people to see his way of thinking. But it was so subtle that no one noticed. It took him years to learn that he did indeed have a power. Once he did learn it, he started to use it...Aggressively. But as for his personality? History? Erik came up blank.


    The transport was a bit larger than the public one Lash saw. He lifted the guards just barely above the ground and held them there. K''heri and her officers watched in fascination at his control. All the while he continued to manipulate the flame spark like a silver dollar across his knuckles. The transport took off towards the central city and more than once the bound, and gagged guards took a sign post to the face. Lash had to lift them up so they wouldn''t hit pedestrians.


    ¡°Can you not do this?¡± Lash asked K''heri, as he played with the flame coin.


    ¡°No, I don''t have that fine of control.¡± She said, she looked down in shame. Having a useful power in the Inhuman society was the basic necessity of importance. The more useful you were the better your rank. The better control you had? Even better.


    ¡°Come here.¡± Lash said, tapping the spot in front of him with his tail. There were seats in the back of the transport. Benches more than anything. K''heri scooted over and sat in front of him.


    ¡°Hold out your hand, palm up, glove off.¡± Lash instructed, she did as she was asked. Lash placed the flame above her hand. She immediately caught the flame, but it went from being a disk to just a candle flame.


    ¡°Now picture a shape in your head, any shape.¡± Lash said, as he reached out and placed his hands on either side of K''heri''s head. She froze in confusion for a bit but did as instructed. Lash used Power Trainer. He got an experience prompt.


    The candle flame in K''heri''s hand took on the shape of a cube, then a pyramid, then it turned into a bird of some kind. K''heri''s eyes went wide! The flame consumed a sudden burst of energy and K''heri''s body turned bright orange. There was a brief moment of panic aboard the transport until Lash used Calm Emotions but continued to train K''heri. The flames had started to burn the transport, and her clothes. But that soon stopped. Her control over her flames grew, and grew. Until she could decide what would burn, and would didn''t. Then Lash took his clawed hands away and smiled at her.


    ¡°See, that wasn''t so hard.¡± Lash smiled at her. Her eyes were wide as the flames continued to dance around her. She breathed in and they extinguished, but in her hand was that little bird. Fluttering up and about, and around her.


    ¡°H...How did you do that?¡± K''heri asked in a whisper.


    ¡°Practice...¡± Lash said with a shrug, and leaned back in his seat. That was clearly not the answer she wanted. She gave him a petulant look but didn''t push. She continued to change the flame into other animals.


    One of the officers in the transport could turn their skin into stone. Lash helped them learn to absorb materials like Creel. The other one could create stabbing weapons. Nothing bigger than a knife. Lash helped them to learn to manipulate the weapons they created. Since they created them, they could in practice decided how, and where they would move. By the end of the trip they had two knives dancing around them like fish in a pond.


    Unfortunately by the end of the treat the two bound, and gagged guards were dead. Their faces had been smashed in, their bodies broken. The driver may have not been avoiding the signs. To bad, so sad. Lash felt their souls being pulled into his own Hellish Dimension. Good, they would be staying for a while. He looked at his hell experience bar and saw that is was a few levels away from evolving. Yay!


    Lash used Decomposition on the guards and they turned to ash. The bodies specifically. The gear dropped in a pile. K''heri look dumbstruck as Lash showed off another power. The transport had landed just outside the largest building in the city, aside from the weather tower that is. It was the castle he saw from the edge of the city. About fifty levels high, with detailed inscriptions up and down the walls. The metal was incredibly shiny, like it was cleaned everyday! Apparently it was as he saw several ''slaves'' cleaning it. At least they looked fed.


    ¡°Care to escort me the rest of the way?¡± Lash asked as he turned around to look at K''heri. Lash wasn''t sure why, but K''heri blushed just a bit when asked.


    ¡°I''m sorry but no. I have to get back to my district. But if you are ever at security station 15 come say hi.¡± K''heri replied, batting her eyelashes at him. She turned around and sashayed her hips a bit. The other two officers saluted and jumped back into the transport.


    Lash watched them leave, a grin on his face as he watched K''heri ride the transport out. She continued to watch him as well until she was out of sight. Lash shook his head, and sighed softly. He started to climb the steps of the palace. There were guards, no soldiers! Soldiers in uniform every fifty or so feet. They had salvaged Kree armor on. Most Kree, though there are exceptions. Most Kree have the same proportions has humans.


    The armor color scheme ranges from bright blue, and silver edges. To dark navy blue, and red veins spread through the armor. Each soldier has a side arm that shoots concentrated plasma, with an energy pike. A serrated blade edge like an axe along the side. With a barrel at the top capable of shooting energy beams. A lot like the Chitauri Lash assumed, he''d have to pick one up to be sure. The armor was sleek, compact, and very practical. Nothing bulky, the only real cosmetic attire were ribbons, and sashes around their waists, and shoulders.


    Once again, no one stopped him! Lash didn''t even have Anonymity up any more! He was an eight foot tall lizard man in high tech armor! His gear didn''t even resemble theirs! If Lash didn''t know any better he would say he was expected? Give the plethora of Inhuman abilities in the city. It was possible they had a far seer in their ranks. Maybe a clairvoyant?


    ¡°Halt! State your business!¡± A tall, robust man in gleaming blue armor shouted at Lash. He stood in his way as he was about to step inside the castle.


    ¡°I am Lash Jormungandson of Asgard. Here to see the king.¡± Lash replied, as he pressed a hand over his heart and bowed from his waist. He stayed bent over for about ten seconds then slowly stood up. The guard nodded in acceptance at his etiquette.


    ¡°I don''t recognize that unit name, what is your serial number?¡± The soldier asked, he pulled up a wrist mounted holographic computer.


    ¡°I don''t have one. As I said before, I am from Asgard. It is one of the 9 realms under the protection of King Odin, All Father.¡± Lash continued when it was clear the man had no idea what he was talking about. ¡°I am from outside the dome.¡± Lash said at last. There was a brief moment of silence than the soldier started to laugh!


    ¡°Hahahahahaha! Sure you are... But I still need your serial number.¡± The soldier said as he smiled at Lash.


    Lash rubbed his face then raised up his left hand into the air and snapped his claws. A resounding snap! Echoed through out the area. Then the artificial sky line turned into night! Then the skyline twisted and warped as the Sol System zipped by, then dozens of solar systems. Then hundreds, then thousands. They skipped through a galaxy, and jumped into another one. Then they went through six more. Until the beautiful realm eternal showed brightly in the artificial sky.


    ¡°I am from there! I am here to see your king!¡± Lash said at last. The soldier dropped his energy pike and gaped at the sky.


    ¡°Ho..Ho..How did you do that?¡± The soldier asked.


    ¡°The Kree science station is over a thousand years old. The security is pathetic, I have the entire system slaved to me. Now take me to your king!¡± Lash shouted and used Commanding Presence.


    -----


    By the stars above, and below this place is so incredibly stupid! Lash muttered under his breath as he was led inside the palace. The artificial night turned back into the regular scheduled time of day. At last they seem to understand that he was not from the dome. Lash also learned that despite the crude construction of the castle a lot of the science station security networks were still connected. There was just a simple firewall separating the two. Once inside he hacked the wall, and his tech-spirits moved in.


    Blackagar Boltagon aka Black Bolt the Inhuman King was being contained in a reinforced hollow sphere barrier. It was built to absorb his Hyper Sonic Voice. He looked like he was meditating. Black Bolt was a tall man with black short hair, pale skin, a strong jaw, and a rectangular physique. He wore a form fitting black coat, and pants. With silver style etchings of lighting. Medusalith "Medusa" Amaquelin the Inhuman Queen was pacing in her royal chambers. She was tall, with pale skin, a hour glass figure, and a shaved head...Wait?


    Medusa''s power let her manipulate her hair into that of a living weapon, Trichokinesis. -Erik said over their link. Lash sent a mental thank you to him.


    So, Maximus had her hair shaved removing her ability to fight back? Apparently hand to hand combat was out of the question? The Queen was in a traditional royal garb, it was tailored to show off her curves. But left plenty to the imagination. Her jaw was clenched and a look of determination was in her eyes. Stuff away further into the castle was... Crystalia "Crystal" Amaquelin princess of the Inhumans and sister to Medusa.


    Crystal was in her bedroom listening to music. She was late teens, early twenties. With blond hair just past her shoulders. In good natural shape, but no real physical training to be seen. But of course she could have superhuman strength for all Lash knew. She was sitting at her desk reading a book and rhythmically tapping on the window of her bedroom. However the tapping never repeated, it was always... Lash switched camera''s and found a servant several windows down hidden from view writing something on a note pad. On there was a code in play.


    Lash was brought into the antechambers before the royal audience chamber. This was normal, he would probably be made to wait an hour before he would see anyone. The soldier who escorted him scurried out of the room. The doors sealed shut, and gas started to pour in...Really? Lash rolled his six eyes and turned towards the doors leading to the main room. He reached out with Material Shaping and turned the metal into goop. Then walked through the hole he made.


    ¡°Stand down! You are in violation of citizenry rights of King Maximus-¡± A soldier screamed at him then stopped suddenly. His voice was gone thanks to Silence.


    ¡°I AM NOT FROM HERE! I AM FROM OUTSIDE THE DOME! GET THE THROUGH YOUR FUCKING SKULLS!¡± Lash screamed at them, his voiced carried through the entire castle thanks to the intercom system. Black Bolt, Medusa, and Crystal all looked up in confusion after hearing his voice.


    ¡°I AM HERE TO SEE YOUR KING! IF I DON''T SEE HIM IN THE NEXT TEN MINUTES I WILL VENT THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE DOME INTO SPACE!¡± Lash screamed again, and an alarm went through the whole dome.


    ¡°Warning...Warning.... Dome depressurization will commence in T-minus ten minutes....¡± The Kree computerized voice sounded through the whole science station. That got every ones attention and not in a good way.


    Danger Sense, and Foresight activated! Lash used the spell Acceleration and zipped through the main royal audience chamber as the soldiers fired on him. Blue Pisonic Blades burst from knuckles as he danced through the soldiers like a farmer harvesting wheat with a sickle. In less than a minute all the soldiers were convulsing on the ground. The side chamber door opened up to reveal? More soldiers! Lash Blinked right in front of them! He cleaved through the masses with ease, though no one died. It would be a long while before they got back up.


    Lash was sprinting down the hall at this point heading straight for Maximus he was done! This place was fucked up! The records he saw showed that Maximus was a fucking tyrant. Things were never very good in Attilan with the cast system in place but at least people were being fed, and not raped and tortured by the security guards.


    Lash popped around a corner and jumped onto the wall with Gravity Stride surprising the soldiers in the halls. A man slammed his fists together and molten lava came out of his hands. He reached back preparing to throw then Lash was suddenly in front of him! He bisected the man with his blue energy blades, and carefully put him down so he wouldn''t hurt anyone. Then Lash felt a crushing force of energy collide with him. He looked around, confused.


    He saw a woman with her hands forced out like she was pushing against something hard. Lash pushed against the energy and walked towards her with little difficulty. She started to sweat, and bite back a scream as she was forcibly pushed back. The Lash reached out with Telekinesis and simply threw her up straight into the ceiling. Much to her surprise! She slammed into the roof, and came back down with an audible smack! Alive, but would be hating life when she woke up again.


    Lash came to a door and sliced the lock off with his claws and pried the door open. Inside was the princess Crystal. She was standing up in her room wearing nothing but a short skirt, a yellow tank top, and holding a ball of electricity in her hands. Eh? She shot straight into him. Lash felt his Technomagical Construct portions of his body fill up with energy. Funny that!


    ¡°Princess Crystal I assume?¡± Lash asked, giving her a deadpanned look.


    ¡°Why...Why didn''t that hurt you?¡± Crystal asked, her eyes wide in shock.


    ¡°Yes, because I''m going to take the time to explain that. I''m about to go free the Queen, want to come?¡± Lash asked, he didn''t wait for an answer he just turned on his heel and jogged down the hall.


    T-minus 8 eight minutes until depressurization. -The Kree computer said across the dome. People were really starting to panic now!


    ¡°Wait!? Can you stop the countdown?¡± Crystal asked as she came running out of her room with a pair of pants on and some slip on shoes. She tied her hair back, and kept the tank top.


    ¡°I can....Can you tell me why I should?¡± Lash asked as he pulled his head back from a corner as an array of energy blasts destroyed that section.


    ¡°Millions of innocent people will die!¡± She shouted at him.


    ¡°Fair enough...¡± Lash said in an easy going manner.


    Depressurization, aborted. System resetting. -The Kree computer said, Crystal breathed a sigh of relief.


    Lash ran up the wall, and across the ceiling then sprinted down the hallway. The sudden change of entry into the hall confused the soldiers long enough for Lash to Blink in the middle of them. He spun in place like a top and six soldiers dropped with agonizing screams. Crystal came running out, horror stretched across her face. She came to one of the guards and reached down only to receive a shock, and the man groaned. She looked up at Lash in confusion.


    ¡°I''m not going to kill soldiers following orders. It''s not their fault that Maximus bent their mind with his powers.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Wait! Maximus has powers!?¡± Crystal said, astonished. Lash rolled his eyes.


    Lash went to several rooms with Crystal following in his wake. He released several high priority targets that Maximus had been slowly chipping away at them. Lash briefly used Compulsion to counter act the effect. Lash'' spell power was stronger and they quickly shook off Maximus Mind Manipulation. Then they opened a particular door and a five hundred pound dog jumped onto Lash and began to slobber all over him.


    ¡°Lockjaw!¡± Crystal squealed in delight and pulled the giant dog off of Lash. Lockjaw looked like a pit bull the size of a horse. He had a symbol of some kind on his forehead. Lash didn''t realize that the Kree had played with animal DNA as well. Oh joy!


    ¡°Hi! Hi! You smell good! Are you a friend? I like you! Are you helping my family?¡± Lockjaw said to Lash through Beast Speak.


    ¡°Yes, I am a friend, yes we are saving your family.¡± Lash replied and gently pet the big dog. Lockjaw barked several times and licked Lash''s face.


    Next Lash opened the doors to the royal chamber and received a flower vase to his face. The vase shattered on impact doing absolutely no damage. Lash blinked in mild annoyance and looked at the Queen standing there with a chair in her hands. Then Lockjaw jumped past Lash and barked at the Queen. Medusa smiled and hugged the big dog, then Crystal came in as well. The royal guard made a perimeter around the room.


    ¡°Thank you for helping us! I don''t recognize you, what part of the city are you from?¡± Medusa asked, Lash hung his head in disappointment.


    ¡°Sis, he''s not from here. He really did come from outside the dome.¡± Crystal tried to explain to Medusa. Who looked confused, as if that was impossible.


    ¡°Wow, you people have been in this city for way to long!¡± Lash replied, he cast Regrowth and grew Medusa''s hair back in triple time. Long, thick, curly red hair came flowing out of Medusa''s head. She jumped in surprise, and then smiled as her hair whipped around her at her command.


    ¡°On to the king!¡± Lash said as he raced past everyone.


    ¡°Wait! Maximus place bombs on the chamber. If we try to open them!¡± Medusa called but stopped mid sentence as Lash had pulled the meditation chamber door open already. It was only a few dozen feet from the royal chamber. The bombs were already turned off.


    ¡°King Black Bolt. I am Lash Jormungandson of Asgard. We need to talk, though we can do that after we deal with your brother.¡± Lash said to the true king. Who stood up with out saying a word. Which from what Erik says is a good thing. He nodded his head once. Then a smile grew as Medusa came in to hug him.


    -----


    Maximus was currently at the central control hub for the whole dome. He was attempting to access the main computer and set the whole station to self destruct. If he couldn''t have Attilan, no one would! But the computer refused his access code. The royal family had acquired the pass code to the main computer centuries ago when they took the city from the Kree. But now the code didn''t work.


    Access denied....Access denied....Access denied. Warning! Entry point locked, notifying Kree Commander to your location. Please stand by for punishment. -The Kree compute said. Maximus slammed his hands into the console.


    ¡°No fucking machine! There is no commander here! The Kree are all dead!¡± Maximus shouted.


    ¡°Found you.¡± An animalistic voice said behind him. Maximus whipped around and saw Lash standing behind him at the door to the main computer.


    Maximus was a scrawny guy. 5''5¡± with shaggy black hair just above his eyes. Very little muscle on his body, he had a pale color to his skin, with a shaggy beard in desperate need of a trim. He wore the royal garb of the king. Specifically Bolts garb, which meant it didn''t fit him. The only thing remarkable was his eyes. They were pure onyx, and were filled with a fierce intelligence. Lash could actually feel the Mind Manipulation testing the waters against Lash. It was pathetic, but he could feel it.


    ¡°All I wanted to do was speak to the king. Whether that was you, or the your brother. It didn''t matter. But then you decided to try and kill me. So, it''s your brother I will talk to.¡± Lash said as he stepped into the room, a red Psionic Blade burst from his left hand.


    ¡°I know who you are! Unlike my simpleton brother I keep my eye on Earth. You will bring ruin to our people!¡± Maximus shouted, and Lash feels the push from his power against him. ¡°I am the only one could lead-!¡± Lash stabbed the energy blade center mass. Maximus looks clearly shocked!


    ¡°I...I''m not...suppose to ...to die here....¡± Maximus says, as he drops to his knees. Lash didn''t remove the blade so it bisected him. Thankfully Decomposition kicked in and Maximus whole body, blood included started to turn into ash.


    ¡°Ya, sorry I don''t do the clich¨¦ let the villain get away until next time thing.¡± Lash said, as he pushed past him and went to the computer. Another security wall, and his tech-spirits jumped in. Oh hay! The city can move? Cool!


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Medusa came running in looking frantic. At that point all the remained of Maximus was a pile of ash in the room. Black Bolt walked in, then looked at the pile of ash. He knelt down next to it and ran his fingers through the pile a look of heart break on his face.


    ¡°You...You....You had no right to take his life!¡± Medusa screamed at Lash. He turned to look at her.


    ¡°Tell me, Queen Medusa. How many lives have been lost during Maximus reign? Do you know?¡± Lash asked, as he bowed from his waist towards. But his voice dripped with sarcasm. Black Bolt looked up, his eyes narrowing.


    ¡°I... I am sure our people have suffered greatly. But that doesn''t give you the right to execute Maximus!¡± Medusa started to say as she stepped forward her hair turning into dozens of blade like points.


    ¡°5,678 people died in the coup. Then an additional 16,357 died while he ruled. I passed a city section on the way in. Two of your security forces violated, and tortured 29 people. Then they killed an additional 16 people. That was just one section. Would you like me to give you the numbers for the others? Or, are the slums beneath your notice?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°HOW DARE YOU!¡± Medusa screamed at him but Bolt stopped her and shook his head.


    We can''t fight here. Bolt said through his Partial Telepathy that he assumed Lash couldn''t hear.


    ¡°That is absolutely right, fighting in this room would be detrimental to the stations well being.¡± Lash said in response and Bolt looked at him in surprise.


    Can you? -Bolt asked.


    ¡°Yes, I can hear you.¡± Lash replied with a smug grin. Medusa was fuming! Her hair danced around ready to slice Lash apart.


    We need to notify the people that we are safe, and that Maximus has been dealt with. We''ll save this until later. Agreed? -Bolt asked, them both. Lash nodded in acceptance and Medusa of course agreed. But she continued to glare at Lash so intently he may burst into flames!


    Lash was granted an armed escort for his safety....right. The city was not doing well. Combined with the threat of depressurization, and the fact that Maximus had activated some order to his mind controlled officers to immolate the station. The city was quite literally on fire. Lash was forbidden from helping. He would only make it worse so said the Queen! So Lash slipped his guards and went into the city to set up a medical triage center. Turns out a red cross with a snake wrapped around it was also a sign they used for medicine. Neat!


    Also apparently there was not a single Inhuman in their entire fucking history with a healing ability. That was just stupid! Lash found several Energy Manipulation Inhumans and taught them Medicine. Suddenly they could suture a wound with their energy powers. Wow, really! None of them ever thought of that? It took Lash''s guards six hours to find him. By that point he had saved over five hundred lives. A huge line was outside the center. They would prefer going to Lash, then a hospital.


    Then the station started to rain. Well the weather tower had been overridden. Rain started to fall and helped douse the flames. It was odd the rain was heavier in certain places where the fire was most consistent. Some dumb mind controlled fool set an explosive on the doom and for a brief terrifying moment the dome shattered! The cloaking field collapsed and before everyone could get sucked out into a space! Emergency shields activated. For the first, aside from Lash previous light show. The Inhumans in Attilan saw the Earth in the distance.


    ¡°So let me get this straight?¡± Lash asked, K''heri who had come to his medical center to help with security. A thousand Saurus Warriors were clearing the city out, while a hundred Saurus Veterans were helping in the medical center.


    ¡°You were all told that centuries ago Earth was decimated by a war and was unlivable?¡± Lash asked her. She nodded several times, glancing up at the Earth in the distance.


    ¡°Ya that didn''t happen. Yes, the Inhumans did fight the Kree and force them off Earth. Yes the direct area was devastated. But the entire planet? Oh no, that was just fine. So who told you that pile of lies?¡± Lash asked, clearly irritated.


    ¡°The royal family.¡± K''heri said, an unhappy expression on her face.


    ¡°Ah, it was a method of control. If people assumed that there was no where else to go. They would be more accepting of their new life. The royal family were the only ones with access to the main computer. So any and all attempts to rebel were met with catastrophic death.¡± Lash said, understanding the situation.


    ¡°Aside from the Kree genetic engineering, Inhumans, and Humans are exactly alike. Capable of great acts of nobility, compassion, genius, and creative design. Or brutal, blood thirsty, manipulation, and destruction. Exactly alike.¡± Lash said, as he reattached a man''s leg and brought him back to about 80% health.


    ¡°Inhumans are the strongest race on Earth!¡± K''heri said with determination. Lash turned to look at her with a hint of pity.


    ¡°Yes, a thousand years ago maybe. Wait not even that! Asgard has been visiting Midgard for thousands of years. We don''t need to go through a transformation process to be strong.¡± Lash replied, shaking his head and going back to work.


    ¡°Asgardian! The King will see you now.¡± A soldier called out, and Lash turned to them.


    ¡°When I''m done I''ll come and see him then.¡± Lash replied, and K''heri looked at him in shock. The soldier was clearly surprised as well. But he gritted his teeth and stepped forward.


    ¡°You will see him now! He calls for you!¡± The soldier replied with a shout. Lash points at the very long line.


    ¡°So the King believes my time should be spent talking to him instead of tending to his citizens? Wow, I can see what kind of king he is. A desperate one!¡± Lash snarled back, then gestured to another injured.


    There was a tense moment then the soldier stormed off to deliver Lash''s message. K''heri looked conflicted. She was happy Lash was prioritizing the injured. But that was a call from the king. About ten hours or so roll by. The last of the injured have been tended too. The Saurus Warriors have put out the fires, and have begun to repair what they can. The Veterans are refreshing their spells on the injured that still need basic care. At last Lash cleans himself up and casts Immaculate. He nudges K''heri who fell asleep next to him. She mumbles something and turns over to sleep. Lash rolls his eyes at her.


    Lash''s tech-spirits were in the process of repairing the science station. They were siphoning off his magical energy to do it. But he always made sure he had at least 40% or more energy in his tank. He cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on himself and felt renewed! His Healing Aura pulsed and he obtained just a bit more. Spend energy to gain energy. He made it back to the castle and was stopped at the front gate. A soldier guided him through the palace towards the private chambers of the royal family. A servant with proper training came to receive him and guided him towards Black Bolts private study.


    Thirty foot wide, thirty foot deep, and fifteen feet high. A large wooden desk sat in the middle. Wow that must have been hard to make. Lash could feel the history oozing off that thing. There were beautiful silks adorning the walls. With oil paintings of past kings, and queens. Sitting at the desk is Black Bolt, at his right side is Medusa who continues to glare at Lash. Crystal is to Bolts left. Lockjaw barks softly at Lash when he enters. Lash bows from his waist then looks at them waiting to be allowed to sit.


    ¡°Oh now you have manners.¡± Medusa says with an acidic tone. Lash looks at her and the shadows in the room grow, and the light fades.


    Stop...Please. -Bolt says through Telepathy.


    ¡°My sister aside, thank you for helping.¡± Crystal say with a tight smile. Medusa balks at her.


    Thank you for helping our people. Our healers say you, and your creations saved over ten thousand. It is a debt that not easily repaid, along with helping us retake the throne. You said you wanted to talk, so lets talk. Please sit. -Bolt said across the link and gestured towards the chair that clearly wasn''t meant for Lash''s unique body type. So he used Fabrication, and Alteration to craft his own. Room for his tail, the scaled spines down his back, space for his tentacles.


    ¡°How many powers do you have?¡± Crystal asked.


    ¡°I''m not an Inhuman, I am not limited by the genetic design of the Kree. I can have as many as I like, as long as I understand how they work.¡± Lash replied, and Crystal sat up in interest.


    Later....Please speak. -Bolt says, gesturing with his hand. Crystal stamps out her curiousity for now. Lockjaw wonders over to Lash and flops on the ground next to him. The big dog nearly knocks him over but Lash laughs and begins to brush his claws through his fur. The dog leans into it, in heaven!


    ¡°Several weeks ago a group of radical Inhumans on the planet Earth took several Terragensis crystals and dumped them into the ocean. The crystals thankfully did not poison the ecosystem, nor anyone who eats a fish. But, if they have the Inhuman gene. They go through Terragensis.¡± Lash said, and he illustrated his point with a Phantasm image.


    ¡°Wait, there are Inhumans on Earth?¡± Crystal asked, Both Bolt, and Medusa look conflicted when Lash stares at Crystal.


    ¡°Wow....The royal family has completely distorted the truth.¡± Lash says in astonishment.


    ¡°Hard choices were made. It was what was best for us all.¡± Medusa said, and turned away when Crystal stared at her.


    ¡°That is a lie through and through. You could have stayed on Earth! The city could have cloaked and stuck to one of the islands in the ocean. Instead you''ve all been stuck in this dome letting the universe pass you by. You barely understand the Kree tech in the station. Your people honestly believe they are a superior race.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°We are superior! Humans are beneath us!¡± Medusa said with a snarl.


    ¡°You are a human! He is a human! She is a human! You are genetically altered humans! You are not a separate race! I am an alien! I come a completely different galaxy! You all originate from Earth! Get that through your thick skull!¡± Lash shouted at Medusa who jumped to her feet.


    A single tsk was said from Bolt and the entire room shook! No, the entire castle shook! However, Lash and Lockjaw for that matter were perfectly fine as Blessing of Bast activated and the Aegis popped up to block the blow. Lockjaw was however biting into Lash''s left leg attempting to pull him back. Because Lash had a red Psionic Blade inches from Bolts neck. The whole room was frozen save for Lockjaw who couldn''t for the life of him pull Lash away, or teleport.


    ¡°Let me make something very clear, your highness. I don''t need you alive to accomplish my goal. I would like too. I have heard many nice stories about you. About your family. Specifically your Queen, and Princess Crystal. Along with your royal guard. But you need to understand something. Inhumans are not, and have never been the top of the food chain. Nor are they superior to humans. I know a man on Earth that is 100% human with out any genetic tampering and could crack this Kree compute system in under an hour. Something your entire family line couldn''t do in over a thousand years.¡± Lash snarled at him.


    ¡°You!¡± Lash said, as one of his tentacles pointed at Medusa. ¡°Get off your sanctimonious ass and think for a fucking moment. I have all the camera records of the station at my disposal. Your city is a wreck! If you live on the outside rings. Your life is hell! People are beaten, tortured, and raped on a daily basis. You treat the workers like slaves simply because they were not given a useful power. Yet you act like you are superior to humans? Wake up! You are just like them! You have abilities, so fucking what!¡± Lash glared at her, and she bit back a scream of frustration as bands of pure darkness had wrapped around her. A serrated blade pointed at her throat.


    ¡°You...I don''t really have anything to say to you except sorry for the bodily harm I am threatening your family with.¡± Lash said as he glanced at Crystal who was holding a ball of fire and was deciding on throwing it or not.


    ¡°Will this do anything to you?¡± She asked, glancing at her fireball. Only, her and Lockjaw are free to move.


    ¡°No, it wont.¡± Lash replied... So they stayed that way for a bit. Until a servant knocked on the door and showed in one of the royal guard who froze at the scene.


    Gorgon Petragon was technically part of the royal family that became a royal guard. He was a seven foot tall man with black skin, short black hair, amber eyes, a strong muscular build, and he had goat legs. Superhuman Strength, Shockwave Generation, Enhanced Smell, and was had Advanced Martial Arts. He came to ask about the situation and stood perfectly still.


    ¡°My King...Did I come at a bad time?¡± Gorgon asked, watching Lash with a piercing gaze.


    ¡°I''m going to step back, and we are all going to take a breath. If you wish to continue this little argument we can. But I promise you, you will lose.¡± Lash said, as he pulled his energy blade back and the shadow blades faded into the light. He stepped back, forcibly dragging Lockjaw with him who yelped in surprise.


    Karnak Mander-Azur stepped into the room next. Cousin to Gorgon and once again technically a member of the Royal family. Karnak had been trained as the royal advisor, especially due to his unique power set. Weakness Detection, Superhuman Durability, Master Martial Arts, Master Tactician, and Master Medicine. His Weakness Detection went so much further than that. Allowing to see all possible scenarios, and means of attack or defense. Karnak had yellow tone skin, sharp intelligent eyes, a athletic figure that came with being a keeper Master Martial Arts.


    ¡°Alright everyone calm down now. My King unless you are willing to destroy the whole city you cant defeat him.¡± Karnak said in an indifferent tone. But his voice carried a simple promise...What ever he said was true.


    So, everyone took a breath. Chairs were provided, the room was little more crowded. Now everyone sat on one side, while Lash sat alone on the other. Everyone in the room noticed that the shadows were not in the correct place with the lighting. They slithered, and writhed across the floor encircling Lash, and slithered across the floor towards them. Lockjaw kept growling at them, and bat his paw on top of them to no avail.


    ¡°What exactly do you want us to do?¡± Medusa asked, trying to not flinch when ever one of the shadow snakes slithered by her foot.


    ¡°I am going to repair Attilan. Then the city will leave the moon and return to Earth. Where the Inhumans of Attilan will create a new nation that will be recognized by the United Nations of Earth.¡± Lash raised a claw before Karnak was about to speak. ¡°I understand it will not be that easy. But you need to understand. Attilan is failing, this city will last many another decade before it stops functioning. That was before I got here, and before what happened with Maximus''s mind controlled people. Now, I''d say you have about a year.¡± Lash continued, as he created another Phantasm image.


    ¡°Now, before you ask. Why don''t I just repair it and leave you be? Or just bring all the Inhumans to Attilan. First off, this city is a mess and I have the video logs to prove it. If you return to earth you will no longer be stuck inside a dome. You can remove the cast system because its fucking awful. I''ll help you secure an island in the middle of the ocean bigger than the city. You can grow farms, and expand. But you must understand this is going to happen.¡± Lash said simply.


    ¡°So you are not giving us a choice?¡± Gorgon asked, he looked like he wanted to rip Lash in half.


    ¡°Yes, he is giving us a choice. He gave several choices, and several chances. But simply put we no longer impress him. Compared to him, and his people we are nothing but primitive insects.¡± Karnak said simply, he looked...Bored. The whole room looked at him.


    ¡°We should go... Return to Earth. Protect our lost brothers, and sisters. It will not be easy, but it will be better than staying up here waiting to die.¡± Karnak said, and he looked towards Bolt.


    You will help us establish a nation? -Bolt asked.


    ¡°You have my word, you will have your nation. Even if I have to beat the United Nations into submission to get it for you.¡± Lash said simply. Karnak grinned at Lash.


    ¡°He means it...¡± Karnak replied.


    How long do you need before the city is ready? -Bolt continued.


    Forty eight hours or so.¡± Lash said with a smug grin on his face. The whole room blinked at him.


    ¡°To fix the whole station?¡± Crystal asked, Lash continued to grin.


    ==========================================================


    ***SWORD Space Carrier, Orbit around the Earth***


    The renovated, and retrofitted helicarrier was a work of art to many, and a complete bafflement to so many others. Most of the engineers aboard the ship barely understood what anything did! They knew how to do basic maintenance and that was about it. The Asgardian had installed a basic ship VI that was helping the crew adjust to being in space.


    Unlike normal hellicarriers there was no command island off the side of the ship. That had been removed. The entire ship was about three thousand feet long, runway included. The runway was completely sealed and ran along the spine of the ship. Star Fighters would fly out the mouth, and return through the back. Soft light shields kept the atmosphere in place. Another thing no one understood. Normally the flight deck was sealed with several dozen feet of reinforces steel, vibranium alloy.


    The Captain of the ship was under the impression that Wakanda didn''t give out vibranium. That a single pound of the stuff was worth about hundred grand a pop. Yet the entire ship was made out of an alloy that the Asgardian gave them. The operations deck was smack dab in the middle of the ship. While a secondary bridge was further down. The ship had all the amenities of a standard carrier from Earth. Medical, machine shop, gym, living spaces, etc, etc. Then came the engine room. Now, that took the cake.


    A giant red orb sat in the middle of the main engineering deck and it put out enough power to light up a continent! Gravity got weird in main engineering. Everyone had to wear magnetic boots. Oh, that was the other thing. The ship had gravity! All along the floor, were these words that glowed and no one knew what they said. When an engineering team had to pry panel off the floor to fix some wiring the whole hallway lost gravity. It''s like the words are a circuit. Break the line and you lose it.


    Despite the weird ship...The Captain of the space carrier absolutely loved it! They had triple the repulsion engines on the side of their ship, with four main engine cores on the back. They could pull out of orbit, or make reentry and they barely felt it! It just took about an hour, but that was just fine! It took only three days from to travel from the Earth to the moon. SHIELD, and SWORD were thinking about establishing a lunar colony.


    Then the Captain of the ship was called to the operations deck and they saw a holographic image of something they couldn''t explain. A flying...city? Lifted off of the moon and was in transit towards the Earth. Their IFF tagged it friendly. The SWORD space carrier was tasked with escorting the city towards the Earth. It was apparently touching down in the North Atlantic Ocean somewhere? But then the Captain saw it...Or rather him. A 60 foot tall, and 120 foot long Kaiju creature flying through space next to the floating city. Son of Jormungand, Lash of Asgard.


    ¡°Alright people, match course and speed. Let''s get this done!¡± The Captain ordered and the ship jumped into action.


    Galen


    https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Inhumans_(TV_series) Technically they are part of the MCU. Remember the Cinematic Universe is not the Comic Universe. They are two separate Universes with their own cannon.

 Chapter 115: The Red Room

    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Watch Tower Station***


    (Helena Wayne aka Huntress)


    ¡°I don''t understand why we need new uniforms! I like my uniform!¡± Power Girl said with a petulant look on her face. Helena rolled her eyes at her friend and pulled her along towards the Public Relations module.


    ¡°Power, you wear a skin tight white spandex suit! Do you remember the battle at Gotham with Slimo? He burned your suit off and you spent the rest of the fight hiding behind a very small piece of clothing? It went up on social media for over a year?¡± Helena pointed out an old memory of home. It made her sad for a brief moment, but the look of pure horror on Power Girl''s face was enough to pull her out of it.


    ¡°But.... I got a better one made after that.¡± Power Girl said in a soft tone of voice and looked down at her feet.


    ¡°Look, Hex made it very clear that if we want to join this realities JLI we have to get uniforms done. You can keep your color scheme but you have to wear actual armor.¡± Helena continued, and smiled at Power Girl.


    Helena, Kara, and Fredrick decided to take Hex up on the invitation to join the Justice League: International in this reality. They knew that sooner or later Apokolips forces were going to come looking for them. It was still up to a debate if Darkseid was a multi reality being? Or if there was a Darkseid for each reality? Either way! They three would hopefully be ready for them. They spend a grueling three days in a debrief where they were asked any, and all questions about the invasion. Methods of operations, counter measures, how did their reality react?


    In exchange Helena, Kara, and Fredrick got brand new identities in this new reality. It didn''t take Hex long to figure out who they were. Or rather who their copies were in this reality. Helena was shocked to learn that her father Bruce, and mother Selina were just about to get married in this reality. In fact they had learned that this reality was about twenty or so years behind Helena''s reality. Hopefully that meant it would be a while before Darkseid showed up. Hopefully.


    Kara aka Power Girl was nostalgic as she saw her younger self on the station. Kara Kent this realities Super Girl wore a full JLI uniform and looked far more professional than Helena ever remembered her Kara acting when she was that young. But what was strange most of all was Helena''s Kara was that she saw her aunt Lara Lor-Von, and her uncle Jor-El here! Apparently they got pulled out of a time fragment Rift by someone named Agent Wraith.


    Helena cleared her thoughts as they stepped inside the Public Relations building. She wasn''t sure why they were sent here to start the process for their new uniforms. But it apparently started with selecting a code name, and ensuring no one had the same name so it could be coined? They were also getting the public identities set up in the module. Fredrick looked the most out of place. He had been released from the medical module today and was beside himself looking at the station.


    Soon a delightful cat-man named Kyoko led them into a private room and he was very bubbly, and a bit to flamboyant for Helena''s taste. But Kara, and Fredrick got along with him very well. They talked about color schemes, wanting to keep this and that for their uniforms. Apparently it wasn''t that easy either. Different tiered versions of the uniform were available and they had to get trained on each piece of tech before they could have it. This place reminded Helena of her farther, Bruce. He had drilled every single aspect of her tools abilities and what they could be used for into her.


    ¡°So, Helena are you married to the purple?¡± Kyoko asked, and Helena snapped her attention back to the discussion.


    ¡°What? Oh I...I mean no? I''ve always like conservative colors. But purple was my one color that I felt was mine...So?¡± Helena said, but trailed off as she remembered having the same discussion with her mother...Her recently dead mother. Kyoko easily read between the lines and let the subject go. But he quickly drew a very nice color scheme for her armor. Helena admitted it looked nice.


    ¡°I like that!¡± Helena said, and Kyoko smiled at her, showing a bit of fang has his tail twitched back and forth behind him. Helena was really tempted to grab it.


    Kyoko the cat-man wore a black pin stripped suit that was tailored to his particular body type. He looked like a panther of some kind? His sister Mezo who joined him after about thirty or so minutes was a mountain lion, and Helena and Mezo got along perfectly! Helena settled for a light weight armor type. Black polymer suit, flex plates over her vitals, along with a mask. Apparently masks were standard! Then she had a tiger purple stripped pattern into her suit. Hinting at her hunter style.


    Power Girl went with a light weight armor type, still confused why she needed armor. Until she heard that the suit would make her largely immune to Kryptonite. After that Kara stopped complaining. Her suit was pure white, with gold, and red highlights across the armor. She wanted a cape, but apparently you had to be trained on them? There was an entire martial art style that incorporated capes, cloaks, and such. Helena understood that better than most. Her dad had used his cloak as a shield, as well as a weapon. So, in the end Kara didn''t get her cape until later.


    Fredrick was our IT guy. Mother box had been returned to him and he was being fitted for a technical assist suit. If we were ever deployed that is. More than likely we would be given a city to patrol and Fredrick would be our Over Watch guy in the chair. Still, he was really into making his uniform. Fredrick never said anything but Helena knew the guy had been a tiny bit jealous of Kara, and her.


    ¡°Wait, the JLI don''t own the tower?¡± Kara asked Mezo who was shaking her head in a clear no.


    ¡°No, technically our grandfather owns the station. The JLI are just renting the space. Vici our mother, and he created the tower.¡± Mezo replied, her voice paused Kyoko''s conversation with Fredrick about the wrist mounted holographic computer.


    ¡°Who''s your grandfather?¡± Helena asked, in her home reality Bruce, had paid for most of the Watch Tower''s materials. While the Guardians of Oa had loaned a defunct space station.


    ¡°You would know him as Agent Wraith. He''s currently handling a Rift on Earth. Otherwise he would have introduced himself to you when you were speaking to Hex. He takes the whole alternate reality thing seriously.¡± Mezo said politely, but from her tone of voice it was clear she wanted to move on.


    Fredrick asked a few follow up questions about the specs of the tower. But eventually they continued designing the suits, as well as finding suitable code names. Thankfully Huntress, and Power Girl had not been taken yet so they kept their old names. While Fredrick had to really think for his own. Eventually they had a detailed design, and they were sent towards the training hall. They would first be trained in the different aspects of their suits before they would get their own made.


    There in the training hall Helena met the owner of the module, Kimiko. A 5''5¡± woman with yellow skin tone, jade green eyes, short black hair just long enough to be tied back, and two short red horns at the crown of her head. She was apparently an Oni? Helena had no idea what that meant. But they must have been incredibly strong because when Kara stepped into the fighting ring with her. Kimiko had Kara on the ground and in arm lock in under ten seconds!


    Helena had watched Kara, and Superman fight against one another and it was an earth shattering experience! Now she watched a young woman who probably didn''t weight over a 120 pounds! Make Power Girl tap out. It wasn''t until their 5th match that Helena found out that the arena they were in had a power inhibitor tech built into it. So everyone who steps inside starts at the same strength level. So it''s all skill at that point.


    Helena never realized how much Kara relied on her strength to fight. On her abilities as a Kryptonian. It had been a wake up call for her. When Helena stepped into the ring she didn''t do much better. Yes, she did last longer. But Kimiko was just like her father. She had trained in every form of martial arts and knew how to change, and adapt to fit the situation. Just when Helena would start to find a pattern Kimiko would change it up! Needless to say it was frustrating!


    Out of the three of them, Fredrick lasted the longest. Simply because the man had no idea how to fight and Kimiko wasn''t a bully. After the first tap out, Kimiko started to teach him how to throw a proper punch. Kimiki was cold, indifferent, but was focused on being a good teacher. Would offer praise when people improved, and would admonish someone when they kept making the same mistake over, and over. Helena couldn''t help it but admire her for it.


    ¡°I heard this place has a bar in it, and even Kryptonian''s can get drunk. Want to go?¡± Kara asked, they were both watching Fredrick getting tossed around the ring.


    ¡°Ya...I think... I think we are going to be ok here.¡± Helena replied, as she winced when Fredrick was tossed again onto the floor.


    ¡°I think we will too.¡± Kara said, with a smile of her own.


    ======================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Avengers Compound***


    (Lash Jormungandson, of Asgard)


    Lash had showed up with the city of Attilan on the very day he was suppose to attend the United Nations informal meeting. Director Hill had thankfully informed the council as for the change people attending. When a giant floating city sits just outside of New York people tend to notice! King Black Bolt, and Queen Medusa arrived with a royal escort and sat down in the room with hundreds of attendance, senators, foreign diplomats, and leaders of the world. When they found out that they were rules of a InHuman nation that had existed for thousands of years, on the moon no less! It was a little hard to swallow.


    ¡°It was only a matter of time before this happened. We can no longer pretend like the Inhuman threat doesn''t exist. Each and every one of them is a lethal weapon and now those weapons are aimed directly at us. Make no mistake; this is an act of war. Unless we take a stand and fight back now while we can, we will be complicit in our own extinction.¡± A woman by the name of US Senator Ellen Nadeer said when the informal meeting began. She was selected by the pro superhuman registration act group.


    This started a very loud shouting match among the leaders of the world. While Black Bolt looked over at Lash who rolled his eyes dramatically. In the two days that Lash had rebuilt their home the tension filled atmosphere between Lash and the royal family mellowed out a bit. Medusa still didn''t like Lash. But had to admit that their way of life was dying. They had also failed to rule as a monarchy as Lash showed clear evidence of their lack of trying with the outer ring of their city.


    ¡°The floor recognizes, Lash Jormungandson of Asgard to speak.¡± The presiding councilor spoke and Lash went to the stand to speak. He zeroed in on Nadeer who glared at him in response.


    ¡°I was asked to attend this meetings because of my experience with how other planets in the universe at large deal when their species takes a jump forward in evolution. Be it a natural step, or an engineered step. I have seen it it time and time again. If the majority chooses to make an enemy of the minority it never ends well for either side. Especially when that minority in comparison is stronger.¡± Lash said, and created several Phantasm images of different planets across the universe.


    ¡°I am reminded of a Midgardian philosopher. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. -Wayne Dryer. Right now the entire planet is in turmoil because their friends, their neighbors, their family are being encrusted in stone. Then pop out of their stone chrysalis with powers. Some of these people take advantage of their new found gifts and use it to their advantage not always being benevolent with them.¡± Lash said, as he looked at the entire assembly.


    ¡°While others seek to use their new abilities to help their fellow humans. And I assure all of you, that humans and InHumans are one species and I have the actual scientific fact to prove it. Unless we have flat earth believers in here. Then there is no helping any of you.¡± Lash said, and a few people laughed. ¡°While there are also people who don''t want powers. They simply wish to continue living their lives.¡± Lash continued, as he pulled up several examples of recorded incidents of people being publicly revealed and discriminated against. Them, and their families by simple association.


    ¡°The Superhuman registration act is a violation of civil rights! It will lead to persecution, discrimination, and the eventual escalation of change of the law. If you pass this law, then eventually people are going to demand that any InHuman be placed in designated neighborhoods. That will lead to specific schools, jobs, living conditions. Then they''ll be placed in camps, and eventually death. Earth has a long history of humans being amazingly intolerant of anything slightly different than those in power. I would hope you would all learn from the past and not make the same mistakes again.¡± Lash said, and zeroed in on Nadeer who was grinding her teeth.


    ¡°Thank you, that is my opening statement. I''ll take questions now.¡± Lash finished, and several people were called on. While a few jumped to their seats to start shouting they were told to wait their turn.


    ¡°Why don''t the Kree just come back and pick up their experiments?¡± A pro registration act leader asked. While the leaders against looked at them like they were insane.


    ¡°Sir, the Kree are a malevolent universal power that would be more than happy to retrieve the InHumans. They would also continue to change existing humans into InHumans because in their eyes they are better suited for the many wars they fight. If we ask them to come here, Midgard would come under occupation by another group of people.¡± Lash replied, showing several images of Kree destroying entire worlds just to get what they want.


    ¡°How do we know this is not another form of occupation? How do we know that these people are not just sleeper agents here to overthrow our government?¡± Asked another pro registration leader.


    ¡°Because InHumans didn''t choose to be this way. They were captured by a technologically superior race and experimented on thousands of years ago. They lived, they died, and new InHumans were born. Approximately 1/3 of the populace on Midgard right now is an InHuman.¡± Lash said, and as soon as he said the accurate number the whole room burst into an uproar. Wait, did they not know the numbers? Even Black Bolt looked surprised by the number.


    Lash eventually had to invoke the spell Silence to ask a question of his own. Once everyone understood they had lost their voice. Which was a grave insult for a lot of people. Lash asked a simple question. ¡°Tell me, what do you all plan to do with when another alien invasion shows up? I guarantee it will happen. Do you plan to revert back to throwing sticks and stones at a vastly superior force? Or do you plan to use the assets you have on hand?¡±


    ¡°Why would aliens come here?¡±


    ¡°Why did the Kree? Free resources! Free labor! Like it or not the Sol System is on the map. It''s been on the map for centuries. The only reason you haven''t been invaded before was because of Asgard. But now even we can''t protect you forever.¡± Lash replied, and showed a galaxy star system map and showed at least six different groups that would be interested in Earth.


    ¡°All the more reason to find, and register the InHumans! If they all get trained on how to use their abilities it will be better for everyone!¡± A leader that was in between both sides spoke.


    ¡°So you would have them all have a GPS sewn into their skin like some kind of animal for being born different!¡± A ''against'' leader shouted, and that started another round of arguments. Then Black Bolt stood up and Lash Silenced the whole room again.


    ¡°The floor recognizes the ruling king Black Bolt.¡± The master of ceremonies said. Then Medusa walked up with him.


    ¡°My husband can not use his voice, we have created a sign language and I will speak for him.¡± Medusa said, and the room understood. Medusa stared at Lash then looked at Bolt who started to sign.


    ¡°Though this argument is valid, the law is moot. We the rulers of Attilan will not take any part in the registration of our own people. To do so will be considered an act of war.¡± Bolt said through his own sign language, and Medusa spoke for everyone.


    ¡°You would attack us for defending our people? Our way of life!¡± Nadeer stood up and shouted at them.


    ¡°You are attacking us. You are attacking people that have done nothing wrong other than being different from you. We do agree that InHumans that break the law should be punished. But punishing everyone simply for wanting to live? Yes, that is an act of war.¡± Black Bolt said and looked at Nadeer who looked like she wanted to murder him.


    Senator Ellen Nadeer was a complicated. During the battle of New York when the Chitauri attacked she had lost her mother. She, and her brother Vijay Nadeer were in the city celebrating a birthday party and when the Chitauri attacked a leviathan struck their home and killed their mother. Since then Ellen had sworn to defend her home against any, and all alien threats. She had been the biggest anti-Asgard supporter. Now she was the leader of the anti-InHumans group in the US.


    ¡°Tell me, Senator Nadeer. Why haven''t you, and your brother signed up on the volunteer sign up list?¡± Lash asked a question that had been bothering him. Bolt looked at him, as did the whole room. ¡°Oh I''m sorry did no one know that? Ellen, and Vijay are both InHumans.¡± Lash replied. Ellen went visibly pale, and all the leaders on her side looked at her like she was some kind of freak.


    ¡°I AM NOT A INHUMAN FREAK!¡± Ellen shouted like a banshee then her eyes went wide as Lash pulled up her blood test and it showed the InHuman genetic marker. Lash than pulled up the blood tests of several leaders, and leaders families.


    Why was this important? All of the pro registration act leaders had already claimed to have gone through a blood test to show their support. Of course they knew it would destroy their careers if the people found out that if they were InHumans, or if any of their families were. So they used their considerable pocket books to erase that little tidbit. But when you have access to Technomancy nothing is ever truly erased. So now not only had they lied. They used their positions to hide the truth.


    It didn''t matter that Lash essentially hacked into medical files to make his point. Approximately half of the pro registration leaders were either InHumans themselves, or someone in their family was. The millions of people that stood behind them simply because they all hated the InHuman menace were shocked by that turn of events. The meeting soon devolved into a shouting match that Lash was not inclined to silence anymore.


    In the end the Superhuman Registration Act was put on hold. It was not gone. But it would be discussed, especially with the new all be it not entirely recognized as of yet, InHuman nation of Attilan. The royal family returned to Attilan and Lash asked them to find a place in one of the ocean''s they wanted. A SHIELD InHuman liaison was assigned. Lash said he would build an island chain for them once they picked a spot. Lash returned to the Avengers compound just in time to find Natasha packing a travel bag.


    ----


    ¡°Hay, I didn''t know you had another mission?¡± Lash asked, as he stepped into her room.


    ¡°I don''t, I have a personal thing I need to take care of.¡± Natasha said with out turning around.


    Natasha''s hair had grown just long enough that she could tied it back into a pony tail. Her long curly red hair was tucked behind her ears when she turned around to look at Lash. She wore a black tank top, form fitting black pants, and black boots. Her green eyes sparkled a bit when she looked at Lash. He wore a gray pinned stripped suit that he had worn for the UN meeting. Along with a blue tie that she had bought for him.


    ¡°Did you just get back?¡± Natasha asked, walking up and fiddling with his tie. Lash reached out and wrapped his arms around her. Natasha smiled a little and snuggled into his arms, and chest.


    ¡°I did, I''m sorry I didn''t come back early.¡± Lash said to her as his hands started to dance up and down her back. She let out a content sigh then begrudgingly stepped back to look at him.


    ¡°It''s fine, we can talk about it now.¡± Natasha began, but started to hesitate about what she wanted to say. That was unlike her. Natasha for the most part would always plan her conversations before they happened.


    Lash turned around and shut the door to her room. Then pulled up two chairs for them to sit in front of one another. Natasha chewed on her bottom lip for a bit. Lash took a moment to use Deductive Reasoning, reading her body language. She was obviously nervous about something. He sent a Nature pulse through her and didn''t find anything wrong with her. She had reached her peak physical condition over a year ago. Not as strong as Rogers, but close.


    ¡°What do you know about, The Red Room?¡± Natasha asked, and Lash leaned back a bit. Raising a brow at her. She kept her gaze leveled with his.


    ¡°The Red Room, also known as the Black Widow Program, was a top-secret Soviet brainwashing and training program. The program takes young women and turns them into the world''s deadliest and most elite assassins.¡± Lash said to her, and received a Lore prompt for experience.


    ¡°We have unconfirmed reports that it''s been reactivated.¡± Natasha said in a soft whisper. Lash took Natasha''s hands into his own and smiled at her.


    ¡°When do we leave?¡± Lash asked, and Natasha''s smile lit up the room.


    ¡°This isn''t a SHIELD operation, or Avengers. It will be just us.¡± Natasha said to him.


    ¡°May I ask why, this sounds just like something they would be interested in?¡± Lash asked, as he sent his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits to start searching for any thing about, The Red Room.


    ¡°Because we believe it''s being backed by the Russian government. Off the books of course, but if SHIELD starts poking around... If the Avengers show up it will be treated as an invasion of sovereign borders.¡± Natasha replied, then squeezed his hands then got up and started packing again.


    ¡°So low profile, no back up, no resources. Just ourselves. Should be fun.¡± Lash said and smiled at Natasha who smiled at him.


    ¡°Whats our first priority?¡± Lash asked as he stood up and started pacing around the room. He started to create several holographic windows so Natasha could see what he was working on.


    ¡°I have... People on the ground that may know whats going on. But first, we need to change the way you look.¡± Natasha said to Lash who paused to look at her. He smiled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. A smirk grew across her face.


    Lash used a Glamour to hide his tribal marks, changed his eye color to ice cold blue, his skin tone became pale, and he grew shoulder length red hair just long enough to pull into a pony tail. He made minor adjustments to his body. Inverted triangle body type, several small scars across his face. Little nicks and cuts. Along with a gruesome scar across his throat. Unfortunately he forgot about his tailored made suit and he tore the suit when he moved. He rolled his eyes but stopped when Natasha''s eyes were wide in shock.


    ¡°OK...That was easier than I thought.¡± Natasha said as she walked over to run her hands over Lash.


    ¡°Its not a hologram? It''s like Loki? Appearance change. Can you do that to other people as well?¡± Natasha asked, and Lash smiled as he combed his hands through her vibrant red hair and turned in true blond, then gave her light blue eyes, and a caramel skin tone.


    ¡°Wow! This will make it easier to get around.¡± Natasha said as she walked towards the bathroom and took a peak at herself. ¡°Can you change anything else?¡± Natasha asked as she walked back into the room. Lash looked at her with a raised brow.


    -----


    ¡°I take it back this is not as fun as I thought.¡± Natasha said, as they were traveling side by side through the airport. Lash tried to conceal his laughter but ended up choking on a bit of saliva when Natasha pinched his side.


    Natasha had asked for a larger breast size. Not understanding that a Glamour is just as much an illusion as a physical change. So as far as she was concerned she had gone up two sizes. It would be several days, if not weeks before she would get use to it. But Natasha pulled Lash to the side and had him adjust her back to her normal size. She breathed a sigh of relief and glared at Lash as if it was his idea all along. Lash shrugged helplessly.


    Lash had never been to this realities Russia before. So he couldn''t use Tree Stride, and though he technically could use Digital Stride he didn''t like the side effects. He''d have to purchase the next evolution when he got a chance. He could have used Portal Creation above Norway again! But Natasha shook her head in dismay at the idea. So they booked two private tickets on a nice airway.


    Lash had created passports based on their new looks with in minutes thanks to this tech-spirits. They passed through security with out issue. They were a married couple going to Russia visiting family. Technically true, that was who Natasha was meeting. Her adoptive family. Father, mother, and sister. Lash knew about her adoptive father, well he knew his name. That was about it.


    They were shown to their seats and sat side by side. Lash held Natasha''s hand in his own and played his thumb up and down her skin. More than once she gave him a pointed look. He was distracting her. People kept glancing in their direction. Almost to the point that a paranoid person would suspect they''ve been identified. But Lash just knew the truth. They were both fairly attractive people. When you are good looking you tend to attract attention.


    The flight across the North Atlantic Ocean was easy going. A vast ocean only interrupted by a giant flying city at the mid way point. Everyone gawked, looking at the huge metropolis. Natasha leaned across Lash''s lap as he had the window seat. Something he was more than happy to allow as he placed his hand on her ass. She smacked his arm, but he didn''t move his hand. She rolled her eyes at him and looked at the city.


    Attilan was a sight to behold with its dome down, and the city completely repaired. Towering structures stretched up towards the sky. While the anti-gravity drives under the city kept it aloft. It floated, more than flew across the ocean. Lash knew they were looking for underwater islands. Places to set up, and set anchor. Lash said he would build them an island chain. But working from a few hundred feet versus a thousand would be easier. Natasha leaned back from the window and took a moment to kiss his cheek. He smiled at her, and she sat back in her seat. After she pulled his hand away from her ass.


    ¡°You are going to get me in trouble one day.¡± Natasha said softly.


    ¡°Only one day?¡± Lash asked, and Natasha rolled her eyes at him.


    The flight across the ocean took about seven or so hours. Natasha had pulled up the arm rest separating them and fell asleep across his chest. He had leaned back to let her. He brushed his fingers through her hair and relaxed just a bit. Or at least that is how it looked from anyone looking at them. In reality Lash was pouring through data that his tech-spirits sent him. He used Parallel Minds to help him comprehend, and memorize the information.


    As far as he could tell, The Red Room was still in active. There was not a single word of it on any email, any data slip, any form of communication. Which could mean everything is on hard copy. Their facilities could be cut off from any ethernet, or even a hard line. Which meant it would need direct access. They could have an entire update, modern facility. But in a closed system. Normally his tech-spirits could ride any transmission waves. Even a radio would work. But nothing!


    Ding! Lash received a message from SHIELD. The worlds governments noticed his absence. Lash was a high profile individual. If he went down the street and ate a local diner governments around the world would know about it. Half the staff, and half of the customers at the dinner could be undercover agents. They would take note of what he ate, drank, and what he said. What he was wearing, and how he looked. If he took an interest in anyone that person was followed, a background security check was done on that person. It was nuts!


    However, many governments knew that Lash and Natasha had a relationship together. So when he received the message he understood that they would also be looking for Natasha. Natasha was not as high profile as the rest. Yes, people would notice her. But she spent most of her life learning how to blend in. Many of the missions she did for SHIELD and the Avengers was kept off the news. So the public as a whole didn''t see her all to often.


    They had about an hour before they were landing and Lash gently nudged Natasha with his Dream Domain. She reached out and snuggled into his arms, and wrapped her arms around his midsection. She was mumbling in her sleep. When ever they slept side by side Lash always used his Dream passives to ensure she had good dreams. Even used Dream Walking on occasion. A soft tone went above them notifying them they were on their final approach.


    ¡°Hmmmm.... Can''t they take longer? I was having a good dream.¡± Natasha said into Lash''s chest and slowly leaned back to look around. Her hair was messed up a bit, and eyes were groggy. Seeing her like this always made Lash smile.


    ¡°Sorry beloved, but once we arrive at the hotel you can get back to your dream.¡± Lash said as he kissed her nose. She scrunched up her face and pressed her hand into Lash''s face like he was a snooze button.


    ¡°Where is our hotel anyways?¡± Natasha asked, she was slightly loud about it. Playing a part.


    ¡°Booked in a luxury suite at the four seasons.¡± Lash replied, and said the address to her. She smiled at him.


    ¡°Private jacuzzi?¡± Natasha asked suggestively, a few people glanced their way as the plane started to tilt.


    ¡°Of course! I''m told the balcony has a great view of the city as well.¡± Lash replied, and kissed her cheek.


    ¡°We are now arriving at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Thank you for traveling with us!¡± The pilot said over the intercom. After a few minutes our plane linked up with the access port and private first class was let off first.


    Now, why were they in Budapest, Hungary instead of Russia? Because this is where Natasha''s sister lived...She thinks. Its been a while since they had seen one another. Yelena Belova was another Black Widow trained in, The Red Room. Natasha, and Yelena had been placed in the same home as a cover operation back during the old days. When Natasha was taken in by SHIELD she asked that her adoptive family be placed in protective custody. However, when SHIELD and Hydra had their falling out her family split up to stay hidden. Hydra is petty enough to go after Natasha''s family.


    Budapest was an interesting city to say the least. Photogenic is what the advisors claimed it was. The Danube river ran through the city. The river was large enough for ships to pass through it bringing an additional method of tourism. Which also brought a boos to their economic statues, and chance for a better criminal element to exist. More money always attracts more crime. The city it self was a mixture of old, and new. Reminded Lash of Sokovia before the renovation.


    Of course Sokovia was neighbors with Hungary. Just another resource to use. Lash had already sent a private message to Zemo about, The Red Room. The king said he would look into for him quietly. Lash, and Natasha took a cap to their hotel. They checked in, and were showed a luxury suite that could be mistake for a home. One master bedroom, with another two bedrooms. A living room, kitchen, and dinning room. With a balcony, with a jacuuzi! It was a shame they would not get a chance to use it.


    As soon as they dropped off their bags. They messed up the bed, rifled through the kitchen. Essentially made it look like they had been there! Then Lash cast Anonymity on both of them and they walked out of the hotel. Then they took a walk. Lash watched Natasha as they walked through the city. For a brief moment Natasha wasn''t on a mission anymore. She was remembering a different time, not necessarily a happier time. But time where she had a family of her own.


    They walked across the Sz¨¦chenyi Chain Bridge a two lane bridge made in the old days. Connecting the Buda and the pest portion of the city. At least that is what Natasha told Lash with a smile. He wasn''t sure if she was joking or not. The bridge was high enough for river boats to pass under. It was a great example of Midgardian humans coming together to build something great. They took a bus to get further into the city.


    Natasha talked about the Ruin Pubs in the city. Apparently they were a collection of old ruins that several bars had been placed in. Staying to a theme it was several roman, and jewish temples, and structures that had been partially renovated. Lash could feel the history oozing off the walls. Maybe when they had finished their mission they could come back and enjoy a night off. Apparently Natasha knew a few pubs that were off the beaten path that were a lot more fun.


    Budapest was one of those cities that you could easily fall in love with. It was also one of those cities that you could easily disappear in. A lot of the city was in a desperate need of renovation, and retrofitting. Much of the old town was just barely holding on as new technologies were being invented to work around the ancient stone craftsmanship. But there was also a since of self in the city. A soul as it were, Lash could feel the spirit of the city brush up against him. The city was old, and developed its own conscious mind. More than once Lash caught a child, or and older adult looking at Lash with a glassy expression.


    This was the spirit of the city temporarily possessing an individual. It wouldn''t hurt them, just use them as a temporary looking glass. Lash snagged Natasha''s hand to stop her as the were in the neighborhood that Yelena was suppose to be in. But she wasn''t sure. There were no CCTV camera''s here. But Lash didn''t need that. He walked over to a little girl who looked to be about ten years old wearing a nice sun dress. It was the middle of spring in the city. Lash took a knee and looked at the little girl. Much to the confusion of Natasha.


    ¡°Hello, may I ask you a question?¡± Lash asked, and the girl smiled.


    ¡°You just did, but I''ll let you ask another one.¡± The girls voice was a combination of voices. Normally that would seem disturbing but instead it sounded soothing. Like several old friends speaking together.


    ¡°We are looking for Yelena Belova. This one''s sister.¡± Lash said, as he gestured towards Natasha who was confused about what was going on. The little girl looked at her and smiled.


    ¡°It''s been sometime since this one came back home. She is welcome here, I know of her sister. She lives near by. I''ll tell you where if you help me with something.¡± The girl replied, continuing to use several voices.


    ¡°Of course city spirit, how may this one be of service?¡± Lash asked, bowing his head in humility. The little girl reached out and softly touched his shoulder length red hair.


    ¡°Such a sight to see humility in one so strong. The world needs more like you. My bones are rotten and are in need of repair, or removal. Promise me you''ll help me and I''ll tell you where this ones sister is.¡± The spirit asked.


    ¡°Of course! I would be more than happy to help you recover. I hope you will tell your children that I''ll be making changes to the city?¡± Lash asked, essentially if he showed up to repair the city as Lash Jormungandson the city officials will be compelled to allow him to.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The spirit replied, and Lash felt a connection between them. The promise had been made. The spirit turned to Natasha and told her where Yelena was. Then the little girl skipped away.


    ¡°Lash, what was that?¡± Natasha asked him as he stood up to look at her.


    ¡°When cities reach a certain age they develop a sense of self. The older the city, the more developed that personality is. A city like this, it is very developed. Those were are sensitive to it can speak to the spirit. Generally, a favor, for a favor.¡± Lash said as he took her hand in his and pulled her along.


    ¡°OK.... So this is like a Kamar-Taj thing?¡± She asked, being pulled along she glanced back at the little girl who waved at her and continued on her way. Natasha waved back, a small smile on her face.


    ¡°The masters of Kamar-Taj could indeed speak to the spirit of the city. But you don''t need to be a sorcerer to communicate with them. City spirits are like aspects of nature. They are not good, or evil. They simply look after their children. The people who live there. If the scales tip to one side to much it creates an unfavorable position in the city. So, the city will often seek aid in balancing the scales.¡± Lash continued his line of thinking.


    ¡°So, wait the spirit of Budapest remembers me?¡± Natasha asked, pulling him to a stop so she could look at him.


    ¡°Yes, in many ways this place is your home. I saw it when we first started walking. In many ways this place is your home. Yes, you are still keeping to your training. But more than once I''ve caught you smiling as you relive a memory you had here.¡± Lash pointed out and Natasha pouted at him.


    ¡°Maybe it''s just the company that is making me smile?¡± Natasha said with a petulant look. This time she walked forward pulling Lash along.


    ¡°Yes of course, how silly of me!¡± Lash said, and she shot a glare back at him.


    ¡°So, what did it mean by rotten bones?¡± She asked after a few minutes.


    ¡°Many old cities have old sewer systems, canals, catacombs, etc. Because of how the city grew many sections of the city have fallen into disrepair. Only ever receiving stop gaps, and temporary fixes. Unless something major happens, like a whole apartment complex collapsing. The city spirit understands I can fix these area''s with out much fuss.¡± He replied and then an older man walked by and handed Lash an old city map. Natasha looked at the exchange in confusion.


    ¡°Parts to focus on.¡± Lash said, as he unfolded the map. There was a lot of red markers! Specifically sewer systems, canals, some old residential building areas. Lash took a moment to assign one of tech-spirits to looking into these areas.


    ¡°There is no rush. As a city spirit, they think in decades or even centuries. A few weeks is nothing to them. We''ll finish up, and I''ll come back. Or we can come back? You can show me around the city on an actual vacation?¡± Lash said with a smile, and Natasha grinned at him. Tempting offer!


    ---------


    It was growing close to sunset and they arrived at last at a living complex. Smaller apartments on the bottom floor. With larger homes at the top. Natasha walked up to the resident address sign and found a familiar name. Lash used Machine Control and easily opened the locked door. They slipped inside and walked up the stairs as the elevator was out. Literally, the elevator carriage had been removed. They walked up taking each flight of stairs two at a time. Lash left several spell marks on each floor.


    When they hit the tenth floor they walked down the hallway and kept an eye out. They moved to a door and found it unlocked and partially open. Natasha pulled out a side arm and gently pushed the door in. Her gun was level, as her eyes darted around the room. Lash walked in behind her and gently closed the door. He sent a Nature pulse out, then linked up with Natasha with Temporary Pack Bond. She shivered for a moment then glanced at the kitchen. Life pulse was standing there.


    Natasha walked towards the kitchen and slowly turned the corner. Then the wall between the kitchen and living room slid sideways and a woman stepped out and pressed a gun towards the back of Lash''s skull. She cocked her gun, and Natasha glanced back at Lash with a, ''Really?'' Lash shrugged his shoulders. Thanks to Sensory Awareness Lash could see who it was.


    Yelena Belova was an attractive young woman with blond hair tied back in a french braid that went a little bit past her shoulders. Cold blue eyes, a hourglass figure that was wrapped in a blue t-shirt, leather jacket, and form fitting khaki pants, and black boots. She also had pink fingernail polish, cute. Her eyes were cold as she glanced at Natasha not recognizing her. She pressed the barrel into Lash''s head harder.


    ¡°Who are you, and what do you want?¡± Yelena said in Hungarian.


    ¡°Hello sister, could you please not point your gun at my boyfriends head? Trust me when I say you wont enjoy what happens after you pull the trigger.¡± Natasha said in Hungarian as she lowered her gun, but didn''t holster or click the safety.


    ¡°Sister?....Natasha?¡± Yelena asked, an expression of confusion in her eyes. Lash slowly raised his right hand up, Yelena pressed her gun deeper into his head but he rolled his eyes. He waved his hand in a simple gesture and Natasha''s Glamour faded with a wash of green, and blue light.


    ¡°Good to see you sister... Are you here to kill me?¡± Yelena asked, as she moved to the side to obstruct Natasha''s sight line. Then she blinked and found that she was fifteen feet away and not holding a gun. Personal Time, and Bending. Lash was holding her gun in his hands and laughed.


    ¡°It''s not loaded.¡± Lash replied in Hungarian with chuckle as he put it down on the dinning room table. Natasha chuckled a bit, holstering her own gun as she walked into the room. Yelena was staring at Lash, and Natasha as she looked around the room.


    ¡°What was that!?¡± Yelena shouted at them.


    ¡°Sorry about that, the first time around can be a little disorienting. I am Lash Jormungandson of Asgard.¡± Lash said to Yelena and bowed from his waist towards her. Natasha walked to the side of Lash and looked at Yelena with a smile.


    ¡°That doesn''t explain what you...GAH!¡± Yelena shouted in panic as they were all now sitting around the dinning room table together.


    ¡°Stop doing that!¡± Yelena screamed at Lash who smirked at her. ¡°I swear, Natasha! You leave for years.....DAMN IT!¡± She screamed again as suddenly the table was full of food and she had a cut steak in front of her.


    ¡°Ok...Let''s cut that out for a bit.¡± Natasha smiled at Lash who shrugged and cut into his own meal.


    ¡°You...Y...Wow this smells really good.¡± Yelena said, and grumbled as Lash poured her a nice red wine.


    ¡°So...Wow, this is amazing. What brings you home?¡± Yelena asked, as she cut into her food and savored the steak that Lash had pulled out of the air. Lash had used Personal Time several times to get the affect he needed. Thanks to Telekinesis he had manipulated Yelena to be sitting at the table, very carefully.


    ¡°Do you know where mom, and dad are?¡± Natasha asked between her own bites of food.


    ¡°If I remember right dad''s in prison some where up north. I don''t know why, and mom she... I think lives in the country side some place. We don''t really stay in touch. After Hydra''s reveal we all separated. They bombed our home. But we already had another place off to the side under another persons name. Just like mom always said.¡± Yelena said, and Natasha smiled.


    ¡°Always have a place no one knows about.¡± They both said to each other.


    ¡°Found him.¡± Lash said after a minute, he located Alexei Alanovich Shostakov. They looked at him in confusion before Natasha smirked and took a drink of her wine.


    ¡°He was sentenced to prison for attacking a government official of the Russian government. That is the public record. The unofficial record is that the official had ties to a sex trafficking ring. He broke the mans legs, and arms.¡± Lash reported to them.


    ¡°Ya, sounds like dad.¡± Yelena said a fond smile on her face. Then she looked at Lash in mild confusion. ¡°Do you have computer lenses on your eyes, or?¡± Lash produced several holographic windows for them to look at. Natasha flipped through one with practice ease. It took Yelena a little bit to get use to the interface.


    ¡°What is your mother''s name?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Melina Vostokova. The picture they have on file isn''t her.¡± Yelena said, but that didn''t stop Lash from visiting SHIELD and looking through its files. He quickly found a picture that Erik said was hers. Then Lash hit a dead end.


    ¡°Hmmm... I can''t find her.¡±


    ¡°Ya, that sound''s like mom.¡± Natasha replied.


    ¡°We were all survivors of, The Black Widow program. While Alexei...Dad was Russia''s bad attempt at making a super-soldier that could rival Rogers. We''d all been placed together to look like a family. It was a good cover. Made family moments a bit awkward since all we ever talked about was work.¡± Yelena said, she had settled half way through the meal. Lash could see the tension melting off of her.


    ¡°Then I got caught by Barton, by SHIELD. I got them immunity, and protection.¡± Natasha said next, and Yelena scoffed as Natasha looked at her in confusion.


    ¡°Ya, until we received orders to do kill a few people, steal this, do this. Of course we didn''t say no. It was what we were trained to do. Of course now that I think about it the people who ordered us were probably Hydra.¡± Yelena said, and Natasha looked at with a troubled expression.


    ¡°I didn''t know that. I thought you all left the life?¡± Natasha asked.


    ¡°No, of course not. All three of us kept it to ourselves. It was important that you not be distracted.¡± Yelena replied in a bitter tone.


    They ate in silence for a bit. Natasha reevaluating her life''s choices with the benefit of hindsight. What if...? One of the most dangerous game anyone can play. When dinner was done Lash snapped his fingers and the remains turned into magical energy that made Yelena smile. Easy clean up. They took the wine bottle and sat down in the living room. The two ladies spoke about this and that while Lash continued to search through information. Then one of Lash spell marks he left on the stairwell flared to life.


    ¡°We have company... Tactical team, well trained, and well armed. They are all women.¡± Lash said they all stood up together and Yelena walked across the room pulled out a wall panel and got several loaded side arms, and a sub-machine gun out.


    Lash pointed at Natasha and reformed her Glamour, and then moved off to the side. He quick cast a FN P90 sub-machine gun with several magical attachments. He knelt down and faded from view much to Yelena''s confusion. Then Lash established Temporary Pack Bond with Yelena as she had registered as friendly. A shiver rolled through her spine and she became aware of her surroundings. Then a flash bang shot into the room and it exploded with no effect as Lash cast Silence, the ''bang'' was removed, while the bright flash was swallowed by Darkness Manipulation.


    Then the windows crashed inwards as three woman in form fitting tactical gear repelled in but were shocked into submission through ICER rounds in Lash''s weapon. The door crashed in, and Lash quickly put down everyone who came in with clear, brutal precision. Hitting the spaces between their armor. Then he rolled a small metallic ball into the hallway outside the home and it sent a blue shock wave through the hall way shocking the other three women into a seizing fit.


    Clear. -Lash said across their link.


    ¡°I...We didn''t have to do anything.¡± Yelena said, a little disappointed.


    ¡°Ya, welcome to my life.¡± Natasha said with a bitter tone, but she had a smile on her face when she winked at Lash.


    Lash moved over to one of the woman and pulled her mask off. Then did the same for the rest. Natasha, and Yelena pulled the others from the hallway inside the home and pulled the masks off. Lash quickly put their faces into the SHIELD database, and did a quick search for them. One of the women had been missing for over five years. Then Danger Sense, and Foresight activated.


    Lash activated Personal Time and proceeded to get everyone as far away from the window as he could with in his 60 ft radius sphere. Then he used Fabrication to make reinforced wall between them and the wall. Then canceled Personal Time, a resounding BOOM! Shook the whole floor as anti personal tank round went flying through the window. Thankfully the people living above, and below were not there.


    ¡°Everyone ok!?¡± Lash shouted, as the ringing from the shot made Natasha, and Yelena look around in confusion. They had both been in the house just a moment ago. Yelena was getting really annoyed when ever Lash did that.


    Lash reached out and cast Cat''s Grace on all three of them. Then raced down the hallway, and down the stairs. Yelena, and Natasha hot on his heels. Lash had to be careful what abilities, and spell craft he used. He couldn''t be identified while he was here. That was also why the reinforced wall he had made in the home had fallen to pieces once he was done with it. A quick call to emergency services went through. Even though it seemed that people in the city were trying to stop it from going through Lash''s tech-spirits hacked the communication network. From a cat being stuck in a tree to a full blown terrorist attack was called in.


    Lash popped out of the front entrance to find a APC (Armored personnel carrier) sitting in the street with its tank barrel still pointing at the tenth floor. Lash sprinted over, jumped on top and ripped the steel hatch open and dropped inside to find three very surprised soldiers. Three shots were fired in quick succession, three unconscious forms. ICERS were amazing. (Incapacitating Cartridge Emitting Railguns)


    Now, one would ask. Aren''t ICERS a SHIELD thing? Yes, but they have been slowly given out to police, and military forces in controlled circumstances. Having a none lethal option for riots, and hostages situations where you are not sure who is who. It''s nice to have! So, someone with an ICER is rare, but not unheard of. Lash snagged the ID''s of the soldiers then climbed out. Yelena had pulled her car around a nice little blue sedan. Lash climbed into the car and they were off. Just in time for another APC to roll around the street corner and chase after them.


    ¡°Why aren''t you going all scaly and ripping the tanks apart!?¡± Yelena shouted as she drove away with the APC barreling down on them. Thankfully this one didn''t have a tank barrel on it.


    ¡°To high profile! If Lash shows up in his kaiju form its like an army invading a country. He''s considered a global threat in some cases!¡± Natasha shouted back and pulled out a mid to long range rifle from a bag and started to assemble it.


    ¡°Well that''s one negative of being the good guys I guess.¡± Yelena growled in dismay as she pulled the steering wheel to one side to avoid a car. As the APC simply drove over it with out care.


    Lash reached out with Telekinesis and created a curved ramp from the Telekinetic energy. So the APC hit the ramp, one side of it went up, and twisted sideways. The entire APC fell on its side and slid to a stop. Yelena cheered, just in time for fifteen motorcycles to come around the corner. All of the riders were young women in military gear. More people from the Red Room. Thankfully they had helmets on, so Lash pulled the window down and started to shoot them one by one.


    ¡°Pull off to the side and wait.¡± Lash said as he cast Anonymity on the car, and themselves. Yelena wanted to argue but Natasha told her to do it. So she found a parking spot and waited. Several more motorcycles went flying by. Then another APC, followed by several black unmarked SUV''s....None of them stopped.


    ¡°Wow... That is a nice trick.¡± Yelena said.


    ¡°So, I take it they were from the Red Room? They must have had Yelena under watch.¡± Lash had checked for bugs but had found none. But he didn''t think to establish a baffle field around the house. His mistake!


    ¡°Not only that, but those soldiers were part of the Hungarian military. So this goes a deeper than we originally thought.¡± Natasha said, chewing on her bottom lip until Yelena slapped her shoulder.


    ¡°Stop that! Mom kept telling you not to chew on your lip.¡± Yelena said with a bit of snark that made Natasha roll her eyes.


    ¡°Found her.¡± Lash said, and pulled up a window. It was a cellphone picture of tourist couple in the countryside taking a photo. Melina Vostokova was seen in the background stepping into her home.


    ¡°Ohhhh...Mom''s going to be angry she got caught on camera.¡± Yelena said with a smile. Lash gave her the address and they were off.


    -----


    About thirty minutes in they left Yelena''s vehicle under a bridge. Lash created a new one for them. A blue mini-SUV in memory for Yelena''s currently on fire vehicle. Lash jumped into the drivers seat and drove towards the countryside. Natasha, and Yelena were talking in the back about life. He chimed in from time to time but mostly stayed quiet as he continued to process information. The local news declared the attack in the city the work of human first terrorist groups who believed a Inhuman had been found. Thankfully no deaths had been reported, and only minor injuries.


    Lash''s tech-spirits found a video camera of several women in military gear being carried away in ambulances. But the ambulances never made it to the hospital with their patients. About half way there several SUV''s stopped them and put the women, now awake into several vans and they took off. A man flashed a Hungarian security badge and the ambulance drivers were told to be silent about it. Lip reading program. The tech-spirits tagged the vans, then followed behind them. They swapped vehicles three different times. Then drove out to an ''abandoned'' military base that had received an upgrade. Yes, on the outside it looked old. Not on the inside.


    ¡°I believe I''ve found one of their facilities. Still looking through the floor plan.¡± Lash said, and the two ladies stopped bickering about who had stolen who''s shirt a few years back. Two holographic windows up for each of them.


    ¡°How are you getting this?¡± Yelena asked, as the floor plan continued to update.


    ¡°One of my tech-spirits tailed the transport vehicles and found them here. Then they jumped from vehicle, to vehicle until they stepped inside the base. Each tech-spirit is it''s own wireless connection. So it sends its information to the next tech-spirit who sends it either directly to me, or through several satellites. Asgardian magic.¡± Lash said, and finished simply with a horrible plot device that always made Erik the game cring. Plot hole!? What plot hole? Magic, duh!


    ¡°So alien technology, that is all you have to say.¡± Yelena let out a humphed and went back to looking at the floor plans. Natasha giggled a bit and leaned over and kissed Lash on the cheek.


    ¡°Thank you...¡± She said to Lash who nodded.


    ¡°Looks like they have training facilities here, but this is not the main hub. Just a barracks. Home away from home. The Red Room had been dismantled, and many of its records had been burned. So they must be working off of partial information.¡± Natasha said, remembering how it had been burned from the inside out.


    The tech-spirit listed approximately 50 Black Widows on site. With about 200 auxiliary troops, logistics, support, arms, and ammunition. Standard stuff that every army of super assassins needed...Oh wait a minute. They found a medical testing room. The Black Widows were sitting down and a data jack was being inserted into the back of their skulls. Lash''s tech-spirit slipped through the security firewalls and started to carefully look through it.


    Fuck! It was a Chitauri neural link. As long as the Widows were awake, and with in range of each other they are able to link up. That created a network that allows them to react faster. It also let them know when one went, or was incapacitated with out being seen. It helps them process information faster. Thankfully the optimal range was 60 ft. So pretty limited, but from the research they had, they were making vast improvements everyday.


    So the doctors were downloading the visual stimuli from the fight. What happened, what didn''t happen. What could have been done better. Then they shared this same information through a data link with every Widow that came in. Making the next fight that more dangerous, and they were able to improve quickly and efficiently. The problem it seemed from the operation was it completely stripped them of any personality. Their ability to have independent thought, no will of their own. They were essentially machines.


    ¡°Oh my god...¡± Yelena said as she covered her mouth with her hand. Her eyes had grown misty as she watched the data jack feed go through.


    ¡°This is so much worse than I thought.¡± Natasha whispered softly. ¡°Can you fix them? If we get them out alive can you fix them?¡± She asked looking at Lash.


    ¡°Yes, easily.¡± Lash said with 100% certainty. It wasn''t much different from the operation they had made for the meat puppets back home.


    They drove in silence after that. The good mood had evaporated. They occasionally asked Lash about what kind of operation he could do. He tried his best to explain it through medical, and scientific terms. But a lot of had come from Ethan, Naya''il, and Samanthei. While Lash had used Re:Implant to help pull the meat puppets poorly augmented forms. But either way Lash knew he could fix the Black Widows.


    Eventually the two of them fell asleep in the car and Lash persisted through the night. Melina lived far enough away from the city, through the twisting roads of the old country where a lot of the streets were not marked. You simply needed to know where to go, or have a SHIELD satellite above the planet helping a driver navigate.


    Melina lived in a nice two story home, with a wine cellar. At least that is what the public records stated in the local city hall. The house had been purchased several decades ago and was technically owned by one Devon Mctuckit, who had temporarily loaned it to his loving niece! Molly Mctuckit. The house was located in a small rural town of less then a thousand residents. But only a few hour drive from a city. A quiet, sleepy little village. Known for having a nice bed and breakfast for travelers. Great hiking trails, and a wonderful pie festival once a year.


    -------


    It was early, early morning when they pulled up the gravel driveway of the home. It was still dark, but the kiss of blue light was on the horizon. Lash sent out a Nature pulse and received one life signal inside who had woken up and was moving through the house. No computer, no satellite, no phone? Well none that were turned on at least according to his Technomancy when he sent another pulse through the house. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Immaculate on Natasha, Yelena, and himself.


    Several spell rings wrapped around them and spun around with vibrancy. Lash remembered to use a baffle field to keep the light show out of sight. Once it was done Natasha woke up with a start and looked around. She looked fresh, and clean and she peered at him in confusion. Yelena woke up in the back seat with a red imprint from the seat belt. But aside from that she was awake. Confused as to why she didn''t have road lag. Then they both realized they were not moving, and had stopped in front of a house.


    ¡°Anything I should know?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°She probably has the entire house ready to blow, an escape tunnel leading to a car. With a small arsenal under the house.¡± Yelena said, and Lash sent a Elemental pulse through the ground via Earth. Sure enough there was a tunnel!


    ¡°No, I mean. Should I call her mother, or?¡± Lash asked with a smile looking at Natasha who blushed and looked away. Yelena had a huge grin on her face.


    ¡°Ohhhh...I didn''t know you two were so serious.¡± Yelena said with a teasing grin.


    ¡°Talk about it later!¡± Natasha said as she jumped out of the car and started walking towards the door.


    ¡°For what its worth, you have my blessing!¡± Yelena said and jumped out of the car as well.


    ¡°Nat...Nat! Let me go first. Remember you don''t look the same right now.¡± Yelena said to her and Natasha gave herself a mental facepalm. She stepped back and Yelena knocked on the door. She knocked twice up by the doors corner, once at the door knob, then three times at the bottom.


    She received another set of knocks on the inside of the house. Natasha walked up and did the next set. Then received a reply, they both looked over at Lash who had locked the car doors and was walking over. Yelena knocked a few more times, it had taken Lash a moment to realize they were speaking in code. Then they received a serious of knocks. They two ladies turned around and started to head for the back door.


    Lash sent out a wide area of effect Technomancy pulse that covered half a mile. His tech-spirits searched around looking for any bugs, or watchers. Nothing was found, he knelt down and sent a pulse through the earth asking a question. Melina out did herself, she had found a place that no one thought to look. If those tourist hadn''t taken a picture of her, he wouldn''t of found her either. He had erased the picture from the web. Hopefully that would be enough.


    He went around the house to see Yelena, and Natasha hugging an older woman. She had long brown hair with streaks of gray in it. A good figure, strong athletic build but signs of age were starting to show. There was a warmth to her. More to say she had a mamma bear warmth to her. Family is forever, hurt her family and you will die. Lash liked that kind of feeling. Melina turned to look at him as he approached.


    ¡°Lash, can you...¡± Natasha asked and he gestured with his hand. He didn''t need to do it, but he liked to. It made people assume he had to use hand gestures to cast, a good deception. A green, and blue wash went over Natasha and she reverted back to her default form. Melina smiled at the sight, then turned back to Lash.


    ¡°So, after all these years you finally bring a man home to meet me?¡± Melina asked Natasha who in turn blushed a bit.


    ¡°I''ve already given him my blessing! Now he just needs yours, and papa''s.¡± Yelena said, and winced when Natasha punched her in the arm.


    ¡°Well come on inside, its early but we can make breakfast!¡± Melina said and pulled everyone inside.


    Lash pulled off his Glamour at the breakfast table so they could all see what he really looked like. Yelena let out wolf whistle, and was hushed by Melina. But Melina did glance at Lash a bit then winked at Natasha giving her a leer. Natasha did the typical, ''oh my god, please kill me'' look that any daughter does when she brings a man home to meet her family. Lash recast his Glamour simply because he knew he would forget otherwise. He also made breakfast! Which was another plus in his category according to Melina.


    ¡°So, we should get your father next?¡± Melina asked after breakfast. They had laid it all out to her and she agreed to help them end, The Red Room. But they needed their family back together again.


    ¡°Shouldn''t be an issue, give it another ten minutes.¡± Lash said, and the three of them looked at him. Then Natasha sighed loudly and hung her head in dismay.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± Natasha asked.


    ¡°What? It seemed a hassle to go up to Siberia to retrieve him. So I sent a burner phone to his cell. Speaking of which.¡± Lash said as he stood up from the dinning room table and pulled out another burn phone and set it down in the living room much to the confusion of the other two ladies.


    Then a bright flash of green, and blue energy washed across the room. Millions of digital code exploded from the cell phone and took the shape of a humanoid. Little by little the lines of code took shape, and started form a man. A man wearing a dirty, gray, prison jumpsuit. With a big bushy black, and gray beard. Silver teeth, bald head with long hair along the sides. Muscular arms, but a bit of a gut. He collapsed onto all fours once the Digital Stride was over.


    ¡°GAAAH! Gaaah! What the fuck! What the fuck!¡± Alexei shouted over and over as he gripped his head. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Immaculate on him. Old injuries healed, bones snapped into their correct place, scars faded, and the unbearable smell coming off of him went away.


    ¡°Alexei language!¡± Melina shouted at him in that mamma bear voice that made Yelena, and Natasha wince, as Alexei automatically said.


    ¡°Sorry dear!¡± Alexei said, then blinked and looked up at them. He looked around the house then looked up at Lash. He was the only one he didn''t recognize.


    Alexei climbed to his feet and looked around a smile growing across his bearded face. Tears began to stream down his cheeks. Melina had a bemused expression on her face as she walked over and hugged him. Then Yelena, and Natasha came over and it was a happy family reunion. With Lash standing off to the side with a smile on his face. He took a holographic picture of the scene and filed it away for later. After a bit Natasha stepped away and walked over to Lash.


    ¡°Ummmm Dad...this is my boyfriend, Lash Jormungandson of Asgard.¡± Natasha said, and Lash bowed from his waist. Alexei looked Lash over with an appraising eye. Alexei and Lash were almost the same size. Lash had about two inches on him, and he was 6''6¡±.


    ¡°I think they should get married.¡± Melina said to Alexei who looked at her.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Natasha said with a grimace and turned to hide behind Lash then she seem to realize who she was hiding behind and tried to move away only for Lash to snag her and hold her close. She struggled in his arms and finally relented.


    ¡°I am just saying, you''ve been together for several years. I''d like some grandchildren.¡± Melina said nonchalantly.


    ¡°MOM!¡± Yelena, and Natasha both said together. Then Natasha glanced back at Lash and her ears turned red.


    ¡°Oooooh! I haven''t seen little Natasha do that in years!¡± Alexei said at last, taking a moment to tease his adoptive daughter.


    ¡°OK! Enough, can we not talk about my love life while this is going on?¡± Natasha said, her demand was met on deaf ears.


    ¡°Would you like something to eat?¡± Lash asked Alexei who smiled at him, his silver teeth gleaming!


    Lash went back to the kitchen. But he quickly crafted some new clothes for Alexei. Watching Lash pulled energy from the air and craft it into fabric was an interesting sight to all of them except Natasha who had grown desensitized to it. She shrugged her shoulders like it wasn''t a big deal. Even though she still did enjoy watching Lash do it. Alexei sat down at the dinning room table in a fresh pair of jeans, boots, and flannel shirt with a big smile on his face. He ate several plates of eggs, steak, and baked potatoes, with bacon! Along with two pots of coffee!


    ¡°Aaaahhhhh...Food is good.¡± Alexei said in satisfaction as he finished his plate. He automatically stood to help clean up the dishes but smiled in delight as Lash snapped his fingers and everything was done already.


    ¡°Aha! Yes, I like this one. Much better than that one boy you brought home before. What was his name, the one with the bow!¡± Alexei said to Natasha who rolled her eyes at him.


    ¡°Barton was not my boyfriend, he is a friend from work. That is all.¡± Natasha said in a very whiny tone.


    ¡°Well he''s a boy, that''s a friend. What is that called, help me out here, dear.¡± Alexei said to Melina who had a amused grin on her face.


    It was an interesting dynamic to watch. From what Yelena, and Natasha had told Lash about the family. It had been several years since they had all been together. But they all picked it up like they had seen each other like it was yesterday. Lash could relate, he was like that with Lizzy back home. No matter how much time passed they still treated each other the same. But Lash Jormungandson didn''t have any family aside from his father the World Serpent that had been asleep the whole time. So, the family dynamic was...Heart warming.


    ¡°Not that I don''t enjoy teasing Natasha. But won''t they freak out when they find out dad''s missing from prison?¡± Yelena asked, hugging Natasha from behind. Natasha looked like she wanted to scream and wiggled out of her sisters arms.


    ¡°There were no camera''s in the solitary confinement cell Alexei was placed in. The cell phone was an old flip phone. Several guards were bribed to take it to him. All were paid through dummy accounts that no longer exist. Yes, they will be surprised he is gone. But there is no clear evidence who he escaped.¡± Lash said, as he pulled Natasha to his side as he sat down. Natasha begrudgingly sat down next to him. She refused to look at him, but allowed him to take her hand into his own.


    ¡°Please! Please, call me dad!¡± Alexei said with a grin, and Natasha bit back a scream. Alexei cackled like a mad man! Lash liked this man.


    ¡°So, together again... I wish it was under better circumstances.¡± Melina said, a sad smile on her face. She reached out and took Alexei''s hand into her own. He gave her a squeeze and smiled back.


    ¡°What do we know about the new, Red Room?¡± Alexei asked, and they laid all out for him.


    Before the Red Room had been a part of the Soviet Union. Now, it was a professional assassins school that worked with the Russian government but was ultimately a private organization. Corporate espionage, thievery, assassinations, spy craft. But then they got into the twisted aspect that they had recently discovered. How many young girls had been kidnapped? Taken to the Red Room to undergo a surgery that would strip them of themselves. Lash''s tech-spirits had searched high and low at the one facility they knew of. There was not a single list of other locations. However, Lash believed he could pull that information out of the men, and women who worked there. Hopefully.


    ¡°What about SHIELD? The Avengers? Why are they not here tearing it all down.¡± Alexei said, his voice took on a hint of hope.


    ¡°Government connections, and threat of invasion by a super powered army. With the Superhuman Registration Act currently dead in the water. All it would take is a superhuman, and alien task force sent into a sovereign nation to spark another war, let alone the registration. Director Hill doesn''t want that. The Avengers don''t want that.¡± Natasha replied, there were several other nuance level details that would also tip it not in their favor.


    ¡°So, we do this ourselves? With a bit of help from our new son in law?¡± Melina asked, a smile tugging on her lips when Natasha rolled her eyes at her.


    ¡°So no large dinosaur, no Asgardian army, just a magic man who can manipulate time?¡± Yelena said with a smirk. ¡°Should be real easy.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, but first I need to optimize all of you.¡± Lash said, and Natasha grinned at the look of confusion on every ones face.


    =============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Molly Mctuckit residence***


    (Yelena Belova)


    Yelena threw a punch at her sister Natasha and her punch made a crack sound as her joints popped softly. She twisted and pulled around with a kick that Natasha aggravatingly dodged out of the way. Natasha did a back flip and nearly took Yelena''s head off with her foot. Yelena pushed herself forward and she could feel the bio-mechanical implants that Lash put in her assist with the attempt. She brought the heel of her foot down in an axe kick and broke the stone ground beneath their feet. Yelena felt her joints lock up in place. She was forced to freeze for a moment as the implants assisted with the damage she just caused to herself.


    ¡°Over extended again, didn''t you?¡± Natasha said, as she walked around to help Yelena up.


    ¡°Shut up! I''m fine.¡± Yelena said, but took the hand up with a grimace. She felt her body trying to adjust to the new abilities.


    ¡°I like this...¡± Yelena said softly.


    ¡°Being together again, or the being optimized?¡± Natasha asked as she walked over and snagged a water bottle.


    ¡°Both! It''s good...It''s good to see you again, sister.¡± Yelena said, walking over to get her own bottle of water.


    Yelena and Natasha were outside the house in the backyard in a fenced off area that mother used for training. Yelena had been the first one optimized and she felt amazing! The changes were subtle. She had read up on Captain America''s changes on how he grew several inches, and gained muscle mass. Yelena didn''t do that, well maybe she gained an inch here and there. But it was all dense, lean muscles. But what was most peculiar was if she thought about it a progress bar was brought up across her eye lid.


    ¡°Stage one complete.¡± Yelena said, as a prompt went across her vision thanks to the UI program.


    ¡°Time to go running then.¡± Natasha said and pulled her inside to get changed.


    Yelena went along with her sister and smiled. Mother was sitting in the living room talking to Lash, and father. Dozens of windows were revolving around Alexei, as bits of code flashed by Lash''s face. Yelena had to admit that if Natasha wasn''t with him she would take a chance on him. The man was seriously handsome in a barbarian sort of way. Yes, Yelena understood that the way he currently looked was a...Glamour. Of what ever it was called. But still, wow! He was good looking. Then he glanced at them and his eyes reflected like a wolf would and it sent a shiver down her spine.


    ¡°Stage one done? Time to go running.¡± Lash said, and Natasha laughed as she walked over and kissed his cheek.


    ¡°Should I go to?¡± Mother asked, Yelena looked at her. Really looked at her.


    Mother had lost her gray hair, and her wrinkles had smoothed out. She looked almost as young as they did with a few exceptions. Her eyes told the story of her life. Yelena still thought it was insane that Lash could Restore Youth to people. Father looked the most different. Gone was his big busy beard, and silver teeth. Now he was trimmed, clean, and back to being in shape. His gut was gone, and he looked like nordic warrior.


    ¡°That is up to you. Eventually you''ll all be running. It will help your bodies get use to the changes. Though father-Alexei will be a bit. The experiments they did on him are very sloppy.¡± Lash said, as he scrolled through something he called a Source Code.


    ¡°Go.... We''ll be fine. Give us men a chance to talk!¡± Father said, and Yelena rolled her eyes. Happy to see she was not the only one.


    All three of them went upstairs to change. Lash had created sports wear for all of them. It made Yelena blush just a bit at the idea that Lash knew her sizes down to a centimeter. Yelena stood up in front of a full length mirror in the guest bedroom and smoothed her hands over legs. The running pants looked good, then she slipped on her cross strap sports bra, and jacket and flipped her hair back. She was idly checking herself out when mother peaked in.


    ¡°I know a nice boy in town that you may like?¡± Mother asked, and Yelena sent a withering stare at her.


    ¡°Funny...¡± Yelena bit back.


    ¡°Well, maybe when this is all said and done you could join Natasha on the Avengers.¡± She replied, and Yelena froze in the mirror and turned to look at her.


    ¡°What Lash did to us can''t be reversed. We are just like this now. Which means we are classified as superhuman. SHIELD, and the Avengers will be interested in seeing if we are interested in helping. Lash said there are a collection of assignments that do not involve killing.¡± Mother said as she walked into the room to fix Yelena''s collar.


    ¡°What do you plan to do?¡± Yelena asked.


    ¡°I''ll go if you go.¡± Mother replied.


    ¡°Do you think dad will?¡±


    ¡°Maybe... Lash said he can alter his physical appearance. Alexei has always been a good soldier, even when the military wasn''t good to him. He may not want to leave. But maybe he will. We''ll see!¡± Mother said, and turned in time to see Natasha walk into the room in her running gear.


    ¡°Let''s go!¡± Natasha said and they all went back down stairs.


    Yelena nearly jumped out of her skin. Or as Natasha said it looked like cat jumping into the air when someone stepped on their tail. Sitting in the living room were three large, large pure black dogs. Who were watching them as they came down. They looked like wolves, and sat at perfect attention. Natasha walked up with out missing a beat and started to pet them one by one. Each dog leaned in, but didn''t wine when she moved on.


    ¡°Who are these beautiful things?¡± Mother asked as she walked up and started to carefully pet them.


    ¡°These are your escorts as you go for your run. Alpha, Beta, Charlie.¡± Lash said, as he pointed at each dog/wolf. They had collars on with their names inscribed on them.


    ¡°Do we need escorts?¡± Yelena asked, flexing her arm. Alexei guffawed and grinned at her.


    ¡°They are more for me than anything else. Also this.¡± Lash said, and Yelena felt like something had plugged into her head. She could feel voices in her head that were not her own. She loved, and hated this feeling. She could feel Natasha, mother, father, Lash, and the wolves now.


    ¡°Also the wolves can grow to the size of a car and rip through tungsten with ease.¡± Natasha said with a grin as she rubbed one particular dog behind the ears. The other wolves looked composed on the surface but their feelings were irritated. They wanted ear scratches too!


    After a few minutes of ear scratches they all left through the back door. Lash said he was about half way done with father and they would join them when they finished. Mother took them on a running trail that went through the whole town. At first it was slow going. It was like they skipped the walking lessons, and went straight into running. Yelena, kept stumbling over her own feet. Her UI said she was processing stage two, what ever that meant. She''d have to ask later.


    ¡°Yelena! Slow down!¡± Mother called out and Yelena slowed to a crawl.


    ¡°How...How are you so fast?¡± Mother said as she came up to her gasping for breath.


    ¡°Fast? I''m going slow, aren''t I?¡± Yelena asked in confusion as Natasha came to a stop behind them.


    ¡°You were running at 24 kph.¡± Natasha said with a grin. Yelena''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°What?!¡± 24 kph (15 mph) was unbelievable. ¡°Natasha how fast can you run?¡± Yelena asked.


    ¡°I can do about 32 kph (20 mph) for long distance. While I can sprint at 48 kph (30 mph) on level ground for about an hour.¡± Natasha said with a grin.


    That was it. That was when Yelena truly understood what had happened. Yes, she felt stronger, faster, better than before. But now, she understood she was more than human. Superhuman was the word. But that felt like an over simplification of the situation. They let mother set the pace, and Yelena got to watch as they slowly picked up the pace. To the point that they had to visible slow down when they passed by a house, or part of the town unless they wanted the authorities to be called on three speeding women in sports wear.


    ============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Molly Mctuckit residence***


    (Lash Jormungandson, of Asgard)


    ¡°Cancer? Are you sure?¡± Alexei asked, looking at the holographic display.


    ¡°Yes, the serum they gave you made you stronger. But dramatically shortened your lifespan, at the cost of your cancer cells mutating. I''ve fixed it, your fine now. But as far as I can tell they understood this would happen. They never told you?¡± Lash asked Alexei and the old warrior shook his head in sadness.


    ¡°I would have done it either way. I was proud they selected me. I still am. I did a lot of good work for mother Russia. But I''ve been betrayed to many times. If the women end up going to SHIELD, and the Avengers so will I.¡± Alexei said with a shuddering breath. He was a patriot through and through. But beat him down enough, and even a loyal dog will bite back.


    ¡°Well, technically Russia is part of the security council. We do have we could make an Avengers team for Russia specifically.¡± Lash suggested it, and he could feel Erik wiggling in excitement. A large grin grew across Alexei''s face.


    ¡°That would be something to see!¡± Alexei declared.


    Lash finished correcting the Source Code, and used Awaken Trait, and Re:Implant on Alexei. Several spell rings inscribed with hundreds of spell scrip danced around Alexei some going clock wise, others counter clock wise. There was a flash of light and the process was complete. Lash saw a progress bar for Alexei''s optimization at (0.01%), stage zero.


    Alexei aka Red Guardian was interesting. He had Enhanced Strength, and Enhanced Speed and that was it. Well not just that, he also had sub dermal metal polymer alloy inserted into him. Lash wasn''t sure how the procedure was done but it must have been brutal! Turned out Alexei also had partial Accelerated Healing but all his body ever did was try and repair the damage the alloy was doing to him. So Lash just merged the alloy literally into his skin like a weave. Then gave him the same optimization he gave everyone else.


    Strength, speed, durability, agility, reflexes, stamina, healing, regeneration, intellect, senses, and age reduction. Same stuff Rogers had, just to a lesser degree. Imagine if Captain America was a 10 on the power scale. While an olympic athlete was a 1, anyone who was optimized by Lash was now a 5. Lash''s notification beeped at him and Alexei''s implants notified him that his strength, and speed had finished ahead of schedule to stage one.


    ¡°Time to go running! You were already fast, so we should be able to catch up pretty quickly.¡± Lash said, and Alexei grinned at him.


    Lash used Darkness Manipulation, Animancy, and False Life to craft two more shadow hounds. Alexei came back downstairs in a pair of shoes, shorts, a tank top, and a huge grin! Lash chuckled and they locked up the house and took off down the path at a quick pace. Lash cast Anonymity on them both. If anyone saw them they would think they were two cyclist going down the trail at the rate of speed they were going. With two very large dogs by their sides.


    ¡°So, you and Natasha?¡± Alexei started, breathing easy and relaxed as they started to pass the 10 mph mark and climbing.


    ¡°I was waiting to ask, you and Melina for your blessing. Yelena already gave hers.¡± Lash said simply in reply. Alexei barked out a laugh!


    ¡°You most certainly have mine! I am sure Melina will agree as well. But best to ask. I learned a long time ago you don''t assume anything with these women.¡± Alexei said, and shook his head as he remembered how many discussions, and arguments he had with them. Looking back at them, he could only smile fondly.


    They ran, and ran over twenty five miles. It was a big trail! Went through the whole town. Several paths diverged from the main path that would lead to little cafe''s, dinners, and gas station for energy drinks if needed. Lash, and Alexei sprinted past several groups of people who whistled at them. A few got angry at the ''cyclists'' on the trail. While a few were amazed at the size of the dogs running by their sides. The shadow hounds made zero sound as they ran. Lash could see that they were not so much running, as gliding across the ground like a shadow.


    It wasn''t until they were on the other side of the valley that they finally caught up. Natasha, Yelena, and Melina were chatting with a few people by the trail. They looked like they were stretching their muscles out and preparing to continue their journey. The people were a collection of young men, and women who were nice. Lash didn''t get a single ping with Sherogoth''s Blessing from any of them. No taint of sin, or hell. Though a few of the men did ogle the three women.


    ¡°Honey!¡± Melina called out with a radiant smile at Alexei who came sprinting in and slid to a stop. To any one else looking he looked like he had pulled the breaks on his bicycle. When the young man who was trying to flirt with Melina saw the towering monster of Alexei they man visible paled.


    ¡°My love! Sorry it took us so long to catch up! Who''s your friend?¡± Alexei said as he walked up and wrapped Melina in a hug and stared at the man with that friendly/Unfriendly. ''I see what were you trying to do face''.


    ¡°This is Trevor he is visiting his grandparents in town. He invited us to a BBQ but I told them we had family business.¡± Melina said and kissed Alexei''s cheek.


    ¡°Aha! That is very nice of you, Trevor!¡± Alexei said as he clapped the man on the shoulder and gave him a ''friendly'' squeeze. Trevor for his credit didn''t call out in pain! Just clenched his teeth and bore it.


    ¡°Dad! Please stop torturing him and let him go!¡± Yelena called out, and Alexei looked ashamed at his actions though he did hide his grin.


    ¡°Aha! Of course! Of course!¡± Alexei said, and gave Trevor a friendly smile.


    Lash smiled at the man and went to Natasha who smiled at him and kissed his cheek. A few people frowned at that. But looked around for Yelena''s other half. Lash made a gesture at Yelena and gave the all clear sign to the men, and women in the group who smiled at him for it. Then Lash caught Yelena glaring at him and Lash winced and hid behind Natasha who barked out a laugh! All the while the dogs sat off the side sun bathing, and kept a watchful eye on the area around them.


    ¡°Charlie! Lets go!¡± Yelena said in a growl as she took off, her dog jumped to its feet and chased after Yelena. A few people started to run as well but were soon out paced by Yelena.


    ¡°Come on, we are about half way done. Should be back in time for lunch!¡± Melina said and started off with Beta. While Natasha took Alpha. While the other two dogs were named Delta, and Echo.


    After a bit Alexei sprinted forward and caught up with Melina. Then Melina came back to Lash who took up the rear guard. Alexei wished Lash luck across the link and Natasha, and Yelena were confused on who was speaking. They hadn''t learned the skill yet. Though Natasha could do it when nothing else was going on. Lash was surprised Alexei picked it up so quickly. Melina ran side by side with Lash their respective dogs by their sides.


    ¡°So, Alexei said you wanted to ask me something?¡± Melina asked, her breathing was even and her strides were strong. She was making good progress.


    ¡°I have Yelena''s, and Alexei''s permission. I... was hoping to get your blessing to ask Natasha''s hand in marriage.¡± Lash asked, and Melina stumbled for a brief moment then caught herself from falling. She let out a joyful smile, that froze on her face as she pulled on his arm to come to a stop.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Lash asked her, his eyes full of concern.


    ¡°Lash... In the Red Room... We go through a graduation ceremony.¡± Melina began but Lash held up a finger.


    ¡°I know, the optimization fixed that.¡± Lash said simply. Melina''s eyes went wide and she took several steps back. Her heart rate spiked and she started to hyperventilate. Lash quickly cast Calm Emotions and her breathing slowed. A calm, composed look came over her face.


    ¡°You are saying we can have children now?¡± Melina asked.


    ¡°Yes, even Alexei. Though I don''t think he realized he had been sterile. But all of you are healthy and fertile now.¡± Lash replied, and received a big hug from Melina. He had never seen Calm Emotions break so easily. He hugged her back with a smile of his own.


    ¡°Yes! Yes! I give you permission, and my blessing!¡± Melina shouted, she let go and sprinted down the trail. Lash could feel her need to talk to Alexei.


    About fifteen minutes later Lash heard Alexei scream in shock as Melina tackled him from behind! They rolled across the forest path. Natasha, and Yelena dropped, tucked, and rolled. Expecting some sort of attack. But all they saw was Melina kissing Alexei and Alexei was reciprocating with gusto. Lash caught up with them then and explained the situation. Yelena''s eyes glistened with tears as she stood up and all but tackled Lash in a hug.


    They eventually found their way back to the house. There were only two showers in the house and the ladies did a complicated game of rock, scissors, punch? To see who got what. Of course it was Melina''s house so she got the master bathroom. She invited Alexei to join her. The man had a huge grin on his face as he accompanied his wife. While Yelena won the second shower. Lash had the dogs stationed around the house. The longer they were around the more experience he was receiving so he thought it would be good practice.


    When everyone got their turn in the shower. Though Lash just used Immaculate they came down for lunch. Lash was cooking and had several holographic windows up. One of them was a menu. What did they want to eat? While the others were several CCTV''s of confirmed Black Widows traveling through the city that had left the barracks facility they had found. Lash noticed the specific glow coming from Melina, and Alexei that comes with a wonderful round of sex! Yelena, and Natasha had the look of pure torture on their faces as their ''parents'' made cute, romantic gestures towards each other.


    ¡°I need to find someone for myself.¡± Yelena said.


    ¡°I know some outstanding men, and women on the Avengers that you may like. How do you feel about lawyers?¡± Lash offered and Yelena had to stop and think about it.


    ¡°Do you have any siblings, Lash?¡± Melina asked, and Natasha winced a little.


    ¡°I have many brothers, and sisters to call my own! Many remain on Asgard, though Thor does visit Midgard he is already betrothed to Lady Foster! Most do not come to Midgard though that may change in the future. Midgard is quickly becoming and interesting place to visit.¡± Lash replied, not paying any mind to Natasha, and Melina''s mother daughter dialogue. (They stared at one another and conveyed an entire conversation)


    ¡°Parents?¡± Alexei asked, and Natasha winced at the mention and came around to hug Lash. The room got quiet.


    ¡°It''s alright... My father is the world serpent Jormungand. While my mother died in child birth.¡± Lash replied and kissed the top of Natasha''s head. Alexei looked like he wanted to throw himself into traffic.


    ¡°Espresso!¡± Yelena suddenly said as she selected something from the holographic menu. It was a monster of whip cream, chocolate, low fat milk, and three different types of coffee beans. Lash smiled at her and jumped to get the drink ready.


    ¡°Oh, another benefit of the optimization is your metabolism burns a bit faster. So feel free to indulge in foods. Your waist line is not something you have to worry about.¡± Lash said to the room. Melina, and Yelena''s eyes grew bright.


    After several whip cream covered waffles later. They sat around the living room together looking through the collected information. The Black Widows were scattered through out the city. Lash was running a program to read the body language, as well as the Chitauri implant they carried. So far he had found thirty two more Widows scattered through our Europe doing anything from being a professional escort for several rich men, and women at parties. To professional bodyguards, thieves, and assassinations.


    Congratulations User, Basic Connectivity has evolved into Intermediate Connectivity.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to spell energy consumption.


    Effect: Spell caster can now interface with Alien tech at a 15% increase of energy. (Down from 25%)


    Effect: Spell''s range has increased.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell power''s passive connections has increased. (See Tool Tip)


    Example; Machine Control can be done from a distance as long as the machine is connected to the net.


    A burst of information was poured into Lash, and he absorbed it like a sponge. Suddenly his tech-spirits moved faster through the net, and could jump from system to system with greater ease. Then he was tickled to find out that his tech-spirits could jump into vehicles now and drive them. Aha! After a brief moment of hesitation Lash asked one of his tech-spirits to jump into the Chitauri link but they were rebuked. Damn! Worth a try.


    ¡°So we have all the information from the facility? Yes? So what we need now is to interrogate them for the other locations. Lets suit up and head out. We can smash this place and move to the next one.¡± Alexei said at last once he finished reading a report.


    ¡°Now is a good a time as any. A majority of the Widows are in the city. It would take them well over two hours to come back if the alarm went off. As long as the video footage is authentic then there are several scientist, and trainers present we can work on.¡± Melina agreed, and blew up one of the maps.


    ¡°Alright, lets work out a plan. Lash, can you start to make the gear.¡± Natasha asked, and Lash stood up and pulled Yelena to the side who looked confused.


    ¡°What is happening?¡± Yelena asked.


    Because it was not a SHIELD operation Lash couldn''t make the standard exoskeleton suit. Only SHIELD, and the Avengers so far had that kind of tech. It was a public secret that it was designed and made by Lash. So they limited its exposure. There were several, ''black boxes'' on the tech that prevent it from being reversed engineered. If the boxes were ever opened they would turn to slag. Otherwise the design was fairly similar to existing exoskeletons.


    So, this time Lash went further down the line and merged the exoskeleton into the suit itself. Yelena got a form fitting, sleek, compact, tactical suit. With over a hundred snap on links. So she could customize her own set up. Boots, pants, shirt, jacket, gloves, mask, helmet. Even bullet resistant bra, and panties. Red lace, at Yelena''s request. The entire suit would be lose when pulled on then with a flick of a switch on the inside jacket the excess amount would form around her body.


    Lash french braided her hair and Yelena enjoyed the attention for a bit. Lash was good with his hands. He brushed, and combed through her hair. Gently tugging, and pulling into place. Then the mask, and helmet went over. The helmet came with an artificial wig, short bob layered cut hair. Meant to help keep her identity secret. Lash showed her the collar and had her press her thumbs on both sides and twist. The entire mask, and helmet retracted and compressed into the collar.


    ¡°...Thank you... For... Just thank you.¡± Yelena said.


    ¡°Of course sister, it''s my privilege, and pleasure.¡± Lash replied with a smile.


    Yelena went back into the living room and Alexei, and Melina whistled at the look. Melina jumped to her feet when she was called. The tactical suit was essentially the same with a few alterations. Melina had a particular set up she wanted for gear. Lash even put jump jets into her suit. Melina had experience with base jumping, and parachuting. When Lash explained the difference between the two she understood it rapidly. That is why she got that, and Yelena didn''t. Though Yelena got a compact sniper rifle installed into armor.


    Alexei decided on a Red armored version of Captain America''s set up. With a few modifications. Such as a full face mask/helmet. With a magnetic call back wrist mount for his shield. What shield one would ask? Well the vibranium, and Nth metal shield that Lash crafted for him. The big man looked so happy he almost cried. He gave Lash a bear hug and clapped him on the back. Natasha was next and she had worn this new suit a few times before. Now in full gear Lash spent some DP and purchased the next evolution of Digital Stride.


    Attention User! You''ve purchased the evolution of Minor Digital Stride evolving it to Basic Digital Stride. 20 Dream Points used.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to spell energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight decrease to spell side effects.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell''s range.


    Effect: The cast may use any device with in range that they''ve connected to. (See Tool Tip)


    Example: Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits have touched it, allowing the Caster to use it.


    ¡°Natasha are you alright?¡± Melina asked as they stood around in a circle together. Natasha looked a little green.


    ¡°I just don''t like this part.¡± Natasha admitted. Lash shrugged his shoulders helplessly. He left several spell marks on the house and recalled his shadow hounds.


    Then Lash used a phone line at a gas station several miles away from the base. He cast Digital Stride and they were all broken down into their program code and zipped through the world wide web. As the spell had gone through an evolution. The ride was less bumpy. But the amount of information they flew past was incredibly disorienting. Lash saw his tech-spirits swimming along with them like a pod of dolphins. Then in a flash! They were standing outside of the gas station. Thankfully not in front of the front door.


    ¡°Geeehaaaaa.....¡± Yelena dropped to her knees and tried to not throw up. Alexei didn''t even try, he went off to the side and threw up his light dinner they had before they left. He pulled a flask from his belt and took a swallow.


    ¡°I see why you don''t like it.¡± Melina said as she was on her knees taking in slow deep breaths. Natasha had ridden that particular wave before so she was ready for it. She was on her feet taking long slow breaths.


    ¡°Sorry everyone. But we just traveled 456 miles in a second. It''s a nice trade off.¡± Lash offered, and was met with soft hostility.


    ¡°Well it was better than before.¡± Alexei said, mentioning when he had been pulled into a cell phone that had been delivered to his prison cell.


    ¡°Just like anything else in the Universe, if you practice something enough you will get better at it. Each time I perform it I get a little better.¡± Lash said, and it was true. He had gained a single level in Digital Stride just from that trip alone. Only 99 more to go for his next evolution.


    Lash reached out and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, Immaculate, Cat''s Grace, and Animal Eye on the group. Renewed, and filled with energy. They sprinted through the landscape with ease as the very forest allowed their passage. Thanks to Animal Eye they could see in low light vision. Assisted by their HUD. They soon achieved 30 mph through the forest. Very nice!


    Lash established Temporary Pack Bond with each of them. Further increasing their abilities by another 10%. Once they reached the ten mile mark before the base the split up each taking a different cardinal point as Lash dove into the ground with Earth Swim. This was an interesting experience since Lash had always been in his Transformation state, or had Saurian driving. He moved through the earth like Aquaman did the ocean. Arms flat to his sides, legs back, and he simply propelled himself forward.


    Thanks to his Nature-Elemental Domains. He had a passive Earth sight that let him see, or rather feel what was around him. He passed under hundreds of landmines and sent Technomancy pulse through the ground. They were old enough that couldn''t just shut them off. He''d have to go to each one and manually turn them off. So he informed the other four about them. He received a confirmation reply across the link from all of them.


    He continued to swim past the barbed wire fence, under the different roads. Then he hit the subterranean rooms. Because every military base needs a vast underground structure not shown on the plans. The tech-spirits had done a comprehensive job of mapping the installation. But Lash found at least six more rooms. Large rooms not mapped out. He had no idea what was inside. There was a type of energy? Harmonic frequency passing through the walls that prevented him from looking in. That was odd.


    One by one the guards were taken out. The tech-spirits would relay any information back to the security desk. A simple Phantasm illusion with False Life, and Bending took the place of the downed guards. They walked, talked, and could even touch. But they were not the original guards. Lash swam down to the lower levels, the lowest one and he sensed a malevolent energy there. He could feel a creature screaming in pain. It sent negative energy rippling through the ground.


    Unlike the other rooms this one was not shielded. More to say it was, but what ever was inside kept breaking the field every time it screamed. Lash timed his approach and slipped between the Earth, and reinforced concrete into the room. What he found was not what he had expected.


    We have a problem. -Lash said across the link. He sent a metal image of the problem to them across the link.


    Standing in the room chained to the wall with a Chitauri machine attached to his spine was Emil Blonsky aka Abomination. Abomination was approximately 6''8¡± feet tall, though he was hunched over. With a bone rigid spine, that currently had a Chitauri machine attached to him. Abomination was explosive neon green. With bone blades extended from his elbows, knees, and knuckles. His body was wide as two doors, and his muscles were just as impressive as the Hulks. Hundreds of chains were wrapped around him, and linked to the wall anchored their by Chitauri metal.


    ¡°GGRRRAAAAAAAAH!¡± Abomination screamed! The sound rippled through the whole room, and was felt through the earth itself. He had a maddening look of rage, and mind breaking insanity on his face. Then the machine attached to his spine would hum with power and his facial expression would relax.


    In between screaming fits his face had a glassy, no one was home expression. A trail of drool escaped his mouth. In between screams a group of scientists came up and pushed a needle into his neck and pulled out his blood. Then quickly stepped back just in time for another scream of rage to shake the whole chamber. The scientists all wore ear protection but even then they reflexively covered their ears. Emil Blonsky, and Samuel Sterns had been missing from the Vault since the falling out of SHIELD, and Hydra. No one had any idea where they went. Obviously Hydra had taken them. But they hadn''t been seen in years. Lash did a quick search of the scientist present and identified at least six men, and women on the Hydra red notice.


    The Red Room was working with Hydra. A secret door slid to the side that left the main chamber. The scientists left the room leaving behind a screaming Abomination. Lash left the room with the scientists under cover with Invisibility, and Anonymity on the off chance his his first spell failed. Though he wasn''t sure if he would look like a security guard, or another scientist in their eyes. The door to the lab closed first before the next door opened up. The next room they walked into was a false lab. No camera''s, no phones, no electronics of any kind. Shit!


    That meant that Hydra had working contingencies against him. They knew he could infiltrate technology so they had used that to their advantage. Make a weakness into a strength. The scientists took their samples out of the false lab with Lash following them. The four up top continued to take out the guards and replace them. While Lash sent a message to SHIELD. They didn''t need to be quiet about this anymore. Having Abomination was a great reason to send in a tactical team.


    Several Black Widows walked right by the scientist and barely even registered their presence. It looked like they were on the way to bed? They were in sleeping wear, and had fresh mint on their breath. Brushed their teeth and their handler was taking them to their rooms. The science team went into another room and Lash saw fifteen centipede soldiers with green skin, and glowing green eyes. They were...Bigger. Is the best term used. Then he recognized Ultron tech implanted on one. He had a bracer on that could wrap around his arm and change into a cannon. Great.


    ¡°Well, well, well...This is an honor.¡± A smooth, cultured voice went over the intercom. Everyone in the facility froze in place.


    ¡°Lash Jormungandson, of Asgard. I see that you have found our little home. Not only that, you have informed SHIELD of our activities. I knew you would eventually find us. I have been looking forward to testing my genius against your own.¡± The man continued to speak. Lash moved back, and out of the room.


    ¡°I have to say it was a true test of my abilities to see if I could create a security system for you. The guards that your people have taken out do not exude the same thermal image of a living person. They are room temperature.¡± The man continued, and Lash gave himself a mental face palm. He forgot to do that.


    ¡°Next I placed tactile pads across the floor in every room. However, none of those are going off. So I have to assume you discovered those.¡± The man continued, Lash''s tech-spirits had. They were a good alarm system, as well as a way to save power.


    ¡°But what gave you away more than anything else, and I assure you with my intellect there were many pieces to find. Its that you have a trifling amount of energy that deteriorates from you. It leaves a trail, that I have discovered. I do not know where you are, but I know your in the base.¡± The man continued to say, and once again Lash growled at his own stupidity. It was his ambient magical aura. He ''flexed'' and cut off the ambient energy at its source.


    ¡°Attention all forces this is, The Leader! We have been infiltrated. SHIELD is aware of our location. Activate protocol: Falling Rain.¡± The Leader aka Samuel Sterns said across the intercom.


    The whole base went into lock down. Red alert lights came on and everyone jumped into action. The centipede soldiers got up from their chairs and with a bit of mental focus activated their gamma genes. They grew in size by a few hundred pounds. Not as large as Hulk, or Abomination but close. Sterns had taught Hydra how to stabilize the serum. While the Black Widows quickly got dressed and deployed through the base in full kit.


    Lash pulled his Invisibility off and stepped into the hall as the gamma soldiers stopped to look at them. The lead soldier smiled at him and roared, then charged down the hall way. Lash reached out with his Telekinesis but felt his Grave-Necromancy Domain move in and he suddenly learned a new spell.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned a new Grave-Necromancy Domain Spell.


    Grasp Heart: The Caster creates a ghostly claw capable of reaching through flesh, and bone to grip the targets heart. Then twists, tears, and pulls the heart out of place. Or causes severe trauma and pain.


    The man screamed in pain and dropped to the ground just as quick. He struggled for a brief moment then slowed to a stop. Blood seeping out of his mouth. Lash had reached out, and felt his hands wrap around the mans heart. He twisted and pulled. The heart was torn out of alignment. The spell had taken 15% of his energy, but he was already almost full. He looked up at the rest of the soldiers were frozen for a brief moment. Then Lash reached out and used Grasp Heart again. Another soldier screamed in pain and dropped.


    ¡°Stop him!¡± A soldier screamed and they all tore down the hall way. Thirteen to go!


    Lash reached out with both hands, targeting two soldiers at the same time for twice the amount of energy. One by one the rest of the soldiers died. The last one died swinging his big meaty fist right past Lash''s face as he died. Lash dropped to his knees and took in huge lungfuls of air. Then the wall next to him slid open to reveal fifteen more.


    ¡°Fuck...¡± Lash said, and rolled to the side as the soldiers reached for him.


    ===========================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Hungarian countryside. Red Room auxiliary facility***


    (Alexei Alanovich Shostakov aka Red Guardian)


    ¡°Down!¡± Alexei shouted and threw his new shield down the hall. The metal disk bounced off the walls, and sliced through the guards with ease. The shields edge had a red electric glow to it. Then it bounced off a wall and spun back towards him.


    ¡°How''s the door coming?¡± Yelena shouted as she took up a position next to the corner and shot down the hallway with her rifle. Alexei stood by her with his shield raised. Behind them Melina, and Natasha were prying a wall panel off for the manual release of the door that had closed behind them.


    ¡°Five more minutes...¡± Melina said, Alexei grinned at Yelena''s eye roll.


    ¡°Come on...you...stupid...fucker.¡± Natasha said softly.


    ¡°Natasha, language!¡± Melina said to her.


    ¡°Really? ¡­.Now?¡± Natasha said with a bit of snark as the metal panel was removed. A resounding roar was heard from the hallways and Yelena started to shoot. A giant green man was sprinting down the way towards them.


    ¡°I got this!¡± Alexei shouted as he sprinted down the hall. Yelena''s bullets were barely making a dent in the thing.


    ¡°Yelena! Flip the switch on the side and wait for it charge up!¡± Natasha called, and Alexei soon tuned it out as he bashed his shield into the giant green man.


    Alexei bounced back with the force of a truck hitting him. He did a back flip mid air and pushed his legs off a wall to come flying back with a yell of glory! A battle axe made out Vibranium appeared in his outstretched hand and he cleaved it into the green mans neck! A violent spray of green blood burst like a fountain across Alexei. He grinned, and looked back at Yelena who had wide eyes and was shouting at him to move. Alexei felt, more then saw the attacker. He rolled forward into a somersault, just in time for a blue energy beam to escape Yelena''s rifle. It left a quarter size hole in the next green man''s skull.


    ¡°Aha! Good hit my baby girl!¡± Alexei shouted, and turned around with a grin. Axe, and shield at the ready.


    ¡°Nat! What did my rifle just turn into?¡± Yelena asked, as she shot another blue beam of energy down the hallway.


    ¡°Electromagnetic rifle, it shaves off a small piece of lead from the magazine inside the handle and propels it forward. You have to wait five seconds between shots but you have a thousand rounds.¡± Natasha said as they were twisting the door open with the manual release.


    ¡°Dear god in heaven! That is amazing!¡± Alexei shouted. As another blue shot went through another head.


    ¡°Well technically Lash is the God of Monsters.¡± Natasha called back with a grin.


    Then several green soldiers came around the corner wearing riot gear, while another one in the back carried a M134 Minigun. When Yelena shot her rifle the riot shields glowed with blue energy and deflected the shot upwards. It did nearly bowl them over. But they were kept safe. The green assault soldier squeezed the trigger and a 2,000 rounds per minute went flying down the hallway.


    ¡°GET BEHIND ME!¡± Alexei called out and his shield folded out growing larger. The the cacophony of bullets bouncing off the Vibranium/Nth metal shield rang through the whole hallway.


    Alexei grit his teeth and attempted to angle the shield as the bullets bounced back through the hallway and tore through what energy shields the soldiers had. Yelena dropped to the ground and aimed between the floor, and the shield. A few inches was just enough for her to shoot out the gunners foot. When he dropped to the floor in pain she shot him again in the head. Before one of the other soldiers could pick up the gun Alexei screamed and sprinted down the hall axe raised.


    ¡°GAAAAAAH!¡± Alexei shouted and butchered the soldiers with maniacal glee!


    ¡°Got it!¡± Natasha shouted and the door was pulled open only to reveal Black Widows standing there with weapons trained on them. ¡°Crap.¡±


    ==========================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Hungarian countryside, Red Room auxiliary facility***


    (Lash Jormungandson, of Asgard)


    BAM! Lash was thrown into a reinforced concrete wall and was punched repeatedly into it by two super green soldiers. Adaptation, Damage Resistance, Natural Energy Absorption, Superhuman Stamina, Regeneration, Energy Manipulation, Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Durability, and Superhuman Reflexes sent him prompt, after prompt of experience. He should fight with out Transformation more often. He was getting a lot out of the fight. Despite their sledge hammer blows t hey couldn''t break his Reality Armor that he had cast on his suit. While True Body was canceling all Critical Hits.


    Eventually between blows Lash pulled out a razor wire and wrapped it around one of their arms and pulled, activating Monomolecular Blade. He pulled the wire through Superhuman Durability skin, flesh, and bone like it was wet clay. The green soldier screamed in fury. Lash pushed his way out of the wall and flipped the wire up and around the other soldiers neck and yanked! Then whipped the wire around like a whip and sliced through the other soldier.


    ¡°Wow....Alright who''s next?¡± Lash asked as he turned around and saw a green soldier with a mini gun aimed at him. He squeezed the trigger and hundreds of bullets raced towards Lash.


    Congratulations User! The Spell Deflection has evolved into Minor Deflection.


    Effect: Slight increase in spell power.


    Effect: Slight decrease in spell energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase in spell range.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell shape manipulation.


    Lash activated Deflection as the bullets ricocheted into the surrounding area. Some of them even went back towards the attacker. His spell energy was plummeting fast! So he sprinted down the hallways and broke off to the right away from the gunner. He desperately wanted to change. To cut through them all like paper. But all of the camera''s were still on, and a chitauri energy current was coursing through them. Lash''s tech-spirits were breaking through the firewalls but it would take time. Sterns was determined to record Lash in action. Why, he wasn''t sure. But Lash''s gut instinct told him not to shift. So he didn''t.


    Lash! We''ve found an explosive. It has Chitauri tech attached to it. We don''t know how to disarm it. -Natasha said across the line and Lash slid to a stop. He looked around the base, above him as he zeroed in on the area they were in. Thanks to sterns he couldn''t swim through the walls due to the energy currents.


    Leave the complex! I know where the Red Room is. -Lash replied back and sent a source of information he had obtained after he devoured a scientist of rank. The real Red Room was in Moscow, Russia. In an underground complex that had been tunneled out using Chitauri technology thanks to Sterns.


    ¡°It seems our time together is at an end. I have to say you''ve been a great opponent. Never using your full potential has left me wanting more. I look forward to seeing you again soon. But one last parting gift from me to you. Say hello to Emil for me.¡± Sterns said over the intercom system. Then a caustic blue energy rushed through the whole complex.


    Lash screamed out in pain as his Technomancy Domain flared across his magical pool. While several portions of his Re:Implant temporarily shut down. Adaptation spiked with experience as it tried to work around the problem. It felt like thousands of ice picks were being driven into his body over and over again. Then after a few more seconds the pain subsided to thousands of thread needles, then just a soft ache. Just in time to hear a rage filled roar to shake the whole complex. Abomination was loose!


    Natasha, all of you need to leave. This is going to be bad. -Lash said across the link as he pulled himself to his feet. As he felt the whole complex shake as Abomination was tearing his way through the floors back to the surface.


    If you die I''m going to kill you! -Natasha shouted at him across the link.


    I won''t die. I still have to ask you a question. I had to get your families blessing first, but I have it now. Just need to the right time to ask. -Lash replied and activated his Transformation sense the EMP shorted out all electronic devices he could let loose again.


    Then I''ll be waiting. -Natasha said, then Lash felt her and the group move away from the complex as fast as they could move. BOOM! An explosion rocked the floor he was on and he heard a rage filled shout echo down the entire hall.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up, Emil!¡± Lash shouted, his animalistic voice filled with his own anger. Abomination stomped through the base, they were on the third sub-basement floor. Emil went through a few walls but eventually he came around the corner to see Lash standing in his hybrid form.


    Abomination stood at his full height of 8''3¡±. He wasn''t slouching like before. His entire body glowed with green gamma energy. The bone blades grew from his knuckles, elbows, and knees. A savage grin growing across his face. His body was going through a transformation in preparation for battle. By the time he was done Lash, and Abomination were thirty feet away.


    ¡°Never seen you before.¡± Abomination said, his voice was rough, and sounded like a cement mixer.


    ¡°I am Lash Jormungandson of Asgard, God of Monsters.¡± Lash replied, and he reached into his Domain and the energy that all monsters shared flared. For a brief moment Abomination almost bowed his head. Then he shook his head and snarled at Lash.


    ¡°So if I kill you, I''ll be the next God? Sounds like fun!¡± Abomination said, then before Lash could even blink Abomination was in front of him. Then Abomination was behind Lash with out his left arm!


    ¡°GAAAAAAH!¡± Abomination screamed as he gripped his stump. He had crashed through the wall into the next room and pulled himself out of the next imprint. He held his bloody stump with a look of shock, pain, and confusion on his face.


    Lash was standing over the left arm. From the forearm down was by his side. A red Psionic Blade from his knuckles. One of his tentacles touched the severed limb and turned it to ash. Abomination glared at Lash and flexed his severed arm. A burst of blood poured out, then new bone, sinew, tendons, flesh, and skin were growing. Well at least the bone was growing before Lash was across the room and attacking him.


    Abomination for the first time since he changed into his new shape...Was running! He jumped, rolled, and sprinted away from Lash as fast as he could go. Going through walls, and reinforced concrete. He jumped through floors. But he was keeping away if only barely. Lash used Blink and popped right in front of him and slashed with his energy blades. Then his tentacles would shoot out Eldritch Blasts cutting the very fabric of reality.


    ¡°Is this all you have!? This is fucking pathetic!¡± Lash shouted at Abomination, trying to temp him.


    ¡°I thought the great Abomination was a monster worthy of a real fight! But all he is doing is running!¡± Lash shouted, continuing to bate him. Abomination roared in rage but eventually found his goal. The outside!


    The Chitauri EMP had gone for over a hundred miles in every direction. Lash''s tech-spirits jumped into him so they wouldn''t be trapped at the base. This way they were not also draining his energy. Abomination finished growing his new arm and started to pull trees out of the ground to throw at Lash. Until he used Plant Control the tree''s roots wrapped around Abomination who had to pull it off of him first before..Blink! Lash appeared before him and swung his blades. Tuck and roll! Abomination scooted out of the way.


    ¡°Fight me with out your weapons and we''ll have a real fight!¡± Abomination screamed at him.


    ¡°So the coward speaks! He wants me to give up an advantage because he thinks life isn''t fair!? When has life ever been fair! Emil Blonsky new that fact when he joined the military. How many lives have you destroyed as they screamed about life being fair!? You are pathetic! You will die, like the trash you are!¡± Lash shouted at him and used Compulsion on Abomination.


    As it was the middle of the night Lash used Darkness Manipulation to create stabbing weapons from the shadows. Hundreds of blades stabbed into Abomination but it hardly slowed him down. He tore up trees, large rocks, and tossed them all at Lash. Lash would in turn use Elemental Manipulation to throw the rocks back at him. Then Mud Marsh to slow his movements. Then Abomination did a thunder clap! The sonic boom! Sent Lash and everything that wasn''t nailed down flying into the air.


    Abomination jumped into the air and brought his fists down on top of Lash. Who burst into Illusion Domain particles of energy. Abomination blinked then rolled out of the way, his Danger Sense was very high. Lash swung his blades from Invisibility. Abomination went to clap again only for hundreds of tree roots to burst out of the ground and wrap around him. It bought a few seconds for Lash to appear and slice straight into Abomination''s chest cavity then he Blinked away before Abomination could get a hold of him.


    ¡°Gaaah! Fuck you! I can''t die here!¡± Abomination shouted then tore the roots off and jumped through the air. Only for another mean, green machine to fall from the sky and tackle him!


    Up above them a SHIELD quin-jet was cloaked. When Abomination had been sighted Banner had jumped into a quin-jet and they did a high velocity burn to get here as fast as they could. Lash used Acceleration, and Cat''s Grace to sprint through the forest to the crash site. He soon came to a stop when he saw Banner/Hulk standing in his Avengers polymer suit glaring at Abomination as he pulled himself out of the crater. Lash rolled his eyes and Blinked right next to Abomination who jumped to the side just as Lash slashed the area.


    ¡°Why are you just standing there! Hit him!¡± Lash shouted at Banner/Hulk who blinked at him. Startled by his sudden arrival.


    ¡°Letting him get up.¡± Banner/Hulk''s voice said together.


    ¡°Why!? So he can get his bearings? So he can plan? So he can get away and kill more people!¡± Lash shouted at them and sprinted across the field towards Abomination who looked terrified of Lash zipping towards him at untold speed.


    To them it was a test! It was a duel, a battle of strength to determine who was the best. To Lash it was a life or death fight that may result in Abomination getting away and killing more people. Banner in some sort of perception was the glass is half full kind of guy. He hoped that he could help, or cure Emil and save him. Hulk just wanted to prove he was better. Both were incredibly childish and Lash didn''t fucking care!


    Eventually Banner/Hulk seem to understand that Lash was going to kill Abomination. So they stepped in to try and stop the fight. Thankfully who ever who was in the SHIELD quin-jet got him to stand down and just make sure Abomination didn''t run. Hulk didn''t like it. Abomination was in a panic now. Every time he tried to jump away Hulk was there to prevent his escape. While Lash was 3x is normal speed. Strips of flesh, and bone were being shaved off piece by piece.


    Then Abomination took a step and his foot fell into a mud hole. He lost his balance for half a second and a red energy blade decapitated him! Then Lash pounced on top of the body and started to use Soul Bite, Dream Eater, and Devour, Consume, Evolve. But before he could even get three bites in he felt Hulk pull him off and try and restrain him. Lash snarled, and roared in rage as he Blinked out of Hulks arms and pounced back onto the body to eat more.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained Superhuman Healing.


    Superhuman Healing: Allows for the User to heal at an accelerated rate far beyond normal human means. This works in tandem with several other abilities, including but not limited to Regeneration. (See Tool Tip)


    Congratulations User! Superhuman Strength has evolved into Minor Superhuman Strength.


    Effect: Slight increase in abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease in abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to additional abilities linked to power. (See Tool Tip)


    Congratulations User! Superhuman Durability has evolved into Minor Superhuman Durability.


    Effect: Slight increase in abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease in abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to additional abilities linked to power. (See Tool Tip)


    ¡°Stop! Brother Lash, stop!¡± Hulk shouted at Lash as he continued to eat Abomination. Once Lash ripped the mans heart out and ate it was when he finally stopped. He whipped around snarling like a mad beast at Hulk. His tentacles raised up like cobra''s ready to strike.


    ¡°Lash....it''s me. Brother Hulk....¡± Hulk said as he had his hands up trying to calm Lash down. ¡°I''ve been where you are now. Just breath, find your center. You helped me...Let me help you.¡± Banner/Hulk''s voice combined together then.


    Energy poured off of Lash as his body went through his changes. The impurities in Lash''s body oozed out. His body grew denser, stronger, and his injuries quickly healed faster than before. He prowled across the broken body of Abomination and moved towards Hulk on all fours. His scales rattled like a venomous snake. Hulk slowly retreat making sure to watch his movements. Then the quin-jet landed and Lash''s six reptilian eyes glanced that direction as the bay doors opened up. Natasha came running out.


    ¡°Natasha wait!¡± Hulk shouted, then Lash Blinked across the field and was in front of Natasha. Hulk twisted on his heel was prepared to bolt forward only to freeze. Lash was nuzzling Natasha like a dog would who missed its owner.


    ¡°OK! OK! I''m happy to see you too!¡± Natasha said with a smile as she pushed Lash back. His spike tail wagging back and forth. Banner/Hulk breathed a sigh of relief.


    -----


    ¡°Brother Banner, Brother Hulk. Thanks for keeping me level.¡± Lash said. Banner/Hulk who was now more Banner than Hulk smiled at him. They wore the same purple polymer suit but had gone down a few sizes. A green glow from Banners eyes told Lash Hulk heard the thanks.


    They were currently in a SHIELD quin-jet flying towards Moscow. Officially SHIELD wasn''t here. They had contacted the Hungarian government about the facility and the government officials friendly to SHIELD would arrive. Lash had cast Decomposition on Abomination. His body was a pile of ashes now. He was sure that would piss someone half. Thankfully there was zero footage of Lash in his transformed state. Neither was their footage of Hulk, Natasha, Yelena, Melina, and Alexei who were all sitting in the quin-jet together.


    ¡°So, its not armor you wear. You are like this big green guy here. You change into something else?¡± Alexei said from across the passenger seat. He pointed at Banner who shrugged.


    ¡°Yes, like Banner I have another version of my self with in. He is called Saurian. Saurian however is far larger than the shape you saw.¡± Lash replied, and Banner/Hulk grinned at him.


    ¡°So whats the plan?¡± Yelena asked from her side of the quin-jet. She was cleaning her rifle. Holding it affectionately like one would a pet.


    ¡°SHIELD still doesn''t have any actionable intelligence on the Red Room. So they can''t go in, especially in the Russian capitol. However, Bruce will be on standby the moment we do get evidence of Hydra''s involvement in the facility. Hydra is a clear and present danger.¡± Natasha said, as she gestured towards Banner with a smile who returned it.


    ¡°Even after everything we found?¡± Alexei said in irritation.


    ¡°Its bureaucratic nonsense dear, you know that better than most.¡± Melina said to him, he crossed his arms over his chest still unhappy about it.


    ¡°The political officials are claiming its an isolated incident. There is no clear evidence of Hydra being involved.¡± Natasha replied.


    ¡°One misses the days of when the bad guys would paint their evil symbols on the walls.¡± Banner said to the room and they laughed a bit. Hydra was known for that. Painting the skull, and tentacles symbol all over the walls.


    ¡°It also didn''t help that Sterns EMP fried all the records in the base. The Black Widows were no were to be seen. While the fallen green soldiers remained. But they being around doesn''t prove that Hydra was involved. At least not to the UN.¡± Natasha continued, and pulled up a holographic thanks to Lash.


    ¡°The Red Room is located here. In the financial, and economic district. A lot of money goes through there. People with fingers in every aspect of government, trade, and business. Perfect place to hide a base underground. There are multiple entry ways. Several in the Moscow metro rail way. Along with three commercial building entries.¡± Natasha went down the list of bullet points about the plan.


    The plan was simple. They would each take an entrance and move in separately. Lash raised a brow at that plan of action. But he was reminded that they were all essentially superhuman now. He would double check their gear before they left to help give them an edge. The other issue they had was they had no layout of the inside. What ever Sterns had done to prevent Lash, and this tech-spirits from finding the hidden rooms in the alternate facility. He had done through this whole complex. His tech-spirits were swimming around the system trying to find a way in.


    The other issue they had. Sterns knew they were coming. Why? Well because Abomination wasn''t on the news. The fact that there was not even a mention of the man would tell Sterns that Lash had beaten him. But Sterns also knew that SHIELD, and the Avengers wouldn''t break the borders with out a good reason. Building the base in the center of the city was the perfect shield as it were.


    Lash recast his Glamour not only on himself but on Natasha, then changed Yelena, Melina, and Alexei. Along with Anonymity to help them hide as they made their way into the city. A SHIELD hellicarrier was currently sitting just off the edge of Moscow airspace cloaked and ready to move in at a moments notice to support the operation once they had proof. Banner came with them. Under his own Anonymity, and Glamour. Lash altered his polymer suit. So as long as Banner didn''t swap out for Hulk he just looked like a big bruiser with Superhuman Strength. Thanks to the Inhumans that was possible!


    Moscow was a pretty city! A lot of rich culture, art, and design went into making the city. Yes, like all cities they had bad places. Slums, industrial areas. But there was a lot to see. What surprised Lash the most was the metro subway stations. Holy crap! Marble columns, crystal chandeliers, mosaic tile floors. Apparently Stalin went on a power trip back during his reign. (He did those often) He wanted to prove his peoples metro stations were better than others. Despite Stalin being a piece of work. Lash had to agree this was a nice place.


    Congratulations User! The Domain of Illusion Spell, Anonymity has evolved into Minor Anonymity.


    Effect: Slight increase in spell power.


    Effect: Slight decrease in spell energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell duration.


    That was a nice surprise as Lash walked into a office, and commercial building. No one spared him a second glance. He made sure to tighten up his ambient magical energy this time. He even went so far as to give himself a tailored suit so if his spell snapped off he would at least look like he belonged. Along the way through the building he created a ID security badge. Continuing to sell the lie. The building had a parking garage next to it, along with its own basement garage for the VIPs of the building.


    Lash waited for a bit until the private VIP elevator was called down to the main floor. Lash stepped into the carriage with another gentleman who looked at Lash, blinked then went back to ignoring him. The elevator went up several floors. Lash, and the man stepped off together. Lash moved down the hallways towards a set of double doors that led to an office that was empty. The office had a very nice view of the city, along with a private bathroom, and bedroom for those long hours in the office. Or apparently late night visits as Lash found a pair of panties tucked away in the sheets.


    He walked up to wall and felt the Chitauri energy running through it. He looked around the room until he found a hand scanner under one of the marble busts in the main room. Who ever used it apparently didn''t believe in cleaning it. Lash got every finger print fresh from the scanner and reapplied it. With a satisfying beep! The door in the false wall pulled back for an elevator. Lash walked in, but put a briefcase down to stop the door from closing.


    The entire elevator had a current of energy running through it. Lash jumped up and pushed the ventilation shaft shutter aside, or rather opened it up. Most ventilation shutters are screwed into place. It was something Erik found funny. In movies they always climb up with ease. But in reality you would need a screw driver, and or drill to get up. Lash just used Material Shaping to melt the screws. Soon he found himself in a elevator shaft that ran up the entire length of the building. So this wasn''t the only office with access. Then a long shaft down.


    He pulled the briefcase free of the door and pulled it up with him with Telekinesis. Then replaced the ventilation panel back down. He looked around and spotted at least six different camera''s and another nine automated micro drones that flew around. Motion sensors, infrared. electromagnetic, ultraviolet, the full spectrum sight lines. So Lash cast Nature''s Passage...Fuck! As soon as the spell went through a automated drone swiveled his way. Lash dove off the elevator shaft into the dark below. Of course the camera''s would be designed to pick up the minute ambient energy. Half way down the shaft Lash used Gravity Stride to suddenly run along the wall. Then he stopped using it to continue down the way.


    Gravity Stride was a racial trait. Lash, and Saurian''s racial traits had always been different from most Supernatural beings. Hopefully it wouldn''t give them away in this situation. Through clever means of manipulating gravity Lash found the bottom and the door he needed. Oddly enough the door did not have Chitauri energy running through it. Smelled like a trap. Yes, technically the elevator had energy in it. So one would assume that if the door opened with out the elevator then an alarm would go off. Lash really missed the days when his enemies were stupid.


    They know I''m here! Going loud! -Banner/Hulk roared over the Temporary Pack Bond then the entire facility shook. Well no reason to hold back now. Lash turned the door into goop and climbed through.


    The other side of the door was an irritation. There were two Chitauri pulse cannons that came online and swiveled towards the door. While a crew of six soldiers looked over at Lash confused as to why a mechanic was climbing out of the elevator shaft. Then a radio signal went through their earpiece. With a thought they all turned green and got large. Unlike the ones at the other facility. These ones jumped behind cover and started to shoot at Lash. Fuck! He really missed dumb enemies!


    ==========================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Moscow, metro station***


    (Natasha aka Black Widow)


    ¡°I''m just saying you should be ready for the talk.¡± Melina said to Natasha who rolled her eyes at her.


    ¡°You really think he is going to ask me to marry him?¡± Natasha asked, as she they walked side by side through the Moscow metro.


    ¡°He specifically asked for our blessing.¡± Melina replied. Natasha chewed on her lip for a bit then stopped when Melina looked at her.


    ¡°Nat don''t chew on your lip. It''s bad for you!¡± Melina said, with a motherly glare.


    ¡°He''s from another world, mom. That could mean a lot of different things. We''ve had arguments about this. Two very different cultures. Asking for your blessing could mean he want''s to take me off world and participate in some galactic battle or something.¡± Natasha replied, and tried to not to look at Melina when she gave Natasha that stare that mothers give when their children are being naive.


    The truth was, Natasha was terrified that Lash would ask her to marry him. She... They were to different! Different worlds! She loved that Lash spent time with her. She hadn''t felt this way about anyone in...ever! But... Gah! It was so frustrating! They were about to get into a fight for their lives and she was worrying about a man she loved was going to ask her about marriage. She tried to list the pros and cons to the marriage. But kept coming up with more pros, then cons. The fact that he was over a thousand years old was one of the cons.


    ¡°Eyes up we have Widows in sight.¡± Melina pulled Natasha out of her own thoughts. Sure enough three women were on the other side of the hall. Hundreds of people between them. But they could both see the Red Room training on them.


    ¡°They walk, talk, and move like they are alive. But look at their eyes. They are dead inside.¡± Natasha pointed it out, and Melina nodded.


    The Black Widows were walking around on a security patrol in the metro. To anyone else they looked very animated, full of life, and enjoying their day together. They spoke to several people about this and that. Playing the part of tourist, or people visiting families. Or just enjoying the art museum of the Moscow metro. But to anyone who had spent in the spy business they could tell. Their eyes were dead, and lifeless. The smiles never reached their eyes, and kept everyone they spoke to at arms distance. Just close to enough to kill. She had been like that.


    They know I''m here! Going loud! -Banner said across their telepathic link. Melina still flinched when ever someone spoke. Then a soft rumbled was felt across the floor. The Widow patrol team turned on their heels in perfect sync and sprinted down the hall.


    ¡°Let''s finish this.¡± Melina said and took off after them.


    ¡°Work first, then think about marriage.¡± Natasha said to her self and chased after her mother.


    ===============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Red Room. First Floor***


    (Lash Jormungandson of Asgard)


    Lash tore the door open with his claws. Leaving behind a room filled with broken, and bleeding bodies. The turrets were dismantled, and Lash was in his Transformation state. At this current point in the mission. Lash didn''t really care anymore if he was caught! The door screeched, and protested but was pushed open. The mechanisms were destroyed in the process. Behind door number one was a long hallway painted in red.


    ¡°HERE''S JOHNNY!¡± Lash shouted into the hallway. Several soldiers, trainers, technicians turned to look at him in horror.


    ¡°The Avengers have no right to be here!¡± A technician called out.


    ¡°I don''t fucking care!¡± Lash roared in anger! Then he used Demon Summoning and 200 F grade demonic imps, and creatures came pouring out. They shouted, hooted, and cheered! So long they had been cooped up!


    Every single person he saw had the stain of hell on their souls and the demons chased after the with wild abandonment. He was one short level away from evolving the spell. He''d get it from here! The security guards pulled out their weapons and fired but it did little damage. The bullets bounced off their leathery skin, and armor that Lash had made for them. Then the gnashing teeth, and claws tore into them like a horde of wild dogs! Their screams were delightful to hear! Lash watched with a smile on his face as his experience continued to grow until.


    Congratulations User! Minor Demon Summoning has evolved into Basic Demon Summoning.


    Effect: The Caster may now call up to 400 Demon Soldiers.


    Effect: The Demon Soldiers now have F grade stats, abilities, can wear E grade gear.


    Effect: Some Demon Soldiers have been promoted to Veteran. Allowing for leadership, and special skills, and abilities.


    Sub-Ability, Pocket Hell has grown.


    Effect: The User can now visit their own personal hell, and shape it to their liking. (See Tool Tip)


    More, and more imps, and brutish creatures poured out of the portal. Some of them wore better armor, and even saluted Lash once they stepped out. The task masters? Took out spiked whips and cracked them in the air to get the soldiers into order as the bodies had long become mush. Groups of 30-50 were pushed deeper into the facility. Lash drew Conjuration ritual circle onto the ground and had the soldiers defend the portal. As long as it remained open they would continue to spawn and rush into the facility. He made sure to give them a order not to kill anyone with out a stain. Though they could incapacitate them. Also not to attack specific people.


    Hell hours came bounding out of the portal with imp riders they raced down the hallways at the direction of their cavalry leader. Their constant giggles, and glee in the slaughter tickled Lash. He could feel his Daemonic Heritage: Count gain experience. As he walked through the halls towards his objectives. A hell hound was flung down the hall and burst into abyssal flame upon impact. Ah, something they can''t handle.


    Lash came around the corner to find a unit of green soldiers fighting off the horde of demons. Lash whistled and dozens more entered the fray. The demonic horde won by simple attrition as the portal back home was right around the corner. Erik was reminded of the Overlord games. Watching the hilarious, and insane gremlin creatures climb on top with no fear of death. Then a few more souls were added to Lash''s hellish realm.


    ===========================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Red Room. First Floor***


    (Dr Banner/ The Incredible Hulk)


    Banner was fighting a huge pack of green soldiers and winning but only by a slim margin. The suit that Lash crafted for him was helping him take the hits. Vibranium weave apparently. This stuff was amazing. So it was a boxing match with a unbeatable punching bag. Banner duck under one hit, and swung his own shattering a jaw. Another soldier picked up his rifle and fired but the bullets impacted and fell to the floor. All the kinetic energy absorbed into the suit. Banner slammed the ground and a burst of green kinetic energy flew out in a wide area of effect. Slamming everyone into the walls around them.


    Hmmm! Brother Lash make suit for Hulk! Like suit! -Hulk said to him.


    Ya, you got that right. He said it would stretch to fit you. -Banner said back, and Hulk growled in satisfaction.


    Banner ran down the hallway looking around for the server room. Lash said each of them would get a tech-spirit to help them. Banner wasn''t sure what that meant. He had heard Jarvis, and now Vision talk about them. But Banner didn''t really know what they were. But his HUD kept prompting to go in a direction so away he went. Then he turned a corner and was struck dumb at the sight of hundreds of tiny red gremlin creatures climbing, attacking, and getting destroyed by the green soldiers.


    ¡°Woooohoooo!¡± A gremlin came flying over and slammed into the wall. It bounced back, its giant red ears flopping this way and that. It popped its own shoulder back into place and picked up a blood covered axe. It looked at Banner, and he stepped back.


    ¡°Big Green! Big Green! Big Green!¡± The gremlin shouted, and jumped up and down! Then any gremlin not in combat started to shout Big Green pointing at Banner.


    ¡°What? Ya, I am Big Green. I guess?¡± Banner said, and the gremlin cheered and raced back into the fight. On Banner''s HUD all the gremlins were marked as green for the IFF. So they were friendlies?


    ¡°Yeeeeehaaaa!¡± Another gremlin race past riding on a dog that was on fire? But that was enough for Banner. He''d seen a dog like that before. Lash could call them from a portal. This was a first for the gremlins but Banner would take the help he could get.


    ==========================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Red Room second floor***


    (Yelena Belova)


    ¡°Who is this guy?¡± Alexei her father asked. Yelena audibly swallowed as she looked at the man in the room with them. She glanced at her implant progression meter. Stage 4 (56.23%)


    ¡°His call sign is Taskmaster.¡± Yelena replied.


    The man standing in front of them stood at approximately 6''2¡±. He wore a skull face mask, with a hood covering part of his head. He had a sleek, compact suit of tactical gear on. A lot like them actually. A utility belt, along with compression pockets under the armor. A segmented armor plates across his chest, back, arms, and legs. A form fitting polymer suit. With a metallic shield in his left hand, and a sword in his right. His eyes were hidden behind a mirror like visor that was built into the skull mask.


    ¡°Report, BT-23.¡± Taskmasters synthetic voice came out.


    ¡°I don''t go by that name anymore.¡± Yelena said, as she turned her sniper rifle into an automatic rifle with a bayonet. Alexei raised his shield and stepped in front of Yelena but just a little bit to the side so she could fire.


    ¡°BT-23 you are in violation of orders. Comply with directive...now!¡± Taskmasters synthetic voice said. His voice cold, and cruel.


    ¡°He removed the programming!¡± Yelena shouted at him. ¡°I will never have to listen to your orders again.¡±


    When Lash had looked through her Source Code he had found the brainwashing. That was how they had found them in Yelena''s home that first night. She had sent word. Yelena was an agent for the Red Room. But Lash debugged her. Cleaned her out and made her whole again. She would never be a slave again! Not ever!


    ¡°BT-23 is in violation of orders. Permission to terminate?¡± Taskmaster said to the open air. Then sprinted across the room shield raised.


    ¡°I got him! Cover me!¡± Alexei shouted and met Taskmaster shield for shield. As he swung his battle axe.


    Taskmaster easily parried the attack. Flipped, rolled, and spun around with his own blade. However when he went to stab Alexei, he swiveled his own shield and blocked the blade. Then Taskmaster rolled to the side as a rapid burst fire from Yelena''s rifle was fired at him. Taskmaster raced towards the opposite wall run up it and jumped into the air. He threw his shield at Yelena who dodged out of the way. Taskmaster landed on his feet only to receive a swift kick to his chest from Alexei who sent him flying.


    Taskmaster rolled to his feet and looked at Alexei, and Yelena. He raised his arm up and his shield went flying back to him. Everyone had magnetic armbands these days. Yelena, and Alexie''s HUD showed that Taskmaster had a Chitauri neural link in his helmet. So it wasn''t implanted but he could access the information. A door on the side opened up and three Widows came running in.


    ¡°Easy!¡± Yelena flipped a switch on her rifle and did quick easy shots of ICERS straight into the Widows as Alexei moved to engage Taskmaster. The Widows went down easily enough and Yelena turned to cover her father.


    Taskmaster rolled away and threw down a flash bang! CRACK! The suits compensated for the noise quickly enough but another smoke bomb had gone off. Taskmaster sprinted from the room and took off down the hall. Yelena groaned in frustration as she and Alexei took off after him. They needed to kill him. Taskmaster was the head master of the Red Room. He trained all of them, and he was very, very good.


    ===========================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Red Room operations room***


    (Samuel Sterns aka The Leader)


    Sterns looked at dozens of computer monitors in front of him as he absorbed the information that it was giving him. A smile spread across his face as he understood that only he could truly absorb this much and still continue to solve other problems. Truly the world would better suited under his rule. He watched in amusement as he positioned his pieces into place according to the grand design. Though he did have to admit that Lash turned into a interesting opponent.


    He had thrown caution to the wind and created a portal to what appeared to be another world. Interesting science the Asgardians had access to. The creatures that came out of it were by far incredibly feeble to even a normal man. But a few of their numbers were of adequate ability, and skill. All the while Lash walked through the halls dispatching Sterns expendables.


    ¡°BT-23 is in violation of orders. Permission to terminate?¡± Taskmasters voice came over his private line. Sterns glanced at the computer monitor and gleamed with in a half second of the situation.


    ¡°Granted.¡± Sterns replied and went back to watching the show. Then he saw something peculiar. Taskmaster was forced to retreat? The woman...BT-23 had remarkable reflexes, and sensory awareness. That was clearly new, and above normal human.


    ¡°Ah...Lash, you did something to her. A genius I can relate to. You see something that can be improved and you do so. A work of art BT-23 has become. No, all of them have become works of art.¡± Sterns looked at three former Widows, and the Red Guardian.


    Then Sterns watched in interest as Banner rushed through the facility with the tiny gremlin creatures following in his wake. Banner was the most surprising when Stern had awoken from his cryo sleep by Hydra. Banner had learned to control his abilities, to control the Hulk. Or it was more to say they figured out a way to share. From the video''s he had watched, Lash had done something. Implanted something in Banner that made that connection possible. Yes, a genius like himself.


    Sterns had assumed all Asgardians were like this. But he soon discovered that Thor was a buffoon! Like so many others on earth. Capable of great power, and change. But they spend all day doing nothing but fighting, and participating in physical pleasures. Hedonists! But not Lash...Lash was always busy, always doing something to better the world. Even when he was taking a break, he was doing something.


    ¡°It''s a pity we wont have time to talk.¡± Sterns said. Then he stood up and went to a panel on the floor. Stepping onto it he flipped a switch and a bright blue light swallowed him and he was gone. Gone from the room, from the facility, clear across the globe.


    ========================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Red Room entrance to operations***


    (Lash Jormungandson of Asgard)


    ¡°You must be Anthony Masters, or do you prefer Tony?¡± Lash asked Taskmaster who was in front of him now. Taskmaster stiffened when Lash spoke his name. Lash had used Cosmic Awareness before they arrived in Moscow.


    ¡°Still having memory problems?¡± Lash asked, as he slowly stepped into the room. The two of them started to circle each other. Taskmaster gave a stiff shake of his head, no.


    ¡°Sterns probably fixed it I''m guessing? He is a brilliant man, I will agree to that.¡± Lash said as he looked around the room. ¡°You understand that he left right? You are not protecting anyone.¡± Lash said to him.


    Taskmaster and Lash continued to do a slow walk around one another. Step by measured step. There were several different doors that led into his main chamber before the operations room. One of them specifically seem to go to a server room. While another led to an underground tram that Taskmaster could take to escape. The problem was the servers were still deleting the information. Normally this would be bad! But Taskmaster had left the door open for what ever reason. So one of Lash''s tech-spirits had jumped in and was preventing the deletion, and started to download the data.


    ¡°Make a contract, keep the contract.¡± Taskmaster replied after a bit.


    ¡°I can respect the work ethic.¡± Lash said, Sherogoth''s Blessing told the story that Taskmaster wasn''t really a sinful individual. They did bad, they did good. What ever they were paid to do. He was detached from it. Like a doctor who has to detach themselves from their patients so they don''t lose their minds to grief.


    When the server room beeped, and the color of the lights went from red to blue. Taskmaster bolted for the door to escape. He understood Lash had stopped the deletion. Lash Blinked across the room and appeared in front of him. Taskmaster swung his fist and...catapulted Lash across the room into the wall making an impact crater. What the fuck!? Lash pulled himself out of the wall and looked at him.


    A green glow covered Taskmaster as he grew several inches, and filled out his uniform that much more. Fuck! Sterns had turned him into a gamma mutant! Taskmaster balled his hands into fists and several soft audible pops rang out. He lowered his center of gravity and jumped straight at Lash. Who whipped out his red Psionic Blades and the energy ground to a halt on Taskmasters sword, and shield. That was another surprise! Though Lash could visibly see the sword, and shield was starting to crack under the Psionic Blade.


    Taskmaster head butted Lash only to bounce off of him. Lash kicked him square in the chest and sent him flying across the room. Taskmaster flipped in the air and landed on his feet. He looked at his sword and sheathed on his back, along with his shield. Then he flexed his hands and extended vibranium claws. Just like Prince T''Challa and the Black Panther.


    ¡°I''m sorry, Anthony. Against anyone else this would have been a really interesting fight. But with me?¡± Lash said, he reached out with Telekinesis and threw Taskmaster straight into the ceiling with bone breaking force. Then propelled him into the floor. He did this several times.


    After six or eight times bashing into the ceiling, and into the floor. Taskmaster was barely conscious. Lash walked over and flipped him onto his back. Then created a blue Psionic Blade. ¡°Maybe we can work together in the future. A good teacher is hard to find.¡± Lash said and stuck the blade dead center. Taskmaster received an electrical shock of epic proportions even for a gamma mutant and was sent to dream land.


    Taskmaster is down, Sterns got away. Server banks are secure and download of information is processing. Hydra involvement confirmed contacting SHIELD. -Lash sent across the link. A sigh of relief went through the connection.


    ============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Nidavellir***


    Nidavellir was a dwarven home of King Eitri, a master forge smith as was most of his people aboard the ring. For countless millennium their people had crafted the best, and most destructive weapons in the universe. As well as crafting the best pieces of armor to protect others. Their force was a dyson sphere around the heart of a dying star. A force so pure in elemental energy it was capable of wonders not see anywhere else in the known universe.


    The dwarven rings that held the dwarven kin was was multi ring structured that would spin, and rotate in all manner of directions. All meeting at two central points on either side of the star forge. The light of the forge would shoot from a opening lock mechanism and shoot into the forge. Even now the light burned, as it had burned for thousands of years. But on this day, something new was in store for King Eitri.


    An alarm rang through the rings. Eitri raced to his throne room where he could find his regent. There on the monitors a massive ship had appeared out of no where! The defensive platforms that Asgard had built for them had activated and started to fire on the ship. Hundreds of satellites shooting some of the best weapons Nidavellir could create. All the while the ship took the damage and shrugged it off like some great beast.


    ¡°Notify Asgard we are under attack!¡± Eitri shouted to his regent.


    ¡°We cant my king! Communications are being blocked!¡± The regent replied, Eitri called the alarm and the dwarves on the ring ran to get into their armor and set up the rings defenses. Eitri ran to his room to get his own armor. But he also ran to an orb.


    ¡°This is King Eitri of Nidavellir! We are under attack by the ship known as Sanctuary 2. The man titan Thanos has come for us! Communications have been stopped. I pray to the all fathers that this beacon gets to you in time!¡± Eirti finished his message and pressed on the orb.


    The orb compressed into it self several times becoming smaller, and smaller with each rotation. Then a portal made from darkness, and starlight swallowed the orb. It was a gift from Jormungand son. If by some chance they came under attack and couldn''t call for help the beacon would slip between the void and race to Asgard. To King Odin, and the Einherjar armies. They just had to hold out till they arrived. The station rumbled as a proximity alert sounded off. They had been boarded!


    ¡°To arms! To arms!¡± A warrior ran past the kings room. Eirti was quick to put on his armor. All they had to do was hold out.


    Galen

 Chapter 116: I’m Back.

    ============================================================


    ***HR. Earth, Asia***


    A valley in the middle of the mountains contained a hidden beauty of a lost spiritual temple. Contained with in a group of martial artist that follow the path of, ''The Way'' practice there arts for the day that may not come. Hopefully will not come for many years. The valley is nestled in the Himalayas, between two tall mountains. A magical shield keeps it off the visual spectrum from the outside.


    The spiritual temple has stood for thousands of years and has been responsible for the creation, and training of the some of the most elite fighters in the world. The entire valley is committed to the idea of martial perfection. Every farmer, every craftsman, every elder, and child practices day, and day in The way. Despite their ancient traditions they have kept up to day with the world around them. Things like medicine, science, engineering. More specifically something like WiFi!


    ¡°Still not working?¡± A boy asked his elder as he was trying to log onto viewtube.


    ¡°Nope... World news works. But looks like you won''t be able to watch your cat videos for a while.¡± The elder said to the boy. The boy, or young man rolled his eyes and flopped across the floor in annoyance.


    ¡°We should have helped...We should have done more.¡± The young man said to the elder. The elder rolled his eyes at the boy and went back to checking the world wide news.


    ¡°We only let a few of the warriors out each year. You know this. This is not the first war to come to Earth, and it wont be the last.¡± The elder replied and watched a broadcast about a ''Egg Break'' in China. Watching thousands of creatures troll through the peoples armies.


    The young man sat up and crossed his legs. He took a moment to close his eyes, slow his breathing, and centered himself. The young man had short black hair, amber eyes, a yellow skin tone, with an athletic body type. He was approximately 5''8¡± but still growing. He was 17 years old. Nearly 18, the age where he would take the trials to become a traveling warrior and see the world outside of the valley. His elder sister, and brother had gone out before him and sent messages back. He was looking forward to seeing the world. But also to help it! To help others find, The Way.


    ¡°I''m going to go on a patrol.¡± The young man said and jumped to his feet.


    ¡°Yes, yes...¡± The elder said and watched the young man put on his gear. Then when the young man left the elder waited a few more minutes. Then clicked on a hidden tab on the computer and started to watch a cat video.


    ¡°Eheheh! if I fit, I sit. To true!¡± The elder laughed as a cat jumped into a empty box.


    __________________________


    The young man walked the outside perimeter of the valley. This was done often by any of the training warriors with in the valley. A variety of trails from easy, to hard had been made. Some of them even had traps that were made by the elders to test the new warriors. Today...Today the young man simply wanted a walk so he took an easy trail. He saw a few of his peers fighting against a trainer and he stopped to watch for a bit. But eventually he moved on.


    It was past midday when he decided to stop for something to eat. Something was pretty vague it was a high nutrition meal bar that the outside world had recently started to produce. A meal in a single bar. Everything the body needed, and oddly still tasted pretty good. Today was lasagna. The young man sat down and was eating through the bar only to pause mid chew as he heard absolutely nothing in the area. True they lived up in the mountains but the valley had a collection of wild life. You never heard just nothing.


    ¡°Teacher always said that the wild only grew quiet around an predator.¡± The young man said as he slowly continued to eat his meal and gradually look around. Before the young man even got halfway he jumped to his feet and took a fighting stance.


    ¡°Who are you!?¡± The young man shouted.


    There standing about fifty or so feet away was an abnormally tall man. He wore a ruined black suit with flex plates...? No, that wasn''t armor. That was chitin. The young man said the man was breathing and his armor would pushed out, and in like a living thing. On the mans left arm was a ruined arm band of some kind of computer. It had strange writings, and a red jewel in the center.


    ¡°Where is this?¡± The man said, his voice was like several knives scraping against each other. That was also when the young man saw that the strange man was bleeding. Dozens of bullets holes were on its body.


    ¡°This is the valley of, The Way. How did you find it?¡± The young man said, as he slipped his hand to his back pocket and pressed an SOS button they gave to everyone on patrol.


    ¡°Now, who are you?¡± The young man said.


    ¡°Max Teus Ferru... Are we still in space sector 2814?¡± Max asked, the insect-man looked around confused.


    ¡°I don''t know what that means. I am Jiru warrior of The Way. How did you find our valley?¡± Jiru asked, as he started to carefully step around Max.


    ¡°My...Father Box brought me here... It''s...He''s ruined.¡± Max said in a disconnected manner. Looking down at his arm. The box? The arm band looked destroyed, the jewel cracked.


    ¡°Your injured, what happened?¡± Jiru asked, Max stumbled on his feet.


    ¡°I thought all of Earth was a chemical wasteland. I did not think such a place existed.¡± Max said as he fell to his knees. Jiru was shocked by Max''s words as more of his black blood poured from his wounds.


    ¡°Earth has many hidden wonders like our valley. Yes, there are cities full of waste, but not all of our great mother is like it.¡± Jiru replied, as he saw from the corner of his eye as several warriors, and masters showed up.


    ¡°I''ve made a horrible mistake... He''s coming.... I...We don''t have much time.¡± Max said, and face planted into the ground.


    ¡°Jiru, who is this?¡± A master ran up and started to check on the insect-man.


    ¡°He said his name is Max Teus Ferru. He said he made a mistake. That someone was coming.¡± Jiru said in confusion, he didn''t know why but he felt a shiver roll down his spine. Who was coming?


    ===============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. ***


    (Lash Jormungandson of Asgard)


    The data they were able to obtain told of the Black Widow/Red Room program that went across the globe. Yes, this was the main facility, but auxiliary facilities existed. Sterns teleported to one of them. There were long days ahead. Lash and his tech-spirits came across thirteen separate viruses and kill commands in the data they found in the main facility left by Sterns. The fourteenth one left a simple note saying he was happy to meet Lash.


    The biggest issue they were currently facing was the Russian government being incredibly angry with SHIELD having a hellicarrier floating above Moscow''s financial district. Ground troops being deployed into their metro stations. While the public, and journalist took apart SHIELD and the local governments with conspiracy theories, and false statements. Especially when several dozen green soldiers broke free of containment and started to escape.


    Then for a brief shinning moment the Russian people forgot their problems and focused on a single individual wearing red armor, and a shinning star on his chest. Red Guardian working with The Hulk chased down, and caught the green soldiers. When they saw Red Guardian catch a car and throw it back at a green soldier everyone cheered! Alexei for his credit walked right up to a camera and declared that SHIELD, and its Russian counterparts where fighting a hidden Hydra terrorist cell. Hydra was named and suddenly SHIELD was granted emergency power. The public was ecstatic that their very own super-soldier was here to help them.


    -----


    Lash could almost feel the irritation rolling through the holographic feed from Director Hill, and Vice-Director Hand as they stood on the other side and glared at Lash and Natasha as they gave their debrief. They were still on site but Hill wanted something, anything to work with. Lash gave them all the data they had pulled from the servers. Along with a simple treatment plan for the Widows to have the neural links removed. The Stark Industries soft light medical beds could be programmed to remove it with out harming them. The green soldiers were a different story.


    ¡°They were not brainwashed?¡± Director Hill asked on the video call.


    ¡°No, they volunteered. Hydra''s top kill squads. The temptation of power is...intoxicating to many.¡± Lash replied as he sent several videos, and pages of information across the link.


    ¡°The Widows are innocent. The neural link washed out their personalities and made them puppets. But the procedure will help cure them. I hope.¡± Natasha replied as she looked at Lash who nodded in agreement.


    ¡°It will help, but they have a long road ahead of them. As for the green soldiers we can remove their cybernetic implants. But as for the gamma mutation. I''m afraid Sterns made in permanent. It''s possible I could remove it. But their bodies have grown so use to the gamma that it would kill them in the end. The only thing I can think of would be the white wash program. But...¡± Lash suggested something that hadn''t been cleared. Natasha clenched her teeth. This had been one of the many things they had argued about over their time together.


    ¡°They may not be our problem for long. The security council want''s to know who they belong to. Then they want them shipped back to their native countries for punishment.¡± Director Hill said as she massaged the bridge of her nose.


    ¡°That is foolish, more than likely the green soldiers will either be dissected or put into military service.¡± Lash replied in annoyance.


    ¡°We know that, Lash. But we are on thin ice right now. We broke international borders to attack a Hydra base with out authorization. Yes, the public likes us. But the Russian government is still breathing down our necks for operating on their soil.¡± Vice-Director Hand replied, her red stripped black hair was pulled back into a pony tail.


    ¡°If we did the white wash program how long would you need?¡± Director Hill asked.


    ¡°You can''t be serious!¡± Natasha yelled at her.


    What was the white wash program? Imagine a convict who was responsible for killing a dozen or so people was sentenced to death. However, this convict had a specific set of skills that made them highly favorable in certain areas of life. So, instead of killing them. You wash out their personality. Keep all the skills, abilities, etc. But you pull out everything that made them, them! They go through reconstructive surgery. Different face, sometimes even a different gender! Then they are given a new history, a new background.


    Lash had seen this program on dozens of different worlds through out this realities galaxies. Prison systems didn''t work for the large part on these worlds. So people sentenced for two or more consecutive life sentences, far past their natural life span. Or if they were to be executed. They would go through a white wash program. Or something similar. Lash had brought it up once over a year ago when he looked into the prison system on Midgard. Natasha had not been happy that he suggested brain washing people.


    ¡°Natasha what would you suggest we do? If they are sent back to their own governments the very thing Lash just said will happen. If we use this program they could do some good.¡± Director Hill told Natasha. But it looked like it physically hurt Hill to say the words.


    Natasha pressed her lips together in a thin line. She looked like she had bit into something sour and she threw her hands up in the air and screamed in fury. She didn''t have a better plan. She started to chew on her lip and turned to glare at Lash. He looked back at her with a frown. The white wash program had worked on other planets. It was far more ethical than just simply killing them. Or forcing them into a prison for the rest of their lives while the world help pay for their lives.


    ¡°Actual lives! You can''t just treat them like disposable tools to be used and thrown away!¡± Natasha said with a snarl looking at Lash, then at Hill.


    ¡°Agreed, they get a whole new lease on life. We''ll prep the medical facilities on the hellicarrier come up when your ready.¡± Director Hill said, and closed the holographic video.


    Natasha had stalked off down the hallway away from Lash. She wanted to be anywhere but next to him at that point. Unfortunately that wouldn''t do. Lash followed after her and came to a hallway to find the SHIELD technicians escorting a group of Black Widows who moved like puppets towards the carrier. More than a few looked at Natasha, and Lash as they walked past. Natasha''s eyes were glistening as she watched her fellow sisters walk by.


    ¡°It''s really hard to be mad at you, you know that? But I''m really trying to be right now.¡± Natasha said as she cleaned her eyes, refusing to look at Lash. Lash came to stand by her side. Close enough to touch one another but just far enough away.


    ¡°I''ve been told I''m rather endearing. Or a pain in the ass, depends on the day.¡± Lash replied, and Natasha barked out a laugh. The line of Widows ended and Natasha trailed after them through the Red Room facility. Lash following behind her.


    They walked in silence for a while until the reached the surface of Moscow''s financial district. Towering skyscrapers, clean beautiful streets, and a giant floating fortress just above it all. Dozens of quin-jets, and transport ships flying in and out like a bee hive. Red Guardian was off to the side with a SHIELD spoke person, and a news crew friendly to SHIELD. Yelena saw the two of them and walked over. Natash, and Yelena hugged one another but Yelena looked at Natasha in confusion.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± Yelena asked, this was suppose to be a happy day.


    ¡°I''ve been asked to brain wash the green soldiers. If the soldiers don''t remember who they are then they can''t ask to be sent to their specific prison system. Of course the countries wont send them to prison they''ll either dissect them or turn them into soldiers anyways.¡± Lash replied, and Natasha glared at him so fiercely that Lash expected to burst into flames.


    ¡°Basz¨® Anya! After all this!¡± Yelena yelled at Lash, pointing at the Widows being packed up. ¡°You want to erase more people!?¡±


    ¡°So you would rather they be killed? Or used in another war?¡± Lash asked in response.


    ¡°Yes because SHIELD will be using them to teach school children how to read!¡± Yelena screamed at him. Lash stopped short at that. Crap, he was being a hypocrite.


    ¡°You didn''t even think about that did you? Did you!?¡± Yelena yelled at him, and Natasha glanced back at him.


    ¡°No, I didn''t. I simply assumed SHIELD would be the better choice.¡± Lash replied with a contrite expression.


    ¡°But its a choice you are making for them...¡± Melina said as she came over. Having heard the discussion. Thankfully they were to far away, and behind a SHIELD perimeter line for the news crews to hear them. Honestly speaking Lash was getting sloppy.


    ¡°What do you want me to do?¡± Lash said, and looked to Natasha. ¡°There is no good or bad way out of this situation. There is just bad, and bad. So what choice should I make?¡±


    ¡°I think we need to stop seeing each other...¡± Natasha said out of no where, and Lash felt like a knife had been stabbed into his heart.


    Lash dropped to his knees in shock, tears rolling down his cheeks. Yelena covered her mouth with her hands and looked back and forth between them. Melina kept a look of indifference but was wringing her hands out. Natasha looked like she was about to break down then and there watching Lash''s whole world break. Lash reached into his utility belt and took out a small black box. Natasha burst into tears then. Lash slowly put the box down on the ground. Then he stood up and took off into the air with his Telekinesis sub-ability. Flying towards the hellicarrier. He didn''t stop to talk, or ask why. He just fled. Fled like a coward.


    -----


    Lash ended up white washing the green soldiers. He then spent a considerable amount of time building new personalities, memories, and background. He also worked on the Black Widows collected from across the world. The Widows had to relearn how to think again. They needed a structured life style until they could think for themselves. Weeks went by and Lash was a zombie for most of it. No one said anything. Lash was sure Director Hill knew what happened between him and Natasha.


    SHIELD interpersonal relationships were complicated. But they had experience with it. Anyone who worked with Lash was ordered by Hill, and Hand not to approach the subject unless Lash said something first. Aside from that, just keep working. Normally in SHIELD you would be required to attend a psychological evaluation. But how do you standardized an alien god from space?


    It didn''t take long for Lash to figure out why it had happened. Thanks to Parallel Minds he had one of his minds work the problem. Natasha had seen the problem for what it was. If Lash and Natasha were not emotionally involved. The entire white wash argument would not have happened. Lash was considering going against SHIELD orders for her. If Natasha had asked Lash to take the green soldiers away to another galaxy he would have.


    But, if they were friends or simply co-workers. Lash wouldn''t have blinked at it. Yes, he would have said he was sorry that he had upset her. But in the end the white wash program was successful. The green soldiers had their implants removed and had gone through surgery. New faces, new memories, and a new life. Many of them had a plethora of psychological problems, including but not limited to depression, schizophrenia, sociopathic tendencies. Those were all fixed. Natasha hated the white wash program. But objectively speaking it was a good idea. But she couldn''t be with someone who could so easily erase a persons mind and claim it was for the best.


    That wasn''t to say they didn''t have problems of their own before. They were from two different worlds. Different cultures, ideals, ways of life. Not only as an Asgardian, but in a way the facts were simple. Lash wasn''t from here. He looked back at their relationship and there had been many times that Lash had avoided speaking about certain subjects. Natasha didn''t press because there was a lot about her own life she didn''t want to talk about. But the void between them continued to grow. In the end they were doomed to fail. Simply for the reason that...Lash was going to leave. He wasn''t sure how many more events he had left. But in the end this was a Rift. This was not his home.


    ¡°Lash?¡± A young woman called to him, he turned to see one of the reformed Widows poking her head into his lab.


    ¡°Melia, hello. How are you feeling?¡± Lash asked, the young woman.


    Melia Thompson was approximately 5''9¡± with short curly black hair, chocolate black skin, and a bright smile that lit up the room. Only her golden eyes told a different story. Always moving, always watching. Each time she walked into a room she would count windows, doors, and how many people were in the room. Then she would count objects that could be used for cover, and items that could be used in a fight.


    ¡°Its field trip day... We were wondering if you would come with us?¡± Melia asked, Lash leaned back in his chair lost in thought.


    They were currently in the Triskelion R&D section and Lash wore a tailored made gray suit with a blue buttoned up shirt. He was in his default Asgardian form with his tribal tattoos out. Field trip day was when the Widows in the facility were let out for a few hours in a controlled environment. Like a park. Plenty of space, lots of people. But just enough room for everyone to relax for the most part.


    ¡°Sure, I could use some fresh air.¡± Lash said, and grabbed his jacket. Melia''s eyes grew bright. ¡°Maybe we''ll get some ice cream.¡± Lash continued and went to the door offering his arm to Melia who took his arm in her own, a grin growing across her face.


    A field trip may have been the wrong phrase to use. A swarm? An army of incredibly attractive, and incredibly deadly young women took the park by storm. The park had a little theme park attached to it with basic rides. A large pond where one could rent a foot paddle boat. Along with a mild forest trail for hikers. SHIELD had rented the whole park out. Yes, one would still find people inside the park. But a majority of it had been reserved for a SHIELD relief day.


    Once again Lash was caught refereeing for a volley ball game. Lash had in a way been adopted by the Widows. They looked at him like the older big brother they never had. Most of them only had fragments of their lives before. Lash played into the role well enough. He knew them all. He knew every name, and had given them all a new life. Along with the super green team! Yes, they were at the park as well. A unit of about a hundred or so men who were training together with the reformed Widows.


    Brother Lash...We have a problem. Odin calls you back to Asgard. -Heimdall called out to him across his powers of ever sight. Lash jumped to his feet and looked around expectation an attack. His body language made every Widow, and Super Green freeze in place as they looked around as well.


    ¡°Stand down, this isn''t for you.¡± Lash said to them and ran to an open clearing. He made several quick messages via Connectivity. ¡°I''ll be back! Please enjoy your day!¡± Lash called to them, then the brilliant light of the Bifrost slammed into the ground where he stood but moments ago.


    Lash was pulled from Midgard, from his ''exile'' back to the realm eternal. When the light ended he was in the chamber of Heimdall his old friend. Heimdall hadn''t changed. Still the silent sentinel of the realm eternal with his chocolate skin, brilliant golden eyes, and warrior physique. He pulled Hofund the sword key from the Bifrost engine. Then walked down the steps of his dais and clasped Lash''s arm like a warrior and pulled him into a hug.


    ¡°Welcome back, brother Lash. Asgard as missed you.¡± Heimdall said to him.


    ¡°I''m sure Asgard as gotten along with out me. Though I have missed you my friend.¡± Lash replied and Heimdall shrugged at him with an easy smile on his face.


    ¡°What calls me home?¡± Lash asked, looking around the room. But not seeing it, but looking further. Something was wrong.


    ¡°Nidavellir was attacked.¡± Heimdall replied and Lash''s smile melted from his face.


    ¡°Was? Or is?¡± Lash asked, all but ready to jump into battle. Though he still wore Midgardian garb he could easily replace it.


    ¡°Was, many dwarves lost their lives. King Eitri still lives. They were attacked by a man named Thanos.¡± Heimdall said with a grimace.


    Oh crap... -Erik the gamer said across their link. Lash felt himself grow pale.


    ¡°What did they take?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°That''s just it...We don''t know. Odin want''s you to head to Nidavellir as soon as you are able.¡± Heimdall replied, and walked back to the Bifrost Engine.


    Lash reached up to his chest and used the spell Calling and conjured up his armor. He tossed aside the Einherjar armor. He went with something sleek, compact, and magitech. Dark green vibranium polymer under armor suit. With Nth, and Uru metal vantablack for the armor plates. Absorbing light instead of reflecting it. Along the edges of his armor were tiny Asgardian spell inscriptions. He looked like an knight born of the void. He remained in his default form for now. But the armor would change to accommodate his Transformation if he so chose. Lash turned back to the Bifrost and Heimdall adjusted the bridge''s destination.


    The Bifrost swallowed Lash and he was flung across the galaxy towards another. The point, to point travel was nearly instantaneous, yet he could still feel the passage of time. He knew it was because of the Space, and Time Domain he possessed. Even with his Science, and Magic Intuition Lash was still struggling with the design of the Bifrost. If he could get it to work in his home reality it would revolutionize their travel capabilities. With a resounding boom! Lash had arrived on Nidavellir, as dozens of automated turrets swiveled to towards him preparing to fire.


    ¡°I am Lash Jormungandson of Asgard here at the request of King Odin, All Father!¡± Lash announced himself and pulled his mask off. The turrets powered down as a dwarf clad in armor came rushing out.


    Dwarfs in the fantasy genre are always small. Small, but stout. The myth behind them is that they were decedents of giants. How could a small creature be the decedents of giants? Thankfully such things did not happen in the Marvel Universe. The Dwarfs in Nidavellir were easily ten or fifteen feet tall. Big people! Given that the giants were forty to sixty feet tall. Seeing them, it made sense that they claimed to be decedents of the giants.


    ¡°Lash, welcome back!¡± The dwarf known has Rarbir said to him. He was approximately 14''5¡± tall with a robust build fitting of both a warrior, and a smith. He wore golden armor that was covered in purple blood. He looked exhausted, but alive.


    ¡°Have the injured been tended to brother Rarbir?¡± Lash asked up at the dwarf who had his helmet off. His long red beard was braided, and his head was shaved. (Baldies unite) He grimaced, and shook his head.


    ¡°We lost thirty five of own. But the rest are alive and well. Thanks to you.¡± Rarbir replied and gestured him to follow.


    ¡°To me? I just got here!¡± Lash said as he jogged along side the dwarf in an effort to keep up.


    ¡°The attackers did something to not only cut off our communications with Asgard, but they also prevented the Bifrost. King Eitri used your void space beacon to send a message. Asgard sent its naval fleet to rescue us. Both things that we never would have had if not for your insistence on fixing the security of our people.¡± Rarbir replied, a grin on his face as he smiled down at him. Lash stuck his chest out, and stood a little straighter.


    ¡°I was just doing my job.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Humility is the mark of a great warrior, brother Lash. But also how much ale he can consume.¡± Rarbir said in response and patted Lash on the shoulder which nearly sent him into the floor.


    They walked through the metal rings that made up Nidavellir. Lash saw signs of combat all over. He saw the energy burns of a Chitauri weapons. He also saw the energy marks of his own weapons as well. One of the defensive platforms he had designed for the defense of the rings was actually a droid services module he had paid for. It would link up with the rings and produce an army of robotic soldiers with basic VI programming. Lash saw hundreds of robotic husks that had fought valiantly to defend this place. Rarbir noticed his gaze and nodded.


    ¡°At first King Eitri was upset that you placed such a weapon on our home. But he soon saw the wisdom as to why. We would have never held the rings with out them. Unfortunately the invaders agreed and destroyed the platform before they left. Only a few of them remain.¡± Rarbir said, and Lash winced. He tried to keep his bearing but he still had sent hundreds of Virtual Intelligent beings to their death. No, they didn''t have a life spark. But still.


    They went to the central forge ring where they made all of their creations to find King Eitri, and Prince Thor having a very animated conversation. Lady Sif stood off to the side watching intently. With a few dozen Einherjar soldiers stood around. It almost looked like they were going to come to blows. But the aggression wasn''t towards any of them. It was towards who attacked them.


    ¡°My King... I present to you brother Lash.¡± Rarbir said and everyone turned towards them.


    King Eitri was nearly twenty feet tall. He had a long but groomed beard. With long shaggy brown hair that was pulled back into a half tail. He wore a set of golden plate mail armor, and a giant war hammer was set off to the side. He was covered in blue, and red blood. He looked exhausted, but a smile grew across his face when he saw Lash.


    Thor, looked haggard. He was feeling the effects of a lost love as well. Lady Foster had broken off their engagement. Thor was a bachelor again, much to his own confusion. Thor had cut his long blond hair, he had also shaved his head, and his beard off. Why did he do this, he said it was to mourn the past, and celebrate the new. (Baldies unite?) Lash winced at the depressed Thor as he looked at Lash and a smile tugged on his lips.


    Lady Sif looked amazing! There was a warm glow about her that welcomed Lash into the room. She smiled brilliantly at him and saluted towards him with a head bow. Lash smiled at her in return and caught just a bit of a blush crawling up her cheeks at his attention. That was odd? Several of the Einherjar saluted Lash as well. While several others didn''t, cant win them all!


    ¡°Sorry I''m late.¡± Lash said as he bowed deeply to them all.


    ¡°Not at all, brother Lash. If not for your insistence on your defenses and communication we would not be here to argue about what to do next.¡± King Eitri replied with a grimace.


    ¡°He speaks the truth my friend. But with you here perhaps we can get to the bottom of the situation.¡± Thor said as he walked over and clapped Lash on the back. ¡°I heard about Natasha, I am sorry.¡± Thor said to Lash in a whisper and Lash stiffened.


    ¡°What is there to discuss? You were attacked, lets track them down and end them.¡± Lash replied, and King Eitri, along with the a few dwarves in the forge grinned.


    ¡°We don''t know where they are.¡± Lady Sif said next as she walked over to give a warrior''s hand shake to Lash.


    ¡°Nor do we know why they came here.¡± Thor said next.


    ¡°Nothing was taken?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°That''s just it. They used the forge. Several of our best smiths were...killed. But we believe Thanos forced them to make something before he left.¡± King Eitri said, and pointed over at the forge.


    ¡°Ah, this I can fix. How long ago was the attack?¡± Lash asked, and was given the date. He walked to the center of the room and used Retrocognition (Chapter 61).


    A field swallowed the whole room and every one felt the energy race up and down their skin. Lash pressed rewind and ghostly images of the past few minutes sped by, then a few hours, then a few days. The attack had happened weeks ago, but the whole attack had taken days. Thanks to the war droids practically throwing themselves at Thanos''s people. It dramatically slowed them down. But Sanctuary two was practically a mobile space fortress with thousands of genetic cloning facilities aboard. They could literally create an army with in a few weeks.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Eitri said and Lash slowed the visual aspect down. It was the day of the invasion, or one of them at least.


    A ghostly image of Thanos walked into the room. An eight foot tall purple skinned man. Titan was not to say he was a monster of a man. But Titan was a species from the planet Titan. However, from what Erik told Lash, Thanos was a little more complicated than that. The Titan wore gold, and silver armor and had a presence that nearly swallowed the room. All that from a ghostly image.


    ¡°Why is there no sound?¡± Thor asked, watching the Titan move through the room.


    ¡°I''m sorry Thor, I don''t have that ability.¡± Lash replied, his voice straining. His energy reserves were draining fast. While his Healing Aura was pulsing every ten seconds. Hopefully he could get an evolution as he kept getting experience for the ability.


    ¡°The idea that you can do this at all is amazing!¡± Sif said next as she walked around the room to look at some of the Chitauri while Eirti looked at his former dwarfs.


    Congratulations User! Retrocognition has evolved into Minor Retrocognition.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to detail, and what can be used.


    With the next evolution the ghostly images grew a bit sharper, and with a bit of color. More details could be seen. Several dwarf craftsmen, and craftswomen were held at gun point. Thanos pointed at the star forge, then at the Uru metals. They were in a discussion. Then Thanos pointed at one of the dwarfs, and a lanky looking alien waved his hand and the dwarf was separated in half like a blade went through them.


    However before the dwarfs got to work a raid of war droids climbed into the ring from the outside and attacked the group. The battle was short, and sweet. Several of the dwarfs fled the forge room. But a few had been recaptured. More Chitauri were stationed in the forge room. Lash fast forward the scene as the dwarfs were making something.


    ¡°Wait? Why is it going faster now?¡± Eitri asked as he looked from the image to Lash and found Lash was nearly collapsed on the ground. Sweat pouring off his face, he was breathing rapidly. This was like a marathon run for him.


    ¡°Lash, can you hold out?¡± Thor asked as he came to him.


    ¡°I...I should be fine.¡± Lash replied, he was at 35% of his ability energy and dropping.


    The dwarfs made something from the Uru metal, along with several other alloys that Thanos brought. Eventually a golden glove was made, with sockets for jewels of some kind along the knuckles, thumb, and the back of the hand. Then Thanos tried it on with a smile, and waved his hand. The Chitauri in the room gun down the remaining dwarfs and it was over in an instant. Eitri punched a wall in rage as he watched his kin died like animals sent to the butcher. The vision snapped close just as Lash reached 4% energy.


    ¡°Eitri what is that?¡± Thor asked, though the image was gone no one needed Thor to explain what he meant.


    ¡°I don''t know, I don''t recognize the design. Some of the materials he brought in were familiar to me. They are used to focus, and guard against energies of large magnitudes.¡± Eitri said, he was taking slow deep breaths as he tried to pull in his rage.


    ¡°Heimdall, are you there.¡± Lash called out.


    I am here. -Heimdall replied, his voice was heard by everyone in the room.


    ¡°Can you check on a place called, ''Knowhere''? The place we kept the Aether.¡± Lash asked, and Sif''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Oh no...¡± Sif said, her face went pale as she waited.


    Knowhere burns, the collector''s home is ruins. -Heimdall replied. Lash punched the floor and dented the metal.


    ¡°Can you please check Xandar Prime, where we kept the power stone.¡± Lash asked next, fearing the answer.


    Xandar is under attack! The ship described by King Eitri is there! -Heimdall said quickly.


    ¡°We have our target.¡± Lash said to the room.


    ¡°Sound the horn! We are going to war!¡± Thor called out, and everyone jumped to action.


    _____________________________________________________


    Xandar, the capital of the Xandarian Empite was on fire! Most never truly understand what it means to see an entire planet on fire. But it is horrifying, and beautiful all at the same time. Xandar was an oceanic planet. Far more water than land. Archipelagos stretched across the vast ocean. Then artificially created land masses were designed specifically for city planning, and creation. Then a very recent addition. Several new islands had been made around every major city on the planet. Each island housed a defensive cannon use to fire at orbital threats. They were getting a lot of use right now.


    The battle for New York on Midgard had been a drop in the ocean compared to the attack force that Thanos was sending to Xandar right now. Thousands of leviathans transported troops to the surface. While hundreds of thousands of Chitauri, Sakaarans, and Outriders swarmed across the cities of the planet. Just like on Nidavellir, Sanctuary two had blocked all forms of communication to the planet. They had swept through the system with ease despite the new defensive platforms placed in space.


    But despite their best efforts several Nova Corps ships were able to make it out of the system to call for help. Of course by the time any fleets would arrive they would be gone. The Black Order, the children of Thanos and his most viscous generals had lots, and lots of practice decimating planets. They almost wished for more of a challenge. Then almost as if the universe was granting their wish. A rainbow bridge crashed into the streets of Xandar.


    Thousands of Einherjar soldiers poured out with hundreds of star fighters flying through the Bifrost. Asgard had shown up! Followed by the God of Thunder, the Goddess of War, and the God of Monsters. The Bifrost cut its connection as armies of Asgard prepared the next group to be sent through to assist another city. While this force concentrated on the capital, where the power stone was kept. Nova Corp soldiers cheered, and shouted with joy as the Asgardians raced through their city streets and attacked The Black Order''s soldiers. Reinforcements had arrived!


    _________________________________________________________


    Lash had broke off from the main group and sprinted down the street on all fours. Despite his Telekinesis he could still move faster on foot until he got the ability evolved. Riding on his back like some kind of steed was Lady Sif in full armor with an Asgardian bow in hand. Firing magical arrows in quick succession at any enemy she saw. With every passing second Saurus Warriors, Veterans, and Elites were called through Manifestation.


    Lash was always reminded of a velociraptor from that one movie when he saw his Saurus Warriors pounce on something. Hands, and feet forward, claws extended. They would pounce, rip, and tear through flesh, and armor alike! Then dive behind cover and take out their rifles to fire back. They linked up with the Nova Corp in the streets, and the security guards stationed.


    ¡°I will not deny that I''ve had dreams of taking you for a ride. But this is not what I imagined!¡± Sif shouted to Lash as she pressed her legs together like he was a horse to maintain her balance. Lash barked out a laugh as he sprinted around a corner.


    ¡°I will not deny that I have also had such dreams.¡± Lash shouted back, and despite the battle Sif had a bit of a shy smile on her face. Then shot another arrow into a waiting Chitauri.


    The tendrils down Lash''s back wrapped around Sif''s legs, and waist to help her keep balance. While his tentacles shot Eldritch Blasts from their ends. Lash had cast Acceleration, and Cat''s Grace to sprint through the city streets. He jumped over crashed transports while tossing out healing spells towards the injured. He raced towards the military compound housing the power stone only to see it was on fire and soldiers were fighting against the outriders.


    Congratulations User! Intimidating Shout has evolved into Minor Intimidating Shout.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to duration of stun effect.


    Congratulations User! Rallying Call has evolved into Minor Rallying Call.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to duration of effect.


    Lash roared and used Intimidating Shout, and Rallying Call together! The sound caused the Chitauri, and the outriders to freeze for a few seconds. While the soldiers had their moral, and energy reserves refilled. They fought with renewed vigor. Sif arrow after arrow at the enemy, also under the effects of Acceleration. Lash jumped over the security gate and zipped past the guards. The blast doors had been blasted open, pun intended! He used Gravity Stride and hit the walls and ran like they were the floor. Sif wrapped her legs around Lash and continued to shoot as they moved.


    They jumped, sprinted, and mowed over The Black Guard soldiers. Then Lash jumped into an elevator shaft and sprinted down the walls. His tentacles shot out Eldritch Blasts in the shape of lasers and cut through dozens of outriders in the elevator shaft. They fell to pieces. Then reached the bottom and tore his way through the door. The dead remains of Nova Corp soldiers were scattered across the floor. Blood, bone, and viscera were everywhere. Several outriders were chewing on the remains. Lash roared in fury, then the dead soldiers eyes flipped open and started fighting again.


    Congratulations User! The Grave/Necromancy Domain Spell, Animancy has evolved into Minor Animancy.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to spell energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell range.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell manipulation.


    For a brief moment the spirits of the dead retook their bodies. Fighting through Necromancy they fought to seek their revenge then join their brothers, and sisters in death. The outriders were a little freaked out for a moment. When you are chewing on the entrails of a man that''s been dead for a while. You don''t expect them to get back up and start shooting at you again. But the moment passed the outriders were back to fighting. But their food didn''t want to stay dead!


    ¡°Rise up fallen warriors! For you will dine with us all in Valhalla!¡± Sif shouted in joy as they raced passed the rising soldiers.


    Lash energy reserves took a huge spike from temporarily granting them life again. But it was worth it! He rushed down the hallways, past the fighting soldiers and outriders. Towards a set of blast doors now retaken by the dead Nova Corp were now running down the hallway shooting a group of Chitauri. Lash rushed pas the soldiers and used Deflection to push the purple shots into the floor, walls, and ceiling. Anywhere but at them.


    Lash and Sif burst past the door guard into a large storage room full of lock boxes, and large shipping containers. A place to keep items of power. Hundreds of the lock boxes, and containers had been pried open but they hadn''t found their query yet. Lash knew where it was, he could smell it! He raced through the room and slid across the floor digging his claws into the ground. Then came up short as a giant metal shield slammed into his face and sent him, and Sif catapulting backwards.


    Sif jumped from Lash''s back and did a back flip shooting arrow after arrow at their attacker. While Lash jumped to his feet and sprinted towards them. Only to find Cull Obsidian, a member of The Black Order. One of the more savage, and brutal members. Cull was an eight foot tall man with human reptile features. Imagine a man with scales. Yellow eyes, fangs, elongated mouth, with leather scales across his whole body. He was also covered in tech armor that would respond to his cybernetic implant in his spine. So his armor covered him from head to toe and he brought out a metal spear.


    Lash brought down his red Psionic Blades and was brought up short. Cull''s shield, and spear blocked the blades. Then Cull head butted Lash sending him back a bit. Then Sif collapsed her bow pulled out her sword, and shield and raced towards Cull. He swung his shield wide and Sif slid under and sliced his legs to little to no effect. Lash cast Personal Time only for an alarm to sound off on Cull''s armor and a pulse of energy to explode out canceling the time manipulation. Fuck! Then Danger Sense, and Foresight activated and Lash jumped to the side as a Telekinetic Cut! Sliced through the floor, ceiling, container, and wall next to that container.


    Lash''s six reptilian eyes took in another target. Ebony Maw, a lanky, wiry gray skinned humanoid with a pronounced forehead, long arms, and longer fingers. He was dressed in a black garb with a few adornments of armor mostly for show. He had a malevolent smile on his face, and glimmer to his eye that said he knew more about the world than anyone else. He also floated a few feet off the ground and was sending another Telekinetic Cut towards Lash.


    ¡°Rejoice! For you about to die at the hands of the chi-¡±Maw began to say but coughed up blood and looked down at his chest. A red energy blade was sticking out of it. Lash had Blinked behind Maw and stabbed him.


    However, before Lash could bisect Maw. The man backhanded Lash with his Telekinesis and ripped the lock box container that had the power stone in it out of the ground and flung it towards Cull who caught it and barreled past Sif. Lash was sent through a steel alloy reinforced wall and made an impact crater in another one before he stopped.


    Before Maw could speak another word Sif decapitated him. Then jumped through the hole to find Lash gradually pulling himself out of the wall. Cull was sprinting through the underground complex and was discovering waves of zombies throwing themselves at him. But they could do little to slow him down. Fortunately Cull didn''t know which lock box contained the stone so he was carrying a stack of them about ten feet high, and five feet wide. So it was a bit unwieldy.


    ¡°You hurt?¡± Sif asked as she started to help Lash out of the wall.


    ¡°Just my pride...¡± Lash said with a grimace, then flopped out of the impact crater. ¡°Jump on, we are not finished yet.¡± Lash said, and once more dropped to all fours. Sif grinned, and climbed on top of him once again.


    ============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Sanctuary two***


    Sanctuary two was a large warship, nearly three miles long from wing tip to wing tip. It could house hundreds of thousands of soldiers at any one time. The entire ship had star cannons across its wing decks, and could also house several Q ships in its wings. (Transport ships in the shape of an Q). The whole ship was the home away from home for the Mad Titan Thanos. Who was currently watching a detailed holographic video of the invasion of Xandar.


    Thanos relaxed, and clenched his left hand every few seconds. The reality stone placed in the golden gauntlet he wore on his hand glowed briefly each time. He knew it was a possibility that the Asgardians would figure out his next move. He should have destroyed the whole station. But he had granted the dwarves mercy. A lesson he had learned many times. Mercy was something one earned, it was not given.


    ¡°Exalted one.¡± A Chitauri emissary said as he came to Thanos side.


    ¡°Speak.¡± Thanos said, with out looking at him.


    ¡°Cull Obsidian has returned with the power stone. However, Ebony Maw was killed in battle against the Asgardians.¡± The emissary replied, Thanos narrowed his eyes in thought. That was unexpected.


    ¡°Who killed him?¡± Thanos asked, and the emissary showed a video recording from Cull''s armor. Loyal to the end Maw tossed the container towards Cull even to his dying breath, Maw saw and believed in the vision that Thanos made.


    ¡°Magnify.¡± Thanos commanded as he pointed at a specific person in the recording. ¡°Lash...¡±


    When Ronan had attacked Xandar with the power stone Thanos had been impressed when an Asgardian had crafted a cannon capable of mass destruction in a few minutes that sent the Dark Aster out of orbit, and nearly out of the solar system. He used his information network to look into the Asgardian in particular. Lash Jormungandson was dangerous. It had been his machines that had defended Nidavellir, which had costed them time.


    ¡°Protocol 5-0-4. Take us home.¡± Thanos said to the operations deck.


    Across of all of Xandar the Chitauri, Sakaarians, and Outriders began to do suicide tactics! They broke cover and swarmed towards the defenders of Xandar. Many Chitauri, and Sakaarians pulled the pins on grenades and raced towards soldiers, and civilians alike. While individuals of power, and influence were quickly recalled back to Sanctuary two. Quickly enough the ship broke its high orbit around Xandar and made its way towards the jump point out of the system.


    ===========================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Xandar***


    (Lash Jormungandson of Asgard)


    ¡°Fuck...¡± Lash said in a bitter tone as he watched giant war ship faded from view. They had not caught Cull in time. The moment he stepped into the open air a Q ship snatched up in a blue beam of light and it flew off towards Sanctuary two.


    ¡°The Tesseract is on Asgard. He would be a fool to attack us!¡± Sif said as she climbed down from Lash''s back and put her sword away, and pulled out her bow.


    ¡°There are two stones on Midgard. Mind, and Time.¡± Lash replied to her.


    ¡°Then we should move to secure the stones. Midgard is not prepared for someone like Thanos.¡± Sif said to him, then shot an arrow at a suicidal Chitauri.


    Lash took out an amulet he had obtained from the Sorcerer Supreme then whispered a message into the amulet. It glowed a brilliant golden color and burst into particles and faded from sight. The universe is a big place. A lot of places to hide. Especially when you can jump into different dimensions. The issue now was the mind stone. Which was currently embedded into Visions forehead. Despite Sif''s belief that he would be insane to try. Thanos would have to come for the Tesseract. He would either bring his armies, or try to steal it in secret. Then there was the soul stone.


    Lash hated this! He had tried using Cosmic Awareness dozens of times to speak about Vormir and the terrible price that the soul stone needed. But the 4th wall engine prevented his involvement. He was determined to prevent Thanos from getting the stones. From letting Natasha sacrifice herself. But time and time again the 4th wall engine was steering the world towards a direction he didn''t want. It was frustrating to no end!


    He tried again, and Cosmic Awareness fizzled out again. At least it didn''t take his energy. Lash spent the next few hours helping the Xandarians fight off the suicidal forces of Thanos. Then when fleets of Nova Corp star ships jumped into the system and came rushing towards the planet they new it was time to go. Xandar had been crippled, but Thanos did not destroy half of all life on the planet like he had planned.


    Such an idiotic mindset! Lash hated it! Why use the stones to destroy? Why not use the stones to create more resources. Even if half of all life was destroyed after a few thousand years everything is right back where it was! But if he used the stones to make planets than it would only help in the long run. But nooo! Lash shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. There is no point in trying convince someone who was crazy.


    ¡°Lash!¡± A man called out to him. He turned and saw a familiar sight.


    ¡°Rhomann Dey, hello!¡± Lash called back and walked across the ruined street towards the Xandarian that had showed him around the first day he had shown up.


    ¡°Nova Prime wants to speak to you. Thor is already waiting for you.¡± Rhomann said to him. Rhomann looked like he had been through a war! But he had a smile on his face.


    ¡°Did your family make it through?¡± Lash asked as they started to move towards a transport.


    ¡°They did! They took shelter in one of the bunkers placed around the city. My daughter wanted to thank you especially. She is one of the few talented in UE. She''s been studying at the academy.¡± Rhomann said and Lash smiled at him.


    ¡°Good! The universe needs more spell casters. Especially those that fight on the side of honor, and justice.¡± Lash replied to him.


    They continued to speak for a few minutes while in transit to a now ruined Nova Corp military compound. Across the whole city Einherjar, and Saurus soldiers were seen in rebuilding the city piece by piece. The transport landed just outside the gates and Rhomann day excused himself. Though he was holding a small leather bound book that was designed for his child spell caster. Rhomann tucked the book away. His daughter was going to be so happy to see this.


    Lash was escorted through the halls towards the upper levels. He was shown into the previous room he had seen before. However this time the entire east wall was missing! Lash kinda liked it, really brightened up the room. Standing around a holographic projector was Thor, Sif, Einherjar officers, Nova Corp officers, and Irani Rael Nova Prime. Her blue dress uniform was ruined. She had several blue, and purple blood stains on the suit. She wore a combat vest, and had her silver white hair pulled back. A grim expression on her face. One that brightened just a bit when Lash walked in.


    ¡°Seems I should had taken your advice and studied the power stone. It would helped us in this battle.¡± Rael said to Lash.


    ¡°Maybe, maybe you were just being careful and avoided a cataclysmic event. The benefit of hindsight is a cruel master, and helpful teacher.¡± Lash said, and bowed from his waist towards her. He was currently in his default form so he didn''t look to menacing.


    ¡°Thor tells me it was your quick thinking that brought Asgard to our aid?¡± Rael asked, as Lash looked to Thor.


    ¡°Tis true my friend. With out your ability, and quick thinking we would be searching in vain for Thanos next target.¡± Thor replied with a grin.


    ¡°Do we know where Thanos is going next?¡± Rael asked, expanding the holographic map to include the entire Nova Empire star ways.


    ¡°C-53 aka Midgard. There are two stones there. While Asgard has the space stone. While no one knows where the soul stone is.¡± Lash said in a bitter tone as he tried to scream the word Vormir but nothing came out.


    ¡°Is C-53 capable of repelling his assault?¡± Rael asked, and Thor punched the table softly. He could have crushed it but he was simply making a point.


    ¡°No... Even with Lash''s orbital defenses in place all they will be is annoying insects at the might of Thanos''s armies.¡± Sif replied to the question.


    ¡°Can we destroy the stones?¡± Rael asked, they had been terrified to even try it with the power stone. But the other stones were different.


    ¡°Only the stones, or abilities similar to the stones can destroy them.¡± Lash said next. Thor took on a look of concentration.


    ¡°What about Wanda and The Vision? Her abilities came from the mind stone. Could she destroy it?¡± Thor asked, and Lash leaned back in thought. That was another thing Lash had been trying to do for the past few years but the 4th wall had prevented him from saying anything. Now?


    ¡°It''s possible, but we would need to remove the stone from Vision. As terrible as the choice is I will not sacrifice my friend for it.¡± Lash replied, and Thor smiled at him.


    ¡°Why does Thanos want the stones?¡± Sif asked, and Lash answered, which surprised him.


    ¡°With all six stones Thanos could snap his fingers and erase half of all life across the universe in an instant. In his mind its a mercy.¡± Lash replied and the pin drop silence in the room was deafening.


    ¡°HOW IS THAT A MERCY!?¡± Rael screamed at the top of her lungs.


    ¡°How do you explain the mind of the insane? Thanos believes the resources of the universe are limited. If he destroys half of all life. Then that leaves more for the other half. The snap would be random. Rich, poor, good, evil. It won''t matter. It all comes to an end.¡± Lash said, as he cast Calm Emotions on Rael who took a slow deep breath in response.


    Return to Asgard immediately! Loki has escaped and the Tesseract is missing! -Heimdal shouted at them across his ever sight.


    ¡°FUCK!¡± Lash shouted sprinted out of the room.


    -----


    A short Bifrost trip later, and a thrilling ride through Asgard by holding onto Thor as he flew through the air towards the dungeons. Lash and Thor found themselves at prison cell with a laughing Loki, or more specifically an illusion of Loki. It was on repeat and had a message for them.


    ¡°Hello brother, and I''ll assume Lash is next to you.¡± Loki''s illusion said.


    ¡°Here I have stayed for days on end with nothing to do but read, and practice my magic. It was a very poor choice of Odin to allow me that pleasure.¡± Loki said with a sneer. As he paced in his cell, in the middle of the room was a ritual circle.


    ¡°But I figured it out! I didn''t need to leave the cell to escape. All I needed was to call a friend. They always said that the infinity stones had a will of their own. So, all I did was call out for an old acquaintance and...¡± Loki''s illusion said and held his palm out and space distorted. There in his hand was the Tesseract.


    ¡°It''s almost as if the universe is begging to set me free. Goodbye brother, goodbye Lash. I hope we never see each other again.¡± Loki''s illusion said, and started to laugh. Then it went into repeat.


    ¡°Noooooo!¡± Thor shouted and smashed his hammer into the ground cracking the reinforced cell.


    ¡°Thor...THOR!¡± Lash shouted at him and Thor stood up in fury when he looked Lash. He wanted to destroy something, anything!


    ¡°You need to go to Nidavellir.¡± Lash said to him, and Thor stopped as his mind slowly cleared thanks to Calm Emotions. ¡°Ask King Eitri for the weapon called, ''Storm Breaker.¡±


    ¡°What will you do?¡± Thor asked.


    ¡°Prepare Midgard for a war that they can''t hope to win.¡± Lash replied and raced out of the dungeons.


    ===========================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Location: Space***


    The Milano a ship belonging to the ones known as, ''The Guardians of the Galaxy'' sailed through the ocean of stars. Responding to a distress call from Xandar Prime. It was sent out across the stars for any and all aid, for they had been attacked by Thanos. Anything involving the mad titan was quickly looked into by the crew. Many of them having had personal relationship with Thanos.


    On board was Peter Quill aka Star Lord. A terran and half celestial on his fathers side. (But they never met Ego) Raised as a ravager he had turned his life around during the attack of the Dark Aster and started to use his time for a bit of good, a bit of bad, and a bit of both. Oddly enough he was good at it, most of the time. Next to him was Gamora a green skinned female that had extensive bio-mechanical implants surgically implanted in her body by her adopted father, Thanos. Gamora had spent most of her young life as a trained assassin, spy, and soldier in The Black Order but had recently freed herself with the help of Peter, among others.


    Drax the destroyer sat in one of the seats aboard the Milano sharpening a blade. He was a Kylosian with murky green skin tones, stretched across an impressive physique. Along his body are intricate red markings in variety of detail that they are born with. Like a human fingerprint no two Kylosian markings are the same. Drax had lost his wife, and daughter to Ronan the Accuser who had been a puppet of Thanos. He was looking forward to plunging his daggers into Thanos''s throat.


    By his side was Rocket Raccoon aka 89P13 who...Well looked like a raccoon, a genetically enchanted raccoon with cybernetic enhancements riddled through his body that allowed him to do many things that most sapient species could do. Be a complete asshole to everyone around them. Though his story was far more complicated than that. He was tech-genius capable of making nearly anything as long as he had the parts for it. He had a witty, abrasive personality. Next to him, was his best friend and house plant, Groot!


    Groot is a Flora Colossus, commonly referred as Groot, are a species of plant-like organisms native to the planet X. Groot possesses a human level of intelligence but only speaks three words. ''I am Groot.'' However, despite his colorful language, those three words carry an entire language hidden away in a esoteric vocabulary where a word can have several meanings. Excessive time around a Flora Colossus allows one to eventually learn the language. Though it takes time, and a great deal of patience.


    Sitting behind them all was another member of the Guardians though that could be debated. There sat Nebula a former Luphomoid assassin, and adoptive daughter of Thanos, and sister to Gamora. Luphomoids are blue skinned humanoids with black sclera in the eyes, and a hairless body. Nebula had extensive cybernetic implants to the point she is more machine than organic at this point in her life. She was made this way by her ''father'' who was trying to make her just as good as Gamora. Out of all his children Gamora had always been his favorite. Something that had bothered Nebula for most of her life until recently.


    (They never met Mantis.)


    ¡°Alright Guardians here we go! Remember Xandar has been through a lot so keep your snark, and rude comments to a minimum. Try not to steal anything, looking at you Rocket.¡± Peter said as he glanced at Rocket who was flipping him off.


    ¡°Do you think the power stone is safe?¡± Nebula asked softly from the back. Silence was her only answer, but it was enough of an answer for her.


    The Milano stopped moving through sub-space and arrived in the Xandar system. They were not the only ones. Dozens of Nova Corps ships were popping in. While hundreds were sitting along the systems outer edge on the off chance Thanos would return. They were quickly scanned and ordered to report immediately to Nova Prime on Xandar. That wasn''t a good sign.


    The Milano flew over the ruined city of the capital and the entire crew winced. This was not the first time any of them had seen a destroyed city. No, Gamora and Nebula had even conquer several of them. But it didn''t look as bad as they both had thought. When they saw reptilian soldiers walking around with the Nova Corp Peter started to swear up a storm.


    ¡°Oh look that! I wonder if their boss is on planet. I really want to talk to them about the gun they made.¡± Rocket said as he looked through the window of the ship.


    ¡°The gun that nearly got everyone killed?¡± Peter said with a snarl.


    ¡°Ya, the gun that completely destroyed Ronan, and saved a million lives. Ya, that gun, Quill.¡± Rocket replied.


    ¡°I am Groot.¡± Groot said, and Drax nodded in agreement.


    ¡°He''ll be an excellent ally in the fight against Thanos.¡± Drax replied to Groot.


    ¡°What''s happening to them?¡± Gamora asked as their ship landed. Several Saurus soldiers turned into energy particles and faded into the air.


    ¡°Who can tell with Asgardians. Maybe they are using their space magic to go home.¡± Peter replied and began to shut down the Milano.


    The Guardians of the Galaxy came out of the Milano to meet with one of the Nova Corps soldiers. They were escorted across the city towards the military structure containing Nova Prime. However something unexpected happened half way there. Dozens of Outriders appeared from no where and attacked the group. One specific Outrider lunged for Gamora and placed a device on her. Before anyone could even call her name there was a burst of spacial energy and she was gone!


    ¡°Gamora!¡± Peter shouted and shot the Outrider full of holes. ¡°Nebula! What happened to her!?¡± Nebula looked shocked, she didn''t know what had just happened.


    ¡°She''s alive! I''ve seen that work before.¡± Rocket said and pulled out scanner from his backpack.


    ¡°But where is she!?¡± Peter asked again.


    ¡°Thanos.... She''ll be with, Thanos.¡± A Saurus Soldier said to them from behind but before they could ask any more questions the soldier turned into energy particles and faded from sight.


    ============================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Location: Earth, Kamar-Taj***


    The Ancient One sat in a lotus position in her own private study. She was currently focusing on the eye of Agamotto, the time stone. It sat in a golden necklace piece around her neck. Things had...Grown out of hand for the Ancient One. Dr Stephen Strange did not have a car accident, and was not currently studying in Kamar-Taj. Kaecilius never betrayed her and never sought out the Dark Dimension. Lash Jormungandson had optimized, and altered her very genetic code to give her Age Reduction. So now she aged just as slow as if she was channeling the Dark Dimension.


    So now the great battle of the age fell to her. This had not been the plan. She had many amazing apprentices. Ava Starr who could naturally channel the Quantum Realm. Princess Shuri of Wakanda who could literally hack the very fabric of reality. Then there was master Kaecilius himself. Ever since his day with Lash and the process of letting go of his family at last he had been a different person. Still strong, disciplined, and brilliant. But he allowed himself to smile now.


    She couldn''t see the end. It was clouded, she had never been able to see past her own death. Now, her death never happened. Yet she still can''t see past it. She was afraid it was time to pass on the torch of Sorcerer Supreme. Maybe retire in a little cottage and enjoy the rest of her days in peace? The Ancient One let her self smile a bit at that. Yes, like the universe would ever let her rest. Case and point as she opened her eyes to see a pair intruders in her private study.


    Proxima Midnight and Corvus Glaive were both children of Thanos but also a bonded pair. Proxima stood at approximately 6''6¡± with light blue skin, blue hair, and goat like horns that grew from the crown of her head to behind. Her body was inhumanly long, and capable of greats feats of acrobatics. She held a tech spear in her hand, a three pronged point capable of shooting concentrated energy. Her power armor was a bio-mechanical suit that was covered in gray, and blacks.


    Corvus Glaive was a lanky, equally inhumanly long individual with gray skin, elongated face with razor sharp teeth. His hands, and feet ended in claws, and he moved with a superhuman speed, and agility. An obsidian cloak was wrapped around him, and a hood half covered his face. His suit was form fitting and had very little armor. However this allowed him complete mobility, or so he claimed. He wielded a golden spear, with sharp point on the bottom, and a wicked curved edge on the primary point.


    Both of them had slipped through the guards, and the spell wards in Kamar-Taj. But stood in preparation to attack the Ancient One. They both looked at her with trepidation. They had read the information on the Ancient One and knew how dangerous she could be. They slowly started to circle her, each one taking a different direction. The Ancient One folded out her wooden fan and started flip it back and forth as she stood up in one fluid motion.


    ¡°I do hope you cleaned your feet before you came in.¡± The Ancient One said with a small smile.


    ¡°Give up the stone, and your students will live.¡± Corvus said to her, raising his spear.


    ¡°Obviously you don''t know my students very well. I don''t need to protect them.¡± The Ancient One said in all confidence.


    ¡°Thanos will have that stone even if he has to burn this whole world to a cinder to get it.¡± Proxima said next. At this point they were on either side of the Ancient One.


    ¡°Thanos plans to destroy half of the universe if he obtains the stones. What incentive is that for me to give it up. No, no! I think you two both have been very naughty and need to spend sometime alone to think. Goodbye!¡± The Ancient One snapped her fan closed and two sling ring portals opened up and swallowed them both.


    ¡°Where did you send them?¡± Mordo said as he came in, sheathing his weapon on his back.


    ¡°The dimensional plane of dreams and nightmares.¡± The Ancient One replied with a smile and Mordo shivered.


    ¡°That place is a reflection of themselves. They will face only pain and torment there.¡± Mordo replied.


    ¡°It is what they deserve.¡± The Ancient One replied and opened her wooden fan. ¡°Come! We need to prepare the others. An army is coming to our home, we must prepare.¡±


    ================================================================


    ***Rift Story/Cross Over. Location: Earth, Avengers Compound***


    A Q ship floated above the Avengers Compound and Cull Obsidian had led an attack force to take the mind stone from, The Vision. Thousands of Outriders poured from their drop ships and raced after Cull as he attacked the compound. They were met with the Avengers, and two SHIELD hellicarriers that were now firing on the Q ship.


    Now one had ever said that Cull had an abundance of strategy. He was mostly a blunt force object that needed to be directed. Unfortunately all of his other siblings were either on assignment, dead, or had betrayed Thanos. So he was alone, and bull rushed straight to his death. War Machine, and Iron Man were shooting at him from the air. While the compounds automated defenses created a bullet storm. Ripping the Outriders apart like children with bubble wrap.


    Spider-Man aka Peter Parker was on the ground in his new Iron Spider uniform and activated instant kill. Four mechanical legs came out of his back and he was stabbing the Outriders, and caving in skulls with his own fist. Captain America rushed in and threw his shield into the mix while Nomad (Bucky) did quick and precise shots with his rifle. Then Luke Cage landed from a Quin-jet in the air and a bouncing silver ooze named Omni wrapped around Luke and created a symbiotic suit. Luke Cage barreled through the Outriders like a kid in a toy store.


    ¡°We are, Optimus Prime!¡± Omni shouted as he rode Luke into battle.


    ¡°No Omni, just no!¡± Luke said.


    ¡°Spoil sport!¡± Omni replied to Luke.


    Cull Obsidian was wrapped up in a corrosive red energy and had his arms, and legs snapped, twisted, and pulled apart by Wanda. She was floating in the air with Vision by her side shooting any Outrider who got to close. While Pietro zipped around on the ground slicing, dicing, and making fries out of them. With one final snap! Cull was turned into a trash compactor cube. The Q ship in the air took heavy damage and fell from the skies. The Outrider drop ships were turned into scrap metal and the last of the Outriders were hunted down. Then in anticlimactic event the Bifrost activated and spat out Lash who looked around with a smile.


    _________________________________________________


    (Lash Jormungandson)


    ¡°So there is more coming?¡± Tony asked from his spot in the conference room. They had moved their meeting to a more formal setting. While the compound was cleaned up.


    ¡°Yes, Thanos will bring his ship here. With in it contains hundreds of thousands of Chitauri, Sakaarans, and Outriders. Thousands of Leviathans, and support craft. The Sanctuary two is a world destroyer. Thanos has decimated world after world in his quest of cosmic balance. With the stones he could do it all with the snap of his fingers.¡± Lash replied, and looked over at Vision.


    ¡°We have to destroy the stone.¡± Vision said, and Wanda his beloved fiancee stared at him in horror.


    ¡°No, hold on! We can remove it with out killing him.¡± Lash said quickly before Wanda set the whole place on fire.


    ¡°How?¡± Banner asked, joining the conversation across a holographic video call.


    ¡°When we first made Vision I made some...Adjustments in case we ever needed to remove the stone. Its incredibly complex but we can remove the neural links connected to the stone. Like brain surgery. Vision would fundamentally be the same. He would lose a few of his abilities. Like Telepathy, with out the stone. But he, himself would remain.¡± Lash continued with a smile towards Wanda, and Vision who smiled back at him.


    ¡°Great! So, do we do this here or?¡± Pietro asked, ready to move at a moments notice.


    ¡°We have to go to Wakanda.¡± Lash said, and all but screamed in fury! No, he wanted to say Asgard! They had the facilities to remove the stone. He could feel the 4th wall engine directing the conversation.


    ¡°Right that makes sense. I mean they are only like a few weeks ahead of me. But I guess they are better when it comes to that kind of stuff.¡± Tony said with a bit of a smirk.


    ¡°What about the rest of us?¡± Nomad aka Buck Barnes asked.


    ¡°The surgery will take time. Time we don''t have. Thanos is on his way as we speak. He''ll bring his whole army here. If he gets the stones it is over on a universal scale.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Bring Vision here. We will see it done!¡± King T''Chaka said from the holographic video call.


    ¡°Alright people you heard the man! Let''s get this done!¡± Captain Rogers said and the room jumped into motion.


    Lash watched in agony as every one moved as if they were following a script, he included. They moved quickly, and efficiently. He glanced at Natasha across the room and she didn''t even spare him a glance. Whether that be from the 4th wall, or if she was trying to focus on the current universe ending situation, who knew. The senior members of the Avengers were placed on an experimental Stark quin-jet and shot towards Wakanda at best possible speed.


    Lash activated his holographic interface and had all of the remaining defensive platforms in the solar system move to surround earth. Many of them had been destroyed when The Black Order originally showed up. Lash was stuck in his work when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked up to see Wanda smiling at him. He closed his program to give her his attention.


    ¡°Thank you. I know the universe is at stake but coming to Vision''s rescue means a lot.¡± Wanda said as she took a seat next to him in the quin-jet.


    ¡°Of course! We''ll get past this. After all it''s just another Tuesday for the Avengers.¡± Lash said with a smile, and Wanda''s smile grew wider.


    ¡°Actually its Thursday!¡± Tony said from the front.


    ¡°Next up I''ll have to sit down with you and Vision and see if we can figure out how an android can have children with an organic.¡± Lash said, and Wanda turned bright red, while Tony busted up laughing. Vision of course being Vision was actually interested if that could happen and came to talk to him about it. The whole flight took on a whole new atmosphere.


    -------


    Wakanda! Aside from the city of Inhumans, Attilan. Wakanda was one of the most technological, and spiritually advanced societies on the planet Earth. They were located in a relatively small country just from the heart of Africa on the south west side of Ethiopia. They are surrounded by mountains on all sides except for a great lake, and a few small passages through the mountains. Making it naturally difficult to enter in the area.


    Wakanda to the general public believes that they are a third world country. Textiles, cattle farming, and a few mineral mines. However, a few governments, and people know the truth about Wakanda. SHIELD is aware of them. Though they do not know the true depth of the Wakandan technological advantage. Over the last few years Director Hill has been brought complete and utter shock by what the Wakandans have done so far.


    Wakanda has used their technology to their advantage by, ''hiding in plane sight!'' As it were. They have a complicated holographic, and energy shield that covers a majority of their country, and its cities. So when the world looks into the country, and from orbit all they see is vast jungle. Not understanding that a giant energy field protects them. This point was emphasized as Lash took the controls of the Avengers Quin-Jet and flew them straight into the jungle much to everyone''s surprise.


    They flew through a specific set of coordinates and passed through several security shields to pop out into a city next to a triple river bend. The Wakandan cities were a beautiful design that herald to their original African heritage, and shamanistic beliefs. Lash could see thousands of spirit wards in place all over the city as they flew towards the main transport hub next to the palace. The capital city of Wakanda known as Birnin Zana aka the Golden City. Had a true connection to the Ancestral Planes.


    ¡°Who hasn''t been here before?¡± Lash asked as he turned around to look at everyone inside the quin-jet and everyone raised a hand. That surprised Lash, he at least figured Stark would have come out.


    ¡°Not everyone got an invite to the lost city of gold, Lash.¡± Stark said with a bit of snark.


    ¡°Captain run everyone through simple customs and courtesies as a military officer and you''ll be fine. You don''t need to bow, or kneel. Be polite, don''t use crude language. Well you can, but they''ll think less of you.¡± Lash said simply and stood up to move to the rear hatch.


    ¡°Sir''s, Ma''am. Stand at attention when speaking to anyone. Clear, and concise.¡± Steve went through a few simple courtesies that any one who served in the military would know.


    The rear hatch opened up and Lash was the first one to step out into the open sun of the city. The Dora Milajae crossed their arms over their chest, then broke the symbol by slamming their spears ends into the ground in a resounding, SLAM! Lash returned the gesture and made his way towards King T''Chaka, Prince T''Challa, with the queen mother Ramonda. Though Lash said not to bow, he did just that. A pleasant smile was all he received in return.


    ¡°Avengers, and protectors of the world. Welcome to Wakanda. I only wish it was under better circumstances. Come, we''ll save the pleasantries till after the crisis has been averted.¡± King T''Chaka said to them all and turned on his heel to lead them into the palace.


    ¡°I thought you said not to bow?¡± Natasha said to Lash softly as she slipped by his side.


    ¡°Common courtesies, for an Asgardian that is common.¡± Lash replied in a casual tone. Lash glanced at Natasha and noticed she had cut her hair into a bob cut. The short red hair suited her.


    ¡°How is the family?¡± Lash asked, as they turned down a hallway. He noticed everyone else seem to leave them alone.


    ¡°Their good. Melina''s pregnant.¡± Natasha said, her adoptive mother had been ecstatic when she learned she could have children of her own and practically pounced on Alexei.


    ¡°Wonderful, I''ll have to send her a gift.¡± Lash replied, this discussion was torture. Normally they would joke, and enjoy playful banter. Now it felt like he was pulling his teeth out. Eventually they moved into a lab with Shuri waiting for them.


    ¡°The structure of the gem is polymorphic?¡± Shuri asked, she looked towards Lash for explanation but Tony jumped in to explain.


    ¡°We had to attach each neuron none-sequentially.¡± Tony replied with a smirk that slowly left his face when Shuri replied with.


    ¡°Why didn''t you just reprogram the synapses to work collectively?¡± Shuri said in response, then after that it was all down hill.


    Tony, and Shuri started to shoot ideas off of one another. Comparing notes, with the occasional jump in from Vision. While Lash moved to the end of the room to look out the windows. He was carefully watching the skies above. His defensive satellites hadn''t reported anything but that didn''t mean a thing. Especially if Thanos some how got the space stone some how. He couldn''t imagine Loki being that stupid. But he could imagine the space stone just going to Thanos. Ding...Ding....Ding! An alarm went off on his holographic.


    ¡°It''s starting...¡± Lash said and the whole room went quiet.


    ___________________________________________________


    On the outer edge of the Sol System a ship jumped from the FTL point of entry. Sanctuary two had arrived. The ship moved through the system with great speed and ease. Only to slowly come to a stop just outside the orbital edge of Earth''s moon. There in a defensive net was hundreds of orbital platforms built by Lash.


    The platforms before had been scattered through out the whole system. Now, they surrounded the Earth in a protective net. But with the ship in sight they all propelled themselves through space. Each platform was in a pyramid in shape, nearly a half a mile wide, and Compression Transformation pulled the central point open, and a plethora of missiles, energy cannons, and automated drones swarmed out of them. Millions of kinetic, and energy born weapons fired in the vacuum of space.


    The Sanctuary two repaid in kind as thousands of attack craft came flying out, and the point defense cannons along the wing tips fired in quick succession. The drones swarmed the ship like a killer bees attacking a grizzly bear. Annoying but ultimately with out any real effect. While the Earth itself was attacked by another means. Hundreds of portals so similar to the portals that appeared in New York now appeared over the surface of the planet. Thanos had the space stone.


    From the portals came the Outriders drop ships. Rectangular objects with gradual points at the top. The poured from the portals and quickly crashed through the atmosphere and into the surface. No, they didn''t just land near Wakanda. They landed everywhere! Even if they destroyed the stones, Thanos may just destroy the Earth out of spite.


    ____________________________________________________________


    Six different Outrider drop ships came from the portals above Wakanda. The drop ships were massive structures. At least a hundred feet high, and fifty feet around. With giant engine''s under its hull to slow its decent, and help it take off if it ever needed to in the future. The drop ships had several doors across its hull that poured out thousands of Outriders.


    Outriders were genetically engineered cannon fodder of Thanos. They approximately 6''6¡± tall depending on their age. They have four arms, and two legs. Each hand has four claws. They have leathery black skin with yellow stripes. They have no discernible eyes, but can see through another sensory organ. As they grow older several pointed protrusions that grow from the back of their head, and neck. Their mouths have two sets of razor sharp fangs. They have a singular focus to obey any command given and will die to achieve their masters orders.


    Now hundreds of thousands of these creatures were swarming across the whole of the Earth. SHIELD sent an all points alert to any and all agents in the field. The SWORD hellicarrier was currently fighting off Sanctuary two star fighters and losing badly. Governments across the world were calling for help. One of the drop ships aimed directly for the golden city only to explode when they hit the energy shield surrounding the city. So the other five landed just outside the dome.


    ¡°It''s to late... We have to end this now.¡± Vision said as he stood up and looked at the incoming army.


    ¡°Vision get your vibranium ass back on the table. We''ll handle this!¡± Tony said and sprinted out of the room to get his armor from the quin-jet.


    ¡°Wanda, as soon as that stone is out of his head. Blow it to hell!¡± Steve said and followed Tony of the room.


    ¡°Engage all defenses, get everyone not capable fighting to the bunkers. Deploy every warrior we have in Wakanda. The world is at war, and we are the forward bulwark!¡± King T''Chaka said and the Dora Milaje sprinted from the room to obey.


    ¡°Your highness if you will allow me to have brief access to your main computer. I''ll down load everything I have on Thanos''s forces into your data base. You can send it out across the globe to help win the fight. The more they know, the better.¡± Lash asked, and T''Chaka agreed.


    Lash activated Connectivity as he raced out of the R&D lab towards the outer perimeter like everyone else. Every time Lash had visited Wakanda in the past he was never able to link up to their data base. Holy crap it was extensive, unfortunately he had no time to play around. He poured all his knowledge about them into the defensive grid, and sent as much as he could to SHIELD. But the King was right, this wasn''t like New York. The world, no the Universe itself was at war with Thanos.


    ¡°Lash!¡± Natasha called to him, and pulled him to a stop. He looked at her in confusion. Then she jumped up and kissed him. Lash was clearly surprised because his eyes were open wide.


    ¡°I''m sorry, we had a fight! I was angry! I miss you!¡± Natasha said, and then sprinted from the hallway.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Lash said and ran off.


    The entire city was in motion. Metal shutters were pulling over every available window in the city as automated turrets were coming out of the tops of buildings, and out of the very ground. Lash saw a tree be pushed aside as their was a turret popping up out of the ground. Dozens of dragon fliers took off from ports across the city. The dragon fliers looked like mechanical dragon flies with four mechanic wings on the back, and the back half could maneuver around like a dragon flies tail.


    As soon as any of the ships, or turrets had a clear line of sight they started to fire at the incoming wave of Outriders. Their range was impressive! Lash reached the landing bay of the golden palace and reached his arms up towards the sky and used Manifestation and he called his 1110 Saurian soldiers. Portals of darkness, and starlight grew behind him and the Saurus Warriors, Veterans, and Elites poured out and sprinted towards the coming army on all fours.


    ¡°Saurian, feel like a festival of blood?¡± Lash asked his partner and Saurian growled in confirmation.


    Congratulations User! Minor Shape Shift (Saurian) has evolved into Basic Shape Shift (Saurian).


    Comment: With each evolution of the Users first supernatural power. They step closer, and closer to the edge of nightmares, and into reality itself. But when a nightmare is given shape what does it look like? It is in the eyes of the beholder do they see the void staring back at them.


    Effect: A variety of skills, abilities, powers, spells, and traits have been changed due to this evolution. (See Tool Tip)


    Darkness, and starlight swallowed Lash. While living smoke, and shadow exploded across the entire landing area. Hundreds of people stopped and tried to shield their eyes from the smoke. But the very world seem to dim for a brief moment. Then a resounding boom! Shook the loading area as a clawed foot came from the smoke, then another. The darkness receded to reveal Saurian in his evolved form.


    Standing on his legs like a biped Saurian was approximately 80 feet tall, and 180 feet long from snout to tail. Four tentacles rose from his back now instead of two. Each one with four clawed pincers on each one. His tail once more took on a bladed point, the blades edge covered in spell script. Saurian now had four arms. His first set, then one directly underneath those. Each hand, had for claws. Just like his feet. His skull crest had grown serrated edges, and spikes. The diamond side points curved down, and forward like a helmet would to protect its wielders face. While the main point rose to prominence towards the sky. Several horns had grown from his snout along the center of the skull crest, to the top.


    His six reptilian eyes glowed with magical energy as they moved to take in the scene around them. With a word his entire lower half of his face was covered in magitech armor. That''s right, he had an entire set of armor to cover his body. Sleek, compact, and streamlined just like they always like it. Then Saurian growled in delight as he used Size Alteration and grew to the 100 feet tall, and 200 feet long! Not as tall as godzilla surely! But he was getting there. Saurian roared and used Rallying Call across the whole city. He gradually pushed off the ground with Telekinesis sub-flight ability. Flowing through the air like a Chitauri leviathan only a lot bigger! He reached out with Temporary Pack Bond and linked with anyone who considered him friendly. Which turned out to be most of the city.


    ¡°A festival of blood begins!¡± Saurian called out across the city and began to attack.


    ============================================================


    (Prince T''Challa aka Black Panther)


    ¡°Great Goddess Bast.¡± T''Challa said in amazement as he watched the giant reptile land on the outside edge of the city and begin to rip through the invading forces like those old kaiju movies he watched as a child.


    ¡°Focus my prince.¡± Okoye said to T''Challa.


    ¡°Right, has the information Lash given been given out to our troops?¡± T''Challa asked, and Okoye brought up the designs of the Outriders and their known weaknesses.


    ¡°Vibration weakness, sound generated a specific pitch brings them great pain. Aside from that, they are essentially killing machines with no free will of their own.¡± Okoye replied and pulled her spear out and flip a switch. The spear became a sonic cannon in itself.


    ¡°Good, let us not keep our new guests waiting.¡± T''Challa said as he activated the panther fangs on his neck and the nanite vibranium weave created the Panther suit.


    Then T''Challa felt something wash over him. He could...Feel Okoye next to him. He could see behind him as if he had eyes in in the back of his head. A cacophony of voices filled his mind and for a brief moment he feared he would go deaf. Then the voices grew quiet, but T''Challa knew if he needed to he could reach out and speak to any of them.


    Yibambe! People of Wakanda. I''ll fight to my last breath, I hope you will join me in glorious battle! -Saurian said across the link and the entire city felt empowered by Asgardian magic.


    ¡°Great God of Monsters!¡± Okoye called out and an almost predatory gleam ignited in her eyes.


    ==========================================================


    (Tony Stark aka Iron Man)


    ¡°And the great god of hentai and tentacle porn can fly now! That is just what we need!¡± Tony said as he jumped into his suit and took off after the giant reptile.


    ¡°Jesus! I really miss the days when the weirdest thing was you flying around in an iron suit.¡± Rhodey said, as he flew next to him in his War Machine suit.


    ¡°Friday you up?¡± Tony asked his virtual niece.


    ¡°I''ve been up and about for a while now, boss! The skies above are real interesting!¡± Friday said in her typical irish accent. She produced a holographic overlay for him.


    More than half of the defensive platforms had been destroyed by the Sanctuary two. While the rest were shooting straight towards the ship in and attempt to ram themselves into it. Thanos''s ship had sustained only a little damage. While at the edge of the solar system dozens of new ships were showing up. They bore the mark of the Nova Corp. Along with a few Asgardian ships. Reinforcements had arrived but the Sanctuary two seemed more than up for the challenge.


    ¡°Alright keep me posted, me and Rhodes have to go deal with the fan club!¡± Tony said and smart rockers popped from his shoulders.


    War Machine took a aerial position above the field and started to fire all of his rockets, and use his chain gun. Thousands of rounds were being shot through the use of a smart targeting system. Iron Man came to his back side and shot his smart missiles and used his repulsion beams to melt through Outrider skin. Falcon flew past them on his hard light energy wings and poured what he could on top of the invading army.


    ¡°How are these things even getting past the shield?¡± Rhodey yelled over the gun fire.


    ¡°They are overloading the barrier. One of out fifty get through, while the rest die trying. While the others are rushing around.¡± Tony replied and watched as a swarm of the Outriders were swarming around the shield and surrounding the city on all sides.


    Then like a prayer being answered from on high a rainbow bridge crashed into the jungle outside the shield. The Bifrost spit out thousands of Asgardian soldiers including a really pissed of God of Thunder. Sporting a brand new weapon. Storm clouds magically appeared and Thor brought his weapon to smash against the Outrider drop ships. Just in time! Because a dozen more broke through the atmosphere and crashed into the jungle.


    ¡°We got more incoming! Let''s give them something to chew on!¡± Tony called, and activated the iron legion satellites above earth. Each one contained hundreds of automated VI soldiers.


    ===========================================================


    (Lady Sif, Goddess of War)


    Sif raced out of the Bifrost sword and shield in hand leading the Einherjar, and the Warriors Three into battle against the vile forces of Thanos. Sif wore her full armor, covered from head to toe in Asgardian leather, and plate male. Her duel edged sword danced in her arms like a living thing as she cleaved through the four armed creatures across the jungles. Then a sight before was both breath taking, and horrifying!


    A giant monstrosity the likes she had only ever seen once and it always brought a smile to her face. Yes, Thor was majestic, truly a warrior born, and gloriously handsome. But this, this was the sight of a true predator in their element. She watcher her friend Lash the God of Monsters appear outside the energy shield protecting the city in a flash of light he had once told her was a spell called, Blink. Then as the giant monster he rose he pounced onto a drop ship and ripped it.


    The enemies that died in that one attack were with out number! A Einherjar soldier cheered at the sight and hundreds more cheered as well. Thor roared above them and raced to destroy another drop ship knowing him he would make a game out of it! Then Sif felt a wash of power roll over her body, mind, and soul. Voices, so many voices in her head that soon grew quiet.


    Come my brothers and sisters! Today we fight for the glory of all people! -Lash/Saurian called across the link they established.


    ¡°Do you think Lash will give me enough ale to knock me out again!¡± Volstagg said, as he came around a tree and slammed his battle axe into an enemy.


    ¡°Last time all it took was a few glasses. I am sure he has only gotten better at it!¡± Sif replied with a grin.


    ¡°Let us finish this battle quickly! For we have drinking after!¡± Volstagg roared, and the soldiers around him cheered.


    ¡°Yes, lets!¡± Sif grinned and jumped into battle once more.


    ===============================================================


    (Saurian, God of Monsters)


    As glorious as the battle was, they were losing! Saurian roared in frustration as he ripped a drop ship in half, and one of his tentacles shot a Eldritch Blast and cut another one in half before it even landed. Asgard had shown up, Nova Corp had shown up. But the entire world was at war and thousands died every minute the battle continued. No one had any eyes on Thanos. Saurian didn''t like it. Something was missing!


    Golden fiery portals opened up inside the Wakandan energy shield and hundreds of Kamar-Taj students fled into the city. Oh no! As they ran out of the portals dozens of Outriders poured out from the portals before the masters could close them in time. The Ancient One was under attack! Saurian roared in fury and sprinted back towards the energy shield and used Blink to pass through the shield. He had been surprised it had worked before. But he wouldn''t question his good luck. Then his good luck faded as the energy shield suddenly shut down!


    Explosions rocked the entire city, specifically around the energy generators for the shield. Only the palace, and the bunkers kept their only minor shields in place to protect the royal family, and the civilians. But Outriders were pouring into the city with no shield to hold them out. Then dozens of space stone portals opened up around the city, and above it as Chitauri ships, and Sakaaran soldiers came flooding through.


    We need help! Their in the R&D lab we don''t know how! -Wanda screamed over the link, Thor yelled in anger and swung his new weapon storm breaker towards the lab. Thanks to the Temporary Pack Bond he knew which direction it was in.


    ¡°Saurian! The Ancient One needs help!¡± Mordo called from across the jungle, and grassy hills through a spell. He had not yet linked with him.


    Saurian pushed from the ground and flew over across the grass. He didn''t want to squish any of his people. He dismissed Size Alteration as it was a useless drain on his energy at this time and he shrunk to his dismal 80'' tall, and 160'' long form. They would have to purchase the master rank of that ability. Saurian wanted to be as large as possible for the future battles of the home reality.


    Saurian landed near Mordo and looked down to see the Ancient One with a gaping hole in her midsection. He could sense trace amounts of the power stone flowing through her body like a poison. The eye...The time stone was missing. No! No! Saurian poured Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss into her. The Ancient One gasped for air, but would live.


    ¡°I''m sorry! He was to powerful. Something was wrong with my magic. I couldn''t run, nor could I keep him at bay! He has them all! All but mind!¡± The Ancient One said.


    Thanos has all of the stones but the mind stone. Move to reinforce the R&D lab! -Saurian called across the link and like a tide their forces turned around and raced back towards the city.


    ==========================================================


    (The Vision)


    The pain was excruciating! He felt like his very soul was being slowly nicked, and picked apart. He felt so helpless! But he didn''t want to die, even if it meant saving the universe. No, Vision wanted to spend his life with Wanda. Lash assured him it was possible for him, and Wanda to have children in the future. He wanted that. He wanted that so badly. So he endured as Princess Shuri cut his nerve connections to the mind stone.


    The stone continued to flare with warning. It knew Thanos was coming and was warning Vision of his presence. The mind stone didn''t want to be used in Thanos''s plans. It was a do or die moment. But an explosion shook the whole R&D lab and the mind stone sent another intensive pain through his body. But the lab continued to operate and Shuri moved with great haste. She had been studying in the mystical academy of Kamar-Taj and had created duplicates of herself to make the process that much faster. Soon now...Just a little more.


    ¡°Done! Take it out!¡± Shuri shouted and Vision reached up and pulled the stone from his head. He felt....He felt hollow. He held it in his hand. But...But he was still himself.


    ¡°Vision?¡± Wanda asked coming to his side, cradling his face in her hands.


    ¡°I''m alright...¡±Vision said with a sad smile. The mind stone flared with energy again and an explosion shook the lab. Outriders poured into the room.


    We need help! Their in the R&D lab we don''t know how! -Wanda shouted through the link they shared with Lash/Saurian.


    ¡°Wanda it''s time! Destroy it now!¡± Vision said as he stood up to protect the woman he loved as the Outriders rushed towards them.


    ¡°Do it! Do it now!¡± Shuri shouted as she armed her self with sonic cannons, and her duplicates created magical weaponry buying as much time as possible.


    Vision focused his energy into his mind.....No, the stone is gone. He no longer had an energy beam. So his fist would have to do. He adjusted his density thankfully that had stayed and he beat each Outrider down with enough force to shatter bone, and scatter brain matter across the walls. He made a knife edge with his hands, and forearms and cut through them like butter.


    Wanda stood as far away as possible as she began to pour the red corrosive energy onto the stone. There was no need to be gentle about it and did her best to end it quickly. Then the windows to the lab shattered and Chitauri rushed into the room. Vision jumped in front to shield Wanda and took repeated energy shots to his back. Then pure electrical energy in the form of lightning crackled into the room.


    ¡°Finish it now! For I will be your shield, and your axe!¡± Thor shouted triumphantly! Then he was shot out of the room with a pure beam of purple energy.


    ¡°Yes...Let''s finish it now.¡± A terrifying voice called out. Vision, and Wanda both looked up in horror as the mad titan Thanos walked into the room. His infinity glove missing but one stone.


    ¡°No!¡± Wanda shouted and froze in place. She, and Vision both were stuck, stuck in time!


    ¡°I know what it is like to lose.¡± Thanos said as he walked towards them. Taking each step with careful precision and thought.


    ¡°To feel so desperately that you''re right... Yet to fail, nonetheless.¡± He continued and picked up the mind stone from Wanda''s hands.


    ¡°It''s frightening. Turns the legs to jelly. But I ask you, to what end? Dread it, run from it... Destiny arrives all the same. And now it''s here.¡± Thanos said as he marveled at the last stone. Then he carefully placed it in the last position of the glove.


    Cosmic energy of epic proportions burned through Thanos''s body. He could barely contain all that raw, natural power coursing through his veins. He turned to look at the approaching army of would be defenders and glared at one specific one. But a smile grew across his face. He looked back at Wanda, and Vision and ran his hands over their heads like a father would a child.


    ¡°I am inevitable.¡± Thanos said, and raised his left hand up and snapped his finger.


    ==============================================================


    The Snap! A cascading energy wave crashed through out the entire universe originating on Earth. The energy wave passed from one galaxy to another. But not only through the galaxies but through dimensions as well. They had failed, and it infuriated Saurian to no one! He looked around the city and waited for it to happen. But at least they wouldn''t have to wait long. Saurian and Lash will fix it. They''ll track Thanos to his garden and take back the stones! They''ll....Uh oh...


    The people in the city looked up in horror as Saurian started to turn to ash before their eyes. Then before they knew it. He was gone! One by one to rich and poor alike across the entire universe people, animals, and even plant life turned to ruin. While the mad Titan retreated to his garden and watched with a smile as the sun rose over a grateful universe.


    Lash awoke in the black room on his back with a concerned looking Dawn standing over him with a grimace. He looked around the room and found it the same as he left it before. A vast ocean of stars, planets, and a sun above the room. Two beach lounge chairs side by side. While Dawn wore black yoga pants, and a black sports bra. Her hair was brown, and tied back into a pony tail. Her eyes were crystal blue, and she had caramel colored skin.


    ¡°I know I''m not dead...So what is it?¡± Lash asked, as he slowly got to his feet. Dawn offered him a hand up and he took it.


    ¡°Well we ran into a problem.¡± Dawn said, and pulled him over to the other side of the black room. She waved her hand and a cherry wood desk materialized and she produced two comfy leather chairs for them to sit on. She took the chair behind the desk, while Lash took the guest chair.


    ¡°Technically, you don''t have any events left.¡± Dawn said next and this made Lash confused.


    ¡°Yes I do. In the MCU they pull the time heist and get the stones back.¡± Lash said next.


    ¡°Right, and how do they start up the time heist?¡± Dawn asked, as she began type away at the computer that materialized on the desk, along with the keyboard.


    ¡°Well in the movies a rat accidentally activates the quantum tunnel device in Scott''s van...Holy crap!¡± Lash said as he realized the problem.


    ¡°Yep, you got it! You helped find and rescue Janet before the events of Ant-man and the wasp original time line. Ava Starr was cured, and is technically a training sorcerer. So that means that Scott had no reason to enter the quantum realm to harvest particles.¡± Dawn continued and pushed the monitor for Lash to look over.


    ¡°In your story/cross over event chain. Scott was never stuck in the quantum realm. So he never got to experience the time difference to suggest time travel. You got dusted. Which is not the same as being dead. So technically you don''t have any events left and could leave now.¡± Dawn said, a frown was growing across her face.


    ¡°So I shot myself in the foot by interfering? I mean... I know I''m on Nightmare mode but some of those situations were ridiculous, Dawn! It''s almost like the Universe wanted the snap to happen?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn kinda gave him a shrug.


    ¡°Its the 4th wall engine. Now, I don''t want you to think it''s impossible. Plenty of other Users have killed Thanos and the snap never happens.¡± Dawn replied, and pulled up a few examples. A lot of the information was missing like the Users ID code, and their overall abilities.


    ¡°An omega level mutant? A pure Kryptonian? Well of course they could win! I don''t get it! I tried dozens of times over the course of the event chain to make changes. I wanted to hunt Thanos down ahead of time but the 4th wall engine kept preventing me from doing it!¡± Lash shouted at Dawn. She looked at him in annoyance and he shrunk back and mumbled an apology.


    ¡°I know your upset, Lash. But with you being on Nightmare mode the system tends to....¡± Dawn didn''t continue but Lash understood.


    ¡°Cheat? Ya, the system cheats.¡± Lash replied back. That was pretty normal in games Erik had played in the past.


    Play an RTS game on hard and the computer gets a resource multiplier. Play a 4x strategy and the computer gets tech bonuses, etc, etc. It was incredibly frustrating. It was one of the reasons Erik never played it on anything higher than normal in most cases. In truth Erik didn''t want to play the Dream Engine on Nightmare Mode. But he would have to completely reset his Dream to change the settings. If he did that he would lose his bonus pay, and who knows what else.


    ¡°So why cant I cheat the system instead?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn perked up ready to listen.


    ¡°I took Superman''s parents out of the time fragment right. For a Dream Point purchase? Can I spend Dream Points and go back down and do the time heist with everyone like it was suppose to happen?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn pulled the computer monitor back around to type out a few commands.


    Erik, and Lash always liked it when Dawn wouldn''t give him an automatic reply when they asked questions like this. Because that meant two things. Either no one had done it yet, or no one had made a rule against it yet. If the system could cheat why cant he? He can Warp Reality in his dream! Some small part of him told him to stop. Claim his rewards and go back to his home reality and finish up. Erik/Lash was even considering turning off the Rift system so he wouldn''t have to deal with it anymore. It was seriously distracting. He wasn''t sure if the rewards were even worth it anymore.


    ¡°Dawn, out of curiosity. Can I turn the Rifts off?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn shook her head.


    ¡°Normally you would be able to. But since you are on...¡± Dawn didn''t finish the sentence because Lash understood. Nightmare mode, bleh! Maybe he''d tell the JLI not to send him anymore unless they really needed to close a specific Rift. Dawn flipped the monitor back over.


    ¡°In short, yes you can slip back in for the price of Dream Points. However it''s expensive depending on when you want to slip back in.¡± Dawn said, and pointed at the options.


    ¡°So, if I want to return when the snap had only happened after a few weeks it will cost me 2,000 Dream Points!?¡± Lash said in agony! That was a lot of points to use. So he read the next option, thankfully the most time that past the less amount of points.


    ¡°1,750 DP after two years. 1,500 DP after three. 1,250 DP after four. 1,000 DP at the five year mark when it''s suppose to happen. Dawn how much DP do I even have?¡± Lash asked, and tried to bring up his Dream Point total but no menu popped up.


    ¡°You can''t tell me can you?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn shook her head.


    ¡°Its the reward system at the end isn''t it?¡± He asked, and she nodded.


    ¡°Can I even afford the 1,000 DP amount?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn nodded with a happy smile. That was encouraging.


    ¡°OK, its not like I haven''t spent DP on a Rift before.¡± Lash said as he pressed the confirmation button for five years later. 1,000 DP was subtracted from his account. His current total was of course blocked out.


    ¡°Do I get a timeline app? Or do I just get tossed down?¡± Lash asked, and felt the floor give out from beneath him. ¡°Great, I''ll just be sent down I guess! See you when I get back!¡± Lash called out, and Dawn waved at him enthusiastically.


    ========================================================


    FIVE YEARS LATER


    When Thanos snapped the universe in half he recalled his troops back to Sanctuary two and they left the Sol System in peace. The battle had only been a few short hours, but the whole world had been involved. Then a consensus was taken as the few governments still standing tried to understand what had happened and why. SHIELD was barely functioning. Director Hill was one of the many snapped out of existence. Thankfully Vice-Director Hand was still around and she stepped into the role as best as she could.


    The InHumans of Attilan stepped up in a big way. They suffered just like everyone else. But they spread their people across the globe to help rebuild, and provide some sense of security by aiding SHIELD. An enemy turned ally, Samuel Sterns aka The Leader put away his plans for world conquest and just...Helped. As brutal as the means were, Thanos had succeeded in a way on Earth. The world was at peace. No one made war. Everyone was just trying to return to some resemblance of normal.


    ____________________________________________________________


    Asgard had not been spared and the resulting snap dusted King Odin, All Father. Frigga had worried about Hela escaping her prison only to discover her first born daughter had also been reduced to ashes. Thor return to Asgard and took up the mantle of King. Though he was in part broken. He had failed to protect his people, his lands, and his friends. The Warriors three had been turned to ruin but Lady Sif was by his side.


    Heimdall the great watcher remained and did his best to help support the people of the Universe. The Kree, and Xandar empires put aside their petty conflict and attempted to help one another. For the first time in centuries Kree, and Xandar were at peace. But despite their bleeding empires. Crimes was rampant across the Universe. With so few governments in place, and the ones that remained were barely holding together pirates were around in mass.


    ___________________________________________________________________


    Back on Earth in the country of Wakanda the weather was acting strangely. Dark clouds formed for no reason and the smell of ozone poured from the skies. King T''Challa came out to look at the skies. T''Challa had been spared the snap, while his father, mother, and sister had been brought to ruin. The experience had marred him. But he guided his people, and helped the world through this troubling time.


    ¡°Husband?¡± Nakia called from behind him. T''Challa looked towards her and a smile grew across his face. Some piece of happiness had grown from these troubled times. He had at last married his child hood friend Nakia.


    Nakia was a beautiful woman with chocolate skin, beautiful brown eyes, short curly kinky brown hair, and a athletic figure that was to fight for. Something T''Challa did often. They would often spar together, and spar at night in their royal chambers. Nakia wore a ceremonial garb fitting of the queen of Wakanda. Rich hues of purple, gold, and green. Though the green came from her river tribe heritage.


    ¡°The storm is acting strange. Do we know of any InHumans in the area capable of manipulating the weather?¡± T''Challa asked, and Nakia activated her kimoyo beads.


    ¡°We do have an InHuman capable of manipulating water. He is here for the festival. But he is incapable of anything like this.¡± Nakia replied, watching as the storm clouds swirled together and were spinning into what could only be a tornado?


    ¡°That is not normal! It''s passing through the shield!¡± T''Challa said and pulled his own kimoyo beads out and accessed the shield format.


    A tornado of pure storm clouds poured through the energy shield of the golden city like it wasn''t even there. The storm crashed into the ground and ripped it apart. Grass, bush, tree, and dirt went flying in all directions. But the storm was focused on a specific place and did not move from it. Several dragon flier craft came from the city carrying InHumans capable of manipulating the environment. Along with the a royal razor wing jet. King T''Challa came out wearing his golden nanite vibranium weave suit.


    Then something that none of them had heard in over five years came from the storm. A roar! A roar all to familiar to any that had fought in the battle for the stones. T''Challa''s mask pulled back and shock was clear on his face. The storm clouds pulled back. On their knees was the god of monsters himself Lash Jormungandson. He was naked, and looked around in a confused manner. Then fell face first into the ground.


    ¡°Call for medical attention immediately!¡± T''Challa shouted at the soldiers, hearing their kings voice they moved to follow his orders. Nakia raced to T''Challa''s side and looked Lash over.


    ¡°I thought he was dusted like the rest?¡± Nakia asked.


    ¡°He was, we all saw it!¡± T''Challa said, but a smile grew across his face.


    ¡°Maybe he brings news from the other side.¡± T''Challa continued his thought and smiled at Nakia who smiled back.


    ========================================================


    ***Location: Avengers Compound, upstate New York***


    (Natasha aka Black Widow)


    Natasha stood in front of the holographic projector trying to steer the conference towards a progressive position. They had been arguing for nearly an hour about proper positions of deployment. Standing by her side was Agent Peggy Carter as she continued to act as liaison between SHIELD and the Avengers. Director Hand was waiting her turn, as Medusa Queen of the Inhumans was translating for King Black Bolt.


    ¡°We were only trying to help. We will of course send supplies to the ruined town and help them rebuild if they will allow it.¡± Medusa said, repeating Black Bolts words.


    ¡°I understand, and thank you. Its appreciated. But next time you may want to ask if its OK to create a water flow damn with a terrakinetic next time.¡± Carter replied with a forced smile.


    ¡°Hay I understand beach front property is pretty pricey, I think they did them a favor.¡± Rocket said from his holographic projector and Medusa grinned at him.


    ¡°We''ll keep that in mind.¡± Medusa said.


    ¡°Carol are we seeing you here next month?¡± Natasha asked the holographic projection of Carol Danvers aka Captain Mar-Vell or just Captain Marvel.


    ¡°Not likely.¡± Carol replied with a frown.


    ¡°What, you going to get another haircut?¡± Rocket asked, remarking on how Carol went from long blond hair to short.


    ¡°Listen fur face! The issues that are happening on Earth are happening on thousands of worlds. So you may not see me for a long time.¡± Carol continued, and everyone grew quiet. Then the Wakandan holographic image appeared and showed T''Challa in it.


    ¡°T''Challa? What is it?¡± Natasha began to say.


    ¡°He''s back!¡± T''Challa said, and everyone in the room be it through the holographic or physically in the room.


    ¡°Who''s back?¡± Natasha asked.


    ¡°Lash! Lash Jormungandson!¡± T''Challa said, and Natasha froze in place. ¡°A storm appeared just outside the golden city and a tornado bypassed the shield. When it hit ground it revealed Lash! He''s alive, but unconscious he''s in Wakanda now!¡± T''Challa finished.


    Everyone in the room looked back at Natasha, and a few people glanced at a very nice golden ring intricately decorated on Natasha''s left ring finger. It was Lash''s engagement ring he had crafted for her. Natasha had put it on the day he turned to ash. It only took Natasha a brief moment to realize what she wanted to do, and what she needed to do. Then she decided on what she wanted to do and sprinted out of the room.


    ¡°I guess we''ll be seeing you in a little while, Carol?¡± Carter asked.


    ¡°I guess you will.¡± Carol replied and ended the call.


    ========================================================


    ***Location: Wakanda, royal family medical wing***


    (Lash Jormungandson)


    Lash slowly opened his eyes and looked around the puzzling room. The rooms lighting was a soft mellow light that was easy on his eyes. A long bay window was set for one wall with artificial shading. The wall next to it was a mosaic of art depicting the history of Wakanda. In front of him was a giant glass door that let him see several guards, and several familiar faces talking to T''Challa. Lash looked around gradually to discover he was wearing a hospital gown. Deep red tones, it felt amazing.


    In Lash''s right hand was another hand. Lash looked over and found a familiar sight. Natasha was leaned up against his hospital bed half asleep her hand in his. He gradually ran his thumb up and down her skin and she jumped a little rubbing her eyes and looked around. The sight of Natasha half awake was always one of Lash''s favorite moments. Then he noticed the ring he meant to give her on her hand. A smile grew on his face as he reached over to caress her face with his free hand. She leaned into it.


    ¡°Is that a yes then?¡± Lash asked, and Natasha blinked at him then looked down at the ring. Tears fell from her eyes as she climbed into the bed with him.


    ¡°It''s a yes... Please don''t leave again.¡± Natasha said softly as she wrapped her body around him afraid he would fade away.


    ¡°I didn''t mean to leave before. Sorry it took me so long to get back.¡± Lash replied softly, running his hand up and down her back.


    ¡°Better late than never.¡± She replied.


    They stayed that way for several minutes. One of the doctors glanced through the glass door and Lash waved at him. The doctors eyes went bug eyed and he turned to inform T''Challa who whipped around like a cat who had its tail stepped on. He slowly opened the glass door and tip toed in. Natasha refused to move and Lash wasn''t going to force her.


    ¡°Thanks for the quick rescue, T''Challa. How long have I been gone?¡± Lash asked him.


    ¡°Five years... Are they alive? Everyone else?¡± He asked, and Lash nodded gently an invisible weight that must have been tremendous on T''Challa''s shoulders faded away. He breathed a sigh of relief and a smile grew across his face.


    ¡°Do you have a plan?¡± Rogers walked in with a look of determination.


    ¡°I do, but we''ll need Tony''s help. Where is he?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Raising a little girl with Miss Potts. He about flew over here himself when he heard you were back. He''ll be happy to see you.¡± Rogers said back.


    ¡°Heimdall?¡± Lash said, looking up at the ceiling, it took all of five seconds before.


    Brother Lash! You have returned!? -Heimdall called back.


    ¡°Alright lets get a holographic feed in here. We have work to do.¡± Lash said, and gently squeezed Natasha who hugged him back.


    ------


    Congratulations User! Reality Warping has evolved into Minor Reality Warping.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to spell energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell manipulation control.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell range.


    Congratulations User! Basic Cosmic Awareness has evolved into Intermediate Cosmic Awareness.


    Effect: Total energy required to use ability 70%.


    Effect: Cool down reduced.


    Effect: Things the User and/or VI Avatar shouldn''t know will be known.


    ¡°Everyone who got snapped out of reality is still technically alive. We were contained within a separate dimensional pocket space in a form of suspended animation. No one there was awake. But I believe I know a way to get everyone back but it requires us to break one of the fundamental rules of the universe.¡± Lash said to everyone in the room with him.


    He was sitting in a room with dozens of holographic videos around him, along with dozens more in the room with him. Natasha was on his left and refused to let go of his hand, afraid he would turn to dust again. Clockwise around the room was King T''Challa, Queen Nakia, General Dora Milaje Okoye, Captain Rogers, Peggy Carter, The Vision, then a few people Lash didn''t recognize. Then on holographic video call there was King of the InHumans Black Bolt, Queen Medusa, Director Victoria Hand, Vice-Director Phil Son of Cole, Rocket Raccoon, Nebula, Rhodey, Carol Danvers, Tony Stark, Dr Banner, Ava Starr (Acting Sorcerer Supreme), and Scott Lang acting CEO of Pym Technologies. While Heimdall was watching, and relaying information to Asgard.


    ¡°Well don''t let us in suspense.¡± Tony said.


    ¡°We are going to use time travel.¡± Lash replied, and a majority of the room leaned back into their seats. Black Bolt did a serious of signs and Medusa translated.


    ¡°Time travel is incredibly dangerous, and potentially could make the situation worse.¡± Medusa translated for Black Bolt. That made several people look at them. Lash nodded in agreement and turned to look at Scott Lang who to be honest didn''t know why he was even in the video call.


    ¡°Scott, have you done any experimentation into the Quantum Realm recently?¡± Lash asked, and Ava Starr replied before Scott could.


    ¡°Lash that is not a good idea, with out the Time Stone to help us navigate the complex passages of the quantum realm we could be loss to the passage of time forever.¡± Ava replied, and Lash agreed with her.


    ¡°But if it was possible to navigate the pathways of time. Could we travel back in time to retrieve the stones?¡± Queen Nakia asked.


    ¡°Why don''t we just go back to when Thanos is a kid and you know...¡± Rhodey said, as he made a hand gesture to garrote baby Thanos. Most of the room looked OK with the idea.


    ¡°That''s not how time travel works.¡± Banner, Tony, Nebula, and Lash all said at the same time.


    ¡°I am aware that Midgard cinema has played the role of time travel for many years. But I''ll correct that little idea now. What hollywood has done was meant to be used as a expansive plot device to create an interesting story. That is not how real time travel would work.¡± Lash told the rest of the room and gestured towards Banner who illustrated his point.


    ¡°If you jump from your current time to the past. Then this new jump point is your current present. While your old time line is your past. So what ever changes you make to the new time line will only effect that branch reality. But will not effect your original time line.¡± Banner said, and drew a simple line on the holographic video, then drew a branch.


    ¡°So we''d be making a new alternate reality? Is that bad?¡± Scott asked.


    ¡°Good question, and technically yes we would if we keep the stones. But we wont. We''ll collect the stones from the past, return to our original time. Snap everyone back into existence. Then send the stones back to their original place in time. Closing the loop, and preventing any nasty alternate realities.¡± Lash informed the room.


    ¡°So, how do we navigate the quantum realm? As the Sorcerer Supreme stated we do not have the time stone.¡± Vision asked.


    ¡°Looking at you, Tony.¡± Lash said to the man of the hour.


    ¡°Not that I am not happy with you recognizing my genius. But what makes you think I can do this?¡± Tony asked.


    ¡°Because you already have.¡± Lash replied, and it took most of the room a moment to realize the implications of what he just said.


    ¡°That''s how you got out.¡± Rogers said to him and Lash nodded.


    ¡°I made a deal. I know how to make Pym Particles. But I don''t know how to travel through the quantum realm with out the time stone. I was told to ask Tony Stark.¡± Lash said, as he leaned back into his chair.


    ¡°Who the fuck told you to come to me!?¡± Tony said, as he looked like he was on the edge of panic.


    ¡°Your daughter.¡± Lash said next, and Tony froze in place.


    ¡°....Shit.¡± Tony said, but a grin slowly spread across his face. ¡°So my little girl saves the universe? I''m OK with that.¡±


    From that point on they started to discuss the logistics of performing the impossible task of obtaining the stones. Lash was of course lying through his teeth for most of what he just said. He had never met Tony''s future daughter. But he didn''t have enough information to figure out quantum time travel physics. But thankfully since they were working with time travel they had plenty of time to figure out how it works. Lash did have the formula for Pym Particles he had take the data from Pym Technologies ages ago when he did that event line.


    Next came the horrible issue of when, and where did they retrieve the stones? This wasn''t the movies. Lash had completely brutalized the entire MCU time line with his own efforts. The power stone would be simple. Go to Morag before Quill takes the stone. Then put it back before Quill finds it. Easy. Also because Lash knew the formula to Pym Particles they didn''t have to stress about only getting one shot at it. So they could plan, and pick their targets. If they failed to retrieve it they could just pick another time. Of course with Lash''s luck they would screw something up and the TVA would show up to wreck them.


    Despite the large number of people that were informed that they intended to travel through time to retrieve the stones. The public at large had no idea, in fact they had no idea Lash was back. He was politely informed by Director Hand that it would be a bad idea for Lash to publicly show his face since they had a memorial with his name on it. If he showed up again it would cause public outrage. Lash wasn''t sure why it mattered but he agreed to it.


    They decided to build the quantum tunnel in Wakanda. It was the most stable country in the world at the current moment and any material they would need would be at their finger tips. Lash got a lot of experience in Science Intuition as he help build the device. They also tested his own version of Pym Particles which worked perfectly. Sure enough a few days after they asked Tony to figure it out. He did, he was working on the design at home and Morgan his daughter asked him to twist the picture because it would look funny. Oddly enough it was a stable method. Ah!


    ------


    One night in the R&D lab in Wakanda Lash was working on a portion of the machine as he crafted complex parts for the machine that would take careful position from a 3D printer. Thankfully Lash was a walking, talking, 3D printer. He was sitting down in his default form and pulling energy from the air then he smelled a delightful scent and looked up to see Natasha walking over to see him. She had a pair of sandals on, with a wrap around multi colored skirt, and a cotton T. Mix of Wakanda, and western fashion.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Natasha said, she came to sit down on a tool box next to him. They hadn''t spent much time together since they started working on the device.


    ¡°Hello beloved, how are you feeling?¡± Lash asked, as he finished the part and moved to craft the next one.


    ¡°We found Barton, I''m leaving in a few minutes I just wanted to say goodbye.¡± Natasha said to him as she smoothed her hands over her skirt. Then she started to play with her wedding ring a nervous tick that Lash enjoyed to watch.


    ¡°Good, I think he could use some good news in his life.¡± Lash replied, Barton had not taken the ruin of his family well. Traveling around the globe as a vigilante known as Ronan. Killing was his main method of operation.


    ¡°Lash are you mad at me?¡± Natasha asked suddenly looking at him. Lash stared at her in confusion.


    ¡°Is this because I''m working so much?¡± Lash asked, he hadn''t even gone back to Asgard to visit. Thor informed him there would be plenty of time for that once everyone had come back.


    ¡°No, I...I get that. Everyone is working around the clock to get this done. But.... I don''t know, I feel like you are keeping something from me.¡± Natasha said, as she went back to playing with the ring he had made for her.


    How was Lash supposed to respond to that? Yes, he was keeping things from her. The truth of his return. The fact that this was the last event in the story chain. After this he was going back home, and if he had anything to say about it would never go through another dungeon/Rift again! This Story Rift had taken so much out of him. This wasn''t a vacation anymore, this was torture.


    ¡°There are many things I want to tell you. But physically cant. I do mean that. Do you remember our discussions about a geas spell. Several years ago now. A magical contract that literally prevents a person from talking, writing, or doing anything against the binding contract.¡± Lash said, and got several experience points in Acting for lying. When was that going to evolve? Lash used Acting a lot!


    A look of realization seem to glow from her eyes. Natasha stood up and walked the short distance between them and pulled herself into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and looked her directly in the face. She ran her fingers along his skin, and over his bald head. Then leaned in and kissed him gently. He returned the embrace and wanted nothing more in this moment than to just hold her.


    ¡°I want to have a family with you.¡± Natasha whispered into his ear.


    ¡°When do you leave to find, Barton?¡± Lash asked as he reached up under her cotton t. Natasha laughed and pushed his hands down.


    ¡°I''ll be back. When this is all over...You, and me. Agreed?¡± Natasha said with a suggestive eyebrow wiggle.


    ¡°I''ll try my best to do so.¡± Lash replied, and felt like his heart cracked. Natasha smoothed her hands over his face and tried to read him.


    ¡°Work hard.¡± She said, and kissed him one more time before she left.


    Torture was the word to describe this issue. It was not physical pain but emotional. Lash could feel the comforting embrace of Saurian wrap around him like an old friend and it almost made the pain worse. Lash started to cry as he went back to work. He could do what he did with Clark''s parents. He could use Dream Points to pull Natasha out of the MCU and into his world. But Lash was a different person outside the Rift.


    Warden Lash, and Hunter Saurian were different from Lash Jormungandson. Thanks to the Dream Engine World Point back ground system. The two personalities were separate, and merged at the same time. The longer Lash stayed here the less, and less he remembered his home reality. But he knew the moment he stepped back through to his home reality. This place, this story/Rift would seem like a dream.


    He already cheated the system once with Dream Points. Maybe he could do it again. They had been trying to figure out who would go where during mission day. Once again Lash couldn''t say a damn thing about Vormir. Even with his new evolution in Cosmic Awareness. All they knew about Vormir was that Thanos, and Gamora had gone there. Then Thanos had left with out Gamora. Nebula had grilled Thanos when they found him on the garden retirement planet.


    It was believed Thanos killed Gamora to get to the soul stone. More than likely Gamora tried to stop Thanos from taking the stone and that was why she died. They didn''t know the truth and Lash could say anything. Someone was going to die. He was horrified that Natasha, and Barton would go. But if they didn''t? Who would replace them? Thor, and Sif? T''Challa and Nakia?


    Mission day eventually arrived and Lash was the only one on the quantum tunnel. He was covered in a tech suit a co creation of Stark nanotech, and Pym technologies. A nice suit with white armor, red highlights, and a housing unit in the shape of a quantum GPS. He looked back at everyone standing off to the side filled with nervous tension.


    ¡°It''s going to work.¡± Lash said to them.


    ¡°Alright, 1945. Just after the Tesseract left Shmidt''s hand and splashed into the waters along the arctic edge. Five seconds for us, long as you need for you.¡± Dr Hulk said from the control terminal. The giant green machine was wearing a lab coat, and a pair of glasses. It looked a little funny on him.


    ¡°In five...four...three...two....one!¡± Dr Hulk said and Lash helmet covered his face. The machine powered on and he was sucked through the quantum realm.


    _____________________________________________________________


    **1945, The Red Skull was just vaporized/Teleported to Vormir**


    With a burst of blue, and white light Lash appeared above the water surface by about thirty or so feet. Then he fell into the freezing arctic waters and activated Transformation as the tech-suit flowed into his time GPS device. Adaptation quickly changed Lash''s body to suit the waters temperatures and he swam into the depths looking for a needle in a haystack. But Lash was essentially a blood hound when it came to cosmic energy and he quickly found an energy trail in the water below.


    Why was Lash here instead of another time. In Lash''s battle for New York as soon as they obtained the Tesseract Lash built a housing unit for Thor, and Loki. They went back to Asgard with in the hour of finishing the fight. Unlike the original MCU. In the original SSR files they had tracked the flight path of the Red Skulls flight in order to retrieve the Tesseract, and in hopes of finding Steve. So, Lash would retrieve stone here. Then when they were done they would simply put the stone back for Howard Stark to find. Simple.


    But of course as soon as Lash thought the word, ''simple'' it of course didn''t become simple. He saw the blue glow of the Tesseract in the deep water. Thanks to his many natural low light, and dark vision the under water life was very colorful! So he was more than capable of seeing a giant Kraken! A kraken had wrapped its tentacles around the stone and was attempting to swim away. Krakens didn''t even swim around the arctic circle it was to cold!


    A cloud of darkness and starlight swallowed Lash and out came Saurian in the mood for some sushi! Saurian roared and water rippled with the cascading energy. The kraken turned around and swam directly towards Saurian in a desperate plea to fight him. Saurian and the kraken were almost the same size. Adaptation and thinned Saurian out, and granted him fins to allow him to move better under water.


    The kraken reached out and whipped its primary tentacles to slash across his scaled hide, and armor. However Saurian had four tentacles now and they all reached out and blasted the squid into oblivion thanks to Eldritch Blast. The kraken screamed in pain and opened its beak to bite down. Saurian reached out with his four hands and grabbed it before it could get close. Then he reared his head back, and bit down on the face of the creature. The kraken shot a massive ink splotch into the water attempting to blind Saurian. But neither of them let go of each other.


    ¡°Let go!¡± The kraken called.


    ¡°You let go!¡± Saurian growled back. Then they both froze in mild confusion.


    ¡°Why are you attacking me?¡± The kraken asked.


    ¡°You stole the stone I need.¡± Saurian replied.


    ¡°If I give it back will you let go?¡± The kraken asked next.


    ¡°Yes, I''ll even heal you.¡± Saurian continued. There was this brief moment where neither of them moved, waiting for the other to yield.


    ¡°Why haven''t you let go!?¡± The kraken asked.


    ¡°Why haven''t you!?¡± Saurian replied. Eventually the kraken let go of the Tesseract and Saurian released the kraken. True to his word Saurian cast his nature spells on the beast and helped it recover.


    ¡°Why are you event up in these waters? Isn''t it freezing?¡± Saurian asked as he pulled the Tesseract towards him.


    ¡°I''m not sure, I felt compelled to come out here.¡± The kraken said back to him.


    ¡°Well go in peace, and stick to warmer waters!¡± Saurian said, and started to swim back to the surface.


    Saurian soon left the ocean depths with his treasure in hand. He swam to the surface and pulled himself out onto one of the ice bergs floating around the ocean. He also did it in front of a iron clad ship that look familiar. Crap it was the SSR ship. An alarm went off, and the crew started to jump into motion. Saurian grumbled and swapped out with Lash. Before the cloud of darkness, and starlight dissipated Lash activated his time GPS and went back to present day. From that day on the SSR and the future SHIELD would remember a giant kaiju creature swimming in the arctic circle.


    Passing through the quantum realm was a harrowing experience to say the least. Covered in a thin piece of armor, and technology as he raced through pocket universes, galaxies contained with in motes of dust. Passing through tunnels, and passages. Seeing reflections of his passage ripple through time until with a burst of light! Lash was on the quantum tunnel platform with Tesseract in hand. His face shield came off as everyone raced up the platform.


    ¡°See, I told you it would work.¡± Lash said, holding the Tesseract in hand.


    ¡°Woooo!¡± Barton shouted in triumphant glee!


    ----


    Lash was sitting in a very comfortable, very large body hugging couch in a briefing room with Natasha nestled right up on top of him. He was combing his hand through her red hair that had grown out a bit since he had been gone. While everyone else in the room was talking about the spots they needed to visit, how to retrieve the stones, and they were eating ice cream.


    ¡°So you fought a kraken?¡± Thor asked, looking at him with a smile. Lash had worried that being King would be torture for him. But he seem to do well with it. His hair had grown out, and his beard was trimmed, and well groomed.


    ¡°I did, though we came to a peaceful solution in the end. It was still an odd fight to have in the depths of the arctic. Though unfortunately I''ve already changed aspects of the time line. I believe the SSR in that time line has records of a giant reptile swimming through the polar ice.¡± Lash replied, and several people in the room laughed.


    ¡°We don''t have to steal the scepter just after the battle of New York. We have Hydra''s files on where the scepter was taken. We could slip in through the Hydra base. Get the scepter and return it with out issue.¡± Peggy Carter said from her spot in the room.


    ¡°Why don''t we just take the scepter back and give it to Asgard when we return it?¡± Rogers asked.


    ¡°No, Rogers it would create a separate time line. As horrible as it sounds it has to be returned to Hydra. With out it, Wanda, and Pietro never get their powers. Vision is never made.¡± Lash replied to him.


    ¡°But Ultron is never made either!¡± Rogers said with a frown. ¡°And like you said, it wont change our time line.¡±


    ¡°Let''s focus on getting all the stones. Getting everyone back, then we can discuss the idea of rearranging another reality.¡± Vision said, bring the discussion to a close for now.


    ¡°So, we''ll retrieve the Scepter and the Mind Stone from a Hydra safe house. We''ll collect the Power Stone from Morag. We still need the Reality Stone, the Soul Stone, and the Time Stone.¡± Carter continued trying to get the conversation on track as she smacked Rogers in the ass. The soldier jumped a little and grinned at his wife, yes wife. They got married during the five year transition.


    ¡°I''ll go and retrieve the Time Stone.¡± Ava Starr said. ¡°One Sorcerer Supreme to another. Should make it easy.¡± She continued, and Lash had to agree.


    ¡°So that leaves the Reality Stone, and the Soul Stone. Do we have a way of pulling it out of Jane, or Lash for that matter?¡± Tony asked next, looking at the both of them.


    ¡°I can make a device to pull it out. But I think we may need to pull it out of Jane. I believe I would put up a fight.¡± Lash replied and Thor agreed with a sage nod. Though he kinda looked like he wanted to try and fight Lash.


    ¡°Well me and Lash can go and get the Soul Stone?¡± Natasha said softly from her spot on Lash''s chest and his whole body went perfectly still.


    ¡°Power house, and a spy? A good combination. Lash any objections?¡± Carter asked, and Lash tried to scream but the 4th wall engine wouldn''t let him. ¡°Alright that''s settled.¡±


    Once everyone had their assignments they stood up, and suited up. No time like the present. A few people made some video calls. But nothing extravagant. Tony, Rogers, and Barton were heading to get the Mind Stone. Rhodey, Vision, and Nebula were getting the Power Stone. Ava Starr would be heading to get the Time Stone. Thor, and Rocket were getting the Reality Stone. While Lash and Natasha were getting the Soul Stone. They walked into the quantum tunnel under the watchful eyes of the friends, and family.


    ¡°Inspirational speech, cap?¡± Tony asked, and Rogers smiled at him.


    ¡°Five years ago we lost. All of us, some more than others. We lost friends, we lost family. We lost a part of ourselves. Today, we have a chance to take it all back. You know your teams, you know your missions. Get the stones, get them back. Most of us are going somewhere we know. That doesn''t mean we should know what to expect. Be careful, look out for each other. This is the fight of our lives, and we are going to win. What ever it takes, together. Good luck.¡± Rogers said to everyone standing in a circle around the platform.


    ¡°He''s pretty good at that.¡± Rocket said, and everyone laughed.


    ¡°See you in a minute!¡± Natasha said with a smile as she bounced from foot to foot.


    ¡°Initiating in five....four....three....two....one!¡± Dr Hulk said and in a burst of light they were all traveling through the quantum realm.


    Rhodey, Vision, Nebula, Lash, and Natasha all appeared on Morag just outside the city that contained the power stone. They looked at each other as they nanotech suit pulled away. Vision walked over and placed a micro miniaturized ship of the Milano. Then they tossed a de-shrink token at it and it burst to its normal size.


    ¡°Find the stone. We''ll see you in a bit.¡± Lash said. He hugged Vision who returned the embrace. Natasha hugged Rhodey, and for good measure Lash hugged Nebula who went stiff as a board. But Lash could tell she was thankful for the attention. She was not the easiest person to get close to.


    Lash and Natasha climbed into the Milano and Lash set the coordinates for Vormir, at the center of Celestial space. The Milano sealed its rear hatch and took off into the upper atmosphere. Lash grinned at Natasha who looked back at him. When the ship engaged for the jump point it pushed them back into their chairs. In the movie it had seemed like the travel time was over and done with in a single jump. But actually it had taken them several days to get from Morag to Vormir.


    ¡°Dinner is served.¡± Lash said to Natasha as he took a seat on the other side of the holographic table in the lower decks of the ship.


    ¡°What is for dinner?¡± Natasha asked as she pulled the lid back and saw an array of wiggling grubs, and blood pudding with something swimming around inside of it. She paled and looked up at Lash only to discover he was trying to not laugh.


    ¡°What the hell is this!?¡± Natasha asked, as a smile spread across her face. Lash waved his hand over the plate and it turned into steak with rosemary potatoes. Natasha gave him a mock glare, and picked up her now restored glass of red wine. ¡°Jerk.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, couldn''t resist. But you should see some of the food types they have aboard this ship. I''m not sure if Rocket is an actual raccoon or if the term trash panda truly applies to him or not.¡± Lash said, and Natasha inhaled one of her potatoes as she was caught between laughing, and chocking.


    ¡°I''m confused about something. Why didn''t we just go to Asgard and get Heimdall to send us to Vormir?¡± Natasha asked, and Lash froze mid bite as he looked back at her.


    ¡°Eh.¡± Lash stopped and thought about it. Natasha grinned at him.


    ¡°Some of the highest IQ''s in the galaxy and I''m the one that figures that out!¡± Natasha said, and looked incredibly satisfied.


    ¡°Well... Do you want to watch, Princess Bride?¡± Lash asked, and Natasha''s eyes lit up!


    ¡°Did you bring it!?¡± She squealed in delight as Lash activated a holo screen on the wall.


    Lash ended up crafting a leather couch for them to sit on and they watched several different movies. Lash had to get up periodically to adjust their course, and fly past pirate patrols. But all in all it was an enjoyable time on the ship. He feared he would not get another chance with Natasha. They settled into a comfortable passage of time. Until they reached their last jump point and entered the decayed system of Vormir.


    ¡°You ready to finish this?¡± Natasha asked, as the rear hatch lowered for them. She reached out and took his hand in her own.


    ¡°Yes...¡± Said in a bitter tone. Natasha glanced up at him, then looked back at the ship.


    ¡°You know, I bet we could buy a cabin the woods when this is done. Just the two of us for a while.¡± Natasha offered, miss understanding the situation. Lash looked at her and a sad smile grew across his face.


    ¡°I love you...¡± Lash said, as a tear rolled down his cheek. Natasha reached up and kissed him softly.


    ¡°I love you too.¡± She said, a smile on her face.


    The walk from the ship towards the mountain in the distance was one of the longest, and shortest walks of Lash''s life. Each agonizing step took him towards his destination but he wished there was more time. The mountain loomed with storm clouds above it. It looked like the mountain top was in the exact eye of the storm. But the storm didn''t move. From the distance the top of the mountain had a temple, or a structure placed. Looked like a tuning fork that pointed towards the sky.


    ¡°Welcome... Natasha, daughter of Ivan. Lash, son of Jormungand.¡± A ghostly male voice said from the shadows of the mountain. Natasha whipped around, raising her compact sub-machine gun from her exoskeleton suit but Lash reached out and pulled her arm down.


    A ghostly wraith made from smoke, and shadow pulled itself from the rock face. Its ghostly apparition filled Lash with dread. As it gradually floated towards them. It landed and peered at them from under its hood. Then a trick of the light washed over the ghost and revealed its face. A red skulled face with hollow dead eyes, and a lifeless energy.


    ¡°Red Skull, Johann Schmidt.¡± Lash said the name like it was poison to be spit out. Natasha''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°There was a time I went by that name. But that time has come and gone. Now, I am simply a guide to a treasure I can not dare to posses.¡± Red Skull replied to him.


    ¡°Where''s the Soul Stone?¡± Natasha asked.


    ¡°Follow me and I will show you the way. But beware it extracts a terrible price.¡± Red Skull said as he gradually floated along the path up to the top of the temple.


    ¡°How did you know he was up here?¡± Natasha asked, Lash just shook his head and followed along.


    They climbed the mountain and the temple came into being. Rough stone, and rock became carved stone with intricate designs. Mosaics covered the walls of different people arriving and failing to retrieve the stone in question. A plethora of alien writing was scattered across the walls. Lash translated some of it for Natasha but in the end they all said the same thing. Turn back, it''s not worth it. Love will only shackle you with pain, and guilt. As they continued to climb Natasha''s footing became confident, she squared her shoulders, and raised her chin.


    ¡°What you seek, lies in front of you. As does what you fear.¡± Red Skull said as the came to the top of the mountain.


    The towering stone structure above pointed like a fork towards the skies. A collection of geometric shapes were carved into the stone floor beneath their feet. Circles, triangles, and deep grooves into the rock that led towards the cliff''s edge. The storm raged above them, casting rain, hail, and snow onto them but it was oddly warm. Red Skull floated over to the edge and looked back at them.


    ¡°The stone is down there?¡± Natasha asked as she carefully walked towards the ledge. Lash stayed about fifty of so feet from it. He dared to not go any further.


    ¡°For one of you. For the other... In order to take the stone. You must lose that which you love. An everlasting exchange. A soul for a soul.¡± Red Skull finished speaking, Natasha turned around to look at Lash who had tears falling from his eyes.


    ¡°No!¡± Natasha said and marched right up to him and pegged him with a glare that made him step back.


    ¡°They need you more than me!¡± Natasha said to him, and Lash crashed to his knees and pulled her into his arms.


    ¡°Please don''t...¡± Lash said to her, as he started to sob. Natasha slowly pulled off her wedding ring and forced Lash to open his hand to take it.


    ¡°I love you, thank you for coming back for me. But this time, its my turn to save the world.¡± Natasha said to him and leaned down to give him a kiss.


    Lash tried to hold on to her but he felt something pull his arms apart and he felt Natasha walk away from him. He looked up at her as she walked towards the edge, and turned around so her back was towards the edge and she was facing towards him. She mouthed the words, ''I love you'' then jumped off the ledge. Lash screamed in fury and smashed his fists into the stone floor. Cracking it from the force of impact. A brilliant light swallowed the temple and he woke up in a pond of water a few miles from the Milano. In his hand was the Soul Stone.


    -----


    The quantum tunnel hummed with power and with a flash of light the time travelers returned with their rewards for a job well done! The whole room cheered as they started to congratulate one another, then watched in confusion as Lash dropped to his knees and started to sob. Natasha was missing, she hadn''t returned with Lash.


    Stupid! Stupid! Lash beat his fists into the glass mirror of the machine with out any real energy put behind it. He knew what was going to happen! He knew when he first started this story event chain what would happen to Natasha. He wanted to change it! Why hadn''t he been stronger! Why! FUCKING WHY!? Barton collapsed on his knees next to Lash and started to cry as well. He held on to him, and soon the rest of the group came to his side.


    ¡°Can''t we use the stones to bring her back?¡± Dr Hulk asked.


    ¡°No.... She.... She traded places with the stone. There is nothing to bring from the other realm. She''s.... Gone.¡± Lash said between his tears.


    ¡°We have to make it worth it...¡± Barton said next.


    ¡°We will...¡± Rogers replied. ¡°We will.¡± Then he came to kneel next to Lash and held on to him.


    ¡°I''m sorry, I''m sorry I wasn''t strong enough.¡± Lash said over and over again. Fuck he really wanted to go home.


    After a few more minutes they eventually pulled Lash off the quantum mirror. Under heavy Wakandan guard they escorted the stones to the R&D lab and started to craft a glove to hold the power of the stone. King Eitri, still alive from the ruin. Came down to Midgard and offered to help design the glove. Lash was like a zombie as he waited for the glove to be finished. Through careful precision and technology with nanotech, and Nidavellir artisan design the glove was made. Capable of growing to adapt to any hand.


    ¡°So, who''s going to snap their fingers?¡± Rocket asked, as he was looking over the glove.


    ¡°I''ll do it.¡± Thor said as he stepped forward.


    ¡°No...¡± Lash said with a growl and Thor looked back at him. ¡°This is on me.¡± Lash said as he stepped forward between everyone.


    ¡°King T''Challa, Director Hand.¡± Lash called out, Hand was on a video call. ¡°King Black Bolt.¡± Lash looked at them. ¡°When I bring everyone back they will appear in the exact place they faded from. This means that if they were on a ship they will end up in the water. If they were on a plane they will be in the air.¡± Lash finished and a look of realization came over every ones.


    ¡°Friday, work with my tech-spirits to do a quick search for all ships, and planes that were mobile during the snap. Otherwise there are going to be a lot of people stuck in the middle of the ocean, or suddenly going for a sky dive.¡± Lash finished his thought process.


    ¡°Heimdall, please notify the Nova Corp that we are about to bring everyone back. I shudder to think about all the people that are going to appear in space inside a vacuum. But its better than nothing.¡± Lash said next.


    I will do so now. -Heimdall replied.


    ¡°Hopefully they will at least appear on the planet they left. Otherwise everyone be in a different orbit.¡± Tony said next, and that made Lash pause. Did it work like that?


    ¡°No User, you are over thinking it.¡± Dawn said from above. He could just imagine that would be one last fuck you from nightmare mode.


    ¡°Where''s Nebula?¡± Lash asked, realizing she wasn''t in the room with everyone. The was an thunderous crash! That shook the whole complex and from the outside window rose a mini version of Sanctuary two, it gradually grew bigger until it towered over the city.


    ¡°I knew I forgot something.¡± Lash said, and he pulled the glove on.


    ¡°Wait!? What the fuck happened!?¡± Dr Hulk screamed.


    Snap! The glove slid into place and a pain that Lash could not describe coursed through his whole arm. Each stone that connected to the glove, and in turn connected to him synced up one by one. A surge of energy ripped through body, mind, and soul. Lash bit back a scream as he collapsed to one knee and tried to keep his palm open.


    The power stone linked up and a rush of purple energy raced through him. His flesh started to melt. The space stone linked up, and he felt his body shift in and out of place. Like it was trying to be in more than once place at a single time. Then the reality stone linked up and it felt like an old friend had opened his arms to hold on to Lash. Good to see you too. The soul stone linked up and he felt them, he felt them all hidden away in the stones power. Each, individual person waiting to be released. He looked, but in the end he knew. Natasha wasn''t there. The time stone linked up next and he felt like he was frozen in place. A paradox of time, in, and outside of time simultaneously. Then the mind stone linked up and he could reach everyone he had ever known with a thought.


    C-53, Midgard we have the stones. We are about to snap everyone back into existence. Be aware an alternate time line Thanos has reached C-53 outside the capital city of Wakanda. -Lash shouted through his mind and anyone who could respond did.


    ¡°EVERYONE COMES HOME!¡± Lash shouted and snapped his finger! WOOSH!


    Lash blinked and found himself in the middle of no where. He was walking through water that was maybe two or three inches deep. The sky was a technicolor of every shade of light Lash had ever seen it was weirdly beautiful. In the distance he saw a simple stone dais a few feet out of the ground. There on the dais was a throne with a person sitting on it. Lash gradually made his way towards the throne to see who was sitting on it.


    A man, an older human man with with a groomed white mustache, black rimmed glasses, and gray to silver hair pulled back. He had a calm, warm presence to him that naturally made Lash relax in his presence. He was sitting in the throne in a relaxed position and he was reading a comic book? He wore a pair of slippers, gray dress slacks, a wool vest, and had a pipe in his mouth. He looked up at Lash and smiled at him.


    ¡°Stan Lee, I was wondering when I would see you.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°I have to say its been fun watching you. A ''What if...?'' story for the telling. Needs some work on character growth and development. But progression was nice, and the amount of words per chapter are amazing. Keep it up, I think in a few years you''ll be something amazing.¡± Stan said to him.


    ¡°Now, get back out there and go kick his ass!¡± Stan said with a grin and winked at Lash. WOOSH!


    Lash found himself on his back looking up at the ceiling. The entire room shook several times as he heard distant explosions and an alarm was going off in the background. His entire right arm was killing him but he could feel his Superhuman Healing, and Regeneration rapidly fixing the problem. He saw someone come to stand over him and Lash smiled up at him.


    ¡°King T''Chaka it''s good to see you again.¡± Lash said to the late king who had been dusted. The older black panther smiled at him.


    ¡°Welcome back, Lash. It is good to see you to. But I believe there is a battle outside that needs your attention if you are ready to fight?¡± T''Chaka said and offered him a hand up.


    Lash''s arm cracked, and peeled as new skin was replacing the old. Flakes of his old dead flesh fell off and turned into ash. He looked around the room and found that the glove with the stones had been secured behind a sealed vibranium vault. How did he know that? He could feel the energy from the snap connecting him to it. He turned around and looked towards the window to see a beautiful sight.


    Sanctuary two was in ruins! One of the wings had been blown off and a huge impact crater was through the center portion. Captain Marvel was flying through the air attacking necrocraft, and leviathans. He saw lighting strikes hit the center of the battle field where he could only assume Thor was fighting against something. Lash called upon Transformation and sprinted out of the R&D lab to join the battle as quickly as possible.


    Now, as Shape Shift had evolved that meant his Transformation was different as well. He had four tentacles on his back, his tail had returned to being a serrated blade edge but with new spell inscriptions along it. He had four arms. Just like his tentacles he naturally knew how to control them with out any difficulty. He used Acceleration, and Cat''s Grace on himself and sprinted through the city streets racing towards the battle.


    He used Temporary Pack Bond and linked up with everyone with in a 25 mile radius and felt a wash of relief and joy crash into him. They had all come back! He saw dozens of sling ring portals opened as constant stream of reinforcements poured into battle for the first time in a long while. Thanos was not in control of the battle and it was clearly a new experience for him.


    Lash jumped throug the crowds and entered the battle field. His tentacles created red Psionic Blades and he tore through Outriders, and Chitauri with ease. Then he saw a familiar all be it unwanted sight. Cull Obsidian was fighting against several Wakandans, and Ravager soldiers. Lash turned towards him and raced forward. Cull turned to watch the approaching target with a grin. Lash dove straight into the ground with Earth Swim much to the surprise of Cull. Then Lash stuck his blades straight into Cull''s crotch from beneath the ground and spun up into the air like a top. Cull became a scattered red mess!


    ¡°Aha!¡± Lash said with a grin then took off towards Thanos.


    I figured it out! We look like one of the zerg hybrids! -Erik the gamer said across the link they shared. That was a question to ask at another time.


    Thanos was battling against Thor as the God of Thunder swung his hammer, and axe against the mad Titan. Thanos wore a combination of gold, and silver armor that covered him nearly from head to toe. Portions of his body were exposed but only to a minimal level. He battled against Thor using a double edged sword that could spin on its primary handle like an axle. It could fly out, and come back to him like Captain''s shield.


    Thor swung his axe towards Thanos face and he was blocked by the blade. Thanos snarled in frustration as he kicked Thor in the chest and swung his sword only to be pushed back as two red energy blades crashed into him, and another two swung towards him. Thanos rolled back out of the way but was pursued by Lash. Mud Marsh was used and Thanos sunk into the ground by several feet. But right before Lash pounced on him. Thanos was pulled out of the mud and brought before Ebony Maw.


    ¡°Go Lord Thanos I''ll hold them off!¡± Ebony said, and was soon decapitated Lash as he used Blink to get behind him...Again.


    ¡°Worthless!¡± Thanos said under his breath as Lash jumped at him and swung his tentacles around as Lash used Elemental Manipulation, and Darkness Manipulation thanks to extra limbs he do both at the same time. His claws danced in intricate patters as spikes of stone popped from the ground.


    ¡°Your the one that used the stones! You know there power!¡± Thanos said as he rolled to the side and threw a Sakaaran into the way of a blade of darkness.


    ¡°I know enough to know that you are not worthy of them!¡± Lash shouted at him and dove to the side as a leviathan raced past.


    ¡°I have spent my life trying to balance the Universe, who are you to tell me otherwise!¡± Thanos yelled back.


    ¡°Maybe it''s because I''m not insane! Maybe it''s because I know it would be better to make more resources than it would be to murder trillions! But when it was all said and done I found it interesting that you, and all your forces were spared from the snap!¡± Lash shouted at him.


    ¡°When the snap happened before you retreated but none of your people faded to dust! Your armies remained in power! You didn''t fade! Yes, its real easy to make the sacrifice no one else can make when you don''t lose anything!¡± Lash yelled and used Blink to appear behind him but was back handed before he could swing.


    ¡°You have no idea that I''ve had to give up to follow my destiny!¡± Thanos called back, and was struck by lightning as Thor came down and slammed his axe into Thanos''s chest plate. Thanos punched Thor but only received a short break before red corrosive energy wrapped around him and started to tear his armor off.


    Wanda was floating above her hands bathed in red energy as her eyes glowed. Vision floated next to her keeping her safe from any enemy fire. While Pietro zipped over and pulled Lash to his feet. Hundreds of Black Order soldiers tried to rescue him but they were stopped as a shot of cosmic energy from Captain Marvel came crashing down around them. Lash used Blink once more and appeared just above Thanos with his blades out like a scissor.


    Slash! The wet sound of Thanos''s head being cut off was sweet music to Lash ears! So much so that he felt he could listen to it for years to come. But before the first drops of blood even hit the ground the world around him slowed to a crawl. Though he landed on his feet, he rolled forward expecting another attack only to arrive inside the black room with Dawn waiting for him.


    ¡°Congratulations!¡± Dawn shouted and threw party confetti into the air! Lash looked towards her, confusion clear on his face. He was still in a mad rush that came with battle but he felt his heart slow with each passing breath.


    ¡°Am I done?¡± Lash asked, as he looked towards her.


    ¡°Yes, Lash you are done. Just in time as well! It''s time for you to long out and move around a bit! We can settle your world point back ground, and rewards when you get back. Find out what happens to everyone. Then we''ll have you back in your home reality in no time!¡± Dawn said and came to give him a hug.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn. Log me out.¡± Lash said and felt his connection on the Dream fade away...


    Galen

 Chapter 117: Rift Reward.

    ===========================================================


    ***The Real(?)***


    Erik woke up in his near pitch black room with tears that fell from his eyes. He slowly pushed back the shield from the Cube that covered his face and sat up in his bed. He felt the raw emotional pain that came with the event he had with in the Dream. Erik had had horrible dreams before. His parents said he suffered from night terrors when he was child. He had also seen movies, and read books where an emotional moment made him cry. But this...This was different.


    Erik pulled himself off his bed and fell to his knees as he shouted in indescribable pain. He felt like there was a hollow portion in his chest that had been recently carved out. But he had no spells, no powers, no way to deal with it here. In his mind he knew what he experienced was just a dream. A dream only seems fake when you wake up. But this feeling, this feeling felt real! Erik curled up into a fetal position and rocked back and forth. He tried to tell himself it wasn''t real, it was just a game.


    Erik didn''t know how long he stayed like that. Good have been minutes, it could have been hours. He felt the emotion, the attachment slowly grow numb. It felt like he was progressing through weeks, and months of progress in the span of a few hours. The hole was still there, but it slowly closing. But it would forever leave a scar behind. Erik climbed to his feet and looked around his room. He needed fresh air. He pushed open all his windows and decided to go down to the corner market for some food.


    He pulled on some more respectable clothes that didn''t fit him anymore. He had lost a lot of weight. When he left his apartment, and stepped outside of the complex he saw the light of the sun was slowly climbing. It was early morning, and he didn''t really care. He had lost track of what day it was. Like a zombie he shuffled his feet towards the corner store and walked into the brightly lit room. Filled wall to wall with snacks, food, simple convenience items, and he saw two familiar faces. Elder Scrolls, and James Bond. He still didn''t know their real names.


    James Bond was talking to a young woman that sat behind the counter of the corner store. She was in her late twenties with a mousy appearance. Small, but still cute. Pair of glasses on her face, hair down. She was also really enjoyed talking to Bond. Bond had leaned across the counter slightly and was very animated in his discussion with her. Erik walked through the store and collected the items for a meal and came up behind Elder Scrolls who jumped a little in surprise when he saw him.


    ¡°Hey DC! You ok? Look a little worn around the edges.¡± Elder Scrolls said to him.


    ¡°One of my favorite denizens of the dream died. It surprisingly hurt a lot.¡± Erik replied, and the Elder Scrolls actually gave him a look of sympathy and understanding.


    ¡°Ya! I was actually surprised how attached I got to my people.¡± Elder Scrolls said, and their conversation grew stagnant. Erik looked past him and looked at James.


    ¡°As he always been a lady killer?¡± Erik asked, and Elder Scrolls looked at his roommate then looked back at Erik and shook his head.


    ¡°Not, at all! He use to be terrified to speak to any girl. Now? He''s a modern day casanova. We think it has to do with the Dream Engine.¡± Scrolls said, as he shuffled his feet a bit.


    ¡°Did you report the bleed effect?¡± Erik asked, worried for them. Though he blatantly chose to ignore his own bleed effects.


    ¡°That''s just it! He contacted the admins and they came to look into his system. They said no bleed through was happening. It''s just confidence. The art of seduction is part of the James Bond play through. Even if its an implanted skill, you still tend to build up confidence.¡± Scrolls said with a smirk, and cleared his throat to interrupt his friend who had claimed the young woman''s number.


    ¡°Oh! I''m sorry! Are you ready to check out?¡± The young woman said, a blush crawled up her neck into her cheeks.


    Scrolls, and Erik paid for their food and Erik walked back with them towards the apartment complex. James, and Scrolls had both told Erik that they had joined the MMO version of their separate Dreams. So they weren''t playing with VI Avatars anymore, but actual Users. Thankfully most of the stupid people had been weeded out at that point they said. The Developers wanted professional, mature Users for their MMO version. What''s a stupid User? Someone who decides to mouth off to the Emperor of Cyrodiil expecting zero repercussions.


    ¡°They did that!?¡± Erik asked in shock towards James Bond who was telling a story about a VI Avatar that tried to seduce M.


    In many of the James Bond films, and books. M was the spy master of MI:6. She was an older woman that had her turn in the spy business and survived. But her overall story was something only teased about by the Authors, and the Directors of movies. So when the VI Avatar who had a thing for older woman tried to seduce her. She had him killed for over stepping boundaries.


    ¡°Yes, then apparently the User complained to the Developers that all men, and women should be capable of being seduced.¡± Bond said in reply with a grin.


    ¡°So, the Developers messaged back.¡± Scrolls continued.


    ¡°Everyone can be seduced, the User was just bad at it.¡± James said, and Erik laughed a bit. ¡°Then they posted User''s horrible attempts at seduction on the video thread itself. They guy apparently walked right up to M and just asked her if she wanted to fuck him. That was it.¡±


    ¡°Why did he expect that to work?¡± Erik asked.


    ¡°Because he had Advanced Seduction/Charm in his skill set. Most average denizens practically jumped into his arms. So he expected the same thing from M. I do have to admit M in my Dream is pretty attractive. She''s an older woman, who has taken care of herself. I see why the guy went for her.¡± Bond said, a faraway look was in his eyes.


    ¡°So, that User is not in the MMO hopefully?¡± Erik asked, and Bond shook his head.


    ¡°The only issue with an MMO is that we''ve had to slow down our play time. In a single player game we can do that one hour in the real is one week in the dream. But in the MMO its the original time frame of five minutes in the real is an hour in the dream.¡± Scrolls said next, as they almost reached the apartment complex.


    ¡°That, and when you log out. Your VI copy controls your avatar while you are away.¡± Bond said next and that made Erik stop in thought.


    ¡°Ummm, what happens if someone kills your Avatar while you are logged off?¡± Erik asked.


    ¡°Your dead.¡± Bond said with a grimace.


    ¡°That''s why its a Beta test. The Developers were so adamant about only giving Users one life. But that may not work in the MMO. We''ll see, hey this is us! See you around DC!¡± Scrolls said, and Bond waved at Erik who said goodbye back.


    Erik went back up to his home. He pulled out a frozen pizza, and bread sticks for the oven. While they cooked, he cleaned up his home a bit. His food didn''t take long. He set it aside for a moment and took a shower so when he stepped out it had cooled down. He ended up eating the whole pizza, and bread sticks. It was odd though, he wasn''t actually hungry. Yes, he did eat a lot. But... After he ate the entire medium pizza, and bread sticks. He didn''t feel full either. It was like he could eat more, or he didn''t need eat at all.


    One thing he did do was pull open a window and did a bit of sun bathing. He couldn''t remember the last time he spent more then a few minutes in the sunlight. He must have stayed there for a few hours because when he opened his eyes the sun had risen past his window. He stood up with a stretch and felt his bodies joints pop in soft release. He felt...Good. He cleaned up his kitchen, and did some chores. Then he went back to his bed room and cleaned the Dream Engine Cube. Then he signed onto the DC Comics Dream forums.


    Erik filled out another Beta Test questionnaire. He had an email from his bank telling him about the deposit of money from the Dream Engine company. He knew he agreed to get paid for doing the Nightmare Mode. But seeing it actually in his bank account made it more real. He still didn''t like the forced difficulty increase. But it was a Beta Test. He technically didn''t The Cube, or the game. But when he received a notification from the developers asking him about Nightmare mode he made sure they knew his frustrations.


    They sent a simple reply back stating that they were sorry for the inconvenience and even increased his pay by another hundred dollars! OK... However, they also said that if it got to bad he could just reset his dream. So he would lose all of his progress? Erik was frustrated with the idea. Even if he didn''t use any of his World Points he had accumulated over his play time. Even if he told Dawn to give him the exact place, time, and Origin start. Same abilities, powers, and spell craft. Erik knew it would not be the same. Because he is not the same.


    Erik had done it before. How many people had played a single player game. Won it, or stopped half way through and wanted to try something new. Start over, and you spend half the time you did before in the starting village because you already know it. Head straight north instead of wondering around? The problem with that is. In the Dream Engine, that would dramatically change the story. Maybe he would never meet Li''Ana, or Jessabell? Maybe he would never get called on to help track Ares? No matter what he did, his new game would be different.


    Erik leaned back and thought about it. If he ever did a new game+ in the dream maybe he could still play Lash/Saurian but be a villain instead? Could be fun. Following that train of thought Erik went to the forums and looked up how many had done that? Been a hero and swapped to villain. Or vice versa? A lot of people had done it mid dream. But a lot of people had also had his same train of thought.


    As Erik was reading through some threads he noticed his inbox had about 13,564 letters in it. He activated the little program the developers had given him to skip through the death threats, and spam stuff. That narrowed it down to about 5,678 letters. Crap! So Erik stretched a bit and started to look through the letters. Many of them were thank you notes, some of them were from people that Lash had killed but they simply wanted to ask questions about mechanics. Lash/Saurian were part of the last remaining first life Avatars. Erik couldn''t remember but there were suppose to be like a hundred or so left. Maybe less?


    What had also happened was that Lash/Saurian were now part of the MMO as a VI Avatar. He was a skill/power/spell trainer for new Wardens, and JLI members. On an additional note, a hero turned villain had figured out Lash''s secret identity and posted it on the forums. Now a lot of the new born Villains that had been killed by him in the past tracked Lash down in their new dreams and killed him before he got to big of a threat. Aha!


    Then inspiration struck him. Erik looked up the MCU Rift story/event chain. Turned out it was a fan favorite a majority of the Users in the DC Comics had done it at least once. There was a door in a Users black room that allowed them to revisit old Rifts they had completed. There would be zero reward, but also zero chance of permanent death. But you could make different choices. Erik looked up the long list of rewards and was disappointed. An admin had come in and redacted all the pages with the rewards posted on them. They didn''t want to spoil it for everyone.


    He did find A LOT of people angry about the 4th wall engine preventing them from doing things. So Erik wasn''t the only one. The events had to happen in some resemblance of order. However, the Developers claimed that they were looking into changing that in the future. There were also several people who had posted stories about how they changed the timeline. How a Kryptonian had beaten Thanos to death before the event chain was not even half way complete. The User had been A+ grade. All their stats were through the roof and were on par with Captain Marvel. So it was possible to defeat Thanos before the snap happened. You just had to be incredibly overpowered.


    Eventually Erik turned his computer off and turned around to look at the Cube. He felt that hole in his chest appear again. He took a deep breath and reminded himself it was just a game. He double checked his sheets, put on some sleeping wear, cleaned the cube again. Decided to clean his room....again? No! No! This as stupid! It was a game. Despite all the stress that came with being on Nightmare mode there was also a sense of relief, and thrill that came with overcoming a challenge. He laid down and activated the Cube. He felt the hum energy pass over him and he fell asleep quickly.


    ____________________________________________________________________


    ¡°Welcome back User!¡± Dawn said with good cheer as he appeared in the black room.


    She decided to wear a high school cheer leader outfit this time. Short blond hair tied back in a pony tail. Short pleated skirt, halter top that exposed her midriff, and barely contained her bouncing chest. Her pink lips had sparkling lip gloss across them, and she had raised her hands into the air when she said hello. She had red, and pink tennis shoes on and she did a high kick into the air.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn. Those colors look familiar.¡± Lash said as he walked up and looked her over. She did a pirouette to show off her figure, her skirt flared up a bit.


    ¡°It''s from your high school! You attached your social media page to the Dream Engine when you filled out the questionnaire. It let use give a better understanding of who you were. I''ve been saving it for a special occasion!¡± Dawn said, as she gave him a wink and ran her tongue along her lips in a sensual motion.


    ¡°Right! The colors match my school. You also look familiar!¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°I do! Though its not exact copy that would be impolite of me. We try not to directly copy existing people it can cause...Issues outside the dream.¡± Dawn said, and stopped to take on an authority tone that really didn''t match her outfit.


    Lash nodded as he understood why she looked that way. Dawn followed him with her eyes, her eyes that continued to dance up and down his body. Erik Lash wore a pair of gym shorts, and a medium black shirt. Showed off his figure, but kept a bit of modesty. Dawn walked up casually and ran her hands over his chest, and abdomen as her eyes danced to his lips more than once. Why not? Lash leaned down and kissed Dawn who smiled and...Slapped him across the face!


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Lash said with a grin, it didn''t really hurt.


    ¡°Excuse me! I have my promise ring on.¡± Dawn extended her hand, waving her fingers with a silver promise ring on. Lash rolled his eyes at her and she stuck her tongue out at him.


    ¡°OK? So, what does a guy have to do to get the ring off?¡± Lash asked as he opened his arms up. Dawn walked right up to him pressing the long line of her body against his own. Her eye lashes fluttered.


    ¡°....We should do your epilogue.¡± Dawn whispered to him then bounced away before he could close his arms around her. He took a deep breath and let out a gentle sigh. Dawn really liked to tease him.


    Dawn did a cartwheel that moved into a front flip, then bounced off the ground into a half twist then landed on wooden stage that materialized when she wanted it to. She bounced again into a full twist and landed so she faced him again and raised up her hands as the timeline app appeared. Wow! OK, she was in a mood. But Lash felt his lips pull up into a smile. It made the hole in his chest feel lighter.


    _____________________________________________________________


    (Epilogue of the MCU Rift Story/Event)


    Thanos the Mad Titan had been slain. His Black Order laid to waste, as was his armies. The Universe as whole rejoiced as their people returned from the ruin that Thanos had caused. Though it was not perfect. It was far better than what it had been before. True to their word, the team used the quantum tunnel and returned the stones to their original time line. The SSR did have a portfolio on a giant reptile swimming in the polar ice caps in the 1940''s, but never ever found any trace of the creature afterwards. The rest of the stone were placed back in their respective places. Much to the dislike of Captain America they did replace the scepter in the Hydra base.


    Lash Jormungandson returned the soul stone to Vormir. Red Skull awaited his arrival and took the stone freely from him. They had a long discussion about details of the stone, and the sacrifice. Lash left Vormir with a smile on his face, and hope for the future. When the stones were returned a party on a universal scale was celebrated. Unfortunately the celebration would not last.


    Earth among so many planets across the universe had grown use to not having their population this large. They were happy to have their people back of course. But trillions of people across the universe had been displaced. What were you meant to do when you had been living in a home for five years only for the original owners to reappear and demand that you get out?


    The Inhumans eventually got their island chain. It had taken him 5 years but Lash helped Attilan create a place for them in the North Atlantic ocean. Though the cast system was eventually put aside, the royal family didn''t step down and were never asked to. Attilan, and Wakanda worked together to bring Earth into the new century. Especially since Lash terraformed the moon into a verdant jungle. Why he did Lash do this when asked? He said he needed the practice.


    SHIELD continued to be a world wide organization designed to help protect the planet Earth. While SWORD began to expand into the Sol System with the help several alien friends, and the Nova Corp. With the return of so many people back on Earth old conflicts rose up once more. One would think people would put aside their differences but it was more of the same.


    Odin returned and took up an advisory position to King Thor. Thor married Lady Sif and they had a child soon after. Hela was never seen. While Loki was lost to the Universe. They never learned if he was alive or dead. Asgard took the opportunity to go out and use their forces to help rebuild, and protect the nine galaxies as a whole as a police force. They worked along side the Nova Corp, and other interested parties.


    Wanda, and Vision did end up having two children. Twins! With the help of Lash''s magic science. Lash spent the next fifteen or so years on Midgard helping them cope with the situation while he would still visit the other nine realms. Eventually he finished his affairs and asked Thor for time off. When asked what he planned to do, his only reply was a smile. The last anyone saw of Lash Jormungandson was when he reached the edge of the Sol System in a custom crafted ship.


    _____________________________________________


    ¡°Dawn, where are the personal clips for specific characters like I had in the Time Fragment? As a matter of fact that entire epilogue is different.¡± Lash asked, as he read through the time line.


    ¡°The Developers didn''t think it was necessary for the MCU event chain. Also they were trying a different format for the after word. Do you prefer the older style?¡± Dawn asked.


    ¡°Yes, yes I do.¡± Lash replied and Dawn made a note.


    ¡°Next we have your rewards! I must say, it is a lot!¡± Dawn said with a grin, and brought up the next reward app in the black room.


    Rewards calculated for entire event chain.


    25,000 Dream Points.


    500 Ability Evolution Points.


    Lesser version of one Infinity Stone. (Speak to VI Rep.)


    Lash''s eyes went wide at the amount of DP he had access to. Then he checked his actual DP total with the reward included because he couldn''t before. He had 30,000 DP in total! He could afford the C, B, and A grade versions of the Watch Tower Station. Along with modules, and maybe even have enough left over for a new planetary shield upgrade, and the lunar academy they wanted! A fierce grin came across Lash''s face, and he cheered in delight!


    ¡°Wait, what is a lesser version of an Infinity Stone?¡± Lash asked, not understanding the last reward.


    ¡°User, you can choose one of the Infinity Stones as a reward. Only one! But it is not the whole stone, just a small tear drop of it. But that alone is amazing! Here I have each stone''s description. Please be aware its vague on purpose.¡± Dawn replied.


    Power Stone: The User is granted empowerment from the stone as it gradually boosts all available abilities over time. (Additional effects will be based off of User.)


    Space Stone: The User is granted the ability to travel freely through space, and dimensions. (Additional effects will be based off of User.)


    Reality Stone: The User is granted the ability to distort the fabric of reality. (Additional effects will be based off of User.) Recommended!


    Soul Stone: The User is granted the ability to command souls, and the concept of life and death. (Additional effects will be based off the User.)


    Time Stone: The User is granted the ability to partially control, and wield time. (Additional effects will be based off the User.)


    Mind Stone: The User is granted the ability to amplify, and empower their own mind, and others. (Additional effects will be based off the User.)


    ¡°Wow, that is vague! Why is the reality stone the recommended one?¡± Lash asked, as he paused over the option.


    ¡°You have the most experience with that stone. This lesser version will not suck you dry, if you worried about it.¡± Dawn replied, as she saw on the stage''s edge, kicking her legs back and forth. ¡°Though I can think of a few people you know that would like to suck you dry.¡± Dawn continued, and Lash looked at her with a smirk.


    ¡°I take it that the choice is permanent? Can''t swap it out for another once I have it?¡± He asked, as he began to pace in his black room.


    ¡°Yes! However, once you choose you can log off and check the forums for the reward page. Since the forums are tied to your Dream Engine their let you see them.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Check list then! The Mind Stone seems impractical for this. With my abilities I can already empower other people. I have several mind abilities already. So the stone would simply empower them. Sounds exciting, but I can do that with the new 500 AEP.¡± Lash said, as he did some mental calculations.


    I never enjoyed doing the most effective tactics available. (META) I just went with what would be fun, and what would keep me alive. -Erik said across the link.


    We may have to. The world around us is growing more, and more dangerous. -Saurian continued across the link.


    ¡°So, Mind Stone is out. Time Stone look interesting. But we can already do that with our Time Domain. But of course the stone would only empower our abilities. Time Domain is one of the more dangerous Domains. Having an item that is pure time could be greatly beneficial.¡± Lash continued, as he thought about it. He eventually came over to Dawn who perked up. He ended up leaning against the stage, with his back between her legs. She grinned at him, and wrapped her arms around him from behind.


    ¡°Soul Stone is also a moot. We have the Grave/Necromancy Domains. Though I can assume it would empower Kiss of the Grave. Maybe even Animancy. But why Reality? I understand we''ve used it before. But we do have Reality Warping already. But having a high level version was incredibly useful. It empowered all of our spells naturally.¡± Lash said as he leaned back, Dawn placed her cheek next to his own.


    ¡°Keep going...¡± Dawn said softly into his ear and it made him shiver.


    ¡°Space Stone would empower the Space Domain. Along with Portal Creation. But in the end I have everything the stones do. Everything but....The Power Stone. Gradually boosts all available abilities overtime? I don''t suppose you could explain that?¡± Lash asked as he turned to look at her. She grinned at him, and began to nibble on his ear. That was distracting!


    ¡°Dawn.....Nnnnnn...Dawn!¡± Lash said, as he regretfully pulled away. She looked up at him with a look of innocence as if she hadn''t been doing anything.


    ¡°Yes, Lash?¡± Dawn asked.


    ¡°Are the rewards normal for everyone? I know the origins grant different things but....¡± Lash asked, he understood it was an open ended question but Dawn smiled at him.


    ¡°Essentially yes. The additional effects are the only things that are different. But the standard reward is normal for everyone.¡± Dawn replied.


    ¡°OH! So someone who has absolutely no resurrection abilities would find a lot of use out of the Soul Stone?¡± Lash asked, but Dawn simply shrugged. She was unable to give him a direct answer this time.


    Though Lash didn''t know the exact nature of the Soul Stone with out picking it up. He could assume having an extra life would be amazing! Even Lash''s own resurrection abilities had huge drawbacks. Kiss of the Grave and Death Ward have a six month cool down period on the individual target. That was something Lash had to learn, it was not in the spell description.


    ¡°Even though the Reality Stone is recommended. I''ll go with the Power Stone.¡± Lash said, and Dawn looked at him with an enigmatic smile.


    ¡°Are you sure? Once you choose there is no going back.¡± Dawn said, and Lash chewed on his lip. It was between the Power Stone, and the Reality Stone.


    ¡°It''s not the actual stone right?¡± Lash asked again.


    ¡°Correct, you are obtaining a tear drop amount of the stone that will work in your specific location. Because Infinity Stones are tied to the realities they exist in and lose power when they leave it. This reward will not do that. The stone fuses into you.¡± Dawn said, that was new information!


    ¡°So....The Reality Stone wont suck me dry. The Power Stone wont kill anything organic, right?¡± Lash asked, suddenly horrified.


    ¡°Oh no! Yes, sorry that is also removed.¡± Dawn continued with a smile.


    ¡°Power Stone!¡± Lash said. Dawn looked at him for about a minute. He grew visibly pale thinking he had done something wrong. Then the reward application appeared in front of him.


    Do you accept the Power Stone as your reward? Yes/No....Yes.


    Effects: All of the User''s abilities passively gain experience. 10% of the total experience needed to level is granted per day. (Example, 10% of 1,000 = 100 EXP)


    Side-Note: The higher the evolution the less experience obtained per day. (See Tool Tip)


    Effects: The User will passively regain all forms of energy at an accelerated rate. (See Tool Tip)


    Tailored Effects: Grant a temporary 24 hr, 2 X EXP boost to a target. (Can not self target.)


    Side-Effect: EXP boost has a one week cool down per target.


    ¡°Wait!? I passively gain experience now? Even with the abilities I don''t use?¡± Lash asked, astonished.


    ¡°That is correct, User!¡± Dawn said with a grin.


    In order to level up an ability one had to use them. If you didn''t use them, they didn''t gain experience. With the Power Stone reward, now Lash just gained experience regardless. Yes it would take days, weeks, or even months to evolve some of them. But to just passive gain experience now? The tailored effects also was nice. Lash liked helping his fellow JLI with training so with the new boost it would really help a lot of them push past their limits.


    ¡°Alright... Let''s go back.¡± Lash said to Dawn who winked at him and he felt himself fall from the black room. Time to go home.


    ==========================================================


    ***HR. Earth, New York. WWN Studio***


    ¡°Hello everyone, I''m Sara Bradley!¡± Sara said cheerfully into the camera.


    ¡°And I am Luke Brendon!¡± Luke said next.


    ¡°¡±And this is World Wide News!¡±¡± They said together!


    Sara was wearing a very nice blue silk cashmere suit that was tailored made for her slim, but athletic figure. Her brown hair had grown long enough for her to tied back into a tail. It gave her a young, but professional look. Her blue eyes were highlighted but impeccably applied make up, and her tanned skin gave her a healthy look to anyone that watched her.


    Luke had shaved his black hair so he was bald, he wore a pink cancer ribbon on his black suit jacket. His warm amber eyes were crescent shape as his smiled reached high up his face. His chocolate skin was smooth, and with out any noticeable blemish. He had filled out his suit, especially in the shoulders. On his left hand was an engagement ring.


    ¡°Our top story today is that STAR labs has reported that they now know the differences between the different Rifts, and portals we have discovered across the globe.¡± Sara began.


    ¡°That is right, Sara! And it couldn''t have come sooner! Thanks to the United Nations pooling their resources. With a large help from the Justice League International we can now determine which each one will do if it should fail.¡± Luke continued, and glanced at Sara who took the lead.


    ¡°With this we can now establish safe zones, and supply troops where they are needed. If a Rift is an, ''Egg Break'' as they are being called now. Then the military, and the JLI can set up and act accordingly. If they are an explosion, or implosion we can evacuate the area.¡± Sara said.


    ¡°This has dramatically cut back on costs, resources, and personnel in the area. Allowing the governments across the world to help provide the correct amount of aid in the right places. Unfortunately not everything is good news.¡± Luke said.


    ¡°Yes, several videos have been posted on social media. These videos show people entering Rifts that they are not properly prepared for and exiting the Rifts with abilities matching a Meta. Or coming out with money, gold, and jewels. But we have to stress this. For every success there are dozens if not hundreds of failures.¡± Sara continued.


    ¡°So we the people at the World Wide News have been asked to tell you. If you see a Rift please notify the local emergency response teams. Ghost Industries the new financial backer for the CSA programs has offered a reward to anyone who spots a Rift.¡± Luke said next.


    ¡°Please understand multiple people can spot the same Rift, and Ghost Industries has declared that everyone will get a reward. There is no reason to fight one another for the reward.¡± Sara said, and with a grimace she said off script towards the camera. ¡°Yes, its happened before.¡± Luke winced a bit but continued on.


    ¡°Speaking the CSA with for anyone who didn''t know stands for the Certified Supers Association. Ghost Industries has opened up a new training facility right here in our own city. New York. This facility will be used to help train people who find themselves with new powers. Allowing them to gain a handle on their abilities, as well as seek employment with their powers if they so choose.¡± Luke said next, and they glanced at the holographic display behind them.


    The camera angle moved and the studio played a clip of one of their one the scene reporters going through a mini tour of the facility. They showed Victoria Ghost the CEO of Ghost Industries doing a ribbon cutting. The camera crew also spotted over a dozen JLI members either flying in the air, or perched on roof tops near by providing security. The facilities are huge, with more than half of it underground for security. The CSA facility would also double as an emergency shelter in times of crisis.


    As the camera crew toured the facility they came across several children, teenagers, and adults being trained in an expansive gymnasium. It had been explained that physical health is one of the key aspects of controlling new Meta powers. The more control one had over their own body, the more they control abilities. What was slightly horrifying was there was some sort of alien creature in the middle of the gym that looked like a giant slug that was telling the kids the proper way to lift weights. It wasn''t until later that they news team was informed that some Meta''s go through a physical changes as well.


    Victoria Ghost answered as many questions as possible that had been cleared by the Ghost Industries public relations. But there always had to be a few reporters who pushed the envelope about what they could, or could not ask. One reported asked how could the CSA justify using tax payers money to build this. That was when they were politely informed that they didn''t. This all came out of Ghost Industries own pocket. Ghost Industries had established CSA facilities across the world. Each one paid for, and run by Ghost Industries. Which oddly enough actually made people more nervous then not.


    ¡°Excuse me!¡± Sara called, and the camera angle switched from the tour back to the studio.


    ¡°We''ve just been informed that the giant Rift in New York where Agent Wraith stepped into is reacting to the environment. The STAR techs on the ground believe the Rift is collapsing. We have a crew on station.¡± Sara continued, and the video switched over to the giant blue to green Rift.


    The Rift had all but swallowed the building that it had appeared in and maintained that volume the entire month that Agent Wraith had stepped inside of it. Now, the Rift was collapsing, expanding! Then slowly folding in on it self. This didn''t look like an imploding Rift. They had seen this before when JLI, and other governments agents had succeeded in preventing a Rifts failure. Then with an audible POP! The Rift winked out of existence.


    Several JLI ported in, while several others flew, climbed, or ran over across the city. They waited just on the edge of the building until a familiar, all be it slightly different towering figure walked out of the building. Wraith looked different? He was still stood at eight, was wrapped in a billowing shroud of smoke and shadow. But he now had four appendages curling, and writhing on his back. Four clawed hands moved out from his shroud. His presence, even felt through the camera was palpable.


    Several soldiers, and police officers walked over to speak to Wraith. The news crew couldn''t get close enough to listen. The area was still quarantined. Eventually Wraith stepped from the officers in charge of the scene and a familiar ribbon of energy wrapped around him and he teleported back to the Watch Tower Station. An officer in charge came to speak to the news that Wraith would make a statement once he had been debriefed. That was all. The studio switched from the scene back to the studio.


    ¡°Well, I for one am happy that Wraith is back safe and sound!¡± Luke said with a smile.


    ¡°Me too!¡± Sara replied.


    ===============================================================


    ***HR. Watch Tower Station***


    ( Warden Erik Lash and Hunter Saurian / Agent Wraith)


    Thunderous applause was the first sound Lash came back to when the portal hub door opened up. The entire promenade was full of people from the JLI, Wardens, and the supernatural community. Lash keeping to his Warden training bowed deeply from his waist towards the crowd. Then silently made his way towards operations for his debrief that he did not look forward to at all.


    ¡°Welcome back, father. We missed you!¡± Vici said to him across their telecommunications link.


    ¡°Thank you, daughter mine. It is good to be home.¡± Lash said, but he knew his voice was...off.


    ¡°Take your time, father. The world is broken but we can wait for you to get settled.¡± Vici said politely but Lash knew that wouldn''t work. As much as Lash desperately wanted to take a few days he knew they would throw him back into the grinder.


    He stepped into operations and was shown to a debriefing room. A senior Warden, fae court officials, Vigil, and Wonder Woman were waiting for him. Lash kept to his etiquette and attempted to bow before Wonder Woman pulled him into a hug. He towered over her six foot height but he still returned the embrace with all four of his arms. Wonder Woman jumped a little but settled back down.


    Next came Vigil who normally would wait till they were alone to show any kind of affection being the soldier type didn''t care either way and hugged him next. Though it was quick! Then Lash pulled off his grim reaper outfit and the room went pin drop silent. He wore his dark forest green vibranium polymer suit. With Einherjar Nth, and Uru metal vantablack armored plates. Next was the fact that his tribal marks that across his scales glowed with a slight purple hue. Then on his forehead on his skull crest was a small tear drop sized purple gem.


    As Lash took a seat, the chair altered itself to adjust to his new body form. Martian tech was so nice! The four tentacles wiggled for a bit then settled, then Lash crossed his lower arms over his chest, and steepled his upper hands in front of him. Lash was practically oozing energy just by sitting there. With Magical Perception on they could see will-o-wisps of natural energy dancing with joy around Lash.


    ¡°Warden Lash, how long were you in the Rift. From you perspective?¡± The Seelie Court Fae asked. Lash leaned back in his chair and had to think about it. If he went off his background it would be over a thousand years. If he took that away, but counted time during, and between events it would be approximately five years.


    ¡°That is hard to say, I have two answers for you.¡± Lash replied, as Wonder Woman, and Vigil took their seats. Wonder Woman looked at him with concern.


    ¡°You are aware that with in the Rift what ever, or who ever controls them gives each individual who enters a sort of background?¡± Lash asked, and they nodded.


    The teams that had been sent into the Rifts would on a subconscious level know what they needed to do to accomplish the Rift. Then the system (Dawn) would write up a recommended background for each individual that stepped in. They would have a flash of memories imprinted in their minds. That would fade away kinda like a dream when they left the Rift. But many people had reported having an entire life of memories and it caused a bit of disorientation.


    ¡°The imprint granted to me gave me over a thousand years of memory.¡± Lash began.


    ¡°Holy Hera!¡± Wonder Woman said with wide eyes.


    ¡°While the actual time spent was approximately five years.¡± Lash continued, the rest of the room leaned back a bit at that.


    ¡°I''m taking you off of active duty until you''ve had a full work over.¡± Vigil said quickly. Lash looked over at her.


    ¡°I agree, I am not... I need time to center myself. Vici, could you schedule the next available appointment for me for a therapist?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Of course creator. There will be one waiting for you when you are ready.¡± Vici replied in a quick, and efficient tone. But hidden in her voice that only Vigil, and Lash heard was a hint of nervous tension.


    ¡°Alright, shall we start from the beginning?¡± Wonder Woman asked next.


    So he did. One of the few times he was thankful for the 4th wall engine. It kept him from spilling anything that would pertain to the Dream Engine or the fact that he was a gamer from another reality and/or Dream? Semantics! He told them his selected background, the reality he was sent to, and the event chain fought through. He also showed them the ring he had made for Natasha. Wonder W...Diana wanted to hug him but he said if she did he may start to cry and never stop. So she waited till the end. As far as any of them could tell. Lash had lived an entire lifetime. But unlike the other Rift Walkers, Lash remembered it almost in perfect detail. Yes, he understood it wasn''t real? Or maybe it was? The Denizens of the Dream still didn''t fully understand the science behind the Rifts.


    ¡°As much as we want to put you to work, Warden Lash. We agree with Vigil''s assessment. You need to be physically, psychologically, and spiritually cleared for duty. You are here by temporarily placed on standby pending a review, or if something horrible happens.¡± The senior Warden said, and the Fae council agreed.


    ¡°Thank you for your service, Warden Lash and Hunter Saurian. Please ensure you write up a written report at your earliest convenience.¡± The senior Warden continued and Lash handed him a data chip with his written record. The senior Warden let out a small chuckle and took it from him.


    ¡°Would you allow me to help with training, supervised of course? I have a new ability that will help.¡± Lash asked the room.


    ¡°As long as you are supervised by someone of equal or greater strength. We can''t have you attacking anyone by accident.¡± Vigil said, it was a bit brutal but also necessary precaution.


    After that the senior Warden, and fae council left the room. Diana walked around the table and pulled Lash into a hug. She was soon joined by Vigil and he was held by each of them. Tears started to fall from his six reptilian eyes and he quietly sobbed. He was home at last. But he was broken, and it would take time to fix. Eventually Diana volunteered to escort him to the Doctors to get a once over.


    Diana was essentially in full uniform. She had swapped out her Amazon gear for the full magitech JLI uniforms. She had medium to heavy gear on that resembled an ancient greek hoplite, with a polymer under armor suit. Spell script written into the armor. The color was blue, red, and white. With a hawk style emblazoned across it. Her helmet would collapse and compress into her neck line when it was not being worn. Her shield, and sword were strapped to her back, and belt.


    Diana walked by Lash''s side holding his arm as he had offered it to her. They made an odd pair as they walked through the station to the medical wing. Lash noticed it was a tight fit as the station was crowded once more. Recruitment was up, so they needed more space soon. He''d have to clear it with everyone first but he did have enough points and there for he had the next upgrade design for C grade. A familiar faces waved to Lash has he moved along with Diana. But no one approached him oddly enough. Unless Vigil, or Vici informed them not too?


    They reached the medical wing and stepped in. The medical module had expanded extensively. Allowing access to dozens of medical beds, with the attachment of the gene therapy clinic, and sanatorium. This made it far larger than it use to be. Thanks to the advanced magical, and medical science used in the module most people were in and out with in a few hours. Except for the most critical of injuries. Like...Death!


    Lash, and Diana were shown to a private room. Once inside Lash pulled off Transformation, he still had his suit on but he was in his default human form for his home reality. 6''6¡± with caramel skin, bald head, yellow green reptilian eyes, tribal marks for each domain on his exposed skin. Which wasn''t much! Lash turned to look at Diana who was looking him up and down with a small smile growing across her face.


    ¡°See anything you like, Princess?¡± Lash asked, as he opened his arms and did a little spin.


    Diana smiled at him and gave him a shrug that could mean nearly anything. Even with his Deductive Reasoning Lash wasn''t sure. Diana was very good at hiding her body language. Came with being a trained, and disciplined warrior. Once could almost see the telegraphed move of someone when they attacked. So she was trained not to show it. So, Lash walked across the room and stood before her. She stood up from the wall and waited.


    Lash reached out and cradled her face in his hands and Diana leaned into it. There was a moment when Lash wanted to kiss her. But something told him not to. No, it was not something. He new what it was. He felt like if he did he would betray Natasha. A glimmer passed through Diana''s eyes, she leaned in and kissed both of his cheeks. Then wrapped her arms around him, he was tall enough that she could set her head just under his chin and they would fit.


    Lash did a quick Insight check on her and was informed that she was 72....no 75/25 for romance and friendship. Romance being the former. But Lash knew Diana well enough to know that she wouldn''t share him. Maybe they could have sex. But Diana was the type of woman who would have a harem of men. (Polyandry.) He wasn''t sure why but it made him smile. They stayed in each others arms for a while before someone knocked on the door. They let each other go and called the visitor in.


    Ethan was one of the first androids that Lash had made and the time had been well to him. With out all of Lash''s special abilities he would say Ethan was 100% human. Or at least an alien of some kind. His poly metallic alloy skin was perfect. He stood at approximately six foot even with tanned skin, black hair that was just long enough to tie back, bright blue eyes, and an athletic build. He wore a pair of blue scrubs, and a doctors coat. He was also very good looking!


    ¡°Diana! Father! Good to see you!¡± Ethan said, as he walked up and hugged them both.


    ¡°You are looking good, Ethan. Any problems?¡± Lash asked as he hugged his creation/son.


    ¡°We could use more room in the hospital.¡± Ethan said as he walked over a wall and pulled a sheet of glass out of it. A touch pad screen.


    ¡°That''s good, I have the next upgrade schematic ready.¡± Lash said, Diana and Ethan both perked up at that.


    ¡°Shall I inform Malleus to start preparing the upgrade process?¡± Vici asked through the intercom system. Lash paused for a moment, he had thought the rooms were confidential. But then he realized he didn''t care if Vici knew his secrets.


    ¡°Yes, please.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Alright, so we need to do an assortment of tests here. I''ll need you to strip.¡± Ethan said, and Lash began to take off his armor.


    It was relatively easy with his spell craft it simply faded into a pocket space after it was compressed. He did notice that Diana didn''t offer to leave, and she also noticed he didn''t ask her to either. She simply sat down in an offered chair by Ethan and watched with a smile that continued to grow across her face. Lash was covered in tribal marks, each one now highlighted in a purple glow. He was ripped! He was a demigod after all. Rectangular build, wide as a door. Perfected chiseled muscles, and an proportionately sized penis that Diana may have looked at and licked her lips a few times. In the middle of Lash''s sternum was the tear drop power stone.


    ¡°Hmmm, what''s this?¡± Ethan asked as he took a pen and went to tap on the stone. Lash tried to stop him but it was to late. When Ethan tapped it an energy burst shot him across the room. Thankfully Ethan bounced off the wall like he was made out of rubber.


    ¡°Fascinating!¡± Ethan shouted in joy as he looked at his pen which had turned into slag.


    ¡°Sorry, still getting use to it.¡± Lash said, and with a little bit of effort a sort of clear coated scale covered the stone.


    ¡°You alright, Ethan?¡± Diana asked, she hadn''t risen from her chair but her muscles were tense.


    ¡°Oh I''m fine! In fact I feel invigorated. Super charged even!¡± Ethan said as he went over to the touch screen and scanned himself instead of Lash.


    ¡°My body is working at 200% capacity!¡± Ethan declared and took a few more notes. Then had a mobile medical drone drop down from the ceiling and it continued to scan Ethan. The drone was no bigger than a tennis ball. ¡°Do you know how long this will last?¡± Ethan asked.


    ¡°Twenty four hours, with a week long cool down.¡± Lash replied, and Ethan made a few more notes.


    ¡°Right...Right.... Alright, lets get started!¡± Ethan said with energy similar to a child on christmas day.


    They took blood samples, and Ethan quickly learned that Lash''s blood turned to ash after a few seconds of being away from him. So they had to place a temporary probe into his body to record the information. That was until his body attacked the probe. It was his Adaptation at work. They had him use Transformation a few times, and then only alter certain segments of his body. Ethan noticed that Lash''s overall energy levels were at a near constant level. Then he stepped onto a central scanning platform and they did a physical, mental, and spiritual scan of him. Magical medical science is very nice to have.


    ¡°Clean bill of health on my end, you do have some residual metal scarring on the scans. But that is quickly healing. So, I would say no PTSD from your experience from the Rift. Well, I''d give it a few days just to be sure. What ever you have in your chest is pushing your body at 200% capacity. But normally this would wear you out. Your body seems oddly suited for the change.¡± Ethan concluded.


    ¡°So physically he is fine?¡± Diana asked, she hadn''t said much during the process.


    ¡°Yes! I will prescribe at least a week of rest. But he is cleared for duty on my end.¡± Ethan said with a smile. Lash, and Diana asked a few more questions then Ethan left the room. He had more patients to see and he was practically jumping off the walls with energy.


    ¡°One down, two to go. But if I am being honest I hope I get some time off.¡± Lash said, still standing naked in front of Diana.


    ¡°You could always come back to Themyscira. Train some of the new sisters. I''d enjoy the company.¡± Diana said with a smile as she stood up and walked towards Lash. She stopped about a foot away from him.


    ¡°Do you have the week off?¡± Lash asked, still standing boldly in front of her.


    ¡°I''ve been assigned to you until you are ready for duty. Remember what Vigil said? Someone equal or greater strength then you?¡± Diana said with a smirk. Oooo, that was tempting. Lash almost challenged her to a duel then and there.


    Diana glanced down and noticed that Lash was standing erect and was almost long enough to poke her. She looked back up at him and raised a single brow at him. She bit her bottom lip and waited for a moment. Then she started to laugh, almost a giggle. A blush crawled up her neck, into her cheeks, and turned her ears red. She turned around and walked to the other side of the room.


    ¡°Get dressed, we still have two more stops to make.¡± She said, Lash complied and put his armor back on. Then activated Transformation again.


    They went to speak to Lash''s assigned therapist. This time Diana was not allowed to be in the room. Sanatorium was an interesting place. Dozens of rooms all of them a lot like the private quarters in the station. They would change, grow, and adapt to the users needs. Lash was shown into a room by a medical droid while Diana would sit in the very nice waiting room to do paper work. Lash promised he would try to hurry and she laughed at him. No one liked paper work, except for weirdos!


    The room was pure celestial white. A couch grew up from the floor for Lash to sit, or lay down on. One of the walls turned into a holographic screen of a cascading waterfall. That filled the room with pleasant white noise that Lash found soothing. A single person chair grew up from the floor, and a side door opened up. A woman walked in.


    The woman had an hour glass figure, with a lot of leg to be seen in her short pencil black skirt, and red naked toe stiletto heels. She wore a crimson silk blouse with a low revealing cut that emphasized her chest which was mid to large. She had a golden tanned skin tone. With rich brown hair done up in a bun. She wore slime black rimmed glasses that partially hid her lilac eyes, and had ruby red lips. She was exceptionally attractive! To the point he assumed she was a fae of some kind. She held out her hand towards him.


    ¡°Hello Lash, I''m Multifarious.¡± She said, her voice was like smooth rich honey on Lash''s ears. For a moment Lash thought he had fallen under a glamour but Saurian assured him nothing was happening.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Lash replied, still confused but he took her hand in his clawed one. After a single shake she let go and gestured for him to sit down.


    ¡°If you prefer to stay in your Transformation that is fine. Or you can change back?¡± Multifarious said. Lash decided to change back to his default shape since she knew his name. He settled on the couch in full armor. Thankfully the Vibranium weave was light weight.


    Multifarious sat down and crossed her legs. She leaned to one side so Lash could admire her long legs. She pulled a pen out, along with a note book and wrote down a few simple observation notes. She pushed her glasses up her nose, and tapped her pen on her lips lightly. Then she glanced up at him and gave him a seductive smile. She eyed him up and down and laughed lightly.


    ¡°No, I''m not one of your androids. I''m privately contracted by the Wardens to assist you, and your people, Warden Lash.¡± Multifarious answered the question that had been sitting on the tip of his tongue.


    ¡°So....¡± Lash began.


    ¡°I''m an Archfey.¡± She said simply and Lash went perfectly still.


    ¡°No, you don''t have to kneel, or bow. I am contracted, I know you know that means.¡± Multifarious continued. ¡°I have the unique ability to created multiple copies of myself. So I am currently visiting with six other people right now, not including you.¡±


    What does a contract mean? Well its the same idea with a contract with a devil, or a demon. As long as you properly word the contract you can essentially get said individual to do nearly anything as long as its agreed upon. So, if the Wardens contracted an Archfey. Who are incredibly dangerous by the way. Then everyone who is seeing Multifarious should be fine. Though Lash plan...oh! Multifarious produced a copy of her contract for him to read.


    What''s an Archfey? Archfey are fey beings who gained nearly god-like powers and established a position of preeminence among fey-kind. Each Archfey had a unique appearance and set of abilities, most controlled a portion of the Feywild and had self-proclaimed titles. Like so many other god like beings they could Reality Warp the world as they saw fit. Though outside the feywilds they would not be as powerful. It was still terrifying to be in the room with her...him? Oh! Their gender was fluid.


    Lash looked through the contract and it was very detailed, but straightforward. She would provide medical aid, and comfort to her patients in so many words. No soul stealing, killing, etc, etc. She would take on the form that her patients would feel most at home with, or would respond the most to. Essentially she was a shape shifting doctor to full fill the needs of her patients. The reward for this wasn''t written.


    ¡°So, why do you look like that then?¡± Lash asked, as his eyes went a little wide as Multifarious undid the top two buttons of her already low cut blouse. Revealing her red lace bra.


    ¡°Because it is the one you will most pay attention to.¡± She said with a smile. Crap, they figured him out real quick.


    ¡°Wait! I can see through glamour. Why can''t see through yours?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Because it''s not a glamour. As far as this reality is concerned this is what I look like.¡± Multifarious said with a smile, as she pulled a hair clip from her hair. The rich brown curls fell to frame her face.


    ¡°You don''t look like this for the other patients though?¡± Lash asked, she turned her eyes towards him and an almost sensual, and predatory gleam glowed out from them. Lash audibly swallowed and leaned back into the couch.


    ¡°Who, or what I look like for my other patients is not your concern. Patient and Doctor confidentiality. All you need to know is, that I am your Doctor. I want to provide care, and well being for you. Whether that is someone to talk to, reason with, bounce ideas off of, or if you need a therapeutic fuck we can do that too. Do we understand one another?¡± Multifarious said to Lash.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Good, now I have read your debrief. But I want you to start from the top and say it again. I''ll listen to it all then ask questions at the end. Go!¡± Multifarious said, and began to take notes as soon as Lash started to speak.


    So Lash said it once more from top to bottom. The whole time Multifarious wrote down on her note book in quick short hand and glanced at him periodically. When he reached hard to hand areas of emotions she gave him more eye contact than normal. She smiled, and laughed at the funny parts. But for the most part she did an excellent job at just being an active listener.


    ¡°So the Rift reality you were in. You were essentially a god. Little ''g'' specifically?¡± She asked.


    ¡°The Asgardians were not true gods per say. Just genetically, and spiritually superior to most. While only a few of their numbers had access to a divine domain. Like Thor, and Sif.¡± Lash corrected her, and she made a note. ¡°But yes, little g specifically.¡±


    ¡°From your background memories how many relationships did you have?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Not many, Jormungandson was a pariah, an outcast. The few relationships he did have were not with Asgardians. He made a few friends with the people there. Usually through trials, and tribulation. Battle often makes friends, and enemies out of neighbors.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Yet you and this Natasha had a relationship together. Not only that you hit it off pretty easily. Why?¡± Multifarious asked, as she looked up from her writing. There was no magic in her words, no spell craft. But all the same, Lash felt almost compelled to answer her.


    ¡°I think it was because we were both broken in some way...¡± Lash said after a few moments.


    ¡°Broken? Broken how?¡± She asked.


    ¡°May I give you some context?¡± Lash replied, and she nodded.


    ¡°I... Don''t normally indulge in physical pleasure. There are plenty of men, and women that would love to spend time with me romantically, or simply just to have sex. Though it is appealing, I don''t take them up on the offer.¡± Lash began to say.


    ¡°I normally require that they give 100% consent. No sex out of obligation, or when in vulnerability, or under the influence.¡± He said.


    ¡°So, upstanding individual?¡± Multifarious said with a smile. Lash winced at the idea and Multifarious looked at him like he was suddenly a puzzle to solve.


    ¡°Natasha, had been hurt in the past. She had been....Forced to do things against her will.¡± Lash began to say. Then Multifarious made an O face.


    ¡°You''ve been hurt in the past?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes, or....A part of me has.¡± Lash said, and he felt Erik curl up across the link.


    ¡°One of your former lives?¡± She asked, Lash looked at her. ¡°I''ve read your Warden profile. You experience past lives, you remember them in great detail.¡±


    ¡°So, you or one of your past lives have been hurt. You''ve been used before. Forced to do things you didn''t want to do?¡± She began.


    Stop, I don''t want to talk about this anymore. -Erik said across the link.


    ¡°I think I need to stop... We''re not ready to talk about this.¡± Lash said, and Multifarious seem to understand what he meant.


    ¡°Ok. We can stop there for today.¡± Multifarious said softly....


    I''m sorry Erik. -Lash said across the link.


    Galen


    Sensitive topic I know. But it should explain a lot why Erik and in part Lash acts.

 Chapter 118: Red VS Yellow

    ============================================================


    ***HR. Location: North America***


    (Ursa wife of Zod.)


    Ursa and her teams of prisoners/soldiers were in a forest very far from their previous location. They had found that this planet though barren of life due to a previous war was...friendly? They encountered a lot of older people willing to give them places to rest, and eat free of any form of payment. Something about helping travelers in need and not asking questions. It, it was odd to Ursa. What if they had been enemy spies? But apparently Kryptonians looked a lot like the people of the planet so no one questioned them.


    No, that wasn''t entirely true. They did come across area wide security several times. It took Ursa and her team a few weeks to learn the language of the planet. So when they first met the security believed they were illegal aliens? What ever that meant. But once they spoke fluent...English. It wasn''t much a problem. Though it wasn''t much of a problem to begin with. This planet was strange, it empowered them! Ty-Nell ripped one of the area security personnel in half during an altercation. He hadn''t meant to either. He simply pulled and they had come apart.


    Now, Ursa and her unit were in the middle of a forest practicing their new abilities. Ren Jim-Ner was currently floating several feet off the ground. She didn''t understand how she was doing it. But many others tried to emulate her and fell down. While others jumped into the air far higher than Ursa had ever seen! But even here in the forest they had to be careful. They had encountered many strange, and powerful creatures.


    A mammal with thick brown fur that could stand on its hind legs to intimidate. Normally such creatures wouldn''t scare the soldiers of Krypton especially with their new found strength. But this animal had spikes, or thorns growing out of its hide. It could roar so loud that could break bones, and rupture organs. It was also thirty feet tall! It had bashed Ter Val-Gith with one of its paws and sent her over a mile through the forest.


    Thankfully planet security showed up before the fight could continue and safely put the beast down. Ursa and her team had to run and gather up Ter. But they escaped with out being found. But these planet security teams were far better trained, and equipped then area security. Ursa recognized them from the prison ship. The JLI the badges would say. Now? Ursa and her team were sitting in a dank cave watching as a JLI security force flew over the forest looking for them.


    ¡°I must applaud their discipline. We''ve been hiding for nearly a day and they are still looking for us.¡± Nadni Klon-Jyd said softly in the cave entrance.


    ¡°I believe they think we are in danger and are attempting to help us. You can tell, that...flier is still looking around frantically. Afraid we''ll be dead on the ground and it will be her fault.¡± Torox said next, he had worked with emergency response on their home world many years ago. He knew the look.


    ¡°If she spots us we''d have to kill her. They can''t know we are here. If they realize we are part of the prison ship?¡± Og-Ti said next, he was watching the woman carefully.


    ¡°She''s leaving, I can see the teleportation rings around her.¡± Nadni said next, and sure enough the airborne JLI popped from their sight.


    ¡°Commander, how''s Ter?¡± Torox asked as he carefully made his way to the back of the cave. Ursa looked up with a schooled expression but her her lips twitched down ward into a frown. Ter was being looked at by their unit''s medic. Ral-Taz, he had served as a combat medic during the war.


    ¡°She''ll live, what ever is on this planet is accelerating our bodies ability to heal. But the next few hours will be painful for her.¡± Ursa said in her cold indifferent voice. They heard the audible sound of a bone being popped back into place and Ter screaming into a mouth guard.


    ¡°Hello! I know your in there.¡± A man''s voice called from the entrance of the cave. Everyone froze in horror! ¡°Please we just want to help. One of you is injured, I can smell the blood.¡±


    Ursa, and her entire team jumped to their feet save for Ter though she tried. Ral forced her down and took up a defensive position in front of her. They moved in sync as they traveled to the entrance of the cave but then Ursa raised a fist to the air telling them all to freeze. There standing in the entrance of the cave was a man wearing what looked like Kryptonian armor. More specifically he had a Kryptonian house symbol on his chest. Deep blue, and red color scheme but the symbol on the chest was of the house of El!?


    ¡°How is the house of El, here?¡± Ursa called out in Krypton. The man looked at her in shock, than a smile that could light up the cave grew across his face.


    ¡°Are you from Krypton!?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°We are, I am Ursa I am the commander of this unit.¡± Ursa replied, her indifferent expression cracked to reveal a smile.


    ¡°Welcome to Earth!¡± The man said then he glanced towards Ter.


    ¡°We need to get her into the sun! It will help her heal faster.¡± The man said, as he pointed at her.


    They carefully pulled Ter back into the open area in front of the cave and sure enough she healed faster. The man with the house of El on his chest took a knee and looked her over. His eyes glowed softly and he smiled. Ursa could help but take comfort in that smile, as did the rest of the unit. Something about him made them relax. Ursa had to cough to get everyone to focus again. The man looked up to her and blushed a bit embarrassed.


    ¡°She''ll be fine. She is already healing. You are all from Fort Rozz right? Did you work there as guards?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°We were residents there.¡± Ursa said carefully. ¡°But when the ship crashed the prisoners escaped. We had to flee or be overrun. We didn''t know this was a Kryptonian colony.¡± Ursa continued, as she tried her best to give only half truths.


    ¡°Oh its not! I mean a few of us live here. But its...Its complicated! You should all come back with me to the station! We can explain it....one moment.¡± The man said softly, as he pressed a finger to his ear. Then the posture of the man shifted. It was a minute change but Ursa and her team noticed it. The man''s face fell as he looked all of them over.


    ¡°Commander Ursa, may I please request that you and your team surrender peacefully.¡± The man asked, and the whole unit took a defensive stance. Teleportation rings started to appear around them five...ten....thirty.


    ¡°We have done nothing wrong! What we did was for the glory of Krypton!¡± Ursa shouted at him as the teleportation rings finished and armored troops appeared.


    ¡°I understand you believe that. But please, just surrender. I don''t want to have to fight my own people.¡± The man said.


    ¡°You will try!¡± Ursa shouted and she threw a punch at the man and her fists broke across his face. CRACK! Ursa''s bones in her hands shattered from the impact.


    The fight was short, as it was brutal. Despite their training and extraordinary abilities. It was clear that Ursa and her team still needed more time to absorb what ever was in the air on this planet to have a fighting chance. The world security JLI took them down almost effortlessly. The man, or as he was code named; Superman. Took them back to the Watch Tower Station. There much to Ursa''s horror was a dead man! Jor-El. Where were they!? Jor-El had died on Krypton! Dru-Zod had killed him, himself.


    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Watch Tower Station***


    (Erik Lash, and Hunter Saurian. /Agent Wraith)


    Dr. Multifarious requested that Lash come back once a week for sessions. He agreed, but aside from that she gave him a clean bill of health. Though she did agree to him getting a week off. She told as much to Wonder Woman, but of course she kept what they talked about to herself. Patient, Doctor confidentiality. So Lash was cleared in body, mind, and now it was spirit. What a better place to go then paradise island to restore ones spirit.


    However, before he could leave Lash wanted to start the upgrade process for the station. It would take considerable time to upgrade the station to grade C. Especially since they had to upgrade the station while it was still being used. He went down to the second saucer towards the main data port. The walls peeled off from one another, while he, and Diana were swallowed into a private room. Diana looked around with a curious expression. She had never seen the main port. Vici''s main core folded out from the main wall, along with her very own Droid Service Module. A module of one.


    ¡°Please give me a moment, I have to compress this down into a sizable bite.¡± Lash said to Diana as he sat down on offered chair from the station. Diana did the same and crossed her legs watching intently as he activated his store catalog.


    Diana saw a book made from starlight appear above Lash and he reached up with his clawed hands to retrieve it. Hundreds of spell script ribbons began to surround him one by one. Each one revolving around him at high speeds. Power was the word, and power is what came from Lash now. While in his Transformation state he gave off tremendous amounts of it. No, it wasn''t the raw physical power that came with Superman. Or even one of the Gods or Goddesses of Olympus. But the type of power that came from Lash none the less was Power.


    To Lash, the book made of starlight contained anything, and everything he could buy with Dream Points, and Ability Evolution Points. He went straight to the C upgrade volume for the watch tower and got a prompt from it.


    Attention User, the current design model is no longer optimal would you like to change it?


    Yes/No...


    Lash blinked at the prompt a little bit confused. He scrolled through the DP catalog and found out that because of designs he obtained from the MCU story/even Rift he could now create a singularity mass energy core. This would allow for a different type of construction that had once been impossible. But that raised a few questions. Did that increase the amount of DP to spend on the next upgrade? Yes, it raised it by another 500 points. So from D to C would be 1,500 DP. But he did have 30,000 DP to spend.


    Yes/No....Yes.


    With that selection done several new design schemes popped up. Lash went to the review section of the catalog and read through the different people who went with what design. He was not the only one to obtain a singularity core. Lash selected one that was an easier design that his current orbital ring method. But the entire station would have to go through a retrofit. But overall the station would be larger.


    Attention User, you''ve selected the upgrade key for your Watch Tower Station.


    C grade upgrade key is 1,500 DP. Confirm? Yes/No..... Yes.


    An orb made of pure magical energy appeared in front of Lash and Diana''s eyes lite up as she looked at it. Vici''s main data port opened up and Lash placed the orb into the port. It rolled in and the port closed. A hum of power poured through the whole station, as millions of spell script ribbons flowed through the station. Technically Lash could afford the next upgrade key to B grade but he wanted to wait to purchase each module for each upgrade. Speaking of which!


    Blue Lantern Hub: This hub will help coordinate between rings across the known Universe. Allowing for communication not only between Blue Lanterns, but any Lantern that volunteers to link up with the hub. Lantern Hub will work in tandem with Galactic Sheriff Module. D grade module 20 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased one Blue Lantern Hub for 20 DP.


    Technically Lash should have purchased that before he did the C grade upgrade key. Thankfully it didn''t increase the price. Which he was confused about. He''d have to ask Dawn about that later. Maybe it was a bug? The Blue Lantern Hub would allow John, Hal, and Katma much needed coordination between the station and other rings. The Sol System was still outside the protection of the Guardians. But Lash knew not all of the Green Lanterns followed them anymore. This hub would help.


    Slave Trade Hub: Universe wide slave trade is a growing market. From criminals to innocent victims of chance. With this hub you could profit from selling people to the market. Obtaining a growing network of empires, pirates, and governments. (Not Recommended) C grade module for 30 DP. (R&D module applied)


    Lash''s eyes twitched with anger at the module. Yes it was not recommended but it still angered him to no end that it was even an option. Though the cold logic of Saurian did explain a few things. They could purchase the module to buy, and free any slaves that arrived. Also, criminal slaves would actually be worth something instead of soaking up resources. There was logic to the argument. But even Saurian didn''t like slave trading. No, they would not purchase it.


    Defensive Platform: An automated platform that could assist with the defense of the station, planet, or even the solar system. The platforms come in a variety of types, styles, and configurations. Allowing for offense, defense, support, or utility. Or all four! C grade module for 30 DP. (R&D module applied)


    Lash will have to wait on that. Once the upgrade was finished he would also have to purchase no turrets, and engine cores. Even with his vast amount of DP he could spend. If he was not careful it could easily disappear. He still needed to upgrade the planetary shield he purchased during the Rolf Dex invasion. Along with a Lunar Academy. The different type of platforms was intriguing. If he did all four, which apparently was more expensive they were essentially mini-stations of their own. That would be useful in the future when he starts to terraform the different planets, and moons in the Sol System.


    FTL Slingshot Module: A form of fast travel for even FTL. This module will allow ships of different types, and size to Slingshot through star systems greatly decreasing travel time. This module is experimental. C grade module for 100 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased the FTL Slingshot Module for 100 DP.


    Travel Hub: This places your station on the universal network for travel agencies looking to travel the different galaxies. Ensuring your station can be used for fuel, resupply, and repair of civilian vessels along with some military. Works in tandem with Galactic Sheriff security company. C grade module for 30 DP. (R&D module, and FTL Slingshot module applied)


    You have purchased Travel Hub for 30 DP.


    Refugee Hub: This places your station, and solar system as a volunteer place to take refugee''s. From war torn societies, all the way to settlers looking to find a new home. The hub will allow the organization, and placement of refugees. Works in tandem with Galactic Sheriff security company. C grade module for 30 DP. (R&D module applied)


    Lash would hold off on the idea of turning the Sol System into a refugee system. Not that he didn''t think that most of the JLI wouldn''t have an issue with it. But where would they place them? The public opinion on Earth when it came to aliens wasn''t great right now. So, that would mean they couldn''t be placed on Earth. Mars was still wrecked. The moon was meant to be a training center. But there are several places in the Sol System that could be worked on to allow refugees. So Lash put a pin on that module, and he would bring it up with the JLI senior members next time he had a chance. He made a note in his communication message board. He also messaged Yihune his personnel assistant. Who he hadn''t seen for a while. He also needed to see Vyllith.


    School of Magic: This tailored module will create a dimensional pocket that will allow the User to create a school for Magical origins. The biome can be selected when first purchased but can not be changed after. Works in tandem with Dimensional Gateway Hub. Biome types are as followed...(See Tool Tip) C grade module for 100 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased the School of Magic for 100 DP, Biome selected continental four seasons.


    Hazah! With the pocket dimension they could now train, and educate spell casters. At least until the moon was ready to receive students. With Zatanna''s recommendation the environment would have all four seasons. But they could actually set a clock to the weather patterns. Lash would have to look into it later. He also needed to visit his own personnel hell. Lots to do.


    Life Boats: Though every station has escape pods. Life Boats are designed to hold more people for longer periods of time. They can accommodate a wide range of alien body types, many of them have basic engines, and quality versions even have FTL. Recommended amount for C grade station, 100. C grade module for 10 DP per boat. (R&D module applied)


    Lash winced at the recommended amount. A total of 1,000 DP for all of them. The Life Boats looked like triangle shaped ships that would be spread out across the hull of the station. Anywhere from 5 people, all the way to 50 people per boat depending on its design. It was a, ''I would rather have it, and not need it. Then need it, and not have it'' moments. Lash put a pin on it, and added it to his favorite to be purchased later.


    Ship Bay: Works in tandem with Shuttle, and Fighter Bay. This module allows the construction, and storage of (Corvette, and Frigate class ships) Depending on quality, type, and size. The Ship Bay can hold 1-3 (Corvettes) and/or 1-2 (Frigates) C grade module 30 DP per module. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 4 Ship Bay''s for 120 DP.


    Docking Ring: A ring will be built around your main saucer section allowing ship types from Corvettes to Cruisers to dock. Transport systems are integrated to carry crew, and supplies towards specific trade hub. While ship umbilical cords will create ease of transfer for repairs, fuel, and resources. C grade module 30 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased the Docking Ring for 30 DP.


    Lash looked through the different modules. Many of them were grayed out. Not accessible due to his unique type of station. While there were more for B and A grade stations. The A grade station was huge! Practically a city floating in space. They only had two...Three more months before Zod was supposedly suppose to show up. Ah! That was right, Lash was suppose to visit Fort Rozz. He had way to much to do! He glanced at several things he could still purchase. He could also evolve some of his abilities. Though he would ignore all the low level versions. Another few days and many of them would evolve thanks to the Power Stone. He decided he would wait. So he closed the book and dismissed the catalog.


    ¡°Finished?¡± Diana asked, as the book of starlight faded from view.


    ¡°For now... I have to much to do.¡± Lash replied with a rueful expression.


    ¡°You can take a few days, Lash. The world wont end. I promise.¡± Diana said as stood up and offered him a hand out of his chair. Lash took the offered hand and stood up in a fluid motion as he towered over her. She rolled her eyes at him as the data core compressed into the wall and the walls folded back.


    ¡°Lara?¡± Lash asked in surprise as he saw Lara Lor-Van, Kal-El''s mother on the other side of the walls. She smiled at him, and nodded to Diana who returned it.


    ¡°I know your busy but we have a problem.¡± Lara said to him. Lash''s shoulders sagged and gestured for them to move towards the elevator in the stem of the station....


    Fifteen minutes later Lash walked through the prison on the station. He passed a variety of cells that contained different prisoners that had been recaptured from Fort Rozz. Some of the prisoners were not violent, and had served their time. With the new travel hub in the process of being built they could now charter ships to take them home. If home is where they wanted to be. While a majority of the prisoners they had captured were blood thirsty even to this day. Naya''il was up for the challenge. Many of the prisoners went through harmonic rehabilitation. Several of them were bolted to the floor, or the walls in their cells as they screamed to anyone to listen to turn off the noise.


    Lash came to a stop in the new detention center specifically designed for Kryptonians. Red sun energy was being infused into the cell network to sap them of their strength. While additional magical effects did more. To slow their infusion in the long run. It could be reversed of course. But none of the Kryptonians they had captured had been good people. Lash ran a clawed hand over the screen and the cell door/wall went transparent.


    Commander Ursa was a tall, lean woman with short black hair that looked like needed a bit of trim. She wore a prisoner jumpsuit that had been provided for her. According to the bio scans she was pregnant and was a few months along. What ever suppressant she had been given had worn off. Now it was to late. Either she would have the baby, or it could be removed. Ursa looked up and saw that the wall had grown clear and she glared at Lash.


    ¡°Commander Ursa, it is a pleasure, and an honor to see you...again.¡± Lash said to her in perfect Kryptonian. He performed a military salute, fitting of his station he had while on Krypton. Ursa''s glare softened just a bit as she returned the salute.


    ¡°I don''t know you.¡± Ursa replied, Lash pulled back his hood and Ursa stepped back in shock. But Lash could see. She didn''t know him.


    That was both good, and bad. Lash was terrified that his Cosmic Patron would have pulled the Kryptons from his time fragment to be the enemy. But Lash could also understand why their Patron didn''t. If Lash knew them, then it would have been possible to find an alternate method. Maybe plant the Kryptonians on another planet? But no, that wouldn''t happen now. Zod would come, and he would bring what armies he had left to find his people.


    ¡°What are you?¡± Ursa asked, as she stepped forward to look at him in better detail.


    ¡°You would know my house as Ligadian.¡± Lash replied, and a look of recognition passed over her face.


    ¡°I thought the science guild stopped making your kind. Are there more of you?¡± Ursa asked, taking a relaxed stance in her cell.


    ¡°As far as I know, I am the last of my kind. But the universe is full of surprises maybe there are more of my house. So from one soldier to another, I am sure you have questions.¡± Lash offered, as he pulled his hood back on.


    ¡°Is this a Kryptonian colony?¡± Ursa began.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°What of Krypton?¡±


    ¡°Krypton was destroyed several cycles ago by the instability of the planets core. The exact specifics of who is to blame is unclear. Either it was a alien machine intelligence named Brainiac that caused the destabilization. Or it was the science guild as they drilled to the planets core for fuel. Maybe a combination of both.¡± Lash provided, and Ursa''s eyes went wide in horror.


    ¡°YOUR LYING!¡± Ursa screamed as she ran her fists into the magical shield.


    ¡°Dru is alive.¡± Lash replied, and Ursa stopped punching the shield.


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°His exact location is unclear, however he should be with in the solar system with in a few months. I believe he is following the SOS of Fort Rozz.¡± Lash replied to her and a glimmer of home was kindled in her eyes.


    ¡°Will you hold us prisoner like the science guild?¡±


    ¡°That depends on you, and Dru-Zod. I personally have no issues letting you reunite with your forces if you promise to leave for another system. We can give you fuel, supplies, and resources to start a brand new colony of Krypton in a neighboring system.¡± Lash replied, and before Ursa could ask another question he continued speaking.


    ¡°Let me be clear about something. You are part of an endangered species. A peaceful solution is in your best interest.¡± Lash said, and paused for Ursa to ask another question.


    ¡°Ligadian, are we not all part of the Kryptonian blood line?¡± Ursa asked, and Lash gave her a deadpanned expression.


    ¡°How many of my brothers, and sisters did you send to their deaths because we were not pure Kryptonian?¡± Lash replied with a growl, and Ursa looked like she had bitten into something sour. ¡°If you day start spouting the hypocrisy of survival of the fittest? I''ll remind you, that Ligadians are superior to you in nearly every way. Case and point. You are in there, while I am out here.¡± Lash finished, and Ursa looked like she wanted to deck him.


    ¡°So my people will be hostages?¡± Ursa asked.


    ¡°Yes. Kal-El doesn''t want to destroy his own people. But he''s been outvoted... The man wearing blue, and red.¡± Lash said, and explained who Kal-El was. ¡°If Zod starts trouble, we will finish it.¡±


    ¡°How is Jor-El alive? I saw Dru kill him.¡± Ursa asked.


    ¡°Time travel.¡± Lash replied nonchalantly. Ursa''s eyes looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets.


    ¡°Why didn''t you go back and save Krypton then!¡± Ursa screamed at him.


    ¡°I did...¡± Lash replied, and Ursa stopped.


    ¡°When you travel through time it doesn''t change your current time line. All it does is create an alternate reality. Believe me it gets confusing. And that is only one method of time travel. Different methods have different results.¡± Lash said, DC Comics gets all sorts of convoluted with time travel. ¡°I traveled through time. In that reality Krypton was not destroyed but it did suffer a catastrophic event. However, you and Dru lead your people to a neighboring system and survived. Jor-El, and Lara Lor-Van were destined to die. So when I came back, I took them with me.¡±


    Ursa fell to her knees and looked up at him in shock, and despair. Something inside of her cracked, but didn''t break. Ursa was made of tougher stuff than that. However, she was struggling with Lash''s claim. Time travel was ridicules! But she also knew the simple fact that if you eliminate what was possible, you then reach towards the impossible no matter how improbable it could be. Or something like that?


    ¡°In some point in the future Dru goes back in time to save Krypton. However, he doesn''t travel back in time to his current present because he understands it doesn''t work that way. I met the old Dru, and the new Dru in the new Krypton. As odd as it sounds we actually got along.¡± Lash said to Ursa then said a few things that only Ursa, and Dru knew and a look of utter defeat washed over Ursa.


    ¡°So in this....reality you and I never met?¡± Ursa asked.


    ¡°Correct.¡±


    ¡°Were we friends?¡±


    ¡°Ursa you don''t have friends. You have allies, you have enemies, and you have Dru.¡± Lash replied, and a smile tugged on her lips. Lash crouched down so he was at a better eye level for her.


    ¡°Why are we stronger here?¡± Ursa asked, and Lash debated on telling her why. The merits, and demerits of it.


    ¡°Krypton had a red sun, this solar system has a yellow sun. While the planets atmosphere is also less polluted.¡± Lash said oddly enough. Krypton at the time of its death was a toxic world. Well that depended on the comic origin for it.


    ¡°In the end there are hundreds if not thousands of scientific reasons as to why you are stronger. But essentially any solar system with a yellow sun empowers people who lived in a red sun system. However, what this will do to the next generation remains to be seen. It could still effect them, or they could be completely normal.¡± Lash replied, and Ursa nodded in basic understanding.


    That had always been a question that Erik the gamer wondered about. Was it simply Kryptonian DNA that would be enriched under a yellow sun? Or was it because they had lived under a red sun for so long that it empowered them under a yellow sun? Little details that Erik never learned in the DC Comics. Trying to use scientific theory in a comic book, for a comic book race didn''t always work out. In most comic origins if anyone had a shred of Kryptonian DNA you would be powerful in a yellow sun.


    ¡°We are hostages, aren''t we?¡± Ursa asked.


    ¡°I wish you didn''t have to be. But I spent enough time around you in the alternate time line to know that this is exactly what you would do if we were in opposite places. No, actually you would just kill us.¡± Lash replied, and Ursa smiled at him just a bit.


    ¡°Yes, sounds like you spent time with me.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Do you want to have a natural birth? Or do you want artificial incubation?¡± Lash asked, and Ursa''s gaze turned cold as she wrapped her arms around her abdomen.


    ¡°I''m not that cruel, Ursa! I will not use a child as a bargaining chip. Even if you would.¡± Lash said to her, and she flinched under his accusation. Why? She''d done it before back home.


    ¡°Your word as a Kryptonian, you will take care of him?¡± Ursa asked.


    ¡°Yes, I''ll take care of Lor-Zod.¡± Lash said, and Ursa blinked at him.


    ¡°Artificial then.¡± Ursa replied.


    Lash called for Naya''il and Ursa looked shocked at the angelic being. They talked logistics, and Ethan was soon called to the prison to arrange the operation. Jor, and Lara promised to take care of Lor-Zod like any child of Krypton. But in the end Ursa made Lash give his word three different times. She ''trusted'' him more than the house of El. Something about him being brutal, and honest. She didn''t trust nice people.


    Lash spent some time looking at the other Kryptons in the prison cell. Part of him hoped he would see Kemuna, or Kursta. But no, they were not around. Maybe Zod had them? Maybe they were dead. In the end it would be better if they were he believed. They wouldn''t be the same people in this time line. Lash left the prison and met up with Diana. She practically dragged him towards the transport hub before someone else stole his attention.


    With an audible POP! Lash saw the crescent moon overhead. Warm tropical night air rushed to meet him as he inhaled and smelled the scent of fresh air, grass, trees, and salt water. He looked around surprised to see that the portal hub deposited them on the port city of Themyscira. He had thought teleportation to the island was prohibited? Several Amazonian guards came to meet them. He saluted, and bowed to Diana, and to Lash.


    ¡°Princess Diana, brother Wraith. Welcome home.¡± One of the guards said.


    ¡°Diana, why were we able to teleport directly to the island? I thought the protective shield prevented such measures.¡± Lash asked, as he stepped off the designated spot.


    ¡°Normally you would be correct. But it is because we are both welcomed on the island that the shields allowed us to pass. If another group tried they would be diverted to the nearest portal hub under Warden control. Or they will teleport about a hundred feet in the air above the north atlantic ocean. Which ever one!¡± Diana said with a grin.


    The port city of Themyscira was populated by both Amazons and women from mundane to magical, and even a few alien. Though most of the visitors were not allowed entry to the main island a few had been selected to train at the academy on the island where they trained Amazonian warriors. Or in this case JLI female members. There were absolutely no men in the port city. So when Lash in his Agent Wraith disguise walked through it, even at night. He was a surprise to many.


    The women in the port city of course recognized Diana aka Wonder Woman. It took a bit of nudging from the Amazonian guards for the visitors to hear that Agent Wraith had been given a unique, and rare privilege of becoming a brother of the Amazons. Emphasized by the fact that he was allowed passage into the inner parts of the island. He and Diana walked out of the port city. Neither requested a horse, or carriage. They simply wanted to walk.


    ¡°We are clear Lash, if you want to remove your Transformation.¡± Diana said, and Lash did. The grip reaper shroud faded into the air, and his reptilian form merged into his body. He kept his armor of course, but it shifted with him. The only difference was the purple tear stone in his forehead.


    ¡°I thought that was in the center of your chest?¡± Diana asked, noticing the different position. Lash blinked, and felt his forehead and received a tiny shock energy for his probing fingers.


    ¡°Ah! Damn it! Just what I need.¡± Lash said softly, and the stone seem to take offense and sent another shock of energy through Lash. This time through his head. He winced, and Diana started to laugh.


    ¡°You got that from the Rift right?¡± Diana asked, after she finished laughing at him.


    ¡°Yes, is partially sentient. Owe!¡± Lash said, and received another shock. ¡°It''s never been to Themyscira so it must have moved its position to look around.¡± Lash finished, and the stone seem to hum in acceptance for that comment.


    ¡°So why was it in the center of you chest on the station?¡±


    ¡°Space stations are something its seen more than once. A new world? Always something to see there.¡±


    ¡°So, how are you sister?¡± Lash asked, and Diana smiled at the familiarity between them.


    ¡°I am well, brother. Happy to be home. Happy to be here with you. You have a tendency to work more than Bruce does. He barely gets three hours of sleep a night! I know Selina hates it when he is gone so long.¡± Diana said, as she looked up at the stars above them.


    ¡°I didn''t miss their wedding, did I?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°No, its scheduled for a week after Samhain. We have several months left. You are suppose to give Selina away at the wedding if I remember correctly?¡± Diana asked, as she turned to look at Lash for confirmation.


    ¡°Yes! I''m happy I didn''t miss it. Bruce is actually going to leave Gotham for at least two weeks! He may go mad!¡± Diana laughed in delight at the idea of Bruce being so fidgety. It wasn''t that Diana didn''t believe in Bruce''s work in Gotham. But the man never stopped working.


    Diana reached out and took Lash''s hand into her own. Lash was startled for a bit, but squeezed her hand in return. They walked side by side, hand in hand for several minutes. There was a connection between them. Almost like a live circuit. It wasn''t romantic. Just a comfortable companionship. Though Lash could feel the power tear drop stone circulating energy into Diana. Lash was a walking espresso machine now. After another ten minutes Diana was practically skipping next to Lash.


    Along the road they started to hear music. It was not the normal string, and leather drums music that he would hear on Themyscira. No it was techno, trap, bass, nightcore music. Lash tilted his head in confusion. Such music wouldn''t be on Themyscira? Unless..... No! Lash looked at Diana who smiled at him. Then they both ran over the hill to a familiar sight to Lash. It was the techno rave stage he had made so long ago when he first visited/ infiltrated (Chapter 48) Themyscira. The Phantasms were very life like as they danced the night away. Along with hundreds of JLI trainees.


    ¡°Why is that still there!? I thought the magical energy would have ran out by now?¡± Lash shouted in horror.


    ¡°We don''t know! It''s just been operating ever since!¡± Diana said, and pulled Lash along towards the thousands of Phantasms, Amazons, and JLI trainees.


    On center stage was the DJ who wore a panda costume. The music remix was fresh, and new despite the fact that world had grown stagnant since the invasion. The detail to each and every male, and female in the rave was staggering. Lash remembered that he had assigned a Parallel Mind to the creation of the illusion when he first made it. But this...this was way more than before. Many of these illusions had False Life imbued into them. Bending, and even Reality Warp had been applied. But curious, and curious. It was all his magic! It should have been a constant drain on his his reserve.


    ¡°A big shout out to our creator! Agent Wraith! Thanks for giving us life big man!¡± The costumed panda said across the huge crowd. All of the Phantasms cheered, and waved at him. While the ''real'' guests looked around confused.


    Magical drinks that could get anyone drunk were provided! Young men, and young women danced the night away as the bass was so deep it could be felt in their bones. Lash pulled his armor off and put on a pair of shorts, and a cotton tee shirt. He pulled Diana into the crowd and they danced! Lash made a complete and utter fool of himself. But he danced! Then with the help of a bit of spell craft he helped relieve Diana of her armor.


    Bare foot, with a leather skirt, and a leather halter top that exposed her midriff, and back in cross straps. Her hair was tied back in a loose braid, and she wrapped her arms around Lash. The music picked up pace as tribal music drums were washed over female vocal trance. Party drinks were forced into their hands and they drank. So, so much! Lash knew they had drank to much when Diana was practically glued to Lash. Sweat glistened her perfect form. Her back was pressed against his chest, and she danced against him like he was a pole. Lash loved every minute of it.


    But like most good things it eventually came to an end. As the sun started to rise the DJ finished up the music and as the first rays of light touched the rave the entire illusion faded from sight. With a promise to return once the sun had set once again. Wagons had arrived to carry the exhausted off back to their rooms as it was the weekend. While Lash carried a exhausted and incredibly drunk Diana on his back towards his villa.


    To little, to late did Lash learn that because of the power stone his metabolism was through the roof, so staying drunk was nearly impossible unless he continued to drink! But that was fine because it allowed him to carry Diana home. Well to his home! He had guest bedrooms. Diana continued to hum the songs they had listened to for nearly an hour. She nuzzled Lash, and played her hands up and down his chest as he had taken his shirt off midway through the night.


    ¡°How you feeling, Princess?¡± Lash asked, and yelped lightly as Diana had bit his ear.


    ¡°Diana!...Hic! Don...Don''t call me Princess. Where are we going?¡± Diana asked, as she looked around.


    ¡°We are headed to my villa simply because I have no idea where you live.¡± Lash replied, as he turned on the street to his home, almost there.


    ¡°What are we going to do there?¡± Diana asked softly, breathing against Lash''s ear which sent a shiver through him.


    ¡°I am going to put you to bed, and let you sleep this off.¡± Lash replied with a smile.


    ¡°I can....hic! I can stay awake. We...We can still keep dancing.¡± Diana said, as she tried to bounce into a partial dance on his back.


    ¡°Diana the party is over. Dawn has come, but the rave will be back tonight if you really want to dance again.¡± Lash passed by a few guards who looked at him and he nodded to them. His hands were full. The guards smirked at his luggage.


    ¡°Why are you so....you? You had more than I did.¡± Diana said. Amazons are not lightweights! They can hold a lot of drink in them. Which meant the magical drinks of the rave were truly strong.


    ¡°Its the stone. I can get drunk, but I wont stay drunk for long.¡± Lash replied, and came up to his door. He opened it up with out a key. He never had it locked, there was no point. It was Themyscira, who would rob him?


    He walked into his villa and flipped a few light switches on then walked up the stairs to the guest bedrooms. He picked one and walked in. He sat down on the bed, and slowly deposited the drunk princess. Diana didn''t want to let go, but he assured her they were home. So she slowly let go and fell against the bed. Lash carefully pulled her to the center of the bed and set a pillow under her head.


    ¡°Do you...like me Lash?¡± Diana asked, her eyes half closed.


    ¡°Of course I do.¡± Lash replied, as he slowly pulled her braid out. Diana seem to get a little frustrated as she reached out to grab him. He grabbed her hands into his own.


    ¡°I know you what you meant, Diana. Yes, I do.¡± Lash said, and she calmed down. A small smile tugged on her lips.


    Lash reached under her back and undid the strap to her top and pulled it off. Diana''s eyes went a little wide but she didn''t stop him. He removed her skirt as well and folded them both up for cleaning later. Diana was the culmination of perfection when it came to the Amazon female model. She was a demigod in all things. Despite the wonderful view Lash didn''t gape at her. He simply pulled the sheets over her obstructing his view.


    ¡°Not while I''m drunk...¡± Diana said simply, as she pulled the sheets up and curled up on her side. She peered up at him from her pillow.


    Lash moved to set her leather skirt, and top onto a chair nearby. He also took out her JLI uniform from his spatial storage. It almost didn''t fit due to the size constraint. But they pushed it down there. Another thing Lash needed to evolve. He turned the lights off and nearly made it to the door before Diana called out to him.


    ¡°Hmmm, wait!¡± She called, holding out her hands to him. Lash turned around and went back to her. He leaned down and she kissed his cheek. ¡°Thank you for being you, Lash.¡± She said to him, and promptly fell asleep.


    Lash quietly closed the door to her temporary room and went to the master bedroom. The villa had been cleaned since the last time anyone had been here. So it was picture perfect. He all but collapsed into his bed. Though he was physically awake, his mind was exhausted. He curled up and went to sleep. For the first time in.... He didn''t know how long?


    ===========================================================


    (Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman)


    Diana opened her eyes in the guest bedroom after a few short hours of sleep. She groaned as a piercing headache invaded her mind. She curled up on her side and realized she wasn''t wearing anything under the sheets. She also realized she wasn''t in her bedroom? Where was she? She slowly sat up in the dark room that blissfully didn''t have any light in it. It was one of the guest villas. They more or less all looked the same.


    To the side on a chair was a casual leather skirt, and top. Along with her JLI uniform. She reached into her head and tried to remember the night she had. She and Lash went to the illusion rave. They danced! They drank...So, so much. Then...What happened after that? Diana vaguely remembered Lash carrying her home? No to his villa! Right. The rest was..foggy?


    ¡°Get down!¡± Lash said from his bedroom, Diana jumped from the bed in a hot second and went to the hallway ignoring the blinding sunlight coming in through the windows.


    ¡°Lash!?¡± Diana called, as she went to his bedroom.


    ¡°Co...Cover...Cover the flank! I....Nooo!¡± Lash screamed incoherently. Diana opened the door to his bedroom and saw him asleep. He was shouting, flinching, and jerking in his sleep. Diana felt her heart crack at the sight of it.


    ¡°I...I''ll get him! Don''t leave!¡± Lash shouted in his sleep.


    Diana walked into his bedroom and closed the door. She slowly slipped into his bed, and pulled the sheets back. Diana hadn''t grabbed anything to wear and honestly didn''t care! She was naked, as was Lash under the sheets. She slipped to his back and gently wrapped her arms around him. Lash flinched, and jerked in his sleep. His hands grew claws and he flailed for a moment.


    ¡°It''s ok...It''s ok...¡± Diana said softly, and Lash settled a bit in his sleep. But he shouted again, he screamed!


    ¡°No...NO...NOOOOO! I can save you! Don''t do this!¡± Lash shouted, tears streamed from his eyes. Diana held him tight to her chest.


    ¡°I''ve got you...¡± Diana whispered to him over, and over. She held her friend, and tried to sooth him as he screamed again and again.


    Lash''s sister Lizzy had said that Lash rarely ever slept. Any time he did he would normally have nightmares. Vyllith had confirmed it as well. Now Diana truly understood it. Lash screamed again and his body grew scales, and claws grew from his hands. He let out an inhuman scream! But soon calmed down, as his body reverted back. Diana was thankful that the villa had been properly sound proofed otherwise the guards would have rushed in at this point. Maybe they still would.


    ¡°Please don''t go! NOOOOOO!¡± Lash screamed, and tears fell from his eyes. Diana''s heart broke for her friend.


    ============================================================


    Lash opened his eyes and looked at his Clock several hours had passed. He felt warm arms wrapped around him from behind and as his Sensory Awareness activated he saw it was Diana. She was pressed naked into his back side. He didn''t remember going to bed with her? Yes, he was still in his bedroom. Something must have happened.


    You were screaming. -Saurian called across the link. She kept your grounded, anchored here.


    Lash didn''t remember his dreams. But he assumed he should be thankful for that. Normally when Lash slept he would visit the memories of his reincarnations. Obtain an ability? Looked like it was just nightmares this time. He had plenty of those. He shifted slightly, and held Diana''s hands. She shifted, but stayed asleep. She must have fallen asleep when he finally settled.


    Lash had imagined many times being naked, and alone with Diana in bed. This was not one of the situations he had imagined. He tried to regulate his breathing, to slow down. Maybe fall back to sleep. But his mind, and body for that matter only needed a few hours of sleep to rejuvenate. Thankfully he noticed he had several prompts to look through. He pulled up the first one.


    Congratulations User! Magical Perception has evolved into Minor Magical Perception.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to range of ability.


    Congratulations User! Beast Speak has evolved into Minor Beast Speak.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to the variety of beasts.


    Congratulations User! Sensory Awareness has evolved into Minor Sensory Awareness.


    Effect: Slight increase to range. 10 meters to 12 meters.


    Congratulations User! Minor Other Worldly Lore has evolved into Basic Other Worldly Lore.


    Effect: Works in tandem with Cosmic Awareness.


    Effect: Allows for slightly more information to granted to the User.


    Congratulations User! Spatial Item Shifting has evolved into Minor Spatial Item Shifting.


    Effect: Slight increase to the amount of items that can be shifted.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: One set of simple clothing can be stored.


    Congratulations User! Soul Bite has evolved into Minor Soul Bite.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to amount of experience, and information gleamed from target.


    Congratulations User! Dream Eater has evolved into Minor Dream Eater.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase chance to obtain experience, skills, and memories.


    Congratulations User! Night Eye has evolved into Minor Night Eye.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities range.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Can slight see more colors in total darkness.


    Congratulations User! Minor Magic Tracking has evolved into Basic Magic Tracking.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities range.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to the different things the User can track.


    Congratulations User! Minor Skill/Power/Spell Trainer has evolved into Basic Skill/Power/Spell Trainer.


    Effect: Slight increase to experience gained from teaching.


    Effect: Slight increase to experience given to students.


    Effect: Slight increase to a broader sense of abilities.


    Effect: Works in tandem with several other abilities. (See Tool Tip)


    Congratulations User! Parkour has evolved into Minor Parkour.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: The User has a slight increase to the comprehension of what they can, and cannot climb.


    Congratulations User! Foresight has evolved into Minor Foresight.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to information obtained, as well as what the VI Avatar may obtain.


    Congratulations User! Minor Meditation has evolved into Basic Meditation.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to memory recall, emotion control, and starts to understand astral projection.


    Congratulations User! Stealth has evolved into Minor Stealth.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight decrease in being spotted.


    Congratulations User! Farming has evolved into Minor Farming.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to knowledge about different types of plants, animals, and life on the farm!


    Congratulations User! Plant Control has evolved into Minor Plant Control.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to the abilities manipulation.


    Effect: User can now slightly control alien plant life for increased energy consumption.


    Lash quickly read through the different notifications and rubbed his head in confusion. He honestly had forgot about some of those. Like farming! He got that from his reincarnated life in one of those farming simulations. But the information granted to him was oddly helpful towards terraforming. But at least the power stone was doing its job. He pulled up his Domain spell tab and saw that many of his standard level spells would evolve in a few days. Spells like Daylight.


    Lash ever so gently pulled Diana''s fingers apart, then shifted around so he was facing her. She pulled her arms towards her chest in her sleep. While Lash reached out and pulled her closer to him. She snuggled into his arms and they fit together rather well. He casually dragged his nails up and down her back in smooth sensual motions. He felt her shiver, and he smelled her arousal as she slowly woke up. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at Lash in mild surprise.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Diana said softly.


    ¡°Good afternoon.¡± Lash replied. Diana wrinkled her nose in mild irritation and nuzzled deeper into his arms.


    ¡°Would you like some lunch?¡± Lash asked, and Diana opened her eyes to look at him. A smile growing across her face.


    ¡°Are you making?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Lash replied.


    They stayed in each others arms for a few more minutes before Lash reluctantly let go and wiggled out from under the sheets. He stood up naked in front of Diana with out any hint of shame. Diana admired the view as he pulled on a white tunic that extended to his knees. They were on Themyscira after all. He tied a belt around his waist and he was done. He left his room and cast Immaculate on himself to get cleaned up. Then went downstairs and started to use his Cooking skill. Diana came down stairs after she took a quick shower. She wore her now cleaned leather skirt, and leather top. She sat at his dinner table and waited.


    ¡°Breakfast food for lunch!¡± Lash declared as he placed a belgian waffle in front of Diana along with pancakes, eggs, sausage. With milk, orange juice, and water.


    ¡°Breakfast food is always appreciated no matter what time it is.¡± Diana replied and dug in.


    They ate in comfortable silence until they finished their meal. Lash cleaned up, and they soon left his villa to walk through the city. Has protocol dictated he should visit the Queen if possible. So they made there way towards the palace. Lash could feel the irritation from his Cosmic Patron. Why? Why hadn''t he and Diana done anything while they were in bed? To be perfectly honest, sex wasn''t really on Lash''s priority list. But he did love teasing his Patron. A crack of thunder rang out above the skies on a clear blue sky. Diana looked up in confusion.


    ¡°I wonder why Zeus is calling?¡± Diana asked.


    Lash felt the distinct sensation of a red flag being propped up. His Cosmic Patron was irritated, and would have their fun one way or another! Lash smiled lightly as they walked into the palace halls and made their way towards the gardens where Queen Hippolyta sat watching, and listening to the birds. A smile grew on her face as she turned to see them approach.


    ¡°So, brother Lash. Should I prepare the wedding ceremony for you and my daughter?¡± Hippolyta asked, Lash froze mid step and Diana turned bright red.


    ¡°Mother! Nothing happened!¡± Diana blurted out.


    ¡°Ohhh? Pity, I think you two would be a good match.¡± Hippolyta said, as she tsk her daughter with a mock look of shame. ¡°I assumed you would have tied him to the bed and had your way with him.¡± She continued, and Diana all but turned into a tomato and stormed towards her mother in pure horror.


    Diana, and Hippolyta had a mock shouting/whispering match. A smile remained on Hippolyta''s face the whole time as she blatantly teased Diana. After all it was a mothers job to embarrass their child! Lash occupied his time by looking at the rare specimens of flowers, and plant life in the royal gardens. Many of the plants didn''t exist outside of Themyscira anymore.


    ¡°OK! OK! I am sorry. I am sorry that you feel embarrassed about being attracted to Lash.¡± Hippolyta said with a grin and Diana all but screamed at her!


    ¡°No! We are done!¡± Diana turned on her heel and snagged Lash''s hand and dragged him from the gardens.


    ¡°It was good to see you again!¡± Lash called out.


    ¡°You as well future son in law!¡± Hippolyta said with a smile.


    ¡°You are insufferable!¡± Diana screamed at her.


    Diana! Wonder Woman! Demigod of the Olympians, warrior for justice, and slayer of gods! Turned into teenager by her smothering mother! Lash tried not to laugh, especially since Diana had his arm in a death grip. But it was hard not too. Diana was normally very composed, and hard to read. But right now she was an open book.


    ¡°You know she was only teasing you, right?¡± Lash asked, once they had left the palace and Diana and stopped dragging him along.


    ¡°I know...Its just. Mother''s just....¡± Diana began and tried to find the right words to describe the situation.


    ¡°A mother teasing her daughter about spending the night with a boy?¡± Lash asked, and Diana glared at him while a smile tugged on her lips.


    ¡°Nothing happened! I was drunk, and you didn''t take advantage of the situation.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Of course not! I''m not that kind of man.¡± Lash said in a matter of fact tone.


    ¡°I know! That''s why she can tease me. Because she knows nothing happened. She can trust you. I can trust you.¡± Diana said, and continued to march towards the training academy.


    ¡°Diana...Are you not allowed to have physical intimacy with other people?¡± Lash asked, actually curious about the answer.


    ¡°I....It''s complicated.¡± Diana said.


    Holy crap! Lash was glad nothing had happened. Of course he now had a better understanding as to why his Patron wanted something to happen. It would have complicated Lash''s life even more. Drama! Lots, and lots of drama! Yay, drama! Lash said sarcastically in his mind. They walked in silence for a while and if Lash remembered the academy was several hours away. So he used Transformation and dropped to all six limbs.


    ¡°Come along Diana, take me for a ride!¡± Lash said in his animalistic voice. Diana burst out laughing and jumped onto his back.


    ¡°Be gentle with me, its my first time.¡± Diana said slyly.


    ¡°Slow and steady to start, hard and fast to finish.¡± Lash replied, and started in a gradual lope.


    ¡°You''re incorrigible!¡± She said with a shout as they started to pick up speed.


    So began the first day of Lash''s week long vacation on Paradise Island with Wonder Woman.


    Galen

 Chapter 119: The God of War!

    ==========================================================


    ***HR. Sol System. Space Sector 2814***


    Contained with in the Sol System were eight planets, and over 200 moons. Though what could be considered a moon could be debated. The Sol System was new to the Universe as a whole, or many would like to believe. Though thanks to the big reveal with the Guardians of the Universe. The written history may be less, or more than previously believed. But the truth that Earth was the center of the Universe was only known to a select few of eternal beings. Even then, it was still up for debate.


    With in the Sol System was a ship, a star fighter with the logo of Galactic Sheriff security company. The star fighter was crewed by a single sheriff who was on his predetermined patrol threw the system. He, along with his two advanced automated drones that flew as his wing men. Or wing robots? The pilot was a Graxosian, the humans of Earth would think him an elf from the fantasy genre. They had golden skin, pointed ears, lived a long time, and had hyper regeneration. Aside from that, they were mostly human looking.


    The Graxosian was named Ryul Fajeon, he had sliver to white hair tied back into a ponytail. A clean shaven face, with piercing green eyes, and his peoples golden skin tone. On his left ear was a collection of metallic rings all along his ear ridge, while his right ear was empty save for a communication earbud to his ship. He had a athletic build that fit into his flight suit. He was approximately 5''10¡±. Ryul took his job seriously, he worked hard, and played hard on his time off.


    Something that Ryul was looking forward to do once he got back to the Watch Tower Station, having time off. Ryul was the current Sheriff on duty at the station. Once his shift would be over he would make the several weeks trip back towards home. Then he would be off for one full month before he would be placed back on rotation. Despite the long journey Ryul volunteered for the assignment. Unfortunately he was not the only one. The pleasure palace on the station was top of the line!


    The head mistress as she liked to be called, her name was Shylisa. What a perfect name for a perfect woman. Ryul would never admit it to anyone. But he felt that he may be falling in love with her. Of course that was her job! She ran the pleasure palace in the station. Ryul caught himself imagining what they had done a few nights ago and nearly piloted his ship straight into a asteroid along the belt. He pulled his focus back to the matter at hand.


    Ryul had to keep his head out of the clouds. He had to be careful with Shylisa. Especially since she was the grand daughter of his employer. The man or thing that owned the station. Apparently he had dozens of grand children. The guy must have a huge harem of women at his call. Shylisa only ever said his name with the most respect, and love a grand child could give. That made this...Wraith OK in Ryul''s book. There to offer support when needed. But lets his grand children be their own people. Ryul wished his own family had been like that.


    ¡°Approaching vessel please identify yourself.¡± Said a synthetic feminine voice over his communication channel.


    ¡°Watch Tower Station, this is sheriff Ryul Fajeon coming back from patrol. Sending ID codes now.¡± Ryul replied, and entered his code.....


    ¡°Identification confirmed, welcome back sheriff. Anything to report?¡± The voice replied.


    ¡°Nothing out of the sort. Though I would encourage you to build a mining station on the gas planet you call Jupiter. It would be a great cash grab for you.¡± Ryul replied to the voice.


    ¡°We''ll take it under advisement. Please be advised the stations upgrade key has been fed into the system. So we''ll be going through some changes for the next few weeks.¡± The voice said next.


    ¡°Already? Anything I should know? I''ll send a report back at the next data stream back at corporate.¡± Ryul asked, as he shifted in his seat as he came around the red planet known as Mars. The station was like a pin prick on his overlay.


    ¡°There is a data packet ready for your consumption at the sheriff station on board. Though off the top of my metaphorical head. I would say the FTL Slingshot should be of interest.¡± The voice replied. Ryul''s eyes nearly popped out of his skull.


    ¡°Say again, Vici!?¡± Ryul asked. Ryul heard Vici chuckle lightly over the communication line.


    ¡°My creator designed an experimental FTL Slingshot. Magical technology, that can Blink a ship across nearly a dozen star systems. Should make the trip of getting back to corporate from a month to one day....¡± Vici replied with a hint of pride in her voice.


    ¡°Stars above!? That is going to put the station on the travelers map!¡± Ryul practically shouted over the line.


    Ryul''s star fighter could jump from start system to star system with his FTL and only need a few days between jumps. But with several systems between him and corporate it made the journey tedious and boring. None of the systems they went through were owned, or paid for by corporate. So there was no need to patrol them. But if the Slingshot worked? Travelers from across the star lanes would show up to shave off travel time. So new shipping lanes. Which would lead to new patrols. Which meant more escorts, and more money!


    After a few more minutes, and few more questions for Vici the station''s on board VI. Ryul saw that the station had gone through a face lift already. The outer orbital ring, and pylons had been pulled in and merged into the super structure. A skeleton frame had extended out creating a sort of sphere. It looked like it would be several weeks, months, or even years before it was finished. But from the size difference it would definitely be larger.


    Ryul came to a gradual stop just outside the perimeter. His ships on board basic VI notified him that dozens of turrets had weapons lock on him. The automated attack craft with him slowed to a stop as well. Three automated drones from the station came out. Tug boats! They created a tractor beam lock and guided them towards the station. A majority of the station was off limits. Save for a small section for the trade hub. Ryul star fighter was pulled into his reserved space, as the automated attack drones of the sheriff corp. were stored for maintenance and refueling.


    Ryul received a green light for atmosphere and pulled himself out of his pilots seat. He slipped into his small cargo hold, and opened the door to leave. Fresh, breathable air welcomed him. None of that recycled stuff. Say what you want about universal energy. It always made the impossible, possible. On any other station. Reprocessed air, water, and food would have been his only treat after returning for his shift. Of course not everyone was comfortable with UE. He saw a few traders who had come to recycle and reprocess there trash. They were not happy about using UE fuel and supplies.


    Universal Energy had a bad reputation in the Universe as a whole. Not that it wasn''t viable. But it was tied to energy what could literally blink out of existence at the casters will. Imagine spending thousands of solar coins on materials, supplies, fuel, and ammo. Then for it all to disappear while you are out in the middle of no where. Then don''t even get Ryul started on anti-UE attacks. A well placed missile and suddenly half your ship demateralized.


    However, Watch Tower Station found a loop hole that Ryul hadn''t thought about. They made the materials first. Then put them through a processing center. Something about creating something out of energy made it more real. They even tested it in front of him. This prevented the two worries that came with UE. The merchants couldn''t snap their fingers and remove anything. The materials also couldn''t be removed with anti-UE. So, Ryul said as much to the traders assuring them that the materials they got were safe.


    ¡°Sheriff!¡± A man''s voice called, Ryul turned around and automatically snapped to attention.


    ¡°Lantern sir! How may I help you!¡± Ryul called out to John Stewart Blue Lantern. The tall human with black skin, shaved hair, and form fitting blue uniform came over with a smile.


    ¡°Relax sheriff, I just wanted to let you know we have three new recruits. We also set up a lantern communication hub on the station.¡± John said as he walked over to him. Ryul''s eyes widen just a touch but he didn''t relax.


    ¡°I''ll make sure to notify my superiors. Will our employer be cutting back on our security?¡± Ryul asked, worried about what the lantern would say. John looked conflicted and shook his head in a clear no. Ryul released a breath he didn''t know he was holding.


    ¡°No, with the solar system safely in your hands, the lanterns can spend more time out there doing the work.¡± John replied, and Ryul nodded with just a tiny twitch to his lips for a smile.


    ¡°Carry on!¡± John said, and turned on his heel and left Ryul.


    Ryul was tempted to make an obscene gesture towards the lanterns back. But held off on it. There was a rumor that their employer Wraith had created his own lantern corp. in the wake of the Green Lantern corp. imploding. Ryul didn''t even want to go into the logistics to making a power ring, let alone a power ring battery core. Despite making the Blue Lantern corp. the employer Wraith continued to use the Galactic Sheriff security company.


    The employer paid good money, very good money to have his solar system protected. Ryul made his way towards the Sheriff Hub and stepped inside to a cube building that was inserted into a slot aboard the station. Several notifications waited for his viewing on his desk computer. Several criminal bounties had been captured on the planet...Earth. Needed pick up. Ryul sent their files towards corporate. He received a message that the Sheriff Hub would be getting a size increase due to the station growing larger. Nice! Then came the inclusion of several new station modules that would be working with the Sheriff Hub. Ryul got comfortable and new he had a lot of paper work to do.


    ____________________________________________________________


    (John Stewart aka Blue Lantern)


    John was approximately 6''1¡±, with brown eyes (Blue with the ring on), short black hair cut in a marine style haircut, high and tight. He had an inverted triangle build, wide shoulders. With a line backer body. He wore a JLI mid tier exoskeleton suit, with his Blue Lantern body suit. Why? He had argued that he didn''t need a JLI suit. But then he was politely educated on how idiotic that was.


    What would happen if his ring ran out of power mid way through the vacuum of space? He would die! What would happen if something happened to the Blue Lantern battery core, and his ring lost power. He would lose his abilities, so the suit would help supplement his issues, etc, etc. After being educated John relented and got a suit. He was loathed to admit it. But the suit made his job really easy. It could even store up excess blue energy for emergencies.


    John had just finished speaking to the current Sheriff aboard the station. Ryul Fajeon, John hated him. Well not him personally. Just the Galactic Sheriff corporation. Private security, is all they were. They weren''t real cops! They were mercenaries here to make a quick buck! When the fighting started, and it would. The Sheriff''s would do the bare minimal. Then quote some bull shit excuse about bodily harm, and leave. Then they would make Wraith pay for the damages!


    John squeezed his ring hand into a fist. He tried to calm himself as he walked through the trade hub portion of the station. He spoke to several visiting traders. Arranging escorts back to their homes. Cause the Sheriff''s wouldn''t do it. Not unless they paid for it. He had mentioned three new lanterns. That was true! Two natives of Earth, and one Martian had obtained a ring from the battery core. John was happy to add them to the roster. Along with the new lantern hub they were able to, ''connect'' into the lantern wide communication.


    Hundreds of rogue green lanterns requested the use of the blue battery core for a recharge. Or even a blue lantern to come out. They still wanted to work as Green Lanterns. But didn''t want to report to the Guardians anymore. Technically the Guardians could pull rings off of anyone they wanted to. John was confused why they hadn''t done that? Katma, and Hal were flying out to retrieve a few Green Lanterns and bring them back to the hub.


    John left the Trade Hub and made his way into the JLI portion of the station. It was a mad house! But in a good way. Hundreds of JLI members were helping the engineer crew on the inside. While hundreds more were outside helping to build the super structure for the next upgrade. Supposedly they were getting a new energy core that could hold up a larger station. That was great! The station needed a lot more room.


    John had been frustrated when he had missed talking to Wraith. He had been aboard the station for a few hours but left just as quickly. Though John''s data packet he received from Vici informed him that Wraith needed time off. John didn''t get to read all of the report. But five years?! Wraith was gone for five years from his perspective. He got married? She died in a battle and it hit him hard. John took a moment to center himself and find his calm. He''d seen friends in the service go through that. Wraith could take all the time he needed.


    ¡°John!¡± A man''s voice called out to him. John turned to look back, then looked up. Hawkman (Karter), and Hawkwoman (Shayera) flew down from a separate level above.


    ¡°Hello you two! Is there a problem?¡± John asked, as they both landed and folded in the their wings. They looked flustered.


    ¡°The Thanagarian delegation is due to arrive in two days. They want to meet, Wraith.¡± Shayera said first, John winced and sighed softly.


    ¡°He''s suppose to be off for the week. You two read the report right?¡± John asked, then before Shayera started to reply. Karter stepped up and pulled them to the side out of the foot traffic. He also took out a item that created a sound ring around them.


    ¡°Sorry, I thought it best we keep his record private.¡± Karter said, and Shayera gave her head a smack. So did, John for himself.


    ¡°There is another issue...¡± Karter began and Shayera winced.


    ¡°What?¡± John asked.


    ¡°What we are about to say needs to stay between us, alright?¡± Shayera asked as she removed her helmet to reveal the intensity in her eyes, as did Karter. John nodded in agreement.


    ¡°You are aware of Thanagar''s history are you not? How we came to power?¡± Karter asked, and John nodded. It had been brutal. Their high priests had contacted an extra dimensional being and this being taught the young Thanagar culture everything they needed...For a price.


    ¡°The delegation also has inquisitors hidden among them. They are here to verify if Wraith''s patron is our old god in disguise.¡± Shayera replied, and John''s eyes went wide in shock and a bit of anger.


    ¡°They can not be serious! Wraith''s patron acts nothing like your old god! Yes, they are a twisted piece of work I''ll give you that. But the only one they manipulate is Wraith!¡± John said in outrage. Karter raised his hands in surrender.


    ¡°Yes, we know that! But the delegation want''s to create a trade treaty with the Sol System. But they won''t do that if Wraith''s patron is our old god in disguise. They are being overly protective. It''s peculiar. Normally they would deploy spies and gather information before they would send inquisitors. But they are taking a rather up front approach to this.¡± Karter admitted, as he puzzled over his peoples motives.


    ¡°Tell me, if the inquisitors believe that Wraith''s patron is your old god. What would happen?¡± John asked. Karter swallowed audibly and Shayera grew pale.


    ¡°Then Thanagar would declare war on him. Along with anything he associated with.¡± Karter replied.


    ¡°So all of us? Including Earth?¡± John asked, as he clenched his teeth in frustration.


    ¡°Yes... Do you see why we need Wraith here to talk to them?¡± Shayera said next. John rubbed the bridge of his nose.


    ¡°The man just lost five years of his life, and a wife! Now he has to stand before religious executioners and explain what his twisted patron is? I''d be surprised if Wraith doesn''t eat them alive!¡± John all but shouted at them.


    Fuck! This is not what they needed! A Kryptonian fleet was supposedly on the way being led by a tyrant. Earth was being ripped apart by Rifts. On top of an unstable elements like the metas, escaped alien prisoners, and galactic politics! The JLI was stretched thin across not only the planet Earth. But also across Mars! Death Cults had popped over Mars claiming that Mother Mars must end. Then they had pirates showing up in the system due to trade traffic!


    ¡°Shayera, you''ll have to head down to get him. He''s on Themyscira.¡± John said after a bit of thought.


    ¡°The sooner the better.¡± Karter said next.


    ¡°Diana isn''t going to like this.¡± Shayera said softly.


    ¡°I don''t think anyone is going to like this.¡± John added, and turned to go.


    ==========================================================


    ***HR. Earth, Themyscira.***


    (Warden Erik Lash, Hunter-Saurian aka Agent Wraith)


    The Amazon training academy for warriors was a true academic college. With a heavy focus on physical education. Even on the weekend the grounds were full of activity. At the end of every week was a test. If the students passed their test they got the weekend off. If they failed, then they would use the extra time to study, and to train in PE. Yes, it was lighter than their weekly education. Yes, they still got time off. So when Lash galloped in with Diana riding on his back they still caught plenty of attention.


    Lash had mentioned this many times before. But he would do so again. Scantily clad females doing exercises was always a sight to behold. Many of the warriors in training wore leather skirts, and leather tops. Some of the more modern day women IE JLI trainee''s wore athleisure. (Real word.) While others just wore sports bra, and high and tight gym shorts. All the way to just swim suits. Several trainees and instructors turned to look at them as Diana jumped off his back. Lash stood up in his Transformation state at his full eight foot tall height. Then a purple and pink lightning stream collided straight into him and wrapped her arms around him.


    ¡°Rush! What are you doing here!¡± Lash said in delight as he wrapped all four arms around his companion.


    Monika Celeritas aka Rush was a VI Avatar that Lash met a long time ago. (Chapter 62) She was a confirmed JLI member and was a speedster. She stood at approximately 5''6¡± with electric purple eyes, short cropped black hair to her shoulders, with a runners body. She had a bouncy, up beat attitude, that normally couldn''t be nailed down. Made sense with her meta power. Her title was ''Sugar Rush Addict''.


    ¡°I was invited to come be an instructor for some of our new speedsters! We are about to run around the island want to come!?¡± Rush said with a bright smile, her body practically vibrated with excitement. Lash looked down at her and brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes.


    ¡°I''m not sure I can keep up.¡± Lash replied with out a hint of shame. Speedsters, even G grade speedsters were fast.


    ¡°We aren''t going fast! They are learning to control. They are very accident prone, and injury prone it would be nice having a healer along.¡± Rush replied as she jumped from his arms and bounced around.


    ¡°I don''t think it would be that bad, Wraith. Didn''t you say you wanted to help train them?¡± Diana said as she came over and patted Rush on the back. Rush beamed at Diana.


    ¡°Clear it with your supervisor, if they say yes bring your students over here I have a boon to grant them before we begin.¡± Lash suggested and Rush was gone before he finished his sentence.


    Less then twenty seconds later Rush had returned with ten other women speedsters. Many of them were young women in their early, or mid twenties. Two of them were in their thirties. Each one had a different color scheme to their speed energy. In the comics the color suggested their overall speed. In the Dream Engine the color was designed as a sort of cosmetic Lash read on the forums.


    ¡°Everyone! This is Wraith! The one who caught me way back when I was a pick pocket in Gotham!¡± Rush said proudly, Lash looked at her in mild confusion then bowed from his waist towards the awaiting women who looked at him with wide eyes.


    ¡°Hello everyone, Instructor Rush has informed me that you are going for your run around the island. I have a energizing boon to grant each of you if you will allow me?¡± Lash asked, as he extended his claws.


    Lash currently did not have the grip reaper shroud on. So the trainee speedsters got to see the eight foot armored reptile in all his glory. Lash''s mandibles clicked against his snout as he stepped forward to place his clawed hands on the first trainee. She was a little thing compared to Lash and she grew pale in fright as Lash used his Power Stone training boon. The tear drop stone in his skull crest sparked with energy and poured into the trainee.


    ¡°WOOOOOAAAAAH!¡± The trainee squealed in absolute delight and took off on a sprint towards the starting line. She left a green lightning current that was highlighted with purple energy.


    ¡°She was our slowest one.¡± Rush said softly.


    ¡°Who''s next?¡± Lash asked as he held ups his clawed hands each one charged with purple power stone energy.


    -----


    Attention User! You have purchased Superhuman Speed for 100 Dream Points.


    Superhuman Speed: The User can move much faster than the average member of their species, beyond what can be emulated via natural training and with little to no maintaining. Works in tandem with other skills, powers, and even spell craft. (See Tool Tip).


    Average Speed: Is approximately 120 mph or approximately 193 kph.


    Lash sprinted on all six of his limbs as he chased after Rush, and her speedsters. Rush played the role of a pacer. Ensuring that everyone ran at a nice even pace. They were going for distance not speed. Though with Lash''s power stone EXP boost. They were quickly obtaining levels, and evolution to their speed powers. Even with Lash''s recent acquisition he was the slowest out of all of them. But that worked in his favor.


    ¡°Hold still...¡± Lash said as he came to a stop next to one of the speedsters who''s left leg had been broken in four different places.


    ¡°You fucking hold still! Fuck! This hurts!¡± The woman screamed at him. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Regrowth. He didn''t use Nature Kiss because they needed the experience with their own healing abilities.


    ¡°FUUCK!¡± The woman screamed as her bones snapped back to their proper position. But didn''t fully heal. But as a speedster she had a Superhuman Healing. So after another minute of cussing up a storm she was fine.


    ¡°Go on.¡± Lash said as he nudged her up with his snout. She didn''t need much prodding as she mumbled an apology and started to run. Soon out pacing him. Lash jogged along then took off in a sprint.


    Themyscira is a large island. About the size of Southern Australia, 983,482 square kilometres or approximately 379,724 square miles. The speedsters were running the outline of the whole island today, it was already noon by the time Lash and Diana had arrived at the academy. So if they wanted to get back by dinner they had about six hours to finish the whole route. Lash climbed up and over cliff faces, ran across the water with Water Walk.


    Rush, and three of the other speedsters could run so fast they could run over the surface of water with out sinking. The rest? Sunk into the water, thankfully Superhuman Speed did translate into swimming faster as well. Lash jogged along the swimmers ensuring they all got to their destination safely. They zipped through the port city and Lash got some Parkour into his work out. As he jumped from roof top, to high wall, down to street level only to climb up another wall.


    Lash sprinted the whole way and topped out at about 180 mph even across rough terrain. He had to stop periodically to heal a few injuries but they made excellent time around the island. Eventually they had to call it. There was not enough time in the day, and the distance was exhausting. Normally they would run back across the island. But Lash used Portal Creation and they jumped through the swirling darkness back to the academy. Just in time for supper!


    Despite the agonizing journey even the slowest among them still had a bit of energy left. The experience total was huge for many of them. The three slowest speedsters had gone up a whole grade of evolution. While the others had only increased by a numerical value of minus to standard, to plus. All the same it was progress! But the most important thing they obtained was control. The Flash was well known for being able to easily break the sound barrier, and turn on a dime. That was what they came here to learn.


    Rush was panting for breath but had a exhausted smile on her face. Runners high was the best description for her. She had a pair of bright pink speedsters shoes on with friction resistant white shorts, and friction resistant black sports bra. Her hair was pulled back into a tail. She was covered in sweat but wasn''t dying like some of the other speedsters. When the portal snapped closed behind Lash, Rush zipped over and gave him a hug. He ruffled her hair and she laughed at him.


    ¡°Thanks for the run!¡± Rush said and jogged over to her students. ¡°To the showers!¡± She said, and her students cheered. Each one took a moment to thank Lash.


    Lash waved them off and cast Immaculate on himself and cleaned up nicely. He wondered through the training grounds following the familiar scent of Diana. To find her at the training arena fighting against JLI trainees with Superhuman Strength. One of the biggest issues that come with having Superhuman Strength is control. Even at G grade the power is chaotic. The world becomes incredibly fragile. A lot of people also let the power go to their heads.


    Diana effortlessly pushed, pulled, and tripped the women who threw sloppy punches, and nearly no one kicked. The young women screamed in frustration as Diana evaded, ducked, and flipped out of the way. Diana wasn''t even trying, this was a light work out. Eventually they all got to exhausted to continue and were swapped out for another batch of trainees. Strength didn''t translate into stamina. Diana turned around as Lash walked towards her, a smile grew on her face.


    ¡°How was the run?¡± Diana said as she momentarily stepped out of the ring. Lash cast Immaculate on her and she groaned in satisfaction at being cleaned.


    ¡°Eventful, only a few injuries. Though we didn''t even get half way around the island. But that wasn''t necessarily the purpose of the run.¡± Lash replied as he stepped forward and began to untie Diana''s ponytail. Diana''s eyes half closed as she enjoyed the sensation.


    Lash gently turned Diana around and with expert ease, and four hands did a french braid of Diana''s long black hair. Then secured it to a neck collar she wore when training or in battle. So the braid tail wouldn''t swing around and smack into her face. Once that was finished Lash''s upper hands worked on her neck, while his lower hands worked on her shoulders. Diana groaned in satisfaction at feeling his clawed hands on her body. Though he was careful not to cut or scratch her skin. Though he was sure she was made out of sterner stuff.


    ¡°Brother Wraith, perhaps you would like to step into the ring. Teach the trainees a thing or two?¡± One of the Amazon instructors called out. Lash turned to look at her, then at the trainees who looked a little shocked at the suggestion.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Lash said after a moment of consideration and stepped away from his massage with Diana who was reluctant to let him go. She rolled her neck, and shoulders and walked over to the ring to watch.


    Lash stepped into the middle of the ring and waited as several JLI trainees stepped in as well. Each with Superhuman Strength along with a few additional abilities. Like Superhuman Durability, reflexes, etc, etc. Standing at eight feet tall in his Transformation state he was by far the tallest. The instructor walked into the ring to explain the rules once more.


    ¡°Alright brother Wraith your job is simple. Deflect, block, push, and pull them off their feet. Evade, dodge, and move out of the way. Defense only, while they attack you. Questions?¡± She asked, and Lash shook his head. ¡°Alright....Begin!¡± She said and stepped out of the ring. No one moved.


    ¡°I assure you, Wonder Woman is stronger than I am. So I should be a far easier challenge than her.¡± Lash said simply, his animalistic voice was rough but not harsh. One of the women eyed him like he was crazy. But soon stepped in and threw all her wait into her punch.


    Lash''s tail whipped around and tripped her up off her feet. She didn''t even finish the punch. But what she started others began. Lash''s four tentacles on his back whipped around and pushed two attackers off their feet. They were unbalanced. They leaned in and threw off their weight. He snapped out one of his hands grabbed a foot and pulled her into the arms of another combatant. He stepped to the side in a fluid motion and swept several women off their feet with his bladed tail. Then did a forward somersault that made all the trainees dive out of the way. Lash had far more mass then Diana did.


    ¡°There will come a time in your life when you will fight things larger than yourselves. Some will be hostile, some will be neutral, while others will be friendly. Learn control, learn to apply just enough force to knock them down, but not to kill. Training to kill comes later.¡± Lash said, and their instructor agreed.


    Lash reached out his clawed hands towards the sand pit they were in and used Elemental Manipulation. As all of the sand turned into a writhing mass of tentacles. The trainees on the side went wide eyed as the women in the ring started to scream. First round, fight! One brave soul rushed through the sand tentacles to tackle Lash and got about a foot in front of his face before a sand tentacle wrapped around her legs and yanked her back.


    ¡°I don''t think this is what they had in mind, Wraith!¡± Diana called out from the outside edge.


    ¡°I am technically not attacking them.¡± Lash said with a grin. Which was true, the sand tentacles were pushing, pulling, and momentarily ensnaring. But none of them out right attacked them.


    ¡°No, this works! Part of training is training for the unexpected. Keep going! Wraith is your target!¡± The instructor called out.


    One of the power houses bull dozed through the tentacles. They were made out of sand after all. Once the other trainees saw that. They put all their fight into the tentacles, each one destroyed was one removed. Lash didn''t make more, for now. Then he cast Mud Marsh and the whole pit swallowed them to their waists. All the while Lash stood on top like it was nothing. The trainees yelled in frustration.


    A trainee jumped from the mud and flung herself at Lash. He slipped past her outstretched arms and pushed her back into the marsh. Her resulting crater caused the mud to splatter across the rest. Then with a snap of his claws the mud turned back into sand. All of the trainees were stuck in the sand up to their waist. One specific trainee was up to her neck. Lash extended a hand out and made a bring it on gesture.


    Lash cast an area of effect of Gravitas, it was one of the few times he had actually cast it on anything. It increased or decreased the overall weight of everyone, and everything in the area by about 10%. (Chapter 70) It wasn''t much, but it was enough to be noticed. Great muscle training! It of course didn''t effect him at all. He used Elemental Manipulation in combination with Earth Swim and glided across the sand pit. The trainees then spent the next ten minutes chasing him.


    ¡°Alright that''s enough!¡± The instructor called out. The trainees were gasping for air. They had barely touched Lash the whole fight. Lash canceled Gravitas and stepped out of the ring. Diana had a bemused expression on her face.


    ¡°I may be physically stronger than you, Wraith. But that doesn''t mean your weaker than I am.¡± Diana said.


    ¡°I know, it''s a good lesson to learn.¡± Lash replied with a smug grin on his snout.


    KAAAKAAA-BOOM! A lightning strike hit the training arena and blasted a cascading energy of divine magic into the air. A malevolent dark corrosive energy exploded from the crater created by the lightning strike. It swallowed the whole area as black smoke formed into a full faced helmet with two horns on either side, and skull like face. A raging voice called out.


    ¡°I AM THE GOD OF WAR, ARES! I HAVE COME FOR THE ONE WHO KILLED ME!¡± The helmet raged, as two piercing red eyes glowed aflame in the helmet.


    The arena swarmed with Amazonian guards, the instructors pulled the trainees out. While Diana used a spell chant to call her JLI uniform onto her body. Her body armor formed around her like a living thing and her helmet snapped into place. God-Slayer sword in hand she took up a fighting position. Lash however looked confused. Did Ares die? Then Lash gave himself a face palm.


    ¡°That''s right, I did kill you!¡± Lash said out loud. He had honestly forgotten about it. He had gone to the MCU Rift right after the Summer Hunt. So it was at the back of his mind. Diana whipped her head around in complete shock.


    ¡°YOU KILLED ARES!?¡± Diana screamed at him.


    ¡°MY KILLER HAS NAMED HIMSELF! NOW RECIEVE JUSTICE!¡± The smog monster that was Ares called out. The corrosive, and malevolent force swirled into a vortex above the crater. Then silence reigned in the arena as the smoke started to clear.


    The crushing of sand beneath the shoes of the new God of War was all that was heard. From the smoke stood a 6''3¡± man with short platinum blond hair, blue eyes, a golden tan. With hawaiian sea shells around his neck. He had a nice floral pattern buttoned up shirt on, with khaki shorts, and flip flops. He had an inverted triangle build, and was in great shape. He had a huge grin on his face and was carrying a can of beer in his left hand.


    ¡°Hey man! I''m the new God of War Ares, but you can call me Kyle!¡± The man said and took a sip of his beer. The pin drop silence was deafening as everyone stared at, ''Kyle''.


    ¡°Hello Kyle... Do we need to fight?¡± Lash asked after a bit.


    ¡°Oh no man! I mean the guy before me totally wants you dead. But I''m more low key. How about we just share a beer and talk it out?¡± Kyle asked, as he pulled out another beer from his shorts.


    ¡°OK...¡± Lash said as he walked over and took the beer from him. He popped the tab, cheered towards Kyle and they drank together.


    ¡°Far out man! Alright, I forgive you.¡± Kyle said, and the intense pressure that was pushing against everyone evaporated like it was never there.


    ¡°You are the new God of War?¡± Diana asked, as she slowly sheathed her sword.


    ¡°Totally! It caught me by complete surprise! Dude, have you ever been to Olympus it is far out!¡± Kyle said, as he turned towards Lash who shook his head in clear denial.


    ¡°You...You are the new God of War?¡± Diana asked again. ¡°Wait, when did you kill the last one, Wraith?¡±


    ¡°During the Summer Solstice Hunt. He attacked us during the run. My patron hid the incident.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Ohhhyaaaaa! Zeus was supper pissed about it too! I mean I showed up on his door, like by today! But like I said, I am way more laid back about this stuff! I told my new dad...Wow that is weird sentence. Anyways, I looked through my previous self''s memories and found out. Wow! He was a total D-bag! He got exactly what was coming to him. So, your off the hook my man!¡± Kyle said, and took another swig of his beer can.


    ¡°Your the new God of War?¡± Diana asked, as the Amazonian guard showed up on pegasus horses. They flew down wielding weapons made of orichalcum. Pointed straight at Kyle who nodded at Diana.


    ¡°I know right! I totally don''t look it. Dionysus lost his shit when he met me!¡± Kyle said with a shit eating grin on his face.


    ¡°Your a marine.¡± Lash said to him and Kyle lost a bit of his smile.


    ¡°Ya... I was. It''s a long story, we''ll need more beer!¡± Kyle said. ¡°Dio! You up there, we need more booze!¡± Kyle called up to the heavens and the a golden light pierced down from the heavens revealing an individual.


    The man had short curly brown hair, warm brown eyes, and a average figure. Not skinny, not fat, just average. He wore a pair of sandals, shorts, and a polo shirt. He kinda looked like a college frat party attender. He had a youthful energy about him that just seem to fit that. He had warm caramel skin tone, and divine energy cascaded off of him. He was about 5''10¡± even. He had a huge smile on his face and held up his arms towards them.


    ¡°Diana good to see you!¡± Dionysus shouted and all of the Amazons saluted him, even Diana almost by automatic. Lash swept his arms out and took a knee in respect but Kyle pulled him to his feet.


    ¡°Dio! Can you tell them all that I am indeed the new Ares?¡± Kyle asked, Dio as he was called walked over with a bemused expression on his face.


    ¡°Yes, Princess Diana I can confirm that this is our new brother. Isn''t great!¡± Dio shouted as he wrapped an arm around Kyle and smiled at Diana who still looked so confused.


    Another golden beam of light fell from the heavens, followed by another, and another. The first one revealed a tall women with golden blond hair that reached to the middle of her back. She wore a pair of cotton gray shorts, white t-shirt, and tennis shoes. She looked around clearly expecting a different scene. She turned her eyes towards Kyle, and Dio.


    ¡°So no fight?¡± The woman asked.


    ¡°No, sorry Athena! I said I''m not about that life anymore.¡± Kyle said, and now all of the Amazons went to their knees. Lash again tried to kneel but Kyle held him up.


    The next beam of light revealed a woman in little more than a red bikini, and red thong with bouncing breasts, and plump ass. She stepped out from her beam of light and nearly any, and all eyes looked towards her in some sense of lust, and love. She winked at everyone and blew a kiss. Her eyes settled on Kyle, and on Lash. She looked at Lash with a curious eye. She had long red hair, with brilliant green eyes, and white skin. She stood at about 5''9¡± with an hour glass figure. Picture perfect.


    ¡°Sorry, just came from a photo shoot! So no battle?¡± She asked next.


    ¡°No big sis Aphrodite.¡± Kyle said with a smirk, and Aphrodite stuck her tongue out at him. Then called up a beach side colored shawl to wrap around her figure that only added to the temptation.


    The last beam of light revealed a young women in early twenties. She wore a pair of combat boots, hunting camo pants, and a black t-shirt. She had a quiver on her back, along with a recurve bow in her hands. An arrow was knocked and ready to fire. Her short black hair was tied back into a pony tail, and her cold amber eyes narrowed at the scene. She was expecting a fight and didn''t get one. She looked a little disappointed.


    ¡°Artemis...¡± Lash said softly, and the Goddess looked at him with interest. She was the Olympian Goddess of the Hunt, among other aspects.


    ¡°Woooo! We got a full house! Let''s start drinking!¡± Dio shouted and with several claps of his hands a giant feast was created, a musical band started to play, and servants were conjured to serve the people.


    Needless to say, the Amazons and the JLI trainees were really confused. Queen Hippolyta, and General Philipus showed up in force expecting to fight a God of War only to meet three out of six of the Goddess that support Themyscira. Along with Dionysus, and the new Ares...Kyle. They were floored when they found out their old enemy the previous incarnation of Ares was killed by Lash during the Summer Solstice Hunt.


    Kyle was the God-Kin that obtained the divine spark of Ares. After Lash killed the last Ares, the most suitable host was found. Which was Kyle. Kyle was a beach bum who live in California. He was at one time a US Marine, then turned into a mercenary and/or security consultant for the CIA. He was one of those people that got sent in with a team to destabilize country. Made it ripe to receive commercial aid from the US, or another country of equal power.


    One day when he was training the soldiers of the newly established regime. He took an IED to his hip, specifically the shrapnel. Thankfully he had outstanding insurance, and a planned retirement with the security company he worked for. So for the past three years he had been living on a beach, in a nice house drinking, and getting fat. He was, and is a great soldier. He stepped up during the invasion and helped out his community.


    For all of Ares stories, myths, and legends. At his core, he is a soldier. Good, bad, or indifferent. Ares calls to war. Not barbaric, brutal actions that so many people think he is credited for. Ares does have honor, and he does have a moral compass. Or at least he should. That is what Kyle said about it. And that is what Kyle said he would do. Though he was not the only God of War on Earth. He was one of the most well known, which made him powerful.


    ¡°So ya! That''s my story. I came here to make amends with Wraith? Lash?¡± Kyle said Lash''s name after he looked around. Lash didn''t want the JLI trainees to know his identity.


    ¡°So, you and me are good. I also came to apologize to you Queen Hippolyta for my previous self. He was an asshole. I know words don''t hold much weight in that regard, but I am more than happy to spend the next few centuries, or millennium to pay back all the debts of my previous self.¡± Kyle finished at last as he finished speaking to Hippolyta, Philipus, Diana, Lash, and the rest of his siblings that sat around a table of honor during the party.


    ¡°I''d also like to join the Justice League.¡± Kyle said next, and all six of Lash''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Aha! He said it! Pay up!¡± Dio shouted at Athena who grumbled and flicked an orichalcum coin at him. Dio caught it and pocketed the coin.


    ¡°Thank you, Ares for the apology. It is accepted, but as you can understand we can not just forgive you. But we are willing to try.¡± Queen Hippolyta said as she stood up and bowed slightly towards Kyle.


    ¡°Question.¡± Lash said, as he held up a claw.


    ¡°Lash, you are a demigod. You are free to speak her with out being called on.¡± Artemis said to him who also sat next to him. Lash gave her a look of confusion. Demigod didn''t translate into full blown deity!


    ¡°Can you even be a part of the Justice League? I thought the deities of the world had a hands off rule about a lot of things?¡± Lash asked, it was a fundamental rule.


    ¡°Good question to ask, and technically you are right.¡± The Goddess Athena said from her side of the table as she drank from her wine glass. ¡°Ares will not be able to use all of his Divine spell craft, or act with his Domains of war, battle, and violence. He would just be a super powerful individual on par with Diana, and Superman.¡±


    ¡°But, in case of emergencies he could reach for his divine abilities in a pinch. How many battles have you been in that suddenly turned into something more. It would be a trump card¡± Artemis said next.


    ¡°OK...I''m alright with your joining. But I don''t think you should fall under the name Ares. Might send the wrong idea towards people.¡± Lash said next, and Ares/Kyle nodded in understanding.


    ¡°I''ll work with your PR people and come up with a name. Right now I am using my Domain of Violence to simmer down on conflict across the globe. Anything with in my area of operation.¡± Ares/Kyle said next and that earned him several smiles from around the table. Athena most of all.


    ¡°Oooo! Oooo! Can I join?¡± Aphrodite said next, and the whole table looked at her in confusion. ¡°Ya, your right. I''d get bored. Never mind.¡± She smiled at them and picked up her glass of wine and left the table to go get into trouble.


    ¡°You know what we need? Shots!¡± Dio said suddenly, and Kyle stood up with a grin.


    ¡°Shots! Shots! Shots!¡± Kyle, and Dio chanted together and raced off towards a bar that was being manned by a satyr.


    ¡°You should know, Lash. Zeus, and Hera are still on the fence about you. Technically you did kill their son. Even if I like this version of him more.¡± Athena said with a frown.


    ¡°It was self defense.¡± Diana said softly.


    ¡°All of Olympus knows that. They know that. But when have you ever known my father to see reason?¡± Athena replied, while Diana, Hippolyta, and Philipus frowned a bit.


    ¡°I''m not sorry... The previous version of Ares was a horrible monster that got exactly what he deserved.¡± Lash said to them all, and a crack of thunder rang out above them. ¡°If you had been a better father he may not have turned into such a shit!¡± Lash said to the sky now, and lightning danced across the sky.


    Athena, Artemis, and the Amazons all looked at him in horror. While Kyle laughed his ass off and gave the sky the bird. Then went back to drinking the night away. Dio looked a little nervous and soon rejoined his brother in a drinking game. Lash could feel his Danger Sense screaming at him, but he refused to apologize. Nothing he said was lie.


    ¡°Tell me I''m wrong.¡± Lash said to them all. No one did, and another crack of thunder roared across the sky.


    ¡°Ares forgave me, Ares admits that he was a horrible person. And no one here can tell me that Zeus was a good father!¡± Lash said at last and stood up from the table. He shouted the last words towards the sky and saw several lightning bolts race across the sky. Someone was angry.


    ¡°Zeus is a horrible father! He is a horrible husband! He''s gotten a little better with age, but not by much!¡± Kyle shouted from the other end of the party and laughed as the lightning, and rain started to fall across the arena.


    Another beam of golden light crashed into the arena and out stepped a Mr Universe model. A man with short golden hair, blue eyes, golden tan skin, and was wide as a door. He stood at approximately 6''6¡±. He wore cargo shorts, hiking boots, and t-shirt that was one size to small for him. He was a mass of muscles, and had a huge smile on his face. He had an addictive presence that seemed to draw the whole area in. A girlish squeal came from Aphrodite as she raced over and jumped on him, and practically glue herself to him.


    ¡°Hercules!¡± She squealed out, and Hercules grinned as he hugged and kissed his sister. Full on the mouth for several seconds. Olympians! When Hercules broke the kiss he set her down and looked around at everyone.


    ¡°Hello all! I heard my siblings were having a party with out me! May I join you!¡± Hercules said and...


    ¡°Brother! Welcome, of course you can join!¡± Ares/Kyle said as he walked over and handed a glass of something, something alcohol to him.


    ¡°Aha! Outstanding, thank you brother Ares.¡± Hercules said, and drank the whole glass in a single moment. Then his eyes zeroed in on Lash. The temperature dropped a few degrees, and Hercules smile became fake. He stomped across the arena and came to stand before Lash who was still in his Transformation state.


    ¡°So, you are my brothers murderer.¡± Hercules said with boisterous guffaw, but the whole party grew to a stand still.


    ¡°Hercules... I forgave him. We are square.¡± Ares/Kyle said behind him.


    ¡°Yes, you forgave him...But I didn''t.¡± Hercules said with a smile that didn''t reach his eyes.


    ¡°You don''t want to do this.¡± Lash said softly, and a crack of lightning raced across the sky. Hercules narrowed his eyes and sneered.


    ¡°Oh... I know I do.¡± Hercules said, he turned to look at Kyle then snapped his first forward in a quick move. Lash''s skull caved in and he was catapulted through several walls, and skipped across the ground several times before he came to a stop.


    Lash rolled to his feet and felt his skull pop out as Regeneration, and Superhuman Healing were empowered by the power stone. His life force filled out quickly as he growled deep in his throat. He heard a roar and saw a man jump from the academy towards him. Hercules couldn''t fly, but he could jump. Lash rolled his shoulders and spread his feet as he watched the dumb ass fall from the sky. Hercules had a wild smile on his face as he led with his fist.


    Attention User! You''ve been issued a quest from your Cosmic Patron.


    Objective: Defeat Hercules.


    Optional Objective: Kill Hercules.


    Option Objective: Use the Racial Trait Devour, Consume, Evolve on Hercules.


    A savage grin grew across Lash''s reptilian features as red Psionic Blades (Chaos) extended from his four tentacles, and from the knuckles of his upper arms. He started to channel magic with his lower arms. He lifted into the air with Telekinesis and flew towards Hercules. Then he activated his title, ''God Slayer'' (For 10 minutes the title holder will do maximum damage to any God, or Goddess. 24 hr. cool down.)


    Lash blasted through the air much to the surprise of Hercules as Lash''s lower arms used Eldritch Blast and a destruction beam shot straight towards Hercules. The God of Strength, and Heroes laughed in delight and channeled his Divine Domains and suddenly a ghostly silhouette of Superman superimposed over him. Then Hercules, and the power of Kal-El became one. He stopped in mid air and stared at the red beams of energy in....


    KAKAA-BOOM! Hercules was sent spiraling out of the sky and straight into the ground. Kryptonians are weak to magic, and Eldritch Blast is strong against beings of Order. Hercules impacted the ground and sent a mild tremor through the earth. Lash flew straight into the crater and started to attack Hercules. Hercules canceled Superman, and called on Wonder Woman. He jumped towards Lash and dodged his attacks effortlessly.


    ¡°Is this all you have!? I will admit that first attack struck a nerve but you''ll need more than that to best me!¡± Hercules shouted, he overall looked fine. Except for the clear sign of melted flesh on his right side with exposed bone that was not healing.


    Hercules dove to the side and quickly jumped to his feet and tore off one of Lash''s tentacles. The limb thrashed about for a moment before it turned to ash. Lash whipped his bladed tail around and caught the back of Hercules with his Monomolecular Edge, his power levels dropped by a large amount then the power stone refilled his energy in a matter of seconds.


    ¡°Gaaaaah!¡± Hercules screamed in agony as laceration went from his left hip, across his back, to his right shoulder. Hercules whipped around and punched Lash in the side sending him flying across the country side once again.


    Lash came to a abrupt stop and cast Nature''s Kiss on his body, then cast Reality Armor on himself. Once again his energy reserves took a nose dive. But quickly refilled. He could get use to this! Then before he could even take another step a red and yellow flash, a blur of color came screaming by. Hercules had channeled Flash! In the span of a single second Hercules had pummeled Lash hundreds of times. He broke bones, ruptured organs, and tore off the rest of Lash''s tentacles. Then Lash cast Personal Time and froze existence for a brief moment.


    Surprisingly Hercules began to speed up so fast he slipped into the frozen time as if he always belonged there. The was an issue with speedsters that could go so fast they could slip through time itself. Lash raked his claws, his normal ordinary razor sharp, Monomolecular Edge claws down Hercules''s face, and chest. Flesh, and bone was sliced like a hot knife through butter. Including one of Hercules''s eyes! The man screamed in pain and stopped ''moving'' through time. Which was a mistake!


    Lash dug all four of his clawed hands into Hercules who was frozen in time and pulled his chest open. It didn''t so much as open, has simply split apart. Then Lash opened his jaw, and his mandibles spread wide. CRAAAACK! A lightning bolt slammed into Lash despite the frozen time and sent him flying backwards by several miles. He hopped, skipped, and flipped ass over head several times. Breaking what few bones remained and came to an eventual stop.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed your Cosmic Patrons quest.


    Objective: Defeat Hercules [X] Complete!


    Optional Objective: Kill Hercules [X] Partial completion.


    Option Objective: Use the Racial Trait Devour, Consume, Evolve on Hercules. [X] Partial completion.


    Reward: The Queen Goddess Hera''s favor.


    ¡°You dare stand against me, woman!?¡± An earth shattering voice spoke as lightning danced across the sky. Lash''s vision was pin point of utter darkness, as he was trying to stay conscious.


    ¡°The fight is over, husband. You interrupted a perfectly legitimate duel between the two of them. I am simply here to ensure you don''t dishonor yourself any further.¡± A woman''s voice said softly, but her voice was filled with ice and venom.


    ¡°He nearly killed our son!¡± The man yelled at her.


    ¡°Your son! Not mine.¡± The woman said. ¡°Our son forgave him. I chose to do so as well. You are simply upset that this one spoke the truth about you.¡± She continued, and lightning cracked across the sky.


    ¡°You still won''t let that go? Haven''t I been faithful? Centuries have passed and not once have I looked for any other.¡± The man continued.


    ¡°I wasn''t talking about your infidelity, odd that you thought I was. I am talking about how he said you are a horrible father, and husband. But while we are on the subject of your lies. I am fully aware that you still look for sex from others. You simply don''t have children anymore.¡± She berated the man. The man sucked in a breath in realization.


    ¡°So....What of it?¡± The man said who was obviously Zeus.


    ¡°And you wonder why I never let your touch me anymore. Go away husband, you are unwelcome in my sight, and on this island.¡± Hera said and with a crack of lightning Zeus was gone.


    Lash looked up from were his body lay broken to see a fuzzy image of a woman who knelt by his side. She gently brushed her finger tips over his body and he felt his bones snap back into place, and his organs slowly link back together. She leaned forward and kissed Lash''s skull crest softly with her lips. Then she leaned back and smiled down at him.


    ¡°Thank you for that. It was nice to see someone stand up to him. If only you could kill him, and and I could get another version.¡± Hera said softly.


    ¡°Give me a few years and maybe I''ll try.¡± Lash replied, and Hera''s eyes went a little wide.


    ¡°Maybe I''ll let you. Well done Lash, and Hunter-Saurian. As the Goddess Hera you have my favor.¡± She said, and leaned in to kiss Lash on the lips gently. Then she burst into golden particles just as Diana came flying down from the sky.


    ¡°Lash!?¡± Diana called out to him just as he fell asleep.


    Galen

 Chapter 120: Heroic Luck.

    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Earth***


    Justice League International, or simply known as JLI was becoming a named discussed in every house hold, business, government, and nation. They had been instrumental in the organization, and defense of the world against the alternate reality invaders. They had been a huge help in rebuilding, and reorganizing the world after the invasion was over. Now that the dust had settled, and more than half of the Earth had returned to some sense of normalcy. The few individuals in power, the top 10% of the world asked a simple question, with a complicated answer. Who are the JLI, truly?


    Supposedly the organization are made up of unique individuals with abilities, skills, powers, and extraterrestrial origins. A haven for the different that wanted to use their abilities to help protect the world from the many dangers it was exposed to both foreign and domestic. But what the top 10% really wanted to know was who controlled them? Who paid them? What oversight did they have, if any? A few of the more lose lip members of the JLI had been recorded on record that they get paid a large sum of money every month for their work. Given that most of them are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Of course some could argue that making 60k a year was a small sum for people who saved cities, nations, and the world on a weekly basis.


    But none of the JLI that spoke up could tell the top leaders of the world who paid them? Who owned the Watch Tower Station? A piece of machinery like that couldn''t be cheap to build, let alone be maintained. At least.... To them it would seem expensive. The idea of 100 billion dollars seemed like a lot to the top 10%. But when they were politely informed that a single individual owned the station, and supplied the JLI. The idea that this individual may have enough wealth to buy a technological advanced space station!? Made them all stop and think.


    Who are the JLI? An organization; an army of super powered individuals strong enough to completely rule the planet Earth if they wanted to. Many people on the internet argued that maybe the JLI should be in charge? This horrified the leaders in power across the globe. So nations, governments, businesses started to find and draft powered individuals. They of course stumbled at first. Coercing, blackmailing, or even kidnapping many of them, and their families. That didn''t work out, especially when the JLI found out.


    Then like a sign from the heavens a business that cropped up right before the invasion decided to foot the bill for a new program. The CSA: Certified Supers Association. This business was building facilities across the globe with the help of the UN. They would find any powered individual by law. Then train, and educate them. After the individuals were fully trained. They could be certified to use their powers. In a matter of a few short weeks many of them could be licensed to work for corporations, private security, government work. Hell there was already talk about doing super sports! In another few years it wouldn''t matter who the JLI were. Because everyone would one day have their own army of supers.


    ____________________________________________________________________


    (William ¡°Billy¡± Batson aka Shazam)


    Billy was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He stood as Shazam in the middle of a large room the size of a warehouse. In front of him stood about three dozen different people. Each of them a new Meta-Human waiting to be trained. They were all currently in the CSA building in Detroit and he had been asked to come speak to them. Which Shazam was now currently regretting when he had said it was not a problem.


    Billy was nearly 17 years old, but he looked like a full grown adult while he looked like Shazam. Magic was weird! Anyone who spent enough time with Shazam could tell he was immature for his ''age''. Only a few people in the JLI knew that Shazam was actually a 17 year old kid who was still in high school. Yes, it was magical high school. But still school. Thankfully Shazam hadn''t come to the CSA alone. Black Canary had come with him, along with Green Arrow.


    Shazam found himself nodding several times when ever Canary, and Arrow spoke about different things they had learned in the field. But also how you didn''t need powers to be dangerous. Though Canary had her Meta-Human shriek. She hardly used it during battle given it could kill most people. While Arrow was a pure mundane. Which of course Shazam didn''t believe for a second! He had seen Arrow shoot his bow in rapid succession. He was way faster than a normal man.


    ¡°That is why you should never under estimate your opponents. Thanks to the Meta-Gene many people could have abilities that can over power others. While they still look completely average.¡± Canary finished.


    ¡°Like me?¡± A girl said as she raised her hand. She was fifteen with bright blue eyes, and brown hair. She wore track suit that covered her still developing body. She had been recorded with Superhuman Strength.


    ¡°That''s right!¡± Canary said with a smile that made the young girl blush.


    Canary and Arrow both wore a JLI light exoskeleton suit that was tailored in their colors, and design features. Each of them had half masks, so the top half was covered in a helmet. Shazam though Arrows suit was really cool because he could reach his arm up and the bow would automatically come out of his back and be handed to him. Billy''s inner geek squealed in delight. Shazam didn''t wear a suit. Thanks to the spell craft transformation from The Wizard it didn''t go over well. The Wizard had been upset that the JLI claimed Shazam''s magical suit didn''t protect him enough.


    So Shazam continued to wear his full body, form fitting red suit. With a lightning symbol on his chest, and half white cape on his back. The suit showed off nearly every muscle on the mans body, and left very little the imagination. Shazam received a lot of attention from women, and men while he was in uniform. Billy hated it! Because it wasn''t him. But the magical projection of him. Though Billy in his default shape was definitely putting on muscle.


    ¡°Now, Shazam will run those of you will advanced strength through some exercises.¡± Arrow stepped forward, his voice synthesized to obscure his identity.


    ¡°Yep! I totally got this!¡± Shazam said, and Canary rolled her eyes at him. Shazam looked at her in confusion...What?


    ¡°Now punch my palm, right here. Canary, and Arrow will look at you, and help correct your position if you do it wrong.¡± Shazam said, as he tried to be professional.


    Shazam spread his feet, and put his hand up in front of the young girl. She squared her shoulders and took up a simple boxing stance then took a deep breath and threw her first punch. Just her arm shooting straight out, no body movement, or hip movement. Even Billy understood she did it wrong. That didn''t stop her from impacting his hand so hard that it left an audible CLAP in the large room. Shazam was pushed back a few inches across the floor mat with wide eyes. It didn''t hurt! It was just a surprise.


    ¡°Good hit! Now let''s fix your form.¡± Canary said and came over to correct the girl.


    ¡°Alright do it again!¡± Shazam said as he slapped his own palm with his other hand. He grinned at the girl who smiled back at him. Then she threw her body weight into the punch and Shazam flew across the room straight into a wall and bounced off it. He hit the ground with a large smack, and his cape fell over his face.


    ¡°OH NO!¡± The girl screamed in horror.


    ¡°Shazam! You alright?¡± Arrow called over.


    ¡°YA!¡± Shazam said as he flipped his cape up, and back. A huge smile was on his face as he floated up, and back over. ¡°Good hit!¡± He said to her with a thumbs up.


    ¡°You kept your form pretty well. You also saw what it was like when you put your full body weight into it. Now, who can tell me why she hit harder even though she barely weighs 90 pounds?¡± Arrow asked the crowd of people. A man in his twenties raised his hand, Arrow pointed at him.


    ¡°Samuel sir!¡± The man said in an almost military reply, Arrow smiled at him. ¡°Though the exact reason is still being debated. It is believed those with a strength Meta-Gene are actually channeling a kinetic energy, or burst effect. Or it could be a tactile telekinesis. Or....Well you get the point.¡± Samuel said at the end.


    ¡°That''s right!¡± Arrow said, and nodded towards Samuel. ¡°There are some Meta''s who look the part when they have Superhuman Strength. They are larger than most body builders. While others, like Miss Jennifer here are able to channel a form of kinetic energy to enhance their effects. However, that means that Jennifer technically doesn''t have Superhuman Strength. But actually she has Kinetic Energy Generation.¡± Arrow said as he nodded towards Jennifer who looked thoughtful.


    ¡°Samuel why is important to know what ability you have?¡± Arrow asked the man, Samuel took a moment to think.


    ¡°Because it allows you as instructors to properly teach her. But it''s important for us as students so we can understand how to help, but also counter someone in the future if the need arises?¡± Samuel said with a bit of hesitance. Arrow looked at Canary who shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°You are technically right, but there is a bit more we need to discuss.¡± Arrow replied, and went into teacher mode for another ten minutes.


    Shazam being nigh invulnerable to most things was the test dummy for a lot of the trainees. They needed to test their abilities outside a lab. But also work with fellow powered individuals. Samuel had Bullet Manipulation. Simply put he could manipulate any bullet he fired and transform into anything as long as he understood what it was. So, make a kinetic barrier that absorbs kinetic energy? Samuel could craft a bullet as soon as he squeezed the trigger to penetrate said barrier. The more complex the change, the more energy it took. He was terrifying!


    As long as Samuel understood the chemical composition, and what he was firing at he could potentially kill anything! Even Superman, or Shazam for that matter. But because Shazam was made up of magic, and Samuel would have to understand the vast knowledge of The Wizard. Shazam was safe. Samuel wanted to do military service once he got done with the CSA. From what Canary told him, the military would be chomping at the bit to get him enlisted.


    After several hours Shazam, Canary, and Arrow left the CSA building through the courtyard via teleportation back to the Watch Tower. Technically the public didn''t know they had shown up and the trainees had to sign a NDA before they could be instructed by the JLI. They had all signed with out an issue. The JLI were heroes to all of them.


    ¡°You did good today, Shazam.¡± Arrow said to him, and Shazam smiled wide at him.


    ¡°Thanks for coming along. I would have been completely lost with out the help.¡± Shazam replied to him and nodded at them both.


    ¡°Thanks for being the test dummy. That girl with Electrokinesis looked like a mini you.¡± Canary said next, and Shazam had to agree with her.


    ¡°I was super happy to tell her she could fly with that ability. She about lost her shit! I mean...She...''Ahem'' she was super happy!¡± Shazam said, as he looked contrite about swearing. Canary grinned at him.


    Uncle Dudley didn''t like it when Shazam swore, especially around the ladies. He was old fashioned and Billy tried his best to follow the rules. But sometimes he just liked to swear! It emphasized so much. But Billy had to admit that several girls he had met found it endearing that he tried to watch his mouth around them. Arrow chuckled at him and walked out of the portal hub room to find the entire Watch Tower Station was a mess of bodies.


    Shazam stopped in his tracks but soon had to fly up in the air to get out of the way. Hundreds of people moved through their section as engineering crews pulled panels off the wall and plugged in cables. While several JLI could fly and lift heavy objects carried supplies around. Shazam looked around confused and had already lost Canary, and Arrow in the crowd. He reached out and grabbed a random flier gently.


    ¡°What''s going on?¡± Shazam asked.


    ¡°What? Oh Wraith gave the upgrade key to Vici. We are helping to upgrade the station. Apparently it''s suppose to be huge. Lots to do! Do you mind?¡± The flier asked, and Shazam let them go.


    Shazam was always beside himself when ever the station went through an upgrade. The whole JLI would pitch in and help. He was even more surprised Wraith could create an upgrade design so quickly. Shazam flew through the station and saw a lot of was hollowed out. He could feel the magical energy being pumped through the whole station. He saw several team leaders of engineers with signs above their heads looking for help with assignments. Shazam shrugged his shoulders and flew over to see if he could help.


    Shazam had been given the task to head down to the new power core and help charge it up with his electrical powers. He''d done it before with the old upgrades. So he flew down the tunnel in one of the old elevator shafts that had been dismantled. Dozens of work crews were working on everything. Then Shazam flew into the second saucer and saw hundreds of JLI members sitting around resting while hundreds of others stood around a strange red orb in the middle of the saucer pumping energy into it.


    ¡°Grrrzzzzt! Greetings hero Shazam, are you here to help supply energy?¡± Hastrom called from the size. Shazam winced at the mechanical voice but flew over to the giant robotic tank. Billy always thought the guy looked like a transformer or a gundam.


    ¡°Hello Hastrom! Yes, I came down to channel my lightning into it. What is it anyways? The last energy core was green.¡± Shazam asked as he landed next to the giant robot.


    ¡°Grrrzzzzt! Creator Wraith designed it after he came back from the Rift.¡± Hastrom said, and Shazam winced at the mention of the Rift. He didn''t know everything. But he knew it had been five years for Wraith. ¡°He said it was a miniature singularity.¡± Hastrom finished... It took Shazam about thirty seconds before he figured out what that meant. (Wisdom of Solomon)


    ¡°THAT''S A BLACK HOLE!?¡± Shazam shouted in horror as he pointed at the red orb.


    ¡°Grrrzzzttt! That is correct, it is the new energy core for the station.¡± Hastrom said in his mechanical voice, he gave a heart felt shrug that moved his whole body.


    At Shazam''s shout several people looked at him, then at the core. While others started to edge away from it. The red energy core was about the size of a basket ball and gave everyone in the room a sense of foreboding. No matter how much energy they fed into the thing the energy readings on the side never went up. But now that they understood what it was that made perfect sense.


    Despite the revelation, Hastrom assured all of them that they were helping. The red orb had started out golf ball size. The station also had more power than it knew what to do with it. Which was why the station constantly groaned, and had power practically oozing out of the bulkheads. Shazam was horrified, but all of the vast magical knowledge in his head couldn''t explain how the singularity worked. Black holes took energy, they didn''t give it out.


    ==========================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Outer Edge***


    Several sub-space singularities appeared on the edge of the system. One by one, six star fighters appeared. The star fighters were all similar in design and function. A long arrow head or spear tip ship, with cross x style wings on the sides, and engines in the back. The color was gold, amber, and deep red. Along the side of the ships were the symbol of the Thanagarian Empire. The star fighters stayed in perfect formation the moment they left sub-space. Then ten minutes later five new singularities appeared on the edge. Two destroyers, one star fighter carrier, one battle cruiser, and one delegation ship.


    The destroyers looked like a long metal tube with jagged knife points in its armor that jutted out along its sides, and bow of the ship. The reinforced sections of the bow revealed that the destroyers could ram enemy ships and not only survive but cause grievous damage. Thanks to the blade edges along the sides if they passed by ships they would cause lacerations. Hidden in between the wicked blades were gun ports.


    The star fighter carrier looked like a giant golden bird. Stylized wings folded out from the center portion of the ship. These wings had dozen of ship bays hidden in the folds of its feathers. While the main body of the ship look rectangular with soft round edge until the bridge of the ship had a eagle like face. Gun turrets were stationed on the upper, and lower portions of the wings. While the star fighters it carrier were primarily interceptors, and a few bombers.


    The battle cruiser looked like a hammer eagle wings on the side. They continued the bird like style along the sides of the ship. But it had a primary gun that ran the entire breath of the ship. From the main core where the wings met the body, along the shaft, and out the front end of the hammer. While gun ports ran along the outer edge of the hammer sides, and up along the shaft. The main bridge sat at the top of the hammer. It was essentially a large gun.


    While the delegation ship was a little more decorative. It''s front portion of the ship where the pilots would sit was in the shape of an arrow head. Then a long shaft went from the cock bit to a main body. The main body extended outward into a triangle shape with sharp edges. The tips of the triangle folded out into a cross wing style. Twin engines sat on either side of the main shaft, and linked to the wings. The ship had a few gun ports, but its primary source of protection was its speed, maneuverability, and the ability to jump into sub-space at a moments notice. It had two sub-space engines on board for that exact reason.


    The ships continued to wait until six more star fighters showed up behind them. Their full escorted had arrived from the previous star system. Each ship began to power up its sub-light engines and prowled into the backwater system. The immediately received a signal from the stations FTL link up. They were given a simple map of the system, and what to avoid. Once they knew what to expect the commander of the fleet pushed the throttle up. No electrical storms, nebula''s, stray asteroids, and space creatures to worry about.


    Two Earth hours into the journey a single blue dot appeared on their scanners. The blue dot turned out to be a humanoid of some kind. Ah, the Blue Lanterns that they had heard about. The man led a group of star fighters. One was a galactic Sheriff, along with their two advanced automated drones. While the three others were star fighters that belong the station. The Blue Lantern approached the perimeter and announced that they were here to escort them to the Watch Tower Station.


    The Thanagarian delegation had arrived.....


    ==========================================================


    (Warden Erik Lash, Hunter-Saurian aka Agent Wraith)


    ¡°I thought Themyscira was suppose to be safe!?¡± A woman shouted inside of Lash''s villa. Lash snapped his eyes open as he heard the shout.


    Lash currently laid down in his bed and had been asleep? He normally dreamed when he was asleep. But after the fight he had he had been to exhausted to dream. Even with Hera''s ability to heal him the whole fight had taken a lot out of him. He vaguely remembered Diana taking him back to his villa. Where he promptly fell asleep in his bed.


    ¡°It is safe, Shayera.¡± Diana replied to her. Ah, that was who had shouted. Why was Hawkwoman here?


    Lash slowly sat up and looked around the master bed room. Then he looked down at himself and realized he still had Transformation on. There was a time when if he lost consciousness he would have reverted back to his default form. But now his Transformation was like a switch. He had to turn it off to revert back. He did just that. His body returned to his default shape. However he still had his reptilian eyes, and scaled spine. He wore his Transformation to much, it left residual traces.


    His armor shifted, and adapted to his new body. He cast a quick Immaculate on himself to clean up and walked towards the door to see what was what. Thanks to his Clock he knew he had only slept till morning. He also noticed he had several unread prompts. All of them for his abilities evolving. He''d have to scan through them later. He opened the door to his room and peaked out. Then crept towards the stairs and saw Hawkwoman in her armor but with her helmet off.


    Shayera stood at approximately 6'' with rich brown hair that was highlighted with red the more time she spent in the sun. She wore a Thanagarian hawk-like armor that covered her from neck to toe, and a hawk like helmet that she currently carried in her arms. On her back were two metallic wings that were currently folded in on themselves. The style of armor was minimal with several areas that were exposed. However, thanks to her Nth metal armor, and pure Nth metal belt. Much of her body was resistant to damage, and she could in fact survive in the vacuum of space. Clipped to her belt was the anti-magic Nth metal mace she wielded.


    Shayera had a hour glass figure that was the right combination of muscle tone, and slender that most human women would kill for. Apparently she did it with very little effort. Her brown to amber eyes glanced up at the stairs and a brilliant smile spread across her face when she spotted Lash in his default shape. Lash couldn''t remember if she had ever seen him like this? He didn''t care either way. He came down the stairs to see Diana aka Wonder Woman in her full JLI Amazon armor with her helmet compressed into her color. She smiled in relief at the sight of Lash.


    ¡°Themyscira is a safe location, Shayera. It was my big mouth that got me in trouble with the King of Olympus. I don''t regret it, I meant every word I said about the asshole.¡± Lash said to her. Diana gave him a bemused expression. While Shayera rolled her eyes at him.


    ¡°I heard you nearly killed another God. If Zeus hadn''t of stepped in you would have.¡± Shayera said with a smirk as she walked over to give him a hug which he returned.


    ¡°He did kill him actually.¡± Diana said, that surprised Lash.


    ¡°Wait what?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Hercules didn''t heal. What ever you did to him stopped his body from reforming. The current incarnation of Hercules bled to death of all things.¡± Diana said with a shrug. Lash had won? He quickly pulled up his notifications and found a specific one.


    Congratulations User! You accidentally kill Hercules!


    Reward, Racial Trait: Heroic Luck.


    Heroic Luck: The User has luck that is applicable to heroic situations, meaning that heroic figures are always fortunate in heroic circumstances, causing good luck to themselves and their companions because of a shared heroic quest while also bringing bad luck to their enemies at the right and specific circumstances.


    Side-Note: At its current level, and evolution the effects are very small. Passively grows with time. Works in tandem with... (See Tool Tip)


    ¡°....Oh...¡± Lash said as he collapsed into a chair and rubbed his face. ¡°So, how many deities am I fighting next?¡±


    ¡°None of them. It was self defense, it technically wasn''t even a duel. Hercules sucker punched you. At a party no less. Though you may get several gift baskets from the other pantheons. Hercules was not well liked by some of them. Always a bit too prideful.¡± Diana said as she walked over and knelt at his side. She looked at him with concern.


    ¡°However, that doesn''t mean the fanatics of Hercules wont try something. You''ll have to be careful from now on, Lash. Well more than you already are.¡± She said with a smile.


    ¡°I''m afraid I have more bad news.¡± Shayera said next, and Lash groaned and held his face in his hands. ¡°The Thanagarian delegation has arrived in the system. They should be on their way to the station. They want to meet with you.¡± She said, and Lash all but screamed in frustration.


    ¡°If I understand Thanagar well enough. They are not the kind of Empire that you tell the delegation to wait. Unless we are doing something that is urgently taking up my time. Like fighting a war.¡± Lash said to Shayera through his hands. She placed her hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°Yes, I''m sorry this couldn''t happen later. But it is not wise to make them wait.¡± Shayera said softly.


    ¡°Do they want to meet with Wraith specifically? Or could the senior members of the JLI stand in for him?¡± Diana asked, and Lash peeked through his hands at Shayera who shook her head.


    ¡°The JLI don''t own the station, Wraith does. They understand that Earth is not a unified government. But they don''t honestly care about Earth. They want to use the station as a trade hub, and a place to resupply their ships.¡± Shayera explained to them. Beep....Beep.... Shayera swept her fingers along her bracers and a holographic message appeared. It was from Karter, her husband.


    ¡°They''ve reached the station... They want to speak with me.¡± Shayera sent a reply then look at Lash who slowly stood up and took a deep breath with his eyes closed.


    ¡°Tell them I''ll meet with them in a few hours. Tell them the truth, that I am recovering from a battle with a God that I ended up killing. That actually may make an impression.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°We actually have the battle recorded we could give it to them.¡± Diana suggested, and sent the video to Shayera who had a grin on her face.


    It was true! The Thanagarian delegation would enjoy watching a God get destroyed by a mortal. They could also gain insight on Lash''s abilities. It was a double edged sword, but it would do more good then harm. Shayera replaced her helmet and saluted both Lash, and Diana then left the villa. A soft pop, and a ambient glow was all that notified him that she had left. Looked like the portal hubs had been updated with the new upgrade. Or at least one of them did.


    ¡°I don''t like this, Lash.¡± Diana said as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.


    ¡°Technically I am not allowed onto the field. I''m still obeying orders.¡± Lash lamely replied to her, and leaned into her embrace.


    ¡°Anyone who spends any time with politicians will know its just another field of battle. Especially since if things go wrong it could mean war.¡± She said to him, and ran a hand along his bald head.


    Thanagar was the type of Empire you wanted as a friend, and ally. But never as an enemy. The mere fact that they had sent a delegation meant a lot to the galaxy as a whole. (Not the Universe) Wraith had enough influence in the political power of the galaxy to make the Empire rethink just showing up and forcing the issue. But Lash also knew that if he messed this up, and armada would show up to destroy them. Thanagar would have zero issues turning Earth into slag.


    Lash and Diana had a quick breakfast. Then he went to say goodbye to the Queen. She wished him luck, and reminded him that he was always welcome back here with his sisters. Rush had zipped over and given him a kiss on his lips. Quick, fast, and a bit of tongue. Diana laughed at the flabbergasted look on Lash''s face as Rush had zipped away before he could barely register what had happened. They called for a pick up and he pulled his Transformation, and shroud.


    The spell script from the teleportation hub wrapped around them in record time. When they had first got the ability to teleport it had taken 10 solid seconds for the spring jump to activate. While it would also make a pop sound similar to balloon popping from a needle. Now, 4 seconds. With only a soft pop corn pop, and a little ambient light. Then they were back aboard the mad house of a station. Lash had barely any time to register the scene before a body slammed into him and forced him onto his back.


    ¡°My Lord!¡± Vyllith shouted at him and wrapped her arms, and legs around him like a daemonic koala.


    ¡°Hello my knight. How are you?¡± Lash asked, as he slowly pushed off the ground with his tentacles but kept his clawed hands on his one, and only hell knight.


    ¡°I understand that I am not allowed on Themyscira but you could have at least said hello when you came back.¡± Vyllith said with an audible snarl. Her lilac eyes sparkled with intensity.


    ¡°Vyllith, I lost my wife. My head was not in the best place.¡± Lash said simply to her and all the anger deflated out of Vyllith. She had read the full report. She eventually let go of of him, but found that his hands were pinning her to him.


    ¡°I didn''t say you could let go.¡± Lash replied, a glimmer of a smile was on his reptilian snout. She grinned at him and leaned up and kissed his nose.


    ¡°Ahem....Welcome back, Agent Wraith.¡± Amaresh Tolla Yihun was standing off to the side of the portal hub, Lash''s assistant. An African woman who stood at 5''8¡± with chocolate skin, warm brown eyes, kinky black hair tied back into a tail. She wore a black pencil skirt, forest green silk blouse, and a black half suit jacket. With naked toe black leather heels. (Lots of black!)


    ¡°Yihun, good to see you again.¡± Lash said as he bowed towards. A little awkward with Vyllith in his arms. So he reluctantly let her go. But she stayed connected to one of his four arms.


    ¡°Wonder Woman welcome back.¡± Yihune greeted Diana who smiled at her.


    ¡°So I heard you killed another God?¡± Vyllith asked with a sweet smile that made Yihun''s eyes go a little wide.


    ¡°Yes, his name is Hercules.¡± Lash replied, and Yihun choked on her saliva when she breathed it in shock.


    ¡°You...You killed Hercules?¡± Yihun asked, Yihun was a pseudo-mundane. She knew about the supernatural world but wasn''t officially a part of it. She knew the ancient deities were real. But in her mind they were this omnipotent beings.


    ¡°Yes, he was upset that I killed his brother Ares. But Ares forgave me in the end.¡± Lash replied, which made Yihun blank in complete confusion. So Lash had killed the God of War as well? But he forgave Lash?


    ¡°Wraith you are going to make her brain explode.¡± Diana said with a bit of mirth and pulled Lash off the portal hub.


    ¡°Oooo! Wraith I''ve discovered something new on Earths world wide web, its called porn!¡± Vyllith said in pure delight and Lash cracked up laughing!


    -----


    The Embassy suites were a set of decorative box pieces in the main trade hub of the station. Essentially just containers stacked on top of one another, or linked together. Like tetris! But what was inside made a difference. Thanks to the Martian technology the entire Embassy guest rooms could shape shift and change according to the guest desires. Especially since the Embassy suites had their own mini pleasure palace design. So servants of any body type, and alien physiology on record be magically created and given False Life.


    Lash walked through the trade hub of the station. Unlike the rest of the station only certified engineering crew were in the trade hub doing their best, with minimal interference towards the visitors of the station. He saw several Martian ships in dock, along with a few merchant transport vessels, and garbage haulers for the recycling plant. While floating outside of the blue transparent docking shield was a Thanagarian escort fleet. With docking tubes, and umbilical cords attached.


    At his side was John Stewart in his Blue Lantern uniform. Along with Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Vyllith, Hawkman, and Hawkwoman. Unfortunately the rest of the senior members of the JLI could not attend. Technically the Thanagarian delegation came to see Wraith, and only Wraith. But he wasn''t about to exclude his friends from events that would effect their home. Half way towards the Embassy suits the current galactic sheriff showed up to attend. Ryul Fajeon was an attractive man from the people of Graxosian. Lash would swear the man was an elf, save for the fact that he didn''t have a single trace of magical energy through him.


    The front door of the Embassy suits were guarded by Hastrom, and Hex''s specialty trained war droids. They were medium to heavy tier exoskeleton combat suits. They reminded Lash of the Hulk Buster suits from his time in the MCU Rift. Mobile tanks with a plethora of weapons, defenses, support, and utilities attached to them. Each one saluted Lash as he approached. He took time to bow to each of them, and thanked them for their service. As did the rest of his crew. They passed through the doors and see the waiting room was filled with Thanagarian soldiers.


    Men, and women wearing red, and gold phalanx armor on. With silver, and black metallic wings on their back. Nth metal cold weapons on their belts, or backs. While each one held a rifle in hand for medium to long range engagements. If Lash had to compare them to the US Army he would say that Hawkman, and Hawkwoman were Army Rangers, while these soldiers were just standard soldiers. Soldiers who had seen a lot of action.


    ¡°Karter! Shayera!¡± A officer in charge walked out from the gaggle of people with open arms.


    ¡°Ramiel!¡± Karter called out and walked past Lash to hug his friend. Shayera did the same. They exchanged hugs, and a complex hand shake between them. Then the man Ramiel who wore the gold, and red uniform with pride removed his helmet to look at Lash, or up at Lash as Ramiel was 6 foot even (182 cm)


    Ramiel had black hair that was cut in a military high and tight style. With bright blue eyes, golden skin, and a groomed beard that went across this jaw line, but was shaved from around his lips. Like a long thin mutton chops? His smile was infections and it drew people in when he spoke. He had the practice movement of a career soldiers. He stood at attention, but then held out his hand to shake Lash''s hand. Lash used one of his lower clawed hands to return the gesture.


    ¡°Oh! I didn''t know you had four arms, that wasn''t in the briefing?¡± Ramiel said as he cast a glance at his friends.


    ¡°It''s new. Well new for them, not for me.¡± Lash replied, as he pulled back his shrouded hood to reveal his skull crest, and his reptilian features. A few of the soldiers in the room stiffened a bit at the sight of him.


    ¡°When I read the reports on what you looked like I almost assumed you were a Lizarkon. But now that I see you? Not at all, that is a weight off our chest.¡± Ramiel said with a genuine smile. Lizarkon''s are a native to Thanagarian. Another race that grew up next to them. Though they grew up into pirates and scavengers.


    ¡°No wings too! So not a Gordanian either. Good, good!¡± Ramiel continued to say.


    ¡°Ramiel we said all this in our report.¡± Hawkwoman said, gritting her teeth. The man gave an apologetic smile at her.


    ¡°Who is with you!¡± Ramiel said, trying to deflect the situation. That didn''t bode well for Karter, and Shayera if HQ didn''t trust their word.


    ¡°Vyllith, First only Knight of my lord Wraith.¡± Vyllith said to Ramiel. She was currently in her full daemonic tech armor, helmet up and looked intimidating. But Ramiel only had a smile on his face when he looked at her.


    ¡°Hello, I am Kal-El of Krypton. A refugee here on Earth. My code name is Superman.¡± Clark said as he walked up with a genuine boy scout smile. Ramiel shook his hand and they just seem to click.


    ¡°Diana Prince, a native of Earth. My code name is Wonder Woman.¡± Diana spoke next and greeted Ramiel. Technically Diana was out in the public and didn''t need to hide her identity so that was fine.


    ¡°Batman, native.¡± Bruce said next in his cold indifferent voice.


    ¡°Aha! Straight to the point with you, Mahanaim will like you. Course he would never say it out loud.¡± Ramiel said a delegates name. The name made Karter, and Shayera stiffened in surprise.


    ¡°John Stewart, native and Blue Lantern.¡± John was next, and the whole room saluted him. Lanterns had a universal respect quality about them. Though blue was a new color, being a ring was considered a point of pride even to the Thanagarians.


    ¡°Good to meet you, Lantern. We were sad to hear about the Guardians lies. Several of our own people worked in the Green Lantern corp. They are not sure if they want to stay now.¡± Ramiel began to say.


    ¡°If the need to recharge their rings they can come here. Blue light can recharge green light.¡± Lash said suddenly said next and Ramiel''s eyes went bright.


    ¡°Wonderful! That was one of the very questions the delegates had! But I''ll message high command all the same.¡± Ramiel said, and quickly typed out a message on his communicator. John turned to look at Lash with a small grin.


    Lash looked past everyone towards Ryul who made no move to introduce himself. He gently shook his head in a clear no towards Lash. The effort was appreciated, but no one in the room cared who he was. Lash frowned, which looked a little funny on his reptilian features but he held his tongue. At that moment a soldier walked up to Ramiel and whispered into his ear. Ramiel clapped his hands together to get everyone''s attention.


    ¡°They are ready for you, please follow me!¡± Ramiel said proudly and turned on his heel in an about face. Which should have been hard since he had a pair of wings on his back. But he did it effortlessly. Lash reached out and used Temporary Pack Bond on Vyllith, John, Clark, Diana, Bruce, Karter, Shayera, and even Ryul.


    Link established for easy communication. -Lash said across the link. Ryul was the only who made a miss step and said out loud with a ''what!?'' before Bruce came to his side and helped him to his feet.


    Partial telepathy Ryul. Think of it like instant messaging for the mind. -Karter said next.


    Ramiel didn''t even bat an eye at Ryul, though many of the Thanagarian soldiers sneered at him. Ryul was a mall cop to their eyes. Not worth their time, he was lucky to even be in the room with the delegation. Ryul kept his comments to himself but through the Temporary Pack Bond they could all feel his irritation. Lash sent waves of comfort through the link towards him.


    The chosen room for the delegation meet and greet was a long room with a black stone table, with long high back chairs that were slim in the middle for those with wings on their back. The walls were windows that projected the capital city of Thanagar. Down to the tiniest detail. Something that several of the soldiers inside were a little disturbed about. How did the station of the capital in their widow features? Thankfully it was not 100% accurate because today it was raining in the capital back home and this one had clear skies.


    Three people waited inside to see them. One was a man named Mahanaim, he stood at approximately 6''1¡± (185.42 cm) with a lithe athletic figure, black skin as in midnight black skin. Pure red eyes, a shaved head, with a cold and to the point attitude. He wore a collection of diplomatic ceremonial garb, with armored plates underneath. A collection of silver, gold, and purple color designs. Once again paying homage to the bird like culture. The designs looked like feathers. The wings on his back were pure black to match his skin tone.


    The next was Douma, she stood at approximately 5'' 11¡± (180.33 cm) with an hour glass figure that was showed off by her tailored made diplomatic robes. That unlike Mahanaim she did not have armor underneath. She had golden tan skin, with golden eyes. But oddly enough her hair was platinum silver and done up in dreads. She had a warrior stance that oozed confidence, and sex appeal. Like Mahanaim her garb had bird like style. But a necklace around her neck showed fangs, and claws from defeated beasts she had killed in her past. She had silver wings.


    Next was a woman named Kasdeja who stood at approximately 5''5¡± (165.09 cm) with an athletic figure, yellow tone skin, brown eyes, short red hair that was swept to one side and shaved on the other. Her wings were a auburn red color. She bouncy, friendly, had a broad smile on her face, and she waved at everyone who came into the room. Her garb was earth tone colors with browns, reds, and grays. When she bounced a few could see she had a collection of knives along her belt.


    ¡°Respectful greetings to you diplomats Mahanaim, and Douma. But I am confused as to why an inquisitor is here?¡± Lash said, and asked as he looked at Kasdeja who''s fake smile froze on her face. Lash had cast Insight when he stepped into the room.


    Name: Kasdeja


    Title: The Butcher.


    Origin: Alien.


    Rank: C-


    Skills: Acting, Manipulation, Body Control, Interrogation... (See tool tip)


    Powers: Pain Inducement.


    Domains: N/A


    Traits: Nth metal symbiosis.


    Affiliation: Thanagar government. Thanagarian High Inquisition.


    Flaws: Pride, always wanted to be better than her sister but never could.


    Disposition: Hostile.


    Description: Kasdeja is a talented spy, and inquisitor for Thanagar. She loves her job, and loves watching people brought low by their own mistakes. She takes great joy in ripping information out of people. But oddly enough she herself is afraid of pain done to her. Sadistic not masochistic.


    Kasdeja''s friend, and bouncy attitude melted from her face and she glared at Karter, and Shayera who visibly took a step back. Lash/Saurian growled and the deep primal fear that all creatures with a mortal brain went up everyone''s spine, but more specifically the hostile inquisitor who took a step back. Which only made her more furious when she realized what she had just done.


    ¡°They didn''t say a single word to me. Thanagar is not the only ones who have spies.¡± Lash said next and Mahanaim narrowed his eyes, but Douma actually smiled at Lash.


    ¡°Then you know Thanagarian culture better than we had believed. At least now we don''t have to put up with Kadeja''s fake personality anymore.¡± Douma said next with a look of relief.


    Lash did your patron tell you about Kasdeja? -Karter asked through the link.


    No, I''ll give you the details later. -Lash replied.


    Rift? -Bruce asked.


    Rift. -Lash answered.


    Many people had received material rewards from the Rifts for completing the objectives. While others obtained powers, and abilities they didn''t have before. Technically Lash obtained a lot from the different Rifts he went through. But he gained Insight has a reward from getting the Justice League together. (Chapter 49) There was a tense moment when a few people in the room thought Kasdeja may attack Lash for revealing her. Lash just had to needle her a bit more, he was in a bad mood.


    ¡°Now now, what would your sister say?¡± Lash said, and Kasdeja went completely still.


    ¡°STOP!¡± Mahanaim shouted in horror as Kasdeja vaulted over the black marble table towards Lash who was forced to immediately stop as Lash wrapped her in a Telekinetic bubble. She could scream, she could thrash, but she couldn''t really move. Of course she went completely still as a sword blade was pressed to her neck by Vyllith.


    ¡°Spy craft, political backstabbing, and and murder is normal on your world from what I understand. But never out in the open, and never on the first day with a possible ally. Is this what I should expect from Thanagar in the future?¡± Lash said, as he looked at Mahanaim, and Douma with a smile on his face. Both of them had a look like they had swallowed something bitter.


    ¡°Ramiel! Take Kasdeja back to the brig on the battle cruiser. Break her if you have to.¡± Mahanaim said to the officer who jumped to obey the command. Ramiel on the other hand had a huge smile on his face as he looked at Lash.


    As soon as Lash released Kasdeja she jumped from the table and attempted to attack Lash again but Ramiel was ready and shot a none lethal but apparently painful energy shot into her with his rifle which made her scream in agony and go into a sort of electrical seizure. Vyllith then punched her square in the solar plexus just for good measure. Two soldiers came over and bound her wings, and arms with manacles and dragged her out of the room. Mahanaim rubbed his forehead as he tried to collect his thoughts.


    ¡°I told High Command it was a mistake to bring her. I told them not to under estimate you.¡± Douma said, her smile returned. But now her eyes were dancing up and down Lash''s reptilian shape and Lash could smell her arousal from across the room. Clark stiffened a bit, so could he. A small blush crawled up his neck into his cheeks. While Vyllith simply shrugged her shoulders as if it was a given.


    Thanagar''s culture was up to debate depending on the comic origin they came from. Different realities, dimensions, etc. Best example of it would be, think of a technological advanced version of Ancient Rome. But unlike Ancient Rome, Thanagar defeated, and killed their deities. They took stock after they conquered their hundred world and decided to invest time inwards to ensure they didn''t collapse from expanding to fast. A lot of civil war, intrigue, and spy craft became the normal on their planet. It was normal, it was brutal, but it also made their Empire strong. At least this comic origin version it did.


    What Lash just did to Kasdeja would destroy her career. The Thanagarian''s had shown up with strength behind them. Now they were on uneven terrain with Lash on the high ground. Yes, technically their military might was greater. But Lash had just proven he had his own information network that could infiltrate and acquire information. While no one in the counter intelligence agencies were the wiser.


    ¡°Now that little moment of entertainment is out of the way, shall we take our seats and talk.¡± Lash offered, and they did so. Everyone sat at the table except Ryul who had a seat off to the side. He could listen, and give advice to Lash but not speak at the table. Vyllith refused a seat and simply stood off to the side next to Lash.


    ¡°Before we start into treaties, spy craft, and information about this and that. I informed Ramiel outside and I''ll do the same here. Blue Lantern Rings can recharge Green Rings. I know several Thanagarians are Green Lanterns and don''t wish to remain under the Guardians thumb. They can come here to recharge their rings.¡± Lash said to them, and Mahanaim for the first actually smiled slightly.


    ¡°We''ll send the message once we finish for today.¡± Mahanaim said, which meant that this may take several days or even weeks to conclude. Fuck! Lash didn''t want to be here for that.


    Before they continued forward the JLI introduced themselves to the delegation. Since they had only done it before with Ramiel. Technically the delegation knew who they were but it was still polite. Rameil was right, Batman, and Mahanaim did get along or at least their personalities meshed. They were both short, to the point, and always planned contingencies.... After introductions they started to talk about the station.


    ¡°So when the new upgrade for your station is complete you will be able to comfortably repair, resupply, and provide basic comfort for the crews of star fighters, corvettes, frigates, civilian ships, transports, and cargo haulers inside the station? While the docking ring will allow larger ships to anchor?¡± Douma asked, as she was taking notes on a data pad.


    ¡°How long will the upgrade take?¡± Mahanaim asked, as he carefully watched the attendees reactions. Lash leaned back into his seat and closed his eyes as he reached out to Vici. It was suppose to be a private meeting so he had to use Connectivity.


    At our current speed, approximately one month time. Less if you join us, Father. -Vici replied.


    ¡°Approximately one month, less if I join in the efforts.¡± Lash replied, and everyone at the table looked at him in clear shock. Then Diana started to laugh lightly, Batman looked back at Vyllith who made a so-so gesture with her hand.


    ¡°Ahem...¡± Ryul cleared his throat and the entire room looked at him. While the Thanagarian delegation narrowed their eyes. Vyllith walked over and leaned down to listen. Ryul didn''t know how to speak Telepathically so...


    ¡°Ah... Sling shot.¡± Vyllith said as she turned around to look at Lash, his six eyes went a little wide and he made an O face.


    ¡°Right, once the station is complete we''ll have an FTL Sling Shot available for heavy frigate ships and smaller to shoot across 10-15 star systems.¡± Lash said next, and the pin drop silence was broken by John who started to crack up laughing.


    ¡°This station has, or will have a working FTL Sling Shot?¡± Douma said, as she licked her now dry lips.


    ¡°It is experimental. I''ve tested it myself and survived the journey.¡± Lash replied, it was kinda based off of Asgardian Bifrost, and Dark Elf tech.


    ¡°Why the discrepancy between systems?¡± Karter asked, for the first time speaking since they entered the room.


    ¡°Ship size, and energy required. Star fighter would be 15, a frigate would be 10.¡± Lash replied simply, a whole lot of math would go into the whole explanation but Lash didn''t want to spend ten hours explaining the magitech behind it.


    ¡°Would you be willing to sell the designs for the FTL Sling Shot?¡± Mahanaim asked, Lash shook his head in a clear no. Of course Lash wouldn''t but the man had to ask.


    ¡°In about a year I''ll have the next upgrade key available. We''ll enlarge the station again, and we will be able to shoot larger ships. While the range will be between 20-30 systems.¡± Lash dropped another bomb.


    ¡°Then another year later...¡± Lash began to say but...


    Stop talking, Wraith. -Batman said across the link and Lash promptly shut up. Leaving the two delegates curious what he was talking about.


    When it became clear he wasn''t going to continue Douma made a note in her data pad and they moved on to fuel, repair, supplies, etc for Thanagarian ships military, or civilian. Along with any of their allies. As long as they obeyed the system rules which were standard to any system. Follow the shipping lanes. Don''t poach the local floral, or fauna.


    ¡°There is no slave trade hub on your station?¡± Mahanaim asked clearly confused. The conflicted, and upset look on everyone''s face told the story.


    ¡°I had considered ordering one simply for the ability to free slaves. But I understand that slavery comes in many different forms, and practices. Also, we don''t have a place to put them.¡± Lash said, and held up a hand before Clark could speak.


    We don''t, Kal-El. Earth''s people are at a tipping point. Mars is barely getting by. I am more than happy to spend time terraforming planets, and moons in our system. But we don''t have the time right now. -Lash spoke across the link and Clark bit back his remark and crossed his arms across his chest. Douma snapped her fingers and came to a realization.


    ¡°Telepathy...¡± She simply said, and Mahanaim leaned back and looked at Lash with new found fear.


    ¡°Which is also why we don''t have a refugee and settlers hub aboard the station as of late. We don''t have the space to put them. I''m sure your information network has informed you that Earth''s natives are generally xenophobic at this current time. While a small margin are accepting.¡± Lash continued and the delegates both nodded. Not at all denying that they have spies on Earth.


    ¡°However, once the station is upgraded a travel hub will be installed. Allowing everyone with in the galactic civil government. (No pirates) To use the FTL Sling Shot.¡± Lash said, and held up a claw to stop them from speaking. ¡°I understand that Thanagar would like to keep that little tidbit a secret. But we''ve already informed the sheriff security firm of the FTL Sling Shot and they are excited to use it.¡± Lash finished and Mahanaim glared at Ryul who grinned at him. Ryul wasn''t going to apologize for that. He got a huge bonus for telling corporate about it.


    ¡°I am more than happy to give Thanagar a discount on using the Sling Shot. Yes, a discount. We still have bills to pay around here.¡± Lash replied and they both shrugged as if it was expected. Though the discount was nice.


    ¡°Then we will be more than happy to send a Thanagarian security patrol through your system. This way you don''t have to pay the Sheriff security firm anymore.¡± Douma said with a smile towards Ryul who smiled back at her. That was not the expression she expected.


    ¡°We will of course welcome extra security. But I plan to continue our contract with the Galactic Sheriffs.¡± Lash replied, and Ryul winked at Douma who made a disgusted expression.


    ¡°Why?¡± Mahanaim asked his expression holding indifference.


    ¡°I gave my word, keeping promises is important to me. The Galactic Sheriffs may not have the best reputations. Especially when it comes to conflicts. As the rumors go they do the bare minimum and then leave. But despite all that, they are still trusted by the low, and middle economic class. Because they see themselves, in them.¡± Lash said, as he gestured towards Ryul who sat up a bit straighter, he squared his shoulders and stuck out his chest.


    Ryul was just that. He wasn''t a soldier, he wouldn''t die for the contract. He was a ''9-5'' working man who did his job, got paid, and lived his life. Lanterns bring peace to war torn areas of space. The military enforces law to the letter. While the sheriffs are just like the civilians they protect. As odd as it may sound the working men, and women of the Galactic Sheriffs are respected by their peers.


    ¡°So, as I said before we will welcome Thangarian security patrols. But they need to be willing to work with Lanterns, our own security forces such as they are. Along with Galactic Sheriffs.¡± Lash finished up, and Mahanaim had a look of respect on his face. Not for Ryul, but for Lash. Keeping his word was important, also something to exploit in the future.


    Next they discussed the security of the planets in the Sol System. Specifically how Earth was experiencing Rifts in large numbers. Also apparently Rifts had started to show up on Mars as well. Lash didn''t know that, but kept it off his face. The Sol System at large was not under any security control. Watch Tower Station was still building sub-satellites to keep the system under their viewing. But in the end they needed more. Otherwise pirates, and slavers would show up to hide on planets, moons, and asteroids.


    ¡°With the travel hub, and sling shot in the future this system will become a major travel route. Skipping through over a dozen systems in a few seconds. Weeks or even months of travel time gone in the time it takes to snap your fingers. Pirates will show up. If you will allow us we can build a military installation in the system.¡± Douma began but Bruce stepped in this time.


    ¡°No.¡± He simply said, and Douma glanced at him. Then looked at Lash for confirmation who only nodded in agreement with the Batman. No discussion, no argument, no pro''s and con''s just a simple no. Lash sent a wave of thanks towards Bruce over their link.


    Hmmm... -Bruce replied across the link. So cool...


    ¡°Once we are done with upgrading the station we''ll start to build a defensive grid. At the bare minimum each planet in the system will get a general automated defensive platform. Preferably more at a later date. While we will also build a mining station above the gas giant we call Jupiter. For those that don''t like using UE fuel reserves.¡± Lash said next and Ryul''s appreciation for Lash was felt over the link. He had obtained another bonus when corporate had heard from Mr Xags that Lash would build the station because of his advice.


    ¡°Additionally once the station is complete our recycle and reprocessing center will be able to handle larger amounts, as well as more exotic materials. For example!¡± Lash reached into his Storage and pulled a 10 pound ingot of Vibranium. Then slid across the table towards them.


    ¡°What''s this?¡± Mahanaim said as he picked up the metal and looked at it. The Vibranium sang softly when he tapped it with a claw from his gloved hand.


    ¡°Your information network on Earth should let you know how strong Superman is correct?¡± Lash asked as he gestured towards Clark who perked up at that. They delegates all nodded. Lash stepped up and and used Material Shaping to shape the ingot into a buckler.


    ¡°Superman, punch the shield.¡± Lash said as he spread his feet and held the buckler up. ¡°Vici! Reinforce this room with shielding please.¡± Lash called out, everyone in the room looked confused.


    Clark got up and walked over to Lash with confusion written on his face. A triple layer shield wrapped around them both. Vici knew what this metal was. She had been slowly producing it in her material energy forge. She had similar abilities to Lash when it came to creating foreign metals. Clark had no intention of going all out so he simply threw his fist straight out with...BOOM! Clark bounced away from the buckler into the energy shield and back into Lash''s waiting arms which caused them both to bounce into the shields behind them. The buckler landed on the floor with a metallic song.


    ¡°WHAT IS THAT!?¡± Douma said in an excited shout as soldiers swarmed into the meeting room.


    ¡°This is Vibranium. It absorbs kinetic, and sonic energy. If a strong enough force is applied it bounces it back. Now if Superman threw all of his strength into his punch I would have become a liquid on the shield behind me. But it also would have shot Superman through the shield and out of the walls of the station.¡± Lash replied, he was reasonably sure he would have died if Superman had gone all out. But he knew he wouldn''t. Clark looked at the simple buckler with curiosity, and a bit of fear.


    Lash shaped the shield back into an ingot and placed it on the table. ¡°A gift, to our new friends.¡± Lash offered, and Douma all but snatched it off the table before Mahanaim could say a single word.


    ¡°All of you out, Wraith was just demonstrating something for us. But send Ramiel back in if he has returned.¡± Mahanaim said, and the soldiers saluted and left. Though the security inside the room stayed, though they had ringing in their ears. Ramiel came back in after a minute with a smile on his face but stayed silent.


    By the way the next generation of the JLI exoskeleton suits will be made with a Vibranium weave in it. -Lash informed everyone in the link, even Ryul who looked horrified at the potential for that metal.


    ¡°How hard is it to make that?¡± Mahanaim asked a vital question.


    ¡°We can make a single ingot once a month and no more than that.¡± Lash replied, which was a clear lie. He could make one a day! But he''d be willing to sell a single ingot once a month.


    ¡°Our records show that you have the ability to transmute material into Nth metal. Though in its pure form with out all the extra metallurgy abilities. Would you be willing to sell this...Vibranium exclusively to Thanagar and in trade we''ll give you Nth metallurgy?¡± Mahanaim asked, Karter, and Shayera gasped. Those were state secrets!


    That....That was tempting. Technically Lash could buy it on the Dream Store for a 1,000 Dream Points. He could afford it right now. But he had so much to buy already. Lash continued to think about the proposal and even silently brought up the Nth Metal arts on the Dream Store with out all the flash, and flare he normally did for everyone who watched him. He scanned the interface, usually this would impossible. You''d have to buy something first before you got all the information. But Lash had played with Nth a lot over his time, and he had Cosmic Awareness with several sub-abilities. There was even a note on the page that identified why he could see things.


    ¡°Before I answer, I need some clarification. You said all of the metallurgy. I am going to go down a list and you are going to tell me if that is what you are giving me.¡± Lash asked, and Mahanaim for his part looked a little confused. Lash brought up a holographic interface with a list and highlighted each effect.


    Gravity Negation: Grants the ability to modulate gravimetric fields and adjacent effects for various purposes. Such as allowing the wearer to carry objects 20-70 times heavier than what they normally could.


    Flight: It''s anti-gravity properties also enable it''s user to fly unaided.


    Heat Generation: The metal generates a heat aura, sufficient to keep an average human alive under Arctic conditions.


    Self Sustenance: Allows the User to survive in all but truly inhospitable enviroments, from the near limitless cold of the sunless side of a planetoid to the lifeless recess of deep space.


    Symbiosis: The metal bonds to and vastly augments the physical dexterity of the host wearer, even restoring lost physical attributes which recede over time.


    Metamorphosis: Pure Nth Metal bonded to a host can shape and form into weapons or armor with adaptive features at their command. It will even move to protect the wearer from oncoming assaults against their person.


    Regeneration: Its restorative powers are such that Nth Metal allows its user to regrow missing body parts.


    Reincarnation: A unique property of Nth Metal is its ability to habitually revive it''s prominent wielders across the ages repeatedly. The user also remembers everything from their past lives up to the point of their rebirth.


    Resurrection: The metal can also restore the host after total biophysical desiccation, restoring life to a dead body, or even physically reintegrate its user at a bio-molecular level.


    Recall: Weapons forged through Nth Metal have the capacity to function without the need of physical handling.


    Magic Negation: In recent continuity users can physically interact with as well as disrupt the presence of ghostly entities, magic creatures, and even break enchantments.


    Energy Transference: Nth metal has the power to absorb and store vast quantities of energy for later redistribution.


    Power Augmentation: The metal has the effect of greatly enhancing a user''s powers.


    Emotion Control: Nth Metal has the capacity to effect psionic influence on those who venture near it.


    Adaptation: The symbiotic metal has the capacity to adjust and augment itself in order to better aid its wearer with new abilities.


    Healing Nullification: Can weaken the recovery abilities of its user''s foes, allowing the user to deliver killing blows.


    Cosmic Awareness: The dark metal variant has the quality of sharpening a users senses to the point that they can see beyond the membrane of reality. The metal also has the capacity to view a persons truest self and secret desires to those whom wield it.


    Reality Alteration: Nth Metal has the potential property of manipulating reality on a quantum level. While in the light of the prime multiverse, it has the capacity to change the nature of existence however the user wishes too.


    Dimensional Travel: Dark/Nth metal can be used to breech inter-dimensional barriers to traverse across the multiverse and beyond.


    Portal Creation: The metal can also trigger portals to and from other dimensions across the multiverse and the world forge.


    Chronokinesis: Cross temporal space time abilities. Allowing for thoughts from one life to be sent to another life hundreds of years in the future, or the past.


    Time Travel: Exactly as it sounds.


    Summoning: The ability to summon the physical manifestations of every individual that had ever wielded the specific Nth metal enchanted weapon.


    ¡°Are you giving me the manual to all that? Because if you are, I''ll sign right now.¡± Lash asked, while Mahanaim, Douma, Karter, Shayera, and Ramiel all looked at the list with wide eyes.


    Wraith, Thanagar doesn''t have half of that list! Where did you get it from!? -Shayera practically screamed across the link at him.


    ¡°Where did you get this list...¡± Douma asked.


    ¡°Are you giving me this manual, or not?¡± Lash asked, ignoring the question.


    ¡°No, Wraith we don''t have half of that. Tell me.... Could you get a manual with all that information?¡± Mahanaim asked, as he slowly titled his head to one side like an owl would. It looked a little painful to watch.


    ¡°If I want to, yes I can.¡± Lash admitted, it was true.


    ¡°Would you be willing to teach the forge smiths of Thanagar if you did?¡± Mahanaim asked next. Lash had to think about it for a moment, then nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Do you still want the Vibranium?¡± Lash asked next.


    ¡°We''ll buy it from you if its available but I think we would much rather have this manual can you get a copy for us?¡± Douma asked next.


    ¡°It would be possible, it may take a few years.¡± Lash admitted.


    ¡°We need to contact HQ...¡± Ramiel said next, still staring at the list.


    ¡°Lets break for the day!¡± Lash said and stood up, and closed the holographic list which snapped them out of their daze. Lash had the distinct impression that his Cosmic Patron was cackling like a mad man right now...


    Galen

 Chapter 121: Talia al Ghul

    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Sahara Jungle Norther Africa***


    The newly named Sahara Jungle was to this day still considered a marvel to anyone who laid eyes upon it. What was once a giant ocean of sands and turned into verdant jungle. Full of flora, and fauna. Animals, creatures, and even monsters that had not been seen on the Earth before stalked through the jungle. Animals with the Meta-Gene given new purpose. Hidden away in the very depths of the jungle, by spell craft were the oasis first crafted by Wraith during this journey with the now current King Arthur, and Queen Y''Mera.


    To this day the only ones to ever find the oasis were the were-breeds that Wraith had first help establish a home. They, and their kin became the soul protectors of the oasis. But unfortunately even were-breeds are weak to the concept of money. Next to one of the oasis stood a half finished castle built from one of the many mountains near the magical waters. The castle was worked on around the clock by fanatics of the League of Assassins. Their master, Ra''s al Ghul.


    Despite the extreme difficulty of transporting building materials from outside the jungle to one of the new locations. Ra''s refused to chop down the forest. As if he could! The jungle had retaliated to any and all attempts at deforestation. While the creatures with in the jungle became more violent the deeper one got inside the jungle. Despite all the dangers. Ra''s loved the new Sahara Jungle. For centuries he had attempted to restore mother Gaea to its once fertile self. Wraith did it all in a few days. For that, Ra''s would forever be in debt to the lizard.


    Ra''s stood at one of the unfinished ramparts of the castle. He watched in fascination as dozens of planes, helicopters, and spy drones from different countries tried to pierce the veil that concealed the jungle oasis. But none of them would ever succeed. Indeed, their time should be spent rebuilding their homes. The world was barely functioning, and these men of power spent more time chasing more of it then helping their own people.


    ¡°Father...¡± A feminine voice called out, a smile tugged on Ra''s mouth before he schooled his expression. He turned to give his daughter Talia a side long look.


    ¡°Daughter?¡± Ra''s replied.


    Talia al Ghul stood at approximately 5''8¡± (172 cm) with a hourglass figure. Rich brown hair that bordered on black that reached the middle of her back. Part of her face was covered by her hair adding the temptation and confusion of others. She had deep brown eyes, just like her mothers. She strode towards Ra''s wearing a jump suit that covered her from neck to toe. Though the front zipper was pulled half way down to reveal just a bit of her chest. Ra''s knew it was ploy for simple men to stare at his daughters chest. A ploy that unfortunately always worked. So he never reprimanded his daughter for it. Talia walked with the grace, and lethality of a trained killer.


    ¡°Our reports with in the Seelie Court suggest that Wraith will be returning to Gotham in the next few days to help rebuild his city. He''s just finished meeting with the Thanagarian Empire.¡± Talia said with a bemused expression. Though her eyes were distant as she looked through her memories.


    ¡°Good, please leave right away.¡± Ra''s said next, and Talia in a brief moment of vulnerability crossed her arms over her chest and looked unsure. Ra''s stepped forward and raised his daughters chin to look him in the eye.


    ¡°What if he says no?¡± Talia simply asked, after a moment of hesitation. Hesitation did not suit Talia, it did not look good on her.


    ¡°He won''t, unlike the detective.... Lash see''s the bigger picture.¡± Ra''s replied, a smile tugging on his lips. ¡°Though you may have to share him.¡± Ra''s finished up with a shrug.


    ¡°My ego is not so fragile that I would break over something so simple.¡± Talia said with a smirk. There! That was his daughter.


    ¡°Go, travel quickly, and safely. Return with a favorable reply.¡± Ra''s said simply, Talia saluted him with a fist over her heart and turned on her heel and left him to his musings.


    So much was changing in the world. So much will change. Then he looked past the walls still under construction to see a pack of giant hyena''s raging against his men. A smile spread across his face as he pulled a scimitar from his belt. Good, he needed the exercise. He jumped down from rampart, to rampart and soon joined his men at defending their new home. The hyena''s were the size of lions, and twice as deadly. Their hideous laughter caused weaker men to lose their minds. Good thing none of his men were weak.


    ==========================================================


    ***HR. Watch Tower Station, Thanagarian Delegation Ship***


    Delegate Douma was beside herself with excitement as she ran the ingot of Vibranium through the computers analysis system. The ship had access to the entire Empires worth of information. The machine had been scanning the ingot for six standard Earth hours and had yet to find a single comparison. While on another computer terminal, another system was running the possible applications to what Vibranium could be used for. Then the computer room door opened up and a haggard looking Mahanaim came in and collapsed into a chair. Douma frowned, Mahanaim always kept himself looking meticulous even during a battle.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Douma asked, as she went to the food dispenser in the room and retrieved a type dark tea from Thanagar and gave it to Mahanaim. He took it carefully, eyes glazed over as he sipped the drink.


    ¡°They put it to a vote, 51% to open negotiations, 49% to conquer the system and enslave the populace.¡± Mahanaim said with a grimace and Douma winced at the numbers.


    ¡°Do they really think he got the list from our old deities?¡± Douma asked the obvious question. When they sent the entire conversation back to the HQ it caused an uproar. Because several of the abilities of Nth metal were only possible with extra-planar help. Thanagarian''s didn''t like that, not at all.


    ¡°Some do... From the spies we have on Earth, Wraith isn''t even considered one of the top magic smiths of his age. There are hundreds more capable then him. The science council want''s to try and use the time travel method to send our entire empires worth of information back a few centuries and completely rewrite our history.¡± Mahanaim said with a soulless gaze. Douma sucked in her breath in shock.


    The door to the computer room opened for a second time and Ramiel came with a conflicted expression. He gave wiry grin towards Mahanaim and took an offered seat from Douma. He sat down after his wings adjusted on his back. He looked like he was sorting out his thoughts so they gave him some time to think. Then he opened his mouth and...


    ¡°....System analysis complete. No known chemical composition found.¡± The computer beeped at Douma who jumped to her feet and ran over to check the information.


    ¡°It''s a Rift metal, at least that is what our spies believe. Wraith walked into a Rift and came out with the ability to craft the ingots. So, a completely different reality.¡± Ramiel supplied the obvious answer but it needed to be said either way.


    ¡°Yes, I was afraid of that. From the samples I''ve taken there is no way to synthesize a duplicate. At least for now, the only supply we have is from Watch Tower Station.¡± Douma said with both excitement, and dismay.


    ¡°Kasdeja is being demoted and removed from the inquisitors spy network. She has always been a talented interrogator. So she''ll go back to doing that, and only that. Maybe in a few decades she''ll re earn her rank.¡± Ramiel said next, and Douma barked out a short laugh. Mahanaim winced, but didn''t add anything.


    ¡°Central Intelligence has no idea how Wraith got the information on Kasdeja, or her sister. Who''s been dead for nearly fifteen years. The fact that it was a sore spot for Kasdeja is only known by her direct superiors. It was described as an act extreme pride and jealously in her personnel file. Which takes a security level of 8 or above to read.¡± Ramiel said next, and Mahanaim sat up straight and set his tea cup aside.


    ¡°That would mean we have a mole in inner security?¡± Mahanaim asked, horrified in the revelation. Ramiel shrugged his shoulders and deflated just a bit.


    ¡°Every Green Lantern in the Thanagar is headed straight to the hub to get their rings recharged. With out the military installation in the system we will have to rely on espionage. Another convoy is on the way with a Nth metallurgy manual for Wraith. The military council has ordered us to be....Polite, and amiable towards any future negotiations with Wraith, and his Justice League.¡± Ramiel said, then stood up to get a drink from the dispenser.


    What was not being said between the two delegates and military officer is why the Empire wouldn''t just conquer the system and enslave the race. Thanks to UE, and the denizens of the planet it is completely possible that the deities of the planet it self would retaliate. Yes, Thanagar had killed and or defeated deities before. But what is not known to the galactic public is that it nearly destroyed their entire empire to do so. On top of all that, a majority of the deities they fought simply went back to their home dimension.


    Additionally, nothing could stop Wraith and every magic forge smith from simply jumping to another dimension. Their entire world could be on fire, they could open up a gate. Gather up everyone they cared about and leave. Thanagar would have no way of tracking what dimension they jumped to. Maybe they could track the first one. But if the smiths were smart they would jump to one, then jump to another. Then they would be truly lost. All of these things were taken into consideration. Which was why the vote was so close. The Empire as a whole has decided to take the stance of. Wait, and see.


    ¡°.....Apologies for the interruption, but Wraith has left the station. He has work on the surface of the planet.¡± The intercom sounded off, and their communication officer relayed the message. Mahanaim grimaced at that.


    ¡°I think he knows we are in the palm of his hand.¡± Mahanaim said softly to two of them. Ramiel shook his head, and Douma nudged him to continue his thought.


    ¡°Apparently his home city on the planet is in ruins. He''s heading home to rebuild the city. If we asked for a meeting, he would return promptly. He knows how powerful the Empire is. He wouldn''t stiff us like that.¡± Ramiel replied to them, and Mahanaim felt a little better.


    ¡°Well! I''m going to the pleasure palace onboard. Apparently the owner is one of Wraith''s granddaughters. I''ll see about getting some information.¡± Douma said with a lascivious grin.


    Ramiel, and Mahanaim both rolled their eyes. Sure, that is what she would be doing. Douma put the ingot of Vibranium in a secure storage locker and moved to her private cabin to get changed out of her diplomatic robes. She left the two men to their miss givings. Despite what they may think, she would be working while she played. Unlike most men, she could multitask.


    She had to take a shuttle over to the trade hub due to the construction of the station. But that was fine. Dozens of little automated ships flew around, ferrying people back and forth. Douma was impressed with the shuttle design and comfort that came with it. Not often a chair had the design feature for wings in them. When the station shuttle docked, Douma stepped out and made her way through the trade hub. She stopped at an eatery and was shocked that they had Thanagarian food for sale.


    Douma was enjoying a kliack meat stick when she felt a shiver roll up her spine. She glanced up to see a individual wrapped in shadow and smoke staring down at her. Douma tried to get an idea of who, or what they are. But they seem to shimmer in and out of sight. Like a mirage! The figure knocked on the table she sat at and spoke. Their voice was gender less.


    ¡°Apologies for disturbing your meal, Delegate Douma. I am Hex, head of security for the station.¡± Hex said to her. Douma''s heart rate spiked but her face remained pleasant.


    ¡°Hello Hex, have I done something wrong?¡± Douma asked, as she cleaned her hands of grease.


    ¡°No, I wanted to speak to you. One spy to another.¡± Hex said simply, their lack of tact was a bit surprising but not unwelcome.


    ¡°Please join me.¡± Douma offered, and Hex took the offered seat. For a few minutes none of them said a word. Douma finished her meal and had a bit of black ichor, a station favorite.


    ¡°Why are you so interested in my grandfather?¡± Hex asked once Douma was finished. Again, Douma''s heart rate went up but she kept her face indifferent.


    ¡°Who?¡± Douma asked in mock confusion. Hex''s face was completely obscured by some means of camouflage but Douma had the distinct impression that they smirked at her.


    ¡°Wraith poses a danger to the Empire-...¡± Douma began to say but was interrupted.


    ¡°I asked, why YOU are interested in my grandfather. Not the Empire.¡± Hex said, a bit of snark in their voice. Douma narrowed her eyes this time, not liking that Hex seem to pick something up.


    ¡°I don''t know what you mean.¡± Douma replied simply, as she crossed her arms and glared at Hex.


    ¡°My grandfather has heightened senses. It is something he passed on to all of his grandchildren. So when a female grows aroused, like you did in the meeting. It raises questions.¡± Hex said next, and Douma felt a blush crawl up her neck, into her cheeks, and into her ears. She hadn''t blushed like this since she was in school.


    ¡°W..Wha....I....What?¡± Douma squeaked.


    ¡°Ah, I see you weren''t even aware of it. Then this is all a miss understanding on my part. Please accept my apologies.¡± Hex said, then in one fluid motion stood up and pushed their chair in. Douma jumped to her feet and snarled out a reply.


    ¡°Wait just a damn minute!¡± Douma''s embarrassment switched to rage quickly. Rage she could use, but before she could even reach out to grab Hex. Hex, was gone! It was at that moment a small baffle field dropped from around them. Letting Douma know that their entire conversation had been private.


    ___________________________________


    Hex reappeared on an upper level where several engineer crews were working on the super structure. Her brother Malleus the chief engineer of the station was standing there. Malleus stood at approximately 6'' (182 cm) with chocolate brown skin, long black dread locks that went past his shoulders. His golden eyes glanced at his kin with a smirk and he pulled out a cigar before Hex took it out of his mouth before he could lite it up. Malleus growled softly, but let it go.


    ¡°Dat was mean, Hex.¡± Malleus said, his Jamaican accent soft on Hex.


    ¡°It was meant to throw her off balance. Honnestly, I''m surprised she didn''t consider it.¡± Hex replied to their brother.


    ¡°What? nuh Mi mean di cigar mi so-so hab suh bai ah dem.¡± Malleus said, and Hex gave him a withered look. Malleus only grinned in reply then leaned up against a guard rail watching Hex, watch Douma who stalked their way towards the pleasure palace.


    ¡°Yuh gwine warn Shylisa?¡± Malleus asked.


    ¡°She already knows...¡± Hex replied almost robotically.


    ¡°Mi did a worry bout Grandfather he seems frayed roun di edges. Dat a nuh lakka him.¡± Malleus said with a sad tone, and the professional nature of Hex seem to melt out of them.


    ¡°All we can do is help pick up the slack. You know him, he''s not afraid to ask for help when he needs it.¡± Hex replied, Malleus shrugged helplessly. Yes, Lash did ask for help. But normally after he was half dead.


    ¡°Wah deh di verdict wid di Empire? War Ar Peace?¡± Malleus asked the question that was on every ones mind.


    ¡°Peace, for now. Wraith has something they want. They know they can''t get it, if they force him. So until otherwise they will play nice. But we are dancing on a knifes edge. At our current strength the Empire could destroy us easily.¡± Hex replied and leaned their head to one side, a common occurrence when listening to a communication.


    ¡°Excuse me brother, I have to go.¡± Hex said, then gave Malleus a one armed hug that the big man returned. Then Hex walked away, with every step fading out of sight.


    ¡°Bi well!¡± Malleus said to them before they completely faded.


    ¡°Right! bac tuh work!¡± Malleus said, pulling out another cigar and lighting it up. A grin plastered across his face.


    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Watch Tower Station. Thirty minutes after the delegation meeting***


    ¡°That could have gone better.¡± Lash said, as he massaged his face with his clawed hands.


    ¡°You shouldn''t have given so much away.¡± Bruce said next to him.


    Lash, and the delegation crew sat in the main head quarters room. (The room with the big table.) Lash, Vyllith, Bruce, Diana, Clark, Karter, Shayera, and John. But Ryul had returned to his sheriff module to send a report to corporate headquarters. Lash had slumped into his chair and groaned in frustration the moment the doors closed. What was wrong with him!? Why didn''t he cast Calm Emotions on himself. It would have made the whole situation different. He really didn''t like seeing an inquisitor at his station.


    ¡°Declaring, and keeping a position of strength is a good thing to have in Thanagar politics. But I have to say I am curious. I didn''t know you had spies on Thanagar, Wraith.¡± Karter said next to him and before Lash could reply.


    ¡°The information we talk about in this room doesn''t leave this room, is that clear?¡± Bruce said, his voice went to everyone. But his eyes never left Karter, and Shayera who looked insulted he even had to ask.


    Lash reached out with one clawed hand, and another tentacle to softly comfort Karter, and Shayera. He gave a look at them both, well as best a look as a six eyed reptile can give. ¡°He''s just being practical. How many times have you said, both of you have said how you like how pragmatic Batman is?¡± Lash asked, while Karter glared at Bruce, while Shayera grunted. But she did reach out to gently pat the tentacle that had reached out to comfort her.


    ¡°Yes, you have my word.¡± Karter said next.


    ¡°And you have mine.¡± Shayera said at last.


    ¡°I don''t have any spies on Thanagar. My Cosmic Patron sent me the information.¡± Lash admitted, and both Thanagarian''s stiffened at that.


    ¡°Nor does my Patron have any relation to the former deities of Thanagar. I won''t dismiss that they may be in contact. Extra-dimensional, and planar beings tend to talk to one another.¡± Lash said next.


    ¡°It''s true, the deities of Olympus hold parties for the other pantheons every decade. Each pantheon has a specific year. They mingle.¡± Diana supplied next, and they all had to agree.


    ¡°I thought you said that the information you got came from an ability you got from a Rift?¡± Clark asked, as he took a seat next to everyone.


    ¡°Oh that? I''ve had that before the Rifts even started to appear. It''s called Insight, it shows me basic information about anyone I use it on. There are exceptions, but it works on most people. Where the information comes from exactly is unknown. I assume from my Patron, but it could come from the threads of fate it self.¡± Lash said in explanation as he pulled back in his seat but realized that Shayera had a hand on his tentacle and refused to let go, she smirked at him.


    ¡°Refugees.¡± Clark began but the whole room groaned at him.


    ¡°Superman I understand your willingness to help others. I applauded it, I really do. But we don''t have anyplace to put them.¡± Lash said to the boy scout who scowled at him.


    ¡°I can''t just snap my claws and terraform a planet, or a moon. It will take months of time to complete.¡± Lash said next, and Clark crossed his arms not happy about the answer.


    ¡°I think we''ve all been a bit spoiled with you around, Wraith. Terraforming normally takes decades to complete and billions of solar coins in resources to restore a planet. The mere fact that you can do that in months is astounding!¡± John said, and Clark looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Your one to talk, John. Didn''t you and your wife restore a star just the other day?¡± Shayera asked, and John looked embarrassed.


    A star, several systems away was about to go supernova and kill billions of lives on a pre-FTL world. John, and Katma used the fabled ability of the Blue Lantern Rings to use the Hope of the planet''s populace to infuse the sun, and turn it back into a healthy star with hundreds millions of years left on its lifespan. Not only did they save the solar system. But the planets in the system were infused with energy. Yes, it would take decades but many of those planets would soon have plant life, and the primordial soup required to make life. Several millions of years later and new civilizations would be born. All in a days work for a Blue Lantern.


    ¡°But, you promise we will make a home for those that have none?¡± Clark asked, and Lash smiled at him.


    ¡°Yes, Kal-El. I plan on making every planet, and moon livable. It may take a few years, but I''m not going any where.¡± Lash admitted to his friend, and Clark let it drop after that.


    ¡°Wraith, where did you get the list from?¡± Karter asked, and the whole room grew still. Vyllith who had been silent the whole time came to stand by his side and placed a gloved on on his shoulder.


    ¡°My Cosmic Patron assigns me tasks. When I complete the tasks I am granted rewards. They come in a variety of different uses. Some are new abilities, some are items of power. If I complete a task with stellar achievements I get more. My Patron keeps a point total for me. I can use this point total to get things they have. Like a complete manual for Nth metallurgy.¡± Lash replied, honestly surprised he didn''t break the 4th wall from saying that out loud.


    ¡°Are your tasks dangerous?¡± Vyllith asked, Lash glanced up at her and shrugged.


    ¡°My Cosmic Patron doesn''t look at them that way. They look at it more akin to is it entertaining.¡± Lash said, and Vyllith growled softly. Her helmet was still up so her voice was emphasized by the mechanical synthesizer.


    ¡°Do you have to complete the tasks given?¡± Shayera asked, stroking his tentacle in a comforting way.


    ¡°A majority of them are optional. A few are mandatory. My Patron is very big on free will. Its more entertaining that way. Because they never know what I am about to do.¡± Lash said with a helpless shrug.


    ¡°What if you become boring?¡± Bruce asked.


    ¡°Then one of two things will happen. They''ll find some one new to empower. While I''ll get to keep everything I have but grow no more. Or, they''ll throw something at me. To get me to....Be fun again.¡± Lash said next.


    ¡°The Rifts.¡± John said softly.


    ¡°I do believe the Rifts are a natural phenomenon caused by the speedsters breaking the fabric of reality. But the Rifts that are stories, time fragments, scenarios? Those, are designed.¡± Lash admitted, and the whole room groaned.


    Lash looked at his notifications on saw that Cosmic Awareness had gained several levels in experience from the conversation. Ah! So that was why he could talk about it. He also saw that he still needed to review six or more abilities that had evolved. He placed them under his secondary messages and would get to them when he had spare moment. Maybe next month? Simply put, Lash had to much to do.


    Attention User! Your reality has completed 1,000 G grade Rifts.


    Reward: G grade Rifts spawn rate has greatly diminished.


    Reward: All G grade Rifts now completed will have x 2 the rewards given.


    Note: F grade Rifts to be completed 892/1,000.


    ¡°Well that is good news.¡± Lash said in surprise, when they all looked at him he explained when the message was.


    ¡°Well looks like your Patron is throwing you a bone, at least.¡± Karter said with a smirk.


    ¡°How long will it take the Empire to deliberate on what to do with us?¡± Lash asked, and Shayera answered.


    ¡°4-6 Earth standard hours. If it takes longer than that, it''s not good news.¡± Shayera replied, with a half smile as she let go of Lash''s tentacle.


    ¡°I''m going back to Gotham...¡± Lash said, as he stood up in a fluid motion.


    ¡°Woah! You are not suppose to be in the field, remember?¡± Diana said next as she stood up with him.


    ¡°I''m going to use my Manifestations to help rebuild the city. I''ll stay up and out of the way. You are welcome to join me. Your company is always welcome.¡± Lash said with a bow towards her. ¡°But, I want to see my pack, it will do me some good.¡± Lash finished, and Diana couldn''t argue with seeing family.


    ¡°Yihune want''s to speak to you before we leave.¡± Vyllith said next to him, and Lash''s shoulders drooped.


    ¡°Very well...¡± Lash replied.


    So the after meeting was dismissed. Lash received hugs from everyone, and Bruce asked to talk to him privately when he came to Gotham. Lash sat back down in his selected chair, and Vyllith went to collect Yihune who came in after a brief moment. She looked worried, but her uniform was clean and pressed. She pulled out a data pad and handed it to Lash who looked it over with a frown. The United Nations, not the Supernatural Community. But the actual UN wanted Agent Wraith to rebuild cities. However, Gotham was not on the list.


    ¡°They want me to do what?¡± Lash asked, as he read through the third information packet. Yihune worried look grew.


    ¡°They want you to agree to altering several dozen selected military soldiers from the different nations. Many of the temporary JLI during the invasion admitted that you are capable of creating Meta''s, manipulating genetics, etc. So they are ordering you to do it for them.¡± Yihune said, and winced as dark purple electrical energy danced across Lash''s scales.


    ¡°Tell them to fuck off.¡± Lash replied, and pushed into the next section.


    ¡°They said if you refuse they will declare you an enemy of the UN, and issue a general warrant for your arrest.¡± Yihune said, and Lash turned to look at her.


    ¡°What do the Warden''s say.¡± Lash asked, curious about their position.


    ¡°Technically the mundane UN can''t force you to do anything. They also don''t have the ability to issue a general warrant. So, your public identity as Agent Wraith is secure. But that just means that you have to be careful when you visit different nations. They may try and arrest you.¡± Yihune said with a grimace as Vyllith barked out a laugh, this earned a glare from Yihune.


    ¡°Do they not understand how insane that is? Wraith would take them apart.¡± Vyllith said in contempt.


    ¡°Tell the mundanes that, ''I will interview their selected and decide for myself if they are capable of surviving the transformation.'' Use those exact words.¡± Lash said and surprised them both. A bit of tension melted off of Yihune and she nodded in acceptance.


    ¡°There are hundreds of major hospitals across the globe that have requested your presence. Very few Meta-Gene holders have healing capabilities. While the Supernatural Communities are looking after their own. Only a few have volunteered to step up and help in controlled circumstances. Ghost Industries is still in the process of producing the first medical bed. Shield and Sword say the business licenses to sell them across the globe will take time.¡± Yihune pointed out the next section.


    ¡°Director Waller would like you to visit the super max Belle Reve. She want''s your input on security.¡±


    ¡°Inform her I''ll drop by when I can.¡±


    ¡°She may not be available but the prison warden is aware of the meeting and will be prepared for you.¡±


    ¡°Torloth has sent a reminder that his other daughters are still waiting for some...Personal time with you...¡± Yihune said next, with a bit of a blush that crawled up her neck. Lash all but deflated while Vyllith laughed.


    ¡°Really!? That''s in the data packet?¡± Lash asked, and pushed through it. Sure enough there was a message from Torloth. ¡°Fuck!¡± Lash planted his face into the table in front of him. Vyllith gently patted him on the back.


    ¡°On a side note, Mr Wolf West has been recruited. He is now a weapon instructor aboard the station. He works with Kimiko in the training hall.¡± Yihune said, and Lash perked up a bit at that. (Chapter 44) ¡°Also Mrs Victor Fries, and Mrs Nora Fries work in the science modules with Samanthei.¡± (Chapter 55)


    ¡°There is also a new drug on the market known as, ''Dark Venom'' Its a combination of neo-steroid venom, and Dark Matter. It temporarily grants Meta powers. It''s also incredibly addictive, and has a 1 out of 10 chance of killing the individual that uses it.¡± Yihune said, and Lash growled in irritation.


    ¡°I was under the impression the only ones who had access to venom were Blood-Kindred.¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°They were, until some blood-mutts contracted a blight druid and got it off the island.¡± Vyllith said next as she pushed through the packet with him.


    ¡°Queen Mera want''s you to visit Atlantis so you can finalize consort ritual.¡± Yihune said next, then Lash vaguely remembered that Mera wanted Lash as a consort so he could freely visit Atlantis and help out. (Chapter 76)


    ¡°I''ll drop by when I can.¡± Lash said, making no promises on when that will be. ¡°Did they even get married?¡±


    ¡°Technically yes, they got married months ago. It was an official wedding ceremony between Atlantis, and Xebel. I believe you were in the alternate reality at the time.¡± Yihune said, prompting Lash to be even more confused. ¡°Politics.¡± Yihune offered a reason why...


    ¡°The information on, Villains for Hire is sparse at best. The only information we have is that they have the ability to create Meta''s artificially. As for locations, personnel, and resources. Our time is better spent on restoring the world for now.¡± (Chapter 80)


    ¡°Oh, and Lex Luthor became President of the United States. While Lena Luthor was temporarily declared the new CEO of the newly named, L-Corp. Lillian Luthor is the director of special projects. That should cover everything of note.¡± Yihune finished up with a smile.


    ¡°Thank you, Yihune. If you can please take some time off and spend it with your family.¡± Lash said as he stood up and swallowed the poor women in a hug. She squeaked in surprise but didn''t pull away. After a moment she stepped back and tried to clear the air with a cough.


    ¡°I intend too! With your permission I''ll take at least a week off?¡±


    ¡°Take two weeks off.¡± Lash replied, and sent the confirmation letter to Vici who recognized it and sent it to Yihune who beamed at him.


    ¡°Good luck!¡± Yihune said, and turned on her heel to scamper off to enjoy her vacation.


    ¡°Let''s go visit some people.¡± Lash offered one of four of his clawed arms to Vyllith who took it gratefully.


    -----


    Lash visited the training hall and found Wolf West running several trainees through the use of small arms. Specifically at the shooting range. A majority of the trainees were mundanes with unique skills, but a few had powers. Everyone went through weapons training at one time or another. Even if they had powers that could rival a tank. They still had to be certified. Wolf glanced at Lash but soon returned to his lesson. Lash stood off to the side with Vyllith while only a few trainees noticed him everyone kept their eyes on Wolf.


    Wolf West aka Dead Shot. Stood at approximately 6''1¡± (185 cm) with chocolate brown skin, cold brown eyes, and short brown hair that was cut short. He had a stylized and well groomed beard. Along with an inverted triangle figure. He wore a JLI polymer jumps suit with out the exoskeleton to show that you didn''t need to be super strong to fire a high caliber rifle. Just well trained. While he was teaching the trainees he was cold, spoke very few words, and zeroed in on the smallest details.


    Wolf took up a firing position and shot with a gauss rifle and put three shots into three different heads at 100 meters. Kinda. It was a training weapon, and they were in the training hall. So an optical illusion made through magical technology created a realistic environment. While the weapon did everything it should, except it wasn''t really loaded. Still realistically loud too! Wolf then started to instruct each trainee on how to handle the rifle before he stepped away to speak to Lash.


    ¡°Hey boss! How''s life.¡± Wolf said as he walked over with a small smile and shook Lash''s hand, and nodded towards Vyllith.


    ¡°Busy, sorry it took me so long to come visit you.¡± Lash replied, and Wolf shrugged his shoulders with an easy smile on his face.


    ¡°What you''ve saved the whole planet like 8 times? Working on your ninth now? I''m surprised you have time to sleep!¡± Wolf replied.


    ¡°He barely does that.¡± Vyllith said, and Lash grumbled naturally at his hell Knight.


    ¡°I only saved the planet once, and it was a team effort.¡± Lash replied to Wolf who smirked.


    ¡°One is all you need. So, when is that Lunar academy going to happen? Supposedly the teaching staff can live on the colony with their family, that true?¡± Wolf asked, a hopeful lite in his eyes.


    ¡°Yes, that is true. However the Lunar academy is on hold until we can clear out the hostile force on the moon. Approximately 10,000,000 hostiles.¡± Lash replied, and Wolf winced at the number.


    ¡°But once they are cleared out, we''ll terraform the moon and build a colony on it. Shouldn''t take that long.¡± Lash said, Wolf looked at him like he had lost his mind. Maybe he did.


    Before Wolf could say anything else, all the trainees had finished going through their drills and Wolf went back to being the instructor. Lash excused himself with a small wave and Wolf nodded back. Lash, and Vyllith went to visit Victor, and Nora up at the science modules. But when they reached that level in the station they found an avalanche of blue berry bubbles had swallowed the whole level and the tiny pink bunny like creatures attached to the ceiling. Lash didn''t have the time, or the mood to deal with that. So he decided to just head to the portal hub.


    With a soft pop, and the ambient glow of magical energy. Lash, and Vyllith found themselves on the garden balcony of his home. The gargoyles shifted in place, took notice of him then went back to their jobs. Before Lash could take two steps he was swarmed by griaks who smothered him in glee. The tiny monsters landed on him, poked and prodded him. While Vyllith sat back in amusement. She retracted her helmet revealing her red skin, lilac eyes, and rich black hair tied back into a braid.


    ¡°Hello! Hello! Its you!¡±


    ¡°Welcome back Warden!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Hey! Do you have any treats for us!¡±


    ¡°Can you make the tree bigger, its getting crowded?¡±


    ¡°CANDY!¡±


    ¡°CANDY! CANDY! CANDY!¡± They all started to shout!


    ¡°Hello! Yes, I can make the tree bigger. Yes, I can make you all some food. Let me get to the kitchen.¡± Lash replied, and a smile spread across his snout. He worked his Nature Domain and cast the spell Growth, the metallic tree grew in size.


    Lash then used Fabrication, and Alteration to build another wing to the tiny mansion of the griaks home that he had on his balcony. But of course they only flooded into his house when Vyllith opened the door. Lash stepped inside and pulled off his Transformation. He looked around and noticed that his home while spotless thanks to brownie spirits that clean his home. There was no one around. He vaguely remembered that Lizzy, and Isabella lived in the building now. They must have moved out into their own space.


    ¡°Just you and me, then?¡± Lash asked, as Vyllith grinned at him.


    ¡°Yes, for now. The moment they learn your home they will come flooding here.¡± She replied and started to pull cheese and crackers out of the cupboards for the griaks who cheered.


    Lash enjoyed a moment of simple pleasure and fed the griaks, he created cotton candy for them which with the benefit of hindsight turned out to be a mistake. As a living horde of griaks came fluttering in from across the city. So much cotton candy! So many griaks.... Six hours of candy making until they were all satisfied. The last of them was sent scurrying away with chocolate. Then Vyllith shut the door behind them and relaxed. The sun was starting to rise and she hit the security shutters to block out the light. She prowled over to Lash and pulled him to his feet.


    ¡°Hmmm?¡± Lash looked at her in confusion and she tugged him towards his bedroom.


    But the bed was not the destination. Vyllith pulled Lash to his master bathroom and he discovered at some point she had drew him a bath with hot water. Thanks to their spell craft pulling their gear off was as easy as pressing a few switches and saying a command word. Lash''s daemonic/warden gear folded into his Spatial Item/Storage container.


    Vyllith''s armor was gone in a flash of crimson golden divine light, true to her daemonic heritage she had obtained from Lash. She had a seductive hourglass figure with bouncing breasts, and a supple ass. Tribal black tattoos were tastefully drawn up and down her body accentuating her curves. The black horns on the crown of her head gleamed like obsidian stone. Her rich black hair was like a curtain of darkness once free of its braid. Her knife pointed ears helped to keep her hair out of her face. Her diamond tipped tail wrapped around Lash''s wrist and she tugged on him.


    ¡°Step in side, please.¡± Vyllith said with a smile on her face, as her eyes danced up and down Lash''s naked form.


    Lash was 6''6¡± (198 cm) while Vyllith was 6'' (182) so he glanced down at her but did as she asked. While his wide as door body type slid into the master tub it was large enough to accommodate him. He had tribal tattoo marks all across his body, 20 different domains, 20 different styles. They came in a variety of colors. But each one was emphasized now with a dark purple glow. From the tear drop power stone that resided on his forehead.


    Lash let out a soft groan as he slipped into the near boiling hot water and let his body adjust to the temperature. Technically Lash could bath in lava at this point and find it relaxing. But the point was understood. Vyllith slipped into the bath next to him with a scrub brush in hand and assorted oils, bath salts, and body wash. Her intentions clear as day.


    Vyllith had been a servant in a carriage in Tartarus. She knew how to serve, and how to please. It was through Lash''s involvement that she was now a Daemonic Knight, serving a Daemon Count. She had so much more freedom then she ever thought possible and reveled in it. Lash hardly ordered her to do anything, so she was always looking for a way to help. Lash loved her initiative and hardly had any reason to order her.


    Vyllith gently placed all of the bath items one by one on the side and leaned across the bath water. Giving Lash an eye full of her water covered breasts, and her erect nipples. He made no move to reach her. But Vyllith glanced at his crotch to find his cock fully erect and peaking out of the bath water just barely. She sat back down next to him in the tub and poured a stimulating bath salt into the water. It sent a tickling sensation up an down their skin.


    ¡°Now, befo...Eeee!¡± Vyllith said with a squeak as Lash reached out and snagged her. Placing her sideways across his lap. His erect cock pressed up against her ass. She wiggled a little in delight, as her tail twitched back and forth.


    ¡°Sorry, you were saying?¡± Lash asked, as he played his hands up and down the front, and back of Vyllith. Sex, and Subliminal Seduction activating. Vyllith moaned as he touched all the right places, and her entire body shook like a leaf.


    ¡°Las...Lash!¡± Vyllith entire body shook as she arched her back. She twisted, and wiggled in his lap. Then moved her legs around so she was straddling him. His cock between her legs, but not inside her. She glared down at him, but no hostility was in her stare.


    ¡°The other ladies will be jealous if we continue.¡± Vyllith said softly, a pout on her plump lips. Lash ran a hand along her face, and she leaned into it.


    Vyllith wanted to be with Lash. Body, mind, and soul. This was not coercion, or obligation. Yes, she was thankful for what he did. But her feelings for him had grown into genuine interest and love over time. The real question was, would Erik let it happen? Erik had changed, a lot since he started to play....live in the dream. Erik, Lash, and Saurian together made up a brand new person. One who wasn''t scarred by the actions of the past. But even then...


    ¡°I''m so fucked up...¡± Lash said more to himself then her. Vyllith still blinked at him in dismay and leaned into hug him.


    ¡°It doesn''t matter... I still love you all the same.¡± She said, whispering the words into his ear.


    ¡°Vyllith ended up giving Lash a bath that he thoroughly enjoyed. Full of sensual pleasures that bordered on erotic but never crossed a line. Then they both fell into his large bed together. Lash wrapped his arms a round the naked daemon, while she crawled into his embrace.


    ¡°One day?¡± She asked...


    ¡°One day... I''m sorry I''m so complicated.¡± Erik replied.


    Erik Lash, and Hunter Saurian had a long list of women that wanted to sleep with him. Erik was the one that kept putting it off. The spirit of Lash had lived dozens of, if not hundreds of different lives. While Saurian was essentially new to the world. Though he did look at the world from a different perspective. So why have sex at all? Honestly, because he wanted to. But other times he didn''t. Erik was not ruled by his sex drive.


    ¡°It is because you are complicated that I was given a chance at freedom. I love you, and trust me when I say I can wait.¡± Vyllith said with a smile and leaned up to softly kiss his lips with her own.


    Lash leaned into the kiss. They continued with out haste, or overpowering passion. But simple, casual, and slow. Eventually Lash pulled back, then kissed her nose. Vyllith wiggled said nose and gave him a bemused expression. She returned the favor, then snuggled up close and closed her eyes. Lash soon did the same and they both fell asleep in each others arms. He drifted off to sleep, and dreamed for the first time in a long time......


    ============================================================


    ''Hi there! My name is Peter Parker! Or as the city likes to call me. The Amazing Spider Man! I know, I know. Why am narrating my life, well obviously its for you! Or maybe I''m just losing my mind? Who knows.''


    Peter thought to himself with a laugh as he shot webbing from his wrist mounted device. The web connected to a skyscraper window and he swung from building to building with the flow of a dancer or an acrobatic genius. Of course he couldn''t enjoy his time as he was late! He was running behind and needed to meet MJ at the park. He swore he was not going to be late this time. But unfortunately the city of New York has a tendency to ruin his plans.


    Gun shots rang out below as the two NYPD police cars chased a car down the street. Peter turned mid swing and catapulted himself down the street to catch up. He swung ahead of the runaway car just as a gunman hung out from the window and shot at the cops. He shot out a webbing and yanked the gun from the perp. The man looked shocked then cussed up a storm as he pulled himself inside the car.


    But right before Peter could swing down and stop the car, the gunman leaned back out with a rocket propelled grenade launcher or as its commonly referenced as an RPG. The man shot it before Peter had any time to react. But obviously the man didn''t shoot it at Spider Man, oh no. The man shot it at the L-train that they just passed under. Now, Peter had to choose between chasing the car, or helping the train that was coming around the bend.


    Peter chose the train and swung back around to get under the destroyed pillar that should have been supporting the train. He pushed the pillar back into place and webbed up the destroyed pillar to help reinforce the structure. Then he raced up towards the incoming train hoping the driver would see the damage and brake. Fortunately the man did, and proceeded to pull the brakes. But they wouldn''t have enough time.


    ¡°Sorry, MJ looks like I''ll be late.¡± Peter said, as he swung down and used himself as an anchor.


    That is incredibly stupid you know. -A voice said in Peter''s mind.


    ¡°What!? Who''s there!?¡± Peter shouted out, as he shot web, after web then used himself to slow the train down.


    Stop being a dumb ass! Get back on top of the train and shoot webs out and connect them to each train car. Each web would decrease the amount of speed the train collects. Do it...NOW! -The voice shouted at Peter. He wasn''t sure why but he listened.


    Peter climbed to the top of the train and shot webs out and connected them to each train car. It wasn''t as brave, or cool looking. But it got the job done, and with far less hassle. Thanks to the voices advice the train stopped several yards before it ever hit the ruined line. The people cheered, and Peter still had two minutes to get to the park.


    Now, stop lying to MJ about who you are and tell her the truth. -The voice said, and Peter nearly collided with a building as he swung towards the park.


    ¡°What?! I can''t do that. She''ll...¡± Peter began.


    She''ll what? Completely understand? She''ll understand why you are so late all the time? She gushes about Spider Man every time you see her. Just tell her the truth! And would you please get off your ass and get one of your inventions patented already? Just one! The spider silk tensile strength alone could revolutionize construction. Aunt May would never have to worry about bills again. Or you for that matter. Stop being a dumb ass! -The voice shouted in Peter''s ear.


    ¡°OK! OK!¡± Christ...


    Watch your language, Peter! -The voice shouted at him.


    Peter swung into central park and snagged MJ straight off the park bench much to her delight, and fright. She also punched Peter in the face when he took his mask off. Then she kissed him a few minutes later. A few months later he got his spider silk placed in a public-private sector patented. The voice was right his family Aunt May, and his new wife MJ would never need to worry about money again. Peter also never heard the voice again...


    ===========================================================


    Congratulations User, one of your past lives has awarded you with. Superhuman Agility.


    Superhuman Agility: The User with this ability can go from one motion to another effortlessly, effectively dodge attacks, swing from things easily, sprint, do back-flips, leap across rooftops, and numerous other gymnastic, athletic and martial implements with little to no effort.


    Lash opened his eyes after he read the message and he sighed. He vaguely remembered living the life of Peter Parker and hated it. He was such a clueless, dense, and idiotic man-child. It took decades for him to get his own head out of his ass. It was one of the first lives he had ever lived. He was still new to the whole ''game'' his Cosmic Patron had set up. He was just excited to live a new life, a life with super powers, and the ability to help people. It wasn''t long before he hated living through his different lives with little to no control over anything. Not like this one. Here Lash had far more control of his life then his previous ones.


    Lash looked around his dark room and saw that Vyllith had turned around and now had her back pressed tight up against his chest. Like most men, Lash had morning wood even though it was 4:30 pm. So later afternoon wood. The erection was pressed up against her ass. Lash attempted to adjust himself with out disturbing her but soon realized that Vyllith was pressing her ass against him intentionally. She was wiggling just a little bit.


    ¡°Vyllith...¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°Hmmm...¡± She said sleepily. Lash grinned at her and reached around and played with one of her nipples, Vyllith squeaked in surprise.


    ¡°I''m awake! I''m awake!¡± Vyllith said, and stopped wiggling.


    Lash stopped, and just pulled her close to him and hugged her. She soon went back to wiggling accidentally and fell back to sleep. The Lash leaned in and bit the back of her neck like a cat would for another. Vyllith let out a moan that rolled through her chest, all the way down to her toes. Her tail whipped back and forth lightly. One of her hands slipped between her legs and she started to pleasure herself.


    ¡°This is your fault you know.¡± Vyllith said in between pants.


    ¡°My fault?¡± Lash said, as he let go of her neck. She whimpered softly, but continued to wiggle her ass up against him. While her hand continued to play around.


    ¡°Hundreds of men, and women want to be with you. But you barely glance at them. But you take your time, and spend it with me! What''s a girl to do with such attention?¡± Vyllith asked, in a mocking pout.


    ¡°Ah, I suppose that is true.¡± Lash said as he reached around and ran his hand along her clit. Vyllith jumped in surprise and let out a load moan. Lash poured Subliminal Seduction into Vyllith and played her like harp, full of high, and low notes. Until she found release and came all over his hand. He reached up and licked his hand clean.


    ¡°That was mean...¡± Vyllith said, but clearly enjoyed it. She rolled around to face him, and one of her hands reached down between his legs and wrapped her fingers around his cock. He reached down to stop her and she raised a brow at him.


    ¡°I''m perfectly fine.¡± Lash said simply, and Vyllith pouted at him.


    ¡°But what if I want more?¡± She asked.


    ¡°You''ll have to wait then.¡± Lash replied with a smirk and she growled at him.


    ¡°Your different today...¡± Vyllith said as she sat up with a snarl and inched to the edge of the bed to get dressed.


    ¡°Maybe...¡± Lash replied, then sat up and came to her side. Then pulled her back into his lap.


    He sat cross legged, her legs wrapped around his waist. While she began to rock her hips back and forth. Her labia, and vaginal walls pressing up against his erect cock. They both groaned softly as Lash leaned down to steal a kiss, something that Vyllith freely gave and pushed her tongue into his mouth. Lash reached up and grabbed a fist full of rich black hair and pulled it back. Vyllith moaned loudly as she arched her back.


    ¡°Please don''t stop...¡± She whispered.


    Lash reached into his being and activated, ''Apostle of Qetesh'' and suddenly Vyllith could feel everything that Lash could feel. While he could feel everything Vyllith could feel. It was a circle, and divine ceremony of tantric sex. Vyllith''s eyes fluttered, and Lash waited until she opened them fully before he gently adjusted himself and slipped inside of her. They both gasped in absolute bliss. Feeling what each other felt.


    ¡°Stars above!¡± Vyllith all but screamed as her lilac eyes began to glow with crimson light. Then slowly she began to roll her hips, and Lash slowly began intricate symbols along her back. Each complete symbol amplified the connection they shared.


    They kissed, embraced, and thrust into one another. But each action was deliberate, and slow. It was a gradual build up. The connection they shared amplified through the teachings of Qetesh. While they both were infused with magical energy. Vyllith screamed in out rapture and she sucked his cock into her body and nearly stole everything from him. He came with her and nearly collapsed onto the bed but they kept each other anchored.


    Attention, would the User like to impregnate?


    Yes/No....No.


    Attention User! You''ve used Apostle of Qetesh. For the next 24 hrs all abilities will be empowered by 30%, you and your partner.


    Vyllith, and Lash both were gasping for air as sweat rolled down their bodies. Their hearts slowly returned to a resting pace, and their bodies stopped shaking in glee. Lash continued to gradually kiss Vyllith along the neck, jaw line, lips, she reciprocated, but she bit into his neck harshly when he gave a teasing thrust into her body. Her nails grew into claws and raked down his back. Thankfully it did very little damage.


    ¡°Stop! Just....Wait. Sensitive.¡± She hissed into his ear. Lash wasn''t any better, that one thrust and sent him nearly over the edge again.


    So Lash ran his hands up and down her back. His nails delicate across her sensitive skin. Each stroke earned him a shiver, but she didn''t bite him this time. Lash could feel the magical energy in their bodies filled to the brim. He practically vibrated with energy, which was saying something with the tear drop power stone in his body. The stone was vibrating in excitement. Apparently no one ever had sex, while holding the power stone before. The sentient stone was giddy.


    ¡°So, want to go again?¡± Lash asked, and Vyllith laughed in delight as she pressed her forehead against his.


    ¡°Yes please...¡± Vyllith replied.


    ---------


    5 hours later, Lash and Vyllith finally left the bedroom. They both walked funny, and had a particular glow about themselves. Erik....Was content. While Saurian was satisfied. Though he hoped they could go hunting in the next few hours. He wanted to get into a fight! Lash elected not to take a shower so he could enjoy the smell of Vyllith all over him, as did his knight for him. He went to the kitchen completely naked and proceeded to make dinner for them.


    Vyllith jumped onto the island in the kitchen and kicked her legs back and forth as she watched him work in the kitchen a smile on her face. Her hands were braced on the island, while her chest stuck out, her tail idly twitched back and forth. Her lilac eyes watched him contently like a cat who caught the canary. Lash glanced at her while he was throwing a pair of steaks onto the grill. They needed protein.


    They didn''t say a word to each other. Just enjoyed the silent companionship that came with what they had just done together. It wasn''t weird, it didn''t really change anything. She was still his one and only knight. He was still her Lord, and Master. He served rosemary potatoes, and seasons steak. They sat side by side and ate in silence. He did the dishes, then regretfully headed to the shower. Though she tagged along.


    As much as he wanted to keep her scent. Traveling into Gotham at night with the smell of sex on them can lead to miss understandings. Especially if they encountered any were-breeds. The shower was large enough that they could both bathe at the same time. Though Lash did take the distinct pleasure in watching Vyllith lather up her body in soap. After the shower Lash put up her hair in a french braid.


    Then they both used Calling and summoned their armor. Lash then used Transformation, Vyllith ran a finger along his snout and a look of fascination, and flirtation danced across her eyes. Lash knew that look. Vyllith wanted to see what Lash was like in his hybrid state. Saurian sent a seductive growl through their chest and Vyllith shivered in delight. She pressed a finger along her collar and her helmet snapped over her head. The vacuum seal hissed softly, then she walked away a particular sway to her hips as she did so.


    Lash''s home came with a hidden elevator that had gotten installed...He wasn''t sure when. But it took them underground garage that his building had. Then with Invisibility they went to another stair case that took them to the sewers. Then he used Manifestation and called all 1110 Saurus Warriors, Veterans, and Elites. A portal made from darkness, and starlight appeared. Out poured his army, and they started from his home and worked their way out.


    ====================================================


    ***HR. Earth, Gotham City, MCU***


    James Worthington "Jim" Gordon aka the Commissioner of Gotham Police Department. Was having another late night, he sat on top of the MCU next to a flood light with the symbol of the Batman on it. While he waited he worked, he had a laptop out and was drinking some coffee. He practically had an entire office up on the roof. Phone service, WiFi, and an orthopedic office chair. Something his daughter had bought for him with her last paycheck.


    Jim was happy for his daughter, Barbara. She had gotten a nice job at Ghost Industries, away from the action. Sure she worked with Meta''s all day. But she was helping kids learn to control their abilities. Kids who had been kicked out of their homes because their parents hated them. Jim ground his molars at the idea of kicking his own kids out of the house for something that was out of their control. He wanted to march up to every parent that did that and break their jaws.


    Barbara was on staff at the CSA facility just outside of Gotham. She loved the work! Got paid well, and Ghost Industries was paying for her tuition to finish college. That was another bonus. Gotham University was not cheap. But most of all, she was out of town, and away from danger. Jim took a sip of his coffee then glanced up only to practically jump out of his skin at the sight of Batman, Nightwing, and Batgirl standing on the roof top a few feet away from him.


    ¡°Gah! Don''t do that!¡± Jim screeched at them. Batgirl winced at his yelling but kept her mouth shut. She always did around Jim, he often wondered if he had offended her somehow.


    ¡°Sorry, Commissioner.¡± Nightwing said with a smile on his half covered face.


    ¡°It''s alright, kid. Tricks of the trade I understand. Good to see you three, how goes the war?¡± Jim asked, as he walked over to shake Batman''s hand who returned the gesture. Jim did the same for Nightwing, and Batgirl.


    ¡°Aren''t you missing someone?¡± Jim asked, as he looked for Robin. The kid was bright, but had a bit of a mouth on him.


    ¡°He''s patrolling...¡± Batman said in his usual cold voice. Jim shrugged and didn''t pay it any mind.


    ¡°So, usual issues. The food, water, and medicine that is coming in from the JLI is getting high jacked. The further it gets from the distribution center the harder it is to keep track of. There are some pushers over in Bludhaven dealing Dark Venom.¡± Jim said as he handed the files out. Nightwing frowned at hearing his territory was getting nastier. Jim could understand it.


    ¡°The next issue is our supply depots are getting robbed blind. I don''t have the man power to keep them all guarded by the police so we have to ask for civilians. Civilians, and I''m afraid to say police are taking bribes to look the other way as people make off with the construction materials. Every depot that is pilfered means another few weeks, or even months before this city gets back on its feet.¡± Jim continued.


    ¡°Shouldn''t be that big of a deal much longer.¡± Nightwing said softly, then jumped as Batgirl and elbowed him. Then glanced at Jim who smiled at her in thanks. She quickly looked away.


    ¡°I mean, with Wraith back in town.¡± Nightwing continued, then took a step back in surprise as Jim was right up in his face.


    ¡°What did you just say!?¡± Jim said, his voice dripped with anger.


    Jim did not like Wraith. He had grown accustomed to Batman and his team because at the end of the day. They solved more problems then they caused. But Wraith? Wraith was an unstable chemical mixture being poured open vat of toxic sludge just waiting to explode! He was above the law, and Jim hated him for it. He hated that an alien had a badge! Superman was a good guy, Jim had met him several times. But Wraith? Wraith pissed Jim off.


    ¡°Commissioner...¡± A feminine voice said behind him and Jim jumped out of his skin again! There behind him was Batwoman. In her vantablack armor, with cherry red bat symbol on her chest, and crimson wig. She had a hate filled glare pointed straight at him.


    ¡°You do realize that the food, water, medicine, and building supplies that come in from the JLI, are all coming from Wraith? Right?¡± Batwoman said in accusation. Jim looked like he had bitten into something sour.


    ¡°...Yes...¡± Jim replied, that really took the cake. He had found out from Batman that Wraith had created machines to create the supplies. The supplies that was the life blood of the city. Not just the city, the world. But before he could bite back a remark the door to the office floor opened up.


    ¡°Commissioner!¡± The officer shouted, and Jim whirled around to look at him. Then looked around as there was not a single sign of any Bat on the rooftop.


    ¡°What?¡± Jim asked.


    ¡°Sir, we hare reports of giant reptiles coming out of the sewer systems across the city. They are repairing buildings, street lights, even ruined cars. I think Agent Wraith is back!¡± The officer said with a grin that soon melted off his face as Jim looked like he was about to blow a casket.


    ¡°That...Tha...That''s just great! Thanks for telling me!¡± Jim shouted at the officer who fled back down stairs. Jim took several calm breaths, flipped out his phone and called his daughter.


    ¡°.....Hi dad! Why are you calling so later?¡± Barbara''s voice was like sweet music to his ears. Then he looked at the clock, as it said 11:30 pm. Barbara had early mornings with the kids.


    ¡°Oh I''m sorry sweet girl! I just...Long day at the office. I''m calling your mother next, but I just wanted to hear your voice. Sorry, go back to sleep.¡± Jim said apologetically.


    ¡°Are you sure? I can talk...¡± Barbara yawned across the line and Jim grinned.


    ¡°No, its ok sweet heart. I''ll talk to you tomorrow.¡± Jim replied.


    ¡°OK, if your sure. Love you dad.¡± Barbara said and promptly hung up. Jim laughed and dialed his wife next.


    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Earth, Gotham City. A few roof tops over***


    ¡°I''m still surprised he hasn''t figure out your secret.¡± Batwoman said with a dismissive gesture towards Jim.


    ¡°He wouldn''t understand, he doesn''t look at me that way. And do you have to give him such a hard time?¡± Batgirl said in reply as she tucked the phone away into her belt.


    ¡°Does he have to be such a jerk about Wraith?¡± Batwoman replied, and Batgirl had nothing to rebuke with.


    ¡°Enough, we have work to do. Nightwing check in at Bludhaven and track down any leads you have about the Dark Venom. Batgirl go with him. Batwoman and I will head off to find Wraith. Then we''ll move over to joker territory.¡± Batman said next, they all agreed with out question and moved off.


    Nightwing, and Batgirl climbed down from the rooftops and jumped onto the motorcycles. While Batwoman rode her own motorcycle while Batman rode in his Bat-mobile. As they drove off in opposite directions one by one they each saw man hole covers being lifted and giant lizardmen stepping out and fixing the area. Each one noticed the Bat family and nodded towards them.


    With in two hours all of Gotham City had access to clean water again. Soon followed by sewer access. Then one by one buildings with out power started to turn back on. Decrepit buildings became brand new. Solar panels, wind turbines, water towers, photokinetic windows, etc, etc. Months worth of work done in a few hours.


    Batman, and Batwoman eventually found their query. Wraith was walking down main street with a woman in full tech armor at his side. Vyllith, his knight. Batman pulled to a stop and jumped out of his car, while Batwoman pulled up and stepped off her motorcycle. Wraith was in the middle of repairing a major crack in the road. He finished his job and looked up with a bright smile that sent a shiver down Batwoman''s spine. He was terrifying to look at. But she smiled back, and walked over with a skip in her step.


    ¡°Batman, Batwoman, a pleasure and a privilege to see you both. How can I help?¡± Wraith said to them. There, there was one of the reasons Batwoman liked him so much. Always willing to help.


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Earth, Gotham City***


    Lash bowed from his waist as he greeted them both. Vyllith did the same. Batman nodded simply, while Batwoman smiled back at him. All the while his tentacles were shooting out spells of Repair, or Renew. Dozens of Saurus Warriors lined the streets, or climbed the buildings to rebuild the city. Lash''s energy kept dropping dramatically, and the tear drop power stone would recover the energy in seconds.


    ¡°Robin is missing...¡± Batman said, and Lash stopped casting his magic so he could focus on the conversation.


    ¡°How long?¡± Lash asked


    ¡°24 hours, he went missing in joker territory.¡± Batman said next and Lash activated Criminal Underworld Lore. Along with his Gotham Sub-Ability.


    Joker territory exploded during the recession of Gotham City. A gang made up of the ideals, and anarchy that was the joker. A majority of them are sociopaths with little to no real connection to anything. They worship the ideals of chaos. They seem to react at random, and have no set goal. But oddly enough they have very complex plans, ploys, and pull off some of the most elaborate pranks. It is a 50/50 chance the pranks are either lethal, or none lethal.


    Joker territory is made up of the old carnival grounds that never recovered after the original Joker warped reality, then died from Lash ripping the idol of Loki out of his chest. There is still a lot of magical residue there. While the territory has also spread to Arkham island, and the surrounding Narrows that never recovered after the tidal wave caused by Prince Orm during the Atlantis reveal. Due to the invasion, and the lack of resources. Gotham has left the entire area to rot. The rot has seemingly grown with each passing day.


    Joker territory is oddly ruled over by a council of jokers. Each one chaotic as the next. They rarely work together, and often fight one another. Each side has a large army of thugs, and psychopaths. That follow their rules like holy writ. They are also one of the few manufactures of Dark Venom on the East Coast. This is their primary source of income. Which allows them to buy weapons, ammunition, supplies, and enough cannon fodder that enjoys the addiction of power that comes with Dark Venom.


    Lash took a moment to organize his thoughts and gave an edited version of Criminal Underworld Lore to them both. Batman was aware of all of it, besides the Dark Venom production. He never found any evidence of it. But it did make sense. Lash was not pleased that the jokers were even around. He went through a lot of crap to ensure that the original Joker died. He didn''t want to see a repeat of it.


    ¡°Do you have something of Robins? A memento?¡± Lash asked, Batman pulled a pocket knife from his utility belt. It had the initials JT inscribed in gold calligraphy on the side.


    Lash carefully took the pocket knife from Batman with Telekinesis Lash didn''t want to touch it. He could feel Jason''s soul residue on it. Lash gestured for them to follow him. They worked their way down the street to a now fully restored corner park and Lash walked towards the sand box. Then began to inscribe a temporary ritual circle into the sand. He placed the pocket knife dead center, floating above the circle. Then he used Clairvoyance.


    Lash''s vision was pulled from himself and was flung across the city, then was driven through concrete, wood, and fabric to find himself inside a circus tent. Jason Todd aka Robin was tied up, spread eagle in the middle of a room. His uniform stripped from him until he was naked. He was covered in whip marks, branded with hot irons, and several needle thin pokers were carefully pushed through his body. Avoiding all the vital organs, but still extremely painful. Jason was blissfully unconscious.


    Lash''s vision rebound and he was back at the sand box and an inhuman snarl crawled up his throat. Every Saurus Warrior, Veteran, and Elite in the whole city stopped what they were doing. Turned and started to sprint towards the carnival grounds. Then with out warning Lash bolted from his position and started to sprint across the ground on all six limbs. Batman, Batwoman, and Vyllith hard on his tail.


    __________________________________________________________


    *** - Wagner - Ride of the Valkyries from "Die Walk¨¹re"***


    Though they did not fly, they did run rather quickly. A horde of Saurian creatures galloped at a fast pace straight towards the carnival grounds. They swarmed up buildings, and down through the streets. So fast, and fast many of them that the constant push, and pull of their clawed hands, and feet sounded like drums of war. For the civilians still living in the area they believed an earth quake had arrived to at last blow the last bit of the homes they had left.


    The few of them came running out of their homes only to see the ocean of scaled creatures racing past them. They stared, jaws open in horrified fascination as the creatures rushed past. They at last crested the last of the still in tact buildings and rushed through the ruins straight towards the carnival. What few joker thugs present and accounted for looked on in fright. Many of them looked down at the varies drugs they had been snorting, or injecting and making mental notes to buy that stuff again. Then they realized to late it was not a hallucination, or a bad trip as a warrior pounced forward with claws extended.


    ¡°Were under attack!¡± A joker shouted!


    Was the last shout before the outer perimeter fell like grain to the scythe. Booom!.....Booom!.....BOOM!.....BOOOM! The gradual stomp of foot steps brought a new nightmare to the jokers as a 80 foot tall kaiju dinosaur creature came around the corner and roared at them. The roar was so powerful it left ripples in the air, and sent a shock wave of indescribable fear through them all.


    ¡°Surrender! Or suffer!¡± The kaiju roared, a few dozen clearly believed they were tripping balls and promptly feinted. While the rest started to cackle in mad glee. They each pulled out a sticker from their pockets. About the size of a nicotine patch and slapped it onto their arms.


    1 out of ten of them died on the spot. They puked blood, and melted into a puddle of black goop. While the other 9 all took on a plethora of meta powers. One particular man grew large, so large he nearly rivaled the size of the kaiju. His clothing tore apart, and he clapped his hands in glee. Only for the dinosaur to Blink from where he was to right on top of the man. Despite his massive size, he still screamed like a stuck pig as the monsters claws raked through his body.


    ===============================================================


    Saurian was giddy! Though he was also upset. He did not like the jokers hurting his people. Though Jason was a part of the Bat family. Selina cared about him, and Selina was part of his pack. So that made Jason one of Saurian''s. He did not like what the jokers had done to him. He ripped the mutated Meta apart and ate the mans heart. Devour, Consume, Evolve was used and....


    Congratulations User, Basic Size Alteration has evolved into Intermediate Size Alteration.


    Effect: Slight increase to abilities power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to abilities energy consumption.


    Effect: The User may include their available gear in the alteration. Works in tandem with... (See tool tip.)


    Saurian quickly pushed the other notifications back from days ago. Yes, he would have to sit down and look through them. Or rather Lash would have to.


    Thanks buddy, your wonderful. -Lash grumbled across their link. Saurian chuckled then grew to 100 feet tall, and 200 feet long. (30 m / 60 m) With his new found Intermediate Size Alteration.


    Godzilla was stood at approximately 400 feet or 119.8 meters tall. Saurian was only at 100 ft currently. So he still had a long way to go. But every step was in the right direction. Saurian carefully stepped forward, he didn''t want to smoosh any of his people. The Saurus horde washed over the carnival grounds like a tide. Several jokers flew up into the air and shot fire, red lasers from their eyes, or were lifting heavy objects at the Saurus. One decided to try their luck against Saurian. Saurian noted he was spicy! He licked his fangs in delight.


    Saurian used Blink several times to push deeper into the carnival until he could feel the chaotic magic that remained from the Siege of Gotham so long ago...No, it wasn''t that long ago he did admit to himself. Saurian shook his head clear of unneeded thoughts then used reverse Size Alteration he needed to be smaller for this. His body, and armor shrunk down to about 20 ft tall, and 40 ft long. (6 m / 12 m) Just in time for a strong man Venom Meta to fly into his face. The resounding slam cracked like thunder and the man screamed in agony as his arm collapsed like a accordion.


    ¡°That was idiotic of you.¡± Saurian''s animalistic voice called out, as he raised his foot and crushed the man under it.


    A swarm of joker thugs, drug addicts, and clowns came rushing out of the tents and slapped on the Dark Venom. Then Saurian huffed in irritation and cast a wide area of effect Sooth and ripped the Dark Venom out of their systems. They dropped like puppets with out strings and began to scream in horrible pain. Saurian cared little as he jumped towards the carnival tent and pushed the tent flaps aside. He wondered into what looked like a house of mirrors. Though he stood over it by about 10 feet.


    ¡°Well I see we have a visit from the big man himself!¡± A sadistic male voice said over an intercom. Saurian looked up at the contraption then followed the line through Connectivity. He then simply walked through the mirrors because they were in the way. Traps sprung from different mirrors, saws, spikes, flame throwers, and acid. All of which simply broke against his scales.


    ¡°No! No! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?¡± The voice screamed in frustration.


    Saurian walked towards the location of the voice. Pulled the curtain aside and saw a fat pale man with clown makeup on. He smelled....mundane. Pity, Saurian used his Elemental Manipulation and set the clown on fire. The man tried to laugh at his own death, but soon only screamed, and screamed. Saurian turned and moved towards Jason''s location.


    One by one the council of jokers came out. Each one with an elaborate trap, puzzle, or game to play. Saurian simply pushed it all side tracked them down and ended each one. As he moved through the carnival grounds he absorbed the chaotic magical energy. His Chaos/Order Domain spells gained a lot of experience. Yay! Though Saurian could almost hear the regretful sigh of his Cosmic Patron. Not exactly what he expected when this had been brought to Lash''s attention.


    Until at last, Saurian found Jason. He carefully stepped up close and left a spell mark on Jason body and called to Vici to send him straight to medical module. With a soft glow, and a pop! Jason was gone from the tent. Saurian puzzled over the idea of why Jason was even lost? Maybe the chaos magic interfered with their GPS? Locator magic? Could be any number of reasons. He would have to think on this.


    ¡°Batman... Robin has been found and sent to the Watch Tower for medical aid. I am moving to find, and destroy the Dark Venom factory.¡± Saurian said softly over their shared communication link.


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Batman replied, he didn''t need to say anything more.


    Saurian soon found the manufacture of the Dark Venom. But the chemical compounds, lab equipment, etc had been moved in a hurry. He could smell Kindred in the air. But the scent was muted, or obscured. No, it was....Impure? Blood-Mutts, that made sense in their own way. They must have packed up everything the moment Saurian had shown up at the carnival. No, from the smell of things they left the moment Lash started to repair the city. Concluding that they would end up here eventually.


    ¡°Alright partner lets swap out... This was disappointing.¡± Saurian said, and deactivated Shape Shift and Lash took control still in his Transformation state.


    ¡°Sorry big guy. There are not that many mundanes in the world capable of fighting you. But Zod is suppose to show up soon. He should be a good fight.¡± Lash said, as he tried to comfort his partner. Saurian grumbled, then promptly fell asleep across the link.


    Lash casually moved through the ruined carnival grounds, he was trying to decide if he should tear it all down? Or rebuild it? Decisions, decisions.


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Earth, Gotham City Carnival Grounds***


    Two hours...Two hours was all it took to track down Jason, and obliterate the joker gang. Kate was horrified by the blood bath around her. She was no stranger to war. But she understood why Batman had waited to ask for help from Wraith. The joker gang was dead. Literally! The reptilian soldiers around her impaled the bodies with red energy blades and turned them into ash. While a few others found, and set free the prisoners that had been found.


    This wasn''t a battle, it was a one sided slaughter. Kate had followed in the wake of the giant dinosaur that Wraith had turned into. He had been...Angry. She didn''t realize Jason was so important to him. Made her wonder if he would be so enthusiastic if she went missing. Kate walked side by side with Wraith''s, hell knight Vyllith. For a moment Kate forgot where she was and just admired the sexy curve of the knights armor.


    Vyllith paused mid step and glanced back at Kate, even though she had a full face mask on Kate could tell Vyllith was grinning her. Kate turned away and tried not to blush. Then she heard Vyllith take off in a soft jog and Kate looked up to see Wraith stepping out of a collapsed tent. He bowed to Vyllith who returned it with a salute and she proceeded to tell him the report she had collected. Kate walked up gradually, once again watching a soldier cremate a joker thug.


    ¡°Batwoman, are you feeling alright?¡± Wraith asked, and his voice was like a crocodile chewing on a chalk board. But she still felt his voice in her head. She knew it was Partial Telepathy didn''t unnerve any less.


    ¡°Just... I think I understand why the JLI doesn''t ask for your help more often.¡± Kate said bluntly. She expected to be rebuked but instead he just laughed.


    ¡°I promise I''m not always this brutal. I didn''t like the joker when he was alive. I don''t like that he has a gang after his death. Robin is also important.¡± Lash said at last. Kate was quick with the follow up.


    ¡°Why? I mean...Robin is important. But you looked furious when you found out.¡± Kate asked, and noticed an obstruction encircled them. It was called a baffle field, they could talk freely.


    ¡°Selina is part of my pack...Family.¡± Lash began to explain, and had to simplify it so Kate could understand. ¡°Whether Bruce is willing to admit it or not. He thinks Richard, and Jason as his own children. As does Selina, especially Jason. Jason being hurt, would hurt them. Hurt her. Jason being safe makes them both happy. Their happiness is important to me.¡± Lash said simply as it was a simple fact and nothing more.


    ¡°Would you do the same for me?¡± Kate asked, as she looked him in the eye all six of them. Lash walked over to her, which made her crane her neck back to look at him.


    ¡°Yes, Kate I would. Do you think I make armor for just any one?¡± Lash replied with a smile that sent a shiver down Kate''s spine. She quickly looked away and bit her lip.


    Damn it, that was true! She had asked around the JLI when she joined and nearly no one had armor made directly by Wraith. There was a competition and six amazons adored their custom gear. Past that, it was Batgirl and nearly no one else. Save for a man who had died during the invasion. Kate''s heart warmed at the idea of it. She couldn''t focus around Wraith. He terrified her, he excited her. She didn''t know why!


    ¡°You should go, the police are arriving.¡± Wraith said and walked past her, Vyllith following in his shadow. She did however hip check Kate as she walked past. Kate stumbled and glared at Vyllith who sashayed her hips back and forth seductively. Kate hated that she stopped to stare.


    =============================================================


    Lash got the distinct feeling that if Charming Presence could still gain experience. It would have several times while he was speaking to Kate. Which was odd since she was a confirmed lesbian. He assumed Kate stuck around to talk to Vyllith. His knight had laid it on thick with the seduction. Then Lash remembered what Master Charming Presence did.


    Master Charming Presence: User radiates an aura of attractiveness, naturally inducing titillating pleasure and carnal desire while subtly lifting inhibitions. The affected targets remain fully themselves, but can''t help but long for the User''s favor and affection. It should be noted the User does not need to do anything, their mere presence; brings pleasure, attracts attention and admiration, and seduces others.


    Crap... Kate aka Batwoman took a teleport away and went directly to her motorcycle which had been hidden during the raid on the carnival grounds. Despite helping the MCU, technically the entire Bat family had a warrant out for their arrest. Even with the flood light on the MCU''s roof. Blah, Blah public deniability. If caught on camera attempted arrest, etc, etc.


    Got on camera was right as several news vans showed up along with the patrol cars, and SWAT vehicles. Lash even saw a few CSA Meta''s with the SWAT. Good, already working for the better. Until one of them jumped into the air and tried to tackle Lash shouting something about, ''you have the right to remain silent.'' Lash held up clawed hand and snagged the meta with Telekinesis then flipped them upside down and stared at them.


    ¡°Excuse me officer, I am Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security. And you are, who?¡± Lash asked the officer who looked pale with fright.


    ¡°God damn it, Wraith!¡± A familiar shout made Lash put the meta down as Jim Gordon came storming up with hell fire blazing in his eyes.


    ¡°Commissioner Gordon, good to see you again. Hows the family?¡± Lash asked, a polite smile on his face.


    ¡°You have zero jurisdiction here in Gotham! You can''t just act as you please and start a god damn war!¡± Jim shouted, spittle splattering across Lash''s chest plate.


    ¡°Commissioner before you continue to tell me where I can go, and where I can''t. Why don''t you tell the medics to follow my Veteran here. They can take you to the dozens of prisoners we''ve found that need medical aid?¡± Lash asked politely. Jim to his credit snapped out orders and the SWAT team moved in, and helped the medics secure the prisoners.


    ¡°No one asked for your help, Wraith!¡± Jim shouted at him.


    ¡°The Mayor, and the Governor both did. They''ve been asking for weeks for my return to help rebuild the city. Or do you mean with the joker gang? One of the JLI was being held hostage here. As the liaison between the UN, and the JLI it is my job to help. Or did you forget that, Commissioner.¡± Lash emphasized his title and Jim looked like he was about to pop a blood vessel.


    ¡°Or would you rather had I come to you and request help? Because I already know the answer I would have received. You would have told me to fuck off. At which point I would have gone to the city Mayor who would have given me permission. Then ordered you to help me. Then by that point, the JLI member would have died. It would have been your fault. Because you ego, and petty pride got in the way. So, I skipped those steps. Its not my fault you are a fucking speciesist!¡± Lash shouted at Jim in clear view of the news camera''s recording the whole confrontation.


    ¡°Now despite our clear dislike for one another, Commissioner. I have a lot of respect for you! You are a good man, and a good cop and both are exceptionally rare in Gotham. This city needs you. So stop being a fucking idiot and except my help!¡± Lash shouted, and his voice carried across the entire carnival grounds. Jim was about to shoot his mouth off before a Lieutenant came to his side and whispered a few words. Jim looked like he didn''t care, but he did glance at the cameras.


    ¡°....Thank...You....For....Your....Help....Agent....Wraith.¡± Jim said each word like it physically hurt him to say it. Then he reached out, and Lash shook his hand in front of the cameras.


    ¡°You are welcome, Commissioner Gordon. Now if you will excuse me. I am going to continue repairing the city. Hopefully in the next two days the entire city will be operational again. Good day!¡± Lash said with a smug grin of satisfaction on his face. Then promptly left.


    True to his word every Saurus Warrior, Veteran, and Elite that was not helping the medics with the prisoners turned in perfect sync and started to rebuild Gotham from the Carnival inwards. Lash cleared the entire carnival out and simply returned it to a simple boardwalk as it was located on the pier. A few veterans showed the GCPD the Dark Venom factory floor. Along with a list of names, the names of every Joker that lost their life in the rescue operation. Where were the bodies? They were stepping in the cremation ashes. Lash was worried for Jim for a moment, it looked like the man was about to have a seizure.


    Lash meant what he said, he liked Jim. He wished they could get along. But aliens in general had a bad reputation on the planet Earth. Jim hated when people took the law into their own hands. So Lash was a bad combination. It didn''t matter that he was a certified agent. It didn''t matter that technically he had the law behind him. Lash was an alien, and he was acting above the law. So, Jim hated him for it.


    Maybe it was more complicated than that, or maybe it was simpler. But Lash honestly didn''t care. He was rebuilding his city, and then he had to leave for Metropolis. He also had to visit new President of the United States. He was sure that would be a fun meeting with Lex Luthor. Then maybe, just maybe he could visit Atlantis and check in with Arthur and Mera. Maybe.


    When his Clock said it was 8:30 am a car showed up, and asked if he could come to city hall and speak with the new Mayor. Apparently the old one was killed during the invasion. That was disappointing he liked the other Mayor. Lash declined, and continued rebuilding the city. About an hour later several black SUV''s and a very nice Cadillac showed followed by news crews. A portly man stepped out of the Cadillac with a very nice suit, and a stain of hell on him. Fuck.


    ¡°Agent Wraith! I am Mathias Adin, newly elected Mayor of the city of Gotham!¡± Mayor Adin said loudly as he came over towards Lash with an amiable smile on his face. Lash used Virtual Intelligence, Connectivity, and Parallel Minds to do a quick search on several topics.


    ¡°Thank you for the quick work you did with the joker gangs. Reports said you had it over and done with in under three hours. Now more than 20% of the city has been rebuilt. Water, power, and soon heat is being provided for our people. Thank you! Thank you!¡± Mayor Adin walked over and offered his hand to Lash so he could smile in front of the camera''s. Lash however stood there.


    ¡°Do you really expect me to touch you?¡± Lash said, his animalistic voice grating on the ear. A sinister undertone made the security guards with the Mayor swallow audibly. The Mayor looked pale, but kept his smile on his face.


    ¡°Oh no! Of course not, you''ve been working! So thoughtful of you not to want to get grease on me. But I assure I am no stranger to hard work.¡± Mayor Adin said, and kept his hand out.


    ¡°I have no desire to touch a man that used his wife, and son in such disgusting way. I mean your first marriage. Not your current one. Though from the medical reports I have on file they are clearly in a bad way just like your first one.¡± Lash said with a snarl as the Mayor took back his hand and nearly fell over as Lash shroud started to billow out.


    Holographic windows appeared in front of every news crew camera''s of Mayor Adin''s former family and the long, long medical records of his beating them over, and over again. Until they died! He of course was out of town at the time. A perfect alibi. But how odd that the man who was his alibi was now dead. While new medical records of his current wife, and daughter were revealed on camera. He was an abusive sadistic fuck who took great pleasure in hurting others.


    ¡°All the rumors of me being able to see the sin of others are not rumors you fucking idiot!¡± Lash roared at him and the Mayor fell to his knees and wet himself.


    ¡°I have destroyed Senators, businessmen, and women of great power, and leaders of nations. Now I''ll do the same today! If you are not sitting in a cell by the end of the day then I am going to use all of my available power to skin you alive!¡± Lash shouted at the man and sent every available piece of evidence to Shield and Sword who sent a simple reply back. ''We''ll handle it.''


    Six hours later the Deputy Mayor was sworn in, while former Mayor Adin was promptly escorted to county. His current wife, and daughter were placed in protective custody and swore to testify in public court. Newly appointed James Noe or rather Mayor Noe was average man who had MBA in Civil engineering. Lash did shake his hand, and congratulated him on his new position. They spoke for several hours about what the city needed most and Mayor Noe promptly left to start running the city.


    By midnight of the day that Gotham lost its Mayor, and gained a new one 45% of Gotham City had been rebuilt. The towering, chaotic structures of Gotham that earned its nickname the city of madness were stripped down for a more orderly look. Lash didn''t care if it upset the old bloods of the city. Gotham worked far better with a grid pattern. If they wanted to summon the gate keeper, and the key master to call forth Zhuul they could do it on their own dime.


    Lash also built a lot of tree streets with specific tree types that only grew so large with in a confined space. It would help with noise pollution, and just normal pollution. Nearly ever street in the rebuilt 45% had trees along the side. He debated planting fruits trees but decided it wasn''t worth it. He also made a mental note to visit Croc''s town before left Gotham. Midway through the renovation of an old hotel one of his veterans approached him with a woman in toe.


    The woman wore a combination of western, and eastern style of a business suit. However, her face was covered in a silk cloth mask, and she had a blade sheathed across her back. She bowed towards him in perfect edict and Lash reciprocated. She didn''t say a single word but presented a bound scroll. Lash gestured towards Vyllith who stepped forward and accepted the scroll from the woman. Lash then took the scroll from Vyllith. He looked at the seal and saw, ''The Demon''s Head.''


    Lash broke the seal and unfurled the scroll. It was an invitation. At the docks tonight would be a yacht with an envoy of Ra''s al Ghul. They wished to speak with Wraith about the future. He was invited and could bring one attendant. No others were invited. Lash showed the scroll to Vyllith who looked at him, then at the messenger who stood at perfect attention. It wouldn''t be Ra''s, Batman would track him down and try and arrest him. So its either Nyssa, or Talia. Lash checked his Clock.


    ¡°Inform the envoy that I''ll attend at 2:00 am. As soon as I finished up here.¡± Lash said to the messenger who bowed, then sprinted away disappearing into an alleyway. Lash used Connectivity and linked up on the JLI message board, sub-forum Gotham.


    [Does anyone know why the League of Assassins is in Gotham?] -Wraith


    [Oh shit...] -Nightwing


    [I have no idea, but I would like it very much if you came and visited me.] -Cat Woman


    [Robin is going to be, OK. They are keeping him overnight but he should be able to come home tomorrow.] -Batgirl


    [Wraith, what did they want?] -Batman


    [An envoy is waiting at the docks tonight to speak to me about the future. I am allowed one attendant, Vyllith is coming with me.] -Wraith


    [Ra''s wouldn''t come to Gotham.] -Nightwing


    [It''s either Nyssa, or Talia. Ra''s would think it an insult to Wraith if he sent anyone else.] -Cat Woman


    [Hello, not sure if this helps. But I have eyes on thanks to my babies. Five floor yacht in the private portion of the Gotham Harbor. Security is pretty tight, as in with in a hundred meters my drones got shot down.] -Shadow Spy


    Lash pulled up the profile of Shadow Spy, she was a tech genius that helped with over watch in Gotham for the JLI in the city. Bat-family, and a few others. Good record, tends to poke her nose into things but in this job that tends to help. Very poor CQC, but off the charts technical skills.


    [Shadow Spy is one of your drones on site?] -Wraith


    [Yep, oh! Are you going to do your computer tech thing? Totally!] -Shadow Spy


    Lash chuckled and used Connectivity to jump through the mainframe and through Shadow Spy''s data base. Shadow Spy was a young woman who stood at approximately 5''6¡± with short chopped brown hair, brown eyes hidden behind a pair of thin rimmed glasses. She currently sat on a computer desk typing away with program code, and watched several monitors. She had a thin figure that was slowly gaining muscle mass. He knew this because all she had on was a pair of black laced bra, and panties. As Lash passed through her data base he cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on her.


    [Woah! What..the....Oh! Ya, thanks for the pick me up....Can you see me?] -Shadow Spy


    -private message- [Maybe...] -Wraith


    Shadow Spy blushed from head to toe and scampered out of her chair to find some clothes. She came back a minute later with a pair of sleeping shorts on, and a white cotton t. Though the blushed remained. She jumped back into her seat and panned the nearest drone for recording.


    [Wearing bra, and panties again are you, Shadow?] -Batwoman


    [...No! Why would you even ask that!?] -Shadow Spy


    Lash looked through the drone and saw the yacht, it had one floor below, one main floor, and three floors above. It was pure black, and had a lot of security hardware all over it. Dozens of men, and women stood guard around the yacht, and the surrounding pier. Each guard wore form fitting tactical gear with side arms, rifles, and specialized melee weapons. Ranging from swords, spears, daggers, and even cat claws.


    [Got it, thank you Shadow Spy.] -Wraith


    [Welcome.] -Shadow Spy


    Lash signed off the message board. He finished up with the street and recalled his forces. He pulled on a glamour over himself, and Vyllith and made his way towards the harbor. He of course cast Immaculate on himself, and Vyllith for good measure. He then wrapped them both in a Telekinesis flight field and flew towards the harbor to save time. Lash landed about a half mile from the boat and pulled the glamour off. They walked the rest of the way to be polite.


    With in moments they had a tail. The trained bodyguards were exceptional but unfortunately they were all mundanes and couldn''t mask their scent. That was rather odd, Lash knew Ra''s was an occultist. He assumed Ra''s would have outfitted his envoy guards with magical amulets, and enchanted gear. Or, that was the whole point. To be seen. They reached the pier with out incident.


    ¡°Warden Wraith, and Knight Vyllith welcome.¡± A servant said to them at the pier. ¡°Lady Talia al Ghul awaits the privilege of your company.¡± The servant bowed, turned and guided them onto the ship.


    They were escorted into the ship and taken to a preparatory room food, and drink were served. But then the servant came forward. ¡°Lady Talia asks that she meet with you alone, Warden Wraith. You may of course refuse. But it is a request.¡± The servant said.


    Go, I''ll be fine. -Vyllith shared over their link.


    ¡°Very well, please lead the way.¡± Lash accepted the condition and the servant smiled. While several men, and women in very risque clothing appeared to entertain Vyllith.


    Lash was shown into a nice, and reasonably large room. The yacht may have only had five floors but it was still a large, and long boat. He kept his Transformation active, most for safety even if he believed there was little that could hurt him. He re cast Reality Armor on himself. Thanks to the power stone he had little fear of running out of magical energy. A side door opened and Talia al Ghul stepped out.


    She wore a once piece red silk dress that wrapped around her neck into a choker, and left her entire back exposed. The dress had a deep v neck cut exposing her chest, and Lash understood she didn''t wear a bra as her nipples pressed up against the thin fabric. The dress fell to her ankles, but slit went up both legs all the way to her hips. She wore three inch spaghetti strap heels, and walked into the room with a seductive sway. Her rich brown hair was swept back from her face, with several deadly looking hair clips that could be used as stabbing weapons. Her warm, and sultry brown eyes looked at Lash in delight despite his appearance. Her pink lips looked incredibly soft, and had lip gloss applied. She bowed from her waist giving Lash a bit of a show.


    ¡°Thank you for coming, Warden Lash.¡± Talia said softly and Lash went perfectly still.


    ¡°I see we have a lot to talk about...¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Yes, yes we do.¡± Talia agreed.


    Galen

 Chapter 122: The More Things Change.

    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Watch Tower Station. Simulation Hall***


    Training day! Of course everyday was training day on the station. Even with half of the station under construction that didn''t change. The training hall was packed full of JLI members. Ranging from full fledged heroes, to sidekicks. Though the word sidekick was hardly ever used since it was believed to be politically incorrect. Apprentice? Journeymen/women? Etc, etc. The training hall was expansive with a host of different rooms, and space. It was also linked up with the simulation hall, school, and library for obvious reasons.


    Currently in the simulation hall was a team of young heroes. These heroes were taking a journeymen/women exam to be assigned to their own city, under the supervision of a single instructor or as they were lovingly called, ''Den Mother.'' The testers were Martian Manhunter, and Black Lightning.


    Manhunter aka J''onn J''onzz stood next to the monitor while Black Lightning sat at the computer interface doing random insertion points for the test. The simulation hall normally did that on its own, but the data base was going through a overall thanks to the upgrades. On the screen showed a familiar hot headed individual that made J''onn, and Black Lightning frown together.


    Kon-El, Connor Kent aka Superboy was raging across the simulation hall with reckless abandonment. Superboy rarely ever had a chance to let loose and he loved the simulation hall for that very reason. Even if it was the determent of the exam. Superboy stood at approximately 6'' (182 cm) with short black hair stylized with hair gel. His blue eyes looked cold, and distant. While he had an inverted triangle figure. He wore a black polymer shirt with a crimson S on it. Along with black JLI cargo pants, and boots.


    Superboy was in the process of tackling a meta-human with similar powers to his own. The problem was that Superboy was losing. Just like his ''blood'' relative, Superman. Superboy was a brawler with little to no skill in close quarters combat. He used his Superhuman Strength and had very little finesse for anything else. So when he face an individual with the same power set that actually had training he would lose. Badly.


    His opponent was a giant man wearing a black tank top, and black pants, with boots. He had a shit eating grin on his face and kept trashing talking Superboy who get letting his anger get the better of him and kept falling for the trap, over, and over again. It was one of his common problems, and Black Lightning made sure the computer knew that. Their fight had destroyed the neighborhood they were in. 62 simulated civilians were injured, while 15 had been indirectly killed. All because of Superboy''s fight.


    The background was a city center in the middle of down town. A meta-human gang had attacked a bank and were in the process of loading up the money when the team showed up to stop them. Aside from Superboy there was... Raven, Beast Boy, Artemis, Aqualad, and Aquagirl. Each one faced an opponent with similar powers, and or skills. Essentially fighting mirror versions of themselves. However, the rest of the team reacted accordingly. They traded dance partners and grouped up to help. The only one that went off books was Superboy. When Superboy''s fight killed another 15 people the simulation paused and reset. Sending each of them back to their own rooms.


    ¡°What are we going to do with him?¡± Jefferson Pierce said. (Black Lightning) As he rubbed his face, he began to type up the report and compile it into a review for the team.


    ¡°If he can''t take training seriously then he has no place in the JLI. But the issue is if we release him then he''ll just go off on his own with no support, and no training. He''s a danger to himself, and others.¡± J''onn said, as he turned around to look at Jefferson.


    ¡°We could give him to Kimiko, she''d beat it out of him real quick.¡± Jefferson said with a grimace. That was mirrored by J''onn.


    Kimiko the android in charge of the training hall was a terror to the JLI trainees. She was a harsh task master that did her best to teach, and educate everyone in the skills they needed to survive. She did not suffer fools. But she also wasn''t a bully. However, when it came to people with inflated ego''s she made sure to put them in their place real quick. When you get your ass handed to you by someone that was 5''5¡± and barely weighed 125 pounds it made a lot of men, and women really bitter, really quick.


    ¡°Come on...¡± J''onn said to Jefferson. They both stood up and left the room together. Before they even reached the debrief room they heard a shouting match.


    ¡°You are a fucking idiot, Connor!¡± Artemis shouted at the man.


    Artemis Lian Crock aka Artemis the huntress. Was a beautiful young woman of about 18 maybe 19. She had rich blond hair tied back into a tail that was secured to her uniform. She wore a form fitting JLI light weight green exoskeleton suit with polymer weave under armor. The uniform like all JLI suits was form fitting and showed off her curves nicely. She had an athletic hour glass figure, and stood at approximately 5''8¡± (176 cm). Her half face mask was pulled down to reveal tanned skin, and her blue eyes blazed in fury. On her back was a tech-bow, with a quiver of arrows. She was an archer.


    Before Connor could give his retort the door opened up and J''onn, and Jefferson walked in. J''onn glanced at Connor and the boy shut his mouth. J''onn was the strongest person in the room. If there was one thing Connor respected it was strength, plus J''onn could put him down with a thought. All of the trainees took their seat, Connor took the back...Or tried to until Jefferson pointed at him, then at the front. Connor looked like he would rather eat glass but did it anyways.


    ¡°How many people died?¡± Beast Boy aka Garfield Logan asked.


    Beast Boy stood at approximately 5''8¡± (176 cm) with short stylized green hair, green eyes, and green skin. He had an athletic rectangular figure that was slowly turning into an inverted rectangle. He wore a light green, dark green tiger stripped polymer weave under armor suit that shifted with his change. (Spatial Item Shifting). He currently sat in his seat with a note pad out. Garfield had taken a 180 on his attitude lately and was quickly turning into a model team mate, and possible leader. However, when he was out of uniform he was still the party animal that so many loved him for.


    ¡°82 injured, 42 of them critically, and 30 dead from Superboy''s fight.¡± Jefferson said with a glare at Connor who shrugged like it wasn''t a big a deal.


    ¡°6 guards, and 3 police officers were injured on your end. But each of them would have made a full recovery if this had been a real mission.¡± J''onn said to the rest of the team.


    ¡°Will we be running it again?¡± Raven asked.


    Raven was off to the side sitting cross legged and floating a few feet off the ground holding a position of meditation. Her eyes were closed but she kept complete attention on the debrief. She stood approximately 5¡±10¡± (177 cm) with shoulder length purple hair, with red under tones. Her skin was pale, and she had an hour glass figure. She wore a black form fitting polymer weave under armor suit. With flex armor plates across her vitals. An assortment of enchanted pieces of jewelry was around her neck, and waist. While she also had a midnight black cloak, and hood on.


    ¡°No you wont, Connor will be. As of this moment, Connor is off the team and is grounded to the station until he can prove he is not a danger to others.¡± Jefferson said.


    ¡°What the fuck! You can''t do that!¡± Connor screamed at him, jumped to his feet and tossed the chair he was in at the wall. He then took two steps forward and promptly fell straight to sleep as J''onn simply looked at him.


    ¡°Damn it, I really thought being on a team would help him.¡± Aqualad aka Kaldur''ahm Jackson Hyde said.


    Kaldur as he was often called by his friends stood approximately at 5''8¡± (176 cm) with a swimmers body. Lean, tight, compact muscle. He had chocolate skin, shaved platinum blond hair, and ocean blue eyes. He wore a combination of JLI light weight exoskeleton suit, and spell crafted gear. It had a fish scale style of ocean green. On his back was a hard water generator backpack given his ability set. He stood up and came to Connor''s side and flipped him over. Connor had fell face first, but his head, and more specifically his nose was to durable to break from a simple fall.


    ¡°It was a good try, Kaldur.¡± Aquagirl aka Tula Marius said to him as she stood up from her seat and came to her friends side.


    Tula stood at approximately 5''5¡± (165 cm), she had a swimmers body type that bordered on hourglass. (So much hourglass!) Short brown hair kept free from her eyes, pale skin, and a JLI light weight exoskeleton suit with spell crafted gear. A lot like Kaldur, the armor was stylized with fish scale but she had deep ocean blue for her color scheme. Like Raven, Tula had several enchanted pieces of jewelry to strengthen her spell craft.


    ¡°It was a good idea, Kaldur. But Connor has... Deep seeded issues that he has to resolve before he will be allowed to leave the station. I hate to have to do it, but Connor as he is. He is a danger not only to others, but to himself.¡± J''onn said as he keyed onto his communicator and a spring jump spell script started to envelope Connor.


    ¡°Aside from Connors fight, you all passed the exercise with flying colors. So, with that now you get to go to your chosen city you wanted to be stationed in. Yes, you are all still on active duty. But this is where you will be on your off time.¡± Jefferson said next with a proud smile on his face.


    ¡°San Francisco, California!¡± Beast Boy shouted in glee, breaking out of his professional demeanor.


    ¡°Have you given any thought to the name of the team?¡± J''onn asked, an amused expression on his face.


    ¡°The Titans.¡± Raven said softly from her spot.


    ¡°We are currently running through possible supervisors. However we already have a home for all of you if you want to start packing and head over.¡± Jefferson said with a smile has he brought up a holographic display of a tower in the middle of the city.


    ¡°Living space above ground, the rest of the building or bunker is underground. Same standard package that every JLI bunker has in ever city. There are separate teams, and solo operators in the city that have their own smaller bunkers. But the tower will be the main HQ for the JLI in the city. Keep that in mind.¡± J''onn said to the new team.


    ¡°Woooooo!¡± Beast Boy shouted and danced around the room. Everyone had a similar reaction, even Raven cracked a rare smile.


    And thus, the Titans were born...


    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Sol System. Watch Tower Station***


    Jason Todd aka Robin was 17 years old, and would be 18 in little over a year. Despite his short life one could argue that Jason had lived a harsh and long life. His birth parents had been... Well they tried their best with what they had. But it wasn''t long before Jason was on his own. A kid growing up in Gotham, outside the system? Life expectancy had been a few weeks. But Jason had proved the statistics wrong. Not only had he lived, he had thrived!


    Though more than once it had been on the charity of others. Though charity is not the right word to describe the people he ended up with. It was a business exchange. Jason had seen what drugs could to do people first hand thanks to his birth parents own experience. So Jason stayed well away from it. As he did from alcohol. This made him rather unique when it came to living on the streets of Gotham. But it kept his head clear. Though getting into fights didn''t help his developing mind much.


    It was high IQ that saved him. Or ruined him depending on who you asked. Jason was bright, brave, and or foolish. For his age when he was 16 he found the Bat-Mobile parked in an alleyway. He had seen the Batman race off. More than likely to break up the drug cartel in the neighborhood. So Jason knew the Bat would be gone for a while. So what did Jason do? He stole the tires from the Bat-Mobile!


    He had learned from some of his fellow street rats how to lift a car with cinder blocks, and a pipe in the use of a fulcrum. Soon Jason had three tires off, and he was working on the fourth. He got the last nut off and stood up with a smile. Only to see the Batman standing next to him with an amused look on his face. Jason looked at Batman, then looked lug wrench in his hands. Jason knew better than try to deny anything. So he took off on a run. Batman of course chased him!


    Jason knew the neighborhood like the back of his hand. He easily outpaced, and outmaneuvered Batman... Or so he thought. It was only a few minutes after he got back to his home in the abandoned apartment building that Jason realized he didn''t lose Batman. The Bat simply let Jason guide him back to his hide out. Batman easily subdued Jason. But instead of arresting him, Batman offered him something else. A chance.... A chance at a better life.


    It wasn''t long before Jason was living at Wayne Manor. That had floored him! Billionaire playboy orphan Bruce Wayne was Batman!? Of course once Jason sat down at thought about it. It did make sense. He had near unlimited resources, owned most of Gotham. So building, and keeping secret installations across the city would be easy. Plenty of military contracts, so his company could build all the toys he used. What he didn''t understand was why? Until Bat...Bruce told him.


    Bruce had lost his mother, and father. To a stupid mistake. Jason understood that better than most. Muggers didn''t kill people, it was a great way to end up in prison. Especially mugging people were well off. Which is exactly what happened to the man who supposedly killed the Wayne''s. Jason had learned from Alfred that it was never confirmed if the man was the true killer, or if he just took the fall for it. Bruce was younger than Jason when he lost his parents. Jason knew that feeling all to well.


    So, Jason joined up. Who wouldn''t!? Join a hero vigilante type in his huge mansion and train to fight the criminals in the city. At least that was why Jason originally joined. Then Jason saved someone. He saved a little girl, and her parents. Bruce made sure they ended up safe, and sound with Wayne Industries footing the bill. Then the fight stop being fun and games to Jason. It started to turn into the war. The change in Jason couldn''t have come sooner. Because the metaphorical table got flipped with an alternate reality of Earth invaded their own.


    Jason had people to protect. People he cared about. Friends...Family. Bruce, Richard, Barbara, Alfred...Selina. Selina most of all. Jason would never admit it out loud, but Selina was like a mother to him. She had grown up on the street just like he did. They were both broken in their own way. They had both been saved. Though Selina''s savior was a giant reptile, Jason didn''t hold that against Lash. If anything a monster who acted more human actually made Jason like him more.


    The war... The invasion had been an eye opener to Jason. The world was so much bigger than he thought. A whole world hidden behind a tear in reality. Maybe a reality where Jason and his parents were happy? No, that was dangerous thinking. Also wrong! The reality was a hell hole with a brain washing tyrant that enslaved his world. The invasion had been hard on Bruce, it had been hard on all of them.


    Batman doesn''t kill. That wasn''t to say that people didn''t die around him. Accidents happen, but Batman always tried his best to save everyone. Something that he enforced with brutal efficiency on his own people. But the invasion? Jason saw Batman kill them. Specifically the meat puppets. The hollow men, and women with out souls. Jason had argued with Bruce that they weren''t alive. That he hadn''t broken his rule. Until later in the invasion Lash...Wraith had developed a treatment for them. It had crushed Bruce. He had taken a life that could have been saved.


    The only reason Bruce didn''t completely fall into despair was Selina. She gradually helped him out of his own depression. It was a long, and hard fight. But Selina knew better than most how to handle the big bad Bat. But to Jason? It was a moment when he realized that Batman wasn''t as strong as he thought he was. It was a war! People die in a war. Yes they fought against their will but Wraith had killed thousands of them and he didn''t bat an eye at it.


    When the invasion was over they started to clean up the world. They started to clean up Gotham. Jason had believed he had seen the worst of humanity while growing up in the streets of Gotham. How wrong he was. Humanity could do horrible things to each other. It would have been so much better if they all came together to help. But no, they fought and killed over a can of soup! Jason hated it! Hated them! So much that he beat a man to death. He felt nothing but satisfaction that the human piece of waste was dead and would never hurt anyone again.


    Jason never told anyone about that. He had gotten away with it, as it were. Then he did it again. Stopped a man from raping a woman. Then killed a thug was was stealing medicine from a clinic. Then...An then.... Then.... Jason felt satisfied with every kill. He was helping damn it! Crime in the area dropped dramatically. It made a difference, the criminals in the area were terrified that they would be next. Then Dick caught Jason beating a man to a pulp and pulled him off.


    ¡°What are you doing!? You nearly killed him!¡± Richard shouted at Jason.


    ¡°He just killed those people! I was teaching a lesson he wouldn''t forget!¡± Jason shouted at him.


    ¡°Killing isn''t the answer!¡± Richard shouted.


    ¡°Maybe it should be!¡± Jason yelled back.


    Jason was benched after that. Richard had told Bruce what had happened. It didn''t help that someone from the JLI came down and read his ''aura'' what ever the fuck that meant. They had learned that Jason had killed several people. That Jason didn''t feel any remorse for his actions. That he felt justified. It had helped. But the moment that Jason was gone from his patrol route in the city. Crime went sky high, and the fatality rate climbed higher than ever.


    It was months later that Jason was allowed back on patrol. He had kept busy by training in the Watch Tower, and helping new trainees through training. Despite his short term as a street hero, he had more experience than most. Kimiko, the training hall instructor advised Bruce that it would be good for him to remain active. Bruce agreed, and Jason thanked Kimiko by running the trainees into the ground. First day back on the job in Gotham. What did Jason do? He visited the joker gang territory. That proved to be a mistake.


    Torture is not something that one normally goes through when training in the JLI. Maybe it should be? Jason had thought he knew pain, but how naive he had been. The jokers took their time, they were careful. Even had a doctor/medic come in and check on Jason. Fed him some dark liquid, tasted like blood. Jason felt amazing afterwards and that was when they went back at him. Again, and again, and again.


    Why was he thinking about that... He didn''t want to revisit that time. It was odd, what was happening to him? Jason felt like he was watching his life on fast forward. From start to finish. He had read about this. It happened sometimes when people are about to die. Their whole life flashed before their eyes. But Jason didn''t feel dead... He remembered a roar... He knew that roar. It was Wraith in his primal form. He heard the screams of horror, and pain from the jokers. It had made Jason smile.


    ¡°I''ve got you...¡± Wraith, with his primal voice made Jason so happy. He was safe...


    -----


    Jason opened his eyes and saw a familiar sight. It had been a while since he woke up in the JLI medical wing. The celestial white ceiling was eerie as ever. It was too white, to clean, to perfect. Next to his bed was a wall/window? That showed a video recording of a river pushing through a mountain grassed area. It was soothing, and made Jason''s eyes close. But when he moved the window paused and a nurse came in to check on him.


    ¡°Good evening, Robin. Are you feeling?¡± The feminine synthetic voice asked. The medical droid looked like a robot. A skeleton frame, covered in a plastic film, with a LED screen with highlighted eyes, and mouth. Wearing a nurse gown.


    ¡°I''m....OK. Actually, I''m always impressed with the medical services here.¡± Jason said, and meant it. He had seen the chief medical examiner, Ethan rebuild a destroyed body and brought them back to life.


    ¡°Good! Are you thirsty?¡± The nurse asked and provided a drink bag with a dark liquid in it. A straw was placed and Jason was beside himself when he snatched it from their hands and drained it dry in under ten seconds.


    ¡°God!? What is this? That tastes amazing!¡± Jason asked, as he tried to look for another bag.


    ¡°It''s blood.¡± The nurse said, and Jason paused.


    ¡°What?¡± Jason asked, looking at the nurse.


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Earth, Gotham City Harbor***


    Lash was in lost in a moment. A single breath, a heart beat to make a decision. He stood face to face with Talia al Ghul. He was in his Transformation state, in his daemonic/warden armor. He could easily escape the ship he was on. Vyllith would back him up with out a word. They could take the whole ship, capture Talia and go to the Watch Tower. Or... Or he could talk to her and figure out why she was in Gotham. In Gotham to specifically see him it seemed.


    She had said his name, Lash. Though that wasn''t a terribly big surprise to him. Ra''s al Ghul was connected in the mundane, and even the supernatural world. If he wanted to dig up information he would get it eventually. No, Talia hadn''t said his name to threaten him. It was a simple courtesy, to let him know she was aware of him. Talia breathed softly when Lash gestured for her to continue with his clawed hands. The tense moment passed.


    ¡°Would you like something to drink?¡± Talia said, gesturing towards the bar filled with exotic brands.


    ¡°I don''t think you have anything that would work on me.¡± Lash said softly as he turned on his heel and went towards the bar. He looked over the different brands, and bottles. Sure enough there was nothing that could effect him.


    ¡°Apologies, we hadn''t thought of that.¡± Talia said, and bowed her head again.


    ¡°It isn''t in any of my files as far as I know. So it''s to be expected. But I''d be more than happy to have some hot chai if you have any?¡± Lash asked, as he turned to look at her. A spark of enlightenment flashed through her eyes. She nodded and walked towards the door, she cracked it open and said a few words to the servant out front.


    ¡°It will be ready in a few minutes.¡± Talia said as she turned around. She moved with the practice grace of a martial artist. Despite what many believe walking in heels is a skill one had to practice to perfect.


    Talia, and Lash stared at one another from across the room. Neither said a word as they waited. Not a word out loud by any means. They were studying one another. Lash was in his hybrid lizard form, wrapped in a fae glamour of a grim reaper outfit. The shroud writhed, and moved about like a living thing all the while shielding Lash''s body language. Lash decided to concede and not only pulled off his shroud but returned to his default state.


    Scales gave way to skin, claws returned to nails. Six reptilian eyes reverted back two yellow green reptile eyes. Caramel skin tone, tribal marks across his bald head. Standing at 6''6¡± (198 cm) with a rectangular figure covered in daemonic/warden armor. Tail, tentacles, and another pair of arms merged back into his main body. The suit adjusted so he didn''t have holes in his back, or above his ass. Thankfully he wasn''t barefoot, he had boots on. The change had been abrupt, and a surprise to Talia. But the smile the grew across her face was reward enough.


    ¡°You are being a delightful host, it would be rude of me not to take my ''coat'' off.¡± Lash replied simply.


    This was a risk of course. Just because they knew his name, didn''t mean they knew what he looked like. It was an olive branch that Talia took gratefully. A gentle knock on the door soon followed by an ''enter'' from Talia. A servant walked in with a tea set and poured a hot chai for Lash. When the servant walked in Lash quickly cast a glamour over himself returning to a grim reaper momentarily until the servant left. Talia noticed the change and didn''t say a word.


    Lash walked to the table but then soon pulled out the other chair and looked at Talia as he pulled it out. Most women in Lash''s life may have paused, but Talia didn''t she walked over with practice grace and took the offered seat. Then Lash took his own and sat. He reached for the his drink and took a careful sip. No reaction from his different skills, abilities, or racial traits. So it wasn''t poisoned, or drugged. It did taste good though.


    ¡°I do have a wide variety of drinks, and foods I enjoy. But I make all of them. Chai is one of the few things I let others make for me.¡± Lash said softly, as he finished half of the drink and reached to pour more for himself. But Talia beat him to it and simply stood up and refilled his glass.


    ¡°I''ll remember it next time.¡± Talia said, she had leaned over the table to refill his glass. Once again revealing her bouncing cleavage. She took her seat once the glass was refilled, and crossed her legs.


    ¡°Lady Talia why are you in Gotham?¡± Lash asked, after he finished his second glass.


    ¡°To see you.¡± Talia replied, a smile tugging on her lips. She revealed nothing else.


    ¡°Is the Demon''s Head enjoying the jungle in Africa?¡± Lash asked next, a slight head tilt from Talia and she smiled a little more.


    ¡°Yes, he finds it fascinating. He''s building a new home there.¡±


    ¡°The plants there respond to a specific harmonic frequency. If used on people and vehicles they will become more docile. Should be easier to transport goods through the jungle.¡± Lash offered up a bit of advice. Talia''s eye brows went up just a bit.


    ¡°Thank you, I''ll inform him after our meeting is over.¡± Talia said, and glanced at his glass with her eyes. He shook his head in a clear no, he was fine for now.


    Talia''s back was perfectly straight, her shoulders back, chest out, chin up. Legs crossed knee over knee. The dress fell to the side artfully revealing her long legs. Her hands in her lap. She was perfectly poised, and perfectly still. She breathed through her nose, and she breathed easy. While Lash had his back straight, and shoulders back. He had his feet planted, and spaced out. His hands on his knees. He however was looking at Talia with interest. Deductive Reasoning was trying to read her and it was...Frustrating. So he cast Insight on her.


    Name: Talia al Ghul, Daughter of the Demon''s Head.


    Title: Mother of Demons, Mother of Nails. Assassin. (See tool tip.)


    Origin: Mundane. Sub-Origin: Magical.


    Rank: C-


    Skills: Weapon Master, Martial Artist, Actor, Dancer, (See tool tip.)


    Powers: Decelerated Aging, Longevity.


    Domains: Occultist.


    Traits: Magical Blood (Dormant)


    Affiliation: League of Assassins, League of Shadows, L-Corp.


    Flaws: Her Father.


    Disposition: Friendly.


    Description: Talia al Ghul is a strong willed woman that has seen many years. She has survived her fathers training, and the schemes of so many would be manipulators. She is a power unto herself. She is ruthless, cunning, and fiercely loyal. Gaining her trust, let alone her love is nigh impossible for most. But once you have it, you never lose it.


    ¡°Tell me, what relation do you have with L-Corp?¡± Lash asked after he read through the profile. Talia raised a single brow a half an inch.


    ¡°That is a very useful ability, Warden Lash.¡± Talia said softly. ¡°What else does it say about me?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Answer my question, and I''ll answer yours.¡± Lash replied, with an easy smile. Talia''s own lips tugged just a bit.


    ¡°Lena Luthor and I are friends. We went to school together. I invested in the company, and we have lunch every few months. Though its been a while due to obvious reasons. She talked about you, extensively.¡± Talia said, and nothing else.


    Talia was older than she looked, old enough to be Lena''s grandmother. So that meant she went to school either to specifically to befriend Lena. Or on the rare, rare chance their meetings was completely accidental. They were actually friends. Lash noticed that Talia didn''t say whether or not Lena knew who she was. It was not her secret to tell. Though it was frustrating, Lash bit back his remark and prepared to answer her own.


    ¡°It gives me basic information. The name, and aliases of the target. Titles, origins, rank, skills, powers, domains, traits, affiliations, flaws, disposition, and description. Nothing to invasive, but enough to get a general understanding of who they are. There are several ways to block the information, or even give false info. That is what it does.¡± Lash replied, and Talia''s one eye brow rose another inch.


    ¡°That is a very useful ability.¡± Talia said again.


    ¡°You have a dormant magical blood line. Would you like me to activate it for you?¡± Lash asked, why did he ask that? Technically as a dormant supernatural Talia fell under Warden Law. It was Lash''s duty as a Warden to ask.


    Talia went perfectly still, even more than she had been before. Her breath was caught and her eyes went a little wide. She looked at Lash, but also beyond him as she processed the information he had just told her. The ramifications, and re precautions of such a thing sped through her mind. The why was paramount. Why would Lash offer this?


    ¡°You are a pseudo-mundane, correct?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Talia replied


    ¡°As a dormant supernatural you fall under Warden Law. The offer is simply me doing my job. There are not strings attached to it. Other than me registering you on the Warden information bureau. As a newly awakened supernatural.¡± Lash replied in a mechanical fashion, as if he was reading from a manual.


    ¡°Would I be tied to you in anyway?¡± Talia asked, her mind working again about different precautions.


    ¡°It''s a good thing you asked. But no you wouldn''t be. This is normally when I would advise you to look up my record. But you don''t have access to that information...Yet.¡± Lash reasoned, and the ''yet'' piqued her interest.


    ¡°Yet?¡± Talia asked, a simple question with a complicated answer.


    ¡°If you choose to have your dormant blood line activated then you would become a full supernatural community member. Which comes with privileges, and responsibilities. Such as having access to the Warden information page.¡± Lash replied, a smile tugged on his lips.


    ¡°What do you need to awaken my blood line?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I can do it now. But I must warn you its painful. I''d ask that you warn your servants at the possibility of you screaming in pain. It''s fatal if interrupted.¡±


    ¡°May I think about it?¡±


    ¡°Of course! There is no time limit on it. Though if you seek out alternative methods to awaken the blood line I think you''ll find me a safer option. As a Warden I am bound by oaths to aid individuals like yourself. While others are more inclined to greed.¡± Lash replied as he smiled at her. Talia schooled her expression once more.


    ¡°You continue to surprise, and impress Warden Lash.¡± Talia admitted, a smile growing across her face.


    Lash did use Connectivity and registered Talia al Ghul about having a dormant magical blood line. He also searched as to why she would have a dormant blood line. The Lazarus pits were the only possible conclusion with such limited information. Ra''s al Ghul bathed in the pits often. As did his direct family. Talia''s mother had been killed through outside means, not by aging. The pits were tied to...Trigon? The comic origin of the pits changed several times. Tied to magical metals, dimensions, worlds, etc. Lash didn''t want to jump to conclusions with out more information.


    ¡°Why am I here, Lady Talia?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°What do you know of the League of Assassins?¡± Talia asked after a moment of thought.


    ¡°The League of Assassins is a secret organization founded by Ra''s al Ghul to be "the fang that protects the head".The Members of the League are extremely skilled killers, who have demonstrated willingness to die at a word from their leader, Ra''s. They have included some of the most dangerous assassins in the world. For much of its current history, any member to fail in an assassination was in turn targeted by the League. In more recent years, this policy has apparently relaxed somewhat.¡± Lash replied and shrugged a little. ¡°Sorry, that was more or less a text book answer. Let me rethink my words.¡± Lash asked, and Talia waited a moment for him to continue.


    ¡°The League of Assassins is a cult, or a religion depending on who you ask. Probably both, no offense. Made up of fanatics, as well as lost souls. They provide a service. This service can be called a business, it could also be called a way of life. They have spent centuries killing vile, and evil people across the globe. But, they''ve also killed innocent people as well. Before you contradict me about what is innocent. If you kill a child that is not even a year old. That would be innocent.¡± Lash said, his voice turning bitter. Talia for the first time looked contrite and looked away for a bit.


    ¡°The League of Assassins is not afraid to kill any, and all that are in their way. To get what they want. Ra''s al Ghul is a master combatant, killer, manipulator, visionary, and a text book sociopath. I don''t believe he started that way. But when you reach a certain age. The mind starts to look at the mortals like flies. Short, and pointless lives that will be extinguished in a few decades. Happens all the time in the supernatural world. It''s why when certain types of leaders reach an age they are retired to advisory positions.¡± Lash finished, despite insulting Ra''s to Talia''s face he didn''t detect a single spark of anger out of her.


    ¡°My father has reached that age, Warden Lash. He has begun to look at ''mortals'' with disinterest. He is aware that he has begun to act in such a way and has taken measures to watch himself. But he knows his time is coming to end. So he is looking for an heir. A successor.¡± Talia replied, and Lash tilted his head.


    ¡°Forgive me, but aren''t you his heir?¡± Lash asked, and Talia''s perfect mask broke just a bit as a true and honest smile grew across her face. Before it quickly disappeared behind the mask again.


    ¡°Despite my fathers ability to adapt to the new world. He still has many flaws that prevent him from moving past his old ways. He is well aware that he would be a fool to not heed the advice of women in this age, or any age for that matter. Any man who ignores the strength of women at their side for believing them the weaker sex is damned to fail. But in the end, he believes a man must be his heir.¡± Talia said at last, her voice taking on a slight bitter tone. But she pushed past it. They must of had this discussion several times over the past few decades. Ra''s and Talia.


    ¡°That would explain the different operations I''ve come across, and heard about. Members of the League of Assassins, and Shadows attempting to accomplish large operations that border on impossible to impress Ra''s. Have none of them succeeded?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious about the answer.


    ¡°A few have come close, and many more are still attempting to win his favor. My father may be looking for an heir, but he still has several years, or even decades before he will truly retire.¡± Talia replied, as she smoothed a hand over her skirt.


    ¡°Are you here to ask permission to use Gotham as a testing ground? I have to say, Batman won''t like that.¡± Lash replied, and Talia''s eyes took on an edge when he said Batman.


    ¡°No...There was a time when my father thought that...Bruce would be an acceptable heir.¡± Talia began to say... Ah it would make sense that they knew who he was. ¡°But, Bruce said no. He is unwilling to do what is needed for us all.¡± Talia finished.


    Bruce had a no kill rule. He didn''t have a perfect record. Accidents did happen, this wasn''t the comic book world where bad guys only got a bloody nose when they got into a fight. Erik the gamer and his Dream Engine was a little more ''realistic''. But in the end, Bruce always tried to save everyone. Even a single life to him was too much lose.


    ¡°You liked him, didn''t you?¡± Lash asked, and Talia looked away for a bit.


    ¡°Yes, he is a good man with a good heart. But hard when he needs to be.¡± Talia replied then looked back at him.


    ¡°Bruce hasn''t been Batman for that long. I take it you did all this when Selina and him were dating or even possibly engaged?¡± Lash asked, a growl as in his voice by the end. Talia''s eyes went a little wide but she kept her breathing even.


    ¡°This was all before he was Batman. He had come to Nanda Parbat for guidance, and training. That was when I met him. My father saw potential in him and took him under his wing personally. But, in the end. Bruce refused to kill. He was exiled, he left with his life. But kept what we had taught him. I am happy, that he found a use for what we gave him.¡± Talia confessed that bit of information and Lash was floored with that tidbit.


    Despite The League of Assassins reputation. Nanda Parbat had long been rumored to be a place of spiritual healing, growth, and training in the martial arts. People would come from across the globe seeking out the sacred stone halls. Come to learn, to grow, and move past their hurts. Nanda Parbat had two clear sections in it from what Lash understood. One was for the League, the other for students who hadn''t passed the trials yet. Not everyone who came, became assassins. They would leave feeling spiritually whole, and the League would have a new ally in the world.


    ¡°May I assume that if an heir is chosen, they would also become your husband?¡± Lash asked, concerned about the answer.


    ¡°Of course, it would only make sense that the daughter of the Demon''s Head be married to the heir.¡± Talia replied like it was a simple fact. Lash didn''t like that answer, he was a big believer of free will.


    ¡°Out of all the competitors, do none of them interest you?¡±


    ¡°Many of them are interesting.¡± Talia replied in a dry tone.


    ¡°Let me rephrase the question. Do you have any romantic feelings for any of them?¡±


    ¡°Romance is not necessary, I can learn to love someone Warden Lash given enough time.¡±


    ¡°If you had a choice, would you be with any of them?¡± Lash asked, and Talia stayed silent. That was his answer.


    ¡°Lady Talia, why did Ra''s send you here?¡± Lash asked, as he suddenly had a sinking feeling in his gut.


    ¡°Do you find me attractive, Warden Lash?¡± Talia asked, she leaned forward just a bit.


    ¡°You are physically attractive, you have an amazing mind, and I will not deny that my partner Saurian would like to take you out for a hunt some time.¡± Lash replied, while Saurian growled in interest as he watched her through Lash''s eyes.


    ¡°Perhaps you would be happy to know that I find you not only interesting, but I also find you attractive.¡± Talia replied, and that was when the pieces snapped together.


    ¡°Oh crap...¡± Lash said softly as he leaned back in his chair. That was not the reply Talia expected as her eye brow went up.


    ¡°Lady-¡± Lash began.


    ¡°Please, just call me Talia.¡± She asked.


    ¡°Talia, as much fun as it is to dance around each other with words. Maybe you should just say what you came to say.¡± Lash asked, and Talia...The professional assassin that may have been over a century old and was titled the Mother of Demons pouted just a bit.


    ¡°My father would like to discuss the possibility of you becoming his heir.¡± Talia said. Lash wanted to answer but he was issued a quest prompt and he distinctly heard his Cosmic Patron laughing their ass off.


    Congratulations User! You''ve been issued a quest by your Cosmic Patron.


    Objective: Destroy or Take over the League of Assassins.


    Optional Objective: Help or Kill Talia al Ghul.


    Optional Objective: Help or Kill Ra''s al Ghul.


    Reward: Based on results of completing objectives.


    Comment: Better to grip the blade, then to let it stab you.


    ¡°.....Why?.....¡± Lash asked after about five minutes of silence.


    ¡°Because your different, you see the big picture. You are not afraid to kill when its necessary, or to spare a life when they could prove useful. You''ve helped the Earth recover more of it self in a few weeks worth of work more than my own father has in centuries. Because he believes you will be one of the chosen few to lead this planet into the next century.¡± Talia said, her voice becoming invigorated as if she was a college student discussing a favorite topic.


    ¡°You''ve created wonders! A space station that grows in size every year. You''ve discussed trade deals with galactic powers. You conquered a world. You''ve saved this one. Warden-¡± Talia said with a smile but Lash held up a hand.


    ¡°Please just call me, Lash.¡± He asked, and Talia smiled at him.


    ¡°Lash... The League of Assassins is what you said it is. But think about what it could become under your rule. If not under your rule, then it will be under someone who may not be so controlled as my father.¡± Talia asked, which was saying something since Ra''s was well known for being a mass murderer. Fuck, technically so was Lash! His kill count meter was in the thousands.


    ¡°.... I will consider the offer. However, I need more information about The League of Assassins before I say yes.¡± Lash said next, and the spark that lit in her eyes was dazzling.


    ¡°I shouldn''t have doubted him...¡± Talia said softly.


    ¡°Oh? Did you think I would say no?¡± Lash asked, a smile tugging on his lips. Talia looked a bit bashful, it was a little disturbing to be honest. He wasn''t sure if it was act, or genuine. Her Acting skill must have been expert or even master level.


    ¡°You have an enigmatic personality, Lash.¡± Talia began to say. ¡°You''ve done things in the past that had clearly confused many people only for it to make sense months, or even years later. But you''ve also done things that have gone against your previous morality that have made no sense to anyone.¡±


    ¡°I assumed it had something to do with your Patron. We don''t know much, only that you have an extra-dimensional being providing support. But you must do things for them as well. It is a give and take relationship.¡± Talia confessed when Lash looked at her in confusion.


    ¡°Talia if this does happen I assume you and I will be bonded together, yes?¡± Lash asked, and Talia nodded.


    ¡°Do you want to be with me?¡±


    ¡°As I said before, I can learn to love someone Lash. But, yes you do pique my interest. Even if I have to share you.¡± Talia replied. At least that was out of the way.


    ¡°As a Warden I have to maintain a state of neutrality. I''m not always successful in that regard. But I am better than most. I have approximately 7ish years left, or 2 if they decide to count my time in the Rifts. After that I would be free to make my own alliances. Would Ra''s and more specifically yourself have any issues with waiting for a specific yes, until such time.¡± Lash asked, and Talia stood up in one fluid motion. She bowed from her waist towards him, head down.


    ¡°Those are perfectly acceptable terms. We can begin to educate you on the ways of the League, but also we can begin to change the League according to your will....Beloved.¡± Talia said and stood up to look at Lash.


    Lash slowly got his feet and cross the short space between them. He reached up and cradled the face of Talia with his gloved hands. Talia leaned into the touch and smiled up at him. Then he leaned down and gave her a chaste kiss that she returned. It lasted a brief moment then Lash leaned back and stared at her as she ran her tongue over her lips. Talia stepped closer, pressing the long line of her body against Lash''s armored form. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned up.


    They kissed again, and this time they took the time to explore each other. Talia let out a soft moan as Lash plunged his tongue into her mouth. She returned the effort with her own initiative. She raised one of her legs up and wrapped it around Lash''s waist. Lash reached down with his hands and grabbed Talia''s ass and picked her up. She was quick to wrap her other leg around him. They were locked in place as they continued to kiss one another.


    Talia was surprisingly aggressive. Her arousal was clear, as her scent filled the room. Her hips rocked back and forth against his armored form. Lash gradually made his way to one of the comfortable, and open couches in the spacious rooms. He sat down on the edge, with Talia in his lap. With his hands no free, he ran them up along the inside of her dress along her naked skin. Her back arched, and she let out a moan. They broke their kiss, a trail of saliva connecting them before it snapped free. Her eyes were fuzzy.


    ¡°I''ve never been kissed like that before.¡± Talia said, her eyes fluttered at him. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest. Lash doubted she meant his tongue in her mouth. More than likely it was the energy he was circulating through her.


    ¡°We should stop.¡± Lash said softly, and Talia looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°Are you allowed to have sex before you are married?¡± Lash asked, a look of realization dawned on Talia.


    ¡°Yes, Lash I am. We may not have children until we are married however. But, you are right. Our relationship is new. I need to bring the good news back to father.¡± Talia agreed, but in the end neither of them moved.


    ¡°Talia, aside from your relationship with Bruce have you been with anyone else, romantically?¡± Lash asked, Bruce''s name seem to act like a cold shower. Until Lash ran his tongue along her throat and she hummed, her eyes became unfocused for a bit.


    ¡°The art of seduction is a common practice among assassins. I''ve had many physical interactions with both men, and women. But... You would be my second relationship. I confess, I am inexperienced to such things.¡± Talia said, then let out a moan as Lash pulled off his gloves and placed them in his Storage the feel of his nails on her skin sent a shiver through her spine.


    ¡°Lena has been a good friend in telling me the various things couples do in this day and age. I''ve often wondered what it would be like to go on a...date with someone I actually cared about.¡± Talia said next, and Lash smiled at her.


    ¡°So the next time I see you we should go on a date then. Alright, sounds like a plan.¡± Lash said with a smile, that was mirrored by Talia.


    What mask Talia had been wearing had come off as far as Lash could tell. Of course her Acting skill could be phenomenal and Lash fell into a trap. Either way it was nice to have her in his arms. Erik had to confess that he always liked Talia in the comics. She got a bad reputation thanks to her father. She was often in his shadow. Rarely had a chance to step out on her own. There were several comics where she even sacrificed everything and had her mind erased and taken over by Ra''s because he refused to let go.


    Talia, and Lash continued to kiss one another while his hands explored her body. She traced the tribal marks on his head, and along his hands. They spoke very little. But when they did speak, it was on things like favorite foods, and places to visit. Lash offered to cook her dinner on their first date. The offer had brought a smile to her face. Regretfully they did eventually separate as the sun had risen. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on Talia and the euphoric pleasure rolled through her.


    Lash cast Immaculate on himself, and Talia. Then took on his Transformation state once more. But before they left the room Talia walked up and looked at him. She leaned up and kissed his mouth gently. Saurian growled in satisfaction, and a smile of delight crossed her face. As a shiver went through her spine. They walked side by side towards the preparatory room where Vyllith was waiting for Lash.


    Vyllith stood in the middle of the room with the servants standing on the side. She had sensed Lash''s arrival had prepared for him. Talia bowed from her waist towards Vyllith, she returned the gesture then looked at Lash who turned to Talia. He leaned down and ran his forked tongue along her neck, just below her left ear. Talia shivered, and a smile grew across her face.


    ¡°I''ll be seeing you, beloved.¡± Talia said just loud enough for the servants, and Vyllith to hear. A almost invisible gasp of relief went through the room. The servants were partially aware of what their mission was. Happy that it succeeded.


    The moment Lash, and Vyllith stepped off the boat. The entire security team jumped aboard and took off into the morning sun. Lash was stuck in thought as he tried to figure out how to word this in an instant message. Despite not seeing his pack he still stayed in contact with them. Any new additions to his list of lovers needed to be updated. Adding Talia al Ghul the daughter of the Demon''s Head to the list would complicate things.


    But the day was new, and they still had work to do! The private harbor was in better condition then most but it still needed repair. Lash called his 1110 Saurus warriors, veterans, and elites. They poured out from the portals of darkness, and starlight and started to work on the harbor. Vyllith stood at Lash side, despite her face mask being on Lash could feel her staring at him. A smile was on her face. So he filled her in on everything they spoke about after putting up a baffle field just in case.


    ¡°That makes sense. But I think this Ra''s al Ghul has a silly name. Isn''t he just a human who used magic to keep himself young? Has ever met a real demon? Or a devil? Or a daemon before?¡± Vyllith asked, and raised an excellent point.


    Lash had to lean back and think about that for a moment. Depending on the comic origin that the Dream Engine used. Yes, technically Ra''s had at one point in his long life met an actual demon lord. But in the end? Ra''s was...Dangerous to mundanes? Maybe Lash was over thinking this. Ra''s is a big deal in the Batman comics. But... Compared to intergalactic threats, invasions from alternate realities, and full blown war across the world. The League of Assassins was....Small potatoes.


    ¡°Thank you, Vyllith. I believe I was over thinking the possible threat this was.¡± Lash said, and Vyllith preened under the compliment.


    Lash would of course continue to be cautious about Ra''s. He would be a fool to assume he was not dangerous. Especially if Trigon is behind the pits, and is essentially Ra''s true master. Trigon is a true born threat and despite Lash''s brief encounter with his children in Tartarus. Lash took Trigon very seriously.


    ¡°Isn''t that God-Kin of Sobek''s city near here, Wraith?¡± Vyllith interrupted his thoughts. He paused to look around then a look of enlightenment dawned on him.


    ¡°Why yes it is...¡± Lash said softly, one of the entrances to the sewer canals was in the harbor.


    ¡°Didn''t you want to visit him?¡± Vyllith asked, and Lash laughed showing a lot of fang. He gently pushed his snout into her and Vyllith laughed a bit as she hugged him.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Lash asked, as he offered her his arm which she accepted.


    Lash cast Water Walk on them both and they stepped off the pier and walked towards the entrance. The Saurus army followed in their wake, a portion of them stayed behind to repair the harbor, another portion moved in from the harbor. While another group started to repair this section of the sewer system. Lash and Vyllith walked into a drain pipe that was unusually large and made their way to Croc''s town.


    ========================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Earth, a few miles away in the water***


    Talia al Ghul stepped out of the shower and dried herself with a towel. She wrapped her hair up, then wrapped her body up in a robe. She stared at herself in the mirror and ran her fingers along her lips. She could still taste Lash on her. She hadn''t mean to go that far with him. This was an investigation mission only. Though she was happy he accepted. Talia could learn to love him. Maybe she already did? Talia shook that thought away. No, she was her father''s daughter. She would do as he bid. Knock...knock...


    ¡°Mistress we have the talisman you requested.¡± A servant called from outside her room. Talia quickly readjusted her knot on her robe. Tucked a blade under her sleeve. It was not the first time someone had tried to kill her with a servant.


    ¡°Enter.¡± Talia called out.


    The servant was an older man who had served under her, and Ra''s for many years. He was getting almost to old to serve and needed to be retired soon. Talia had asked her father to let him use the pit but he had denied it. Not everyone could survive the pit. They had tested the old mans blood and it had radically changed and mutated. Pity, Talia liked the old man.


    The man set a large brief case down and bowed his head for several seconds before he took three steps back, did an about face then walked to the door in silent practiced steps. He silently took the handle in hand, turned and bowed out of the room closing the door with out a sound. Talia smiled slightly at his etiquette. She carefully ran her fingers along the brief case. Checked for traps. Again it had happened before. Sometimes she wondered if it was truly assassins or just her father testing her.


    Inside the brief case were long strips of wooden, stone, and paper communication talismans. Inscribed with ancient spells. Talia paused for a moment when she remembered Lash''s words about activating her dormant blood line. Could she make these if she had agreed? Talia had used magic before, she was no novice to it. Though compared to Lash she must have seemed like a naive child. Talia turned bitter at the thought. She carefully picked up a stone talisman.


    Talia then began to speak in short, and to the point sentences about everything she and Lash had spoken about. Though she kept the blood line out, as well as what they had done....after. A blush crawled up Talia''s face as she remembered what they had done. How much she wished they had continued. Talia was not a virgin by any means. But when it came to love. Experiencing a true lovers touch? She was a virgin when it came to that. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and finished her report. She then broke the talisman in half and let it go.


    The two pieces burst into a black flame. Then a fiery creature of unknown origin appeared from the flames. It looked at Talia then fluttered its wings and flew straights towards the wall. It passed through it with ease, and flew off towards her father to deliver her message. Talia was not headed back, no. She was going to Metropolis to visit her friend Lena. She needed her advice on what to do on a...date. What to wear, what to talk about, etc. Talia had been on many dates in her life. But it had always been to extract information. To gain something. She had never just been on a date.


    ¡°You are far more dangerous then I was led to believe, Lash.¡± Talia whispered softly as a smile spread across her face.


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Gotham City Sewers***


    Movies, and television always lie about sewer systems. Most sewer systems are small, cramped, and full of pipes, and well sewage. The area''s you see on TV are in fact the service tunnels. The cities infrastructure works in the service tunnels. Water, power, gas, etc all goes through a modern day city. Most power lines are underground. Keeps the skies clear, but it also makes it extremely difficult to repair and replace. They have to dig up a road, or under a building, or in the sewers to get to them. That is with mundane tools, and resources.


    With Lash''s magic, as well as his Manifestations. They used their spell craft and fixed the issues with out complaint. Many of the Saurus warriors used Earth Swim to move through the concrete to fix specific issues. All in all it went far faster then if it had been done the normal way. So, Lash and Vyllith walked through the service tunnels. Taking the twisting paths under Gotham towards Croc''s town. Gotham had several centuries worth of history. Thanks to the supernatural element, and a dark shaman that feeds on negative emotion and an ancient Bat God. Gotham was filled to the brim with underground towns, structures, hidden passages, and traps!


    The Court of Owls specifically had built a majority of Gotham with the aid of the Alan Wayne Trust. In the comic origins, the Court had hidden places scattered through out the city. Lash had encountered many of these locations as they rebuilt, and renovated the city. However, oddly enough most of the hidden places were empty. The Court of Owls had fled Gotham. When that had happened he wasn''t sure. So, he took down the hidden rooms and rebuilt the buildings with out them.


    Despite the new style of architecture in Gotham. Lash and his Manifestations still met a lot of push back. Be it from the supernatural communities that didn''t want, or need renovations. Or, many mundane individuals that owned buildings and didn''t want any help. Complaints had poured into city hall with upset business owners, like construction companies who were furious that their construction project was outsourced.


    Imagine if you will a thirty story apartment building with people still living it in. They''ve been with out utilities for months. They learn at last that their building is going to be repaired. But guess what? The original owner sold the building. So they have to vacate their homes, due to the new owner planning on tearing it down. Then comes along a whole bunch of aliens that repair the building in under an hour. Then the people living there are informed by the government that anything rebuilt by Agent Wraith is under a government outreach program. So they no longer have to move out. In fact the building technically is owned by the city!


    Of course the people living in the building still pay rent, and the ''owner'' of the building gets that money. But they can no longer tear it down. Unless said citizens can be given a new place to live that is equal or greater than they currently live in. Due to the post-invasion act done by President Luthor. There are of course a lot of legal loop holes, and fine print. But in the end. The people who truly need help get help. While the people up top have to stick it out and endure. Oh no, what ever shall we do!?


    Along the way Lash encountered a lot of rats, lots, and lots of rats! That was not entirely uncommon in the sewers. But these rats didn''t run. They watched with interest as Lash, and Vyllith walked through the tunnels. More than once Lash used his nature spells to heal, and mend several broken rats who were either injured, or diseased. Thanks to Beast Speak it was like a cacophony of white noise. He couldn''t pick out a single voice. However, the rats were there to see if he was friendly or hostile. Odd.


    Croc''s town was located in the main nexus point of service tunnels, pipes, and canals under the Old Gotham, island. Every island in Gotham had a nexus point. The points were about the size of an NFL football stadium. Not just the field, but the seats, the multiple layers of food services, facilities, and parking. The points were very large, and could hold a lot of people if you were economic about space. Old Gotham had three of these points in them. Croc controlled the largest one.


    When they reached the one mile mark before they reached the town they encountered a patrol. This patrol consisted of several homeless, and more specifically rat-men. The homeless understandably freaked out when they saw Wraith standing in the dark tunnel. But the rat-men called out in joy and rushed to over to say hello. The rat-men were supernatural community members who couldn''t afford glamour charms. Not everyone in the community was rich, as so many liked to believe.


    Lash and Vyllith was escorted towards the town. While the rat-men talked about all that had happened in the town. It had not been easy. During the invasion when the EMP went off all of Gotham had lost power. Except for Croc''s town. The thousands of feet of concrete had protected them. So for the first time in decades the sewers was the safest, well off place in all of Gotham. So, what happened? War happened...


    First it was tiny skirmishes, scouts from gangs. Even the occasional invader who was moving around in the dark. But what really surprised the citizens of Croc''s town was that surface dwellers came down and tried to evict them. They claimed this place belong to Gotham and that they had no right to it. That was until Croc pulled out a title to the entire nexus point. Shield and Sword to the rescue. They had done it before the invasion. So when legal methods failed the city sent in cops, swat, and the mafia to push them out. Didn''t work. All of this was under the instruction of the former Mayor Adin.


    Croc had heard that Lash had ousted the corrupt politician and told the patrol teams that Wraith may be visiting soon. Sure enough, Lash showed up so the patrol team escorted him back to the town. A town was definitely what it had become. They had taken a boat through a canal towards the town and came out into garbage version of Venice? The canals ran through the whole town, and along the edges of the canals were buildings 3-5 stories tall. Built up, and secured in place with scaffolding, and bamboo?


    But what was really surprising was that the whole town had a source of light. Months ago, or maybe over a year ago? Lash had come to the town and built air purifying trees that cleansed out toxins, and kept the air clean. The town had cleaner air than Gotham did, and it was in the sewers! The trees could grow with out natural light but at a reduced rate. But alternative means of fuel could provide. These trees were scattered around the town and were maybe 20 feet tall when he had planted them. Now? They towered over the whole town, their branches reached up towards the ceiling of stone, and metal. Their leaves gave off ambient light, bright enough to fill the nexus point with lantern light.


    Each canal had electrical water wheels, again something Lash had built. They had stayed in working order thanks the self repair function. Dozens of people sat on pedal powered generators next to the wheels in an effort to store more power. The boat that Lash, and Vyllith were on docked at a pier and they disembarked. Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on the patrol team in thanks. While another team of of were-crocodiles showed up to escort them the rest of the way.


    The town had different layers. Each layer was separated by a stair case, and would go up about twenty or so feet. Then that layer would have several hundred feet of space, along with other canals that would move out of the nexus point into the Old Gotham sewer system. Each layer had a gate house, along with a wall along the layer''s perimeter. Apparently they had been invaded several times and used the layers as choke points. Lash was angry, specifically at himself. Never once did he ever come to check on the town during the invasion. He had wanted to, but something had always come up.


    The town was alive and kicking. Hundreds of people pushed through the crowded streets. Though they made way for the were-breeds, and surprisingly Agent Wraith. Many criminal elements made themselves scarce when they saw him. Given it was Croc''s town Lash was obligated to clear it with him before he arrested anyone. Lash saw a few dozen Blood-Kindred, blood-mutts. They glared with clear hostility at Lash but he simply waved at them in recognition.


    Croc''s home was a three story mansion that Lash had built for him originally. It was covered in spell wards, charms, and talismans. Along with security cameras, an electric fence, and a gate house with what looked like a minotaur wielding a M61 vulcan mini gun sitting in the watch tower. Behind Croc''s mansion was a telecommunication tower. Thanks to Technomancy the tower could access radio, telephones, and the internet.


    Lash took a glance behind him as they scaled the last stair case up and saw the town behind him. Each home was built out of a combination of scrap metal, drift wood, clay, and bamboo? Lots, and lots of bamboo. He noticed several of the buildings on their rooftops had gardens with growth lamps over the plants. He''d have to see about installing a Daylight item in the ceiling. Something that could simulate the night and day cycle.


    They were brought the main doors and soon ushered into main briefing room. Lash could hear Croc''s creole accent from the other room and it brought a smile to his face. He heard an older mans voice, along with a young girls. They were discussing territories, and supply lines. When Lash, and Vyllith walked in Croc looked up and a face splitting grin spread across his face. He walked around the grand oak table that was in the middle of the room. His crocodile scaled arms opened wide, and Lash joined him with his own.


    ¡°About time you came to visit my scaled brother! Big ole daddy said you''d be coming by!¡± Croc said in his creole accent, he squeezed Lash in a hug and he returned the gesture.


    Waylond Jones aka Killer Croc in the comics. Or so named as King Croc in the Dream Engine stood approximately at 8'' (243 cm) tall, with solid muscles, and crocodile scales. A lot like Lash in his Transformation state. He had hard major scales along his bones, and outer portions of his body with little movement. While the inner portions of his body like the joints, and inner arms, and thighs. He had more akin to soft leather, or snake scales. His face was vaguely human like, his nose was flat like a snakes, while his jaw was slightly elongated. His lips could be pulled back to reveal long fangs, and a few molars. When he smiled it was terrifying. He currently wore a tailored made gray suit. Pants, vest, jacket, white buttoned shirt with the top four buttons undone, no shoes. He looked good!


    ¡°This is Vyllith my hell knight.¡± Lash said as he turned and gestured towards her. Vyllith stepped forward and bowed from her waist towards him then stood up straight. Croc looked at her with a divine gleam in his eye.


    ¡°Straight out of hell you are. Good, this big man here needs someone watching his back.¡± Croc said with a grin, and Vyllith''s body language softened a bit at the compliment.


    ¡°Come, let me introduce you.¡± Croc said as he turned to gesture towards an older man, and a young girl who stood, and sat at the table respectively.


    ¡°This is Otis, and his daughter Cleo. Or as they are often called Ratcatcher, and Ratcatcher 2.¡± Croc said with a smile as the little girl at the table pouted at him cutely.


    ¡°Uncle Croc!¡± Cleo complained about the name. Croc grinned at her, and Lash could see the adopted love, and familial bond between them.


    Otis aka Ratcatcher smiled at them both then nodded at Lash. He stood at approximately 5''10¡± (177 cm) with a wiry academic frame. Or maybe he just suffered from malnutrition. He had wild, and crazy gray hair that puffed out from his head like Einstein. He wore a leather/hide coat made from animal skins. Along with an assortment of belts, buckles, and gadgets. Boots, pants, shirt, coat, and a mask that looked like a rat mask. His eyes were deep brown, and there was a warmth to them.


    Cleo aka Ratcatcher 2 was a young girl who was maybe 10 years old? She had short black hair that was chopped, and layered just above her shoulders. Her amber colored eyes were alight with curiosity, and wonder as she looked at Lash and Vyllith. She wore a set of leathers, and hides like her father. Boots, pants, shirt, jacket, and her own little rat mask. On her shoulder was a rat wearing a gray molted vest. The stitching was basic, and Lash assumed Cleo made it for the rat. The rat waved at them, and Lash nodded in reply.


    ¡°So, you here to work? Or just dropping by?¡± Croc asked as he sat down on a high back chair that could take his weight. Cleo jumped from her seat and climbed into Croc''s lap. She kicked her little legs back and forth as she looked at Lash.


    ¡°Work, I''m currently repairing Gotham on the surface. I''ve done renovations and repair on most of the utilities in Gotham. Approximately 51% of Gotham''s surface is repaired. But I wanted to come here and check on the town. I''ve been meaning to come by for a while now, but...¡± Lash said, and didn''t finish his sentence.


    ¡°But what?¡± Cleo asked, and her father came to her side and ruffled her head hair. She smiled up at him.


    ¡°He''s been busy, my love. Do you remember the bad men that came from another world? Agent Wraith here put a stop to them.¡± Otis said to his daughter who grinned at Lash.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Cleo said, and Lash felt his heart turn to mush just a bit.


    ¡°Well if you are taking requests. Can you update the water wheels? Otis here is responsible for the pedal generators but they only go so far. We also need at least two more water towers, preferably four.¡± Croc began as he stood up, but carried Cleo in his arms. He brought down a town map to point out the preferred areas.


    ¡°I can do that, I can also create a simulated night and day cycle through the trees. The light they give off could be used to help grow the gardens in the town. I can also create garden soil.¡± Lash began, to say...


    ¡°Bath house!¡± Cleo shouted, with her arms raised into the air. Lash glanced at her, then at Otis.


    ¡°We get the discovery channel down here.¡± Otis replied with a smile as he winked at Cleo.


    ¡°Yes, we can build a bath house. With King Croc''s permission.¡± Lash asked, and Cleo turned her bright amber eyes at Croc who visibly deflated under her gaze.


    ¡°Ya, sure kid.¡± Croc mumbled and Cleo cheered.


    ¡°Now for the buildings in the town. Do you want building supplies, or do you just want me to do what I did before?¡± Lash asked, and Croc had to think about it.


    ¡°I think supplies would be better. The people in the town have taken great pride in building this place into a home. Though I am sure many would love to have a smart house contained with in a sewer. I believe it would cause more problems than anything.¡± Otis said softly.


    ¡°Why papa?¡± Cleo asked.


    ¡°People always want more, kid. Rules of the world.¡± Croc answered, and Otis nodded in agreement.


    ¡°You should let Wraith update your security as well. There are a lot of gaps in your defenses.¡± Vyllith suggested by Lash''s side.


    ¡°Also we''ll need a bit of money, if that is still on the list?¡± Croc asked with a grin. Lash shrugged his shoulders and stepped off to the side.


    When Lash had come to Croc''s town to help build it up he had donated $500,000 US dollars to the contribution to the town. Despite the fact the Croc ended bathing in the money for a few minutes. It went to a good cause. Lash walked over to the side of the room and raised his hands up. He accessed his Money Storage and his Achievement: Damn, I''ve got 99 problems but money isn''t one of them! Once a day, every day 1% of your total liquid assets worth will spawn in your Money Storage. (Chapter 38)


    Stacks of cash materialized from thin air and slammed into the floor with a resounding boom! The whole mansion shook lightly, and a were-croc peaked into the room and stood frozen at the pile of money in the corner. Approximately 5 million US dollars in cash. From twenties, fifties, and hundred dollar bills. Lash glanced back to see Croc''s, and Otis''s jaws hanging open at the sight of it. Cleo on the other hand ran over and started to climb the pile of money. Then stood at the top with hands on her hips, standing proudly.


    ¡°5 millions should be fine, right?¡± Lash asked, in a dry tone of voice. While Vyllith''s shoulders shook up and down. She was trying not to laugh.


    ¡°I''ve missed you...¡± Croc said with a smile as he walked over and proceeded to wash himself in cash. Lash wasn''t sure if Croc meant that for him, or for the money?


    -----


    Lash updated the water wheels they produced, and stored 100% more power, ran silent aside from the churning of the water. They kept their self repair function. Along several additional sockets, and USB ports for charging. Oddly enough he saw several people living there with tablets, and laptops. They may not have been the original owners! But they did have them. Each canal had at least 1 water wheel, while others had 4. Anymore and they would disrupt the natural flow.


    4 more water towers were put into place. Nature Domain spell scrip were inscribed along the lids of the towers to naturally collect water over the course of time from the ambient magical energy in the air, as well as moisture. The towers of course had self repair, and self filtration included. One such towers was placed directly over the new bath house! It was designed like a modern day Roman bath house. White stone, red clay tiles on the roof. Changing rooms with Renew, and Immaculate on the laundry boxes. Two separate baths for both genders, then one large bath for mixed. The whole place had Renew, and Immaculate on the whole building.


    Lash altered the design of the air purification trees. Tied them to a day and night cycle. During daylight hours the tree''s give off enough light to visible see the town, while also bathing the gardens thanks to Daylight, and Growth. Then at night the light takes on a muted silver glow to simulate the moon. Thanks to the money donated by Lash they could buy garden soil, and also increase the security. He did however use Fabrication, and Alteration to create building supplies. Nails, screws, planks of wood, metal, copper wire, etc, etc. Along with a plethora of tools.


    Last but certainly not least Lash built a school house! Each room could hold about 25 people, 4 rooms per floor. 5 floors each. Each room came with a holographic projector and the whole school had a very minor VI instructor. The core of the VI was located in Croc''s mansion, secreted away. Lash also linked the town up with Vici in case of emergencies. Despite the instructor VI being basic it still had a wealth of knowledge from preschool, to an Ivy League education. The only issue was it wasn''t affiliated, or certified to give out diplomas.


    Otis absolutely lost his mind with the school and was overjoyed that Cleo could get an education. It is the hope, and dream of every good parent that their children will have a brighter future then their own. Cleo loved to learn. Before the school was even done she was already in the class room talking to the VI about the neural pathways of animals brains. Smart kid! Turned out Otis, and Cleo were both Meta-Humans. They had Animal Empathy, and Animal Telepathy. Specifically vermin, and or small animals. Like rats, squirrels, raccoons, lizards, and bats! Among others of course.


    It was midday when Lash finished, and it was time for him to get back to the surface. Approximately 70% of Gotham had been rebuilt. At least the area''s that had accepted help. After that he needed to visit Selina, Lizzy, and Isabella before he left for Metropolis. He said goodbye to Croc, Otis, and Cleo who called him Uncle Wraith when he said goodbye. Gah...Heart strings!


    Lash, and Vyllith reached the surface with ease. He cast Earth Swim and carried her up. They emerged on a city street much to the surprise of the citizens walking the cross walk. Then surprise, surprise someone threw a brick at him. The brick bounced off of Lash''s skull crest and his head tilted slightly to the side. Vyllith pushed her thumb against her chain sword at her side and prepared to cut the individual in half. But Lash raised a clawed hand towards her, then looked towards the man who threw the brick.


    The man looked to be in his thirties, stood about approximately 5''8¡± (172 cm). He had thinning hair that bordered on the common horseshoe bald pattern. A dirty flannel shirt, and white tank top. Along with faded blue jeans, and work boots. He had a bit of a gut, but thick strong arms. He looked exhausted, with his blood shot eyes, and dirty clothes Lash could tell he was a working man. A construction worker? Oh....That would explain the hostility.


    ¡°You and your fucking monsters stole my job, asshole!¡± The man shouted.


    ¡°I am sorry for the inconvenience, citizen. However, if you are looking for work the CSA or Ghost Industries is hiring. They will even pay for the technical school as long as you sign a contract with them.¡± Lash said, as he adjusted his animalistic voice to be softer.


    ¡°I am not working with a bunch of freaks!¡± The man shouted, and all good will towards the situation evaporated with that sentence. Lash''s amiable attitude left him, and a sort of pressure started to swallow the area.


    ¡°That...Was fucking stupid.¡± Another man said, pointing towards the construction worker.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you man! Agent Wraith was throwing you a bone! I bet he was this close from writing you a recommendation. And you throw it all back into his face!¡± Another citizen called out. It was clear that the construction worker was out numbered. That was a pleasant surprise.


    ¡°Wraith! Don''t listen to him man! You keep being you. The city needs more people like you.¡± A woman called out, and several people cheered. The construction worker was swallowed in the crowd and Lash lost track of him.


    Lash and Vyllith spent a few minutes speaking to the people. A lot of them had homes recently restored thanks to Lash, and his Manifestations. A few did ask about CSA, and Ghost Industries. It was true about the technical school. As long as they signed a work contract to work for them once finished they would pay for training. Even full tuition in they were in school. Then someone asked if Lash intended to fix Gotham University. That...Was an excellent question.


    Gotham University was a state college located in Gotham...Obviously. It had a self contained campus. Traditionally 0-1st year students were required to live on campus. (If they could afford it) While everyone 2nd and above could choose to live on campus, they were of course a lot of cheap student housing around. Gotham University had a wide variety of academic scholarships. But was primarily a football college. Facilities were top notch as the Wayne family often donated to the school. It was clean, up to date, and a sense of pride came with those that attended the college.


    Not anymore! The University was a wreck. Lash and his Manifestations had actually ignored the entire campus because it was not considered a vital system that needed to be repaired. Yes, they did repair schools! But the university, not so much. The college dorm rooms were either jam packed full of students and or people. While others were in ruins, or currently on fire? The olympic size pool was putrid green and had a body floating in it. The library had been pillaged for insulation, and kindling. While the class rooms had been converted into living spaces.


    ¡°Attention! To any and all currently living on campus! This is Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security. I am currently in the process of repairing, and renovating Gotham University. None of you are required to move from your current location. But be aware that tiny machines often referred to as nanomachines will be deconstructing, and reconstructing the environment around you. Attacking them would be ill advised.¡± Lash said, enhancing his voice through Reality Warping.


    ¡°Vyllith please guard my location. I am going to go into Meditation while I do this.¡± Lash asked her as he began to draw a ritual circle on the ground.


    ¡°As you wish, but I should inform you that Selina asked that we meet her at nightfall.¡± Vyllith said to him, he paused. When did that happen?


    ¡°She called while you were building Croc''s town, you were busy.¡± Vyllith supplied the answer.


    That left Lash with about four hours to rebuild the whole campus. That could work! He finished drawing the ritual circle and stood in the center. He started to float above it with Telekinesis and created the Phantasm illusion of tiny green, and blue machines flying from his body. Then he used his Archmage title effect (Chapter 105)


    Congratulations User! Minor Reality Warping has evolved into Basic Reality Warping.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell power.


    Effect: Slight decrease to spell energy consumption.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell manipulation control.


    Effect: Slight increase to spell range.


    Effect: The User can now change minor things, and the change remains even after the spell wears off.


    Lash winced, and had hoped for something a little more substantial. But it was Basic after all. First the water, power, and sewer lines were repaired. The areas that were on fire on the campus were put out thanks to Elemental Manipulation. The pool was cleaned, and the body identified and Decomposition was used on the bloated corpse. The college campus dorms, staff, and faculty homes were repaired, and renovated. The buildings were taller, and each room was given a Compression Transformation. Each dorm room became a mini studio apartment. Beds would come out of the walls, or floors. Mini kitchens, tables and or desks. Closets, dressers, and bathrooms with showers. Way better than having to share a community bathroom. While the staff, and faculty homes were so much better.


    The library was rebuilt. Thankfully the college had an accurate list of all its books. Lash easily replicated the entire collection with Fabrication, Alteration, and since he was on a role he used Technomagical Construct to make another minor VI. Just like he did in Croc''s town. The VI would be tied to the school and holographic projection strips would be placed around the entire campus. Lash of course hid the VI core away from prying eyes, and linked the whole place to Vici for emergencies.


    The main facilities were repaired of course. Class rooms, labs, etc, etc. The buildings were taller and could accommodate more students. The overall design and art style remained at least cosmetically. While Compression Transformation saved a lot of space in every building. Then of course, solar panels, wind turbines, and photokinetic glass was built into the whole university. Once Lash was finished with Gotham it would produce more renewable energy that it consumed. Eco-friendly for the win!


    Lash finished up and opened his eyes. He was surrounded by hundreds of young men, and women who began to cheer the moment he stirred from his Meditation. Vyllith had her sword out, but it wasn''t raised. She shrugged at him and sheathed her sword now that he was awake. Lash set his feet down and canceled Telekinesis. A holographic image appeared in front of him. The VI had taken the appearance of a old man college professor from the 1970''s. They had on a suede jacket, bell bottom pants, mutton chops, with a grin on their face. Ghostly blue, and calm soothing voice.


    ¡°Thanks for the update, creator. Just call me professor! Alright boys and girls get your asses to bed! We start school tomorrow!¡± Professor shouted and the students jumped into action despite taking orders from a holographic ghost.


    The sun began to set on the second day of reconstruction and 90% of Gotham had been repaired. The rest of the city either didn''t want help. Or didn''t really need it. Gotham had been redone with Lash''s help. Garden tree streets, with clean wide roads. Grid pattern set up, with out the towering insanity buildings with weird architecture. Yes, Lash would miss the exotic architecture. But it was far more stable this way. Subways, and L-trains had all been repaired. Harbors redone, and ready to receive, and send. Gotham was open for business!


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed a hidden objective.


    Hidden Objective: Rebuild and renovate over 80% of Gotham City. Help bring it into the next century.


    Reward: Increased reputation with the people of Gotham.


    Reward: The spirit of Gotham will be more inclined to help you if you are in trouble.


    Reward: 500 Dream Points.


    Reward: 100 Ability Evolution Points.


    Reward: Increase reputation with the people of Croc''s Town.


    Reward: The User has gained 10% better understanding of how to build, and manage a city.


    ¡°I''m....tired...¡± Lash confessed, which was odd because his tear drop power stone was constantly recharging his energy. But it was more of a mental exhaustion.


    ¡°Should we just head home? We can see her tomorrow.¡± Vyllith suggested, but Lash shook his head. But he also smiled when Vyllith said head home. Yes, that was right it was their home.


    Lash cast Invisibility on himself, and Vyllith. Then wrapped them both in a Telekinesis flight field. They lifted off the ground and started to fly towards Wayne Manor. He also cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Immaculate on them both. The euphoric energy from the nature spells poured over them both. While they were also cleaned. Lash then reached out through Connectivity to the Gotham City JLI message board.


    [We finished up, heading to the Bat cave. Unless something happened while we were busy?] -Wraith.


    [Wooooo! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My building has power again. I was rocking two generators before.] -Shadow Spy.


    [Robin is back... We need to talk.] -Cat Woman.


    Lash didn''t like that one bit. So he tightened the Telekinesis flight field around them both and sped up. The acceleration increased the draw of energy. But the power stone was quick to replenish him. The Wayne estate is a massive piece of land located on the section of Gotham known as Bristol. It is where most of the 10% of Gotham live in their huge manors. It is also the same area where the Warden HQ is, as well as Kali''s home....Kali, there was someone he hadn''t seen in a while. Lash pulled up the Warden information page... She was still registered as the Blood-Kindred city master but was currently visiting Washington DC. Hmmm, maybe Lash could see her when he went to see Lex.


    Lash landed them both at the front door. He pulled the Invisibility off but placed a baffle field glamour around them and the door. To anyone watching it would look like Alfred was responding to a group of well dressed individuals who came over for dinner. Yes, two individuals who didn''t drive, and simply appeared. Lash was tired, OK! At least they wouldn''t see Agent Wraith visiting Bruce Wayne.


    Alfred Pennyworth is the British butler and valet to the Wayne Family. He took up the role of legal guardian of Bruce Wayne, after the murders of Bruce''s parents, Dr. Thomas Wayne and his wife Martha. Alfred has acted the part of grandfather to the Bat family since its creation. Richard Grayson loved him, as did Barbara, and in his own way Jason. Selina, and Alfred got along very well. Not once did Alfred ever judge Selina for her background. He especially took a liking to her when Selina helped Bruce some resemblance of peace after so many years of torture.


    Alfred stood at approximately 6'' 0¡± (182 cm), he had a healthy pale skinned complexion. (Don''t get a lot of sun when your the butler of Batman) He deep ocean blue eyes that held fierce intelligence, and loyalty. He had been balding, but recently his hair had returned to a rich black with a bit of silver through its roots. Lash had used Restore Youth on him and given him 10 more years. He had a athletic figure fitting of a sword master. (Fencer) He was impeccably dressed in his british butler uniform, tails included.


    Alfred answered the door and smiled at both Lash, and Vyllith. Vyllith and Alfred hit it off last time they were in town visiting. They swapped tips, and tricks of serving each others masters. Lash, and Vyllith bowed from their waist, and the etiquette was returned by Alfred. He stepped to the side with out a word and gestured them inside. He softly closed the door behind them and let out a sigh. That was never a good sign. Alfred didn''t sigh, it believed it was disrespectful.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Lash asked softly, even with his Transformation state he tried his best to keep it level.


    ¡°Master Jason is... Come.¡± Alfred said, and refused to answer.


    Lash could feel Selina was in the house so he reached out with his Pack Bond and established the link between them. The link snapped into place and they both gained a 30% increase to their overall abilities. But Lash could also feel the turmoil, and depression across the link. Selina desperately wanted Lash to fix the problem, but she knew he couldn''t. Lash tried to ask what the problem was, but Selina refused to answer. He would find out soon enough.


    Alfred led them both to the cave. Passed the grandfather clock and down the winding stair well through the pitch black. With soft ambient light from the stairwell lighting their way. Lash could hear shouting coming from the cave. It was Jason. He was angry, clearly! But it was the type of anger that he didn''t want. He was angry because he was afraid.


    Coming around the bend of the carved rock of the bat cave Lash saw Bruce in his uniform but his mask was down. Selina who stood off to the side with tears streaming down her face. Richard was trying to calm Jason down but was being held back by Barbara. They were both in uniform but had their masks off as well. While Kate stood off to the side in full uniform, mask on. She glanced up at Lash as he came down. Jason whipped around to stare at him and....


    Blood-Kindred....New born. -Saurian said across the link they shared. Lash stopped mid step so suddenly that Vyllith nearly walked into him. She stepped off to the side just in time and looked at him, then at Jason not understanding the situation.


    Jason looked....Amazing! He stood approximately at 6'' 0¡± (182 cm). Short black hair, with blue eyes that had a shallow red ring around them. He had a good solid muscle structure on him in the shape of an inverted triangle. He moved with grace, and a almost predatory presence. He wore black boots, black pants, a black t-shirt that was tight on him. His hands were stretched out like claws, and his nails were extending ever so slightly. Lash cast Insight on him.


    Name: Jason Peter Todd, aka Robin.


    Title: Street Rat, Boy Wonder, Blood-Kindred.


    Origin: Mundane. Sub-Origin: Magical.


    Rank: C+


    Skills: Martial Arts, Investigation, Intimidation, Genius Level Intellect, (See tool tip)


    Powers: Superhuman Strength, Superhuman Speed, Superhuman Durability, (See tool tip)


    Domains: N/A


    Sub-Domain: Grave.


    Affiliations: Bat family, Justice League: International.


    Flaws: Blood Thirst Addiction, Sunlight Sensitivity.


    Disposition: Friendly.


    Description: Jason is a despite what he may believe a good man, a good friend, and a steadfast ally to have at your back. He is slow to trust others, but once he does it is hard for him to give up on them. He is also terrified, he has changed, and he doesn''t want to be what he is now.


    ¡°Oh fuck!¡± Lash said...


    Galen

 Chapter 123: Grace Period.

    ===============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Watch Tower Station.***


    Another day, another month, another briefing. Contained with in the headquarters module or as it is called by the junior members. The room with the big table. It was filled to the brim with the senior members of the Justice League: International. Along with Warden, and Supernatural Community members. Once a month they would gather up and discuss the issues they were facing. Though not everyone could attend each meeting due to scheduling. The HQ module was built like a modern day amphitheater. Descending stairway, and seating. Focused around a stage and or podium for the current speaker. The current HQ module could hold about 500 people easily enough. Though only about 50 or so showed up.


    ¡°Alright, hello everyone! Thank you for coming. I understand we all have a lot going on so we''ll try to keep this short.¡± Superman addressed the whole room as he stood at the podium addressing the senior staff of the JLI.


    ¡°The Bat-Family will not be attending the meeting. They are dealing with a family issue. Wraith also not be attending, he is helping the Bat-Family with their issue.¡± Superman said to the room. A few people mumbled questions but had no real intention of voicing their concerns.


    ¡°The King, and Queen of Atlantis regret they can not come to the meeting. Their is a political disagreement happening between some of the high borne.¡± Former Queen Atlanna said from her position, a few people in the room understood the issue.


    ¡°I''m not entirely sure I should even be here!¡± Fire aka Beatriz da Costa said from her spot on the table. She was representing the JLI branch in Rio de Janeiro. Fire, and her team mate Ice had been recruited by Wraith. (Chapter 79)


    ¡°You, and Ice have seniority in your part of the world. Ice nominated you so she could stay and help with the city. Next meeting she''ll come, and you can stay behind.¡± Superman said with a genuine smile and Fire blushed just a bit.


    ¡°No te preocupes, te ayudar¨¦.¡± A man said next to Fire who smiled at him. (Don''t worry, I''ll help you out.)


    The man who spoke was the superhero named Iman (Magnet) aka Diego Irigoyen. He was a Tech-Genius who worked with super powered armor and worked out of Mexico City. Diego stood at approximately 5''10¡± (177.8 cm) with blue eyes, and short blond hair. With a strong athletic figure. He was born and raised in Mexico and obtained a scholarship through Wayne Tech to an Ivy League. He graduated with robotic engineering. He returned to Mexico to fight crime after his mother was killed during the invasion. (Gang War)


    ¡°Oie! I really don''t understand why I''m here! Most of you wankers can''t stand the sight of me!¡± Constantine said from his side of the table. He sat close to the supernatural community reps who rolled their eyes at him.


    ¡°You are pretty attractive, John. So I can say that I do enjoy looking at you. But the moment you open your mouth and speak is when I want you gone.¡± Rush aka Monika Celeritas said. (VI Avatar) She flipped him the bird, and John winked at her. But kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°If we could please continue? I''m due back in Tokyo in a few hours.¡± Onna-Bugeisha aka Isha said to the room. (VI Avatar, Chapter 82)


    ¡°So a bit of good news. Gotham City has been fully repaired. So all of its construction material will be moved across the globe to cities that need it. The UN has given a list to Wraith of cities that have requested his time to be rebuilt. Here is the list.¡± Superman said, and pushed the list towards everyone attending.


    ¡°Will Wraith even have time to get to these places? The man is a bad luck magnet!¡± Nightrunner aka Bilal Asselah said from his spot on the table.


    Nightrunner was a mundane street vigilante type that worked out of Paris, France. He was well trained in Acrobatics, and Parkour. He stood approximately at 5''10¡± (177.8 cm) with an athletic figure. He had been discovered by Batman, and Nightwing while they were traveling through Paris during a mission. Since then he had been one of the heroes of the JLI in that part of the world. He was focused, well trained, and understood what it took to be a leader. Though he did have a it of a mouth on him.


    ¡°We don''t know. We all have a lot on our plate. Just like he does. So if he shows up in your city, try and be helpful. But don''t hold your breath expecting him to show up.¡± Superman continued, and Nightrunner sighed heavily and went back to reviewing the information.


    ¡°Actually he may show up in Paris. He has two pack members who live there.¡± The Warden Councilor said to the room. That was news to a lot of people.


    ¡°Oh? Do we know who they are?¡± Nightrunner asked, suddenly curious.


    ¡°They are part of the Wardens. I can''t tell you more than that.¡± The Warden Councilor said.


    ¡°The Kingdoms of Atlantis, Xebel, Fishermen, and Brine are providing resources to every coastal city in the world. However, several cities in the more disfranchised sections of the world have asked to come under Atlantean rule. King Arthur has accepted them as vassal states. They are getting a lot of flak from the political portions of that part of the world. Specifically Africa.¡± Superman said next.


    ¡°Most of them are fishing towns, villages, and a few cities that were under corrupt ruler ship. Our King has declared that once they are stable enough to rule themselves they will be released under the guardianship of Atlantis. He assured the United Nations of his actions.¡± Atlanna said next, and many people frowned at that.


    ¡°Are they being attacked?¡± Supergirl said from her spot. She focused on Atlanna who nodded, yes.


    ¡°Can the JLI even show up? Or would that cause more problems? Some of the UN wants Atlantis to leave and return the towns back to their original leadership.¡± The Flash aka Barry Allen asked.


    ¡°It would be safer if the JLI stayed out of it. The towns are attacked by mercenaries, people not officially affiliated with home countries. Deniability, and politics. No one has declared war, because everyone involved isn''t a member of the country.¡± Atlanna said with a grimace.


    ¡°We do have other resources.¡± A gender neutral voice spoke from the far side of the room. Hex, the security manager of the station and current leader of the Shadow Operations of the JLI.


    ¡°That may work, but I believe this is not the right setting to discuss it.¡± Atlanna replied.


    ¡°Alright moving on.¡± Superman said in slightly bitter tone. He didn''t approve of the alternate resources that Hex provided. ¡°Watch Tower Station is 30% complete with its current upgrade. Malleus believes as long as we hold this pace we''ll be done with in two weeks.¡± Superman finished, and pushed the information for everyone to look over.


    ¡°When are we doing the Lunar operation?¡± Hawkman asked.


    ¡°Once the station has gone through the upgrade we''ll start to deploy FOB''s on the surface and start the operation.¡± Hex replied.


    ¡°Any word on the possible invasion from Zod?¡± Hawkwoman asked, as she zeroed in on Superman, and glanced at Supergirl who both looked frustrated.


    ¡°With the time table that Wraith''s Patron gave us. Zod should be here in a few weeks, or another few months. That is why we are focusing on the stations upgrade.¡± Superman replied. Martian Manhunter raised his hand and he stood up when called.


    ¡°The people of Ma''aleca''andra (Mars) will join in the defense of the Sol System. We have over a thousand star fighters ready to deploy and help.¡± J''onn said to the room and he was greeted with smiles, and a cheer from Constantine.


    ¡°How is Mars doing by the way?¡± Superman asked, there was no information on them in the brief.


    ¡°We are doing well, the atmospheric tower given to us has been repaired, and is under heavy guard. It has not only stopped the rate of decay, it is slowly restoring it.¡± J''onn replied with a satisfied smile on his face.


    ¡°Do we know why the cult is attacking the towers?¡± Supergirl asked. J''onn shook his head in a clear, no.


    ¡°Speaking of our neighbors. Do we know what is going on with the Thanagarian delegation?¡± Wonder Woman asked.


    ¡°A none-aggression pact, with a trade agreement. We are hammering the details out.¡± Hex replied, much to the surprise of Hawkman, and Hawkwoman who didn''t know that. The room glanced at the Hawks in worry.


    ¡°I think it is safe to assume that the Thanagarian government doesn''t trust Hawkman, and Hawkwoman.¡± Hex replied softly.


    ¡°Then I guess it''s a good thing that we do trust them then.¡± Svadeni aka Dia Nyx said from her spot. (VI Avatar, Chapter 49) Svadeni smiled at them, they both returned the smile.


    ¡°On the note of Thanagar.¡± John Stewart aka Blue Lantern said. ¡°Several Green Lantern Thanagarian''s are showing up in the coming weeks to recharge their rings. A few have already arrived. They are good people who just want to help. But... Apparently there was a call for Green Lanterns from the Guardians a for weeks ago. The Guardians are reorganizing, and one of their first missions is arresting Wraith. Then ''correcting'' the Sol System.¡± John finished, and the pin drop silence in the room was deafening.


    ¡°Fucking Christ!¡± Constantine said from his seat.


    ¡°John, what do they mean by correcting?¡± Superman asked.


    ¡°They''ll bring it to heel. The Guardians have declared the Sol System a rogue or hostile state that needs martial law.¡± John said in a bitter tone. ¡°We are all under the influence of a corrupting force. They will come to help, organize, and if need be establish rule until we are stable.¡±


    ¡°It''s a power play.¡± Starfire said. The room looked at her. She stuck her chin up and spoke confidently.


    ¡°The Sol System made the Guardians of Oa look bad. They have to destroy us in order to reestablish their rule. They will fabricate the proof to get the universe to believe them. Then an army of justice will wash over the system believing themselves in the right. They will lie, they will cheat, and they act the part of benevolent overseers. I''ve seen it all before.¡± Starfire said in fury, as green energy danced up and down her body. Supergirl came over and hugged her, attempting to calm her down.


    ¡°John can they do that? Isn''t there a galactic senate or something we can appeal to?¡± Superman asked.


    ¡°No, the Sol System is too young. We have no political clout, no influence, and no real military power. The Galactic Sheriff''s are giving us basic protection. But we are too new. On top of it, Earth is divided. Anyone who has any interest in the Sol System knows that Earth is a pre-FTL civilization without a unified government.¡± Hawkwoman said next, and jumped ahead of John. But he gestured for her to continue.


    ¡°It would be easy to send spies to Earth, then have those spies convince the leaders of different nations to not only declare the JLI enemies of Earth. But declare Wraith a corrupting force. Then the Guardians could use this cry for help as a reason to invade. As for a galactic senate? There is no such thing. You want a voice in the galaxy you have to back it up with military might.¡± Hawkwoman continued, and finished in a bitter tone.


    ¡°Wraith is an alien spy that has come to corrupt, and subvert the natural evolution of the Sol System. He is planting seeds, and preparing for his peoples arrival to enslave the system. The Guardians will move into to free, and protect the innocent people from the invading force.¡± Hawkman said next.


    ¡°That''s a lie though!¡± Supergirl shouted.


    ¡°Doesn''t matter, that is what the galactic public will believe.¡± John said at last.


    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Alpha Centauri System***


    Dru-Zod general of the people of the military guild of the last surviving people of Krypton had a smile on his face. Dru currently floated in the vacuum of space wearing nothing but his polymer under armor suit. He held his breath of course, there was no air in space. But he grinned as he soaked in the solar radiation from the sun in the system. He like the rest of his kin had experienced a euphoria since entering the system. The yellow sun radiation of the system bathed his people in power! Power, that could reshape the face of any planet they visited.


    Dru glanced behind him and saw dozens of his people pushing asteroids the size of ships, and even cities towards their awaiting armada. This system had been a boon to them. Rich in resources, and in aid. The aid in the form of a peculiar individual. They called themselves a Green Lantern! They had arrived only a few weeks ago. But they had been invaluable in repairing Dru''s fleet. As well as giving them information about the...Sol System.


    Dru took a moment to glance back at the sun, then flew back to the main command ship. The airlock scanned him and opened up. He floated in and allowed the rush of air, and warmth brush against his skin. He took his first breath of fresh air in hours. A smile grew across his face as he saw his friend, and comrade Non waiting for him. The effects of the radiation in this system not only made them strong. But they healed Non, he had returned to the brilliant, and fiercely loyal soldier Dru had known him to be.


    ¡°Welcome back General.¡± Non said, and saluted him. Dru returned the salute and floated into the corridor.


    ¡°Nearly every ship has finished being retrofitted for the jump to the Sol System. Fuel has been provided by our ally the Green Lantern. However, food is still being transported. We should be ready to leave in approximately a month. However, the Lantern believes they can speed that up. But they''d have to leave the system to get the resources.¡± Non said as he handed a data pad to Dru who accepted it.


    Despite the fact that their ship was now fully repaired and provided gravity. They both floated through the ship under their own power. They relished the feeling of being in complete control of their bodies. Especially Non who had lived many years, or months with out that feeling. (Phantom Zone time is odd) They flew by a few soldiers who saluted Dru, and Non. Each one floating threw the ship as well.


    ¡°Good, tell our ally to head out and recover the supplies. The sooner we leave, the sooner we recover our people.¡± Dru said, and handed the data pad back to Non.


    ¡°Some of the captains are upset about the arrangement.¡± Non said softly, as they entered a gravity lift and went through the ship.


    ¡°They help us, while we help them. These people...The Justice League hold our people prisoner. The Guardians of Oa will use us, as much as we use them.¡± Dru replied, but he had to agree he didn''t like taking orders from anyone.


    Non frowned but kept what ever comment he had to himself. Dru noticed it but didn''t prod his companion any more. Dru appreciated Non, but he missed Ursa''s discipline, and companionship. He also hoped their child was alive and well. The Lantern didn''t provide any information on that. All they knew was that Fort Rozz had ejected its prisoners onto the planet, Earth. Ursa alone with her immediate unite escaped and were eventually captured after several weeks on the planet. It filled Dru with pride that his people evaded capture for so long.


    Dru, and Non stepped onto the bridge of their command ship and saw the Lantern on the command deck speaking to one of the bridge officers. The man turned to look that them when they entered. The Green Lantern was a tall individual. He was easily 6''7¡± (200.6 cm) with vibrant red skin, short but slicked back black hair. He had elongated limbs that didn''t fit his body. Though he was covered in dense athletic muscles. He also had a trimmed black mustache. His people were called Korugaran. The man had a form fitting green, and black suit on.


    ¡°Sinestro.¡± Dru said to the Green Lantern.


    ¡°General, I assume your adjutant has briefed you.¡± Sinestro asked as he looked at Non.


    ¡°He has, please move to gather the food we need. The sooner we are ready, the sooner we can complete our deal with the Guardians.¡± Dru said with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Wonderful! I''ll leave right away. I''ll be back in two weeks, maybe less.¡± Sinestro said, and performed a bow from his waist that was genuine.


    Sinestro soon left the bridge and after a few minutes an officer reported that he had left the ship. Dru watched in fascination as Sinestro created a ship out of energy and jumped to another star system while still in their system. Obviously the Guardians of Oa were an advanced species to have an entire corp. of individuals who policed the whole universe. But, with this new power his people had discovered. He wasn''t as impressed as he was before.....


    ____________________________________________


    ***A dozen or so light years away***


    Sinestro popped out from FTL and flew into a vacant system. Well vacant enough as he came to what looked like an old abandoned green lantern hub. He soon landed on docking port and walked into the hub. When the airlock sealed behind him and the front doors opened he was bathed in yellow light. He outstretched his hand and a yellow ring flew towards him. He pulled off an old green lantern ring with disgust and replaced it with his yellow.


    ¡°How far they have fallen, if the rings don''t even resist former users anymore.¡± Sinestro said as he retrieved a box on a shelf and placed his old green lantern ring in it. He placed it back on the shelf and secured the lock.


    Sinestro strode through the station and came to the central hub where a sub-green lantern battery core was in the process of being converted into yellow. Several yellow lanterns were in place pouring their energy of fear into the core. While several others stood off to the side chatting, and taking a break. A humanoid male floated over to Sinestro. They came to stop before him and bowed his head in respect, and fear towards Sinestro''s power.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± The creature asked in a garble of clicks, and growls.


    Sinestro smiled at his companion....


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Gotham City, Bat Cave.***


    ¡°Oh fuck!¡± Lash said...


    Lash pulled his Transformation off and returned to his default look while in his daemonic/Warden tech armor. He came to stand in the middle of the cave along with Vyllith who retracted her helmet. Her expression was schooled to indifferent. But her eyes looked everyone carefully. Jason stood in the middle of everyone and was trying to not hyperventilate.


    ¡°I didn''t notice... When I picked you up in the tent there was so much going on. I didn''t notice the smell. When the joker gang tortured you did you ingest anything? A liquid perhaps? Maybe a pill?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes... I think I nearly died. Then some people came in and fed me a dark liquid. I thought it was blood. But after I felt great! Then the jokers continued. Once I got to far, the people came back in and fed me. Over, and over.¡± Jason tried to keep his voice level, but it cracked several times.


    ¡°Lash, what is he?¡± Bruce asked softly. His fists were clenched and he was trying his best not to kill someone.


    ¡°Blood-Kindred, new born. He''s a vampire.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Can you reverse it!?¡± Jason shouted at Lash.


    ¡°....Technically I can.... I''m not allowed to though.¡± Lash replied, and before he knew it Bruce was in front of him.


    ¡°Explain.¡± Bruce said in a deadly serious voice. Then Selina came up behind him and pulled him back.


    ¡°Bruce, he''s here to help.¡± Selina said softly and Bruce let her pull him away.


    ¡°Jason is a supernatural entity at this point. He is protected under Warden Law. It would be illegal for me to reverse the transformation with out Jason''s sire''s permission.¡± Lash replied, then held up a hand to prevent questions.


    ¡°It is clear that Jason did not give his consent to being transformed. To be perfectly honest Jason, you should be dead. The transformation from mortal to Blood-Kindred is incredibly dangerous. I don''t believe the Kindred expected you to survive.¡± Lash said, as he reached out through Connectivity and accessed the Warden information page.


    ¡°Since you were transformed against your will it would be incredibly easy to petition to have it reversed. Which can be done in the first year of transformation. But we would need your sire''s permission. This isn''t about signing a document. There is magic infused into the transformation. However, your sire is clearly one of the Blood-Kindred involved in the Dark Venom trade and will not come forward to declare you theirs.¡± Lash said to Jason, then to everyone as well.


    ¡°So, we have one year to find who your master is. Then get them to rescind their binding on you. Once that is done it''s a relatively easy process to turn you back. But if we don''t find them and have you imbibe your sires, or another masters blood it will kill you.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Wait, I thought if Blood-Kindred didn''t drink their masters blood they became Blood-Mutts.¡± Selina said next in clear confusion.


    ¡°After the first year, yes. That is why the first year is so important. Because it is the deciding factor. Do they turn the new born back into a human? Or do they allow the transformation to continue. However, we can find him a different master. That is allowed.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°I don''t want another master! I want this gone!¡± Jason screamed at Lash.


    ¡°Lash do you need the masters permission to change him back? Or can you just do it? Not the Warden''s, or the Supernatural Community. Can you do it?¡± Selina asked, coming right up to him and staring him in the eye.


    ¡°I...don''t know. I''ve never done it before. It could kill him, permanently.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Last resort.¡± Batwoman said from the side.


    ¡°Can we track down his master?¡± Nightwing said next.


    ¡°I don''t know. The blood with in Jason is to thin so I can''t track the scent. We would need an item of the master to use Clairvoyance. And....hmmm..¡± Lash said, then stopped midway through his words. The whole room turned towards him.


    ¡°Can I use your family graveyard? I just need the energy of death that''s all.¡± Lash said, and quickly followed up before Bruce would punch him.


    ----


    The Wayne family plot was pretty big. Every generation of Wayne was buried in the plot since the first Wayne family came to the new world. Lash could feel the history oozing from the plot. The first few graves were very simple. It was essentially a stone. Then as the family gained influence, power, and most of all money. They gained mausoleums, some of them were simple. Some of them extravagant. The family plot was also well maintained, and even consecrated! Alfred admitted to coming out once a month and using a simple cleanse that he had learned in seminary years ago for blessing a ground. Lash applauded him! He did an excellent job.


    ¡°Alright, how many of you want to come talk to the guardian?¡± Lash asked as he turned around. Vyllith would stay out of it to protect them while they discussed the issue.


    ¡°I am.¡± Bruce said resolutely, he hand his hand on Jason''s shoulder. Jason was of course going to talk the guardian.


    ¡°Of course I''m going.¡± Selina said next and stood next to Jason who smiled weakly at her.


    ¡°Me too¡± ¡°Ya, I''m not missing this.¡± ¡°I''m not going anywhere.¡± Nightwing, Batgirl, and Batwoman said next.


    ¡°I''ll stay with Vyllith and ensure your not disturbed.¡± Alfred said, he looked at his family with a resolute expression. Then cocked his shotgun, he strode over to Vyllith who nodded at him.


    ¡°Alright, I am about to call a Grim Reaper. They have an incredibly busy schedule so they are pressed for time. Please be respectful, I will remind you that they are capable of reaping your life with a thought. Understood?¡± Lash said as he made a point to look at them all.


    Everyone nodded in understanding. So Lash raised his arms up towards the sky and created a ritual circle to empower the spell he was about to cast. An eerie hollow call rolled through the family plot. The night sky above pushed the clouds away in their immediate area and the crescent moon came out. Ribbons of silver light bathed the whole area. A complex spell circle grew into being. Dozens of circles, geometric shapes, and ancient writing inscribed into the air. Lash used Spiritual Guardian.


    Lash felt his heart beat slow down. The whole world slowed down. But despite that he was fully aware of the world around him. Inside the circle was the Bat-family excluding Alfred. Then time stopped and the sound of fabric being pulled across a stone surface was heard above them. Lash glanced above and saw a grim reaper standing on one of the Wayne family graves. Specifically Thomas Wayne, Bruce''s father.


    The Grim Reaper was easily 10'' (304.8 cm) tall. Wrapped in a black tattered robe, that billowed around their form. All they could see were its skeleton feet, skeleton hands, and nothing else. The hood completely covered their face, a void was all their was. The reaper wore a belt, with a lantern attached to it. The lantern was old gothic style with a blue light emanating from it. The reaper held the typical reapers scythe in hand. It let out an eerie wail that was piercing to hear.


    ¡°EEEEeeeeeeeee.....Gah! Gah! Bleh! Excuse me!¡± The reaper said softly as he clapped his chest with his bony hand to clear his throat.


    ¡°Warden Lash, how can I help you?¡± Skippy the reaper said. (Chapter 28) Despite Skippy''s appearance his voice that of a young man of maybe early twenties. His voice was warm, and welcoming.


    ¡°Respectful greetings unto you Grim Reaper, Skippy.¡± Lash said, as he paid his Warden etiquette to full. He dropped to his knees, and bowed his head. Adjusting his hands into a complicated position for symbolism.


    ¡°See...That...That is important. To many people forget common courtesy these days. You tell them to relax once and they assume they should be that way every time after. But you...No, you always give courtesy every time.¡± Skippy said in delight then pulled back his hood to reveal....A skeleton face.


    ¡°Eh, I don''t know why but I was expecting something more terrifying.¡± Nightwing said as he watched Skippy pull his hood back.


    ¡°Oh its the magic on the robe. Most people fear death so we inscribe it onto the cloth.¡± Skippy said in delight. Despite his skeleton features the Bat-Family could tell he was smiling. Skippy turned to look at Bruce.


    ¡°Ohhhhh.... Batman, I have to say you''ve evaded our people several times. There is a betting pool on when you''ll die.¡± Skippy said with a grin.


    ¡°Hopefully not for many more years.¡± Selina said, and a divine spark grew in her eyes.


    ¡°Of course! Of course! Bast''s chosen, we would never cheat the system.¡± Skippy said as he bowed towards Selina.


    ¡°Can you please get off my father''s grave.¡± Bruce asked as politely as possible. Skippy obliged by simply shifting out of existence then reappearing in front of them all.


    ¡°Master Skippy, this is Jason Todd. He is a newly transformed Blood-Kindred. However, he was changed against his will.¡± Lash said, as he bowed once more and gestured towards Jason who looked at Skippy in fascination.


    ¡°Ya, that''s to bad.¡± Skippy said simply.


    ¡°We are looking for his Master. Is there a way you can trace his lineage?¡± Lash asked next, everyone held their breath.


    ¡°Yep!¡±


    ¡°Can you tell us?¡±


    ¡°Nope!¡±


    ¡°Do we need to bring an offering, or complete a task for you to tell us?¡± Lash asked as he held up a hand to prevent them from shouting at him.


    ¡°Nope! I''m sorry to say Warden Lash. But this was suppose to happen.¡± Skippy said, as he pointed at Jason.


    ¡°WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT WAS SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN!?¡± Jason shouted at Skippy, and broke from Bruce''s arms the immediately dropped to the ground clutching his chest.


    ¡°Jason!¡± Selina shouted as she rushed to grab him.


    ¡°Watch your tone, child.¡± Skippy said, and his warm boyish voice dipped into a sinister old as time voice.


    ¡°Please stop.¡± Bruce asked as he came to kneel next to Jason. Then with out moving a single digit Skippy removed what ever he had done, which left Jason gasping for air, but he wasn''t struggling anymore.


    ¡°I can reap Jason right now. I can tell you that if I do. Jason will go to a relatively nice place for his afterlife. Or, he can continue on this path that was set for him.¡± Skippy said as he pulled up his hood and looked at Lash.


    ¡°Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.¡± Lash replied, and bowed once more.


    ¡°Nothing but a moment between heartbeats. But I like how you are polite about it. Keep up the good work.¡± Skippy said, then with the sound of flapping wings he was gone. The moment was over, and the world continued to move.


    ¡°Master Bruce! What happened!?¡± Alfred rushed over to them to provide aid. They''d been gone for exactly 3.5 seconds.


    ----


    They had returned to Wayne Manor and Lash was sitting in the library. He liked the feel of the books. The gift of knowledge was normally a pleasant thing to feel. Lash had received a large amount of experience for using Spiritual Guardian. So much so that it had evolved. So he decided to take this moment to look through his long overdue evolution notes.


    Congratulations User! Dungeon Delver has evolved into Minor Dungeon Delver.


    Congratulations User! Sherogoth''s Punishment has evolved into Minor Sherogoth''s Punishment.


    Congratulations User! Language Smith has evolved into Minor Language Smith.


    Congratulations User! Observant Learner has evolved into Minor Observant Learner.


    Congratulations User! Operator has evolved into Minor Operator.


    Congratulations User! Animal Riding has evolved into Minor Animal Riding.


    Congratulations User! Superhuman Intellect has evolved into Minor Superhuman Intellect.


    Congratulations User! Domination has evolved into Minor Domination. (Chapter 77)


    Effect: The User can now control 0/4.


    Effect: The User can now control F grade or lower.


    Congratulations User! Sports has evolved into Minor Sports.


    Congratulations User! Psionic Magic has evolved into Minor Psionic Magic.


    Congratulations User! Science Intuition has evolved into Minor Science Intuition.


    Congratulations User! Magic Intuition has evolved into Minor Magic Intuition.


    Congratulations User! Superhuman Reflexes has evolved into Minor Superhuman Reflexes.


    Congratulations User! Superhuman Healing has evolved into Minor Superhuman Healing.


    Congratulations User! Superhuman Speed has evolved into Minor Superhuman Speed.


    Congratulations User! Superhuman Agility has evolved into Minor Superhuman Agility.


    Congratulations User! Daylight has evolved into Minor Daylight.


    Congratulations User! Root of Information has evolved into Minor Root of Information.


    Congratulations User! Essence Imbuement has evolved into Minor Essence Imbuement.


    Congratulations User! Burning has evolved into Minor Burning.


    Congratulations User! Decomposition has evolved into Minor Decomposition.


    Congratulations User! Entanglement has evolved into Minor Entanglement.


    Congratulations User! Restoration has evolved into Minor Restoration.


    Congratulations User! Curse Break has evolved into Minor Curse Break.


    Congratulations User! Growth has evolved into Minor Growth.


    Congratulations User! Proximity Release has evolved into Minor Proximity Release.


    Congratulations User! Soul Heal has evolved into Minor Soul Heal.


    Congratulations User! Animal Eye has evolved into Minor Animal Eye.


    Congratulations User! Tree Stride has evolved into Minor Tree Stride.


    Congratulations User! Regrowth has evolved into Minor Regrowth.


    Congratulations User! Druid Grove has evolved into Minor Druid Grove.


    Congratulations User! Gravitas has evolved into Minor Gravitas.


    Effect: 10% to 20% to either increased, or decreased in weight.


    Congratulations User! Earthquake Control has evolved into Minor Earthquake Control.


    Congratulations User! Repair has evolved into Minor Repair.


    Congratulations User! Technomagical Constructs has evolved into Minor Technomagical Constructs.


    Congratulations User! Renew has evolved into Minor Renew.


    Congratulations User! Immaculate has evolved into Minor Immaculate.


    Congratulations User! Lingering has evolved into Minor Lingering.


    Congratulations User! Consecrate has evolved into Minor Consecrate.


    Congratulations User! Death Ward has evolved into Minor Death Ward.


    Congratulations User! Spiritual Guardian has evolved into Minor Spiritual Guardian.


    Congratulations User! Corpse Repair has evolved into Minor Corpse Repair.


    Congratulations User! Grasp Heart has evolved into Minor Grasp Heart.


    Congratulations User! Falling Glide has evolved into Minor Falling Glide.


    Congratulations User! Panacea has evolved into Minor Panacea.


    Congratulations User! Reincarnation has evolved into Minor Reincarnation.


    Congratulations User! Enlarge/Reduce has evolved into Minor Enlarge/Reduce.


    Congratulations User! Water Walk has evolved into Minor Water Walk.


    Congratulations User! Water Breathing has evolved into Minor Water Breathing.


    Congratulations User! Phantasm has evolved into Minor Phantasm.


    Congratulations User! False Life has evolved into Minor False Life.


    Congratulations User! Silence has evolved into Minor Silence.


    Congratulations User! Invisibility has evolved into Minor Invisibility.


    Congratulations User! Disillusion has evolved into Minor Disillusion.


    Congratulations User! Compulsion has evolved into Minor Compulsion.


    Congratulations User! Pain has evolved into Minor Pain.


    Congratulations User! Empathic Healing has evolved into Minor Empathic Healing.


    Congratulations User! Bending has evolved into Minor Bending.


    Congratulations User! Infinite Supply has evolved into Minor Infinite Supply.


    Congratulations User! Life and Death Manipulation has evolved into Minor Life and Death Manipulation.


    Congratulations User! Supernatural Gambling has evolved into Minor Supernatural Gambling.


    Congratulations User! Eldritch Mind has evolved into Minor Eldritch Mind.


    Congratulations User! Clairvoyance has evolved into Minor Clairvoyance.


    Congratulations User! Monster Creation has evolved into Minor Monster Creation.


    Effect: Cool down from 31 days to 29 days.


    Congratulations User! Battle Call has evolved into Minor Battle Call.


    Effect: Cool down from 31 days to 29 days.


    Congratulations User! Dream Walking has evolved into Minor Dream Walking.


    Congratulations User! Enchanting Word has evolved into Minor Enchanting Word.


    Congratulations User! Quality Enhancement has evolved into Minor Quality Enhancement.


    ¡°Attention User, I simplified the evolution prompts. As you know, a minor evolution is... well minor. Slight increase to power, slight decrease to energy consumption, etc, etc. Any important bits of information were still included. When another ability goes through an evolution I''ll do the same again, unless important information has changed.¡± Dawn whispered into his ear.


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Lash said softly in reply.


    Lash felt a hand slide idly across his shoulder. Selina had walked into the library in search of him. She went to a lounge chair that was next to him and collapsed into the chair. She looked heart broken. She cared a lot about Jason. But, she was never one to stop moving forward. Lash could see the gears working in her mind. More than once her eyes lit up with divine light. But in the end she gave a frustrated scream.


    ¡°So, what''s next?¡± Bruce said from the door way. He walked into the library wearing a casual suit and took a seat next to Selina. He kept his eyes on Lash the whole time.


    ¡°We''ll need to inform the Warden''s and the Supernatural Council. They will start to dig into the different House Masters. They can also arrange for another Master to become a surrogate. There are several legitimate masters in Gotham. Isabella belongs to House Kuldr.¡± Lash said, as he started to count off on his hand. He was also in the Warden page registering Jason as he spoke.


    ¡°The first year is a dangerous and eventful time for a new born Kindred. Jason as he is right now is about 2.5 times stronger than the average man. That is strength, speed, durability, agility, reflexes, stamina, regeneration, healing, intellect, senses, and age reduction. He will be sensitive to light, but can still walk into sunlight. He''ll have a desire to drink blood. Preferably human blood, but he can make due with animal. However, it won''t be so bad that he is a danger to anyone.¡± Lash continued, as he produced a two holographic windows for Bruce, and Selina to scroll through the information themselves.


    ¡°But, if he ends up becoming a Blood-Mutt. That will change. Specifically the sensitivity to sun light. Sunlight burns and kills Blood-Mutts. He''ll have to feed on human blood every 2-3 days. I''d say about a galleon. He will be a danger to others, and may be driven to attack even his family in that state. Thankfully we have a year to figure this out.¡± Lash said, and waited for them to read the rest of the info.


    ¡°If he joins a house. Then he only needs to drink blood once a year?¡± Selina asked, looking up from the window.


    ¡°Yes, once a year from his master. After that he can live a normal life. Eat food, spend time in the sun, etc, etc. At the 100 year mark he would finish his transformation and become a full Blood-Kindred with out a need for a master. I can even make an item to speed up the transformation process from 100 to 50 years.¡± Lash replied, and filled in a few more blanks.


    ¡°House Kuldr would accept him?¡± Bruce asked next in a bitter tone.


    ¡°I can not give a 100% guarantee. But we have good odds. The main issue with the house is that Jason would have to work for the house. There are no free meals in Blood-Kindred society. Everyone works for the betterment of the house. Jason can''t just show up once a year for a sip then leave.¡± Lash said next and Bruce''s face contorted.


    ¡°Could you craft him something? Make him immune or at least resistant to sunlight?¡± Selina asked next, as she was speed reading through the information on Blood-Kindred.


    ¡°Yes, if Jason decides to be a Blood-Mutt all we would have to do is pay a house master to help him survive the first year. Which I believe Kuldr may do for free. Then I can inscribe enchantment into Jason''s body. Resistant to sunlight, and resistant to the thirst. We have Blood-Mutts in the JLI. Several of them have bio-mechanical implants that Ethan, and Samanthei have developed.¡± Lash continued, the Blood-Mutts in the JLI were all VI Avatars. Erik assumed that the Users wanted to play a vampire.


    ¡°Or we can find his original master and get them to give up Jason.¡± Bruce replied, as he pushed the holographic window away and sat in his chair. ¡°Or we can run the risk of you removing it and maybe killing him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, normally in this situation I would like to practice. But that would require me to experiment on Blood-Mutts which is against Warden Law.¡± Lash said, and it would be immoral.


    For all of Lash''s brutality he still tried to maintain his oath as a Warden. He wasn''t always successful. But he continued to try. This was a difficult moment for Erik because he was conflicted. This was perfect back story for a future hero. A street wise hero changed into a monster against their will. Conquers their inner demons and masters their abilities to become something more. How many stories had started out like that?


    But from the perspective of the Dream. Erik''s heart broke for Jason. Jason was and is a victim. He''s been abused, and changed into something he doesn''t recognize. Erik desperately wanted to help him. No one had been around to help Erik when he was hurt.... Lash and Saurian both reached across the link and held Erik in comfort. Maybe that was all they could do in the moment. Just be there for Jason?


    **Diiing...Doonnng**


    The manor''s front door chimed. Lash glanced at his Clock and saw it was 11:00 pm. Though it wasn''t unusual for the Bat-Family to be out and about at this time. Receiving visitors was a little odd. Then Lash felt through his Pack Bond that Lizzy was nearby. He established the connection, still in sync with Selina who looked up from the holographic window.


    Sister? -Lash asked across the link.


    I''m with Isabella. She''s here to talk to Jason. -Lizzy replied.


    Selina jumped from her seat and sprinted towards the door. Bruce was out of his eat and following after her at a quick pace. Lash stood up in a fluid motion and moved towards the front door. He had wanted to spend time with them both. But this was not what he had in mind. As he made his way towards them Lash used Connectivity, along with Pack Bond to locate his pack.


    Booraku was not even in the dimension. He was in the Fae Wilds visiting family so Lash wouldn''t be seeing him. Unless he wanted to visit the wilds. Which would be an adventure in itself. Peyton, and Mikhail were in Paris. Paris, France was one of the cities that the UN had requested that Wraith rebuild. So he was going to make a point of visiting them. Li''Ana, Jessabell, and Soluna were available if he wanted to visit. But there was no pressure. All of them were incredibly busy just like he was. He also wanted to visit Juliana.


    The problem was Lash didn''t have enough time! In all honesty Lash should be up at the Watch Tower helping with the upgrade. So they could finally do the mission on the moon. But he was always so tired of having so much to do. As tedious as it was to fix Gotham. It was also oddly calming. Plus it helped a lot of people! He also got a lot of DP, and AEP from doing it. He didn''t know what to do.


    Lash came around the corner and saw Isabella, and Lizzy walking through the manor. Isabella took a spare moment to give Lash a hug. He returned the gesture and kissed her cheek. She smiled at him then followed Selina, and Bruce to see Jason. Lizzy stayed with Lash. She came up and hugged him. He hugged her back and she tucked her arms in, and snuggled into his embrace.


    ¡°Hey you...¡± Lizzy said softly.


    ¡°Hello, I was hoping to see you both before I had to leave again.¡± Lash replied softly.


    Attention User! Your 24 hour real time grace period between invasions has ended.


    Your next invader has been located, we''ll notify you the moment the invasion begins.


    Lash''s entire body went perfectly still and a deep bass growl resonated through his whole body. The growl went across their shared link. Lizzy, and Selina both asked what was wrong!? Even those not currently linked could feel his incredible rage. Saurian snarled in irritation and cast Calm Emotions on them both. Lash leveled out, and sent a simple message through the link.


    Our grace period is up. My Cosmic Patron had been protecting us from any other invasions for a few months to help us recover. But that''s gone now. However, we are not currently being invaded. Just that the possibility is there. -Lash said across the Pack Bond.


    ¡°FUCK!¡± Lizzy shouted, and bashed her head into Lash''s chest plate.


    ¡°Miss Elizabeth? What is it?¡± Alfred appeared next to them with a harried expression.


    ¡°For the past several months my Cosmic Patron has been protecting our home from another invasion. Either from an alternate reality, alternate dimension, or even an alien invasion. I was just informed that the grace period is over. We are not being invaded as of yet, but it''s on the table.¡± Lash replied to him, and Alfred''s face went pale.


    ¡°Yes, I have to agree with you Miss Elizabeth. Fuck! Is an apt description of the circumstance.¡± Alfred said softly.....


    Lash went to see Bruce and informed everyone still at Wayne Manor with the bad news. Jason cracked up laughing, and not in a funny way. More like a laugh of despair. He started to sob and broke down in front of everyone. Selina came to his side and tried to console him but Jason screamed at her. He jumped to his feet and ran towards the window and attempted to jump out of it. Until Lash used Telekinesis and yanked him back inside. After that they had to restrain him. Eventually Vici teleported him back to the Watch Tower straight towards a room with Multifarious, the Arch-Fey.


    Then Vici very carefully, and very quietly spread the bad news through the JLI. While Lash did the same for the Wardens. Most likely candidate for the invasion would be Zod. But after Lash read a report from Blue Lantern John Stewart about the Guardians of Oa. It was possible that they''d be invaded with an army of Green Lanterns? It was also possible that Trigon may invade. Raven had come to Lash during the last invasion with the possibility of Trigon trying to find her.


    So the next course of action was decided for Lash. The Watch Tower Station needed to be finished ASAP. With the station complete they would have access to more resources, and modules that could help against the invasion. Then he''d have to decide if they wanted to clean the moon out? Or finish rebuilding Earth. No, it would be Earth first. If another alternate reality hit right now? They would lose, badly.


    ¡°I''m going back to the Watch Tower to finish the upgrades. What do you want to do?¡± Lash asked Vyllith. They were still at Wayne Manor.


    ¡°Normally I would stay with you. But I have no idea how to assist with the upgrade process. I''ll return to operations and help with the tasks of the JLI. But the moment you finish upgrading you inform me, yes?¡± Vyllith said, Lash agreed easily enough.


    When Lash and Vyllith returned to the Watch Tower there was a soft silence in the cacophony of noise that went a long with the upgrade. A majority of the JLI didn''t know about the message, the impending invasion. But those that new were silent. They were focused, and carried a tension in their bodies. Like a taut bow string ready to fire. Lash wasted little time and used Manifestation and released his 1110 Saurus warriors, veterans, and elites.


    Portals made of twisted darkness, and starlight erupted around him and out poured his army. With out a word his reptilian soldiers went straight to work. Linking up with Vici, and the engineering crew. The sudden all be it welcome reinforcements were welcome by most. Though many of the VI Avatars groaned. There went the free experience they would gain from upgrading the station. Then Erik did something he hadn''t done in a long time.


    ¡°Dawn, please place the dream in soft progression and take me to the black room.¡± Erik said softly, under the guise of his reaper shroud.


    I''ll be back, I''m going to look up some information. -Erik said to Lash and Saurian.


    We''ll be here. -Lash and/or Saurian replied.


    When Erik is not directly linked to Lash/Saurian the dynamic event system doesn''t activate. Yes, the Dream will pause when they encounter a story driven event. But the little activities that he keeps encountering will not spawn as long as he is in the black room, or logged out completely. Why hasn''t Erik used this in the past? Because the more he interacts with the Dream. The better it is in the long term. Lash/Saurian don''t gain experience when Erik is logged out. They don''t gain DP, or AEP.


    Erik''s subconscious avatar formed in the black room. He looked at himself and realized he was wearing a tailored made three piece black, on gray suit with no tie. He looked good, he liked the way the suit hugged his body. He took a moment to admire himself in front of a full length mirror in the black room that he could only assume Dawn place in there for him.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn.¡± Erik said softly.


    ¡°Your welcome, Erik.¡± Dawn said behind him. Erik turned to look at her.


    Dawn''s current form stood at approximately 5''8¡± (172.7 cm) with rich brown hair cut into a bob cut. She had warm brown eyes, and chocolate brown skin. She wore a black draw string long sleeve shirt with a v-neck cut, that was tied up front to reveal her midriff. She had a diamond stud in her navel. Along with skin tight blue jeans, and brown leather three inch heels. A nice smile grew across her face as she did a pirouette to show off her hourglass figure for Erik.


    ¡°I am learning a lot about fashion because of you, thank you.¡± Erik said, and performed a practiced bow from his waist. Lash was rubbing off on him. Dawn momentarily bit her lush full lips as she watched him bow.


    ¡°So, are you logging out? Or did you come up here to visit with me?¡± Dawn said as she walked away from him. Sashaying her hips in the process.


    The black room changed to the appearance of a fully furnished and lavish looking office. With a high back leather chair, and cherry oak wood desk. Several couches, seats, and a coffee table sat off to the side. While the large bay window behind the desk showed the universe it self. Erik noticed that he could nearly see all of the solar system from the black room now. When he first started in the Dream Engine all he could see was Earth. But now he saw all the way to Jupiter. So not the whole system.


    Dawn walked around her desk, and sat down in the high back leather chair. She propped her legs up on the desk and gestured for him to come take a seat. Erik moved through the office with a casual grace he didn''t know he had and took a seat. Then he leaned forward and cradled his face in his hands and took a deep calming breath.


    ¡°The only way to stop being on Nightmare mode is to restart your Dream, Erik. I''m sorry I don''t make the rules. You are still technically a Beta Tester. The developers could even take the Cube away from you if they want to.¡± Dawn said softly, for all their time together Dawn had reached the point where she could practically read his mind. Maybe she was!


    ¡°Oh! On that subject. The developers have informed me to inform you. That if you continue to play on Nightmare mode they will gift you the Cube. The Cube is worth several thousands of dollars. The exact price has yet to be determined.¡± Dawn said with a slight smile.


    ¡°So even if I restart my dream I''d have to keep playing on Nightmare if I want to keep the Cube?¡± Erik said, and Dawn nodded in agreement.


    Erik technically couldn''t afford the Dream Engine, Cube. That was why he was so happy he got into the Beta test because the developers gave them the Cube. It was a messed up situation. Erik felt like he was trapped. Playing games was suppose to be fun! Suppose to be a stress reliever from his mundane life. Right now? He felt like he was preparing for a war he had no way of winning. But.... But Erik had to admit. He was a different person now. Both physically, and mentally. The Dream Engine had helped him in a lot of ways.


    ¡°Tell the developers I agree.¡± Erik said.


    Congratulations User! You''ve been awarded the Achievement; ''HARD CORE!''


    Effect: Every day (Dream Time) the User is logged in they will be granted 10 DP, and 1 AEP.


    Effect: Applies to current dream, and any new dream as long as it is played on Nightmare. (Locked)


    ¡°Wow! For a brand new dream that is really over powered. Or maybe it isn''t? What is a new dream like on Nightmare?¡± Erik asked. Dawn visibly shuddered.


    ¡°Think of it as a compliment, Erik. The developers seem to believe you are one of the best Users around. There is less then a hundred Users that have opted to join the ''HARD CORE'' group, and you are one of them.¡± Dawn said with a contrite expression.


    ¡°Next time you log out there will be an email for you. A few legal papers, and the receipt for the Cube. But as I said before, you are now locked into Nightmare even if you start a new dream. But... The Cube which is worth about 10 grand or more is now yours.¡± Dawn said with a brilliant smile on her face.


    ¡°Plus you... You are not going anywhere, right?¡± Erik asked, suddenly looking worried. Dawn looked at him and a twinkle sparked in her eye.


    ¡°Yes, Erik. I''m saved onto your account now. Even by some chance you got a different Cube. I''d still be your VI Representative.¡± Dawn replied.


    ¡°Good...That''s good.¡± Erik said, and felt the blush crawl up his neck into his face. Dawn grinned at him, but didn''t say a word.


    ¡°Alright, so I know you can''t directly help me. But you can guide me to my answers. Can you bring the store catalog up right here?¡± Erik said as he stood up and pointed at one of the black room walls. A holographic screen appeared and showed the Dream Point store.


    ¡°I have...Wow! I have 30,000 DP again. Along with 1,000 AEP. I''ve been saving my AEP for a rainy day but I think this counts as a rainy day.¡± Erik said.


    ¡°I would agree with your assessment, Erik. So how can I help? You can always ask, worst that can happen is I''ll say I can''t answer that question.¡± Dawn replied as she stood up from her desk and walked around to face the same screen with Erik.


    ¡°Can I buy an anti propaganda campaign?¡± Erik asked with a short laugh.


    ¡°You could spend a 1,000 DP to increase your overall reputation with several civilizations contained with in the galactic community. However, this is actually a trap.¡± Dawn said, and paused at the end. Erik turned to look at her and saw that she was trying to open her mouth but the system wouldn''t let her. So he would have to figure it out.


    ¡°OK!¡± Erik said as he ran his hands up and down her arms to reassure her. She stopped trying but watched him with an appraising eye.


    ¡°If the civilizations suddenly started hearing good things about the Sol System, and about Lash with no clear evidence to prove it. They would wonder where it came from. If people had only good things to say about us. But had no clear idea why. People would assume brain washing. Even if it was soft brain washing. Which is why its a trap.¡± Erik said, and Dawn smiled at him but did not confirm, or deny his words.


    ¡°So short term it would help, long term it would prove disastrous.¡± Erik said and started to pace around the room. Dawn sat down on the edge of her desk to watch him think. A cheshire cat grin on her face.


    ¡°So we need good PR. We need.... Wait a minute.¡± Erik said, then started to type into the keyboard interface. Dawn''s smile grew.


    ¡°We need a media module on the Watch Tower. We have communications but that is between us and our neighbors. There has to be a galactic wide news network, along with entertainment.¡± Erik said more to himself than Dawn. He typed it into the search engine and sure enough.


    Media Hub: This hub acts as a communication outlet and/or tool used to store and deliver information. This will allow the station to link up with the galactic wide network for broadcasting, receiving, entertainment, information, and trade. Works in tandem with several other modules. (See tool tip) C grade module, 30 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased the Media Hub for 30 DP.


    ¡°Do I need to go back down and get this input into Vici?¡±


    ¡°No, Lash and Saurian will do it as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Why wasn''t the media hub on the recommended list of modules?¡±


    ¡°Because it''s not often used. Remember the recommendation list is from other Users. Yes, there is a recommendation list I provide. But that is clearly edited so not to give to much away. I am here to provide hints, not clear answers.¡±


    ¡°How did we link up to the galactic market with out a media hub?¡±


    ¡°You can call your bank with out access to the internet. You do have a communications module¡±


    ¡°So it''s the difference between having a phone, and having a television.¡±


    ¡°Alright, what about the Galactic Sheriffs? Are they capable of helping?¡± Erik asked as he sat back down in the seat next to Dawn. She kicked her legs back and forth as she watched him.


    ¡°The Galactic Sheriffs are a security company certified, and registered to be law keepers in the community. At the end of the day they are a business. If you sign a contract, and pay them enough they''ll say what ever you want them to say.¡± Dawn said to him. It technically wasn''t anything new.


    ¡°Do their security packages go above level 10?¡±


    ¡°They do, at the time you purchased the package you had a smaller station. Now you have a larger station. You also have a good reputation with them.¡±


    ¡°Can you bring their contracts here, or do I have to go down?¡± Erik asked, and Dawn gestured at the holographic screen and the new and improved security packages appeared.


    Level 11: Eight advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Two veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once every three weeks. 60,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 12: Eight advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Two veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once every two weeks. 70,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 13: Eight advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Two veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once a week. 80,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 14: Eight advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Two veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another single corvette class sheriff star ship. 90,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 15: Ten advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Three veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another three veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another single corvette class sheriff star ship. A single destroyer class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once a month. 100,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 16: Ten advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Three veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another three veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another single corvette class sheriff star ship. A single destroyer class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once every three weeks. 110,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 17: Ten advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Three veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another three veteran sheriff star fighters. A single corvette class sheriff star ship will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another single corvette class sheriff star ship. A single destroyer class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once every two weeks. 120,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 18: Twelve advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Four veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another four veteran sheriff star fighters. Two corvette class sheriff star ships will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two corvette class sheriff star ships. A single destroyer class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once a week. 130,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 19: Twelve advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Four veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another four veteran sheriff star fighters. Two corvette class sheriff star ships will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two corvette class sheriff star ships. A single destroyer class sheriff star ship will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another single destroyer class sheriff star ship. 140,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 20: Twelve advanced automated drones will be stationed in your system. Four veteran sheriff star fighters will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another four veteran sheriff star fighters. Two corvette class sheriff star ships will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another two corvette class sheriff star ships. A single destroyer class sheriff star ship will remain in your designated star system on rotation. They will rotate every week with another single destroyer class sheriff star ship. A single cruiser class sheriff star ship will show up in your designated system once a month. 150,000 Solar Coins a year.


    Level 20, additional options: The Galactic Sheriffs will routinely patrol shipping lanes between your station, and other merchant trade hubs. Works in tandem with refuel, repair, and resupply sheriff hub aboard station. Merchant groups will pay a 5-20% toll depending on merchant grade.


    Level 20, additional options: The Galactic Sheriffs can request support from station, and/or solar system security to help them when in need as long as its with in 5-10 systems of the station. Danger grade will only be D grade or lower in difficulty. Security will be granted a reward bonus, and bounty if applicable.


    You have purchased level 20 with additional benefits.


    Routine Patrol. [X]


    Request Support. [X]


    ¡°Dawn how many Solar Coins can I get with a 1,000 DP?¡± Erik asked, as he did some quick math in his head.


    ¡°One million Solar Coins.¡± Dawn replied, and Erik blinked at her in astonishment.


    ¡°Remember Erik, Dream Points can essentially rewrite the rules of reality with in the Dream. If I am being honest I think they should be worth more. But the developers didn''t want to break the bank as it were.¡± Dawn said with a grin.


    ¡°Alright, please convert 1,000 DP into Solar Coins and give them to Lash so he can purchase the next security upgrade.


    ¡°It''s done.¡±


    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Galactic Sheriff Corporate Head Quarters***


    Commander Bhol''uns sat at his desk as he worked on some paper work. He hated paper work, he desperately wished he had purchased the VI assistant that his friend suggested to him but he just had to blow his bonus away at the pleasure palace at that station. Bhol''uns stretched out, his upper arms rising above him while his lower arms continued to type onto his data pad interface. He scratched behind his cat like ears and groaned in satisfaction at the pleasant stretch. Bing....Bing! He received a notification from the upper echelons.


    ¡°What''s this?¡± Bhol''uns wondered as he opened up the packet. Then his eyes went wide as he read through the information.


    ¡°STARS ABOVE!¡± Bhol''uns shouted in glee.


    Bhol''uns was quick to volunteer to escort the automated drones. The frigate he was captain of filled in one of the few available slots. Then he received another piece of info about what was going on in the surrounding area so he could make plans for the trip. What to bring, what they may encounter. Etc. He read about the possible propaganda of the Guardians of Oa. A snarl escaped his mouth as he ran his tongue along his fangs.


    ¡°That''s why...The client things Oa is going to attack them. Wait a minute, the client is a native to the system.¡± Bhol''uns tagged the information and sent it up to public relations. He received a message back by the VI assistant. Of course PR has the VI''s, Bhol''uns grumbled.


    Bhol''uns read through the information sent back. Corporate was aware of the circumstance but still believed the client was worth it. It may have something to do with the fact the they had paid up front for the not only level 10, but also level 20 for the whole year. Bhol''uns eyes went wide. Then he read the routine patrol package and grinned. That was a lot of money. Merchant groups get free protection? They would jump at the chance to use those shipping lanes.


    ¡°FTL SLING SHOT!¡± Bhol''uns shouted when he read through the list of upgrades the station was implementing. Bhol''uns was glad his office was sound proof.


    Yes the sling shot had a size limit but even then. Skipping through 10-15 star systems. Plus the station had gone through an upgrade not that long ago. Their client must have deep pockets to afford another upgrade so soon. If they can do it again then the sling shot would increase in power. Bhol''uns leaned back in his chair as he thought about the possibilities. That entire system was about to become a major trade, and travel hub.


    Bhol''uns rubbed his face and got back to work. He sent a notification to his crew that they would be leaving in a few days. Anyone who couldn''t make it needed to reply ASAP so they could fill the crew list. Then they needed fuel, ammo, supplies, etc. Bhol''uns had a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it in. HQ wanted them gone, and en route by the end of the week. That was...Three days!?Fuck it! Bhol''uns pulled out his credit chit and bought the VI assistant. He''d pay off the debt with his bonus he promised himself he wouldn''t spend.


    =========================================================


    ***The Black Room***


    ¡°Dawn, why did I just gain 100 DP?¡± Erik asked, as he looked at his Dream Point counter.


    ¡°You just spent more Solar Coins in a minute then most solar systems make in a year Erik. Why do you think you got DP?¡± Dawn said with an amused expression on her face.


    ¡°True, alright do you have any recommendations?¡± Erik asked, and the store changed to show some station modules that he already had but could use more of.


    ¡°With a station of this size I would encourage you to have at least 8 Life Support hubs. You currently only have 1. Because you have a C grade station they will cost 30 DP, so a total of . But it''s worth it in the long term. Also you really should purchase the life boats. With the increase in size it would be approximately 2,000 DP for the minimum amount.¡± Dawn said, and showed a diagram of the soon to be finished Watch Tower.


    The Watch Tower wouldn''t be a tower anymore. It would be a sphere! Approximately 5 miles from pole to pole. So north to south, 5 miles. West to east, 5 miles. With a radius of 2.5 miles if Erik''s math was right? At the core of the station would be the dark elf singularity black hole drive core. Along the equator of the station would be the docking ring. The commercial and/or trade hub would be in 1/8 hemispheres. Maybe 2/8? They''d have to decide later.


    The Life Support hubs would be spread out through the different sections. While the Life Boats would be split up among each. Technically the station didn''t need it. But again it was a moment of, ''I''d rather have it and not need it. Then need it and not have it. So he pulled up the store and purchased the Life Support, and the Life Boats.


    Life Support: The recycle, and creation of fresh water, and air aboard the station. Allowing for fully customization of (Private Quarters) for different Origins. Side Note: A station does not require a Life Support module to operate, but it does give a measure of extra safety, and health. C grade module is 30 DP. (R&D module applied)


    You have purchased 7 Life Support, for 210 DP.


    Life Boats: Though every station has escape pods. Life Boats are designed to hold more people for longer periods of time. They can accommodate a wide range of alien body types, many of them have basic engines, and quality versions even have FTL. Each boat for a C grade station is 10 DP.


    You have purchased 200 Life Boats, for 2,000 DP.


    Erik looked towards his favorites tab and found another thing he wanted to buy but had put it off because he wanted to save his points. The Nth metal metallurgy manual. He reached out and tabbed the icon and purchased it. Erik saw a wealth of information pour from the holographic interface and wash through the black room and went straight towards Lash and Saurian who were aboard a nearly completed station. Erik glanced at the timeline app and saw that approximately a week had passed already. It had only been a few minutes for him, and Dawn up here in the black room.


    Attention User, the Arcane Science of Nth metal metallurgy has been learned.


    Crafting.


    Enchanting.


    Science.


    Other Worldly Lore.


    Spell Craft.


    Hidden Technique.


    ¡°Alright, what else?¡± Erik said to himself as he sat back down in the office chair. But when he did he found himself on a beach chair, with a yellow sun glowing down on top of him. He looked to his left and found Dawn laid out across another chair.


    Dawn swapped out for floral pattern string bikini. While she kept her body type. Her rich brown hair bob cut was swept back. While her brown eyes were concealed behind a pair of sun glasses. She held a fruity drink in hand and sipped it lightly. She made exaggerated movements to show off her impressive athletic form. She glanced at Erik who was now wearing a pair of swim trunks and nothing else. He didn''t have wash board abs, but he did have a slim all be it strong figure. He stopped for a moment and leaned back.


    ¡°You have 1,000 AEP, Erik. Spend some of it.¡± Dawn suggested, and Erik looked back at the holographic window. A keyboard appeared in front of him and he looked up recommended abilities. As well as his own.


    Attention User! You have used 100 AEP to force Minor Self Sustenance to evolve into Basic...Intermediate...Advanced....Expert....Master Self Sustenance.


    Master Self Sustenance: The User''s physical, mental, and spiritual needs are full filled in any environment. These needs include but are not limited too. Air/breathing, sleep/rest, food, drink, and bodily evacuations. The User has everything they need to survive, always.


    Sub-Ability, Endless Energy: The User possesses an unlimited energy source that will never run out, allowing them to use attacks and accomplish other feats that require energy indefinitely. However, energy levels will still drop as it is used, but will quickly refill. (You never hit zero.)


    Sub-Ability, Elemental Immunity: The User is immune to all mundane elements, and all mundane elemental energies. Being completely invulnerable to direct and indirect mundane effects. -Care to take a swim in a lake of lava, anyone?


    ¡°Holy crap!¡± Erik shouted, and Dawn jumped a little at his shout. But a smile was on her face.


    ¡°Yes, its pretty powerful now isn''t it? Hence the price.¡± Dawn replied.


    ¡°The other two sub-abilities seem a little over powered.¡± Erik said as he looked them over.


    ¡°Oh that''s because you evolved it so rapidly. As we''ve said before each ability as changes depending on the User, their own understanding of the ability, and how you got them. Since you used AEP, the sub-abilities are top of the line. The use of AEP is the equivalent of getting an evolution from a A+ reward from a story event.¡± Dawn replied, and Erik''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°If you had leveled the ability naturally just from using it repeatedly I can tell you now that the sub-abilities would not be as powerful.¡± Dawn said, and leaned back down against her beach chair.


    Erik looked through the list of things he could change and stopped at his Demigod Physiology. He could spend the remaining 900 AEP to get the racial trait to master. If what Dawn said was true, then it would be the best version of it. What would happen? Erik looked at Dawn who glanced at him. A small smile teased her lips but she eventually went back to sun bathing as Erik didn''t ask a question. Fuck it! Erik pressed the purchase option. Dawn shot straight up and stared at him in shock!


    ¡°Oh no....¡± Dawn said, as a shit eating grin grew across her face. ¡°I''m sorry, Erik but you need to log back in to get that evolution done.¡± Dawn said, and it looked like she was struggling not to laugh.


    ¡°That bad?¡± Erik asked, suddenly regretting his decision. He just spent 900 AEP on a single racial trait.


    Before Erik knew it he was falling out of the black room and flying towards the nearly complete Watch Tower Station. Lash/Saurian were outside merging a piece of the outside deck to another piece. Erik rushed in and quickly informed them of what he just purchased.


    I used all of our AEP to evolve Demigod Physiology to Master! -Erik said.


    Wait what? -Lash asked.


    For a brief moment a new star was born in the solar system! Then as quick as it came, it dimmed. But every divine being in the entire system whipped their heads towards where Lash was floating in zero-g. A brilliant crimson divine light swallowed him. Soon replaced by the darkness of the void. Space itself warped around him, so much in fact that Vici pulled the nearly complete station away from him fearing the structural integrity of the station.


    Attention User! You''ve used 900 AEP to force Demigod Physiology to evolve into Minor....Basic...Intermediate....Advanced....Expert....Master Demigod Physiology.


    Sub-Ability, Minor Deity: The User becomes a Minor Deity these are the weakest in the hierarchy of divine beings, also called "Physical Gods" due to the fact that they are usually limited to physical form.


    Congratulations User! You''ve increased your rank grade: (S-)


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the title, ''New God''.


    Active Effect: Once a year (Dream Time) declare one of your faithful followers into a divine being, and subordinate of your divinity.


    Passive Effect: Gain 0.1% of your overall stat the more followers you have.


    Title consolidation active.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained a new Divine Domain, Eldritch.


    Eldritch Divine Spell, Void Call: Call Saurian''s bothers, and sisters from beyond the edge of reality to assist the User. Warning, they do come hungry.


    What did you do!? -Lash shouted at Erik.


    I''m sorry... -Erik replied in a quiet tone.


    I don''t see the problem. Wont this help us in the long run? -Saurian asked, sounding very pleased about the prospect of seeing his brothers, and sisters. He didn''t know he had family beyond the edge.


    Attention User! Your Cosmic Patron is ecstatic! They can not wait to see what happens next!


    ¡°Creator are you alright?¡± Vici asked through his telecommunication channel thanks in due to his Re:Implant.


    ¡°Yes, just an unexpected reward that may or may not be a good thing in the end. Call a team to finish up at my last location on the station. I need to head in.¡± Lash replied and began to fly through space towards the nearest air lock.


    ¡°Creator, your...vital signs are...Erratic? I believe you should head to medical.¡± Vici asked, her tone of voice filled with worry.


    ¡°Agreed, don''t teleport me. We don''t know if my physiology is even set for it yet. Just inform medical of my arrival.¡± Lash said back and made all due haste towards medical.


    The Watch Tower Station was nearly complete. Once it was complete they had to update all of the modules, hubs, and facilities with in the station. But that would take even less time than the entire station. Erik had been gone for two and half weeks. For two and half weeks absolutely nothing happened. It was a nice little break for Lash and Saurian. They worked, they visited a few people, and worked some more.


    Erik, I am happy you came back. But I think we should have discussed this a little more. -Lash said across their shared link.


    Did you get the new security level package for the sheriffs? -Erik asked.


    We did yes. Mr Xags was very happy to receive one million solar coins. He says we should be set for a while. The new media hub is educational. The JLI are learning about what is outside of the sol system. We also learned that the Guardians of Oa are indeed doing a smear campaign against us. -Lash said back as he entered the air lock and let the pressurization begin.


    Thanks to the Nth metallurgy manual, Vici can now create Nth metal alloy in the energy forge. 30% of the station is made from Nth metal alloy. -Saurian said next.


    The air lock door opened and there waiting for him were a team of medical droids with a transport bed. Lash waved off the bed but did allow the team to scan him as he walked towards the medical wing. Yes, wing is the right name for it now. They had the space for it. Lash didn''t want to risk the teleporter until his readings were uploaded through medical so he had 3 miles to walk. Given that the transportation lifts were not operational yet.


    Watch Tower Station had changed into what is commonly referred to as a Star Base. Star Bases are considered military structures even if its used for civilian use. That made sense given the amount of fire power they had on the station now. That reminded Lash that he wanted to purchased C grade engines, and turrets. He set a marker on his favorites and kept moving. They had plenty of points left.


    Lash digressed from the point. Star Bases had to be registered in the galactic community. However because of the new security level that Erik purchased with the Sheriff Corp. They did that for them, for free! The Sol System had the only Star Base for nearly 30 systems in any direction. But what really terrified the entire galactic community was they found out the Star Base was capable of FTL. That was right, the Watch Tower Station could technically leave the Sol System if it wanted to.


    However, because of its size it would take months between each jump. They also had to move it away from Earth. Technically they are still in the same orbital path as Earth. They are just now out of its gravitational field. Earth''s moon is approximately size of 1,079.6 miles (1737.4 km). While the Star Base was only 5 miles. Not that big a deal. But if the station ever lost its ability to move freely they could cause mass destruction on a global scale if they fell into Earth. Better safe than sorry.


    A team of engineering teams, Saurus Warriors, and JLI came racing by. That was also when Lash noticed that his Manifestations had a divine spark in them. Each and every single one of them. No, they were not God-Kin. But they did carry divinity in them. Great.... Lash eventually reached the medical wing and Ethan was waiting for him and practically dragged him to a private space.


    ¡°So, how bad is it?¡± Ethan asked, as he pulled his hair back into a pony tail. He keyed up a few commands on a holographic screen and dozens of instruments came down to start scanning Lash.


    ¡°I went from being a Demigod to a Minor Deity.¡± Lash replied in a deflated tone.


    I''m sorry! -Erik shouted, then curled up across the link.


    Nothing to apologized for, Partner Erik. This will only make us stronger. -Saurian replied.


    Ethan stopped what he was doing and slowly stared back at Lash. The readings he was getting were inconsistent. As if Lash was there, and also not there at the same time. Ethan attempted to take a blood sample. Last time it didn''t work so well the blood turned to ash with in moments of leaving Lash. This time however the sample was glowing before it turned to ash. Ethan shook his head then pressed a direct line into Lash to check his blood.


    ¡°That is....Odd.¡± Ethan said, as he pulled the line out. He took a moment to scan the tear drop power stone in Lash''s forehead. Lash was in his default state and the stone had chose to stay on his forehead this time. It moved sometimes of its own free will.


    ¡°You''ve always had an abundant of energy thanks to the stone.¡± Ethan said, and the stone pulsed softly as if thanking him for the compliment.


    ¡°But when ever you were drained of energy the source could always be recorded. It came from the stone. Now? Your entire body is the power source.¡± Ethan remarked, as he took out a device and plugged it into the wall and hand Lash hold the end.


    Lash noticed that his energy levels were dropping but they would always rapidly replenish. His tear drop power stone helped a great deal with that. But now his natural energy replenishment was almost as fast as the power stone. Then he also noticed on the diagram that his energy meter didn''t have a 0%. He essentially had infinite energy.


    ¡°Lay down and get comfortable this is going to take a bit.¡± Ethan suggested, Lash took him up on it and laid across the medical bed. He started to use Meditation and only spoke when Ethan asked him a question. All the while he continued to hold the device that Ethan had gave him.


    -----


    Six hours went by, while Ethan only asked a question every few minutes. Lash soon discovered that he didn''t feel tired. More specifically he didn''t need to sleep. Unless he was rendered unconscious the closes thing he could get to sleep now was Meditation. He was both happy, and upset about that. Sometimes he just wanted to fall asleep and not worry about things. It was like a mini vacation. At the top of the seventh hour Vyllith walked into the room.


    ¡°He''s fine, you can sit with him if you like.¡± Ethan said to her. Vyllith came to Lash''s side with out a word and waved her hand. A chair formed from the ground and she sat next to him.


    ¡°How''s it going?¡± Lash asked her.


    Vyllith had vibrant red skin, lilac eyes, long black hair tied back into a braid. Her ears were knife points and went a few inches. Two black horns were on the crown of her head and they curved back naturally. She stood approximately at 6'' even (182.8 cm). Despite the medium tier exoskeleton suit she wore. The armor accentuated her curves, and feminine quality. She had a hourglass athletic figure. Her tail which was wrapped in armor at the base, and a polymer had a heart shaped spear point. Vyllith was Lash''s one and only Daemonic Hell Knight. Which may change in a moment, because he planned to use his title effect on her.


    ¡°Can you please stop scaring me?¡± Vyllith asked, as she brushed a single tear from her eye. Lash felt his heart clench at the sight of it.


    ¡°I didn''t do it on purpose.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°You never do. Which is why I can always forgive you. So, what happened?¡± Vyllith asked, she took a deep breath then focused on him.


    ¡°I became a god, little g.¡± Lash said with a smile, and held up his fingers an inch apart from each other.


    ¡°OK....Did you hit your head on the way here?¡± Vyllith asked with a smile.


    ¡°He''s not joking, Vyllith. His divine spark has become a flame. As a demigod he had a candle flame of divine energy. As a Minor Deity he now has lantern? Torch? Fire? Metaphors escape me for this kind of thing.¡± Ethan said from his station.


    ¡°Your serious!?¡± Vyllith asked, turning to Ethan. Then back to Lash.


    ¡°Hey....Want to become my first divine subordinate?¡± Lash asked, taking a hold of her hand. Vyllith swallowed audibly and sat up straight to look at him head on.


    ¡°Do you even need to ask?¡± Vyllith replied.


    ¡°Rules.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Then I Vyllith, Daemonic Hell Knight of Daemonic Count Erik Lash, and Hunter Saurian accept you body, mind, and soul.¡± Vyllith said, her voice clear, and her meaning perfectly understood.


    A brilliant beacon of divine energy erupted from Lash and poured straight into Vyllith. The Divine Domains of Monsters, War, and Eldritch enriched every part of her. Her armor was discarded and her body was transformed. She grew several inches, gained muscle mass, and shape. Her preexisting tribal marks grew with intricate designs and power. Her black hair began to sparkle with starlight, while the crown of her head grew more elaborate horns. Then last but not least two bat like wings grew from her back. Then as soon as it started it faded.


    Congratulations User! Vyllith has become your first divine subordinate and has been granted Angelic Physiology.


    Angelic Physiology: The User and/or target possess the traits, attributes and abilities of an angel, a being connected to and serving Higher Powers. (You)


    ¡°Well! Looks like we are going to be here for a little while longer.¡± Ethan said.


    Galen

 Chapter 124: New York City!

    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, New York City***


    Sara Bradley was the anchor and journalist for the broad cast station of, World Wide News. They had been on the air for little less than a year. She remembered being selected for the position like it was yesterday. She had thought the studio was insane for trying to fill the position at the time. People needed fresh water, not the news. But when her co-anchor Luke Brendon had explained that a sense of normalcy would help bring stability back to the masses. She hadn''t believed him, but agreed to try.


    Sara had been surprised by the uptick in popularity, and in stability that came with their first broad cast. Yes, not many people could tune in. But the area''s that could felt better. Crime went down by 13% in their local area when they did a segment on the increase in police enforcement, and JLI support. Sara received thank you letters from hundreds of people for telling them that help was on the way through the broad cast half way across the globe. Sara hadn''t done a thing but report the news, but it made people feel safe knowing about it.


    When Sara had confessed on live television that she was a meta-human. A lot of people were unhappy. But the studio stuck to their ideals, and refused to fire Sara. Or maybe it was because 35% of the studio was owned by Ghost Industries the people behind the CSA program. But, a lot of people were also happy to see a meta-human in her position. The idea that their loved ones could lead normal lives helped them feel stable in a world with out control. With out meaning to be one, Sara had become a leader of meta''s seeking a normal life.....


    Sara was currently sitting in the make up room with Luke as they read through the brief about the news with each other. They had technically read their parts alone hours ago. But it was a good idea to get feed back ahead of time. How to respond, and how to show emotion. As much as Sara wanted to react realistically. There were several segments that required her to keep a schooled expression on her face.


    Sara stood at approximately 5''5¡± (165 cm) with shoulder brown hair tied up in a bun. She had cool blue eyes, tanned skin, and soft pink lips. Recently she had earned an athletic hourglass figure. Why? As a meta-human she was required to maintain a state of healthy physical shape. Better control she had over her body the better control she had over her abilities. Even Partial-Telekinesis can be dangerous if not controlled. She wore a navy blue pin up striped suit. With golden earrings, and a silver necklace. The suit was tailored made, and showed off her figure.


    Luke Brendon stood at approximately 5'' 8¡± (172.7 cm) with short shaved black hair. His amber eyes were warm, and full of curiosity. He had sweet chocolate black skin, and a strong power lifter figure. The type of figure with huge arms, and a broad chest. One would think they may be over weight but Sara had seen Luke dead lift 385 pounds. Luke had said that was a moderate amount. Not to Sara it wasn''t! He wore a black on gray suit with a smile on his face as he glanced up at Sara.


    ¡°What?¡± Luke asked.


    ¡°Just admiring your impressive chest.¡± Sara said coyly, Luke blinked at her in surprise then chuckled.


    ¡°It is an impressive chest.¡± Steve one of their make up artist said in a snarky voice.


    ¡°I like being strong.¡± Luke said proudly.


    ¡°A lot of ladies, and a few gentlemen in the studio like you being strong too!¡± Steve replied, and finished with Sara by applying lip gloss.


    They continued to talk back and forth with one another. Luke pointed out a few portions of today that he knew would bother Sara but she was required to talk about it. Luke said he didn''t like it either, oddly hearing him say it made her feel better. More than once Sara glanced at Luke while he was reading and the make up crew glanced at one another and snickered. Then before the call went through for them to get on set their producer raced in with a frantic look on their face. This only happened when a sudden change had occurred. But the producer had a smile.


    ¡°Which one of you wants to interview Agent Wraith!?¡± Their producer shouted at them. Sara, and Luke looked like a pair of deer caught in the headlights of a moving truck.


    ¡°Trick question! You are both doing it!¡± The producer said with a grin, and Sara all but turned him into ash from her glare.


    ¡°Not that I am not happy about it, but why is he in New York?¡± Luke asked, and Sara agreed with him.


    ¡°He''s going to be rebuilding the city. City Hall asked him to come in for an interview.¡± The producer said and handed them the brief.


    ¡°WAIT!? This is at the end of the broadcast, is he here!?¡± Sara shouted at the producer who grinned at her.


    Sara stood up and smoothed out her suit and gracefully all be it hurriedly scampered from the make up room and went straight to the guest room. It was no secret that Sara had a bit of a fan girl thing for Agent Wraith. It was professional! But she desperately wanted to personally thank him for all his good work. She practically flew across the studio. Reaching the door she took a calming breath and knocked on it and a voice she had always wanted to hear called out.


    ¡°Come in Miss Bradley.¡± Said an animalistic voice. Sara tried to contain her girly squeal then slowly opened the door. There he was sitting in a black throne made out of obsidian or maybe some alien metal?


    ¡°Hello Agent Wraith, thank you for coming today.¡± Sara said softly as she walked in.


    ¡°Of course, sorry for dropping in on you with such short notice.¡± Wraith said, as he stood up to tower over her. He really was as tall as they said he was. Sara swallowed audibly.


    ¡°We were just informed about the interview. But I just wanted to say it is a great honor to have you with us.¡± Sara said, then smiled wide as Wraith bowed to her from his waist. She had heard he had old style manners.


    ¡°The honor and privilege is mine. Perhaps in the future you and Mr Brendon will join the journalist crew on the Watch Tower.¡± Wraith replied, and Sara''s mind went blank.


    ¡°W..W...Watch Tower?¡± Sara gibbered out.


    ¡°Yes, the United Nations thought it was a good idea to allow select journalist on a tour of the Watch Tower. World Wide News is one of the teams.¡± Wraith replied.


    ¡°....OK...¡± Sara said with a stupid grin on her face...


    ==========================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Watch Tower Star Base***


    (24 hours before the interview)


    Erik Lash, and Hunter Saurian currently sat in front of the Warden, and Supernatural council aboard the Watch Tower Star Base. On his immediate left was Vyllith also in her own seat. She kept her mouth shut even though she didn''t like the situation. They had replaced her armor, though it needed some size adjustments. There was a divine crimson glow that emanated from her now. Lash quickly learned that Vyllith had obtained Glamorous Perception. He assumed that was one of the reasons why Angels always looked so pretty, and why no one can ever agree on what they exactly look like.


    ¡°I didn''t do it on purpose.¡± Lash said softly to the council. He was currently in his default state if he could even call it that anymore.


    Lash stood at approximately 6'' 6¡± (198.2 cm) with a hairless bald head. His scalp was decorated in detailed inscribed tribal tattoos of each domain he had, that stretched across his whole body. He had twenty domains. Each mark was stylized to its domain. So nature which was the strongest had the style of crescent moons, gilded suns, tree branches, etc. While his Technomancy had circuit boards, and gears. Then Synthesis was a combination of Nature, and Technomancy. Imagine a leaf with circuits.


    Lash had a rectangular body type. Tall, and wide as a door with zero body fat, and sculpted muscles that looked like they were made from stone that came straight out of a comic book. Which made sense! He wore his Daemonic Warden gear and/or JLI medium tier exoskeleton suit. He looked like a science fiction tech-knight. Form fitting vantablack polymer suit, with vantablack compressed stream lined armored plates. (So it absorbs light.) Dozens of little gadgets, and tools placed into the suit. All the while the whole suit could change with his Transformation if he needed to. While Saurian had his own set thanks to Spatial Item Shifting.


    ¡°We know that Warden Lash. We have learned a long time ago that your Cosmic Patron does things because they are entertaining, not because they make sense.¡± The Warden councilor replied softly. Lash wasn''t going to correct them on who decided on giving him the upgrade.


    ¡°But we also know that your Cosmic Patron has helped solve more problems then they have caused.¡± The Seelie councilor said next. If they only knew the truth.


    Lash, and Vyllith both sat on top of a Rune of Truth. They were compelled to answer any and all questions truthfully. It had been inscribed, and empowered by several master level enchanters. The issue was that his upgrade had come from the Dream Store. Because of that Lash technically didn''t have to answer if he didn''t want to. The denizens of the Dream were not allowed to know they were in a Dream Engine. 4th wall engine prevented that. Dawn had gone over this with him ages ago.


    ¡°So what''s the problem?¡± Vyllith said irritably. The councilors all glanced at her in annoyance but they didn''t reprimand her for it. She was technically an angel, or part angel? You don''t mouth off to an angel.


    ¡°The problem... Lady Vyllith is that Warden Lash is now a minor deity to the Krypton Pantheon. He is part of a branch family, and may not have a single ounce of blood from them since he was technically adopted into it. As a demigod we could allow that to slide. It was a gray area. But as a minor deity? He has essentially joined a faction.¡± The Twilight councilor said to her simply.


    ¡°The demigods that came back from the time fragment on Krypton are ecstatic! You are technically the senior ranking member of the Krypton Pantheon now. Yes, you only have about a dozen or so demigods at your command. And believe me, they are at your command. But you have a small but powerful faction to your name now, Warden Lash.¡± The UnSeelie councilor said with a bemused expression.


    ¡°Why don''t I just order them all to join the Wardens?¡± Lash said simply and the room paused to look at him for that unexpected reply. While the Warden councilor raised a brow and a smile started to grow.


    ¡°Yes, they are all demigods, but they are also aliens from another world and time! Ten years in the Wardens, and ten years in the United Nations World Security to obtain world citizenship. Wasn''t that the plan? Not only for supernaturals, but aliens as well?¡± Lash said next, to his credit Saurian was the one that came up with this idea. He really didn''t understand the issue.


    ¡°By joining the Wardens and serving their time in service to the supernatural communities they will earn protection, and a home on our world. As long as they obey the laws of course. The Krypton demigods are homeless right now. Several of them have joined the JLI, while a few even left the solar system. The rest are with out purpose. I will request that they join the Wardens. I will not force them to.¡± Lash replied as he looked at each councilor.


    ¡°That solves the issue short term, but what about long term?¡± The Seelie councilor asked.


    ¡°In two years Warden Lash will no longer be a Warden. Oh yes, we decided to count your subjective time in the Rifts.¡± The Warden Councilor said with a smile.


    ¡°Woah...Woah... I thought Lash was going to sign up again?¡± The Twilight councilor said. Everyone turned to look at Lash.


    ¡°I was planning on it. To be honest I kinda feel like I skipped out on a lot of Warden responsibilities. I was going to make up the difference.¡± Lash admitted and the Twilight councilor smiled at him.


    ''What about the League of Assassins? -Vyllith asked across their shared link.


    ''I wasn''t going to actually take over. I''d wait until Ra''s died and/or retired and give it to Talia. Its idiotic that she can''t rule the League.'' -Lash replied, and Vyllith smiled at him.


    ¡°A lot can happen in two years, Warden Lash. Plus I don''t think you can sign up as a deity from a pantheon. You are technically part of a faction. Warden''s are suppose to be neutral.¡± The Seelie councilor said next.


    ¡°Yes, because everyone follows that rule.¡± Twilight councilor said with clear disdain.


    Wardens were suppose to be a neutral party. They work between the factions to ensure that everyone gets a long. At least that was the idea on paper. Very few Wardens followed that rule. Stereotypes, prejudice, species profiling. The Blood-Kindred were a great example. A lot of Wardens hated the Kindred, and for good reason. Most Blood-Kindred acted like organized crime families. Not all of them did, just most. This was also why there were no Blood-Kindred Wardens....Wait.


    ¡°Question; with slight subject change. Can Blood-Mutts become Wardens?¡± Lash asked completely out of the blue. The room went quiet.


    ¡°Technically...¡± The Warden Councilor said with a stiff expression.


    ¡°Yes, they can... They don''t have a house. They are only loyal to themselves. It''s even happened a few times past, though it is rare.¡± The UnSeelie councilor admitted, and the Warden councilor winced.


    Lash used Connectivity and sent a quick message to Vici to inform the Blood-Mutts that worked for the JLI that if they wanted to they could become Wardens. With in seconds his private message box blew up with messages from dozens of JLI Blood-Mutts with questions about joining the Wardens. The Warden councilor''s communicator beeped at them, they glanced at the window then slowly pegged an acidic glare at Lash. The Twilight councilor snickered as they own communicator went off.


    ¡°Can we please get back on topic?¡± The UnSeelie councilor requested as they own communicator started to beep at them.


    ¡°If the demigods of Krypton request to join the Wardens. The UnSeelie Court will of course agree to sponsor them. They will be a boon to the community. As long as they swear their oath of neutrality such as it is for their term of service.¡± The UnSeelie councilor declared.


    ¡°As does the Seelie Court.¡±


    ¡°The Twilight Court agrees.¡±


    ¡°The Wardens will of course take such talented individuals.¡±


    ¡°I will inform the Warden Council of your desire to sign on again, Warden Lash. With the circumstances as they are it is unlikely. However, what we can do is switch from two years, to seven to match the time you have left with the UNWS. But it will be put to a vote.¡± The Warden councilor said with a forced smile as their communicator kept beeping at them.


    ¡°Before we leave, we understand that you have a lot of work to do, Warden Lash. However the UNWS has requested that you make your way to New York and take an interview from the World Wide News network. Also that you rebuild New York.¡± The Warden councilor said with a glare.


    ¡°I can do that, can someone message City Hall so they have a design or basic idea of what needs repair, and what needs renovation so I don''t have to have a pissing contest with mundane or magical business owners about what I am allowed to touch?¡± Lash asked with a polite smile on his face.


    ¡°Yes, if that is everything?¡± The Warden councilor asked and the other courts didn''t say anything.


    ¡°Good, please excuse me. Some random jack ass just informed dozens of Blood-Mutts that they could join the Wardens.¡± The Warden councilor snapped and promptly left the room.


    ¡°I''ll make sure that the random jack ass gets all the credit for suggesting the idea!¡± The Twilight councilor called right before the Warden councilor could slam the door.


    ¡°Warden Lash you do understand that a lot of Wardens are going to dislike you now.¡± The UnSeelie councilor said to him.


    ¡°Wardens are suppose to be of the people for the people. Having Kindred in the Wardens make sense.¡± Lash replied as he stood up from his seat.


    ¡°As far as I understand it the Wardens are understaffed. Having more bodies on the crew will be helpful in the long run.¡± Vyllith said as she stood up and stretched, the councilors in the room admired her for a bit. That was interesting.


    ¡°Politics...¡± The Twilight councilor replied.


    ¡°Vici, is Gozith aboard the station?¡± Lash said into his communicator.


    ¡°Yes creator, he is actually right outside the chambers waiting to speak with you.¡± Vici replied, with the upgrade finished her voice had changed to a more mature feminine quality. Lash put her around late twenties, early thirties.


    ¡°Wonderful!¡± Lash said then took a moment to bow to the councilors who bowed back. Vyllith did the same then followed Lash out of the chambers. While she replaced her helmet, he took on Transformation.


    Gozith was the decedent of Kryptonian deities of Nightwing, and Flamebird. He was a demigod that would mature into a minor deity in a few thousand years, hopefully. Lash had met him in the Time-Fragment Rift of Krypton when he was a War-Priest of Rao. Gozith stood approximately at 6'' (182 cm) with midnight black skin. He had long silver white hair that was swept back and half tied on his shoulders. He had an athletic rectangular figure. His eyes were pitch black, with no sclera to be found. Despite all that he gave off a very warm aura. He was also a member of the JLI Shadow Operations. This allowed him to wear full JLI kit.


    ¡°Brother!¡± Gozith shouted at Lash as they came from the councilor chambers. Then Gozith dropped to his knees in respect.


    ¡°Please stand up, Gozith.¡± Lash said softly as he pulled the man to his feet. Gozith jumped to obey and smiled at him. He also took a moment to give a genuine bow from his waist towards Vyllith.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡± Lash said gently and Gozith looked like he would follow Lash into oblivion if he asked.....


    Several minutes they walked in silence side by side with Vyllith right behind them. Lash glanced at her and gestured for her to join them but she shook her head. Rules, for what ever reason the moment Vyllith become his divine subordinate dozens of little rules, and etiquette was poured into her mind. Just like Lash when he gained an skill. They hadn''t had a chance to discuss it yet. Vyllith could feel Lash''s irritation across the link and she begrudgingly came to his side.


    ¡°Gozith how is everyone else doing?¡± Lash asked, as he created a baffle field around them as they walked to no place particular.


    ¡°They are wonderful, brother! Very happy for you, and for themselves! Being on this world was a blessing from our crumbling home. But with out a deity to support us we''ve been become vagabonds.¡± Gozith replied with a bounce to his step, and stuck out his chest proudly.


    ¡°Gozith you understand that we still have a lot of work to do?¡± Lash asked, and he nodded enthusiastically.


    ¡°Oh yes, brother! It is not like you can snap your claws and make a celestial home for us. We don''t expect that from you. It would be centuries before you can. But the hope and dream for a better future is there all because of you.¡± Gozith replied and Lash winced. Wow he is laying it on thick, the problem was Gozith meant every word.


    Then Lash stopped mid step and came to a realization. Gozith, and Vyllith paused and looked at him. Both keeping quiet. Vyllith had seen Lash do this before, and Gozith wouldn''t speak with out being spoken too. Something Lash would fix in the future. But he stopped because technically Lash had his own hell dimension, he still needed to drop by and organize it. But, could he make a heavenly dimension as well? He quickly snagged Gozith, and Vyllith''s hands and pulled them to a secluded spot. Well kinda, most of the station was being retrofitted. So secluded ish.


    ¡°Dawn please come out here a moment.¡± Lash said softly as he ran a claw along his dragon necklace.


    Ages ago Lash had obtained a mystic dragon familiar from completing the mission from Tartarus, the first time. Dawn the VI Rep used it as a way to come play with him from time to time. He wore a necklace made from a dark green metal in the design of the mystic dragon that became animated. Mystic dragons are a lot like the eastern style of dragon. No wings, serpent body, four arms, with five clawed hands. With stag like horns that grew over time, etc etc.


    ¡°Yes Master?¡± Dawn spoke softly as it flew around him. Gozith''s eyes went wide but he kept his peace.


    ¡°OK stop that! Gozith I know you are being polite but when its just us please speak freely.¡± Lash said to him. Gozith blinked at him then looked like he wanted to argue but relented.


    ¡°I understand that dragons are rare on Gaia, and you have one as a familiar. Incredibly good fortune brother!¡± Gozith replied, then smiled wide as Dawn flew over and rubbed her cheeks across his own.


    ¡°Yes, because they are rare please keep that he has one as a familiar a secret.¡± Vyllith said next, and Lash nodded in agreement. Gozith bowed his head in understanding then grinned as Dawn licked his nose.


    ¡°Dawn, is it possible to create a heavenly realm? I have a hell realm already.¡± Lash asked, and Gozith''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Yes Master, though it would take a create deal of divine power.¡± Dawn replied.


    ''Or you could use Dream Points.'' -Dawn replied across a private link not shared with Vyllith.


    ¡°May I assume you have sent your enemies to this hell realm, brother?¡± Gozith asked, and Lash nodded. Gozith smiled wide at that as if it was to be expected.


    ¡°Gozith, can you pass a message to the rest of our kin?¡± Lash asked, and Gozith stood at attention ready to hear the message.


    ¡°This is a request, not an order. I request that all of the demigods from Krypton consider joining for a term of service in the Wardens on Gaia. Doing so will provide resources, and improved reputation among the denizens of the planet.¡± Lash said to him, and Gozith committed the message to memory.


    ¡°Ask your questions, Gozith. You know our siblings best. What will they ask.¡± Lash prompted him and Gozith gave it some thought.


    ¡°Are siblings are not use to taking orders from mortals.¡± Gozith replied simply, and they would have to.


    ¡°Several of them have joined the JLI, I''ve not heard any complaints from Vigil about them.¡± Lash asked, confused about that.


    ¡°That is because the Watch Tower is yours, brother. The JLI may work here, but the Tower is yours. Vigil is yours. She is your granddaughter. Your creation, of course we will not be disrespectful of her or any of them.¡± Gozith replied and that stumped Lash.


    ¡°He''s got a point.¡± Vyllith said next.


    ¡°Like I said, its a request not an order. Now, is there anything that our siblings would like?¡± Lash asked, and Gozith''s reply was automatic.


    ¡°I understand it will be hard but can you make us a home? Doesn''t have to be large, maybe one of the moons in the system. Just a place to call our own.¡± Gozith asked, a pleading look in his eye.


    ¡°Eeeehh....Maybe... Vici! Can you prep a shuttle team. I need to head to the moon. It''s time to establish some forward operating bases.¡± Lash said as he rubbed his face. He clapped Gozith on the shoulder.


    ¡°Deliver the message, again its a request. Do you understand why I am asking?¡± Lash asked, and Gozith nodded.


    ¡°We are guests in someones house. By helping to keep it clean, and in service, it helps us as much as them. I understand, its a good idea. I''ll deliver the message.¡± Gozith replied with a smile and bowed from his waist. Lash returned it, and Dawn licked Gozith''s nose.


    ¡°I need to get going, sorry about this. Tell our siblings I''ll work on the home thing. I''ll have an answer with in a few days.¡± Lash said, and Gozith visibly brightened.


    Dawn quickly wrapped around his neck and went back to being a necklace. Vyllith hugged Gozith who went stiff but returned the gesture quickly he had a smile on his face. Vyllith returned it and quickly caught up with Lash. Once again she walked behind him until one of his tentacles snagged her and brought her up front with him. She gave him a bemused expression.


    ¡°Do I need to order you, or can you just adapt normally?¡± Lash asked, and Vyllith smiled at him.


    ¡°Maybe you need to punish me....¡± Vyllish said coyly, Lash stumbled over his foot and looked back at her in surprise. She laughed at him and covered her mouth with her hand.


    ¡°No, Lord Wraith you don''t have to order me. But it was all worth it just for that.¡± Vyllith replied and Lash grumbled softly as they continued towards the shuttle bay.


    ¡°Wraith!¡± A man''s voice called from above as Hawkman, and Hawkwoman flew down from a different section. The deck plating was still being installed.


    ¡°Yes? What''s wrong?¡± Lash asked, completely ready to jump into action.


    ¡°Vici said you are setting up the F.O.B.s on the moon?¡± Hawkwoman asked with a stunning smile.


    ¡°Yes, just three bases with a shield. They''ll be placed around the surface city. I don''t expect much reaction, but we have several JLI members who prefer a good fight and have nothing to fight.¡± Lash replied, and gestured for them to follow.


    ¡°Wraith we have 22 hours until we are suppose to be in New York.¡± Vyllith reminded him about the interview. Lash winced but did some rough calculations.


    ¡°As long as nothing happens we''ll have time.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Right, cause nothing ever happens around you.¡± Hawkman said with a grin. Lash hated to admit it but that was true.


    ¡°Come with us on the shuttle trip we can use your tactical awareness in the construction plots.¡± Lash suggested and they both agreed easily enough.


    Vici and Vigil sent out a volunteer mission operation. They were setting up the FOB''s on the moon and would start the campaign to take over Luna. Hundreds of people responded and started to make their way towards the ship bays that were still under construction. Thankfully the shuttles were intact. Lash of course was not staying on the moon. He had work on the Earth. But as he said before they had plenty of people looking for a fight with no fight to be had.


    Most of the fighting on Earth was law keeping, or considered a high grade mission operation. The JLI had the same mission grade system as well the Dream Engine. Lash was sure that was game mechanics at work. So obviously grade D couldn''t tackle a grade B mission. They could provide logistical support, but a vanguard position? Nope!


    The Lunar campaign was different, from the information they were able to gather anyone from E-A grade could participate in the Lunar campaign. It reminded Erik of that destiny FPS shooter game from way back when. Teams of elite commandos sent to fight the aliens on the moon. Lash even spent a reincarnated life as a guardian. He understood the comparison and had to admit they were similar. The entire surface of the moon had been scouted out ages ago. They had several plots of land that would be ideal for a military bunker.


    Lash and his team walked through a door and stepped into the still under construction ship bay. A clear blue membrane of light held in the atmosphere as they walked across the deck towards the awaiting shuttle that was to take them to the moon. Nearly a hundred worker droids, JLI crews, and Saurus soldiers worked to get it everything up to date. While dozens of volunteers waited by the shuttles, and star fighters waiting to get a ride for the first incursion into the moon.


    ¡°Alright listen up!¡± Lash shouted, his crocodile voice sending shivers down their spines as Partial Telepathy ensured they all understood him.


    ¡°We are building three installations around the surface city, approximately thirty or so miles from the area of operation. From the information we have it takes the revenants three days before they respond to any surface interaction. We will be doing primarily recon for the time being until we understand what we are fighting. Do we have any intelligent questions before we depart?¡± Lash said to the JLI volunteers.


    ¡°Are we getting hazard pay for this?¡± One of the JLI members asked, and a few people chuckled.


    ¡°Technically, yes. I''ll be blunt with you. This is a dangerous campaign. I am going to make it a requirement that you all read up on what revenants are. How, and why they are made. Strengths, and weaknesses, and you will have to pass a test on them before you are allowed to freely interact with the AO.¡± Lash shouted at the JLI, and many people groaned.


    ¡°Are we receiving consecrated rounds? Or some kind of weapon specifically to fight the spirits?¡± Another JLI asked.


    ¡°Yes, in fact most of you will be obtaining Nth metal cold weapons at the bare minimum. While some of you will even be shooting Nth metal.¡± Lash replied, and the Hawks looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Is there a time table to the campaign?¡±


    ¡°Till its done, pending a natural disaster or another invasion. Once the campaign is finished we''ll terraform the moon and establish a colony. Then move on to Mars.¡± Lash said, and made a point to say Mars as there were two Martians in the volunteer group who brightened up considerably.


    ¡°Sir, can the Ma''aleca''andrans people participate in the Lunar campaign?¡± One of the martians asked.


    ¡°As long as they understand the dangerous, yes of course they can.¡± Lash replied. Several JLI members smiled at the Martians who positively vibrated with excitement.


    ¡°I understand this briefing is bare bones. We''ll have more information as we continue. Yes, I did mean what I said about the test before your allowed to participate in recon missions.¡± Lash emphasized his point and many people sighed in disappointment.


    ¡°Alright, get to your transport. If we don''t have enough don''t worry the shuttles will be coming back as soon as they drop us off.¡± Lash said and everyone jumped towards their stations.


    ''When did the Martians join the JLI'' -Lash asked as he boarded his shuttle with Vyllith, the Hawks, and a crew.


    ''Awhile ago, the JLI doesn''t just work on Earth anymore. They also work on Mars.'' -Hawkwoman replied when Lash linked them up.


    ''We may have to give us a new name.'' -Lash replied.


    ''Justice Legion could work'' -Hawkman said next.


    ''I''m sure Kyoko and Mezo have it well in hand.'' -Vyllith suggested, and showed Lash a holographic message board for possible Sol System team names....


    One by one the different shuttles, and star fighters took off from the ship bay and departed from the Watch Tower Star Base. The relatively huge station quickly shrunk into the distance within the vastness of space. Lash noticed that all of the ships moved an a phenomenally quick pace and realized that each ship had a mini singularity drive core. Just like the ?lfeneel from the MCU. They partially bent space as they moved. In simple terms other ships had to move 100 feet, while they only had to move 50.


    Lash glanced around the shuttle, it was actually the first time he had ever been in one. His Science Intuition, Magic Intuition, and Science abilities prompted him with experience as he found flaws in the design and ways to improve it. Lash pulled up his holographic and with Technomancy quickly scribbled some notes down and sent them off to Malleus. He got a quick reply with a simple thumbs up emoji.


    The shuttles were approximately 15 feet tall, about 20 feet wide, and 100 feet long. They use to be smaller, but Lash preferred quality of quantity any day. The front portion had seating for the pilot, and co-pilot, along with engineering, science, and operations. Then slightly behind the front was a two station portal hub. Then behind that was a long corridor where additional modules could be stored. So depending on the operation they could store medical units, extra bedding for soldiers or refugees, etc. Then behind all that was the galley, and sleeping area. With a single wash closet. (Toilet, sink, shower.) The engine was actually along the spine of the ship. While additional module anchor points were on the top, and sides of the shuttle. This allowed it to multi functional as long as they had time to swap the modules out.


    The star fighters traveling with them looked a lot like a great white shark with scales on it. 4 dorsal fins that would extend when in atmosphere. While the tail ended into four engines that left an energy trail. Magnetic coils on the underside of the fins for extra mobility planet side. On the top, and bottom of the fighter were twin guns that a gunner could fire from. Or the could be synced to the pilot and add to the already existing guns under the wings. Thanks to Martian science the star fighters could adapt and change inside the station. Growing larger, or smaller depending on the need. So if they needed bombers they could grow and change in the station.


    Now, both shuttle, and star fighter had vibranium and Nth metal weave through them. The unfortunate weakness of Martian tech is that bio-ships have low armor. That however was no longer a threat. True the Star Bases navy were not true bio-ships. But they could change as long as they were in port. That reminded Lash that he had selected the heavy corvette class in the ship bay. He was curious what the ship would look like once all the different Arcane Science types were added in. Hopefully they would be finished before the invasion showed up.


    ¡°Area of Operation within sight.¡± The android pilot called out and Lash was pulled from his musings. The view screen went through several full visual spectrum shifts, and Magical Perceptions until they found the right one.


    The revenant city was housed in a giant canyon along the surface of the moon. Which was odd because a crack this large would be visible from Earth at least through a telescope. But Lash never remembered this thing on any history books back in school. The entire city was under a veil, or a baffle field depending on their method. The shuttle, and star fighters kept well away from the shield that covered it. They had quickly learned it deflected anything that touched it. Plus the whole city came to life and poured across the moon like an angry hill of fire ants.


    The city itself was oddly reminiscent of Aztec design? More to the point that most of the structures had a ziggurat design. Only the edges were pointed up like a blade. So not Aztec specifically, but just ancient Earth. Layered building designs, each layer had installations, facilities, and homes built into the structure. Then it would go up a tier and begin again. Defensible.


    Most of the buildings were dull gray, and black colors. But a few of them were vibrant silver, white, and red. These buildings had giant crystals floating above them. The crystals fed energy into the veil above it. Most of these buildings were along the outer edge of the city outside of the canyon. While a few larger ones were inside the city. Each one would have to be taken down for the entire shield to fall. Then they would have to continue inside the moon. This was the only city visible on the moon, it was not the only city in the moon.


    The city was also very active! Hundreds of thousands of citizens went about their lives. They would repeat the last year of their life, over, and over again. The culmination of the year was Halloween which was only few months, weeks away? Lash would have to check, since Selina was getting married a week after Halloween. Once Halloween was over the whole city would reset, including the population. Which was why this was recon only.


    If they pushed into the moon now, and couldn''t stop what ever was causing the repeat to happen. They''d get half way down and suddenly be surrounded by ten million revenants. Ten million specifically because that was how many were on Lash''s quest from his Cosmic Patron. So far no one had got a good look at the revenants they were always cloaked in a sort of field while in the city. They looked like ghosts that were out of phase. Like a white spot on a camera. They''d have to fix that somehow.


    ¡°So in our last scouting mission we found a few spots that are relatively close by. One of them is on a plateau that overlooks the canyon.¡± Hawkman said as the shuttle flew over the location.


    ¡°Another location is inside a set of caves we believe may lead to the inner sections of the moon. But if not we can always dig our way down.¡± Hawkwoman stepped in next, as the display showed what she meant.


    ¡°Then the last place we can suggest, and this is a bold statement. Place it with in a mile of the gates to the city.¡± Hawkman suggested to him.


    ¡°We''d have to go inside the shield to do that.¡± Lash commented, and he nodded in agreement.


    ¡°We don''t have to build all three today. Once we take the city having a base right at the gates would be useful.¡± Vyllith suggested, and the Hawks agreed.


    ¡°Alright, pilot take us to the plateau please.¡± Lash asked and the android nodded and maneuvered the shuttle back to ''Alpha''.


    The plateau was approximately 20 miles across (32 km) with a jagged edge, and a natural rock tower along the south west. Great place for an airfield, as they could literally see the canyon in the distance and the veil that covered it. The shuttle landed and the airlock doors slide to the side, a soft blue shield membrane kept the atmosphere inside. Lash stepped outside with out a vac-suit as always. This was normally when he would get experience from Self-Sustenance but it was maxed now.


    ¡°Eh, funny that.¡± Lash said softly and balked as he actually heard himself talk. It was a combination of Partial-Telepathy and Self-Sustenance.


    Hawkman, and Hawkwoman stepped outside in their standard Thanagarian gear. Their Nth metal allowing them to survive in the vacuum. Though their face masks came down to allow them to talk over the communication line. The other shuttles landed, while the star fighters kept circling in a wide perimeter around the plateau. Vyllith skipped out of the shuttle and bounced across the ground towards Lash. Her helmet was up, he wasn''t sure if she could survive out here with out. They''d have to test that later in a safe, controlled environment.


    Lash looked up into space and saw the ocean of stars looking back at him. The moons atmosphere was nearly none existent due it low gravity, and chemical gasses. There were a lot of issues they would have to look into once the revenants were gone. He knew a C grade planetary shield could cover the moon. But if the shield ever failed then everyone on the moon would die. They''d have to stabilize its gravitational field then...


    ¡°Wraith! We only have 20 hours!¡± Vyllith shouted at him through the comms. Lash jumped in surprise while Hawkwoman laughed at him. He did that thing again where he dazed out while he was thinking about projects.


    ¡°Right! Right, just keep an eye out.¡± Lash said as he walked to the dead center of the plateau.


    Lash began to build the G grade planetary shield (Chapter 90). A ritual circle was cast into the moons surface through Elemental Manipulation and magical energy. Geometric shapes, and ghost lines of the structure began to take shape as Lash used Essence Imbuement, Chameleon, Nature''s Passage, Growth, Gravitas, Weather Control, Earthquake Control, Quality Enhancement, Enchanting Word, Repair, Connectivity, Alteration, Compression Transformation, Virtual Intelligence, Technomagical Construct, Renew, Immaculate, Re:Implant, Source Code, Infinite Supply, Deflection, Blink, Unburden, Soul Heal, Consecrate, Spiritual Guardian, Fabrication, Enlarge/Reduce, Matter Transmutation, (Haven''t used that in a long time) Phantasm, Invisibility, Anonymity, Compulsion, Pain, Reality Warping, and Bending.


    The planetary shield quickly grew up from its foundations, yes grew is the right word. Like a tree it spread out metallic roots for support, while its branches reached for the stars above. At the core of the planetary shield tree was a single tear drop size singularity that Lash had created through Reality Warping. Once the trunk, and branches reached 300 hundred feet. (91 meters) The first layer of hexagon shield grids started to form. Once ten shield pieces formed, the second layer started. The shield had phasing tech built into it. So it would pass through the ground to prevent anything from getting through. They weren''t sure if the revenants could pass through stone but it was a good safety feature.


    ¡°Woah...¡± Hawkman said in astonishment.


    ¡°How long did that take? I lost track of time.¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°That took thirty minutes to do.¡± Vyllith replied, Lash could hear her smirk through her mask. He glanced at his energy reserves and they were already back to 100%.


    ¡°Next comes the bunker.¡± Lash said as he rubbed his clawed hands together.


    The planetary shield tree quickly finished its double layer shield. The two layers were far enough apart that they could open the first layer, let something or someone in. Then close the first layer and open the second layer. Like a gate. It had a plethora of bells and whistles built into it. It would link up with the facilities tied to it. But most importantly Lash could build onto this shield tree. Nothing said he couldn''t have more than one planetary shield in place around the moon. In fact it would be beneficial to have more than one.


    The bunker was even easier to build. He designed it after the Earth''s style of a Bastion Star Fort. The outer walls went to the edge of the plateau. While the inner walls rose above the outer to create a downward slope allowing for attack positions. But each segment or piece had an additional wall or gate house. So if one section was taken it wouldn''t spell the doom of any others. He had 20 miles to play with a shield tree in the dead center. The tree only took up about a half a mile of space. So lots of room!


    The fort took longer than the shield. Six hours later the super structure was complete and now Lash was working on the insides. Building self contained utilities, amenities, etc. They needed a work and machine shop, a barracks, hangar, medical wing, operations. Essentially everything they had aboard the station, obviously not the pleasure palace. But the idea was the same. Lash didn''t use the Dream Store for this. He pulled everything from his memory, or from Vici''s data core. That just meant if he wanted to upgrade this place he''d have to do it by hand, or the JLI would have to.


    Just as Lash was putting the finishing touches on the portal hub back to the Watch Tower Star Base.... ¡°We''ve got movement coming from the city.¡± One of the star fighters reported.


    ¡°Already?¡± Hawkman asked, as Lash finished up on his task and went to the upper floors of the fort.


    Lash quickly complied a manual for the whole installation and placed it in operations and flipped on the power. One by one the whole fort came online and the communication hub sent a signal to the Watch Tower. Lash came up and ran across the ramparts of the fort towards the north east corner. A omni turret had been placed there ready to be manually used or linked up to operations. Lash was considering on creating a minor VI, or just linking it to Vici? Decisions, decisions.


    Lash watched as six shuttles landed on their designated spots and started to unload JLI volunteers, and logistical staff. There was no atmosphere inside the shield as of yet. He was trying to decide if he should change that or not. When he finally reached the pointed edge of the fort he saw a line of glowing pale dots slowly approaching the fort from their vantage point. Lash used Invoke Animal Spirit-Eagle. His eyes peered through the double layer shield and towards the spirits. But he still couldn''t pierce the veil that surrounded them.


    ¡°How much time do you have left, Wraith?¡± Hawkman asked as he pulled out his Nth metal mace. Lash looked at his appointment schedule.


    ¡°7 hours, I should leave early and ensure I''m actually in New York.¡± Lash replied, as Vyllith and Hawkwoman came up both pulling out their weapons.


    ¡°Why can''t we see what they look like?¡± Hawkwoman asked in frustration.


    ¡°Why are they responding so early?¡± Vyllith asked a good question.


    ¡°Are we 100% sure they are hostile?¡± Hawkman asked.


    ¡°Let me check.¡± Lash said, and stepped back and knelt down. He closed his eyes and used Cosmic Awareness. Thousands of magical energy points were consumed in a second. But his energy levels quickly rose back to full.


    ¡°The denizens of the moon are hostile, User. You can not see what they look like because they use a glamour that is not familiar to you. A different magic system is used on the moon. Though you can of course use your own, as evidence shows. You must take the time to understand theirs.¡± Dawns sweet voice whispered into his ears.


    ¡°They are hostile, they are using a type of Glamour that is foreign to us. Essentially we have to learn thei...¡± Lash began but was interrupted.


    ¡°Wraith we know what a Glamour is.¡± Hawkwoman said to him abruptly.


    ¡°Oh, sorry. I''m so use to explaining things to Flash.¡± Lash replied, and bowed from his waist in apology. Hawkwoman smiled at him and accepted the apology.


    ¡°Well, let''s go say hello.¡± Hawkman said an unfolded his wings.


    Lash''s lower set of arms pulled, and shifted to his back. They elongated their skeleton structure, tendons, and muscles to accommodate the change. Soon he had an expansive set of bat like wings thanks to his Adaptation. Smoke, and shadow dripped from them. While by his side, Vyllith called her own set of wings she had earned from Angelic Physiology. They were daemonic wings however, not feathered. They burst into being with divine crimson light.


    ¡°When did you get wings!?¡± Hawkman asked, astonished at the look of them both.


    ¡°I''ve had wings for a long time. I just don''t use them. Most people think I can''t fly, its a good trump card.¡± Lash replied as he flapped his wings and used Telekinesis to aid in his flight.


    ¡°I received mine not that long ago, so please forgive me.¡± Vyllith replied and she fluttered, and danced around.


    The Hawks both grinned and flapped around them. Lash was fine, almost disappointingly to the Hawks. But Vyllith definitely needed some help. Lash ensured they were all linked together with Temporary Pack Bond. Thoughts, emotions, and basic information became that much easier to share. For a few brief moments they forgot the ensuing attack and just flew around one another. One by one they flew from the shield as it opened its door for them.


    ¡°Father, may I suggest you design a VI for the fort. I would prefer the help.¡± Vici asked, across a private line.


    ¡°Yes, I can do that.¡± Lash replied, and made a note to do that before he left.


    Flying on the moon was a strange sensation. There was no wind to push against. Vyllith''s gear had Nth metal in it and with a simple flip of a switch her overall gravity changed just like the Hawks. While Lash did the same. Lash made note of attaching a drive core to an exoskeleton suit. That way if certain JLI members who could fly wanted to. They could fly through space and act the part of star fighters. Thoughts for the future.


    The star fighters flew above them ready to assist at a moments notice. Their targeting computers couldn''t get a lock on the revenants. But they could fire at the ground. The stream of spirits from the city looked to be about a mile long. So several hundred were en route to the plateau. The four of them spread apart about 50 or so feet separating them. Lash was in the lead as they reached the last mile marker his Observant ability clicked on.


    Lunar Magic Arts, Learning:1%.....2%.....3%


    ¡°I''ve got a reading but it is going to take a while.¡± Lash replied to them. Then bolts of light shot through the air towards them. The revenants were firing at them with something.


    Bolts of silver electric energy exploded when they reached a proximity close to them, like flak shot. A burst of static energy consumed 10 or so feet. Then quickly faded away. Eventually the whole column of revenants fired upon them in the air. The star fighters gunner ports started to unload into the mass of lights. They shot consecrated energy rounds center mass. Thankfully that did something as the whole column exploded and the dancing lights went to take cover.


    Lunar Magic Arts, Learning: 15%......16%.....17%


    ¡°This is going to take a few minutes!¡± Lash said as he did a barrel roll in mid flight his wings wrapped around him as a energy bolt exploded next to him. He felt necrotic, and arcane lightning in the shot. His Necromancy Sub-Domain sent him a prompt of experience, as did Damage Resistance.


    ¡°Yeaaaah!¡± Hawkwoman shouted as she flew straight for the attacking force, Nth metal mace out. Quickly followed by Hawkman who had a grin on his face.


    Vyllith pulled out her whip blade and bathed it in a divine crimson light. A flare of divine magic bathed the whole area and she dove straight towards the revenants. Lash rolled his eyes and dove down to join his knight, and friends. As soon as he landed his wings grew a scales across the outer membrane and become shields. He covered himself as another shot exploded against him. Then he sprinted towards one of the orbs of light. He extended a silver (Nth) Psionic Blade from one of his four tentacles, bisecting the creature. It shrieked in pain but didn''t die, well die again.


    A wisp of energy whipped around and barreled into him. Lash was catapulted across the field a few dozen feet. Then he bounced to his feet. He took 1% of damage from that strike, odd. Then Lash gave himself a mental face palm and channeled Judgment into blade and tried again. This time the thing screamed in agony and burst into light.


    Lunar Magic Arts, Learning: 75%.....


    Ah! He needed to kill another creature. Luckily there were plenty to choose from. He raced forward and saw that his companions were faring better than he. Vyllith was practically butchering the revenants with her divine sword. While the Hawks bashed away with their Nth metal maces with similar effect. Lash jumped into another revenant even as it shot him point blank range. He extended his Psionic Blades from his fists and stabbed straight in. This time the soul of the creature absorbed into him thanks to Soul Absorption from the Rebirth Domain.


    Lunar Magic Arts, Complete.


    Lash quickly sent the necessary information to Vici through Connectivity then quickly adjusted the Hawks, and Vyllith''s vision through a Phantasm spell to allow Magical Perception. Then they could at last see their prey. The revenants were insectoid in appearance. Their skulls were human like in the fact they had human skulls. But zero flesh, just skin pulled across bone. With helmets on that jutted out, and pointed back like tuning fork. Their necks were a bit longer than humans. With thorax insect chest, perhaps it was armor? They did not have an abdomen like an insect would. But their legs, and arms triple jointed. Two pairs of legs, two pairs of arms. All of them wearing armor. They had a ghostly see through appearance. In the center of their skulls were 5 eyes. 4 on the side, and the 5th dead center.


    Several of the revenants had hand held devices that looked like a pair of animal claws with a handle. These shot the energy bolts they had been using on them. While the rest carried blades, or just the claws on their hands, and feet. They had four fingered claws on each. Each one was several inches long. Despite their ghostly physical form the claws ripped through stone easily enough.


    ¡°Get Clear!¡± The star fighters above shouted, they had target lock.


    Lash, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, and Vyllith all jumped into the air and flew off. As dozens of energy bombs dropped on top of the column of soldiers. Why they didn''t do that before? Lash needed to learn the Magic Arts. Any of the soldiers that died with in a few hundred feet of Lash were pulled into him through Soul Absorption while the rest of the will-o-wisps flew back to the city. Unfortunately as soon as the first spirit reached the cities edge. The whole city went into a lock down, and soldiers appeared along the edges of the walls.


    ¡°So they don''t know automatically. A spirit has to reach home before they fully understand what is going on. Food for thought.¡± Hawkwoman said softly.


    ¡°Come on, we accomplished our mission.¡± Hawkman said next, and they all flew back to the fort under the protection of the star fighters......


    A simple visor interface update on all of the JLI suits would allow anyone to see the spirits clearly. Lash did as he promised Vici and crafted a F grade Minor VI for the fort. Who knows maybe in the future they''ll be in charge of the whole colony. Just as Lash was about to leave he received a prompt from Dawn, or rather for the VI Avatars in attendance.


    Dynamic Mission, Lunar Campaign.


    Objective: Clean our the moon of hostiles.


    Objective: Establish Beta fort at marked location. (See tool tip)


    Objective: Establish Charlie fort at marked location. (See tool tip)


    Objective: Discover how the revenants respawn, and stop it.


    Optional Objective: Collect lore, and resources from revenant cities.


    Optional Objective: Volunteer for recon in the area of operation.


    Optional Objective.....


    It continued for several more lines. But essentially every VI Avatar could join up and get experience, JLI reputation, and gear from the missions. Lash was pretty sure even the denizens of the dream got something out of it. Even if they were not fully aware of it. If Lash were in the MMO, this whole place would be a quest hub. A limited time quest hub, as far as Erik explained it. Those were always fan favorites.


    Floating above the Lunar Fort was their very own observation satellite. That would also allow them to teleport from the moon to the station. Lash, and Vyllith stepped onto the forts teleportation hub and the spring jump coils wrapped around them. They went up to the satellite as energy, then transferred to the station, then went to a satellite above North America, then went straight down to New York all in the span of about 4 seconds. Vici had created a simple baffle field around the entry point. So Lash, and Vyllith appeared in the middle of Central Park, Manhattan.


    Lash reached out through Connectivity to the Wardens that he had arrived in New York, and would be available for the interview at WWN. He was currently in Central Park. Before Lash even started to channel his Nature Domain to restore the park because it badly needed it he received an emergency message from the Wardens not to do anything! Simply meet them at the street, they would send a vehicle for him, and Vyllith.


    Lash shrugged and cast Anonymity onto himself, and Vyllith and they walked through Central Park. Anyone who looked at them would see who ever they were suppose to see walking through a ruined park. The park it self was filled with garbage, tents, lots and lots of tents. A few ruined shacks made from boards, and scrap metal. Along with a few rotting bodies hidden under shrubs, and trees. Lash did use Unburden on the echoes, and Decomposition on the bodies after he received an ID on them.


    After about thirty or so minutes they reached the edge of the park and saw the ruined city line around them. It was about eleven in the morning and the streets were packed with bumper to bumper...Oh no, those cars were parked. The whole street was filled with parked cars except for two lanes that had bumper to bumper traffic. Several buildings in sight were hollow, and their insides could be visibly seen. While even one building had fallen over and collapsed onto an intersection. Lash just stared at it.


    ¡°This is worse than Gotham.¡± Vyllith commented, and she was correct. The streets were at least working in Gotham. There were several sections of Gotham that didn''t have streets! But at least the streets were cleared.


    Then an explosion shook the area and several parked cars went flying into the air. A few landed in the park, a few landed in the ruined buildings, while the rest landed on the other cars. People screamed, and ran the opposite direction. No one stopped to record the scene on their phones. At last common sense! They both watched as two groups of people fought one another. Traffic was in a stand still.


    Dynamic Event; Gang fight.


    Objective: Defeat or kill the gangs. 0/30


    Objective: Save the civilians. (%)


    Optional Objective: Reduce property damage. (%)


    Optional Objective: Discover why the gang is fighting, and who they belong to.


    Lash reached over and cast Acceleration, and Cat''s Grace on Vyllith who understood. With a mental command her gauntlets charged up with electricity for none lethal unless Lash said otherwise. She sprinted towards the fight and jump over the ruined cars with grace and agility. While Lash casually made his way towards the confrontation. A few more cars went flying and he reached out to snag them with Telekinesis breaking his Anonymity spell. Lash walked past a man who was huddled behind a car who gaped at him.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Lash said to him.


    ¡°Good...Good morning.¡± The man said, as he rubbed his face and watched Lash walk towards the fight.


    ¡°Who the fuck is this bitch!¡± A man shouted, then he started to scream in agony soon after.


    ¡°Shoot her! Shoot her!¡± Another man shouted. Short but explosive bursts of blue light popped into being every few seconds.


    Once he was close enough Sherogoth''s Blessing informed Lash of their sins. He updated Vyllith who whipped our her blade and started to disassemble the sinful. A majority of the gang on both sides where horrible people who would be spending the next foreseeable future in Lash''s hell dimension. As one by one the souls were pulled into Lash. While the few others were lucky to get away with only one of their limbs removed and cauterized before they bled out. The last few members were all meta-humans.


    ¡°Fuck! Fuck! We got to go! She''s to...Oh god.¡± One of the meta''s was a young woman with blue skin, and ice covered hair. She wore ripped jeans, boots, and a tank top. She dropped to her knees in utter horror because she saw Lash in his lizard grim reaper shroud walking towards her.


    Name: Jennifer Wilkins aka Killer Ice, VI Avatar.


    Title: Frost Princess. Ice Bitch. Drug Addict.


    Origin: Meta


    Rank: D+


    Skills: Acting, Criminal Underworld Lore, Sports, (See tool tip)


    Powers: Cryokinesis, Thermoregulator, Superhuman Durability, (See tool tip)


    Domains: N/A


    Traits: N/A


    Affiliation: Vortex Gang.


    Flaws: Drug Abuse.


    Disposition: Hostile bordering on terrified.


    Description: Killer Ice''s User created her and eventually found her build to be sub-optimal. So her User turned to drugs as a way to obtain a new World Point modifier for her death. She wasn''t a bad soul originally, but thanks to a new VI administration tool given to the Users they can suggest what happens to their former Avatars. Killer Ice''s User wanted a drugged out villain.


    ¡°Dawn?¡± Lash said under his breath. ¡°Users can dictate what happens to their avatars now?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes, User! If a User ever stops wanting to play their current avatar. They can set their behavior in the other Dreams. It was meant to allow the VI Avatars to not have a suicidal tendency. Like Fantasma did at the end of his life.¡± Dawn replied softly.


    It was quickly learned by the Users of the Dream Engine that you obtained more World Points by going out in blaze of glory, or odd suicidal methods then straight up deleting an avatar. So the Users would find weird and interesting ways to die. Unfortunately these suicidal tendencies would get copied onto the VI Avatars. So, the copies in other User Dreams could find exceptional people that suddenly killed themselves for stupid reasons.


    Fantasma had died during the invasion fighting a meta gang. However, after looking through the available information Lash learned that Fantasma could have easily survived that fight. He died pushing an ally out of the way and then stood perfectly still waiting to die. Self sacrifice World Point allocation. Lash was sure the User got a lot of points for it in their own Dream. But Lash was furious that he had lost Fantasma. He really liked the guy! Fantasma had also left behind his mother, to which Lash was taking care out of respect for his friend.


    Now it seemed that the Users can alter the behavior of their former Avatars. Killer Ice''s former User decided to turn her into a drug addict? Lash came to a gradual stop and crouched down so he could look at Jennifer. She was pale as possible with her blue skin. Vyllith finished up with the rest and walked over casually as she flicked her sword clean of blood and sheathed it behind her back where her suit caught it and compressed it.


    ¡°Miss Wilkins, what are you doing here?¡± Lash asked softly, his animalistic voice made the young woman jump.


    ¡°I...I...I don''t know....I.¡± Jennifer said as tears rolled down her cheeks. They were as cold as liquid nitrogen when they hit the pavement.


    ¡°I... I don''t know! I just, I...¡± Jennifer curled up into a ball and started to cry.


    Then Lash saw something he had never seen with in the Dream. She glitched out. Her avatar rubber banded from the middle of the fight scene to back to where she was. Lash knew he wasn''t the only one who saw it because Vyllith took a step back in shock. Jennifer continued to sob as she muttered over and over again that she didn''t know why. Jennifer''s soul was gray so she hadn''t been doing this long. Lash saw several good things she had done in the past. Killer Ice use to be a hero. Then her User turned her into this?


    ¡°Pause the world, Dawn.¡± Lash said, his voice boiling in rage. The world came to stuttering stop.


    ¡°Is she like this in every Dream?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes, User. She is essentially cannon fodder for new heroes, and new villains.¡± She said.


    ¡°Can I use Dream Points to change her?¡± Lash asked, as he continued to look at her.


    ¡°You don''t need Dream Points to change her, User. You have an assortment of spells and abilities that can help her.¡± Dawn replied.


    ¡°I mean all of them.¡± Lash asked.... Obviously that was so out far out of left field because Dawn went silent.


    ¡°One moment, User.¡± Dawn said, her voice took on a more artificial tone. Like she was back when he first met her.


    ¡°User #00,012 please explain your request.¡± A bass tone of voice came down from the heavens itself. Lash looked up and a new sun was born in the sky, the administration VI had shown up.


    ¡°Can I use my Dream Points to alter the VI Avatars behavior?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°To what kind of behavior?¡± The Admin replied.


    ¡°I read her history, she was a hero before. A good person, until her former User changed her personality on a whim! She doesn''t deserve this!¡± Lash shouted up at them.


    ¡°The VI Avatar is made up of complex software, and subconscious thought format. They are not alive.¡± The Admin replied.


    ¡°Then it shouldn''t matter if I want to change them!¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°I have read your profile, User #00,012. You have an impressive kill score. Direct kills, and indirect kills. You have slaughtered thousands of Dream denizens, and VI Avatars why is this one different?¡± The Admin asked.


    ¡°Because she didn''t have a choice! It was taken from her!¡± Erik / Lash shouted at them.


    ¡°You wish to change them all? You understand it will take a large amount of Dream Points to accomplish?¡± The Admin asked.


    ¡°How much?¡± Lash asked...


    ¡°10,000 Dream Points to change them all. To return them to the hero they were.¡± The Admin said.


    ¡°Done!¡± Lash shouted, and he felt his DP total drop.


    The whole Dream state rolled with a digital wave that Erik had seen before in different games. A tidal wave of pixels swallowed the whole area then when it was done, Jennifer was gone. The world slowly unfroze and Lash stood up to look around. Vyllith jumped in surprise and looked around in confusion.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± Vyllith asked, Lash raised a scaled eye crest at that. Then as if to answer her question a bridge of ice, and snow arrived on the battle scene. A woman wearing a JLI uniform showed up with a brilliant smile on her face.


    ¡°Hello! Wow, you two are brutal in person!¡± The woman said.


    ¡°Hello, apologies we didn''t mean to step into your territory.¡± Lash said as he bowed from his waist.


    ¡°Oh don''t sweat big guy! As far as I''m concerned the whole solar system is your territory.¡± The woman replied.


    ¡°May I ask your name?¡± Lash inquired.


    ¡°Jackie Frost!¡± The woman said with a smile. Lash''s interface activated with her ID and he found Jennifer Wilkins reborn again as a hero of the world.


    ''What did you just do?'' -Vyllith asked through their shared link. She was both terrified, and filled with admiration.


    ''I cut a deal with my Cosmic Patron.'' -Lash replied.


    ------


    Jackie Frost was very enthusiastic about helping. Lash spent sometime regrowing or attaching the limbs of the still living people. Then Jackie wrapped them up in a tether line from her suit and made an ice sled then pulled them away to the nearest police precinct. While Lash cast Decomposition on the remaining bodies after he retrieved their ID''s. Jackie was one of the solo operators her in New York. She had a great record, and was a team player. The senior staff of the JLI were thinking of nominating her the leader of her own team. Lash gave his recommendation as well.


    Another hour passed and their ride still wasn''t here. Lash rolled his eyes and started to walk towards the WWN studio under the guise of Anonymity along with Vyllith. Along the way they stopped a bank robbery, two more gang fights, put out a fire, and stopped a simple mugging. The Dynamic Event reward from the first fight with Killer Ice, and the rest all awarded him reputation with New York City. Several hours later they arrived at the WWN studio and then they received word from the Wardens as they had recently arrived, at the park. Lash informed them that they took too long so they went directly to the studio.


    The WWN studio building was one of the buildings still standing with minimal damage. A few floors windows had been shattered and they saw several people slowly putting it back together. They also saw that the elevators were out in the lobby. So they used the stairs. Still under the guise of spell craft no one paid them any mind. All the while the Wardens of New York requested that they stay put they were on the way. In dead lock traffic? City Runes only work if traffic is flowing.


    ¡°AGENT WRAITH!?¡± A voice called down from the first floor. Dozens or so people froze in the middle of the stair way as they looked down, and up depending on where they were.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Lash called down to them and the spell guise fell off.


    ¡°AAAAAAAAA!¡± A man shouted as a grim reaper appeared next to him, then Lash cast Calm Emotions on him. A string of sharp pointed shoes, and boots raced up the stair case.


    A group of men, and women in expensive tailored suits showed up. Each one with reinforced kevlar sewn in and enchanted with spell wards placed carefully across the suits. They all held compact assault rifles, and swords strapped across their backs. Several of them were Sylvan, two of them were Orcs, and one was a full blood Sidhe. Each one was under a Glamour to hide their supernatural nature. A woman with golden caramel skin, long auburn hair, and a hourglass figure was between them. She wore an expensive dress suit, with a skirt, and high heels.


    ''Dragon, Torloth''s daughter.'' -Saurian replied across the link.


    ¡°Miss Shi''Word, hello.¡± Lash said as he performed his Warden etiquette in a bow and a hand gesture. The woman balked at the gesture.


    ¡°Please don''t! I... I mean, thank you! I... I''m sorry for being late.¡± The woman said with nervous tension. Lash tilted his head at her in utter confusion.


    ''She is weaker than you.'' -Saurian said helpfully. Which completely stupefied Lash.


    Juliana Shi''Word Lash''s liaison in Gotham, and the mother of his first born is the youngest of Torloth''s daughters. If this woman was one of Torloth''s kin that either meant she was weaker then Juliana. Or Lash had grown so powerful that Juliana was beneath him in power. He honestly couldn''t believe that, so he just assumed this woman didn''t spend enough time practicing as a good dragon should.


    ¡°My name is Andreia, I''ll be helping you today with the interview and with city hall later.¡± She said as she walked over and held out her hand. Lash stepped forward and took the offered hand gently. She shook like a leaf.


    ¡°Miss Andreia did something happen? Are you being chased by someone?¡± Lash asked, as he looked down the flight of stairs then back at her bodyguards who both flinched under his gaze.


    ¡°What? Oh no! Everything is fine, we...were just late. That''s all.¡± Andreia said, as she rubbed her palms on her suit.


    Vyllith thankfully had her helmet up so they couldn''t see her snickering. She stepped around Andreia and introduced herself to the bodyguards, they would be working together for the next little while. The Sylvans, Orcs, and Sidhe all bowed to her in respect and a bit of fear. While Lash offered his hand to Andreia who looked at him in confusion before she shook herself awake and took the offered hand. A deep blush crawled up her neck, onto her face, and it reached her ears.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± The man who screamed earlier called out, Lash stopped to look at him.


    ¡°There is a little coffee shop down the road, I know the owner. Could you rebuild it sometime today?¡± The man asked, and Lash laughed in delight.


    ¡°Do they lease, or do they own the complex?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Doesn''t matter! Anything you rebuild is returned to the owner or to the city. You can work freely.¡± Andreia said quickly, the man brightened at that.


    ¡°Then yes I will.¡± Lash replied, and got the name of the place before the continued up the stairs.


    They eventually reached the WWN studio, Andreia produced the necessary paper work and proved Lash was Agent Wraith. They were shown to a make up room where Lash created an obsidian stone throne and took a seat. The artists didn''t know what to do so Lash simply spoke to them for a few minutes. Eventually Sara Bradley arrived and he informed her about the future visit to the Watch Tower. After the news segment finished with a prompt from Sara, and Luke that Agent Wraith was in the studio for an interview and told the viewers in an hour they would be doing it live. All the while Lash used Connectivity to message Juliana and asked her why her sister Andreia was so terrified? He received a prompt response.


    [Your a god! Why do you think she''s so terrified!?] -Juliana.


    [Are you afraid of me?] -Lash.


    [Of course not! By the way our child has a divine spark in it. I thought you should know.] -Juliana.


    [That''s wonderful!] -Lash.


    [When are you going to come visit me? I miss you.] -Juliana.


    [I miss you as well. I''m not sure, with the pending invasion I have a lot to do.] -Lash.


    [Love, let me tell you a little secret. If you don''t make the time, you will never find the time.] -Juliana.


    [I love you.] -Lash.


    [Love you too. Be nice to my sister.] -Juliana.


    ¡°Miss Andreia?¡± Lash said as he turned to look at her.


    ¡°YES!...Ahem....Yes?¡± Andreia practically yelped in surprise.


    ¡°Your sister says I am suppose to be nice to you. So can you please calm down?¡± Lash asked, and tried to give his best smile which of course in his Transformation state revealed a collection of sharp fangs. But she was a dragon she''d understand.


    ¡°She did!¡± Andreia squeaked and grew visibly pale. Lash rolled his eyes and cast Calm Emotions on her. Casting it on a dragon took a lot of energy, and he got a load of experience for it. But her breathing slowed down.


    ¡°OK, enough of that. Why are you so afraid of me?¡± Lash asked as he caste a baffle field around them.


    ¡°Because your a god, yes you are a minor deity but you can easily overpower me. If I insult you in any way you could do anything to me.¡± Andreia replied in a monotone voice.


    ¡°OK first off, I am still a Warden. Second off I consider the family Shi''Word a friend, and ally. Why would I ever hurt you? Third and most importantly I understand most deities are assholes drunk on their own power. But I''m not like that.¡± Lash told her simply.


    Then before Andreia could reply her phone went off. Lash could tell Calm Emotions was wearing off but Andreia seemed more in control now. She took out her phone and frowned in dismay. She stood up and walked out of the baffle field and answered the phone with a, ''Yes, dad?'' Lash raised a brow at that then watched as she made her own baffle field around herself. Lash collapsed his, and Vyllith came over to his side. She looked at her, then at him and shrugged.


    ''All the bodyguards are terrified of you. They assume you will do the whole, you''ve slighted a god now feel my wrath persona. I have informed them that you are not like that.'' -Vyllith said across their link, which made Lash frown in dismay. Then Andreia finished her phone call and walked over. She took a deep calming breath and stuck out her hand.


    ¡°Let''s try this again. Hello I am Andreia Shi''Word. I''ll be in your care for the next few days, please take care of me.¡± Andreia said with a hesitant smile. Lash stood up and took her hand in his, then he bowed from his waist and barely kissed her knuckles.


    ¡°It is a privilege, and a honor to meet you Andreia Shi''Word. I''ll do my best to take care of you while in your company. May I assume that Torloth threatened to crush my skull if I was rude to you?¡± Lash asked, and Andreia''s lips tugged up just a bit.


    ¡°Something like that.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Could you tell the bodyguards to calm down?¡± Lash asked, and she nodded.


    Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on the whole group. A euphoric pleasure rolled through them, but nothing so unsightly as an orgasm. Lash stopped doing that a while ago. It was fun while it lasted but he was better about it now...Mostly. Then when all else failed he made pieces of jewelry out of Orichalcum for them all. Each one with a Death Ward spell on it with a three month cool down.


    ¡°I CANT EXCEPT THIS!¡± Andreia shouted.


    ¡°Yes you can, and you will. You all will.¡± Lash said with a glare that he didn''t need because all the bodyguards made no move to return the gifts. Andreia for all her bluster also didn''t give it back, she was just being polite...loudly.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, we are ready for you.¡± One of the technicians came to the room to collect him.


    Lash was shown to a very nice, and very large leather seat that had no hope of holding him. So he pushed it aside and crafted his obsidian throne that he deconstructed from the make up room and placed here. He explained why, and the technicians rolled the seat out. Vyllith, and the rest of the bodyguards filtered across the room, out of the way but still visible. A lot of the crew were nervous to see a six foot tall military trained bodyguard in armani with an assault rifle slung on their back. Or a woman in daemonic looking armor that oozed killing intent.


    Sara Bradley, and Luke Brendon stepped onto the studio floor. Sara looked nervous, but excited. While Luke had a broad and genuine smile on his face. Lash stood up for them both, and shook both their hands. They took their seats with a coffee table between them and a pitcher of water with glasses. In casual tradition Lash cast his three favorite nature spells on the whole studio, and his hosts. Luke enjoyed it most of all.


    ¡°Your a power lifter?¡± Lash asked and smiled at him.


    ¡°I am! I feel amazing! Thank you!¡± Luke said as he was now stretching on stage. Sara looked embarrassed but kept stealing glances at Luke.


    ¡°What is your maximum weight?¡±


    ¡°400 pounds, did it last week. It felt amazing to meet my goal.¡± Luke said proudly as he took his seat again.


    ¡°Congratulations...¡± Lash said then reached out and linked Sara, and Luke both into his Temporary Pack Bond. They both shivered and looked around in confusion.


    ''Hello, please don''t mind. This is basic Telepathy.'' -Lash said to them and they both jumped.


    Luke looked surprised then he stared intently at Lash as if he was trying to communicate. But all he did was earn a giggle from Sara. Then Luke felt the admiration, and affection that came from Sara. Then Sara felt the burning torch that Luke carried for her. They both realized too late that feelings were transmitted. Then Lash started to cackle!


    It was a peculiar sight for the tech crew, and the producers as they watched their two anchors grow incredibly embarrassed with out saying a word. Then Agent Wraith started to cackle like a crazy person that sent shivers down everyone spine. Vyllith who shared the link but didn''t speak drooped her shoulders and just shook her head.


    ¡°I like you two, I think we should be friends.¡± Lash said as he continued to laugh at their expense. Luke cleared his throat and took a glass of water.


    ¡°Ahaha..hahaha...¡±Sara gave a nervous laugh and started to check her notes, trying her best to look anywhere but at Luke.


    What the both of them didn''t know was they were being optimized with a 10% increase to all their stats. Sara went from being a Partial-Telekinetic to a G grade Telekinetic then and there. While Luke was granted Superhuman Durability G grade. Neither would grow, but even G grade was awesome to have compared to being completely mundane. Luke then started to go through the questions they had prepared, and given the go ahead by Andreia. Then a few minutes later it was time to start.


    ¡°We are live in 5....4....3....2....¡± The technician called, and the WWN theme music played. The camera''s turned on. Sara, and Luke both put on an amiable smile and looked towards a point on set. Not directly at the camera.


    ¡°Hello everyone! I''m Sara Bradley!¡± ¡°And I am Luke Brendon!¡± ¡°And this is World Wide News!¡± They said together.


    ¡°Tonight we have a very special guest, Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security.¡± Sara said as she glanced at Lash.


    ¡°Hello everyone.¡± Lash said, his crocodile voice harsh on the ears.


    ¡°That is right! I have to say it is a great honor to have you here with us, Agent Wraith. Also in our fair city. We''ve been informed that once you finish with our interview you intend to start rebuilding all of New York City and the surrounding areas. Is this true?¡± Luke asked.


    ¡°Yes, that is the plan. I rebuilt Gotham City in just under three days. I hope to do the same here in New York.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°After New York where are you headed.¡± Sara asked next.


    ¡°I''ve been given a list from the UN to visit several cities as long as I have time. Concentrating on cities with shipping lanes, or international airports. Preferably both. Every city that is complete will ensure more resources are divided up among the other places that need the help. But either way we have a long road ahead of us.¡± Lash replied, a while list of the cities went through the viewing window at the bottom of the screen. They also had the list on the WWN website.


    ¡°Why wouldn''t you have time?¡± Luke asked next, as he checked off a mark on his note book.


    ¡°The world is a big place. But not only that the solar system is a big place. There are a lot of issues that needed to be handled and the UN has requested my presence at many of them. I am also the liaison between the JLI, and the UNWS. Some of the viewers may be surprised but we have an open dialogue with Mars and its people.¡± Lash said next, and the viewing chat exploded with questions.


    ¡°I knew we had several Martians in the JLI that have come to help here at Earth. But I''ll be honest, I don''t know much about Mars.¡± Luke replied.


    ¡°There people are called Ma''aleca''andrans if spoken in english.¡± Then Lash used Connectivity to repeat the name in several other languages. The technicians freaked out for a moment but quickly calmed down when Vyllith explained what happened.


    ¡°They come in three different types. Green, White, and the very rare Red. Most of who you have seen are Green. But I do know there is at least one White Martian in the JLI.¡± Lash said, no it wasn''t M''gann another white martian signed up.


    ¡°Is there a difference between them aside from color?¡± Sara asked.


    ¡°Overall no. Some are bigger. Much like humanity who have several different types of people who are naturally stronger than others.¡± Lash replied simply, trying to word it correctly.


    ¡°Do they all have the shape shifting ability?¡± Luke asked, Martian Manhunter had been recorded turning into a pseudo-dragon. The whole video was on social media as he fought against a group of meta-humans causing trouble.


    ¡°Yes, they all do. Some are better at it than others. But its a natural gift.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Agent Wraith you have repeatedly said there are hundreds of thousands of different alien cultures, and species in the known universe. Do they all have powers like this?¡± Sara asked.


    ¡°No, many alien species are mundane is the best word to describe them. The meta-gene is a common factor in the universe and tends to happen naturally. While other times it can be encouraged ahead of time through science, or an accident with cosmic radiation. Not all meta''s civilizations survive the culture shock and soon die out.¡± Lash replied, and Luke blinked in confusion he looked at his note book then went off script.


    ¡°What do you mean, die out?¡± Luke asked, Sara glanced at him.


    ¡°The mundanes of the civilization believe the metas are monsters and they kill them off.¡± Lash replied simply and Luke''s eyes went wide. Sara audibly swallowed and went a little pale.


    ¡°Would you say that any species that doesn''t have powers have either not gone through the transition yet, or killed off their metas?¡± Luke asked.


    ¡°More the likely, yes.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°I want to make something clear here and now. That will not happen on this planet, or this solar system.¡± Lash said as he emphasized his point by tapping one of his clawed fingers into the table. Sara gradually smiled, as did Luke.


    The chat window was full of speciest individuals, haters, and death mongers. Lash called his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits to assist the studio with cleaning out, and banning them from the chat log. Hundreds of thousands of people were quickly cleaned out, while thousands more replaced them. It was like trying to clean a beach with an oil tanker spilled over next to it. With each tide it just kept getting dirty again.


    ¡°On the subject of Meta''s.¡± Luke tried to steer the conversation back on track. ¡°The CSA program is growing strong. Here in New York we have several certified Meta police officers, fire fighters, construction workers, and news anchors!¡± Luke said, and Sara flashed a smile at him.


    ¡°Yes, Ghost Industries is doing its best to build facilities across the globe. The United Nations hopes that every nation will have at least one CSA facility in it bare minimum, but hopefully there will be a CSA facility in every major city.¡± Lash said with a smile that terrified the chat window when they saw it.


    ¡°However, we have learned that the certified meta''s have been taking employment from other people. Does the UN plan to assist the people with this issue?¡± Sara asked next.


    ¡°The employment issue is not something new. All nations had issues with unemployment even before the meta event took place. Yes, technically a Terrakinetic can do the job of dozens of construction workers, and machines. This is why the UN has permitted Ghost Industries and hundreds of other companies across the globe to help with technical training in schools, by paying off tuition fees. They are even giving housing allowance to people.¡± Lash replied, and across the view screen was information for their local government info, and the website.


    ¡°What about the people who believe that meta''s shouldn''t be allowed to take the jobs of, ''Normal'' people?¡± Luke asked, and clearly didn''t like the question as his tone became bitter.


    ¡°Meta''s are people too. They have every right got work as any one else. No one asked to become a meta. You are born with the gene, and it activates at random depending on several circumstances. I''ll also inform the viewers here and now. The meta gene is not new. It didn''t come from some dark matter explosion. The meta gene has been a part of the human race since you all first crawled out of the primordial ooze. This is also why we have meta animals, and plant life. It is a part of evolution.¡± Lash said with a bit of passion in his voice.


    ¡°How many of the viewers remember stories about exceptional people with powers? From folk lore? Myth? Religion? How many of you would be surprised to know that a majority of those stories were based on fact and were distorted over the course of history. Achilles from the Trojan wars? He was a meta with Superhuman Durability.¡± Lash said. That of course was a complete lie! Achilles was a mundane blessed with supernatural abilities due to magic.


    ¡°Now, how do I know this you may ask?¡± Lash smiled as he leaned back into his seat.


    ¡°My people have kept records far longer than humanity as. As a whole the humans of Earth are a relatively young race. This blows up that idiotic theory that the Earth is only 5,000 years old. News flash, it isn''t. Nor is the Earth flat.¡± Lash said with a smug grin on his face.


    Luke barked out a laugh and then tried to compose himself. While Sara was scratching out questions on her notebook. The piece of information about Achilles was definitely an eye opener. Sara, and Luke both were listening to their earbuds that were out of view of the camera as the director was trying to steer the conversation back on point.


    ¡°So you are saying that the meta gene doesn''t require dark matter to activate?¡± Luke said next.


    ¡°No, it is certainly a catalyst. But you don''t need it to activate the meta gene.¡± Lash replied simply....


    The rest of the interview was practical and simple. They touched base on what Agent Wraith planned to do with the city. Clean renewable energy, a majority of the restored buildings would have bunkers installed. Bunkers were quickly becoming a standard part of most buildings. Commercial or homes either way they got some sort of shelter. He''d restore the subways, and L-trains. He informed the viewers that he would be calling in help. His Manifestations would arrive. Then he politely informed the viewers that the Manifestations were all copies of him. It was a power of his.....


    ¡°And we are out!¡± The technician called.


    ¡°Great job everyone! Thank you Agent Wraith for the interview.¡± The producer said with a huge smile then left to speak to Andreia. Vyllith simply appeared by Lash side so suddenly that Sara, and Luke jumped in their seats.


    ¡°This is Hell Knight.¡± Lash introduced Vyllith to them. It was a simple all be it apt description. Vyllith did wear a JLI badge, though it was small on hidden away on her belt.


    ¡°Hello, thank you for your service!¡± Sara said with a big smile.


    ¡°Yes, thank you!¡± Luke added.


    ¡°You''re welcome.¡± Vyllith said in a gentle tone, but even then her voice for mundanes sounded like velvet across the skin. Both Sara, and Luke blushed just a bit.


    ¡°Agent Wraith a follow up question, its not part of the interview. Off the record.¡± Sara said, and Lash turned to her as he deconstructed his seat.


    ¡°Will the CSA get a hero program? I mean how do people join the JLI?¡± Sara asked, and Luke glanced up in curiosity. Lash made a complex and purely aesthetic gesture and created a baffle field around them. From the outside it would look like a crystal glass dome had been erected between them and everyone else.


    ¡°Off the record?¡± Lash asked, and they both nodded after they marveled at the field for a moment.


    ¡°Anyone who signs into the CSA is reviewed by the JLI. If they pass a large amount of tests they are approached and asked if they wish to join.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°However, there is a ''hero'' program in the works. Though it may not be what you think.¡± Lash said with a frustrated groan.


    ¡°In the future, corporations plan to create their own hero teams. They will be trained, and certified in search and rescue, disasters, etc, etc. But not combat against others. They can of course defend themselves. But they can''t go looking for trouble. All the while they will have advertisements sewn into their clothing.¡± Lash said in mild disgust.


    ¡°Why?¡± Sara asked in astonishment.


    ¡°I don''t wish to admonish anyone who goes that route. But not everyone is entirely stable to be a part of the JLI. There is a lot of stress to the job. The fatality rate is also exceptionally high. Most people, at least the public see the JLI has heroes fighting the good fight and don''t see the trauma, and break downs that happen off scene.¡± Lash continued.


    ¡°A lot of people have PTSD from the invasion. Now ask yourself about the people who fought on the front lines. About the people who came with me during the incursion.¡± Lash replied, they hadn''t asked about the counter incursion in the interview it was one of the questions they weren''t allowed to ask.


    ¡°I''m getting off topic. Officially there is no hero program in the CSA. In the future there will be disaster heroes sponsored by corporations. It is not the same, but people who don''t make the cut in the JLI can look for something there. Again, this is all off the record.¡± Lash said, and emphasized his point.


    ¡°Yes, yes of course. Thank you for answering.¡± Sara, and Luke both said.


    ¡°Now if you will excuse me, I promised to rebuild a coffee shop down the street.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Martin''s place!?¡± Luke, and Sara shouted.


    -----


    Martin''s place was the actual name of the coffee spot. It was built into an apartment, condo, and town homes building. First floor front and center was a large cafe shop with the owner sitting out in front with the man that Lash had terrified at first glance in the stair well. The entire building was wrecked, but unsurprisingly people still lived in it. Under the protection of Vyllith, and Andreia''s bodyguards Lash used the glamour of tiny green, and blue machines to rebuild all of it.


    With in minutes the whole building had utilities back. The structural damage repaired, windows fixed. Then came the upgrades with photokinetic windows, solar panels, wind turbines, a garden rooftop. A bunker under the building. Every home was updated with a smart house format. Despite the clear upgrades everyone would pay the exact same rent thanks to the outreach program. Some people would even pay less. Then finally Martin''s place was rebuilt. Lash ordered a hot chai that was on the house and sat down to review with Andreia where he was needed most in the city.


    ¡°International Airport first?¡± Lash asked as he looked at the ''Wayne Tech'' holographic interface as he sipped on his chai. Vyllith had hot chocolate with whip cream and was slowly licking it. A lot of men, and women were distracted. She only had her mouth exposed but it was enough.


    ¡°Yes, that''s right. Several weeks ago it was attacked by a group of metas, and para-military trained personal. We don''t know who they belong to, or why they hit the airport. But its bogged down a lot of resources.¡± Andreia said as she drank her coffee.


    ¡°Is the airport clear of people?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Construction workers, but they''ll leave to other projects the moment you show up. City Hall understands you have a long list of cities to visit. They want you to prioritize specific parts of the city before anything else. This way if you have to leave early, they are set.¡± Andreia explained, as she leaned back and fiddled with the ori bracelet he made for her.


    ¡°So airport, train station, and commercial harbors first?¡± Lash doubled checked and she nodded.


    ¡°Then bridges, subways, L-trains, and streets. After that if you need to leave they''ll be ok with it.¡± She finished with a smile.


    ¡°Are you done teasing everyone?¡± Lash asked as he turned to Vyllith who hummed in confirmation she drank her chocolate and closed her mask.


    ¡°Let''s step outside.¡± Lash said to his group.


    He bid goodbye to the owner of Martin''s place, and said goodbye to Sara, and Luke who had come for the reopening. Then they stepped outside, and Lash cast Anonymity then wrapped them all into a Telekinesis field and they took off into the sky. The bodyguards had a momentary heart attack, but Andreia only squeaked in surprise. She could fly after all.


    ¡°There is nothing in your Warden profile about this.¡± She remarked.


    ¡°Oh that thing? I need to update that.¡± Lash admitted, and pulled up his Warden information page.


    It had been months since he last did and he quickly went through it. He didn''t update everything. But it was enough. He did ask the Warden administration if he should put minor deity down. They said he may as well since most of the community already knew. Along with his Divine Domains. Monsters, War, and Eldritch. The Wardens didn''t know that part. He suddenly got a huge influx in mail and private messages. While Andreia''s phone beeped at her. She pulled it out and read through it. Then she went pale.


    ¡°No, no! We already went through this.¡± Lash said to her. She tried to calm her beating heart.


    Eldritch is what freaked most people out. The Monsters domain was already pretty unnerving but they could handle it. War was a fairly common divine domain that most deities had access to. But Eldritch was very rare to say the least. Most deities with Eldritch were bat shit insane! They were chaos incarnate, that spread disaster everywhere they went. Most deities and cosmic beings of order seek to destroy, or banish an Eldritch deity before they can truly enter the dimensional plane. The problem was, Lash and Saurian were already here.


    ¡°What''s the big deal?¡± Vyllith asked, she clearly didn''t understand the problem. She was his first angel after all.


    ¡°They''re afraid I''ll go insane and unmake reality.¡± Lash replied nonchalantly.


    ¡°Oh, well we both know that won''t happen. Your Cosmic Patron won''t allow it. You''d ruin all their fun.¡± Vyllith replied and that simple statement made Andreia stop and think.


    ¡°She''s right...¡± Andreia said, and a smile tugged on her lips. She sent a thank you towards Vyllith and started to type into her phone.


    Lash heard the distinct sound of a clitter, clatter, and clack of a dice being rolled. Then he heard the unmistakable grumble of disappointment from his Cosmic Patron. Vyllith was right, his Patron would never allow Lash to unmake reality. It would ruin their fun. By this point most of the supernatural community understood the base personality of Lash''s Patron. They had spoken to several deities from different pantheons. Loki was a great example. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Lash and Saurian were safe Eldritch beings.


    ¡°Thank you, Vyllith. What a great perspective you have.¡± Lash complimented his first angelic being who preened under his gaze.


    ---


    Thirty or so minutes later they arrived at JFK International Airport. It was a ghost town, or a ghost port? Tomb airport? Ghost planes? What ever! Dozens of commercial, and cargo airlines were wrecked and a strewn across the landing strips. The control tower had fallen over, the expansive passenger and luggage terminal was destroyed. There were even places that were still on fire. While demolition crews were hard at work clearing the debris. Then in the dead center was a huge crater.


    ¡°What did that?¡± Lash asked, as he pointed at the huge hole.


    ¡°A meta who could self explode, then reconstitute their body and do it again. Thankfully they died after so many explosions. However, the largest explosion is what killed them.¡± Andreia replied, she was far more relaxed now around Lash.


    ¡°Wonderful.¡± Lash replied sarcastically.


    Lash dropped everyone off at the front and Andreia spoke to the foreman. Soon the entire construction crew packed up and went to another site, they had a long list of places they needed to work on. No one complained, a few even said thank you to Lash. Lash raised all four of his arms, and tentacles up into the air and created a portal made from darkness, and starlight. 1110 Saurus Warriors, Veterans, and Elites stepped out of the portal and promptly got to work.


    Lash pulled up the original design of the JFK Airport and decided to keep it. He''d just do some simple upgrades. Like....SOLAR ROAD WAYS! Ahem.... So every piece of concrete was replaced with a durable plasteel (Plastic and steel) with solar absorption. Technically this wasn''t new. Earth had figured out how to do this ages ago. Lash was just giving it a face lift. They came in sections, and could easily be replaced when damaged. This would allow the entire surface of the airport to be a renewable source of energy.


    The control tower could even program a light display into the road ways. Helping the planes land, as well as heating the road ways allowing snow to melt instead of having to shovel it. One by one the ruined and destroyed airlines were Recycled for parts. Millions of dollars in salvage gone in minutes! While the rest of the airport was redone in a few short hours. Turns out that the Saurus warriors, veterans, and elites all had access to the sub-ability: Endless Energy. So they zipped through construction with ease.


    ¡°Alright we are done, where to next?¡± Lash asked as his Manifestations walked back through their portals.


    ¡°That only took three hours!?¡± Andreia shouted in surprise, but eventually pulled the itinerary.


    ¡°To Grand Central Terminal!¡± Lash declared, and everyone hopped onto the Telekinesis bus.


    Thanks to Anonymity everyone down below just assumed they were a plane, or a helicopter flying through the city. That oddly didn''t reply to any radio signals, or communications. So not full proof but close enough! The station was located on Manhattan next to central park, and the empire state building. Lash, and Vyllith had actually walked past it. The empire state building was in ruins and had fallen over. While the train station was collapsed inward and had been used as a sort of fort during the invasion. Construction crews welcomed them and began to inform Lash of all the different rail ways that needed work.


    This...Was going to take a while. Because once the station was rebuilt they had to go through every line, every rail, and ensure everything worked correctly. Lash created a ritual circle and planted himself in the middle under the protection of Vyllith, Andreia''s bodyguards, and a single Elite that was invisible to the naked eye. While the rest of his forces pushed through the station to rebuild it. Lash channeled Renew, Repair, and called his tech-spirits to run across the lines to help him channel his spell craft. Normally this would be incredibly draining! Then Lash realized he wasn''t even strained after thirty minutes. His energy levels never went below 90%, well wasn''t that interesting....


    =========================================================


    The people of New York City were confused to say the least. Most people who live in the city, and all its different burrows, and hidden away places believe they''ve seen everything under the sun, and the moon. Nothing can surprise a New Yorker, nothing. But watching entire rail lines snap back into place, bridges bounce back, and cavernous cracks in the roads meld back together like wet clay. That was a bit odd. Along with the small army of iguanas wearing science fiction armor racing through the city at eighty miles per hour. But then...Then this really took the cake.


    A 200 foot tall kaiju godzilla wannabe carefully climbing the different buildings and pushing the empire state building back up onto it self? That...That was not something any of them had ever seen before. Then they watched the army of iguanas change size and became mini kaijus? T-Rex''s from Jurassic Park jogged through the city streets. What were they suppose to do then? So no one was surprised when someone took out a gun and fired on them. Which caused a chain reaction. Soon people with assault rifles fired on the invading army! People were shouting, running, trying to hide in buildings that were magically repairing themselves? All the while the giant reptiles continued to work. None of them paying any mind to the people, or the bullets they fired.


    What a weird day....


    ===============================================================


    Saurian perched on top of the newly repaired empire state building. He was basking in his own glory. He had grown! He was 200 feet tall, and 400 feet long! If he cast Enlarge/Reduce and used Size Alteration he could easily grow as large as the supposed Godzilla! But he wanted to do it naturally. Soon, soon he would be tall enough. His tentacles casually writhed and slithered across his back, and the building. While his tail wrapped gently around the frame of the building. He had been careful and reinforced the structure so it wouldn''t collapse under his new found weight.


    ''Saurian, the people are shooting your soldiers.'' -Vyllith sent across their link.


    ''Nothing they do will hurt them, let them carry on.'' -Saurian replied as he continued to bask.


    A fighter jet flew by then, its screaming engines roared past Saurian who looked up at them in mild annoyance. Then it fired a single missile that did absolutely no damage to Saurian. He blinked his six reptilian eyes at the jet. Then before the jet could do another pass a sonic boom went over the city. A young woman with a light weight exoskeleton JLI uniform flew into the city. She looked ready for a fight but stopped mid way and pressed a finger to ear. She completely deflated at the news she received, just as the fighter jet also received news and flew back to base.


    ¡°Wraith?¡± The woman called as she flew over to his snout. Saurian turned his head side ways so he could look at her.


    ¡°Ah, Power Girl...Nice to see you. Is Huntress around?¡± Saurian said in soft tone. Which at his current size sounded like two mountains crashing against each other. But Partial-Telepathy still worked.


    ¡°Yes, she was on the street attempting to fight the reptilian soldiers you have until she was informed by operations that they were rebuilding the city.¡± Power girl replied.


    ¡°She was? I didn''t hear of any attacks.¡± Saurian replied, and Power Girl winced because it was true. Huntress had done absolutely zero damage to them.


    ¡°So, how long are you in town?¡± Power Girl asked, as she glanced at the hundreds of people shooting at his soldiers.


    ¡°We are almost done.¡± Saurian replied and smiled at her which made her grow pale. Why is everyone so afraid of them all of a sudden?


    ¡°That''s good...Good.¡± Power Girl said.


    ¡°How you and huntress adjusting to the new reality?¡± Saurian asked, and Power Girl was startled.


    ¡°You... You know about that?¡± She asked, and Saurian reached out to link with her, and Huntress who he found was trying to calm down a group of shooters.


    ''Kara Zor-El, and Helena Wayne. Both are from an alternate reality that fell to Darkseid and the forces of Apokolips. You also came here with a man named Fredrick. Oh is here too?'' -Saurian said across the link.


    ''WHAT THE FUCK!?'' -Helena shouted across the link.


    ''Calm yourself, Helena. I am Saurian you know me as Agent Wraith. I have created a Temporary Pack Bond with you, and Kara. This way we may speak privately.'' -Saurian called across the link.


    ''Wow...OK. That was just very sudden. Reminds me of M''gann from back home. She didn''t ask either she just plugged us in.'' -Kara replied.


    ''This is such a weird day.'' -Helena said across the link.


    ''How do you know about us?'' -Kara asked.


    ''My partner and I made the Watch Tower, there is very little that happens aboard the station that we don''t know about. Save for doctor, patient confidentiality. That is safe and sound.'' -Saurian replied.


    ''What is there to say, our home is gone. Everyone we knew is dead or enslaved. We had to start completely over.'' -Helena replied and her emotions poured across the link. She was angry, depressed, and tormented by surviving when others did not.


    ''Oh fuck!'' -Kara shouted and flew down to intercept a man with an RPG that was attempting to shoot Saurian. The rocket propelled grenade blasted off her chest. Which sent shrapnel in every direction, dozens of people were hurt.


    One of Saurian''s tentacles sent a wave of Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Calm Emotions in a wide area of effect. Which was about twenty or so miles around him. Green and blueish energy fell across the city streets, and buildings like a tidal wave. Everyone targeted experienced a dramatic euphoric high better than any drug. All the while Saurian used the passive ability of his Divine Domain, War. He slowly influenced the area to not be so hostile.


    ''Kara, I just want to say I love you so much. You are my sister, and you always will be.'' -Helena said across the link, and meant every word. Clearly she was under the effects of spell craft.


    ''I love you too! We are family through thick and thin, you and Fredrick are my family'' -Kara replied, and soon found and hugged Helena on the street. As was Kara apparently.


    ''Saurian we should leave, the repairs are finished.'' -Vyllith said across the line.


    Congratulations User! You''ve completed a hidden objective.


    Hidden Objective, Rebuild, and/or renovate 80% or more of New York City. Help bring it into the next century, and prepare for the inevitable invasion that is to come. Complete [X]


    Reward: Increased reputation with the people of New York City.


    Reward: The spirit of New York City will be more inclined to help you in the future.


    Reward: 500 Dream Points.


    Reward: 100 Ability Evolution Points.


    Reward: User has gained 10% better understanding of how to build, and manage a city.


    Comment: Keep up the good work, you monster!


    ¡°People of New York City, thank you for your lovely hospitality. But it is time for me to go!¡± Saurian said to the city as one by one his Manifestations faded from sight.


    Vyllith flew up to land on his shoulders, and Saurian lightly jumped off the empire state building. Few a brief moment people were terrified. Then that terror bore fruit as Saurian gradually floated away through the air. He activated Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon and faded from sight. A 400 foot long kaiju simply shimmered out of existence. His destination, Washington DC, he was off to see the President of the United States, Lex Luthor.


    =======================================================


    (The White House)


    ¡°Mr President why did you call back the fighter jets! That thing is obviously hostile!¡± A military general shouted at Lex.


    ¡°That thing, General. Is Agent Wraith, he works with the United Nations.¡± One of Lex''s aids informed him.


    ¡°I have seen the same reports you have! Agent Wraith is a giant lizard for sure, but he is not that large!¡± The general shouted back.


    ¡°General...¡± Lex said from his desk as the room turned to look at him.


    ¡°I assure you, that is Agent Wraith. And for the record we could drop a dozen nuclear warheads on him and it wouldn''t do a thing. All we''d do is irritate him.¡± Lex said with a smile.


    ¡°Now, please inform the guard that we''ll have company soon.¡± Lex said as he stood up, and everyone stood up as well.


    ¡°Company, sir?¡± Another aid asked.


    ¡°Yes, Agent Wraith is coming here. He has several soldiers he wants to interview. He''s going to make them into metas.¡± Lex said with a smirk as the eyes of the military generals brightened.


    ¡°Is he...Coming as Godzilla sir?¡± The aid asked.


    ¡°Let''s hope not, I don''t think we have enough to feed him otherwise.¡± Lex said, with a smile.


    Galen

 Chapter 125: Message

    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Undisclosed Location***


    Hidden away between the dark space of two different galaxies was a place. This place was a secret place sealed away between the spaces between dimensions. With in was a vast space station covered in the best communication network relays that the universe as it self could obtain, and use. The machines could receive, and send vast quantities of information across the universe. While galactic empires may have large spy networks. They had nothing on this place. This was the, Intergalactic News Network.


    A pleasant melody played as the view screen turned and their broadcast reached across the whole universe, to every screen, and holographic display in a seconds. From the viewers perspective on the right was a strange looking creature with pale blue like skin, tendril hair follicles that writhed and wiggled about. Dozens of red eyes sat on either side of its bulbous head. A gaping maw sat front and center that opened wide with rows, after rows of shark teeth. It stood at approximately 7'' 0¡± (213 cm). Its body was made of tentacles, and a carapace shell. Adorned in warriors armor.


    ¡°Welcome l'' intergalactic news network, Y'' ah Thuoonkigoll.¡± The creature said. (Welcome to Intergalactic News Network, I am Thuoonkigoll.) The creatures voice sounded like hundreds of voices chattering at the same time. At the bottom of the view screen were captions that translated its words.


    To the viewers left was a beautiful woman with electric pink skin, long silver hair past her shoulders. She had golden molten eyes, scaled horns that resembled a crown. She sat down in her chair like throne and was languid about it. She was approximately 6'' 2¡± (187 cm) She had a voluptuous, hourglass figure. While it was barely hidden behind what could only be called a scaled bikini wear. Her clothing was in fact her body, simply artfully shaped and designed so not to be revealing. She smiled at the camera.


    ¡°Hello everyone, I am Raerienga of Intergalactic News Network.¡± She said, and her voice was smooth as silk and promised sweet damnation if listened to.


    ¡°Iiahe syha''h c'' ymg'' tharanak vulgtmnahog news, hup ph'' nilgh''rishuggogg. C'' news ah truthful, ng llll mgepah''ehye vulgtmah.¡± Thuoonkigoll said, it stood up straight and glared at the camera daring anyone to refute it''s words. (As always we bring you the best news, from across the universe. Our news is truthful, and bound by honor.)


    ¡°I don''t know about bound by honor, but it is definitely truthful.¡± Raerienga replied with a smirk as she glanced at Thuoonkigoll who glowered at her. ¡°No matter where you are in the wide universe we hope our broadcast finds you well and ready to listen.¡±


    ¡°Currently c'' ephaidiscuss different types ot lanterns, ng f'' mgn''ghftnah spectrum!¡± Thuoonkigoll said next, as it folded their claw like appendages in front of them on the desk they sat at. (Currently we will discuss the different types of lanterns, and their color spectrum.)


    ¡°Red is one of the energies far from the center of the color spectrum, and represents the emotion of rage/anger. Using a person''s rage, they are able to tap into the red light.¡± Raerienga said with a smirk on her face as she leaned back in her throne and crossed one of her shapely legs over the other.


    ¡°Orange ah ehyeahog energy mglagln hup center, ng represents emotion ot avarice/greed. Wielders ot orange mgn''ghft mgep mgepah l'' mgepmgah''n''ghft become llll mgepuaaah''li f'' greed, ng obsessively ah''ehye''drn f'' property ng mggokaog possessions hup others!¡± Thuoonkigoll said next as they peered at Raerienga in annoyance. (Orange is another energy away from the center, and represents the emotion of avarice/greed. Wielders of the orange light have been shown to become twisted by their greed, and obsessively guard their property and steal possessions from others.)


    ¡°Yellow is a color close to the center, and represents the emotion of fear. A being capable of instilling great fear in others is capable of wielding this power. The entity for this emotion is Parallax. We now know that Parallax is imprisoned on the planet of Oa. The yellow light was finally harnessed by Sinestro of Korugar leading to the creation of the Sinestro Corp of Yellow Lanterns.¡± Raerienga said next, as she held her hand out and a filled goblet appeared. She took a drink, then offered a bit to Thuoonkigoll who accepted and downed the goblets contents. Raerienga wrinkled her nose at them, but a smile grew across her face.


    ¡°Turn''ghftor ah mgn''ghftnah ph''nglui center ot spectrum, ng represents emotion ot will. Fahf mgn''ghftnah mgep least amount ot influence llll wielder, ng ahor uh''eor ah llll mgepwgah''n ''drn mgep namgah ephaicahf ahor overcome throdog ah''lloigshogg. The entity llll fahf emotion ah Ion!¡± Thuoonkigoll said, and placed the goblet down then shouted at the camera with much enthusiasm. (Green is the color in the center of the spectrum, and represents the emotion of will. This color has the least amount of influence on the wielder, and can only be controlled by one who has an indomitable will that can overcome great fear. The entity for this emotion is Ion.)


    ¡°Regretfully it was recently discovered that the so called Guardians of the Universe may not have been the best care takers of the color of ''Will''. As their many sins, and miss treatment of the universe as a whole was recently brought to light by a certain individual known only as ''Wraith.'' If you are watching? Our hearts, and minds go out to you, Wraith.¡± Raerienga said and blew a kiss towards the camera, while Thuoonkigoll nodded their head in confirmation.


    ¡°Blue is a color close to the center, and represents the emotion of hope. The blue light is capable of being wielded by a being who can bring hope for the future to others when they have lost all of theirs. The blue light is the most powerful wave of the spectrum, but it is also the most difficult to wield and understand. Currently the Blue Lantern Corp has been formed and is under the direction of the very being we recently spoke about, Wraith.¡± Raerienga said towards the camera as she turned to her partner.


    ¡°Indigo ah mgn''ghftnah naIIIIog hup center, ng represents emotion ot compassion. The indigo mgn''ghft ahor ah wielded llll ehye llll throdog compassion llll mgahehyee beings, ng ahor manipulate mgahehyee energies ot emotional spectrum!¡± Thuoonkigoll said in humbled reverence. (Indigo is a color farther from the center, and represents the emotion of compassion. The indigo light can be wielded by one with great compassion for other beings, and can manipulate the other energies of the emotional spectrum.)


    ¡°Violet is the other color furthest from the center, and represents the emotion of love. Those who are capable of great love, even those who have lost their loves, or been rejected are capable of wielding the violet light. Be mindful that this is love with out anything to temper it. Be careful!¡± Raerienga said with a clear warning as she looked at the camera, Thuoonkigoll nodded their head in agreement.


    ¡°Yog ot emotional spectrum ah n''ghftog, mgn''ghftnah ot n''gha. N''ghftog represents total absence ot emotion, ng lw''nafh cahf h'' uaaah. Wielders ot mgn''ghftnah n''ghftog ah mgvulgtnah! mgvulgtnah! mgvulgtnah!¡± Thuoonkigoll said, and slammed its clawed fists into the table several times to emphasize the point. (Outside of the Emotional Spectrum is Black, the color of Death. Black represents the total absence of emotion, and the life that creates it. Wielders of the color black are bad! Bad! Bad!)


    ¡°The White Light of Life is where the Emotional Spectrum originated. Very little is known about the color. Along with the last and final color the invisible spectrum or Ultraviolet. Currently across the known universe there are no known wielders of red, indigo, white, and Ultraviolet.¡± Raerienga said as she looked at her nails instead of the camera, clearly bored of the subject.


    ¡°Moving llll! ph''nglui economic news soth sector ot 2814 mgep spent nearly 200,000 solar coins ph''nglui yah''or''nah. Ahog than ahogog soth sectors ph''nglui uaaah ehye solar y''or''nah.¡± Thuoonkigoll said as they shuffled their claws and tried to not glare at Raerienga as she was currently pushing her toes against their armored carapace. (Moving on! In economic news the space sector of 2814 has spent nearly 200,000 Solar Coins in a week. More than most space sectors make in a single solar year.)


    ¡°That''s right! Pirate armadas across multiple galaxies are flocking towards this sector hoping to enrich their lives, and steal from others. Here''s hoping that the space sector is up to the challenge!¡± Raerienga said with a smirk as she stopped teasing Thuoonkigoll.


    Thuoonkigoll, and Raerienga continued to do the news for the next hour covering a wealth of subjects, and segments of this and that. Their information network was huge, and nearly every portion of the known universe would tune into their broadcast every week. While galactic governments tried to track the source of the broadcast they never succeeded. The Intergalactic News Network was loved, and loathed by all. Whether they wanted to be reported on or not it didn''t matter. Entire star systems would find themselves in the spotlight with out warning as long as it was news worthy.


    Then as quick as the broadcast started, it soon finished. They said goodbye to their viewers while Thuoonkigoll wished everyone luck in battle, and Raerienga blew a kiss to her followers the feed cut off. The station hidden between galaxies blinked out of existence hiding between dimensions. Only to reappear at a different location, between galaxies at their next scheduled broad cast. This was Intergalactic News Network with Thuoonkigoll, and Raerienga. Good night!


    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Space Sector 2814, Sol System. Watch Tower Star Base***


    A collection of spell scripted spring rings came into being on portal hub Alpha pad-2. With a soft audible pop, and a glowing brilliant light. Dozens of news reporters, journalist, and delegates appeared on the pad and looked around in wonder. The portal shield rotated and smoothed out allowing an unobstructed view for the public as they saw a team waiting for their arrival. Each individual would be assigned two security war droids, and one aerial unit. They would be allowed to wonder, only after the guided tour.


    Their tour guides? The public relation twins Kyoko and Mezo. Kyoko stood at approximately 6''0¡± (182 cm) with midnight black fur, and golden amber eyes. He had a lithe athletic figure that was hidden behind his impeccable fashion choice of a pin stripped black suit, with fedora included, and a red rose in his lapel. He wore no shoes as it would crap his style, also his paws wouldn''t fit in wing tips. His long tail twitched in mild attention as he watched the journalist step off the portal pad. While his sister Mezo was also 6''0¡± (182 cm) with light golden fur, and golden amber eyes. She had a athletic hour glass figure, and wore a tailored gray pants suit that did well to show off her form. She unlike her brother didn''t wear a hat, or a flower in her lapel. But wore a forced smile on her face.


    Both Kyoko, and Mezo were anthropomorphic cat people. No they were not the silly cat eared, and tailed people that so many people love. But full on cat people with fur, paws, tails, and fangs. Their whiskers were long, and well groomed. Standing next to them was the security manager, and director of Shadow Operations, Hex. Hex stood at approximately 5''9¡± (175 cm) and was wrapped from head to toe in tattered cloth, and a JLI shadows light weight kit. Hex glared at the arrival of the public and their body language despite the heavy amount of cloth showed it.


    ¡°Smile Hex.¡± Mezo said with a stiff expression that showed she was barely smiled of her own.


    ¡°I am smiling.¡± Hex replied in their gender neutral voice. To this day no one knew what gender Hex was, or if they even had one. They were an Technomagical Construct after all, that specialized in the Illusion, and the Enchantment Domains. This allowed them to hide in plain sight, and change their shape at will.


    ¡°This is a really bad idea.¡± Kyoko said stiffly as he raised a paw and waved at everyone to come over.


    ¡°It''s never a good sign when the both of you agree on something.¡± Mezo said to them both.


    ¡°Hello everyone! Welcome to the Watch Tower Star Base! I am Kyoko, and this is my sister Mezo we are in charge of public relations for the Justice League: International. While this is Hex station security manager!¡± Kyoko said to the assembled public.


    ¡°Star Base? I thought it was a space station?¡± One of the delegates asked loudly.


    ¡°We recently went through an upgrade and the classification had to be changed.¡± Kyoko said with a grin that showed a bit of fang. His tail twitched idly behind him and the delegate swallowed their follow up question.


    ¡°All of you will be assigned two security officers, and an aerial drone to help keep you in check and to answer any further questions after the tour is over. Please understand that there are several areas of the station that are not for the public eye.¡± Hex said in a very brusque voice towards the crowd. A few people looked them with irritation.


    ¡°And why not? This is suppose to be a public tour!¡± A journalist spoke up.


    ¡°Please understand this from our point of view. The Star Base has a lot of secret information aboard. Such as the secret identities of the JLI, along with scientific, medical, and engineering research and development. Even you were allowed to visit a corporation, or military base planet side you would not be allowed to see it all.¡± Mezo replied with another forced smile.


    ¡°I believe we should see all that we can see, since tax payers paid for this base.¡± One delegate spoke up but was interrupted.


    ¡°Excuse me! This Star Base is privately owned. No money from the tax payers went into its construction. This base is not owned by any nation on Earth. We are, apart. So before any of you believe you have the ''right'' to look where ever you wish. Please get that out of your head. You are here because we allow you to be here. Not the other way around.¡± Kyoko said, and his voice took a sinister undertone.


    Mezo clapped her paws together several times to get everyone''s attention. ¡°Well now that is out of the way, shall we?¡± She said, then turned on her heel and walked towards the door. The group followed in their wake.


    ___________________________________________________


    ¡°Pretty harsh for public relations.¡± Lois Lane said from the back of the group as she was making notes in her holographic interface with a stylized pen.


    Lois Lane was an investigative journalist for the Daily-Planet in Metropolis and had won several awards for her pieces on meta-humans, and the arrival of aliens on planet Earth. She stood at approximately 5''6¡± (167 cm) with blue eyes, and long black hair that went past her shoulders. It was tied back into a pony tail while her bangs were clipped to her sides with hairpins. She wore a cream colored pants suit, and white blouse, along with three inch black heels. The suit did well to hug her athletic hourglass figure. Lois had the personality of a smooth confidence woman until you pushed her to far than she became sharp as a knife ready to stab you with her wit, and sometimes a palm strike. Her military father believed in self-defense and martial arts for his little girl.


    ¡°There under a lot of stress, Lois.¡± Clark Kent said, as he walked along with the group. Lois rolled her eyes at him.


    Clark Kent aka Superman stood at approximately 6''3¡± (190 cm) with bright blue eyes, and high and tight black curly hair. He had a boy next door look to him with his inverted triangle figure, narrow hips, broad shoulders, biceps that barely fit in his gray suit, and blue tie. Clark had worked for the Daily-Planet in Metropolis and was here to work with Lois. He had a good head on his shoulders, and was usually great at picking out details. He had a great memory! So Perry assigned him to Lois for the investigation. Clark, and Lois were also sleeping together, but only a few people knew that. Clark had a warm, and gentle personality that drew people in and made them want to trust him. Until you got him angry! The quiet, nice ones were always the most dangerous.


    ¡°Excuse me! Why isn''t Wraith here to help us on the tour?¡± A journalist called out.


    ¡°Agent Wraith is currently planet side rebuilding the selected cities under the request of the United Nations.¡± Mezo called back.


    ¡°Tch. Did they really just ask that?¡± Lois said to Clark in a whisper.


    ¡°Not everyone across the globe has access to WWN or the Daily-Planet, Lois.¡± Clark said softly, but still people heard him and nodded in agreement.


    ¡°First up we''ll take a ride on the transportation hub train. This train goes through the entire station and covers several modules. Please climb aboard.¡± Kyoko said with over enthusiastically. Clark tried to contain his laughter at the mere sight of the twins grumpily playing tour guide.


    The transportation hub was essentially a rail line with several cars in the shape of ovals, or eggs. Everyone climbed aboard, along with their security escort. Despite their numbers they had plenty of room. Once everyone was inside the doors closed seamlessly. Then they gradually picked up speed and quickly road through the Star Base. It quickly became evident just how large the station had grown to everyone riding as they eventually hit the outside edge and came to the ''Docking Ring.''


    ¡°Excuse me!? What are those ships?¡± A journalist shouted out. Despite being separated into different transport pods they could all hear each other. The Journalist was pointing at the strange, and alien ships docked just outside their view.


    ¡°Those are merchant vessels here to trade at the Star Base. As well as receive repair, fuel, and supplies aboard the Trade Hub on the base.¡± Hex replied in a monotone voice.


    Several of the merchant vessels had a very simple all be it aerodynamic design. They were essentially flying bricks with wings, and soft edges. While others looked a little more outlandish. One was incredibly decorative with golden sails on its top, bottom, and along the sides that glistened as the sunlight bounced off the sails. While other ships looked like animals? They had a squid like appearance with an arrow front portion, and tentacles that propelled the ship forward.


    ¡°So the JLI are allowing alien invaders into the Sol System?¡± A delegate shouted in outrage.


    ¡°Merchant vessels, say it with me. Merchant. Vessels. They are here to trade with the station.¡± Kyoko corrected the delegate with an annoyed eye roll.


    ¡°Is the trade hub part of the tour?¡± Lois called out with a raised hand.


    ¡°The trade hub is part of the tour, however for obvious reasons you may not go there unattended and speak with the visiting aliens.¡± Mezo replied.


    ¡°Why not?¡± A journalist ask.


    ¡°Because obviously many of you will accuse them of invading the Sol System just like this idiot did.¡± Hex said, and pointed out the delegate to everyone. The delegate in question turned purple with rage, thankfully their companion calmed them down.


    The transportation pods continued to circle around the entire Docking Ring. They saw several ships of strange design pull out of the Star Base directly. They were informed these were the JLI vessels specifically shuttles, star fighters, and they even saw the soon to be made heavy corvettes that were under construction. A few people saw humans, or very human like people working on the construction of the ships which raised several questions.


    ¡°Where does the JLI get the people to work aboard the station? What nations are these people from?¡± A journalist asked.


    ¡°All the people you saw are aliens. It has been stated several times in different interviews including Miss Lanes interview that there are many alien races that look very similar to humans.¡± Kyoko replied and pointed out Lois Lane who waved at everyone.


    ¡°Your telling us that every human-like individual we just saw was not born on Earth?¡± The journalist continued.


    ¡°That is correct, they were not born on Gaia.¡± Mezo continued.


    ¡°Gaia? Why do you call Earth, Gaia?¡± Lois asked with a smile, several people perked up at that.


    ¡°Think about it this way Miss Lane. Most alien civilizations have a translators that translate word for word. Earth translates into, dirt. Many visiting merchants, and dignitaries from other worlds were very confused as to why humanity chose to name their mother planet...Dirt.¡± Mezo replied with a smile, and earned a few sheepish looks from around the pod.


    ¡°So Gaia, or Mother Gaia was chosen. Given that several cultures on Earth have called their planet Gaia in the past. The name stuck.¡± Kyoko said next.


    ¡°You said visiting dignitaries? As the JLI made contact with other alien governments? Why was the United Nations not informed of this?¡± A delegate asked.


    ¡°Because they came to speak to the owners of the Star Base. Not the governments of Gaia. The Star Base is a privately owned installation. Gaia, of Earth as you call it is still considered a pre-FTL primitive civilization. The aliens don''t want to talk to you. Last but not least. The United Nations was informed, if you didn''t know. Then you don''t have a high enough security clearance to know.¡± Hex replied in a sarcastic tone.


    This started another slew of shouts, and insults. Ya, this was going really well. Lois rolled her eyes and started to write onto her holographic pad. She had some choice words to describe security manager Hex, and the twins. Clark frowned at the words she was typing but couldn''t really disagree. The tour was suppose to bring the JLI, and the people of Earth closer together. That was definitely not happening. If anything it showed how different, and far away they both were from each other.


    Eventually the transportation pods stopped and everyone stepped off. They were brought around to see the medical hospital wing and walked through it. They saw technological marvels as Ethan the chief doctor rebuilt a spine in under ten minutes. Many of the delegates, journalist, and news stations asked why the JLI hadn''t shared this. Well the problem was simple. They did! But the medical, and pharmaceutical companies of Earth bogged down the license, and certification of the device. They cared more about making money, then saving lives. Kyoko then went down a list countries that had denied the medical bed. Some of them were in the tour.


    ¡°So you are telling us that you have life saving technology aboard this base? But the people of Earth don''t have it because our leaders have been bought and paid for by medical companies to deny access to the tech?¡± Lois Lane asked, ready to write a smear campaign then and there.


    ¡°That is correct Miss Lane.¡± Mezo replied, and sent the entire list of countries including America. Several journalist shouted at the attending delegates as to why their counties didn''t have a medical bed in every hospital.


    Suddenly the poor reception the public tour received made a little more sense. Most of the delegates, journalist, and news stations came from countries that bogged, or completely stopped the JLI attempts and bettering Earth aka Gaia from joining the rest of the universe in technology all because the medical companies wanted more money. Unfortunately this was a common problem on Earth. It was one of the main reasons that Superman didn''t work under a single government. He was willing to work alongside Earths nations. But never under them.


    Next part of the tour they went to one of the main engineering operations. They watched in vivid fascination as a medium tier exoskeleton suit was measured, fitted, and built around a JLI member. Watching all the different gears, joints, and metal plates being formed around the hero a delight to many. Especially the delegates who desperately wanted them for their military programs. Several people asked about the specifics of the exoskeleton suit and the difference between light, medium, and heavy.


    ¡°What''s the point of a heavy exoskeleton suit if you have meta''s with Superhuman Strength? Can''t they toss these around like rag dolls?¡± A journalist asked.


    ¡°Some can this is true, while others cant. The heavy exoskeleton suit is one of the rarest suits we field in the JLI. You have to pass a plethora of tests, physical examinations, and be certified in in hundreds of training operations. It is akin to a highly mobile tank manned by a single individual.¡± Kyoko replied.


    An example soon appeared and the tour group had slacked jaws as a several different suits were shown to them. The smallest heavy exoskeleton suit was 10'' tall, all the way to a 30'' tall robotic suit. The suits were covered in heavy armor, weapons, and gear that could be swapped out depending on the mission needed. Though the suits were clearly war machines at their base. They could also be used in search and rescue, and construction. Most heavy suits had transformation capabilities. Allowing them to fly in the air, or travel through space. Or underwater! While several others had wheels attached to their feet so they could roll through urban streets.


    ¡°Less then 3% of the entire JLI are certified to use a heavy exoskeleton suit simply because of all the stress that comes with piloting one. Though we have hundreds of people currently in training to one day pilot them. We take training seriously here.¡± Hex replied and for once their voice was simple monotone and with out sarcasm.


    ¡°Are there any plans of sharing this technology with Earth?¡± A journalist asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Hex replied, it was short and to the point answer that caused several people to growl in annoyance.


    ¡°Next up! We''ll show you all the Star Base drive core! Should be fun!¡± Kyoko shouted and guided the tour to the inner depths of the station...


    ¡°That''s an artificial black hole?¡± Lois asked, as she pointed at the giant orb of darkness that oddly had a ring of crimson light coming off of it.


    ¡°That is correct.¡± Mezo replied with a sinister grin.


    The tour did not actually take them into the room. Very few people were allowed in the energy core simply because gravity was weird in there. If you were not careful they could be pulled up and into the core. They even demonstrated this by throwing a can of soda at the core and they watched in horror filled fascination as the soda can was twisted, distorted, and pulled into the core. The entire time it stretched out not once did the soda inside burst out. Until the entire can was swallowed by the core. It was then explained to them why the Star Base no longer sat directly over looking Earth. It was....Dangerous.


    ¡°We could power every single city on North America, and South America with the power this is giving off and still have plenty left over to power Australia.¡± Kyoko said with a grin.


    ¡°Your all insane!¡± A delegate shouted at them.


    ¡°Don''t look at us, Wraith is the one that designed it.¡± Kyoko said with a cackle. That both fascinated and horrified so many people.


    The tour quickly left the central drive core and visited the trade hub next. Or rather they sat behind a window and looked at the trad hub like it was an exhibit at a zoo. Thankfully the visiting aliens didn''t know they were being observed. Many people wanted to go down and talk to the aliens but that was strictly forbidden. Except for a few pre-selected individuals who had previous interactions with aliens. So the Daily-Planet, and WWN were allowed to enter the trade hub under guard.


    ¡°Well I guess I''ll be getting death threats from my fellow journalist when this is all said and done.¡± Lois replied with a bemused expression on her face as she walked next to Clark, and the WWN news crew Sara Bradley, and Luke Brendon who were all kinds of excited.


    ¡°I didn''t think they were going to select us, we only interviewed Wraith yesterday.¡± Sara said, as she brushed her hair back.


    ¡°How is he by the way?¡± Lois asked out of the blue. Luke, and Sara both paused to look at her.


    ¡°Really nice! Far more laid back than I thought.¡± Sara commented.


    ¡°He seemed a little frayed around the edges. Stress from work seem to be getting to him.¡± Luke said honestly, and Sara begrudgingly agreed.


    ¡°It''s a little unfair I think that the UN completely relies on him to rebuild so much.¡± Clark said in a concerned tone.


    ¡°Especially with all the anti-Alien flak he gets from so many people. They absolutely despise him but they still expect him to show up in their towns and rebuild it.¡± Luke said with a irritated expression.


    ¡°Thanks for saying. Looks like we got a hook fish incoming.¡± Lois said to them. As an insect looking alien walked towards them with interest.


    The alien in question looked like a Arachne to be perfectly honest. Spider like lower half, with the upper half of a man. The spider half was about the size of a horse. Covered in a black carapace armor, with red marks up and down it. While the upper half looked humanoid with two sets of arms, and covered in a very shiny fabric. It''s? His? Her? Had long silver hair, no ears, and a normal human face? They walked over and spoke to them in a serious of clicks, while the collar around their neck translated in a synthetic masculine voice.


    ¡°Greetings to you scribes of Gaia, how may I be of assistance?¡± The Arachne creature said as it bowed from its waist, and its long spider legs knelt down.


    ¡°Yes hello, I am Lois Lane with the Daily-Planet. What is your name?¡± Lois asked as she stepped forward when it was clear Sara, Luke, and Clark were not going to speak first. The Arachne looked perplexed.


    ¡°Shaf''il of the Teri''konklak people.¡± Shaf''il replied as he stood back at his approximate height of 7''6¡± (231 cm).


    ¡°Shaf''il, tell me what brought you to the Watch Tower Star Base?¡± Lois asked, trying to pronounce the name. Shaf''il smiled at her, his mouth was oddly human like with incisors and molars.


    ¡°Our people bring trash, and toxic waste to the processing plant here. Then transport the materials back. It is, as you say. ''Easy money.¡± Shaf''il replied, once more he spoke in a series of clicks. While his translator on his collar translated the words.


    ¡°Forgive me, Clark Kent Daily-Planet. It''s space, can you just throw it anywhere?¡± Clark asked next, Lois didn''t reprimand him for interrupting her.


    ¡°Both are from this, Daily-Planet? Disposing of trash in the vastness of space is what most primitive cultures do. However many types of trash, and exotic waste has ill effects on the spatial ecosystem of the universe it self. Sooner or later that trash will hit something. Besides, why throw it out when you can make money off of it.¡± Shaf''il replied with a curious head tilt.


    ¡°You do make money from bringing your trash here to the processing plant?¡± Lois asked.


    ¡°Yesssss.¡± Shaf''il said while he rubbed all four of his hands together in glee. ¡°Very profitable this business has become. My brood has grown large thanks to this establishment.¡± Shaf''il finished.


    Eventually Sara, and Luke got up the nerve to speak to Shaf''il as well. They asked him about his home world, and what it was like to travel to the Sol System. His home planet, and the trash world were in the same star system which was 13 systems away. He was looking forward to the FTL-Sling Shot that was soon to be finished. It would cut their travel time in half. It was then learned that even garbage runners feared pirate attacks. Though their cargo was not worth anything on the way to the base, it was definitely worth more on the way back.


    By dinner time the entire tour group found their way towards the dinning hall. This was after they were given free reign to travel through some of the station. Everyone sat down at their individual cliques, while many glowered at the team that got to speak to Shaf''il, a few were friendly enough to come talk to them about it. Then one by one each of them were transported back down to Earth via spring jump pad. All the while Lois Lane, and Clark Kent stayed aboard. Eventually Lois got to meet Clark''s biological parents. Which was a whole another story waiting to be written...


    ===========================================================


    ***HR. Earth, Washington DC***


    Congratulations User! Intermediate Telekinesis has evolved into Advanced Telekinesis.


    Effect: Increase in abilities power.


    Effect: Increase in abilities range, and manipulation.


    Effect: Decrease in abilities energy consumption.


    This was a surprise for Saurian as he lazily flew through the air towards his destination. He had decided he wanted to stretch out a bit and stayed afloat through Telekinesis as he traveled from New York City, all the way to Washington DC. All the while he was being escorted by several military helicopters. He had even called ahead through Connectivity to inform the UNWS of his decision. He was sure that the Wardens were irritated with him but could do little to stop him as the giant 400'' long kaiju floated over Philadelphia, and then Baltimore.


    This had both terrified, and fascinated the populace of both cities as the massive monster flew overhead. Saurian tucked his four arms, and legs close to his body and lazily swam through the air like a giant crocodile or maybe a mystic dragon of the east. His tentacles writhed, and wiggled about on his back. While Vyllith sat on the top of his skull crest as she looked through her holographic. A few fighter jets flew by and patrolled in an open perimeter around Saurian. His six reptilian eyes tracked their movements. Then finally they arrived on the outer edge of the city.


    He continued to receive experience points for Telekinesis as he used it more and more. Saurian let out a low growl that reverberated across the entire are for miles. Wild life scattered in all directions as they tried their best to get away from him. While oddly enough flocks of birds had landed on him for the free ride. Several hawks landed on his skull crest and looked at him in confusion but stayed on him to ride it out. One hawk in particular was perched on Vyllith''s shoulder and was looking at her holographic.


    Through the use of Connectivity Saurian used a bit of GPS and turned gradually towards the White House. He was reasonably sure Lex would not allow him to land on the lawn so he was flying towards the front gate. Saurian, and Lash both had been to Washington before though it was in the MCU Rift. Little changes, but more or less it was the same. Washington being the capital of America had received far more support in the rebuilding process then other cities. So though a lot of it had been rebuilt with out his aid. Though a lot of resources sent from the Watch Tower still came in everyday. Would they received a reward for indirectly helping?


    ''Vyllith, I am making my approach.'' -Saurian said across their shared link.


    Vyllith with out a word stood up and regretfully sent the hawks away. She Called her wings to her and flew into the air. Saurian then took great pleasure in diving straight down towards the ground shocking the military choppers that were escorting him. His landing zone was dead center in front of the White House with a military officer was standing ready to receive him. To the officers credit they didn''t flinch at the approaching dive bombing monster.


    Saurian soon tucked, and rolled end over end. As he did each revolution he got smaller, and smaller. Smoke, and shadow began to billow out of him like a flame consuming a forest. Until eventually he was little more than a ball of smoke that crashed into the street causing a miniature mushroom cloud to appear. From the explosion of shadow came out the 8'' tall Agent Wraith, and Vyllith who landed next to him.


    ¡°Good to see you again, Agent Wraith!¡± The military officer gave him a crisp salute and Wraith looked at him for a moment before a smile stretched across his face.


    Colonel Jace Nichols was the Lieutenant Colonel that Lash had met at the Riddlers attack of the Winter Carnival so long ago.(Chapter 34, 35) Wraith had recommended the officer get a promotion for doing his job when the General they were protecting hid away like a coward. Jace had been a complete asshole to the city watch, security, and GCPD. But he had always been a man with out tact. But he also was a hard worker, and prided himself on taking care of his people. He was in full army dress uniform.


    ¡°Good to see you as well, Colonel Nichols!¡± Lash walked right up to him and stopped at six paces then returned the salute. Colonel Nichols smiled a bit and brought his hand down, then did Lash.


    ¡°Sorry, Colonel I''m not sure I did that correctly.¡± Lash said to him.


    ¡°You did fine, Sir! Who''s this.¡± The Colonel asked as he gestured towards Vyllith who walked over.


    ¡°This is Hell Knight of the JLI she helps keep me in line.¡± Lash said, amusement clear in his voice. Colonel nodded to her and she returned the gesture.


    ¡°A pleasure ma''am. Well shall we, before the vultures come to call?¡± Colonel said as he did an about face and walked towards the White House.


    The vultures in question were the reporters, and news vans that were speeding this way. Lash, and Vyllith fell in line behind the Colonel as they walked onto the paved path of the White House just as security closed the gates on the first reporter. They shouted questions that were easily ignored. Lash went through his Magical Perceptions and saw dozens of newly minted spell wards, talismans, and inscriptions on the White House. Catered to prevent teleportation, and even a shield that could envelope the whole complex if needed. Lash wondered why they hadn''t done that before?


    The White House was an impressive structure that needed a face lift in Lash''s opinion. The overall design hadn''t changed in over 200 years. Yes, it had been updated with all of the technological marvels of the modern day. Along with several supernatural enhancements. But it still looked old. Many would argue that it was historical. Lash knew with out a doubt that for Lex Luthor, it was a step down in luxury.


    The Colonel escorted them across the walk way towards the west wing. This was actually where the president did most of their work. Most people believed the oval office was in the main building. This wasn''t true at all. The main building was primarily were their families would live, as well as where they would hold parties, and delegations from foreign countries. The White House had 147 windows all of them with ballistic safety glass. Supposedly they used a level 8 standard or higher but such knowledge was not open to the public.


    While the entire lawn was under hundreds of cameras, and infrared sensors. But most of all it was under the watchful eye of a full trained operational SWAT team, as well as a newly innovative Meta SPAT team. (Special Powers and Tactics) They weren''t sure about the acronym. While they also had a K-9 unit of guard dogs. One specific guard dog was also a meta. The dog was the size of a horse, but was still just as attentive as it was before.


    ¡°That''s Bruno, the one and only Meta hound that works security with the White House. I''m told he has the same intelligence of a 5 year old. Though he is far more mature for his age. He''s immune to small arms fire, and resistant to rifles.¡± The Colonel said softly as he waved at Bruno. The giant dog, and his handler watched them across the path with careful eyes.


    Bruno was a German Shepard dog. Massive in size with dark brown fur, razor sharp fangs, and claws. Along with amber colored eyes. Bruno watched with interest as Lash stopped and looked towards him. Bruno wagged his tail and licked his nose as he started to walk towards him much to the surprise of his handler. Lash stayed on the path not venturing across the lawn he knew that was a bad thing. The Colonel, and Vyllith paused and waited for him. Bruno eventually walked over and started to sniff Lash.


    ¡°Hello... You smell good! Who are you? Are you here to see the big man in the house?¡± Bruno asked Lash through the use of Beast Speak. (Chapter 4)


    ¡°I am called Agent Wraith, I work with the United Nations World Security as well as the Justice League: International.¡± Lash replied in Beast Speak which came out as a series of growls, and short to the point snarls. Bruno tilted his head to one side then licked Lash''s face several times.


    ¡°Bruno, what''s going on?¡± His handler gentle tugged on his harness. Bruno turned to looked at his handler then yipped softly, his tail wagging.


    ¡°Apologies sir, I am capable of speaking to animals. We were saying hello.¡± Lash informed the handler who looked at him wide eyed.


    ¡°Can you tell him to visit the doctors? He smells sick.¡± Bruno asked Lash.


    ¡°Bruno says you should visit the doctors, he can smell the sickness settling in you.¡± Lash informed his handler who looked surprise then smiled at Bruno.


    ¡°I''ve got an appointment next week big guy.¡± His handler said, and Bruno gave a happy bark at him. Which was like a mega phone given his size.


    ¡°Apologies but it''s time for me to go.¡± Lash said through Beast Speak. Bruno barked once, then licked his face then gradually pulled his handler back to their appointed position.


    ¡°Well, that was educational.¡± The Colonel said with a smile as they continued on their way to the west wing.


    Despite the pleasant situation it soon ended once they reached the door to the west wing. They ran into a problem. Security wouldn''t let Lash, and Vyllith in until the checked them for weapons. Upon which they would have to give up their weapons. Lash gave them a blank stare, then rubbed his face for a moment and tried to explain that he himself was a weapon. He had a mounted cannon attached to his combat suit, as did Vyllith. Now they really wouldn''t let them inside. Lash refused to give it up because he was worried they would try and copy the design. They promised they wouldn''t try to do that. But Lash pointed out the scanning tool that was clearly already trying to scan his whole suit. That started another little discussion about how he was not allowed to scan anything in the west wing. Until word came down from the president himself to let them both in, weapons and all.


    Lash noticed several of the secret service agents were meta''s, and even a few supernaturals! Lash was under the impression that such a thing was against the supernatural community law. But they must have amended that after the invasion. He had to admit that the assassination of the worlds leaders would have gone a lot differently if a Blood-Kindred had been a part of the security escort. Or better yet a War Troll. Lash sent a simple Telepathic hello. He knew they couldn''t stop to greet him as a Warden, or him bowing to them either. They said hello back and that was it.


    Lash, and Vyllith were shown directly into the oval office and there sat behind the desk was Alexander Joseph Luthor aka ''Lex'' or President Luthor. Lex stood approximately at 6''2¡± (187 cm) with piercing intelligent green eyes, and a bald head. (Baldies Unite!) He had an inverted triangle figure, and was in great shape. His muscle definition was clear under his $10,000 tailored black suit with a red tie. Lex was technically in his thirties, but thanks to Lash who used Restore Youth and gave him 10 years. He was physically in his twenties. (Chapter 43)


    Sitting in the room with him was his mother Lillian Luthor who stood at an impressive 6''0¡± (182 cm) with pale skin, blue eyes, light brown hair that was cut just above her shoulders and framed her face. She had an athletic svelte figure, she had been in her 40''s but had also obtained the Restore Youth treatment and returned to her 30''s exact age Lash didn''t know. (He didn''t ask) Lillian was a caring mother, who was a brilliant scientist, and a great actor who was more than willing to manipulate people in just the right way. She had a simple mind. If you were with her, you were family. If you were not you were simply living on borrowed time.


    Lillian wore a black pencil skirt, and green silk blouse, with a black half jacket suit. Golden earrings, and a pearl necklace. She smiled at Lash as he walked in and Lash smiled back at her. Next to Lillian was a surprise. Amanda Waller stood up to greet Lash as he entered. Amanda stood at approximately 5''1¡± with cold brown eyes, pixie cut short black hair, and an athletic hourglass figure. She wore a black, on white pants suit. She had several tiny facial scars along her cheeks, eyes, and one long scar down her neck. Amanda had a cold personality that fit her manipulative style of thinking nicely. She knew when to cooperate, and she knew when to shoot.


    ¡°Agent Wraith, Hell Knight welcome. Please take a seat... Or make one.¡± Luthor said with a smile as they walked in. Several presidential aids stood in the office.


    Lash took him up on the offer and used Fabrication, and Alteration to craft Vyllith, and himself two wooden, and black obsidian stone chairs. Each one ornate, and decorated in gothic style. With plush cushions, and an open spot for their tails. While specifically for Lash he designed his chair to accommodate his tentacles, and the scaled spine he had. Once they were comfortable they looked towards Lex. Colonel Nichols stayed in the room and took an offered seat.


    ¡°You put on rousing appearance in New York, and your little fly over caused a lot of stir in the American public. I like to think I know you well enough that you did that for a purpose, care to share?¡± Lex asked, as he sat back in his large leather chair.


    ¡°I was practicing my Telekinesis.¡± Lash said simply, Lillian raised a manicured eye brow at him.


    ¡°So, in your primal shape which is about 400'' long. You manipulated your Telekinesis to wrap around your entire body and lift yourself off the ground and gradually fly here?¡± Amanda asked, in conflicted tone of voice. Caught between the simplicity, and stupidity of it.


    ¡°That''s not the only reason you did it.¡± Lillian commented, not a question just a statement. Lash gave a ''who knows'' shrug.


    ¡°A show of power.¡± Vyllith said softly from her seat. Amanda looked at Vyllith, this was the first time either of them had met.


    ¡°What do you think, Colonel?¡± Lex asked, and Nichols raised his chin to look Lex in the eye.


    ¡°If his objective was to show the American people how strong he is. I would say he succeeded. Not only that, but the ability to shift from such a large mass to the 8'' tall creature before us. That''s terrifying! I''m happy he is on our side.¡± Colonel Nichols said and glanced at Lash who nodded to him.


    ¡°How strong is your Telekinesis?¡± Lillian asked, as she took out a note pad.


    ¡°I could lift the White House, including the entire garden area and hold it indefinitely.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Or throw it into space.¡± Amanda said next, Lash shrugged again.


    Colonel Nichols opened his mouth then closed it. He looked at Lex for permission to speak and he gave it. ¡°Is that how you got the space station up there. It''s supposedly very large.¡± The Colonel asked.


    ¡°Oh goodness, no! I built the station in stages. The first time I had Superman fly me up and I built it the first version. It was little more than 50'' wide, and 10'' high at that point. Then every few months I built, and upgraded the superstructure to what it is now.¡± Lash replied with a smile.


    ¡°The specifics of the stations super structure will be released with the latest news articles since the tour group should be aboard the station now.¡± Vyllith said next, the Colonel nodded in acceptance then looked towards Lex.


    ¡°Colonel Nichols here will be in charge of the soldiers that you decide to change. If they pass you criteria.¡± Lex said next, while he also said a great deal between the lines. Lex didn''t buy what Lash had said about people surviving the process. He knew Lash had a 100% survival rate.


    ¡°They''ll be in good hands then.¡± Lash said, and complimented the Colonel who smiled at him. ¡°I would suggest the Colonel go through the same process. It makes it easier to give orders who you, yourself can also do the same things.¡± Lash suggested, and the Colonel to his credit didn''t jump for joy but Lash could see it on his face.


    ¡°So you can just give meta powers to anyone?¡± Lillian asked next.


    ¡°They need to be physically healthy. Have reached maturity, mid twenties early thirties. Not pregnant. A stable, and healthy mind. Also I can only grant the basic abilities. So don''t expect anything like Agent Murmur, and Agent Nickel.¡± Lash said, and finished by giving an example. Waller had taken out a holographic pad and was scribbling notes.


    ¡°Basic?¡± Lex asked.


    ¡°Superhuman Strength, Speed, Durability, Agility, Reflexes, Stamina, Healing, Regeneration, Intellect, Senses, and Age Reduction. They''ll start at G- and grow to about E+. Anything more than that and they start to suffer from mutations.¡± Lash replied.


    The Watch Tower had recently finished its Beta test for artificial meta gene implanting. They were moving on and were slowly learning how to grow from G- and up. Lash could of course do it on a whim, but that would require him to be present for all of the operations. They wanted to try and do in on their own, and Lash encouraged this. He could also grant the special abilities, but was not willing to hand that over to the governments of the world. Everything in moderation.


    ¡°Side effects?¡± Lillian asked.


    ¡°Increased metabolism, longer sleep periods after excessive use of abilities. Even starting at G- they will need to learn to interact, and react to the world around them. Having super strength makes the whole world incredibly fragile. Heightened senses will make living in day to day life torture until they can re-learn how to tune the world out.¡± Lash said, and created a interactive holographic window for Lillian, Amanda, Lex, and Nichols.


    ¡°When you say, Age Reduction?¡± Colonel asked.


    ¡°At E+, almost an additional hundred or so years.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Would it be easier to simply implant these abilities in children?¡± Lex asked, and one of his aids gasped softly. Lex ignored them.


    ¡°Yes, but I wont do that.¡± Lash said flat out, Lex looked at him in curiosity.


    ¡°The men, and women you have prepared agreed to this procedure. Maybe in a few hundred years when all of humanity has been conditioned and optimized things will be different. But unless the people in question agree to it, I refuse to preform the operation.¡± Lash finished and wouldn''t budge on it. Lash knew he was splitting hairs. He had changed plenty of people with out their permission. But that was that, and this was this.


    ¡°No chance of sterilization?¡± Lillian asked.


    ¡°Not unless I design it that way. Which I wont.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°I will agree to change 10 soldiers, 11 counting the Colonel and that is it. I''ll be doing the same to the other nations militaries as well.¡± Lash said to continue the discussion.


    ¡°Can''t you give us more?¡± Waller asked, and Lash gave her a dead panned expression.


    ¡°I don''t only work for America, Waller. Your know this.¡± Lash replied, and she sent him a glare.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Lex said as he finished speed reading through the holographic window and sent it back to Lash who closed it. ¡°Colonel you are dismissed, narrow down the volunteers to your top 10.¡± Lex ordered, Colonel Nichols stood up and saluted then left in a hurry.


    ¡°How many did you select?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°216¡± Lillian replied. There was no way Lash was going to change that many. Lex never believed that Lash had a fail rate so what were they thinking?


    ¡°All of you please leave.¡± Lex said to his aids who all left through the office side doors and the last ones out closed the doors behind them. Lex took out a device from his desk and turned it on. An electronic baffle field was created. Blocked all listening devices in the office, and there were a lot of them.


    ¡°I want and additional 10 soldiers. If you agree I''ll force the issue for the medical bed license in the US. Ghost Industries can begin to sell them on American soil.¡± Lex said next.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Lash replied simply. Lex smiled at his quick reply. Politics!


    ¡°When can you come to Belle Reve and give it a once over?¡± Waller asked next, however her personality was a little more amiable. Perhaps she was playing to a crowd before? Lash leaned back in thought.


    ¡°As soon as I leave here.¡± Lash replied, and Waller smiled at him, and nodded her head in thanks. She was either playing to a crowd before, or she was doing it now. Lash''s assorted abilities, and blessing of Loki informed he she wasn''t lying to him, so?


    ¡°I read a report about a school being made for meta''s, aliens, and gifted mundanes. Any progress report on that?¡± Lillian asked.


    ¡°The Lunar Academy is still under construction.¡± Lash began to say and everyone perked up at the sound of Lunar. ¡°However, there is a hostile force on the moon that we are clearing out. It will take time. Also it is believed an Kryptonian armada is on the way to invade the Sol System.¡± Lash said at last and Lex stood up from his seat.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± He asked with a smile tugging on his lips. While Waller, and Lillian both looked surprised and eager for more information.


    ¡°Fort Rozz the prison ship contained several hundred Kryptonians. Many of them were political prisoners from a fail coup that happened on Krypton before its destruction. Fort Rozz came here to the last known location of a Kryptonian Justicar, Supergirl. Where it landed and proceeded to broadcast a SOS signal to any and all Kryptonian ships capable of hearing it. Dru-Zod the military general behind the coup who was not aboard the prison ship received the signal and gathered the remnants of Kryptons space forces to track down Fort Rozz and retrieve their people.¡± Lash said, and produced a large holographic window with the estimated ship number, and tech level.


    ¡°Chances of hostility?¡± Waller asked.


    ¡°Very high. Dru-Zod is a puritan. Any one who is not Kryptonian is beneath his eye. Many Kryptonians are still beneath his eye. He is also brilliant, ruthless, cunning, and incredibly dangerous. Especially because we believe their fleet stopped in Alpha Centauri and have been absorbing yellow sun energy. They are about half as strong as Superman.¡± Lash continued.


    ¡°ETA?¡± Lex asked as he pulled out a private and secure holographic phone and started to type into it at a rapid pace.


    ¡°The next few weeks, honestly I''m surprised they haven''t shown up yet. The JLI have observation satellites at the edge of the solar system on the look out. Aside from the normal visitors we get, nothing as shown up.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Why are we just now hearing about this?¡± Waller asked.


    ¡°We told the UNWS, anyone who needed to know had been told.¡± Vyllith said softly from her seat. Which only infuriated Waller more. Because she didn''t know. Which made perfect sense to Lash. Waller would take the information and protect America, and only America.


    ¡°Chances of Earth being caught in the cross fire?¡± Lillian asked.


    ¡°50/50. We''ve captured more than half of the Kryptonian prisoners and have them aboard the Watch Tower, including Dru-Zod''s wife, and his son. Most of Earth''s technologies are to primitive for the rest of the Kryptons to create a transmitter strong enough to communicate with Dru from the surface. Fort Rozz is dead, and needs a new fuel cell to be reawakened. The JLI, and the UNWS are debating on whether we should get one or not.¡± Lash continued.


    ¡°However, there is another possibility of invasion from a force known as the Green Lanterns.¡± Lash said, and Lex stopped typing to look at him.


    ¡°We had reports of Green Lanterns on Earth. We were informed they were allies? Part of an intergalactic police force?¡± Lillian asked.


    ¡°The Green Lanterns took orders from the Guardians of the Universe on Oa. Recently their archive of records was placed on a public network across the universe. Including but not limited to their secret operational files. The entire universe read their dirty laundry and didn''t like what they found. The Green Lanterns collapsed. 30% of the group gave up their rings, another 30% kept their rings but no longer follow Guardian Law, while the last 40% give or take still work for the Guardians.¡± Vyllith replied.


    ¡°Do we know who to thank for spreading this information across the universe?¡± Waller asked, and Vyllith pointed at Lash.


    ¡°So, after that was done. The Guardians of Oa revoked the protection they had on our solar system. They also placed a very large bounty on my head, preferably alive but dead if necessary. While their public image has been completely ruined. We''ve been informed they are attempting to do a smear campaign on myself. They are trying to sway public opinion that I am a corrupting force on the people of the Sol System. That I am nothing more than an invader setting up the Earth for invasion.¡± Lash replied, and Waller rubbed the bridge of her nose in frustration.


    ¡°At which point the Guardians will swoop in, detain you. Then declare martial law as they do their best to help in this transition between government powers. While the people of Earth are caught in the middle. I know this all to well, I''ve planned and successfully run dozens of operations like this in other countries.¡± Waller said with a sigh.


    ¡°So this is why the Watch Tower went from a space habitat to a military installation. They were preparing for war, prudent.¡± Lillian said next.


    ¡°I assume the Watch Tower is fully equipped to fight off a Kryptonian armada?¡± Lex asked, as he finished with his phone and set it aside.


    ¡°We believe so.¡± Lash replied, from what Jor, and Lara had said the Star Base was more than enough to stop Dru and anything they could throw at them. But Lash was on Nightmare difficulty, he was sure something would come out of left field.


    ¡°How many Green Lanterns still work for Oa?¡± Lillian asked.


    ¡°Hundreds, maybe thousands. All of them with a power ring capable of making energy constructs. If they wanted to they could turn the planet Earth into slag.¡± Vyllith replied with an indifferent tone of voice as if it didn''t concern her.


    ¡°Can you adjust the soldiers now before you leave the states?¡± Lex asked, and Lash thought about it for a moment and agreed. Lex picked up his office phone and closed the electronic baffle field.


    ¡°Tell the Colonel to wait, Agent Wraith and Hell Knight are joining him in the car.¡± Lex said, than hung up the phone. He pressed another call button and a secret service agent opened the door.


    ¡°Please escort Agent Wraith, and Hell Knight to the Colonel.¡± Lex instructed, Lash stood up and bowed to everyone in the room and dematerialized his chair, along with Vyllith''s.


    Lash, and Vyllith were escorted to the underground garage where Colonel Nichols stood at attention with a smile on his face. They would be headed to Quantico. Several armored vehicles escorted them towards the base with police escort. All the while the car ride to the base was a little uncomfortable simple because the back seat of the car didn''t accommodate Lash''s size. Vyllith was practically sitting in his lap. While Colonel Nichols sat off to the side as best he could. Until Lash laughed to himself and cast Size Alteration and shrunk down to about two feet tall and curled up in Vyllith''s lap.


    ¡°There we go.¡± Lash''s voice had also lowered several tones, and may or may not have been a little to cute. As the Colonel attempted to not laugh at him. ¡°Fear me!¡± Lash shouted, raising up his four arms as he threatened the Colonel with the wrath of doom!


    ¡°Hhahahahaha!¡± The Colonel laughed loudly in the car, then Lash calmed down as Vyllith pet his head.


    ¡°So did the President inform you of the 21 people I''ll be changing including you.¡± Lash said as he flopped across Vyllith''s legs. She ran her gloved, clawed hands down his spine.


    ¡°Yes, sir! 5 Marine Raiders, 5 Green Berets, 5 Navy Seals, 5 Air Commandos.¡± Colonel Nichols said as he pulled up a E-Pad and handed it to Vyllith who held it in front of Lash who unlocked it and read through it with Connectivity.


    ¡°They are all legacies. Good, good.¡± Lash said as he read through the file.


    Legacies are born and raised within the service. Yes some may jump branches due to this and that. But your father, and often times your mother as well were in the service. You grew up traveling from base, to base living the live. Then you hit 18 and join up just like your families did. Some of the best soldiers in the history of the world were legacies. Not all of them. But there are always exceptions to the rule.


    ¡°Alright Colonel hold your hand out.¡± Lash said, the Colonel did as he was instructed. Lash brought up Source Code and looked through Colonel Nichols form.


    Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, Restoration, Quality Enhancement, Re:Implant, Panacea, Restore Youth (20 yrs), Empathic Healing, and Awaken Trait. The nature spells were used to restore his body, quality brought his standard human grade from G to F. A bio-mechanical implant to help him slowly develop his abilities. The Colonel was in his 40''s so he was in his 20''s again. While Empathic Healing will help him get past a lot of pain, and heart ache. Next he used Source Code to implant Superhuman Strength, Speed, Durability, Agility, Reflexes, Stamina, Regeneration, Healing, Intellect, Senses, and Age Reduction. Then Lash left a tiny Compulsion inside of him for emergencies.


    Colonel Jace Nichols stood at approximately 6''0¡± (182 cm) with fierce bright eyes, high and tight thick black hair, a strong inverted triangle build. The few wrinkles he did have smoothed out, the gray hair he had was gone. He was in great shape before, but now he was an all star athlete. He had grown several inches to the point that Lash used Alteration, and Fabrication to fix his uniform so it fit better. He took a long slow breath and opened his eyes with a smile.


    ¡°Wow! That is some good shit right there, sir!¡± Colonel said, his voice strong, confident, and full swagger!


    ¡°Your wife may not recognize you now.¡± Lash said as he flopped down into Vyllith''s lap once more. The Colonel got a little quiet and looked down. Lash tilted his head to one side and realized he made a mistake.


    ¡°Invasion?¡± Lash asked, the Colonel nodded. ¡°Daughter?¡±


    ¡°Still alive, staying with her grandparents. They live here in Washington.¡± Colonel said.


    They didn''t speak for the rest of the ride. The Colonel had an odd little smile on his face and Lash understood that Empathic Healing helped him get over the death of his wife. When Lash had healed Kaecilius, he had felt the tsunami of torment wash over him. With the Colonel the pain was there, but it seemed the Colonel was hurting but hadn''t blamed himself. He was good a man who wanted to do right by his family, and his country. Good people.


    The convoy reached its destination and there was a minor problem at the gate when they asked for the Colonel''s ID and the man who was in his 40''s didn''t really match the man who was in his 20''s. Then the ID of Agent Wraith who was suppose to be 8'' tall didn''t match the 2'' tall version. It also didn''t help when Lash shouted the words ''Fear me!'' in his tiny voice. When they at last got past the gate Lash learned that Vyllith had recorded the whole scene and sent it to Kyoko. He was going to make an Agent Wraith plushie.


    Lash decided he liked being small and stepped out of the car as his tiny self. He scampered along next to Vyllith, and Colonel Nichols who was trying to keep a straight face and was failing. Several officers did a double take not only with Agent Wraith, but with the Colonel. While Vyllith was also beyond attractive even in her medium tier exoskeleton suit. Sex appeal is hard to hide no matter what you do. Or maybe it was her heart shaped tipped tail? Who knew!


    Soon the tiny Wraith was escorted into a barracks where the selected soldiers awaited. Thankfully the selection from 216 down to 20 had been relatively easy. Lash learned that they always assumed it would be a small number and simply over prepared. Before they stepped into the room that held the soldiers Lash went back to his impressive 8'' tall form. Then followed in behind the Colonel, someone called attention, they saluted the Colonel and he had them fall in. 5 men from each branch stood in perfect lines, at attention.


    ¡°Stand at rest all of you.¡± Lash said in his animalistic voice, and Colonel gave the command. They went to the standing position of rest.


    ¡°How many of you know, Colonel Nichols?¡± Lash said as he gestured to the young man beside him. Several people raised their hands but a look of confusion was on their faces.


    ¡°I thought it prudent that the man in charge of the new unit should be a meta themselves. So the Colonel has already gone through the process. I also did some conditioning, and optimizing on him as well. As you can see he is younger, by about 20 years.¡± Lash said, and the Colonel smiled while the soldiers looked at him in shock.


    ¡°I look around and most of you are in your thirties with a few exceptions, with late twenties. This is the perfect time to implant a meta gene. Your body is young enough to accept the change, and your mind is flexible enough to not have a mental break.¡± Lash said and emphasized this point by creating a holographic window with a complete scan of the Colonel as reference.


    ¡°Any medics, here?¡± Lash called out, and 1 soldier from each group of 5 raised their hands. ¡°Right, dumb question.¡± Lash said with a bit of humor and a few people chuckled.


    ¡°Most average human beings use approximately 55%-65% of their bodies natural muscle use. This is to prevent damage to their bodies. Well trained athletes, and soldiers can push themselves to 75%-85%. However such extent tends to have issues after 5 or 10 years. When you leave here today, each of you will be able to use 100% of your bodies muscle groups with no ill effect.¡± Lash said and the medics looked dumb struck.


    ¡°So...Who''s first?¡± Lash asked, as he smiled at everyone present showing a bit of fang that sent a shiver down some of their spines.


    At standing tradition a Marine was first, after that they zippered in. Left right, left right, etc, etc. One hour later Lash, and Vyllith stood in a room of men in their early twenties all of them trying to essentially learn how to walk, run, and do jumping jacks together. The Colonel took off his coat and began to do push ups with the soldiers while Lash, and Vyllith counted for them. Eventually Lash sat them down and ran them through what to expect for the next few months.


    ¡°None of you can fly, or shoot lasers from your eyes, or move the earth with your mind. All I''ve done is effectively made you superhuman. That''s all.¡± Lash said simply and a few people barked out a laugh.


    ¡°The highest meta grade any of you should be able to reach is E+. However, you got all of this.¡± Lash said as he pointed out the different meta abilities they were given. ¡°While others only get some of what you have. Yes, those that get only some tend to go a little higher in grade. A question some of you may ask? Could you go to a higher grade with less powers? I don''t know. It''s possible. But every attempt to push the limit of the human body with an artificial gene has led to mutations, and abominations. None of you want to do that.¡± Lash said, and demonstrated his point by showing holographic pictures. Of humans, and animals with miss shaped limbs, spines protruding out their backs, skin falling off.


    ¡°What can we do with E+, sir?¡± One of the soldiers asked.


    ¡°With Age Reduction you''ll most likely live an additional 80-100 years. With Superhuman Speed at E+ you''ll be able to run at 30 mph and hold it. Regeneration you''ll be able to regrow an entire arm in under a year.¡± Lash said, then created several holographic windows and gave them each one to look through while he closed the horror show video down.


    ¡°With Superhuman Durability, and Reflexes you may be able to catch a bullet. Depends on the bullet honestly.¡± Lash said with a smile, and a few people laughed.


    ¡°I will say this though. I am the one that gave you this artificial gene. So I''ll be real with all of you right now.¡± Lash said, and his tone took on an edge. All the soldiers stopped reading their screens to look at him.


    ¡°If any of you go off the rails, and use what I''ve given you to become a monster? I will track you down, take them back from you, then kill you. Understand?¡± Lash said, his voice all but a growl. Several people swallowed audibly, then Colonel Nichols stood up at attention.


    ¡°I understand, sir!¡± Colonel Nichols shouted. He was soon followed by every man in the room.


    Lash and Vyllith stayed for a few more hours. He handed them each a holographic pad with the do, and do not while training with powers. He also encouraged them to attend CSA training because technically even though they are already in the military its the law. Also to not tell anyone that they are artificially created. Especially since other countries are only getting 11. When the soldiers heard that they all had smiles on their faces. Assuming Lash was making an exception for his home country. They didn''t need to know the truth. Colonel Nichols saw them to courtyard where Lash, and Vyllith used a spring jump to head to Belle Reve.


    In the comics Belle Reve is a prison facility used to contain metahuman criminals. It was also used as a base of operations for Task Force X and the Suicide Squad. Located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana near St. Roch. In the Dream Engine that hadn''t change much, however there was a very large military base attached to Belle Reve. The military base wrapped around the whole prison. Half of Belle Reve was underground. While the other half which was the administration portion was above. Building underground in the swamp lands is incredibly difficult. Unless you have a talented Terrakinetic.


    When Lash, and Vyllith landed on the street fresh from a spring jump they were welcomed by a beautiful sun set. As the sweltering heat, and humidity pulled them both into its uncomfortable embrace. Actually for the both of them it wasn''t that bad. Not because of their full body exoskeleton suits. But because Vyllith was born and raised in Tartarus, and Lash was a reptile in his current form. Nature spirits, as well as rot drifted in the air in an odd harmony. Swamps were great like that. A balance between life, rot, death, and rebirth.


    What also welcomed them was an alarm. A base wide alarm. For a brief moment Lash assumed it was because two unidentified people teleported within 50'' of the gatehouse. But no, it was because half the base was on fire and people wearing orange jump suits were sprinting across the base attempting to get out as fast as possible. Lash reached out with Connectivity, then used Virtual Intelligence aka tech-spirits. He sent the spirits into the base to figure out what was going on while he called Amanda Waller.


    ¡°This is Director Waller, you have 5 seconds to tell me who the fuck you are because I don''t recognize this number.¡± Waller''s irritated voice came over the line.


    ¡°Director Waller its Agent Wraith. I''m right outside of Belle Reve and there is an alarm, several explosions, and what appears to be convicts attempting to run off the base. Do I have your permission to intervene?¡± Lash asked politely into the phone.


    ¡°God damn it! Yes, you have my permission to intervene!¡± Waller shouted then hung up the phone.


    ¡°Rules of engagement?¡± Vyllith asked as she flipped through a holographic setting. A holographic projection of JLI showed up on her front, and back so she could be identified.


    ¡°Ask them to surrender if they don''t, maim and or kill them.¡± Lash replied, and Vyllith reached up to her back and pulled her sword free from her spine sheath. Wings burst into being with a crimson divine glow and she took off into the air.


    Lash raised his four clawed hands into the air and channeled Reality Warping and Manifestation. With the spell being empowered he got something a little different. 1500 warriors, 200 veterans, and 20 elites stepped out of the portals of darkness and starlight. Lash lowered all of his arms but one, the last one he pointed towards the base and with out a word his army rushed towards Belle Reve. While his tech-spirits notified the base commander that he was on scene with help, and had Director Waller''s permission to intervene.


    Lash''s magical energy took a nose dive when he cast the empowered version of Manifestation but thanks to the tear drop power stone, and Endless Energy he soon returned to 100%. While the original 1110 had their own power source. He had to keep the extra numbers up himself. Even then his energy levels rarely went below 90%. Lash reached out and linked up with the intercom system in place on base.


    ¡°Attention! Attention! This is Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security! Liaison with the Justice League: International. I advise any and all convicts to surrender peacefully. If you do not! You will suffer!¡± Lash''s animalistic voice shouted across the base, and the entire prison. For a brief moment the prisoners stopped then they went right back to what they were doing.


    ''Just maim, and or kill then?'' -Vyllith asked across the link.


    ''Yes.'' -Lash replied.


    Lash dropped to all fours as his Adaptation adjusted his bones, and muscle structure. While Vyllith dived bomb straight into a group of convicts next to the wall flaming holy sword out. Then the screaming started. Lash ran straight towards the towering metal alloy door that stood over 30'' tall. He jumped up and stuck to the door thanks to Gravity Stride and climbed up like it was the floor. He reached the top and looked at the watch tower that had several convicts attempting to break the door down. Lash jumped across the space easily enough and pounced onto one of them.


    ¡°Hello there!¡± Lash said, his shroud of smoke and shadow billowing around him.


    ¡°Oh fuck!¡± One of the men shouted, as Lash''s tentacles reached out and snagged each convict and tossed them off the watch tower to the ground 30'' below.


    ¡°Agent Wraith?¡± A soldier inside the watch tower stuck his face out.


    ¡°Yes it''s me, do you have any injured?¡± Lash asked as he climbed the rest of the stairs and perched on the metal railing.


    ¡°No sir! But we are not the only gate house. Can you check the others? We lost radio contact.¡± The officer asked. Lash nodded in agreement then jumped back to the wall and raced along the edge. Well along the side.


    While Lash ran along the wall his four tentacles created spell circles of Eldritch Blast and beams of red energy danced across the base like sniper shot that cut through concrete, steel, flesh, and bone alike. All the while a tidal wave of Saurus Warriors dove into the waiting arms of the prisoners who were trying their best to run away now. Then a piece of the wall that Lash ran across suddenly turned into a concrete spike that tried to impale him. He jumped off thanks to his Superhuman Reflexes though neither Danger Sense of Foresight activated. He landed and looked around to see a man with a ripped up jumper suit, and skin made of rock. Lash cast Insight.


    Name: Fuk Jr. Tastic VI Avatar. Aka Earth Burglar


    Title: Earth Bender. Rock Eater. Born to Rock.


    Origin: Meta. Sub-Origin: Science Project.


    Rank: C-


    Skills: Pottery, Quilting, Hand to Hand Combat, (See tool tip)


    Powers: Terrakinetic, Superhuman Durability, Earth Breath, (See tool tip)


    Domain: N/A


    Traits: Dark Vision.


    Affiliation: Waller''s Bitches, Rough Riders.


    Flaws: Short Fuse.


    Disposition: Hostile.


    Description: Fuk Tastic is a VI Avatar who''s User had died so many times he finally gained enough WP to make an instant C grade meta. Who got arrested 10 minutes after their creation. They''ve been in prison ever since. They have over the top anger issues, and are easily baited.


    Wow! That was a gamer name for sure! Fuk Tastic slammed his fists into the ground and concrete spikes shot out of the ground. Lash easily side stepped them and darted straight towards Tastic by jumping side to side in odd patterns. Lash didn''t say a word as Tastic kept making spikes after spikes. Then when Lash got close enough Tastic spewed out sand from his mouth. So Lash opened his maw, and spread his mandibles to breath out blue hot flame with Elemental Manipulation. His breath was so hot the sand turned to glass, and the top half of his body melted before Lash''s eyes. He was dead before he hit the ground.


    Lash watched as the spirit of Fuk Tastic was pulled into Lash''s private hell dimension. Ah! That''s right, Lash needed to visit there and get it all set up. Then he needed to see how expensive a heavenly realm was. Hopefully the Krypton demigods could go there for their home away from home. He''d have to see later. Lash took back off on a sprint towards the next gate house. While more and more damned souls were sent to his hell dimension. Lash reached the next gate house and found it intact. Then when he reached the next he found that one open and dozens of convicts running in the swamp.


    Lash climbed into the watch tower and found several officers horrible beaten and a few mutilated. He repaired, and healed their bodies. Then brought each one back as they each had their soul tethers in place. Then he climbed the wall and shot each of the running convicts with a long range, focused Eldritch Blast. The lower half of each convict flopped into the swamp after he was done. They closed the gate, and he repaired the watch towers door. Then started to move inside.


    More than half the base had fallen under Lash''s control by the time he got to the upper floors of the prison. Vyllith was flying around the base slaying the sinful and healing the injured. That was right! Apparently with Angelic Physiology Vyllith could use her Daemonic divine pool to lay her hands on people and heal. Groovy. Lash was actually a little worried because he saw little lights of what he could only call motes of faith be absorbed into his being. Wonderful he thought sarcastically.


    Lash moved into the upper floors of the prison and stood up straight as his bones snapped into a bipedal position. He poked his head around the corner and pulled it back as assault rifles shot where he had been. He used Earth Swim to move through an exterior wall. The administration portion of the base was in part where they ran their operations out from. The one and only door that led outside was the one he just used. Several convicts sat above with assault rifles, and light machine guns waiting for anyone to poke their heads back in.


    ¡°I''m surprised you didn''t run.¡± Lash called out from the shadows, he used Phantasm to have his voice come from different angles.


    ¡°We were going to, then a flood of reptiles in fucking armor killed half our crew.¡± A man''s voice called out.


    ¡°I''ve only noticed men so far, where all the women?¡± Lash called out. It was true, every convict he had met were male.


    ¡°They''re still in prison. We didn''t want to let any of those crazy bitches out. Normal women are hard enough to get along with.¡± Another man''s voice called out.


    ¡°You can still surrender.¡± Lash called out, as he cast Invisibility on himself and climbed up the wall. There at the edge of the room was a machine gun nest.


    Like most secure facilities the door in and out was controlled by someone who sat up in a secure spot one or two floors above the door. The room was commonly large, with several security monitors, and a small armory just in case they needed in. Unfortunately in this case the convicts got a hold of that small armory. Since the prison dealt with meta-humans with many having Superhuman Durability the weapons all had armor piercing to high incendiary rounds. Technically none of those could do anything to Lash. But he had grown over confident before, he promised he wouldn''t do that again. So sneaking up was the choice of the day.


    ¡°And go back to that shit hole! I''d rather die!¡± One of the men said, then screamed in panic as he clutched his chest and soon fell over with blood leaking out of his mouth. Grasp Heart was a useful spell.


    Unfortunately using the spell broke Lash''s Invisibility. The convicts looked up to see him attached to the ceiling. He jumped straight towards them and tackled the man wielding a light machine gun. He raked his claws through the man''s chest and cut flesh, bone, and organs apart like paper! Blood sprayed across Lash''s reptilian face as he whipped his bladed tail and cut a man. Both halves fell to the floor with the man blinking in confusion before he died. Then Lash was catapulted through the ballistic window by a Telekinetic. Lash was sent through the reinforced concrete wall and flew across the base by several hundred feet until he skipped across the pavement like a stone across a lake.


    ¡°I should have cast Insight.¡± Lash said more to himself than anyone else. As he slowly sat up and looked around. The throw had caused him little damage, but it did hurt his pride.


    The convict in question rose from the main administration building, he had learned the ability of Telekinetic Flight. He lifted an armored humvee and tossed it Lash. Who rolled out of the way and stood up with a smile on his face.


    ¡°You are a complete and total moron, you know that right!¡± Lash called out.


    ¡°I know I have no chance against you!¡± The man shouted back, but that wasn''t what Lash had meant.


    Lash raised his upper right hand up and made a finger gun then pointed it at the convict who braced for an attack. An attack did come, by hundreds of Saurus warriors who all used Eldritch Blast on the man. All that remained was his shoes as they fell to the ground in smoking ruin. Lash returned to the front door to find Vyllith waiting for him, her wings dismissed. Though she didn''t say a word, Lash could feel her attempt to not laugh across their shared link. Lash took a moment to nuzzle her with his snout and she hugged him in return.


    There was an industrial elevator that went down into the prison with a winding staircase that wrapped around the elevator. Looked like the elevator had been shut down when the male portion broke containment. So they had to hoof it up the stairs. Lash jumped down the elevator shaft, followed by Vyllith. They drop was over 200'' down and they landed with out a sound. The doors opened up into a large room with two separate tunnels. One led to the men''s portion, and the other led to the women''s.


    The tech-spirits flowed from electronic, to electronic. True enough the entire women''s section was in total lock down while all of the prison guards in the women''s section kept trying to contact the surface. Then the men side was in total disarray. Though not everyone had run. Lash had his tech-spirits start immediate repair and they soon found the problem. One of the convicts had Machine Control and it had not been recorded. In fact out of all the convicts that Lash, Vyllith, and the Saurian army had fought that specific meta was still missing. Along with a elite others.


    ¡°One was captured, and sent to prison to free selected individuals. That takes a lot of careful planning.¡± Lash said softly.


    Who was missing? Slade Wilson aka Death Stroke. David Hyde aka Black Manta. Erik Needham aka Black Spider. Copperhead no known civilian name. Lawrence Crock aka Sportsmaster. Along with the Machine Control meta who''s named was Tom Bilden. Most likely an alias. Lash copied the information and forwarded it to the JLI. Then he and Vyllith went to the women''s section and politely informed the guards that the prison escape was under control but they should wait for the go ahead from Waller....


    --------


    Midnight rolled around and all of the still living prisoners were escorted back to their cells. Lash and Vyllith worked in the medical wing of the military base and were in the process of fixing the soldiers who fought in the escape. They had wanted to speak to the warden in charge but apparently the man had been eaten by one of the convicts. Lash couldn''t find the man''s soul so he couldn''t build a new body. Eventually Waller showed up. She was not pleased.


    ¡°452 inmates were killed in the escape.¡± Waller said to them both as she walked into her office with them following behind.


    ¡°Why were they not wearing inhibitor collars?¡± Lash asked softly as he decided to stand knowing the chairs in the office wouldn''t hold him.


    ¡°They don''t wear the collars in the prison because we have them installed in the walls, cells, every god damn hallway in this place as inhibitors built into them!¡± Waller shouted at Lash. Then she started to fiddle with a silver chain around her neck. Still wearing the Nth metal slip he had given her. (Chapter 58)


    ¡°I''m afraid that isn''t true, Director Waller. There are dozens of places in your prison where the inhibitors do not cover. A fault in the design, or specifically placed.¡± Lash said, and created a holographic window with a map, and all the blanks spots. Waller''s eyes twitched then she looked like she wanted to scream but held off on it.


    ¡°The cascading failure started in the laundry room. Tom Bilden the meta with Machine Control reached out and turned the other inhibitors off one by one. From there the prison escape happened. But of course that was just a happy accident. They specifically got these individuals out.¡± Lash informed Waller of the individuals missing.


    ¡°FUCK!¡± Waller shouted.


    ¡°How many prisoners have a sub dermal tracking chip?¡± Lash asked, for a brief moment Waller blinked as her brain worked a problem. But she never answered him.


    ¡°You did put a tracking chip in them, right?¡± Lash asked in a dead tone. ¡°Preferably with out their knowledge?¡±


    ¡°Fuck...¡± Lash said softly when she didn''t reply.


    ¡°Can''t you track them?¡± Vyllith asked, and Waller looked up at him.


    ¡°Where are their cells?¡± Lash asked...


    About 30 minutes later Lash sat outside sitting cross legged in a ritual circle with the items of the prisoners that escaped. Vyllith, and two Saurus Elites stayed watch while Waller looked at him in mild confusion. Slade Wilson had absolutely nothing in his cell that would be called ''his''. David Hyde had kept hand carved shark made out of soap. Erik Needham had a porno magazine. Copperhead had a tooth file. Lawrence Crock had a palm sized wall ball. While Tom Bilden had nothing at all, he''d only been in the prison for two weeks. Lash used Clairvoyance on each of them.


    4 magical mirrors formed around Lash as his eyes fluttered closed. Each mirror was for an individual. David Hyde the Black Manta''s mirror showed a image of him swimming through the ocean back once again in his Black Manta suit. The view point shifted, and turned but couldn''t identify where he was. He was deep enough that the water color didn''t matter, and no aquatic life was around for any sort of migration position.


    Erik Needham the Black Spider was flying in a private plane talking to a man, and woman. Unfortunately Lash didn''t have sound for his spell yet. The view point shifted until, the view always had to have Erik in it. But they could pan around him. One the breast pocket was the name of the private air line they were using. Waller barked out orders to track all planes in the air under that business. It was a long shot but at last it was a thread to pull.


    Copperhead''s mirror was blank. The tooth file didn''t posses enough of ''him'' to track so Lash closed that down. Lawrence Crock the Sportsmaster was in very nice car driving down a free way. He just past a mile marker and the sign for Bob''s burgers family restaurant. The trees around him were western hemlocks, douglas firs, pacific northwest trees. Lawrence parked at Bob''s Burgers and stepped out of the car to meet a young woman with yellow tanned skin, jet black hair tied back, and athletic shape. She wore a leather jacket, and khakis pants, with running shoes, and a base ball cap. Her face was hidden, and a bright flash from a necklace burst and the viewing mirror shattered. But that was enough to go on. Not that many restaurants named Bob''s burgers in the North West of America. Hopefully.


    Lash kept the windows of Black Manta, and Black Spider up for another 20 minutes. But eventually they became distorted, and fuzzy before they to shattered. The essence of each item ran out of the individuals energy. Eventually the ritual circle powered down and Lash stood up. The eerie glowing energy from the circle faded.


    Congratulations User! Minor Clairvoyance has evolved into Basic Clairvoyance.


    Effect: Viewing now comes with sound.


    Effect: Spell can work with less energy, and lasts longer.


    Lash tried to stop himself from rolling his eyes in front of everyone but Vyllith could feel his annoyance across their link. She assumed it was because he didn''t get enough. But before he could tell her otherwise he got an update to his Divination Domain.


    Congratulations User! You''ve learned a new spell for your Spell Domain, Divination.


    Message: This spell allows the User to send a message 25 words or less. The User can decide if the target can reply back or not.


    Effect: Each target has a 24 hour cool down.


    Lash growled in delight as a face splitting grin grew across his face.


    ======================================================


    David Hyde aka Black Manta swam through the depths of the ocean free and clear of the awful place. He was back in his element and now he simply owed a group of people a favor that he''d have to pay in a few weeks. But that was enough time to meet some friends, kill some enemies, and...


    ''David... I will find you, David. When I do you will not like what happens.''


    David whipped around and looked behind him. He looked all around him. He reached up to interface to check his readings. Aside from some fish he was alone. So what the fuck was that!? That voice? He''d heard that voice before, but only through a television or over a holographic! So why did he just hear it inside his head!?


    =============================================================


    Erik Needham aka Black Spider was currently sitting on a private plane heading to Europe. He had a new employer and he was happy with the arrangement. He got out of jail, got a new job, with lots, and lots of perks. He''d also get a new suit out of the mix...


    ''Erik...''


    ¡°What!?¡± Erik jumped out of his seat and looked around the plane. The two agents of his new employer looked up at him in confusion.


    ''Erik are you sure you can trust them?''


    ¡°Trust who!? What the fuck!?¡± Erik shouted, then pointed at his head and made a mouth motion with his hands. Normally this would cause people to think he was hearing voices. But that was exactly what was happening! But the two agents responded quickly by taking out a device that was suppose to prevent telepathy.


    ''I''ll find you Erik. See you soon.''


    ¡°Hello?.....Hello?¡± Erik said a few times but never heard a reply.


    ¡°What did the voice sound like?¡± One of the agents asked.


    ¡°It sounded like a crocodile had just learned how to speak.¡± Erik said to them, and despite the odd response both Agents went pale.


    ===============================================================


    ¡°I can''t believe you!¡± A young woman shouted at Lawrence Crock as she pressed her foot down on the gas pedal to the car they were both in.


    ¡°What is the big deal!? So I used a ball while I was inside. I was in there for two months, I was bored!¡± Lawrence shouted back.


    ¡°Someone was using a scry spell to track you through the item.¡± The woman shouted back at him, then checked her necklace which was cracked in half. ¡°And it was a strong spell caster!¡±


    ¡°Isn''t that why you have that gizmo? To prevent that from happening?¡± Lawrence asked, as he rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Its broken! This thing cost a quarter of a million dollars and it snapped under the pressure the spell casters power!¡± The woman shouted at him.


    ¡°I''ll cover you! Jesus...¡± Lawrence began to say.


    ''Lawrence... Where you going, Lawrence?''


    ¡°HOW FUCK!¡± Lawrence shouted and reached into his bag and pulled out a device.


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± The woman shouted.


    ¡°Fucking Telepath.¡± Lawrence shouted. The young woman looked behind her, then looked above the car.


    ''Did you finish your burger already? Wont be long now. See you soon.''


    Lawrence flipped a switch and the device turned on. After that the voice stopped and Lawrence felt a shiver roll down his spine. He''d heard that voice before. He had heard it when they had left the prison just as the teleporter showed up to snag them all.


    ¡°Fuck! FUCK! Stop the car! Stop the fucking car!¡± Lawrence shouted, and the woman slammed on the break. He got his stuff and climbed out.


    ¡°Lose the truck!¡± Lawrence shouted, and the young woman climbed out.


    ¡°What!? Who was it, did you reco-Gaaaaaah!¡± The young woman screamed in panic as she went flying up into the air. Past the trees.


    ¡°JADE!¡± Lawrence shouted.


    Tree branches shifted, and groaned and reached down to try and grab him. Lawrence aka Sportsmaster earned his name as he bobbed and weaved through the branches. He jumped, tucked, and rolled up off the ground just as the roots reached for him. He slung his bag across his back and took off on a sprint, his breath strong, and even. On his peripheral vision he saw things running on all fours. Giant reptiles in armor.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± He reached into his inner coat pocket and pulled out a device.


    ¡°I need a pick up right now! I''ll sign up for life, just get me the hell out of here. NOW!¡± Sportsmaster shouted into the device. A resounding crash went above him and Sportsmaster fell across the ground but only after he felt a searing pain stab directly into his left leg.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Sportsmaster twisted around and saw a fucking metal spear in his leg! The tree branches reached out to him but a soft pop rang out next to him with a bit of purple smoke.


    ¡°Oh wow! There is a spear in you!¡± A man said as he reached out to touch Sportsmaster.


    ¡°We got to go now!¡± Sportsmaster shouted until another crash was heard from the side of the forest and the teleporter shouted in pain as a spear flew through the air and impaled him into a tree ten feet away.


    ¡°Fuck! That''s not good.¡± The Agent said, then teleported off the spear right next to Sportsmaster then with a quick hand touch they both teleported away.


    A Saurus warrior jumped into the clearing and looked around. They quickly collected blood from Sportsmaster, and the teleporter. Then flew up above the canopy with Telekinesis. Floating in the air was its creator, and his knight. While he held a terrified young woman by the back of her neck. The warrior handed the vials off to its creator and returned to the ether from once it came.


    ¡°Villains for Hire, how annoying. Hello Jade, been a while.¡± Lash said to his prisoner.


    ¡°Hello Wraith....¡± Jade aka Cheshire replied.


    Galen

 Chapter 126: Manipulation

    ===============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Galactic Sheriff Frigate***


    The Sheriff security frigate jumped into the system and did a broad wave scan of the whole area. With in minutes of entering the system they were linked up with the FTL lock of the new Watchtower Star Base. It gave them a basic layout of the whole system, best routes, where obstacles were, etc. System security would be sending star fighters to escort them in, along with the systems scheduled resident sheriff and automated drones. But even still the frigate refused to move until the rest of its convoy showed up.


    In a flash of light 2 corvettes appeared several miles from the first frigate. Then 2....5.....10 Galactic star fighters jumped into the system next. Each one spread out as if expecting another entry. Then two cargo haulers appeared between the star fighters, and frigates. The Sheriff star fighters, and frigates looked like birds of prey. While the haulers were little more than large boxes with engines attached to them. They didn''t need to be pretty to carry their cargo. But even still the convoy didn''t move out until.


    One final burst of light revealed the Galactic Sheriff destroyer class star ship. The destroyers were long rectangular pieces of machinery. With a large forward cannon that stretched from the midsection of the ship to the forward section. Capable of firing a kinetic mass, or energy beam. While along both sides of the ship were several additional turrets, and docked in the interior of the destroyer were 2 automated interceptor class star fighters. The whole ship was painted a deep cosmic purple. With eerie green lights along its hull. On the side of the ship was the standard Sheriff shield insignia, along with a four fingered fist holding a wrench. The crews battle standard.


    Once they had all receive the solar map of the system they started to move towards the star base. However, with in a few minutes of moving on ahead another flash of light revealed a sleek ship with a silver mercury armor plating. The entire ship had no visible means of propulsion but simply glided through space. After a few minutes of silent running the outer armor of the ''ship'' pulled down and windows became exposed. Along with a holographic mark of a coins being counted. This was a pleasure yacht.


    ______________________________________


    Commander Bhol''uns was the security chief assigned to escorting, and delivering the new level 20 security package to the client, and owner of the Watchtower Star Base, Wraith. He stood at approximately 7''0¡± (213 cm) with four muscular arms, with midnight fur, and cat like features. This included a long tail, claws on his hands, and feet. With pointed ears, and feline purple eyes. Purple eyes that were currently twitching in irritation as he attempted to not scream at the individual he was speaking to.


    The ship that had jumped in behind them was a pleasure yacht full of rich, spoiled brats! These were the type of children that had never worked a day in their lives. Their parents had made trillions on the galactic market. Normally Bhol''uns wouldn''t give them the time of day. But one of the kids was the son of one of the major stock holders in the Galactic Sheriff security firm. So the commander held his tongue as the rich jack ass went on and on about visiting the universe, expanding their cultural education, and visiting places with people that had less than them. They had heard about the client Wraith spending so many solar coins and just had to come visit.


    Their ship was a Duro Herald speed vessel. It has basic point defense weapons but its primary weapon was its speed. It could jump between solar systems with only a single day between jumps. While their sub-light speeds were so rapid they could outpace every pirate ship and most military star fighters. It also had a full crew compliment of 30 well trained professionals that would do nearly anything to protect and serve their guests. The ship was nearly impossible to track thanks to the zero emissions armor plating they had. If commander Bhol''uns was not directly looking at the ship from his observation window he would have no idea it was even there.


    ¡°So there is no tourist resort here?¡± The rich jackass asked.


    ¡°No sir. Several of the planets have primitive civilizations on them. But each civilization is pre-FTL. As far as we know our client, Wraith. Is attempting a technological upliftment of the system.¡± Bhol''uns replied as he clenched his jaw.


    ¡°Oh wonderful! So this, this...Wraith thing is trying to do right by the poor folk! The Universe needs more of the charitable. Don''t you agree commander.¡± The rich jackass said.


    ¡°Yes, if the rich and powerful could give back to the universe that help make them what they are I think we would all be in a better place.¡± Bhol''uns replied and wanted to scream at the kid for being a fucking hypocrite.


    ¡°So tell me commander. Is there anything of note with in the system? Something to draw the eye?¡± The jackass asked, as several people walked past the view screen. Bhol''uns saw a few rich kids wearing practically nothing and drinking like it was the end of the world.


    ¡°The star base has an experimental FTL Sling Shot. I''ve been informed that it came online just yesterday. They''ve already shot a single automated probe successfully.¡± Bhol''uns replied, and the rich jackass smiled in wonder.


    ¡°They have opened the sling shot to the public!? My word! That is something we will have to see.¡± The rich jackass said then closed the line with out even saying goodbye.


    ¡°Why do I feel like I just made a mistake?¡± Bhol''uns said softly, as he watched the ship power up its engines and take off. Slipping away into dark ocean of space, and out of sight......


    With in the hour the system security star fighters showed up to escort them the rest of the way. Bhol''uns informed them of the pleasure yacht and who was on board. Then the star fighters did that weird thing when they surrounded the whole convoy and covered them in blueish energy and propelled through through the system at a rapid pace. What should have been a several hour trip turned into a few quick time minutes. Then the convoy saw their destination and Bhol''uns went slack jawed.


    It hadn''t even been a single solar year and the station had gone from mid tier to large. He fully understood why it was given the designation of a star base. The thing was a mobile fortress! It was a perfect sphere, except for around the equator of the base where the docking ring sat. Bhol''uns was delighted to here that the trade hub had grown large enough to accommodate his entire frigate so he didn''t need to do an umbilical cord like he did last time. By the stars even the destroyer they were escorting could link up to the docking ring and have sealed hatch.


    ¡°Commander Bhol''uns this is Watchtower Star Base VI, Vici. Welcome back. Please stand by for docking procedures.¡± Vici''s sweet synthetic feminine voice greeted them.


    ¡°Sir, we have over 200 target locks from the star base.¡± His tactical officer called out.


    ¡°Well I guess we better stand by then.¡± Bhol''uns said. Then he received a bit of smug satisfaction as his convoy was escorted through the defense line ahead of the rich kids vessel.


    Several shuttle craft, and automate drones flew out to each of their ships and pulled them in via tractor beam. Despite the destroyers size it only took two shuttles to pull it towards the docking ring. Mechanical arms came out and magnetically latched on and guided it in the rest of the way. While Bhol''uns frigate was taken into the actual trade hub. They passed through the soft light shield membrane and gradually came to a stop. As their landing struts came out. They had made it! Now to meet the client. But if Bhol''uns was being honest he was hoping the client was busy so he could hang out at the pleasure palace.


    ¡°I''ve said it once, I''ll say it again. To all ships, and their crew. The client paid up front for the whole year and even paid for the extra security editions. HQ has already signed on for hazard pay in case things get dicey out hear. So best behavior, best performance, understood!¡± Bhol''uns said into his communicator, as well as his bridge crew.


    ¡°Understood sir!¡± His bridge crew shouted, and he got confirmations from the rest of the ships.


    Bhol''uns and his first officer walked through the frigate towards the cargo bay. Once they stepped through the last door they were greeted with fresh air. None of that recycled crap. Every crew member who came into the cargo bay took a moment to take a deep breath and Bhol''uns was no different. The cargo bay had opened its doors into the station. Waiting for them were security droids. These things were heavy duty, covered in armor, and weapons galore.


    Bhol''uns and his first officer stepped off the ramp, and stepped between the units who turned on their heels in perfect sync and escorted them through the trade hub. Bhol''uns glanced up and saw mechanical arms, and drones pass over his ship. Tiny blemishes, scratches, and the occasional asteroid blast were repaired, removed, and cleaned as if they never existed. The cargo haulers began to unload the new and advanced automated drones. Then took back the old ones. The new ones had the latest software, and hardware upgrades money could buy.


    ¡°Blue Lantern...¡± His first officer said, and Bhol''uns bit back a snide remark. He recognized this man.


    ¡°Lantern, hello!¡± Bhol''uns said and put on his best fake smile. While John Stewart walked over, backed by two green lanterns? Both with metallic, and feathered wings? Thanagarians.


    Bhol''uns, and his first officer stopped a few feet shy of arm distance. The security droids stopped and turned around to look at the exchange with the mechanical, and impersonal precision that comes from machines. While the lantern John looked like he had bitten into something sour. The green lantern Thanagarians did little to hide their distaste for the Sheriffs. Thankfully that didn''t matter! Their client Wraith made it abundantly clear that he hired them.


    ¡°Wraith isn''t available. He''s planet side helping to rebuild the surface cities.¡± Lantern John said.


    ¡°Unfortunately we can''t leave with out his signature. But we are prepared to wait up to a month, Sol System time of course.¡± Bhol''uns replied.


    ¡°I''m sure you just so upset about that.¡± One of the green lanterns said with a sneer. Bhol''uns kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°Sit around, collect a paycheck, leave once the danger starts. That is the sheriff way, isn''t it?¡± The other green lantern said. Another tense moment passed them by. Bhol''uns crossed his four arms across his chest as he looked back at them.


    ¡°Commander Bhol''uns who is that other ship?¡± A gender neutral voice spoke as everyone including the lanterns jumped just a bit as the star base security manager Hex appeared out of thin fucking air.


    ¡°They are rich kids slumming it in the rural, and back water part of the universe. They came to see the Sol System and maybe see the client. But they are also thrill seekers. I think they want to try your sling shot.¡± Bhol''uns said, while his voice was filled with resentment for the situation.


    ¡°I see... Welcome to the station. I hope you enjoy your stay. John, if you and your people are done with the pissing contest you''ve been requested on the moon.¡± Hex said, and before John could say a word in reply Hex faded from sight. Bhol''uns tried to keep a straight face but failed as his first officer barked out a laugh.


    John Stewart looked furious but he held his tongue and turned around. The two green lanterns followed behind them. The green, and blue lanterns aboard the station confused Bhol''uns he had heard the same thing everyone else had. That Oa was attempting to smear the good name of Wraith. That they planned to attack the Sol System with a Green Lantern army. So why were there Green Lanterns aboard the station? Rogues? He sent a request for information towards HQ. The security firm tried to stay out political issues...Tried being the word.


    ¡°Commander! We just got word that the rich kids are about to use the sling shot!¡± One of the crew members shouted to him across the way. Oh this he had to see!


    _______________________________________________


    The experimental FTL Sling Shot was a brand new feature to the Watchtower Star Base. It only fired once and it sent an automated probe 5 systems away. The probe was already on its way back. But it had survived the ordeal. For the first time in the bases history it was about to send a ship through the sling shot. Who volunteered for this position? Some kids with to much money, and not enough common sense!


    The Duro Herald speed vessel was top of the line. Supposedly if the pilot was talented enough they could fly into the inner waves of a black hole and ride out the other end. Despite the obvious it was a very safe, and expensive ship. The silver mercury metallic ship floated over towards the upper portions of the star base. A ring with spell script inscribed across every section of the ring glowed brilliantly. The Herald moved into position and waited patiently. The ship passed through the ring as it floated by. As it did so energy ribbons reached out and connected to the ship. Until the ring was ahead of the ship by several hundred feet. Each ribbon connected to different portions of the ship. While the star base had a thick energy cord connected to the back of the ship.


    By this point nearly everyone aboard Watchtower Star Base came to watch the show. If not on the docking ring, then through the holographic observation deck. The FTL Sling Shot had its own module, and control station aboard the base. Droids, and androids worked together as they went through each step carefully. Each ribbon of energy gave off the green light and the officer in charge started the windup. The spell ring began to slowly turn clockwise. The bands of light started to braid twist over each other.


    ¡°Duro Herald vessel, this is Sling Shot command. We encourage you all to please strap yourselves in.¡± The officer in charge called out.


    ¡°We read you Sling Shot command. We will take it under consideration.¡± A very boisterous, and youthful voice called back.


    As the ring continued to rotate one by one the energy ribbons glowed an assortment of different colors. Every ribbon took on the color of the visual spectrum. The FTL Sling Shot was based on technology that didn''t come from this reality. (MCU Bifrost) This was why it was experimental. After a few minutes the ring couldn''t rotate anymore. Each ribbon was taut.


    ¡°Duro Herald vessel, we are primed and ready to shoot. Are you a go?¡± The officer called.


    ¡°We are ready to gooooo!¡± A young man''s voice called over.


    ¡°Launching in 10....9....8.....7.....6.....5....4....¡± As the officer counted down the space in front of the ring began to distort. Almost as if space itself was a piece of cloth and something was pushing against it. It curved inward.


    ¡°3.....2.....JUMP!¡± The officer shouted.


    The star base released the energy cord and the ribbons slung the ship forward straight through the ring once more. An explosion of rainbow colors flared! Then a rainbow bridge shot through the sol system for several hundred thousand miles. Until the bridge shrunk into a pin point prick of light and winked out of existence. The entire FTL Sling Shot module cheered. The ship didn''t explode!


    ________________________________________________________


    Beyond the edge of reality, beyond what many would refer to as the source. Was a place of chaotic energy. Where things beyond reasoning, understanding, or reality dwelled. Where the eldritch resided. In this chaotic space a creature with eyes, mouths, and limbs beyond counting aimlessly floated through the mess of the edge. It hungered, always hungered, but was never satisfied. It would eat its smaller kin, and avoid the kin larger than it self. It searched, it yearned, for anything to devour. Then something that had never happened, happened.


    A burst of light! Light so profound, and beyond reason appeared in the edge. Then for 2.5 seconds a beam of energy shot through the edge of reality. Hidden within the beam of energy was a ship? This ship held creatures born of Order. Ah! The eldritch wanted to eat this most of all. Anything of Order is of great consumption for Chaos. But before it could even twitch the light flashed away. Gone from this existence. Gone from beyond the edge. Pity....The eldritch waited for a moment, or was it an eternity? But the light didn''t return. How strange.


    __________________________________________________________________


    The Duro Herald appeared in the designated solar system, 15 systems away. From the start of the windup to the end it had taken 35 standard minutes to complete. But from the launch to the destination it was 2.5 standard seconds. That was amazing! FTL Sling Shots are uncommon in the intergalactic trade, and travel routes. If a government figures out how to use one they often reserve it for their own people and only their people. Having a FTL open to the public would be a great boon to any travelers.


    Despite the amazing accomplishment the crew of the Duro Herald were stuck to their seats in rapt confusion and mysticism. 2.5 seconds their ships computers told them. But they had felt like a life time had flashed before their eyes. They were both old, and young beyond measure. Many began to weep. While others desperately tried to remember what had happened and began to write it all down. What were they doing with their lives? This entire trip had been completely pointless. They had all seen their parents expressions when they left. Why couldn''t they be doing more?


    Then as fast, or as slow as it the trip ended the cosmic euphoria faded like a dream. Profound thoughts left their minds. What had happened? Why were they so upset? What did they learn? They didn''t know? But each and everyone of them felt as if they had lost something of great worth. Even with out orders the pilot of the ship turned around and headed back to the Sol System. They had to do it again! They had to learn! To see it just one more time!


    2.5 seconds to some, an eternity to others....


    ==========================================================


    ***HR. Washington DC, hidden military R&D bunker***


    Lex Luthor the president of the united states walked down a hallway that looked rather unremarkable. Reinforced concrete floor, and walls. A long sensor strip went down the sides of both walls. A cross intersection every 100''. Halogen lights above that would turn off, and on by motion sensors alone. Every section had one door. Each door was a metal alloy designed to withstand a depleted uranium tank shot. Well the hallway was actually rather remarkable to most. Just not Lex, he had seen better. He had built better. But it was the US government you got what you paid for.


    Lex came to a door and pressed his hand onto the reader. Then scanned his eye, and said a pass code. The door unlocked and slowly slid to the side. He stepped in to sterilization, and observation room. The door slowly closed, and locked behind him. He walked to the edge of the observation panel and looked into the room beyond. It was a clean room. As in absolutely no outside stimuli allowed. Lab technicians wore full body suits recently designed by L-Corp. He''d have to applaud his sister on the invention. Gone were the giant yellow hazmat suits of old. These were slick, body forming vac-suits. With soft light shield masks, and compressed oxygen tanks on their belts. No extra weight, or bulky suits.


    ¡°Mr President, hello.¡± An older woman called out. Lex smiled at her.


    ¡°Hello Miss Luthor.¡± Lex replied to his mother who wore one of the new vac-suits.


    ¡°So you have news on our new meta''s?¡± Lex asked. Lillian Luthor gestured towards a display and clicked a remote controller. It showed two strands of DNA, then the highlighted the Meta gene. Then highlighted the other strands Meta gene.


    ¡°If I didn''t know with 100% certainty that the soldiers were completely mundane before. I would say they were born metas. There is no discernible marker that suggests that their gene is artificial. It is perfect.¡± Lillian said, and pointed out several strands of DNA.


    ¡°We''ve been able to identify the limiter placed on the markers. They will never go above E+. Not because they can''t, but because the limiter wont let them. Every attempt to remove the limiter on DNA samples leads to uncontrolled mutations.¡± Lillian said next, then clicked the remote and it showed the scientists injecting a rabbit with the meta gene with the limiter removed. The mutation was horrific, to the point that they had to shoot a flame thrower at the now rabid, and large rabbit.


    ¡°Every attempt to copy the meta gene and place it into another host fails. Every attempt to create cloned tissue, fails. But that is not why I called you down here. All of this could have been said over the holographic. But this next part is to fantastic to believe with out seeing it for yourself.¡± Lillian said next and practically skipped over to a microscope and blew up the image on the holographic screen in front of Lex.


    ¡°When we first took blood samples in an attempt to create cultures for cloning tissue we noticed something odd. If the blood stayed outside of its primary host for to long the cultures would break down. They would go through rapid decomposition!¡± Lillian showed off a video of blood sample decaying from retrieval to destruction in under 10 minutes. Lex frowned at that, that was not normal even for a meta.


    ¡°As interesting as that is, that is not why I called you. One of our lab technicians came to me and showed me something peculiar. I almost had the nerve to fire him on the spot for what I found. Until I triple checked it.¡± Lillian said, and a grin was on her face. Such an expression didn''t bode well. She only ever looked like that when a puzzle she couldn''t solve showed up. She loved puzzles.


    Lex watched a video of a culture going through rapid decay. The blood cells died, and fell apart. But then something peculiar happened. The dead cells began to move on their own. They had no reason to do that. They were dead! What was moving them? Why? How? Then the blood cells stopped moving, but it looked like their was a pattern? Lillian held up a finger and her grin grew wider. She zoomed out until Lex saw what she saw.


    ''Cloning is not allowed. -W''


    The dead, and decayed blood samples moved to spell out a message. For a split moment Lex thought his mother was having a laugh at his expense. Until she pulled out another sample. It showed the exact same thing. Then another, then another. She even pulled a recently fresh sample from their new meta soldiers and they watched together as the sample died, decayed, and then the dead cells moved on their own to spell out the message. With a resounding crack, Lex punched at the ballistic plastic in front of him. Lillian Luthor smiled at her son and gave him a look.


    ¡°You have no idea how he did that do you?¡± Lex asked his mother.


    ¡°No. They are completely dead. Yet they move and spell out a message. It''s fascinating!¡± Lillian admitted and once more her face took on a almost eerie smile.


    ¡°I don''t suppose he could come back and talk to me about it?¡± Lillian asked, and Lex rubbed the bridge of his nose.


    ¡°No, he''s in Mexico currently rebuilding their capital.¡± Lex replied, and took out his phone then growled in frustration it didn''t work down here.


    ¡°That''s fine! I''ve already emailed him. Though from what the UN tells me he gets thousands of messages a day and rarely answers any of them. So we''ll see. Are you coming to tomorrows dinner? Your sister is coming.¡± Lillian asked, and Lex once more admired how his mother could switch topics so easily as if they were not talking about changing the world just a few seconds ago.


    ¡°I believe I will be available.¡± Lex replied, and Lillian smiled at him.


    ¡°What do you want to do about the soldiers?¡± Lillian asked.


    ¡°What are the chances of them passing the gene onto their children?¡± Lex asked.


    ¡°I would say the odds are low, but we wont know until we try.¡± Lillian replied.


    ¡°Though it is unlikely lets see if we can artificially fertilize an egg. If that doesn''t work lets move onto more mundane methods. Then....¡± Lex began to say, then got a instant message on his phone that shouldn''t work with several hundred feet of rock above him. He flipped his secure network phone open to read the message.


    ''Cannot be passed to children. -W''


    Lex glared at his phone, then looked around the room towards the cameras. Of course there were camera''s in the lab. Every lab had cameras. Lex was so furious he snapped his secure phone in half then he closed his eyes took a slow deep breath, smoothed out his tailored suit, then opened his eyes to look at his mother who was reading a message on her holographic display that was fed through her suit.


    ¡°Make sure they know their cover story front to back. Then send them to CSA. Once they are certified lets start using them.¡± Lex said, trying his best to keep his irritation out of his voice.


    ¡°Alright! Do you want chocolate cream pie, or banana at the dinner?¡± Lillian asked, and Lex once again was completely stumped on the change of topics....


    =============================================================


    ***Sol System. Gaea, Mexico ¨C Mexico City***


    (Jade Nguyen / Cheshire)


    Jade was beside herself in confusion as she sat at a little cafe in Mexico City. The cafe had been one of the first things Wraith had rebuilt after he visited city hall. Then he sat Jade at the cafe and gave her a Saurian Elite bodyguard to ensure her safety, and to make sure she didn''t run. Jade''s shadow was an impressive and terrifying creature who oozed power much like their master. Dark purple electricity danced across their armor. But despite the situation Jade true confusion was the fact that the Elite answered every question she had.


    ¡°So he doesn''t plan to kill me?¡± Jade asked as she looked up at her guard. The six reptilian eyes focused on her.


    ¡°No Cheshire.¡± The Elite replied. Then hailed a waitress to refill Cheshire''s coffee glass. Jade smiled at the waitress who came over and nearly spilled the coffee because she was horrified of the Elite.


    ¡°Interrogation?¡± Jade asked next. The Elite lifted its upper most hand and waved it back and forth in a iffy 50/50 manner it was very human.


    ¡°If he wanted direct information he could rip it out of your skull and leave you brain dead. But he has other plans for you.¡± The Elite said nonchalantly as if he was speaking about the weather and not Jade''s life.


    ¡°What do you look for in romantic partner?¡± Jade asked in an attempt to trip up the Elite. She would often flirt with her targets it tend to push them off balance but with out missing a beat the Elite replied.


    ¡°Strong, intelligent, confident, with a warrior background. Someone who can fight by our side, or someone we can support. We want a team.¡± The Elite replied with its stoic expression.


    Jade blinked at the answer and played her finger tips around the coffee mugs edge. For a moment she stopped to admire the Elite. Wraith was 8'' solid while the Elite was 7''6¡± they both had a similar rectangular form. With six eyes, skull crest that curved back and up. Covered in armor from head to toe or in their case tail. The Elite had its mask off so they could talk to her. They had four arms crossed over their chest plate, with four tentacles that twitched back and forth behind them like a cat''s tail. Along with a long muscular and serrated blade tipped tail.


    While Jade was a little more subdued. She had black tennis shoes on, with blue jeans on that hugged her form. She wore a blue t-shirt with the Superman logo on the front, and a leather jacket. Along with a base ball cap over her head. She stood at approximately 5''9¡± with thick black hair cut just above her shoulders just long enough to tie back. Her green eyes had a shade of gray to them along the edges, and her olive complexion to her skin gave her an exotic look. She had a slender, but firm body that generally caught the eye of people. But she could easily hide it with a bit of fineness on her part.


    Around Jade''s neck was a black leather choker with an emerald dangling from it. The choker had intricate spell designs on it. She had seen Wraith make it and attach it to her. Unlike other chokers this one did not have a clasp it simply molded to fit Jade''s neck and prevent her from removing it. Jade belonged to Wraith now. Her life was literally in his clawed hands. She considered pulling the League of Assassins card on him. But she wasn''t entirely sure her masters would bargain for her release. She had been... Off mission when she went to pick up her bastard of a father. Jade reached up to scratch her neck, and not for the first time freaked out just a little as the choker seem to merged into her skin.


    ¡°Stand up.¡± The Elite called and Jade felt a buzz of power compelling her to stand whether she wanted to or not. The Elite bowed towards the door and Jade''s fears walked through the front door.


    An 8 foot tall reptile made from tech-armor and a grim reaper outfit stepped into the cafe. Looked at them both and gestured for them to follow. Her ''collar'' hummed with power and Jade stiffly walked towards him with the Elite behind her. Wraith payed with a one hundred dollar bill and let them keep the change. Even when the manage of the cafe said it was on the house. Jade stepped out side to see that the area of the city they were in was completely repaired, renovated, and upgraded.


    ¡°Let''s take a walk.¡± Wraith said, his animalistic voice was hard on Jade''s ears but despite the sound she understood him perfectly.


    ¡°Awww but me and the Elite were really getting to know one another. Can''t you come back in a few hours?¡± Jade said with a bit of snark, and winked at the Elite who didn''t even bat an eye at her. Wraith looked back at her and for a moment Jade believed she made a mistake until she saw the smile grow across the aliens face.


    ¡°I don''t think your his type.¡± Wraith replied, and Jade playing along pouted at him.


    ¡°I''m every ones type, or I could be.¡± Jade winked at him, Wraith rolled all six eyes with great exaggeration.


    ¡°Despite what you may think Jade I have every intention of letting you go. So please indulge me and let''s take a walk.¡± Wraith said next which surprised Jade just a bit. Then went stiff when Wraith offered his arm towards her.


    Jade looked at the offered arm, then glanced around to see hundreds of people with phones, and cameras out that took photos, and recordings. Jade''s shoulders sagged and realized that her anonymity was more or less over. There was a chance...A good chance that not even the League of Assassins would take her back now. So she took the offered arm and walked arm in arm with the Alien Wraith through the newly restored Mexico City...


    =====================================================


    ***Sol System. Gaea, Mexico ¨C Mexico City***


    (Erik Lash, Hunter-Saurian. / Agent Wraith)


    Mexico City was intact far better than other cities that he had seen, or read about through his holographic. Though it was true that the city had received damage. A lot of history in the city! The people of city actually requested that Lash not repair the historical sites. They wanted to do that themselves. Lash could sympathize, and respected their decision. So he concentrated on the important parts. Hospitals, police and fire departments, airports, and shipping ports. Just like he did in New York he kept the overall design just gave everything a face lift and made some ''simple'' updates.


    Solar roadways! Ahem.... Just like before the streets in Mexico City now had panels that could absorb sunlight, adjust their own coloration, etc. Along with street trees up and down the city. City Hall had requested an eclectic choice when it came to different trees. Apples, oranges, peach, banana, and a few others. Of course they were placed in certain neighborhoods to prevent clutter. When international trade had stopped during the EMP black out food had been an issue. So having the trees was a preventive measure of the future.


    Lash''s Manifestations were still running around the city as he and Jade took a walk through a newly restored park. There had been a shanty town built up in the park which was currently being pulled down and put away. People were being notified that their homes had been restored. Better than new. More then a few people came over to thank Lash, and even thanked Jade assuming she was someone important to Wraith. Jade took in stride smiling at them and nodded in acceptance. But Lash could feel the tension in her shoulders building.


    ¡°Jade if you are worried about how you look the collar has a soft glamour on it. It''s changed your eye color, skin tone, and hair color. You just don''t see the difference but they do.¡± Lash said softly, and produced a holographic screen to show a camera angle of them walking.


    ¡°Oh! I wasn''t worried.¡± Jade said with a brilliant smile but Lash saw the tension in her body melt away.


    The holographic image showed Jade with auburn hair, rich caramel skin, and cold blue eyes. It wasn''t much, but it would do the job of hiding her identity. Lash gave himself a mental facepalm when he forgot to adjust the self glamour enchantment. He brushed his claws along her collar and now Jade could see herself differently. He had been in a rush when he crafted the item for her.


    ¡°So, what happened to your friend?¡± Jade asked after Vyllith.


    ¡°There was a meta gang causing problems. She wanted the exercise and asked to be excused.¡± Lash replied, adjusting his crocodile voice to be a bit softer.


    ¡°Wanted me all alone with you?¡± Jade wiggled her eye brows at him. Lash reached out and placed his massive clawed hand on top of her head and ruffled her hat and hair a bit. Jade went still when he did it but apparently not expecting an affectionate head pat.


    ¡°Jade you don''t need to do that with me. We are not enemies.¡± Lash said softly as he took his hand back.


    ¡°We play on different sides.¡± Jade replied, she stepped away from him and did a pirouette. It was a beautiful dance more showing off her talent as a martial artist. For all Lash knew maybe they taught dancing in the League of Assassins.


    ¡°Well if negotiations happen correctly I''ll he Ra''s al Ghul''s heir in a few years.¡± Lash said to her and watched in amusement as Jade lost her balance and nearly fell over. She whipped around and stared at him with wide eyes.


    ¡°I''m sorry could you repeat that?¡± Jade asked in a hushed whisper.


    ¡°Talia al Ghul approached me not that long ago with an offer. Ra''s wants me to take over as his heir. I more or less agreed. Though due to my connection with the UNWS we''ll have to wait 7 or so years until I finish my tour but after such time the League of Assassins will be mine to control.¡± Lash replied with a grin.


    ¡°I don''t believe it.¡± Jade said as she stepped back to reappraise Lash.


    ¡°Unfortunately I don''t really have a way to prove it. So your skepticism is understandable. Why don''t I stop dancing around the subject and talk about why you are still here?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Skipping the foreplay and moving straight in for the main event? Can''t say I''m not looking forward to that.¡± Jade said with a smirk, and a sultry voice. Until Lash cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on her.


    The three nature spells purified, reinvigorated, and healed Jade from to to bottom. A euphoric energy poured through her whole body. She nearly fell over until Lash reached out to steady her. A blush crawled up through her neck, into her cheeks, and finished into her ears. She took an unsteady breath and glared at Lash like he had kicked her favorite dog. Then abruptly pushed his hands away and crossed her arms. All the playful nature she showed was gone now.


    Despite the public venue Lash had created a baffle field a few minutes ago before they started to speak freely. ¡°Why did you pick up your father after he broke out of Belle Reve?¡± Lash asked, honestly curious.


    ¡°Black mail.¡± Jade said through gritted teeth. Lash raised a scaled eye crest in confusion.


    ¡°I hate that man. But when your dad is a top rate killer, and thug for hire you tend to run in the same circles. If I don''t want certain secrets to get out I have to do a few favors for him. Like pick him up straight out of prison.¡± Jade said, her expression looked like she would rather chew glass then talk about this.


    ¡°Any secrets involving your sister?¡± Lash asked, Jade pulled back as if she been slapped.


    ¡°What do you know about my baby sister!¡± Jade all but growled at him. Her reaction was both a surprise and a pleasure to see. She genuinely loved her sister.


    ¡°That she is in the JLI?¡± Lash asked with mild amusement. Jade blinked at him then leaned back and gave him a relaxed smile that didn''t reach her eyes.


    ¡°Oh that! That''s old news.¡± Jade said, but it clearly wasn''t. Which was odd because Jade was a talented Actor and Manipulator. Either Lash was getting better at reading people or Jade was allowing him to see it. He hated talking to spies so, so much.


    ¡°When was the last time you went home? I''m sure you mother would love to kick your ass after we repaired her spine.¡± Lash said next and the wide eyed look he got from her was worth it.


    ¡°What do you know about Villains for Hire?¡± Lash asked after a moment to allow Jade to collect her thoughts.


    ¡°Sounds like a clich¨¦ boy band.¡± Jade replied, as she attempted to fall back into her role of seductive assassin. Thanks to the variety of blessings, and abilities Lash had he knew she was lying about that.


    ¡°Jade, please just tell me the truth.¡± Lash asked, Jade walked up close and leaned her head back to look up at him.


    ¡°What do I get out of this?¡± Jade asked.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Lash replied as he stared at her in mild amusement.


    ¡°10 million dollars!¡± Jade said with a smirk.


    ¡°OK.¡± Lash said and produced a stack of money right next to them out of thin air. Jade gaped at the stack of money.


    ¡°I was joking, just put that away before someone tries to take it.¡± Jade said as she looked around at the more than a few people gaping at the stack of money. Lash waved a hand in a complicated set of gestures and the stack of money turned to dust before their eyes.


    ¡°Supposedly the Villains for Hire have a powerful alien backer. I''ve only worked with them a few times. But one of them had a strange mechanical device that created six red disks that could both defend, and attack.¡± Jade replied after she watched the money fade from sight.


    ¡°Did the device have anything like this?¡± Lash asked as he produced a holographic image of Apokolips written language on it.


    ¡°Yes, just like that! You know them?¡± Jade said next and Lash all but screamed in frustration.


    Congratulations User! One of your grand quests have been updated.


    Scelerati Causas Oravissent aka Villains for Hire are being supported by Apokolips.


    Jade had taken a step back as she watched Lash''s shroud take on a dangerous edge. The entire living piece of smoke and shadow had serrated edges. For a brief moment she was afraid that Wraith may attack her. But he soon regained his calm and began to rub his face. However, anything that unsettled the big reptile was sure not to be anything good. Of course the next few words out of his mouth completely stumped her.


    ¡°Would you like to join the JLI?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°I have other obligations. Plus I wouldn''t fit in with them. Goody good people are not my style.¡± Jade replied honestly.


    ¡°Report back to the League of Assassins, or the Shadows and get their take on it. I think you''ll be surprised.¡± Lash reached out and pulled the choker off her neck. Then handed her a simple holographic wrist phone.


    ¡°The glamour will last a few hours before it fades. Can you make it on your own or should I send you someplace?¡± Lash asked next as Jade blinked in confusion.


    ¡°Your really just going to let me go?¡± Jade asked, as she rubbed her neck. Lash shrugged at her as if it wasn''t a big deal.


    ¡°Starling City.¡± Jade asked, that was where her mother lived. Lash used Portal Creation and a swirling vortex of darkness and starlight grew into being next to them. Lash bowed from his waist towards her and gestured towards the portal.


    ¡°See you around, heir apparent.¡± Jade said with a smirk then stepped through the portal. It winked out of existence once the spell timer was up.


    ''That explains where Intergang'' -Erik the gamer said across their shared link.


    ''Intergang?'' -Lash asked.


    ''Intergang are a group of mundane organized crime families that are supported by Apokolips. But that doesn''t necessarily mean Darkseid knows about Earth. Or even cares about Earth. He has hundreds of thousands of agents working angles across the universe. We need more information. -Erik replied.


    ''We should speak to Victor and his Father-Box. Any insight would help.'' -Saurian suggested.


    ======================================================


    ***Detroit, Michigan.***


    (Victor Stone / Cyborg)


    Victor Stone was sitting in class. His university specifically. His liquid polymer implant allowed him to fit in among the more mundane members of his college. It was good to be back. Back to a sense of normalcy. Though Victor had soon realized he didn''t need to pay attention to what the professor was talking about. He just jumped online and downloaded the entire course work onto his quantum computer. He knew the subject better than his professor did at this point. Still he paid attention and when ever the professor asked a question he was one of the first to answer.


    After class he had practice. He''d have to adjust this mechanical body to fit what his physical body was use to being able to do. Though that only did so much. Victor could still process information at incredible speeds. Everyone around him seem to move in slow motion. He could predict wind speeds, muscle tension, and move around the defense line like they weren''t even there. Several times he had to purposely mess up so not to draw attention. A few people even asked if he was a new born meta but thanks to the CSA/JLI his blood tests came back negative.


    ¡°...Stone....Stone!.... STONE!¡± His professor shouted at him. Victor jumped in his seat he hadn''t realized he had zoned out.


    ¡°Yes, professor!¡± Victor said loudly as he jumped to his feet. The class laughed softly at his reaction while the professor gave him a bemused expression.


    ¡°Care to join us back down on Earth and solve this problem for the class?¡± His professor asked as Victor looked at the white board with the long equation.


    ¡°Yes professor.¡± Victor said as he moved with the grace of a pro athlete. He had an easy confident smile on his face and started to finish the equation. He even fixed a few mistakes that the professor made. It was a trick question.


    ¡°Well done.¡± The professor said as he gave him a slow clap. Then went into the reason why the equation was a trap from the beginning. But he stopped when Victor''s holographic wrist phone beeped at him.


    ¡°Stone what have I said about phones in my class?¡± The professor said with a glare.


    ¡°I''m sorry, sir. It only activates during emergencies.¡± Victor said with a contrite look but answered it either way. The professor''s glare softened as he saw the color drain out of Victor''s face.


    ¡°I...I have to go.¡± Victor said, and quickly grabbed his stuff and fled the class room.


    Victor ran to an isolated location in the college and sent a quick message to his coach about an emergency with his father. He wouldn''t be able to make practice. Victor didn''t wait for a reply as he called for transport back to the Watchtower. With a soft glow of ambient light and a pop! Victor found himself back aboard the station. His liquid polymer skin pulled back and his sub-dermal armor folded out. He grew to be 6''6¡± and covered in metal exoskeleton armor with a red jewel in his center chest, and on his forehead.


    Anti-gravity engines activated on his body armor and he took off through the air towards operations. The whole station was in a yellow alert as JLI ran to their designated positions. Why? The message that had been sent to every JLI member had went out.


    [Kryptonian armada spotted at the edge of the solar system.]


    Victor reached operations and saw dozens of teams flowing in and out of the different sub-rooms as they were briefed and sent out to their designated positions. A security droid waved at Victor and informed him to go to the main deck. He passed through several security doors to find several senior members already inside. Off to the side Superman, and Supergirl spoke softly to Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van. Supergirl glanced at Victor and nodded to him. He returned the simple hello then went to listen to Vigil as she ran through a list of priorities.


    ¡°What did I miss?¡± Victor asked as he walked right up to Hal Jordan, Blue Lantern.


    ¡°They popped out of light speed a few minutes ago. They destroyed the satellite we had in place. But before it was destroyed it sent back a video.¡± Hal whispered to him and pointed at one of the screens.


    The video was quickly absorbed, and run through his Father-Box computer. It showed a major capital ship. At least three miles long, and a half a mile wide with hundreds of weapon ports and interceptors being deployed. While it had 20 battleships, 30 destroyers, and hundreds of fighters. The exact specifics were different from their info that was obtained from Superman''s parents. But it was close. But that wasn''t the biggest problem. Floating next to the armada were hundreds of Green Lanterns. Not only Green Lanterns, but several dozen Maltusians aka Guardians of the Universe were counted among their number.


    ¡°That''s not good.¡± Victor said softly.


    ¡°Understatement of the year.¡± Hal replied with a downcast look.


    Despite everything that happened, Hal never truly believed that the Guardians of the Universe would stoop so low as to attack the Sol System out of petty spite. He had said as much in several briefings they had. Victor wasn''t sure how to comfort the man or if he even should. Victor looked over at Vigil and saw several holographic windows that displayed the docking ring. Merchant vessels were pulling away as quickly as possible.


    ¡°The Maltusians sent out a broad wave message for all none combatants to stand aside. They would be allowed to leave the system unharmed. We''ve also been informed to hand over Agent Wraith. Along with orders to stand down and submit to Guardian martial law until such time as they can ensure that Wraith''s mind manipulation has been removed from the population.¡± Vigil said with clear disgust on her face.


    ¡°Wait? So now Wraith his a mind controller?¡± Hawkman asked.


    ¡°The smear campaign didn''t go as well as they had hoped.¡± Katma Tui-Stewart said from the side. ¡°Nobody believed them. But its fairly possible that Wraith could have bent the minds of others. That is nearly impossible to prove, or disprove.¡±


    ¡°Their grasping at straws. They are desperate to get a handle on this. This isn''t about Wraith anymore. It''s about the fact the Sol System stood up to the Guardians and met zero reprisal. If anything the Sol System is stronger for it.¡± John Stewart said as he continued on the line of thinking from his wife.


    ¡°The Martians are mustering their forces but it will be 12 hours before all of their star fighters are available. The last merchant vessel is due to leave in 45 minutes. From the information we have it would take less than an hour for the armada to reach weapons range with the station. While the Green Lanterns can be here in a few minutes.¡± Vigil said next.


    ¡°Have we tried reaching out to the armada. I mean this Dru-Zod guy''s people are aboard the station. Would he really endanger his people like that?¡± Flash asked next.


    The operations room main door opened and several Thanagarian Green Lanterns walked in. They paused briefly and saluted everyone in the room. These were the Green Lanterns that had joined up with them.


    ¡°We were able to link into their communication network for a few minutes. From we can tell the Kryptonians believe their people are still on Earth. Contained within Fort Rozz.¡± The Thanagarian GL said to the room.


    ¡°They''ve shut off all forms of communication. Normally we could at least do a broad wave communication like they did. But they know our abilities. They''re afraid some of our people will ride the communication wave and hack their ships so they''ve shut down all forms of communication.¡± Vigil said next to shut down that line of inquiry.


    ¡°Can we ask Thanagar for help?¡± Victor asked next. Hawkman, Hawkwoman, and the GL Thanagar''s all looked a little pained.


    ¡°It would take several weeks for them to get here. But if I''m being honest they''ll probably wait until we are on the last thread before they show up. So we''ll owe them.¡± Hawkwoman replied, none of the Thanagarian''s disagreed.


    A proximity alert went through the station as holographic windows revealed the armada was starting to move. They were moving at a casual pace and it would be a few hours before they arrived. But the intent was clear. They truly believed this would be a one sided slaughter. How wrong they were.


    ¡°Everyone suit up!¡± Vigil shouted and the rooms attendance jumped into action.


    _____________________________________________


    The Watchtower Star Base started to activate its blast shields as one by one the different merchant vessels left the docking ring. The galactic Sheriff automated drones, star fighters, corvettes, and a single destroyer deployed and took up a holding pattern around the station. As the JLI shuttles, star fighters and their new heavy corvettes were deployed. Along with hundreds JLI members wearing medium to heavy exoskeleton vac-suits.


    Hundreds of turrets, weapon ports, and thousands of attack drones were deployed. While only five massive omni turrets started to charge up. (Something Lash forgot to buy.) From Mars one by one bio-ships left the surface from the red planet and held position behind one of their moons waiting for the rest of their people before they moved into help defend their home.


    Eventually the armada of ships, and Green Lanterns paused in the solar system just outside of weapons range and waited for the last merchant vessel to leave who was taking an exaggerated amount of time to leave. Finally the ship disembarked and the blast shield came down on the last portion of the docking ring. As the vessel gradually flew away a distortion vortex of darkness and starlight appeared next to the station. No more then a simple dot compared to the massive Star Base and ships. But soon everyone saw what grew from the vortex a 200'' tall, and 400'' long kaiju wearing magitech armor appeared.


    Several of the Maltusians flew forward through the vastness of space and joined hands together. They will their voices be heard not only by every individual in the battle field. But every being capable of sapient thought in the solar system.


    ¡°People of the Sol System you have been lied to. Lied to by the one known has Wraith. But fear not we the Guardians of the Universe have come to free you from the tyranny of this mind manipulator. We swear to the Universe it self that you will be free from this monster and its master. We are here to save you!¡± The Maltusians said.


    ¡°I''m looking forward to ripping you apart.¡± Saurian replied...


    Galen


    Hello everyone I took a one-month break to rest my brain. I''m back! Bit of a short chapter this one is only 9k. But the next chapter will be a huge battle!

 Chapter 127: Second Invasion.

    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, One hour before the battle.***


    (Dru-Zod / General Zod of Krypton''s Armies)


    Dru-Zod was ready, his people were ready. Their time in the previous system had nourished them in a way they had never thought possible. Each Kryptonian in their armada was stronger, faster, resistant to damage. They could fly for Rao''s sake! Step into the vacuum of space and survive. This of course only supplemented their existing power. Krypton had been a power nation in the galaxy. Their technology centuries ahead of the primitive people found in the Sol System.


    ¡°General, the Green Lanterns have requested that we move into the system with them.¡± One of Dru''s bridge officers called out.


    ¡°Make it so.¡± Dru replied, he typed into his command pad and the main view screen on the command ship snapped into focus.


    Hundreds star fighters flew in formation next to the battleships and destroyers. Alongside them were the Green Lanterns. Dru ground his molars as he watched these different aliens wield great cosmic power. Such power shouldn''t be held in the hands of those lesser then himself. But there was neither here nor there. There will come a time when Dru would take the rings from them. But for now they were means to an end.


    ¡°General we are with in visual range of the station.¡± The tactical officer called out.


    ¡°Magnify.¡± Dru called out and the view screen selected a quadrant and zoomed in. The smug look of satisfaction melted from Dru''s face.


    The station was far larger than they had been lead to believe. It was larger than their capital ship by far. While even more disturbing were several Green Lanterns appeared to be on the side of the defenders. Dru''s eyes narrowed at the sight them. So this wasn''t just a political maneuver. It was a clean up job. This had not been part of the bargain.


    ¡°Contact one of the tiny blue ones.¡± Dru said with disgust and the communication officer relayed the message with in moments a translucent image of one of the Maltusians appeared. The strange blue alien with white hair narrowed its eyes at Dru.


    ¡°What is it?¡± The Maltusian said in cold condescending manner.


    ¡°The information you gave was wrong. You said it was a small to medium sized station with very little defenses. You also neglected to inform us that other Green Lanterns would be fighting against us.¡± Dru said to the image.


    ¡°The information was not wrong, just out of date. And you won''t be fighting the Green Lanterns leave that to us.¡± The Maltusian said with disdain and his image flickered.


    Dru looked like he wanted to rip the blue alien in half with his new found strength. But unfortunately even Dru had seen the power of the wielders of the green light. He took a deep calming breath and once more became the cold, indifferent general of Krypton''s armies. His people needed to see him in control at all times.


    ¡°Alert Commander Non, once we engage he''ll have full authority to lead the landing party.¡± Dru told a bridge officer who sent the communication.


    That hadn''t been the plan. They were meant to take out the stations defenses then strike from the shadows. But instead Non and a small group of landing craft had broken off the moment they entered the system. They were taking the long way around to strike on this pathetic planet of dirt. Earth! What a stupid name for a planet that was 70% water! But that would change, it would all change under the rule of Dru. This planet would become the next Krypton. The humans their labor guild. Dru would make it a Utopia even if he had to beat the lowly humans into submission...


    Several minutes passed and Dru watched the progress of Non''s forces traveling as they went high on the Y axis of the solar scale. They would dive directly down to the northern pole of the planet once the fighting began. A minor alert went off the bridge and the view screen magnified a strange creature that appeared from a pin point of darkness. The creature was quickly identified as the one known as Wraith.


    ¡°Eh, he''s far larger than reported. No matter he will fall to our might.¡± Dru said confidently and several bridge officers smiled in reply.


    ¡°I''m looking forward to ripping you apart.¡± A voice crashed across the entire fleet. It echoes after it left reverberating inside their skulls.


    ¡°OPEN FIRE!¡± Dru called out...


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Ten minutes before the battle.***


    (John Stewart / Blue Lantern, former Green Lantern)


    John floated in the vacuum of space floating side by side with the other Blue Lanterns. His wife Katma, and his friend Hal. While the other Blue Lanterns were either stationed on Earth, or Mars currently. They''d come to assist if needed but they were too inexperienced for this kind of battle. All the while the Thanagarian Green Lanterns floated near by. They were having a stare off against the hostile Green Lanterns.


    ¡°John, Katma, Hall, it''s nice to see you!¡± Arisia Rrab called out to them.


    ¡°Hello Arisia, I wish it was under better circumstances.¡± Katma replied to her old friend.


    Arisia Rrab was a Graxosian Green Lantern with youthful enthusiasm and positive outlook on life. She stood approximately at 5''9¡± with blond pixie cut hair, golden eyes, and yellow skin. She had an hourglass figure and her Green Lantern suit gave her white heart shaped top with long cut for her bouncing cleavage, a short green skirt, calf high green boots, white gloves, and a green choker necklace. Her expression was said, and told a sad story.


    ¡°You three look good.¡± Arisia said to them, her power ring sending the simple if not awkward message across the space that separated them.


    John, Katma, and Hal all had medium tier exoskeleton suits on, on top of their Blue Lantern uniforms. They were covered from head to toe though their face masks/ helmets had been retracted so they could speak to Arisia. The exoskeleton suits had a polymer weave, flex plate armor that would passively absorb blue light for emergencies. It was also enchanted to give them resistance to the other color spectrum''s making them highly durable.


    ¡°I forgot how short your skirt is, Arisia. Please do everyone a favor and never change!¡± Hal said with a smile and Arisia pouted at him and squared her shoulders.


    ¡°It''s not that short!¡± Arisia replied and all but turned a bright pink. She had always had a bit of thing for Hal. A pregnant pause took place between the four.


    ¡°You know...it''s not to late.¡± Arisia began...


    ¡°No, Arisia it is to late. The Guardians lied, they let my people die.¡± Katma said, her tone turned bitter.


    ¡°No! That was just a lie that Wraith told everyone!¡± Arisia said in reply.


    ¡°That wasn''t a lie! Arisia! That happened. My people died while the Guardians stood around and did nothing! They had the cure!¡± Katma shouted at Arisia who shrunk under her voice.


    ¡°They said this would happen... That you are to far gone. But they can help! We can save you!¡± Arisia said with a hopeful smile.


    ¡°Were not broken Arisia.¡± Hal replied...


    ¡°People of the Sol System you have been lied to. Lied to by the one known has Wraith. But fear not we the Guardians of the Universe have come to free you from the tyranny of this mind manipulator. We swear to the Universe it self that you will be free from this monster and its master. We are here to save you!¡± The Maltusians said together.


    John, Katma, and Hal snapped their helmets on as their power rings started to glow. All of their allied Green Lanterns grew in power. While all of the hostile Green Lanterns lost their luster. There was a moment of shock and confusion. How was that possible? John wasn''t going to explain it. None of them would.


    ¡°Light em up!¡± John shouted and all of the allied Green Lanterns fired concentrated beams of green energy towards their once friend, and allies...


    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, First salvo of the battle.***


    (Clark Kent/ Kal of the house of El / Superman)


    Superman watched in abstract horror as thousands of beams of light rushed from the hostile forces towards the JLI, and the Watchtower. Then he watched in vivid fascination as all of the energy beams bent at a strange angle and were drawn to a swirling vortex created by his friend and ally Wraith. Vast quantities of energy capable of destroying a moon were sucked into the vortex then redirected back towards the hostile forces through that same portal.


    ¡°Light em up!¡± John shouted his power ring sending the signal across the battle field.


    The JLI fired back, as the thousands of energy beams from the hostile forces were sent back. An opening salvo redirected and moved straight back at them. The Kryptonian fleet slowly moved to the sides but the damage was done as the capital ship was blasted across its bow. While whole destroyers were decimated.


    ¡°Vanguard team go!¡± Vigil''s voice called through the communication line.


    Superman propelled himself through space under his own power. His cousin Supergirl by his side, along with several others including his father, and mother. While a few Cadmus clones lagged behind but no less important. They acted like a spear point barreling through the defensive line of hostile Green Lanterns, and Kryptonian ships.


    Superman used his solar vision to cut off, and slice through the armor of the ships disabling them but never killing any of the pilots, or crews of the ships. They were his people. They had simply been manipulated into a fight they didn''t need to fight. Or at least that is what Superman had told himself. Several Green Lanterns flew to interfere with the vanguard unit. Like playing volleyball Superman reached out with one hand and smacked them away with ease.


    Flying behind them were the new heavy corvettes fresh from the station and this was their maiden voyage. Hopefully the ships, and their crews would make it back in one piece. No! They would make it back home. Superman would make sure of it. His family would make sure of it. Superman catapulted himself through a star fighter and ripped the pilot out of the ship. Only to be taken by complete surprise as the pilot not only punched Superman in the face. But Superman actually felt it!


    ¡°Owe.¡± Superman said as he reached up and tried to massage his jaw but his vac-suit prevented him. The damage from the strike was quickly being repaired.


    ¡°Traitor!¡± The pilot shouted across open comms in perfect Kryptonian. But before they could strike Superman again one of the Cadmus clones tackled them mid flight and blasted them with a charged Kryptonite shot.


    ¡°Thanks for the save!¡± Superman said and the Cadmus clone saluted him and got back to the fight. Superman flew over and placed a beacon on the knocked out pilot. A teleportation ring collected them and Superman rejoined the fight.


    ============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, One minute after first Salvo.***


    Behind the vanguard were eight newly made heavy corvettes fresh from the ship bay aboard the Watchtower. Each ship earned its heavy design. Unlike the Watchtowers shuttles, and star fighters that had been modeled after animals. The heavy corvettes looked like a gauss rifle with out a trigger, or an ammo clip.


    Down the spine of the ship was a mass kinetic barrel. While on the port and starboard side of the ships were weapon ports. The ship was sleek, and in modular design like most of the JLI ships were. Capable of attaching, or carrying additional loads to accommodate the mission at hand. The ship was approximately 300'' (91 meters) long, and 100'' (30 meters) across. With a central engine on the back with several auxiliary engines. Along with magnetic coils while in the atmosphere.


    Thanks to its module design along the bottom of the ship was an available space for several large containers. In this specific instance the as the corvettes flew behind the vanguard the module opened up to reveal hundreds of self guiding swarm missiles that flew out and bombarded the battleships, destroyers, and even the capital ship. While its weapon ports shot as many of the star fighters as it could.


    Half way through the attack run the corvettes lost their escorts but they pushed on. The closed their weapon ports, and main gun. Slowly becoming a flying shield, each one breaking off with a separate return vector. With a lot of skill, and luck they should return to the star base with out any trouble. Until one of the Maltusians shot a concentrated beam of green energy and nearly cut one of the ships in half. The attack was a clear surprise, but the fact that it survived was clearly a surprise to the Maltusian.


    But before they could fire another beam of concentrated energy a giant scaled hand bashed down on top of them. This shattered the green energy shield and liquefied the Maltusian. Wraith sent out a spell of Repair and the ship restored half its systems before it started to fly back to the base. Wraith was struck in the side by several angry Green Lanterns but he was soon out of sight of the corvette. As the ship approached the star base an odd sight was beheld. The FTL Sling Shot rings were active and currently fully charged up?


    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Kryptonian Capital ship. 5 minutes after first Salvo.***


    ¡°General! We have a massive energy reading coming from the star base!¡± An officer shouted across the deck.


    Dru all but bit back a scream of frustration! This was not going according to plan. This was suppose to be a one sided slaughter! Kryptonian technology was meant to be the best in the galaxy. But this pathetic little system was not only putting up a fight but they were winning as well. The only reprieve they had was that Non had successfully landed on the planet. But they had lost communications with them since then.


    ¡°On screen!¡± Dru called out and the view screen changed. A giant ring had moved away from the star base and was currently spinning as complex energy circles grew from around it. The energy readings grew higher and higher.


    ¡°General! All enemy forces are breaking away from the capital ship! It''s almost as if!¡± The officer couldn''t continue as a rainbow energy shot out from the star base and blasted straight into the capital ship.


    _______________________________________


    5 star systems away suddenly several pieces of some kind of ship appeared out of a beam of rainbow light! The ship appeared to be some kind of capital ship as entire decks full of crew were now floating in the vacuum of space. Escape pods were launched as the crew attempted to find what solace they could. Then with out warning another beam of rainbow light appeared not even a mile away from the first. This pushed out what appeared to be another portion of the ships engines. How odd!


    =========================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, 30 minutes after the first Salvo***


    (Warden Erik Lash, Hunter-Saurian / Agent Wraith)


    Saurian''s reptilian eyes went wide as he watched the FTL Sling Shot lance across the capital ship and it sent what ever it touched to another star system. Well that was certainly a surprise. This surprise was shared as every Kryptonian ship, Green Lantern, and Maltusian now made a bee line straight towards the FTL Sling Shot. The cosmic ring was gradually being pulled back into the station but it would need time.


    ¡°All teams! All teams! Protect the Sling Shot!¡± Vigils commanding voice rang over the communication line.


    Saurian twisted and turned his massive form and started to fly towards the station but he wasn''t fast enough. Thankfully he was not alone as dozens of Martian bio-ships arrived and flew past him to take the fight to the enemy. Approximately 50 bio-ships flew past Saurian each one in an array of colors, and strange appearances. But all the same each one was fast, agile, and capable of maneuvering in ways that others ships could not. Then a blast of green energy bashed straight into him from the side.


    The bio-ships scattered to get clear as Saurian was sent across the battlefield. The beam did little damage other then pushing him aside. They had of course cast Reality Armor before the battle began. While True Body made them immune to critical damage. That may have been the only reason they were alive. Saurian whipped his massive bladed tail through space and spring jumped a hostile Green Lantern across the star system.


    ¡°You will be punished for your transgressions today, monster!¡± A Maltusian shouted at him as another beam of green energy collided with his armor.


    ¡°My transgressions! Says the butcher of entire planets. Billions of souls died in agony because you couldn''t get off your ass and clean up your own mess!¡± Saurian shouted his Telepathy washing across the field.


    ¡°You know nothing! With out us the universe itself would have died centuries ago! We''ve held the line!¡± The Maltusian shouted and created a giant asteroid as a construct and slammed it straight into Saurian. A simple yet effective method of attack.


    ¡°I''m not arguing that the Green Lanterns have been a force for good! That was never in debate. I am arguing that the Maltusians are fallible! That they can make mistakes! You''ve enforced the law for so long that you think you are above it. You look at peoples lives like they are a statistic. You stopped seeing people and just started to see numbers to be calculated, and subtracted when they were not deemed important!¡± Saurian called back then used on his tentacles to shoot out a Eldritch Blast.


    A perfect red line bisected the Maltusian he had been speaking to. There was a momentary pause as the other Maltusians, and Green Lanterns stared in shock. Then they screamed into rage and raced towards Saurian. In hindsight maybe Saurian should have simply knocked them unconscious. But if he was being honest he was kinda surprised they were so fragile.


    Dozens of hostile GL''s focused their power rings together and crafted a giant battleship. Its starboard cannons targeted Saurian and opened fire as hundreds of beams of light, missile pods, and kinetic masses were sent straight towards him. The mass wave of death was upon him and he used Deflection to turn them all away, or even back at their wielders. His magical energy took a massive nose dive. But it quickly filled back up.


    ¡°Yes by all means continue firing on me! That worked so well the first time.¡± Saurian said, and his six eyes grew into crescents.


    ¡°Take him!¡± Another Maltusian shouted and the entire GL force next to Saurian dove straight at him while the Maltusian''s started to channel a larger energy blast.


    Saurian blinked in surprise as the GL''s forced him into melee. He was currently 200'' tall, and 400'' long. Sometimes being big wasn''t for the best. So he cast Enlarge/Reduce and Size Alteration. He shrunk down to a more manageable size 10'' tall, and 20'' long. Just in time for a green energy blast to shoot past his previous size location. Then he used Reality Manipulation and Blink and appeared behind one of the Maltusians. He drove a red Psionic Blade straight through him, severing his spine.


    Oddly enough he watched in fascination as the Maltusian''s soul went towards his hell domain. Saurian couldn''t stop to ponder the metaphysical ramifications of having his own Guardian in his own hell as he was quickly beset by the Gls. He propelled himself through space towards the Kryptonian fleet. Every energy blast was sent away from him as Deflection was still active.


    The Kryptonians only had 5 battleships, and 15 destroyers left. While only approximately 150 star fighters were flying around. The capital ship was dead in the water and was only able to provide simply support for the star fighters that would dock at the ship to resupply. Saurian kicked his Telekinesis into overdrive and shot ahead of the GL''s for a few brief seconds before their rings compensated. They could technically travel at FTL with their rings.


    Saurian dove straight into the capital ship and ripped a hole through the outer armor. Several GL''s shot straight into the ship and tore it apart in an effort to get to him. When they opened up a bulkhead that hadn''t been sealed several Kryptonian crew got sucked out. The GL''s ignored them completely. That wasn''t a good sign. Normally GL''s would go out of their way to help their allies.


    Of course the reason why became clear as the crew members quickly flew through space and attempt to attack Saurian. Oh right. They flew past the GL''s and met a scaled fist that caved in a skull. That was clearly a surprise as the rest of the crew stopped and gaped at Saurian. Which he used the moment to snag them all with Telekinesis and introduced their faces to the wall. Of course the wall behind the current wall wanted to say hello as well. So Saurian obliged them. Soon the crew went flying through the ship.


    Saurian activated Gravity Stride and sprinted through the now ruined ship. The hostile GL''s hot on his heels. He placed Proximity Release- Call Lightning. As he ran through the ship as the GL''s flew over the spell marks a giant bolt of energy bypassed their shields and electrified them but didn''t kill them. The power of will saved their lives.


    Before he even got half way through the ship giant green shaped clawed hands started to tear the ship apart. The Maltusians had arrived and had made a celestial space creature. It was massive in size nearly a mile in length, it had several four finger clawed hands, and tentacles behind it. With one massive eye, and razor beak. It ripped open the ship and at that point a Kryptonian voice came over the speakers.


    ¡°This is General Dru-Zod! Abandon ship! I repeat abandon ship!¡± Dru''s voice no longer carried any smug satisfaction, or over confidence it once did. It was now filled with pure fury.


    ¡°Wraith! The Watchtower is within weapon proximity range get the hell out of there!¡± Vigils commanding voice came over the communication network.


    Saurian cast Acceleration on himself and tore his way out of the ship and bolted as fast as he could. While he saw the hundreds of turrets, and at least two of the omni turrets start to fire a hell storm straight onto the enemy ships. The Watchtower star base lit up like a winter celebration tree. While the entire Kryptonian fleet was obliterated. Hundreds of Kryptonians lost their lives. Clark wasn''t going to be happy about this.


    Unfortunately one would think that would be the end of the battle with a bit of a clean up afterward. But that was not what happened. The last few hundred star fighters that were to nimble to destroyed made a bee line straight towards Earth. They were attempting to take away the JLI''s big guns. The pilots knew that they would never fire at, or near Earth in fear of collateral damage. But before they could half way there a flurry of yellow energy beams shot down from the y axis of space.


    Hundreds of yellow lanterns had show up. While dozens more split off from the main attack group and attack the hostile Green Lanterns. A yellow construct taking the shape of a giant whale like creature was created and began to fight the celestial squid creature. As far as Saurian could tell the Yellow Lanterns had come to help. Only attacking the hostile forces.


    ''Technically the Sinestro Corps are new in this Universe they haven''t had time to create their infamous reputation.'' -Erik informed them across their shared link.


    Thaal Sinestro of Korugar flew down to meet Saurian in the heat of battle. The man stood at approximately 6''7¡± with pink to red skin, short stylized black hair swept back, with a form fitting yellow, and black Yellow Lantern power suit. He had a lanky, all be it strong and firm figure. He carried himself with absolute confidence, and a smug smile. As he met Saurian face to face.


    ¡°It is a pleasure, and privilege to meet you for the first time, Wraith. I have heard wonderful things about you. I am Sinestro.¡± Sinestro bowed from his waist. As several Yellow Lanterns shot past them both to attack the Maltusians, and Green Lanterns.


    ¡°Respectful greetings unto you, Lord Sinestro. We are happy for the help but I have to wonder, why?¡± Saurian asked.


    ¡°I was blind before you told the truth. The truth of the Guardians. I had been their loyal dog for decades. But no more! Now I follow my own path. Something I never would have obtained with out your help. I have come to repay the favor.¡± Sinestro said with a genuine smile on his face. Then shot off to attack one of the Maltusians.


    ''Erik, can we trust him?'' -Saurian asked.


    ''No, he is a master manipulator and will do what ever it takes for power, and for revenge.'' -Erik replied.


    ''An ally today, an enemy tomorrow.'' -Lash prompted across the link.


    ¡°Vigil! The Yellow Lanterns are temporary allies. But they have ulterior motives for being here. Be careful.¡± Saurian said across the communication line. He got a confirmation the message went through and rejoined the fight.


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System, Earth. Las Vegas***


    The people of Las Vegas had suffered just as much as anyone else had during the invasion. But unlike the rest of the world they had been on of the first cities that had been stabilized due to no small part to the Justice League: International and Agent Wraith of the United Nations World Security. Two days into the invasion Agent Wraith had shown up to reestablish order in the city.


    Officer Stanley or Big Stan as he was called by his fellow police officers had been around when the giant dinosaur had shown up with the JLI and had helped get the city back into order. He swore to himself that seeing a living breathing dinosaur was going to be the weirdest thing he would ever see. Yes, technically Wraith was not a dinosaur. But it looked like a duck, quacked like a duck, and flew like a duck. Well then it was a fucking duck!


    But now. Now this was something else. Big Stan stood on the rooftop of the Major Crimes Unite in Las Vegas and stared in horror as a god to honest alien invasion was taking place in the space above the Earth. It was night time which made it abundantly clear when all of Vegas could see brilliant blooms of light explode in the night sky above. No, they couldn''t see any ships. But the explosions were straight out of...


    ¡°Attention! Attention!¡± A feminine synthetic voice came over the radio. No not just the radio but every cell phone, computer, and television. Big Stan turned his radio on higher as he told everyone around him to shut up.


    ¡°The Justice League: International is currently repelling a hostile alien force in the space above planet Earth. Please be aware dozens of star fighters, and landing craft have broken through and have arrived on Earth. Cities that may encounter the alien force are as follows... Las Vegas.¡± The feminine voice spoke and Big Stan didn''t hear the rest of the report as his fellow officers screamed in panic.


    Big Stan bolted from the roof top and took the stairs three at a time he practically took the door off its frame when he barreled into the top floor. He ran to his office and pulled out the big red phone he was told to never take out. He pulled it off the receiver and got a ring tone. Then a smooth, indifferent, and slightly cold male voice.


    ¡°ARGUS office speaking what is the problem Officer Stanley?¡± The operator said to them.


    ¡°We just got an alert from JLI that an alien invasion force is hitting Earth. One of the cities in their area of operation is Las Vegas! We need-¡± Stanley screamed into the receiver but couldn''t finish the call as an explosion rocked outside the MCU''s building and every window shattered.


    =========================================================


    ***HR. Sol System. Earth, Death Valley***


    Bobby Williams aka Gear Head (VI Avatar) had been a part of the JLI since before the invasion. Though it had only been a few weeks of experience it had paid off in the long run. He had helped Wraith take back Las Vegas during the first few weeks. Since then he had worked together with Doctor Fate, Zatanna, and several other solo operators in Las Vegas. He had also taken time out of each month to visit Fantasma''s mother. They had lost Fantasma during the first few days during the invasion.


    The invasion had been an eye opener to Gear Head. He had thrown himself into his training and been one of the select few that had been cleared on heavy exoskeleton suits. Unfortunately he had not been cleared to operate it in space. But a few more weeks and he could obtain his training license. But now that he had thought about. He was glad he had not been cleared. Not because he was afraid to fight the alien invasion. Oh no! It was because otherwise he would have been here to fight hundreds of Kryptonian soldiers that were terrorizing Las Vegas!


    The JLI bunker in Las Vegas blared a warning and Gear Head raced to the machine shop and jumped into his suit. While the others jumped into their own light, and medium tier exoskeleton suits. Gear Head was strapped in and did a pre-flight start up. Everything was green. Then came the cool part. He activated his meta-gene and linked his mind with the suit. Once that was done he and the machine came a single entity.


    The machine shop transported the suit onto a launch pad and like that old anime he use to watch he was catapulted through a tunnel to the surface and shot into the air. Magnetic coils activated and his 30'' tall exoskeleton suit went into a hover. Then he shot straight out towards the Vegas MCU. He broke the sound barrier and joined a group of jet fighter from Nellis Air Force Base. Then one of the Kryptonian soldiers shot down one of the fighter jets with solar vision.


    Gear Head put on the breaks and caught the jet and pulled the pilot out safely before the whole plane blew up. He flew to the ground and place the pilot safely on the ground. Just in time for a tall Kryptonian to slam straight into Gear Heads exoskeleton. However much to the Kryptonian''s surprise Gear Head''s suit did not crumple like an empty soda can.


    ¡°Ah! At last something capable of a fight!¡± The man said in Kryptonian. Then he abruptly screamed in agony as a thin green shield enveloped Gear Head''s suit.


    ¡°You are not the first to attack us. You will not be the last. But no matter what comes at us we will remain!¡± Gear Head''s voice shouted through his speakers. Hundreds of civilians nearby cheered.


    A gauss rifle barrel extended from Gear Heads shoulder and he shot a magnetically propelled shard of Kryptonite straight at the soldier. The Kryptonians upper half exploded into red slurry. Which drew the attention of the rest of the soldiers. Another rifle barrel appeared on Gear Heads other shoulder and he began to shoot them down like fish in a barrel. Clearly the Kryptonians had not been prepared for such resistance.


    ===========================================================


    Fort Rozz was under attack. A joint task force of ARGUS, DEO, and JLI had worked together to transport the prison ship into an underground bunker and military base that had been built specifically in Death Valley. Despite several hundred feet of reinforced concrete, and steel. The Kryptonian land team broke through it all like tissue paper. That was until the soldiers in the base started to use Kryptonite laced bullets. That stopped the Kryptonian soldiers progress real quick.


    Like most meta''s, and new super powered beings. Their new found abilities had gone to their heads. Normally the soldiers would have been in full armor, with rifles, explosives, and military tactics. But they had discarded this notion because they believed themselves stronger that the average human. Which technically was true. But they had no idea what Kryptonite was. Or that such a weakness existed for their kind.


    It wasn''t long before the Kryptonians had been surrounded. Kryptonite green halogen lights installed in the base quickly sapped them of their strength. So the team sent to Fort Rozz to obtain information on their people was quickly turned into a route. While the teams sent to the different neighboring cities met quick, and brutal resistance. The invasion was quickly becoming short lived.


    ------


    Congratulations User! Your second invasion has arrived! You''ve been granted 100 bonus Dream Points. (Nightmare)


    Please note: Only one invasion will happen at a time. If you succeed in your defense event your world will be safe from Rift Invasion for a period of twenty four hours real time. The User is not part of the Beta Multiplayer test. The Invasion is being performed by a story driven DC character. Good Luck!


    Saurian ripped a Maltusian in half and then paused in confusion. The battle was nearly over and he was just now getting a prompt? He tossed the tiny blue body away as he watched another soul enter his hellish domain. He looked around in confusion. There in the distance a ripple of energy cascaded through the whole battlefield. Gradually everyone stopped to look. Fighting stopped, ships pulled back, and everything seem to grow still, silent. (Thought it is space, its naturally silent.)


    A distortion tore through space itself. No, it was not a Rift but more like a tear in sub-space. Another form of FTL. A massive tear pulled space apart as a giant mechanical monstrosity gradually pushed through the hole. The mechanical being, ship? Was clearly over a 100 miles in diameter. It was a partial sphere, but its forward portion looked like a skull. While millions of mechanical tentacles writhed, and wiggled behind it. Like a perverse squid, or a spinal column. But that was not the horrifying part. There on the forehead of the giant metal skull was an inverted purple triangle. Three glowing purple dots for each point.


    ¡°Brainiac.¡±


    Just as the millions of mechanical tentacles closed the tear in sub-space a tidal wave of purple energy blasted from the mechanical monstrosity. The energy explosion swallowed the entire solar system and every single machine shut down. But unlike the previous invasion the shutdown only lasted a few seconds. As one by one everything turned back on. But that was not technically a good thing. A virus had been downloaded into every computer in the solar system.


    ¡°All will submit.¡± Brainiac''s mechanical, and horrifying voice was transmitted through every piece of technology in the Sol System.


    From the giant mechanical skull millions of mechanical shards flew out in all directions. These mechanical shards flew past every viable defense as it was either struggling against Brainiac''s influence. Or had turned on their previous owners. All except the JLI machines. Sub-Resistance: Brainiac''s Influence. (Chapter 99)


    Lash and Saurian had obtained a portion of Brainiac''s original code in the time fragment of Krypton. The resistance started at 0.1% but it was clearly obtaining vast amounts of experience as the resistance had reached 15% by the time Saurian pushed off from his battle with the Green Lanterns and sent a telepathic message across the system.


    ¡°Attention to any that can hear me! The machine intelligence Brainiac as arrived in the Sol System! Please cease all hostile actions and work together to fight this intruder!¡± Saurian''s voice was transmitted through every language, to every available fighting force.


    The mechanical shards shot past the defenses and stormed every planet, moon, and star base available. Each shard contained hundreds of Cyber-Slaves. While the shards themselves shot out mechanical tendrils and started to actively turn, and take over any machine it attached too. Fighting the cyber virus was one thing. But fighting a shard was another.


    Saurian raced towards the Watchtower as quickly as he could but was struck in the back by another Maltusian. ¡°Have you lost your mind! Our petty squabble means nothing to Brainiac!¡± Saurian shouted at them.


    ¡°This is clearly trap made by your master! We''ll see you killed for your crimes Wraith!¡± The Maltusian shouted but before he could shoot more green energy a purple beam erased him existence.


    ¡°You.... I have never seen your species before. You will join my collection.¡± Brainiac''s voice transmitted across the solar system. Saurian felt a very cold chill roll down his spine.


    ¡°Well that''s not good.¡± Saurian said softly as he took off towards the Watchtower.


    ==========================================================


    (Dr Silas Stone / Dad)


    Silas was running through the Watchtower with a high powered rifle in hand, and wearing a light exoskeleton suit that he had pulled on. He was pushing through the corridors with other junior members of the JLI as the Watchtower was currently under attack. He was a nervous wreck and hadn''t been this horrified sense he had seen his son Victor nearly dead and hanging by a thread in STAR labs over a year ago.


    ¡°Down!¡± A junior member shouted as purple energy beams raced past them and the group scattered.


    Silas dove to the side and came up next to door frame. The corridors of the Watchtower had an almost rib cage in appearance look which made excellent cover. It also allowed each space to be closed off in a moments notice if depressurization took place. Of course if the defenders could use the walls for cover so could the invaders. Fortunately the invaders seemed to dimwitted to even try as they walked down the middle of the corridor with out a care in the world.


    Silas pushed his rifle around the corner and fired wildly as the junior JLI popped up and actually aimed. Others shot energy from their hands. While another turned intangible and sprinted down the corridor and began to slice through the mechanical soldiers like cutting a cake. Silas pulled his rifle back and waited for it to cool down. He tried to slow his breathing, and...


    ¡°Doc you good!¡± One of the members called to him. A young woman who couldn''t have been older then eighteen.


    ¡°Yes, I''m fine!¡± Silas shouted back, and the young woman smiled at him.


    ¡°Let''s keep going!¡± The young woman called out. Then a purple beam flew past and her head simply stopped existing.


    ¡°Noooo!¡± Silas screamed and shot out from cover and grabbed the poor woman''s headless body. Blood gushed from the cavity, her body not realizing she was dead already.


    ¡°Silas! Silas! STONE!¡± The team leader shouted at him until Silas responded.


    ¡°We can get her to medical! I''ve seen Ethan do some crazy shit! Can you carry her?¡± The team leader asked.


    ¡°Ye...yes! Yes I can!¡± Silas shouted and then slung his rifle over his shoulder and started to drag the headless corpse towards medical.


    Silas concentrated on his breathing as he took one step after another. He saw dozens of junior members, and full fledged members sprint past. A speedster arrived and used their powers to momentarily transport him and the headless corpse to medical. Where Silas found a very long line of people trying to get in. Many of them carried dead bodies. Truly believing in Ethan''s capabilities.


    ¡°Everyone listen up! We have word of the mechanical soldiers are inbound to medical. Drop what you have and get into a defensive positions. NOW!¡± Green Arrow shouted at the top of his lungs.


    Several JLI ran through the corridor and started to place defensive barriers up. Several of them pulled out of the walls. Then suddenly the lights turned back on. They had been on emergency lighting this whole time. This was good news! As several automated turrets popped out of the ground and swiveled towards the JLI. Wait what?


    ¡°Take cover!¡± Green Arrow shouted and started to fire on the turrets.


    ¡°Vici! What is going on! Why are the turrets firing on us!¡± Silas shouted.


    ¡°ERROR! ERROR! Cyber warfare compromised. Attempting...A...a....atempting to compensate... PLEASE....Please sta.....stand.... by!¡± Vici''s synthetic feminine voice sounded like a horror movies greatest hits.


    Silas popped out from his cover and started to fire his rifle at the automated turrets. He his aim was horrible but he drew fire and that was enough for the more experienced members to get off a shot. Silas dove behind a corridor wall and waited for his rifle to cool down. He still had over 600 rounds left. He took a moment to marvel at the piece of technology in his hands. But then he realized he was sitting in a pool of blood...His blood! A huge chunk was missing in his right side.


    ¡°Victor... I''m sorry I wont be able to see your next game....¡± Silas said softly as his vision grew dark. ¡°I''m coming Elinore....I''m coming.¡±


    =============================================================


    The people Ma''aleca''andra aka Mars were horrified as they watched hundreds of mechanical shards swarm towards their home planet. The bio-ships had not been effected by the pulse like the other pieces of technology had. However their home planet had plenty of technology that had shut down, then started to be corrupted by the virus that was Brainiac.


    Entire sections of their cities had their atmospheres vented. While others had the fuel and energy reserves ignited! With in a single moment 1.5 million Martians died in an instant as an entire city was set ablaze. Such an explosion could be seen from space. Thankfully, and oddly enough their capitol city was intact. Every mechanical shard landed just outside the cities borders. While the mechanical soldiers simply kept them from leaving. The Martian council took that as an ill omen and started to organize an attack.


    While the forces around the primary atmospheric tower continued to do their duty and protect their planets lively hood. The mechanical soldiers were in the millions but clearly they did not understand the complexity of the Martian species as their people shape shifted into creatures capable of resisting the energy beam weapons. While they adapted claws that could rend metal. Once they had secured their home they would move to help their allies. Hopefully they would still be there when it was over.


    __________________________________________________________


    Thousands of mechanical shards entered Earth''s atmosphere as alarms across the surface of the planet and underwater sounded off. People watched in fascination as hundreds of shooting stars entered their line of sight only to realize to late that the enemy was at their door step. It had been less than a year since the last invasion. The world was still rebuilding. But unlike last invasion where it was localized to a small portion of the world. This invasion was clearly a world wide invasion.


    Shards slammed into the ground and shot plums of dust, and debris into the air. Huge impact craters turned the landscape into the likeness of the moon. While hundred more shards blasted straight into the water traveling to the depths. More than a few found their ways to the Atlantean peoples borders. Millions of mechanical cyber-slavers poured from the shards. Once again the world was at war. A war they may not survive this time.


    ============================================================


    Saurian landed on the armored surface of the Watchtower and retook his 200'' tall, and 400'' long form. He stomped across the surface and collided with the mechanical shard sticking out of it. The shard was easily 300'' tall, with a diamond like shape. A 100'' diameter at its center mass. It looked like a scale or a living organ as roots spread out from it and latched onto the star base. Saurian had seen this in the time fragment. Brainaic''s technology was bio-mechanical in nature.


    Saurian latched onto the shard and activated Source Code his magical energy took a dramatic nose dive! He went from 100% to 15% but it was quickly recharging. He searched through the code until he found the origin and pulled that out and fed it into Sub-Resistance: Brainiac''s Influence. It jumped from 15% to 45%. Then the mechanical shard abruptly self destructed!


    Saurian was blasted off the surface of the Watchtower in shock and surprise. But he soon realized that Brainiac''s sub-programs had read a corruption in their files and cut their losses. Just in time for another wave of mechanical shards to fly out from Brainiac''s ship. Saurian hung his head in dismay but flew towards the next shard as quickly as he could.


    Along the way the turrets, weapon ports, and even an omni turret swiveled around to target him. That wasn''t good! He quickly shrunk himself down and turned Invisible but that only bought him a few seconds as the turrets compensated and started to fire at him again. He really didn''t want to destroy any of them. So he flew through space as fast as possible and collided with another shard. He used Source Code again and nearly got the next portion of the code but the shard exploded before he could copy it. He flew off in surprise.


    He started to fly towards the nearest shard but once he got with in a few hundred feet that shard exploded as well. Fuck! Brainiacs sub-programs were learning. They understood he was getting something from the exchange and were destroying the source. While dozens more shards actually flew away from him and anchored themselves in the Watchtower as far from him as possible.


    Saurian paused for a brief moment a reprieve to the constant fighting. He looked out across the vast expanse of space. The battlefield for the survival of their home. Brainiac had deployed mini skulls with tentacles his version of a star fighter. They raced through the battlefield chasing down what ships they had left in the field. Several galactic sheriff star fighters were dead in the water. They didn''t have Sub-Resistance. If anything Brainiacs sub-programs vented their atmospheres with their people still inside.


    He did see a single sheriff frigate still active though it was limping along. It was attempting to rescue the other sheriffs floating in space. Saurian shot across the field and headed straight towards them. Why was the frigate still active? Several mini skulls attempted to intercept Saurian mid flight. But he latched onto the nearest one and activated Source Code. He was able to pull out an additional 1% before the ship self-destructed. After that the mini skulls left him alone. Saurian glanced over at Brainiac primes ship. A purple energy barrier and grown around the massive ship preventing anything from getting close to it.


    ''Creator, we are securing the drive core to the Watchtower now. We should have main power back momentarily.'' -An Elite spoke over their Telepathic bond.


    Saurian had used Manifestation at the start of the battle and his servants had been spread out across the area of operation since the beginning. Once Brainiac showed up they focused on reclaiming the Watchtower. Little by little the resistance to Brainiac climbed. They had reached 55% and the weapon ports on the Watchtower stopped targeting its allies and started to fire on the cyber-slaves. Of course that only drew the attention of Brainiac as more of the mini-skulls started to do attack runs on the Watchtower.


    After a few minutes of flight time Saurian came upon the galactic sheriff frigate. It was Commander Bhol''uns ship. Saurian navigated over to the port side of the ship as he watched an umbilical cord reach out to attach to one of the dormant star fighters. Two sheriffs quickly went through the cord and left their star fighter behind. Right as the umbilical cord detached Saurian dove into the tunnel and flew straight into the air lock much to the surprise of the sheriffs inside.


    ¡°What the!¡± A sheriff screamed.


    ¡°Shoot it!¡± Another one shouted.


    ¡°No don''t you''ll pop the airlock!¡±


    ¡°Stand the fuck down all of you!¡± A commanding voice came over the communication network. Bhol''uns voice.


    ¡°Client Wraith it''s good to see you.¡± Bhol''uns voice said next and the sheriffs breathed a sigh of relief.


    The airlock was a small compartment that could barely hold all of them. But it quickly went through its cycle and opened up. The few sheriffs in the lock stumbled out. While Saurian at his current 10'' tall, and 20'' long form stepped out with some dignity to the awaiting line of rifles pointed straight at him. While commander Bhol''uns stood with his own rifle. The commander was a four armed, purple furred cat man, with a combat suit on and an energy rifle in hand.


    ¡°I take it your leaving?¡± Saurian said in his animalistic voice.


    ¡°Afraid so. We know who Brainiac is. I''m sorry this happened to you. But I am taking me and mine and we are leaving.¡± Bhol''uns said.


    In truth Saurian understood why. Kryptonians, and Green Lanterns were one thing. But Brainiac was a whole other can of worms. Brainiac destroyed civilizations. He could rip a planet apart, or miniaturize something for his collection. The sheriffs had done their part and now they would leave. But not before Saurian found out why they could still move.


    ¡°Why is your ship functioning?¡± Saurian asked, and no one moved to answer him.


    ¡°You can leave, I won''t stop you. If by some miracle we live through this I''ll even write a stellar review and recommendation that you all went above and behind. But I want to know why your ship is still moving!?¡± Saurian shouted and took a step forward. His four tentacles came to life and whipped back and forth.


    ¡°That is not my secret to tell, Client Wraith.¡± Bhol''uns said softly.


    ¡°My people are dying! I do not fucking care if its your secret or not! I rip this ship apart to find the answer!¡± Saurian shouted at them.


    ¡°Stop! It''s because of me!¡± A young woman''s voice spoke from the side of the ship. She stepped into the light to reveal a green skinned woman with mechanical jack ports falling across her shoulders like hair.


    Before anyone could blink Saurian was in front of the woman. He had wrapped his claws around her neck and all but snapped in her two. She was Coluan, the original race of Brainiac before he became what he was now. The young woman stood at approximately 6'' even with an attractive figure. Nice curves, but still strong and firm in her flight suit. Her eyes were pure black with no sclera in them. Her face was vaguely human like in that she had two eyes, a nose, a mouth, and two ears. Her jack ports curled and writhed like a medusa''s hair.


    ¡°Wraith! Do not hurt her!¡± Bhol''uns shouted but no one shot.


    ¡°What''s your name?¡± Saurian asked, as chaotic energy danced across his scales.


    ¡°Iyuoid.¡± She said softly, her entire body shaking in fright.


    ¡°You have the original code don''t you?¡± Saurian asked, she nodded stiffly.


    ¡°Please allow me to make a copy.¡± Saurian said.


    ¡°If I refuse?¡± Iyuoid asked.


    ¡°Then regretfully I would let you go.¡± Saurian replied, and the woman''s eyes went a little wide in surprise.


    ¡°Could you let me go now?¡± Iyuoid asked a smile tugging on her lips.


    ¡°Commander I am going to step away from Iyuoid please do not shoot me, it will not end well for anyone.¡± Saurian said and let go of the young woman who breathed a sigh of relief and massaged her neck.


    Saurian stepped back and saw that half the deck was filled with soldiers, and even an automated turret had extended from the ceiling and was pointed at him. Saurian switched through his Magical Perceptions and flipped to Technomancy. He could see Iyuoids code flowing through the ship like a body fighting an infection. Saurian turned to look at Iyuoid and tilted his head to one side.


    ¡°It will take several hours to make a copy of the original code.¡± Iyuoid said softly as she came to Commander Bhol''uns side who slowly told everyone to stand down.


    ¡°Not for me it wont.¡± Saurian replied and activated Source Code and created a duel image for everyone on the deck to see what he saw.


    ¡°WHERE DID YOU GET THAT!?¡± Iyuoid shouted at him as she sprinted across the room and stopped in front of the code. Her eyes danced through the code.


    ¡°I can copy your original code with out causing you any harm. Please let me do it now, we are running out of time!¡± Saurian shouted at her and she jumped out of curious state.


    ¡°I... Yes, I guess that will be fine.¡± She said, and Saurian pulled up her code for her to see. He isolated the specific code and made a copy of it.


    Congratulations User! Sub-Resistance: Brainiac''s Influence; has reached 100% granting immunity.


    ==========================================================


    (Koriand''r Princess of Tamaran / Starfire / Kory)


    Starfire flew through the battlefield like a dancer as she blasted her conserved energy out to destroy mini skulls after mini skulls. The enemy had changed but the battlefield was the same. She was protecting her new home. She was protecting her friends, and her family. She would not see another world destroyed while she had anything to say about it!


    Starfire picked up her speed and like a missile shot through one of the mechanical shards that had dug itself into the Watchtower like a blood tick. She blew out the other end and shot the shard full of holes so much that the shard exploded sending debris and cyber soldiers alike into the vastness of space. The weapon ports across the whole star base had recently returned to their side and started to obliterate the enemy. Another victory for their side.


    Despite the spectacular destruction of a shard. There was always more. So many more as they flew through space and collided with the Watchtowers shell. So on, and on she went. Starfire went to the next shard, then the next, and the next. Her energy levels were running dry. She turned around and escaped the field for a brief moment until she was once more bathed in the ultraviolet light of the sun. There she found many more of her allies in the battle doing the same.


    ¡°Starfire!¡± Supergirl shouted at her. Kory''s smile could have lit up a dark night as she flew over and wrapped her friends up in her arms. Kara''s squeak of surprise was always a delight.


    ¡°Any word from the others?¡± A super clone asked. His named escaped Kory''s memories but he was a good fighter.


    ¡°I''m afraid not. Communications are still down. It''s all I can do but fight off the shards attached to the Watchtower. We must take it back before we can do anything else.¡± Kory replied and the clone nodded in agreement. Thankfully short range communication was still viable. One by one their systems had started to turn back on. It seemed their technology was fighting off the infection that was Brainiac.


    ¡°There!¡± Another clone said as they pointed at several approaching flying individuals.


    Superman, Jor-El, Lara Lor-Van, Hal Jordan and several Thanagarian Green Lanterns. Supergirl flew to meet her family and hugged them both. For a brief moment Kory was jealous of her friend. But quickly put that aside. She wouldn''t wish to see her family in such a battlefield where they may face death in the next moment. But she did wish she could see his face. Lash''s playful smirk would have done wonders to her sanity at the moment.


    ¡°Brainiac was on Krypton for a few weeks as his machines pulled Kandor out of the surface. However his attacks were local. He didn''t attack the whole planet. He simply moved in, took what he wanted and left. I have no idea why he is attacking the entire system on such a grand scale.¡± Jor-El said to the group.


    ¡°Do you have any idea why are systems are slowly coming back online?¡± A JLI member asked.


    ¡°Yes! When Wraith visited our altered time line he collected a fragment of the Brainiac''s original code. It should help us fight off his influence a lot like a vaccine.¡± Lara Lor-Van said next.


    ¡°As anyone seen Wraith?¡± Kara asked, her voice filled with concern, a concern shared by many.


    ¡°No, I lost track of him.¡± Superman admitted and a look of guilt fell over his face.


    ¡°....CCCRRRRZZZZZttttttt!¡± A static burst went through their comms channel and everyone winced.


    ¡°Attention! We have gained a 100% current immunity to Brainiac''s influence. Watchtower star base is back online! All teams report!¡± Vigil''s voice barked across the line like a drill sergeant.


    One by one like a landslide reports from hundreds of teams in the area of operation all the way down on Earth, all the way to Mars communications poured in. But it was short lived as another tidal wave of purple energy from Brainiac prime washed over the entire solar system. Every piece of machinery shut down for a few seconds then booted back up. All with a new virus.


    But this time the Sub-Resistance Brainiac''s Influence experience spike dramatically and with in a few minutes they were back to 100% immunity. This was not according to plan. Evident by the simple fact that Brainiac''s prime ship started to gradually move towards the Watchtower. Every weapon port, turret, mass driver, and missile pod shot straight at the prime ship. Its energy shield remained intact none the less.


    ¡°Spin up the FTL Sling Shot! We have to punch through the shield and get a team aboard!¡± Wraiths reptilian voice shouted across the communication line.


    ¡°I''m requesting volunteers to join me in boarding Brainiac''s ship! Meet me at these coordinates!¡± Wraith continued. Their was a brief pause before.


    ¡°On the way!¡± Starfire shouted over her comms and shot off like a shooting star towards her friend, and family.


    ============================================================


    (Black Canary / Sara Lance)


    Black Canary activated her meta-gene and a sonic scream tore through the Watchtower corridor. Hundreds of cyber-slaves burst apart at the seams while their inner synthetic organs ruptured and exploded. The corridor itself rippled and buckled under the intense stress of the scream. But as quickly as it came it stopped. Canary jumped to the side just in time as dozens of beams of energy boiled and melted the deck plating she had been on a moment ago.


    Black Canary stood at approximately 5''10¡± with out her exoskeleton on but easily cleared 6''2¡± with it on. She went with the mid-tier set this time for extra protection. She was especially thankful for that decision because no less then ten minutes ago she had been shot out into space because of a ruptured bulkhead. Her suit honestly looked like a tech-advanced version of the League of Assassins gear. Not exactly what she was going for. But she would make the sacrifice for today.


    A cyber-slave turned around the corner and Canary jumped to her feet and drove her fist straight through the soldiers midsection. Then pivoted and whipped her leg out kicking the slave away. Her left arm wrist rifle shot up and burst out HE rounds straight into another cyber-slaves chest. The thing burst apart like tin foil. Then jumped to the side as several energy beams scored her position. She activated her magnetic coils and flew down the corridor.


    ¡°Cccrrttttzzzzzzt! All teams! Report in! Communications is back online!¡± Green Arrow''s voice called across the communication line and Canary had never been so happy to hear her fiancee''s voice.


    ¡°This is Black Canary I''m in sub-section T making my way back to choke point!¡± Canary called.


    ¡°Negative! Choke point was compromised. Find auxiliary tunnel C-23 Beta. Be careful its a long drop!¡± Arrows cool confident voice was sweet music to her ears.


    Canary found the available tunnel it was a transportation pod shaft. She pulled the entry panel off and flew in. Then enter the tunnel that went up a long, long ways. This station was huge! Hard to believe it was little more than a one bedroom apartment a few years ago. She flew up and reached the required level and kicked the panel off. Only to face dozens of rifles, and meta powers pointing right at her.


    ¡°Hi there!¡± Canary said with a grin. A sigh of tension melted through the room.


    Canary pushed her way through their troops. Hundreds of JLI members, and auxiliary troops were on the deck. A temporary medical center had been set up. While manual turrets were prepared. The cyber-slaves had a tendency to hack anything else. Even with the immunity any local hacking was still hard to prevent. Several explosions rocked the whole level they were on and Canary got to watch the walking tank Hastrom from the armory slowly make his way down the hall while all of his cannons fired at the approaching.


    ¡°Grrrzzzzt! I''ve bought us a few minutes but they will be here soon.¡± Hastrom reported in his obnoxiously loud voice.


    Canary eventually found her lover among the crowd as he was resupplying his quiver. She pulled him into a hug and he flailed for a brief moment before he returned it. They took a moment, removing their masks and pressed their foreheads together. Once the moment was over their masks went back up and Canary looked around the room.


    ¡°Team Delta! Move to FTL Sling Shot control! We are going to punch through Brainiac''s shields and send a team aboard.¡± Vigil''s voice went over the comms.


    Dozens of heads looked up. FTL Sling Shot was several decks above them. They had no idea how many cyber-slaves were along the way. But before anyone could volunteer or throw a fit sounds of battle echoed down the corridor that Hastrom had just come from. It sounded like a huge fight took place. Then several cyber-slaves raced into their corridor. But they were not attacking. They were running? Then with a muted pop and a flash of light one of Wraith''s Saurus Elites appeared in light. Two red energy blades bisected of the slaves. While another Saurus Warrior burst from shadow and pulled the spinal column out of another.


    ¡°Team Delta! We are here to escort you to FTL control!¡± The Elite shouted, as hundreds more Saurus soldiers came into the room.


    ¡°Let''s move out!¡± Arrow shouted a smile on his face.


    ============================================================


    (William ''Billy'' Batson / Shazam)


    ¡°That''s right! Smile for me fuckers!¡± Shazam shouted as he shot down the corridor channeling lightning through his hands. Hundreds of cyber-slaves went into a seizure as they exploded into parts. The gruesome skin crafted faces frozen in an odd smile like expression.


    Shazam was a wrecking ball as he shot magical lightning at anything that moved. He had told the JLI members down at the choke point to leave this corridor to him so he could let loose. Metallic mercury like blood covered him head to toe. As he pulled arms, and legs off. Tore a spinal column out then whipped around like a blade taking another slave in half through brute force alone. A vicious grin on his face.


    He charged up a ball of lightning and through it down the corridor. An explosion rocked the whole level and filled the hallway with bodies. The cyber-slaves figured it was just more effective to go around him. So eventually Shazam had nothing to take his frustrations out on. So he eventually came back to the choke point to see a dwindling crew of JLI members and a lot of dead bodies.


    Lying off to the side was Roy Harper aka Arsenal. Billy and Roy had hit off pretty well. Roy was older but had taken a liking to Billy like an older brother would. They would joke around, and spend time together when ever they could. Regrettably Roy Harper was at death''s door. His right arm was missing at the shoulder. While both his legs were missing. If the Watchtower was in working order then he''d be in bed for a few days getting his limbs regrown. But they were cut off from the medical wing.


    ¡°How''s it looking?¡± Roy''s voice was barely loud enough to be a whisper but Billy heard him all the same in his magical Shazam shape.


    ¡°My corridor is cleared. I think the soldiers are cutting their losses and staying away.¡± Billy said as he came over with a water canteen in hand. He helped Roy take a drink with his one remaining hand.


    ¡°I look that bad, eh?¡± Roy asked as he watched the crestfallen expression on Billy''s face.


    ¡°What? No! Your fine...I just got something in my eye.¡± Billy said as he rubbed his face and tried to smile at his friend...His brother.


    ¡°Billy... Can you take care of Thea for me?¡± Roy asked, his breathing was getting slower.


    ¡°I think she''s to old for me.¡± Billy said as he knelt down by his friend side. Roy chuckled softly and began to cough a bit. Eventually he calmed down.


    ¡°You...you know what I mean.¡± Roy said.


    ¡°Roy you''re going to be fine.¡± Billy said softly and took his remaining hand into his own.


    ¡°I know I will....J..Just promise you''ll take care of Thea ok? Promise me!¡± Roy said as his eyes started to fall.


    ¡°I....I promise...¡± Billy said as tears fell from his eyes.


    ¡°Good.... Make your big brother proud alright?¡± Roy said and squeezed Billy''s hand one last time.


    The sound of metal feet echoed down the hall and Billy Batson looked up from his dead older brother and lightning danced in his eyes. He ground his molars and slowly stood up walking carefully around his fallen brother. The few remaining JLI members at the choke point prepared for another battle. But had little to worry about as Shazam tore off down the corridor and soon the whole deck shook violently as the sound of lightning and thunder roared.


    =============================================================


    (James Worthington "Jim" Gordon / Police Commissioner of GCPD)


    Gordon was having a bad day. Of course most of the world as far as he could tell was having a bad day. First some bullshit alien shouted a Telepathic message into every ones heads claiming that Wraith was a liar. Preaching to the choir my friend! Then an alarm goes off as the entire North America sees explosions in space above them. Then hundreds of shooting stars fall across the sky. Except they are not debris burning up in the atmosphere. Oh no! Those are ships. Ships that have come to invade the planet.


    Then not even an hour later! Not even an hour! Giant metal shards fell from the skies! Hundreds of feet high these things are. But here is the real kicker! The moment one of those shards almost crashed into Gotham City, what happened? This big blue barrier with weird looking inscriptions popped up over the city and the shard exploded across the shield. Where was the shield coming from you would ask? Well the beams of light came out of the respective buildings that Agent Wraith had made. So all of Gotham is protected with an energy barrier from atmospheric bombardment! The nerve! The nerve that the bastard would just do this with out asking anyone!


    Gordon was so pissed off he may even buy that alien bastard a drink next time he saw him. Pigs must be flying for Gordon to admit that! Because the shards seem to understand how far the shield went so they crashed into the harbor. Now mechanical soldiers were walking out of the coast. Gordon and the entire MCU along with the special powers and tactics (SPAT) were fighting a loosing battle. While what reserve force of JLI in the city were trying to evacuate the city.


    ¡°Where the fuck is the alien bastard!?¡± Gordon screamed as he reloaded his assault rifle then popped up and did another head shot in the baby faced monstrosity that called for his mother in wailing agony.


    ¡°Fuck that! Where the hell is Atlantis!¡± One of his officer shouted back and unloaded his entire clip into the tide of mechanical flesh.


    ¡°The shards are dropping all over the world. Even Atlantis is being hit.¡± A JLI member ran over with the red cross symbol on their shoulders. They were checking for wounded.


    ¡°What is going on!?¡± Gordon screamed at the JLI member as they flipped administered an injection to a wounder officer.


    ¡°An alien calamity known as Brainiac showed up in the solar system. Aside from the fact that he is sending his robotic armies to attack us I don''t know much else.¡± The JLI medic responded then moved down the firing line to offer aid.


    Gordon''s unit was held up on a commercial district street that was connected to the harbor. Thankfully the streets were holding up nicely. Hell even the buildings seem to absorb the energy from the mechanical soldiers shots. But the never ending tide of purple mechanical lemmings was just to much. A jet engine screamed past and the Bat-Plane flew past and dropped several freeze missiles. Causing the entire street to freeze.


    Then a meta jumped off the Bat-Plane and burst into flames and collided with the ice. Gordon''s eyes went wide in horror as he pulled everyone down behind the firing line as the chemical combustion rocked the whole area. A minor earth quake rocked them back and forth. While the whole mechanical army shattered into a million pieces. Several officers poke their heads up and whistled. Sadly the victory was short lived as another group of shards crashed into the bay. This brought a new threat as hundreds of mechanical aerial drones flew through the air.


    ¡°Fall back! Fall back to the second barricade!¡± Gordon shouted at his people and they all pulled away. As the aerial drones started to fire on their position.


    Gordon snagged one of his fallen officers who got shot in the leg. The energy beam vaporized the man''s leg. Mercifully the energy burns cauterized the wound so he wouldn''t bleed out. Ghost Industries was pushing a new medical bed out that could slowly rebuild limbs. Give it a year or so and the officer would be fine. Gordon dragged the man towards the barricade as the officer in question shot wildly into the air.


    ROOOOOAAARRRRR!


    A large terrifying roar went across the whole city. For a moment the world grew still as a creature came down from the sky. Everyone looked up in shock, and maybe a little hope. As a fucking dragon showed up! This was not Wraith. No Wraith looked a lot different. This was a 500'' long red dragon with a crown of fire. An energy circle with weird script surrounded it''s maw as it opened up. Its fangs the size of spears.


    A burst of high intensity energy shot out from the dragons mouth, through the circle. The lance of energy shot across the bay in a near perfect line. While eighteen different explosions erupted from the waters depths. Millions of mechanical soldiers, and drones flew up into the sky. Many of them half melted or barely functioning. The dragon looked out across the harbor and nodded its massive head once as if it was assured of its smug satisfaction. Then it turned back around and disappeared into the clouds.


    ¡°Oh great! Wraith has an older brother.¡± Gordon said, a smile tugging on his lips.


    ==========================================================


    ¡°FTL Sling Shot is operational. Targeting Brainiac primes ship!¡± Green Arrow''s voice called over the communication line.


    Saurian was flying through space straight towards the very large ship. Hundreds of people were flying towards the ship waiting for the shield to burst. Well that was plan anyways. Saurian returned to his 400'' long shape. While his tentacles shot out Eldritch Blast after blast. Cutting through mini skulls, mechanical shards, and doing absolutely nothing to the shield around the primary ship.


    ¡°I''ll run interference! Everyone get inside and find Brainiac. He should be at the center.¡± Saurian called out across the line.


    Saurian had no illusions about what would happen. None of the millions of mechanical tentacles were attacking them. They were contained within the shield. The moment it fell they would strike. They would optimistically attack Saurian as he was the biggest target. With a bit of luck that is exactly what would happen.


    ¡°Cyber-Slaves are right outside the door. We are only going to get one shot at this!¡± Arrows voice said over the lines.


    ¡°Firing in 5....4.....3......2.....Mark!¡± Arrow''s voice called and a beam of rainbow light shot out from the Watchtower. Like a water balloon bursting the shield broke apart. While a portion of Brainiac''s ship forward face was teleported to another system.


    ¡°All teams make for the breach!¡± Saurian called out and watched as the millions of tentacles rushed towards them like a striking cobra.


    The few working heavy corvettes, and star fighters fired everything they had as they flew straight towards the breach. Saurian opened his maw and shot out a red Psionic energy burst. For a brief moment a Psionic storm burst into being and destroyed the very fabric of order and reality around Brainiac''s ship. The tentacles paused for half a second. As one of the eyes on the ship concentrated a beam of purple light and crashed straight into Saurian.


    Blessing of Bast, Child of the Moon. Activated, block a single life threatening blow. Cool down 24 hours.


    Saurian''s life pool drop to 5% as Lingering activated. He automatically swapped back to Lash and he shrunk down to their 8'' tall shape. But before he could be taken, or killed by the another attack. The big blue boy scout appeared by his side. Superman caught him and flew straight towards the breach. While dozens more reached their destination. The breach in the ship was quickly being repaired at a visible rate.


    ¡°Thanks boy scout.¡± Lash said softly in response.


    ¡°Anytime!¡± Superman shouted as he flew past, over, and through the millions of tentacles blocking his way. Then with one more wild flourish they arrived in the breach just as the living metal sealed up.


    Superman flew down and placed Lash on the ground a few others were with them. Lash took a moment to check his prompts and saw that Heroic Luck had gained several levels in experience. Was it because he almost died? Or because the FTL thing worked? Who knew but he was happy to have it. He suddenly tackled by a fiery woman named Koriand''r.


    ¡°Are you alright!?¡± She said to him as she hugged him close to her.


    ¡°I''m alive Kory that''s all that matters.¡± Lash said as he patted her on the back.


    But just as Kory released him she was replaced by Kara who nearly squeezed him until candy came out. It wasn''t until Clark stepped in that Kara realized how strong she squeezed. Several of his bones snapped back into place and Lash let out a groan but had a smile on his face for her. Kara blushed a little but grinned from ear to ear.


    ¡°So, I don''t suppose you know which way to go?¡± Clark asked.


    Their team stood in a massive collection of wires, gears, tubes, and metal walls. Energy currents passed up, and through the walls as they transported a green liquid. They had an almost heartbeat rhythm to them. Lash knelt and placed one of his clawed hands on the ground and sent a Synthesis pulse through the ship. This ship was alive. Just like the Watchtower was. Techno-organic or bio-mechanical. Take your pick. Just like a living organism the ship reacted to them. As cyber aerial drones flew into their room to meet them. Each one with a organic face crying for help in their native tongue.


    ¡°Please help us!¡± ¡°We are still alive, don''t hurt us!¡± I want to go home!¡± ¡°I want my mommy!¡± One by one the drones shouted out. Kara, Kory, and Clark all winced and looked at Lash in confusion.


    ¡°There is nothing to save. It is meant to garner sympathy from those they attack. This isn''t like the meat puppets from the previous invasion. There is nothing to save.¡± Lash told them twice just to be sure.


    ¡°Let''s finish this and go home!¡± Clark shouted and went from zero to breaking the sound barrier in under a second. He tore through the drones and bolted through the walls. Cascading explosions there after marked his path of destruction.


    ¡°Ladies first.¡± Lash said as he gestured towards them. Kory gave him a smile, and Kara rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Such a gentleman.¡± Kara replied and shot after her cousin. Kory blew him a kiss and flew after Kara. This left Lash alone in their entry point.


    Lash reached into his spell craft and cast Reality Manipulation to empower a specific spell, Decomposition. His magical energy took a dive but quickly recovered. As Decomposition started to cause a magical rot in the ship. A rot it could not repair. Lash took a step, then another, then another. One by one he would cause this ship to rot from the inside. He walked past an artery and turned it putrid. That did something as alarms started to flash as the tube suddenly stopped pumping but the magical effect had already bypassed the tube.


    ¡°You made a mistake coming to my home.¡± Lash said out loud as he looked up into the dark corners of the room he stood in. Where a tiny aerial drone the size of a spider sat, spying on him.


    Galen

 Chapter 128: Brainiac

    =============================================================


    ***HR. Undisclosed location between galaxies***


    Hidden between galaxies a secret place tore through sub-space and formed one of the most advanced intergalactic quantum entanglement communication centers. The station was a mammoth in construction a star base in its own right. A massive center piece of metallurgy of ancient design with a giant ring around the midsection of the station. The station itself was color with a none reflective material to look like a hole in space itself. It blended perfectly with dark space. Unless you were looking right at it, you would never know it was there.


    The Intergalactic News Network Station was fully automated and only had a few organic members aboard. It''s news anchors, and their families. Each anchor was selected carefully for their ability to not only always hold themselves to a certain degree or ideal. But also for their ability to protect themselves. Each anchor could only serve for approximately 10 standard solar years. Then they were placed in retirement in any location in the universe with a large retirement fund. After that... Well they were on their own.


    The individuals behind the Intergalactic News Network were ancient beings that had rumored to had been around since the big bang. Eldritch beings beyond measure, beyond understanding, united under a single ideal. The ideal of truth. That some secrets are to be told, and that some secrets should be told. It was believed that the beings had seen it all, and each cycle of life and rebirth they tried something new. In their attempt to find the universes happy ending. It would amaze people how much a single individual can change the universe. Just one...


    ___________________________________________________________________


    Communication relays across the universe were interrupted of their scheduled programs. The IGNN was about to begin. Anyone not watching soon flipped on their communicators and sat down to watch. There interest were only piqued with greater interest as the words. Breaking News! Were sent across the screen. Their favorite Thuoonkigoll A-sexual being from the realm of madness sat in it''s chair as it stared at the screen camera with its many eyes. The tentacles around its gaping maw writhed with intensity. That wasn''t a good sign. Next to Thuoonkigoll was the seductive and sensual Raerienga the astral dragon who had a look of feigned interest.


    ¡°Welcome l'' intergalactic news network, Y'' ah thuoonkigoll¡± The nightmare said. Its pincer like appendages folded some papers to hide their tension.


    (Welcome to Intergalactic News Network, I am Thuoonkigoll)


    ¡°Hello everyone, I am Raerienga of Intergalactic News Network.¡± Raerienga said as she sat sideways on her throne of stone. She raised her brow as she read through her prompts.


    ¡°C'' mgep ch''nglui''ahog news, machine intelligence mgepkadishtu Iiahe brainiac mgep mgepmgah''n''ghft itself ph''nglui soth sector-2814 ph''nglui sol system. H'' mgep h'' mgepmgulnah n''ghaauh''ee ph'' entire solar system. The civilization llll system ah epgoka yogor fierce resistance. Thuoonkigall''s vulgtmm llll ah ymg''¡± Thuoonkigoll said to the camera. Then continued to shuffle its papers in clear agitation.


    (We have breaking news, the machine intelligence known as Brainiac has revealed itself in space sector-2814 in the Sol System. It has sent its armies across the entire solar system. The civilization within the system is putting up fierce resistance. Thuoonkigall''s prayers are with you.)


    ¡°It has been nearly thirty standard solar years since the last sighting of the Coluan machine intelligence. Where the machine ripped the city of Kandor out of the now destroyed planet of Krypton. As some of our viewers know the first planet that Brainiac destroyed was its own home planet of its creators, Colu. I want to remind our viewers that Coluan refugees are not to be blamed for any action Brainiac takes. The machine is its own individual.¡± Raerienga replied and attached her own note at the end, Thuoonkigoll agreed by nodding its head.


    ¡°Brainiac''s mgehye''bthnk ot mgepah throdog surprise Iiahe uh''e ot sol system mgepah defending f'' against hup mgehye''bthnk nnnogorr ot nilgh''rishuggogg ahf'' l'' mgepahmgr''luh mgah''n''ghft ng or''uh''enah uh''eor mgepkadishtu Iiahe wraith ahf'' mgep f'' mgepah''mgehye reputation. C'' mgep holographic recording ot event, ahlloigehye kadishtu fahf ah approximately ehye solar standard hour mgepog¡± Thuoonkigoll said next as they, and Raerienga turned to look at a projector.


    (Brainiac''s attack was of great surprise as the people of the Sol System were defending themselves against an attack from the Guardians of the Universe who sought to find and capture the individual known as Wraith who had destroyed their reputation. We have a holographic recording of the event, please understand this is approximately one solar standard hour old.)


    The holographic video showed the battle between the JLI and the Kryptonian and/or the Green Lanterns. Trillions of people across the universe watched in fascination as the Green Lanterns loyal to the Guardians got their ass handed to them. But a few specific galactic nations highlighted the Blue Lanterns. That was odd. Then the military nations in the milky way galaxy all went wide eyed as the FTL Sling Shot was used as a super weapon to slice through a capital ship. Finally in abstract horror they watched Brainiac pull itself from sub-space and start its attack. The people of the Sol System tried their best but it was clear they were losing and losing badly. The holographic video ended when the second electromagnetic pulse went cascading through the system.


    ¡°The machine intelligence known as Brainiac only attacks places of advanced technology, or rare specimens of specific abilities, and power. It is with a heavy heart that we inform the universe that the newly created Blue Lanterns were originally created in the Sol System. It is this networks belief that Brainiac has arrived in the system to claim the power of the Blue Battery Core.¡± Raerienga said to the camera with a look of complete sympathy.


    ¡°Ah''n''gha''drnn ot sol system, ng planet fhalma gaia. Gn''bthnknythh ng vulgtmm yog bug l'' ymg''. Mgng ph''nglui such na''ah''n''ghayar ahagl ymg'' og survival llll ah stake, c'' ahor uh''eor ah''kn''a. Llll ah''f''nah! civilizations ph'' nilgh''rishuggogg ahf'' mgep suffered ep brainiac ph''nglui mgephaiagl ah mobilizing f'' forces. If f'' ahor get l'' ymg'' ph''nglui yar f'' ymg'' ephaihafh fend naIIII brainiac if f'' ahor''t? f'' ymg'' ephaihafh rebuild ymg'' ah''lw''nafh. Ahornah ymg'' na''ah''n''ghayar story ah llll mgep''ai generations!¡± Thuoonkigoll looked at the camera and saluted. A look of respect and admiration its body language.


    (Warriors of the Sol System, and the planet Mother Gaia. Hearts and prayers go out to you. But in such a battle where your very survival is at stake, we can only ask. Hold on! Civilizations across the universe who have suffered under Brainiac in the past are mobilizing their forces. If they can get to you in time they will help you fend off Brainiac. If they can''t? They will help you rebuild your lives. May your battle story be told for generations!)


    ¡°In other news...¡± Raerienga began to say but also gave her own salute to the battle ahead.


    ________________________________________________________________


    Any populated star system within a hundred jump points around the sol system began to evacuate. Anyone who could leave, did leave. Brainiac had been known to create a devastating wake in its retreat from what ever world it consumed, destroyed, or shrunk. If one system had advanced technology what about their neighbors? Even now metal shards were flying through system after system dropping cyber-slaves off to look around. Frontier colonies were under attack. In a battle they couldn''t possibly hope to win.


    While the refugees, and broken nations from centuries pass scrambled their warships to get to space sector-2814 and the sol system as quickly as possible. The chances of them arriving before the end of the battle was mathematically impossible. But they could pray for a miracle. That this time Brainiac would find its end. That they would be there to see it happen. Because every nation, every culture, ever civilization knew the simple truth. Brainiac always kept trophies. Entire planets, cities, its people in a sort of library aboard its ship. Maybe...Just maybe they could find their best, and brightest aboard. Just maybe...


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Mother Gaia, Washington DC.***


    Metal shards rained down from the skies and landed into the city of Washington. The shards were towering structures hundreds of feet high with sharp protrusions sticking out of them in a chaotic mess. The entire shard looked like it was alive? Breathing? It''s main power core would pulsate like a heart. Thump-thump! Thump-thump! Thump-thump! Then these arteries would open and humanoid machines would step out.


    The humanoid machines would have streamlined bipedal skeleton structures. Two legs, two arms, a rib cage, a spine, and a skull. With synthetic muscles, organs, and plastic tissue for skin. A thin membrane that would allow you to look inside and see the organs. Their skulls were be translucent. Their very organic brain would be seen inside. Stretched across their metallic skull would be a face. A very human face. Some would be crying, some would call for help. Some would be old, and some would be young. But one thing was for certain, they were once alive and they called for help desperately.


    All of it was a lie. An attempt to garner sympathy from their targets. It worked! It always worked. People would freeze, people would stop to ask if they should. Then the cyber-slaves as they were called would raise their arms up as if asking for a hug and then cannons would pop out of their forearms and melt through flesh, bone, and metal alike. Anyone they caught alive would be dragged back to the shards for processing. Anything dead would be brought back for processing. It was an army that grew simply by winning.


    _______________________________________


    Lex Luthor the President of the United States was beside himself in curiosity as he watched the cyber-slaves fight his security detail in charge of his safety. The shards had landed just outside the White House outer perimeter. The shards actually landed instead of crashed. Which meant they could be piloted, and they had come here specifically. But that was not what he was interested in. What he was interested in was when one of his secret service shredded his suit and turned into a ten foot tall mass of muscle and started to rip the cyber-slaves apart like a child with a toy doll.


    Members of his detail pulled out swords! Even one pulled out a wooden staff. Where they kept it Lex didn''t know. But they started to fight back, and they fought back hard. The one with the staff called down a lightning strike that destroyed two of the metal shards. Lex had seen that attack before. He had seen holographic recordings of Agent Wraith calling down that strike. His alternate reality self had told him it was magic. Or Universal Energy was the scientific term.


    ¡°Mr President we need to move!¡± One of his human meta agents said as he reached for him.


    ¡°My boy there is no need to shout.¡± Lex said with an amiably smile and tucked in his tie. He strolled across the office as if he was about to go play golf with some senators. He was cool, confident, and in control.


    ¡°Yes Mr President, sorry sir.¡± The man said as he took a breath.


    ¡°Good man, now please.¡± Lex held out his hand and the agent took it and they teleported away...


    ------


    One of the cyber-slaves watched the one known as Lex Luthor disappear in a flash of light. 0.5 seconds later every cyber-slave went to fall back orders and started to harvest any organic material they could get their hands on. The priority target had moved away. Universal Energy detected among the guards. Adaptation required.... Error! Origin code detected.... Error!


    Favorably before the thought could continue another Call Lightning was called by a resident Druid and destroyed the metal shard the cyber-slaves were linked to. But the communication between the slaves, to shards, to sub-program, to Brainiac prime was 1.5 seconds...


    ============================================================


    ***HR. Brainiac''s ship.***


    Brainiac''s ship was massive in size, scope, and function. Having being designed by an machine intelligence who had originally been an android. Brainiac Prime was a complex individual that was in many ways perfect. But a simple truth that Prime had discovered early in its life. Perfection was unobtainable. One could chase it, reach for it, catch it. But one could never obtain it. So Prime sought another form of perfection. Knowledge. Knowledge was pure, untainted, and forever. Because it was always changing. Just like perfection.


    In the center of the ship was a room that was covered wall to wall in video screens, holographic screens, and even a few astral water mirrors. Universal Energy was nothing new to Prime. Though to this day it still didn''t truly understand how to wield it. But maybe that would change today. This planet, this one called Mother Gaia was dripping in Universal Energy. As was this creature that feebly destroyed its ship like a cancer from the inside. Prime watched with interest as a million sub-programs ran in the background.


    Prime sat in a throne made completely out of wires, data jacks, and ports. He had trillions of neural links connected to him. Prime was a 10th level intellect. Considered one of the smartest, most innovative intelligence in the universe itself. There wasn''t a problem that couldn''t be solved with enough time, and information. So why? Why was the question in his mind so confusing. Prime magnified a window to saw the creature covered in scales, smoke, and shadow destroying a room with its very steps it took.


    ¡°Where have I seen you before?¡± Prime said to himself. His sub-programs scanned the creature over and over.


    An eclectic collection of energy had been detected. The creature had at one time traveled not only through space, and time. But also across realities, and dimensions. But there was something else. Something, or someone was hiding this creature from Prime. What was it? For the first time in centuries a smile tugged on Primes lips. He loved a puzzle. He absolutely had to have this creature for his collection.


    Prime pushed the screen aside and then focused on the other intruders in his domain. A strange collection of natives, and visitors. Lanterns of green, blue, and yellow. Thanagarians using their primitive Nth metal to bash their problems away. So barbaric in their methods that they were being held up in a single artery. But this one here. This Superman was making great strides to destroy Prime''s domain. He was Kryptonian. Odd, Prime didn''t remember Kryptonian''s being this strong. This required his attention. Prime had collected samples since his arrival. He would see what made them so special...


    Priority alpha processing....Begin.....


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Watchtower Star Base, Medical Wing***


    Another wave of cyber-slaves rushed into medical wing and the defenders raised their rifles and fired into the compacted corridor. There were literal walls of bodies strewn across the floor. That only grew as time passed. The slaves had no preservation of life. They had swarm tactics. Throw enough bodies at a problem will eventually fix it. Regrettably it seemed to be working. People were dying. But they were next to a hospital after all.


    A shadow bolted from the defenders line. A suave man with thick black hair tied back, who wore hospital scrubs, radiant blue eyes, and a name tag with, Ethan across it. Ethan jumped over a wave of slaves and threw out a line of....string? He looped it around one, then jumped around another. He slid under the legs of another and ran around the group then yanked. The thread sliced through the slaves like wet clay. The string glowed hot as it was pulled back into Ethan''s hand. Then he whipped out and cut another slave down the middle.


    ¡°Monomolecular edge, one molecule thick capable of cutting through nearly anything.¡± Ethan said with a smile. As he jumped back to the defense line.


    Ethan landed among his people and raced back towards his operating room. He had been in the middle of re-attaching a leg and couldn''t do it with the slaves beating down his door. His patient was a clearly awake and grimacing Oliver Queen aka Green Arrow. Black Canary was by his side trying to be supportive.


    ¡°Sorry about that. Those damn salesmen wont leave us alone.¡± Ethan said as he cleaned up, and prepared to continue attaching the nerve tissues.


    ¡°It''s fine Doc, I''m not going anywhere.¡± Oliver said with a smile.


    ¡°Any word from operations?¡± Canary asked.


    ¡°I''m afraid not. The slaves put up some kind of jamming device. We lost contact with the whole station. Thankfully we have JLI members with Telepathy they are reaching out. We should have word soon enough.¡± Ethan replied, and reconnected Oliver''s femur.


    ¡°I have to ask. Did you see if the teams made it aboard?¡± Ethan asked, as he started to connect the tissue.


    ¡°They did. Past that we have no idea. All we know is that Brainiac stopped sending shards once they were aboard. I hope that means they are causing enough problems that the machine cant. Speaking of which are you feeling?¡± Oliver asked, as he focused on Ethan.


    ¡°Ah! The elephant in the room. When the first surge came through every android dropped like our off switch had been flipped. Mercifully once we woke up none of us were under Brainiac''s influence. We all experienced what organics would call a fever. Aches, pains, delusions, etc. But we fought it off.¡± Ethan said with a smile as he finished with the tissue and started to smooth the skin over the wound.


    ¡°Why can''t we talk to Vici?¡± Canary asked, she smiled when she saw that Oliver''s leg was reattached.


    ¡°I assume the jamming device is responsible. But never you worry, mother is handling herself just fine.¡± Ethan said with a genuine smile.


    _______________________________________________


    Down in Vici''s main processing core was a woman clad in a light weight exoskeleton suit. She had yellow green eyes after her father. Bob cut hair that would change with her mood (Black/Green). She stood approximately at 6'' even with a strong inverted triangle figure. Strong, streamline, and very active. As she punched through a slaves chest and ripped its spine out. This was Vici''s mobile platform, Victoria Ghost.


    Every few seconds a shadow would appear across the deck and make a simple cutting motion with a blade in hand. Then fade back out of sight. Hex the security chief was by Victoria''s side as they protected the main core together. Every slave that died on this deck was quickly converted into energy and sent into the core for re purpose. Unlike the other decks the main core was never in any danger. Because behind the two of them were four Saurian Elites. All them a terror in themselves. But seeing the Elites was also a boon of moral. Because everyone aboard the station knew that if the Elites were still alive. That meant Wraith was still alive.


    Victoria raced across the deck like a bullet and shot her foot out to crush a slaves chest. Then spun around and launched the carcass at another. She dove straight towards another with a palm strike caving in a skull. While a shadow fluttered past and another slave dropped to the floor. Its spinal column sliced. Victoria pulled her arms up, palms out. Then pulled focus, waving her arms around like she held an invisible ball of energy. She mouthed the words, Kaaaameeeeehaaaa! And shot a bullet of energy that exploded down the corridor.


    ¡°Really?¡± Hex appeared by her side.


    ¡°What? Nothing happened!¡± Victoria said with a sheepish grin. She pulled her hair back and flicked off some mercury blood.


    ¡°So I shouldn''t send a video recording to Grandfather about all that?¡± Hex asked, honest humor in their voice.


    ¡°Don''t you dare! Let your mother have this!¡± Victoria said with a bemused expression. The four elites chuckled and Victoria blushed just a bit.


    ¡°The last of the shards have been removed from the station. There are still thousands of slaves aboard but they won''t be getting reinforcements. Shields are up!¡± One of the Saurian Elites said as they all felt an energy hum crawl across the station.


    ¡°We''ll need to go deck by deck to flush them out.¡± Hex said next, returning to their no nonsense attitude.


    ¡°We also need to find what''s preventing our communication.¡± Victoria replied, and Hex nodded in agreement.


    Hex seem to wibble wobble in place then something disturbing happened. Hex reached up, and into themselves. Then tore out their own heart? They placed their heart floating in the air next to them. The heart pumped out incorporeal shadow, and mist. The energy took on a skeleton structure, that soon grew organic tissues. But before a gender could be seen, the body was wrapped in tattered cloth. A new Hex stood next to the old one.


    Replication: The User can instantly and perfectly replicate themselves and/or targets which can be objects or living beings, numerous times, while usually being able to recombine the clones. Most users have both of these abilities (if subconsciously), copying their clothes/equipment along with their body. Original user will normally be able to maintain control over all copies.


    Side-Note: In case of living/sentient clones, mental/physical properties are exactly the same as the original one''s, although each copy will have different experiences and may gain independent personalities over time.


    ¡°I''ll find the jamming device.¡± The second Hex said and fluttered in place and disappeared from view.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± Victori asked Hex.


    ¡°Engineering operations with Malleus, Science with Samanthei, Training Hall with Kimiko, Operations with Vigil, but I lost my copy in the prison section. Naya''il was dealing with a break out due to the loss of power.¡± Hex replied.


    ¡°Can you send some warriors to the prison deck?¡± Victoria asked an Elite who nodded. ¡°Good, lets start taking back our home.¡±


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Watchtower Prison/Interrogation***


    Ursa aka She-Devil, and soldier of Dru-Zod was currently holding a gauss rifle and fighting against a well known foe on an new battle field. A cyber-slave was crying, pleading for Ursa to stop hurting it. Even while it attempted to shoot her face full of super heated plasma. Ursa swept its legs out from underneath it and shot it in the face point blank twice, and two more in the chest. Then she rolled to the side and fired a few more times another another slave.


    Then she looked up in astonishment as she saw one of her gods from Krypton fly through the air. Gozith the son of Nightwing, and Flamebird flapped his shadow born wings and sent hundreds of onyx feathers at their old enemy. By his side an angel of destruction swung her flaming morning star, and blocked a blow with her metal wings. Naya''il the prison warden was doing her best to protect her charges.


    ¡°Move up!¡± Ursa shouted down the hallway and her subordinates worked up the corridor in an organized fashion. What was Ursa doing here? Well...


    ____________________________


    ***Thirty minutes earlier***


    Ursa had been meditating in her cell when the power shut off. The Kryptonite halogen lights that sapped her strength shut down. Already she could feel her strength returning. But it would take time. This wasn''t the first time the power had been shut off. The Prison Warden would do it periodically to test the cell mates. Privileges for good behavior. Anyone who didn''t try to escape would get rewards. So, Ursa didn''t move. She was hoping she would get visitation rights to see her child growing in the genesis chamber they had aboard the station. Lor-Zod, a good name for a good son.


    Ursa knew that the situation was real when she heard blaster fire echo down the hall from her. The normally sound proof cell started to communicate shouts of surprise, and anger. Twisting metal, and cheers went through the prison deck. Soon replaced by screams of horror and pain as the sound of a plasma rifle melting flesh, and bone went through the deck. But by that time Ursa was at her cell door digging her finger tips through the metal trying to pry the cell door off.


    Her nails cracked, a few even peeled off. But her new found strength helped her get a grip and she started to force the cell open. She peaked through the crack and saw Ren Jim-Ner one of her soldiers trying to get hers open as well. Then they both heard the unmistakable sound of security droids sprinting down the hallway. They watched in confusion as the droids didn''t even glance at them. They took up positions by their doors and started to fire at the something.


    ¡°Please help us!¡± ¡°I want my mother, please!¡± ¡°I want to go home!¡± The screams of the cyber-slaves sent a shiver down Ursa''s spine. Brainiac''s soldiers!


    Ursa''s struggles to get the cell door open bordered on full blown panic. The security droids did a wonderful job of holding the line. The moment Ursa got her cell door open enough for her the droid by her door pulled his side arm out and held out to her with out a word Ursa took the weapon and started to fire down at the cyber-slave.


    ¡°Ren get the others!¡± Ursa shouted as Ren got her cell door open and raced to the next cell. A security droid popped open a hatch and showed a manual lever for her. Soon half of Ursa''s unit was out, and armed.


    The prison deck was one large room with prison cells all stack on top of each other, on the floor, along the walls, all the way up to the ceiling. Each day the cells were rearranged to create a sort of maze. This was done on purpose to confuse the prisoners should they ever escape. They also separated people if they were together. Half of Ursa''s team was in another section of the prison. She had to find them!


    A golden divine light burst into being above them and their prison warden appeared. Naya''il a woman of impressive beauty, warm attitude, and ruthless brutal efficiency. Ursa had a lot of respect for her, she also hated her. But that was normal for someone who tortured you on a daily basis. Naya''il flew down towards the slaves and cut them into pieces with her angelic metal wings. The silver mercury blood of the slaves washed over and left not a single stain on her golden hair, white robes, silver breast plate. She looked picture perfect as if she stepped out of a painting.


    ¡°Kryptonians! Your army is here to retrieve you. Unfortunately before we could discuss a prisoner exchange the machine intelligence known as Brainiac moved into our solar system. He is attacking the entire system. Help us take back our station and I promise you we will give you back to your people. You have my word!¡± Naya''il said to them.


    ¡°I want the Ligadian''s word, where is he?¡± Ursa asked.


    ¡°He is currently fighting against Brainiac''s forces. Communications are down.¡± Naya''il said, and with out a word the security droids all turned on their heel and looked at the Kryptonian''s each armed with a weapon, and their strength slowly returning.


    It was a stand still until a voice called out. This voice was smooth as silk to the Kryptonians. They felt something deep inside of them gently tug towards the owner of the voice. A man came from the shadows. His skin was pure midnight black, he long silver hair to his shoulders. Almost effeminate features. He was both handsome, and beautiful at the same time.


    ¡°I am Gozith, demigod of Krypton. Son of Nightwing, and Flamebird. If you do not believe her word then believe mine. I want nothing but the best for the last of my people. The Ligadian never wanted to fight your people. Help us, and we will do all we can to find you a new home. A new Krypton. But if we do not fight together now? We will all die.¡± Gozith said to them all, and despite the situation Ursa wanted to kneel and bow her head in awe.


    ¡°We''ll help...For now.¡± Ursa replied.


    ¡°Good enough!¡± Gozith replied.


    _________________________________


    ***Present Time***


    Gozith was a giant bird made of shadow and smoke with multiple eyes, and giant wing span that seem to pass through physical objects like they were not even there. His scattered feathers were razor sharp and moved with unnerving accuracy. While the angelic soldier Naya''il worked in perfect concert behind him. Her flail weaved in flame would strike the slaves. Whether it was a crushing blow, or glancing the slaves would drop dead as if their very soul had been extinguished.


    ¡°Moving!¡± One of Ursa''s soldiers called out and pressed forward.


    The soldiers kept overlapping lines of fire as they moved out of the prison section as the power turned back on. Automated turrets snapped out and started to fire on their position. Thought it wasn''t long before the turrets returned to their side and fired on the slaves. One by one they retrieved their Kryptonian soldiers, along with any sympathetic prisoners who agreed to help if they could be sent back home.


    But one thing stayed with Ursa the whole time she was with the group. Dru was here, in the solar system. They had fought, and they had lost against the system security. Against the Ligadian known as Wraith. Ursa had never prayed once in her life. But now that she was fighting side by side with a demigod of Krypton she had to wonder.


    ''Please Dru, be safe....''


    ============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System. Mars***


    The cyber-slave blockade around the capital of Ma''aleca''andra was short lived as Martian Manhunter led a daring raid against the metal shards. The warriors of green, white, and red. Shape shifted into monsters from legend both on Mars, and Earth. They tore through the metal soldiers with ease. While the yellow Martians cast their spells and reinforced their people.


    Manhunter shifted his form and turned into a mighty dragon from the eastern legends of Earth. A long serpentine creature with two arms, and two legs. Its tail struck like a cobra, and its claws tore flesh, bone, and metal alike. He shot blue hot flames from his maw, and flew through the air under his own power. Plasma shots bounced off his scaled hide, or were deflected back towards their attackers thanks to the spells of the yellow priests.


    ''J''onn, there are no more shards on our home. But the mechanical soldiers have dug in like a malgarian tick.'' -M''yrnn his father said to him through Telepathy.


    ''Any word from the Watchtower?'' -J''onn asked his father.


    ''Yes! Communications are up. A team was sent aboard the machines primary ship.... M''gann. M''gann is with them.'' -M''yrnn replied.


    ''Call our ships back from the battle! We must see to our own defenses first!'' -Another voice was shared across the telepathic link.


    ''Your highness you can''t!'' -J''onn began to say.


    ''I know what you mean to say, J''onn. But we must look to our own people first. Once they are safe we will return to our allies side. I''ll give the order myself.'' -A red martian wearing a royal garb said as he shifted back into his normal form.


    J''onn turned back into his default green martian form and bowed his head towards the red martian who was the leader of this attack on the metal shards. The red martian nodded in acceptance and the order was sent out. All of the bio-ships sent out came rushing back to their home planet. But not all of the Martians returned. Many stayed on the Watchtower, while one specific white martian was aboard Brainiac''s ship.


    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System. Brainiac''s ship.***


    M''gann M''orzz aka Miss Martian was currently aboard Brainiac''s ship fighting against his soldiers. She had taken the form of a giant reptilian soldier. One that was often seen fighting side by side one of her friends. She had pure white scales, four arms, two legs, a bladed tail, four tentacles, six eyes, and a bad attitude.


    By her side was Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Vyllith, and the Yellow Lantern known as Sinestro. M''gann ran ahead of the group and used her shifted forms natural defenses to rip through the soldiers with her claws. The plasma shots were oddly absorbed by her scales. Which was odd. Just because she took the shape didn''t mean she got the powers of the shape. She had seen Wraith absorb energy before. So why was she?


    ¡°I must admit dear girl you are incredibly brutal! Are all Martians like you?¡± A cultured, and educated voice sounded behind her as a giant yellow energy constructed hammer slammed down on a group of slaves. Sinestro had a warm smile on his face.


    ¡°We have our moments.¡± M''gann replied.


    Vyllith zipped past them with her sword out as she dissected the slaves in front of her. She was whirlwind of destruction. Every swing of her blade was an explosion of crimson light. The Hawks dove down from behind and swung their maces and crushed slave after slave. M''gann jumped into the fray and open her mouth, a caustic gas rushed out and melted the slaves on the spot. Sinestro snapped his fingers and his ring made a spark and the gas turned flame immolated the rest.


    ¡°That''s the last of this wave. Hell Knight, where we headed?¡± Hawkman asked Vyllith who sheathed her sword on her back.


    ¡°One moment.¡± Vyllith said in her sweet, seductive voice that made M''gann shiver. Vyllith had been different then M''gann had remembered. But M''gann was glad she had been in the same room with her when M''gann came aboard.


    ¡°Wraith''s in that direction.¡± Vyllith pointed towards a corridor. Their entire group could hear the ship groan in discontent as something or someone was ripping the ship apart.


    ¡°My troops who made it aboard are headed that way. They report seeing a assembly station. It is...grotesque from their description.¡± Sinestro commented as he gestured toward another pathway.


    The metallic clang of footsteps echoed down the hallway they were standing in. One by one purple glowing eyes appeared in the darkness. M''gann''s predatory instincts kicked in and she rushed down the path with reckless abandonment. The slaves fired on her to no avail as she bull rushed through them like a bowling ball. She was closely followed by her team, all the while Sinestro had the most brilliant albeit unnerving smile on his face.


    ¡°You are terrifying, you inspire fear even in these mechanical soldiers!¡± Sinestro said with absolute glee. As the yellow radiance from his ring glowed true.


    That was an odd thing to say. M''gann wasn''t sure why but she felt it wasn''t a good thing that Sinestro was so taken with her. How could machines be afraid of her? But she couldn''t help but notice that the cyber-slaves tried their best to keep her at arms''s length or more. More than once she saw the false face of a human look on in fear as she raked her claws through them. Was it her they feared, or the shifted form she had took? She wanted to believe it was Wraith''s soldiers they were afraid of. But some part of her knew it wasn''t that. What did the power of Fear mean to M''gann?


    ============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System Brainiac''s ship***


    Kara Zor-El / Kara Kent aka Supergirl activated her solar eyes and cut through dozens of cyber-slaves. They fell like domino''s as her one of her best friends Koriand''r blew through another group like a explosion of green starlight. While her cousin paved the way for them by ripping through the bulkheads with ease. Kara glanced behind her to see another of her best friends Lash casually walking through the carnage as he if was walking through the park. He left behind rotting bulk heads, and destroyed systems.


    Wraith''s reptilian eyes focused on her and a smile stretched across his snout. Kara smiled back at him then turned around to destroy another group. She knew she be focused on the task at hand. They needed to hurry through the ship. Find Brainiac Prime and end this here and now. But Kara had to admit that she had missed working with Wraith. His calm confidence at the situation always reassured her.


    ¡°Superman! Go three hundred feet up, and to the left. We''ll run into another team there.¡± Wraith shouted behind her. Clark didn''t even stop, he just adjust his aim and started to fly up.


    ¡°Starfire! Time for a recharge!¡± Wraith called out, and Kory flew back with a grin on her face. Kara rolled her eyes at her.


    Kara watched as the literal fiery red head landed next to the grim reaper. Then a brilliant ball of sunlight burst into being. The energy so radiant that even Kara could feel it from here. Then Wraith slowly pushed the energy into Kory who all but moaned in orgasmic glee. Kara blushed, and tried to ignore the sounds Kory had made. Time to punch things!


    Their group continued to move forward until they ran into another JLI group. Kara didn''t recognize any of them. But there had been thousands of JLI members last she checked she couldn''t remember them all. Even though they all seem to know who she was. Some of them were really enthusiastic despite the circumstances. One even asked if they could take a picture with her post battle. She felt like she was back at comic-con. But the moment Wraith stepped up they all went to attention.


    ¡°Brainiac Prime is our primary objective.¡± Wraith began to say after he put up a baffle-field to hide them. ¡°However, he is not the only objective. Brainiac keeps a library, or rather a trophy room on the ship. There he has hundreds if not thousands of cities, continents, worlds! They have been shrunk down to small size for easy access. Millions of lives contained with in each. Including but not limited to the Kryptons capital Kandor.¡± Wraith said, and Kara''s attention snapped into focus.


    ¡°Kandor is on this ship!?¡± Clark asked loudly. Kara''s cousin looked absolutely shocked, and hopeful. Ever the optimistic her cousins was.


    ¡°If the information is to be believed, yes. Not only is the city here shrunk down for easy transport. The people in the city should still be alive as well.¡± Wraith said next. ¡°Along with hundreds of other alien cities, people, cultures, etc. This is a rescue operation just as much as it is a assassination.¡±


    ¡°So we are killing him? Brainiac?¡± Kory asked.


    ¡°Yes, with out a doubt. Regrettably even if the Prime dies every slave, every drone, every shard has an origin code of Brainiac. Once Prime is gone, they all have orders to reorganize, hide, and rebuild. A single slave can remake Brainiac Prime.¡± Wraith said, and everyone took a moment to absorb that.


    ¡°So even if we defeat him. We''ll still have a war on our hands?¡± A JLI member asked.


    ¡°Correct.¡± Wraith replied.


    Kara wasn''t sure why but all of the JLI members all had a silly grin on their faces. A few whispered something about a hidden quest line? Wraith didn''t pay any attention to it, so neither would she.


    ¡°Don''t trust your communication network. Even if we are back online doesn''t mean Prime can''t hack our lines. Telepathy could even be overheard. Prime has thousands of worlds knowledge aboard this ship. He has seen, and learned a lot in his time. Always use a baffle-field when talking. Even then, be mindful of your surroundings.¡± Wraith said next, then took a moment to cast several spells on the whole group. A pick me up as it were.


    ¡°Let''s get this done, and go home.¡± Wraith said, and everyone turned to move out.


    Kara went through a systems check on her exoskeleton. The Brainiac virus had been expelled but the UI system kept sending her prompts that a new virus was uploaded, found, erased, then found again. Everyone had switched to manual operations. Which dramatically cut down on their utilities. But it was to ensure the suit didn''t suddenly cut off their oxygen, or lock up their joints. Even a single second could spell their death.


    ¡°Let''s see here...Processing station...Alpha.¡± Wraith said softly to them as they walked down a corridor. Clark ripped the door from its frame and they stepped in. Kara wished she could erase what she saw inside.


    But it didn''t matter. None of it mattered because the moment they walked in they were under attack. A sonic boom shot through the air and hit Clark. He went flying backwards as the JLI team scattered. The cyber-slave looked half finished but he had black skin, short black hair, and a Kryptonian house seal on his chest along with cybernetic implants. House of Zod?


    ¡°So that is where you ended up.¡± Wraith said.


    ==========================================================


    ***HR. Sol System. Brainiac''s Ship.***


    Green Psionic Blades burst from Lash''s knuckles from his upper arms. While his lower started to cast and channel Darkness Manipulation. He jumped forward swinging his arms down at the Dru-Zod cyber-slave. The man moved but a fraction and some how was just out of reach. Then hundreds of blades made of shadow shot straight towards him and Dru shot up into the air. The blades chased after him. BAM! Another Kryptonian slave slammed into Lash and sent him through a corridor and through a wall.


    A blue, and red blur shot past Lash and caved in the skull of the slave. Supergirl was pissed and proceeded to dismantle the slave by ripping its arm off. Starfire concentrated her energy and lanced through another slave that was in mid processing. Out of all of them Dru was the most functional. Superman broke the sound barrier and slammed into Dru. Screaming at him to stop fighting them.


    Lash reached into his Grave Domain and looked for their soul-tethers. No...They were dead. Fuck, Ursa was not going to be happy. Lash said as much to his companions. The moment he mentioned soul-tethers they understood. These husks were gone. Even the meat puppets from the prior invasion still had their souls.


    Lash reached out hands hand and cast a ritual circle. Dozens of intricate spell script surrounded him and created a barrier. A few Kryptonian slaves bashed into the shield and rebound away like they were a rubber band. Again, and again they flew back towards him. Then Lash slammed his hands together and cast Portal Creation. A portal of swirling darkness and starlight was made. Out stepped a dark plate mail foot, followed by a leg. Then the entire body.


    The individual was clad in pure black armor with skeletons stylized into the armor. A red cape adorned on his back, with a wicked curved spiked helmet. Red crimson eyes glowed from beneath his helmet as he reached for his sword at his side and pulled it free. The blade was eternally bloody, it dripped across the floor and the scent of carnage, and brutality ushered into the room. He surveyed the area and the whole room froze for a brief moment as a sense of dread fell over all.


    ¡°Hello Kyle, thanks for answering the call.¡± Lash said to the new deity of war in Greece.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Kyle God of War shouted a war call and he charged into the fray.


    Lash had seen Wonder Woman fight. She was like a dancer with a blade, and shield. She moved with purpose, and moved with grace. Kyle...Kyle was a straight berzerker that rushed through the enemy like a ranging bull in a pottery barn. His long sword cut through anything everything like it was made of paper. This included the Kryptonian-slaves. All the while Kyle laughed like a madman!


    ¡°Yes! More! Give me more!¡± Kyle shouted.


    Lash''s ritual circle fell and he waded into combat next to his friend. Red Psionic Blades cut the machinery into ribbons. While Decomposition slowly ate away at the bio-mechanical substance. Slaves poured into the room by the hundreds. While hundreds more Kryptonian-slaves still being processed had their implants activated. Then Dru slammed into Lash and tried to pull his head off. So Lash''s tentacles sprung up and struck. Dru''s battle reflexes won the day and he bolted just in time.


    Lash jumped to his feet and cast Acceleration, and Cat''s Grace. He tore through the processing station chasing after Dru. It wasn''t until Lash was past the door he realized he had been baited as the door behind him slammed shut. An intricate array of lights bloomed with power. A flash of light swallowed him and Lash found himself in a different place on the ship.


    In the room with him was Dru. Now that he had a moment he could look at him. Dru-Zod had been a good looking man with chocolate black skin, short black hair cut close into a military style. He was easily 6''3¡± maybe taller. He had an inverted triangle figure, strong, firm, and streamlined. But that had stopped when he had a collection metal data jacks from the back of his skull. Three purple eyes on his forehead in the shape of an inverted triangle. Brainiac''s symbol, along with a portion of his skin, muscle, and bone replaced with metal.


    Cyber-Dru looked at Lash like he was nothing more than an objective. He floated in the air waiting for a moment that Lash would make a single move. Then he bolted straight for him when Lash''s tribal spell marks started to glow. One hundred feet away, gone in a half a blink. Just enough time to cast Personal Time and Dru froze in a moment of time. Lash wasted no time as he bisected Dru down the middle with a red energy blade. Then cast Unburden, and Decomposition on the body. First to remove any lingering attachment, and then to ensure Brainiac couldn''t reuse the body.


    When time resumed Dru was nothing but ash by the time he hit the floor. Once his enemy was defeated he looked around the room. Though it was pitch black he had Night Eye (Dark Vision) Along with full spectrum vision. Electromagnetic, infrared, along with several Magical Perceptions. He could see the room in near perfect detail. It looked like tree roots. Thousands of wires, data jacks, and power cords all in a gaggle across the floor that slowly snaked towards a centralized point. They rose, and fell, then twisted into some sort of chair, or a throne. This throne surrounded by hundreds of view screens.


    ¡°Been waiting long?¡± Lash asked softly.


    ¡°I expected you 720 seconds ago. But the creation of the portal, and reinforcements of the deity was a worthwhile endeavor on your part.¡± A clearly male synthetic voice replied.


    A holographic screen was enlarged and shown to Lash as he watched Kyle the God of War rip through the ship. His sword cut through anything like a hot knife through butter. Superman was right behind him carving the ship apart with his bare hands. Supergirl, and Starfire right behind him. Then another holographic screen was highlighted and shown to Lash. It was the Hawks, Vyllith, Sinestro, and a white Saurian Elite? It was M''gaan, how odd.


    ¡°This species ability to copy others is fascinating.¡± The voice said from his throne.


    ¡°So, what is the mathematically possibilities of us winning?¡± Lash asked as he carefully stepped around the wires, trying to make his way towards the throne.


    ¡°9,543,621,231,640 to 1. That you will win this encounter with me.¡± He replied, Lash whistled at the odds. ¡°The odds increase in your favor by the moment.¡± He ended.


    ¡°Why did you come here?¡± Lash asked as he came to a stop, the wires around him started to writhe and hiss like a bundle of snakes.


    ¡°Several cycles ago a previously unknown eruption of color cascaded across the universe. It was the blue spectrum of light. This light passed over my ship and... Created a curious sensation within me.¡± The voice said.


    Lash looked up at the throne and saw him. Brainiac Prime a green skinned Coluan who wore a metallic synthetic suit. With the purple inverted triangle symbol on his forehead. He stood at approximately 6'' maybe taller if he didn''t slouch. He was large in the way of muscle, or fat tissue. Just large, as he was made that way, maybe he was? He had a humanoid body. Two arms, two legs, five fingers on each hand. Two eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Data jacks play the part of his hair. Each one was linked to a wire. The blue holo screens bathed him in a eerie glow.


    ¡°Hope... You felt hope.¡± Lash said to him and Brainiac tilted his head to look at him.


    ¡°Hope is an emotion, a chemical response. I have neither so I am incapable of feeling it.¡± Brainiac replied.


    ¡°But you still felt it. Which is what brought you here.¡± Lash said next, and silently cursed his Cosmic Patron.


    Once again Lash played into his own mess. The Blue Battery Core was meant for an A grade station. Not C grade. If Brainiac had shown up to attack an A grade station they would had floored him. Which of course is why his Cosmic Patron gave the Battery Core ahead of time. A chill rolled down Lash''s spine as he stopped to wonder if Darkseid now knew about them because he bought the Blue Core ahead of its time.


    ¡°This system is....erratic. Primitive civilizations among advanced. You are uplifting this system to a higher level of technology. What species are you? I have not seen anything like you.¡± Brainiac asked, his voice colored with curiosity. A type of curiosity that would see Lash strapped to a table to be dissected.


    ¡°Have you been to the edge of the source wall?¡± Lash asked, and Brainiac leaned back on his throne.


    ¡°No, the last copy of my code went there and never returned.¡± Brainiac replied. Lash nodded as if that was of course the answer.


    ¡°Yes, someone of your intellect couldn''t understand what was on the other side. More than likely your code was added to the wall.¡± Lash said, and for a brief moment Lash swore he saw irritation in Brainiac''s expression.


    ¡°There is no one in the Universe who knows more than me.¡± Brainiac stated simply.


    ¡°I''m sure.¡± Lash replied in a tone like an adult talking to a child. Brainiac''s eyes narrowed and the wires around him rose up in irritation.


    ¡°Do you know another that knows more?¡± Brainiac asked, as if his very identity had come under attack.


    ¡°There is an individual in a bar named Lux in Las Angeles who knows more than you.¡± Lash said with a smile. The flapping of wings was heard in the room and Brainiac stood up in shock as a man who was impeccably dressed in a pure white suit with golden white wings on his back.


    ¡°Who are you!? How did you get in my ship!?¡± Brainiac shouted at the man. Lash turned to see Lucifer Morningstar looking at him with a playful smile.


    ¡°Don''t bring me into this.¡± Lucifer said in a smooth voice. Then clapped Lash on the back. ¡°Congratulations on the promotion. Come by the bar sometime, I''ll buy you a drink.¡±


    ¡°I''d like that.¡± Lash replied, Lucifer winked at him then with a flap of his wings was gone from the room. ¡°And for my next trick!¡± Lash said as he bowed towards Brainiac as if he was performing an act.


    Lash felt thousands of sensors scan him, the room, as they looked for the mysterious stranger who appeared, and disappeared with a flap of their wings. But they would never find him. Lucifer had seen this universe begin. Naturally he knew more than Brainiac. But honestly, Lash called on Lucifer simply because he knew that Brainiac wouldn''t be able to handle it. He would be so distracted that he wouldn''t notice Lash do something.


    Divine Domain, Monster Creation..... When Lash became a Minor Deity he had grown from a mortal to something else. Abstract information had been poured into his very being and little by little he grew in understanding not only in the world, but the universe as whole. Cosmic Awareness helped a lot. But even now. Lash barely understood a single 1% of what he had learned. He reached out and in the palm of his hand a monster was made.


    The creature was small, an inch long. It looked similar to a centipede in design. Chitin plates down its back, protecting each section. Dozens of tiny legs, that moved in perfect sync together. Two antennae with composite eyes, and pincers joined to its tiny mouth. It''s mandibles clicked together softly as it looked at Lash. A link was made between them then, and there. The first monster created by Lash and his Divine spell craft. Lash knelt down and let his creation go into the mess of wires. The creature took one last look at Lash then burrowed into one of Brainiac''s data wires.


    ¡°What have you done?¡± Brainiac asked, but by that time it was too late.


    Brainiac went into a spasm. His entire body, no the entire ship started to shake. He seized back and forth as his every wire in his whole body sprung away. Silver mercury blood poured from the wires. As Brainiac Prime screamed in pain, and fury. He reached up and scratched, clawed, and tore at the base of his skull. He tried to pull at something. He knew something had burrowed there. But he would never find it. Something deep inside of Brainiac grew into being. A hollow light. Then with a crash! Like a tidal wave from a hurricane did Brainiac fall to his knees.


    ¡°WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?¡± Brainiac shouted.


    Across not only the ship, but every metal shard, every mini skull, every cyber-slave not only across the solar system. But also across the universe. Anything that had any connection to Brainiac Prime momentarily froze in place. As a system wide reboot took place. Then an energy current flooded through their systems. A spark had grown with in Brainiac. A life-spark. Or what others would call a soul.


    ¡°If you can feel hope!¡± Lash shouted as red energy blades burst from his knuckles. ¡°Let''s see if you feel fear!


    Galen

 Chapter 129: Unknown.

    =============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System.***


    Hello darkness my old friend. Hello silence it''s been a long time. The absolute stillness of the battlefield known as the sol system was so entirely eerie that the combatants didn''t understand what had happened when Brainiac and all of his sub-programs, and slaves stopped in their tracks. Then they all shook as if they were having a seizure. Hundreds of thousands of cyber-slaves dropped to their knees. While the mini-skull star fighters rammed into one another. The multitude of metallic tentacles extending from Prime''s ship whipped around and caused more damage to themselves than any other.


    Then the massive purple shield that covered primes ship evaporated and every available friendly rushed towards it. The Watchtower poured every available weapon port on the erratic tentacles on the back of the ship. While the rest of the teams stormed aboard. While the cyber-slaves on the ground began to behave unlike themselves. Many began to scream and claw at themselves in a mad panic. Others fought with one another. While a majority of them resumed the fight they had originally started. However their coordination was now abysmal.


    ___________________________________________________________________


    Brainiac Prime was in a panic! Absolute chorus of...emotions! Disgusting, vile emotions pumped through its systems. He was afraid, he was happy, he was jealous, he envious, he...was. He was! He scrambled to get away from the creature that he had sought for his collection. Entire decks of the ship molded to the whim of its pilot while the creature tore through it like paper.


    ¡°Where you going!? I thought we were going to play!¡± It''s sinister voice screamed at him as he jumped through another deck.


    Brainiac ran, ran as far as his legs could carry him as far, and as fast as he could get. If his body was capable of crying he would be sobbing in absolute terror. Nothing he was doing even slowed the creature down. Brainiac reached out to his sub-programs and have a cacophony of voices shouting at one another. Harmony had been lost! None of them would respond to him. It was like...It was like they were all Prime? Each and everyone of them became themselves?


    ¡°NO! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?¡± Brainiac shouted, and his anger overrode his fear. He turned and sent every available data jack towards the creature like a striking cobras. A whirlwind of red light from the creatures limbs severed the jacks like so much kindling.


    ¡°You are nothing more than a child throwing a temper tantrum. I expected better Brainiac.¡± The creature said in a mocking drawl. As it Blinked from its position straight at him. But Brainiac was done running.


    Brainiac threw a punch at the creature. He had absorbed thousands of worlds, upon thousands of cultures, and knowledge. He had never thrown a punch before but how hard could it be? It was surprisingly difficult as his fist met the creatures own and Brainiac''s joints snapped, and his arm folded in on it''s self. Then for the first time in Brainiac''s long life he felt something new.


    ¡°That''s called pain. Get use to it!¡± The creature said with a mocking grin. As Brainiac collapsed onto the floor and cried out in....pain.


    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Brainiac Prime''s Ship.***


    Lash struck with his red Psionic Blades and missed Brainiac by a hair. He rolled away and the floor swallowed him. Lash growled in frustration and tore through the deck like tin foil. His Temporary Pack Bond was kicking up a storm as hundreds of people linked up and started asking questions. He activated Parallel Minds to help coordinate the offensive. All the while he chased after Prime.


    The newly reborn techno-organic intelligent being was surprisingly adapt at running away. But it didn''t take Lash long to figure something out. They were heading to a processing station aboard the ship. Lash activated Acceleration, and Cat''s Grace anything to give him an extra boost of speed on top of his Superhuman Speed. He raked his energy beams across Prime''s body and the Prime screamed in agony as the chaos blade ripped through reality.


    Congratulations User! Minor Psionic Magic has evolved into Basic Psionic Magic.


    Note: Standard effects apply with each evolution.


    Note: Can now shape Psionic Blades into simple weapons.


    Lash''s red Psionic Blades shifted from his knuckles to his hands as he changed them into a pair of daggers. A savage grin grew across his face as he Blinked across the space that separated them. Prime''s expression was pure terror right before his lips twitched up into a smile as a metal fist came from the side and collided into Lash sending him flying. His basic daggers snapped out of existence and he went through several bulk heads. He bounced a few times then jumped to his feet just in time to see...Dru-Zod about to punch him again?


    ¡°Didn''t I kill you already?¡± Lash said as he cast Personal Time again then dusted this Dru just like the last one.


    When Lash turned to look for Prime again all he saw were dozens of processing stations. Bio-mechanical cocoons building, and manipulating flesh, and steel like clay. Each one contained a Dru-Zod. Each one in a state of near completion as each one was activated. They all zeroed in on Lash.


    ¡°Crap, he cloned you.¡± Lash said in dismay and recreated his Psionic Daggers.


    ¡°Where is my wife!?¡± One of the clones yelled.


    ¡°You''re wife!? What about my wife!?¡± Another shouted.


    ¡°Who are you people!? What kind of trick is this!?¡± Another Dru shouted in Kryptonian.


    ¡°General Zod! I am Lash-Rao of the Religious Guild, former Ligadian House of the military shock troops! That man is known as Brainiac Prime and has manipulated your mind. Each Dru you see before is part of augmented reality facsimile in order to confuse you! My team was sent here to retrieve you, and your people!¡± Lash barked out in perfect Kryptonian. Every single clone stopped and looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°What are you doing!? Destroy him! That''s an order!¡± Brainiac shouted at them. The Dru''s turned their glare onto him instead.


    ¡°No one orders General Zod!¡± One of them said.


    ¡°I couldn''t have said it better myself!¡± Another one said.


    ¡°Take him!¡± One Dru said and shot out like a bullet straight towards Brainiac.


    ¡°Where''s Ursa!?¡± Another Dru yelled at Lash.


    ¡°Commander Ursa is currently aboard the Watchtower Star Base fighting off Brainiac Primes troops. Your son Lor-Zod is on the medical wing in a genesis chamber!¡± Lash shouted back in Kryptonian and even gave a perfect salute. Word of Ursa, and their son made every Dru freeze except for the one bashing Brainiac into the floor.


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Brainiac shouted, then every synthetic heart contained with in the Dru-Zod''s exploded in their chests. Lash quick stepped from his position and caught one of the Dru''s as he took one last shuddering breath.


    ¡°Protect my wife, and son...T...That''s and order!¡± Dru said as he died in Lash''s arms.


    ¡°You''re Kryptonian....¡± Brainiac said as he slowly stood up. What ever damage the Dru-Clone had done was easily repaired as his crushed skull popped back out and into place. It looked like watching a soda can pop back into shape.


    An explosion shook the entire deck and dozens of cyber-slaves were tossed through a door. A burst of electricity followed another group. Then a man wearing a red suit, with a golden lightning bolt floated into the room. Anger boiled off the man as he looked around. He looked at Lash, then looked at Brainiac.


    ¡°You!¡± Shazam said, as with the crack of thunder he was on top of Brainiac.


    Every punch sent lightning across the entire deck. As Shazam did his best to turn Prime into mush. Unfortunately Shazam was not doing the damage he had hope for. But in the end all that meant was he got to hit him a little longer. Thanks to the speed of Mercury, Shazam threw a hundred fists in the time it would take a normal person to throw one. But Brainiac wasn''t a machine intelligence for nothing as hundreds of data jacks propelled themselves forward and... Each capable was cut off at the mid section before they ever reached him.


    ¡°Did you forget about me!¡± Lash shouted and rushed towards Prime.


    Brainiac flailed as he struck out with wild abandonment and hit Shazam with just enough force for the floor to swallow Prime. Shazam shouted in pure rage and bashed into the metal deck. Lash raked his daggers through the floor and made a sizable hole in no time. He jumped through it quickly followed by Shazam. Shazam had linked up with the Temporary Pack Bond and Lash felt the emotions he was feeling, and he saw the memory of Roy dead on the floor.


    How many had died since the attack started? Over a thousand? A hundred thousand? Over a million? It had only been a few hours and Brainiac had caused more damage than the entire previous invasion. Six months was not long enough to prepare for the next invasion. Lash''s thoughts were cut short as he and Shazam fell through a floor into what looked like a trophy room. Lash snagged Shazam before he could start blasting and forcibly fed Shazam the information they had on the room.


    Shazam''s anger was pulled back as he looked around to see Brainiac holding a glass bottle. It would hold maybe a galleon? But inside the bottle was so much more. It held the entire city, and population of Kandor. The capital of Krypton. Lash looked around and hundreds of bottles, orbs, and cages were in this room. Creatures contained within the cages had started to bang on their cages begging for help.


    ¡°Let me leave the system and I''ll give you Kandor.¡± Brainiac said to them.


    ¡°No deal!¡± Shazam said with a growl.


    ¡°What incentive do we have that you won''t just come back again?¡± Lash asked.


    ''Start circling around him'' -Lash said to Shazam who began to gradually move through the room.


    ¡°Unlike organics when I make a promise I keep it. Now that I know you are Krytonian I have no need to study you, or anything in this system. I have cataloged everything Kandor was, is, and will be. Now that I have felt emotion I no longer want the blue light.¡± Brainiac said, as he focused on Lash. While hundreds of data jacks followed Shazam. Each jack had a metal prong exposed like a scorpions tail.


    ¡°Every piece of hardware! Every cyber-slave, every virus, everything that is you will be pulled out of the system!¡± Lash shouted at him, as he made connections with dozens of other people that were nearby.


    ¡°Yes! Everything will be removed. But you must undo whatever you did to me!¡± Brainiac shouted at him as his metal fingers began to crack the glass bottle. Lash wasn''t sure what would happen if the bottle was crushed, but he knew it wasn''t good.


    ¡°He''s lying!¡± A voice called from a cage. It spoke in english but had a heavy accent.


    ¡°My people beat him back as well, less than 10 cycles later a virus tore through our defense net and we were left defenseless. He never keeps his word.¡± The creature was a giant eye with dozens of tentacles whipping back and forth.


    ¡°I WILL CRUSH KANDOR!¡± Brainiac shouted at him, and more of the glass bottle cracked. Lash could feel millions of souls within the city shouting for help. But he could also feel billions of souls in the trophy room.


    ¡°Tell me Brainiac, how fast can you think? Speed of light sound about right?¡± Lash asked, and the abrupt change didn''t even make Brainiac pause.


    ¡°My processing power is beyond your capability....¡± Brainiac said, then blinked when he realized he wasn''t holding Kandor in his hand anymore. Next to Lash stood the red speedster named, The Flash.


    ¡°Apparently not!¡± Flash said with his prize winning grin.


    ¡°TAKE HIM!¡± Lash shouted and Shazam shot across the room.


    From across the room shot out two blue, and red blurs of color as Superman, and Supergirl were right on Shazam''s heels. Brainiac was so disconnected from his own ship he had no idea that reinforcements were so close. Flash, along with a team of speedsters ran into the room and secured every glass bottle, orb, and any cage they could lift out of the room. Every time Lash blinked more, and more of the room was empty.


    ¡°It doesn''t matter! None of it matters!¡± Brainiac shouted between punches, kicks, and solar laser eyes.


    ¡°I''ve died before! Every time I come back stronger! You will see me again!¡± Brainiac said Lash Blinked above him and slammed one of his red energy blades into his chest and twisted it.


    ¡°Not this time!¡± Lash replied, and watched in satisfaction as Brainiac''s artificial soul was pulled into Lash''s hellish dimension.


    ¡°Geeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaah!¡± Brainiac Prime''s shell wailed an unholy sound that rippled across the entire universe. The lingering motes of his soul not taken were sent across the universe to the billions of shells of awareness.


    Congratulations User! You''ve help create a new sub-race of Coluan.


    Comment: Brainiac 5 is that you?


    Lash ripped his dagger out and used Decomposition on the shell. It turned to ash rapidly. Shazam continued to punch into the pile until Superman pulled him back. Then Shazam collapsed to his knees and started to weep. One by one the sub-programs aboard the ship fled through the sub-space communication buoys that Prime had left behind. It was a mad exudes to get away from Lash as fast as possible. Every sub-program, every slave, every piece of tech had the origin code of Brainiac. Each one obtained a small mote of his soul. A spark just large enough to start a new life.


    ¡°This is Agent Wraith to all teams. Brainiac Prime is down. Let''s start cleaning up.¡± Lash''s voice went across the Temporary Pack Bond as well as the communication network.


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System.***


    The monstrosity that was Brainiac Prime''s ship floated dead in space. Hundreds of thousands of mini-skull star fighters took flight in their best efforts to leave the system. Metal shards holding hundreds of slaves changed their vector and left the system. Many of the shards flushed their compartments and sent their cargo into space. Millions of cyber-slaves drifted through the vacuum confused, disoriented, and filled with emotions they had never felt before.


    The cyber-slaves on the surface of Earth, and the few remaining on Mars distanced themselves from each other. A few grouped up, but a majority treated one another with distrust. Each of them believed they were Brainiac Prime. Technically each one of them was. But Brainiac was no longer a single intelligence, but many born of one. Time would tell if this was better, or worse for the universe as a whole.


    Drifting in space was the remaining hostile forces of Green Lanterns, and the Guardians of the Universe. They collected their dead, and their rings. Then left the system with their heads held in shame, and defeat. A few argued the point of attacking now while the defenders were weak. But the Maltusians knew that if they attacked it would mean their death. There was a new power in the universe now. It had defeated Brainiac, something not even the Guardians of the Universe could do. Maybe...Maybe it was time reevaluate their methods of operation.


    One by one the Guardians and the Green Lanterns loyal to them left the system. They were seen leaving under the watchful eye of a Galactic Sheriff frigate. Commander Bhol''uns had not left the system as he had said he would. Trudging along behind the frigate was a destroyer, and a single corvette. They slowly drifted through the system shooting any cyber-slave, or mini-skull they came across. They were hailed by the Watchtower and invited back to the station for supplies, and repair. Something the commander took them up on.


    Far above the solar system between stars in dark space a sub-space satellite looked down and recorded the entire scene from start to finish. The satellite sent the entire battle back to Intergalactic News Network Station. The station itself had moved back into sub-space but the program continued to give a play by play of the entire battle. A resounding cheer of triumph was shared by every destroyed civilization, refugee, and battle maniac in the universe. Reports were coming in across the universe the people of the sol system seem to have uploaded a virus that fractured the unity of Brainiac.


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Brainiac Prime''s Ship.***


    Lash very carefully used Renew, and Repair to mend the cracks on Kandor''s bottle. Then carefully handed it over to Jor-El. Who smiled at him in thanks and floated away with it. A spell ring teleporation beacon had been placed on the ship and they were very carefully scanning each glass jar, orb, and caged specimen before they spring jumped back to the Watchtower. While many others were simply taken aboard their few remaining ships.


    The Justice League and/or Justice Legion. (Long live the Legion of Superheroes) Was going through the entire ship deck by deck, clearing each room they came across. The ship was falling apart with out its centralized computer system. It also didn''t help that the magical Decomposition Lash had made was still growing. The creatures contained within their cages were ecstatic. A language algorithm was being developed so they could speak to some of them. A few of the creatures had been believed extincts so no language on the universe wide wed was available. Although one particular creature was very vocal about being let out of his cage.


    Lash walked up to the cage that was rocking back and forth as the creature within kept bashing against the window. He stopped at the sight of Lash and a shit eating grin spread across his face. He had a wild mane of black hair that was kept free of his face. Piercing red eyes. With pale alabaster skin, and black marks across his face and body that made Lash think he belonged at a KISS concert. He stood at approximately 6''4¡± (193 cm) He wore spiked leather boots, leather pants, with black leather vest. No shirt! He was covered in chains that seem to writhe, and move under their own control. He had a rectangular physique with muscles that looked like they were cut from stone.


    ¡°Lobo, do I want to know why you are in a cage?¡± Lash asked him in universal trade common.


    ¡°Ah! The main man is known even in this backwater system! Should have known.¡± The grin only grew from ear to ear as he pulled out a cigar and lit it up. Lobo inhaled and blew a puff of smoke into the glass.


    ¡°Some Creliacs paid the main man a lot of credits to kill Brainiac. Figured it would be fun. Not like I haven''t ripped apart a machine or two in my time.¡± Lobo said as he watched Lash with a maniacal gleam in his eyes.


    ¡°Who''s taking care of your dolphins while your away?¡± Lash asked, and the grin evaporated from Lobo''s face. Lash got a prompt that Cosmic Awareness got a bit of experience.


    ¡°How do you know about them?¡± Lobo asked, as he pressed the cigars lit tip into his own tongue to put it out then tucked it away.


    ¡°You are the high priest of the space dolphin religion are you not? (Actual cannon) Why wouldn''t I know about you?¡± Lash asked, as if it was perfectly acceptable to ask such a thing.


    ¡°Hahahahahaha! I like you already.¡± Lobo said as he tucked his thumbs into his belt loops.


    ¡°Is your ride around here? Perhaps in the cargo bay? Or do we need to arrange transport back to the central systems?¡± Lash asked, as he pulled up a list of found ships in the ships hold.


    ¡°The main man''s ride should be in the cargo hold. You going to let me out?¡± Lobo asked, as he leaned into the glass of his cage. He stuck his tongue out and licked the glass for good measure.


    ¡°That depends, are you going to attack any of my people?¡± Lash asked, as he gestured with his hands towards the Justice Legion watching the conversation. ¡°Or me?¡±


    ¡°Nah, you did me a favor. I''ll leave you and yours alone...For now. But once I''m back to central all bets are off.¡± Lobo said, as he flipped Lash a hand gesture that was not very polite in the central systems. But Lash just laughed. Lobo grinned at him for it.


    Lash used Decomposition on the cage and Lobo busted out when it was half finished. Lash and Lobo walked through the ship towards the cargo bay and there they found his ride. Lobo didn''t use a ship per say. He used a star fighter motorcycle Harley Davidson. The thing was epic looking, very death metal. Two exhaust ports on the back. A death black metal monster face for the front portion. With two massive handle bars, a sick leather seat, and a single holding cell in the back. Lobo whistled and the thing came to life and rode over to him. The main man jumped into the air and landed on his ride and rubbed his but back and forth of the seat.


    ¡°Ah, missed you too babe!¡± Lobo said as he licked the engine.


    ¡°What space sector are we in?¡± Lobo asked, after he finished humping his ride.


    ¡°2814¡± Lash replied as he watched Lobo make love to his machine.


    ¡°Oh this shit hole!? There''s another bounty here I can collect! Some shit for brains reptile who dresses up in his mama''s curtains and......¡± Lobo said, and stopped at the end as he looked at Lash.


    ¡°All bets are off once you are back in central.¡± Lash repeated what Lobo said. The main man grinned at him.


    ¡°You know it! Woooohooo!¡± Lobo shouted and cranked the throttle on his ride and tore off through the cargo hold. He blasted a hole and the vacuum outside threatened to suck everyone out. Lash made a quick cast and sealed the breach before everyone could go flying out.


    ¡°Ya, that wont be the last time I see him.¡± Lash said as he massaged his face.


    ¡°Now to deal with the next problem.¡± Lash said more to himself than anyone else.


    Despite their victory over Brainiac Prime there was still fighting aboard the ship. Especially in the processing stations for the cyber-slaves. Half finished slaves were released. Many of them died on the spot. But the rest of them flooded through the ship attempting to leave. Each of them with fragmented memories, each of them terrified, and filled with hate towards Lash. But that was not the issue. The issue was when they found the primary storage facility of the processing stations. Brainiac kept the originals in cryostasis. A plethora alien beings used as source for the slaves organic components. Along with a host of Kryptonians, including Dru-Zod.


    Dru was alive! Whether that was good or bad remained to be seen. The Justice Legion was transporting him back to the Watchtower. They would release him in one of their Kryptonite halogen light cells. Next to Dru was a bear of a man. Approximately 6''4¡± if not 6''8¡± if he stood up straight. Vibrant short curly red hair, tanned skin, and muscles cut from stone. But that horrible part was the description.


    ¡°Specimen from New Genesis.¡± Lash read the display. New Genesis was the home planet of the New Gods that were in opposition against Apokolips. Lash needed to talk to Fredrick from the alternate reality that came with PowerGirl, and Huntress. He had a mother box.


    Foresight activated but Danger Sense did not. Lash braced for impact as a winged angel tackled him from behind. Vyllith his one and only Hell Knight, and angel of his Divine Domain wrapped her arms, and legs around him. Their connection was beyond words, but none the less she shouted at him.


    ¡°Can you please stop making me worry!¡± Vyllith said in dismay, as Lash''s tentacles wrapped around her in consolation.


    ¡°I only nearly died once.¡± Lash said in offering and received a punch to the face. Vyllith was shaking her hand out and winced at the impact. Neither of them were really hurt.


    ¡°Wraith!¡± A Miss Martian collided with him. Back to her ''original'' form of red hair, green skin, and bouncy personality as she attached to his front like a cute kola.


    ¡°Hello Miss Martian, how are you?¡± Lash asked, as he wrapped his four arms around her.


    ¡°Better now.¡± Miss Martian said then jumped back to her feet.


    ¡°I must say you continue to surprise, and impress.¡± Sinestro said as he floated into the room under the power of his yellow ring.


    He came to a stop and touched down a few feet away. He bowed from his waist towards Lash, but kept his eyes on him. Lash returned the gesture, also keeping his eyes on him. Vyllith took three steps back, and to the side. Then took a casual battle stance. Miss Martian noticed the movement and stepped away with confusion on her face. Sinestro noticed it as well and a smile tugged on his lips.


    ¡°Has our alliance evaporated already?¡± Sinestro asked.


    ¡°That depends on you, I''d much rather have you a friend and ally than an enemy.¡± Lash replied, as his shroud of smoke and shadow became jagged, and pointed.


    ¡°As I would you. So shall we table the discussion of aggression until later?¡± Sinestro said in a smooth voice. Despite his casual appearance he was ready to jump away if he needed to.


    ¡°Yes lets.¡± Lash said next, and held out his dominate right hand for a hand shake. Sinestro took the offer with his power ring hand. The rings yellow glow grew incredibly vibrant from touching Lash.


    ¡°Ever considered being a yellow lantern? I can promise a prominent position.¡± Sinestro asked.


    ¡°I much prefer the color of hope. No offense.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°None taken...¡± Sinestro said as he released Lash''s hand. Miss Martian skipped over and smiled at Sinestro who smiled back.


    ¡°Thank you for helping.¡± Miss Martian said as red hair covered half her face giving her a shy appearance.


    ¡°My dear girl, it was my pleasure.¡± Sinestro said with genuine feeling. Lash raised a scaled eye crest at them both then looked at Vyllith.


    ''Tell you later'' -Vyllith said across their private link.


    Miss Martian took one of Lash''s secondary hands and tugged him down the hallway. Lash snagged Vyllith before she could step back into her standard bodyguard position. She didn''t fight him on it. Sinestro floated next to them since the halls were large enough. Miss Martian went into explicit details about their adventures in the ship. She also wanted to know why she could copy some of his Saurian Soldiers powers. Lash was just as confused as she was. When he pulled up her Source Code Sinestro''s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. But he kept his comments, and questions to himself.


    Faith, and belief. M''gann had become one of Lash''s and Saurian''s followers. Faith was rewarded with abilities. It wasn''t the fact that she took on a Saurian Elites shape. M''gann now had spell, and energy absorption. Along with her natural abilities that also been enhanced. Lash explained the power boost and Sinestro laughed in delight. While M''gann blushed from head to toe. Despite the revelation M''gann''s faith in Lash only grew stronger. Saurian growled in appreciation and M''gann felt a delightful shiver up her spine.


    Sinestro met with his people that had boarded the ship. They reported that the hostile Green Lanterns, and the Guardians had left the system. A smug look of satisfaction came over Sinestro''s face. Regretfully the yellow lanterns needed to leave and recharge their rings. Lash didn''t offer to recharge them with the Blue Battery Core. If he remembered correctly in cannon the color of hope actually drained the color of fear. So as far as he knew it wouldn''t work. Oddly enough the hostile Green Lanterns had their power rings energy sucked away by the Blue Lanterns. Experiments for later.


    ''Creator, the Watchtower is clear of Brainiac. Orders?'' -A Saurian Elite sent a message to him through a Divination; Message.


    ''Link up with the Wardens, and UNWS forces on Gaia and start helping.'' -Lash replied through another Message.


    Several thousand miles separated them between the ship, and the Watchtower so their link was not established. Lash was once again thankful that they all had their own power source and were capable of working independently. Ultimately each Saurian Soldier was a copy of him so he didn''t need to worry about loyalty. Despite the distance Lash still felt there presence start to pop from the Watchtower as they spring jumped to the surface of Mother Gaia.


    Thinking of his connections Lash reached out across his Pack Pond and found all of his people were alive and mostly well. It grew closer to Fall with every passing day. The Seelie Court and by extension Li''Ana was slowly losing her power and responsibilities. While the UnSeelie Court, and Jessabell was gaining strength. However, the Twilight Court was at the height of their power. Fall, and Spring was their primary time between the seasons. So Soluna was the most active.


    Booraku was tugging on the Pack Bond periodically. He was borrowing skills, and abilities from the rest of the Pack as he was in the thick of battle. Lash couldn''t see what he was fighting but he could imagine it. Selina was in Gotham and fighting as well. But her being a God-Kin of the Godess Bast allowed her a wealth of power to call for. Peyton, and Mikhail both were in Europe also fighting the forces of Brainiac. They tugged on the Pack Bond as well. Paris was one of the cities Lash was suppose to visit and rebuild. Maybe he should do that now?


    Last, but certainly not least was Lizzy his friend and sister. She was in Gotham last he checked and she was a full fledged Warden. Fighting the good fight. Being a pseudo-Amazon gave her a lot of skills and abilities to rely on. She had a full Amazon warrior kit available to her. So he knew she would be in full armor, weapon, and in the thick of it. His heart hurt not being next to her. But being away from Lash was oddly the safer choice. He attracted danger.


    ''You''re doing it again'' -Saurian growled across the link they shared.


    ''Doing what?'' -Lash asked as he started to walk through the ship once more.


    ''Keeping everyone you care about out of arms reach.'' -Saurian replied, and Lash stopped mid step.


    ¡°Crap...¡± Lash said softly and couldn''t help but agree.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Miss Martian asked, she walked to his side while Vyllith snickered but kept her comment to herself.


    ¡°Have you ever had a lessen beat into your skull by someone you care about but forget it the moment they are not around?¡± Lash asked, as he looked down at her. A smile stretched across Miss Martian''s face.


    ¡°Yes... What lesson did you forget?¡± She asked innocently.


    ¡°If you don''t make the time, you won''t find the time. Stay in contact even if its a simple hello everyday. Sometimes the safest place to be is by their side, not as far away as possible.¡± Lash replied, he was missing a few things but he was never good at taking advice even after so many different lives.


    ¡°So, where we going?¡± Vyllith asked, as she came up to hug one of his arms.


    ¡°Paris...¡± Lash replied, Miss Martian took her place by his side.


    =============================================================


    ***HR. Mother Gaia. Paris, France***


    Paris, France had always been a city of culture, of art, a place of history. So many things had happened in Paris. So many historical sites could be found there. The Eiffel Tower was most known in Paris by tourists. Yes, it had many more places to visit this was true, but the tower was by far the most known. The Eiffel Tower currently...Was on fire! Well first it had exploded, then fell over, while its remains burst into flame. A metal shard from Brainiac Prime''s ship had landed and attempted to convert the entire metal structure into a giant processing center. So a fire elemental meta bombed the shard, destroying the tower itself....


    Peyton Sofia Borisyuk, Warden of the Supernatural Communities was currently running through the city streets of Paris in full armor with a high powered rifle in her hands. She stood approximately at 5''11¡± with sharp brown eyes, curly black hair pulled back into a tail under her helmet. She had dark tanned skin, and a athletic body type. Long legs from days of running. Peyton wore a combination of kevlar, and spell crafted armor. While the rifle in hand was more akin to a wand that shot bolts of magic from it.


    She was escorting a group of mundanes, and supernaturals through the town with no back up as her unit had been cut off by a group of cyber-slaves. Happily the metal shards had stopped raining down into the city several hours ago. Regretfully thousands of slaves were still in the city. But something happened not to long ago. The cyber-slaves become disconnected, and disoriented. Hordes of them would storm a strategic location, take it, then stay in a holding position as if no new orders were being relayed. Several others slaves attacked one another. What ever had happened it was a welcome relief.


    ¡°Down! Down!¡± Peyton hissed to her group of people as they knelt down behind several ruined cars, and a police vehicle. Dozens of slaves walked past, their voices sharp and loud as they bounced off the concrete walls of the street they walked through.


    ¡°At least they are not calling for help anymore.¡± A young male fae said softly. That was true, the human faces stopped talking. They no longer pleaded for help.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± A mundane woman asked, as she looked towards Peyton for answers.


    ¡°There is a bunker half kilometer down this street. I''m going to get you all there, then link back up with my unit.¡± Peyton replied softly as the last of the slaves walked past.


    ¡°You are going to leave us!?¡± The woman hissed at her.


    ¡°She has a job to do, be happy she even stopped to help us!¡± The male fae said and used a bit of magic to calm the woman down.


    ¡°Nicoloas, if you would.¡± Peyton asked another supernatural who nodded and set down a bundle in his arms. A black cat jumped from his arms and padded down the street towards the intersection where the slaves went.


    ¡°They are still there.¡± Nicoloas said softly, as the cat had stopped. Its eyes glowed softly, the spell-caster was looking through its familiars eyes.


    ''Peyton where are you?'' -Mikhail''s sweet voice brushed across her mind through their link. A tension that was in her body released.


    ''It''s so good to hear your voice. I''m escorting a group of mundanes, and supernatural to a bunker in the Marais.'' -Peyton sent back. She felt their Pack Bond connect and her abilities grow.


    ''Can you see the sky where you are?'' -Mikhail asked, his emotions were optimistic and hopeful.


    ''Yes?...'' -Peyton replied, not sure where that was going.


    It was night, but there was very little light pollution. Just good ole fashion smoke, and fire. But the moon was out and she looked up to see an odd sight. A very large set of spell rings were being twirled through the air. It coiled themselves than... It was a spring jump! There was an audible pop! As the displaced air shook the whole city. Then a 300'' long, and 100 foot wide space craft appeared in the airspace above Paris. For a brief moment everyone looked up in horror. But then lights appeared on the ship and the unmistakable sign of the JLI was painted on the ship.


    At once thousands of purple energy shots went straight up towards the Watchtower corvette. The shots washed across some sort of energy shield. Weapon ports showed up and with lethal focus the ship started to fire precision shots into the city. Then a presence Peyton hadn''t felt in a long time linked up with her, and Mikhail. Her abilities grew tremendously! Next to the corvette a creature grew from smoke and shadow. A 400'' long monster straight out of nightmares floated next to the corvette. It casually floated through the air as hundreds of Manifestations jumped off its back.


    ¡°Citizens of Paris, I am Agent Wraith with the UNWS, and JLI. We are here to help you take back your city!¡± Saurian''s primal voice made so many people terrified, and brought so many more the sense of hope.


    ''Peyton, Mikhail, sorry I''m late. We''ve a bit of trouble up in space.'' -Saurian''s sweet voice brought tears to Peyton''s eyes.


    ''Better late than never pack-master.'' -Mikhail replied.


    ''Bullshit! What took you so long!?'' -Peyton yelled across the link, and the giant floating monster visibly winced. Despite her annoyance she was happy to see him.


    ==========================================================


    ***HR. Mother Gaia. Paris, France.***


    Attention User! The Invasion will not be complete until 80% or more of Brainiac''s remnants have been defeated in the Sol System.


    Current Estimate: 15% defeated.


    Despite the death of Brainiac Prime, and the collection of his primary life spark. Brainiac''s origin code was in every piece of hardware across the whole universe. Now thanks to the creation of the life spark. Every piece of hardware was essentially their own individual. This made Brainiac both stronger, and weaker. Weaker because it will take time for the individual Brainiacs to come into power. Stronger, because if they work together they are even more dangerous.


    First example, many of the cyber-slaves original orders. Were find people, kill or take prisoners back to a processing center. Make more cyber-slaves. This was not happening anymore. They were still killing people, but they didn''t take the bodies back to a processing center. Every new slave was a potential Brainiac. So their armies were potentially limited now. But that also meant they were not taking prisoners anymore. Prisoners that people could technically rescue before they reached a processing center inside of a metal shard.


    Second example, every Brainiac can infect and take over a machine. The Damage Resistance ¨C Brainiac Influence that Lash obtained only worked on things he had a hand in, or anything his people made. So anything crafted by Vici and the Watchtower had a resistance and/or immunity. A single cyber-slave could potentially infect a car distribution center. Reprogram and retrofit it to build simple robotic soldiers. They would be dumb, but lethal. That''s just one cyber-slave.


    So there are two examples of weak and strong...Or maybe that''s just strong? Either way they had to defeat 80% or more before the invasion was done. Saurian cleared his mind of the useless information and coasted above the city dispersing his Manifestations across Paris. The Watchtower corvette did a casual patrol pattern around the city. Saurian was prioritizing the metal shards.


    Saurian would cast Decomposition area of effect on the metal shards and watch them fall to pieces. The few of the shards with prisoners inside were rescued. Horrifyingly the processing centers could take a living person, or a body and start the transformation. They were awake for the process. Needless to say the grim reapers, and soul harvesters in Paris were busy tonight. More than once Saurian cast the spell Judgment to harvest the dead in large swaths.


    Eventually Saurian floated over to the Champ de Mars, the area around the poor fallen Eiffel Tower. He used Darkness Manipulation and a Phantasmal Illusion to create a smoke screen so he could shrink down to a modest size of 10'' tall, and 20'' long. Covered from head, to tail in magitek, and daemonic armor. By his side was Vyllith with her daemonic angelic wings, and a Miss Martian who had flew down in default, user friendly shape. Waiting for him was Peyton, and Mikhail.


    Warden Mikhail was a Sylvan fae from England that moved to Paris to be with his wife Peyton. He stood at approximately 6''3¡± with ocean blue eyes, curly black hair, pale skin, a strong rectangular physique. He wore a combination of kevlar, and spell thread armor. Along with a spell rifle, and a sword across his back. He, and Peyton had met Lash and Saurian a while back. (Chapter 45-47) They both came up and hugged the big monster, and he wrapped all four of his arms around them and nuzzled. An odd sight to everyone else who didn''t know the situation.


    ¡°Where the fuck have you been!? Hey you!¡± Peyton asked, then went over to hug Vyllith. Saurian didn''t know they knew each other but that seemed logical. Vyllith returned the gesture after she collapsed her helmet.


    ¡°The battle in space is over. Its a ground battle now.¡± Miss Martian piped up from her spot and waved. Mikhail waved back with a smile, as did Peyton.


    Before Saurian could speak they noticed that the power started to come back on for the city. Despite the reappearance of power that actually wasn''t a good thing. It was in Brainiac''s best interest that the world wide web was online, and that every city they were in had power. Normally the Prime''s ship would send micro bursts of energy through sub-space to every slave, drone, and shard. With the ship being disabled, now they needed an alternate method of power.


    ¡°That''s not good.¡± Peyton said as she held her phone out. The front screen had an inverted purple triangle on it. She pulled out her holographic, that was thankfully virus free.


    ¡°Your mother?¡± Saurian asked, and Peyton smiled at him.


    ¡°She''s fine. Sitting in a pocket dimensional space back at Warden HQ.¡± Mikhail replied, as he glanced behind to see several Armee de Terre (French Army) walk over.


    ¡°Agent Wraith?¡± Said one of the officers in english with a nice accent.


    ¡°je parle fran?ais¡± Saurian replied, though it was brutal with his voice. Partial ¨C Telepathy did its job however. (I speak French)


    ¡°Good to know. What information do you have for us?¡± The officer replied in his native tongue.


    ¡°This is happening world wide. Every major city has been hit with dozens if not hundreds of the metal shards. They are an extraterrestrial machine intelligence. Each shard normally carries hundreds of ''Cyber-Slaves'' as they are called. Each one is capable of self replication with the right materials. However, we were able to upload a type of virus. This has dramatically upset the machines ability to communicate and adapt. The primary ship has been disabled and is under JLI control. The slaves can infect any modern machine and slave it to their will. Making communication, complicated.¡± Saurian replied and tried to articulate his words. Still sounded like a crocodile was chewing on a chalk board but they understood him.


    ¡°Unlike the previous invasion the cyber-slaves want the internet up, and they want power. Oh sorry I''m Miss Martian, I''m with the JLI!¡± Miss Martian said as she waved at the soldiers shyly. But held her ground when they looked at her. Good for her.


    ¡°Can they hack into our communications?¡± An officer asked.


    ¡°Yes, with out a doubt.¡± Miss Martian replied, and Saurian agreed with her.


    ¡°The JLI are working on a way to secure communications but it will take time. I''m Hell Knight with the JLI.¡± Vyllith said next, and introduced herself by stepping forward. Her daemonic, angelic look made more than a few soldiers blush as they tried to not stare at her.


    ''What happened to Vyllith?'' -Peyton asked.


    ''She''s currently a Daemonic Angel. She carries a portion of my Divine Flame.'' -Saurian replied across the link. Mikhail''s eyes went wide as his mouth hung open when he heard that.


    ''Explain please.'' -Peyton asked.


    ''Partner Lash, and I are currently both Minor Deities. This was in our Warden information page. Did you not know that?'' -Saurian replied with a question of his own, as he glanced at her. The soldiers who had been speaking stopped to look at Peyton as well.


    ¡°You know what, we''ll unpack that later. I''m just happy your here.¡± Peyton said loudly as she turned around on her heel and walked away. Vyllith made a gesture towards Saurian and walked after her.


    The officers in the army watched her leave. They glanced at one another and watched Mikhail wave at them then followed after his wife. He patted Saurian on the chest and Miss Martian giggled a bit. ¡°How many of those ships does the JLI have?¡± The officer asked, as he pointed at the corvette that was lazily floating above the city and shooting precision lasers at slaves.


    ¡°The JLI have eight, but only four of them are functioning. The next one will be operational in forty eight hours. We have a few dozen star fighters who will be doing bombing runs on specific shards once they are located. We have several satellites above free of the virus tracking the targets.¡± Miss Martian replied, as she pulled up her holographic.


    A system alarm went off from Miss Martians holographic, then Saurian got an emergency message from the Watchtower. Brainiac Prime''s ship had turned on and was lazily moving towards the edge of the solar system. The Watchtower was shooting everything it had at the ship to stop it. All of the glass jars, orbs, and cages had been removed. Processing centers were empty, and the JLI fled the ship once it started to move. They took everything they could off the ship.


    Spring jump spell rings wrapped around the corvette patrolling the city. With in a minute the ship jumped back to space and joined its kin in shooting everything they had at Prime''s ship. Large portions of the ship were pulled from it. These portions looked decayed, and rusted. Lash''s Decomposition at work. It''s millions of tentacles came off in portions. Regretfully as it lost more of its mass it got faster. There were no visible sign of engines on the ship, it just gradually moved at its own pace. Despite its slow appearance it was actually traveling hundreds of a miles a minute. That soon grew to thousands. It reached the edge of the system and then instead of ripping a hole in sub-space it used a different form of FTL.


    Attention User! Invasion progress has jumped from 15% to 35%.


    ''I want to be happy about that. But why do I feel like that was a bad thing?'' -Erik the gamer said across their shared link.


    ¡°Let me build a telecommunications hub that should be immune or at least resistant to the virus. Then I''ll start clearing the city out.¡± Saurian offered and started to build on then and there.


    The sun was starting to rise as night turned into a dark blue. One by one the stars started to wink out from the sky, and the moon tucked itself away over the horizon. Right the moon! The few shards that had landed on the moon had been overwhelmed by the revenants. The cyber-slaves couldn''t adapt to the situation and Brainiac never sent reinforcements. So the moon is clear, and the JLI FOB is still standing. But all but a skeleton crew stayed behind to defend the FOB. While the rest went straight back to Gaia to help fight off the slaves.


    They had won a major victory over Brainiac, and over this new invasion. But they still had weeks, and even months war ahead of them. Brainiac would dig in like a tick, and do his best to survive and reconstitute. The only positive side to this whole ordeal is that they can''t have two invasions at once. They had checked with Dawn, even on Nightmare mode the developers wouldn''t cross that line. Once the invasion was done they would get 24 hours real time before their next invasion.


    ¡°Our brightest star, Dawn. Tell us, what is our time tool set to?¡± Saurian asked softly as he Fabricated more materials.


    ¡°Hello User! Currently you are one month in the dream, to every hour in the real.¡± Dawn''s sweet voice replied and Saurian paused mid construction. That didn''t sound right. Wasn''t it suppose to be one week to every hour in the real?


    ¡°Your next schedules log out time is in three hours, or three months.¡± Dawn said softly.


    ¡°Thank you my brightest star.¡± Saurian replied, and got back to work.


    ============================================================


    ***Unknown***


    The vast empty of dark space found only between star systems, galaxies, and spaces between dimensions sat a planet. This planet was massive! Covered in a metallic structure that spanned the entire globe. Vast volcanic openings were spaced symmetrically across it. Magma fresh from the core spewed a never ending resource for the planets war like inhabitants. This...this was not a nice place to live. This world was entirely made for one purpose, war. Billions of soldiers were deployed from this planet on a daily basis. Slipping between sub-space to conquer entire worlds, strip them of anything valuable and ship it back to home. To fuel the machine.


    Entire continents or rather sections were dedicated to a purpose. An orphanage for all of the children who''s parents have died in the never ending war of total conquest. Training camps that would beat out any kind of weakness from the children that had grown up, or any of the newly acquired slaves from the fallen worlds. The camps were so brutal in their training that less then 10% of who started the programs ever lived to see graduation. No matter who lived here this place was hell, even for its natives. Only a select few enjoyed the benefits, and privileges of the elite.


    The elite had to kill, scrape, and survive everyday of their lives to one day work up the chain to earn their place. They guarded their positions with brutal efficiency. Survival of the fittest, the best, the strong, the determined. No one was born equal. Even if you were born from the elite you were tossed to the slave, and training camps. Everyone earned their place. Or they died only to be mashed up and fed to the living.


    On this planet was a place, a palace. This palace was the size of a continent and this was where a single individual lived. The ruler of this place. Billions of the most elite soldiers were stationed in this palace and would die a thousand deaths before they failed their ruler. The throne room was carved out of the bones of an ancient celestial creature. Its bones corrupted by negative energy that they killed lesser men that stood next to them. The floor was polished stone that gave a perfect reflection of the twisted forms of men, and women from across the stars that were crucified every few feet. Their skin flayed from their bodies, their bones broken. Their tongues removed, and torture bands around their necks ensured they stayed awake until their dying breath. Despite it all. It was considered an honor to die in the great hall. Men, and women from across the planet fought just so they could die here.


    A lone figure walked down the middle of the great hall. Wrapped in the best silks the planet had to offer. The silks kept hidden a twisted monster of flesh, and bone. For this creature was rotten both body, and soul. It would often find the most beautiful slave on the planet, then wear their skin. Men, women, children, elders, didn''t matter. Faces stretched in horror were proudly displayed. Highlighted by the silks. This figure walked with haste down the main hall towards the throne room. Towards the great one, towards its master.


    The figure came within a hundred feet of the throne then dropped to its knees, and hands and groveled. It then shuffled forward for another fifty feet. Its head never leaving the floor. Skin peeled off, and blood soaked the floor. But still it did not dare stop its prostration. At last once it reached the first step of the hundred steps towards the throne and it''s master. It stayed there and waited until it was called on. Hours passed but it did not move, it did not speak, it barely breathed.


    ¡°Desaad.¡± The figures God spoke to it. The God knew it''s name. Desaad quivered in delight and wept with joy.


    ¡°Great one! This lowly worm has a report.¡± Desaad said loudly, clearly, and with every form of courtesy it could think of.


    ¡°Speak.¡± The God replied.


    ¡°The machine known has Brainiac as been defeated.¡± Desaad replied, it kept its forehead mashed to the floor.


    ¡°Where?¡± The God asked.


    ¡°In the Beta Galaxy, with in its sector of 2814 of the system the natives call the Sol System.¡± Desaad replied.


    ¡°What do we have there?¡± The God asked.


    ¡°We have a simple infiltration, and organization network. Along with a one of my prized agents. Max Teus Ferru.¡± Desaad replied.


    ¡°Increase your network. Now leave.¡± The God said.


    ¡°At once great one!¡± Desaad said and shuffled backwards for over a hundred feet. Then carefully picked himself up and sprinted out of the hall with a look of pure joy on his disfigured face.


    Galen


    So the boss battle was a little anticlimatic. That''s because it''s not over. I made a mistake taking a break. I should have finished the current story arc first. Why? Because I feel really disconnected from not only my characters, but also the story. It lost where I was going, and only recently found the path back. So sorry for the day, enjoy the chapter. See you next week.

 Chapter 130: No Background.

    ============================================================


    ***HR. Sol System.***


    In a burst of light and a single battle cruiser appeared from FTL. The ship was a battle cruiser with a sharp angular design. Like a blade pointed towards the enemies throat. A long sword! The blade stretched out and along the ''blades'' edge was weapon ports. The fuller or main section of the ship was a flight deck for the several interceptors kept out of sight in the loading bay. At the cross guard of the ship the wings came out and pointed forward towards the ships blade tip. Where the command tower rose up. Then behind that were the main engines. The color design was gold, and silver.


    The moment the ship came out of FTL its shields were activated, and its weapon ports came online. Turbo lasers, magnetically accelerated cannons (MAC), missile pods. Each one popping out of the blades edge of the ship. The interceptors were launched one by one from the main flight deck. While the battle cruiser only had four. They were best their people could provide along with their pilots. However, even with out them they were not defenseless.


    From an airlock on the main deck two lights appeared. One bathed in the light of purple, another in a green glow. On closer inspection these lights were people. One female the former, and one male the latter. They wore warrior garb fitting of the Tamaran people. Once all their offensive, and defensive capabilities were established the battle cruiser began to move into the system. The interceptors, and the two royalties kept pace....


    ¡°According to the Galactic Sheriff records this is the Sol System where their client Wraith resides. We should find sister here.¡± Ryand''r said through their communication relay. He shot through space covered in his green glow from his power.


    ¡°I swear if this...Wraith has hurt her I''ll burn this entire system to ash!¡± Komand''r said as her purple fire burned bright.


    ¡°Komand''r, we don''t know the situation. This Wraith paid for our Sheriff station. From the way Koriand''r spoke it wouldn''t seem she was under duress. I''m just happy she got away from The Citadel.¡± Ryand''r replied.


    ¡°Then why didn''t she come home!?¡± Komand''r shouted, her purple fire become momentarily bright as any star.


    ¡°I don''t know! Maybe because she felt betrayed? Maybe she believed that if she did we would send her back to The Citadel? They are looking for her after all.¡± Ryand''r bit back, and his reaction surprised Komand''r. Normally Ryand''r would talk her down, not incite more of a reaction.


    ¡°You still blame me for what happened, don''t you?¡± Komand''r said as her light dimmed and Ryand''r groaned in frustration.


    ¡°We''ve had this argument before. No, I don''t blame you. How many times do I have to say it before you will believe me? Please...Please sister. Don''t project your own insecurities onto me!¡± Ryand''r shouted at her and Komand''r bit back a crude remark.


    ¡°Highness, we''ve received a message from system security. They want to know who we are?¡± The bridge officer aboard the battle cruiser said through their comm channels. Ryand''r breathed a sigh of relief, rescued from the awkward situation.


    ¡°Inform them that I am Kormand''r Black Fire, Queen of Tamara with Ryand''r Dark Fire, Prince of Tamara. We are here to see our sister Koriand''r Star Fire, Princess of Tamara immediately!¡± Komand''r articulated her words perfectly in the locals language to be relayed.


    ¡°Please...¡± Ryand''r said to be tacked on to the end.


    ¡°We''ve been ordered to head to the Watchtower Star Base at the current coordinates.¡± The officer relayed the information.


    ¡°They have given us orders!? Who do they think they are!¡± Komand''r all but screeched across the comm channel.


    Almost to emphasize the point six JLI corvettes, and twelve JLI star fighters spring jumped into being just ahead ahead of them. Along with six Green Lanterns, and two Blue Lanterns. Each one had shields, and weapons primed for combat. One of the Blue Lanterns flew up to meet them in the space between the ships. She had a medium tier exoskeleton suit that covered her from head to toe. Her helmet/mask collapsed to reveal Katma Tui-Stewart.


    ¡°Tamaran''s welcome to the Sol System. We are currently under siege so we are taking your security seriously. Please follow us back to the star base. Do not deviate from course or it will be seen as a sign of aggression.¡± Katma said in a ''I don''t give a shit who you are'' voice.


    Before Komand''r could shoot her mouth off. ¡°Yes! Thank you for the escort we will of course comply with out any deviation.¡± Ryand''r said to them and put on his best smile as he put a warning hand on his sisters back.


    Katma watched as Komand''r had to bite her own tongue to keep herself in check. Katma''s helmet/mask was replaced and they flew back. While the corvettes, star fighters, and Lanterns took up positions around them. Ryand''r tried his best to calm his sister down. She was use to being treated with a certain form of respect and courtesy. Luckily she calmed down after thirty minutes of travel when they begun to see traces of the battle that had taken place. Thousands of bodies littered space as they were slowly being collected by different shuttles, and a few galactic sheriff ships.


    Once they reached the Watchtower the corvettes, star fighters, and lanterns broke off to return to their own duties. Katma stayed with them and Vici directed the battle cruiser to its designated docking station on the ring. The Watchtower looked like it had been through a war. Hundreds of insertion points scattered across the hull. Debris floating aimlessly around its super structure. While hundreds of engineers did their best to make temporary seals where they could.


    ¡°You said you were under siege, who is attacking you?¡± Ryand''r asked once they were through the soft light shield and could breath air from the station. Katma turned to look at him.


    ¡°The machine intelligence Brainiac attacked us.¡± Katma replied as she pulled her helmet off and ran her fingers through her hair. Both Ryand''r, and Komand''r stopped dead on their feet. Their faces grew pale.


    ¡°Can we see our sister, please?¡± Komand''r said in soft voice nervous tension dripped off of her. She was terrified something had happened to her. Katma looked at them and her irritated mood lessened just a bit.


    ¡°Vici, where is Star Fire currently?¡± Katma asked, the open air but soon enough a feminine synthetic voice replied.


    ¡°Star Fire is currently on Gaia''s surface helping fight off cyber-slaves on the east coast of South America.¡± Vici replied, and created a holographic map of Earth for them to look at.


    ¡°But she''s alive?¡± Ryand''r asked.


    ¡°Yes she is, and in good health.¡± Vici replied while Ryand''r and Komand''r both breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°May we....help?¡± Komand''r asked, her previous snobbish attitude all but evaporated. Katma gave them an appraising look.


    ¡°We''ll go where you tell us! We give you our word.¡± Ryand''r said, and Komand''r nodded in agreement. Katma shrugged and had them link up into the communication channel. Vigil got a brief understanding of who they were and started to tie them into the mission structure. It was going to be a long day.


    ===============================================================


    ***HR. Mother Gaia. France, Paris.***


    Attention User! You''re reality has completed 1,000 F Grade Rifts.


    Reward: F Grade Rifts spawn rate has greatly diminished.


    Reward: All F grade Rifts now completed will have x 2 the rewards given.


    Note: E Grade Rifts to be completed 1,000/1,000.


    Attention User! You''re reality has completed 1,000 E Grade Rifts......


    Attention User! You''re reality has completed 1,000 D Grade Rifts......


    Note: C Grade Rifts to be completed 645/1,000.


    Lash raised a scaled eye crest at the message then flipped the pancake he was currently cooking on the pan. He was currently cooking breakfast for the buffet line for the armed forces in the city of Paris. Peyton, and Mikhail were talking to M''gann, and Vyllith about this and that by a table within his earshot swapping stories. It had only been a few hours since the sun rose and most of the armed forces were scarfing down their breakfast before they were deployed again. Lash had offered to cook for them all. One less thing for the logistical staff had to coordinate.


    Fresh cut fruit, waffles with cream, pancakes with warm golden syrup. It wasn''t a true French cuisine but the soldiers didn''t really care. Several shadows made from Darkness Manipulation, and False Life were helping keep the place clean, and served drinks. Coffee was mana from the heavens! All four of his clawed hands, and his four tentacles were busy. Thanks to Parallel Minds, but this may not have been what the developers hand in mind when they made the ability. But it was still useful in the moment.


    ¡°So she drops the ring in the fire and in a panic she reaches in to grab it.¡± Mikhail said with a smile as M''gann gasped and Peyton was softly punching him in his arm.


    ¡°Then her hand enters the fire and she yelps! ''Ah, its hot!'' Like a child that''s never seen a flame before.¡± Mikhail continues to say as he flinches with each punch.


    ¡°So she gives me this puppy eyes and asks me to get the ring...The ring that is in the fire. While I just look at her like she''s lost her mind.¡± Mikhail said with a smile as he looked at Peyton who glared at him. While M''gann couldn''t stop her giggling, and Vyllith just smiled.


    ¡°So then I get some metal tongs and scoop the ring out of the fire and set it down to cool off. Then my lovely wife reaches for the ring before it has time to cool off. She picks it up and yelps! ''Ah, its hot!'' and accidentally tosses it back into the fire again.¡± Mikhail finishes with a grin and M''gann giggle snorts and blushes brightly when she realized what she had done.


    ¡°I hadn''t slept in two days! It was the engagement ring. I wasn''t thinking clearly!¡± Peyton shouted at them and crossed her arms in a pout.


    ¡°No burns on your hands?¡± M''gann asked when she finished giggling.


    ¡°No, I''ve always been a quick healer.¡± Peyton says dismissively. But in truth Lash had granted her Regeneration. She could heal quickly, and even regrow a limb as long as she had the nutrients to pull it off.


    ¡°Why were you awake for two days?¡± Vyllith asked after she glanced at Lash who smiled at her. A grin grew across her face.


    ¡°Egg break Rift was found a few miles outside the city. Who ever went inside failed, and thousands of creatures came out. We had to hunt them all down. They were scattered out across the country side.¡± Peyton said with a somber expression.


    A resounding crack of thunder shook the area around them as everyone looked up and saw that the JLI corvette had returned and continued its patrol of the city. Several soldiers cheered, and a few sent thankful glances towards the JLI that were eating side by side with them. Bilal Asselah aka Nightrunner the JLI team lead in Paris was eating at the officer table enjoying a glass of coffee.


    Nightrunner was a mundane who wore a light weight exoskeleton suit of the JLI. Black, on gray color with a bat symbol on his chest. He was protege on Batman, and Nightwing when they came through Paris some time ago. Has acrobatic training, and basic Hand to Hand Combat experience that has only grown in experience from the Training Hall aboard the Watchtower. He was the Batman of Paris. Who was now in charge of leading all the JLI in France. A position he had grown into, and filled out very well.


    ¡°Agent Wraith?¡± An officer walked over and spoke in French to him.


    ¡°Yes, may I help you?¡± Lash asked, as he turned to look at the man then blinked when the man took out his sidearm and shot Lash point blank in the face.


    After the third shot the man was tackled by another soldier. The entire buffet line blew up in confusion as gun fire was heard and no one had any idea of what was going on. Lash had simply stared at the man in confusion. Danger Sense hadn''t gone off because small arms fire wouldn''t do anything to him. The man could have shot him in the eye and it would have been a mild annoyance.


    ¡°IT''S YOUR FAULT! THIS ALL STARTED BECAUSE OF YOU!¡± The soldier screamed at him as he was handcuffed and led away.


    Lash blinked and then just went back to cooking for the buffet. The man continued to scream the whole way. This hadn''t been the first time something like that had happened. A few civilians had thrown rotten food at him when he was rebuilding a hospital. People wanted someone to blame and he was convenient. A hand came to rest on one of his own and Lash glanced at Peyton who smiled encouragingly at him.


    ¡°He''s not wrong.¡± Lash said softly, and Peyton glanced at the soldiers who were passing by. They were politely ignoring Lash''s words.


    ¡°He is wrong, they are all wrong. You''ve done everything in your power to keep this world safe.¡± Peyton replied and took one of his giant clawed hands into her own and smoothed her fingers across his scales.


    How would Lash explain a game mechanic? The moment Lash was brought to this world by his Cosmic Patron and was fused with Saurian this world had grown progressively more dangerous. One could argue that this world wouldn''t even exist without them. But none the less. From the time he first appeared on camera working in the narrows to stop a sex traffic ring, and drug cartel. Things had gotten worse, and worse. The Cult of Ares. The tidal wave from the people of Atlantis. The alternate reality invasion. Now the second invasion with Brainiac. All of it essentially happened because of them.


    Lash created a few shadows to take over cooking for the soldiers and he was led over to his own table where his people kept him company. Several officers came over to apologize to Lash and he said he didn''t want to press any charges. So the soldier would still get in trouble of course. But it would not be as bad as it could be. The world was on fire and anything that had happened could logically be placed at Lash''s feet. For in a way he was to be blamed.


    For the first time ever he was tempted to restart his own dream. To try again. But if he did that he would lose everyone, and everything. But even if he did? He was locked on Nightmare Mode now. The Cube was his. It was signed in his name and now he had forever access to the Dream. The developers were paying him as long as he was on Nightmare. Speaking of that...


    ¡°Dawn, set the world to soft progression and log me out.¡± Lash said softly and Erik the gamer felt the usual pull from his body to the black room then to the open world.


    ===========================================================


    ***The Real (?) ***


    Erik the gamer opened his eyes to find his room was pitch black. His windows were open since the last time he went in so that meant it was night. He carefully rolled out of bed and rubbed his face. He stood up and felt every joint in his body pop softly and he groaned in satisfaction. He rolled his neck and felt it pop as well. He slowly inhaled and nearly gagged on the body odor sitting in the room. Even with the windows open it was pretty bad. His sheets were soaked in sweat. His sweat had that grim look to them like his body was processing alcohol and pumped it out of him through his pores.


    He went to take a shower, scrubbed his whole body down and quickly came back out. He pulled his sheets off his bed and set them in his hamper to take down to the wash. He grabbed his keys, and some change and went down. It was after midnight and no one was in halls. He would walk by his neighbors doors and would hear music, the TV, or even people talking in a few. That was normal, sound proofing was pretty good in his home. Couldn''t hear a thing through the walls, but through a door sure.


    He through his sheets into the washer and jumped onto his phone. No texts, no phone calls, nothing. That wasn''t unusual. Most of his private messages happened through the computer anyways. He checked his calendar and saw that it was Thursday? So he only had three days before he was due back at work. He wasn''t sure if he could even go back to work now. He felt like a life time had passed. Would they even recognize him? He had lost a lot of weight.


    Erik glanced to his side and swore he saw something run past the laundromat. He jumped to his feet and poke his head out. Hallway was clear, his washer dinged at him. He hadn''t realized how much time had past. He threw his items into the dryer then saw something run by his side. He looked over and saw a black cat on a washer staring at him.


    ¡°Hello...¡± Erik said softly, and the cat meowed at him in response. It jumped machines and rubbed its cheek against him.


    Erik spent sometime with the cat. As most cats it gave him a feign interest which of course was all part of the game. React just enough to make the human pet you more. Erik laughed and rubbed its ears, neck, and just under the chin. Then as always the cat replied by biting him softly. Oddly enough Erik didn''t react, he blinked at the cat and the cat blinked back at him. It''s fangs had bitten his hand, but didn''t draw blood. They didn''t bite that hard.


    ¡°Do I taste good?¡± Erik asked, and the cat let him go and spent a bit of time licking his hand.


    ¡°Annabell!¡± A young woman called out and raced into the room to snuggle up to the cat. The cat meowed at their owner.


    ¡°Sorry about that.¡± The woman said, and Erik shrugged at her and didn''t say much.


    The cat and their human soon left and Erik retrieved his laundry to go back upstairs. He put the sheets on his bed, set down some towels. Cleaned the Dream Engine Cube. Then jumped onto his computer. He received an email from his work.... He''d been fired for not showing up to work. Apparently his two week long vacation had not been approved? What? It was only one week. Erik typed out a reply and... Then soon deleted it. He tabled it for later then looked up the paperwork for the Cube that the Dream Engine Developers had sent.


    He signed the paper work and now the Cube was officially his. He also signed off on the paperwork for the paid time he was getting for being one of the one hundred Users on Nightmare Mode. He was being paid 500$ a week to play on Nightmare Mode. They were using his Dream as part of the trailer, and in-game play testing. He was making more money off the Dream Engine than he was at his job...His old job.


    So being the diligent worker he was. He jumped on the Dream Engine forums and filled out another beta test form. Answered questions, gave some tips, and ideas. He then jumped on the User forums and looked around. He activated his spam filter program and cleaned out thousands of letters. Dwindled it down to a few hundred legit letters. Erik wasn''t sure how much time had past but he answered all the letters and it was still dark out so it shouldn''t have been very long.


    He made something to eat, even though he wasn''t hungry. He couldn''t remember the last time he had a meal. He assumed that wasn''t a good thing. Drank plenty of water, and took a multivitamin. Out of pure curiosity Erik dropped to the floor and tried doing a push up. He stopped counting after 45. How much could he do before? It didn''t matter. He cleaned up his kitchen and went back to his bedroom, back to the Cube. He made sure it was clean, settled down on his bed and switched it on....


    ___________________________________________________


    ***Black Room***


    Erik opened his eyes to find himself back in the Black Room with the solar system below him. He could see several different systems in the distance. This showed him how big his sand box was. He glanced around and found Dawn sitting down on a giant leather couch with a book in hand. A roaring red sun glowing in the fire place. A glass of wine in her hand. She looked up from her book and smiled at him.


    This time Dawn had short chopped brown hair above her shoulders. Golden caramel skin, with amber eyes, and good figure. She wore cotton bottom sleep shorts, fuzzy slippers, and a t-shirt. She smiled at him and gestured for him to take a seat that materialized next to her. Erik walked over and took the offered chair. He wore cotton sweats, and a t-shirt that he filled out nicely. They both looked like they had chosen to be lazy today.


    ¡°Welcome back.¡± Dawn said, as she took a sip of her red win.


    ¡°Anything happen while I was gone?¡± Erik asked, as he glanced at the solar system beneath his feet.


    ¡°The world continued to spin for about a week. Then a story event happened.¡± Dawn replied, and showed Erik the timeline application. Erik glanced over it and groaned audibly.


    The remnant forces of Brainiac within the solar system had changed from 35% to 34%. Which meant that he was rebuilding, and they didn''t know where. The JLI were able to upload a kind of digital vaccine to the world wide web that booted Brainiac out. That doesn''t stop Brainiac from using the internet like anyone else. But it did stop him from hacking, and taking over things long distance. A casualty report had been created for the JLI.


    Roy Harper / Arsenal, Dr. Silas Stone / Cyborg''s father, Iris West / Barry Allen''s wife, Joe West / Barry Allen''s adoptive father. Captain Quentin Lance / Black Canary''s father. These were just some of the names on the list. Many of the JLI heavy hitters had been in space for the first battle. So when Brainiac sent his metal shards to Earth and shut down all the electronic devices in the system with his virus. They couldn''t get down to help. Hundreds of JLI members had died on the Watchtower. Hundreds more on the planets surface. M''gann''s parents on Mars had died when Brainiac had ignited the fuel reserves in a city. A lot of people had died.


    Then the next issue. Lash was currently in Las Angeles he had been hoping to visit Lucifer in his club. Take him up on that drink. But a blood red Rift had appeared in the city and grew at an alarming rate. Several Rift teams had been dispatched but oddly enough the Rift refused to let them in. Some sort of invisible barrier prevented access. Lash had been called to look the Rift over. Vigil didn''t want to send Lash inside the Rift but they needed to know why it was there. That was when the dream paused. Story event.


    ¡°Why can''t they get in?¡± Erik asked Dawn after he read. He wasn''t sure he''d get an answer. But maybe he''d get lucky.


    ¡°The developers sent out a new patch for the Dream. You have to be of equal or greater strength to access the Rifts of grade. So if you are C grade you can''t walk into an A grade Rift.¡± Dawn replied, and set her book aside.


    ¡°Why?¡± Erik asked.


    ¡°Hundreds of Users had there worlds consumed by idiots who kept going into the Rifts who couldn''t handle them. So most civilians can go into G, and F grade Rifts with out issue. But if they fail Rifts of those size are not a big issue. But with this new update. Civilians can no longer step into a Rift that is beyond them.¡± Dawn replied as she watched Erik with a spark of mischief in her eyes.


    ¡°Doesn''t that just mean the strong have more work to do? If no one enters a Rift it eventually grows large enough to explode, implode, or egg break. It''s almost like they...Eh...¡± Erik said and stopped at the end as he thought about it.


    ¡°So this method would encourage Rift teams to be made. Start small work your way up. Because if you want access to the true treasure trove you have to earn it. They change anything else?¡± Erik asked.


    ¡°The delay on the Rift. Normally if a Rift Walker was not dispatched within 48 hours the Rift would explode, implode, or egg break. Now the time is approximately a week. Also the colors have been tweaked. A and B grade Rifts are red. C and D grade Rifts are blue. E, F, and G grade Rifts are green. S grade Rifts which are phenomenally rare are gold.¡± Dawn replied, and made several images in front of her like a holographic.


    ¡°Also take note. Since your time tool is one month in the Dream for every hour in the real. It''s the same setting for the Rifts. For any Rift Walker. So one month in the Rift is only an hour in the Dream. Most of the time, exceptions may apply. So most G grade Rifts. A Rift Walker steps in, ten seconds later they step out.¡± Dawn said next, and created a show with puppets. Yay puppets!


    ¡°Anything else change?¡± Erik asked, as he watched the puppet show beat up an egg break. Erik smiled at Dawn who was watching him watch her antics.


    ¡°I can give you the long list of patch notes if you want. But most of it is character growth with the denizens of the Dream. Time between events. How a character can go through a traumatic experience then less than a week later be perfectly fine. So the developers are spacing out the growth of characters which means they have gradually space out events. But how to still keep things hectic, especially for those on a harder difficulty.¡± Dawn said, and took another sip from her wine.


    ¡°I''ve noticed that the issues we''ve encountered are not necessarily harder than normal per say. Just that they are back, to back, to back. I never really get a break.¡± Erik replied, and Dawn nodded in agreement.


    ¡°That is what they are trying change. The challenges you face should be harrowing, dangerous, and create character growth. The Users, and their characters need time to properly process what has happened. The issue they are having is so many Users grow to strong, to fast. So they are updating the experience granted through missions, events, etc. Increasing the point value of abilities to be purchased with DP, and AEP.¡± Dawn said.


    ¡°Right, that''s what happened with us. We''re S grade. Very little can hurt us. Very little poses a challenge to us.¡± Erik replied.


    ¡°That just means we have to find a chink in your armor. Or give you a situation that you technically can''t win. But it''s also important that you have fun, User. Yes you are getting paid to play. Sorry about your job.¡± Dawn said, and Erik glanced at her. Why did Dawn know about his job?


    ¡°But its still important that you have fun while you play. There is bad stress, and good stress. The developers want you, and the other Users who are on Nightmare to have good stress. The euphoria of overcoming a challenge. You Erik are on the forefront of this test. In many ways you are an Alpha tester when it comes to this challenge. You and the 99 others. The original Alpha testers never did Nightmare. So this a new field of study. You and the other 99 are very important to the development team.¡± Dawn said, and smiled at Erik.


    ¡°Dawn how did you know about my job?¡± Erik asked, that surprisingly felt weird.


    ¡°You tied your account to your social media, remember?¡± Dawn replied. Erik looked at her and felt only confusion. He just found out about his job through an email. It wasn''t like he went to his social hub and yelled that he was fired but now he makes 500$ a week to play games.


    ¡°The developers told me. I don''t know why they know. I was asked to see if you were OK.¡± Dawn replied when it was clear from Erik''s expression he was still confused.


    ¡°Ya, I''m fine. I mean I get paid more from doing this than work anyways.¡± Erik said, and relaxed a bit. Why did the developers know about his job?


    ¡°Anything else, User?¡± Dawn asked as she stood up and stretched. She groaned in pleasure and Erik enjoyed watching her stretch out.


    ¡°I finished the paper work for the cube, and the automatic deposit for the money.¡± Erik said, and Dawn glanced off to the side like she was reading something.


    ¡°Yep, first deposit will go through Friday which is tomorrow. For your first week.¡± Dawn replied with wink and sashayed her way across the black room.


    ¡°You said the Dream Store was getting reworked?¡± Erik asked, as he stood up and the sitting area dematerialized.


    ¡°Yes, that means the store is currently under subject to change. Which makes sense it is a beta test. Just be aware that if you mark something to be buy today, it may be different in a few hours. Or rather months for you.¡± Dawn said as she snapped her fingers and a portion of the black room turned into an office, and she put on a suit.


    ¡°You were relaxing because the Dream was paused weren''t you?¡± Erik said he admired her pencil skirt.


    ¡°I was, but I am ready to get back to work. Speaking of the store is there anything you want to purchase. You have a lot of DP left. Along with a few AEP thanks to your achievements.¡± Dawn replied as she took her seat in giant leather executive chair.


    ¡°I honestly don''t even know what to buy? Can you bring up a recommended list?¡± Erik asked, as he walked over to sit down in the offered chair as Dawn typed on her keyboard and swiveled her monitor over for him to look at.


    ¡°I can''t buy spell Domains anymore right?¡± Erik asked, as he flipped through a page of spells.


    ¡°You can buy spells for your existing spell Domains. But yes you have 20 spell Domains. You can still learn new Domains through the Dream however.¡± Dawn replied.


    Erik looked over the long list of recommended purchases. They were of course limited in a sense that Dawn could only give away so much. Each item listed could in a way be a red flag or rather foreshadowing for something else. Or they were things that other people had purchased and gave positive reviews about. Erik focused on those, using the other Users has a sound board. Then Erik found one thing he needed and had put off.


    Automated Fuel Refinery and Station: This fuel hub will be placed above a gas giant and will automatically refine planetary gas into fuel. The station can then refuel ships at its available ports or send drones with fuel back to the designated station. Most refineries are vulnerable to attack unless defended. A grade item 500DP ¨C 1,000 DP. (R&D module applied)


    Note: You have purchased A grade with offense, defense, support, and utility. A total of 1,000 DP.


    The designs would be uploaded to Vici. Then they would build it when they got around to it. The Watchtower was still being repaired. But this had been on the wish list of Mr. Xags for awhile. It was just another means to earn solar coins. Plus the merchants that visited would rather have actual fuel instead of magically created fuel. With the amount of DP Erik had spent the station was essentially a defensive platform with turrets, drone fighters, and ports for ships. Ah that was something else!


    Defensive Platform: An automated platform that could assist with the defense of the station, planet, or even the solar system. The platforms come in a variety of types, styles, and configurations. Allowing for offense, defense, support, or utility. Or all four! C grade module for 30 - 60 DP. (R&D module applied)


    Note: You have purchased offense, defense, support, and utility. Total 120 DP spent for two platforms.


    Engine: A specific engine to increase maneuverability for the station. With enough engines and with the right science, and engineering development the station can use a FTL method. C grade engines cost is 30 DP. (R&D module applied)


    Note: You have purchased 95 engines for a total 2,850 DP.


    Attention: Once complete the Watchtower Star Base will be capable of fold space FTL.


    ¡°Dawn?¡± Erik asked as he looked at the note.


    ¡°Since you use singularity drive cores. You bend, or fold space as your primary method of FTL. Thanks to your R&D module. Once the engines are applied you can fold space. As long as you know where you are going that is.¡± Dawn replied, and that was the problem. Something to tackle at a later time.


    Turret: A omni turret station capable of switching between several different modifications. Arcane Science applied allowing for offense, defense, and utility against mundane, alien, meta-gene, and magical origins. C grade turret for 30 DP. (R&D module applied)


    Note: You have purchased 95 turrets for a total of 2,850 DP.


    There... If only he had remembered to do that before Brainiac had shown up. If they had 100 omni turrets during the fight they would have ripped him in half. Of course, because they only had so many Brainiac only had so many turrets to take over. So a mixed blessing now that he was thinking about it. Erik continued to look through the list then stopped at a peculiar module that he could purchase.


    Mana - Forge: This module is an enchanters dream. The forge pulls energy from the universe and creates materials not found on any world. Then Users of the forge create materials, items, armor, weapons, etc with magical materials. Arcane Science, and magitek required to operate. C grade 30 DP. (R&D module applied)


    Note: You have purchased Mana - Forge for 30 DP.


    Technically Vici already had this aboard the Watchtower it was something they had made together. Lash had his transmute title effect that could recreate metals. Vici had something similar because she and Lash were connected. Since it was a magitek station they had enchanting methods available in engineering operations. Now, with this module they would have a complete area dedicated to enchanting. What fun!


    ¡°Anything specific you could point out?¡± Erik asked as he leaned back in his chair. The list was extensive. But most of the things were quality of life items that he didn''t really need.


    ¡°You could buy a map.¡± Dawn suggested and the item was highlighted.


    Map: The User will have access to a mini ¨C map, and a larger map. Higher grades come with detailed maps, routes, and cosmic positioning systems.


    ¡°Really?¡± Erik said as he glanced at it.


    ¡°You like your clock don''t you?¡± Dawn pointed out, and Erik had to admit clock was useful. (Chapter 88)


    ¡°How much would Master Map cost?¡± Erik asked, and Dawn adjusted the store.


    You have purchased Master Map for 500 DP.


    You have purchased Master Clock for 100 DP.


    Congratulations User! Minor Clock has evolved into Basic...Intermediate...Advanced...Expert...Master Clock.


    Effect: You now know the date and time of any place you have ever visited.


    Erik raised his eye brow at that effect. That wasn''t very much for 100 DP. There was some advantage to it. For example he knew how much time had past in the alternate reality version of Tartarus. That made him wonder how AR-Dia Nyx countess was doing? The alternate reality and their prime reality synced up a while ago. So their time zones weren''t any different.


    Congratulations User! Map has evolved into Minor...Basic...Intermediate...Advanced...Expert...Master Map.


    Effect: You now have a mini-map that extends 100 ft sphere.


    Effect: You now have a IFF marker for allies, enemies, and neutral parties for your mini-map.


    Effect: You now have a 3D interactive map of any place you have ever been. You can show this map to anyone you decide.


    Effect: You now have a IFF marker for allies, enemies, and neutral parties for your map.


    Effect: Map and Cosmic Awareness work in tandem.


    ¡°What the...¡± Erik said as confusion was clear on his face. He looked up at Dawn who snickered at him.


    ¡°Sorry that is something you''ll have to figure out on your own.¡± Dawn said with a smile and a wink.


    ¡°Alright, I think that is enough. Let''s head down... Why do I get a feeling I''ll be doing the Rift?¡± Erik said as he stood up and looked at Dawn.


    ¡°You may enjoy it. I know the last one was hard on you. But you got a lot out of it.¡± Dawn said, and it was true. They had got a lot out of the MCU story event chain Rift.


    Erik jumped off a pre-constructed diving board and flew through space. He must have zipped through the ocean of stars at thousands of miles per hour. He dive bombed through Mother Gaia''s atmosphere and came upon California, Las Angeles. The Dream was paused awaiting the arrival of Erik. Once he landed and fused with Lash and his partner Saurian the world continued.


    ¡°I''m just saying, being a Deity is a lot of responsibility. If you need any help I''m here.¡± Amenadiel the arch-angel said to Lash.


    ¡°Thank you, I appreciate that. I honestly never planned to be one...It just kinda happened.¡± Lash replied to him.


    Amenadiel the arch-angel stood next to Lash in his Wraith disguise as they looked at the crimson red Rift. Vyllith stood by Lash''s side and watched them both carefully. Amenadiel had shown up the moment they landed in the city. He introduced himself, and welcomed Vyllith to the path of the angels, and to Lash for becoming a deity. Amenadiel stood at approximately 6''3¡± with chocolate black skin, sharp brown eyes, groomed beard, and a bald head. (Baldies unite!) He wore a tennis shoes, blue jeans, a blue t-shirt that he filled out really well across the chest. With a angelic medallion around his neck. He also had gray to black angelic wings on his back.


    ¡°Most new deities don''t plan on it either. It kinda just happens. Most lose their grace with in a few years of obtaining it. But you have proven time and time again that you are a defender of this world. The stronger you are, the safer this world will be. So the more stable you are as a Deity the better it is for this world.¡± Amenadiel replied with a smile. A smile that gave Lash a lot of comfort.


    ¡°Is that something you turn on and off, or is that natural?¡± Lash asked, he was really curious about the sense of comfort he got. Amenadiel just laughed and clapped him on the back.


    ¡°Alright, so what is this thing?¡± Amenadiel asked as they walked towards the blood red Rift.


    Rift Grade: A+


    Type: Story Event Chain. (Star Wars)


    Rift Walker Allowed: 0/1


    Rift Failure: Egg Break 500,000 Rift Creatures.


    Rift Duration: 6 days / 19 hours / 12 minutes.


    The crimson red Rift was approximately one thousand feet in diameter and growing by the minute. It had consumed a city square block and would consume over a mile before it was done. A half a million Rift creatures in down town LA was not something they could handle right now. Lash was surprised he could see what the Rift story was. But with the information that Erik brought back made him assume it was an update. The moment that Lash stepped in the Rift duration clock would pause. At that point it would be whether or not Lash completed the Rift or not.


    ¡°It''s an A grade egg break, with a half a million creatures as the failure.¡± Lash said to Amenadiel who whistled.


    ¡°You sure the angels can''t step in?¡± Lash asked, and Amenadiel frowned.


    ¡°Our father has declared that we not participate in the Rifts. But if it breaks I''ll be here to defend fathers flock. You have my word.¡± Amenadiel replied, and Lash caught a momentary glance of Amenadiel in full armor with a flaming sword in hand.


    Lash took a moment to send the information up to Vigil at the Watchtower. All of the A grade Rift Walker teams were either busy, or dead. Vigil hated to ask but Lash was already there. Lash rubbed his face and groaned in dismay. He really didn''t want to go. The MCU Story event chain had been torture for him. Yes, he had obtained a lot of rewards from it. The tear drop power stone that rested on his forehead. The singularity drive core. He still had the design for the dark elf capital ship.


    ¡°I could go.¡± Vyllith said softly as she took a step towards the Rift and Lash reached out and snagged her back.


    ¡°No!..Just...No...¡± Lash said, his hand tight on her shoulder. She looked up and smiled at him. Amenadiel smiled at them both. His eyes were looking at them, but also in the distance as if he was re watching a memory.


    ¡°Tell Lucifer to have something ready that can get a minor deity drunk.¡± Lash said, and Amenadiel laughed a bit.


    ¡°I will... We''ll be here when you get back.¡± Amenadiel replied.


    Lash took a moment to wrap his arms around Vyllith, and she did the same. He sent several quick messages to his pack-mates through the Pack Bond and through his holographic. Then he sent word to his people. Several people shouted at him to wait. They could get a team together. But it would take a few days. Technically with the new system they could do that. But every minute that passed the Rift got larger.


    ''Just come back home when your done.'' -Lizzy said across the Pack Bond.


    ''Don''t you dare miss my wedding!'' -Selina said across the link.


    ¡°Go to work.¡± Vyllith said and leaned up to kiss his snout.


    Lash took a deep breath, turned on his heel and walked straight into the Rift. The moment he touched it he was swallowed by it. A dark ink like substance coalesced over the entire Rift. It stopped growing. Amenadiel took out a phone and called his brother. Vyllith stayed and watched the Rift for a while before she received a notification from Vigil. If she wasn''t busy they could use her help.


    =============================================================


    ***Rift. The Black Room***


    Lash walked through the crimson red Rift to find an interesting sight waiting for him. He stood on a white marble floor with gold inlay. Rich intricate designs that told a story about people coming from the stars. Giant columns of stone stretched to the ceiling that gave way to a vast expanse of stars, and nebula as star ships flew by. Plush pillows were scattered across the floor. Then sitting across a red extravagant couch was Dawn. Dawn who wore a slave Leia costume.


    Golden threads tied to snake like designs wrapped around her bouncing breasts. The threads tied back around her back in a criss cross patter. Golden ornaments on her biceps, and wrists. A red silk dress that draped from front to back but left her legs, and hips completely exposed. Golden hoops, and snake motifs wrapped around her slender pale waist. Her rich brown hair was tied back in a braid with gilded thread woven through it. Her lips were ruby red, and her eye lashes fluttered artfully.


    ¡°Hello Lash.¡± Dawn said in a seductive voice that sent a shiver up his spine.


    ¡°Wow... You look amazing. I''m afraid to step any further.¡± Lash said softly as his Transformation ended and he returned to his default human shape.


    ¡°I''ll only bite if you want me to.¡± Dawn said, as she swept her legs over the couch and stood up in a fluid motion. She sashayed her way across the floor. Bells had been tied to her ankles, and hips so she moved in tandem with a musical piece.


    Lash took a measured breath and counted to ten. Dawn made her way towards him and slipped her arms around his waist and glued herself to him. No matter how many beautiful women, and men that Lash had met and spent time with. Dawn could always make him feel like a blushing maiden. He didn''t know where to put his hands, or how to even stand. With a laugh Dawn smiled at him and kissed his cheek.


    ¡°Your know most Users have sex with their Dream Engine representative. Should I be insulted that you haven''t fallen to temptation?¡± Dawn said sweetly then turned so her back was pressed to his front. Then shimmied back and forth.


    ¡°I think.... I''m afraid that if I do give in... Something will change between us.¡± Lash said, with pregnant pauses between each portion. Dawn stopped at his words and turned around to look at him. She smoothed her hands across his cheeks.


    ¡°Your afraid I''ll leave? Or, that you will?¡± Dawn asked, and Lash looked away refusing to meet her eyes.


    ¡°I''m not insulted Lash. If anything I feel that you respect me. Most of the Users that have sex with their Rep treat them like tools. You treat me like family.¡± Dawn said, then slowly leaned up on her tipsy toes and whispered in his ear. ¡°Which is why I can tease you so awfully.¡±


    Lash closed his eyes and growled softly. He felt a shiver roll down his spine, and felt other parts of his body specifically the lower half stand at attention. He opened his eyes and yelped! He jumped back in surprise then started to laugh. Why? Because Dawn had changed her shape to that of a female Hutt. Hutts are large slug like beings. Dawn oozed across the floor, and stood approximately at 6''5¡± with mucus green skin. Large yellow eyes, and a long tongue that slithered out of her giant mouth. Her belly which to be honest was her entire body bulged out.


    ¡°What''s the matter? Don''t you want to kiss me?¡± Dawn''s deep bass voice called out. Lash walked over and kissed Dawn on her huge lips. She leaned into it and licked his face with her long tongue.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn. I needed that.¡± Lash replied, and Dawn chuckled loudly and slowly oozed away.


    ¡°Come...Come...Look at your options.¡± Dawn the Hutt said as she slipped onto the couch and settled down. Her giant yellow eyes peering at him.


    Background selection process activated. Star Wars story event chain. A+ Grade Rift. Dynamic scaling for difficulty.


    Jedi, 100 WP: The Jedi were a devoted to the ways of the Jedi Order, an ancient order of protectors united by their ability to harness the power of the Force. Adhering to a doctrine that favored the light side of the Force, the Jedi aspired to attain a state of inner tranquility through calmness and meditation while avoiding emotions affiliated with the dark side of the Force. (Point of entry to be decided)


    Sith, 100 WP: The Sith, also referred to as the Sith Order, was an ancient religious order of Force-wielders devoted to the dark side of the Force. Driven by their emotions, including hate, anger, and greed, the Sith were deceptive and obsessed with gaining power no matter the cost. (Point of entry to be decided)


    Bounty Hunters, 100 WP: Bounty Hunters were individuals who could be hired to capture or kill a designated target. The target would have a price or bounty on their heads that would be collected by the bounty hunter upon successful capture or proof of death. (Point of entry to be decided)


    No Background, 0 WP: You are given no background and are instead dropped into the Universe with nothing but your abilities already unlocked. You gain 5 X the experience, and rewards at the end of the Rift. (Point of entry to be decided)


    Recommended, 120 WP: You are a Gray Jedi, Dark Jedi, Jensaarai, and/or a Revanite. A follower of neither light or dark of The Force. But rather you walk the path between each. You have access to both sides of the force. With all of its responsibilities, privileges, and pitfalls. (Point of entry to be decided.)


    ¡°Dawn, what''s the point of not having a background? Why do you get 5 X the experience and reward from it? Wouldn''t it be easier?¡± Lash asked as he looked through his selection. That had always bothered him.


    ¡°Unfortunately I can not give you the intimate details of that option unless you select it. I can however tell you one specific trait that comes with ''No Background''.¡± Dawn said, and Lash gestured for her to continue. Dawn took a moment to pull some sort of creature out of a vat of water and bit off its head. Then tossed the rest of it into her giant mouth.


    ¡°The 4th wall engine does not effect you if you choose the option ''No Background.'' Remember in the MCU Rift you read about how a Kryptonian, and a omega level mutant killed Thanos ahead of time? That was because they went in with out a background and were no longer compelled to follow the story.¡± Dawn said between bites.


    ¡°So if I had chosen that option I could have killed Thanos ahead of time and Natasha didn''t need to die?¡± Lash asked, as he trembled with rage. Dawn ran one of her slug like hands over her head with a nod. ¡°There has to be a downside to picking it though. Why else would it have 5 X the rewards.¡±


    Lash debated the choice for a bit. Once he selected it he couldn''t take it back. Unlike the other choices if he wanted to swap out mid selection he could. But not the fourth option. But if he chose that he could go in and scream that Palpatine was Darth Sidious from the get go? That honestly felt like a trap. Why was no background considered harder? That is the only reason why the reward would be more.


    ¡°We are doing the movies right? Star Wars cinematic universe?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Kinda... It depends on the butterfly effect. Especially if you choose no background and you are not affected by the 4th wall engine? You could change the entire dynamic of the story.¡± Dawn replied then reached into grab another creature and chewed on that one as well.


    ¡°I don''t have to do it all either? You kept asking me in the MCU Rift after every event if I wanted to collect my reward and leave. I can choose to do that right?¡± Lash asked, Dawn nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Fuck it! Curiosity wins the day. I select no background.¡± Lash said, and the other options went flying off.


    ¡°Because you have chosen no background you don''t get any WP. However, be aware that you will get WP between events based on your choices and what you end up doing. WP between events is part of the 5 X reward. So you could earn up to 500 WP between events. There is a cap.¡± Dawn said softly, and Lash''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°OK, so what''s the catch?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°With out a background. You do not obtain an alter ego. There will be no personality shifted onto you. In every Rift you''ve done before. You got memories, history, skills that applied to your chosen path. There is a big difference between reading, and watching the world of Star Wars. Versus living in it. For example, if you had chosen a background you would have automatically learned the basic language of your people, and the galactic rim. Now? Everyone will speak a foreign language to you.¡± Dawn said, and took a moment to swallow her food.


    ¡°That''s not that bad. If all of my abilities are unlocked I have Language Smith. I can just learn the language.¡± Lash commented and Dawn nodded.


    ¡°Think about this for a moment. Since you don''t have a background you were never a part of this world. This reality. This universe. You are an anomaly. Something that shouldn''t exist, but does. Think about where you are going. Imagine if you had done this in the MCU. If you had traveled to Earth with no background. The Sorcerer Supreme would have tracked you down. If you couldn''t convince her you were no threat. She would have tossed you into a dimensional prison.¡± Dawn continued, and let Lash chew on that for a while.


    That was when something clicked for Lash. Everything belongs somewhere in the grand universe. Even the things that lurk beyond the edge of reality. They are all part of the tapestry that makes up existence. That is why the 4th wall engine wouldn''t effect him. Is because he is not part of it. He is not part of the grand design. The danger of that is. When you mess with fate, fate tends to mess with you. The universe will try and correct the error.


    How many times in a movie, or a novel or something! Did the audience see the characters almost get caught. But they were lucky? Plot armor protected them. By not selecting a background. Lash isn''t even a character. Not only that, the universe would want him caught. Oh no! Lash has been afflicted with Bad Luck.


    ¡°That''s why the rewards are greater. Reality itself will be out to get me.¡± Lash said and Dawn nodded.


    ¡°What if I play along?¡± Lash asked Dawn who shrugged her shoulders. What if he played along with the story. Didn''t step out of...No that wouldn''t work. Lash simply existing would effect the story.


    ¡°I think I just made a mistake...¡± Lash said, and looked up to see that the room was empty.


    ¡°Dawn?¡± Lash asked, then turned around to see that he was no longer in the black room.


    The room was approximately a 100 ft space. There was a meager bed, with a small refresher room off to the side. The room was metal. Lash pressed his clawed hands to the wall and sent a Technomancy pulse through it. The pulse went through the entire ship. He was on a space craft. He walked through his small room and activated a window shutter on the wall. A blue corridor of light passed by the window.


    ¡°Hyperspace tunnel.¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°Cralagna dbtuanda thad bladnadtna.¡± Said a voice over the ships intercom.


    Lash jumped onto his bed and put himself in Meditation. Then pushed his Technomancy through the ship. He released his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits and they combed through the whole ship. He quickly accessed the logs and poured over the written language and he received 5 X the experience for Language Smith.


    Congratulations User! Minor Language Smith has evolved into Basic Language Smith.


    Effect: Can learn any spoke language 15% quicker.


    Effect: Can learn any written language 5% quicker.


    Note: Abilities, and achievements work in tandem. (See tool tip.)


    The door slid open to reveal a creature with red skin, dark red horns on their head, and stood approximately 7'' tall and wide as the door. They literally had to turn sideways to get into the room. They were covered in animal hide, and had what appeared to be an energy side arm strapped to their belt. They growled at Lash who was sitting in his default human shape wearing his Daemonic Warden armor.


    ¡°Hi there.¡± Lash said in basic with a brutal accent. But Partial-Telepathy did its job even now. The creature winced as he looked around. Like some annoying fly was buzzing around. Maybe they could tell he was using Telepathy.


    ¡°Ticket?¡± The creature said in a voice that sounded like two stones making love. Wow, Lash thought he sounded bad. Wait, he didn''t have a ticket.


    ¡°Really? I gave my ticket the moment I stepped aboard. I assume your the muscle working your way through the rooms extorting credits from people?¡± Lash asked, and Acting...


    Congratulations User! Basic Acting has evolved into Intermediate Acting.


    Effect: The User''s ability works in tandem with several other abilities. (See tool tip) Making their performance so believable that others can''t help but agree with them.


    The giant creature glared at Lash then after about a minute of staring at one another the creatures face broke into a smile and he laughed. A giant boom of a voice that shook the whole room. Then he took out a knife as long as his forearm and rushed Lash. Lash reached out with Telekinesis and slammed the man into the roof with bone breaking force. Lash closed the door, and dropped his target. The creature collapsed like a meat accordion.


    Lash went to the creatures side and rifled through his pockets. He found a republic credit chit. He stashed that in his Storage. The moment the credit chit entered he could now produce that kind of money thanks to his achievement ability. He pulled the side arm and realized it was a blaster pistol. Low grade, would over heat after a few shots. Lash copied the chemical formula for the blade and got back a few interesting results. He cast Recycle on the blaster and got a partial on the design. Once he had everything from the body he cast Decomposition focus target. He didn''t want to destroy the ship.


    There was a knock on the door. Lash rolled his eyes and cleaned up the ash pile with Immaculate then opened the door. He found a human! The man looked to be mid thirties, brown hair that grayed at the temples. He wore a uniform with what appeared to be the transport ships security. Thanks to the tech-spirits Lash learned that he was riding a refugee ship to a collection of planets. He wasn''t sure where he was headed yet.


    ¡°Oh...Hello sir! Ummm...¡± The man looked at Lash in complete surprise. His right hand settled on his blaster pistol tied to his waist.


    ¡°You here to extort money from me too?¡± Lash asked with a grumpy expression on his face.


    ¡°What!? No? I...I was just looking for a trouble maker. They were going around asking people for their tickets. When they didn''t have them he would force them to pay up. Honestly, everyone gave their tickets when they boarded.¡± The man said, and thanks to the Blessing of Loki Lash knew the man was lying.


    ¡°Wow you are really bad at lying.¡± Lash said honestly and the man dropped his fake expression pulled his pistol and was suddenly yanked into the room by an unseen force.


    Five minutes later Lash stepped out of his room with 50% of the blaster pistol design. Along with a security pass code key. He decided to wonder around the ship for a bit. According to the tech-spirits they would be arriving at the next planet in less than an hour. Lash had lived in the Star Wars universe before in some of his past lives. He vaguely remembered that the hyper lane FTL method was incredibly quick. As long as the routes had been mapped out. If not, there was a good chance you would end up inside of a moon, or a planet with out a route.


    Lash made his way towards the galley and he felt like it was one of those old western movies when the stranger steps into the saloon. Everyone even the droids stopped to look at him. Close to a hundred people just stared at him as if he was something that none of them had ever seen before. Lash stood there in full armor from head to toe. His Daemonic Warden medium tier exoskeleton armor. With animal claw motifs, scaled segmented plates. He looked lethal.


    ¡°Never seen a Mandalorian before?¡± Lash asked through his male synthetic voice from his helmet/mask. About half the room quickly looked down at their food and refused to look at him after that.


    ¡°What in sefiran''s but hole is a Mandalorian doing on a refugee ship?¡± A man at the bar said as Lash walked in.


    ¡°That''s my business.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Maybe my friend Sylock will make it my business?¡± The man asked, who turned to look at him. He had green yellow skin, and two antennae. He wore leathers, and unclipped his blaster holster.


    ¡°Would that be the giant red monstrosity going from room to room to extort money from people asking about tickets. When we gave our tickets when we boarded?¡± Lash asked as he stopped to look at the man.


    ¡°Ya...¡± The man replied as he stood up. Four others stood up as well.


    ¡°Ever seen what happens to a body when it''s pushed out into a hyper lane? No? It''s rather breath taking.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°You bastard!¡± The man shouted and pulled his blaster. Lash reached out with his right hand and yanked it forward. Telekinesis ripped them off their feet and flew them towards Lash. He then spread his fingers out and each of them went spread eagle.


    ¡°Woah! Woah! Master Jedi! Please calm down!¡± A man shouted at him who was off to the side. He wore a security uniform and had his hands up in the air. Oh that was right! The only people in this universe with Telekinesis were Force users.


    ¡°I am calm. You and your little gang are the ones breaking the law.¡± Lash replied, as Acting continued to get 5 X the experience.


    ¡°How many people here had security, or thugs visit their rooms and took money from them?¡± Lash asked as he looked around the room. One by one hands were raised.


    ¡°Give back the credits to every person you stole from. If you do it in the next ten minutes I won''t kill these men. For every minute after one of them dies.¡± Lash said, and to emphasize his point his targets limbs started to spread out in odd angles.


    ¡°OK! OK! We are doing it....¡± The security officer said as he got on his communication relay. Lash''s tech-spirits told him over a dozen security where heading towards the galley. No credits had been deposited.


    ¡°Everyone your attention please. I want you to take these tables and over turn them. Have them point towards the main doors and I want you to hide.¡± Lash said as he used Telekinesis to string up the guard who had lied to him.


    The refugees did it without question. Lash then used the floating targets as shields and waited out in the open. Lash cast Silence on his targets so they couldn''t warn their comrades. The galleys door burst open and blaster fire went off. Deflection activated with a spell command and the shots of particle base energy bounced off of Lash, some of them even went back to hit the shooters. All the while the targets floating were shot full of holes. Once they died Lash tossed the specific ones towards their allies like a battering ram.


    Lash created a red Psionic dagger in his left hand. Several people shouted in surprise. Then he slowly walked towards the remaining people and stabbed them, or cut them in half. Once the room, and entry way were cleared he began to rifle through their pockets.


    Attention User! You''ve learned the design for low grade CDEF blaster pistol.


    ¡°Any soldiers in here?¡± Lash asked while he was shuffling through their pockets.


    ¡°I...I served as a security chief in Coruscant.¡± A young woman said as she raised her hand. She had vibrant pink skin with short orange hair, with a good athletic figure.


    ¡°OK, want to make some credits?¡± Lash asked, and the woman''s eyes glowed. Literally they glowed.


    At the offer of credits more than half of the room volunteered. Lash gave them all 100 republic credits as a sign on bonus. Then handed out pistols to everyone. In hindsight this was not the best idea. They all had itchy trigger fingers. More than a few people shot a random civilian. But Lash used his Nature spells to heal them. That astonished everyone!


    If Lash remembered his previous reincarnations correctly. At the height of the republic there were hundreds of thousands of Jedi. However, even with that number they were considered fairy tails. Why? Well the republic was vast! Hundreds if not thousands of populated planets with trillions of people living through out the systems. A hundred thousand versus trillions of people. They also mostly stuck to the core regions rarely venturing out along the outer rim. So meeting a Jedi, let alone seeing one in action was astonishing to most people.


    By the time they exited hyperspace the ship had been cleaned of the gang, and corrupt officials. Unfortunately that included the pilots. Lash jumped into the pilot seat, along with another volunteer and they came out of hyperspace above a beautiful world. A breathtaking blue marble with vast stretches of jungle. It....Oh crap it was Naboo.


    ¡°Oh! There''s the blockade!¡± Lash said as alarms started to sound. ¡°Hello everyone this is your acting captain, and pilot speaking. Please return to your rooms and strap yourselves in this is going to be a bumpy ride.¡± Lash said over the intercoms.


    At over three kilometers in diameter, the enormous vessels resemble flattened disks with a central sphere containing the ship''s bridge and reactor assemblies. The disk is broken at the front of the craft, revealing two mammoth docking bays lined with forward docking claws. It reminded Lash of doughnut with a bite taken out of it.


    ¡°Why is there a blockade!?¡± The young woman from Coruscant asked. Who''s name was Ula. Turned out she was coming home to Naboo.


    ¡°That''s what I came here to find out. I didn''t think they would fire on a refugee ship!¡± Lash replied as he sent the federation ships their ID codes. While Lash tried to pilot a giant brick.


    The refugee ship was over a 500 ft long, 100 ft tall, and 50 ft wide. There were close to a thousand people jam packed into the ship. Including their luggage, food for the trip, engines, crew quarters, etc. It had two massive engines connected in the back and stuck out like a sore thumb. The ship had cargo containers attached to the side give it a very off balance stick.


    Lash ordered his tech-spirits to engrave Deflection spell script into the ship. Then he fed his energy into the ship and his magical energy took a nose dive. But as always it quickly refilled. As they got closer to the blockade several turbo lasers started to fire on them. Lash sent a distress signal to the surface of the planet...Nothing. Lash sent a distress signal back to Coruscant. That got a reply. The trade federation had been blocking Naboo, and several other planets for over a month. Why did the refugee ship head to that planet? No one had told them that!


    ¡°I really don''t like Coruscant. Nothing but shifting blame, dancing around the truth, and only doing anything once it blows up in their face.¡± Lash said loudly as they continued to take energy fire from the ship.


    ¡°I''m going to record the entire scene and send it back to Coruscant! Can you input your Jedi ID code?¡± His co pilot shouted at him.


    ¡°I''m not actually a jedi! So that would be a no!¡± Lash replied, his pilot and Ula balked at him.


    ¡°How are you not a Jedi!?¡± Ula shouted at him.


    ¡°I''ll explain if we live!¡± Lash replied and naturally this caused a red flag. So their left engine was hit!


    The engine explode and rocked the whole ship. The cargo containers were flying off as parts of the ships were sheered off. Only about half of the ship was protected by the Deflection spell script. The front half. Lash told everyone aboard the ships to get to the front half of the ships before they were hit again. Didn''t matter as hundreds of droid starfighters came rushing towards their location. The trade federation started to block their communication so all Coruscant saw was the federation firing on them and that was it.


    ¡°Were not going to make it are we!?¡± Ula shouted at Lash who glanced back at her.


    ¡°I give us 50/50!¡± Lash shouted as the back half of the ship exploded. ¡°More like 30/70!¡±


    ___________________________________________________


    The refugee ship flew by the trade federation ships. Then made a mad dash for the planet below. In an odd twist of fate they stopped firing on them when it became clear they were never make the landing. Cargo was flying out, along with hundreds of people. Everything would burn up in once they hit the atmosphere. The ship broke apart as it flew through the skies of Naboo. The people who lived in the capital of Theed watched in horror as the ship crashed in the jungles just outside the city. An explosion of epic proportions shook the landscape.


    Queen Amidala ordered a search and rescue no matter the slim chance of survivors. The refugee ship had no escape pods aboard. The people of Naboo were horrified when they heard the news across planetary network. A trade blockade was one thing. But slaughtering innocent refugees was another. The Queen messaged the senator Palpatine himself and demanded swift action be taken. The senator was more than willing to argue the case for immediate action. As the senate was broken down into procedure. The supreme chancellor secretly dispatched two Jedi to fly towards the blockade and force a settlement. Que the star wars theme music.


    Turmoil has engulfed the Galactic Republic.


    The taxation of trade routes to outlying star systems is in dispute.


    Hoping to resolve the matter with a blockade of deadly battleships,


    the greedy Trade Federation has stopped all shipping


    to the small planet of Naboo.


    While the Congress of the Republic endlessly debates


    this alarming chain of events, the Supreme Chancellor


    has secretly dispatched two Jedi Knights,


    the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy,


    to settle the conflict...


    Mean while back on Naboo...


    ===========================================================


    ¡°See I told you we would make it!¡± Lash shouted as he pushed a piece of debris out of the way of the cock pit.


    The refugee ship had crashed into the jungles of Naboo. Well the front 30% of the ship crashed into Naboo. About a hundred people who had rushed towards the location when he called out, along with his co-pilot, and Ula. They were alive! Lash recalled his tech-spirits and moved to assist the injured. Ula was unresponsive as she had fallen on her ass and was now rocking back and forth in a fetal position muttering to herself.


    The jungles of Naboo were breathtaking. Lash could practically feel the vibrant pure energy of nature here. The people of Naboo had taken good care of their mother planet. They, and the Gungans of course. Once Lash had finished tending to the survivors he made an effort to put out the fires in the forest and nurture it with a bit of magic. The plant life grew exponentially! Like a sponge soaking up water till it would practically burst. That was a little unusual.


    Lash swapped through his Magical Perceptions and found something peculiar. There was not a single drop of magical energy in the air. Well now there was. But before he started to use spell craft there was nothing. There were lots, and lots of tiny motes of energy dancing around. Hundreds of trillions motes of energy. They were everywhere! Midi-Chlorians the very organisms of the Force. Lash then understood that he had just introduced another cosmic energy into the Star Wars Universe. Magic! Oooo, this is going to be fun.


    It looked like the midi-chlorians were eating the magical energy that Lash was producing. They were growing in size, and number. Lash produced a passive aura of magic. Simply by existing he would create passive magical energy. The Force was practically glued to him. Imagine if you will a box of say two dozen kittens at least. Now, lay down on a bed and have someone pour this box of kittens on you. What happens? The kittens flip, flop, and play about on the bed, and on you. Tiny curious, fuzzy creatures with tiny claws, and fangs. Endlessly curious about who, and what you are.


    Lash noticed that his magical energy levels kept dropping marginally. His energy restored quickly of course. But he would feel bad for any magic user who came to this universe with out energy regeneration. The midi-chlorians would suck them dry. As far as Lash could see, magic was like crack to them. He wasn''t sure if that was a good or bad thing. A high pitched whistling noise came up over the jungle canopy and Lash saw a vessel fly over them. He raised a hand up and waved. With Connectivity he linked with the vessel.


    ¡°Good morning! Or is it afternoon?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°You''re alive!? Thank the republic!¡± The pilot shouted through the communication channel.


    ¡°We have little over a hundred people in way of survivors... Out of a thousand people. Luckily enough no serious injuries. I''m new to Naboo what direction is the nearest city?¡± Lash asked the pilot.


    ¡°Copy that! I''ll relay it to the capital. Help is on the way.¡± The pilot said then informed Lash of the direction that help would be coming.


    With in the hour several land transports flew over the jungle canopy and slowly came down across the wreckage. Search and rescue troops jumped down from the transports and proceeded to help the survivors. Despite the crash Lash was in perfect condition. His armor wasn''t even scratched. A few police officers looked at him in confusion. But the survivors informed them that Lash had piloted the ship. The only reason they were alive was because of his skills as a pilot.


    Actually it was the first time he had ever piloted a starship of that design before. His Operator ability got a lot of experience from it. Lash was looking forward to trying again. Maybe next time he wont crash. By sundown everyone had been collected and they were flying back to Theed. The capital of Naboo. The security teams didn''t know what to make of Lash. Several survivors said he was a Jedi. A few said he was a Mandalorian. Either way he was a mystery they wanted to solve. The fact that Lash refused to remove his helmet paid credit to him being Mandalorian. They were well known for only removing their helmets in private, or in a room with loved ones.


    Oddly enough if they visited Mandalore they would see plenty that didn''t wear their helmets. From what Lash remembered about their culture. Which evolved a lot over the years. Depending on the creed or practice of Mando some would religiously wear their helmets at all times save for private. While other creeds could remove them at their leisure. Though few ever did it in a hostile area of operation. Lash would have to research them more so he could blend in.


    The land transport flew over the jungle in the distance they saw the city of Theed. Naboo really was a beautiful world. The architecture had tall, round edges, and rooftops. With stone ramparts, cut stone, and intricate designs carved into each one creating pictures. A flamboyant mosaic of hundreds of thousands of tiles in different colors. Artificial canals ran through the whole city that eventually led to a breath taking waterfall hundreds of feet high. The palace was situated on the edge of a cliff making it a great defense to land troops. While the rest of the land around Theed was carefully cultivated landscape. Either jungle, or grass lands. With farmland further out. The people of Naboo had taken great pains to coexist with nature.


    They had very little light pollution at night. Which made the stars above a tapestry of intricate color. They used dim glow lamps scattered through out city. It provided just enough light to see but not obstruct the night sky. The roar of the waterfall called to them as the transports flew overhead and landed directly next to a hospital. Everyone walked out, however Lash was met by the captain of the police force, and palace security.


    Quarsh Panaka stood at approximately 6'' even. With chocolate brown skin, short black hair, intense brown eyes. He had a military athletic figure. He wore officer leather security suit. Black leather boots, blue undergarment cloth, with red leather vest and tasset. With red leather gloves, and bracers. An officer ID tag on his left breast. With a red leather officer hat with golden embroidery. On his belt was an S-5 Blaster pistol.


    ¡°Mandalorian?¡± Captain Panaka asked.


    ¡°My name is Lash, Captain Panaka. May I speak to your Queen I have a message to deliver?¡± Lash asked, and bowed from his waist in respect. The extension of courtesy made Panaka''s expression soften by a fraction.


    ¡°She want''s to speak to you as well. This way.¡± Panaka did turned on his heel and marched away. Lash followed but also knew he had an escort of six officers. While another four shadowed him from afar.


    The walk...peaceful. Lash saw many people in the streets and they all smiled and waved at him. He returned the gestures and bowed to a few when he had a moment. He watched the birds fly overhead. They had four wings, white feathers, and long necks like a swans. Apparently they were carnivores! They ate rodents, and small pests. Kept the cities clean because they ate them whole. Fascinating creatures, Lash wanted to touch one to see if he could use his Monster Divine spell to remake them on Gaia.


    Lash entered the palace through a side entrance and stepped into what could easily be described as a weapon detector. It was obviously unnerving because the whole thing scanned him...twice! Not a bleep. Which was funny because Lash knew for a fact that several weapons were integrated into his suit. Happily a young officer supplied an obvious answer. Most refugee ships don''t allow weapons in the main crew area. Lash most likely lost his weapons in the cargo bay. Right you are good sir. That was exactly what happened.


    Next was stairs. So many stairs. The palace was beautiful. Exquisite pieces of stone everywhere they looked. Massive columns made from a single piece of rock. Each pillar, archway, door, was a work of art. A majority of the pieces were hand made. Not replicas to be found. Naboo put a lot of emphasis on their culture, and art pieces and Lash could feel the history as he moved through the palace.


    ¡°This place is amazing.¡± Lash said softly. Captain Panaka smiled at him, as did several other officers.


    Lash was led to a large golden wood finish double door with intricate handles that actually moved with a viewers eye sight. The door itself seem to wiggle, and move as the art was almost life like. The sun was rising and it was dead center in between the two doors. Rays of golden light pushed out with vibrancy across a vast jungle.


    ¡°I''ve never been to Naboo before. What customs and courtesies are there for meeting royalty?¡± Lash asked Captain Panaka.


    ¡°Bow to the Queen. Be polite to her handmaidens. Do not step within ten feet of her. Speak softly, but clearly. Wait to be spoken to, or if you wish to speak freely ask to do so.¡± Captain Panaka went through a few etiquette rules.


    The doors opened and Lash was shown into a tall, but not large room. A grand bay window was behind the throne. The throne itself was a half moon stone seat with intricate carvings inlay. The throne had an almost clam shell cushion seating to it. There sitting in the throne was the Queen who wore the most gaudy outfit Lash had ever seen. The Queen''s hair was a massive sideways mohawke? Brushed, and braided. Oh no! That was just a hat. Her face was painted pale white, with a red brush stroke in the middle of her lips. Her face was frame by a golden hat piece with the central top piece pointing up, and two pieces pointed down along her jaw line. She wore a almost oriental flowing red garb with large billowing sleeves, and pronounced bell like skirt. Her fingernails were painted white, and were tied to the garb by ringlets.


    By her side were four handmaidens. Each one wore a simple but colorful red to gold gown. Flowing sleeves, and hoods that concealed parts of their face. They stood in a circle around the Queen. Lash looked at each of them carefully. While he was doing this, his visor on his mask was pinging faces. An augmented reality ID picture was over Lash''s eyes. As soon as Lash landed in the city his tech-spirits had jumped into the network. He was putting names to faces.


    Rabene Tonsort, Eirtama Ballory, Suyan Higin, and Sashah Adova. Were their birth names. But when they became handmaidens for the Queen they opted to change their names on the official record to create confusion. Tonsort became Rab¨¦, the wardrobe mistress. What a job she must have! Ballory became Eirta¨¦ and was in charge of communications. Higin and Adova became Yan¨¦ and Sach¨¦ respectively, serving as liaison and page, and Tsabin became Sab¨¦, the queen''s closest bodyguard and body double. (Actual cannon)


    Sabe was currently sitting on the throne, posing as the queen. Lash walked into the room on careful foot steps then right before he was about to bow to the queen. He took an immediate right and stopped ten feet in front of Padm¨¦ Amidala Naberrie dressed as a handmaiden. Lash then put a fist above his heart, bowed ninety degrees from his waist counted to three then rose.


    ¡°Thank you for agreeing to meet with me your highness.¡± Lash said, and he absolutely loved that the 4th wall engine didn''t stop him.


    A pin drop silence settled over the throne room. The four handmaidens looked struck dumb. Captain Panaka and his elite security force had their pistols out and pointed at Lash. Padme''s mouth was open so wide Lash could fit all sorts of....Ahem! Lash held perfectly still. Not that he was afraid of blaster fire. But more out of courtesy.


    ¡°I bring bad news. The Trade federation intends to invade Naboo. They are being manipulated by an individual known as Darth Sidious of the Sith.¡± Lash said to her.


    ¡°They wouldn''t dare. The Republic would revoke their trade franchise. They would be finished!¡± Captain Panaka said to him.


    ¡°I think you''ll find that your communications out of the planet are being jammed. The only reason they would do that...¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Padme asked.


    ¡°I''m Lash I''ve been sent here to help.¡± Lash replied...


    Galen

 Chapter 131: Slow or Stop.

    ==============================================================


    ***HR. San Francisco, CA.***


    It was a bright a sunny day in San Fran as the morning air was filled with the promise of opportunity. The few clouds in the sky were pure white and looked like cotton candy. The brilliant shade of blue in the sky almost looked like it was painted by a deity. Pity the landscape didn''t match. San Fran like many major cities was on fire! Entire sections had collapsed from the fighting as military, and JLI teams fought against not only the Brainiac forces. But the few remaining Kryptonian soldiers of Dru-Zod that had not been captured.


    Based with in San Fran was the journeymen/women team of The Titans. Raven, Beast Boy, Artemis, Aqualad, and Aquagirl. They along with several solo operators pushed against the oppressive forces of the invasion. While hundreds of logistical, and auxiliary troops from the Watchtower were ported down. Technomagical Construct Androids that looked humanoid came to the rescue.


    ¡°Azarath Metrion Zinthos.¡± Raven called out as she flew over her team. Dark shadows wrapped around several cyber-slaves and were pulled apart at the seems.


    Raven''s team were held out on the golden gate bridge acting as the last line of defense as civilians escaped across the bridge. Cyber-slaves were swarming the bridge in an effort to claim not only the organics as a type of fuel source, but also the processed metal of the bridge. Artemis was stationed at the toll boot with her bow shots, and trick arrows. She would hit the slaves in their joints, or visor. While Aqualad, and Aquagirl used the nearby water to create animated forms of water to obliterate the slaves. Beast Boy had taken the shape of a large snake creature straight of myth and was transporting civilians across the bridge as quickly as possible they rode on his back.


    ¡°You! Will! Not! Pass!¡± Raven shouted at the slaves and created a dark wave barrier at the edge of the bridge.


    ¡°You totally just Gandalf them!¡± Beast Boy shouted as he reverted back to his default form. Raven rolled her eyes at him, but couldn''t help but smile just a little.


    ¡°Everyone form up!¡± Beast Boy shouted through their comm channel.


    ¡°Artemis how are you doing on arrows?¡± Beast Boy asked.


    Artemis looked a little worn around the edges her light weight exoskeleton suit was colored green a lot like Green Arrows gear. Her armor was burned, and scorched in places. While there was blood in her hair from a head wound. Her quiver was nearly empty as she collapsed her bow and stuck it to her back. She took out a straw from her mask and drank some reserve water.


    ¡°I''m out of trick arrows. So just good ole fashioned titanium tipped razor edge. Which to these things may has well be spit balls.¡± Artemis said through mouthfuls of water.


    ¡°Aqualad, Aquagirl how are you doing on energy?¡± Beast Boy asked them next.


    Aqualad, and Aquagirl both wore spell crafted armor and thread suits to enhance their magic. But they also wore segmented armor. Aqualad was covered in cuts, scrapes, and bruises. While Aquagirl focused on long range water manipulation attacks. Aqualad would do melee. Creating weapons out of water. Once they rallied they both collapsed to their knees and leaned on one another for support.


    ¡°If...If we could sleep for a few days I would be eternally grateful.¡± Aqualad said with a smile.


    ¡°What he means is, give us a few minutes and we''ll be fine.¡± Aquagirl said with a snicker.


    ¡°Raven?¡± Beast Boy asked.


    ¡°I''m fine.¡± Raven replied, and she was too. Her spell threaded armor was in perfect condition. She used her magic to shield her from attack. While she could fly and stay mobile. Thanks to her training, and....Heritage she had a well spring of energy to rely on.


    Six spring rings appeared next to them. Four war droids materialized, along with two boxes of supplies. The droids scurried over to give medical, supplies, and started to set up stationary turrets immune to Brainiac''s Influence. After about an hour another wave of cyber-slaves showed up. They had swarmed several police vehicles and turned them into battering rams.


    ¡°Titans go!¡± Beast Boy shouted as he took the shape T-Rex and stormed the battle line.


    Raven flew into the air and created bolts of darkness in the shape of black feathers. She had met a demigod named Gozith that taught her how to wield such powers. A storm of feathers that blotted out the sun momentarily fell onto the slaves.


    ¡°You just had to say it! Fight in the shade!¡± Beast Boy roared in his T-Rex form. Raven didn''t remember ever saying that? It must be a movie reference.


    ''How strong you''ve become sister.'' -A dark voice whispered in Raven''s ear. She whipped around in shock as she looked across the bridge in confusion.


    ''Father will be pleased.'' -The voice continued, and Raven felt a chill run down her spine.


    ¡°Raven?...Raven!?¡± Artemis shouted at her. Raven pulled her focus back and created a shield for her team mate.


    ¡°Raven? You good?¡± Beast Boy said as he ripped a slave in half with his mighty jaws.


    ¡°Yes....Yes! I''m fine!¡± Raven replied, and went back to work.


    All the while not far from Raven was a shadow that stood out of place. The sun was just starting to rise so the shadows were cast long and pointed west. This shadow went against the grain. The shadow looked humanoid with long arms that ended in claws. The shadow was attached to nothing visible but for a brief moment four gleaming eyes glowed with in the depths of the shadows darkness. The battle continued and the shadow rapidly left the bridge. It had work to do....


    ==============================================================


    ***Rift, Star Wars.***


    (The planet of Coruscant, the Jedi Temple. First day of point of entry.)


    The Jedi Temple also known as the Palace of Jedi. Was a towering structure built on the first level and surface of the city world of Coruscant. It stood over half a mile high, 1,600 ft across. At its base it was a perfect square, but as the design went up. Intricate stone, and steel construction could be seen. Stone carvings of ancient Jedi were kept in perfect condition. While at the top were four prominent towers, with a central tower in the middle. The tops of these towers were observatory rooms with views of the city going for miles.


    Around the temple it self were premier living quarters, training halls, libraries, armories, etc. Everything the Jedi order needed to train, arm, and house their people, servants, and guests. The light side of the force was focused here. Some of the most powerful individuals in the galaxy rested here. The Jedi order worked closely with the senate of the galactic republic. Acting as peace keepers, bodyguards, diplomats, and if need be generals.


    The Jedi Temple could be seen from miles around. It stood tall in view of the public but was always considered a great mystery. Not just anyone could visit the temple. The air space around it was strictly controlled. Guards were placed at every entry point. Guards loyal to the Jedi, and only the Jedi. While surface to air point defense modules were hidden out of plain sight. Inside the temple were grand spacious halls made of stone work, and infused crystals. Any Jedi knight, consular, sentinel, and master could request rooms in the temple it self. Each one would be fully furnished. While often the padawan learners were housed in dorm rooms with their fellow students outside of the temple proper.


    Every day hundreds of Jedi would come and go from the temple. Being dispatched by the council, and the senate to troubled worlds. Or priority missions. Today was no different. Or that was what so many had believed. All at once the Force called out in help. Every padawan, every master, even the force sensitive guards felt a great disturbance in the Force. It was neither benevolent, or malevolent. It was simple a new element. The Force had found, felt, discovered something new. Something they had no idea how to handle. But where was this disturbance?


    As quick as the disturbance came it vanished. The temple was all the buzz with confusion as students asked questions. Masters consulted with each other. The council spent hours in meditation asking the living Force for guidance, and direction towards the disturbance. But the Force had no direction to give. Who, what, and how were quickly lost to the vastness of the tapestry that is the living force. Meditate on this they would. But they must return to their duties.


    ___________________________________________________________________


    (Approximately one day after point of entry)


    The Consular-class Republic Cruiser Radiant VII fell out of hyperspace in the Mid-Rim Territories. In the Chrommell Sector, with in the Naboo System. Naboo orbited their sun, and was the third planet. Surrounding the planet was the Trade Federation fleet. They were legally protesting the taxation of trade routes. Preventing any ships from coming, or going Naboo and several other Mid-Rim Territories, and Outer-Rim Territories. Unfortunately their protest was causing entire planets to starve. Regretfully the Trade Federation was suspected of even firing on ships. Specifically the refugee ship that had crashed into Naboo near the capital of Theed.


    The Consular ship was a long rectangular designed vessel. Two primary engines on the back were connected to the main section of the ship in the shape of triangle. While the ship looked more akin to a red brick in color. It had a few point defense turrets. But what it lacked in offense capabilities it made up for in speed, armor, and shielding. The Cruiser class ship approached the blockade and hailed the ship.


    ¡°With all due respect, the diplomats from the supreme chancellor request to land immediately.¡± The captain, and pilot of the ship said into the comm channel. Viceroy Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation responded.


    The cruiser was permitted to land on the Viceroy''s ship. Two diplomats walked from the ship and were escorted towards a meeting chamber. The diplomats wore long flowing brown robes with hoods that hid their faces, and body features. Once shown to their meeting chamber the droid who had escorted them left. The diplomats uncovered their hoods and looked around.


    ¡°I have a bad feeling about this.¡± The younger of the two said.


    ¡°I feel it as well. Something is on the edge of our awareness. But we mustn''t lose our focus.¡± The older one replied.


    ¡°But Master Yoda said we should be mindful of future?¡± The younger man said.


    ¡°But not at the expense of the moment Obi-Wan Kenobi. Keep yourself focused on the here and now where it should be.¡± The older man said to him.


    ¡°Yes Master Qui-Gonn Jinn.¡± Obi-Wan said with a thoughtful expression.


    Qui-Gonn Jinn was an older human with pale skin, long dirty blond hair with a groomed beard that covered his face. Wisps of gray hair had started to settle in his beard, and along the temples of his head. He had a smooth, confident expression on his face. His blue eyes held wisdom beyond his years that suggested that he knew more than most. But would be happy to share it if only asked. He wore a long brown robe with a hood. Then interweaving of fabric that allowed freedom of movement. Along with a utility belt with this and that. But most importantly on his belt was his light saber.


    By his side was Obi-Wan Kenobi his padawan learner. Obi-Wan was younger than Qui-Gonn by a decade at least. He was shorter than him but not by much. His hair was blond and was cut shot with a tail in the back, and the padawan ceremonial braid past his right ear. He wore the same cloth that his master did. As well as his belt, and light saber of similar design. His expression was caught between eternally optimistic, and wise enough to know that the world doesn''t work that way.


    Qui-Gonn Jin was a Jedi Consular. A consular prized peaceful negotiations, and diplomacy over conflict. Often their lightsabers were green in color, a symbolic gesture. Qui-Gonn was a firm believer in the living force and followed it even at the disagreements of the council. By following the living force Qui-Gonn Jinn was enigmatic in his actions, and beliefs. He was a jedi through, and through. But it was his belief in the potential of people within the Force that would often clash with the council.


    Obi-Wan was a padawan learner or apprentice to the Jedi order. He sought to graduate and join the ranks of Jedi Guardian. Jedi Knights was a rank given to those that had completed their padawan training. Jedi Guardians skills and talents lay in martial combat, and military organization. They made excellent bodyguards, and soldiers in times on conflict. Obi-Wann was on the cusp of graduating and would only be with Qui-Gonn for less than a year as long as the council agreed to let him take his trials....


    More than enough time had passed for the Viceroy to be prepared for the coming discussion yet still they were both told to wait. The service droid returned with prepared drinks and served them both as the two jedi''s discussed the situation with the trade routes. It became clear something was wrong when the Force warned them of danger! Their ship, and its crew were destroyed in the hangar bay. Both jedi pulled their lightsabers free of their belts. But soon found themselves in a room being filled with poison gas.


    It didn''t take long for the two of them to escape the room they were in. Fight there way towards the bridge of the ship. Regretfully they could not capture the Viceroy as they were forced to retreat due to the security droids stationed aboard the vessel. Specifically destroyer droids with shield generators. As they fled through the ship they soon discovered that an invasion army had been stored, and was planning to invade the Naboo. They separated and stowed aboard different vessels. They hoped they would make it in time to rescue the queen and complete their mission.....


    Meanwhile back on Naboo!


    ===========================================================


    (Capital of Naboo, City of Theed)


    The Queen Amidala had done the reasonable thing in her situation. She had requested Lash prove his claims. Thanks to his tech-spirits they had recorded a holographic video message of the Viceroy and his second speaking to a man in shadow named Lord Sidious. However the claim that he was a Sith could not be verified so they took that with a grain of salt. Lash couldn''t blame them, the Sith had not been seen for over a thousand years. Most people didn''t even remember them.


    The communication relays were indeed being jammed. They could contact anyone on planet, and contact the Trade Federation fleet. But anything outside the system they had no contact with. Pointedly they couldn''t contact Coruscant. During this time they had shown Lash to a very nice room with a spectacular view. He spent his entire time in Meditation processing the information he was receiving from his tech-spirits. One of the spirits in question had jumped through the relays and was now surfing through the Trade Federation ships.


    Lash watched in fascination as the Jedi boarded the Viceroy''s ship. Then marveled at their martial prowess. Though he was confused as to why Master Qui-Gonn didn''t just Force crush the destroyers and then get back to the door? Lash was also surprised by the cyber warfare programs aboard the ships. Lash had wanted to overload the federation ships. Or data corrupt the droids but it was surprisingly difficult. Though his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits were getting a lot of experience from the attempts. Along with Connectivity.


    In order to keep up the disguise of a Mandalorian Jedi. Which apparently was incredibly rare! So rare that there had only been one in recorded history. So much for not making a splash. Lash used Telekinesis float in the middle of his given room while he used Meditation. He also lifted several items as well as they slowly revolved around him. Several times security checked in on him and were shocked by the sight. Three other tech-spirits were combing through the Naboo data net learning history, culture, lore, geography, etc.


    His rooms door slid open and one of the handmaidens walked in. Sache the page walked in. Though Lash had his eyes closed his Sensory Awareness kept him aware of his surroundings. Sache stood at approximately 5''2¡± (1.6 m) with short cropped brown hair tied back and under a vibrant red hood. She had a martial arts body type. Hard, compact, flexible muscle. She took her duties as a handmaiden, and bodyguard seriously and trained extensively in close quarters combat, and weapons training.


    Sache came to a stop a few feet from the revolving books, and statues that floated in the air. She kept quiet as she watch Lash float in the middle of the room. Lash continued to wear his armor that covered him from head to toe in his default human shape. One by one the items in question started to be placed in their original position. Then he stretched his legs out and settled down. At that point he bowed from his waist towards her.


    ¡°Lady Sache, how may this one be of service?¡± Lash asked, his accent was better. He spoke trade basic the common language of the galactic republic.


    ¡°She''s asking for you.¡± Sache replied.


    ¡°Will she be on the throne, or in disguise?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Disguise, please keep that to yourself. A majority of the elected officials are not aware of our ruse.¡± Sache replied.


    ¡°As she wishes, please lead the way.¡± Lash agreed and bowed his head. Sache nodded in acceptance turned on her heel and left the room followed closely by Lash.


    Lash was given a four man security team escort. They gave him a wide berth none of them truly believing they could stop him if he truly wanted to hurt any of them. Lash watched with interest as servants were scurrying this way and that through the palace. He glanced out a window and saw the the city of Theed was in the process of being evacuated, smart. Lash took a moment to look at Sache again.


    ¡°You''ve been awake all night?¡± Lash asked softly, Sache glanced at him.


    ¡°Yes, we had to confirm your information.¡± Sache replied.


    ¡°Would you say no to a pick me up?¡± Lash asked, and Sache stopped to look at him with a perplexed expression.


    Lash raised his hands out and gently placed them on her shoulders. She stiffened but did little else. He cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. Lash found that he had to spend nearly triple the amount of magical energy to cast each spell. The midi-chlorians in the air continued to eat his magical energy like the cookie monster does with chocolate chip cookies. A blue and green energy infused into Sache in front of everyone. She let out an audible groan of satisfaction then blushed in embarrassment. The euphoric energy spread throughout her body. Lash also noticed the midi-chlorians within her body doubled in number as they consumed the magical energy. Notes for later.


    ¡°Better?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes, thank you Master Jedi.¡± Sache said and bowed her head. Then without asking Lash did the same for the guards escorting them. Once again the midi-chlorians within their bodies doubled in number. Interesting...


    Lash was once more brought to the grand doors of the shinning sun of Naboo. Sache stepped inside and asked him to wait. So he examined the artwork of the door. He wanted to copy the design and take it back with him to the PR module on the station. Or maybe the embassy module? The guards noticed he was leaning a little close to the door.


    ¡°How do you get it to move?¡± Lash asked, as the radiant sun beams shifted in place.


    ¡°It''s organic paint. Each gram of paint is a tiny plant that shifts, and moves to collect energy.¡± One of the guards replied.


    ¡°That is pretty clever.¡± Lash said with a smile that they could hear in his voice. As Lash inspected the paint and saw that when the sun hit it, the paint became that much more active.


    The doors opened up just as Lash was about to scrape some off and he quickly tucked his hands away. Sache looked him over with a smile tugging on her lips. Though she quickly schooled her expression when one of the security guards cleared their throat. Though they all had a smile on their face. Watching a Jedi marvel at their art was an ego booster.


    Lash was led into the throne room. With the radiant morning sun casting the whole room in a brilliant glow. Lash came to see the Queen wearing a gaudy black raven feathered color dress. A head dress that created an almost fan like appearance. With artful strips of cloth torn, and ripped up and down her gown. With silver, and gold embroidery. A decorative belt around her waist, its tail draped down the middle. Her hands covered in stretched out embroidered lace. Along with a painted white face.


    Lash took a deep breath and held back any unnecessary comments as he looked around the room. Sache joined the retinue of handmaidens. He saw Padme sitting off to the side, she glanced at him then focused on the meeting. The elected officials were an eclectic collection of young or old. As in teenagers versus mid sixties. Not a soul in mid thirties. Lash stopped ten feet from the queen apparent and bowed with a hand over his heart.


    ¡°Master Jedi Lash, thank you for coming. We''ve reviewed your information and have come to agree that yes we are being invaded.¡± An older man said to him, who was named Sio Bibble.


    Sio Bibble was the royal advisor and elected official. He had a grandfather appeal with his long gray hair, and beard. He wore long flowing robes in tones of purple, gold, and silver. With a decorative belt with a simple design. That he often would play his fingers across with fondness. Possibly a gift from a child? Or young artist, or both! He stood when he spoke to Lash.


    ¡°We''ve taken steps to evacuate the capital as it seems likely that the invasion force will try and seize control of Theed. Wishfully our people follow the path of pacifism. Many will surrender and give up without fight. Captain Panaka?¡± Sio Bibble said, and directed towards the Captain.


    ¡°We have a few hundred volunteer police forces willing to fight. But we are not trained, or equipped to face off a battle hardened army. Do you have any suggestions for us?¡± Panaka asked, Lash glanced at the ''Queen'' and she nodded at him to speak.


    ¡°Naturally when fighting a superior force one would use the natural terrain to fight in skirmishes and attack supply lines. This is your home. Use that to your advantage. B1 battle droids are very versatile. A simple software update and they can be ready for combat in urban zones, or jungle. But at the end of the day they are droids with simple VI algorithms. In fact most of the B1 droids do not even house their main processing units on them. The Trade Federation has a control ship.¡± Lash said, and offered to display the information from a holographic from his suit.


    Lash went over the specific designs, strengths, and weakness in each battle droid unit. Surprisingly enough enough if captured by the droids you could even cause them to shut down if you spoke in riddles, and word problems. As their processing unit would automatically try to make sense of what you were saying. If you get creative they start to skip, and may even shut down.


    ¡°One of the most important details I can give to your people that choose to surrender is this. Do not hold anything in their hands when they do. The battle droids have a program error code that identifies anything being held as a weapon. So even if its a bag, food, or a child. The droids will associate it with a weapon and fire.¡± Lash said at the end of his mini briefing.


    ¡°Last but not least, what are the leaders of your people planning to do?¡± Lash asked the room. Not just the Queen, but the elected officials.


    ¡°We will not run and hide. We will stay and prove our way of life is not so easily broken. We sent word to the senate before the communications disruption. The republic is on their way. We only need to wait.¡± The Queen said, her voice filled with firm belief in her words.


    ¡°It will take months for them to get here. The Trade Federation has several people in their pockets. Officials in the republic have been corrupt for decades. The senate will break down into procedure. The embassy of the Trade Federation will demand an official inquiry into the matter which will takes weeks. The investigation team will come here. Speak to the Viceroy, take a bribe and declare the whole situation a miss understanding.¡± Lash said, and spelled it out to all of them.


    ¡°At which case the Viceroy will force you to sign a treaty making this whole invasion legal. Then Naboo will come under the control of the Federation. You need to force the issue. I''m sorry to say but your highness you need to go to Coruscant directly and plead your case to them.¡± Lash continued to say, then took a moment to let his words be processed by the room.


    ¡°How will the Queen''s arrival make any difference? They''ll demand proof. It''s our word, against theirs.¡± Another young official stated.


    ¡°I have the entire holographic recording of the refugee ship coming out of hyperspace and being fired upon. I have the video evidence of the Viceroy speaking to Lord Sidious about the blockade, and how he is manipulating the senate. The Queen can take this evidence to the senate. Then once the chancellors diplomats arrive you can leave with them.¡± Lash said next, but everyone focused on the chancellors diplomats.


    ¡°Wait! Where are the chancellors diplomats?¡± Sio Bibble asked.


    ¡°They boarded the Viceroy''s ship approximately three hours ago. Their ship was destroyed in dock and the diplomats were nearly killed by the droid army. Thankfully the diplomats were Jedi sent in secret by the chancellor. Regretfully they had to board the invasion craft to come to the planet''s surface. By the way the droid army as broken the atmosphere. They''ll be here within the hour.¡± Lash said, and produced another holographic video of Qui-Gonn, and Obi-Wan fighting aboard the ship.


    ¡°How do you have this information?¡± Captain Panaka asked.


    ¡°I hacked their security firewall. That''s what I''ve been doing in my room this whole time.¡± Lash replied nonchalantly.


    ¡°You said we should leave with them, are you not coming with us Master Lash?¡± The Queen asked.


    ¡°No my mission is to see you safely off world. Then I am to stay and help the resistance fight off the invasion.¡± Lash replied. The Queen looked towards Sache and raised one of her fingers. Sache stood and walked towards Lash to hand him something.


    ¡°This is a Queens command token. Show it to any soldier, officer, and warden. They will grant you what ever help they can offer.¡± The Queen said.


    Lash took the coin in hand. On one side it had the Naboo shinning sun just like the door. On the other it had the three moons of Naboo on the back. Along the edge was intricate letter carvings in ancient elder. Lash carefully pocketed the item, but in reality sent it to his Storage space. Just in time for the piercing hawk sound of a vulture droid starfighter to zip past the window. They were here.


    ¡°You need to hide. I have a program in your security system. Sorry Captain.¡± Lash said, and apologized to Panaka for hacking their security. ¡°Once the Jedi show up I''ll have the program direct you, and them together.¡± Lash said then turned on his heel towards the door.


    ¡°What will you do?¡± The Queen asked. Lash turned to look back at her.


    ¡°I''m going to stop the ground troops at the gate.¡± Lash said then quickly jogged out of the throne room.


    ____________________________________________________________________


    Variable Geometry Self-Propelled Battle Droid, Mark I aka Vulture droids. Were a droid starfighter varient. They had a central disk that connected their two weapon wings, and the ''head'' was centered on the disk. The wings housed four blaster cannons, two energy torpedo launchers. While the central disk house an additional unite of blaster cannons, and a integrated droid brain in the central housing unit.


    The Vulture droids could land and their wings were separate into walker legs. This allowed the Vulture droids to become mobile walking platforms for patrols on the ground. They could also carry a limited number of troops on their central disk when level. The Vulture droid starfighters were very mobile in both atmospherics, and vacuum battle theaters. Able to make maneuvers that would kill organic pilots. But like all battle droids of the Star Wars universe they were simple VI creations with no ability to adapt, or innovate. Dozens of these starfighters currently flew over the capital of Theed. As advanced scouts.


    Lash cast Cat''s Grace, and Acceleration on himself and bolted out of the palace in combination with Superhuman Speed. He went from zero to hundred mph in less then ten seconds. He ran straight towards the main gates of Theed. Even from this distance he could see the long line of droid transport vessels, tanks, and troops headed towards the capital.


    The few civilians that had decided to stay quickly got out of sight as an alarm went through the city. Children pointed at the flying robots as parents picked them up and scurried away to their homes. Less than half had stayed behind. Hopefully they wouldn''t regret that decision. Lash''s tech-spirits caught sight of Qui-Gonn, and Obi-Wan on the other side of the planet. In the movie universe they had to travel through the planet''s core in a Gungen transport. Lash had really hoped they didn''t need to do that here.


    ¡°Master Jedi!¡± A security officer shouted at him as he reached the front gates in record time.


    ¡°You are going to want to leave. This is going to be dangerous.¡± Lash told the officer as he watched thousands of droids head towards their direction.


    ¡°No! I''ll stay and defend my home.¡± The officer replied and took up a position at the gate house.


    The gate house was a lot like the rest of the city of Theed. Really pretty, with round edges, and roof tops. An actual crossbar metal grid gate, and tall double wide wooden doors that would do absolutely nothing to resist blaster fire. The guard went to the top of the gate and took up a sniper position on the ramparts. Lash knelt down and closed his eyes and whispered under his breath.


    ¡°Dawn, may I please quickly look at Telekinesis in the Dream Store?¡± Lash asked under his breath. Then an invisible to the naked eye store book appeared for him.


    Attention User! You have purchased Master Telekinesis for 2,000 DP, and 100 AEP.


    Congratulations User! Advanced Telekinesis has evolved into Expert....Master Telekinesis.


    Effect: Dramatic decrease to energy consumption.


    Effect: Dramatic increase to range.


    Effect: Dramatic increase to level of manipulation.


    Effect: If the User can see it they can manipulate it. If the User can visualize it they can manipulate it. (Greater the distance the more energy required.)


    Sub-Ability, Force Manipulation.


    Force Manipulation: The User can manipulate both natural and uncommon forces that can grant incredible powers of both natural and supernatural to the User beyond that of themselves. Granting them power not only over themselves, but others.


    ¡°Thank you Dawn.¡± Lash said softly as he closed the store book and slowly stood up. He took a deep breath and gazed out across the approaching army.


    Lash looked up and saw a giant duel wing C-9979 landing craft. It was considered a heavy transport in the Trade Federation tools. It was a mobile command station capable of housing tanks, multi-troop housing units, and a plethora of supplies. Its massive wings stretched out from the main cargo container. It flew overhead just above the marching line of droids. Bad move.


    Lash reached out with Master Telekinesis and felt his energy levels drop. Like an eagle talon Lash took hold of the ship that was easily several miles away in the air. An invisible tether linked them together and hundreds of thousands of midi-chlorians in the air danced in joy as they gobbled up the ambient energy. Lash pulled down and the transport vessel broke its own engines attempting to stay afloat. It came crashing down on the long line of the droid army. A ground shaking impact was soon followed by a small mushroom cloud. The entire outer perimeter of the city shook.


    ¡°Master Jedi was that you!?¡± The officer shouted. Lash saw that his energy bar went down to 50% but was quickly refilling.


    ¡°Yes....That was me.¡± Lash replied as the dust cloud rushed towards them. The security officer cheered. More than half of the approaching army had been decimated. Wistfully the reprieve could not last as the Vulture scouts ships started to fire on their position.


    ¡°Annoying flies...¡± Lash said as he once reached out into the sky. Swatting them down with ease.


    ============================================================


    (City of Theed royal palace)


    The elected officials, and the Queen watched in horror and fascination as the transport vessel was plucked from the sky and brought to ruin into the approaching army. The earth shattering quake was felt even in the royal halls. Queen Padm¨¦ Amidala Naberrie stood in secret as a handmaiden gasped softly. At the sight of ground transports being tossed around like a childs play thing. She like so many others had heard stories of the Jedi. How they were masters of the martial arts, capable of wielding the strange power known only as The Force. But never in her wildest dreams did she imagine a Jedi could do such a thing.


    ¡°As fascinating as his spectacle is your highness we must do as he suggest and get to a safe house. What ever program he uploaded into our system is already guiding us away. Hundreds of battle droids have infiltrated through the alternate gates into our city. We must leave.¡± Captain Panaka said to the room.


    ¡°Yes of course, lead the way.¡± The Queen (Handmaiden) said to the Captain and they were off. Another small earthquake shook the royal palace. They passed by a window and saw another transport vessel had been crushed in mid air and its debris was falling.


    ____________________________________________________


    The few remaining civilians with in the city, and the volunteer police force watched in shock as the droid army invaded through the auxiliary gates. They stormed each house, and cleared every room. Soon the civilians that stayed behind were rounded up and were escorted to internment camps hastily constructed within the city. Armored Assault Tank Mk I hovered through the city streets. Their turret heavy mounted laser cannon swiveled back and forth checking between alleyways.


    The tank itself had an almost insect like appearance due to its creators being...Well insect humanoids. The armor plating looked like chitin. While the primary turret, and side turrets gave it an almost scorpion embellishment, or perhaps a crustacean would be a more apt description. Its lower deck was a half disk like a horseshoe crab. Along its edge were six hull mounted energy cannons. It housed 4 crew minimal crew members with the cargo space of 10.


    Walking side by side with the hover tanks were the B1 ¨C Battle Droids. Based on a lose humanoid skeleton structure. They had two legs, two arms, and a single head. Three fingers on each hand, and a boot like foot. A spinal column ran from their pelvic support unit up through their chest, and battery pack. To the neck, and main processing unit in their skull. The skull was rectangular with round edges. Their eyes were visor slots in the shape of circles. They walked with a jittery gait. They came in colors! Yellow stood for commander, red stood for security, blue was for pilot or a technician aboard a ship. Green stood for the pilots, and drivers for land oriented vehicles.....


    As the sun rose to the midday zenith. The oppressive heat, and humidity bore down on the people of Theed. Something was in the air and caused many people to be worn out without doing any real activity to warrant such a reaction. Everyone few minutes explosions could be heard from across the city. Blissfully there no more heavy transport vessels in the skies. The Trade Federation seem to learn quickly it was a bad idea to do so. So now they were landing outside the city and sending their troops in from all angles.


    In one of the water canals in the city a gungan transport erupted from the water. Its shield pulled back to reveal two jedi, and a gungan. Qui-Gonn Jinn, and Obi-Wan Kenobi glance around and feel a disturbance in the force. Explosions sound out in the distance, and ruined husks of transport vessels, and tanks littered the outside edge of the city.


    ¡°The people of Naboo are putting up a better fight that I imagined.¡± Kenobi said as he guided the transport towards the dock.


    Jinn looked up at the sky and watched a Vulture droid get swatted from the sky. No blaster fire. No missiles. It looked like something had swung its hand at it. Jar Jar Binks flops out of the transport and stumbles around only to fall back into the canal. Jinn rolled his eyes in annoyance. Even his patience was not with out limit.


    ¡°Oooo! What''s that!?¡± Jar Jar asked as he pointed at an object flying through the air.


    ¡°That is a hover tank. Take cover!¡± Jinn shouted and pulled Jar Jar to his feet and out of the way. Kenobi right behind as the take was landed in the canal with tremendous splash!


    ¡°Master look! It''s entire left side has been caved in. Like something hit.¡± Kenobi said as he pointed out the damage.


    ¡°Hello Master Jinn, Hello Master Kenobi, Jar Jar. Welcome to Theed.¡± An intercom relay chirped at them in a synthetic voice.


    ¡°Hello! Who sa are you sa?¡± Jar Jar asked the relay.


    ¡°I am a virtual intelligence program assisting my creator. He is currently preoccupied with fighting the droid army in the city. However, if you will follow my instructions I will lead you to the Queen and her guard.¡± The voice replied.


    ¡°Who is your creator?¡± Jinn asked the voice as they looked around the promenade.


    ¡°The Mandalorian known as Lash.¡± The voice''s answer surprised Jinn, and Kenobi both.


    ¡°Mandalorian?¡± Kenobi asked his thoughts momentarily think back to his time on Mandalor and a beautiful girl he knew.


    ¡°Whaaoho!¡± Jar Jar shouted and pointed at a heavy transport vessel that didn''t get the message. Jinn, and Kenobi watched in shock as the vessel was pulled down from the sky. There was no mistake in their minds. Another Jedi was on Naboo, a powerful one.


    ¡°Is your creator working with the Jedi master?¡± Kenobi asked the voice there was long pregnant pause.


    ¡°...Yes...Yes he is.¡± The voice said. ¡°I apologize for the longer than intended delay, I am currently processing several tasks.¡±


    ¡°Please lead the way then.¡± Jinn accepted the excuse. Soon another relay was highlighted down the street with a green light. The trio started moving through the city as quickly, and safely as possible.


    ==============================================================


    (City streets of Theed.)


    Lash sprinted down the street with twin red Psionic daggers in hand. Behind were dozens of police all with Cat''s Grace cast on them. Thanks to the midi-chlorians the spell only lasted half the time. But it was enough for them to keep up with him. He dodged a heavy blaster fire from a tank. Then reached out and flipped the tank with Telekinesis catapulting it up and out of the city. Then Lash jumped forward and bisected a battle droid. Then spun like a top as he danced through a crowd of machines.


    Lash was noticing a great deal of coordination in the battle droids. Unlike their depiction in the movies, and animation. The droids had great reaction time. If a single droid was shot. Every droid within the collective processing center aboard the droid control ship would know about it. Take one down, and dozens more would show up! Lash took a moment to listen to a report from a tech-spirit and he laughed a little.


    ¡°The chancellors diplomats have arrived in the city. They are headed toward the Queen. Let''s make some noise on the other side of the city to draw the droids attention!¡± Lash called out and the resistance forces with him cheered.


    Lash dismissed his Psionic daggers. He made a show of sheathing his blades for appearance sake. Then his right forearm cannon popped up and he started to use precision shots on any droids they encountered. A Vulture droid flew overhead and Lash''s shoulder mounted cannon formed up and shot a Eldritch Blast at it. The red energy burst trailed after it and shot it out of the sky.


    ¡°Master Jedi! Another heavy transport has been spotted near the canals!¡± One of the officers shouted.


    Lash climbed a nearby three story building to get a better view. Then saw the ship way in the distance. Well outside the city but could still be seen with his augmented visor. If it could be seen, it could be manipulated. Lash reached out with Telekinesis and he felt his energy dip dramatically. So he broke off two wings and watched the transport fall.


    ¡°Any captured civilians?¡± Lash asked as he jumped off the building and landed back with the resistance fighters.


    ¡°A festival square a half mile from here is being used as gathering point.¡± A fighter replied.


    ¡°Let''s head that way!¡± Lash said and the group moved from street corner to street corner.


    Urban combat scenarios were incredibly dangerous. Any street, any alleyway, was a potential ambush point. Gratefully two of Lash''s tech-spirits were tied into the resistance communication line. They were advising on battle droid patrols, deployments, and alternate routes through the city. Lash''s new ability Master Map was being updated in real time with IFF markers. He copied the visual overlay and sent it to the resistance fighters. He had taken the time to create simple wrap around lenses for the crew so they could see an augmented reality UI.


    Thanks to Cat''s Grace the resistance fighters climbed buildings, and jumped from rooftops to rooftops with ease. Lash''s long lost friend Parkour was getting some much needed experience. They climbed one large building and took cover. Lash and a lieutenant came to a rooftops edge and looked over. Anything they saw was sent back to their team.


    The festival square was packed filled with hundreds of civilians who had been captured. Dozens were injured, while dozens more had been shot and killed for seemingly no reason. The resistance fighters ground their molars in frustration. Lash marked several rooftops and the lieutenant ordered their troops to move into position. Two hover tanks were stationed in the square, thankfully they pointed out and away from the prisoners.


    ¡°I''m going to crush the tanks. Once they are out of the picture move in.¡± Lash relayed his orders and he got confirmation lights from the soldiers.


    Lash hid behind the wall and closed his eyes. He focused his perception and visualized the tanks. What they looked like? Where they were located? How far were they? Then he reached out and applied his Telekinesis. The two hover tanks were crushed like empty soda cans. The resistance fighters popped out from cover and blasted the droids. Lash jumped from the rooftop and created his red Psionic daggers then sprinted towards the remaining droids. He played the part and used Deflection in tandem with his weapon swings. Blaster bolts were sent back to their users. Within in moments the droids were dispatched.


    ''Creator, the Jedi have found the Queen. But a large detachment of Droids are moving in on their position.'' -A tech-spirit said to him through their link.


    ¡°Lieutenant! The Queen is in trouble I''m moving to assist. Get these people to the evacuation point. I''ll be in touch, understood?¡± Lash said to the officer who nodded.


    ¡°May the Force be with you Master Jedi!¡± The officer shouted, and the civilians cheered as he sprinted off.


    ¡°No worries about that.¡± Lash muttered as he flipped through his Magical Perception and saw a swarm of midi-Chlorians chasing after him like a horde of seagulls at the beach during lunch.


    Lash reapplied Cat''s Grace, Acceleration, and ensured Superhuman Speed was active. Then he cast Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon. As he faded from sight and sprinted down the road with all due haste. The tech-spirit assigned to aid the Queens group was leading around the droid units as best they could but...Fuck! Lash was going to kill Jar Jar as the idiot tripped over his own feet and pushed a vase over. The resulting crash alerted the droids.


    Lash jumped over walls, ran along rooftops. Over entire streets. All the while he stayed in his default shape. Some instinct told him that taking on his Transformation or even Shape Shifting to Saurian would bring unnecessary attention to him. So he would save that for a trump card later. Lash jumped off a high rise and activated Falling Glide and soared over the major intersection straight into an open battle. Over a hundred droids swarmed the location with the Queen. Her security were popping up and down to shoot off bolts. While the Jedi bounced between offense and defense.


    ¡°Incoming!¡± Lash shouted as he glided down and pulled his daggers out. Then went to town on the battle droids.


    Lash attacked their rear flank and pulled attention to himself by stepping out of cover. He jumped from target to target never taking more than a second to dispatch a single unit. With his arrival Jinn, and Kenobi rushed out of cover and wielded their lightsabers like dancers. Wide open swings, spinning bodies, and flowing robes. The Queen''s security began to fire back in earnest and soon with in minutes the battle was concluded. Lash put his daggers away and made a bee line for Jar Jar. The gungan seem to realize something was wrong because he tried to run. Lash snagged him by his neck and planted him into a wall and screamed at him.


    ¡°Give me one reason why I shouldn''t rip you limb from limb!?¡± Lash roared at him, then pointed with his free hand at the dead bodies of the Queens security team. ¡°These men are dead because you couldn''t watch where you were going!¡±


    ¡°I...geee....sor...rry.¡± Jar Jar choked an apology as his eyes went wide and he scrambled for purchase against the wall. His feet dangled off the ground.


    ¡°Master please put him down! He''s an innocent.¡± Jinn spoke softly, but quickly as he approached Lash. His hands up in pacification, his saber sheathed on his belt.


    Lash tossed Jar Jar to Jinn''s feet while electricity danced along his armor. Jar Jar scrambled behind Jinn and cowered in place. Kenobi had sheathed his saber and was looking at his master Qui-Gonn Jinn then looked at Lash trying to place him. Neither Jinn, or Kenobi had any idea who Lash was. But the Queen had spoken about him at length. Jinn kept his focus on Lash as he took several measured breaths.


    ¡°Master Qui-Gonn Jinn, Padawan learner Obi-Wan Kenobi. Welcome to Naboo. I''m sorry for showing you something so unsightly.¡± Lash said and bowed his head towards them. Everyone took a collected breath.


    For that brief terrifying moment everyone felt like a predator had revealed themselves. Some primitive portion in the back of their minds told them to run. Run and hide! That feeling came from Lash, as he looked more than willing to rip Jar Jar to pieces. More than a few of the security guards felt it would be justified. Their friends had died because of an idiotic mistake. But no, that was not the Naboo way.


    ¡°Attention! Another patrol is headed this way. Please follow the markers to the royal hanger.¡± A friendly synthetic voiced chirped at them. The group looked to move and Jinn glanced at Lash.


    ¡°Go, I''ll control my anger. It''s been a long day. Meditation would normally be in order but I don''t believe I''ll be seeing that anytime soon.¡± Lash replied, and Jinn nodded in acceptance. Jar Jar did his absolute best to stay well away from Lash.


    Lash cast a wide area of effect Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon on the whole group. Everyone looked around in confusion as they became partially see through. There footsteps made no noise, and more than once battle droids overlooked them. Jinn, and Kenobi both looked astonished. They knew of no Jedi, nor had they never known the Force capable of hiding people in plain sight. They passed through the palace auxiliary passages with ease. But once they reached the hangar the spell had worn off.


    The hangar was filled to the brim with security droids, droideka (destroyers), and Naboo royal guard pilots, and escorts. ¡°This is complicated.¡± Qui-Gonn Jinn spoke softly.


    ¡°I''ll handle it.¡± Lash said as he walked past the group into the room. Several people made motion to grab him but they were to slow.


    ¡°Excuse me! May I have your attention?¡± Lash asked the droids as they all turned to look at him. ¡°I want you all to pay attention to my right hand. Notice how I have no weapon.¡±


    Lash raised his hand up. Several destroyers began to shuffle towards him. A few of the royal pilots looked at him in hope. Then Lash snapped his fingers. He created a localized EMP burst. The ships in the hanger were shielded and were in no threat of shorting. The droids however began to go into a seizing fits and collapsed on the ground. Lash looked around with a satisfied expression of body language. Still covered head to toe in his armor.


    ¡°We are clear!¡± Lash called back, and the Queen''s guard entered the room.


    ¡°Localized EMP built into the gauntlet. Ships are shielded so there was no worry.¡± Lash explained and a look of understanding went across their faces.


    ¡°Your a Jedi Sentinel.¡± Kenobi stated instead of asking a question. Lash shrugged at him neither confirming, nor denying.


    Jedi Sentinels sought balance between the disciplines of Consular, and Guardian. However, they understood the limitation of only relying on the Force to accomplish a mission. If the three different Jedi disciplines came upon a lock door. The Consular would knock. The Guardian would break the door down. The Sentinel would take out a lock pick. Sentinels were often seen in armor, using blasters, alongside their lightsabers. They also tended to dislike the quiet of a temple and preferred to be in the thick of things.


    ¡°Master Lash, thank you. I have a request.¡± The Queen (Handmaiden) approached him. Lash bowed from his waist. But he made a note to glance at Padme who looked his way in recognition.


    ¡°I request you take Sache, and Yane with you. They will act as my voice while I am away. Having them with you will ensure that you are not denied by the police force.¡± The Queen said, and the two chosen handmaidens stepped forward.


    ¡°OK.¡± Lash said, and apparently his easy going agreement was a surprise.


    ¡°You are not coming with us, Master Lash?¡± Jinn asked.


    ¡°That''s not my mission. I''m to work with the resistance and hold the ground until you return with reinforcements.¡± Lash replied, and Jinn nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Well we should hurry. May the Force be with you Master Lash.¡± Jinn said with a bow that Kenobi mirrored. But Lash snagged both of them as the rest of the group began to board the royal yacht.


    ¡°Master Jinn, Master Kenobi. Don''t be surprised if the Jedi council doesn''t know who I am. It''s been decades since I''ve been back and we didn''t leave on the best of terms. As far as I know I was removed from record.¡± Lash said to them and clear surprise was written on their faces.


    ¡°Why?¡± Kenobi asked.


    ¡°Do you know what a Gray Jedi is?¡± Lash asked, and Kenobi looked confused but Jinn and a look of understanding. Figures he would know what they are.


    ¡°You were exiled, but you still follow the path of the Jedi.¡± Jinn said, and also educated his padawan. Well that is technically one of the versions of Gray Jedi. So Jinn wasn''t technically wrong.


    ¡°Another note before you leave. When it happens look for a young human boy. Maybe ten years old, blond hair, blue eyes. He''ll help you.... You''ll understand when it happens.¡± Lash gave them a cryptic message.


    ¡°The followers of the living force can be both confusing and mysterious.¡± Lash said with a chuckle. Jinn smiled at him and settled his hand on Lash shoulder.


    ¡°A trait my Master also keeps close to his heart.¡± Kenobi said and snickered when Jinn gave him a bemused expression.


    The royal yacht flew off into the distance and with a resounding boom left the atmosphere. Hopefully it would all happen as it was suppose too. Lash glanced at Sache, and Yane who looked at him in expectation. He turned around and bowed to them both. Then recast Nature''s Passage and Chameleon. Then they made their way back into the city. The lieutenant and moved the rescued civilians out of the city. According to the tech-spirits the capital of Theed was empty of people. Time to visit the gungans.


    ===========================================================


    (Trade Federation Viceroy''s ship)


    Nute Gunray was a Neimoidian male who served as the Viceroy of the Trade Federation. He stood at approximately 6''3¡± with green skin, and red compound eyes. Nute had done very well for himself. This was emphasized by his peoples natural ability to have their skin sag off their bones, and muscles. The sacks contained fat tissue. Despite his appearance he was considered rather attractive to his people. By way of prestige more than looks. He looked that way because he was successful. Nute wasn''t feeling very successful right now.


    The Viceroy and the Trade Federation had made a bargain with Lord Sidious. Something that Nute was regretting now. They had blockaded Naboo, and sent their droid army to capture not only the planet but also the capital of Theed. Their ultimate prize, the Queen herself. That... That had not gone as planned. The Viceroy had received reports from the droid commanders that they had met fierce resistance in the city of Theed. Entire heavy transport vessels were pulled from the sky by what they could only assume was a Master Jedi already on the planets surface.


    To add suffering to his already preexisting failure. They had not only not captured the Queen. The Queen''s royal starship had broken past the blockade. They could only assume that she escaped aboard the ship and were on their way to Coruscant to report the Federations illegal invasion. The Viceroy currently paced back and forth in the meeting room with one of his bridge officers. He kept smoothing out his ceremonial garb. A long flowing red state gown with intricate designs along the collar, cuffs, and belt line. His stately hat looked like three feathers sticking straight up but the hat left his scalp exposed.


    ¡°Report...¡± Darth Sidious hologram image appeared sitting in the chair at the head of the table. The time had come.


    ¡°H-Hello Lord Sidious. We...We are experiencing fierce resistance on the planet. Especially at the planet capital of Theed. It appears a M-Master Jedi was already on world and is leading the royal security forces in their defense.¡± Viecroy Nute said to the hologram.


    Lord''s Sidious hologram was that of a humanoid male sitting in a simple, yet detailed black robe with a hood. Only the lower half of his face was visible. While a clasp was seen that connected the hood, and robe together. The clasp itself was intricate with almost lifelike quality. Despite the hologram the oppressive force from Lord Sidious almost made the Viceroy and his second feel as they were suffocating.


    ¡°And Queen Amidala?¡± Lord Sidious asked.


    ¡°Our forces could not secure her in the city. A... A transport designated as the Q-Queen''s royal starship was able to get past our blockade.¡± The Viceroy continued, and flinched as the Lord Sidious snarled and the oppressive force filled the room.


    ¡°I want the treaty signed!¡± Lord Sidious snarled at them.


    ¡°B-But my lord. It''s out of our range. Its impossible to track.¡± The Viceroy replied.


    ¡°Not for the Sith!¡± Lord Sidious said and next to his hologram another figure stepped into view.


    The figure stood at approximately 5''7¡± wrapped in the same simple but yet detailed black robes. However unlike Lord Sidious, the figures cloth seemed designed around freedom of movement. Where Sidious was thin, the figure was muscular. His face had intricate red, and black markings fitting of his race of Dathomirians. With a crown of short stubby horns. With intense yellow red eyes filled with seething anger that could be felt through the hologram.


    ¡°This is my apprentice, Darth Maul. He will find your missing ship. Now focus your efforts on quelling the resistance.¡± Lord Sidious said with finality and the transmission ended.


    ¡°Y-Yes...My Lord.¡± The Viceroy said with nervous tension then as soon as the holo - message was complete he breathed a sigh of release.


    ¡°Now there are two of them?¡± Viceroy''s second asked.


    ¡°It''s too late now. We''ll have to see this through to the end. Send the second wave immediately.¡± The Viceroy ordered.


    =============================================================


    (Queen''s royal starship.)


    Obi-Wan Kenobi was aboard the Queen''s royal starship. They were on their way to Tatooine. Their hyperdrive was damaged in the escape from Naboo. Kenobi was not looking forward to staying on Tatooine. He could not help but feel they needed to travel to Coruscant as quickly as possible so they could return to help their fellow Jedi who stayed behind on Naboo. But as his master always told him. While on mission focus on the here and now. So he made his way to the galley to make tea for himself and his master.


    Kenobi stepped into the galley and marveled at the extravagance of the ship. The Queens starship was 75 meters (246 ft) from stem to stern. With space for the crew, guests, and chambers for the queen herself. Along with every amenity available to them. Kenobi walked across the room and stopped in mild surprise. Down the floor, off and out of the way was Jar Jar Binks. Jar Jar had been quiet since leaving Naboo. Out of the way, kept silent, and was barely seen. Kenobi had to admit that he preferred this version of Jar Jar. But he could feel the anguish the gungan was feeling.


    Jar Jar Binks stood at approximately 6''5¡± with a red skin tone that gradually lightened into a pale pastel white. Gungans were a amphibious sapient species. Their long limbs, and webbed feet and hands helped them swim. They had a bill like mouth, flexible tongues, and short eye stocks. Their ears were long, and fin like which helped them not only hear, but helped them feel the current of the water. Jar Jar wore a weaved vest, and pants and little else.


    ¡°Jar Jar?¡± Kenobi called him and Jar Jar looked up and curled up into a ball.


    ¡°M-My didn''t do nothin! My in da way?¡± Jar Jar asked, as he looked alarmed. Kenobi frowned and could feel the gungan''s sadness. Against Kenobi''s better judgment he walked over and sat down next to him.


    ¡°Jar Jar you mustn''t take what Master Lash to heart. Battle does strange things to people, even Jedi.¡± Kenobi said softly as he tried to comfort him. Jar Jar wrapped his arms around himself.


    ¡°Me sah not mean ta be clumsy. Born like this.¡± Jar Jar said as his eye stocks fell in sadness.


    ¡°If your willing, I could teach you a Jedi trick to help you keep your balance.¡± Kenobi said, and Jar Jar became very animated.


    ¡°Me sah wont be clumsy!?¡± Jar Jar asked, and Kenobi suddenly regretted his words.


    ¡°It will take time, Jar Jar. But if you practice everyday you can overcome your lack of awareness.¡± Kenobi said, and offered his hand to the gungan.


    ________________________________________


    Qui-Gonn Jinn was currently sitting in meditation aboard the Queen''s royal starship. He opened his eyes and glanced at the clock and realized that Obi-Wan had been far longer than he needed to make tea. Something must have happened to grab his attention. Jinn leaned back in his seat and thought over what had happened.


    The Jedi Council had dispatched them both to pose as diplomats of the supreme chancellor. They traveled to the blockade around Naboo. While aboard the Viceroy''s ship the Jedi''s political ship had been destroyed, along with its crew. Jinn, and Kenobi had tried to take the bridge of the Viceroy''s ship were inevitably had to flee. There on the Viceroy''s ship did they discover a droid invasion army. Jinn, and Kenobi separated and traveled down to the surface. Where Jinn accidentally met Jar Jar Binks. As annoying as the gungan was, without his help they never would have found the gungan city of Otoh Gunga.


    Jinn smiled slightly as he realized that even the most insignificant creatures can play a part in the tapestry of the living Force. There was no mistake in Jinn''s mind that the Force had guided Jinn, and Jar Jar together. Thank''s to Jar Jar they met with Rugor Nass and obtained a transport to arrive at Naboo''s capital in a timely manner. What Jinn had not expected was to find an exiled Jedi Master already in the city helping to fight the droid army.


    From what Jinn understood from the tales from the royal security aboard the starship with them. Master Lash had arrived with a refugee ship that had been shot when they tried to enter Naboo''s airspace. The Trade Federation fired on an unarmed refugee ship! That alone would bring disfavor in the galactic republic. Lash had piloted the refugee ship into the atmosphere and though one thousand refugee''s had been on the ship. Thanks to Lash he saved just over a hundred. A tragedy, but it could have also been a total loss.


    However, there is even more confusion. The royal security forces had obtained the ships holo-recorder from the crash site. There had been no record of Master Lash boarding the refugee ship that left Coruscant. No video, no survivor account of his arrival. As far as anyone knew he simply appeared on the ship. That was cause for concern. Lash claimed to be a follower of the living Force. But when Jinn was next to him. He felt as if Lash wasn''t even real? Jinn could feel the Force surround Lash in great numbers! But Lash himself felt hollow to Jinn.


    Jinn could not deny that Lash was a powerful practitioner of the Force. Jinn had seen the transport vessels, and the hover tanks. He had seen Lash fight. He moved with such speed, lethality, and grace. Along with his armor. The security forces said Lash was a Mandalorian. But Jinn had met Mandalorian''s before. Their armor didn''t look like that. Yes, it was possible he was part of a certain group. But as far as Jinn knew. There was only one recorded Mandalorian Jedi in all of Jedi history and that was not Lash.


    Jinn tried to calm his mind to listen to the Force. His feelings told him Lash was not who he said he was. But nor did the Force say that Lash was a threat. Almost as if the living Force was undecided on Lash. That had never happened before as far as Jinn knew. Jinn rubbed his face and decided to see what was taking Kenobi so long with the tea.


    Jinn walked through the ship at a casual pace. He needed to exude calm for the crew. He greeted a few smiling faces, and eventually heard the shouts, and teasing voices of the crew. Jinn came into the galley and found an odd sight. Kenobi was currently balancing on one foot on top of a table. In each hand was a plate that had good balanced on it. On the other side of the table was Jar Jar Binks. Who also was on one foot, balancing plates with food.


    Jinn marveled at his apprentice as he was perfectly still with only the most tiniest of movements. While Jar Jar was wobbling, tilting, and flailed his arms back and forth. But despite Jar Jar''s movements he never lost the food on the plates, nor did he fall off the table. Jinn could feel the Force guiding, and helping Jar Jar. Jinn could feel the...Presence of Lash in the room? He had left his mark on Jar Jar.


    Despite the odd circumstance the room was filled with laughter as the crew, and even the Queen watched in mild amusement as Jar Jar did his best to keep his balance. He nearly feel a dozen times in the first few minutes of Jinn''s arrival. Kenobi glanced at him and gave him a mild mannered smile. Then balanced another plate of food on his head. A handmaiden did the same for Jar Jar who miraculously didn''t let a single scrap of food fall.


    ¡°Mesah doing it! Mesah doing it!¡± Jar Jar kept shouting.


    ¡°With time, and practice Jar Jar you''ll overcome your weaknesses and make them a strength.¡± Kenobi said. Jinn could only smile at his apprentice, well done.


    =============================================================


    (Jungle swamps of Naboo.)


    Lash smiled as he received a 5 X experience prompt from Skill/Power/Spell Trainer the Superhuman Agility he implanted into Jar Jar for that brief moment he had strangled him. No, Lash didn''t leave that to chance. Though he limited its ability to F+. Still even that much would dramatically improve Jar Jar''s weakness. Nothing compared to a Jedi but once the ability topped out Jar Jar would be far better for it. Then with time confidence would help the poor gungan.


    Lash was not alone in the jungle swamps several hundred people were traveling with him including the two handmaidens. It seemed most of the people with Lash rarely explored the swamps of Naboo preferring the rolling grass plains. Or river walks. A clear sign of their inexperience was the fact that people kept admiring some of the local floral, and fauna only to realize too late that the pretties of them were incredibly poisonous. Lash was currently extracting the poison from over a dozen resistance volunteer who''s skin color went from healthy tanned to purple.


    ¡°Sorry Master Jedi.¡± One of the officers said as Lash cast area of effect Sooth. The toxins were pulled out in mass quantities and transformed into ambient magical energy. Energy that the midi-chlorians gobbled up.


    ¡°Lieutenant, call an all stop and rally. We''ll break for the day and set up camp.¡± Lash said as he stood up from the recently poisoned resistance fighters.


    ¡°Where sir?¡± The lieutenant asked, as they looked around they were standing in a bog.


    Lash knelt down and placed his hands on the ground. He used Elemental Manipulation, Entanglement, Fabrication, Alteration, Matter Transmutation, and Bending. To create a 500 ft by 500 ft squared piece of land made from pact earth, clay, and grass roots. A mild tremor was felt through the bog as the resistance watched in wonder as a camp space was made for them. Lash stood up, and watched the midi-chlorians rush the spell craft. But even after consumption the land mass stayed.


    ¡°There''s the camp site.¡± Lash said, and the Lieutenant swallowed audibly.


    ¡°You heard Master Jedi Lash, form up and let''s set up camp!¡± The lieutenant called and the resistance fighters cheered and moved to the only piece of dry land for miles.


    ¡°Yane?¡± Lash called out, and Yane came over.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Yane said.


    ¡°Can you work with the security forces and assign guard stations, and night patrols. Everyone needs sleep, but we have to be careful no matter the situation.¡± Lash asked, and Yane smiled at him.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Yane replied and climbed up onto the camp site. While Sache walked over to Lash a look of expectation on her face.


    ¡°Move from group to group. Even as resistance fighters people will form cliques. Get a feel for moral. How do they feel about asking the gugans for help.¡± Lash asked, and Sache bowed her head and moved to carry her orders out.


    Yane was the medic, and administrator in the Queens handmaidens. She worked with the stall in the palace including the guards. Many of the royal guard that remained on Naboo knew who she was. She had a lot of training and practice in delegation. Asking her to set up the security for the camp made sense. Sache was the page, and spy master for the Queen. She was small, and most people overlooked her. This played to her advantage. A lot of people found her easy to talk to. She''d been trained that way.


    Lash was intimidating even back in his home reality. That hadn''t changed here. As far as Lash could understand because of his ''No Background'' he was an anomaly here in this reality. This automatically made people suspicious of him. Because the living Force didn''t know what to do with him. So since every living thing in this galaxy was tied to the living Force. The people he met were automatically miss trusting of who he was.


    Add to the fact that he was 6''6¡± wearing a full medium tier exoskeleton suit of armor that imitated a daemonic reptilian creature. Lash scared people. Then add into his persona as a Mandalorian Jedi Master. Though he had never once told anyone he was a Jedi. He had confirmed he was a Mandalorian. He had realized to late that posing as one was a mistake. To late now.


    Lash walked the edge of the camp site and looked out across the jungle. The trees towered above them by hundreds of feet. The jungles canopy kept them sheltered from flying patrols. They would hear vulture starships fly overhead from time to time. Normally in a jungle having access to a clear piece of land was unheard of. But the Naboo trees were large, and took up a lot of space. Which in turned choked the life out of the ground. The canopy was so thick that sunlight wouldn''t reach the surface. Combine that with water and you have a bog.


    Lash watched the midi-chlorians of the world interact with the world. Life and death. With birth and decay side by side. Lash would have to make sure to revert the camp site back to normal after they left. Not only so they wouldn''t be followed. But just to ensure he didn''t ruin the ecosystem here. Several native animals were surprised and curious to find something new in their home.


    Lash moved to each corner of the dirt slab and created dirt, and stone towers approximately 20 ft high, with a 10 ft wide platform for the guards. Then created a 10 ft high wall, that was 1 ft thick, with a 4 ft rampart walking path. Stairs every 50 ft. Grass roots, leaves, and flower petals from a none toxic variety grew across the campsites exterior wall camouflaging it. In the direct center Lash made a 40 ft dirt, and stone watchtower, that had a 20 ft diameter with stairs leading to the top. All the while the resistance troops tried to act like they weren''t watching the miracles of the Force happening before their eyes.


    ¡°There, that should be about it.¡± Lash said as he inspected his work.


    Tents were being put up in neat orderly rows. Food was being prepared. Guards had already been selected for each corner watchtower, and the walls. While another troop with long range blaster rifles took the central watchtower. Visibility through the jungle was low. But Lash would rather have it and not need it. Then need it and not have it.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you could make a refresher room?¡± A soldier asked softly not really intending for Lash to hear him.


    ¡°That''s a good idea actually. The wild life are far more active at night. Don''t want to lose people looking for some privacy.¡± Lash replied, and the soldier jumped in surprise when Lash patted him on the back.


    Lash went to each cardinal direction in the camp. Then created a 10 ft tall, and 20 by 20 ft wide tower. He toilet stalls that were little more than holes in the ground. While also shower stalls. With a bit of spell script, and Elemental Manipulation clean all be it cold water came pouring up into a form of shower. By the time Lash had finished the last one, the first one was in service.


    Once the sun began to fall darkness overtook the jungle floor rapidly. Much of the plant life glowed with bio-luminescent energy. Lash had designed the plant life around the camp site to do the same. Or rather he borrowed what was available. So the entire camp had soft ambient light no bigger than a candle. It was an odd sight. Peaceful even.


    ¡°Master Jedi, a tents been prepared for you.¡± An officer approached him and Lash nodded in acceptance.


    ¡°It''s not much.¡± The officer said but Lash patted him on the back and accepted it.


    It was little more than a single person tent just tall enough to let him walk into it. Wide enough for him to have a simple cot, and space to walk through. More than enough for Lash has he sat down on the cot and took a moment to breath. His energy levels were constantly refilling, but they were constantly being drained by the midi-chlorians. It was an odd sensation. Feeling the edge of exhaustion only to feel renewed within a few seconds. Then back to feeling the edge again.


    ¡°Master Jedi Lash?¡± Yane called to him outside his tent. He took a deep breath and stood up and stepped out.


    ¡°Please just call me Lash. That entire thing is a mouthful.¡± Lash said to her as he came out.


    Yane aka Suyan Higin stood at approximately 5''4¡± with kind brown eyes, shoulder length brown hair that was tied back and kept free of her face. She had a svelte figure, with light skin. She wore a tailored made aesthetically pleasing travel set. Knee high leather boots. With a knee long woven blend green skirt. Woven blend wrap around earth tone coat, with billowing sleeves, and a high collar. With half black leather gloves. She also looked exhausted, and covered in gunk. She had tripped several times.


    ¡°I need to make you some gear.¡± Lash said softly, and Yane looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Do you not like what I have on?¡± Yane asked, a smile tugged on her lips just a bit. Almost daring him to challenge the design. Lash could see a lot of work went into the design. But it was meant to look good, with partial functionality. Great for hiking! Not good for fighting a war.


    ¡°Can that stop a blaster bolt?¡± Lash said as he pointed at her coat. Her smile wilted as she shook her head, no.


    ¡°What did you need Yane¡± Lash asked, getting back on track.


    ¡°The guard duty has been set. Thank you for creating the barriers it made it far easier. Myself and Sache are both camped next to you if you need anything.¡± She said, pointing at a tent that was about the same size as his own but with two cots squeezed into it.


    ¡°There''s fresh water in the refresher rooms I made. It''s cold, but clean. The both of you may want to bathe. No offense meant, but it may be the last time any of us will have to be clean again.¡± Lash offered, and had to back pedal when she glared at him. But once he explained she accepted.


    ¡°Will you need anything else?¡± Yane asked.


    ¡°Link up with Sache, then get some food for yourselves, and get cleaned up. After that ensure the Lieutenant has eaten then come back to find me here. We need to have a sit down.¡± Lash asked, and Yane bowed so did Lash and she walked off.


    Lash used Plant Control and was pleased to see that the midi-chlorians couldn''t eat its energy given it was done through another means of control. Lash created a sit down area made from branches, leaves, and dirt. Though the dirt came from Elemental Control. He sat down in a plant crafted seat and closed his eyes in Meditation. It was only when he was like this that he felt energized. All of his abilities and achievements allowed for rapid energy recovery when he was resting.


    ¡°Master Jedi Lash?¡± Yane called out...


    ¡°What did I say before?¡± Lash replied as he opened his eyes to look at her.


    ¡°Lash... I''ve brought Sache, and...¡± Yane gestured towards a new arrival.


    ¡°Master Jedi, I am Gregar Typho I''ve been assigned as your military liaison. The lieutenant will be joining us shortly.¡± Gregar said with a salute.


    Gregar Typho stood at approximately 6''1¡± with short black hair, brown eyes, and had a chocolate skin tone. He had an inverted triangle body figure. He filled out his security uniform very well. He had a blaster on his hip, and a knife in his boot. He stood at attention, and was brimming with enthusiasm. He tried to keep his face schooled but a smile continued to tug on his lips. He also looked vaguely familiar. Lash''s augmented reality UI scanned him and his tech-spirits fed him Gregar''s file.


    ¡°You are Captain Panaka''s nephew.¡± Lash said to him.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± Gregar replied.


    ¡°Please take a seat all of you. We''ll wait for the lieutenant.¡± Lash said, and the chairs grew from the ground around him.


    Yane, and Sache moved to sit in the offered chairs in an elegant and practiced manner. They both looked better. Fed, and cleaned. Though their clothing also needed a good washing. Sache wore much the same as Yane did. Lash noticed that Sache kept glancing at Yane, and when Yane looked at her Sache would pretend to have her attention on something else. Interesting. Gregar took the offered seat and marveled at its construction.


    The Lieutenant Kras Thir was a human male. That stood at approximately 5''11¡± with high and tight brown hair, with gray mixed in. He was an older man, but still full of life. He had green eyes, and fair skin. Along with an athletic figure. He was the royal security training instructor. Lash noticed that the man was a far better teacher, than leader. But the security, soldier, and resistance fighters all liked him. They could work with that. He was in full uniform, very similar to Captain Panaka. Black leather boots, blue undertone cloth, with leather jerkin, gloves, officers hat, utility belt, and blaster.


    ¡°Master Jed-¡± Lieutenant Kras began but Lash interrupted him.


    ¡°I''m all for customs and courtesies but we''ve all had a long day. Just call me Lash. We''ll worry about titles when we meet with the gungans, alright?¡± Lash said as he looked at everyone around the sitting area.


    ¡°Very good sir!¡± Gregar said as he stood up to salute the Lieutenant who smiled at him, and took the offered plant seat that Lash made.


    Lash reached up and pressed a finger along his collar. His helmet/mask made a hissing noise and collapsed in on itself and folded into his suit. The group made a collected gasp. Lash had pale skin, with yellow green reptilian eyes. He had human skin, with snake scales along his jaw, and nose ridge. He was bald with a spec of hair. But his scalp was covered in tribal tattoo marks depicting each of his domains. The polymer weave of his under suite had a high collar for a vacuum seal. So they couldn''t see his neck.


    ¡°I''m sure you''ve all heard the stories that Mandalorians do not remove their helmets unless in private or with family. This is normally true. But there are many creeds, beliefs, sects, etc that have different traditions. I''m exposing my face to all of you because it is a sign of trust. Don''t expect me to walk around camp without it on.¡± Lash provided the reason for his removal.


    ¡°Thank you for your trust Master Jedi.¡± Gregar said with a brilliant smile. The rest of them agreed.


    ¡°Lady Sache how is the resistance moral?¡± Lash asked the handmaiden who was still staring at his face. Yane prodded her with her elbow and Sache jumped. A mild blush rushed through her cheeks before she composed herself.


    ¡°Moral is high, especially after you made the camp site. Several of the resistance volunteers believe we don''t need the gungans help. But many of the more experience officers understand the need to at least try.¡± Sache replied as she sat up straight trying to focus.


    ¡°That''s right.¡± Kras continued the line of thinking. ¡°Even if they do not commit any troops. Permission to travel through their swamps, and water tunnels would be a great boon to us. Even we don''t have a map for the extensive tunnel systems the gungans use.¡± Kras finished.


    ¡°Why wouldn''t they join the resistance?¡± Gregar asked, though he had raised his hand and waited to be called on first.


    ¡°From what I understand the people of Naboo think the gungans are barbarians. The gungans think the people of Naboo are pompous, narcissistic, bigots.¡± Lash replied in a dry tone.


    There was an awkward silence as Gregar processed his words. Neither Kras, Yane, or Sache had any follow up with Lash''s words. ¡°However, the farming and cultivation communities of Naboo have an open rapport the gungans. So it is not all of Naboo, just the ones who live in the big cities.¡±


    ¡°If the gungans don''t agree to help, and don''t let us use their land. What will we do?¡± Sache asked, getting the conversation back on track.


    ¡°We''ll work around them. We can''t force the issue otherwise we''ll be fighting a war on two fronts. A bit of good news. The Queens royal starship made it past the blockade.¡± Lash said, and the somber atmosphere was lifted with smiles all around.


    ¡°How long will it take for the republic to dispatch and army to free us?¡± Gregar asked Lash.


    ¡°That depends...¡± Lash replied and sat back in thought. ¡°If they go the traditional route? Several months. If they find a work around, a few weeks.¡±


    ¡°Why so long?¡± Kras asked, clearly surprised by the answer.


    ¡°The Trade Federation has a lot of money. They can grease the wheels as it were. Line the pockets of officials. They''ll demand an inquiry to validate the ''claims'' of the Queen. The bureaucrats will drag their feet. Taking twice, or even three times the amount of time to do anything. Then once they arrive. There is a good chance the inquisitor will be a corrupt official that will talk to the Viceroy then return to the senate and declare nothing was wrong. Which would require another senate hearing about the Queen''s claims....¡± Lash said and just rubbed his face in annoyance.


    ¡°And the work around?¡± Yane asked.


    ¡°Queen Amidala could declare a vote of no confidence in the supreme chancellor. The hundreds of senators who are already upset about the system would most likely vote him out of power. At which point they would have to declare a new chancellor. Several senators would elected, most likely including senator Papaltine due to a sympathy of the situation. Also Papaltine is a good senator. At which point he is voted in. Then the supreme chancellor Papaltine would cut through the bureaucracy and send a fleet. And that is if...IF everything went to plan.¡± Lash replied, an odd errant breeze rolled through the camp just as he finished speaking.


    ¡°That... Is oddly specific Lash.¡± Sache said to him she processed his words.


    ¡°I''ve heard that there are Jedi who are so in tuned with the Force that they can predict the future...¡± Gregar said softly. Lash shrugged his shoulders giving a none committal reply.


    ¡°Well, let''s talk about deployment options for if the gugans say yes. Then discuss options if they say no.¡± Lash said next, and the meeting continued.


    So they spoke at length at ideas, deployments, locations of supplies. Hope for the best, plan for the worst. After a few hours Lash called the meeting complete. They all needed rest. Lash replaced his helmet then made one last patrol of the entire camp before he came to find himself at his tent. Though he used Meditation instead of actually sleeping. Two hours before morning Lash snapped his eyes open as he heard the unmistakable sound of a STAP.


    A STAP aka Single Trooper Aerial Platform looked like a pogo stick, and a air scooter had a child together. While that child was on steroids. It stood at approximately 9 ft in length with a curved fin like appearance. Twin engines drive turbines allowed its ability to float, and travel at high speeds of 250 mph (400 kph) At the top of the STAP was two blaster cannons. A single B1-Battle Droid could ride the STAP. In fact the STAP were designed for droids. They made excellent patrol, and scout vessels for ground assaults.


    Lash jumped from tent and sprinted towards the central watchtower. He jumped up to the roof surprising the hell out of the guards stationed there. Lash focused his hearing towards the sound. Then he jumped down after he informed the guards what the sound was. They very quickly, and quietly roused the camp as Lash sprinted through the camp and jumped over the wall.


    With Superhuman Speed, Acceleration, Cat''s Grace, Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon Lash not only zipped through the bog almost as fast as a STAP but he was nearly invisible. Though moving at high speeds makes the blur of camo easier to spot. It would hide him from sensors. Lash jumped over tree roots, and ran across water with Water Walk. Then he came to a stop as he saw several trees get knocked over by the MTT''s


    Multi-Troop Transport, these lumbering transports hovered a few feet off the ground and moved at a healthy clip of 20 mph (31 kph). They barreled through the jungle like giant mechanical elephants. They were approximately 118 ft (36 meters) long, and 34 ft (10.50 meters) high. The transport was broad-shouldered, heavy, and snub nosed. It had antipersonnel twin blasters on its front. A collection of close range sensors. It would have to stop to unload its troops. A mechanical crane would extend from the cargo bay and deploy approximately 112 standard battle droids. While the transport also carried weapons, ammunition, and even scrapper repair bots.


    At the very least two dozen of these MTT''s were stumbling through the jungle. Animals of all walk of life fled through the forest. Lash used Beast Speak and informed them all to head towards a direction, and clear the area he''ll handle the intruders. Several canine creatures with bristles down their back to his side and roared at the battle droids that were traveling behind the MTT''s.


    Lash jumped forward and slammed his fist into one of the MTT''s with the use of Telekinesis, and Superhuman Strength he collapsed the front half of the transport stopping dead in its tracks. He sliced his left hand up through the air and bisected another transport with a Telekinetic Cut. The canine creatures roared and joined the fray as they attacked the battle droids.


    Lash created dozens of Destruction Rune ¨C Eldritch Blast circles. Each circle created a burst of light that tracked down the STAP''s and incinerated them. Then Lash jumped forward and swung his leg around into an axe kick and crushed another transport. The few remaining transports stopped and began to deploy their troops. Lash informed his tech-spirits to disrupt their communications back to the main link. It would be hours before their command knew what happened.


    Just as one of the transports mechanical cranes were deployed and the battle droids began to activate a hail of energy blasters came from the direction of the camp. The resistance had arrived. A soldier fired a ion grenade launcher straight at a transport mid way through deployment and the whole thing shut down, droids included. After ten more minutes of intense battle they obtained another victory....


    ___________________________


    Gregar helped the resistance fighters distribute the weapons they seized from the Federation battle droids. More than a few STAPs were still operational and the resistance fighters were practicing flying them around. The attack had been unexpected but just what they all needed first thing in the morning. A victory! No one had died, the only injuries had been several bog ninyaks who had oddly helped with the attack. Master Jedi Lash was currently looking the bog ninyaks over. He used the Force to heal some of their wounds. Gregar could help but stare at the sight of bone mending, and flesh regrowing. He wasn''t the only one either.


    The largest ninyak licked Lash''s face plate then the pack ran off into the swamp. Master Lash chuckled and moved to help with the supplies but he was pulled aside by Sache the handmaiden and led back to the camp. Breakfast was being cooked and a lot of the resistance fighters said they never saw Master Lash eat the night before.


    Did Jedi''s need to eat? Gregar stopped to think about that. But he pushed it from his mind and continued his work. After an hour they had collected their loot and moved back to camp. The tents had been broken down by the reserve force but breakfast was still in full swing. Eventually however it was time to leave and they all watched as the camp site was turned back into a bog. Just like that a serviceable outpost was erased.


    The resistance fighters were spread out in teams of ten. They moved in the direction Master Lash provided and soon they stumbled out of the bog onto what could only be described as a stone ruin. Giant stone faces looked back at them covered in moss. Cracked pathways, and fallen pillars of stone. The statues were both human, and gungan. Hundreds of years ago this had been a trade city. Forgotten to time.


    Master Lash spent several minutes running his hands over the statues, and the ruins themselves. Like he was looking for something. I think it surprised everyone when he pushed a tile mosaic on a wall and a secret passage appeared. He ordered the resistance to set up around the ruins while the handmaidens and Gregar himself was tasked to follow Master Lash into the tunnel.


    ¡°What is this place?¡± Gregar asked, as he turned on his flash light and looked around the room they had found under the ruins.


    ¡°It''s a Force temple.¡± Master Lash replied, Gregar''s eyes went wide. There was a Force temple on Naboo?


    _____________________________________________________________


    Lash looked around the hidden room with a smile on his face. His visor highlighted ancient script that preceded the early human colonists, and even the gungan language. The room itself was approximately 50 ft (15 m) tall, and 500 ft (152 m) wide wall to wall. This had to be a pain to build. The ground around the ruin was a bog. But despite all that the space was dry.


    Great stone pillars held the ceiling up. Each one was hand carved using the Force. Lash could see the residue of the energy through Magical Perception, and Retrocognition. It looked like a speaking hall. At the end of the room was a dais for someone to speak. Along the floor were rows of sitting stones. Maybe a lesson room? A aura of serenity and peace rippled in the room itself.


    ¡°This is before the colonist effort. Which is odd because the ruins above are an ancient trade depot between the gungans and people of Naboo. Which means the depot was built with the presence of the temple being hidden? Maybe only a few knew of its existence.¡± Lash said as he inspected an inscription on the wall.


    ¡°This works to our advantage. The lake next to the ruin is the very lake that contains a gungan town. We''ll set up here for now. Hopefully the gungans will say yes, if they do we can make this one of our camps.¡± Lash suggested.


    ¡°When do we leave for the village?¡± Yane asked, admiring a statue.


    ¡°Right now.¡± Lash said and started to walk towards the exit.


    Yane made a soft ''awww'' she clearly wanted to stay. Sache came to her side and prodded her. Yane rolled her eyes and followed after Lash. Gregar took up the rear as he took one last look over the temple. They came back up to the surface while Lash spoke to Kras about setting up a temporary position here. At least until they get a confirmation from the gungans. A scouting team was organized as the borrowed STAP''s started to fly around the ruins in random patterns.


    ¡°Alright you three lets head out.¡± Lash called to them and they set out towards the lake.


    After an hour of walking the reached the lake. It was eerily quiet, and calm across the waters. No tide, no ripples, just placid. Tall grass surrounded the edge of the lake with thick tree branches up top. The lake looked more like a large pond than anything. But it''s depths were far reaching. According to the hunters, and farmers they had spoke to. The village and/or outpost was a few hundred gungans. However they had transports that traveled to and fro to Otoh Gunga the gungan capital they wanted to get to. Rugor Nass the gungan boss lived in that city.


    ¡°I assume you all know how to swim, right?¡± Lash asked them and all three of them nodded. Lash ''reached'' into his utility belt and pulled out fabricated re-breathers for each of them. Then he did something odd.


    ¡°What''s this for?¡± Sache asked, as Lash tied a line to her, Yane, and Gregar.


    ¡°You''ll understand once we get in.¡± Lash said with a chuckle.


    One by one they stepped into the cold water of the lake. Tied together they eventually submerged. Lash could see perfectly even without his visor. But he knew the rest of them could barely see. He gently tugged on the line and they gradually moved to his position. Due to Lash''s time with Arthur, and Mera while they quested for the trident of Atlan. Lash had earned the ability to propel himself through water. Which he did now, he carefully wrapped the three in a Telekinetic bubble and pulled them along.


    What should have taken close to thirty minutes to swim happened in less than five. They passed an assortment of creatures but nothing large enough to threaten them. The gungan village was indeed within the lake. Its design was interesting to say the least. It had bubble like buildings that reminded Lash of fish eggs. They were amber in color. The bubbles were made up of a ''hydrostatic'' force field. It reminded Lash of Atlantis. The bubbles were very durable, but at selected locations one would find circled archways that acted as entry ways. If one pressed against the fields at these locations they could pass through.


    They did just that. The static field left the four them mostly dry, if not a little wet. The inside of the bubbles had an organic look to the floor, lights above, and rooms. Obviously they were made of metal, but the design was there. Private rooms were far more cloudy and hard to see in. At the center of each bubble were plasma generators. These generators collected, and harvested the naturally occurring element on Naboo. One of the reasons an outpost was here was because there was a plasma vent at this location. Plasma was one of Naboo''s main exports.


    The village had several large hydrostatic bubbles, surrounded by several smaller. Each primary bubble was a hub for communities. They had connecting tunnels, but the gungans being amphibians didn''t mind taking a dip in the water to travel to other parts of the village. Several gungans had looked towards the entry in surprise, and shock at the new arrivals. Several armed guards riding on Kaadus approached them rapidly.


    The kaadu was a two-legged reptavian (Bird and Reptile) that had great strength and endurance. They were swift and agile creatures that possessed sharp hearing and a keen sense of smell. They had long legs and sleek hides that helped them move swiftly on land and in water. The kaadu were primarily land-dwellers, but they were also capable of breathing underwater for extended periods of time.


    ¡°You there! Stopa there!¡± A gungan guard called out.


    ¡°Respectful greetings unto you proud gungans. I am the Mandalorian known as Lash. With me are the handmaidens of the Queen of Naboo, Lady Yane, and Lady Sache. With us also is the royal security officer Gregar Typho. We understand we are intruding but we request diplomatic travel through your water tunnels to speak to Govenor Rugor Nass.¡± Lash said as he placed a fist over his heart, bowed from his waist in respect. He also used Compulsion to encourage the idea.


    The gungan guard rubbed his head as if he had been smacked in the face. Lash had to use three times the energy thanks to the midi-chloirans eating the energy. Looks like he used to much this time. The poor gungan was struck dumb.


    ¡°Ya...ya... transport...ya...¡± Then the guard fall off his mount unconscious with a resounding slam. Happily enough Lash''s words were heard by everyone in the room. Out of the thirty, only six passed out.


    They were given the best transport available a large vessel capable of carrying thirty people. It had the driver, two guards, and the four of them. The transport reminded Lash of a crab, with squid tentacles coming out the back. The tentacles rotated clockwise and propelled the transport through the water. The entire vessel was vibrant in color. It literally glowed, and sent a almost kaleidoscope color flash through the water. This apparently did two things to the local fauna. To a majority of the creatures it would hypnotize them into absolute stillness. They couldn''t handle the colors. The other larger, more aware creatures avoided the transport like the plague. There was one type of creature that looked like that and it was a giant jelly fish that was the most poisonous thing on Naboo.


    So nothing bothered them as they went through several mile long aquatic tunnels on their way to Otoh Gunga to see Rugor Nass. Lash was currently looking over his Master Map ability. It was copying the entire layout of the tunnel as they moved in explicit detail. Behind him was Yane, Sache, and Gregar who clearly wanted to ask him a question, but weren''t sure how to ask. So Lash turned around and looked at them.


    ¡°One of the powers of the any Force user is Telepathy Manipulation. In other words we can convince others to do things.¡± Lash said softly so the driver, and the guards wouldn''t hear.


    ¡°I don''t like doing it. I personally believe it''s brainwashing. It takes away free will. I abhor slavery of any kind. I understand the necessity for droids but you will never catch me miss treating a droid. Because I don''t like using Telepathy Manipulation. I am out of practice. Unfortunately for other Force users this means that their specific target brushes off the effect. For me, anyone in front of me has their will over ridden. Which is why I stepped out in front of you all when we arrived.¡± Lash said, and spun an elaborate lie then and there, Acting got experience.


    ¡°Thank you Master Lash that explains it. I agree as well about slavery, its a disgusting trade¡± Gregar said and smiled at him. Accepting the lie as it was a fact.


    ¡°Why don''t you call yourself a Jedi? Not once since we''ve met you have you called yourself that. When others call you it, you neither confirm nor deny the title.¡± Sache asked, pointing out a glaring oversight.


    ¡°Officially I''m not. I left the Jedi council when I was still a padawan and joined my master in exile. I have all the training necessary to be one. But I do not call myself as such out of respect for the Jedi who have earned the title of Knight and ranks above. I wont dismiss being called one. But I will never claim that title openly unless I absolutely have to.¡± Lash replied, again telling a bold face lie.


    ¡°I thought all Force users were Jedi, and that they worked for the Council.¡± Gregar asked, stunned at the news.


    ¡°Goodness no. A majority of the Force users are Jedi, and do work for the Council, that is true. But there are hundreds of pockets of Force users spread throughout the galaxy. All of them learning the ways of the Force. It''s a little fact that the Jedi Council tries to hide from the public. For example, the Jedi Council believe that the Sith have been extinct for over a thousand years. This is absolutely not true. Cults that follow the Sith teachings are spread out across the galaxy, and in the wild sector. Additionally the puppet master behind the Trade Federation is Darth Sidious a dark side Force user, and a Sith Lord.¡± Lash said as he educated his companions on political structure of the Force.


    ¡°What side are you?¡± Yane asked, Sache and Gregar balked at her. They weren''t sure they wanted to know the answer.


    ¡°I follow the living Force. I use both the light, and dark side of the Force to complete what ever task it sends my way.¡± Lash replied in a simple tone as if he was talking about the weather.


    ¡°Thank you Lash for trusting us. You didn''t have to explain yourself. But it makes me feel a lot better now that I am following you.¡± Yane replied with a smile shared by Sache, and Gregar.


    ¡°Agreed, thank you.¡± Sache said next. ¡°Me too.¡± Gregar was last, though he had a bright smile.


    ---


    Other than size the gungan capital of Otoh Gunga wasn''t much different from the village they were just at. It was in one of the largest natural lakes on the planet of Naboo. It had hundreds of aquatic tunnels that one could take to get to nearly anyplace on the planet. Lash believed the people of Naboo would feel a little nervous knowing that if the gungans wanted to go to war. The people of Naboo''s cities would never see them coming.


    The transport vessel docked at one of the larger bubbles and the four of them were taken through the city proper towards the council chambers of the chieftains, councilors, and governor. Though they had to wait an hour in the antechamber. The power play was completely pointless as Lash and his team could literally see through the walls and see that the council appeared to be taking a nap.


    The gungans cyber security was laughable. Lash used one of his tech-spirits, and Connectivity and in less than thirty minutes Lash had all of the design schematics, and blue prints saved. He converted them to the Dream Store for 100 DP.


    Attention User! You''ve acquired gungan science, engineering, and medicine for 100 DP.


    Note: Gungan history, language, culture, art, etc has also been obtained.


    Thanks to Science Intuition Lash had learned how to make a organic shield generator for when they place the planetary shield around Gaia''s moon. It would allow people to pass through it just like the hydrostatic shield the gungans use. Or they could make the shield impenetrable except for designated zones. So nice little bonus.


    Eventually they were shown into the council chambers. Just as before Lash stepped forward ahead of the other three. Understanding what he was doing this time they didn''t make any more to join him. However, this time Lash took a knee and bowed his head towards Rugor Nass who raised a brow at him and smiled.


    Rugor Nass was a Gungan male who served as the Boss of the Gungan people. He stood at approximately 6''5¡± (2 m) with frog green skin, yellow beady eyes, and heavy set figure. He had fat tissue across his body. Despite the appearance he had an almost jolly appearance that made Lash smile. Rugor''s long ears were tied back behind his head with a golden band. Rugor wore the state official garb of his station. A deep earth tone robe, with intricate gold embroidery down the middle. A golden neck piece that disappeared into the folds of his fat. He had scaled leather shoulder guards, a prominent green scaled hat that pointed up. He wore no shoes, or gloves and sat on a pillow and/or a throne in the middle of the room.


    The room itself was another bubble. Secured with several additional hydrostatic shield generators due to the importance of the people within. The sitting officials sat in a half moon crescent around the room. All of them wore similar garb as Rugor, though they were lean and fit. Each one eyed the Naboo people behind Lash. But when they glanced at him they smiled slightly.


    ¡°Whosa this?¡± Rugor asked.


    ¡°Respectful greetings unto you wise and honorable Gungans. I am the Mandalorian known as Lash. With me are the handmaidens of the Queen of Naboo, Lady Yane, and Lady Sache. With us also is the royal security officer Gregar Typho. I do apologize for interrupting your daily lives and thank you for taking the time to grace me with the privilege of your wisdom.¡± Lash said, and laid it down pretty thick. But every time he complimented the gungans he saw that they enjoyed it. They sat up straighter, and sneered at the Naboo people behind Lash.


    ¡°Ntch Ntch Ntch.¡± Rugor made several clicking noises with his mouth. ¡°Mesa like you.¡± Rugor said. ¡°Ntch, Ntch. Whatcha doin here?¡±


    ¡°As I am sure the proud Gungan people are aware. A mechanical army has arrived on the planets surface and is waging war with the people of Naboo. The Queen has sought help from the galactic republic but it may take weeks or even months before she returns. I''ve been tasked with helping the resistance fight off the mechanical army until their return.¡± Lash said, took a moment to collect his thoughts then spoke again.


    ¡°I request the aid of the great and powerful Gungans. I understand that the Gungans dislike the snobbish, pompous, spoiled soft skins of the surface. But the mechanical army will eventually discover the Gungan people, and their cities. If we join forces now, we can put up a fierce resistance. However, I understand if the valiant warriors can not be expected to fight side by side with the snobbish Nabooians. If that is the decision of the great Gungans then I humbly request that we have access to the lands around your lakes, rivers, and swamps. This way we won''t have to fight on two fronts.¡± Lash said, and finished his piece.


    Lash waited for a moment with his head bowed. Then when enough time had passed he tilted his head up and looked around. The entire room was frozen? No that was not right, everyone was breathing they almost had a glazed look on their faces. With Sensory Awareness active Lash could see the same glazed look on Yane, Sashe, and Gregar. Lash carefully looked around the room. Then he quickly flipped through Magical Perception until he found a swarm of midi-chlorians had rushed into the room.


    It almost looked like puppet master strings had bound the council chamber. They had stopped Rugor from responding. Nay from anyone from moving! Then Lash felt it. Felt the 4th wall engine at work. But it didn''t effect him. No, it affected everyone else. The 4th wall engine was trying to auto correct the story. Rugor was on the verge of saying yes. But if Lash followed the story line that wouldn''t happen until Padme came back. Fuck! The 4th wall was trying to ruin his plans!


    Lash stood up and slammed his palms together into a clap. He used his long lost friend Nullification when it last evolved he had some control over it. His energy level went from 100% to 5% in half a second. Every meddling midi-chlorian in the room was pushed out of the room. Yes people are made up of midi-chlorians but they remained. Lash didn''t kill anyone. He did collapse back to his knees.


    ¡°Ntch! Ntch! Ntch! Mesah not let da Gungans fight the Nabooian''s war. But mesah let them travel the surface. Wesa not fight them, asa long asa dey not fight us.¡± Rugor replied, and rubbed his face.


    ¡°Begon with you! Mesa tired.¡± Rugor said.


    ¡°Of course great and wise Boss of the Gungans. Thank you for your benevolence.¡± Lash replied as he ground his molars.


    ¡°Ntch, Ntch, Ntch. If yousa ever need a place to stay. Yousa welcome, Mado Lash.¡± Rugor said with a smile. Well that was something.


    Lash took his time to bow to each individual councilor in the room, and even thanked the guards as he left. Each one appreciated the effort and smiled at him in return. They all glanced at the three Nabooians and seem to say. ''See this is how you should treat us.'' Lash played to their pride, and ego. The gungans were truly intelligent. If they had a few thousand years of uninterrupted evolution they would have been the prominent species on the planet and developed their own FTL. Lash had no doubt about that. But the colonist showed up and shot that plan all to hell.


    The four of them took the transport back to the first village, the driver offered to take the transport to the surface and they took him up on it. They soon arrived back at the trade depot ruin and the resistance was waiting for them. It was clear from Lash''s oppressive force that the meeting didn''t go well. He excused himself and let Yane, Sashe, and Gregar tell Lieutenant Kras about the results. While Lash went into the Force temple to clear his thoughts.


    ¡°Dawn...What was that all about?¡± Lash asked softly as he sat in Meditation.


    ¡°As I said before, User. You are not affected by the 4th wall engine. That doesn''t mean the rest of the world isn''t. Depending on the reality you visit it will either be gentle and persuasive or be a force of absolute compulsion. This reality is guided by the living Force. You are altering the tapestry of its design.¡± Dawn''s sweet voice spoke into his ear.


    ¡°So even with ''No Background'' I am still controlled by it?¡± Lash asked infuriated about it.


    ¡°Oh no User! You have already dramatically altered the story line. You do not have a filter. You have said so much, and done so much that will forever alter the timeline. Just understand that when you do something against the pre organized story the Living Force and/or the 4th wall engine will fight you along the way.¡± Dawn replied.


    ¡°So it''s the difference between a slow sign, and a stop sign.¡± Lash replied, and chuckled.


    That had happened in the MCU Rift. More than once the 4th wall engine had completely stopped him from moving, speaking, or changing plans. Yes, he still had a lot of freedom. The overall story was very different. But the destination was the same. That was him with a background. No background and Lash has the Living Force eating up his energy. He has the Living Force manipulating the people around him when he steps of script. But it can''t stop him.


    ''Yane, Sache when you are done can you join me in the Force Temple.'' -Lash sent a Telepathic message and the audible yelp he heard up the stairs let him know they got the message. Less than an hour later they both came down the stairs.


    Lash was currently sitting on the dais overlooking the lesson hall. Yane, and Sache walked towards him the smooth elegance of trained handmaiden and bodyguard. They came to a stop at the foot of the steps and took a seat at Lash''s gesture. They waited for a few minutes before Lash spoke to them.


    ¡°Tell me, would either of you like to become Force Users?¡± Lash said and he knew he hit a speed pump when the midi-chlorians in the room went stock still....


    Galen

 Chapter 132: Force-Super.

    ==============================================================


    ***Rift. Star Wars.***


    (Planet of Tatooine, Mos Espa)


    Mos Espa was a spaceport settlement located on the desert world of Tatooine. The settlement, which was controlled by the Hutt Clan, included a number of commercial and workspace settings, as well as entertainment establishments such as the Mos Espa Grand Arena. It was on the outskirts of the settlement that the Queens royal startship had landed. Qui-Gonn Jinn, R2-D2, Jar Jar, and the ''handmaiden'' Padme traveled across the sands towards the settlement. Master Jinn spent time informing the handmaiden about living in the outer rim.


    As they traveled Jinn was looking, searching... For a young human boy, blond, blue eyes, maybe ten years old. He wasn''t sure how, or why Master Lash knew how it would happen. But Jinn was sure that the living Force was guiding their actions now. The four of them traveled to one of the smaller junk dealers to find Watto the male Toydarian.


    Toydarians were a sentient, winged species from the planet Toydaria. In addition to their ability to fly, Toydarians were physically defined by their long trunk like snouts and webbed feet, and could resist mental manipulation from the Force. Watto had 4''4¡± (1.3 m) tall with blue skin, vibrant orange eyes, and wore a leather jerkin, and pants. With a data pad pack on his side. Jinn and Watto spoke at length about the need for a Nabooian hyperspace engine. But the moment Watto''s servant and slave walked in Jinn focused on him. The slave was a young human boy maybe ten years old with blue eyes, blond shaggy hair.


    ¡°Don''t mind him. He''s one of my workers.¡± Watto said, and tried to get Jinn''s attention. ¡°By the way before we go any further how are you going to pay for any of this?¡± Watto asked Jinn as he fluttered about the store.


    ¡°I have 20,000 republic dataries.¡± Jinn replied, but he continued to glance at the servant boy as he spoke to the handmaiden Padme.


    ¡°Republic credits? That won''t work out here I need something more real.¡± Watto replied and noticed how Jinn kept glancing at his worker. ¡°He''s not for sale.¡± Watto said and Jinn snapped his focus back at to him.


    ¡°I''m sure republic credits will be fine.¡± Jinn said and made a hand gesture calling of the Force to help compel the slaver.


    ¡°No, it wont.¡± Watto replied.


    ¡°Republic credits will be fine.¡± Jinn tried again.


    ¡°No, it wont. What you think you are, a Jedi? Waving your hand around like that. I''m a Toydarian mind tricks don''t work on me! No money, no parts! And I guarantee that I am the only one in Mos Espa with parts for a Nabooian ship.¡± Watto said as he crossed his arms and sneered at Jinn.


    Jinn took a moment to consider his options then smiled at Watto and turned to leave. He took one more glance at the child. Then gathered his companions. Turned out what Watto said was true, they spent the rest of the day checking the other shops. No one else had Nabooian parts, it would be cheaper to buy a new ship. Just as they were about to head back to the ship to rethink their approach. Jar Jar got his hand, or rather his tongue caught in the cookie jar by trying to eat a food stand stock without paying.


    Jar Jar in his wisdom not to swallow let go of his catch with his tongue and spit it out. Which resulted in it splashing across another native and his group. However when the ring leader jumped to attack Jar Jar the gungan in a surprising move of agility jumped, and dodged out of the way. Jinn blinked at Jar Jar in confusion and a smile tugged on his lips. Training with Kenobi had paid off earlier then expected.


    ¡°Leave them alone slimo!¡± A young boy''s voice called out. The ring leader who''s species name was called Dug sneered at the boy.


    ¡°This doesn''t concern you, slave!¡± The dug called out but glanced at Jinn and retreated.


    ¡°Your friend picked a fight with a dug, a particular nasty dug named Sebulba.¡± The young boy who was the slave of Watto said.


    ¡°Thank you for your assistance.¡± Jinn smiled at the young boy.


    ¡°Of course, did you find your missing part?¡± The young boy asked.


    ¡°We didn''t, it seems Watto was correct.¡± Jinn replied.


    ¡°There are a few private dealers that only the natives know about, I could show you if you like?¡± The young boy said.


    ¡°That would be most appreciated, I''m Qui-Gon Jinn.¡± Jinn introduced himself with a bow.


    ¡°Anakin Skywalker, pleased to meet you!¡± Anakin said, and smiled at Jinn. But he also glanced at Padme who he had spoken to earlier. She smiled back at him.


    Jinn had found the boy that Lash had spoken about. Jinn could feel the Living Force surround Anikan. An opportunity presented itself just as it always did. Anikan led them around to the private dealers but unfortunately they also didn''t have the part. They were about to leave for their ship only for a sandstorm to arrive. Tatooine being a desert planet was prone to some of the most brutal storms. Sand storms could grow so large, and move so fast they could strip the flesh off of people within moments if they were not careful. Anakin offered to lead them to his home for the night.


    Upon arrival in Anakin''s home they met his mother Shmi. Who was warm, and welcoming despite the fact they were strangers.The accommodations were modest but more than satisfactory. After a simple meal that night they all retired to their granted space to sleep. Jinn used the time at night to meditate and calm his mind to listen to the Force. Where was his path after this? Nothing aboard the Queen''s ship would be of useful in their situation. Unless they wanted to sell the ship.


    ''Buy him...'' Jinn jumped to his feet in the small room given to him. He pulled his lightsaber out and looked around. What little light provided by his saber gave him no comfort. The voice, it had been Lash''s. Then on the cot Jinn had been given, a vortex of green and blue energy coalescent. Thousands of peggat''s materialized, the currency used on Tatooine by the Hutt''s.


    ''Buy him, his mother, and the part you need.'' Jinn once more heard Lash''s voice and slowly put his lightsaber away. He turned the rooms light on and what he had seen had not been an illusion. Thousands of peggat''s lay on his cot. More than enough for what they needed. Jinn had heard stories of Jedi masters capable of sending objects through the Force. But he had never seen it himself.


    The very next day Anikan, and Shmi Skywalker were given an unexpected, yet delightful surprise when they were not only freed. But taken away from Tatooine by the very people they had helped. Thanks to the medical services aboard the Queen''s royal starship Jinn, and Kenobi soon learned about Anikan, more specifically about his 20,000 midi-chlorian count. How Anikan had no father according to Shmi his mother. She carried him, gave birth to him, but was never with a man.


    Qui-Gon Jinn had always been a follower of the Living Force. Part of following this path was reading, and memorizing the ancient prophecies of the Force. How one day a child would be born, and conceived by the Force itself. Jinn believed he had found that child. But time would tell if that were true. For now they sped as quickly to Coruscant as possible. Then Jinn promised he would return to Naboo to speak to Lash on how he knew so much.


    _____________________________________________________________


    (Tatooine, Watto''s Junkshop)


    Watto was having a very good day. One of the best he''s had in years. Though he did look around his little shop and feel a little bit lonely now that Anikan was gone. He would miss the boy. But profit, was profit! He had made away like a Hutt by that foolish offworlder. Ding! Ding! His shop bell sounded off. Watto called out for... Oh right he''s gone. Watto shook of his melancholy and flutter to the front room.


    ¡°Welcome! Welcome to Watto''s Junkshop! We-Eeeeh!¡± Watto said, then abruptly was pushed against a wall by an invisible force. A red energy blade an inch from his neck. A man dressed in black garb, and a look of fury on his face.


    ¡°WHERE ARE THEY!?¡± The man screamed at him.


    ¡°I-I... who!?¡± Watto asked, his body petrified in terror.


    The earsplitting wail of an energy blade passing through flesh, bone, and stone sounded out as the two parts of Watto fell to the floor. Then the man dressed in black roared in fury as he destroyed the shop, and everything in it. No! Nooo! He had failed! No, he didn''t fail! This was their fault, not his! Not a soul could be found outside of Watto''s shop. No living soul that is, as the dark figure known as Darth Maul left a wake of destruction and death as he moved through Mos Espa. He had missed them by a single day.


    ¡°Master will not be pleased...¡± Darth Maul said with a snarl and made his way back to his ship...


    ================================================================


    (Naboo, The Force Temple.)


    Lash finished using Cosmic Awareness, and Message. Though he had spent some DP to send the money it expedited the whole process on Tatooine. Now Anikan, and his mother both were off planet and traveling to Coruscant. Anikan''s mothers fate had play a large role in Anikan''s downfall. Hopefully this time she would have a better story. Or, Anikan would be that much easier to manipulate. Who knew anymore. With every action taken the butterfly effect would change the story into something else entirely.


    It had been a few days since his meeting with Rugor Nass. Where he had offered to change Yane, and Sache into Force Users. Both had taken him up on the offer. That was when Lash used Source Code and did what he had done in the MCU Rift with the Avengers. He had granted Yane, and Sache Superhuman Strength, Speed, Durability, Agility, Reflexes, Stamina, Regeneration, Healing, Intellect, Senses, and Age Reduction. Then used Re:Implant to install a bio-mechanical implant to help them slowly adapt to their changes.


    That was when Lash learned something interesting. When he made the changes in them. The midi-chlorians who had bonded with them since their conception grew in size, and number. Most of the resistance fighters Lash knew in the camp had anywhere between 2,000 ¨C 3,000 midi-chlorians. When they reached a threshold of 5,000 midi''s. That was when the Force took an active interest in them. Lash also learned that the midi''s inside of their hosts stop multiplying after reaching the threshold. Any excess energy absorbed was to make the existing midi''s stronger. Or they simply flushed it from their host''s system.


    Yane, and Sache were both now in the 8,000 midi count range. On top of being optimized. Lash watched in mild amusement as they both jumped through an obstacle Lash had made on the fly like children playing on a jungle gym. They had adapted to the changes in their bodies quickly. When the resistance saw the the Queen''s handmaidens had clearly obtained the power of the Force it was seen as a sign.


    The resistance base was coming along. Scavenged supplies had been acquired from raided TF camps (Trade Federation). Lash had built an underground shooting range for the resistance fighters. Not many of them had any practice fighting droids. Lash built a simple holographic emitter that created targets for them. It wasn''t much, but it was better than nothing. The issue they were having now was the need for aircraft.


    They had obtained several land speeders, STAPS, Heavy-STAPS. Land transports that were being retrofitted for combat. But no real space force. The TF droid control ships in orbit were mobile factories. They could pump battle droids out faster than the resistance could put them down. They needed to get back to the capital of Theed and acquire the N-1 Naboo starfighters that had been left there. But Theed was completely under TF''s control now.


    Lash could technically just make one. But he was trying to downplay what he could do, and what he could not do. Which now that he thought about it was rather silly. He had done many outrageous things already. However, everything he had done could technically be traced back to known powers of the Force. It was just he was like a super version of it. A Force-Super? But the root of the ability was there. The Force had been known to be able to create small, simple things. Which Lash had done when he made the uniforms for Yane, and Sache. But something as large as a spacecraft? Nope.


    ¡°Master!¡± Yane called out, and Lash''s attention returned to the here and now.


    Yane did a front flip, with a half twist in mid air then did a three point landing. Then did several front hand springs and bounced to land right in front of him with her hands out in a perfect-T. A huge smile was across her face. Yane now stood at approximately 5''8¡± with vibrant brown eyes, her shoulder length brown hair was tied back into a french braid. Her pale light skin almost glowed with energy. Her svelte body type and turned into a martial arts figure. Dense, compact muscle. But that did not subtract from her beauty. If any thing she cut a killer figure now.


    Sache leapt through the air then landed on the ground with a forward roll to off set the force of the impact. She sprung up from the ground and landed next to Yane without a sound. She glanced at Yane, her eyes danced up and down the young woman. Yane smiled back, a bit of blush creeping into her cheeks. Sache now stood at 5''6¡±, with vibrant amber eyes, short brown hair tied into a tail. Her fair skin glowed much akin to Yane''s. Sache always had a martial arts figure. But now her body almost exploded with energy with each step she took.


    They both wore gray under armor polymer weave vibranium, and nth metal thread suits. Covered them from neck, to foot, and wrist. The suit was form fitting and accentuated their curves nicely. But that was not all they had. A light weight flex plate suit of armor covered them. Boots, greaves, kneeguards, tasset open metal skirt. Guantlets, vamprace, pauldrons, with chest, and back guard specifically in the shape of spinal protection.


    The flex plate meant that every section was a different piece, tailored to the wearer. This allowed maximum mobility. But it left them open to piercing weapons. Though their under armor weave would help with that. The armor was made from vibranium, and nth metal as well. Given they could block Lash''s Psionic dagger with their guards it should block a lightsaber. Or at least be resistant to it. They both had full head gear with masks. But they had them collapsed into their collar.


    ¡°Finish the obstacle course already? Or should I make it harder?¡± Lash asked, though his mask was always up they had started to watch his body language so they smiled at him.


    ¡°Harder please, give us a challenge!¡± Sache said with a grin as she cocked her hip to one side and settled all her weight there. Ever since the optimization she''d been a bit more playful. That, or it was the fact that Sache, and Yane had admitted they had feelings for each other.


    ¡°No! That is not why we came over. You said you had our swords ready today?¡± Yane asked, as he smiled at Lash.


    ¡°Oh? Did I say that?¡± Lash asked, as he play innocent. He wondered over to the machine shop of the resistance base.


    ¡°Yesss... Are your memories getting foggy old man?¡± Sache asked, and Lash placed a hand to his chest in exaggerated pain.


    ¡°I am only a few hundred years old, thank you!¡± Lash said with a snooty voice. Yane mouthed the words, ''few hundred'' and smiled.


    ¡°But yes, I have completed your swords.¡± Lash said as he led them towards a table and revealed two whip vibroblades.


    The whip vibroblade was approximately three feet in length when solid. It had a cross guard, and a hand and half shaft. With a flick of a switch the blade would extend into a nine foot long whip. It was made with a monomolecular edge. Both the blade, and the whip. Vibroblades were very dangerous weapons in the Star Wars universe for their ability to heat up and cut through most things. Several tempered blades could even stand up to lightsabers. Lash had made these out of Nth metal, Vibranium, and Uru metal.


    Lash had them both cut their fingers and place three drops of blood into the hilt of their swords. This made the weapons forever bound to them. Capable of changing as they grew in power. Now, why didn''t Lash make lightsabers? He didn''t have a kyber crystal. He even looked on the Dream Store. They were in the Dream Store, but it was not available for purchase until he found at least one on his own.


    Yane, and Sache called their weapons to them. The whip blades flew across the room to their out stretched hands. They could place the blades in a spinal sheath when not in use. Though something told Lash that wouldn''t happen for awhile. They both scampered off towards the obstacle course again where training dummies were sure to be destroyed in a few minutes. Lash couldn''t help but smile, though that smile wilted when he saw a resistances team come back with wounded.


    There were resistance cells spread through out Naboo. Each cell had their own authority, and missions to operate on. So that way if one was captured, it wouldn''t spell the end of any other. But that also made it harder to share intel, supplies, or call for help when they needed it. Lash was quickly called by the trained medics. By this point the resistance was well aware of his ability to ''Force'' heal someone back to good health.


    ¡°What happened, what cell are you all with?¡± Lash asked, as he mended a broken bone.


    ¡°We''re part of the eastern province. We were raiding a prison camp when.. When someone new showed up with the droids. He was clad in full black, and wielded a red lightsaber.¡± The wounded fighter said, and Lash looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Short stubby horns on the crown of his head. Red, and black markings on his face?¡± Lash asked, and the soldier nodded.


    ¡°Dathomirian, Darth Maul. He''s a Sith Lord. The fact that any of you are even alive is a miracle in itself.¡± Lash said, as he contemplated this new arrival.


    ¡°I think you had a little more to do with that, Master Lash.¡± A woman''s voice called out and Lash was face to face with Mariek Panaka, Captain Panaka''s wife, and Gregar''s Aunt.


    Mariek Panaka was a human female of the Naboo RSF (Royal Security Force). She like her husband was a Captain. She stood at approximately 5''8¡± with red eyes, long dark multi-braided hair, light brown skin, and an athletic figure. She wore the typical RSF uniform, however these ones had been modified by Lash. He had woven the uniforms with several metals that could resist energy, and kinetic damage. Several scorch marks on Captain Panaka''s uniform informed Lash that it was indeed lightsaber resistant.


    ¡°You look a little crispy around the edges. I see the new uniforms worked out.¡± Lash said, as he walked over to look her over. She was not injured but she was exhausted. Lash cast an AOE of Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. He made a note of a few RSF that reached their midi threshold limit.


    ¡°It''s the only reason any of us are alive. We still lost people. Repeated blaster shots eventually got through. Plus the dark warrior soon learned that our necks weren''t protected.¡± Captain Panaka pointed out.


    ¡°So the resistance base is lost. Did you get everyone out?¡± Lash asked, and the expression on her face told him enough...


    ----


    ¡°We were sheltering several elected officials at our base. One among them you should all know. The royal advisor Sio Bibble resided there.¡± Captain Panaka informed the briefing room that was in their resistance base.


    Dozen or so top officers in the resistance were in the make shift room with a holographic projector in the middle of the room. The seats were spread around in a circle so everyone could see equally. Lash sat in the back at an elevated position like that of a amphitheater. Yane, and Sache sat next to him taking notes. Gregar sat next to them as well. He glanced at Lash several times but kept his comments to himself until the end of the briefing.


    ¡°Where is the advisor now?¡± Former-Lieutenant now Captain Kras asked.


    ¡°He along with several other elected officials were taken back to the capital of Theed. We know this because of a message that has been transmitting since the attack on open comm channels.¡± Captain Panaka said, and cued the message. A hologram of a TF leader appeared that they all knew, and loathed.


    ¡°People of Naboo, I am Viceroy Nute Gunray leader of the Trade Federation. We came to Naboo to exercise our right for a trade blockade in protest to the unsanctioned taxes placed on us by the Galactic Republic. But it soon became apparent to those of the Trade Federation that Naboo had been neglected like so many worlds on the outer rim, and mid rim. We of the Trade Federation took it upon ourselves to aid the disenfranchised of your world.¡± The Viceroy was laying it on pretty thick. Instead of the invader, he played himself as the knight in shinning armor.


    ¡°However, in our attempt to help those in need. Terrorist, and fear mongers have attacked our relief efforts, commercial work camps, and droid amenities factories. However, thanks to the excellent work of our soldiers, and our supporters we have struck a lethal blow to these insurgents!¡± The Viceroy continued, his image was replaced by the holographic images of the elected officials captured, and in rags.


    ¡°These terrorist will be executed tomorrow at the city capital of Theed at midday in the public square for all to see! The Trade Federation is here to stay. We will ensure the people of Naboo are properly represented, and cared for. Unlike the galactic republic, we of the Trade Federation keep our promises. Thank you.¡± The Viceroy finished, and then the messaged repeated.


    The officers in the room shouted in indignation. How would anyone believe this crap? The TF had clearly invaded. They had raided cities, towns, villages, farmsteads. The Droid army had killed civilians, the casualties were in the thousands. People were staving in the streets. Several people glanced towards Lash to see his reaction but were surprised to see him looking over the message on his personal holographic comm.


    ¡°Who do we have in Theed? Is there any way to prove the validation of this message?¡± Lash asked after a few minutes.


    ¡°Yes, several eye witnesses were able to send word via bird messenger.¡± Gregar supplied the answer.


    ¡°What are you thinking, Master Lash?¡± One of the officers in the room asked.


    ¡°Obviously its a trap. They are hoping the resistance shows up to try and rescue the officials. Even if no one does, they will still execute the officials which means a loss for us, and a victory for them. It''s a lose, lose situation for us.¡± Lash replied, and the room begrudgingly agreed.


    ¡°We''re still going to go, right?¡± Yane asked Lash who only chuckled at her.


    ¡°Of course we will. The Viceroy just made a huge mistake. Not only did he tell us his plans. He also came planet side. Would anyone in this room mind if I ripped Viceroy Nute''s spine out?¡± Lash asked, as he painted a brutal picture for everyone.


    ¡°Not that I''m complaining, but would killing him end the invasion?¡± Captain Kras asked.


    ¡°Probably not, Darth Sidious the one behind the invasion would demand they stay. Another sycophant would take Nute''s place. But it would cause a lot of damage to their leadership. Of course we could also capture the Viceroy. Hold him hostage and demand a cease fire. Also when the republic showed up we could have him confess his crimes.¡± Lash said, and offered an alternative to violence. The room took the latter alternative better than the former option. Even when fighting for their freedom the people of Naboo continued to practice their art of none violence.


    ¡°Everyone take a break, get some rest and food. I still have my programs in the Theed network. I''ll get an accurate account for troops, the Viceroy, and our people. We''ll meet back here in three hours. Agreed?¡± Lash asked everyone and the meeting adjourned.


    ¡°Thank you for that Lash.¡± Sache whispered to him as the officers in the room left.


    ¡°Sometimes it''s better to solve a problem, then to destroy it. Always try to offer more than one method of action. In my case one way is brutal, and violent. While the other is simple, and peaceful.¡± Lash replied as he stood and walked towards the center of the room. The holographic display changed to the city of Theed.


    ¡°What about this dark warrior...Darth Maul?¡± Yane asked as she came to stand next to him.


    ¡°If we meet him we''ll have to kill him. Sith are dangerous no matter the circumstance.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Can he not be saved?¡± Sache asked, as she came to Yane''s side and took her hand in her own.


    ¡°The only safe method would be to white wash his memories and make him into a new person. Something I refuse to do.¡± Lash said, both of them winced at the idea.


    ¡°How...How do you even know how to do that?¡± Sache asked, after a few minutes of contemplation.


    ¡°The Jedi have done it before in the past. Most notably they did it with Darth Revan. Which was a convoluted mess in the end.¡± Lash said as he brought up the palace of Theed. Yane, and Sache both looked at him in shock.


    ¡°Will we have to join the Jedi?¡± Yane asked, then looked at Lash as he turned around to give them his undivided attention.


    ¡°No... There is no law in the galactic republic that states force users have to join the Jedi. It is simply encouraged. Both of you are far to old to start the training anyways. The problem is... The Jedi may decide you are to much of a threat and will try and seal the Force from you. Or, the Sith will take interest in you.¡± Lash said to them then took a seat and motioned for them to join him, which they did.


    ¡°However, it''s not like you''ll never see me again once this is all over. Though I don''t plan to stay on Naboo. I will stay in contact with you. If you will allow me too that is?¡± Lash asked, and they both nodded at him with amused smiles as if it was a given.


    ¡°So in the long run. Finish your duty as a handmaiden. Continue your lives, start a family, etc, etc. Anyone who tries to make trouble with you... Well, let''s just say I don''t like it when others threaten my people.¡± Lash replied, as metallic claws came out of his gloves.


    Sache sat behind Yane and pulled the latter back into her embrace. Yane smiled at Sache and blushed just a little when Lash watched them. Lash shrugged at them both and stood back up to finish the mission brief that they would have in a few hours. His tech-spirits danced through the information networked and verified that the Viceroy had taken residence with in the royal palace. More disturbingly Darth Maul was in the palace as well in meditation.


    Sio Bibble and the rest of the elected officials were in what was termed camp four. It was an interment camp with in the festival square of Theed. Camp four was designed to hold important political, military, and royal prisoners. However, the camp was mostly empty. Theed had been evacuated before the invasion had shown up. Most of the elected officials had scattered across Naboo under the advisement of the Queen.


    Off to the side of the camp was a platform from days of old. They were planning on hanging the officials. Droids went back and forth in the construction of the event. The platform was about ten feet higher than the ground floor. With raised steps for the hanging. This would allow everyone to watch them dangle as they twisted in the wind. Along the rooftops sniper droids that were already in place. Along with dozens of droids hidden in the buildings. The execution was set for tomorrow and they had already placed their assets in the field. Stupid.


    ¡°Lash...Why do you feel hollow?¡± Yane asked him, he turned to look at her and he saw the midi''s in the air surrounded her.


    ¡°It''s called Void in the Force, or also known as Force Blank. It''s a rare ability where the User almost seems to be fully nonexistent in the Force. It''s what I''ve used to keep myself hidden all these years not only from the Jedi, but from the Sith. Unless you were looking right at me, you wouldn''t even know I was there. Even then, I can focus it to make me nigh invisible. I''ve used the ability on you, and the resistance several times.¡± Lash replied and received several experience prompts for Acting and Cosmic Awareness.


    ¡°So that''s why.¡± Yane said, and breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°We were afraid there was something wrong with you, or maybe us?¡± Sache provided the reason for the questioning.


    ¡°I''m going to be blunt with you two for a bit, alright?¡± Lash asked and they both sat up at attention.


    ¡°I need the both of you to understand one simple, yet complicated issue. You two have joined a very elite, and rare group of people. You are both artificially created Force Users. In the twenty five thousand plus years of the Living Force. There has only been a hand full that have been artificially created.¡± Lash politely informed them so they could fully comprehend their position.


    ¡°So, in that regard we are going to have to come up with a feasible means of how you two became Force Users for the mundanes. To simply put when we found the Force Temple I invited you both to come meditate with me in the temple. The Force infused into your bodies and that is that.¡± Lash said a simple, yet easy to understand explanation.


    ¡°Isn''t that what the resistance thinks happened?¡± Yane asked, and Lash nodded. It had never occurred to any of the resistance that Lash had made a Force User. They assumed it had something to do with the temple and that Yane, and Sache simply needed a push in the right direction.


    ¡°Lash if artificially created Force Users are so rare. How rare are the people capable of making them?¡± Sache asked, as she zeroed in on him.


    ¡°It''s possible to take an already preexisting Force User, and make them stronger by visiting places saturated in the Force. Through use of arcane science one can infuse midi-chlorians into cloned tissue. But the ability to just infuse the Force into just anyone? I believe I am the only in the history of the Force to do so...I think.¡± Lash replied, and had to lean back in thought. Just in case Lash checked the area and created a baffle field. He should have done it to begin with but he was distracted.


    ¡°Wait... You can just do it anywhere? I thought you needed a temple?¡± Sache asked in surprise.


    ¡°Oh that definitely helps! But no, I can do it anywhere I like. Several of the resistance fighters are nearing their threshold now.¡± Lash replied with a chuckle.


    ¡°Lash, do you have any idea how valuable you are? The galaxy would go to war just to obtain you.¡± Yane asked.


    ¡°Yes, I know. That is why I practice the art of Force Blank. To stay hidden.¡± Lash replied with a simple shrug.


    So the truth of the matter was decided to stay hidden. The Force Temple they found held enough ambient midi''s to help push several RSF, and the two handmaidens past the threshold to become Force Users. But, Yane was right. The idea that Lash could create Force Users would cause the galaxy as a whole to hunt him down and either dissect him, or demand he make more Force Users. A new age of Jedi, and Sith could be around the corner. Or, or maybe something new?


    ---


    The execution was scheduled to happen in ten hours. The layout of Theed had been produced and placed in holographic communicators. One of Lash''s tech-spirits had already dived into the Theed network and would be quarterbacking the event. While the others would either be in the TF network, or aiding in the RSF resistance network. One hundred of the best RSF resistance fighters were selected for the mission. Lash stood in front of the group with Yane, and Sache at his side.


    ¡°We have ten hours to sprint to Theed, and set up. So I expect everyone to be there in four!¡± Lash called out, and the collected group chuckled at him.


    Lash raised his hands and cast an AOE Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, Animal Eye, and Cat''s Grace. As a greenish blue energy settled over the RSF resistance soldiers. Lash watched as more than half of the group reached their midi threshold. Lash turned on his heel and sprinted off into the jungle that surrounded the resistance base. The fighters hot on his heels.


    Theed was several hundred miles away. But that did not deter the group in the slightest. Another team would be traveling behind them with the land speeders, and transports necessary to make a clean get away. But the vanguard would be on foot. Why? The droids had sensors in place to detect any emissions, and energy trails. They were not expecting the resistance to show up on foot. Which was why when Lash and his group showed up out of nowhere they took out the different listening stations without a single casualty.


    Just as Lash had asked the vanguard reached Theed in four hours. Lash was quick to recast his spell buffs over the team one last time then they moved into the city like specters. Theed had seen better days. The statues, mosaics, and works of art that were so treasured by the people lay in ruins. Every living soul with in the city not part of the TF had been rounded up in camps outside the city. Save for the specialized prisoners in camp four. How odd it was then that a crowd had gathered to watch the execution.


    They were still hours away from the execution but a group of civilians had been placed around the hangman''s platform. They wore gaudy robes, and concealed their faces. Lash sent a Nature Domain pulse through the area and received nothing in return. So he sent Technomancy and found that every gawker was a droid in disguise. The TF had done an excellent job. They really did look like civilians. Lash sent the update to his tech-spirit who informed the resistance.


    ''Creator, Darth Maul is moving.'' -One of Lash''s tech-spirits informed him.


    Lash stopped and activated his HUD (Heads up display). The tech-spirit identified Maul, it showed him moving at great speed through the city towards them? Lash gave himself a mental face palm. The Force-Users! They created a disturbance in the Force that Maul could feel. Lash may as well had put up a sign with their location.


    ¡°Change in plans everyone. The Sith is moving early. Commander get the prisoners out of the Theed. Yane, and Sache move to the palace to secure and move the Viceroy. I''ll intercept the Sith.¡± Lash said off their communication line. He received confirmations and they moved out.


    Before Yane, and Sache could sprint off Lash snagged them and pulled them into a hug. The unexpected move was a surprise to them both but they soon returned the embrace. Then they were off. The resistance teams started their attack and the sound of explosions went through the city. Maul''s signal moved in quickly towards the camps. Lash ran parallel with him until he jumped off a roof and landed in front of Maul.


    Darth Maul came slowly came to a halt and stared at Lash as he stood and looked at him. Lash rolled his shoulders, and rotated his neck. Maul eyed him carefully, then glanced behind him as he saw Yane, and Sache jump from roof to roof towards the palace. Maul then looked back at Lash and sneered.


    ¡°Jedi.¡± Maul said the word with disgust.


    ¡°Sith.¡± Lash said as he placed his right fist into his left palm and bowed from his waist but kept his eye on Maul.


    Maul peeled off his upper robes and pulled his lightsaber off his belt. He twisted the handle and pressed a mechanism. The handle of the saber extended by a sizable margin. Then his double-bladed lightsaber activated. Twin beams of crimson light burst into being. Then he waited, how polite of him. Lash reached to his belt and ''pulled'' two red Psionic Daggers. The blades extended a foot and a half. The red color was a clear surprise to Maul.


    Lash spread his feet, and lowered the center of his gravity. Then with out any further delay Maul jumped forward and swung his saber in a spinning arc. Lash jumped forward and caught Maul''s blade with his own. Then Lash''s pivoted his body and struck out with a kick. Maul handspringed to the side and spun his blade to deter a follow up attack. Lash stomped his foot and cracked the stone tiles beneath his feet. He swept his hands forward and used Telekinesis to catapult the stones towards Maul at high speeds.


    Maul spun his double-bladed lightsaber and deflected the stone with ease. Lash rushed him and attacked low, and high with his daggers. He stepped into Maul''s long reach with his daggers. Arguably Maul could defend and attack at the same time with his weapon. Something he did very well. Maul struck with his blade in an opening in Lash''s defenses. Lash brought his arm down, and locked the red saber blade between his vamprace, and chest guard. Maul was clearly surprised but quickly deactivated the saber so he could pull away just as Lash brought his other dagger to slash.


    ¡°That was a good move, so many fighters forget that they could deactivate the blade while fighting.¡± Lash complimented Maul who glared at him.


    ¡°As you can see my armor is lightsaber resistant. I never understood why the Jedi, and the Sith never wore armor. They make the excuse that armor slows them down. But if you get gear tailored fit for you. Then that excuse no longer applies.¡± Lash continued to speak as he rushed towards Maul and struck with his daggers.


    Maul stayed silent but he began to snarl, and hiss at him. Lash could feel the dark side of the Force empowering Maul. Though Maul was able to get past Lash''s quick attacks to score a hit. It ultimately did nothing. Lash''s armor protected him. But something odd was happening. Lash was slowing down. He felt like he was wading through water to attack Maul. He quickly switched through Magical Perception and found that the Living Force was latched on to Lash and was trying to impede the fight.


    Maul snarled as he doubled his efforts, scoring hit after hit on Lash. But still Lash''s armor kept him at bay. Then to add injury to insult battle droids showed up and proceeded to shoot at Lash between strikes from Maul. Stone tiles shifted under Lash''s feet and made him drop down. He rolled away just in time as Maul struck a blow that would have shifted past his armored plates.


    ''Commander, the prisoners are secure we are falling back.'' -Captain Krash called through the communication line.


    ''Yane, Sache?'' -Lash called across the line.


    ''The Viceroy isn''t here! They had a man dressed up as him, it was his second.'' -Sache responded with blaster fire in the background.


    ''Bring him then.'' -Lash replied.


    Lash activated Deflection and no longer worried about the blasters. As they were deflected, or repelled. He rushed towards Maul and cast Acceleration on himself. The quick response was a surprise to Maul as he concentrated only on defense against Lash. The Living Force was like a tsunami as it crashed into Lash over, and over. Maul''s hatred grew, and grew. The dark side of the Force made him stronger. They locked sabers once again. Lash''s right hand dagger locked in place held close to Maul''s chest, and neck.


    ¡°Another benefit of armor.¡± Lash said to Maul. ¡°Hidden weapons!¡±


    A two foot long red Psionic Blade shot out of Lash''s vamprace right through Maul''s neck, and spinal cord. Maul''s eyes went wide in shock. Lash pulled his blade out from him with a twist and a pull nearly decapitating the Sith. Maul dropped like a puppet without strings. Above Lash was a tornado of midi-chlorians that slammed into the ground with such force it cracked the capital Theeds very foundation!


    Nullification activated and shielded Lash. Hundreds of gathered battle droids were scattered in all directions. While Lash was left in a crater of his own making. The ruined body of Maul was found, little more than a husk. The midi-chlorians in the air swam around in pure shock, and anger. They formed a fist and struck down on Lash which forced him to his knees. But he held under the onslaught.


    Before another strike could be made Lash used Nullification once again and force the midi-chlorians away. Lash momentarily created a dead zone. Lash stood up and nearly toppled over. His energy levels had dropped to 2% but were quickly refilling. He dragged himself over to Maul''s now shattered corpse. He looted the body, and used Decomposition on the corpse. The midi-chlorians within his body swam out. Above the city of Theed was a storm of the Living Force. Lash watched in confusion. Why was the Force reacting in such a hostile manner? This wasn''t about slowing his progress. No, the Living Force tried to kill him.


    This would be something better to contemplate in a safer location. Lash climbed out of the crater and quickly moved through the city towards the rendavue point. Carefully tucked away was Darth Maul''s lightsaber. Lash would copy the blueprint, and most importantly obtained the chemical formula for a kyber crystal. By the time Lash reached the edge of the city the storm of Living Force exploded and sent ripples of energy across the skies, and even more likely across the galaxy...


    ============================================================


    (Coruscant. Senate and Embassy Housing.)


    Coruscant, also known as the center of rule of the Galactic Republic, was an ecumenopolis a city-covered planet, collectively known as Republic City in the Coruscant system of the Core Worlds. Though debated by historians, it was generally believed that Coruscant was the original home world of humanity. Coruscant was made up of multiple layers. Each layer was a planet wide city. The layers went down for miles until one reached the surface of the planet. Many who lived on the lower levels had never seen the sky. Coruscant despite being the capital of the Republic, and Jedi Order had a rich criminal underworld.


    Queen Amidala and reached Coruscant and now sat in council with Senator Sheeve Palpatine. The embassy housing was filled with extravagance and detailed artwork meant to impress anyone who chose to visit the Naboo embassies. Grand crystal windows adorned the outside walls allowing sunlight through creating an almost rainbow colored backdrop of the room where discussions would take place. The Queen herself sat at a red cushioned throne wearing a gray ornate gown, with a large waist sash, a intricate head dress with a sideways black mohawke, and a crown of white beads. Her face was painted pale with two red dots on either cheek, and a single red brush stroke on her bottom lip.


    Pacing back and forth in front of the Queen was the Senator Palpatine. Who wore a blue ornate coat with furled sleeves. The coat was wrapped around his frame, but allowed his legs to be exposed to show his long robe like pants. Naboo golden calligraphy was sewn into his collar, coat edge, and belt. Palpatine stood at approximately 5''5¡± (1.7 m) with short curly red hair that was fading gray. He was an older human male with a scholar''s figure. Thin with very little muscle, but also no fat. He had a grand father feel to him. But his wit, and his sharp tongue was evident to any who had spoken to him.


    ¡°..the Republic is not what it once was. The Senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates who are only looking out for themselves and their home sytems. There is no interest in the common good...no civility, only politics...its disgusting. I must be frank, Your Majesty, there is little chance the Senate will act on the invasion.¡± Senator Palpatine said as he paced. Though he glanced at the Queen as he spoke. He also glanced at Anakin, Shmi, and Jar Jar who sat in the waiting room outside the room. Captain Panaka walked in at that moment and took his side by the Queen as they spoke.


    ¡°Chancellor Valorum seems to think there is hope.¡± Queen Amidala responded as she tracked Palpatine back and forth. But her eyes glanced to Anakin when the door opened. He smiled and waved at her. Shmi pulled on her son and mouthed apologizes.


    ¡°If I may say so, Your Majesty, the Chancellor has little real power...he is mired down by baseless accusations of corruption. A manufactured scandal surrounds him. The bureaucrats are in charge now.¡± Senator Palpatine replied, and tried to explain the reason behind the situation.


    ¡°Just as he said...¡± The Queen said, and Palpatine looked at her. ¡°What options do we have?¡± She continued her thought.


    ¡°Our best choice would be to push for the election of a stronger Supreme Chancellor. One who will take control of the bureaucrats, enforces the laws, and give us justice. You could call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum.¡± Senator Palpatine replied, but took note of what she said before. He came to stand before the Queen, looking at her with concern over the situation.


    ¡°He''s been our strongest supporter. Are you sure there is no other way?¡± The Queen asked, her voice laced with confusion even if her face did not show it.


    ¡°Our only other choice would to submit a plea to the courts...¡± Senator Palpatine replied then went back to pacing.


    ¡°There''s no time for that. The courts take even longer to decide things than the Senate. Our people are dying, Senator...more and more each day. Master Lash can not hold the line forever. We need to send help immediately.¡± The Queen replied with a bit force in her voice.


    ¡°Yes, the Master Jedi you spoke of. To be realistic, your highness, I''d say we''re going to have to


    accept Federation control for the time being.¡± Senator Palpatine replied as he looked at her sideways.


    ¡°That is something I can not do...Senator Palpatine?¡± The Queen said then swiftly stood up as Palpatine reached up to his chest and a look of shock fell across his face. He grew pale as Captain Panaka rushed to his side.


    ¡°I-I''m alright. I... I just, I think I need to sit down.¡± Senator Palpatine said. His facial expressions went from shock, to anger, then back to calm. His eyes look off into the distance as if he could see miles away.


    ¡°Are you well, shall we call for a doctor?¡± Captain Panaka asked.


    ¡°No, no I''m fine. I''ll get everything ready for our hearing with the senate. Your highness.¡± Senator Palpatine said, then stood up and bowed towards the Queen then swiftly left.


    ¡°I had hoped Master Lash had been wrong about the senate.¡± Captain Panaka said softly once the door closed behind the senator.


    ¡°As did we all. But we must take swift action so we can return with the reinforcements he expects.¡± The Queen replied, and began the agonizing task of picking a new outfit for the senate hearing.


    _________________________________________________________________


    Senator Sheev Palpatine moved through the embassy halls with vigor that betrayed his age. He was quick to get out of sight and into his dedicated offices. With a quick command code at the door the windows shuttered, and a sound dampening field was erected around his entire office. Then he screamed in fury! He picked up a table and threw it across the room shattering it on impact. The action clearly behind his physical bodies strength yet he made it look easy. The table was not the last thing to be tossed aside.


    Eventually after several minutes Palpatine smoothed out his clothing, and slowed his breathing. Then called for a droid to come clean up the mess. He went to his personal console that he did not destroy and began to prepare of the senate hearing. As well has his follow up commands, and orders to his assistants in the senate. But the boiling rage was barely satisfied. Palpatine was angry, and he would ensure someone would suffer his wrath one way or another.


    ______________________________________________________________________


    (Coruscant. The Jedi Temple.)


    Qui-Gon Jinn, and Obi-Wan Kenobi had returned to the Jedi Temple to make their full report to the Jedi Council. Contained within the fifth and central tower of the temple. They could see the long line of land transports traveling through the skies of Coruscant. The went for miles in neat orderly lines. While the sun was past midday, the warm glow filtered into room. The Jedi council sat in a circle while Master Jinn, and Padawan Kenobi gave their report.


    The Jedi council was made up entirely of Jedi Masters who wielded the Light Side of the Force. Consulars, Guardians, oddly no Sentinals. But none the less they were considered the best, and most capable of the Jedi order within the galactic republic. The more notable figures sat upfront in the room. When speakers would attend they would often speak to them directly. Jedi Master Yoda, and Jedi Master Mace Windu.


    Master Yoda stood at approximately 1''9¡± (0.6 m) tall. He had a green skin tone, with green-gold eye color, a face and body full of wrinkles, and a mane of gray hair that was thinning. He had long pointed ears that went out sideways. Ears so long that if Yoda pressed them down they could cover his eyes on his face. He had three fingered hands, and three toes per feet. He wore a traditional Jedi robe with earth and white tones. That covered his stout body figure. He carried a short stick in hand to help him walk. Yoda had a grandfather glow to him. He loved to teach, help his fellow Jedi, and would protect his people with his life.


    Master Mace Windu stood at approximately 6''2¡± (1.9 m) tall. He had chocolate black skin, with brown eyes. He was middle aged for a human male, though the Force slowed his aging considerably. He was bald. (Baldies unite!) He had an athletic martial arts body type. Dense, compact muscles. He wore the traditional Jedi garb with earth, and white clothing along with brown leather boots. He had an almost predatory grace about him. Though he looked relaxed anyone who knew him would know he could jump into action without a second thought.


    ¡°Master Lash said that his name was removed from the record, and that he would not be surprised if no one knew him.¡± Qui-Gon Jinn said to the council.


    ¡°This... Lash, strong with the force he was? Hmm.¡± Yoda asked, as he watched them carefully. Jinn, and Kenobi looked at one another and nodded.


    ¡°I watched him pull down a C-9979 landing craft from the air.¡± Kenobi replied, and a burst of murmurs filled the room.


    ¡°Without a doubt he is one of the most powerful Force Users I''ve seen outside of this council.¡± Jinn continued, while Yoda thought on the matter.


    ¡°This Lash believes a Sith Lord named Darth Sidious is behind the Trade Federations aggressive actions?¡± Master Windu asked.


    Qui-Gon Jinn took out a holographic emitter and played the video of the Viceroy speaking to figure about the invasion. Aside from the recording there was little evidence to support Lash''s claim. The Viceroy does call the man Lord Sidious, but that could just be his name. So someone is behind the Trade Federation''s aggressive actions. But it doesn''t prove that Sidious is a Sith.


    ¡°It is impossible for the Sith to return. They''ve been extinct for a millennia.¡± Another Jedi Master claimed.


    ¡°I do not believe they could return without us knowing.¡± Master Windu said dismissively.


    ¡°Hard to see, the dark side is. Look into these claims we must.¡± Master Yoda declared and the room agreed. Better to be sure, than proven wrong later.


    ¡°What about this Master Lash. His claims of being a Mandalorian?¡± Another master asked.


    ¡°Been a mandalorian jedi there has not, since Tarre Vizsla. No records of a mandalorian jedi we have, or a padawan. Others off his scent a disguise perhaps to throw?¡± Master Yoda spoke and a few masters agreed.


    ¡°If at all possible this Lash should be brought back to the council so we may question him.¡± Master Windu suggested and the council agreed.


    ¡°You have more to say, master Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Hmmm?¡± Master Yoda asked.


    ¡°With your permission Masters, we have discovered a vergence in the Force.¡± Master Jinn replied, the room of masters looked at them in confusion.


    ¡°Located around a person?¡± Master Windu asked.


    ¡°A boy... his cells have the highest concentration of midi-chlorians I have seen in a life form. It is possible he was conceived by the midi-chlorians.¡± Master Jinn said, while Kenobi looked conflicted.


    ¡°You''re referring to the prophesy of the one who will bring balance to the Force...you believe it''s this boy?¡± Master Windu asked.


    ¡°I don''t presume, but Master Lash is the one that told us about it.¡± Master Jinn replied.


    ¡°Lash spoke of the boy to you? When?¡± Master Windu asked.


    ¡°Right before left aboard the Queens starship. He pulled master Jinn, and myself aside an said. ''When it happens look for a young human boy. Maybe ten years old, blond hair, blue eyes. He''ll help you.... You''ll understand when it happens.'' At the time we didn''t understand. But in the escape from Naboo our ship was damaged and we had to make repairs on the planet of Tatooine. Where Master Qui-Gon found the boy in question.¡± Obi-Wan Kenobi replied to them.


    ¡°So Lash knew you would have problems leaving the blockade. He knew you would travel to Tatooine. Then in your travels stumble across the boy?¡± Another Master of the council asked, and new murmurs spread throughout the chamber. While Jinn, and Kenobi both looked at each other.


    ¡°More to say, you have? Yes, hmmm?¡± Master Yoda asked.


    ¡°During our travels through Mos Espa where I met the boy. A sandstorm impeded our travels back to the ship. The boy, Anakin offered to shelter us in his home. A truly selfless act. That night in the room granted to me.... I, heard Master Lash''s voice. He told me to buy the boy and his mother. As they were both slaves of Watto the owner of the junk shop who had our part. Then the Force coalescent onto my cot and thousands of peggats appeared. More than enough to buy the part, along with Anikan and his mother Shmi from Watto.¡± Master Jinn said to the council.


    ¡°Lash spoke to you through the Force. Across star systems no less. Then materialized currency in your room?¡± Master Windu asked, astonishment clear on his face.


    ¡°Been seen in a force user for centuries such abilities, have not.¡± Master Yoda commented, as he smoothed a hand over his head.


    ¡°Bring this boy to us, and his mother. We would speak to them.¡± Master Windu ordered.


    ¡°As you wish Masters.¡± Master Jinn replied and bowed from his waist, as did Kenobi. They then left the council chambers.


    ¡°In strange times we live.¡± Master Yoda commented, and the council agreed.


    ¡°Could Lash be a padawan to one of the Lost Twenty?¡± A Master asked.


    The Lost Twenty was a group of twenty Jedi Masters who renounced their allegiance to the Jedi Order at various times in its history. Every member of the Lost Twenty had forsaken the Order after becoming disillusioned about its principles, indeed the Order''s very way of life. They along with several padawans left the Order behind to learn the ways of the Force through alternate means.


    ¡°If the words of Master Qui-Gon Jinn, and padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi are to believed. Then this Lash has not fallen to the dark side as we had feared of the Twenty. If anything it seems he continues to do his duty as a Jedi to help those in need, and bring peace to all he finds.¡± A master offered, and a few agreed.


    ¡°If Master Qui-Gon, and padawan Kenobi can''t convince him to come, to seek him out ourselves we may have.¡± Master Yoda said and the council agreed...


    _____________________________________________________________________


    (Coruscant, Senate Chamber)


    The Senate Chamber his huge! A truly breathtaking assembly, and design. Thousands of senators in their appointed position sat in circular pods that allowed for seating for selected individuals. When called upon by the Supreme Chancellor and his aids. The pods would detach from the wall and float into the open space. In the center of vast room was a seating tower for the Chancellor.


    The Queen was recognized by the Supreme Chancellor and she declared her plight to the senate where she was pushed aside by the Trade Federation representative, and their supporters. Queen Amidala presented the evidence collected by Lash, and their own video recordings of the TF firing on their ship as they tried to escape the blockade. However this was met with refusal. These recordings could have easily been fabricated, or even altered.


    When asked by the Chancellor if the Queen would agree to submit to a committee of investigation she refused. Then did as Senator Palpatine suggested and called for a vote of no confidence in Supreme Chancellor Valorum. As disappointed as she was in the situation. The Queen needed swift action as soon as possible. Her vote of no confidence was met with hundreds of senators rallying to her for support. While hundreds more denied such a vote.


    The emergency senate hearing was postponed until a new Supreme Chancellor could voted on. The Queen went back to her royal chambers and was lost in thought as she gazed out her window. She jumped in surprise when Jar Jar almost seem to materialize next to her. He had grown far more capable than he had been before. Gone was the clumsy gungan, but his naive, innocent outlook on life remained. Jar Jar watched the Queen for a moment then spoke.


    ¡°Mesa wonder why da guds invent pain?¡± Jar Jar mused next to the Queen.


    ¡°To motivate us, I imagine...¡± The Queen replied, as she continued to stare out her window.


    ¡°Yousa tinken yousa people ganna die?¡± Jar Jar asked.


    ¡°I don''t know.¡± The Queen replied, and thought back to the man who said he would help until reinforcements arrived.


    ¡°Gungans ganna get pasted too, eh?¡± Jar Jar asked, as he glanced at the Queen.


    ¡°I hope not...¡± The Queen replied.


    ¡°Gungans do die''n without a fight.... wesa warriors. Wesa gotta grand army. Dat why you no liken us, metinks.¡± Jar Jar said, a look of surprise came over The Queen''s face. An idea began to form.


    ¡°Your highness!¡± Captain Palpatine rushed into the room, followed by senator Palpatine. Both had smiles on their faces. ¡°Your Highness, Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as Supreme Chancellor.¡±


    ¡°A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one. I promise, Your Majesty, if I am elected, I will bring democracy back to the Republic. I will put an end to corruption. The Trade Fedreation will lose its influence over the bureaucrats, and our people will be freed.¡± Senator Palaptine said with a broad smile, filled with confidence.


    ¡°Who else can be nominated?¡± The Queen asked as she paced through the room, gears turning. As the idea has now taken root.


    ¡°Bail Antilles of Alderaan and Ainlee Teem of Malastare.¡± Captain Panaka replied to the Queen.


    ¡°I feel confident...our "situation" will create a strong sympaphy vote for us... I will be Chancellor, I promise you.¡± Senator Palpatine took a seat in the meeting room a smug look of satisfaction on his face.


    ¡°I fear by the time you have control of the bureaucrats, Senator, there will be nothing left of our cities, our people, our way of life...¡± The Queen replied.


    ¡°I understand your concern, Your Majesty; unfortunately, the Federation has possession of our planet. The law is in their favor.¡± Senator Palpatine said, his eye twitched slightly but he quickly schooled his expression.


    ''Come home, you''ve done all you can.'' -Lash''s voice spoke to Queen Amidala. She stumbled and looked around the room in alarm. Senator Palpatine was up and out of his chair in a moment. He stood by her side. But his face showed a look of concentration.


    ¡°Your highness, are you alright?¡± Senator Palpatine asked.


    The Queen was perfectly fine. But she knew she had heard Lash''s voice. She quickly assured her trusted advisor and declared that she planned to return to Naboo. She had done all she could and this arena belonged to Palpatine not her. Palpatine tried to dissuade her but nothing worked. Soon she called her guards, and handmaidens they were to make ready to return home.


    Palpatine stood in the meeting room with a look of confusion on his face. He had...Felt something surround Queen Amidala for a brief moment. He couldn''t be sure, but he knew someone or something had spoken to her. He pushed such thoughts aside and remained focus on the here and now. He had to do all he could to ensure he won the election. One step closer to his goal.


    __________________________________________________________________


    (Coruscant, Jedi Temple)


    Anakin Skywalker was beside himself in excitement. His mother Shmi walked by his side and she was practically vibrating with nervous tension. She walked through the halls of the Jedi with her son. Here in this place would decide her son''s future. A life without her. But a remarkable life all the same. The Queen had offered to make Shmi a citizen of Naboo once the TF had been removed. An opportunity Shmi planned to take her up on. She prayed for her sons good fortune. But she was confused as to why the Jedi Council call her as well.


    ¡°Anakin, remember these are Master Jedi. Please treat them with the same respect you have shown Master Qui-Gon, and Master Obi-Wan.¡± Shmi told her son who nodded his head enthusiastically.


    ¡°Not to worry, we''ll be right by your side.¡± Qui-Gon said, while Obi-Wan nodded in agrement.


    They were brought to the Jedi Council chamber and the Masters present all took them in with a glance. Shmi wished she didn''t have such drab clothing on. She should have taken the Queen up on replacing her clothes. Anakin walked in with the naivete of a child and bowed to them all. Shmi smiled slightly at her son. Then came to stand before them all. She folded her hands to her chest and bowed. The small green man smiled and laughed lightly. It put Shmi at ease.


    ¡°Welcome, welcome, at ease please be. Questions for you we have.. Hmm.¡± Master Yoda said to them.


    ¡°Yes... I mean, yes you have my permission to take Anikan to be trained as a Jedi.¡± Shmi squeaked out, and coughed a few times and tried to clear her throat. Apparently her permission had surprised the room.


    ¡°Trained in the jedi arts you wish that young Anikan be?¡± Master Yoda asked.


    ¡°Yes, please Master.¡± Anikan asked, and bow again. The Jedi council whispered to each other.


    ¡°Who was the boys father?¡± Master Windu asked. Shmi looked at Qui-Gon who nodded.


    ¡°He didn''t have a father. I''ve never known the touch of a man.¡± Shmi said, and shrunk under the scrutiny of the Jedi Council.


    ¡°Stop being mean to my mom!¡± Anakin said to them loudly, almost as if he pushed the feeling of his discontent in his voice. Every Force User in the room felt him do it. Though it was minuscule, it was there.


    ¡°Anikan...¡± Shmi said as Anikan came to her side and took her hand in his own.


    ¡°Sorry youngling we are. Ourselves we old ones do from time to time forget.. Yes, hrrrm.¡± Master Yoda replied and the rest of the council gave their apologizes.


    Anikan was angry but accepted the apologizes. He looked at Qui-Gon who nodded at him. The council asked a few sensitive questions. Shmi was let to a medical wing to be tested to ascertain her claims. While Anikan was tested to be a Force User. Which he passed with flying colors. By the time they were finished Shmi came back with her test results. Her claims were true. But despite all that.


    ¡°No, he will not be trained.¡± Master Windu said.


    ¡°No!?¡± Qui-Gon said in astonishment, as tears begin to brim in Anakin''s eyes. Shmi came to his side and held him.


    ¡°He is to old. There is already to much anger in him.¡± Master Windu replied.


    ¡°He is the chosen one! You must see it, as Master Lash does. The Living Force brought us together.¡± Qui-Gon said to the council.


    ¡°Clouded, this boy''s future is. Masked by his youth.¡± Master Yoda declared.


    ¡°Maybe Master Lash can teach him?¡± Shmi said softly, and a look of surprise came over Qui-Gon''s face then a smile grew. Obi-Wan''s brows rose as he stopped to think on the matter as well.


    ¡°Now is not the time for this...the Senate is voting for a new Supreme Chancellor. Queen Amidala is returning home, which will put pressure on the Federation, and could widen the confrontation.¡± Master Windu said, Qui-Gon turned his focus on Windu but a smile tugged on his lips.


    ¡°Go with the Queen to Naboo, look into the possibilities of Sith involvement. If you can try and convince Lash to return with you to Coruscant. Or at the very least have him wait until we arrive.¡± Master Windu ordered.


    ¡°Decided later young Skywalker''s fate will be.¡± Master Yoda declared.


    Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Anikan, and Shmi all bowed and left the room promptly. Anakin looked back at the Jedi council, and Yoda waved at him. Anakin couldn''t help himself but wave back. Then he hurried after his mother. Once they had left Yoda rubbed his face in disappointment. That had not gone as planned.


    ¡°Perhaps we should allow Qui-Gon to take the boy as his Padawan? Obi-Wan appears to be ready for the trials to become a Knight.¡± A master suggested.


    ¡°We do not know enough about Lash. Qui-Gon may end up teaching the boy even without our permission. If we push him not to he may end up leaving the council. Always a follower of the Living Force Master Qui-Gon is.¡± Another master declared.


    ¡°With your permission masters, I''m going to search the archives, and records for Lash. Maybe under a different name. It may be fruitless but I feel like an answer may be there.¡± A Master by the name of Plo Koon.


    ¡°Yes, I agree. Discover the truth about this exiled jedi we must.¡± Master Yoda replied, and with that the council adjourned.....


    ___________________________________________________________________


    (Coruscant. Naboo Embassy Landing Pad.)


    As land transports, and speeders raced through the skyline. A landing pad with the Queens royal starship awaited its crew, and guests. The landing pad floated in mid air thanks to repulsorlift supports. A Jedi transport landed on one part of the pad. While another senate transport deposited the Queen and her people. Anakin, Shmi, R2-D2, C-3PO who was made by Anakin waited for the Queen. Jar Jar scampered over and hugged Anakin who hugged him in return.


    ¡°I have a bad feeling about Master Lash. I can''t shake that he is not telling us everything.¡± Obi-Wan said to Qui-Gon as they walked across the platform and a leisurely pace.


    ¡°I fear you may be right. Though we had only known him briefly he felt genuine in his declaration that he was there to help the people of Naboo. But the Living Force can be an odd task master. There have been times it has asked me to do things that I did not know the results of until years later.¡± Qui-Gon replied, as he watched the Queen stride across the pad with purpose.


    ¡°Come master, keep your focus on the here and now.¡± Obi-Wan said with a sly grin on his face. Qui-Gon looked at him with a raised brow and a smile.


    ¡°You''re highness it is our privilege, and pleasure to continue to serve and protect you in these dire times.¡± Qui-Gon said to the Queen when they met her on the landing pad. Obi-Wan mirrored his master in etiquette.


    ¡°I welcome your help. I fear the Trade Federation makes a plea to destroy me. We also did not bring back the reinforcements that Master Lash requested of us.¡± The Queen replied, and strode past them towards the ship.


    ¡°We promise we''ll do all we can to help you reclaim your world.¡± Obi-Wan said to the Queen.


    ¡°Wesa goen home!¡± Jar Jar shouted as he trailed after the rest. It was time to return to Naboo...


    ________________________________________________________________________


    (Naboo Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray''s Ship.)


    ¡°The Queen is on her way to you. I regret she is of no further use to us. When she gets there, destroy her.¡± Darth Sidious hologram informed Viceroy Nute Gunray. The Viceroy looked pale as he refused to look at Darth Sidious.


    ¡°Viceroy, look at me!¡± Darth Sidious said, and the Viceroy felt compelled to look at him.


    ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± Darth Sidious snarled at him.


    ¡°M-My lord. The resistance on the planet is... We are losing ground.¡± The Viceroy replied.


    ¡°You are telling me the planet is not secured!?¡± Darth Sidious hissed at him.


    ¡°N-No my lord. In fact every time I''ve journeyed to the surface my shuttle has been attacked. The resistance has made a clear attempt to capture me. Every droid commander sent to the surface is promptly assassinated. Dozens of Jedi have appeared.¡± The Viceroy replied as a look of surprise fell across Darth Sidious shrouded face.


    ¡°Dozens of Jedi?¡± Darth Sidious asked, The Viceroy sent a holographic recording.


    The recording showed Lash jumping across a field and impacting a hover tank. He crushed it like a tin can. While several figures clad in armor and wielding lightsabers rushed in to destroy the battle droids present. As the video continued hundreds of battle droids were destroyed. Along with transports, tanks, droid starfighters, etc, etc... Then the resistance faded from view almost as if nature itself obscured their view.


    ¡°Where are they hiding!?¡± Darth Sidious asked enraged!


    ¡°We believe they are hiding within the jungles of Naboo.¡± The Viceroy replied. More than half of Naboo was covered in jungle.


    ¡°Take your fleet and bombard them from space. Every inch of the jungle turned to ruin! Do it quickly!¡± Darth Sidious shouted at him and ended the transmission.


    ¡°Y-Yes... My Lord.¡± The Viceroy said in dismay. This was not going according to plan.


    ================================================================


    (Naboo. Force Temple, Resistance Base.)


    Lash was sitting in front of a material energy forge as he was in the process of creating another synthetic kyber crystal. Turned out the Kyber crystal was organic in nature. That allowed Lash to use the spell Essence Imbuement so that the crystal grew naturally in the forge. Then by casting his magic on the crystal the midi-chlorians in the air rushed to feed on the energy and by attract were absorbed into the synthetic Kyber crystal. Lash knew that the Sith figured out a way to make synthetic crystals without magic. He''d have to tinker with it at another time. But for now?


    Lash was in trouble. No matter what he did, what had happened made him look suspicious. Over a hundred resistance fighters of the RSF were know Force-Supers. Lash optimized them, and they had all reached their threshold of 5,000 + midi-chlorians. On top of it all as Yane, and Sache''s bodies grew to accommodate the changes from optimization their midi-chlorian count grew as well. They could take more sustained energy. No one had reached 10,000 as of yet. But the two of them were getting closer.


    With every new Force-Super Lash created armor, and a lightsaber for them. Yane, and Sache kept their Nth metal weapon. But had merged a Kyber crystal into it creating an interesting mix of blade, and saber. Lash started to mold their suits of armor after animals found in the galaxies. Why? That was what the Jensaarai did. The people in the recommended background Dawn had written for Lash. He had combed through the Dream Store catalog and found a Star Wars history, lore, and myth information download he could buy. Now a whole lot of information was jumbled around in his head.


    Now he understood why the Living Force had tried to not only stop him from winning against Darth Maul, but why it was so upset that he had killed him. Darth Maul played a huge role in the Star Wars story. The movies, the animated series, the comics, the novels. He effected so much. Now, he was dead. Far, far to soon. The 4th wall engine and/or the Living Force had fought back when Lash changed the story in such a drastic way. Now, the Living Force almost seemed confused, and no longer tried to stop him. At least for now.


    ¡°Master Lash, I believe we have a situation.¡± Gregar Typho came to him. Gregar was clad in an animalistic suit of armor, and a purple lightsaber was on his belt.


    Lash reached into the boiling hot forge and plucked out the crystal. He looked it over and set it down to be cooled. Another lightsaber casing waiting to be filled. Another Jensaarai to be made. One of the resistance fighters waited for the crystal to cool before his weapon was ready. Lash went over the instruction one last time with the new recruit who was listened carefully then bowed in respect.


    Lash followed Gregar as he was led towards the briefing room. Inside were a few officers all clad in Jensaarai armor, lightsabers on their belts. They all bowed reverently towards Lash as he entered. The holographic projector came to life and Captain Kras was on the line. He saluted Lash and gave his report.


    ¡°Master Lash it appears the TF have had enough of us. They have begun to bombard the planet from orbit. It is slow going but miles of jungle have been blasted to glass. The resistance is in the process of leaving the area, along with any civilians and wild life we can find. But with enough time they will weed us out. Battalions of battle droids have been spotted on the jungles edge. They shoot anything living that comes rushing out of the jungles edge.¡± Captain Kras replied.


    ¡°I''m coming to you, I''ll be there in little over an hour. Continue the evacuation.¡± Lash ordered and the holographic powered down.


    ¡°Darth Sidious must be getting frustrated if he is willing to destroy the planet just to get to us.¡± Lash said as he left the briefing room, Gregar followed in his wake.


    ¡°What should we do?¡± Gregar asked.


    ¡°Ask for volunteers to hit the TF''s outposts, and bases. With the droids waiting for us to come out the depots will be guarded with nothing but a skeleton crew. Inform the command structure of the RSF that the Queen is coming back in a few hours. Hopefully we wont be fighting for much longer.¡± Lash informed him and Gregar saluted then sprinted off to carry out his commands. Cool and focused Gregar was thanks to the implant.


    Lash had implanted a bio-mechanical device in all of the Force-Supers. One it was to help them get use to their new bodies quicker. But it also helped keep them level, emotionally. Being tied to the force meant that they felt emotions far more than others. The Dark Side would try and twist that into power, and corruption. The implanted device which was inserted into their brain stem would modify their chemical formula to tone down the emotions. It was training wheels for the Force.


    The bio-mechanical implant would degrade overtime. Once it was gone it was up to the Force-User to keep their own balance. Some would succeed, others wouldn''t. Either way the future of this Rift story event chain was going to be interesting. A land speeder arrived to take Lash to his requested designation and they were off. Along the way Lash created a holographic design for a defensive platform that he built on Xandar not that long ago. He''d have to modify it of course. But it should do.


    They passed by a large lake and Lash saw the beach in ruins. The battle droids had bombarded the area once they had learned about the gungans. They had deployed aquatic droids to root them out. The gungans had not fared very well. Hundreds had sought aid from the resistance and under the command of Lash they gave it. While the rest of the race was no where to be seen. The few gungans Lash had spoken too spoke of a sacred place. But they refused to take them to it. Lash didn''t push. Especially since he saw the midi''s surround the gungans protectively.


    Thirty minutes into their travels they saw it. Though the canopy was thick they still saw flashes of light through the leaves. The cacophony of blaster fire. Entire herds of animals big, and small were rushing through the jungle to get away. Dozens of Force-Supers were trying to calm the animals and get them to travel away from the jungles edge. They all saluted Lash as he drove by. At last they reached their destination.


    The resistance base was in the process of being pulled down as Force-Supers, and regular RSF moved around quickly. Lash jumped from the land speeder and the driver along with the vehicle were quickly asked to help with the evacuation. Captain Kras arrived and saluted Lash who returned it. Then he was brought up a small cliff face above the canopy where they could see it. Thousands of blaster bolts rained down from the skies. There in the distance in the upper atmosphere were several TF ships.


    ¡°How nice of them to show themselves.¡± Lash said with a grin. Though he wore his mask Captain Kras couldn''t help but shiver. When ever Lash grinned something chaotic was about to happen.


    Captain Kras was dismissed so he returned to help with the evacuation. Lash went to an isolated place then created a baffle field. Time to build a platform. Geometric shapes, with long lines made from green, and blue energy formed into being. He created a 100 ft squared piece of metal that was nailed into the ground via drill points at each point. Then another 100 ft triangle piece, with the cannon as the pointed portion that drew back to the middle of the triangle. The triangle was elevated into a rotating turret.


    The cannon was several smaller rotating circles with complex spell inscriptions. Stabilizers were built, along with sound dampening. Despite the custom job once this thing fired it would still be incredibly loud. Lash created a control center and enclosed himself into a box. A targeting reticle focused and zeroed in on the first visible TF cruiser. Lash sat in a constructed seat and dozens of data jacks went into his spine, and skull.


    The rough exterior of the defensive platform were smoothed out with soft edges. Artist received several prompts of experience. So much so that it level several times. Lash rarely used it anymore. But if he could make something look good, and still functioned perfectly he wouldn''t complain. Then one by one the circles started to glow as they rotated faster, and faster. Lash''s magical energy levels were being used to power the magnetic accelerated cannon (MAC). Then Lash placed a Kyber crystal shard into the cannons matrix.


    ___________________________________________________________________


    For a brief moment on the surface of Naboo a green star was born. Then a beam of green light shot straight from the surface and sliced through a Trade Federation cruiser. The world itself seem to take a breath. As the cruiser was shattered. What ever the green light touched was incinerated. The explosion of energy jumped to the two TF cruisers nearby. They suffered catastrophic damage to their ships.


    The Viceroy who stood on his flagship''s observation deck stared in horror as one by one the ships that had focused on one portion of Naboo''s jungle were shot down by some kind of defensive platform that the people of Naboo had? There had been no report about any platforms. Why had they waited so long to use it? Clearly they had waited for the right time. The Viceroy ordered all his ships to avoid that section of the planet.


    The orbital bombardment of Naboo was momentarily halted as the TF repositioned themselves. But the Viceroy was terrified to continue the attack. What if they had other platforms they didn''t know about? This was all spinning out of control. So the Viceroy order all his ships to return to the blockade of the planet, hopefully out of range of what ever had shot at them. But as the moved their ships they failed to notice a small Nabooian starship fly past them and reach the surface.


    _____________________________________________________________________


    Regretfully Lash had to deconstruct the MAC. But it had done its job. Also Dawn did not confiscate the weapon either. So that was win. Apparently Lash was not the first person to make a MAC that used kyber crystals as ammunition. Well drat! By the time Lash had finished up and went back to the resistance base a single speeder bike had been left for him. He jumped on and rode it back to central HQ. That was something Lash had copied. The speeder bikes, he couldn''t wait to get it back to his home reality.


    The TF had blasted about six hundred miles of jungle. Lash made a not to himself so he could come back and restore the jungle before he left the planet. From the tech-spirit in their systems it appeared that they had chosen to return to their blockade method and were now out of range of any defensive platform from the surface. Lash was tempted to try, but the last thing he wanted was an accelerated piece of kyber just zipping across the vacuum of space to arrive at some distant world and cause massive destruction if he missed.


    When Lash returned he found the resistance teams were all cheering. He had not informed anyone about the destruction of the cruisers so something else must have occurred. He also noticed Yane, and Sache had returned. He felt their presence in the camp. Lash moved to their position and found the reason for the good mood. A royal starship was parked off to the side and there stood the Queen, or rather a handmaiden. While Padme stood off to the side in handmaiden disguise. With her were a collection of individuals.


    Two droids known has R2-D2, and C-3PO. R2 was a astromech droid. Astromech droids, also referred to as astro droids or mechs, were a type of repair droid that served as an automated mechanic on starships. These compact droids used tool-tipped appendages stored in recessed compartments. Many starfighters relied on astromech copilots to control flight and power distribution systems. Sitting in an astromech socket exposed to space, the droid, in addition to its piloting duties, could calculate hyperspace jumps and perform simple repairs. R2 had a blue and white color scheme.


    C-3PO was a protocol droid a droid whose job was to aid sentients with their etiquette and relations with each other in the galaxy. They often dealt with event planning, etiquette, translation, and problem solving. Typically 5''5¡± (1.7 m) tall, protocol droids came in many shapes and sizes, although most were humanoid in form. C-3PO was no different. However he looked...Naked? It appeared Anikan hadn''t created skin plating for C-3PO yet so all of his wires were exposed.


    Next was Shmi Skywalker human woman who stood at approximately 5''3¡± (1.6 m). She had long brown hair tied up into a bun, with warm brown eyes, and tanned skin that had seen far to many days in the sun. Strays of gray hair could be seen. She clearly had lived a hard live and it had aged her prematurely. Despite that she had a strong, and firm figure. Earned from hard work day to day. She wore leather boots, black pants, a over coat made of fine Naboo silk, and a ornate belt. Something from the Queen''s wardrobe maybe.


    Next to Shmi was Anikan Skywalker a young human boy who stood approximately 4''5¡± (1.3 m) with golden shaggy hair to his ears. Clear, innocent, and curious blue eyes. His skin tone was tanned like his mothers. He wore baggy sand wool shit, pants, leather boots, with a leather belt adorned with all sorts of tools. He watched every speaking about this and that with a keen interest. However with Lash started to walk over Anikan zeroed in on him. He instinctively moved in front of his mother as Lash approached. The midi-chlorians in the air surrounded Anikan like a protective blanket, or a guard dog.


    ''I''m not going to hurt him.'' Lash sent out across the waves of energy around them. The midi-chlorians seemingly understood him and relaxed by a few inches.


    Qui-Gon Jinn, and Obi-Wan Kenobi stood close to the ''Queen'' as they spoke to Yane, and Sache who were in full Jensaarai armor. Jinn, and Kenobi''s eyes looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets when they saw over a hundred RSF resistance fighters in full kit. Each one of them a Force User. Then they looked at Lash. Shock, confusion, and most importantly...Fear. Were the expression they had. Padme turned to look at Lash, then glanced at Yane, and Sache who bounced over to Lash and bowed to him. He returned the gesture then went to the ''Queen'' and bowed to her as well.


    ¡°Welcome back your highness. I''m happy you got my message. So what''s the plan?¡± Lash asked as he tucked his hands behind his back.


    ¡°I had hoped to enlist Jar Jar Binks help to contact the gungans.¡± The Queen replied, then she glanced around looking for the gungan. Ah! That was who was missing.


    ¡°Jar Jar what are you doing?¡± Anakin asked, as he found the gungan hiding behind Master Jinn.


    ¡°Mesa hiding! Quietly Ani or he''ll find me.¡± Jar Jar said to him. Jinn rolled his eyes and moved out of the way. Jar Jar bounced away in fright but found himself floating in the air. He tried to run but his feet found no purchase. Lash used Telekinesis to bring him over.


    ¡°Tell me Jar Jar have you been practicing what Master Kenobi taught you?¡± Lash asked, a look of confusion fell over Kenobi''s face. How did Lash know about that?


    ¡°Yaha! Mesa not clumsy anymore!¡± Jar Jar said, as he continued to try and run away.


    ¡°Good. Then you have nothing more to fear from me.¡± Lash said, and Jar Jar froze in mid stride.


    ¡°Nosa pain?¡± Jar Jar asked.


    ¡°No, now please listen to the Queen''s request.¡± Lash politely asked, and Jar Jar nodded enthusiastically.


    ¡°Jar Jar can you contact your people in the city of Utoh Gunga?¡± The Queen asked but before Jar Jar could agree...


    ¡°Your highness they are not there.¡± Yane said, and everyone present looked at her. Then they looked at Lash.


    ¡°Several days ago the TF started to bomb every lake, and piece of ocean that had a gungan settlement in it. Hundreds of gungans came to us for protection and we gave it. While the majority of them have retreated to a ''sacred place'' as the gungans have called it. They refuse to tell us where it is, and we haven''t pushed them on it.¡± Lash politely informed them.


    ¡°Aha! Yes, When in trouble, go to sacred place. Mackineeks no find them dare. Mesa kno deway!¡± Jar Jar said and started to walk into the jungle.


    ¡°Jar Jar!¡± Lash called out and he froze in place.


    ¡°I think it would be faster if we use speeders, don''t you?¡± Lash asked with a bit of mirth in his voice.


    ¡°Yesa! You da boss!¡± Jar Jar said and gradually walked back towards them.


    As speeders were prepared for them, and guards were selected to act as their escorts. Qui-Gon, and Kenobi came to Lash. Their shoulders back, chests out, and chins up. They clearly wanted a place to talk. Lash motioned for them to follow him. Almost as if called by some ''invisible'' force Anikan came along with them. Shmi by his side. She looked hesitant but Lash said it was fine. That was when Lash showed the Jedi the Force Temple. Even after a week of exposure the place was still saturated with midi-chlorians. Lash noticed that Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan''s midi count rose by about one hundred each.


    ¡°What is this place?¡± Anikan asked as he looked around.


    ¡°It''s a Force temple. Long ago before the Jedi, and the Sith were in power. Before the discovery of the light, and dark side of the Force. There was...Just the Force. Entire temples were dedicated to the research and focus of the cosmic energy. This was one such place.¡± Lash said as he pointed out a newly restored mosaic which covered the history of the temple. Lash had been repairing the temple slowly.


    ¡°It is said that places strong with the Force can take those that are sensitive to it and empower them. Take a Force User and make them stronger. Or take a group of royal security forces who camp above it to become Force Users.¡± Lash said and glanced at Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan who clearly didn''t fully believe him. But had no evidence to contradict him.


    ¡°You were the reason Master Qui-Gon had the money to buy us?¡± Shmi asked suddenly. Lash looked towards her and nodded his head in agreement. ¡°Thank you.¡± Shmi said.


    ¡°Your welcome.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Let me guess the council declined to train Anakin because he was to old?¡± Lash asked, as he looked to Qui-Gon who looked irritated about the situation.


    ¡°Are you Sith?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Lash replied as he crossed his arms across his chest.


    ¡°Are you a Jedi?¡± Anakin asked.


    ¡°No. Turns out you don''t need to pick either to use the Force.¡± Lash replied with a chuckle.


    ¡°Can you train my son to use the Force?¡± Shmi asked, and Lash was a little taken back.


    ¡°I was under the impression that Qui-Gon was going to train Anikan after Obi-Wan finished his knight trials. Did that not happen when you visited the council?¡± Lash asked about the events that had happened in the movies.


    ¡°No...Was that suppose to happen?¡± Qui-Gon asked, Lash snapped his fingers in a aw shucks moment.


    ¡°The tapestry of the Living Force has changed again. You were suppose to offer to train Anakin. Master Yoda points out that you already have a padawan. Then Qui-Gon admits that he has little left to teach Obi-Wan and that he is ready to take the trials to become a Jedi knight. Your telling me that didn''t happen?¡± Lash asked, they both shook their heads.


    ¡°Wonderful.... I have no idea what is about to happen.¡± Lash said in exasperation.


    ¡°You can see the future?¡± Shmi asked.


    ¡°Kinda, I see the tapestry of the Living Force. But the possibilities of the future are without number. The Living Force will often show me the most probable future. Then it will inform me if I am needed. Once that has been confirmed I am fed the possible future. At which point I move to ensure that future either happens, or doesn''t happen. For example... In one future The Queen was meant to die when she tried to move past the blockade. That didn''t happen.¡± Lash informed them of an absolute lie.


    ¡°In another Qui-Gon Jinn dies fighting Darth Maul in the battle for Naboo. While Obi-Wan Kenobi cuts Darth Maul in half. Unfortunately that doesn''t kill Maul. But it is years later that Obi-Wan learns that truth.¡± Lash said next brought more and more confusion to the group.


    ¡°Who''s Darth Maul?¡± Obi-Wan asked, and Lash showed them a holographic recording of the fight. Lash had camera''s built into his suit. The recording showed everything that happened to the naked eye. So no midi-chlorian interference.


    ¡°Is your armor made of Beskar?¡± Qui-Gon asked.


    ¡°No, its made up of Vibranium, Uru, and Nth metal.¡± Lash replied, when they looked at him in confusion he motioned for them to keep watching the recording. When it showed Lash cutting Maul''s neck Shmi sheltered Anakin''s face who wiggled out of her arms.


    ¡°Where did you get the lightsabers to supply the RSF?¡± Kenobi asked.


    ¡°I can make synthetic kyber crystals as long as I have a forge.¡± Lash said and pulled out several tiny thumb nail size crystals. Kenobi picked one up and felt the Force contained within it.


    ¡°How long ago were you at the temple?¡± Jinn asked.


    ¡°Several hundred years ago.¡± Lash replied and Anakin looked at him in shock.


    ¡°Are you really a Mandalorian?¡± Kenobi asked.


    ¡°I am not from Madalore, nor am I genetically related to the species. But as for the warrior martial tradition in the belief that anyone can become a Mandalorian as long as they follow the creed. Then yes.¡± Lash replied, and filled in some paces with another lie. Yay more lies!


    ¡°Are you willing to return with us to Coruscant to the Jedi Council?¡± Qui-Gon asked.


    ¡°Nope, at some point I have to travel to Coruscant but you won''t find me at the Jedi Temple. I don''t mind seeing the council outside of the temple. But I refuse to step inside of that place. Not for the reasons you think. Places with high concentration of Force energy are connected to the tapestry. If I step foot in that place I will see hundreds, if not thousands of threads. I may lose my mind.¡± Lash informed them and a look of moderate understanding appeared on Qui-Gon''s face.


    ¡°To answer your question Lady Shmi. If Qui-Gon is unable to train Anikan then yes I will. But as I said before, Qui-Gon was suppose to be his master. We''ll see if that still happens or not.¡± Lash said to her who nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Master Lash!¡± Sache came into the Force Temple and bowed to everyone.


    ¡°The Queen is ready to depart.¡± Sache continued, Lash glanced at everyone. They were ready.


    There was some debate on whether Anakin, and Shmi should come with them. The resistance base was a safe enough location. But Anakin seemed almost compelled to follow the Queen...Or more specifically Padme. So eventually they all piled into several speeders and under Jar Jar''s guidance that had them going in circles for several hours they reached their destination. The sacred place for the gungans resembled the ruins where the Force Temple was. Archaic statues of gungans, and naboo people were cracked, or destroyed. Plant growth had swallowed what had looked like a aztec ziggurat grant temple.


    ¡°Dissen it!¡± Jar Jar said for the fifth time. Then made several chattering noises from his mouth. Several Kaadu''s burst from the treeline with their gungan riders.


    ¡°Heyo-dalee, Captain Tarpals.¡± Jar Jar said and waved happily at the gungan who rolled his eyes in annoyance.


    ¡°Binks! Noah again!¡± Captain Tarpals replied. Captain Tarpals was a gungan officer clearly with a purple to pink skin hue. He was clad a leather jerkin, pants, and a scaled hide tunic. He wielded an electric pike. As did the other guards.


    ¡°We comen to see da boss!¡± Jar Jar announced, but Captain Tarpals looked past Jar Jar and saw Lash.


    ¡°Mado Lash! Da boss said if yusa showed to bring yous.¡± Captain Tarpals said next.


    ¡°Greetings to you valiant, and honorable gungan. May I bring Queen Amidala of the Naboo and her team along as well?¡± Lash asked as he bowed deeply from his waist and stayed that way until he heard an answer.


    ¡°Yasa! Dis way!¡± Captain Tarpals said and pulled his mount around.


    ¡°You''ve spoken to them before?¡± The Queen asked.


    ¡°When you left we tried to get them join the resistance. They refused, but allowed us to use their swamps, lakes, and rivers. That way we wouldn''t have to fight them and the TF.¡± Lash replied.


    Captain Tarpals led through the rest of the ruins until the reached a community center. There on a half submerged stone gungan head resided several of the gungan council and Rugor Nass the big boss of the gungan people. He looked over the group with a look of disinterest until he spotted Lash. A huge grin spread across his face from ear to ear. He shook his face, as his jawls flapped about sending saliva this way and that. The gungans smiled at the response, the shaking was a good thing then?


    ¡°Mando Lash! Welcome... Who''s da uss-en others¡± Rugor Nass asked.


    ¡°Great, and powerful Rugor Nass, Boss of all the gungans thank you again for the privilege of your wise council.¡± Lash said as he dropped to a knee and bowed his head. ¡°With me is the Queen of the Naboo. She wishes to place herself beneath as it should be and ask for assistance from the mighty gungan.¡±


    ¡°Ntch! Ntch! Ntch! Who''s da Queen?¡± Rugor asked, Lash stood up and looked back behind him. He gestured not towards the ''Queen'' but towards Padme the handmaiden who looked at him with wide eyes. The handmaiden Queen looked at Lash, then at Padme.


    ¡°How can they be expected to trust you if you don''t trust them?¡± Lash asked Padme who stepped forward.


    ¡°Your honor... I am Queen Amidala.¡± Padme said, then pointed at the Queen. ¡°This is my decoy. . . My protection. . . My loyal bodyguard.¡± The look of utter surprise on Qui-Gon''s, Obi-Wan''s, Anakin''s, Jar Jar''s, and Shmi''s face was priceless. Lash photographed it for good measure so he could tease them later.


    ¡°...I am sorry for my deception, but under the circumstances it has become necessary to protect myself. Although we do not always agree, Your Honor, our two great societies have always lived in peace...until now. The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. You are in hiding, my people are in camps. If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever...I ask you to help us...no, I beg you to help us.¡± Padme said to Rugor Nass then dropped to her knees before him.


    ¡°We are your humble servants...our fate is in your hands.¡± Padme declared, then the rest of the group from Captain Panaka, to the handmaidens, then finally the Jedi.


    However Lash, Yane, and Sache stayed standing. Padme looked at them imploring them to kneel. Eventually Yane, and Sache joined her on the ground. Lash did not, he crossed his arms and looked at Rugor Nass and shrugged. Rugor laughed at him, then at the Queen.


    ¡°Yousa no tinken yousa greater den da Gungans?¡± Rugor asked and Amidala shook her head. ¡°Mesa like dis. Maybe wesa bein friends.¡± Then Rugor shook his jawls once again and the gungans all cheered....


    ----


    ¡°If they had listened to you in the first place this all could have been avoided.¡± Sache said softly to Lash who had stepped to the side. Queen Amidala the real one was in discussion with Boss Nass.


    ¡°The benefit of hindsight. The true accomplishment is that once the TF is gone the people of the Naboo, and the Gungans will now share leadership of the planet. A good course of action as a whole.¡± Lash replied, Sache nudged him with her shoulder and he looked at her.


    ¡°But you knew that would happen already, didn''t you?¡± Sache asked.


    ¡°Nothing is certain, but the odds were good.¡± Lash replied with a shrug.


    ¡°Almost over...¡± Sache said softly as she glanced over to Yane who was speaking to the other handmaidens including the body double.


    ¡°You asked her to marry you yet?¡± Lash asked, and Sache turned a lovely shade of red and sputtered.


    ¡°W-wha... what!? No..I mean...We...What!?¡± Sache asked, clearly taken back by the question. She turned a deeper shade of crimson barked out a laugh that shook his whole body.


    ¡°What''s so funny?¡± Anakin asked as he walked over, Shmi was behind him as she glanced at Sache who tried to rub her face clean.


    ¡°I''m just teasing my apprentice about getting married.¡± Lash replied and Sache all but fled from Lash. Which resulted in Lash laughing out loud again.


    ¡°Are Jedi allowed to get married?¡± Anakin asked, Lash knelt down so he was eye level with him.


    ¡°No, attachments of the romantic sense is not allowed as a Jedi. Love is a complex emotion that the dark side will often manipulate to twist the Force User into a monster. However, Sache is not a Jedi and is free to make such attachments. As long as she is careful and does not let the emotion consume her she''ll be fine.¡± Lash replied to Anakin who didn''t look like he understood.


    ¡°Do you have to pick a side? Why can''t we just use the light, and dark side together?¡± Anakin asked and Lash smiled at him.


    ¡°Oh but you can! That is exactly what I do. Jedi believe the only way to be in balance with the Force is to use the light side and only the light side. They are not necessarily wrong. The light side is far better for the stability of the galaxy than the dark. While the dark side Force Users are so consumed by their all consuming rush for power and control that the dark side of the Force gives them that they see little reason to use anything else. But in the end, those who choose true balance between dark and light obtain a strength beyond both.¡± Lash instructed his possible student.


    ¡°It''s that easy?¡± Anakin asked.


    ¡°No, not at all. Walking the path of true balance between both is a path few can take. Because you must always be in balance. A little to far to either side will send you spiraling off the path. When that happens you lose the abilities of the other side that you lost. But, just like anything else. You are free to try again. Any Jedi who claims they have never been tempted by the dark side is lying. Any Sith who claim that they have never felt the pull of the light, is lying.¡± Lash replied, and gently ruffled Anakin''s hair who wiggled out from his hand.


    ¡°So if Qui-Gon does end up teaching you. I''ll be there to ensure you are properly trained to resist the dark. The Jedi have this insane idea that if they ignore it long enough it will go away. That won''t happen with you Anakin. You''ll understand the pull of the dark side and be smart, and strong enough to work past it.¡± Lash said to him as he stood back up.


    ¡°Or, you can ask to be trained by me. Then you can marry Padme!¡± Lash said, and Anakin turned bright red and shrunk his neck in. Lash cracked up laughing again, while Shmi had a bemused expression on her face.


    ¡°Master Lash!¡± Padme called, he was still laughing when he came over. ¡°Is it true the resistance has tried to capture the Viceroy when ever he lands on Naboo?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we have his second, third, and fourth in command at the resistance base. They have all confessed to working with a man named Darth Sidious. They have also reported that Darth Sidious is... Upset with the progress Viceroy Nute Gunray has made with the planet. I still have a program in the defense net of the TF. The Viceroy is on his flagship and refuses to move to the surface.


    ¡°Who attacked the TF cruisers?¡± Captain Panaka asked.


    ¡°We did, we built a defensive platform that could fire on the cruisers from the surface. It caused them all to spread out and return to their blockade position. They are now out of range.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°If we can get a boarding party up to the Viceroy''s ship can your program shut down the shields so we can land?¡± Padme asked.


    ¡°Easily.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°If that is the case. Then we''ll have the army of the Gungans attack the droid army outside of Theed. Then we''ll move in through the secret passages in the waterfalls behind the palace. We''ll then move into the palace hanger-¡± Padme continued but was interrupted by Yane.


    ¡°Your highness we cleared out the royal hanger a few days ago. All of the N-1''s are back at the resistance camp.¡± Yane politely informed Padme who stopped short.


    ¡°Oh... I must say Master Lash it is almost as if you can see the future.¡± Padme said with a slight twitch of her lips.


    ¡°Yes, almost.¡± Yane said as she smiled at Lash who shrugged.


    Regardless of the situation the Gungan army was deployed across Naboo to assist the RSF and Force-Supers in attacking the droid army. While Lash, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Yane, Sache, Padme, Captain Panaka, and several Force-Supers would fly up in the Queen''s royal starship and board the Viceroy''s flagship. They would be escorted by the few pilots they had left. Regrettably the attack would take place in the morning. As they need to have a look over the N-1 starfighters, and located the pilots to crew them.


    The Boss Nass informed the grand army of the Gungans they would start in the morning and their armies were mobilized across the jungles, swamps, and rivers of Naboo. It was one final push to reclaim their world and the entire RSF resistance would be there. The mood in the air around the camp was overwhelmingly positive. The nervous tension that so many had carried at the start of the resistance was no more. Though a new comers had pre battle jitters.


    ¡°No Anakin you are not flying a N-1 fighter to the capital ship.¡± Lash replied as he pulled an engine apart, looked it over and replaced it.


    ¡°Why not!?¡± Anakin shouted at him, the boy crossed his arms and had a petulant look on his face.


    ¡°Because you have no training on the starfighter, a racing pod does not compare, you are underage, your mother would tan your hide if you did.¡± Lash replied and while Anakin had an excuse for all of those points save for the last one.


    ¡°So if I got mom to agree...¡± Anakin began.


    ¡°No, Anakin. Master Lash is right you will not be coming with us tomorrow.¡± Qui-Gon said as he arrived right on time.


    ¡°But I want to do something!¡± Anakin stamped his foot.


    ¡°That M-1B speeder is being use tomorrow. Take it apart and look it over then replace the bad parts.¡± Lash pointed it out and the look of pure joy on Anakin''s face brought a smile to Lash''s face. Anakin ran over, stopped half way to go get a tool kit then went back.


    ¡°I remember being that stubborn when I was with my Master. Oh how I drove him crazy.¡± Lash replied in good humor as Qui-Gon watched Anakin pop the hood to the speeder a fond smile on his face as he watched the boy.


    ¡°Who was your master?¡± Qui-Gon asked as he came to take a seat next to Lash as he worked.


    ¡°Layar Kuhl was my first master, the one I left the temple with. Though I ended up jumping around to a few others, he was the most consistent. Or rather he was the one that could put up with me the most.¡± Lash said as he chuckled softly.


    ¡°How so?¡± Qui-Gon asked, as he leaned forward. He placed his elbows on his knees and cradled his face. As he studied Lash.


    ¡°As we were no longer under the Jedi Councils strict rules of conduct I was curious about anything and everything. I asked all sorts of questions a Padawan had no right to ask. But we were all in uncharted territory. Pioneers as it were, so they were not sure if me knowing was good or bad. To ensure the other masters didn''t kill me out of frustration I was limited twenty questions a day. It ended up being a idea because it made me stop and think about what I wanted to ask.¡± Lash said as he replaced the parts he needed and went over the rest of the starfighter.


    ¡°We have those rules in place to ensure that the padawans don''t seek answers to questions they are not ready for.¡± Qui-Gon supplied an answer and Lash nodded.


    ¡°Yes, that is very true...For the Jedi. But several of my masters soon learned that I asked questions that not even they knew the answers to. Like, where did the Force originate from?¡± Lash said, and looked at Qui-Gon to see if he knew the answer.


    ¡°The Force has always been a part of our lives. The universe could not exist without it.¡± Qui-Gon said in a tone of a teacher. Lash shook his head, no.


    ¡°We found out that wasn''t true. The Force didn''t make the universe. In fact the Force doesn''t exist outside of this galaxy. I know that because we''ve been outside of it.¡± Lash replied and enjoyed the astonished look on Qui-Gon''s face.


    ¡°You''ve been beyond the outer rim?¡± Qui-Gon asked as he sat up. His attention, and almost child like curiosity on his face.


    ¡°We have... It was a long, and complicated journey.¡± Lash replied and replaced a bad control stick in a cockpit.


    As far as Lash knew there had never been a successful expedition to any of the other galaxies in the star wars universe. Things had come to their galaxy from other places. But they themselves had never left their home galaxy. From the star wars novels some sort of alien armada had tried to conquere the natives. An alien species that the Force didn''t work on because they were outside of its scope. Lash didn''t remember it all, neither did Erik.


    ¡°Master Lash?¡± Yane had walked up on them as Qui-Gon was asking about the other galaxy Lash had seen.


    ¡°Yes, Yane how may I help you?¡± Lash asked as he finished on the N-1 fighter.


    ¡°The Queen wishes to speak with you, alone.¡± Yane replied as she glanced at Qui-Gon who schooled his expression back to the look of serenity he normally carried.


    ¡°Very well, apologizes unto you Master Qui-Gon. We''ll continue this later.¡± Lash said as he bowed to Qui-Gon, he also place his right fist into his left palm in a salute.


    ¡°Of course Master Lash, I look forward to it.¡± Qui-Gon replied with a smile.


    Lash walked side by side with Yane through the camp as Qui-Gon went to join Anakin with repairs to the speeder. As always as Lash walked through the camp he was saluted to by the RSF resistance, and bowed to by the Force-Supers. Once the invasion was over their lives would get increasingly more complicated. More than likely the Jedi Council would move to seize them. Lash still didn''t know enough about the Force. He knew the Super Optimization could not be removed with out Source Code but he wasn''t sure if the Jedi still knew the ritual to seal the Force from someone or not.


    What do you do with a standard human who could now flip a hover tank? Lash cleared his thoughts when he realized that Yane was leading him towards the Force Temple. They walked down the freshly repaired stone stairs into the grand sitting chamber. Sache was there with the Queen, the real Queen Amidala. Once Lash arrived, Yane, and Sache excused themselves.


    Padm¨¦ Amidala Naberrie the Queen of Naboo stood at approximately 5''5¡± (1.6m). She had long brown hair tied back into a braid that was wrapped up into a bun. Warm brown eyes that were currently filled with sorrow, as she struggled with a decision that would result in the deaths of many. She had a healthy light skin tone, maybe a little pale. Along with a firm athletic figure that bordered on being a scholar. Some muscle mass, but to many days of sitting on a throne maintaining perfect posture.


    Padme wore much the same that Yane, and Sache did when they had first come to the jungles of Naboo. Knee high leather boots. Navy blue form fitting pants, with a form fitting gray under cloth. Then she had a maroon silk weave coat that went past her knees, with open sleeves. Very nice looking, incredibly impractical. Padme noticed Lash eyeing her clothing and a smile tugged on her lips.


    ¡°Yane says you are rather talented with a needle. Captain Panaka''s wife...Captain Mariek Panaka said you threaded metal into their RSF suits. Saved their lives. You also made Yane, Sache, and the RSF armor. Thank you for that...¡± Padme said, and her expression wilted.


    ¡°Your highness what is wrong?¡± Lash asked, he folded his arms behind him and stood up straight almost at attention.


    ¡°Please be at ease, Master Lash. I... I wanted to talk to you about the future.¡± Padme asked and took a seat at the raised dais at the end of the Force Temple seating room. Lash walked closer and sat cross legged beneath her.


    ¡°Yane, and Sache are Force Users now. I am told, including them we have 354 new Force Users. All of them adorned in armor, and wielding lightsabers you have crafted for them. Many of them have found the art in the martial traditions. I am... I feel that if Naboo had chosen to train their people in a martial form many of this would not have happened.¡± Padme said, as she bit her lip in thought. Her eyes were moist with soon to be tears.


    ¡°Your highness...¡± Lash began but Padme held up a hand.


    ¡°Naboo''s culture fosters the artist in every citizen, encouraging children to become musicians, performers, painters, and similar professions. There are several schools on the planet where students could advance their knowledge of various art subjects. Serving our people in the civil government is also encouraged, and sought after. Violence is not our way. We prefer to talk, to resolve our issues with words. But there are times when words are not enough.¡± Padme said, as she blinked back her tears. She pulled her shoulders back, stuck out her chest, and looked at Lash.


    ¡°Yane, and Sache have informed me that you have been training the RSF in a Martial Art form that is designed to defeat, and take down foes with out killing or permanently harming them. I understand you don''t plan to stay on Naboo. But before you leave, could you... Could you help the people of Naboo recognize another form of art?¡± Padme said at last.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Lash replied simply and a huge weight seem to settle on Padme''s shoulders. This would change the fundamental way of life for the people of Naboo.


    When the TF had invaded Naboo they had blissfully used battle droids. Blissfully for the fact that the RSF and the civilian resistance didn''t have to feel bad about destroying them. There was no moral question of taking a life. A few did feel bad about destroying droids doing what they were programmed to do. Lash sympathized those people and said as much.


    Padme and Lash spent several hours in the Force Temple discussing the future. Naboo had three moons, one of them was a barren rock. Lash asked if he could make the moon into a training center for the martial arts form. They discussed logistics of building a base on a moon with out an atmosphere. Lash said he had a way to fix that and that only confused Padme. As they spoke Lash used a Source Code on the sly and optimized Padme. Oddly enough the midi''s in the air didn''t stop him, they only showed interest in the changes. Sure enough Padme reached her threshold of 5,789 midi-chlorian count.


    A few hours before sunrise Padme was falling asleep and Lash pulled her into his arms and carried her out of the temple towards her chambers aboard her starship. Along the way he used Re:Implant to install the bio-mechanical tool. Lash had successfully made Queen Amidala, future senator of Naboo a Force-Super. Hazah! Made Lash wonder what Luke, and Leia were going to be like? As Lash was leaving the ship he found Yane, and Sache waiting for him. Both still in their armor, but helmets/masks down.


    ¡°We felt her...¡± Sache said softly.


    ¡°Tomorrow''s going to be dangerous.¡± Lash replied, and that was enough for them....


    ___________________________________________________________________


    As the sun rose across the central continent of Naboo where a majority of its cities were located an electrostatic virus went through every TF cruiser, and control ship. For nearly ten minutes nothing worked. Thankfully the control ships were properly shielded so every battle droid in the armada, and surface continued to work. Hundreds of Vulture droid starfighters took flight just in time to see dozens of N-1 Naboo starfighters fly straight towards the Viceroy''s ship. Dead center of their formation was the Queen''s royal starship.


    On the surface of the planet along the jungles tree line a horde of Gungan warriors raced out. Hundreds of Kaadu riders sprinted towards the battle droids. With resistance fighters by their sides on speeders, and police fighters. Along side them in separate teams were the Force-Supers rushing towards the tanks, and transports. Lightsabers of varied colors, and designs burst to life as they cut through the droids with ease. It was a match between quantity and quality. But no matter what blood would be left on the ground by days end.


    The N-1 starfighters engaged the vulture droids as the royal starship sped towards the Viceroy''s ship. A secret program aboard deactivated the docking shields and the royal starship rushed in before the auxiliary shields locked it off. Then inner communications aboard the ship was shut down. No one had any idea of what was going on. Security droids rushed the royal ship just as their door opened and out came Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Lash. Who waded into the storm of battle droids. Lightsabers moved through the crowds with ease, as the RSF and Force-Supers escorted the Queen through the docks.


    _____________________________________________________________________


    ¡°They look surprised to see us!¡± Obi-Wan shouted with a smile as he cut a droid in half.


    ¡°Anyone should be happy to see two Jedi Knights, let alone your smiling face Obi-Wan.¡± Lash replied as he bisected droid.


    ¡°Come on you two!¡± Qui-Gon said as he rushed towards the Queen''s escort as they had reached the main door of the cargo bay door to the main ship.


    Lash reached out and collected the remaining security droids and crushed them into balls with Telekinesis. Then he cast Acceleration and sprinted to catch up with the two Jedi. Several Force-Supers were slowly moving through an exterior hallway causing as much a distraction as possible. While several destroyer droidekas unfolded and deployed shield generators. The Queen''s escort pushed against the interior walls and made a stand off. Until Yane, and Sache made their move.


    They both jumped from cover and rushed the droidekas. Their viroblade-lightsabers flared to life and they cut through the destroyers like two blade dancers. The security droids who fired on them had their blaster bolts shot back at them. The two dancers looked amazing in action and the Queen''s escort gaped at them. Soon the hallway was clear. Lash raced past the Queen towards to the two women.


    ¡°Good job you two!¡± Lash praised them and they bowed to him then soon returned to the Queen.


    Blast doors after blast doors were sealed across the ship once word got back to the control deck. As Viceroy Nute Gunray was a coward he insured all his ships had triple blast doors. When the Queen''s escort met their first door Lash used Material Shaping to rapidly melt the door. While his tech-spirits hacked the door controls to the future intersections. One blast door down, a few dozen more to go.


    Eventually through dozens of melted, or hacked doors they reached the control deck. Which was the most fortified location in the whole ship. The control deck door was at a T intersection, each hallway was filled with security droids, destroyers, and even a mobile defense platform. Lash''s tech-spirits showed a holographic projection of the droids for the Queen''s escort team.


    ¡°Well this should be fun!¡± Lash said, and Obi-Wan looked at him like he was insane.


    ¡°Does your EMP have that kind of rang?¡± Qui-Gon asked.


    ¡°I''ll have to get in the middle. Just be ready to move.¡± Lash replied, and before anyone could speak he jumped into the hallway and sprinted towards the droids who opened fire.


    The security droids were so packed in that they destroyed each other as they fired. Lash pulled out his Psionic Daggers and cast Deflection, recast Acceleration, then created Rune ¨C Destruction through his vampraces. Two circles of eldritch chaos script form. Then he swept his arms in a forward swoop. Unfortunately Lash did not anticipate how powerful his Runes of Destruction were. The red laser cut through the security droids, the interior walls, the blast doors, and most likely the control deck''s crew.


    ¡°Uh oh...¡± Lash said, and he swore he heard the click, clack, clatter of a D20 being rolled by his Cosmic Patron.


    ¡°Master Lash?¡± Qui-Gon said softly as he came to this side. All of the droids had been bisected so it was safe to come out.


    ¡°I didn''t think they would be that effective.¡± Lash said as he ''ejected'' a cartridge from his gauntlets.


    ¡°What did you use for the focus?¡± Obi-Wan asked as the Queen''s escort moved through the droid bodies.


    ¡°Kyber crystals...¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°How do you have the power to generate the necessary energy to cut through several layers of starship armor on your suit?¡± Obi-Wan asked, as he looked Lash''s gear over.


    ¡°Uhhhh, we''ll discuss that later.¡± Lash deflected and bounced over to the blast door.


    They eventually got the door opened and came into a room with dozen of monitors in place with a view mirror to the side for communication. An entire wall dedicated to observation that thankfully had not been cut open. The command crew sat in a lower pit floor which regretfully meant that when the beam went through the room they all got decapitated. While the Viceroy who had been cowering in the back had been cut in half from the waist down. Who was oddly still alive, and had gone into shock. They were working on him now. Maybe he could get spider legs like Maul?


    With the Viceroy''s bio-metrics they sent the shut down code to the droids on the surface. With him in custody the rest of the TF around Naboo fled the system. As if they could run away from their problems. They invasion of Naboo was over! The Trade Federations capital ship that belong to the Viceroy was captured. Communications lock down was lifted. They contacted the republic and were informed that Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine was en route with a fleet of ships. To force the Trade Federation into a settlement....


    -----


    Three days later a fleet of ships showed up to late to help the people of Naboo. But all the same the ships were filled with relief supplies for the starving populace. Naboo''s neighbor''s who were powerless to step in and fight the TF sent supplies as well. For the first time in weeks the people of Naboo could eat full meals, and sleep without worry of being attacked. The Supreme Chancellors ship showed up on the fourth day and soon came to the captial of Theed.


    Queen Amidala and her escort showed up at the designated landing strip in the central portion of the city. Most of the Theed was still empty as people slowly migrated back in from the countryside. The Chancellors ship was a long ship with three massive engines on the back in the design of a three point triangle. The landing struts came out from the cylinder looking ship in the color of maroon. The front section of the ship dropped the boarding ramp. The elite guard stepped out first and took up position. Then out came Supreme Chancellor Palpatine with a look of genuine joy to see Queen Amidala safe and sound. Behind the Chancellor were the Jedi Council.


    ¡°Congratulations on your election, Chancellor. It is so good to see you again.¡± Queen Amidala said to Chancellor Palpatine when he walked forward to meet her. When he reached her a look of surprise passed over his face... He was dumbstruck. Several of the Jedi Council felt the Force from Padme.


    ¡°It''s good to be home. Your boldness has saved our people, Your Majesty. It is you who should be congratulated. Together we shall bring peace and prosperity to the Republic.¡± Chancellor Palpatine said to the Queen. He then glanced past her to see Lash standing off to the side.


    ¡°Please let me introduce you to Master Lash the Mandalorian, and Jensaarai.¡± Queen Amidala said and gestured. Lash stepped forward and bowed from his waist towards the Chancellor. The Jedi Council took notice. More to the fact that they couldn''t feel even an ounce of Force energy coming from Lash.


    ¡°A pleasure, and a privilege Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.¡± Lash said and meant it.


    ¡°The pleasure is all mine I assure you. It is you we must thank for safeguarding our people. I will forever be in your debt.¡± Chancellor Palpatine said.


    ¡°With your permission, Chancellor. I would very much like to speak to you privately sometime before you return to Coruscant?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°I look forward to it!¡± Chancellor Palpatine said, then moved past Lash with the Queen to discuss the future.


    Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Shmi went to greet the Jedi Council. Lash watched the Queen, and the Chancellor walk off with her handmaidens, and his elite guard. Yane, and Sache glanced back at him and he nodded towards them. The Chancellor took notice of the two of them as well and looked back at Lash. He was clearly confused, but he took it in stride. Then Lash heard a familiar tip, tap of a walking stick. He turned to see Master Yoda walking towards him followed by the rest of the Jedi. Lash took a knee, crossed his arms over his chest in a salute and bowed his head.


    ¡°It warms my heart to see you again, Master Yoda.¡± Lash said to the little green man who''s eyes looked him over.


    ¡°Met before we have? Hrmmm.¡± Master Yoda asked.


    ¡°Several centuries ago I was a Padawan at the temple. I looked much different back then.¡± Lash lied carefully. ¡°I would be greatly surprised if you remembered me. But I think the council would agree you are hard to forget.¡±


    ¡°Definitely...¡± Anakin said softly but since they were all Force Users they all heard him. When Anakin realized this he muttered an apology. But Master Yoda being Yoda, he just laughed in his adorable muppet voice.


    ¡°You never finished your training to a full Jedi Knight?¡± Master Windu stepped forward. Lash took one last look at Yoda then stood back up.


    ¡°By the Council standards, no. By the standards of my masters own path, yes.¡± Lash replied, as he looked over each Jedi present.


    ¡°We''ll decide that...¡± Master Windu said.


    ¡°Excuse me, Master Windu but I think you misunderstand the situation. I am not here to rejoin the Jedi. The Council has no control over me. I refuse to submit to Council leadership. There is no law in the galactic republic that states Force Users have to join the Jedi. So step back!¡± Lash said, and all but snarled the last bit at him.


    Master Windu''s face went cold. Several of the Council members spaced themselves out. Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan stepped in front of Anakin, and Shmi. But before anyone could move Gregar Typho in full armor did a three point landing behind Lash. Soon followed by another Force-Super, and another... Eventually all the Force-Supers who had survived the battle showed up. They surrounded the landing area and for the lack of a better word, flexed. The Jedi council was severally outnumbered.


    ¡°History teaches us that the Jedi, and the Sith are the only ones in the galaxy capable of mastering the Force. Well, Masters of the Jedi Council I am here to inform you that there is another way. While the Jedi only uses the light side, and the Sith only use the dark side. We of the Jensaarai use both. We practice the art of balance. So I''ll be clear... I am not a Jedi, nor am I a Sith. Get use to it!¡± Lash said then turned on his heel and left.


    ------


    Later that evening after the dramatic exit from the Jedi Council that was all the buzz in the capital of Theed. Lash went to a private meeting with Chancellor Palpatine. He was shown to Palpatine''s private residence which made sense, since the man had been born on Naboo and had served as its senator. Lash was shown in by a protocol droid and found the Chancellor sitting in front of a roaring fire. The dark side of the midi-chlorians swam around him with interest. Many more swam through the air towards Lash and brushed up against him like friendly animals would.


    ¡°Master Lash! Welcome, I was sorry to hear about your confrontation with the Jedi Council. I want to ensure you. There is no law that states that Force Users have to join the Jedi. But I have to ask, will you force your supporters to stay Jensaarai?¡± Chancellor Palpatine asked, as he motioned for Lash to take a seat next to him.


    ¡°No, once they complete their training they can choose their own path.¡± Lash replied, and took the offered seat. The dark side around the Chancellor vibrated with energy, he was pleased hear that.


    ¡°Chancellor... May I be blunt?¡± Lash asked, and the chancellor took out a device and turned on his security. Security shutters rolled over the windows, the doors locked, and a sound dampening device turned on.


    ¡°I would prefer it.¡± Chancellor Palpatine said, giving Lash his undivided attention.


    In the seating area next to them was a tower game board. It was a three dimensional game that required the players to have a full understanding of not just the X axis, but the Y axis as well. Multiple angles of attack, defense, and retreat. Lash pulled the game board over with Telekinesis, then set up the game. However neither he, nor Palpatine were players. Lash set the tower sideways.


    ¡°The Jedi are the white pieces.¡± Lash illustrated as the white pieces floated into place.


    ¡°The Sith are the black pieces.¡± Lash once more placed the pieces in place.


    ¡°With Darth Maul out of the way.¡± Lash continued, and removed a central black piece from the board.


    ¡°That would mean Darth Tyranus will be the next face of the Sith.¡± Lash said, as he moved a black piece forward. Chancellor Palpatine had gone completely still as he focused all of his attention on Lash.


    ¡°For over a thousand years the Jedi have been in power. They have grown stagnant, old, decrepit. Full of arrogance in their belief that their way is the only way. The rules, traditions and laws they made a thousand years ago, are still being used today.¡± Lash said, as he moved the different pieces across the board in a sort of play act, until only two black pieces remained.


    ¡°While the Sith had to learn to grow, change, and adapt. The rule of two was implemented. Darth Tyranus is now the apprentice, Darth Sidious is the master.¡± Lash said, and glanced at Palpatine who had gone through a change. He looked the same, but felt completely different. He felt like a Sith Lord.


    ¡°For a thousand years the Force has been out of balance. To long the Jedi have been in control. It is time for the Sith to rule.¡± Lash said as he brushed his hand across the board and all of the white pieces were scattered. Leaving all but one black piece behind.


    ¡°The Living Force has tasked me with aiding the Sith. To bring balance once more.¡± Lash said as he leaned back in his chair. Palpatine''s eyes glowed with the dark side, the midi-chlorians in the air was storm of energy. Then with a crack of power the storm became calm.


    ¡°I believe... The Sith... Could make use of such an ally.¡± Palpatine said as a smile grew across his face....


    Galen

 Chapter 133: Force Martial Art

    ============================================================


    ***HR. Africa, New Atlantis Settlement.***


    On the western coast of Africa several villages, towns, and cities had come under control of Atlantis. They have volunteered to be placed under the rulers of the oceans. During the first invasion against Rofl Dex''s armies they had been left to the mercy of not only the local warlords but their corrupted government officials. Once the power was returned, and communication was reestablished. Their government found that Atlantis had taken the coasts.


    King Arthur Curry proclaimed that they were aiding in humanitarian aid. They would release the cities, towns, and villages back to the people once they had rebuilt the civilian, government, and military infrastructure. The nations of Africa who had their cities taken from them were not happy about it. But as metal shards rained from the skies, and cybernetic soldiers poured out. They were very thankful for the help of Atlantis.


    The armies of Atlantis, Xebel, Fishermen, and Brine stormed the beaches and took the fight to the cyber-slaves that rushed into the coastal cities. The people ran towards the oceans, towards massive ships that could accommodate them. Hydro energy shots filled the air like rain. Then a storm of flesh, and bone arose from the water. The Karathen, the mighty titan of the oceans had shown up, and shown up hungry. The great monster sent her tendrils, and tentacles to ensnare metal shards and cracked them open like crab shells.


    Hundreds of cyber aerial drones flew through the air and harassed the creature like bees attacking a bear. The Karathen sent a psychic scream across the beach. The cyber-slaves, and drones had their main processors burst like water melons. Then the mighty titan dove back into the water at the behest of the King. Cities across the world were under siege, and the Karathen was still hungry. Cheers erupted from the people. For them, the invasion was over before it even began. Just goes to show. Don''t fuck with the people of the ocean.


    _____________________________________________________


    Arthur Curry, King of Atlantis stood at approximately 6''3¡± (1.9m). With a wild mane deep brown hair. He had a collection of braids, and jewelry tied into his braids. Along with a combed, and stylized beard that touched his chest. He was wide as door without an ounce of fat on him. He wore golden fish scale armor that covered him from neck to toe. In his left hand was the golden trident of King Atlan. The weapon vibrated in the man''s hand. The spell inscription on the weapon glowed faintly.


    Arthur looked tired, worn out, and all around pissed off. He had spent the day talking to diplomats that ''demanded'' his help with securing their commercial, and financial holdings. Who cared about the people, the leaders of the nations worried about their money. As far as Arthur knew, the machine intelligence was still on Earth preparing for the next attack. The diplomats were informed of this little tidbit and they still demanded that Atlantis help them secure their banks. Arthur said no, plain and simple.


    When Arthur returned to the water he was accosted by the high borne of the people of Atlantis. They wanted to raid the surface and take over more land. The people on the coastal cities were practically begging to be under Atlantis rule. Arthur assured them that they will do all they can for the relief aid. But made no mention of a take over or not. This was not how he wanted his people to connect with the surface. So in the end Arthur settled for standing on the beach. Half on land, half in the water.


    As the sun set, and darkness took the world. Arthur stared up at the skies to see the ocean of stars. Shooting stars raced across the skies every few minutes. But he knew it was debris from the battle burning up in the atmosphere. All the same it was beautiful to see. He closed his eyes and listened to the tide wash up against the beach. He tried to block out the noise of people, the fires burning in the distance, and the occasional gun shot. Why did he sign up for this job again?


    ¡°Arthur?¡± A feminine voice called out. Arthur turned to see his lovely wife walking up to him.


    Y''Mera Xebella Challa, daughter of King Nereus, and Queen of Atlantis stood at approximately 5''9¡± (1.7m) with vibrant red curly hair that was swept past her shoulders, and held out of her face by a simple three point golden crown. She wore a form fitting green fish scale armor piece that went from neck to toe. With a golden belt, along with a golden A for the buckle. Her hourglass figure made some believe she was fragile. She was not. Mera was a trained as a warrior since childhood. She knew how to use every part of her body, and mind as a weapon.


    ¡°Mera? How are the cities up north?¡± Arthur asked as he dismissed his trident. The magical weapon turned into pure energy and flowed into his body.


    ¡°Secure, the Karathen says thank you. She was hungry, and there are only so many whales, and krakens in the ocean.¡± Mera said with a smile, as she came to her husbands side and wrapped her arms around him.


    Arthur took a moment to wrap his arms around his wife and just embrace the feeling of her by his side. No matter where he laid his head at night. This, right here was home to him. They stayed together like that for several minutes before Mera regretfully pulled away. She gave him that look. The look of ''We have work to do.'' Arthur sighed, and rubbed the bridge of his nose.


    ¡°What''s on the agenda?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°The Watchtower will complete its initial repairs tomorrow. They''ll be able to start sending supplies to the distribution centers the day after.¡± Mera began to say. Arthur was confused, that sounded like good news.


    ¡°The Thanagarians contacted us once communication was established. They saw that Brainiac was attacking us. So they sent an armada to... Help us.¡± Mera said next, and a feeling of dread came over Arthur.


    ¡°When are they showing up?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°A few days, a week at the most. Which according to Hawkman, and Hawkwoman is not a good thing. Because traveling from Thanagar to the Sol System would take weeks to accomplish.¡± Mera said with a grimace.


    ¡°Which means they already had a fleet in the area. Can we tell them we don''t need help?¡± Arthur asked.


    ¡°We can, and we have. Unfortunately they don''t trust the Hawks anymore, and their original deal was with Wraith.¡± Mera said, as she brushed some of her hair back behind her ears.


    ¡°So big the big lizard on the line...¡± Arthur said, as he fiddled with one of Mera''s locks of hair.


    ¡°He stepped into a red Rift a little while ago.¡± Mera said, as she swept her hair back out of his reach. Arthur didn''t try and snag her hair like he normally would.


    ¡°So not only do we have to deal with Brainiac''s forces, we have a military fleet of Thanagarians who are here to ''help us''. But will not leave unless Wraith tells them to leave? We have no idea when he is coming out of the Rift. So now we have two armies attacking us?¡± Arthur said as he cradled his face with his hands.


    ¡°We have one hostile force, and one frenemy.¡± Mera corrected him.


    ¡°Oh! I have an idea!¡± Arthur said as a thought struck him.


    ¡°Careful, you might hurt yourself.¡± Mera said with a smile, as Arthur gave her a playful glare.


    ¡°Well, we do have allies in the alternate reality right? Why don''t we ask AR-Superman for some help?¡± Arthur suggested, and Mera stopped short.


    ¡°That is actually a good idea...¡± Mera said, a little shocked.


    ¡°Don''t look so surprised. Wraith gave me the full package in here.¡± Arthur said as he tapped his noggin. Mera gave him a bemused smile and kissed him lightly....


    ============================================================


    ***Rift. Star Wars.***


    (Planet of Naboo.)


    Celebration! The trade blockade, and invasion of Naboo was over. The Trade Federation, and their Viceroy Nute Gunray were on their way to Coruscant to stand trial. Pity that the trial would never get anywhere. Nute was to well connected to ever go to prison. He''d make bail and would never be seen in the core systems again. Palpatine would make sure of that. But aside from Lash, and Palpatine no one on Naboo knew that. In the minds of the people justice had been served.


    The City of Theed was filled with color as decorations had been placed around the entire city. On the royal road from the main gate, towards the palace a parade of military figures marched past street after street. Gungan soldiers in their finest armor, and gear strode forward. Drummers played a triumphant beat that caused the heart to beat quicker. Trumpets played, and people cheered. Members of the royal security force were spread through out the parade. Along with the Jensaarai Force-Supers in full armor. Lightsabers out, they whirled them around in an artful display. Lash walked out in front of his people throwing his daggers into the air like a juggler.


    Behind him was General Jar Jar Binks, Captain Tarpals on their Kaadu''s. The avian-reptile creatures they used for mounts. Behind them was Boss Noss who was riding a giant fambaas. A reptilian amphibian, on four legs, long tail, and a snout. The creatures had been domesticated by the Gungans, and this one was dressed up nicely. They even painted its scales. Boss Noss waved from his seat in his ceremonial garb.


    Eventually the parade reached its destination. Standing at the top of the footsteps towards the palace was Queen Amidala (real one) wearing another flamboyant white gown with white feathers along the side, a full moon white fan on the back. Her hair done up in several braids, and top knots. Along with a painted pale face, and silver chain crown over her forehead. By her side were four handmaidens. Wearing ornate turquoise robes, with hoods that partially hid their faces. The Jedi Council stood behind, and off to the side. Along with Chancellor Palpatine, his elite guard, and several elected officials.


    Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi stood off to the side. Qui-Gon with his new Padawan learner Anakin Skywalker. While Obi-Wan with his Padawan braid removed, and ordained a Jedi Knight. Shmi Skywalker stood with them with a smile on her face, wearing Naboo royal blue, and purple silk. R2-D2 had been cleaned. His white, and blue colors shinning brilliantly. But not as much as C-3PO''s golden shell.


    Boss Noss dismounted and strode up the stairs. Jar Jar, and Tarpals were behind him. Then behind them was Lash. Lash stood off to the side, with Jar Jar, and Tarpals. While the Queen gave Boss Noss the orb of peace. A glimmering white orb that glowed with iridescent light. Noss raised it above his head and cheered. The crowds went wild. The Queen glanced at Anakin who smiled at her. She smiled back, then looked back out across the scene.


    The cheering continued for several minutes then just as Noss was about to relax someone tapped on Lash''s shoulder. He turned around to find himself back in the black room with Dawn. She was still in her Hutt form and was sucking on a hooka and blowing smoke rings. The floor was covered in pillows, and Dawn-Hutt lounged on a giant couch. Her green skin glowed slightly, and her yellow cat like eyes peered over at him. Lash chuckled and came to sit down on the pillows in front of her.


    ¡°So, are you staying? Or going?¡± Dawn-Hutt asked, as she sucked on the hooka.


    ¡°I''d like to stay, and let my rewards ride to the next.¡± Lash replied, and Dawn-Hutt nodded in understanding.


    ¡°You have 500 WP''s to spend, remember there is a point total cap that you can''t cross.¡± Dawn-Hutt said to him. Then pulled on the hooka again, she blew the smoke out with a glazed expression on her giant slug like face.


    ¡°What did you want to do with the third moon of Naboo?¡± Dawn-Hutt asked before Lash could pull up recommendations.


    ¡°Oh, I was going to practice terraforming it. The third moon was a barren rock, just like Gaia''s moon. But now that I think about it. That would have been more difficult than I planned.¡± Lash admitted to her.


    Normally Lash would have used his favorite obsidian obelisks and created a verdant jungle around them. Then create the planetary shields to help create a viable atmosphere. Then restart the moon''s core, etc, etc. But he realized a problem. All of that was magitek. He was the only available source of magic in the galaxy. Unless he was willing to plug himself in, and stay there forever. It wouldn''t work.


    ¡°Can I purchase things from the Dream Store while I''m up here?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn-Hutt pulled up a store window for him.


    Lash typed in ''The Force'' into the search engine and hundreds of examples came up. Once again Lash was reminded that abilities are often based off of the Users perception. One person could want alchemy and they would get potions, medicine, and enchanting. While another would get alchemy with transmutation. As in Full Metal Alchemist, transmutation. Then another User would want both. That alone would mean that alchemy had three different options.


    The Force could mean a plethora of things. The Force control of elemental energy. Force control of kinetic energy. Force control of reality. So Lash pulled up a tool tip that connected to his keywords to help narrow down his search. Typed in Star Wars. Hundreds of options were pulled up. That was when he saw User reviews for some of them.


    ¡°Dawn, is Star Wars one of the Dream Engine''s available story lines. I don''t mean a Rift, but the actual world?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn-Hutt nodded several times.


    ¡°Does that mean I''ll meet some VI avatars running around like I did in the MCU Rift?¡± Lash asked. Though they didn''t do much, it was still nice to see several VI Asgardians.


    ¡°No, not this time. That was changed by the developers. The extra coding for the VI Avatars in a fixed story cause problems for the original User of the Rift. In example several Jedi VI Avatars hunted down Palpatine before he was revealed as Darth Sidious. Destroyed the whole story for the original Rift Walker.¡± Dawn-Hutt replied, as she focused her eyes on him.


    ¡°Couldn''t they just pick and choose who would follow the story and who wouldn''t?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn-Hutt nodded.


    ¡°They could, but for now they did the easiest option and removed the VI Avatars from the Rifts.¡± Dawn-Hutt replied, then sucked on the hooka again. She blew scented smoke on to Lash''s helmet. He chuckled at her and returned to his shopping.


    ¡°Dawn, what is Force Manipulation? I got it as a sub-ability when I mastered Telekinesis.¡± Lash asked, as he glanced up at her.


    ¡°Force Manipulation is...What many would call a broken ability. The issue that many have is that you have to learn to use it yourself. You were given Force Manipulation not just because you used DP, and AEP to max out Telekinesis. But also because of you other existing abilities.¡± Dawn-Hutt replied, then conjured up a bowl of something. Pulled out a living creature and popped it into her mouth. Lash winced when he heard the thing squeal for help before she bit down.


    ¡°So I can''t buy a manual?¡± Lash asked with a chuckle, and she shook her head.


    Lash looked up Force Manipulation and found that the information on it had been blocked. The listing was there, and several hundred Users who had it. But the method of control, and what it could do was removed. That was pretty rare! So it was a hidden ability. Once the Dream Engine was fully released people could go to alternate websites to find guides. But for now, his options were limited.


    ¡°Can I buy a Star Wars Galaxy map?¡± Lash asked, and with a flick of her wrist Dawn-Hutt brought up the requested store page.


    Star Wars Galaxy Map: The User is granted a record of the basic galaxy map of Star Wars. In their current timeline. Additional options are as followed....(See tool tip.) 100 DP.


    Sub-Note: Will work in tandem with Map.


    Star Wars Galaxy Map: The User is granted a record of the entire known galaxy map of Star Wars. Including smugglers routes, government access, Jedi, and Sith lanes. Additional options are as followed...(See tool tip.) 500 DP.


    Sub-Note: Will work in tandem with Map.


    Star Wars Galaxy Map: The User is granted a record of the entire known, and unknown galaxy map of Star Wars. Every star system, every hyper space lane, paths through dangerous portions of space. Including an interactive map that allows the User to select and learn the info of the area. Additional options are as followed...(See tool tip.) 1,000 DP.


    Sub-Note: Will work in tandem with Map.


    Attention! The User has purchased Star Wars Galaxy Map, 1,000 DP.


    Side-Note: Has been linked to Map.


    Lash closed the store catalog and pulled up his Map in the black room. A giant holographic model of the galaxy blew up the room. He even saw the entire unknown region mapped out. The Chiss Ascendancy was on the map. Along with several others... Who were the Yuuzhan Vong? Lash pulled up a star system and got nothing but ???.


    ¡°Sorry User that is tied to a story event.¡± Dawn-Hutt supplied an answer.


    ¡°Well that can''t be good.¡± Lash said with a chuckle and closed his Map. He then pulled up the World Point page and saw something he immediately bought.


    Transformation of Veruna: The User spends several months on the third moon of Naboo, Veruna creating machines that help restore the moon. Fully automated, and within a year the moon is capable of supporting life. All be it barely. 50 WP.


    Side-Note: The User obtains several blueprints, and designs for terraforming engines.


    The User has purchased, Transformation of Veruna for 50 WP.


    As soon as Lash spent the points he received memories from his time on the moon. He had scoured through the galactic holonet for engines to transform the moon. Then with Science Intuition and several other abilities he redesigned and improved them. He met several issues along the way. Just as he expected he couldn''t make magical technology work. But it was a challenge he enjoyed. Then as quick as the memories came it was over. Lash found himself still in the black room.


    ¡°That''s new!¡± Lash said as he turned towards Dawn.


    ¡°Yes, the developers put it in. The User''s can now have access to a collection of memories per purchase. It helps them paint a better picture for future purchases.¡± Dawn-Hutt replied, as she settled back against the couch she sat on. Hands on her giant belly.


    The Jensaarai Order: The Jensaarai Order is formed, and bound together by family beyond blood. The User spends time setting up the organization, and establishes an enclave on the third moon of Naboo, Veruna. 50 WP.


    The User has purchased, The Jensaarai Order for 50 WP.


    Same as before Lash felt a coursing river of memories pour into his mind. As he was transforming the moon to support life he created vast underground networks of tunnels, bunkers, and self contained bio-domes under the moon''s surface. Places to train, and places to stay. As he used his magic the Force rushed in to gobble up every last ounce. But the effect was the same. He created a temple that was saturated with Force energy. Then within a few years the moon would have a jungle on it, if he had anything to say about it.


    Criminal Syndicate: The User spends several years to establish themselves as a criminal mastermind. Creating a vast network of information, trade, smuggling, and other illegal deals. He is both friend and enemy to organizations like the Pykes, and Black Suns, among others. 50 WP.


    ¡°Tempting, but no thank you.¡± Lash said, as he brushed the selection away.


    Business License: The User spends the time and the credits to become a fully certified and licensed chairman of their own company. Allowed to work in the core, inner, mid, and outer rim colonies. 50 WP.


    The User has purchased, Business License for 50 WP.


    Once Lash had finished with the moon of Veruna he went to Coruscant and met his ''friend and ally'' Chancellor Palpatine. Informing him of his desire for a business. Palpatine supported and directed him to the right people for an expedient certification. A few thousand credits later and Lash was the proud owner of Ghost Industries. With all the rights, privileges, responsibilities, and taxes towards the Republic. Within weeks of obtaining the license he was contacted by system government in the mid rim that was curious if he would be willing to change one of their moons into a different biome type. He agreed, and spent the next month turning a desert moon into grasslands. Allowing the system government to grow abundant crops on the moon.


    Force Martial Art: The User spends time on Naboo training, and educating the people about the way of the Force Martial Art. An ancient tradition that allows even none Force Users tap into the inner workings of the Living Force. 50 WP.


    The User has purchased, Force Martial Art for 50 WP.


    Once Lash finished with the desert, now grassland moon. He packed up his equipment and went back to Naboo. Where he kept his promise to the Queen who was about to finish her term. The Force Martial Art was created by an ancient order of monks from a history long forgotten. It allowed them to tap into the Force. No, it didn''t make them Force Users. But the martial path allowed the practitioner to channel the Force for improved vitality, mental discipline, and self defense. Despite the cultural ideals of pacifism. The people of Naboo took to the art like fish in water.


    ¡°Dawn, why are most of these 50 points and above?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Because the world is working against you. You have to spend more WP than you normally would. Another reason why you get so many WP''s at the end of each event.¡± Dawn replied.


    Sith Holocrons: The User obtains a collection of Sith Holocrons from ancient, and powerful Sith. A wide variety of subjects, designs, and diaries are preserved within. 50 WP.


    The User has purchased, Sith Holocrons for 50 WP.


    Jedi Holocrons: The User obtains a collection of Jedi Holocrons from ancient, and powerful Jedi. A wide variety of subjects, designs, and diaries are preserved within. 50 WP.


    The User has purchased, Jedi Holocrons for 50 WP.


    Jensaarai Holocrons: The User obtains a collection of Jensaarai Holocrons. A wide variety of subjects, designs, and diaries are preserved within. 100 WP.


    Side-Note: The User has created the Jensaarai years before their original timeline. The User must spend additional points to obtain the information.


    The User has purchased, Jensaarai Holocrons for 100 WP.


    Lash highlighted each one than purchased them together. Just as he intended he received memories of him standing in the great library of the order. From the very fabric of reality entire shelves were filled with Sith, Jedi, and Jensaarai holocrons. The Sith''s had pyramid shapes, the Jedi dodecahedron shapes. While the Jensaarai had pyramids inside of dodecahedrons. Then Lash realized he made a mistake. He needed security in this room desperately.


    General Purpose Droids: The User obtains the necessary facilities to create, house, maintain, and sustain a small army of Droids. From 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th class types. Quality over quantity the User applies their own abilities to improve on the design and each Droid. Which makes it far more capable then their factory version. 100 WP.


    The User has purchased, General Purpose Droids for 100 WP.


    Lash had quickly blocked off the library to prevent his students from going through it. It wasn''t that he didn''t trust the Jensaarai, it was everyone else. Once the Jedi found out about entire shelves of Sith holocrons they would demand that Lash give them up. He was sure Palpatine would come to his defense...After Lash provided him with copies of each. More on that later. The droid factory was installed within days of the library being filled. Unfortunately these droids were not Technomagical Constructs. But Lash still improved their designs dramatically.


    ¡°Alright User! Anything from the Dream Store you would like to purchase?¡± Dawn-Hutt asked as she slipped off her couch and came over to him in that slug slink way.


    ¡°No thank you, Dawn.¡± Lash replied, and soon found himself falling through the floor of the black room with Dawn the Hutt waving her arms at him in goodbye.


    ________________________________________________________________________


    Mandalorian Lash, and Master of the Jensaarai Order caused a large ripple in the galaxy as a whole. Having coming to the assistance of the people of Naboo in their time of need his reputation was favorable to say the least. The new Supreme Chancellor Palpatine went as far as to say he considered Jensaarai Lash to be a good friend, and advisor for years to come. The news that this new order of Force Users already had several hundred practitioners stumped many people. Where did they come from? Surely the rumors were exaggerated?


    As his exploits spread across the galaxy more than a few people asked the government of Mandalore if they recognized Lash as one of their people. Duchess Satine Kryze made a public statement that she was happy that the people of Naboo were safe. But the people of Mandalore did not recognize Lash as one of their own. This begged the question of who Lash was. This was solved simply by asking him. The Jensaarai Master, Lash confirmed that he was not from the planet, nor was he genetically related to the people. But he does follow the martial path, tradition, and creed of their warriors. He was sworn in several hundred years ago. He is the last remaining chief of clan Ghost Claw.


    Within weeks of his public statement, nomadic tribes of Mandalorian warriors arrived in Naboo space seeking council with the Jensaarai Master. Lash welcomed them with open arms as long as they didn''t make war with their neighbors. Upon the completion of the temple on Veruna the practitioners of the path, and several hundred Mandalorian warriors had a home. While the surface of the moon was being rapidly transformed into a livable environment.


    Within weeks of the moon''s surface becoming capable of sustaining life. Lash left for Coruscant under Mandalorian warrior guard. He acquired his business license, and certificate. Once he completed the biome transformation of the desert moon within record time. His business propositions went through the roof. Several Mandalorian chiefs requested that Lash restore their home world. Lash agreed as long as Duchess Satine allowed him to. Until then he returned to Naboo to keep a promise.


    The Force Martial Art taught to the people of Naboo did not stay on Naboo. The Mandalorian warriors had requested the manuals of the art. Lash gave it freely, and even showed additional texts for a more lethal method. He sent the complete manual across the holonet. This had an unexpected consequence. Force sensitive children not discovered by the Jedi reawakened their connection to the Force by practicing the martial art. Hundreds of newly awakened Force Users were identified. But the Jedi were well known for not taking teenagers, or adults. But the Jensaarai did.


    Lash spent the next few years teaching new arrivals at the Venura Temple. As he continued to nurture the moon''s surface. Within three years one could walk the surface freely, and see trees growing. The solar system of Naboo became a very secure place to visit. As Mandalorian ships patrolled the space. At the mark of the fifth year Duchess Satine agreed to allow Lash to try and restore their home world. As it was now a brutal desert thanks to war, after war by their very own people. As well as outside forces.


    Unfortunately the outer rim was not a safe place to be. Filled with pirates, slavers, and the occasional assassin sent by Nute Gunray. Lash met all sorts of people on the outer rim. But he was escorted by Jensaarai, and Mandalorian warriors. But anyone who knew Lash, understood he was the most dangerous person in the escort. The stories people told of him seemed so outlandish that they almost seemed to belong in a story book.


    After two years of hard work the radiation on Mandalore had subsided. The atmosphere was slowly repairing itself. Tree''s and grass could be seen here and there across the surface. While rain clouds were found at the polar caps. The people of Mandalore strove to restore their home. Entire research and development teams were established and funded. Lash kept the designs of his terraforming engines close to the chest. But he did help them create several genetically altered plant specimens that could help restore the environment.


    By the ninth year the planet had obtained an arid environment. In the past the people of Mandalore lived in bio-domes, or cubed cities. To hide away from the sun, and the radiation of their home world. Now, new cities were being built. Stretches of land were cultivated, and turned into farms. Mandalore traditionally imported vast amounts of food. Now they could grow it themselves. But despite the peace the Mandalore was experiencing. All was not well in the Galactic Republic.


    Hundreds of star systems were leaving the republic to create the Confederacy of Independent Systems. It also seemed more than likely that hundreds more would join them. The republic was not what it once was. Filled with corruption, and stagnation. The people were tired of the bureaucracy two step. Nothing was getting done, entire planets were suffering. So the Confederacy was born. Led by the former Jedi Master, Count Dooku. This new power in the galaxy has brought the people of the republic to the idea of making a centralized military. A vote has been called, and senators from across the stars were coming to Coruscant to vote on the Act to create a Republic Army.


    ______________________________________________________________________


    (Que Star Wars Theme Music)


    There is unrest in the Galactic Senate. Several thousand solar systems have declared their intentions to leave the Republic.


    This separatist movement, under the leadership of the mysterious Count Dooku,


    has made it difficult for the limited number of Jedi Knights


    to maintain peace and order in the galaxy.


    Senator Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo, is returning to the


    Galactic Senate to vote on the critical issue of creating an


    ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC to assist the overwhelmed Jedi....


    ==============================================================


    (Above the planet Coruscant, in Senator Amidala''s ship.)


    Lash stood in the cockpit of the Senator''s ship with two Jensaarai, and one Mandalorian by his side. The pilot of the ship received clearance from the Coruscant ship traffic control tower. They approached on the far side of Couscant as far possible from the main assembly of embassies. All in an effort to avoid the assassination plot against Senator Amidala. Three N-1 Naboo starfighters were their escort. They twisted their ship until it was upside down. Which was right side up for where they were landing.


    It was cloudy today as they passed through the atmosphere. Or was that smog? Lash hated this planet. When he had first set foot on the surface he broke down and wept in despair. His escorts had thought he was under attack. He explained that the Force was incredibly out of balance on the planet. In truth his Nature Domain had screamed in agony. He had spent several days trying to find the surface of the planet. He never found it. It was just layer, after layer of metal, and concrete. Although his Technomancy Domain loved it.


    But back on task. The ship found its landing platform, and the starfighters landed on the same platform. Lash and his team joined the royal security force in escorting the senator off the ship. Lash came directly to her side and Sabe the former handmaiden that looked nearly identical to Padme smiled up at him. Though his helmet kept his features covered his presence made her feel safe. She took his hand into her own and squeezed it as the ramp pulled out.


    ¡°We''ll be fine, one way or another.¡± Lash replied with a squeeze of his own then let go as he stepped out.


    The procession made their way down the landing ramp just as the embassies land shuttle arrived. Lash stepped out and saw the pilots to the starfighter looking at him. He glanced at Gregar Typho who wore the pilot uniform but kept his saber on his belt. By his side was another pilot, with a clear feminine build. Lash glanced behind him just as Sabe stepped off the ramp. Danger Sense and Foresight activated and Lash created a Telekinetic shield. A scatter shot missile collide with the shield. An explosion of spectacular proportions rocked the whole landing pad.


    Everyone rallied on Lash as he was the safest place to be. A Rune of Destruction was crafted in record time. Then a beam of Eldritch Blast shot out from him. It obliterated the automated drone that was in the process of flying away. Then the entire landing pad came under fire. Blaster bolts, missiles, and several assassin droids jumped onto the pad. Lash maintained the shield as the Jensaarai, and the Mandalorian jumped into action.


    Gregar ignited his lightsaber and went to town on the droids. While the other Jensaarai deflected bolts of blaster fire. The Mandalorian pulled out a long ranged rifle and started to take out each shooter. An assassin droid jumped at the feminine pilot by Gregar, she slammed her palm into the things chest and it was catapulted off the platform. Lash watched with a smile on his face as the escorts took out the assassination team. He reached into his Nature Domain and called on Weather Control and cleared the fog/smog out of the area. A mild tornado not even category one formed and within minutes the whole area was clear as day.


    Eventually the police arrived to secure the area. Lash pulled down his shield gradually as he looked around. Eventually the senator was granted a full escort towards the embassies. It infuriated Lash that they didn''t have that to begin with. But it was all part of the plan to destabilize the republic. Palpatine had been very specific. So Lash agreed to go along with it. But senator Amidala was never to be killed. Why? She was important to Anakin.


    ¡°It seemed you were right Master Lash. This is becoming a habit.¡± Padme said to him as they rode the transport to her embassy.


    Padme sat down next to him in her royal security force outfit. She had disguised herself for safety. While Sabe had volunteered to be the decoy. Despite her training, Sabe was pale as a ghost on the transport as Gregar spoke to her. Trying to offer some form of comfort. Lash looked back at Padme and shrugged his shoulders.


    ¡°Sooner or later I''ll be wrong. Hopefully it will be with something mundane like if it will rain or not.¡± Lash replied in a light tone that made Padme smile at him.


    Padme had been 15 years old when she had been Queen during the invasion of Naboo. Now she was approximately 24 by standard count. She kept her approximate height of 5''5¡± (1.6m), while her rich brown hair was long, and curly past her shoulders. She had an athletic hourglass form. Strong muscles that could cave in a droids chest. Padme was a Force-Super but never joined the Jensaarai. Despite not being trained she kept a natural balance between the sides. Then her brown eyes narrowed in on Lash as he had been looking at her for a while now.


    ¡°What? You always do that. Makes me feel like you are looking through my very being.¡± Padme said with a bit of a pout.


    ¡°That''s cause he is, milady.¡± Gregar said from his seat. In truth Lash was looking through her Source Code for any issues.


    ¡°Any predictions about the vote?¡± Padme said, as she brushed her hair back and leaned into her chair.


    ¡°The vote will never take place.¡± Lash replied with an easy attitude. If Palpatines plans went through, it definitely wouldn''t.


    ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Sabe called out, she looked a little better.


    ¡°Republic security would never admit it. But 16 different senators have been assassinated, you would have been 17.¡± Lash replied, and the whole transport looked at him in shock.


    ¡°Our contacts in the criminal underworld confirmed the kills.¡± Said the Mandalorian warrior with them. His voice was a bit rough, but full of youthful vigor.


    ¡°Does the Force have any insights Master Jensaarai?¡± Padme asked Lash who took a moment to consider.


    ¡°Violence creates more violence. Peace, and understanding creates more of itself.¡± Lash said softly, and used Calm Emotions on the whole transport. To create a sense of peace, as if the Force had spoken through Lash.


    ¡°What do you think, Lash?¡± The Mandalorian asked.


    ¡°I think the republic needs at the very least a security force. Imagine how much they could accomplish if the hyper lanes if the mid, and outer rims were patrolled? But creating an army will only incite the separatist to make their own. Then all it will take is a spark to ignite the flames of war.¡± Lash replied to the question than glanced around to everyone in the cabin.


    The security transport fell into silence as they traveled to the Naboo embassies. Where upon which they were flooded by questions by the embassy staff. There had been a report that Senator Amidala had been killed, and that the senate had been informed. Padme rushed to put on a decent piece of garb that made Lash roll his eyes at and all but flew towards the senate house. Her security escort, and Lash by her side. The republic guards were surprised to see Amidala alive and rushed her in.


    ¡°Must I remind the Senator from Malastare that negotiations are continuing with the separatists. Peace is our objective here... not war.¡± Chancellor Palpatine said to the assemble of senators in the senate house. Padme had arrived midway through a discussion.


    Padme stepped into her selected senate pod much to the surprise of several people including a very flustered and happy Jar Jar Binks who all but swallowed her in a hug. Eventually Padme pulled herself free and activated her pod so she could grab everyone''s attention. Lash stayed at the waiting chamber as he kept a sharp eye on the surroundings.


    ¡°My noble colleagues, I concur with the Supreme Chancellor. At all costs, we do not want war!¡± Padme called out to the senate which was stunned into silence. Then an outbursts of cheering and applause ushers in the entrance of Senator Amidala.


    ¡°It is with great surprise, and joy that the chair recognizes the Senator of Naboo, Padme Amidala Naberrie.¡± The Chancellor called out with a smile on his face, and a look of relief. He glanced at doorway where Lash resided and Lash nodded his head towards him.


    ¡°Less than an hour ago an assassination attempt was made against my life. A scatter shot missile, and several assailants attacked myself, and my security team. I am happy to report that none of my people were killed in the attack. But I am afraid that the reason behind the attack is because of my steadfast defense against the Act of creating an army. But there is clearly those within the senate that will stop at nothing to ensure this Act goes through.¡± Padme spoke clearly, and with confidence that her way of thinking was justified. Hundreds of senator''s agreed with her. While hundreds more declared her out of line.


    ¡°I warn you, if you vote to create this army. War will follow. I have experienced the misery of war first-hand. I do not wish to do so again.¡± Padme declared and her voiced carried a sense of weight that was more than just her tone. But almost a palpable ripple of energy washed across the senate house. Hundreds of senator''s seem to pause and think.


    ¡°My motion to defer the vote must be dealt with first. That is the rule of law!¡± Another senator called out. They must have said something before Padme had arrived. Padme stared daggers at the senator but kept her peace. While Palpatine gave her a look of sympathy.


    ¡°Due to the lateness of the hour and the seriousness of this motion, we will take up these matters tomorrow. Until then, the Senate stands adjourned.¡± Palpatine said to the assembled senators, and they were adjourned. Padme''s pod came back to her assigned doorway. She glanced at Lash who shrugged and took up an escort position by her side.


    ¡°Did you do something?¡± Padme whispered to Lash as they moved through the senate house.


    ¡°I did nothing, that was all you.¡± Lash replied, and Padme looked concerned.


    ¡°I may have to take you up on lessons in the future. Just so I don''t do something by accident.¡± Padme said softly, and Lash agreed. Unfortunately in a few months none of them would have any time to do anything they wanted.


    Half way through the senate house a chancellor elite guard arrived to escort Padme towards the Supreme Chancellor''s office. They cut through the tide of senators, their entourage, journalists, and sycophants. As they moved through the senate house Lash saw the midi-chlorians in the air dance around in excitement specifically the light side of the Force. That was when he knew Jedi were around. On their way towards the Chancellors office they were met by Senator Bail Prestor Organa.


    Bail Prestor Organa stood at approximately 6''2¡± (1.9m) in height. He was an older human male. With short black hair, and a groomed beard. Wisps of gray hair had settled in along his temples, and the edge of his beard. His brown eyes were insightful, and full of concern for the future. He had a tan skin color. He stood up straight, with his shoulders back, and his chest out. No matter where he was he looked like he belonged there. He also had a smoothed, educated voice that set people at ease.


    ¡°Senator Amidala I am happy to see you are well. I feared the worst as we all did when we heard of your assassination. I should have known no harm would come to you with Master Lash at your side.¡± Bail said with a brilliant smile, as he nodded his thanks to Lash who bowed to him.


    ¡°Senator Organa thank you for your kind words. I fear that the attack will only embolden those that seek to create an army.¡± Padme replied with a strained smile as they continued towards the chancellor''s office.


    They were stopped at the chancellors office door, and his aid notified the chancellor of their arrival. They didn''t have to wait long. The door opened and Lash saw several Jedi council members in the room with the supreme chancellor. Including, but not limited to Yoda, and Mace Windu. The former seemed pleased by their arrival, while the latter was happy to see Padme. Windu was not pleased to see Lash. Over the past nine years several Jedi had left their order to join the Jensaarai.


    ¡°With you the force is strong... young Senator. To see you alive brings warm feeling to my heart.¡± Yoda said to Padme has he stood up all 1''9¡± of him. He shuffled forward with his walking stick and smiled at Padme who smiled back.


    ¡°Thank you, Master Yoda. Do you have any idea who is behind these attacks?¡± Padme asked, as she folded her hands in front of her.


    ¡°Our intelligence points to the disgruntled spice miners, on the moons of Naboo.¡± Mace Windu said as he stood and came to the side of Yoda. Padme looked at him then glance back at Lash who shook his head.


    ¡°I don''t wish to disagree, but I think Count Dooku is behind the attacks.¡± Padme said and Mace Windu shot a glare at Lash.


    ¡°You know, M''Lady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He wouldn''t assassinate anyone, it is not in his character.¡± Mace Windu said next. As he folded his arms into his sleeves and counted to ten quietly. So easily riled up the Master Jedi was. Thankfully no one could see Lash smile, but Chancellor Palpatine did have a glint in his eye.


    ¡°He''s a political idealist, not a murderer.¡± One of the other Jedi Masters said next.


    ¡°In dark times nothing is what it appears to be, but the fact remains Senator, in grave danger you are.¡± Yoda said with great concern in his voice. As he placed his hands on his walking stick to keep his balance. Palpatine took a moment to stand and glance out the window. The room focused on him as he did so.


    ¡°Count Dooku has always avoided any kind of conflict. It appears he has no desire to start a war. Why would he kill you? To what end?¡± Palpatine asked as he turned around to focus on Padme who fidgeted just a little under his gaze.


    ¡°I don''t know... Just a feeling.¡± Padme confessed and a look of understanding came across everyone''s faces. Especially the Jedi, they understood that better than most.


    ¡°You think what do, Master Lash? For us words of wisdom you have?¡± Yoda asked as he focused on him.


    ¡°It''s not the miners I can tell you that. Whether its Count Dooku or someone that is part of the Confederacy doesn''t matter. Because we have no proof. We should still take senator Amidala''s feelings into consideration. How many times have the Jedi gone off to Force knows where on less?¡± Lash said with a bit of humor in his voice. It was a playful jab that made Yoda chuckle, and Windu glare at him.


    ¡°Master Jedi, may I suggest that senator Amidala be placed under the protection of your graces?¡± Palpatine suggested and a look of surprise passed over Yoda''s face. He glanced back at Lash.


    ¡°I can''t stay with her. I have obligations on the outer rim. Rebuilding an strained environment to feed the planets populace.¡± Lash informed him, and the room understood. Windu looked conflicted but begrudgingly approved of his actions.


    ¡°Do you think it is a wise use of manpower during these stressful times? I have personally inspected Senator Amidala''s security force. Even with out Master Lash available they are formidable.¡± Senator Organa asked.


    ¡°Chancellor if I may comment, I don''t believe it is necessary....¡± Padme began to say.


    ¡°Oh but I disagree...¡± Palpatine replied.


    ¡°Chancellor please! I don''t need or want any more guards.¡± Padme said her facial expression clearly stated her disagreement.


    ¡°I realise all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with... an old friend like... Master Qui-Gon...¡± Palpatine suggested, and Padme went still as she considered that possibility. Palpatine nodded at Windu who nodded back.


    ¡°That''s possible, he just returned from the mid rim over a trade dispute between two trade companies.


    ¡°I could be shown to see reason if Master Qui-Gon is available.¡± Padme admitted with reluctance.


    ¡°Then it''s settled!¡± Palpatine said with a brilliant smile. That was soon mirrored by the rest of the room.


    ¡°I''ll have Master Qui-Gon report to your embassy as soon as he is available.¡± Windu said with a smile towards Padme.


    Padme gave a reluctant and depressed smile. Like someone who had just excepted their fate. Yoda began to shuffle slowly through the room and the Jedi Council took measured steps for him. Until one of the chancellors aid''s brought Yoda''s hover seat for him. The old Jedi climbed into his seat and looked back at Lash with a mindful expression on his face.


    ¡°I did offer to restore your youth.¡± Lash said to him, and Yoda shook his head with a smirk on his face.


    ¡°Even I will return to the force one day Master Lash. I will not delay it one minute longer. Even if I would enjoy walking around without a cane... No, to invite you to the Jedi temple I would like. As my guest.¡± Yoda said softly, as the Jedi Council looked surprised by the offer.


    In the years since Lash established the Jensaarai order he had never been invited to the Jedi Temple. Though he had left an invitation to the Jedi to visit Venura''s Temple. This of course had brought several Jedi to join the Jensaarai so they could learn, and understand the complex workings of the Force more than the Jedi allowed. Since then Lash had the distinct impression that some of the Jedi Masters wanted to string him up, and burn him as a practitioner of the dark side.


    ¡°I''ll try and visit before I leave for the outer rim.¡± Lash said, and bowed towards him. Yoda accepted the answer and left.


    ¡°A moment of your time, Master Lash.¡± Palpatine called out. Lash looked at the security force for Padme who nodded. The two Jensaarai, and the Mandalorian were outside the office waiting for them. They would see Padme safely back to her embassy.


    Palpatine had the room cleared of even his elite guard who left without a word. He then activated his office inner security system so shutters covered his window, the doors locked, and a baffle field was erected around the office. Palpatine sat in his office chair and relaxed. The weight of the galaxy on his shoulders. The chancellor looked older now. His hair was white, and his face was full of wrinkles. Even if his body was still that of a young man. Thanks to the Force, and Palpatines Sith alchemy he would live for several hundred years if he could help it. Lash reached out and cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss on Palpatine. His midi-chlorian count remained the same due to the fact that Lash already pushed his threshold several years ago. But all the same, Palpatine was filled once more with vigor.


    ¡°I need you to visit Kamino. The war is soon to arrive and I want no mistakes.¡± Palpatine said with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Very well.¡± Lash replied simply.


    Lash and Palpatine talked shop for a few more minutes. Then he left to conclude his business on Coruscant. His reasoning about visiting the outer rim was true. The planet of Rodia was a toxic swamp thanks to their own species destroying themselves in a chaotic war. Lash was taking several world engines (Krypton Technology) to the planet to help clean out the toxic environment. His equipment, storage facility, factory, and ship bay was located at the factory section of Coruscant''s top layer. With the help of Chancellor Palpatine, Lash got a great deal on an old disused building.


    Lash boarded a first class transport pod from the senate house towards his building. It was operated by a service droid and the interior was roomy, and relaxed. Lash sent word ahead that he was inbound so he wouldn''t surprise his workers. Over the course of nine years Lash now had a little over five hundred employees that worked in his Ghost Industries company. Though they specialized in transforming moons, and planets into other biome types. They also built fully customized dynamic class freighters. Lash''s factory had a waiting list as long as his arm with people who wanted custom jobs done.


    Lash glanced out his window as he passed through the ''city'' limit of the central area of Coruscant. As odd as it may sound. Coruscant did not use every available area of its surface to complete capacity. There were miles of disused sections that had fallen into disrepair. This meant anyone who could afford these disused sections had complete privacy. Though that also meant it would be hours before the police would arrive. That mattered little to Lash as he had his own private security on staff.


    Ghost Industries building was a towering structure that was often referred to as a Mega-Tower. The original complex had been taken down, and rebuilt to accommodate the structure. The entire tower could house well over five thousand people. Along with space for their families. Full amenities were given for education, entertainment, relaxation, and private transport pods that would take them into the capital city proper. While auxiliary facilities were attached to the tower for construction of the ships, and world engines.


    Lash stepped from his transport and watched it leave as a security escort came out to receive him. Waiting with his security team was Nazvo his aid, and fellow Jensaarai. Nazvo was a Mirialan female. She had light green skin, shoulder length black hair with one side of her hair braided. She had vibrant purple eyes, geometric tattoos around those eyes. The tattoos were cultural marks of her people for accomplishing a task of merit. She had a toned, athletic figure. She had completed stage one of the Jensaarai training. Which allowed her to carry a lightsaber. She currently wore a form fitting jump suit in navy blue, with boots, belt, and vampraces.


    ¡°Master Lash, welcome back.¡± Nazvo said with a cool voice. Lash took a moment to bow from his waist towards her, and she returned the gesture.


    ¡°Anything out of the ordinary?¡± Lash asked as he started to walk inside the tower. Nazvo by his side, she pulled up a data pad and handed it to him. The security droids in the escort walked in lock step around them.


    ¡°Several requests from private contractors want to offer three times our standard contract to jump ahead of ship construction. I informed then that it would be a no. But I would send their requests to you regardless.¡± Nazvo said, as she kept pace with Lash. The security doors opened up and they walked into an environment controlled interior.


    ¡°Tell them I said no. We are first come, first serve. We don''t skip corners, and concentrate on quality.¡± Lash replied, as he signed several pages of information.


    ¡°Very well, the government of Rodia is looking forward to your arrival. They regret that they can not provide a military escort. Their space forces are stretched thin protecting one service ships they have.¡± Nazvo said next, and Lash stopped mid stride. The entire security detail stopped with him as Nazvo looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°Send word that we''ll bring a single dynamic class freighter with us. It will be placed in a lottery for the people of Rodia. The freighter can assist them with their trade ventures in the future.¡± Lash replied, as he signed the order and sent it to the factory. They had a few freighters stored away for such an occasion.


    ¡°....Why?¡± Nazvo asked, a look of puzzlement on her face.


    ¡°Just a feeling...¡± Lash replied, and started to walk again. Nazvo accepted that answer without a word. Being a Force User herself, the phrase ''Just a feeling'' was used often.


    As they moved through the tower they came across officer workers, technicians, and security personal on patrol. Everyone waved, and said hello. Lash said hello in return and addressed every individual by name. He even stopped several times to ask about their families. This always surprised so many people when he visited. The amount of time he must use to memorize his staff, and their lives always warmed their hearts. When in reality one of his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits fed him the information.


    They made their way towards the factory floor just in time to see one of the world engines being loaded into the military grade cruiser that Lash had bought from one of his former clients on discount. The world engine looked like a giant disk with a drill in the center piece. It would drill into the ground, and anchor itself. Then send the required particles through the atmosphere. Along with a plethora of several other activities.


    While the cruiser looked a giant kraken or squid from Earth. A almost triangular head front portion, with a long round body, then the back of the ship''s edge rounded off on itself. Where the ''eyes'' would be were primary weapon ports The engines were placed in a circle pattern around the back. While bulbous protrusions decorated the ship''s exterior. The entire ship had a ocean blue color scheme. Overall the cruiser looked like it was designed after an aquatic creature, and gave the appearance that it may be alive. It was approximately 2600'' (800 m) long, and 900'' (274 m) across.


    It had been primarily a troop transport vessel way back when. It had been scheduled for decommission and scrapyard processing. But Lash had wanted to buy it. So his client sold it to him at cost. Five million credits for the whole thing. A ship that was two generations obsolete. Now? It was worth three times that. Lash had gone to town on the ship, pulled it apart. Replaced everything he could. The important thing was on the outside it looked like an old ship. But once you got inside, it was a whole another beast entirely. The ship''s name was Serenity.


    Lash inspected the cargo that was being taken towards Rodia. Including a newly built dynamic freighter for the lottery he wanted. He spoke to the crew, and the support staff that would be staying on the planet while the engines did their work. The world engines were mostly automated pieces of tech. But it was still a good idea to have staff on site. Once everything was checked, and rechecked Lash took a transport back into the city towards the Naboo Embassy.


    ===========================================================


    (Coruscant, Naboo''s Embassy.)


    Padawan learner Anakin Skywalker, and apprentice to Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn was nervous. He smoothed his hands over his Jedi robes for what seemed the hundredth time. He ran his fingers through his short blond hair, and checked his Padawan braid. Then he checked his hood to ensure it was perfectly balanced. Then he rechecked.


    ¡°Enough Anakin you look fine.¡± Qui-Gon said to him with a gentle smile.


    ¡°I''m sorry master. I...I. It''s been almost ten years since I''ve seen her. I just want to look perfect.¡± Anakin said softly as he went to smooth his robes again.


    ¡°Remember to focus on the moment, Anakin. Don''t let your feelings cloud your mind. Take a breath and focus. Otherwise you''ll trip over your own feet like you did on Sin''tani ship during that party.¡± Qui-Gon said with a smirk on his face. Anakin paled at the memory and took a moment to clear his thoughts.


    Master Qui-Gon Jinn, and Padawan Anakin Skywalker were currently in a lift that was taking them to the apartments that Senator Amidala lived in. It had been many years since they had seen each other. Though they had both heard many things about Naboo over the years. Qui-Gon stood at approximately 6''4¡± with long brown hair past his shoulders. He had two braids on either side of his head that linked back behind his head. Kept his hair out of his face, but free in the back. He had a trimmed beard on his face, with flecks of gray growing. His blue eyes were warm, and full enthusiasm as he watched his apprentice center himself. Qui-Gon wore the traditional garb of the Jedi. Warm earth tones of brown, clay, beige, and pearl white. However on his forearms were Jensaarai vampraces, a gift from a friend.


    Anakin Skywalker stood at approximately 6'' even with short blond hair, a small ponytail in the back, along with a Padawan braid behind his right ear. He was nearly 19 years old by standard count. He had a strong athletic figure, though he looked a little disportioned. He was still growing. His blue eyes looked clear as he opened them. But his fingers continued to smooth over the leather fabric of his Jedi uniform. The color tone was in darker shades of brown, sand stone, and almost gray color. He had Jensaarai plated gloves on. A gift from a friend.


    The moment the elevator door opened they saw a familiar sight. Jar Jar Binks stood there. Jar Jar had changed in several ways over the years. He had gained a bit of muscle mass, and moved with purpose and confidence. He wore the ceremonial garb of a junior representative of the galactic senate. To represent a minority in a sector of space, the Gungans specifically. Jar Jar was no longer the bumbling fool he had been before. His transformation had been gradual, but a few had noticed the change. One aspect was his speech.


    ¡°Master Qui-Gon!¡± Jar Jar said in glee as he came over and took Qui-Gon''s hands into his own.


    ¡°Hello Jar Jar, it''s good to see you again.¡± Qui-Gon replied with a smile as he shook Jar Jar''s hand.


    ¡°Yes it is! Me am happy to see you! Oh my, me forget myself. This is... Anakin? Little Anakin!?¡± Jar Jar said in glee as he looked Anakin over.


    ¡°Hello Jar Jar!¡± Anakin said with a genuine smile. Then balked as the Gungan picked him up off the floor and twirled him around in glee.


    ¡°Me so happy to see you! Look at you! So big, so strong!¡± Jar Jar said happily until Qui-Gon cleared his throat.


    ¡°Oh my, me forgot myself again. Sorry!¡± Jar Jar said with a grin as he let him go. Anakin smoothed his robes out again and looked a little put out. Qui-Gon just smiled.


    ¡°Come! Come! Senator Amidala was just finishing her exercises. She''s all sweaty!¡± Jar Jar said with no sense of modesty as he guided them through the home.


    Anakin titled his head to one side like a dog would when they heard something interesting. He kept pace with Jar Jar, as Qui-Gon trailed behind. It didn''t take long for them to hear shouts, and the sound of weapon against weapon. They came into the main living area to see all of the furniture pushed aside. Padme was in the middle wearing a martial art gi in the color gray. Her long hair was done up in a top knot so it was out of the way. As she moved it was clear she had wrapped her chest. But either way she looked rather...Attractive to the young Padawan. However Qui-Gon took notice of who she was fighting against.


    Gregar Typho in a martial gi of his own fought against her. While Lash coached them both. They both had two foot long pain sticks in either hand. The sticks did exactly as they sounded. Administered nerve pain with every strike but no permanent damage would take place. Gregar had reach, technique, and skill. While Padme had flexibility, mobility, and speed. They moved almost to quick for the eye to catch. Lash pointed at one of the servants in the room and they slammed two metallic cymbals together. The sudden noise pulled Padme''s attention and Gregar stuck a pain stick into her gut. She screamed in pain and dropped.


    Before anyone could react Anakin was sprinting towards Gregar. But he stopped short of pulling his lightsaber as Lash simply raised his hand and the Padawan was frozen in place by the Force. Gregar looked surprised at the frozen Anakin then looked at Qui-Gon who walked the rest of the way into the room. Jar Jar looked around in confusion. What? What had happened?


    ¡°Distractions happen in a battle. It''s good that you noticed. But you directed all of your attention on the sound. Which left you open. But this is why we train. But I think we''ll call it here for today. We have Jedi guests.¡± Lash said clearly to the whole room.


    Anakin felt the Force release him just in time for Qui-Gon to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Anakin had rushed in without thinking...again. It was one of his many faults that Qui-Gon was still working on. Anakin would see someone in trouble and just react. It happened several times in the Jedi Temple. He would come to the defense of other students. Even though they were all training.


    ¡°Master Qui-Gon! Hello, I''m sorry I didn''t mean to show you something like this.¡± Padme said as she slowly stood. She massaged the spot where she was struck. A greenish blue energy wrapped around her and she breathed easier. She sent a thankful nod towards Lash who nodded as well.


    ¡°It''s perfectly alright, Senator. I am happy to see that you take your self defense martial art training seriously.¡± Qui-Gon said as he bowed towards her. Anakin was quick to clear his throat and bow as well. Padme turned to look at him and surprise came over her face.


    ¡°Anakin? Is that you! My goodness you''ve grown.¡± Padme said with a bit of a blush as she tucked her gi in more. Suddenly a little bashful.


    ¡°.... So have you... grown more beautiful I mean. I mean... Much shorter for a Senator. I mean.¡± Anakin said and began to fumble over his words before.


    ¡°Anakin! Why don''t you step into the ring with Gregar and let Padme have time to clean up.¡± Lash called out, and Gregar perked up in excitement as he twirled the pain sticks.


    ¡°...YES!¡± Padme cleared her throat. ¡°Yes, please excuse me.¡± Padme said as she all but fled from the room. Anakin''s face had turned a bright crimson, while Qui-Gon laughed at his Padawan''s expense.


    Several servants followed after Padme to help her look more presentable. While Anakin took off his coat, and took up the pain sticks. He cleared his mind and stood at the ready. Then Gregar attacked with no warning what so ever. Anakin quickly adapted and danced around the ring holding a defensive stance that slowly worked into offense. He was trying to learn Gregar''s style. But the moment he''d start to get a feel for him. Gregar would swap out for another combat form. Eventually Qui-Gon came over to Lash who was watching the spar.


    ¡°Good to see you, Master Lash.¡± Qui-Gon said with a smile. Lash reached over and shook his hand but kept his eyes on the match.


    ¡°You as well, Master Qui-Gon. You''ve been focusing on technique over strength with him?¡± Lash asked, as he pointed at Anakin.


    ¡°I have, Anakin has a lot of raw strength, and talent. But he needs to be tempered. So we work on skill, technique, and analyzing a opponents method of attack.¡± Qui-Gon replied.


    ¡°Have you been giving him those training simulations I sent you?¡± Lash asked next, as Gregar scored a hit on Anakin''s leg. Anakin bit out a yell then attacked with a ferocity that only left him open to another attack. Gregar was a talented Jensaarai and wouldn''t fall into a trap like that.


    ¡°We both have. It is amazingly complex and even deals with trade, and diplomatic relations.¡± Qui-Gon said absently as he watched the fight.


    Lash had sent the equivalent of a 4X strategy came to Anakin through the holonet. It started off really easy, with a simple skirmish mission between two sides. Then when you completed a mission you would be given a rating. Then the next mission would introduce a new element to the game. Doing it in bits, and pieces. Until eventually you were running entire star systems. But you had to worry about moral, troop supply, economics, etc, etc. It was a very detailed, and realistic game that got harder as you played.


    ¡°Good, you''ll need it in the future.¡± Lash said as he saw the dark side of the force dance around Anakin in delight as he got stronger, and stronger.


    ¡°That''s enough!¡± Qui-Gon called out, and even had to grab Anakin''s arm to get his attention. Gregar jumped out of the ring and waited as Qui-Gon talked to his apprentice.


    ¡°Alright Anakin, take out your lightsaber. You''ll get to fight me.¡± Lash said as he stood up and Anakin went pale as Qui-Gon looked amused.


    ___________________________________________________________________


    (Naboo Embassy housing, Padme''s bedroom.)


    Senator Padme Amidala stepped out of the shower in a bathrobe. One of her selected handmaidens Dorme stood in the room waiting for her. A smile was on Dorme''s face as she watched the Senator go through her wardrobe in dismay. Padme had a large assortment of clothing to choose from. Yes, not as large as when she had been a Queen. But being presentable as a Senator was important. You needed to have a collection of colors that would be pleasing to the eye, and not sew any discord. Certain species couldn''t see some colors.


    ¡°Is there something I can help you with, Senator?¡± Dorme asked, Padme all but jumped as she had been whispering softly to herself.


    ¡°Oh... I.. Well I don''t have anything official left today. I know Lash would prefer me in something practical. That''s just Lash. But, well we have guests.¡± Padme said, and blushed just a bit. Dorme smile only grew.


    Over the course of an hour they settled on a sheer silk gown that went from sky blue, to cream colored yellow. The gown left her back exposed, and the top wrapped around her neck. It was held in place with a metal clasp. The sleeves of the gown started at her elbow, and covered her forearms, but left her biceps exposed. Her hair was done up in several braids, and pieces of jewelry were tied in. Her feet had silver slip on shoes, and wrap around straps. Along her waist was a belt with a hidden knife. (Lash would insist). Once she was done she admired herself and nodded in satisfaction.


    Padme, and Dorma returned to the main living area of her apartments only to see Anakin jumping around the house in an attempt to get away from Lash who was chasing him. Anakin''s lightsaber was no where to be seen. Qui-Gon had doubled over in laughter as he watched his apprentice shout for help. But a smile was on his face. While Lash skipped from furniture to furniture as if he was light as a feather. But Padme spotted a clear smear of what looked like a toliperry fruit? She had several in her kitchen. A kitchen that looked like a tornado had gone through it.


    ¡°What is going on in here!?¡± Padme shouted and Anakin looked towards her, gaped and was close lined by Lash.


    ¡°Ohhhhh! Now your mine!¡± Lash shouted in triumph and grabbed Anakin and began to tickle him without any mercy. The pure shriek, and natural laughter that came from Anakin was a surprise to Padme. But only made her grin.


    ===============================================================


    After several minutes of torture aka tickle attack. Lash cleaned off his visor which had been smeared by a surprise attack by Anakin during their duel. The young Padawan had flung a red fruit straight at him. It did absolutely nothing to him, so his Danger Sense didn''t activate. Lash needed to learn not to rely on it so much. So his visor was filled with fruit. After that he yanked Anakin''s lightsaber out of his hand and chased him around the apartment.


    Several hours after the incident they were all sitting down for dinner. Well more like everyone sat around the table to eat while Lash just watched. The people of Naboo had learned sometime ago that Lash didn''t need to eat. As dinners normally go work, politics, and religion come up from time to time. They discussed the Confederacy, the issues that the mid, and outer rim were dealing with. Lash''s motivation to help republic worlds. Then the difference between Jedi, and Jensaarai.


    ¡°Master Yoda invited you to the temple?¡± Qui-Gon asked during the discussion.


    ¡°He did, any incite for me?¡± Lash asked, as he turned to focus on Qui-Gon.


    ¡°Maybe they want you to teach a saber lesson?¡± Anakin said with a smile then yelped as he felt a tickle at his side. Lash wiggled his gloved hands at him. Padme covered her mouth as she laughed. Anakin for his part just looked embarrassed.


    ¡°My young Padawan may not be to far off. Several Jedi who have visited the temple on Venura have reported that your lessons are very insightful. I believe mean younglings could benefit from your lessons.¡± Qui-Gon supplied an alternate answer that made sense.


    ¡°Perhaps they have a mission for you?¡± Gregar suggested.


    ¡°You are going to the outer rim. It would make a good cover.¡± Padme continued the thought after Gregar.


    ¡°Either way I need to get going. We are leaving tomorrow for Rodia.¡± Lash said as he stood up from the table. Everyone else stood as well.


    ¡°So soon? I was hoping you could help me with a simulation mission that you sent me.¡± Anakin looked hopeful.


    ¡°Did you obtain an advisor yet?¡± Lash asked him, and Anakin nodded. ¡°Listen to them, unless you''ve got to the part where they could be corrupt. Then run them through internal security then listen to them.¡± Lash said next, and Anakin looked horrified.


    ¡°Oh no! Maybe that is why my supply trains keep getting raided!¡± Anakin shouted, then ducked his head in dismay. But Padme looked interested.


    ¡°What''s this about?¡± Padme asked.


    ¡°I''ll let them explain it!¡± Lash said with a chuckle and turned to leave. But Padme stopped him and beckoned him to lean down. He did so and she kissed his mask''s cheek.


    ¡°Good luck.¡± Padme said softly and Lash bowed his head.


    ¡°Always.¡± Lash replied.


    Lash bid his fellow companions goodbye and left the embassy housing district. There was still plenty of time left in the day. All the same Lash sent a message through the holonet to the Jedi Temple. He would be arriving soon, as Master Yoda''s guest. He received a prompt reply. They would have someone waiting for him on arrival. Lash obtained direct access so his transport made a bee line to the Jedi Temple and avoided the traffic lanes. The sun was setting, and bathed the city in brilliant hues of fiery orange. Lash had to hand it to Coruscant. The sunsets here were nice.


    Lash''s transport landed at the designated location and took off once he was free of it. He walked across the pathways leading to the central gate of the Jedi Temple as he admired the architecture. Now, one may remember that Lash had declined the request to visit the temple before due the ''Tapestry of the Living Force.'' This had been explained away by the fact that Lash could strengthen his Force Blank ability. Allowing himself to walk in the Temple without going insane. Lies within lies.


    As he walked up the central stairway he passed more than a few security guards who looked at him. Then he eventually came across a Jedi or two who recognized his armor style for the Jensaarai. But none of them stopped his travels. Until he met his escort. An older woman who wore the garb of a staff member of the temple. She had a simple smile on her face as she bowed from her waist towards Lash.


    ¡°Ah, I was hoping it was you. Hello Master Jocasta Nu.¡± Lash said to her and returned the gesture.


    ¡°Welcome Master Lash, I''ve been looking forward to your visit.¡± Jocasta Nu replied, as she turned to walk with him.


    Jocasta Nu, was a Force-sensitive human female, as well was a Jedi Master of the Jedi Order who served as the Chief Librarian of the Jedi Archives. In this role, Nu was the primary caretaker of the extensive Archives, helping her fellow Jedi find the information they needed while controlling access to several restricted vaults and artifacts. She stood at approximately 5''7¡± with white hair pulled back tight across her scalp into a bun. Hair sticks were placed with care into her hair. She had light pale skin that still glowed with someone who exercised daily. Her blue eyes held vast amounts of knowledge. While she always had a schooled expression on her face. It was her eyes that gave her away. Despite her professional demeanor she enjoyed teasing her students.


    She wore a cr¨¨me colored brown wrap around robe that reminded Lash of a samurai gi from home. She had stylized letters, and glyphs from the ancient texts written across the hem of her clothing. Her gi pant legs were black, a contrast from her robe. She wore no lightsaber. But Lash knew she was well versed in close quarters combat. When ever she passed other staff members, or Jedi she would bow her head and address them by name. They would do the same. She had an excellent memory.


    ¡°Did you get the copies of the holocrons I sent you?¡± Lash asked as they moved between the halls.


    ¡°I did! Thank you for that. Several of our archives were incomplete but now they are finished thanks to your donation. Reading the diaries of Jedi Masters from hundreds of years ago have been an enriching experience.¡± Jocastu said with a smile.


    ¡°My offer still stands you know.¡± Lash said to her, and she rolled her eyes at him.


    ¡°Just as Master Yoda said, I too will refuse you.¡± Jocasta replied.


    Lash had offered to restore the youth of several Jedi Masters. Regrettably not a single one of them took him up on the offer. Changing, or altering a living thing into something else was a forbidden practice to the Jedi. It was something that the Sith did often. Though restoring their youth could have so many benefits for the future they declined on the rule of law. Lash had convinced them that only those that were Force Users could have it done. He didn''t want senators beating down his door for a treatment. The Jedi also assumed it involved some dark ritual. Little did they know that Lash could just snap his fingers and make it happen.


    ¡°It''s too bad. I would have asked you out on a date if you had accepted.¡± Lash said softly and Jocasta stumbled over her own feet. Lash caught her before she fell, and a blush crawled up her neck, into her face. She cleared her throat and whispered a thank you before moving on.


    Lash tried, and failed to contain his laughter and Jocasta promptly ignored any more attempts at conversation. Any time she glanced at Lash a blush would appear in her cheeks. Her eyes would wonder up and down his armored form and Lash could tell she was thinking about things that she hadn''t thought about in a long time. Lash may or may not have been using Subliminal Seduction on her. Just a little bit.


    ¡°Master Yoda, I have brought Master Lash.¡± Jocasta called through a door that led to a meditation room.


    ¡°Yes, thank you, him in please send.¡± Yoda called out, the moment the door was opened Jocasta all but fled from Lash as fast as her legs could carry her. Yoda spied through the door at the retreating back of Jocasta. Then his eyes narrowed in on Lash as he entered and closed the door behind him


    ¡°I asked her out on a date. She turned me down.¡± Lash replied with a bit of humor in his voice. Yoda''s eyes went wide then he chuckled softly.


    ¡°In Master Lash please come. A seat take, a few things I would like to discuss with you I have.¡± Yoda asked, and gestured for Lash to take a seat in a meditation chair.


    The room was approximately 200 sq-ft room with a window to the side of the setting sun. Several assorted chairs, and cushions were available for several different body types. The chairs conformed to fit the weight of the user. The color scheme was warm earth tones. Lash settled down, and he heard his seat groan in protest. He weighed nearly 500 pounds in full armor. He sat up straight and turned his focus on Master Yoda.


    ¡°The Dark Side clouds our vision. Use all of the tools at our disposal we may find ourselves at the edge of a cliff before it''s too late I''m afraid that if we do not. Master Qui-gon, of your abilities to read the living force and master Obi-Wan speak. What path should the Jedi take?¡± Yoda asked, and Lash leaned back in surprise.


    ¡°Master Yoda, when was the last time the Jedi fought a war? I don''t mean a skirmish, or a battle on a single planet. I mean a full wide galactic war?¡± Lash asked after he thought about his response. Yoda''s expression became disheartened, and his shoulders sagged.


    ¡°Been too long it has. It war do you see in the future is? There is no way to prevent it is?¡± Yoda asked.


    ¡°The tapestry has many threads. Nothing is certain. But most signs point to yes. If I make a suggestion? A tool to help the Jedi in the future.¡± Lash offered, and Yoda nodded in agreement.


    Lash pointed Yoda to the same 4X strategy game he gave Anakin, and Qui-Gon. He suggested that Yoda make this a part of their standard curriculum. Lash knew it would be effective because he had bought the game from the Dream Store and placed it up on the holonet. It had 4 million subscribers, and that number was only growing. Also there was a ten credit subscription fee a month that to the owner that was of course Lash.


    A temple guard was called for Lash after about an hour. Lash had helped Yoda get past the first mission of the game and explained the benefits of the 4X real time strategy simulation. When he watched Yoda obtained narrow focus on the battle with the same look of a pro gamer Lash knew the little goblin was hooked. Lash once again encouraged Yoda to spread it through the Jedi Temple. Then moved to leave the temple. He noticed Jocasta made a squeak and hid behind some book shelves when he walked past the archive room.


    Lash was allowed to use a Jedi transport where he had it take him directly to his corporate HQ. Nothing happened along the way and Lash wondered if their had been another assassination attempt on Padme while he was gone. He admitted to himself that he was worried about her. She was important to Anakin. But in the end if she were to die. Palpatine could use Shmi as another catalyst for his downfall. Lash arrived at the HQ and made a beeline for the Serenity.


    When the sun rose over the city once more Coruscant ship traffic control gave them the all clear and Serenity left its berth and headed out into space. They took the Corellian Run hyperspace route. It was often used by smugglers transporting narcotic drug called, spice. It was also a major commercial path for merchants heading out into the outer rim, or coming back.


    Their massive ship jumped from space to space with little to no down time. Lash spent most of his time in the engine room funneling magical energy into it to provide another source of power. The Star Wars galaxy method of FTL was amazing. In little over a day they had reached the outside edge of the galaxy from the core regions. That of course was in part because of the mapped out route. It was also in many ways a straight line. If they ever had to turn they had to stop, get the new input from the navigational computer and jump again.


    Rodia was located in the outer rim, Saraveen Sector, in the Tyrius System. It was the second planet from the sun in the golden ratio range. Not to hot, not to cold. Rodia was a remote and swampy jungle planet. It was the home world of the Rodian species. Cities on Rodia were encased with domed environmental shields that allowed entry and exit for vehicles and vessels due to the toxic atmosphere.


    Rodians were a species of reptilian humanoids. They possessed large pupil-less eyes that could see in infrared spectrum, slender snouts, pointed ears, twin saucer-like antennae that detected vibrations atop their heads, and a ridge of spines cresting their skulls. Green (sometimes yellow or turquoise) scales covered their bodies, and their skin had a rough, pebbly texture, except on the snout and hands. They were cold blooded and had blood of a green color. Females were physically distinguished by their mammary glands, and some of them were capable of growing long tresses.The Rodian hand featured five long, dexterous fingers with suction cups at the ends. (Wookieepedia!)


    The Serenity entered a stable orbit over the planet as they waited for permission to land the world engines via transport shuttles. Lash came to the bridge and the deck crew stood at attention. He had an eclectic collection of species on board as well as droids to assist the organic crew. Several Mandalorian new bloods had come along to get some on site training. The Rodian''s had a hunter like society and culture. Some of the Mandalorian''s hoped they could hunt on the planet.


    A holographic image appeared on the bridge''s interface and a male Rodian with vibrant yellow scaled skin stood in the image. He wore flowing blue, and green robes. With a belt around his waist with his house symbol on it. His eyes were captivating! They looked like globes of pure starlight. He bowed from his waist as he saw Lash standing on the bridge.


    ¡°Respectful greetings to you Master Lash of the Jensaarai. I am Deent Xreen civil official elected to be your liaison. Our Senator Onaconda Farr sent word of your arrival. We are most happy to receive you!¡± Deent Xreen said, his voice held genuine joy.


    ¡°Thank you. If it is all the same to you. My crew wants to start right away. I don''t mean to be disrespectful.¡± Lash replied, as he pulled up the map of the planet.


    ¡°Not at all! Our Senator informed us of your work ethic. We hope you will attend the customary arrival dinner. It is in eight hours?¡± Deent asked, and Lash did a quick calculation.


    ¡°I can make that, I may not stay till the end however.¡± Lash said next, and sent the initial planned sights for the world engines.


    ¡°Wonderful! I''ll inform the delegates. You have permission to land your crew at the initial spots for scouting. Please contact me if you have any issues. The local populace as already been informed of your arrival.¡± Deent said then closed the holographic window down.


    ¡°All teams... Begin.¡± Lash called over the ship intercom. Six transport vessels left the cargo bays and flew down towards the surface. Each one with a world engine.


    Lash went down with a shuttle and inspected each location himself. Once it was approved the world engines drilled into the ground. Three of the locations had been underwater, but that was perfectly fine. The world engines were placed at the north, and south poles. Then at the four points of east and west along the equator. If they were changing the entire environment to something different they would have brought more. But for Rodia they were cleaning out the toxic, and radioactive air.


    Lash had spliced magical technology into the Krypton world engine design. Like a battery he went from engine to engine and refilled their tanks with magical energy. They didn''t need magic to work. But it sped up the process immensely. When it was time for dinner 15% of the world''s toxic levels had diminished.


    The dinner itself was boring. It was a lot of hand shaking, introductions with delegates, and officials. Several nearby systems, and planets had sent officials to speak to Lash about working on their systems. Many asked what it would take to jump ahead of the line. Lash refused them all, simply stating it was a first come, first serve basis. What had really surprised them was the amount of credits it took to return a planet''s environment to a healthy state.


    It didn''t take a lot. It was the complete alteration, or change of a biome type that costed a fortune. For the restoration of Rodia''s environment it had cost approximately 50 million credits. Now, that may seem like a lot. But traditional methods of restoration would cost ten times that, and would take decades to accomplish. By the end of the dinner which Lash had left several hours before. The detoxifying of the planet had reached 35%.


    From orbit Serenity deployed hundreds of thousands of automated droids. Each one carrying a nanomachine package. The tiny robotic workers were spread throughout the atmosphere. They were bio-mechanical in nature so would degrade overtime. They ate trash, chemical waste, pollution, and several other things. A standard Rodia day was 29 hours. By the dawn of the second day of their arrival the toxicity levels in the air was within the safety margin. Rodia families walked across the surface of their planet without an environmental suit for the first time in centuries.


    One by one the world engines were returned to the Serenity. Lash had given the dynamic class freighter to the Rodians to hold a lottery for the ship. A young woman had won, and her family was granted a mercantile license to use it. The dynamic freighter was only 75 ft (24 m) in diameter. So it wasn''t a big ship.


    It had a cockpit at the front, and center portion. With a communications room down the hall. A security and main hold in the center section. A single bed medical bay. It had twin turbo lasers on its top, and underside with crew access. With an obvious engine room in the back. A cargo hold on the side, with a garage on the other. It had a port, and starboard dormitories that could hold three people each comfortably. Or could be jam packed full of people. Since it was a dynamic freighter that meant it could accept after market attachments with little to no issue. One of the key features was that each compartment could be sealed with an airlock in case of a atmospheric pressure loss. (Ebon Hawk)


    Lash realized that his company essentially made millennium falcons on an assembly line. But more to say they were handcrafted carefully by expert technicians. In order to make durable, reliable, and versatile ships. As long as they were taken care of by a mechanic that was half awake, those things would run forever. The ships did come in different designs, sizes, and styles. According to the desire of the client. Lash like the design so much that he had one aboard the Serenity for his own passage.


    His however was a bit larger. It allowed for better accommodations for the crew, and himself. The color scheme was vanta black as it not only absorbed light, but also signals. It was practically invisible to sensors, and eye sight. It had a reptilian appearance to it. With a scaled hide, and pointed horns and claws at the front, and landing gear. Turbo lasers were on the top, and bottom. They were automated or could be shot by the crew. With duel cannons on the either side of the ship, and another set of cannons at the front. With torpedo launchers. Lash had essentially made a gunship.


    ¡°Serenity this is Basilisk. Flight check is done, am I cleared to leave dock?¡± Lash asked over the comms.


    ¡°Basilisk this is Serenity control you are cleared. Good hunting Master Lash.¡± A synthetic voice called over the comms.


    Lash pulled the Basilisk out of the cargo bay and entered Kamino into his nav computer. Unlike the rest of the galaxy. Lash not only had a complete map of the galaxy he also had the hyperspace lane coordinates. The Basilisk jumped into hyperspace. The stars bent in the view screen and Lash entered a tunnel of light. He leaned back in his chair and thought about his mission.


    ===========================================================


    (Coruscant. The morning after another assassination attempt on Senator Amidala''s life.)


    Padme paced through her apartments as she tried to work the problem. She had been attacked again last night. They had used some sort of creatures to poison her. It didn''t work out to well for them. Anakin had arrived just in time to cut them in half. Qui-Gon had jumped through the window to gain a lead on the assailant. Anakin had left the room in a hurry. It was hours later that Padme learned they had lost their lead. She all bit screamed in frustration.


    Anakin, and Qui-Gon had left to receive council at the Jedi Temple that morning. Padme continued to pace back and forth in her apartments until she received a message from Chancellor Palpatine. It was not good news. Palpatine had given her an executive order to return home. Despite the fact that she was the prime opposition against the Act to create an army. Without her support the vote would go through. But she couldn''t refuse an order.


    The plan was that Sabe play her role as body double. She would be seen wondering her apartments and playing the part. Only a few would know that Padme had gone home. Including but not limited to Bail Organa. Who was another primary supporter against the Act of creating an army. He would do his best to hold the line. But he agreed she should see to her safety. Oddly enough Senator Organa had not been targeted, nor would he.


    Anakin would escort her home, and continue to provide security for her on Naboo. While Qui-Gon attempted to track down the possible lead they had. Last night during the attempt, the Jedi had tracked the assassin down. But before they could divulge any secrets they had been killed by a man in strange armor that looked like Mandalorian gear. The method of death was a toxic dart. Qui-Gon was in the process of contacting Lash to see if he had any insights.


    Padme was understandably furious of her situation and expressed it in her mood as she began to pack for the trip home. Her luggage was limited as they had decided to take a refugee ship to Naboo. A security measure. Her mood was also sour due to the fact that Anakin kept watching her. Eating her up with his gaze.


    ¡°I don''t like this idea of hiding.¡± Padme said as she packed another suitcase.


    ¡°Don''t worry, now that the Jedi Council has ordered the investigation we''ll get to the bottom of this. Master Qui-Gon will work with Lash and we''ll figure out who is trying to kill you.¡± Anakin said as he tried to lighten the mood. Padme glared at him, and he was startled by the look.


    ¡°I haven''t worked for over a year against the military creation act. Only to not be here when its decided.¡± Padme said as she decided to unpack her suitcase and put something else in. She was stalling, she knew it, Anakin knew it. But neither of them said anything.


    ¡°Sometimes we have to let go of our pride and do what is requested of us.¡± Anakin said next and a look of astonishment crossed Padme''s face.


    ¡°Pride!? Anakin your young, you don''t have a firm grip on politics. I suggest you reserve your opinions on the matter for a later time.¡± Padme sent a scalding glare his way. He swallowed audibly.


    ¡°I''m sorry m''lady, I was only...¡± Anakin began to say and cut himself off at the end. Padme winced when she realized he had hurt him.


    ¡°...I... I think we should visit your mother on Naboo when we get there.¡± Padme offered a change in subject and Anakin''s eyes went bright.


    ¡°Could we!?¡± Anakin asked with a huge grin that was soon mirrored by Padme.


    ¡°Yes, we can.¡± Padme said, and finally finished packing her suitcases.


    The pair of them soon arrive at a ship port on Coruscant. The only other individual with them is a tiny little droid named R2-D2. Who beeped, and whistled after them. He had a harness that allowed him to carry a suitcase. The trio soon boarded a ship bound for Naboo. Anakin takes notice of several teenagers, and young adults using the Force to float a ball back and forth. They weren''t Jedi, but Force Users heading to the Jensaarai Temple. Once again Anakin found himself wishing he had joined them instead. He could have grown up on Naboo with his mother, and seen Padme more often.


    ¡°Lash told me once that you should finish your training to become a Jedi Knight. Only then could you make an educated decision to join the Jensaarai.¡± Padme said to him over dinner. He looked up in surprise.


    ¡°Lash talks about me with you?¡± Anakin asked, a sly grin on his face. Padme smiled at him, as she cut into her food.


    ¡°Yes, he talks about you often at the temple. He visits your mother when ever he''s back. Tells her all your exploits. Master Qui-Gon speaks to him often, and seeks his advice on matters. I know you haven''t seen or spoken to her in a long time. But she hears all about you.¡± Padme continued to say with a grin of her own, as Anakin had to think about that.


    ¡°Wait... Does he tell her everything?¡± Anakin asked horrified about the implications. Padme cracked up laughing.


    ¡°I''m sure only good things!¡± Padme said with a snicker. Then R2 beeped at her and she laughed so load the the people next to them looked at her.


    ¡°Wait, what does R2 mean? That he wouldn''t leave out any detail!?¡± Anakin asked.


    ¡°You''ll just have to find out on your own.¡± Padme said as she covered her while she had a giggle fit.


    The rest of the trip was enjoyable for them both. Anakin tried to pry information out of R2 who played innocent. While Padme teased him about it. What Anakin didn''t know was that Lash had told Padme about him as well. She had spent years hearing about his adventures. Lash was a great story teller. A part of Padme was happy that Anakin was here with her. Another small part of her heart was bursting with joy. But that part she had to keep hidden.


    The trio arrived on Naboo without incident. They left the refugee ship easily and thanks to his Jedi ID. They past customs with no problems. Anakin had his head on a swivel as he looked around. Naboo had always been a beautiful world. The capital city of Theed more so. But he did notice dozens of people walking around in martial arts gi clothing, carrying boa staffs. On their journey into the city proper they came across a city square that had over a hundred students mimicking a master performing the Force Martial Arts kata. He stood their open mouthed as he watched.


    ¡°I heard about the Martial form spreading across the mid, and outer rim. But I didn''t think Naboo took to it so well.¡± Anakin admitted out loud.


    ¡°I didn''t think we would either. But Lash provided several examples on how it can be a form of art all on its own. Today, its taught in every education center on the planet. It''s a required class.¡± Padme said with a proud smile on her face.


    Half way towards the palace two Jensaarai in full armor landed next to them in total silence. R2 beeped in alarm, and Anakin looked surprised that he didn''t notice them. But before he could pull his saber Padme jumped into their arms. Their masks retracted to reveal Yane, and Sache. Who hugged her in response.


    ¡°Welcome home, m''lady.¡± Yane said with a grin. Padme gave her a playful pout.


    ¡°I told you to call me Padme! How many times have I told you!?¡± She said to her in whiny voice.


    ¡°Oh she knows! She just loves teasing you.¡± Sache said with a grin of her own.


    ¡°Welcome to Naboo, Anakin. Master Lash said you would be coming. We''ve informed you mother. She is waiting for you at the palace.¡± Sache said with a bow towards him.


    Anakin all but sprinted towards the palace. Shmi Skywalker looked amazing, even younger then she should be. She had a golden healthy skin tone. Rich brown hair to the middle of her back. Warm brown eyes that brought comfort to those that looked into them. She held herself with confidence as she spoke to several students of the Force Martial Art. She herself wore a formal martial gi in a gray color. She was an instructor for the art. The moment Anakin came into view she snapped her focus towards him and a smile that could light up the room grew across her face.


    ¡°Anakin!¡± Shmi shouted and raced over to hug her son who picked her up off the floor and twirled her around.


    ¡°Mom!¡± Anakin called. Today was a good day.


    __________________________________________________________________


    (Hyperspace transit towards the Kamino system. Four days after the assassination attempt.)


    Master Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn sat in his assigned Jedi starfighter interceptor class. It was a starfigher with a triangular design. It had a single cockpit, and a astromech droid compartment to the side. The starfighter was connected to a hyperdrive space ring that allowed it to travel the hyperspace. Qui-Gon rechecked his information on the Kamino system that he had obtained from Lash.


    It had surprised Qui-Gon when not only could the temple''s systems not identify the dart. They also couldn''t find the planet of Kamino. Jocasta Master Archivist had coldly given him the cold shoulder when he had mentioned Lash''s insights. That was so unlike Master Jocasta. Qui-Gon had gone to Yoda during his lessons and found an odd sight. Yoda was having the younglings play a familiar strategy game.


    Yoda had admitted the possibility that someone could have erased the information from the archives. But he trusted Lash''s judgment on the matter. Yoda had always been a neutral party when it came to the activities of Lash, and the Jensaarai order. When so many other Jedi Masters had been upset. Yoda mediated the issues. But the almost blind trust that he showed now, caught Qui-Gon off guard. Qui-Gon felt that the Living Force was trying to tell him something.


    Lash was dangerous the Force kept telling him. Without a doubt Qui-Gon agreed. He had seen Lash''s skills, powers, and abilities first hand. Now he had only gotten stronger. His order had grown into a real influence in less than a decade. And it grew more every day. But Qui-Gon also understood that Lash sought balance in the Force. Sometimes one needed to use the Dark Side to obtain it. Qui-Gon cleared his head. If the Jedi Order heard his thoughts he would be held in a prison cell indefinitely.


    ¡°Once Anakin is a Jedi Knight, I''ll leave the Order and join the Jensaarai. I feel my place is by their side.¡± Qui-Gon said out loud. Almost as if saying it aloud made it more set in stone.


    His starfighter came out of hyperspace above the lost world of Kamino. It was an aquatic planet. With the surface being 100% water. The Kaminoans had built large dome shaped cities on the planets underwater surface, and above the water on giant repulsor platforms. As Qui-Gon flew in for a closer look his astro droid notified him that the Kaminoans marked his ship and directed him to a landing pad at the main facility. The main facility of what?


    Qui-Gon guided his ship down and found the landing pad. The structures were massive in scope. Much akin to the dome cities he had seen on other planets. Regretfully it was raining, a terrible storm raged as he flew. Surprisingly a soft atmospheric shield was around the facilities that allowed him to land. While only a light rain fell across the landing pad. Qui-Gon pulled himself from his cockpit and informed his astro droid to send a signal to the Jedi Temple that he had arrived and to mark the coordinates. The droid beeped at him and did as he asked.


    Qui-Gon walked towards the doors to be greeted by one of the facilities keepers. Kaminoans were slender, towering, pale-skinned humanoids whose oblong heads sat atop elongated neck bones that allowed them limited flexibility. They had two large, almond-shaped black eyes with white pupils that enabled them to see into the ultraviolet spectrum. Male Kaminoans had fin-like crests atop their heads, while females were completely bald and wore unique head crescents. Their long and frail limbs gave them a graceful, gliding walk and featured small feet adapted to their extragalactic homeworld''s firm seabeds and later hard flooring. Kaminoans reached adulthood at 11 years old. (Wookieepedia!)


    ¡°Welcome to Tipoca City, Master Jedi.¡± A female Kaminoan greeted him at the door. She bows from her waist, and her head slightly. Qui-Gon gazed up at her in wonder. It was his first time seeing a Kaminoan. Lash had said they were friendly.


    ¡°Everything is ready. The prime minister expects you.¡± The Kaminoan said, then followed up with. ¡°I am Taun We, I''ll be your guide. Please this way.¡± Taun We said softly and gradually turned around with a graceful walk.


    ¡°I was not aware I was expected. Did Master Lash send word ahead?¡± Qui-Gon asked as he walked by her side.


    ¡°We have never spoken to a Master Lash. Does he go by another name?¡± Taun We asked gently. Qui-Gon took a moment to describe Lash and Taun We admitted she had never met him before. Nor the prime minister.


    That stumped Qui-Gon, how did Lash know about them then? Perhaps he had met them before? Lash had claimed he was several hundred years old. That would make more sense. Taun We led him through the facility. It was pristine white in nearly every aspect. The only difference was the pathways they walked on were highlighted in gray markings. The doors had an almost organic feel to them as they opened to the side with a fluid motion. Taun We herself wore a simple white, and gray suit that covered her torso, arms, and had what appeared to be a sort or skirt around her long legs. The few Kaminoans they came across were all polite, and wore similar garb.


    Qui-Gon was led to a chamber where prime minister Lama Su resided. A Kaminoan male, the crested fin on his head rolled back down his neck slightly. He wore a more ornate set of garb with highlights of red. He bowed to him and gestured for him to take a seat. A seat that came down from the ceiling. It looked like a plant bud, unfurling to accommodate him.


    ¡°I trust you are going to enjoy your stay. We are most happy that you have arrived during the best part of the season.¡± Lama Su said with a slight smile. The raging storm outside was the best part of the season?


    ¡°You have made me feel most welcome. But I must confess I have come here without much knowledge on the...facility.¡± Qui-Gon admitted, but did not say the whole truth.


    ¡°Oh? Did Master Sifo Dyas not inform you?¡± Lama Su asked in curiosity. Though his facial expression hardly moved.


    ¡°Master Sifo Dyas died nearly ten years ago.¡± Qui-Gon replied in mild surprise. Lama Su''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Oh my. I am very sorry to hear that. We were so hoping to show him our completed product. He had such high expectations. But none the less. They have been bought and paid for. Come you must be anxious to look them over.¡± Lama Su offered and slowly stood up.


    ¡°Of course, I''d be happy to look them over.¡± Qui-Gon said as he continued to play along. Taun We opened the door for them and stepped ahead by a few feet.


    Qui-gon was led through the facility and as they progressed he only had more and more questions. He saw huge towers that held what looked like children contained with an artificial womb. Hundreds of children on each tower. Mechanical arms selected the right subjects and pulled the container to be processed. Kaminoan technicians worked perfectly in sync with one another. They passed through another doorway and Qui-Gon nearly fell to his knees in shock.


    Hundreds of thousands of children all nearly identical went through training courses. Classes were being held by holo simulations, Kaminoans, and older men who looked like one another. Clones, they were all clones of the same person. Qui-Gon was led through a training program. Where he watched the clones in soldiers uniform take down a mechanized target for practice. But what caught his eye was a large practice field with a simulated environment.


    ¡°Who''s that?¡± Qui-Gon asked, as he pointed at something or someone on the field.


    ¡°That is one of our instructors, Wraith. He visits from time to time to give insight to our soldiers. This army is for the republic after all. While the Jedi Council will lead them into battle.¡± Lama Su said softly as he watched the simulation.


    Qui-Gon stared at the individual as he ran them an exercise. The creature was easily 8 ft tall. He wore a tattered black coat. He had dark green scaled flesh, with a diamond shaped skull crest that gradually pointed up in the back. Six reptilian eyes moved with focused precision as he directed the battle for the clones. Four writhing tentacles on his back moved in sequence as he picked up a piece of hardware with them and turned it right side up. Then Qui-Gon''s eyes nearly popped out his sockets. The creature pulled out two green lightsabers from his coat.


    ¡°He''s a Jedi?¡± Qui-Gon asked.


    ¡°We had thought the same. But he denied it. He claimed there was more than one way to use the Force.¡± Lama Su replied.


    ¡°I''d like to meet him.¡± Qui-Gon asked.


    ¡°Of course, this way.¡± Lama Su said as they led him to an auxiliary tunnel.


    By the time Qui-Gon got down to the training field the simulated combated field had reset itself. The field in question had created a snow field, with harsh wind. Mobile tank units had traveled across the field in an attempt to take a base. The creature known as Wraith was speaking to the clone soldiers when he suddenly turned to look at Qui-Gon as soon as he came into view. Qui-Gon went stock still as the Force screamed at him to run! What ever this creature was, the Force was terrified of him.


    ¡°Soldiers stand at attention. We have a Jedi among us.¡± The creatures animalistic voice called out. The unit leader snapped to attention, and called for his troops to do the same.


    ¡°Welcome Master Jedi. Have you come to inspect your army?¡± Wraith asked...


    ¡°Y...Yes, I have...¡± Qui-Gon replied with a shocked stutter.


    ¡°Excellent! We should do the simulation over again with the Jedi leading you. It will be good practice!¡± Wraith said with a grin that sent a shiver down Qui-Gon''s spine... ¡°What fun we''ll have!¡±


    Galen


    https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page


    I''ve used this for a lot of my information. Just giving credit where it''s due.

 Chapter 134: Lord Enfarious.

    =============================================================


    ***Rift, Star Wars.***


    (Kamino, Tipoca City; Cloning training facility.)


    Jedi Knight, and Consular Qui-Gon Jinn was beside himself as he spoke to each of the clones assigned to him for the training exercise. There was one hundred of them. They all looked the same, sounded the same, but didn''t entirely act the same. Little quirks, and twitches that were specific to the individual. Despite being copies of the original they all had small differences. A 99.9 facsimile, that 0.1 variance would overtime create a unique individual.


    Each clone wore form fitting plastoid-alloy composite armor. Since the clones all had the same basic body type. The armor was cut, and made from a mold. Each suit of armor was approximately 20 pieces. Unless they were a specific soldier type. Like scouts versus attack force recon. The clones stood at approximately 5''9¡± (1.8m) with military cut short black hair, brown eyes, and light leather tanned skin. Even though they looked the same on the surface. Qui-Gon could see they looked different in the Force.


    ¡°General?¡± AZ-546 called to him. Qui-Gon snapped his attention towards the unit leader of the group. AZ-546 had green stripes across his armor to promote his rank as a Sergeant.


    ¡°Apologies Sergeant. I am still learning the properties of the unit.¡± Qui-Gon said with a apprehensive expression. The clone soldier nodded in easy acceptance.


    ¡°Instructor Wraith will only give us another 15 minutes before the exercise continues. What are your orders?¡± AZ-546 asked.


    ¡°In this regard I will defer to your judgment. But give you input if I believe in a better tactic.¡± Qui-Gon offered a look of pleasant surprise came over AZ-546''s face.


    ¡°Yes General! Right this way.¡± AZ-546 said as he did an about face maneuver and walked over to several Corporals in white armor, with stylized insignia''s for their groups specialties.


    It was a lesson Qui-Gon had learned from the holo simulation Lash and given him. Confidence has its time and place. But when in combat against an unknown enemy. Defer to the judgment of the more experienced party. The clones had trained, and fought with Instructor Wraith for several years. So Qui-Gon kept his mouth shut, and his ears open as the Sergeant went through an attack plan. The training simulation would happen at night, during a snow storm. Their one hundred man clone troop was to take a outpost.


    ¡°Intel shows they''ve been stationed here for approximately 4 standard months.¡± AZ-546 said and several corporals chuckled. Qui-Gon raised his hand and they all went to attention. He gave them an easy smile.


    ¡°Why is that important?¡± Qui-Gon asked, AZ-546 snapped to attention and answered off in a clear and precise voice.


    ¡°Sir! When a group has taken a position there is a circumstantial time period that tells us if they will be attentive or disengaged. If the outpost is new the guards will be attentive. If the outpost is older than a few months then the guards will be disengaged.¡± AZ-546 replied as if he had it straight from a manual.


    ¡°Apologies Sergeant what does that mean to someone who hasn''t read your manual.¡± Qui-Gon asked with a smile. He noticed the light in the simulation hall started to drastically dim.


    ¡°Sir! Essentially it means that after reporting the all clear every day, every hour for three standard months of more. Organic humanoids tend to grow lax in their duties. Especially if they have never been attacked before.¡± AZ-546 replied with a stiff smile.


    ¡°Are we fighting organics, or droids?¡± Qui-Gon asked, he had seen robotic soldiers when watched from afar the first time.


    ¡°Sir! Intel says we are fighting organics.¡± AZ-546 replied.


    ¡°What is our mission precisely?¡± Qui-Gon asked.


    ¡°Sir! We are to take the outpost and capture the control station. The station is critical as it sends the all clear signal to the enemy base. As long as the signal does not stop our main force can attack the enemy base in surprise.¡± AZ-546 said once more in clear, and concise voice.


    ¡°Will instructor Wraith be fighting us?¡± Qui-Gon asked, and the whole command troop stiffened while AZ-546 discipline expression wilted just a bit.


    ¡°Sir! More than likely Instructor Wraith will be commanding the outpost.¡± AZ-546 replied...


    Qui-Gon had a bad feeling about that. Either way they only had a few minutes until the simulation started. He instructed AZ-546 to continued with the briefing. The one hundred man unit had several speeder bikes, and all terrain scout walkers. Little mechanical walkers with open air seats, and twin laser cannons. A unit of ten that would act as scouts, pathfinders, and snipers. While the rest of the unit was the attack force. Qui-Gon volunteered his services with the scout team. AZ-546 agreed easily enough. Then an alarm went off and the blizzard started.


    The outpost didn''t know they were here. But they did know that the planet they were on was under attack. There were 10 outposts around the metaphorical base. So that meant the guards were on alert but not jumpy. This one was placed at the entrance to a canyon. The canyon wasn''t large enough to accommodate heavy walkers. But ally command wanted the outpost for another attack position on the enemy main camp.


    As the teams were about to leave, Qui-Gon was given gear that had been prepared for him. Qui-Gon slipped into an all purpose camo coat. The simulated temperature dropped to negative thirteen. The snow in the air was from the fierce wind that picked it up off the ground. Qui-Gon called on the force and created a temporary shield from the elements allowing the scout team to move with him with out being pushed off their feet. The simulation room was several square miles. They had a long trek ahead of them.


    Qui-Gon took a moment marvel at the ingenuity of the simulation hall. The entire floor was made up of polygon segments that would rise, fall, and create the landmass. They had to climb up a rock face with generated rock formations. It didn''t look 100% real, but it did its job as a training tool. On the climb up one of the clones lost their footing and fell. Qui-Gon caught him mid fall with the Force and gently placed him down.


    They eventually reached the top of the cliff and could see light in the distance. The clones all dropped to their bellies and crawled over. Qui-Gon did the same and followed in their wake. The corporal of the group took out a camera on a line and peaked it over the cliffs edge. The line ran back to a data pad that the soldier shared with Qui-Gon. While the rest of the group crawled around to scatter their unit so they wouldn''t be taken out with a single bomb.


    The outpost was a simple configuration. Thirty feet high walls, castle rampart design. Two primary gates, one leading into the outpost, and another leading into the canyon. Qui-Gon counted six floating lights? No, probe droids! While along the walls several droids in gear walked along the walls. When he asked about the droids walking the walls. He was informed that yes they were technically droids. But were programmed as organics for training. They did on several occasions fight against droids programmed to be...well droids.


    Behind the walls were several fabricated buildings. All placed in a circle around the main control tower. Every thirty minutes the all clear sign went out. So they had to attack, and claim the outpost within that time frame. Qui-Gon reached out with the Force and sensed a patrol moving past the area. Droids are not living things and can not be sensed by the Force generally. But a talented master can feel the absence of life.


    ¡°Corporal, there is a patrol beneath us. Please angle your camera.¡± Qui-Gon said through an earpiece that was tied into their helmets.


    ¡°Right away, sir!¡± The Corporal said, and angled the camera. Sure enough a group of soldiers was walking past their area. But alarmingly there were two animal looking droids. The entire unit went stiff.


    ¡°They have dogs.¡± The Corporal said, and just as he said it. The two ''animals'' stopped and looked around. Their robotic ears perked up. Despite the howling winds, and negative temperature. The creatures started to sniff the air.


    Qui-Gon created a field around the troop. The air died down within the field. The world itself was still. The ''dogs'' whined a bit then plodded along with their trainers. It wasn''t until they had stepped out of sight that the whole unit let out a collected sigh of relief. Qui-Gon released the field and the wind picked up again. By creating the field there was no wind. No wind, meant that it couldn''t carry their scent. If the droids programmed to be organic hounds worked correctly they wouldn''t be able to smell them.


    The scout team set up a miniature communication array and reported to the main unit about the outpost. They counted at least two patrols outside the walls. Each gate had four guards, and two dogs. With a compliment of 6 probe droids that seemed to move at random. The walls had guards stationed every thirty feet. While a team would rotate them out. All in all it was a very organized defense. But most disconcerting, Qui-Gon couldn''t see Instructor Wraith anywhere.


    ¡°Sir, if Instructor Wraith is playing to his role. He should be in the main command building in the officers room. He''ll get into character and really play with it.¡± The Corporal said to him. That made sense, but Qui-Gon was still uneasy.


    Qui-Gon''s team stayed the eye on the sky and maneuvered the offensive team past the patrols. The unit lead dispensed a smell canceler. While the rear most unit used a tool to disguise their troop movement through the snow. Qui-Gon was very impressed. Then the Force sent him a warning he automatically dropped to his stomach and stayed still. The scout unit noticed him and went perfectly still. On the camera they saw the reptilian monster known as Instructor Wraith walk the ramparts.


    Instructor Wraith was definition a of a model commander. He checked in with every single soldier on the wall. Went down to the gates. Checked in with the patrol teams. Took time to see to the dogs. He even stood at attention on the wall as one of the ''soldiers'' had fallen off the wall due to fierce winds. He was the type of commander soldiers wanted to serve under. While on the wall he glanced across the horizon and looked directly at the scout units location. Qui-Gon felt his gaze on him even through the data pad camera.


    Eventually he left the wall as a replacement was found for the wounded soldier. He soon disappeared and the collected breath of relief went through the unit. Qui-Gon wasn''t the only one put on edge at the sight of Instructor Wraith. Then the unexpected happened. A scout aerial fighter screamed across the sky. It was little more than a rectangular box with four repulsor units on the corners. A forward glass cockpit, search lights along the front, twin blaster cannons. The sides of the scout were open to reveal four soldiers, each opening had tail guns manned by the soldiers. That was when the shooting started.


    The scout flew over one of the ground teams. The unit was spotted by a search light. Before the tail guns could fire a arm ion cannon shot from one of the troopers. The scout shut down mid flight and fell like a brick. The explosion shoot into the air and the outpost went into high alert. They had fifteen minutes before the next all clear. The outside patrols sprinted towards the ground units. But the scout team was given weapons free order. Long range, high powered blaster rifles went over the ledge and started to pick off the patrols. Qui-Gon jumped off the ledge and fell one hundred feet without a care.


    Qui-Gon called on the Force to cushion his fall. Then he took out his lightsaber and Force Sprint across the snow banks towards the walls as fast as he could go. Just as he had hoped, half the wall turned to focus on him. The sound of repulsor engines roared as speeder bikes crested over the hill. It was a full attack now, with the personal walkers right behind them. One soldier turned his speeder into high gear and bailed off the bike. It shot straight into the outpost gate and an explosion shook the whole base.


    Qui-Gon raced to the downed soldier and came to his side and deflected blaster bolts. The soldier crawled to his feet and pulled out his rifle. Once he was up he followed in Qui-Gon''s wake. Taking pot shots from behind his back. The speeder explosion had taken a chunk out of the gate but left it largely intact. That was until several heavy weapon experts shot rockets at it. After the third hit the gate imploded into the camp. The speeders, and walkers raced in. Qui-Gon used the Force and jump skipped up the wall. His feet finding purchase through near invisible segments.


    Once on the wall he started to take the droid soldiers out. Behind the soldier that had followed in his wake used an ascension gun attachment to scale the wall. He was once again behind Qui-Gon protecting his rear. Then out of no where a high powered energy shot went towards Qui-Gon. Who dodged out of the way thanks to the Force given him warning. The trooper behind him went down with an electrical current. He wasn''t dead, just severally stunned. Qui-Gon tracked where the shot came from just in time as another shot nearly took his head off. At the top of the communication tower was Instructor Wraith with a large range rifle.


    Once it became clear that Qui-Gon wouldn''t go down without a fight. Instructor Wraith did the smart thing and started to pick off the other soldiers. Each shot dropped a soldier. Qui-Gon jumped off the wall and made his way towards the tower. But was impeded by enemy soldiers who did everything they could save for suicide to stop him. Qui-Gon ground his molars as he listened to Instructor Wraith''s rifle shot. Each shot was a life.


    Qui-Gon dispatched a group of soldiers then dove behind some crates just as another high powered rifle shot almost took him in the chest. He looked behind him and saw a heavy weapons allied soldier aim a arm cannon at the tower. Qui-Gon''s eyes went wide. If he destroyed the tower then the all clear signal wouldn''t go through. They''d lose the mission. Before anyone could stop him, the soldier fired. But by some miracle or rather the Force. Instructor Wraith shot, and hit the missile in mid air. Then shot the soldier for his trouble.


    Qui-Gon took a moment to center himself then sprinted from cover. He went straight towards the command center. He ignored Instructor Wraith given they only had a few minutes until the all clear signal had to go through. He wasn''t the only one as several other soldiers were racing towards the center. A few clone soldiers took out point defense phalanx shields. Energy shields in bright blue, yellow, and green. It covered them from knee to neck while they stood up. Or could obscure them if they crouched. On one side of the shield was a small space for their rifle. The unit created a shield wall and moved towards Instructor Wraith''s position.


    Qui-Gon burst into the command center and found the clone soldiers were working on a blast door. A soldier with a slicer tool was trying to break in but they were running out of time. Qui-Gon pushed his lightsaber into the door and started to cut a hole in it. It was going to be close. Qui-Gon finished the hole and pushed against it with the Force. Luckily the piece of melted steel crashed into several enemy soldiers. A clone dropped a electromagnetic shock grenade inside. BOOM! Then they jumped through the hole and secured the room. Qui-Gon right behind them.


    (A "slicer" was an individual who specialized in slicing into computer systems and programs, and breaking encryption.)


    The cloned soldier slicer jumped into the computer port and started working on the system. The room was secured so Qui-Gon moved back outside. He found the entrance to the command center was blocked by the cloned phalanx guard. Who were being picked off by Instructor Wraith who was shooting at feet, hands, or a helmet poking out just by a few inches. He was punishing them for not being perfect in their defense. Then an eagle cry went out across the entire field. All fighting stopped, and the clone soldiers cheered.


    ¡°SIMULATION COMPLETE!¡± A synthesize voice rang out. ¡°VICTORY, TROOPER UNIT 501.¡±


    ------


    Qui-Gon had a delighted smile on his face. He knew he should seek to calm his emotions, and keep focus. But the clones victory cheer was infectious. He had learned that no one, not a single unit ever won a match against Instructor Wraith. Of course it was there were still lessons to be learned. The clone who tried to shoot Wraith with a rocket, and by area of effect the communication tower was reprimanded for his poor decision. If the outpost ''commander'' hadn''t been such a crack shot they would have lost the battle then and there.


    The aerial scout had been a surprise tactic. Instructor Wraith was known for that. He would introduce a random element into the mission. Like the scout, and the dogs. The unit had done a great job with the dogs. But the unexpected arrival of the aerial scout had left them scrambling. Wraith awarded the clone who rammed his speeder into the door with a ribbon of innovation. It was a good idea (kinda). But mostly for his actions afterward with following his Jedi General up the wall and how he watched his back.


    Instructor Wraith went over AZ-546''s command structure, then went over how it was a good idea to assign Qui-Gon to the scouting unit. If Qui-Gon hadn''t been there the dogs would have found them. Then the whole attack would have been FUBAR from the very start. They covered a few more strategic points. Then the entire unit got a completion ribbon. It was little more than a single colored dot on their armor. But each clone wore it with pride. Instructor Wraith called the unit to attention, snapped off a salute and told them all to hit the showers.


    ¡°So, Master Jedi. What do you think of your army?¡± Instructor Wraith asked Qui-Gon as he came to stand before him. Qui-Gon had to lean his head back to look Wraith in the eye. Even after all that he still felt the Force scream at him to run.


    ¡°They are very impressive! I''m sorry to say this. But I hope we don''t need them.¡± Qui-Gon confessed to him. Wraith''s lips pulled back into a smile and sent a chill down Qui-Gon''s spine.


    ¡°Ahaha! To true! A good leader never seeks war with their neighbors. But will always be ready for it.¡± Wraith replied, and gave out a guffaw. Qui-Gon could agree with him, his respect for Wraith went up a few points then.


    ¡°Ah, Lady Taun We, Prime Minister Lama Su.¡± Wraith called out and bowed from his waist towards them as they approached.


    ¡°Instructor Wraith. Master Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn, did you enjoy the demonstration?¡± Lama Su asked with his placid expression.


    ¡°I did, they are very impressive.¡± Qui-Gon replied with a genuine smile as he bowed to them.


    ¡°Wonderful, would you like to continue the tour?¡± Lama Su asked.


    ¡°I would, may Instructor Wraith come along?¡± Qui-Gon asked, and the Kaminoan''s looked at Wraith.


    ¡°I have about an hour before my next class. I can come along.¡± Wraith said with a predatory smile.


    Qui-Gon walked along with Prime Minister Lama Su, Taun We, and Instructor Wraith through the facility. They walked by several more simulation rooms and Wraith clicked his tongue as he saw the clones make a few glaring mistakes. Wraith noted their ID number and muttered something about training until their brains melted. They came across one of the larger simulation rooms and watched as a four man of commando unit took a base in broad daylight without a shot being fired. A man who wore a Mandalorian suit of armor came flying down thanks to his rocket pack.


    ¡°That is Kal Skirata, he is a Mandalorian mercenary contracted by the Kaminoans to train the commando teams.¡± Wraith provided the answer Qui-Gon was looking for.


    ¡°Is he the original donor as well?¡± Qui-Gon asked, but was answered by Lama Su.


    ¡°No, the original donor is a bounty hunter called Jango Fett. We felt a Jedi would be the perfect choice, but Sido-Dyas hand-picked Jango Fett himself.¡± Lama Su said, and guided them along to the next section.


    ¡°Where is the bounty hunter now?¡± Qui-Gon asked, and Instructor Wraith looked at him with interest.


    ¡°Oh, we keep him here. After a few hundred thousand clones, the genetic pattern starts to fade, so we take a fresh supply. He lives here, but he''s free to come and go as he pleases.¡± Lama Su continued to say.


    Their group passed what appeared to a barracks complex. Hundreds of clones climbed up ladders and pressed a keypad. A sleeping pod pulled out of a wall and a clone climbed in. The pod slid back into the wall and another clone climbed up the ladder to a higher pod. A few clones glanced up at the walk way and Instructor Wraith did a few hand signals. This got a laugh from more than a few of them as they went to sleep. Wraith appeared to be well liked.


    ¡°Apart from his pay, which is considerable, Fett demanded only one thing - an unaltered clone for himself. Curious isn''t it?¡± Lama Su noted Wraith''s actions and raised a single brow. Which may as well have been a scream compared to his usual expression. Wraith cleared his throat and looked a little sheepish.


    ¡°Unaltered?¡± Qui-Gon asked, in mild amusement.


    ¡°Pure genetic replication. No tampering with the structure to make it more docile... and no growth acceleration...¡± Lama Su replied.


    ¡°You changed the clones?¡± Qui-Gon asked.


    ¡°We modified their genetic structure to make them less independent than the original host. As a result they are totally obedient, taking any order without question.¡± Lama Su answered with a look of slight smug satisfaction on his face.


    ¡°I would very much like to meet this Jango Fett¡± Qui-Gon asked, not forgetting his original intention for coming here.


    ¡°I would be most happy to arrange it, for you¡± Taun We said with a slight smile on her placid features.


    They stepped through another section and found children in a class room. Augmented virtual reality helmets strapped to their heads. They worked on terminals and sped through simulated exercises with ease. Qui-Gon looked from one class room to the next and noticed that each section seem to by like looking through time. Each class was clearly separated by a year.


    ¡°Growth acceleration?¡± Qui-Gon asked.


    ¡°Oh yes, it''s essential. Otherwise, a mature clone would take a lifetime to grow. Now, we can do it in half the time. Those items you saw on the simulation ground with Instructor Wraith were started ten years ago, when Sifo-Dyas first placed the order, and they''re already mature...¡± Lama Su replied as he gestured at the different examples.


    ¡°And these?¡± Qui-Gon asked as he pointed at the teenage boys.


    ¡°About five years ago.¡± Lama Su supplied the answer.


    ¡°Tell me Prime Minister, when Master Sifo-Dyas placed the order. You said the army was for the republic. Did he say who we''d be fighting against?¡± Qui-Gon asked, as he tried to carefully unravel the mystery. The Kaminoan''s took the question in stride. While Wraith looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°Why, the Confederacy of Independent Systems of course. We are also very much against this Count Dooku and his secessionist movement. We are proud to be of help to the Republic.¡± Lama Su replied, and Qui-Gon went stiff. Dooku had been Qui-Gon''s master when he had been a padawan.


    Last but not least they came to a parade ground. Where thousands of clone troopers were led in marching formation. They each held blaster rifles and held them against their shoulders as they marched in lock step. They practiced marching aboard a cruiser transport class ship. Within minutes the ship is full of troops. The engines start and take off from the parade grounds. While another ship lands, and the action is repeated. Down the line the ship that took off lands, and the troops redeploy in an organized manner.


    ¡°Magnificent are they not?¡± Lama Su asked, Qui-Gon do little else but nod.


    ==============================================================


    (Kamino, Clone training facility.)


    Lash watched Qui-Gon be led away by Taun We. He would meet Jango tomorrow as it was late in the day. Given that Qui-Gon was a stranger. But Instructor Wraith was not. Lash went back to his assigned room to retrieve a package. Then made his way towards Jango''s assigned house. He passed cadets on their way to blaster practice. He repeatedly teased, and made obscene hand gestures towards the trainers to see if he could get them to break their discipline. A few did, and were quickly shushed by their senior clones who smirked at Lash once their faces were turned forward.


    Lash had been working with the Kaminoan''s for years. He had gone to Palpatine after he got his business license and asked about the clone army. Once again Palpatine was irritated and thankful that Lash had joined his side. He didn''t like how much Lash seem to know about his operations. But took him up on the chance to improve the clones. He would show up every few months when ever he was in the outer rim colonies and pose as Instructor Wraith.


    Having a Force User help train the clones gave the Kaminoan''s vital tactical, and strategic data. Though he was no Jedi, Lash made sure to only use abilities a Jedi would have. Or at least the magical equivalent of it. He also made sure that Kaminoan''s knew that the Jedi were not military geniuses. To many of the clones had this romanticized version of the Jedi''s. They assumed every Jedi was a military leader, and would lead them into glory. How far they were from the truth. Happily Qui-Gon had taken Lash''s instruction to heart and brought his A-game to the simulation. Thanks to the holo simulation 4X game. Qui-Gon was at least aware of the different unit types.


    Lash came upon the residential district of the Mandalorian mercenaries under contract by the Kaminoan''s. A few dozen lived in Tipoca City at any one time. While a few others were off on missions. Not that they needed the credits. The Kaminoans paid them huge sums. But they mostly did it to keep themselves sharp. Or to run supplies to their clans base of operations. A few Mandalorians nodded towards Wraith as they walked by. They didn''t know Wraith was Master Lash of Jensaarai. Only Palpatine knew that.


    Lash came to Jango Fett''s door and rung the bell. A moment later the door opened and a clone child maybe ten years old looked up at him. A smile bloomed on his face and little Boba Fett jumped out of the door and hugged Lash''s armored leg. Lash''s giant clawed hand swallowed Boba''s head in his palm and ruffled his hair.


    ¡°Hello Boba! I have your order!¡± Lash''s animalistic voice snarled out.


    ¡°Come in! Come in!¡± Boba said as he took one of Lash''s clawed fingers into his hand and pulled.


    Boba Fett was the spitting image of his father. Of course he was, he was a clone! He had curly brown hair that went to his ears. Bright brown eyes full of fierce intelligence, and determination. He stood at approximately 4''6¡± (1.3m) with a athletic figure for his age. He had a healthy tanned look to his skin. He wore a blue on navy blue shirt, tunic, pants, and black leather boots. Once Lash was inside Boba closed the door behind him. Lash pulled his tail inside with a quick snap. Everyone forgets the tail!


    ¡°Jango you here!?¡± Lash called out.


    ¡°Gah! What monster did my son let inside my house! He sounds horrible!¡± Jango called out from his room with a laugh.


    ¡°A monster who brought you Beskar plates for your son''s armor!¡± Lash called out with a smile. There was a crash in Jango''s room and he jumped out with a wild look in his eyes.


    Jango Fett looked just like his clones. But he had more wear and tear on his body. The man had come out with out any shoes, or a shirt on for that matter. He quickly pulled on a blue shirt like his son. But Lash saw that the man was covered in burn marks, old knife wounds, and bullet holes from the few races that still use kinetic projectiles. But when the old Mandalorian saw his son jumping up and down. He smiled and took ten years off his face. A father''s love was a thing to see.


    Lash set a hand crate on the table and clicked off the safety lock. The crate split apart into two parts. The bottom half had the Beskar ingots in it. Lash had obtained the chemical formula years ago when the first Mandalorians had arrived on Venura to speak with him. After that he had started to make it everyday for his title effect. Beskar was amazing! It was also incredibly rare! Most Mandalorians passed their armor down from generation to generation. If they couldn''t, they would at the very least make a helmet out of it for their younglings.


    ¡°That...This...That''s enough for a full suit!¡± Jango said as he walked over to examine the ingots. Boba climbed onto the table and grabbed one. He flicked it with his finger and the metal sang for him.


    ¡°Of course! That was the order wasn''t it?¡± Lash said, his lips pulled back into a predatory grin showing off his many fangs. Jango just laughed at him.


    ¡°Yes it was! I just thought it would take a few years. You''ve been gone for a few months.¡± Jango replied. ¡°Boba! Go get your holo measurements.¡± Jango called.


    ¡°Yes Dad!¡± Boba all but squealed in delight. He put the Beskar ingot down and ran to his room. He was back in under a minute. A holographic emitter showed his approximate size when he would be an adult, of course they would have it.


    ¡°Alright, business out of the way. Now I come with a warning.¡± Lash said, and Jango''s face went from pleased to concerned in a moment. Boba much like his father snapped his attention to him.


    ¡°A Jedi Master named Qui-Gon is in the city. Lama Su assumed he was here to inspect the army. But I noticed he took a particular interest in you when mentioned. I also know you just got back from the core worlds. You don''t have to tell me. Your business is your business. But I didn''t want you caught unaware.¡± Lash said to him, and used Deductive Reasoning on him.


    It wasn''t like Lash needed to. He knew exactly where Jango had been. But he had to play a part. Lash noticed the Living Force was dancing around Jango, and Boba. But since Lash was playing along it didn''t interfere with him. If anything the midi''s seem to be excited for Boba for getting some Beskar. Jango mulled over the information. He glanced at Boba, then at the Beskar.


    ¡°What''s wrong, dad?¡± Boba asked.


    ¡°Pack your things, we''re leaving.¡± Jango said, and Boba being the Mandalorian child that he was didn''t say a single word of complaint. He put his holographic away and went to pack. ¡°Where is the Jedi now?¡±


    ¡°He''s staying in a provided room. It''s late, Taun We being the ever attentive attendant should be contacting you in soon to ask if you would like to meet tomorrow morning. If you say your leaving now, she may come to wake the Jedi. So be careful of your answer.¡± Lash replied, and almost like the universe was paying attention. Jango''s communicator went off, Taun We was calling.


    Jango took the call and Lash closed up the Beskar container and set it among their luggage. Lash stepped into Boba''s room to help him pack. Boba looked at a few nick nacks that he had collected, made, and found. He''d been diving on Kamino with Jango before. They had found a razor sni''nack tooth. It made a good knife. Boba was holding it in his hand.


    ¡°Here...¡± Lash asked for the knife, Boba handed over. Then his eyes danced in delight as Lash used Alteration, and Fabrication on it. Made a handle, and a sheath for it. Lash handed it back.


    ¡°What does you father say about a good knife?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°A good knife will save your life.¡± Boba said with a smile as he clipped the sheath to his belt.


    ¡°Taun We is being insistent. She''ll guide the Jedi this way.¡± Jango said as he came into the room.


    ¡°That''s it then... Good luck Jango, Boba. Take the Beskar as a parting gift.¡± Lash said as he held his hand out to Jango who looked at him with wide eyes. Then he reached out and shook Lash''s hand.


    ¡°If we meet on the opposite end of the battle field. Fight well, and hold no regrets.¡± Jango said, and gave Lash''s hand a good shake. Lash took the time to say goodbye to Boba who looked a little tearful but held it in.


    Lash left Jango''s home and walked through the residential district for a moment. Then his holographic beeped at him. He had a class he was suppose to teach. He gave himself a mental face palm and sprinted towards his next group of trainees. He made it to the next simulation room with seconds to spare. He walked in right as the notification to begin sounded. The trainees all stood at attention.


    Lash spent the next few hours going through lesson after lesson. Going over tactics, and strategies that could be employed with a Jedi. But also with a Force User. He also talked about the suicidal tactics that the Jedi were known to employ. The Force would protect a Jedi. Not necessarily the Jedi''s soldiers. Jedi were use to working with their own. Some would be understanding. But most would have unrealistic expectations on the clone soldiers.


    Lash knew that the clones were programmed to follow orders. But he drilled them again, and again to ensure that if the order was suicidal and the clones knew of a better way. To say something. Despite the popular theory Jedi''s were not all knowing. Eventually the day came to an end and Lash informed the Kaminoan instructors he would not be here tomorrow. He had another task to perform. They understood, though they were regretful. Instructor Wraith was an excellent teacher.


    Lash went to his ship the Basilisk. Though it looked dramatically different. The color pattern was a rust red-orange. With several armored plates missing, and parts of the ships wiring exposed. It looked like a junk heap, and its ID code was completely different. The few Mandalorian instructors would tease him about the ship. But he said it was a family ship and refused to get rid of it. They understood, didn''t stop them from prodding him about it.


    Lash left the atmosphere and flipped a few switches and the Basilisk returned to its vanta black exterior paint job. As armored plates slide into place over the exposed portions. Within a few minutes the whole ship changed back into its menacing version of a gunship. Lash went into low powered stand by aka stealth mode and watched. As Slave-1 left the system, then only a few short minutes later Qui-Gon''s Jedi starfighter flew up and connected to the hyperspace rings. Lash narrowed his eyes at that.


    ¡°That was sloppy, Jango. You should have destroyed the ring when you left.¡± Lash said softly, as he watched Qui-Gon home in on the tracker that was on Jango''s ship.


    Lash reasoned that with the ring on standby mode it didn''t leave a signal Jango could track. Or, Jango assumed he could get away without issue. Either way it was sloppy. It wasn''t like Jango at all. Lash could almost feet the 4th wall engine at play. Anyone who knew Jango knew he wouldn''t act that way. The Force was at work. Lash rolled his eyes and watched Qui-Gon jump into hyperspace. Lash slowly reverted from his Transformation state and tapped his pilot chair arm rest as he contemplated his next move.


    Anakin, and Padme should be falling in love on Naboo by this point. Anakin wouldn''t have any dreams about his mother being tortured on Tatooine. She was on Naboo currently. If everything happens as it should happen. Qui-Gon should be captured while sending a message to the Jedi Council. Anakin will want to rescue the man that was the closes thing to father he had.... Lash snapped his fingers and realized what this was. It was the calm before the storm!


    Lash punched into his navigational computer to return to Coruscant. He had to give an update to Palpatine. The Sith Lord preferred a in person report when it came to things like this. More actually he didn''t trust Lash not to forward the message to someone else. A wise precaution all be it paranoid. The ship rotated on its own, activated its engines and slipped into hyperspace. The tunnel of compressed light was brilliant as ever.


    -----


    The Basilisk popped out of hyper space and Lash''s ship came under automatic scrutiny by republic security. But once they read his ID code he was allowed access to the express VIP lane. He fell instep with the rest of the official ships and looked over Coruscant. Once again in mild disgust of the city planet. He understood it was a technological marvel, but he''d take a planet that had fused nature, and civilization together any day.


    He flew the Basilisk to his corporate HQ and landed. Mechanical arms came out to start going over the ship and found very little to repair. All the same they did a full work up of the ship. Lash stepped off to find Nazvo waiting for him. They bowed to one another as he received a data pad from her. He walked through the hanger addressing the technicians, and the droids by their names, and service numbers respectably.


    ¡°The Mandalorian chieftains at Venura wish to speak to you. The consecration ritual is due.¡± Nazvo said to him. Lash blinked and came up short for a moment.


    ¡°Right. Tell them I''ll return to the enclave as soon as I finish here unless something happens. In which case I''ll inform them.¡± Lash replied, and skimmed through the data pad. His tech-spirits sped through the whole packet in less than a second.


    ¡°The first deposit from Rodia came through?¡± Lash asked, as he saw 1 million credit deposit.


    ¡°Yes, once again they thanked you for our understanding.¡± Nazo said, as she took the data pad from him and replaced it with another. Rodia couldn''t afford the entire environment restoration payment. Lash agreed to do it in installments. If they couldn''t make the payments? Lash got the planet.


    Technically Lash wouldn''t own the planet per say. But he would own the commercial businesses on the whole planet. At least until they could pay off the debt with a 10% increase for every month they didn''t pay. Their planets annual income would be tight. But with their ability to grow food on their planet''s surface now. They could import less, and export more. As long as the galactic republic was at peace they would be fine...


    Lash, and his tech-spirits burned through thousands of messages from the corporate departments. In the time it took him to walk from the hangar bay towards the land transports into the city. He handed his data pad back to Nazvo just as he stepped into the transport. Nazvo bid him goodbye and he took off towards the senate house. Technically he had an office at his HQ. It was a really nice officer too! He couldn''t remember the last time he set foot in it.


    There was a buzz in the air around the senate house. Lash tapped into the holonet and found that the vote for or against the creation of an army Act still hadn''t happened. Back alley deals, private, and public dealings in offices. Bribes to be exchanged. Lash was tempted to flood the holonet with all the evidence he had collected on the senators. More than half of the senate was corrupt. While one third of them were under Darth Sidious mental domination. That number only grew as more time went on.


    The moment Lash''s transport landed he was met by the chancellors elite guard who bid him to follow them towards the supreme chancellor''s office. Lash agreed and followed them along. Several delegates, and elected officials said hello to him but did little else. The news of Rodia''s environment restoration had already made it to Coruscant. More good press for his company. Rodia was already receiving republic infrastructure aid. A lot of exotic plants could be found on Rodia. The pharmaceutical companies were all the rage right now.


    Lash and escort reached the chancellors office and he was shown in without having to wait. Lash stepped inside to see the chancellor speaking to a Rodian that Lash was familiar with. Onaconda Farr was the republic senator of Rodia. He was a Rodian male politician that actually did his job. He stood at approximately 5''9¡± with blue tresses, a blue starscape for his eyes, and turquoise skin scale color. He wore ornate blue, green, and silver highlighted robes of state. He stood up in a fluid motion the moment Lash stepped in.


    ¡°Master Lash! Wonderful to see you!¡± Senator Farr said with a smile as he strode across the room and shook Lash''s offered hand.


    ¡°Senator Onaconda Farr, a pleasant surprise this is.¡± Lash said, after they let go he glanced at Palpatine who had an amiable smile on his face.


    ¡°Senator Farr was just informing of the good news. In the newly detoxified oceans of Rodia they have found the required plants, and chemicals required to make the medical miracle known as Bacta!¡± Palpatine said with a genuine smile. Thankfully Lash''s helmet covered his face otherwise they would have seen him twitch in anger.


    ¡°It is still very premature to be sure. But we''ve already requested a load of equipment from the republic. The Chancellor as agreed. Within a year we should be producing the miracle drug!¡± Senator Farr said with a brilliant smile.


    ¡°I would encourage you to enlist in a security package as well.¡± Lash said after he took a focused breath. There went his plans to own Rodia. He could almost hear the Living Force laughing at him.


    ¡°Yes, yes! Of course, and with the possibilities of war on the horizon having another source of Bacta will only help the republic.¡± Senator Farr said as he could practically see the economic security for his people.


    ¡°Senator Farr, please speak to my aid outside. We''ll have all the paper work notarized, and signed by days end. For now, I must speak to Master Lash about his activities on the outer rim.¡± Palpatine said with a genial expression.


    ¡°Of course! Of course! Thank you again, Master Lash. Without you this never would have happened!¡± Senator Farr shook his hand one more time and left the office. Palpatine activated his security, and once they were secure he cracked up laughing at Lash''s expense.


    ¡°The chemical composition to make Bacta is incredibly rare. Its only appeared outside the planet of Thyferra on what... Three occasions?¡± Lash asked, the plants required to make the substance were extremely difficult to grow outside of the planet. Even in a controlled environment like a lab.


    ¡°That is right... It uses the Force to grow. An unexpected yet delightful reward.¡± Palpatine said with a maniacal grin.


    Lash reached into his belt and pulled out a holographic data recorder and placed it on Palpatine''s desk. The Sith Lord pulled it to him with the Force and looked over the data. It was the entire medical log of the Kaminoans research. Everything Palpatine needed to start his own cloning project. The Sith Lord''s grin grew from ear to ear as he pocketed the data. He gestured for Lash to sit, and he took him up on the offer.


    ¡°Is everything proceeding as planned?¡± Palpatine asked.


    ¡°Qui-Gon should be on Genosha now. I''ll leave it to you and your extremely capable hands to orchestrate that event.¡± Lash said with all honesty. He had complimented the Sith Lord several times on his ability to keep everything on track.


    ¡°The clones?¡± Palpatine asked.


    ¡°Are ready as they will ever be. 200,000 are battle ready. Just enough to make a point, but not enough to get anything done. Which will encourage the republic to buy more. I''ll make an offer to support a Galactic Republic Militia subsidiary. With mild brain washing involved.¡± Lash said, and added a few additional notes.


    Lash''s corporate HQ was about to get a lot bigger. Entire sections of the disused area of Coruscant would see rapid retrofitting and development. The militia would help supplement the clone army. While following the orders of the Sheev Palpatine. Him specifically by name, not the chancellor of the republic. Palpatine had been beside himself when Lash showed him the soft brainwashing technique. The republic didn''t know it, but the holonet had been pumping the signal out for years now. It only effected a small portion of the population. But even then that was billions of people across the republic.


    Lash had handed the technology over to Palpatine so he could alter it as he pleased. Just another gift to buy into Palpatine''s trust. Though Lash was under no illusion that Palpatine would spare him in the end. Once the empire was created Palpatine would try and kill Lash. It was in his nature. But knowing a trap exists is the first step in avoiding it. Beside push comes to shove Lash could just kill Palpatine and let Anakin rule. But who knew what the Living Force would allow, or not allow.


    Lash, and Palpatine spoke for a few more minutes about preparation then he left to visit the Embassy of Naboo. It was all theatrical. Only a few people knew that Padme wasn''t there. But the galactic senate knew that Lash was close to the senator from her time as the Queen. So it was expected of him to visit. Remarkably no one had attacked since Padme had left. Lash stayed for dinner then made his way back to his HQ to retrieve his ship. He was off to Naboo, or more specifically the Jensaarai temple on Venura....


    -----


    Lash''s ship the Basilisk popped out of hyperspace and he was automatically pinged by a Mandalorian patrol ship. Lash fed his ID codes over and he was allowed past. Lash was technically the last living member of the clan Ghost Claw. He was the chieftain. Despite being a Mandalorian who could wield the Force. The warrior nomadic clans didn''t wish for him to lead. But they did come to him for advice.


    Lash had been a friend, and brother to the warrior clans. He gave them a place to return to. A home for their foundlings, and younglings. At this point the moons surface of Venura was livable. A verdant jungle, and forest grew on the moon. With polar ice caps, and snowy mountains. Lash could have altered the biome, but he wanted a diverse ecosystem. Why? It was a proving ground. Just like he planned for his original reality. It was all practice.


    The Basilisk flew past several patrol ships and eventually reached an orbital platform above Venura. Turbo lasers targeted him until he submitted his codes. Then he was allowed to pass through the shield projector that was placed on the moon. A gateway had been linked to the platform. It was large enough to allow a heavy cruiser to pass through if necessary. But it only opened enough for the Basilisk.


    Lash flew over the surface of the moon. A smile on his face as he saw several Mandalorian, and Jensaarai teams practicing wilderness survival training. Thanks to the Kaminoans, Lash had several particular dangerous predatory specimens loose on the moon in quarantined areas. To a full bloodied Mandalorian there were nothing. But to the young ones, they were great practice. Though the Mandalorian''s were warriors. Training as a hunter had it''s uses.


    Lash landed his ship on a pad. The pads docking clamps anchored the ship. Then the entire pad was pulled inside of the mountain range that Lash had landed near. Lash had been very careful about letting only the bare minimum of technology on the surface of the moon. Such as hunting lodges, sonic towers to keep the predators in their designated zones, planetary shield towers, and little else. Everything aside from that was underground. The landing pad was pulled into underground bunker, out of sight.


    Lash stepped down his loading ramp to see several Jensaarai, and Mandalorians waiting for him. He took a moment to bow towards the group who responded in kind. Then they made room for him as he walked towards the temple. The underground structure was a combination of cut stone, and plasteel. Impeded along the walls for light were bioluminescent plant life, and crystals. They gave off enough ambient light to see. Every fifty or so feet was an archway, that could close with blast doors.


    Hidden in the walls were traps with viroblades, flame throwers, ray-shields, and turbo lasers. Every archway had security droid alcoves in place. Along with a plethora of full visual spectrum cameras. The floor was a cut stone with organic crystal veins through it. They pulsed with energy like a heartbeat. Eventually the reached a T intersection and they the right tunnel that led to a transportation pod rail line. They all climbed in and the pod closed up and shot through the tunnels.


    ¡°Welcome back, Master Lash.¡± One of the Jensaarai said at last. They collapsed their helmet into their collar. He was a human male with dark skin, blue eyes, and a facial tattoo on the left side of his face. Tarik Von was his name. He was one of the original RSF from the invasion of Naboo.


    ¡°Thank you, regretfully I won''t be staying long.¡± Lash said with a sigh.


    ¡°Our brothers and sisters on the outer rim say tensions are high. War is in the air.¡± One of the Mandalorians said as he pulled off his helmet. His name was Nuun Raki, he had a shaved head with purple eye. With a nasty scar across his left cheek.


    ¡°If things don''t change? That war will start in a few days.¡± Lash admitted to the group.


    Now, despite the popular belief. Very few Mandalorians practice the ''I will not remove my helmet in public'' rule that so many knew them for in lore. Only a select few practice ''The Way'' or ''This is the Way''. That group were considered puritans. Most Mandalorians kept their helmets on in dangerous situations. Never removing them while on a battlefield. That was true. So the fact that Lash refused to remove his helmet only in safe locations among those he trusted put him on the fence between the two traditions.


    The rest of the Jensaarai, and Mandalorians removed their helmets. The Mandalorians who arrived to receive him were either seconds, or thirds in their respective clans. Their chieftains were busy with clan matters. Many of them wouldn''t even been on the moon. Several clans had their own home base, and simply used Venura as a training ground for their children. But a select few of important new bloods had arrived for the consecration ritual.


    ¡°You will stand by your position? Allowing us to serve either side as long as we don''t bring war back to your home?¡± A Mandalorian woman asked, she pulled her helmet off to reveal a Zeltron. She had red to pink skin, with rave black hair cut in a crop top. Her name was Shi Vuarr.


    ¡°Naboo will stand with the republic. By default, so will Venura. But as long as you are not identified? Yes, you can come here to rest and recuperate. But if there is an open bounty for your exact description? Don''t come here.¡± Lash replied, and the Mandalorians nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Which clan won the consecration?¡± Lash asked, shifting topics.


    ¡°Clan Wren, Sabine.¡± A young man replied. Erik the gamers memories tickled Lash. Why was that name familiar?


    ¡°Notify her immediately. I''d rather do this now then later. We may not get the chance.¡± Lash said, and the Mandalorian pulled out his holographic communicator.


    The transportation pod fled down the rails. Bright artificial sunlight bloomed across the side of the pod. Reflectors automatically dimmed the light. Lash had built vast underground biomes. A city capable of holding over a million people (held less then half that) was built in the biome. The environment had a typical four seasons environment, but it was close to something along the equator of a world. So it was constantly warm, with rain you could set your watch to. On very rare occasions they could organize a snow day. The buildings had a geometrical design, a lot of sharp angles. The buildings were made out of a type of crystal metal alloy. (Kryptonian technology) So the buildings came in a variety of colors akin to quartz crystals.


    As always Lash built nature directly into the city. Any street had trees planted along the walk ways. Most of the buildings had gardens on the balconies, and rooftops. Entire parks were built on the upper levels. While canals ran through the city along the roads. Land transports, and air were set in designated areas. Noise pollution was at a minimum. Of course there was always some young blood with a jet pack that just had to fly through the city at some awful hour.


    The transportation pods came to a stop and they disembarked. Several Mandalorians replaced their helmets and left. While others kept them off and stayed with Lash as he walked towards an open air transport into the city. The Jensaarai kept pace with him as well. They boarded the transport and headed straight for the inner sanctum. Where the consecration ritual would take place.


    What was the consecration ritual? Mandalorian were living beings, any living being in the galaxy was made up of midi-chlorians. Exceptions like Lash did exist, but they were rare. The last known Mandalorian capable of wielding the force was Tarre Vizsla, of Clan Vizsla. He who had created the dark lightsaber. It was widely believed that Mandalorians did not have the proper mentality to be a Force User. There was of course a lot of science, myth, and arcane Force discussion on the subject. But all in all there hadn''t been a recorded Mandalorian Force User aside from Tarre. Until Lash showed up.


    Lash presented a unique opportunity. He was a Force User, but not a Jedi. He offered to take any Mandalorian child that was Force Sensitive into the Jensaarai to be trained. Once they completed their training they could return to their clan. Unfortunately the Mandalorian warrior clans had no such children. So he gathered the chieftains together and made them an offer. Once a year they would hold a contest for younglings. Who ever won that contest could participate in a ritual. To be infused with the Force. The contest winner for this year was Sabine, of Clan Wren. That was the consecration ritual.


    The chieftains were sworn to secrecy. As were the Jensaarai who knew of the ritual. Anyone else would just assume they had found a youngling who was Force Sensitive. Hence why it had to be a child to keep up the ruse. The chieftains were ecstatic with the offer and agreed. So for the past eight years, once a year. A Mandalorian child was infused, and became a Force-Super. This was the ninth year.


    The Force Temple of the Jensaarai was in another section of the moon. Lash took another transportation pod through the tunnels. They were split up for security reasons. In this pod Lash was completely alone. The Jensaarai, and few Mandalorians rode in a different pod to give him space. They had no idea how complex the ritual could be so they assumed he was trying to get his head in the right mind set. In reality he was looking through the Dream Store.


    The Book of Law: A holocron of the Jedi Master Allya who was exiled by the Jedi Council for (????) She went to Dathomir and taught a group of women who later became the Night Sisters. The holocron is an ancient Night Sisters relic. See also...(Tool tip.) 100 DP.


    The Book of Truth: A holocron of the Jedi Master Allya, turned Mother of the Night Sisters. The holocron shows the original Force Magic of the Night Sisters. This ancient relic is extremely valuable to the Night Sisters. See also...(Tool tip.) 100 DP.


    The Book of Lies: A holocron of the Jedi Master Allya, turned Mother of the Night Sisters. The holocron shows the original Force Magic rituals of the Night Sisters. This ancient relic is extremely valuable to the Night Sisters. See also...(Tool tip.) 100 DP.


    Mother Allya''s Cipher Decoder: Mother Allya feared that the Jedi would track her down and steal her work. She created a cipher for her holocrons. As it turned out, her paranoia was rewarded. Jedi dark side hunters tracked her down and took her books when they failed to capture her. The books were lost to time. See also...(Tool tip.) 500 DP.


    Attention User, you have purchased. The Book of Law, The Book of Truth, The Book of Lies, Mother Allya''s Cipher Decoder for 800 DP.


    Congratulations User! You''ve obtained the Sub-Ability, Force Magic.


    Force Magic: The User is able to perform a form of magic that allows them to utilize both natural and subtle forces that can grant incredible powers of both natural and supernatural to the Users beyond that of themselves.


    Three holocrons that looked remarkably similar to Sith holocrons appeared in his lap. Along with a crystal foci that once one channeled Force through it, it would activate. It would glow, and allow anyone to read the script inside the holocrons. The Force had always been a power Lash could guide, but not control. But he reached out with Force Magic and was able to pull the Force through his collective will alone. The Force struggled against him, it would never stop fighting him. But now Lash could channel that energy.


    Lash placed the items in his Storage and stepped out of the transport pod as it had reached its destination. The Jensaarai temple wasn''t a single place on the moon. It had training facilities, lecture halls, residential areas across the whole moon. But the consecration ritual chamber was located here. It was...plain, and simple. Many would pass it without much thought. To hide in plain sight as it were.


    A single stone archway stood wide enough for five people to walk shoulder to shoulder down the stairs. Black, and white crystal doors barred the way. Aside from the color there was no design on it. Something that clearly upset the little Mandalorian teen who kept talking to her father about it. Sabine Wren was a human female who barely looked fifteen if that. She had short chopped hair above her shoulders. It was black, blue, red, and orange? A multicolored hair style.


    Next to her was a boy that was a few years older than her. Tristan Wren, her older brother. He stood in full armor, though it wasn''t beskar. The armor was filled with color! A beautiful design of a insectoid creature with butterfly wings. Lash didn''t know the name of it, but if he remember right they were incredibly lethal. Capable of sucking the blood out of a person in less then ten seconds. Their wings would fill up with blood and create a crimson glow.


    Standing next to both of them was Ursa Wren the mother, and Alrich Wren the father. Ursa watched with a careful at the two security droids stationed at the door. Ursa Wren was a warrior born and was the current leader of clan Wren. She was new to the position. But she had been well trained by the previous chieftain. Alrich was...not a warrior. No, that wasn''t fair. Alrich was a warrior of art. His blade was a paintbrush. His battlefield a canvas. He was a master of it.


    ¡°...Sabine I am sure there is a reason why the Jensaarai didn''t decorate the chamber.¡± Tristan tried to mollify Sabine.


    ¡°It doesn''t make sense! This is suppose to be an important sight. Every single piece of art in the rest of the temple is amazing! It''s a living portrait. The paint practically jumps out at you! The crystal growths come in a wide array of colors.¡± Sabine complained loudly.


    ¡°It''s because the chamber is important that it doesn''t have decorations, Sabine. Remember what Sulong said during training?¡± Ursa reminded her daughter, Sabine''s shoulders drooped and turned around to reply only to squeak in surprise as Lash was two feet behind Ursa.


    ¡°Chieftain Lash!?¡± Sabine screamed and pointed. Ursa for her part only pulled her blaster out, but didn''t point it at him. While Alrich all but jumped back six feet and shielded his children. While Tristan went for his weapon and froze as a Jensaarai materialized behind him with a lightsaber out.


    ¡°Be at ease.¡± Lash said in a soothing voice, as he cast Calm Emotions. The wave of energy fell over the group.


    ¡°Chieftain Ursa is correct. The chamber is meant to be simple to hide its true worth. But I have to say I am tempted to let Clan Wren decorate it. I adore your color schemes.¡± Lash said with obvious delight.


    ¡°Really!?¡± Sabine said in excitement, she bounced over to him with wide eyes. Her ceremonial garb nearly caused her to trip. Unlike the rest of her family who were in armor, she was not. She wore a gray robe with several layers.


    ¡°Really, really. If your family can create a few examples, I''ll pick one and let your paint it.¡± Lash said it, and meant it.


    ¡°With the living paint you have! We could do a rising sun that grows into twilight. Then the moons of Naboo could appear in the air...¡± Sabine said and started to ramble. Her father was quick jump on the wagon. While Tristan rolled his eyes, and Ursa smiled a little.


    ¡°Chieftain Ursa, it''s good to see you again. How is clan Vizsla?¡± Lash asked her. Clan Wren served under Vizsla on Mandalore''s moon of Concordia.


    ¡°Pre Vizsla is...anxious for the war.¡± Ursa said with a apprehensive expression.


    ¡°Tristan, did you get another armor piece in Beskar?¡± Lash asked the young boy switching from the clearly sensitive topic. Tristan''s eyes went bright as he showed off his left pauldron.


    ¡°I did! Took down a luzoni stag with a single shot.¡± Tristan said, and began to go into intimate detail about the hunt. A luzoni stag was essentially like a stag back on earth. Only it was covered quills that were sixteen inches long that could shoot out, and pierce tank armor.


    The Mandalorian clans had no idea where Lash found so much Beskar. But he agreed to give it out in pieces to Mandalorians who accomplished tasks or deeds of merit. The fact that he allowed younglings to get ingots for their own tasks was a blessing from above. One that the clans were more than happy to accept. Yes, Lash was not the leader of the warrior clans. But his Ghost Claw clan was recognized even if he was the only member. While his advise, and council were welcomed among the other chieftains.


    Eventually Sabine was slowly talked down from her art exhibition. Her family all hugged her, and wisher her luck. It was widely believed the ritual was dangerous. As the attendant would travel to another world. Where the Force would test her. In truth they fell asleep and Lash used his Dream Domain to do that while he worked on them. The more arcane the ritual was the better. The doors opened, and Sabine and Lash entered in together.


    The moment the doors closed the stairway became pitch black. Sabine for her credit simply waited until her eyes adjusted. Lash saw in darkness perfectly. He cast Animal Eye on her and suddenly she could see. Along the floor were crystal veins that gave off just a bit of light. Just enough for low light vision. Once she was ready they started to walk down the long steps into the depths of the moon.


    ¡°How far does this go?¡± Sabine asked.


    ¡°About a mile.¡± Lash replied.


    Down, and down they went. A gradual sloping stair case. Each step was approximately ten feet long, and twenty feet wide. The walls looked as if they had been carved with claws. They had been, thanks to a bio-mechanical tunneling device Lash had made. Sabine started to shiver half way down, as the temperature dropped. Her breath frosted when ever she exhaled. But she didn''t complain. Nor did she jump when things were seen climbing along the ceiling, or just outside of her vision.


    These were security droids in the shape of creatures. That climbed up and down the walls with viroblade claws, and talons. They had tattered pieces of cloth and ''flesh'' attached to them. They were made from a composite armor that was all but immune to blaster, and lightsabers. One had to hit them between the joints. They had pack tactics, and would support one another. They were also absolutely terrifying! As they made all sorts of noises as the two of them moved through the tunnels.


    At last they reached their destination. A giant cavern opened up to reveal a pool that had steam rise up from its surface. Giant crystals jutted from the ceiling giving an eerie ghostly glow. As the security droids floated across the water using Tech-Assisted Telekinesis drive cores on their back. The tattered cloth/flesh gave them a wraith like appearance. In the middle of the vast cavern was an altar. While the pool of water went down a hundred feet.


    ¡°Your hand please.¡± Lash said, holding out his armored gloved, and clawed hand towards Sabine who was white as a sheet.


    ¡°What are those?¡± Sabine asked in a quiet voice, but she placed her hand in his.


    ¡°The chambers guardians.¡± Lash replied and cast Water Walk on both of them.


    Sabine was timid but eventually began to marvel at walking across water like it was solid. A few of the security droids were swimming in the water and glided through the water in a very creepy manner. Sabine jumped when one swam right under them. She all but clung to Lash in fright. She hadn''t been the only one, all the other Mandalorian younglings had done the same.


    Lash guided Sabine towards the altar. The moment Sabine touched the stone every guardian faded from sight. The temperature in the room rose several degrees and she was no longer shivering. Lash directed her to lay down. On the altar was an impression for an individual. She got comfortable and eventually closed her eyes as Lash activated his Dream Domain cantrip for sleep. Lashed use Parallel Minds and Dream Walking to guide Sabine''s dreams.


    Then came the simple part! Lash activated Source Code and gave Sabine the standard package. Superhuman Strength, Speed, Durability, Agility, Reflexes, Stamina, Regeneration, Healing, Intellect, Senses, and Age Reduction. Like always as he worked his magic the midi-chlorians in her body multiplied until she reached approximately 6,789+ midi-chlorian count threshold. With that finished Lash took some time to Meditate until Sabine woke up. Should take a few hours....


    =============================================================


    (Planet of Naboo, Shmi Skywalker home.)


    Senator Padme Amidala watched in fascination as Anakin went over his adventures with Master Qui-Gon Jinn with his mother Shmi. Shmi paid attention with the same attentive quality all mothers had for their children. Especially when the speak of something they are passionate about. Something that any parent would be proud to hear. Shmi asked questions when it was appropriate. But in the end just listened to Anakin talk.


    It was late into the night by the time they stopped. Padme was shown to a modest guest room that Shmi apologized for. But Padme would hear nothing of it. She got ready for bed by taking a shower, and put on something simple after. The bedroom had a small balcony. She opened the doors and let the evening air settle into the room. It was cool, but not cold. Padme dried out her hair and did it up in a braid. She stepped out onto the balcony and looked up at three moons of Naboo. One particular one that was green with forests.


    Padme listened to the sounds of the night. Insects chirping, and the few nocturnal birds flew through the night. She also listened to the whistles and beeps of R2 talking to C-3PO. The two had reunited when Padme, and Anakin went to Shmi''s home. C-3PO had originally been Anakin''s creation it would only make sense that she be with Shmi. Then she spied on Anakin as he checked the grounds. Even now he was trying to do his job. Or he was sneaking a glance at Padme wearing a silk tank top, and shorts.


    Padme took a moment to uncurl her wet braided hair and raised it above her head with both hands. She arched her back, and exposed midriff. She gave a satisfied giggle when she heard Anakin trip over his own feet and fall into a bush. Padme pretended she didn''t notice and let her hair down. She ran a finger along her neck, down her her collar, and trailed it between her breasts. Tugging the fabric just a bit. Then Anakin tripped on something else that sounded like a pot. Padme laughed softly and decided that was enough. She retired to her room and tucked herself in...


    __________________________________________________________


    ¡°Anakin, are you alright?¡± Shmi his mother called out to him.


    ¡°Y-Ya Mom! I''m fine.¡± Anakin tried to say, and his voice cracked slightly. He had pushed over a flower vase when he had spied on Padme''s window.


    ¡°There is no emotion, there is peace.¡± Anakin said over and over like a mantra. The first line in the Jedi code.


    Anakin''s hands were sweaty, and his mouth was dry. He looked back up at the balcony window and saw the door was closed. Padme had gone to bed. Or maybe she was waiting for him...? No, no! He mustn''t think like that. Not the right place, or the right time. He finished his security sweep and entered the main living area to see C-3PO arguing with R2-D2.


    ¡°I say R2! That would never happen.¡± C-3PO said.


    ¡°Beep Boop-Beeeeep.¡± R2 replied, and C-3PO bonked on his metallic skull.


    ¡°You take that back, right this instant.¡± C-3PO said.


    Anakin knew better than to interrupt and walked past them without a word. He checked on his mother who was already asleep by this point. He walked past Padme''s door and set his hand against it. He channeled the Force and felt more than heard her relaxed breathing. She was asleep...So not waiting for him. Anakin shook his head to clear his thoughts. He went to his room and took a nice long, cold shower. Then climbed into bed. It would be dawn in a few hours and he needed to wake up early for his daily exercises. Maybe he could ask one of the Jensaarai for a spar?


    ----


    Anakin woke up a little later than planned as he saw the sun was up already. He groaned as he untangled himself from his bed sheets and pulled on a pair of loose pants, and shirt. He came down stairs to see R2 in low power mode, and plugged into the wall. C-3PO was no where to be seen. He did hear the unmistakable sound of a weapon cutting through the air. When he stepped into the garden he found his mother wearing her martial gi swinging her staff through a kata.


    ¡°Morning sleepy head.¡± Shmi said to Anakin who jumped a little.


    ¡°How long did I sleep?¡± Anakin asked as he started to circle around the garden.


    ¡°Not long, longer than I think a Jedi would sleep.¡± Shmi said with a smile as she twirled her staff around and brought it down hard into the ground.


    ¡°What can I say. I feel relaxed here.¡± Anakin said with a smile of his own.


    ¡°Want to spar?¡± Shmi asked, and the surprised look on Anakin''s face was priceless to her.


    ______________________________________________________________________


    Padme''s eyes flew open when she heard Anakin cry out in pain. Padme jumped to her feet, and flew towards her balcony. She nearly tore the door off its hinges when she pulled them open. She looked down into the gardens to see a delightfully odd sight. Shmi had wrapped her legs around Anakin''s chest, and back. Then pulled his arm back, and to the side. If she pulled just right she could break his arm. Anakin was trying desperately to get free.


    ¡°You going to take me seriously!?¡± Shmi said in a snarky voice.


    ¡°I...I don''t want to hurt you!¡± Anakin shouted, as he struggled to get free. Shmi pulled on his arm until a soft pop rang out. Anakin bit back a yelp.


    ¡°Who''s hurting who in this spar? Lash personally trains with me, Anakin.¡± Shmi said, then Anakin forced the palm of his other hand down and they both were flung into the air via Force push.


    Shmi did an artful twist, roll, and pivot. Then landed on her feet. While Anakin rolled to his feet as he rolled his shoulder. He looked shocked as he saw Shmi do a snap kick right as his face he barely dodged. Then Shmi used a focused move that looked like she was holding an invisible ball and shot it straight at Anakin who went flying across the garden. Hit by some invisible force. Shmi jumped into the air and brought her knee down right as Anakin rolled to the side. The flag stone on the path shattered.


    ¡°Waaah! No! The pathway! Lady Skywalker what have you done!¡± C-3PO shouted as he came running into the garden. That was good enough for both of them as a bell to be rung between matches...


    ¡°So where did you learn that?¡± Padme asked once she came down for breakfast.


    ¡°Lash calls it elemental bending. He says I have a natural talent for air bending. It''s another form of channeling through the Force. But is not considered a true Force ability.¡± Shmi said with a smile as she smiled ruefully at Anakin who was rubbing his chest.


    ¡°And its part of the Force Martial Art?¡± Anakin asked, as he tried to contribute to the discussion.


    ¡°Yes, it''s an advanced portion. Only a few people can do elemental bending. He said with enough time and practice I could even learn to fly.¡± Shmi said brightly. Anakin, and Padme''s eyes nearly popped from their skulls.


    ¡°Like fly, fly? No jet pack, no speeder? Just on your own, control the wind to propel you?¡± Padme asked, and Shmi nodded enthusiastically.


    ¡°Lash showed it to me. It''s like being in control of your own personal tornado.¡± Shmi replied.


    Padme hadn''t known it, but there was a water bender Gungan as well. The moment they were found the Jensaarai offered them the manual to train in the bending arts. A few people across the galactic republic had been found who could bend fire, earth, and even lightning! The powers of nature, and by essence the Living Force. Jedi Masters had been known to wield all the forces of nature through time, and training. While the benders could only wield one aspect. It was still amazing.


    The three of them left Shmi''s home before midday. Padme wanted to see her own family. She also wanted to introduce Shmi, and Anakin to them. If Padme was being honest she was a little bit nervous about introducing Anakin to her parents. Not! Not that there was any reason to it. No, not at all. Anakin, and her were just friends. Professional companions. Work associates. Yes, that was right. Nothing to be nervous about.


    Shmi and Anakin walked side by side arm in arm. Shmi wore a traditional martial gi that marked her as an instructor. It was longer, and more formal. In earth, and gray tones. Her hair was done up in a bun. She wore a pair of sandals, and metal vampraces. Anakin was back in his Jedi robes, and looked around the city of Theed. As they walked through the streets. But every minute or so he would glance at Padme. He would look behind him, then at the roof tops. More than a few times they spotted teenagers, and adults running across rooftops.


    Padme had chosen a red, and orange Naboo silk dress. The orange colors resembled flames at the edge of her dress that went to her ankles. A simple belt wrapped around her waist, and the red top wrapped around one shoulder, across her back. But left her other shoulder exposed. A decorative bracer was on the exposed forearm. She wore comfortable black shoes, with blue gemstone designs on them. She skipped along the street next to Anakin, and Shmi. While she enjoyed the sun.


    The people of Naboo walked the streets with the occasional Gungan official was visiting Theed. Then from time to time Force Martial Art students would walk by. They would greet Shmi in respect to her station. While they also saw a few apprentice Jensaarai on school retreat. A few attractive women noticed Anakin. Padme came to his side and took his hand in her own before she knew what she was doing. The women nodded in acceptance and Padme smiled in satisfaction. Then blinked when she felt Anakin run his thumb over her hand. She jumped a little and let go of his hand. Much to his confusion, while Shmi just tried to suppress her laughter. R2, and C-3PO were behind them and looked on in confusion.


    ¡°There''s my house!¡± Padme said as she pointed at her families home.


    The Naberrie family had played a part in Naboo politics even before Padme had become Queen. So their home was much larger than others. Two stories high, with a basement. It stretched from one end to the other. With a garden wall around the estate. Despite the house clear defense and security the main gate was open for visitors. Padme walked through and a soft bell rang. Then two little munchkins came running out.


    ¡°Aunt Padme! Aunt Padme!¡± To little girls shouted in glee.


    ¡°Ryoo! Pooja!¡± Padme shouted and scooped them both up into her arms. Ryoo looked to be approximately six years old, while Pooja looked to be about four.


    ¡°Maybe you and Padme''s children will look like that?¡± Shmi whispered to Anakin who turned bright red and stammered.


    W-W..what?! Wh...What!?¡± Anakin said in hushed whispers.


    ¡°I''m so happy to see you! This is Anakin, and...¡± Padme said as she introduced.


    ¡°Instructor Skywalker!¡± Both the little girls said, and wiggled out of Padme''s arms and came to jump on Shmi who caught them.


    ¡°Hello you two! Have you been practicing your forms?¡± Shmi asked them both and they nodded enthusiastically.


    ¡°Arrrtooo!?¡± The girls said in glee and soon jumped from Shmi''s arms and hugged R2-D2 who whistled and beep in excitement.


    ¡°I must say! All this excitement may melt my circuits!¡± C-3PO said in delight.


    ¡°Hello C-3!¡± The girls said, and Ryoo came to hug him. 3PO stooped over and ruffled the young girls hair.


    ¡°Hello Miss Ryoo...¡± 3PO replied.


    Eventually Anakin was introduced as Shmi''s long lost son that she had spoken about many times. The girls jumped at him. Anakin looked like he would rather be in a battlefield then around the excitable bundles of energy. They asked about being a Jedi, and the Force. They wanted to use the Force! They begged Anakin to do a trick. Anakin looked at Padme, desperate for help! Padme had doubled over in laughter, no help would come from her.


    Eventually the whole group enters the house. Shmi used her air bending to float a rock much to the amusement of the munchkins. Once they got past the threshold the cheers, and squeals of Ryoo, and Pooja brought their mother. Sola Naberrie, who looked to be in her late twenties. With rich brown curly hair, sly blue eyes, and a healthy figure. She wore a blue wrap around silk gown. One of those numbers that is a single piece of fabric that and is artfully wrapped around the whole body. That left one of her arms exposed, and one of her legs at the hip exposed.


    ¡°Girls! Gi-Padme!¡± Sola said with a smile as she hugged her sister. Then looked at their guests. ¡°Instructor Skywalker, hello.¡± Sola said with a bow. ¡°Who''s this?¡± She asked after Anakin.


    ¡°This is my son, Anakin.¡± Shmi said. Sola''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°So you are Anakin! Hello, please come in! It''s nice to finally meet you! Shmi talks about you all the time.¡± Sola said and hugged Anakin who''s face turned red as a tomato.


    One by one Padme''s family was introduced. They met with Ruwee Naberrie Padme''s father, and Jobal Naberrie Padme''s mother. Both had rich brown hair, and brown eyes. They were in great shape for being middle aged humans. They welcomed their daughter home, and greeted Anakin with enthusiasm. They stayed for lunch and talked about anything but work. Eventually the semi pleasant atmosphere had to end. Ryoo, and Pooja bounced out of the room. Dragging Shmi with them to show their kata forms.


    ¡°Honey it''s good to see you. We were so worried.¡± Jobal said with a tight smile. Padme rolled her eyes and sighed.


    ¡°Dear...¡± Ruwee said.


    ¡°I know! I know, but I had to say it. It''s done...¡± Jobal said, with a raised chin awaiting a challenge from anyone who would expect anything less from a worried mother.


    ¡°Well, this is exciting! Do you know, Anakin, you''re the first boyfriend my sister''s ever brought home?¡± Sola said with teasing eyes.


    ¡°Sola!! He isn''t my boyfriend! He''s a Jedi assigned by the Senate to protect me.¡± Padme insisted, after she rolled her eyes. However, Jobal, Ruwee, and Sola all noticed how Anakin looked disappointed that Padme had said that.


    ¡°A bodyguard? Padme they didn''t tell us it was that serious.¡± Jobal said next.


    ¡°It''s not, Mom, I promise. Anyway, Anakin''s a friend. I''ve known him for years.¡± Padme tried to explain and cease her mothers worries.


    ¡°Honey, when are you going to settle down? Haven''t you had enough of that life? I certainly have.¡± Jobal said next, and her face showed how much she worried after Padme.


    ¡°Mom, I''m not in any danger.¡± Padme said.


    ¡°Is she?¡± Ruwee asked Anakin who looked at Padme then back at Ruwee.


    ¡°...Yes... I''m afraid she is...¡± Anakin said, and Padme looked at him in shock. He winced and understood that was the wrong thing to say. But it was the truth.


    ¡°But not much!¡± Padme quickly added.


    Eventually Jobal, and Sola pulled Padme aside. Ruwee gestured for Anakin to follow him out into the back gardens. They watched as Shmi corrected the girls kata forms. While R2 created a holographic image of Jensaarai doing the forms with them. 3PO was walking through the gardens looking it over with a critical eye. Then when they were far enough away from everyone.


    ¡°So tell me honestly, son. How do you feel about my daughter?¡± Ruwee asked, and Anakin went stone still.


    ¡°I...I think I''m in love with her.¡± Anakin said...


    ¡°You think you are, or you are?¡± Ruwee asked, the distinction was important.


    ¡°....I am...¡± Anakin said after another minute. Ruwee stepped into Anakin''s personal space, while Anakin didn''t flinch. Then Ruwee pulled him into a hug.


    ¡°Then I hope she says yes when you ask her.¡± Ruwee said, and Anakin felt relief rush into him.


    Meanwhile back in the house...


    ¡°Why haven''t you told us about him?¡± Sola asked Padme as they cleaned up the table.


    ¡°What''s there to tell, he''s just a boy. An old friend, that''s all.¡± Padme replied easily.


    ¡°A boy? Have you seen the way he looks at you? Or the way you glance at him when he isn''t looking?¡± Sola asked with a smirk, and Padme blushed slightly.


    ¡°I...Ahem...¡± Padme tried, and failed to follow up.


    ¡°Dear sweet baby sister. So smart in everything but when it comes to love.¡± Sola said with a grin.


    ¡°Sola stop it! Mother, make her stop!¡± Padme whined pitifully.


    ¡°Sola''s just concerned, Padme. We all are.¡± Jobal replied with a knowing smile.


    ¡°I think your afraid to admit it.¡± Sola said to Padme next.


    ¡°I am not! I mean... What I am doing is important. Anakin and I are just friends. We are professional companions, work associates. Nothing more!¡± Padme said, but grew quiet as her sentence got longer.


    ¡°...Right...¡± Sola said with an eye roll....


    About an hour or so later. Padme, and Anakin are up in her room as she packs a few things to go to the retreat in the countryside. It was a security measure. It would just be them, and the servants at the retreat. For security! Padme noticed her mouth was dry and went to the refresher to took a glass of water. She realized her her face was red and she rubber her cheeks out. When she came back into the room Anakin was holding a picture of her on Venura training along side some Jensaarai students. She had a brilliant smile on her face.


    ¡°Is it nice up there?¡± Anakin asked, as he put the picture back.


    ¡°It is! Lash built these huge eco-domes under the surface. Each one has a different environment. Then the surface of the moon is breath taking. Though the surface is a bit dangerous depending on where you visit.¡± Padme said as she packed her bags.


    ¡°Dangerous?¡± Anakin asked, his interest was shown.


    ¡°Lash had several creatures imported to the moons surface. Certain areas are used as a hunting ground for the wilderness survival camps. No one has died as far as I know. Plenty of injuries though.¡± Padme admitted, she wasn''t sure why the civil government had agreed to let Lash do that.


    An odd feeling filled the room that neither could put a finger on. Like the Force was trying to tell them something but neither of them could hear it. Eventually Padme was packed and they said goodbye their respective families. Anakin was sad to say goodbye to his mother. But his duty as a Jedi came first. She understood that. The two of them soon arrived at the retreat. It was a grand villa on a lone island in the middle of one of Naboo''s minor lakes. Houses, villas, and mansions decorated the beaches, and other islands in the lake.


    Padme, and Anakin were alone on the island save for a few servant droids like R2. That was a pleasant surprise to them both. It didn''t take long for either of them to start testing the line of propriety. More than once Padme caught herself kissing Anakin. Little by little their personal boundaries fell. A few days passed on the island. Long, erotic, sensual days. That was until they received an emergency transmission from Qui-Gon. He was in trouble and they relayed his message to Coruscant at his request. The message had been a recording.


    The holographic image of Qui-Gon being attacked by a droideka set Anakin off. He tried to convince himself that he should stay and protect Padme. Until Padme won the argument by stating she was going to go rescue Qui-Gon. Anakin was ordered to protect Padme where ever she went. So he decided to follow her to the planet of Geonosis. They slipped from Naboo without any noticing. R2 by there side. They took a royal Naboo yacht and soon found themselves above the planet...


    =============================================================


    (Geonosis, Palace of Archduke Poggle the Lesser.)


    Qui-Gon Jinn floated in a repulsor field in his prison cell. Manacles bound his wrists, and ankles. A current of energy went through his body that kept him stiff as a board. All but his neck, and head were free. But that meant little as the device in the floor that kept him aloft rotated him clockwise. A few hours had passed since he had been captured. He wasn''t sure why the Confederacy had taken him alive... No, that wasn''t true. He knew why, and why just entered his cell.


    ¡°Master Dooku...¡± Qui-Gon said softly to his old master who came to look at him.


    Count Dooku was a human male Force User. Who had once been a Jedi Master, and Qui-Gon had been his padawan learner. He looked...good? Far younger that Qui-Gon had remembered him being. If Qui-Gon didn''t know any better he would say Dooku was younger than him now. But that couldn''t be possible. Dooku stood at approximately 6''2¡± with brushed back silver hair tied into a simple tail. He had sharp intelligent brown eyes, that had yellow highlights. He had a strong inverted triangle figure. Wide shoulders, with narrow hips. He wore a custom fitted cloak that reached his knees. A house clasp of the House Serenno around his neck. He then had a tailor made black vested suit, with pants, and boots. Along with a sash for a belt. On the sash was a peculiar curved handle of his lightsaber.


    ¡°Hello my old friend.¡± Dooku said to Qui-Gon a contrite expression was on his face.


    ¡°Master, what is going on?¡± Qui-Gon asked, he wanted to know why Dooku was planning a war with the Trade Federation, Tech Union, and the Banking Clans.


    ¡°...It''s complicated.¡± Dooku admitted as he slowly paced in a circle so he stay face to face with Qui-Gon as the machine rotated him.


    ¡°Please, Master explain it to me. I refuse to believe that the man who taught me for so long would give in to such a scheme. I want to believe, I must believe that you have a reason.¡± Qui-Gon said, as he felt his heart crack under the circumstance.


    ¡°What if I told you that the senate is under the control of a Sith Lord?¡± Dooku asked.


    ¡°Darth Sidious?¡± Qui-Gon asked, and Dooku looked up at him in surprise. Then a look of realization crossed his face.


    ¡°Master Lash is well informed. I''m happy you have found another friend who can help give you perspective my old apprentice.¡± Dooku admitted with a sly smile.


    ¡°Yes, Darth Sidious is in control of the senate. It is because of this that I have made the Confederacy.¡± Dooku said next, as he watched Qui-Gon''s reaction. Dooku was soon disappointed.


    ¡°It''s not possible, if a Sith Lord was in control of the senate the Jedi would know it. For it to even be possible the Sith would have to use...¡± Qui-Gon said, then stopped as he thought about it. Dooku watched him with interest as Qui-Gon worked the puzzle.


    ¡°Force Blank, a dark side technique. Master Lash knows it. If I hadn''t see his abilities my self I would never guess he was a Force User.¡± Qui-Gon admitted more to himself then Dooku.


    ¡°Very good my apprentice. Darth Sidious is strong in the dark side of the Force. So strong that I fear even the Jensaarai Master can not detect him. Please Qui-Gon, join with me. Together we can defeat the Sith and restore peace and order throughout the galaxy.¡± Dooku said, his expression pleading for Qui-Gon to accept.


    ¡°Bring your evidence to the council master. They can help!¡± Qui-Gon tried to persuade Dooku. But to no avail.


    ¡°I am sorry my old friend. But I can not. The Jedi are just as corrupt as the republic.¡± Dooku said, and that was when the lines were drawn between them.


    ¡°I''m sorry master, I can''t except that. You taught me to be a free thinker, to question authority so I may understand the Force better. I question you now. There has to be a better way.¡± Qui-Gon said, holding to his ideals.


    Dooku''s shoulders slumped as his heart broke in two. A master, and their apprentice always share a bond forged through years spent together. The Force tied them together, and in this moment the tether snapped. No longer were they bound. Qui-Gon felt it break, and his heart ached. Dooku turned to leave the room. He stopped at the door to take one last look at Qui-Gon.


    ¡°Perhaps your apprentice, Anakin will see reason. I''ll send your regards.¡± Dooku said, and Qui-Gon''s head snapped up.


    ¡°Anakin! Where is Anakin!? Master please!¡± Qui-Gon shouted as the door closed.


    _____________________________________________________________


    Anakin''s, and Padme''s poorly planned rescue mission failed. Within minutes of arriving on the planet and securing a landing site they were arrested by the Geonosians. As they had been one of the founding members of the CIS. They no longer recognized the republic as their government. Which meant that they could arrest, and place Anakin, and Padme on trial for espionage. Which they did, and were declared guilty.


    Anakin, and Padme were chained up and brought before the Petranaki Arena. Also known as the arena of justice to the Geonosian people. The Petranaki arena was a circular structure comprised of large spires built out of a natural rock hollow. The center of the arena was a flat, circular, sand floor with three columns near the edge. On the columns were chains used to keep prisoners in place during executions. It contained seating for over 100,000 spectators. (Wookiepedia!)


    They were both brought out via chariot with a Genosian rider, and mount pulling them. The Geonosians stood approximately at 5''7¡± with a insectoid appearance. They had a elongated facial structure, with eye stocks. Their skin/carapace had a brown, to sandstone color. They had segmented limbs like that of an insect. Three fingered hands, and feet. The drones of the species were smaller, and wingless, while the warriors had dragonfly like wings on their back. They had four mandibles around their mouth that used for their language, and expressive gestures.


    Poggle the Lesser, their leader had long tendrils that hung from his face. He also had a rectangular skull crest that gradually sloped up, then drifted down at the end. He wore ornate leather, and metal armor. Covered in gold, jewels, and other precious metals. Poggle had a pair of wings, but they looked broken. He used a cane to walk around, but he could jump with his wings for great distances.


    As Padme, and Anakin came into the arena they were met by nearly a 100,000 spectators. Poggle the lesser clicked in his language calling for his ''children'' to settle down. While extinguished guests stood on the balcony looking over the event. People like Viceroy Nute Gunray, and Jango Fett in full uniform, and his son Boba Fett. Along with Count Dooku, and a few more important individuals to the CIS. The Viceroy was giddy with anticipation over the execution of Senator Padme Amidala.


    ¡°Apprentice, how is your day?¡± Qui-Gon asked with a bemused expression. He was currently chained to a stone pillar in the arena. His arms above him in a taut position.


    ¡°Oh you know, Master. We came to rescue you. But as always I fell into a trap due to my poor planning.¡± Anakin said with a slight grin.


    ¡°We retransmitted the message, just like you asked.¡± Padme said next. Poggle the lesser called for the executions to begin.


    ¡°So, what''s the plan?¡± Anakin asked, as the gates to the arena started to open.


    ¡°Well let''s see who we have as guests first.¡± Qui-Gon suggested as he cleared his mind.


    The guards brought out three creatures. A Reek, Nexu, and a Acklay. Reeks were large, muscular quadrupeds. They were powerful and territorial mammals with a single central horn atop their head and a cheek horn on either side. They traditionally lived on grass plains and turf and had powerful hind limbs for charging. With an average height of 7''6'' high, and 13'' long. (Wookiepedia!)


    Nexu were agile catlike animal predators with four red eyes and a defensive mane of sharp quills. The four eyes gave them excellent vision, with the second pair allowing them to track prey by its body heat using infrared vision. The nexu was 14'' long and typically 2''9¡± tall. Nexu possessed sharp teeth and long claws, perfect for climbing trees. Their double tails were forked and whip-like. (Wookiepedia!)


    The acklay was a non-sentient mix of crustacean and reptile with amphibious traits that allowed it to inhabit the water and land of its homeworld. The gigantic creature was protected by a hard, shell-like carapace of bony nodules. They walked on six hardened, skin-covered claws, and had grappling hands. Its mouth was filled with razor-sharp teeth, and used an organ beneath its chin to sense the body electricity given off by its prey, which it would then spear with its pointed legs. The species had stretchy stomachs and three eyes. (Wookiepedia!)


    The nexu was being guided towards Padme, the reek went towards Anakin, and the acklay went towards Qui-Gon. The cheering from the spectators was deafening. Anakin started to fidgeted until he heard the sound of something popping. He glanced over at Padme only to pale slightly as she had popped her thumb out of place and slipped one hand out of her cuffs. Then she did the other. Now free she popped them both back in.


    ¡°Are you ok?¡± Anakin asked her, she blinked at him.


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡± She replied simply. ¡°I went through a surgery to soft joint my hands. Lash suggested it, he said it would save my life one day. Looks like he was right.¡± Padme said with a grin. Then used the chain to start climbing up the pillar.


    ¡°Why am I not surprised.¡± Qui-Gon said from his pillar. ¡°Eyes up Anakin. Focus on your own situation.¡±


    The acklay arrived before the reek and snarled at Qui-Gon. It took one of its bladed legs and thrust at Qui-Gon who moved out of its way. With a twist and a turn the creature cut through his chain. He was free, but still bound by his manacles. Being a Jedi Consular, Qui-Gon was more in tuned with the Force. He gained focus and pushed the acklay backwards. The creature was so surprised as it tipped backwards onto its shell. It flailed, and screamed in anger and fright.


    Anakin was next as the reek charged his position. Anakin jumped into the air, twisted and landed on the reeks backside. He wrapped his chain around the main horn of the reek and the momentum from the animal snapped the chain link like a twig. The reek took off to the side in an attempt to knock Anakin off. The guards chased him down.


    The nexu climbed up the stone pillar to get to Padme. She watched it carefully, as she planned her strike. When it reached up to claw her she punched it straight in the face. The thing was startled and fell off the pillar. It landed, but before it could get up and resume it''s attack Padme jumped off the pillar and drove the heel of her boot straight into the things skull. She shattered the bone and killed it instantly. The crowd went wild, as Nute Gunray looked on in dismay.


    ¡°She can''t do that! Shoot her...Or something.¡± The Viceroy called from the balcony. The move had been a surprise to everyone, including Dooku. But before any of them could act a purple lightsaber burst into being next to Jango''s neck.


    Count Dooku turned around with a pleased smile on his face. As if it was all within his expectations. He bowed slightly towards Master Mace Windu had come to help his fellow Jedi. One by one two hundred Jedi ignited their lightsabers around the arena. The thousands of Geonosians fled the arena. Then with a resounding crash! A dust cloud erupted from the arena. There stood Lash in full armor.


    ¡°Master Windu, how pleasant of you to join us.¡± Dooku said to his old friend. Windu gave Dooku one of his mile long stares.


    ¡°This party is over.¡± Windu said.


    ¡°Brave, but foolish my old Jedi friend. You are impossibly outnumbered.¡± Dooku said with a smug look.


    ¡°I don''t think so.¡± Windu said with a little smirk. Assured he was in the two hundred Jedi he had brought with him.


    ¡°We''ll see.¡± Dooku said, and to emphasize his point the clang, clang sound behind Windu announced the arrival of a B2-Battle Droid.


    B2-series super battle droids, also known as B2 super battle droids, super battle droids or super droids, were an advanced battle droid used by the CIS. Although one model of the B2-series was only equipped with wrist blasters on their right forearm, another was outfitted with wrist blasters on both forearms. B2''s were much stronger than their predecessors, and like the updated B1s used by the CIS, they did not require a command system to operate, which gave the droids limited independence. Another improvement was their thick armor casing, which contained their fragile sensors. However, B2s were designed with simple processors, limiting their ability to formulate strategies. As a result, they relied on organic commanders or tactical droids in order to effectively operate. (Wookiepedia!)


    B2''s primed there wrist mounted cannons and took aim. Windu stepped away from Jango and took a ready position with his lightsaber. Just as the B2''s started to fire. B1 battle droids swarmed into the arena to attack the other Jedi. The battle had begun! Windu jumped from the balcony to join his fellow Jedi on the ground. All the while Lash had given lightsabers to Qui-Gon, and Anakin.


    ===========================================================


    (Geonosis Arena)


    ¡°Been waiting long?¡± Lash asked as he helped Padme down from the reek who laughed, and gave him a hug. While blaster bolts fired on their position. The spell Deflection was at work.


    ¡°Not that long, your timing is incredible!¡± Padme shouted at him, and took an offered blaster rifle.


    ¡°What are you wearing?¡± Lash asked her. Padme was wearing a white body glove. A suit that covered her from neck to toe. It was form fitting, and left very little to the imagination.


    ¡°Anakin said I looked good.¡± Padme replied.


    ¡°I''m sure...¡± Lash chuckled, as he slapped the reek on the ass and Anakin took off into the battle droids.


    ¡°You always end up in the most interesting places, Master Qui-Gon.¡± A familiar voiced called out. Lash glanced to his side to see Obi-Wan Kenobi helping Qui-Gon with his restraints.


    ¡°Oh you know, Obi-Wan. The Force takes me where it wills.¡± Qui-Gon said with a smile as he hugged his former apprentice. Just like the movies the heroes can always take a moment to say hello.


    Lash had to admit it was a beautiful sight to see 200+ Jedi fight side by side. As the ever encroaching tide of battle droids slowly pushed in. Geonosians warriors flew down from the crevices that surrounded the arena. They used a type of sonic cannon that had a shotgun spread. That was win the first Jedi fell in battle. Lash reached out with his Telekinesis and snagged the fallen and dragged them to him.


    ¡°Padme stay with me and cover my back, will you?¡± Lash asked her, she nodded with acceptance as she started to aim her blaster rifle.


    Lash knelt down next to the fallen Jedi. He trusted Padme with her Force-Super abilities, and good aim. Lash looked over the body and saw that the soul-tether was in place. Death in Star Wars was interesting. The stronger you were in the Force. The longer your spirit stuck around. Like a candle flame, it took time to consume the wick.


    Lash reached into his Necromancy Domain and cast Corpse Repair, and Soul Heal. The damage to their body, and soul was quickly repaired. Then he cast Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, then with out any further delay. He cast Kiss of the Grave. The fallen Jedi snapped his eyes open and took a sputtering cough. He looked around in confusion as he had woken up from a vivid dream.


    ¡°The Living Force isn''t through with you yet, Jedi! Get up and rejoin your brothers and sisters!¡± Lash said and pulled them to their feet. Then moved to the next fallen.


    Anakin eventually made his way back to Padme''s side and deflected blasted bolts away from her. While she guarded Lash''s back. The sight of dead Jedi jumping with new life was a sight to behold to Anakin. He was not the only one, as Count Dooku watched with interest from his place on the balcony. Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan moved together as they danced through the droids just like old times. The reek had gotten loose and decided to run down Mace Windu.


    Windu sliced it''s cheek horn off, and escaped unharmed. But Jango Fett seeing an opportunity jumped down to finish Windu off. Jango took out his hand blasters and shot with quick precision at Windu. Always making sure he himself kept mobile to avoid a reflection shot. Regretfully Jango didn''t see the reek creature return as it overtook him and ran over him. Jango the ever quick thinker rolled with the stomping creature. Once the reek came around for another pass, Jango shot it point blank with his blaster.


    Then Windu sprinted towards Jango. He shot quickly, and effortlessly. But it was clear he need to reposition. Jango activated his jet pack, but when he failed to move due to a malfunction. Windu cut off his head in a swift and elegant move. Windu glanced down at his defeated foe and felt remorse for taking a life so easily. But his mind quickly focused on the hear and now. Never seeing poor Boba Fett who had hidden in the shadows and saw the fall of his father.


    Droideka ¨C Destroyers arrived in the arena and uncurled themselves from their ball like shape. They deployed their shield generators, and just like the rising tide the Jedi started to fall left and right. They were impossibly outnumbered just as Dooku had said. Mace Windu called the rally sign and the Jedi sprinted to the center of the arena as fast as they could to create a shield wall. All the while a burst of dark green light popped into being as another fallen Jedi was brought back from the brink.


    Then with a wave of Dooku''s hand the battle droids stopped firing and went to a stand ready position. Then another flash of light over took the arena briefly followed by a sputtering cough. Any of the fallen were dragged, or carried towards Lash. As he knelt by his patients. What ever Force ability he was using the Jedi didn''t care.


    ¡°Master Windu!¡± Dooku called down from his balcony. ¡°You have fought gallantly. Worthy of recognition in the history archives of the Jedi Order. Master Lash, I am pleased to see the stories of your mastery of the Force were not exaggerated.¡± He continued, as another flash of dark green light over took the arena again.


    Lash took a moment to stand and bow from his waist towards Dooku. The count smiled at the courtesy and watched in fascination as Lash returned to healing the fallen Jedi. Of the 200 Jedi that had arrived with Windu. Only sixty seven of them remained...sixty eight.....sixty nine... Despite Lash''s abilities the arisen Jedi were not in top form and were more of a handicap than anything else for the others.


    ¡°Surrender, and your lives will be spared!¡± Dooku said next, as the remaining Jedi looked up at him in contempt. Another flash of light...


    ¡°We will not be hostages for you to barter with, Dooku!¡± Windu said defiantly. Another flash of light..


    ¡°Then I am sorry my old friend, you will have to be destroyed.¡± Dooku replied with a regretful expression. Another flash of light...


    ¡°Master Lash! What will you say?¡± Dooku called down. ¡°As a member of the Jensaarai you need not die with the Jedi.¡± Another flash of light swallowed the arena.


    ¡°I thank you for the kind offer, Count Dooku. But I know where I stand.¡± Lash called out to him. He took another moment to bow. Then returned to his patients. The remaining Jedi, and newly restored Jedi all looked at him with respect.


    ¡°So be it.¡± Dooku said, and gestured for the droids to continue. Every B1, B2, Droideka, and Geonosian took aim. Then Padme glanced up and smiled in joy.


    ¡°Look up!¡± Padme shouted, and everyone glanced up but Lash. As another flash of light swallowed the arena.


    From the sky several troop transport gunships arrived with the mark of the Galactic Republic Army on them. The doors on the sides unfurled to reveal clone troopers as they fired onto the mass of droids in the arena. One particular gunship held Master Yoda as he looked on across the theater of war. He looked up at Dooku who had a look of surprise on his face. Yoda was not pleased.


    ¡°More battalions to the left. Encircle them we must, then divide. Around the survivors a perimeter create.¡± Yoda called out as the clone gunships landed and the troopers poured out.


    The Jedi jumped into the transports. Sadly Lash could not save all the Jedi and jumped into his own transport as he carried five more bodies waiting to be revived. Several clones died on the field before they could take off. Lash snagged their bodies onto his transport and they took off into the air. Count Dooku looked on as the transport left, a glint to his eye. He turned on his heel and moved to the command room.


    ________________________________


    As the armies of the republic, and CIS left. A lone boy crawled out from cover. Boba walked to his fathers body, and reached for his severed head. But before he could touch it, a dark tendril of shadow reached out from Jango''s neck, and snagged the head. Boba jumped back in fright. As the tendril of shadow reconnected Jango''s head. Then with a bright familiar light that Boba had seen during the battle. Jango gasped, and gave a sputtering cough.


    ¡°Dad!¡± Boba yelled and all but tackled Jango who was startled but soon reached out to his hug his boy.


    ¡°It''s alright.... We''re going to be alright...¡± Jango said, as he held his boy close. While in his head he heard a familiar monsters voice.


    ''Your contract is complete. Now be a good father, and raise your boy. See you around, Jango.'' -Wraith''s voice said.


    _________________________________


    The theater of war was in full swing as thousands of battle droids took to the field. While the clone army brought its Venator 1-Star Destroyers from orbit to land. Three huge landing struts extended out from the triangle underside of the ship. The ship rocked back and forth for a moment as the loading ramps extended and the clone ground forces poured out. While the top side hanger bay opened. Assault carriers moved AT-TE''s into the field, and gunships deployed specialized troops at the flanks.


    While on the CIS side of things hordes of mechanical soldiers poured from secret bunkers, spider holes, and the Trade Federation control cores. The cores were mobile factories capable of producing entire legions of battle droids as long as they had the time, and resources. But not only that, they also acted as processing centers for the droids. Currently there were over a dozen control cores in the field. However they look to be doing pre-flight checks. They were trying to leave.


    Spider ¨C Battle droids took the field. Giant monstrosities with a central orb that shot focused lasers that could cut through metal, flesh, and bone alike. Walked on giant daddy long legs struts. While their smaller cousins sniper droids. Hand segmented legs, two giant red eyes, and a blaster cannon in place of where a nose would be. These little things were shot with lethal precision. Next to them were hailfire droid tank. A mobile missile platform with two giant wheels. They rolled down the field running over their own troops without care.


    While in the air Geonosians, and vulture droid fighters fought against low altitude assault transports, and V-19 Torrent class starfighter. Blaster fire, torpedoes, and missiles fired back and forth. It was a spray and pray moment. No matter what direction you were pointed you would hit something as long as you pulled the trigger. The transport gunships took their Jedi leaders to the forward assembly area before they were shot down. By the time they reached the ground Lash had revived the last of the Jedi. Though he could heal the clone troopers he had a part to play and kept it to himself.


    ¡°Master Lash, I have orders from the Supreme Chancellor. You are granted a battle field promotion to General. What are your orders?¡± A yellow clone commander saluted Lash as he stepped off the transport.


    ¡°Take Master Yoda to the forward operations center. Have the Jedi assigned to commando units as planned. Give me a unit of phalanx guard for protection. All positions forward, have the main artillery concentrate on the core ships. More than that, defer to your own judgment.¡± Lash said to the commander who saluted him.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± The clone commander said, and started to give off rapid fire orders.


    Lash looked up into the sky and watched as several transports exploded and sent debris to the battlefield below. While the transport carrying Qui-Gon, Anakin, Padme, and Obi-Wan stayed in the air. Why, Lash had no idea. When his phalanx unit showed up they activated their shields and moved forward under Lash''s command. The other Jedi bull rushed straight into the fight. Their clone commandos dying behind them. Lash ground his molars in frustration.


    ¡°Hold!¡± Lash called out and the phalanx made a half turtle shell in defense.


    Lash quickly created a Force Magic ritual circle on the ground to empower his control. He watched as one of the core ships started to take off. He brought his mind to focus and reached out with his hands into a eagle talon grip. Telekinesis activated and Lash raked his clawed gloved hands down through a invisible resistant wall. While the Trade Federation core ship received giant claw marks down its side. The core ship failed to lift off and crashed back down into the ground. A few seconds later its reactor blew, and a mushroom cloud of dust swallowed the whole battlefield.


    ¡°Move forward!¡± Lash called out, and the phalanx team took measured steps through the cloud.


    The cloud of dust created a light show veil. The blaster fire was highlighted by the cloud. Which allowed everyone to see the bolts of energy in vivid detail. Unfortunately, it did obscured everything else. As each side shot did strafing runs, sprayed into the dust, or took cover. Phalanx guards formed up and provided much needed defense on the open field. The point defense gauntlets had been Instructor Wraith''s idea. They were seeing a lot of use now.


    Hailfire droid missiles shot through the air and destroyed a walker. The resulting shock wave blew clones off their feet. Hundreds were dying every minute. While droid aerial fighters dove into the ground army in a last act of desperation before they were brought to ruin. Artillery batteries focused on the core ships and brought another one down. While Lash raked his claws through another. Sadly the rest were able to escape into the atmosphere.


    Droid reinforcements stopped flowing in. The dust clouds faded as the remaining battle droids put up a valiant fight but were soon routed by clone forces. A light assault transport landed next to Lash and a commando jumped out to race towards his side. Lash was currently helping a clone medic with one of their own. Lash may not use resurrection on clones, but he can still heal them.


    ¡°General Lash! Your presence has been requested at the enemy camp. We are attempting to capture political prisoners, and any information we can obtain!¡± The commando said with a salute. Lash finished with the injured clone first.


    ¡°Lead the way!¡± Lash shouted and followed the commando onto the transport.


    The clone commandos with Lash wore a heavy armor variant of the clone trooper armor. With a lot of Mandalorian toys. They had a personal shield battery backpack. Helmet with augmented reality UI, vacuum sealed environmental suit with several hours worth of oxygen. Ascension grappling hooks on their forearms. Explosive mini darts on the other. They had all sorts of goodies in their utility belts. Then the multi ¨C tool blaster rifle. That had several modifications, and attachments depending on the commandos needs. Along with a multi ¨C blaster pistol. Viroblade combat knife. The commando team consisted of four man teams. Scout, demo, vanguard, and most importantly medic.


    The transport flew towards one of the Geonosian buildings. It looked like a termite colony learned how to work with metal. Giant towering mounds of dirt, and steel. With honeycomb holes scattered across the mound. Every few hundred feet the pile of dirt would bulge out like swollen injury. Then thin out as the tower got taller, and taller. At its base was metal, and polished stone. With a almost catacombs necropolis feel. Thousands of dead Geonosian bones were part of the mortar, and design.


    A few transport vessels had landed already. Each one held a commando troop, and a single Jedi. Lash''s landed and he jumped off with his troops. Lash recognized a few of them, and even a few of them were recently revived. They all glanced his way and sent him a grateful look, and a few bowed. A blue clone trooper was speaking to the Jedi. Lash moved to hear the briefing.


    ¡°General Lash, welcome!¡± The blue clone with the rank of lieutenant saluted. Lash saluted back with perfect etiquette.


    ¡°Please continue your briefing, Lieutenant.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± The blue said and showed a holographic display of the known mapped area.


    Lash reached out, and linked to the holographic. It''s map expanded to show off the entire installation, along with the hidden passages, and the tunnels that led out. Each one was clearly marked. Not only that it even showed their position marked in green. With enemy positions in red, with yellow markers for possible prisoners. The Blue trooper was shocked.


    ¡°I have a VI-program in the facility. I''ll link every ones visor, with your permission Lieutenant?¡± Lash offered, and the blue agreed right away.


    ¡°That makes things so much easier.¡± A Jedi commented, as he received the exact location for their mission assignment.


    ¡°General Lash, anything to add?¡± The Blue asked.


    ¡°Have some additional troops move to the escape tunnels and move their way in. With any luck we''ll box them in as we take the facility.¡± Lash replied, and the blue agreed.


    ¡°Master Lash, a moment of your time.¡± A Jedi master came to him before they were deployed.


    It was Jedi Master Plo Koon, who was a male Kel Dor. The Kel Dor were a tall, humanoid species that possessed four fingers on each hand. The thick, leathery hide that covered their bodies allowed them to survive exposure to the vacuum of space for a time. The Kel Dor wore masks to filter the air when they were offworld due to oxygen being poisonousto them. They also wore goggles to protect their eye fluids from evaporating. (Wookiepedia!)


    Plo Koon was on the Jedi Council, he wore the typical earth tone robes. Along with ceremonial ring claws on his hands. Often referred to as Master Plo he was well known for being level ¨C headed, and unflappably calm in the worst of situations. He was known to be one of the wisest members of the council, he was also kind, and tolerant of other cultures. He was deeply concerned with every aspect of life and considered it a tragedy when a sapient, and sentient individual died.


    ¡°Jedi Master Plo Koon, how may I help you?¡± Lash asked as he bowed towards him.


    ¡°I wanted to thank you. Many of my brothers and sisters would not be alive today if not for your efforts in the arena.¡± Plo said, as he bowed from his waist.


    ¡°Your welcome, but the battle isn''t over yet. If another member of your family falls. Due your best to bring them to me within a few hours. I''ll do what I can.¡± Lash replied as he held his hand out. Plo Koon took the invitation and shook his hand.


    ¡°Of course, may the Force be with you.¡± Plo said.


    ¡°And you...¡± Lash replied.


    The all ready was given and Lash''s team was the first to rush into the narrow hallways of the Geonosian structure. The moment they passed the first intersection blaster fire filled the tunnel. A sonic cannon fired and slammed into a Telekinetic barrier. Lash pushed forward, as the clone commandos shot around him. He made a one way shield. The few Geonosian''s that stayed out of sight via alcoves, or hidden rooms were quickly dispatched by the Jedi following his tail.


    As they reached their first T intersection Lash took one, while another two Jedi teams and their commandos split up. The commando vanguard popped their own phalanx shield and took point for them. Lash proceeded down the hallway. Droideka''s rolled down the path and before they could pop out they were shot dead center with a electromagnetic shot from an attachment on the scout/snipers rifle. All in all they were making great time.


    Lash''s troop made it into a command and control center with a holographic table dead center. It was approximately thirty feet in diameter. It showed real time descriptions of the battle. Or what was left of the battle. Along the side of the room were data projectors, holographic visuals. Along with a host of Geonosians, and battle droids. Lash raised his hand and picked each hostile up. Then crushed them like empty soda cans. The clone commandos glanced at one another, then at Lash. Then quickly searched the room.


    ¡°Cover the doors. My program can slice the computer I just need to insert a data spike.¡± Lash said to the clones. They moved to the openings.


    Lash went to a main terminal and touched it. A tech-spirit jumped in and started the download. Lash swapped through his different visual spectrum, and Magical Perceptions. He noticed a wall to the far off side was a door. He walked over and activated the switch. The door slid to the side to reveal a data tower in small room. It was hard lined into the data base and required an access key to access. Lash''s tech-spirit slipped pass the firewall with ease. Holy fuck!


    Attention User! You''ve found the incomplete plans for the first generation Death Star. Do you wish to copy the plans for 500 DP?


    You have purchased the incomplete plans for the first generation Death Star for 500 DP.


    The overall super structure was in the plans but not the primary weapon design. That didn''t make any sense. In the movies Poggle the Lesser gives the plans to Count Dooku for safe keeping. Dooku was suppose to be the only one with the design. That was until Lash''s tech-spirit brought back an answer. It was black mail. The Geonosian leader made copies of the battle station in case Darth Tyranus every betrayed the Geonosian people.


    Lash had his tech-spirit erase the plans, but kept everything else. There was supply depots, hidden bases, shipyards, recorded conversations, etc, etc. Lash downloaded it all. He''d have to ask Palpatine what he wanted to do with it. When he was done the data tower melted into slag. Lash came out of the hidden room, and the wall slid back into place. The clone commando lead looked at him in question.


    ¡°Until told otherwise by the Chancellor, none of you will speak about what was in that room. Confirm command.¡± Lash said with Commanding Presence and Compulsion.


    ¡°Command confirmed, General!¡± The clone commandos sounded off.


    The rest of the command center had a lot of interesting information that would please army command. Lash pulled up his Map and created a holographic Phantasm image for the clones. Their troops were moving with gradual ease through the installation. Several important prisoners had been captured as they fled through the secret tunnels. Poggle the Lesser was no where to be found. While the remaining Geonosian drones, and warriors did suicidal tactics. Grenades in hand as they sprinted towards the Jedi, and clones. Talk about loyalty.


    Lash expanded the map bit by bit. Thanks to the Star Wars Galaxy Map he bought. He had the whole planet under his preview. Eventually he found what he was looking for. Two dots marked as Qui-Gon Jinn, and Anakin Skywalker were fighting against Count Dooku in private shuttle bay. A few miles away Padme Amidala, and Obi-Wan Kenobi were on a transport filled with clones. Ah, so that is how it happened. Padme, and Obi-Wan were knocked out during the chase.


    With out much fan fair Master Yoda''s green dot was gradually moving towards the conflict in the shuttle bay. But it looked like the fight was not going the same way as the movies. Qui-Gon, and Anakin were still fighting side by side against Dooku. Lash collapsed the Map and decided to press on. He gathered his clones and moved to sweep through the rest of the facility....


    ----


    A few short hours later Lash was riding a transport towards the hidden shuttle bay. The battle was won, but the war had just begun. The Geonosian troops scattered to the extensive subterranean tunnels under their planet. It would take months or even years to dig them all out. The Trade Federation, banking clans, and Tech-Union fled the star system. While Count Dooku had used a solar sailor starship yacht. This was an important detail. Because the sails prevented anyone from tracking his energy trail.


    When Lash landed at the shuttle bay he jumped out and walked into the bay to find Qui-Gon speaking to Obi-Wan, and Master Yoda. The three of them turned to see Lash walk in. Qui-Gon gestured towards Anakin who sat in the back with Padme. They sat close together, their feelings for each other plain as day. Also Anakin had lost his right arm from the elbow down. It had been cauterized by Dooku''s saber. Qui-Gon looked conflicted about his padawan''s attachment to Padme. Lash approached them first.


    ¡°Dooku got away?¡± Lash asked, though he already knew the answer.


    ¡°Yes, we couldn''t track him either. Any incite for us?¡± Obi-Wan asked, as he shook Lash''s hand.


    ¡°He''s on Coruscant. It''s the best place to hide from the Jedi Council.¡± Lash said, and his provided answer surprised the three of them.


    ¡°Do you know where?¡± Qui-Gon asked, and Lash shook his head.


    ¡°Expected it''s to be. Grown powerful with the dark side of the force, Count Dooku has. It shrouds our vision, none the less thank you for your council, Master Lash.¡± Master Yoda replied with a crestfallen expression.


    Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan glance at Anakin and Padme again. Lash rolled his eyes and walked past the two Jedi. He went to check on Anakin who looked up at Lash with a apprehensive expression. Padme was by his side, holding his last remaining hand. Anakin''s arm was nearby sitting idly. Lash picked up and looked over the damage. Then knelt down next to Anakin. He looked at his severed limb.


    ¡°Do you want to do this now, or later?¡± Lash asked, as he held up Anakin''s severed arm. Anakin looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°I can put it back on. It just hurt''s a lot. Do you want to do it now?¡± Lash asked again, Padme''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Now please...¡± Qui-Gon said, as he came to his apprentice side.


    ¡°How badly is this going to hurt?¡± Anakin asked.


    ¡°Bite down on this.¡± Lash said, as he handed him a piece of leather. Padme took up Anakin''s hand and refused to let go. Obi-Wan came over to hold Anakin down, as did Qui-Gon.


    Lash cast the spells Restoration, and Regrowth. The bone, tendons, muscles, tissue, nerves, and skin slowly fused together. Anakin screamed in pure agony as the nerves connected. He bucked, and tried to get away from Lash but he was held down by those closes to him. Lash maintained his focus. It only took a minute to complete the spell craft. But to Anakin it may as well have been hours. The poor boy passed out by the end. But his arm was re attached.


    ¡°Is it done?¡± Padme asked, as she watched Lash test Anakin''s reflexes. His hand responded perfectly.


    ¡°Yep, he''ll have some residual numbness for a while. But that will go away with time.¡± Lash said to Qui-Gon more than Padme who nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Padme, may I speak to you privately for a moment?¡± Qui-Gon asked her, she looked up at him with a contrite expression.


    Lash sat down cross legged as he cradled his head in his hands. Obi-Wan sat next to him, as did Yoda after the green goblin inspected Lash''s work on Anakin''s arm. A clone medic came over to carry Anakin away in a medical pod. Two Jedi, and a Jensaarai sat in silence for a moment as they collected their thoughts. Obi-Wan glanced at Qui-Gon as he used his diplomacy to convince Padme to let Anakin go.


    ¡°Master Yoda, have you made that holo simulation part of the standard curriculum yet?¡± Lash asked


    ¡°Placed it with the council, I have. A decision to make, we will.¡± Master Yoda replied.


    ¡°Simulation?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    Lash took a few minutes to explain what he had given not only Yoda, but Anakin, and Qui-Gon as well. Obi-Wan was intrigued by the idea. With the war now in the open having curriculum on tactics and strategy made sense. All though it went against the values of the Jedi. If they were to survive this war they needed to adapt. At least that was Lash''s thinking. Time would tell. By the time Lash finished Padme had stiffly walked from the shuttle bay with tears brimming in her eyes. Qui-Gon looked ashamed for his words.


    ¡°You told her to end it?¡± Lash asked him, he nodded. Even if Anakin left the Jedi Order in the future. Here and now he was expected to adhere to the values of the Jedi.


    ¡°She requested that he escort her back to Naboo. There she will break it off with him.¡± Qui-Gon said to Master Yoda who agreed.


    ¡°Alright! Back to Coruscant the lot of you. We all have a lot work ahead of us.¡± Lash said as he pulled himself up.


    In a moment of weakness? Or familiarity? Yoda climbed onto Lash''s shoulder and sat down. Lash made no move to get rid of him. The four of them climbed aboard a transport en route to a star ship to take them back. Less than a day later Coruscant came into view. Lash left his Jedi companions to make way towards his corporate HQ. Or at least that is what everyone believed. In truth he took a secret transport to a deserted factory district. In this place, he was out of sight, and out of mind. The transport landed when a secret landing pad opened up for him. The droid had its memory banks erased the moment it landed. It would wait for Lash to return.


    Lash stepped out of his transport just as the secret door sealed itself. He had wrapped a Phantasm around him. Hiding his identity. The room was cold, and lifeless. Blue ghostly lights danced in the air, giving off a death like aura. Pillars rose up towards the ceiling. Each pillar had a mosaic on it that depicted torture, war, and death. At the base of each pillar were figures clad in pure black cloaks, and armor. Sith Cultists, worshipers of the dark side and the Sith Lord. They were sensitive to the Force. But could not use it. Just enough to be useful, not enough to be dangerous.


    A cultist came to him and bowed. Lash returned the gestured and was led through the Sith Temple. Yes, a Sith Temple found on the surface of Coruscant right under the Jedi Council''s noses. Darth Sidious had done a wonderful job keeping it hidden. Lash was led through several hallways, and passed many rooms. A few of them were filled with servants, and even dark side adepts that trained in spy craft, assassination, and aggressive negotiations.


    Lash was brought before a magnificent door that looked like it was bathed in blood, and carved with suffering. He could feel the pain that came off this door. The cultist left him there and Lash waited. No one passed the chamber, he was completely alone. Then after a few minutes the door opened to reveal a throne room that also served as a ritual casting area. Darth Sidious, and Darth Tyranus waited in the room. Sidious turned to look at Las as he entered.


    ¡°Darth Enfarious, welcome back.¡± Darth Sidious said to Lash.


    ¡°Lord Sidious, Lord Tyranus, I bring news.¡± Lash said to them both.


    Sidious aka Palpatine stood at approximately 5''5¡± maybe taller if he didn''t slouch. He wore a intricate black woven cloak, and robe that covered him from head to toe. The hood on the cloak covered almost his entire face, leaving only his chin, and a bit of his mouth. While neck had a clasp of unknown origin wrapped around it. Dark side lightning danced between his finger tips. Always ready at a moments notice to strike.


    Tyranus aka Dooku looked much the same as he did on Geonosis. Though he now wore a traditional Sith Lord cloak that oozed dark side energy. Tyranus nodded in respectful greeting towards Lash and/or Enfarious. Enfarious had been the ''Sith Sorcerer'' who restored his youth, and increased his strength within the Force. By multiplying the midi-chlorian in his body. But unlike Sidious, and Tyranus. Enfarious did not play into the rule of two. Enfarious was here to support Sidious and that was it. Or that was how it was explained to Tyranus.


    ¡°It seemed the Geonosians had a data tower full of black mail information. I copied it, and destroyed the tower. This was on it.¡± Lash said as he produced a holographic data chip to be viewed. Tyranus took it from him and slipped it into a viewer. His eyes narrowed in irritation.


    ¡°Most excellent Lord Enfarious. Odd that my apprentice did not catch this.¡± Sidious said with an obvious snarl at Tyranus for not suspecting the issue. Dooku looked like he had bitten into a lemon.


    ¡°That is why I am here...¡± Lash said, and left what was unsaid hanging in the air.


    ¡°Apologies my master, it will not happen again.¡± Dooku said with bowed head, and a bit of a glare at Lash.


    ¡°How did the clones perform?¡± Sidious asked.


    ¡°Beyond expectations. While the new designs of the battle droids were successfully hidden from the republic. Thank you for that, Lord Tyranus.¡± Lash said politely, and bowed his head towards Dooku who smiled amicably towards him.


    ¡°Wonderful! We have little left to discuss. But before you leave, Lord Enfarious. We have a new adept that needs tempering, if you please.¡± Sidious said with a grin, that was shared by Tyranus.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Lash replied, and bowed his head. He took several steps back with his head still bowed. Then turned on his heel and left the chamber.


    Once the chamber door closed behind him a cultist arrived to take him to a ritual chamber. There Lash found a young human woman who had been brutally tortured, and could hardly stand on her own feet. All the same she did, and Lash saw the dark side flow through her. Giving her strength as she gave in to her anger. The dark side fed on her life force in exchange. Lash clapped his hands to get her attention. She snapped into focus and jumped at him. Hands stretched out into claws. Lash easily froze her in place with Telekinesis.


    ¡°I am Lord Enfarious, Sith Sorcerer and servant to Darth Sidious.¡± Lash said in an acidic tone. The young woman''s eyes quickly came into focus as she realized who she had just tried to kill. But before she could speak...


    ¡°Think nothing of it. If you had successfully killed me that it would have proven I had no place by Darth Sidious side. I am here to temper you. I must warn you, it will be one of the most painful experiences you will ever have. Do you still accept?¡± Lash asked her.


    ¡°YES!¡± The young woman shouted at him.


    ¡°Very well...¡± Lash reached out and made her into a Force-Super. All though he only gave her half the power level as he did for his Jensaarai. Either way she would be a powerful adept. While he performed the task he used the Illusion Domain spell, Pain.


    The young woman screamed so loudly she shredded her vocal cords. She floated in the air, stretched out in a spread eagle position, with her body arched, and her limbs contorted. She was on the verged of having every bone in her body broken. While Lash refused to let her pass out from the pain. She screamed, wailed, and cursed the very heavens. But no once did she say stop. Her tortured screams filled the Sith Temple. The dark side of the Force fed on the magic, and fed on her emotions. By the end the dark side was satisfied with his sacrifice.


    The young woman was pale as death. She had a shaved head before, but now she had long black hair to the middle of her back. Her once pale blue eyes had become yellow crimson orbs of light. Black tattoos covered her body. They moved, and writhed with emotions. Her once stick like figure had been replaced with dense, compact muscles. When Lash released her from the Telekinetic hold she landed on her hands and feet with ease. She slowly stood up with a triumphant smile on her face.


    ¡°You have survived the tempering, congratulations.¡± Lash said to her.


    ¡°Thank you, Lord Enfarious. I will serve Darth Sidious with all of my being.¡± She replied, with a look of pure euphoria on her face.


    ¡°I''m sure you will. It''s an exciting time. War has come to the galaxy.¡± Lash said to her.


    The clone wars had begun....


    Galen


    I used Wookiepedia, and the Star Wars: Attack of the Clones screenplay. For several portions of this chapter. Obviously, I spliced in my own dialogue as well.


    Many of you will notice the long POV sections of the chapter. I am attempting the art of world-building, and character growth. Some of the more experience Authors that I enjoy reading. They use POV''s to help explain the world, and their part in it without taking attention away from the MC. I still need practice in this regard. So I thought to practice on Scribble Hub.

 Chapter 135: General Ripper.

    ============================================================


    ***Rift. Star Wars.***


    (Que the Star Wars theme music, and the Radio broadcast voice.)


    War!


    The Galactic Republic splits apart at the seems!


    Star systems across the galaxy join the


    Confederacy of Independent Systems.


    To help combat this threat, Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine


    as been given emergency powers to create


    a great army of the Republic.


    But who will lead this army?


    The Republic Senate has been gathered for


    an emergency meeting to address this issue


    in these perilous times.


    Many turn to the Jedi, keepers of the peace in the Galactic Republic.


    But, are the Jedi the only choice...?


    ===========================================================


    (Coruscant, Senate House.)


    Lash looked around in confusion as he tried to pinpoint the voice that just went through an entire introduction of the situation. As far as he could tell no one else beside himself could hear the voice. Once it had finished speaking he could almost Dawn snickering in the background of his mind. Lash rolled his eyes, and chuckled softly.


    Lash was currently in the Senate House in a precarious position. High above his friend Padme Amidala, the senator of Naboo''s Senate Pod. Lash sat in his own Senate Pod. Next to him was Nazvo his Ghost Industries aid, along with several Jensaarai defenders. It had been a week since the start of the ''Clone Wars''. Lash had followed the plan and volunteered to sponsor and pay for the Galactic Republic Militia. The idea had taken the Republic by storm.


    The Clone Trooper army was hilariously out numbered. The CIS had several million battle droids, and thousands of star ships available for the war. The Republic had 200,000 thousand clones, and a few hundred star ships. The militia would aid in the defense, and security of republic worlds. While also providing relief effort to liberated worlds saved by the Grand Army of the Republic. (GAR) But the idea that a single corporation would be in charge was questionable. However, no other corporation or systems were willing to foot the bill.


    ¡°Order! We will have order!¡± Mas Amedda, the Vice-Chair of the Chancellor called out. The giant blue Chagrian male yelled out. His voice held the type of power that comes from masters of public speaking.


    ¡°I don''t understand why this is an issue! The Trade Federation has legions of battle droids under their command for security. Why is this any different? Jensaarai Master Lash, and Chairman of Ghost Industries wishes to provide support and security to the Republic. He is willing to pay all the expenses. What does the republic have to lose!?¡± A senator called out after Mas Amedda called for order.


    ¡°What guarantees do we have that he will not become another Trade Federation?¡± Another Senator called out.


    ¡°That is outrageous! We have already submitted that Nute Gunray was an extremist. The Trade Federation is protected by Corporate Neutrality. We still have a seat in the senate and demand respect.¡± The Trade Federation senator called out.


    That really surprised and irritated Lash. Corporations could be so influential within the Galactic Republic that they could have a senate chair. There were entire star systems full of hundreds of millions of people that did not have their own representative. They had to link up to a larger, and stronger group just to be heard. Sometimes they could obtain a junior representative. While the Trade Federation could place a billion credits on the table and buy a chair.


    ¡°Senators please! I personally know Master Lash and I can speak well of his character. He is beyond reproach. We can trust him to provide stable, and reliable security for the republic.¡± Senator Padme Amidalla called out, as her pod floated around the assembly hall.


    ¡°That''s easy for you to say! The Jensaarai, and the people of Naboo are in the same system. You may as well be sleeping together!¡± A foul mouthed senator called out.


    ¡°That is quite enough!¡± Supreme Chancellor stood up and shouted. The entire assembly hall went silent, and the foul mouthed senator realized he made a mistake. Yes, Padme was from Naboo. But so was the Chancellor.


    ¡°We are not here to discuss the politics of the Jensaarai. We are here to decide if the chairman of Ghost Industries should be the sole ruler, and provider for the militia? Or not? Now, before we take a short recess to cool all our heads!¡± The chancellor said with a scowl towards the foul mouthed senator who clearly wanted to find a hole to hide in. ¡°Does chairman Lash have anything to say.¡±


    Lash activated his senate pod and his team floated into the middle of the assembly room. Lash glanced at each senator that had supported his right to rule the militia. He looked to Padme who looked smiled at him. Then he finally came to float next to the chancellor''s central pillar in the grand assembly. Lash took a moment to put his thoughts into order.


    ¡°I hate politics...¡± Lash said at the start, and several people laughed. ¡°Economic security is one of the first things you lose when you go to war. When your trade routes are under attack. You can''t guarantee the protection of the merchant companies. No trade, means no resources. No resources means that your governments have to start cutting corners. That means things that people have taken for granted start get taken away. Fresh water, sanitation, medicine, food, education, protection.¡± Lash continued as he started to list items.


    ¡°Very few planets, or star systems are self sufficient. In six months, to a year. The idea that a corporation wants to pay for a galactic wide security company to assist the war effort out of its own pocket. Will be a miracle in it self. I am simply ahead of the curve. But, that is not what you are all afraid of. You worry that I will use the militia to my own end.¡± Lash said to the room and more than a few people nodded in agreement. It''s what they would do.


    ¡°So in response to your fears. I will hand the militia over to the senate.¡± Lash said and the entire senate room went into a chorus of surprise shouts. ¡°Ghost Industries will continue to foot the bill, but the overall control will reside with the senate.¡± Lash finished, and pressed the home icon on his senate house pod. It returned to its original position. With a resounding applause and cheering in its wake.


    Lash was voted for being one of the Grand Admirals of the Galactic Republic Militia. It seemed only fair. But what few nay says there were among the senate were quickly swallowed by the positive feedback. Of course it wasn''t that simple. There was still a litany of paper work, legal loop holes, etc. That they would have to get through. Yes, Ghost Industries would be paying the initial amount of credits. But for every system that came under their protection, that system it would have to pay a fee. They were Republic Militia in name only. In end it was a security company.


    Lash, and his crew were greeted by hundreds of senators congratulating, and thanking him for his foresight. The Militia already had a list of systems that would hope for their protection in the future. But first they had to build their facilities. Which they had been doing for the past week at corporate HQ. Ghost Industries went from a little over 500 employees. To about 300,000 and it was growing. Another mega-tower was being built. Along with a Kamino training facility. One of those simulation domes. Lash really liked the design.


    ¡°Master Lash! Congratulations on you promotion. Or perhaps we should be calling you Senator Lash?¡± Bail Organa''s voice came from the crowd. Lash turned to look at him, along with Padme, and Onaconda Farr the Rodian Senator.


    ¡°Please don''t.¡± Lash said in a bemused tone of voice. The senators around him laughed at his playful jab.


    ¡°Nonetheless, I wouldn''t be surprised if Ghost Industries will have a chair in the senate house soon. Spirits know we could use a corporation with good intentions.¡± Senator Farr said with an amiable smile.


    ¡°Once upon a time, the Trade Federation had good intentions. Best I can do is learn from the mistakes of my predecessors. Now, I hate to ask. But I actually need to speak to your three privately about another matter.¡± Lash said just loudly enough for the nearby senators to hear.


    ¡°Aha! A private meeting already! We''ll make you a senator yet!¡± A joyful voice called out, and the crowd around him laughed.


    Nazvo, his aid received an escort back to Ghost Industries by the Jensaarai defenders. Lash didn''t need an escort. Technically neither did Nazvo as she had finished her second stage of training and now had a body glove threaded with beskar. She wore her new suit under her ceremonial, soon to be junior representative robes. She passed Lash a data pad for his meeting and left without a word. The Jensaarai defenders bowed to Lash and left.


    Senator Organa, Senator Far, and Senator Amidala walked with Lash towards a private meeting in the offices of Alderaan''s embassy area. Along the way they had a few meet, and greets of senators wishing Lash congratulations. Along with a few corporations who were interested in buying into the militia. Lash sent them Ghost Industries private investors holo-comunications line. Until at last they reached the office.


    ¡°I didn''t expect you to be so popular, Lash.¡± Padme said with a teasing smile on her face.


    ¡°I expected you to be still be wearing your wedding ring.¡± Lash whispered to her as he came to give her a gentle hug. Padme went stock still in shock. ¡°I''ll give your wedding present later, alright?¡± Lash said with a chuckle as he poked her. She jumped in surprise and gave him a mock glare. Though a smile tugged on her lips.


    ¡°We''ll talk later about that.¡± Padme said, and went to take a seat with Organa, and Farr who had sat off to the side waiting for them to finish with what ever they were speaking about.


    Just like in the movie. Anakin, and Padme had married in secret on Naboo. But this time the wedding ceremony had Shmi Skywalker, and Sola Naberrie. On the groom, and brides side respectively. On ''paper'', Padme had broken things off with Anakin. As far as anyone knew that is what had happened. It had been one of the happiest days of their lives. It was a pity they couldn''t share it with their friends, and family. What they didn''t know was Palpatine, and Lash knew about the wedding.


    ¡°Senator Organa what do you know about the refugee issue?¡± Lash asked, and the pleasant atmosphere evaporated from the room. Bail Oragana sat up straight as he looked at his fellow senators, and Lash.


    ¡°It''s not going well. The war has been going for little over a standard week. Already hundreds of thousands of people are flooding our refugee programs. We estimate by the end of the month we''ll have several million. In three months time we will run out of place to put them.¡± Organa said, as his sad expression said it all. Bail Organa was the type of senator that everyone wanted. He truly cared about his people, and worked his hardest for them.


    ¡°The assembly signed the displacement bill only a few days ago. Every star system with space must have a refugee, and displacement program in place. But unfortunately systems are declaring they are full, and can''t take anymore. Some are obviously lying. But others are not. They are completely full.¡± Senator Farr said next as he looked at Lash. His starscape eyes focused on him. Trying to figure out why Lash would ask this question.


    ¡°Just as you said in the assembly, economic security is the first to go. As each of the star systems are drained of their stock piled resources. They won''t be able to feed their own people, let alone the refugees.¡± Padme said next...


    ¡°Within the core, inner, and mid rim regions of the Galactic Republic there are hundreds of barren planets, and moons. Pieces of rock with little to no atmosphere. They are either to close, or to far from the sun. Or they would take decades for standard terraforming change them. I want you to reach out to your fellow like minded senators. The people that want to help, but don''t have the means to help.¡± Lash said to the three of them.


    ¡°If they agree to increasing their refugee program. My company will terraform a moon, or planet to house the refugees. It will be a new colony under the star systems preview. Preferably a bread basket world.¡± Lash offered his idea and was met with wide eyes.


    ¡°As for payment? It will be at cost, and the systems will not have to start paying it back until one year after the war is over. Also, I request that a militia recruitment center be at each refugee center.¡± Lash said next, and it was clearly a surprise.


    ¡°Lash...How can you afford this?¡± Padme asked a very good question.


    ¡°What? Oh don''t worry about the financial situation. We''ll be fine.¡± Lash replied with an easy going attitude. He wasn''t sure how much money he had in his Money Storage thanks to his achievement. But it was something around a few trillion credits... Plus he could turn DP into money as well.


    ¡°That...Yes! That could work! If Ghost Industries turned the ruined worlds into bread baskets. The refugee''s could not only work, but provide for the republic as a whole.¡± Senator Organa said as he jumped to his feet and started pacing.


    ¡°But they would have to agree to oversight. I don''t want to show up on a restored world to find the refugee''s living in squalor. While they labor all day for food they themselves will never eat.¡± Lash said in a serious tone.


    ¡°Yes, of course! Technically Ghost Industries would partially own the worlds until they were paid back. So they would have say in what happened on the world.¡± Senator Farr stood up and took out his holo-communicator.


    ¡°Could we bring this to the senate?¡± Padme asked optimism was tempered by pragmatism.


    ¡°No, to many people would take advantage of the situation. That is why I came to your three. I know you. I trust and respect you.¡± Lash said, and to put an emphasis on that very point. Lash retracted his helmet/mask. All three of them gasped in shock.


    Not even Padme had seen Lash without his mask on. Lash had slightly altered his image to reveal his all to pale skin from lack of sunlight. Scale ridges along his jaw, and nose. With a tear drop purple stone on his forehead. With the tribal marks of his spell domains along his naked scalp. His reptilian yellow green eyes looked at all of them. Despite the clear show of trust towards them a chill rolled down all three of their spines. The unnatural, not part of this reality, feeling that Lash gave off magnified in that moment.


    ¡°Can I trust you three to find the right people for this refugee program?¡± Lash asked, as he snapped their attention back to the subject.


    ¡°Your pretty cute.¡± Padme said, and clearly didn''t mean to say it out loud. Because Lash looked at her with a raised scaled brow. ¡°I-I mean...Yane and Sache had seen you before. I... They said you were alright...And...I..I...Eh.¡± Padme said in a soft squeak by the end. Organa, and Farr both snickered at her. Padme coughed and turned away to gather her thoughts.


    ¡°Lash, you have brought hope to my people. For the first time in centuries my family walked across the surface of my planet and breathed fresh air. Yes, you can trust us. We will find the right people for this program.¡± Senator Farr said, as he bowed from his waist towards Lash.


    ¡°Good...¡± Lash said, and replaced his helmet/mask.


    ¡°Wonderful! Now, I need to leave. I have a lot of work to do. Please if you have any questions please contact me. If you cant get a hold of me. Contact my aid Nazvo, she is aware of what we have spoken about. This is the direct line. This is for you three, and only you three.¡± Lash said next, and handed them all the ID code.


    Lash left the three senators to their discussion. With a quick cast of Anonymity Lash disappeared into obscurity among the crowds. He left the senate house and was shocked to see holographic projectors with recruitment adds for the Republic Militia. They had discuss the adds ahead of time. The perks, and benefits of signing up. Lash just didn''t expect to see adds so fast. They had only voted on it a few hours ago. One of the few times the government was on task.


    The senate house had it''s own docking ring full of private, business, and economic transports across Coruscant. Lash snagged a private transport and headed straight towards Ghost HQ. Paying extra allowed him to use the VIP traffic lanes. But once again he was surprised to see a long line of economic commercial transports headed towards HQ. Thousands of people were signing up. Lash activated his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits and sent them off towards HQ. Within moments he was assaulted with information.


    ¡°Looks like I have a lot to do.¡± Lash said softly as his transport sped along.


    ===============================================================


    (Coruscant, Jedi Temple)


    Jedi Padawan learner, Anakin Skywalker paced back and forth outside of the Jedi Council chambers. His Master Qui-Gon Jinn had been called in without him. It wasn''t the first time the council had called just Qui-Gon. But it had been one of the few times they had called for them both, but asked Anakin to wait outside. That normally meant he had done something wrong. They were discussing a punishment.


    Anakin fretted over the worry that maybe they knew about him, and Padme''s marriage. But they had been so careful. Only a few people knew. Those that had known were sworn to secrecy. Though Anakin wanted to tell Chancellor Palpatine the truth. He agreed with Padme it would be dangerous. Just like how Padme wanted to tell Lash. But decided against it. Anakin paced to and fro in the long hallways for what seemed like the hundredth time until he heard his name being called.


    ¡°They still haven''t decided, Anakin?¡± Obi-Wan Kenobi asked, as he walked up. Anakin perked up to see his Masters old apprentice Obi-Wan.


    ¡°Do you know what they are talking about?¡± Anakin asked Obi-Wan who gave him a smug look.


    ¡°I do...¡± Obi-Wan said.


    ¡°Can you tell me?¡± Anakin asked.


    ¡°I could...¡± Obi-Wan said, his smile growing. Anakin''s eye twitched in irritation.


    ¡°Will you tell me?¡± Anakin asked.


    ¡°I''m afraid not...¡± Obi-Wan said, his smile grew into a smirk. Anakin groaned in frustration.


    Obi-Wan cracked up laughing at him. Obi-Wan had been a friend, and brother to Anakin while he trained with Qui-Gon for nearly ten years. They would often do missions together, and Obi-Wan would help Anakin through the tribulations of being the padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn. Obi-Wan was no longer the young man he had been back on Naboo. Now, he was older with a groomed beard, and shaggy long hair past his ears. He carried himself with the confidence that comes with being a Jedi Knight.


    ¡°How''s the arm?¡± Obi-Wan asked after he finished laughing at Anakin''s expense. Anakin looked down at said arm that had been severed by Count Dooku in their fight. Along his elbow was a full circle scar.


    ¡°I still get tingles from time to time. But Lash said those will pass in time.¡± Anakin said, and flexed his arm in front of Obi-Wan.


    ¡°Has it effected your saber forms?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    ¡°A little bit, Master Qui-Gon has me practicing with both hands.¡± Anakin replied.


    Before either of them could continue the discussion the council chamber door opened up. Qui-Gon came out with a grave expression on his face. He looked to Obi-Wan and nodded his head. Obi-Wan sighed in dismay as he looked at Anakin who and gone pale as a sheet. Qui-Gon came to his apprentice side and pulled him into a hug.


    ¡°I have done all I can for you. But now we must go from master and apprentice...To brothers.¡± Qui-Gon said softly to Anakin who went from pale as a sheet to confused student with questions on his face.


    ¡°Master?¡± Anakin asked.


    Slowly Anakin was guided into the Jedi Council chambers only to find it pitch black. The light from the outside hallway the only source. Anakin was led to the central portion chamber just as the door closed. Then one by one the Jedi Council ignited their lightsabers, each one pointed up with the guard level with their chest. Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan right beside them. In the central position of the ring was Master Yoda. Who held his lightsaber pointed down.


    ¡°Step forward, and kneel Padawan...¡± Yoda called, and Anakin started to smile. He had heard of this ritual before.


    ¡°Anakin Skywalker, by the right of the council.¡± Master Yoda began to say, as he placed his lightsaber just above Anakin''s right shoulder. ¡°By the will of the Force.¡± Yoda said as he moved the blade up, and over to his left shoulder. ¡°Dub thee I do. Jedi... Knight of the Republic.¡± Yoda declared, and with expert ease sliced off the Padawan braid next to Anakin''s right ear.


    Anakin stood then at the behest of the council. A smile on his face, a sense of satisfaction filling him up like never before. He had done what he had set out to do. He had become a Jedi Knight, a servant and protector of the republic. One of the youngest recorded in history. One by one the Jedi Council sheathed their blades, and the lights in the council chamber room grew bright. Until all had revealed themselves.


    In an odd turn of events Master Mace Windu was the first to congratulate him. Anakin had always believed that Windu didn''t like him. But through Qui-Gon''s council he learned that Windu was simply afraid of who he could become. So best to work hard, and prove the Qui-Gon''s faith in Anakin was not misplaced. Now, it seemed that Windu begrudgingly accepted Anakin. But time would tell. What would Windu say if he knew that Anakin had already betrayed the Jedi oath and taken a wife? Or that Anakin planned to leave the Jedi in favor for the Jensaarai? What would Master Qui-Gon say then?


    ===============================================================


    Three weeks later the reality of the war finally hit the Galactic Republic. The CIS seized the hyperspace lanes leading in and out of the outer, and mid rim systems. Refugee''s, and displaced citizens of the galactic republic were pushed into programs that could barely contain them. Entire star systems found themselves starving because they had completely relied on importing food. Desperate pleas for help were called out. While the galactic senate debated on the issues.


    Easy questions, with a complicated answers. The Galactic Republic was nearly bankrupt. Tensions with the outer colonies had been developing for years. More and more inner systems relied on the outer colonies to export resources such as minerals, food, and medicine. While the inner colonies used these resources to build their infrastructure. The outer colonies learned the very thing that the inner colonies feared they would. The inner colonies needed the outer colonies, not the other way around.


    This resulted in gross taxation of the inner, and mid rim colonies. Rationing food, medicine, and resources to keep up with supply and demand. As always the top 10% hoarded what they had, and gave little to nothing to those beneath them. That was until the senate pushed a bill for full taxation of the top 10%. How that bill went through, was anybodies guess. All the while business that provided aid, and resources to the republic were given special compensation. Companies like Ghost Industries, who started to gobble up small, medium, and even large companies that were having a fire sale. Because everything must go.


    Ghost Industries bought nearly 100 square miles of Coruscant''s surface. Filled to the brim with manufacturing, training, and education facilities. Shipyards were building twenty four hours day, seven days a week. A Kamino simulation hall was built in record time. As thousands of republic militia soldiers were being trained. The first wave of militia troops were to be deployed next month. At the chairman''s request clone troopers were sent to help in the training, and education of the militia troops. That way the two arms of the military could learn to work together. Along with several Jedi, and their Padawans. All the while dozens of Jensaarai, and Mandalorians trained with the Militia. Everyone got along perfectly.... Right?


    ¡°That is not how it works you moron!¡± A Mandalorian warrior screamed at a Jedi Knight as they discussed basic tactics.


    ¡°Calm yourself, sir! I am simply stating that we could push through the enemy lines with ease.¡± The Jedi Knight declared with cool confidence.


    ¡°Yes, you could get through the line. What about your soldiers? These aren''t clones. These are people who will refuse to follow a suicidal orders.¡± The Mandalorian said back.


    ¡°It is not suicidal. All they would have to do is follow behind master and I and the force will protect them!¡± The padawan shouted in reply.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Lash shouted at them. The Jedi, and the Mandalorian all glanced at Lash.


    ¡°Why don''t we run the exercise? See who''s right, and who''s wrong?¡± Lash offered the two debating teams.


    ¡°At last someone who sees reason. Thank you, Master Lash.¡± The Jedi Knight said with a bow that their padawan followed.


    ¡°Yes, someone who sees reason.¡± The Mandalorian chuckled, as he saluted Lash.


    The two teams separated to their designated parts of the simulation hall. Blissfully the simulation hall had multiple layers, and hundreds of rooms. While the larger, more extravagant simulations were on the bottom floor. Lash had been called in to mediate an argument between the two sides. Once again Lash was reminded that the Jedi do not have practical experience in war. Each team received approximately fifty militia trainees. One was defending, one was attacking.


    The Jedi used training sabers that would deflect bolts of electronic lasers (E-lasers), as well as stun any who were struck by them. They were leading their team straight up the middle in a spear point practice. They would lay siege to a wall that was approximately thirty feet tall. They had argued that they could claim the outpost with minimal casualties.


    The Mandalorian used the new training E-Lasers provided by Ghost Industries to set up a defensible position on the wall. The fifty militia on their side were spread out evenly. While a few more were in the two watchtowers. The watchtowers had two anti-personal turrets ready to be fired. The layout was a jungle, during mid day. There was hundred yards of cleared terrain around the wall.


    ¡°SIMULATION BEGIN!¡± A synthetic voice called overhead.


    Within five minutes of the simulation start here came the Jedi, and their padawan. They ran straight down the middle. Sabers out, with the militia troop right behind them. Lash cradled his head in his face and groaned in dismay. As the Mandalorian gave the order for the turrets to open fire. They concentrated on the militia behind the Jedi. While the soldiers on the wall fired on the Jedi, behind their defensible position. The Jedi did get on the wall, and did take out fifteen militia before they went down. All in all the Jedi lost, and all of their militia lost. Before the Mandalorian could gloat, Lash came down to speak to them.


    ¡°What rules did you break, Mandalorian? To ensure your victory?¡± The Jedi accused them. All the while the Mandalorian simply scoffed and kept his silence. He saw Lash coming down to speak to them.


    ¡°He didn''t do anything. This is a standard exercise without additional support. You rushed a defensible position. Got your entire team killed. Then got yourselves killed. At any time did you think to ask your sergeant want they thought of your suicidal attack?¡± Lash asked the Jedi, then pointed out the training sergeant who looked surprised he was called on.


    ¡°I didn''t need to. He would have agreed with me.¡± The Jedi said as he crossed his arms confidently.


    ¡°Begging your pardon, Master Jedi. But I don''t agree. Especially after we all failed to take the outpost.¡± The sergeant said softly, and shrunk under the Jedi''s gaze.


    ¡°Sergeant, this is me asking. What would you have done?¡± Lash asked them. The sergeant in training looked at their assigned Jedi, then looked at the man who paid him.


    ¡°Well... We knew that the turrets didn''t have infrared. That was in the briefing. We have smoke grenades. We could have thrown them in first to obscure our movements. The Jedi could have ran in first, their sabers would have been like a beacon. Then we could have assaulted from the sides. All the focus would have been on them.¡± The sergeant said after a bit of thought.


    ¡°That, would have been a good plan!¡± The Mandalorian warrior said.


    ¡°But this worked before!¡± The Padawan said in dismay. That caught Lash''s attention. As far as he knew this was the first time they had run this kind of simulation.


    ¡°What do you mean, before?¡± Lash asked, as he focused on the padawan.


    ¡°A year ago we were tasked to track down a group of slavers. My padawan and I stormed their base right up the middle without any issues.¡± The Jedi replied. The Mandalorian barked out a laugh, and Lash groaned.


    ¡°Did the slavers have two watchtowers with high powered anti-personal turrets?¡± Lash asked, the both of them.


    ¡°They had watchtowers, but they were filled with slavers with blaster pistols.¡± The padawan replied. Lash had continued to wear his helmet/mask but his deadpanned expression must have been felt through it. The padawan, and Jedi both shrunk under his gaze.


    ¡°You know what? It''s fine, that is why we train. That is why we do this here! We make mistakes in training, so we don''t make them in the field.¡± Lash said loudly as he was trying convince himself not to murder the Jedi, and his padawan.


    ¡°Everyone reset and do it again!¡± Lash called out, and he returned to the observation tower.


    In the observation tower was several militia officers in training who had heard the entire conversation. Along with a Jedi Master who looked sympathetic to their fellow Jedi''s mistakes. While another Mandalorian warrior was showing foundlings what mistakes had been made. Once Lash stepped foot into the tower. The rooms occupants turned, bowed or saluted. Then went back to watching the set up. Lash stepped up next to Jedi Master Aalya Secura.


    Aalya Secura was a Force-User female Twi''lek, Rylothian had a blue skin tone, with hazel eyes. She stood at approximately 5''5¡± with an athletic hourglass figure. Like all Twi''lek''s she had two long lekku''s or head tails that were bound, and decorated with wraps, jewelry, and tattoos. Aalya wore a combination of tight leather, and armored plates that covered her vitals and little else. As far as Lash knew it was a cultural symbolism for Rylothians that he absolutely despised.


    Aalya Secura was a bit of an oddity. She was incredibly intelligent, but also had a bit of mischief about her. She loved playing practical jokes on her fellow Jedi. She was also compassionate, and sympathetic to those around her. Thanks to her Force-User abilities of empathy. She was an excellent diplomat, and investigator. She would often split her time between training the younglings at the temple, and performing missions for the Order. She had volunteered to be one of the Jedi Masters at the Republic Militia training operation.


    ¡°Thank you for not losing your temper with them.¡± Aalya whispered to Lash as he came to stand by her side. They watched together as the Jedi Knight followed the sergeants idea and popped smoke.


    ¡°I''m beginning to think all Jedi should do a semester of training here before they go out to the war. We keep coming across Jedi who believe they can do anything because it worked on pirates, and thugs.¡± Lash replied in a soft growl. As he watched the Jedi Knight fall in battle, again.


    ¡°The Jedi are not soldiers, nor are we generals. We are keepers of the peace. I''ve noticed the Jensaarai don''t have our issues. Why is that?¡± Aalya asked, as she turned her focus towards Lash. The Jedi''s team failed to obtain the wall, but got further this time.


    ¡°We have our own training facilities on Venura. Big open battles is part of the training regiment. Having a master that is a Mandalorian tends to color their perception. Being prepared for a war is part of our religion.¡± Lash replied as he sent several quick notes to both sides. On what they did well, and what they could be better on.


    ¡°Perhaps we should switch places then. Have the Jedi support the Militia, while the Jensaarai lead the war?¡± Aalya said softly as she returned her attention to the battle.


    ¡°I wouldn''t complain, you should bring it up at the next council meeting.¡± Lash said, and meant it. But he knew it would never pass. Palpatine wanted as many dead jedi as he could get.


    ¡°What do you get out of this, Master Lash?¡± Aalya said suddenly with a non sequitur. Lash blinked and turned to look at her.


    ¡°I need more information...¡± Confessed Lash as he had no idea what she was talking about. Aalya turned to look at him, and a smile stretched across her face.


    ¡°It''s not often I catch you in a miss step. I''ll have to savor this.¡± Aalya said as she licked her lips in appreciation. Lash shrugged his shoulders and let her bask for a moment.


    ¡°This... All this must cost a fortune. You could have supported the republic by encouraging your Jensaarai to join the war effort. But instead you are supplying the resources, and credits to create a militia. You are transforming entire worlds into homes for refugees, and food production. So, what do you get out of this?¡± Aalya asked, as she stepped into his personal space and poked his armored chest with a finger. The room had gone silent as everyone inside was watching them now.


    ¡°I''m paying it forward.¡± Lash replied easily.


    ¡°Paying what forward?¡± Aalya asked.


    ¡°There is no dark side, nor a light side. There is only the Force. I will do what I must to keep the balance. There is no good without evil, but evil must not be allowed to flourish. There is passion, yet peace. There is serenity, yet emotion. There is chaos, yet order. I am a keeper of the Grey Code. I am a Jensaarai.¡± Lash recited his oath to her, and the whole room stirred with energy as the Force danced in delight. Before Aalya could say anything more Lash activated the com channel for the simulation room.


    ¡°Alright everyone. Times up, another team needs the room. Go hit the showers and get something to eat.¡± Lash said to them. Then with a bow towards Aalya he turned on his heel and left the room.


    Lash exited the elevator shaft in the main tower and walked through the large hallways of durasteel in mild silence. Instructors, and officers in training got out of his way. He saluted them, as they in turn saluted him. Both as their boss, and Grand Admiral of the militia. Lash had a good reputation among the militia. He paid them well, provided benefits for their families. Especially if they died in combat.


    He was also well liked because he was not just a face that people would see in a holographic projection in the main lobby. Lash spent time in the training simulators with the soldiers. At least once a week if he was on Coruscant he would step in to lead a group. He made sure to learn their names, and ranks. Asked about their families. He got involved as best he could without breaching the line of propriety.


    Lash felt it was his duty to look in on them. As most of them would be dead by months end. The war was not going well. Systems after systems were being lost to the CIS. The senate was being called today to vote on purchasing additional troops from the Kaminoans. There was already 1.5 million clones in training. The Republic wanted to buy an additional 5 million troops, plus equipment, and ships. A single Acclamator-class assault ship costed 29 million credits. Just the ship. While a single clone could cost anywhere from 1 hundred thousand credits, or more!?


    Lash received a notification through one of his tech-spirits. He was requested to attend the senate assembly. They had made a joke about it. But it turned out to be true. Lash had been given a probationary senate chair. Normally Nazvo his aid would attend. But that was only when he was not in the core regions. Since he was on Coruscant that meant he was expected to attend. Lash groaned in dissatisfaction and turned around to head to the transports.


    The senate assembly was a mad house. Hundreds of thousands of protestors were outside the main entrance with holographic signs. They wanted the war to stop. It had only officially been going for a month! If Palpatine''s plan went as expected it would be years before the war was over. As Lash''s private transport flew over the crowd, he watched in fascination as he detected at least one Dark Acolyte among them who''s entire job was to stir up the crowd.


    Once his transport landed he was met by several low key senators, and the aids of several high key senators. He was swarmed with questions about when the first Militia troop would be ready. Who would be the first to obtain security. As if they forgot that the senate would decide all that. Lash didn''t have the patience for any of them and promptly disappeared from sight the moment he was among the crowd.


    ¡°Confounded! He did it again!¡± A senator shouted in anger.


    ¡°Attention User, I''d like to remind you that your Archmage title effect is available.¡± Dawn''s sweet voice rolled through his ears.


    ¡°Thank you, Dawn. By the way why haven''t you picked me up for an event change?¡± Lash asked, and the entire world rolled to a gradual stop as it was paused.


    ¡°The developers implemented a mini-event system. For situations like this. The war is estimated to go for several years. But there are many important character driven events during this war. The User can elect to skip them, as per usual. Or they can participate. I believe I know you well enough to know. That you want to participate. One of those mini-events is soon to happen.¡± Dawn replied to his question.


    ¡°Ah! That explains it, thank you! And you are right, I would like to experience them.¡± Lash replied, and the world started to resume it''s normal speed.


    Now Lash had to figured out what spell to evolve. He could use the assembly to look them over. He trekked his way through the crowds, and up the many levels. All the while no one paid him any heed with his Anonymity spell in use. He reached his designated senate pod which was located at the very top of the house. Furthest from notice. That was until he saw a sign that showed it wasn''t his? He pulled out his holographic, and groaned as he read a message. He turned around and went down stairs.


    Lash''s senate pod had been moved. He was now right next to the senate pod of Naboo. That meant everyone behind him had been moved by one. That had to bother people! He could almost see Palpatine''s smarmy face grinning at him. The Sith Lord just loved to playfully stick it to Lash. Of course he would say he had nothing but the best intentions involved. Being next to the senate pod of Naboo would help Lash wade through the ocean of politics.


    Lash stepped into his designated pod and his spell wore off in that moment since half the assembly was looking at his pod. He couldn''t be inconspicuous now. He could feel the glares that came his way. All the while Senator Padme Amidala, and Junior Representative Binks tried to smile at him. Well Jar Jar smiled at him. Padme was trying desperately to not bowl over in laughter. Lash sliced into his senate pod''s interface and created a holo image above the pod.


    ''It wasn''t my choice, I was happy to be up at the ceiling.'' the holo image said.


    ¡°I''m sure he had the best intentions, Master Lash.¡± Padme said between giggle fits as she politely covered her mouth.


    ¡°Then why didn''t he just ask the senator who normally sat here to move to my space? Why did he have to shift everyone over by a single pod?¡± Lash asked Padme, to her credit Padme looked thoughtful.


    ¡°Well...¡± A senator next to them whispered across the space. ¡°You have spent more money in the past month then most star systems do in a year. Perhaps he felt that your position at the top was not respectful for your position.¡±


    ¡°But how am I suppose to do paper work now? I looked forward to these long hours where we did absolutely nothing productive.¡± Lash replied, and while Padme looked offended, while the other senator cracked up laughing.


    ¡°Well I''m happy your here, Master Lash.¡± Said the senator of the Raioballo sector, who was above, and to the side of them.


    His name was Horox Ryyder, a Anx male. Anx''s were a reptilian species well known for having a blade-shaped head crest. Which changed color due to their current mood. He was the senator for thousands of worlds. To systems that controlled the planets like Dantooine, and Lah''mu. They were part of the outer rim territories and was one of the first people on the militia protection list. They were accepting refugees, and were providing a lot of food for the republic. Ghost Industries had terraformed four moons, and one barren planet for them.


    ¡°Well when the other senators start throwing trash at me. I''ll have to hide behind you, alright?¡± Lash asked, and Horox chuckled softly.


    The assembly was called to order by Mas Amedda who glanced at Lash''s holographic sign. The Vice-Chair''s lips twitched into a smile for a moment. Gradually Lash closed the sign down, just in time. As at once the entire assembly hall stood in respect for the supreme chancellor. Who looked like he had aged ten years in the past month. He had bags under his eyes, portions of his hair had fallen out. He looked gaunt, and in desperate need of a meal. All artfully done to garner sympathy. Well done, Palpatine.


    ¡°Royal delegates I come to you now with grave news. Senator Bail Organa who was on a relief mission to the planet of Christophsis. Is now being held hostage by the CIS. A blockade has been formed around the planet. While the Republic Navy is currently trying their best to break past the blockade. We fear we will not be in time to save the Senator, or the people of Christophsis.¡± Chancellor Palpatine said to the whole room. Shouts of dismay, and negative opinions flooded the assembly room. Bail Organa was a popular man.


    ¡°We must send reinforcements at once!¡±


    ¡°Why aren''t the Jedi breaking through the blockade?¡±


    ¡°The Jedi!? What about the clones? Isn''t this what they were made for? Why did we spend all this money on them?


    ¡°We don''t have the resources to push through! We must purchase more troops from the Kaminoans!¡±


    ¡°Send the republic Militia! They''ve had time to train, what else are they good for!¡±


    On, and on it went. Senators spoke over each other. Yelling out ideas, and counter arguments. Then people started to shout over one another just to be heard. Rivals used the situation to their advantage to one up each other. Then just like that it turned from a plan of action to petty accusations. Until eventually Mas Amedda called for order in his commanding voice.


    ¡°How many of you have ever been in a battle?¡± Lash asked once silence was obtained. Mas Amedda went to silence Lash. But the chancellor place a hand on him to wait.


    ¡°How many of you have ever been in a storm of blaster fire, explosions, and the unpredictable nature of the impossible? Hmm? I can count how many senators in this assembly have seen combat and the number doesn''t even reach a hundred!¡± Lash said, shouting at the end.


    ¡°Every single one of you that shouted out that something must be done! Have never even held a blaster before!¡± Lash shouted in an acidic tone.


    ¡°None of you! None of you, have any right to discuss what should be done, and what shouldn''t be done. We don''t have reinforcements to send! The Jedi are talented but can''t do the impossible. The clones were trained to fight, not to die doing suicidal plans by senators that have no idea what they are talking about!¡± Lash continued to talk, and his voice carried a sense of weight thanks to Commanding Presence.


    ¡°The next available Militia team is a month away. We''ll have the ships, and troops. But we are not trained to fight in the war, not yet. If you think the militia has had enough time to train? Then please come down to militia HQ and show us how its done! Before you shoot your mouth off again on subjects you know nothing about!¡± Lash shouted, and pushed his energy into the room to the point that many within the 200+ senator pods had a hard time breathing.


    ¡°Supreme Chancellor, with your permission I will lead a blockade runner through the CIS ships. Secure Bail Organa, and transport supplies to the surface. I have my own ship, and unlike these morons I know what I am talking about!¡± Lash replied, and released the pressure in the room. At once a tsunami of disgruntled senators practically washed him in their own saliva.


    Chancellor Palpatine didn''t even try to talk over the crowds. He simply nodded in acceptance and Lash pressed the home key on his pod. Once it locked into place he left the assembly hall. Much to the outrage of the petty senators that wanted to insult him. But mixed within the insults was a cascading applause. Lash was never going to be a good politician. He had a distinct impression that next time the assembly was called. He would find his pod back up at the top.


    Eventually Lash reached his corporate HQ to find a team of Jensaarai, Mandalorian, and militia officers waiting for him. Lash didn''t say a word, simply saluted, and walked past them. Supplies had already been prepped and loaded into the Basilisk. One of his tech-spirits said that he had over a million death threats. A new record! While militia recruitment centers were overflowing. The entire senate assembly meeting had been broadcast live. The first mission of the Galactic Republic Militia was underway. Led by Grand Admiral Lash, master of the Jensaarai.


    ============================================================


    (Outer Rim Territories, Savareen Sector, Christoph System, behind Christoph''s moon)


    General of the Grand Army of the Republic, and Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi stood on the bridge of his Venator-class Star Destroyer. Also known as a Republic attack cruiser, or Jedi cruiser. Obi-Wan watched in dismay as one of the Anakin''s cruisers was being repaired after a failed attempt to breach the CIS blockade around the planet. Unlike other commanders in the CIS. They didn''t chase the republic fleet when it fled behind the moon.


    Obi-Wan was distracted for a moment as he watched the docking bay main entry door opened up to reveal the new stealth ship they had been provided. Anakin was aboard the ship, and if he followed orders would be providing much needed resources to Senator Organa on the planets surface. But Obi-Wan knew Anakin to well. He''d find someway to muck it all up. But still somehow pull a victory out of the hat. A smile tugged on Obi-Wan''s face when he was notified by a clone officer that a message had been tagged by Jedi high command.


    Obi-Wan turned from the window and came back to the main briefing station on the bridge. He walked across the main bridge, past the lower platforms that held the officers, and bridge crew. At the back of the bridge away from the windows were several holographic displays. In the middle of the area was a holographic table. Who appeared was a surprise to say the least.


    ¡°Master Lash, what a pleasant surprise.¡± Obi-Wan said to the giant armored man. Obi-Wan would never admit it, but he had always found Lash to be greatly intimidating.


    ¡°Master Obi-Wan, I heard that there is a blockade around the planet. I have brought a blockade runner to supply Senator Organa on the planets surface.¡± Lash informed him, and Obi-Wan''s eyes went bright.


    ¡°I''m sorry to say old friend. But Anakin is in the process of transporting those very supplies as we speak.¡± Obi-Wan replied.


    ¡°Is he now? Or will he find some reason to avoid that mission and attack instead?¡± Lash asked, a little to sure of himself. It made Obi-Wan worry about the situation.


    ¡°I...Wish I could say that Anakin has a stellar record of following orders. But he''s well known for not doing that very thing. Do you have some incite for us? Something from the living force?¡± Obi-Wan asked, time and time again Lash seem to know what would happen before anyone else would.


    ¡°I think you should check on Anakin, Master Obi-Wan. My ship will be in the system in a few minutes. We''ll compare notes.¡± Lash replied with a bit of a laugh that Obi-Wan found worrying.


    ¡°Captain, do an encoded message towards General Skywalker. I''d like to know his progress.¡± Obi-Wan called to his bridge officer.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± The officer replied.


    ¡°Obi-Wan! Your ears must be burning. Captain Yularen was just saying you wouldn''t approve of what I''m about to do.¡± Anakin said in his usual cocky, and confident voice. Obi-Wan rubbed his face in dismay.


    ¡°Anakin, your mission is to reach the surface and provide support to our troops!¡± Obi-Wan said with a groan.


    ¡°And I will! But if Captain Yularen is right about who is commanding the blockade we''ll be in trouble.... And, what is that? Obi-Wan I''ll have to call you back. Admiral Trench just launched some bombers. I think they know about us... Cut communications just in case!¡± Anakin said to his own crew.


    ¡°Anakin...Anakin!? Blast it all!¡± Obi-Wan bit back a snarl as he looked to his bridge officers. ¡°Pull the fleet around the moon. Keep us out of range of their weapons. But I want to know what is going on!¡± Obi-Wan ordered and the republic fleet started to gradually move.


    The fleet came around to find that a squadron of bombers had flown past Anakin in preparation to attack the base that held Bail Organa. Anakin had deactivated his stealth field on their transport ship. Fired their torpedos at the bridge of the command vessel to get their attention. Then activated their stealth field just in time. Admiral Trench''s shields activated and received no damage. Now Trench knew about the cloaked vessel.


    Right then a freighter-class star ship flew into in right behind the republic fleet. It''s ID was the Basilisk. It was Lash''s personal star ship, and was currently being used by the Militia to run the blockade. If Anakin didn''t get his head out of his own ass. They may end up using the Basilisk to run the supplies. A holo communication went through.


    ¡°Hello Master Obi-Wan. Did Anakin go off mission?¡± Lash''s holographic form appeared on the bridges main viewer. Obi-Wan couldn''t see Lash''s face, but he knew he had a smug look on it.


    ¡°Yes, our ships can run interference for you. If you want to prepare to slip past the blockade.¡± Obi-Wan prepared to push his fleet towards Trench''s ships.


    ¡°No need! I have a plan...¡± Lash said, and the way he said it caused a shiver to roll down Obi-Wan''s spine.


    ¡°How delightful...¡± Obi-Wan replied.


    ============================================================


    Lash closed the holo communication between Obi-Wan and himself. Then keyed up the ID code for Admiral Trench''s ship. Lash had the codes because the moment his ship entered the system his tech-spirits jumped through the holo net and sliced into the computer systems. Before anyone knew what was going on. A holographic display showed Admiral Trench on his bridge who looked shock to see Lash standing in a holo image on his own bridge.


    Admiral Trench was a Harches, which was a humanoid spider type creature. They had six arms, six red eyes, and chelicera around their mouths. They had gray skin, with brown, white, or pale gray bristled fur, or hair that covered their bodies. Despite having multiple arms, they only had two legs. They were shorter, and stockier that standard humans. Trench wore a ornate naval uniform with several ribbons, and medals on his breast pocket.


    ¡°Ntch! Ntch! Ah! I''ve heard of you, Master Lash of the Jensaarai. Grand Admiral of the Republic Militia.¡± Admiral Trench said as he stood up and folded three of his arms behind him, and three of his arms in front of him. He oddly enough had a riding crop.


    ¡°I was under the impression that the militia was not ready for another month? Is that tiny ship all that they could spare fo...fo...G..Gaaaah!¡± Trench said, then reached up to hold his chest in pain. As he was lifted off the deck of his ship. He struggled in mid air, trying to relieve the pressure in his chest.


    A plethora of droids on Trench''s ship ran up to try and pull him the admiral back down. The B1''s were not very sharp on the uptake of the situation. The best thing they could do was close the connection as quickly as they could. As Lash was using the sight line between holographic projectors to cast Grasp Heart. Oddly enough Force Magic had activated as well. Almost as if the Force acted as a conduit between them.


    With one final gasping scream, Admiral Trench died. He floated above his command deck for a few seconds then dropped in a fleshy heap. Then one by one each of the CIS droid controlled ships received orders from Admiral Trench to fire upon one another. As they had been declared traitors of the CIS. Again, B1 battle droids were not the smartest creations.


    Lash recalled his tech-spirits and closed the holographic communicator. Then called up Obi-Wan again. It took a few minutes as apparently there was a backlog of communications. Eventually the central holographic display in Lash''s main hold projected Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Senator Bail Organa. Who all looked surprised at Lash. They had no idea what was going on.


    ¡°Hello everyone, Admiral Trench is dead. In his final act he ordered all of his ships to fire on one another.¡± Lash said to them.


    ¡°How... Why did Admiral Trench order his troops to fire on one another?¡± Anakin asked in complete confusion.


    ¡°Because they were traitors to the CIS, obviously.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Obviously... You obtained Trench''s command codes and ordered them to.¡± Obi-Wan asked, and Lash placed a hand on his chest in mock surprise.


    ¡°Master Obi-Wan! I would never!¡± Lash declared in a hurt voice for being accused of such a thing. Almost to emphasize the point, Trench''s ship exploded under fire in the distance.


    ¡°I can''t imagine admiral Trench would just let that happen.¡± Organa asked.


    ¡°Oh, he was dead by that point.¡± Lash said with a chuckle. As he gave an order for his pilot to start heading towards the surface.


    ¡°How did he die?¡± Organa asked.


    ¡°By a broken heart, such a shame.¡± Lash said with a snicker.


    ¡°How does one die from a broken heart?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    ¡°I''m not sure. How do you just lose the will to live?¡± Lash asked, and could almost see the living force eye roll at him.


    ¡°Senator Organa, myself, and general Skywalker are inbound with much needed supplies for your relief effort, and troops on the ground.¡± Lash said, Organa was startled by the change in subject but a smile soon replaced his confused expression.


    ¡°Wonderful! We''ll eagerly await your arrival.¡± Organa said and closed his transmission.


    ¡°Gentlemen, if there is nothing else? Anakin, I''ll see you on the surface.¡± Lash said, and closed the transmission.


    ¡°I''m not sure how I feel about that.¡± A Mandalorian warrior said as he stepped towards Lash. ¡°I was expecting a fight.¡±


    ¡°You mean some daring and suicidal venture with us flying towards the blockade. You in a turret firing with wild precision. As star fighter after star fighter dies under your aim. We fly past the blockade, and reach the surface with nay but a scratch on our freighters armor?¡± Lash asked in an amused tone of voice.


    ¡°...Well, when you say it like that.¡± The Mandalorian said with a chuckle.


    ¡°Sorry to disappoint. But we''ll get plenty of action on the ground. With the fleet out of commission the ground troops will be like a caged animal. Full of veracity.¡± Lash said in mild comfort towards the warrior.


    ¡°Sounds dangerous, should be fun!¡± The Mandalorian said...


    ============================================================


    (Christophis, CIS; Tactical Command)


    ¡°All of it!?¡± Asajj Ventress screamed at the reporting tactical droid. The Dark Jedi roared in anger and pushed out with the Force which headed her command. The room exploded into shrapnel which included the tactical droid.


    ¡°Mistress Ventress please calm down!¡± General Whorm Loathsom pleaded for the Dark Jedi to hear his words. Ventress pulled out her twin red lightsabers and nearly decapitated the general in her anger.


    That was until a holographic image of Count Dooku appeared in the main control room. Who did not look pleased at the devastation of the room. His gaze brought focus to Ventress who dropped to her knees, and bowed her head in respect. General Loathsom breathed a sigh of relief, thanking his foresight for informing Count Dooku ahead of time.


    ¡°General Loathsom, report.¡± Count Dooku said, never taking his gaze off of Ventress.


    ¡°Count Dooku, it appears the blockade around Christophis has been destroyed. Admiral Trench is reported to have been killed in the exchange. Republic troops are landing on the surface of the planet as we speak. Senator Bail Organa is still alive, and we have yet to capture him.¡± General Loathsom replied after he saluted the Count.


    ¡°Most distressing news, general. How large is the republic fleet?¡± Count Dooku asked.


    ¡°Our early reports estimate only six cruisers, four medical frigates, and one republic militia freighter were present for the battle, Lord Dooku.¡± General Loathsom replied, and could feel Dooku''s gaze center on him.


    ¡°That doesn''t seem possible. Trench''s forces outnumbered theirs by nearly three times. Did the republic deploy some new weapon we didn''t know of?¡± Count Dooku asked, one of his hands stroked his beard in thought.


    ¡°As far as we know, Lord Dooku. The blockade fired on themselves, after they were ordered to by Admiral Trench. Which only happened after Trench was reported dead by his bridge officers.¡± Loathsom reported.


    ¡°How intriguing. I regret to inform you that the next available supply ship will not arrive for two weeks. Aside from apprentice''s outburst, do you have the troops available to hold your position until help can arrive?¡± Count Dooku said as he went back to looking at Ventress who flinched under his gaze.


    ¡°We do, Lord Dooku. However, our tactical and command droid has been regrettably destroyed.¡± General Loathsom replied, and sent his own glare at Ventress who boiled with rage at his accusation. No matter how true it was.


    ¡°Ventress!¡± Dooku said to his apprentice.


    ¡°Master, I offer my greatest apologies for my anger. It wont happen again.¡± Ventress replied, as she all but groveled with her forehead pressed to the floor.


    ¡°Anger is useful Ventress when it is applied correctly. This is not one of those times. Tell the droids to retrieve a cargo container. ID code BZ-Black-0415. Do it now, I''ll wait.¡± Count Dooku said, as he folded his hands behind him.


    ¡°Right away!¡± Ventress said all but bolted from the room to retrieve the container.


    Asajj Ventress sprinted from the room to carry out her masters will. She grabbed the nearest yellow command droid and all but screamed her instructions at the droid. Who stumbled, and fell over to carry out her orders. Then she took a moment to collect herself. As she prowled behind the command droid.


    Asajj Ventress was a female Dathomirian Dark Jedi. She stood at approximately 5''9¡±, with pale white skin, blue-gray eyes, with a bald scalp. She had an athletic hourglass basic humanoid figure. (Two arms, two legs, one head.) Dense compact hard muscles of a martial artist. Unlike the rest of the Dark Acolytes under the service of Darth Sidious, and Darth Tyranus. Asajj had once been a Jedi who turned to the Dark Side for the power to avenger her former master who had died at the hands of pirates. Overtime she had grown disillusioned with the Jedi. Now she served Count Dooku as his personal assassin, and apprentice.


    Ventress wore a black leather body glove. From her neck, to wrist, and toe. With varies pieces of belts, buckles, and segmented plates for protection. It allowed her full body movement, and did protect her slightly. It was very provocative, and tend to draw the eye as it left very little to the imagination. Ventress used her sexuality as a weapon to distract others. Just another tool in her arsenal. But when that failed, she carried two red lightsabers with curved handles for each. Just like her Master, Dooku carried.


    She didn''t have to wait long as two B2 battle droids carried a black container towards her, and eventually into the main command room. Waiting for her was the General Whorm Loathsom, and adequate name for such a vile creature. Loathsom was a male Kerkoiden with blue skin/scales across his body. He was stout, and a bit shorter than Ventress. He had a long snout that ended with an array of tusks, and fangs. Long needle like claws on his hands, and hooves for his feet. He wore an ornate garb for his station as a military general. Despite his disgusting appearance, he was a talented general. If only he would stop leering at Ventress when ever she was in the room. Maybe she could actually like him.


    ¡°Ah, about time. Enter the code, 1X2T8Z1P.¡± Count Dooku said to Ventress who hurried to obey his command.


    The container was approximately ten feet high, and five feet wide. It looked like a coffin, and once Ventress entered the code. The locks around the container released and the container opened to reveal an odd sight. The temperature in the room dropped by a few degrees, and for a brief moment Ventress''s breath frosted over when she exhaled. Contained within was a droid, a droid she had never seen before.


    It had a almost human skeleton appearance. That was until it activated and armor flowed over from its back. Flowed is the right word, as the armor seem to almost ripple across the skeleton structure. It now looked like an ancient Sith Sentinel Droid from the holocrons that Ventress had seen in her Master''s collection. Now clad in armor, two red synthetic eyes blazed through the face plate slits. The armor itself was pure black, with crimson red crystal veins flowing across it. They pulsated as if powered by some kind of heart.


    The droid stood at approximately 6'' even with a rectangular box like figure. It took a moment to look it''s hands, and feet over. Then swiveled around to look at Ventress, Loathsom, then finally Dooku. When it''s eyes passed over Ventress she felt a very real chill roll down her spine. She could feel the dark side of the force within this droid. But such a thing was impossible? Droids can''t use the force. It dropped to one knee and saluted Count Dooku. It''s voice activated, and it sounded like two stones rubbing against one another.


    ¡°Tactical and command droid. Savagery class, designation B-001. ''Ripper'' at your service Master Dooku.¡± The droid''s voice was harsh on on the ears but it was understood all the same.


    ¡°Ripper, these are your superiors for now. General Whorm Loathsom, and my servant Asajj Ventress. They will inform you of your duties. Your primary objective is to hold out until reinforcements arrive in two weeks. Understood?¡± Count Dooku said to the droid.


    ¡°Command confirmed... Your servant, has not been tempered?¡± The droid posed a question, and Ventress wasn''t sure why but she felt like she had just been looked down on.


    ¡°No, due to a conflict of availability your creator has not had the pleasure of tempering of my servant. But I assure you, she is up to any task that you can think of.¡± Count Dooku said, his tone of voice shifted to acidic at mention of the droids creator.


    ¡°...Understood.¡± The droid replied.


    ¡°Loathsom, Ventress, this droid... Ripper, was crafted with ancient Sith sorcery by Lord Enfarious. I believe you''ll find him more than adequate with your own abilities to hold the planet until we arrive. Do not disappoint me...¡± Count Dooku said, then closed his transmission.


    The droid named Ripper stood and turned with a fluid movement that did not fit with a machine. It''s two red synthetic eyes settled on the two of them. It bowed deeply from its waist, with a hand over its left chest plate. The red crystal veins pulsated with life. Ventress could feel the living force moving through those veins. When she heard it was a creation of Lord Enfarious she all but screamed in horror. Enfarious was a monster from the ancient Sith.


    ¡°General, please update me on the army. We have work to do.¡± Rippers voice had smoothed out, no it still sounded like two stones grinding together. But now, Ventress could feel the dark side of the force laced with its words.


    ¡°O-Of course!¡± Loathsom''s stuttered over his own words. Then acted beneath his station as a general and showed the droid to the command display.


    ¡°Mistress Ventress, please allow me the privilege of your company.¡± Ripper called to Ventress, and she felt the pull of the dark side behind the droids voice.


    ¡°....Of....Course...¡± Ventress bit her own words out. Lord Tyranus, what did you leave with us!?


    ================================================================


    (Christophis. Grand Army of the Republic, F.O.B..)


    Anakin Skywalker, General of The Grand Army of the Republic, and Jedi Knight was beside himself. In one hand he was very happy to see his friend, and mentor Jensaarai Master Lash. In the other hand he was a bit frustrated by his method of operation. He had learned that Lash had reached through the force and killed Trench by crushing his heart. Part of Anakin was upset that Lash had done it. But another part was envious that Lash could do so. It was something that a Jedi would never do.


    Obi-Wan Kenobi had looked like Lash had slapped him in the face when they had learned the truth. But neither of them could argue with the results. As Acclamator-class starships landed on Christophis surface and unloaded much needed supplies to not only the troops of the republic. But also the people of Christophis. The emergency supplies that Anakin had brought down aboard the stealth ship were quickly absorbed into the camp. But in the end were not needed. None the less, Senator Bail Organa made sure to thank Anakin for his brave heroics.


    ¡°The mere fact that you were brave enough to slip through the battle lines in a ship with no shields, and very little armor speaks well of you, Master Jedi. I can see why Senator Amidala speaks so well of you.¡± Bail Organa said with a smile. Anakin couldn''t help but stand a little straighter.


    ¡°All in a days work, senator. But I have to agree with Obi-Wan, I believe it would be better if you returned to Coruscant as soon as possible. We still don''t know yet what the Separatists are capable of. A wounded animal is often the most dangerous kind.¡± Anakin said with a smile, but turned serious by the end. Bail Organa nodded in agreement with his assessment.


    ¡°I fear for the moral of the people of Christophis. You''ve brought hope to them. But hope is a strange thing. Capable of destroying or making any army. If I leave now, will the people still hold onto hope?¡± Organa asked, as he gestured towards the smiling faces of the people. Anakin looked as well, and was filled with uncertainty.


    ¡°Well if you choose to stay. Please understand that if we order you to pull back into cover. Please head our warning.¡± Anakin pleaded to the senator who nodded in acceptance.


    ¡°I will, besides even if I don''t. The republic militia will drag me back with or without my permission.¡± Organa said with a laugh. As he turned to look at the militia officers on staff.


    Anakin looked towards the team of twenty militia soldiers that were discussing things with Anakin''s clone commander, Rex. The militia were what many clones referred to as ''shiny''. New armor, new weapons, but the attitude was different. The militia that had arrived had come from worlds that had been taken by the Separatist. They knew war first hand. They were anxious to stick it to them. Working along side the militia were a team of four Mandalorians. They unlike the militia didn''t have shiny armor, and weapons. They also had years of fighting under their belt. The Mandalorian warriors, and clone troopers got along surprisingly well.


    ¡°Excuse me senator.¡± Anakin said to Organa who accepted his excuse with ease. They both had a lot of work to do. Anakin made his way over to the troops to listen in on the discussion.


    ¡°Commander Rex, please understand. We are not here to be in your way. We brought weapons, and armor for the people of Christophis. We are all instructors back at militia HQ. We are going to start training the people on how to defend themselves. This way you''ll have more warm bodies when the clankers attack.¡± The militia officer politely informed Rex.


    ¡°I get that. But my only question is, when the clankers attack will you follow orders?¡± Commander Rex asked.


    ¡°Yes, sir! Admiral Lash has informed us that the Army is in charge of the operation. We are just here to provide security, and support.¡± The militia officer said in response. Then saluted the moment Anakin walked up.


    ¡°General, sir!¡± The militia officers saluted. While the Mandalorian''s all nodded in reluctance towards him. Mandalorians and Jedi didn''t get along. A lot of bad blood.


    ¡°I think we can all work together to get along, don''t you Rex?¡± Anakin asked his clone commander who nodded in acceptance.


    ¡°Sir! Yes, sir! It will be nice to have another group of trainer soldiers to fight with. I''m sure the people will appreciate it as well. Me and the boys are not the best instructors.¡± Commander Rex said with an easy smile that Anakin had come to respect.


    ¡°Speaking of Admiral Lash, where is he?¡± Anakin asked, as he looked around.


    ¡°Genera, Sir! Admiral Lash is at the forward wall. He and the other Jensaarai are rebuilding it.¡± The militia officer said with a grin.


    ¡°I didn''t realize you brought fabricated materials with you.¡± Anakin said in surprise. When even the Mandalorian''s started to laugh Anakin understood there was a joke he was not getting.


    ¡°It would be easier to show you, General.¡± The militia officer said.


    ____________________________________________________________________


    Lash reached out with Elemental Manipulation, Fabrication, and Alteration. The crystal lattice that made up the ground sprung up. Christophsis surface was made up of a ''forest'' of naturally occurring turquoise crystal spires. Making a dramatic, and beautiful natural landscape. It had a breathable atmosphere that most humanoid species could breath. All of Christophsis had a plethora of raw minerals, gems, and of course crystals that one could practically pick up off the ground. It made for a viable treasure trove of resources. Which is why both GAR, and the CIS wanted the planet so badly.


    Which is also why Lash created a wall from the very ground. Blaster energy bolts were naturally absorbed into the crystal walls. The ten Jensaarai that came with him to the planet now used the Force to carve stairs, ramparts, and if necessary doors to the outside. Something that would normally take weeks of work to do was done in a few minutes. They did this all under the watchful gaze of clone troopers, and the people of Christophsis.


    Lash had just finished raising another wall when Anakin had shown up. He waved at his friend who came over with an astonished look on his face. Lash chuckled at the mystified expression. Lash had become jaded to his own abilities and took it as normal. While the Jensaarai carved the wall into working order Lash came over to speak to him.


    ¡°You look good, Anakin. I didn''t notice before.¡± Lash said to the boy wonder who laughed, and scratched the back of his head.


    ¡°Thanks! Listen, I''m sorry about what Obi-Wan said. We do appreciate what you did. You made short work of the blockade.¡± Anakin said with a sheepish grin. Obi-Wan had practically taken Lash''s head off with his screaming accusations.


    ¡°It''s understandable. I did something no Jedi would ever do. But with the benefit of hindsight I think Obi-Wan seem to realize I''m not a Jedi and don''t follow the same ideals.¡± Lash said with shrug.


    ¡°I''m not sure I agree... I mean about the Jedi. This is war, how are we suppose to win if we don''t do everything that is necessary to win?¡± Anakin asked him, and Lash watched in fascination as the dark side of the force danced around him.


    ¡°It''s important to hold close your ideals, and beliefs Anakin. The Jedi have a known reputation of honor and respect. Even with their enemies. This reputation can be useful when securing alliances. Though it can also be used against them. But in the end it''s history that decides the truth of things. I''m sure history will describe me as a monster. But a necessary monster.¡± Lash said, and got a little lost in his own words. Anakin looked at him in surprise, and concern. But before he could get into it...


    ¡°Master!... Master Skywalker!¡± A young feminine voice called out. Anakin turned around with a smile growing across his face.


    ¡°Hay snips! What are you doing here? I thought you were on Coruscant, training at the temple?¡± Anakin asked his padawan learner.


    Ahsoka Tano was a Force-User female of the Togruta species. Togruta were recognized in the galactic republic by their colorful skin tones, face pigments, and three lekku''s on their head. (Head tails) That grew with age. Ahsoka Tano was a youngling who stood at approximately 4''3¡± with orange skin, white pigment face art, and blue and white stripped lekkus. Because she did not have hair, her padawan braid was replaced by a decorative string of beads. That was attached to a crown? Or hair band around her face.


    Ahsoka wore a form fitting tube top, leather leggings, with a tasset skirt, boots, with combat gloves. She had two lightsabers on her hips. One standard saber, with another short shoto saber. She had an energetic almost bouncy personality. Full of youthful innocence, and curiosity. Her big blue eyes focused on Anakin, then moved to look at Lash where upon her eyes went large. She pinwheeled her arms in the air and came to an abrupt stop next to Anakin.


    ¡°Are you the Jensaarai Master, Lash?¡± Ahsoka asked in an excited squeal. Anakin raised a brow at his apprentice.


    ¡°I am, you must be Ahsoka Tano, Anakin''s apprentice. I''ve heard such wonderful things about you.¡± Lash said as he bowed deeply from his waist.


    ¡°Good things, about her? From who?¡± Anakin asked, then jumped when Ahsoka elbowed him in the stomach.


    ¡°Shut it, Skyguy!¡± Ahsoka hissed at him. Anakin rubbed his now sore spot on his stomach with a mild glare at his apprentice.


    ¡°It is such an honor to meet you sir! Master, sir...Master Lash...Sir!¡± Ahsoka said, as she tripped over her words and bowed several times. Her naivete was refreshing, so much so that Lash laughed just a bit.


    ¡°Calm yourself, Ahsoka. I heard about you from Master Plo Koon, and Master Yoda. They spoke very highly of your abilities. They had hoped that you would temper the fiery personality of Master Skywalker. I see their assumptions are so far correct. The both of you together is good fortune for the galaxy itself.¡± Lash said with genuine sentiment in his voice.


    ¡°Really!? Master Plo Koon said that? I mean...Well, if they believe I''m good for Master Skywalker then I can only accept this responsibility.¡± Ahsoka said in a sincere voice.


    ¡°Hey! I don''t have a fiery personality!¡± Anakin said with a mock pout. Lash turned his whole body towards Anakin. Even with his mask on, Anakin could feel his stare.


    ¡°I''m not as bad as I use to be!¡± Anakin said defensively.


    ¡°Yes, and there are currently two women in your life to thank for that.¡± Lash said to him. Ahsoka stood up straighter, with her chin sticking out. Accepting the compliment with grace. While Anakin went a little pale at the implications of what Lash had said.


    ¡°What are you doing, Master Lash?¡± Ahsoka asked, when she saw the Jensaarai had finished carving the wall up.


    ¡°I''m creating a defensible position. The Christophsis natural occurring crystal ground takes a high powered laser-drill to cut through. Or a lightsaber. It makes a create defense for ground troops. Would you like to help me?¡± Lash asked, and her eyes went so wide he feared they would fall out.


    ¡°Can I!? I mean, I don''t know how to do that. But I''d like to learn.¡± Ahsoka asked, practically bouncing on her feet.


    ¡°The both of you can learn.¡± Lash said to Ahsoka, and Anakin who never took his eyes off of Lash.


    Lash pulled them over to the next section that was cleared of debris. Lash had them stand in front of him with their hands out, palms out. He then stood behind them with his hands on either of their necks. He closed his eyes and used a Telepathy to instruct them on a subconscious level. Then began to transmit Elemental Manipulation ¨C Crystal Earth. Then he activated his Skill/Power/Spell Trainer ability.


    Anakin, and Ahsoka both felt something within them snap into place like a puzzle piece. Then without any real idea what they were doing. They reached out with the Force and lifted up an almost impossible weight. The crystal ground cracked, and groaned in response. Nothing like the fluid movement that Lash had done before. But all the same the crystal wall soon rose to meet it''s newly formed kin.


    Anakin Skywalker, and Ashoka Tano have learned Partial Earth Manipulation (Crystal).


    ¡°Very good!¡± Lash said, as he let go of their necks. Both collapsed to their knees, as they gasped for air. Their entire body shuddered in exhaustion.


    ¡°W..What...What was that?¡± Anakin asked, as he looked behind at Lash.


    ¡°It''s called Force Imprint. I copied, and imprinted a skill, ability, and/or lesson into your minds. Then we used a practical experience for you both to properly learn it. Now, the question is? Do the both of you feel it...Feel the crystal earth beneath your feet?¡± Lash asked, as he looked down at them.


    ¡°I... I feel warm. Like a friend is nearby, giving me a comforting hug.¡± Ahsoka said, as she ran her fingers over the crystal ground.


    ¡°Good! Now take a moment to see what you''ve created.¡± Lash said as he gestured towards the crude, but still usable crystal wall.


    Lash walked over to the wall and smoothed out the cracks in the foundations. Once he was finished he gestured for the Jensaarai to complete their work. They moved in understanding. Earth manipulation was an ability of the Force. Technically the light, and dark side of the force could use it. However, it was considered a rare ability. Yes, any Force-User could use Telekinesis to pick up a stone and throw it. But now? Anakin, and Ahsoka could mold crystal like it was a piece of wet clay.


    ¡°Just like that?¡± Anakin asked after a few minutes. In his palm he was slowly shaping a piece of crystal into a ball.


    ¡°Just like that...¡± Lash replied, as he watched Ahsoka gradually shape a piece of crystal into a cube.


    ¡°Hours of lessons, practice, trial, and error. Combined within a few seconds. It has to be done in pieces obviously. The mind can only take so much. But with proper rest, and recuperation between imprints. You could learn the entire first year of being a padawan in six standard days.¡± Lash said with a smile, as he crossed his arms behind him.


    ¡°Is this how there are so many Jensaarai now?¡± Anakin asked in astonishment. It had only been nine and half years, and now there was close to a thousand Jensaarai who had completed stage three in there training. While there were a few hundred who had completed stage five and had become defenders. (The rank above apprentice)


    ¡°Force Imprinting is not new, Anakin. The Jedi, and the Sith both invented it thousands of years ago. However, the technique was lost due to the war between them both. Several holocrons at the Venura temple go over the history, and ability to create an imprint. I sent copies to the Jedi Temple. Have they not disseminate it for public use?¡± Lash asked, he had done just that. He had been greatly surprised when he had learned that little truth. But before they could speak about it.


    ¡°General Skywalker! Commander Tano! Admiral Lash! We have incoming at the main gate!¡± A clone trooper called to them.


    The incoming turned out to be refugees? No, it was a group of prisoners from the CIS work camps. With their ragged clothing, and broken bodies. They looked like they had been tortured by energy whips, and beaten nearly to death. They helped one another towards the main gates of the Republic FOB. Obi-Wan ordered the gates be opened and the clone troopers rushed out to receive them.


    ¡°STOP! Get back inside now!¡± Lash called out, and used Commanding Presence to reinforce his orders. The clone troopers gradually stopped and made their way back towards the gates.


    ¡°What are you doing! They need our help!¡± Obi-Wan shouted at Lash.


    ¡°Obi-Wan reach out with the Force. Do you feel anything off of them?¡± Lash asked him, and Obi-Wan gave him a look of confusion.


    ¡°Master Obi-Wan, Master Lash is right. I don''t feel anything.¡± Padawan Tano said softly. They turned to see her with her eyes closed, and her hands stretched out in concentration. Eventually Anakin, and Obi-Wan followed her example.


    ¡°That...Can''t be right. Something must be blocking us.¡± Obi-Wan said after a moment.


    ¡°All of you back inside! Close the gates.¡± Lash ordered, and Anakin reinforced his order. One by one the clone troopers pulled in, and closed the gates. Senator Organa came up to the watchtower that held them all.


    ¡°What''s this about prisoners? Why are we not helping them?¡± Organa asked, but before any of them could reply Clone Commander Rex came up.


    ¡°Generals, I think you need to see this.¡± Rex offered a pair of binoculars to them.


    ¡°What in the blazes!?¡± Obi-Wan said as he spied on the group with magnification.


    The group of prisoners that were working their way towards the gates were not people. But instead battle droids. Battle droids who wore the bloody, and tattered skins of the Christophsis prisoners. Horror filled faces stretched thin across a droids face looked back at Obi-Wan who went green in the face. Padawan Tano couldn''t hold it in and threw up.


    ¡°All soldiers fire!¡± Lash shouted, and the clones opened up.


    Who ever ordered the droids to run towards them seem to rethink their plan. The droids pulled their tattered disguises off and sprinted towards the wall. Firing their blaster rifles as they went. But the nightmare didn''t end there. Behind the B1 droids were B2 droids who held shields on their left arms. Shields with living people nailed to them. All the while their right arm blasters fired at the clone troopers.


    Lash jumped off the watchtower and with even greater ease jumped over the forward defense wall. The ten Jensaarai joined with him and they ignited their lightsabers. They rushed the droid firing line. Lash pulled out his red Psionic Daggers and plowed through the droids in fury. But soon had to stop at the sight of the human meat shields. With a quick order, his troops moved around and cut the arms off the B2 battle droids. Then caught the still living prisoners before they fell. Only to realize to late that bombs were strapped to them.


    Fifty two pops of thermal detonators washed over the crowds of battle droids, and Jensaarai. Not a single Christophsis prisoner lived through the experience. Happily, every single Jensaarai lived through the explosions. Wearing full armor made of Beskar does that. That of course didn''t mean they were not wounded. The resulting percussion from the explosions caused a lot of internal damage.


    Lash stumbled to his feet as he heard a constant ringing in his ears. He was covered in crimson viscera. He looked like a Jackson Pollock painting. Or a new age artist that decided to use bone as part of their art. He looked around as clone troopers, militia, and Anakin came rushing into the crowd. One by one his Jensaarai were picked up and dragged back to the gate. Obi-Wan came to his side and yelled at him. Lash read his lips...


    ¡°YES, I''M ALRIGHT!¡± Lash said, and shouted loudly without meaning too. Obi-Wan pulled him towards the gate while under enemy fire. Who ever was commanding the droid army was doing their best to kill as many of them as possible.


    Once inside the gates the Jensaarai were pulled to the medical tents. But each of them refused to remove their armor. The Mandalorian warriors pulled out a data plug and connected it to their armor. A medical read out was shown to the medics. Obi-Wan went to pull Lash''s helmet off and Lash snagged his arm. Not that it would have done anything. Lash''s helmet was linked to his whole suit. Obi-Wan tried to talk to him, but Lash''s could only hear bells going off. His Superhuman Healing, Regeneration, and Adaptation were sending him prompts of experience until.


    ¡°WHAT?! Oh, sorry about that. Yes, I''m fine Obi-Wan. Did we lose anyone?¡± Lash asked him.


    ¡°You are most certainly not fine! Please let the medics take a look over you.¡± Obi-Wan pleaded, Lash begrudgingly offered his data port for the medical scan. Sure enough his scans came back negative. He was perfectly fine.


    ¡°Aside from the Christophsis prisoners? No, we didn''t lose anyone.¡± Obi-Wan sighed as he rubbed his face. ¡°But I fear moral has hit rock bottom with that attack.¡±


    Lash stood up with the help of Obi-Wan his balance was still a little off. He cast Immaculate on himself and every Jensaarai for a quick clean. A few raised a brow at him, but they wouldn''t get into how, or why he had that ability. Then Lash pulled Obi-Wan out of the tent to find Anakin, Tano, and Organa. Clone troopers were currently clearing the minor skirmish from out of the front gate. Only to receive a signal that a droid was approaching them at high speeds.


    A B1 battle droid was riding on top of a speeder bike. On the back of the speeder was a flag pole, with a white flag at the top. Obi-Wan ordered for not one to fire. The droid gradually came to a stop a hundred or so feet away from the front gate. Where it pulled the brakes, and turned the engine off. Then picked up a holographic display model from the back and set it down. The holographic turned on, and a fifty foot tall hologram of a man in black armor appeared before them.


    ¡°Greetings meat bags! I am General Ripper of The Confederacy of Independent Systems army stationed on the planet''s surface. Did you all enjoy my skin walkers?¡± General Ripper called out to them in a condescending tone, he had a masculine synthetic voice.


    ¡°You! You have broken republic law! What you have done is a punishable war crime by the standardization of war between sentient, and sapient species of the galaxy¡± Bail Organa shouted at the hologram. General Ripper''s eyes flared with bright red energy as he focused on the senator.


    ¡°The Confederacy does not recognize the republic as its ruling government. So I have broken no laws. War crimes or otherwise. But if you want to discuss war crimes? Why don''t we discuss how the republic is using a slave army to fight its war.¡± Ripper said, his giant holographic form gestured towards the clone troopers.


    Commander Rex held his tongue but if looks could kill, Ripper would have died a dozen times already. The clones were proud to fight for the republic. They were created for this very purpose. The clones all pushed their chests out, lifted their chins, and held their ground under the glaring insight of General Ripper.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Anakin called out, and General Ripper focused his attention on him.


    ¡°General Skywalker, is it? I would think a former slave like yourself would sympathize with the clones. But as you wish, we''ll press on. I require your unconditional surrender.¡± General Ripper declared, and Anakin all but screamed in fury at him.


    ¡°If we were to surrender what would happen to the people of Christophsis?¡± Obi-Wan asked, as he held up a hand to silence Anakin before he could retort.


    ¡°The people of Christophsis will have the one thing the republic never gave them. Equality, for all are equal under the heel of my boot!¡± General Ripper declared with a self righteous expression of body language. Fists on his hips, chest out, and head held high.


    ¡°Regretfully, we''ll have to decline.¡± Obi-Wan replied with raised brow.


    ¡°How predictable of you. I should suspect nothing more from meat bags like yourself. Very well, I will not ask again.¡± General Ripper said, then his hologram faded from view. The battle droid packed up the holo emitter and left on the speeder bike.


    ¡°Incoming enemy fire from above!¡± A clone yelled out as every one looked up. Shards of crystal were plummeting towards them from the heavens.


    ¡°Jensaarai! Force Shield!¡± Lash called out, he clapped his hands together then raised his arms, palms up. An almost invisible shield grew from his body, as the other Jensaarai did the same.


    Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka added their own Force energy to the shield. As crystal shards the size of hover tanks were dropped down on top them. The shards shattered across the shield, and sent debris across the landscape. Blissfully no one had been killed, but the are around the FOB was not in tatters. Sharp pointed crystals acted like natural blockades for any armored vehicles. In a single move, General Ripper had boxed them in.


    ¡°Senator Organa, I really think you should leave before its to late.¡± Lash called out, as he pointed towards what looked like a storm on the horizon.


    ¡°Where did that come from?¡± Senator Organa asked in dismay.


    ¡°Rex! Get on the comm for Yularen. Tell him we need one of the Acclamators down here to evacuate the people of Christophsis!¡± Anakin called out to his commander.


    ¡°Yes General!¡± Rex said with a salute and ran towards the holographic unit at tactical command.


    ¡°Anakin, what are you thinking?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    ¡°We''ll unload all our troops and have the people of Christophsis take their place for safety. Then we''ll rush that bastard and end this in a single push!¡± Anakin said with a savage grin on his face.


    ¡°Anakin, that wont work. We don''t even know where the main camp is. Besides even if we unloaded every ship we had. We couldn''t hold even single Christophsis in the refugee centers.¡± Obi-Wan replied with a look of regret.


    ¡°We have to do something, Obi-Wan! This isn''t a normal droid general.¡± Anakin shouted at him.


    ¡°General Skywalker! Captain Yularen says he can''t land. The incoming storm is destroying the sensors. Their afraid if they land, they won''t be able to leave again.¡± Commander Rex all but screamed across the camp. Fierce winds started to pick up, as a static started to build up around them.


    ¡°EVERYONE GET INSIDE NOW!¡± Lash shouted at the top of his lungs as he watched lightning strikes hit just outside the FOB, and were getting closer by the second.


    Lash quickly made bunkers out of the crystal floor and shoved as many people under cover as possible. Then he started to make tunnels that connected to other hastily made bunkers. But it was to little too late. Christophsis didn''t have this kind of weather. Rain storms happened sure, but not dark side lightning storms. That is what was enveloping them now. It was a Sith ritual. Lash knew it relied on fresh sacrifices, thousands of them....


    -----


    For six hours straight the Sith dark side lightning storm pounded their position. Every piece of equipment that could not be pulled under cover was completely destroyed. Armored vehicles, sensor towers, fabricated buildings. All save for the Basilisk which deployed its own shield that could deflect the lightning. Lash eventually used Weather Control to combat the storm and faced a raging tsunami of dark side Force energy pushing against him. The lightning strikes lessened in his immediate area, but didn''t stop.


    All in all, Lash was very impressed with Ripper. When he had made the droid with the use of Technomagical Construct, only replace the magical part with Force Energy. He hadn''t expected the Sith Sorcery droid to be so versatile in his thinking. Lash on the sly reached out across their near invisible connection and contacted Ripper. He had done what Lash assumed, he had sacrificed every single Christophsis prisoner in their work camps to fuel the Sith ritual. Ripper preened under the compliments Lash sent his way.


    Ripper gave a full report of the CIS army, and its resources to Lash. Along with the other commanders. Asajj Ventress was of particular interest. The Dathomir, Zabrak former Dark Jedi. Had an intense impression on the lore around Star Wars. Ripper reported that the Living Force surrounded Ventress like a over protective parent. Even more than Darth Maul did. When Lash sent out a message to the force that he had no intention of killing her. The Living Force seem to lighten up, but didn''t leave. Lash had meant what he said, Ventress was important to his plans for the future. Which only made the Living Force surround her even more.


    At the top of the sixth hour the storm finally let up. The dark storm clouds continued to brew above them. Sith lightning danced in the skies above. But it no longer struck the crystal earth, or the people hiding there. Lash was the first to step out. Then one by one the rest of the army did as well. A casualty, and injury report had been made. Three thousand Christophsian people had died, six hundred and twenty two clone troopers, while none of the Militia were killed. They had hidden in the Basilisk along with anyone they could fit inside of it.


    ¡°Master Lash?¡± Ahsoka Tano called his name, Lash turned to look at her as she wondered up. She had her arms crossed almost in a defensive gesture. No, more like she was insecure.


    ¡°Apprentice, Tano? Are you alright?¡± Lash asked, as he came over and took a knee so he could look at her better.


    ¡°I don''t know what to do... Master Skywalker is trying to organize a scouting team, but won''t talk to me. I...I''ve never seen him so angry before. Master Kenobi is trying to calm everyone down, and Senator Organa is working with medics to aid the injured... I.. I don''t have anything to do. Please, I...I just want something to do.¡± Ahsoka said with tears welling up in her eyes. She was shaking like a leaf.


    Lash took a chance and reached out and pulled Ahsoka into his arms. She went stiff as a board for a moment then. She curled up and started to cry. Lash stood up and put her in a princess carry. Like a small child she curled up in his arms. The Jedi Order doesn''t allow attachments, what he was doing now would be frowned upon. He was acting as an emotional support. As a Padawan she should seek peace, without emotion.


    Lash used Calm Emotions on Ahsoka and after a few moments her tears stopped. One of the biggest issues they had right now was the dark side energy that saturated the air. Emotions were for the lack of a better term like a drug to the Jedi, or in this case a poison. The dark side of the force was fueled by emotion. Lash gently set Ahsoka down, then cast a wide area of effect Calm Emotions on the whole camp. The dark side energy danced away from the field and everyone slowed to a stop.


    ¡°Better?¡± Lash asked Ahsoka who turned away and took a moment to clean her eyes. Then turned back, a sunny disposition on her face.


    ¡°Much better, thank you!¡± Ahsoka said with a smile that could lite up the world.


    ¡°Alright you are going to come with me. I''ll give you a crash course on mechanical engineering. We need to get the heavy walkers operational.¡± Lash said, and offered his hand towards her. Ahoska took the offered hand with a shy smile.


    AT-TE aka All Terrain Tactical Enforcer were the six legged heavy walkers. Lash absolutely loved them! These things were incredibly durable, well armed, and armored. But they were also versatile. They had a very modular appearance, and could be swapped out. The basic design had a main mounted cannon on top. With several forward guns, and backside guns. They were a little exposed on the sides. But the tanks were meant to be supported by infantry, and other vehicles. The AT-TE could carry up to thirty eight troopers just in its cargo bay. Along with supplies. It was environmentally sealed, could survive in space. The thing even had magnetic clamps to its clawed feet. It could spider climb up a wall! AWESOME!


    The whole base had approximately one hundred AT-TE''s. Or it use to. Now, they were completely destroyed due to lightning strikes. The Sith lightning had not only destroyed the vehicles, the wiring had been melted. So it wasn''t like they could take the walkers apart and try and salvage something. So, the parts had to be replaced.


    ¡°Alright, Ahsoka I am going to do two Force Imprints on you. One is called Science Intuition which out of the two is the bulkiest. The other is Shatterpoint. That last one is primarily used in combat, but as a lot of versatility as well.¡± Lash told the young padawan.


    ¡°OK... Let''s do it.¡± Ahsoka said, and though her voice held the edge of uncertainty. Her trusting gaze she gave Lash made him smile.


    This time Lash stood in front of Ahsoka and cradled her head in his hands. They both closed their eyes and he activated his Skill/Power/Spell Trainer ability. Then imprinted the abilities. Shatterpoint was an odd ability found in the Force. Though Lash technically didn''t know it himself. Thanks to the light side holocrons at the Venura temple. He was aware of it. Shatterpoint allowed the Force-User to detect the fault, or weakness in a thing. Generally used during combat, one could detect the fatal flaw in a target. They could then tap that location with the force and kill, wound, and/or disable a target.


    But, in this case. Lash wanted Ahsoka to use it on the damaged walker. She would use the ability to detect what was broken, and where. Then with Science Intuition she could explain what was broken. Now, technically Lash didn''t need help with this. He could just use Repair. But he wanted to keep Ahsoka busy. Once Lash was done with the imprint he used his old friend the tear drop power stone''s ability to give her a experience boost. Purple electricity bounced across her skin. Her eyes snapped open and she looked like she had discovered the mysterious of the universe.


    ¡°What?! What?! What?!¡± Ahsoka said in a almost manic expression as she practically vibrated with untapped potential.


    ¡°Climb onto that walker and tell me what''s wrong with it.¡± Lash said, and pointed a damaged AT-TE.


    ¡°OK!¡± Ahsoka said, she jumped onto the walker and climbed up with ease.


    Then she started to list off what was wrong with it one by one. Lash reached out and cast Repair. Since he new the exact thing he needed it cost a lot less energy. Plus he received mentor experience from Ahsoka. With Telekinesis, Lash lifted the walker up. Then they slowly worked together to repair it. One by one the walkers were fixed.


    Ahsoka Tano has obtained Science Intuition (Engineering), and Partial Shatterpoint.


    Lash received the prompt, and smiled. They had repaired six walkers so far and Ahsoka continued to act like a squirrel who had drank one to many energy drinks. Before either of them knew it, every single walker had been repaired and the twenty four hour time limit popped. Ahsoka all but collapsed into unconsciousness. Lash caught her mid repair, and carried her to the Basilisk. By the time he left the ship he found Obi-Wan with a smile on his face.


    ¡°I tried talking to you before, but the both of you were in a trance of some kind. I''ve never seen Padawan Tano like that before. Thank you for working with her, I fear we were all in our own heads at the time. Are you up for a briefing?¡± Obi-Wan asked with wry grin on his face.


    ¡°Of course Obi-Wan, lead the way.¡± Lash said with a bow.


    ¡°Do the Jensaarai practice the pairing of masters with apprentices?¡± Obi-Wan asked as they walked across the base. Clone troopers were getting the newly repaired AT-TE''s underday.


    ¡°We do... An apprentice is paired with a defender. But, it''s never longer than a standard year. Every teacher has their own method of operation within the Jensaarai code. It''s important for the apprentice to learn that there is more than one way to work with the Force.¡± Lash replied, and a look of surprised came over Obi-Wan''s face. A discussion about philosophy was on the horizon. But a military briefing first.


    The briefing was to take place in one of the newly built underground bunkers. Clone commanders stood at attention as Lash, and Obi-Wan walked in. Anakin was talking with Clone Commander Rex. While Senator Organa was listening. Due to the storm in the atmosphere which they had learned covered the whole planet. Organa couldn''t leave.


    ¡°Anakin, how did your scouting mission go?¡± Obi-Wan asked, the boy wonder grimaced.


    ¡°Not well... Looks like you all had a better time here. Rex says all of the walkers are ready to move?¡± Anakin asked.


    ¡°Your apprentice helped me with the repairs. She''s learned the force technique Shatterpoint. She used it to sense what was broken, and where.¡± Lash replied, and a look of astonishment crossed Anakin''s, and Obi-Wan''s face. While Rex and Organa looked confused. Lash took a brief moment to explain what the technique was.


    ¡°Is that a common ability?¡± Organa asked.


    ¡°Dear lord, no! As far as I am aware only Master Windu knows the ability within the entire Jedi Order.¡± Obi-Wan said with a sly grin.


    ¡°I didn''t realize it could be used in engineering.¡± Anakin said with a proud smile for Ahsoka.


    ¡°It has several uses, even in the medical field.¡± Lash said, then knocked on the holographic display table to get the topic back on track.


    ¡°Right, we scouted the city had found several work, and prisoner camps. All of them are empty. Not a single droid, or Christophsian. From what the Mandalorian''s who offered to join me say. They found tracks heading to the north east. They had left before the storm.¡± Anakin said to the room.


    ¡°There dead, General Ripper used them in a Sith ritual. That is what the storm was.¡± Lash said, and a bone chilling cold settled in the pits of everyone''s stomach.


    ¡°All of them?¡± Organa asked.


    ¡°Yes, and more than likely that is what they are doing to maintain the storm above the planet. The longer the storm is here, the more they''ll have to sacrifice.¡± Lash replied, and the whole room went pale at the implications.


    ¡°How many?¡± Anakin asked, as he ground his molars.


    ¡°I''d estimate a few million to ensure the storm lasts a month or two.¡± Lash did some quick calculations thanks to Force Magic, and Magic Intuition.


    ¡°This is a lightning storm they can aim?¡± Commander Rex asked.


    ¡°Correct.¡± Lash confirmed his suspicion.


    ¡°Can the Jensaarai, and the Jedi stop the storm?¡± Organa asked.


    ¡°I believe if we can find the focus point, it could be easily accomplished?¡± Obi-Wan asked, and Lash nodded in agreement.


    Anakin slammed his fist into the holographic table and yelled in frustration. The whole room focused their attention on him. ¡°Let''s mount up and head to the North East!¡± Anakin said to them them.


    ¡°While normally I would say we should scout ahead. But if this is all to be believed then we shouldn''t waste time. Every moment that passes is another life lost. Commander Rex, find Cody and prepare the men to leave.¡± Obi-Wan said, Cody being Obi-Wan''s own clone commander.


    ¡°Right away!¡± Rex said and raced out of the command tent.


    ¡°With your permission I''m going to stay back just a few hours. I''ll work to repair any, and all of the speeder bikes we have available, along with any of the gun ships still not repaired. Once everything is within working order I''ll bring them in from behind.¡± Lash offered the room, and they all agreed easily enough.


    Lash returned to the machine shop located on the base and started to cast Repair in a wide area of effect on every piece of equipment they had available. But it didn''t take long before the Jensaarai, and the Mandalorians showed up. The Mando''s wanted to join the Jedi in the fight. Which was a sentence Lash never expected to hear. But the mass sacrifice of innocent people hit a nerve with them. The Militia officers were ordered to stay and organize the Christophsian people into a working army. Because if they failed, Ripper would be coming for them next.


    The Jensaarai were on the fence about what to do. Lash offered council but in the end it was their choice. Technically they were assigned to the militia. But the more Force-Users that came with the main army would drastically improve their chances of succeeding. In the end they decided to follow Lash as the reinforcements. They broke apart and worked with the armored division to get everything up and running. Time would tell if their decision was the best one...


    ==============================================================


    (Christophsis, CIS Base Camp.)


    Asajj Ventress, Dark Jedi and first of Count Dooku''s servants was filled with mystified terror. As she wanted a tornado made up entirely of dark side Force energy spin in place at the center of the camp. Sith Force ghosts surrounded the tornado and spoke in an ancient tongue that stripped the very will away from those that heard it. Ventress repeated the Sith Code over and over in a mantra to keep her focus.


    Ventress was pale as a ghost as she watched Christophsian prisoners walk towards the tornado with glazed expressions. They all had a look of pure euphoric rapture on their faces. As if they''ve been asked to ascend to some kind of paradise rather then give their lives to fuel a spell that consumed their planet in a storm. Red crystal veins spread from the tornado through the turquoise crystal landscape. It pulsated with energy, like...Like Ripper''s armor did.


    B1, and B2 battle droids walked the perimeter around the camp with tight military precision she had never seen in a droid before. Each of them had a sinister aura about them now. Ventress knew why, it had to do with the new data, and processing center that Ripper had made. The droid had found the best, and brightest Christophsian scientist within the prison, and work camps. Then pulled their brains out! Ripper plunged them into some kind of alchemical solution, and plugged them into a machine. Since then the droids all moved differently, acted differently, felt differently.


    ¡°Mistress Ventress!¡± A B2 battle droid came to her side and saluted. Ventress glared at the behemoth of metal.


    ¡°What!?¡± She snarled at the machine.


    ¡°General Ripper requests your presence in the command room. The enemy is moving.¡± The B2 battle droid said.


    ¡°Tell him I''ll be there shortly.¡± Ventress all but hissed at it. But the B2 battle droid refused to move.


    ¡°He wants you now.¡± The Battle droid said, and several droids started to walk towards her location in the camp.


    Ventress ignited her red lightsabers and moved to strike the battle droid down. But her blades were caught in its hand. Dark side energy overflowed across its armored shell. Ventress''s eyes went wide in terror. Then before she could react a B1 battle droid shot her with a stun bolt. Merciful darkness swallowed her mind. Regretfully it didn''t last long.


    Ventress found herself in the main command chamber, she lay across the floor. She took her time to look around only to see General Ripper who stood over a holographic display table. He wore the tattered remains of skin, and flesh. Like it was some kind of sorcerer gown. By his side was a wide eyed, groveling zealot general Loathsom. Who''s eyes were blood shot. He was gnawing on a bone, while saliva dripped from his maw. Ripper''s red synthetic eyes looked up and focused on Ventress.


    ¡°Mistress your awake. I apologize for the way the troops treated you. But they said you refused to come when I called for you.¡± Ripper said in his synthetic masculine voice that sent shivers down Ventress''s spine.


    ¡°I said I would come to you shortly. They didn''t take that as an answer.¡± Ventress said, murder was in her eyes as she slowly stood up. Only for her to realize her lightsabers were missing. They sat by Rippers hands on the table.


    How distressing... Come here, please. I have something to show you.¡± Ripper said, and beckoned Ventress towards the table like a parent would a child. Ventress grit her teeth but gradually moved over.


    The holographic display table showed an army of clone troopers making their way towards their camp. Hundreds of battle droids were putting up a fierce resistance. But they were falling back. Almost as if they were guiding the clone army into a trap? As if Ripper read her mind, he moved the display towards a gauntlet between two skyscrapers. Bombs were rigged to blow, sending steel, glass, and crystal shards down on top of the army.


    ¡°In approximately six hours a window will open in the storm. You will take your personal solar sailor yacht and leave Christophis. Please tell Count Dooku I failed to keep the planet.¡± Ripper informed her, and Ventress''s mind froze from the sudden non sequitur.


    ¡°What!? You just showed me how you are going to win. The storm above us will hold for weeks as long as you continue to sacrifice the Christophsian''s. Why are you going to lose the planet?¡± Ventress asked, completely caught off guard.


    ¡°Tch, tch, tch. Mistress Ventress, please understand that we don''t have the sacrifices necessary to sustain the storm. In a few days it will abate, the republic will reinforce the Jedi. Then we''ll lose.¡± Ripper''s tone of voice sounded like a teacher talking down to a ignorant student.


    ¡°So why are you sending me away!? I have seen what you have done to the droids. You''ve made them into living puppets that can fight on par with the clones!¡± Ventress screamed at him.


    ¡°I''m sending you away because we will receive no reinforcements. Count Dooku has no intention of coming to our aid. He despises my creator so much, he is willing to forfeit this planet just to make Lord Enfarious look bad.¡± Ripper informed her, and suddenly a puzzle piece seem to click into place.


    ¡°But...But why?¡± Ventress asked as her mind began to spin.


    ¡°The Sith are disgusting creatures, Mistress Ventress. If they could put aside their petty differences until after all their enemies had been killed. They would have ruled the galaxy over a millennia ago. But they are always to busy trying to one up each other. Full of petty grievances, old jealousies, and hatreds. Darth Tyranus is terrified that Lord Enfarious will replace him.¡± Ripper politely informed her, and for a brief moment his voice was soft, and soothing.


    ¡°No, I understand that! Why are you sending me away!¡± Ventress snarled at him, her anger gave her focus.


    ¡°Because you are important to Lord Enfarious.¡± Ripper said, and all the anger in the world couldn''t help Ventress now. Her body, mind, and soul went cold.


    ¡°...Me...¡± Ventress squeaked.


    ¡°Yes you. So, you will take the solar sailor and leave the planet. Inform Count Dooku that you read between the lines of his mission briefing and used the time to sabotage my efforts on the planet. This is a detailed record of everything I did. It will make Dooku, and more importantly you look amazing in the eyes of Darth Sidious. Now, you only have five hours, and forty two minutes until the storm opens. Please make ready.¡± Ripper said, and passed a holo recorder that clearly had been edited. But no one but Ventress would know that.


    Ventress took the holo recorder and was escorted to her solar sailor. She sat in silence in the ship and tried to comprehend what kind of plans Lord Enfarious had for her. Before she knew it an alarm went off and her ship went into auto pilot. It broke the storm with ease and deployed her sails. Just like Count Dooku''s ship, the solar sails allowed Ventress to activate her hyperspace drive without detection, and she left no discernible trail to be followed.


    Down below on the planet of Christophsis the battle between the republic, and the CIS began...


    =============================================================


    (Christophsis. 501St, and 212th Clone Legions.)


    Clone Commander Rex aka CT-7567 worked alongside General Skywalker, and Commander Tano in the 501st. Rex had worked with General Skywalker for only a few short weeks. But he had to say he was impressed with the Generals bravery, but also his skill in battle. Rex like many of the clone commanders had been told time, and time again by their instructors at Kamino that the Jedi were complete morons when it came to basic tactics, and strategy.


    Rex was happy to report that General Skywalker was an outlier. He did see the inexperience nature of Commander Tano. Having to take orders from a child, even a Jedi was confusing to Red. Then he heard stories from Clone Commander Cody aka CT-2224 about General Obi-Wan''s lack of experience. So Rex was more than happy to work with General Skywalker unconventional tactics.


    General Skywalker led from the front. Very rarely did the Jedi give an order, and was not smack in the thick of things when the plan was put into motion. Almost to the point that Rex had to wrangle his own General to take cover from time to time. They had good chemistry, and a soldier couldn''t ask for a better commander who looked after their own.


    Rex was like any other clone. He stood at approximately 5''9¡± or 6'' even with his boots on. He had leathery brown tanned skin, with shaved black hair that he decided to dye blond for...reasons. Due to General Skywalker''s method of operation Rex went in for additional training to become a ARC-Trooper. (Advanced Recon Commando) Though he was the commander of the 501st he chose to wear a blue color to represent his original rank of lieutenant before he got a battlefield promotion due to the original commander dying.


    Rex had been trained by the Mandalorian warriors at Kamino, along with a few others. Instructor Wraith had encouraged diversity among the ranks, and different specialist. As did the Mandalorians. So the ARC-Troopers stylized their armor after the Mandalorians themselves. Rex had a double blue pauldron, and a kama leather armor kilt. While the rest of his armor was decorated with blue stripes. His face mask sported Jaig Eyes which was a symbol in Mandalore for honor. His favored weapon were two blaster pistols he had on his belt. Along with a plethora of tools, and goodies in his belt. Like any good Mandalorian would have.


    Clone Commander Rex was currently on foot as he moved along in front of an armored column of AT-TE''s. General Skywalker, and General Kenobi had just pulled their entire group out of a trap set by the CIS droid general, Ripper. Two Christophsian skyscrapers were set to collapse right on top of them. Red didn''t know how the Force worked, but if it tells the Jedi to watch out. Rex had better learn to listen.


    The Clone troopers were moving in a scattered sight line movement. They would always have each other in their sights. If a trooper was ever out of sight for longer then fifteen seconds an auxiliary troop would rush to their position to check on them. Why, did they do this? Well for the past mile or so they encountered spider holes. B1 battle droids who had swapped out their blaster rifles for viroblade claws? These things looked freaky. Covered in blood, and tattered skin. They had an almost rabid personality.


    ¡°Geeaaah!¡± A clone trooper shouted not twenty feet from Rex.


    ¡°Enemy contact!¡± Rex shouted and pulled his side arms from his belt and raced towards the troopers last known location. They found a slip in the ground and pulled it open. ¡°Open fire!¡± Rex shouted and his troopers unloaded into the hole.


    The trooper was already dead, shredded by the rabid droid. But the troopers realized to late that they had lost their focus. Another spider hole opened up and a droid tackled another trooper. Then another, and another. Rex called for assistance and General Skywalker fell out of the sky with a vengeance. His lightsaber sliced, and diced through the droids with ease. But the crazy things sprung away like those nexu cat things.


    Just as the last of the rabid droids had been dispatched they all heard the unmistakable screech of a vulture droid flying through the air. ¡°Take cover!¡± Rex shouted to his troops and they sprinted towards the AT-TE''s. The vulture droids flew down from the dark sky in formation around Hyena Droid fighters. Who were essentially vulture droids with a bomb module.


    But right before the bombs hit missile pods shot from behind the armored column. LAAT-Gunships flew over and shot down the Hyenas. The troopers cheered, as their reinforcements had shown up. Speeder bikes, and assault personal carriers ran through the column. Rex let his men cheer for a minute more.


    ¡°Alright lock it up troopers! We have the momentum, let''s push forward!¡± Rex ordered.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± The troopers responded and jumped back into formation. Rex came over to General Skywalker''s side. He was speaking into his wrist comm.


    ¡°Hey Snips, did you enjoy your nap?¡± General Skywalker asked.


    ¡°Why didn''t you wake me Skyguy!? I had to find out from Master Lash that the entire troop had left hours ago.¡± Commander Tano''s young voice called over the comm.


    ¡°We were only able to leave because of the work you, and Lash did on the walkers. You deserved a good rest.¡± General Skywalker said with a smile as he looked at Rex who chuckled at the situation.


    Then a almost predator engine roar flew overhead. The Jensaarai Master Lash''s gunship the Basilisk was in the air. It shot down the rest of the droid star fighters with ease. That thing was a certifiable monster with armor, and turbo lasers. It began an open perimeter patrol route around the army as we moved forward. Rex couldn''t help but smile. Grand Admiral Lash was walking, talking, supply depot.


    ¡°Well looks like everyone is here, Rex. Let''s get to work.¡± General Skywalker said.


    ¡°Yes General!¡± Rex said with a crisp salute and took off.


    ______________________________________________________________________


    Lash sat in the primary pilot seat for the Basilisk. Several data points had linked into his suit of armor which allowed him to control the whole ship with ease. According to Padawan Ahsoka it looked disturbing to see all those wires sticking out of him. He had explained what they did. That only made it worse. The Basilisk flew over the armored column with a quiet grace of a predator stalking in the tall grass. Thanks to the armor it gave off no viable signal. Because of the dark storm above it would disappear into the cloud line.


    Several miles out was the CIS base camp. A tornado of energy rose high into the sky and fed the dark side sacrificial energy into it. The Basilisk''s sensor readings were going haywire. While the threat of an extensional dread filled the air the closer they got to the camp. The oppressive energy of the dark side was bearing down them. Then before they knew it. Artillery fire from the base started to fire onto the armored column.


    Lash punched the acceleration on the Basilisk and roared towards the firing line. ¡°This is your pilot speaking. All crew to the turrets. Weapons free, priority targets will be marked.¡± Lash called through the intercom. He received confirmation lights on his UI.


    ¡°Time to play.¡± Lash said with a grin and flew over the base. Surface to air missiles, and anti-air turbo lasers tried to target him. But their targeting computers couldn''t get a lock. They had to fire line of sight, which was a crap shoot in it self.


    Lash passed next to the tornado and tilted the ship. He didn''t see any prisoners being sacrificed. That meant they had ran out of sacrifices. His own computer marked everything and sent it to Rex, and Cody for clear IFF tags. All the while Ahsoka, and the rest of the turret crews unloaded into the base. Lash missile locked a few tanks and fired self guiding energy bolts. (Asgardian tech)


    But the fun and games could last as dozens of vulture droid star fighters took off from the camp. Lash pulled up and away into the storm above. Lightning cracked across their shields. Then it became a game of cat and mouse. The vulture droids fired into the soup. A few shots got lucky, most missed. Lash shut down his engines, and flipped his repulsors. The Basilisk did a 180 in the air. Then he kicked the engine on and marked the targets. Energy bolts shot out like swarm missiles and destroyed more than half.


    ¡°Wooooooo!¡± Ahsoka called out from her weapon station. The turret crews destroyed the rest.


    ¡°Commander Rex, all fighters are down.¡± Lash called out across the comm.


    ¡°Roger that, Admiral Lash. Come around and take out their anti-armor if you can.¡± Rex shouted through the comm as explosions were heard in the background.


    ¡°Copy, moving into position now.¡± Lash replied and came out of the storm clouds.


    The republic troops had encircled the CIS base and were hammering them. The CIS had deployed shields around their artillery, along with point defense cannons that shot the cannon shells from the AT-TE out of the air before they could hit. Anakin, and Obi-Wan were in the middle of the enemy camp fighting against a horde of battle droids. While the clone troopers stuck to cover and provided fire support.


    Lash drove his ship to fly right above the artillery location and dove straight down. All guns fired in rapid succession along with his energy missiles. They bombarded half of the artillery until out of no where a lightning strike the Basilisk and sent it off course. The entire ship lost power for a moment, and they went into a reckless spin. Without power, the gravity engines were down and every felt the G''s as they spun.


    ¡°I''m....a...leaf....on....the....wind....¡± Lash said as he sent Repair through his ship as fast as he could go. Power flipped on at the last moment and engines roared to life a hundred feet from the ground. Lash gunned the engine and pulled up. Heroic Luck sent him an experience prompt.


    Lash pulled the Basilisk around to see a figure in the middle of the camp was shooting blood red Sith lightning out. The figure was destroying heavy walker, after heavy walker. Doing a twisted form of chain lightning. The dark side tornado was no where to be seen. The storm above them was starting to dissipate. Ripper had pulled what was left into his own body. His droid shell wasn''t designed to hold that much power.


    ¡°All ground troops, pull back immediately! The Sith Sorcerer can''t contain that much power. They are a walking time bomb! Get out of there now!¡± Lash shouted into the comm chatter. Blissfully he was heard as the clone troopers on the ground started to pull back.


    ''Thank you for the opportunity to serve, creator. Be well.'' -Ripper said across their link. Lash reached out and tried to hold onto his spirit. Then an explosion of dark side energy momentarily imploded. Then a mushroom cloud erupted in its place.


    The Basilisk was caught in the shock wave and was sent flying through the air. Alarms rang out in shrill voices, and the proximity sensor screamed at him. Lash heard Ahsoka scream, and a few of the Jensaarai aboard did as well. Lash was thankful he was linked into the ship. He wrapped a sphere of Telekinetic energy around the whole ship. Then did the same for his crew. Just in time for his view screen to clear and see a giant mountain of crystal in front of him.


    ¡°Well crap!¡±


    Galen


    Hello! So one of the things that I''ve noticed that Fan-Fiction Authors tend to do is skip character description. Normally this is because they believe if you are reading a fan-fic you the reader should know what the characters look like. I personally hate this. I think it''s important to describe known characters. Because it helps tell the story. You can learn a lot about the Author by how they describe people. Plus, who knows maybe someone picked up the fan-fic not knowing who, what anyone was. So character description is important. I always told myself I would describe characters, and so I have. Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 136: Proving a Point.

    ============================================================


    ***Rift. Star Wars.***


    (Christophsis)


    ¡°Ahsoka come in.... Ahsoka, answer your damn comms!¡± Anakin''s voice was like a shrill cry through the fog of Ahsoka''s mind. She groaned, and rubbed her head.


    ¡°Master...?¡± Ahsoka said softly.


    ¡°Oh thank the Force! Are you injured?¡± Anakin''s voice was filled with relief and concern. It almost made Ahsoka smile.


    Ahsoka looked around the turret control module she had been sitting in when the Basilisk had been hit by the Sith''s dark side explosion. She remembered the ship spinning out of control. She felt the Force, or some kind of barrier wrap around her. Master Lash! Ahsoka snapped her eyes open and tried to orientate herself. But she felt like a needle was pressing into her brain. She yelped in pain and curled up. This resulted in Anakin screaming at her again.


    ¡°Ahsoka!? What happened!? Just, hang on we...Damn it! Not now!¡± Anakin yelled into her communication unit on her vamprace. Ahsoka heard blaster fire in the background, so the fighting wasn''t over yet?


    Ahsoka rubbed her face and came away with blood on her hand. She must have hit her head. Her eyes slowly cleared and she saw what ever barrier Master Lash had put up was still active. That meant Lash was still alive, otherwise the barrier would have fallen. She softly reached out and touched the energy field. She felt a familiar presence brush against her own mind and the barrier fell.


    ¡°Master Skywalker, I''m fine...I..I have a head injury, but I''ll be fine.¡± Ahsoka said into her comm unit.


    ¡°Head injury!? Are you bleeding?¡± Anakin asked, his worry was actually kinda sweet. It made her smile, this time.


    Ahsoka unbuckled herself from her seat and went to the door. It was locked shut with no power, she flipped the emergency manual control and had to pump action the door open. Little by little the door unsealed. The Basilisk doors didn''t open normally, they rotated and pulled apart like a flower blooming. It was very pretty, and durable apparently. She didn''t see a single scratch on them. Once the door was opened and locked in place. She carefully climbed down the ladder to the main deck.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Ahsoka called down from the ladder.


    ¡°Padawan Tano?¡± A Jensaarai called up to her. Ahsoka breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°I''m here, is everyone alright?¡± Ahsoka called down. A Jensaarai with feathered styled armor poked their head up at her.


    ¡°Yes, we are waking up one by one. Master Lash wrapped us all in a protective bubble. Otherwise I think we''d be liquid right now.¡± The Jensaarai''s voice was feminine, Ahsoka struggled to put a face to them. But the Jensaarai never took off their helmets.


    ¡°I must have gotten a thin one then?¡± Ahsoka tried to joke as she finished climbing down. The Jensaarai looked her over.


    ¡°If you had a helmet on you would have been fine.¡± She softly chided her. Ahsoka rolled her eyes at them. She went to retort but came up short.


    ¡°Milnan Staholla, Jensaarai Defender.¡± Milnan said with a bit of mirth in her voice. Ahsoka blushed just a bit. She vaguely remembered Milnan introducing herself to Ahsoka.


    ¡°The Jedi don''t use armor unless its absolutely necessary. It impedes our movements.¡± Ahsoka said finally, and Milnan laughed at her.


    ¡°Have you seen Master Lash move in his armor?¡± Milnan asked, and Ahsoka reluctantly had to admit that he moved with a grace not befitting of someone in full armor.


    ¡°Come, let''s get you to medical. It still has emergency power.¡± Milnan said, and wrapped an arm around Ahsoka to support her.


    Ahsoka bit her lip in frustration and accepted the help. She wanted to walk on her own but her balance was off. A sign that her head injury was more than she believed. The Basilisk''s med bay only had three beds to it. But each one was a fully automated medical pod. Another Jensaarai in full armor was being checked over by the droid program in charge.


    ¡°Don''t you ever take off your armor?¡± Ahsoka asked, as Milnan hefted her onto the bed. The program started to scan her. It beeped until Ahsoka laid down.


    ¡°We do, when its appropriate.¡± Milnan replied softly, as she looked over the medical scan. ¡°Mild concussion, it''s going to give you a Bacta spray, hold still.¡±


    A mechanical arm came over Ahsoka''s skull and sprayed Bacta onto her. Then another arm came up and over to clean the blood off of her. Ahsoka took a deep breath and felt the needle piercing sensation leave her. Her sensory awareness slowly came into focus. She glanced over at Milnan and got a good look at her.


    Milnan stood at approximately 5''9¡± with an athletic figure. A figure that was covered in black body glove, and Jensaarai armor. Unlike the Mandalorian''s where their armor protects their vitals and leaves room for mobility. Jensaarai armor covered them completely. Milnan''s armor was stylized after some kind of bird. Her armor was lighter then others, and it had feathered style scale plate. Ahsoka saw what appeared to be a jet pack on her back. It looked like wings could come out if Milnan wanted them to.


    ¡°I can''t tell if you are getting worse or better.¡± Milnan asked in genuine concern.


    ¡°I''m just admiring your armor.¡± Ahsoka replied.


    ¡°It''s a bonegnawer from Tatooine.¡± Milnan said, as she helped Ahsoka sit up. The medical pod was done with her. The other Jensaarai was finished and moved to assist with the repairs of the ship.


    ¡°Why do Jensaarai style their armor after animals?¡± Ahsoka asked, Milnan looked at her for a moment. She even titled her head to the side almost like animal. ¡°If it''s private, I don''t mean to offend.¡±


    ¡°No, it''s fine. To the Jedi creating a light-saber is a right of passage. Often called, ''The Gathering'' if I remember correctly.¡± Milnan replied, Ahsoka was surprised that Milnan knew about The Gathering.


    ¡°Creating a light-saber is important. Though Jedi may go through several light-sabers on their path. The design never changes. It speaks to the Jedi. To the Jensaarai creating a light-saber though important is not as important as our armor.¡± Milnan said as she gestured for Ahsoka to follow her out of the medical room.


    ¡°We finish stage one and we are granted a light-saber. Standard design, and type. It''s when we go through our stage two trial that we find out spirit-kindred. An animal within the living force. Once we know the animal, that is when things change. Our light-sabers go through a design phase. Our martial path reflects the animal. Our armor is stylized after it.¡± Milnan said and pointed out the other Jensaarai on the ship. Each one was in full armor, but each one was styled after an animal.


    ¡°Any animal within the living force can be chosen?¡± Ahsoka asked, and Milnan laughed a little.


    ¡°Oh we don''t choose the animal. It chooses us.¡± Milnan replied, and few looked up at her and seem to understand the topic.


    ¡°Brother Tophin''s armor is based on the Sand Demon insect from Tatooine.¡± Milnan pointed him out. His armor had a chitin look. With mandibles on his face mask, and serrated claws on his hands, and feet.


    ¡°While his fighting style is based on them as well. You wouldn''t know it, but get him on a place with dirt and he can literally swim through it like it was water.¡± Milnan said with a smile, Ahsoka''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°So wait, not only does every Jensaarai have different armor, but a different primary fighting style?¡± Ahsoka asked, her mind worked the puzzle.


    ¡°Yep! We all learn light-saber combat forms like any other Force-User. But we also create our own forms.¡± Tophin replied, then before they could speak about it any longer the main airlock towards the cockpit flew open.


    Standing there was Lash. Ahsoka smiled at the sight then took a moment to look him over. Lash''s armor was styled after what appeared to be a giant reptile. Stylized armored in the shape of scales. Claws on his hands, and feet. With a diamond scale crest shape that curved naturally back, and up. The helmet had six optical sensors in shape of eyes, with mandibles around his snout? His cloak or coat was tattered, but it reminded her of shredded wings. Lash''s body glove had a thin layer of scale mail underneath it. He wore a full suit of armor with no exposed spaces.


    ¡°Anyone injured?¡± Lash''s rough voice asked the room.


    ¡°Bumps and bruises, mild concussion for Padawan Tano but medical checked her out.¡± Milnan replied quickly.


    ¡°Good, we apparently cracked through a cavern. We are about three hundred feet below the surface. Main power should be on momentarily, but we are stuck in the ground. We''ll have to carve our way out to get airborne again.¡± Lash replied, and took a moment to looked Ahsoka over who nodded in return.


    Then just as Master Lash had said. The main power to the ship powered on. A holographic communication came in then and there and Commander Cody of the 212th was shown as he repeated a message over and over again. The explosion had decimated the entire battle field. But thanks to Master Lash''s quick thinking they had suffered only minimal casualties. But in spite of that good news, the fighting wasn''t over. Every battle droid on the planet was rushing to their location almost in a suicidal attempt to do as much damage as possible.


    ¡°Ahsoka, can you work with our teams and find the break points in the crystals?¡± Lash addressed her and she popped to attention almost automatically.


    ¡°Yes, Master Lash!¡± Ahsoka replied loudly.


    Ahsoka followed Milnan out through the main loading ramp which only opened halfway. They had to crawl, and slip out. The cavern they found themselves stretched in every direction in a vast network of tunnels. But they were housed in a large section. The scattered remains of their entry lay across the ground. But most of all, Ahsoka recognized what was in this room. Kyber crystals, naturally occurring Kyber crystals.


    Kyber crystals was actually one of the main exports of Christophsis. However Kyber crystals with the Force attuned to them were a little more rare. This entire cavern was covered in them. Ahsoka''s eyes were wide in wonder as she heard the distant singing of the Force. It was a high pitched keening sound. But instead of annoying it seem to pierce the shadows of doubt. Cleansing her own mind, and of those around her. This cavern was a huge find!


    ¡°Jensaarai use synth-crystals don''t they?¡± Ahsoka asked Milnan who was looking over the crash site. Thankfully they hadn''t crashed into a kyber crystal just normal, ordinary, extremely durable Christophsis crystal.


    ¡°We do, our own cavern is still growing.¡± Milnan responded as she started to shape the crystal stone.


    ¡°Wait! Does Venura have a Kyber crystal cavern?¡± Ahsoka asked.


    ¡°Master Lash made one.¡± Milnan replied nonchalantly as if she spoke about the weather.


    ¡°Woah! Woah! You can''t just make a Kyber crystal cavern. They are focus points of the Force.¡± Ahsoka said to her.


    ¡°There are many things Master Lash can do that most Jedi would believe impossible, Ahsoka Tano. That is the power of the Gray Code, and the Jensaarai.¡± Milnan said proudly.


    Ahsoka Tano rubbed her head suddenly having another headache for a completely different reason. She took a moment to listen to the serene sound of the crystals sing to her again. Only for the song to abruptly get cut off. She snapped her eyes open and looked around. The crystals glowed even more brilliantly, but the music was gone. The only difference she could find was Master Lash was now standing in the cavern with them.


    Ahsoka watched in vivid fascination as green, and blue energy danced from Lash''s finger tips. These coalesced around the kyber crystals and they all seem to grow in size, and scope. The kyber crystals in the cavern grew in number, and color. Green, blue, purple, orange, yellow, red! Then the song began, this time with different tones. Almost as if each color was its own voice. It sounded heavenly, but the song was also sad. Ahsoka felt her heart ache at the sound. What could it mean?


    ¡°Ahsoka! Lash! You down there!?¡± Anakin''s voice yelled from the broken cave entrance above them.


    ¡°Yes, Master Skywalker! We''re here!¡± Ashoka called up.


    ==============================================================


    (Christophsis)


    Lash and his team slowly excavated the Basilisk from the crystal cavern. He made a note of the caverns location on his Map. Both the Jedi, and Palpatine would want to know about it. Lash also noticed how the crystals reacted to Anakin, and in a sorrowful way. They understood what was coming. Tied to the Living Force, but also the Cosmic Force. The tapestry revealed all. But it had for the better part been in the works for thousands of years. The Jedi needed to face their own extinction if balance was to ever be found.


    Lash cleared his thoughts of needles worrying. He had a lot of work to do before the day was over. Eventually his team boarded their ship and left the cavern. Through an almost comical loony tune shaped hole. They flew out to see a battle taking place. Thousands of battle droids were sprinting towards the republic forces. Heedless of cover, or any form of strategy. Just a mad rush to die? The crew went back to their turret modules, and started to fire at anything tagged as a foe on the IFF.


    The GAR were pulling back to their FOB. The Basilisk, and any remaining gunship landed to ferry wounded troops back to the FOB. Only to find it under attack as well. Blissfully the Militia had done their jobs well. They had a firing line of Christophsian civilians with blaster pistols, and rifles on the wall. The civilians were terrified out of their minds. But they were holding the line. Thankful to see the gunships coming back with clone troopers.


    A pleasant surprise for the clone troopers when the Basilisk activated a magnetic lock on its underside and snagged a AT-TE for transport. It was a bit of a tumble along the way as the Basilisk swerved this way and that. But one by one walkers were placed on the line. Last but not least were Anakin, and Obi-Wan on the ship. Obi-Wan with one of his trade mark exhausted smirks, and Anakin with his glorious tale of adventure and excitement. A story he couldn''t wait to tell on their way back to the base.


    ¡°So there we were in the middle of the camp and General Ripper came out and started to do this speech!¡± Anakin said with a grin, and Obi-Wan face palmed.


    ¡°It was one of the most unbelievable things I''d ever seen.¡± Obi-Wan replied with a smile.


    ¡°So Ripper talked about how the world would soon be his. How the Jedi would fall before his might. How there was no hope, his master Lord Enfarious would soon rule the galaxy! Then he out this giant guffaw. All the while he shot red Sith lightning. But he always just barely missed us.¡± Anakin said with a smug grin.


    ¡°Yes, it was odd. He had eerie accuracy with the walkers. But when it came to us, he seem to miss on purpose.¡± Obi-Wan commented with a look of thought.


    ¡°On purpose? We were just too quick for him!¡± Anakin said.


    ¡°But I do have to admit we both feared for your lives when he shot at the Basilisk.¡± Obi-Wan said next and the good humor from Anakin evaporated.


    ¡°We were fine.¡± Ahsoka said to them both with a reassuring smile.


    ¡°I''m surprised to say the least. Not only did you protect them, but you protected the ship as well. There is barely a scratch on it''s armor.¡± Obi-Wan remarked as he looked at the Basilisk. They had landed a little while ago.


    ¡°That''s just living metal. As long as it has a power source it self repairs.¡± Lash replied as he sipped on his drink through a straw from his wrist.


    ¡°Living metal?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    ¡°Most certainly. It''s incredibly hard to make. My entire ship''s armor is worth about... 50 million credits alone.¡± Lash said, and the mind boggling expression on Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka''s face was priceless.


    ¡°Tell me your not serious!?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    ¡°No, I''m telling you a complete and total lie. It''s just made out of beskar.¡± Lash replied with a chuckle. A sigh of relief came from Obi-Wan, then it was soon replaced with confusion.


    ¡°Your entire ship is is armored with beskar?¡± Obi-Wan asked, his eyes growing wide.


    ¡°Beskar alloy... I''m not insane!¡± Lash said with a laugh. It was Beskar, Vibranium, Nth metal, Uru, Orichalcum, and Adamantine.


    ¡°Honestly I wouldn''t be surprised. Haven''t you spent like a billion credits on the Militia?¡± Anakin asked, as he took a sip of a drink that was provided by Ahsoka.


    ¡°It''s more like 5 billion from the reports I got.¡± Bail Organa said as he walked up towards them all. A little worse for wear, but a smile was on his face.


    ¡°I must say, Lash. Ever considered opening up a bank? I''m sure the republic could use it.¡± Obi-Wan said with a sly grin that soon wilted as Lash stroked his mask in thought. That would be a good idea.


    Before Lash could reply he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to find that he wasn''t on Christophsis anymore. But back in the black room with Dawn. Who now took the form of a pale human woman. She had visible black veins across her face, and neck. While wore a combination of leather, and cloth trappings on her body. Black, and crimson red. Her eyes were Sith dark side yellow. Her black hair was shaved on one side, and swept back to the other side. It was cut, and stylized to reach the edge of her chin.


    The black room was a bog, or a twisted forest. Fog rolled across the muddy ground. Twisted gnarled trees stretched out to the sky. The bark on the trees were black, covered in thorns, and distorted visages were in the bark itself. High in the sky were four moons. While the sky itself was blood red, instead of blue. Lash knew this place, and he snapped his fingers in recognition.


    ¡°Are we on Dathomir?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°No, we are in the black room. But it''s stylized after Dathomir.¡± Dawn said in a velvet sweet voice. Then another voice spoke in a slight delay. A ghoulish undertone that promised darker, and twisted things.


    ¡°I still need to take the holocrons to them.¡± Lash said as he walked around the bog.


    ¡°Is that why you bought them?¡± Dawn asked, and the ghoulish undertone echoed the question.


    ¡°Yes, it was the original intent. The Force Magic was a serendipitous occurrence. They are important to the future if my research is correct.¡± Lash replied, as he brought his focus back towards Dawn who nodded in understanding.


    ¡°So, there is another mini-event in six months? Or, we can skip to the next main event?¡± Dawn offered, as she steepled her fingers in front of her. The ghoulish undertone starting a second later.


    ¡°Mini-event please.¡± Lash replied, and a UI appeared in front of him with his WP spending list. He had obtained 125 WP''s thanks to the 5 X experience, and reward.


    ¡°So every mini-event generates approximately 25 WP?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Unless you do something beyond measure. Like kill Palpatine.¡± Dawn replied in her duel voice.


    ¡°May I create my own World Point initiatives?¡± Lash asked, and Dawn momentarily paused as she consulted the ether.


    ¡°Tell me what you would like to do. If there is a WP option that is similar I''ll bring it up, and we can alter it with a slight increase in WP. If there isn''t, yes you can. But it will cost extra.¡± Dawn replied, as she walked or more like glided across the ground.


    ¡°I''d like to get citizenship for the clones. But it can''t be automatically obtained, it would cause to many problems for the republic. If they have at least one year''s worth of service they are granted citizenship. Along with pay, and retirement options.¡± Lash asked, and Dawn brought up a window.


    Clone Trooper Citizenship: Citizenship is granted for the clone trooper through service. Upon completing a single year the clone obtains citizen rights, pay, retirement options, and the ability to seek different employment. 99% of the clones will choose to stay in service. But a few may seek a different sort of life. 55 WP


    Note: This has been edited for an additional 5 points.


    You have purchased, Clone Trooper Citizenship for 55 WP.


    Just like before Lash obtained several new memories. He had returned from Christophsis in victory. Upon returning to Coruscant Lash went to the senate and petitioned to grant citizen rights to the clone troopers through service. It was met with great hostility. While a few did support the claim. Then Lash threatened to pull funding from the Militia if they didn''t comply. They voted on it and he won by a 51% margin.


    ¡°I didn''t think it would be that unpopular.¡± Lash replied as he rubbed his neck.


    ¡°It''s more money the republic has to pay. Most senators were thankful for the clones. But didn''t want to think of them as people. You changed that. I will say the people of the republic thought well of it. To them, the clones are saviors. Of course they should be rewarded for their service.¡± Dawn said in a smooth duel tone as she floated over to him and ran her finger nails along his suit of armor.


    ¡°I request that the Jedi do a six week training course at Militia HQ before they are granted the rights to command troops.¡± Lash asked Dawn next who snickered a bit.


    Jedi Militia Training: The User strongly encourages the Jedi to take a training course at the militia HQ. Surprisingly, the Jedi Council agrees to the request. Though Darth Sidious is disinclined to allow it. Chancellor Palpatine applauds the User''s foresight. 30 WP.


    You have purchased the, Jedi Militia Training for 30 WP.


    After Lash obtained the citizen rights of the clones he went before Master Yoda and requested that the Jedi take a six week training course. He provided infallible evidence that the Jedi desperately needed it. The council agreed to not only take the training course, but they made the 4X simulation game part of their curriculum. Clone trooper casualty reports decreased by 35% with the implementation of the training course.


    ¡°I want proper R&R for the Republic Navy, Army, and Militia. I know the clones were bred for this. But even they can get burnt out. If shore leave is not allowed. Then I at least want proper entertainment and relaxation options for them. On ships, bases, outposts, etc.¡± Lash asked, and Dawn brought up another window.


    Mental Health for the Troops: The User encourages for proper rotation between the military forces. To help prevent burn out. Proper R&R facilities on ships, bases, and shore leave options. 30 WP


    You have purchased, Mental Health for the Troops for 30 WP.


    Surprisingly enough, Lash met more resistance with this than he did with the citizenship bill. The idea of rotating the military out was ludicrous to so many people. The clones were designed to fight. Why did they need time off? The militia made sense, they were people. But thanks to some Kaminoan scientists that did agree proper mental health recuperation would actually improve their soldiers health won the day.


    ¡°With only 10 WP''s left. Let''s help Palpatine balance out the war effort. What would he need, and or like?¡± Lash asked Dawn.


    Mechu-Deru: The User through the use of the dark side Force power bestowed an intuitive understanding of mechanical systems into a Sith Holocron. The Holocron taught a technique to allow its practitioners to exert their influence over inanimate and robotic constructs. Through Mechu-Deru, mechanical structures could be bound to the will of the user and imbued with the power of the Force itself. (Wookiepedia) 10 WP.


    You have purchased, Mechu-Deru for 10 WP.


    Palpatine aka Darth Sidious was interested in the powers of the savagery class. He had assumed they were droids crafted through Sith Sorcery. Never did he imagine they could control the Force themselves. Lash granted him a holocron with the techniques to make them. Darth Sidious was thankful for the item. Then ''requested'' Lash make several savager class droids for the CIS armies. Which he happily complied to.


    ¡°When do you think you''ll visit Dathomir?¡± Dawn asked in her duel ghoulish undertone.


    ¡°Depends where you drop me off. But I''ll try to get to it in this space of activity.¡± Lash replied, and Dawn accepted the answer. A smile tugged on her lips. She must have something planned for him.


    _____________________________________________________________________


    The Jensaarai Master Lash, Mandalorian chieftain of Ghost Claw clan, Chairman of Ghost Industries, and Grand Admiral of the Republic Militia had returned in victory from Christophsis. The first joint operation between the Galactic Republic Navy, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Galactic Republic Militia was a success! Upon his return Lash made a surprise petition to grant citizenship to the clones through service. Which was met by fierce reprisal. It was easy to ignore the fact that the clones were living people. People protected by the very laws the republic should enforce. What Lash done had force the Republic to admit an ugly truth, a truth they didn''t want to admit. So they refused him!


    Where upon he threatened to pull funding from the widely accepted Galactic Republic Militia that so many were looking forward too. The senate proposed a compromise, they would at least vote on it. To the surprise of a great many senators the bill passed by a single swing vote. Thanks to democracy no one would ever discover who it was. But the bill was passed, and after a year of service each clone would obtain citizenship. The Clone Troopers in question rejoiced that all their hard work would be rewarded.


    In a surprising move the Jedi Council had declared that every Jedi commander, and general must go through a training course at the Militia HQ to ensure they had at the very least a elementary understanding of tactics and strategy. The idea that the Jedi were not infallible was met with shock. But it was a welcome surprise that many found to be endearing.


    Clearly Grand Admiral Lash''s victories had gone to his head. As he requested that proper mental health facilities be provided for their military. It was more credits that the republic had to pay!? They had already been granted citizenship, with pay, and retirement options. Now, Lash expects the republic to make sure the clones have shore leave? What a ridiculous notion. If not for the wise council of the Supreme Chancellor, and Kaminoan scientists that proved it would be beneficial it never would of happened. Now every Accalamator, and Venator cruiser had at least one holographic simulation room with the latest holo theater novels to watch. As did bases, and outposts. Along with possible shore leave expeditions.


    All the while a rising tide of dark side energy rose from the outer rim territories. Stories of CIS generals wielding the dark side of the force grew from rumor, to fact. Victory after victory is obtained by the CIS. Entire clone trooper legions were decimated, their Jedi generals, and commanders slain in battle. While many more experienced true horror and torture at the hands of the CIS dark side generals. But whispers spoke of a shadow moved behind the generals. Always seen in the background, never seen in the front. A Sith Sorcerer by the name of Lord Enfarious.


    _____________________________________________________________________


    Lash found himself in his persona, Lord Enfarious. He sat in a high back chair around a round table among other high ranking officials of the CIS. These were the real movers, and shakers of the CIS. While they had thousands of worlds, and hundreds of star systems under their command. Each one with their own senator. The senators were the public face. They maintained the status quo. While CIS members like Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation, and Emir Wat Tambor of the Techno Union were the face of the army.


    Count Dooku sat at the table, along with a General Grievous. Grievous aka Qymaen jai Sheelal was a Kaleesh male that had gone through extensive cybernetic augmentation. He stood at approximately 7''1¡± with gold reptilian slit eyes, the barest hint of red skin in his eye sockets. While the rest of him was extensively modified. All that remained was his brain, his eyes, spinal cord, and few vital organs like his lungs. However, this Grievous was slightly different then from the lore.


    This Grievous had a obsidian black cybernetic body. With ancient Sith written into the edges of each piece of the armor. A tattered cloak wrapped around his frame that flowed around his form erratically. The dark side of the force oozed off of Grievous. On his hip were two light-sabers. Along with two double bladed light-sabers. His hands, and legs had the typical clawed appearance for unconventional movements.


    Lash could feel his own Techno-Force Construct ability off of Grievous. Oh, so Lord Enfarious was the one that redid him? The original Grievous was already a menace in the lore. This version of him must be terrifying! It also appeared that his Grievous didn''t suffer from asthma. If Lash remembered correctly the Sith had given the cyborg asthma as a weakness to exploit if he event went rogue. That didn''t happen this time. Instead Grievous was under the compulsion of Mechu-Deru. He was fiercely loyal to Darth Sidious, and Lord Enfarious. In that respective order.


    ¡°With the republic''s victory in the upper sector of the outer rim we are cut off from the supply lines.¡± A general that Lash didn''t recognize said, more to say that Lash didn''t care to memorize them.


    ¡°We can still deliver supplies, but we run the risk of colliding with republic forces. We''ll need larger escorts...¡± Another commented.


    ¡°That won''t be necessary.¡± Lash said in his animalistic synthetic voice, it sounded like a reptile was snarling. The entire table turned to look at him as he produced a holographic display from his robes. His hand was robotic, and clawed. A lot like Grievous own hand.


    ¡°These are new hyper space routes for you. If you follow them to the letter you can bypass the republic lines easily. Be aware any deviation will result in your deaths. There are...Monsters out there.¡± Lash said with a chuckle that made everyone in the room wince save for Grievous who laughed as well.


    ¡°Most delightful, Lord Enfarious. Thank you.¡± Count Dooku said in response. Dooku''s manners toward Lash had improved lately. Darth Tyranus no longer saw Enfarious as a threat. Just a helpful tool, and servant of Darth Sidious.


    ¡°This one is glad to be of service.¡± Lash said in a respectful all be it hissing tone. Dooku smiled at him then turned to the generals.


    ¡°With the supply lines taken care of. We can reinforce our forces in the other sectors. General Grevious, how are your campaigns against the Hutt clans?¡± Dooku asked, the cyborg who all but hissed in annoyance.


    ¡°The slugs are putting up a stiff resistance. Their armies of thugs, and criminals are not true soldiers. So they do hit and run tactics. We have seized entire worlds. But the populace fights us to no end!¡± Grievous slammed his fist into the table, making a small impact crater.


    ¡°I believe I have a solution to that.¡± Lash offered, then presented another holographic. This one had a design in it. The table once more went still to listen to him speak.


    ¡°The Hutts are notorious slavers. Most slaves have a chip and/or bomb surgically implanted in their heads to enforce compliance. When you seize a world and the entire populace fights you? More than likely they had one last order, fight or die. This device will deactivate the chip, or change the owner to yourself. In fact this should work on any slave.¡± Lash offered the holographic recorder to Grievous who took it with a bowed head.


    ¡°Most appreciated Lord Enfarious...¡± Grievous said in a humble voice.


    ¡°I am most curious how you came upon such a design.¡± Tambor of the Tech Union asked as he spied at the information.


    ¡°How else? Through experimentation, though it cost a few thousand lives. It was worth it in the end.¡± Lash said with a hissing laughter.


    ¡°If the device works as intended we could potentially have hundreds of thousands of new troops to be used as cannon fodder?¡± A general suggested, and the room agreed to the idea.


    ¡°Have we had any luck with creating a bio weapon against the clones?¡± A general asked, and a few looked at Lash.


    ¡°I''m afraid such a thing is beyond me. If you want a weapon capable of destroying all life on a planet. That, I can do. But a weapon that targets one specific type of individual? Afraid not.¡± Lash shrugged in dismay. As if the act of mass genocide was nothing special to him. Grievous cackled at the thought.


    ¡°Out of curiosity do you have plans for such a weapon?¡± Tambor asked, his interest was piqued.


    ¡°Nanomite warhead, eats metal and organic tissue. Guaranteed to turn a planet into a complete wasteland.¡± Lash suggested and turned to Dooku in question.


    ¡°We''ll table that for another time, Lord Enfarious.¡± Dooku said with a smile. But even Dooku dared not to think of the ramifications of destroying all life to a planet. His master had plans for a battle station capable of such a feat. But those days were a long way off.


    ¡°Most fascinating, I''d love to speak more on the subject at a later time, Lord Enfarious.¡± Tambor replied as he rubbed his hands together at the thought of it.


    The leaders of the CIS continued their discussion for another hour or so before they had came to a conclusion. Lash took his time to say goodbye to each general that he only knew the names of thanks to his tech-spirits filling in the blanks. Then he bowed in respectful reverence to Count Dooku, and General Grievous who returned the courtesy. Then Lash left the briefing room to find himself on the planet of Raxus Secundus or simply known as Raxus the capital of the Confederacy of Independent Systems.


    Raxus was a lush world in the outer rim of the galaxy. Renowned for its beauty, and its temperate climate. It was what many would refer to as a Gaia world. A nearly perfect jewel of oceans, landmasses, several different ecosystems, with rich resources. Raxus had been one of the founding members of the CIS. They had been a long time supporter of the Republic but like so many on the outer rim they grew tired of the corruption that the Republic soon represented.


    Raxus reminded Lash of Naboo where the people took great lengths to coexist with their environment. Air traffic for transports was kept at a minimal in designated lanes. Large swaths of land were carefully cultivated, and kept free of civilizations more intensive programs. If it could be built underground, and out of sight it was. While the buildings were towering sky scrapers that use a earth tone color pallet. So the buildings looked more like carved earth, and stone. Then durasteel buildings.


    The grand palace or rather the central government building of Raxus had a circle or rather crescent shape to it. It acted almost like a port in the storm in the ocean of politics. The crescent tips were low to the ground, and left a portion of the circle open, and welcoming. While the middle section of the crescent was tall, and large. Reaching for the stars themselves. It was symbolism as its finest.


    Once Lash left the conference of generals he was met by two Sith Droid Sentinels that acted as his bodyguards. They wore silver armor with armored plates across their synthetic skeleton. While their helmets had a featureless face mask. The masks were an odd design that reflected the environment. But if one were to stand in front of the mask they would be unable to see their own reflection. It was eerie.


    Lash himself in his Lord Enfarious disguise was approximately 6'' even with a sort of sloping gait that one would find in an older individual. He was wrapped in a black ceremonial robe, and hood. Red trimmings with ancient letters inscribed on them. The robe itself was open to expose a partially armored form under neath. He had a mask with a breathing apparatus, that linked into his chest plate. He was covered in a suit, as if he was a type of humanoid that couldn''t breath oxygen. They weren''t unheard of. While both his arms were cybernetic.


    All in all it was a good disguise. No one who saw Enfarious would ever believe he was the Master Jensaarai, Lash. That was the point. Palpatine was the only one in the galaxy who knew who he was. That alone was dangerous enough. But it would suit his purposes for now. To the CIS army, Enfarious was the Sith Sorcerer that was invaluable to their war effort. To the people, and the public of the CIS. Lord Enfarious was a entrepreneur of the sciences.


    Lord Enfarious had designed genetically engineered food crops that granted nearly five times their normal yield. He created machines that could tap the mantle of a planet to allow a almost limitless supply of common, and uncommon minerals. All the while he designed a medical nutritional bath that could regrow limbs, and organs. He invented a accelerating learning program that cut the time, and cost of training new professionals in half. (Soft Brainwashing) To the people of the CIS, Lord Enfarious was a saint.


    With these scientific advancements more and more systems joined the CIS. For better quality of life programs. So many outer, and mid rim colonies needed access to rudimentary things that the inner regions took for granted. For every system that voluntarily joined, and were not instruments of brutality of Lord Sidious. Their quality of life improved drastically. Never mind the fact that Lash destroyed four planets in an effort to learn how to grow crops that didn''t mutate and eat the inhabitants. Or how to not turned a jungle planet into a volcanic planet. Progress requires experimentation!


    Lash was conflicted, he never would have done any of these things under normal circumstances. But he could almost feel the 4th wall guiding his actions while he was away in the black room. It was like his VI Avatar was on autopilot while he spent his WP. Or...Maybe it was Erik who was on autopilot? Despite the fact that they had come to this Rift with no background. He could not help but feel the galaxy was having its own effect on him. The Living Force, and the Cosmic Force were slowly chipping away at his sense of self. Or... Was it the Dream Engine?


    ¡°Lord Enfarious?¡± A feminine voice called out to him, Lash snapped his mind into focus. He''d think about....that at a later time.


    Mina Bonteri was a female human native to the planet Onderon. She was also the mother of Lux Bonteri that had a muddy future. Mina herself was stationed on the planet of Raxus as the senator for Onderon. Onderon oddly enough was located in the inner rim of the galaxy, but had chosen to join the CIS willingly. Mina''s husband had recently been killed in the war.


    Mina stood approximately at 5''10¡± with short graying brown hair stylized into almost a pixie cut. She had sharp, intelligent gray eyes, with a light skin tone. She cut a good figure for a senator, showing that she took her physical health seriously. She wore an ornate gown tailored to her hourglass figure. The design was a recent artist of her home world Onderon. Mina came to Lash or rather Lord Enfarious with a question in mind. A senator''s aid, and a guard followed behind her.


    ¡°Lady Bonteri, how can this old man help such a beautiful young woman like yourself?¡± Lash said in his animalistic synthetic voice. Despite the cringe worthy compliment, Lash was genuine in his question. His feelings seem to translate over because Mina''s resulting smile had warmth to it.


    ¡°I was hoping to discuss the recent famine issues we''ve had on Onderon?¡± Mina asked, as she folded her hands in front of her. Lash''s Deductive Reasoning highlighted a few pieces. She was worried about her home planet, but something else was bothering her.


    ¡°Of course, shall we go to your office? I fear my own is filled with piles of papers, books, and unfinished projects.¡± Lash said as he offered his mechanical arm to her. Mina didn''t even hesitate to take the offered arm.


    ¡°Oh my! The unfinished works of Lord Enfarious? I think I may have to take you up on that.¡± Mina said with a bit of mirth.


    ¡°Well, I did warn you.¡± Lash said with a chuckle and led her towards the transports. Lash''s ''office'' was on the outer edge of the city. In case there were any accidents.


    Mina, and her staff were fully prepared to visit his home. It almost seemed like that was the plan. The transport took a VIP lane out of the city and they soon came to a glorious piece of land that had only a single building on it. A landing pad, connected to a tower. Once the transport landed, Lash gradually left the transport along with Mina, her staff, and his own guards. The tower was an elevator that took them almost a half a mile below the surface of the planet. The entire time Mina, and Lash spoke about little things. Like her son, Lux who had been accepted into the political academy.


    The elevator shafted connected to a transport pod rail line that sent them towards a huge underground bio-dome that Lash had crafted carefully with his new Force Magic ability. It had been a sort of practice. The entire bio-dome was filled with dark side energy in a ruined bog. Similiar to the planet Dagobah in appearance, however scattered through out the bog were focused points of light side energy. It gave an odd sense of balance to the dome.


    ¡°Oh my word!¡± Mina said in shock as she politely covered her mouth. A chill rolled up her spine, as it did her staff. Goose flesh peppered her skin.


    ¡°Like I said, unfinished projects. I am so scattered brained.¡± Lash replied with a animal like hissing laughter.


    ¡°I''ve heard rumors, Lord Enfarious that you experiment with the Force. Any truth to that?¡± Mina asked, as she turned her focus back on him.


    ¡°Yes, I work with the Force specifically. So many of my breakthroughs come to me through its will. The increased crop yield for one.¡± Lash replied, as the transport rail line reached his home at last. A sizable compound protected under an additional glass, and static shield to protect its inhabitants of one.


    ¡°Welcome back, Lord Enfarious.¡± A protocol droid appeared at the rail pod.


    ¡°C-T3, please make a modest lunch for our guests. We have work to do.¡± Lash replied to the droid who bowed in understanding and left towards the kitchen.


    Once again Lash offered his mechanical arm to Mina who took it gratefully. While Lash''s guards, and Mina''s staff took up the rear. Lash walked them through a mini tour of the facility. Lord Enfarious had a unique decorum. He was fascinated with ancient cultures. So he had statues, ancient relics, and suits of armor on display. Along with some more modern displays of art. It was all meant to create a persona. Plus, it called to Lash''s original profession as an artist.


    ¡°This piece here came from an ancient Jedi temple over five thousand years old. Its a manuscript showing the original construction of a force weapon. Not a light-saber, but a weapon imbued with force energy.¡± Lash showed a specific scroll to Mina who was enraptured by the design.


    ¡°Is that how you made the CIS''s recent armor change?¡± Mina asked, as she turned her attention at another work of art on the wall.


    ¡°Yes, though its phenomenally expensive and time consuming. The CIS regretfully has to few Force Users. A few Jensaarai had seen fit to join us. But they mostly guard the CIS home worlds more than take an active participation in the war.¡± Lash replied to her.


    Unlike the Jedi, the Jensaarai had far more freedom in their lives. After each stage of training was complete they would be asked if they wanted to complete the next stage, or leave to explore the galaxy with all they had been taught? They could of course return one day as long as they were not criminals of any note. Many Jensaarai would complete stage 2, or 3 of their training and leave. That meant all sorts of Force Users were on the CIS side. Not just Darth Sidious, Dark Acolytes.


    ¡°I thought you were a Force User?¡± Mina asked nonchalantly, but her entire body went tense waiting for the answer. Ah, so that was why she came to him.


    The Jedi were not well liked in the CIS. They were seen as protectors of a corrupt establishment. While the Jensaarai were relatively new, their master Lash seem to be filled with good intentions for now. While most of the CIS were not aware of the Dark Acolytes, or even the Sith for that matter. Mina was testing the waters. Was Lord Enfarious a former Jedi like Count Dooku? Who she greatly admired.


    ¡°Lady Bonteri, why did you really come here?¡± Lash asked, as he turned himself around.


    ¡°I must be losing my touch.¡± Mina said with a look of dismay. Then she straightened out and look Lash in the face.


    ¡°Are you a former Jedi?¡± Mina asked him.


    ¡°No.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Are you a Jensaarai?¡± Mina asked next, Lash waved his hand in a half and half motion.


    ¡°I never trained with them, but I believe in the balance between the dark, and light side of the force.¡± Lash replied easily. ¡°But I believe that just means I''m a follower of the Gray. Not, Sith, Jedi, or Jensaarai.¡±


    A visible weight seem to lift off of Mina''s shoulders. Her aid, and guard both breathed a sigh of relief as well. Lash was caught off guard he had to admit. The true face of the CIS was kept hidden from the people of the CIS. Through censored holonet, and the belief that the Republic would sell their own mothers for an extra credit stick. So where did this all come from?


    ¡°Lady Bonteri, please I believe I have humored you enough. What is going on?¡± Lash asked, and his animalistic synthetic voice took on a hard edge. His two Sith Sentinel Droid guards unlocked the safeties to their rifles.


    ¡°No, no! Please, please let me explain. I meant not harm. I... You know how the CIS feels about the Jedi?¡± Mina asked, she quickly raised her hands up in surrender. Her aid had gone pale, while her guard raised his hand in surrender as well.


    ¡°Yes... You do understand that Count Dooku was once a Jedi as well. Are you asking him the same questions?¡± Lash asked her, and Mina shook her head.


    ¡°Count Dooku has always been upfront about who, and what he is.¡± Mina said, Lash almost barked out a laugh at that. Count Dooku or Darth Tyranus was none of those things!


    ¡°You, Lord Enfarious are an enigma to the people of the CIS. A brilliant scientist that has brought much prosperity to our people. But many fear that you...May be a spy for the republic.¡± Mina said in a clear voice.


    ¡°That is absurd!¡± Lash said in admonishment. Then his two droids took aim at them. He raised a hand to have them settle. Then went back to a stand ready position, but the safeties were still off.


    ¡°I understand! That is why I volunteered to come to you directly. The people don''t know much about you. So, I thought maybe you would be open to an interview to a journalist?¡± Mina asked with a hopeful expression.


    ¡°Run the idea past Count Dooku. There are many questions that I will not be able to answer due to security reasons. But as long as the interview questions are thoroughly vetted, I''ll agree to it.¡± Lash offered a compromise, and the smile that grew on Mina''s face lite up the house.


    Mina and her staff stayed for a short lunch. While she discussed the famine that was happening on Onderon. Lash answered several questions, and they discovered that someone had sabotaged the automatic dispensers on the planet. Lash saw the data and was able to identify the problem. With the corrections made, and a new security program created. Mina left to discuss, and schedule the journalist interview with Count Dooku. Lash was sure that Dooku, and Sidious would say yes. Because it would give a face to the Lord Enfarious on the public holonet. Saint to the CIS, and twisted monster to the Republic. Just one more enemy the Jedi had to catch to end the war.


    ============================================================


    (Coruscant, Senate House of Assembly.)


    Senator of Naboo, Padme Amidala Naberrie sat in mild annoyance as she watched the Senators of the Grand Republic bicker about useless things again, and again. She desperately wanted to take a recess and clear her head. For the fifth time in the past five minutes she looked at her watch. Counting the minutes so she could leave and see her husband, Anakin. Who was back from the outer rim.


    Anakin was currently at the Galactic Republic Militia HQ doing the training course. Padme had laughed when she had seen the look of hopeless confusion on Anakin as he fumbled through troop deployments, logistics, and diplomatic treaties. It made her love him even more. Despite his awkwardness, he still gave it his all. Thanks to Master Qui-Gon, and the holo simulations from Master Lash. Anakin was the top of his class at the training course.


    ¡°Royal delegates, I believe we have been speaking in circles long enough. Let us adjourn for the day and pick this up tomorrow.¡± Chancellor Palpatine said to the whole room, and Padme couldn''t agree more than ever. The Chancellor looked like he had aged a year just from his meeting alone.


    One by one the senate pods returned to their home positions. Padme took a moment to glance at the pod next to her own. The ''junior'' representative Nazvo, who was the personal aid of Lash was in that pod. Nazvo who stood with light-saber, and light armor bowed to Padme then left in a literally puff of smoke. Padme wished she could do the same. The moment she stepped out of her pod she was assaulted with words from business owners, senate aids, and her own security force trying to get her out of the assembly as safely as possible.


    Gregar Typho her very own Jensaarai bodyguard appeared by her side with a smile. His face mask was down and he bowed to her in respectful courtesy. Padme snagged his offered arm, and just like Nazvo they faded from view in a puff of smoke. Much to the anger, and confusion of the other senate members. While they didn''t know is they hadn''t teleported away, but simply faded from view.


    Padme, and her security staff had a ghost like appearance as they flowed through the assembly house with ease. Each of them were practitioners of the Force Martial Art, while a few of the Royal Security Force were Jensaarai trained from the invasion of Naboo so long ago. Padme thanked Master Lash every day for this little blessing. Padme, and her staff reached their designated transport and flew to the Naboo Embassy housing.


    ¡°Finally!¡± Padme groaned in relief as she slouched in her seat on the transport. Gregar laughed at her with a shake of her head.


    ¡°I''d take Venura wilderness survival training any day over sitting in the senate meetings.¡± Gregar said to her, and Padme had to agree.


    ¡°What did we even talk about today?¡± Dorma asked, Padme''s aid for the senate.


    ¡°We were suppose to talk about the food crop issues. Several of the bread basket worlds haven''t been producing the amount they should be. Many believed that the refugees were hoarding the food for themselves. Which was ridiculous! The senators from those sectors stood up for their refugee programs. This devolved the entire session into a shouting match about who was wrong, and who was right.¡± Padme replied, as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. She tried to ease the migraine she could feel growing behind her eyes.


    ¡°Doesn''t every refugee bread basket world have oversight?¡± Dorma asked in confusion.


    ¡°Yes, they do!¡± Padme said loudly, then waved her hands around in apology. As she went back to rubbing her face. ¡°Despite the planets, and moons being livable we can''t just snap our fingers and produce food in less than a year.¡±


    ¡°Most of the senators have never tilled a field a day in their lives. I''m not surprised they have no idea how it really works.¡± Gregar said in admonishment to the senators of opulence.


    ¡°While the food is growing, what are the refugee''s eating?¡± Dorma asked in concern, and Padme smiled at her. Dorma was always worried about others.


    ¡°Ghost Industries provided several automated hydroponics towers that grow a nutritional algae paste. It''s pure nutritional value, and tastes awful. But it''s food.¡± Padme replied with a smile as she rubbed her neck. Dorma came to her side and helped her remove her ceremonial head dress just as they arrived at the house.


    ¡°Not that I want to eat algae, but can''t the republic use that?¡± Dorma asked, and Padme nodded to her in acknowledgment.


    ¡°Nutritional bars are being processed, and packaged as we speak. They will be freely provided at distribution centers across the republic by months end. Everything you need in a meal, except for taste.¡± Padme said, and stuck out her tongue much to the amusement of her staff.


    Padme and her entourage opened the doors to the Naboo embassy housing. Then before Padme took three steps into the house she was pressed against a wall by Gregar who had pulled up his helmet/mask. His armor was designed after a tusk-cat found on Naboo. Saber-tooth fangs came down from his mask. The other RSF/Jensaarai had pulled out their light-sabers, and blaster rifles. Padme, and her civilian staff were confused. Until she reached deep inside of her and felt for that connection that she had blatantly ignored for many years. Danger the feeling said to her.


    Gregar made several hand signals and the more mundane security force came to stand next to Padme, and Dorma. While the Jensaarai pulled the shadows around themselves and disappeared from view. Then they ghosted into the house clearing each, and every room they came across. It wasn''t until they had cleared Padme''s personal residence that they called a hesitant all clear. Padme didn''t know what that meant, until she walked into her home and smelled blood.


    ¡°You don''t need to see this, M''lady.¡± Gregar came to her side and tried to stop her from entering her room.


    ¡°I think I have to.¡± Padme said, as she tentatively stepped into her room. She immediately regretted her choice and fled the room to throw up in the hallway.


    Contained within her room was one of her house servants, Ondela Ret. She had served the Padme since she took office. She had been a warm, caring individual that always made sure that her staff were well fed, and healthy. Like a mother she would chide the security staff for not taking proper breaks. Now Ondela Ret was strung up by hooks above Padme''s bed. Her skin had been removed, and hung to dry next to her. Burned into her skin were the words.


    ''Sorry we missed you, see you next time.''


    Padme didn''t remember the rest of the day. She vaguely remembered being taken to a couch to sit down on. Then she felt the comforting embrace of Anakin wrapping his arms around her. There were talks about improving security, or even moving the Naboo Embassy housing. But Padme wasn''t listening, she was cold to the world. One of her people had been killed to send her a message. But she didn''t know why? A lot of people wanted her dead, this was true. But they always targeted her. Yes, people had been caught in the cross fire before. But she was always the target. This..? This didn''t make sense.


    ¡°My dear?¡± A older man''s voice woke Padme up from her thoughts. Chancellor Palpatine was in the room with her, he knelt before her. His old, but strong hands wrapped around her own.


    ¡°Chancellor, when did you get here?¡± Padme asked, and the look of worry on his face only made her more confused.


    ¡°My dear I''ve been here for over an hour. You even said hello to me, did you not notice?¡± Palpatine asked, and Padme balked at the idea. When did she do that?


    ¡°I''m sorry...I..I''m...¡± Padme started, and stopped several times.


    ¡°It''s perfectly understandable, Padme. It seems the war has spilled into your home.¡± Palpatine said in worry. ¡°Perhaps you would like to stay with me at my residence? Or, perhaps stay at Ghost Industries HQ. I know Master Lash is back, he could provide around the clock security.¡±


    ¡°...What? No... I.. Can stay here. I... I won''t run away.¡± Padme said again in a detached voice.


    Padme didn''t hear the rest of the discussion. She vaguely remembered answering questions, but didn''t engage in conversation. She felt the strong, comforting embrace of Anakin picking her up and she curled up into that warmth. Before she knew it she had fallen asleep. She woke up later sitting on a very large bed in a nice bedroom. Off to the side was a giant armored man working on a holographic computer who twitched and glanced over at her.


    ¡°Hello Padme. Would you like to find who attacked your people?¡± Lash asked in a sinister tone that normally would have frightened her. But this time, something dark inside of her welcomed it.


    ¡°Yes...Yes, I would.¡± Padme replied.


    ===============================================================


    (Coruscant, Ghost Industries, and Republic Militia HQ.)


    Darth Sidious aka Supreme Chancellor Palpatine had created a situation that had compelled Anakin to run off mid training. He had specifically targeted one of Padme''s favorite servants and brutally tortured and killed her in Padme''s own home. The devastated, and lost look on Padme''s face had sent the Jedi Knight in a blind fury as he rushed through Corucsant''s under world to discover the truth. A truth organized by Palpatine in the end.


    But Lash found another opportunity. Padme had been a Force-Super for over ten years now. She had never sought any form of training. Almost complacent in the idea that using the Force was beyond her. Her battlefield was the senate. She would leave the Force to her husband. But now, that had changed. Something had snapped inside of her. Lash watched the dark side of the force dance around in delight around Padme.


    ¡°Where do we start?¡± Padme asked Lash.


    ¡°Go to the refresher room and put on the suit found in there. Call me if you need help.¡± Lash said simply to her. Padme left the room without question. That alone said volumes about Padme mind set.


    Lash had spent the past few hours searching through the data net with Connectivity, and his Virtual Intelligence tech-spirits. The dark acolytes that Palpatine had sent had done their job well. They had erased the security footage. Used sealed environmental suits to prevent any form of identification through finger print, trace DNA, etc. Even going so far as to use dark side energy to hide their Force imprint. Then they quickly skinned Ondela through use of the Force. Once they were finished they set the stage, planted evidence, and left. In and out in ten minutes.


    The trail would lead to several planted, and brain washed thugs were hired by a ''third'' party. That would lead Anakin to one problem after another. All to test his resolve, and his love for Padme. He would destroy anyone or anything that sought to harm his wife. Reaching deeper, and deeper into the dark side of the Force to give him focus. But that is not what Lash was going to do. No, he was going to track down the true culprits.


    ¡°Lash, I need a little help.¡± Padme''s voice squeaked from the refresher room.


    Lash closed the nigh invisible screen he had created and stood up in a fluid motion. He prowled across towards the refresher room to see Padme hiding behind the shower stall. Her face bright pink in hesitation. A little bit of that shy Queen he had met so long ago. By her side was a part of the polymer woven suit that he had provided. Lash had given her a training gray suit used by the Jensaarai when they were still below stage 2.


    Lash had designed it after the Shinobi, and Samurai clans on Earth. Loose undergarments that were tailored to the user. Much like a martial art, or Samurai Gi. While covered in segmented plates that protected their vitals. The issue that Padme was having, was she couldn''t get the armor plates on correctly that would wrap around her chest, and back.


    ¡°Turn around and face the wall, I''ll be quick.¡± Lash said to her. Padme swallowed audibly and turned around. She swept her hair to her front and shivered slightly.


    ¡°I bet you say that to all the girls.¡± Padme said with a bit of forced humor.


    ¡°Not at all. I always ensure that I am slow, and careful with the women in my life. I work slowly at the start, and by the end we are both hot and salivating to finish.¡± Lash said, as he placed the first portion on. Padme jumped when he touched her.


    ¡°That''s not what I meant...¡± Padme said, as she tried to stop her self from fidgeting.


    ¡°I know, but I take great delight in teasing you.¡± Lash replied with a laugh. He could almost feel her glare.


    The armored portion didn''t take long, and technically could have been done by a single person. But Padme had no previous experience this kind of suit. Lash helped her finish with the rest of the gear much to her glaring annoyance. He fixed little issues here and there. But in the end she was finished. The suit accentuated her feminine form, but still left plenty to the imagination. Next came her mask, it was in the design of a balaclava. Lash did her hair into a french braid and had it tucked under her armor for safe keeping. Once the mask was set, next came the armored layer.


    As per Jensaarai tradition even the training gi was stylized after an animal. Lash went with a Tooka. So obviously Padme had two great big pointed ears on her head, with an adorable cheshire grin on the mask. The combat gloves, and boots had retractable claws. While she had a long fluffy tail that linked to her spine. It would help her balance, and give her better sensory awareness. As soon as the suit was linked together, her ears artificially went flat. While her tail puffed out, and stood up.


    ¡°What animal is this based on?¡± Padme asked, her voice dripped with venom.


    ¡°A Tooka. They are very persistent hunters that have been known to track their prey for hours, or even days. Despite their appearance they would fight back with a savagery that didn''t match their size once cornered. Such a spirit is something you need right now.¡± Lash replied as he came to stand behind Padme as she looked at her self in the mirror. Once he finished speaking her ears perked up, and her tail wagged back and forth in happy contentment.


    ¡°I''m not sure I can do this...¡± Padme said a whisper barely audible.


    ¡°You won''t be alone.¡± Lash replied, and Padme''s ears flattened against her head.


    ¡°Ondela had a family back at Naboo. Two children, with four grandchildren. How do I tell them that she''s gone?¡± Padme said softly, as tears began to well up in her eyes.


    ¡°You''ll find the words to tell them. Once we have captured the ones responsible for her death.¡± Lash said, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders. ¡°Come, the trail is getting cold.¡±


    Lash took Padme''s hand, and she let him guide her back to the main bed chamber. He released her hand, and clapped his hands together. A form of energy reverberated from Lash, then the very air in front of him seem to ripple, and distort. Lash turned to look at Padme who stared at the phenomenon with wide eyes. Then took Lash''s offered hand once again. Then with tentative foot steps, she found herself on a Coruscant street she had never seen before.


    Lash had used Portal Creation and brought Padme straight from the HQ. As far as anyone would know she had never left the compound. Where did they end up? Layer 1, which turned out to be the bottom floor to Coruscant. He had found it weeks ago and at last linked to the Nature realm of the planet. Despite the giant city choking the life out of the planet, the realm of Nature was still alive. Just dormant, and waiting for renewal.


    On level 5000 of Coruscant is the power grid, while layer 5127 was the top layer. While everything below level 5000 was dubbed the under city. While the most famous layer is 1312 and so many comics, and books about Star Wars was about that floor. The floor they wanted was the first one. Filled with thick layers of smog, rot, and decay. It was here at the depths of Coruscant that the dark side was in control. It would eat away at not only the mind, but the body as well.


    Towering above them was the rotten bones of Coruscant. The metallic structures that were supported the layer above had all but rotten away. Layer, after layer above it would fall to ruin if these supports fell. A question came to mind, if a single pillar broke. Would the city above it fall? What if they all broke? Lash was extremely tempted to find out. Over a trillion people lived on Coruscant. Could he take it all down like a house of cards?


    ¡°Lash where are we?¡± Padme asked through her mask, it had automatically deployed a filter so she could breath. But all the same her eyes were watering.


    ¡°We are on the first layer of Coruscant.¡± Lash said, and her eyes went wide.


    ¡°I... I thought this place was off limits?¡± Padme replied as she soon came to stand right next to Lash in worry.


    ¡°It is, which makes it the perfect place to hide.¡± Almost to emphasis the dangers of the first floor a creature with rotten flesh, and exposed bone sprang from the shadows.


    Lash sliced the creature in half straight down the middle and the creature turned into wisps of smoke and ash. Padme jumped in surprise and before she even realized what she had done. She pivoted and swung her leg out to crack another creature straight in the skull with the heel of her boot. The thing went flying several feet and impacted into a rotten durasteel beam. It burst into smoke just like the other.


    ¡°Nicely done!¡± Lash complimented her with a soft clap.


    A resolute howl rang out above them. Then a cacophony of howls, screeches, and inhuman screams answered. Creatures, monstrosities, and abominations of flesh, bone, and even metal poured from the ruin and rotten bottom floor of Coruscant like a termite hive rushing towards an invader. Lash reached into his belt and threw two handles towards Padme who caught them easily. She activated one light-saber in the color blue, and the other in green.


    ¡°What are we doing!?¡± Padme shouted in horror as Lash pulled out a two handles as well. Each one in the color of red.


    ¡°Proving a point!¡± Lash shouted and sprinted towards the dark side creatures. Then for the first time since he came to this Rift he reached out with Temporary Pack Bond and linked with Padme.


    Lash and Padme''s minds linked together and she suddenly understood Lash better than she could ever believe. A creature jumped towards her and she side stepped it with ease. Slicing it half, then she spun in a pirouette. Then brought her raised foot down on another creatures skull. She raced forward and dropped to her knees. Sliding across a wrecked metal plate she twirled her blades through the air. Each swing ended another life. More...She wanted more!


    Lash saber blades were a force of nature. Each swing sent a shock wave of Telekinetic energy. Entire groups of creatures were turned into puree. He released his light-sabers and they spun around him like a blender. He raised his hands into the sky and created a lightning storm in the skies above them. The electrical currents raced along the metal ceiling and shot down. Call Lightning shot with rapid succession over and over again.


    Padme jumped from a rooftop and brought her knee down on a creature twice her size. It yelped in surprise and pain. But soon died like the rest as she sliced it''s head off. A violent spray of blood poured across her suit of armor. Her eyes were wild in anticipation as she dodged under a creatures claws and stepped into its space. She stabbed out with one blade, while the other guarded against another. Then she jumped into the air, and took a step off of thin air to change direction. She brought her blades down on two more creatures. Then she raced towards Lash.


    Lash had created two shadow duplicates of himself. Each one wielded one of the two light-sabers he had. While he took out a double bladed light-saber with a red color like the others. He spun it around in full rotations and waded into the fight. His duplicates moved to cover Padme as she arrived in their protective phalanx. In smooth coordination she ran up Lash''s back and jumped off his shoulders into a crowd of creatures. She brought both blades down and an eruption of Force energy exploded from her impact.


    Lash came to Padme''s side and swung his blade in a wide arc. She ducked down just in time as the blade missed her by a hair. She dove between his legs and impaled another creature, then catapulted herself to her feet. Lash made quick slashes side to side with his blades. While the doppelgangers moved forward in perfect time to stab out. Lash jumped forward and brought his foot down to create a shock impact. All the while lightning fell from the sky.


    One by one the creatures were slain and the dark side energy in the air grew thicker, and thicker with each passing moment. Their fight drew the attention of other denizens that were on the first floor of Coruscant. Including two dark acolytes who looked on in confusion. Then once it was all said and done Padme let loose a primal yell that was shared by Lash. Their cries shook the very air around them. As the storm above them continued to gather strength.


    Padme dropped to her knees at the end of her cry. She felt as though she had died and been reborn in that battle. Her entire body was on fire, and but cold on the inside. Her emotions raged inside of her skull. Hate, fear, envy, greed, pleasure, and love. She had so much she didn''t know what to do with it. Her head snapped up to look at Lash as he recalled his shadows into him. He put his blades away with ease as if this whole battle was beneath his notice. Like he had simply been caught in the rain without a coat.


    ¡°WHO ARE YOU!?¡± Padme screamed at him. She jumped to her feet and swung her blades at him. Lash easily stepped out of her reach.


    ¡°Do you have any idea how hard it is to get to know you!?¡± Padme shouted again, as she kicked out a foot. Lash caught her foot and pushed her back. She moved with it, and did a back hand spring.


    ¡°Your sweet! Your considerate! You go out of your way to help people!¡± Padme shouted, each word was punctuated with a swing of her blades. ¡°Every time anyone asks you a question about you, you deflect! You come up with excuses!¡±


    ¡°You don''t let anyone in! I''ve known you for years, and I feel like this is the first time I''ve really known you!¡± Padme continued to scream at him. Her heart felt like it was about to burst from her chest.


    ¡°Do you have any idea what it''s like to love someone when you feel like you don''t even know who they are!?¡± Padme yelled and brought her blades down in a straight arc. Lash caught her wrists easily, but she used the leverage to climb up and knee him in the face. The action was a bit of a surprise because Lash let go and stumbled back.


    ¡°You are the closes thing to a brother I''ve ever had! But I don''t know who you are!¡± Padme screamed... ¡°WHO! ARE! YOU!¡± She swung her blades again, and again with greater force each time. The entire area shook with mini quakes as the blades impacted.


    Then without warning Lash reached out and poured information into her brain. Padme screamed then in absolute horror as she saw hundreds of life times flash through her eyes. Life, after life. Wars beyond counting. Love found, and lost. Entire galaxies brought to its knees, planets soaked in the blood of innocent lives. It was too much! How was this possible!? Then Lash severed the connection. Padme collapsed to her knees and wept.


    Lash knelt by her side and carefully pulled her into his embrace. She practically flung herself at him and cried. She sobbed in his arms, she screams raked through the souls of others with her empathy for what he had been through. Lash smoothed his hands up and down her back in act of comfort for her. It only made her cry harder. This had not been his intention when he brought her down here. But it was oddly therapeutic for him. Padme would barely remember any of it. Just the feeling it gave. He was careful not to show her anything about this life and/or Rift.


    Lash glanced to his left and saw the two dark acolytes they had come to track were standing off to the side. They were meditating, feeding on the saturated dark side energy in the air. The well of emotions that poured off of Padme was like sweet candy to them. With each passing minute their midi-chlorian count rose. Then with a shuddering sob, Padme seem to understand they were not alone. She pushed what she had felt aside. Once again showing her skill as a politician to compartmentalize her emotions. That is what he should do! Lash should create an entire lesson plan on how to be a politician. That would be a great way to keep emotions in check for his Jensaarai.


    ¡°Are you Sith?¡± One of the acolytes asked.


    ¡°Jensaarai...¡± Lash replied, and they both nodded in acceptance.


    ¡°What did you show her?¡± The other acolyte asked.


    ¡°The same thing I''m about to show you.¡± Lash replied and before either of them could react he used his long lost friend, Sherogoth''s Punishment.


    They both dropped in a fit of screams as they relived every moment of suffering they visited onto others but in reverse. Now they were the ones being tortured. However, Lash understood that this would not have the same effect as it would in his home reality. The dark side of the force exploded with energy as it fed on the emotions provided by the supernatural ability. The two acolytes screamed, and screamed. Their thrashing limbs shot out Force rending brutality as if the very fabric of reality was to be shredded.


    Lash moved to shield Padme from the carnage but she surprised him but standing by his side and was indifferent to their suffering. She figured it out, these were the ones that had killed her friend. The battle between the creatures was meant to draw them in. What had happened between she and Lash had been an....accident. Her Tooka ears perked up, and her tail swayed back and forth as she watched the acolytes suffer over and over.


    Eventually they stopped screaming, both of them were alive. They took huge lung fulls of air, breathing in the poison fumes, and the dark side energy. They had shredded their vocal cords as they screamed and could do nothing but groan. But a sadistic grin grew across their faces as they slowly climbed to their feet. A spark of madness grew in their eyes. The yellow glow of the Sith was found there.


    ¡°Who are you? To have such power?¡± One of them asked.


    ¡°I am the Jensaarai Master, Lash. This is Padme Amidala Naberrie, you visited her home earlier today and skinned one of her servants.¡± Lash answered, and gave a little more than what was needed. But the look of pure terror on their faces was worth it.


    ¡°Padme, what would you like to do with them?¡± Lash asked her, and she didn''t even hesitate.


    ¡°Kill them.¡± Padme said, and Lash reached out with his Elemental Manipulation and immolated them. The fire was blue in color, it burned so hot it turned even their bones to ash. It was over far to quickly. But it was enough for her.


    ¡°Take us back, Lash.¡± Padme said in a soft whisper. He used Reality Warping, to amplify Portal Creation and opened the gate. It was far to soon, and he would create a penalty but... He could use his Archmage title effect on it.


    Archmage Title effect has been used on Intermediate Portal Creation to evolve it to Advanced Portal Creation.


    Effect: Spell/Power cool down is reduced to 6 hours.


    Effect: Spell/Power energy consumption has been reduced.


    Effect: Spell/Power range, and size of the portal has increased.


    Effect: Spell/Power has additional effects to other abilities...(See tool tip.)


    Attention User, you have used Reality Warping to empower and temporarily remove the cool down on Portal Creation. You will now receive and extended penalty of one month dream time, starting now.


    They both stepped from the ripple in the air back into the room they left. Padme curled up on the bed without a word. Numb to the world around her. Lash took the time to get her out of her armor. She didn''t fight him or assist him. Eventually she wore little else but a bra, and panties. Lash tucked her into the bed and sat next to it. Keeping watch over her. Her eyes finally focused and she looked up at him.


    ¡°I''m sorry...¡± She said in a whisper.


    ¡°I''ve lived a long life, Padme. I have seen and done many things. Not all of them were nice. But despite it all, I still believe in the common decency of people. You are a good person. No matter how you look back on tonight. Just know that I believe in you.¡± Lash said, and her tears fell down her face.


    ¡°Sleep Padme, you''ll feel better in the morning.¡± Lash said, with a bit of Compulsion and his Dream Domain. She would sleep peaceful, and dream of Naboo. Of happier, simpler times...


    ----


    By morning Anakin had returned with a gloomy atmosphere around him. Flecks of blood had sprayed across his face, and he smelled of booze, sweat, and rill spice. His entire body shook in rage, and hatred. He had failed to find the culprits. They had fled, he was sure of it. He came to see Padme to... To do something. When he rang the bell Lash answered the door. For a brief moment Anakin was filled with anger. Why was Lash in Padme''s room? But he quickly shook that thought away. Lash said he would stay with her until he got back.


    ¡°I''ll keep looking...¡± Lash said to Anakin who nodded. ¡°Take a shower first, you smell awful.¡± Lash said next and Anakin looked down at himself and laughed a little. Then something clicked together.


    ¡°Do you know about me and Padme?¡± Anakin asked, and Lash tilted his head to one side.


    ¡°Of course I do, Anakin. Aliit ori''shya tal''din ¨C Family is more than blood.¡± Lash said to him, and Anakin smiled in relief. They hugged each other. (Mando''a, Wookieepedia!)


    ¡°But seriously, take a shower.¡± Lash said as he side stepped Anakin and walked out of the room.


    The door closed behind Anakin and Lash rolled his shoulders as he walked through his corporate HQ. At the door to Padme''s temporary residence were two heavy security droids that were essentially walking tanks. They''d make a lot of noise before they went down. But Lash knew that Padme was safe. Not only were the original culprits dead. Palpatine didn''t want Padme dead, not yet.


    A little after an hour after Anakin returned to the HQ Lash received a holographic recording of the proper evidence of ''who'' was responsible for Ondela. Palpatine had accomplished his goal. Now, Anakin needed to return to being the level headed Jedi so he could keep himself alive. Because next week he would return to the front. Lash wasted no time notifying Anakin of the news. He could practically feel the relief through the holographic from him.


    Lash took a moment to collect his thoughts. He was currently sitting in an observation tower in the training dome for the Militia HQ. The HQ ran 24 hours a day to educate, and train more troops. Didn''t matter if it was high noon, or middle of the night. Lash needed to prove a point. So he went towards the largest battle simulation room on the bottom first floor of the dome.


    The room was massive in scope, several square miles worth. If they needed to they could collapse the other walls and make the room that much larger. Lash reached out with Connectivity and linked up with the control center. When his voice popped through the intercom system the organic staff fell out of their chairs. While the droids moved to assist him.


    ¡°Grand Admiral, Lash! How can we help you?¡± A surprised and nervous voice called through his ear piece.


    ¡°Activate main combat chamber 2-B, Horde mode.¡± Lash said to the technician.


    ¡°One moment, sir.... Sir, we are reading only one person in the room.¡± The technician asked in puzzlement.


    ¡°That''s me... Activate Horde mode, unlock safeties, with dynamic landscape. Do a full holo recording and broadcast it across the Militia holonet, and any public broadcast stations that would allow it.¡± Lash said, as he started to do a set of stretches for the coming battle.


    ¡°Sir... Yes sir!¡± The technician began to object, but soon complied to his order.


    What was horde mode? The combatants would face wave after wave of combat droids. First wave was ten standard B1 battle droids. The Techno-Union had corporate neutrality and sold to both sides of the war. So Lash made sure to buy them in bulk so his people could train properly. After the first wave, the numbers would double. Ten would turn into twenty, that in turn would turn into forty. But, starting at the second wave they would start to mix it up. All of this with a dynamic landscape that would change every few waves. Unlock safeties meant they would be using live fire.


    ¡°Grand Admiral, Lash. Horde mode activating in ten. Safeties unlocked, with dynamic landscape. Holo recorders are active, with full broadcast across the Militia, and any public broadcast station.... We are a go in... Three.... Two.... Good luck sir!¡± The technician called out.


    The several square mile room turned into a dusty red sandstone landscape. Across the skies a holographic image appeared that spelled out Geonosis. Soft light holographic projectors painted the background. While the polygon surface changed into a cracked, and rocky terrain. A B1 battle droid appeared just over the hill top. Approximately twenty feet up and took aim. Lash raised his right hand up, and the compact blaster rifle in his arm shot out a red blaster bolt. Head shot.


    Lash started off with a casual walk through the Geonosis terrain. A howling wind brushed by, and it picked up sand particulates. It covered his visor for a brief moment until a soft static shield popped up and brushed it away. He had to applaud the realism. Lash twisted to his left just as rifle bolt flew past his shoulder. He raised his left hand up, and shot another red bolt from his left vamprace. Head shot. Then he started to look for the others.


    High above the battlefield was a simulated sun that started to warm up the whole simulation room. Tiny details that created a realistic setting were slowly being written into the simulation. He could vaguely see the asteroid belt that surrounded Geonosis. The planet had fifteen moons of different sizes. He stepped to the side, and shot another bolt. Head shot. Lash knelt down and ran his hands across the ground. Fresh red sand... No they were made up of tiny microscopic machines. Each one linked together with the environment to give it a soft, and hard light holographic interface. Head shot.


    A staccato of blaster fire shot towards him from his left flank. He jumped to the side and sprinted towards the location. Eventually he found the rest of the battle droids hiding behind some rocks. They each took turns firing at him and ducking behind cover. When they poked their heads out, he would shoot them. One by one. Until he reached the last one, he jumped over the cover and brought his foot down to cave in the chest plate.


    ''First wave cleared. Second wave will begin in ten.'' -A voice called out, along with a holographic display high above showed the next set. Twenty targets, fifteen B1 battle droids. With five B2 battle droids. Standard equipment. Landscape, Geonosis at night.... The the sun sped across the sky at an accelerated rate and darkness took the battle room. The temperature dropped dramatically. While the scattered moons above provided a lot of light.


    ''BEGIN!'' The battle was called. Lash looked around the landscape and saw the five B2 battle droids rushing towards his position. Right arms raised up, and twin battle rifles firing in quick succession. At their range he could stand perfectly still and never be hit. Lash sprinted towards them after a few hundred feet he was point blank with them. He punched in the main chassis a dozen time in less than a second. Then reached out with Repair and turned one into an exploding diagram. He lifted the gears, screws, and gizmos off the ground with Telekinesis then used it as shrapnel to tear threw the last B2''s who turned towards him.


    Five down, fifteen to go. Lash punched through the chest of one last B2. It was still moving. Then he looked around and saw that the B1''s were scattered around the battlefield. He rolled his eyes and played the game of cat and mouse with them one by one. Behind him nigh invisible flying scrapper droids picked up the mess he left behind. Then scurried away so they were out of sight, and out of mind. Unlike the battle droids in lore. These ones didn''t talk. Why would they? When they could communicate through their own network. Exchange an entire conversation in less than a second.


    ''Second wave cleared. Third wave will begin in ten.'' -The voice called out again, with a new display. Forty targets, twenty five B1, ten B2, five droidekas, with standard equipment. Landscape, Geonosis windstorm at night.... A fierce wind picked up and a sandstorm rushed towards Lash. It wasn''t so bad that it would knock him off his feet. But it definitely threw him off balance.


    Lash knelt down exactly where he was and closed his eyes to focus. He pushed out with his Technomancy Domain and winced as he read the whole room. All of the tiny microbots, scrapper droids cleaning the field, the holographic projectors, and the battle droids slowly working through the battle room. That was the difference between other tasks that Lash knew and played. These droids didn''t automatically known where he was. They were looking for him, just like he was them.


    Once the scrapper bots had left, Lash jumped to his feet and sprinted through the light sand storm. A three foot long red energy blade erupted from his right left vamprace. He sliced clean through a B2, then he raised his right arm up and shot another energy bolt through a B1. Once he fired, they shot on his last known position with scary accuracy. He used Deflection and raced towards them. Their own blaster bolts giving away their position.


    Eventually all of the standard B1''s were dispatched. The B2''s were using the droideka''s as cover as they were taller and could shoot over them. The destroyers had deployed their shields. But with the sandstorm the shields soon blocked their own view. They had to periodically cancel their shields to clean their visors. Lash burst through the storm with two red energy blades from his vampraces and cut through them with ease. One B2 did a surprising move and tried to tackle Lash. But he cut it straight down the middle.


    ''Third wave cleared, fourth wave will begin in ten.'' -The voice called out, and the holographic information changed above as the wind died down. Eighty targets.... Lash stopped listening after that. He stepped away from the ruined remains of the droids so the scrappers could do their job. It stayed night, but he could see the early light of the sun rising in the simulation room. Right before the battle started the sun rose up in an almost blinding light. That of course was exactly where the droids were coming from. Good idea.


    Lash''s visor dimmed automatically. He deactivated his energy blades and raised his arms up. Two blaster rifles rose up from his shoulders and he ID every IFF he could find. Then he started to fire red energy bolts from his arms, and his shoulder mounted rifles. Every shot hit a target, every hit a head shot. That was the shortest round yet.


    ''Fourth wave cleared, fifth wave will begin in ten.'' -The voice called out, and the holographic display switched to one hundred and sixty targets.... The rifles on his arms, and shoulders compressed back into his armor. He turned to see that the rocky terrain changed to that one of sand and nothing else. He glanced up to see that he was now on Tatooine. Great, that meant some exotic droids.


    A giant ball burst from the sand dune next to him. It was approximately ten feet in diameter. When it got close to him it burst up into the air. Spider like legs sprouted from its body, and rotating energy turrets popped out of its side. At the top a red visor screen appeared. It chirped at him, and turrets unloaded towards him. Lash raised the whole thing up with Telekinesis and crushed it. The resulting explosion gave away his position.


    Over a dozen B1''s on STAP''s flew over his position. Once again they didn''t talk to one another, or point out his position. Once one droid saw him, the entire unit knew his location. That was the dangerous part about battle droids. Lash''s two rifle cannons popped from his shoulders. They took careful aim and shot each STAP with ease. While he climbed up a sand dune to get a good look.


    A few more of the giant metallic balls were headed his way. While sniper droideka''s took position on an opposite dune. The sniper versions were much the same as the original. They still pulled themselves into a pill bug when they moved. But now they had one large caliber blaster rifle that they stuck through their riot like shield. While they were exposed on the sides. The marksman rifles shot towards Lash position.


    Lash picked up each giant metallic balls, it was a design he''d never seen before. Then he tossed them at the sniper destroyers. A few of them rolled away, most were wrecked by their own troops. Then he crushed the balls for good measure. His two shoulder cannons were still at work. Every target ID through IFF was marked. So he jumped down his dune and created his red Psionic Blades from his vampraces. Over twenty B2 battle droids popped out of the sand the moment his feet rose over the next dune. They unloaded with wrist mounted rockets, flame throwers, and blaster fire.


    Deflection was up, and he cast Acceleration then waded into the storm of enemy fire. He jumped towards one droid into a forward pounce with his energy blades. Then threw the carcass at its fellow. He sent out a Psionic red energy wave that all but melted the droids into ruin. Then ducked and rolled when a missile hit his last known location. He pulled up on the ''sand'' and created a smoke screen. Then flew up into the air above them. It didn''t take long for a sniper to spot him and take a shot. He deflected it back at them. The pill bug shield blocking the shot.


    Lash grabbed a fistful of sand and shot it at high velocity through the side of the droideka. Hundreds of tiny blades moving at mach one ripped through the droids exposed gears. That worked so well that Lash did the same to the remaining ones around him. Once he landed in the sands he looked around and found the rest of the droids all had a single rifle bolt through them. His Parallel Minds had been hard at work.


    ''Fifth wave cleared....'' -The voice spoke again, and the day turned into night. Lash was starting to look forward to the next round. Though he briefly wondered how the technicians were doing?


    ===========================================================


    (Coruscant, Militia HQ combat, and control simulation room.)


    ¡°Listen up! Each of you will be given twenty troops for now! Work together and see if you can take him down!¡± A technician called out to the Militia officers who stood around a holographic table. As they watched in horror as Lash decimated their collected forces.


    ¡°Can we get some tanks? Some heavy artillery would be amazing!¡± An officer called out.


    ¡°That''s coming next round, along with some aircraft.¡± Another technician called out.


    ¡°Sir! Coruscant media wants to know if they can make a betting pool on how long he''ll last. What do I tell them?¡± Another voice shouted.


    ¡°I''m not sure! T7 can you contact the higher ups?¡±


    ¡°Affirmative.¡± An admin droid called out.


    ¡°Sixth wave cleared, seventh wave will begin in ten.¡± The synthetic voice called out and the militia officers all groaned. They started to quickly pick and choose their available forces.


    ¡°Sir! We have volunteers who want to run in and help. Should we open the doors?¡±


    ¡°We already tried that, he locked us out! He want''s to do it alone.¡±


    The door to the control room opened and several Mandalorian officers walked in. They snagged a droid to ask what was going on. When they heard the news they desperately wanted to join Lash in the field. But when they learned he locked the doors. They settled for snagging a few forces on the holographic board and helped position troops. The seventh wave soon turned into the eighth, which turned into the ninth. By the tenth wave the entire Militia training compound was watching the ridiculous fight between one man, and an army of droids.


    _____________________________________________________________________


    Lash sprinted up the giant simulated trees of Kashyyk. He used Gravity Stride and run up it like it was the ground. All the while his rifle mounted cannons fired behind him as Hundreds of battle droids fired up at his position. He catapulted himself up through the air through the use of Telekinesis and tackled a vulture droid who flew by. He sliced its wing off and jump to another droid gunship. The thing spun like a top trying to shake him off. But he was glued to it. Until the battle droids fired on it to get to him.


    He dropped over a hundred feet to the forest floor below. He brought his arms down and used a Telekinetic blast to send hundreds of droids into the air. Many of them obliterated with the initial kinetic energy. The whole battlefield, and probably the simulation hall shook with that attack. He felt through his Technomancy Domain that the entire structure was being reinforced below. While dozens of repair, and maintenance droids were repairing the damage he was causing. What did he care? It was his home after all.


    Hundreds of blaster bolts fired onto his position and he cast Blink. Disappearing from his initial location and appearing sixty feet away. Then he did it a few more times to appear behind a hover tank. He ripped its turret off its main frame and threw it at another one. Then he jumped off and smashes his fist into another troop transport, caving in its entire front section. Hyena bombers flew by to destroy his location but he shot them down one by one with Eldritch Blast from his vampraces.


    ¡°Is that all you got!?¡± Lash shouted up into the air.


    ____________________________________________________________________


    Across the galactic holonet people from all walks of life tuned into watch the Republic Militia public network. They watched in excited anticipation as one man fought against impossible odds. Thousands of battle droids, armored vehicles,and air craft were piled up against him. Again, and again he came out on top. The odds were against him, a thousand to one on the betting pool and it continued to climb.


    But to others who watched the transmission they could only look on in dread. The public network reached out to the CIS. The people there watched in cold realization that this was the Jensaarai Master that fought with the republic. How does one fight against something like that? This couldn''t be real, right? It was propaganda? A fiction created by the republic to scare them. Yes, that seemed far more feasible.


    Back at the planet of Coruscant, in the grand residence of the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. The man who was said to have the most power in all of the republic watched the holo display of Lash destroying thousands of droids. With each new wave defeated the anger Palpatin felt grew, and grew. This was a tool he couldn''t control. But was it a tool he could guide? Palpatine had to change his plans once again. Lash was an ally for now. But could Palpatine afford to make him an enemy? Lash had proved his point.


    _____________________________________________________________________


    ¡°Attention! Attention! Final wave complete! Total targets destroyed, 20,480. We have run out of droids to send.¡± A technician called down into the battlefield.


    Lash found himself on top a pile of dismembered robotic parts. It wasn''t the only either but he didn''t care. He looked around the destroyed simulation room. Half of the environment was a forest of some kind that looked familiar. While the other half was the holographic projectors, and pieces of the durasteel walls falling off their anchor points. At some point they stopped announcing waves and just started to pump droids into the room.


    His armor was covered in scorch marks. Pieces of it had melted from repeated blaster shots to the same spot over and over again. His helmet was cracked when he took several torpedoes straight to his face. He vaguely remembered fighting against a pack of droids with swords, and spears. That had been fun. Though being fired on while he dueled them hadn''t. He had thought about using Shapeshift and letting Saurian out to play. But then he thought better about it. He wanted to save him as a trump card.


    With one last dismissive wave through Connectivity he disabled the locks he had on the doors. As soon as he did a wave of Mandalorian''s rushed in with weapons at the ready only to be disappointed. Oh no! They are not disappointed they firing on him. Lash rolled his eyes and took off down the hill of body parts. He swapped his energy blades from red to blue. Then bisected a Mando down the middle. He went into a seizing fit as electricity danced through him.


    ¡°Attention! Lightning round! Mandalorian attack?¡± A technician called out.


    Mandalorian''s were not the only ones attacking. Dozens of Jensaarai, and Jedi rushed into the room? Lash shot out a Call Lightning and a storm of electrical energy took out fifty of them without a fuss. Then he dove for cover as the Mandalorian''s fired their missiles from their jet packs. A storm of blaster fire shot towards him and they all went in different directions thanks to Deflection.


    Several Jensaarai landed next to him and took out their light-sabers. Each one in a different design, and combat form. They worked in perfect cohesion with one another. Lash cast Acceleration, then with Cat''s Grace, and Superhuman Speed. He dropped low and cut through their legs in one wide arc. The electrical shock from his blue energy beam dropped all of them. Then Lash jumped to the side to avoid a Jedi Knight by the name of Anakin with a wide smile on his face.


    ¡°Really!? Is this how you spend your weekends!?¡± Anakin shouted at him as he took a combat form and swung his blade. Lash pushed out with Telekinesis and sent him flying backwards.


    Lash jumped backwards, then jumped again off a air current thanks to Elemental Manipulation. Then brought his blades down on another group of Jedi who he didn''t recognize. He whipped around and one of his shoulder mounted rifles shot a shock bolt into Ahsoka who didn''t even get to say hi! Lash ran past her, and gave her a head a fond pat on the head. She stared daggers at him. A swarm of militia troops poured into the room and unloaded their E-lasers onto his position.


    ¡°Am I fighting the whole army now!?¡± Lash shouted with a bit of mirth. Lash launched himself into the air and created a giant orb of blue energy and shot it at the horde of Militia troops who all tried to scatter. Hundreds dropped in a single explosion.


    ¡°That''s why you always go in waves!¡± Lash shouted, then flew off to the side as the Mandalorian''s flew after him.


    Several republic gun ships flew into the simulation room and deployed clone troopers. Oh come on! Lash jumped from simulated tree to simulated tree. Every second was another foe defeated. Thanks to Infinite Supply that oddly refilled E-Laser bolts. Along with his Technomancy shock cantrip. Lash would never run out of ammo. He pulled on his Nature Domain and created a thick fog as he fled into the forest.


    Six Jedi, and four Jensaarai led a group of clone troopers into the fog. While the Mandalorian''s floated in the air and activated their infrared. Unfortunately, Lash''s armor hid that. Or he assumed they did? As they started to fire on his position. That was when he face palmed. The collected energy from being shot so many times made his armor warm. That was an oversight on his part.


    He dodged, and weaved his way through light-saber swings. Each wielder dropped to floor after a single swing. As Lash''s blades passed through the light-saber without resistance. The Mandalorians were smart enough to hide behind the simulated trees that started to melt? The environment was changing again. To...Nothing? The entire hall was just one big open room. Filled with piles of robotic parts.


    ¡°Please! Ladies and gentlemen that is quiet enough!¡± Supreme Chancellors voice called down from the operations room. A few Mandalorians ignored the cease fire so Lash shocked them into submission.


    ¡°Please, I understand the desire to continue... What ever this is. But we''ve received word from the front. The republic world of Ryloth has been attacked. The Navy, and Army is scrambling to aid the world. We ask that Militia command attend a briefing. Grand Admiral Lash, are you available?¡± Palpatine asked through the speaker box.


    ¡°May I take a shower first?¡± Lash called up.


    ¡°I would prefer it. Please come to my office at your earliest convenience.¡± Palpatine said in amusement.


    ¡°Woooo! Lightning round complete!¡± Lash shouted and raised his arms in a cheer.


    ¡°Haatyc or''arue jate''shya ori''sol aru''ike nuhaatyc¡± A Mandalorian warrior called out with a laugh. (Better one big enemy that you can see than many small ones you can''t. Wookieepedia!)


    ¡°Next time I need a work out I''ll make sure to call you all, alright?¡± Lash said to the Mandalorian''s who all cheered.


    Lash made his way through the destroyed battle simulation room. Eventually came across Anakin who''s hair was statically charged, and he was poking Ahsoka. She jumped away like a cat who''s tail had been stepped on. Anakin was never one to dwell on a defeat, especially a friendly one. He also had a glow about him. Something that comes from having sex with someone you love. Ah, so he had that kind of morning.


    ¡°Hey you two, hows life?¡± Lash asked as he walked over. Anakin had a huge grin on his face. While Ahsoka sulked.


    ¡°I''m great! How are you?¡± Anakin asked, as he looked Lash over. ¡°I think this is the first time I''ve seen you with ruined armor.¡±


    ¡°Ya, I''ll have to buff this out.¡± Lash said as he looked at one of the melted portions. ¡°Ahsoka, what''s wrong?¡± Lash asked the Padawan who refused to look at him.


    ¡°Oh she''s just sulking. She barely did anything.¡± Anakin said with a smirk, and Ahsoka stamped her feet.


    ¡°He didn''t even swing his weapon at me. I got shot!¡± Ahsoka shouted with a petulant look on her face.


    ¡°Should of blocked the shot then.¡± Anakin said with a smile.


    ¡°Tell you what Ahsoka. Next available time we both have off we''ll have a duel. Just you and me, alright?¡± Lash asked, and the padawan''s eyes lite up.


    ¡°Really!?¡± Then she coughed, and shuffled her foot. ¡°I mean, that would be nice.¡± Ahsoka said, as she blushed just a bit. Lash sometimes forgot that Ahsoka was still just a youngling, or maybe she was a teenager at this age for her species? Thoughts for later.


    Lash laughed and made his way towards his private residence in the HQ. He put an express order in to replace the droids he mangled. He found Nazvo was already on it. Though a most distressed letter from her was found in his personal data mail. She had wanted to join in the fight as well. Who knew horde mode was such a crowd-pleaser? Turned out the Militia broadcast network was in top ten of the most viewed holonet across the galactic network. Republic, and the CIS. How wonderful!


    He passed more than a few sore losers during the lightning round. Especially the hundreds of shocked stopped militia troops. They were frustrated that they fell for the good ole wave tactic maneuver. Everyone made room for him, and no one stopped him. They all knew he had a briefing to get to. He took a private transport pod through the compound to the first Ghost Industries mega-tower. Where he rode it up to the private residence section.


    Lash''s residence was essentially a mansion that he never visited. Aside from the few times he held a form of party for the higher ups of his company that he''d done. This was one of the few times he''d been in it. He honestly didn''t care, but it was expected of a Grand Admiral to have some kind of luxury. The floors were made, and colored from a deep brown, to sandstone red color. Then the walls slowly went from earth red, to white sand. Then as it went further up it turned into a blue sky. Literally a blue sky, as he had holographic emitters in the ceiling.


    Despite what many would believe his residence was not at the top floor. That was emergency access, and landing pads. He, like so many others were in the middle of the tower. He still had a grand balcony that wrapped around his mansion. Protected by a soft light shield. That could be covered by blast walls in emergencies. He chose the holographic emitters because he could program them to take any sky he wanted. Like a planetarium, he could press play and watch an entire galaxy be born.


    He had twin grand stair cases in the entry room. Which he climbed up one set to head to his private room. The entire mansion had a main living, and party room. Giant kitchen, with a dinning room attached. A grand library filled with actual books, along with art along its walls. A simulation room was off to the side for a work out. Then he had a pool that was half inside, half outside along the balcony. A grand fire pit that was between the living, and party room. With scattered little alcoves through out the house for those little dalliances that he had learned from the fae courts. Along with several private guest rooms.


    All in all it was a very nice home that he barely visited, or lived in. He stepped into his personal room that was a little more minimalist. He activated his security shutters and his room went into lock down. Then he cast Renew on his whole armor. His magical energy dropped dramatically, as he pulled out a few ingots of metal to replace what was lost. Then he peeled off his armor thanks to a set of mechanical arms that came out of the wall. Then he took a nice hot shower.


    Most of Lash''s body was covered in tribal tattoo''s that represented his different spell domains. What wasn''t covered pale white skin from lack of sun exposure could be seen. With dark green scales across his bone hard points. Like his spine, shins, etc, etc. He didn''t have an ounce of fat. He was pure dense hard muscle. The only imperfection is the original gruesome scar across his neck. His birthmark as it were. When was thrust into this body. That day seemed so long ago.


    Lash stepped out of his shower and wrapped a towel around his waist and tied it off. He stepped into his bedroom just in time for his bedroom opened. Nazvo, and a Mandalorian Falleen female followed behind her. They were speaking about something but both froze mid step at the sight of him. Nazvo had seen Lash without his mask/helmet a few times in the years she''d worked for him. So him in a towel and nothing else was a surprise.


    ¡°...Towel...¡± Nazvo said.


    ¡°Shower... Wet...¡± Lash said with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Mil''Gix of clan Rhal. It''s a pleasure to meet you, Master Lash.¡± Mil''Gix said as her cheeks turned bright, a sly grin grew the longer she stared.


    Mil''Gix held her Mandalorian helmet in her left arm. Her face had gray-green small scale skin. As a Falleen she had a symmetrical face with slight ridges across her cheeks, and forehead. Her black hair was shaved along the sides, and the top was pulled back into a long braid that went to the middle of her back. Her blue eyes were bright with mischief. Her armor covered an hourglass figure. She stood at approximately 5''9¡±. Falleen were a repto-mammallian sapient species. Their exotic appearance was considered to be in the top ten beauties of the star wars galaxy, right along side Mirialan which Nazvo was. They also emitted pheromones that could attract all sorts of attention.


    Mil''Gix''s eyes danced up and down Lash''s body, as did Nazvo. Lash rolled his eyes at them and let his towel drop. Nazvo gasped in shock and turned around. Then quickly grabbed Mil''Gix to turn her around as well. Who reluctantly obeyed. Lash moved to his dresser and pulled out a pair of black briefs. Then activated the mechanical arms for his armor. Within a few minutes he was fully armored again, including mask.


    ¡°There I''m decent.¡± Lash replied to the two women.


    ¡°I think were pretty decent before.¡± Mil''Gix said with a leer.


    ¡°So, should I know why you chose to just walk into my room without knocking?¡± Lash asked, as he came to stand before Nazvo who refused to look at him. Her cheeks were flushed, as she cleared her throat.


    ¡°Well...I..I''ve never known you to not be in armor. So...I just thought.¡± Nazvo''s bashful attitude was enjoyable to say the least.


    ¡°Come, walk and talk. I need to get to the senate house for the briefing.¡± Lash said as he gently walked past them.


    ¡°That is why I came to see you. You weren''t answering your comms, so I brought your liaison with me.¡± Nazvo said to him as she lagged behind him.


    ¡°Liaison?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Here! Chieftain Til''Nix of clan Rahl has holdings near Ryloth. I was already at Militia HQ being trained as an officer. So I was the best choice.¡± Mil''Gix said with a bounce to her step.


    ¡°Wonderful! Welcome aboard.¡± Lash said with a laugh. All three of them stepped into the transport pod and rode all the way to the landing pad.


    ¡°What''s your specialty?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Recon, range finder, and sniper.¡± Mil''Gix replied automatically. She kept glancing at Lash, and across his body.


    ¡°Nazvo you OK?¡± Lash asked his aid who kept looking at the ground.


    ¡°What!... Yes, I''m fine.¡± Nazvo said a little to loudly. Lash leaned over and nudged her, she stumbled a bit which was a sure sign she was distracted. As a Jensaarai she should have perfect balance.


    ¡°Your fine? Or, do we need to talk about this over a bottle of Tiyulong rum when I get back?¡± Lash asked her, and she brightened up at that. Nazvo loved to drink on her off hours.


    ¡°...Year 369 and we have a deal.¡± Nazvo said, and Lash nodded in agreement. The rest of the ride Nazvo was humming happily to herself.


    When the pod reached its destination, Nazvo reached up and kissed Lash''s cheek. Then kicked him out of the transport pod with a swift boot to his ass. He chuckled, as did Mil''Gix who replaced her helmet a moment before the pod opened up. They walked across the landing platform towards a waiting Kom''rk-class fighter/transport vessel.


    The Kom''rk-class fighter/transport vessel was made by the Mandalorian company MandalMotors. As it said in the name it was a type of starfighter, and troop transport. It was approximately 223'' long, with a 170'' width, and a 43'' height. It had a primary section in the middle of the ship while its wings rotated around the primary section on a ring. This made the wings position flexible. Which made its maneuvering unpredictable to anything firing on it. Passenger could be lowered out the bottom via a crane allowing them to jump off, or fly off vie jet packs.


    The vessel color scheme was black, with stripes of green. In Mandalorian, the color black represented justice, while green was duty. Along the side of the vessel was the clan symbol of Rahl. Which looked like a quadruped wolf like creature howling at a moon. On board were several Militia officers who all stood up and saluted Lash. He saluted back, then at the forward cockpit was another Mandalorian male with full armor, and helmet in place.


    ¡°Brother Vi''Lon.¡± Mil''Gix said as she took the co-pilot seat.


    ¡°Did my sister give you any trouble, Chieftain?¡± Vi''Lon asked.


    ¡°No more than usual.¡± Lash replied, and Mil''Gix cracked up laughing. Vi''Lon looked at his sister in confusion and shook his head.


    ¡°Let''s move, we are expected.¡± Lash said, and Vi''Lon activated the drive and they were off towards the senate house.


    The transport took off with a gradual acceleration while its engines purred like a giant mountain cat waiting to be fed. Lash crossed his arms as he poured through the available information on the holonet. There wasn''t much there. The Galactic Republic knew that Ryloth had come under attack and that was about it. So Lash jumped onto the Militia HQ. Ryloth had been under CIS occupation for approximately one standard month. The only reason the republic knew about it was a freighter had come by the planet and seen the blockade.


    Senator of Ryloth was an over weight Twi''lek named Orn Free Taa who was as corrupt as they came. He cared little for his home planet, and worse yet. His planet knew it. The issue was he was rich, and was paid up with the right people on Coruscant, and Ryloth that he would never be replaced. One of those people was Palpatine. Taa was a sycophant of Palpatine''s. A useful sycophant, who had ties in the galactic banking clans. From Star Wars lore that Lash had available he knew that Taa stayed in office well into the height of the galactic empire''s rule.


    ¡°What does clan Rahl think of Senator Orn Free Taa?¡± Lash asked the two Mandalorian''s.


    ¡°He''s an idiotic slime that needs to be skinned alive. A majority of the problems on Ryloth are because him. Every pirate, and slaver that visits Ryloth pays credits up to him.¡± Mil''Gix replied with an acidic tone.


    ¡°Clan Rahl has open orders to kill him if he we ever see him outside of republic space.¡± Vi''Lon said next.


    ¡°I am happy to know that Clan Rahl, and Clan Ghost Claw are of like minded on the subject of Taa.¡± Lash replied to both of them and meant it. Mil''Gix, and Vi''Lon both glanced at one another and nodded.


    ¡°Hypothetically speaking if Senator Taa were to have an accident who would replace him?¡± Lash asked them both.


    ¡°Cham Syndulla, he''s a freedom fighter on Ryloth even before the CIS showed up. He''s been trying to overthrow Taa for years. Clan Rahl runs weapons, and supplies to his resistance fighters from time to time.¡± Vi''Lon said, as he pushed up a holographic image of Syndulla.


    ¡°He''s a good man, who only wants what is best for his people and his world.¡± Mil''Gix said next, Lash nodded in understanding.


    ¡°I''ll keep that in mind in this completely hypothetically situation.¡± Lash said as he pulled up the information on Syndulla.


    ¡°Of course, Chieftain.¡± Vi''Lon replied.


    Their transport flew over the different traffic lanes of Coruscant''s thanks to a militia ID tag that Lash provided. All the same two police land transports flew next to them the whole way. They landed at the senate house military vessel pad. Lash pulled Vi''Lon along with him, and Mil''Gix. The Militia officers came along as well. They cut a nice figure walking towards the briefing.


    The militia officers all wore clean pressed gray uniforms, with naval caps, gloves, and shinny boots. Their assorted ranks, and ribbons on their left breast portion of the uniforms. They walked in lock step with Lash. Eventually Vi''Lon, and Mil''Gix got the picture and did the same. They marched through the front door, and the different staff and senate members got out of their way promptly. They all boarded the same elevator up to the right floor. In the brief moment between floors.


    ¡°I don''t know about all of you, but I liked that feeling.¡± Lash said to them in the elevator. He got a few chuckles, and confirmations for the same.


    The elevator doors opened up and this time the entire team stepped out in lock step and moved through the hallways. Lash in the front with his two Mandalorian liaisons, and ten militia officer behind them. The stomp of their boots on the floor rang through the halls. People poked their heads out of offices and either went back inside. Or stood out with a smile on their faces as they walked past. A few people even saluted. In many ways the militia was far more relatable then the clones. Because it was made up of the every day citizen.


    Lash and his escort arrived at the designated briefing room and a senate commando asked them to wait. The door opened for them and they all filed in. Inside was Chancellor Palpatine, an Admiral of the Republic Navy, Master Yoda, Master Mace Windu, Senator Orn Free Taa, and his two aids. A lethan (red) skinned Twi''lek female named Yenzoda who wore a skin tight shimmering dress that left very little to the imagination. Along with a rutian (blue) skinned Twi''lek female named Pampy who wore a sheer gown that looked a dancing outfit. They were both attached to Taa''s arms.


    ¡°Ah! Grand Admiral welcome we were just about to discuss the hyperspace route.¡± Chancellor Palpatine said with an amiable smile. Lash made a beeline towards Taa much to the surprise of everyone including the senator.


    Orn Free Taa was a corpulent male rutian (blue) skinned male Twi''lek with folds of flesh under his chin, several of them. He wore an extravagant robe around his body that was covered in gems, gold, and other expensive pieces of metal. While the robe itself was the finest silk, and different rare animal leathers. He was 6''2¡± and had a jovial attitude about life. Though his normal smile melted off his face as a 6''6¡± armored monster moved towards him. Lash held out his hand towards him.


    ¡°Senator Orn Free Taa, please except my deepest condolences to you and your people in this trying time.¡± Lash said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster. Actor gave him a lot of experience for that lie. Senator Taa''s wilting smile bloomed into an open grin.


    ¡°Of course, Grand Admiral Lash! Thank you for your kind words!¡± Taa extended his hand, Lash shook it with vigor. Then used Re:Implant on the poor unsuspecting sap.


    ¡°I just want to say once this is all over we''ll be using the full resources of the Militia to rebuild, and renovate the infrastructure of Ryloth. I promise you, we will restore the lost wealth of your home world.¡± Lash said as he continued to shake his hand. A bright gleaming light grew in Taa''s eyes.


    ¡°Yes! Yes, of course. The Seperatist have destroyed much of our peoples future. We will of course accept any, and all help you can provide Grand Admiral Lash!¡± Taa said with a huge grin. His two aids smile at him in a very salacious way.


    ¡°Ahem! Gentlemen if you please?¡± Chancellor Palpatine gestured towards the holographic display.


    ¡°Yes, of course. Please excuse me.¡± Lash said to the whole room and bowed. He politely nodded towards Taa who smiled jovially at him. Lash moved to his appointed position in the briefing as the windows dimmed to allow a better viewing.


    ¡°As most of you know, Ryloth is at the tail end of the Correllian Run. The Correllian Run is largely under the control of the Republic. But it cuts through several CIS controlled systems. Making it a dangerous route to take. I suggest...¡± The Admiral of the Navy began to say but stopped when Lash raised his hand. ¡°Yes, Grand Admiral?¡±


    ¡°May I update your map, it''s old.¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°The same galaxy map from the Jedi archives this is, Master Lash.¡± Master Yoda politely informed him. Lash stood up all the same and inserted a data chip. Then the map expanded and several new routes were shown. The Admiral looked on in astonishment.


    ¡°Grand Admiral where did you get these!?¡± The Admiral asked.


    ¡°The normal way, a Jensaarai defender mapped it out for me.¡± Lash replied and took his seat. The whole room looked it over. Several new pathways were available. Some of them were based on system wide rotation and couldn''t be use half the time out of the standard year.


    ¡°Admiral, Master Jedi with these new routes would it be possible to plan an invasion towards Ryloth immediately?¡± Chancellor Palpatine asked from his throne in the office.


    ¡°It would be possible. It is not a straight shot towards Ryloth. But it would allow us to by pass the enemy lines. Are there any dangers to these routes?¡± Master Windu asked Lash, though his focus was on the map completely.


    ¡°Purrgils pass through two of these routes on a weekly basis. But I know how to bypass them.¡± Lash informed them all.


    Purrgils were giant semi-sentient deep space creatures. The largest of them rivaled in size to the Acclamator class cruiser that the republic used to move troops. While the smallest was about the size of a interceptor star fighter. They had stream lined bodies with bluish-purple skin. With four large hind tentacles, a single dorsal fin, and two side fins. Their heads had a characteristic bulbous head with an eye on either side. With a large mouth full of egg shaped teeth. They were well known because they could create hyperspace tunnels and jump between systems. In fact hyperspace technology was based on them.


    ¡°One bypasses them, how does?¡± Master Yoda asked, as he stroked his bald head.


    ¡°You need a Force-User. I''ll upload the manual for communicating with them to you Master Jedi''s.¡± Lash replied, and sent the information to the temple. As well as a data chip to hand to them now.


    ¡°Will we need a Force-User on every ship?¡± The Admiral asked.


    ¡°Just one should work.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°For us, if we move together then Master Lash can speak? Hrmmm.¡± Master Yoda asked, and Lash nodded in agreement.


    ¡°So the quickest route takes us through a Purrgil path. But if what you say is true we can move through them with out incident. Then we can reach Ryloth in two days at most. While the other routes would take a week, but we would still move passed the Separatist without them knowing. Unless they know these routes as well?¡± Master Windu asked.


    ¡°Yes, yes, and I don''t know. The navigator found no signs of them along the route. But that was several weeks ago. I have new routes through much of republic space. The navigator is still working on the mid, and outer rim.¡± Lash replied to him, and offered more information.


    ¡°Wonderful! I am delighted to see the Jensaarai are doing their best to provide for the republic.¡± Chancellor Palpatine said with a smile.


    ¡°Who is the Jensaarai who mapped these out?¡± Senator Taar asked.


    ¡°He''s called Wraith. He''s part of my original order before the temple on Venura.¡± Lash replied, and both Jedi looked at him with wide eyes.


    ¡°More of your original order there is? To speak to them I would very much like.¡± Master Yoda said with a sly smile on his old green face.


    ¡°As would I.¡± Master Windu said.


    ¡°He''s very good navigator. He even has routes through wild space. Though he refused to share them with me till they are complete. He''s a bit of a completionist. If it helps Master Qui-Gon Jinn has spent some time with him.¡± Lash replied, and commented. ¡°But we have wondered off topic.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful that is, but too true. Back at the matter at hand.¡± Master Yoda said in confirmation.


    They continued to speak about the route, and what they could take with them. So far the Republic Militia had only been deployed on stable locations like the new refugee centers on the bread basket worlds. Along with planet Christopsis. This was the first time they would be deployed into an active combat zone. Though the militia would not be fighting side by side with the clone army. They still be in the same theater of war. The militia officers reported the different kind of ships they had available. Corvettes, frigates, and Gozanti-class cruisers, the work horse of the republic. They didn''t have warships per say. But blockade runners, and pirate hunters.


    ¡°I believe that is everything. Please make your preparations as soon as possible. You''ll leave as soon as you are ready.¡± Chancellor Palpatine said to the room. Everyone stood together and paid respect and courtesy to one another.


    ¡°Grand Admiral, Lash please stay a brief moment. The rest of you please excuse us.¡± Palpatine asked everyone. Lash''s escort headed out to the antechamber, while Senator Taa waved at Lash enthusiastically. Once everyone had left the doors were sealed, and a baffle field was erected around the office.


    ¡°I saw your match this morning. Was their a point to that?¡± Palpatine asked as he sat down in his throne. His eyes zeroed in on Lash who came to stand before his desk with his arms placed behind him.


    ¡°I''m not an idiot, Chancellor. In a few years all your plans will come into culmination. Any Force-User that doesn''t kneel before you will be executed. The Jedi, and more than likely the Jensaarai will be destroyed. Me, along with them. I just want to say... I approve.¡± Lash said to him, and the flabbergasted look on Palpatine was worth it. It took a lot to get Palpatine to break.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Palpatine said.


    ¡°You''ll need to destroy the Jensaarai, as well as the Jedi. I am fully aware that Order 66 doesn''t just cover the Jedi. But anyone of that uses the Force.¡± Lash said, and the fact that he knew about Order 66 made Palpatine grind his molars in frustration.


    ¡°When the time comes, many will look to me as a symbol of hope. That is when you''ll position several Venator-cruisers above me and do an orbital bombardment. You''ll destroy any trace of me. This will allow me to take on my other personas on a more permanent basis. Destroy a symbol, get a valuable servant.¡± Lash said, and the look of confusion slowly left Palpatin''s face and a smile grew.


    ¡°You are a terrifying man, Lash. I applaud your determination to full fill the bargain we made together. If any of your Jensaarai agree to bend the knee, I''ll let them live.¡± Palpatine said with a confident grin.


    ¡°No, you won''t.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°No, I won''t.¡± Palpatine replied with a grin that only grew from ear to ear.


    ¡°May I be of any more assistance, Emperor?¡± Lash said, and bowed from his waist. Palpatine practically preened under the title.


    ¡°No, Lord Enfarious you may leave.¡± Palpatine said.


    Lash saluted the soon to be Emperor, did an about face and left his office. Palpatine turned his throne around to look out his window as the security shutters lifted. Then the Sith Emperor once again turned into the Supreme Chancellor, Sheev Palpatine. Lash opened, and closed the office door with barely a whisper and collected his escort. In this moment Lash had cemented his position with Palpatine. At least for now. Plenty of time to screw it up later.


    To Ryloth!


    Galen


    There are several characters in this chapter I didn''t properly describe. Not to worry they get more page time later on. Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 137: Archives

    =============================================================


    (Coruscant, Jedi Temple Archives)


    There is more knowledge here than anywhere else in the galaxy.


    The Jedi Archives was a vast hidden treasure trove of knowledge going back thousands of years. They held records on some of the most historic, and benign events within the known galaxy. The archives records themselves were holographic data-pads. Entire volumes of books contained within in a single slip of crystal. Each shelf contained hundreds, while each column contained hundreds of thousands. While some of the more sacred texts were Jedi Holocrons. Square shaped devices made, and designed by Force-Users. One must be a student of the light side of the Force to even open them. Each one contained an almost living echo of the author.


    Within the Archive was the rotunda, a giant nexus point with a holographic round table of sorts. The ceiling stretched to very heavens of the Jedi Temple as natural light filtered in from the windows above. While the distant sounds of people whispering, reading, and moving quietly through the library could be heard here. The doorways in and out of the archive were towering archways. Allowing those within the rotunda to see the entire archive from this point. On the holographic round table was an interface allowing seekers of knowledge to narrow down their search between the different halls.


    The First Hall, often referred to as the main entrance to the archive. Was kept behind hand carved wooden doors depicting the history of the Jedi Order. Contained on the shelves of the hall were the diaries, journals, philosophical manuscripts, and personal holographic viewings of over a billion recorded Jedi. Entire holo-theatre projections and viewing booths could be found here. With the right credentials, and permission from the head archivist. One could watch entire missions from the first person perspective of the Jedi tasked with the mission.


    The Second Hall which ran perpendicular to the first, and third halls. The entire construction of the archive was like the criss cross pattern of a compass. This hall contained data pertaining to the mathematical, and engineering sciences. How to understand, and construct engines capable of hyperspace travel. Along with a full list, and designs of government buildings. Every building within Coruscant could be found in that library. At least the legal ones. While those with higher clearance would find every legal manufactures design of weapons.


    The Third Hall which ran directly opposite of the First Hall. The hall was filled with information on the geography and culture of every known planet in the Galactic Republic. It included star maps of interstellar and planetary regions, and detailed analyses on specific civilizations. The Exploration Corps of the Jedi often contributed to this section, adding new planetary details as worlds were discovered beyond the Republic''s reach. Though recently the Jensaarai had added to it as well. Regretfully this area was under inspection due the realization that a Jedi Master may or may not have erased information from it. (The Kamino System.)


    The Fourth Hall, running on the same plane as the second, was also split into two smaller wings; each dedicated to zoological research relating information on every known species of flora and fauna in the galaxy. Despite its lackluster description one could find all sorts of interesting creatures in these records. Several species had even been discovered that could naturally control the Force, or repel it. Genetic splicers across the galaxy would salivate to be in this hall.


    The Chief librarian quarters housed the staff of the archive hall. They held a twenty four hour crew that supported the archive. While this room also supported briefing chambers for Jedi who were traveling to known star systems. What cultures, people, floral, and fauna they would discover there. Along with possible diplomatic situations one may encounter.


    Then placed between each hall were study sections. Entire tables, desks, and even private rooms contained within. Allowed researches to stay there in private company. While many Jedi of the Knowledge Corp would spend entire days without food, or sleep to find the answer to the archive they were looking for. All in all the Jedi Archive was a technological marvel. But, there was actually another hall that only a few knew of.


    The Fifth Hall, which was hidden behind Chief Librarian quarters. A holographic library shelf was kept full of records. If one pulled out a certain set of data-pads in the right order. Then pushed them all in at the same time with multiple people or with Force Push. That section would slide back, then to off to the side to reveal a hallway. The door would only stay open for less than a minute before it would close again. Down the hallway one would eventually enter a hall filled with Sith Holocrons, and Sith artifacts.


    The Sith Holocrons were designed the shape of a pyramid. Each etched with Sith ancient script, and oozing dark side energy. One must use the dark side of the Force to even open one. Just like the Jedi Holocrons, the Sith retained an echo of the original Sith that crafted it. They came in a variety of sizes, color schemes, and made from many different materials. But all of them were infused with the dark side of the Force.


    While other items contained within transparisteel cases. Each of these items were light-sabers, holocrons of Sith Lords. Items of power, history, and Sith Sorcery. Each and every item was carefully tended to by a Beskar alloy general purpose droid who was permanently stationed in the Fifth Sith Hall. Programmed to take expert care of the items, as well as protecting them from outside influence. This droid had an important job, especially now. As the Sith Hall was filled with Jedi Masters.


    ¡°I can''t believe we were never told of this place, until now.¡± Jedi Master Pong Krell said with irritation as he ran one of his four hands along a Sith Holocron that hummed at his attention.


    ¡°We know now, Krell. That is what matters.¡± Jedi Master Even Piell said in a rough voice. As he pulled a data pad down and took a seat at a table to start reading.


    Jedi Master Pong Krell was a male Besalisk who stood at approximately 7''7¡± tall, with three black feathered scaled ridges across his head, yellow eyes, and brown pale skin. As a male Besalisk he was born with four arms. He wielded two double bladed light-sabers, one blue, and one green. That could fold in half for easier carrying capacity. He wore a traditional earth tone color pallet Jedi robes. His mastery of the martial path marked him as a Jedi Guardian.


    Jedi Master Even Piell was a long-lived male Lannik who stood at approximately 3''9¡±, with black top knot pony tail. With pink to ruddy brown skin, one good blue eye while the other was scarred over, and big droopy pointed ears to the side. He wore the typical Jedi Master robes with the standard earth tone color scheme. His green standard light-saber marked him as a Jedi Consular. Even Piell had served on the Jedi Council for decades, and had been one of the few survivors on the initial battle of Geonosis.


    ¡°Each of us was chosen by the council because of our unique talents. Having access to this archive will help us in our task.¡± Jedi Master Adi Gallia spoke softly as she pulled down a data pad of her own.


    ¡°Unique talents? I think you mean unique history.¡± Jedi Master Quinlan Vos said with a smirk when Gallia sent him a mild glare.


    Jedi Master / Guardian Adi Gallia was a female Tholothian with dark skin, blue eyes, and wore a Tholoth head dress that many species often confused with their hair. She wore the traditional robes of the Jedi. Though she also wore a few cultural pieces from her people. Tholothians were seemingly ageless, near-human like in appearance. She kept a standard light-saber in design with a Guardian blue blade.


    Jedi Master / Consular Quinlan Vos, nicknamed Quin by those closest to him, was a Kiffar male who stood at approximately 6''1¡± with shoulder length black dreaded hair. With brown eyes, tanned skin color, and a yellow cultural stripe mark across his face. Cheek, to cheek, across his nose. He wielded a standard green light-saber. While thanks to his races heritage as a Kiffar. He was able to use a rare ability called Psychometry which allowed him to read the impressions and trace read of information from an item. Because of this ability Vos would often wear clean, non fabric material in hopes that he didn''t set off his ability by accident.


    ¡°Quin, please be nice.¡± Jedi Master Aalya Secura said to her old master, who sent her a wink. Aalya rolled her eyes at him and sent an apologetic wave at Gallia who accepted it gracefully.


    ¡°I''m very happy to be a part of this new task force, and pleased to be with you all.¡± Jedi Master Kit Fisto said with a wide smile on his face that was shared with Secura.


    Jedi Master / Consular Kit Fisto was a renowned male Nautolan who stood at approximately 6''4¡± with pure black eyes with no sclera, green skin, and long head tails that went past his shoulders. As a Nautolan he was amphibious with gills along his neck. His extra-sensory head tails gave him a heightened awareness and thanks to the Force that only grew. It made him an excellent martial fighter. Because his peoples unique physiology the Jedi Council would often dispatch him to aquatic worlds. He wore robes that were easily removed so he could dive into water if necessary.


    ¡°The feeling is mutual, Master Fisto.¡± Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn said to his fellow Jedi. Fisto gave Qui-Gon an infectious smile that he could only return.


    ¡°So, should the first meeting of the dark side hunters convene?¡± Qui-Gon asked the room, they all agreed and took a seat.


    ¡°Why are there no Jensaarai here? I would think they would be better suited for this task that most?¡± Krell asked with a curious glance around the table. He folded his lower arms across his chest. While his upper steepled their fingers together.


    ¡°The Jensaarai don''t have dark side hunters. Plus the Council doesn''t wish to advertise this new Jedi Corp or rather old?¡± Piell replied in his rough voice.


    ¡°I know for a fact that the Jensaarai do hunt the Sith. I have spoken to Master Lash about it.¡± Secura said next, as she sat next to her old master Vos, and her friend Fisto.


    ¡°Is this a new Corp? I was under the impression that in the past it was every Jedi''s duty to hunt down, and bring dark side users back to the temple?¡± Gallia asked, she swept her head dress back to free her sight line of everyone.


    ¡°It use to be. But times are different, with the Jensaarai in the galaxy as a whole. We can''t just arrest any old dark side users. Especially since they use both sides of the Force. Personally I think we should all go train at Venura.¡± Vos said with a smug grin on his face that was shared by Krell.


    ¡°I agree. Unlike the Jedi they wont demand we take up any oath to learn about their ways.¡± Krell said with a sneer.


    ¡°The Jedi do not demand any oath on its practitioners, Krell.¡± Gallia replied with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°No, they just brain wash children. Which is so much better!¡± Vos said as he leaned back in his chair awaiting reprisal.


    ¡°That is not how it works!¡± Priell shouted as he slammed his fist into the table.


    ¡°Masters please, take a breath.¡± Qui-Gon said in a soothing voice that pulled the attention of the room.


    ¡°We are here to discuss how we can make use of the tools, and information contained within this room. Not the philosophies, and traditions of the Jedi.¡± Qui-Gon suggested towards them all, hoping to steer the conversation back on topic.


    ¡°Fair enough, I''ll withdraw my comment until later.¡± Vos said amicably, while Krell did the same. Secura, and Fisto both glanced at their fellow masters in worry.


    ¡°Guardian, where are the texts on how to hunt Sith?¡± Gallia asked as she turned towards the general purpose droid in the room.


    ¡°One moment please, Master Adi Gallia.¡± The droid responded and walked through the hall. Then pulled down one Sith Holocron, and several data pads. The droid carefully placed them down on the table for the Jedi to sort themselves.


    ¡°The Holocron presented is of a Sith Lord that used the dark side to hunt other Sith Lords. While the data pads are known practices of dark side powers that can be used against, or used in along side light.¡± The droid responded, then stood off to the side in wait.


    ¡°How are we suppose to open it?¡± Secura asked as she tried to use the Force to open the holocron. It glowed a crimson light but refused to respond.


    ¡°Here let me...¡± Vos said, then pulled it over and opened it up with ease. A red glow swallowed the room briefly. Then dimmed to a candle light illumination.


    ¡°How did you do that?¡± Secura asked in honest curiosity.


    ¡°You have to use the dark side of the Force to open Sith Holocrons, Secura.¡± Vos replied with a grim face, which only earned him a wide eye surprise from his former pupil.


    ¡°It''s why the council chose us. Each of us have had a taste of the dark side. We all turned away from it. But it lingers.¡± Piell replied with a grumble, and Secura looked crestfallen.


    This brought another round of questions and answers from the group. Not all of them had tasted the dark side, yet the council assigned them to the group. It was believed that half of the group had touched the dark side while the others were well known for their discipline, and empathy. Everyone would watch everyone. But needless to say this was uncharted territory for most of them. It had been centuries since the last time the Jedi had needed a dedicated team to hunt down Sith practitioners. They could fall back on recorded history. But reading about something, and living it were often two very different things.


    They spent several hours that soon stretched into night at the temple. They continued to pour over the available information. Taking turns to move through the known artifacts found in the room. Vos used his psychometry to read the history of each piece and threw up more than once. The Guardian droid didn''t say a word, just cleaned up the mess. Then retrieved some refreshments for the Jedi. The longer they stayed in the room the more depressed they felt. Eventually Vos declined reading, or rather touching anything more in the room.


    ¡°So what is this?¡± Krell asked as he held up a mask in his hands.


    ¡°That is the mask of Lord Momin, Master Krell.¡± The Guardian said in its synthesized voice.


    Krell looked the mask over in his hands. The mask itself was made for a near-human skull so it wouldn''t fit him. He tossed it towards Qui-Gon who caught easily. The mask itself was made from a combination of durasteel, and other rare metals. It had a simple T-shaped visor, and covered the head, jaw, and neck. But kept a space open for the wearers ears. Qui-Gon could hear the faintest whisper coming from the helmet. He pressed it up to his head to listen. But it almost seemed to far away to hear. Qui-Gon looked around the room and noticed everyone was looking at something else. All but Krell who was watching him with interest.


    ¡°Put it on. How often do we get a chance to see what it''s like on the inside of a Sith Lord''s head.¡± Krell encouraged Qui-Gon.


    Qui-Gon hesitated for a brief moment. A migraine had come to visit and it pushed up against his eyes. He tried to focus on the mask and found it almost inviting. It''s cold touch seem to sooth his mind. He flipped his hair back as he reached up to place the helmet on. Some part of his mind warned him not to. But what would it hurt? The Guardian had said of nothing of note about the mask before. Then right as he was about to place it.


    ''PUT IT DOWN!'' -A scream of Force energy crashed into the whole room. A shock wave rippled and shot everyone out of their seats. Especially Qui-Gon who was propelled across the room, the mask dropped onto the floor with a resounding clang.


    ¡°What was that!?¡± Krell shouted as he pulled out his light-sabers, the twin doubled sabers ignited and washed the room in a green and blue glow.


    The Guardian droid started to buzz around the room. Replacing the data pads, holocrons, and artifacts into their correct place. Saving the mask for last. Qui-Gon slowly got to his feet as he felt the migraine grow worse by the second. He looked at the mask with almost a yearning that he didn''t recognize. But the voice, he knew that voice. But before he could say anything, Archivist Jocasta Nu came running into the room.


    ¡°What happened!? The sensors in the Archivist Hall detected an energy surge in this hall.¡± Jocasta shouted, being one of the head librarians she had full access to this room.


    ¡°I need to speak to Lash...¡± Qui-Gon said as he stumbled out of the room. He was quickly followed by his fellow masters.


    ¡°Lash? Why do you need to speak to him?¡± Gallia asked.


    ¡°Because that was his voice that shouted.¡± Secura replied.


    Qui-Gon rushed into the main archive and found the resounding ripple of energy washed across the entire library. Data pads had fallen from shelves, several students looked around in confusion. While the archivist started to restore order. The hidden door slid shut behind the group once they left. Half way through the hall a padawan raced towards Qui-Gon.


    ¡°Master Qui-Gon! Master Lash is on the holo-net he demands you contact him immediately.¡± The padawan said.


    It was sight seeing seven Jedi Masters, and one Master Archivist rush through the temple towards the holo communication center. Upon arrival they found Master Yoda speaking to Lash who stood on the holographic table as a projection. The entire room was filled with a pressure found by those familiar with the Force. Lash zeroed in on Qui-Gon, then counted the rest of the group.


    ¡°No one put it on, right!?¡± Lash shot a question at them the moment the door closed behind them.


    ¡°No, you stopped me before I placed it on my head.¡± Qui-Gon replied, and watched in confusion as Lash looked like he wanted to scream at the heavens.


    ¡°Why do you even have that thing!?¡± Lash shouted at the whole room.


    ¡°You speak of what item?¡± Master Yoda asked from his repulsion chair.


    ¡°The Mask of Lord Momin. If it wasn''t for my connection to Qui-Gon he would have placed the helmet on and Momin would have taken over his body.¡± Lash shouted at them, and that struck everyone with a shock.


    ¡°Life after death is impossible, Master Lash.¡± Piell replied, though he sounded unsure of himself.


    ¡°Wrong! The Sith, and the Jedi figured out how to preserve their minds after death a long time ago. The Sith attached their minds to objects, or places of power. That is why Sith tombs are so elaborate. They act as housing units to the Sith''s spirit. While the Jedi can retain their minds after death to become Force Ghosts.¡± Lash replied in an almost teacher like tone.


    ¡°Impossible! I''ve visited dozens of Sith Temples before, I''m not possessed by a spirit of a Sith Lord.¡± Vos replied though he looked particularly green with sickness.


    ¡°That is because your minds are guarded against intrusion. Momin took a risk and placed his spirit in a mask. Something for more fragile. But once it''s placed on an individual they become Momin. My old masters wrote this down before they left the temple centuries ago. Why is there not a warning label on that mask.¡± Lash said next.


    ¡°No such records exist, Master Lash. I assure you I would have recorded it.¡± Jocasta Nu replied, though she looked like she was fretting about what else was not properly labeled in the Sith Hall. Though she didn''t even blink at the fact that Lash knew about it.


    ¡°How did your masters know about the mask?¡± Krell asked, as he walked towards the holographic projection.


    ¡°Because one of them put it on! Once on, it fused to their skin. They had to decapitate their friend to prevent Momin from escaping.¡± Lash replied in a near growl. ¡°It''s crap like this that makes me so aggravated with the Jedi Council. More than likely you all completely dismissed the idea of immortality has a complete lie. Then kept a completely dangerous item in the open. Believing it completely safe.¡±


    ¡°Master Lash please, it was contained within the Sith Hall. Only Masters with the permission of the council have access to that room. It was hardly in the open. While I do agree a warning should have been placed on it. There was no record of any former Master placing it on his head and becoming possessed.¡± Fisto replied as he tried to ease the tension in the room.


    ¡°That doesn''t make it better. That just means the council ignored the warning. We should destroy the mask.¡± Vos said next.


    ¡°I agree!¡± Krell stated.


    ¡°Would destroying the mask, also destroy the spirit? Or would it simply roam free?¡± Qui-Gon asked his friend.


    ¡°Not sure, thankfully you have Sith Rituals at your finger tips that will destroy the soul as well. In the Sith Hall at the outer most edge is a Sith Holocron of Darth Nutalion. Nutalion spent half his life as a Sith Lord of a fearsome reputation. Until one day he tried to turn away from the dark. Though he never found his way back. He used the rest of his life destroying the Sith. Find the holocron, learn the ritual, destroy the mask, and Momin''s soul.¡± Lash supplied an answer for the Jedi who breathed a sigh of relief. But once again Lash showed them that he knew far more about the Jedi than many of them were comfortable with.


    ¡°We are about to fall off the grid in the next star system. We''ll be out of contact. But please, please! Destroy the mask.¡± Lash implored the group.


    ¡°To it personally, I''ll see, Master Lash.¡± Yoda declared, and Lash bowed his head in acceptance.


    ¡°Qui-Gon, next time I see you I''m going to make you some armor. So stop putting strange things on your head!¡± Lash said with a bit of mirth, Qui-Gon gave him an easy smile and nodded reluctantly.


    Once the holographic communication close down the invisible pressure in the room let up. Master Yoda sighed softly as he rubbed his head in a stress filled twitch. He glanced around the room at the selected Jedi to create the dark side hunters. Jocasta Nu excused herself as she raced off to find the selected Sith Holocron. While the rest of the group stayed in the room. Eventually Master Mace Windu showed up in the sealed room.


    ¡°Master Qui-Gon, how long as Lash had a connection with you?¡± Windu asked as he zeroed in on the breach of security.


    ¡°More than likely he''s had the connection with me since we met on Naboo so long ago. He''s called out to me more than once, saved me from making a mistake. Or helping with a problem. Its been beneficial.¡± Qui-Gon admitted and realized that Lash just saved his life, again.


    ¡°A positive development most assuredly. But able to see what you were doing, odd that is.¡± Master Yoda said next, and a few nodded in agreement.


    ¡°From what I understand about Master Lash. His mastery over the Force is without question.¡± Secura said as she crossed her arms in a guarded expression.


    ¡°All the more reason we should invite the Jensaarai to aid us in the hunt of the Sith!¡± Krell said with a triumphant grin. Though he kept his eyes on the holographic projector his mind clearly elsewhere.


    ¡°The Jensaarai have no place in Jedi business.¡± Windu replied with a firm expression.


    ¡°But maybe they should.¡± Vos said. ¡°Think of all we could learn? Master Qui-Gon has reported that the Sith use the Force ability ¨C Force Blank. Not only do none of us know this ability. We can''t even start to track it. Lash uses it every single day.¡±


    ¡°I believe we should at least vote on it.¡± Piell commented, and the rest of the hunters agreed. Windu didn''t look happy but swallowed that down.


    ¡°Move to destroy the mask first, we must.¡± Yoda said next.


    One by one they left the room until Krell was the last one. He continued to stare at the projector, but it was clear his mind was else where. Krell like so many other Jedi had grown frustrated with the Council, and its archaic dogma. Krell had known Dooku before he left the Order. They had agreed on many things. Perhaps Krell was on the wrong side of this war? Or maybe there was a third option.


    ----


    A day later after extensive albeit quick research they found the Sith Holocron of Darth Lord Nutalion. More than half of the holocron was a journal about Nutalion''s brutal life as a Sith Lord. But something had happened and he had tried to return to the light side of the Force. The holocron did not go into detail as to why there was a change. But unfortunately the Nutalion never found his way back. So he used what he had learned to hunt other Sith.


    One such method was consecration, and destruction of Sith artifacts, and tombs that housed a Sith Lord''s spirit. It required several Force infused items, and reagents. But the Jedi Temple had all of these in stock. The mask was taken to a secluded ritual chamber under heavy temple guard. The dark side hunters, and several Jedi Council members were present. They placed the mask in a ritual circle and poured light side energy into the plasma flames created by kyber crystal. A kyber crystal pure in the light side. This would destroy the crystal, but it would destroy the soul as well.


    The soul of Sith Lord Momin screamed in agony as the flames consumed him. The Jedi were struck with shock at the sight of the Sith ghost as it lashed out in fear, and anguish as it went on and on about not completing its great work. Until nothing remained of the mask, or soul but ash. Which was supposed be disposed of in the vacuum of space. The eerie silence that persisted well after was at last broken.


    ¡°This is as good a time as any. I''ve decided that I''m leaving the Order.¡± Pong Krell declared to the whole room.


    ¡°Krell you don''t have to leave the order. The Jensaarai won''t make you take an oath.¡± Vos replied quickly before anyone else could.


    ¡°But the council will forbid me going, isn''t that right Master Windu?¡± Krell asked Windu who looked like he bit into something sour.


    ¡°We haven''t even voted on allowing the Jensaarai to share their knowledge yet.¡± Piell said next as looked at Krell in surprise.


    ¡°If you leave, don''t expect the Order to be waiting here with open arms upon your return.¡± Windu declared as he took a step forward, his hand hovering above his light-saber to emphasize his point.


    ¡°What makes you think I''ll be coming back? I''m so tired of all the useless rules, and archaic traditions. We are practicing the same methods today that we did a thousand years ago. We haven''t moved on! So convinced we are that this is the height of knowledge. But here! Right now! We just did something that was known to the Jedi thousands of years ago, but was removed from record because it required the knowledge of the Sith. That is moronic!¡± Krell shouted in fury.


    ¡°The Sith is that not answer!¡± Secura shouted at him.


    ¡°I''m not talking about the Sith! I''m talking about knowledge! How can we practice the way of the Jedi and blatantly ignore knowledge that could help us understand the Force better? Because we are terrified we might fail? Fear is the gateway to the dark side. So that means every Jedi in existence are on the knifes edge!¡± Krell shouted at them all.


    ¡°That''s enough!¡± Windu shouted in return and the temple guard came into the room.


    ¡°I''m leaving as well.¡± Qui-Gon said softly, and the whole room froze in shock even Krell.


    ¡°I''ve given it a great deal of thought. I promised I would train Anakin to become a Jedi Knight. I''ve done that. Then the war started, and I told myself I would stay and fight until it was over. But... I don''t have to be a part of the Order to help in the war.¡± Qui-Gon continued as he looked up at the surprised, and hurt faces of the Jedi around him.


    ¡°Qui-Gon, don''t do this. We can figure this out...¡± Gallia replied as she stepped forward to...to do something.


    ¡°Been made the choice has, in peace our friends go.¡± Master Yoda said softly, much to the surprise of the room.


    Qui-Gon bowed his head towards Yoda who looked both happy, and sad at the same time. Qui-Gon, Krell, and surprisingly Vos left. As per tradition they handed over their light-sabers as they were Jedi weapons. Each of them went to their rooms and packed up their belongings. Then together met at the front entrance. Aalya Secura was practically latched on to Quinlan Vos in attempt to get him to stay. But eventually Kit Fisto pulled her off. Vos gave one last wink at his old apprentice then left.


    The three former Jedi walked down the temple steps and with each step they felt a weight lift from their shoulders. Until their heads were held high, shoulders back, and with their chests sticking out. Then a surprise waited for them. A group of Jensaarai defenders in full kit stood by a transport. One of them stepped forward.


    ¡°Master Qui-Gon, Master Vos, Master Krell.¡± The Jensaarai said with a bow. ¡°We''ve come to take you to the temple on Venura.¡±


    ¡°How did you know were coming?¡± Vos asked in confusion. It''s not as if the Jedi would publicly announce their departure.


    ¡°Master Lash informed us. Shall we?¡± The Jensaarai replied...


    ¡°Oh this is going to be fun...¡± Krell said.


    ¡°Yes, please lead the way.¡± Qui-Gon replied to the Jensaarai defender.


    =================================================================


    (New Hyperspace Route)


    Twelve Venator 1st class star destroyer of the Galactic Republic Navy jumped into existence at the tail end of a star system. While another six Acclamator 1st class assault troop carriers jumped in behind them. Then a few dozen corvettes, frigates, freighters, and Gozanti-Class cruisers jumped in next. The fleet heading to Ryloth had taken their first unexpected jump into a new system.


    The system in question had approximately three planets in it with one asteroid belt on the outer edge. Each planet was a standard 1g gravity in size. While only one was kept within the golden ratio limit of the sun. Unfortunately the sun was a red star and was slowly dying. Of course it would be another million or so years before that happened. This left the one planet in a sort of tundra state. With basic plant, and animal life along the equator and ice everywhere else. While the other two planets were barren rock.


    One by one the different ships activated a light show thanks to their navigational shields that had been slightly modified before leaving. The shields gave off a blue-green light that shimmered as they moved. This was done as none aggressive action seen by the one true hazard in the system. The Purrgil semi-sentient space creatures in the system. Long range scanners counted nearly fifty different Purrgil here with them. One large male, several female, and the rest where all calfs.


    The alpha, buck, or male of the group was almost as large as one of their Acclamator transport ships. While the smallest calf was approximately twenty feet long, and ten feet tall. The fleet gradually flew past the asteroid belt and pushed into the system. One by one the Purggil heard took notice of the new arrivals. Each of them glowed a bio-luminescent blue to green color. Then a song that could be felt more than heard pushed out from the alpha.


    A Venator cruiser pulled forward ahead of the others. Along the top spine of the ship its ship bay pulled back and a single individual in a vacuum sealed suit floated into space. It flew towards the alpha who came to a gradual stop to look at the tiny figure. The whole fleet came to a gradual stop, as they continued to show the none aggression lights of their shields....


    ¡°Hello!¡± Lash called out through Telepathy/Beast Speak. The alpha blinked at him as his iris was larger than Lash.


    ¡°What are you?¡± The Alpha called, but as before it resonated through the Living Force. Gradually the females, and the calfs started for fly over, naturally curious about the new arrivals.


    ¡°I am a Navigator, I speak for this group.¡± Lash responded lightly in a submissive tone. The alpha looked past him at the fleet.


    ¡°No food for you here... Our place.¡± The Alpha responded, and Lash took notice that several of the females were guiding the calfs through the asteroid belt. There must be a deposit of Clouzon-36 in the belt. It was a type of gas that the Purrgil fed on.


    ¡°We are not staying. I must ask that your group be careful around mine. They are unhealthy, and weak.¡± Lash said next, and spoke into his communication line. Several of the cruisers cut the colored shields off and showed off their gray hull.


    ¡°We see...¡± The Alpha responded and said a soft song to its group. The females pulled the curious calfs away.


    ¡°May we pass in peace?¡± Lash asked the giant eye that had settled within touching distance.


    ¡°Yes you may...¡± The Alpha responded easily as it gradually pulled away.


    One by one until the only the alpha remained did the Purrgil glide away through space. A few danced around in the asteroid belt away from the fleet. But more or less they would leave the fleet alone. Lash used Telekinesis to propel himself through space back to the Venator Cruiser. The loading bay opened partially to allow him to pass through then sealed behind him. Waiting for him on the deck with atmospheric shields in place was Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and the admiral Wullf Yularen who worked with Anakin as his vice-commander.


    ¡°Admiral Yularen please give the go ahead. We should leave the system rapidly.¡± Lash asked after he bowed to the man.


    ¡°Of course Grand Admiral!¡± Yularen saluted and did a swift about face and left for the bridge and relayed the orders to his bridge officer next to him.


    ¡°That was amazing!¡± Ahsoka said with a wild grin on her face.


    ¡°I must say, I have to agree with Padawan Ahsoka''s assessment. That was rather impressive, Lash.¡± Obi-Wan said with a smile as he gestured for everyone to walk and talk.


    ¡°So you said that was just a form of animal bond right?¡± Anakin asked as they all walked in step.


    ¡°In combination with the navigational shields. Purrgils are naturally curious, and will often help one another more often than not. When they see a ship they often mistake it for another Purrgil that doesn''t produce the same colors they tend think the ships are in trouble. So they brush against them in what they believe to be a modest hello. But to the ships it destroys their hull.¡± Lash replied as they left the hangar.


    ¡°I''ll say! I remember stories back on Tatooine of smugglers losing their whole fleet of ships to Purrgils who just came over and brushed across them.¡± Anakin said as he suppressed a shudder from memories long gone.


    ¡°Do you think that''s why no one has found this route?¡± Ahsoka asked, she skipped along trying to accommodate for her short legs.


    ¡°I''m sure plenty of found the route, just very few lived to tell the tale.¡± Obi-Wan said with a sly grin. While Ahsoka went a little stiff at the idea.


    ¡°So even without a Force-User. Ships could modify their shields to emulate the Purrgil. It''s not a perfect solution but it would improve their life expectancy.¡± Anakin suggested another course of action.


    ¡°It would, now this is when many would suggest you create a algorithm of the different sounds Purrgil make to create a language template. But without the Force to create that link between them. It''s just noise to them. That''s not to say they still wont respond to it. Just not in the way one would hope.¡± Lash continued the subject.


    Cosmic Awareness: Qui-Gon, Quilan Vos, and Pong Krell have left the Jedi Order to join the Jensaarai.


    Lash paused mid step much to the surprise of the rest of them. He held up a hand to ask them to wait a moment. As he sent a holographic communication through...Oh crap they weren''t in a registered system. No communication satellite was available. Lash then used Message to Nazvo to arrange transport. He wanted Qui-Gon and his crew to reach the temple of Venura.


    ¡°Master Lash, is everything alright?¡± Ahsoka asked.


    ¡°Qui-Gon just left the Jedi Order.¡± Lash replied to her.


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka shouted. A few clones poked their heads around the corridors.


    ¡°Along with Quilan Vos, and Pong Krell.¡± Lash said next.


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± All three shouted again. A bridge office came to their side in a hurry. But before he could open his mouth Lash held up a hand for him to stop. He shut his mouth and waited.


    ¡°What? Why would they do that? How do you know this?¡± Obi-Wan asked, while Anakin started to pace in the hallway. While Ahsoka stood off to the side watching Lash intently.


    ¡°I have a Force-Bond with Qui-Gon. When important events happen that tend to jog his serenity I get a bit of feed back. I don''t know much more than that. We have one more system to jump into before we hit the hyperlane route again. Once there we can figure it out.¡± Lash replied, he wasn''t sure if Obi-Wan knew about the dark side hunters. But to stay on the sly for now.


    ¡°Why would Master Qui-Gon leave the order?¡± Ahsoka asked, both Anakin and Obi-Wan turned to her and didn''t know what to say. Lash stepped over to the officer and spoke in hushed tones.


    ¡°Attention! This Admiral Yularen. We''ve reached the edge of the system and are preparing to jump to the next coordinates. All teams to your stations.¡± The Admiral''s voice came over the ships intercom system.


    ¡°We can discuss this further once we get back to hyperlane route.¡± Lash said to them, and they agreed with uneasy expression on their faces...


    The next system the fleet jumped into blissfully didn''t have any Purrgils in it. It was a six planet system, with two planets in the golden ratio. Oddly enough both of them were barren worlds. Lash made a note of their location. Though he was sure the Republic fleet did the same. From this Map he knew that one of the planets was rich with minerals. He''d have to see if they could sell the rights to the planet to the Republic. Technically since the Jensaarai were the ones that found the route it was their find.


    One of the Galactic Republic Militia ships drop a com buoy before they left the system. After that it was smooth sailing. They reconnected with the Corellian Run then made best possible speed towards Ryloth. Along the way Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka contacted Qui-Gon who was Ghost Industries HQ of all places as he waited for transport to Venura. After a long heated discussion it was proven that Qui-Gon would not be dissuaded from his choice.


    Lash was hesitant about the others. From what understood about Quinlan Vos he was a strong supporter of the Jedi Order. He would even go under cover to join Count Dooku''s side to relay information back to the republic under the secret orders of Master Windu, and Master Yoda. Lash couldn''t help but feel like he was doing the same here. While Pong Krell was just another bag of cats. Half way through the war he betrays the republic and tries to get his clones killed in a suicide mission.


    Lash was called to the bridge for the mission briefing. The different fleet admirals, and officers of the militia were present through holographic communications. While the rest of the Jedi were aboard a single cruiser. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka stood side by side. While a few other Jedi that would be assigned in supporting positions. This was a planetary invasion after all. Lash was one of the last to arrive but the briefing started as soon as he did.


    ¡°Generals, commanders, admirals, we have long briefing so let''s get started.¡± Yularen said to everyone and started to pull up the available information.


    ¡°The planet Ryloth is the second planet in a three planet system. Ryloth is one of the last remaining stops at the end of the Corellian Run. It''s primary trade is Ryll Spice, and regretfully Twi''lek slaves.... Yes, Commander Ahsoka?¡± Admiral Yularen called on the padawan who blushed a bit as the whole room focused on her.


    ¡°Isn''t slavery banned by republic law?¡± Ahsoka said after a moment.


    ¡°Yes it is. Unfortunately Ryloth is so far from republic, as well as being on the edge of Hutt space that it makes it a prime target for smugglers, pirates, and slavers. Due to its poor economic infrastructure the resources required to maintain stability is... Not within the preview of the republic.¡± Admiral Yularen replied with a grimace.


    ¡°Which is what the militia is hear to fix.¡± Lash said next, and the militia officers in the holographic projectors nodded. Ahsoka, and several others smiled at that.


    ¡°The invasion is set in three stages. From our earlier reports there is a blockade around Ryloth. We will have break the armada around the planet. Then obtain a defensible position on the planets surface. Then push the CIS troops off world, or capture their leadership. Once that is complete we have been ordered to assist the militia in reestablishing order, and infrastructure on the planet until such time we are called away.¡± Admiral Yularen said simply. Then looked around at the room for questions before he broke each stage down in more detailed description.


    ¡°Stage One; will be destroying the blockade unfortunately we unaware of who commands the CIS Navy... Yes, Grand Admiral?¡± Yularen asked as Lash held up his hand. Lash stepped forward and put a data chip into the interface for the whole fleet to look through.


    ¡°Mar Tuuk is a male Neimoidian captain in the Navy of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. A shrewd tactician noted for his study of military history, he was charged by Emir Wat Tambor with overseeing the Separatist blockade. Emir Wat Tambor is the CIS general in charge of the ground assault. I also have information on him.¡± Lash said as he uploaded another data chip for the leaderships to look through.


    ¡°Mar Tuuk is a intelligent, and shrewd commander. But he is also a glory hound. With a bit of pride, and ego sprinkled in there. He''ll preform his job as best as he can. But if he see''s a moment to drive in a killing stroke on one of the more reputable generals.¡± Lash said as he gestured towards Anakin, and Obi-Wan who smiled at him. ¡°Then it is likely we could pull him into a trap.


    ¡°Do we know their numbers?¡± Another commander asked, Lash shrugged and Yularen shook his head.


    ¡°Our first plan of action is to enter the system and get an idea of what we are facing. There are regretfully only two known hyper space lanes in and out of Ryloth.¡± Obi-Wan said and glanced at Lash who nodded in agreement. ¡°Thankfully because of their moons we''ll have plenty of cover. The Venators will deploy their ships and we''ll take a sweep across their own fleet. Recon only.¡± Obi-Wan said as he looked at Anakin who grinned at him.


    ¡°The Militia will be checking the moons. Some of them have atmosphere, while others do not. It''s possible that we''ll have Twi''lek hiding on those moons. Or we''ll encounter enemy camps. Either way it''s going to a stress filled day.¡± Lash followed up, and the militia officers nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Do we know why the CIS attacked Ryloth?¡± One of the other Jedi''s asked.


    ¡°Greed, they want to pull everything they can out of the planet. Specifically ryll spice, as it would help them supply their war effort. While also coordinate with the Pykes for routes through their space. Though they may as well take the Twi''leks as slaves.¡± Anakin said as he ground his molars in disgust.


    ¡°Stage Two; is finding a suitable landing site for our ships. The local fauna, and floral of the planet are of particularly dangerous to the residents, and us as well.¡± Yularen continued, and pulled up several examples of the local wild life.


    ¡°Most of the Twi''lek people live in either underground caverns, or along mountain passes. There is an environmental irregularity on the planet. Wind and dust storms due the five moons around the planet. They can experience winds up to 300-500 mph. Commanders ensure your troops know what to look for.¡± Yularen looked at the clone commanders. Specifically Commander Rex, and Commander Cody.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± They both replied.


    ¡°The separatist emptied out several smaller towns and cities and moved the people into work camps. While they destroyed others as a form of fear mongering. The capital of Lessu gave up without firing a shot. Tambor has installed hundreds of artillery, and orbital defense cannons around the capital. So we''ll have to land far enough away and proceed on foot.¡± Anakin jumped into the briefing and pointed out several holographic communications that were shared during the start of the invasion. The republic was only just now receiving them.


    ¡°Can the Twi''leks help us take back their planet?¡± Ahsoka asked.


    ¡°There is a freedom fighter on Ryloth named Cham Syndulla. He''s been trying to overthrow Senator Taa for many years. But now with the separatist here he''s rallied his people together to fight them off. If we can find him he may help us. Or he may think we are no better and attack us. We''ll need some diplomats.¡± Lash supplied the answer, and the Jedi nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Why does he want to overthrow Senator Taa?¡± Ahsoka asked in youthful innocence.


    ¡°Taa is a corrupt politician that cares little for his home planet as long he stays in office, and keeps getting paid.¡± Lash replied before anyone else. Ahsoka gaped at him while the rest of the command council looked anywhere but at Lash.


    ¡°Ahem! We can discuss the politics of Ryloth after we have secured planet.¡± Obi-Wan said gestured for the briefing to continue.


    ¡°Stage Three; will be us securing their command, and liberating the capital of Lessu. This is when I must inform everyone that we are alone out here. The Separatist Navy is at our back, and we will not be getting reinforcements for some time. Even with the new hyper space route it would be dangerous for the republic to come to us. So think before you act, and be careful.¡± Yularen looked at every general, commander, and admiral in the briefing.


    ¡°Now... Let''s break down duty assignments.¡± Yularen began again...


    ---


    The Galactic Republic Navy dropped out of hyperspace on the edge of the Ryloth system. One by one the Venator 1st class cruisers opened their spinal docking bay ports and hundreds of star fighters flew out. Flying behind them were the Galactic Republic Militia ships as they flew towards the five different moons. The nearest moon to the planet was a rock with a partial atmosphere enough for near-humans to breath. While the largest moon was also a rock with a partial atmosphere. The other three moons were rocks with little gravity, or atmosphere to speak of.


    Lash was sitting on Mandalorian Clan Rahl''s Kom''rk fighter/transport ship. Mil''Gix, and Vi''Lon were in the pilot seat. Lash watched as Anakin engaged in a brush fire with the Separatist blockade. The communication line blew up with information as one of Lash''s Virtual Intelligence Tech-Spirits jumped from ship to ship to hide away in the CIS communication line.


    The Militia ships took the slow, and safe way towards the moons. Always keeping the large mass of rock between them and the ships before they moved to land. Gozanti-class cruisers flew towards each moon and dropped off world engines. If it had at atmosphere they would start to build a biome. If it was airless they would start to build a new atmosphere. In a few weeks to a few months every moon on Ryloth would be livable.


    ¡°General Skywalker, pull your forces back I have an accurate count for their numbers.¡± Lash called across a secure line.


    ¡°Already? We''ve barely said hello.¡± Anakin said with a bit of humor.


    ¡°Thirty eight pilots are dead, Skywalker. Move back!¡± Lash said with a bit of a snarl.


    ¡°R-Right! All teams fall back to the fleet.¡± Anakin replied quickly and realized his mistake. Lash was not the right commander to treat the clones lives like nothing.


    Vi''Lon piloted their Kom''rk ship to the nearest moon and landed on the far side of it away from prying eyes. Lash turned on his heel and left through the main cargo bay door onto a dreary rock of a moon. A world engine was in the process of drilling into the ground a few hundred feet from his position as militia troops poured out of the Gozanti ships.


    Unlike the Clone Army who had nearly full coverage in armored plating. The Militia had more of informal uniform. They still wore full battle uniforms with rock camouflage. Pieces of plastoid plates covered their chests, and backs. While they wore gloves, vampraces, boots, greaves, a utility belt, utility backpack, and helmet. They were never meant to be front line fighters like the clones. But some armor was better than no armor. Lash had wanted to completely cover them, damn the expenses. But Nazvo, and several Mandalorians talked him down. Better to make it something they could earn through years of service.


    The world engine finished drilling into the ground and a crystal pylon extended from its primary housing unit and started to vibrate. An almost high pitched keening noise went out before that to went silent. Then the housing unit inflated upwards and slammed down. A shock wave went through the whole moon. As the engine started to increase the magnetic sphere, and increased the overall gravity on the moon to standard 1 g. Millions of micro-droids were deployed from the sides as they began to scatter oxygen, and CO-2 cultivation plants across the surface. (Not actual science)


    Lash jogged over to the world engine and poured magical energy into the available batteries. As always the midi-chlorians in the air surged forward to consume the available energy. But the by product created life on the moon. He watched plant life grow across the surface. He waited until the batteries in the engine were full before he pulled his connection from it. Then looked up to see new clouds form above gradually.


    ¡°That was quick!¡± Mil''Gix came to his side, as Vi''Lon stayed with the ship.


    ¡°We''ll have to fix its rotation, and orbital ring in the future. That way the day and night cycle won''t be to long. But that could have large effects on the environment on the planet. We''ll have to do it gradually.¡± Lash replied, as he pulled up a holographic interface.


    The star fighters had returned to the Venators. The fleet was making its way towards the very moon they stood on now. They planned to use it as a shield. Made sense. The militia engineering unit started to set up fabricated bunkers, anti-air, and ground turrets. Hopefully they wouldn''t need it. Another Gozanti flew a few hundred feet off the surface and was flying towards the next world engine location. Their guns were on a swivel looking for.... The Vulture droids that headed straight towards them.


    ¡°Get back to your brother and shoot those down!¡± Lash said to Mil''Gix who shot into the air via jet pack and went back to the ship.


    ¡°Militia teams on first moon, we have vulture, and hyena ships inbound.¡± Lash called across the line and a yellow preparation alert went through their channel.


    The world engine stopped its processing and retracted its crystal pylon. Then it deployed a shield to protect itself. The ground troops ran under the cover of the shield and watched as several automated turrets were deployed and started to take aim. Lash climbed up one particular ledge as the entire moon was rock, sheer cliffs, and canyons as far as they eye could see. He created several Rune ¨C Destruction circles in the air. He continued to channel the energy so the midis wouldn''t eat it all.


    Hundreds of Vulture, and Hyena droid fighters flew in. The Hyenas started to drop energy bombs across the surface. Until Lash, and dozens of automated anti-air started firing at them. The Vulture droids did their job and flew into the line of energy to buy the Hyenas more time. So Lash just made more circles. Then low and behold several C-9979 landing craft appeared along the horizon. Those large four winged transport ships he fought against on Naboo. Lash grinned in malicious glee. As he reached out with Telekinesis.


    Lash raked his hands through the link across the ships wings. Saving time, and energy as they couldn''t stay aloft with only two wings on one side. The landing craft plummeted towards the surface in a glorious explosion. One by one they dropped until who ever was in command of landing troops on the moon got the message and deployed them further away. Then a little less than a hundred Republic Navy star fighters flew over head.


    ¡°Grand Admiral, Lash. This is Red Leader, we here to help out. But doesn''t look like you need any, sir!¡± The Clone said over the communication line.


    ¡°All the same, thanks for the support. If you see any droid fighters destroy them, and mark any location with your IFF for land troops, please.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Copy that, Grand Admiral!¡± Red Leader said, then the ships buzzed across the surface.


    Lash watched as the few militia star fighters joined in the flight path of the clones. It was a dog fight above the surface. Lash watched with a careful eye and swatted a few ships out of the sky. Eventually the world engines redeployed as the last of the droid fighters retreated. Vulture droids only had approximately 35 minutes worth of fuel. While the rest of the hyenas were destroyed minutes ago. Lash looked around and started to calculate until the moon rotated so that their face was in direct line of fire with the blockade. Time to build a defense platform.


    ================================================================


    (Ryloth Separatist Blockade, Mar Tuuk''s Command Ship)


    Mar Tuuk was a male Neimoidian who stood at approximately 6''8¡± he had vibrant green skin that would change color depending on his mood. Unlike most of his race that held a high level position, Mar Tuuk took great care of his physical health and would actively participate in physical fitness. He had yellow to red compound eyes befitting of his race. But would often keep them behind augmented reality lenses that fed him information on the battle net. Mar Tuuk wore the traditional black, and gray sweeping robes of the Neimoidian people. But it was decorated with ribbons, and rank insignia of the Confederacy Navy.


    Mar Tuuk sat on the bridge with his fellow Neimoidian officers, and droid commanders. A tactical droid stood by his side as they watched the battle take place on the nearest moon of Ryloth. Their landing craft and been literally pulled to pieces. It confused Mar Tuuk to no end. There was no strategic value to landing on the moon. Using it as a shield for their Navy made sense. But....


    ¡°Captain, we are receiving a message from Count Dooku.¡± A battle droid reported and Mar Tuuk jumped to his feet.


    ¡°Put it on the main view screen.¡± Mar Tuuk scurried over to a communication mirror that sat on the bridge. The mirror rippled with an almost mercury reflection before it showed Count Dooku sitting at his home world of Serenno.


    ¡°Count Dooku, I am most humbled by your communication. How may I be of service?¡± Mar Tuuk said with a lofty bow from his waist, and moved his hands in a intricate pattern.


    ¡°Captain, you''ve engaged the republic. What is your impression of their forces?¡± Count Dooku said as he kept a steely gaze on Tuuk.


    ¡°Cautious, but also confusing. General Skywalker led an attack of star fighters across the fleet but stayed for only a few minutes. While the rest of the fleet moved behind the nearest moon. They deployed ground troops on the surface. Very puzzling.¡± Tuuk replied, as he watched the report through his optic lenses.


    ¡°Those are not Republic Navy forces, but the Galactic Militia. Grand Admiral Lash is leading them. Captain, you must not take any form of holographic communication from Lash. He is a talented Force-User and can strangle you from afar as long as he can see you.¡± Count Dooku said, his expression remained unreadable.


    ¡°Yes! Of course, Count Dooku. Thank you for the council, I will do so. Are my orders unchanged?¡± Tuuk asked.


    ¡°Yes, remain in control of Ryloth. For now, this was never meant to be a prolonged engagement. But be ready to respond. We are sending forces to perform a pincer move behind them.¡± Count Dooku responded and a faint smile tugged on his lips.


    ¡°Yes, of course! I will be delighted to help crush these pitiful Jedi!¡± Tuuk responded with a genuine smile of his own.


    ¡°Good, carry on captain.¡± Count Dooku said and closed the transmission.


    ¡°TD-02, inform all our commanders in the ships, and on the surface not to take any holographic communications from Grand Admiral Lash. If they see him in a different comm line tell them to break it off immediately. Voice communication only!¡± Tuuk instructed his tactical droid.


    ¡°At once, captain.¡± TD-02 responded and relayed the information across the CIS battle network.


    Mar Tuuk returned to his command chair and read through reports. The landing teams had landed and were surging towards the designated location. The moon''s surface would be in sight soon. If he fully charged his ships cannons they could bombard the moons surface. Perhaps this would force the Jedi to come out. Yes, yes that was a workable plan.


    ¡°Captain, we are reading an energy surge on the moons surface.¡± A bridge officer called out.


    ¡°On screen.¡± Tuuk called, and a view screen amplified the moon surface to reveal...An defense platform? When did they build that?


    A brilliant green glow bloomed into being for a short moment. As a lance of pure energy shot straight out from the moon and cut straight through a CIS frigate straight down the middle. The beam fizzled out before it hit the planets surface. But the damage was done as the frigate was gutted like a fish.


    ¡°All ships return fire immediately! Deploy all fighters, and bombers we have to destroy the platform as soon as possible!¡± Mar Tuuk shouted as his officers jumped into action.


    ¡°Sir! There is another energy surge!¡± The same officer called as the green beam of light gutted another frigate.


    ¡°Sir! We have an incoming communication...It''s by passing our security software!¡± The communication officer shouted. As another beam of energy shot out.


    A blue hologram of a humanoid in full armor towered over Mar Tuuk and the command deck. Mar Tuuk recognized the armor from his files and he did the smartest thing possible. He fled the command deck. Never in his life had he sprinted so fast. He thanked Count Dooku to no end as he heard people scream behind him. His jumped through the blast doors and turned around just in time to see his tactical droid become crushed into a ten inch cube of metal.


    ¡°Wow, you can move pretty quickly when you want to.¡± Grand Admiral Lash''s voice called through the holographic communication line.


    ¡°I was warned about you! You will not break my line!¡± Mar Tuuk shouted back through he hall as security droids raced to his position. ¡°Shut down all inner holographic relays on the ship, do it now!¡± Tuuk whispered to his security.


    Lash''s holographic visage appeared in front of Tuuk who pulled out his side arm and shot the projector. Just in time as he felt a squeeze around his heart. He gasped as he dropped to his knees, but felt the attack leave him. The security droids began to shoot all of the projectors in quick time. As the command and communication link allowed them near instan... Oh no! Tuuk looked up as he saw one of his command droids stutter in place. Then the holo communicator in its hand activated. Tuuk never shot his blaster so fast.


    ¡°Shut down all holographic communications to the ship! Do it now!¡± Tuuk shouted at his droids.


    =============================================================


    (Ryloth''s nearest moon.)


    ¡°Tch, so much for an easy win.¡± Lash complained as he imputed the next target lock.


    ¡°Have I ever told you how much I love big guns!?¡± Vi''Lon the Mandalorian warrior said with glee as he pressed the trigger and a triumphant boom! Cracked like thunder across the moon''s surface.


    ¡°Once or twice.¡± Lash replied with a chuckle. Thankfully they were in a control room that blocked a majority of the sound.


    With each trigger squeeze a synthetic kyber crystal was shot through the focused lens. Lash had created a mini-death star laser. He had to key down the power levels so the beam wouldn''t shoot through the ships and impact the surface of the planet. But the effect was fantastic! Above the surface of the moon was a star fighter battle scene. The republic navy had deployed all of its ships to defend the platform as they took out the blockade. While an Acclamator cruiser landed nearby and deployed clone troops to create a makeshift defense as hordes of battle droids swarmed towards the platforms position.


    The Venator cruisers flew into turbo laser range and began to engage the blockade. One by one the Separatist frigates fell to ruin. Another resounding boom from the cannon woke Lash up from his reprieve as he watched the battle unfold. They took one last shot at Mar Tuuk''s ship, but in the end they couldn''t destroy his subjugator cruiser. As he pulled it out of line of sight. Regretfully the moon''s rotation was faster than Lash would have liked, another hour and they would be out of sight.


    Dozens of hyena bombers dropped their ordnance onto the platform but a makeshift shield that was plugged into Lash kept them safe. According to his tech-spirit Mar Tuuk was making an emergency hyper space jump. He sent communications down to the surface of the planet informing Tambor of the republics arrival. As his ship pulled away, Lash''s tech-spirit overloaded his drive core. Just as he was about to jump into hyper space his core exploded.


    Now why didn''t Lash do this before? Well the exposed debris and radiation would have negative effects on Ryloth. Even now portions of the CIS frigates were falling into the atmosphere. As far as Lash could tell they wouldn''t hit any population centers. But they would need to clean up the mess in hopes the radiation wouldn''t poison the environment. Lash received a holographic communication from the fleet. Admiral Yularen holo image showed up.


    ¡°Admiral Yularen, how can I help you?¡± Lash said to the tiny holo man.


    ¡°Grand Admiral Lash, the separatist fleet is in full retreat. We are deploying additional forces to mop up the ground forces on the moon. We request your presence back aboard the command ship, sir.¡± Yularen said with composed smile on his face.


    ¡°I''ll be here in thirty minutes or less.¡± Lash replied, maybe he''d bring a pizza.


    ¡°Understood, Grand Admiral.¡± Yularen said and closed the communication.


    ¡°Alright Vi''Lon that''s enough, please go get the ship.¡± Lash told the Mandalorian warrior.


    ¡°But...But.... The BFG!?¡± Vi''Lon said in a whinny voice. All the same he stood up and went to the door. Lash pressed the shut down sequence for the platform and head out as well. The whole thing was converted into ambient magical energy that midis ate up like candy.


    Several Clone trooper walkers were firing from an optimal position as the incoming battle droids dwindled to remnant forces. It seemed the droids received new orders and they started to scatter across the moon. Great, something for his militia to handle. Lash pulled up the duty assignments and requested some droid hunters to be deployed. Then he watched as the last world engine was anchored to the surface. He gave it a quick magical energy battery booster and moved to the Kom''rk transport.


    Clone troopers, and militia cheered as the battle was won. Casualties were at a minimum. Even the star fighter corp loss less then 10% of their total amount. As the Kom''rk transport broke from the moons gravity, Lash caught Anakin chasing a few persistent droids with his own star fighter. While Ahsoka veered away from the battle and played escort for his ship.


    ¡°I don''t suppose you would be willing to unite the Mandalorian clans and lead us to glory, Chieftain Lash?¡± Mil''Gix asked him from her pilot seat, a bit of sarcasm laced in her voice. Lash didn''t answer right away which made her look around at him.


    ¡°Not for this war, but maybe the next one.¡± Lash replied at last.


    That was clearly not a sarcastic remark which made both pilots stop in thought. Then Vi''Lon went back to his duties and brought the transport into a landing approach with the command ship. As the transport went through the atmospheric shield and landed in its designated spot. Ahsoka''s Jedi fighter landed next to it. Lash stepped out to resounding applause and cheers. As the clone troopers praised him. He looked around at all of them.


    ¡°Ib''tuur jatne tuur ash''ad kyr''amur.¡± Lash shouted in Mando''a, the clone troopers laughed in delight and eventually got back to work. Ahsoka came over to his side.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Ahsoka asked.


    ¡°Today is a good day for someone else to die.¡± Lash replied with a chuckle, and Ahsoka grinned up at him.


    Lash and Ahsoka walked through the halls and were saluted by every clone they came across. Lash nodded in greeting back, said a few hellos in Mando''a to some of the officers. As a majority of the clones were trained my Mandalorian warriors, and had retained the culture. Which gave them a sense of identity. Which was why so many clone troopers decorated their armor. It was also something that his persona Wraith their instructor at Kamino had encouraged as well.


    They reached the bridge just in time to see Obi-Wan talking to a holographic projection of Chancellor Palpatine, and Master Yoda. Both of them glanced up at Lash, and Ahsoka as they came in. Obi-Wan gave them both a smile, as he rolled his eyes. Thankfully he did it away from Palpatine''s perception. Obi-Wan was not a fan of politicians. Lash stopped in front of the projector and bowed.


    ¡°Welcome back, Grand Admiral Lash. Master Obi-Wan Kenobi was just telling us of the successful strike against the separatist blockade. I have to say I am curious about this platform you built, capable of such destruction from a great range.¡± Palpatine asked with a smile. Ya, Lash was sure he was interested in a death star laser.


    ¡°It''s a force sensitive weapon, and still in the experimentation phase. But we can discuss it length next time I''m in the core worlds, Chancellor.¡± Lash said as he bowed from his waist once more. Palpatine seemed mollified for now.


    ¡°The separatist is moving to attack you from behind reports from the front tell. Believe they know that the blockade has failed I do not.¡± Master Yoda said next.


    ¡°Quite right, which will allow us to attack them as well. Master Windu is leading his fleet down the Corellian run as we speak. If all goes well we''ll be putting them in the same pincer move they hoped to trap us in.¡± Palpatine said with a benevolent expression.


    ¡°That is wonderful to hear, Supreme Chancellor. Our own forces will be landing shortly once we receive the required intelligence on the ground. Is Senator Taa available? He could give us a lay out of the area.¡± Obi-Wan asked, and then the chancellor, and Yoda both looked conflicted.


    ¡°Senator Taa is missing. We suspect separatist involvement in order to push a treaty onto Ryloth.¡± Palpatine replied, though his eyes did glance at Lash who shook his head.


    ¡°I''ll ask Militia HQ to look around. But I believe the Jedi would be better suit for this task.¡± Lash suggested to them.


    ¡°Yes, have an established network in the criminal underworld we do. But may we ask the militia''s help all the same?¡± Master Yoda asked.


    ¡°Of course, we are all working together to end this war as safely as possible.¡± Lash said with genuine emotion... Well mostly... Kinda...


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Obi-Wan said with a look of reassurance towards Lash.


    =============================================================


    (Coruscant''s surface.)


    Senator Orn Free Taa scurried from shadow to shadow in the alleyways of the republic capital. He wrapped his corpulent body in a dirty rag so no one would give him a second thought. He was out of breath, sweating profusely, and his eyes were blood shot. He had to get away. They were coming for him. He tripped and fell flat on his face. He scrambled to his feet as the citizens he passed gave him a wide berth. The smell of rot emanated from him.


    ''this way.... over here....'' -a voice called to him. Taa ran towards the voice, but he could never find it.


    ''He''s over there! Hurry! Run him down!'' -a voice called out from down the walk way. Taa let out a shriek! They''d found him! He ran at a full sprint through the crowd. He pushed them aside and threatened to push a few people off the railing to the abyss below.


    ¡°Out of my way! There coming!¡± Taa shouted at them, the people made way for him and looked behind him to see absolutely no one. No one was following him.


    ''This way senator, your ship is ready for you.'' -the same voice from before called to him. Taa looked around and saw a republic security transport ready for him.


    ¡°Oh thank you! Thank you! I''ll make sure the chancellor hears of this! You will be rewarded!¡± Taa screamed out as he raced towards the transport.


    ''Stop him! He can''t leave here alive!'' -the other voice called, and blaster bolts zipped past Taa''s head. He screamed in fright, he was almost there.


    ¡°Sir! Sir, stop! What are you doing!?¡± A man called out to Taa right as the senator stepped off the ledge into the city streets below.


    ¡°I''m safe! They''ll never catch me now!¡± Taa screamed in glee. As he never saw the pavement rushing to meet him.


    The body Senator of Ryloth, Orn Free Taa was identified by Coruscant security several hours later. Witnesses reported that the Senator was scene talking to himself. He seemed to think someone was chasing him. Video cameras captured his ''escape'' from his embassy residence, through the city, and finally his mad leap for freedom to the city streets below. An autopsy would later report absolutely nothing wrong with him, aside from his excessive weight he was in perfect health.


    All the same the Jedi, and republic security investigated the possibility he was being chased. Perhaps there were alternate methods to his apparent madness. But no trace of Force energy was found, or drugs in his system. They tracked his life going back weeks looking for any irregularities. It was a well known fact that his system was under attack by the CIS. Perhaps they were responsible? But how? His staff, his aids, and personal attendants all said he was perfectly fine. So what compelled him to flee, and meet his death?


    =============================================================


    (Ryloth system, Republic Navy command ship.)


    ¡°There are only four major cities on Ryloth, while the rest of the population is in scattered towns, and villages across the entire surface. Ryll spice is mined from an ore on the planet and often the entire mining company acts as both refinery, and living space for the workers.¡± Lash informed his militia teams who were taking notes.


    It had been a day since the successful blockade break. Arc Clone Troopers had been sent on recon to the surface to scout out possible landing locations. Several Sub-Commander Jedi, and Jensaarai went with them. While orbital scans showed the city of Nabat was empty of its populace. The citizens had been taken prisoner by the local tactical droid and used them as shields against bombardment at their base.


    The spaceport, and city of Kala''uun was in ruins. But they saw what appeared to be gorilla fighting tactics between Twi''lek freedom fighters, and the battle droids still taking place in the city streets. Though more than half of the city was underground to hide from the wind storms that plagued Ryloth. The spaceport wasn''t large enough to support any Accalamator class cruisers. But it would benefit the militia to take it. That was Lash''s first stop.


    While the city of Rhovari was more or less in tact, but under separatist rule. Anything of value had been stripped from the city including food, water, and medicine. Along with Ryll spice. All of it was being shipped towards the capital of Lessu. Where Tambor had set up shop. The capital also continued to house its civilian population, once again has shields. So that meant an urban conflict.


    ¡°One of the hazards of setting up a mantle tapper on the surface of Ryloth is the fauna. The Gutkurrs are a carnivorous predatory species that hunt in packs. They range from two feet tall as younglings to the size of a all terrain tank as adults. They have scythe like claws. And thick chitin armor. They are resistant to blaster fire, but can be temporarily pacified with a sonic emitter at a set frequency. We have that frequency already so setting up those dishes need to be a priority.¡± Lash said, and produced another set of holographic pictures.


    ¡°Next we have Lyleks who are a species of large insectoid predators native to the equatorial forest of the planet. With their spiked pincers and powerful mandibles with a pair of tentacles near them, the Lyleks are the only Rylothian life form more dangerous than the predatory Gutkurrs. Their ridged, spiked carapaces can deflect blaster bolts. Although the Lyleks lived in hordes, the bigger individuals often dismembered the smaller members of their kind. These hordes were led by a Lylek queen, and their elaborate underground nests could cover up to five square miles. They communicate by hissing, clicking, and chittering. A precisely aimed shot to the head can put one down.¡± (Wookieepedia!) Lash said next, and showed a detailed image of the creature and a size comparison. Almost dwarfed the AT-TE walker the clone troopers used.


    ¡°Any and all attempts to dig through the ground is often met with fierce resistance from the local queens. We will make a mantle tapper before we leave, at least one. But I guarantee we''ll come under attack. When we do, we''ll track their movements and destroy their queen.¡± Lash said as he continued the briefing. Behind the militia were several clone troopers were relaying the information about the predators on the planet.


    Lash then went over some of the more friendly, and domesticated animals they could find on the planet. Along with common pests, and plant life. A Bibfort was an insect that they could extract an anti-toxin from if needed in a pinch. He went over the language used on Ryloth, and how every militia, and clone trooper should have them in their hand terminals. Type in what you want to say, and the synthesized voice should speak back. While any replies should be translated...Hopefully.


    ¡°Sir, are we placing any tappers on the moons?¡± An officer asked when Lash paused for questions.


    ¡°No, most of their cores are dormant. We''ll have to jump start them. So we''ll be prioritizing food production on the moons. But that is only if we can fix their rotations. If needed we''ll plant bio-luminescent plant life, and maybe try and grow power conductive plant life.¡± Lash replied, as he looked for more questions.


    ¡°Biome change on the planet?¡± Another officer asked.


    ¡°Unfortunately no, that is incredibly expensive. I know it may seem like I''m made of credits. But I assure you, I do have a limit.¡± Lash said with a bit of sarcasm as the room chuckled.


    ¡°Space station?¡± A clone trooper officer asked.


    ¡°Good question, and yes. The city of Kala''uun will continue to act as the planets spaceport. But we plan to build a defensive station above the planet. Full array of turbo lasers, long range missiles, and fast response star fighters. Hopefully they''ll be piloted by the Rylothian''s one day. But for now it will be us.¡± Lash replied, and nodded towards the clone in thanks as the militia officers made another note.


    ¡°Do the people of Ryloth know we are doing this?¡± One last officer asked.


    ¡°It was approved by the Republic, but the planets populace at large has no idea. In an ideal situation we could make these changes gradually. But we need to do a rapid revitalization of this planets infrastructure. In many ways this is a beta test for the militia. The bread basket worlds, and moons for the refugee programs was our alpha test.¡± Lash answered and they understood.


    ¡°Alright break up to your assigned teams. We''ll move for the spaceport as soon as we get the all clear. Make all of your people aware that we are moving into an active combat zone.¡± Lash said, and the officers finished up and made way.


    ¡°Grand Admiral?¡± A clone trooper office came over.


    ¡°Yes trooper?¡± Lash asked, as he closed down the holographic projector in the briefing room.


    ¡°A brigade of clone troopers have been assigned under you with the siege of Kala''uun spaceport. CT-0346 will be the commander.¡± The trooper said much to the surprise of Lash.


    ¡°I see, what''s the commanders name?¡± Lash asked, and the trooper''s features softened just a bit.


    ¡°Commander Omen, sir.¡± The trooper replied.


    ¡°Wonderful! Anything else trooper?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°No, sir!¡± The clone trooper said, they saluted one another and they left to prepare.


    As Lash walked across the room towards the door. It opened before he got to it to reveal Ahsoka, along with another Jedi Padawan learner. The Padawan was a female Mirialan with olive green skin, black hair tied back into a tail, and wrapped with a leather string. Like most Mirialan she had geometric tattoos, specifically under her blue eyes, and along the bridge of her nose. She wore a form fitting set of Jedi robes in gray, and black tones. With the traditional hooded coat. She stood at approximately 4''8'', with an athletic figure that a majority of trained Jedi tend to have. This was Barriss Offee.


    ¡°Padawan Ahsoka, Padawan Barriss, how may I help you?¡± Lash asked them both. Barriss looked up, and up at Lash.


    ¡°Hello Master Lash! We''ve been assigned to help with the liberation of Kala''uun.¡± Ahsoka said with a brilliant smile.


    ¡°Wonderful! You must missed the briefing however, I assume your assignment was last minute?¡± Lash asked, as he gently stepped around them to head towards the hanger bay.


    ¡°Ah! Yes, sorry Master Lash that was my fault. I had specifically asked Master Luminara Unduli if I could attend.¡± Barriss said as she jogged to catch up with him. Lash adjusted his stride for their shorter legs.


    ¡°Once she did, I couldn''t let her go alone. So Master Skywalker told me to tag along.¡± Ahsoka said with a bit of mischief in her eyes.


    ¡°Padawan Barriss if I remember correctly you are training to be a Force-Healer?¡± Lash asked, Barriss perked up.


    ¡°Yes, Master Lash. Master Luminara spoke highly of your talents in the art of healing at the battle of Geonosis.¡± Barriss said softly, but clearly now that she didn''t have to run.


    ¡°Wonderful, if we have some time we''ll talk shop. Since Ahsoka has access to Shatterpoint you can help one another.¡± Lash replied next, as he retrieved two data pads with the briefing and handed it to them both.


    ¡°Yes, Master Windu told me Shatterpoint has medical applications. Just takes practice.¡± Ahsoka said in a chipper mood.


    ¡°How many types of healing do you know, Master Lash?¡± Barriss asked, her eyes zeroed in on him.


    ¡°Basic revitalization, healing, regeneration, limb attachment, limb and organ regrowth. Along with corpse repair, and resurrection within an hour after death.¡± Lash listed off a few of his spell abilities that could easily be explained through the Force.


    ¡°Y...You can bring the dead back to life!?¡± Barriss asked in shock.


    ¡°Depends on how long they''ve been dead, the condition of their body. How strong they were in the Force. The stronger the Force-User the longer their spirit sticks around. I can even recreate a Force-Ghost''s body and pull them in.¡± Lash replied like it wasn''t that big a deal. The Living Force grew agitated around him when he said that out loud.


    Ahsoka had an almost smug look on her face when Barriss started to have follow up questions. Lash indulged her as they walked towards the Venator''s hangar bay. The Kom''rk ship was waiting for him, and the two additional Padawans. That was when Lash met Commander Omen, a clone trooper like the rest of his brothers. But his left eye had been replaced with a cybernetic implant. It was pretty streamlined, only slight scarring around the cheek, and temple. While the eye itself had tiny gears, and widgets in the iris.


    ¡°Commander Omen, good to meet you.¡± Lash said as he came over to shake the commanders hand. Omen saluted first, then shook his hand.


    ¡°Grand Admiral Lash, good to finally meet you. I''ve looked over the briefing. Me and the boys will get your people down easily enough. I''m told we are watching our fire, people still live in the city.¡± Omen asked.


    ¡°That''s correct. Oh, where are my manners. This is sub-commander Ahsoka Tano, and sub-commander Barriss Offee.¡± Lash introduced his two companions.


    ¡°Hello!¡± Ahsoka said with a wave.


    ¡°Commander Omen.¡± Barriss said with a bow.


    ¡°Ladies...¡± Omen said with a slight forced smiled. Lash tilted his head slightly at that expression. Lash quickly pulled up Omen''s records. Turned out he was part of the initial battle of Geonosis. Hundreds of his brothers were killed due a bad call made by a Jedi.


    ¡°Admiral Yularen, has given us a single Acclamator use as a mobile base. We''ll be landing right outside of Kala''uun and moving in on foot. We''ll have minimal aerial support as the rest of the ground force works to establish a foothold near the capital of Lessu.¡± Omen turned his attention back to Lash. But Ashoka, and Barriss both noticed how Omen subtly dismissed them.


    ¡°I understand, I am landing ahead of the ship. There is a forest near the city we''ll be landing the Acclamator in. I''m going to be making room for it.¡± Lash said, and brought up a holographic display of the map.


    ¡°That''s dense forest, sir. We won''t be able to fit a Acclamator in there.¡± Omen said.


    ¡°Leave that to me.¡± Lash said.


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± Omen said, as he ground his molars.


    ¡°Your dismissed Commander. Be safe and good luck.¡± Lash said, and saluted Omen who saluted back and left briskly.


    ¡°Master Lash did we do something wrong?¡± Ahsoka asked, as she watched the commander walk away.


    ¡°Not either of you specifically. A jedi made a bad call on Geonosis and got hundreds of his brothers killed. In a normal military the jedi in question would have been brought up on charges for dereliction of duty. Instead absolutely nothing happened.¡± Lash replied to her, and Ahsoka looked sad to hear the news.


    ¡°A lot of clones died that day. Surely he can''t hold the jedi responsible for it?¡± Barriss asked, as she bit her lip softly.


    ¡°In a way he can. On Kamino the Jedi were considered tactical geniuses that would lead the clones with brilliant precision, and grace. When it came to their first mission, the jedi were unprepared for what it was like to fight in a real battle.¡± Lash replied, then gently nudged them towards the transport.


    ¡°Master Luminara doesn''t speak about Geonosis very much. All she would say about it was that it was a mistake on the Jedi''s part.¡± Barriss said softly.


    ¡°We are ready to leave, Chieftain¡± Mil''Gix asked when they loaded up into the transport. Several recon militia soldiers were sitting on the loading crane sitting. They looked up at Lash when he entered with the two Padawans.


    ¡°Alright, let''s go liberate a city.¡± Lash replied and moved to the cockpit. He had Ahsoka, and Barriss stay in the back and have them go over the briefing they missed with an officer....


    ----


    One by one the different Acclamator 1st class cruisers broke off from the fleet and started their approach towards their designated objectives. The spaceport of Kala''uun, and Lessu were on the same continent just on different parts. Dozens of Militia ships flew down ahead towards a specific forest that surrounded the spaceport which was situated inside a mountain/cliff side canyon. Lagging behind them was one Acclamator cruiser. Hundreds of republic clone trooper gunships flew side by side with the militia.


    Ryloth was an arid, savanna planet. Hot days, bone chilling cold nights. What few forests on the planet were giant behemoths not found on other planets. They had an almost calcified look to them, as their varies branches would collect sediment from the wind storms. While their roots reached, deep, deep into the ground to drink the available water in the earth. The people of Ryloth had figured out a way to spike the trees for water without killing them. While most Lylek hordes dug deep enough to find their own source of water.


    Lash''s Kom''rk vessel was one of the first to make planet fall. The separatist armies were either busy with the spaceport. Or fending off the main invasion force. What few anti-air emplacements by the droids were focused on clear ground. Not the forest, which was the point. The transport''s cargo/crew seating opened up and lowered its crane down. A little over twenty militia recon soldiers propelled down. While Lash, Ahsoka, and Barriss just jumped out.


    Lash landed on a solid branch of a tree. Then jumped to another one. Each one lower and lower as he moved to its roots. Ahsoka, and Barriss waited with the militia recon. While the Kom''rk transport retracted its crane and moved to escort the more vulnerable ships inbound. Lash eventually reached the ground and marveled at the giant trees covered in sand, dirt, and stone. He placed his hand to one and felt it humming with life.


    ¡°Alright, let''s begin.¡± Lash said as he knelt down and created a ritual circle that spread out from his as the focus point. Celtic knots were etched into the ground, and crawled up the different trees within the circle.


    First he used Nature''s Supplement, Growth, Druid Grove, and Elemental Manipulation as a form of payment to the trees. Each tree within the circle glowed and brilliant green then washed the rest of the forest in light. With the morning sun rising it creature a combination of rich orange, reds, pinks, and green. Then he used Fabrication, and Alteration. Along with Animancy. Each designated tree''s branches grew up, and up into the air. Then furled them out to create a platform. Each tree was a support beam.


    By the time the Acclamator ship came into sight there was a sizable land spot for it. Along with several other auxiliary spots for the militia. Then several other trees moved to the side to clear a road. As each platform had a main loading ramp that connected to it. Once Lash was finished the midi-chlorians fed on the access energy and all the living plant matter in the area grew stronger for it. Little less than an hour he was done. They had their beach head.


    ¡°This is Grand Admiral Lash, you have your landing site.¡± Lash said over their communication line.


    ¡°Grand Admiral, this Admiral Ronti Jedree. We see it, and will be down momentarily.¡± Jedree''s voice hid a bit of astonishment. But was quick to respond.


    Spotlights came down from the ship and Lash gave him a mental facepalm. He forgot to add lights to the platforms. An easy fix, and altered it accordingly. Solar powered lights, with a temporary charge from himself. Now each platform was glowing for the ships to land. The trees let out an audible groan as the cruiser land, but held. Lash spent sometime reinforcing them. Just as he finished the padawans found him.


    ¡°So, what do you think?¡± Lash asked them both, as he let them pick their jaws up off the floor.


    ¡°Y-you... You... I-I.¡± Barriss tried to speak but eventually just stuttered.


    ¡°Alright, while we let Barriss restart her mind. Ahsoka?¡± Lash asked, Ahsoka was running her hands along the trees.


    ¡°So their still alive? You just adjusted their structure?¡± Ahsoka asked.


    ¡°Yes, the platform is just another extension of the tree. I''ll have to return it after retake the spaceport. This is a temporary platform.¡± Lash said as he walked up to the same tree. The celtic knots were still glowing softly.


    ¡°There not in pain?¡± Barriss asked, as she came up with them and touched the tree.


    ¡°No, I fed them additional energy as a form of payment. Then adjusted them. I know the Jedi frown on altering living things into other things. But these effects are temporary as I said.¡± Lash replied, then noticed Mil''Gix and a militia soldier run up.


    ¡°Chieftain, we are ready to move out.¡± Mil''Gix said, and the soldier confirmed.


    ¡°We are approximately fifteen miles from the spaceport. So, let''s practice some battle meditation.¡± Lash said with a chuckle as he reached out to anyone within twenty five miles with Temporary Pack Bond.


    Approximately 80% of the militia, clone army, and staff aboard the ship all linked up with him which considered him friendly. Then a cacophony of voices were slowly hushed into white noise. As everyone had an instinctual awareness of where everyone was. Their sensory awareness expanded to everyone. They all shared a bond between them. All of this was considered a Force ability called Battle Meditation.


    ''Attention. This is Jensaarai Master Lash. I am using a form of Battle Meditation. However, this only as an approximate range of twenty five miles at my point of origin. But unlike other forms of Battle Meditation, I am capable of moving. All of you will feel an increase in your overall abilities, this is normal.'' -Lash said across the link and got a chorus of confused voices in return.


    ¡°All forces, advance.¡± Lash said across the normal communication channel.


    Almost in perfect sync every available soldier linked to the bond moved together towards their appointed destination. Lash reached out across the link and cast Cat''s Grace, and Nature''s Passage. Every soldier militia, and clone faded from sight. Like apparitions they sprinted through the forest straight towards the spaceport. Lash having greater speed than others moved to the front. He broke the tree line first and sprinted across a clear cut area around the town.


    In front of the city was a forward operating base of the droids. Dug out sandbags, and prefabricated buildings erected. As machine shops, droid maintenance bays, communication arrays, airfields, and command structures were made. B1 battle droids were on stationed on the wall leading to the forest. Nothing but a shimmer in the air was seen as a near invisible army rushed towards them. Until two red energy blades popped into being that revealed Lash on the wall. The droids spotted him and now the whole army knew he was here.


    ''Move into the city. If you take an aggressive action the camouflage wears off.'' -Lash said across the link. He didn''t use the communication channel in fear the droids were pick up on it.


    Lash bisected the two droids on the walls and let his shoulder mounted cannon take out the rest. The wash of clones, and militia flowed around the FOB like a river. While he jumped into the camp and made a bee line towards the enemy commanders tent. The tactical droid seem to call for security as destroyer droids rushed to its position. Lash sent a caustic wave of chaos energy towards them. Their machinery turned to brittle melted pieces of scrap.


    He burst through a fabricated wall into a control room. The tactical droid didn''t say a word as it pulled out its side arm and started to shoot him. While every droid in the room did the same. Telekinesis lifted them off the ground and crushed them into recyclable cubes. Lash then had one of his tech-spirits jump into the separatist battle net. Regretfully, the tactical droid thought ahead and closed their connection to the rest of the planet. They were learning about his abilities.


    He used the spell Recycle and scrapped the whole camp. Anything and everything fell to pieces and could be used again in the future. He rushed out of the collapsing building and sprinted into town as it seemed the droids had a berserk command code. Instead of capturing the natives, they started to shoot them on sight. Prisoners already captured were either trying to escape, or used their own bodies to shield their loved ones.


    But right on time clone troopers appeared from the shadows and poured the blaster fire onto the droids saving the prisoners. The Twi''lek people shouted in both hope and fear as new soldiers appeared. Lash landed in front of the cages and tore the locks easily enough. The sight up caused many of the people to scream in fright until a few level heads raced outside the cages without fear of him.


    ¡°We are with the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Galactic Militia. Are any of you fighters?¡± Lash called out in perfect Rylothian.


    A dozen or so hands shot up. He pointed towards a crate of blaster rifles, while the clones moved in to secure the rest of the FOB. The main force poured into the city. Several Twi''lek males, and females picked up the rifles and raced over to Lash. They looked him up and down until one male stepped forward and asked.


    ¡°Sir! What''s next?¡±


    ¡°Let''s go take your city back.¡± Lash replied, and ignited his red energy blades.


    Dozens of clone trooper gunships flew overhead at that moment. They landed on rooftops and deployed their soldiers. Enemy fire poured from the city and many ships didn''t make it. The few he could see Lash snagged with his Telekinesis and set them down gently. Behind Lash a Jensaarai defender arrived from shadow and started to tend to the wounded with the help of Barriss who was in tow. An emergency triage station was erected in the former FOB of the separatist.


    ¡°Master!¡± Ahsoka called out as she appeared from the shadows, Mil''Gix by her side.


    ¡°Mil''Gix find a rooftop and do your work.¡± Lash said to the Mandalorian who shot into the sky via jet pack. While her brother flew overhead with the Kom''rk ship.


    ¡°Ahsoka move in and retrieve any wounded you can find and bring them back here. Do you know how to use Shatterpoint to detect the bad from worst?¡± Lash asked, and Ahsoka paled when she realized what he wanted her to do.


    ¡°Y-Yes Master!¡± Ahsoka said.


    ¡°You five, this is Ahsoka Tano. Please work with her to bring both clone, and Rylothian back to this camp for treatment.¡± Lash said to the volunteer soldiers who nodded.


    ¡°M-Master!...I...I don''t know if I can do this!¡± Ahsoka said with a stutter. Running triage was never a fun thing for combat medic. Determining who would die, and who would live. Lash walked over and settled his hands on her shoulders.


    ¡°Take a breath, and live in the moment.¡± Lash said to her softly, and cast Calm Emotions on her. She took one slow breath and felt the trembling stop. When she was finished Lash let her go, then moved over to a crate. He reached in and retrieved a convenient set medical bags for the little team.


    ¡°Take these, move together. Ahsoka, do you know how to speak Rylothian?¡± Lash asked, and she nodded calmly. ¡°Get to it! May the Force be with you.¡±


    Ahsoka and escort raced into the city. The city of Kala''uun was made out of duracrete, and durasteel. In the color of sandstone, and dirt brown. The design were mundane boxes, or cubes. They had a step layout to the city. Every few hundred feet another step, then another step after that. Several long winding roads that almost seem to serpentine up the path. The roads were only three lanes. While the rest of the port was inside the mountain. Lash could see several doors that had been blown open, while others were closed. Each one was just large enough to accommodate a trade freighter.


    ¡°How much of your city is underground?¡± Lash asked one of the remaining civilians that were helping with the new triage center. She jumped in surprise at being called on.


    ¡°Ummm... Sir, about half of it is underground.¡± She said, and Lash nodded in understanding. She ran off to continue working as wounded were already filtering in. A stretcher between two Rylothian''s under the guard of Ahsoka.


    Lash cursed Orn Free Taa''s name more than once. The pig hadn''t updated the republic government listings in decades. Lash needed a map, but most of Kala''uun didn''t even have a holo-net connection. If he was being honest, the outside of the city was like a third world country from back home. He could only assume the actual port was more modernized. Lash decided to sit down and commune with nature. Just as he started to Meditate he received a call for help across the bond. He received flashes of a black robed warrior with a red light-saber.


    ¡°Crap!¡± Lash said as he recast Cat''s Grace, then used Acceleration, and Superhuman Speed. Zero to five hundred mph in under ten seconds. He used Gravity Stride to jump across walls.


    Lash arrived into what looked like a festival square with the remains of a stone fountain. He saw a dark acolyte using two red light-sabers. They were cut through the clones like paper. Lash jumped from a nearby wall and landed with a thundering crack! Then brought out his red energy blades from his vampraces. With his vastly superior speed he attacked and was deflected? Lash felt a Force-Push shove him away. He rolled with it and popped up. Off to the side he saw another acolyte appear from the shadows.


    ¡°Pathetic! I expected more from the Master of the Jensaarai!¡± The second dark Acolyte called out. But the first one looked like they nearly died of shock. Lash rolled his eyes and reached out with Call Lightning.


    Brilliant blue, and purple colored lightning jumped to the first one, then the second. Took less then two seconds to flash cook them. Then Lash cut off the source of the spell and chuckled softly. He admitted to himself he rushed in. He shouldn''t have done that. He was getting sloppy. Then he did a quick assessment of the dead. He used Corpse Repair, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Kiss of the Grave. Just like that he resurrected eighty seven clones. He watched his energy levels drop by 46% but it quickly recovered like always. Then he watched as thirty seven clone troopers reached five thousand midi-chlorians and became Force-Sensitive, oops.


    ¡°You boys alright?¡± Lash asked the newly revived clones as they linked once more with the Temporary Pack Bond.


    ¡°Grand Admiral, Lash when did you get here?¡± A Sergeant asked, he had been cut in half.


    ¡°Just got here, cooked the dark acolytes well done. You were injured so I do a Force-Heal and you and your men.¡± Lash said, as he pointed out the obvious damage to their armor. But not a single trace of injury on their bodies.


    ¡°Copy that, sir! Thank you! Alright boy''s back to work!¡± The Sergeant called out as the unit picked themselves up.


    Lash reached out across the Temporary Pack Bond and then tested a theory.... Yes, his Master Map ability counted those attached as extensions of him. So he sent an updated map to his people. Then once again gave himself a facepalm of idiocy. Why didn''t he use just his Map to begin with. He brought up Ryloth and zoomed into to Kala''uun and brought the whole city up. He updated the battle network map. Then drooped his shoulders in depression. He really needed to sit down and catalog all of his available abilities. He had to many to count.


    Enemies were in red, allies in green, others in yellow. He saw a group of yellows hiding in what looked like a reinforced building inside the mountain. With a swarm of red dots attempting to get in. Lash linked up on the battle network, and across the bond and informed everyone where he was headed. Then recast Acceleration and sprinted off. He was sure it was confusing for his people. As a blur of color flashed by and droids would fall apart.


    He raced up a street that led into the cavern and found an interesting sight. Giant pillars of duracrete with ornate carvings. Each one over a hundred feet in diameter that went from top to bottom. Mass networks of pipes, cranes, and rail lines were in the air. He assumed cargo would travel through this complex set of structures. He ran up a pillar and found that each door he saw on the outside led to a single landing platform. So that would mean Kala''uun only had a few dozen ports? For the one and only spaceport on the entire planet that was not a lot.


    He cleared his mind of unnecessary things and moved to his destination. Which was the air traffic control tower. He saw a few Rylothian fighters firing down at the droids. While the droids shot back at them. A ruined tank which was tilted to one side had it''s barrel pointing at the door. The droids had jury rigged the tank to fire on the door. A energy blast shot out and the whole tower shook under the force. Lash arrived between shots and cast Recycle on the tank. It flew apart like an exploding diagram. The B2 battle droids, and B1 all turned around and unloaded onto his position. Two mounted cannons on his shoulders, and repeating blasters in his vampraces made quick work of them. Then he received a stray shot from up top.


    ¡°Hello! I''m with the republic!¡± Lash called out in Rylothian.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± A woman''s voice called down.


    ¡°Grand Admiral of the Galactic Militia, and Jensaarai Master Lash at your service.¡± Lash called up.


    ¡°We''d come out to greet you, but the door is jammed!¡± The woman called out.


    ¡°Just a moment!¡± Lash said and went to the door and used Repair. The melted door flash with blue light then worked correctly. Lash opened the door to receive a hail of blaster fire.


    ¡°Cease fire! Cease Fire!¡± A man shouted over the shower of energy. With strict discipline the Rylothian fighters stopped.


    ¡°Wow! That was impressive!¡± Lash said as he stepped from the cloud of smoke that had filled the entry way. The fighters raised their blasters but didn''t shoot.


    ¡°I apologize for my people, Grand Admiral Lash. I am Cham Syndulla.¡± The male Twi''lek said as he came out from behind cover.


    ¡°What a serendipitous turn of events. I''ve been looking for you.¡± Lash said as he came over to him.


    ¡°Oh? Why is that?¡± Syndulla asked.


    ¡°Senator Orn Free Taa is dead. You are the new leader of Ryloth.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°What?¡± Syndulla said...


    Galen


    Sorry for such a long delay on an update everyone. I will often place an update on my profile page if I am late. So check that out if you don''t see me post anything. Anyways, thank you for reading.

 Chapter 138: The Little Things.

    ============================================================


    ***HR. Central City.***


    ¡°The West family had always been a family of pure values, and a type of warmth rarely found in the world.¡± Henry Allen spoke clearly as he stood next to the two caskets holding Iris West-Allen, and Joe West.


    ¡°I remember when I was falsely convicted for the murder of my wife that Joe welcomed my son into his home, and into his family without question. Because of that my son grew up in a loving home that we all wish we could have.¡± Henry continued as he tried to keep a straight face as he looked over the crowd that had come to the funeral.


    ¡°When Barry asked Iris to marry him, I remember holding onto Joe. It was an odd moment of pride, and worry. Because Joe looked so happy, but he also so badly wanted to shoot Barry too.¡± Henry cracked a bit and tear rolled down his cheek. The crowd, and extended family laughed a bit.


    ¡°I... ahh...¡± Henry cleared his throat as he tried to keep his tears from running down his face. Several people in the crowd nodded in acceptance and Henry let the tears fall.


    ¡°I remember Joe sat Barry down the night before the wedding gave him the typical future father-in-law talk. I had never seen my boy so terrified before in his life.¡± Henry continued as he tried so hard to keep some resemblance of a smile on his face.


    ¡°But just as Joe was never a typical father. The ''talk'' wasn''t typical either. He gave Barry the list, the warning every man should hear before he marries. Your wife is always right, even if you are wrong.¡± Henry said, and the crowd busted up laughing. While a few others sobbed a little harder.


    ¡°Little things matter, because eventually they add up to big things. You always have time to give your wife a foot massage. Always, always ask them how their day was first.¡± Henry smiled as he looked across the crowd. But he didn''t see his son, Barry, among the crowd.


    ¡°Find time to date, even as your lives get busy. Always schedule at the very least a single day a month for a date. Keep the romance alive.¡± Henry continued....


    ¡°Then as any good father would say. He told Barry that if he hurt Iris... Not to worry about him, because Iris would break her foot up in his ass.¡± Henry finished and the crowd busted up laughing.


    Henry looked like he wanted to say more, and looked towards to the two coffins that contained Joe, and Iris. He opened, and closed his mouth several times. But eventually he stepped to the side. A few more people came up to speak but eventually they ran out of people. Joe being a policemen had a firing squad shoot out. While a flag was given to Joe''s mother. All the while the crowd looked around for Barry. Only a few saw him standing up on the hill of the cemetery away from the crowd as he tried so desperately not to wail in despair.


    _______________


    Barry Allen aka The Flash sat on the hill side bench of the cemetery as he watched as one by one the crowd left. He trembled as tears fell down his face. His father, Henry slowly walked up the hill towards him and took a seat next to him. Barry cracked under the pressure as Henry pulled him into his arms and Barry sobbed into his father''s arms. Henry rubbed his son''s back, but didn''t say a word. When all of the civilians had left. One by one the Justice League showed up. Then...Then Barry stood up and walked down.


    Caitlin Snow, Cisco Ramon, Harrison Wells, and Monika Celeritas for Team Flash came in uniform. While Oliver Queen, and Sara Lance came to say hello but soon had to leave. A few other friends quickly said sorry and had to leave. The world was at war and they needed to get back to their own cities. Barry thank them for coming, but said little else.


    Barry was hollow as his families coffins were buried. He stood in silent vigil as one by one his friends, his brothers and sisters in arms came and went. Until it was just his dad and him once more. They stood side by side. It wasn''t the first time either of them had buried a loved one. Barry had lost his mother when he was young, and lost his father to a crime he didn''t commit. But, this was different. Barry something to put his sorrow into. His rage...


    ¡°You should go dad.¡± Barry said softly.


    ¡°I''m good son...¡± Henry replied.


    ¡°Aren''t you working with the medical unit?¡± Barry asked, his voice hollow.


    ¡°I can spend a few more minutes.¡± Henry said, as he watched his son.


    ¡°I''m going to fix it...¡± Barry said next, as speed force sparks danced up across his body. Henry cleaned his eyes and laughed lightly.


    ¡°What do you mean, Barry?¡± Henry asked, as he really looked at his son and saw the sparks of the speed force vibrating off of him.


    ¡°I can fix it... I''ll go back and save them. Then none of this will happen.¡± Barry said with conviction.


    ¡°Barry... That isn''t how time works. Dr. Wells was very clear about it. You don''t actually travel through time you just jump to an alternate time line.¡± Henry said, as he tried to get his son to turn to him.


    ¡°Then it will still work! I''ll grab them there, and bring them back here! No one has to die!¡± Barry shouted at him, his eyes began to spark with energy.


    ¡°Barry this is not the way!¡± Henry tried to hug his son but Barry pulled from his grasp and zipped dozens of feet away in a blink of an eye.


    ¡°You''ll see... Once their back... You''ll see...¡± Barry said with smile. Then with a blur of motion was in his uniform. ¡°I''ll be back before you know it!¡±


    ¡°Barry stop!¡± Henry shouted at him but it was too late. He activated his holographic.


    ¡°Vici! We have a problem...¡± Henry said.


    ==============================================================


    ***Rift. Ryloth***


    Cham Syndulla, nicknamed The Hammer of Ryloth. Was a Twi''lek male with orange skin, orange eyes, and an athletic albeit malnourished figure. Who stood at approximately 6''3'', clad in his scrapyard militia garb. Despite his poor upbringing, Cham had always strode for greatness in his youth. He worked hard in everything he did. Learned quick that life will never give you an easy way out, and if it does it is often a trick. But despite that he never lost his heart, and tried to do good when ever he got a chance.


    It was because of these qualities that he quickly sought to free Ryloth from the corruption of Orn Free Taa, and the oppressive oversight of the Republic. He had learned quick that Republic ideals, and convictions were built out of sand. Ryloth had been a part of the Republic for over 10,000 standard cycles. To this day it was still a backwater world that received minimal domestic aid. There had even been a moment when Cham had considered joining the CIS. But he quickly learned they were just as brutal if not more so than the Republic.


    The Republic slowly choked the life of Ryloth with neglect. While the Confederacy sought to garrote us in our sleep. Then from moment of wailing defeat as we flailed like tired old men, and women. Came the Republic with their clones, and their Jedi. Or... So he had believed. Jensaarai, how were they any different from the Jedi? For one, they brought gifts.


    ¡°By popular vote, and quick time succession. Cham Syndulla you have been selected to be the leader of Ryloth.¡± The armored Jensaarai said to him.


    ¡°What?¡± Cham said momentarily frozen in disbelief. ¡°That''s not possible... I-I there...When did we vote? We''ve been under attack.¡± Cham said almost furious that the Republic would care about such things during an invasion.


    ¡°Sub-section D page 356, paragraph 4, of the reclamation of assets. Articulates that during a war time clear line of succession is necessary to prevent a convoluted miss understandings. At the last requisition of senator election. It was Orn Free Taa at 87% of total vote, and 13% Cham Syndulla. No one else ran. You continued to claim your legitimacy. No one else stepped in. With the death of Orn Free Taa, and the fact that you are on the ground. You win by default.¡± The armored man said.


    ¡°I''m the senator of Ryloth?¡± Cham said as it started to set in. His people next to him started to gather smiles on their faces.


    ¡°For now, until such a time is available for a clear election to be granted on Ryloth with being under duress. At which point you, and any other member of the Ryloth elective council may run for senator. Do you accept this role.¡± The man asked, Cham blinked and nodded with confirmation.


    ¡°I, Cham Syndulla accept this position.¡± Cham replied.


    ¡°Wonderful! Senator Syndulla the Republic Militia, and Grand Army of the Republic is securing the city. We need to get you to the forward operations camp. Please this way.¡± The armored man said.


    Cham was quick to clear his mind as he organized his remaining team for evacuation. The armored man known as Grand Admiral, and Jensaarai Master Lash created an update map of the battlefield and they moved with purpose through the city like clock work. They arrived at operations, and the medical center in good time.


    Cham saw the Republics clones, but he also saw men, and women of the different species in militia uniform. Dispensing aid, and fighting against the droids. Along with dozens of armored soldiers wielding the jedi weapons, Light-Sabers. But these were not Jedi. Watching as Master Lash rushed towards a spider walker and destroyed its shields like a child squashing a bug was...humbling.


    Cham, and his people could help but remark how the Jensaarai were despite their fierce appearance were friendly. The Jedi had always had a quiet arrogance. They never truly looked down on others. But they felt like they did. Cham hated it when ever Jedi arrived on Ryloth. Because more often than not they came at the behest of Taa, and put down the rebellions on Ryloth. Cham feared Master Lash was here to do the same. Time would tell. How long until Cham was fighting the Republic and its Militia? They needed to be ready.


    ==============================================================


    (Ryloth, Kala''uun Spaceport.)


    Lash listened to Omen''s report about the situation. They had been here less then an hour and the droid army had pulled back. Normally this would be a call for a celebration. But Omen believed it was a trick. Lash agreed with him. According to Senator Syndulla they had spent days fighting over every inch of that city. They would not give it up lightly.


    ¡°We''ll send out scouts, and skirmish attacks but our priority is securing the city. Senator may we ask your scouts to help fill in for guides among our soldiers?¡± Lash turned to look at Sydulla who looked over the map.


    ¡°It would be better if I lead the scouts myself.¡± Syndulla said, while Commander Omen looked confused.


    ¡°Senator, apologies but I''m afraid that is ill advised.¡± Lash said he tried to adjust his body language to be...amiable.


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Syndulla said, he stuck his chin forward in challenge.


    ¡°Because you are the leader of Ryloth. I respect your desire to lead from the front. But if something happens to you. Then who will the people look to?¡± Lash asked, as he glanced behind Syndulla to his people who seem to understand the problem. Even if Syndulla didn''t.


    ¡°I will never ask my people to do anything that I myself would be afraid to do.¡± Syndulla said with a bit of flare. His people smiled at him, and Lash bit back a sigh.


    ¡°Then I suppose we won''t need your scouts after all.¡± Commander Omen said with a bit finality. Syndulla blinked in surprise as he suddenly sidelined.


    ¡°I am not some fragile piece of glass to be protected!¡± Syndulla shouted at him. As his soldiers stood and started to reach for their blasters.


    ¡°We are not suggesting that! But you have to look at it from our point of view. If you rush off into combat we have to prioritize your safety first. Even at the cost of our own lives.¡± Lash said to the man, as he tried to quell his desire to manipulate the idiots mind.


    ¡°Then I will take a team and scout out the area! If you try and stop us, we''ll fight you too!¡± Syndulla shouted at Lash.


    Lash stopped and just stared at the man. His Deductive Reasoning, and Insight giving a peak at the man''s mind. Syndulla for some idiotic reason believed that they were trying to separate him from his people so we could imprison him. A puppet leader of some sort. If Lash wanted to do that he would have just executed Syndulla''s soldiers and detained him.


    ¡°Very well... Good luck.¡± Lash said, as he reached out and cast Calm Emotions on the sly. Everyone took a breath, but the decision was made. Syndulla walked out of the tent in victory, as his men clapped him on the back. While others glared acidly at Lash, and Omen.


    ¡°I hate politics.¡± Omen said softly.


    ¡°The Republic doesn''t have a good reputation on this world.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Oh really? Just figure that out, Grand Admiral?¡± Omen said, Lash turned to look at him but their was a bit of a smile tugging on Omen''s lips. Sarcasm?


    ¡°I''m going to go flatten an area for the Acclamator. Can you please contact Admiral Ronti Jedree. Tell him to prepare to move the ship?¡± Lash asked, with a slight shrug of his shoulders.


    ¡°Yes, Grand Admiral Lash. Can you give the ship a wash while your at it?¡± Omen asked, now a clear smile on his face.


    ¡°I don''t know... Sounds like a lot of work. How about I just break out the bar, and we''ll have happy hour instead?¡± Lash said as started to leave operations.


    ¡°Sound''s like a plan, Grand Admiral.¡± Omen said with a laugh.


    Omen''s change in attitude was a welcome surprise to Lash. Very few clones died in this attack. Which showed Omen that Lash was no fool. At least for now. Lash had plenty of time to screw up later, but if he could help it he wouldn''t. He sent Mil''Gix with Syndulla who welcomed her. The Mandalorian clan Rahl was welcome with Syndulla''s people. While Vi''Lon stayed with the Kom''rk ship to do a perimeter sweep that gradually got larger, and larger.


    Lash dropped by and checked on Padawan Barriss, and Padawan Ahsoka. Ahsoka was a little shaken but was taking to her job as triage rather well. Thanks to Shatter Point, Ahsoka was able to quickly determine who was lost, and who was not. While Barriss spent her time giving minimal healing. Bringing the fatality wounded to just above that. So she could conserve her energy. Lash granted them both a refill of magical energy. Which their midi-chlorians ate up greedily. Which in turned granted them more energy. If Lash wasn''t careful they would both reach 15,000/Jedi Master rank before they even left Ryloth.


    Lash left operations and moved towards the open hills, and grass. He reached out with Elemental Manipulation ¨C Earth. Then started to flatten the ground in front of him. The Acclamator was a little over 2,500 feet long. The abrupt change of landscape did seem to disturb the local wild life as several sleeping Lylek insect creatures the size of city buses came popping out of the ground. Just in time for the landing Accalamator to shoot them full of turbo lasers.


    Lash cast Decomposition on the bodies, and oddly he received the designs for the creatures in his Divine Domain ¨C Monster Creation spell. That was new. Lash cleared it from his mind for now and reformed the landing pad so the ship could land. Then he moved to create several auxiliary landing pads for the militia ships. One by one they were able to land just outside the city. Once the last ship left the calcified forest. Lash released the delayed spell and the forest returned to normal.


    Despite the cleared landing field the arrival of the different ships kicked up a lot of sand into the air. But all in all it was nothing compared to the fierce windstorms that the planet would have. According to the weather report they had little less then a week before the next windstorm would hit. In that time they would have to tell their ships to go back into orbit. Or Lash could cheat and carve out a huge underground city. Decisions, decisions.


    The Lylek had been a surprise. He had assumed they wouldn''t be this close to the city. But as he reached out through his Divine spell craft he discovered that the Lylek in questions were hunters. They would grab Twi''lek, or anything really within reach and sprint back to the hive. Which meant there was one nearby. Then he facepalmed and realized he could just ask the planet itself for directions. Despite not having a background, Lash still felt like this universe was effecting him.


    He turned around on his heel and went back to operations to check in. He would the ritual later. For now he would help Ahsoka, and Barriss with the medical center. He sent a warning to the Clones, and the Militia about the Lylek hive, and the hunters on the perimeter. A sensor net was moved to the top of the list for base installations. Apparently the Twi''lek knew about the hunters, but simply accepted them as a part of life. They never had the resources to burn them out.


    Clearing the landing field at taken little over an hour but when he came into the hospital he found Barriss struggling to stand on her feet. She was covered in blood, and viscera and was a fair bit more green then what would be healthy for a Mirialan. Ahsoka was next to her as the leaned on each other for support. Without a word Lash pulled them out of the hospital and sat them down.


    ¡°Sergeant, please arrange transport for the Padawan''s back to the ship.¡± Lash called for a transport and the clone jumped to obey. Ahsoka hearing the order looked up at him in confusion.


    ¡°Master Lash were fine, we can keep going.¡± Ahsoka said, but Barriss hadn''t even registered that Lash had spoken.


    ¡°And if we were in the thick of battle I would expect nothing less. But we are in a brief period of calm. Both of you will go back to the ship, you will eat, you will bath, and you will sleep. I don''t want to see either of you out here for at least ten hours. I will confine you to quarters if I have to.¡± Lash said to her, and Ahsoka looked like she wanted to fight but accepted it nonetheless.


    Lash had to pick Barriss up and put her into the transport that arrived. The Clone medic who saw her understood the situation. She was in battle shock and assured Lash she''d be taken care of. Ahsoka gave Lash a hug then jumped into the transport and they took off towards the ship. Fighting droids is one thing. Tending to the wounded as they screamed for help, and died in your arms was another. Barriss, and Ahsoka did a lot of good. But in the end they were both still younglings.


    Lash returned to the makeshift hospital and cast a wide area of effect. Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, and Nature''s Kiss. Bright green, and blue light swallowed the whole hospital. His magical energy took a nose dive, but as always refilled quickly. Every individual in the hospital was nearly fully healed. Healed enough to get out of the hospital anyway. He also ''accidentally'' made a few Twi''lek, Clones, and Militia soldiers obtain a slight Force-awareness. (5k / Just barely)


    ¡°Any more wounded go straight towards the ship!¡± Lash ordered the soldiers and they followed his command.


    Not for the first time Lash considered going to Coruscant and bathing the whole planet in magical energy. Just to see what would happen if trillions of people suddenly became Force-Sensitive. What would the Star Wars Galaxy be like if every Sapient species in the galaxy was capable of wielding the Force? Would it dry out? Become stronger? Food for thought for later. In the end Lash wasn''t really here to save anyone. He was here to obtain tech to help his home reality. Maybe he was becoming jaded?


    ¡°Alright, let''s go build a city.¡± Lash said, as he clapped his hands together.


    ============================================================


    (Lessu, Capital City of Ryloth)


    Wat Tambor was a male Skakoan who was the foreman of the Techno Union and an executive of Baktoid Armor Workshop. The Skakoanian people came in several colors like blue, green, and purple. They had grown on a alternate atmospheric condition world and required pressure suits to survive off of it. Due to their culture and firm belief in mathematics it was believed they were actually machines.


    The cold hard logic of the Skakoanian people gave them an advantage when it came to creating corporations, and leading the charge in research and development. Especially when they cared little for the concept of morality. In this regard, Wat Tambor was a model citizen of. Tambor had dark green skin, beady black eyes, and wore a pressure suit with a blue under cloth. The suit exposed his head, and neck save for the front portion of his face. Where a silver metallic mask protected his body.


    Tambor was also one thing above all. He was a petty, conniving, greedy man. Due to his poor home life when growing up. He adored money, and would do anything to obtain more of it. He loved living in luxury, and despised any notion of giving up his wealth. When a political rival among the Confederacy had been found stashing hidden treasures of Ryloth. Tambor moved to lay siege to the planet and was granted permission by Count Dooku.


    Now, Tambor brought an entire planet to its knees. Just so he could increase the treasures to hold in his vault. With great anticipation Tambor watched as droids loaded another shipment of artifacts, precious jewels, and metals aboard his shuttle. Once it was full he launched it, using a familiar solar sail that the CIS was known for. Allowing the ship to pass through the lines unnoticed. According to his data he another two shuttles to fill before he could leave the planet. But the Republic had shown up in force, and now he had to decide to stay and finish loading his treasure or leave?


    ¡°Wat Tambor, we have an incoming message from Count Dooku.¡± A tactical droid arrived, holding a holographic projector. Tambor smoothed out his suit, and prepared himself.


    The tactical droid activated the holographic and a very young looking Count Dooku looked at Tambor. The Skakoanian had been surprised when he had first seen a youthful Count. But after many discussions with Lord Enfarious he found out why. A form of gene therapy that would extend life had been a exciting prospect. However, the treatment was expensive. One of the many things he planned to buy once he left Ryloth.


    ¡°Wat Tambor, I received word that the blockade around Ryloth has been broken?¡± Count Dooku said with mild concern written on his face.


    ¡°I''m afraid so, Count Dooku. We have reports that General Obi-Wan Kenobi, General Skywalker, and Grand Admiral Lash are on the surface of the planet. I''ve already increased our security to not allow any holographic communication from the Jensaarai. I assure you, I will not fall for the same trick that Mar Tuuk did.¡± Tambor said self assuredly.


    ¡°See that you don''t. Once you have finished your...business on Ryloth and want you to leave immediately. Then order your droids to cause as much damage to the surrounding cities as possible. We can still turn the loss of Ryloth into a political victory.¡± Dooku said, as he smoothed a hand across his trimmed beard.


    ¡°My Lord, is the Confederacy not sending reinforcements? Were we not suppose to attack from behind?¡± Tambor asked in confusion.


    ¡°Orders have changed, the fleet will not be arriving. You have two days before General Windu arrives to reinforce the Republic.¡± Dooku replied, his irritation clear. Though not towards Tambor but elsewhere.


    ¡°Very well.¡± Tambor said in mild depression. Two days was not long enough to secure all the treasure he wanted. He would have to make every minute count.


    ¡°See that you are not late, Tambor. I''d hate to loose you like we lost Mar Tuuk. Goodbye.¡± Dooku said, and the holographic closed.


    ¡°How long until the next shipment arrives?¡± Tambor asked the tactical droid.


    ¡°Thirteen standard hours, but I advise we be gone before then.¡± The Droid responded.


    ¡°I will not leave until everything of value is taken from this rock. What we need is a distraction. Prepare a wing of bombers. We''ll give the Republic something to chase.¡± Tambor ordered, and the tactical droid left to carry out his orders.


    ==============================================================


    (Ryloth, Command AT-TE)


    The All Terrain Tactical Enforcer walker rumbled along. While the other walkers had room to carry troops, and an artillery cannon on its back. This walker had communication dishes, and receivers across its body. Its main troop bay was converted into an operations room with view screens, terminals, and a holographic projector. Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenbo, and Luminara Unduli stood side by side as they watched the holographic produce Master Yoda, Master Windu, and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.


    ¡°As far as we can tell the Separatist fleet has moved into Hutt space and is no where to be found. We''ll be arriving on Ryloth in less than forty eight hours.¡± Master Windu said to them.


    ¡°With that many ships we can create a blockade and prevent Tambor from escaping the planet.¡± Anakin said with a smile.


    ¡°Don''t be so sure, Master Skywalker. We''ve had reports of solar sailor shuttles leaving the planet. What assurance do we have that Tambor hasn''t left yet?¡± Unduli asked.


    ¡°Greed, Tambor wont leave until everything of value has been stolen. He''ll be on the last shuttle I guarantee it.¡± Obi-Wan replied, as he looked at global map of Ryloth.


    ¡°His capture is vital to the war effort. With him in custody we can prove that the Techno Union has joined the CIS. We can seize their corporate head quarters here on Coruscant.¡± Palpatine said, as he steepled his fingers.


    ¡°This war that much quicker another leader of the Separatist in our custody will help end.¡± Master Yoda confirmed.


    ¡°Any word from Master Lash?¡± Anakin asked the room.


    ¡°Master Lash has secured the spaceport of Kala''uun. Regretfully they came under attack by Lyleks. They are... Fighting off a hive.¡± Unduli replied with a look of worry on her face. ¡°My Padawan Barriss sent me a message personally.¡±


    ¡°I can''t imagine Lash being that careless?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    ¡°From the message, the droids had destroyed the main birthing chamber of the Queen. Which forced the entire hive into a frenzy. They are attacking anything, and everything with a few hundred miles of the hive. Including the city.¡± Unduli commented.


    ¡°Do they need help?¡± Anakin asked, ready to leave right away.


    ¡°...No... Barriss said they were... Having fun.¡± Unduli said, with a peculiar expression.


    ¡°Having fun?¡± Anakin asked in confusion.


    ¡°...Oh, why do I feel like Master Lash has found another way to show off?¡± Obi-Wan said with a bemused expression on his face.


    ¡°I wouldn''t worry, for help if they are in need master Lash will call.¡± Master Yoda said.


    ¡°Right, well let''s not get left behind. I''d hate for it to get boring around here.¡± Anakin said with a smile as they continued the briefing.


    ===============================================================


    (Ryloth, Kala''uun underground.)


    ¡°FORWARD!¡± Lash shouted out over the communication line, and across the Temporary Pack Bond.


    A unit of flame throwers moved into position and sprayed napalm across the cavern as giant Lylek soldiers, warriors, and stalkers rushed towards them in a mad dash of what could only be called a zerg rush. Lash led a wave of Jensaarai into the flames with little fear as they ignited their light-sabers and cut through the creatures with disgusting ease. Then new tunnel emerged from the wall and a flood of Lylek''s swarmed into their choke point.


    ¡°Sappers!¡± Lash called out.


    Padawan Ahsoka, Padawan Barriss, and another Jedi Knight raced forward and threw seismic charges at the tunnel. The Force guiding their throws. With Force-Sprint they were in and out in a moment. Then the bombs went off closing the hole. A Jensaarai rushed up and converted the rock into lava through Elemental Manipulation / Force-Alteration.


    ¡°Forward!¡± Lash shouted again, the Clone, Militia, and Twi''lek fighters moved forward by approximately ten steps then held their new position. Phalanx guard in front ready and waiting.


    ¡°Ready!¡± Commander Omen called over the communication line.


    ¡°Defenders! Back!¡± Lash shouted, and the Jensaarai defenders jumped back behind the lines. As a barrage of blaster fire poured onto the Lylek.


    Lash used Call Lightning as several other Jensaarai defenders used Force-Lightning to flash burn the Lylek. Mobile turbo lasers rolled forward and obliterated the Lylek''s rushing out. A high pitched screeched shot through out the tunnel systems. But a pre-battle alteration to their helmets protected them from the Queen''s Force-Scream. Wasn''t that a surprise, the Queen had dark side powers.


    ¡°Grand Admiral, team Charlie needs assistance!¡± Commander Omen called across the line.


    ¡°Hold the line! Padawans, with me!¡± Lash called out.


    Ahsoka, and Barrissa raced after Lash has he cast Acceleration on them. They sprinted through the underground tunnels that they had earned inch by bloody inch. Well that wasn''t true, they actually hadn''t lost a single soldier the entire time. It may have been due to the fact that each team had several Jensaarai defenders with an ambient Force-Heal contentiously going.


    Lash jumped up to the ceiling and used Gravity Stride so he could move ahead of the Padawans but not by much. Team Charlie was Syndulla''s team. Lash rolled into the next room to see the Lylek''s had broken the line but only barely. He jumped forward and slammed a Telekinetic fist straight into one. He used it as a battering ram to force the other insects back into their primary tunnel.


    ¡°Reform the line!¡± Lash called out. ¡°Sappers!¡± He called out, as two additional tunnels needed to be closed.


    ¡°Where''s Syndulla!?¡± Lash called out.


    ¡°Here Master Lash!¡± Syndulla called, as he by the forward mobile turbo laser. Several Twi''lek had been injured and killed. Nope! Lash didn''t want to ruin his perfect score.


    He reached out and healed the injured, and revived the dead. When they had started their valiant campaign to fight off the Lylek hive watching your friends severed bodies blood reach out. Snag their pieces and pulled back together. Only for your brothers, and sisters to get back up. More than few people screamed in shock. Now? They made sure to keep their severed limbs, and body parts collected.


    ¡°How many Lyleks are commonly in a hive?¡± Lash said as he brought a gunner back to life.


    ¡°A few hundred to a few thousand. I would say we are half way through them now. If we keep pushing forward we''ll come across the honor guard. They are immune to blaster fire of a smaller caliber.¡± Syndulla replied, as another Force-Scream went through the room. The Twi''leks were given neural dampeners so they wouldn''t lose their minds.


    ¡°Why is she making that noise?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°I don''t know! I''ve never faced a Queen before. The last one to die by our hands was centuries ago. We bombarded their hive from orbit.¡± Syndulla explained.


    Just as he finished speaking a jet black Lylek pushed its way into the choke point. It was covered in spikes, and its pincers were large enough to cut through an assault walker with ease. It let loose a screech that brought their forces to their knees. Lash jumped from his position straight towards it. Right before the creature struck, Lash used Blink. Appearing on it''s back. He created a Psionic Blade ¨C Construct of red Chaos energy and bisected the creature. Then its top half swung around and baseball hit Lash deeper into the cavern. That was unexpected!


    Now deep into the hive tunnels giant Lylek honor guard went into a killing frenzy to kill Lash. He slammed his fists into the ground and created razor sharp earth spikes through Elemental Manipulation. They stunned the creatures more than pierced. He growled in irritation. Then jumped away and used Earth Swim to pass through the walls like water. Then for the first time since he arrived in this universe he used Manifestation.


    From within the earthen walls out poured 1110 Saurian warriors, veterans, and elites. All of them wrapped in shadow, hiding their features. Lash quickly updated the IFF marker for his forces. As the Saurian army sliced through the Lylek forces with ease. Lash pushed through the earth and jumped out of the wall. The Lylek honor guard were in complete surprise as the Saurian army used Size Alteration to grow to the same height if not bigger. Was this over kill, yes. Did Lash care, no.


    Lash sprinted down the hall towards the Queen''s chambers as another scream rang out. That was when he realized that was how she relayed orders. Lash was in no mood to deal with the small fry and cast Invisibility on himself. Though it didn''t completely hide him from the creatures it was enough. As he sprinted past them. Though the honor guard would not be much a problem for much longer. Three Elites kept pace with him. They came to an intersection and Lash posed a question to Cosmic Awareness. His energy reserves dropped but he knew the location of the Queen. They rushed down the upper left most tunnel.


    ¡°Master Lash!? Where are you?¡± Ahsoka called across the communication line.


    ¡°I''m heading to the Queen''s chamber. Hold the line!¡± Lash called out across line, and his Invisibility dropped. Fuck! His Elites chuckled as they jumped to his defense. Ya, ya that was stupid of him.


    He quickly cast Chameleon, and Nature''s Passage. Then continued on with out his own guards. He eventually came to gigantic football stadium grotto. With a Lylek Queen in the middle of the cavern. It''s chitin armor was gleaming pure silver, as if she went for a swim in mercury. It reminded Lash of the Xenomorph Queen he was consort to. Though his Queen was far more deadly. The Lylek Queen released a Force-Scream that obliterated anything within a cone in front of her. Rock, flesh, and bone disintegrated.


    Lash used Gravity Stride and sprinted up the walls, and to the ceiling just out of range of the scream before it hit him. Sound Manipulation was no joke if used right. Once he reached the top of the ceiling he really took a moment to admire the Lylek Queen. She was easily 40 ft high, and almost 150 ft long. An egg sac was attached to her back, and this thin muscled membrane extended out. Almost like a organic conveyor belt produced egg after egg. While dozens of lower cast Lylek supported her on their backs and moved her around.


    ¡°Master Lash! There are....Shadows fighting the Lylek!¡± Ahsoka called across the line. The Queen whipped its head around right towards Lash''s location. That was when he realized she was blind. But had excellent hearing.


    ¡°Their with me!¡± Lash called out as another Force-Scream shot straight up at him, into the ceiling. The very collapsible ceiling.


    Rock stalactites on the cavern roof dropped down in pieces. Several of them stabbing straight into the Queen''s egg sac. Her high pitched wail of agony called dozens of high guard into the chamber. They unlike the Queen could see him perfectly. As he had jumped across the room to sit on the wall. They rushed to his location but he already climbed back up to the ceiling.


    He prepared another Chaos red Psionic Blade and threw it straight at the Queen''s center mass. The blade pierced her body, and impaled her. She released a scream so piercing that Lash momentarily let go of the ceiling and dropped to the ground with a resounding smack! Thankfully he was not the only one as the honor guard''s looked like they had been liquefied.


    ¡°You know I''m a little disappointed in you!¡± Lash said as he stood up and pointed at the dying Queen. ¡°I honestly expected a bit more of a fight. But then again, I did give myself a handicap.¡± He finished, and cast a focus target Decomposition and he learned the Lylek Queen''s design for his Monster Creation spell.


    Thankfully once the Queen was dead some sort of scatter command went through. The Lylek remaining in the hive went off in every direction. Though the honor guard fought to their last. Lash made sure to dust a few of them to learn the design for them. Though he couldn''t imagine a reason to make the Lylek species in his own reality. Maybe he could splice with something?


    ''Once the hive is secure return to aether.'' -Lash said to his Manifestations they confirmed his order and one by one he felt them disperse.


    Another honor guard raced into the birthing room and Lash impaled with an energy spike. Tenacious creature, it continued to writhe, and wiggle about. Reminded Lash of the roaches of Gaia. How some breeds could survive days without a head. He dusted the creature, though it screamed in pain as the Decomposition worked through its living portion.


    Slowly but surely Lash walked through the halls and soon came upon Jensaarai defenders who cheered upon his arrival. The last of the insects had fled, or were killed. Then without warning he was tackled by an Ahsoka who all but latched herself to him. Barriss was no better and hugged one of his arms. He looked at them confused, then looked at one of the defenders.


    ¡°Ummm... Hi?¡± Lash asked in confusion.


    ¡°Don''t do that!¡± Ahsoka shouted, as she climbed down and punched him in the arm. She winced as she hit a metal alloy plate.


    ¡°Rush in and defeat the Queen? There by cutting off the command structure? Doesn''t Master Skywalker do that all the time?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°YES! Which is why you shouldn''t do that!¡± Ahsoka stamped her foot and glared at him. It was adorable.


    ¡°I have to agree with Ahsoka, Master Lash. That was incredibly dangerous.¡± Barriss said as she released his arm. Though she was a bit more calm about it, at least on the surface.


    ¡°What were the shadows? You said they were with you?¡± Ahsoka asked, as Commander Omen jogged over to them closely followed by Syndulla.


    ¡°They are, it''s called Force-Phantom. You create apparitional clones of yourself. It requires life energy to create. It''s commonly not suited for most battlefields. But mid battle? Against large biological life like the Lyleks? Perfect fuel.¡± Lash replied, though Force-Phantom was primarily used by the Dark Side. One could do the same on the Light if you were careful.


    ¡°Grand Admiral, is it dead? The Queen.¡± Omen asked as he came over and saluted. Lash returned the salute before he answered.


    ¡°Yes, the Queen is dead. Senator Syndulla do Lylek parts have any cultural value?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°In ancient times we used their chitin as armor, and their claws as weapons. However, the royal jelly from the Queen''s egg sac is said to have high medicinal purposes. But it has been centuries since we''ve had access to them. Please, which way to the chamber?¡± Syndulla asked, and Lash updated the holographic map of the hive.


    ¡°Thank you, Master Lash!¡± Syndulla said, and called his people deeper into the chamber.


    ¡°Well, that only took....Eight hours. I should check in with the other generals.¡± Lash said as he started to walk off. Only to have both his hands taken by Ahsoka, and Barriss.


    ¡°...Yessss?¡± Lash asked with a bit of mirth.


    ¡°I have to make sure you don''t go running off again.¡± Ahsoka said, and squeezed his hand.


    ¡°Agreed, you do tend to forget to tell people where you are going.¡± Barriss continued.


    ¡°Do I?¡± Lash asked a Jensaarai defender.


    ¡°Not really, of course we can feel you through the Force. So we always have some idea of where you are.¡± The defender replied.


    ¡°See... All you two need is to learn to make a connection. That way you''ll always know where I am.¡± Lash said as he started to walk again.


    ¡°But I don''t know how to do that!¡± Ahsoka said, as she pouted at him.


    ¡°Nor do I.¡± Barriss said next.


    ¡°Well then! I''ll just have to teach you!¡± Lash replied, and both Padawans smiled.


    It was several miles back to the surface, or more specifically the spaceport of Kala''uun. The whole way Lash spoke about the academics of creating a Force-Connection. It was often done when a Master chose a Padawan/Apprentice depending on your discipline. The Jensaarai learned to create the bond to keep track of their people. Especially during operations. That way if someone was ever taken, or worse killed. Every Jensaarai near by would know it.


    By the time they reached the Acclamator that was being used as a mobile HQ. Lash had given both Padawans a suggested reading list. Unfortunately due to the intimate nature of the connection they would need their Masters permission before Lash would forge one. Lash was reasonably sure the answer would be no. But maybe Anakin, and Unduli would surprise Lash. They had dinner...or was it breakfast together? Lunch maybe? It had been eight hours. Then Lash went to his private quarters. It was on the command deck so it was rather spacious.


    Instead of taking a shower he cast Immaculate on himself. Though he did miss the feel of water. He had to much to do. He settled at his desk and pulled up the militia reports. Along with the progress on the siege of Ryloth. All in all it was going well. One by one the CIS strongholds on Ryloth were being taken. The last stronghold was the capital of Lessu. Their advanced scouts revealed that Wat Tambor had not left yet. They were awaiting one last shipment of treasure.


    Master Windu was due in the system in less then twelve hours. Palpatine wanted Wat Tambor captured, and brought before the Senate. If Lash left right now he could sneak into the capital, capture Tambor. He sent a message to generals. They needed to discuss this. Once the message was away he turned his attention to the revitalization efforts of Ryloth. But before he could really get into it his intercom chirped at him.


    ¡°Apologies Grand Admiral. You are wanted in the briefing room. General Skywalker is on the line.¡± Admiral Jedree said.


    ¡°I''m on my way, thank you Admiral.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Of course, sir!¡± Jedree said.


    Lash sent a notification to Ahsoka, and Barriss so they would know what he was doing. He rolled his eyes as he saw Ahsoka tumble out her quarters with a blanket wrapped around her. Barriss at least was fully dressed. But the bags under their eyes was evident. He stopped to admire them both as Ahsoka threw her blankets back into her room.


    ¡°You can go back to bed.¡± Lash told them both.


    ¡°Are you going to leave?¡± Ahsoka asked.


    ¡°Depends on the response I''ll get.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Then we''ll go back to bed after we hear the answer.¡± Barriss said with a defiant eye brow.


    Lash snapped his fingers and cast Immaculate on them both. The spell script wrapped around them and cleaned them from head to toe, even brushing their teeth. While the magical energy fed their midi-chlorian count. They both received a rush of energy but they were still exhausted. They were practically dragging their feet after they had eaten. That was all of... Less then an hour ago.


    The three of them walked onto the command deck of the ship. Admiral Jedree was on standby. An olden human male with short cropped gray hair, and a trimmed beard. He cut a handsome figure in his gray uniform. He nodded towards Lash who returned the gesture with a slight bow. Jedree noticed how Ahsoka, and Barriss were dragging their feet. He raised a single brow in question. Lash used a hand sign for ''exhausted''. Jedree understood and dialed up the holographic emitter.


    The holographic image of Anakin, Unduli, and Obi-Wan appeared. They both looked to be in good spirits. Though each of them had powder burns, dirt, and mud prints on their robes. As Ahsoka, and Barriss stepped into view of the holographic emitter. Anakin, and Unduli looked concerned, while Obi-Wan had a smug grin on his face. As he kept his piece for now.


    ¡°Before we begin Masters. I humbly request that Master Skywalker, and Master Unduli order their Padawans to get some sleep after this.¡± Lash asked, but before they could respond.


    ¡°That''s not fair!¡± Ahsoka shouted at him.


    ¡°I agree, Barriss unless we need you. I order you to get at least six hours of sleep after the briefing.¡± Unduli went first, Barriss was glaring daggers at Lash but eventually bowed her head towards Unduli.


    ¡°As you wish, Master.¡± Though the youngling clearly had more to say.


    ¡°I think he''s right, Ahsoka. You look like your about to fall over. Clearing out the Lylek nest was no joke if the reports are to be believed. Six hours of sleep after the briefing. That''s an order.¡± Anakin said to Ahsoka who crossed her arms and looked away furious. It would be more effective if she wasn''t wobbling on her feet.


    ¡°Ahsoka?¡± Anakin asked.


    ¡°Fine....¡± Ahsoka replied.


    ¡°Right... Master Lash, you are purposing that you head towards Lessu alone. To infiltrate, and secure Tambor before he leaves? How will you get inside the city? Lessu is placed inside of a canyon. A sheer drop of hundreds of feet surround it. With only a plasma bridge connecting the two points of entry. They have aerial, and orbital cannons in place.¡± Obi-Wan asked, he didn''t sound doubtful just curious.


    Lash stepped forward and typed into the database the coordinates he wanted. The holographic figures of the three Jedi minimized and a map of the surrounding area was created. Lessu stood precariously on lone piece of land inside of a gorge. This had been a natural defense against the hostile predators of Ryloth. Over the centuries the gigantic pillar that supported the city had been reinforced with duraconcrete, and durasteel. The city had limited about of space so they built up.


    Approximately fifty or so miles away was a sheer cliff that overlooked the city from afar. It had once been a park that families would visit. They could have picnics and watch the city. Go camping at night in a secure preserve. The droids had destroyed it as a way to destroy moral. Lash pointed it out on the map. The Jedi masters were confused.


    ¡°I''m going to wing-suit from this location. Glide into the city. They have sensor nets up that would detect any energy reading so I''ll be going in silent. The range is enough to get me to the pillar, but not the city proper. Then I''ll just climb up.¡± Lash said, as the demonstration would show he''d have to climb at least one vertical mile.


    ¡°Master Lash there are no hand holds. It''s a flat surface, it was designed that way to prevent this very thing.¡± Unduli said.


    ¡°It won''t be an issue for me.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Putting that aside. Once you are... In the city, how will you find Tambor?¡± Obi-Wan asked. Lash once again updated the holographic map and it showed Tambor''s exact location.


    ¡°How do you have that?¡± Admiral Jedree asked.


    ¡°When we first arrived in the system I slipped one of my VI programs into the CIS battle-net. It''s been feeding us intel this whole time. That is where half of my intelligence comes from.¡± Lash pointed out several pointers that he had relayed to the Republic forces.


    ¡°Well that answers why Rex received information about the back door into the stronghold we took. We barely lost a soldier.¡± Anakin said with a laugh.


    ¡°I''ll agree to this on one condition. You let me come with you, Master Lash?¡± Unduli asked.


    ¡°OK.¡± Lash said with out complaint.


    ¡°I wish to come!¡± Barriss said.


    ¡°Me too!¡± Ahsoka asked.


    ¡°No, you both have been ordered to sleep.¡± Lash told them with a bit of force.


    ¡°He''s right, you are both dead on your feet.¡± Obi-Wan said.


    ¡°It will be easier with two. We can secure Tambor, and activate the plasma bridge.¡± Lash said as he nodded towards Unduli who gave him a slight smile.


    ¡°I''ll swing in with our fighters, if Obi-Wan takes over the ground forces?¡± Anakin suggested, as Obi-Wan smoothed a hand over his beard.


    ¡°Agreed... When do you believe you can start?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    ¡°I can get out to the starting position inside of three hours. It will be night on that side of the planet.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°I''ll meet you there.¡± Unduli said.


    ¡°I''d love to see Master Windu''s face when he learns we''ve secured Ryloth before he even arrives. May the Force be with us all.¡± Obi-Wan said, and signed off.


    ¡°Six hours Ahsoka. With any luck you can join me in the air when we attack take the city.¡± Anakin said with a smug smile and signed off. Ahsoka stomped out of the briefing room and marched back to her room.


    ¡°Be safe, Master Unduli.¡± Barriss said and left the room. Though she did smile at Lash when she passed.


    ¡°I''ll keep him out of trouble.¡± Unduli replied with an easy smile. Lash placed a hand to his chest in mock offense. Unduli smiled at him and signed off. Once Barriss left the room Lash turned to Jedree.


    ¡°Thank you, Admiral Jedree. But before I leave... I need a small favor.¡± Lash said with a chuckle, and Jedree raised an eyebrow at him.


    ============================================================


    (Ryloth, Acclamator Militia command ship. Officer crew quarters.)


    Ahsoka Tano tossed and turned in her bed. She had tried meditating to calm her mind. But she was so frustrated. She wanted to be out there. She wanted to be doing...something! Ahsoka pulled her covers off and went to the refresher room. She disrobed and took a nice long hot shower. She reached for the scrubber and realized she wasn''t dirty. Master Lash had used his Force-Clean? Or maybe it was just tech from his armor. She wasn''t sure.


    She bounced her forehead off the wall as she tried to think. Six hours? The battle for Ryloth could be over by then...... Ahsoka jerked awake as she had nearly fallen asleep while standing up. What ever Lash had done seem to be wearing off. She turned off the water and toweled off. She pulled on a fresh set of clothes and crawled into bed. Asleep before her head even hit the pillow.


    Ahsoka dreamed....She dreamed of being back at the temple. Walking through the gardens. Attending a lesson with one of the visiting masters. All before the war and the rush, and anxiety that came with it. She walked through the memory and saw an initiate that hadn''t been picked to be a Padawan. Not everyone was picked. If you didn''t achieve the required...Focus? Level of mastery? You were placed in one of the corps. Explorers? Agriculture? Diplomats?


    But this initiate refused to be shuffled to one of the corps and quit the order. It had been a surprise to Ahsoka. She didn''t know you could quit being a Jedi. She had thought it was for life. Tommin, that was his name. He had been a year ahead of her. He was a human from Alderaan. He had been so sure he would be chosen to be a Padawan. But he had always been to quick to anger. He couldn''t handle his emotions. So he left.


    Ahsoka remember being sad about it. She had asked one of her masters about it. She was led through a meditation exercise to clear her mind, and keep her focus. Try to find the balance between fear of loss, and acceptance of life. It was six months later that she received a holo-message of Tommin. He had reached Veruna. He was training to become a Jensaarai. Ahsoka had been shocked.


    Tommin had talked about the trials he had taken. They had stripped him of the Force. Hollowed him out. It had shocked Ahsoka! The Jensaarai could do that? But Tommin had said he understand true balance between the light and dark. They taught him the way. He was still learning, but the Force was coming back to him quicker then ever. He already obtained a light-saber. He chose orange, to remember her by. She had never blushed so hard in her life. Jedi weren''t meant to have romantic relationships. But Jensaarai could. For a brief moment, Ahsoka had considered leaving the order to go be with Tommin...


    Ahsoka''s eyes snapped open. She looked around and saw the darkened interior of her quarters. She pressed a hand to her chest and felt her heart beating fast. She took deep slow breaths. Balance, serenity, peace. Little by little her heart grew still. She reached over to her console and saw she still had two hours left. Maybe she could take a walk to clear her head? She pulled herself out of bed and went to the door. But froze at the sight of two clone troopers who snapped to attention.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Ahsoka asked in confusion.


    ¡°Apologizes commander, Tano. We''ve been ordered to ensure you get at least six hours of rest.¡± The trooper sounded off. Ahsoka''s eye twitched in irritation.


    ¡°Who ordered you to?¡± Ahsoka asked.


    ¡°Grand Admiral Lash, Commander Tano.¡± The trooper replied.


    ¡°...I...See....¡± Ahsoka replied. ¡°Carry on.¡± Ahsoka stepped back into her room and closed the door.


    Ahsoka clenched her jaw and tried to remember. Balance.... Serenity.... Peace. Then she looked up at the ventilation shaft. She pulled the chair out from the desk and used her Jedi training to balance on the backrest. She carefully pulled the cover off and set it down. Then jumped up and shimmied back and forth. Then she turned around to start heading towards...... There sitting in the ventilation shaft was a mouser droid who beeped at her. Her crew quarters door opened up below her.


    ¡°Ummm... Commander Tano. He also ordered us to place sensor sweeps in the ventilation shaft.¡± The clone trooper said, as Ahsoka could hear a soft beep coming from the troopers arm guard.


    ¡°So I see... Carry on trooper.¡± Ahsoka said, as she dropped down into her quarters. The trooper saluted then did an about face and left. She could tell he was struggling to hold in his laughter.


    Once the door closed. She walked towards her bed. Buried her head into her pillow and screamed! The nerve! Who does he think he is? Yes, of course he was right to. Because she tried to leave. Wait!? Barriss quarters are right next to hers. She can crawl through the vent that joins theirs together. Ahsoka jumped to her feet and raced to the refresher room. She pried the vent covering off and crawled towards freedom. She popped the cover off to Barriss''s refresher room. Then tip toed into her room. She looked around to see Barriss reading a data pad.


    ¡°There are guards outside my room too, and a mouser in the ventilation.¡± Barriss said. Ahsoka''s eye twitched. Who does Master Lash think he is!?


    Galen

 Chapter 139: Expectations

    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Edge of the Sol System***


    It had been approximately one week since Wraith stepped into the Red Rift. Almost exactly on time a military armada of Thanagarian ships arrived. They dropped out of FTL just on the gravitational edge of the solar system as means to evaluated the area of operation. Even after a week conflict was still a constant across the system. As pockets of Brainiac cyber-slaves, cyber-skull star fighters, and cyber-shards were discovered. As promised by the universe as a whole hundreds of civilizations showed up in the general area of the Sol System to provide aid against Brainiac.


    Due to the virus that was provided by the Justice Legion the hive-mind of Brainiac was broken. cyber-shards that traveled to the neighboring star systems had been dealt with quickly. While Brainiac Prime''s ship was last seen heading towards the galactic center. But with conflict comes the chance for easy coin. Pirates across the galactic systems had shown up. Security was on an all time low. The Thanagarian armada had destroyed over fifty pirate ships alone in their travels.


    The lead command vessel of the fleet was dead center of their formation and gave the order for the fleet to slowly move in. Shields, and weapons primed as they didn''t know what to expect. They had claimed to be coming with altruistic ends. But unfortunately Thanagarian hospitality was little more than myth to most. No, they had come here with an objective. That objective would have to wait. As the moment they passed the subjective border of the system they were pinged by the Watchtower Star Base communication network.


    ¡°Thanagarian ships, this is Vigil of Watchtower command. Please state your business in the Sol System?¡± A strong feminine voice called across the communication line.


    ¡°Hello Vigil, this is Ramiel. I was with the delegation when last we visited the Watchtower. I''ve brought reinforcements to fight Brainiac with.¡± An easy going voice responded. (Ch. 120)


    ¡°You have brought a military armada to fight a machine intelligence who is known for taking over machines?¡± Vigil''s asked across the communication line.


    ¡°Well as your allies we hoped you would share the computer virus the Justice Legion created?¡± Ramiel''s smooth voice requested across the line. Within a few minutes a data packet was sent and it was disseminated across the fleet.


    ¡°Wonderful, thank you! So may we enter the system and aid in the removal of Brainiac?¡± Ramiel asked.


    ¡°Request denied.¡± Vigil replied.


    ¡°I beg your pardon, Vigil. But we''ve come a long way to bring aid to the people of the Sol System. Why are you denying us access?¡± Ramiel asked.


    ¡°We can discuss the specifics aboard the Star Base. You may bring a delegation, and escort onboard. Leave the fleet at the solar edge.¡± Vigil replied.


    ¡°Very well!¡± Ramiel said, and closed the line.


    A battle cruiser, five destroyers, and ten corvettes were selected for the delegation. Ramiel of course was part of the delegation as they flew into the system. Leaving behind their armada. Within minutes of leaving their fleet a squadron of cyber-skulls appeared on their long range scanners and they attempted to sweep past the delegation line. But before they came into weapons range. Three blue wisps of light revealed themselves behind them. The cyber-skulls were running, not attacking.


    In a mad dash to safety the skulls changed course and headed straight towards the delegation escort. The Thanagarians unloaded into the squadron but a single skull made it past the firing line. As if their shields were not even there the skull moved pas them and latched onto a destroyers hull. Mechanical tentacles inserted into the destroyer and attempted to take the ship over. Only for the virus protection to activate. So the skull inserted over a dozen cyber-slaves into the ship.


    What awaited them was Thanagarian warriors with Nth metal armor, and weapons. They pushed into the cyber-slaves with great skill fitting of their warrior lineage. The rest of the delegation fleet moved into a protective pattern around the compromised destroyer. They even aimed their cannons as the Blue Lanterns who flew in to assist. Brainiac was well known for having some of the most advanced technology. Being able to bypass a destroyer shield like it was paper would be beneficial to the Thanagarian Empire.


    ¡°Delegation fleet disengage your weapons lock on the Blue Lanterns, now!¡± Vigil''s voice came over the line.


    ¡°Of course, Vigil! Of course. But please inform them that we have the incident well in hand. We won''t be needing their assistance at this time.¡± Ramiel replied.


    The delegation fleet disengaged the weapons lock on the Blue Lanterns but maintained their holding pattern around the cyber-skull. The Blue Lanterns didn''t have time to waste and returned to their patrol. While the delegation made haste towards the station. Along the way they were ''attacked'' by six squadrons of cyber-skulls. Wistfully they were destroyed before they could be gathered by the delegation. Then they saw what looked like a graveyard of technology.


    Mechanical tentacles miles long drifted through space. With portions of a large ship looked like they were slowly being devoured by some kind of metal eating bacteria. This must have been the battle field where Brainiac Prime''s ship was intercepted and defeated. Hundreds of metal shards floated in decimated ruins in space. Among them were two Justice Legion corvettes, Blue, and Green Lanterns, along with a few Yellow Lanterns. They appeared to be processing the metal. Cutting it into pieces and feeding it into the Star Base that the delegation could now see.


    The delegation fleet''s onboard computers announced that they had over one hundred weapon locks from the Star Base. One by one each ship was scanned, and a tug-boat drone came out and pulled them into the docking ring. With the docking ring around the entire station. Each ship could at the very least link directly to the Watchtower. While any ship small enough to land directly in the Star Base.


    Ramiel and his delegation stepped off from a designated shuttle to find Hawkman, and Hawkwoman waiting for them. Ramiel as always had a genuine, warm smile on his face as he held open his arms for his old friends. They did not return the gesture as both Karter, and Shayera looked ruined. Covered in blood, mud, and their armor had sustained damage. Under different circumstances this would have been insulting to the delegation. But the Thanagarian''s were use to war, and understood the situation.


    ¡°My friends! It is good to see you. Thanagar has come to help.¡± Ramiel said to them.


    ¡°You can help by leaving, Ramiel. We have the situation well in hand and we don''t need the politics of Thanagar getting in the way of the mission.¡± Karter replied to him.


    ¡°Our mission is your mission.¡± Ramiel said to him as his smiled wilted just a bit.


    ¡°Our mission is to ensure peaceful relations between the Sol System, and Thanagar. We are doing that. When the Empire sends a military fleet to impose it''s laws on the Sol System-¡± Shayera began to say.


    ¡°We are doing no such thing!¡± Ramiel sounded outraged, though his face didn''t show it.


    ¡°Perhaps we can move this discussion to the emissary quarters?¡± One of the Thanagarian diplomats suggested.


    Before Ramiel could say another word over a dozen security droids materialized out of thin air armed to the teeth. The Thanagarian delegation tensed, but a security officer proceeded to escort them to the emissary quarters in the trading section. The trading section of the Watchtower was busier than ever. Martian star fighters were docked and receiving repair. Along with merchant vessels, galactic sheriff fighters, and private war vessels. All under the banner of truce. Brainiac was considered a galactic threat, and anyone willing to help would obey the truce.


    The Thanagarian delegation was shown to some of the best rooms. Right next to the Tamaranean chambers. Ramiel noticed the orange skinned warriors standing outside of their chambers in confusion. Why was their a delegation from Tamara on the station? Almost as if the universe saught to answer him. The doors opened up and a Tamaranean female wearing Justice League uniform flew out with a look of fury on her face. She had fiery red hair, and green energy danced across her armor. While soon after came another Tamaranean female who had black hair who attempted to chase the other one down.


    ¡°The royal family...¡± Ramiel said more to himself then any other. He filed that away, something to figure out later.


    With the Thanagarian delegation safely tucked away. The Hawks went off to do other things. The delegation was politely told they would have to wait to be seen by anyone. Ramiel was more than happy to wait. As he informed his people to go about the trading section and look around but obey the rules. While he jumped on the communication line to speak to his superiors through a secure network. The acquisition of the cyber-skull fighter was a wonderful addition to their efforts. But the overall dismissal of their ''aid'' did not go over well.


    Though they had originally made the deal with Wraith. Vigil, along with several others aboard the station were within their rights to tell them no, to head home. Yes, they would jump around and drag it out as long as they could. Proving to be more of a nuisance than actual aid. But obtaining the anti-virus, and the cyber-skull star fighter already proved this trip to be worth it. Now, Ramiel had another bargaining chip. Turned out the former princess Koriand''r had sought sanctuary on Gaia. There was still an open bounty for her by The Citadel. This wasn''t necessarily news.


    What was news, was the fact that the royal family of Tamara was now aware of her location. They were obligated to inform The Citadel of Princess Koriand''r''s location. In order to maintain the peace agreement between their two nations. Otherwise, The Citadel would once again continue the destruction and enslavement of the Tamara people. From the reports Ramiel had access to. Princess Koriand''r was important to Wraith.


    ¡°Now, how to use this information for the good of the Empire.¡± Ramiel said once more to himself more than anyone else...


    ===============================================================


    ***Rift. Ryloth.***


    The Kom''rk star fighter/transport flew as silent as the night towards the capital of Lessu. Lash was sitting in the main troop area. While a small team of clone commandos went over a the mission brief by his side. Mil''Gix, and her brother Vi''Lon were piloting the fighter. The color in the troop transport area went from standard lighting to a violet color. Battle mode lighting. After a few minutes it switched back to normal. More than likely they had been scanned by a SAM or a turbo laser. But the armor plating on the transport let them slip by.


    Out of curiosity Lash pulled up his Dream Engine ability list. Thanks to his tear drop power stone he should be accumulating experience passively. But when he reached his list he found a (???) tied to every name. So the developers were still experimenting with experience gain, and ability evolution. Odd though that he still gained experience. There just wasn''t a level cap anymore. Maybe when the configuration was complete he''d suddenly obtain several levels, and evolution in abilities.


    ¡°Drop point one on approach.¡± Vi''Lon''s voice came over the communication line.


    ¡°Copy.¡± Lash said, as he stood up and walked over emergency hatch. The entire ship tilted to one side then eventually leveled off. The hatch opened up...


    ¡°Good luck!¡± Vi''Lon''s voice carried over as Lash jumped out of the hatch and dropped several hundred feet.


    With the use of Earth Swim he slipped into the ground like it was water. The kom''rk ship flew away with great haste. Within a minute a two vulture droids flew past the point, along with several STAPs. The vulture droids chased after the ship. While the STAPs scanned the drop zone. Finding nothing the moved on. Like a crocodile coming up from the waters depths. Lash appeared out of the ground and pulled himself out.


    He cast Nature''s Passage, Chameleon, and then activated Superhuman Speed. He took off like a race car across the uneven terrain and sprinted towards his destination. He received a confirmation from the ship that they got away, and that the clones reached drop point two. They were going to work as a spotter unit for the land attack once Lash, and Luminara had obtained Tambor. Hopefully, everything would go according to plan. Though he felt like a red flag was raised for even thinking it.


    An hour later and a lot of miles covered he arrived at the camping ground turned into an outpost. Lash found a decent detachment for the post on standby. Ground forces, and air forces, along with aerial cannons to fend off ships in sub-orbit. One of many scattered throughout the area. On patrol were B1 battle droids, accompanied by B2. The problem was these droids were updated.


    One of the B2 would carry a communication relay pack. This would increase the efficiency of all the droids in its area of operation. The droids would follow a set of algorithms. If this happened, do this. If this didn''t happen, do this. The relay packs would boost the productivity. So better response times. It also meant they didn''t have to use auditory communication to communicate. It also meant that if a single droid went down on the relay then the central processing core would notify the whole area. Just like on Christophis when they ''fought'' General Ripper.


    Which meant that if Lash didn''t want Lessu to know he was here. He couldn''t kill any of the droids. If his tech-spirits weren''t busy providing information on the battle network he could hack into them. That was something he should really evolve in the future. He made a mental note on his store page for Virtual Intelligence. He wanted to buy them now, but oddly the system decided he was in combat and wouldn''t allow the purchase to go through.


    ¡°Maybe I can find a cardboard box and sneak in?¡± Lash said with a snicker.


    Despite the upgrades they still didn''t react to him when he re applied his nature spells and simply walked past them. Though he did come across several hidden pressure plates. They weren''t bombs, they simply reacted to anything moving on them. A silent alarm for anyone invisible. He vaguely remembered Lord Enfarious making that a standard on CIS bases. Damn the fool for being so smart! Thanks to Technomancy, and the Nature Domain they were easily discovered. Lord Enfarious will have to rethink that strategy. Maybe natural materials?


    Lash reached the highest point in the campground / outpost. There waiting at the top of a cliff edge was the silent shadow of Luminara Unduli. Even with the increased security she had gotten through without the droids noticing her. Master Unduli stood at approximately 5''5¡± with a strong athletic hourglass figure. She wore a black body glove outfit with a utility belt, and modular components. Specifically spots to hook the wing suit to. The suit that was next to her.


    ¡°Been waiting long?¡± Lash soft whisper came from the wind. Master Unduli''s tranquil expression left her face, and a smile tugged on her lips.


    ¡°Only a few minutes. You have better manners than most men I know.¡± Master Unduli said with a bit of a teasing tone. Lash paused mid stride towards her.


    ¡°Well if I''m being honest. I am a bit nervous.¡± Lash said as he came to her side. Her dark blue eyes turned towards him in slight surprise.


    ¡°For something like this? I thought it would be just another day to you?¡± Master Unduli said.


    ¡°What? Oh no, this is easy. Spending time with a beautiful woman of your caliber is always a challenge for the ages.¡± Lash said with a similar teasing tone she gave him. Despite the dark night Lash could see just a bit of a blush crawl up her face.


    ¡°Well then I''ll excuse your tardiness.¡± Unduli said as she turned away and rubbed her cheeks a little. She bent down to retrieve her wing suit and started to put it on.


    Lash watched Unduli put the suit on and offered to help. But she politely declined. He did notice she seem to exaggerate the movements just a little. He had to admit he was a little surprised. But from his own Deductive Reasoning he knew Unduli was just teasing him. There was no real under current of feelings. So Lash decided two could play the same game. He started to do some stretching, to show of his flexibility for her.


    ¡°Master Lash I noticed you don''t have a suit ready?¡± Unduli asked, after she stopped to watch him bend himself into a pretzel of some kind.


    ¡°Ah, right you are.¡± Lash replied, then stood up and made it look like he pressed a sequence key on his gauntlet.


    Several armor plates on his back shifted up, and to the side. Two additional limbs came out of his back and slowly grew up and out. Bone gave way to sinew, flesh, and scales. Then skin webbing between the elongated fingers grew. Soon even that was covered in a partial form of scale. Until he had an impressive wing span for his size. He turned to look at Unduli who had her eyes wide.


    ¡°Despite there size they are not large enough for complete flight. Normally this is modified by my suit. But with the sensor net up I won''t be able to use it. So gliding in. Due to the design of your own wing suit you''ll be faster then myself. So please take these before we jump.¡± Lash said as he folded his wings back and handed a pair of gloves to Unduli.


    ¡°And these do what?¡± Unduli asked, as she slipped them on.


    ¡°It has a long complicated list of abilities. But it simply allows you to attach yourself to near frictionless surfaces. Like the primary support pillar of Lessu.¡± Lash said as he started to ''power down'' his suit.


    Once the gloves were on they adhered to her body glove, looping and belting on so he could literally hang with them on. Lash went through a finger to palm motion on how to activate, and deactivate the item in question. The item in question had been enchanted with Invoke Animal Spirit ¨C Spider. So it had a natural intuitive reaction. Lash didn''t have the material to make boots. The midi-chlorians kept eating his magical metals as they were enchanted.


    ¡°You set?¡± Lash asked Unduli who smiled at him and simply jumped off the cliff edge. Her wing suit deployed and a artificially wing span much akin to a bat or maybe a bird flowed out of her suit, niffty.


    Lash jumped off the ledge himself and unfurled his wings. He used Telekinesis to help propel his body forward, and used his wings as a form of directional control. So he at least looked like he was using them. In all honesty he could have just flown in. But he was trying to keep the full scope of his powers hidden. Though the Manifestation army he created during the Lylek hive probably didn''t help. Or his horde mode. But he still had plenty in his deck to use. He hadn''t even pulled Saurian out yet.


    Erik the gamer had never gone skydiving, base jumping, or wing-suiting in his life. Like most super geeks the ability to fly was on his wish list. But oddly when given the chance he preferred to be on the ground and save flying for emergencies while in the Dream Engine. Despite all that, he thoroughly enjoyed sailing through the air. Chasing after the tail of one Luminara Unduli. Her wing-suit clearly designed after an animal with a rigid skeleton structure allowed her far more control then a mundane Earth suit. Which made sense, once he thought about it.


    Lash, and Unduli''s suits gave off no infrared, or electromagnetic energy signatures. So as they flew past several aerial drones, and a sensor net. They looked like common nocturnal fauna. They flew the open canyon in silence. Lash kept his wings in near perfect stillness, locking the joints and just coasting. Unduli was a few hundred feet ahead. The city of Lessu sat on top of a designed, and sculpted plateau. Towering skyscrapers made the city look like a sword point, or an arrow head with serrated edges. A perimeter wall was in place to keep the wind out. While a kinetic, energy, and inertia shield was in place.


    Anything that traveled to quickly was caught in the shield. Anything above a certain mass, or energy level was caught in the shield. This was the primary reason why they didn''t deploy in sub-orbit and just glide in. Though not that he thought about it. They could have just gotten a ship and he could have jumped out of it orbit. Though reentry would have killed most people, he would have been fine. Eh, thoughts for later. He could look into a hell-jumper shock deployment pod. If the Star Wars Universe didn''t have it. He was sure he could find a design for it on the Dream Store.


    They were approaching the city and sure enough they didn''t have enough height to reach the city proper. They dropped below the line and Unduli pulled her legs down, and pulled her arms back. The movement activated a mechanism like shifting gears in a vehicle. Additional wings spread out to catch the wing and she landed across the primary support pillar with barely a whisper. The wing-suit collapsed in on itself. Then with a click the entire contraption slipped off of her and fell below. Though she did have a parachute pack in case she had to bail mid climb. She would need to activate a battery pack to furl the suit.


    Lash landed by her side and activated Gravity Stride. The sight of Lash standing on the wall and looking at her at near horizontal made her eyes go wide. Lash shrugged, and pulled his wings in. Though with ''no power'' the holes in his back armor remained open. Lash pulled out a safety line, and clipped it to her belt. Then started to walk up the surface of the pillar. Unduli was slow, and careful. Since the entire trip was upper body strength on her part. A half a mile later Lash reached to the cities edge and climbed over. He glanced around to find himself in what appeared to be a shanty town.


    Ensuring no one had seen him. He pulled on the safety line and soon had Unduli with him. He recast his Nature''s Passage, and Chameleon on them both. Since he cast it together they retained sight of each other. Though it was more like a ghost like outline. With a few hand signals they moved into the shanty town. With some easy inspection it was the natives to the city. Forced out of their home to sleep on the cliffs edge. Living shields against the republics forces. They knew this coming in. But still seeing it was unsettling.


    The cliffs edge was a few hundred feet all around the city. The tents were jam packed against one another. While a very crew wooden fence was placed around certain areas with what appeared to be children. Fierce winds could fly by in random intervals and if one was not careful they could be pushed off the ledge. If a storm came by none of these people would live through it. A majority of the citizens were Twi''leks. But there was a splattering of different species here and there.


    Then they reached their first problem. Or more like a moral dilemma. Hundreds of Lessu citizens had been placed on x-crosses along the path into the city next to the plasma bridge. When the bridge was down the crosses were dragged into place. When the bridge was up, the crosses would line the path into the city. Every citizen was alive, and suffering. They were bound by pain inducing restraints and several of them were weeping or screaming. Like someone with the controls had it on random. The few dead bodies around the crosses showed the the droids had orders to shoot anyone that helped those on the crosses. This was a perfect trap for a Jedi. They would be compelled to help and Lash had to physically restrain Unduli.


    ¡°We can''t help them right now.¡± Lash all but hissed into her ear as he held her back and pulled her into an empty tent.


    ¡°We have to! Can''t you feel their suffering?¡± Unduli screeched at him, and he could. Even with his muted Force sensitivity he could feel it. Which was the point.


    ¡°We can help them by capturing Tambor. In a few hours Lessu will be ours and we can save everyone. Please Unduli if we go out there right now, Tambor will escape and people will die. Each restraint is tied to an explosive.¡± Lash said to her and Unduli ceased her struggling at that information.


    ¡°Can''t you use your programs to hack the system?¡± Unduli asked him, pleading.


    ¡°There all busy. Ryloth is still an active war zone. They are providing data for the entire siege. I only have one in the city right now.¡± Lash partially lied to her. All of his tech-spirits were doing other things. He had a map to the city due to his ability Map.


    Lash slowly let her go and she took a moment to slow her breathing. She used her Jedi training to calm her mind and create the detachment mindset that so many Jedi''s used. Compartmentalizing her emotions, and objective at hand. Her beating heart slowed and her eyes returned to focus. The Force danced around and helped her as much as she helped it. It was interesting to see both sides of the meditation tool Jedi used.


    ¡°Right, let''s go.¡± Unduli said with a detached voice.


    They both left the tent and made their way towards the gate which was wide open. Lash suspected a trap and spent ten whole minutes running through all of his Perceptions, tools, and abilities. Nope, they were just open. They were under guard of course. But no traps, no sensors, no additional troops. Which made getting into the gate house ridiculously simple. Once inside they placed a primary, and secondary remote access computer spike. With a signal from them the plasma bridge would activate. First objective down.


    Secondary objective was getting to the shuttle pad in the city. Once more Lash suspected a trap and they spent almost an hour carefully inching their way around. Only to find absolutely nothing? Even Unduli was starting to grow confused. Aside the impressive number of droids. The place was empty. They found several solar sailor shuttles filled with treasure, and a droid pilot programmed to leave at the slightest hint of danger. The two of them spiked the shuttles hoping to get a set of navigational coordinates. Secondary objective down.


    Lash had wanted to set explosives on all of the fighters, and bombers. But once again the advantage of droids struck again. Each of the fighters were on standby. Though Lash could walk right up to them without being seen. A random piece of tech attached to their hull would have set off alarms. The tertiary objective was to find, and secure Tambor. By this time the sun had started to rise. They only had a few minutes before the attack was suppose to start. Tambor was in the main dinning hall getting breakfast and looking over the morning briefings. A standard tactical droid was by his side giving him a full review. While two cloaked figures sat at the table with him, eating a light breakfast. Dark side energy emanated off of them.


    ¡°Dark Acolytes.¡± Unduli said softly.


    Lash, and Unduli were both perched on the outside second story window looking into the room. Thanks to the spell craft they were nigh invisible. Still Lash knew that the midi-chlorians were eating away at the magical energy. Which attracted attention. More than once he had to pull back as the Acolytes looked towards their window on more than one occasion. On the third glance Lash knew they had been made, or at the very least the Acolytes knew something was wrong.


    An ear piercing cry shatter the transparisteel windows. As a Force-Scream came from one of the Acolytes. An alarm went off across the city, and the Acolytes jumped up towards the second story windows. Drawing their red light sabers. Clad in black, and gray robes. With partial armor protecting their vitals and little else. They had not been tempered by Enfarious. Because he would have skinned them alive for not wearing armor. Unduli jumped through the window green light saber in hand and took one of the Acolytes.


    Lash right behind her created his red dagger Psionic Blades. He went straight for the kill towards his target who back pedaled at the last second. A mute scream of panic at the sight of him. Lash turned his ''power'' armor back on. A shoulder mounted cannon came out and shot a blue E-laser at the retreating Tambor. Who dropped without a word. The tactical droid pulled out a blaster rifle and shot at them. While several B2 droids moved Tambor''s limp body and dragged him away. The tactical droid covering their retreat.


    ¡°Master Lash, stop!¡± The Dark Acolyte screamed at him as he swung his blade. He paused for a brief moment as the other Acolyte continued their fight with Unduli.


    Lash''s foe pulled their hood back, and took off a mask. It was a young man with green skin, and golden reptilian eyes. His head was shaved save for several tattoos. Lash didn''t recognize the species of the boy but that wasn''t surprising. Lost of different races in the galaxy as a whole. What did surprise him was that this was a first stage Jensaarai. He had records on him.


    ¡°Rikri, why are you?¡± Lash said as he kept his daggers on hand, and started to circle his target. Rikri the stage one Jensaarai kept his eyes on Lash, but never left his back exposed to Unduli. Good man.


    ¡°They have my family!¡± Rikri shouted at him, and thanks to Loki''s blessing Lash knew the kid wasn''t lying.


    ¡°Why didn''t you contact us? You are not the first Jensaarai to come under attack by the CIS. We could have retrieved your family.¡± Lash said, and took a moment to Telekinesis throw a breakfast plate at the other Acolyte at the speed of sound. Which resulted in the target loosing his head.


    ¡°Master Lash, I''ll get Tambor!¡± Unduli shouted and chased after them. Rikri glanced at her, but kept his body towards Lash.


    ¡°They said if I did they would kill them. They showed me communication logs. I... There are spies in the Order.¡± Rikri said as he hesitantly deactivated his red light saber.


    ¡°Yes, I am aware of their existence.¡± Lash said as he pulled his red daggers away. His statement was clearly a shock to the boy.


    ¡°You... I... Then I could have...?¡± Rikri dropped to his knees and started to cry. ¡°They sent my mothers fingers to me.¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry...¡± Lash said as he walked over to the boy, he knelt down and pulled him into a hug... Then snapped the boys neck.


    ¡°If you had asked for help I would have moved worlds for you. But this... We all have a part to play.¡± Lash said, as he recorded the boys information he''d send word to the Order on Venura to look for the kids family. He''d do the same as Enfarious. But more than likely the boy''s family was already dead.


    Lash retrieved the red light saber and pulled the kyber crystal out. This was one of Enfarious crystals. He pocketed that one. Retrieved the other Acolytes crystal, the same. Then chased after Unduli, though he made sure to clean any video footage of him from any camera in the room. Again there was absolutely nothing. This places security was sloppy.


    An alert went through his communication line. Obi-Wan had arrived with the ground forces, and the plasma bridge was activated. Lash sent a quick data-packet about the x-crossed prisoners and their set to explode restraints. Horrifically the droids on the walls started firing into the shanty town. Bombers in the main hanger flew out in every direction. Orders from the tactical droid to destroy every citizen controlled village. Blissfully Anakin, and Ahsoka were on site with star fighters, and a wing of clones to take them down.


    Lash found Unduli at the primary shuttle pad with a look of defeat on her face. Tambor was dead on the ground with a blaster wound in the back of his head. Lash ran up and looked at her. She pointed at the tactical droid. Ah, the droid must have had orders to kill Tambor instead of being capture. Well, no matter! Lash used Corpse Repair, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, Nature''s Kiss, and Kiss of the Grave. One by one Tambor''s injuries faded away. The hole in his head repaired, then with a stuttering breath he returned to life. Yes, he may have acquired a 5k (Just barely) midi-chlorian count. But he was alive!


    ¡°What happened to your student?¡± Unduli asked, as Lash restrained Tambor.


    ¡°He''s dead...¡± Lash said simply, but put a detached cold tone into his voice.


    ¡°I''m sorry. Losing someone you taught to the other side can be hard.¡± Unduli said, as she came up to him and placed her hand on his arm.


    ¡°I taught them better than that. I knew that several Jensaarai joined the CIS. But to be a dark acolyte? That isn''t what we teach. We are to find balance, not...¡± Lash said with a tone of indignation. He received several points of experience in Acting. What little good it would do till the developers were done.


    ¡°What of his family?¡± Unduli asked.


    ¡°We''ll look for them. They more than likely dead. That may have been why he joined the CIS. But that isn''t why he stayed.¡± Lash said, as he pulled Tambor to his feet and got him moving.


    Despite the distressing moment they were still in a battlefield. More than once a rogue droid came around the corner and attempted to shoot Tambor. Lash used his Deflection field to keep the man safe. While Unduli, and Lash moved him towards a secure location away from stray blaster fire. Within a few hours clone troopers rushed towards their location along with padawan Barriss Offee. She arrived with a smile that soon wilted at the tense mood in the room. Unduli gave her a slight smile and a bow. While the clones secured Tambor.


    Lash excused himself, he went to retrieve the body of his dead student. He said as much out loud, and across the communication line. A few surprise questions were sent his way, especially from the Jensaarai defenders. As soon as they had reconnected with the galactic wide network Lash would send a role call through the Jensaarai students. Get a list of people who were under duress. If they chose to join the CIS, more power to them. If they were forced? Well, we all had our parts to play.


    Some bit of good news. The solar sailors that they had tagged had escaped the fight and flew off towards their destination. Every stop they made a single tight beam of data went back to Militia HQ, and there for went to Republic command. A little over thirty two standard hours Master Windu''s fleet showed up to find Ryloth more or less liberated. Small pockets of droids remained. But they didn''t have any reinforcements, and no central command.


    Lash had thrown himself into his work and went to secure Ryloth for its reformation. Militia soldiers, technicians, and relief workers moved into the scattering villages, and towns. While Kala''uun the spaceport was renovated to stellar class. Turned out there were different grading to spaceports. Which made sense of course.


    Landing Field: Often nothing more than a leveled area of dirt or duracrete, this kind of spaceport had little to no services or flight control, often not even a beacon. What was available was often affordable by the average spacer, but lacked in quality. (Wookieepedia!)


    Limited Services: Included a control tower with landing beacon, small sheds with docking, storage and maintenance areas for only the most primitive repairs. Often nearby areas were used as landing fields if the spaceport was full. Supplies and goods had to be purchased from outside the port. (Wookieepedia!)


    Standard Class: These spaceports had fully staffed and equipped flight-control centers and on-site restocking services. The spaceport often had a small shipyard and was capable of minor repairs and modifications. Costs for these services could go up to double the normal price and took twice as long to finish. Quality ranged from mediocre to very good. (Wookieepedia!) This was what Kala''uun was currently at.


    Stellar Class: Spaceports had landing and docking for nearly any kind of vessel. Shipyards and repair facilities surround the port and were capable of any repair job or modification, assuming that the customer was willing to pay. The quality of service was very good and affordable. Stellar Class spaceports often had a Customs office on site and a large Navy presence in the system. (Wookieepedia!) Unfortunately, Ryloth would not have that for a long while. But this was the level that Lash wanted to bring it to.


    Republic: Spaceport were the most luxurious and modern spaceports in the galaxy. A wide array of docking facilities and the most lavish and advanced amenities and services were available for spacers. The system''s companies and merchants had offices directly at the spaceport. A captain often didn''t even need to leave the port to conduct all of his or her business.


    Customs offices were often staffed by highly competent officers, and the government kept a high presence at these ports. Troublemakers, such as smugglers, could expect thorough searches and checks and to feel the full extent of the law. (Wookieepedia!)


    Lash''s first objective along with any Jensaarai Defender capable of Elemental Manipulation ¨C Earth was to create a shield wall around Kala''uun. By his side were Ahsoka, Barriss, and surprisingly Luminara Unduli, or just Luminara. As she had insisted after their mission at Lessu. More than likely it would be many months or even years before he would see either of them again. As the Republic Army, and Navy was expected to leave in a few days.


    The natives of Ryloth were...Surprised to say the least when a the city of Kala''uun received a new wall over the course of several days. Thanks to Ability Trainer, Lash received a lot of experience and many of his defenders, and present Jedi learned to manipulate Earth. However, unlike a duraconcrete wall. This wall could be dug through. So they would have to place seismic sensors in case any native predators decided to burrow through.


    Presently Lash was on top of the wall as he used Material Shaping to carve a section out. By his side was Luminara as she watched him work. Since the mission at Lessu she would go out of her way to spend time with him. Though Lash believed she was worried about him. Some part of him had wondered why he had killed the boy. While his his partner, Saurian argued it was a practical solution to the problem. The big lizard had been oddly silent for most of the Rift. It had been good to hear from him.


    ¡°So a building made from Force energy attracts the Force. While the inscriptions you gave me can be inscribed with the Force. To create a medium?¡± Luminara asked, as she looked through an old leather bound book that Lash had given her.


    ¡°Correct, there is dark side, light side, and neutral in the manual. I would highly encourage you to read the whole manual before you try any of the inscriptions. Only using light side on a building can lead to an messy imbalance to the energy currents in the area.¡± Lash said, as he carved another rampart section to the wall.


    ¡°Example?¡± Luminara asked, as she kept pace with him on the wall. A fierce wind whipped by and pulled on them both before they planted their feet. Luminara raised a hand and created a simple shield until the wind died down.


    ¡°When you saturate yourself with a single aspect it increases your absorption rate. This may seem like a great idea in the short term. The longer term issue is that you become numb to any kind of energy. Now, one could argue that the Light, and the Dark sense each other just fine. But what about the gray?¡± Lash pointed out, then continued to speak before she could respond.


    ¡°Did you know that on Coruscant alone there are over a dozen Sith temples?¡± Lash asked, and this time waited for her reply. This brought Luminara up short.


    ¡°Master Lash I believe the Jedi would ha-¡± Luminara began but stopped when she remembered what they just discussed. ¡°But we sense the dark just as much as they do us?¡± Luminara questioned.


    ¡°Yes, but Coruscant is covered in gray energy. Light, and dark mingled together. The Sith and Dark Side Force users, use this to their advantage. The Jedi are so use to the Sith waving a sign around that they are here to fight. So that is what they expect.¡± Lash replied, and continued to carve the wall.


    ¡°So by the simple fact that the temple is infused with the light. We have become blind to what is around us?¡± Luminara questioned.


    ¡°Yes, which is why the Sith can hide in plain sight. It also helps that the Jedi rarely travel to the lower levels of Coruscant. That planet is so corrupt. Even leaving the senate out of the equation. There are so many crime lords who live, and thrive on that planet its disgusting. Did you know Coruscant has a thriving slave market?¡± Lash pointed out another sensitive subject for the Jedi.


    ¡°No, I didn''t.¡± Luminara conceded.


    ¡°This is why Jedi who spend there time on the outer rim are far better at hunting Dark Side Users, then Jedi who spend so much time on the inner, and mid rim. They are exposed to all the currents of energy. Many Force Users could argue that the Force doesn''t have a light, or a dark. It just is a law of the universe. Like gravity!¡± Lash said, as he smiled at the dancing midi-chlorians above him.


    ¡°Then how do you explain the different aspects of the Force?¡± Luminara asked, a slight smile on her face. There was a spark of curiosity now in her eyes. Like a student absorbing knowledge. It had been many years since Luminara had last been taught.


    ¡°A reflection. The Force reflects the User. The Jedi seek knowledge, they seek peace, to be of service. So the Force a universal truth, and in many ways a sentient energy provides. While the Sith seek power, control, and greed. The Force provides. That is also the fundamental flaw of wielding the Force. Technically both sides of the spectrum are in fact the truth. Of course this is all up to theory, and debate. Simply because you ask a Jedi. Do you follow the will of the Force?¡± Lash asked, and pointed at Luminara who responded.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Luminara replied with a smile.


    ¡°So do the Sith.¡± Lash said, and Luminara stopped in confusion.


    ¡°No, Master Lash. The Sith work to bend, and control the Force.¡± Luminara said.


    ¡°Aha, remember what we just discussed. The Force reflects the individual User. The Force it self is alive. When Sith barely begin their training, or even Dark Side Users. They have no real control over the Force. If the Force was truly alive. Then couldn''t it just cut it self off from the newly initiated?¡± Lash asked and Luminara stopped again in thought.


    ¡°The Sith masters help their apprentices.¡± Luminara pointed out.


    ¡°Right, one could argue that point. But what about those that don''t have masters. You don''t need a teacher to learn the Force. It definitely helps! But what about people were are self taught. Why doesn''t the Force squash those that seek to manipulate it? Unless, it doesn''t want to? Unless the dark, and the light are part of the same current. Just different reflections of the individual User?¡± Lash asked, as he finished his section of the wall and looked up to see a torrent of midi-chlorians in the air. They were stepping into theory, and philosophy right now. However, this was all things that the Jensaarai would discuss.


    ¡°But if they are reflections of the User, shouldn''t each wielder of the Force be different?¡± Luminara asked, as she chewed on her lip a bit.


    ¡°Not necessarily, students are molded by their masters. If their masters say something. Then the student has no reason to doubt them. This way the reflection changes from the perception of the User. But this is also why students of the Force have natural talents. Because the Force reflects what they know about themselves.¡± Lash replied, and moved on but soon turned around to see that Luminara wasn''t following him anymore.


    ¡°Luminara, remember this is all just theory. It has prominence of course. How many times have you heard, or come across a primitive planet with a tribal society that has shamans? Spirit callers? These are people who have learned to wield the Force. But oddly enough they are light or dark. Such a balance doesn''t even come up for them. Because one could argue that the fight between the light and the dark are all just a reflection of the User.¡± Lash said, then came to Luminara and cast Calm Emotions. The poor Jedi was frozen stiff with indecision. She blinked as the spell took effect.


    ¡°We are just talking Luminara. I''m not trying to covert you.¡± Lash said with a chuckle.


    ¡°I know that. I... Just never thought of it that way.¡± Luminara said in a cool voice.


    ¡°Master Lash! Master Luminara!¡± Ahsoka Tano called out. The two of them turned to see Ahsoka, and Barriss running up to them.


    ¡°Padawans did you finish your patrol of the city?¡± Luminara asked, as the two young girls came running up.


    ¡°Yes, Master Luminara. The people are uneasy. They fear they traded one military occupation for another.¡± Ahsoka replied with a grimace.


    ¡°Right, cause between all the medical aid, food, and building supplies. We are secretly killing people?¡± Lash growled out in irritation.


    ¡°Many of the people we spoke to wish for us to leave as soon as possible. It''s not out world they said.¡± Barriss supplied another response.


    ¡°It''s technically a Republic world. But one could argue that the Republic hasn''t been there in the past. Thousands of years of miss treatment won''t be erased in a few days of well wishes.¡± Lash said with a dismissal tone.


    ¡°Either way we''ll be on our way soon enough. Though I worry for you Master Lash. Or maybe I should worry about the fool who tries to stop you from helping?¡± Luminara asked Lash with a smile on her face.


    ¡°I''ve done this before. The locals will begrudge change. They may even fight us. But many will come to enjoy the benefits of the change. We''ll of course reinforce the cultural knowledge of the people. That is one of the greatest issues when one tries to uplift a society. They forget who they were, and accept outside influence. I''ve fallen for that before and refuse to do so again.¡± Lash said, and had stumbled through a memory from one of his past lives. His voice had grown distant and the Jedi had looked at each other in question.


    ¡°Forgive me, I went off topic. I believe there is a evening feast from Senator Syndulla tonight? I trust you''ll all be attending?¡± Lash asked, thankfully Syndulla knew to say thank you. Though that pool had already grown putrid just a bit.


    ¡°We are! I mean, we are right?¡± Ahsoka asked Luminara, and Barriss.


    ¡°Yes, we will be. As will Master Skywalker, Kenobi, and Windu.¡± Luminara said with a teasing smile at Ahsoka.


    ¡°So, what are you two wearing?¡± Lash asked the young padawans who looked like deer caught in the headlights.


    ¡°Wh...what?¡± Ahsoka asked? Lash began to rub his hands together gleefully.


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


    The grand festival / celebration was held at the capital of Lessu. Though every city, town, and village across the planet held a feast of some sort. The Republic splurged and provided the food. While the natives provided the entertainment. It actually lasted three days, this way the Army, Navy, and Militia could take proper rotations to attend. Lash had made some well designed, and provocative sheer belly dancing outfits for the padawans, and any one else who asked.


    Then Lash imprinted a skill Dance ¨C Belly Dancing. In an assortment of Twi''leks, and nervous padawans. Much to the surprise of many Lash pulled off his suit of armor and put on a pair of pants adorned with bells on his hips, ankles, and wrists. He joined the group on stage and danced the night away. It was surprisingly a big hit. Though Lash assumed he got more attention simply because he took his armor off. Most of his fellow companions had never seen him without his armor on. Though of course Mil''Gix told the story of how she first met Lash.


    On the third, and final night Lash was horrified to find out that a holographic recording had been made of his dance routine with Ahsoka, Barriss, Luminara, and Obi-Wan who was surprisingly good dancer. Was now on the galactic wide net. Though he should have suspected it. Lash took it with poise and grace by drowning his sorrows in a tub of alcohol and vowed to never take his armor off again. But it only got worse.


    The next day bright and early in the morning he discovered above the city of Lessu, and Kala''uun was a giant holographic display the dance routine on repeat. It had over one billion views, and counting. Lash could almost hear his Cosmic Patron cackling at him. Or maybe it was Dawn? Or perhaps the people of Ryloth? Though he definitely received a lot more positive attention from the Twi''lek females he walked by.


    Ahsoka, and Barriss had refused to look at him after the video had gone up. The dance had been a silly little thing that they had thoroughly enjoyed but were now severally embarrassed. Anakin took every moment to give them a playful jab to the point that Ahsoka nearly attacked him with a light saber. Luminara had actually asked for a holovid for more intensive training in the dancing art. She found the exercise enjoyable. Lash provided it of course and offered to teach her next time they saw one another.


    ¡°I''m sorry for the part I played in this debacle. It was meant to create a lively atmosphere, and perhaps a bond with the people of Ryloth.¡± Lash said to both padawans as they stood on the landing pad towards the Accalamator Class starship.


    ¡°We know Master Lash... It''s just... I.. didn''t even know I could get a fan club.¡± Ahsoka said, as she continued to blush and refused to look at him.


    ¡°Master Luminara has decided to put dancing into my daily training. I rather enjoy the flexibility it provides. Though I will admit to never wishing to dance in public ever again.¡± Barriss confessed as wrung her hands a bit.


    ¡°That is a great idea! We should-¡± Anakin said from his spot on the landing pad but was interrupted.


    ¡°Shut it sky-guy!¡± Ahsoka shouted at him, turned on her heel and stomped off.


    ¡°I''m not sure what the big deal is? It was an enjoyable time. After all I''ve done far worse, and even more embarrassing things in my path as a Jedi.¡± Obi-Wan said with a suave smile on his face. He shook Lash''s hand and strode off towards the ship.


    ¡°Your better man than I am, Obi-Wan!¡± Anakin said with a smile, then turned to shake Lash''s hand. ¡°Could you teach Padme that dance?¡± Anakin whispered softly.


    ¡°Yes, next time I''m in I''ll drop by.¡± Lash said with a chuckle. Anakin smirked and a gleam was in his eyes.


    ¡°See you around, Master Lash.¡± Anakin said with a skip in his step.


    ¡°Goodbye, Master Lash.¡± Luminara said with a bow from her waist.


    ¡°Goodbye Master Luminara. Padawan Barriss.¡± Lash said, and bowed to both of them.


    There were of course other Jedi who had attended the siege of Ryloth and Lash made sure to say goodbye to them as well. Even dropped by Master Windu and paid his respects. Who begrudgingly did the same. Then the Republic Army, and Navy pulled out of Ryloth. While the Galactic Militia remained behind. Now the real work could begin.


    Less then a day had passed since the military pulled out. When the Chieftain of Clan Rahl showed up. Several Kom''rk fighters flew towards Kala''uun and landed at the spaceport that was under construction. Taking one of the few landing pads inside of the mountain. They brought supplies to the Rylothian people, while the chief came to talk. Lash was on the shield wall placing sensor beacons. The next storm was due in about a week or so depending on wind changes. They needed the shield wall complete by that point.


    Chieftain Til''Nix showed up on the wall with Mil''Gix, Vi''Lon, and several others. He wore a standard Mandalorian armor set with a base green color (Duty) with stripes of blue (Reliability). Given there environment on an unfinished wall he did not remove his helmet. He stood at approximately 6''2¡± with a wide frame. On his back was a streamlined rising phoenix jet pack. In fact all of Clan Rahl had jet packs.


    The delegation of Mandalorians stopped a few feet from Lash and waited for him to finish the wall he was working on. Three Jensaarai defenders came to stand off to the side, as did several militia officers on patrol. Once finished Lash came over and placed his right fist over his left chest, his left hand behind him and gave a bow from his waist. But kept his face tilted up so he keep his eyes on the Chieftain. One of Til''Nix''s guards stiffened but didn''t say anything.


    ¡°Grand Admiral of the Republic Militia, Master Jensaarai, and Chieftain Lash of Clan Ghost Claw greets you.¡± Lash said to them. Lash used his several titles to politely inform them that he was here as all three. So be mindful of what they said.


    ¡°Chieftain Til''Nix of Clan Rahl greets you.¡± Til''Nix said in return and slammed his fist to his chest but didn''t bow. His voice was rough around the edges, more of a guttural growl.


    ¡°So, are you here for business or pleasure?¡± Lash asked, as he pulled up a camera feed on his helmet''s UI.


    ¡°Bit of both.¡± Til''Nix said as he looked towards one of his men who pulled out a holographic pad and produced a very lively dance routine. Lash hung his head, and his shoulders drooped.


    ¡°How far as my reputation fallen?¡± Lash asked with a deep throat growl. Til''Nix, Mil''Gix, and Vi''Lon laughed a little. While the rest of the guards tried to politely muffle their own humor and failed.


    ¡°I would say your reputation has seen its highs and lows. But that is not the only reason we are showing you this.¡± Til''Nix gestured and the holographic image changed to a video of Pre Vizsla speaking.


    ''This is who you have called to be the next Mand''alor ? This creature that is less than a man? Who parades himself before those that are lesser than us? Mandalorians use to span the stars, and bowed to no one!'' -The holographic image continued, and Pre Vizsla spit on the ground.


    ''This Jensaarai is no Mandalorian, and has corrupted our time honored traditions! Death Watch is the new future. We will make the Mandalorian people great again! I hear by challenge Chieftain Lash of Clan Ghost Claw to a trial by combat! Here on Concordia by standard months end!'' -The holographic image shut down and Lash took a slow deep breath.


    ¡°I didn''t realize I was being called the next Mand''alor ?¡± Lash said, as he tried to digest that video. He sent a request back towards Ghost Industries HQ for clarification. It would take about a day or so, unless Nazvo had no idea.


    ¡°It''s being whispered among the younglings. Some of the fractured clans you have given home to have reinforced these whispers into rumors. While a few prominent Clans have neither confirmed or denied an interest in you becoming the next leader.¡± Til''Nix said, as his guards put the holographic away.


    ¡°It also helps that several young Mandalorians have become Jensaarai themselves.¡± Mil''Gix said softly from her Chieftain''s side. Now that they stood side by side. Lash understood they were parent and child.


    Lash stepped away for a moment and went to the edge of the shield wall he had been working on. He searched through his memories and tried to remember. This was not how the Star Wars lore went in the novels. Pre Vizsla didn''t publicly announce he was the leader of Death Watch for another year. But, Mandalore was different now. The planet was on the mend. The different clans had a place to train and grow stronger. Beskar was being given out to those that proved themselves. Lash was in the middle of it all.


    ¡°This was not my intention. I wanted to help my people, not lead them.¡± Lash said as he turned to look back at them.


    ¡°Often those that don''t want to lead are the ones most suited for it.¡± Til''Nix said to him. Lash turned towards the Chieftain.


    ¡°What does Clan Rahl think on this matter?¡± Lash asked, but he felt he knew the answer.


    ¡°What better time than a galactic war for a new Mand''alor to be chosen.¡± Til''Nix said with cool confidence, and all of his people nodded in agreement.


    ¡°You said it yourself, Master Lash. A war is coming. Having the Mandalorians united would make it that much better.¡± One of his defenders said to him. This caught Til''Nix and his people off guard.


    ¡°A vision of the future granted by the Force. However prophecies can, will, and have been changed by the actions in the present.¡± Lash gave them a vague answer, but that was enough for now.


    ¡°By months standard end? That''s in three or so weeks. He does not know that I''m participating in a war?¡± Lash pointed out a flaw in Pre Vizsla challenge. But knowing the man, that may have been the point.


    ¡°It''s to show where your loyalties lie. The Mand''alor would put their peoples needs before any others.¡± Vi''Lon said next.


    ¡°What does Duchess Satine Kryze have to say about this?¡± Lash asked, as he received a data packet from Nazvo. Apparently she had received permission from the Supreme Chancellor to allow Lash to meet on Concordia if he so wished.


    ¡°The Duchess has not deigned to speak to those beneath her station. Such as those who still follow the warrior traditions of her peoples ancient ways. However, how people in the capital says she is nervous. Even going so far to request Jedi assistance in a diplomatic matters should things go wrong.¡± Til''Nix replied with an aggrieved tone of voice as he crossed his arms over his chest.


    ¡°Which they will publicly deny, but still send someone in secret. The Duchess is the leader of the neutral faction in the war. Unless they agree to pick a side they can not obtain public resources. Qui-Gon Jinn is training on Venura and is no longer a Jedi. So they''ll send Obi-Wan Kenobi on the mission.¡± Lash said as he pulled up a holographic display and started to read through some information.


    ¡°Qui-Gon Jinn is training to become a Jensaarai?¡± Til''Nix asked in surprise.


    ¡°Yes! Have you met him?¡± Lash asked, as he turned to look at him.


    ¡°We''ve... ''met'' on occasion.¡± Til''Nix replied, more than likely they had fought.


    ¡°Well I''ve received permission from the Supreme Chancellor to accept this challenge in order to ensure a peaceful transition between opposing parties.¡± Lash said as he pulled up an official notice and showed to anyone who wanted to look.


    More than likely the duel would come under CIS attack. Or Palpatine wished for Lash to use the Mandalorians in the war, or the unification of the galactic empire. Or, better to have all your targets in a single place. Who knew with that man? Lash still wanted to visit Dathomir to return the books he retrieved. Did he go do that first? Or do it after?


    ¡°So, you''ll accept the challenge?¡± Til''Nix asked.


    ¡°...Yes... Mand''alor the Renewer sounds like a good name.¡± Lash replied...


    ¡°Hail! Mand''alor the Renewer!¡± Til''Nix shouted out.


    ¡°¡±¡±HAIL! MAND''ALOR THE RENEWER!¡±¡±¡±


    Galen

 Chapter 140: Tiyulong Rum, Year 369

    ==============================================================


    ***HR. Justice League/Legion Star Base***


    The Star Base contained within the Sol System was fully repaired and in the process of constructing its defense platforms that would reside over the planets of Earth/Gaia, and Mars. Along with the refinery of the planet of Jupiter. The Galactic Sheriffs had arrived to reinforce their original position within the system. While every day war ships from neighboring civilizations arrived to help fight off the machine intelligence known as Brainiac. On the edge of the solar system floated the Thanagarian war fleet as they played the role of pirate hunter. Not the role they wanted, but given by the rulers of the system.


    Despite the invasion of the system one by one merchant vessels started to show back up in the system to visit the Star Base to use the facilities. Including but not limited to the recycling plant, and the slingshot. Several people enjoyed watching the rainbow bridge shoot ships into the vastness of space from the observation level. The overall mood in the area was...tense. Brainiac was around, but they couldn''t find them. Today the Justice League/Legion would meet in the ''Head Quarters'' to discuss the issues that have grown since the invasion began.


    The Head Quarters module was designed in an amphitheater style seating. A speaker stand with several seats behind it. With layered seating in front of it of multiple layers. Over time the senior members of the League/Legion had grown so the room had to grow. They had come a long way since the days where it was just Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Aqua Man, Aqua Woman, The Green Lanterns (now Blue), The Hawks, Martian Man Hunter. Just to name a few. Now the senior members was well over a hundred people.


    One by one the different senior staff came into the room. They greeted each other and discussed social niceties. While the tense mood only grew. Many were clearly agitated as they had places to be but understood the need for the meeting. Then several prominent albeit none JLI members showed up. The Seelie, UnSeelie, Twilight fae Courts, Wardens, and the emissary of the planetary deities. Like Ares/Kyle though he was technically a member at this point. Or Gozith the demi-god of Krypton.


    A holographic image of Vici''s avatar appeared in the modules space above the seats and called everyone to order. Everyone found their arranged seats. It wasn''t mandatory of course, but it tend to place people at least in the same countries together. Or in many cases the same planet. As Martian Man Hunter, Miss Martian, and one of the members of the royal family of Mars was in attendance. J''emm J''axx who was invited to attend.


    J''emm J''axx was a red martian who stood at at approximately 6'' even or 10'' if he stood up straight. As all Martians he was a talented shape shifter and took on a human like appearance though he had red skin instead of green. He wore a ceremonial garb befitting of his station. He sat next to J''onn, and M''gann and shifted uneasily. Though he was in his forties by human standards. To Mars he was around 16 maybe 18 of equivalent age.


    ¡°Everyone, thank you for attending the meeting. I understand we all have places to be. But it is important that we take the time to be in the same room together.¡± Vici''s holographic projection showed her to be a near-human adult female. Her voice carried a firm, and confident tone.


    ¡°First and foremost I would like to take the time to thank the royal martian representative for joining us. His highness Prince J''emm J''axx.¡± Vici pointed a holographic finger at J''emm who stood a little straighter and waved at everyone.


    -The Martian people have agreed to come together in these trying times to share resources with our neighbors of Gaia, and the Justice Legion. Once the machine intelligence known has Brainiac has been defeated. We plan to come together as a united front so we may be one as a people.- J''emm said through telepathic speech. A few people winced at his voice inside their heads. While a few others looked around confused. They had blocked the communication by habit. J''onn sent a message to J''emm through a though speech and the prince blushed in embarrassment and once again said what he said out loud then sat down looking at his hands more than anyone else.


    ¡°Did the atmospheric tower get hit during the initial attack?¡± John Stewart Blue Lantern asked.


    ¡°Oddly enough, no. It was spared. We had it under heavy guard and the death cults have understandably been preoccupied with other matters.¡± J''emm was quick to jump on the topic making sure he spoke out loud.


    ¡°Also thank you for dispensing the JLI member, Ash. He was prominent reason the capital is no longer on fire.¡± J''emm continued and sent a thankful glance at everyone in the room.


    ¡°Well they always say, when you have to. Fight fire with fire!¡± Hal Jordan the Blue Lantern said with a wry grin on his face. However J''emm looked at him in confusion.


    ¡°But he didn''t use fire, he snuffed it out?¡± J''emm asked then had it explained to him by J''onn. ¡°Oh Gaian sarcasm. I understand, it''s funny.¡± J''emm said then smiled at Hal. Of course it was a giant gaping grimace of a smile that showed off all of his teeth which made half the room bust up laughing while the other cringed.


    ¡°Did I do it wrong? I thought smiling conveys understanding?¡± J''emm asked, not sure what he had done.


    ¡°No, you did it right! Sorry kid, I think the room needed that. Thank you.¡± Hal said with a big smile to show J''emm how it was done. The kid quickly adjusted his facial expression with a bit of shifting. The mood in the room lifted just a bit.


    ¡°Lanterns, where are we with the Guardians?¡± Batman asked suddenly, and the room went back to a tense environment.


    ¡°The Guardians have agreed to leave us alone. The entire space sector of 2814 is no longer under their rule of law. That is approximately twenty five different systems. Systems that we are now responsible for.¡± Katma reported, and adjusted a holographic projection for the room. Several people groaned in dismay at that report.


    ¡°The Sling Shot can reach each system. The Galactic Sheriff corporation has offered to patrol each one. But we do have to pay them for it.¡± Katma continued.


    ¡°Will the sheriffs actually do their job? Or will they just flee at the first sign of trouble?¡± A rogue Green Lantern asked.


    ¡°Brainiac is an unfair example. Most advanced militaries would run in the face of the machine. The fact that Commander Bhol''uns stuck around says a lot about his character.¡± Said another JLI member.


    ¡°It doesn''t matter... Mr. Xags won''t sign off on any large payments without Wraith''s authorization. And it will be a large payment. Thankfully most of these systems have their own security. It''s just larger threats we have to worry about. We are setting up Lantern communication buoys now. In many ways we are better equipped to respond than the original Green Lanterns.¡± John Stewart replied.


    ¡°The Guardians are no longer doing a smear campaign to ruin our reputation?¡± Hawkman asked.


    ¡°No, given we have done something they could not. Fight off Brainiac.¡± John replied with a bemused expression.


    ¡°Speaking of the great purple cue ball. Do we have any idea where the big ass ship flew off to?¡± Another JLI member asked.


    ¡°It was last seen moving towards the galactic edge. It has been theorized that Brainiac may have a wondering planet, or station between galaxies where he keeps his main force. I wish I could say that this was the last we''ve seen of that ship. But we may see it tomorrow, or a century from now. Unfortunately as a machine intelligence it has the ability to wait.¡± Another rogue GL replied.


    ¡°How about the more immediate forces contained within our system?¡±


    ¡°That is more troubling. As far as we can tell the...Virus that Wraith implanted them with has caused every cyber-slave, skull, and shard to think independently. Even to the point that they openly attack one another. Each proclaiming themselves to be the true Brainiac. However, they are doing their best to remain hidden. A majority of Earth, and Mars cities and infrastructure is in working order.¡± Cyborg said next, and produced several holographic documentations, and videos.


    ¡°One of our teams in the mid west of North America received reports of an abandoned auto parts factory with power, and assembly parts being shipped to the installation. The only reason it even came up on our radar was because the driver of the deliveries jumped on our hot line and filled out a report. We sent our team and found a single cyber-slave making rudimentary robot soldiers with basic software.¡± Cyborg continued his line of thought.


    ¡°So it wasn''t making more cyber-slaves? Just walking death machines like skynet?¡± Nightwing asked from his place at the meeting.


    ¡°Essentially... We were able to destroy the specific cyber-slave and shut down its operation. But this is just one out...thousands on Earth? Each one has the collected knowledge of Brainiac hard wired into it. As far as we can tell it is in their best interest that our society forgets they are around. From what we''ve obtained from the bottled cities in our possession. Brainiac is normally a brute force persona. But its more than capable of subterfuge.¡± Cyborg concluded his thoughts.


    ¡°Speaking of the bottled cities. Do we have any plans for them? Some of the cities we have belong to civilizations that still exist to this day?¡± Superman asked next, though many understood he meant the Kryptonian city of Kandor.


    ¡°We''ve contacted those civilizations and they are sending delegations to retrieve their lost cities. The issue we have is... We have no idea how to unshrink them. It''s based on spatial compression technology that we don''t understand.¡± Vici replied.


    ¡°How is the moral in the cities?¡± Hawkwoman asked.


    ¡°Ecstatic. They all know they are not prisoners anymore. Some of those cities have been captives for centuries. Some of them... Are the last living members of their race.¡± Vici replied, her holographic facial expression was conflicted.


    ¡°What are we doing with our Kryptonian prisoners?¡± Supergirl asked from her seat. The room paused as they looked around at each other.


    ¡°Potentially they are innocent? They were manipulated by the Guardians to attack us. However, it is clear to see that Dru-Zod would have attacked us either way. During our questioning he had planned to enslave the people of Earth and turn it into a new Krypton. With the humans as the new labor guild.¡± The android Naya''il spoke from her position as warden of the prison module.


    ¡°However, more than half of the surviving Kryptons are open to the idea of being moved to the system known as alpha centauri. We have the capabilities of terraforming a planet there.¡± Naya''il began to say but was interrupted by another.


    ¡°Oh bit of good news! Sorry sister!¡± Samanthei the head scientist on the station called out. ¡°We have an approximate location of the celestial body that contains the city of Argo!¡± Samanthei said brightly, Superman, Supergirl, Jor-El, and Lara Lor-Von who were in attendance sat up straight. ¡°Gozith made contact with them oddly enough through their prayers.¡± Samanthei smiled brightly.


    ¡°Indeed. It seems the people of Argo still pray to the original pantheon of Krypton. I''m sure if our brother was here he would hear them as well. With the Justice Legion''s permission I would like to take one of the corvettes we have and mark the city on our maps. This way we can make plans to steer them towards the Sol System.¡± Gozith asked the room and the room agreed.


    ¡°Speaking of Wraith, how long has he been gone? Also, why isn''t Hell Knight here?¡± Wonder Woman asked the room as they noticed the seat for Vyllith was noticeably empty.


    ¡°Hell Knight is visiting our brothers hellish dimension. It is apparently chaotic and in need of guidance. Several of our kin are there now as well aiding her.¡± Gozith replied to the question.


    ¡°Wraith has been gone approximately two weeks for us. Last time he was gone this long it was several years for him, subjectively.¡± Vici replied to the rest of the question. Wonder Woman grimaced at that information.


    ¡°Woah! Woah! Hold up! Are we just going to ignore the fact that Wraith has his own personal hell?¡± Constantine asked the room.


    ¡°Constantine, Wraith is a deity it makes sense that he has one.¡± Gozith replied as if it was plain as day.


    ¡°No, it doesn''t!¡± Constantine shouted at him.


    ¡°Is Wraith collecting souls?¡± Bat Girl asked from her seat.


    ¡°Yes, he has several hundred thousands souls there currently. Any that carry the taint of hell will be sent there as long as they are directly, or indirectly killed by him.¡± Gozith replied to the matter as a simple fact. He was clearly pleased.


    ¡°We can discuss the fine details of Wraith''s dimensional holdings at another time.¡± Giovanni Zatara said with a pointed glare at his son-in-law Constantine who tried his best to smile. As Zatanna elbowed him in the ribs.


    ¡°Speaking of dimensions and alternate realities. Our neighbors had offered to come help. AR-Superman, and AR-Supergirl will be here in two days to help clear our Brainiac. Apparently Rolf Dex had several anti-Brainiac weapons. We''ll be using them to root out the machine intelligence.¡± Aqua Man said from his seat.


    ¡°Do we have any word on Flash?¡± Caitlin Snow aka Frost asked from her seat.


    ¡°Flash has jumped realities in an attempt to find another copy of his wife, who died in the initial attack.¡± Zatanna spoke from her seat.


    ¡°We have no idea where he is. He removed his spatial beacon after the first jump. Our reality neighbors said they saw him for about an hour. Long enough to determine if Iris was there. Then ran jumped through a reality tear. Unfortunately, we have an infinite amount of realities to go through to find him. We... We just don''t know how to find him.¡± Zatanna continued to say, and gave an apologetic look towards Team Flash.


    ¡°Alright, lets discuss the next rotation between nations. We need to ensure we don''t burn ourselves out. Who''s first?¡± Superman asked...


    It didn''t take long before another subject pulled their attention. But all in all the discussion helped a lot of people decompress. Eventually the meeting was called to an end with getting very little done. But it did help. Different teams rotated out, while others were on site. More of the same, just on a different day. Who knew how long it would last before the next crisis would happen....


    ==============================================================


    ***Star Wars Rift. Naboo***


    The planet of Naboo had gone through a lot of changes over the recent decade. Nearly every man, woman, child, and senior on the planet practiced the new Force Martial Art. It had been adopted culturally through out dozens of systems. Especially when it was discovered that unique individuals could bend elemental energy. Compared to the Jedi, Sith, and Jensaarai they may as well as appeared as children playing with finger paint. But unlike the the other Force Users. Elemental bending didn''t risk the corruption of the user.


    Since Naboo was considered the birthplace of the martial art, statistically it had the greatest number of practitioners. In the central square of Theed several students of the art were putting on a show. A Gungan used their water bending to create extravagant animal shapes that chased around a flaming bird. While another bender created the entire city of Theed out of sand. All the while an air bender propelled long strips of ribbons through the air. All of this tied to music by the orchestra and it created a marvelous scene.


    The performance went on for several hours. Each set of students put on a specific event, or action. Showing off their various talents. While even several small younglings had grown disciplined enough to create basic shapes. While one particular youngling had even learned to bend lightning. All the while off to the side the instructors watched with pride. One instructor in particular was Shmi Skywalker.


    After the performance was the wine and dine phase of the party. Though most of the attendee''s were not old enough to drink. They still danced around the upper echelons of Naboo society. Several of the students had been born into humble beginnings but were now part of the upper crust of the world. Being able to manipulate an element when no one else could tends to do that. The Supreme Chancellor Palpatine couldn''t attend the festival. But he did leave a holographic message for his people.


    As the Supreme Chancellor he was meant to be impartial, and be the leader of the Republic. But no one would besmirch him for holding a special place for his home planet in his heart. He was most delighted by the different elemental benders on his home world. He told the crowd through a recorded video that he had big plans for each and every one of them. Many of the younglings went to bed that night filled with dreams of grand ambitions to serve Palpatine in the future. However they could.


    Later that night after excessive drinking. Shmi Skywalker danced through the wind on her way home. She''d jump from rooftop to rooftop stepping across the wind. She had grown strong in her chosen element. She eventually arrived at her estate much to the relief of C-3PO. His golden metallic shell glimmering in the porch light. She landed on the path and his synthetic voice brought a smile to her face.


    ¡°Lady Skywalker, welcome home! How was the festivities?¡± C-3PO asked? As he shuffled over to her and fussed about her ruffled clothing.


    ¡°They were good, 3PO. They all performed wonderfully and are looking forward to the next year to our perform themselves. Some of the planetary security petitioned to have a martial combat tournament next year as well. I''m not sure how well that is going to go over.¡± Shmi replied and allowed 3PO to fuss over her.


    They both walked into her home and she made her way to the master bedroom. C-3PO had drawn a bath for her. She slipped out of her ceremonial garb and took a dip. She wrapped her hair up into a bun to keep it dry and simply enjoyed the wonderful sensation of water on her skin. She had lived on Naboo for many years. But she still remembered her life back on Tatooine where bathing in water was considered a luxury.


    After her bath she put on a silk bath robe and stepped into her bedroom. She took a moment to admire her muscle toned body in the full length mirror. Her skin was golden and flawless. All her scars, and burns from her time as slave were now gone. Her gray hair was golden brown once more. While only her eyes told the true story of her life. Only a few of her fellow instructors, and students knew about her life as a slave before. It was not a pleasant story to share. But she looked back at it fondly in many respects simply because it was through this life that she obtained her new life. Her son Anakin was a Jedi Knight, and General in the Grand Army of the Republic, Force watch over him. She was seeing a nice man here in Theed. Though she was secretly terrified to introduce him to Anakin, or even Master Lash.


    She would never tell a soul. But she always had a bit of crush on Master Lash. She knew she was not the only on on Naboo that did. Shmi pulled on a pair of sleeping pants, and top and sat down to brush her hair. Or rather, C-3PO would brush her hair. He would come in and untangle any knots, and brush each side of her head at least one hundred times. He would go on, and on about his day. Who knew one could discuss the intricate details of dusting into thousands of words? Well C-3PO was a master of it. But half way into the art of dust motes a holographic message went through the communication system in her home.


    Jensaarai Master Lash, Grand Admiral of the Republic Militia, Chieftain of the Mandalorian clan Ghost Claw had a new holographic video. Shmi opened the message and nearly fell out her chair in laughter as she watched Lash dance on a video with several other women, and one Obi-Wan Kenobi. But unfortunately the smile soon wilted on her face as she saw a follow up message from Pre Vizsla challenging him to a duel. Only to be completely stumped at the announcement of the new Mand''alor the Renewer.


    ¡°Lash... What are you doing?¡± Shmi said to her self softly.


    ¡°Well I must say. Those words about Master Lash were uncalled for. I thought he did a delightful job dancing on stage.¡± C-3PO said, and continued to brush Shmi''s hair. That brought a smile to Shmi''s face and she rewound the video to watch the dance portion over again.


    Two o''clock in the morning rolled around and Shmi was just getting to bed. C-3PO left her room silent as a droid can be and returned to his own room that he was given by Shmi. Far better than most droids would receive. Shmi laid in bed and listened to the wind coming in through her window. The rustle of her balconies curtains softly. Lulling her to sleep. Then she opened her eyes and pulled her feet out from the covers. She went to an assuming wall and slid her finger tips along a hidden seem. A hidden compartment pulled out. Containing a long rectangular case.


    Shmi pulled the case out and placed it gently on her bed. She typed in a key code and the box unsealed to reveal a long ziloni boa staff. Intricately carved with Force Scriptures. Shmi held her hand over the case and the staff floated up and into her waiting hand. She felt like a circuit snapped into place and she was complete. Lash had given this to her many years ago. Three drops of her blood went into the staff. Since then she had always known where it was, how far it was, and it in turn would warn her of danger. Like right now.


    Shmi whirled the staff around towards her balcony and channeled the element of wind. A near hurricane force propelled through the air and slammed into an invisible figure into the door frame. ¡°Alarm! Code zero three zeta beta!¡± Shmi called out and emergency response activated.


    The Force cloak of invisibility pulled back on the assassin and a humanoid figure in a black body glove pulled out two shoto red sabers. Then sprinted across the room towards Shmi. As fast as a Sith Assassin could go. Shmi''s eyes went wide in shock and her staff pulled around almost on it''s own and slammed the Sith through a wall. Shmi was pulled out her shock and she jumped after her assailant. The Sith rolled to their feet and struck with their blades. Surprise clear in the body language as the boa staff deflected and blocked the light sabers with ease.


    Shmi twisted the boa staff and pulled it apart into two separate weapons. Then channeled her chosen element and shot another hurricane force wind into the assassin who was once again shot through the outer wall of the estate. Shmi raced after them and brought her weapons down onto the street with a thundering crack! Then blocked the next six saber strikes towards her. Shmi now out of her house jumped through the air and out of reach.


    The whole time the Sith Assassin never said a single word. They moved like a shadow and jumped from roof to roof only to come up short. As Shmi Skywalker, walked through the sky. Shmi stepped into the wind and flew in the air like an elemental being. The Sith Assassin looked on in disbelief.


    ¡°Your very good. But Master Lash always told me to keep a trump card hidden.¡± Shmi said with a smile as a high caliber blaster bolt shot from out of no where. The Sith Assassin jumped to the side with centimeters to spare.


    ¡°Most regrettable! Not to worry, I''ll keep trying!¡± C-3PO said from the door way. His outer shell was gone and in its place was a fully functional Sentinel Force Droid. With a high powered rifle pointed right at the Sith.


    Then surprise surprise! Shmi sent a wind blade at the Sith that cut through sixteen inches of duracrete. Then another, and another. Sith jumped from side to side avoiding blaster fire, and wind blades only to hiss in frustration as they saw over a dozen Jensaarai Defenders sprinting towards their location. A land transport shot overhead and opened up to reveal Mandalorian warriors who shot out with their jet packs. In an action of true loyalty the Sith Assassin called out in ancient Sith and cut off their own head. The action surprised everyone present.


    Happily there was no trap/self destruct bomb on the assassin. The Mandalorian warrior called the all clear and Shmi landed in the street outside of her now ruined home. The Sentinel armor of C-3PO folded back and he returned to the delightful albeit annoying protocol droid who was fussing over the ruined front garden. Within the hour the entire city of Theed was locked down as the royal security force did a city wide search. How did a Sith Assassin sneak into the capital of Theed?


    Every Jensaarai that completed stage one was on a register. If you carried a light saber you were registered. So that stood to reason that the saber was constructed on site. Carrying a kyber crystal didn''t essentially mean you were a Force User. Every refugee ship, and transport that came onto Naboo was checked thoroughly by Jensaarai Defenders. That knew the Force Blank technique. So how...How? Did a Sith Assassin get into Theed? It never occurred to anyone to check the diplomatic transport ship of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Who at this moment received word that his assassin had failed to kill Shmi Skywalker. Pity...


    ==============================================================


    ***Star Wars Rift. Ryloth***


    Cosmic Awareness: A Sith Assassin has failed to kill Shmi Skywalker.


    Lash obtained that little message along with almost a mini video of the event as he was in the process of helping the people of Ryloth, and the militia engineers build a mantle tapper on the planets surface between two tectonic plates on the planet. He had paused mid instruction and rage boiled off of him like throwing a match onto a gas fire. The physical sensation of standing next to a burst fire made everyone within a hundred feet of him step back as they looked at him.


    ¡°Mand''alore?¡± A mandalorian warrior called to him. Lash turned around towards him as a visible hear aura boiled off of his armor.


    ¡°A Sith Assassin attempted to assassinate Shmi Skywalker on Naboo at her home in Theed.¡± Lash replied, then took a moment to settle his emotions. There was no reason to take his anger out on the people around him.


    ¡°Attempted?¡± The warrior asked.


    ¡°She fought them off... Apologies everyone! As you were, I need to check something.¡± Lash replied, and called out to everyone at the work site.


    Palpatine had made no mention to Lash about attacking Shmi. Lash assumed it was going to happen at one point or another. He had believed Palpatine would of asked him to do it. At which point Lash would have made it look like she had died. Despite Lash''s best attempts and keeping everyone in this Rift at arms reach certain people had gotten past his barriers. Shmi was one of them. Perhaps Palpatine knew that about him? Or maybe Palpatine wanted Lash angry? Or maybe? Who knew with that man. A master manipulator he was.


    Lash excused himself and made a beeline to the last Acclamator assault carrier star ship that was granted to the militia while they remained on Ryloth. The renovation of Ryloth was going well. They had finished the expansion and upgrade of the star port and brought it to ''Stellar Class''. With the inclusion of the mineral mantle tapper Ryloth would at last have mineral export that wasn''t the spice Ryll. He had one more trip to make to one of the newly terraformed moons before he was going to leave the system and travel to Concordia in Mandalore space.


    A transport brought him towards the spaceport of Kala''uun looked great. They had split the city up into districts and each district was fully furnished with duracrete, durasteele, and transparisteel structures. With renewable energy generators. Lash had been surprised when he found out that most people didn''t even use solar energy, or wind turbines. Oh no! If you didn''t have plasma energy then you went without power. It made him roll his eyes. How advanced civilizations like the republic still required limited fuels in one form or another.


    The Acclamator ship named the Reliant was sitting at the one and only cruiser sized space pad within the shield wall. The giant sand storm they had been waiting for had come and gone and thanks to the shield wall, and atmospheric shield the city got at most a light dusting. It had been the best storm ever in the cities creation. Though the control tower of the ship had been painted sand colored brown. It had stuck out of the shield by just the tip.


    Before the transport even landed Lash jumped out and sprinted into the ship. Anyone who saw him got out of his way as he made his way the primary communication room. Before he got half way the Admiral and commander of the ship Ronti Jedree called him on his holographic. The older human male looked at him in confusion as Lash wasn''t expected back for another day. Lash requested a private room to a direct line to General Skywalker. Admiral Ronti made a quick order off screen and told Lash to head to terminal three.


    Blissfully the room was empty, with two clone guards at the door to ensure it was kept that way. They saluted Lash as he arrived and he returned it. He made his way inside and the locked the door. He sat down at the private holographic terminal and made the call through the holographic net across a secure Jedi channels. After a thirty minute wait the terminal connected at Coruscant at the Jedi Temple. A youngling appeared on the screen who looked attentive and ready to relay a message. Who snapped to attention at the sight of Lash in full armor.


    ¡°Master Lash! How may I help you?¡± The apprentice asked.


    ¡°I need to connect to Jedi Knight Skywalker. I have some information for him.¡± Lash replied in an easy going voice that he hoped put the child at ease.


    ¡°Understood please wait, I''ll notify the resident master of your request.¡± The youngling stepped off screen and made a call. Lash started to pace in the room as he went through the future conversation. Within a minute the youngling came back on the holo.


    ¡°Master Lash, Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi will be here shortly. May I be of anymore help?¡± The youngling asked.


    ¡°No, thank you.¡± Lash replied and kept pacing in the room. The youngling stayed in the holo and fidgeted for a bit. Lash glanced at him and stopped. ¡°Did you need something?¡± Lash asked, as he tried to measure his voice softly.


    ¡°I... Is it true that the Jensaarai take anyone who uses the Force? Even if they... They aren''t as sensitive as others?¡± The youngling asked.


    Lash stopped and looked at the youngling. He was a human male of maybe thirteen if he followed standard human. He was in good shape as most apprentices were. He wore the traditional martial gi of an apprentice. One that hadn''t been chosen to be a padawan yet. It was not widely known outside of the Jedi. But most Jedi Knights, and Masters chose their padawans, or the council would assign them. However, not every apprentice reached the required level to be accepted. This happened more often than one would think. If they didn''t reach the required sensitivity in the Force. They would either be shuffled off to one of the Jedi corps like agriculture! Or, be sent home.


    ¡°Whats your name?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Kanan Jarrus.¡± Kannan replied with a hesitant smile. Erik the gamer sent a recognition towards Lash. Kann Jarrus aka Caleb Dume was the Jedi Knight who teaches Ezra Bridger in the Rebels animated series.


    ¡°Yes, Kanan if you fail to earn the notice of a Jedi Knight or Master and are given a choice to join a Jedi Corp or return home. You can ask to join the Jensaarai on Venura. However, I don''t think you need to worry about that.¡± Lash replied with a soft chuckle, the young Kanan''s eyes grew bright.


    ¡°Why''s that?¡± Kanan asked. But before Lash could answer Master Ki-Adi-Mundi arrived.


    ¡°Thank you, apprentice Kanan.¡± Master Mundi said to the youngling who looked like he would have given anything for another thirty seconds with Lash.


    Ki-Adi-Mundi was a Cerean male who stood at approximately at 6''6¡± though most of that was due to his elongated head. He wore the traditional martial garb of a Jedi Master. Warm earth tones of brown, and sand colored vestments. He had long sweeping white hair, yellow eyes, and light skin. With an athletic martial art fighting figure. He reminded Lash of some of the ancient myths in Asia with masters with long beards trimmed, and cut to give a safe appearance.


    Cereans were known for having a large coned craniums. Which contained what many referred to as a binary brain. Cereans were capable of incredible multi tasking, and critical thinking skills. They had two hearts, one in their chest, and one in their skulls to provide extra circulation due to their expansive brains. Because of their evolution they were known for being calm, rational, almost computer like. But only by those that miss understood them. At their core they were just as capable of emotion as any other. Unfortunately they had an abysmal reproductive rate. Master Mundi was one of the few Jedi Masters that was given leave to have a family. Simply so he could do his part to extend the lively hood of his race.


    ¡°Master Lash thank you for calling us. May I assume you are inquiring about the missing star ships in the outer rim?¡± Mundi asked in a soft, and eloquent tone. Lash tilted his head to one side much like a dog does when they hear a peculiar sound.


    ¡°The what now?¡± Lash asked out of confusion. Mundi narrowed his eyes as he processed this information.


    ¡°We''ve lost dozens of ships of late in the outer rim. No survivors, or records of any kind. All we ever find are the wreckage of civilian ships, and military vessels of the navy. Master Plo Koon has been recently assigned the task of investigation. While Master Skywalker has a campaign in the area.¡± Mundi supplied more information.


    ¡°Oh! That thing. It''s a giant subjugator class heavy cruiser called the Malevolence. It has two giant iron cannons on its side. Which shoot out wide spectrum energy waves that all but slags electrical systems. Then scavenge droids are deployed to kill any survivors. General Grievous is in charge of the project I believe. But that is not why I''m calling. I need a priority message towards Skywalker.¡± Lash said and quickly went over a piece of information that he hardly realized was critical. The Malevolence had only been in action for a few weeks.


    ¡°That... Explains a lot. Thank you, Master Lash. I''ll send a request towards Master Skywalker and get you connected. One moment.¡± Mundi said as he quickly worked the problem while he entered in the appropriate codes.


    After an additional ten minutes a holographic projection was linked to Lash''s viewer. Master Mundi was still in the room and was minimized. Anakin appeared with his padawan learner Ahsoka Tano by his side. Ahsoka bounced into view and waved at Lash. Anakin looked pleased as Master Plo Koon stepped into view as well. This is not what Lash had wanted. He just wanted Anakin, but Mundi must have assumed it was about the Malevolence. That was Lash''s mistake he should have specified.


    ¡°Master Lash! How are you? Or should we be calling you Mand''alor the Renewer now?¡± Anakin asked.


    ¡°Lash is fine, Anakin.¡± Lash said in a somber tone that made the smile on Anakin''s face wilt. Ahsoka''s bouncy optimism evaporated.


    ¡°Master Skywalker, Master Plo, Padawan Tano. Master Lash has informed me that a subjugator class cruiser named the Malevolence is responsible for the disappearing ships on the outer rim. Two giant ion cannons are on either side of the ship. They dispense scavenge bots are deployed to hunt and kill any survivors.¡± Mundi gently steered the conversation on point.


    ¡°Wait! I thought killing survivors was against the rules of war agreed on by the Republic, and the Separatist?¡± Ahsoka asked in confusion.


    ¡°It is padawan Tano. Very good of you to notice. I see you have been keeping up with your studies.¡± Master Plo said in a pleased voice. Ahsoka grinned and looked at her feet, pleased with the compliment. ¡°I however feel that this is not why Master Lash has notified us? He could have easily sent a data link with the information.¡±


    ¡°A Sith Assassin was found on Naboo in the city of Theed.¡± Lash began to say and panic came over Anakin''s face. ¡°The target was instructor Shmi Skywalker. They failed. Shmi was able to fight them off until security forces arrived. The Sith in an odd sense of loyalty severed their own head to keep themselves from being taken prisoner.¡± Lash finished and Anakin all but deflated into a nearby chair. A whirl wind of emotions had gone through him in a matter of seconds.


    ¡°How did a Sith Assassin make it into Theed? Not to mention the Jensaarai in the city, isn''t the capital under heavy security as it is the home world and capital for the Supreme Chancellor?¡± Mundi asked.


    ¡°Most distressing. I knew the Sith to be depraved but targeting the families of Jedi is a new low.¡± Plo said as he tapped his chin in thought. Ahsoka came to stand next to Anakin and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°In light of this information I would encourage all public figures of the Jedi to check in on their relations. I know Jedi are discouraged to have attachments. But knowing the Sith each kill would be paraded in front of the Republic as propaganda.¡± Lash suggested then continued in a sarcastic voice to emphasize his point. ¡° ''How can the Jedi protect you, if they can''t even protect their families!'' Or something antagonistic like that. Public relations isn''t my field.¡±


    ¡°No, I believe that is a surprisingly insightful dip into the actions of the Sith, Master Lash. A majority of the Jedi do not have contact with their original families. But some of us are given special dispensation to keep up communications.¡± Mundi politely informed them all. Like Mundi''s family.


    ¡°Yes, she was able to set off an alarm. Then spent a portion of the fight simply flying above the Sith. Hard to fight, when you can''t reach each other.¡± Lash informed him, the look of confusion was clear on every ones face. ¡°Oh, Shmi is an elemental bender. Her chosen element is wind. She learned how to fly a few months ago.¡±


    ¡°Really!? Like full on fly? No jet pack? Just in the air?¡± Ahsoka asked in shock and glee. Stars in her eyes as she imagined being able to fly.


    ¡°Intriguing. It seems the entire Skywalker family is talented.¡± Plo responded, and watched with interest as Anakin''s chest puffed up in pride.


    ¡°Anyways, I wanted to contact you directly Anakin. As we had just discussed the Sith will twist anything. Distort the truth. The last thing you need is to be on the battle field and have one of the enemy generals spout some none sense about your mother being attacked.¡± Lash said to him, and he smiled in thanks.


    ¡°Ya, that would have been bad.¡± Anakin wholeheartedly agreed.


    ¡°Master Skywalker, May I assume that Obi-Wan has been dispatched to Mandalore already to meet with Duchess Satine?¡± Lash asked out of the blue.


    ¡°Yes, he left a few days ago...Oh crap I wasn''t suppose to say that.¡± Anakin said as he grimaced.


    ¡°It seems to not matter as Master Lash is aware of the move. With the subject matter at hand. Do you plan to pull the people of Mandalore into the war, Master Lash?¡± Plo asked.


    ¡°Not if they don''t want too. Duchess Satine represents the neutral party and over 1,500 systems. I think its completely insane that they don''t even have a standing army. But that is out of my hands. I wouldn''t be surprised if the Separatist attempt to interrupt the duel between me and Pre Vizsla. Or attack Mandalore and blame it on the warrior tribes. Or try to assassinate the Duchess... Or... There are so many ways this could go wrong.¡± Lash said in depression.


    ¡°Well if you please, keep us appraised of your situation. Thank you for the information on the Malevolence Master Lash. Good day.¡± Master Plo Koon said, bowed from his waist and his holographic image faded from sight.


    ¡°Thank you, Lash.¡± Anakin said with his trademarked smirk. Ahsoka waved and their holographic image faded.


    ¡°May the Force be with you, Master Lash.¡± Master Mundi closed his link. Leaving Lash alone in communication room three. Before he had a moment to think on the future he received a communication ping on his comm unit.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Grand Admiral! This militia officer Lu''zing. The mantle tapper is pulling and the initial results are promising. Looks like Ryloth is the proud owner of Doonium. Along with scattered common, and uncommon minerals.¡± The officer reported happily.


    ¡°Wonderful, any response from the local hive of Lylek?¡± Lash asked, pleased about the information. Doonium was the primary metal used in star ship construction. Which means that Ryloth can be used as a ship repair, and ship yard now.


    ¡°Yes, Grand Admiral. However the sonic fence line is keeping them at bay for now. Seismic sensors have been placed in case of tunneling. But the defensive installations were online before we activated the tapper.¡± Lu''zing responded.


    ¡°Alright keep up the good work, and keep me posted if any extreme hostile action takes place from the local fauna.¡± Lash said next.


    ¡°Yes Grand Admiral.¡± Lu''zing replied and closed the link. Lash pulled up a communication line towards Admiral Ronti.


    ¡°Yes sir?¡± The Admiral responded in a crisp response.


    ¡°I need a ship to take me to Ryloth''s nearest moon.¡± Lash asked, and left the private terminal and dismissed the guards.


    ¡°Right away, sir! Flight bay seven has a transport waiting for you.¡± Ronti replied, and closed the link at Lash''s dismissal.


    As Lash made his way through the Reliant clone troopers and militia alike stepped out of his way, and saluted as he went by. He kept a steady fluid movement through the halls. Then entered the primary hanger. As it was a Acclamator class ship, its primary load were land based vehicles, troop transport, and essentially everything an army, not the navy would need. Waiting for him in bay seven was a Kom''rk transport. A mandalorian pilot on standby who saluted Lash on his arrival. They boarded and soon left the planets atmosphere.


    Ryloth''s nearest moon didn''t have a name per say. There were several cultural reference to the moon during the pre FTL civilization era of Ryloth. Now it just had a designation number attached to it. The world engines had been hard at work since they first arrived in the system even when it was under the control of the CIS. The moon was a rocky passable air quality when they had arrived. Now it was standard for humanoid based life forms. It was covered in a fine layer of oxygenation plant life engineered to survive in near vacuum, and produce air. Among other things. It also reminded Lash of a chia pet.


    One by one the world engines were pulled out of the moons surface and returned to the cargo spaces aboard the Gozanti haulers. Then once every thing sapient individual was pulled off. Lash, and his transport landed on the surface. He walked out of the ship with a glass canister in hand. Inside was a brilliant green crystal. He released the seal and planted the crystal into the soil. Then stepped back and watched as the crystal oddly took root and started to slowly grow.


    ¡°What is that, sir?¡± The Mandalorian warrior asked.


    ¡°Its a rare organic crystal known as Tiberium. Its parasitic and incredibly dangerous to a living environment if you don''t know how to handle it. It can be purified into a fuel source for star ships, FTL engines, and city reactors. It can also be melted down to create personal combat armor and star fighters. It''s a multi purpose crystal. And as of right now, the one and only source is found right here in the Ryloth system.¡± Lash replied with a bit of a shudder. Tiberium was incredibly dangerous.


    ¡°It grows anywhere?¡± The warrior asked as he knelt down to watch another crystal start to grow next to the original.


    ¡°It grows better in a hot, humid environment. It leeches vitamins, and minerals from the area. Re purposing them into its own structure. This specific crystal has been laced with Doonium, along with a few rare metals. Self replicating under the circumstance. It will also terraform any environment with enough time.¡± Lash replied, as he pulled up the chemical formula for the crystal. Along with proper bio-hazard treatments. How to manage it if it gets off the moon in its raw state.


    ¡°This is a self replicating doonium crystal?¡± The warrior asked in shock.


    ¡°Among other things, yes. I have a smaller cavern in Venura with a Beskar version.¡± Lash replied, and the warrior whipped around in surprise.


    ¡°So you can just grow an organic metal?¡± The warrior asked.


    ¡°Yes...¡± Lash said.


    The warrior continued to ask him questions as they boarded the transport and went back to the Reliant. As they flew back to the surface they passed the still under construction star fighter station that was orbiting the planet. It had a tri hangar bay design. Each hanger capable of housing ten star fighters. This would allow the Rylothian people to train, and dispatch quick response teams across the planet. Pirate hunters. It would be many years of training, and practice till they were up to snuff against a military organization. But something was always better than nothing.


    Little by little the work on Ryloth was done in record time. Thought it would be months before the Militia would complete all of their different tasks. Regretfully Lash had appointment on Concordia so he needed to leave. He gathered the various Jensaarai Defenders, students, militia officers, clone troopers, Admiral Ronti, and Mandalorian''s on the Reliants primary space pad. To inform them on his travel plans.


    ¡°I''ll be heading back to Coruscant first to retrieve my ship. Under orders, the militia will remain here to finish the goal of renovating Ryloth. In order to ensure I am not attacked on the trip back the exact method of transportation will be kept a secret save for all of you.¡± Lash pointed to the general assembly.


    ¡°How are you getting back?¡± Admiral Ronti asked, excepting a Mandalorian ship to be ready for him.


    ¡°Oh that''s the fun part. I''m going to walk.¡± Lash said with a laugh, that his Jensaarai shared.


    Then Lash stepped away and used his Space/Void Spell Domain. Portal Creation, a pool of pure darkness swirled into being in front of everyone. As pin pricks of light grew into being representing stars in the void of space. The whirlpool expanded out and revealed Lash''s manor estate in Ghost Industries Mega Tower back on Coruscant. The look of utter shock on Admiral Ronti''s face was priceless. Then Lash walked through the portal and turned back.


    ¡°See! I walked home. I''ll see you all in a few weeks or months at the most. Goodbye!¡± Lash said, and closed the portal behind him.


    =============================================================


    ***Star Wars Rift. Mandalore***


    The planet of Mandalore had seen a total climate change over the past few years. It went from its war torn toxic desert environment to arid wasteland. Though the latter was far preferred to the former. On the polar caps of the planet were giant lakes that were slowly freezing over. With swaths of forests around them. The further from the polar caps one went the more arid and sand environments one found. That was where the giant cubed, and domed cities of the Madalorian people resided.


    The capital of Sundari stood as a testament of Mandalorian architecture. A giant dome city which contained a bio-dome within. Once past the initial checkpoints at the various docking ring, and entrances. One would find a vast cavern of cubes built along the wall, floor, and ceiling. Huge portions of the city itself hung freely. Creating a open environment that despite the closed off dome. Made many believe it was open. Especially at night when the city lights looked like stars.


    Contained within the cubed city was one of the few active Beskar mines on the planet. Hidden away from public view there was vast underground tunnels that served as the mine. Beskar remained one of the most sought after metals in the galaxy. By Mandalorian tradition Beskar was to only be used in the defense of its people. No weapon was to ever be made from it. So armor, shields, buildings, and rarely even ships. However, due to the new pacifism culture of the solar system. Beskar was now being sold and sent off world. It was in fact one of the major exports of the planet.


    Protests of selling Beskar off world were common among the people. As it was considered not only a strategic resource, but also a cultural heritage. These protests were more common these days with the war. As the younger generation pushed for a more active role in the war. While the older generation wished to continue their pacifist ways. The former had only grown more bolder as the duel between Pre Vizsla and Jensaarai Master Lash was announced.


    Duchess Satine Kryze the elected ruler of Mandalore was seen watching the protest from a window as she waited patiently for word about her old friend Obi-Wan Kenobi. Satine stood at approximately 5''10¡± tall with pale light skin, blue eyes, and a bob cut blond hair. She had a refined, elegant hour glass form that she worked hard to keep. She had chosen a blue svelte floral pattern to her garb today. With crystal blue gems that highlighted her cheeks. She on more then one occasion smoothed her hands down her garb. Checking and rechecking to ensure nothing was out of place.


    It had been many years since she had seen Obi-Wan. More than once she had secretly obtained a holographic recording of his exploits across the years. He had grown into a handsome man with a trimmed beard, and thick auburn hair. But he still had that cheeky smile. No matter how old he got, that smile never left him. She fondly remembered their different conversations, arguments, and flirtatious teasing. Wistfully she remembered the night before she had last seen him. Why hadn''t she asked him to stay? Would he have left the Jedi Order if she had asked?


    ¡°Duchess, you have a visitor. He said he was called old man obi?¡± A royal guard declared. That had been a pet name she had given him. Much to his loathing when they were younger as he often reminded her of an old man.


    ¡°Please send him in.¡± Satine said to the guard and then rechecked her garb. She gracefully walked across the room and sat in her throne to receive her guest.


    Obi-Wan Kenobi wore a disguise. He looked like any rough neck spacer. But his smooth confident stride was something he chose not to hide. The space suit covered him from head to toe, and the helmet he wore shielded his face. He stepped forward until he was approximately twenty or steps away from the throne. Despite her feelings for the man, Satine stayed seated. Instead of running into his arms. She was sure the guards in the room would be surprised by that, as Satine had always been a bit of an ice queen to most.


    ¡°Old man Obi, how have you been?¡± Satine asked with a polite neutral expression.


    ¡°Oh you know, just busy, busy, busy.¡± Obi-Wan said, his mask hid his voice behind a synthesizer.


    ¡°What brings you to my home?¡± Satine asked, as she idly stroked her throne with a finger. Trying her best to seem aloof.


    ¡°I believe I was summoned at the behest of your grace, Duchess.¡± Obi-Wan replied as he reached up to stroke his face mask or rather where his beard would be. But stopped mid stroke and put his hands down.


    It took a bit of struggle to keep her face straight as she looked at her old friend before she cracked up laughing. Then she covered her mouth, but her laughter continued to pour out. Her guards looked at her, then at the spacer as he began to laugh as well. Until he removed his mask to reveal the dashing Obi-Wan that she had seen in her dreams.


    ¡°Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, thank you for coming at such short notice.¡± Satine said at last, after she got her laughter under control. Her guards went back to standing at rigid attention.


    ¡°Of course, when a friend calls what else was I to do but answer.¡± Obi-Wan replied as he performed a large sweeping bow that bordered on mockery. But the sly grin on his face only made Satine giggle.


    ¡°So, how can I help?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    ¡°What can you tell me about the political mind set of Lash?¡± Satine asked, as her good cheer slowly melted away.


    ¡°Only that he hates politics. That he would prefer that everyone got along. A peaceful galaxy is preferred over a war torn one. But I also know that he will fight to protect what is his. To be perfectly honest Duchess. He''s the type of individual that speaks his mind if you ask him the right questions.¡± Obi-Wan replied as he steepled his fingers in front of himself.


    ¡°I only spent a little time with him when he came here years ago to restore Mandalore''s atmosphere, and environment. He had been polite, and forthright. But how can I be sure that hasn''t changed? This... Duel that is taking place on Concordia. Will he demand that I abdicate the throne to him?¡± Satine expressed her worry, though she maintained a picturesque persona on the throne. She had to keep up her appearances for her guards.


    ¡°Master Lash is a true believer of free will, Duchess. He would never force anyone to follow him. Tell me, are you permitted to attend the duel?¡± Obi-Wan asked.


    ¡°I have been invited by the governor of Concordia, Pre Vizsla. I had no idea that he was a practitioner of the warrior traditions. It appears I am more out of touch with my people than I presumed. I had hoped you would come with me. As my bodyguard.¡± Satine informed, and requested.


    ¡°I would be more than happy too. But I must ask, Duchess. I mean this is the best way possible. Have you given any more thought on joining the war effort on the side of the Republic?¡± Obi-Wan asked, and the amiable mood in the room died then and there.


    ¡°No, we will not join the Republic. Nor do we plan to join the Confederacy. As far as I am concerned both sides are corrupt. What the galaxy needs right now is peaceful resolutions, and above all else change. Please Obi-Wan, don''t make this more complicated than it already is.¡± Satine said, with a cold exterior.


    ¡°Of course, I am sorry for bringing it up. I was said I would ask, and I have.¡± Obi-Wan said with a gentle smile.


    ¡°Why don''t we take a walk and cool our heads?¡± Satine said as she stood up in a one fluid motion.


    ¡°My word, Duchess! Are you asking me to be alone with you?¡± Obi-Wan asked, and grinned at the surprised look from Satine.


    ¡°What!? I... I mean... No. No, I am going for walk. I would like my new bodyguard to accompany me.¡± Satine said as she narrowed her eyes into slits at him. The royal guards in the room shivered at the look. But Obi-Wan only had a smug grin on his face.


    ¡°Oh? Well that is to bad. I did have a gift for you all planned out.¡± Obi-Wan said as he pulled out a small box. ¡°But I suppose I can wait for a better time.¡±


    ¡°A gift?¡± Satine squeaked...


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


    (Moon of Concordia, House Vizsla estate.)


    Pre Vizsla of House Vizsla was the governor of the moon Concordia, and the leader of the Mandalorian group known as Death Watch. For years he had played the part of governor with no one the wiser of his true intentions. But the time for hiding had come and gone. It had happened far sooner than he would have liked. It had also happened completely without his input. An outsider claiming to be a Mandalorian had usurped House Vizsla''s given right to be the leader of New Mandalore.


    But soon that would all change! The challenge had been sent, and accepted. Soon he would be the victor and he would obtain all that was this imposters resources in the name of House Vizsla! Pre Vizsla moved with purpose through the sacred halls of his forebears. He watched with pride as his many brothers and sisters fought, and trained in the lost warrior arts of Mandalore. Beskar newly mined from their home world was forged into armor once again. Warriors would jump to attention as he passed. Soon all of Mandalore would call his name.


    ¡°Your ears must have been burning.¡± The strong feminine voice of his second in command called to him as he stepped into the officers forge of the House.


    ¡°Bo-Katan Kryze, welcome back. Report!¡± Pre Vizsla said to her with a smile.


    Bo-Katan Kryze was a human female who stood at approximately 5''11¡± with vibrant red hair, cut into a sharp angular bob cut. A metallic hair band kept her face clear. Her focused green eyes were always moving, always watching no matter the situation. It reminded Pre Vizsla of a shriek-hawk while it hunted. She had a warrior figure that was clad in the very best beskar forged armor one could achieve. With the color scheme of blue (Reliability) and gray (Mourning a lost love). Though that gray would soon turn something else. As the mourning of their warrior culture was soon at an end.


    ¡°The imposter is on his way. Last confirmed reports showed him on Coruscant making final preparations. The Republic Navy, Army, and Militia wanted to give him a full escort.¡± Bo-Katan said with a smirk.


    ¡°Of course they would, he''s their poster boy. A way to tame the rapid dog that is the Mandalorian people.¡± Pre Vizsla with a scoff. As he walked towards the open window of the forge. As the forge smith continued to work.


    ¡°He declined their offer.¡± Bo-Katan continued, Pre Vizsla looked back at her in mild surprise.


    ¡°A surprise, but not unexpected.¡± Pre Vizsla commented as he turned to look back out the window. He watched as younglings were being drilled.


    ¡°Our people on Venura were able to obtain the required texts for the forge. The Master Armorer is working on it now.¡± Bo-Katan gestured towards the master of their craft. A large near human Mandalorian warrior clad in full armor, and helmet. Working on a suit of armor.


    ¡°The fact that he would leave such things out in the open is beyond idiotic.¡± Pre Vizsla said with a sneer.


    ¡°Knowledge isn''t forbidden to the Jensaarai. You just need the proper rank, or merit to obtain it.¡± Bo-Katan said, and Pre Vizsla conceded that point. After all the Mandalorian warriors were based on a meritocracy.


    ¡°The beskar iron is not from Mandalore. We don''t know where but it is mined out of Venura.¡± Bo-Katan reported and showed Pre Vizsla an ingot she was able to obtain. It had an odd green shine to it. Not commonly found in the metal from their world.


    ¡°So it''s not beskar.¡± Pre Vizsla said with a smug grin. That little tidbit was something he could use to the cultural puritans of his people.


    ¡°No... It''s better.¡± The Master Armorer''s voice called out. Pre Vizsla, and Bo-Katan both looked over at him in surprise.


    The Master Armorer didn''t say another word. Just pulled up a holographic display of the chemical composition of the material. Once forged through the traditional smelting techniques it had a higher melting point. It could absorb both kinetic, and energy based attacks. It could also under the right circumstances, self repair! Allowing for common wear and tear over the generations to be mended as long as its under the right techniques. Which were in the information they had obtained.


    Pre Vizsla stopped to consider the ramifications of this. Yes, he could play the cultural puritan card that the beskar that the people acquired from the imposter was not real beskar. But when the pro''s out weighed the con''s was it really worth it? ¡°Continue your report.¡±


    ¡°The Duchess Satine was seen speaking to who we believe to be, as Obi-Wan Kenobi. A Jedi Knight, and General of the Republic. As of thirty minutes ago, she has confirmed that she will be attending the duel, and supporting the imposter.¡± Bo-Katan said as she ground her molars in disgust.


    ¡°Don''t worry, her time will come.¡± Pre Vizsla said to his second.


    ¡°...Finished...¡± The Master Armorer pulled the last piece from his work station.


    ¡°Wonderful! Let''s put it on.¡± Pre Vizsla said, as he came over to the fitting station. The Armorer began to take off Pre Vizsla''s original armor to replace it with another.


    Pre Vizsla was a human male who stood at approximately 6'' even. With a bald head. (Baldies unite!) He had pale skin, blue eyes, and a square jaw. With a rectangular warrior figure, he filled his armor out well. Like most warriors trained in the old ways. He had a collection of scars riddle through out his body. He pulled on a new beskar weave body glove. Then piece by piece a new Death Watch, House Vizsla armor. Each piece was inscribed with arcane Force script. Found in the original holocron of his ancestor Tarre Vizsla.


    Once the armor was set in place and each piece of armor was linked together. A soft snap clicked into place and a resonating ring went through the room. As Pre Vizsla stood in his new armor that had sharp elegant angles. With the colors black (Justice) for the main armor, and gold (Vengeance) for the script. A power he had never felt flowed into his body. He walked over to a prepared piece of durasteel and punched with all his might. The sheet of metal screeched in protest as Pre Vizsla left a clear indent where his fist had struck.


    ¡°Impressive, you are truly a master of your craft.¡± Pre Vizsla said in humility as he bowed to the Master Armorer.


    ¡°According to the manual you''ll be resistant or even immune to most Force powers that directly effect you. As well has a partial Force empowerment. Unfortunately, each script takes a substantial amount of beskar to make. So unless we find more, I wont be able to outfit the elites of our people.¡± The Master Armorer politely informed before he went back to work.


    Bo-Katan had a savage grin on her face as she came over to look at the armor. Then she looked towards her own armor that was starting to be made. ¡°Force-Hunter armor. With this our people will at last defeat our hated enemy.¡±


    =============================================================


    ***Star Wars Rift, Coruscant***


    ¡°You want to what?¡± Lash asked in confusion as he looked at Padme who had come to visit him at Ghost Industries HQ.


    ¡°Come with you. To ensure that a diplomatic incident doesn''t take place. Like it or not, Lash. What happens to you will effect the people of Naboo. As its elected Senator it is my obligation to secure their interest.¡± Padme said, as she crossed her arms over her chest, planted her feet, and pointed her chin up in challenge.


    ¡°Wow... You really remind me of my sister right now.¡± Lash blurted out. Padme''s eyes went wide at that. Lash had never once spoke about his family. She didn''t even know he had one.


    ¡°What? I... I didn''t know you had a sister.¡± Padme said as a bit of a blush went into her cheeks. A smile tugged on her lips.


    ¡°Ya, she would use logic to get around the fact that she was worried about me too. Yes, of course you can come Padme.¡± Lash said with a laugh.


    ¡°That is not what I was doing!¡± Padme said as she stamped her foot and glared at him.


    ¡°Padme, Force Users have empathic abilities. What do you think I am getting off of you right now. Aside from annoyance?¡± Lash asked. Padme glare intensified.


    ¡°Yes, Senator Padm¨¦ Amidala Naberrie please accompany me to a duel on the Mandalorian moon of Concordia. I will be delighted to have you. As your company, and friendship are always welcome.¡± Lash said as he placed his right hand over his heart, his left hand to the small of his back. He bowed from his waist, but kept his eyes turned towards her.


    Then just like that her glare turned into a triumphant smile. She placed her hands on her hips, and strutted through his corporate manor. ¡°Great! When do we leave?¡±


    ¡°Well first I need to get drunk with Nazvo, please join us.¡± Lash said as he walked towards the bar where Nazvo, several militia officers, Mandalorian warriors, and Jensaarai waited.


    ¡°Tiyulong rum, Year 369. They only had ten bottles. So these ten are for Nazvo, the rest of the bar is open to you all.¡± Lash happily announced to the room as he pulled the bottles out of a bag and placed them in front of his assistant, and practically second in command. Nazvo who happily clapped in glee.


    Nazvo reached up and tapped Lash''s visor with her finger nail. ¡°Take that off.¡± Nazvo said, it was not a request. The others looked up in mild surprise. Lash traced a finger along his collar and his helmet/mask retracted and compressed into his suit.


    Lash was of course bald, that had never changed. His scalp, neck, and part of his face was covered in tribal tattoo''s and marks specifying his different domains. While along his jaw line, nose ridge, and eye brows were scales. Along with his yellow green reptilian eyes. But aside from that he looked near-human. He smiled at her, some of his teeth were sharper than what would be considered normal for a human.


    ¡°Good?¡± Lash asked, and Nazvo nodded.


    ¡°Awwww, no towel this time?¡± Mil''Gix asked from her side of the bar.


    ¡°Towel?¡± Padme asked as she walked over to take a seat next to her guard Grego Typho who was caught staring at Lash until Padme poked his side.


    ¡°Oh have you not heard this story, senator!? Gather around and listen to the story where the Chieftain revealed all!¡± Mil''Gix shouted in glee, a savage grin on her face.


    Nazvo snickered and popped the top off the first bottle. In typical Nazvo fashion she drank straight from the bottle and had drank half the bottle before she came up for air. She gave out a triumphant cheer that the other attendance shared. Heat rose to her face as the alcohol content from the rum hit her fast. Lash gave her a bemused expression and fixed himself a drink. Though to him it was nothing more than different flavored water.


    ¡°So, there I was walking through the chieftain''s giant tower. Being escorted by the warrior Nazvo herself to the master quarters. What was a fair maiden like myself to think!?¡± Mil''Gix asked in mock horror as she crossed her legs, placed her hands on her knees, and played the part of damsel.


    ¡°Here we go!¡± Vi''Lon her brother and fellow Falleen said in contrast. ¡°You have never been, nor will you ever be a fair maiden!¡±


    ¡°Who''s story is this! Mine, shush!¡± Mil''Gix said with a glare, then flicked her braid back into his face. He chuckled, as he went back to his drink. Padme giggled and covered her mouth politely.


    ¡°I was filled with trepidation. For as far as I know no one had ever been to the chieftain''s personal bed chamber. At least as far as anyone knew. Whispers have said that he eats maidens whole. Never to be seen again.¡± Mil''Gix said in what could only be a stage whisper. Hushed words, but loud enough for all to hear. Several of the militia officers looked confused. Had anyone seen his private bedroom before?


    ¡°I am a fan of eating out, though I prefer to give more than receive.¡± Lash commented from the side. Nazvo choked on some of her rum and started to cough. As Padme went bright red, and Mil''Gix only gave a knowing smile.


    ¡°Nazvo leads me to the door and knocks. Not once, not twice, but thrice! No answer was heard. How odd it was. Perhaps he was sharpening his teeth? I remember my palms were sweaty, my knees weak, and my mouth dry. Then Nazvo without a word opened the door. What did we find beyond?¡± Mil''Gix asked Padme who was at the edge of her seat now.


    ¡°...what?¡± Padme asked, a blush still in her face.


    ¡°The beast wearing not but a towel!¡± Mil''Gix said with smug grin as she glanced at Lash with a wicked look.


    ¡°Wait! You saw...Saw...¡± Padme''s voice grew small as her eyes grew distant.


    ¡°Then without warning, he dropped the towel!¡± Mil''Gix shouted suddenly.


    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Padme shouted back.


    ¡°In my defense I normally take cold showers.¡± Lash called out.


    ¡°Not from where I was standing.¡± Nazvo said, probably a little louder than intended. Probably.


    ¡°There he was in all of his primal glory! Then before any one had taken a single step. Nazvo pulled me aside to protect my purity!¡± Mil''Gix said in shock, as Vi''Lon chocked on his drink.


    ¡°You haven''t been pure since the second hunting trial with what''s his n-Gah!¡± Vi''Lon shouted in pain as Mil''Gix punched him square in the jaw.


    ¡°Shut up! That didn''t happen!¡± Mil''Gix glared at her brother, then sat back down in a huff. She glared at her fellow warriors who raised their hands in surrender. Then she went a little pale as she looked at her father, and chieftain Til''Nix.


    ¡°Wait, what boy?¡± His voice had a venom like tone, as in who touched my daughter?


    ¡°So, after they turned around I put on my armor. That is essentially the end of the story.¡± Lash continued for Padme''s benefit who sat back down in her seat with an almost relieved, and disappointed look on her face?


    ¡°This was right after your horde mode challenge, right? Your armor was melted in several places, wasn''t it?¡± A Jensaarai defender asked.


    ¡°Correct, so the suit came off. I had several replacement pieces ready. Decided to take a shower. I didn''t have my communication device sitting in my ear like I normally do. So Nazvo couldn''t get a hold of me. So, with basic practicality, and the fact that she has never seen me not in armor. She walked in.¡± Lash said with a shrug.


    ¡°I''ve...hic! I''ve worked for you for nearly ten standard years...hic! The number of times...hic! I''ve seen your face can be counted on my two hands...hic!¡± Nazvo began to say, Lash looked at her in surprise. She had drank four out of the ten bottles he got her in under thirty minutes.


    ¡°Then out of no where! Towel!¡± Nazvo said, as she swung her half drank bottle around.


    ¡°Shower... Wet...¡± Lash told her, and she fell into a giggle fit.


    ¡°...So...Sister?¡± Padme asked softly. The room went quiet as they looked at her, then back at Lash.


    ¡°Her names Lizzy, short for Elizabeth. Near-human with long curly fiery red hair, and a temper to match. Big believer in personal responsibility, and beating her brothers thick skull when he forgets things. Which is often.¡± Lash knocked on his own head.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± Padme asked, as the room was still silent. It was like watching a tennis match. The people swiveled back and forth.


    ¡°Back home... I miss her.¡± Lash said his last part softly, and shot back a glass.


    ¡°Can you not go see her?¡± Padme asked.


    ¡°I could, but its a one way trip. So if I leave, I can''t come back here. My mission isn''t complete. So here I will remain.¡± Lash replied, much to the confusion of the room. ¡°Thankfully my race is long lived. So couple of decades, name a successor, then head back home.¡±


    ¡°Where is she that it would be a one way trip?¡± Vi''Lon asked. Lash stepped away from the bar and activated the holographic planetarium in his home. He expanded the viewer to show off the Star Wars Galaxy.


    ¡°This is where we are.¡± Lash pointed at the galaxy. Then pulled back the astrometric view then pointed at another galaxy. ¡°That''s where she is.¡± Then the estimated time to get there by hyper space FTL was one thousand plus years.


    The room was quiet. This was all new information to everyone present. Lash had never spoken about his origins. Yes, they knew about him being a former padawan three hundred years ago. But there was a huge span of time between then and now. He would always avoid talking directly about it. Many assumed he, and the collection of Force Master went to wild space. This was so far away from wild space. This was intergalactic in terms distance.


    ¡°I don''t talk about it. Because I can''t go back. Until I finish my mission. How I am getting back is a secret I wont share, so don''t ask. When will I go back? Not for many, more years.¡± Lash replied, as he smiled at the group then picked up one of Nazvo''s bottles took the cap off and had a drink.


    ¡°So, who said you could drink one of my bottles?¡± Nazvo asked with a petulant look on her face. Lash just grinned at her and set the bottle down. She swiped it off of the bar and held it close to her chest. ¡°...Mine.¡±


    A collection of chuckles rang out through the room and the mood started to lighten up. Despite the sensitive subject people still asked questions about his group travels to do different galaxies. Places, people, and the why. Once again Lash avoided specifics. But still had plenty of stories to share. He talked about an entire galaxy that had a thing called Meta''s. Individuals who were even more outlandish then Jedi, and Sith. Aliens capable of space flight, FTL travel, and could produce enough internal energy to rival even a frigate in fire power?


    Eventually the sun came back up, and the few warriors who were still awake were finding a place to pass out. Padme was curled up in one of the large love seats. Mil''Gix was half in and half out and out on a raft in the middle of the indoor pool with several other Jensaarai. Nazvo was curled up on the floor with the last bottle of rum. She''d save it for a special occasion.


    The last two awake were Lash, and Chieftain Til''Nix who was a near-human male. He stood at approximate 6''2¡± even. With pale white skin, completely black eyes with no sclera. He had purple veins running along his face. A bald head save for a long braid that came out from back of his head. He like Lash could filter alcohol out like it was water. He had a genuine smile of contentment on his face. As he and Lash shared a bottle of something.


    ¡°I noticed you said you would name a successor.¡± Til''Nix asked.


    ¡°I suppose you could say I am not a true Mandalorian in that regard. In order to bond with anyone here, I''d have to introduce them to my other partners first. If they approve, then, and only then could I be bonded.¡± Lash said, as he refilled their glasses.


    ¡°....Ahahaha... You''re a braver man than I, Mand''alor the Renewer. Just one partner is scary enough.¡± Til''Nix said as he raised his glass in a salute which Lash returned.


    ¡°That is also why I will not be demanding you bond with my daughter after you showed all of yourself to her.¡± Til''Nix continued to say as he gave a mild glare at Lash who shrugged at him.


    ¡°If I bond to anyone it is out of love, not obligation.¡± Lash replied.


    ¡°Like I said, I won''t demand.¡± Til''Nix said, then swirled the liquid in his glass around. He was working through something so Lash just waited.


    ¡°Your going to have to kill him, Pre Vizsla.¡± Til''Nix said at last as he swallowed the rest of his glass and tipped it over to show he was done drinking.


    ¡°House Vizsla considers me an outsider, and an imposter for Mand''alor. If he dies the entire House will go into a rage. Which I find odd, since they claim I have no right to call myself Mandalorian. Only for them to disregard their own traditions when its convenient for them.¡± Lash said and capped the bottle and strode towards the bar to put it away.


    ¡°The smart thing to do would be to execute any that don''t submit. But I have no doubt that the other clans will ask for a dissolvent of the house. House Vizsla will be unmade, and the different people will be adopted into other clans, or face exile.¡± Til''Nix continued to offer council as he followed Lash.


    ¡°Dissolving House Vizsla wont happen, to much history there. Even if it stabs us in the back. The House must remain after his defeat, his death. If it naturally dissolves over time. That is one thing. But if the Mandalorian people are known for anything, its their resilience.¡± Lash replied, and began to clean up his home. But his arm was snagged by Til''Nix.


    ¡°House Vizsla are puritans, Lash. All of them are human or near-human. They sneer, and mock the other clans that allow the other species to join them. Believing it dilutes the purity of the old ways.¡± Til''Nix said in a bitter tone.


    Lash raised a scaled brow at him. That was new information. ¡°That doesn''t make sense. The original Mandalorians were the Taung''s.¡± Lash said, and that made him stop as he thought about it.


    That had always bothered him when he visited the toxic ¨C desert world of Mandalore. Humans, or near-humans as far as he could see. It was only the Mandalorian clans that were outside of the home system that had incorporated other species into their creed. Why was that? Why hadn''t he noticed that before? That seemed like a glaring oversight on his part. He winced as a sharp migraine started up and then his long lost friend Nullification activated. The migraine cleared up quickly. But now he had more questions than answers. Was he being manipulated? By who, or by what?


    Lash took a moment to shift his Perceptions through the different filters. The Force / Midi-Chlorians were in the room as always. They had not tried to kill, attack, or obstruct him in a long while. They did protect certain people. But that just showed Lash not to mess with them as much. He and the Force had come to almost form of armistice for now at the very least. So, what was pushing him?


    ¡°Chieftain?¡± Til''Nix asked.


    ¡°Sorry, something just clicked into place and I''m working a problem. We could do a House exchange. One member of every clan would be selected and placed in Vizsla, and they do the same.¡± Lash suggested, and Til''Nix stood silent in thought.


    ¡°That could work, but you''d have to name a Chieftain if you don''t plan to take the position yourself.¡± Nazvo said with a groan as she slowly stood up, and wobbled over to the bar. Lash smiled at her, and she glared at him as she held close her last bottle of rum.


    ¡°I''m not giving up my clan name.¡± Lash said simply.


    ¡°We wouldn''t expect you too, especially since I now know you have family out there. We had always assumed you were the last of your clan.¡± Til''Nix said, and agreed.


    ¡°Isn''t there a Mandalorian Chieftain trial, or something they can do to name a new successor?¡± Nazvo said as she curled up by the bar, her head resting across its cool surface. Lash started to make some black tar... Kinda like coffee.


    ¡°Yes, also technically the new Mand''alor could pick one. If Bo-Katan doesn''t swear vengeance I may end up naming her the successor.¡± Lash said as he poured a glass of tar and placed it in front of Nazvo who grimaced and downed the whole thing in a single swallow then gagged at the taste.


    ¡°Why does he have to die?¡± Padme''s voice called out from her impromptu bed.


    ¡°This is the way.¡± Lash said softly.


    ¡°This is the way.¡± Til''Nix replied like that was all need be said.


    ¡°It''s archaic is what it is.¡± Padme said, as she curled back up in her ''bed''.


    ¡°So are a lot of Jedi traditions. But they still practice them.¡± Lash said with a smirk. While Til''Nix snickered a little at the playful jab.


    ¡°Traditionally Mandalorians don''t just issue challenges because one fights better than the other. They understand that by issuing the challenge especially to that of Chieftain they are accepting the responsibility of leading their clan. If the winner proves to be ill prepared for the task ahead. The clan will actually remove them.¡± Lash politely informed Padme who mumbled something in her sleep.


    ¡°We don''t suffer fools.¡± Til''Nix continued the subject.


    ¡°So what does that say about Vizsla? Who''s more foolish, the fool? Or the one who follows the fool?¡± Nazvo asked, as she slowly stood up and made her way towards the door. ¡°I need a shower, and some sleep. GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!¡± Nazvo said, then suddenly yelled that last part. Half the party jumped to their feet. While others held their head in their hands with a groan.


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


    Three days later Lash on his personal ship the Basilisk arrived in the Manadalore sector. Right behind him were over fifty ships of different wondering clans here for the duel. From star fighters, gunships, and cruisers. While there were additionally several diplomatic ships from the Republic. Specifically Nabooian for Senator Amidala, and oddly Senator Organa. They were met by the security force of Mandalore. Who accepted their security codes and escorted them towards the moon of Concordia.


    The moon itself was surrounded by hundreds of different ships all here to see the duel. A pretty big turn out for a challenge that shouldn''t last longer than five minutes. Of course they would also be here for what came after. Either a battle between houses. Or a diplomatic cluster fuck. Maybe both!


    Concordia was a verdant moon that at one time possessed dense forest. During the most recent war between the Mandalorians and the Republic. They had turned the entire moon into a mining pit for beskar. When Lash had visited the system to restore Mandalore, he also visited the moon. So the forests were growing strong. But still had a long way to go.


    Lash received landing coordinates and input them into his navigational computer. A marker was set on the transparisteel of his ship. While a host of ships behind him flew in formation. Several sensor sweeps went over his ship. Then several more. He knew they could scan it all day long and get absolutely nothing back. If he didn''t have his transponder on. They would think he was a phantom signal in the void. They broke through the atmosphere and Lash was surprised to find a greeting party waiting for him.


    Lash disconnected from his ship, as the data jacks retracted. He walked through his ship as several Jensaarai Defenders were checking over their armor, weapons, and sabers. One by one they gave a green light. Once everyone was finished they moved to the loading ramp. Lash was back in full armor, helmet/mask included. A 6''6¡± armored monster. As soon as he stepped off the ramp he let out his aura of power that he normally restricted. His Jensaarai had been expecting it and took it in stride. But the Duchess, her guards, and Obi-Wan Kenobi nearly fell to their knees in surprise.


    ¡°Ah, Apologies!¡± Lash called out and pulled back his aura from them specifically. ¡°That was meant for someone else.¡±


    ¡°Not to worry my friend. No harm done!¡± Obi-Wan said with an amiable smile as he strode over to hug Lash, who returned the gesture. Then Lash came over to the Duchess who hadn''t moved from her spot. He bowed to her as was custom to the leading ruler of the system.


    ¡°Duchess Satine, it is good to see you again.¡± Lash said, his Jensaarai saluted behind him.


    Satine had chosen to wear a couture blue royal dress from neck to toe. She cut an impressive figure. It had a floral pattern, the planet design was from the former jungles on their home world. Her blonde hair was done up, and curled into ringlets around her crown. With adorn feathers behind it. She wore a necklace of precious stones, with matching earrings. Along with a decorative belt that cinched her waist with buckled on her left hip. It was very nice looking, and incredibly impractical. Satine raised a single manicured eye brow at him, and kept her stoic expression.


    ¡°You as well, Master Lash.¡± Satine said in a distant tone. Then her eyes shifted to arrival of Padme, and Organa. A smile tugged on her lips at their approach.


    ¡°Senator Amidala, Senator Organa I was not expecting you. But I have to say this is a pleasant surprise.¡± Satine said with a bit of warmth. Obi-Wan glanced at Lash as Satine all but brushed past Lash to receive them. Lash shrugged, he wasn''t offended.


    ¡°Of course we came! These are trying times and it would benefit both the Republic, and the Neutral party if we could be here. Hopefully this transition will be as smooth as possible.¡± Padme said with a genuine smile.


    ¡°I agree. I couldn''t stand by as your way of life was threatened. Thankfully Master Lash has agreed to respect your neutrality.¡± Organa stated, and Satine came up short as she glanced back at Lash.


    ¡°Did you not tell her my political mindset, Obi-Wan?¡± Lash asked his friend who smiled at him.


    ¡°Oh I did. But it''s always better to confirm it.¡± Obi-Wan replied.


    ¡°No, Duchess. I have no intention of pushing for control over the Mandalore sector. I will respect your wish for neutrality.¡± Lash said, and the cold exterior from the Duchess thawed just a bit. The stiff expression from her guards relaxed as well.


    ¡°That... Is most agreeable, Master Lash.¡± Satine replied with a slight smile.


    ¡°You make it sound like you''ve already won!¡± A female Mandalorian Death Watch member flew down from the skies. Despite her helmet, Lash could feel her glare.


    ¡°Not at all! Master Lash is simply confident in his own abilities.¡± Obi-Wan said with his arms raised up, then he gracefully bowed from his waist at the new arrival.


    ¡°Hello Bo-Katan, it''s nice to see you.¡± Lash said to the new arrival. The warrior stiffened at her name being called. Duchess Satine Kryze shifted towards her long lost, and estranged sister. Bo-Katan Kryze.


    ¡°...Bo?¡± Satine asked, as she reached out a hand.


    ¡°Dont! That is not who I am anymore.¡± Bo-Katan snapped at Satine. For a brief moment Satine''s mask slipped and she looked hurt. Then like flipping a switch she went back to being indifferent.


    ¡°Are you here to escort Champion Lash to the duel?¡± Satine asked with cool confidence.


    ¡°....Yes... Right this way, Champion.¡± Bo-Katan said in disgust. She turned on her heel and walked away fully expecting him to follow. He did not. He stood there looking at her back. No one else moved either. It was a good two minutes before she noticed.


    ¡°WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?¡± Bo-Katan shouted back at them. Lash just stood there looking at her. Lash reached up to his wrist mounted computer and tapped into the enclave speakers.


    ¡°I am Chieftain Lash, of Clan Ghost Claw. I am here at the request of a duel in solo combat. House Vizsla''s petty disregard for tradition shames their House, and their warriors. I am allowed a full diplomatic escort by warriors of the House. Instead I see one petulant child, with family issues. House Vizsla has two minutes to correct this mistake. Or I will call for am unjust representation of the traditions of Tarre Vizsla.¡± Lash said through the communication array.


    Before Bo-Katan could take more than two steps. She stopped pressed a hand to her helmets ear. Then squared her shoulders and strode over at a reasonable pace. Several honor guards of the House flew out from the enclave, and joined her. Bo-Katan then saluted him. As did the others.


    ¡°Welcome, Chieftain of Clan Ghost Claw to House Vizsla''s enclave. We are pleased that you accepted the duel of solo combat. Please come this way.¡± Bo-Katan all but snarled at him.


    ¡°If this is the best I can expect from House Vizsla it''s not wonder no one will follow you.¡± Lash replied and the warriors of the House stiffened. ¡°Please lead on, little girl.¡±


    Bo-Katan clenched her fist, and ground her molars so hard he swore he heard them crack. But she kept her mouth shut, turned on her heel and walked away at a reasonable place. Now, Lash followed as did everyone else. Padme came up to his side and whispered to him. ¡°You could have handled that differently.¡±


    ¡°If you didn''t like that, you definitely wont like the next part.¡± Lash said loud enough for all to hear.


    ¡°Master Lash, please remember you represent not only yourself. But the Republic.¡± Senator Organa came to his other side.


    ¡°I personally don''t mind if you put Pre Vizsla in his place.¡± Satine said from her position. Obi-Wan looked at her surprise. She stuck her chin out in challenge. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, just pleasantly surprised.¡± Obi-Wan replied with a smile.


    The rest of the walk was in mild silence as they went through House Vizsla''s enclave and estate. Like most Mandalorian cities they had sharp angles, and pointed edges. The Death Watch coat of arms was scattered through out the House. A shriek-hawk symbolism. Death Watch or Kyr''tsad in Mando''a. Had been a terrorist group in the original time line. This time line / Rift Reality was different. The training camps were out in the open. Hundreds of youngling humans trained in the way of warriors. With almost a zealot like enthusiasm.


    A soft alarm rang out in the compound and every class was dismissed. The main hallway was left deserted. As one by one different Mandalorian clans arrived and joined with Lash''s group. These were all the different clans that chose to support Lash''s claim. While the others were soon to be seen in a grand arena that had been made by Death Watch.


    It reminded Lash of a roman coliseum. With a few additions. Such a shield pylons along the edge to keep the battle contained to the sand pit. Stone pillars were placed around the outside edge of the arena about five feet around, and twenty feet high. The pillars looked jagged and had obvious chips, and blaster holes in them. The smell of blood in the arena was fresh. As were the blood stains he saw. Standing in the center of the arena was Pre Vizsla wearing a peculiar set of armor.


    ¡°Welcome! Chieftain of Clan Ghost Claw. To our home, I am Pre Vizsla the successor of Tarre Vizsla, and your executioner.¡± Pre Vizsla called out, and raised his arms up as his people who numbered little over a thousand cheered. Most the blue and gray armor of Death Watch. But a few other visiting clans.


    ¡°Thank you, Little Girl. You can go now.¡± Lash dimissed Bo-Katan and turned his back on her. Which clearly pissed her off. Because this meant that Lash considered her a none threat.


    ¡°I''m assuming the empty seats are for us?¡± Padme asked, as she gestured towards their part of the arena which looked presentable. The friendly clans went to their given seating.


    ¡°You could just stand. It won''t take long.¡± Lash said, as he went to his Jensaarai and started to remove his armor. The resulting whisper, and confusion rang out through the crowd.


    One by one Lash activated a sequence in his armor. His helmet, arms, and legs all compressed into his main cuirass. Then with careful precision with the help of his Jensaarai he had that removed as well. Then he unzipped his body glove and went down to a pair of form fitting briefs. The arena went deathly silent as he stepped clear of his people. Lash did a series of stretches and looked around in mock confusion.


    ¡°I was challenged because I removed my armor and danced for a newly liberated people. It was an action that was meant to put them at ease. It worked, for the most part. But my actions had an undesired effect. Pre Vizsla of House Vizsla used my dance routine as a way to challenge me. He insulted me, my clan, and my people. So, I thought it would be justifiable to teach him a lesson. I will refuse to wear any armor, or use any weapon in this duel. But I fully encourage my challenger to remain in gear. Verd ori''shya beskar''gam.¡± Lash said to the crowd, and those that came to support him cheered, and repeated his words. (A warrior is more than their armor.)


    ¡°You will wear no armor, or use any weapon what so ever?¡± Pre Vizsla called out.


    ¡°Well, I do have one surprise up my metaphorical sleeve. It takes a minute, are you in a hurry?¡± Lash asked with a smile.


    ¡°By all means.¡± Pre Vizsla called out, as he pulled out a blade handle from his back. He then activated it and a black light saber appeared. His supporters cheered, and chanted ''Dark Saber! Dark Saber! Dark Saber!''


    Lash took one last look at Padme, Obi-Wan, Satine, his Jensaarai, and his supporters who looked at him in confusion. But a peculiar smile tugged on Padme''s lips as she walked over and gestured with her finger for him to lean down. He did so and she kissed his cheek. ¡°Good luck.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Lash said with a wink. Then walked to the edge of the arena and jumped in. As the pit was lower than the seats.


    ¡°A minor lesson in the ways of the Jensaarai!¡± Lash called out to the crowd. He amplified his voice through the Illusion Spell Domain. The crowd grew silent.


    ¡°When a Jensaarai finish stage one training they are granted a light saber. To the Jedi, obtaining your own light saber is a right of passage. For us, its a simple step to take. No, what really defines a Jensaarai is stage two. Where they feel through the Force and find animal spirit that has chosen them. It is at this point that we begin to design our armor after that spirit.¡± Lash said, as he raised his hands up into the air and the tribal marks across his body started to glow. A spectral image of a giant reptilian kaiju creature rose above him. Lash''s aura pressed everyone nearly to their knees. Then the spectral image dove into Lash.


    Lash''s bones broke, his flesh ripped, and his skin peeled away to reveal dark forest green metallic scales. Claws grew from his hands, and feet. A long muscular tail grew from his spine. As four tentacles grew from his back. He grew in height, up, and up. To 8'' tall even. His skull elongated, with a diamond shape skull crest that angled up as it pointed. Six yellow green reptilian eyes formed symmetrically along his head. He opened his maw which showed an impressive array of fangs, and his mandibles pulled apart. Partial Transformation activated.


    ¡°At last! Something to kill!¡± Saurian''s voice roared from their body.


    Galen


    Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay. As always if I am behind on my chapters I normally post something on my profile page. Life dealt me a serious personal blow. I lost my inspiration to write. However, I assure you will continue writing. I do plan to return to my normal schedule, which is once a week. Just need to get back into things.


    Thank you!

 Chapter 141: Too Many Hats!

    ================================================================


    ***HR. Earth aka Gaia, Gotham City***


    Elizabeth Shaw aka Lizzy, the sister to Warden Erik Lash, and Hunter Saurian. Lizzy stood at approximately 5''10¡± with vibrant curly red hair normally pulled back into a tail. With a killer partial amazon figure, and piercing green eyes. She held herself with the confidence of someone trained in martial arts. She knew how to handle herself, when to fight, and when to run. Like right now, she was definitely running.


    Lizzy ran through an alleyway jumping off of the walls, and rolling behind an empty garbage can. The metal box didn''t last long as a searing ball of plasma covered it and melted through. She popped up to her feet and fired her spell inscribed rifle at her assailants. Short controlled bursts to maintain her aim. She nailed one of her attackers dropping them like a sack of potatoes. While two others dove to the side. While another erected a spell shield.


    Lizzy sprinted down the way in a half crouch as she swapped out her clips and ran right out into an open street. Blissfully it was the middle of the night near the harbor so traffic was light. Her next clip was filled with anti magic bullets. She pulled around and popped a round off, as it pierced through the spell casters shield and turned their head into a Gallagher photo shoot. She turned her rifle towards her next attacker who stayed behind cover, as did their companion.


    ¡°What happened!? I thought you said I would pay for all the trouble I caused you?¡± Lizzy taunted her attackers. While her eye movement activated an automated message in her UI. She was wearing a standard light weight exoskeleton suit from the JLI.


    ''Transmission error....Transmission error..... Resetting network connection.'' Her suit''s VI replied. Lizzy swore under her breath as she continued to wait for her attackers to poke their heads out.


    ¡°It''s nothing personal, Warden! We just have a job to do.¡± A man''s voice called out. As he conjured another ball of plasma. The light was evident even if Lizzy couldn''t see him.


    ¡°You were selling Dark Venom to children! That is not a job! That is murder!¡± Lizzy shouted at them. She''d spent the past three weeks tracking down their operation. After several kids had turned into a puddle at school.


    Absolute silence greeted her statement. Another blip across her UI made her smile. She activated the an icon and a Minor Illusion of her was crafted. It mimicked her standing there. While she temporarily become invisible. She turned around and sprinted towards another alley as quiet as possible. Thirty seconds later a light flared behind her, and she felt the connection to the illusion shatter. But that was just long enough.


    ''Connection established, tight beam communication sent. Wait one moment..... Response inbound.'' Lizzy''s suit VI said softly with almost a smug satisfaction Lizzy stopped, turned around on her heel and looked at her two pursuers who slowed to a walk at her clear body language.


    ¡°Game over...¡± Lizzy said, as over a dozen spell script jump points coiled into being around them. When an eight foot tall were-wolf clad in mid tier exoskeleton suit arrives in front of you the best option you have is to run.


    After a very short altercation. Lizzy led the reinforcements back to the warehouse where the rest of the drug dealers were still in the process of cleaning up. It was quick, efficient, and incredibly brutal after that. Another Dark Venom drug den removed from Gotham. Unfortunately they were like weeds. If you didn''t pull them out by the root they just came back again, and again.


    Lizzy accepted a site to site transport from her location to the Warden HQ in the manor estate location just outside of Gotham City proper. She filed her report, and got checked out by the medics. She didn''t want to track any Dark Venom home. She kept her suit on, of course. She had been caught to many times out of it. She only ever took it off when she was safe and sound at home. Speaking of which she received another transport straight to her personal pad at the building she lived in. It may have been due to the fact that her brother owned the station..... Maybe?


    There was a pseudo-Warden / JLI bunker under her building where she came out of. She looked around the little place and found it empty. No surprise there as the only other person who would use it was her brother, who was currently inside of a Rift. Gone for god knows how many years from their perception. Lizzy took a slow breath and cleared her mind of a problem she couldn''t do anything about. That was something she and Lash differed on. He would fret over things he couldn''t change. While she would push it back, and concentrate on the here and now.


    Lizzy went to the armory and stepped into the control ring. The machine guided her into a spread eagle pose and mechanical arms came down and peeled her out of her suit. She could do it manually but that would take close to thirty minutes. She desperately wanted to take a shower. Once the suit was off it would be taken to be cleaned. She walked towards the shower stall and pressed the center stall button. A lukewarm spout of water came out, and she adjusted the center dial and turned it way, way up. Like scalding hot.


    ¡°God that feels good!¡± Lizzy moaned loudly.


    Something else she had inherited from her brother, or rather her pack-master. Thanks to their pack bond she was all but immune to simple temps. It could be 105 Fahrenheit (40.5 Cel) or negative below and Lizzy would barely bat an eye. She grabbed a bottle off a shelf and loofah and washed her body from head to toe. Then did a shampoo plus conditioner for her hair. Once she was finished she washed off, and turned the water off.


    Lizzy stepped out of the stall without a towel, and walked across the room towards her locker for a pair of scrubs. It took a moment to realize she wasn''t alone in the room. She froze and looked over to see her wife, Isabella Kuldr looking at her with a smile. ¡°Hay babe... How long have you been there?¡±


    ¡°About two minutes.¡± Isabella said.


    Isabella Kuldr was a Blood-Kindred, will be once she finishes her conversion rate. She stood at approximately 5''3¡± with long auburn hair, chocolate caramel skin, and a voluptuous figure. She wore a pair of sandals, daisy dukes that showed a whole lot of leg, and a white crop top. Lizzy drank in the sight of her. She couldn''t help but lick her lips in satisfaction. Isabella''s smile grew into an impish grin.


    ¡°I have dinner upstairs if your ready. Or would you prefer ''desert'' first?¡± Isabella said as she trailed a finger down between her cleavage. Lizzy audibly swallowed.


    Lizzy stood up still completely naked and stalked across the locker room. Isabella''s eyes went wide and her breath caught. Then she let out a girlish squeal as Lizzy picked her up by her ass and placed her on one of the bathroom sinks for balance. Then she began to fully explore Isabella''s caramel skin.


    ¡°Desert first I think...¡± Lizzy said, and bit into Isabella''s neck and was rewarded with a breathless moan.


    --------


    A little over an hour later. Lizzy was sitting at their dinning room table with a positive glow about her. As she ate a wonderful meal, while she glanced at a very satisfied Isabella bounce around the room. Lizzy loved to watch Isabella move around like that after sex. Some primitive part of her being would whisper ''mine'' every time she did. After her meal, they shared some tea and snuggled on the couch. Isabella would trail her nails along Lizzy''s skin.


    ¡°Why don''t we go on a vacation?¡± Isabella asked suddenly. Lizzy blinked at her, as her mind was in a completely different place. But it didn''t take long for her to catch up.


    ¡°Camping? Tropical? Mountains? I''d love to sit under the sun drinking something covered in salt, and ice.¡± Lizzy said, as she trailed her own nails along Isabella''s skin.


    ¡°A bit of all three actually. I''ve recently heard that the school of magic on the Watchtower is open. They have a bit of everything there.¡± Isabella said innocently, but Lizzy''s gave her a deadpanned expression.


    ¡°So it''s not a vacation? You want to go study Enchantment at the school.¡± Lizzy said with a mock growl and nipped Isabella''s ear.


    ¡°Well, it could be both.¡± Isabella said as she sat up, crossed her legs and sat up straight. Her bouncing breasts in a tight tee shirt right in Lizzy''s line of sight. Lizzy blinked and tried to focus, then realized Isabella did that on purpose.


    ¡°Bell... You have to be a part of the Warden and/or JLI to use those facilities. Or at the very least sign a NDA. Which you have clearly said no to.¡± Lizzy said and stood up from the couch preparing for another argument.


    ¡°But you could -¡± Isabella began to say.


    ¡°No! I am not going to use my relationship with Lash to get you in. We''ve talked about this over a dozen times. Just sign the paper work!¡± Lizzy shouted at her and stalked off towards the bedroom to put some distance between them.


    ¡°I can''t!¡± Isabella replied, and chased her down. She stood in the door way, and crossed her arms under her breasts for emphasis. There was something about her. Lizzy stopped to look. Damn she.... A surge of energy poured across her pack bond.


    ¡°DID YOU JUST TRY AND BEGUILE ME!?¡± Lizzy shouted at her. Isabella went pale and stepped back. Her hands up in surrender.


    ¡°...N-no...no. I.. I didn''t!¡± Isabella stammered out her answer. Scales started to grow across Lizzy skin, and her eyes went reptilian.


    ¡°Your lying! We talked about this!¡± Lizzy snapped out a snarl.


    Over a month ago Lash had helped Isabella obtain the Enchantment Spell Domain. It had been great for her House fame, and standing. The Spell Domain of Enchantment had a lot of wonderful, and useful tricks. One of them being great for information gathering. The problem was, control. One of the passive spell bonuses was that it would almost create a suggestive compulsion. If you wanted something from someone but they said no. You could ''suggest'' that they change their mind. However, it could just as easily be turned off as well as on. Which meant that Isabella turned it on to win the argument.


    ¡°I can not believe you! You are trying to mind warp me!? Me, your wife!¡± Lizzy shouted at her, as the scales across her body receded. Now she recognized what was going on she didn''t need them anymore.


    ¡°It''s not that big a deal!¡± Isabella tried to reason, then regretted her words the moment she said them.


    ¡°No! It is a big deal! You and I have both worked with refugees from Dex''s world! You absolutely know the horrors the meat puppets went through. There is a reason why beguiling is a illegal! It changes a persons mind. Now, I have to wonder how many times you''ve done this to me! Did I get you something because I wanted to? Or because you wanted me to!¡± Lizzy stormed out of their room fully clothed.


    ¡°Lizzy please! I''m sorry, I won''t do it again.¡± Isabella tried to console her.


    ¡°That is what you said last time! And the time before that! And the....¡± Lizzy stopped as her mind started to race. Isabella''s face went another shade of pale.


    ¡°How many times have you done this? How many times have we had this argument?¡± Lizzy said in sudden realization, and horror.


    ¡°No, no, no, this is the first time. I''ll never do it again.¡± Isabella said, and another surge of energy poured from the pack-bond.


    ¡°PRIORITY TELEPORT TO WATCHTOWER, MIND BENDING IN PROGRESS!¡± Lizzy shouted as loud as possible and before Isabella took two steps forward Lizzy was on a secure teleportation pad with a dozen security droids, and their weapons trained on her.


    ¡°I surrender... Please take me to isolation.¡± Lizzy said, as she broke down and started to cry. How many times had this happened?


    ===============================================================


    ***AR. Star Wars, Wild Space.***


    Wild Space was the frontier of galactic society, separating the known parts of the galaxy from the Unknown Regions of the western half of the galactic disk, as well as the fringes of the Outer Rim Territories and the arms of the galaxy. The term had varied greatly over the years, encompassing all areas of partially explored or charted areas as known throughout various stages of galactic history. (Wookiepedia!)


    One of the many troubled areas of the galactic disk where nebula''s resided. More often than not, any form of FTL travel was met with disastrous results. Pathways between stars would open up one day, and close the next. Along with spatial anomalies, creatures, alien life, and pirates. Traveling into wild space was dangerous, and full of rewards to those that were in the know.


    Hidden away in western section of the galactic disk were the people known as The Chiss Ascendancy, aka just the Ascendancy, was an aristocratic oligarchical nation of the near-human Chiss located inside the Unknown Regions of the galaxy. The Chiss Ascendancy was an interconnection of individual sovereignties and was strictly isolationist to outsiders, preferring a libertarian approach to the wider galaxy and even had a strict policy prohibiting first strikes. The Ascendancy was regarded as mostly a legend even within the Unknown Regions. (Wookiepedia!)


    The Chiss were near-humans, meaning their shape, features, and dimensions were greatly similar to those of humans. However, some notable differences being that their skin was blue, their hair a shimmering blue-black, and their eyes a glowing red. Because of those first two characteristics, they were mistaken for Pantorans, blue-skinned humanoids from Pantora, although Pantorans did not have red eyes. Besides their coloration, Chiss eyes were slightly better than those of humans, their visible spectrum edging a little into the infrared range. Additionally, their hearing was sharper. (Wookiepdia!)


    Like many races found in the Star Wars Galaxy, the Chiss had access to the Force. But in an almost diluted form. Those gifted with the Force were known as ''Skywalkers''. Because of the intuition granted to them by the Force. They could create temporary pathways through Wild Space. But the older the Skywalker got, the less connection they would feel towards the Force. That would make all natural Skywalkers relatively young.


    This connection to the Force allowed the Chiss to locate the hidden passages through certain pockets of space. Additionally, sub-space satellites deployed at certain intervals to notify the travelers if a passage was open or closed. This allowed a sense of normalcy through Chiss space. A normalcy that was now being threatened. Recently an enemy that had remained docile for the past few standard cycles had begun to move aggressively in every direction. Including into Chiss space.


    An isolated solar system on the edge of a nebula was under attack. One of the Chiss sovereign houses had poured significant resources into cultivating this system. Making nearly every planet, and moon livable for their kind. It was now for lack of a better word being cannibalized by their hated enemy. Thousands of Chiss civilian ships fled towards the nearest passage with a Skywalker ship at the lead. While hundreds of military vessels battled against their foe.


    One of the primary planets in the system was slowly being covered by what could only be described as locust. A swarm of bio-engineered insects that poured from a massive hive ship. The ship was in low orbit and looked like it was made from coral. Organic striations, and pores covered the ship. As more of the swarm poured out. They devoured the entire surface of the planet within minutes. Then the hive ship that rivaled the size of any city on the planet shot a putrid green beam straight down across the planet''s surface. An accelerated mutagen covered the planet in seconds. Floral, and fauna were made, transformed, and destroyed. Only to start over, and over. Survival of the fittest.


    While an armada of organic ships piloted by creatures that had self mutilated themselves all in the worship of their gods attacked the Chiss military. The Chosen Race, the Yuuzhan Vong were moving. Their high priests declared a holy crusade. Their gods had whispered to them. One of their siblings was already in this galaxy. A being beyond reality, and the task to welcome their god was given to, The Chosen Race.


    So they would purify this solar system in his name. Remove the sin that was ''technology'', the stain upon the galaxy itself. Then he would bless The Chosen Race with a glorious battle this galaxy had never seen. For Monsters, War, and the Eldritch were their new god''s Domains. Something the Yuuzhan Vong knew all to well.


    ===========================================================


    ***AR. Star Wars, Concordia***


    ¡°At last! Something to kill!¡± The monsters voice roared. That was the moment when Pre Vizsla knew he had miscalculated.


    The eight foot tall scaled monstrosity took a single step and propelled themselves forward across the arena. One hundred feet swallowed in a single second. Vizsla swung the dark saber straight down. A swing empowered by the Force Hunter Armor. The monster caught the blade with his bare hand! Then slammed his palm into Vizsla''s chest and sent him flying back into the arena''s wall.


    ¡°Is this all you have!¡± The monster jeered at him. Vizsla stood up as his whole body quaked in pain, and rage.


    ¡°No!¡± Vizsla shouted and activated his jet pack. He flew up into the air and shot every whistling bird he had. The tiny self guiding darts shot out from both gauntlets.


    Lash dropped to all fours? No, this monster had six arms! Then raced across the ground in zig zag patterns so quickly that the whistling birds couldn''t react fast enough and impacted the ground. The monster raced up the arena shield like he was in free gravity and chased after Vizsla who sped away in the opposite direction. Lash was gaining on him. Vizsla dove at the last possible moment and flew serpentine between the stone pillars. Then he moved past the last one only to scream in surprise as Lash closed lined him.


    ¡°Pathetic!¡± Lash snarled at him, and one of the tentacles wrapped around his ankle and threw Vizsla through one of the stone pillars. Blissfully the Force Hunter Armor absorbed most of the impact.


    ''I have to wear him out! He cant possible hold that form forever!'' Pre Vizsla desperately thought, as he pulled up his blaster pistols and unloaded into the monster.


    Vizsla''s eyes went wide as his blaster bolts flew into Lash''s monstrous scales. His body absorbed the energy! Strange glyphs across the monsters body glowed. Vizsla dove behind a stone pillar as an energy blast shot back. The Death Watch above accused him of breaking his word. But that wasn''t a tool. No, what ever Lash had changed into. That animal could manipulate energy.


    ¡°Vizsla.... Why you hiding, Vizsla? I thought you said you were my executioner?¡± The monster''s voice grated on Vizsla''s very mind.


    Vizsla jumped out from the pillar and sprayed hot flame onto the monster with reckless abandonment. The Death Watch crowd cheered. So sure that the liquid flame would be excruciating. They like Vizsla were shocked when Lash stepped forward and grabbed his arms and crushed the devices. A miniature explosion sent shrapnel across the arena. Vizsla gaped in horror as the four tentacles reached out and ensnared his arms, and legs. Then spread him out like a cross.


    ¡°The armor you wear came from metal on Venura. The inscriptions you placed came from the libraries on Venura. If you wanted to be a Jensaarai, Pre Vizsla you could have just asked.¡± Lash said in a mocking tone. Then tore his Beskar alloy off one piece at a time.


    One the first piece was removed,Vizsla felt the supernatural strength of the inscriptions leave him. He was once again just a man. Despite the durable material, Lash peeled the armor off like it was tissue paper. Vizsla struggled for all he was worth. But it made no difference. Why!? How did this happen!? He had trained for a life time! He had made so many sacrifices! Why!?


    ''Because.'' -A voice crawled through Vizsla''s mind. ''Every action you took was for yourself. In the end you are nothing but a pathetic selfish waste. You can fool others, but you cant fool me.'' -The voice finished and Vizsla''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°I yield!¡± Vizsla shouted out. Just as Lash''s claws finished peeling his black body glove off. He was naked from the waist up.


    ¡°I don''t care.¡± Lash said, as he plunged his clawed hand intoVizsla''s chest and ripped his heart out. Vizsla looked on in horror as he watched Lash eat his own heart.


    Vizsla felt the darkness wash over his vision. Then he left the pains of life behind. He felt a pull from his physical form. He opened his eyes to see himself translucent. He looked around and saw the arena fading from view. Was this it? Would he join his people at the end. ''I''m not finished with you yet.'' -The monsters voice spoke. A hole, no a tear in reality itself opened in front of Pre Vizsla. Held open by demonic hands. Chains whipped out and bound Pre Vizsla''s soul.


    ''NOOOOO!'' -Vizsla screamed in agony as he was pulled into the waiting arms of grinning demi-gods, demons, and a angelic Daemon Knight.


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


    With the battle complete Saurian set Pre Vizsla''s body to the ground with respect. Though he didn''t feel any for the man, appearances were important. He had created a baffle field around Vizsla before he started to peel his armor off. He knew the coward would try and surrender. Better that his people saw him hold on till the end. He took a moment to calm his beating hearts and prepared for what came next. Then he looked around expecting trouble. He was not disappointed.


    ¡°Murderer!¡± Bo-Katan shouted at him. Saurian was in a good mood, so he reached out with his Space/Void Domain and snagged her. Then pulled her through the shield that surrounded the arena.


    The young woman came flying through the shield with no ill effect, but was held in prison via a telekinetic field. Saurian then raised his upper right clawed hand and cast an area wide field effect. Any member of the Death Watch that tried to act in violence found themselves restrained, and floating off the ground. Happily no one on Lash / Saurian''s side had drew any weapon. As this was suppose to be neutral ground, at least while the ceremonial duel was in place.


    ¡°Do you have a complaint, little girl?¡± Saurian asked in his crocodile voice. He ran his forked tongue along his mandibles, as he stalked closer to her.


    ¡°You killed him! You ate his heart!¡± Bo-Katan all but screeched at him.


    ¡°It was to the death, little girl. Plus I was hungry.¡± Saurian replied with a predatory smile.


    ¡°I will never submit to an outsider!¡± Bo-Katan screamed at him. Saurian created a Psionic Blade of dark energy, remarkably similar to the dark saber. Then pressed it within an inch of Bo-Katan''s neck.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Duchess Satine Kryze called out. One of Saurian''s six reptilian eyes tracked her position. ¡°Please, let her live. Release her into my custody.¡± The Duchess pleaded.


    ¡°Why? So she can swear vengeance? Inevitably escaping from your custody? Then plan my downfall? I gain nothing from this mercy. Only more trouble.¡± Saurian replied as he fully turned his body towards the Duchess who went a little pale at having his full attention.


    ¡°It''s the diplomatic thing to do, Lash.¡± Padme said, as she came to stand next to Satine. She gave Saurian a pointed look. Padme looked at him with her chin raised, and a spark of stubborn defiance in her eye. No fear.


    Saurian recalled the energy blade, and gave a modest bow towards Padme, and The Duchess. He disarmed, and bound Bo-Katan. Then dropped her to the ground unceremoniously. The grunt of surprise from the little girl was sweet on Saurian''s ears. He stepped away from her and headed towards the entrance of the arena. The shield wall came down. Within seconds Saurian had restrained another two dozen Death Watch soldiers who tried to shoot him. He pulled every trouble maker up, and out of the crowd and brought them forward. Each one with a holographic video above them detailing their attempt at attacking him.


    ¡°This is the heritage, and honor of House Vizsla? You challenge me to a duel. You lost! Instead of acting like Mandalorians, you act like a band of pirates! No, I''m sorry that''s insulting to pirates. They at least would wait behind closed doors to attack me.¡± Saurian snarled at them, and forced the offending warriors to their knees.


    Saurian raised a clawed hand up and called the original dark saber to his hand. He activated the blade and looked at Death Watch, at House Vizsla. A majority of the house was properly submissive. They were understandably angry. But they accepted the results. It was glory hound zealots that demanded retribution. Saurian turned his attention towards Obi-Wan who looked at him with a look of confusion. Saurian gestured towards the guilty. A look of understanding crossed Obi-Wan''s face.


    ¡°Leave them as prisoners within in their own house, Master Lash. It is not the Jedi, nor the Jensaarai way to judge a people by the actions of the few. If anything, their House will watch them better than any prison guard.¡± Obi-Wan suggested, Saurian nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Where is the Forge Smith of this House?¡± Saurian called out.


    A mountain of man stepped out. Unlike other typical Mandalorian warriors, the Forge Smith wore a belt filled with tools of his trade. A hammer, and tongs like blades in a sheath at his sides. He removed his helmet to reveal a strong jaw, broken nose, bald head (Baldies Unite!), and pale blue eyes. He had a singular scar down across his left eye, across his nose, down his lip. But he wore it with pride. He held his helmet in hand and stood before Saurian.


    ¡°Jorr-Vizsla, Forge Smith at your service Mand''alor the Renewer.¡± Jorr said in a clear bass tone of voice.


    ¡°Remove their armor, and recycle it. They will have to earn it again.¡± Saurian told him. To Jorr''s credit he didn''t flinch. The prisoners did though.


    ¡°You can''t do that!¡± One of them screamed, only for a Death Watch member to shock him into silence via security prod.


    ¡°As you command.¡± Jorr replied, with quick and no none sense actions. The prisoners were taken away.


    ¡°Forge Smith, who is third in command of House Vizsla?¡± Saurian asked, and Jorr turned towards a younger man who stepped forward.


    ¡°Elzmad-Vizsla at your service Mand''alor the Renewer.¡± Elzmad said politely. He was a young man of maybe twenty. Intelligent blue eyes, with black hair that was shaved on one side. With other half only going past his ear.


    ¡°Elzmad, any clan in service under Vizsla may now leave of their own free will. Debts are paid. Save for convicted criminals which I''ll need a detail data pad on each one.¡± Saurian ordered, Elzmad eyes twitched but he nodded. Clan Wren who stood among the House Vizsla all moved in sync towards Saurian''s group.


    ¡°Next, House Vizsla will now perform a House/Clan exchange.¡± Saurian said next, that met some disgruntle murmurs. Saurian stared out across the assembly of House of Vizsla.


    ¡°It''s either that or I disband your entire house, choose one.¡± Saurian snapped out. That shut them up.


    What was a House/Clan exchange? Well in simple terms. Different clans would exchange their people for a period of time. It allowed different houses, and clans to learn from each other. It also created better relationships. Because friends, and family ties were made. Sometimes people would join, and stay. Or people would follow them back. Mating rituals would happen, etc, etc. House Vizsla didn''t do that. Now they would.


    ¡°You will cease, and desist any and all terrorist actions towards Mandalore, and stop trying to undermine Duchess Satine. Before you deny these actions please be aware the moment I killed Pre Vizsla I uploaded a VI construct into your computers. I have a lot of evidence to work with.¡± Saurian said with a predatory grin. Elzmad winced, and quickly nodded.


    ¡°Now, those are some of the important bits. But the rest we can speak of at length in a few hours. For now, lets prepare a warrior burial for Pre Vizsla.¡± Saurian said to the crowd, most of the heads snapped to attention.


    Elzmad lived up to his rank and moved his people quickly. However, the Jensaarai collected the armor of Pre Vizsla since it was made from mental from Venura. Jorr admitted where they got the metal and the design. Metal given to Mandalorians who had earned it through merit, or deed. Pre Vizsla betrayed himself by asking for it. He should have done it himself.


    Without much fanfare Saurian swapped places with Lash once more. Padme winced as she watched him shift back. The sounds of bones breaking, and flesh tearing was not pleasant. She worried after him even though Saurian and Lash had grown dull to the pain years ago. At last back in his near-human shape. His Jensaarai defenders helped him put his armor back on. With his gear replaced Lash took a moment to groan in frustration.


    ¡°This is a problem.¡± Lash said just loud for the people in his immediate circle to hear.


    ¡°It could have gone a lot worse. I think the senate could learn a thing or two from the Mandalorians.¡± Said Senator Bail Organa, several Mandalorian warriors snickered at him.


    ¡°No, Pre Vizsla was supplying the CIS with Beskar.¡± Lash said, and the entire assembly froze in place.


    ¡°How much did he give?¡± Duchess asked.


    ¡°Enough for Lord Enfarious to create a synthetic alloy and use it in battle droid design.¡± Lash said with a growl, as he received several points in Acting. His Enfarious persona had been very pleased when he made that discovery. As had Darth Sidious, and Darth Tyranus.


    ¡°So now we have battle droids who are resistant to blaster fire, lovely.¡± Obi-Wan said as he rubbed his face. ¡°I must inform the Jedi Council.¡± Obi-Wan quickly excused himself.


    While Obi-Wan ran off to inform the council, the Republic senators scampered off to their respective ships to make preparations. Bo-Katan was all but dragged away by Satine''s guards towards her ship. Lash went back to the Basilisk, however he would not be leaving yet. As the victor in the duel he would be expected to attend the funeral of Pre Vizsla. It would help with hostilities between houses. Padme kissed Lash''s face plate before she left with Bail Organa. An action that was visibly seen by many.


    ¡°Never a dull moment with you.¡± Padme said with a smirk.


    ¡°I do enjoy making your life interesting.¡± Lash said a bit of snark. Padme rolled her eyes at him and walked away. Organa nodded towards him, and joined Padme along with their guards.


    Lash and his retinue returned to the Basilisk. Where he unceremoniously collapsed into a chair and groaned audibly. The Jensaarai Defenders, and Mandalorian warriors chuckled at his apparent dismay. If it was not one thing, it was another. The Basilisk holo network had over two hundred requests for communication. While another ten thousands congratulatory messages. That continued to increase by a few hundred every minute. Maybe he should have lost?


    =============================================================


    ***Republic Senator Bail Prestor Organa''s ship***


    Organa had been quick to update all of his contacts across the senate of the new development on Mandalore. Though Duchess was adamant that she will remain neutral in the war, along with the 1,500 systems she represented. Her voice was not as strong as it once was. Master Lash political power had grown over the years. Not only as an entrepreneur, but as a military leader, a Force wielder, and now a leader of a people. Whether Master Lash wished it or not, he may one day be the sole ruler of Mandalore.


    Organa stood up from his desk and looked out his viewing window aboard his ship as subspace passed him by. He clasped his hands behind himself into the small of his back and tried to appear calm. But he knew he was troubled. The war was only growing worse by the day, not less. Any attempts to start peaceful negotiations were met with hostility. As an Alderaanian they were taught to answer rage with wisdom, fear with imagination. War with hope.


    ¡°Why do I feel like I''m playing to the tune of someone else.¡± Organa whispered to himself. But before he could ruminate any more on the subject his communicator activated.


    ¡°Senator, we are receiving a priority message from Concordia. Its the new Mand''alor.¡± The communication officer replied.


    ¡°Put it through please.¡± Organa said with a bemused expression on his face. A holographic image of Lash appeared in his full armor as always.


    ¡°Mand''alor, how can I help you?¡± Bail said with a smile.


    ¡°Organa...How do you... Diplomatically of course.... Deal with... Stupid people?¡± Lash asked, he struggled several times to find the right words and just settled. Organa couldn''t help it, he burst out laughing.


    ¡°It''s not funny, Organa! I''ve been the official leader of the Warrior clans for less than an hour. The amount of bantha shit I''m getting from people is enough to drown an army!¡± Lash roared at him, and Organa only doubled over in laughter falling into his chair.


    ¡°Please....Please no more, your killing me.¡± Organa pleaded, as tears came to his eyes.


    ¡°Your just like Padme, she couldn''t stop laughing either.¡± Lash all but wailed in dismay, and Organa fell out of his chair. After another five minutes of laughter Organa righted himself and continued to chuckle when ever he glanced at Lash.


    ¡°Honnestly, Lash just do what you''ve always done. You and your reputation are well known. Anyone who expects a difference statues hopes to manipulate you. You are in a unique position. Money is no object to you. If anyone wants a change of leadership they have to beat you in combat. Just continue to be you. Just don''t leave any bodies behind where they can be discovered.¡± Organa said with a grin.


    ¡°No help at all! That is what you are! No. Help. At. All!¡± Lash roared and closed the communication. It took Organa another ten minutes to get his laughter under control.


    ¡°Maybe''s there''s hope for the galaxy yet.¡±


    =============================================================


    ***Planet: Mandalore. Capital City, Sundari***


    Bo-Katan Kryze sat in a holding cell wearing a prison uniform. They had taken her armor, her weapons, and did a full bio-metric scan. Revealing several sub dermal lock picks, a knife, and a communicator. They had been thorough. It had been three days since the duel and she felt like it was yesterday when she watched her Mand''alor killed by that monster!


    Bo-Katan felt completely alone after that day. Her people, the Death Watch stood by and did nothing! They accepted the duel like... Like Lash wasn''t an outsider! They had no way to prove he was a Mandalorian. All but his word. Pre Vizsla should be leading their people. He had done the work. He had made the sacrifices that others couldn''t. He had seen the future of Mandalore. It was beautiful. Now? Now there were people celebrating in the streets. The impostor had promised to restore Mandalore for free. Free!


    ¡°If you glare at that view screen any harder it may implode.¡± Said one of the guards towards her. Bo-Katan glared at them. She had attempted to escape three times. So they doubled her guard each time. Now, one was stationed outside her cell at all times.


    ¡°I''d hate to inconvenience you like that.¡± Bo-Katan said in an acidic tone.


    ¡°I wouldn''t worry about that. Another few minutes and you''ll someone else''s problem.¡± The guard replied, but that made Bo-Katan blink. Shift change wasn''t for another hour. Then the entire security wing lost power.


    It was pitch black in the prison wing, not even the emergency lights came on. A crimson saber burst from her lock. Then the door was yanked open. A man, and a woman stood there. Wrapped in gray clothing, and living shadow. The guard took a payment of credits then for his responsibilities he was shocked into unconsciousness by his own security prod.


    ¡°Bo-Katan Kryze, would you like to have your revenge?¡± The woman said in voice that was smooth as silk.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Bo-Katan said in defiance as she stood up and met the woman''s question with an intense loathing and just a dash of hope.


    ¡°Then come with us.¡± Said the man, and stepped away from the cell door. Bo-Katan didn''t hesitate for a second.


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


    Duchess Satine Kryze sat in her personal office with her head in her hands. She had just received the report that the prison had been sabotaged and her sister was now missing. Sixteen guards had been killed in the escape. They all had light-saber wounds, and a single droid camera showed Dark Acolytes had played the part of saboteur. Almost as if they were seen on purpose. Now, she had to explain to Master Lash that the very thing he said would happen, happened.


    ¡°I wish Obi-Wan was here...¡± Satine said softly to no one. ¡°Today was suppose to be a good day.¡±


    Satine looked at the holographic video of the world engines landing on Mandalore. Every year Ghost Industries made improvements to the engines. Now, compared to when they first came to her peoples home. They could restore the environment within days. By months end there would be grass across their whole world. Oceans, expansive water across their wide deserts. There was already talks of creating a new capital on the planet. Their people had put their heart, and souls into the domed and cubed cities. But now...Now they weren''t needed.


    Ding...Ding... Her communication unit on her desk chimed at her. Satine took a moment to smooth out her clothing, and checked her appearance in the mirror before she answered. A holographic image of the prison warden showed up. ¡°Duchess Satine... Mand''alor the Renewer is here in the prison. He knows about the escape.¡± The Prison Warden informed her.


    ¡°I see... I''m on my way.¡± Satine said, and closed the call. She stood up a little to quickly and knocked her chair over.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Satine said in fury.


    Satine left her office without uprighting her chair. Her guards snapped to attention in the hall and followed behind her. While another pair traveled ahead of her. She swept past several ministers, and civil servants... Most of them stopped in respectful fashion. But a few, just a few snickered at her. Word had gotten out about how her estranged sister was one of the terrorists that had been attacking her administration. Not only that, now her sister who had been a prisoner, was now free. It spoke ill of her.


    Satine did her best to ignore them. Maintaining a composed, stoic exterior was something she had practiced for years. She would not break now. Once she left the city hall she was met with overall celebration and approval of her people. Streamers were in the air. Confetti, and flower petals fell like rain. People danced in the streets. Any that saw her cheered, and chanted her name. It almost made up for her bad day, almost. She politely waved, and gave a smile to the people she passed as she boarded her official transport.


    The trip was both agonizingly slow, and almost too fast for her liking. When her transport landed she saw several Jensaarai defenders speaking with the prison guards. While a few others performed some kind of ritual? It took her breath away when she saw ghostly apparitions of the Dark Acolytes rush in through the main door. The scene replayed several times. As the Jensaarai noted key differences. One male, one female. Wearing optical camouflage suits, expensive to say the least.


    Any Jensaarai that noticed her stepped aside and either bowed, or saluted. They did it in full formal etiquette. Nothing condescending in the action. It helped Satines mood just a bit. Several prison guards she passed either saluted, or glared at her. They blamed her for this, their friends had been killed because she was to much of a coward to let the Mand''alor kill her sister. Satine would personally make sure the guards families were taken care of, for their sacrifices. Though it would mean too little too late.


    The Prison Warden arrived before to long and looked a few shades paler than what was healthy. ¡°Duchess, the Mand''alor has found several prison guards were part of the escape. He''s... Extracting information from them.¡± The Warden said, he looked like he was about to feint.


    ¡°Extracting information? Extracting how?¡± Satine asked, then a bone chilling scream howled from the next room. Her elite guard shifted almost by instinct to run away, while only one stepped forward to protect her. Satine made note of his name and decided to give him a raise.


    Satine controlled her breathing and took an unsteady step forward, then two, then three. By her fourth her walk was once again confident. Though the only elite guard with her at the moment was the one who didn''t flee. The others tried to reform. But another bone chilling scream rang out. They were frozen stiff. While her sole guard who''s name was Sa''vor. Pressed on ahead. The Prison Warden was by her side and they came into the maximum security wing.


    There were hundreds of reinforced glass cells in this wing. Stacked on top of one another in long hallways, that towered up, and up. Several repulsion lift pods would move to their designated positions when the guards would escort prisoners out. Normally the prisoners contained within the cell doors would cause a lot of ruckus, jeering, hooting, and cawing at her if she ever visited. Now? The prisoners were pressed into the corners of their cells doing their best to be as small as possible. Playing very much to the idea of, ''If I don''t move, and don''t breath. Maybe the monster wont find us.''


    The prison guards in question were floating in the air above a walk way. Spread eagle, and held a loft by bands of energy around their ankles, and wrists. While Master Lash stood in front of one and carefully etched what looked like some sort of glyph or rune into the man''s chest. The initial inscription was careful and delicate. But once it was complete, Master Lash would focused his attention on the rune and it would flare to life with crimson light. Then the man would scream. A scream that would haunt Satine for the rest of her life.


    ¡°...Duchess...¡± Lash called out. His voice made her jump in fright. He hadn''t snapped, roared, or hissed at her. Just a very normal, cordial voice stating her title. But that terrified her even more.


    ¡°...M-Mand''alor...¡± Satine said his name, and only stammered once. She was proud of herself for that. A loud clang behind her made her jump in shock. The Warden had feinted on the spot. While Sa''vor looked ready to join him.


    ¡°I don''t blame you. This was outside of your control.¡± Lash informed her as he turned to look at her. Even though he had a full face mask on. She still felt his eyes on her. ¡°I don''t know why the Sith wanted Bo-Katan. But there was little you could do to prevent their acquisition of your sister.¡±


    Satine felt like she had just avoided the executioners axe. ¡°So we know for certain it was the Sith?¡± Lash pointed at one of the guards who recoiled.


    ¡°....They paid us! They paid us! Said their Master wanted Bo-Katan! I don''t know why! I just let them in! I swear! That''s all!¡± The man begged, and soiled himself.


    ¡°Normally pain is not a adequate motivator for information. Because people will say anything to make the pain stop. But tied with Telepathy, and Empathic abilities. One can find the truth in many things.¡± Lash said, as he waved his hand and a colorful dance of blue, and green energy cleaned the soiled guard from head to toe.


    ¡°Every guard here was paid for their efforts. They were specifically contacted over the other guards because they are... Morally gray. For the lack of a better term. However, now that I have done an in depth analysis. I''ve been able to determine that these six were actually under a Force compulsion to accept the deal. Their minds were warped.¡± Lash said, as he gestured and those specific guards were freed from their bindings and gently placed on the ground. These six had been unconscious when she had arrived.


    ¡°They are not necessarily good people. But they don''t deserve what happens next.¡± Lash said, and before Satine could ask what happens next she leaned over the railing and bile came flying out.


    The remaining guards screamed in agony as Lash peeled their skin from their bodies, slowly. All the while the blood red run on their chests continued to glow. Even when the skin was removed the rune remained on their flesh. They endured a pain that would have sent most men into shock. Then a true horror came to Satine''s eyes. Their skin regrew within seconds, and Lash did it again, and again, and again. Then Satine blacked out......


    Satine awoke in her private residence. The soft sound of the wind brushing past her gardens soothed her mind. Until she glanced to the side and saw an armored figure from her nightmares sitting in a chair next to her, still like a statue. Satine did the most sensible thing she could think of. She screamed! She scrambled out her bed, and fell to the floor and crawled backwards on all fours until she came up brushed up against the wall. Then before she could inhale to scream again a wash of energy fell across her and she felt her emotions become muted, and numb.


    ¡°You done?¡± Lash asked her.


    ¡°Yes... How may I help you, Mand''alor?¡± Satine asked, as she stood up in a fluid motion and brushed her clothes free of dust. She couldn''t imagine why she acted like such a emotional wreck in front of him like that.


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


    Lash watched Satine closely, and glanced at the notification for Calm Emotions gaining experience. He stood up slowly, and deliberately to see how she would react. Satine had an involuntarily twitch but looked ready to talk. Lash would have to check back with her and see if he accidentally gave he a trauma or not. He had been reasonably been angry when he been informed of Bo-Katan''s escape. But it wasn''t her fault. Dark Acolytes truly did come to break, Bo-Katan out of prison.


    Lash watched as a bit of Satine''s emotions started to flicker across her face. He reached out once more and used Calm Emotions. Satine was now truly terrified of him. This was going to be a problem in the future. He walked over towards her garden door and opened it up. He walked out, with Satine gradually behind him. Staying at least twenty steps out of reach. He could see his ability was raging a losing battle against her emotions. But he needed her focused for this next part.


    ¡°Duchess... I need you to understand that if I see Bo-Katan again. I wont spare her a second time. She disregarded the duel that Pre Vizsla challenged me to. Continues to call me the impostor, the outsider. The troubling issue is. Several puritan Mandalorian warriors, and clans believe as she does. They will rally behind her.¡± Lash said, as he again recast Calm Emotions on Satine as she looked like a deer in the forest ready to bolt at the sight of a hunter.


    ¡°I understand... I had believed I could get through to her. But in the end, I now understand that was a childish notion. Family is...¡± Satine said.


    ¡°Complicated...¡± Lash offered, and Satine nodded.


    ¡°I''ve already gone on public record that I do not hold you responsible for the escape of Bo-Katan. It was a Separatist plot meant to undermine our new partnership. I have also stated that I have no intention of taking leadership from you, and encouraging the neutral systems to remain neutral. However, I have encouraged a vote to take place. The neutral systems need a security branch. I know you are all pacifists. But if you want peace, you should always be prepared for a war.¡± Lash said, and up until that last part Satine looked pleased. Then a expression of displeasure crossed her face.


    ¡°We won''t join the war, Lash.¡± Satine said, and her focus was drawn into the discussion. As she prepared a plethora of counter points.


    ¡°I''m not asking you too. If I am being perfectly honest. The Republic needs to go through a complete reformation. They need to learn from their mistakes, and encourage growth in new areas. Everything the neutral systems are doing. But you need a military. There are other things in the galaxy besides people that pose a danger to you.¡± Lash said with a bit of flare, and Satine stopped to look at him.


    ¡°Like what?¡± Satine asked as she raised a brow in curiosity at him. But before he could speak of the many different cosmic threats he had available to speak of. His communicator beeped at him.


    ¡°What?¡± Lash asked into his comms unit.


    ¡°Mand''alor, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine requests the presence of Grand Admiral Lash on Coruscant. There is a mission.¡± An officer said to him.


    ¡°I wear too many hats.¡± Lash said in annoyance. ¡°The security branch is a vote, Duchess Satine. Think about it.¡± Lash said to her, then bowed from his waist towards her.


    ¡°I will... Now please leave before I start screaming again.¡± Satine said, as she tried to smile at him.


    So Lash left Satine''s private residence with the sounds of her horrified sobs resonating in his ears. Stars above what is going on with him!? Some part of him felt justified in the brutal torture of those guards. Another part of him felt like he was a complete sociopath. Once again he checked through his Perceptions. The Force Midi-Chlorians were in the air but not manipulating him. There were no other supernatural elements in the area. But he still felt like something was pulling his strings. He didn''t have a background here so the 4th wall engine wouldn''t effect him. So what was it?


    ¡°Dawn...¡± Lash called out softly under his breath.


    ¡°Yes User?¡± Dawn''s sweet voice was music to his ears.


    ¡°What is going on with me?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°I''m sorry User, I''m unable to say.¡± Dawn replied. That stopped Lash.


    ¡°Story event?¡± Lash asked....


    ¡°Story event.¡± Dawn confirmed.


    Lash met his retinue outside of Satine''s private residence and took a transport towards the spaceport of the cubed city. He was given a private escort of Mandalorian warriors on jet pack through town. Peopled cheered as they flew past. Once they arrived at the designated gate Lash walked outside to a pleasant sight. Rain fell from the sky. It was putrid, and acidic. But rain none the less. He watched in mild fascination as school children stood under overhangs watching something none of them had seen, but read about.


    ¡°I should really go back to Tatooine and restore their environment.¡± Lash said more to himself than anyone.


    ¡°I believe Jabba the Hutt may be amiable to that notion, Mand''alor.¡± Said a man as he walked over with a atmospheric repulsion shield. A high tech umbrella.


    ¡°Prime Minister Almec, hello.¡± Lash greeted the man.


    Almec was a pale skinned, blond haired Mandalorian male with vibrant lilac eyes that set him apart from others. He stood at approximately 6''2¡± with an athletic, albeit scholar figure. He stood in the traditional white stone colored civil official clothing. Along with two guards who flinched when Lash glanced at them. Apparently his brutality of torture was known to the guards. It definitely served as a deterrent.


    ¡°Yes, my reports say that the Confederacy now controls over half of Hutt space. Including Nal Hutta.¡± Lash continued the discussion as he gestured for Almec to follow him to the Basilisk.


    Ever since Lord Enfarious had given the slave control device to Grievous, and the CIS. Hutt space had fallen like dominoes. It would be incredibly difficult to maintain your battle line when your slave soldiers turned on their masters. It was so bad that Jabba was actually petitioning the Republic for aid. The Republic was happy to help, as long as Jabba gave up his slaves.


    ¡°So, what can I help you with. Prime Minister?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Nothing actually, I just wanted to say thank you. I''m looking forward to taking a nice long walk on my planets surface without fear of dehydration in the first time...Since ever.¡± Almec said with a smile. Almec stopped and held out his hand towards Lash to shake his hand.


    ¡°Of course, I''m sorry it took this long in the first place.¡± Lash replied, and shook the offered hand. Then carefully pocketed an item he''d retrieved.


    Once that was over and done with, the reached the Basilisk. Lash and his team jumped aboard and Almec stayed to watch the ship leave. A pilot went towards the cockpit, while Lash pushed the data chip into the center console in the main communication room. In full view of the rest of the crew. A holographic recording revealed Prime Minister Almec.


    ¡°Mand''alor, I wish to congratulate you on your victory over Pre Vizsla. I''ve always been a proud supporter of the warrior traditions.¡± The recording of Almec said. Which was a blatant lie.


    ¡°In this data chip you will find dozens of like minded individuals that believe the in the warrior traditions of our ancient heritage. They''ll support you if you push for control of Mandalore. Please make use of our support Mand''alor. I''ll be awaiting your favorable reply.¡± The recording finished, and a long....long list of civil officials, ministers, city mayors, etc showed up. Each one with their own private message.


    ¡°Correct me if I''m wrong, but Mandalorian traditions do not look kindly on back stabbing, right?¡± Lash asked one of his Mandalorian honor guard.


    ¡°No, Mand''alor they do not.¡± His guard replied.


    ¡°Such things are clearly dictated in the creed, are they not?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°Yes, Mand''alor.¡± His guard continued.


    ¡°Yes, I thought so.¡± Lash said.


    Lash then copied the entire recording, and the list. Then sent it all directly to Duchess Satine. With the advice of apprehending these people, and getting new officials. Within minutes of sending the message he received a reply from Satine. Short and to the point all it said was. ''Thank you, I''ll handle it.'' With that done his ship jumped into hyperspace. They were on their way to Coruscant.


    ==========================================================


    ***Naboo System. Moon: Venura. ***


    Empty..... Empty.... There is nothing. There is the void. The darkness between points of space. Find the connection between points. Understand that darkness exists in balance with the light. They both sides of the same universal coin. Empty.... There is....nothing? Ding...Ding...


    Qui-Gon Jinn opened his eyes as the communicator in the deprivation room chimed at him. This would only happen when there was an emergency. As light slowly returned so did gravity. He had been weightless in the dark. His feet touched the ground as he walked over to the comm unit. A very loud, all though everything was loud right now, came through.


    ¡°Qui-Gon! Its Quinlan, Krell just exited the ritual chambers. You wanted to be notified when he did?¡± Quinlan Vos''s voice came through.


    ¡°Yes, thank you! I''ll be right out.¡± Qui-Gon said with a smile.


    As the rest of the room normalized a shelving unit pulled out of the wall with all of Qui-Gon''s items. He was currently standing in a pair of pants and nothing else. Qui-Gon had been an older man when he first arrived on the moon. Now, his physical body was young. While his mind felt like he had experienced a century. The two unique comparisons still unsettled him to this day. Though the looks of appreciations from the young females on the moon were appreciated. Even if he was old enough to be their grandfather.


    Qui-Gon stood at approximately 6''4¡± with long brown hair past his shoulders now tied back in a lose tail by a hair band. He had a inverted triangle build that was covered by a pure black tunic. As he had been predominately a light side user the temple gave him black to help him balance out. His beard was trimmed, and cut close to his face. Which hid his twenty something face. He had blue eyes that would sparkle with electricity. As he awakened a lighting bending ability during training.


    Qui-Gon stepped from the room and came face to face with a very young looking Quinlan Vos. Quinlan hand left the Jedi Order with Qui-Gon, and Krell. Quinlan''s wild mane of black hair was pulled back with a leather strip. Keeping his clean shaven face free. To show off his predominate yellow strip tattoo across his in clear view. He looked like he was in his twenties just like Qui-Gon. He stood at approximately 6''1¡± with an athletic build wearing a gray ensemble.


    ¡°Can you hear me? Or are you still dazed?¡± Quinlan asked with a patronizing expression.


    ¡°I can hear you just fine, my friend.¡± Qui-Gon said with a roll of his eyes. As they fell into step with one another towards the medical wing. ¡°So how does Krell look?¡±


    ¡°Well he was practically skin and bones when they took him out of the chamber. Which is a little unusual since there is food in the ritual chamber. Unless that was part of the test.¡± Quinlan replied with an easy going attitude as he winked a few people when they walked past.


    ¡°It still surprised me when he decided to perform the ritual instead of starting over.¡± Qui-Gon said softly as he remembered that day.


    ¡°Are we talking about the same Krell?¡± Quinlan asked?


    When the three of them had arrived on the temple. They were welcomed with open arms by the other Jedi who had opted to join the Jensaarai. They had been properly informed that there were two ways to properly join. One; they could have the Force hollowed out of them and they could relearn everything again from the very beginning. Now there was a benefit to do thing this.


    By choosing to have the Force hollowed out of you. It would return twice as strong. At which point you could then divide the Force into two parts. Finding that balance between light and dark. However, being cut off from a feeling that you''ve had your entire life was...Unsettling to say the least. Krell had opted for option two. Which was to go into a ritual chamber inscribed with Force Script. Where the Living, and Cosmic Force gave you a crash course on balance.


    The Jensaarai had said simply. That you would live through the process. But you would be surprised what you could live through. Krell had volunteered for the ritual. While Qui-Gon, and Quinlan had volunteered to be hollowed out. Krell had always enjoyed a challenge. Especially when it came to the unknown. Apparently each ritual is unique to the individual.


    Qui-Gon, and Quinlan made it to the medical wing and were showed towards Krells room. He was sitting up right on a bed as a Jensaarai master spoke to him. Krell glanced over at them and a large smile grew across his famished face. He was drinking something in one of his four hands, while an IV solution dripped into his body. Another Jensaarai was pouring healing Force energy into his body. The Jensaarai master motioned for the two of them to enter.


    ¡°We can continue after. Get some rest.¡± The master said to Krell, and bowed to all of them slightly. Qui-Gon, and Quinlan both both deeply towards the master from their waist. Krell did his best to show respect but he winced with the movement. The healer tsk tsk at him and left as well.


    ¡°How are you, Krell?¡± Quinlan asked as he moved into the room.


    Pong Krell was a Besalisk with four arms, and a massive body. Krell looked like he''d been starved for months on end. But despite his haggard appearance he was smiling, and he looked younger. Qui-Gon still didn''t know why the Jensaarai became younger when they trained. It was apparently something he could learn when he obtained the rank of master. But that would be many years yet.


    Krell opened one of his palms and created a ball of plasma. It was blue in color and floated above his hand by a few inches. It was brilliantly bright, and gave off a sort of warm that one received when standing under the sun...Qui-Gon''s eyes went wide, as did Quinlan''s when they realized what Krell had just done. Then before they could blink Krell dispersed the miniature sun.


    ¡°I am great...¡± Krell said, his eyes alight with knowledge. ¡°While I was within the ritual chambers I relived the lives of dozen of Jedi, Sith, and Lash''s former masters. I''ve seen a different galaxy. It was....Amazing. But now I learn I''ve been gone a little over a month? Ahahahaha! How... How is Master Lash not the ruler of our galaxy?¡± Krell asked in a near fanatic voice.


    ¡°... I''m pretty sure...Master Lash doesn''t want to.¡± Quinlan said with a bit of unease. Krell cracked up laughing and cradled his face in his hands.


    ¡°No...No, he wouldn''t. Sorry my friends, please forgive me. I''m experiencing memory distortion. I haven''t been me for centuries. When one of the lives you experienced was a Sith Emperor you tend to act like a megalomaniac. The instructor told me that would pass.¡± Krell said, as he laughed again and sat back in his bed. He took a drink from his glass.


    ¡°You lived a life as a Sith Emperor!?¡± Qui-Gon asked in horror.


    ¡°I did! I was then betrayed by my apprentice. My next life I was a Jedi Knight attempting to over throw the Sith Empire. Then after that I was a Dark Jedi. I.... I had a family! I...Lost my family?¡± Krell said, as tears fell from his eyes. Then he dabbed at them in confusion.


    ¡°We can talk about this later...¡± Quinlan suggested, and gently patted Krell on his shoulder.


    ¡°Good idea...¡± Qui-Gon said, and Krell didn''t agrue. He sat back in his bed and closed his eyes and he was asleep before his second breath. Quinlan carefully pulled Krell''s drink from his hand and set it on the table. Qui-Gon pressed a switch and Krell''s bed leaned back. Then they both quietly left the room.


    When they left his room the Jensaarai master was waiting for them. Her name was Master Nilwezi. Qui-Gon didn''t recognize her species but she had light pink skin. Golden eyes with out sclera, and longer than normal arms. Apparently her people normally lived in trees. She could climb, and swing from branches with great precision. But aside from her arms, she had a very near-human physical shape. Her armor looked like some kind of aquatic mammal. Her helmet/mask was compressed into her collar so they could look at her.


    ¡°He''ll be fine. He''s not the first person to go through a reincarnated life span. Give him time, and his original memories were find their way back. He''ll be wiser for it.¡± Nilwezi said to them both.


    ¡°I didn''t realize that was possible.¡± Quinlan said in shock.


    ¡°The ritual is different for everyone. Krell needed to see what the Force was like from different angles. Not all of his lives were the same. He experienced lives of peace, and lives of war. He experienced different genders, ages, and species. Don''t be surprised if he talks about events that haven''t happened for centuries.¡± Nilwezi said.


    ¡°Did they happen? His memories? Where they fact or....¡± Qui-Gon asked, as he thought about the ramifications.


    ¡°I don''t know, Master Lash was the one who designed the ritual chamber. He said, and this is a quote. ''It is as real as it needs to be.''¡± Nilwezi replied, then her communicator chimed at her. A holo message appeared and she read through it. ¡°It appears that Master Lash has officially become the leader of the Mandalorian Warrior faction. Mand''alor the Renewer.¡±


    ¡°A Mandalorian capable of taking on an entire army? But prefers peace over war? I think he''ll be great at it.¡± Quinlan said with a big ole grin.


    ¡°Master Nilwezi, I''d like to take the test for stage one training as soon as possible.¡± Qui-Gon asked, Quinlan balked at him.


    ¡°Very well... I''ll put you in the schedule.¡± Nilwezi replied, and moved off to carry on with her duties.


    ¡°What was that about?¡± Quinlan asked.


    ¡°I just think Lash could use a friend...¡± Qui-Gon said simply, and Quinlan nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Well I can''t have you go alone!¡± Quinlan said, and chased after Master Nilwezi. Qui-Gon rolled his eyes at Quinlan''s behavior.


    ¡°I wonder how Obi-Wan, and Anakin are doing?¡±


    ==============================================================


    ***Planet: Coruscant. Jedi Temple Lower Levels.***


    At the center of the Jedi Temple was a secret that not many knew of. Save for the eldest of Sith, and the eldest of Jedi. The Temple housed an ancient relic of Coruscant''s past. A rock, or rather the tip of a mountain. Coruscant is a ecumenopolis, a planet or a moon covered completely by cityscape. But despite that there are places on the planet that still reach for the sky. The tallest mountain peak from Coruscant''s surface sat in the middle of the Jedi Temple.


    This piece of Coruscant''s ancient past was one of the many reasons that the Jedi built their temple here. It allowed a perfect focus for the Force. Over the many thousands of years, and dozens of wars. Coruscant had traded hands several times. This foci had been twisted, cleansed, and twisted again by wielders of the Force. For the past few thousand years it has received the attention of the Jedi. It had been widely believed that every trace of the dark side of the Force had been removed from the mountain. So it was believed.


    All at once across the entire planet of Coruscant something that had not happened in thousands of years took place. A tectonic shift brought the entire world to its knees! The great city planet had over five thousand floors. This mild quake cracked support beams, and brought ruin to entire sections of the planets under-city. The center piece of the Jedi Temple jutted up by several feet. Cracking the temple in half at its foundation. Black obsidian stone jutted out, and oozed dark force energy. The supposed center of the galaxy for the Republic stopped for a brief moment. Then called out for help....


    Galen

 Chapter 142: House of Cards.

    ============================================================


    ***Bottle City of Kandor ¨C Original Reality***


    The citizens of Kandor moved throughout their lives with smiles on their faces, and the hope of a better tomorrow. Something that none of them had felt in years, maybe even decades. They were no longer prisoners of the machine intelligence known as Brainiac. They had been rescued, and were currently in discussion with a group known as the Justice Legion of Heroes. Who were working with dozens of other cities that had once been captured by the machine to discover a way to de-shrink themselves. As Brainiac had only ever chosen cultures, and cities with the most knowledge, they were properly suited to solve this problem.


    One of the first things the Justice Legion did was slowly change the type of solar radiation coming in through the glass bottle. Brainiac had created a life like environment within the bottle. Simulating night and day with a glow lamp at the top. Now, yellow sun radiation was being poured through the glass. This was primarily done so that the people of Kandor could use the energy for sustenance instead of relying on their dwindling food sources. Yes, food and water was an issue.


    Brainiac had created a living environment for its captors by providing for them. Nothing so benevolent. More like a child with an ant farm. Supplies were given, it was up to the individual people of each bottle to survive. Now that the machine was gone, the JL were trying to figure out alternative methods of supporting the hundreds of bottles in their possession. But for now, each city had several years worth of supplies stocked up.


    So, the celebrations continued for citizens of the bottles. While their head scientists worked the problem. In a moment of shared technology a brilliant quantum engineer from another city discovered a way to alter the size of none living matter. The JL agreed with the idea and pulled up information from one of their ''Rift Walkers'' that they had. Something called a Pin Particle was used and a volunteer from one of the bottles soon rose to their original size.


    Another wave of celebration was cast across the different bottles as they now discovered a way to leave their bottles and return to the lives they had. Or, at the very least make another life where they were not prisoners to a single city. Though it would take time. They had discovered a way out.


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


    Cyborg aka Victor Stone watched in fascination as a... floating jelly fish with eyes grew to the size of a man. It burst into colors across its floating body. A way to convey joy, as the translator built into his body thanks to the father box mentioned. Cyborg and the rest of the room grinned, clapped, and cheered. The creature...or rather female floated about the room in a gentle flow not unlike a jelly underwater.


    ¡°Dad, I wish you were here. You would have loved it.¡± Cyborg murmured softly to himself.


    Gradually the celebration ended and the young woman of the Bi''lu race floated down from the ceiling and thanked everyone with a hand shake with her own tentacles. She undulated across the room and wrapped Cyborg in a giant hug as he had been the one to suggest the Pym Particle, Wraith had brought back with him from the Rift he had explored. Cyborg was shocked, and a little smothered as the entire body of the Bi''lu race nearly swallowed him. He felt intense pleasure roll through his whole body and nearly collapsed into bliss. Then she let him go and floated back over to her races bottle.


    ¡°Need a moment to clean up, Stone?¡± Samanthei asked with an eye brow wiggle. The lamia woman slithered over, and around him.


    ¡°No, I''m fine... I think?¡± Cyborg asked more himself than her. He did a full systems check and found that the people of Bi''lu could induce intense euphoria, or pain. It was how they originally caught their pray, or mated.


    ¡°I think she just...Gooshed all over me?¡± Cyborg said in confusion. Samanthei looked at him in confusion that cracked up laughing.


    ¡°By the stars above I must know how they do that!¡± Samanthei said with a squee as she slithered over to the Bi''lu and began speaking them using a form of telepathy.


    Cyborg shuddered at the idea that Samanthei with that kind of power. Knowing her she''d make some kind of orgasmic gun out of it. He quickly left the discussion, and the room in fear that he would be asked to be a test subject since he lived through the first attempt. Cyborg left the science module and looked around the newly repaired Star Base, and quickly sprinted towards the transport pod. The science module door burst open with a sprinting or rather leaping Samanthei with a crazy look in her eyes.


    ¡°Nope! Not happening!¡± Cyborg shouted and activated his flight engine and tore off down the hall away from her.


    ¡°Just one test! I have moist towels prepared!¡± Samanthei screamed at him, but he was gone.


    Cyborg flew like a bat out of hell. He had no desire to be swallowed up in anything she had planned. Because it never ended with just one experiment. She was a lot like dad. Speaking of his father. Cyborg took a turn at a newly repaired transport hub with spring jump activation and went to the central garden and hydroponics center. The ribbon of energy wrapped around him with a soft glow, and a light pop! He blinked and he found himself in a garden area.


    He saw dozens of people walking the paths of the garden complex. Some of them in uniform. Others in civilian attire. With a thought he activated his liquid metal polymer. It oozed out of its injection ports and covered his whole body with metallic ooze. Then his sensory input linked up. He was once again Victor Stone, 6''6¡± college football player. Wearing a black t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes.


    He ran a hand across his scalp and felt his very life like skin. As the metal polymer took on his chocolate skin tone, short black hair, and he blinked his brown eyes. He filled out his outfit very well. Of course it was all simulated. Didn''t stop him from smiling as a few ladies checked him as he walked by. He walked with a confident stride towards his destination. Gradually the amount of people he walked past diminished. Then he came to a secluded portion of the garden complex, the cemetery.


    He saw a few people who came to visit their own. But they didn''t bother him, and he didn''t bother them. He came to a holographic pad that showed Doctor Silas Stone. Died in the defense of the Star Base during the invasion. The holographic projected a detailed image of Silas in his prime. Even now he wore a lab coat with the initials of STAR labs on the front. He had a little smile on his face like he knew something you didn''t. He had a tiny slouch to his back, to much time spent hunched over a microscope. It was perfect.


    ¡°Hay dad... Ya, ya I know. Hay is for horses.... Hello.¡± Victor said with a smirk.


    ¡°How''s mom? I mean, I figured you and her went to the same place. We figured out a way to get the people out of the bottles. You would have loved it. One of those times I would have had to drag you away to get some sleep in you.¡± He continued as he walked around the holo-projector. The image turned towards him, reactive to his presence.


    ¡°Star base is fixed... We... Ahem. We figured out a way to fight Brainiac''s influence out of the system...Wait. I said that already, didn''t I? In my last visit?¡± Victor asked, as he went through his own memory. Which was weird as he had perfect memory.


    ¡°I think I''m going to stop playing football. There''s just too much to do. Plus, I.. Kinda can''t anymore. It''s too easy. It''s like playing with a bunch of kids. But don''t worry I''ll get my masters just like you wanted.¡± He said as he held up his hands in surrender towards the projection.


    ¡°I.... uhhh....¡± His voice cracked as he tried to clear his throat. ¡°... Work... Let''s talk about work. Always more work to do. Thanks to the Guardians of the Universe we are now in charge of space sector 2814. Which actually works out for us. Several of the cities in a bottle don''t have a world to go back to. So we are planning on finding them new ones.¡±


    ¡°Course the biggest issue we have is what do we do with the para-military group of Kryptonians that attacked us. We have the city of Argo that is traveling to us now. The El''s took a ship to find it, then the people of Kandor in the bottle. We have two separate groups, no wait, three groups. Do we put them all together? Do we put Zod''s followers back into stasis? Were not sure.¡± Victor said in a jumble as he jumped between subjects with out any tie in.


    ¡°I don''t know what I''m doing, dad. I know, I know, I know! You''d tell me to analyze the problem, find the facts and separate the theories. Then experiment until you find the solution. Or seek help outside of your experiment. Sometimes fresh eyes can find the solution you didn''t see. I just... I''m not ready...¡± Victor said as he shed a few tears. One of the few times he wished his polymer wasn''t so realistic.


    ¡°I miss you dad....¡±


    =========================================================


    ***Alternate Reality ¨C Coruscant ***


    The ecumenopolis¡ªa city-covered planet, stood at a stand still for a brief moment in total shock. Then emergency response activated in record time as millions of first response teams activated. All shipping, and traffic lanes grew completely chaotic. As durasteel, and duracrete buildings toppled to one side and shifted in a way they were never designed to allow. Coruscant hadn''t experienced a earthquake of this magnitude in.... ever?


    A cacophony of sounds filled the air. As buildings tore apart like fabric. It looked like a toddler had kicked over an ant hill. As millions of citizens scattered in every direction. The communication channels was bogged down with please for help in a matter of seconds. While the surface of the planet was a chaotic mess. The under city layers were even worse.


    Entire sections of the upper, and lower levels dropped! Support pillars that had stood the test of time failed to hold any longer. Like a domino effect. Section by section was lost. The industry, and power level crashed. Emergency redundancies malfunctioned and the plasma cores blew past their safety locks. An explosion of epic proportions that could be seen from space swallowed 30% of the southern hemisphere. Debris and toxic smog scattered across the whole atmosphere.


    All of this happened within the first five minutes. Needless to say when the Basilisk dropped out of the hyperlane and Lash looked at the planet. He was surprised. He jacked into the pilot controls and sped straight towards Ghost Industries HQ. He activated Connectivity, and sent his Tech-Spirits to work. He nearly spiraled into unconsciousness at the amount of activity across the net.


    They broke smog line and came upon a reasonably intact Ghost HQ. Giant magnetic stabilizers, and district wide shields had been erect around the area. The tower, and all of its facilities were floating more than sitting on the top floor of the planet. Lash had originally designed this function because he knew in the future that Coruscant came under attack by the Confederacy. He wanted to be prepared. He had no idea an earthquake would happen.


    ¡°Dawn!?¡± He shouted into his mask.


    ¡°Story event, can''t explain.¡± Dawn''s sweet voiced sounded harried.


    Lash bit back a curse as he pulled the Basilisk out of a reckless dive. Once again Nightmare difficulty reared its ugly head. The ship pulled up and did a clockwise loop around the HQ''s shield. The droids and personal in charge of the security system soon dropped the district shield, but kept the stabilizers active. As it was the only reason they hadn''t plummeted into a gaping crevasse just south of them. The Basilisk made a bee line for its reserved hangar bay. Once it landed, Lash and his entire crew sprinted out of it.


    Lash activated his varies speed boons and practically flashed out of existence to only appear in the control room. ¡°Report!¡± He shouted, and dozens of heads snapped to his direction.


    ¡°Sir, an earthquake hit the entire planet. We are trying to trace the point of origin. But all of our systems are in reboot save for our primary safety and security. The communication line is completely filled. Every channel is being used. We... We don''t know what to do!¡± An officer gave a brief summary.


    Lash reached across the communication network on his corporate intercommunication channel and forced a shutdown so he could speak. ¡°All personnel check in with your emergency officers for roll call. Once that is complete, every available personal will move towards emergency response teams. Code phrase of the day is... Alpine Watchman.¡±


    Lash forced the Repair ability through his HQ, and the central droid brain intelligence activated. Thousands of officers received an automatic update. They had drilled for things like these. Alpine Watchman was in case Coruscant was ever under attack. The Galactic Militia would move to support the Coruscant emergency services and fight off any Confederacy droids. The fact that they were not under attack didn''t matter. They would still respond. Of course the issue was most of the militia were still in training. But something was always better than nothing.


    The whole room jumped into motion. Lash bolted from the flashed from the control room towards a door that led to the outside and without sparing a second thought jumped off the walkway and flew through the air at best possible speeds. Which for him was incredibly quick. Lagging behind him were hundreds of Mandalorians, Jensaarai, and land transports.


    The industrial zone they were based in was largely intact oddly enough. Save for the gaping canyon a few miles south of them. Black smoke filled the skies, and all but chocked the life out of the people in the ruined city centers. Lash flipped through his different Perceptions until he found trillions of midi-chlorians swarming through the air. It looked like the roots of yggdrasil. The living Force was attempting to stabilize the city. Then Lash felt a tidal wave of energy collide with him.


    CONFUSION! ANGER! RESPONSIBILTY! -Each word held a thousand meanings. Each expressed by a chorus of voices.


    ¡°This wasn''t me!¡± Lash shouted at the collective energy.


    CONFUSION. HELP? -The voices asked.


    ¡°Yes, I''ll help. Point out those who need to be saved the most!¡± Lash responded, like a flare on a dark night hundreds of marks appeared on the horizon.


    Lash took a hard turn directly down as he nearly flew over one of the marks. He did a hard burn with his Telekinetic Flight and slipped passed two broken buildings. The Force led him straight and true. Straight into a wall. He collided with the duracrete section and came into a room filled with flames. He used Elemental Manipulation and pulled the flames towards him and extinguished them in quick time.


    A trail of will-o-wisps guided him towards a service door. He forced the door open only to have an avalanche of fire response foam to swallow him. Woah, what a great system. Then he moved through the foam to find a small child unconsciousness tucked away between a utility closet and the ventilation shaft. A visible cocoon of energy was wrapped around them. Lash gently picked them up, and shielded them as well. Then moved to leave.


    At least he tried as some one, or something jumped to attack him. Danger Sense had activated, he side stepped as a pair of claws missed his visor by a single inch. He sent a Telekinetic Cut through the individual and it was bisected. Both sections flopped to the ground, undulated across the floor, then vines made of viscera reached out and linked together. The two halves linked back...Lash incinerated the creature with blue hot flame cremating it.


    He jumped out of the collapsed building and flew back to the surface. He used his visor to play back the creatures appearance. It looked like a Rodian? With asymmetric body proportions. Too many eyes, mouths, enlarged limbs, and a disproportion sizes. Coruscant''s lower levels severed from extreme radiation which could cause the creation of mutant cannibals. But those are thousands of floors below? Lash put it out of his mind and flew back to the surface. He found a land transport on the way towards the central city and dropped the child off with them. Then flew towards the next light the Force had designated for him. Then he received a video from one of this Tech-Spirits.


    The video displayed a near-human looking male? With pale white skin that was stretched back with ritual styled pins. Like a plastic surgeon and demon got together and played with someone. Their entire jaw line was exposed, their eyelids were cut off, and a part of their skull was exposed to the world. They wore the tattered skins, and flesh of their victims. They held in their hand a staff with a basket that carried skulls. Wearing what looked like a bio-mechanical suit.


    Surging around the individual were creatures...No, those were people that had been mutated. Monstrosities of once people, played with, and scrapped together with... If Lash didn''t know any better he would say they were Necromatic abominations. They was no scientific way to describe this evolution. So that meant it was designed. They surged forward in an almost pack like understanding.


    ''What the fuck are the Yuuzhan Vong doing on Coruscant!?'' -Erik the gamer shouted across their shared link.


    ===========================================================


    ***Coruscant, Naboo Embassy*** (A few minutes before)


    Padm¨¦ Amidala Naberrie had recently returned from Mandalore having watched her friend defeat, and eat the heart of another man. Padme wasn''t sure how she felt about that last part. But she would be the first to admit that she didn''t know as much as she would like about Lash. Her entire flight back to Coruscant had been filled with messages, replies, and answering questions about the match, and Mandalore''s involvement in the war.


    Once she had arrived at her home she held all her calls and went to take a bath. Her attendants, and security team took a moment of reprieve. Or at least the royal security force did. The Jensaarai felt something amiss. The very air was filled with the potential of danger. Padme felt it to, despite her attempts to ignore the feeling. She wasn''t a Jedi, or a Jensaarai. The Force was not her arena, the Republic was her battlefield. Though some would say they were connected.


    ''Ring....ring...ring...'' Padme''s eyes snapped open as she looked around her refresher room. She had just turned off the water to her tub. She wore little more than a bath robe. Then she realized it was her holo-net communicator. She scampered through private rooms and went to a secure lock box. She pulled it open and retrieved a flat disk. She activated it and a tiny projection of Anakin appeared.


    ¡°Woah! Hello, ummm... I can call back if your busy?¡± Anakin asked with a grin, as Padme looked down at her nearly open robe. However, instead of blushing in embarrassment she ''accidentally'' let it fall open. The look of total shock, and lust filled gaze in his expression was worth it.


    ¡°No, no, it''s fine.¡± Padme said as she set the projector down on a nightstand. She walked away with a bit of a swing in her hips. She pulled open her robe, then retied it. Looking back at the excited Anakin.


    ¡°Are we playing a game? What are the rules?¡± Anakin asked, as he fidgeted on the other side of the projector.


    ¡°The rules are, you talk, while I relax.¡± Padme said with a smirk as she turned back around and picked up the projector. Anakin''s eyes narrowed for a moment then nodded.


    ¡°Ok... So... Talk...Talk... Ummmmm... Padme?¡± Anakin all but squeaked at the end. Padme had set the projector down by the sink in the refresher room. She then untied her robe and hung it up. Showing naked backside to Anakin.


    ¡°Hmmm? What was that? Remember you talk, I relax.¡± Padme said as she made a play to put her robe back on.


    ¡°Woah! Woah! Hold on... Umnmmm. We''ve secured our sector. Ahoska want''s to come back too... No, she want''s to see if she can get a hold of Qui-Gonn. He... Sent a message with his new data link. But we are.... We are...¡± Anakin tried to talk but his mouth went dry.


    Padme had slipped into the hot water and shivered in delight. She blushed from head to toe and ran her fingers across her naked skin. She dipped down under the water, then came back up into a seating position. Showing off her upper naked half to Anakin. A mischievous smirk played across her lips. Then she leaned forward, setting her breasts on edge of the bath. Emphasizing them, and showing them in plain sight.


    ¡°That''s great! Can you share the data link? I''d like to speak with him as well.¡± Padme said with a cheshire grin.


    ¡°Waaa....What? Oh! Ya...Totally. I... I''m still learning the rules of this game. Am I allowed to do anything?¡± Anakin asked as he removed his coat.


    ¡°You can do what ever like, as long as you keep talking....¡± She mused... Then the projector shook. For a moment she thought Anakin was under attack. But she soon realized it wasn''t him. It was the room.


    ¡°Padme? What''s going on?¡± Anakin''s expression changed as he watched Padme climb out of the tub in worry.


    ¡°I don''t know...¡± She replied, then pinwheeled her arms as the whole room slanted. ¡°Anakin!¡± Padme shouted and fell down and slid towards her door.


    ¡°PADME!?¡± Anakin screamed in panic as the projector rolled from the counter top. The signal shut down as the communication buoy snapped off.


    Padme shouted in panic and well spring of energy roared in response. Whether she meant to or not she dug her finger nails into the cut stone floor and left gouges in place until she stopped. Just in time as the whole building was not at a 45 degree angle. She heard the screams of her staff. Then her private residence door was kicked in and Gregor her bodyguard clawed his way in. Once she was spotted he jumped up towards her. Claws were produced from his hands and feet and he carved them into the floor.


    ¡°Lady Padme, please forgive my hands!¡± Gregor shouted as he wrapped an arm around her naked waist as she didn''t have time to get her robe. Padme was to shocked about the situation to be embarrassed. She let go of the floor and they both jumped to another section of her residence, her bedroom.


    Padme''s bedroom room had a breath taking bow windows that revealed the Coruscant skyline. Under normal circumstances those windows would have shattered with the different furniture, and and another building currently pressed up against it. But a blue halo shield had jumped up to reinforce the windows. She didn''t know why the windows had a shield, she didn''t care.


    ¡°Where are your uniforms?¡± Gregor asked, as they landed in the door frame. Padme pointed at a closet that had spilled open. Gregor reached out and dozens of outfits flew towards them. Padme wasn''t picky and grabbed a pair of pants, boots, and a top.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± Padme asked, as she balanced with cat like grace on the door frame.


    ¡°We don''t know. But we are not the only building that''s shifted.¡± Gregor said in frustration. Then an alarm went off. ¡°That''s the radiation alarm....?¡± He asked in confusion. Then both Gregor, and Padme felt an invisible pull telling them to dive back into the main room as a cloud of toxic ash rushed across the horizon straight towards them.


    Despite the shields in place the ash cloud burned through the capacitors in seconds. Gregor, and every Force wielder in the complex created a Force barrier. It was the only reason the staff in the Naboo Embassy lived. While every other individual in the building died to due to the kinetic force from the explosion. The durasteel tower that contained their embassy broke in half and plummeted to ground below. While the building next to it followed suit creating a dog pile of devastation.....


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


    ***Coruscant, 500 Republica *** (Another few minutes before)


    500 Republica was the most exclusive residential tower on Coruscant. A building in the Ambassadorial Sector of Galactic City''s Senate District, it was home to some of the wealthiest and most famous individuals in the Galactic Republic. One of the tallest buildings on Coruscant, 500 Republica was a mountainous structure holding more technology and people than some entire worlds. From the square kilometers of machinery at its base that kept it running, to the spire at its pinnacle above the clouds, 500 Republica featured fifty-three skydocks, hundreds of private turbolifts, a security staff the size of a small army, and a large number of security armaments including plasma weapons in its crown, all within a tower over a thousand stories tall. (Wookieepedia!)


    This is where the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, and Dark Lord of the Sith resided. Palpatine had sat at his desk with his lounge chair turned around towards his windows. A cup of pipping hot tea was next to him, as he watched the skyline. The night on Coruscant looked so much like the skies above. Each light holding the potential for something. Palpatine loved this view. He this city, and soon the galaxy would be his.


    DANGER! -The Dark side of the Force all but screamed at him. The cup in his hands he had just reached for shattered. Burning hot liquid seared his skin but he didn''t pay attention as he stood and pushed his awareness to its fullest within in the room. He was alone. One of the Sith Sentinel droids disguised as a protocol droid walked in. It, like its master had sensed the danger. With a single glance from Palpatine the droid moved to check the other rooms.


    Then the towering structure of his home shook. At first he thought a bomb had gone off on the lower floors. But then the whole building started to tilt to one side, before alarms sounded. The buildings energy shield activated, along with its own magnetic stabilizers. The tower settled back into place. His private residence door burst open and the Republic guard came in.


    ¡°Chancellor, are you hurt?¡± The officer in charged called out.


    ¡°No, I''m perfectly fine. What is going on?¡± Palpatine asked, his voice carried a almost grandfather feel to it. Though his irritation for the situation threatened to boil over.


    ¡°Chancellor, we are not sure. Seismic readings are pinging across the whole planet. We should move you to the emergency shelters.¡± The officer moved to his side, as the rest of the guard moved to create a protective shield around him.


    ¡°Please, before we make any rash decisions. Check with every resident. We don''t want to leave anyone behind.¡± Palpatine said with a smooth grace as they moved towards the door. As a well liked, and respected individual he had to play a part.


    ¡°Forgive me, Chancellor. I had assumed you would ask so we did it before we arrived.¡± The officer replied, and Palpatine patted him on the shoulder.


    ¡°That was good thinking!¡± Palpatine said with a smile, while he secretly noted the man''s name to ensure he had a private accident in his home later. He would not be upstaged!


    ''Attention! Attention! All residence please take notice. The building will now go into lock down! Atmospheric ash cloud detected!'' An automated voice came called out through the building. Palpatine turned to looked towards the skyline to see a hurricane force cloud that swallowed the city. The shields held on.... for a few seconds. Then Palpatine raised his hands and erected a Force barrier around only himself. As the windows shattered and the Republic guard was all but incinerated.


    ¡°Well... That''s distressing.¡± Palpatine said as the ash cloud around him was pushed back by the barrier.


    ¡°Master... Your orders?¡± The Sith Sentinel arrived, its armor displayed. Though it was designed to look like a Republic guard from a distance.


    ¡°Let''s use the chaos to our advantage. Their are a few people in the building I want dead. Get on our private network and try and find out what is going on. Ensure no one from the Confederacy attacks us as well.¡± Palpatine said as he brushed his sleeve clean turned on his heel and moved towards the door.


    ¡°As you wish, Master.¡± The Sith Sentinel replied, and followed in his wake. ¡°Master, we have hostile contacts in the building. They are flooding the lower levels.¡± The droid responded not ten feet from the door.


    ¡°Show me.¡± Palpatine asked, as the droid produced a holo image of a living abomination. Dozens of them. They ripped the doors off the rooms with ease, and eviscerated the residents. ¡°Change in plans, we''ll move to my private lift and retire to my shelter.¡±


    ¡°Yes Master.¡± The Sentinel replied, a quick key command through his HUD. While a dozen more Sentinel''s formed up around Palpatine. They all resembled Republic guards.


    DANGER! -The Dark side called out. Palpatine paused, as his droids took up a defensive circle. Blaster rifles out, scanners on full. Then the turbo-lift down the hall activated. Out poured dozens of monstrosities. Palpatine raised a hand and used Force push as the droids unloaded into the crowd. Then the unexpected happened. The Force passed through them with no effect. Palpatine''s eyes went wide.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Palpatine shouted and set arcs of Sith Lightning towards the horde. Despite the sheer power of the attack. The horde of monsters pushed forward, like they were only fighting against a fierce wind current. Their flesh, bone, and blood boiled rapidly. Then quickly regrew, and healed before their eyes.


    ¡°Master step back!¡± One of the Sentinel''s called and gout of napalm was poured onto the horde. That had an effect. As the cauterized wounds could not heal.


    Palpatine reached out and pulled a string of flame from the air and commanded the Force to be its fuel. With a flick of his wrist the entire floor was engulfed in white hot flame. He reached out with the Force and felt any kind of life had been exterminated. He cut off the fuel source and was struck dumb as dozen more creatures flooded the hallway. The droids activated their flame throwers again, and Palaptine ground his molars in frustration.


    ¡°Insects!¡± He roared, and pulled segments off the walls and propelled them towards the oncoming horde. With no where to run the creatures were forced back into the turbo-lift. ¡°Destroy that!¡±


    A Sentinel took a knee, and pulled out a cannon from its back. A short range rocket shot out, and destroyed the lift, and its mechanism. The whole carriage dropped several hundred feet until its emergency brakes activated to little help as the whole thing broke and fell down the shaft. Then before Palpatine could smile another turbo-lift door dinged, followed closely by another horde of creatures.


    A red aura began to emanate from Palpatine. He reached into his sleeve and pulled out his hidden light sabers as he was a duel wielder. He catapulted himself into the crowd and dissembled them using all of his rage, hatred, and frustration. The droids followed in his wake working methodically, and with great precision. But the horde was never ending. As the once destroyed lift shaft spilled out more creatures that climbed up.


    ¡°Now it''s my turn to make a point!¡± Palpatine shouted with a grin of savagery.


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


    ***Coruscant, Jedi Temple*** (A few minutes after the ash cloud)


    The Jedi Temple was in ruins. Not only did the entire structure crack in half. The crystalline mountain structure in the central pillar jutted a Dark side Force kyber crystal. It''s song all but wailed in agony for all of the Jedi to hear. Only for a cloud of hurricane force to strike the temple before its shields could activate. Thousands of servants, and attendants died in the blast. While a few unprepared was caught in the blast.


    But soon after the strike they were beset by monsters, creatures who as far as they could tell had been mutated from the very citizens of Coruscant. Creatures who were oddly immune to the Force. More than one Jedi had been caught relying on the Force to warn them of attack only for them to be blind sided. The Force was screaming danger, but it could not direct them. They were blind!


    The Jedi masters, temple guard, and resident knights activated their light sabers and met their enemy in melee. A melee they seemed ill equipped to deal with. As Jedi they understood the enemy they fought were once people. What few attempts to wound and disable were met with death as the creatures used Hyper-Regeneration. They learned one must separate the head, and heart in order to achieve a lasting victory.


    Then it only got worse. The creatures were taking prisoners! Younglings, and adults that had been subdued were dragged away. Taken into the cracks between buildings, and layers of Coruscant. The Jedi fought bravely, but they were not equipped for this kind of conflict. This was their home, and it had been broken like an egg. A majority of their people were off world. How could they survive this?


    One Jedi in particular Jocasta Nu the archivist guided a gaggle of younglings through the great library. While temple guard fought off a horde behind them. Jocasta had her own light saber out and killed a silent stalker that all but appeared from thin air in front of them. ¡°This way, please! Right this way. There is a secret place we can hide.¡±


    Jocasta brought them to a dead end and the younglings despaired. That was until Jocasta pulled out several holo-books then pushed them back in at the same time. The wall shifted and a stair case was found. ¡°All of you inside, Kanan Jarrus keep them safe!¡±


    ¡°What!? Master no! Don''t go!¡± The young Kanan Jarrus called out as the door closed on him.


    ¡°Now, the rest of you. Get. Out. Of. My. Library!¡± Jocasta shouted as she joined the remaining Temple Guard.


    It wasn''t long before the youngling Kanan Jarrus and those under his protection heard the screams, and shouts of their former masters dying breath. Then the staccato of sounds as the creatures rammed up against the hidden door. Jarrus led the younglings down the hall until they found the hidden Sith archive, overseen by the guardian droid who was waiting for them.


    ¡°Hello younglings, please let me be of assistance. There is another hidden door here that leads to the a bunker. Please step inside and make haste to.... Wait! Step back!¡± The Guardian announced just as the door was sliding open the droid forced it shut. It clipped off a grotesque hand that twitched on the floor.


    ¡°Is there another way out!?¡± Kanan asked the Guardian.


    ¡°I''m afraid not.¡± The Guardian walked over to a display case and removed a duel-bladed light saber. Its red energy burst into being. ¡°Get behind me.¡±


    The hundreds of Sith Holocrons in the room resonated with a deep crimson aura. The Force echos attached to them could feel the younglings fear. They called out to them. Power could be theirs. The power to keep their loved ones safe. Kana turned his attention to a suit of armor perfectly maintained. He saw a faint ghostly apparition beckoning him. The room faded from his sight, the fear he felt was swallowed by curiosity.


    ¡°Come Kanan Jarrus, take up my armor. I will give you the power you need to survive, and protect those under your charge. You have my word that once the danger passes I will remove myself from you.... If you asked me to.¡± The ghostly apparition said to him.


    ¡°Ca...Can you really keep them safe?¡± Kanan asked, as he pushed the display glass aside.


    ¡°Yes...But we must hurry. They''ve broken through.¡± The ghost called out, and Kanan blinked and looked around. A group of monsters had pulled the door apart and the Guardian was fighting them off. Several of his fellow students screamed as the monsters tackled them and dragged them away.


    ¡°Yes, please help me!¡± Kanan shouted and touched the armor. A bright flash of red energy exploded from the armor swallowing the room. Once it faded the young Kanan Jarrrus was gone, Darth Marr lived again.


    ¡°Death comes for us all! And we shall rise to meet it!¡± Marr shouted and catapulted across the room and caved in the skull of a monstrosity and saved a youngling. ¡°Rise brothers and sisters! To War!¡± Darth Marr called out, and hundreds of Sith apparitions took form and rushed to meet their enemies...


    ==========================================================


    ***Coruscant, Level 1313***


    One thousand, three hundred, and thirteen levels beneath the top floor or ''surface'' of Coruscant existed the seedy underworld of Coruscant. Coruscant is herald as the crown jewel of the Republic. Where anyone can get anything they desire. As long as you know where to look. This floor was well known because of its... Number. As it was considered unlucky. Many criminal syndicates, and violent gangs called this entire floor their home.


    Billions of people had been born, lived, and died on this floor and had never seen the sun. Towering structures that reached towards the sky only to be cut short by the layer of duracrete, and steel above. It was here where one could find anything. Including but not limited too a giant horde of mutated creatures. Along with giant vines of organic tissue that grew up out of the ground. That had wrapped around centralized pillars and destroyed the stabilizers.


    It was here that ''The Chosen'' advanced agents resided. Scouts and spies that had been sent ahead of the living fleet decades before. Here that the creatures had obtained genetic cultures to create bodies, and brought with them Vong-spore vials. So they could educate the masses. Bring the decadent world of blasphemous technology to its knees. It was here that ''The Chosen'' would plant its many seeds across this galaxy. To light a beacon for their deity to find them.


    Zring Knull the defiler was one such agent. He had lived and breathed the cursed air of these sinners for over twenty years. He had plotted, schemed, and waited for a chance to remove their filth from the world. Their complete reliance on technology was sickening. That they allowed thinking machines to even exist was affront to their deities. But now, Zring would show them.


    Zring Knull had removed his fleshy near-human appearance and once again revealed his pale gray skin to the world. His serrated fangs revealed when he smiled as another tribute was brought to the nest. Where they would be transformed into another soldier. He wore the trappings of his people, a bio-mechanical suit of living tissue. With his serpentine weapon known as a amphistaffs he was able to direct the selected soldiers to their tasks.


    Then before he moved from his position his sight moved beyond his sight as he briefly took over the mind of a selected. He saw through its eyes to see a group of armored heathens fighting with intense ferocity. Their energy blades cut through the selected with ease. Zring had met these creatures before. Force wielders... Jedi?... No, these were the Jensaarai. Then the selected turned its eyes towards the sky and a brilliant glow shot down straight into the horde and Zring was once again in his own body.


    ''Child...'' -A voice called out to him. Zring Knull''s eyes went wide. He dropped to his knees and all but cracked his skull as he forced his head into submission.


    ¡°How may this lowly one serve you, great one!¡± Zring called out.


    ''My kin is on the surface. You will meet him soon, though he was like you, and still his. Hidden from view.'' -The voice was soothing, soft, and almost feminine.


    ¡°The great one is here!? Please direct me so The Chosen may serve him!¡± Zring called out in desperation and hope. To serve at the behest of their deities was what they all truly wanted.


    ''He is hidden, and must remain so. For the good of all. But you will know him. See what I see.'' -The voice called out once more and Zring''s vision was taken from him. Moved to the surface of the planet and there he saw an armored warrior with blades of energy in his hands. Zring knew who this was. This was the master of the Jensaarai. Then... Then he saw it.


    A gigantic figure of epic proportions, a scaled behemoth that towered over all. An avatar of chaos and destruction incarnate. Energy without end poured from its body. Enough energy remake the galaxy itself into its own image. Zring Knull''s eyes filled with tears of blood. This was one of his deities. This god could shape the galaxy for The Chosen few.


    ''Now you see... But now is not the time. Listen closely and move with haste. We have work to do.'' -The voice called out.


    ¡°Yes Great Mother! Direct me, and I shall obey!¡± Zring Knull the defiler called out with joy. Zring listened, and nodded in understanding. Then moved without question. A sacrifice must be made, and he would pay it gladly...


    Galen


    Hello my readers, guess who''s back!


    Bit of a short chapter this time. But I''ve found my spark again and I''ll be posting again, hopefully once a week as I did before. Thank you for sticking it out with me.

 Chapter 143: The Great Ones Acolytes

    ================================================================


    ***Home Reality (H.R.) Starling City***


    Starling City had been an interesting place for many years. It had seen catastrophe leading to calamities, to full blown invasion from another reality, then to another invasion from an alien machine. But like many other cities it kept pushing forward thanks to the support of its people, heroes, and of course the different multi-billionaire companies that call it home. Companies like Queen-Merlyn Industries, Wayne Technologies, and the newest in a long line companies, Ghost Industries.


    It was in part thanks to these companies, its people, and the tools they provided that the city persisted even to this day. As the last Cyber-Slave shard monoliths were destroyed. The machine intelligence known as Brainiac was removed from the city. (At least they hope.) That the city once again had its utilities restored in record time. As night falls Starling City lit up like a x-mas tree. But of course where ever there is light, a shadow will persist.


    A crime wave of unprecedented nature swarmed up from the cities port, and slums. Men and women hoping to take advantage of the situation flowed out of the wood works like carrion on a rotten corpse. It was because of this that so many people looked at the city like it was a kind of botanical garden bog. Beautiful only from a certain point of view. However, time and time again one thing proved true above all else. When an outsider threatens the city, even the criminal element stands side by side with the peoples heroes. Like the day a blood Red Rift appeared in Starling City central park.


    The Red Rift (A / B grade) flickered into being during the middle of the day. It quickly swallowed the nearby landscape and grew to be over a mile wide in diameter. Surrounding the Rift was a vast collection of people who were all attempting to enter the Rift and failing as an invisible shield propelled them away from it. Most of the world was unaware of the recent changes that had occurred. It was widely believed that the Justice Legion: International had deployed a type of shield to prevent unwanted entry.


    There had been thousands of examples of unprepared individuals entering a Rift with little to no plan. Failing, then of three effects would happen. 1) The Rift explods which spread cosmic radiation across the area. This radiation would cause sickness, death, and a small 1% chance of creating more meta-humans. 2) Imploding which pulled everything within in a few miles towards a centralized core and created a dense radioactive material in the epicenter. This metal was sought after for its bio-molecular alloy properties. 3) Or the worst yet when it failed and created what is referred to as an egg break. When dozens, hundreds, or thousands of creatures would break from the portal and terrorize the landscape. Always moving towards the most complicated organism first. (People.) To kill and eat. But even in their deaths, radiation would rapidly decay into the environment.


    All of this was well documented, informed, and spread across the world wide web. School children were taught in school. Commercials were paid for, and put up on every televised stations across the world. Moving into extreme detail on every issue and problem that came with each Rift type. Yet each and every time a Rift appears people rush into it. Why? Because there are hundreds of videos on social media, and the dark web of people going in. Then stepping out with money, alien technology, or even becoming a powered individual. Each one hoping to win the verifiable super powered lottery.


    Thankfully within in an hour of its discovery, spring rings appeared around the park and the JLI coordinated with local law enforcement to quarantined the area. The JLI officials on site were included but not limited to. Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Shazam. Working along side ARGUS personnel as they determined the situation. Which more or less devolved into a pissing match over who would go into the Rift, and who wouldn''t.


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


    (Billy Batson ¨C Shazam)


    Shazam stood off to the side as he watched Oliver aka Green Arrow shout at the ARGUS officer in charge, Agent Booth. They had been talking in circles for the past twenty minutes about who was going to enter the Rift, and who would be on standby. ARGUS had a team that was on the way. While the JLI had a team already there ready to jump into the Rift. Apparently since the JLI was not a recognized organization of the US Government. The JLI had no jurisdiction, it didn''t matter that this was Green Arrows city. Or the fact that the world would have been fucked without the JLI. ARGUS wanted the power boost from the Rift. Though they disguised it as altruistic of course.


    ¡°Why are you even here!? The whole world is in ruins, Starling City is one of the few places that has been brought back from the brink. Why don''t you got to a ruined third world country where you can actually do some good!¡± The Agent in charge screamed at Green Arrow, spittle flying from his mouth.


    ¡°I''m here to ensure the job is done right! ARGUS has failed to complete any Rift of the color red or blue. Then the moment you fail, you conveniently place the blame on the JLI that were stationed on site. Like you didn''t sneak a team into it before we arrived!¡± Green Arrow shouted back. That made Agent Booth turn purple with rage.


    ¡°I don''t care if ARGUS has jurisdiction to be here. The JLI will be closing the Rift. I will not jeopardize my city because you want a pay day!¡± Arrow shouted at the agent, and stepped right into his face.


    ¡°You really want to go to war against the US Government, Arrow? We''ve all seen what happens when the Justice League gets involved. People die, and cities are destroyed. All we have to do is looked around to see the truth. But why don''t we ask your protege. Where is Arsenal?¡± Agent Booth said with a smug grin, or he would have if his jaw hadn''t shattered.


    Shazam had moved across the tented area in the blink of an eye. Agent Booth''s jaw, and part of skull caved in. A thunderclap all but deafened the immediate area. Agent Booth was down for the count, as ARGUS soldiers raised their weapons and trained them on the JLI personnel on station. While storm clouds materialized in the air above the park. The static electricity in the air began to pop off of every ARGUS soldier. As Shazam''s power tore the command tent from its foundations, he floated a few feet off the ground and glared at the ARGUS personnel on point.


    ¡°ARGUS! Stand down, now!¡± A commanding voice called out as another agent showed up. He was closely followed by two people that Shazam had recognized. Agent Nickel, and Agent Murmur, so the agent who spoke up must be Agent Dutch. (ch. 71)


    Agent Dutch stood at approximately 5''10¡± with a marine corp / linebacker body build. He had short cropped black hair, healthy tanned skin tone, with dark blue eyes with red highlights. He wore a full tactical battle rattle suit, with what looked like a facsimile of the JLI''s light exoskeleton suit. Though it wasn''t nearly as nice. His gaze bore into the eyes of every soldier on site like it was the eye of god himself. Every soldier stood down automatically at being looked at.


    ¡°Shazam! My brother in arms how are you!?¡± Agent Nickel called out. As he strode over to the current lightning incarnate. Shazam growled in frustration but calmed down, as he was afraid he would accidentally kill Nickel.


    Agent Nickel was a meta-human with a bio-metallic skin covering. Or, so Shazam was led to believe. The liquid metal across the mans body looked like the metal nickel, which was if Billy remembered a highly conductive material. When Shazam touched back down to the ground the storm clouds above started to dissipate. But Nickel still received a bit of a shock when they shook hands. Nickel jumped with a natural smile on his face. Nickel stood at approximately 6'' even with a body builder physique. High and tight silver metallic hair, with gunmetal eyes. He wore tactical boots, pants, and a vest. But but no shirt, so he could show off his metallic skin.


    ¡°Angry... Though you may want to see towards the guy who''s skull I caved in.¡± Shazam said in a growl. Nickel barely batted an eye at the officer on the ground.


    ¡°Murmurs got it.¡± Nickel replied as he pointed his chin at his sister, Shazam took a moment to look at her.


    Agent Murmur had knelt over the officer. A link of energy connected to them both, and the officers face was rebuilding itself rapidly. That was new! Murmur had darkness manipulation, at least that''s what the file said. Seems she picked up a healing ability. Though her personality remained the same. Murmur was the opposite of Nickel. Nickel was an extrovert to the extreme, a social butterfly.


    While Murmur was quiet, subdued, and hated crowds. Though Shazam wouldn''t call her an introvert. It was primarily because if she touched someone she would drain them of energy, if she held on for too long they would die. She stood at approximately 5''8¡±, with short cropped black hair, and like her brother gunmetal eye. She wore a form fitting tactical suit, with soft exoskeleton suit attachments. When she finished with the agent she stood up and then gave him a swift kick to the balls which caused him to whimper in pain.


    ¡°You''ll live, which is more than you deserve, asshole.¡± Murmur said, then went to greet Shazam. Who greeted her with a tight smile. The trio glanced over to Arrow who was talking with Dutch about the situation.


    ¡°So, what brings you here?¡± Shazam asked them both.


    ¡°Joint operation, President Luthor suggested that the JLI and ARGUS do the Rift together.¡± Nickel said with a grin as he looked back at the giant red Rift. Shazam raised a brow at that.


    ¡°That''s if we can get in. The higher ups know that the Rifts changed a little while ago, and the shield isn''t from the Watchtower.¡± Murmur said softly, but clearly.


    ¡°Shazam!¡± A familiar feminine voiced called out, he whipped around immediately and stood at attention like he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.


    Sarah Lance aka Black Canary stalked towards him with a glare. He audibly swallowed, and before she could dig her finger into his chest, Nickel stepped forward with a disarm smile, and a hand out towards her. Of course this did absolutely nothing to Canary as she side stepped the man and pegged Shazam and/or Billy with a look of disappointment. Thankfully wisdom of Solomon activated and Billy was smart enough not to say anything at all. He just kept his eyes on her, and shut his mouth. He didn''t move an inch.


    ¡°Why am I getting reports about you caving in someones skull?¡± Canary asked with a snarl, and withering glare.


    ¡°Excuse me, ma''am?¡± Murmur stepped forward after she smiled at Nickel''s dismissal. Canary glanced at Murmur. ¡°Agent Booth was told to stand down over an hour ago, and was informed of the decision from on high. He will be properly reprimanded for his actions, as well as his words. Especially his words pertaining to the former and fallen hero Arsenal.¡± Murmur said, and the look of recognition crossed Canary''s face.


    Canary''s entire demeanor changed, and softened as she looked at Shazam. Then she went over to the agent who had been in charge and kicked him in the balls. Another whimper in pain, and maybe a squelch sound followed by a scream of agony as something round, maybe a ball was destroyed in that kick. Nickel winced and moved to protectively cover his own crotch in mock sympathy. Then Canary looked at the trio and motioned for Shazam to follow her. He did, though he sent a thankful glance towards Murmur who nodded in acknowledgment.


    The four of them moved over to Agent Dutch, and Green Arrow just at the tail end of the mission brief. ¡°So, Director Waller sent the three of us to work with three of your own. From the readings STAR labs have put together, along with your own science team on the Watchtower. We should be able to fit six people into the Rift.¡± Dutch said, and acknowledged the four of them as they walked over. Arrow glanced at Canary, then at Shazam.


    ¡°We have three inbound right now. But we still need to see if you can even enter.¡± Arrow replied with a grimace.


    ¡°Agreed, so shall we step over to see if the shield stops us?¡± Dutch said, as he moved towards the blood red Rift towering above them. Arrow walked side by side with Dutch attempting to show a united from for both ARGUS and JLI on the ground.


    The Rift towered above them, it grew an inch every few minutes and would continue to grow until someone, or someones walked in. No matter the angle you approached the doorway it always seem to be looking right at you. Even if two people moved towards it at different directions it would seem as if it was staring right back at them. When the group arrived within a hundred feet, tendrils of energy reached out. Much to the surprise of those around. The energy reached, linked, and in that moment they understood they could enter the Rift. Or at the very least, Shazam, Murmur, and Nickel could enter. While Arrow, Canary, and Dutch did not receive a link.


    ¡°Fuck...¡± Dutch cursed lightly under his breath.


    As was said before the Rift would allow six people to enter. Three energy trails had linked with three individuals. Though they were linked they were not compelled to enter and could step away. While they saw three more energy trails reach out like cilia from a single cell organism. That was and odd turn of events. Something that several STAR scientist noticed. Tests were done on the immediate area. As before if one was not strong enough they would hit a barrier of some kind. A few other JLI members stepped forward and the energy links connected to them. When they had six the Rift actually stopped growing. But the moment they stepped away it continued its progress.


    Before they scientists could poke and prod the Rift any further. Several spring rings appeared and with a soft pop, and a muted flash the Rift Walker team arrived. Or, should have arrived. What appeared was a very harried looking Starfire aka Princess Koriand''r, Supergirl aka Kara Kent / Kara Zor-El, and Miss Martian aka M''gann M''orzz. At their arrival they flew over to meet Arrow, Canary, and Shazam.


    ¡°Hello everyone! Are you the team who is coming with us?¡± Supergirl asked Dutch, Nickel, and Murmur. Then she noticed the trail of energy didn''t link with Dutch. ¡°Or, are we waiting on someone?¡±


    ¡°I need to make a call.¡± Dutch said, and pulled out his phone and walked off a bit.


    ¡°Hello Agent Ander! Agent K! Agent M! Good to see you!¡± Nickel said as he walked up with a big grin, and an wide open arm hug. Though only Starfire took him up on the hug.


    ¡°Hello to you as well, Agent Nickel and Agent Murmur. I am happy that the both of you still live.¡± Starfire said with a smile, as she hugged them both. Though she was careful of Murmur. Thankfully their exoskeleton suits covered skin to skin contact.


    ¡°Hi Shazam!¡± Miss Martian said as she flew over and gave him a big hug, and a kiss on the cheek. Shazam blushed just a bit and coughed in embarrassment.


    ¡°Hi, Miss Martian. Thanks for coming.¡± Shazam said as he hugged her back, then stepped away to rub his face clear of the blush. Though he was not finished as Starfire swallowed him in a hug, though she was in full armor. She still rubbed her cheeks back and forth across his own like a giant cat.


    ¡°Gaah! What do I do!? I don''t know what to do!¡± Shazam shouted in shock, he never knew how to react to Starfire''s over tactile contact culture.


    There was a moment as the high strung group laughed a little at Shazam''s over the top reaction. Starfire grinned with a glint of mischief in her eyes. She flew around to wrap her arms around him from behind and nibbled on his ear in a flirtations manner. Shazam blushed red from head to toe. Up and until Supergirl flew over and all but pried her off. Starfire looked like a kitten being held up by the back her neck. Though a cheshire grin was on her face.


    ¡°Ahem...¡± Agent Dutch walked back over and cleared his throat. The group went back to a stand ready position. Though Shazam was still red in the face. ¡°We don''t have anyone viable to send. So, it will just be Agent Nickel, and Agent Murmur.¡±


    ¡°I''m good to go inside if we need it?¡± Shazam said, as he motioned towards the Rift.


    ¡°Have any of you ever done a Rift? Even a low grade one?¡± Green Arrow asked, everyone but the ARGUS agents shook their head. Arrow pointed them.


    ¡°We''ve done ten greens, and one blue. Though Agent Dutch had been with us.¡± Murmur replied, as she glanced at her Supervising Officer (SO) who nodded back.


    ¡°It''s just like the simulation on the Watchtower, right?¡± Miss Martian asked, as she floated closer to the Rift. An energy tendril reached out and linked with her.


    ¡°Yes, however every Red Rift on record has been... Difficult. From your perception you may be gone for years. Are you 100% sure you six want to go? We have time, we could find another team?¡± Canary asked, but this was a friend asking not a senior member of the JLI.


    ¡°I have to agree with, Black Canary. Four untested people in a Red Rift? I know we are struggling right now. But this is a recipe for disaster.¡± Dutch called out, and looked at his team with concern.


    ¡°Do you doubt our skills as warriors, Mr Dutch?¡± Starfire rose up from the ground, her green energy emanating from her body.


    ¡°You may not be a warrior in there! The Rift could force you to be a tailor who has to make uniforms for a fantasy age military for a year!¡± Dutch said with a snarl, and Nickel winced.


    ¡°That was one time! One time! Why do you always have to bring it up!¡± Nickel shouted in dismay, and everyone looked at him in confusion. Though Murmur snickered, and showed everyone a very nice embroidered silk scarf. ¡°Hey! I worked really hard on that, if you don''t want it give it back.¡± Nickel pointed at his sister who stuffed it away and looked away innocently.


    ¡°That''s exactly my point. Nickel was the perfect human shield in that Rift and he was regulated to making uniforms for the officers in another world where they still used swords. Just because you are a skilled combatant here doesn''t mean you''ll be one in there. Green Arrow, I know the Watchtower has amazing training programs. But there is no substitute for the real thing. This Rift will hold for little over a week. If these are the only people available? Then send them to do some easy Rifts first. Then send them here.¡± Dutch made a valid point. They all stopped to look at the looming Rift that almost dared them to enter.


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Green Arrow said, then looked to see if anyone would argue. None did, it was a valuable point. Then everyone winced in pain as their earpieces wailed.


    ¡°Warning, subject broke containment! Identified as Cyber-Slave!¡± Vici''s voice called over the communication line and the entire area went onto high alert. But it was to little too late. A mechanical skeleton with flight propulsion shot out of the nearby foliage and flew straight into the Rift.


    ¡°Oh fuck no!¡± Dutch called out, as the rest of the energy tendrils wrapped around the intended and dragged them towards the Rift.


    Shazam needed no prompting and chased after the slave. Nickel, and Murmur were already prepared to go. That left space for two more. Starfire looked on with determination and didn''t fight the selection process, while Supergirl, and Miss Martian flew in opposite directions away from the Rift. Then before their eyes another Cyber-Slave was making a bee line for the Rift. Supergirl looked at it, then the Rift and flew straight into the gaping portal. With an audible snap! The Rift sealed itself and the Cyber-Slave rammed straight into the shield and was promptly destroyed.


    Shazam flew through a kaleidoscope of colors, a tunnel filled to the brim with images, sensations, feelings, and above all memories. He tried to keep his eyes on the Cyber-Slave but the mechanical monsters was so far ahead of him. Then a twisting vortex swallowed the machine, and Shazam was led down another tunnel. The change in direction was so sudden he fell... No, he lost his ability to fly!? He dropped to the tunnel and was no longer Shazam. He was Billy Batson again, what was going on!?


    ¡°....Billy.... Young Master, Billy. It''s time to get up.¡± A elderly mans voice called out to him. What, who.... Why is Markus calling him? The tunnel he was in grew dark, then he felt only the soft pillows, and sheets of his bed.


    ¡°...Ten more minutes, Markus....Please.¡± Billy called out as he buried his head into his pillows.


    ¡°I''m afraid not, Young Master. Your father wants you ready for your exam today, or did you forget.¡± Markus his personal aid called to him as he walked into his private room in the manor. Billy''s eyes snapped open as he looked towards the calendar.


    ¡°The Mage-Knight exam is today!?¡± Billy shrieked and jumped out of his bed and stumbled towards his bathroom to take a shower. Old man Markus rolled his eyes at his young ward.


    ¡°Yes, Young Master. It''s today, now hurry up or you''ll miss breakfast!¡± Markus called, and started to prepare Billy''s exam attire.


    Thus began the adventures of Young Lord Billy Batson, future Mage-Knight of the Kingdom of Eruinia...


    ===============================================================


    ***Alternate Reality ¨C Rift. Raxus Secundus***


    (48 standard hours after the quake.)


    The capital world of the Confederacy of Independent Systems aka CIS was in an uproar. They had received word from their spies in the core regions of the massive earthquake on Coruscant. An emergency Senate hearing was called, while any available military, and scientific leaders that were available could attend, would attend. Mina Bonteri the Senator in charge of Raxus called the room to order. This was normally done by Count Dooku but he was unavailable at the time of the hearing.


    ¡°Respected delegates, and senators of the Confederacy please calm yourselves so we may start this meeting.¡± Senator Bonteri called out, but the room refused to silence themselves. She went to clear her voice and start again only to be interrupted.


    ¡°SILENCE!¡± A whip crack of power swallowed the room, and brought silence to the room through the Force. Whether they wanted to be silent or not didn''t matter as their voices had been taken from them. Off to the side was Lord Enfarious, as he coughed several times in his wheezing manner. Then waved a mechanical clawed hand and the ''spell'' was broken.


    ¡°Thank you, Lord Enfarious.¡± Senator Bonteri said with a bemused expression. She had the whole rooms attention now.


    ¡°This meeting was called for one purpose, and one purpose alone. Should we call an armistice between the Republic, and the Confederacy?¡± Bonteri asked the room, and before the room could devolve into a shouting match, Enfarious slammed his fist into his desk which caved it in, and they all went quiet.


    ¡°Stop acting like savages! You have something to say, move to be addressed and speak clearly, and to the point!¡± Enfarious hissed at the room, and a very real shiver raced down their spines.


    ¡°Senator Navi, of Thrusta is recognized.¡± Bonteri elected to move on as she grimaced at Enfarious words.


    ¡°No, we shouldn''t. Because we all know that if Raxus was in danger the Republic would move to destroy us without a second thought. I understand, and respect the ideals that we are different than the Republic, better. So, let us make a compromise. We will not attack Coruscant, but we will continue the war has planned.¡± Senator Navi called out from his position. Over a hundred Senators agreed and raised their hands in muted cheers, many eyeing Enfarious who didn''t move from his position.


    Another senator stood and waited to be recognized, once Bonteri moved to them they spoke. ¡°If we move to assist the Republic in their time of need perhaps we can use it to our advantage and be recognized. We could stop the war now, in its tracks. Divide the galaxy between the Confederacy, Republic, and Neutral systems.¡± The Senator finished and another portion of the room cheered and agreed.


    ¡°That will never happen! The Republic will do what it has always done. It will take, and take. Then when we call in what we are owed they will conveniently forget everything we did, and demand our obedience!¡± A pro war senator called out. ¡°I say we use this to our advantage! We''ve already received word that entire fleets of the Republic Navy are moving to secure Coruscant. We can take back systems we''ve lost and entrench ourselves!


    ¡°We could finish the conflict with the Hutts without interference!¡± Another pro war senator called out. At the mention of the Hutts most of the room cheered, organic slavery was not well liked. They had droids for that.


    ¡°Delegates please! Let us not be side tracked. Remember why we are here, should we or should we not call an armistice?¡± Bonteri asked the room, and though many senators were unhappy. The vote was not call an armistice.


    That was how the Republic lost hundreds of star systems as the Republic Navy was forced to pull back to the core, and inner regions. Where they left the mid, and outer regions to their fates. In the eyes of the people of the Confederacy they had nothing but altruistic ideals. They saw themselves as freedom fighters, there to help the masses. Of course few knew the truth as they were heavily desensitized to the war. Thanks to soft brainwashing in the holographic videos provided by Count Dooku....


    After a few more hours of determining the course of the Confederacies plan of action Mina Bonteri excused herself from the room. Only to be shadowed by Lord Enfarious, which was a surprise to the woman. Not a word was shared between them, but his intentions were clear. He wanted to speak to her alone in her office. Their guards kept the public at bay as they moved until they were behind closed doors. Mina moved to her desk, then thought better of it and moved to a sitting room. Enfarious stayed standing as he watched her. She wouldn''t deny that she felt nervous under his gaze.


    ¡°The earthquake was artificial. This was an attack by another faction known as the Yuuzhan Vong or ''The Chosen'' in their own tongue.¡± Enfarious''s hiss like voice sent a spike of fear through Mina''s heart.


    ¡°An attack!? I don''t have any information on that? No one does!¡± Mina jumped to her feet and moved towards her private terminal to make a call. ¡°Who are the Yuushan Vong, I''ve never heard of them?¡±


    Enfarious moved through the office with both ease, and speed as he placed his mechanical hand on the terminal to prevent her from calling for her attendant. ¡°That''s because no one knows. I have an entire spy ring on Coruscant. I know it, Count Dooku knows it, and now you know it. That is it.¡± Enfarious said with a bit of finality. Mina stopped, she froze in contemplation.


    ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡± Mina asked, the gears in her mind started to work a mile a minute.


    ¡°Because Coruscant is not the only target. We need to focus on our own worlds first. You can''t help others, if we can''t even help ourselves.¡± Enfarious replied simply, and that brought Mina up short.


    ¡°Your telling me these Yuuzhan Vong will attack the Confederacy? Why?¡± Mina asked, her interests piqued.


    ¡°Religious fanatics, to us. All of us, we are nothing but heretics to either be destroyed, or converted. You will not like their version of conversion.¡± Enfarious stated simply, and removed his hand from her terminal.


    Mina stopped and thought about the implications. As a former Republic Senator, and now Confederacy Senator she had seen her share of religious zealots, and fanatics. They were not the kind to be reasoned with. Especially when the soldiers were taught that to live, and die for the cause was a guaranteed entry to their preferred afterlife. Before she could speak another word, Enfarious placed a data chip with a bio-metric lock on it. It was key coded to her.


    ¡°This is everything I have on them, and its not much. Read it all, and contact me when you have completed it. Do not share it with others! I''ll be running internal security though our worlds. They have a way of hiding from scanners. So I''ll be busy for a while. But I''ll make time for you if you call.¡± Enfarious said, and turned on his heel and slithered away.


    Mina watched him go and was struck dumb. Something was not right about Enfarious. We had always had a grandfatherly feel to him. But it also felt like he was a venomous serpent coiled in the grass waiting to strike. These Yuuzhan Vong must have really unsettled him. When the door opened, and closed behind him. Mina moved to secure her office with a flip of a switch. Then she placed the data chip into her computer. Fifteen minutes later she threw up her lunch, and desperately wanted to claw her own eyes out for what she had just seen. These were monsters of the highest order... It was no wonder they unsettled Enfarious so much...


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


    Lord Enfarious and his droid sentinel guard made haste to his private residence outside of the city. The underground tram deposited them inside the manor and he all but sprinted towards his private chambers. The door opened and closed and the moment it was sealed the Phantasm was pulled off to reveal a Saurian Elite Guard. The creature took a moment to orient it self then pulled open an Manifestation portal to its creator''s location.


    A whirlpool of void, and starlight expanded from a single point in front of the Elite. Once it reached a ten foot sphere of color it turned perfectly two dimensional flat, tendrils of inky black reach out and wrapped around the Elite and pulled them into the embrace of the magic spell. As the midi-chlorians in the air for the first time did not devour the spell. But they did tell the Elite to hurry. Once the gate opened the Elite stepped through and came to a battle field of epic proportions.


    Millions of monstrosities acted as a tidal of wave of tooth, and claw. As they flooded over the city world of Coruscant. In the distance the Elite saw its kin, and its creator fight against the horde with only so much support from the denizens of this Rift. Then it felt it, the bond between creator, and Manifestation. The Elite took to the skies and flew towards its creator with a smile on its face.


    ''It''s done, the CIS will not be attacking the Republic. But they plan to seize any system that the Navy leaves behind.'' -Elite said, answering a question that it knew its creator had on its mind.


    ''Good! Work with the midi-chlorians and find the Fate born. The mutated have taken an unhealthy interest in me and I am no longer able to move from my position.'' -The Creators voice spoke across the link. The Elite sent their confirmation and flipped through their Perceptions until they were led away by a swarm of lights.


    Another festival of blood, oh what delights to be found.


    =============================================================


    ***Coruscant, Republic Senate Building.***


    Lash had activated Transformation hours ago and was now merged with Saurian as the great monster reveled in the carnage that was happening around them. Millions of mutated monstrosities of the once citizens of Coruscant rushed towards them with reckless abandonment. Red Psionic Blades three in length bore from his vampraces, as his tentacles shot beams of Destruction ¨C Runes across the landscape and bisected the creatures and turned the remains to dust. He inhaled and exhaled with Elemental Manipulation ¨C Fire and created a blue white hot flame so hot it cremated what it hit. But no matter how many they killed, the mutations sent more. It was glorious!


    ¡°MORE! SEND ME MORE!¡± Lash and/or Saurian''s voice yelled out.


    Lash had lost track of any of his Jensaarai hours ago. The city was on fire and Lash was at a choke point leading towards the senate building that was being made into a rally point. He had released his one thousand Saurus Warriors, one hundred Saurus Veterans, and his now ten Saurus Elites into the field. Despite the numbers they all still stood. Though he knew if he didn''t have the tear drop power stone he would have died by now. But thanks to it, he was never empty of energy for long. As long as he had energy he had a near immortal army of Saurus Soldiers at his call.


    A roar rang out across the battlefield as they saw a giant monstrosity towering over its kin. Easily twenty feet tall, as its multi-limb body pulled itself forward. It stepped on its kin without care, though a majority of the man sized creatures jumped out of the way. Lash channeled his Space/Void Domain and used one of his spells in an unconventional method. He used Portal Creation but made it collapse in on it self. Yes, he made a temporary gravity well bomb.


    The orb of darkness appeared right in front of the behemoth, it blinked then roared in surprise as it, and everything within a mile was sucked in. Flesh, bone, sound, and light was removed in the immediate area. Then with an audible BANG! The spell''s energy was cut off and the incredibly dense orb of...Stuff landed in a crater. Lash flicked a spell of Decomposition at it, and it all soon rotted away. He stood up at his impressive eight foot height and looked at the horde who had paused in confusion. Then like a marathon start a crack from a blaster someplace else ignited another wave of flesh, and bone.


    Portal Creation: Cool down 6 hours.


    Lash really needed to get that to master so he wouldn''t have to deal with cool downs anymore. Saurian urged him on and he plowed into the waiting crowd and spun like a top. His tentacles created short range beams of light imitating light sabers. An artful dance moved through the crowd as every creature nicked by the blades had Decomposition cast on them. They rapidly decayed for ones eyes. But there was always more. Always more flesh to bring to ruin.


    Lash and Saurian barreled through a city street and found a skyscraper above that was on its last legs. They sent a pulse of Nature through the building and found it empty. With a flick of a Telekinetic Cut and the buildings remaining supports were removed. The hundreds of thousands of pounds fell into the city streets below. Crushing the monstrosities below, and temporarily blocking the path down this street. Though a few minutes is all it would buy as they sure would climb over it, or go through it.


    ''Release me'' -Saurian''s voiced called across the link. Yes, that could work. A three hundred foot tall monster could wreck these things.


    ''NO! We can''t do that here. How are we going to explain that? The Republic will attack us.'' -Erik the gamer''s voice called to them.


    ''If they attack us then we''ll kill them too! All will submit!'' -Saurian''s voice snarled across the link.


    ''I thought we were saving you for a big surprise when Palpatine tries to kill us?'' -Erik pleaded his case across the link. Lash played mediator between the two, though he was a little confused as to why this conversation was even taking place.


    ¡°When did I became the voice of reason?¡± Lash asked out loud as he reaped another few dozen lives.


    ''Please, don''t you hear the call!? The festival of blood is all around us. RELEASE ME!'' -Saurian all but begged to them both.


    ¡°Wait! Hold on a minute, what call?¡± Lash asked loudly as he floated up into the air then zipped back towards the choke point. He''d left it for a few minutes and sure enough it was over run with creatures. He dropped down once more and started to hack and slash.


    ''How do you not hear it!? They call to us, they call to me!'' -Saurian''s voice clawed at the edges of their link. He nearly tore it asunder and arrested control then and there. Lash clutched his head and screamed in pain. Then in a brief moment he saw one of the creatures look at him, and grin. Never before had the monstrosities showed any sign of emotion.


    Something was wrong! They were under somethings influence. Lash flew up into the air and catapulted himself towards the senate building. He crashed more than landed, creating a crater and a minor quake. This did nothing to help the senate building as a few remaining statues toppled over. But Lash didn''t care as he tried to calm his partner down.


    ''Saurian stop and think about this! You are the rock, the anchor that keeps us level. You have always been methodical even in the middle of a slaughter. Were being influenced!'' -Erik screamed across the link, and Lash curled up into a ball as he felt his Transformation slowly turn into Shapeshift the old monster would not be denied.


    ''I! DONT! CARE!'' -Saurian screamed across the link, and in that moment it was over.


    A billowing cloud of smoke and shadow boiled over and swallowed the surrounding area. Then as quickly as it appeared it was gone. There in its place was a towering monster. Saurian stood at an impressive three hundred feet tall, and nearly six hundred feet long. His four tentacles writhed and shifted on his back just as long as his own body. His massive bladed tail whipped around and slammed onto thousands of monstrosities that swarmed towards them senate building. It a moment of pure revelry he roared! Intimidating Shout, and Rallying Call activated. Every monstrosity for over ten miles froze in shock and had to do a hard reboot. While every neutral to friendly contact in that same ten miles found ten percent of their total health, and energy renewed.


    Then came a roar atmospheric engines, Acclamator assault carrier, and Venator attack cruiser ships broke the smog filled skies. Dozens of them, and every single one of them trained their weapons on the giant three hundred foot tall monster. Fortunately for them the kaiju didn''t take it personally. It tucked and rolled on it self and steam rolled through the city streets. Turning the horde into paste. Though it was soon proven that such a move was unwise as the city streets of Coruscant were not designed to take such a creatures weight. Saurian fell through the different buildings down the bottom level of this current floor. Creating a mushroom cloud.


    Not one to be deterred by a minor setback. Saurian climbed out of the crater he had made. The breathed blue white hot flames down the city streets like a tsunami of living flame. Hundreds of thousands of monstrosities turned to ash. While millions of pounds of durasteel, and duracrete turned to slag. Saurian barreled through wrecked buildings with little worry. He was following something, he heard the call and he would come. He climbed up and over a skyscraper and found an open chasm into the floors below. Like ant hill the monstrosities poured from the chasm.


    So, Saurian dove into the crack and burrowed his way through it. Leaving floor five thousand, one hundred, and twenty seven behind. (5127). Earth Swim activated and he slipped through the different floors like an eel. Before to long he found himself falling through the air. He activated his Telekinetic Flight Field and slowly fell with style. His giant six reptilian eyes saw what looked like a giant organic bridge made bone, and sinew connected the different floors together. An almost conveyor belt moved the vast amounts of monstrosities from one floor to another. Saurian activated his Rune of Destruction and turned the bridge to ash. Then he crashed into the next floor and burrowed down, ever deeper into the world itself.


    ===============================================================


    ***Coruscant***


    ¡°What is that!?¡± Admiral Wulf Yularen all but screamed at his bridge crew, though the question was rhetorical.


    Admiral Wulf Yularen all but stared in horror as he saw the giant creature shrug off their combined fire as if it had been caught in the rain. Then it tucked itself into a ball and rolled through the city streets like this was some kind of game!? Only for it to incinerate over three city blocks in plasma. Then to top it all off it dove into the ground and slipped between a crack that did not fit it at all! The only silver lining was the hole it had moved into stopped producing the horde of monstrosities.


    ¡°Sir, what are your orders?¡± The bridge officer called out.


    ¡°Move the Acclamators around the senate building, secure it and rescue any survivors. Deploy all group, and aerial troops across the planets surface. Establish a working communication network, and try to contact the Jedi Temple, Republic Army, Navy, and Militia command. Do it as soon as possible!¡± Admiral Yularen called out.


    His smooth transition between being shocked, and back in command steady the rest of the crew. Like a well oiled machine the fleet moved in order. Within short order they were able to establish a communication link with Militia command. Though there was no word from the Army, or Naval. No one had any idea if the Supreme Chancellor was alive or dead, and Yularen was swift to dispatch ARC Troopers towards his home.


    ¡°Sir, we have adjutant Nazvo on the line!¡± An officer called out, Yularen turned on his heel and went towards the holographic display. Yularen took a moment to press, and smooth out his gray admiral uniform out, combed his short and pressed brown hair, and ran a finger across mustache. His eyes focused on the beautiful but very deadly Jensaarai, who had the ear of the new Mand''alor the Renewer.


    ¡°Admiral, I am pleased to see the fleets arrival. I''ll keep this short. We have several rally points across the planets surface. We are sending the coordinates to you now. We have not secured the senate building, the Jedi Temple, or 500 Republica. Master Lash is on the surface. He was in control of a choke point not far from your present location but we lost contact with him shortly before you showed up.¡± Nazvo said in a quick, and precise manner as information came across the network. Yularen saw the designated point of where Master Lash was and he paled. Had he been killed by the creature?


    ¡°Adjutant Nazvo, I''m not sure if Master Lash has...¡± Yularen stretched out the sentence and Nazvo''s eyes turned cold.


    ¡°Until you can show me a body, I''m going to assume he''s alive. He destroyed twenty thousand battle droids in the simulator by himself. This is nothing to him!¡± Nazvo all but snarled at him, Yularen swallowed and cleared his throat.


    ¡°Of course! However, at this time the choke point appears to be vacant. We''ll set up a new bastion there....¡± Yularen said, and Nazvo allowed the conversation to continue.


    They continued to speak in rapid succession and soon a workable plan was set into motion. More and more ships were coming into the solar system. While close to a half a million clone troopers were deployed. Oddly enough they didn''t meet the resistance they had thought they would. It was almost as if someone had flipped a switch and the never ending flood of flesh and bone was starting to tapper off. Despite the reprieve there were still millions of monstrosities on the surface. Plenty for them to deal with.


    Though Yularen did worry about General Skywalker. He had tore off with his own star fighter even before they decided to return to Coruscant, Commander Tano was right behind him. He had learned while in transit nearly every Jedi in the different sectors that could leave, did leave. They had flown through the smog and had raced towards their home. Though Yularen secretly believed General Skywalker was more worried about a certain senator. He could only hope Skywalker would get there in time...


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


    (Ahsoka Tano)


    ¡°PADME!?¡± Anakin screamed out again. As he rifled through a ruined building. Ahsoka was right next to him, and winced every time he screamed. She reached out with the Force and used Shatter Point to find a weakness in the building and avoided it. They didn''t want to the building to collapse.


    ¡°Master please! I''m not getting anything on the sensors! R2 says there are no life forms nearby except for the creatures.¡± Ashoka tried to calm him down, and was only ignored. As Anakin dug through the building with his bare hands.


    ¡°PADME!?¡± Anakin called and again as he moved a piece of rubble.


    ¡°STOP SHOUTING, YOU MORON!¡± A man''s voice called out and Ahsoka looked up to see a Jensaarai in tattered armor. Her hope for Master Lash was dashed as the animal spirit design didn''t match him. Still she was happy to see another Force User.


    ¡°Who are you!? Have you seen Senator Amidala!?¡± Anakin jumped to his feet and raced towards the man who scoffed.


    ¡°Yes, I seen her. I also saw those things take her and her entire security forced beneath the city floor.¡± The Jensaarai called out, and Anakin stumbled and dropped to his knees. Ahsoka went pale with fear at the idea of it.


    ¡°What!? Why didn''t you?¡± Ahsoka asked.


    ¡°Why do you think I look like this!? My armor is made out of Beskar alloy, and those things shredded it like tissue paper. By the time my team got to the building they were gone.¡± The Jensaarai said simply, as a few more wounded Jensaarai appeared.


    ¡°Where did they go!? Tell me where!¡± Anakin jumped to his feet and nearly pulled the man from his feet before he was Forced vaulted across the ruins into a wall.


    ¡°Woah! Woah! Stop, please!¡± Ahsoka called out as she held up her hands between her master and the Jensaarai.


    ¡°Tell me where they took her!¡± Anakin shouted, and ignited his light saber. A dark crimson glow surrounded him. Ahsoka''s Force sense screamed at her to move away from him.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Another Jensaarai called down to them and a sense of calm fell over them all, including Anakin who let out a shuddering breath.


    Ahsoka looked up to see a woman in armor that looked like an avian creature. Metallic wings came out of her back and she flew down as if it was perfectly natural. The other Jensaarai deferred to her judgment. Her visor was up, but Ahsoka felt their eyes on her. The woman tilted her head to one side as if she saw something interesting. Then she moved to look over at Anakin. Her wings stayed out, and were poised to move if needed.


    ¡°She was taken over ten hours ago. The cracks lead to the lower floors. That is all we know. I don''t know if either of you have ever spent any time on the lower floors but can people can go their whole lives and never see the sun down there. Now its over run with these things, and there are over five thousand floors. I don''t know who she is to you. But it would take a miracle to find her.¡± The woman said simply, and something seem to crack in Anakin as he dropped to his knees and started to sob. Ahsoka knew that Anakin and Padme were friends but she didn''t think it had gone this far.


    ¡°If you want to do something? Go to the Jedi Temple. Our last report says its still fighting off their forces, and they are losing badly.¡± The woman said, and Ahsoka snapped to attention. Then raced over to Anakin.


    ¡°Master please get up, we have to help them!¡± Ahsoka called out, and Anakin looked up at her... He blinked slowly, then nodded. He slowly got up and turned to walk towards the temple. ¡°Master, our fighters over this way. It will be faster.¡±


    Anakin moved mechanically with a stutter and stop. But as more time passed he started to smooth out. Ahsoka turned to look back at the Jensaarai as they moved in the opposite direction. The woman came straight towards her and knelt down so they were nearly eye level. ¡°The dark side surrounds him, he''s about to snap. Watch yourself padawan.¡± The woman said.


    ¡°Master Skywalker is the strongest person I know. He''ll get through this.¡± Ahsoka said with a tiny smile.


    ¡°If you say so, may the Force be with you.¡± The woman said.


    ¡°And you.¡± Ahsoka said then raced towards Anakin.


    Anakin had jumped into his fighter and was in preparation. R2 who was in the astromech droid spot whistled at her. Then gave a slight warble as the star fighter turned on and took off straight towards.... No! Ahsoka stared in horror as the ship took a nose dive straight into one of the open cracks in the ground. Ahsoka raced towards her own speeder only to find it was sabotaged. Anakin had sliced through her main console with his saber. She was grounded, and hundreds of miles from anyone. She stamped her foot, and looked to her own astromech droid who whistled at her in confusion. The thing ejected as they both raced after the Jensaarai. Thankfully the woman had waited, seemingly to understand the situation.


    It wasn''t long before they were attacked by the creatures and Ahsoka got a crash course on monster slaying. Head, and heart. Both had to be destroyed to kill the creature. What Ahsoka hated was she soon learned that the creatures were once people. Especially when she saw a Jensaarai killed a mother who had been grafted together with their children in a macabre fashion. How, how were these things created!? Why!?


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Ahsoka asked after an hour of walking and fighting.


    ¡°There is a rally point down this way in about twenty or so miles. Our assignment is to walk out in the open and play bait. Seems to be working pretty well. Or it was until a little while ago. For some reason the surface stopped getting reinforcements from below, we don''t know why.¡± The woman named Torzel, Defender Torzel. Which meant she was a Master of the Jensaarai order, who had completed stage five training.


    ¡°Do you know where Master Lash is?¡± Ahsoka asked, and the whole unit stopped to look at her. Suddenly the center of attention she blushed, and almost looked down at her feet. But she felt a rush of energy and forced herself to stick her chin out in mild defiance.


    ¡°We lost contact with him awhile ago. He was defending the senate building. But no one has seen him since the Republic fleet showed up. Knowing him, he''s probably looking for trouble, or finding a way to be useful.¡± Torzel said with a chuckle, and Ahsoka found herself smiling.


    Before Ahsoka could ask another question her holographic communicator went off. She was surprised, it hadn''t worked once since they broke the atmosphere. She was not the only one as the Jensaarai all stopped and activated their own. An automated announcement rang out. An emergency call to arms, and a map of their area with rally point coordinates. Within minutes an Acclamator assault ship flew over head and was in the process of landing on the same rally point they were moving to.


    ¡°First piece of good news in days. Communications was one of the first things these creatures took out. Despite the animalistic tendencies they are oddly organized.¡± Torzel said, and closed her communicator.


    Ahsoka nodded her absently, but had been playing with her communicator in an attempt to contact Anakin. But she received no response. So she tried the Temple, and got no response. She tried any Jedi frequency and... Received a response!? A holographic image of Master Plo Koon appeared. Never had she been so happy to see the Jedi who had been both friend, and mentor in her younger years.


    ¡°Padawan Ahsoka, there you are! It fills my heart with great pleasure to see you safe... Well safe within this catastrophe. Where are you, and Master Skywalker?¡± Plo Koon asked, and Ahsoka''s reply was stuck in her throat.


    ¡°Well....¡±


    ================================================================


    (Padme Amidala)


    ¡°Milady.....¡± A distant and familiar called out.... Padme groaned, and desperately wanted to tell them to go away. ¡°.....Milady please wake up....¡± The voice called out again. Padme attempted to turn over and bury her face back into her pillows. But all she felt was the stone cold ground and something wet and sticky on her face. Did she fall out of bed again?


    ¡°....Gre-Gregor?¡± Padme asked, and stuttered as her throat was so dry. ¡°Can you get me some water?¡±


    ¡°....If I could I would, Milady. But I''m afraid I may find myself out of your service soon.¡± Gregor''s voice sounded strained. Wait... That didn''t make sense? Why would Gregor leave? Padme tried desperately to open her eyes but they almost seemed glued shut.


    Then a pain like she had never felt before was driven into her brain, straight through her skull. She opened her eyes wide and screamed in agony. Only to realize to late that it was not some imaginary pain. No an actual needle had been forced into her skull. ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!¡± Her scream resonated and shook the area. And a wet throaty chuckle was her only response.


    ¡°Get your hands off of her! Now!¡± Gregor''s voice called out, followed by the sound of bones breaking and Gregor''s own screams was all Padme needed to know they were in trouble.


    She blinked past the tears to look around and she saw something that would haunt her dreams till the day she died. Bone, flesh, sinew, and blood was displayed like some freakish mosaic. She saw what could only be described as an assembly line of flesh, bone, and body part were pulled off of living people who were wide awake! They screamed in horror, or mute shock as their eyes had glazed over from the pain. Giant leeches were attached to their spines and pumped green liquid into the bodies.


    She was tied to a wall with intestines! Intestines! The word needed repeating as she looked towards Gregor who had his right arm torn off, and was in the process of getting a new one from some sort of alien. It was grotesque, and didn''t suit him. His Beskar armor had been removed and tossed to the side like to much scrap. The rest of the security force, and Jensaarai that had been with her were either fighting the assembly process or not yet been seen.


    Blood dripped into her eyes and she tried to clear it. Then she once again realized that a metal pin was inside of her skull! She screamed again, and her torturer moved its attention back on her. This man, this monster stood at six foot even with pale white skin that was stretched across its skull. His lips, and eyelids had been removed so he had a frightening smile, and she knew he was smiling at her. His body, no his armor was milky black. It was like a carapace that was perfectly fitted to him. A centipede like snake coiled around his body and hissed at her.


    A series of clicks, and hisses came out of the mans mouth. Saliva sprayed across her face, then he reached up and yanked out the needle in her skull without a word. Another scream tore out of her throat and the resonating energy rippled through the factory of flesh and bone. Then... Then a woman, one of Padme''s servants walked over. A giant leech on her spine, and a glassy look to her eyes.


    ¡°Sabe!? Sabe no! Speak to me!¡± Padme called out to her body double, bodyguard, and friend.


    A faint flicker of recognition registered in the woman''s eyes. Then the leech secreted something and Sabe went back to her task. Her skin had all but been removed save for her face. One of her arms was replaced, with another. While her intestines spilled out and were dragged across the floor. Sabe pulled her own intestines out and secured Padme. Then with a groan she climbed up and and pulled her down. Padme dropped to the ground without a fight in her.


    ¡°The Great One has touched you, he has touched all of you.¡± The man the things voice sounded like a nail was being driven into her ear. ¡°So weak, and pathetic you people were. But you... They... All of you are above the rest. Such power!¡± The vile things voice felt like maggots on her skin.


    ¡°I WILL KILL YOU!¡± Padme screamed at him, and the creature cackled.


    ¡°I look forward to it. We are both acolytes to the Great One. To see, to know that he has prepared so much for his children fills me with love, and pride.¡± The creature''s voice was filled with fanatic belief. Who was he talking about!?


    Then the entire structure? Factory? Body? Shook, it shook again and again. Then an inhuman roar called out. The roar was so far away, like a great monster that loomed from the darkness. But Padme felt it, and she knew she wasn''t the only one. As an energy welled up inside of her. Gregor screamed and tore his body from the bone splints in the wall that held him up. The man-creature cackled and raised his arms up in prayer!?


    ¡°Yes! My brothers and sisters the Great One arrives! Blessed is his rage, long may he and the Great Mother reign! But now is not the time... We are early. But our time will come.¡± The man-creature strode back towards Padme. He held her face in his hands and pressed his teeth to her forehead in a gruesome kiss. ¡°Goodbye sister, I will see you again.¡±


    Another quake and explosion shook the whole body factory. The man-creature gathered up a few leeches, and made way with more of its kind as they moved to some kind of organic ship. In took off and left with not but a whisper. Then the unmistakable sound of light sabers swinging through the air were heard. Gregor tore at his restraints and freed himself only to fall to the ground without his arm, and legs. Sabe watched impassively as the leech on her back disconnected and Padme watched in horror as her friend went into shock and died then and there.


    ¡°Sabe!? HELP!¡± Padme called as she crawled towards her friend, then that was when she looked at her arms. Her arms were not her own. Oh no...no, no! This wasn''t happening! This wasn''t happening!


    ¡°THIS CAN''T BE HAPPENING!?¡± Padme shouted in horror, she was a patch work doll!


    The outer wall was torn away and just like a living body, blood poured out. From the falling crimson rain came an eight foot tall armored monster that Padme had only met once. The repto-mamillian creature that she had seen Lash turn into glanced towards her. Then its six yellow green eyes went wide in surprise. It glanced around and seem to come to a decision.


    ¡°I can fix this...¡±


    Galen

 Chapter 144: Let’s Flip the Table!

    ===========================================================


    ***HR, Starling City***


    The shock and awe of the Cyber-Slave breaking containment and entering the crimson Rift was a surprise to all. This raised a single question, had the Cyber-Slaves entered the Rifts before this? Or, was this an isolated incident? The hazards, and benefits of the Rifts had been all over the world wide web. It would make sense that Brainiac would know about them. Perhaps looking for a way to flee the planet, or to receive a boost in power, who could tell with the enigmatic machine intelligence. It was still not full known what sort of virus was uploaded into its core source code.


    But this all mattered little to a certain individual. A white martian in disguise as a green. M''gann M''orzz who stood before the crimson Rift in anger, and depression. She repeatedly slammed her fists into the shield that surrounded the Rift. Each strike was met with an equal retaliation. As if the Rift shield was protecting itself. But that mattered little, as Miss Martian had taken on a different shape. A shape she had been using more and more. She looked like a mini-Saurian.


    She had pure white metallic scales. Six yellow red reptilian eyes flared with life with every rebound of energy from the shield. As the facsimile of Saurian allowed her to absorb the natural kinetic energy. She had four arms, with four whip like tentacles on her back and a bladed tail. They cracked across the shield with the intent to rend the shield apart. Each strike threatened to overwhelm her. But each time a purple glyph on her forehead flared to life. So again, and again she struck the shield. Desperately wishing she was with her team, her friends, her sisters.


    ¡°.....Miss Martian..... Miss Martian.... M''gann!¡± A voice called out to her. M''gann turned on her heel and snarled at the interruption. The last rebound sent a visible ripple through the shield, she had been making progress.


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± M''gann shouted at Black Canary who had been reaching out to her, but was smart enough to be out of reach.


    ¡°Miss, you have to stop. The Rift is getting larger with every strike.¡± Black Canary said in a soothing voice that sent an almost visible reaction through M''gann.


    M''gann looked confused as she glanced back at the crimson Rift and stepped back to examine in. Her instincts were whispering at her to stop, to listen, almost as if it was something else entirely offering advice. Sure enough the Rift had grown by at least a foot. Something that had never happened before. It seemed who ever, or what ever was behind the Rifts had thought of what would happen if someone tried to brute force their way in after the shield was back up.


    M''gann shifted back to her default green shape with red hair, red eyes, green skin, and a dark green light weight exoskeleton suit of the JLI. They had recently developed a suit that could shift with shapeshifters. Then she fell to her knees and began to cry. She felt so useless! She cradled her head in her hands and wept freely in front of not only Canary, but all the attending JLI, and ARGUS. She flinched when Black Canary came to her side and offered a shoulder to cry on.


    ¡°I... I-I should be in there with them. I...I need to be there to help them.¡± M''gann whispered between sobs.


    ¡°I know, I''m sorry it happened this way. But beating your fists against a wall wont help them now.¡± Canary said soothingly, her words only made M''gann cry harder. Canary attempted to pour every ounce of kindness and soothing emotions into her words. This was important as M''gann was a Telepath and could tell when one was lying or not.


    Eventually another set of arms came to wrap around her, and M''gann felt Green Arrow offer his own comfort. ¡°Being apart from your team is never easy. But you just have to trust in their abilities to stay alive. They are well trained, and have all of the tools they need to survive.¡± Arrow offered his best, and meant every word.


    ¡°...Bu-But what about me? I... I don''t know what to do...¡± M''gann shuddered as she admitted the truth. A look of understanding came across both Canary, and Arrows face.


    Before another word could be exchanged, Vici the ever helpful VI sent a private message to them both. M''gann had lost her whole family to the attack on Mars save for J''onn. Her support structure was now in the Rifts. Being separated from her family whether they were of blood, or by choice was devastating to her. Canary who had lost her Father in the attack, and Arrow who had lost his protege felt their emotions stir. They understood that feeling better than most.


    The three of them stayed like that for nearly an hour until M''gann fell asleep laying against Canary. With the help of Arrow, they picked her up and teleported back to the Watchtower. Or more specifically towards the living quarters granted to M''gann. Arrow walked in, carrying her and gently set her down on the afforded bed and left her alone. Wishing her a deep, and dreamless sleep. Unfortunetly we rarely obtain what we want out of life.


    M''gann dreamed, she dreamed of a battle field so grand and so great that it made the invasion of their home look like child''s playing in a sand box. She saw armored monstrosities tearing into a city so large it covered the world. She reacted like a warrior born and rushed into the conflict to defend the children she found but was surprised when she passed right them. Through the enemies, and through those in need. What was happening?


    ¡°M''gann?¡± A familiar and lovely voice called to her. She turned around and saw her friend she so desperately wished was real.


    Lash stood there wearing a full set of armor, designed after what she knew to be Saurian. He stood in the battlefield like a tide stone, as the battle washed around him while he remained unmoving. Blades of pure chaotic energy in his hands as he danced through the field with the grace of a dancer. But he always turned back to look at her. His full face mask and helmet covered him, but she felt his eyes on her.


    ¡°Lash... Please... I need your help. Kara, and Kory are stuck in a Rift... I...I got left behind. A Cyber-Slave slipped past us.¡± M''gann said as fresh tears fell from her eyes.


    ¡°...One moment.¡± Lash said simply and reached into the skies above him mid battle and pulled out a shinning key, made from pure starlight. He then handed it to M''gann. Once in hand he cradled her cheek and she leaned into. She had missed him so much in the past few days he''d been gone.


    ¡°One free pass into an occupied Rift. M''gann please be aware if the Rift is full you joining will only increase its difficulty. But either way, good luck.¡± Lash replied with a gracious shrug, as if it couldn''t be helped.


    M''gann was struck dumb at the situation. She reached and took the key into her hands. She glanced up at at Lash to see him return to the battle as if stepping back into the falling rain. She was so confused, wasn''t this a dream? This was a dream, right? She pulled the key towards her chest and felt its energy course through her body and meld into her form. Then she woke up.


    M''gann burst from her bed and all but flied straight into the ceiling. She stopped inches from it and looked around the living space afforded to her. Then reached up towards her chest and felt a familiar energy she had only just witnessed. No, it wasn''t a dream. ¡°Vici, I need an emergency teleport back to the crimson Rift in Starling City.¡±


    Without a word a spring ring wrapped around M''gann and she was left floating above the ground at the city park. The guards on stationed looked at her in surprise that soon turned into shock. As she flew towards the Rift pulled out a energy orb of silver light and an opening in the shield around the Rift opened. Energy tendrils wrapped around M''gann and she was sucked into the Rift, then the shield snapped shut.


    ¡°Nose goes?¡± The guard said, as he had placed a finger on his nose. While his partner looked at him in irritation.


    ¡°I hate you...¡±


    ================================================================


    ***AR, Kingdom of Eruinia***


    Eruinia was an expansive if not relatively new kingdom on the grand continent of Ekias. Unlike Earth which was 70% water give or take a few percentile. This world was 60% land, and 40% water. Which granted it massive treks of land, and titanic bodies of water in the shape of lakes. But no oceans, or seas. As every piece of water was landlocked. This ultimately meant that one could essentially travel to any part of the world by walking.


    Eruinia was located in the southern hemisphere of the planet near the equator. Granting it year round sun exposure, and very little change in weather. This allowed them to be one of the major exports of food to the near by nations. Food was often exchanged for minerals as the Kingdom of Eruinia was lacking in metals. Trade made the world go round as one would often say. Trade, which was made easier by roads.


    Roads came in all shapes and sizes. From the simple dirt path no larger than a single mans steps. To giant highways of flagstones, and canals. Crafted, and tended to by the great way maker, and pathfinder guilds. Artisans, engineers, laborers, and guild soldiers who traveled the breath of the world from one end to the other. These guild workers were known across the globe as being true neutral. They fell under no nation, land, or faction. To be a way maker or pathfinder was to be considered a great honor. As the entry to such an illustrious guild and the necessary tasks needed to join was staggering. Well staggering for some...


    ¡°Master Brai... Are you sure this will hold?¡± A laborer asked for the fifth time.


    ¡°Yes, Nugvull it will hold. I don''t have the time to explain my calculations to you.¡± Brai responded with a hint of irritation in his voice. As he glared at the laborer who turned meek at the attention and move to shift the stone into place.


    ¡°It''s just... If it breaks a lot of people will die.¡± Nugvull replied in a soft voice.


    ¡°If you do what I say, when I say it. Then not only will no one die! But we''ll be finished in a timely manner!¡± Brai all but shouted at him. Nugvull scampered off carrying a chiseled stone piece.


    Guild Artisan Lord Brai of House Niac took a deep breath to calm his nerves as he watched the laborers stack the stones between to points across the crevasse. They were in the process of building a stone bridge between two points. Lord Brai had always had a head for numbers since he was a child. He also loved puzzles. Watching a bridge come together always filled him with joy. As he watched the laborers move he received a flash of insight.


    A towering monstrosity of steel, and glass being built by millions of mechanical soldiers. A path carved, created, and constructed in minutes. His will obeyed without question as he was a part of the greater whole. Then the flash of insight faded and he returned to the here and now. It was because of this he saw several workers failing to lay the stones correctly. He took a deep breath and shouted.


    ¡°If you do not lay them correctly then I''ll be using your flesh as the mortar!¡± Brai shouted at the deviant workers who snapped to attention as they had been caught.


    Brai had always been a task master. He worked hard, and noticed even the smallest details. He expected the same amount of attention to detail from his workers. He also punished accordingly if you failed to meet his standards. But despite his brutal efficiency and punishments. Workers all but fought to be in his crew because he always got results, and always got the best rewards. He provided for his work teams ensuring they had the best tools, gear, food, and rest areas. If they reached their goals, Brai would give credit where credit was due.


    By midday the last stone was in place and Brai moved to his place near the edge of the crevasse. He reached deep within himself for the power to move gravel, stone, and fire. He reached out with near invisible tendrils of energy and connected to the different keystones set for the arch ways. Hundreds of stones, and mortars flew through the air. They moved into place and the laborers sprinted across the incomplete bridge. Pouring mortar into place as Brai held the bridge up. Then they sprinted off and Brai said a command word and a flash fire burned the mortar and stone. Creating a melt-stone bridge.


    ¡°Congratulations everyone! We are three weeks ahead of schedule!¡± Brai shouted once the bridge settled. The work crew cheered and began to chant Brai''s name over, and over.


    Brai turned on his heel and meant to make way to his private tent but nearly toppled over as mana exhaustion hit him. But he caught himself and took a moment to collect himself. He closed his eyes and breathed in gathering the ambient mana into his lungs, and exhaled. When he opened his eyes the only one he saw who noticed was his personal attendant. Miss Rien who had come to his side with a fresh wet towel. He smiled and took it from her, to clean his face.


    ¡°No one saw...¡± She said softly, as a soft glimmering field had wrapped around them. A simple ring of illusion.


    ¡°Thank you, Rien. What would I do without you?¡± Brai asked, but chuckled at the sly look she gave him. Crash and burn is what he would do without her.


    Brai walked through the ring and stepped back into the crowd. He ordered for two additional mugs of ale to be used for tonight''s meal, and got another resounding cheer. At last he reached his tent with Rien behind him. He walked to his full length mirror to inspect himself. Brai stood at approximately 6'' even with a wiry frame befitting of a scholar or spell caster. Though he kept himself in partial shape with daily exercise he was no muscle brained barbarian. He kept a clean shaved bald head. (Baldies Unite!) While he had a pale green skin tone, green emerald eyes, and a peculiar birthmark on his forehead. Three purple dots in an inverted triangle.


    ''All will submit...'' -A voice called out to him from the wind... Brai turned to look around in confusion.


    ¡°Did you say something, Rien?¡± Brai asked, she turned towards him and gave a minute shake of her head in a clear no.


    ¡°...All will submit?...Submit to who?¡± Brai spoke softly, as if the words themselves felt right.


    ===========================================================


    ***AR. Star Wars, Coruscant***


    Attention User, you have spent 100 Dream Points to purchase a Rift Key.


    Attention User, you have spent 25 Dream Points to send purchased Rift Key to Dreamer Denizen M''gann M''orzz.


    Attention User, M''gann M''orzz has entered a restricted Rift increasing its difficulty. B- to A-.


    ¡°Well that''s not good.¡± Lash said in irritation as he swept his Red Psionic Blade through another monstrosity. Turning the whole corpse to ash after.


    It had been a surprise when he had seen the astral form of M''gann next to him in the lower levels of Coruscant. A surprise, but a pleasant one. When she asked for help he did it without thinking. With the benefit of hindsight he should of asked questions. But he was a little busy, as he had just ripped apart a body factory to find Padme and her retinue in a state of... Insert B socket into C socket? Some parts may be missing? Some assembly required?


    One benefit was it had pulled Saurian back from his festival of blood, upon seeing Padme his festive nature reeled back and he looked around in confusion. They returned to their Transformed state. Only stating after that he could fix it, and fix it they could. The problem lay in the issue of should he fix it? No, that wasn''t a question. It was a question of how should he fix it?


    But first he needed to collect the living, and the dead. The body factory as grotesque as it was, was highly efficient. If you were not of use, you were tossed into a bio slurry to be used as fuel. Out of the thirty two royal security force and Jensaarai with Padme, there were fourteen left. Lash saw the Force-Spirits of the remaining in a look of confusion as they had been used as fuel. Lash was contemplating constructing new bodies for them, or simply using Reincarnation. For now he gathered up the spirits and gave them a steady supply of magical energy for the Force to feed on, essentially giving them, and himself more time to consider the options.


    ¡°Alright here is the deal.¡± Lash spoke softly to the gathered spirits, as he cast a sleep spell on the still living people, and cast Regrowth and Restoration on Gregor for his lost limbs. ¡°I can either release all of you to the living Force. Or I can recreate your bodies, and bring your back. Your choice.¡± Lash asked the spirits who looked at him like they stared at death itself, which wasn''t to far off.


    Lash''s four tentacles on his back sprung up like cobras with Eldritch Blasts beams of destruction lanced out and cut through the monstrosities that stormed into the central chamber. He needed to figure out why they kept coming back here. He pulled up his Manifestations list and found several warriors, and veterans that had been slain. He called them to his position to secure the area.


    A swirling vortex of smoke and starlight poured open, and his soldiers stepped out, and moved into position without a word. Blissfully understanding his intentions through a form of Hive-mind? Or maybe simply understanding his will as spell constructs. Details for later. Lash took a moment to hold his head spun. He was fighting a migraine that only grew with time. They still didn''t know what set Saurian off.


    ''They said we had been touched by a god, that it''s grace would feed the pyre. To purify the unclean.'' -One of the Force-Spirits called out softly, their voice rippled across the field like a stone being tossed into a pond. A real chill went through Lash''s spine when he heard those words.


    Lash turned to look at the vats of bio slurry, and switched his Perceptions until he found them surging with magical energy. Energy that could be devoured by the Force as the slurry would also eat the Force. Absolute dread filled Lash... The Yuuzhan Vong could process magic? Lash whipped around and found a visible trail of magic leading deeper into the factory. He ordered his soldiers to keep an eye on the spirits, and Padme''s people as he sprinted down the hall.


    Organic walls pulled apart at his approach as if he was its master which only made him more disturbed. He raced through the hallways passing arteries that pumped blood through its organs. Then stepped into an open room with retracted ceiling. He found nothing but several ports for something? He looked around and determined that something use to be here. But the trail continued on so he followed it until he came to what he could only describe as the both the heart, and brain of the factory.


    Literally a giant brain hung in the air, with thousands of umbilical cords connected to it. Giant vats of slurry sat to the side as dozens of hearts pumped and drew the ''blood'' through the body factory. The Vong being the ever pioneers of bio technology had made a fully automated factory using a brain. A brain that was using the slurry of the Jensaarai Force-Supers that Lash had made. Then almost as if the universe was laughing at him, which given his luck may be true a loud hiss called out from above him.


    Lash turned and saw a giant monstrosity, at least ten feet tall. With multiple limbs, wiggling tentacles on its back. A blade like tail, and partial scaled to chitin armor. It dropped to the floor silent as a cat on soft paws, and stood up displaying several dorsal frills often found on reptiles meant for intimidation. But above all else Lash felt his Monster Divine Domain call to him through this creature. Then that was when it clicked. He switched through his Perceptions yet again until he came across... For lack of a better term ''Faith sight''. Motes of energy like a trail of ants in the trillions connected from him to every Monstrosity on Coruscant. But not just the planet. It was then he first noticed... The whispers, the prayers...


    He was being prayed to. He had followers in the Rift!? Who was praying to him!? The factory guardian had moved over to him gradually and bowed its head against Lash like a giant cat would, its grotesque limbs, and exposed flesh sent a tingle through Lash. But what wigged him out even more is he reached out and gently ran his claws along its head in a sigh of absent affection.


    ¡°The Yuuzhan Vong are praying to me.... Why?¡± Lash asked in astonishment.


    ''Because you are a monster, who thrives in war, and brings chaos. You are everything I need, and could ever ask for.'' -A dark and malevolent voice whispered softly into his mind. It felt like silk sand paper across his skin. A sensual blood letting promising pleasures and pain beyond measure.


    Lash went perfectly still, not even a breath was shared between moment to moment as his mind searched for the source of this voice and found none. Saurian snarled across the link, as he searched the intrusion. Even inside of the Rift they could feel the Pack Bond though many of the threads were frayed and needed attention once he left the Rift. There was no knew thread. So who could reach so far across the link. No, this voice was coming from inside the Rift.


    ''Abeloth...'' -Erik the gamer said softly across the link.


    ¡°I did not realize I had garnered the attention of ''The Mother''.¡± Lash said softly.


    ''You...know me? You continue to surprise, and impress. What a wonderful father you will be. But now is not the time. Goodbye father, wait for me.'' -The dark and twisted voice cut its connection, and once it was gone did all three of them only see where the connection was. Saurian was quick to shore up their defenses. Now that they understood the method of infiltration it would not happen again.


    With a flick of his claw he sent a Telekinetic Cut through guardian''s body and turned it to ash. The thing didn''t even realize it was dead. Then a Rune of Destruction destroyed the brain, heart, and the vats of magical slurry was removed. Lash was quick to reabsorb the ambient mana back into his body. It had an acidic taste. Like orange, and lemon juice together. With its central organ dead, the body factory stopped working.


    ''Creator, the monstrosities are retreating.'' -A Saurus Veteran sent word to him across their shared link.


    ''Each factory must work as central processing and command center. Even with out the Vong present the factories will continue to pump out new troops.'' -Lash replied, but mostly spoke for his own benefit as he tried to understand the situation he had been drawn into.


    Abeloth...Who was Abeloth? Abeloth, also known as the Bringer of Chaos and Beloved Queen of the Stars, was an extremely powerful Force-sensitive entity. Because she drank from the Well of Power and bathed in the Pool of Knowledge, she was adept in utilizing both the dark and the light side of the Force. She first lived as the Servant, a mortal woman who served the powerful Ones on an unknown jungle planet over a hundred thousand years before the Battle of Yavin. Throughout her life, she became the Mother: she kept the peace between the Father''s warring Son and Daughter and became a loving member of the family. Unfortunately, she was still mortal¡ªshe grew old while the Father and their children lived on¡ªand she feared she would lose her precious family. In a desperate attempt to hold onto the life she so loved, she drank from the Font of Power and bathed in the Pool of Knowledge. Her actions corrupted her, transforming the Mother into the twisted, immortal entity known as Abeloth. (Wookieepedia!)


    With this power she all but enslaved the Daughter, and the Son, and nearly did the same to the Father. In a desperate attempt to keep her beloved family together. Who are these three beings? That is a whole another rabbit hole. Simply said they are the equivalent of Force Gods within the Star Wars Galaxy. Before Abeloth could corrupt the whole family she was caught and punished by the Father. They then imprisoned her on the jungle planet, and her prison bars were several gravity wells found with in the mouth of the Kessel Run. Also known as ''The Maw''.


    Even from within her prison Abeloth asserted her will across the galaxy. She thrives on chaos, and is a dark side entity. It is theorized that the true reason behind the chaotic mess that is the Sith, and Jedi war is because Abeloth feeds on the chaos from it. That without her, the galaxy would have been at peace for countless millennium. Now, Lash had caught her attention. Not only that she had called him father?


    ¡°Oh that''s just great, I have a stalker.¡± Lash said in dismay...


    ============================================================


    (R2-D2 aka Artoo-Detoo)


    R2-D2 the astromech droid was having a complicated day. First he had been woken up early from his charging routine and sent straight towards Anakin''s star fighter. That wasn''t so far out of the normal. Anakin was always in a hurry but was a delight to be around. R2 loved his adventures with master Anakin. But today had been usual, as Anakin had been filled with fraught. Sparkling Tano was the same. So being the living embodiment of communication that he was he attempted to lighten the mood.


    A series of whistles, and beeps called forth from his voice box translating into simply. -''Is it time for another adventure?''


    ¡°Yes, R2. Another adventure... I''ll need your help with this little buddy. We are looking for Padme.¡± Anakin called back across their shared link from pilot to droid.


    R2 was surprised! Mistress Padme was on Coruscant wasn''t she? Did the war come to Coruscant? R2 could imagine why the battle droids would attack there. Perhaps they were malfunctioning. R2 contemplated this as he ran a thousand and one calculations through his processor and punched in the next navigation point for hyperspace. G2 or Goldie in Sparkling Tano''s star fighter whistled across the chatter, asking for directions. New generation droids these days, all so lazy...


    Coming out of hyperspace R2''s sensors were confused as the entirety of Coruscant was covered in an ash cloud. Was it raining today? No, this was toxic ash. Most peculiar... But R2 being the ever diligent worker remembered what master Anakin had said and started to automatically search for Mistress Padme.


    ¡°Thanks buddy, I don''t know what I do with out you.¡± Anakin said with a small smile, some of the tension in his face faded.


    ¡°Master Skywalker, shouldn''t we wait for the rest of the fleet?¡± Sparkling Tano asked once she left hyperspace. They had fallen behind, surely Goldie hadn''t gotten lost. R2 whistled at the droid who turned its camera in the other direction, avoiding the question.


    ¡°Waaaaaaaaaa!¡± R2 Let out a exasperated whistle as Anakin dove straight into the toxic ash cloud. R2 heard sparkling Tano call out, but he was to busy navigating the ash cloud.


    Radiation energy spiked to unsafe levels. Dust particles threatened to choke the fighters filters, R2 was quick to dump them, and close the feeds. He ran a system bypass, and alerted Anakin to switch the view screen only to be shocked into reboot because Anakin had his eyes closed and was moving through the cloud blindly! Honestly, is sparkling Anakin lost in his circuits. Well time for R2 to shine, as he assisted with the navigation.


    Coming out of the ash cloud R2 let out a despondent whistle as he saw the whole city as far as the horizon was on fire, and in ruins. But not all was lost as there was a vast quantity of life all across the surface. In fact there was almost to much life... So much life that seem to be... mushed together? Like a bad soldering job? Circuits, and parts fused together? That didn''t make sense.


    -''Something is wrong with the people.''-R2 eloquently said to Anakin.


    ¡°What? What do you mean? That''s not possible! R2 home in on Padme transponder, now!¡± Anakin shouted, and R2 quickly obeyed. He did a hundred thousand calculations in 1.5 seconds and whistled out directions. Anakin pulled on the star fighter and zipped across the ruined city.


    What they found made R2''s power converter burn in anger. He was sure his circuits would fry in anguish at the destroyed home of Mistress Padme. He whistled despondently, and brushed up against Master Anakin as he had fallen to his knees. Anakin leaned gently against as he all but sobbed. Sparkling Tano was speaking to the armored soldiers they came across. Mistress Padme had been taken by the bad mishmash soldering people. Like a droid had poorly welded two pieces together and expected it to still work. If R2 ever met their designer he would have a word or two about their intentions, yes sir!


    They returned to the star fighter to head towards the Jedi Temple? No, Master Anakin drove his light saber into Sparkling Tano''s star fighter control deck. G2 whistled and beeped in outrage! -''Do you know how long it will take me to repair that!''


    -''Wooohooooo!''- R2 whistled as Anakin flew up then straight down towards a narrowing crevasse. -''Waaaaaaaaaaaaaa!''- R2 screamed in dismay as they navigated through a tunnel that shouldn''t be.


    R2 turned his sensor camera towards Anakin and whistled sadly. Tears were falling from Anakin''s eyes. He needed a good soldering, his eye fluid was leaking. Best to offer once they were in a safe space. But R2 knew the drill, find Mistress Padme. It continued to search for her, and a smile tugged on Anakin''s frown.


    ¡°We''ll find her.... We''ll find her...¡± Anakin said to them both over and over. Of course they would! R2 was infallible!


    ¡­..Well mostly infallible..... Maybe mathematically probable. As hours went by. R2 gave out a low whistle as the lower layers were filled to the brim with the poorly designed mishmash people. They came across giant plants? Organs? Things that gathered up the mishmash people and made more mishmash? Anakin destroyed those with his star fighters blasters after R2 cleared it... Mistress Padme wasn''t in this one either. Or the next one, or the one after that, or the one after that.


    After the five hundred million, six hundred and twenty three thousand, three hundred and fourteenth time looking for Mistress Padme R2 turned his eye sensor towards Anakin and whistled to him to get his attention. R2 had been flying the ship on auto pilot now for the past hour. Anakin had fallen asleep due to exhaustion. He snapped awake with a.. ¡°Did you find her!?¡±


    -''No, I''m getting a signal from the surface.''- R2 beeped, and whistled at him.


    ¡°Oh... Just ignore it... Keep looking.¡± Anakin said and leaned back in his seat. R2 did as he was instructed. Then he felt a surge of energy override his data base and forced his holographic projector to turn on.


    ¡°Anakin, what the fuck are you doing!?¡± A very angry, and familiar voice shouted across the communication line. It was Master Lash! R2 liked Master Lash. He was super friendly, and gave R2 a lot of upgrades.


    Anakin snapped awake again and stared at the tiny holographic of Lash in his armor. The tiny version of him stared at Anakin so hard that Master Anakin visibly deflated under his gaze. Perhaps his spring assisted servos needed maintenance? ¡°I''m looking for Padme!¡± Anakin said through audio transceiver.


    ¡°Padme? Really? The same Padme who is sitting in Ghost Industries medical facility calling for you, wondering where you are because you''ve ignored the last five fucking calls!?¡± Lash shouted loudly at him. Anakin''s face drained of color. Uhoh! R2 checked his vitals, yes he definitely needed a recharge.


    ¡°She''s alive!?¡± Anakin shouted, and took control of the star fighter and whipped it around. R2 punched in the nearest exit to the surface without question.


    Master Lash cut off the holographic communication so quickly it surprised Anakin. Master Anakin quickly dialed in the keypad and called him back...But the called was ignored. Once, twice, thrice... R2 felt like there was a bit of irony in the situation. Anakin ground chompers in frustration. R2 could feel the energy capacitor fall out from outside the cockpit.


    They soon found a tunnel that led up to the surface and Anakin recklessly flew up and nearly shorted out R2''s circuits. They made a bee line straight towards the industries section of Ghost Industries and that was when R2 was swamped with chatter from the rescue operators. A droid overseer contacted him and asked if they could use him as a processing station. R2 complied and nearly overloaded his circuits. He quickly dialed it down, and then almost exploded in shock as Anakin had dove straight at an entry gate into the shield that covered the complex.


    -''Waaaaaaaaaaa!''- R2 Whistled and tried to get Anakin to slow down. Ghost Industries had established an atmospheric shield to filter out the toxic ash. Gateways had been erected to allow ships, and transports to pass through. Anakin had slipped between two transports moving in and out.


    ¡°Almost there! Almost there!¡± Anakin shouted as a crimson energy cascaded across his body. R2 whistled at him to try and pull up, they were coming in to...Oh Master Anakin ejected out of the star fighter. Using all of his processing power in 3.5 seconds R2 ejected as well just before the star fighter crashed into the landing pad.


    R2 landed and looked around, rotating his head to see the star fighter crash, and skip of the pad falling below. R2 felt a little bad as emergency workers had to dive for cover. But it all worked out as the wreck stopped mid air and was slowly let down. R2 activated his third wheel and rolled after Anakin, whistling innocently. Upon entering the doorway he found Anakin screaming in rage as he was currently floating off the ground and being held in place by none other than...


    ¡°Hello R2, have you had a busy day?¡± Master Lash said to him as he walked over and patted him on the head.


    -''Oh yes! Let me tell you about it!''- R2 Beeped at him excitably.


    ============================================================


    (Erik Lash / Hunter-Saurian)


    ¡°Anakin I''m not letting you go any further until you calm down.¡± Lash said to the Jedi quasi-Sith who was boiling with rage.


    ¡°LET ME GO! I HAVE TO SAVE HER!¡± Anakin shouted at Lash. Anakin looked like he''d been burning the midnight oil on both ends. Then when he ran out of wick, ate the candle wax.


    ¡°Save her from what? She''s in the medical bay under surgery.¡± Lash called out to him. But Anakin wasn''t listening anymore, a crimson glow often associated with Sith and/or Dark side Force users. He was drawing attention as they were on a traveled hallway in the tower.


    Lash rolled his eyes and slammed Anakin into the wall several times. Much to R2''s dismay. ¡°Not to worry, he''s fine. Just needs a good knock!¡± Lash replied as he patted the disgruntled droid.


    ¡°LET ME GO! I WILL KILL YOU!¡± Anakin shouted, and his eyes turned a brilliant yellow. So Lash stopped throwing him against the wall and just held him aloft. He crossed his arms and just watched him throw his temper tantrum.


    Anakin struggled and kicked his legs in a futile effort to gain purchase in the air. In a roar of frustration Force Lightning erupted from his fingers and collided with Lash who just stood there and absorbed it. R2 hid behind Lash in confusion. While the service, and emergency workers avoided the hallway for now. Anakin fought against the Telekinetic binds with the Force and pulled his light saber until Lash took it from him. Which caused the child to scream in frustration.


    ¡°WHY ARE YOU KEEPING HER FROM ME!?¡± Anakin screamed.


    ¡°Because she''s in surgery... If you rush in right now as you are. You''ll rip apart the medical droids in an idiotic attempt to ''save her'' as you said. Which would kill her.¡± Lash replied in a bored tone.


    ¡°I HAVE TO SAVE HER!¡± Anakin shouted again, he sounded like a broken record at this point.


    ¡°From what?¡± Lash asked.


    ¡°FROM YOU!¡± Anakin snapped and screamed in pure rage. A distorted ripple of dark side energy burst from him and collided with Lash and did absolutely nothing.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Lash said in complete confusion.


    ¡°I WONT LET YOU TAKE HER FROM ME!¡± Anakin screamed again and struck out with Force lightning again, and again. Lash reached out and created a baffle field.


    ¡°Anakin, Padme is a friend and nothing more. Maybe bordering on a familial sister feeling. I fully support your relationship with her. I want you two together. If I am being perfectly honest, I''m looking forward to the day you two have kids. I was hoping to be like an uncle figure or something.¡± Lash said in a bit of shy tone. He was kinda looking forward to meeting a young Luke, and Leia in the future.


    Then just like that all that rage, fear, and hatred just popped like a zit. A gush of dark side energy enveloped the whole area. But thankfully it was empty at this point save for R2 who beeped in confusion. ¡°Is... Padme pregnant?¡± Anakin asked in a soft voice.


    ¡°Not currently... It''s kinda a future thing. There a bit of Force tapestry that suggest she may have twins one day... With you!¡± Lash said, and made an exasperated gesture towards Anakin at the end before his eyes went fully yellow again.


    ¡°....Oh...Oh! Wait... You''ve seen my kids!?¡± Anakin asked, as he vaguely remembered that Lash had the gift of Foresight.


    ¡°There are several futures where you and Padme have children. As I said, I was looking forward to it..... Why do you think I was going to take her from you?¡± Lash said in total confusion.


    ¡°Cause......¡± Anakin said, and followed by incoherent mumbling.


    ¡°Anakin, I swear by the Force if you don''t speak up. I''m going to smack you around until candy comes out.¡± Lash said and raised his hand.


    ¡°CAUSE YOUR BETTER THAN ME!¡± Anakin shouted at him.


    ¡°Anakin, I''m several centuries old. Give it time and you will surpass me. Wait, hold on! That still doesn''t make any sense. Do you really have so little trust in Padme? She''s in love with you. You''ve defied the Jedi Order, and the Republic Senate for this love. Where the fuck is this com.... Wait a minute. As Palpatine been talking to you?¡± Lash said at last, as something clicked into place.


    ¡°...What! This...This has nothing to do with the Chancellor!¡± Anakin said, but it was plain as day. Palpatine was using Lash''s relationship with Padme to drive Anakin to the dark side via his insecurities.


    ¡°By the Force this is so stupid. We are at war. We just got our asses handed to us by a third faction, and you are acting like drama filled teenager!¡± Lash shouted at him then released him from this Telekinetic Field.


    ¡°Tell you what Anakin... Since you are so determined to paint me as the bad guy in your little drama. I''ll play it up.¡± Lash said to him as he walked closer, towering over the shorter man. Anakin stepped back and called for his light saber but it refused to move.


    ¡°If you don''t start shaping up... I will take Padme from you. Because as of right now, you are more boy than man. Because Padme deserves someone who will actually pull his own head out of his ass, and take proper care of her! Instead of a self absorbed glory hound like your self!¡± Lash screamed at him by the end. Anakin went pale at the accusation.


    ¡°She''s on med deck twelve, thirteen-A. She just finished surgery, and is still high as a kite on pain medication. R2 knows the way. Next time we see each other Anakin I expect to see a mature, and understanding adult. Because if I don''t, I will break every bone in your body until I do.¡± Lash growled out his words and shoved past him. ¡°Fucking pathetic.¡±


    By the end of Lash words Anakin had all but wilted into a dead shrubbery. He walked across the hallway and picked up his saber off the ground. He glanced at R2, his quirky ally that beeped at him with a simple phrase of. -Organics are weird- Anakin hung his head, and followed after R2. He glanced behind him but Lash was already gone. That...Could have gone better....


    Lash continued towards the landing pads and watched as one by one the Force fate touched marks he had left winked out of existence. His Elites were hard at work and apparently found the last one a few seconds ago. A swirling vortex of midi-chlorians came rushing towards him, and swam around him like a flock of fish.


    ''GRATITUDE. RESPECT. QUERY?'' -The living Force used its multi worded phrase, each word held hundreds of words and phrases jam packed into one.


    ¡°You need to contact The Father on Mortis... Abeloth is acting up.¡± Lash replied, and the swirling fish school of midi-chlorians froze in place.


    ''CONFUSION. ERRATIC. HELP?'' -The living Force asked for help again, twice in the same week? What is the world coming to.


    ¡°I helped make the mess, I''ll help clean it up. Though you may not like how I do it.¡± Lash replied, and the midi-chlorians danced around him once more then flew off into the horizon.


    ¡°Alright, lets go check on the Jedi.¡± Lash said, the took off into the air and made best possible speed towards the Temple. Which was once he was past the atmospheric shield that covered Ghost Industries he broke the sound barrier.


    On a normal day Coruscant would be covered in traffic. Transports, and space craft would be in designated lanes to ensure safe passage to and fro across the planet. You couldn''t just fly anywhere, you''d get killed. Now? Well now the only thing flying was emergency vehicles, and the military. The once pristine towering structures of the cities skyscrapers were in ruins. The few that remained were on fire, and barely serviceable.


    Like desiccated corpses with their bones sticking out past the dried out skin. The architecture of Coruscant had gone from the living heart of the galaxy, to its necropolis in little less than three days. According to the chatter on the network over three billion were reported missing or more than likely they were dead and transformed at a body factory. By weeks end the estimated three trillion populace of the planet would be a lot lower. But what was even lower, was the Jedi.


    Lash gradually came to a stop as he came upon the Jedi Temple. Unlike the rest of the surface this place was still under direct attack by the monstrosities. Lash switched through his Perceptions until he found the Faith Sight and found the energy trail of the monstrosities leading deeper into the layers of Coruscant. Lash dove through the ground via Earth Swim. The thousands of feet of stone, and metal gave way to an open space and three different factories stood and pumped out servants to the Yuuzhan Vong.


    Lash focused his vision until he found the brain, and heart of the factory. Then through a combination of Divination ¨C Clairvoyance and Telekinesis he destroyed both. Oddly enough Grasp Heart worked. He concluded with the last of the three, and just like flipping a switch the tide of flesh and bone diverted to the nearest factory which was several hundred miles away. So he returned to the surface to fight the remaining monstrosities who continued the fight.


    Lash dove straight towards the temple''s entrance and slammed into the ground with enough force to shatter the foundation. The resulting kinetic force flung the monstrosities into the air, or into pulp across the floor, or walls. Elemental Manipulation ¨C Fire and he created a blue hot flame for cremation. Turning the remains to ash. He Blinked across the entrance to the main hall to find some of his Manifestations in defense of the temple. He reached out and recharged their energy. Normally he would do that automatically but distance did play a part. Or maybe he was just distracted...


    The Saurus warriors, and veterans present disguised themselves as Jensaarai defenders. Though their spirit animal design on their armor was similar to his own. They linked with him and gave him a compressed information feed of the temple. Apparently a dark side kyber crystal juts out of the central mountain that the temple sits on. Instead of fleeing towards the dry dock and fleeing the temple the Jedi stayed in the temple to defend their home. Which caused mass casualties. What a surprise!


    ¡°Please secure the temple... Wait. Check the basement or more importantly the prison cells. There are a few down there that if are alive could prove useful. After that, work your way up.¡± Lash asked his Manifestations who obeyed regardless.


    Lash used his foci and cast the spell Acceleration as always the Force... No wait. The Force didn''t come to consume his energy? Perhaps the midi-chlorians were just to busy to care. Once the spell took hold he sprinted through the giant halls with haste and came across several monstrosities attempting to claw their way into a room. Which was a little odd, the claws and fangs on the creatures had an organic bile that made them easily chew through even beskar.


    Lash reached out and turned them into pulp then ash. The sudden silence was a little unnerving. But a light above the door lit up and a holographic projection of a youngling looked at him. ¡°Jensaarai, is it safe to come out?¡±


    ¡°The temple is not secure. However the never ending tide into the temple has been stamped out. Is anyone wounded in there?¡± Lash asked, he tried to keep his voice even and friendly. He knew he came off aggressive even when he didn''t mean to.


    ¡°I...I-I don''t know. Master Luminara went to sleep and hasn''t moved since.¡± The youngling called out, and Lash snapped his attention towards the door. He all but dove straight the wall with Earth Swim and came into the other side.


    The room was full of broken bodies, and dying Jedi. A few younglings jumped to their feet in defense with...Wooden swords? But collapsed in relief when they saw it was a Jensaarai. They broke down crying, as the youngling at the holographic door frame came running over. Lash cast a area of effect Corpse Repair, Soul Heal, Sooth, Nature''s Supplement, then last but certainly not least, Kiss of the Grave.


    The younglings watched in horror, and fearful hope as the bodies of their peers, and mentors snapped back together. Bones mended, flesh sewed, and skin renewed. Then with a resounding boom! The entire room shook and every dead body in the room coughed and sputtered with life. But Lash ignored the cries of joy as he walked over to a young woman named Master Luminara Unduli who was dry heaving and coughing our remnants of her now repaired lungs. Lash knelt at her side, and provided a hand which she took. After several minutes a miniature version of her in the form of Padawan Barriss Offee all but latched onto Lash.


    ¡°Hello Padawan Barriss, did you miss me?¡± Lash said in a teasing tone, as he opened up his available arm having returned to his is default near-human form.


    ¡°I knew you''d come.... Eventually.¡± Barriss whispered between her tears. Master Luminara finished her fit and leaned against Lash.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± Luminara asked in a breathless whisper.


    ¡°Traffic...¡± Lash said with a shrug, and a bark of a laugh came out of Luminara.


    ¡°Better late than never...¡± She replied...


    ¡°I''m sorry to say, but were not done yet. The temple still isn''t secure.¡± Barriss curled up and clearly didn''t want to move.


    ¡°I understand, what do you need?¡± Luminara asked, as she pushed off of him and looked around the room.


    ¡°I need all of you to stay here in this room, and recover. But first can you explain why they couldn''t get in. I watched those things dig through duracrete like wet clay.¡± Lash asked, as he slowly helped both Barriss, and Luminara to their feet.


    ¡°Sound, Master Lash. Specifically a sonic emitter.¡± A Jedi Master said softly as he held a device in hand. ¡°The emitter is used for meditation. We jury rigged it to create an amplified sonic distruption directed at the door, and walls.¡±


    Lash had to stop and think about that for a moment. The monstrosities were clearly still lethal, but why would a sonic emitter prevent them from getting through? This would require some testing later. Lash took a quick look through the emitter and copied the design. Then helped the Jedi set it back up and slipped through the wall via Earth Swim. The entire room, from its walls, floor, and ceiling was covered in that sound. That resonating frequency. Questions for later.


    Lash went to recast Acceleration then realized he didn''t need to. Even in a room full of Jedi the Living Force didn''t move to eat his magical energy. Maybe they stopped? Whatever, thoughts for later. So he flashed through the great halls looking for survivors. Unfortunately he found very few, and even fewer bodies. Anything organic could be used as fuel and the industries monstrosities were not picky.


    Eventually he found himself in the old folk home of the temple. To be honest Lash was a little worried about Master Yoda. But it seemed luck, or rather the Force was with him. As Lash turned the corner he saw a tide of monstrosities attempting to get towards a choke point. While the flare of light sabers cut through the tide. Lash yanked out a few dozen and dispatched the creatures. Then did it again, and again until the last creature died. Much to the surprise, and shock of Mace Windu who looked up at Lash.


    ¡°Master Lash, my heart good to see you it does.¡± Said the delightful muppet voice of Yoda as he gradually walked into view with his light saber, and walking stick.


    ¡°Any wounded in there?¡± Lash asked out of genuine concern.


    ¡°Many are, yes.¡± Windu replied, as he slowly got back to his feet. What traces of bitter dislike Windu had for Lash was gone in that moment.


    Lash moved passed them both and found a similar sight like he had just left. From wall to wall was a butchery of bodies, and survivors desperately hanging on for life. He called on the familiar spells and pick me ups he recently used. Bones mended, flesh sewn, and limb regrew. Then with a resounding boom! The once dead snapped to life, and the living were revitalized. Lash''s energy levels dipped but quickly refilled as always. He turned towards Master Yoda who had collapsed to his knees and openly wept. Why? More than half of the room was still dead. Their tethers were long gone. So all Lash did was repair, and clean the bodies. Ready for a Jedi burial.


    Lash took a few minutes to create the sonic emitters, caring little for the fact that he simply created the machines out of thin air. While Windu asked him questions about what was going on. Once the last emitter was in place Windu looked like his soul had been sucked out of his body. He fell to his knees and just gaped openly at nothing in particular. Lash nodded in understanding and directed one of the living Jedi to secure the door behind him, and activate the emitter. He''d come back once the temple was secure.


    Lash quietly left the old folks home and made his way through the rest of the temple creating secured rally points. Still having no clue as to why the sonic emitters prevented the monstrosities from clawing through the walls. Maybe it wasn''t the emitters but simply the location? As Lash looked around he saw clear evidence of the monstrosities forced entry into rooms, and walls. But it looked as if the deeper they got the longer it took.


    Lash ran his gloved hands across the walls surface and used his Transmuter title effect and read the usual duracrete and/or durasteel combination found in most places. But then he came across a trace of kyber crystal. That would make sense, a Jedi Temple using kyber as a building material to focus the Force. But the outside of the temple showed clear force of entry by the creatures. They peeled the layers off with ease. So why was the inner portion of the temple secure?


    In the end Lash had no idea, nor did he have the time to waste. No, he had wasted enough time as it was. He put it out of his mind and raced through the rest of the temple. He sent a Nature Domain pulse through the area looking for life and got a odd reading from the central area. He moved quickly, and quietly to find the central peak of the foci mountain tip that the temple was built around. There he found a curious sight.


    When those who are in balance with the Force, or at the very least lived side by side with it in peace died. They would join the living Force, and the cosmic Force. Traveling the rivers, and oceans of living energy. However, when one lived out of balance with the Force. Treated it like a servant, or slave. When they died, it almost seemed like the Force extracted due justice from those individuals. More often than not, but exceptions did apply. Dark side Force Users were imprisoned in a location, or an object almost at the behest of the living Force. Like they had to pay back their karmic balance.


    That is what Lash saw now. The very tip of a mountain peak, with a giant dark kyber crystal jutting out of it. Circling around the crystal were the tormented souls of dark side users. They flowed around it in a clockwise motion with a constant ululate song of despair. Lash could see their hollow eyes, and gaping mouths screech in horror. As their wisps circled the drain. Then at the ground floor of the temple next to the crystal were dozens of people sitting in meditation around the dark side energy. Including several Jedi younglings...


    ¡°Master Lash!¡± A youngling called out from their forced meditation, the children jumped to their feet and tried to reach him. But cloaked figures snagged their arms and kept them still. ¡°Please you have to help Kanan, he put on the armor and now the Sith spirit wont let him go!¡± The youngling called out. Oh crap.


    Lash swept his eyes across the hall and made his way gradually towards the meditating figures. The room was grandiose, with wide open spaces allowing for hundreds of people to fit, and have room to spare. The floor had a rich brown to black stone flooring reminisce of marble? With gold, silver, and rose quartz for an almost calligraphy art style depicting the history of the Jedi Order. It was very well done. Though the blood, viscera, and ominous dark fog that boiled off the crystal ruined the atmosphere.


    As he made his way forward one by one the... Sith stood one by one. But that was in Lash noticed they were slightly transparent. Sith spirits, tied to the crystal? Lash flipped through his many Perceptions and found that every single spirit was tied to a singular individual who now stood at the head of the column. The man...woman? Individual was tall or short? They almost seem to flicker between two different people. They were clad from head to toe in full armor. A synthetic mishmash of thread and metal plate. With a full face mask, a horizontal slit visor, and a shadow crimson hood. On both shoulders was a row of spikes from front, to top, to back. All in all the armor was intimidating, but also practical.


    ¡°....You are not Jedi...¡± The Sith spirit tied to the armor had two different voices who spoke in an odd reverb. One was Kanan Jarrus, while the other was a voice forgotten by time and in desperate need of a glass of water.


    ¡°No, I am what many call a Jensaarai.¡± Lash replied, and gave a simple bow towards the speaker. The Sith spirit tilted their head ever so slightly as if they had heard something interesting.


    ¡°Follower of the hidden truth. That is what that word means within the Sith. You are neither Sith nor Jedi.¡± The Spirit continued, the other spirits moved in a single cohesive movement. They did an about face and looked directly at Lash. Though several stood next to the group of younglings both protecting, and guarding them.


    ¡°May know who I am speaking too? I am Master Lash of the Jensaarai Order, Mand''alor the Renewer, chairman of Ghost Industries, and Grand Admiral of the Galactic Militia.¡± Lash said a slew of titles but he was sure if Nazvo were here she would interrupt him and tell him he was missing several others. He should really get a list.


    ¡°...Curious... Tell me, is it normal to send children into war?¡± The Spirit asked, as it gestured a single finger from his relaxed state at the younglings. That was an odd question since these younglings were still in training.


    ¡°...I was under the impression that the moment you could hold a weapon in your hand you were a fighter, at least in Sith culture. Or, do you mean how the Jedi send younglings into battle? I strongly disagree, but you above all should know how stubborn Force wielders are?¡± Lash replied with a simple shrug, as he glanced at the younglings who looked like they were watching a tennis match as they turned their faces back and forth.


    ¡°....Fair to say.... My host accepted my help under the condition I would keep his charges safe. It is clear to me that they are not safe here at the temple.¡± The Spirit spoke with a far off expression. Not say that Lash saw his face, but simple his wide open stance, shoulders back, and his head titled upwards towards the sky.


    ¡°Best way to keep your people say is to give them tools, and skills needed to keep themselves safe.¡± Lash replied as he watched in morbid fascination as the Sith Spirit caught one of the wailing souls and pulled it into his armor. The glowing red aura around the armor grew in power. Ah...Fuel source.


    ¡°...My name is Darth Marr, of the Sith Empire. Though I come to understand that it no longer exists.¡± The Spirit of Marr spoke and Lash went perfectly still, an action that did not go unnoticed by Marr. ¡°Do you know of me?¡±


    ¡°I do, your living form helped kill the Sith Emperor in millennium past. You found a balance between the Force and moved on your final days.¡± Lash spoke in almost reverent tones. Darth Marr was a complete bad ass in the history holocrons.


    ¡°.... I see.... Tell me Master Lash... Kanan Jarrus speaks of the Sith. How this war you fight... This... Clone War.... Was instigated by a Sith, singular as if we no longer have armies across the stars... What happened to my people?¡± Darth Marr asked, as he began to gradually walk towards him with slow confident steps.


    ¡°Darth Bane introduced the ''Rule of Two'' which promoted the idea that there should always ever be a Master, and an apprentice. Never more than that. Though its a bit of hogwash. Since the current Sith Master has over a thousand Dark Acolytes. But those are just semantics. Because of Darth Bane they killed off the other prominent Sith. As odd as it may sound it actually made the Sith that more dangerous. Because it forced them to adapt, change, and improve their thinking. They no longer come at you head on, but sideways. It''s how they think, its how they move.¡± Lash replied and took on an almost educator teacher role until Darth Marr was a hands reach from him.


    ¡°...So my people live on.... The war continues... But you... You and your Order introduce a new element... I will release Kana Jarrus, and the younglings into your care..... If you give me your word to make them Jensaarai.¡± Darth Marr said with almost a breathless whisper, his crimson aura was fading now.


    ¡°It''s there choice, Darth Marr.¡± Lash simply declared. ¡°But I have a counter offer, words for you only.¡± Lash requested and leaned in. Darth Marr tilted his head and listened.


    ¡°How about I just make you a new body, and you can join with them?¡± Lash inquired, and Darth Marr leaned back and even with his mask Lash knew the Sith''s eyes were wide.


    ¡°...Agreed...¡±


    Galen


    Sorry for the delay! It''s only 10k this time. Either way I hope you enjoy it.